USA > New York > Camp fires of the Twenty-Third: sketches of the camp life, marches, and battles of the Twenty-Third Regiment, N. Y. V. Added to these are statistics of enlistments and all valuable information connected with the regiment > Part 2
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" Therefore. permit me simply, but heartily, in behalf of this com- mind. to thank you, and those whom you represent, for this beautiful st ind of colors. We accept them with all the obligations which they convey. The one on the left-our regimental color-we shall claim as ours. It shall be ours. bearing our number and our name. We shall endeavor to return them to our friends in Elmira and vicinity. It may he tarnished (probably will), but if not with dishonor and disgrace, then we will have paid you for that. The one on the right is the nation's-one in which every American citizen has an interest-it be- langs to us all. It is simply intrusted to our keeping for the time. If we can be instrumental, and do our full duty toward securing for it that proud destiny which was once wished for it by him who was once one of our distinguished senators. but who is now our most distinguished Sr. Jeff. Davis. viz .. that it might . forever float as free as the wind which unfuris it. then we will have repaid you for that. I again thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for this beautiful testimonial of your kindness and confidence."
On the 21st of July the hoarse thunder of battle doated to us from the plains and mountains of Bull Ran. It fired and quickened the young and ardent blood, and many longed to measure strength with the foe. Messengers from the field said the victory was ours, and at dress-parade nine hearty cheers went up for victory and the "old flag."
Night, however, brought the truth, and the gloomy and stormy morrow verified it. The reaction from exultation to despondency was complete. That stormy day was emblematical. But through this dark cloud we could yet see hope. The great tide of that bafiled army flowing back upon Washington found its ebb and began to return to its position. We crossed the Potomac into Virginia on the 23d of July, and'camped at Fort Runyon.
Fascina d ' Die tilen
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It was densely dark, black, we remember it well, that night at Fort Runyon. The moon lent not a sin- gle ray, and heavy threatening clouds shut out the stars. We could touch the darkness almost, it was so dense. All had been quiet for the evening, and for half the night a befitting silence. The pickets were two miles out. Sleep held the camp-nothing but the slow and measured tread of the sentinel could be heard. Suddenly, however, the quick, sharp ring of a rifle rang out upon the night air -- another followed, and another, and in rapid succession all along the front. The long roll was immediately sounded, and that soldier must be deaf indeed who was not imme- diately aroused.
Now for it-the enemy said to be close at hand- our first surprise, and everything in confusion. Guns and accouterment to look after, swords and tackle to unsnarl and buckle on, horses to saddle for the fight, to bring order out of confusion. But in the brief pe- riod of seven minutes our "tall colonel" stood before his regiment in line and ready. Ready. True, there were blanched cheeks, had there been a moon to discover them, but it was only the momentary thrill, a shrinking of the man in the presence of an expected event. There were sword-hilts gripped with more de- termination than the usual calm, determined grip of the soldier, but it was the first trial. That trial, how- ever, proved their willingness.
The alarm was ascertained to be false, and we re- turned to our rest ; but we shall never forget our first surprise.
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THE TWENTY-THIRD.
CHAPTER II. :
ARLINGTON.
ON the 5th of August the regiment moved forward to Arlington Hights, and on the 7th established a line of pickets from the main road at Hunter's Chapel to the house of Mr. Pearl, near Ball's Cross Roads. At this time the line of pickets took almost a direct course from Chain Bridge to Alexandria.
The camp at Arlington (in a grove of oaks) was soon laid open to daylight, streets were graded, and, from time to time, log-huts erected, as the want of room or comfort demanded, until the camp presented the ap- pearance of a little village. It was situated about one half mile from the "Arlington House," the residence of Major (now General) Lee, of the rebel army. This house and the Hights are too well known to require description, but they have changed much since the ocenpation by our troops. The stately oak forest attached to the plantation as the pleasure grounds of the proud old aristocrat are hewn down, and his mansion is a military dépôt.
The month of August was oppressively hot and saltry, but September breezes came on and rendered the latter part of our stay here delightful. Toward the middle of August an attempt was made to brigade Us, and after shuffling through the hands of several brigadiers, we were finally brigaded with the Twenty- first and Thirty-fifth New York State Volunteers, and
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placed under command of Brigadier-General James S. Wadsworth.
