USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > History of the Twenty-fourth Michigan of the Iron brigade, known as the Detroit and Wayne county regiment > Part 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | 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
finished with stone, and had mud and stick chimney. The spaces between the logs were plastered with mud which soon hardened. The hard ground answered for a floor, while bedsteads were fashioned from poles covered with pine and cedar boughs. The beds served for chairs and knees for tables. A bed was constructed on each side of the cabin, and the space between was kitchen, sitting-room and parlor in one. A hardtack box served for a pantry, and such was the soldiers' winter quarters. A bayonet stuck in the ground with a candle on top served for lighting the humble abode, which was usually occupied by three or four comrades. Here the soldier cooked, ate, slept, and passed his time when other duties permitted, waiting for the activities of the army in the spring.
107
WINTER QUARTERS AT BELLE PLAIN.
SHODDY CONTRACTORS-HOME SOUVENIRS - PROMOTIONS.
Friday, January 2, 1863, found many sick in camp. There was much suffering for want of food and clothes, largely the fault of rascally government contractors and inspectors who were usually in collusion to force upon soldiers articles of shoddy make-up and material. The shoes frequently had for soles scraps and shavings of leather, glued or pasted together, which went to pieces in one day's march in mud or rain. Their pantaloons and other clothing were soon in shreds or " out all around," because of shoddy material. As a result of this swindling the hospitals were filled with victims to exposure. These rascals did more to weaken the army by sickness and disease than battle casualties. Had one of these rascals been occasionally hanged or shot for this worse than treasonable conduct, it would have been as justifiable as shooting some boy deserter who was perhaps prompted to become such by' sufferings caused by these rascals. But such severity of punishment was always reserved for the humble rank and file who cannot resign to evade punishment.
On Monday the 5th, Generals Doubleday and Wadsworth reviewed the division, and the next day in a cold rain Companies A, D and F were sent on picket. Others took their turn at this duty during the winter.
Saturday the Ioth, was a gala day in camp. ยท Lieutenant-Colonel Flanigan had arrived with three wagonloads of boxes from home. They contained cakes, gloves, shoes and a variety of parcels, which were opened with eagerness before a crowd of envious gazers. Some touching messages came also. One read, "We are all well but with sorrowing hearts. Mother wept for three days after the battle till she heard that you were safe, but now she is anxious for tidings of our two brothers from the bloody field in Tennessee (Stone's River)." Several boxes of sanitary stores came for the hospital, and the appeal of the Colonel in early winter for gloves for the men was cheerfully met.
On Sunday the 11th, the regiment was formed in a hollow square to witness the promotions to vacancies caused by the recent resignations. The favored ones were called to the center and briefly addressed by the Colonel who then gave each his commission. First Lieutenants Rexford and Hoyt, and Second Lieutenant O'Donnell became Captains; Second Lieutenants Buhl and Safford, and Sergeant- Major Edwin E. Norton became First Lieutenants, while Sergeants Witherspoon, Hutton, Dempsey and Humphreyville became Second Lieutenants. Cheers went up for the new officers on reaching camp. (8)
108
HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN.
THE FUNERAL IN CAMP.
The death angel continued to call at the hospital for those who were sick and far from the endearments of home friends. Sergeant Herbert Adams of H, and Charles D. Hoagland of K, were summoned to their final discharge early in the new year. A funeral in camp is a solemn affair. Though inured to death on the battle-field, the soldier who died in camp was mourned for as if a neighbor at home, by his comrades, and sympathy was shown a friend or relative who might be present. He died far away from mother, or wife and children. No hand of womanly affection smoothed his pillow, but his comrades did for him what they could and gave him a soldier's burial.
In his uniform of blue, he was placed in a plain, rough coffin and sometimes in his blanket only. Over his remains were hung the stars and stripes. The solemn procession, headed by the Band with muffled drum, commenced its slow march to the grave. The solemn strains were borne away upon the chilling breeze. With reversed arms, his comrades followed and halted at the lonely grave. Amid silence the Chaplain performed his sacred duty. Prayer was offered and "Ashes to Ashes" were the words heard as the clods fell upon the lowered coffin. Volleys were fired as a salute to the dead and the departed comrade was left in peace.
