USA > New York > Boots and saddles. A history of the first volunteer cavalry of the war, known as the First New York (Lincoln) Cavalry, and also as the Sabre regiment. Its organization, campaigns and battles > Part 9
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we took the road once more. We crossed White Oak Creek at midnight, and finding an old barn close by turned in till daylight. At the break of day the enemy opened on us with artillery, and the battle raged all day; but we hell them in check, and at night the retreat was continued. Franklin kept tiring his guns until mid- night, and then we left, bringing them with us. Our squadron covered the retreat that night, while a portion of the regiment under Colonel Me Reynolds led the ad- vanee. We marched in silence, stealing along through the dense woods, like so many Indians in their native forests, expecting to be cut off at every turn in the road ; but we got to the JJames River at daylight with- out molestation.
I cannot leave this subject without saying a few words in commendation of Lieutenant E. H. Bailey. our regimental quartermaster. Those who know any- thing about the Army of the Potomac, know that the position of quartermaster was no sinecure. Even
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around Alexandria, it taxed them sorely to keep us sup- plied with the requisites for man and beast; but on the Peninsula the duty was infinitely increased. They were on the road constantly between the White House and our lines on the Chickahominy, as it required three days to make the trip; and when the retreat com- meneed the quartermasters had their hands full. I shall never forget the excitement and alarm among the trains on the morning of June 30, at White Oak Swamp. when the enemy's batteries opened on us at break of day, just as the teamsters were beginning to hitch up. Many of them were citizens, while others were " con- trabands." Most of them became perfectly demoralized, and ran for the woods, leaving the teams to take care of themselves. It was at this juncture that Bailey's quali- ties came out. Dashing through the storm of bursting shell, pistol in hand. he arrested the " stampede." and drove the frightened teamsters back to their teams. threatening to shoot them unless they complied. Then he stood over them till hitched up, and started them out on the "jump," to run the gauntlet of iron hail, which fell thick and fast around them. The white covers of our long lines of wagons were shining marks for the enemy's artillerists, and they determined to destroy or capture the whole train ; but through the courage and determination of Bailey and a few able assistants. nearly every wagon in that dangerous locality was saved.
Some idea of the vastness of the labor performed by the Quartermaster's Department may be derived from the fact that our trains. if stretched out in a continuous column, would reach forty miles. So says General Me. Clellan, in his official report, and he ought to know.
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We now hoped that we were clear of our pursuers, but we were greviously mistaken. The battle of "Mal- vern Hill" was fought that day, and was the fiercest we had yet passed through ; but the enemy were smashed to pieces in that battle, and our army was saved. Had not the army been so thoroughly drilled and disciplined under General MeClellan, it never could have preserved itself under such circumstances; but nothing could demoralize it. The only way to overcome it was to de- stroy it, which the enemy tried to do, and came near being destroyed themselves in the attempt.
On the morning of the 24 of July I was sent back with twenty men to communicate with General Sikes and his regular infantry, with whom was General Averill and his cavalry, forming the rear guard of the army that day. I met them at the bridge over Turkey Creek, de- livered my message, and was then sent by them to clear the road of teams, so that the artillery and ambulances could pass. That was the hardest day's work we ever performed. It was heart rendering to hear the groans and cries of the wounded, as the ambulances passed along, and I pray that I may never have to listen to stich sounds again. The rain poured down in torrents all day; the roads were churned into rivers of mud ; we did not reach Harrison's Landing until near dark, and were then entirely - played out." We had been in the saddle night and day for a period of seven days; our horses had scarcely any forage, and we lived on ex- citement. We did not have six hours sleep from the night of June 27th, till the night of July 24; and our horses were not unsaddled in all that time. The only food we had, from the night of June the 25th, was a few dry crackers at Savages' Station on the 20th; a few
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more at White Oak Swamp on the 30th, and a repetition of the same on the Ist of July, while the battle of Mal- vern Hill was in progress. Our first "square meal" was at Harrison's Landing on the morning of July 3d. This was the experience of our regiment, and I feel certain that most of the army were little better provided. for.
