USA > New York > Camp and field life of the Fifth New York volunteer infantry. (Duryee zouaves.) > Part 11
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37
Wednesday, January 8. - To-day there are about fifty boys
136
Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
enjoying themselves outside the fort, coasting down the hill with their sleds. Sergeant F., feeling disposed to participate in the sport, borrowed a sled from one of the boys, and was soon going down the hill as fast as he could desire ; but un- fortunately for him, when he was about half the distance, he and his conveyance parted company ; he slid about twenty feet in one direction and his sled in another, materially mar- ring the beauty of his countenance. The men standing on the parapets of the fort gave a shout at his mishap, and he ever after bore the name of " Hunkey Slide."
The men had become very proficient in their drill, and were familiar with both the heavy and light infantry manual, bayonet exercise, heavy and light artillery, street firing, etc., and in addition one man was detailed daily from each com- pany to learn the art of making cartridges. They were again allowed their full complement of passes to the city, and guard-running consequently decreased.
On Thursday, February 6th, the regiment was compli- mented by the presentation of a beautiful garrison flag, pre- pared by the ladies of South Baltimore. Although the weather was not very favorable, a large assembly was gathered within the fort, the ladies of South Baltimore, who manifested great interest and pride in the regiment that had built Fort Federal Hill, forming the principal part of the throng. The interior of the fort was placed in excellent order, and notwithstanding the alternate storms of rain and snow, afforded a fair promenade-ground for our fair visitors.
The following account of the presentation is from the Baltimore American of February 7, 1862 :
" At half past two 'the assembly ' was beat, and the regi- ment formed as for dress parade on three sides of the parade- ground. After formation, the regiment was closed at half-dis- tance in front of the headquarters, Colonel Warren in front of his command, and the ceremonies of presentation commenced. The flag was brought forward by Messrs. Edward H. Price and
I37
Life at Baltimorc.
Joseph Brooks, the committee of arrangements on the part of the ladies.
" JOHN WILLIS, Esq., was introduced, and delivered the fol- lowing presentation address :
" TO THE OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF THE FIFTH NEW YORK ZOUAVE REGIMENT :- I have been honored with the privilege, by patriotic ladies residing within the southern section of Baltimore, of presenting, in their name and on their behalf, to your regiment, the 5th New York Zouaves, this beautiful en- sign of our country's nationality. Soon as man emerges from barbarism toward civilization, even in its rudest form, we find him naturally seeking some congenial association. It is not meet that he should live alone, as the fair donors of this exquisite gift would willingly attest.
"Combining thus for the better preservation of his own and his neighbors' rights; looking also through the light of reason, and in the exercise of those attributes which distinguish him above all other animate beings, he seeks the enjoyment of con- solidated advantages vouchsafed in unity of purpose and of power.
" Associations thus formed naturally adopt their insignia, their mottoes, their emblems of faith, until each representation becomes the reflective index of an embodied principle. Thus from the small beginning of a rude circle, allied in plighted faith, looking toward the grand ultimatum of human happiness, we behold traced out the progress of civilization, until mighty na- tions have sprung into being, mapping the great globe congenial to their desired nationality.
" The revolutions of ages have brought us to the present mo- mentous epoch in the world's history. The whole habitable face of our green earth is marked and countermarked with geograph- ical and national divisions. These seem to have been the natural and almost unavoidable results of maturing and matured ex- perience.
" Having therefore risen to the high dignity of nations, each with its integral though consolidated millions, has, in some lorin of other, adopted the ensign of its faith, not only to be respected at home, but to command respect abroad.
1 38
Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
" There are some, in an individual point of view, whose patriot- ism, I regret to infer, has been so mildewed as to divert their mental visions from a true perception and translation of the real sentiment embodied in such ensigns.
"Looking, as they are prone to look, at our precious Star Spangled Banner under existing unfortunate circumstances, their frigid philosophy misleads them to pronounce it an unmeaning combination of colors and shreds.
" We envy not the heart from whose cold recess has vanished the sacred memories of this our country's ever-glorious flag. Would that the gladsome period be not distant when all such sluggish pulsating organs may be enabled to throb afresh with renovated patriotism, and that the bright image of this starry emblem may again live there to flourish, and blossom and bloom as the rose in the wilderness.
