USA > Maine > Cumberland County > Portland > Reunions of the Nineteenth Maine Regiment Association, at Portland, Bath, Belfast, Augusta and Richmond > Part 9
USA > Maine > Kennebec County > Augusta > Reunions of the Nineteenth Maine Regiment Association, at Portland, Bath, Belfast, Augusta and Richmond > Part 9
USA > Maine > Sagadahoc County > Bath > Reunions of the Nineteenth Maine Regiment Association, at Portland, Bath, Belfast, Augusta and Richmond > Part 9
USA > Maine > Sagadahoc County > Richmond > Reunions of the Nineteenth Maine Regiment Association, at Portland, Bath, Belfast, Augusta and Richmond > Part 9
USA > Maine > Waldo County > Belfast > Reunions of the Nineteenth Maine Regiment Association, at Portland, Bath, Belfast, Augusta and Richmond > Part 9
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The history of the 2d corps thus far is a brilliant one, and is ornamented by many of the brightest names the wer has made known. Genz. Sumner, Richardson. Sedgwick, Howard, and Hancock, are well nigh immortal names, and are never spoken but with respect; as are also Couch, Gibbons and Caldwell. They all ascended the military stair- way while identified with the 2d corps, and probably every soldier ever under them bas some interesting arm-chair story to relate regarding each of the above-named men. The 19th is now commanded by Capt. Starbird, who was wounded at Gettysburg, but has recently returned. Lt. Col. Cunningham now commands the brigade, Col. Heath being absent. The officers aud men now remaining in the Ist brigade are " few and far between, " and duties fall heavily upon them. - Camp near Morrisville, Va., Aug. 21, 1863.
The picket line of the 2d corps extends from a point near the Orange and Alexandria zailroad to within a mile and a half of Ellis' Ford ( Rappahannock river), a distance of nearly twenty miles, and fronts the Potomac. The Ist division picket, the right, connecting with the 12th corpo. the 24 division the centre, and the 3d division the left. The line is an unusually extended one, and heavy details are necessary. The details for picket are made once in ter days from every regiment. The regimental details as- somble at an early hour in the day in front of the respective brigade headquarters, and from thence are taken to division headquarters, the performance occupying an hour or At the different division headquarters, the commander of the day, an officer detailed for the purpose, and termed " Division Officer of the Day," takes the whole detatchment to the nearest point on the picket line belonging to his division, and " relieves" the old guard by posting his men along the road and across the fields in groups of six or eight. These groups are stationed ten or twelve rods apart, from one end of the line to the other, each post having communication with the ones on his right and left, with a sentinel or "vidette" a few rods in front, always on the alert. No oficer or man can leave his post for two days, but must watch for rebels, spies and "stragglers." Arrests are frequently made, and occasionally the positive orders to "arrest every person found near the line." are productive of incidents in which the habeas corpus act would agreeably figure. Such cases are when some ancient trunk of "chivalry," with his barefooted seions, in searching for their coons, vouture too near the line, and are ruthlessly marched to somebody's headquarters, for thu, attempting 1. cross the lines. Occasionally too, some indiguant female on the shadowy sido of fifty ventures forward, desirous of seeing the "General." to enter complaints against the Mysterious di appearance of pigs, poultry or potatoes. If no officers are near, such saljects are disposed of very sommarily by " the boys," by informing her that if she pores herself troublesome, they will be obliged to advance their post to her dooryard, and that she
"Better bear the ills she has Than fly to others that she knows not of."
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NINETEENTH MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
Of all the abominations sine. those of Egypt, I suppose none has been so sore to a Vir- ginian as a Yankee around his or her premises. The men who diet zo continually upon hard bread and pork, and undergo so many privations and dangers as onr soldiers, can be inwardly pardoned for some slight infraction of the Deculogue, when they are in an enemy's territory.
The weather is decidedly autumnal just now. The days are very comfortable, but the nights are alnost unendurable without blankets, which only a few of the soldiers Jussess, for the reason that they were obliged to throw them away on forced marches and in battle, and the new requisitions on the quartermaster's department have not been filled. But all have seen harder times than any accruing to winterish nights, and on the whole, we are very well satisfied with present conditions. - Camp near Morrisville, Va., Aug. 30, 1863.