We lost two of Boyd's troop on the retreat, Thomas Donahower was captured at Savages' Station. and Charles Fisher at White Oak Swamp. On the morning of the 3d our squadron was sent out, under Captain Jones. to reconnoitre and examine the condition of the roads. We found the enemy's cavalry at Gum Run Swamp, about three miles from the Landing, and learned from a negro that Jackson's Corps was in the woods about two miles beyond. We had a little skirmish with the enemy and then returned to report. A party went out shortly afterwards and were fired upon before going half the distance we had gone.
Besides the squadron under Captain Harkins, at Gen- eral Slocum's headquarters, there was another. under Captain Bennett, at General Fitz John Porter's head- quarters: and Captain Simons' company acted as es- cort to the wagon train; so that only five companies of the regiment were with the colonel on the retreat from the Chickahominy.
On the 4th of July, General MeClellan reviewed the Army, and the best of discipline was apparent. notwith- standing what they had just passed through.
The following order was read to the troops:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. CAMP SPAR HARRISON'S LANDING. JA IN.
ten days have illustrated the valor med endurance of the American sol- dier. Attacked by superior forces, and without hope of reinforce-
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ments, you have succeeded in changing your base of operations by a Hank movement. always regarded as the most hazardous of military ex- pedients. You have saved all your material. all your trains. and all your guns,except a few lost in battle. and have taken in return. gunsand colors from the enemy. Upon your march you have Been assiled day after day, with desperate fury, by men of the same race and nation, skill- fully massed and led. Under every disadvantage of numbers, and necessarily of position also, you have in every conflict beaten back your fors with enormous slaughter. Your conduct ranks you among the celebrated armies of history. . No one will now question that each of you may always with pride say: " I belonged to the Army of the Potomac." You have reached the new base complete in organization. and unimpaired in spirit. The enemy may at any time attack you. We are prepared to meet them. I have personally established your lines. Let them come, and we will convert their repulse into a final defeat.
Your Government is strengthening you with the resources of a great people. on this, our nation's birth das. we declare to our foes, whoare rebels against the best interests of mankind, that this army shall enter the Capital of the so-called Confederacy ; that our national Constitution shall prevail. and that the Union, which can alone insure internat peace, and external security to each State " must and shall be pre- served," cost what it may in time, treasure and blood.
(Signed)
GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN. Major-General Commanding.
Nothing of importance transpired after this until the night of the 31st. when the enemy opened on our camps with artillery, from the south side of the James River.
Our gun boats had been decoyed up the river, and we were not prepared for such a serenade, so there was a lively time in the camps nearest the river while the firing continued. Our regiment was encamped very near to the bank of the stream, and the solid shot and shells fell thick and fast among the tents; killing one man and several horses, and wounding several of the best horses we had.
Our chaplain, Rev. Charles Roighly. was lying upon a cot in the tent of Major Adams, and a shell went plunging through the canvas close to his head ; which caused the inmates to seek safer quarters for a short
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time: the chaplain remarking that the next shot might hit where it missed before.
At length some heavy guns were got into position and succeeded in driving our tormenters away. Next day a force crossed the river at that point and demolished the obstructions that had concealed the enemy while they were preparing their surprise.
On the 4th of August we received orders to be ready to march, with two days' cooked rations and sixty rounds of ammunition. Our squadron was relieved from duty at General Franklin's headquarters and ordered to join the regiment. We had been with the general ever since entering the service, over a year before, and left him with many regrets. A squadron of the Sixth Penn- sylvania Cavalry took our place. On the 6th. Thomas Donahower, of our company, returned from Richmond. He had neither shoes, stockings nor shirt: had walked twenty miles to get to the boat. and his feet were all blistered ; but he was in good spirits at getting away from the enemy.
On the 9th, Sergeant Oliver B. Knowles, of our com. pany, was promoted to second lieutenant. He was a gallant soldier, and had earned his promotion. That evening our squadron was sent on picket to St. Mary's Church, three miles from the Chickahominy, where we spent a very unpleasant night. At four o'clock next morning we were relieved, and. with the rest of the reg- ment. ordered on board the steamship Massachusetts, with instructions to report to General Burnside, at Fal- month, opposite Fredericksburg, on the Rappahannock.
