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 6
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their location, could tell where his foot might press the fatal eap, and he be torn in pieces. The arranging of those torpedoes was an infamous piece of business, worthy of only such men as could bear arms against a noble nation.
Here, also, we had a view of the old works erected by Washington and Cornwallis in the days of the Revo- Intion. Strange, that the ground made memorable in history as the scene of noble struggles for a country's independence, welfare, and rights, should also become the scene of desperate endeavors to divide and ruin the same country by the very sons of those noble fathers whose blood was spilt in its defense.
During the day the gunboats were reconoitering the river above to discover and destroy any batteries which might prove obstructions to the passage of transports. Anxiously we listened also to the severe cannonading, which told us that the battle of Wil- liamsburg was raging. Sometimes it seemed to be coming nearer and nearer, then again receding. Ru- mors filled the air, and kept us in a whirl of excite- ment. We could not of course determine what result might grow out of the battle. If our troops were overpowered, what could save the army of the Poto- mac? There seemed to be mighty issues involved. We could only hope for the best. But God ruled, and the Union arms were triumphant.
At nine o'clock on the morning of the 6th, we again weighed anchor and proceeded up the York river. The day was delightful; the sail beautiful; the boys in
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the best of spirits ; while a spirit of determination to press forward in the path of duty, seemed to reign in every heart. The farms upon the banks of the river exhibited more evidences of thrift and prosperity than any we had before seen. Really, one felt almost at home as he gazed upon a type of old New England.
We are now a part of Franklin's Division ; our brig- ade being commanded, as before stated, by General II. W. Slocum. The point of our destination was soon made manifest, as we dropped anchor near West Point,-a locality at the junction of the York and Pamunkey rivers. Owing to the shoalness of the water, our steamers could not approach within about one- third of a mile of the shore, and hence the troops were landed in pontoon boats. Rebel pickets were seen on the shore, and a small body of rebel cavalry seemed to be watching our movements; but a shell or two from our gunboats, which the "Johnnies" had learned to regard as flying devils, cansed them to beat a hasty retreat, and permitted the landing of the troops without any serious inconvenience. Imme- diately upon landing went into camp, rejoiced to be onee more on terra firma. Probably nothing inspired us more with a desire to get on shore again, than the hope that then we should get something to eat. We had been pretty short. Hard bread, coffee, and mo- lasses had constituted our principal diet for three days. A slight change, it was thought, might be agreeable ; one is apt to tire of the same thing morning. noon, and night, even if it be ever so rich and dainty,
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like our bill of fare above, for instance. It was amus- ing, while on shipboard, to see some of the officers, who never before knew the beauties of privates' fare,- but who had always lived upon the best the market afforded,-steal away in some corner, and amid wrin- kles, I will not say grumblings, endeavor to think they were making a good meal off of soaked worm castle, (commonly called hard bread).
A detail from our brigade performed picket duty during the night. Considerable skirmishing was in progress at intervals in the night. One lieutenant and one private in the 27th New York Volunteers were killed. Five rebel prisoners were taken and brought in. Large forces of the enemy were said to be in the immediate neighborhood. The 7th day of May will be a day long remembered by the Fifth Maine, as well as by the other regiments in company therewith. Not that the transactions of that day will ever be partieu- larly blazoned in history, but because of its dangers and some of its hardships which attended our work ; and, secondly, that it was almost the only fighting we had seen since Bull Run. At 4 o'clock A. M. the troops were formed in line of battle, ready for any emer- geney which might occur. Remaining in line a few moments, and no enemy appearing, we broke ranks, but with the understanding that we were to be ready to fall in at any time. Our position was a peculiar oue. We were in an open tiekl, perhaps half a mile in diam- eter, upon the banks of the river. On our right was the York river; on our left, another stream; in our
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rear, the river again ; and in our front, a dense piece of woods which was ahnost impassable save upon the several roads leading through it. An attack could only come from our front. That was pleasant, at least. Every man seemed to realize the position. If attacked by overwhelming numbers, one of two things was cer- tain ; we must fight for our lives, or become walking skeletons to decorate the halls of some infernal South- ern prison. There was no retreat. Our force was sup- posed to number about ten thousand meu. They had great faith in the gun-boats ; the rebels had great fear of them.
