USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > History of the Twenty-fourth Michigan of the Iron brigade, known as the Detroit and Wayne county regiment > Part 17
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 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41
The column moved along the railroad past Bealton, to near Rappahannock station and encamped opposite Norman's Ford. Considerable cavalry fighting occurred during the day, across the river. At daylight on Sunday, August 2, the Iron Brigade marched, , without breakfast, across the river on pontoons just below the railroad crossing and occupied a position commanding the fords and bridges, in some woods half a mile from the river and threw up earthworks. The Twenty-fourth sent one hundred men on picket. The enemy's pickets were within speaking distance but no talking was allowed. The railroad bridge was being rebuilt over the Rappahannock, which is here a deep, quick, muddy stream, running between low banks grown thick with willows. A battle was expected on the 4th and readiness was made for such an event, by sending pack mules over the river, etc. It was only a brush with the cavalry.
Colonel Morrow and the band returned on August 7. The next day the camp was moved to the north side of the stream, and the regiment, with the Second and Sixth Wisconsin were sent over the river on outpost duty again until August 12. In fact the men of the
201
AFTER GETTYSBURG-1863.
regiment and Iron Brigade were almost constantly on picket south of the river, while the camp was just below what was once Rappahannock Station, all that remained of it now being a few chimneys. The army settled down for a few weeks of quiet by the Rappahannock, over which it kept watch and guard. The drinking water was poor until the men dug a well twenty-five feet deep which furnished good cool water. The camp was tastefully arranged with evergreen bowers and named after Captain Merrit who had recently died. Many went bathing daily in the murky river. Its waters were continually stirred and kept colored by the soluble soil of its bed and banks. Many troops were about this time taken north to enforce the draft, while every train brought conscripts and substitutes, who seemed to be a scurvy lot of fellows. They had received large amounts in bounties and their main intentions were to desert at the first opportunity. Their talk was more suited to service in the enemy's camp, and they were closely watched.
This day, August 29, recalled an event twelve months ago, which the regiment and its friends will never forget-this being the anniversary of our departure from Detroit. None could realize then what havoc one year would make in its ranks. Then, ten full companies, 1,026 men, supported the flag it received. To-day, but 207 men and eight officers "dress upon the colors," and of this number, thirty were on extra duty, which left but 170 available men in camp. Truly the regiment had had glory and grief, joy and sorrow enough for one year. Though the summer's glorious triumphs at Gettysburg and Vicksburg gave buoyant hopes of an early peace, efforts were not to be relaxed until the military power of the rebellion was broken.
IRON BRIGADE FLAG PRESENTATION.
The heroic record of the Iron Brigade on many a bloody field since Bull Run ; at dark and bloody Gainesville; its gallantry in carrying the South Mountain Pass and opening the battle of Antietam ; its valorous deeds at Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellors- ville and minor fields; and lastly, its generous sacrifice at Gettysburg, by which with its fraternal Second, it bought at so dear a price, the defensive heights that saved the army and nation, all contributed to the enrichment of the war history of the States from which came its men-Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. In recognition of the splendor of its noble deeds, citizens of these three States residing in
202
HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN.
Washington, resolved to present to it a testimonial, the only honor of the kind in the history of any war in this country-a distinctive flag of its own, to this the First Brigade of the First Division, of the First army Corps of the Army of the American Republic. Thus numerically first, it was the first recipient of so proud a distinction.
The anniversary of the glorious Antietam victory, September 17, was deemed a fitting occasion for its presentation. The event was to be a notable one and suitable preparations were made. A large evergreen arch was erected with the words "Iron Brigade" and " Welcome Guests" underneath. To the rear of the arch ran an embowered hall, 100 feet, for the banquet, and the leaves and underbrush were cleared away for the Iron Brigade assemblage. Notable guests were invited and all made ready, when inexorable orders came to move, causing an abandonment of all the preparations for the welcomed flag event.
