USA > New York > Camp and field life of the Fifth New York volunteer infantry. (Duryee zouaves.) > Part 9
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
One morning a party of laborers were refused admittance into camp because they were said to be of secessionist pro-
IIO
Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
clivities. They hailed from a section in the Eighth Ward, called "Limerick," which was thoroughly rebel in spirit. On August 31st the few laborers employed at the fort, after they left for their homes in the evening, had a lively encounter with another party, just outside of the works. It was Secessionist and Unionist, but no one was seriously hurt.
The Fifth was compelled to suffer a personal loss in the early part of September by the promotion of its commander to a higher duty. On the roth we learned that Col. Abram Duryée, after whom this regiment was named, had been appointed a Brigadier-General of Volunteers. He therefore ceased his immediate connection with the regiment which he organized, and did so much to exalt in its efficiency, drill, and discipline. The country owes him a debt of gratitude for organizing in its service a body of men who rendered such service to the country during the war. He had the satisfaction of knowing that he could leave it without any anxiety as to its future career ; for, under the leadership and training of the well-known and accomplished officer of the regular army who succeeded him in command, and to whom he was so greatly indebted for the discipline and drill of the regiment, its good name already acquired could not be lost. It must ever be a source of proud satisfaction for him to re- member that Duryee's Zouaves were known throughout the Army of the Potomac as the best drilled volunteer regiment in the service ; and for efficiency and discipline, was equaled by few and excelled by none.
On Tuesday, the 10th, Capt. Partridge, of Company A, two Sergeants, two Corporals, one drummer, and thirty pri- vates were detailed to go to Rock Hall Landing, on board the steamer Pioneer, to arrest a company of secessionists, who were supposed to be drilling there, making an old school-house their place of rendezvous. The pilot, on ac- count of some misunderstanding, carried thein about fifteen
III
Life at Baltimore.
miles from the place, and those having charge of the boat gave them no reliable information. The Captain ordered the boat to be stopped, arrested the crew, and then dropped anchor and had the fires put out. At half-past four the next morning, the engineer and firemen were released and ordered to get up steam, which was done, and at half-past five the boat was on the way to Baltimore, where it arrived at 10 A.M., and the party returned to camp.
Lieut .- Col. Warren was appointed Colonel of the Fifth on Sept. 11, 1861, and also Captain in the corps of U. S. Engi- neers ; Capt. Denike, of Company G, resigned on the 6th. He was absent on furlough in New York, while all the re- cent changes and resignations of the officers were taking place, and being senior Captain, was entitled to either the Lieut. - Colonelcy or Majorship, which were both vacant. But in the reorganization two younger officers stepped into the vacancies. It was a new illustration of the old saying that " all is fair in war." The men of Company G were sorry to lose their Captain, who had proved himself to be their friend, a brave and good officer, and a Christian. Cap- tain Denike was presented with a handsome sword, which cost Sroo, by the members of his former command, the presentation b ing made by a committee of six of the men.
Lient. York was tendered, and accepted, an appointment as Captain in the regular infantry.
Captain Jacob Duryée, of Company G, son of our late Colonel, now General, was appointed Lieut .- Colonel of the ed Maryland regiment, recruited in Baltimore. By this ap- pointment we lost another brave officer.
The regiment having received new uniforms, made a grand parade through the city on the 15th of September, and were received with much enthusiasm.
As a contrast to the promotions and compliments of this month, we were compelled on the 18th to witness the dis- honor of the flag by the dismissal of two of our men. The
112
Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
regiment was drawn up in line, and the culprits were drummed out of camp. One of them, James Nixon, was hung in the Tombs, New York city, a few years after the war, for shooting down a stevedore in Chatham Square in broad daylight.
