USA > New York > History of the Ninth Regiment N.Y.S.M. -- N.G.S.N.Y. (Eighty-third N. Y. Volunteers.) 1845-1888 > Part 13
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The morning of the 2nd was cloudy, and soon a heavy rain began to fall, but at one P. M. the NINTH marched towards Strasburg, about three miles, and then bivouacked in the woods. The next morning the march was resumed, and after a five- mile tramp the command pitched their tents on a hill between the north and south forks of the Shenandoah. For the first time in a long while rations of fresh meat were issued, and the men thought they fared sumptuously. Camp speculators had introduced large quantities of counterfeit Confederate cur- rency, which was always cheerfully accepted by the inhabitants -- many of whom preferred it to U. S. greenbacks, and as the men bought the spurious bills at a very cheap rate -- about a hundred for one -- they were prodigal in the expenditures among the farmers, and enjoyed many a good square meal at a very small cost. Rail fences and lumber were plenty, and the men made themselves comfortable shelters for the day and night at this place.
On this day, the advance of Shields' division reached Port Republic before Jackson, but the latter forced his way by and continued the retreat. It is not our province to follow Jackson further during this campaign ; suffice it to say, that he exhibited as much good generalship in his retreat as during the advance, and, after whipping Fremont at Cross Keys and a portion of Shields' division at Port Republic on the Sth, the pursuit was abandoned. Jackson returned to Lee's army on the Peninsula where he rendered efficient service during the later battles there. We shall see and hear more of him in a little while.
The long-continued rains had raised the rivers and smaller streams to overflowing, and endangered the few bridges that the enemy had not destroyed. On the morning of the 4th,
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while it was still raining, the brigade recrossed the Shenan- doah and marched to Front Royal, thence to the railroad sta- tion to obtain the knapsacks left at Piedmont, and which had been brought forward by rail ; they were found thoroughly soaked by the rain, and a number of them rifled of their contents. On the 5th, the bridge at Front Royal was carried off by the flood, and several of the NINTH, who had been left on duty on the western bank, were temporarily cut off. The regiment was destined to remain here for some time. On pleasant days many of the men visited the town, and inasmuch as the inhab- itants had the reputation of being well disposed towards Union soldiers, they were kindly treated in return, and their property respected. On the 7th, General James B. Ricketts relieved General Ord of the command of the division.
Although the members of the NINTH were generally healthy, and stood well the hardships and privations of the march, there were a number of serious cases of sickness. On Sunday, the 8th, a board of surgeons made an examination of the worst cases, and a few discharges were granted. The next day the discharged men, together with some officers who had resigned, left for home. In the evening it was discovered that a number of men, among whom were two from the band, had deserted, and it was supposed they had accompanied the discharged men to New York.
Owing to the long rest at this place many of the men were getting quite restless, and the chronic bummers absented them- wselves so frequently, for the purpose of prowling about the country, that stringent orders against such a breach of military discipline were issued. The troops were supposed to be always under orders to move at a moment's notice, and the absence of any considerable number from camp would have been an unfor- tunate occurrence, had the regiment been suddenly called upon to move. On the 13th, Duryea's brigade left Front Royal, leaving only the other two and a few of Banks' troops on the opposite side of the river. The water was still very high and several men lost their lives while endeavoring to cross. The NINTH picketed Rattlesnake Mountain, the scene of the
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" HARTSUFF'S PLUNDERS." 137
bloody encounter on the 23rd of May, between the two First Maryland regiments-one Union, the other Confederate.
On Sunday, the 15th, the NINTH received a lecture from General Hartsuff, in general orders, read that evening at dress- parade : "* * * That in future there must be less falling out of the men upon the march, and less of individual foraging." The men considered this a poor return for the efficient service they had rendered, and in order to show their disapprobation of the order, a torch-light procession was arranged, and among the transparencies carried was one bearing the inscription, " Hartsuff's Plunderers." On Monday the obnoxious order was the topic of general conversation, and General Hartsuff was severely criticised for his undeserved rebuke.
