USA > New York > History of the one hundred and twenty-eighth regiment : New York volunteers (U.S. infantry) ; in the late civil war > Part 1
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M. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00822 4815
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HISTORY
-OF THE-
128th ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-EIGHTH
REGIMENT,
New York Volunteers U. S. Infantry!
IN THE LATE CIVIL WAR.
BY D. H. HANABURGH.
CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY THE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION. -
PORTEPSIR. N. Y., 1994.
1757980
F 8349 .5804
Hanaburgh, David Henry, 1839-
Ilistory of the One hundred and twenty-eighth regi- ment, New York volunteers (U. S. infantry) in the late civil war. By D. H. Hanaburgh ... Pokeepsie, N. Y. (Press of Enterprise publishing company) 1894.
xv, 280 p. incl. illus., ports. fold. front. 23}em.
1. New York infantry. 128th regt., 1862-1965. 2. U. S .- Hist-Civil war-Regimental histories-N. Y. inf .- 128th.
4 -: 23.5
Library of Congress .
JE523.5.123th
-
1
PRESS OF ENTERPRISE PUBLISHING COMPANY POKEEPSIE, N. Y. 1894.
75-117
To the Comrades
WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE MAINTAINANCE OF A UNITED AND FREE NATION IS THIS RECORD INSCRIBED, IN LOVING REMEMBRANCE BY THE SURVIVING MEMBERS OF THE 123TH REGI- MENT OF NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
HAIL! THE FLAG.
DEDICATED TO THE 12STH REGIMENT, N. Y. S. V., COL. COWLES, BY A LADY OF FISHKILL LANDING.
Hail ! the Flag of Freedom's glory, Shout the Song of Freedom's story, Ever may it lead to victory. Hail ! the Stars and Strips !
1
CHROUS-Hurra, hurra for the Union ; Hurra, hurra for the Union ; Hurra, hurra for the Union ;
Breezes, catch the watchword ever, Bear it through the land forever, Union now-disunion never. Hail ! the Stars and Stripes ! CHORUS-Hurra, etc.
Death to traitors who would sever What the Lord has joined together ; Let their name and mem'ry wither, Hail ! the Stars and Stripes ! CHORUS-Hurra, etc.
Hail ! our brave and valiant Leader ! Hail ! our Sons who falter never ! Hail ! our glorious Flag forever ! Hail ! the Stars and Stripes ! CHORUS-Hurra, etc.
August, 1862.
PREFACE.
The record of the 128th New York Volunteer Infantry may be adding but one more volume to many histories of regiments which have been given the public, but to the men belonging to that organi- zation, no other history can take the place of the memories of their own part in the great civil strife for the maintainance of our United Nation. The government officers at Washington, and General Grant adopted as a working theory, that the success of our cause depended upon the greater number of men, and laid stress upon the fact that each individual man was of importance. Each regiment, though one among the thousands in the service, weighed heavily in the balance for victory. In like manner, it may justly be said, the record of each regiment weighs much in presenting a true history of those days, upon which the destiny of our whole government depended. From the histories already written, it is quite evident that the 128th has too long been silent in order to maintain its relative honor in the great work done. If the glory of the regiment is ever properly known, it must be presented by the men of the regiment themselves.
As soldiers in so honorable a cause, it is a justifiable pride that we should desire to hand down to our children and friends a record of deeds over which the country boasted at the time, when their importance was deeply appreciated.
At the re-union of the regiment held in Poughkeepsie, Oct. 19th, 1891, the motion was made by the writer, that a committee of three from each of the ten companies be appointed for the purpose of gathering material for a regimental history. Such a committee was formed at that time, with the writer as chairman. The addresses of some of this committee, however, could not afterward be obtained. Efforts were at once made by some of the committee to procure the data for compiling the history At the next re-union progress was reported. The committee was then reduced to one from each com- pany. The following comrades were then chosen :
Co. " A." Wallace Brewer, 59 H. St. N. W. Washington, D. C Co. " B." George C. Payne, Bangall, N. Y.
Co. "C." George Tremper, Rhinebeck, N. Y.
Co. " D)." Washington J. Monfort, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
vi
PREFACE.
Co. "E." Isaac Van Dyke, Valatia, N. Y.
