USA > New Jersey > History of the men of Co. F, with description of the marches and battles of the 12th New Jersey Vols. Dedicated to "our dead." > Part 1
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Gc 973.74 N39nei 1758013
M. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
Y
Gc
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00823 4988
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012
http://archive.org/details/historyofmenofco00newj
HISTORY
OF THE
MEN OF CO. F.
WITH DESCRIPTION OF THE
Marches and Battles
OF THE
12th New Jersey Vols.
A sturdy band of farmer boys ; Of patriots, staunch and true ; Their hardships, trials, fate and joys, I will unfold for you !
DEDICATED TO
"OUR DEAD."
BY WM. P. HAINES, PRIVATE, CO. F.
MICKLETON, N. J.
IS97 -
----
-
1758013
1.
"For a person who likes this kind of a Book, this is just the kind of Book that sort of a person will like."-A. Lincoln.
INDEX.
Preface .
PAGE
3
Roll of the Living Members, Co. F.
5
Roll of the Dead.
6
FIRST RELIEF.
Introductory . 9
--
Morton's Ford .
54
Conception and Birtli of Co. F II
Wilderness . 56
Off to the Front 16
Spottsylvania!
59
Ellicott's Mills to Falmouth 20
Cold Harbor .
66
Extracts from Diary of Capt. E. L.
Stratton
29
Deep Bottom . 75
Chancellorsville 33
Reams Station .
77
The Gettysburg Campaign. 37
Reams Station
79
Bristoe Station .
46
Reams to Appomattox
84
Mine Run
51
Appomattox to Mullica Hill
90
SECOND RELIEF.
LIFE SKETCHES, MEN OF CO. F.
William H. Adams 97
George W. Dunlap 109
George W. Adams . 98
William Dermott . IIO
Robert Adams .
93
James Eacritt .
110
Henry M. Avis
98
Albert Eastburn
III
William Avis .
99
George I. Eldridge
112
Joseph J. Ashbrook .
99
George W. French
112
John Albright . 100
Joshua C. Grice 114
William P. Amey 101
John Grice .
116
David Borton . IO1
Joseph T. Garwood .
117
Richard Borton
103
Samuel S. Greenwood .
117
Jacob Bender
103
Thomas Beran
104
Isaac K. Horner
118
Allen Baker 105
Enos Hann 118
Edward H. Barney 105
David Boody 105
George H. Coles . 107
James Corneal
Samuel G. Headly 121
William B. Hutchinson
. 121
Erastus W. Howard
. 122
George H. Duell . . 109
Joseph S. Harker 119
Joseph B. Hilliard
TIQ
Theodore F. Hudson
120
John Connor . 108
William B. Gleason .
117
Elwood Griscom
113
George W. Allen IOI
Petersburg Siege .
71
Index-Continued. vii
PAGE
PAGE
John Kille, Co. H
224
William E. Potter, Co. K . . . 230
Joseph Paul, Co. H
226
Edward M. DuBois, Co. K . . 231
George A. Bowen, Co. I
227
Charles S. Padgett, Co. K
234
Charles P. Brown, Co. I
228
Daniel B. Harris, Co. K
235
First Guard Duty
238
Reminiscences of Co. E.
Libby Prison Experience of Frank M. Riley.
241
A Reminiscence.
F. F. V's.
260
Stolen Bacon
262
A Reverie
263
** Griss.'
267
A "Short-term" Prisoner .
270
Retrospective
273
Promotions
277
Officers Then, and Now
279
Comparison of Losses.
281
Our Dead in National Cemeteries
285
Historique. .
287
Battles and Skirmishes
292
239
Stratton Family .
Griscom's Duck
254
256
258
F8349,47835
ABEL
CAMDEN, N. J .: C. S. MAGRATH, PRINTER. 1897.
350687 .
.
1
PREFACE.
