USA > New York > A brief history of the Twenty-Eighth Regiment New York State Volunteers, First Brigade, First Division, Twelfth Corps, Army of the Potomac, from the author's diary and official reports. With the muster-roll of the regiment, and many pictures, articles and letters > Part 3
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was countermanded. The regiment re- mained here two days, during which time General Mcclellan made his appearance, and was heartily cheered by the men. In the distance across the river the Con- federate pickets were plainly seen watch- ing any attempt at a further movement on the part of the Union forces, but none was made. Having seen something of the fearful results of war, the Twenty-eighth, passing the house where lay the body of Col. Baker, marched away from the scene of this wicked sacrifice and criminal blunder.
October 26th, the regiment marched twelve miles to Muddy Branch and went into camp in a grove of second growth pines. The men commenced building log houses, with the expectation of passing the winter here. Great skill was shown in this work, the companies vying with each other to have the best. The houses were oblong in shape and covered with small tents ; the cracks were filled with mud, often with moss, and this gave them a neat appearance. The bunks were placed on the sides. The door was at one end, and fireplace in the other. The chimneys were decorated at the top with barrels or boxes. Often these took fire, causing alarm to the owners and much excitement in the adjoining tents.
It was at this camp that the following story is told of Col. Donnelly. He was full of good humor and enjoyed a joke as well as anybody, even when he was the subject of it.
The colonel, on returning to camp one night, was halted by the sentinel on guard in the usual manner of "Who goes there ? "
It was somewhat dark, and just as the sentinel's challenge was made the colonel stubbed his toe and exclaimed in a decided tone : "Michael and all his lost arch- angels !" - a favorite expression of his.
The sentinel, who knew the colonel well, was a bit of a wag, and comprehending the situation, brought his piece to the proper position, and returned, in a heavy voice : "Halt, ye lost archangels ! Advance, Michael, and give the countersign."
The colonel always took much pleasure in telling the anecdote.
2 .
TWENTY-EIGHTHI REGIMENT N. Y. S. VOLUNTEERS.
D.y
G
ing to act of iregross ty I N'hosenouvel in sin your Los is the Client's Office at the Eastern Distr of Teren'
CAMP WHITE, NEAR FREDERICK, MD.
The time here was devoted to drills and guard duty on the river. While in camp at Muddy Branch the ladies of Batavia, N. Y., presented the regiment with a beautiful flag at the hands of Captain Fenn of Company F. Sergeant Geo. Hamilton was appointed to carry this flag, and with much pride the regiment marched over to brigade headquarters and showed it to General Williams, who seemed greatly pleased and honored by the call.
November 28th, Thanksgiving services were conducted by Chaplain Platt. The paymaster also made a visit, which proved a source of thankfulness not mentioned in the Chaplain's address. At this and all subsequent occasions the payment was made in paper instead of gold.
Cold weather had now commenced, and all had expected the log houses built with so much care would be the winter quarters of the regiment. But on December 4th the unwelcome order came to pack up and go to Frederick ; leaving the houses for other regiments who might occupy the camp when the Twenty-eighth had gone. Some members of the regiment were de- termined that these snug quarters should not be enjoyed by others ; and by some means, unknown to the officers, the entire . · camp was in a blaze as the men fell in line and marched away. This movement occupied three days, and was thirty six , and impressive occasion, and took place
miles ; via Clarksburg. Hyattstown, and across the Monoccacy River. On Decem- ber 7th, they encamped three miles west of Frederick City. Above is given a sketch of this camp, which was in a beauti- fully situated maple grove at the foot of the mountains, on an elevation overlook- ing the city. The comrades will recog- nize this is but a poor representation of this fine location. During the month the Twenty. eighth remained at Camp White the men often visited the city on passes, the mail and papers were daily received. and many boxes of good things came from kind friends at home.
Here John Lanahan, a private of Com- pany I, Forty-sixth Pennsylvania, was exe- cuted for the murder of Major Lewis of the same regiment. The shooting oc- curred in September on the march to Darnestown, while Lanahan was under ar- rest for bad conduct. He was tied to the rear of a wagon, and while halting at a ford, being intoxicated, seized a gun and shot the major, who died instantly, falling from his horse into the stream. Lanahan was condemned by court-martial to be hung. The order was executed on De- cember 24th. Many would have preferred not to witness the revolting sight, but the entire brigade was matched in hollow square about the scaffold. It was a solemn
٠ ٠۵
23
THE WINTER AT HANCOCK.
during a severe snowstorm. The body, swaying in the wind, was entirely covered by the snow as the regiments filed past, re- turning to their camps.
