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 3
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record of a Maine officer should be set right before the public, inasmuch as his military character has been so often attacked. I allude to Colonel Mark II. Dunnell. Personally, the writer has but little acquaintance with Colonel Dunnell; and hence it is from no personal in- terests that his character is here vindicated. But the facts are, that at the battle of Bull Run, Colonel Dunnell was present with his command, led them into the ac- tion as well as any officer could have done with no more practical experience, gave his orders as coolly and deliberately as any man could do, nor did he issue the order to retreat, until he received it from his superior officer. On the retreat it was impossible to make any rally of men ; and while hundreds were hurrying past him, he was ealm, as upon the advance. He showed himself brave, self-possessed, and willing to do every- thing he could with his command. These are facts which cannot be obliterated. Had all high officers man- ifested as much pluck as Colonel Dunnell, the battle might have terminated differently. It is but just that this statement should appear in the history of the Fifth Maine.
Thus ended our first battle, one which, though in- significant in itself when compared with hundreds of others it may be, will ever live in history, and espe- cially in the memories of its participants, not so much perhaps because it was a most signal defeat, but be- cause it was the first successful, and, may be on that account, the most severe blow dealt at the princi- ples and institutions of our glorious Republic.
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CHAPTER IV.
Short tarry in Alexandria. Camp at Bush Hill. Long roll. Another move and a return. Short rations. Trouble in camp. More changes. Rain in camp. Personal reminis- cense.
THE morning of the 23rd opens beautifully, but it finds the boys very lame and possessing but little am- bition. Some attempt to promenade the streets, but it is hard work; while a lond snore from this quarter and that, clearly demonstrates that all are not suffi- ciently rested to enjoy the desolate views with which Alexandria abounded. There were all sorts of rumors floating round, having a tendency to keep up an ex- vitement, which may have been well, perhaps, for it served to cause men to forget the trials of the past few days. Many improved the opportunity, while re- maining in Alexandria, to ramble through some of its streets. Nearly every store, house, and building was closed, save those occupied by the soldiery. Visited the " Marshall House," made famous as the scene of the death of Colonel Ellsworth. It was occupied as barracks by a New York regiment. The staircase and surroundings where the colonel fell, were literally ent to pieces by curiosity hunters. Even the paper was torn from the walls, much of which is, no doubt, highly
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treasured as mementoes of the scene and its tragie re- sults. At every point we could see evidences of the want of Northern enterprise and energy, to impart a life and a vigor into that ancient town. In compari- son with some of our Yankee cities, "mud-sill" enter- prise was vastly ahead of Southern "chivalry."
"Be ready to move at twelve o'clock (noon)," was the order which we received on the morning of the twenty-sixth; and, punctually to the hour, our battal- ion was formed and marched to the depot, where we took the cars. Proceeding out of the city some three or four miles, we encamped near "Bush Hill," so called. It was a lovely place, excellent water close at hand, and surrounded by plenty of trees to shield us from the scorching rays of the sun. But, of course, the accommodations about here were too fine for us to remain in them long. We were compelled to his- ouae, inasmuch as there were only twenty tents in the whole regiment. Our camp equipage was gone, where, it is to be presumed, no one knew ; and if they did, they kept wonderfully silent so far as our regiment was concerned.
About two o'clock on the morning of the thirtieth, the whole camp was aroused by the beating of the "long roll." Verdant troops though we were, it re- quired but little time to get us duly into line. Our clothes were hastily thrown on, -in some cases wrong side out, - for it would never do for a soldier to be in the rear when an enemy was on the alert; our muis- kets were in our hands, and we were ready to fight or
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-l'un. Surely, thought we, the enemy are upon Is now. But no; it was a false alarm,-only a ruse to ascertain how much time it would require to get the regiment into line in case of an emergency. So, feel- ing that no flying balls would whistle over our heads that night, we retired to rest again, blessing our stars that it was only a ruse.