From the memoranda made under date of October 10th, etc., the author copies a brief description of the fort as it stood at that date :
" The hill on which it is built is a very admirable site for a fortification. When standing on the parapet the visitor can have but one opinion as to its commanding position ; and in the event of an attack, it could resist any force brought against it. It is an immense square fortification, occupying about two-thirds of the highest part of the hill, the space inside of the embankments being nearly four acres in extent. The earthworks would be half a mile in length if extended in a single line, thus affording shelter for a large body of men, who could keep up a fearful fire of musketry in perfect security, while the columbiads and other siege guns, stationed at regular distances in the bastions and along the curtain, were admirably planted for dealing out death and destruction. The breastworks were splendid specimens of engineering art, averaging, at least, fifteen feet through at the base, and sloping upward to about six feet across at the top. The height of these formidable banks is about nine feet at the highest point of the hill, running out on a water- level to the lower side, where it varies from fifteen to eight- een feet. They are not loosely thrown up, for every shovelful of clay which fornis the mass was beaten down compactly with heavy paviors' pounders, and the outer sides are shaved off as smooth as a parlor wall. In addition to these is a ditch in front of the bank about eight feet deep, making, at the most exposed points, an escalade of at least twenty feet for a storming party to ascend.
" There are three large bastions, the guns of which com-
.
I13
Life at Baltimore.
mand the river above and below, and every part of the city beyond ; and as they throw eight-inch shot or shell, it is not difficult to imagine the havoc they will make if ever they are called into use. A lunette commands the approaches from the land side. The fort is entered upon its south-west face by a bridge and a huge gate, and the entrance is protected by a ditch. Within the fort is a well eighty feet deep, supplying excellent water in abundance."
An abstract from the author's journal will serve to show how the time was employed at this period :
" Reveille at 6 A.M .; directly after, roll call, when every one must be present and answer in person ; if not, he is reported absent and unaccounted for, and subject to punishment ; then ' Policeing Quarters,' which means to sweep out the tents, pick up the waste and rubbish lying about camp, even to the minutest bit of paper, and put everything in complete order.
" Breakfast call at 6.15, when the men fall in and repair in single file to the respective company cooks, who are enlisted men detailed from the regiment. A tin pint cup of coffee is served with no milk, with a piece of very fat pork or bacon to each man, which is thankfully received if it hap- pens to be of good size. Then they repair to their respect- ive tents, the cup and plate being private property (but the latter he rarely has), and sits down on the ground and dis- cusses his meal.
"Sick call at 6.30, when all who are indisposed, their names having previously been entered by the Orderly Ser- Crant of each company in a book prepared for the purpose, repair to the surgeon's quarters (in charge of a Sergeant), who examines each man as his name is called, marks oppo- sie his name the malady and the prescription, also a mark whether to attend duty or be excused. No Captain or I tentenant can excuse a man from duty, unless first passed upon by the surgeon.
114
Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
" Drill call at 8.30. When we assemble in company quarters, roll again called; then in charge of a commis- sioned officer, each company marches to some open fields about half a mile from camp, and go through the various evolutions, until 11.30, when the recall is sounded on the bugle.
" Dinner call at noon, when the roll is again called. This meal consists, without variation, day after day, of either boiled cabbage, or pork, bean soup, beef stew, and a small loaf of bread ; the latter must last for three meals or go without. At 2.30 P.M., again fall in and roll called. Knap- sack drill in the same place as the morning's drill, but it is a 'battalion' instead of company drill. Are formed into line of battle, charge over fences, etc, which generally re- sults in some lofty tumbling and miscellaneous scratches, forin squares, and march by either front-forin column by division-drill in double-quick time, etc. At 4 o'clock or later, return to camp. Sometimes instead of the latter drill, we are formed in line on the parade-ground inside the fort. The drum beats, and immediately each company, without further orders, repair at a double-quick to their places be- hind the intrenchments, go through the movements of load- ing and firing, aim, etc. At the order Charge, every man jumps upon the parapet, and rushes to the edge of it with a yell, his bayonet pointed downward, as if to thrust at an enemy trying to scale up the sides of the fort.
"At 5, or 4.30 P.M., as the days are short, are assembled and roll called, and marched out for dress parade, which takes place outside the fort, if the weather is propitious, and is witnessed by hundreds of citizens, many of whom come in their carriages. After this performance, we have supper, which consists of a cup of tea or coffee and a piece of bread off the loaf, given out at dinner-time. This diet is sometimes varied by a ration of rice and molasses, which is considered a rare treat. At 8 P.M., retreat, roll call ; 8.30,
FORT FEDERAL HILL
E
1
115
Life at Baltimore.
taps. ' Lights out,' cry the Orderly Sergeants, when every candle is extinguished except in the tents of the latter, and the quarters of the officers and guard. After this no talking or noise is allowed under heavy penalties. Thus closes the duties of the day, and silence reigns supreme, except the tread of the sentinel who is pacing his beat, or his sharp challenge, and the cry of 'Corporal of the Guard,' when perhaps he has caught some unlucky straggler trying to steal in or out of camp.
