USA > New Hampshire > The Third New Hampshire and all about it, pt 2 > Part 6
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In this work of trench-making and changing lines, it must be understood that the Third New Hampshire had to furnish details who put in many a weary hour with shovel and pick.
NOTE .- Lieuts. Bowen and Parker, with the writer, visited Laurel Hill in September, 1892; and under the guidance of Lieut. Bowen, the old camp-ground of the Third New Hampshire was located, and in rear of the extreme left of a line of works ending in a crescent-shaped battery. dwelling, say half a mile rearward, was still visible. The party also visited Fort Gilmer and other rebel works.
On Sunday, the 16th, the day was almost entirely devoted to drawing clothing, fixing up our camp a little and buying sutler's goods. Several officers were expecting to be mustered out under a decision referred to several days ago, and the order for their muster- out arrived on the 17th. Adjt. Copp, Lients. Dodge and Connelly
549
THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT.
, Oct. '64.]
were the lucky ones. Adjt. Copp was absent and Lieuts. Dodge and Connelly got final muster-out on the 19th, both starting "for America " next day.
The 18th marked the commencement of log houses.
Maj. Randlett got his commission as Lieutenant-Colonel on the 19th, and we received news of Gen. Birney's death. He was much respected and died regretted by us all. As a sequel to the order of Gen. Butler of the 13th (which see), Gen. Lee notified Gen. Grant the 9th in substance that he had relieved the (our) men who had been placed at work in the trenches.
We were turned out bright and early on the morning of the 20th, to hear and see a shotted salute all along our lines in honor of a recent victory by Sheridan. The rebels tried to duplicate our cheers. Every man on duty. Gen. Butler announced Gen. Birney's death on the 31st by General Order 135.
The 22d recorded a snow squall. Think of that, ye well-housed men and women at home! Lieut. Edgerly received a Captain's com- mission on the 22d -well deserved, too, for he was the most popu- lar officer in the regiment. Matters were quiet, but so quiet that they portended a storm ; and it came.
On the 26th we were ordered to be ready to move at 4 A.M. on the morrow. Under this date the Thirteenth New Hampshire Histo- rian says : "Tomorrow the whole Union Army is to be set in motion and, leaving only a small garrison along its thirty miles of fortifica- tions, is to make the most powerful demonstration yet attempted on the enemy's present lines, -if possible, to turn his right flank south of Petersburg, and gain possession of the southern railroads. The purpose of our force now on Cox's farm (he means the corps in which the Thirteenth New Hampshire was) is to gain the nearest possible point to Richmond and to prevent the transfer of Lee's troops from there toward his Petersburg lines; and, if his left wing can be turned, to march into Richmond. . .
. . The Tenth Corps, Gen. Terry, is to make a demonstration on the Charles City and Darbytown Roads, while Gen. Weitzel's force of the Eighteenth Corps is to push through the White Oak Swamp at Hobson's Cross- ing, move up to the Williamsburg turnpike, and then attack. Con- sequently the Eighteenth Corps will post to the rear of the Tenth Corps and along to the right of it, then face to the left and advance."
We had a heavy fatigue detail during the day, and the large majority of the regiment thus became practically unfitted for the sore trials which so soon followed. Records of early turnouts have probably become rather insipid to the reader; but to us they were a living reality. full of meaning. This time (27th) it was about 2 A.M., and our line was ready to start before 4. We traversed substantially the same ground as on the 13th, and with three days' rations in our haversacks. A diary says : " Deployed as skirmishers [his company was E. - D. E. ] and advanced under a brisk fire to the enemy's works, where we halted for an hour, and then moved from the left of our division to the right. Then formed a skirmish line again and advanced on the enemy's skirmishers, and drove them back. Held our position till night, under musketry and artillery fire."
550
THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT.
[ Oct. '64.