January 6, 1862, in a heavy snowstorm, which had continued for two days, the Twenty-eighth left its pleasant camp and marched twenty-four miles to Hagerstown, where it was quartered in churches for the night. The next day the command moved on to Clear Spring, and again occu- pied churches and houses. The third day marched within three miles of Hancock, taking shelter from the storm in barns. Reaching Hancock. January 9th, the men of the Twenty-eighth were assigned to vacant houses in the place.
The sudden call here was due to the Confederate forces under General Jack- son having made a demonstration on the town, threatening to shell it. This raid on the part of the enemy, however, was a failure ; the severe storms and bad roads made any movement very difficult. Gen- eral Jackson was compelled to return to Winchester with no result, except the de- moralization of his command.
For two months General Williams' Brigade remained at Hancock, doing picket duty on the river. The familiar report of " All quiet on the Potomac " could be made for the entire time. The days dragged very heavily. The monot- ony was broken only by the nightly pranks of the mischievous ones, playing practical jokes on their companions, by drills and parades, and frequent trips into Pennsylvania, which was but two miles distant. The quality of the milk, and
the liberal, kind-hearted hospitality of the farmers there, was often tested, by the men.
On February 17th, a celebration was held that will easily be recalled. At five o'clock the regiments were in line with the gen- eral and staff in the center, when the adju- tants of each regiment came to the front and read the news of the capture of Fort Don- aldson, with 15,000 prisoners. The men cheered loudly, the artillery fired a salute and all passed in review as they marched back to quarters. But the celebration of the victory was not yet over. It had just commenced. To say the men were jubi- lant would express it too mildly. Officers and men were wild over the glorious event; and the rumor was current that orders from Brigade headquarters were given, that "any officer or soldier found sober after ten o'clock should be put in the guard house." That the occasion was properly celebrated is attested by the fact that there is no record of any arrest having been made.
Washington's birthday was observed by the entire brigade forming a hollow square about General Williams and staff. The ceremonies were conducted by Chap- lain Platt of the Twenty-eighth New York, who offered prayer and read Washington's Farewell Address. This was followed by the regiments marching in review before General Williams. The succeeding day a battalion drill with knapsacks tried the muscles, if not the courage, of the men. Many scouting parties made trips over the river into Virginia, but these proved uneventful.
2.4
TWENTY EIGHTII REGIMENT'N. Y. S. VOLUNTEERS.
CHAPTER IV.
THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY.
MARCH IST TO MAY 23D, 1562.
HE time for the Virginia campaign had now ar- rived, and on March ist, with three days' cooked rations, the Twenty- eighth, with no regrets, started for Williamsport. All were anxious that the for- ward movement, so long con- templated, should begin. General Banks' corps now consisted of two divisions in command of Generals Williams and Shields. These com- manders were each veterans of the Mexi- can War, and were among the best in the country. General Williams had the unlim- ited confidence and love of the men of his division, and also of the general officers. He was often placed in command of the Corps, which position he always filled with distinction and ability.
General Shields was also an able officer, and the opportunity came within the month for him to show his fighting quali- ties. At Winchester, on the 23d of March, he won the rare distinction of being the only general that ever defeated Stonewall Jackson. This General Shields decisively accomplished, ably assisted by Colonel Kimball, upon whom the command de- volved, when he was wounded.
The first day's march the brigade moved twenty-three miles to Clear Spring, and on March 2d crossed the Potomac at Wil- liamsport, at the same place forded eight months before, under General Patterson. . The water was deeper now, and very cold, and the weather extremely unpleasant, a snowstorm coming on during the morning. Greatly to the men's relief, the crossing was effected by a rope ferry, propelled by the current. It was an interesting sight to see the boat cross and recross with no visible power, but proved very satisfactory, carrying one hundred men over every ten minutes.
The forces opposed to the Twenty- eighth on this advance were those of Gen- eral Jackson again, with his brigade.
