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 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24
:
140
HISTORY FIFTHI REGIMENT
order was to hold our position, for thereby prepara- tions were made of which we were then ignorant, but upon which the fortunes of the day hung. There was our whole division formed and ready for the advance. Aye, we saw it then. During the confusion which must necessarily take place among the enemy's lines while receiving and placing reinforcements, and which had probably been hurried some distance, we were to charge and increase their confusion. "Forward,"
rang out upon the air, and in a moment the entire di- vision was in motion. We were directed to take our position as soon as certain regiments had passed. "Quick time," rings the voice of the general. Then our troops moved down a slightly-inclined plane to- ward the enemy, like an avalanche. The earth almost trembled beneath the tread of mighty men. "Double- quick, charge ;" and such a charge. In an istant the en- emy's cavalry were seen galloping up the hill. The in- fantry looked for a moment, fired a single volley, and lo ! they were scattered in all directions. Like frightened deer, they flew up the mountain, followed by the vie- tors. They endeavored to rally; futile were all of their efforts. The Union storm-cloud was irresistible, and it swept all before it. In fifteen minutes from the time that the division moved forward, the top of the mountain was in our possession, and its now thor- oughly-demoralized defenders were seeking the pro- tection of their main army, leaving their dead and wounded in our hands. It was, indeed, a sad sight to walk over the sides of that mountain, and see the
MAINE VOLUNTERSE. 141
strong men who had fallen in support of what we could only feel to be an unrighteous cause. Desper- ately had they contested our progress, but our work was too hot and impetuous for them. This victory, so grand, and fraught with such mighty results, com- pelling Lee to change the whole plan of his opera- tions, and to fall back from his proposed invasion of Northern soil, was purchased with the heavy loss to us of thirty-five killed and severely wounded in our own regiment, and ten missing. The Sixteenth New York also suffered heavily. Our division captured some cannon, and also about eight hundred prisoners includ- ing the wounded. Some of the rebel prisoners ex- pressed themselves as perfectly thunderstruck when they perceived our boys charging down upon them, in- asmuch as they considered their position impregnable, and that we could not be realizing what we were at- tempting to do. However well they might have with- stood the " thunder," it is evident that they did not specially desire to be "struck" with the points of Union bayonets ; and so took to their heels. While, of course, we rejoiced in our brilliant victory, we could not repress a sigh as we thought of the fate of our no- ble comrades, who were either killed, or suffering from wounds and pains.
·
.
We occupied, for the following two days, the heights of Crampton Pass, making a temporary camp, while fatigue parties were engaged in burying the dead. During both of those days we could distinctly hear the sound of battle upon our right, though evidently
7*
142
HISTORY FIFTHI REGIMENT
coming nearer and nearer; and we felt that at any moment, we might be called into action. Stimulated as the troops were at that time, by the enthusiasm of a success, of a brilliant and decisive victory, there was not, I verily believe, a single man who would not have received with joy the order to give the enemy battle ; but the order was not long coming. It makes, how- ever, a great deal of difference in a man's feelings, whether he whips or gets whipped. The former used to make men feel strong, and able for any work; the latter weakened men and unfitted them, for a brief season at least, for the responsibilities which rested upon them. But yet, as I have said before, it was our good fortune to belong to a command which never really knew when they were whipped, at least they were ever ready for duty; though the brightness of victory was ever more pleasant than the darkness of defeat.
143
MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
CHAPTER XVI.
On the march again. A few thoughts not legitimately histori- cal. The Fifth in the battle of Antietam. Severe fighting. An Union sharpshooter. The battle-field. Maryland cam- paign ended.
