USA > New York > Camp and field life of the Fifth New York volunteer infantry. (Duryee zouaves.) > Part 7
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
4*
S2
Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
Bethel ; after which the squad gave three hearty cheers by order of their Colonel, and went to work like good fellows. Colonel Duryée's regiment are, without exception, the best set of fighting men stationed hereabouts.
The notes made in the author's journal, for a short period, will give the reader a pretty accurate view of our experi- ences and expectation while at Camp Hamilton. They are as follows :
Sunday, June 23 .- There is a rumor that the regiment will be ordered to Washington, but little faith is placed in it. Several men were sworn into the service yesterday, but there were eight who refused, having had enough of soldier- ing during the few days they were here. Such fellows are not wanted in the Fifth, and the sooner all that kind forsake us, the better will it be for us and them.
The Home Defense Committee have sent two hundred rifles, and it is said all the regiment are to be supplied with them.
At a meeting of officers, the Fifth was assigned to the right of the brigade, Colonel Townsend's 3d New York next in line.
Last night was magnificent-just such as a soldier loves. The moon was full, and it was almost as light as day. Per- fect silence prevailed ; in fact, so still was it, that one could hear the sentinels tread at a distance of four hundred feet, and the cry of "All is well," on the vessels of the fleet, lying two miles away. It was the time for the sentry pacing his lonely beat, to commune with his own soul, to think of home and friends, and all that were dear to him, or perhaps longing that some favorite and loved one could be by his side. And yet to so many these were the enchanted dreams of the absent, none of whom he ever saw again. Such a night -- to many a true and reverent hero was the time when he could look up to the placid moon and the radiant stars, and have his soul filled with glorious and holy thoughts of
83
Life at Camp Hamilton.
the world beyond, where the conflict of earth would at length be ended, and he should wear the conqueror's crown forever.
Thursday, June 27 .- Regiment has been on picket about two miles from camp, in the woods, the reserve being sta- tioned on a road. They constructed beautiful little huts with rails from the fences, and small trees and boughs, which formed very picturesque residences, and were hardly distinguishable from the forest surroundings. The round extended about one and a half miles in a thick forest of pine and oak. All was quiet except the different notes of the winged songsters, or the dropping of some small twig, which was duly noticed, the possibility that some lurking enemy might be near com- pelling constant vigilance. Above our embowered huts, rose the giant pines, some of them eighty or ninety feet in height. The men were on post four hours, and eight off.
When night came on it was somewhat dreary, but relieved by the mosquitoes, which were truly formidable. They swarmed in black clouds everywhere, and one of the boys that missed his fez cap in the morning, swore that the mosquitoes had taken it off, so that they could have more room to bite.
Friday, June 28 .- Last night another of our Virginia tor- rents visited the camp, and flooded all the tents as usual, in some places the water being a foot deep.
Sunday, June 30 .- A damp, disagreeable day ; regiment again on picket duty ; and Private Rouse, of Company G, accidentally shot himself through the hand. We lead a very active life, as we have done ever since the regiment was first organized, and have little time to ourselves. It is com- puny, regimental, or brigade drills, inspections, dress parades, reviews, ditching, policeing camp, picket and camp guard. B. ile these activities, which keep our blood from stagnat- ing, we have some howitzers and a brass piece, which we have been taught to handle, to which must be added the
84
Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
washing and mending of our clothes, and keeping our arms and equipments free from rust and tarnish. All these duties leave little time to play, but it is schooling a body of hardy, reliable, well-informed men, the stuff that veterans are made of, into what will be the best-drilled and most perfectly dis- ciplined volunteer corps in the service.
It is astonishing how so many men can live in such a small space. The tents are about eight by ten feet ; yet in these eight or nine men sleep, in addition to the stowing of knap- sacks, haversacks, canteens, and accoutrements, with accom- modations for an occasional visitor. Two Companies, I and E, have been presented with Sharp's rifles and sabre bayonet, but they will be obliged to do most of the skirmishing. Yesterday the regiment was inspected by a United States officer, and mustered in for two months' pay.
Wednesday, July 3. - All quiet, and we see and hear nothing of the enemy ; details of men are building batteries beyond Hampton, and near the Ladies' Seminary on the banks of James River. To-day another regiment left for Newport News, leaving only four here, beside the garrison at the fort. To-morrow being the anniversary of our Inde- pendence, we would like to have a holiday, but there is no such thing in the code ; in fact, we would hardly know when Sunday comes around, were it not from the inspection in the forenoon instead of a drill, and a dose of the Articles of War, which are read with due solemnity. The officers are more exacting every day, and the discipline is getting the men down to a " fine point."
