USA > Maine > Eastern Maine and the rebellion: being an account of the principal local events in eastern Maine during the war.. > Part 4
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now! The Second was going, yes, had already started for the front. Would they go into battle? Would they ever return, and when ? Who among that gallant body of men were fated to die on Southern soil, and who would return and how? These were the questions asked by every thoughtful one. No wonder the people of Bangor were excited, yet little did they dream of the scenes of death and carnage through which their friends were to pass.
The house of Mrs. Jas. Crosby was handsomely decorated with flags that morning, and from its steps Miss MeRuer made the regiment a present of a handsome American flag, after being intro- duced by Mayor Isaiah Stetson. Col. Jameson responded as he accepted it. and was followed by Vice-President Hamlin, who addressed the troops in a most earnest, eloquent aud touching tribute to the patriotism of the people, "who have, with so wohl- derful a promptness and unanimity, sprung to the defence of the country in this hour of its greatest peril." He eloquently vindicated the cause of the country, and fired. the hearts of the troops and of the immense throng of people with words of cheer and encouragement. and by referring the men with fervid tones to the righteousness of their cause, and to the truth that a man can peril his life in none more holy, or lay it down- if it should so happen to any-in a manner more worthy of his God-given humanity. He praised the devotion of the adopted citizens, whose loyalty is exceeded by none, and who rush into the ranks of the defenders of the best of governments. He believed that in such a cause, sustained by such noble men. there is no such word as fail. They would go with the best wishes and prayers of their friends, and they would return to them in due time with victory perched on their banner, and the integrity of the Government maintained and strengthened. "It
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matters little when one throws off this mortal coil-but how and where it is important-and at no time and in no place can man better die, than when and where he dies for his country and his race."
After cheering the Vice-President, Miss MeRuer, Mayor Stet- son, the ladies who gave the flag and others, the regiment march- ed to the station, where they were greeted with a salute by the Brewer Artillery. The rain was falling now, but the crowd was immense. The regiment was formed into line and fifteen minutes allowed for leave-taking. The scene cannot be described. Not all the drops that fell to the ground that morning came from the cold sky above. Hot, sealding tears rolled down the cheeks of old and young alike, and the scene moved thousands to tears who had come as spectators only. It was the first hard lesson which war teaches, and many a light hearted lad grew sad as he thought of the possibilities of the future. At 10.30 the men were ordered into the sixteen cars in waiting, and at a quarter before eleven. three locomotives drew them away amid the booming of cannon, the shrieking of whistles and the cheers of the multitude. With the prayers and blessings of the people, with cheers of encouragement, and tears of regretful partings, the gallant Second thus went forth to win success, as well as glory and honor, in their country's cause.
Although sorrow and sadness reigned at home after the depart- ure of the regiment, the same cannot be said to have existed among the men on the train. Laughter and song. stories of past deeds and boasts of what would be done in the near future. mingled with cheers as the various stations were passed. engaged the attention of all until the Kennebec river was reached. The night previous the bridge owned by the railroad at Kendall's Mills had been burned, and the troops disembarked and marched over the County
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bridge, taking another train upon the westerly side, and continued .the journey to Augusta. Here they formed into line and marched to the State House, where they were addressed by Gov. Wash- burn, after which all partook of a hearty meal and then continued on to Portland, where they arrived shortly after midnight. Wed- nesday morning they took the train for Boston, having, as an escort, while in Portland, a portion of the First Regiment, detailed for that duty. They marched at once to the depot of the Fall River Line, and late that night boarded the steamer State of Maine, arriving in New York at three o'clock the next afternoon.