About 8 o'clock, sharp musketry was heard in our front. We were at once formed in line, and moved forward to the woods. We were then directed to ad- vance into the woods one-quarter of a mile. We had just entered when a tremendous roar of musketry saluted our ears. We advanced about one hundred yards when we met a body of our troops, probably the advance of skirmishers, coming in at double quick. We immediately took a position and determined to hold it. The batteries shelled the woods for some time, which had the effect of silencing the enemy for a season. Soon after, Company . K.," of our regiment, was sent forward and deployed as skirmishers. Be- coming severely engaged, Company . G.," under the command of Captain Harris, was sent to reinforce. Though the enemy were in much stronger force, yet our boys held their advance magnificently. For a time the fight was sharp and severe. At the critical
! :
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moment, when the enemy threatened to turn our left flank, a New Jersey regiment charged through the woods, driving the graybacks in all directions. An advance was then made a short distance, and, though we were masters of the situation, we were frequently annoyed by attacks from the enemy. We afterwards legrued that we had engaged the rear division of the rebel army, which was so strong, that, had they known our true position and strength, they could have driven us into the river. Fighting did not cease until about 6 o'clock p. J. Our regiment received great praise for its eonduet during the day. Our loss was small, but our labor was great. The following day was spent in caring for the wounded and bringing in the dead. One poor fellow, who had been wounded, was found with his throat cut. How that sight maddened the men! It was said, at that time, that this throat-cutting busi- ness was quite general. A fully armed and equipped negro soldier was brought into camp as prisoner, to- day. A walk among the hospitals revealed the fact, thut the action of the day before was severer than at first sup- pred. It was said that we had lost, from the few regi- ments engaged, about one hundred and ninety killed and wounded.
An incident occurred which exhibits what a firm and decided man, who knows his business, can do among those who are uncertain. A board of surgeons exam- Had a poor fellow who had been wounded in the log. The wound was severe, but not dangerous. Surgeons then had not had much practice in amputations, and
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they were probably anxious to have all the experience possible. So they decreed that the leg must come off. Associated with them was Dr. Francis G. Warren, of Biddeford, then assistant surgeon of the Fifth Maine, afterwards promoted to surgeon. Dr. Warren ex- pressed the opinion that amputation was not necessary. The whole board decided against him ; though they thought that, if the operation was performed, the prob- abilities were, that the man could not live long. Every- body who knows Warren, knows that when he has made up his mind, there is no change. He was firm in the belief that the fellow would live, and his leg might be saved. "Die! of course he will die if you cut it off. Let me have the case; I'll take the responsi- bility." Reluctantly the golden chance to amputate was given up. Warren takes the case, and the result was, the man did not die, did not have his leg ampu- tated; but he got well, and, for all the writer knows, is smart and active to-day. Had all our surgeons been governed by principle in such matters as was Surgeon Warren, we should have less cripples claiming our sympathy and assistance than we have to-day.
The following morning, at 9 o'clock, we struck tents, marched one mile, pitched tents, supposing we were to camp. At 7 o'clock struck tents again, marched to Brick-house point, three and one-half miles, pitched tents; at five o'clock struck tents again, and moved out one mile, this time finding ourselves stationed as a picket-guard. If the above was not going to house- keeping and breaking up again pretty often, then we thought we should like to know what was.
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CHAPTER XI.
On the march. At last at Mechanicsville. Take possession of the place. Richmond in view. In camp. An incident. Cross Chickahominy. Engagement of June 26th. The battle of Gaines' Hill. Lientenant-colonel Heath killed. Gallant act of two companies. False reports.
THE morning of May 10th found us relieved by the Eighteenth New York, and, rejoining the main body of troops, we were permitted a day or two for rest. While at this point, Generals Mcclellan and Franklin rode through our camps; they were enthusiastically received.
It was now evident that we were on our way to Richmond, though there was less fuss about it, and considerable less singing than when our first advance to Ball Ran was made. The famous "ninety days " had gone by, and the back-bone of the rebellion was far from being broken.
