USA > Massachusetts > Wearing the blue in the Twenty-fifth Mass. volunteer infantry, with Burnside's coast division, 18th army corps, and Army of the James > Part 12
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thousands in our dear native land. As I write these lines, the memory of many dear forms, of the faces of comrades who were dear to us, who sleep in known or unknown graves, crowd upon me : -
"So where'er I turn my eye, Back upon the days gone by, Saddening thoughts of friends come o'er me - Friends that closed their course before ine.
Some on earth in silence wrought, And their graves in silence sought ; But the younger, brighter forms, Passed in battle and in storm."
Serg't H. ARTHUR WHITE.
MOSES S. FORBES.
Lieut. CHAS. S. SEAGRAVE.
BRAMAN GROCT.
Lieut. Jons D. MIRICK.
COMPANY H.
Helitype Printing Co., Boston.
CHAPTER VII.
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL SPRAGUE-COLONEL UPTON-ARRIVAL OF NINE MONTHS' REGIMENTS-TARBORO' EXPEDITION- RAID OF THE ENEMY - FLAGS OF TRUCE-PETER LAWSON AND MAJOR WHITFORD O.N THE SQUARE.
URING the summer and early autumn of 1862, a number of regiments were raised in Massachusetts for a service of nine months. One of these regi- ments, designated the Fifty-first, was raised in Worcester County, and into its ranks had enlisted a large number of the substantial young men of the county. For some time, indefinite rumors had prevailed in and about Camp Oliver, that a raid was to be made upon the field and staff of the Twenty- fifth Massachusetts, to furnish some, at least, of the field officers of the new regiment. It was not, however, until the 8th of October, that it became known, that Lieutenant-Colonel Sprague had been tendered, by Governor Andrew, the Colonel- cy of the Fifty-first Massachusetts, and that he had determined to accept that commission, thus making it necessary that his connection with the Twenty-fifth should terminate. Lieutenant- Colonel Sprague, as we have stated in some of our earliest pages, was the first mover in the organization of the Twenty- fifth Regiment. It was to him that the regiment was under obligation for the idea of a Worcester County regiment for assignment to coast service, and, from the first inception of the idea, to the day when he left Camp Oliver to assume command of the Fifty-first Massachusetts, his best efforts had been,
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exerted for the welfare of all connected with the regiment. He possessed a military ardor that inspired with confidence all associated with him. On the evening of October 8th, by the courtesy of Colonel Upton, Lieutenant-Colonel Sprague took command of the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts at dress parade, and the ceremony was more than usually interesting, because it was known that this was the last appearance of the Lieutenant- Colonel with the regiment. After the usual exercise, when the commissioned officers gathered around him, he addressed to them some feeling farewell remarks, and bade them all an affectionate adieu. Adjutant Harkness also appeared with the regiment for the last time, he having signified his acceptance of a commission as major of the Fifty-first Massachusetts. Lieutenant Harkness possessed remarkable capacity for the position of adjutant, and was so well posted in all things relating to his official duty, that he was aptly designated the " Walking Regulations." There was a general expression of regret upon the loss to the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts, of two such officers. After the dress parade, both officers took leave of the camp and started for Massachusetts.
October 13th, Lieutenant Henry MeConville was appointed Adjutant, and it was the universal sentiment of the regiment that a more worthy successor of Adjutant Harkness could not have been found.
October 20th, in accordance with special orders No. 50, from regimental headquarters, companies G and K again marched to the Harrison farm for another tour of picket duty, relieving companies B and 1, which returned to Camp Oliver. The new camp at Harrison's was named Camp Harkness, in honor of the late Adjutant of the regiment.
On the 27th of October, [1862] Colonel Edwin Upton resigned his commission on account of continued ill-health, which incapacitated him for field service. At dress parade of the regiment, next preceding the movement to Tarboro', Colonel Upton announced his intention to leave the regiment,
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Heliotypes Printing Co. Boston.
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and offered appropriate farewell remarks, which the battalion heard with sincere regret. During the preceding summer, the warrant officers and privates of the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts, raised among themselves nearly twelve hundred dollars, which sum was expended in the manufacture of an elegant sword, sash and other equipments, which were presented to Colonel Upton in the name of the donors, after his resignation and return home. The sword was one of the finest to be obtained, its hilt having Colonel Upton's monogram, studded with diamonds. The scabbard was made of silver and mounted in gold. As an expression of the good will of the enlisted men of the regiment, the gift was treasured by the Colonel as one of priceless value.
