History of the 27th regiment N.Y. Vols. , Part 8

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


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It seems that Mcclellan wanted to make a stand at Wil- liamsburg, and there recruit his forces, and advance again on the enemy. This plan was not favored by the Wash- ington authorities, and, by their orders, on down the penin- sula was heard the tread of the receding columns.


Reveille at daylight on the 19th, and for the first eight miles of our march we passed line after line of the enemy's works, which they evacuated at the time of our advance up the peninsula. Our men realized, for the first time, the


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LEAVING THE PENINSULA.


great strength of this fortified position, from which, the engineers said, the enemy could never have been driven, Fort Magruder being one of the most extensive and formi- dable works known in modern times.


At 4 A. M., August 20th, we took up the line of march from Yorktown, and started for Newport News, and camped three miles below Warwick C. H. In this camp and along the route, we feasted on green corn, apples, plums and peaches.


At 7 A. M., the 21st, we started on our march, and moved nine miles, to Newport News, three companies-B, F, and G-acting as rear-guard to pick up stragglers ; and a hard day's work they had. From our position here we can see the masts of the frigate Cumberland, which was sunk by the Confederate ram. Merrimac.


The next day, the 22d(?), we embarked on the steamer John Brooks, and started down the bay. Next morning we found ourselves anchored near Fortress Monroe. The movement of this large fleet down the bay at night, each vessel carry- ing its many-colored signal lights, made a scene of unusual grandeur.


Our next move was up the Potomac, to Aquia Creek, where we made a short stay, and then moved on to Alex- andria, and about noon of the 24th(?) disembarked and went into camp near Fort Ellsworth. August 27th we pushed out on picket duty near Avondale; and, August 28th, marched to Fairfax. and then on to Centreville.


We did not get into the second Bull Run fight in time to do any good, only to help check the retreat ; and, after that battle, we marched back to Alexandria ; and, September Ist, went into camp at Fort Lyon.


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RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. V. VOLS,


The following letter from Dr. George Burr, Medical Di- rector of our Division, to his wife, gives quite fully the part taken by our division in the second Bull Run campaign :


CAMP NEAR ALEXANDRIA, Va., September 4, 1862.


MY DEAR WIFE :- For the fourth time we are back. Alexandria seems to be a hard place to keep away from. As I wrote you what we were about to do, we marched towards Manassas on Friday last. The division en- camped for the night about seven miles out, and next morning pushed on. A heavy cannonading had commenced, indicating that a severe battle was in progress. I did not leave with the division. I had been confined to my bed the day before, and though feeling much better in the morning, 1 did not feel able to march, and so remained behind. Staid that night at Alexandria, with Dr. Griffin, of Great Bend, who is there employed as physician for the railroad men. Saturday morning I felt much better, though somewhat weak. The sound of the cannonading, however, with the division hastening towards it, made it impossible for me to remain behind, for on no account would I have it go into battle without my going with it. So I started on foot, and walked seven miles ; got into a sutler's wagon and rode seven miles further, to Fairfax Court House ; there found that Gen. Slocum was pushing on as rapidly as possible ; so I started to- wards Centreville, again on foot ; walked about six miles, when I over- jook Gen. Slocum. The battle was still going on, and the division pushed forward, past Centreville, on towards Bull Run. We arrived within a mile of the battle-field about sundown, where the division was halted. It soon became evident that our men were falling back. First, a few stragglers came along ; then their numbers increased, until the road was completely filled with a disorganized mass of men, teams and ambulances. There was nothing now to be done but to save a complete rout of the army, and this duty devolved upon our division. It was kept in perfect order, and the regiments were placed in good positions for defense, and our ar- tillery so posted as to command every point from whence the enemy could make a charge.


Col, Bartlett had the post of danger, as well as of honor, for he re- mained all night in that position, until the entire army had fallen back, and was re-formed at Centreville.


