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 5
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The following lines, written by a member of the regiment while at this camp, shows that the poetic spirit was present, and that thoughts of Home and Mother helped to while away the tedious night hours :
ON GUARD.
At midnight, on my lonely beat, When shadows wrap the wood and lea, A vision seems my view to greet Of one at home that prays for me.
No roses bloom upon her cheek- Her form is not a lover's dream- But on her face so fair and meek A host of holier beauties gleam.
For softly shines her silver hair, A patient smile is on her face, And the mild, lustrous light of prayer Around her sheds a moon-like grace
She prays for one that's far away- The soldier in his holy fight- And begs that Heaven, in mercy may Protect her boy and bless the right.
Till, though the leagues lie far between, This silent incense of her heart Steals o'er my soul with breath serene, And we no longer are apart.
So, guarding thus my lonely beat, By shadowy wood and haunted lea, That vision seems my view to greet Of her, at home, who prays for me. -
A few days after reaching Camp Cameron, New York papers were received containing an address to the people of Northern Virginia, issued by General G. T. Beauregard, then in command of the rebel forces at Manassas. This document was afterwards familiarly known as the " Beauty and Booty" proclamation ; and is here given in order to show the feelings
.
43
.
BEAUTY AND BOOTY.
1861
which animated one of the leaders of the Southern army at that time :
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ALEXANDRIA,
Camp Pickens, June 5, 1861.
TO THE GOOD PEOPLE OF THE COUNTIES OF LOUDOUN, FAIRFAX AND PRINCE WILLIAM :
A reckless and unprincipled tyrant has invaded your soil. Abraham Lincoln, regardless of all moral, legal, and constitutional restraints, has thrown his abolition hosts among you, who are murdering and imprisoning your citizens, confiscating and destroying your property, and committing other acts of violence and outrage too shocking and revolting to humanity to be enumerated. All rules of civilized warfare are abandoned, and they proclaim by their acts, if not on their banners, that their war cry is, " Beauty and Booty." All that is dear to man, your honor, and that of your wives and daughters, your fortunes, and your lives, are involved in this momentous ·contest.
In the name therefore of the constituted authorities of the Confederate States, in the sacred cause of constitutional liberty and self government, for which we are con- tending in behalf of civilization, and humanity itself, I, G. T. Beauregard, brigadier general of the Confederate States, commanding at Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, do make this my proclamation, and invite and enjoin you by every consideration dear to the hearts of free men and patriots, by the name and memory of your revolutionary fathers, and by the purity and sanctity of your domestic firesides, to rally to the stand- ard of your State and country, and by every means in your power compatible with honorable warfare to drive back and expel the invaders from your land. I conjure you to be true and loyal to your country and her legal and constitutional authorities, and especially to be vigilant of the movements and acts of the enemy, so as to enable you to give the earliest authentic information to these headquarters, or to the officers under my command.
I desire to assure you that the utmost protection in my power will be extended to you all.
G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier General, Commanding:
One day a detachment from the regiment, under command of Captain Tuthill, left camp on some special duty, and as it was not to return till after dark, the countersign was imparted to the commanding officer.
On returning, and when within a mile or so of camp, Joseph T. Hallock and his chum, of Company H, had occasion to " fall out " for a special purpose, and before they could rejoin the command, it had passed beyond the first out- post. By a little eloquent pleading, the two men were able to satisfy some of the pickets of their right to pass, but as they
44
THE NINTH NEW YORK.
1861
had several more posts to encounter before reaching camp, Hallock's chum determined to obtain the countersign, and upon approaching the next post, before the man on duty could challenge, he did so, and called out : "Halt ! who goes there?" " A friend," was the reply. "Advance friend, and give the countersign," and the sentry obeyed. Thus armed. the boys had no further difficulty in passing the other posts ; they reached camp just as roll call was completed and the Captain was wondering what had become of them
On the Sth, the regiment was mustered into the service of the United States-to serve during the war unless sooner discharged. Captain William D. Whipple of the regular army was the mustering officer, and Adjutant General Lorenzo Thomas, was present to witness the ceremony. The regiment was formed in a hollow square on the parade ground, when Colonel Stiles made a brief address, explaining the oath which each man was expected to take, and, at the same time, giving those who did not wish to be sworn an opportunity to retire. Eight hundred and thirty-seven men, with uplifted hands, swore fealty, even unto death, in defence of their coun- try's honor and flag. About forty men concluded that they had seen about all they wanted to know of active soldier-life, and refused to be mustered. Senator Henry Wilson subse- quently introduced a bill into the Congress, which became a law, defining the term of Service of all those regiments who had taken the oath to serve " during the war," to be : "three years unless sooner discharged."
