USA > Maine > History of the Fifth regiment Maine volunteers, comprising brief descriptions of its marches, engagements, and general services from the date of its muster in, June 24, 1861, to the time of its muster out, July 27, 1864 > Part 1
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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00822 4245
m
HISTORY
OF THE
50% FIFTH REGIMENT MAINE VOLUNTEERS,
COMPRISING
! HET INSCRIPTIONS OF ITS MARCHES, ENGAGEMENTS, AND GENERAL SERVICES FROM THE DATE OF ITS MISTER IN, JUNE 24, 1901, TO THE TIME OF ITS MESTER OUT, JULY 2;, 1994.
RF RESV. GEO. W. BICKNELL, TATE FIRST LIE TENANT AND ADJUTANT.
PORTLAND:
PUBLISHED BY HALL L. DAVIS. 1871.
1
1
:
Fri 8349 .344
Bicknell, Rec. George W.
History of the Fifth regiment Maine volunteers, com- prising brief descriptions of its marches, engagements, and general services from the date of its muster in. June 24. 1861, to the time of its muster out, July 27. 1864. By Rev. Geo. W. Bicknell ... Portland, H. L. Davis, 18;1. xii, [13]-dit p. front. (port. ) pl. I'm".
1755800
CALLE CARD Subject entries: 1. Maine infantry, 5th reg't, 1861-ING. 2. U. S .- H.M .- Civil war-Regimental historie-Me. int .- 3th. 2-13110
28335
Library of Congress, 110 E511.5.5th.
1
John R. Ademo
CHAPLAIN 5TH MAINE REGI
1
B. THURSTON & CO., PRINTERS, PORTLAND, ME.
TO
Those Hobic Men,
WHO SO FEARLESSLY TOOK THEIR LIVES IN THEIR HANDS. AND WENT FORTH TO THE PROTECTION OF THEIR COUNTRY AND NATION, - TO THE DEFENSE AND HONOR OF THEIR FLAG;
AND ESPECIALLY TO THE MEMORY OF THOSE WHOSE LIVES WERE OFFERED UPON THEIR COUNTRY'S ALTAR, TRUE MEN, -HEROIC COMRADES,-
LRIGHT STARS, WHICH GLISTEN IN THE NATIONAL FIRMAMENT OF HONOR, THIS WORK IS Host Affectionately Inscribed.
PREFACE.
THE Author of the following work makes no apologyfr presenting to the members of the late Fifth Regiment Mitte Volunteers, this narrative of their gallant services during the late eivil contest. It was undertaken at the solicitation if many members of the regiment, and assumes the best form which it was possible to give it from the material and dati st my command. Much of it has been written whiny A.s memory, although every effort has been made to present 3 correct and impartial record.
The work has been written under rather unfavorable cir- cunstances. Amid the cares and labors of a large charse, and at times compelled to suspend work from the effects of z wound received in the service, these pages have been some- what hastily prepared.
This is not a history of individual acts .. A dozen volt.es would not contain such a history. It was expressly undss- stood between the committee of publication and myself. wiz I commeneed this work. that it should be general in its cha :- acter. To write out every little incident would involve m :: a time and labor than I could possibly bestow. This volte is a general review of the services of the regiment .- notof afs- men. The design has been to avoid all eulogies or even ste- cial references to either living officers or men. To praise cze and omit others, would be deemed injustice. It is much bet- ter to avoid indicating the deeds of individual men so for ss possible; for where all did so well-where all were pati --- who could justly discriminate? I know it is cush zes :) designate the officers; but I see no reason why a man. vi happened to be an officer. is entitled to special praise. or why his name should be heralded in print any more than the -
vi
PREFACE.
sacrificing private who bore the brunt of the service on st pay, and whose deeds, as noble as the officer above him. are usually passed over in silence. It has been my study to deal more with faets, than to indulge in any extravagant latin- tions.
This volume makes no pretensions to elaborate historical style; but the design is to gather together and preserve the principal points of interest in the service of the regiment. These points may be aids to the memory, and refresh the mind when the participant in those fearful struggles, desires to recall them to his recollection. Asking and receiving : . compensation for the labor which has been necessary to per- duce this volume, it is hoped that criticism from the members of the regiment will be charitable and lenient.