Co. "F." David E. Van Amburgh, Glenham, N. Y.
Co. "G." C. M. Bell, Hillsdale, N. Y. .
Co. " H." Benj. T. Benson, 30 Wall St. New York City.
Co. "I." Horton S. Van Nosdall, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Co. " K." Wm. Van Bach, Hudson, N. Y.
The writer still being retained in addition to the above as chair- man, the work of compiling the material has largely been left to him. In this work of pleasure for the regiment, he has made special use of the Resume published at Baton Rouge, Jan. ist, 1864, by James Smith, the Colonel commanding the regiment at that date ; notes furnished by Wm. Van Bach ; the complete outline of the service of the regiment kept by B. W. Van Wyck ; copies of military records from Washington made by Wallace Brewer, and The History of the Nineteenth Army Corps by Richard B. Irwin. The last has been of service in showing the relative work of the regiment to the whole corps. But it is due the complete Record of Lieutenant Benjamin T. Benson to say that this has been the fountain from which the most valuable and extensive portion of this history has been extracted. This was kept during the whole term of the service of the regiment by Comrade Benson, and at a later period expanded from memory, and carefully written out by himself as a family record of honor. It is stated with pleasure that extensive extracts and descrip- tions have been taken bodily from this private manuscript. My own journal, which was kept during the whole of these years, is necessarily defective, because of my absence from the regiment on detached service and in prison, and because one book of this private record was " gobbled " with our mail in coming down the Red River, . and the unmannerly confederate has never yet returned the book to the owner.
As much as possible the writer has tried to represent the whole regiment, and to avoid the charge made against so many war histories that they are written to glorify some man or some single company. Necessarily the incidents have been connected with special individuals and companies, but these have been used in order to illustrate the work and honor of the whole regiment. Only a simple statement of facts has been attempted, believing that a plain description of deeds is the height of eloquence ..
The roster of the companies has been carefully compared with the Muster-out rolls at Albany. But even these are found to be defective, and have been carefully examined and corrected as far as possible by the committee.
.
vii
PREFACE.
At the re-union of the regiment held October 19th, 1893, it was found that C. M. Beli, of the committee had died during the year, and B. W. Van Wyck was appointed to fill the place. A sub- committee, consisting of B. W. Van Wyck, Washington J. Monfort, and the writer, was appointed to publish the history. A large list of subscribers for the book was taken on this re-union day.
With the pride of a veteran, and with the firm conviction that no regiment is more worthy of honor for duty faithfully performed, the compiler submits this historical record to the survivors of the 128th.
D. H. Hanaburgh
CONTENTS.
SECTION I. PAGE.
THE REGIMENT ORGANIZED-THE ORGANIZATION-FIELD AND STAFF- NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF -- LEAVING CAMP-BALTIMORE -- CAMP MILLINGTON-PERSIMMONS-DRILLING 1
SECTION II.
FIRST CAMPAIGN EXPERIENCES-HANOVER JUNCTION-CAMP MILLING- TON-FORTRESS MONROE 7
SECTION III.
BANKS' EXPEDITION -- FIRST EFFORTS IN LOUISIANA-BUTLER IN LOUISI- ANA-BANKS TAKING COMMAND-ON THE OCEAN-ENTERING THE MISSISSIPPI-QUARANTINE-BANKS IN COMMAND. 10
SECTION IV.
MOVING UP THE RIVER-CHALMETTE "PARAPETS "-COMPANY "C." AT JEFFERSON CITY -- GAINESVILLE -- PONCHATOULA --- OTHER POINTS OCCUPIED-NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS FORMED 17
SECTION V.
PORT HUDSON-RUNNING PORT HUDSON BATTERIES-SECOND ATTEMPT AT PORT HUDSON-SEEKING A ROAD TO PORT HUDSON-OPEN- ING A WESTERN PATH-HEARING FROM GRANT-GRIERSON'S RAID -BEFORE PORT HUDSON-PORT HUDSON SURROUNDED-SLAUGH- TER MANSION BURNED. 30
SECTION VI.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27TH, 1863-AFTER THE BATTLE-SHARPSHOOTING -A FFINT-BUILDING A BREASTWORK-BOMBARDING THE PLACE -ENTRENCHING OURSELVES 33
SECTION VIL.