During our stay at Arlington, which lasted from August 5th to September 28th, but few incidents of general interest occurred. Drill and reviews were a matter of course, and as much disliked as the school- boy dislikes his task. Picket duty was the pride and delight of the regiment. There was excitement in it, but not unattended with danger. On the 14th, one of the pickets was wounded by a shot from a prowling enemy. About this time, also, Lieutenant Wilkinson, of Company F, had a brisk little affair with the enemy, while on a reconnoissance toward Falls Church. An- other party, under Captain Chapman, crossed the rail- road and went forward beyond Upton's Hill, when they were fired upon from behind trees and embank- ments and compelled to beat a retreat. At the same time, a small party, with Captain Fowler, had gone up the railroad, and were driven back in the same manner.
A fight occurred on the 27th between the pickets, in which the Twenty-third was the principal party en- gaged. A company of the Twelfth New York had a hand in this affair. The following extract from a let- ter written at the time, by Captain William W. Dingle- day, will give the particulars more correctly than one could at this late date :
ARLINGTON HIGHTS, September 1st, 1861.
FRIEND DOMARS : Sufficient has transpired of late to furnish an item for the letter I promised you. You have no doubt heard. ere this. of the skirmish which took place a few days ago, one mile west of Dall's Cross Roads and about three miles from our camp.
On the 27th inst .. Companie A. F. and D, of our regiment, in 'connec- tion with three companies of the Fourteenth New York State Militia, were ordered out to form a reserve for our pickets, under command of
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THE TWENTY-THIRD.
our gallant Lieutenant-Colonel Crane. Company A was stationed one tile and a half to the right, on Hall's Hill, Companies D and F nearly opposite each other-the former near a fence at the edge of a piece of woods, the latter in the road, partly concealed in a ditch.
Sconts were sent out beyond the line of piekets, as information had been received on our arrival that things looked rather suspicious in front. Between the hours of two and four r.M. the scouts and pickets came in double quick, with the intelligence that a large body of rebels were about to attack us. Shots had already been freely exchanged.
Colonel Crane, having positive orders not to bring on an engage- ment west of the cross-roads, but to retire and bold the latter at all Lazards, ordered us to retreat. The order was reluctantly obeyed, not, however, without causing some of the " gray backs," who were too in- discreet, to repent of their folly. We fell back a few rods to the next fence, when it was discovered that the rebels were trying to outflank 13. The firing then commenced in good earnest. The entertainment was brief but exceedingly interesting, and, after a short time. it was evident that the rebels were more anxious to retreat than our own men.
We have to lament the loss, in this engagement. of one who was very dear to and a great favorite with us all Thomas Carroll was shot through the heart. He enlisted as a private, but through his worth and exemplary conduct was promoted to corporal. Elias Algair re- ceived a bad wound in the neck. and also had a part of the middle finger of his left hand shot off. Several others were slightly wounded. Company D, being protected by the woods, sustained no injury.
In the evening, a section of a rifled battery was placed in position in the road. to give the rebs a warm reception should they pay us a visit after dark. All remained quiet until morning, when they com- menced throwing shot and shell in the direction of Hall's Hill. where Company A was stationed. That company was also ordered to fall back. Occasionally, they would send a shell at us, without, however, doing any damage.
The occasion brought Generals McDowell, Keyes, and Wadsworth promptly to the spot, who, after learning the details of the affair, com- plimented Colonel Crane and his command very flatteringly. We learn to-day from a lady whose residence is near where the conflict sauk place, that the rebels acknowledge a loss of eleven killed and many wounded. From her statement, they outnumbered us two to one, but were all under the influence of liquor, which proved a serious disadvantage to them. All is quiet now, however, and peace reigns again in Israel.
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The health of the regiment was not good at this time. Camp diseases were numerous, and fever made serious inroads. Several deaths occurred, among them L. L. Bacon, Company K. Mr. Bacon was a young man of uncommon natural ability and great promise. He was a prompt and faithful soldier, and by his kind and gentlemanly bearing he had won the respect and good-will of his comrades, and they will remember with regret that inexorable fate took him so soon away. An accident occurred here, resulting in the death of James Pease, Company E. He was one of a working party which had been felling trees near Fort Tillinghast. Mr. Pease was by some means caught under the limb of a falling tree, and so badly injured that he died of the wounds.
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THE TWENTY-THIRD.