It is but just to say, that to Lieutenant Frank G. Patter -. 2 of Portland, belongs the credit of originating the ides . 2 writing a history of the regiment. He had secured the pres :- ise of Chaplain Adams to engage in the labor : but death -nek down the good and noble man before he had opportunity enter upon it. To Lieutenant Patterson's persisteney : : : encouragement, much is due in prodneing this history. Fo him am I indebted for valuable aid and material.
To General C. S. Edwards of Bethel. Lieutenant-e for: II. R. Millett of Gorham, and to Captain Edward M. Ro- son of Anson, the author desires to tender his most sinec. e thanks for valuable data and kind assistance.
Should the present volume meet with the approbation 32 the members of the noble old Fifth, it will be a source of ST. ification to the author, while he can rejoice that even tiles brief history of its services has been compiled, which is. a: best, a faint outline of a description of fearful struga .... noble services. and heroic endurance.
GEO. W. BICKNELL.
Portsmouth, N. II., Noc. 19, 1820.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
People enthusiastic to defend the flag. Fifth Regiment Maine Volunteers enters the field. Organization, preparation, and departure for the front. Banner presented the regiment in New York. March through Baltimore. Arrivalat Wa-hington. Meridian Hill. Alexandria. Mailreceived. . 13
CHAPTER II.
Changes of camp. The first sconting expedition. March toward Center- ville. The single log bridge. Accident. from fire-arms, Bivouac at Cen- terville. Raid on cattle. Orders toadvance with three days' ration. . 20
CHAPTER III.
Preparations for advance. Delay. Double-quick to Ball Run. Under fire. At work. Retreat. Irregularities. All night march. Contra-t in the fe dling- of the boys in going to and returning from Bull Run. Result of the effort. A defeat. Arrival at Alexandria. Colonel Dumell at Bull Ran. 27
CHAPTER IV.
Short tarry in Alox vidria. Camp at Ba-h Hill. Long roll. Another move and a return. Short rations. Trouble in camp. More changes. Rain in c.vnp. Personal reminiscence. . 39
CHAPTER V.
Church of Washington in Alexandria. Resignations in the command. Colonel Dannell leave, the regiment. Ramor that Jeff. Davis was dead. A private's grarl dinner. . 1:
.
viii
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VI.
Colonel Jackson arrives and takes command of regiment. High :- ling among officer; and men. Indignation meeting. Spreek- by E-N. Dress parade in honor (?) of new officers. Insubordination. An -2-ctual quietus put on the men. Order restored. . 52
CHAPTER VII.
Receive our first pay as soldiers. Peddlers, etc., in camp. Ine ?? Ets. CLanze" of camp. Work on Fort Lyon. Routine of duty arduon. Alvar-199 taken of certain restricting orders. An amusing picket incident. .
CHAPTER VIII.
Camp Franklin. Preparations for winter-quarters. Picket !.... R. min- tic bead-quarters. Correct view of Southern Unioni-ts. Fast tour. Mode of punishing transgressors of the law. Mu-les! cerestais at divine service. Novel method to secure a good congreg . a. I . of character. Thoughts upon influence of army life. The soft-r. . 63
CHAPTER IX.
Orders to move. Advance toward rebeldom. News of flight de 2-35. Return to Camp Franklin. Long delay in camp. Again Pa de ~ te. Ride to Mann-as. Advance to Catlett's. Severe storm. T camp. Orders to return to Alexandria. Buoyant spirits of 2+ + + 35 rumor speaks of a ride to Alexandria. Di-appointment. Hart End of second advance toward rebels and glory.
CHAPTER X.
Another movement commenced. Embark on the steamer Jogo RY . .. Sail down the Potomac river. Arrival and sojourn at Prvi Fa -. Excursion to Fortress Monroe. Disembark at the Flats. Ex ~~~ ~ 3. gagement. Disappointment. Reembark. Sail up York river T = ~ at Yorktown. Arrival at West Point. Preparation for a of West Point. An incident.