The following is the register of the original war officers, and the number of enlisted men upon the rolls of the regi- ment, up to September Ist, 1861.
Colonel. John W. Stiles.
Lieut. Colonel. William H. Hallick.
Adjutant.
John B. Coppinger.
Major. William Atterbury.
Quartermaster. Henry L. Stevens.
45
WAR REGISTER AND NUMBER OF MEMBERS.
1861
Surgeon. John R. Bigelow.
Asst. Surgeon. Howard Pinkney.
Chaplain. Benjamin T. Phillips. Non-commissioned Staff Officers and the Band, 39. Company A. Captain, Joseph J. Morrison. First Lieut., John Dalrymple. Second Lieut., Ed. H. Andrew. and 102 men. Company B. Captain, John Deppeler. First Lieut., Louis Billon. Second Lieut., Fred Guyer, and Sı men. Company C. Captain, Charles E. Prescott .. First Lieut., Erastus R. Miller,* Second Lieut., Wm. H. Draper, and 101 men.
Company D. Captain, John W. Davis. First Lieut., Edmund R. Greene. Second Lieut., Jas. B. Van Buren, and 104 men. . Company E. Captain, Henry C. Smith. First Lieut., Henry S. Brooks. Second Lieut., Wm. T. Gal- braith, and 103 men. Company F. Captain, Allan Rutherford. First Lieut., Charles R. Braine. Second Lieut., Angus Cam- eron, and 106 men. Company G. Captain, William Atterbury.t First Lieut., John Hendrickson. Second Lieut., Joseph D. Wickham, and 103 men.
* Promoted Captain, Company L, September 1, 1861.
t Promoted Major, July 1, 1861.
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THE NINTH NEW YORK.
June 1
Company H. Captain, George Tuthill. First Lieut., John T. Lockman. Second Lieut., Chas. E. Tut- hill, and 98 men.
Company I. Organized July 17, 1861. Captain, Peter J. Claassen. First Lieut., Geo. H. Wheaton. Second Lieut., Eno J. Claassen, and 80 men. Company K. Organized June 20, 1861, as a Light Battery. Captain, Thos. B. Bunting. First Lieut., Walter M. Bramhall. Second Lieut., Jos. W. Martin, and 122 men. Company L. Organized August 31, 1861. Captain, Erastus R. Miller. First Lieut., A. Martin Burtis. Second Lieut., Andrew B. Stiles, and 97 men.
Total, 1175.
Movements were now on foot to secure the line of the Upper Potomac. General Robert Patterson, in command of a force of Pennsylvania Militia, had advanced toward the river by way of Hagerstown and Williamsport, and Colonel Charles P. Stone, of the Fourteenth U. S. infantry, had been placed in command of a force, of which the NINTH formed a part -- the other organizations being the First New Hampshire ; First and Twenty-fifth Pennsylvania; Second, Third, Fifth and Eighth battalions District of Columbia Vols. ; Griffin's Battery D, Fifth U. S. light artillery ; and Captain Owen's and Magruder's troops of cavalry-for the purpose of co-operating in the movement. Colonel Stone's orders directed him to seize Edward's Ferry, and, if practicable, cross and take possession of Leesburg and effect a junction with General Patterson ; he was to intercept supplies sent from Baltimore
47
THE MAIDEN MARCH.
1861
to the enemy in Virginia, and was enjoined "to proceed with caution, and by no means to hazard the safety of (the) expedition."
