USA > Maine > Eastern Maine and the rebellion: being an account of the principal local events in eastern Maine during the war.. > Part 8
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A good story is toll, at the expense of the neighboring town of Troy. One day, during the first year of the war, it was rumored that a gentleman, hitherto an ardent Union man and a loyal citizen, had raised a "secesh" flag on his house. Immediately all was
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excitement, and an immense crowd at once started for the house of the "vile copperhead," (as they supposed). On reaching the house there was the flag, as calmly floating in the breeze as if it had never caused war or bloodshed, but on closer inspection it proved to be a lady's balmoral skirt, that had been washed and hung from a window to dry. The husband avowed his determina- tion to stand by that flag as long as he lived, and the effervescent crowd exploded and went away.
In the fall of '61, might have been seen opposite the Medical Hall in Great St. James Street, Montreal, above which is the office of the American Consul, a handsome tablet, on which was nicely painted the following: " Erected in memory of the SOLES (OF BOOTS) who were left behind at the battle of BULL RUN. MAY THEIR MEMORY NEVER WEAR OUT."
An anecdote is told of a down east Irishman, who was asked by another Maine man to assist him off the field. The good hearted son of Erin did so by enabling him to mount, strapping him to his horse and then riding on before. During the ride the head of the injured man was shot entirely away, unknown to Pat. Arriving at the doctor's quarters, Pat was asked what he wanted, "I brought this man to have his leg dressed." "Why," replied the doctor " his head is off!" "The bloody liar!" exclaimed Pat, looking be- hind him for the first time, "he told me he was only shot in the leg."
An amusing scene occured in the camp of a division that in- cluded many Maine soldiers early in the war. These troops were engaged in a brisk skirmish with the rebels, while on the other side of a small creek, was another division in camp and the pay- master counting out the gold, due to the troops for their services. Word was receivedl of what was going on over the river, and the men sprang to their arms, expecting an order to march. The reg-
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iment among whom the money was being distributed turned their backs on the paymaster and his treasure, as if it were a matter of no account. One man was signing a receipt for the yellow heap then lying on the table, he dropped his pen, and rushed for the camp, leaving pen, paper and gold to take care of themselves. Another hastily shouted "hold on to mine till tomorrow," and darted from the tent. The paymaster was left alone with his gold with time to contemplate the curious incidents of war.
A squad of the Second Maine, out scouting, came across an old woman in a cabin, in the mountains. After the usual saluta- tions, one of them asked her " Well, old lady, are you secesh?"
"No," was her answer.
"" Are you Union ?"
"No."
"Well, what are you ?"
" A Baptist, and al'ys have been."
The " log-roller from Maine " let down.
A member of one of the Bangor companies was seen soon after the battle of Bull Run, in Portland, and on being asked "how he came there," replied, "I got the order to fall back' at Bull Run and hav'nt been ordered to 'halt' yet, and shall fall back 'till I do, if it takes me clear to Bangor."
One of the Hampden men in the Virginia campaign, where the orders against foraging were very strict, killed a sheep and was enjoying the delicate tit-bit in company with his chums, when he was discovered and brought before his superior officers, and asked if "he did not know of the orders against borrowing food from the farmers." He replied that he did. "Then," said his captain " why did you kill that sheep ?" "Wal," answered the culprit, "yer see cap'n, there aint no darned sheep going to bite me and live." One can easily guess that he was let off without punishment.
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One of our Maine soldiers was out on picket duty, early in the war, when the following incident occurred :
An F. F. V., with rather more than the usual superciliousness of his race, rode up in a carriage from the direction of Alexandria, driven by his "servant." The down-easter, of course, stepped into the road, holding his bayonet in such a way as to threaten horse, negro and white-man at one charge, and roaredl out "Tickets." Mr. V. turned up his lids, set down his brows, and by other gest- ures indicated his contempt of such "mud-sills" as the soldier before him, ending by handing his pass over to the darkey, and motioning him to get out and show it.
"All right" said the soldier, glancing at it, "move on," accom- panying the remark with a jerk at the coat collar of the colored person, that sent him spinning down the road. "Now, sir, what do you want?" addressing the astonished white man.
White man had by this time recovered his tongue. " Want? I want to go on, of course, that was my pass." "Can't help it," was the reply; "it says pass the bearer, and the bearer is already pass- ed. You can't pass two men through this picket on one man's pass."
Mr. V. reflected a moment, and glanced at the bayonet in front of him, and then called to the black man to come back. Sambo approached cautiously, but fell back in confusion when the "shoot- ing iron " was brandished towards his own breast.