Major Pickett succeeded to the command of the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts. He was immediately commissioned Colonel, but by some mistake in the direction of the envelope, or the blun- dering of some distributing post-office clerk, the package went down to Beaufort, S. C. In consequence of this blunder, there was a long delay, and so, for a considerable time, he remained in command, with the rank of Major.
COLONEL JOSIAH PICKETT
was born in Beverly, Essex county, Mass., November 21st, 1822, and received only the advantages of a common school education, which, added to a natural ability and industry in improving opportunities within his reach, fitted him for the business of life. He chose a mechanical occupation from which to gain a livelihood, following it with perseverance and, of course, with success, until the opening cannon of Sumter called him to the field. When quite young, he was inspired with the true military ardor, and, at eighteen years of age, was an enthusiastic militiaman, learning the art of war at such times as he could be spared from his business, little thinking then, that what he was spending his time and strength to learn, would ever be useful to him and others in the actual conflicts of a long and bloody war.
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Removing to Worcester in 1855, he became a member of the Worcester City Guards, then a noted military organization, commanded by Captain, afterwards Colonel George H. Ward of the Fifteenth Massachusetts Volunteers. In June, 1859, Pickett was elected Second-Lieutenant, and in April, 1861, First-Lieutenant of the Guards. The company, at the first call for troops in April, 1861, was, unfortunately, in a somewhat disorganized condition, but, owing to the prompt and patriotic action of Lieutenant Pickett, after the orders of Governor Andrew had been received, it left the State, April 21st, 1861, under command of Captain A. B. R. Sprague, excellently well officered, thoroughly organized, and with as fine a body of men as ever entered the United States service. The Guards were assigned to the Third Battalion Rifles, commanded by Major Charles Devenus, Jr., and were stationed at Fort McHenry, Md., during their term of service. Closing that service, Captain Pickett raised Company A of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, as we have seen, was promoted Major, March 20th, 1862, commis- sioned Colonel, October 31st, 1862, mustered out of the United States service, January 10th, 1865, and " brevetted Brigadier- General United States Volunteers, to date from June 3rd, 1864, for gallant and meritorious conduct during the war, especially at the battle of Cold Harbor," where he was severely wounded. After the war, in 1865, he was appointed an inspector at the Boston custom house, and, in 1866, was appointed Post-Master of Worcester, which position he still fills. We cannot better close our notice of Colonel Pickett, than by adding the words of General George J. Stannard, than whom, no one better knows the character of the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts and its commander, in the " Star Brigade." General Stannard, in a letter written in 1867, speaks as follows :---- " Colonel Pickett brought the regiment (Twenty- fifth Massachusetts) to a high state of discipline, and was recognized by his superiors as an officer of excellent judgment, marked ability and unquestioned bravery."
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ARRIVAL OF NINE MONTIIS', TROOPS.
On the 27th October, [1862] the Forty-fourth Regiment Mas- sachusetts Volunteer Militia, commanded by Colonel Francis L. Lee, arrived at New Berne, having left Boston, in the steamer Merrimac, on the 23rd of October. The Forty-fourth Regi- ment was a splendid looking body of men, and, upon arrival at New Berne went into camp not far from Camp Oliver. The next day, the Third Massachusetts . Volunteer Militia, Colonel Silas P. Richmond, a battalion raised mostly in Plymouth and Bristol counties, and the Fifth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, Colonel George II. Pierson, a. battalion of Essex County, arrived in Now Berne, the latter forming a camp upon a field just in rear of Camp Oliver.
On the 14th and 15th of November, the Forty-third Massa- chusetts Volunteer Militia, Colonel Charles S. Holbrook, famil- iarly known as the " Boston Tiger Regiment ; " the Forty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, Colonel Charles R. Codman, a Boston regiment, with one company however, from Framing- ham, and one from Milton ; and the Forty-sixth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, a battalion raised in Hampden County, and commanded by Colonel George Bowler, [succeeded in January, 1863, by Colonel William S. Shurtleff] reached New Berne after a stormy passage from Boston. The Fifty-first Massachu- setts Volunteer Militia, Colonel A. B. R. Sprague, reached New Berne, November 30th, and went into barracks on the south side of the Trent river.