CHAPTER III. -
UPTON HILL AND DALE.
THOUGH the enemy had retired across the railroad on driving in our pickets, they had retained possession of Upton's Hill, and it was ascertained by Professor Lowe, in his balloon ascensions, that they were forti- fying Munson's Hill, directly in rear of Upton's. What appeared to be a formidable rifle- pit could also be dis- tinctly seen stretching along the crest of Upton's Hill. Cannon also appeared in these fortifications, and the supposition was generally entertained that they in- tended to hold this position if possible.
It was ascertained, however, on the 28th of Septem- ber, that the rebels were evacuating, and accordingly a general advance of our lines determined upon. At five o'clock p.M. the long roll was sounded, creating quite a sensation in camp. For a long time the boys had been ripe for a regular pitched fight with the gray- backs, and now the opportunity had come. All was hurry and bustle. They were soon in line and set off, "double quick," for the scene of action. The main road was crammed with infantry, artillery, and cavalry, which impeded progress somewhat; but before sun- down our forces were posted in undisputed possession of Upton's Hill.
It was with some little chagrin and much laughter that the threatening cannon were discovered to be stove. pipes mounted on wheels, and the formidable earth-
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CAMP FIRES OF
works and fortifications were mere furrows of earth that would hardly screen a man. Substantial cannon were planted in place of these " make-believes," only the mouths were pointed the other way, and behind them lay masses of ardent soldiers who were willing to meet the foe in open field and fair fight. The night was bleak, and not being allowed to build fires, the men suffered much from cold. There was an injudicious haste in the advance, the men became heated, and had not taken clothing for the night, fearing to be incum- bered by it.
The advance was permanent, and the camp moved to Upton Hill. Fortifications were immediately com- menced, and the forest in front felled to give scope to cannon. Redoubts were also erected on the hills in front. This work occupied about one month, and the Twenty-third had its share in the labor. Sickness, which had commenced at Arlington, increased here to an alarming extent. A farm-house near by was given up by Colonel Hoffman, who had with his staff occupied it as quarters, and converted into a hospital. This was soon filled to overflowing, and many were compelled to lie in camp and be treated. It was not until the camp was moved to Upton Dale that the fever ceased its ravages.
On the sunny side of Upton's Hill is a copse of pine and cedar interspersed with numerous varieties of trees, and all tangled together with grapevines. Stretching away to the south-west from this beautiful wood a fine plat of grass ground reaches off to the cultivated fields. A spring of pure water near by, bubbling from the ground, is swamped in a bog and thicket before it has fairly escaped. This sunny spot, this wood and plat and spring, we called Upton's Dale, and here on the
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THE TWENTY-THIRD.
9th of December the Twenty-third found itself busy in erecting a habitation for the winter.
Man has an indefinite adaptability to circumstances. Necessity drives the soldier into many things which hitherto looked impossible. He will even outstrip the fabled Yankee who could go into the forest and build a saw-mill with nothing but an iron wedge and a cross-cut saw. The ax and spade were the tools in requisition here. The camp was soon completed, and the nicely graded streets and correct rows of log-cabins with white roofs presented the appearance of a very cheerful little town. Some of these little cabins displayed much taste on the part of the men in the interior and exterior ar- rangements.
We had been in camp only two days when intelli- gence of the death of Lieutenant Rodney W. Steele, Company K, was received. This officer was respected and beloved not alone by his company, but by the entire regiment. He died of fever at the residence of his father in Elmira. He was an able and efficient com- mandant, a kind and agreeable companion, and a true gentleman. In him the regiment lost a most valu- able officer. Though quite young he gave promise of superior military talent, and had he lived would probably have won bright laurels for his name. The following general order was issued from headquarters :
HEADQUARTERS 23D REGIMENT N. Y. V., UPTON DALF, December 11, 1961.
GENERAL ORDER No. 14.
In accordance with resolutions passed at a meeting of commissioned officers convened on hearing of the death of Lieutenant Rodney W. Steele, Company K, all commissioned officers in this command will wear upon the sword-bilt the usual badge of mourning on all occasions until January 11, 1862. The regimental colors will be draped in mourning, and the camp and quarter flags will be at half-mast during this day.
By order. H. C. HOFFMAN, Colonel Commanding.
