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 14
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On Monday, the 15th, the march was resumed. On the 16th our forces were engaged at Whitehall. My regiment, although within range of the enemy's guns, was not engaged ; but, marching by the flank through the fields in rear of our batteries, we took up the line of march for Goldsboro'. At this time I was called upon to furnish sharp shooters for duty on the banks of the river, in clearing the woods on the other side, of the enemy's riflemen. About one hundred of my men volunteered for this dangerous duty. After being posted, they rendered effective service. One man was shot through the head and several severely wounded.
On the 17th the line of march was resumed late in the morning, the Third Brigade having the advance. Skirmishing with the enemy's pickets com- menced, which continued until we came upon their main force posted this side of the railroad bridge over the Neuse river. I was ordered forward, to be in readiness to support the Seventeenth Massachusetts and Ninth New Jersey Volunteers, sharply engaged with the enemy. I moved forward in line of battle, taking position on the right of the railroad, in rear of the Twenty- seventh Massachusetts, and quite near our batteries. I remained in this position until the bridge was burned and the rails of the railroad torn up, when my regiment was withdrawn. In a short time the enemy again made his appearance advancing in two lines of battle with evident design of charging upon and taking one of our batteries. Receiving orders to again move forward, I advanced by the flank at double-quick and was assigned position on the left and supporting Belger's Battery. While in this position we sustained a loss of one killed and three wounded. Night brought an end to the contest, and we were ordered to take up the line of march for New Berne. which place we reached on Sunday, the 21st, going into camp on our old camp ground.
I cannot close without mentioning in terms of the highest praise the conduct of both officers and men during the whole expedition-on the march, in the bivouac, under fire, in everything they were called upon to perform. They showed all the qualities of the true soldier, and their conduct deserves the most hearty commendation.
Very respectfully your obedient servant, JOSIAH PICKETT, Major Commanding.
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WEARING THE BLUE. 165
The total loss during the ten days was ninety killed, four hundred and seventy-eight wounded and nine missing. The Confederate official report states their loss to have been -- seventy-one killed, two hundred and sixty-eight wounded and four hundred missing. Their killed and wounded must have been understated.
Major-General G. W. Smith, was in chief command of the Confederate forces opposing the army of General Foster. At South-west creek, Brigadier-General Evans commanded the Confederates, at Whitehall, Brigadier-General Robertson. Brigadier-General Clingman commanded at Goldsboro'. The enemy received reinforcements of two brigades from Peters- burg and Wilmington, giving them five brigades in all.
PROMOTIONS.
In January, 1863, promotions in the Twenty-fifth Massachu- setts were announced by General Orders No. 61, as follows : -
Headquarters Twenty-fifth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Camp Oliver, New Berne, N. C., January 28th, 1863.
General Orders, Į No. 61.
Extracts from Special Orders No. 29, issued from Headquarters, Boston, Mass., Jannary 17th, 1863. "The following commis- sions have been issued by order of His Excellency John A. Andrew, Governor and Commander-in-Chief : Major Josiah Pickett of Worcester, to be Colonel, October 29th, 1862, vice Colonel Edwin Upton, resigned October 28th, 1862.
"Captain Orson Moulton of Worcester, Mass., to be Lieutenant-Colonel, November 5th, 1862, vice Lieutenant-Colonel A. B. R. Sprague, resigned November 14th, 1862, to accept the colonelcy of the Fifty-first Massachusetts Volunteers.
"Captain Cornelius G. Attwood of Boston, to be Major, October 29th, 1862, vice Pickett, promoted.
" First-Lieutenant James Tucker of Boston, to be Captain, October 29th, 1862, vice Attwood, promoted.
"First-Lieutenant Samuel Harrington, to be Captain, November 5th, 1862, vice Moulton, promoted.
" Second-Lieutenant John W. Davis of Worcester, to be First-Lieutenant, October 29th. 1862, vice Tucker, promoted.
" Second-Lieutenant Arthur P. Forbes of Worcester, to be First-Lientenant, November 5th, 1862, rice Harrington, promoted.
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TWENTY-FIFTH MASSACHUSETTS.
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"Second-Lieutenant John G. McCarter of Milford, to be First-Lieutenant, November 5th, 1862, rice Harkness, promoted to Major of the Fifty-first Massachusetts Volunteers.
" Sergeant-Major C. H. Pelton of Worcester, to be Second-Lieutenant, October 23th, 1862, rice Davis, promoted.
"Sergeant Thomas Saul, of Templeton, to be Second-Lieutenant, November 5th, 1862, rice Forbes, promoted.