" The rainbow, with its tinted colors, in arching beauty spans the blue vault. We behold it with admiring eyes, are awe-stricken with its grandeur, and venerate Him who sprung it in the heav- ens. Nor this alone ; for faith points to it standing there as an everlasting pledge of fidelity from God to man.
"It is not, then, the simple colors, so gorgeously blended, which fade, perchance, with the passing cloud, but our knowl- edge of their return to represent a sure pledge-a living eternal principle-that enchains the beholder's admiration.
" The golden-orbed sun i. vites us to his sinking in the purple west, leaving earth overshadowed with darkness and gloom ; but hope points steadily to an auroral morn when he will arise again with the same promethean fire to assume meridian splendor. The moon and stars are hidden from visu range, yet they anon come forth, fresh as when first created, to illumine Niobe's path- way across the spangled heavens.
" It is the living embodiment of a sublime principle contained within the silken folds and clustering stars of this our nation's proud banner that wins our hearts and bids us reverence its holy memories. In youth we learned its history ; in manhood's earlier years, its name was as an household word ; in life's Indian summer, it gained deeper reverence ; and as wintry age grows apace, the old heart becomes perennial in contemplating its
I39
Life at Baltimore.
glories. The Revolutionary patriot, and those who followed it through danger to victory in later struggles, never forgot, and never can forget, so sacred a thing as their country's flag.
"To us it is a legacy bequeathed from sire to son. It was baptized in the sacred blood of freedom, and still waves an em- blem of untainted liberty.
" Almost a century has passed since our Revolutionary fathers proclaimed their independence and gave us this pledge of the wisdom, the power, and the grandeur of republican liberty. On land and sea, in storm and in sunshine, at home and abroad, in fertile valleys and on mountain tops, on lake and river, plain, island, or desert, we speak in reverence of Mount Vernon's holy shrine where Washington sleeps ! Wherever civilization has planted this banner and fixed these stars, they are the faithful sentinels of human happiness.
"Under them we have grown up from partial obscurity to in- comparable greatness, from seeming weakness to unconquerable strength ; so that this day, under this banner, in its true constitu- tional meaning, it is ours to hold the world in admiration and in awe. No such word as defeat ever stained its folds, and, if we prove true to ourselves, never can.
" Pursuing the pathways of science in the light of its encour- aging spirit, we have taught kingdoms and empires of the Old World, grown gray in years before ours had an existence, lessons of practical wisdom. That all-pervading subtle principle of elec- tricity which fills the universe has been called from the thunder- cloud by American genius, and now speaks from these shores to our praise in all parts of the civilized globe.
"We have placed steam upon the mighty deep to plow its trackless billows, and given it locomotion on the outstretched arms of our countless railways. Genius in innumerable forms, emanating from us in our steady progress toward greatness un- der the ægis of this national ensign, has developed until we find its results stamped indelibly upon history's page.
"Is it, then, surprising, permit me to ask, that we, as Ameri- cans, are proud of the standard our nation has adopted ?
" The true soldier whose spirit goes out amid the roar and car- nige of battle, can close his eyes in peace, if their last gaze be
140
Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
fixed upon this hallowed ensign. Its azure and its constellated stars are but exchanged for the deeper blue and brighter gems that deck the brave warrior's celestial home. .
"As the painter's brush transfers life to the canvas, making even the dead speak, bringing loved forms and past generations into our very presence, so may we behold the sentiment, the vir- tues, the life, and the pure intentions of Washington and his compatriots, speaking in resistless eloquence from this sacred banner.
" Interwoven with life's crimson current, as it gushes out front the heart in warmest pulsation, is commingled the undying love of cherished friends. Faces and forms once familiar are forever mir- rored afresh in the vernal bloom of halcyon recollections. So it is with this banner. In early life and in maturer years it waved over us as a shield from dinger. It has won our affections, and we would not, if we could, sever those ties.
" If, in the providence of God, He should kindly send His an- gels of mercy and of peace to stay the red arm of civil war, and bring us again to fraternal unity as a nation, to friendship and happiness as a people, let the whole earth rejoice !