The only resistance encountered the first day was the enemy's pickets firing on
Company B of the Twenty-eighth, which was acting as advance guard. With the aid of the cavalry, five Confederates were captured, the others making their escape. The march was continued thirteen miles to Martinsburg, where a part of the army was quartered in houses; the rest occupied tents.
Here the regiments of General Banks' division remained until the 5th of March, when they moved twelve miles to Bunker Hill, where they remained one week. March 12th the advance to Winchester was continued, the Confederates retiring, Captain Ashby, with his cavalry, com- manding their rear guard. This noted leader was one of great daring, and his loss, which occurred on June 6th, in the upper valley near Harrisonburg, was a severe one to his cause. General Jackson was very reluctant to retreat from Win- chester without a battle, and had assured the citizens "they should not be aban- doned to the enemy." But his command was not strong enough to warrant an engagement and he withdrew up the valley, followed by the division which entered the city with bands playing and banners waving. This was the principal town in the Shenandoah Valley, and the county seat of Frederick County.
The position of Winchester was unfa- vorable for defense, and made its occupa- tion by either army a difficult task. It was captured and recaptured more than thirty times during the War. The town, itself, was not a fine one. With but few exceptions, the residences were very poor in appearance. It contained a medical college, a young ladies' institute, several churches and hotels, and many business places. The streets were roughly paved with cobble stones.
The surrounding country was most de- lightful. The scene, in all directions, was one of rolling land, surrounded by wooded mountains. The Shenandoah Valley has been justly called the Garden of Virginia, its rich farms producing the finest wheat in the country.
To see this valley before it had been devastated by the hand of war was the
25
SHENANDOAH VALLEY - WINCHESTER.
special privilege of General Banks' divi- sion on this campaign. Its well fenced fields of grain and meadow were now in their beautiful green. Its orchards were full in lovely bloom. On its hillsides were many cattle and sheep grazing in undis- turbed quiet. Its barns were well filled with the result of the husbandman's labors. All was soon to be changed. This beautiful valley never appeared so charming again during the War, as on this first entry of the army in the spring of 1862.
The citizens of Winchester were very pronounced in their Southern feelings. They exhibited their hatred to the Union soldiers on all occasions. The colored people, however, here as everywhere, greeted the advance with cheers. The regiment went into camp about one mile north of the city, the brigade camping near. The weather at first was cold with occasional snow flurries. At this time, a box of clothing and supplies from the ladies of Western New York came very opportunely, which was acknowledged by Colonel Donnelly. The following extract from his letter will be of interest :
WINCHESTER, March 21, 1862.
" If the ladies could see the distress that I have among the soldiers, and which has been relieved by their kind donations, if they could witness, as I have, the tear of gratitude trickle down the cheeks of some unfortunate, frost-bitten volunteer, as he looked at the comfortable mittens sent by them, and which are not provided by the Government, they would be amply repaid for all they have done. God bless the ladies ! They have done more by their sympathy and timely aid to encourage and cheer the volunteers in the performance of their duties than all others combined. Remember me to them all and tell them that when we come to the hour of trial the Twenty-eighth will strike a blow at this rebellion, which will make them proud of their charities."
The Twenty-eighth remained at Win- chester ten days when an order came to General Banks to march with General Williams' division through Snicker's Gap, and unite with the army at Centerville, leaving General Shield's division to occupy the valley. General Banks started March 22d, and passed through Berryville to Snicker's Ferry, and had commenced the crossing of the Shenandoah river at that place, when the breaking of the bridge de- layed the movement. While halting for it to be repaired, the entire force was ordered to return to Winchester, as General Shields had been attacked there soon after Gen- eral Williams left. General Jackson, with
his usual vigilance, was informed that Gen- eral Banks had left the valley, and, deem- ing it a good opportunity to strike a blow, suddenly approached Winchester with the expectation of annihilating the little army there before help could reach it. But General Shields was ready, and, after a desperate battle, fought before General Banks' forces could return, General Jack- son, - severely punished, - withdrew from the field.
The First Division returned and started in pursuit through Winchester, passing the battlefield of the day before. The men made a very severe night march on the 23d to reach the battlefield, having marched thirty-seven miles in the three days. The pursuit was continued to New- town on the 24th.
