History of the 27th regiment N.Y. Vols. , Part 15

Author: Fairchild, Charles Bryant, 1842- comp
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Binghamton, N.Y., Carl & Matthews, printers
Number of Pages: 654


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May 6th .- Very stormy, cold and disagreeable. Hooker's army is now passing back, having re-crossed the river last night. So we are again defeated, and have left a lot of spoil in the hands of the enemy. The fighting at Chancel- lorsville has been terrible, but Gen. Hooker was not enough for them. Our cause looks dark, but we are not in the least discouraged. There must be a different plan of oper- ations. Our forces should be concentrated more, and should use the spade. Had we commenced a siege, after crossing the river, we could have driven them off, and not have lost


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MAJOR-GEN. JOHN SEDGWICK.


GEN. HOOKER AS CONFEDERATE QUARTERMASTER. 175


so many men. The troops are calling vehemently for little Mac, again, -- and would that we had him back !


Most of the troops are moving back into their old camps, and we shall probably move soon. We are camped here in great confusion, and hardly know where we are.


May 7th .- The men are getting well rested, and are ready for another move. We have seen quite a number of Gen. Hooker's men, and they say they were repulsed and obliged to retreat. Dr. If- -, of - regiment, gave us quite a description of. the battle. He says he is sick of fighting. The loss on both sides is heavy. It is dark ! dark ! ! dark !!! Still the men keep cheerful, and the army will soon be on a good footing again.


The enemy appears to be very quiet. We took a walk down to the river, and could plainly see them and their camps, on the other side. Many of them are dressed in blue clothes, and they feel very jubilant over their victory, and rejoice over the spoils they have taken. They say, " they have got a new quartermaster-general-Joe Hooker!" It is a good joke, and too true.


May Sth .- Got the order to pack up early, and started back for our old camp, where we arrived about 2 o'clock, taking possession of our old quarters. We found them about as we left them, except half full of water,-which we soon bailed out, put up our tents, and were "at home" once more. Some of us had to take in a comrade from the number of those who had thrown away their blankets and tents, on the hurried retreat. For a few days we remained quietly in camp, performing the usual duties. On the 11th the 16th New York started for home. That made us feel very lonesome, as we had always camped beside each other, and had seemed more like one regiment than two distinct commands ; and were always ready to support each other in action. For the next four days we made our farewell calls among the regiments where we had acquaintances. Camp life seemed very dull, as our minds were fully occu- pied with the thoughts of home.


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RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS.


On the 14th, at evening parade, the following special or- ders were read to us :


HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, May 13, 1863. 1 Special Orders No. 120.


The term of service of the 27th New York Volunteers having expired, they will proceed to Elmira, N. Y., the place of enrollment, where they will be mustered out of service.


Upon arrival there, their arms, equipments and public property will be turned in to the proper officers. The Quartermaster's Department will furnish transportation from Falmonth.


The general commanding the corps congratulates the officers and men of the 27th New York Volunteers upon their honorable return to civil life. They have enjoyed the respect and confidence of their companions and commanders. They have illustrated their term of service by gallant deeds, and have won for themselves a reputation not surpassed in the Army of the Potomac, and have nobly earned the gratitude of the republic.


By command of Major-Gen. Sedgwick.


M. T. McMAIION, A. A. General.


HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, SIXTH CORPS, May 14, 1863. 5


Special Orders No 55.


In taking leave of the 27th Regiment of New York Volunteers, the Brigadier-General commanding the division is happy to be able to witness to their soldierly qualifications and general good conduct. Their action in the late campaign, on the south side of the Rappahannock, will be a proud record for every officer and man to carry to his home. Their record is said in a few words-" You did your duty !" and did it to the satisfac- tion of your commanders.


By order of Brigadier-General Brooks.


A. K. PARSONS, A. A. A. General.


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177


GEN. BARTLETT'S FAREWELL ORDER.


HDQRS. 2D BRIGADE, IST DIVISION, 6TH ARMY CORPS, - ARMY OF THE POTOMAC-NEAR WHITE OAK CHURCH, Va., May 12, IS63. - Special Order No. 46.


The term of enlistment of the 27th New York Volunteers having nearly expired, they are ordered to proceed to their rendezvous, at El- mira, N. Y., to be mustered out of service of the United States, on the 2Ist day of May.