" One of Maryland's gifted sons, whose spirit now, perchance, looks down from higher spheres, has interwoven this standard with garlands of poesy, and given it immortality in song. Pre- senting it, therefore, in behalf of our ' Monumental ' ladies, to the gallant officers and men of this regiment, in appreciation of their soldierly bearing and gentlemanly deportment, allow me to say, as I hope and believe the author would now say, were he yet living amongst us,
"*The Star Spangled Banner, O long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave !'
No higher compliment can be desired than to know it has been bestowed by fair hands and truc hearts upon those who are ever ready to preserve and protect so priceless a gift.
" Obedient, therefore, to the pleasing trust conferred on me, it becomes my high privilege to present your noble regiment, in the name of the ladies of South Baltimore, with this our country's flag.
141
Life at Baltimore.
" The address was received with applause, and followed by the 'Star Spangled Banner,' by the regimental band.
RESPONSE OF COLONEL WARREN.
" Colonel WARREN received the flag, and, transferring it to Major Hull, made the following brief and appropriate response :
"SIR :- Allow me to return, through you, to our fair friends of the city of Baltimore, the heart-felt thanks of this regiment for the friendly interest they have shown in presenting it with a national flag, the work of their own hands.
"It is impossible for us not to feel our patriotism glow afresh at this proof of their confidence. The unfortunate condition of our country brought us in your midst, and it is a source of unfail- ing gratification that in this gift they show that our true position is understood. We come as supporters of the American flag. and the beloved Constitution of which it is the chosen emblem, and not as conquerors or oppressors. (Cheers).
" We believe that the necessity which occasioned our presence here has now passed away, and trust that this fort, which we have aided in constructing, will hereafter be a safeguard against the future outbreaking of lawless violence. We hope soon to be called again to the active scenes of the now receding rebellion, and trust, as a part of the great Union army, to see this flag, endeared by the associations of to-day, waving in some place where our misguided brethren yet flaunt their rebellious banner. When that time comes, may the knowledge that this flag of our country was made by the ladies of a sister Southern State help to dispel the feelings of animosity engendered by the strife. Again I beg that you will present to the ladies our sincere thanks. (Applause).
" Major Hull called for three cheers for the ladies of Baltimore, which were given by the regiment with a will, and a ' tiger.'
" Major Hayward was then called on for a song, and gave one of his own composition, creating much laughter and applause by its amusing hits. The regiment joined in the chorus with vim.
" At the close of the presentation the regiment was dismissed for a short interval (which was well filled by the fine music of the band), and agair. assembled for drill in the bayonet exercise.
2 .2. 5
142
Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
The parade-ground not being large enough to drill the whole regiment at once, the right and left wings were brought on one after the other. The bayonet exercise resembles, in many re- spects, the exhibitions given by the Ellsworth Zouaves, but is put in a more serviceable form for practical use, and without the clap- trap additions which made those exhibitions more of a theatrical than a military display. The exercise, when participated in by four or five hundred well-drilled men, is a splendid sight, and im- presses even the unmilitary beholder with the conviction that the bayonet is the best offensive and defensive weapon in the world. A regiment drilled in its proper exercise would have over one not thus drilled, supposing the numbers and bravery of both to be equal, an advantage that would enable it to defeat its oppo- nents with slight loss.
"It is impossible to describe in words the exercise, but it may be said to make the soldier and his weapon one. It places him first in the best position for attack or defense, and by a series of movements, based on scientific principles, enables him to guard every exposed part-to throw off the lunge aimed at head, breast, or thigh, and by a dexterous shortening of his own weapon give the deadly thrust before his opponent recovers ; in close quarters it enables him to convert his gun into a club ; and again, by a series of rapid movements, to act in front or rear, to the right or left, and in retreat or advance. While it accomplishes all these purposes, the exercise develops the physique of the soldier, gives him suppleness and wind, and a confidence in himself and weap- on that in the field would be of the greatest advantage. After the right wing had been drilled by Colonel Warren, the left wing was put through the exercise by Major Hull. Both did so well that it appeared to the unprofessional spectators that it would be impossible to decide with which the greater merit rested. A light artillery drill, with all the loadings, firing, changing posi- tions, etc., followed next, and had time and opportunity allowed, we might have had drill with the heavy guns, in the management of which the regiment have also been instructed.