" Sergeant James C. Woodworth of Worcester, to be Second-Lieutenant, November 5th, 1862, vice MeCarter, promoted."
In accordance with the above orders, the officers above mentioned are assigned to, and will immediately enter for duty in the following companies -
Captain James Tucker to the command of Company "C."
Captain Samuel Harrington to the command of Company "H."
First-Lieutenant John W. Davis to be First-Lieutenant of Company "C." First-Lientenant A. P. Forbes to be First-Lieutenant of Company "K."
First-Lieutenant John G. MeCarter to be First-Lieutenant of Company " B." Second-Lieutenant Charles II. Pelton to be Second-Lieutenant of Company " B."
Second-Lieutenant Thomas Saul to be Second-Lieutenant of Company " I." Second-Lieutenant James C. Woodworth to be Second-Lieutenant of Con- pany " H."
By order of Colonel JOSIAH PICKETT.
HENRY MOCONVILLE, Adjutant.
On the 4th of March [1868] the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts being at Camp Oliver, companies A and C, under Special Orders No. 82 joined the detachment occupying Camp Pickett, near the Joe Rhem house on the Trent road .*
*Headquarters Twenty-fifth Peghinent Massachusetts Volunteers. Camp Oliver, New Berne, N. C., March 3rd, 1863.
Special Orders, { No. 82. 1
In compliance with Brigade Orders No. 99, March 2nd, 1863, commanders of companies A aud C will proceed with their companies to camp near "Deep Gully," and report to Captain J. Waldo Denny, Twenty-fifth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, for duty on picket.
By order of
Colonel JOSIAH PICKETT. J. M. DRENNAN, Lieutenant and Acting Adjutant
LEONARD D. HADLEY.
NATHAN WHEELOCK.
Lient. JOHN C. McCARTEn.
Serg't CHAS. H. SPENCER.
FINNTY M WHEELOCK.
COMPANY B.
Howluna Printing Ca
CHAPTER IX.
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A STORY AND A NIGHT ATTACK-DEEP GULLY - ATTACK UPON NEW BERNE-GRAND REVIEW.
movement made by the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts with the detachment at Camp Pickett, in March, 1863, is of considerable interest as connected with circumstances which can only be told by a frequent repetition of the royal pronoun "we "-a word that may be used only by editors and those who wear crowns upon their heads and are clothed in purple. Some comrades who know the story and the secret of the night attack upon the enemy's camp on the Kinston road, have urged that it be told here, allowing that terrible little pronoun not to influence one iota of the tale we tell. Submissive to their judgment, we narrate, that early in February, 1863, Major Nethercott, whose personal appearance and character- istics have been painted upon some preceding page, for reasons best known to the Confederate authorities, was withdrawn with his battalion, from our front, and a battalion of the Forty- fifth North Carolina troops was substituted, with a camp some eight miles easterly of Kinston.
On the 27th of February, Lieutenant Knott, of whom we have before spoken, came to our lines in charge of a flag of truce, having in his company, Lieutenant Scales of the Forty-fifth North Carolina Regiment, and an unusually large escort. Circumstances rendered it necessary that they should remain all night, and, feeling a little insecure, Colonel Sprague,
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Fifty-first Massachusetts, then occupying temporarily a camp near the Deep Gully outpost, was requested by the writer to furnish a company for extra picket duty, and he directed Captain Baldwin's company to report for the service, which was cheerfully performed, enabling us to double our guards and strengthen weak points.
In the evening we made a social call upon the officers of the flag at Scott's house. During the evening, Scales informed us that Nethercott and his men had been withdrawn from our front, and in their stead the Forty-fifth North Carolina Regi- ment was on duty. He added, perhaps jocosely; that if our Yankees would favor them with a visit, we would find men to confront, us who would stand fire and not run away. [Nether- cott's Battalion invariably ran away, and this remark was uttered probably as a reminder that the Forty-fifth North Carolina was made of better material.] A little nettled by his challenge, we replied that it would be a novelty in North Carolina to find Confederate troops that would stand fire, and that if he had that kind, we would be glad to call and see him. Some other words followed, and then Knott diplomatically turned his associate in another direction of thought. We purposely remained very late, having a large escort, and finally left upon very good terms. Early the next morning the flag was dismissed.
The conversation with Scales was reported verbally to General Foster, and also to Colonel Pickett. We asked of Foster an opportunity to lead an attack upon the camp of the Forty-fifth North Carolina Regiment, and received his assurance that such an opportunity would be afforded, but suggested that we wait until a supporting force could be employed.