Day after day we approached nearer to Richmond, taking in our course the interesting points of Cumber- land, White-house Landing, etc. The several marches were severe; the weather being hot, the water misera- ble, and the dust terrible. Among the Auties which were imposed upon us, was the bnil ling of corduroy roads in bil localities. It was a branch of scientific business few men desire to pormimently follow. It is dit- fienlt at this point to be explicit in details, inasmuch
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as we made so many changes that one could hardly recollect at night the position of the previous morning. Speculations were wild, and the confusion (in one's mind) grand. So we shall be pardoned for passing rapidly over a few days, until we shall arrive at some point which shall make a decided impression. The men were generally well; the officers generally cross ; hence, all standing fatigue quite well.
Some of our marches, during the advance toward Richmond, were pleasant ; others, hard and tiresome. It was a season of the year when nature wore her most beautiful robes ; and the admirer of her paintings could oft find enough to feast his taste and fire his adnira- tion. Frequently we passed large fields of wheat, comprising hundreds of aeres, which did not, certainly, indicate very great danger upon the part of the South- ern people of starving to death, statements of North- ern newspapers to the contrary. At every house, almost, lots of little woolly heads might be seen, eagerly watching the "putty sojers." But very few white persons were to be seen. Occasionally a white flag floated from some house, an emblem of peace, and which indicated that the inhabitants were loyal. Yes; loyal by day, and the contemptible picket-shooters and bush-whackers at night. Loyal indeed! It would have been better for the soldier and the country, if, instead of a guard being detailed to protect them and their property during the passage of the troops, a guard had been detailed to pass them behind iron bars. Loyalty and union sympathizers among the
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Virginians ! It makes the soldier almost sick to think of it. It is pretty sure that we never saw any of it that lasted over night.
May 22. The regiment are under arms all day, sup- porting a skirmish line. Were not specially engaged.
Steadily we have been advancing, and the forenoon of May twenty-ninth found us at Mechanicsville, only four miles from Richmond where dwell "the tribe infernal," who had put us to all this fuss. This "city" of Mechanicsville, which will ever figure prominentiy in history, we found to consist of about eight houses, one blacksmith shop, and one store. It was supposed that the proprietor of the latter sold ont by wholesale, as there were no goods left. It required some little fighting to gain possession of this position. The houses were badly riddled from the effects of our shells. A company of rebel sharp-shooters were sta- tioned upon the roof of one of the houses, to pick off our men. But the first shell went smash through the roof; and, as the negroes told us, "down dey come 'ead over'eels," and no trouble was experienced from them during the fight. We found that the enemy had learned the significance of the modern expression to "skedaddle," which they soon reduced to practice, while we marched into the village triumphantly. We soon pitched our encampment in a lovely location, upon the brow of a hill. In our front the ground was gently descending; before ns, a half a mile distant, was the Chickahominy river; beyond rose another hill, beyond which was the city of Richmond. By climb-
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ing a neighboring tree, we had a good view of the rebel capital; we were in sight of the goal we had so long desired to reach. The Johnnies have given us a great deal of trouble in our endeavors to pay them a visit in their beloved home. Shall we succeed in our undertaking? This was a question which was asked very many times. But time could alone unfold.
The time was occupied, during our encampment here, mostly in picket duty. Almost every day there was interchange of compliments with the rebels in the way of artillery practice. Our picket lines and the enemy were very near together. Interchange of cof- fee, etc., for tobacco, was of frequent occurrence, the best of feeling prevailing, but as soon as each had re- turned to their posts, they would lie in wait for one another, hoping for a shot. One moment trading and chatting in friendly terms, the next ready to take the other's heart's blood. A langhable incident occurred one night. A certain lieutenant, a captain, and Cole were asleep in a tent, when suddenly the lieutenant aronsed his companions, growling terribly because the birds sung so loud. Cole hops up to listen to the mu- sie, while the captain rubs his eyes to listen to the midnight melody of the forest songsters. For that mo- ment all was still. In another the music commenced. "Thunder," jerks out Cole, " do you call that music; lay down, captain, it's those confounded jackasses bray- ing." The lieutenant's musical tastes were often com- mented upon afterwards, rather to his chagrin. Hope he will exeuse this reference to his musical cultivation here.
