USA > Maine > First Maine bugle, 1890 (history of 1st Maine Cavalry) > Part 23
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( Page 275.) "Went into camp on some fine bottom lands belonging to
an old lady, who was terribly exercised about it," etc. Not very old, about thirty-five or forty. The house stood on a ridge or terrace like, with a piazza fac- ing the command. When General Gregg and staff came on the piazza she came out of the house, and stood for a minute or two looking at the cavalry (it was a beautiful sight ; I remem- ber it well - horses up to their knees in clover, - soldiers, some carrying rails, some driving stakes, some start- ing fires, others, with canteens, looking for water,) then she turned to the General and said, "I wish my bottom would open and swallow all you cav- alry." General Gregg bit his lips and all the staff turned their heads.
( Page 223.) Courier being captured. If I remember right, this courier was Parker G. Lunt; it may have been Joseph A. Clarke, - he was captured between Fayetteville and Bealton Station almost within sight of camp. His horse was killed, - a fine mare that he got on Stoneman Raid.
Fight at St. Mary's Church, June 24th 1864 - General Gregg's head- quarters were by the battery towards the right of our line. When the rebel infantry attacked our cavalry the gen- eral sent me to start the ammunition and headquarter wagons toward Charles City Court House. When I had them started, I started to go back where I left the general. I had gone but a short distance when I met Major H. C. Weir, A. A. G. He asked where I was going. I said, " Up where the general is." Said he, " Come with me." He started in the direction of the left of our line. We had hardly got started when we saw Captain Phillips coming from the direction of the general. He seemed to be in the act of speaking to Major Weir when a solid shot passed back of his right leg, through his horse, and took his left leg off close to his
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WHAT THE COMRADES HAVE TO SAY.
body. ( He was riding obliquely across the field.) Horse and rider went down in a heap. The major dismounted as soon as he could and threw his bridle- rein to me, and then attempted to pull Captain Phillips from under the horse, for the horse was kicking him. Not being able to extricate him alone, he called two soldiers that were passing to assist, and while they were at work a shell burst over our heads and wounded the two men. Captain Phillips was put on a caisson and taken to Charles City Court House. He was buried under a tree and I used the only blanket I had to make him a shroud.
I think if you will investigate, you will find that Franklin McCauslin, of Co. C, was orderly at General Gregg's headquarters the winter of '64 and '65. At the battle of Hatchers Run, Feb. 5th, 1865, during a lull in the fight, General Gregg heard a newsboy call- ing out his papers back in the rear. He sent Frank to get him one of each kind. Frank got the papers and folded them, then put them inside of his jacket. I was going to General Warren's with despatches and met Frank on his way back. When I had got nearly within speaking distance of him I heard a "minnie " pass my left ear; the next instant I saw Frank tumble off his horse. I got to him as soon as possible. He was dead, apparently. I saw where the bullet had entered and the exclam- tion I made was, "Shot through the heart." When I unbuttoned his jacket and pulled the papers out the bullet dropped on the ground. It was flat- tened, and over his heart was a spot about the size of a silver dollar. It was nearly two weeks before he real- ized anything.
There was a man from the First Maine named H. Hurd detailed at Gregg's headquarters. I have heard him tell of Great Falls, N. H. and
Great Falls, Me. The river separated them. He said he lived in Great Falls, Me.
I would be much pleased to hear from the First Maine comrades that were at division headquarters. Excuse errors, etc.
Yours in F. C. and L. W. W. WILLIAMS.
Formerly Co. D, Tenth N. Y. Cav.
P. S. Can you give me Major H. C. Weir's address.
(See pp. 293 -- 300, 508, History.)
Letter from Lieut. H. S. Libby, Co. C.
MELROSE, MASS., Feb. 23d, 1891.
