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 14
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all! It was a noble spectacle, and filled our hearts with pride for the comrades of the Light division. The Light division secured as trophies about seven hundred prisoners, and five cannon.
"Thus the heights were won. It was a glorious day for the Sixth Corps. Never was a charge more gal- lantly made. But it was, too, a sad day; for many scores of our brave comrades lay stretched in death along the glacis, and on the steep ascent, in the ra- vines, and along the road.
"The wounded were speedily taken to the city where they were kindly cared for by the surgeons of the corps, who had then seized the town for hospita purposes. Churches and private dwellings swarmed with the unfortunate men, whose mangled forms toll of the fearful work of the day. Surgeons were hard at work ministering relief to the suffering, binding up wounds, or removing the mangled limbs which offered no hope of recovery; while nurses administered food and coffee, and prepared beds, such as could be extem- porized from blankets spread upon the floors. More than three thousand wounded were brought into the city before nightfall.
" Upon the very heels of the brilliant success of the corps commenced disaster. An order from General Hooker had directed General Sedgwick to advance toward Chancellorsville, and form a junction with the main army. So, the corps, which had so nobly won the heights, pressed on to further achievements. The heights were left behind. Brooks' division (in which
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was the Fifth Maine) which now took the lead, had advanced as far as Salem Church on the Chancellor,- ville pike, when, instead of meeting with any portion of Hooker's army, a few shells from rebel guns warned the division of the presence of the enemy.
"A dense thicket was in front, and Bartlett's brig- ade, which had the advance, was deployed to skir- mish and to ascertain the position of the concealed foe. Presently, having fallen upon a strong line of skirmish- ers, the brigade was formed in line of battle, with the Twenty-seventh New York on the right, then the Fifth Maine, then the One Hundred and Twenty-first New York, and on the left the Ninety-sixth Pennsyl- vania; the Sixteenth New York holding the skirmish line in front. The skirmish line was then advanced to the thicket. the Sixteenth New York driving the rebel skirmishers, the brigade following closely. At the edge of the thicket the brigade was halted; but being ordered by General Brooks to advance rapidly, they pushed on again.
"Advancing through the thicket some thirty rods, the brigade suddenly found itself face to face with a rebel line. The confederates were lying down in a road which traversed the thicket; and when the Union line was within about twenty yards, they sud- denly discharged a volley, which, had it been well aimed, must have ahost annihilated the brigade ; but the fire was returned with effect, and presently the enemy was glad to leave the road which was almost filled with their dead and wounded, and seek
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shelter behind their rifle-pits. The rifle-pits were but a few yards in rear of the road, and here a very strong force was posted. The Union forces occupied the road, and directed their fire against the works; but the rebel fire ent down their unprotected ranks like grass before the seythe. For fifteen minutes the regiments endured this murderous fire, and then fell back in good order, losing in twenty minutes nearly seven linndred men."
The fighting of our regiment in this terrible con- test, I am told, was grand. At one time receiving a most fearful fire both from their front and upon the flank, the troops upon their right having been over- powered and driven back, the enemy swung round upon the Fifth, nearly surrounding it, pouring in a terrible fire of musketry; and it almost seemed as though they would be annihilated. At this critical moment, the regiment received orders to fall back, which they did in excellent order, though keeping up a sharp fire upon their foe. Falling back upon the main line, they were able to hold their position. Our loss, in the engagements of the day, was just one-third of our regiment, with which we started in the morning, one hundred and one. During the whole day, which opened so terribly and closed so fearfully, there was not a single moment that the old Fifth did not sustain its well-earned reputation, and performed deeds of which any State or people might well be proud.
The fighting continued hot and severe, until the
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friendly darkness of night covered the scene, and per- mitted the men rest and sleep. Arduous and terribly severe upon the nerves of each and every one, in these sanguinary struggles of the day, had been their work; and even upon that field of death, with doubt and uncertainty regarding the future staring each one in the face, yet wearied nature demanded sleep, and all were glad to yield to the demand.