Ox the morning of the seventeenth of September, we received our orders to move. Distinctly we could hear the sound of the conflict raging in the distance, and we knew that the battle of Antietam had com- menced. Inspired by the success which, during the last few days, had attended our arms, our noble boys marched ont from their camp ground with light and cheerful hearts, and with quick step. There were no stragglers on that march. Every one felt too ani- mated to loiter in the rear. On we pushed, never minding the hot rays of the sun, or the long, fatiguing route of march. Colonel Jackson being seriously ill, we were now under the command of Lieutenant- colonel Seamman. One thing certainly must have in- . spired our commanders, no matter who they were; they always enjoyed, especially in the season of battle, the confidence of their men ; and the Fifth Maine was composed of that class of men who never hesitated to obey the minutest order of their superior officers. It rivalries and jealousies ever existed, they were never
1 1
144
HISTORY FIFTHI REGIMENT
manifested in seasons of action, or when there was any duty to be performed. Would that this same prin- ciple of harmony might have extended itself through- out the entire army. Methinks had that been the case, there would never have been enough left of the rebel army long before the battle of Antietam, to have even maintained their position at home, to say noth- ing of an attempted invasion. Jealousy on the Penin- sula, ambition to wear the straps of a lieutenant- general, and fears who might be the next president, caused more than one sad defeat, exulted over more than one noble soldier's death, and prolonged a war which might have been closed in 1862, as well as in 1865. But I am straying from my narrative. But as I live over in retrospection those fearful seenes of this year 1862, which I am now attempting to portray, my blooil boils sometimes, when I reflect upon the politi- cal influence and power which tampered with the army, of the eagerness for gain and power, which, to attain its ends, did not hesitate to ride rough-shod over the life-blood of hundreds of the true sons of the nation, and bring defeat upon defeat upon Union arms, and all under the hypocritical guise of " for the nations' good,"-when the true English of the matter was, to secure their official positions, or fill their pockets with gold.
Before we took this winding path in our narrative, our command was on the march toward Antietam. At every advancing step, the tumult of war seemed to be growing louder and louder. When within two or
145
-
MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
three miles of the scene of action, we began to see evidences of the work which was in progress, as we could see, in every direction, the wounded either walking, or being conveyed to the rear. We also met many who were not injured, and who gave us, in the haste of the moment, fair accounts of the progress of the battle. Of course, the news was cheering. Who ever knew any unwounded retreating man to give any other than cheering news? They saw every thing through the lens of their own joy at being ont from under fire. "Everybody is running, and we are victorious; the Johnnies are pushed to the wall," these were stereotyped expressions and reports. We soon learned to weigh them well, before we gave vent to any unusual demonstrations of joy.
We had marched six or seven miles, perhaps, when we reached a piece of woods within about half a mile of the battle-ground. There the regiment rested for a little while, during which time the firing on both sides seemed to have nearly ceased. But we were not long to remain in idleness. In less than an hour we were again on the move toward the front. We soon took our position which was in the front line of battle. We were formed in line upon the edge of a piece of woods, while a large open field lay before us. Upon the other side of the field, possibly a third of a mile across, was other woods, which were occupied by the enemy. Rumor ran along our lines that the Sixth Corps had all the annnnnition there was in the army ; that all the other corps had expended theirs, and that
146
HISTORY FIFTHI REGIMENT
the fortunes of the day hung upon the ardor and faith- fulness of our corps. Certainly things looked dark, as we did not know but that the whole rebel army might be down upon us. How much truth there was in the report I am here unable to say; but I can say, that, true or false, it did not serve to add any to our feelings of security.
Our position taken, the next thing in order was to wheel our batteries into position, which was done with that promptness which ever characterized the artillery of our corps, and, in a moment, they opened fire upon the enemy's position, sending him a few cards in the shape of solid shot, announcing our ar- rival and soliciting an interview. The response soon came in the character of " at home, sir," which was an- nounced in a sort of a screaming noise, as a massive shell exploded just over our heads. And now the fearful work had commenced in earnest. The earth almost heaved beneath the thunder of the cannon. The fight became terrifie. Shot and shell, grape and cannister fell all around us. The woods were literally riddled. Every moment some poor fellow received a blow and was borne to the rear. Horses were flying hither and thither riderless. It almost seemed as though the energies of both armies were concentrated upon that immediate point, and were determined to win the advantage or die. For two long hours we supported the artillery, and stood the test of the en- emy's galling fire. About four o'clock r. a., our own regiment and the Sixteenth New York were ordered
147
MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
out of the woods to support Davidson's brigade, which occupied an advanced position upon our left. In a moment, Lieutenant-colonel Scamman had his command in line, and though it seemed almost sure death to advance, yet the men moved forth by the flank with a firm step. Scarcely had they marched twenty yards, when the enemy, detecting the move- ment, directed upon them a most terrible fire. Yet there was no breaking, no hesitating, but the best of order was preserved. With the missiles of death hissing and howling all around them, they moved on to their new position. Slightly protected by the crest of a hill from the enemy's musketry, though ter- ribly exposed to his artillery, we held the position until darkness closed the scene. Never before had our boys been exposed to such fierce artillery, or held a position upon which so much absolutely depended; but the inspirations of the former victory made them bold and ready for any duty which might be assigned them ; and that duty was sure to be consummated, it it laid within human power to achieve it.