CHAPTER XI.
On the march. At last a Mechanicsville. Take possessi - Rielninoml in view. in camp. Au fucident! Cro- Chica ... : - gagement of June 28th. The battle of Gaines' Hill, Li. A .-... Heath killed. Gallant act of two companies. Fale repair- . ..
ix
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XII.
Preparations for another movement. Precions mementos. Advance toward the front. Curious movements of companies. Under fire and retreat. Acting as rear guard. On the move toward the James river. Cross the Chickahominy. On picket. General MeClellan visits the camp. Battle of Charles City Cross Roads. Gallant and terrible charge of the enemy. Heroic repulse. . 105
CHAPTER XIII.
Surrounded by enemy's lines. Our escape. Flag of trace to an escaped command. Malvern Hill. Arrival at Harri-on's Landing. 114
CHAPTER XIV.
Hot weather. Bad food. Band leaves for home. Wood-chopping incident. Another illustration of the sincerity of Southern love for the soldier. Regimental commander returns to camp. Wooden guas. Again on the move. Back to Alexandria. Advance toward second Bull Run. Re- sponsible position of regiment. Return to Camp Franklin. . . . 118
CHAPTER XV.
Break camp and move toward Washington. March through the city. Sun- day on Georgetown Heights. March into Maryland. Battle of Crampton Pass. Ludicrous retreat of a recruit. Patriotic and cheerful forlings among the troops. 131
CHAPTER XVI.
Oa the march again. A few thoughts not legitimately historical. The Fifth in the battle of Antietam. Severe highting. A Union sharp-hooter. The battle-field. Maryland campaign end .. 143
CHAPTER XVII.
Bal condition of the regiment. Rost and -hoes "reorganize" it. On the march again. Incident at young ladies' boarding school. Capture of an ar bery officer from the holes. Arrival at Now Baltimore. General Met !- Ban's removal. Fore al marching. Arrival at Acquia Crvek. Forced halt. Changes in field and staff. White Oak Charch. Storm and snow. Arrival at Bolle Plain. Camp giard of cife ir4. 152
x
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XVIII.
On the road toward Fredericsburg. The Fifth in battle of Freierics- burg. . 187
CHAPTER XIX.
Formation of houses for winter. Work of the chaplain. Revival in ricip. Colonel Seamman resigns. His farewell address. Lestera: i- benel Edwards assumes command. Preparatory movements for an du-ince. On the move. Storm. Mud march. Stack in the med. F .. tack, Once more back to White Oak Church. .
CHAPTER XX.
Snow-storm and muddy season. Army visited by a gentleman from Maize. General Hooker assumes command of army. His grand ---. it- martial. Curious facts elicited. Reorganization of various deperzsarots of army. . 135
CHAPTER XXI.
Ordered on picket. Orders to the advance. Battle of second Fter .Az. Crossing the Rappahannock. On pieket. Drying blank-ts and : - ving np brea-t-works. Charge of the heights. Glorious queers. Fesof Salem Church, Terrible position of the Fifth. Falling back. T.+ 54th the last to cross at Bank's Ford. List of killed and worst.d. C .- + of the campaign.
CHAPTER XXII.
Iu camp at White Oak Church. Departure of the Sixteen: azt Tv seventh New York Regiments, Third movement at Fred-si
ment northward. Hard marching. Night march to Fuifix n. Pleasant incident - on subsequent marches. Fored mare. : Position and action at Getty-burg. Gablivit reconnvisa up the enemy. Hard march up a mountain. Fient at Fas v 1nt Williamsport. In camp at Now Baltimore. Deverter shot. Fa Con General Bartlett's head quarters. Move to Culpepper.
xi
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXIII.
On picket at Rapidan. More movements backward and forward. Advance toward Rappahannock Station. Enemy found. Position at the Station. Advance of Fifth Maine and One Hundred and Twenty-first New York. Glorious charge upon the enemy's works. Gallant action along the enemy's pits. Grand victory. A few stirring results of the victory. Order from regimental head-quarters regarding the battle. Rebel flags captured. Advance movement. Rost at Hazel river. 258
CHAPTER XXIV.