JUNE I4TH-THE STORMING COLUMN 54
SECTION VIII.
THE FORLORN HOPE STORMING COLUMN 61
SECTION IX.
THE SURRENDER-WITHIN PORT HUDSON 66
ยท SECTION X. , AKLING THE MISSISSIPPI-DONALDSONVILLE-BATON ROUGE
CONTENTS
SECTION XI. PAGE.
THE RED RIVER CAMPAIGN-BANKS RETREATING-CANE RIVER-ALEX- - ANDRIA 93
SECTION XII.
ALEXANDRIA EVACUATED-DAMMING THE RIVER-ALEXANDRIA EVACU- ATED-MANSURA PLAINS-ATCHAFALAYA-MORGANZA BEND. .... 107
SECTION XIII.
RIVER GUARDS AGAIN-PORT ADAMS-ALGIERS 117
SECTION XIV.
WHITHER BOUND ?- WASHINGTON-HARPER'S FERRY, 127
SECTION XV.
SHERIDAN AND THE SHENANDOAH-JOHN BROWN-ADVANCING IN THE SHENANDOAH 131
SECTION XVI.
A RETREAT-LIVING ON THE COUNTRY-WASTING THE HARVESTS-AT SHERIDAN'S HEADQUARTERS-HALLTOWN-BERRYVILLE 137
SECTION XVII.
THE OPEQUAN BATTLE. 144
SECTION XVIII.
FISHER'S HILL-MOUNT JACKSON-MOUNT CRAWFORD-CEDAR CREEK. 152
SECTION XIX.
CEDAR CREEK BATTLE.
161
SECTION X.X.
WINTER QUARTERS-LOG CABINS-OFFICERS ON A "LARK"-SAVANNAH. 171
SECTION XXI.
THE LAST CAMPAIGN-HILTON HEAD-MOREHEAD CITY-NEWBURN- KINSTON-LINCOLN'S DEATH 177
SECTION XXII.
IN A REBEL PRISON-PRISONERS OF WAR-ON TO RICHMOND- SALISBURY-REBEL PRISON-A REBEL PEN-SALISBURY PRISON FARE .- REBEL PRISON FARE-THE PRISONERS' RUSH-PRISON HARDSHIPS-PRISON LIFE- PRISON MORALS-PRISON SERVICES -- PRISON PREACHERS 183
SECTION XXIII.
GRIT-TRYING TO ESCAPE-LEAVING PRISON-HOMEWARD BOUND- PAROLE CONSIDERED-ON FURLOUGH -- SALISBURY NATIONAL CEMETERY-AFTER THE COLLAPSE-AUGUSTA, GEORGIA
197
CONTENTS. xi
SECTION XXIV. PAGE.
HOMEWARD BOUND-HOME 207 -
SECTION XXV.
THE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION-POEM BY WALLACE BRUCE. .....
...... 210
STORMING PARTY
Appendix A.
PRISONERS AT SALISBURY, N. C. Appendix B.
PORTRAITS.
REV. D. H. HANABURGH
REV. JOHN PARKER ,
.
xii.
21
PALMER C. COLE, M. D. .
25
DAVID S. COWLES. 43
57
JAMES SMITH
79
JAMES P. FOSTER 91
CHAS. H. ANDRUS, M. D. 125
FRANCIS S. KEESE
179
DERRICK BROWN
213
REGIMENTAL BADGE
xvii
ENGAGEMENTS.
PORT HUDSON May 27, 1863
PORT HUDSON
June 14, 1863
CANE RIVER CROSSING
April 23, 1864
ALEXANDRIA ... May 5, 1864
MANSURA PLAINS May 16, 1864
ATCHAFALAYA. May 18, 1864
HALLTOWN August 24, 1864
BERRYVILLE Sept. 3, 1864
OPEQUAN
Sept. 19, 1864
FISHER'S HILL.
Sept. 22, 1864
MOUNT JACKSON
Sept. 24, 1864
CEDAR CREEK
Oct. 19, 1864
ROBERT F. WILKINSON.
REV. DAVID H. HANABURGH.
The portrait on the opposite page is of the Rev. D. H. Hana- burgh, through whose efforts this history has been prepared, and to whom every member of the regimental organization will feel under obligations for his interest and work in perfecting a complete record of the work and experiences of the regiment.
