USA > New Jersey > Reminiscences of the war, comprising a detailed account of the experiences of the Thirteenth regiment New Jersey volunteers in camp, on the march, and in battle > Part 4
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upon us in all its fury, soaking everybody through to the skin. The next morning the march was resumed. Our woolen blankets, which had become saturated with water, were thrown away. and in a short time we reached Quantico Creek. The stream had swollen to three times its ordinary width and depth. and it became necessary to bridge the creek by means of felled trees before any one could eross. About five or six valuable hours of time were thus lost, but after the infantry had reached the southern side it was found impossible for the artillery or wagon trains to cross. and the command halted for some time, while a bridge was being constructed for them out of logs. Besides these troubles the bottom seemed to have fallen out of the road. The mud was ankle deep, and the heavily loaded wagons sank through the mire almost to the hubs. From the 21st to the 23d of January, when we reached Stafford Court House, we were literally mud bound, and thus Burn- side's second Fredericksburg campaign came to an in- glorious end. On the 26th of January Gen. Burnside was relieved of the command of the Army of the Potomac and General Joseph Hooker appointed to succeed him.
CHAPTER V.
Fighting Joe Hooker-Effect of his Appointment on the Army-Camp Life at Stafford Court House-Second Visit of the President- The Red Star Badge-Marching Orders Again.
T the change in the commanders of the Army of the Po- tomac from Mcclellan to Burnside was received with- out any sign of serious disapprobation by the troops. McClellan was a general favorite throughout the army, and when the announcement of his supercedure was made it was a surprise to every one, and brought out deep feelings of regret. Burnside, however, was favorably known to every soldier of the army. He had done splendid service as & corps commander, and his appointment was made without solicitation of any kind from either him or any of his friends. While he admitted his incompetency to com- mand so large an army, and reluctantly accepted the great responsibility thus thrust upon him, the sol- diers trusted in him. His campaigns were unfortu-
nate in many respects. He failed to inspire conti- dence in his plans and this impaired the efficiency of his troops. At last he determined to get rid of a number of his corps commanders, and submit his order making the change to the President for approval. He drew up a gen- eral order dismissing Gens. Hooker, Brooks, Newton and Cochrane, and relieving from duty Gens. Franklin. Smith. Sturgis and Ferrero, also Col. Taylor, acting adjutant gen-
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eral of Sumner's Grand Division. This order was submit- ted to the President and as the only alternative was either to approve it or accept Burnside's resignation, the Presi- dent after some hesitation relieved him at "his own request " and assigned Hooker-whom Burnside was anx- ious to dismiss-to the command. Gens. Sumner and Franklin were also relieved. The formal transfer of the army was made on the 26th of January. The change from Burnside to Hooker was productive of very beneficial results. Hooker had won the cognomen of "Fighting Joe " in the Peninsular campaign, and his name was mentioned everywhere with enthusiasm. He at once instituted meas- ures of reform in every branch of the service, and in a short time brought order out of chaos-it is no secret that under Burnside there were a great many desertions. and & laxity of discipline which injured the morale of the army to a very great degree. A feeling of discontent manifested itself and there was little or no enthusiasm among the soldiers, who had become dispirited over the failures of the late campaigns. Gen. Hooker at once changed all this. He infused new life and vigor in the army by rooting out old abuses and studying the comfort of his troops. He organized the cav- alry into brigades and made this a very effective arm of the service. Kearny's idea of a corps badge Gen. Hooker util- ized by designating badges for each corps in the army, thus, the First Corps was known by a Lozenge (full moon many called it) ; the Second Corps by a Trefoil, the Third Corps by a Diamond (Kearny's old badge), the Fifth Corps by a Maltese Cross, the Sixth Corps a Greek Cross, the Eleventh a Crescent, and the Twelfth. our Corps. a Star. The First Divisions of all the corps were known by a red badge, the Second Divisions by a white, and the Third Divisions by a blue badge. The badge system soon became general throughout the whole army of the country, and its useful- ness was attested on many battle fields.