At daylight of September 16, the Iron Brigade broke camp, crossed the Rappahannock, and marching by Brandy Station and Stevensburg halted at Pony Mountain near Culpepper. The day was hot and dusty, and the route over a beautiful rolling country without any cultivation of crops. For miles around the country was dotted with white tents containing the most of the army of the Potomac. The sound of the cannon was heard and all indicated another battle.
The flag had been sent on and BRANDY STATION, VA. its presentation occurred on the appointed day, though under adverse circumstances, at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Just before the hour, the rain came down in torrents, but soon ceased till after the ceremonies. The regiments were formed in a hollow square, in a grove near by. The band struck up "Hail to the Chief" and the flag was brought in, when Mr. Selleck, of Washington, addressed Colonel Robinson, of the Seventh Wisconsin, then commanding the Iron Brigade, as follows :
This flag is presented to the Iron Brigade in behalf of the donors, as a mark of their admiration for the deeds of those who stand here before me, and the gallant dead who helped to win the fame of the Brigade. Take the flag, bear it at the head of your column till the final battle be won ; then carry it to your homes in the west, the pride of your friends and the noble States you represent.
203
AFTER GETTYSBURG-1863.
Upon receiving the flag Colonel Robinson said :
Accept our thanks for this appreciation of the Iron Brigade, a name the rebels had learned to award it on many an occasion. No stain of dishonor upon its folds shall ever shame the cheeks of its donors' This gift shall be brought back. It may be scarred and battle stained, but floating still proudlier in victory. The few who witness this scene from the thinned ranks are survivors of a much larger number who came at their country's call to restore its despised authority. Their comrades lie in their last sleep, on battle fields from which their deeds have told the story, which their children and grandchildren will ever be proud to hear.
After recounting the battles in which the four oldest regiments had been engaged up to Antietam, he spoke of Michigan's merit to a share in the honors of the occasion, as follows :
Soon after the battle of Antietam, the Twenty-fourth Michigan, a new regiment, joined us with its full ranks and new uniforms. We thought it put on too many airs, and longed to take it into battle with us. At Fredericksburg, it went with us into its first fight. Nobly did it stand the test, and from that day we took it into full fellowship.
The flag was borne away at the head of the Iron Brigade and the officers and guests repaired to the banquet. Speaking followed, begun by Colonel Henry A. Morrow and followed by Colonel E. S. Bragg, of the Sixth Wisconsin, Generals Robertson, Newton and others. General Rice said :
To the non-commissioned officers .and privates we owe everything. To the First Corps alone at Gettysburg, do we owe the result of that battle; to the rank and file of that corps who stood so many hours, beating back the tremendous odds thrown against them, holding the enemy in check until the troops came up and formed in position on the field ; to that corps and its indomitable pluck, the nation owes its most grateful thanks.
The memory of General Reynolds was drank in silence.
The flag was of the finest blue banner silk, upon which, by the needle alone, was produced the inscription with the national emblems, in a degree of perfection unsurpassed. Its colors, lights, shades, and contrasts were very brilliant and natural, and all in embroidery. In the center is the American Eagle which fairly seems to fly, so true to nature is the skillful embroiderer's work. His every shade is shown; the dark and brown of the beak and wings passing imperceptibly into the higher shades below, with glistening plumage, and eye as fierce as life. In bold Gothic are the names of the five regiments of the Brigade and the chief battles in which it had participated thus far ; the whole unfurled from a lance of finest wood,
204
HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN.
fastened by silver rod and socket, from which hangs a richness of scarlet and tassels.
It is a fit and elegant tribute to the heroism of one of the most glorious organizations in the entire army. - New York Times.
Reader of battle histories written in blood and spoken with tongues of fire from thundering cannon, may not that little brigade be proud of its honors, since their just meed of praise in nowise lessens the heroic deeds of others?
PROMOTIONS-BREAKING CAMP-PROGRESS OF THE WAR.