The morning finally came, too soon to many. and with it the disheartening knowledge that the enemy had, during the night, sent a large force and reoccupied Frederiesburg heights, and thus cutting off the Sixth Corps entirely. In fine, nearly the whole of Lee's army was in their front, a large force upon their left, the rebels with heavy columns in their rear, and an impassible river upon their right. Now was the time to try men's courage, and when the qualities which make the man and the soldier were to be tested. The only avenne of escape was by a single road leading to a ford above the city of Frederiesburg some six or seven miles. It was certainly a most precarious situa- tion. It was a dark season for the noble corps.
Of course measures were at once taken to make the necessary retreat, for indeed a retreat it must be of necessity. A demonstration was made upon portions .of our lines early in the morning by the enemy, but they were repulsed, and the day passed comparatively quiet, until about five o'clock in the afternoon, when another terrible page in blood and carnage was opened to view. Howe's division received the heaviest blow. Says Stevens, in his history :
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" In front was the Third Brigade, holding a erest which overlooked a ravine through which the rebels must pass. Behind the brigade was another ravine in which was a thin skirt of woods. In the rear of this second ravine, and behind a swell of ground, the Ver- mont Brigade was strongly posted, forming the second line of battle. There were in each of these two brig- ades, about three thousand men.
"Now commenced the most fearful struggle of the campaign. At five o'clock the rebel hordes came with deafening yells upon the division. The divisions of the rebel Generals Early, Anderson, and MeLaws rushed upon the single brigade of less than three thou- sand men, massing their troops in the ravine, and charging with impetuous fury. But the noble regi- ments heroically withstood the shock, the Germans of the Twentieth New York only going to the rear in confusion. The stubborn resistance of the brigade prevented the rebels from piercing our lines, and cut- ting off our retreat, and thus, by its gallantry, enabled the corps to cross at Bank' Ford. But the cost was great. Over one thousand men fell upon that erest. Yet their lives purchased the safety of the entire com- mand. General Howe now ordered the brigade to fall back, and the decimated regiments left the front line and fell behind the strong position hell by the Ver- monters. The rebels, thinking this to be a retreat, fol- lowed with yells of exultation, but were met by the second line of battle, which, from its position behind the swell of ground, was concealed, with a murderous
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fire which sent them reeling back to the cover of the first ravine. Their charge had inflicted but little dam- age to the Union line. It was now nearly dark, and the reception which the rebels had received, had so completely routed and broken,them, that they made no further attempt upon our lines."
As soon as it was dark, the entire force fell back to Bank's Ford, and were soon in secure position behind breastworks. It was a miraculous eseape, and our boys acted nobly in each trying hour.
As soon as daybreak the following morning, "the corps recrossed the Rappahannock on pontoon bridges, but not without the ntmost difficulty; one bridge be- ing destroyed by rebel artillery, and the other barely saved from destruction long enough to allow the troops to pass hurriedly over."
The Fifth Maine Regiment was the last to cross over the river upon the bridge, their duty being to cover the retreat. It was immediately taken up. During the entire campaign, the regiment had oecu- pied important positions, and the fearful list of losses among the men testifies to their noble fighting.
The corps had passed through a fearful ordeal, and had shown itself to be of heroic material. No two more brilliant feats had been performed during the war, than the storming of the heights of Frederies- burg, and the splendid resistance when surrounded and attacked by overwhelming forces. The men came out of that fight, not demoralized, but as ready to scale those terrible heights again, if called upon as they had been on the third day of May."
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The following is a list of the officers of the Fifth Maine's killed, wounded, and taken prisoners in this action. Killed, Second Lieutenant Cyrus W. Brann, Company G. Mortally wounded, Second Lieutenant Smith G. Bailey, Company II., and Second Lieutenant W. F. Brown, Company A. Wounded, Captain Albert Dearing, Company H. severely; Second Lieutenant John H. Stevens, Company B. slightly. Taken pris- oners, Second Lieutenant Frank G. Patterson, Com- pany D., and First Lieutenant William E. Stevens, Company B.