"Wednesday, October 16 .- Captain Hamblin, of Com- pany I, and his command have been on an expedition, about 50 miles from camp, and surprised a meeting of secession- ists, surrounding them and capturing 17 muskets and 40 cartridge-boxes, and thoroughly dispersing the rebels.
" Monday, November 4. -- The weather is now quite cold, and the sentinels exposed to it at night feel it keenly, notwith- standing their overcoats. We have had a very severe storm, the rain falling in torrents, and the wind blowing a fierce gale. It was impossible to drill, or rather, not necessary to expose the officers and men to such a storm, and conse- quently all not on necessary duty were housed in their tents most of the time for 30 hours, excepting at roll calls, meal times, and the never omitted evening parade, which was, however, in undress with overcoats.
" There are quite a number on the sick list and in the hospital with rheumatism, etc., while some have been dis- charged as unfit for further service. The citizens say that in winter Federal Hill is the coldest spot near Baltimore, and the men begin to think that 'public opinion' is quite correct on this point."
Captain Hamblin, the former Adjutant, and a great favor- ite with both officers and men, has accepted a commission as Major in the 65th New York Regiment, U. S. Chasseurs. All are very reluctant to part with him. He was a man of fine presence, standing about six feet four inches, with a
:
116
Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
voice like thunder ; and I can not better describe the effect he produces on an evening parade than by quoting an extract from the New York Times, written by an officer of this regiment, which is as follows :
"Captain Hamblin would be easily remembered in New York by all who witnessed our march down Broadway, if they were told that he was the tall and colossal officer who marched along at such a seven-league pace, his good-looking phiz all smiling and joyful. Captain Hamblin, 'The Adjutant,' as the boys still love to call him, is a feature in our regiment, and would be sorely missed. We felt bothered when we no longer had Col. Duryee, but if in an evil hour we should lose ' The Adjutant,' God help the regiment, say I. You remember the description given by Kate Rocket, in the old comedy, of her fiery, blustering father- I forget the exact words-but still I never could hear little Miss Gannon describe his coming on parade with a stiff military air, frowning down the line, and pretending not to hear the 'God bless his old heart,' without tears starting in my eyes; and I never yet was on parade when 'The Adjutant' came thundering along the line without thinking of the similarity. He's a treasure to us. I could keep on all day telling you about his ways, although I have scarcely ever said a word to him in all my life, but I have no space; besides, it is hardly fair, and so I stop by saying that he is one of the funniest men you ever saw. He has, for instance, a huge dog, about the size of a small rat, and his kennel is an empty box of David's ink, about as big as one of those boxes of honey one sees in New York, while over it is a fearful placard-' Beware of the Dog !'"
The men of the regiment subsequently made up the sum of $600, which was appropriated to buy a stallion, which was presented to Major Hamblin, as a substantial token of their regard.
In speaking of dogs, the writer before quoted from, says :
"There are a great number of dogs now belonging to the regiment, picked up at Hampton among the deserted houses in that unfortunate village. These dogs have a home in some
II7
Life at Baltimore.
company, but they seem to have each a separate duty to perform. One always mounts guard; another gets in front of the drum corps at dress parade ; there he squats gravely until the band has done playing ; then as the drums strike up, he barks away to the no small amusement of the visitors; and, as at the instant the drum stops, the evening gun fires, over he goes in a back somersault, somewhat astonished, and not exactly understanding what makes the noise. This fellow is also detailed to go with the patrol that leaves every morning and evening for the city for the military prisoners.
"Another, a large black Newfoundland, better known as Bounce, the property of Co. G, but claimed by Lieutenant Jacob Duryée, used to attend all parades of the regiment until the Lieutenant was promoted to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the 2d Maryland Regiment, when he was carried o'f. All hands of course supposed that Bounce had forgotten his old corps in the enjoyment of his newly-acquired promotion. Bu: fidelity in a dog is stronger than some people imagine, for the other day Bounce made his appearance on dress parade, as if nothing had happened, and I suppose he will remain a fixture-a regular Union dog-and an example to all would-be deserters.