"The muffled drum's sad roll has beat the Soldier's last tattoo ; No more on Life's parade shall meet the brave and fallen few, On Fame's eternal camping ground his silent tent is spread, And Glory guards, with solemn round, the bivouac of the dead."
His marches and fatigues are over, no more will he respond to awakening notes of reveille. There is sorrow in camp and at home. May the Great Comforter heal those hearts which bleed at the bereaved Michigan fireside. If a son, fond parents will mourn the vacant chair of him who sleeps for the flag in rebellion land. If a father, hear the leaves rustle and winds moan about yonder cabin door. Over the cheerless hearth within, a woman weeps and a sympathizing group anxiously ask why mamma weeps so, and why papa don't come home.
" Alas ! Nor wife, nor children more shall he behold, Nor friends, nor sacred home."
109
WINTER, QUARTERS AT BELLE PLAIN.
WINTER CAMP EVENTS -ABORTIVE MOVEMENT.
On the 16th, news came of the fate of some of the missing in the late battle. Having sought a better sleeping place the night of the withdrawal, they were astonished the next morning to find the field deserted, and were soon after hailed by the " Greybacks" to lay down their arms. They were taken to Richmond where, for twenty-three days they put up at the "Libbey House," when all were exchanged but Corporal Potter and Albert Ganong, who had died of typhoid fever.
James F. Raymond, leader of the Band, was a brother of Honor- able Henry J. Raymond of the New York Times. The latter resolved upon a visit to his brother, and a telegram informed him that his brother's corps was at Belle Plain, but the operator put a final e to the word corps, and he at once started for his brother's supposed remains. Arriving at General Wadsworth's tent, a messenger was sent to Colonel Morrow, asking if James F. Raymond was dead. . "You would not think so if you had heard him blowing his horn this afternoon," was the reply. The brothers met with mingled astonishment and happiness.
The Colonel was determined that the Twenty-fourth should not be excelled in drill proficiency, and each permanent camp brought orders for a daily exercise in the tactics. The men were trained to know the several bugle calls of camp and the more important ones of "advance" and "retreat" in battle. The policeing of the camp and sanitary habits of the men received close attention as well as their personal appearance.
Divine worship was established and the Chaplain preached on Sundays as often as the elements and circumstances would permit. The several companies were drawn up in line, and such as were of a different worship were told to step out of the ranks, while the rest were marched to the " meeting ground," where a short discourse was preached by the Chaplain. When the elements precluded this exercise, the Chaplain supplied the men from tent to tent with reading matter.
The shoddy contractors got in their work in poor rations no less than in shoddy clothing. Sometimes a piece of bacon encased in cloth canvas was so full of worms that the sack could be plainly secn in a continuous motion from the wriggling maggots within. Such offensive food was sent for the soldiers to eat. Boards of Review were occasionally appointed from the officers to condemn the wormy bread and bacon and decayed beef.
-
IIO
HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN.
About two weeks after the defeat at Fredericksburg, Burnside resolved upon another movement against the enemy, this time, seven miles down the river. The movement was to begin December 30, but was abandoned by order of the President, who informed Burnside that his Generals were unanimous in declaring that the movement would end in disaster. Amazed at this revelation of want of confidence in himself and yet aware that only a successful movement could restore to him the confidence of the army and country, he resolved, three weeks later, upon a mid-winter movement seven miles above Fredericksburg.
Accordingly, January 18, brought orders for several days' rations in haversacks and a movement against the enemy was announced with cheers. Before starting an order was read from General Burnside, dishonorably dismissing from the service, Lieutenant Kinney, for tendering his resignation while his regiment was under orders to meet the enemy and for expressing therein unsoldier-like and treasonable sentiments.
MUD MARCH CAMPAIGN- BURNSIDE RETIRES.
On January 20, began the famous " Mud March" of Burnside. Up to this time the roads had been good, but a deluging rainstorm swamped the whole Army which became stuck in the plastic mud. Pontoon wagons, artillery and caissons, and trains of all kinds plunged axle deep into the miry clay, whence they could be scarcely drawn by any effort of teams and men with ropes combined. All were besmeared with the adhering soil. The enemy opposite discovered. the attempt and jocularly offered to "come over and help build the bridges," The elements this time spared the President a prohibition of the movement. What might have been, but for these natural causes, it is idle to divine, as the enemy had massed his artillery and troops opposite for a desperate resistance. [For map of march see Chapter VII.]