Thus closed our second campaign near Frederics- burg, and though in the commencement we made some slight advances over the success of the first, yet the end found us once more in the camps occupied as winter-quarters, being permitted a season to review the events of the past, and to prepare for the future.
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CHAPTER XXII.
In camp at White Oak Church. Departure of the Sixteenth aad Twenty-seventh New York Regiments. Third movement at Fredericsburg. Movement northward. Hard marching. Night march to Fairfax Station. Pleasant incidents on sub- sequent marches. Forced march to Gettysburg. Position and action at Gettysburg. Gallant reconnoisance. Following up the enemy. Hard march up a mountain. Fights at Funks- town and Williamsport. In camp at New Baltimore. De- serter shot. Raid on General Bartlett's headquarters. Move to Culpepper.
THE several commands had now returned to their oll quarters ; and hence the Fifth was again enjoying the rest which might be gained in its old eamp near White Oak Church. The few following weeks were spent quietly. The weather was fine, the days warm, the roads good, and yet there seemed to be no indi- cations of any forward movement. To any other than patriotic men, remembrances of the past must have filled them with sorrow and depression. Yet all seemed to be in good spirits, and ready for work when called upon by authority.
On the ninth of May, the noble and gallant Six- teenth New York Regiment, whose term of service had expired, bade farewell to the brigade, and turned their footsteps homeward. Side by side, the Fifth
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Maine and the Sixteenth New York had fought in many a hard contest, until they seemed bound to- gether by the strongest ties. It seemed hard to give them up, yet who could ask men, who had rendered such noble service, to remain longer? Who of the Fifth does not remember the Sixteenth at Gaines' Hill, when their line moved so gallantly over the crest of the hill and charged down upon the enemy- their straw-hats, the gift of their intrepid colonel, mak- ing their line particularly conspicuous ?
Scarcely had the Sixteenth gone, when the Twenty- seventh New York, another regiment which had been banded with us from the early days of our brigade existence, was discharged by reason of the expiration of their term of service, and the old Fifth seemed almost alone. Like the Sixteenth, the Twenty-seventh had long been by our side; and strong friendships had sprung up between the two commands. Ever will the Fifth Maine boy remember the Sixteenth and the Twenty-seventh New York with feelings of affection ; and also can he point with pride to them as parts of the noble Bartlett's brigade in the first two years of military service.
General Brooks, who had for some time commanded our division, was about this time assigned to another command, and so dissolved his connection with us. Rough as was the old general, yet both officers and men had learned to love him as well as to fear him. Soldiers admire bravery, and become very fondly attached to the person who exhibits it, no matter
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how austere or even repulsive may be the man; and certainly a braver man never lived than was General Brooks. His departure was sincerely regretted by his entire command.
Quietly the days rolled by, until the men them- selves almost began to wonder why the army did not move. If tedious labors were to be performed. they could scarcely be more tedious than laying idly in camp.
But finally the day of action, or rather of movement, arrived. The regiment was quietly performing a tour of picket duty, when orders came. one day which indicated that the camp-life of the command was onee more ended, and that active duties were to be inau- gurated. So upon the sixth of June, simultaneously with the arrival of the regiment in camp, came the order to strike tents and pack up preparatory to another forward movement. All things being in read- iness, the following day the line of march was taken up, when lo, from the direction taken and from the familiar appearance of the route, it became evident that the fortunes of the troops was once more to be tested upon the familiar plains below Fredericsburg. Reaching the banks of the Rappahannock, the pon- toon bridges being in readiness, the regiment crossed at the same old place, this time unmolested, though not unnoticed. The regiment took up a position somewhat to the left of the former position, near a place called the " Bernard House." Nothing of special note transpired upon this day.
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At an early hour the next morning, June eighth, the men were detailed on fatigue duty, and spent the entire day in throwing up breastworks, digging rifle- pits, and putting several guns into position. Though the enemy could be plainly seen upon the surround- ing heights, holding with quite a force their former entrenchments and fortifications, yet the mystery of their silence no one could seem to understand. Why they let our men quietly entrench themselves, when it lay within their power to put them to a great deal of inconvenience, seemed strange at the time. It was understood, however, long before our troops moved from those plains, that the enemy were making an aggressive movement on some point, and so probably they designed to hold our corps there in order to pre- vent its interference with any rebel plans or move- ments.