That night was a terrible night. Within a few feet of our front was the scene of the terrible fight of the afternoon previous,-our infantry engagement,-and we were occupying the site of the rebel line. All night long the groans of the wounded, especially of the rebel army, came to our ears, and they were truly heart-rending. Of course all assistance was rendered which could be. Our ambulance corps worked nobly, caring for our own first, and then for the enemy. Af-
148
HISTORY FIFTH REGIMENT
ter taking the customary precautions against a sur- prise, we laid down to sleep. And there we passed the night, with no blankets to cover ns, nothing to shelter, our supper consisting of hard bread and raw salt pork, surrounded by dead men and horses, in fine, in as disagreeable a condition as it is possible to con- ceive.
Early the following morning the battle recom- menced. We were now in an open cornfield, exposed to the intense hot rays of the sun, compelled to remain in our positions, as our orders were to make no demon- strations. Indeed, for a man to rise from his place, was almost sure death, so watchful were the enemy's sharp-shooters. We were ordered to hold the posi- tion at all hazards. So lying fluit upon our faces, ex- posed to the heat and a galling fire, we remained hour after hour, hoping for relief, and wondering what would turn up next, It was a tedious season. But the men were determined to hold on to their- ground, and hence all of the persisteney and active work of the rebel sharp-shooters failed to dislodge, though they fearfully annoyed us. We could not help notic- ing the work of one of our own sharp-shooters, who was stationed near the left of our regiment, behind a large oak post. During the whole forenoon he stood watching his opportunities for a shot. His attention seemed to be directed especially to rebel horsemen, who might be seen dashing here and there about their lines. Many times he lifted his rifle, but not being al- ways sure, he brought his piece down again. During
149
MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
the forenoon, he fired sixteen shots; and with every shot, some poor rebel bit the dust. Hard, indeed, is war which enables men without any malice against those in arms against them, to shoot down human be- ings in cold blood. But such is, and I suppose always will be its nature, and the tendency of its influences.
A little after noon a flag of truce came in from the enemy, desiring a cessation of hostilities, in order that they might bury their dead. Of course there were many blunders upon both sides in the management of campaigns ; and the granting of this request was one of them, affording an opportunity to the rebel army to retreat across the river, as evidently they thought Maryland was too hot to hold them. There was more or less fighting after the expiration of the time for the flag of trnce, evidently conducted upon the part of onr opponents, to keep up the appearances of strength. About four o'clock our regiment was relieved from their arduous and perilous position by other troops. Several times before dark we were called into line of battle by alarms of intended attack upon our lines; yet it proved that our active labor, for that contest, was over. It was a dangerous and severe duty as- signed to our regiment ; but it was nobly and faith- fully performed, receiving the thanks and the compli- ments of our commanding officers.
It would be useless here to attempt any extended description of the battle-field of Antietam, as it ap- peared to the beholder the next day. No words can convey any idea to any one, who has not seen a great
150
HISTORY FIFTH REGIMENT
battle-field after the contest; and those who did sce it, probably have such a vivid impression of it photo- graphed upon their memories, that they can never for- get it, nor will it ever grow dim before their mind's eye. Hundreds of poor fellows were lying there suffer- ing from wounds, while the dead were scattered all over the field, lying in the same position in which they had fallen. Many bodies, even at that early season, had already commeneed to mortify, and the stench was ter- rible. Broken gun-carriages, dead and dying horses all lay scattered around, presenting an awful spectacle. In places, the dead lay piled one upon another, some dy- ing apparently without a struggle, while others exhib- ited the pain which they must have suffered by their distorted features. From some the brains were pro- truding, some had lost a leg or an arm, and others were literally covered with blood. Friend and foe, all lay upon the field of death and suffering together. In one of the infantry engagements of the day before, the two lines had approached very near to each other, and there the men fell, fighting to the last. It was a scene never to be forgotten. The men turn back to their regiments, sick at heart, and doubtless thankful that they had been preserved amid so many dan- gers.