Of the operations of that day (27 Oct.) the Army and Nacy Journal of 5 Nov. says : -
At daybreak of Thursday, Terry's Tenth Army Corps moved out along the Darbytown Road and threw itself ont in the direction of the Charles City Road, occupying the country between these two, nearly on the same ground as in the late reconnoissance in force by the same corps. Terry's First Division (now under Ames) held the right: Turner's Second (now under Foster) held the center, and Birney's Third (colored, now under Hawley) held the left. Being well deployed in this order near the hamlet known as Darbytown, about four and one-half miles from Richmond, Terry then threw a skirmish line forward ; and a sharp encounter took place, commencing first with Gen. Ames, and continuing down to the left where Gen. Hawley was engaged west of the Darbytown Road, and toward the New Market Road . . about noon, the main advance was ordered . . . . driving the enemy inside his intrenchments
We found ourselves on the skirmish line again on the 28th and soon engaged. For reliable data concerning the movements of both days (27th and 28th) see Col. Randlett's official report, which fol- lows : -
HEADQUARTERS THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS, LAUREL HILL, BEFORE RICHMOND, VA., 30 Oet., 1864.
Lieut. FERDINAND DAVIS, A. A. . 1 .- G.,
Second Brigade, First Division Tenth Army Corps.
Lientenant : I have the honor to forward the following report of the part taken by my command Oct. 27th and 28th, in skirmish on Darbytown and Charles City Roads : --
Marched from camp at Laurel Hill at 3.45 o'clock on morning of the 27th in column Second Brigade, under command of Col. Abbott. Reached Darbytown Road 5.30 o'clock. Received orders to deploy my command in advance of Second Brigade, and move forward as skirmishers towards enemy's works, my left resting on Darbytown Road, my right connecting with skirmishers of Third (Col. Plaisted's) Brigade. Met the enemy's skirmishers in rifle-pits before his works, and succeeded in driving them from their position to behind their main line of outer defences of Rich- mond. My loss in this operation was 3 killed and 3 severely wounded.
At ten o'clock received orders to move to the right of division line, the division being right of Tenth Corps. Moved to this position by facing my line by right flank and passing in rear of skirmishers of First and Third Brigades. There I was reinforced by Seventh Connectient, Capt. Atwell commanding. In my new line the left of Seventh Connecticut con- nected with right of Sixty-seventh Ohio from First Brigade, the right of the Third New Hampshire resting on Charles City Road. Received orders to advance towards enemy's works and ascertain his force and position. Assured that the line in advance of First Brigade would move forward at the same time, I advanced through woods about one hundred yards and came to an opening. In attempting to cross the corn-field I found the enemy posted the same as I had encountered him on the left - in pits. The skir- mishers of First Brigade failed to advance, and consequently a terrific tire from the enemy in our front and on the left flank made it impossible for us to advance more than one hundred yards into the field without great saeri- fice of men. My command laid down, holding every pace of ground over which we had advanced. I then attempted to have the First Brigade line advance; but to no purpose. Finding it impracticable to advance the left of our line, for the reason that there were none to engage the enemy who gave us such heavy flank fire, I extended with my reserve my lines further to the right of Charles City Road: drove the enemy's skirmishers in the woods from my front, and succeeded in gaining a position where my fire flanked his pits and drove all before my regiment to behind his works, thus gaining a fine view of the Charles City Road and the line of works generally.
1
Oct. '64.]
THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT.
551
During this advance a continual artillery and infantry tire played upon us, whose effect ceased as soon as his skirmishers were driven in. The distance was so short from the pits that their aim was almost certain ; and although but eight men were hit by the enemy's fire, four were killed instantly.
I have to regret the loss of one valuable soldier on the morning of the 28th, shot by our cavalry, who fell back the evening previous; and on their advance in the morning new men did not know our position. My total loss : 7 killed, s seriously wounded. At 2 o'clock P.M., 28th, I received orders to assemble my command and join brigade on Darbytown Road, hav- ing been on skirmish line thirty-two hours.
