USA > Maine > Cumberland County > Portland > Reunions of the Nineteenth Maine Regiment Association, at Portland, Bath, Belfast, Augusta and Richmond > Part 8
USA > Maine > Kennebec County > Augusta > Reunions of the Nineteenth Maine Regiment Association, at Portland, Bath, Belfast, Augusta and Richmond > Part 8
USA > Maine > Sagadahoc County > Bath > Reunions of the Nineteenth Maine Regiment Association, at Portland, Bath, Belfast, Augusta and Richmond > Part 8
USA > Maine > Sagadahoc County > Richmond > Reunions of the Nineteenth Maine Regiment Association, at Portland, Bath, Belfast, Augusta and Richmond > Part 8
USA > Maine > Waldo County > Belfast > Reunions of the Nineteenth Maine Regiment Association, at Portland, Bath, Belfast, Augusta and Richmond > Part 8
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The Army of the Potomac is again under marching orders, and probably before these lines reach you it will have given the rebel forces on the Rappabannock a severe, and I trust decisive blow. The soldiers are ready and willing to move forward, and there appears to be an almost universal determination to drive the Confederates from their present strough. Il. 'The rebels have been diligent in making their own assurance doubly sure, by multiplying theit brent works in, and in rear of the city, to an almost unlimited extent, since the battle, and the result of their labors can be distinctly scen from this side the river. Some of the redoubts are so near by, that should the rebs take a notion to shell our camp, they could easily do it. But they prefer to act on the .fensive. Should our forces attack as before, probably we would meet with another repulse. The army will cross the river at-well, not within a semi-circle of heavy bat- teries, and innumerable riflo-pit .. A large part of the army is already on foot, but a spirited rain storm set in yesterday afternoon. and still continues, which may possibly delay operations for a short time. New Englanders, in general, bave only a taint idea of Virginia mind. Although the inhabitants of this region are to no extent hospitable, the turtless wered sidl" is, whenever the least diluted, as it takes in both man and beast to an unlimited extent, and " sticks closer than a brother," occasionally causing some breakage of the Decalogoc.
The routine of camp is very utonotonous, especially whenever we receive no letters or papers from home. The services of the day open with reville at half-past six o'eleek in The morning, and close at half-past seven in the evening. The intervening services are, breakfast at 7, of which all partake; guard-mounting at 8, when the camp-guard for the following twenty-four hours takes the place of the old guard; surgeon's call at >3, when those who are unwell can visit the surgeon; company drill at 9; dinner at 12; battalion drill at 2, and dress parade at 4. Thus uearly the whole day is occupied, while in camp, by some sort of duty. Sometimes a bit of "discipline " is called for. A Sergeant or Corporal "report/" Hezekiah ny Abottom as being a defimment in some duty or other. The company commander, of course, has an eye single to the good of the service, and therempon orders some chastising dispensation for said delinquents. One must answer for his short-comings by " standing gnard " awhile; the other is set about digging ont some uncouth stump in the neighborhood. The "punishment" is usually of coute useful kind, and serves as a warning. On the whole, it is rather awk-
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ward for a Yankee to reconcile his "liberties" with the " Army Regulations," bat I believe there is not a man in the 19th who wishes to evade his duties as a man or as a soldier. Our ranks have been thinned considerably by sickness. Company F left Maine with 97 enlisted men, and now numbers present for duty, 54. This company has lost four by death. Company A, 11 by death The regiment can go into action with between 500 and 600 rifles. You see by this, that the thinning out of our army is net, by any means, caused by ball and shell. Many of those now on the sick list will, probably, return to duty, while others now on duty will, in turn, become non-effective. Change of climate, diet, exposure, the indifferent clothing furnished by Government, and new mode of life, disable our soldiery far more than the batteries of the enemy.