The Eighth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, emphatically an Essex County regiment, but having one company from Springfield, commanded by Colonel Frederick J. Coffin, reached New Bernc at the time of the arrival of the Fifty- first Massachusetts.
The Third, Fifth and Forty-sixth regiments were brigaded with the Twenty-fifth and Twenty-seventh regiments under command of Colonel Horace C. Lec of the Massachusetts
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Twenty-seventh. [In January, 1863, the Third Massachusetts was attached to Jourdan's Brigade. ].
The Tenth Connecticut, Twenty-third, Twenty-fourth, Eighth and Forty-fourth Massachusetts and Fifth Rhode Island regi- ments formed a brigade under Colonel Thomas G. Stevenson of the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts.
The Seventeenth, Twenty-third, Forty-third, Forty-fifth and Fifty-first Massachusetts Regiments, formed a brigade under command of Colonel T. J. C. Amory of the Seventeenth Massa- chusetts.
TARBORO' EXPEDITION.
October 30th an expedition left New Berne under command of General Foster. There moved upon this march nearly all the force in and about New Berne, leaving four companies of- the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts, with some cavalry, alone in their glory.
Colonel Kurtz, Provost Marshal of the city, was in command there as senior officer. When the Richmond authorities learned that our large force was marching on Williamston, orders were sent, as stated by the Petersburg Express, " to all our available forces around Kinston to go as near New Berne as they could get. We expect stirring news from that direction."
We shall see how near Now Berne they thought they could get. The force leaving New Berne under General Foster, com- prised the brigades of Colonels Lee, Amory and Stevenson ; Belgers' Battery, Third New York Artillery, a portion of the Marine Artillery and two squadrons of the Third New York Cavalry. The infantry regiments making up the marching column, were the Tenth Connecticut, Seventeenth, Twenty- third, Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth Massachusetts Volun- teers of the three years' troops, and the Third, Fifth and Forty-fourth Massachusetts Regiments of the nine months' troops, the latter, having but just joined the service, were little used to the hardships of a soldier's life.
WEARING THE BLUE. 145
. During this expedition, which had Rainbow bluff on the Roanoke river as its objective point, the Twenty-fifth Massa- chusetts had no engagement with the enemy, but the cavalry had numerous little combats, and the Twenty-fourth and Forty- fourth Massachusetts, the artillery and cavalry, had a lively engagement on the Sunday after moving, the enemy losing sixty killed and wounded, while our loss was ten men.
Colonel Pickett made official report of this march to the Governor of Massachusetts, as follows : -
"On the morning of October 30th, our regiment left New Berne on board the transport Highlander. We formed part of an expe- dition under General Foster. We arrived at Washington, N. C., on the 31st. On Sunday, November 2d, we left Washington, passed through Williamston and Hamilton towards Tarboro'. On Wednes- day night, the 5th, we bivouaced within ten miles of Tarboro'. During the night, General Foster having learned from reliable sources that the enemy with their railroad communication open and receiving large reinforcements, were strongly posted behind earth- works at Tarboro', changed somewhat his intentions, and on Thurs- day, the 6th, we took up the line of march for Hamilton; arriving there that afternoon, we remained over night. On the 7th we marched to Williamston, remaining until Sunday, the 9th, when the march was resumed, reaching Plymouth Monday morning, the 10th, most of the troops embarking that day for New Berne. The Twenty-fifth and Twenty-seventh Massachusetts with some cavalry were left to protect our artillery which was awaiting transportation to New Berne. Six companies remain there at this date."
The Twenty-fifth Massachusetts Regiment remained for a considerable time in Plymouth, Colonel Pickett being in com- mand of the place. Captain Parkhurst was appointed provost marshal, and acted as such during the occupation of the town by our regiment.
HOME GUARDS FIND WORK.
Now let us see how the little guard of four companies of the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts fared, while most of the troops were away from home.
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Companies F, G and K occupied position on the Harrison farm, and Company H was at Bray's place.
It was not until November 11th that the enemy occupying Kinston approached our lines in execution of the order from Richmond to "go as near New Berne as they could get." The story of their approach and the manner they were checked is so fully told in the official reports that we give them in full : ---
Headquarters Camp Harkness, November 14, 1862.