Orders to move. On the march. Fatigue duty. Cross the Rapidan. Under fire. In the Wilderness. Preparations for a charge. Enemy's position. Ileroic appearance of the inen. Enemy's strength too much. Troops fall back. Arrangements for camping. 250
CHAPTER XXV.
"'amp at Wellford's Ford. Hazel river. Its streets, tents, houses, guard and opera houses, chapel, etc .. etc. Captain Walker's bridge. Leaves of ab- vence and furloughs. Ladies in camp. Capture of Lieutenant John H. Stevensand men. Reenlistments. Amusements in camp. Reconnoisance from camp. A hard march back to camp. 290
CHAPTER XXVI.
tieneral Grant in command. Advance movements. Cross the Rapidan. In action in the Wilderness. Terrible fighting. General Sedgwick killed. Brief biographical sketch. The fearful charge of the tenth of May. l'artial list of casualties. . 301
CHAPTER XXVII.
ostinued movements. Position near the " angle." A deception-a charge- R. terrible consequences. Trees cut off by bullets. Mortars brought to Ix ar on the rebel position. Amusing incident of musical bravery, Cross river Ny. Retreat. . . 31;
xii
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Move to North Anna river. A little incident. Continue : more == 2:3. Heavy fight at Coal Harbor. Severe exposure of a soldar Ins ic: cf a single bullet. More movements. Term of service extras. eteri! Upton's letter. Departure from the front. On the move Lime. Zesp. tion in Portland. Regiment offer their services for ninety Cars to A.dead the capital. Muster out. The clo.e.
BRIEF ACCOUNT of the services of the reenlisted men and rerahts If :se Fifth Maine Regiment, who were transferred to the First Maine V-trin Infantry.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 343
Colonel Edward A. Scamman.
Lieutenant-colonel W. S. Heath.
Chaplain Adams. .
Captain Daniel C. Clark.
Captain Frank L. Lemont. 1
Captain Joseph C. Paradis.
Captain John Goldthwait.
First Lieutenant Ambrose S. Dyer.
Fir-t Lieutenant Andrew S. Lyon. :
First Lieutenant Orrin B. Stevens. First Lieutenant P. Jordan Mitchell.
Second Lieutenant William _1. Tubbs.
Second Lieutenant Smith G. Bailey. Second Lieutenant Cyrus W. Brann. Second Lieutenant John S. French.
APPENDIX. Containing a list of officers and privates of the FZ .2: Maine Iufantry.
HISTORY
OF THE
FIFTH REGIMENT MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
CHAPTER I.
People enthusiastic to defend the flag. Fifth Regiment Maine Volunteers enter the field. Organization. Preparation and departure for the front. Banner presented the regiment in New York, March through Baltimore. Arrival at Washington; Meridian Hill; Alexandria. Mail received.
THE enthusiasm and the patriotism of the people in the Northern States of this Republic, upon the breaking out of the most atrocious and gigantic rebel- lion ever known to any people, to rush to the support of the national standard, and to protect the honor and integrity of the nation, will live in all history. While none had any true conception of the magnitude of the labor to be accomplished, and could not, by any human agency, foresee the trials, dangers, and privations to be "wrountered, yet, with one common impulse, the great mass of the people were ready and willing to rise in
2
14
HISTORY FIFTH REGIMENT
their might, and crush out, at a blow, if possible. the hydra-headed monster of treason ; and if the first effort was unsuccessful, they stood pledged to make many. Indeed, in many communities, men struggled with each other in the laudable desire to be first to the front, to offer their services, and, if need be, their lives upon the altar of their country. The same spirit of desire and determination manifested itself alike in the palaces of the opulent, the humble cot of the mechanic, in the study of the clergyman, in the busy changing scenes of business, and upon the quiet thresh- old of the hardy husbanchinan. From the moment of the firing of the first gun upon Fort Sumter, energy. youth, and maturity seemed consecrated to the work of repelling the rebellious intruder, and of wiping ont the stain upon the national flag. Companies, batt :- ions, regiments seemed to leap into being in a mon ...... ready for action. Maine, never backward in meeting all demands made upon her for the nation's welfare, in response to the President's call, promptly forwardlel to the front hundreds of her noblest and best men. The First Maine Regiment was among the first from any State upon the ground; and as soon as the re- quirements of the service demanded it, others were speedily despatched, though enlisted for a longer term of service than the First. The Second, Third, and Fourth, had hardly left the State, before the organiz :- tion of the Fifth Regiment was effected, with riz.s. full and strong. To follow in a narrative, historie ..! style the fortunes and the services of this last-name l
15
MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
regiment,-the Fifth Maine Infantry Volunteers, a regiment which achieved noble labors, and came for L from its three years' service covered with honor, of which no one has any reason to feel ashamed, but of which every soldier and every officer may well feel proud,-is the design and object of the present work.
