USA > Maine > History of the Fourth Maine battery, light artillery, in the civil war, 1861-65; containing a brief account of its services compiled from diaries of its members and other sources. Also personal sketches of many of its members and an account of its reunions from 1882 to 1905 > Part 9
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During October we received fifty recruits, which gave us a full complement of men. for the first time since leaving Cedar Creek, more than two years before. The two guns which had been turned in during the summer, for want of men to handle then, werd now returned to us, and it gave us much satisfaction
7
98
FOURTH MAINE BATTERY
to feel that we were once more a fully equipped battery. November 3d quite a number of promotions were made of Cor- porals and Sergeants. November 8th was Presidential election and we had the privilege of voting in the field. Very little elec- tioneering was done, every man voting without any influence being brought to bear. One of our Sergeants attempted to do a little work for the Mcclellan side, and taking Charles Frost aside, tried to convince him that it was his duty to vote the McClellan ticket. Frost told him that he was not of legal age, but the Sergeant assured him that it would be all right, and he would see him through if any trouble occurred. Thereupon Frost went to the polls and cast his ballot. and immediately came back to tell all the boys that he had voted a Lincoln ticket, and that the Sergeant had agreed to see him through. The ballot in the Battery stood. Lincoln 59. McClellan 34. During Novem- ber there was considerable drilling for the benefit of the new recruits who had joined us.
November 24th was Thanksgiving day and was observed all through the army, and we thoroughly enjoyed our turkey which was furnished us by the Christian Commission, and which was supplemented by such other things as we could provide. As winter came on we found our shelter tents very uncomfortable during the cold nights, and early in December began to build log huts for winter quarters. Logs were drawn for us and bricks for chimneys procured from destroyed buildings, and for a time all hands were fully occupied. December 18th, the last of our quarters was just being finished when we received orders to move in the morning to the left and join our old corps (the 6th), which had just returned from the valley under Sheridan, and was stationed along the line in the vicinity of the Globe Tavern. The roth proved to be a most uncomfortable day on which to leave good quarters and start on a move of several miles. In the morning a cold rain was falling, turning to soft snow towards night. About night we reached our new quar- ters, and most uninviting they proved to be, and it was with considerable grumbling that we ate our supper and lay down in the mud for a night's rest. On the next day (the 20th) our original three years' service had expired, and twenty of those who had not re-enlisted were mustered out and started for home. We much regretted to part with the comrades who had been
99
LIGIIT ARTILLERY, 1861-65.
with us so long, and particularly with First Sergeant Brooks and Quartermaster Sergeant Williams. Sergeant Ames was now promoted to First Sergeant and Will Jordan to Quarter- master Sergeant, and several other promotions were made. About this time Sergeant Woods received his commission as Second Lieutenant and Lieutenant Freeman was promoted to First Lieutenant. Our Battery was now divided. The right section with the caissons and all the horses and drivers were stationed in Battery No. 24, which was headquarters, and under command of Captain White. The left section under Lieutenant Freeman was in Battery 26, near the Globe Tavern, and the centre section under Lieutenant Woods in Battery 25. Lieu- tenant Fox at this time was detached with the Quartermaster's Department. Battery 24 was at the extreme right of the 6th Corps, the yth Corps being at our right and the 3Ist Maine in camp very near us. At this point the lines were about a mile apart, and owing to the formation of the ground were not il! sight of each other. At Battery 26 the lines were only some 500 yards apart, and when we moved in, there were some unburied dead of the rebels lying in front of the works. For the first time since the 4th of May we felt that we were com- paratively safe, and during our stay here, of more than three months, our only loss was one man, Freeman Foss, who was wounded in the leg by a bullet.
Work was at once commenced to put our new quarters in shape. Much of the material was brought from our old quar- ters and the huts rebuilt, with a small fireplace in each one. The huts were of logs, about five feet high, and were occupied by four men. The grounds were levelled off, stumps dig out, sidewalks laid in front of the quarters and a stockade built to protect the horses and an attempt made to roof it over. This all took much time and it was a month before we were fully settled. The winter was spent with little to break the monotony of camp life, but was probably the most comfortable and pleas. ant of any winter in the service. In good weather some drilling was done with the horses, and at the guns, more particularly for the benefit of the recruits that continued to come to us to fill the places of those who were returning home on account of expiration of term of service.
