USA > New York > The Ninth New York heavy artillery : a history of its organization, services in the defe battles, and muster-out, with accounts of life in a rebel prison, personal experiences, names and addresses of surviving members, personal sketches and a complete roster, pt 2 > Part 1
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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01757 0109
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THE
9th - NINTH NEW YORK
HEAVY ARTILLERY.
pa.2
A HISTORY OF ITS ORGANIZATION, SERVICES IN THE DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON, MARCHES, CAMPS, BATTLES, AND MUS- TER-OUT, WITH ACCOUNTS OF LIFE IN A REBEL PRIS- ON, PERSONAL EXPERIENCES, NAMES AND AD- DRESSES OF SURVIVING MEMBERS, PER- SONAL SKETCHES, AND A COM- PLETE ROSTER OF THE REGIMENT.
BY ALFRED SEELYE ROE of Company A.
" For freedom's battle, once begun, Bequeathed by bleeding sire to son, Though baffled oft, is ever won." -Byron.
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR, WORCESTER, MASS. 1899.
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MONOCACY "HEROES."
J. H. ANDERSON. S. S. THOMAS. H. M. GATCHELL.
MONOCACY STONE BRIDGE. BALTIMORE PIKE
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MISCELLANEOUS.
On the 4th day of July, 1864, Julius H. Anderson, Hugh M. Gatchell and myself left Baltimore city to make a visit to my father's home, "Araby"-the scene of the Battle of Monocacy. Anticipating a most gorgeous time for that day, which was virtually the day of this young nation's birth, we spent all the energies of our youthful natures in bringing about that result. Added to our own efforts, the stronger stimulus was the fact that two of the trio had sweethearts at "Araby" to assist them in their pleasures. My sister, Alice, was engaged and afterwards married Mr. Anderson, and Miss Mary A. Tyler (her guest) was engaged and afterwards married Mr. Gatchell. I took my pleasure amidst the home circle, except when these young couples were not engrossed with one another.
Thus this happy party continued to embrace and enjoy all the accompanying pleasures incident to youth, for the eldest of the party was only twenty years old. But presto! etc. Whilst sitting on the piazza at "Araby," on the morning of the 5th, behold, a squad of United States soldiers is seen marching up the lawn, and after halting in front of us, one of them stepped forward and announced the fact that he had an order for the arrest of three young men staying there, at the same time call- ing our names.
My father at once demanded to know at whose instance the arrest was made. "By the order of General Lew Wallace." "And what ground does General Wallace assign for this arrest?" continued my father. The reply came that General Wallace knew his own business. Which to my mind has proved a fallacy, as his subsequent military career showed.
Here follows the most remarkable and unprecedented step ever taken by any commander in civil warfare. We were marched under guard to the place of encampment of the 11th Maryland. 100 days' regiment, commanded by Colonel William T. Landstreet, given muskets, placed in the ranks, drilled with the regiment, and marched with it on the morning of the 8th (I think) to the west side of Frederick and drawn up in line of battle; but one officer in command, finding that we made a fine target for a Confederate battery to practice upon, at once ordered our retreat to the bridge spanning the Monocacy on the Baltimore pike, thence by daybreak, next morning back along the Monocacy to the old camping-ground at Frederick Junction. The next morning, the 9th, our muskets were taken from us (now think of this), and we were detained with the regiment and carried to an eminence adjacent to the railroad-bridge, and there ordered to remain, the firing having commenced, a Con- federate battery on the other side of the river firing at us. Re- member we were clad in civilian dress, and a kind, chivalrous and sympathetic officer, whose memory I shall always cherish. turned to us and remarked, "Young men. General Wallace is now vonder (pointing afar off) on the left flank. I appreciate
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his unsoldierly conduct towards you, and if the rebels drive us from this position and you are caught fighting in citizen's dress, as they will have every right, I suppose they will kill you on sight. Now, take my advice and get away as fast as you can." This man was one of-God's noblemen and seeing the injustice of the position in which we were placed, could not re- strain the nobility of his character.
We at once acted on his suggestion and left without any molestation, and we came to the conclusion that the only mean fellow in that whole army was General Lew Wallace. .