This order severs other connections than those which bound the regi- ment to the military service. Two years of honorable and distinguished service have made you soldiers.


After the fall of your gallant and distinguished colonel, I commanded you in the first battle of the Army of the Potomac. I have led you through all of its subsequent campaigns, and have participated with you in a dozen battles. I now send you to the quiet haunts of peace, with the blood of the enemy upon your honored old flag scarce yet dry. In separating from you, I can only give you my assurance that the honor of the regiment has ever been my care. Our connection has been one of love, cemented by your bravery and noble deeds ; and in its severance I believe the regret to be mutual. I have always relied upon you in every emergency, and you have responded with true heroism. You leave brave comrades behind you, stretched in death, upon all our battle-fields. You bear with you the grateful feeling that you have avenged them. In the history of the Army of the Potomac, no prouder record will be inscribed than your own.


I hope to see the standard of your regiment once more raised. I hope again to command you : till then, farewell ! And may God, in His inti- nite mercy, bless each and all of you.


JOS. J. BARTLETT, Brigadier-General, Commanding.


After the orders were read, Gens. Slocum and Bartlett made short addresses to the men ; and when the parade was dismissed, we gave them three cheers-the stoutest of the whole term of service.


At 3 A. M., on the 15th, the drums sounded the reveille, and at 5 we were packed up and on our way to Falmouth. The different regiments of our brigade turned out to bid us good-by, and as we said adieu to these weather-beaten vet- erans, we heartily wished the war was over, and that we were all going home together. Arriving at Falmouth, we


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RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS.


quickly boarded the cars, and a short run took us to Aquia Creek, where we were soon on board a steamer bound for Washington. About dark we reached the capital and were quartered in the Soldier's Retreat. The next day we spent in Washington, strolling about the city, until about 5 P. M., when we took the cars for Baltimore, where we unloaded to change cars, and remained the rest of the night.


Sunday, May 17th .- At daylight we started and ran very slowly ; passed Harrisburg about noon ; reached Williams- port between 4 and 5 P. M .; made a short stop, and arrived at Elmira about midnight. Left the cars and slept until morning on the platform of the depot.


The next morning we marched to the barracks, but find- ing them very dirty, most of the men took board in private families. The three companies from Binghamton were met at Elmira by a delegation of citizens and tendered an invi- tation to receive the hospitality of the city. The invita- tion was accepted. We remained in Elmira till June 5th, when the regiment was mustered out, and we received our discharge, pay, and a bounty of Sioo, having been in the service two years and twenty-eight days. Thus the 27th disappeared from the scene.


We broke ranks forever, and our record passed into history. But few of our men, however, resumed their positions in civil life. Nearly every man was fit to com- mand a regiment, and felt that if his services as a recruit had been valuable to his government, as a veteran they would be doubly so now, and after a few weeks' rest, we find that nearly every man who was able-bodied had re- entered the service and was again found fighting the battles of his country. This regiment furnished a large number of the officers and many of the men of that fine regiment, the Ist New York Veteran Cavalry.


To write the subsequent history of all the 27th men, we would have to follow them into every army and on to nearly every battle-field of the war. When we say that these men, after the experience they had had, enduring the hardships, sufferings and dangers through which we have


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179


GOOD-BY TO THE 27TH.


followed them, RE-ENLISTED, we have said enough for a lifetime in their praise. The 27th was indeed a noble bat- talion, one which won alike the compliments of its gener- als and the confidence of its associate regiments. During and since the war great esprit de corps has characterized its soldiers. Many of them have attained to prominence in the walks of peaceful life, to the great rejoicing of their com- rades, and many have made their final march. God give them rest in peace !


THE REGIMENTAL FLAG.


The flag of the 27th Regiment of New York Volunteers was the army regulation flag for infantry regiments, and was made of heavy silk, with bullion fringe, and handsomely mounted on a staff. The flag was first the property of Company " I," which was recruited by Capt. C. C. Gardiner, at Angelica ; and was presented to the company by Mrs. Church, widow of the late Hon. Philip Church, of Belvi- dere, near Angelica, through her son, Mr. Richard Church. On the 27th of June, 1861, Company " I" presented the flag to the regiment, at Elmira, and it was carried gallantly and without dishonor, through the two years' term of the regiment. The flag was many times struck by the enemy's shot, and large holes were made by fragments of shell. After the muster out, it was deposited, by the late Col. A. D. Adams, in the Bureau of Military Record, in the Capitol at Albany, and with. it is the following record :-


