USA > Massachusetts > History of the Fifty-fourth regiment of Masachusetts volunteer infantry, 1863-1865 > Part 22
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Captain Bridge pushed forward his skirmishers through the wood bordering the road until the mills were in view. It was found that the stream was there dammed by a dike, the water above it forming a pond. At each end of the dike were sluice-gates, controlling the water, which served
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to run a grist-mill at one extremity and a saw-mill at the other. The divided waters passed away in two streams, form- ing a sort of island ; but the two branches united farther on. The road discovered ran to the first stream, where the water, seven feet deep, was crossed by a bridge, which had been burned, only a stringer remaining, thence over the island to the second stream, where was a ford through water waist-deep. Some fifteen yards beyond the ford up a slight ascent, the enemy held breastworks of cotton-bales. It was found that the dike and the road were one hundred and fifty yards apart on our side of the creek ; but as the stream made a bend there, they met on the enemy's bank.
Captain Bridge's skirmishers, moving rapidly over the road, came to the ruined bridge. The leaders at once attempted to cross over the stringer, but received a volley which killed Corp. James P. Johnson, mortally wounded Corp. Andrew Miller, and wounded Sergeant Bennett and Privates Harding, Postley, and Sylvia, all of Company F. Thus checked, Captain Bridge retired to cover of the ground, keeping up a return fire. Lieutenant-Colonel Hooper, seeing that the position was strong and well de- fended against an attack in front. determined to make a diversion a quarter of a mile farther down the stream, where a ford was reported to be. He therefore sent Acting Adjutant Whitney to Major Pope with instructions to take the left wing and essay the task under the guidance of an old white-headed negro.
As the left company was already detached, Major Pope took only Companies A, D, G, and I, proceeding by a detour through the woods and swamps, with Company A under Lieutenant Stevens skirmishing; after pursuing a road
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fringed with heavy timber and underbrush, this force arrived near the point indicated. The enemy was there, for Major Pope and Lieutenant Stevens in crossing the wood-road drew several shots. To feel the strength of the opposing force opposite, Company A, which was in the brush along the bank of the creek, was directed to fire a volley. As if acting under the same impulse, at the very moment this order was executed, the enemy also fired a volley, one shot striking Lieutenant Stevens in the head, killing him instantly. He fell partially into the stream. It was a dangerous duty to remove him ; but two men were selected from volunteers, who, crawling forward, brought back his body. As the orders were to entail no unneces- sary risk of life, word was sent to Lieutenant-Colonel Hooper of the situation. Captain Chipman with Company D relieved Company A on the skirmish line.
While awaiting the result of Major Pope's flanking move- ment, Lieutenant-Colonel Hooper caused a musketry fire to be kept up from about the mill and the bridge, which enfiladed the enemy's breastworks. He also caused the sluice-gates of the dam at the first stream to be broken to allow the water in the pond to flow off, that a crossing there might be facilitated should Major Pope's project not succeed. When word came of Major Pope's en- counter, Lieutenant-Colonel Hooper sent a message to General Potter informing him that the stream could only be crossed with a considerable sacrifice ; but that if a field- gun was sent him, the enemy might be driven out, or a charge covered. At the same time Major Pope was ordered to hold his position.
A gun having been brought, dispositions were made to charge over the log dike at the mill. Lieutenant Hallett
,
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with a force was directed to cross the dam to the island between the streams, and open a covering fire from there when all was ready. Then the gun having fired some half a dozen shells, the Fifty-fourth, led most gallantly by Lieu- tenant Reed, charged across the dike in single file, re- ceiving the enemy's fire, but causing their precipitate retirement. In this charge Corp. Wm. H. Brown, of Com- pany K, always conspicuous for bravery, was the first enlisted man to gain the farther bank. We sustained the loss of Privates Scott, Freeman, and Green, of Company H; Johnson and Jay, of Company B; and McCullar, of Company K, - all wounded.
This last fight of the Fifty-fourth, and also one of the very last of the war, was well managed by Lieutenant- Colonel Hooper, when less discretion would have resulted in a repulse and heavy loss. The charge was a plucky affair under exceptionally adverse conditions. Our total regimental loss that day was one officer killed, one enlisted man killed, one mortally wounded, and twelve wounded : a total of fifteen, the greatest number of casualties sus- tained by one regiment in any action during Potter's Raid.