1
Last night a large comet was in view. Toward morning it stretched half way over the heavens. The mnen hope it is a harbinger of success to our cause. Just as the Sergeants were calling the roll, a bright light was seen on the bay, which proved to be the illumination from the steamboat Cataline, which was burned to the water's edge.
A little incident will serve to show the dry humor of the
:
85
Life at Camp Hamilton.
Adjutant, from which may also be inferred some of the rea- sons why he is so well liked by the men. On an extremely warm day, the mercury being above the nineties, and the sun's rays fiercely hot, the writer was guarding some prisoners who were clearing up the ground about the Adjutant's quarters. Suddenly he heard a manly voice call out, " Young man, with auburn hair ! come hither !" My head-gear not answering that description, I naturally looked at the prison- ers to see if any of them had auburn hair, but not being able to discover any one, I turned in the direction whence the voice came, and saw the giant form of the Adjutant standing at the doorway of his tent. He was looking directly at me, and also motioning with his hand; seeing that he had at- tracted my attention, he gave the order, "Shoulder arms ! March !" which I did, wondering what it all meant. " Right oblique ! Halt !" and I found myself under the grateful shade of a large tree. Now, sentry," said he, "your orders are to stay under that tree, and watch these prisoners, and mind you that my orders are strictly obeyed," and imme- diately vanished into his tent.
Thursday, July 4 .- Reveille just before sunrise, and a sa- lute of thirty-four guns from the brass pieces in honor of the day. Three bunches of fire-crackers were set off, with all due ceremony, by one of the men. Being Independence Day, the powers that be had the independence to order the regiment out on picket, and they went. The men were called up every fifteen minutes after midnight, an attack being ex- pected. They fell in with their rifles, the roll was called, when they turned in again, being consequently cheated out of their sleep, which occasioned some quiet grumbling.
Friday, July 5 .- This morning we were relieved front ticket duty and marched back to camp. In the afternoon the whole brigade, including Col. Baker's California regiment, which arrived yesterday, was reviewed by Secretary of War Cameron, Adj't-Gen. Thomas, and Gen. Butler and staff.
86
Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
Professor Bartlett, of West Point, father of Capt. Bartlett, of Co. I, 5th New York, was present.
On returning to camp, it was nightfall, and the postponed celebration of the Fourth commenced with an illumination of the company streets, by placing bits of candles and pine- knots in the trees transplanted from the woods and set out in front of the tents. This made it look like a fairy scene. And now and then the distant shouts of the men-for the camp extends about 500 feet-announced that everybody was participating in the enjoyment except the solitary senti- nels, who were pacing their lonely beats. On the color-line a fine display of fireworks, contributed by the munificence of the officers, fizzed away for an hour and added to the ef- fect of the scene. At the head of each company street, im- mense bonfires were built, around which the "red devils" danced, sung, and yelled like so many Comanche Indians, and in their red breeches, looked, in fact, like so many red devils in Pandemonium. But it was all the exuberance of pure animal spirit, for not a drop of liquor was tasted, nor could it be had if desired. The different companies vied with each other in getting up the greatest and tallest blaze, and the most indefatigable exertions were made in the way of supplying fuel to attain this object. The palin of victory was finally awarded to Company G, many members of which were of the New York Volunteer Fire Department, who thus showed that they knew how to make " a big blaze," as well as to put one out. The scene defies description ; the victors were joined by men from other companies in their dance of triumph around the huge burning pile, and such was the wild enthusiasm that if any of the celebrated Indian chiefs, from Osceola to the famous Sitting Bull himself, had been present, they would have dropped their dignity and joined in the excitement. It was a scene long to be remembered by those who shared in the festivities. Taps were delayed one hour, in order that the men might prolong their. enjoyment.
,
87
Life at Camp Hamilton.