On the evening of March 4th, as good luck would have it, a very intelligent man, a deserter from the Forty-fifth North Carolina Regiment, came to the outpost and was conducted to our tent. We loved that man at sight. He had information, and we could squeeze him. The gods were really good in
WEARING THE BLUE. 169
sending that fellow, of all others, just the one we wanted to see. He told us all about the camp of the Forty-fifth North Carolina Regiment-a camp of four companies commanded by a Major, whose name is blank just now, because forgotten. Scales was there, commanding a company, and Knott was there commanding a company of cavalry. And then our new found friend made a map of the location of the camp and of the roads leading to it, and gave us very much valuable infor- mation, which came quite opportunely.
All these facts were reported to the commanding General, and he believed the propitious moment had come.
The next day, the following order came to Camp Pickett : ---
Headquarters Twenty-fifth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Camp Oliver, New Berne, March 5th, 1863.
Special Orders, Į No. 86.
Pursuant to Brigade Special Orders No. 56, March 5th, 1863, Captain J. Waldo Denny, commanding detachment Twenty-fifth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, will have the companies under his com- mand in readiness to march with four days' cooked rations, in light marching order, overcoats, woollen and rubber blankets and forty rounds of ammunition.
By order of Colonel JOSIAH PICKETT. JAMES M. DRENNAN, Lieutenant and Acting Adjutant.
On the 6th of March the detachment at Camp Pickett joined the regiment on its movement to the junction of the Trenton and Kinston roads. The official report made by Colonel Pickett to brigade headquarters, states what was done on the night of the 6th of March :
Headquarters Twenty-fifth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Camp Oliver, New Berne, N. C., March 12th, 1863. To Colonel H. C. LEE,
Commanding Second Brigade First Division
Eighteenth Army Corps.
Colonel :- I have the honor to report that in compliance with orders issued by you on the 5th instant, I proceeded with iny command on the 6th instaut to the forks of the Trenton and Kinston roads,
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TWENTY-FIFTH MASSACHUSETTS.
seventeen miles distant from this place. We reached our destination about four o'clock, p. M. I immediately secreted my force from the observation of the enemy, between Jumping Ran and Nethercotts ; my purpose being to make a demonstration on the enemy's outposts during the night. The expedition, consisting of three companies of infantry under Captain J. Waldo Denny, with Captain Jacobs' and Captain Chamberlain's companies of the Third New York Cavalry, left our bivouac at midnight, proceeding rapidly up the Kinston road, a distance of four miles. The cavalry leading the advance, encountered and were fired upon by the rebel pickets. They immediately made a most gallant charge of over a mile, the infantry following at double-quick. Reaching Jones' house, [the enemy's reserved picket force]. Captain Jacobs succeeded in captur- ing two of their scouts, and in doing so was fired upon from an ambush, seriously wounding a sergeant and private of his company. Ascertaining that their camp was alarmed, Captain Denny ordered the infantry in advance, and pushed on, receiving and returning their fire from various points. When within a short distance of their camp, the infantry were deployed as skir- mishers on each side of the road. The line moved up steadily, passing the barricade of trees, and, when within a few rods of the rebels intreuched behind earthworks, received a heavy volley of musketry ; this was returned, and after a sharp skirmish, the rebels were routed and pursued for some distance, but escaped into the woods. Pursuit being useless, and perhaps under the circum- stances imprudent, Captain Denny ordered his men to return, burned their camp, destroying twelve tents, several log barracks, a large number of new knapsacks, arms, equipments, blankets, several boxes of new clothing and in fact everything left by the rebels in their hasty departure. Owing to their superior speed, only five prisoners were taken, whom I forwarded under guard to Headquarters. The force reported back to our bivonac, with no loss and only two wounded, at six o'clock, A. M., having marched a distance of sixteen miles, and to within eight miles of Kinston. From muster-rolls found in the enemy's camp, their force was estimated at one hundred and ninety [10] effective men. Ours numbered one hundred and thirty [130] infantry [which was the only force engaged after leaving Jones' house] and eighty [80] cavalry.
I desire to acknowledge the gallantry, bravery and endurance of both officers and men engaged in the affair. Considering their fatiguing march the previous day, to march eight miles after midnight, whip the rebels handsomely and return by daybreak, very much credit is due them. Captain Denny is entitled to great praise for the ability with which he conducted the expedition. The Third New York Cavalry sustained their brilliant reputation. During our stay at Nethereott's, sconting parties were sent out occasionally to observe the movements of the enemy. On the morning of the 8th, Captain O'Neill dis- covered the enemy in Trenton, and exchanged shots across the river. Captain Harrington, from a reconnoissance on the Kinston road, returned with the intelligence that a large body of rebel cavalry had approached to within a mille of our pickets during the night.