It was about 4 P. M. when the position was carried. Simultaneously with our victorious cheers, the One Hun- dred and Second United States Colored Troops and One Hundred and Seventh Ohio on the creek above, as well as the troops on the main road, advanced, the enemy flying before them. Major Webster with the cavalry pursued for some distance. At the mills the Fifty-fourth destroyed fifty-four bales of cotton and three of corn fodder used in the breast- works, besides the grist and saw mill. Lieutenant Stevens's body was buried at Boykin's, as was that of Corporal John- son. Their bodies and resting-places were marked. In
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ACTION AT BOYKIN'S MILLS APRIL 18. 1865
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July, 1885, through the information furnished by Lieuten- ant Whitney, secretary of the "Association of Officers Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers," their bodies were removed to the National Cemetery at Florence, S. C. Lieu- tenant Stevens was a genial comrade and brave officer. He must have been the last officer, or one of the very last officers, killed in action during the Rebellion.
Leaving Boykin's by a cross-road, the Fifty-fourth marched to the pike and re-joined the division, which proceeded sev- eral miles and camped for the night, after making twelve miles that day. A thunder-storm prevailed, the rain con- tinuing all night. At this camp Colonel Chipman, with the right wing of the One Hundred and Second United States Colored Troops, joined Potter's force, having left Charles- ton April 11, crossed the Santee at Wright's Bluff, and made a bold march, meeting the enemy and losing some men.
April 19, a start was made at 6 A. M., the First Brigade in the lead, the Second Brigade following with the Fifty- fourth as rear-guard. Hardly had the column left camp and passed from the woods into open country, when the enemy was found posted behind breastworks of rails, sup- ported by a piece of artillery. The Twenty-fifth Ohio and One Hundred and Fifty-seventh New York on the road and flank soon drove him thence, and later, from another stand on higher ground, until he retired across Big Rafting Creek. Some forty or fifty of the enemy followed the Fifty-fourth in rear during the march, occasionally firing upon us. Reaching the creek, the main body engaged the attention of the foe, while the One Hundred and Second and a wing of the Thirty-second went to flank him on the right ; the other wing of the Thirty-second, and the One Hundred and
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Seventh Ohio, were ordered down the Camden Branch of the railroad. After a slight resistance the enemy fell back.
At noon the Fifty-fourth was relieved as rear-guard, and for the rest of the day was with the advance. It was showery in the afternoon. Our road was through an open hilly country. Near Statesburg at a swamp and creek the enemy again fronted the division ; but our skirmishers pressed him over the creek and in spirited style up the rising ground beyond, in full view of the troops. Lieuten- ant Chickering, of the cavalry, was wounded. Beyond Statesburg the resistance was slight, the column proceeding until 10 P. M., when the Fifty-fourth reached its former camp at Singleton's, having marched eighteen miles.
Fighting was now over. The rolling-stock was ours, massed on the Camden Branch, whence it could not be taken, as the Fifty-fourth had destroyed the trestle at Wateree Junction, on the 11th. General Potter devoted the 20th to its destruction. That day the Fifty-fourth marched to Middleton Depot and with other regiments assisted in the work. About this place for a distance of some two miles were sixteen locomotives and 245 cars containing railway supplies, ordnance, commissary and quartermaster's stores. They were burned, those holding powder and shells during several hours blowing up with deafening explosions and scattering discharges, until prop- erty of immense value and quantity disappeared in smoke and flame. Locomotives were rendered useless before the torch was applied. The Fifty-fourth alone destroyed fifteen locomotives, one passenger, two box and two platform cars with the railway supplies they held. After completing this work, the regiment returned to Singleton's.
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Every purpose of the movement having been accom- plished, on April 21 the return to Georgetown was ordered. It was about one hundred miles distant by the proposed route through Manchester and Fulton Post-Office. Early that morning three companies of the One Hundred and Second United States Colored Troops on picket were at- tacked by two hundred of the enemy, whom they repulsed. The column started at 6 A. M., the Second Brigade in ad- vance, moving over the Santee River road southwesterly. Our rear-guard was the Twenty-fifth Ohio, the enemy following and attacking near Manning's plantation, but they were driven back.