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In the afternoon of June 18th, we crossed the Chick- ahominy, taking up a position further to the left. Fighting was in constant progress in different loca- tions on that line. Every moment we expected to be brought into action. Truly, there was not much peace in war.
In the afternoon of June 26th, a fearful engagement took place upon our right, but two or three miles off. It did not cease until late in the evening. As may be supposed, the camps were full of excitement. We heard the most glorious news. We were told that the rebels fell upon our lines like a thunder-bolt; that our men stood the shock nobly; that ultimately our boys charged, drove the rebs over the river, and put them to perfect route. Bands played, joy seemed to alnost illuminate the night. Orders were received to be ready to march the following morning, with two days' cooked rations. Richmond was to be ours. No one doubted it. Our triumph was soon to be heralded in every part of the world. We were assured that Me- Dowell, with a column of forty thousand strong, was to join us that night, and the pickets received special instructions to be careful how they fired, as MeDow- ell's pickets would surely reach us; while his noble battalions were to aid us in the morning, in event of any unusual labor.
Early Friday morning we were ordered to be ready to move in light marching order, and, of course, we were not long in getting ready. Our brigade, now commanded by Colonel Jos. J. Bartlett, of the Twenty-
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seventh New York Volunteers, General Sloeum com- manding the division, was sent down to the left and front to act as a guard at a bridge. The fighting had already commenced on the other side of the river, and it was soon evident that a general engagement would take place. We had not been in our new location but a few moments, when the enemy opened a severe fire of shot and shell upon ns. To this, our own batteries responded nobly. Until eleven o'clock A. M. we lay in line of battle ; the sounds of terrible musketry coming to our ears from over the river, while artillery was at work upon every hand. At that time we received orders to march over the river and reinforce MeCall and Porter. We had proceeded but a short distance, before the enemy sent shell after shell whizzing upon us. Apprehensive of an attack in that direction, per- haps, we were ordered back to the bridge again. But we had not long to remain ; for the enemy's b; tteries soon ceased, and we were directed to obey the former order and cross the river. Making a forced march of some three or four miles, we were soon where death's winged messengers flew fast and thick. Coming upon the top of a hill in rear of the engaged columns, a view met our vision which is not often seen, even in a sol- dier's experience. There, in full view, were the con- tending armies ; our own to be seen, of course, more distinctly. The infantry moving steadily to the front, cavalry gallopin_ Lere and there, atilkry wheeling and counterwheeling, couriers dashing hither and thither, cannon roaring, musketry rattling, clouds of smoke
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rising from the fields, or rolling through the woods; it was indeed an awful seene, yet grand and sublime. Take away the thought of death and suffering, and it was one upon which no one could look with other emo- tions than those of awe and admiration. But we were not there to admire scenes and landscapes. We may have been needed to complete the picture. So on we press to the position assigned ns, led by Colonel Jackson, and which was within a few rods of the enemy's line, but protected by the brow of a hill from their direct fire. Here we laid down in line for a few moments, and listened to the awful work which was in progress. Just then the Ninety-sixth Penn. Volunteers, who were upon our right, set up a tremendous cheer, which attracted (this or something else) the attention of a rebel battery, which sent a perfect broadside over into the ranks, and from which we did not escape. It was the most effectual "dry up" we had seen for some time. Our brigade was immediately ordered to ad- vance, and, with an unbroken, unfaltering front, it passed over the brow of the hill, and commenced its forward move. Having advanced some fifteen rods, perhaps, the order came, "lie down." In a moment every man was on his face. The movement was not executed too quick, for, almost the same moment, a full volley from a brigade of the enemy was fired at our then, without the slightest effect. Now the fight grew terrific. The air was full of bullets. You could hardly hear your own voice. "On," came the order. Up rose every man. No eve turned back ward. Intense eager-