Later in the night the officers had their own carnival. Three of the largest tents in camp were joined together, to form one marquee, in which were assembled the officers of the regiment, at the invitation of Col. Duryee, and as in- vited guests, Col. Townsend, of the 3d New York, and others. Speeches and toasts were in order, and Col. Duryée, Adjt. Hamblin, Capt. Hull, and other orators were heard from. Capts. Catlin, Cooper, and Smith, of the Third, made humorous and patriotic speeches. The music, which was supplied by the band of the 3d New York, added to the pleasure of the occasion. A bountiful collation was pro- vided, and the festivities were prolonged until near morning. It lacked only one feature that would have completed the charm of the occasion-the presence of some of the far-dis- tant women who were dreaming of us at home.
Saturday, July 20 .- The Mechanics' and Traders' Fire In- surance Company have presented to Capt. Denike, of Co. G, $100, to be distributed among the men of his company, or for the purchase of any articles they might desire. A number of the men are obtaining their discharges on ac- count of sickness, wounds, etc., camp life beginning to tell already, even on comparatively strong constitutions. Capt. Kilpatrick arrived to-day with a hundred new recruits, who look like a good body of men, although pale and sickly, alongside of those who are bronzed by service and ex- posure. The ladies of New York have kindly sent a supply of Havelocks for the whole regiment, which reminds the men that, although far away, they are not forgotten by the fair ones at home.
. Col. Duryee, being Acting Brigadier and in command of this camp, the duty of drilling the battalion has devolved upon Lieut .- Col. Warren, who handles the regiment in a scientific manner. In field maneuvers the inen are taught mnovements and tactics they never dreamed of before, and were never performed by the militia at home. He is very
88
Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
rigid with the officers, and requires them to know their duties thoroughly, and make no mistakes. The non-com- missioned officers are also obliged to learn a lesson every day, and appear before Capt. Kilpatrick and recite it.
The regiment was reviewed on Monday by Mr. Russell, the famous war correspondent of the London Times. The regiment has received a beautiful stand of colors, which was the gift of some admiring ladies of New York. The follow- ing account is from one of the New York journals :
PRESENTATION OF A STAND OF COLORS TO COLONEL DURYÉE'S ZOUAVES.
"A beautiful stand of colors was presented on Tuesday, July 16, 1861, at Clinton Hall, to the Fifth Regiment, New York State Volunteers, commonly known as Col. Duryée's Zouaves.
·
-
"The Colonel being now stationed at Fortress Monroe, the flag was received by about 100 Zouaves recently recruited, who are about to join the regiment, and will have the distinction of present- ing it to their commanding officer. The flag is a very handsome American ensign, of the regulation size and pattern, but distin- guished by a scroll over the stars bearing the inscription, 'Above us or around us.' In lieu of the ordinary spear or eagle, the staff was surmounted with a fez surrounded by two folds of a turban (the regular head-dress of the Zouave), the latter in silver. The streamers (red and blue) were also inscribed with characteristic mottoes-the one, 'Fidele a Poutrance'-the other, from the song of the Zouave, 'Ils possedent une baguette magique.' The white streamer bore the inscription, ' Presented to the Fifth Regiment, New York State Volunteers, through Company H, July 16, 1861.' The flag was presented on the part of the ladies by Mr. Pyne, who alluded in a short address to the outrages our flag had sustained in the Southern seceding States, and the possibility that it might be the privilege of the Zouaves to redress them. Capt. Kilpatrick received the flag on the part of Company H. and subsequently presented it to Major Davies, as the represen- tative of the regiment. 'The Star Spangled Banner' was then performed by the band, and the flag marched out into Astor
1
89
Life at Camp Hamilton.
Piace, where the company awaited the appearance of the ladies, and lowered the flag as they passed, by way of salute."
It is comparatively quiet in camp, but the men are not idle, being kept constantly employed at something when not on picket, camp guard, or drilling. They have much im- proved the appearance and comfort of the camp ; have dug down the spaces between the rows of tents, or company streets, to about a foot in depth, and rounded and graded them off, cutting ditches on each side, which leave the tents on an elevation, so that when the heavy rains occur, they are not flooded as formerly. The company streets are kept scrupulously clean, it being one of the first duties in the morning for a detail of men to sweep them thoroughly, with broonis improvised from branches of trees. Capt. Denike is sick. The men hope that he will not be obliged to leave them, as he is one of the most patriotic officers in the regi- ment. The men lately have had some furious night skir- mishes, and lost much blood, not, however, in fighting a human enemy, but (what is worse) in combating mosquitoes. It was reported the other night that they had carried off one of the men on guard, as he was not found for some time aft- erward. A search was made for him, expecting to find his bones clean picked, and his fez cap which they wanted to Send home as a memento to his mother ; but the lost was found at last, with his head in his haversack and a tremend- ous branch of a tree in each hand, belaying right and left, as if he was thrashing wheat.