" Where's your pass, sirrh?" Asked the " Maniac."
"Here, massa," said the chattel, presenting the same one he had received from the gent in the carriage.
"Won't do," replied the holder of the bayonet. That passes you to Fairfax .- Can't let any one come from Fairfax on that ticket. MovE Ox." A stamp of the foot sent Sambo down the road, at a hand gallop.
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"Now, sir, if you stay here any longer, I shall take you under arrest to headquarters," he continued.
Mr. V: grabbed up his lines, wheeled around, and went off at the best trot his horses could manage over the "sacred soil." Whether Sambo ever hunted up his master, is not known.
CHAPTER XIII.
The State Guards-A Company In Each Ward-One Or More In Each Town- The Officers-The Orders To Drill-The First American Boycott-A Great Rally-An Immense Crowd In Bangor-Gen. Howard Arrives-Serious Acci- dent At Norombega Hall-The Platform Gives Way-Many Ladies Injured- The City Council Increases The Bounty-"Excursion" To Richmond.
Early in 1862 there was formed what was known as Ward Com- panies of Militia. Gen. Butler had received orders from Washing- ton to form such companies, and he designated the Orderly Ser- geants as follows :
Ward 1, Russell B. Shepard.
2, Theo. C. Johnson.
3, John A. Lancy. -
4, Geo. W. Stevens.
5, Henry E. Sellers.
6, Edward P. Connors.
7, Joseph F. Snow.
WARD COMPANIES.
On Friday, July 11th, the Ward Three Company, 125 strong. met and made choice of the following officers :
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JOHN GILMAN, Captain. JOHN F. McNAMARD, First Lieut.
BENJ. C. FROST, Second Lieut. EZEKIEL ANDREWS, Third Lieut. C. EDWIN SMITH, Fourth Lieut.
Ward Two elected as follows :
T. C. JOHNSON, Captain. J. C. THORNDIKE, First Lieut. WM. CONNORS, Second Lieut. N. G. HIGGINS, Third Lieut. ROSCOE F. HERSEY, Fourth Lieut.
The Ward Six, a company of good size, chose : L. J. MORSE, Captain.
LEVI MURCH, First Lieut. A. B. MARSTON, Second Lieut. WM. W. SEAVEY, Third Lieut.
ROBERT S. GRAVES, Fourth Lieut. WARD FOUR.
JAMES W. WILLIAMS, Captain.
CHAS. L. CRANE, First Lieut.
WARREN G. SMITH, Second Lieut.
FRED S. DAVENPORT, Third Lieut.
F. W. RING, Fourth Lieut.
WARD FIVE.
BENI. B. THATCHER, Captain. CHAS. I. COLLIMORE, First Lieut. WMr. F. NOYES, Second Lieut. SULLIVAN D. WIGGIN, Third Lieut. DANIEL C. GOULD, Fourth Lieut.
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WARD SEVEN.
CHRISTOPHER V. CROSSMAN, Captain.
JOSEPH F. SNOW, First Lieut.
ALBERT HASKELL, Second Lieut.
SETH E. DRINKWATER, Third Lieut.
CHARLES D. CLARK, Fourth Lieut. MILFORD COMPANY.
ISAAC S. TwoMBLY, Captain. JOHN STOCKMAN. First Lieut.
W. J. BUTTERFIELD. Second Lieut.
C. W. LENFEST, Third Lieut. Joux H. JACKSON, Fourth Lieut. ORONO COMPANY.
JOHN W. ATWELL, Captian.
CHARLES W. Ross, First Lieut.
E. W. BUTLER, Second Lieut. CHARLES HOLT, Third Lieut.
JOHN E. BENNOCK, Fourth Lieut. BREWER COMPANY.
A. II. BARNES, Captain.
E. C SWETT, First Lieut.
W. W. DOANE, Second Lieut.
M. H. PATTEN, Third Lieut. .A. WHITE, Fourth Lieut.
OLDTOWN COMPANIES. . COMPANY A.
DAVID N. ESTABROOKS, Captain.
Bess. F. Poon, First Lieut.
JEROME W. SAWTELLE, Second Lieut. J. A. SWAN, Third Lieut. CHARLES NOYES, Fourth Lieut.
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COMPANY B.
J. G. JAQUITH, Captain.
JESSE HARRIMAN, First Lieut. -
CHAS. PURINGTON, Second Lieut.
SEWELL CHAPMAN, Third Lieut.
RICHARD MOORE, Fourth Lieut.