From a letter of Chaplain W. C. Way, we learn the movements of the Twenty-fourth Michigan on this famous march, as follows :
The Twenty-fourth broke camp at noon on Tuesday, January 20, and marched towards Stoneman's Switch on the Acquia Creek railroad, which we reached at 9 P. M., a distance of twelve miles. Toward evening it began to rain and when we had reached the railroad, it came down thick and fast. Amid storm and darkness the
1
BURNSIDE'S MUD MARCH IN VIRGINIA, JANUARY 21, 22 AND 23, 1863.
II2
HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN.
regiment filed into the woods and bivouacked for the night, pitching tents by the- dim light of a distant campfire. Many, tired and exhausted, lay on the ground with nothing but a blanket and rubber to protect them, sleeping soundly till reveille. Soon all were astir, coffee made, the plain repast eaten, and soon in line of march forward- and such a march. The rain had made sad work with the roads, and we pushed forward through the fields, over ditches and streams whose banks were overflown, for four miles; when at 1 o'clock, we encamped in a dense pine forest near the enemy. The scenes on the march defy description. Here a wagon mired and abandoned; there a team of six mules stalled. with the driver hallooing and cursing ; dead mules and horses on either hand-ten, twelve and even twenty-six horses vainly trying to drag a twelve-pounder through the mire. At midnight on the 22d, orders came to march back to camp at 8 o'clock the next morning, where we arrived at 5 o'clock P. M. of the 23d, and found it occupied by the Twenty fifth Ohio, who made us comfortable for the night and moved out the next day.
J
Hundreds of soldiers were employed for two days in building corduroy roads by which the trains were finally extricated and the Army returned to winter quarters. The lack of confidence in the Commander after the disaster at Fredericksburg, was accentuated by this abortive movement and on January 23, he issued an order of dismissal from the service of several of his Generals who had indulged in criticisms of his movements, which was overruled by the President, upon which General Burnside resigned the command of the Army and issued the following address:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, } CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, January 26, 1863. 5
By direction of the President the Commanding General this day transfers the , command of this Army to Major-General Joseph Hooker. The short time that he has. directed your movements has not been fruitful of victory or any considerable advancement of our lines, but it has again demonstrated an amount of courage, patience aud endurance that under more favorable circumstances would have accomplished great results. Continue to exercise these virtues. Be true in your devotion to your country and the principles you have sworn to maintain. Give to the brave and skillful General who has long been identified with your organization, and who is now to command you, your full and cordial support and co-operation, and you will deserve success. In taking an affectionate leave of the entire Army, from which he separates with so much regret * * * his prayers are that God may be with you, and grant you continued success until the rebellion is crushed.
MAJOR-GENERAL BURNSIDE.
II3
WINTER QUARTERS AT BELLE PLAIN.
DISCIPLINE, FURLOUGHS, ETC. - COWARDS DRUMMED OUT.
The recent disastrous failure and abortive movements, as well as changes of commanders, produced their effect upon the morale of the army, and there was considerable despondency or dissatisfaction among the troops, as 200 desertions a day from the army proved. During the "Mud March" week, twenty-five members of the Twenty-fourth were reported "missing" and the utmost vigilance was ordered in every regiment. Camp guards were established, and roll calls were ordered three times a day. On January 31, a detail of fifty men under Lieutenant-Colonel Flanigan went in search of " skedaddlers," and three days later, after a circuit of fifty miles, returned with ten who were apprehended at Port Tobacco on the Potomac, and several citizens who were aiding in their escape. On February I, several who had "straggled" were publicly reprimanded on dress parade, and thus this evasion of duty was promptly squelched.
Meantime, Colonel Morrow had been appointed President of a General Court Martial for the Left Grand Division. Insubordination, desertion and cowardice had become too THE WEARIED SOLDIER BOY. common among officers and men, and it was evident that more stringent punishments, even the extreme penalty, were necessary as deterrents against military offenses. Colonel Morrow's judicial experience eminently qualified him for President of the Court.
