USA > Massachusetts > History of the Thirty-sixth regiment Massachusetts volunteers. 1862-1865 > Part 2
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1862.
TO THE FRONT.
11
CHAPTER II.
TO THE FRONT.
THERE was no delay. At noon, Tuesday, September 2d, the assembly was sounded, the line was formed, and the Thirty- sixth, with a large number of the friends of the regiment, who had come to say a long and perhaps a last farewell, left Camp Wool amid the cheers of a great throng of people as- sembled along the line of march to witness the departure of the regiment, and moved up Highland street, through Main street, to the Common. There cars were in waiting. These were soon filled, the horses and baggage were taken aboard. the last 'farewells were spoken, and, about two o'clock, fol- lowed by the loud cheers of the multitude, and the waving of adieus, the long train drew out of the station, and hurried toward Boston. On the arrival of the regiment in Boston the line was again formed, and the Thirty-sixth, receiving a brilliant ovation from the citizens, marched through Wash- ington street, down State street to Battery wharf, where the steamer " Merrimac," a new and large ocean steamer, was in readiness to receive us. One-half of the steamer had been assigned to the Twentieth Maine, Colonel Adelbert Ames. and his regiment was already on board, having arrived from Portland earlier in the day. In the crowded condition of the steamer there was, necessarily, some delay in getting the companies into the places to which they were assigned, and also in transferring the horses and baggage; and it was not until late in the evening that the embarkation was ac- complished ; then the steamer dropped out into the stream. Early the next morning, September 3d, the " Merrimac "
12
THIRTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
September
left her anchorage and steamed down the harbor into the bay.
We soon learned that our destination was Alexandria, Va. The voyage throughout was a pleasant one, and the men of the two regiments mingled in friendly companionship. On the second day out, on the quarter-deck, some of the men of Company B gave an exhibition, consisting of singing, deela- mations, etc., which was greatly enjoyed by a large and enthusiastic audience. Friday noon we reached the capes of the Chesapeake, had a glimpse of Fortress Monroe, and. moving up the bay, many of us looked upon the " sacred soil " for the first time; the steamer entered the Potomac river about ten o'clock in the evening, and shortly after midnight came to anchor. At five o'clock Saturday morning we again were under way, and had a most delightful sail up the Po- tomac, with both shores in full view. At length we passed Mt. Vernon, once the home and now the grave of Washing- ton, and soon after, about noon, we were at the wharf in Alexandria.
Here we learned that the Thirty-fourth Massachusetts, which left Worcester August 15th, was doing guard duty and build- ing fortifications near Alexandria. The Twentieth Maine was landed, but we remained on the steamer during the night. The next morning, Sunday. September 7th, we were trans- ferred to the steamer " City of Norwich," in which we pro- ceeded up the river to Washington, and landed not far from the Navy Yard.
Lee, in the last days of August, had defeated Pope within sound of the capitol, and was now pushing his victorious columns northward with the purpose of carrying the war into the Union States. The forces under General MeClellan, who was again in command of the army, were also moving - northward, but through Maryland. in order to intercept Lee's colunm- and give him battle. We encamped near the capitol until September 9th, when, having been assigned to General Burnside's command, the Ninth Corps, we left Washington,
13
TO THE FRONT.
1862.
and marched to Leesboro'. But Burnside was no longer there, and several days were lost in obtaining further orders. September 12th the regiment left Leesboro' at an early hour, and marched about twelve miles, to Brookville, near which we went into camp on a beautiful grassy slope belonging to the estate of Hon. John Hall, formerly of the United States Post-Office Department. Near us was the camp of the First Rhode Island Cavalry.
On Sunday, September 14th, we held our first religious service in the field, and the chaplain preached. On that day the distant sound of artillery was heard, and we knew that, somewhere beyond us. the two armies had again met. It was the day of the battle of South Mountain. in which General Burnside, it will be remembered, gained an important battle, carrying the mountain pass which Lec had directed his forces to hold "at every hazard."