"G. C."
Another canine who became a favorite attached himself to the regiment at Camp Hamilton. He was a little Scotch terrier, whom the boys named Jack. He took up his quarters at the guard tent, where he could constantly be seen on duty, following after the different reliefs. He would always return with them and remain until another relief was called out. The last that was seen of him was on the dock, the night the regiment embarked for Baltimore, having followed after his friends. The men felt the loss of Jack almost as much as that of a comrade, for he was a true type of a faith- ful friend.
Only one of the Captains (Winslow) who belonged to the regiment at its organization, now remained in that grade, and he was absent on a visit to New York, having accidentally
I18
Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
sent a pistol shot through his foot. Col. Warren was sick and confined to his quarters at times for two months, but had recovered, and was also absent on a short furlough. The regiment was reviewed and inspected by Gen. R. B. Marcy, father-in-law of Gen. George B. McClellan, and Inspector- General of the Army of the Potomac, and the following day we were mustered in for pay.
We could now boast of a very fine band, under the leader- ship of Mr. Wallace, of New York. It was made up of pro- fessional musicians, and some very fine amateurs, who were detailed temporarily from the ranks. The drum corps, how- ever, was our pride, and was under the charge of that veteran knight of the drum-sticks, John M. Smith,* who maintained strict discipline among his large corps, and took them to a distance every day and drilled them until their arnis ached. They were such masters of their art that on parade they were greeted with much applause. They made a splendid appear- ance, for they were a good-looking set of lads, and com- manded the admiration of all who saw them in their Zouave uniforms.
The following verses were written by one of our drummer- boys, which are worthy of preservation as one of the ballads of the time :
TO THE FIFTH NEW YORK ZOUAVES. BY ONE OF THE DRUM CORPS.
A regiment once left New York to gain themselves a name, Also to prove that they could fight and play the Yankee game. At old Fort Schuyler they began their duties with a will, And in a month they proved to all that they were some on drill.
CHORUS-Oh, Secessia, what's the use of funning,
Don't you see the red breeches, look at them coming ? On, Zouaves, on !
* Smith has been for years the Drum-Major of the 7th Regiment, and also of the Brooklyn 13th. One of his pupils (Jenks) acts in the same capacity for the 7ist ; and another (Strube) for the 22d Regiment ; Mckeever for a New Jersey Regiment.
119
Life at Baltimore.
To Fort Monroe by order sent, they quickly took their way, They left New York one pleasant night, arrived up there next day ;
When the rebels heard that they had come, it grieved them very sore,
For they never thought the " Red Devils " could land upon their shore.
Chorus.
They did their duty faithfully, and " easy " slept at night, Till one fine day they got " good news ; " it was to go and fight ; On, on to Bethel, was the cry, nor did they ever tire, Though on the double-quick they went to meet the rebel fire. Chorus.
The Fifth drawn up in line, stood motionless and still, They met the fire manfully, returned it with a will ; But orders soon awake them, for " Warren gave the word," And in advance, on double-quick, they went to meet the herd. Chorus.
Then next to Baltimore they went, another post to fill, And very soon threw up a fort high on Federal Hill ; They placed a flag-staff on their fort, aided by some " tars," And hoisted up their country's flag, the glorious Stripes and Stars. Chorus.
They on an expedition went, down to old Accomac, And very soon the rebels found the red boys on their track ; So they took and pulled their tent-pins up, for they couldn't see the fun,
And the Fifth got into Accomac, and the rebels into a run. Chorus.
They took some pretty trophies-cannon, muskets, swords, and shot,
Likewise some loaded shell, which the rebels had forgot ; They took good care nothing to spare, but everything to bag, And in Northampton County they took a rebel flag. Chorus.
The Fifth once made a grand parade through the streets of Baltimore,
And " Baltimoreans " said they never saw the like before ;
120
Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
Their arms shone bright as silver, their step was firm and true, While marching to the music of " Yankee Doodle Doo." Chorus.
The Fifth have got a Drum-Major, a gentleman of ease, He's a soldier, knows his business, believe me, if you please ; His pupils know his style, and obey him with a will, But if they neglect his orders, why, he gives them extra drill. Chorus.