From there we went to the residence of Mr. J. H. Gambrill. After sitting there for some time, occupying seats on the east porch with General Ricketts, an officer, General Adam E. King, rode up to make a report to him (Ricketts). After delivering the same and receiving instructions, he started back, but in almost less time than it takes to relate it, I saw him brought back on a stretcher, supposed to be mortally wounded. (I believe he is now living in Baltimore.)
By that time the shells were flying rapidly, plowing up the earth all around us, so that we, including Mr. Gambrill, deter- mined to take shelter in the mill, and there remained till the battle was over, which was about 4 o'clock in the afternoon.
For the above reasons, I claim that we were the only heroes of the Battle of Monocacy, having been exposed to the same dangers as soldiers against our own will, without having the protection given to a uniform. This was the last of it, General Wallace never attempting to assign any reason whatever for his unwarrantable course, and the above relation of facts does not appear, I know, in any history of the war.
The distress of the young women on the morning of the 9th is now perfectly clear,-they were trying to secure the release of the brother and lovers, but without avail. It is easy to im- agine what must have been the feelings of the parents and those girls as they spent the long hours of this day in the cellar of the Thomas house. Several years later, Colonel C. K. Thomas told the writer that on their return to Baltimore the young men had their pictures taken in the dress worn on the day of the battle, and that one of the involuntary soldiers wrote beneath the figures these words, "The only soldiers at Monocacy who were not killed or captured or did not run away." It does seem as though the young man had some warrant for his in- scription.
A few words here concerning the elder Thomas are in place. He was born in Frederick county, Md., in 1817, and died in June, 1899, at "Araby," his residence near the Monocacy river,
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and is buried in Mt. Olivet cemetery. He was closely related to the first Governor Thomas, and was a distant relative of the second, and through his mother was descended from Thomas Notely, who was proprietary governor in 1678. Colonel Thomas was a man whom to meet was to inspire respect. Though his opinions might differ from some of yours, you could not help liking him. If any Union officers and men of the hundreds who met him during the troublous days of 1862 and '65 entertain any other than the kindest memories of him, they have not ex- pressed them in the hearing of the writer. Were those to be named who endorse these sentiments, the list would be too long, but one warm friend was Major Vandenburgh of the 14th New Jersey of our 1st Brigade, who died so bravely at Winchester.
THE SIXTH CORPS.
Colonel William F. Fox in his book of regimental losses says: The history of the 6th Corps, more than any other, is replete with fascinating interest. Its record is invested with more of the romance and brilliancy of war. There was the successful assault of Marye's Heights; the brilliant dash into the rifle-pits at Rappahannock Station; the deadly hand-to-hand fighting in the gloomy thickets of Spottsylvania; the breathless interest which attaches to that lone fight at Fort Stevens, where, under the eye of the president, they saved the national Capital from the hands of the invader; the victories in the valley, with the dramatic incident at Cedar Creek; and the crowning success at the storming of Petersburg. Over all these scenes the Greek cross waved proudly on the banners of the corps, while its veteran legions wrought deeds which linked that badge with an unfading glory and renown.
The 6th Corps had its origin May 18, 1862, when Franklin's division was united with that of General W. F. Smith, General William B. Franklin becoming the first commander. It partic- ipated in all the strife in which the Army of the Potomac engaged from the Peninsular Campaign, through Gettysburg to the first assault on Petersburg. Its successive commanders were General W. F. Smith, John Sedgwick and H. G. Wright. Its course after our own regiment joined has been pretty well followed in this volume.
In laying stress upon the services of the 6th Corps, no at- tempt is made to disparage other and similar organizations. Every one must grant that all did their duty; to the 6th Corps came certain ordeals, and the corps acquitted itself magniti- cently. Very likely other bodies would have done the same.
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but under Sedgwick and Wright there had grown up a confi- dence in itself that meant much to the cause for which it strove. Confidence begat confidence, and leaders and men respected each other, if, indeed, the word "respect" is strong enough. For many a day after the dread event of Spottsylvania, there were few boys of the 6th who did not refer to "Uncle John" with a quaver in their voices.
The following stanzas in The Sixth Corps, our Danville daily of April-May, 1865, are indicative of the feeling that every man had for his fallen hero. The lines were printed in the first number, that of April 27:
SEDGWICK.
We breathe his name-the cross gleams bright On every manly breast; He wore it, and it caught the light Of Heaven's own bequest.
Then, brothers, let us bow the head, And feel his presence near;
The brave die not-he is not dead, No, Sedgwick's soul is here.