Captain MOSCHELL, Third New York Cavalry,
Commanding Post.
Sir: - On the morning of the 11th instant, I directed Lieutenant J. M. Drennan, Company F, Twenty-fifth Massachusetts, with a party of fifty men to proceed to the Red house on the Tuscarora road to a specified point and by an indicated route, and return via Grape Vine house to this camp. The report of Lieutenant Drennan is enclosed and made part of this report. About four o'clock r.sr., informed of the attack made successively upon Lieutenant Dren- man and our outpost, I caused my command, Companies F, G and K of the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts, to follow your cavalry to the scene of attack, sending an order to Company H of the same regiment, at Camp Wellington, to reenforce us at once. Arriving at the French road a courier of your command passed us at full speed, saying as he passed, "halt-the enemy in force is coming down the road." Supposing the message was from you, I halted the column and rode up the road, meeting Lieutenant Tew and a small body of infantry. I immediately returned and hastened my command forward, ap- proaching Rocky Run under a fire of shell. Turning to the right I took position near that held by you, sending Captain Wagely with Company G to the left of the Trent road to hold the bridge over the creek. In about fifteen minutes, learning that the enemy were attempting to turn our right flank, I withdrew to the rear of the French house, notifying Captain Wagely of the change. At this point we were joined by Company II, under Lieutenant Forbes. We soon fell back to a stronger position near the woods west of Eubank's house. This position was a strong one and could not be flanked, but Major Gerrard of the Third New York Cavalry arrived and assumed command, ordering me to fall back to our camp at Harrison's. There my command supported a gun in the clearing at Whitford's house. In half an hour Major Gerrard stated that he had received orders from Colonel Kurtz, senior officer at New Berne, to fall back to the city. My command was retired, first to the timber in front of Fort Totten, and next, late at night, to Camp Oliver. Two of my command were wounded at Rocky Ran. The next morning, by order of
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Colonel Amory, commanding brigade, who had returned to New Berne during the night, I returned with my command to this post, finding all our company property intact. The coolness and bravery of Lieutenant Drennan and the men of his command in holding the enemy in check, thereby saving us from disaster, deserves the warmest praise. All the officers and men of my command behaved gallantly under fire.
I am very respectfully,
J. W. DENNY, Captain Twenty-fifth Massachusetts, Commanding Detachment.
Camp Harkness, November 14, 1862.
Captain J. W. DENNY,
Commanding Detachment Twenty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers.
Sir :- I have the honor to report that on the 11th instant, by your orders, I organized a scouting party of three sergeants, two corporals and fifty men, and, with Lieutenant Tew, proceeded upon the ronte indicated by you. We ob- tained some forage, our wagons being well filled. Moving towards the Grape Vine house at three o'clock, P. M., my advance guard reported a force of cavalry at the Pine tree (a point near the aforesaid house at the corner of the Trent road). Deploying my party, I moved cautiously forward. As we reached the Trent road, the enemy left the Grape Vine and moved towards the "Gully." I marched towards camp with a strong rear guard, which was fired upon just as we reached our advanced vidette. Sending the wagons to camp, I halted to give the enemy cheek. A brisk musketry fire was maintained for some time by both parties, when the enemy retreated to the woods. We occupied for ten minutes the ground held by them. Hearing the rattling of artillery wheels, I fell back to higher ground and deployed behind a fence. The enemy quickly returned to their old position and opened fire upon us with two guns and sent forward a heavy line of skirmishers upon each flank, which made it prudent for ine to fall back to the Jackson house and then across Rocky Run, which move- ment was accomplished in good order, taking up the planking of the bridge after we had crossed. At Rocky Run I was soon joined by Captain Moschell's cavalry and by your command of the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts.
In this affair my little force kept the enemy in check for an hour and a half, and for three hours from the time we first saw them. The men of my com- mand behaved splendidly under fire. As you are well acquainted with the topography of the localities moved over by us, I deem a diagram unnecessary.
Respectfully submitted,
J. M. DRENNAN, Lieutenant Commanding Company F, Twenty-fifth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers.
Lieutenant Richter was officer of the day and made the fol- lowing report of his experience with the outpost guards : -
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Camp near Harrison House, November 12, 1862.
Captain J. W. DENNY,
Commanding Detachment.