At three o'clock in the afternoon of the 9th, the regiment was ordered to make ready to march, and, inasmuch as it was expected that the men would only be absent from camp for a week or two, all extra baggage was ordered to be left behind in charge of acting Lieutenant David W. Anderson and a camp guard. Reveille sounded at daybreak of the 10th, and after roll-call the men set about getting breakfast and finishing their packing. The sun shone brightly, and by the time the Maiden March began, the heat was very oppressive. The knapsacks were carried in wagons, thus relieving the men of burdens that would have caused many to drop out by the way or abandon their loads.
The direction of the march was towards Rockville. The roads were bad, full of stones and very dusty ; still the men tramped gaily along, exerting themselves to the utmost, happy in the belief that the end would bring them nearer the enemy, whose prowess they had not then learned either to fear or respect.
Late in the afternoon the First New Hampshire was met, the sight gladdening the hearts of the men in both regiments, who lustily cheered each other, for were not both organi- zations enlisted in the same cause-" Uncle Sam's defense ?" A blue coat or a black skin was the only sure token of friend- ship for the Union that its soldiers met with, when once they crossed Mason and Dixon's line ; not but that there were some loyal white people within its belt, but they seldom dared to express their sentiments ; some of those in Virginia that were Lold enough to do so, paid the penalty in the destruction of their property when the Union forces were withdrawn from their neighborhood. To the men of the NINTH, at this time, danger appeared everywhere ; still it was a fact that little was to be met with, north of the Potomac.
Foot-sore and weary, the march was continued until about seven o'clock in the evening, when the regiment arrived in the
48
THE NINTH NEW YORK.
June
vicinity of Rockville, eighteen miles distant from Camp Cameron. . Details for camp guard were at once made, and supper was eaten. Many of the men were so tired, that with- out any further delay they rolled their blankets about them, threw themselves upon the ground, and in a twinkling were sound asleep. The minor realities of war were being gradually realized by the gallant youths.
On the following morning the tents were taken from the wagons and pitched, After several attempts they were pro- nounced correctly placed, according to the regulations-a work requiring no little skill and experience, as the accompanying diagram of a model camp will show.
The location of the camp was at the Fair Grounds, on the outskirts of the town of Rockville, Montgomery County, Maryland. In the eyes of the men Rockville was a very small place, though its inhabitants were not small people in any sense, for they showed many courtesies to the members of the regiment during the brief encampment. At dress parade nearly all the townspeople, white and black, were present to witness the movements of the soldier boys, for few of the people had ever before seen a whole regiment in line, and all appeared highly gratified at the sight. After the parade had been dis- missed the camp was stormed by the members of the First New Hampshire, who rushed with enthusiasm to fraternize with their fellow volunteers. Hand-shaking, cheering, singing and dancing were indulged in, the recollections of which can only die with the participants. One organization was from the granite hills of the East, the other from the sea shore of the Empire State. A return visit was made to the camp of the New Hampshire boys, situated just across the road from that of the NINTH, where an exceedingly pleasant hour was spent, much in the same manner as boys usually play together. The band of the First treated the NINTH to several fine selections, . adding greatly to the festivities, which were kept up till tattoo warned guests and hosts that it was time to separate. Half an hour afterwards, when " taps " were sounded, lights were
A MODEL CAMP LENGTH, 481 PACES WIDTH, 400 PACES
GUARD TENTS
SINK
PARADE GROUND
SINK
COLOR LINE
COMPANY QUARTERS
KITCHENS
KITCHENS
NON.COM. STAFF.
POLICE GUARD.
SUTLER. NON.COM.STAFF.
COMPANY
OFFICERS
Hospital
ASST. SURGEON
Q. MASTER.
LT.COL.
ADJ'T.
MAJOR
SURGEON.
COLONEL
D
WAGONS
WAGONS
STORES
SERVANTS
TEAMSTERS
HORSE 8
OFFICERS SINKS
.
HORSES
49
FIRST COUNTERMARCH.
1861
extinguished, and the men sought repose from the labors and amusements of the day.
During the jollifications of the evening, the men of the NINTH determined to have a brass band, the soul inspiring strains heard during the evening prompting them to that decis- ion. A committee was afterwards appointed, the necessary subscriptions secured, and at a later period, the arrival and incorporation with the regiment of an excellent corps of musicians, under the leadership of George Neyer, gave the men great satisfaction.