The subject of a history of the Twelfth New Jersey Volunteers has often been brought up in our reunions, but the magnitude and difficulties of the work appear so great that year after year glides by with the same old report of "no progress." One after another our comrades are called for special duty by that stern old Adjutant, Death ! We drift and scatter like autumn leaves in the gale, here, there and everywhere, until many of our boys are wholly lost sight of, making a complete historical work more and more difficult every year. Fully realizing these things, and the need of preserving some authentic record of our military service, Company F, the right of the line, the leading company in all our marches and battles-we seem to lead in everything-more men killed, more died, more wounded, and more alive to-day and present at our reunions than of any other company in the regiment. So why not we lead in history ; and, happily, other companies seeing our ex- ample, may emulate our good works, and thus preserve a partial history of one of little Jersey's finest regiments, of which we are all so justly proud. The scope of this work is not a military history, as that would be a history of the war, just like many others already published, but rather a history of the men, who they were, and how they stood the wear and tear of battle. How many ? and where are they living to-day? All these things have required labor and patient research by the whole company, until at last we are able to show this so nearly complete and up-to-date roster of our company. Our claim of being the leading company does not mean the best company, for the Twelfth New Jersey had ten best companies ; but rather that it was
.
4
The Men of Company F,
our fate, or fortune, to hold this position in the line, where we were handy for skirmish, advance guard, or flankers, and all hurried details where time was precious ; or to feel the full force of a flank attack, like that at Chancellorville, where twenty-seven of our men felt rebel bullets. With a keen appreciation of the help of the comrades in this work, we open the road for other companies to improve on our history.
EDITOR.
ROLL OF THE LIVING MEMBERS, CO. F.
RANK.
NAME.
POST OFFICE ADDRESS.
OCCUPATION.
Lieut. Col. Edward L. Stratton. .
Mullica Hill. N. J.
Postmaster. Scribe.
Captain . . Samuel E. Williams . ..
Charles D. Lippincott. Swedesboro. N. J .
Merchant.
Azariah Stratton .
Beesleys Point, N. J.
Farmer.
William H. Park
Hazleton, Pa .
Merchant.
ist Lieut. . Elwood Griscom
..
John I .. Trimble
Chicago, Il1.
Scribe.
2d Lieut. . James White .
Sergeant . W'm. B. Hutchinson
I229 Pine street. Philadelphia Painter.
Soldiers' Home, Hampton, Va Invalid.
Mullica Hill. N. J.
Farmer.
..
John Tonkin
Aura. N. J.
Mullica Hill. N. J.
Auctioneer.
Joseph L. White
Mullica Hill. N. J.
Farmer.
Corporal ..
. Samuel Iredell .
Mullica Hill, N. J.
Carpenter.
Jacob K. Shoemaker . Eatontown, N. J
Farmer.
..
Joshua C. Grice.
Daretown, N. J .
Bellevue, Iowa
Invalid.
..
Isaac K. Horner
Camden, N. J.
Commission.
..
William Moncrief.
Bridgeton. N. J .
Glass Packer.
Musician . Wagoner . David W. Keen
Norristown, Pa .
Gardener.
Joseph S. Harker.
Gibbstown, N. J. .
Farmer.
Private . .
William H. Adams William Avis
Burlington, N. J Washington, D. C.
Watchman.
4 .
Jacob Bender.
Paulsboro. N. J . .
Laborer.
George W. Coles
Mullica Hill. N. J.
Farmer.
16
George W. Dunlap
Mullica Hill, N. J.
Carpenter.
..
Albert Eastburn
Philadelphia. Pa
Fakir.
..
Joseph T. Garwood.
Millville. N. J.
Glass Packer.
Mauricetown. N. J
Farmer.
Farmer.
..
Isaac P. Knisell.
Ewansville, N. J . Woodbury, N. J. Woodbury, N. J.
Invalid.
..
Benjamin F. Mattson. John F. Meley George Melev.
Swedesboro, N. J .
Farmer.
Joseph W. Moore
Mullica Hill. N. J.
Paulsboro. N. J .
Torresdale, Pa
Laborer.
..
Emanuel Stratton
Philadelphia Pa
Invalid.
Warren H. Somers .
Mantua. N. J .
Farmer.
Isaac H. Sau!
Glassboro. N. J.
Farmer.
..
Joseph Tompkins
Camden. N. J Laborer.
..
Joseph A. Test .
Lancaster, Pa.
Tobacconist.
John B. Wams'ey.
Oklohoma Territory
Farmer.
Repaupo. N. J. .
Farmer.
William B. Gleason. . William P. Haines . Isaac Sickler
Mickleton, N. J.
Carpenter.
Clayton, N. J .
Carpenter.
Farmer.
Philadelphia, Pa .
Commission.
Joseph B. Hilliard . Enos Hann .