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Some four hundred citizens of New York, natives of Maine, were on hand to receive the regiment, and, under the chairman- ship of R. P. Buck, Esq., attended to their wants, accompanying them on their march up town. This march, according to the "Commercial Advertiser," excited the admiration of the New Yorkers, many of whom declared the Second to be the finest body of men seen there. Along the whole line they were greeted with cheers, their marching favorably commented on, while the press the next day, without exception, devoted considerable space to a description of the "giants," as they were called. A grand supper had been prepared for the boys by their friends, but, before it could be partaken of the regiment was ordered into line and marched to one of the piers. where a transport was in waiting, ready to take them to Washington. That night they lay at an- chor in the East river. In the morning, so it is stated by one of the regimental officers, Surgeon General Garcelon came on board, and, without consulting with Surgeon Allen. made a tour of the vessel, after which he went on shore and wired the authorities at Washington that the regiment was afflicted with the measles On receipt of this news, orders were issued for the Second to go into camp at Willett's Point, a charming spot, about ten miles up the
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East river, where several New York regiments had been located. The next day they dis-embarked, and remained for some time. . it this place the men enjoyed themselves hugely. The balmy May . air made out-door life enjoyable. The residents round att contributed many luxuries, besides inviting many of the officers to their homes. One resident, a gentleman of wealth possessing an elegant home, made himself agreeable in many ways, and often entertained the regimental officers. In his family were several daughters, all beautiful girls, and one of them, it is said, gave her heart to one official. now a prosperous business man of Bangor. Indeed, it is claimed that several conquests were made among the fair sex, and had the stubborn rebels yielded in battle to the gal- 1 · lants of the Second, as freely as did the fair dames of Long Island, the war would have been early settled.
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I deem it proper here to introduce a true statement of the facts regarding the enlistment papers which the men of the Second signed, together with their understanding regarding their time ' of service. In the haste incident to enrolling troops and getting them to the front, many blunders were made, not only by the U. S. Government, but by the State authorities and the men. Undoubtedly a portion of the Second were wronged, this be- ing due to a certain extent to the ignorance of men not familiar with the duties they had assumed. The following statement, carefully prepared by H. F. Hanson, M. D., now a resident of Bangor, private in the Second, is undoubtedly correct.
"Immediately after President Lincoln's call for seventy-five-thous- and men for three month's service, recruiting offices were opened in various parts of Penobscot county. Several existing militia companies volunteered and many other companies were formed. The first papers signed were for three months. Soon after this call the State authorized the enlistment and organization of ten
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regiments for two years as State Militia. The men who had signed the first papers were requested to sign the latter also, which they did. The First Regiment of Portland, Col. Jackson, enlisted for two years, as did also the Second. The Second completed its organization first and started for Washington before the call for three year's men. expecting to answer the first call only. While in quarantine at Willett's Point a United States officer came to muster us in-May 28th 1861,-but declared he had no authority to muster in men for a less term than three years. Thereupon a large part signed new papers for three years, but a considerable number refused. All started, however, for Wash- ington. At the end of three months the men who had not signed the long time papers expected, and some demanded their discharge. They had answered the first call. had participated in the battle at Bull Run and cited the First Regiment which had been sent home without having been in battle. Some 60 men, finding they could not gain a discharge refused to do duty, and these, together with some New York men, in a similar predicament were tried by . court-martial in a lump, and ordered to be imprisoned at Dry Tortugas. On their way there the Second Maine boys concluded to re-enlist and were placed in the Second New York, then under Gen. Wool, where they did noble service. Before the expiration of the two years the survivors were returned to the regiment. At the end of the two years, by orders of Gen. Hooker, then in command of the army and the corps commander, Col.
Varney took the regiment home leaving the three years' recruits to - be divided up between the Twentieth Maine and certain Maine batteries. These recruits-or a certain part of them-refused to serve as orderd, claiming the implied contract was that they should return with the regiment. They afterwards sub- mitted to the mild persuasions and kind treatment of Col.
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Chamberlain. After the Second Regiment arrived home the Secretary of War thought that a mistake had been made, and ordered Col. Varney by telegraph to take his regiment back to Washington. Col. Varney and certain State officials went to Washington, represented the case as it was, when we were ordered to be discharged, and, considering our gallant fighting and the fact that but about two hundred of the eight hundred men re- mained, we were considered as having served our term of ser- vice. A congratulatory order was issued, a copy of which was given to each man. comparing them with the heroes of Austertitz, Waterloo, etc. Discharge papers read: "having been enlisted for three years are discharged by reason of expiration of time of service. July 28th. 1866. by equalization of bounty, $50 was to be paid two years' men, and $100 three years' men. The depart- ment has paid part of the men for two years and part of the men for three years; all men discharged by reason of wounds or disability being reckoned as three years men, while those who served in all the engagements, and were lucky enough to get home alive, were reckoned two years men, and paid accord- ingly."