. The enemy had retreated, gone; and after listening to the conflicts between his rear guard and our pursu- ing cavalry and light artillery, the sound of battle died away, and we patiently awaited the develop- ments of the future.
151
MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
In our move of September twentieth, the day but one following the battle, our regiment had a little skirmish with the enemy; but they were soon out of sight and hearing, leaving the Union boys masters of the situation. Thus ended our part in the Maryland campaign.
152
HISTORY FIFTH REGIMENT
CHAPTER XVII.
Bad condition of the regiment. Rest and shoes " reorganize " it. On the march again. Incident at Young Ladies' Boarding School. Capture of an artillery officer from the house. Ar- rival at New Baltimore. General Mcclellan's removal. Forced marching. Arrival at Acquia Creek. Forced halt. Changes in fieldl and staff. White Oak Church. Storm and snow. Arrival at Belle Plain. Camp guard of officers.
THE regiment was now in rather bad condition, al- most every man being bare-footed, with clothes rag- ged and soiled, and all weary and worn down. It was all very fine for newspapers at home to set up a howl because our troops did not give chase to the rebels, who certainly could not have been much worn down by marching, when our troops had been upon the constant move for weeks, fighting and marching wearily all the time, with sore feet, and limbs stiff from exposure and hard campaigning; but the reality of such a movement would have toldl fearfully upon our brave boys, who had then accomplished about all that human nature couldl stand under. It was easy enough to take up a map and trace with a pencil, how little effort it would have required for our army to have slipped over the river, and, by a few days' march ent off the enemy; but let some of those map generals place themselves at Antietam after the victory
153
MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
-
(though at one time we hardly knew who was whipped, the rebels or ourselves), and with blistered feet and hungry stomachs, and wearied bodies, and with fifty pounds upon their backs, just try the little cut-off march ; and before many miles were paced the wail would come trembling forth, oh, "why did I go for a soldier?"
Believing, I suppose, that an army in our condition was not fit for campaigning, our commanders ordered a rest, which was most cheerfully embraced by the boys in which to get recruited. This rest was inter- rupted only by a few short marches. The quarter- master's department was unremitting in its efforts to get the boys all right for the next move and trial of strength with the enemy. In the latter part of Sep- tember, Colonel Jackson was commissioned a brigadier- general, and hence the command of the regiment devolved upon Lieutenant-colonel Seamman. At this time we were in camp near Sharpsburg, Maryland, and which proved to be one of the most pleasant camps we had had during our active campaigning. A few reviews, camp duties, and picket duty, consti- tuted our labors for several weeks. After a little time, there was, of course, some complaint because the army did not move and crush out the "rebellion exhibition " · forever. But it is not my purpose to enter into any disquisitions upon the feasibility of any movements, but simply to record, as well as may be, the services of the regiment. I cannot, however, pass by the fact, that, like all other soldiers, the Fifth Maine boys did
154
HISTORY FIFTHI REGIMENT
not hesitate to growl when things did not go to suit their notions. The best men did that.
On the evening of the twenty-ninth of October, we again received orders to be ready to move. This news was welcome. So when the word forward was given on the morning of the thirty-first, and the col- umns began to be headed southward, it was with re- joicing that the boys swung on their knapsacks, shouldered their muskets, and took up the step for another campaign. Even though dark may have been the past; yet the future was always bright and cheer- ful. We encamped that night upon the ground which had been the scene of our former contest and brilliant victory, Crampton Pass. Our subsequent line of march continued on through Berlin, crossing the Poto- mac near this village, entering once more upon the " sacred soil" of Virginia, and, after two or three days' tramp, unattended with any striking incidents, we found ourselves in camp near New Baltimore. On the last day's march, before reaching this place, the regiment acted as rear guard to the army, a most re- sponsible position, inasmuch as Stuart's cavalry were watching every opportunity to dash upon our bag- gage-teams. They did not venture too near, however.