In the afternoon of the first of August, we were or- dered to move our encampment about one mile to the right, and which movement consumed a greater por- tion of the time until evening. During the march from one place to the other, the men were compelled to cross a swollen stream; and of all the attempts to get over without getting wet,-men jumping from one rock to another, and often tumbling into the water, -this was the most laughable of any like inci- dent during the term of service. As soon as the band were safely over (Cole always had a wonderful fac- ulty of getting over trouble well), as they witnessed the ludicrous attempts of some of the men, impressed undoubtedly with a peculiar sense of the ridiculous, they at once struck up that modern opera, "O dear, what can the matter be?" The cheerful notes of Cole's cornet, heartily supported by the members of the best band in the army, checked many an angry expression, and made scores laugh at their own per- pleving mishaps.
Arriving in our new position, we found that, owing to the negligence of the quarter-master, we had no rations; and hence we were compelled to go to our
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beds supperless. Poor indeed as had been our ra- tions, they were highly prized by hungry mortals, an. 1 I need not say that the loss of them occasioned som ... tall grumbling among the boys, accompanied by r .- marks neither polite or genteel. But this did not bring hard-tack or salt beef, and so after a while we were reconciled. But we were doomed to pass the t- lowing morning without any breakfast; and then the passions of hungry men assumed a more formidable mien. We were ordered to move our camp back again to the old position, because we were in direct range of the guns of Fort Ellsworth, a fact which could not be discovered the previous noon, I supp .. ... But the idea that they had got extra labor and marel- ing to do without any breakfast, was highly repts- nant to the boys, and savage threats were made t- ward the commissary. Late in the morning quarter-master came riding into the camp; but i sooner had he made his appearance, than the most tr .- earthly groans and shouts were sent forth for his spi- cial benefit. It required all the skill of the officers : protect him from personal injury. As it was, ston. s and sticks were hurled at him, eansing him to beat :. hasty retreat. Effigies of him were suspended an l burnt, and every method seemed to be resorted to. in order to express the indignation of the men toward liz. At this junction, however, our Lieutenant-colonel Is- ley, -who was compelled to remain in Maine from -. :- ness when we left. and who had but recently job .. : us,-a man loved by the regiment, came out and : .-
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sured the men of better treatment in future, which seemed to calm the storm so lately raging; and then we heartily set about the work of removing back, which labor was accomplished about sunset.
We remained in our last position a few days, per- forming the usual routine of eamp life, when we were again directed to remove to another position; but we did not accomplish our purpose until we had re- mained in the same position nearly forty-eight hours, wet to the skin from a severe rain-storm, expecting an attack from the enemy. But no enemy came, and at 7 P. M., on the 18th of August, we took up the line of march for our new location about one mile and a half distant. It is not my purpose, by any means, to enumerate each change of encampment; but I have particularized thus far for the purpose of showing the frequent changes and counter-changes we were com- pelled to make in a brief period; and which, to my mind, reflects more strongly the stupidity of our offi- cers in charge, but who, in their bearing, were arbi- trary and tyrannical, than most any other point which can be adduced. I do not refer here particularly to regimental officers, but some higher. In our course we were compelled to ford two streams which were considerably swollen by the recent rain. It was rather amusing to see the efforts of the men, in their struggles against the swift currents, up to their hips in the water, and especially to hear the orders of some officers,- whose clothes were only damp outside, but whose throat " whistles " were pretty often "wet,"-
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to " dress up your squads," a point impre. die: 13 .. not to say impossible. But, finally, the tedious 5. 3 was over, and at eight o'clock in the evening we Were hon our ground; but having no means to dry ourselves, we lie down to rest, wet and cold, coll alma : as Maine's November, and with a single blanket t. ver es. I cannot speak, of course, by authority. los ser- tainly circumstances and appearances indiestel. that what little patriotism did not get surcated . ntofts at Bull Run, became pretty effectually sooked out in a few succeeding days.
But we were destined to occupy this grun 1 } =: a brief day ; for on the 15th we were again rimorsi to another position, going into camp in the rear .: F rt Ellsworth, and about three-quarters of a mile from -Le city of Alexandria; and by which move we besime detached from Howard's Brigade, and wers :.: 1! to General Heintzleman's, soon after General s. Associated with as were the 16th, 26th, and 2Ft Ny York State Volunteers.