Winter quarters brought frequent requests for furloughs. An order from General Hooker limited them to fifteen days each and
114
HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN.
but two for each 100 men ; married men to have the preference. To obtain a furlough, the application must be marked "approved " by the Colonel, who passed it on to the Brigade Commander. And thus it must pass through five,headquarters. Lucky he whose request would run the gauntlet. Then the time spent in going and returning left little of the time to be with friends at home. But sweet it was, however brief.
Frequent details from the Twenty-fourth had already been made for artillery, pioneer and ambulance service, and February 7, brought an order for forty men for Battery B, which with deaths, discharges and sickness, perceptibly diminished its ranks.
A Virginia winter is a make up of a variety of frost, rain, snow, slush and mud, sandwiched with sunshine and heavy gales. One day clear and mild, the next a fierce cold northeaster sets in, with a dashing snow storm for a few hours which turns to drizzling rain, producing a knee depth of red clay mud, almost impassable for man or beast.
The men backed up for a mile or more the necessary fuel through the plastic soil, with which to cook their food and warm their cabins. Several musicians enlivened the camp with violins at night. Fresh potatoes, soft bread, onions, etc., were issued for rations; and the winter days were passed with the usual tours of drill and picket duty. Several ladies, wives of officers, graced the camp, and an occasional friend from Wayne county, to see sick ones. Obtaining the difficult "pass" restrained more from coming.
February 21 was a day of painful interest, in the execution of court martial sentences upon seven members of the Brigade. Its five regiments were drawn up inclosing a hollow square, within which the offenders were brought under guard. After a few remarks from General Meredith, their sentences were read. "For misbehavior before the enemy, etc.," five of them were to forfeit all bounty and pay ; to have their heads shaved and be drummed out of camp. The other two were to be drummed out only. One of the latter was a Twenty-fourth Michigan man. The "barberous" part of the program over, the regiments were drawn up in two lines and the seven cowards, with uncovered heads, were marched between. A line of guards with reversed muskets preceded them, and closely behind followed a guard with pointed bayonets but a few inches from them. At a quickstep, the band playing the "Rogues' March," the disgraced men were sped out of camp, amid the scorn and contempt of their late comrades, a cold wind blowing upon their shaved heads.
.
115
WINTER QUARTERS AT BELLE PLAIN.
REGIMENTAL AND BRIGADE RESOLUTIONS.
The despondency of the army after Fredericksburg was magnified in some sections and was proving a weakness to the Union cause. A distinctive anti-war party had arisen in the North to oppose every war measure of the government. Clement L. Vallandigham, a member of Congress from Ohio, was the leader of this faction. They flooded the army with letters encouraging desertions, and discouraged enlistments. Thus, while the South would tolerate no division of sentiment among themselves, the North had not only the rebellion to fight, but was annoyed by this enemy at home. To counteract the impression of apathy, many regiments set forth their sentiments and belief in the ultimate triumph of the Union arms. A committee consisting of Captains Edwards, Gordon and Edwin B. Wight, and Lieutenants Hutchinson, Yemans, and Colonel Morrow (all Democrats except Captain Edwards), drafted some resolutions which were unanimously adopted by the Twenty-fourth Michigan on March II, as follows:
WHEREAS, We have heard with astonishment, that a feeling is fostered in the North and West, adverse to a vigorous prosecution of the war, and believing that this feeling, unless checked by the patriotism of loyal citizens, may extend until the government shall be compelled to make peace on dishonorable and disastrous terms, therefore
Resolved, I .- That a settlement of this war on any other terms than an unconditional return of the rebellious states to their allegiance, shall meet our united disapproval ; that as the only way to secure a speedy, lasting and honorable peace, we are in favor of the government using its vast resources in a vigorous prosecution of the war ; that we discard all former differences of party or sect and unite with the loyal citizens everywhere in restoring our blood bought union to the high prestige it has heretofore held among the nations of earth for guaranties of constitutional liberty ; that we have seen with regret and indignation, the efforts of professing friends of the government, to discourage the volunteer soldier, and that we recognize no difference between such traitors and those in armed rebellion.
2 .- That the law for the enrollment of the National forces meets our approbation ; that every citizen owes allegiance to the National Government, and if able-bodied men, not justly exempt from military service, are so base as to refuse their support to the government when called for under the Supreme Law of the land, we shall be ready to meet their resistance at the point of the bayonet.