The 2d corps has taken a little trip into the country, as the boys term a rather un- expected march of twenty miles which took place on Monday last Leaving the city of tents still standing at Morrisville, we proceeded in the direction of Falmouth and halted, near the close of the day, opposite Banks Ford, a place which has attained considerable notoriety during the war, and particularly on account of its being the point where Sedgwick effected his retreat last spring. The 19th Maine was immedi- ately detached from the brigade and assigned the duty of closely guarding several fording places of minor importance, some two or three miles above Banks' Ford. We are within eight miles of our old camping ground at Faimouth, and only a narrow river separates us from our rebel neighbors. Our expedition is supposed to be unknown by the enemy, and the utinost secreey and caution characterises our every movement. We have been within one-balf mile of the river for three days, and as yet no indications are manifested by the rebels on the opposite shore that our presence has been discov- ered. Probably before these lines reach you, their purport will not be contraband. A heavy raid by Union cavalry is the cause of this demonstration, and we are to remain in our present situation until Pleasanton is heard from. Detachments of Kilpatrick's cavalry ostensibly picket the river. Infantry stand ready to support in case of attack. In spite of positive instructions to the contrary, the cavalry picket ou both sides have more or less communication with each other, and occasionally a "game of euchre." Friendly exteriors are well kept up, newspapers and witticisms are exchanged, and frequently two or three roby and as many "Yanks" meet half way, shake hands, -pass over to the other side, as mutual hostages to their respective commands, and thereby exchange friendly visits. Such proceedings, however novel, are very reprehensible, and the most stringent orders have just been issued against them.
Since our exodus toward the Rappahannock, a portion of the quota of recruits for the 19th have arrived, and taken possession of our pleasant encampment at Morrisville. They certainly could not have found "anybody at home," but they are heartily wel- come, nevertheless. We shall soon join them .- Camp near Ballard's Ford, Va., Sept. 4, Ist3.
The Nineteenth Maine at the Rapidan. Page 65.
During the night of September 4th, the 24 corps left the vicinity of Banks' Ford atet returned to its oll encampment at Morrisville. Affairs again moved on smoothly until the morning of Saturday. 12th inst., when orders were received to be off, baggage and all. At 10 o'clock the column moved, taking the road leading to Rappahannock Station. The distance was about nine miles, and we bivouacked for the night near the station. It having been arranged for the 2d corps to follow up aud support Gen. Pleas- anton during his advance, we started at an early hour Sunday, Sept. 13th, crossed the Rappahannock and kept within three miles of Gen. Gregg at all times during the day.
After crossing the river, and advancing about two miles, the boom of artillery came echoing from the front. We advanced slowly, ever keeping in supporting distance of Gregg. As we passed along in wake of the cavalry, dead horses could be seen, and occasionally a wounded soblier. Three pieces of artillery taken from the rebels near Culpepper. passed by us en route to the rear. aud abont 75 prisoners. Nightfall found us near Culpepper, where we encamped until the morning of September 17th, when we set out for the neighborhood of " Raccoon Ford," Rapidan river. The position of the 211 division is about six miles above the Ford, and the 1st brigade is opposite a small fording place, called Robertson's Ford. Somerville Ford is two miles below. Cedar Mountain, where Pope fought Ewell last year, is about two miles north of our camp. Pak ning iz onr chief duty at present. It reunires one-half the brigade at a time. I have not been in camp an entire day since coming here. Picket duty, while the most perilous of any, is the most desirable. No one objects when details are being made. Since our arrival, casualties while on pieket have been numerous. Only a becoming resentment on our part will stop this sort of rebel maliciousness .- Camp near Cedar Mountain, Culpepper Co., Va., Sept. 24, 1563.
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EXTRACTS FROM ARMY LETTERS.
The Nineteenth Maine, from the Rapidan to Bull Run and back to the Rappahannock. Page 65.
The recent ovolutions of the army from the Rapidan to Bull Run, and from thence to the Rappahannock again, have had the effect of modifying the frequency of my letters from the front. "All quiet," is once more becoming a stereotyped phrase, and the troops luxuriato in miniature tents on regular army rations. We are encamped two miles south of the despondent village of Warrenton, in a neighborhood lamenta- bly destitute of this world's goods.