When I was told we were to go back to Centreville, I retraced my steps, for I was still on foot,-weary enough, I assure you, and my feet so blis- tered that every step caused me much pain. On reaching Centreville, long after dark, I could hear only inquiries, "Are there no surgeons ?" " No


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SURGEON BURR'S LETTER.


hospitals ?" I at length got a piece of candle, and opened the old stone church, that was used at the other Bull Run battle, and the poor wounded fellows began to turn in at once. The church was soon filled with wounded men-some able to walk ; others brought by their comrades. I attended to them all night, without ever sitting down, and all the next day likewise. In the course of the night other surgeons came in, and also the next day. The wounded also kept coming in, especially after daylight Sunday morn- ing. We, however, attended to them all, and by night, on Sunday, put them on board of ambulances, to be taken to hospitals. I performed one amputation of the arm, and two or three fingers ; and cut out perhaps a peck of balls from different parts. I assure you I was very willing to go to bed at night. I had eaten but very little for several days ; Saturday morning, at Alexandria, I ate only a small piece of dry toast, and drank freely of tea. The sutler's wagon had ginger cakes, cheese and dried her- rings : of these I ate some. Had nothing else until next day along to- wards noon. The Sanitary Commission men brought some bread, cold meat, and some kind of cordial, all of which answered a good purpose. I am somewhat surprised at my own endurance, for, after resting one night, I was as bright, and felt as well as ever the next day, with the ex- ception of my sore feet.


Monday night we were ordered to fall back to Fairfax. So, at evening, we packed up, and this time I had a horse, We commenced the march about 9 o'clock in the evening, but we were soon blocked by teams, and the greatest confusion that I ever saw was prevailing. It was rainy, also, and everything was gloomy enough. The enemy, we knew, were on our left flank, and really we were at their mercy, had they only known our situation. Despairing of getting through under several hours, Gen. Slo- cum said we would try and get some rest. So we built a fire by the side of the road, spread our india rubber blankets and ponchos, and went to sleep. At daylight we rode forward, the division having passed us.


The next day we were ordered back to Alexandria, and a little before dark, reached the camp we left a few days before. We are now in a new camp, on the hill, near the seminary, on the opposite side from where we were last winter.


Thus ends the campaign. Many will call it a failure. It is trie we have failed to take Richmond, but we have not been defeated ; and after a thorough reorganization, we shall be more powerful than ever. General MeClellan is again in full command, and he is the ouly man we seem to have as yet. Had it not been for his army, Washington would now be in the hands of the rebels, and our cause probably ruined.


·


CHAPTER IV.


S® OON after reaching Alexandria, from the peninsula, Gen. McClellan was relieved from the command of the Army of the Potomac, and Gen. John Pope was placed at its head. The latter was busy marshaling his forces for the disastrous battle of second Bull Run, which will be remembered in history for the frothy orders of Gen. Pope, that were pre- faced with-" Picks and shovels to the rear!" "No more lines of retreat !" "Honor is at the front !- Shame and disgrace are at the rear!" These orders, with the jealousy of the subordinate officers, of which Fitz John Porter was made the "scapegoat," have given this campaign a prom- inent place in the history of the rebellion. Pope blazed forth like a meteor, and disappeared as quickly. McClellan was once more placed in command, on September 2d, and the first part of September, orders were given to move through Maryland. to intercept Lee's army, which, follow- ing up the victory at Bull Run, was now attempting to transfer the fighting ground from Virginia to the Northern States. We remained at Fort Lyon till the evening of the 5th, when we broke camp and moved towards Washington. and crossing the Long Bridge, about midnight, we moved slowly through the city, on towards Georgetown ; and about daylight, after a fifteen-mile march. camped on Georgetown Heights. The following night we made another seven-mile march. After this we continued to march every day, pass- ing Darnsville, then Sugar Loaf Mountain on the 12th,


TC.


LIEUTENANT-COL. J. H. BODINE.


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BATTLE OF SOUTH MOUNTAIN.