Mr. Hanaburgh enlisted from Rhinebeck in Company "C." of the 128th regiment, on the 18th of August, 1862, as a private. He was made a corporal at the time of muster, and served in that position through his three years of active service. He was com- mended in general orders for bravery at Port Hudson, May 27, 1863, and he was one of the famous storming batalion, organized just previous to the surrender of the fort. When the regiment lay at Baton Rouge, he was detached and assigned to duty in the office of the Provost-Marshal, and subsequently in the ordnance office at Alexandria, La.
He was taken prisoner at the battle of Cedar Creek, in the Shenandoah Valley, Va., October 19, 1864, was taken to Richmond, and thence to Salisbury, N. C., where he remained a prisoner of war until February 26, 1865. After his release he had a season of sick- ness, and did not return to the regiment, but was discharged from the parole camp at Annapolis, Md., June 28, 1865.
Immediately after the close of the war he attended the Fort Edward Institute and prepared to enter college. He went to Weslyan University at Middletown, Conn., from which institution he graduated in 1870. He taught one year in Kent's Hill Seminary and Ladies' College in Maine, joined the Maine conference of the Metho- dist Episcopal church in May, 1871, and was stationed at Pine street church, Portland, Maine. The climate being too severe, he left the church at the close of the third year of his ministry, and was trans- ferred to the New York Conference in 1874. He has continued in the ministry in that conference since, and has had charges at Modena, Goshen, Saugerties, Wappingers Falls, South street church, Peekskill, Shrub Oak, Hedding church, Pokeepsie. Clinton avenue church, Kingston, and is now, 1894. at Katonah, Westchester county, in his second year.
REV. D. H. HANABURGH.
XV
REV. DAVID H. HANABURGH.
Mr. Hanaburgh is an able minister of the gospel, and his ser- vices are frequently asked at gatherings, such as give him an oppor- tunity to present his varied experiences for the benefit of the public. He is a warm friend and supporter of the organization of his com- pany and the regiment in whose ranks he served so honorably and so well, and his character, ability and work give him great power, and secure for him the highest respect at every meeting of his comrades where he can be present.
This brief sketch has been prepared by one of his comrades, at the request of the committee on the publication of the regimental history, and the appropriateness of its being made a part of the permanent record of the regiment will be conceded by all who know of Mr. Hanaburgh's interest in the regiment's record, and his unselfish labor in writing the regimental history.
. .
128THN.Y.VOLUNTEERS
LOWER MISSISSIPPI
SURRENDER
RED RIVER
SHENANDOAH
REGIMENTAL BADGE.
HISTORY.
SECTION I. THE REGIMENT ORGANIZED.
The War against the Rebellion had been waged since April, 1861. The false ideas of the North and of the South were being dispelled. Men on both sides began to realize that the citizens of the same Republic, and of equal determination and bravery, were engaged in a deadly contest. With longer and better preparation, and being upon their own ground, the greater victories had been on the side of the South. Bull Run, Ball's Bluff, the Shenandoah Valley, Harrison's Landing and the Rapidan, gave new courage to the Confederates and opened the eyes of the North to the greatness of the task on hand. President Lincoln had issued the call for 300,000 more men. No longer was military service regarded a pleasure excursion ; nor was the bounty of one hundred dollars in all from State, county or town sufficiently large to become a strong inducement, as in the last part of the war. Thirteen dollars a month in wages were a small attraction to draw men from their peaceful and profitable employment in order to be made the targets for the skilled riflemen of the South. The North was stirred by the patriotic determination to maintain a united nation. Many young men from all parts of New York State had already responded to the call of their country. Now the counties of Columbia and Dutchess united in raising a regiment from their own borders, which was recruited in July and August of 1862. Four companies were from Columbia and -ix from Dutchess.
THE ORGANIZATION.
This Regiment was mustered into the United States service as the 128th New York State Volunteer Infantry on the 4th day of Septem- ber, 1862. The rank and file were young men, the average age being twenty-four years. The most were native born, though a few were adopted citizens from Germany, Ireland and England. The recruits were selected with much care by Major Palmer C. Cole, Chief Surgeon of the Regiment, as there was an abundance of loyal material, over sixteen hundred men having offered their services. Oile thousand and twenty-one was the original number of enlisted men accepted, exclusive of officers.