The Thirteenth Regiment went into camp on the 24th of January at Stafford Court House. A very pleasant spot in
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a thick pine woods about a mile from the court house build- ing was selected for our camping ground. The work of erecting stockades was at once begun, and when the little log houses, with their fire-places and chimnies, were all completed the camp presented a fine appearance. Four men generally tented together, by which means four pieces of shelter tent came into use, and these, buttoned together, formed a very spacious pitched roof to the foundations of logs. The tents were pitched sufficiently high to enable the men to stand erect. and across the back an extra piece of shelter tent or a rubber blanket was fastened to keep out the wind and rain. The sleeping accommodations were ample. Across the back of the tent two bunks were made, one above the other, each being occupied by two men. These bunks were made of small pine branches laid lengthwise, and then covered with pine boughs, which made a soft, comfortable bed. As a protection from the moisture of the boughs a rubber blanket was thrown over them, our knapsacks were used as pillows and our woolen blankets thrown over us when we retired for the night. There was an abundance of wood and excellent water close by, and nothing seemed wanting for our comfort. Great pains were taken to keep the camp clean and in fine order, and on Sunday morning inspection everything about the camp was as trim. and each tent as carefully arranged as though the work had been superintended by an experienced housekeeper. The line officers tents faced the company streets and the field and staff officers quarters were on a ridge overlooking the whole camp.
Shortly after the Regiment reached Stafford a number of the boys were gladdened by the receipt of boxes from home. containing under-clothing and dainties of various kinds. The eatables were generously shared with comrades while they lasted, and there were many delightful occasions of feasting and merry-making. Furlonghs were granted to the men from time to time, the length of absence being ten davs. The rations furnished were more varied and abun-
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dant than ever before. Besides the everlasting salt pork, beans, rice and hard tack, we began to receive potatoes, onions, and desiccated vegetables, which formed a welcome change of diet. Thus we lived through the whole month of February. On Monday the 2d of March companies E and F were ordered to relieve companies A and K. who were on detached service at White House Landing on Aquia Creek. We struck tents, formed in line on the pa- rade ground, and at half-past eight under command of Cap- tain Harris of Co. E, we started off. On the way we met the companies we were ordered to relieve on their return to camp. At the Landing we found companies Hand G, who with A and K, had been at Hope Landing a mile further up the creek which had been abandoned and the detachment or- dered to this place. We were quartered in Sibley tents. and throwing off our knapsacks and belts at once prepared for our new duties-the unloading of boats with corn, oats and other provender for the Corps. A large number of boxes for the men were also brought to the Landing, which had to pass inspection before they were permitted to be sent to their destination. Every box containing citizens' clothing or whiskey was confiscated. A great many desertions had taken place in the army by this method. soldiers being pro- vided with citizens' clothing by friends, and Gen. Hooker instituted a close inspection, whereby the evil was ma- terially lessened. One day three hundred boxes for the Twelfth Corps were brought to the Landing and a large number, nearly one-third, were condemned. Three of the boxes contained nothing but whiskey. We remained at White House Landing four weeks, leaving there on Sat- urday April 4th, and rejoined the Regiment at Stafford Court House. We had a delightful time while away. sailing down the creek to Aquia Landing-the base of sup- plies for the army-shooting at wild ducks, none of which were ever caught, and indulging in various pastimes equally pleasant. Aquia Creek abounded with shad, and fishermen found a ready market for them among the troops encamped
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in the vicinity. On our return to Stafford Court House we had to build new stockades, and all day Sunday we were kept hard at work getting out timber. By night our quar- ters were completed and we were as comfortably housed as the rest of the Regiment. On Friday the President paid his second visit to the Twelfth Corps, and we were assembled for Review before him and Gen. Slocum. This was the first Corps Review we had ever attended. It was a magnificent sight. There were present about 20.000 men, including artillery and cavalry, and the field evolutions, as we were able to see them from the ranks, were admirably performed. The Review was held in a large open field about four miles from Stafford. Our camp was now some- what irregularly laid out, the four companies from the Landing occupying a spot out of the general alignment. A spirit of rivalry broke out between the different com- panies in the way of decorating their streets, which re- lieved the monotony of camp life for a time. Small pines were placed between and in front of the tents. and large arches of evergreen were erected at the head of some of the streets facing the parade ground. The effect was very fine and the camp presented a very picturesque appear- ance. On Tuesday. the 14th of April, we received march- ing orders and were supplied with sixty extra rounds of am- munition. The announcement met with no surprise, as we had been expecting to hear of a movement ever since the President reviewed the Corps. The prospect of a new campaign was enthusiastically received. The whole army was in splendid condition, and at no time in its history better able to enter upon an aggressive campaign. Though the orders were to be ready to move at a moment's notice, day after day passed without change until Monday the 27th of April, when the familiar sound "Fall in Thirteenth ; fall in : strike tents and prepare to move." resounded through the camp. A number of changes took place in the officers of the Regiment during the encampment at Stafford. Surgeon John J. H. Love, in addition to his Reg-