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Trialy Ajours tc 1. Hablo lenne
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Helwtype Printing Co. Boston.
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WEARING THE BLUE.
Receiving orders from you at ten o'clock, A. M., on the 8th, to fall back to a more defensible position, I retired to the forks of the Trenton and Pollocks- ville roads, remaining there until the 10th, at two o'clock, P. M., when, by your orders I returned to New Berne, leaving the four companies under Captain Denny in their former position near Deep Gully.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
JOSIAH PICKETT, Colonel Twenty-fifth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers.
We will here state that a part of our plan was to surprise the enemy in their camp -- this failed when the outposts were not reached before opportunity was given to fire. Knowing that the enemy was flanked by swamps through which he could not escape, and that the rear was the only way of egress left -- that a good road opened directly to their rear, upon the left of which road their intrenched camp was located, our next plan was to cause a charge of cavalry down the road, sweeping beyond the camp, securing the rear, while the infantry sup- ported, by an attack in front. To this plan Captain Jacobs objected upon the plea that he might lose some of his men, which was very likely, and so, not wishing to assume responsi- bility of peremptorily ordering officers of another regiment and another branch of the service very nearly our equals in rank, to perform a duty not agrecable, we lost the chance of capturing nearly or quite all of the enemy's force. It is only right to say, that Captain Chamberlain did not object to the movement suggested. The infantry was then ordered to the -front, advancing as skirmishers, Lieutenant Daly commanding the right with flankers of Company G, and Sergeant Samuel H. Putnam commanding the left flankers from Company A, that company commanded by Lieutenant Bessy, and Company K, commanded by Lieutenant Forbes, having the centre. Re- ceiving the enemy's fire as we came near their line, a charge was ordered, and in a moment of time, the three companies, gallantly led by their officers, were within the enemy's camp. The Forty-fifth North Carolina troops ran away, proving that as runners to the rear, they were quite equal to the famed
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TWENTY-FIFTH MASSACHUSETTS.
running battalion of Major Nethercott. Some of the command brought us the pay-roll of Scales' Company, which had the receipts of the men, but upon which payment had not been made. This pay-roll was sent afterwards to the Antiquarian Society at Worcester as an interesting war relic. About the pay-roll, more anon.
The fire of the enemy as the detachment moved up to the breastworks in gallant style, did no mischief whatever. One man of Company G, Private Carl Kailer, received a bullet and three buckshots through his dipper, haversack and coat. Had it been daylight, when our men could be seen and deliberately aimed at, numbers of them must have fallen by that fire. Sergeant Putnam of Company A, was the first to report himself inside the camp and to give information that the the enemy had fled. Lieutenant Forbes with Company K, was ordered in pursuit, but was soon recalled. After the camp of the enemy was disposed of as stated in Colonel Pickett's report, a hasty march was made to the bivouac of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, the danger being imminent that a force of the enemy's cavalry only a few miles in our rear, might overtake us upon the return march.
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This movement upon the Kinston road was supported by diversions at several points. On the 7th of March, the Fifty- first Massachusetts, Colonel Sprague, with a section of Lee's Battery and Captain Moschell's Company of the Third Now York Cavalry made a movement in the direction of Swans- boro', from Newport barracks. At the same thne, the Third Massachusetts, Colonel Richmond, and a portion of the Third New York Cavalry under Lieutenant-Colonel Lowis, made a raid into Jones and Onslow counties.
As stated in the report of Colonel Pickett, the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts retired to the junction of the Trenton and Pollocksville roads, and while there [ March 9th] the Colonel was notified that a flag of truce was at the outpost, and the writer was invited to accompany the commanding officer
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thither. There we found our old friend Knott, who had, previous to our arrival, in an illegitimate manner, learned who had commanded the night attack upon the camp of the Forty-fifth North Carolina Regiment. He said he was requested by Scales to make his compliments to us, and to say that it would be a great convenience to him if he had his company pay-rolls, and as they could be of no use to us, he would esteem it a favor if they were returned. In reply, we requested Lieutenant Knott to convey our compli- ments to Lieutenant Scales, and to say to him that his pay-rolls would be at our camp on the outposts, where he could get them if he was able. After transacting the business, which of course did not relate to the pay-rolls, Colonel Pickett dismissed the flag, and that is the last we ever saw of Lieutenant Knott, but afterwards, at Plymouth, we met some of the men who then formed his escort, who were in our hands as prisoners of war, and who reported Knott to be near Plymouth. This was on the 9th of March, and four days thereafter [March 13th] the enemy tried to get possession of the pay-rolls and punish the Yankees for their audacity.