Rain in camp. For three days it has pour 1 .- 11 in torrents. How dreary, how lonely, Low . - late! Not a drill, not a movement, to di --- - tedions monotony. How slowly drags the sine! feel as though the days would never pass. We : 1. almost make oath that the nights were de usual length. Fortunately, we had got oure. ... -. of tents. Hear the rain drops patter on . playing their monotonous music, so finely but with the melancholy feelings of the veenpant. I. ..
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look within. Here is the tent-squad, twelve in num- ber. Stretched close to the door is one sound asleep, utterly unconscious and indifferent to all surroundings. Sleep on, poor fellow, thy earthly sleep; for thou, too, knowest not how soon the cold sod may become thy only covering, while bullets shall whistle, and the cannon's roar shall sound thy requiem! Just beyond is another reading the morning paper, while another is writing some loving epistle to friends at home. A group here seek to while away the lonesome hours at a social game of euchre; while others sit silently by, seeking consolation at the stems of their treasured pipes, while all countenances seem to ask the question, " Oh, why did I go for a soger?" Wearied with their present occupations, they talk of the past, criticise the present, and speculate upon the future. But strive as one may to pass the hours agreeably, still all admit that the most tedious and disagreeable position a man ean be placed in, is to pass a rainy day in a camp in the field. Can the writer be pardoned a slight personal reminiscence ?
On Tuesday, August 20th, I was detailed, together with Sergeant Shannon of " HI," and Sergeant Patter- son of "G," to go to Washington with Colonel Dun- nell and assist in the work of preparing the pay-rolls. Anxious, of course, to see all there was to be seen, we were ready to answer that eall; and early in the fore- noon we were busily at work upon them in a small office in the War Department. Completing our task at an early hour, we sauntered out upon a tour of obser-
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vation. We turned first toward the White House, feeling that could we only get a glimpse of - Unele Abe," we should be amply repaid for the labor we had already performed. Approaching the door to the rub- lic entrance, hat in hand, we were met at the threshold by some burly officer, who wanted to know why we wanted. Conscious of our position,-souliers. only common soldiers,-we hardly dared to explain that we came only out of curiosity, but yet ventured to remark that we were very desirous of seeing the White House. Immediately we were told that we had better leave ; when, at that moment, who should appear but the president himself, passing ont toward the street. Per- ceiving us, humble as we were, a smile seemed : Fer- spread his features, and, slightly bowing, he said, - How do you do, my boys ?" giving us each a shake E the hand, accompanied by a look which seemel to say that we might enter. Suffice it to say, that we lid : green and the reception rooms. It was some such l-le acts of President Lincoln which endeared Lim : . the hearts of the soldiery; and even when the str.se-t denunciations were uttered against many men. 1 MMny high and responsible positions, there were none Com the " boys" against ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
1
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CHAPTER V.
Church of Washington in Alexandria. Resignations in the com- mand. Colonel Dunnell leaves the Regiment. Rumor that Jeff Davis was dead. A private's grand dinner.
PROMINENT among the objects which attracted the soblier's eye was the stately and venerable church in Alexandria, where George Washington was accustomed to attend divine service. Amid such surroundings as those which attended the soldier, he could only gaze upon that edifice with awe and veneration. What .honghts would crowd upon the mind. The church of Washington! He who fought so long, so nobly, that this country might be bequeathed to posterity as a land of liberty, but now so fearfully torn by civil dissensions ; this sacred church, within whose walls the " father of his country" lifted up his noble heart in prayer to God for the whole land, forsaken by the children of those w ho assembled there with him in worship, left to the chances and devastations of war. How grossly have the prayers and desires of those noble, self-sacrificing patriots of old been perverted !
Me thinks that could the dust of those manly sires, ? bouldering beneath those ancient tablets, again become imated with earthly life, that they would fall with t. rrible denunciations upon those heartless and hot-
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headed children, who thus sought by fire and sword to divide this glorious republic, once cemented by the best blood of American noblemen. From a shady trec over- hanging the fence, I plucked a single leaf as a memento of an interesting visit.