God bless him, when amidst the fray, We sweep the death-struck plain,
We hear his voice-the foe give way, And Sedgwick leads again.
He left us when through Wilderness, War shed its lurid flame;
When ranks were growing less and less, He left us but in name.
His sword was sheathed-but ever near, His dear old flag he moves;
Beneath the cross he whispers cheer, The cross that Sedgwick loves.
Then breathe his name-the cross gleams bright On every manly breast;
He wore it, and it caught the light Of Heaven's own pure bequest.
There had not been the hesitation of a moment in the acces- sion of Wright, and though there was the taking on of a new love, there was no forgetting of the old. The new general was no novice in the art of war; like his predecessor, he was a native of the state of Connecticut; born in Clinton March 6th, 1820. He was graduated from West Point, No. 2 in the class of 1841.
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and became a member of the Engineer Corps. He taught at the academy, and was a captain when the war broke out. He served in the Bull Run campaign; helped capture Hilton Head, S. C .; was in Florida-in 1862; later was in Ohio and Kentucky, and having become a major general of volunteers, he com- manded the 1st Division of the 6th Corps at the beginning of the Campaign of 1864. We need not follow him again through the struggle of the Battle Summer, but how his accession to the head of the corps was regarded, the following lines clearly in- dicate:
"Our truest, bravest heart is gone, and we remember well The bitter anguish of the day when noble Sedgwick fell;
But there is still another left to lead us to the fight,
And with a hearty three times three we'll cheer our gallant Wright."
It had been a cherished hope of the writer of this volume that he might present a copy to the man whom he and thou- sands of others had so confidently followed, but at the eleventh hour we know that he passed within the vail. Writing to him in 1896, the following words were received in reply:
I have no doubt you will prepare an interesting history of the 9th New York Heavy, as it passed most honorably through eventful times, and I should with pleasure aid you in your la- bors with matter therefor if I could. Unfortunately, however. I have nothing to which I can refer touching the service of any regiment, and I only remember that the 9th held high place in the estimation of the commanders under whom it served, including myself.
There are those who recall the enthusiastic reception ac- corded the veteran commander on that day in September, 1892, during the G. A. R. encampment in Washington. The scene is indelibly impressed upon many minds when the boys rose to greet the leader of former times. What a flood of years rolled away as they stood in his presence and in fancy saw him in his manly strength at the head of the corps, close to the Greek cross, with his followers, the first favorites of Sheridan.
After the war he lived a quiet life, for the most part in Wash- ington, where he died July 2. 1899. His body was taken to Connecticut for burial. His full name was Horatio Gouverneur. not Horatio Gates, as has been so frequently yet incorrectly stated.
Our first division commander, General James B. Ricketts.
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was a worthy associate of the gallant Wright, born in New York city June 21, 1817; West Point, 1839; saw service along the Canada border and through the Mexican War; helped over- come the Indians in Florida, and early gained repute in the War of the Rebellion, for Ricketts's Battery won renown at Bull Run, where he was wounded and captured. He was held a prisoner for some time, but was released in season for a part in the Shenandoah Campaign of 1862. His career, till he was wounded at Cedar Creek, we know. We also recall that his wife generously gave to every member of the corps a badge, which they proudly wore on their way back to Petersburg in December, 1864. He was retired from the army in 1867 on ac- count of wounds received in his service. He died in Washing- ton September 22, 1887.
Our brigade commander, General J. Warren Keifer, is still an active entity in the affairs of the people. He was born in Clark county, Ohio, January 30, 1836, and was educated at Antioch College, the particular glory of Horace Mann, the great educator. He went into service as major of the 3d Ohio at the very beginning, April 19th, and was commissioned April 27th. September 30th, 1862, he became colonel of the 110th Ohio, and we made his acquaintance later, after his return from his Wil- derness wounds, for he was four times wounded during the war. Cedar Creek won for him a brevet brigadiership, and he was mustered out a brevet major general. A lawyer, he went into politics after the war and was sent to Congress, over the lower branch of which he presided as speaker during the 47th Con- gress. We well remember his power in speaking on occasion in wartimes, and it is not surprising that he should enjoy an enviable reputation in this respect. He was the orator on the unveiling of the Garfield monument in Washington. His home is in Springfield, and the general yields to no one in his devo- tion to the interests of the men whom he so bravely led in 1862-'65. He always has a good word to say for the Ninth.