On November 28. 1864, ten men were detailed for service with
100
FOURTH MAINE BATTERY
Battery H, Ist Ohio, and remained with that battery until about the 15th of February. Early in March, H. H. Powers, Tamer- line Billings, Edward Friend, Edwin R. Gustin, Robert Gustin. Charles E. Hunt, Edwin R. Kneeland, Levi P. Mason, New- combe F. Small and Dorrington Wyman were detailed for ser. vice with Battery G, Ist Rhode Island, and while with that battery took part in the final assault on Petersburg and in the battle of Sailors' Creek on April 6th and at Appomattox on the 9th and claim that they did more hard marching between Peters -. burg and Appomattox than in any prior campaign while in the service. These men did not arrive home until after the battery was mustered out. They were mustered out June 21st at Augusta.
As usual Frank Bartlett's laugh was often heard through the camp, and we all knew that a good story was being told, or a joke being played on some of the boys. When other resources failed, Frank and a few of the boys always had the Captain's darkey, Dick Johnson, to fall back upon with their tricks, which he always took with remarkable good nature. Occasionally we would be turned out by heavy firing at the right or left of us and have to stand by our guns for a while.
Early on the morning of March 25th, we were aroused by "Boots and saddles" being sounded, and turned out to find a terrific bombardment going on the whole length of the line. About four o'clock the Confederate General Gordon had made an assault at Fort Steadman, surprising and capturing the fort and batteries on each side of it, and advancing nearly to the rail- road at Meade's Station. This instantly aroused the whole line, which opened fire. The ochi Corps very promptly rallied, and as soon as reserves could be brought up, a charge was made which resulted in the recapture of our lines. Nearly 2000 pris- oners Were taken, and about tooo of the enemy were dead and wounded. When this had been accomplished, an assault was ordered to be made by the 6th Corps at the left of the Globe Tavern, which resulted in the capture and holding of the enemy's picket lines. Late in the day the heavy firing died out and things reamed their tisutal course, except that from this time out we were called to turn out each morning at three o'clock and be at our guns.
On the 28th Sheridan, who had arrived at Petersburg from the Shenandoah Valley with the cavalry, started on a move to
IOI
LIGHT ARTILLERY, 1861-65.
the left in the direction of Five Forks, with a view of turning the enemy's left and gaining possession of the South Side and Danville railroad, and the 2d and 5th Corps moved to the left to support him, leaving the 9th and 6th Corps holding the works in front of Petersburg. On the 31st Sheridan was heavily engaged near Dinwiddie Court House, and Warren was strongly attacked, but when night came the enemy had retired in the direction of the Five Forks. Ou the Ist of April War- ren's Corps was placed under Sheridan's command, and towards night an assault was made upon the enemy's works. Sheridan going over the works with the men. In this engagement the prisoners captured, of Pickett's and Bushrod Johnson's divi- sions, were over 5000, and Sheridan's total loss about 1000.
The enemy, who had broken and fled in all directions, were pursued by Sheridan until darkness closed the grand day's work. Upon receipt of the news of Sheridan's success, General Grant ordered the 9th and 6th Corps to attack the works in front of Petersburg at daylight on the 2d. Since Sheridan's movement had commenced. a vigorous and continuous artillery fire had been kept up the whole length of the line. At daylight the 9th and 6th Corps moved promptly, and succeeded in capturing the enemy's outer works in front of both corps. From our position we could see but little of the terrific contest that was going on, and which was continued for the whole day. In the direction of Fort Hell, about a mile to our right, there was a constant roar of artillery and musketry. As we stood by our guns lis- tening to the battle raging on the right and on the left, the anxiety for news from the scene of action was most intense, and when we learned that our boys had captured and were occupy- ing part of the enemy's works in front of Fort Hell, we felt that the end of the long struggle was at hand. Late at night we lay down to rest and went to sleep with the boom of artillery and volleys of musketry for a lullaby. On the 3d we were up early, and an unusual quietness, that we were not accustomed to. pervaded the air. Anxious inquiries were made as to how things were along the line, but without information until about six o'clock, when some of the 31st Maine boys came back from the front and reported that they had been in the city, which was evacuated during the night.