On Monday, October Cth, the 2d corps was relieved from its position in the extreme front, at Somerville Ford, Rapidan, by the 6th corps, the strength of which was far superior to our own, and therefore better adapted to picket service. The following morning the 24 corps set out for Culpepper, eight miles to the rear, where it encamped with promise of a brief respite from incessant labors in the front. Gen. Lee was at his favorite games again, pushing cur flanks. Cavalry skirmishes began to be of daily occurrence. On the 10th we reluctantly abandoned our newly christened encampment a: Culpepper, and went into position to meet the enemy two miles north of the village. Here we remained until midnight, busied with preparations for a game of marbles with the Cottontats. But the ways of war, like those of Providence, are inscrutible. At 2 o'clock in the morning the column started in direction of Brandy Station. On we marched at a rapid pace, through forests, creeks and quagmires, the stars looking down compassionately upon us, as if in pity for the long hours of sleep we were deprived of. Soon after daylight the large white house of J. Minor Botte loomed between us and the rising sun, -- a few miles further, and we were at Brandy Station. Here we rested, and took a hasty breakfast from our eight days' rations. In fifteen minutes the ubiquitous bugle sounded the "fall in," and off we went, weary, sleepy, and foot-sore. Four miles brought us to Rappahannock Station, and two more to Beal- ton Station, where we bivouacked for the night.
The next day, at noon, the well known signal was sounded, and we went back to the Rappahannock. The familiar tones of artillery and bursting shells, near Brandy Station, informed us of our duty. The cavalry covering the rear of the army, had fallen in with the "Johnnies." We crossed the railroad bridge, and were soon in column by brigade. And here let me add, that a more imposing spectacle seldom presents itself, even in the manœuvres of war. The entire 2d corps, within a compass of one square mile, was advancing in column by brigade, over a large undulating plain. The thirteen brigades, with bayonet; glistening, and with firm determination, steadily advanced, and as steadily the artillery grew fainter and fainter in the dis- tande. The enemy had fallen back, worsted by our cavalry, and we halted near Braudy Station, on the very ground fought over during the day. It was nightfall, and soon the surrounding hills were illuminated by innumerable camp-fires. The troops having made and drank their eoffee. unfolded their blankets and lay down to rist, with the vain hope of sleeping until daybreak. But no, Gen. Lee's advance lumn had got ahead of us, and would destroy our trains but for almost superhuman eileavors. This day's repulse bad the effect of halting his foremost column, and pre- paring for an attack in the rear, as we had three corps ten miles in bis rear, making mensces towards that direction. Here is where Gen. Meade's "strategy" comes in.
At Il o'clock at night, the 2d corps was again in motion. We recrossed the Rappa- hannock at midnight, and after reaching Bealton Station, took the road direct for Sulphur Springs. After proceeding six or eight miles from the station, we took posi- tion for battle, while Kilpatrick went forward to reconnoitre Here we had an oppor- tunity of seeing our ideal and favorite Cavalry General. Kilpatrick's force discovered uuthing of importance in this direction, and the column, which now formed the rear gnard of the entire army, took the road for Auburn, marching nearly parallel to the railroad. The remainder of the army had passed on different roads, while the 24 corps was with Kilpatrick near Fayetteville. Worn and weary, and almost unfit for luty, save through the excitement occasioned by the fortheoming "big fight," which every one confidently expected, tho corps plodded on mile after mile, and hour after bon, over barrow roads, cross ents aud devdate farms, until night found us near the picturesque hamlet of Auburu, which, but for scenes of blood transacted the follow- ing morning, might be called " Sweet Anburn " withont great stretch of imagination. Here we bivouacked for the night. Early in the morning we were again in motion, but as the trains approached Auburn, a considerable force of rebel cavalry pitched into them, and they were saved from capture or destruction only through the gallantry fa brigate from the 3d division, which specially guarded them. As we passed along, the trains being in front, I countai have your fellows "dead on the field of honor" from tas skirmish, which was considered a trifling one. They were buried by their com- rades near where they fell. God grant that they died not in vain, when the trophies of this "eruel war" are summed up. We marched along unimpeded, save by the huge trains which ever encumber an army, until noon, when we balted near Catlett's Sta-
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NINETEENTH MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
tion, and took another ration of "hard tack." Here we saw in a group, the "old man himself," (as the " boys" pleasantly term Gen. Meade), Gens. Pleasanton, Kilpatrick and others, who, with their wise heads appeared to be laying out work for us to do.