where we saw some dead cavalrymen, who had been killed on the skirmish line; then through Paducah, and near Frederic, and through Jefferson ; and, on Sunday morning, the 14th, arrived at Burketsville, on the east and under the shadow of South Mountain, and near to the enemy's lines. The 96th Pennsylvania had the lead to-day, and, advancing through the village, Col. Cake reported that he had not found the enemy. This report not suiting Gen. Slocum, he rode up to Gen. Bartlett and said : "General, I want you to order my old regiment to move out and find the enemy." Gen. Bartlett then rode up to Col. Adams, and pointing with his sword, said: "I want you to take your regiment and go to the top of that mountain, unless you find the enemy !" We were soon ordered forward, and in heavy marching order, at double quick, deployed as skir- mishers on an open plain, facing the mountain, -the centre of the line following the road which crosses the mountain at this place, known as Crampton's Pass. As we advanced, the enemy opened on us with artillery, stationed half-way up the mountain, and with a heavy volley of musketry from behind trees and rocks, and a stone wall at the foot of the mountain. The skirmishers advanced in splendid line till within thirty or forty rods of the wall, when we were or- dered to rally, and give place to the line of battle that was coming on close behind us. One squad of the pickets took shelter in a barn-yard, behind the sheds and outbuildings, where they kept up a lively and telling fire till the main line came up. Another squad of pickets, not hearing the order to rally, found themselves between the two lines of battle, and were obliged to lie down,-the bullets cutting up the ground all around them. Others joined the main line in the charge on the stone wall. As our men went over the wall, some of the rebels tried to retreat, and others threw down their arms and surrendered. Those on the retreat were exposed to our fire from behind, and very few of them made their escape. On went our line, up the side of the steep mountain .- so steep in many places that the men had to pull themselves up by taking hold of the bushes. We


H


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RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS.


soon had their second line on the retreat ; and, after an ac- tion lasting three hours, drove them over the mountain, capturing one piece of artillery, about three hundred pris- oners, and three stands of colors, one of which was taken by the 16th New York. On this flag was inscribed the fol- lowing : "COBB LEGION-IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!" Our advance was so rapid that some of the sharp-shooters had not time to climb down from the trees. During the day we could hear heavy cannonading on our right. This proved to be another battle on South Mountain, where Gens. Burnside and Hooker drove the enemy out of Tur- ner's Gap, some six miles to the north. Two braver " sol- diers' battles" were never fought than these of Crampton's Pass and Turner's Gap, on South Mountain. Our regiment lost in this fight, six men killed, two officers and twenty-five men wounded ; total, thirty-three. The total loss of the division in this battle was 5 officers and 109 men killed, 16 officers and 381 men wounded, and 2 men captured. Total, 513.


The following interesting account of this battle is from the Century Magazine :


Upon Franklin's arrival at the foot of the mountain, at Burkettsville, at noon of the 14th, he found the enemy posted behind a stone wall, while the artillery were on the road, well up the heights. About 3 P. M. Bartlett's brigade, supported by the brigades of Newton and Torbert, and all of Slocum's division, advanced upon the enemy, and a se- vere contest ensued. The enemy, overpowered, fell back up the hill, firing upon our men from behind rocks and the natural defensive positions presented by the ground, until they reached their artillery, where they made a more de- cided stand. Their riflemen took advantage of every pos- sible cover of ledge and rock and tree. *


A Vermont soldier told me that, during this up-hill fight, while climbing over a ledge, he slipped and fell eighteen or twenty feet, between two rocks. Rapid as had been his tumble, upon his arrival he found himself preceded by a Confederate soldier. For an instant they glared angrily at


93


A REBEL AND A YANKEE IN " A FIX."


each other, when the "reb." burst out laughing, saying : " We're both in a fix! You can't gobble me, and I can't gobble you, till we know which is going to lick. Let's wait till the shooting is over, and if your side wins, I'm your prisoner ; and if we win, you're my prisoner!" The bar- gain was made. "But," said my informant, "didn't that reb. feel cheap when he found I'd won him!"


After this fight we remained two days in camp, near the top of the mountain, where we buried the dead of both armies, and cared for the wounded. Water was scarce in this camp, as it had to be brought in canteens from the foot of the mountain, more than a mile away.


Gen. McClellan, reporting on this battle, says :


"Slocum's division was formed on the right of the road leading through the gap, and Smith's upon the left. A line formed of Bartlett's and Torbett's brigades, supported by Newton, whose activity was conspicuous, advanced steadily upon the enemy at a charge on the right. The enemy were driven from their position at the foot of the mountain, where they were protected by a stone wall, and steadily forced back up the slope until they reached the position of their battery on the road, well up the mountain. There they made a stand, but were soon driven back, retiring their artillery in echelon, until, after an action of three hours, the crest was gained, and the enemy hastily fled down the mountain on the other side."


September 17th, heavy cannonading commenced at day- light, and soon after, we formed our line and moved over the west side of the mountain. While descending, we had a view of the well cultivated valley lying beneath, with good farms and good buildings, the latter resembling more fully the farm buildings of the North, rather than those of the South. But little opportunity, however, was given us to take in the beauty spread before us, for we could hear, a few miles in front, a continuous roar of cannonading and musketry, and we must hurry on to take our part.


