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 16
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tragedy, fell back ourselves to a point called Bristow Station.
On the fourteenth of October we resitmed our back- ward movement, marching as far as Chantilly, a point between Centreville and Fairfax Court-house. Here we went into eamp in a lovely place, as beautiful and pleasant as we could ask, yet we could not resist the query among ourselves, why this backward movement was being made, if our object was to go to Richmond; nor why we should give up so much advance ground for which we had been fighting so long to gain. Yet our business was to mind our own business, and, resigned, allow the powers that were to aet as foolish as they chose with us.
We had scarcely got settled, before an alarm spread through the camp that the enemy was advancing, and we were ordered to prepare at once for action. Deter- mined this time to have the advantage, we at once threw up earth-works, resolving to give the rebels a warm welcome, provided they came upon us. Of course all was excitement and expectation, and every picket-gun was interpreted as the commencement of a mighty battle. How strong we felt behind those earth-works! It seemed much better than to stand ont upon open ground to be shot down from behind earth-works. News reached us that the enemy were indeed advancing-were only a short distance away ; but alas! for the hopes of those who expected to fight behind breast-works, it proved to be only a reconnois- sance of the enemy to discover our whereabouts and
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the strength of our position ; and away they marched, leaving us in quiet possession of the field.
We remained in this place about five days, when we again strike tents, and, abandoning the retreat, conclude to resume the advance. Nothing of interest occurred for two or three days, save that our march- ing brought us back to the vicinity of Warrenton, where we were destined to remain a little over two weeks. If our coach was slow in the early part of our service, we could not help asking, what was it now ? Methinks that even at this late day, those roads would look familiar to almost every man in our com- mand, if he was to visit that locality, so frequently did we march and connter-march in that vicinity. Yet I suppose that there was wisdom in all this; but to us it was a blind exhibition of it. Our policy seemed to be to fall back when the rebels were advancing, and to advance when the rebels were falling back. It used to remind us of two boys, who wanted to fight most terribly, but whose real status was, "one was scared, and the other durstn't." I quote the boys' ex- pression as conveying what many of us conceived to be the condition of men in power upon both sides.
Swiftly the time flew by until the evening of the sixth of November, when orders were promulgated to the various commands to be ready to move at an early hour upon the following morning. Whether backward or forward was to be our march we could not determine; but, nevertheless, preparations were made with an accustomed promptness and dispatch.
12*
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At seven o'clock the next morning the columns began to move, and we soon discovered that our move- ment this time was forward. The Johnnies were, of course, supposed to be running, and we marched along in peace. The morning was beautiful, just cool enough to march easily and comfortably. We moved on with the usual route step, conjecturing, querying. and speculating regarding the result of our enterprise this time. Soldiers were great speculators in their minds. Halting about noon to prepare our dinner, which really did not require or consume much time, our reveries, if any were indulged in after the inner man was duly strengthened with pork, bread, and coffee, were suddenly disturbed by the roar of artil- lery and the sounds of sharp musketry some distance in our advance. "Fall in," came the order, which was obeyed with a promptness and a will. We seemed now to be moving with some real purpose in view. For some time the sound of conflict continued, per- haps for an hour, and then all was quiet. Expecta- tions of a brush with the enemy, so far as we were concerned, seemed to die away; yet it was evident front general appearances that we were being hast- ened to some point, and possibly our services might be required in support of some movement important in other portions of the army.
About one o'clock in the afternoon, we found our- selves in the vicinity of Rappahannock Station, a position which, but a few weeks before, we were in quiet and undisputed possession; but which, from all
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that we could then learn, would cost us much pre- cious blood to regain. We had been marching through heavily timbered land, when almost sud- denly we came upon an opening stretching away for a mile or more to our right, and extending to the banks of the river. This opening reached for a long distance up and down the river, and was very free from trees or other obstructions, thus rendering all operations upon that field in full view of the enemy. Halting in the edge of the woods, we had an oppor- tunity to glance around us, and perceive our situa- tion.