A few days since our army corps (the 2d) was reviewed by Gen. Burnside. Many, alas, who were with us on a similar occasion two months ago, at this time sleep beneath the bloody field of. Fredericksburg. During the present advance of the army, our corps is held in reserve. Perhaps we will have no part in the battle -- perhaps we will have the hottest part. Who can tell what a day may bring forth? Verily, no one, especially In the army. A battle is not a desirable thing to he engaged in, if a person possesses the smallest regard for personal safety. Absence of body is truly the safest, but I trust few are the men who hold their own lives dearer than that of their country .- Camp near Falmouth, Va., Jan. 21, ISC3.
The "on to Richmond" movement of the Potomar Army, which commenced a few weeks since, was rather summarily suspended. Two days of drenching rain seemed to convert Virginia into an euormions soup, rendering the movements of troops exceed- ingly laborious, and the transportation of artillery trains almost impossible. Conse- quently, it was deemed prudent by Gen. Burnside to recall his forces to camp.
The unsatisfactory termination of this expedition produced a very general depres- sion of spirits. The army seemed to have cherished the belief that a victory was near at hand. Enthusiasm prevailed, and cheer upon cheer passed along the lines, cchoing even to the "deleetable mountains" on the other side of the river,-from whence the visage of numerous batteries leered insinuatingly at us. The army is seldom in a bet- ter mood to move forward than it was at that time. It desired that Burnside should have an opportunity to retrieve the catastrophe of the 13th of December.
From our camp we can peep into a portion of Rebeldlem. The almost deserted city of Fredericksburg stands in bold relief before us. and greybaek sentinels can be seen pacing their "beats," shivering no doubt with cold, and vague apprehensions of their "und-sill" neighbors. They still continue to manufacture rifle-pits. but for what reason I am unable to say, unless it be for exereise to keep themselves warm. Perhaps their faith in the invincibility of Southern Chivalry, not unlike their shinplasters, has fallen a little below par.
The 19th bas very comfortable winter quarters, and affairs move along pleasantly. A recent inspection of the regiment, in accordance with orders from Gen. Hooker, gives us the following report:
" There is no better Regiment of its age in the service. Well drilled, well disci- Hined, in excellent condition, and well cared for. (Signed, )
GEORGE W. MACY, Inspector Ist Brigade, 2d Div., 2d Corps." "A fine Regiment. (Signed,) A. F. DEVERECX, Division Inspecting Officer, 19th Maine Volunteers."
The regiment has earned its enviable reputation, and will meintain it uutarnished. Its roll- show a larger number of men for duty than any other Maine regiment now in the field, whose term of service is three years. It is considered by the boys a thing of considerable bigness to have their regiment stand the highest among the thirteen regiments composing the 2. division .- Camp near Falmouth, Va., Feb. 15, 1863.
The Nineteenth Maine in the Gettysburg Campaign. Page 63.
After participating in all the vicissitudes of the Buroside and Hooker campaigns, we took the "lack track," and proceeded toward the north star, as far as Gettysburg, reaching that place just as the maurading confederates were emerging from the moun- taind. After leaving Falmouth, June ISth, we were occasionally diverted by sundry miner marches and countermarches, which served to keep our time well occupied. We paard through Dumphries, crossed the Oceoquan near Colchester, and proceeded to Contreville. We then took the live of merch to Thoroughfare Gap, crossing the battle- Toll of Roll Ron, reaching the Gap in season to bbek it up against a column of the mamy. Here several skirmishes occurred, in which our regiment participated more or 1 . Hampton's Legion of rebel Cavalry endeavored to harrass us. and succeeded in hoping all bands wide awake. At Haymarket, on our leaving the Gap, they shelled the column frota a masked battery by the roadside, killing one man in our regiment, asyl wounding many in the division and corps. our batteries, however, soon dried
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them up, and we proceeded to Edward,' Ferry, near Ball's Bluff, carrying along a number of prisoners. From Edwards' Ferry we proceeded via Poolesville and t rbanna tu Frederick City, and from there to Gettysburg, marching from 30 to 40 miles a day. There we met the enemy.