Of the conduct of the officers and men under my command, I feel I am justly proud. Each officer did his whole duty, each enlisted man stood nobly by his comrade; and although the night was cold and rainy, not a grumble or complaint at hardship or suffering was heard. My wounded were safely brought in, my dead carefully buried.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES F. RANDLETT,
Lient .- Col., Third New Hampshire Vols., Commanding Regiment.
The 29th did not witness so lively scenes as those of the two days prior. We were in the trenches, but not engaged. The rebels drove in the pickets a little way, on our right; but a cavalry charge regained the lost position.
Not a single detail was made from our shattered ranks on the 30th; and we rested. The 31st arrived with its usual muster for pay, and the month ends, leaving us in a quiescent state, but so near the enemy that five minutes might change the scene and conditions entirely.
FORT SUMTER 1892 NO GUNS WEST OR SOUTH FACE FLAG STAFF - NO FLAG FLYING (VIEW FROM THE SOUTHEAST SEP 24 1892)
NOTE. - The above was sketched from a sailboat, in which were Lieuts. Bowen and Parker, the writer. and two others, en route from Sullivan's Island to Morris Island - lower end.
552
THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT. [Oct. '64.
SUPPLEMENT.
IMPORTANT WAR DEPARTMENT ORDERS.
General Order 265, of the 1st, made regulations for soldiers voting in the field, in cases where States had authorized their absent soldiers to do so. Each political party to have an agent for each corps, and inspectors for each brigade. No speeches or canvassing.
General Order 271, of the 15th, said if officers have no money to pay board (see General Order 127) they may give certificates of indebtedness (due bill).
General Order 272, of the 15th, provided that no more details for recruiting service (recruiting parties) be made except by the War Department (and so amended General Order 80 of 1862).
IMPORTANT ORDERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTHI.
General Order 143, of the 3d, placed Brig .- Gen. E. P. Scammon in command of the Northern District, relieving Gen. Saxton, who then assumed command of Department of Beaufort.
General Order 145, of the 12th, discontinued the " Depository for Soldiers' Savings" (see General Order 132), and Paymaster Stevens was directed to turn over the deposits to their proper owners.
General Order 146, of the 12th, directed that all prisoners at or ordered to Fort Clinch by general court-martial be transferred to Fort Marion, at St. Augustine. Thereafter all sentences to hard labor, if for more than two months, to be made to Fort Marion.
General Order 150 of the 28th forbade officers, soldiers or ei- vilians bringing their wives or other females to the Department without special permit from Department Headquarters or from Sec- retary of War.
[NOTE .- At this period there appears to have been several general and staff officers sent to the Department by orders from War Department; but whether out of pity for those officers, or for those who were relieved there- by, does not appear .- D.E.]
Department of the South Statistics for October are: Total troops, 6,574 ; cases sick, 2,063; died, 18; cases wounded, 43; died, 1.
The Monthly Return shows : -
Field and Staff .
4 men,
5 officers.
Co. A
33
2 0
66
C
37
3
D
46
3
E
51
3
3
1
66
I
53 40
2
Present aggregate
442
26
29 468
Aggregate last report
476
505
B
45
F 39 G 41 H 53
I 3
K
553
Oct. '64.] THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT.
1st Sergt. Burbank of G has been promoted to 2d lieutenant (muster afterward revoked), and Sergt. Engleblam of G has been promoted out of the regiment to 2d lieutenant, Seventh U. S. Colored Troops.
Missing in action: A, 9; C, 1: F, 1; G, 3; II, 2: total, 16 (nearly all 7 Oct., at Laurel Hill, Va.)
One recruit has been received : Albert George, Co. A. One man has been gained from finding him to be a prisoner of war (John McGinness of Co. H).
Four men have deserted : D, 2; E, 1; H, 1.
The following table will show the duties and whereabouts of the officers of the regiment : -
Col. Bedel
ยท Still a prisoner of war.
Lieut .- Col. Randlett (late Major) Comdg. regiment.
No Major.
Dr. Buzzell
Detached.
Dr. Kimball
On duty.
Adjt. Copp Absent wounded.
No Regtl. Q. M.