On Monday, September 15th, Colonel Bowman received from a mounted orderly a note written in peneil, which pur- ported to be an order from General MeClellan, signed " R. B. Marcy, Chief of Staff," directing all troops on the road to . hurry forward as rapidly as possible. Colonel Bowman doubted the genuineness of this hasty serawl, and the more so on account of the appearance of suspicious persons about the camp the night before. Not knowing the result of the battle of the previous day, and afraid that an attempt might be made to capture his regiment in its isolated position, he decided not to move his command until be received further instructions or had better information concerning the state of affairs at the front. This delay undoubtedly prevented our participation in the battle of Antietam, which was fought September 17th. On that day, having learned that the road was open, we left Brookville, and, moving forward rapidly, we encamped at night about three miles beyond the village of Damascus. On the following day we marched through Unity, Monrovia, Newmarket, and Frederick, and encamped about a mile beyond the latter place. During the day, while
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14
THIRTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
September,
on the march, we passed the men of Colonel Miles' command at Harper's Ferry, who, on the 15th, were surrendered to Stonewall Jackson and paroled. - in all, five or six regiments, containing about five thousand men. They were now on their way to Annapolis. It was not a pleasant sight to see so many of our soldiers going to the rear ; but they cheered us with reports of the battle on the 17th, in which our army was victorious.
September 19th we resumed the march about ten o'clock in the forenoon, crossed the Catoctin mountains to Middle- town, enjoying the magnificent prospect at the summit, and encamped beyond the town at the place where, on the Sunday before, General Mcclellan and General Burnside had their head-quarters during the battle of South Mountain.
On the following day we crossed South Mountain. Here and there by the roadside were newly-made graves, - in one place we counted twenty-six. - and the trees and fences bore marks of the recent fight. We passed also long trains of ambulance wagons, loaded with wounded men from the battle- field at Antietam, and also many of the wounded on foot, who were on their way to the hospitals in Frederick. Places of interest were pointed out to us on our way. One was the spot where. just at the close of the action on Sunday, General Reno fell. Another was the ground where the Thirty-fifth Massachusetts formed, and over which it made its brilliant charge, driving the enemy from the woods beyond.
Descending into a valley, we passed through Boonsboro', where was a hospital full of wounded rebels, and encamped at Keedysville, about two miles east of the Antietam battle- ground. Everywhere around us were the sad memories of the terrible conflict that was waged on that hard-fought field. Houses, barns, sheds, places of shelter of all kinds, were filled with the wounded, and on the field where the battle was fought. hundreds of the dead still lay unburied, although a large force had been steadily engaged in this service since the preceding Wednesday. Looking upon these scenes we were
15
TO THE FRONT.
1862.
brought face to face with the dread realities of war. Among the wounded we found many friends and acquaintances who belonged to other Massachusetts regiments, and whose sad condition enlisted our warmest sympathies, and drew from many the expression, "If there be glory in war, it is dearly bought."
September 21st we left Keedysville in the afternoon, crossed the famous stone bridge from which Burnside, on the 17th, gallantly dislodged the enemy, passed through Sharpsburg, which bore the marks of our shot and shell, and eneamped a short distance beyond, near General Burnside's head-quarters.
Here the Thirty-sixth was assigned to the Third Brigade of the first division of the Ninth Corps. In the brigade were the Forty-fifth and One Hundredth ( Roundheads) Pennsylvania regiments, to which we. soon became warmly attached, and with which we were to be associated during nearly our whole period of service. Than these two regiments there were no better in the Ninth Corps ; and our regard for both officers and men increased as common experiences drew us nearer together. Indeed, they became to us almost as brothers, and we have reason to believe that this feeling was mutual. Colonel Welch, of the Forty-fifth Pennsylvania, commanded the brigade, and General O. B. Willcox, the division.
September 23d, about half-past three o'clock in the morning, there was a general alarm. "Fall in ! Fall in !" resounded through the camp, and for two hours we stood in line of battle on the edge of an adjoining cornfield ; but it was only an alarm, and about half-past five we returned to our quarters.
On the 25th we were ordered to be in readiness to march. The tents were struck, our regimental baggage was packed, all of our preparations for a movement were completed ; but about four o'clock in the afternoon the order was counter- manded, and we pitched our tents on our former camp ground.