Dr. Hanson was, at the outbreak of the war, living in Lee, in this State. He taught school in winter and drove logs in the spring, saving the money so acquired for a college course. When a paper containing the news of the battle in Charleston harbor was brought in to "the drive." young Hanson swam the brook, took the paper, and, seating himself upon a stump, read it aloud. Ris- ing, he stuck his pickpole in a log, saying he was going to enlist. He did so at once, being the first man to enlist from Lee.
The regiment, having recovered its health, was now moved for- ward to Washington, where troops were being rapidly massed from all sections of the North.
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CHAPTER VII.
In Camp At Washington-A Letter From Col. Roberts-Preparing To Strike The Decisive Blow-A Visit From Secretary Seward -- Scenes And Incidents- Going To The Front.
On the arrival at Washington, the Second went into camp on Meridian Hill, and, under the instruction of competent officers, made rapid progress towards that efficiency so necessary to men who are to do battle. The following letter, written by Gen. . Charles W. Roberts, will serve to show the condition and feeling of the men at this time.
CAMP SEWARD-MERIDIAN HILL, HEADQUARTERS, SECOND REGIMENT, V. M. M. JUNE 4TH.
In baste, I write to inform you that having finally squelched the measles, we have, after taking up our line of march from Willett's Point, passed through sullen, silent, yet unwilling Baltimore, with- out insult or injury, and through the kind efforts of Vice-President Hamlin, Gen. Strickland and other Maine friends have been per- mitted to pitch our tents upon this beautiful spot, one and a half miles from the city of Washington, and in full view of Arling- ton Heights, where some twenty thousand or more of volunteer troops are encamped. Six regiments are also in camp in our im- mediate vicinity. from the States of New York, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, thereby giving us disciples of Mars, diverse and sundry examples in military science, some of which we may follow, and many we shall not adopt.
By the way. intelligence has just reached us that General But- "ler, while on a scouting expedition in the vicinity of Fortress Mon-
BREVET BRIG .- GEN. CHAS. W. ROBERTS.
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roe, has been taken a prisoner of war. . The report is doubtless false, but the mere rumor serves to kindle up the war spirit in our boys, and the nearer we approach the lines of the enemy, the better, I find, they enjoy the soldier's life. Our companies today, although the weather with you would be considered oppressive, are briskly engaged in drilling "a la Hardee," this drill being universally adopted, as it is more simple and concise than any other now in vogue. We soon expect to leave our present locale for Arlington Heights, as none of the regiments arriving here of late have re- mained more than six or eights days, the column being rapidly moved forward, preparatory to a decisive blow, which will proba- bly be struck within the lines of Old Virginia. That we might not be taken on a nip as to future movements, our field and staff officers have today made purchase of several fine bay horses, at a moderate sum, well bred to the saddle and apparently well trained in every respect. Owing to present troubles, "horse flesh" is much cheaper than at Bangor, consequently desirous of avoiding the risk and expense of transportation, we have concluded to let our favorits steeds remain at home, hoping that upon our return they may be better prepared to bear us about the familiar scenes we have left behind. On Friday afternoon last, the day of our arrival, we were honored by a call from Secretary Seward and daughter, and immediately after their departure our encampment received its present cognomen. On Thursday evening next, all of our commissioned officers are the invited guests of the Honor- able Secretary and lady. This evening the Staff are invited to while away an hour or two at the residence of ex-Postmaster Gen- eral Horatio King. Taking into consideration the manifold atten- tions showered upon us, one is led to exclaim "who wouldn't be a soldier?"