About noon we reached Keedysville, and found many of the houses in possession of our surgeons, and fast being


DR. W.M. H. STUART, ASSISTANT-SURGEON.


ADVANCE TO ANTIETAM.


filled with our wounded. The streets were almost blocked with ambulances, waiting to unload their mangled, suffering burdens, while the surgeons and assistants, with coats off and sleeves rolled up ; with hands and amputating instru- ments covered with blood, looked more like butchers in the shambles, than like professional men in hospitals. On we went, and, two miles further, we reached the battle-field of Antietam, and were placed in line of battle; then, loading our pieces, we moved forward across fields, through bits of wood and over fences, continually passing the dead, in blue or gray, and meeting stretcher-carriers with wounded, on their way to the rear.


Finally we took position in a cornfield, about the centre of our lines, where the heaviest fighting had taken place, some two hours before. The dead lay so thick that we had to pull them out of the way to make room for the troops to form their lines. This ground had been fought over twice before we reached it, each side holding it in turn. The corn was trampled to the ground, and some bushes that were left standing, were completely riddled with bul- lets. Here we formed our line, and remained all day, sup- porting some batteries, with one company out as skirmishers. We took but little part in the fighting, the most severe of which seemed to be on our left, by Burnside's corps, at Monocacy Bridge. The bridge had been captured by our men during the day, and Gen. Lee, seeing the importance of regaining it, hurled brigade after brigade of his best troops against it. But it was no use. Burnside, with his corps, had come there to stay ; and they met every charge of the enemy with a counter charge, and advanced till they occupied the heights beyond.


Darkness now settled upon the field, and we unrolled our blankets and laid down, behind our stacks of guns, ready to " fall in." We were called in line several times during the night, by the pickets firing at each other. When, on each occasion, quiet was restored, the wearied men would lie down among the dead and fall asleep. Thus ended the first and principal day of the Antietam battle; and although


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RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS.


we took but little part in the fighting, it was the hardest- fought battle of the war, up to this date.


September 18th we were called in line at daylight, as an attack was expected. We remained standing under arms till sunrise, when Maj. H. C. Rogers, of Gen. Slocum's staff, and some other officers were sent out to meet a flag of truce from Gen. Lee, when, after a short parley, it was agreed to cease hostilities until 5 P. M., in order to bury the dead, and carry off the wounded that lay uncared for between the lines. The bodies of the dead, having lain so long exposed to the sun, were rapidly decomposing, and the stench was almost unendurable. Many of the men could not eat, and became sick from breathing the tainted air. The day was spent with pick and shovel, digging long trenches, in which the dead were buried. In one space of less than half an acre, sixty-five members of a South Carolina regiment were picked up and buried. The work was not all completed when 5 o'clock, the hour for the expiration of the armistice, had arrived ; and, without warning, the enemy fired on our stretcher-carriers, wounding five and taking seven prisoners. After this, Maj. Rogers was once more sent out with a white flag, and the time of the armistice was extended until morn- ing. The night was passed in comparative quiet, the men sleeping till daylight.


At sunrise our skirmishers advanced, and found that the enemy had retreated during the night to the opposite side of the Potomac. In this, Lee had outwitted Mcclellan, taking advantage of the truce to retreat across the river, but leaving his wounded in our hands.


About noon we received orders to move, and marched across the field, when the stench from the unburied dead again sickened some of the men. Guns and equipments by the thousand lay scattered about the fields, showing with what haste the enemy had retreated. We shortly came to the bank of the Potomac and camped, but Lee's army had disappeared over the hills on the Virginia side. Thus ended the first attempt of Lee to carry the war into the Northern States.


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A FEAST OF GOOD THINGS.


September 20th, about dark, we started and marched all night to Williamsport, Md., where we arrived about noon of the 21st. It was thought that the enemy would make an attempt to recross the river here ; so we were sent to receive them ; but, after two days, we marched back to Bakersville, near the field of Antietam, where we camped till November. Here the time was spent in camp and picket duty. Our picket line was along the Potomac, the regiment being on duty near Shaffer's Mill, eight miles above Dam No. 4. The rebel pickets were often in sight, on the oppo- site side of the river.