The next morning we received orders to be ready to march at one o'clock P.M. We were in line at that time, but as
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16
THIRTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
October,
the whole corps was in motion, and we were in the rear, there was some delay for us. It was a beautiful sight, as the several brigades and divisions of the corps, with the long train of baggage-wagons, moved over the hills. At length our brigade started. We crossed Antietam Creek at Isabella Furnace, the troops passing over the bridge, and the wagons fording the stream. Just at sundown we encamped near Antietam Iron Works, about five miles above Harper's Ferry. The tents of the men were soon up, and the camp-tires lighted. A more brilliant scene can hardly be imagined than that presented by these fields around us, illuminated by innumerable' camp-fires.
By order of General Willeox. Sunday, September 29th, was observed by the division as a day of special religious service, to give thanks to God for our recent victories in Maryland. The whole division was brought together, and the services were conducted by Chaplain Canfield, of the Thirty-sixth, and other chaplains of New York and Pennsylvania regiments. The band first played " Old Hundred." The 46th Psalm was then read, and a hymn sung to the well-known tune of Balerma. Remarks were then made by four chaplains belong- ing to the division. The services were very interesting and solemn throughout. In the afternoon Chaplain Canfield
preached.
On Tuesday, September 30th, there was a division review in the forenoon, and monthly regimental inspection in the afternoon. On Friday, October 3d. the corps was reviewed by President Lincoln and General Mcclellan. We formed our regimental line at seven o'clock, then marched to a field in the rear of our camp, and were assigned to a position on the left of our brigade. The President arrived on the ground shortly after nine o'clock, and passed us in review about ten. This visit gave many in the regiment their first opportunity to see Mr. Lincoln, and the day was one of great interest.
On Tuesday, October 7th, the Thirty-sixth experienced what was as yet its most difficult and trying march. We had received .
17
TO THE FRONT.
1862.
orders to move at daylight. The reveille was sounded at three o'clock. At half-past five we left camp. The head of the column was toward Maryland Heights, which we were to eross into Pleasant Valley. The road was a narrow mountain road, in many places quite steep, and during the recent movements it had been obstrueted by fallen trees. At length we reached the summit, where there was a magnificent view ; and then we commenced the equally difficult descent. The day was intensely hot, and the men, completely ex- hausted, fell out in large numbers, and at a halt about half- past two, Colonel Weleh ordered the roll to be called. About four o'clock we encamped in a most delightful and beautiful locality in Pleasant Valley, on a wooded bank, which sloped gradually down to a clear stream of running water, ten or twelve feet wide, near which were cool springs of pure water sufficient for all our wants. Harper's Ferry, above us, was about ten miles distant, and Knoxville the same distance below us, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
While the regiment was at dress parade on Saturday, October 11th, we received orders to be ready to move imme- diately, with haversack, canteen, and overcoat, and without blankets. The line was formed at onec. The guns were loaded, and with the Forty-fifth and One Hundredth Penn- sylvania, and a section of artillery, we marched down the road to Weverton, a little station on the Baltimore and Ohio Rail- road, where platform cars were awaiting us. The Thirty- sixth took a train by itself, and left the station at seven o'clock. When the cars stopped, about midnight, we found that we were at Frederick. Leaving the cars we marched into the town, and were ordered to make ourselves as comfortable as we could upon the cold sidewalks. No fires were allowed, and it was impossible to keep warm in the chilly night air. At six o'clock we marched to a field on the edge of the town, where we took breakfast, and where we remained until noon, when we took a new position on the Washington road. We now learned the object of this movement. Stuart's cavalry
18
THIRTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
October,
were on their return from a raid into Pennsylvania, and it was supposed that they would attempt to destroy the govern- ment stores at Frederick, of which there was a considerable quantity. At five o'clock they were at Newmarket, eight miles distant ; and the presence of our brigade at Frederick undoubtedly led them to turn aside. Moving toward the Po- tomac they at once crossed the river, and so made their escape, with the loss of a few prisoners brought in by our cavalry.