I have referred to the movements of the 24 corps only, commanded at that time by the gallant Gen. Hancock. At Gettysburg, however, we greeted simultaneously the other six corps of the Potomac army, together with its new commander, Gen. Meade. We knew a great battle was to take place here, and felt hopeful that victory would be ours. The whole army was present, and therefore co-operation (a lack of which has defeated ns too many times) would take place. No jars, no mismanagement so per- ceptible to even ordinary digits in the preliminaries of former battles, could be seen or felt. I will state, by the way, that men wearing "stars" on their shoulders, are not always celestial beings, and that there has been a time when a battalion could be formed out of very poor generals. That quality, however, is rapidly disappearing from the field, to be known in the future only as they display their gay and costly equipages on civic holiday occasions.
The fight of Wednesday was not a general one. The main army had not arrived. Wednesday night the 2d corps bivouacked two miles from the field, -- the others were near by. Thursday morning at daybreak all hands "fell in." atter partaking of a short ration of hard bread and pork, and moved slowly and solemnly to the border of the future battle-field. The 2d corps is called a "fighting corps," and has left ou bat- the fields more men than its ranks now contain, but all conscious of the terrible ordeal marked out for the day, it moved firmly and resolutely. All was silence in the early morning save the confused tramping of feet, and the rumbling of long trains of ambu- Jauces in the distance, as they uncoiled from their posts and moved along with the colminn. The thought that some of our number would occupy them, mangled and bleeding, before night, could not be repressed. The certainty was too apparent. And many of our number were never to behold another day. Who would it be, was a nat- ural reflection. The summer morning, so peaceful and beautiful, would soon be marred by the wild commotions of battle, and the little birds in the trees by the roadside, singing tiny melodies, would soon be frightened away, when streaming shells and shrieks of wounded and dying come borne through the air. At last we halt by the centre of the line of battle. The fences and walls are torn down. the better to facili- tate the rapid movements of the troops when called for. Soon the troops return to their stacks of arms, and rest a little, for their recent march of 200 miles does not leave them in a very nimble state. Their faces are palo aud haggard, their clothing is worn and covered with mud, but a quiet self-possession and determination possessed every man. Across the narrow field. not a mile distant, stand the resolute legions of Lre, Hushed with their success on the previous day. " Every man be sure that his cartridges are all right. " is passed through the ranks by the officers, and all heed the canting. Soon one of Howard s batteries begins to shell the rebel lines, but receives no response. For a long time nothing could be got out of them, -- not even the mon ,- syllable of a shot, -- and doubts began to arise about their willingness to fight weat all. The men began to build little fires and make themselves cortee, officers were lounging in groups, and an air of security and indifference seemed to pervade the hour. Sud- denty --- boom! boom! boom !--- with shrieking shells, and their whistling, buzzing frag- ment. Slied the air, as a rebel battery opened on us. Thich volumes of smoke indi- cate clearly their well chosen position. " Lie down, men!" is the command, which is very readily obeyed. The shells come thick and fast .- some high in the air, some bounding along the ground, some far to the right,-some as far to the left,-and burst- ing, senttering their deadly fragments in every direction. "Look out! look out!" and down dodge several thousand heads to excops some ball bouncing along the ground, which some one has seen, and therefore makes the precautionary exclamation. But the deadly missel has no good mission; forward it ploughs, through the ranks, cut- ting several in twain, breaking limbs and mangling many more. Hundreds witness the sad sight, and soon the slightly wounded hobble to the rear and the dead are re- moved ten lerly to a short distance out of the way. Hospitals were here established, opjanite each regiment, by displaying a little scarlet flag. The surgeons with their implements are in readiness. The men are in readiness to seize their arms and jump into line in an instant. The horses have been sent to the rear. Sharp volleys of nous- ketry resound on both sides. The 3d and Ist corps are on one I ft and right, respec- tively, and in the course of an hour the musketry mal artillery are hand at it. The long, unerasing rattle of musketry, like the treble of a musical instrument, serin's to be supported by the hoarse heavy base of artillery. 'Twas they for upwards of two hours, at which time Gen. Hancock rode along the line, wearing a troubled face. We had been silent spectators all day. The Ed corps, but few in number, had been held as reserve, but had sufred considerably from shells, and shot. then. Hancock had exclusive charge of the Ist, 2d and 34 corps, Gen. Meado having bestowed that honor