On the ninth of June, the regiment was thrown out on pieket on what is known as the Bowling Green Road. Fortifications were in progress of erection all day long; and, as before, the work was generally quietly carried on, scarcely receiving a single compli- ment in the way of shot or shell from the Johnnies' guns.
All quiet on the Rappahannock, might have been a truthful telegram so far as the two following days were concerned; though, upon the eleventh, orders were received to be ready to march at short notice. It was not, however, until the night of the thirteenth that definite orders came, and the march commenced.
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The men were very impatient. Go anywhere, get anywhere, rather than to stay upon that plain, liable at any moment to receive a deadly fire from the enemy, and the question, whether the enemy could be driven away, one of great doubt.
But all things have an end, and so did the suspense as related to that encampment, if encampment it might be called. Soon after dark, that the movement might not be discovered by the watchful though evi- dently lazy rebs, the command moved out of their entrenchments, taking a route toward Potomac Creek. All night long the troops were on their way. This was, in fine, the commencement of a long series of hard marches, and which was to test the endurance of the men.
On the morning of the fifteenth, the troops reached Strafford Court-house, where a halt for rest was directed; but only about two hours had gone by, when "fall in" was the order, and an all-day march was the next seene in the tragedy of the campaign. The weather was now very hot. The men were quite generally suffering with sore and blistered feet. Some received sun-strokes which incapacitated them for service for considerable time. The march was continned the greater portion of the next day, at the conclusion of which, the command went into camp at Fairfax Court-house.
The next day was one of rest, greatly to the joy of the weary men.
On the eighteenth, another movement was made,
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marching this time to Chantilly, where, in a beautiful grove the regiment went into camp, and for several days were destined to enjoy a little peace and quiet. It had been a hard tramp reaching this point, and each man seemed determined to enjoy all of the com- forts which it was possible. The peace of this en- campment was broken one day, however, by the sounds of a severe engagement, which afterwards proved to be a cavalry encounter, going on in front of the regiment, though it was some distance away. Of course there was considerable excitement, perhaps I may say anxiety, as there always was when an action was in progress, and no one could determine whether they would be brought into it or not. It is useless for any one to say, that he was perfectly indifferent regarding such matters; for we never saw one yet who was even apparently indifferent, who was not missing when the time of action arrived. Yet the day went by, and no order came to advance our brigade.
On the evening of the twenty-fifth of June, orders came for an immediate movement. Down came tents, knapsacks were packed, and amid a severe rain-storm, the regiment marched to Fairfax Station. This move- ment was said by some to be a support to a cavalry raid; others thought that an attack on the station was intended to be made by the enemy. We had at that place, a very large store of rations, forage, etc., and which was a tempting bait to the rebs. In case of an attack, the Fifth was to do its share toward a
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repulse. Whatever might have been expected or ·intended, no attack was made; and after waiting as patiently as men hungry, tired, sleepy, and wet could do, they resumed their march back to their former camp-ground, amid the darkness, rain, and mud, query- ing in their own minds what act in the programme of the rebellion they might next be called upon to take a part.
Scarcely had the regiment got into a posture in which to rest, before orders were issued for another immediate movement. A hasty meal was taken, and at three o'clock in the morning, the troops were again on the tramp. And now followed a series of forced marches, which have never been excelled, even if they have ever been equalled in the history of American campaigning. All the morning, all day long the rain poured and the men tramped, tramped, marching that day twenty-five miles, and this following a sleepless night. As a matter of course, the men were very, very tired.
June twenty-seventh. The regiment was in line at three o'clock in the morning and marched fifteen miles, crossing the Potomac river on pontoon bridges.
June twenty-eighth, Sunday, a march of twenty miles was made on this day, and at night the regi- ment went into camp near Hyattsville.