John L. Manning, a former governor of South Carolina, was at home. He was a distinguished man and one of the leaders of the Union party in nullification times. After the war he was elected United States Senator, but was not allowed to take his seat. He died only recently. While we were at his plantation, a Confederate officer came to the outposts with a flag of truce, to notify General Potter that an armistice had been concluded between Generals Sher- man and Johnston. Hostilities were not to be renewed without forty-eight hours' notice. This great news created the most intense joy and excitement, for it seemed to end the war, as the Rebels themselves acknowledged. Cheers without number were given, and congratulations exchanged. Then the Fifty-fourth was brought to a field, where the last shots loaded with hostile intent were fired as a salute. Soon after, the march was resumed in sultry weather with frequent showers. Ten miles from the Santee the division bivouacked after completing a journey of twenty miles.
On the 22d the troops continued on over the Santee road. When opposite Wright's Bluff, the wounded, sick, and about
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five hundred contrabands were sent to the river for trans- portation by water. News was received of Lee's surren- der which, though not unexpected, caused great rejoicing. General Potter turned over the command to Col. P. P. Brown, One Hundred and Fifty-seventh New York, and departed for Charleston to convey news of the armistice. After marching twenty-three miles, the troops halted for the night. At 5.30 A. M., on the 23d, the Second Brigade led out for the day's march. Now that hostilities had ceased, the force was dependent upon such supplies as could be purchased. A very large number of contrabands were with the column, straggling, and obstructing the rapid progress it was desirable to make. The day was cool and pleasant ; the route through a fine country mainly, but wooded and low in places. Intelligence of President Lin- coln's assassination was received, - sad tidings which could hardly be credited. There was much bitter feeling indulged in by the soldiery for a time. The division accomplished twenty-three miles that day, bivouacking at Stagget's Mill.
April 24, the troops proceeded through a wooded region where no supplies could be obtained. As a substitute for rations two ears of corn were issued to each man. A journey of twenty-three miles was made. Our last bivouac in the field was broken on the morning of April 25th, when in good weather through a timbered country we completed the march. Major Pope and Acting Quarter- master Bridgham preceded the regiment into Georgetown to prepare camp and rations. The troops reached town at 5 P. M. after making twenty-two miles.
Potter's Raid occupied twenty-one days, during which the troops marched some three hundred miles. About three thousand negroes came into Georgetown with the
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division, while the whole number released was estimated at six thousand. Our train was very large, for besides innumerable vehicles, five hundred horses and mules were secured, of which number the Fifty-fourth turned in one hundred and sixty.
Having taken possession of the old camp, the regiment rested. By the 28th troops began to depart for other posts. A tragedy occurred in the Fifty-fourth, on the 30th, when Private Samuel J. Benton shot and killed Corp. Wm. Wil- son, of Company A, in a private quarrel. Benton was tried and sentenced to imprisonment, serving time until Decem- ber, 1865, when he was pardoned.
Orders came for the Fifty-fourth to report at Charleston, when transportation could be furnished. Captain Bridge, with Companies A, F, and H, embarked on the steamer " Island City," May 4, and sailed, accompanied by Colonel Hallowell, in the morning. Lieutenant-Colonel Hooper, with Companies D, E, G, and K, sailed on the same steamer, May 6th; and the next day Major Pope, with Companies B, C, and I, followed on the "Loyalist."
CHAPTER XVI.
FINAL SERVICE.
U PON the arrival of the several detachments of the Fifty-fourth at Charleston, Companies A, C, F, H. and K, comprising the right wing under Lieutenant-Colonel Hooper, located camp on the Neek in an open field to the right of the plank road, and nearer the city than Mag- nolia Cemetery. Major Pope, with the left wing, relieved the Fifty-fifth Massachusetts at St. Andrew's Parish, across the Ashley River, opposite the city, where they occupied high ground not far from the camp made just before first entering Charleston. From the Ashley to Wappoo Cut was an intrenched line with several redoubts made by the Confederates.
Colonel Hallowell was placed in charge of what was known as the "Defences of Charleston," comprising the intrenched line around the city, that at St. Andrew's Parish, and the James Island lines; Mount Pleasant was soon included in his command. The troops under him were the Fifty-fourth, One Hundred and Seventh Ohio, and Twenty-first United States Colored Troops. His head- quarters were first at the Cary house, but on the 8th were removed to Nos. 6 and 8 Mecting Street, Charleston.