How the corps was regarded by that peerless leader, Sheri- dan, everybody knows. The confidence, won by experience from Monocacy to Cedar Creek, was mutual, and no survivor of the 6th fails to dwell on the fact that in 1865 he refused Grant's proffer of the 5th Corps, still asking for the 6th. It was the reputation of the corps gained afoot that prompted the send- ing of the 6th on the swift trip to Danville in April, 1865.
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General Meade, never particularly enthusiastic, says in his report of the Petersburg advance that the gallant assault of the 6th Corps on the 3d instant was the decisive movement of the campaign.
At the end of the century, the ranks are thin, and ere many years all those who so often threaded the roads of Virginia and Maryland, who explored the paths and fastnesses of the valley. will have joined their leaders in a land where no alarms of war are heard, but while they live they will not cease to chant:
"Then ere we part to-night, boys, we'll sing our song the more, With chorus swelling long and clear, God bless the Old 6th Corps."
CHAPTER XXVI.
PRISONERS OF WAR. MY CAPTURE AND ESCAPE. BY W. G. DUCKETT. Late Hospital Steward, 2d Battalion, 9th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, now of Washington D. C.
I was surprised and taken prisoner by a reb in Uncle Sam's uniform on July 9th, 1864, between 7 and 8 o'clock A. M., about half way between Monocacy Junction and Frederick City on the turnpike. I was taken back to General Echols. He asked me to what command I belonged. I told him to the 6th Corps. He said: "D-n that 6th Corps; we meet them wherever we go." I told him he would find the whole corps there to wel- come him "with bloody hands to hospitable graves." I knew there were only a part of the 3d Division and two regiments of 100-day men there, but purposely deceived him, and I be lieve they were more cautious than they would have been had they known our real strength, and we were saved from greater disaster. I remained in Frederick City during the day. Quite a number of prisoners were brought in during the day, among them Mead of Company A. In the evening we were marched over to the stone mill near the battlefield, where we slept in a cow-pen. I there found Lieutenant Reuben Burton among the prisoners, and as I had lost my blanket and haversack, gladly
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accepted his offer to share his. The next day the prisoners. numbering about 600, were started on their march for Wash- ington. We crossed over a part of the battlefield and saw many of our dead on the field and generally stripped of their cloth- ing. We arrived in front of Fort Stevens late in the afternoon of the 11th. In the evening after the fight there, the prisoners were started Dixie-ward, in advance of the retreating rebels. I am glad to recall one noble act of the rebels, who have so much cruelty charged to their account. My friend Burton had been very sick that day and was too weak to walk, and I ob- tained permission from a rebel surgeon to allow him to ride in an ambulance, while many of their men wounded and worn had to walk in that July heat and dust. We marched all night, and until, I think, about 2 o'clock P. M. next day, when we reached a little hamlet called Dawsonville. We were marched into a grove containing probably four or five acres, and bounded on two sides by the public roads, and on the other two by a large wheat-field. The rebel guards were stationed along the fence a few rods apart. We were very tired after our long, hot, dusty march, and Burton and I lost no time in spreading our blanket for a sound nap. We were awakened by the rebels calling us to come and get our rations, flour and fresh beef only. I took a saunter around the grove to awaken myself. when I discovered that at a point adjoining the wheat-field, the fence was down and the prisoners were allowed to pass through into the field. I observed that our guards were tired too, and not keeping a very strict watch, of which circumstance I de- cided to take immediate advantage. The wheat had been cut. bound in bundles and set up in shocks containing about fifteen bundles each. Watching my opportunity I stepped behind a shock, and dropping on my hands and knees forced my way into it. It seemed incredible that I had not been seen by one of the many rebels in sight of me, and I momentarily expected to be dragged out by the heels, but I soon found I was safe. The heat was almost suffocating and I suffered for water. The prisoners were soon commanded to fall in and they continued their march to prison, from which many never returned. I determined that as soon as it was dark I would put for the woods and hide until the enemy had gone, but as night approached the rebel army came marching by and kept up their tramp, tramp all night long. They passed within a few feet of me, some of them
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brushing against my frail tenement, so I could not carry out my plans. The stolen horses and cattle, together with baggage wagons. artillery and cavalry, took the road, and the troops marched through the fields. When daylight came, I thought I was safe, for the army had passed, and only now and then a straggler or two came by.