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imental duties, was assigned to duty as Surgeon-in-Chief of the Brigade. Lieutenant-Colonel Swords resigned, Major Chadwick being promoted to that position. Captain John Grimes of Co. B. was promoted Major. Robert Bumsted being promoted Captain of B Company, and Samuel R. Beardsley, First Lieutenant. Peter M. Ryerson was com- missioned Second Lieutenant Co. C. and promoted to First Lieutenant, vice Hayes resigned. Charles H. Canfield of Co. D, was promoted First Lieutenant Co. F, and Frank- lin Murphy made Second Lieutenant Co. D. Henry Guyer was promoted Captain Co. F, vice Baldwin, resigned, and William B. Littell made Second Lieutenant. Wm. G. Cun- ningham was promoted to First Lieutenant Co. H, vice Henry, resigned.
CHAPTER VI.
The Chancellorsville Campaign-Incidents on the March-Crossing the Rapidan-The Battle-Rout of the Eleventh Corps-The Thirteenth Engaged-Scenes on the Battle-field-The Army makes an "orderly Retreat"-Hooker's Prestige Dimmed-Back to Stafford.
G en. Hooker had shown himself a master of details in early ferreting out and remedying the abuses which had crept into the army. He had his troops well disciplined, restored their faith in the head of the army and displayed so much vigor and dash that he imbued the rank and file with a belief in their invincibility. The Army of the Potomac was ready for whatever might be required of it. On Gen. Hooker depended the result of the campaign. whether it should prove a brilliant success or an ignominious failure.
On the morning of the 27th of April. with eight days rations of hard tack, coffee and sugar, and one hundred rounds of ammunition to each man, the Thirteenth broke camp. The men were in fine spirits and as we passed Brig- ade headquarters the band struck up a national air which gave additional zest to the occasion. Col. T. H. Ruger. of the Third Wisconsin, had been promoted Brigadier-Gen- eral and assigned to the Brigade, Gen. Gordon, I believe having been transferred to another Department. The plan of the campaign was that the Fifth. Eleventh and Twelfth Corps should move up the Rappahannock and by a rapid march get position on the extreme left and in the rear of
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the enemy at Fredericksburg, rendezvousing at Chancel- lorsville. Gen. Couch with two Divisions of the Second Corps was to follow as far as United States Ford, and cross there as soon as the success of the first movement was apparent by the driving away of the enemy guarding that point. Reynolds, Sickles and Sedgwick with the First, Third and Sixth Corps were to cross the Rappahan- nock below Fredericksburg, and make a vigorous demon- stration at that point. Gibbon's Division of Couch's Corps was stationed opposite Fredericksburg. On the second day of our march we passed Hartwood Church, where we first saw the Fifth Corps. marching out, and then learned that the three corps first above named were to act in con- cert. Early on Wednesday morning we reached Kelly's Ford, on the Rappahannock, crossing the river on a pon- toon bridge, and pushing ahead, rapidly neared the Rapi- dan river. We halted on a plank road about two hun- dred yards from Germania Ford, and suddenly were startled by a volley of musketry in our immediate front. This was occasioned by the advance troops of our Brigade, the Second Massachusetts and Third Wisconsin regiments, who surprised a body of the enemy engaged building a bridge over the river, and captured almost the entire party. They were a jovial lot of fellows and complacently said that if we had waited a couple of days longer the bridge would have been ready for us. This ob- stacle removed we proceeded on to the river. The pon- toon train was some distance behind, and as it was import- ant a crossing should be at once effected, orders were given to ford the stream. The water was full four feet deep in some places, and the current very strong, but no delay was permitted. Fixing bayonets, we fastened our knapsacks and haversacks to them and plunged boldly in. Cavalry pickets were stationed down the river to rescue those who might be carried away by the current, and amid shouts and laughter the crossing was effected. It was now nearly dark, and when the Regiment halted in a piece of