At Willett's Point, we unwillingly left in the extreme rear some
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of our command, in consequence of that very unsoldier - like disease, styled measles. Assistant Surgeon Hamlin and Hospital Steward Palmer were placed in charge of them, so we have no fears but that they will speedily join us, as nothing will be left undone in hastening their speedy recovery. While here Surgeon Allen has contrived to give us a clean bill of health, the only sickness being that which often arises from over fatigue. Several of our marches of late have been quite severe, and the sudden transition in climate, from cold to hot, has slightly debilitated our 'men. I notice. however, that other regiments have been more or less subjected to the same difficulty. As regards accidents. we have thus far only one to chronicle, which was at Willett's Point.
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To the fair ladies of your city, with delicate hands but brave hearts, we tender the thanks of this regiment. Many an offi- cer, as well as private, daily brings to light something care- fully packed away-the result of their handiwork. No longer ago than yesterday, the remark was made by one of the troops, that a " Havelock" made by one of the Bangor gals, would be worth a gross of the miserable affairs purchased here. These articles constructed here, either by steam or lightning, with no particular regard to style or durability, present neither finely wrought stitches, nor a fabrie over which much time and labor has been expended. One exeuse is, however, that the demand ex- ceeds the supply. We fear that this may be taken as a gentle hint, but if not responded to we shall not, on our return, order a court-martial over our best of friends and well wishers.
The First Maine Regiment, from Portland and vicinity, is ex- pected to-day and will go into camp very near us. This regiment, we doubt not, will prove itself adequate to every emergency, having suffered more already in the way of chagrin and disappoint-
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ment, than the trials and tribulations attendant upon the field of battle.
Being as yet in the dark as to where and when we shall next be ordered, we are not living in very elaborate style. Besides one thing being left behind at Bangor, viz : the Colonel's marquee, we are obliged to quarter in a house devoid of modern improvements. Col. Jameson, Major Varney, Adjutant Reynolds, Chaplain Mines, Sergeant Major Appleton and others have already selected the softest side of the hard-pine boards of which the floors are con- structed, and having no better trump card to play, I must of course follow suit. . However, the sounds from home which I hear around me, are the convincing proof that sleep is really a boon to weary mortals given, no matter where the night overtakes them. But "a soldier's life] is always gay," and no fault to find have we.
Few regiments, we will venture to remark have overlooked little annoyances with a better grace than ours, and should our feeble efforts, whenever exercised, prove successful, we shall not on our return to the Dirigo State dwell long upon little defects which, possibly, might have been remedied had the antidote for the same been received in season.
As our regimental candle is fast expiring, I must for the present bid you adieu, promising at no distant day to give you a more faithful account of our stewardship.
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CHAPTER VIII.
Continuation Of The Scenes In Bangor-The Sixth Regiment-The Independent Volunteers. Organize-The Temperance Volunteers-The Jam Breakers Of Oldtown-Rebels Capture Bangor Ships-Troops Disbanded And Paid Off -Great Dissapointment-Rifling Cannon At Bangor-Death Of The Bangor Union-Burying Horses For Government-Ass't Surgeon Hamlin At Home- Deaths In The Second Maine-Departure Of The Sixth Maine Battallion- Their OfGeers-Additional Recruits For The Second-The Sixth Maine To The Front-Regimental And Company Officers.
Leaving for a time the Second, in the full enjoyment of the hos- pitalities of friends, and in the pleasures incidental to camp life, which were to be replaced in six short weeks by scenes of blood and slaughter, let us once more return to the banks of the Penob- scot. The patriotism of the men and women, and their efforts to promote the cause of the Union, did not abate with the departure of the Second. On the contrary, while they were yet in camp at Bangor, there had arrived the nucleus for other regiments, and these! were receiving all the attention possible. Besides these troops there had been completed the organization known as the "Independent Volunteers," and these, too, were remembered by the workers. They had chosen the following officers :
David Bugbee, Captain ; N. S. Harlow, First Lieutenant ; J. B. Foster, Second Lieutenant ; Charles P. Stetson, Third Lieutenant ; Seth E. Benson, Fourth Lieutenant ; with David Bugbee, A. D. Manson and S. D. Thurston, Standing Committee, and Fred E. Shaw, Clerk and Treasurer.