"After the drill, the Committee of Arrangements, a number of the ladies, and the friends of the officers, were hospitably enter- tained in headquarters.
143
Life at Baltimore.
"Not the least pleasant feature of the occasion was the fine music of the band. Under its present leader, Mr. Wallace, it has been brought up to a high degree of excellence.
"As for the drum corps, it is the drum corps, and Drum-Major Smith is par excellence the Drum Major.
"The display ended with the usual evening dress parade, Lieut .- Col. Hiram Duryea commanding. Capt. Winslow acted as Officer of the Day."'
On Sunday, the 9th, the resignations of Lieuts. C. W. Wright and Dunham were read off as accepted. Col. War- ren was absent, and Lieut .- Col. Hiram Duryea was in com- mand. Miss Mitchell, the actress, visited the fort to witness the dress parade.
On Friday, the 14th, a ball was given at the officers' quarters, which did not terminate till daybreak. It was a select affair ; all the guests came and went in carriages. The men during its progress were restricted to their own quarters.
Immediately after breakfast, on Wednesday, the 19th, four companies, B, E, G, and -, were ordered to be ready in heavy marching order, and in the afternoon they fell in line on the parade-ground, and were marched through a heavy rain- storm to Fort Marshall, which was about five miles by land from Fort Federal Hill. It was a similar structure, but did not cover as much ground, but . mounted thirty-three heavy guns. It was situated on a high, bare hill, about two hun- died feet above the level of the sea. It was about half a mile from the limits of the city, on the side of the harbor opposite to Fort McHenry, and commanded that post.
The detachment arrived about dusk, wet through, covered with mud, hungry, and with nothing to eat. Coffee, which was our only supply, was served about 9 P.M.
Saturday, Feb. 22d, being the anniversary of WASHING- AN'S BIRTHDAY, all the forts fired salutes in honor of the wiy. In the afternoon a grand parade of the military was mille through the city. The Fifth was the principal attrac-
144
Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
tion, and their bayonet exercise was viewed by thousands of spectators. Everybody seemed to observe the day in a very patriotic manner, except the secession element, of which there was a large representation yet in the city, plotting their schemes of rebellion in secret. They were no worse than the " copperheads " in the North, who, like the reptile they represent, were ready to sting their protectors behind their backs-the men who were risking their lives to defend their property, and to keep from coming true the prophecy of their South Carolina friends, " The grass will grow in the streets of New York."
One evening two or three of the boys, while out in the city, were in a store where they found a brace of secession- ists, who were very open in their expressions against the Government and its hirelings. No notice was taken of them or their conversation for some time, but it was continued so long that one of the boys became impatient, and turning around, he suddenly caught the man nearest him by the neck, and run him out of the place, vigorously applying his boot lest he might think it was only a joke. Before he was really sensible of the ignoininious situation in which he was placed, he found himself lying in the street, when his companion con- cluded it was prudent to retire, and slunk out. Our boys waited some time, but they did not come back to wreak their vengeance on " Lincoln's hirelings."
A grand ball was held on the evening of Monday, the 24th, in the city, at which were present the Mayor and Common Council, General Dix, and many distinguished people. By request, one of the events of the evening was an exhibition of the bayonet exercise by a detail from the Zouaves.
The detachment from the Fifth sent to Fort Marshall under command of Lieut .- Colonel Duryea, who was a very severe disciplinarian, was kept constantly at fatigue duty or on drill.
On Friday, March 7th, the whole regiment was called out in compliance with the following General Order :
145
Life at Baltimore.
HEADQUARTERS, DIVISION, BALTIMORE, Md., March 5, 1862.
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 6.
I. The several regiments and commands of this division in the vicinity of Baltimore, except those guarding the railroads, will be paraded at Fort McHenry at 12} o'clock P.M., on Friday, the 7th inst., for the purpose of witnessing the execution of Private Joseph Kuhns, 2d Maryland Volunteers, who was found guilty and sentenced to be hung by the neck until he be dead, by a general court-martial, for the capital crime of shooting to death, without provocation, his superior officer, Second Lieutenant J. Davis Whitson, 2d Maryland Volunteers.
By command of Major-General Dix.