Swedesboro, N. J .
Farmer.
Constable.
Charles Mcilvaine
Laborer.
Loris Muta.
Auctioneer.
4.
William F. Pierson . George H. Duell
Farmer.
David Borton
Henry M. Avis
Camden, N. J . .
Salesman.
Farmer.
John Grice .
George W. Jennings . Wenonah, N. J .
Farmer.
Moorestown, N. J.
Farmer.
Mullica Hill, N. J. Farmer.
West Chester. Pa .
James Eacritt.
ROLL OF THE DEAD.
RANK.
NAME.
PLACE AND MANNER OF DEATH.
TIME.
Ist Lieut. , Joseph Pierson . . . Killed at Chancellorville .
May 3, 1863.
James S. Stratton. .
Killed at Ream's Station .
August 25, 1564.
Sergeant . Elisha Stewart . ..
Died of consumption .
Feb'y 8, 1867.
Corporal ..
'Abel K. Shute.
James L. Plummer. Killed at Chancellorville
May 3, 1863.
Allan Baker.
Killed at Hatcher's Run March 25. 1565.
Oct'r 16, 1864.
James Corneal
Died at home after discharge.
October, ISS9. Feb'y 3, 1864. 1894.
Drummer. Charles T. Norris. .
Private . .
George W. Allen . . Robert Adams . George W. Adams . John Albright . . William P. Amey. .
Died of wounds at Washington
Julv 3, 1863. June 30, 1864. 1893.
$ 4
Joseph J. Ashbrook. Died in Philadelphia . David Boody Richard Borton
Died in camp at Ellicott's Mills Killed at Chancellorville
Nov'r 13. 1562. May 3, 1863. Dec'r IS, 1864. May 12, 1564.
May 3, IS64.
8
Edward Barney. John Connor William Dermitt George J. Eldridge . Sam'l S. Greenwood Killed at Chancellorville Samuel G. Headley .
Wounded at spottsylvania, died
Theodore F. Hudson Died of consumption
..
Erastus W. Howard Died in New York City
.4 William H. Johnson Killed at Gettysburg.
May 3. IS63. May 30, 1564. October, 1865 Septem'r, 15 0. July 3. IS63. June 16, 1864. Wounded at Cold Harbor, died . Died of camp fever at Philadelphia Died of camp fever at Falmouth . Killed at Chancellorville Feb'y 1, 1864. Feb'y 13. 1563. May 3, IS63. Wounded at Chancellorville, died June 13, 1563. Killed at Bristoe Statiou Oct'r 14, 1-63. Killed by an explosion at Philadelphia October, INSS. Died in Germantown.
Septem'r, 1591.
.. William Press. Alfred J. Somers .. Leonard Stiles
Died of fever at Falmouth
March 13. 1563.
Killed at spottsylvania .
May 12, 1804. May 12, IS64.
Killed at Spott-ylvania.
Died of fever at Falmouth
March 8, 1563. 1901.
Died at Camden Froze to death in a blizzard Killed at Chancellorville
March 12, ISSS.
May 3. 1-63.
..
Charles M. Wilson W'm. H. stone James K. Russell. Louis Kellogg
Reported died at Camden
15-0.
..
..
George W. French . Alfred Jones
Died of camp fever after discharge. Drowned at Toms River
Died in Philadelphia .
Died of fever at Ellicott's Mills
Dec'r 9, IS62.
Killed at Chancellorville .
May 3, 1963.
Killed at Gettysburg . July 3, 1863.
Killed at Gettysburg .
Died at Mullica Hill after discharge . Killed at Spottsylvania .
Killed at Chancellorville Wounded at Wilderness, died Died at Falmouth
May 15. 1564. March 5. 1-63.
..
Joseph Jones John C. Jackson William Lakes .
William S. Moore. . Adam Marshall. .
Charles Miller
..
James Mosey John Mav.
Died of apoplexy at Glassboro
Charles C. Stratton Edward F. >werten Charles H. - cott . . Miles S. Turner. Albert J. Weatherby Charles K. Wond
Wounded at Chancellorville, died Wounded at Wilderness, died Ined at Philadelphia .
May 10, 1-63. June 5, 1-64. March 15, 1895.
Went Wort, Is : reported died soon after.