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ness pervaded every file. Home, comfort, life, death. all forgotten. Victory was alone thought of, alone desired. The whistling bills chimed music to the soldier's ear. Wipe out the enemy, was the aim of every man. The battalion advanced. No short, timid step. Down dashed our commanding colonel. "Take such a posi- tion and hold it," was the order. Look in those men's eyes and see if you think they will fail. No. On-now quicker-quicker still. No one seemed to breathe :- charge :- the brow of the hill was ours. The enemy fell back, only to concentrate their strength. At once we opened on new lines advancing to their rescue, a terrible fire. A house proved an obstacle in our lines, and the four companies I., G., C., II., became disen- gaged from the rest of the regiment. "Move these companies to the left and perfect the line," was in sub- stance the last order which the talented and brave Lien- tenant-colonel Heath gave to his command. Colonel Jackson had just been wounded and borne to the rear, and Colonel Heath was in command. Ten minutes had not elapsed before he fell, shot directly through the brain, without uttering a groan. There were sad hearts in that command when that young officer fell. His body was carried to the rear, but never was recovered. Major Scamman had been in the hospital several days, and now here we were in a terrific fight, without a field-officer to command. Each seemed to be fighting on his own responsibility. Commode after compile fell upon either side, yet there was no faltering. The enemy approaching nearer the left of our regiment
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than was deemed advisable by the brave Captain Backman in command of Co. "K.," he at once de- tatched his own company, and, with another, made a gallant charge upon them, driving them like sheep be- tore his brave boys. Still the battle raged, and still we held our position. AAbout sunset the fire came too hot ; it was more than flesh and blood could resist, and backward the men bagan to fall. By some mishap, the colors of one of the regiments of the brigade were left behind. We had gone but a few rods, when Bart- lett, our brigade commander, brave as a lion, came dashing up amid a perfect shower of bullets, calling ont, "boys don't leave your colors,-about face ; " and about face it was, Back the boys charged with a per- fiet yell, gained the colors, and held again the position until directed by Captain Edwards, upon whom the command now legitimately devolved, to fall back. In good order the regiment marched to the rear, that is, what there was of the regiment, for it had become, after dark, somewhat scattered, four companies being left on the battle line over half an hour after the oth- ers had retired, and its loss had been heavy. It was for some time exposed to a severe shelling; but night closed in, and the battle of Gaines' Will was fought. A terrific slaughter, accompanied with terrible scenes. In the course of our march we were halted, while gen- eral officers announced that Mcclellan's left wing (we were on the right) was in Richmond. Such a cheer. it almost seems, never before went up from joyful throats, as greeted the promulgation of that news.
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We felt amply repaid for our labors. We had suffered ; but we were victorious. Delusive thought ! The cheer was gotten up to deceive the enemy into supposing that reinforcements had come. MeDowell was hurry- ing back to protect a general in Washington, and it we had gained a victory, it was only to last until morn- ing. It required but little time for the boys to become acquainted with the nature of the trick which had been played upon them. Suffice it to say, there was but very little cheering, no matter what the nature of the news may have been, in the Fifth Maine Regiment after that.
About nine o'clock in the evening we moved back across the river to the old camp ground which we had occupied in the morning. It was late at night when we got ready to lie down. No one could tell what the morrow might unfold ; but there were many sorrowful hearts upon and around Gaines' Hill that night. The hopes of the morning had been cruelly dashed. Mem- ory paints fearful pictures. The loss in the whole army was terrible. The loss in our own regiment was ten killed, sixty-nine wounded, and sixteen missing.
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CHAPTER XII.
Preparations for another movement. Precious mementos. Ad- vance toward the front. Curious movements of companies. Under fire and retreat. Acting as rear guard. On the move toward the James river. Cross the Chickahominy. On pick- et. General MeClellan visits the camp. Battle of Charles City Cross Roads. Gallant and terrible charge of the enemy. Heroic repulse.
EARLY the following morning, Saturday, June 28th, we were directed to break camp, and with rations duly prepared, to be ready for immediate movement. Many speculations were indulged in. All seemed shrouded in mystery. And, as remembrances of yesterday, with its terrible scenes and disastrous termination, stole over our minds, it was with no great enthusiasm that we set ourselves to work to make the necessary, though hasty preparations for a movement, the result of which no one could see or know. The mail-bag left the camp that morning heavier than usual, for there was scarcely a man who did not desire to communi- cate again with loved ones at home, even though their missives might bear little which would cheer the heart, or which spoke of hope in the breast of the writer. Where doubt and uncertainty stare one in the face, especially where the issue is one of life or death, the first impulse is to assure those far away, who may be
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