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woods on the south bank and stacked arms, huge bonfires were lighted, by the heat of which we sought to dry our wet clothes. Suddenly, like an apparition. Major Grimes rode in among the men and excitedly exclaimed, "I want seven men that ain't afraid of hell !" Volunteers were called for and furnished amid much jolly bantering, and in a short time orders came for the whole Regiment to get ready for picket duty. The seven men called for in such an unusual manner were sent out on picket duty at once. During the night a pontoon bridge was laid and the rest of the troops crossed over with dry feet. About eight o'clock the next morning the pickets were drawn in and we resumed our march. The houses along the road were searched and all the live stock found on the premises, such as cattle and pigs, were driven off by the men. At night when we halted. we were drawn up in line of battle at Chancellors- ville, and rested on our arms: At this place the Fifth Corps, which crossed the river at Ely's Ford. and the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps congregated. Our movement had been highly successful and Gen. Hooker issued an order con- gratulating the three corps for their achievement. Said Gen. Hooker, "It is with heartfelt satisfaction the Com- manding General announces to the army that the operations of the last three days have determined that our enemy must either ingloriously fly, or come out from behind his intrenchments and give us battle on our own ground, where certain destruction awaits him." The reading of the order drew forth loud and prolonged cheering, and gave great encouragement to the troops. Early on Friday morning. May 1st, we moved from Chancellorsville, taking the plank road. We marched a mile and a half or two miles, then turned into a piece of woods, and formed in line of battle. We were ordered to leave our knapsacks here which we did, and they were never seen afterwards. We moved slowly forward and entered an open field where we were ordered to lie down. In a few minutes we arose, moved on again until we reached a rail fence skirting another piece
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of woods into which we marched. Col. Carman was in- jured at this point while getting over the fence and retired. leaving the Regiment in command of Major Grimes. (Lieut-Colonel Chadwick had gone home on furlough.) Co. D was now sent forward as skirmishers, with Co. C as a re- serve. We proceeded through these woods in line of battle some five hundred yards, when orders were received for the Regiment to return and report to our old camp near Chan- cellorsville. We had succeeded in getting a fine position, far out of the Wilderness, before any signs of the enemy were met with. By this movement, also, Banks's Ford had been uncovered. a very important matter, as it gave us con- trol of all the fords on the Rappahannock. The order to report to our old camp was virtually an abandonment of the aggressive policy so hopefully entered upon. We re- turned to our position in the woods occupied the night before and awaited further orders. As a check to the ad- vance of the enemy the trees in our front were cut down, and every precaution taken to guard against a surprise. The night passed quietly and when morning dawned a few shells were thrown in the direction of the enemy by Bat- tery "M" First New York Artillery, but they elicited no re- sponse. As time passed we became more and more appre- liensive of an attack, and went vigorously to work erecting breast-works out of such material as was near by. We had
just about completed them when General Ruger ordered us to move in light marching order. Our haversacks, blankets, &e., were left in the works. a guard detailed to watch over them, and we were conducted to an advanced position near by, where we formed in line of battle and laid down. The rest of the Brigade, with General Pleasanton's cavalry and a brigade of the Eleventh Corps. went to rein- free Gen. Sickles who had been sent out to reconnoitre the chemy's position. had struck the rear-guard of Jackson's column of troops and taken numerous prisoners." It was
* At about three o'clock in the afternoon, he (Sickles) advanced through
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believed the enemy were retreating and the army rested in false security. About dusk a great commotion was observed on our left and in our immediate front-the position of the Regiment was almost at a right angle with the line of battle established that morning. Soon pack mules, artillery horses, caissons, ambulances, and a mob of demoralized soldiers came rushing like a whirlwind over us. Excitement ran high. The Eleventh Corps had been surprised by Jackson, who charged upon their lines with irresistible fury, compelling them to fly in haste for safety. When most of the excited crowd had passed and a few stray bullets began pattering around us. Dr. Coryell, who was on the lookout for trouble and greatly excited, exclaimed in a piercing key, "Here come the rebs, we'll all be captured !" This increased the excitement and a few timid men were unduly frightened. Orders were issued for the Regiment to take up a new position, which was done, and during the night some of the men went up toward the old line of works for the purpose of getting their haversacks and blankets, which had been left there in the afternoon, but returned speedily with the information that the enemy were in possession of them. This was a serious mistake, and can only be ac- counted for on the belief that those who went for their goods left in charge of the guard took a course too far to the right and came upon the enemy who had possession of part of the line previously occupied by the Eleventh Corps. When the Regiment moved out of the breastworks, Sergeant
the Wilderness for a mile and a half, or two miles, reached the road on which Jackson had moved, struck the rear of his column, and began to take prisoners. Elated by his success, the result of which he communi- cated to Hooker, General Sickles asked for reinforcements ; and, at his request, Pleasanton's cavalry and two brigades of infantry were sent him. As one of these brigades was taken from the Twelfth Corps, (Williams's Division) and the other from the Eleventh Corps, holding the right of the general line, it is hardly to be supposed that Hooker would have made the detachment had he thought that flank was to be attacked .- [SWINTON, pages 284, 285.