Soon we had orders to send teams to the abandoned lines and
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FOURTH MAINE BATTERY
bring back some guns, and a little later orders were received to report, with several other batteries of the corps, at the reserve artillery camp at City Point. About half of the batteries remained with the corps, which immediately started to join Sheridan in the last and final struggle. It was a happy, though rather a mixed crowd. composed of artillery, baggage trains, sntlers' wagons and prisoners of war, that moved that day with faces towards City Point. Even the prisoners seemed to be glad that they were out of it. Considerable bartering was done with the prisoners, and a hundred dollars in Confederate money was no unusual price for a handful of hard bread. About noon the rumor began to spread that Richmond also had been cap- tured. This was thought to be too much good news for one day and would not be accepted as a fact until it was confirmed by good authority. Arriving at City Point, we went into camp with the other batteries about a mile from the landing, and the time was spent anxiously waiting for news from the front. As news came frequently of Sheridan's magnificent successes, we all felt that a few days more would see the finish and began to make our plans for being home very soon. On the 9th, about seven o'clock in the evening, we began to hear loud cheering in the direction of the landing. Camp after camp took it up, and it spread rapidly in every direction till it seemed that every man was making all the noise that he could. We knew it must mean good news, and extra good news at that, from the hearty and continuous cheering that was kept up with increasing volume. Everyone was on the "qui vive" and some of the boys started off to find out the cause of so much noise. Soon we saw them returning. out of breath, and when within shouting dis- tance they called to us, "Lee has surrendered." Instantly a shout went up from every man and our voices were added to the thousands that were making the evening air ring. Com- rade grasped comrade by the hand and tears of joy stood in many an eyc.
Soon some one called attention to a quantity of brush in the pine grove near at hand, and in a moment every hand was bring- ing brush and huge bonfires were started. Other camps took it up and anything that would burn was sacrificed, and the whole country for miles around was son a blaze of light. The rejoice- ing was too great to abate, and when late at night some tired
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LIGHT ARTILLERY, 18GI-65.
comrade would quietly steal away to his tent for a little rest, he would be unceremoniously pulled out, with the information that no one would be allowed to sleep that night. It was daylight before any degree of quietness was restored and the boys began to act like sane beings. All our thoughts from this time began to centre upon going home.
On the 14th, just after midnight, Captain White received an order to send immediately to brigade headquarters a Sergeant and twelve men mounted and equipped as cavalry. At the same time officers were hurriedly riding from camp to camp carrying the information of the assassination of President Lincoln, which news was to be kept from the men. The detail was hurriedly made and sent, as ordered, but coming at such a time and under such circumstances it caused mich comment and inquiry in the Battery. The next forenoon about the time that the detail returned, the news of the President's death became known, and the joy and hilarity that had been so prevalent for the past few days became suddenly changed to sadness, and it seemed like a personal loss to each one.
During the remainder of April we remained quietly in camp at City Point waiting to start on our homeward march. On the morning of May 3d we broke camp and started on our last march, and in the afternoon crossed the James River at Aiken's Landing and camped for the night near Chapin's farm on an old rebel campground, where the boys picked up many souvenirs. On the 4th we were again on the march and at noon halted in the suburbs of Richmond for dinner, but did not enter the main part of the city. Much interest was manifested in examining the fortifications through which we passed, and the heavy guns were still mounted in them which were much larger than any we had seen before. As we stood within the enemy's works we could understand better than ever why it had been impossible to carry them by assault. Through the remainder of the day and the following day our route was through historic ground and battle fields, and passing through Hanover Court House, we camped. on the night of the 5th, near the Pamunky River.
On the morning of the 6th we crossed the Pamunky and, con- tinuing our march northward. we arrived on the evening of the 7th at the beautiful village of Bowling Green, where we
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FOURTH MAINE BATTERY
encamped for the night. On the 8th we crossed the Rappa- hannock at Fredericksburg, passing over the battle field where Burnside in December, 1862, had sacrificed thousands in the vain attempt to carry Marye's Heights, and on the north side of the river where the Army of the Potomac had camped during the winter of '62-3, and at night we went into camp near Aquia Creek. During the night Richard E. Wyman disappeared from camp and no track of trace could be found of him. As we were on our way home, it did not seem possible that he would desert.
On the morning of the 9th we again resumed our march and at night arrived at Fairfax Seminary, which proved to be our last camping ground before leaving for home. Our march from City Point had taken just a week and had been done leisurely. We had enjoyed beautiful weather and altogether it had been a very pleasant trip.
From our arrival at Fairfax Seminary until our start for home not much occurred of any note.