A. Capt. Dearborn Detached.
Ist Lient. Parker No 2d Lieutenant.
Comdg. 1 and Acting Regtl. Q. M.
B. Co. B has no officers belonging to it.
C. Capt. Trickey On duty.
Ist Lieut. Woodbury On leave.
2d Lieut. Donley
Comdg. Co. E.
D. Capt. Maxwell Detached, Hart's Id., N.Y. Harbor.
Comdg. Co. HI.
Absent wounded.
E. Capt. Wadlia . Ist Lient. Eldredge 2d Lient. Atherton .
Absent wounded.
Absent wounded.
Prisoner of war.
On duty.
Absent sick (extension of leave).
Comdg. Co. G.
G. No Captain. Ist Lient. White No 2d Lieutenant.
AAbsent wounded.
H. Capt. Kirwin . No Ist Lieutenant. No 2d Lieutenant.
Absent sick.
I. Capt. Houghton Absent sick ( extension of leave).
Ist Lieut. Ilitchcock 2dl Lient. J. S. James
Comdg. Co. 1.
Comdg. Co. D.
K. Capt. Stearns Sick in quarters.
Ist Lient. Giddings No 2d Lieutenant.
Detached.
Officers- losses : C'apt. Dow has been discharged on account of expiration of term ; also 1st Lieut. Dodge and 2d Lieut. Connelly : all under a liberal construction of the terms of Circular 75 of the War Department. Capt. Jonah Libby, Jr., has been discharged for disability.
Officers - gain : 2d Lieut. Burbank, to 2d Lieutenant Co. D (muster revoked by the War Department) .
Ist Lieut. McCoy 2d Lient. Burbank
F. Capt. Edgerly Ist. Lient. Hazen 2d Lient. Ackerman
554
THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT.
[ Oct. '64.
Commissions : 2d Lieut. Giddings of A, to 1st Lieutenant Co. K. 2d Lieut. McCoy of H, to 1st Lieutenant Co. D. Burbank, as above. 1st Lieut. Edgerly of D, to Captain Co. F. Maj. Randlett, to Lieutenant-Colonel.
Prisoners of war : Officers - Lieut. Atherton and Col. Bedel. Men-E, 3; F, 1 ; HI, 2 ; K, 1 : total, 7.
Officers detached : A, 1 ; D, 1 ; K, 1 ; Field and Staff, 1 : total, 4.
A B
C
D
F
H I K Totals.
Sergeants
4
4
4
5
3
1
3
4 4
Corporals
4
4
2
4
4
4
Musicians
2
1
2
2
0
1
1
1
0 1
1
Died of disease
0
0
0
0
19
24
10
27
22
30 11
14 181
Absent, all other causes 6
5
5
3
10
4
10
4
7 60
Joined from desertion .
0 1
0
0
0
0
0 1
3
Killed or died of wounds 2
2
3
0
4 2 4 0 0 6 1 0 F
0 0 G
1
2 1 3 8
1 4 G
2
1
Wagoners
1
1
1
1
0 15
8
1 16
0 3 1 15 160
For duty 8 16 14 19
Absent, sick or wounded 14
19 18 22
13
0
Infantry Officer's Sirord : leather covered scabbard - shaded parts, brass -length, 37 1-2 in.
Infantry Officer's Sword : steel scabbard -length, 40 1-4 in.
1
NOVEMBER, 1864.
HE first day of November did not announce itself with any sort of event or with any degree of enthusiasm. Here we were, just as October left us, in the forefront, ready for emergencies ; but the emergency did not seem to be a specially dangerous one.
On the 2d day, matters appeared differently. We were directed to get ready to go away. A diary says, "At 10 p.M., ordered to pack up." Although 'tis early, the writer will let the reader into a little secret. We are going to New York to protect the American citizen while he exereises his right of suffrage. Having divulged our destination and purpose, please watch us and see us go ; and stay there, and see us come back. See how much sadder and wiser men we were on our return, etc. As we had men on picket (Co. I, under Lieut. Hitchcock), they were relieved to go with regiment.