Again we fell in and marched along as before. When within about two miles of Bristow Station the roar of artillery reached us from the front. It is a trifling matter to state this fact on paper, but in retreating from an enemy, with no support whatever, to be startled suddenly by the grim reality that the enemy bas surrounded and blocked the road of the retiring force, is no small matter. Such an occurrence was unexpected by such digits as your humble correspondent, who is not expected to "hold empires in his brain," and, to confess the truth, all hands were a bit chagrined to find out that the rebels had outmarched us, after we had done our best to prevent it by marching day and night. But there was no time for idle vagaries. It was apparent that the enemy was attacking our train, and no time was to be lost in getting into the "fun ahead," which, according to the music was getting to be important. In a few minutes the enemy's skirmishers appeared, issuing from the margin of a wood. Presently a whole coluien of groybacks showed themselves, steering for the railroad, alongside of which we were marching. Their red battle-flags waved defiantly. Their artillery belched forth toward our retreating wagons, which were just going out of view as we neared the enemy. Running at right angles with the railroad is Kettle Run. This stream, of classic name, was rather difficult to ford, and therefore the trains escaped unharmed through all the ordeal of rebel artillery fire. The head of our column reached Kettle Run just in season to face to the front and load, before the enemy ar- rived within rifle shot. The railroad formed a splendid redoubt, and our Gen. Webb directed that no shots be fired unless within easy range. Our batteries in the mean- time were getting into position, and in less time than it takes ine to write these lines, everything was in readiness to receive our "erring brethren," who were gaily advan- cing upon us. A range of hills intervened between us and the position where the enemy first appeared, the one opposite the Ist brigade sloping gently to the railroad. Over this they must come before they can reach us. "They come! they come!" is murmured along the line, and a sharp, rapid volley is poured into them. Once, twice, thrice, the cadence of well directed volleys echoes to the surrounding hills. In less than ten minutes all was silence again, save when an occasional volley of canister goes humming after their baeks. They are handsomly whipped, and prisoners come in by scores, unattended, daring not to withdraw to their own lines through fear of death. The dead lay in scores in our front, and the cries of wounded echo piteously. A few rebels reached the railroad, with orders from their officers to charge upon us. They fell down the embankment lifeless. The 19th captured about 200 prisoners, and the honor of bearing off a battle-flag is accredited to Moses C. Hanscom, Co. F, of Bow- doinham, Me. The enemy's loss was terrible. We had a decided advantage in posi- tion, and used it. Their entire loss could not have been less than 1000, and 7 pieces of artillery which they were compelled to abandon. The 10th lost one man killed and several wounded,-other regiments lost in proportion. It was soon dark; so leaving the rebel wounded on the feld, and the "dend to bory their dead," we reached Cent- treville on the morning of the 19th inst., stacked arms on the eastern shore of Bull Run, weary aud hungry. We remained at Contreville a few days, a trifling skirmish occurring in the meantime, the rebels having followed closely. On the 20th inst., we turned sonthward again, crossed Bull Run, passed over the plains of Manasses, where we had a good view of the fortifications which once bore " Quaker guns;" also, of the brick house in which Beauregard had has headquarters, -- passed through Greenwich, a village of one inhabitant, an Englishman, and finally pitched tents near Warrenton, where we had frequently been before. We have travelled over a great deal of the "sacred soil," and done it thoroughly, too, during the past year, and the weather will soon render all active military operations difficult .- Cump near Warrenton, Va., Oct. 29, 1863.
At daybreak, ou the morning of November 7th, the notes of the bugle indicated that we abandon our quarters at Warrenton. That night we bivouacked opposite Kelley's Ford. The march was a long one, (full 25 mile-), and the thunder of artil- lery, near the close of the day, persuaded us that our old friends, the Johnnies, were not far off. The unmistakble omens of a general engagement were apparent. Our subtiers habitually anticipate all such important movements, and that even, occasion- ally, before the commander of the army promulgates the essential orders to his subor- dinate. The army is a thinking institution, as well as a fighting one, and few battles take place without having been anticipated and lengthily discussed by the numerous council composed of the rank And Ble. On the evening of this day, each one felt sure of a big fight-if the enemy would retrain from running. Weary, lame and foot-sore, we lay down to rest beside the familiar Rappahannock,
" And bitterly thought of the morrow."
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EXTRACTS FROM ARMY LETTERS. 81
Another day soon dawned -- it was the Sabbath. The troops were in readiness to move it daybreak. On the previous day they had been supplied with eight day's rations aud sixty rounds of ammunition. At 7 o'clock the corps moved to the river, crossed on the pontoons which had been placed during the darkness, and for the fourth time during the year, we were on the rebel side of the Rappahannock. Cautiously, but steadily the column advanced across the wide plain, momentarily expecting a salute from the enemy. A line of skirinichers were detached to feel the way. A few rebels could be seen moving stealthily from one lurking place to another. Soon the head of the colunm approached a large rebel encampment, constructed in the most approved style for winter quarters, but the bird had abandoned bis nest. Only a few stragglers and siek were found. The camp belonged to a division of Ewell's corps, and had been hastily deserted by the chivalry on that morning. Quite a store of tents, equipage, etc., fell into Uncle Sam's hands.