From camp on the Neck Lieutenant Reed, with Company A, was sent on the 8th as train guard over the South Caro- lina Railroad to Summerville, returning the next day. The One Hundred and Seventh Ohio arrived on the 8th
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and 9th, taking post at the intrenchments. The Twenty- first United States Colored Troops was stationed on James Island and Mount Pleasant. Orders being received for the right wing to join the left, on the 14th it marched from the Neck, crossed the river, and camped at St. Andrew's Par- ish, thus reuniting the regiment under Lieutenant-Colonel Hooper. He retained command until the 29th, when, hav- ing received leave of absence, he departed for the North, leaving Major Pope in charge of the regiment.
In accordance with Department orders issued May 29, Colonel Hallowell, Colonel Gurney, One Hundred and Twenty-seventh New York, and Major Willoughby, Twenty- first United States Colored Troops, were constituted a board for the examination of volunteer officers in the Northern District, with a view to their retention in the military service. All the officers of the Fifty-fourth ap- peared before this board.
Captain Tucker with twenty-five men, on June 2, was sent on a "tin-clad" steamer to the Santee River. On the 7th the men welcomed back to the regiment eleven of their comrades who had been prisoners of war. Two others had previously reported. These men were paroled near Wilmington, N. C., on March 4. Colonel Hallowell's command was broken up June 5; the Fifty-fourth was or- dered to Charleston ; the One Hundred and Seventh Ohio and Twenty-first United States Colored Troops remaining brigaded under Colonel Hallowell until the 10th. Our regiment was ordered to relieve the Thirty-fifth United States Colored Troops, forming part of the garrison. On the 8th four companies crossed the Ashley in small boats, taking post at the Citadel. They were joined by five other companies on the 10th, Company I remaining at St. An-
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.
drew's Parish. Colonel Hallowell took command of his regiment on the 10th.
Quartered in the Citadel, the Fifty-fourth entered upon the usual duties incident to guard and patrol service in the Upper District of the city. The event of each morning was guard mounting on Citadel Square, which always at- tracted numbers of colored people, young and old, to wit- ness the evolutions and listen to the martial music. It was agreeable service for all. When off duty officers had the range of the city and its attractions. The men were al- lowed frequent passes outside the spacious Citadel grounds, making friends with the colored people, which in some cases resulted in a partnership for life.
Charleston at this time was slowly recovering from the effects of war and the siege. There was a growing trade in merchantable articles. The churches were turned over to their several congregations. The negroes who flocked in from the country greatly increased the population. This soon resulted in a heavy death-rate among this class, which at one time reached one hundred per week. Whites and blacks were closely watching the political develop- ments, causing much friction. Dr. Mackey was the Col- lector of the Port, and Mr. Sawyer Inspector of Internal Revenue. Some arrests of prominent Secessionists were made, - notably that of George A. Trenholm, the Confed- erate Secretary of the Treasury. Prominent citizens were returning. Among them were Theodore D. Wagner, J. B. Campbell, James H. Taylor, William Gregg, Motte A. Prin- gle, and Judge William Pringle. General Hatch was oe- cupying the fine mansion of the latter gentleman, situated on King Street, as his headquarters. Some cotton was coming in, and more was expected as soon as the railroads
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were repaired. Vegetables and fruits were becoming abundant in the markets. Beef, mutton, and veal were ruling at thirty cents per pound. Shipments were made North from the large stores of rice in the city. From the paroled armies of the defunct Confederacy came large num- bers of soldiers in dilapidated garments and emaciated physical condition. They flocked to take the oath of alle- giance and receive the bounty of government. Such was their destitution that they were glad to share the rations of our colored soldiers in some instances. President John- son's Amnesty Proclamation, when received, was variously regarded, according to the status of the critic as a Seces- sionist Radical or Conservative.
Major P. E. Dye paid Companies A, B, and C of the Fifty-fourth on the 17th, and the remaining companies on the two succeeding days. This was only the second pay- ment of the enlisted men while in service. In Charleston the Masonic Lodge organized on Morris Island, of which First Sergeant Gray of Company C was the Master, met in the third story of a house just across from the Citadel. Sergeants Vogelsang, Alexander Johnson, and Hemming- way were among the members, who numbered some twenty- five or thirty. It is thought that the charter of this lodge was surrendered ultimately to Prince Hall Lodge of Boston, whence it came.
Admiral Dahlgren departed for the North on the 17th, after taking leave of his squadron in orders. On the 18th an affray occurred on the Battery between a guard of the One Hundred and Twenty-seventh New York and some of the Thirty-fifth United States Colored Troops, when a few soldiers and civilians were wounded. A part of Jeffer- son Davis's and Beauregard's effects and correspondence
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brought into Jacksonville was turned over to Lieut. John W. Pollock, Assistant Provost-Marshal at Charleston, on the 24th. It included three handsome uniforms presented to Beauregard by the ladies of Columbia, Augusta, and Selma.
Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm by the loyal citizens and soldiery. National salutes were fired from Sumter, Moultrie, Bce, Wagner, and Gregg, the harbor resounding with explosions, bringing to memory the days of siege. The troops paraded, the Declaration of In- dependence and the Emancipation Proclamation were read, and orators gave expression to patriotic sentiments doubly pointed by the great war which perfected the work of the fathers.
Captain Howard, with Company I, reported to the regi- ment from St. Andrew's Parish about July 1, but was soon sent to McClellansville, where this company remained until just before muster-out. On July 11 orders were received for the discharge of the Fifty-fourth. They ema- nated from General Gillmore, who afterward, finding that his authority was questionable, telegraphed to Washington for instructions. Meanwhile Capt. Thomas J. Robinson, Fifty-fourth New York, mustering officer, furnished neces- sary instructions for preparing the rolls. Naturally this order gave great satisfaction. At one time it was thought that the colored regiments would be retained until the ex- piration of their term of service.
Colonel Gurney's One Hundred and Twenty-seventh New York was mustered out on June 30, and the next day departed from Charleston. Brev. Brig .- Gen. William T. Bennett, Thirty-third United States Colored Troops, sue- ceeded to the command of the city. Lieutenant Whitney,
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with Company K, on July 31, was ordered to Fort John- son to dismount guns on James Island for transportation elsewhere. This work was prosecuted until the company was relieved on August 16. Orders were received from General Gillmore directing that the commanding officers of the Fifty-fourth and Fifty-fifth Massachusetts, Twenty-sixth, Thirty-second, and One Hundred and Second United States Colored Troops, about to be mustered out, should nominate such officers of their regiments as were desirous of ap- pointments in other colored organizations. No assurances were given of their receiving a higher grade than second lieutenancies. It is not known whether any nominations were made from the Fifty-fourth.
During the interval of time between the arrival of the regiment and its muster-out, many changes of rank and duties occurred. Commissions were reecived for Quarter- master-Sergeant Vogelsang and First Sergeant Welch, of Company F, as second lieutenants, May 22. Applica- tions being made for their muster, they were returned "dis- approved," and the commissions for some reason destroyed. Colonel Hallowell, determined that the precedent estab- lished in the case of Lieutenant Swails should be followed, appealed to higher authority, sending for new commis- sions. These colored men were finally mustered as officers, and ultimately promoted to first lieutenancies. Commis- sions were also issued to First Sergeant George E. Stephens, of Company B, and First Sergeant Albert D. Thompson, of Company D, but they were not mustered under them.
George Cranch, John H. Conant, and William McDer- mott, newly appointed, reported and ultimately became first lieutenants. Joshua B. Treadwell reported for duty as assistant-surgeon. Colonel Hallowell was brevetted briga-
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dier-general. Major Pope was promoted lieutenant-colonel ; and Captain Walton, major. Lieutenant Emerson became captain of Company E; Lieutenant James, captain of Com- pany C; Lieutenant Reed, captain of Company K; and Lieutenant Newell, captain of Company B. Lieutenant Cousens, promoted first lieutenant, was afterward made captain of Company E. Lieutenant Joy, after taking the intermediate rank, became captain of Company F. Lieu- tenants Edmands, Swails, and Whitney were promoted first lieutenants. Assistant-Surgeon Radzinsky was made sur- geon One Hundred and Fourth United States Colored Troops ; and Lieutenants Leonard and Hallett, captains One Hundred and Third United States Colored Troops.
Those who resigned, or were mustered out at the expira- tion of their personal terms of service, were Lieutenant- Colonel Hooper, Adjutant Duren, Quartermaster Ritchie, Captains Bridge, Jewett, and Emerson, and Lieutenants Spear, Rogers, Bridgham, and Jewett. Lieutenant Edmands acted as quartermaster until June 21, when Lieutenant Vogelsang was made regimental-quartermaster. Lieuten- ant Joy relieved Lieutenant Whitney as acting adjutant until Lieutenant Swails relieved him July 1. The latter was then succeeded by Lieutenant Conant. Sergeant Wilkins, of Company D, was appointed acting sergeant- major, and Thomas E. Platner, of Company A, principal musician.
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