DEAR COMRADE TOBIE-More than a quarter of a century has passed away since we were "mustered out." How the events of that grand and eventful period, when we were fighting for " old glory " and the perpetuation of our glorious union, "one and insepara- ble," come crowding on the memory when we sit ourselves down by the evening lamp light and think of those days when we were marching through the dust and heat of summer, or the winter's cold and snowy blast. Do you recall the Mine Run campaign, that occurred in November, 1863? Do you remember that Thanksgiv- ing morning-it was "Thanksgiving " in our good old State -- cold, bleak and dreary, when we crossed the Rapidan at Ely's Ford and pushed our way to White Hall -- and all the events that followed that dismal and cheerless episode, which was a part of our army life? But we never lost heart-never doubted the final triumph of the "Stars and Stripes," and all that it stood for. When we fell back you will doubtless remember that our regiment was the rear guard of the army crossing at Ely's Ford. You will further remember that we
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were not molested by the enemy. It was said at the time, that, in . some way, they had learned we were protecting the rear. They had too much respect for us and did not care to stir up a "hornet's nest." However that may be, they kept at a respectful distance. And soon after we had crossed the ford they came out of the woods - I can see them now. in my mind's eye, Horatio !- and de- ployed skirmishers. and moved forward slowly and cautiously as though they expected opposition from some source. But what I started out to relate, was some incidents that occurred after we had returned to our side of the river. Late in the afternoon Co. C was de- tailed for picket duty at the ford, and along the banks of the river. ] was in command of the reserve which was in bivouac in the woods near a house which was "guarded." Near the house the cattle were herded in a small enclosure.
The pickets were not posted until after dark. I had two posts near the river, two men on each, lo- cated on quite high ground, with a deep depression between them, and quite near each other. I had just reached the reserve after instructing them, when a shot was heard from the direction of the picket lines, followed quickly by another. Orders were given and the reserve were soon mounted, and we proceeded rapidly to the river. We heard a commotion on our left and soon learned that it was one of the pickets, who informed us that a boat-load of the enemy had crossed over and landed, or had at- tempted to do so. 1 told him to fall in and we would find out what it was, but after a thorough search we failed to discover anything. The pickets re- sumed their positions and we were not again disturbed during the night.
After we returned to our bivouac, one of the men came to me and asked per- mission to kill some of the cattle in the pen near the house before mentioned. Of course I could not give it, but I did not make any objections. We had not drawn fresh beef for several days.
But I cheerfully remember that we had a very enjoyable breakfast of fresh beef and no questions asked. But very soon thereafter, there was much excitement. The " guard " was searching for the culprits, but the evidence of guilt had quickly dis- appeared in the deep woods.
Directly after this little event we drew fresh beef from our venerable and wealthy " Uncle Sam," who never al- lowed his soldiers to go hungry when he could reach them.
"Old Secesh " never knew who got liis beef, but was, no doubt, satisfied where it went. We were highly satis- fied and ought to feel grateful to him that we had such an opportunity to "confiscate " his cattle !
During the forenoon the picket was approached by a woman, who asked the occasion of the firing the night before, and was informed, as stated, of what they thought had caused it. She then said that her husband and brother worked in a mine on the oppo- site side of the river; that they lived on this side and crossed over in a boat and returned at night. Of the fact that a picket line had been placed at this point they were not aware, and took their boat as usual to return home -- reached the shore and attempted to land, when the pickets fired at them. when they wisely returned from whence they came. That was her thought about the matter, and she no doubt was quite right.
I recall another incident of picket firing that happened at Turkey Run -
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WHAT THE COMRADES HAVE TO SAY.
our winter quarters. 1863-64. It was a very dark and cloudy night. We had a small fire at the reserve, around which we were taking as much com- fort as possible, when suddenly a shot came flying just above our heads. I mounted my horse and rode out to the picket and asked him what he was firing at. He said that some one ap- proached his post and fired at him, at least he thought so. In the dark he had fired in the wrong direction, and taking the little flashes of our camp- fire for the flash of an enemy's gun, blazed away. He was a new recruit !
Yours in F. L. and C., H. S. LIBBY.
Letter from Major Hall. WOBURN, MASS., February 4th, 1891. E. P. TOBIE :
Dear Comrade, -- I want to see more of that kind of letters written by Com- rade Kenney. It is just what I tried hard to get when I was President of the association for the annual pamphlets, but was not satisfactorily successful. We are all pleased with and proud of our regimental history, and when we examine it we meet with two surprises : first, that we find so much of history and other important and interesting matter; second, that we find such a dearth of personal incidents in which the old regiment was so rich and full, which were, indeed, the warp and woof of its real and true history. Now, to my mind the BUGLE is a supplement to our valued history, in which the true or full history may be completed and perfected, if the remaining com- rades will but perform the duty they owe to themselves and to posterity. Surely you and Gen. Cilley have undertaken a generous and patriotic work in giving the comrades an oppor- tunity of placing a record of their ser-
vices in a form that shall be true, gratifying and enduring. You have already merited and won success, and yet there is a mountain of material before you, waiting only for the com- rades to put it in form for use.