Thomas Beran
. Win. H. H. Stratton Killed at Gettysburg . July 3, 1863. Killed at Gettysburg July 3, 1563.
"FIRST RELIEF."
INTRODUCTORY.
In the Constitution of July 8, 1862, appeared the following notice :
! ! ! VOLUNTEERS WANTED ! ! !
The undersigned have been authorized to raise a new company of vol- unteers in Gloucester county, under the late call of President Lincoln for 300,000 more men. One month's pay and twenty-five dollars bounty will be given each man in advance ! The pay from the government is thir- teen dollars per month! Two dollars to single men and six dollars to married men each per month by the State! Clothing and rations fur- nished by the government, with seventy-five dollars additional bounty when discharged !
For information apply at once to
E. L. STRATTON, JOSEPH PIERSON, Recruiting Officers.
Mullica Hill, N. J., July 5, 1862.
And in the Constitution of July 15, 1862 :
"Four regiments of infantry are ordered to be raised, viz., Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth, as the quota of New Jersey, by order of Governor Olden. The Twelfth Regiment is assigned to South Jersey, with rendezvous at Woodbury, in charge of Colonel R. C. Johnson. The Gloucester county company is designated Company F."
A blank roll was prepared with proper heading by E. L. Stratton and Joseph Pierson, and war-talk began immediately in every store, church, shop, town and village of the county, but the suckers didn't bite very fast until the evening of July 22d, when the ice was broken by Az. Stratton, C. D. Lippin- cott, Elwood Griscom and William P. Haines signing the roll at N. T. Stratton's store, in Mullica Hill, after which names were rapidly put down ; and on Thursday evening, July 24th, an enthusiastic war meeting was held in the old school house at Mullica Hill, where stirring addresses were made by Hon.
IO
The Men of Company F,
Nathan T. Stratton, Hon. John Hazleton, and Corporal John Lorrance, who had lost both legs at Roanoke Island, in the Ninth New Jersey, a few months previously. And oh ! how it thrilled our young hearts as he stood up on those torn and battered stumps and exclaimed : "My voice is still for war !" Excitement ran high ; we cheered the old hero over and over again till hoarse, then cheered him again. The roll was called and nineteen answered "here," and twice that num- ber were "almost persuaded," and came in later.
An informal election was held and Edward L. Stratton was unanimonsly chosen captain, and the men were ordered to be ready to go into camp at Woodbury, at 10 a. m. July 29th.
-
CONCEPTION AND BIRTH
OF
COMPANY F. TWELFTH NEW JERSEY VOLS.
BY LIEUTENANT COLONEL E. L. STRATTON.
In May, 1861, Company B, First Regiment of the Glouces- ter county Brigade, of the New Jersey militia, was organized at Mullica Hill, N. J., Captain Thomas G. Batten, First Lieu- tenant Charles Henry Kain, Second Lieutenant Edward L. Stratton, elected May 31, 1861. E. L. Stratton's commission was dated June 7, and he was sworn in June 19, by Brigadier General Richard F. Stevens. Joseph Pierson was First Ser- geant. I recruited a number of men, among them being John Lorrance. There being no chance to enlist as a company, some of the men "scattered." Lorrance enlisted in the Ninth New Jersey. Efforts had been made to secure the acceptance of the company, and on June 12, IS62, I received a letter from Gen- eral Stockton, Adjutant General of New Jersey, saying, that by offering a sufficient number of men our company would be accepted in the new regiment (Eleventh) then forming. By the time we could get the men together to pass upon the ques- tion the place had been filled, and then only detachments would be received.
Joseph Pierson and I made up our minds to go it independ- ently, and that evening, after closing the shutters and before leaving the store room I had a very satisfactory conversation with my father, who said : "If you feel it your duty to go, I say go." This approval was sufficient, and the next morning, July 8th, we were off for Trenton. Upon reaching Camden We saw by the morning papers President Lincoln's call for 300,000 additional troops for three years or during the war. I wid to Pierson that we would first call upon General Stockton, and after introduction he at once gave me authority to raise a
1
12
The Men of Company F,
company (F) for the Twelfth Regiment, New Jersey Volun- teers. We immediately returned home and.went to recruiting. I issued a patriotic call for volunteers. At first it was rather slow work. It required some effort to arouse the patriotic fire, although in some instances it only needed a little prompting, and then it flashed forth with all the grandeur of '76. As they came in and signed that First Roll at our counting-house desk, having left the plow and other implements of husbandry and the mechanical tools, the look and appearance, and the way in which it was done showed evidence of thought and patriotic ardor, and that they meant business, and were proud of the act. I shall never forget the dignified air and commend- able pride they displayed as they walked away from that place. It was a great epoch in the life of each one. What better type of manhood and patriotism could be asked by any country of its citizens ?