" The Regiment was organized at Elmira, May 21st, 1861 ; from companies raised in Binghamton, Angelica. Lyons. Mt. Morris, White Plains, Lima, Albion and Rochester : and entered the field commanded by Col. H. W. Slocum. The Regiment received the flag from Co. " 1." Capt. C. C. Gardiner, June 27th, 1861. This Company had previously been presented with the flag by Mrs. Philip Church. It has been borne in the battles of First Bull Run, West Point, Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill, Goldsborongh's Farm, Charles City Cross Roads, White Oak Swamp. Malvern Hill, Sec-


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RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS.


FLAG OF THE 27TH REGIMENT.


ond Bull Run, Crampton's Pass, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Fredericksburg Heights. The first bearer was Sergt. Burton Freeman, of Co. "I," who was afterwards promoted to be Captain of his Company. At First Bull Run two Corporals were severely wounded on either side of the Color-Bearer. At Gaines' Mill the Color-Bearer was se- verely wounded. At Fredericksburg Heights, the star now appended to the staff was literally shot out of the flag by a shell. The Color-Bearer in that assault, A. L. Van- Ness, of Co. " H," contributed it to the Bureau. Col. A. D. Adams transmitted the flag, after the expiration of the Regiment's term of service, to this Bureau."


18I


A GRAND WAR POEM.


Battle-Hymn of the Republic.


Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord : He is trampling out the vintage where his grapes of wrath are stored ; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible, swift sword : His truth is marching on.


I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps ; They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps ; I can read his righteous sentence by the dim and Haring lamps : His day is marching on.


I have. read a fiery gospel, writ in burnished rows of steel : "As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal ; Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel, Since God is marching on.


He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat : He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgment-seat ; Oh ! be swift, my soul, to answer Him ! be jubilant, my feet ! Our God is marching on.


In the beauty of the lilies, Christ was born across the sea, With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me ; As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free, While God is marching on.


-JULIA WARD HOWE.


CHAPTER VI.


TEN MONTHS IN REBELDOM -- NOTES FROM THE DIARY OF A BULL RUN PRISONER, AT RICHMOND, VA., NEW ORLEANS, LA., AND SALISBURY, N. C.


6


"A SOLDIER of the legion lay dying at Algiers :


There was lack of woman's nursing-there was dearth of woman's tears; But a comrade stood beside him, while the life-blood ebbed away, And bent, with pitying glance, to hear each word he had to say. The dying soldier faltered, as he took that comrade's hand, And said, I never more shall see my own, my native land : Take a message and a token to some distant friends of mine. For I was born at Bingen, at Bingen on the Rhine."


These few lines form a fitting prelude to the following record. This pathetic story of the dying boy, among stran- gers of an unknown tongue, has drawn tears to the eyes of many a reader ; but it was reserved for the direr shock of later years to bring them to us in fearful realization. The clash of arms came, and it was the duty of every man to take up the task assigned him, and help to save the Nation. But think what a sacrifice our soldiers made in leaving their pleasant homes, as most of them did, at an age when the desire to live is strongest in the human heart, and know- ing that there were included in the terms of their contract, all the incidents of war,-the danger, privation, disease, wounds, imprisonment and death ; and that they must be prepared for any and all of these things. Yet voluntarily,


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RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. V. VOLS.


aye, even cheerfully and joyfully, they accepted these con- ditions, took their lives in their hands, and baring their young breasts, made them a living rampart between their homes and the enemies of freedom.


A few have returned, but many went down to death in the midst of the thunder and the wreck of battle, or in the prison pen, or in the hospital, far away from home and friends and help. In almost every household throughout the land, there are saddened memories of these dreadful prisons : and if the cause for which so many sacrifices were made-which so many died in prison to perpetuate-was worth suffering for, are not the scenes through which they passed worthy of commemoration and remembrance in the hearts of their fellow-countrymen? Justice to the living who suffered, impartial history, and the martyred dead, demand a full record by survivors of these horrors. For this purpose, this chapter is added to our history.


The following is the list of the names of the Twenty- seventh men who were in the Richmond prisons, up to October, 1861, most of them having been captured at the first Bull Run battle :


Co. "A"- Eli Barrett, John Chamberlain, # Charles Demorest, Thomas Smith.