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and responsibility upon him. "Into line, Colonel! into line!'' was the command of Col. Ward, our brigade commander, and in an instant the brigade was on its fret, ready to do or die. The 19th Maine was placed beside a battery, to support it, and to hold its portion of the line, as the 3d corps had been driven back across the feld, and was retiring in haste. The enemy was completely frantic with victory, and advanced im- petuously. " Commence firing," was the command, when they were 70 yards distant, and almost instantly a deadly sheet of fire was poured into them. Through the thick smoke we could dimly see them advancing, but slowly and hesitatingly, for in the space of five minutes their strony line had melted away to a skeleton, and there were only a few daring spirits left to encounter. Our fire had been deadly : every shot had apparently done its dluty. And when, with bayonets fixed, the command "forward," was given, onward dashed "all that was left " of the 19th, while cheer upon cheer rose far above the din of musketry and artillery. The enemy scampered in every direc- tion, many throwing up their hands as a token of surrender, and others hiding behind racks and bushes to escape the fury of the charge, and afterwards coming into our lines. Only a few ever reached their own lines.
The victory of the day was decisive. The Ist brigade of the Iron Division was the first to see the backs of the enemy, and the 10th was the first regiment to occupy and gain full possession of the field. It assisted in the recapture of two pieces of artillery which the enemy were too panic-stricken to take away, besides sending many prison- ers to the rear. But sad was the spectacle around us. The dead and dying covered the ground; and the wild eries for help, the besceching exclamations, the dismal groans, and broken prayers, mingled with the dying echoes of thunder in that ever- memorable twilight. Presently it was dark, and we returned from the field, picking the way so as to avoid tramping upon the wounded and dead. The repulse of the enemy had been complete, but it was certain they would renew the contest in the morn- ing. The wounded were removed as rapidly as possible. A few of the dead were buried, but chiefly preparations were being made for the morrow. Fresh supplies er ammuni- tion were distributed to the batteries, and 60 rounds were furnished to each soldier. Dead horses and broken caissons were removed, and every preparation was made to re- ceive an attack at daylight. Soon all was quiet, and the silence was broken only by the shrieks and eries borne through the smoky atmosphere, and ever and anon a stray picket-shot. The weary men at last slept soundly, forgetful of the terrible scenes of the day, and the ungathered harvest of death strewn around them. Morning dawned upon a heart-sickening scene, as the first faint streaks slanted from the east. Generals accompained by their escorts could be seen riding along the lines, perfecting the pro- gramme for the day. The men awoke refreshed from the few hours rest, fully conscious of another day's struggle with the marauding foe. Rations had given out, and they must fight on empty stomachs. Three or four companies of the loth were advanced as skirmishers, and mine was among the number. The men were deployed, and quietly, -talthily, the line advanced, in the face and over of the rebel sharpshooters, who for- warded their compliment ; without stint. The line was too small to deserve many shells, or it would have received them. Our position was in an open field, with no shelter in front, and none abuve to shield from the burning rays of the sun. The men lay Hat en the ground, and pre-ented as .mall a target as possible. In this position they remained ten hours, suffering severely from thirst and heat. If any poor wight happened to ele- vate his head, he was sure to reepive attentions. At thes during the day, our boys, by way of diversion, would pop away in return, but the enemy was too well shielded to receive much barm.