Major Benjamin Acton, Acting Quartermaster and Aide to the Governor, soon commenced gathering tents, supplies, etc., at "Camp Stockton," south of and near Woodbury and on line of the West Jersey Railroad, where the Twelfth Regiment was to rendezvous. Colonel Robert C. Johnson was made Colonel, and was early on the ground looking after matters.
July 9, 1862, I was commissioned as Second Lieutenant of Company F, Twelfth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, and after recruiting twenty or more men, received the follow- ing :
"STATE OF NEW JERSEY, OFFICE OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL, TRENTON, N. J., July 24, IS62.
To Edward I. Stratton :
SIR : The offer of your service to raise a Company for the Twelfth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, having been accepted by his Excel- lency, the Governor of this State, you will report immediately to this office, and be mustered into the service of the United States as Second Lieutenant of Company F of said Regiment, and will receive a commis- sion as Captain when your Company is full to the minimum number. Your Company will be organized as follows :
MINIMUM. I Captain.
I First Lieutenant.
-
13 -
Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers.
I Second Lieutenant.
I First Sergeant.
4 Sergeants.
S Corporals.
2 Musicians.
I Wagoner.
64 Privates.
S3 Aggregate. -
R. F. STOCKTON, JR., Adjutant General."
On the next day, July 25th, proceeded to Trenton and was mustered into the service of the United States as Second Lieu- tenant, Company F, Twelfth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, by Llewellyn Jones, Major United States Army, Mustering Officer of State of New Jersey, armed with the proper au- thority.
The First Squad (nineteen), having been duly notified, met at." Camp Stockton," on Tuesday, the 29th day of July, 1862, and were duly examined by the medical officer, who pro- nounced each "O K," and then they were sworn into the service of the United States. This ceremony was simple, but very binding. Medical certificate states : "I certify, on honor, that I have carefully examined the above-named volunteer, agree- ably to the General Regulations of the Army, and that, in my opinion, he is free from all bodily defects and mental infirmity, which would, in any way, disqualify him from performing the duties of a soldier." Each and every recruit to certify to his age, and if under twenty-one, the consent of parent or guar- dian required.
From this time on, every weekday (excepting the 8th) to the 11th of August, witnessed some enlistment, and on the list-named day thirty were sworn in, making the day, with the first squad enlistment, red-letter days. The number having reached the minimum, and upon being the choice for Captain, I started early for Trenton the next morning, August 12th, and received my commission, outranking by two days any ther Captain, and thus securing the right of the regiment, something we felt a just pride in.
14
The Men of Company F,
The Beverly Squad (nine) came on the 9th of August. The last muster was made August 22d. George W. Crumback was transferred to Company D. September 2d, Corporal John J. Trimble, Company G, Ninety-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, was made First Lieutenant, at the request of Dr. Trimble (his father), supported by Governor Olden. Joseph Pierson was commissioned Second Lieutenant. .
The issuance of clothing, etc., to the men created many laughable incidents. It seemed rather "rough," as some ex- pressed it, that they should be required to ask for a pass. Passes, however, were freely granted until the issuance of " General Order No. - , August 23d, '62, that Commandants of Companies will see that all men are present for duty and in camp by 4 o'clock this p. m. By order of J. Howard Willetts, Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding." The class of men com- . posing this company, having no superiors in the regiment, and appreciating the changed relation from citizen to that of a soldier, made the task less difficult upon the part of superiors in enforcing obedience and discipline. Company tents, Sibley pattern, were erected and the camp laid out in military style. Officers' quarters, tents and guard house completed the camp. Squad, company and regimental drills, guard mount, dress parade, sick calls, etc., etc., relieved the monotony of camp life.