Wednesday, September 24th .- The orders are that we lie in camp a day or two, so that the boys can wash up their clothing, and bathe in the creek. We are having good times ; can go out of camp and get anything we want to eat-soft bread, pies, and flour from which we make pan- cakes, which are a great luxury.


September 25th .- Are still lying in camp at Bakersville. Nothing of interest is being done in camp. The boys all feel in good spirits, for all they have to do is to go out and get chickens, turkeys and flour, and then make pot-pies for dinner.


Monday, September 29th .- Still in camp. Nothing of importance doing, only some of the officers are having a spree, and raising the - generally throughout camp. Dress parade as usual, at 6 P. M.


October 4th .- The army was reviewed by Gen. McClellan and President Lincoln. The same day a squad of returned prisoners, who had been captured at the first Bull Run battle, returned to camp, and were given a warm reception. These men had been held as prisoners more than ten months, and had been in parol camp at Annapolis, Md., for some months, waiting to be exchanged. All seemed glad to be back in camp, and said they were ready again to meet the enemy. (For a detailed account of the prison-life of these nien, see the last chapter.)


October 5th, the Articles of War were read to the regi- ment, for the first time, by Col. Adams; and about the



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RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS.


same time, the following general orders, relating to the battles of South Mountain and Antietam, were issued :


General Orders No. 160.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,


CAMP NEAR SHARPSBURG, Md., Oct. 3, 1862. )


The commanding general extends his congratulations to the army un- der his command, for the victories achieved by their bravery at the passes of the South Mountain, and upon the Antietam Creek.


The brilliant conduct of Reno's and Hooker's corps, under Burnside, at Turner's Gap ; and of Franklin's corps, at Crampton's Pass, in which, in the face of an enemy strong in position, and resisting with obstinacy, they carried the mountain, and prepared the way for the advance of the army, won for them the admiration of their brethren in arms.


In the memorable battle of Antietam, we defeated a numerous and powerful army of the enemy. in an action desperately fought, and remark- able for its duration, and for the destruction of life which attended it. The obstinate bravery of the troops of Hooker, Mansfield and Sumner ; the dashing gallantry of those of Franklin, on the right ; the sturdy valor of those of Burnside, on the left ; and the vigorous support of Porter and Pleasanton, present a brilliant spectacle to our countrymen, which will swell their hearts with pride and exultation. Fourteen guns, thirty-nine colors, 15,500 stand of arms, and nearly 6,000 prisoners taken from the enemy, are evidences of the completeness of our triumph. A grateful country will thank this noble army for achievements which have rescued the loyal States of the East from the ravages of the invader, and have driven him from their borders.


While rejoicing at the victories which, under God's blessing, have crowned our exertions, let us cherish the memory of our brave compan- ions who have laid down their lives upon the battle-field : Martyrs in their country's cause, their names will ever be enshrined in the hearts of the people.


By command of Major-General MeClellan.


S. WILLIAMS,


Assistant Adjutant-General.


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FRANKLIN'S REPORT.


Report of Major-Gen. William B. Franklin, U. S. Army, Commanding 6th Army Corps, of the Battles of Crampton's Pass and Antietam.


HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, 1 CAMP NEAR BAKERSVILLE, Md., Sept. 3, 1862.


GENERAL :- I have the honor to submit the following report of opera- tions of the corps under my command, in the battle of the 14th instant, at Crampton's Pass. In compliance with instructions of the commanding general, the corps advanced, on the morning of the 14th instant, from a point three miles east of Jefferson, in the direction of the Blue Ridge. At Jefferson a halt was ordered, to afford Gen. Couch an opportunity of coming up. After a short delay, upon learning that this division was still some distance in the real, I advanced to the vicinity of the village of Bur- kettsville. Upon ascertaining that the pass over the mountains at this point-which I was directed to secure and hold-was occupied by the en- emy in force, I caused immediate preparations to be made for an attack. The enemy was strongly posted on both sides of the road, which makes a steep ascent through a narrow defile, wooded on both sides, and affording great advantages of cover and position. Their advance was posted near the base of the mountain, in the rear of a stone wall, stretching to the right of the road at a point where the ascent is gradual, and for the most part over open fields. Eight guns had been stationed on the road, and at points on the sides and the summit of the mountain, to the left of the pass.




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