David Bugbee was well up in Scott's Tactics, then in general use, and rendered much assistance, not only to his own company but to U. S. volunteers. Regular drills of the Independent Vol-
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unteers were held in the Gymnasiam, while squad drills were over the store of J. S. Ricker. On May 18th, orders were received for all companies in the city to go into camp at once, which were obeyed. . The Temperance Volunteers, Capt. Cass, voted to enlist under the three years call, and then voted to enlist for "ten years or longer if wanted." On the 22d, there were at Camp Washburn, companies from Ellsworth, Bueksport, Corinth, Oldtown and Brownville. The Oldtown company was composed of big men, they taking uniforms several sizes larger-on the average-than had ever been made, either in Maine or Massachusetts, and were styled the "Jam Breakers." Sixty-six of these men averaged six feet in height and one hundred and sixty-six pounds in weight. Many were river drivers and wood choppers by profession, and had reputation for skill and daring in breaking jams of logs when run- ning them on the turbulent waters of the Penobscot and its branches, hence the very appropriate title which they bore. At this time a battalion of five companies was being made up at East- port, and it was intended to combine them with the Bangor troops in the formation of a new regiment.
About this time the ship owners in the State of Maine began to feel the heavy hand of the Confederacy, and several rumors came regarding the loss of vessels on the seas, and it was asserted that Baugor owners, among them Capt. Sylvanus Rich, had lost heavily.
It would seem that the Government, notwithstanding their experience, still underrated the strength of the enemy and was confident that the army already gathered could conquor them, for, on May 27th there came orders to discharge and pay off all volun- teers not already provided for with places in one of the six re- maining regiments. There were at this time twenty-one com- panies of Eastern Maine men, over and above the regiments in camp. The Whig said: "F. M. Sabine, was yesterday to pay
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off Capt. Boynton's Newport company, at Newport, and Capt. Carlisle's and Capt. Cass' company in this city. Capt. Sawyer's company at Dixmont and Capt. Robert's company at Dexter were also to be paid off, and Capt. Chandler's company at Dover to-day. The names of the privates will be retained who are willing to enlist, if wanted, to fill up companies already designated."
Among the prominent firms doing business in Bangor at that time was that of Hinckley & Egery. When the State inspect- ed its cannon, mostly brass field pieces, it was discovered that they were of the smooth-bore pattern, and it was at once ordered that they be rifled. There were twenty pieces to be so treated, and these were sent to Messrs. Hinckley & Egery, some coming from Portland on the steamer Daniel Webster.
In Wheelwright and Clark's block there were published two papers, "The Bangor Union " and "The Democrat." The support of the former was weak, and it expired early in June. In order to give an idea of the intensely loyal feeling pervading Bangor at the time, an editorial of the Whig and Courier, on its suspension, is given.
"DEATH OF THE BANGOR UNION."
"The daily organ of Secession in this city, the Bangor Union, expired on Saturday, as it should have expired, for want of breath. The editor calls it a 'suspension,' until the war is over and business revives-but we think its business will not soon revive. The simple truth is the people of this city would not sustain a paper which opposes the Government in its hour of vital .peril, and sympathizes with traitors-and we trust the people of the country will take the same course to suppress the weekly publication from the same office. (The Democrat ). The valedictory of the Union is a spiteful affair, but will scarcely move anyone except to laughter. The statement that certain respectable men
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have made every effort to suppress the paper by mob violence, excites a smile, when it is known that for months it has requird the earnest efforts of our leading citizens, to prevent that concern from being thrown into the river, and that the slightest encourage- ment from those whom the Union calls 'respectable citizens,' would have sealed its fate in five minutes. So of the curse which it calls down upon the men of property and standing, who have done all in their power to injure us.' Its curses will only come to roost upon the shoulders of their author. The business men of this city have simply done their duty, in refusing to aid in sustaining a traitorous organ in our city, and have taken precisely the right course to suppress it. If the Union had acted a loyal and manly part, and stood by the country instead of taking part with traitors, it would have received its share of support."
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