Company I of the Twenty-eighth had been detailed with a company from each of the following regiments, the Fifth Connecticut, the Forty-sixth Pennsylva- nia, and the First Maryland to act as train guard for the large brigade supply train, consisting of about two hundred wagons. This train was to follow over the mountain to Manassas on the next day. The guards were in command of Major Mathews of the Forty-sixth Penn- sylvania. They were with the train south of the town, near the Strasburg pike, and ready to start when Jackson's attack on Shields became known. These companies were the only forces that could imme- diately be used, as they were, fortunately, in line, and could be at once deployed on the field. The train was sent to the rear and the companies instantly moved forward at double quick as skirmishers, and held the advance cavalry of the en- emy in check until the main command could be brought to the front. This prompt action undoubtedly saved the train and was of material assistance to General Shields, whose regiments were encamped north of the town. The boldness of this skirmish line impressed the enemy that a much larger force was on the ground. The companies soon were relieved by a brigade of infantry. In the next day's engagement Company I rendered material assistance as support to a battery, and in different positions on the field, but was not actively engaged in the front line of battle, and, consequently, suffered no loss. These companies of General Banks' division deserved some recognition in the reports of the engagement, but none was made.
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TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT N. Y. S. VOLUNTEERS.
That the members of Company I of the Twenty-eighth may have the credit due them, it is referred to here.
1
A singular fact occurred in connection with this supply train. From some unac- countable blunder, the order counter- marching the division of General Wil- liams did not reach the officer in charge of the train, and the day after the battle it started over the mountain to Manassas, many miles away. The entire journey was made before the mistake was noticed. Then, orders were received to return, and, after a weary march of many days in the storm and mud, it rejoined the division at Strasburg.
The Twenty-eighth halted at Newtown for one night, continuing on the 25th, five miles to Strasburg, where it remained about one week. The round "Sibley " tents, in use this year, made the camps resemble Indian villages. These had a sheet iron stove in the center, the pipe extending through the top, and were very comfortable. Fires not infrequently oc- curred by the tent coming in contact with the pipe. These accidents caused much anxiety in camp, and often destroyed the tenis.
April Ist General Bank's division con- tinued up the valley, a distance of twelve miles, to Woodstock, the enemy's rear guard, consisting, as usual, of Ashby's cavalry, falling back. Here the Twenty- eighth remained two weeks, changing camp on the 6th, to obtain a better loca- tion. On the 14th the news of the vic- tory at Island Number Ten, caused great rejoicing.
While at Woodstock, Captain Fitz Ger- ald was sent with his own command and companies from the Fifth Connecticut and Forty-sixth Pennsylvania to Columbia Furnace. On the night of the 15th de- tachments from the companies of the Fifth Connecticut and Twenty-eighth New York, supported a detachment of Ringgoldl's cavalry under Captain Green- field and marched thirteen mules, captur- ing Captain Harper's entire company of Ashby's cavalry. This took place at a small cross roads named Hudson's Cor- ners. The Confederates were completely surprised, and all surrendered without fir- ing a shot. The fev who tried to escape were overtaken. Captain Harper Was absent, but his three heutenants and sixty men were secured with their horses. equipments and stores. In the notes,
Major FitzGerald has given a fine descrip- tion of this raid.
April 16th the march was resumed to New Market, a distance of twenty-three miles. On the 17th, Ashby's cavalry, which was constantly disputing the ad- vance, set fire to a large covered bridge near Mount Jackson. Companies D and F of the Twenty- eighth doublequicked in time to save it from destruction. This allowed the troops to cross and enter the town of Mount Jackson, the terminus of the Manassas Railroad, where a scene, similar to that at Martinsburg the year before, met the gaze. Buildings, engines and cars had been destroyed by the enemy before retreating and were left a smoking heap of ruins.
The following report to the War De- partment, on this day's operations, will be of interest :
MOUNT JACKSON, April 17. 1362. To Honorable E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War:
" Our troops occupied Mount Jackson at 7 o'clock this morning and are now in front of Rude's Hill, where the enemy appear to be in force. The people report that they intend battle there. They resisted our advance in order to gain time for the burning of bridges and railway cars, engines, etc., that had accumulated at the terminus of the road ; but our movement was so sudden, and the retreat of the rebels so precipitate, that we were enabled to save the bridges, two locomotives and soine cars. All these had been prepared with combustible materials for instant conflagration. Many prisoners have been taken, and several fine horses captured from the enemy. The troops have acted admirably. They were in motion at one o'clock A. M.