While at Harrison's Landing. Colonel MeReynolds went to Washington, leaving Lieutenant Colonel Schick- fuss in command, and the regiment was brigaded with a
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regiment of regulars and the Third Pennsylvania Cav- alry. Colonel Averill, of the latter regiment, com- manded the brigade. They were kept hard at work picketing, and made frequent scouts to the vicinity of the Chickahominy. Their camp was policed . better than any other which I saw at the Landing, and the fact was mentioned by Colonel Averill in orders ; but the time for a change had arrived.
General MeClellan was soon to be relieved from com :- mand; the Army of the Potomac was to be united with the Army of Virginia. under General Pope, and .the Peninsula entirely evacuated; all of which took place shortly afterwards.
But oh ! how many of our comrades were left in the swamps of the Peninsula ? "Their name is legion."
Where the tide of the low river. Past tis tangled thickets flows : Where the early wild flower blossoms. That no northern valley know .. There their lowly graves are hollowed. Laid to rest by reverend hands : And their brothers will pass o'er them. In their march to southern lands.
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CHAPTER XIII.
We Join Burnsideat Fredericksburg-Scouting and Picketing on the Lett of Pope's Army-Back to Alexandria-Pope Defeated-Lee's Army in Maryland-We Report to Pleasanton at Poolsville-Skir- mish at Hyattstown-Frederick City-Off to Gettysburg-Back to Boonsboro'-Battle of Antietam-Skirmish at Williamsport.
0 N the 11th of August, 1862, at 9 p. m., our regiment began putting the horses on board the steamship Massachusetts, at Harrison's Landing, on the James River, and it was daylight next morning before we got through. We reached Fort Monroe by I p. m. of the 12th, where we stopped several hours and then proceeded on our way. At 5 p. m. a storm arose and we had a very rough night on the old Chesapeake Bay, but entered the Potomac in safety, and debarked at Aequia Creek Land- ing about noon on the 13th. On the way we saw the most of the Cumberland sticking up out of the waters near Fort Monroe. where she had been sunk by the Con- federate ram Merriman.
On the 14th we arrived at Falmouth and reported to General Burnside for duty, after riding through some of the most lovely hills and valleys that I had seen in Vir- ginia. Here we were kept from rusting. A whole bat- talion was sent on picket at a time, and remained on duty two days; thus giving us two days on picket and four days off. When not on picket we were kept scout- ing in all direction - within thirty miles of camp.
On the 22d and 23d we heard very heavy firing up the river. in the direction of Pope'sarmy. and on the 24th a squadron of our regiment set ont to escort General
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Morrell to Pope's headquarters ; but ashis "headquarters were in the saddle," they had a good time in finding him.
On the 28th of August our battalion, under Major Ogle, went on picket on the south side of the Rappa- hannock, several miles beyond Fredericksburg. The major, with two companies, was stationed on the Plank Road ; Boyd's company was on the Telegraph Road. and Battersby's on the Bowling Green Road. All of these roads lead out of Fredericksburg in a southerly direc. tion. The videttes, when posted, formed a semi-circular chain in front of Fredericksburg, facing south, the right and left of the chain resting on the south bank of the river, about three miles above and below the town. Be- fore going out that morning we were instructed not to post videttes, but to be in readiness to fall back on the approach of the enemy, whose advance was momentarily expected. Captain Boyd thought it wiser to post videttes in his front, which he accordingly did. About noon a colored man came to the line and informed one of the videttes that Stewart's cavalry were at Guiney's Station, some ten or fifteen miles from Fredericksburg, and moving upon that place. We at once notified Bat- tersby and Ogle of what we had heard; telling them that our informant was a "contraband." and that too much reliance must not be placed on the statement. Notwith- standing this, Major Ogle set off for Fredericksburg at a brisk pace and informed the commandant. Colonel Kingsbury, that the Confederate cavalry were advanc- ing on the place. This created a stampede : everything was removed to the north side of the river, and prepara- tions made to blow up the bridges and burn the town. We were sent for, and on arriving in town found every- thing in confusion. Captain Boyd soon discovered
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what was wrong and immediately repaired to headquar- ters and set matters right.
On the 31st we received orders to be ready to move at a moment's notice, and at dark of the same day we set out for Acquia Creek Landing.
Our regiment covered the rear and we did not get to the Landing till after ten o'clock next morning. The rain came down in torrents; the thunder roared and the lightning flashed incessantly. The wagons got mired, some broke down, and thus we were delayed. I do not remember when time seemed to pass so slowly as on that night.