Tuesday, July 23 .-- An important movement, which was expected to have been made by all the troops here, has been prevented by the news of the disastrous battle of Bull Run.
Thursday, July 25 .- The regiment ordered to be ready to tv we in heavy marching order, and the men all very anxious to know their destination, with all kinds of rumors floating about camp. But this uncertainty was solved by the orders
90
Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
on the 26th to march to the Government wharf at Fortress Monroe, and embark on board of the steamer Adelaide for Baltimore, which was accomplished by 11. 30 P.M.
Thus ended the first campaign of the Fifth in Virginia.
To sum up : If their sojourn there has not resulted in any brilliant success of arms to the Union cause, it has been of vast benefit in hardening, disciplining, and bringing the regi- ment up to such an efficient standard as to fit it eventually for greater and sterner trials.
:
CHAPTER VI.
LIFE AT BALTIMORE.
ARRIVAL AT BALTIMORE-CAMP AT FEDERAL HILL-ZOUAVES AT LARGE-PENAL- TIES FOR PASTIMES-MAKING A CAMP-VISITORS-A BALTIMORE JOURNAL SPEAKS-RUNNING GUARD-JOE KNOTT-CHANGES IN THE REGIMENT-A RE- VOLT SUBDUED-THE GUARD-HOUSE AND ITS ADVENTURES-AN ILLUMINA- TION-A CHARGE-FORT-BUILDING-REBEL RECRUITS DISAPPOINTED -- OUR BATHING GROUND-THE BATTLE AT THE PUMP-CAMP BALLADS OF THE FIFTH -COLONEL DURYEE PROMOTED-AN UNSUCCESSFUL TRIP-CHANGES IN THE REGIMENT-PROGRESS OF THE FORT-HOW THE DAYS WERE SPENT-CAPTAIN HAMBLIN'S DEPARTURE-REGIMENTAL DOGS-A LOYAL NEWFOUNDLAND- ZOUAVE SONG BY A DRUMMER BOY-MAGGIE MITCHEL-BLOWING OUT THE LIGHTS-A DRUM-MAJOR'S JOKE-AN EXPEDITION-BUILDING THE BARRACKS -THANKSGIVING DAY-AN ELOPEMENT.
WE arrived at Baltimore about 4 o'clock in the afternoon of Saturday, the 27th day of July, after a very pleasant sail up Chesapeake Bay, without anything of note occurring on the trip.
We marched through the streets under the wondering gaze of the citizens. It was evidently a novel sight, for the uni- forms of the men were unlike anything they had ever before seen, and were stained and torn, from their previous camp life and service in the field. The regiment finally halted on Federal Hill, a commanding position within the suburbs of the city, and near the harbor around which the city is built. It completely commanded the city and vicinity, while the country beyond could be seen for a great distance, and the Peninsula on which Fort McHenry raises its time-honored walls was in plain sight. We could well understand from our position the emotions of the author of the "Star Span- gled Banner," when he saw the old flag floating from its walls. after the fearful bombardment of the preceding night.
In fact, with artillery posted here, Baltimore itself could be laid in ashes, should occasion require it. It is almost
(91)
De easily defended by a body of determined men.
On the second day after our arrival, four comp ordered to march to the New York and Philadel to quell a riot. The mob dispersed before they the ground, having been informed of their approa
The men were immediately employed in gett thing in order about the camp. It was at first that we should make a halt of only a few days, and ceed to Washington and report to General McCle we were disappointed, for when the Colonel r General Dix, who had command of the distri ordered to encamp the regiment at this place,a until further orders ; and, from all that was appare looked as if we should remain for some time. T was extremely warm ; there were neither trees no shelter from the burning rays of the sun, except protection of the tents. We felt it oppressive times a refreshing sea breeze afforded great reli were given occasionally, so that men could vis but only for two hours; and the men looked some of their uniforms being almost worthless, ashamed to make their appearance in a civilized c
The first night of our arrival some of the men the city, before a guard could be established. not' only anxious to see the city itself, but to h unbending from the seclusion and rigidity of Some of them soon found they were in " secesh and made themselves masters of the situation. ] not allow anybody to walk on the sidewalks ex selves. The citizens either had to turn back, tal dle of the street, or be knocked down, and they ( one or two bar-rooms kept by bitter secession of them got into a famous secession hotel, mount and gave vent to his Union sentiments in a sp
93
Life at Baltimore.
wondered he was not shot. Some came back in the morn- ing and were put in the guard-house ; others stayed away for two or three days, were arrested, put in the guard-house, broke out again, and were away, and for a few days the camp was greatly demoralized ; but soon all was quiet again, and the men were kept as close as if they were pris- oners of war. Some were employed at hard labor, digging and making streets in the hot sun, and some of the most refractory were tied up for eight hours at a time, bound hand and foot, and suffered various punishments.