Official : WILSON BARSTOW, Aide-de-camp.
D. T. VAN BUREN, Assistant Adjutant-General.
The detachment at Fort Marshall, excepting the camp guard, returned in heavy marching order to Federal Hill, and then the regiment marched to Fort McHenry, where was assembled the whole of General Dix's command. The troops were drawn up in a hollow square, in the center of which stood a gallows. In a few moments a man walked up briskly and mounted the scaffold, and stood for five min- utes with a rope around his neck, apparently unmoved, be- fore he was launched into eternity. He was a private be- longing to the 2d Maryland Regiment. To avenge a grievous wrong that had been done to himself, and to one who was dear to him, he had sworn vengeance against a Lieutenant of the company to which he belonged. Accordingly, one evening when his regiment was drawn up on parade, he stepped out of the ranks, leveled his musket, and deliberately shooting the officer, who fell dead on the spot, he threw down his piece and gave himself up, with the remark that he was satisfied.
7
146
Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
It was necessary, for the sake of military discipline, and as an example to others, that he should die.
After the regiment returned to Federal Hill it was obliged to supplement the execution with other disagreeable duty in the cases of several of its own members. After being drawn up in line, six men who had been lying in irons in the guard- house for several months, were marched before them, having one side of their heads shaved, dressed in the most ragged and wretched suits of citizens' dress that could be obtained. It was a painful and degrading sight. Their heads hung down like felons, with the guard behind and before at charge and reversed bayonets respectively, and drum and fife play- ing the " Rogue's March." But this was not all ; some of them were to be sent to the Washington Penitentiary to serve out terms varying from six to twelve months, and one of them to the Dry Tortugas. They also forfeited all pay and allowances due, or that would become due, to them. Several others were waiting similar penalties, who had been lying in irons for several months. These unfortunate men had violated the military laws so often, proved so incorrigible, that it became necessary to inflict the severest punishment known to the service.
Just after dinner, on Sunday, the 9th of March, there was great activity in the fort ; men were ordered to fall in with spades and picks, and were put at work strengthening the fort on the water-side ; others were drilling at the heavy guns and the ammunition was inspected. Information had reached head quarters that the Confederate ram Merrimac had run the blockade, in which event it was expected that the first place she would visit would be the flourishing city of Baltimore. At Fort Marshall the men worked all night strengthering the banks and shifting all the heaviest guns from the land-side to the water-fronts of the fort. It was laborious work, the guns weighing four or five tons each ; ammunition was arriving all night, and the next day details
-
147
Life at Baltimore.
were employed in filling shell, and oiling the wheels and screw-levers of the guns and carriages. The men were as- signed their posts of duty, to which they were to repair at the first aların-roll of the drum ; and Company K, from Fed- eral Hill, and several companies of the 17th Massachusetts Regiment, were sent in as reinforcements. All kinds of rumors were afloat-one to the effect that General Banks had been defeated and the enemy were marching on Balti- more. It appeared certain, in any event, that something important had occurred, and all were rejoiced when the news came that the " Cheese-box" had defeated the Mer- rimac. But, on the other hand, they were disappointed when it was realized that they were not to try their guns on the enemy.
On Tuesday, the 25th, the regiment was reviewed by Gen- eral A. Duryee, at his request, and he took leave of it, his brigade having been ordered to Washington. A Baltimore journal of the 25th, announced the event as follows :
"About Ir o'clock this morning a large concourse of people assembled on Broadway near Baltimore Street, on what is known as ' Fairmount Hill,' to witness a dress parade of the 5th New York Regiment, Colonel Warren (Duryee's Zouaves). A hollow square was formed of pickets, when the regiment proceeded to exe- vute their peculiarly beautiful drill, which was gone through with in most creditable manner. The bayonet exercise elicited the warm -. rt applause from the spectators, and was certainly as near perfec- ton as it can well be brought. The regiment has been stationed !. r several months at Federal Hill, and by their constant drill practice, have obtained the reputation of being the best drilled fragment in the service, which they certainly merit. The evolu- ''is in double-quick time this morning attracted great attention, ·l whilst it was very exciting, it was novel and interesting. A " force of police was on hand, who kept down all excitement ' icalty."
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.