3 .- That we not only feel but know that the Army of the Potomac is neither " disorganized" nor "demoralized," but at this moment is as efficient in discipline as any army in the world.
A few days later, General Meredith rode over to the Twenty-fourth Michigan camp. The bugle was sounded and the men assembled without arms. 6 He stated that they were called together, not to obey orders, but to vote upon a set of Iron Brigade
I16
HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN.
resolutions, and each soldier was invited to vote as he felt. The resolutions were as follows:
WHEREAS, Certain evil minded persons in the army and at home, have circulated slanderous reports as to the demoralization of this army, a report circulated by Northern traitors to justify their own wicked designs, and that we are in favor of peace on any terms. To refute a slander so insulting to us as soldiers and citizens, we, the members of the IRON BRIGADE, do resolve :
I .- That we denounce such reports and emphatically declare that there are no men in our ranks but would blush at a dishonorable peace, or sacrifice their all for the maintenance of our constitution, the integrity of our country and the crushing out of the rebellion.
2 .- That, toilsome as soldier life may be, and much as we long for the society ' of our families and the endearments at home, we feel it our duty to carry on this war to the bitter end, and whatever the consequences to ourselves, do not desire peace until the last rebel in arms has vanished from our soil.
3 .- We warn our friends at home to beware of the traitors in their midst, and never forget that the first duty of a good citizen and true patriot is a maintenance of his rightful government, and submission of all personal, political or social interests to the great common cause. The blood of thousands of our friends, already sacrificed upon the altar of our country, cries aloud to you to follow their glorious example and fill the thinned ranks of an army which will never submit to an inglorious peace.
4 .- The safety of our country lies in a vigorous prosecution of the war until the last rebel in arms is subdued, and the stars and stripes float over every inch of territory of the United States.
5 .- We endorse the late Congressional militia law and hope that the grumblers at home may have an opportunity of shouldering the musket and understand that no neutrality can exist in the present struggle, and that they must "fight, pay or emigrate."
6 .- That we recognize the administration as the government de facto and endorse all its acts or measures having for their object the effectual crushing out of this rebellion.
The resolutions were adopted with such a tremendous "aye," 'that it sent the horses of the General and his staff plunging away from the thunder of half a thousand voices, cheering for Generals. Meredith and Hooker, and for the Union.
CAMP EVENTS- BADGES - COMPLIMENTS.
April 1, 1863, found the regiment still in winter quarters, and likely to continue so until the roads should permit a move. The reports showed the regiment to be in excellent order, in discipline, drills, arms, clothing, health and patriotic ardor. There were present for duty 619 men and officers; present sick, 55. No paymaster had been seen for five months. The men tenderly enclosed the regimental burial ground with a neat post and rail fence, about twenty-four by forty feet. Some resignations were made about this time for bad
II7
WINTER QUARTERS AT BELLE PLAIN.
MAJOR-GENERAL JOSEPH HOOKER.
health and other causes. During the past week Governor Morton of Indiana visited the camp. The bugle assembled the men who were briefly addressed by the distinguished visitor. He declared for " War to the knife-no compromise with traitors-the Union, the whole Union, and all for the Union."
For the purpose of ready recognition of the divisions and corps, cloth badges were ordered to be sewed on the caps or hats of every officer and man, in shape, each corps as follows: First, a Sphere or round piece ; Second, a Trefoil; Third, a Lozenge; Fifth, Maltese Cross; Sixth, Greek Cross; Eleventh, Crescent; Twelfth, Star. In color - First divisions, Red; Second divisions, White ; Third divisions, Blue. The Twenty-fourth Michigan and all of the Iron Brigade being now in the First Division, First Corps, their distinctive badge was a round piece of red woolen cloth sewed to their hats.
On April 2, the First Division was reviewed by General Wadsworth and General Hooker. On the 3d, the Iron Brigade was complimented in general orders, as follows :
Soldiers of the Iron Brigade : your Commanding General takes great pleasure in thanking you for the manner in which you appeared upon the Review yesterday. Your soldierly bearing and general fine appearance, attracted the attention of the military men present, winning for yourselves the highest encomiums from all.
I18
HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN.
The Twenty-fourth Michigan was specially complimented, as follows :
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH BRIGADE, April 3, 1863. COLONEL HENRY A. MORROW,
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.