On Thursday, the 4th day of September, Captain William B. Royall, of the Fifth Regiment, United States Cavalry, mustered the regiment into the United States service. Com- pany F had three officers and ninety-seven men (one loss by transfer, on the 2d), making a total of one hundred. Great throngs of visitors, loved ones, friends and neighbors, gathered each day to see and chat with the soldiers. The word went forth that the regiment was ordered to join the army soon, 7th of September : and on that beautiful Sabbath morn, a vast throng of people from this and the adjoining counties gathered there to say good-bye and wish a safe return. The parting in several instances was Very affecting. As we were drawn up in line in our company street, I well remember the many who came to shake my hand, and saying, " My son (or brother) is
4
-
15
Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers.
under your command ; take good care of him, and if anything happens to him, send us word." This was a severe ordeal for me, and to brace tip. I took a quick march down the front and up the rear, so as to be ready for orders. Uncle Emanuel Stratton, that grand patriot and good man, looked at me so earnestly and, while holding my hand, said, "Now, Captain, if one of my boys fall, send me word, and I will come at once and take his place." "Oh, Uncle !" said I, "you have done your full share in thus sending four-all your sons, even your darling boy." I needed not then to be reminded of his patriot- ism, for I knew full well before; his whole being seemed to thrill with love for the glorious flag and what it represented. It was a time of trial to many, but the last good-bye must be said ; the drums are beating, and by companies we marched to the train that had been run down to camp, and we were soon on board ; and amid the music of the band, waving of caps, handkerchiefs and hands, the train, with its precious freight, slowly moved away.
.
OFF TO THE FRONT.
Sunday morning, September 7th. The rumors of a forward movement, which have been flying thick and fast around our camp, are at last about to be realized ; marching orders came last evening, and but little sleep after that. Our thoughts are busy with the great question of what is before us ; who can tell ? Yet away down in the hearts of all is felt that strong determination to do our duty ; uphold the fair name of our county, state and nation, and prove ourselves soldiers brave and true ! And we do hope they won't get the rebels whipped before we get down there, as we are anxious to participate in at least one battle, just to see how it feels. This wish was ex- pressed by all at that time, and fully gratified later on.
The packing of our knapsacks was one of the many serious questions ; how to get all our clothing, blankets, keep-sakes, etc .- those nice home-made stockings, knit by mother, to put on when we get our feet wet ; those towels, handkerchiefs, that fancy night shirt to sleep in, made by sister ; those beau- tifully embroidered slippers to wear in the evenings, made by sweetheart ; the comb and brush, clothes brush, pins, needles, thread, buttons, gloves, stationery, Bible, pack of-good books to read on Sundays, soap, salve, court plaster, three bottles of medicine in case of sickness, two daguerrotypes-mother and somebody's sister, two jars of canned fruit and a roll of butter, etc., etc., all into that little receptacle. Why are they not made bigger, so as to hold our Sunday boots, collars, frying pan, wash basin, umbrella, etc .! And, when at last the kit is packed, what fun to try it on. See how it fits, and how heavy! What ! only forty-six pounds? Why, I can walk off with that easy ! yes ?
We get an early breakfast, and soon a vast throng of friends. relatives and sweethearts, come pouring into camp to see us
Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers. 17.
depart, and at 8 o'clock, according to previous orders, the tent stakes having all been loosened, the bugle sounds "strike tents," and in an instant that vast city of Sibleys falls flutter- ing to the ground ; is rolled up, tied with the tent ropes, and we proceed to put on our loads. First, the accoutrements, with one wide, awkward strap, diagonal across the shoulders, an- other around the waist, holding in place the scabbard, cap and cartridge boxes ; other bias straps, with haversack and canteen on either side ; then that dear little knapsackwith its bewil- dering confusion of belt and cross straps, and, as a sort of a. balancing pole to steady ourselves, shoulder that long rifle, with pendant boots. Fall in !. Attention ! Count by twos ! Right face ! Forward, march ! to the waiting train. And O ! What a company ! What a march ! Was the like ever seen be- fore, or after ? So proud ! So military ! So-damp ! Around every man from one to five friends-mother, sister, sweet- hearts-with last words, kisses, prayers, tears, the parting hand-shake and blessing, to so many the last on earth. We tear ourselves away, climb on the cars, and at 10 o'clock, amid waving hands, handkerchiefs and goodbyes, we are off to the front. Tears flowing so fast that we did not notice it, but were told afterwards, that two stops were made between Wood- bury and Camden for the brakeman to mop up the floor !
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