Steady firing had been going on all the morning in the direction of Rappahannock Station, and it was evident that the enemy was resisting our force at that place. About noon our column turned to the right, and took a road leading to Brandy Sta- tion, in order to push the enemy's flank. The onward progress was necessarily slow. as great caution was requisite to prevent falling into some snare composed of masked batteries. At 3 P. M., we bivouacked, near a road running parallel to the railroad, and about two miles south of it. By this time the cannonading along the railroad was growing fainter by degrees aml most beautifully distant. The enemy had re- treated, and would not accept battle. On Tuesday following, the 2d corps went into camp, and it fell to the Ist brigade of the Ist division to occupy the well-built hints so recently possessed by Johnson's Division of rebels. We lay about six miles west of the river, and about two miles south of the railroad. The 2d corps was not actually engaged during the day, but of course you have read, ere this, of the gallant bearing of the troops who crossed the river at Rappahannock Station. A large number of prisoners were captured, and with comparatively slight loss on the Union side. The oth and ith Maine, of the Cth corps, elicited great praise throughout the entire army. Gen. Lee's celebrated military qualities seem to be exercised in evading a battle. We found only a "sublime vacancy" where we most expected to meet the solid columns of the enemy .. The long expected big fight of the campaign has oozed out in ski :- mishes. Whether Gen. Meade can compel a battle, remains to be seen .- Camp neur Brandy Station, Va., Nov. 13, 1863.
We are still stationed in the barracks built for us by the industrious rebels, daily anticipating orders for another hitch toward Richmond. Chilly weather and occa- sional rain storms hint that winter is approaching, while mud-that invincible arbiter of campaigns-clings most tenaciously to all things empowered with locomotion. The herrers of Virginia mud cannot adequately be described by tongue or pen, and the imaginations of Dante or Milton would have staggered at conceptions of anything so overp: wering to fallen mortals. As it is, we daily endure a full noolieum of rribula- tion arising from the affectionate embrace of Jove and Neptune -- or the indiscriminate mixture of land and water. Whatever the plans of the " powers that be" in reference to another general movement of the army, the present and prospective quagmires be- tween the Rappahannock and Rapidan repose in sullen indifference to all orders, whether General or Special. The railroad has been repaired to the village of Cul- pepper, and supplies reach us with regularity. On Sunday morning last, the trau- juility of camp was broken by heavy and rapid firing in the direction of the Rapidan. Everything was directed with a view to a hasty change of base. It blew over, how- wet, as soon as the cannonading ceased. It proved to be Kilpatrick's force, under fen. Custar, near Raccoon Ford, teu or twelve miles distant, but the clearness of the atino-phere caused the tamult to appear close at hand. A brigade in this neighbor- hond was actually ordered out of camp to repel the supposed approaching army,- Similar scares are not unfrequent in martial experience, and more instrumental in provoking the sarcasm of troops than conducive to good unture. But a soldier's life is made up of all sorts of varieties, and, as a general thing, fun and good humor are extracted from the most annoying occasions.
The large number of "unwilling sacrifices," or conscripts, assigned to the 19th, conducted themselves nobly-much better than was at first expected. In the fight at Bristow Station the true met il was found to exist in them. The recruits of our regi- turnts fought gallantly, and with no signs of trepidation, save in two or three indi- vidal cases. A coward in the army Years a mest indelible mark to his comrades. Good soldiers than his arciety as kg a out of natural repulsion, and. socially, he is log alove in his glory. Thus ostracises, his presence becomes a scandal.
Affairs in the 19th remain tranquil. Capt. J. W. Spaulding, of Richmond, is in contemand ot the regiment. Col. Heath has recently resigned, on account of impaired health. Livut. Col. Cunningham is yet present. Maj. Welch is still in Maine-has 6
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NINETEENTH MAINE VOLUNTEERS.
not been with us since July. The discipline of the regiment was never better than it is at present, nor the mon in better spirits. Col. Baxter of the 72d Pennsylvania (Zouave), is in command of the ist brigade. Brig. Gen. Webb, of the division, and Maj. Gen. Warren, of the corps. That we may have a good man to supply the vacancy made by Col. Heath, is the devout wish of all .- Camp near Brandy Station, Va., Nov. 21. 1863.
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