From our position to the banks of the river, which were quite high above the water, the ground was gently rising. Upon the banks of the river the en- emy had thrown up one or two forts, which were pro- tected by a battery of ten pound guns: anl, stretch- ing ont for a third of a mile upon the right, and for a short distance upon the left, were strong lines of breast-works and rifle-pits, all commanding the open ground in their front. These pit- and works could be easily discerned; and, with the naked eye, we could see that they were full of men, and who were no friends of ours, as a shot or two from their guns on our first appearance, loudly informed us. Two or three of our batteries were in position, but at this time, they were remarkably quiet. Before our arrival it seems that a portion of our corp, in which the noble Sixth Maine bore a most con-pienous part, had stormed these works; but the fire of the rebels was
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too severe for them ; and, after one or two attempts to take the fortifications, each one of which were failures, though almost successes, they were compelled to fall back, and leave the enemy masters of the situation for a time. Later in the afternoon, the exact time of which I have no data, the Sixth Maine ahead, sup- ported by the Fifth Wisconsin, made a brilliant charge upon the left of the enemy's position, sweep- ing over his works, and though the attack of the rebels upon their line was terrible, our boys proved too much for them, and secured an important foot- hold upon the rebels' strong position. The severity of their fighting (the Sixth Maine), may be inferred from their terrible loss of sixteen officers, and one hundred and twenty-three men killed and wounded. Nobly they sustained their glorious name and record of the past ; and it is with pride that we can point to the Sixth Maine and pay it our highest praise for their noble work in that day's conflict.
An advance of our lines could only be made in full view of the enemy, and, if he so chose, under his fire. To move across that plain under cannon and mus- ketry a full mile, seemed to us to court all the oppor- tunities to secure death and disaster possible. As we contemplated the position, I do not think any hearts were very light or buoyant, nor did it add to assur- ances of success when we saw that our artillery would be of little or no avail in case we made a demonstra- tion. It did seem to us that if we did attempt an advance, it must be with our eyes wide open to the certainty of a defeat.
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I should have mentioned before that our brigade was at this time commanded by Colonel Emory Upton of the One Hundred and Twenty-first New York Regiment, which had been for some months brigaded. with our regiment, a man m whom the offi- cers and men had considerable confidence.
It may have been about three o'clock in the after- noon, when the colonel's assistant adjutant-general rode up to Colonel Edwards, and directed our regi- ment, in company with the One Hundred and Twenty- first New York, to fall in, and we were at once placed in line of battle, and prepared for an advance. In our rear were the Ninety-fifth and Ninety-sixth Pennsyl- vania Regiments. At the order "forward," the first two regiments advanced in line from under the cover of the woods, and commenced their march across the open plain. Two single regiments, both of them num- bering less than six hundred men, all alone, moving directly toward the enemy's works; works so strong, and which it seemed to us would require ten times our force to even present an ordinary hope to gain, what could it mean ? Surely, we were not expected to take the whole rebel army, or wrest some of its brightest jewels from it; this could not be. It bore a very strong resemblance to the boy David going forth to meet the giant Goliath. But if we were the boy, we, by our action at least, indicated that we felt pretty large, or else were supremely ignorant regard- ing the danger which threatened us upon every hand. Steadily our boys advanced, however, openly. and. at
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heart, defiantly. If the enemy were astonished to see that handful of men thus bearding the lion in his den, we were astonished that he did not open upon us his whole battery, and exterminate us at once. As the distance decreased between us and the foe, the shells which came for a little season quite fast and thick, admonished us to keep well off, an admonition to which we did not seem to pay any respect or atten- tion. It seemed to be a bold advance which we were making, alone and unsupported as advancing lines are usually supported; yet on the regiment moved as though the entire Northern army was at its heels. What view the enemy may have taken of our move- ment, it is difficult to determine; but from the fact that they contented themselves with only compara- tively light artillery practice at our heads, we may have been regarded as a corps of observation, or a force sent out to establish a picket-line; and hence seareely worthy of notice.