The bully Zouave drum corps are some upon a stick, They understand their business, can go a double-quick; When they are on parade the girls look at them shy, And whisper to each other, How I'd like a " Drummer-boy." Chorus.
And now my ditty's ended, as you shall quickly see, And I've told you of the Fifth Zouaves, so happy and so free ; Three cheers for their brave officers, the noble sons of Mars, Who swear to live or die beneath the glorious Stripes and Stars. Chorus.
The drummer-boys, imitating their older companions, were continually hatching mischief and playing jokes. The band- master was a great admirer of Maggie Mitchell, the actress, who was a frequent visitor to the camp to witness the even- ing parades of the regiment, and as in duty bound, the offi- cers always showed her great attention. One night the band- master marched his band with the drummers out of the fort and into the city, finally halting them in front of the hotel of the actress, intending to give her an agreeable surprise by a serenade. The music was delightful, and the affair was a suc- cess, but he had arranged that the drummers were to carry torches in order that his musicians could read their notes, and that it might be seen by the actress to whom she was indebt- ed for this compliment. They, on the other hand, had ar- ranged that when a certain one of their number counted one, two, where the number three came in, out should go the lights. The band-master was in the midst of his most en- chanting piece, and he was performing his own part with the
----
121
Life at Baltimore.
rest, his soul full of music and happiness with the thought that he was delighting the ear of the actress be so much ad- mired. When one, two, puff, out went the lights, the music came to an abrupt termination, and the stillness was broken by three emphatic words not necessary to repeat, and his ears were saluted by the ringing laugh of the bewitching Maggie, who showed her appreciation of the joke by clapping her hands, and she probably enjoyed this episode which the niis- chievous drummer-boys had inserted in the performance, as much as she did the music.
It may not be out of place to chronicle one of the Drum- Major's practical jokes, perpetrated at the expense of a member of his own craft.
One day Adjutant Hamblin, Sergeant-Major Jack Collins, and himself, were dining together in the tent of the latter, when a knock was heard from without, on the tent pole. Smith called out : "Who is there ?" " Drum-Major of the 4th Michigan," was the answer. "Come in ! Drum-Major of the 4th Michigan ;" and he went in. Of course he was invited to be seated and take dinner. After the meal was over, the conversation turned on the mysteries of the art of drum- ming. Fourth Michigan said that he had heard that Smith was a professor of the art, and he had come over to see him, and hear a specimen of his accomplishments in that line. Smith told him that he was mistaken as to his being able to drum ; all he did was to walk ahead and flourish his stick ; he understood how to do that. " But," said he, " I can ap- preciate good drumming when I hear it, and if you have no objections I should be very much pleased to hear what you can do with the drum-sticks !" " All right," replied Michi- gan, and he took the drum that was handed him, and putting the strap over his shoulders, he struck a position for business and asked what it should be. Smith said, " Let us have the long roll !" not thinking of the consequences. And now, thoroughly interested, down came the sticks, and out came
6
122
Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
the well-known alarm rattle. At the first sound, ont rushed Smith, Hamblin, and Collins, leaving his astonished guest alone, and the startling conviction flashed on his mind that he was badly sold, and had committed a serious breach of military discipline. Some of the companies had jumped to arms, and the officer of the day rushed into the tent and caught the unhappy offender, " dead to rights," as the de- tectives say. He tried to explain, but it was of no use. He was sent to the guard-house. Smith was brought before the Colonel, and for some time matters looked serious. But it passed over, and after some time spent in durance, the mu- sical interviewer from Michigan was released, and departed for his camp, thankful that he was not to be court-martialed and shot.
On Tuesday, the 12th of November, six companies of the regiment, under the command of Colonel Warren, left on an expedition to the eastern shore of Virginia. They took bag- gage-wagons with them. It was understood that some five thousand men were under orders for this service, and there was much disappointment among those who were left to guard the fort.
The carpenters, with the assistance of men of that trade detailed from the regiment, commenced work on the bar- racks. In the meantime, the men built large camp-fires to keep themselves warm, and around these they congregated when off duty, to talk and sing songs. Guard duty returned every four days while the other companies were away, and we had the usual drill the other three days. The fort was under the command of Major Hull, who kept the battalion under the usual discipline. Large quantities of cannon-balls were received, and they grew into regulation pyramids ready for use. There was no limit, apparently, to the number.
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.