Co. " B"-A. H. Crannell.


Co. "C"-George W. F. Fanning, George W. Dunn, *F. Durand. Eugene M. Davis, William Vanalstine, #John Boyden, "C. F. Yenney, #+ G. M .Andrews, William Barnes, *George Butler.


Co. "D"-Charles W. Platt, #+ Cyrus Pardee, #+ James V. Snedaker, Wm. Trail, John H. Hogan, # James Coon, . James McCauley, # S. A. McKune, # William Sampson, C. B. Fairchild.


Co. " E " -* William H. Merrill, * William E. Hanlon, M. McGetrick, # John T. Clague.


" Indicates those who were wounded.


t Indicates those who died in prison.


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HOW WE WERE CAPTURED.


Co. "F" - Edgar H. Warner, Reuben A. Wright, N. A. Corson, Wm. Van Valkenburg, Edwin M. Watrous, T. H. Yates, John Kearn.


Co. "G"-A. H. Hunt, + Armenius M. Hunt, Tyler J. Briggs, Wm Hall, # Gardner W. Agard, # Edwin E. Bond, * J. Butler, # Solomon Wood, William Mileham, John Merritt.


Co. " H "-Harlan Boyd, Geo. Stout, Wm. W. Aplin, James Donahue, #+ Joseph R. Johnson, “ William Welch, C. H. Hunt, William Briggs.


Co. "I"-Jeremiah K. Reading, F. D. Clark, John H. Crandall, # James G. Wellman, Judson S. Oliver, Lawrence Powers, # James O. Andrews, Charles W. Berry, + J. W. Bishop.


Co. "K "-Orsoy T. Jewett, James Tucker, Henry S. Wells, J. L. Mudge, Volney Mudge, + Charles W. Tibbitts, John C. Fowler, Charles Dwinnell, Henry L. Van Dresser.


Having assisted several of my wounded comrades to seek shelter in the cellar of the stone house, and having stanched their wounds with lint and bandages made from some havelocks; and, moved by their agonizing cries for " Water! water !" and their entreaties for some one to re- main with them, I tarried till it was too late to make my own escape. No words can adequately depict the fears of these wounded men as to the treatment they would receive, if they should fall into the hands of the enemy. They expected to be bayoneted on the spot. They would not at first drink the water from a spring found in one corner of the cellar, because they feared the rebels had poisoned the water. And not until I had made two wounded rebel soldiers (who had also been taken into the cellar), drink some of the water, would they be convinced that it was safe for them to drink it. All the time the stone house was a target for the rebels, and the rattle of musket balls against the walls of the building was almost incessant, and some of them came through the windows, wounding three of the men the second time.


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RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS.


Several cannon shot also passed through the building, and one took off the top of the chimney, the bricks and mortar coming down inside, and nearly burying the two wounded rebels, who had crawled into the fireplace for safety.


At the distance of about two rods from the building, on the rebel side, was a well : and though the wounded were perishing with thirst, very few dared to go out for water ; but one noble fellow (whose name I regret that I have for- gotten), took two canteens and went out to obtain water. While so doing, he received five or six musket balls, in dif- ferent portions of his body, from the rebel forces, yet was not fatally injured, and survived the battle-to become a prisoner in Richmond. He will ever be remembered with gratitude by those who witnessed his noble conduct, and shared in the benefits of his exploit. About fifty men were killed in the immediate vicinity of the "old stone house." After our forces were on the retreat, a body of troops sur- rounded the stone building, entered with bayonets, and de- manded our surrender ! No resistance was made, and no violence was offered to the prisoners. They demanded our arms, and ordered those of us not too severely wounded to form in a line. Some of us had taken the precaution to bend our muskets, and also to remove the chamber from our revolvers. We were, soon after, marched up the hill to a large white house, which was the headquarters of Gen. Beauregard. We remained here a short time; and while lying on the ground, Gens. Beauregard and Johnson, and Jeff. Davis rode up and surveyed their captives, their faces illumined with joy and exultation. A few of our men be- gan to make inquiries for a revolver, and could one have been found, some of those saddles would have been sud- denly emptied !


