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 5
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We must notice the peculiarity of the musical cere- monies at divine service. At the hour appointed for service, each company was formed in the company street, and, at the sound of the drum, all moved out into line, and thence to the place selected for "church," the band playing some solemn music. This was all well enough and appropriate, but immediately after the benediction, the troops were marched back to their quarters in quick time, the band playing "Yan- Lee doodle," "The girl I left behind me," which Cole vonld always do well, or some similar strain. It seemed to be a perfect amalgamation of the sublime and the ridiculous.
During divine service, a corporal's guard patroled the entire camp, and all absentees from service, not -ink, or on special duty, were at once arrested, and given quarters in the guard-house for twenty-four hours. The enforcement of this rule always insured the chaplain a good congregation. This was going luck ou puritanical principles, to the disgust of the sleepy soldier.
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But I must pass more rapidly over the minor points of my narrative. The routine of camp-life is about the same in all places; and few there are, methinks, who are not familiar with its incidents, either by personal observation, or frequent readings. Yet to many, camp- life was peculiarly interesting, in view of the excellent opportunity afforded to study and learn human na- ture as it really is. And, probably, no better school is afforded to any one who is fond of such studies, as that which is ever open in a volunteer army.
There, it is a desperate fight between morality and evil, with all the advantages upon the side of the latter. Stripped of all the restrictions and influences of home, of society and immediate friends, the natu- ral inclinations and characteristics of a man are sure to speedily develop themselves. He loves restraint by the very common-place surroundings of the camp. So many types of society were centered even in a very small compass, that one could easily read the natural tendencies of society in all its grades ; and if there be aught of truth in the adage, that "birds of a feather flock together," it was easy to judge what were the na- tures of many of our neighbors, even at home, by the tendencies of the representative, who revealed to the observer all their points. Here are concentrated in . one body the low and the refined, the vicious and the virtuous, the rogue, the knave, the villain, the mean, the benevolent, the miser and the spendthrift, the ignorant and the educated, the profane and the pions, the talented and the dunce, the earnest man and
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the indifferent, all mingle together, of necessity, in one common mass. Were we to speak of majorities, it must be admitted that evil and wickedness have the superabundance, and which is ever striving to wrest from its stronghold the virtue of those who have never yet gone astray. Many there are who pass through the fiery ordeal unscathed; but yet, how many fall ! Here, as I have said, the natural tendencies of each are brought more clearly to light ; the seeming moral man, by his associations with the vicious; and the low classes, by the extended liberty given them to indulge their feelings and propensities. Men seem to feel that they can do just as they have a mind to, so far forth as relates to exhibition of character. In civil life, man has policy at stake; in the army, he has nothing but the gratification of his own feelings. I know of no surer test upon which to apply a man's character than 1, place him in a volunteer army. The knave cares not who knows of his two-faced operations ; he glories in them ; and his very actions show to the careful oh- server his strategy. Here he studies, not caution, for he has nothing to be cautious of. In fine, every char- atteristic of human nature is represented ; and from that development, the student has to read as from a printed page.
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It has been stated by people, that a man must be- come corrupt if he joins the army. True, he may Have more trials to encounter : yet methinks, there is !! actual ground-work for such an assertion. A man em mingle with the high-minded if he chooses, or
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with the low ; in a great measure, the choice is at his own disposal. If he has heretofore lived correctly and now falls, it merely demonstrates that the only cause why he did not heretofore follow his inclinations at home, or in civil life, was through fear of a disrepu- table name, and not through the restraining influences of moral and Christian principle. But I do not intend to sermonize.
There was, viewing from one standpoint, something interesting in a soldier's life. A true soldier belongs to a distinct class of the human family. He glories in the possession of a knowledge of what his duty is, and its faithful performance. He feels proud of his shining musket when he knows that it is sure at five hundred yards. He looks upon his polished accouter- ments with an ill-concealed satisfaction. He steps with a feeling of superiority, sensible that it requires a man of heart, courage, and muscle to make a sollier. He looks upon dandies and walking tailor-shops with the deepest scorn and contempt. He thinks it beneath him to respect the civilian very much, unless he be too old to be a soldier like himself; yet woman he wor- ships and adores. His lady is the world to him. He fights with the memory of her smile ever before him. Hle dies with her name trembling on his lips. The rich man and the poor are alike to him. He spends his hard-earned money with the air of a millionaire, and yet he is benevolent and generous to a fault. ITis motto, a short life and a merry one.