At six o'clock in the morning of the 17th tents were struck, and at nine the two brigades boarded trains of platform cars and journeyed east, arriving at Manassas Junction late in the afternoon ; then, marching a couple of miles from the station, went into camp. The ride over the mountains was a pleasant one, and the change of view, with every turn in the railroad, was much enjoyed. An unfortunate accident, resulting in the death of George L. Fream, of Company C, who had been de- tailed for special duty at General Hartsuff's headquarters, occurred during the ISth. Fream fell from a moving car, the wheels passing over his legs and necessitating amputation ; he did not survive the operation.
When the division left the Valley to the care of Generals Banks and Fremont, it was expected that the long-deferred march to join the Army of the Potomac would be made. On the 10th General McDowell had written General Mcclellan : " * * * For the third time I am ordered to join you. * * * Mc- Call's division goes by water. * * * Hope to be with you in ten days." On the 12th he wrote that the delay of Banks to re- lieve Ricketts' division in the Valley caused his delay in join- ing the Army of the Potomac on the Peninsula. McCall's di- vision was the only force that left McDowell's corps.
On the 19th, two members of the NINTHI had a narrow es- cape. While upon a crain, the cars were precipitated into Bull
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Run through a weak bridge. The same day the body of Pri- vate Fream was forwarded to New York, accompanied by his father and Joshua C. Hall, of Company C.
Captain Prescott, having resigned, also left by the same train, the members of Company C cheering him roundly as he departed - During the day President Lincoln and Secretary Stanton visited the troops at Manassas.
As opportunity offered, many of the men visited the old battle-field of Bull Run. The bodies of many of the Union soldiers had been so hastily buried that the ghastly remains were, in many cases, exposed to view, as the bones lay bleach- ing in the sun. The graves of the Confederates were well cared for, and had but recently been decorated with flowers by the people of the vicinity.
As the weather became settled the usual round of company, battalion and brigade drill was resumed.
Sunday, the 22nd, orders read at dress-parade prohibited enlisted men from carrying pistols or revolvers, and they were told that during a battle they must rely wholly upon their muskets and bayonets. For general information the Eighty- third Article of War was also read.
The next day the brigade marched about a mile from camp for the purpose of drill, but a severe rain-storm caused a sus- pension. The men were hurried back to camp and found that their poor shelters were utterly inadequate for the purpose ; that everything within was soaked with water. The storm continued all the next day, the 24th, but on Wednesday it cleared off and a battalion drill was held in the afternoon, and on Thursday the brigade was put through a series of evolutions.
On the 27th, General Shields' division departed by rail for Alexandria.
On the 28th, Lieutenant James H Stevens and First Ser- geant Cyrus C. Hubbard, having been appointed Captain and Second Lieutenant, respectively, of Company C. they assumed their new duties, much to the satisfaction of all the members. On the 30th, the brigade was inspected by General Hartsuff.
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A PEEP BEHIND THE CURTAIN.
1862
Quartermaster Henry L. Stevens died in New York on the 2 Ist of consumption, and was buried in Greenwood. He had gone home but a short time before, on sick leave, hoping to recover his health, and his death was unexpected His many good qualities had endeared him to his associates. Lieutenant A. Martin Burtis, of Company L., who had been acting Quarter- master, was appointed to fill the vacancy.
LETTERS:
May 4, '62.
I am sitting back of my tent writing and watching the Twelfth and Sixteenth Indiana regiments, whose time has expired and they are getting ready for home. It will make our picket duty harder ; we sent two extra companies to-day, besides one company on duty at brigade hospital, and details for guarding cattle, commissary stores, etc. If we don't get any fighting, we get plenty of hard work. * *
* It makes us mad to think we are kept back always. They should put the new regiments at such work and give us some of the fighting to do, and let us win some of the glory. I was on camp guard the other night just back of the --- tent ; there were several exca- vations on my post, filled with water. Our countersign was " Falling Waters." My relief came at two o'clock. I halted him, and, as he advanced to give the countersign, he said " Falling." and went in up to his neck. I had to laugh, but when I did the same thing, soon after, I concluded it was no joke ..
Camp Stanton, Catlett's Station, May 6, '62
* We get awful drills now that we have a fine ground. This morning we had two hours' of bayonet drill, and this P. M. the Colonel thought we needed exercise; so gave us a battalion drill that lasted three hours; then gave us fifteen minutes to get ready for dress-parade. Healthy ! but I prefer smaller doses. * I enclose a picture of our tent which one of the boys made for me ; twenty-one of us live there.