Sir :- Yesterday, soon after three o'clock, P. M., I heard firing in front of our outposts while I was visiting the picket lines. Informed by a messenger that Lieutenant Drennan's party was attacked, I at once dispatched all my guards double-quick to the bridge, fifty paces east of the Jackson house, where I covered Lieutenant Drennan in retreat, deploying as skirmishers and holding the bridge and creek. The enemy's fire had no effect upon my men, who lay low and were covered by trees. Learning that the enemy were moving to flank us, and having no support, I went slowly in retreat over the fields, the enemy charging to the bridge in line of battle, and at the Jackson house, opened with artillery.
I reformed my men near Freuch's upon one side of the road, and gave you a chance to pass down with your fresh command approaching. I took position in your rear, throwing pickets to the right flank. I reported to you when the battalion fell back, and dismissed my guards to their companies.
I am, sir, your obedient servant, HENRY M. RICHTER, Lieutenant Twenty-fifth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Officer of the Day.
Lieutenant Samnel Harrington joined the scouting party near the Red house, and riding leisurely, somewhat in advance as the march was made to the Trent road, was the first to discover horsemen near the Pine trec. Supposing the horsemen to be some of our own cavalry, he put spurs to his horse and rode on to join them. When very near he discovered to his astonish- ment that the horsemen were a party of Confederate officers ! Under those circumstances the Lieutenant did not forget his natural politeness, but, raising his cap gallantly, swung his horse about and made good his escape, informing Lieutenant Drennan of the character of the reconnoitering party in his front. It was fortunate the Confederate officers did not fire, for had they done so, the Lieutenant's life must have paid the forfeit of so close a reconnoisance.
After returning the next morning to Camp Harkness, it was found that the Confederate brigade had retired from our lines. After this affair, Company H reported for duty at Camp Harkness.
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FLAGS OF TRUCE.
While upon outpost service it frequently became the duty of the writer to receive and entertain flags of truce. The officer of the Confederate service who most frequently came to our lines under a flag, was Lieutenant Knott of the cavalry, a genial fellow, who so well understood his duty that transacting business with him was a pleasure.
It may not be out of place to say something about flags of truce and the manner of receiving them.
The party bearing the white flag, an officer accompanied usually by a squad of cavalry of a dozen meu, approaches the lines, and when discovered by our vidette or picket, the latter goes forward and orders "halt." The party having halted, the officer of the guard approaches aud orders the party to "about face." The party remain thus with their backs to our line, while the officer in charge of the guard sends a courier to the officer commanding outposts, notifying him that a flag is in waiting. The commanding officer proceeds immediately to the outpost and to the officer of the flag. Then there is an intro- duction or salutation of some sort, whereupon the officer of the flag exhibits his order upon which he has visited the lines, gen- erally an order from the general in command of the enemy's force nearest our lines. If the papers are satisfactory the business is at once proceeded with, unless it be of some matter to be passed upon by the commanding general, in which case information is dispatched to him and the return of a staff officer is awaited. In such case the flag is detained some hours, where- upon the officer of the flag and his party are entertained with refreshments. This hospitality is required by the regulations and is always practiced. It was our practice to take the officer and escort to Scott's house just outside our lines at the " Gully," and to send to camp for coffee, meat and bread, and, under those circumstances, to be accompanied by a squad of cavalry or a detachment of infantry, the men mingling very
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freely. It is against regulations for the officers to talk upon political subjects or to be inquisitive in regard to movements or numbers, or to ask the whereabouts of general officers of either army. Sometimes [for men are human] we did talk just a little upon war matters, and always very pleasantly. Escorts, and the men meeting them, were interdicted from conversation without special permission. As we usually had with us picked men who had sense enough to be prudent, the rule of silence was not strictly enforced. Sometimes our soldiers managed to obtain valuable information, particularly if the men of the flag were not cautious.
After the general has finished his business with the flag [in case it goes to him] he sends orders to the commander of out- posts to dismiss the flag. When so dismissed, the party mount, there is a little formal hand-shaking, and the officer with the escort rides away.
On the 28th November [1862] we were called to the picket line to receive a flag under Major Nethercott, who will be remembered by many of the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts. He commanded the enemy's lines in our front for a considerable time, and upon the occasion we now speak of, was accompanied by several Confederate lieutenants.
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