Very truly,
H. C. HALL. (See p. 478, History.)
Letter from Lieut. Col. William Brooke-Rawle, Third Pennsyl- vania Cavalry.
PHILADELPHIA, PA., February 6th, 1891.
EDWARD P. TOBIE:
My Dear Sir, - I have received your letter of the 3rd instant, together with the number of the FIRST MAINE BUGLE, for which please accept my thanks. I certainly can have no ob- jections to your reprinting in your magazine my address delivered at the dedication of the cavalry shaft at Gettysburg in October, 1884. Indeed I would be very much gratified to see it done. I do not quite understand from your letter whether it is the intention merely to reprint that address, or to reprint the whole of the proceedings at the dedication. If you wish a copy of one or the other for the printer, let me know and I will send it to you.
I am very much pleased with the BUGLE. You may perhaps remember that copies of the reports of reunions of the First Maine Cavalry were sent to me. I do not remember which is the last one that I received, as the reports are up at my house, but I will send you word which is the last one I have, and if any reports of reunions have been issued since my last one I would like to have them. I would also like to receive the back numbers of the BUGLE as well as the future ones. Yours very truly,
WILLIAM BROOKE-RAWLE.
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FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
Letter from R. R. Bangs, Co. L.
WESCOTT, NEE., Feb. 24th, 1891. TO EDITOR FIRST MAINE BUGLE :
Dear Sir,- Enclosed find descrip- tion of an incident that happened at the battle of Deep Bottom. If you care for such, I shall be pleased to have you use it.
As members of Co. L have furnished but few notes for the History, I am afraid the readers of the History will be led to believe that Co. L had not the same fighting qualities that some of the other companies had. I can re- late an incident that will show that there was one man in Co. L that could fight. It was at Deep Bottom, Aug. 16th, 1864. After the rebels were rein- forced and were making sad havoc among our men and horses (we being mounted at that time and the rebels close upon us), the command was given to "fours right-about !" in order to fall back as I suppose and dismount and fight on foot. After the command was given, but before we had time to exe. cute it, Edmund Whitney's horse was shot dead. Whitney was my tent-mate at that time and was riding at my right hand. After we executed the com- mand, I looked back to see if he was all right, but saw that his horse had fallen on his leg and that he was unable to get out. The rebs were but a short distance from us and they were send- ing their bullets around us pretty live- ly, and about that time opened on us with artillery, and were making it rath- er hot for us. I did not stop to think of anything except that I must get Whitney out, so I rode back to him, dismounted and gave him hold of the halter of my horse, then I took hold of his dead horse's head and tried to roll his horse up so he could get his leg out, but failed in my first attempt. When he saw that I had failed to re- lease him, he requested me to leave
him and get out before I was taken prisoner, but I told him I would try once more. I did so, and got my knees down under his horses neck and lifted every pound I was able to, and had the satisfaction of seeing him pull his leg out and stand on his feet. We could see the rebels but a few rods from us through the scrub pines, and knew that we were liable to be taken prisoners any moment.
I asked him to get on my horse, but he said no, that he was all right but for me to mount myself. I did so, and looked around to see what had become of him, when I saw him crouched be- hind a stump taking aim at a reb. I called to him to come on, and just at that moment a bullet struck my horse and he went down. We both got out dismounted. Just as my horse was shot, Sergeant Webster of our com- pany came back to see if we were like- ly to get out, and ordered us to get out of there double quick. But what I wish to show is the fighting qualities that Whitney showed. After lying under his horse and expecting it to be the rebs that would take him out, and after getting out and knowing that he was likely to be taken prisoner every moment, still he was ready to fight. He had a very nice horse and he was mad to think the rebs had shot it, and I believe he would have faced a regi- ment and fought to the last moment. Hoping to hear from some of Co. 1. boys through the Bugle, I remain,
Yours in F. C. and L., R. R. BANGS, Late Co. L, First Maine Cav.
Letter from James V. Wood, Co. I.