On September 19, the camp was moved a short distance to about three miles from Culpepper and fitted up as if for a long stay. It was named "Camp Peck" in honor of the noble color bearer who fell at Gettysburg. During the past few weeks several of the officers and some of the men who had become separated from the regiment at Gettysburg because of wounds, etc., returned, including Chaplain Wm. C. Way, Major E. B. Wight, Dr. Beech, and several squads of convalescents, after a six months or so of hospital absence.
About this time numerous promotions were made among officers, non-commissioned officers, and men from the ranks, to fill vacancies and gaps made by the Gettysburg fight. Corporal Seril Chilson became Adjutant; First Lieutenants Farland, Hutton and Norton became Captains; Second Lieutenants Dodsley and Witherspoon became First Lieutenants ; and several Sergeants were promoted to Second Lieutenants, but as the regiment had not its minimum number, they were not permitted to muster.
Here the regiment lay till the afternoon of September 24, when "Strike tents" came from Colonel Morrow's ringing voice, and soon all was commotion. It is wonderful how quickly a neat camp takes the appearance of a burnt district. When an order comes to move, it is a practice of soldiers to burn all they cannot take with them, that the enemy may not have any benefit of what must be left. So in a few minutes after moving orders come, a score of fires are seen in each camp consuming boxes, barrels, cabins, etc.
Soon the regiment was on the road towards Raccoon Ford on the Rapidan, and halted under the shade of some woods skirting the river opposite Morton's Ford. A part of the Iron Brigade picketed the river and the rest became a permanent reserve to the picket guard. The enemy's pickets were seen opposite.
205
AFTER GETTYSBURG-1863.
On September 29, the camp was moved back a little and named "Camp O'Donnell " after the valiant captain who fell at Gettysburg. On October 5, the regiment was called out to consider a proposition to "veteranize " by re-enlisting for three years, and they were almost to a man in favor of it, on the condition of a reasonable furlough to visit friends at home. The reader may deem it strange that after men have undergone so many hardships and survived so many battles, when so many of their comrades have gone down to death or become maimed for life, that they would take upon themselves a renewal of such experiences. But the rebellion must be subdued, and all honor to the men who thus, a second time, offer their lives to save their country.
We have seen how Lee, after Gettysburg, withdrew his forces along the west side of the Blue Ridge to the south side of the Rappahannock; and how Meade, keeping his army on the east side of the mountains, covered Washington and arranged his troops on the north side of that stream. Both armies had been weakened by the withdrawal of troops for other purposes. Longstreet's Corps was sent to help the Confederacy in Tennessee, and their Western army thus re-enforced, assaulted the Union army at Chickamauga. Longstreet's withdrawal induced Meade to cross the Rappahannock and drive the enemy across the Rapidan. This was the movement that interrupted the Iron Brigade flag presentation. Soon after, to counteract Longstreet in Tennessee, it was found necessary to send there the Eleventh and Twelfth Union Corps under General Hooker. This so weakened Meade's forces that Lee resolved upon a flank movement, by which he would interpose between Meade's army and Washington.
CAMPAIGN OF MANEUVERS.
And thus was inaugurated, during October, 1863, a campaign of maneuvers by which a good deal of rapid marching and some skirmishing were indulged in, but no great battle was fought. Both armies hastened for the heights around Centerville, but Meade arrived there first. Thus foiled, Lee retrograded south again, till the armies were about where they were before this movement began.
Lee commenced this flank movement on Friday, October 9th. The next morning, the Iron Brigade was sent to within half a mile of the Rapidan which it made a feint of crossing, but lay in some woods all day. At night it moved back near Stevensburg Heights and
(14)
206
HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN.
Alexandria
Plains
رشيد (نوردر وتفكيك
Bull Run
Centerville Heights.
Ket
12
Heyman
BallyFiz 201861
10
Salen
GeorgEtown
grouston
Sanssville
Thoroughfare
Skumwich
Tmanassas June .
cccc
Ett
Brantsville
warrenton
ra.
/3
re
Rappahanno
warrenton Junction.
W-
E
Beverly Hond
Acquia
Brandy Sta
Kelly'sford
Brooks'
Station
Belle Plain
4
Stevensburg
16
Fredericksburg
ock
Rapi
orton's Frand Raccoon Ford
massaponex Riv. R
Campaign of maneuvres, 1863. movements of 24th michigan.