EXPEDITION TO NEW YORK.
At 5 A.M. on the 3d we were on the move down the New Mar- ket Road, to Deep Bottom. There we staid till 4 p.M., when the swift river Steamer Thomas Powell took us down to City Point, where we anchored till morning. We arrived at Fort Monroe about 3 P.M. on the 4th; thence to Norfolk, where we were transferred to the Steamer United States. On same steamer were the Seventh New Hampshire, Seventh Connecticut and Thirteenth Indiana. As evi- dence of the ignorance at the front as to the "why and where- fore" of this movement of troops North, a diary, written in the Eighteenth Corps, says: " Many troops are being sent North to protect the frontier." The writer has never heard New York called " the frontier," either before or since.
We left Norfolk at daylight on the 5th, passing Fort Monroe, thence by sea to New York, arriving on the 6th, about noon. Anchored in the North River until about 3 p.M. About 10 P.MMI. we were taken ashore at Fort Richmond, Staten Island, by the Steamer Houston. Being in a land of plenty and peace, and houses, etc., we were somewhat surprised to find we'd got to bivonac right there, in front of barracks, too. It was Sunday, or we might have said cuss- words. Having no Chaplain, it is presumable that a limited number
(555)
556
THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT.
[ Nor. '64.
of condemnatory adjectives were uttered in an undertone. Here was a United States fort. We were in it. There was shelter. We were not permitted to use it. Who blames us if we did make hasty and inelegant selections from the vocabulary and fire them off? We were there to protect the ballot ! Oh, yes, no doubt of it! and the reader will see how gallantly we fought for the same, and how mag- nificently we were entertained during that gallant fight -how sump- tuously we fared every day and all that goes with it. We munched our hard-tack and drank our coffee, taking a bite now and then off a cross-cut of boiled pork, "'im as divides the 'oot and cheweth not the cud." The many glances cast by us at the great metropolis, with its myriads of lights and immensity of wealth and population, did not serve to appease onr indignation, but rather increased it. We crawled into our shelter-tents as at the front, and were just too mad for anything !
As nearly as we could tell the time, it began to rain at 4 A.M., Monday morning (7th). Did we getup? Yes, and stayed up, too ; for we had either to stand up or lie down, rain or no rain. Rigorous military usage required that we should go through the form of an inspection and parade at 8 A. M. This we did in as dignified a man- ner as possible. Somebody was able to break or bend the stiff mili- tary red tape, and at 10 A.M. it was kindly suggested that we might move into the stone casemates. We gladly obeyed the semi-order. About 1 p.M. Lieut .- Col. Randlett was directed to proceed with 100 men to New York on Steamer Westfield, taking with him 5,000 rounds and two days' rations of "sol-toss'n 'ardtak," he to be accompanied by Light Battery M. Capt. Langdon. We will now omit much of the minor details, finding the important points all con- tained in Lieut .- Col. Randlett's report, dated the 18th, and practi- cally covering operations from 2d to 18th. It was while the 100 men were up at New York that the several desertions took place noted under " Desertions," or a similar title.
Following is Lieut .- Col. Randlett's report : -
HEADQUARTERS THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE. VOLUNTEERS, BEFORE RICHMOND, 18 Nov. 1864. Brig .- Gen. NATT HEAD, Adjutant-General of New Hampshire.