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Bat, generally, the life of a soldier is brilliant on
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paper, reads well in verse, sounds sweetly from the rostrum, reflects glaringly in imagination, has a dash- ing romance around it; yet the reality savors far dif- ferently. "The brave sentinel treading his beat, and at his post dreaming waking dreams in reverie of home and loved ones," is far more likely to be tearing and swearing because the relief don't come round, than to be indulging in sentimentalities. The soldier, "boldly bearing the musket rusty with use, and black with battle-stained smoke," will be sure to be in the gnard-house with a ball and chain attached, if said musket is not bright and clean for Sunday morning inspection. That " blood-stained hero with soiled garments" will have to have a new suit before the next dress parade ; and if he overdraws his allowance, will have to pay for them too. The one is poetical, the other actual reality.
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CHAPTER IX.
Orders to move. Advance toward rebeldom. News of flight of the enemy. Return to Camp Franklin. Long delay in camp. Again on the move. Ride to Manassas. Advance to Catlett's. Severe storm. Uncomfortable camp. Orders to return to Alexandria. Buoyant spirits of the boys, as rumor speaks of a ride to A. Disappointment. Hard march. End of a second advance toward rebels and glory.
" PREPARE to move at once," was the order given at dress parade on the evening of Sunday, March 9, 1862. Yes, we were to start at last ; leave behind our old camp, and go forth to battle for our country and our flag. The announcement was received with the wild- est enthusiasm by the troops, cheer upon cheer ringing out upon the air. No regrets, no repinings, for we were now going to work. As may be imagined but little sleep could be obtained that night, every one being basy in preparing for the march and labors of the succce ling day. Early Monday morning we were ordered into line; and, notwithstanding the inelement weather, the column moves out upon the Fairfax turn- pike, and the weary march commences. We were informed that the rebels were in strong force at Fair- fax and M massas, and various were the conjectures as to the probable time of a fight. We reached Fairfax about dark, and here we went into camp. We were
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provided with the small shelter tent, which would ac- commodate two men, cach man carrying one-half of the tent, rolled up on his knapsack. We met no rebels ; but we began to experience the sensations of being close upon them.
Tuesday morning dawned bright and lovely. From an eminence we could look for miles around, and never can one forget the scenes spread out before them. As far as one could see were little villages of tents. The whole army was encamped. Never before had we been enabled to form any idea of the magnitude of the army. We waited there patiently hour after hour, yet wondering why we did not advance. Ah! soon the news flies through the camps; Manassas is evacuated, the bird has flown. We looked at each other; we uttered but one word,-sold. When we commenced to advance the rebels fell back, and now, instead of only five or six miles separating us from our prodigal brethren, it is said to be nearer sixty.
On Friday night, about eight o'clock, we received orders to retrace our steps toward Alexandria. Ru- mors of an expedition by water reached us ; and as we fully believed we were to form a part of said expedi- tion, we were ready to go anywhere. It was a terrible dirk night, yet on we plo dded, arriving back to our old quarters about three o'clock Saturday morning, Gold, weary, wet, hungry. A tenth-rate restaurant " und have done a surishing business that morning lol there been one near by ; but as it was, we made good friends with our stomachs by liberal donations of
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coffee, hard-tack, and salt beef, rejoicing that we were as well off as we were. We held ourselves in readi- ness to move at a moment's notice, but it was a long time coming.
We had supposed that our second sojourn in old Camp Franklin was to be of only a few hours' dura- tion, but it proved to be days. Yet all things have an end, and so did our camp-life. We knew that troops were being sent down the river by steamers, and sup- posed that we, too, were to go; but not then. There was a little farce in the "show" which our division was to play; but for whose benefit, none of us ever learned.