During the march of this last day, about noon-time, - while the regiment were resting for a little while, some of the field and staff officers espied a large brick house near by, and off they galloped to the house in quest of something upon which to make a dinger, . Dismounting and ascending the steps to the front
155
MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
door, the bell was rung, or the knocker pounded, I have forgotten which, but by whatever method their presence was made known, the summons was speedily answered by a middle-aged lady, who inquired respect- ing their wants.
"Can you give us some dinner ?" blandly inquires one of the officers.
"We havn't much," was the response, " but walk in, and I will see."
So they filed into what seemed to be a reception- room, and which was already well filled with young ladies, who gave them as cold a reception as it is pos- sible to conceive. It seemed a little strange to the officers to see so many ladies together in such a re- mote place; but the mystery was soon solved by be- ing informed that they had blundered into a ~ young ladies' boarding school." Half an hour passed, and but few words were exchanged between the different parties. There was present, however, an artillery captain, who, it seems, had been sick for a few days for who pretended to be), who was very gallant, and ap- planded their little sesesh speeches to the infinite dis- gust of our true officers. Finally, dinner was an- nouneed, and the entire company sat down to a neatly-arranged table, and all seemed to do justice to the work before them. Finally, one of the ladies spoke of President Davis as being a relative of hers.
"You don't say" answered our colonel, in trae Yankee style, which made the artillery captain look all colors, " why, you and I are relatives. Davis is a cousin of mine."
156
HISTORY FIFTH REGIMENT
"Cousin of yours?" exclaimed the indignant lady, "impossible."
"Fact," was the response, "don't you know aunt and uncle so and so ?"
How the colonel ever got hold of the names, I can- not tell here, but it seems that he had given names correctly.
Never did any one behold more astonishment, an- ger, and doubt blended in any one's countenance, than in hers. She could not utter a word. Steadily she looked at the colonel, who at once continued,-
" Yes, he's a cousin, sure ; going down to see him, and guess when our boys do see him, he will want a tombstone marked-in memory of collapsed secessia's stay-at-home chieftain."
Some thought the last a little tough, as at once the entire lot of girls, together with the captain, bott the room, leaving our party alone. As soon as the door closed upon the last lover of the confederney, the colonel turned and said,-
" Boys, I'm hungry, these victuals were going down those girls' throats too fast. Now to your dinner."
Suthee it to say, a good dinner was enjoyed, at the moderate price of one dollar each.
No sooner had we got into camp, which was some three miles distant, than the colonel thought of the artillery captain left behind, and at once reported to General Bartlett the whole thet. The general imme- diately ordered an officer to be accompanied with two orderlies armed to the teeth, to proceed to said house,
157
MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
and which was about two miles outside of our lines, and take said captain and report to him. It was now dark. All being ready, the three proceeded rapidly to the house, and, having stationed the two orderlies to prevent any escape, the officer rung the bell, which was at once answered. Seeing who stood before her, she screamed, and attempted to shut the door. But the officer was too quick for her, and, after preventing that action, he called for the captain.
"He ain't here," screamed a dozen voices. But the captain, anxious to exhibit his bravery, rushed out of an adjoining room, and with sword in hand de- mandled by what authority he was called in such a manner.
" By this, sir," answerel the officer, presenting the muzzle of a revolver.
The captain surrendered.
"Now we will go to camp, sir. I have an order to bring you to General Bartlett. No words and no de- lay."
At once the officer's horse was brought, and amid the screams of some of the women, and the curses and anathemas of others, the four started for camp. S areely half a mile was passed, before horses' hoofs were heardl in the rear. Of course, it was some of the enemy, for as soon as they had started, signal lights were seen from the upper stories in the house. It was now a race. The officer solemnly swore by all that was goo.1, that if the captain made the slightest attempt to cseape, he would present him with the contents of his
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.