May 9, '62,
* My post last night was very lonely, besides being the outside one, except a mounted picket, and he gave me more trouble than all the rebs. did. Will give you a little history of to-day's doings. Reveille woke us at five ; got up, and could only find one shoe, so I hobbled out, got into line and answered to my name ; then went back and found the said shoe laid carefully under my knapsack ; then took soap and towel and went to the brook to bathe. I was just going to say combed my hair, but don't possess any, which is a great comfort. Then got breakfast,-coffee and crackers ; eat hearty. Then W ---- , my partner and bedfellow -- we are partners in everything-for instance-we have one can to get our food in, and get coffee in same ; one double and one single blanket ; we lay our rubber blanket down first, then our double blanket. and get inside, then draw our single one over us. You see the firm is in straightened cir- cumstances. Says he to me, "L --- , don't let us drill to-day, but take writing material and go in the woods and write." I agreed. He put a rubber blanket under his coat and we took our portfolios and started. We past the gaard very easily, as one
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of our own company was on that post, he turned his back, so of course did not see us .. We found a beautiful place under a huge oak tree, have spread our blankets, taken off our coats, and lay down, writing. I've dug a hole to put the bottle of ink in so it will not get upset. We can see everything going on in camp, and hear the music plainly. Now our regiment are mounting guard ; then each company must drill one hour and a half, while we laugh at them ; but the laugh will be on the other side when we get back. " W --- and W-," calls out the orderly, " On guard to-morrow. We try to look innocent as sheep while we ask. What for ? " Missing drill." We say, All right. I'd be willing to do a week's guard duty for one perfect day of rest like this.
Falmouth, Opposite Fredericksburg.
Have just arrived. It has rained since we started. Yesterday had the most fatigu -. ing march we ever had. It was terribly warm, and we were marched 18 miles, so we could report to McDowell to-day. Our men fell all along the road for seven miles, completely exhausted. We started yesterday morning with 800 men, and came into camp with 156. Our company did as well as any, started with 82, and came in with 24. One came in with 5. We suffered greatly for (want of) water. I left the ranks. on account of sickness. Could have ridden in the ambulance, but preferred march- ing with the boys. I fell out twice, and it made my heart ache to see the boys lay along the road, suffering from heat.
May 15, '62
We saw a circle round the moon, (last night) first red, then green, then it turned to the prettiest red, white and blue. First a circle of red, then one of white, then one of blue. The guard waked us up to look at it, and we stayed up nearly all night. I have not been well for a week past, but am better now. We are enjoying starvation again. It's rough going out in the rain, but it's for the Union, so I won't complain. The sun has just put in an appearance.
May 18-Sunday-'62
Our company did not go to (divine) service this morning, and had to listen to the reading of Articles of War, as punishment. *
Front Royal, June 6, '62.
This is the first time I have had a chance to write for two weeks, and now am on guard, and my relief goes on next. Have suffered terribly since we left Falmouth , marched day and night, with but little rest, and it has rained six days. Nothing but hard-tack to eat, and only half enough of that. Jackson is surrounded, and must fight or surrender. * * * Took cars from Alexandria to Manassas, then commenced march- ing, and most likely will march on to the end of the war. General Shields is with us, Banks above, Fremont to the right, Blenker to the left, and Jackson, the rebel, some- where among us. * * * Our prisoners say they are not afraid of McDowell, and if they get at him again will whip him worse than at Bull Run '61 We are hoping the great battle will take place soon, and near, for if they march us to Richmond this hot weather, we will " done gone, suah."