General : I have the honor to transmit herein a record of events of my command since 3 Nov. 1864. Received orders at 9 P.M. 2 Nov. to put my command in order for march immediately; two days' rations, "cooked or uncooked," all camp and garrison equipage and regimental teams to be taken along. My regiment was at this time in picket line, but were relieved and returned to camp at 2 A.M. 3 Nov. At 4 A.M., two hours later, moved with column of Second Brigade, First Division. Tenth Army Corps, to Deep Bottom. The night had been cold and rainy, and the march, though short, was rough on account of the innd. About 5 p.M. went on board transports. and arrived at Fort Monroe abont 3 P.M. 4 Nov. There were transferred to the Steamer United States. On this transport were four regiments - Thir- teenth Indiana, Seventh Connecticut, Seventh and Third New Hampshire. The accommodations for the men were insufficient, and as a consequence they were literally packed, many being obliged to stand or sit up for want of room to lie down. On the morning of the 5th we got under way at daylight. arriving in New York Harbor at I r.M. Sunday. the 6th. At 9 r.M. we dis- embarked at Fort Richmond on Staten Island and marched to the barrack streets ; but as the rooms of the honses were taken up, my command was
557
.Vor. '64.] THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT.
ordered to bivouac in the streets. My men found a wood-pile near, and soon had fires and hot coffee. At 4 A.M., the 7th, to add to our discomfort, a smart rain storm commenced. At s A.M., inspection ; at 10 A.M., quarters were found for us inside Fort Richmond, in the stone casemates. These, being almost entirely open at the sides. served only as protection against the rain, but were even eolder than the street bivonac.
At 1 r.M. I received orders to move immediately. with 100 men of my command, on board transport Westfield. with Light Battery M, Capt. Lang- don, First U. S. Artillery, taking with me 5,000 rounds extra ammunition. Arrived at dock, two days' rations of coffee, hard bread and pork were issued to the command. Judging from the order received, that I was im- mediately to participate in active operations preserving law and order in the city of New York, the purpose for which we had been ordered from our position before Richmond, I moved my command to meet the emergency, not even taking time to direct my servant to take rations for me, or as much as a towel of my personal baggage.
On board the Westfield we lay off Fort Hamilton until dark. when we again crossed to Staten Island, taking on board the One Hundred and Twelfth New York, Thirteenth Indiana and Eleventh Maine, and were im- mediately ordered to the pier at foot of 42d Street. to await further orders. All day of the sth we lay at this point. My books, papers and regimental and all officers' baggage had been left at Fort Richmond, and I found my- self lying idle with nothing to do except to overawe with our presence those disposed to riot in the city, with the strictest orders not to leave my position without orders. It was a day of sore disappointment to us all, who had anticipated the privilege of adding our votes to the loyal majori- ties in favor of and confidence in the present administration of our country.
At 4 P.M. Brig .- Gen. Hawley, commanding the forces from the Tenth Army Corps, came alongside and proposed to take au officer on board his flag-ship and send him to Fort Richmond for my election papers. I detailed Capt. W. II. Trickey to go. We waited very patiently for his return till dark; but Gen. Hawley was called in another direction, and took Capt. Trickey with him. The captain returned to me about noon next day. I have to regret very much that my men were not allowed to express their confidence in tlie Government by their votes to sustain the present adiminis- tration, but am happy to enclose the accompanying certificate from the officers of the command, relieving me from all responsibility of the denial. We remained on the Westfield till afternoon of the 11th, when we dis- embarked at Fort Richmond.
On the 14th we again embarked on the United States, for the Army of the James, arriving at our old camp-ground before Richmond on the evening of the 17th, having been gone fifteen days.
Of this expedition I have only to state that we have never endured more hardships before the enemy. We have no casualties to mourn : but hunger, cold and inconveniences generally characterized the whole expedi- tion. I believe I am not disposed to grumble at sacrifices : but I do think it hard to live in New York Harbor three days on raw salt pork and hard bread. This was the extent of my feed and that of my command, and short at that. I have not written the above as a complaint -such condnet would be unmilitary ; but for the purpose that you may have a correct record of the history of the command.
Very respectfully, etc., JAMES F. RANDLETT, Lieut .- Col., Third New Hampshire Vols., Commanding Regiment.
NOTE (1887) .- The Westfield is a double-ender ferry boat, and plies regularly between New York city and Staten Island. (This is also true in 1892.)
On the 7th of November, in Richmond, the rebel, congress assembled. President Jefferson Davis sent in a message. It was read. It contained a recommendation that 40,000 (forty thousand)
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