1. Left "Camp merritt" Sept. 16, '63. 2. Bivouac Sept. 16 to 19, 1963, near Pony mt
3."Camp Peck" Sept. 19 to 24, 1863.
4. Culpepper Court House, Va. 5. Bivouac, Scht. 24to 29, 1863.
6. "Camp o' Donnell" Sept. 29 100et, 10,63 7. Bivouac, October 10, 63 near Stevensburg. 119h12, 63. 8.
9. " 10.
/3,
14 2019,
11. Deployed as Skirmishers, night of Oct. 19.
12. Camp Wallace" Oct. 27, 1863.
13. "Camp Bucklin" Oct. 27 to 30, 1863. * * guarding R.R. Oet 30 to Nov. >,",
14. Bivouac, Nov. 7, 1863.
8, "
15. 16 "Campo Dickery", Nov. 9 to 26, 1863.
(O.B.C.).
Potomac River
N
Riv.
BEalton 716
Rappahannock sta
morrisville, Va.
.R
Derick.
84
RR
falmouth
Bahhaha
gan River
R. R. to Richmont
R . R.
Decoguan River
Run
Run
Bristol Sta.
L'atlett's Sta.
Fairfax. C.H
207
AFTER GETTYSBURG-1863.
bivouacked till Sunday noon, the enemy making their appearance as it withdrew.
Colonel Morrow being compelled to go to Washington on sick leave, Captain Edwards took command of the Twenty-fourth.
That afternoon the first corps, with the Iron Brigade as rear guard, marched north to the Rappahannock which it crossed at Kelly's Ford and bivouacked till one o'clock on the morning of the 13th, when it marched fifteen miles to Warrenton Junction by 9 o'clock and took breakfast. Then it moved on to Bristoe Station and bivouacked for the night, reaching Centerville Heights at 2 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, the 14th, in a very tired condition. This race with Lee was a severe one, but Meade's army got concentrated there first and held the key to the situation.
The route passed over from the Rapidan was not a new one. Oft in the past two years had it been taken by hostile feet. Many desolate homesteads marked the way, through fertile fields rich in nothing but luxurious weeds. Black ruins and naked chimneys pointed out the desolating track; decaying head-boards and nameless heaps of fresh-piled earth told their tale along the way.
On Saturday, the 17th, nine days' rations were issued. Marching orders came at daylight on Monday, October 19, and while packing up a drenching rainstorm wet everything. Crossing the Bull Run battlefield, the Iron Brigade marched by -way of Gainesville to Haymarket on Manassas Gap Railroad where it was deployed for the night on the Greenwich road as support to Kilpatrick's cavalry. That evening, one officer and thirty-four men of the Seventh Wisconsin were captured while on picket.
At 4 p. m. of the 20th, it marched through Thoroughfare Gap to Georgetown, a distance of only four miles, but taking until nearly midnight, and bivouacking on the mountain side. Morning revealed a beautiful panorama of valley, a vast amphitheater with troops on every hill side. This beautiful site of the regiment was called "Camp Wallace" after the brave Lieutenant whose body then lay in the woods near Gettysburg.
THE RETURN-GUARDING RAILROAD, ETC.
The regiment remained in Thoroughfare Gap until 7 o'clock Saturday morning, October 24, when it began an extraordinary march in rain and mud. The Iron Brigade marched all day, the men wading several creeks waist deep. From Georgetown it marched to
208
HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN.