About 7 o'clock A. M., however, a squad of cavalry came up, probably the rear guard picking up the stragglers. They halted in the grove to get their breakfasts. They unlimbered their forge and shod some horses, and I feared they would make a long halt. One of the horses came directly to my straw house and captured the "cap sheath," and proceeded to refresh his inner horse (not inner man, of course). A moment later a sol- dier took a bundle from behind me, probably to sit on. Then a soldier sat down against my domicile and rudely pressed against my knees. It was getting very hot then, my position was cramped, and while he sat there I could not move; my whole side became numb, and it seemed impossible to remain in that position until he had finished his breakfast. Another bundle was taken. letting broad daylight smack in my face; then it seemed as if they could all see me. Another bundle was taken. exposing my knees, and the man was still sitting there so that I could not move. Each time a bundle was taken I thought the next would certainly cause my discovery. Five bundles were taken from my den, and when I finally got out I noticed that shock was the only one that had been disturbed. I remained in my hiding-place until some of our cavalry came along in pursuit of the retreating foe. I mounted one of their lead horses, and went with them to Poolsville. Remaining there a day or two, I returned to Washington; assisted Surgeon Sabin in reorganizing the hospital at Fort Reno, Tennallytown. A few days later I received an appointment in the United States Army, where I remained until April, 1866, when I was dis- charged (because I was no longer wanted).
It was stated to me while a prisoner that the rebs had 30,000 men in the Monocacy fight and thirty to forty pieces of artillery. Undoubtedly the battle of Monocacy saved Washington. Well, comrades, I will close with three cheers for "the Heavy Ninth," and may the memory of our services and sufferings for the noble cause be cherished by our children and our children's children for generations to come.
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NOTES FROM A DIARY KEPT IN DANVILLE PRISON.
BY E. P. DUNNING OF COMPANY D. 1
July 11. Rebs use us well, but give us no rations. Kept mov- ing till we reached the defenses, where the rebs are fighting our folks.
July 12. Some firing last night; we are on the pike from Rock- ville to Washington; it passes by Fort Stevens, Seventh street road, two miles from Fort S., and six from centre of city; about 40,000 rebels.
July 13. With the rebels fell back from Washington late last night; marched all night; camped at noon to-day.
July 14. Draw scant rations; started out at dark last night; reached the Potomac this morn and forded, waist deep.
July 15. Get some rest; cannonading in our rear; some hope of being recaptured.
July 16. Marched at 1 A. M. from two miles east of Leesburg to one mile west of Upperville.
July 17. Passed through Ashby's Gap, forded the Shenan- doah, camped at Millwood.
July 18. Reached Winchester at noon. Stayed a little while; camped three miles south.
July 19. In camp; rations short, flour and beef.
July 20. Started at daylight, marched eighteen or twenty miles to the south of Strasburg; camped on western branch of the Shenandoah.
July 22. Scant half rations; from Strasburg to Mt. Jackson. about twenty-five miles, through Edenburg, Woodstock and other small places.
July 23. From Mt. Jackson to near Harrisonburg, twenty- two miles, through Newmarket; stopped two hours at a big spring near Sparta to cook rations.
July 24. From Harrisonburg to within a few miles of Staun- ton, through Sidney and Mt. Crawford; camped at Willow Spring; severe storm began at 10 P. M. and continued all night.
July 25. Left at daylight and reached Staunton at 9 A. M. Took cars at 10 and went through to Charlottesville under the Blue Ridge; camped at 6, before dark.
July 26. Took cars at daylight and rode to Lynchburg, get- ting there at about noon. All of us, 700, are in an old tobacco warehouse.
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July 27. Closely confined. Our tents and blankets are taken away from us. Rations somewhat better.
July 28. Left Lynchburg for Danville, via Lynchburg and Petersburg railroad. From Burksville Junction went south- ward.
July 29. Reached Danville at daylight; sixty miles from L. to Junction.
July 30. Six hundred men in our squad; 250 on our floor. The most of our regiment on the third floor. The same number is on the second floor; sixty wounded men on the first floor; the rest are in the attic. Rations at 9, corn-bread and boiled cow-peas. One pint of soup in afternoon, 4 o'clock.
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