On Monday, August 4th, 1862, was inaugurated the famous Ward drills by the several companies. About nine hundred men turned out and when united in battalion made a fine appearance. Vice-President Hamlin turned out with Ward Three Company, and drilled the whole afternoon, and afterwards addressed his comrades. Nearly all the the stores were closed, but the few who did attempt to do business were dressed down in the Whig as fol- lows: "The Times complains that a few parties kept their places of business open Monday afternoon, during the general drill."
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"Such parties will have no excuse in the future, and next Mon- day will show who thoughtlessly, and who knowingly violate the general rule, and we presume the loyal public will be slow to pat- ronize those who are unwilling to give one half day in the week to their country."
These drills were thought at that time to be needed, so that all citizens would be prepared for emergencies. As may be supposed there was considerable fun, and the troops in their everyday dress presented anything but a soldierly appearance. Two companies only were armed with guns, and the others, in place of arms, car- ried laths gathered from the lumber yards. It is not now known whether Ward Three Company carried guns or not, but if they had laths, it must have been a pleasant sight to see our venerable ex-Vice-President, as he marehed with his neighbors, and with
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military precision obeyed the orders to "Shoulder laths! Carry laths! Ground laths," etc.
The following order was issued soon after:
STATE OF MAINE.
· HEADQUARTERS-FIRST DIVISION. BANGOR, JULY 16TH, 1862.
Special Order No. 1.
The Commanding Officers of the several companies of Militia, in the city of Bangor, will call out their companies on Thursday, the 17th inst, at 6 o'clock P. M., for parade.
The line will be formed at 7 o'clock, precisely, on Main street, the right resting on Union street. The order of formation will be by Wards, from One to Seven-Right to left.
All the companies of Militia in the surrounding towns, who can make it convenient, are respectfully invited to be present, and will form on the left in the order of arriving.
By order of the Major General.
CHARLES E. DOLE, Orderly Aid-de-Camp.
The next evening was the one on which the grand rally was to be held, and promptly at the appointed hour the various com- mands assembled, with Major Gen. J. H. Butler in command, assisted by Col. I. B. Norcross and Major Thomas Hersey. They marched through several streets and then to Norombega Hall, where it was intended to hold the meeting.
Meanwhile an immense number of people had arrived from sur- rounding towns, among them being the Oldtown Militia and the Oldtown Band, a company and a band from Brewer, several bands and companies from along the line of the railroad and from down river. When the procession arrived at the hall it
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was found to be densely packed, and it was concluded to hold the meeting in the open air. In the twinkle of an eye after this announcement, Post-office Avenue and Central Bridge were filled with people, and it was then found the military. organiza- tions could not be placed within hearing distance of the speak- ers, and they were taken into the hall, and ladies admitted to - the galleries. Outside of the hall a platform had been erected for Gen. Howard, who arrived by the evening train. So great was the crowd at this point, that the front approach to the hall gave way, and its human burden of men, women and children fell some twelve fect, to the foundation of the building. It was reported inside the hall that the bridge had given way, and a crowd rushed for the door, but, as the platform was gone they could not get out, and a panic ensued. The gas pipes leading to the hall were broken, and this added to the excitement. By the use of ladders the people were rescued from the pit, when it was found many were injured, the most serious being Mrs. Atkins, Mrs. Cobb, Mrs. Kenney, Mrs. McRuer, all of Bangor; and Mrs. Farrington, Mrs. Gregg and Mrs. Nealey, of Brewer.
The crowd now gathered at the Bangor House, and Hon. John A. Peters was made President. He addressed the people, and was followed by Gen. Howard, Vice-President Hamlin. Hon. S. H. Blake, Wm. H. McCrillis, Esq., and Hon. Lewis Barker.
Before the meeting closed there was an alarm of fire, and a great crowd rushed away, and the meeting closed at midnight.
Soon after this meeting the city council passed an order direct- ing the city to offer the following bounty: 855.00 to every man joining an old regiment-this to be paid to residents of Ban- gor only, and being restricted to those who might enlist within 15 days-and put out the following inducements:
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Old Regt.
New Regt.
State Bounty,
$55.00
$45.00
City 66
65.00
55.00
U: S.
(8100, ¿ in advance) 25.00
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1 Month's Advance Pay,
13.00
- 13.00
Premium,
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2.00
- 2.00
$160.00
$140.00
In addition to this there was promised $75.00 at the close of the war, and 160 acres of land, if the soldier or his heirs should occupy it, and the address concludes :
"Here is a cash bonus to every volunteer of $202.00 in one case, and $222.00 in the other, besides the regular pay, rations and clothing of the soldier. Have more liberal rewards ever been given by any country, to those of her sons who came to her defence in the field, in the time of national peril?"