Haymarket without a halt; thence to Gainesville, and on through Bristoe to Brentville, fording Broad Run and Kettle Run, and arriving at Brentville, the county seat of Prince William county, about 4 p. m. But ere tents were pitched, orders came to get coffee as soon 1 as possible, and march back to Bristoe, amid a drizzling rain and over muddy and slippery roads. Arrived in bivouac, the men dropped down among the pines where they happened to be, for sleep. A cold Sabbath followed. The present site was named "Camp Bucklin," after Sergeant Bucklin of F who fell at Gettysburg. Several of the Gettysburg prisoners returned this day, October 25, and told of a famished march to Richmond after their capture. While in this camp Colonel (now Brigadier-General) Lucius Fairchild visited the Iron Brigade with his empty sleeve, made so at Gettysburg. He had been nominated for Secretary of State in Wisconsin. Michigan did not so honor her crippled soldiers.
On the afternoon of October 30, the Twenty-fourth Michigan and Sixth Wisconsin were ordered to do guard duty on the Orange &
THOROUGHFARE GAP, VIRGINIA.
209
AFTER GETTYSBURG-1863.
Alexandria railroad, the Twenty-fourth's duty covering four miles of track from Slaty Run to Catlett's Station. This locality was familiar ground to the Iron Brigade. Months before they saw along this route pleasant homes which our soldiers under McDowell, had to guard. But now only charred ruins and chimney heaps mark the spots-no fences, outbuildings or timber are left.
On November 5, Adjutant E. P. Brooks, of the Sixth Wisconsin, was very cleverly captured by the enemy. A few days before a handsome young lady came into camp and solicited a guard home, some two miles away. This day she returned with some butter to repay the politeness of the Adjutant who again agreed to see her safely home. Off they rode on horseback, but not more than a mile from camp Mosby and his men stepped out of the bushes and captured the badly sold victim of a female spy.
While doing this railroad duty intelligence came that the dead of the Iron Brigade who fell at Gainesville on the 29th of August, 1862, had not been properly buried. A detail under Captain Hollon Richardson of the Seventh Wisconsin went over to the bloody field and properly buried their fallen comrades.
MARCH TO BRANDY STATION- RESIGNATIONS.
On the morning of November 7, at the bugle call, the regiment broke camp on the railroad, the guards having been called in, and passing Catlett's station and Warrenton Junction, bivouacked near Morrisville about five miles from the Rappahannock at 5 P. M. During the afternoon General Sedgwick had a fight at Rappahannock Station, taking 1,200 prisoners and a battery.
On Sunday morning, November 8, the Iron Brigade marched for Kelly's Ford, crossed the river at II o'clock and pushed on to Brandy Station where it bivouacked at dark near the railroad. On Monday afternoon, the 9th, the bugle announced some movement in progress. Moving out of camp the regiments headed toward the river on the railroad track and commenced a friendly strife with the Second Division for the first passage of the stream, the last over to have the longest night march. The Twenty-fourth led the Iron Brigade and Division and such marching was never witnessed before, the Twenty-fourth reaching the river ere the other troops were in sight. Recrossing the Rappahannock, its pace did not slacken till it reached Beverly Ford at 7 P. M., when it bivouacked in some woods by the road for this night.
210
HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN.
The next day it arranged its tents in an oak forest in camp order and named the place "Camp Dickey" in honor of Lieutenant Dickey, killed at Gettysburg. Here the regiment remained until November 26, engaged in picket and fatigue duty rebuilding the destroyed railroad. While here, Burt Sons of the Band rigged up a barber shop, his chair being a hickory stump and the back formed by a leaning sapling and piece of hardtack-box, against which his customers leaned their heads.
On November 16, Quartermaster Digby V. Bell and Lieutenant Fred. Augustus Buhl having resigned, started for home, the latter to join the First Michigan Cavalry. Soon after, Lieutenant-Colonel Flanigan, Captains Charles A. Hoyt and Wm. H. Rexford were dis- charged, and Major Edwin B. Wight was compelled to resign, because of their Gettysburg wounds.
Major E. B. Wight had lost the sight of an eye and after consultation with eminent oculists in New York and Washington, felt compelled to offer his resignation in deference to their opinions. Awaiting its acceptance, he returned to camp and soon found he had overrated his strength and could not take up active work. The Regimental, Brigade, Division and Corps Surgeons pronounced him unfit for any immediate service and unqualifiedly recommended his discharge. He had courageously endeavored to do duty but could not. The whole regiment regretted the necessity of his resignation, and there was a sad leave taking when the time came to say good-bye. He had been very active in the organization of the regiment and recruited Company A. Had his wound permitted him to remain in the field he would certainly have been promoted to higher honors.