About the middle of the afternoon, two pieces of rebel artillery gave the signal. Almost instantly. shot and shell fronte 200 pieces of artillery went seremming over our bradls. Our own batteries immediately replied, and for two hours were barled those inneses of destruction and death. All passed over our heads, as we were in a place of comparative security, and only the premature explosion of a shell from either side was the source of much danger, save now and then a ricochet shot from the enemy would plow along the ground, -cattering the earth upon us. Only a few were hurt. By and by came relief. It requires less nerve to face the enemy man to man, in open hold. than to lie down sapinely while he hurls his mussels. There may be less danger in the latter process, but the testimony of all gives preference to the former. The quemy was advancing, and I assure you it was a relief at that particular time, as ten hour- prostration on the ground, side by side with hundreds of the enemy's dead, in the scorching sun, cannot be tormed au agrecable situation, to say nothing about the ""poner which accompainies a battle of long duration. The enemy advanced in solid thomas against the trail line of the 2d corp., which occupied the centre of the whole silv, and at a point near the Baltimore turupike; a point which, if they could obtain, would ensure them victory. On they came, headless of the few skirmishers who stood in fore them, the only alternative of whom was to retire or be annihilated. slowly and Isetantly they fell back, firing incessantly into the solil phalanx of rebels, every
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shot taking effect. Soon they reached the main body, and then commenced the fight in earnest. For five minutes the 2dl corps discharged volley after volley, while grape and canister cut gaping swaths, mowing down the furious minions of treason like grass before the seythe. A few of the most intrepid ones advanced to within a dozen yards of the fence behind which we stood, but instantly they shrick and fall, pierced by num- bertess balls. Others still advance, and meet a like fate. In a few moments they are overpowered, and, eager still for life, endeavor to gain a respite from the fate of their comrades by the nimble use of their legs. A few well directed volleys bring them to a realizing sense that their game will not pay, and therefore .they stop and lie down. Onward dashes some little battalion and brings them in prisoners. Thus ends the bat- tle, and the firing nearly ceases. The victory is complete, but not without terrible gaps in our own ranks. The 19th lost 206 in killed and wounded,-one-half its whole num- ber on the morning of the previous day; and the loss in the brigade and throughour the corps was in about the same proportion. The corps had twice hurled back the heavy columns of Lee, and its commander, Hancock, was severely wounded.
It was now late in the afternoon. The wounded were being cared for, and our dead being buried. Night again fell, and on a more ghastly field than ever before on this continent. Weary and jaded the men again sought rest, little fearing another attack. The morning broke. Not a confederate could be seen. The 5th and 6th corps advanced to reconnuitre, and were welcomed by half a dozen guns, which were then hastily spiked. " The enemy has retired," was the theme of conversation everywhere. Satisfaction and cheerfulness abounded. A heavy force scou started in pursuit, but the 2d corps was to remain av hile to bury the dead. A detail was soon made from each regiment, with pick- axes and shovels to perform the last sad rites. Our own dead were buried in group:, the name and regiment of each placed at the head of the little mounds. Then they proceeded to the rebel dead, -- and I will say here, that by adding together the nutu- bers buried by the several squads, the number reached upwards of 2000, opposite the line of battle of the 2d corps. It was a mournful task.
Our lice of march, occupying several days, was through Tanytown and Frederick; from thence through Crampton's Pass, in the South Mountain range, to the old battle- field of Autietam, on the northern edge of which we again found the enemy. The corps then proceeded up the turnpike towards Williamsport, moving slowly and cau- tiously, until we came to the enemy's fortifications. Here we fortified. but awoke one morning to find the enemy non est. The corps then followed Kilpatrick to Falling Waters, but nothing was gained save the capture of Lee's rear guard. The morning following we started down the ennal and reached Harper's Ferry at night; from thence down Lowion Valley again, to Manassas Gap, where the 3d corps engaged the enemy and drove them across the Shenandoah river. We reached Warrenton Junction on Sunday afternoon last; and where we will be to-morrow I am unable to tell. Since leaving Falmouth we have marched upy ards of 400 miles, in the heat of summer, driven Lee into his old hiding places, and are ready to take Richmond when Gen. Meade says the word. This campaign is acknowledged by all to be the hardest one of the war, and likewise the most profitable.