Late in the afternoon, while we were awaiting orders upon the Washington road. it began to rain, and there was the promise of a cheerless night. Just at dark we marched to the station. The train left about seven o'clock, our destina- tion unknown. At length we reached Point of Rocks, where the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad strikes the Potomac. Leav- ing the cars we marched up the road a short distance in the darkness and rain, and halted. Companies A, B, and C were advanced to pieket the heights above the station. The rest of the regiment, officers and men alike, sought shelter wherever it could be found. The morning revealed some of these luckless sleepers emerging from the two apologies for houses near at hand ; some from beneath them ; some from the pigsty and hen-house ; many from beneath the shocks of corn in adjacent fields : while others had made no attempt to sleep, but had travelled about all night, stumbling over their comrades. The line was formed, and we moved out about half a mile, to a pleasant field near the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, . and encamped. There we remained until Wednesday, October 15th, when we had orders to return to our camp in Pleasant Valley. We left Point of Rocks at half-past ten o'clock in the forenoon, and, following the towpath of the canal, we reached Weverton at half-past three. After some delay in waiting for the rest of our brigade we reached our old camp about five o'clock.
On Tuesday, October 21st, the regiment was inspected by an officer on Gen. Mcclellan's staff. On Friday following there were indications of a forward movement, which, it seemed, could not now long be deferred.
19
.
IN VIRGINIA.
1862.
CHAPTER III.
IN VIRGINIA.
SUNDAY morning, October 26th, we were aroused at half- past three o'clock, and ordered to be ready to move at daylight. We struck our tents in a pouring rain, had break- fast, but did not leave our camp until after seven. Then we marched down the river to the little village of Berlin, where a pontoon bridge had been thrown across the Potomac. There we halted until afternoon. It was a general movement. Not only were the regiments of our own brigade with us, but a large number of other regiments. For hours, while the cavalry was crossing, we were obliged to stand in a drenching rain awaiting the crossing of the infantry, which was to follow. At length our line was in motion, and the long column of infantry, having reached the Virginia shore, continued the march, dragging its weary length through the mud, ankle deep, and such mud as only Virginia can boast. About four o'clock, and after advancing several miles from the river. we turned into a field which had been sown with winter wheat, and on which the wheat was two or three inches high. A more disagreeable and uncomfortable place could hardly have been found ; and there, in the mud, wet, cold, and weary, we were ordered to halt, stack arms, and make ourselves com- fortable for the night. This order, however, was at length countermanded. and the men removed to the fences and the grassy fields adjoining. Although it was still raining, and a vold north wind was blowing a gale, the orders were not to take rails for fires. But there was no other wood at hand, and it was not long before bright fires, made of the rails from the
-
20
THIRTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
November,
fences around, were blazing along the whole line, and every man was doing his best to make his condition tolerable. For fatigue, discomfort, and vexation, that first day's experi- ence on Virginia soil was rarely exceeded in the history of the regiment. It is but just to state that for the selection of this camp the officers of the Thirty-sixth were in no way responsible.
Abont ten o'clock the next forenoon the clouds parted, and the sun came out bright and beautiful. With warmth and rations came good cheer to the men. On the following day large numbers of troops joined us, and we were expecting to move at any moment. But we remained in camp until the next day, Wednesday, October 29th, when, about two o'clock in the afternoon, we received orders to march. We advanced through a beautiful country. the farms looking more like New England farms than any we had seen ; and, passing through the village of Waterford in the early evening, we encamped a short distance beyond the village, and about ten miles from Snicker's Gap. Here we remained until Sunday.
Pleasant days were those which we spent at Waterford. Saturday afternoon, November 1st, we had orders to be in readiness to move on the following day. Our preparations were made in the early morning, but we did not move until eleven o'clock. It was a bright, sunny day, and quite warm. We reached Hamilton about two o'clock in the afternoon ; and, after a short rest, continued our march until eight o'clock, when we encamped in an oak grove at Philemont. Ahead of us there was cannonading throughout the day.
On Monday, November 3d, we continued our march at one P.M., our course being nearly parallel to the Blue Ridge. At Union, Gen. Burn-ide passed us with his staff. At seven o'clock we halted for the night. The next day some quarter- master's store- were issued to the men, and one day's rations. About noon there was heavy firing in advance of us, but still distant. Wednesday. November 5th, the bugles sounded at five o'clock. and we were ordered to be in readiness to march ;
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1862.
IN VIRGINIA.