The batteries of the reserve artillery to which we were attached did not take part in the grand review at Washington, on May 23d and 24th. Immediately after the review prepara- tions were rapidly made for the return home of the troops, and about the 28th the batteries began to turn in their guns and horses.
One evening. three or four days before we were to bid good- bye to Virginia, some of the boys started to illuminate by placing candles on the ridge of the tents. The other batteries took it up and were followed by the infantry, and soon the whole country as far as could be seen was brilliantly lighted. Not content with this, improvised fireworks were made from the cartridges from the limber chests and for a time the display was very brilliant. After an hour's amusement of this sort the boys formed in line and several charges and counter charges were made with the battery next to us. A halt was then called and all the batteries united and fell in line and then marched to the different Captains' quarters, giving each a cheer and calling for a speech, which was responded to in each case. When we had completed our rounds it was past midnight, and this was our last frolic. June ist our guus were taken to Washington and turned in to the Ordnance Department, and the next day our horses were turned in.
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LIGHT ARTILLERY, 1861-65.
On the morning of June 3d we struck tents carly and started for Washington on our way home. It was not until dark that we were aboard the train and ready to start, accompanied by the 6th Maine Battery and a New Hampshire battery, also some infantry regiments. The next morning we arrived at Phila- delphia soon after daylight, and marched across the city to the old Cooper Shop Refreshment Saloon, so well known and remembered by all old soldiers who passed through Philadelphia, where we found a most bountiful breakfast prepared for us. Our reception as we passed through the city was most cordial and enthusiastic. Although it was Sunday morning, and very carly, many of the citizens were out to greet us, many of the buildings were decorated, and several arches with appropriate mottoes had been erected to welcome the returning soldiers and a salute was also fired. After having partaken of our break- fast, we crossed the ferry to Camden and embarked on the Cam- den and Amboy railroad for Amboy, where we were transferred to a boat for New York, at which place we arrived late in the afternoon and were again transferred to the New London boat. In the evening we passed down the sound and arrived at New London about five o'clock on the morning of the 5th. Here we took the train for Boston. The boys had been rather negligent in regard to rations and many had not had anything to cat since leaving Philadelphia twenty-four hours before, but the good people of New London came handsomely to our relief and for the hour that we were there the ladies were kept busy feeding the hungry boys. After an hour's run the train made a short stop at Norwich, where we were as cordially received as at New London, and when we left the inner wants of every one had been satisfied. At Worcester a short stop was made and a cordial greeting given to us. About nine o'clock we arrived at the Beach Street Station in Boston, and disembarking were marched with the 6th Battery to the old Beach Street Barracks. I pon entering we found that a guard from the invalid corps bad been placed at the door to prevent any one leaving, which did not meet the hearty approval of the boys, and many of them hastily unslung their knapsacks and made a break for the guard, which was hustled out of the way rather lively. Just then Cap- tain White and some other officers appeared on the scene and with quiet restored the boys soon returned to their quarters.
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FOURTH MAINE BATTERY
Finding that a pass from the First Sergeant would let them out, he was kept busy writing passes until his paper gave out, and to avoid further annoyance he quietly sneaked away, but the boys finding an exit through a trap door, the quarters were soon empty. It was well understood that we were to take the night boat for Augusta, and the day was spent looking over Boston and when it came time to start every man was on hand. About five o'clock we fell in line and accompanied by the 6th Battery started on our march across the city. As we were marching through one of the business streets every window and door was filled and some one from an upper window called out. "Cheers for the boys from the Pine Tree State," and most hearty was the response. As we listened to the generous greet- ing our hearts swelled with emotion and more than one eye was moist. Embarking on the Kennebec boat, the berths were all given up to the soldiers, the other passengers doing the best they could for the night, and for one night we felt that we were a little better than common people.
Our first landing was made at Richmond soon after light, and we were looking for something of a greeting and were con- siderably taken down to find only one man at the landing. At Gardiner we expected to see some of our friends, but there were only the ordinary number of about a dozen in sight. Arriving at Hallowell it was only a little better, and the boys began to feel disappointed and growled considerably at the cool reception we were receiving in our own state, when we had been so cor- dially received at other places.
Upon arriving at Augusta we found that the reception there was enough to make up for what had been lacking at the other places, and very proudly we formed in line and marched to the camp on the grounds in front of the State House, where a most substantial and generous repast had been provided for us; and where an hour was happily spent in listening to words of wel- come, and good advice given to us, by eloquent speakers.