"Let the patriotic young men now rally to the flag! The Cause needs men now !"
The draft was hinted at again, and men were cautioned against entertaining the belief that if drafted they might then enlist and secure the above amounts of money.
Among the recruiting ads. at this time, was the following :
"Grand Excursion to Richmond, by Steamboat and Rail! Ticket entitles the bearer to passage to Richmond. Fare, food and clothes, gratis, and 8160.00 given each one. Tickets free."
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CHAPTER XIV.
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History Of The Second Maine Regiment, From The Spring Of '62-They Leave Hall's Hill-Ordered To Yorktown -Siege Of Yorktown-They Receive The Thanks Of Gens. Mcclellan And Porter-Chickahominy-Battle Of Hanover Court House-Grine's Mill-Malvern Hill -The Camp At Harrison's Landing -On To Fredricksburg -They Give Battle To The Enemy At Manassas-Picket Duty At Stone Bridge-The Battle Of Fredricksburg-Close Of The Year.
The Second Maine had, in the latter part of October, '61, been assigned to the First Brigade, Porter's Division, and went into camp for the winter at Hall's Hill.
Here they remained until March 1st, '62, when they received orders to march to Manassas, and one may readily believe that the gallant Second was only too glad to move after so long an idleness. The enemy, however, learned of the advance, and anticipated the arrival of our boys, and the Second was ordered to Alexandria where they remained for four days and then embarked for Fortress Monroe.
On their arrival they were put at picket duty on the road lead- ing to Big Bethel. After nearly a week of this duty they received orders to go to Yorktown, where, with the Twenty-second Mass- achusetts, and Twenty-fifth New York Regiments, and Martin's Third Massachusetts Battery, they immediately engaged the enemy's right, who was found to be so strongly entrenched that the at- tempt was given up.
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Through some oversight of the commanding officer the Second remained in the trenches in a cold rain storm for more than twen- ty-four hours. The enemy would make a sorte and "let blaze " in the direction of any slight sound that might be heard, the fall
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BREVET BRIG .- GEN. GEORGE VARNEY.
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back to their works and get warm again. But our poor boys could only lay quiet and shiver, and hope for orders.
One of the boys, (a tent-mate of Dr. Hanson of Bangor), was an inveterate smoker, and, cautiously getting on his knees managed to cut up a pipe full of tobacco and filled his pipe. He then pro- ceeded to light a match, and with visions of a blissful smoke, put the flame to the tobacco; fatal act, for the rebs saw the flame and it made a fine target for them. Before our friend could draw a single cloud from the fragrant pipe a rebel slug was crashing through his leg. He.crawled to Dr. Hanson, and, telling him that he was shot, asked what he should do. Our troops were then in a peach orchard, and the doctor directed him to follow the row of trees directly back of them, and he would come to an old cabin that had been established as a hospital. His left leg was useless, but dragging himself as best he could on his hands and one leg he finally gained the house. Here were a number of young surgeons, who thought they must cut off the leg to save the life, but even here they failed, as the poor man died soon after.
The regiments however, held their ground until the next day. During this spirited engagement the skirmishers of the Second, under Captains Foss and Wilson, Lieutenant Boynton and others, acted with great firmness, being under an extremely hot artillery fire over four hours. This attack was made long before the arrival of the main body of the Union Army. During the remain- der of the seige of Yorktown, the Second was occupied in the trenches, in building bridges, doing picket duty, etc. The last ditch or trench before Yorktown was begun and completed by the Second, assisted by the Thirteenth New York Regiment. After finishing this work, (which must have been of great advantage to the Union Army in their operations, had the enemy not evacu- ated. ) the Second, through Major Chaplin, received the thanks of both Generals MeLellan and Porter.
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Two days after the enemy's evacuation of Yorktown, the Second left for the Chickahominy, by the way of West Point. A march of several days brought them to Gaines' Station, where Porter's corps composed the right flank of the Army of the Potomac. On the night of May 26, the Second, with the greater portion of the corps, advanced on Hanover Court House, where they arrived the next forenoon, and immediately gave battle to the enemy. The Second was detailed, together with the Twenty-Second Massachu- setts Regiment, to annoy the enemy's right, who only replied with one piece of artillery. Meanwhile they cut the telegraph wire running to Richmond, and also for some distance destroyed the railroad running in the same direction, about one mile from Han- over Court House, where the remainder of the corps had been ordered.