21
but it was eight o'clock before the column moved. Heavy firing was heard most of the forenoon. About half-past one in the afternoon, having arrived at Manassas Gap Railroad, we encamped a short distance beyond Rectortown. While on this march Corporal Parker. of Company D, died in the ambulance, probably of apoplexy. He died within sound of cannon, yet not on the field of battle. About sunset he was buried under a tree near our camp, his company and the offi- cers of the regiment following his remains to the grave. It was the first death in the regiment ; and this, with the circum- stances of his lonely burial, cast a shadow of sadness over us all.
On Thursday, November 6th, we resumed our march at an early hour. As we passed through Salem there were so many evidences of disloyalty that the bands played Yankee Doodle for the edification of the inhabitants. The afternoon march was a severe one. There were few rests, and those were short ; and toward night many of the men fell out from exhaustion. About six o'clock we encamped at Orleans. The night that followed was intensely cold, and water froze. In the morning, November 7th, it began to snow. At noon, when we received orders to march, it was still snowing, and there were two or three inches of snow on the ground. We advanced only a few miles, and encamped on the north bank of a branch of the Rappahannock, not far from Waterloo.
Late that night a special messenger from the War Depart- ment arrived at Gen. McClellan's head-quarters, with the fol- lowing order : -
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 1862.
By direction of the President of the United States, it is ordered that Major-General Mcclellan be relieved from the command of the Army of the Potomac, and that Major-General Burnside take command of that army.
By order of the Secretary of War,
E. D. TOWNSEND, Ass't Adj't Gen.
22
THIRTY-SIXTHI REGIMENT.
November,
We remained in camp on Saturday and Sunday, November 8th and 9th, suffering from the cold, and knowing nothing of the important change thus announced. On Sunday, morning and afternoon, special religious services were held among the regiments of our division. by order of our commanding general. Gen. Burnside's order, assuming command of the Army of the Potomac, was now prepared, and was as fol- lows : -
HEAD-QUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, WARRENTON, VA., Nov. 9, 1862.
GENERAL ORDERS NO. 1.
In accordance with General Orders No. 182, issued by the President of the United States, I hereby assume command of the Army of the Potomac.
Patriotism. and the exercise of my every energy in the direction of this army, aided by the full and hearty cooperation of its offi- cers and men, will, I hope, under the blessing of God, ensure its success.
Having been a sharer of the privations, and a witness of the bravery, of the old Army of the Potomac in the Maryland cam- paign, and fully identified in their feelings of respect and esteem for General Mcclellan. entertained through a long and most friendly association with him, I feel that it is not as a stranger that I assume this command.
To the Ninth Corps, so long and intimately associated with me, I need say nothing ; our histories are identical.
With diffidence for mys , but with a proud confidence in the unswerving loyalty and determination of the gallant army now entrusted to my -care. I accept its control with the steadfast assur- ance that the just cause must prevail.
A. E. BURNSIDE, Major-General Commanding.
This order was not received by us until Tuesday, Novem- ber 11th, and while we were-till in camp near Waterloo. We shared in the general esteem in which General MeClellan was held throughout the army ; but we loved Burnside, and had
23
IN VIRGINIA.
1862.
confidence in his ability to lead us on to victory. On this day there was no bread for the men. Our supply-train had been delayed, and for several days the ration for each man was two ears of corn and a small piece of fresh meat. This place will always be known to the survivors of the Thirty- sixth by the suggestive name of "Hungry Hollow."
On Thursday, November 13th, the supply-train arrived, and the Thirty-sixth received eight boxes of hard- bread. In the morning of that day Corporal Perry, of Company G, died. He had been sick only since Saturday. The burial occurred that night.
November 15th, while at breakfast, we received orders to march ; and, with the rest of our division, now under the command of General W. W. Burns (Colonel Welch com- manding the brigade), we moved forward to White Sulphur Springs, -a noted watering-place, whose buildings had been nearly destroyed by General Sigel's troops in an engage- ment with the enemy in passing through the place in August. While on the march we heard sharp musketry ahead, and as we approached the Springs a few shots were fired. We accordingly left the main road, and formed in line of battle behind a hill ; but the enemy fell back, and in a little while we received orders to go into camp.
Sunday, November 16th, we were aroused early with orders to march. The teams were sent off before light, but the regiment did not leave camp until ten o'clock. At noon we rested at Fayetteville. The afternoon's march was a most wearisome one ; and it was not until after dark, when near Warrenton Junction, that we halted for the night.
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