T have written lengthily-much more than I intended-but I am quite unable to ex- pres. the hardships our brave volunteers have undergone for the past forty days. Our ranks in the field are now weak and thinned. There is many au absentee at roll-call. We need more men. God grant that we may have them. Eleven months ago the 19th Maine was 1000 strong, to-day its ranks number 258. Some who were then with us are reposing on the banks of the Rappahannock; others are asleep on the stained and ever memorable fiehl at Gettysburg. Only a few are left. - Comp neor Warrenton Junction, Va., July 29, 1863.
The Nineteenth Maine at Morrisville. Page 65.
The army is enjoying a rest, and it is very acceptable. The 2d corps arrived at its present encampment one week ago. Its location is seven miles from Ellis' Ford, and we picket within two miles of the Rappahannock river. Our pickety join those of the 12th corps, which is stationed along the Rappahannock. The " greybacks" have appeared again on the opposite banks. The country hereabouts is pretty barren of rebel soldiery, -only a few stragglers are encountered. Yesterday four were taken to headquarters from the vicinity of " Pine View." Like prodigal sons they had returned to their fathers' houses, but as they were dressed in Confederate style, they must go to Wash- fugtoff. There is but little of interest in regard to strictly military affairs at present. Paymaster Howey, (of Bath, Me.) recently appeared in camp and distributed a two months " ration " of "greenbacks." As a paymaster and gentleman be exceeds any- thing of the kind we have ever had. - Cump near Morrisudle, Va., Any. 9, 1803.
The sweltering August sun continues to beat down upon us with unceasing diligence, making existence itself, at times, seem dubious. The nights, however, are cool and
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delicions. The troops are uniformly in good health and spirits, and are rapidly recov- ering from the effects of their recent hardships. Instalments of "conscripts" are reach- ing the army daily. Many of the Gettysburg wounded are returning, and soon the ranks will be full again. The conscripts who have arrived are being drilled in the preliminary mysteries of seeing the elephant, and will probably catch a glimpse of the whole quadruped before many months. In camp the ordinary routine is being pursued from reveille to taps, varied only by the innumerable little incidents of which camp life is composed, and by which its monotony is made endurable to our active, impatient, novelty-loving Yankees. We are pleasantly encamped in an open field, -- a portion of an ancient tobacco plantation,-the soil of which has been effectually debilitated by the " seductive weed." This portion of Virginia is the least attractive in a pictorial, as well as agricultural point of view, of any I have seen. The large fields are desti- tute of erops, and the few inhabitants who remain are fearfully destitute of the ordinary necessaries of life. There is hardly a family in this once proud and affluent portion of F. F .- dom which is not anxious to accept its daily bread from Uncle Sam's Commissary. This afternoon the 2d division, comprising the 19th Maine, was called upon to wit- ness one of those melancholy spectacles which are sometimes necessary to the stern dis- cipline of an army-Private Jesse Mayberry, Company -- , 71st Pennsylvania Volun- teers, having been convicted by a Court Martial of desertion, was shot at 3 o'clock, to-day. He met his fate composedly, although at the first volley he was only wounded. Such punishments, for womantully desorting the service, are severe but just. This is the first execution which has ever occurred in the " Iron Division." The regiment to which the prisoner belonged is the one once led by the lamented Col. Baker, who fell at Boll's Blud. It is composed of Pennsylvanians, but is frequently called the "Ist California," through honor to the memory of the gallant Baker. The regiment belongs to the 2d brigade of this division, and is much reduced in numbers. The 2d corps is at present commanded by Maj. Gen. Warren, late of Gen. Hooker's staff. The 2d divis- ion is commanded by Brig. Gen. Webb, an accomplished officer of the regular service.
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