Sunday, August 25th. After religious services to-day Colonel Dunnell made a long address, partaking of the nature of farewell advice. It was rumored that he was soon to resign, to enable him to return to an appoint- ment in civil service. Of course some felt grieved; but, if indications were indexical of popular feeling, grief was speedily supplanted, among the officers, by the excitement in the race for the vacant coloneley and other positions. Scarcely had he concluded, when an alarm spread through the camp that the rebels were advancing upon us in quick time-were within two or three miles, that a fight was imminent, that pickets were being driven in, out-posts captured, etc., etc. All was at once excitement. Canteens were filled, knap- sacks packed, tents tumbled down, guns stacked, and all was made ready for immediate action. But we had our labor for our pains, for the night passed, and there was no sign of any blood spilt; in fine, the "rebs " were twenty miles away.
About this time, most of the captains in the regi- ments were resigning and going home, Bull Run hay- ing dimmed the "shiny" on their shoulder-straps. Colonel Dunnell left us on the 25th of August.
August Blet. About this time there was much excitement and discussion upon the question, whether
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the Fifth Maine was really a three years' or a three months' regiment, many taking the latter groun 1. But it finally quieted down into a settled conviction that we were good for three years, unless sooner di- charged by disease or the War Department. We at thought that the former was destined to do the heaviest business in that line. To-day there was an electiz among the officers to fill vacancies occurring by the resignation of Colonel Dunnell. Lieutenant-colonel Ilsley was elected colonel, Major Hamilton lieutenant- colonel, and Captain Thompson, of Co. D. (Brunswick Co.), major. Will they be commissioned by the gov- ernor? is the question. We shall see.
It was on the 4th of September, 1861, that the frs: rumor reached us that Jeff Davis was dead. Of course we all believed it, and the sensation which the ropes created was great. Surely, thought we, if he is gone the rebellion must soon collapse ; and already visions of a grand reception home floated before the eyes of many a poor private. In every company street. squads of men might be seen talking over the " glorious news ;" and many a missive was dispatched that night, fill (? expectations that we should soon be with loved ones again. We laughed at the irksomeness of camp bay for a season, for, we asked, are not our days few on the "sacred soil?" Ah! we little considered that Davis was but the representative of a strong and powerful class, and still less, that even that representative wait no means dead. How eager these men were to y: into the army; how much more eager they were not
-
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to get out! Every possibility was magnified into a probability, and every probability was accepted as a legitimate fact. Nothing so ridiculous, no rumor so improbable, no speculation so wild, that was not ac- cepted as fact by hundreds of eager listeners. The faintest hope that we might soon return home, became, in the minds of many, a settled conviction in less than an hour's time. But Davis did not die; the rebellion did not at that time collapse ; nor did we return home. Our air-eastles vanished like webs of gossamer, only to give place to others having their creation upon equally ridienlons reports.
On the 7th of September a new report was circu- lated through our camp, to the effect that Colonel Jackson, formerly commander of the First Maine In- fantry Regiment, was daily expected to assume the colonelcy of the Fifth Maine. Now there was fun among the officers. They laughed at our speculations, but methinks we could then see expressions of intense anxiety and disappointment depicted on their coun- tenances. If he came, of course the recently elected officers failed of promotion. Fearful accounts had reached us of his " tyranny," yet there was not a man who did not know that we needed somebody to straighten us out. Our discipline was at the lowest ebb. One company at brigade drill that day only numbered twelve men, another ten, while a third had but three men. True, some were on fatigue-duty, and a large number were sick; but where there were but one hundred and fifty of the command on drill, there
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ought to have been five hundred at least. Colore Davis, commanding brigade, at once ordered t- to our quarters, with a sharp reprimand to our commandis: officer. We await the final denouement.
Here is a "state" dinner, in which privates som :- times indulged. I recollect seeing one which it- pressed me at that time particularly. So Errez: from the ordinary fare, one could only denominate :: as delicious. To it the writer was invited, and let - he can testify to its goodness. It consisted of . bread with syrup, and some flap-jacks, otherwi --. call .: griddle-cakes, all of which were purchased for -he sta of sixteen cents. The table was the head of a barre .: a huge jack-knife constituted the cutlery, a tis post- and cup was the only dinner service, unless we exter: our fingers. Seated on another barrel, we parteok . : our repast, ending with a dessert of a couple of reseb -.. Enjoyment was high upon that occasion. Our: ca. : a private's position became elevated for a little white. not from the effects of any potations from the ? Es : Bacchus, but from the smiles of fortune for the: des. Such an unusual departure from the usual routine in. parted a geniality which lasted some days.