In a short time the regiment completed a fine-looking camp. At the head of each company street, they worked out of sod and clay of different colors the Goddess of Liberty, spread eagles, flags, etc., which had a very fine effect, and were much admired by the many visitors who daily came to in- spect our camp. Our evening parades were usually witness- ed by large numbers of citizens. One of the Baltimore pa- pers spoke as follows :
" THE EVENING PARADE OF THE DURYÉE ZOUAVES .- There were not less than 2,000 ladies and gentlemen present on Satur- day afternoon to witness the usual parade and drill of Colonel Duryée's Zouave regiment. The regiment drilled on Warren and other streets, and judging from the movements of the soldiers, they have paid strict attention to the lessons given them by their instructors. The drilling, as far as we could judge, was equal, if not superior, to any regiment which has pitched their tents near the city. The drilling for quelling riots was superb, and woe be to the seceshers, if they dare attempt another Pratt Street affair. Col. Duryee may well be proud of his gallant boys.
" In a few days the soldiers will be supplied with new uniforms, and it would be a great treat for our citizens to see the Zoo-Zoos making a full-dress parade through our streets. The masses then could see if we have been right or wrong in our conjectures con- cerning the efficiency of the Zouaves.
" We noticed, on Saturday last, that the Chaplain of the regi- ment, Rev. Dr. Winslow, was riding a splendid charger. We
94
Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
were informed that the animal was captured by four of the Zouaves while at Fortress Monroe. The Zouaves had been out on a private scout, and observing a rebel Captain seated upon the charger, the Zoo-Zoos surrounded him and made prisoners of both." .
The Zouaves soon became great favorites with the ladies, who found that the majority could conduct themselves with as much propriety as other gentlemen, anywhere ; and it was a common sight to see a well-dressed lady escorted through the camp by a Zouave, and conversing as if they had been old acquaintances.
It was a common remark, that every woman who came into camp was perfectly beautiful ; but whether or no this be true, they must have appeared to be, for after seeing noth- ing but " colored ladies " for two months, the contrast was the more apparent. The officers were also becoming great fa- vorites, and their acquaintance was rapidly extended among the best society in the city.
Whatever may have been the cause, a few weeks served to develop a great deal of dissatisfaction in the regiment. The discipline was rigid in camp, while outside of it lay a great city, with all its attractions and temptations, and the young men were free from the restraining presence of par- ents or relatives, or any one whose influence would be sen- sibly recognized, and it need not be a matter of surprise that some among them could not resist the opportunity to mingle in the social life of the city, even though they run the guard, or set anthority at defiance. They liked the excitement, and the greater the risk, the greater became the incentive to outwit the guard and its officers. Sometimes men went out in a blinding storm of rain, and came in again, running the equal risk of capture in getting in as of going out, just for the ad- venture. The officers exercised all their ingenuity to keep the men within the lines, but notwithstanding a strong guard of one hundred men, on duty night and day, besides the
95
Life at Baltimore.
provost guard, who patrolled the city, perhaps thirty or forty men would steal out at night after taps, and slip into camp again in the morning before reveille. By this course, as they did not miss a roll call, they escaped punishment, and no- body was the wiser. But the number of habitual guard-run- ners was comparatively few, compared to the whole number of men in the regiment. Of course all did not succeed with- out detection, and when any were discovered and arrested, their punishment was not light. Even the risk of being shot as a penalty did not seem to deter any of them when they had decided to go. The officers endeavored to discover where the weak places were by disguising themselves as pri- vates ; but the plan failed, for they were received with the most energetic and decisive challenge, by the innocent sen- tries. They hid themselves and watched from obscure and dark places, but they sawv no one prowling about, made no captures, were not enlightened, and were left at their wits' ends.
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.