Possibly we might have approached to within five hundred yards of their works, and formidable enough did they look to us, when a few shells seemed to say to us, you are near enough, and we were at once halted, and there in the very face and eyes of the enemy, so as to speak, who, should they see fit, might almost crush us at a blow, we very quietly proceeded to stack our arms and rest. At this moment, a piece of bursting shell struck down Lieutenant colonel Mil- lett, and he was borne to the rear, and rendered incapable for duty for some months.
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Seareely were we in position, when ont upon the air upon our left, rung the wildest yells, with a grand chorus of cheers and musketry. It was an exciting moment. Inspired with a mighty will and resolute courage, the Sixth Maine had dashed upon the enemy, ant captured a part of his position. We expected every moment to see the rebels leap over their other works, and bear down upon us; but such did not seem to be the order of the day.
Stacking arms, the men proceeded to kindle fires, and make their coffee. There was not, however, much peace to be taken at that supper, ont there compara- tively alone, and not knowing what whim might seize the rebs, and, at the same time, they seize us. To our comprehension, the whole movement was shrouded in mystery.
We could not have been in this position long, before night closed in around us; and, having nothing better to occupy our time or our attention, the greater portion of our little force made their prepara- tions for the night ; and without fires, tents, or shel- ter of any kind save a single blanket, they laid down to sleep and to rest.
The night was dark. No moon to light up the sur- roundings, and to make the hours pleasant to the sleepless. The stars themselves seemed to hold back a little of their usnal radiance, lest too much cheer might surronud ns. A faint, only a very faint star- light beamed in through night's mantle; and while there might have been those who might have wished
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for more light, yet for us, darkness proved to be pref- erable; in fine, it proved to be the instrument of our salvation.
It had got to be between eight and nine o'clock, I should think, in the evening, when all was still and quiet as silence itself, when the order was whispered from one to another "get up quick; fall in; silently and lively." This being turned out so unceremoni- ously was not at all times agreeable; but, nevertheless. upon this occasion it required but a very few mo- ments to execute the order, and soon the line of the two regiments was formed, and in readiness for move- ment. The Fifth Maine was in a single line of battle. The One Hundred and Twenty-first New York was in close column by divisions, presenting a much shorter front than that of the Fifth. For a season we were in the blackest ignorance of what was de- signed to do with us; but, of course, with our little band we expected to fall back as had been our usual enstom for some weeks when we had come up to the enemy. Every movement was conducted as silently as possible ; for, whatever might be the nature of our action, it was not desirable to give the enemy any alarm, or give them any premature information re- garding our intentions. Colonel Upton rides along the line and gives his instructions. We were to ad- vance. Before us was the enemy and his position. We, a handful of men, were to storm them under the cover of the friendly darkness. Our commander relied upon the faithfulness of his troops, and also
f
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upon our ability to take these works, and thus aceom- plish one of the most brilliant labors of the war. We were to advance in good time, and in silence until the proper time. Colonel Edwards directs that when the first gun is fired from the rebel works, that his men shall lie down at once, unsling their knapsacks, and allow the volley which we expected we might receive, to pass over us instead of into us. This is simply a synopsis of instructions. Under the cover of the darkness, it was hoped that we might near the works without being perceived, and thus be able to " steal a march upon the enemy."
All being in readiness, with firm step, five hundred and fifty men move forward, a forlorn hope almost, sent to do the work which five thousand men conld not have done by daylight. Noble spectacle-the devoted consecration of men to a service where they looked boldly into the face of death, and yet hesitated not, but moved on, regardless of results if duty was only done.