Moving on after the main body, the Second had not proceeded more than a mile before they were attacked by six Rebel regi- ments, who were posted in their rear, under cover of the woods.
The Second had only a portion each of the Forty-Fourth and Twenty-Fifth New York Regiments, and a section of the Third Massachusetts Battery ,to assist them in resisting the attack. For one hour and a half they held their ground, saving the section of the battery, which the gunners were obliged to desert, and which decided the victory won on that day. In this encounter, the Sec- ond expended sixty rounds of ammunition, and had prepared for a charge, when they fortunately received re-inforcements, General Porter sending all his command to their relief. For their noble conduct on this occasion, Col. Roberts received personally for his command, the thanks of Gens. MeLellan, Porter, Morell and Mar- tindale. After remaining forty-eight hours, awaiting the arrival of McDowell's forces, which failed to appear, the Second was obliged to retrace their steps, making inside of fifty hours a forced
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march of over thirty miles, and entirely putting to flight a much superior force of the enemy. During this brilliant engagement their loss was slight, though the number of wounded was large.
During the month that followed, the Second was variously occu- pied in doing picket duty, building roads, etc. The last picket duty that was performed on the right bank of the Chickahominy, was by them. they leaving in season to participate in the battle of Gaine's Mill. Their conduct during this engagement was most gallant. For six hours they nobly stood their ground under a heavy fire, capturing the colors of the Fifth Alabama regiment, and totally routing the command to which they belonged.
This was the beginning of the grand retreat towards Harrison's . Landing. During the seven day's retreat the Second were repeat- edly under fire, and at the battle of Malvern Hill, successfully held a dangerous and conspicuous position during the day, and los- ing but few men.
At Harrison's Landing they remained several weeks, when finally, on its evacuation, they were ordered to join.Gen. Pope, and Col. Roberts temporarily assumed command of the First Brigade, which included the Second Maine.
Marching across the Chickahominy near its mouth, or where it flows into the James river, thence across to Williamsburg, thence down the peninsular to Yorktown and Fortress Monroe, thence to Newport News, from whence they embarked for Acquia Creek, where they disembarked and marched to Fredricksburg, they at last encountered the enemy on August 30, at Manassas. In this terrible engagement the First Brigade made the attack. Each regiment charged simultaneously, but the enemy had chosen too strong a position, and for lack of proper support they were obliged to give way. Col. Roberts had his horse shot from under him. The Second retired in good order. in regular line of battle, led by Major
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Sargent, who, although seriously wounded, refused to yield the command. The following morning, by order of Gen. Morell, they moved to Centreville, where Col. Roberts resumed command of the Second, thence to Chain Bridge, Hall's Hill and Alexandria, and finally camping on Arlington Heights, where, after remaining for three days, they received hasty orders to march into Maryland.
At Antietam the Second were under fire in the reserve. After the battle they were on ficket at Stone Bridge, and their skin- ishers were among the fist to enter Sharpsburg after the enemy had left, and who were in possession of the town before the Union cavalry arrived. Shortly after this the Second, in attempting to ford the. Potomac at Sheppardstown, were confronted by a super- ior force of the enemy, and under a galling fire were obliged to re- ford the river. Remaining at Sharpsburg nearly six weeks, they were ordered under General Hooker to Burnside's army at Falmouth.
At the battle of Fredericksburg the Second took part, and behav- ed with undaunted bravery. They suffered greatly among the commissioned officers, no less than ten being wounded. Col. Var- ney, who was in command was wounded. In addition to the sev- ere engagement with the enemy, the regiment had to lie before the rebel breastworks twenty-six hours, exposed to the fire of their sharp shooters, being able to withdraw with safety only under cover of the darkness.
The Adjutant General's Report for 1862, says :
"The great success that has ever attended the Second, is, in a great measure, owing to the superiority of the officers. Since the regiment entered the service it has never received a word of cen- sure."
" Among the most faithful, gallant and meritorious of all the volunteer officers in the war, was Col. Charles W. Roberts, of
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Bangor. whose name has become a household word at every fire- side in the State. Constant and unremitting service with his reg- iment, (which was the first at the seat of war from this State, and whose record is with the proudest in heroic deeds), so impaired his health, that in justice to himself he felt obliged to tender his resignation in the fall of '62, and at a time, when a Brigadier Gen- eral's commission was being placed at his disposal."
"So reluctant was the War Department to part with his services, that the acceptance of his resignation was withheld until after he had renewed the expression of his unalterable determination to de- cline, not only further service as Colonel, but also the offered pro- motion to be Brigadier General, and it was only on the tenth of January, 1863, that he received an honorable discharge."
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