N. P. BANKS, Major General Commanding.
The following congratulatory order was returned :
WAR DEPARTMENT. WASHINGTON, April 17, 1862. To Major-General Banks, Mount Jackson:
To you, and to the forces under your command, the Department returns thanks for the brilliant and successful operations of this day.
EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
The command remained at Mount Jack- son until April 25th, when the advance up the valley was continued to Harrison- burg. The Twenty-eighth marched on some five miles to Keezeltown, where it went into camp, leaving Captain Bowen to act as Provost Marshal ; and his com- pany, which had been the first Federal infantry to enter Harrisonburg, was ap- pointed Provost Guard of the town. Cap- tain Bowen's office was in the Court- House. General Williams occupied the
CAPTAIN BOWEN ; PROVOST MARSHAL AT HARRISONBURG.
beautiful building of the Bank of Rocking- ham. The keys to the doors of this bank could not be found. After some delay an officer unlocked this supposed burglar-proof establishment with rusty nail. Other offi- cers had their head- quarters near. The Court-House was in the center of the pub- lic square, a beautiful park, well shaded with trees. Here was situ- ated a mammoth spring, one of the finest in the valley. noted for its beautiful springs. It was cov- ered with a dome-shaped roof and had stone steps descending to the water. A large stream, pure as crystal, which many a thirsty soldier found delightfully cool and refreshing, was constantly flowing from it.
COURT-HOUSE AND SPRING AT HARRISONBURG, VA.
Under the able management of Captain Bowen, the streets were cleaned, the post- office was opened, the printing press was started, saloons were closed, and the best of order was preserved. The citizens all acknowledged that the good order was fully equal to that maintained in times of peace.
The selection of the captain, and his conduct of the office, proved very sat- isfactory to the inhabitants and credit- able to himself and the army. The result from this appointment was very unusual and interesting. By many acts of kind- ness the people were shown that their rights as citizens would be protected, and that the army was not one of invasion for plunder and murder.
When the command moved from Har- risonburg, soon afterwards, Captain Bowen leit there many true friends. He was a prisoner of war at Libby Prison, within four months ; having been taken at Cedar Mountain on August 9th, and, owing to retaliatory measures, was treated, as were all General Pope's officers, as felons, not as prisoners of war. This was on account of . this commander's severe orders, that citizens living near a railroad were to be held responsible for any damage done to it, those not taking the oath to be sent 1
South, and others of a like character. Captain Bowen's friends at Harrisonburg, learning of his condition at Richmond, at once made efforts for his release, and secured from Jefferson Davis the follow- ing order :
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT. HENRICO-RICHMOND, VA., Sept. 11, 1862. Captain Erwin A. Bowen, C. S. Military Prison :
SIR: I am instructed by the general command- ing this department to inform you that, in con- sideration of your kind treatment of our citizens while acting as provost marshal at Harrisonburg, the Secretary of War has directed that you be treated as a prisoner of war, to be exchanged at an early day. Respectfully,
W. S. WINDER, A. A. G.
This resulted in his immediately being granted the freedom of the city, on his parole, and his exchange soon followed.
Twenty years later, when the Twenty- eighth paid a fraternal visit to the Fifth Virginia regiment a halt was made at Harrisonburg, and in the Court-House square Captain Bowen was given a public reception, which showed the grateful feel- ings of his Southern friends that had sur- vived for more than a score of years.
The regiment did not remain long in camp at Keezeltown, on account of the difficulty in getting supplies over the bad roads. Soon it was recalled near Harrison- burg, where it remained until May 5th. The men were sorry to leave that beauti- ful city, and especially sorry when the order came, not to march on toward Staunton, but to commence a retrograde movement down the valley. General
28
TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT N. Y. S. VOLUNTEERS.
Banks had been ordered by General Mc- Clellan, to advance on Staunton as soon as railroad communication from Manassas had been re-established, on condition of his being able to concentrate a force of thirty thousand men. As this was not possible, the withdrawal to Strasburg was ordered from Washington.
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