June 13, '62
Our company has a good thing just now -- guarding cattle belonging to our bri- gade. We are detached from the regiment at present and quartered in a secesh flour mill. In the day-time the cavalry take them out to graze, and we take care of them nights. Fifty-two wagons of wounded were brought here this morning from General Shields' division; he ordered one of his colonels to advance behind Jackson and burn a bridge, so as to cut off and capture his wagen train which was on this side. The officer
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1862
A SOLDIER'S LIFE DESCRIBED.
crossed the bridge and attacked Jackson, whose force was about twelve times as large as his, and of course he got badly whipped. Fremont arrived just in time to save them from being wiped out. These poor fellows have to suffer for the blunders of incompetent officers. * We are living good now, having plenty of fresh meat, but somehow I feel better after hard-tack and bacon than if I eat fresh meat. * We have not had a mail in some time and no papers, and I think we are the dumbest set in the Union army. One day, it is said, Richmond is taken ; the next day it ain't ; then Corinth is evacuated, then it ain't; and so it is with the reports we get. You would not know the N. Y. 9th. We left home a very decent-looking regiment, nicely uniformed, and looked well ; but now it makes me laugh to look around ; sunburnt faces, ragged uniforms, big shoes, all sorts of head covering. Some have thrown away their knapsacks and wear their blankets tied round their bodies. You would laugh to see us on the march. One man will have a gridiron strapped on his back, one a pail, another a coffee pot. Each company has to carry four axes, four picks, taking turns to carry them. Some of the boys are discouraged, but I'm getting " mad," and am determined to see this affair out (unless a bullet or sickness interferes), if it takes ten years.
Manassas, June 18, '62
Yesterday at Front Royal. The rebs. are jubliart over what they call Jackson's victory over McDowell, Banks and Shields' combined forces, but only Shields' force was engaged. The remnants of his men were in a miserable condition when they reached us-ragged, dirty, barefoot and hungry. We took in all we could and divided what we had with them. They are heroes! I talked with many of them who were in the fight ; they said it was terrible. The Union men were outnumbered 10 to 1, but kept the enemy back more than an hour, and finally, finding it was useless to sacrifice more men, retreated across the bridge, planted two guns, filled them to the muzzles, and when the rebels filled the bridge, discharged them, completely clearing it. This was their parting salute. *
0
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THE NINTH NEW YORK.
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CHAPTER VIII.
POPE'S CAMPAIGN TO AUGUST 18TH.
General John Pope Assumes Command of the Army of Virginia .- Failure of the Peninsular Campaign .- Celebrating the Fourth of July .- Marching Orders .- Warrenton .- Provost Duty. - Pope's Address to the Army .- The NINTH in Charge of the "Department of Public Works."-Journalistic Enterprise .- " The New York NINTH."-Amusements .- To the Front .-- Sulphur Springs .- Culpeper -Battle of Cedar Mountain .- The NINTH during the Night .- Burying the Dead. -Arrival of Reenforcements .- " Whisky and Powder."-Departure of the Band. -- The Secret Service.
JULY opened with bright prospects for a vigorous, aggressive campaign on the part of the Union forces in Northern Virginia.
The following had been telegraphed to General Halleck :
War Department, June 27, 1862. MAJOR-GENERAL HALLECK, CORINTH :
The exigencies of the service, in the President's opinion, absolutely require that General Pope should be assigned to a command here. It is hoped that among the number of able generals in your command that you can spare him without inconven- ience.
EDWIN M. STANTON.
Major General John Pope, who had won high renown in the West, as an able and successful commander, and having been called to Washington in obedience to above request, was placed in command of the heretofore widely separated corps of Fremont, Banks and McDowell ; the new combination being designated " The Army of Virginia." The troops within the defences of Washington, as well as a small force under General Samuel D. Sturgis at Alexandria, were also included in Pope's command. This change was highly gratifying, at least to the members of the NINTH, and they felt confident that the con- centration of these commands under one able general, would result in more intelligent and successful movements, instead of
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SHIELDS US. FREMONT.
1862
the intermittent and spasmodic attacks which had occupied their time to little apparent advantage. When General Fremont was apprised of the consolidation he asked to be relieved, feeling that it would be a degradation to serve under Pope, whose commission as Major-General had been issued subsequently to his own. In contrast with the conduct of some generals, whose ideas of patriotism and loyalty were measured by the importance of their commands, it is refreshing to read the letter, written April 20th, 1862, to the Secretary of War, by that noble old hero, Brigadier-General Shields, then sixty-three years of age. He was a Brigadier-General in the Mexican war and brevetted Major-General for gallantry just after he had driven Jackson out of the Valley : * * I would respect- fully suggest that my division, Blenker's division, and Aber- crombie's and Geary's commands be united and consolidated as speedily as possible, to force their way towards Richmond. This movement, if followed up by General Sumner's command and the rest of the disposable troops on the Potomac, will relieve General McClellan and contribute to the destruction of the Rebel Army and the capture of the rebel capital. I am ready to conduct this movement if you can get the Senate to pass at once upon my nomination ; but confirmed or not by that body, I am ready to lead or follow which ever you may deem most advisable. # *
" Fremont's command had been designated as the First, Banks' the Second, and McDowell's the Third corps. On being relieved Fremont had turned over his command to Gen. Robert C. Schenck pending the arrival of a new commander. General Rufus King was first ap- pointed, hearing which General Schenck asked to be transferred to another department, but upon General King being assigned to another command and General Sigel appointed Com- mander of the First Corps, General Schenck withdrew his request and remained under Sigel.