-
2
HISTORY OF THE ONE HUNDRED
CAMP KELLY.
Our first place of assembling was on the " Fair ground " in the the City of Hudson, Columbia County. The place was now desig- nated as " Camp Kelly " in honor of Hon. William Kelly, of Rhine- beck, who manifested a deep interest in the Regiment. We were royally treated by the citizens of Hudson. On the afternoon of August 28th, a grand tea was spread by the ladies. Captain John I. Smith, a West Point graduate, was assigned as Military Instructor of the camp, and with such rapidity was the Regiment formed that August 28th saw its ranks complete. At the close of a battalion drill on the 30th, a stand of colors was presented the Regiment by the ladies of Columbia County, and another stand by the ladies of Dutchess County. These emblems of woman's patriotism were never dishonored by any faltering on the part of the men who carried them, and the almost dismantled staffs plainly tell of the storms through which they passed.
FIELD AND STAFF.
David S. Cowles became the Colonel in command of the Regiment. He was already a successful lawyer of Hudson in his 40th year. Full of patriotic zeal, he had given his name for his Country's service on the 22d of July. Tall and dignified, he was a model of the physical man and an ideal officer in his appearance.
The Lieutenant Colonel was James Smith, who had served as Captain in the 20th New York Infantry, and now was promoted to this position. He was recognized as a thorough drill-master as soon as he began to maneuver the men and he sought to make his Regiment the most efficient in military tactics.
James P. Foster, of Hudson, was commissioned as Major. He had already won distinction as a Captain in the Fifth New York Cavalry, known as " The Famous Fighting Fifth, " having led in the first engagement near Harrisonburg, Va. In a highly com- plimentary letter of a later date, John P. Hatch, Colonel and Brevet Brig-General U. S. A., refers to this service of Captain Foster : " The judgment, skill and energy shown by you in rescuing from the confusion of Bank's retreat the Cavalry train of over forty wagons, guarding it with your troop of the 5th New York Cavalry and conducting it by a circuitous route through a moun- tainous country to a ford on the Potomac, has always been con- sidered by me one of the most creditable affairs of that important episode in our military history. "
3
AND TWENTY- EIGHTH REGIMENT.
The remainder of the field and staff officers as first mustered on the 4th of September, were as follows :
Adjutant-A. Ashley, Jr., Chatham. Quartermaster-Alex. Annan, Fishkill. Surgeon-Palmer C. Cole, New York.
Ist Assistant Surgeon-Charles H. Andrus, Poughkeepsie.
2nd Assistant Surgeon-D. P. Van Vleck, Kinderhook.
Chaplain- Rev. John Parker, Hudson.
NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.
Sergeant Major-S. H. Brody, Hudson.
Commissary Sergeant-E. August Brett, Fishkill.
Quartermaster Sergeant-George S. Drake, Amenia. Ordinance Sergeant -- John Mathers, Jr., Matteawan. Color Sergeant-James M. Braley, Rhinebeck.
Hospital Steward-John E. Schuyler, Hudson,
Surgeon's Orderly-Jacob Carl, Hudson.
Sutler-Joseph Wild, Stockport.
LEAVING CAMP.
On Friday afternoon, September 5th, the Regiment with full ranks left Camp Kelly. Our haversacks, which were new and smelled of the varnish, were stuffed with the rations issued, a loaf of bread, a piece of fat pork hot from the kettle, and a big onion. We marched through the streets of Hudson, which were crowded with our friends giving their adieus, and took the Steamer Oregon. A beautiful moonlight night permitted the men to get delightful farewell views of their native hills as they sailed down the river. Grand as the Hudson seems to every traveler, the jewel of American scenery, proud as we ever were of our green hills, the scenery appeared grander on this sail. The slopes and fields spoke only the word freedom. If Norway's severe and majestic scenery tinged all the thought of her people and gave character to her early religion ; if it filled their minds with pure but rugged ideas and inspired the Norseman with energy and daring ; if the Swiss by breathing the Alpine air could show the spirit of Wm. Tell ; in the same way could we reflect our native hills in our spirit and emotions. Even the pork and the onion might help us to transfer ourselves in thought back to the boats of our Saxon ancestors as they started on their piratical invasion of the British Isles, and we count ourselves their daring descendants seeking true liberty.