As our muster-ont rolls had to be made out, which would take several days, many of the boys took advantage of the time for a short visit to friends at home, and all returning in time, we were mustered out of service on June 17th and separated. many never to meet again and others only at our annual reunions which for the past few years have been so happy and pleasant.
CHAPTER IX.
ROSTER -- PROMOTIONS -- RE-ENLISTED -- DIED IN THE SERVICE AND WOUNDED-DIED SINCE 1865 -- DISCHARGED 1862-3-4.
IOS
ROSTER.
Name and Bank.
Mustered in.
MYcharged.
Remarks.
CAPTAINS.
()'Neil W. Robinson, Jr .. . December
21, 1861
Promoted Major. Not mustered. Dled nt Bethel July 17. 1964.
Charles W. White
January
11, 1/02 June
17, 1885 Promoted from 2d und Ist Lleut. Died nhout 1867 in Georgia.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS Lucius M. S. Haynes,
December
21, 1961 September
22, 1882' Resigned. Binghamton. N. Y.
Hamlin F. Eaton ..
February
13, 1862 January
11. 183, Resigned. Ludden, So. Dak.
Mathew B. Coffin ....
|February
13, 1-62, March
12, 1863 Promoted from 24 Lieut. Resigned. Dled in New York about. 1890.
Henry C. Haynes ....
.|December
21. 186];November
30, 1861 Prom. from Ist Sergt.anded Lt. Resigned. Pled at Brooklyn, N. 1 ., Dec., 1864.
Melville C. Kimbatil.
December
21, 1881| December
21, 1981 Promoted from Q. M. Sergt. and 2d Lient. Resigned, Malden, Mass. 17, 1865| Promoted from Private, Corph., Sergt., Ist Sergt. and 2d Meut. Bethel.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
Angu-tus Fox.
February
13, 1902 Jun(
17, 1-65 Promoted from Sorgt. Wounded July 30, 1864. Died about 1866.
George W. Woods
December
21, 1861 June
17, 1865 Promoted from Sergt. Dled at Mt. Vernon, 1867.
FIRST SERGEANTS.
Willinin JI. Brooks ..
December
21. 1:41| December
20, 1864 Promoted from Compl. and Sorgt. Angusta.
Judson Ames
.December
21, Is61 June
17, 1865 Promoted from Corpl. and Sergt. Foxcroft.
QUARTERMASTER SEROT'S.
Cyrus M. WilHAIN.
December
21. 1501. December
William Jordan
December
20, 1844 Promoted from Sergt. Dled at Mt. Vernon about 1870. 17. 1505| Promoted from Private. Died about 1870.
SERGEANTS. Orrin O, Vittom .
December
21. ISGT May
28, 1:42 Discharged for disability. Solon. 1:52 Discharged for disability. Emporia, Kun.
Harry Parkingn .
January
21, 1:61 March
18, IST Discharged for dlaability. Middleboro, Mass.
Algernon S. Bangs.
JANHATy December
21, 18011
Promoted from Corpi. Died at Little Washington, Va., August 3, 1-2.
21, 1861!
Promoted from Corpl. Dled at Alexandrin, Vn., August 10, 1864.
21, 1861 June
17, 1465 Promoted from Corpl. Loyalton, Cal. [Granite Falls, Mint. Prom. Lt.
Gorhain Powers.
February
13, 1SB2 May
15, JSMA Prom. from Private and Corpl. Wounded Det 15, 1863, In U. S. Colored Regt.
Ebenezer C. Taleoft. December
21, 19611.
. Promoted from Corpi.
Died in hospital May 13, 1563.
Wilbert P. Frlend . December
17, 1x65; Promoted from Corpi. Dled about 1875.
Lester Holway .. January
14, IstebJanuary
12, 1865| Promoted frons Corpl. North Fairfield.
FOURTH MAAINE BATTERY
Solon Robertson. December
14. 1:2January
OG, JE Discharged for disability. Augustu.
Lewis F. Brown. Here Owen, Ir ... Jere S. ( leveland.
December December December
17. 1865;Promoted from Corpl. Died in the West.
John M. Freemitu
December
Alfred C. Bates. .. Charles A. Allen. .. ......
December
Mnich 21. 1861 December
Joseph B. French .. December 21, 1-61 4111110
Charles B. Patterson .
Albion B. P'rost. September
29, 1-62 Inne 11, 1:62June
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