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CHAPTER VI.
Colonel Jackson arrives and takes command of Regiment. High feeling among officers and men. Indignation meeting. Speech- es by officers. Dress parade in honor (?) of new offers. In- subordination. An effectual quietus put on the men. Oder restored.
ON the 9th, Colonel Jackson arrived to take com- mand of the Fifth Maine Regiment. I thongis it strange that the commander should arrive. ani= ta single cheer be given to welcome him to the care of the ragged Fifth. I say "ragged" Fifth (a name we gave ourselves), because we were hardly anything de. Scores of ns were the fortunate possessors of but _ - in- gle shirt each, which at intervals we would take . 2 nd wash, and then go to bed while it was drying. Por shirts! their respites froin active duty were very ;sief: and were I to say that, in many instances. they were compelled to impart comfort to much more anim if than the human frame, I should but note a dieing het.
But, as we were saying, not a cheer was given to welcome our new commander. Official intrusion. was given us that N. J. Jackson had been apy ttel colonel, and " would be obeyed and respectola : - 1- ingly." It was soon evident that there was a si doit opposition to this new state of affairs, and ... . . sympathies of the men were strongly in favor of C.D -
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nel Ilsley and Major Hamilton. At the dress parade that night it was thought that a highly mutinous feel- ing would be manifested; but it was conducted by Major Hamilton, who was received by cheer upon cheer as he took command of the parade. The appointment of Colonel Jackson produced an intensely bitter feeling among the officers, who hesitated not to talk the matter over with their men, even advising them to show defi- ace to the orders of the "usurper" and "intruder." To this, of course, there were exceptions; only two or three, however. Stimulated by such authority and countenance, the feeling among the men against Col- onel Jackson of course became very strong, and it was evident that they would strive to find some mode of expression to their animosity. But what was to be zaned, or what benefit was to result from any insubor- Jination, no one asked, -- most probably was not taken isto consideration. An idea was advanced that Jack- son: had been appointed inasmuch as he was a repub- fican; while Ilsley, who had been thus summarily checked in his military ambition, was a democrat ; and a. there was a large element of democracy in the ranks, only served to create a deeper feeling against Col- Furt Jackson. The officers affirmed that the governor of Maine had given them and the men a gross insult in the matter, and it ought to be resented. And it For resented,-resented in such a manner, that it is a 1. top of the greatest surprise to many that three- .quarters of the regiment were not compelled to serve ": their term of service on some public works, or at
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dry Tortugas with ball and chain, or in some peniten- tiary. (Mem.) About this time we also learned that Adjutant Whitman and Quarter-master Merrill had both been displaced, and that some members of the First Maine had been appointed in their positions. This only served to increase the exasperation of men and officers. There certainly was some excuse for this intense feeling, even though it was extremely unmili- tary, from the fact that our officers had done their duty so far as they could possibly do so; had been in a campaign, short it is true, yet attended with danger and hardship, while the incumbents of the new ap- pointments had only seen quiet service, had not even been under fire (not their fault, yet it weighed in the minds of our officers and men), and it was thought that when officers in our own regiment had been in active service, and done well, that they deserved the promo- tions. From this cause grew the flame. Shortly be- fore sunset the men turned out en masse, and proceeded to the quarters of Lieutenant-colonel Ilsley, calling at the top of their voices for him to come out and address them. Could anything be more ridiculous in military, especially at such a season, when it was the duty of every officer to enforce order. But lo! the door opened, and Captain, lately elected Major Thompson, steps forth, and, mounting a box, commeneed a speech, severely criticising the action of the governor, and de- nouncing the appointments from the First Meine in bitter and unmeasured terms. His words were re- ceived with immense applause. The fever ran higher.
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