The memory of the player can fill up the ontlines which I am able alone to give in this place. On the 4th of April, we again broke camp, and marched down to Alexandria. Here we were ordered on board of a lot of freight-cars,-stowing on the inside as many as could stand, and on the tops outside as many as could sit,-and off we started toward Manassas. Strange we thought it, that our Uncle Sam should permit us to ride, when we might have doubled the expense in wearing out shoe leather; but still this reflection did not prevent ns from enjoying the ride, though it was without any of the aristocratie appearances attendant upon state trains. We arrived at Manassas Junction abont five o'clock in the afternoon, and, alighting, im- mediately went into camp. Eatin our supper, which was brought with us from Alexandria, regardless of expense, we sought our couch of earth to rest.
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The following morning was quiet, with no indica- tions of any advance movements, and we were ena- Hled to take observations of our whereabouts. We were encamped in the midst of those grand fortifications and entrenchments of which every one has heard so much, and which, but a short time ago, were the boast of Secessia. The famous Bull Run battle-field lay but a short distance from us to the north. Further beyond, about five miles distant, was the village of Centerville, surrounded by almost impregnable fortifi- vations, so ignominiously evacuated by the enemy. At this place (the Junction) two railroads intersect, the one running to Manassas Gap, the other to Richmond. We propose, however, to go to Richmond on foot, though we don't sing much about it. All along the line of the railroad were evidences of hasty evacua- tions by the enemy. Piles of broken chairs, boxes, camp utensils, secesh army-wagons, wheels, carts, cast- off' clothing, almost every thing one can think of, lay about in grand confusion. In and around the encamp- ments were to be found chairs, books, blankets, shoes, ete .; while in many of the quarters of the rebel offi- vers there was everything to render camp-life agreca- Ve. Probably but few were members of the Sons of Temperance, at least if we were to judge by the numbers of bottles and demijohns lying around, and whose silent breath was fragrant of Medford, Holland, and . R. G." The accommodations for the rebel regi- if nts seemed to have been very fine. Everything "[ peared to be adapted for comfort. . . . Their huts
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were all left in good condition ; indeed, their encamp- ments seemed perfect excepting the hospital, which was nearly destroyed by fire. Near the site of the hospitals was a burialground, neatly arranged, and at the head of each grave was a board bearing the name, regiment, and age of the deceased. In one yard we counted two hundred and thirteen graves. A visit to the resting-place of soldiers, especially in so lonely a place as this, was indeed solemn, exciting in the breast of a reflective mind strong emotions, even though they were enemies. As I stood by those graves and thought of those poor fellows who, either voluntarily or by force, had left their homes and their loved ones to engage in the fierce, uncertain conflict of war, and who were thus cut off in the prime of life it may be, now lying at my feet cold and lifeless, I confess that a tear filled my eye, and a fervent desire filled my soul, that peace would soon dawn upon our country, and the ravages of war ended. Yet it is strange how the same scenes affect different men. While standing there several passed me, commenting upon the dead. Many experienced solemn emotions. Says one man, "war is indeed terrible;" another, "my heart bleeds for their weeping friends at home;" another, "poor fellows, they are gone; though one- mies, I pity them;" while another would grunt ont, "cursed rebels, let 'em rot." Such, I suppose, is hu- man nature.