Early Monday morning-it was half past two-the command was again aroused, and without any delay, proceeded at once upon the road. A march of seven- teen miles was made before the men were allowed to
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halt sufficiently long to make that necessary beverage to the soldier-coffee. Nor did they have anything to eat save what they might swallow while marching. This was taking morning exercise with a vengeance. After their long tramp, a hasty breakfast was pre- pared, and the march was again resumed, making the distance traveled in all for the day, twenty-five miles. It was better of course, to make the heavy marches in the cool of the morning, as many of the days were excessively hot; but yet traveling such distances day after day, it almost seemed at the time as if a trial of the strength of the men was being made to see what they could endure. But while it was a mys- tery to the troops in a degree. the commanding general was well aware that a great deal depended upon this march and the prompt appearance of the Sixth Corps at a point not far away.
The regiment camped this night near Windsor. The country round about was most beautiful. The farm houses and everything around them, indicated thrift and prosperity. Nature seemed to have lav- ished some of her sweetest charms upon the portions of the country through which the troops were now passing. A sight met the eye here, which did the hearts of the Maine boys much good. It was a mod- ein school-house. So seldom had one of those New England institutions been seen since the regiment left home, that the appearance of this one excited consid- erable comment and remark. Evidently there was a spirit of progress among that people.
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The men fared well at this place. The citizens seemed to extend to them a hearty welcome, freely opening their store-houses, bringing out provisions, and through their kindness, the inner man of many a soldier was strengthened and refreshed.
The next morning, June thirtieth, the regiment was again upon the move. Approaches were now being made to the rebel positions. Information was re- ceived that the enemy were gradually falling back before the advance. This news, that the Johnnies were running, was always gratefully received by our men. Whether true or false, it always had an inspir- ing effect upon all who may have heard it.
In the march of to-day, an almost perfect ovation met the command at Westminster. The weather was beautiful; and the appearance of the Union soldier rendered every inhabitant enthusiastic. Cherries and other fruit were in abundance, and of which all were invited to partake. The ladies in town turned out en masse to the work of preparing bread and other provisions for the men, furnishing them with milk, meat, etc., anxious to do all that they could; and when offered pay for the articles, work, and trouble, not a single cent would they take. It was a free-will offering. It was to them a labor of love. But there was one thing which they did receive, and that was the grateful and sincere thanksgiving of noble- hearted men.
The command passed on through Windsor, making a march of twenty-five miles in all for the day, and
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went into camp near Manchester. These long and continued marches began to leave their effects upon the men. Feet were blistered. Frames were sore and weary. Besides there seemed to be nothing of special attraction to keep up an interest in the move- ment.
The following day the regiment was allowed a rest; and truly it was refreshing. All seemed to feel that great efforts were yet to be required of the men ; and hence the hours were passed in securing as much sleep and repose as it was possible. Yet with all of the fatigues of the past, there were none who were not ready to give the enemy a lurch should they meet them; and if extra labor and extra marching was required to accomplish that purpose, they were still ready to do all that was necessary, and all that was required of them.
The regiment lay in camp all day (July first), until about nine o'clock in the evening, when orders came to march at once for Gettysburg. The air was hot and sultry; and marching was hardly to be desired ; yet there was no hesitancy. Having feasted upon the best that the country afforded, the men were in the best of humor; and notwithstanding that the greater portion of them had lain down for a good night's rest, when the order came to " strike tents and be ready to march in ten minutes," yet they seemed ready for the Work. It was now certainly known that the enemy had invaded northern soil. They had contaminated with their presence, the pure atmosphere of freedom.
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They must be hurled back. This was the work of the soldier. The road was a long one, almost forty miles, yet brave and strong men were upon it ready for any emergency.
About eleven o'clock, the command was halted; and after a tarry of about one hour, the information was received that they had taken the wrong road. This was tough. By the time that the right road was discovered, the boys were mostly asleep; and the starting up and the turning of them around to retrace their steps, cansed much strong language. This night's march was one of the most severe of the cam- paign. Those who have never had the experience, woald hardly believe it possible, that one could sleep while marching; yet many there were who actually slept while moving on their way, until meeting with some obstruction in the road which caused a sudden awakening.
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