The blaze of the railroad depot at Falmouth lit up the heavens all night, and a terrible explosion told us that the bridge over the Rappahannock had been blown up.
On the 3d of September we left Acquia Creek and arrived at Alexandria the same evening. On the 5th we marched through Washington, D. C., and bivouacked at Rockville, Md. On the 6th we reported to General Pleasanton, at Poolsville, and were sent by him to picket Seneca Creek, where the road from Georgetown to Fred- crick City crosses that stream. We could see the Con- federate flag on Sugar Loaf Mountain, and at night their camp fires were plainly visible. They had whipped Pope and were now, for the first time, attempting to transfer the war to northern soil.
General Pleasanton sent Lieutenant Laverty of our regiment, with about twenty men. to make a reconnoi- sance, and they came near being surrounded and captur- ed by Stuart's cavalry. Sergeant Decker and M. C. Dann had been sent off on the Blank som . distance and just got back to the road as the enemy charged upon
CHARGE AT HYATTSTOWN, MD.
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Laverty and his men. Decker and Dunn saw no way of escape except by joining the enemy in the charge, which they did. Everybody was covered with dust, clouds of which prevented any chance of recognition, and these two men shot out ahead of the charging enemy and succeeded in escaping. Dunn afterwards became a famous scout under Major Young, chief of General Sheridan's scouts, and we shall hear of him again.
On the 9th. the second battalion, under Major A. W. Adams, was ordered forward to Hyattstown, Md., which is located in a valley, between two high ridges. The enemy's cavalry occupied the town in pretty strong force, and we could see them plainly from the ridge as we approached the place about sun-set.
Major Adams placed himself at the head of his bat- talion, and, pointing with his sabre to the town. said : "Boys I am going to drive those rebels out of that place. will you follow me ?" The boys gave a cheer, and the major ordered us forward. When near the town he commanded charge! and off we went, at full gallop. yelling like Indians. The enemy made some resistance, but we soon had them on the full run through the roads and lanes leading up the opposite ridge, killing and wounding several of them, and taking quite a number of prisoners; and among them the commander of the post. Sergeant Roland Ellis, of Boyd's Company, captured two prisoners, with their horses and equipments complete.
Next morning we captured a squad of infantry, but had one of our men severely wounded and one horse shot in the fight. The bullets flew thick and fast. but we charged like a tempest, with Major Adams in the lead, and drove the enemy into the woods beyond the town, dispersing them like sheep.
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On the 10th the enemy appeared on the ridge beyond the town in great force and opened on us with artillery : under cover of which a body of their cavalry advanced to the charge. We were without artillery, and were compelled to retire a short distance. in order to get out of the range of their guns. Major Adams then formed his men to meet the advancing enemy. Captain (now General) Reno had joined us with a squadron of the First United States Cavalry, and he was placed in reserve, while Captain Boyd and Lieutenant Stevenson, with Company C of our regiment, were directed to lead the charge. Very soon we discoverd the head of the enemy's column, and at that instant Major Adams commanded charge! Our sabres were out, and at the word of com- mand we dashed forward, with a rousing yell, striking the advancing enemy before they could get up a gallop. and sweeping them before us like chaff before the wind. The boys were wild with excitement, and we never drew rein till we had driven the enemy under cover of their guns. We then fell back to Clarksburg without further molestation, except a few angry shells from the enemy's guns, one of which killed one of our horses, and gave its rider a bad fall.
We were ordered to Barnesville the same night, where we arrived at 2:00 a. m. of the 12th : and the whole regi- ment was then ordered to the mouth of the Monocacy River.
It rained all day and all night, and we were entirely without shelter. having left everything with the wagons at Alexandria. to follow us up as circumstances should permit. Every man was wet to the skin and shivering with coldl.
On the 12th we charged into Frederick City, causing
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the rear guard of the enemy under Jackson "to get up and dust."
As we rode through the main street the windows were thrown open, and it seemed as if every one of them had an American flag waving a triumphal welcome to the Union soldiers. I have seldom witnessed a more er- thusiastic display of patriotism on the part of any peo- ple. It was on that day, only an hour or so before, that Barbara Freitchie defied the troops of Stonewall Jackson.