From the fact that the Fifth Regiment was mus tered into the service, and occupied, under the sanction of Maine, as well as the general government, a position in the army, is evidence sufficient that the regiment was there by authority; and hence we may pass over the long "official orders," and other minor pieces of "red tape" by which its existence was effected.2 fice it to say, that upon the twenty-fourth day of June. 1$61. the official organization of the regiment was et- freted, with Mark II. Dunnell, of Portland, ecloud]; Elwin J. Ilsley, of Lewiston, lieutenant-colonel: an Samuel C. Hamilton, of Biddeford, major. The roster of the entire original organization, as well as other statistics of interest, may be found in the appendix to this work.
We will here give simply the roster of companies :
Company, A, Gorham Company,
.. B, Biddeford Company,
C, Saco Company,
D, Brunswick Company, E, Lewiston Company,
..
F, Portland Company, G, ..
11,
66
I. Bethel Conmany,
K, Minot Company,
Capt. Josiah Heald.
66 Lewis B. Goodwin.
Isaac B. Noyes.
Edw. W. Thompson.
Emery W. Sawyer.
Geo. P. Sherwen !.
Henry G. Then. ...
Edw. A. SPatur ...
66 Clark S. Edwaris.
Win. A. Tobie.
16
HISTORY FIFTH REGIMENT
With all of the preliminary details of regi: antal experience, election of officers, drilling -quads. offi- cers as well as privates learning their duty, distribu- tion of uniforms, equipments, and other essentills. al- most every one is more or less familiar ; for it is i leed difficult to find a family which was not representel in some regiment, citlier by some member thereof, .: some near and cherished friend. The rendezvous & : the regiment was at Portland, the camp being locate I near the city, and known in those days as - Camp P: le." Here the regiment was located for several weeks. per- feeting its preparations for the campaign. or. a- zany believed, for its "little excursion down to Dixie."
Many interesting incidents might be ratel which occurred during the encampment of the regisest in this place, showing the mighty responsi ities which officers, from the field down to non-commissionet. felt rested upon them; the severe discipline of car : the consequent running guard; the means of deser tion employed; and especially the tremors of the -all- vaneed picket " lines on Portland bridge que ni_it and the sleeping of the whole command on the's arms, duly loaded and capped, when it was rumore ItL .: . me of the men were going to town en masse : eiti -: Sor a temporary or permanent season; and how alt Lands (the command, I should say) fell in, when a mittight shot was fired by the - sleepless sentinel " at .. .. run- away brave, or at some immovable post. S. - ase watching had deluded said sentinel to i fer. : animated and moving away without the daily water-
17
MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
signed " pass." But we must pass over all these. Let the participant in those exciting seasons go back upon the wings of retrospection, and my word for it, he will laugh, whether it is the private who was ordered, or the officer who bravely ordered.
On the twenty-fourth day of June, 1861, the regi- ment was duly mustered into the United States ser- vice by Captain Thomas Hight, of the United States dragoons, assisted by two regimental officers. This was an interesting step to the "boys," one which they were glad to make, inasmuch as there was so much more dignity in being a United States soldier, instead of a mere State militia volunteer. In the kindness of its giant heart, and in consideration of the immense sacrifice which its sons were so willing to make, leav- ing all behind, and taking their very lives in their hands to go forth and fight, the State made a donation (some called it "bounty," but the word is a misno- mor) of twenty-two dollars cash to each soldier, which was duly paid immediately after muster. The same day, orders were received for the regiment to prepare to move for the front the next morning.