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Foxcroft of Co. G, was left in charge of the property be- longing to the men of his company. He distinctly saw the firing of the enemy on the right and witnessed the retreat of part of the Eleventh Corps. He remained in the works until dark when he gathered up all the haversacks, blan- kets, etc., under his charge and piled them around the trunk of a tree. About ten o'clock he noticed a body of troops, perhaps two regiments. passing in front of the works. They approached him and the officer in command asked him where the line was. He cautioned the officer not to go too far to the right as the enemy were only about two hundred yards away. He proceeded in that direction. however, and drew the fire of the enemy. Returning he again came to the Sergeant and after asking him about the formation of the line started off in the direction of the Twelfth Corps, when he was checked by a severe fire from our line, who mistook the troops for the enemy. The offi-
cer then went back to the works and halted his command. Soon afterward an Aid came dashing through the woods and excitedly asked what troops those were. He was in- formed that they were part of the Third Corps who had been sent to the support of the Eleventh Corps, and the officer in command did not know. until informed by Ser- geant Foxcroft, of the retreat of Howard's troops. The Aid then informed the officer of the position of the Twelfth Corps and departed, after giving vent to his feelings as to the gross mismanagement which led our own men to fire into the detachment. Sergeant Foxcroft remained with these troops in the works until daylight, when he left with them and rejoined the Regiment. as it lay in line of battle, about fifteen minutes before it was ordered into the fight.
I have deemed this statement of Sergeant Foxcroft's im- portant. and give place to it thus prominently. as it serves to clear up what to me had always been a mystery. Those who were with the Regiment that Saturday night will re- member that some of Gen. Sickles's troops, who were ap-
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proaching us from the direction of our old works, were fired upon. under the supposition that they were the enemy advancing upon us. How they got in our front, and what they were doing there. no one has ever before satisfactorily explained to me. The Sergeant also contradicts most em- phatically the statements of those who said the enemy had possession of our works. We could have gone up to them any time during the night and obtained our things had it not been for the false report thus put in circula- tion. Some of the Regiment were taken prisoners that night, but, as said before. they must have went further to the right and entered the enemy's lines.
During the excitement occasioned by the running over us of the Eleventh Corps. Major Grimes was wounded in the leg by a pistol shot, and the command devolved upon the senior line officer. Captain George 1. Beardsley, of Co. D. He being on picket, Captain David A. Ryerson. of Co. C. assumed command. and by him we were conducted to our new position in the edge of the woods. Captain Beardsley joined the Regiment during the night and the command was turned over to him. Brisk picket firing was kept up by the troops on our right and about midnight. perhaps earlier. we were startled by a terrific volley of Insketry, accompained with fierce yelling and shouting. A moment later our batteries opened with vigor, and for abont ten minutes a fierce firing was kept up.
When the Eleventh Corps had been brushed away by Jackson's impetuous charge. it seemed for a time as if the whole army was in imminent danger. Lee was preparing to assault the centre of the line held by Couch and Slo- Hancock's position on the left was vigorously as- sailed. The open fields about the Chancellorsville House Were rapidly filling up with the affrighted soldiers of How- ard. In order to put a stop to the retreat. regiments were formed in hne across the fields, and with bayonets fixed threatened to shoot down all who refused to stop. Staff officers with drawn sabres and loaded revolvers threatened
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