4
HISTORY OF THE ONE HUNDRED
Reaching New York City, we disembarked at 5 A. M. and marched to the barracks temporarily erected in City Hall Park, where-we remained until 5 P. M. We then crossed to Jersey City and were comfortably packed on the cars, arriving at Philadelphia at 2 A. M. On the 7th a collation was served us by the " Ladies Relief Associa- tion " of that city, at a place called the "Soldier's Rest," the ladies themselves being present at our feast, adding much cheer and show- ing as they did to each regiment passing through, their enthusiastic loyalty to the country and devotion to the soldiers. A button-hole bouquet was at each plate and added to the pleasure of the repast. This was a very artistic way in which these ladies were expressing to each soldier the thought of a patriotic Quaker mother of their own city when she said to her son, quite contrary to the usual senti- ment of her sect : "Let not thy musket hold a silent meeting before the enemy."
BALTIMORE.
Stowed in cattle cars, we were freighted to Baltimore, which we reached at 5 P. M. of the 8th. Bivouacing on Stuart's Hill, we received " shelter tents " and pitched them. We were kept up during a part of the night to receive our Enfield rifled muskets and equip- ments. The rumor was circulated that the Confederate forces, hav- ing gained a victory at Frederick, Md., were approaching Baltimore. On the morning of the 9th, orders were received at five o'clock to pack and be ready to move. Not until ten o'clock did the command come to go forward, as was then supposed by most of the men, to meet the enemy. It was an exceedingly hot day. Our knapsacks were crowded with much of supposed value which had been brought from home, and were very heavy. A march of three miles severely tested men who were not used to this kind of exercise. Some threw away their valuables and lightened their loads, while others fell out by the way. Even the hardiest trudged slowly along. Several were overcome by the heat. This experience would imply that the men were poorly qualified for military duty and would seem to overthrow our boasted Republican theory of a citizen soldiery. But the state- ment has been made in this year of 1893, by one high in English military authority, that not a regiment in the British army is physi- cally capable of enduring at short notice, a severe march or a pro- longed engagement. If the soldiers of a standing army over which the old world nations boast, and upon which they depend so much, require the gradual exercise and exposure to fit them for a cantpaign.
5
AND TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT.
the men from the counter and the bench need no more, as the facts of our war showed. As a nation we were fully confirmed in our ideas of the great advantages of having citizens for protection even in an emergency.
CAMP MILLINGTON.
After this brief test, the order came to countermarch, when we returned to a camp to the south of the city, known as "Camp Millington. " This we reached at 1:30 P. M. Here we pitched our shelter tents, raised a pole, and flung our large colors to the breeze. During the afternoon details of men were made for picket duty and sent out some three or four miles from the camp and posted along the roads entering the city. This kind of military service was by no means unpleasant. It was in the height of the Maryland fruit sea- son. Some of the posts were on the borders of large peach orchards, while all were abundantly supplied by the fruit wagons. On the first night it was dark before we reached our places, The reserve post, on which was the writer, happened to be a favored one in regard to a peach orchard. It was well nigh morning before we investigated the kind of trees which were casting heavy shadows near us. Soon a plentiful supply of fruit repaid the investigators. Soon after daylight, we saw the owner of the orchard about his door, a short distance away. A specimen of Yankee cheek was now dis- played as some of the pickets went to the man and asked for some milk on the ground that we had been guarding his peach orchard- and received it. It is needless to say that this was good policy for the man, as these questionable guards were to continue on this spot for some time.
PERSIMMONS.
Some of the guards will remember that not always did the Yankee get ahead of the Maryland man. The Yankee is noted the world over for his curiosity and this reputation was well understood by the Southerner. If a soldier did not investigate every new thing and taste of every new fruit he was not worthy the name of "Yank." Acting upon this knowledge, the fruit-grower knew he could have some fun and brought along a new variety of fruit, and made a present of a small basket to the guards. Of course there was a rush for the beautiful looking plums and each man grasped a persimmon. Now a persimmon is of special advantage when a man has small rations and he wishes to diminish his capacity. It was much needed in the neighborhood of the Confederate prison pens, but not near
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