Up the gentle slope those devoted men march. Not a sound breaks the stillness of the evening. Men's hearts almost cease to beat. The eye strains to pieree the darkness. Nearer,-nearer,-nearer the boys in blue approach the den of the foe. It is life or death, it is victory or a rebel prison. Ten thousand thoughts flash through the brain, yet not a thought which checks a single step. On moves that devoted band. "Steadily," whispers an officer. The moment for work has come. A flash, a bullet sings by our
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colors. Quick the alarm rings through the enemy's works. Another flash. "Lie down," " unsling knap- sacks," is the quick order of Colonel Edwards. At the next instant, from over the riffe-pits, flashes a full volley of musketry. The prostrate position of the men had saved great slaughter. We see our position. Not a dozen rods are between us and the rebel breast- works. Their volley had told us plainly that the rebel force was heavy. The leaden hail sweep over our ranks for a moment. Darkness closes in. "Fifth Maine and One Hundred and Twenty-first New York. honor the flag of the United States; forward," was the speech of the plucky Upton. Down went knap- seks in a twinkling. "Double quick ! Charge!" shoute l onr commander. Like tigers eager for their prey, our boys spring forward with a vell which was both terribly ant deafening. In an instant, almost, before the rebs had a second opportunity to fire, our boys were in the rifle-pits, had gained the breast- works, swinging and thrashing their bayonets right and left. "Quarter." eries the reb. "Surrender," roar the boys in blue. " Forward" is the impetuous order of ElwarIs, who with sword in han l, was ren- dering brilliant service, leading on his column, a brave man at the head of brave men. Over the works, up into the fortifications, our boys rush like a whirlwind. On every side, the enemy throw down their guns. mying for many. Hal to hand was now the coll- that. A few shots received answers for at war bay- mets. The enemy saw only death before them.
İ
The Charge at Rappahannock Station.
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"Quarter," was the cry from all sides. The works were ours, and the band of five hundred and fifty men were victorious. A most glorious achievement, and one of which all might well feel proud.
One circumstance conspired greatly to aid us in our achievement and victory. In the very first assault, so surprised were the rebels, that, in many instances, almost whole companies surrendered up to two or three of our boys. These were speedily hastened to the rear, and going in various directions, as one peered through the darkness, there was the appear- ance of huge bodies of troops in motion, though they were the rebels themselves being marched away. Yet to the disordered minds of the enemy, they might have almost thought that the whole Union army was upon them. Captain Walker of Company "I" was assigned to the duty of receiving and guarding the prisoners. It was exciting to see our boys come in with their captures. A single illustration must suf- fice. One little fellow in "HI." company, Dennis Murphy, reported thirteen prisoners, big men all of them, given up by the little five-footer. Many others, whose names I cannot recall, did brilliant service in securing prisoners. As soon as the breastworks were gained, Colonel Elwards, with three or four men, swept down upon the right and compelled the sur- ren ler of a large portion of a Louisiana brigade. I fin I an interesting sketch of his adventure reported in a newspaper entitled " Yankeeism on the fiel l" Says the writer,-
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" Colonel Edwards took a few men from Company 'G. an'l pressel on in quest of prisoners, suppo-ins that some might be trying to get away in the dark- ness of the night. Following the line of fortifications down toward the river, he saw before him a long line of troops in the rifle-pits. Finding that he was in a tight fix, he determined to put on a bold face.
" Where is the officer in command of these troops ?" demanded the colonel.
" Here," answered a colonel, who was commanding the rebel brigade, " and who are you, sir?"
"My name is Colonel Edwards of the Fifth Maine, and I demand you to surrender your command."
" I will confer with my officers first," replied the rebel officer.
"Not a moment will I allow, sir," said Colonel Elwards. "Don't you see my columns advancing? (pointing to a large body of men marching over a slight eminence, but who were the rebel prisoners being marched to the rear). Your forees on the right have all been captured, and your retreat is ent off," and, as the rebel commander hesitated, he continued. " Forward, Fifth Maine and One Hundred and Twenty- first New York!"
" I surrender, sir," said the rebel commander quickly.
" Will you allow me the courtesy of retaining a sword that has never been dishonored ?"
" Yes, sir," replied Colonel Elwards, "but I will take the swords of those officers," pointing to the colonels by his side.
They were handed to him.
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"Now order your men to lay down their arms and pass to the rear with this guard."
They obeyed, and a whole brigade of Louisianians permitted themselves to be disarmed and marched to the rear as prisoners of war by Colonel Edwards and less than a dozen men of his regiment.