BARBARA FRIETCHIE-By John G. Whittier.
Up from the meadows rich with corn. Crear in the cool September morn. The cluster'd spires of Frederick stand. Green-wall'd by the hills of Maryland.
Round about them orchards sweep, Apple and peach tree fruited doop, Fair as a garden of the Lord. To the eyes of the famish 'd rebel horde, On that pleasant mora of the early Fall. When Loe march'd over the mountain wall.
Over the mountains winding down. Horse and foot into Frederick town. Forty flags with their silver stars. Forty flags with their crimson bars.
Flapp'i in the morning wind: the sun of meon look'd down. atal saw not one.
Uprose old Barbara Frietchie then. Rowil with her fourscore years and ten ; Bravest of all in Frederick town. She took up the flag the men haul'd down. In her attie- window the staff she set. To show that one heart was loyal yet. Up the street came the rebel tread.
Under his slouch'd hat left and right Ho glance t : the old flag in " his sigh !.
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". Halt !"-the dust-brown ranks stood fast ;
" Fire !"-out blazed the riffe-blast.
It shiver'd the window-pane and sash. It rent the banner with scam and gash.
Quick as it fell from the broken staff, Dame Barbara snatch'd the silken scarf.
She lean'd far out on the window-sill. And shook it forth with a royal will.
" Shoot. if you must, this old gray head, But spare your country's fag. " she said.
A shade of sadness, a blush of shame. Over the face of the leader came:
The noble nature within him stirr'd To life at that woman's dead and word.
" Who touches a hair of von gray head Dies like a dog ! March on !" he said.
All day long through Frederick street Sounded the tread of marching feet ;
All day long that free flag towe'd Over the heads of the rebel host.
Ever its toru folls rose and fell On the loyal winds that loved it well;
And. through the hill-gaps, sunset light Shone over it with a warm goat-night.
Barbara Frietchie's work iso'er. And the rebel rides on his raids no more.
Honor to her! and let a tear Fall. for her sake, on Stonewall's bier.
Over Barbara Frietchie's grave. Flagof Freedom and Union, wave!
Peace and order and beauty draw Round thy symbol of light and law ;
And ever the stars above look down On thy stars below in Frederick town
Here Colonel MeReynolds was placed in command of a brigade, composed of our regiment and the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and a section of battery " M." Fifth United States Artillery, and ordered to proceed to
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Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where we arrived on the 14th. We had been in the saddle night and day since the 5th, living upon very short rations, as we had no money, and the wagons were unable to keep up with us.
We had neither tents nor baggage, not even a change of clothing, and felt rather uncomfortable ; but we were defending northern soil from the foot of the invader, and these privations troubled us very little.
General Mcclellan feared that General Lee was going to invade Pennsylvania, and had sent us on this trip to watch the enemy and give timely notice of any such at- tempt.
We captured a number of the enemy's cavalry on our way, and lost several of our own men by capture, and learned that Lee really contemplated a raid into the " Keystone State " at that time; but MeClellan was too close upon him, and forced him to fight in Maryland ; thus postponing the " big fight" in Pennsylvania for nearly a year.
We little thought, as we entered Gettysburg that bright September evening. that the hills which encircle it should be the theatre of one of the greatest battles. and the turning point of the war, in the following July.
On our way to Gettysburg, Captains Boyd, Bailey and Bennett, with a small escort. rode ahead into Em- mettsburg, Maryland. The proprietor of the hotel took them for Confederates, and was profuse in his welcome. Boyd took the eve, passed himself and party off for Fitz Lee and his staff, and said he was going to put up there for the night. He asked the landlord where there was a good camping place for his troops, and was shown a fine meadow close to the town. The Union people hearing of this shut up their houses, and the secession element 11
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was in high glee: the ladies displaying little Confeder- ate flags pinned to their bosoms. A splendid dinner was prepared for the officers, with as much wine as they desired ; but, in a short time the brigade arrived with their blue jackets and the unmistakable " stars and stripes," and great was the chagrin, as well as fear, on the part of the rebel sympathizers. Their doors were soon closed, and in a few moments the Union citizens came out to congratulate us and enjoy the confusion of their neighbors. It was rare sport for us, and we made that hotel keeper's larder suffer for his mistaken kind- ness.
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