MINE RUN CAMPAIGN.
After Lee's retreat from Centerville, he crossed the Rapidan and arranged his troops along the west side of Mine Run, a stream running at right angles to the Rapidan and emptying into it on the south at Morton's Ford. Of itself the stream was insignificant, but miry marshes extend along its sides, and Lee's position was on an elevated bank a little distance back, and intrenched so as to be virtually impregnable. It was a veritable slaughter pen in front, and he baited the Federal army by abandoning the fords of the Rapidan. Not understanding this condition of things, General Meade resolved to attack him, and began to move forward his army with rations for ten days, on Thursday morning, November 26, 1863.
21I
AFTER GETTYSBURG-1863.
N
D
R.R.
W
- E
0.4A.
Rappahannock sta .
S
Brandy Ste.
16
Run
Kelly's Ford
mountain
Raphah
×9.73€
Pony mt.
un
River
Richardville
Raccoonvins
Rappidan River
REGEL Dine of Battle
of Battle.
280 Locust Grovz
Parker's Store
mine Run "Campaign.
1. Left"Camp Dicky" Nov. 26,'63.
2. Bivouac INOU. 26, 1863. - 3. Ely's Ford.
4. melville mines Ford. - 5: Culpeper mine Front.
6. Bivouac Nov. 17, 1863 .- 7. Robertson's Farm. 8. On skirmish Line, night of nov. 28, 1863. 9. On Crist overlooking mine Run, Nov. 29 to DEC. 1st. 10. Bivouac after night march, DEC. 1st, 1863.
11. Germania Ford. - 12. Mitchell's Ford.
13. Bivouac, DEC. 2, 1863.
14. 3, 15."Camp BEEch" from DEC. 4 to 24, 1863. 16. In tento DEC. 25 +26, 63. Camp Cheerless" 17. "Camp mead" from DEC. 27, 63 till midnight of may 3.
18. Bivouac 726 6+7, 1864.
3
Turnpike_ Planke Road
undion line
osterEnsburg
Culpeper C.H.
212
HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN.
The bugle again sounded the fall in, and the Twenty-fourth with the Iron Brigade, to which had been temporarily attached a battalion of New York sharpshooters, crossed the river at Rappahannock Station at daylight, passed down near Kelly's Ford on the Rappahannock; thence south through Richardsville to near Ely's
2HD DIVISIÓN 6TY CORPS
IST DIVISION ED CORPS
OS
VECORPS NOY. 29
FIELDS
CROBERTSONS EHTAVERNE
TO ORANGE COURT HOUSE
GEN. MEADE'S HEAD QUARTERS
TURNPIKE
TO CULPEPPER EORD MOD
2NUCORPS NOV. 20
CULTIVATED
NOY.27.
REBEL
WITH BATTERIES
SI DIVISION 3RDICORPS
WOODS
BATTERIES
woQ'
PINE WORDS
3AD DIVISION 9 CORPS NOV. 19
O CHANCELLORSVILLE
Wo
NOV. a
PLANK ROAD
TO ORANGE COURT HOUSE
REBEL
WOODS
W
E
MINE
· REFERENCE FLANK ROAD PROTURNPIKE
ATFAISLEPPER
REN. WARRENS POSITION NOV. 30TH
CONNON DIRT ROAD MARE OR CUT ROID
1
$
BATTLE-FIELD OF MINE RUN, VA.
Ford on the Rapidan, and bivouacked. At half past three the next morning, November 27, it crossed the Rapidan at Melville Mines Ford and continued south by Parker's Store to the intersection of the Spottsylvania Road with the Orange Plank Road. The ammunition train was attacked by Hampton's Legion who were repulsed by the Sixth Wisconsin. Pursuing the march through the Wilderness, the
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.