DAVID CITY, Nebraska, 1888. Our history, page 612, speaks of Winsor B. Smith, of "K" Co. (of Portland, formerly department com- mander of Maine, and now deceased)
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WHAT THE COMRADES HAVE TO SAY.
being left with General Wadsworth at Gettysburg, and I beg leave to claim to be the other orderly who was left with the general. Every staff officer was either away, dismounted, or wounded. My brother, J. P. Wood, also Co. I, was color bearer; his horse was killed early in the fight, before Reynolds fell. Several times during the day each of us (W. B. S. and my- self) were left alone with the general, the general sending one or the other of us to different parts of the field to perform such work as would usually fall to a staff officer. Occasionally some of the staff would be with the general. They were kept busy that day. At the last stand on Seminary Ridge, where we were out-flanked right and left, Wadsworth says to me, "orderly, help limber up that gun." It was the right-hand piece of the 2d Maine Battery, or it may have been Stewart's Battery B, 4th U. S. Artil- lery.
I did as ordered, the general hold- ing my horse while I did so. The rebs were so near and were so sure they had us captured that they quit firing and were crying " Halt ! Halt !' when General Wadsworth put spurs'to his little chestnut sorrel mare and rode off the field, and turning in his saddle emptied his revolver at the rebs. I
tried to do the same, but only two chambers would go off.
JAMES V. WOOD. (See p. 608, History.)
Letter from Frank J. Savage. FAIRFIELD. ME.,
February roth, 1891.
Dear General, - Enclosed I send you $I to pay for the FIRST MAINE BU- GLE. I received mine last Sunday, and was very much interested in it. I prize it very highly. Perhaps I may contrib- ute something of my experiences later. Truly yours, FRANK J. SAVAGE, Late First Sergeant, Co. M, First Maine Cavalry.
(See page 646, History.)
Letter from Capt. William E. Mil- ler, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry.
CARLISLE, PA., February 2d, I891.
EDw. P. TOBIE :
Dear Sir, - I have your favor of January 30th; also the copy of the FIRST MAINE BUGLE sent me. I will read with interest the latter, as the First Maine was always a favorite with me, and I feel an interest in any- thing relating to it.
Very truly yours,
WILLIAM E. MILLER.
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FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
OBITUARIES.
The following letter tells its own sad story :
No. ABINGTON, March 8th, 1891. COL. J. P. CILLEY :
Dear Sir - It becomes my painful duty to inform you of the death of my beloved father, Calvin B. Benson, who died very suddenly on the 24th day of February. He was unwell for about a week with a severe cold, but got much better and was able to go out of doors. On the evening of the 24th he was present and took an active part in a caucus, and was apparently quite well (although he had not been well for some time past, but had been at his business most of the time), but late in the evening he was taken with severe pains in his side and chest and was conveyed home, when two doctors were summoned and all was done that was possible, but he passed away at 11.30 that night. The doctors' report was that he died from rupturing the aorta. His death was very sudden and a great shock to his friends as well as family. He leaves a widow and three sons. Mr. Edgecomb of Boston and others have asked me to let you Know of his death, so I have done so. Enclosed please find SI.oo to pay for the last " BUGLE," and I wish you would con- tinue sending them to me and I will forward money as directed.
Yours respectfully,
FRED. F. BENSON, P. O. Box, 421. No. Abington, Mass.
Comrade Benson was buried February 28th from his residence, McPherson Post No. 73, G. A. R., Department of Massachusetts, of which he was a comrade, turning out in large numbers and officiating at the grave.
Following is the action of his Post, concerning his death.
HEADQUARTERS McPHERSON POST
73, DEPARTMENT OF MASS., G. A. R. ABINGTON, MARCH 10, 1891.
Whereas, it has pleased the Supreme Commander to call hence the soul of our beloved comrade, Calvin Bisbie Benson ; therefore,
RESOLVED, that we reverently bow to the divine behest, acknowledging that even in the afflictions which He permits to befall, He doeth all things well; and we would take this oppor- tunity to record a brief account of the life of the deceased, and express our high appreciation of his excellencies of character.