This brigade was the first command ever assigned to the late "Stonewall " Jackson.
Many incidents might be introduced regarding this glorious achievement, but we have neither time nor space for only one or two. One simply showing an utter disregard for rebel rank was seen in the action of our grand color-bearer Bumpus, who being attacked by a rebel captain when on the fortifications, seized him by the hair of the head, throwing him headlong down an embankment twelve or fifteen feet, to the utter demoralization of said captain. The captain would not surrender to a soldier, and so the soldier made him surrender to the ditch.
At the time of the charge, there were in Company "K." two brothers from Peru, Maine, named Frost. One was the file-leader of the other. As the regi- ment neared the works, the front rank brother was shot dead. Over the prostrate body, the living brother pushed on, thus elosing up the ranks, entered the works, doing his whole duty, and, after the vic- tory was gained, sought permission to go to the rear and pay the last kin I offices of affection to his unfor- tunate brother. Such faithfulness to duty, stilling for a little time the promptings of the heart, till his
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absence could not prove injurious to the regiment and to his comrades, deserves special mention. No nation can ever fall when she is supported by such stuff as this incident reveals.
The fight on the fortifications was but for a mno- ment. To give up their colors was almost to give up their lives. Our engraving, representing the charge at Rappahannock Station, gives a true scene. On the breast-works, Lieutenant Lyon, commanding Company "K," with sword in hand demanded the color of a rebel color-sergeant. The sergeant draws his pistol upon the gallant lieutenant, but before he could dis- charge it, one of our own boys thrust a bayonet be- tween the reb's ribs, and the color was borne away in triumph.
In connection with our charge, a detachment was sent around the fort, who cut the bridge lea ling over the river, and upon which the enemy intended retreat- ing if so compelled, but which design was checked by thus effectually cutting off their escape. A few rebels got away by swimming the river. Finding all hope of escape gone, and believing themselves overpow- ered, they at once yielded up their position and them- selves.
During this whole movement, advance, attack, tri- umph, not a single gun upon our part was tired, the bravery of our boys with their bayonets doing the work. More than thede handel prisoners vore cup- tured. The battle-flags of the four regiments who had opposed us were captured by men in our regiment.
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It was a prond time for our boys; and the chagrin of the enemy can be, perhaps, more easily imagined than described, when they found to what a little force they had surrendered. Said the major of one of the Lou- isiana regiments, " this is one of the most brilliant things I ever heard of for you, and one of the most disgraceful for us."
Even at the risk of repetition, I must here introduce an order which was subsequently read on dress parade to our regiment, relating to this contest.
HEAD-QUARTERS FIFTH MAINE REGIMENT. November 18, 1563.
GENERAL ORDER NO. 31.
The colonel commanding this regiment, desires to tender to the officers and men of this command his sineere thanks for the bravery and gallantry displayed by them at the recent battle of " Rappahannock Station " on the seventh inst. Di- reeted by superior authority to charge one of the most for- midable intrenchments of the enemy, exposed to his mur- derous fire, plunging into the work so unexpectedly, espe- cially after a hard and tedious march, the firmness with which every member of this command moved forward in the valorons and energetic execution of his whole duty, neither faltering nor wavering for a moment, the resolute manner and soldier-like conduct of each and every man, call for a special return of thanks from the regimental commander who has been thus nobly supported in one of the most fear- less and illustrious achievements of the war, gaining to each one the lasting plaudits and honors of an appreciative pub- lie. Under the cover of night, ignorant of what was before you, you changed the enemy in his pits, sweeping all before yon; and though the first rumors published in our papers have not accorded you full justice, yet the colonel command-
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ing assures you that all shall be done that is possible to award you due honors of your unquestionable gallantry. Over that portion of the enemy's works which you so chival- rously carried, were found the next morning over twelve hundred small arms; and to this regiment is indisputably awarded the honor of capturing four stands of colors, one caisson, besides many hundreds of prisoners.
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