We remained in this place until the following Tues- day, April 8th, occupying our time in sleeping, writing,
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and occasionally engaging in a foraging raid, which was usually successful in adding poultry and mutton to our provision stock, when we broke camp and took foot train toward the front. The highways were very muddy, and so we were ordered to march on the rail- road, which we found much more easy and agreeable than toiling on through the sacred soil, especially when it was in a sticky state. We moved steadily on, reach- ing Catlett's Station about 1 o'clock p. M., where we were ordered into eamp, having marched about eleven miles. Scarcely had we reached our camping-ground, which fortunately was located in a heavy growth of trees, before it seemed as if the very heavens had opened, the rain pouring down in torrents. The utmost expedition was used to prepare temporary shelters, but no one succeeded in doing so until they had been thoroughly drenched. For an hour the rain continued; and then, as if despairing in rendering our condition sufficiently uncomfortable, it retired to give place to a cold and severe snow-storm. Huge fires were built to enable us to think we were comfortable, even if we were not ; but yet we could not help con- trasting our present with our past condition, and me- thinks that there was not one but wished himself any- where but at Catlett's Station. For three days the storm continued; for three days we remained in that q -- ition cold and wet, the surface of the ground a per- Het mul-pond ; and I make no exaggeration when I ty. that the mud was eight inches deep throughout the whole encampment, rendering pedestrianism almost
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impossible. We resembled pigs in their wallowing mire in every particular, save we did not possess four legs nor curly tails. Such terrible exposure in the month of April, one of the most disagreeable of south- ern months, told fearfully upon the men ; and had it not been that we were abundantly supplied with rations, the sickness must have been alarming. Who can blame us for rejoicing when, on Friday evening, we received orders to be ready to move ? The storm had passed away, and we were ready to go anywhere to get out of that place. But what is this ? The order is, return to Alexandria. Franklin's Division back to Alexandria ? (I should have said we were attached to MeDowell's command on leaving A.) Had we got to retrace our steps a second time ? True it was. The cars were at the station, and men were being pushed on with all possible haste. One brigade, two briga le-, a part of our own had gone. Well, no matter, we were going to ride back. Bat we must wait until morning ; so we endeavored to sleep. We were in open air, our camps were all struck, and wearily the night passed, though rendered more agreeable from the belief that those long weary miles were to be rode over, not paced. Morning came, and we looked for the cars. Heavens, what a disappointment ! For the Fifth Maine there were no cars. After all, we had got to march ; and down-hearted, not to say ugly, we started on our long weary journey. We reached Centerville, distance twenty-three miles, at 6, P. M. Bivouached during the night. Left Centerville about 8 o'clock
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Sunday morning, and same evening we arrived at our old quarters in Camp Franklin, having marched forty- four miles in two days. Sore feet, lame legs were in profusion. I need not say that there was some loud talk relative to the manner our regiment was used. Who was to blame? But what is that to private sol- diers or company officers ? And didn't the field and staff officers ride ? didn't they have a glorious chance to see the country? didn't they carry with them all the com- forts of the march? and what did they care? Thus ended our second advance toward the rebels and glory.
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CHAPTER X.
Another movement commeneed. Embark on the steamer John Brooks. Sail down Potomac river. The Chesapeake bay. Arrival and sojourn at Poquosin flats. Excursion to For- tress Monroe. Disembark at the flats. Expected engage- ment. Disappointment. Reembark. Sail up York river. Tor- pedoes at Yorktown. Arrival at West Point. Preparation for a fight. Battle of West Point. An incident.
Ir is said that the third effort to accomplish any labor seldom fails; and so, after remaining in Camp Franklin some two weeks, when, one fine afternoon after dress parade, we received orders to be ready to march at an early hour in the morning; with possibly the recollection of that advance in view, we felt conti- dent that we were now about to move on at last to sue- cess aud glory. At eight o'clock on the 17th of April, 1862, weagain packed up our knapsacks, folded our shel- ter-tents, and marched directly to Alexandria. Many were the conjectures what we were to do now, though guess-work pointed toward MeClellan down at York- town. Our march through the city was accompanied by quite an ovation ; our reception being quite enthu- siastic, and the citizens seemingly wishing us God- speed. The regiment never made a finer appearance than upon that das. After a delay of some three hours, we finally embarked on board the steamer John
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Brooks, a large and commodious vessel, and which, I may here remark, is the identical vessel bearing the mme name which now plies between Portland and Boston, on the regular line of the Steam Packet Com- pany. All being on board, in a few moments we were steaming down the Potomac river. This was quite a change from our usual mode of locomotion. There was upon the steamer our own regiment, and some six companies of the Ninety-sixth Penn. Volunteers. There was, the reader can judge, not a great deal of spare room either on deck or below. The upper saloon was the quarters of the officers, who were about as snugly stowed as the men below. After proceeding down the river two or three miles, we came to anchor for the night. Gnards were duly mounted and posted, whose principal duty seemed to have been to keep the men in their respective company quarters, and reserve the upper deck as a promenade for the officers. The strict- est discipline was observed in all parts of the ship. " E irly to bed and early to rise" was observed to the itter; but I doubt if anybody got specially wise or werdthy upon that occasion, even if the pay of officers an I soldiers went on just the same, whether sick or well. It was deemed a source of consolation by some, that, even if they were on the sick-list, there was no deduction of wages. High salaries, in some cases, de- stroved the emotions of pure patriotism. Fighting for I cy was, at that day. deenel poor business unless Set up by greenbacks. Nor do I think the senti- at changed in later days, especially when duty could
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only be seen by men at home, through the lens of big bounties. The next morning we take in tow fonr heavily laden schooners, and in company with other steamers and transports, proceed upon our journey. Owing to a severe storm, and the darkness of the fol- lowing night, we again came to anchor off Mathias Point. At daylight the following morning we were again on our way, soon entering Chesapeake bay. The sail was delightful. Some of the men were admiring the beanties of the scene, some sleeping, others read- ing, others given to games of chance, while others were busily engage l in capturing those miserable little an- noying "eritters," with which the soldier was, and is well acquainted; and with which the John Brooks was running over. Sunday morning. the 20th of April, we arrived at Poquosin flats, near the mouth of the York river; and there we were to await orders. The large number of transports which were anchored in company with us, gave the flats the appearance of much business.