Comrade Benson was born in Hart- ford. Maine, August 25th, 1838. He came to Abington in '57-S and worked at shoe-making. April 16th, 1861, he enlisted in Co. H. M. V. M. Infantry. He was discharged July 22d by expira- tion of his term of service. Octo- ber roth he enlisted at Canton, Maine, . for three years or during the war, as a private in Co. G. First Maine Cavalry. He was promoted to corporal March Ist, '62, and to Q. M. Serg't October 28th. He was made a prisoner at Brandy Station June 9th, '63, and taken to Libby prison. He was, however, detained less than a week, being pa- roled and sent to Annapolis, Md., June 13th. He was exchanged, and rejoin- ed his Company January 16th, 1864, at Warrenton, Va. He was promoted to First Lieutenant February 9th, '64, and commanded an attachment of picked men on the Dahlgren raid just after. He also was in command of his com- pany during May in the Wilderness and with Sheridan on his raid toward Rich-
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OBITUARIES.
mond. He had a horse shot under him in a skirmish at Beaver Dam Station, May roth, and had another shot under him and was sunstruck and ruptured in action at St. Mary's Church, Va., June 24th. He was discharged for disability November Ist. and returned to his home in Hartford, Maine, in such a condition of health that many thought he could live but a few months.
He was with his regiment in action some sixty times, and was in so many skirmishes besides, that he could count up, as he did, over one hundred and six- ty occasions in which he was under fire. All this was because he was a picked man, with a detachment of picked men, often ordered out for special scouting, or other such duty. "This all shows the high grade and character of the man.
January 6th, 1865, he married Rosa- abel Cushman at Sumner, Maine, and five children were born to them, three sons and two daughters, the sons sur- viving him.
In November, 1866, he moved to Abington, where he has since remain- ed. He was a member of the First Maine Cavalry Association, and of this Post of the G. A. R.
As the chief traits of comrade Ben- son's character, we would name cour- age, strength, and kindliness: the two former being displayed conspicuously in his military career as outlined above; the latter being manifested partly in that warm-hearted spirit of comrade- ship which awakened such an affection for him among his companions in arms that he became a general favorit ", and partly in that sympathetic tenderness of heart which led to his being made for so many years a member of the relief committee of this Post.
The expressions which have fallen from the lips of various comrades since the departure of comrade Ben- son, show that he had so warm a place
in the regard of his fellows, that few among us would be missed as he will be.
RESOLVED, that to the widow and sons, and all the surviving kin, we tender our sympathy, and assure them that while the deceased must have been far more dear to them than he could be to us, and their loss is altogether beyond what we can feel, yet nevertheless they have the comfort of the memory of the happy compan- ionship with such a man, and the as- surance that while his comrades remain an affectionate recollection of him will not fade from among men.
(Signed.) In behalf of the Post, JESSE H. JONES, J. P. BEAL,
ALEXANDER MCDONALD, Com.
A. W. WRIGHT,
The news of the sudden death of comrade Benson comes to us with a deep sense of personal loss. During his entire service in the grand old regiment, he was in the same company with ourself, and we knew him well. Indeed, more than once he proved himself to be a friend indeed, and that at times when "being a friend" meant something - meant sacrifice to him, and possibly lasting benefit to us. We tender our sympathy to his stricken family, feeling at the same time the futility of mere words. As long as life lasts we shall remember comrade Benson and honor his memory, and at the last grand roll-call, we trust our name will, as it was a quarter of a century ago, be on the same mus- ter roll as his.
(See pp. 257, 558, History.)
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FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
With unfeigned sorrow we record the death of W. F. Fuller, at Portland, Me., July 20th. The death of such a man is a public calamity. Though still a young man, Mr. Fuller had by industry and perseverance, by his in- tegrity and strict attention to busi- ness, won a place in the front rank among business men in this vicinity. When it was announced a few months since, that Mr. Fuller would move to Portland, the regret in the community was universal. Mr. Fuller was born in Jay, in 1842, on a farm in full view of the railroad just below the North Jay station.
In the year 1861 he enlisted in the First Maine Cavalry, where he served till the close of the war. It is an honor to any man to be a member of the First Maine Cavalry. Mr. Fuller came to Phillips about the year 1865, to engage in business.
In 1857 he married Miss Eldora, the youngest daughter of the late Darius Howard, of Phillips. He leaves a wife and four children.
Mr. Fuller engaged in the hardware business in IS65, which he continued with success until he sold out to Par- ker & Prescott, a few months since. He had held various positions of trust, had been treasurer of the town of Phillips for some years, and was a director of the Phillips Savings Bank He was a large stock-holder in the Sandy River Railroad, was at the time of his death a director of the railroad, and of the Union National Bank. In each and every position he had acquit- ted himself with honor, and had won a reputation as a safe and level-headed business man.
On Saturday noon Mr. Fuller left his store in Portland, with the purpose, as was supposed by his clerks, of going to Phillips. On Sunday morning he called assistance from his window,
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