The reality now began to exhibit itself. Of course, during the succeeding night all' was excitement. Every one was busy making preparations for the de- parture. Recruits who had not yet learned to fold their blankets properly, must now learn at once. Ofli- vers, all of whom seemed to have permits, rode or walked hastily over to the town to see their friends "hve more. "Forty rounds of ammunition " were duly
18
HISTORY FIFTHI REGIMENT
distributed, that it might increase the barley : be carried, I suppose, and give the soldiers an asssince of security. At daybreak, on the morning of the ven- ty-fifth, the camps were struck, baggage secure1 and loaded. At once the regiment proceeded to the Spot, and at eight o'clock were on their way to the font. At four o'clock, r. or., arrived in Boston. where they received refreshments, and at once proceedel : New York, via Fall River, arriving June 26th, at two . 'Rock, P. M. During their parade through the city, the regi- ment was halted, and after a neat speech by some friend, a beautiful silk banner was presented to them from the sons of Maine, amid many cheers and much enthusiasm. The response of Colonel Dunnez was truly fine. Partaking of a well-providel surret. the regiment proceeded by steamer and rail to P.E.vlel- phia, arriving carly the following morning. wire a generous breakfast awaited them. Long will :.: sol- dier remember the generous ladies of the Quake: City for their kind and noble hospitality to the Uui.t. sol- dier. Upon arriving at Baltimore, the regimes: was placed in column, and, in view of the rum.s. f in- tended attacks upon the soldiery, it was deenet pru- dent that every precaution should be taken ag ist all danger. Muskets were loaded and capped. ant mil mighty crowds, the command moved through -_- city. No disturbance took place, however, though. it was easy to perceive the burning desire of the . ...... och to "exterminate the intruding mid-siff." T .: - ane evening the command reached Washington, at : was
19
MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
July quartered in two large halls, and upon the neigh- boring side-walk. The following day the regiment moved out to Meridian Hill, about two miles from Washington, and pitched their tents. Here they spent nearly two weeks, occupying the time in drill and other camp duties. Here the regiment passed their first Fourth of July in the service,-a day devoted to grumbling, if nothing more. From the city the sound of bells and revelry could be heard, in which not a soldier was allowed to participate. No man was per- mitted outside the guard-lines. The order may have been wise, but it was awful confining.
At half-past one o'clock in the morning of July ninth, the regiment received orders to move at once; and by sunrise were on their journey toward Alexandria. The day was fearfully hot, and the thick, warm uniforms of' the soldiers caused considerable suffering. Arriving in Alexandria about noon, the regiment proceeded out about three miles, and went into camp. To-day, for almost the first time, a mail from home reached the command. What joy it generated ! How eagerly the boys grasped those dear missives which would carry cheer to their hearts; and, may be, from the bright and glowing pictures of home and loved ones which the fancy loves to paint when the mind is reposing in dream-land!
20
HISTORY FIFTHI REGIMENT
CHAPTER II.
Changes of Camp. The first Sconting Expedition. Mar.L to- ward Centreville. The Single Log Bridge. Aciblent- from Fire-armns. Bivouac at Centreville. Raid on Cattle. @sters to Advance with three days' rations.
Ox the morning of the twelfth we, to write __ ore familiarly, again broke camp and moved a few zles toward the front.
The air was full of rumors of the nearness of the enemy; of immediate engagements; in fine, of All those stories which serve to keep the mind es gal. and the spirits raised to the highest point. The 24- lowing day, companies "G" and " II" go out as a scouting expedition, reconnoitering the county fr four or five miles around, desperately determined to hurt somebody, if somebody was met. So inuet - riousness and gravity was attached to those n.ve- ments,-so much caution and thought requiredtofive them successful in those days,-movements witch were as boys' play in subsequent times, that one et- not resist the temptation to note them, highit at though they may be; for they cannot be witles in- terest to those for whom this book is intended. I. r- ing this scout, in which tele grams were duly .. .. of its arrival at a certain railroad station, and of Le
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