We were marched five miles to Manassas Junction that night, where we remained till 3 o'clock the next day. It rained all night, and we had no cover, and nothing of any account to eat. We were kept standing in an open space- a solid mass of men ; and what little food was given us,


IS7


THE FIRST TOBACCO WAREHOUSE PRISON.


was thrown into the pen, and most of it trampled into the mud before we could get it. We were put on board of box cars and taken to Richmond, where we arrived at about 8 o'clock on the evening of the 23d of July, 1861.


We were marched through the streets, under a strong guard to protect us from the violence of the mob, who, flushed with their recent victory, were armed with clubs, bricks and stones, and followed us with scoffs and curses. The march brought us to Harwood's large tobacco factory, on Main street, near Twenty-fifth street, which with several other similar buildings, afterwards became famous (or rather infamous) under the name of Libby Prison.


July 25th .- Have had a good night's rest. Slept on the bare floor, without any blankets. It is terribly tiresome being shut up here in this building, which is 108 feet long, 40 feet wide, and three stories high. Water is very scarce and poor ; we cannot get enough to drink, and none to wash or to bathe in. From our prison windows we can look out on the James River, to the south. On the west we can look over the city, see the capitol building, and a secesh flag waving at each end. It makes us feel rather down-hearted to think we cannot get out and pull them down. The men keep up as good spirits as possible, but are all longing to return to their regiments. We hope to be let off soon.


Sunday .- To-day we had service in our quarters, con- ducted by an Episcopal minister. A great many people came in to see us. We had three meals to-day, served at 9, 3, and 10 o'clock-fashionable hours, we think. Food is very scarce in Richmond. The people are anxious to get rid of us, or make us earn our own living. The papers are full of plans for treating us badly. They threaten to make us work on the fortifications or in the coal mines. All these schemes keep us worrying for our safety.


July 26th .- Slept well during the night ; am getting ac- customed to bunking on the bare floor. My health is good, but we are very weak from having no exercise and very little food. A new quartermaster was appointed to-


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day ; his name is Warner, a Northern man, from Ohio. He pretends to be a rebel, that he may collect some money duc him in Richmond. He gives us more to eat. Our rations are : pork, bread and coffee for breakfast ; bread, pork and rice for dinner ; coffee with bread and pork for supper.


July 27th .- Have formed a new arrangement in regard to giving out the rations. Till now, the food has been brought in in buckets and thrown in heaps on the floor. The men were so ravenous that they would dive in and get all they could, and trample much of it under foot, so that many would get none. We have formed into squads of fifty, and one man is chosen to draw and distribute the ra- tions for the fifty. All are made to sit down on the floor in their places, and every man is given an equal ration.


Sunday, July 28th .-- This is a beautiful day, but there is no regard for the Sabbath. Many of the men are playing cards and gambling, and other sports are going on the same as on a week day. We have no books to read. Gen. Winder, Provost Marshal of the city, says he will not allow any books except the Bible. I spend a good deal of my time reading my Testament, which is a great comfort to me. We are all very anxious to get out of this terrible place ; the confinement is almost beyond endurance. We are very weak, and our minds seem to be in a half-dormant state, so we cannot fully realize our condition. I find great comfort in prayer. I feel that God is very near to me, and that in His own good time He will bring me out of trouble. Many of the men are getting sick. Water is very scarce, none to wash in. The men are very filthy and are covered with vermin. It is with great difficulty we can get out to the sinks, which are situated in the yard. Only two are allowed to go from the building at a time, and it takes nearly all day to get out. We have been obliged to use one end of the first floor and it is covered several inches thick with filth. It is tedious being shut up here, but I do not complain, and am not sorry that I enlisted. I hope I shall have a chance to try it over again.


The quartermaster still feeds us pretty well, but many of


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A STRIKING RESEMBLANCE.


the guards are cruel and harsh. Several times they have shot at the men who were standing near the windows. This morning a ball came through the floor not far from where I was sitting. It had been fired into the window of the room below.


July 30th .- To-day I have formed the acquaintance of a young man by the name of Trowbridge, of the 2d Wiscon- sin regiment, and find that he is a cousin of a school-mate of mine. He looks so much like her that when I first saw him I asked him if he was a relative. He is sick to-day, and I am taking care of him.


Many of the boys are writing letters home to-day. We do not know whether our letters go through the lines or not. If my parents knew what had become of me, I would be more contented. I hope they will soon hear where I am. May God sustain them, and may I be able to see them again. (After the battle my name was given in the list of killed, and it was several months before my pa- rents knew that I was alive.)




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