At half-past two o'clock, P. M., of that day, the enemy sud- denly appeared in front of our outposts at Deep Gully. The " Gully," as it was called, was a chasm running from the Trent river on the north for a distance of several miles to the south, with a narrow but deep stream of water, bridged at the cross- ing. of the Trent road and having a ford about half a mile south of the bridge. Anticipating for some time the proba- bility of an attack, a substantial earthwork had been thrown up near the bridge by which the position could be protected.
A pioneer corps, under charge of Sergeant Win. J. Bond of Company K, had cut a large number of trees on both sides the road, so that one or two cuts more would cause them to fall. Near to Camp Pickett, a barricade of trees had been made so that neither cavalry or artillery could advance upon our camp except after removing the obstacles, which would prove a difficult work.
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Informed of the attack upon the outpost and that the vidette and advanced pickets were driven in, Captain Chamberlain with his company of cavalry was directed to basten up, cross the bridge and feel of the enemy so far as to learn their strength, but not to endanger his command. Company K, Lieutenant Forbes, moved up double-quick, and the other companies, A, C and G, followed as speedily as possible. Upon reaching the bridge, we crossed over and directed Forbes to deploy his company as skirmishers and be ready to cover the cavalry if they fell back in retreat. The cavalry was lightly engaged above the Scott house, but soon com- menced a retreat, when we joined them, and was informed by Chamberlain that the enemy was in force above the Scott house, with cavalry and artillery. The cavalry recrossed the bridge with one man mortally wounded, and Lieutenant Forbes having also recrossed, the pioneers cut away the bridge and very soon had the road filled with fallen trees.
Company K under Forbes took position in the intrench- ments, and Company A under Lieutenant Bessy, C under Lieutenant Davis, and G under Captain Wagely, took positions iu rear of the rifle pits and earthworks. Sergeant Stone of Company K. was sent over the gully with six men to recon- noitre the enemy and watch his movements. Very soon the enemy was seen approaching with a skirmish line, and Ser- geant Stone returned with his scouts and joined the force in the intrenchments.
Some of the officers and soldiers of the detachment, had employed their leisure time in making and mounting upon wheels a remarkably good imitation of a twelve-pounder Parrot, and this "Quaker-gun " pointed threateningly through an embrasure. The enemy saw this engine of death and were cautious.
Sergeant Charles C. Murdock with a squad of men were sent to the ford to watch the locality and give notice of any appearance of a flank movement. The enemy finally placed
JOHN HOWARD.
JEROME M. STONE.
Serg't F. W. PERRY.
Corp'l Jons G. LEACH.
CHARLES ALLEN.
COMPANY C.
Helixtuna Printing Co., Boston.
WEARING THE BLUE. 175
four guns in position near the Scott house, and directly opened upon us, firing rapidly, throwing shell and grape shot. The enemy got to work about four o'clock, P. M. In the meantime, couriers had been dispatched to New Berne, a distance of nine miles, with information of the situa- tion. Soon after four o'clock, P. M., Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis of the Third New York Cavalry arrived, and relieved us of the responsibility of command. He had brought four com- panies of cavalry with him, which he left with Captain Chamberlain's Company at the opening near the Grape Vine house, half a mile in the rear. He also brought up one field piece. The infantry was well secured from the flying missiles and so escaped wonderfully, though often cov- ered with dirt before their time.
Lewis at length suggested that it was getting decidedly hot-the enemy was drawing nearer, and by his direction we ordered a movement rearward. The command retired deliberately though they seemed to have such a love for the old familiar trees that they embraced them warmly as they retired. We reached an opening, perhaps six hundred yards to the rear, and there made a stand, two companies of infantry on each side of the road, the field piece occupying the centre, in the road. It was not long before the enemy came over the gully earthworks with such terrific yells as were often heard during the war. They occupied the position we had left, where they formed, and continued the attack, receiving the compliments of the field piece and the line of infantry in return. Sergeant Murdock came up from the " ford " at this time, giving information that the enemy was crossing there and would soon flank our right. We then ordered a retreat, direct- ing each company commander to move back slowly and in good order. As the movement commenced, the enemy advanced, cheering and yelling-but they remained at a respectful dis- tanec. The company commanders, subalterns and men, were as cool and undaunted as if no danger threatened. We have
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