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The three months, December, January, and February, that we remained in this pleasant encampment, soon sped away. The time was occupied almost invariably in drill, reviews, and picket. Division drills were su- perintended by General McDowell in person, and oc- curred as often as the weather and condition of the troops would permit. Some of these drills were mag- nificent, embracing all the maneuvers of an army fight- ing a great battle, with all the noise of musketry, artil- lery, and a grand charge of cavalry. It is said that General McDowell subsequently carried out in actual battle the plans here practiced. His division was cer- tainly rendered more proficient by them.
Two excursions were made during the winter by General Wadsworth's brigade, one after a large quan- tity of forage near Fairfax Court House, which was successful, the other in search of a large body of rebel cavalry to the north of the above place, which was un- successful. We did not find them. Nothing but this and picket duty occurred to disturb the monotony of the camp. The weather was for the most part mild, but sometimes very disagreeable owing to the rain and mud. The health of the regiment improved very rap- idly during these three months, and was good at the opening of the spring campaign.
We can give here but one incident of picket, though much that is worthy to be recorded occurred.
During the month of November, while a part of the Twenty-third were on picket duty toward Fairfax, and near the residence of Mr. Doolin, two men from Com- pany I were posted by Captain Chapman at the house of Mr. Brush, about half a mile in advance of our picket lines. This was done by request of Mr. Brush, who complained of being molested by the Union pick-
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THE TWENTY-THIRD.
ets. The men were Corporal L. S. Townsend and Private T. H. Wheeler, both of Company I. They endeavored to engage the old man Brush in conversation, but he was quite sullen, and finally made a feint of going to some work on the barn. He however managed to raise a signal, and on returning left the gates to the front and rear of the house open.
The boys suspected nothing, and were amusing themselves near the veranda, having placed their guns against the house. Captain Chapman had just returned to the picket reserve. At this moment a squadron of cavalry rode rapidly up to the house, coming through the open gate, and as they were dressed in Union garb, the boys supposed they were a reconnoitering party of our own cavalry. As they rode up, the boys inquired what cavalry they were.
"Stewart's First Virginia Cavalry," answered the lieutenant addressed.
They immediately sprang for their guns, but were too late. The rebels dashed forward, and, presenting their revolvers, demanded immediate surrender. See- ing the utter futility of a struggle against such odds, they surrendered and gave up their pieces. The rebels seemed much pleased with the new Enfield rifles. Turning to the corporal, the rebel lieutenant then asked :
" Where are the Union pickets ?"
"They are along the woods across the field yonder," said the corporal.
" What force is there in reserve ?" asked the rebel.
"Our regiment," said the corporal.
" Is that the truth ?" asked the rebel, while he fixed a piercing glance from his dark, fierce eyes upon his prisoner. There were but two companies there at the
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time, and it would not have been difficult for this squadron, by a sudden dash, to rout, if not capture, the whole party. Townsend knew this, and knew also that he could save them by adhering to the falsehood he had already uttered, so he quickly replied-
" Yes, sir."
"Are there any pickets at Doolin's house ?" asked the rebel.
" Yes."
" How many ?"
"Our company."
This was also untrue, there being only two or three pickets there ; but who shall condemn Corporal Town- send for saving his comrades, even at the sacrifice of truth ?
Deeming it unsafe to attempt a raid on the pickets, the rebel cavalry started again for Fairfax. They at- tempted to compel their prisoners to double quick, but still hoping to be observed by their comrades and saved, they refused, and at last the lieutenant told two of his men to take them upon their horses. They bothered these men for some time in getting on ; as Townsend said: "I made about twenty attempts to mount, but could not, and finally compelled the reb to dismount and let me get on first ; but no relief came, and we were taken to Fairfax." They were treated well by this cavalry.
In a few days General Stewart sent for them to come to Centreville, and attempted to get some infor- mation of the Union army from them. They were then sent to Richmond; from there to Tuscaloosa, then to Weldon, Salsbury, Tarborough, and Newbern, where they were exchanged. After a furlough home they rejoined the regiment.
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THE TWENTY-THIRD ..
UPTON'S HILL, VA., February 2d, 1962.
MR. ADVERTISER : After another week of lowering skies. snow, rains, hail and frost, the sun glares as if in anger at the long defiant mud, and not because it is Sunday.