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Day after day rolled by, and there we remained. What did government or Mcclellan propose to do with us, was very frequently asked. The disagrecable music of the artillery often reached our ears; yet our steamers lay as quietly as though there was no such thing in progress as a war. During our stay at this place, the men were frequently sent on shore by means of the pontoon boats, to wash and enjoy a run on the beach. These were happy incidents in our lives. _ 1 sail down to Fortress Monroe, in order to procure coal
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and water, was indulged in to the delight of all hands; giving us all an opportunity to see the noted fortress, and more than all, the famous little "cheese-box on a raft,"-smart enough to take the wind out of the rebel Merrimack; and though the rebel occasionally looked around the point which shielded her from our guns at the cheese-box, she never dared to present herself in any holiday attire, nor go out upon any more exeur- sions among wooden batteries. The tedious monotony of ship-life was frequently relieved by danees in the cabin ; the ladies being represented by men in shirt- sleeves. The "quadrille" and "contra" were fre- quently gone through with a gusto; while a waltz oc- casionally ended in a test-wrestle to ascertain the best man.
Good news at last. On the afternoon of the third of May, having been on shipboardl nearly all the time for seventeen days, orders were received to disembark and go into camp for the night. Rumor reached us that early Monday morning Yorktown was to be attacked, and we were to support the storming forces. Better to die on the field than to be eaten up by vermin, was the unanimous expression of every one. Never did men step more lightly than did ours upon that afternoon. It required but little time to get into camp, and we folt we were to live once more. Grumbling ceased to be the occupation of both officers and men. During the following night, some of the severest carmona ling to, which we had ever listened, took place in our front. It was the parting message of the " Gray-backs." We
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little dreamed the Johnnies were running when such terrible firing was in progress ; yet so it proved.
Sunday morning dawned, and we were ordered to strike tents. What now ? oh, going back on to the steamer! The news filled ns with about as much joy as the appearance of the State's prison does the recap- tured prisoner. But as "we do not run this ma- chine," and we were expected to "dry up" all grum- blings (the Fifth Maine boy understands the interpre- tation of those quotations), we proceeded to quietly embark and await developments.
On the morning of the fifth, at sunrise, we weighed anchor and proceeded up the York river as far as Yorktown. Here we remained during the day and night. Many went on shore to view the deserted works of the enemy. Mighty and strong were their defenses. It almost seemed strange that they should leave them withont at least a terrible resistance. But it seemed so ordered, and off they went, leaving be- hind them a large number of splendid guns, besides an immense amount of ammunition, etc. Torpedoes were arranged in different localities, some of them ex- ploding and fatally injuring some of our men. An order from head-quarters which compelled some cap- tnred rebel officers, who were acquainted with the loca- tion of those torpe loes, to proceed to remove them, and kept them until these dangerous missiles were all unearthed, was received with great joy among our boys. These torpedoes were artfully concealed, so that no one unacquainted with the marks which revealed
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