About the end and 3rd of the month the principal topic of conversation in camp was the news from the Army of the Potomac. A series of bloody battles had been fought, McClellan had been driven from the vicinity of Richmond, and
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had fallen back to Harrison's Landing on the James River, as a new base of operations. The failure of that campaign made it evident that Pope's army would soon have an opportunity of meeting the enemy, and it was hoped the reverses on the Peninsula might be counteracted, and a new and brighter aspect given to the Union cause.
Anticipating a rest from drill and extra duty, on the 4th, the men of the NINTH had scoured the country for material with which to decorate the camp. Arches were built at the head of each company street, and numerous other decorations devised, by the taste and ingenuity of the regimental artists. A liberal supply of flags decorated each tent. Refreshments -both liquid and solid-had been ordered from Washington, for, as some remarked, " It may be the last Fourth of July many of us will see," and the boys were determined to have a royal good time. The celebration was well under way and all were enjoying themselves, when, at ten o'clock, orders were given to " Pack up at once and be ready to move at a moment's notice !" Never was an order more reluctantly obeyed. Of course the men could see no reason for such an interruption of their festivities, which were being conducted in the most orderly manner, and many were the anathemas hurled at the head of the author of the unwelcome order. The extra sup- plies that had been procured were hurriedly disposed of ; the men eat and drank more than their fill, in order to save the good things, and at noon line was formed.
On approaching the railway station at Manassas Junction a gaily decorated train of cars was seen approaching, filled with people from Washington and Alexandria, who had come to spend the day and see the sights at camp. Taking a wistful look at the happy excursionists, and regretting that circumstances, over which they had no control, would prevent their assisting at the reception of the visitors, the NINTH marched away. Towards evening a tired and disappointed lot of men went into bivouac near Gainesville. At six o'clock the next morning the men were in line again. Broad-Run was forded, soon after which the column passed through New
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1862
AT WARRENTON, VIRGINIA.
Baltimore, and early in the evening camp was reached near Warrenton. The day had been very warm and the roads dusty, and although only ten miles' had been marched, the men were glad to halt and seek repose.
Warrenton, the county seat of Fauquier County, is at the terminus of the Warrenton branch of the Orange and Alexan- dria railroad, and nine miles from Warrenton Junction. It was a town of considerable importance, and before the war, had a population of about eight thousand. Most of the men had entered the Confederate service, the once celebrated Black Horse Calvary having been principally recruited in the vicin- ity. The people remaining were intensely secesh, and not at all backwards in proclaiming their views. The town contained a number of fine buildings, both public and private. Several of the churches were occupied for hospital purposes. The streets were bordered with many fine shade trees, which, at that season of the year, gave a desirable cover from the hot rays of the sun. Near by were the palatial residences of ex- Congressman Gustavus W. ("Extra Billy") Smith, then a General in the Confederate Army, and "Squire " Scott, a member of the Virginia Convention, and the last member to rise in his place and oppose the ordinance of Secession. This man had unfortunately been killed early in May, in an affray between a body of citizens and soldiers.
Company H, Twelfth Massachusetts, Captain James L. · Bates, and Company C, of the NINTH, Captain James H. Stevens, were detailed as Provost Guard of Warrenton, the former acting as Provost-Marshal, with headquarters at the Town Hall on Main Street. The men found comfortable quarters in deserted houses. The regimental camp occupied a very eligible location near a large spring, whose waters gushed forth in such quantities as might have sufficed for a whole division.
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