If you ever saw a low prairie in Missouri or Illinois, after March rains, which had been mixed up and trodden by the male population of a great city for weeks. you can imagine the condition of our streets and parade grounds. Verily, are we " mudsills," or are we not ?
On this day, by you allotted to rest and spiritual cultivation. the heavens invite to a tour of observation and the reading of a chapter in the great Book of Nature. But the vile earth forbids, and since a practical man should " be happy all ways he can," your correspondent is pleasuring in the contemplation of our enemy's supposed sufferings from a scarcity of salt, stocking yarn, and Massachusetts mackerel, which will yet make them succumb, if the predictions of certain news- paper correspondents are true.
* Our long friend, Duane Thompson, has been ap- pointed second lieutenant of Company K, and Judd D. Burt succeeds him as orderly. * * Elder Crane took leave of his many friends here on Tuesday, and returned to home duties. He will be ever present. how- ever, in the memory of many a warm-hearted soldier ; and the recol- lection of his kind and obliging acts will still linger. though his cordial smile has ceased to greet us. Success to him and his earthly mission. The chaplaincy will, undoubtedly. be well filled by its present incum- bent, Mr. Dubois, of Western New York. * The forces in our division consist as follows: the Second, Sixth, and Seventh Wisconsin and the Nineteenth Indiana- General King-at Arlington. A few companies of them garrison the forts we built in August last. The New York Twenty-second, Twenty- fourth, Thirtieth. and Eighty-fourth, General Augur, are on the rear alope of this hill. The Eighty-fourth have formerly been known as the Fourteenth Militia, Brooklyn firemen. Wadsworth's brigade -- Twenty-first, Twenty-third, Thirty-fifth, and Eightieth. New York. The Eightieth came here as the Twentieth Militia. The First New Hamp- shire, Fifth Rhode Island. Third Pennsylvania, and Battery B. Fourth United States-under Captain Gibbons, of the last named.
The Firat New York Cavalry, known as the " Harris Light Cavalry." . *
* We are thus far satisfied with General Mcclellan, and though not every officer was born a Wellington or a Charles the Twelfth, the world, which measures military ability by military suc- cess, will determine after the war who are our great generals by counting the heroes. General MeDowell is an accomplished officer
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and good tactician and very competent to maneuver his division, as is often demonstrated. The Twenty-first, Thirty-fifth, and Eightieth at last rejoice in the possession of the Austrian rifle, equally as effective as ours. Now we are a rifle brigade.
All are well, and all are hoping for spring and busy life.
Yours, etc., F. B.
UPTON'S HILL, VA., March 9th, 1862.
MR. ADVERTISER : The bright sun and cheerful sky to-day extended your humble servant an irresistible invitation to enjoy a ramble over the fenceless fields and destroyed forests of this vicinity, hinting signifi- cantly to my judgment that it would be for the last time.
Our party in its travels saw nothing sufficient to break the Sabbath or worthy of mention, except perhaps a few straggling sons of Mars, styling themselves " Zouaves." If you never saw one of the class of warriors thus denominated, I will describe one as understood in the volunteer's dictionary. He consists of a human being surmounted by a cap of some style as uncomfortable and outlandish as can be devised, without regard to utility ; clad in a coat, shirt, or blouse of similar un- practicable design or pattern, and pants drawn close to the person by plaids and gathers, and which must contain cloth enough to make at least one overcoat and a pair of horse blankets. All these, variously decorated according to taste, as Northern teamsters bedeck the head- stalls of their harnesses, entitle him to be depicted in fashion plates or on the last page of Frank Leslie's or Harper's Weekly, and constitute him a " Zouave," as known in the service of the United States.
* The past week has been industriously spent by this rifle brigade, and particularly by the Twenty-third, in drilling exer- cises, both forenoon and afternoon, and by squads. companies, and bat- talions. The beneficial effects will, I trust, be felt and appreciated by all of us in future labors and results not distant.
General Wadsworth, wishing to test the strength and endurance of the men of his command in the capacity of pack-horses, marched all hands out on the Lewinsville Road last Thursday afternoon in " heavy marching order," where knapsacks were unsinng and the little travel- ing tent taken out and pitched. After each squad of three had crawled at least once under the little shelter which is to be its hotel each night after leaving this city, the regiments returned to their respective camps. * Dress parade. Until next time, adieu. Yours, etc., F. B.
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