The "Reveille " was sounded early on Wednesday morn- ing. the 12th, and the men ordered to strike tents, pack up, and be ready for the march. At eight o'clock line was formed, and the regiment left its second encampment. The weather was warm, though not as sultry as on the previous march ; the roads were somewhat worse. During the day the first scare occurred, through a report coming from the rear that the wagon train had been attacked. Colonel Stiles immediately countermarched the regiment on the double quick, and after retracing about a quarter of a mile, word came that the teamsters had only been frightened by a stampede of some horses in an adjacent field. The march was then resumed, and at two o'clock in the afternoon the column passed through Darnes- town, on the outskirts of which a site was chosen for camp. Guards were soon posted and tents pitched. The extent of the march was ten miles. Darnestown, an ancient-looking village, is situated in Montgomery County, near Seneca Creek ; the houses were much scattered ; the people displayed con- siderable Union feeling-sentiments which even in many parts of Maryland it was dangerous to express. Several citizens invited members of the regiment to dine with them, which unexpected courtesy was gladly accepted by a score or more of the men.
Camp Stone-so named in honor of the commander of the expedition-had been judiciously selected, in a cleared field. bordered partly by woods ; water was near at hand, and of good quality. . The surroundings were very attractive ; in fact 4
50
THE NINTH NEW YORK.
June
nothing better could be desired, except by the chronic grumb- lers, a few of whom the NINTH, in common with every other regiment, possessed. On the 13th the district in which Darnestown was situated held an election for congressman, resulting in the choice of the Union candidate, which gave great satisfaction to the Union troops and loyal inhabitants.
Company, battalion and skirmish drills were now of daily occurrence, ending at sundown with the usual dress-parade, which ceremony called together many of the inhabitants for miles around, and to whom it was a novel sight, and much more interesting than their usual market or fair gatherings. The men soon learned that the South contained its share of those willing to earn an honest penny. Peddlers-more pro. perly speaking farmers-their wives, sons and daughters, brought into camp, pies, biscuits, cooked fowls and such like, for which they found ready sale ; home-made apple jack was also smuggled within the lines, but woe to the vender who was caught in the act, for his -- or her -- stock was unceremoniously confiscated.
After a pleasant stay of five days, tents were struck on the 17th, and at eight o'clock, under a bright and beautiful moon, another march was begun. The route led through the small village of Dawsonville, and at ten o'clock a halt was ordered and the regiment went into bivouac near Seneca Creek.
Early the next morning camp was established, and named in honor of Major-General Charles W. Sanford, of the First Division N. Y. S. M. As soon as the tents were pitched the usual routine of camp duties were resumed. The thrifty inhabitants-white and black-soon made their appearance, loaded with creature comforts for the soldiers. These people appreciated the old saw : " It's an ill wind that blows nobody good," for the opportunity was now afforded them of exchang- ing supplies for cash -- money being a scarce article thereabouts at that time. During the day, Companies B, Captain Deppe- ler ; and D, Captain Davis, under Captain Davis, the senior ; were ordered to Sugar Land Bottom, near the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, in order to perform picket duty. The detach-
51
THE NIGHT MARCH TO THE POTOMAC.
1361
ment found a comfortable site in an orchard near the Potomac, and called it Camp Van Beuren. It was about ten miles dis- tant from regimental headquarters. .
It was not expected that the regiment would remain long at any one place, consequently, at eight o'clock in the evening of the 20th, when orders were given to pack up, no one was surprised." The men were anxious to go ahead, and felt happy when in the advance. The night proved to be a most beautiful one, a bright moon contributing to make the trip very enjoyable. After a five mile march, near the town of Poolesville, a halt was ordered and bivouac established for the night. Reveille turned the NINTH out, and " Peas upon a Trencher" called them to an early breakfast the next morning ; but it was not until three o'clock in the afternoon that the march was resumed. The day was very warm, and many of the men soon showed signs of weariness, but not to that extent exhibited on their first day out from Camp Cameron. The roads were in better condition than those previously marched over, and the men were becoming more inured to the hardships of a soldier.
It was only the constitutionally weak who suffered much at that time.
The sight that a thousand times amply repaid the men for the fatigue of the march, was the first view of the Potomac, and which caused shouts of delight that must have been heard by the enemy on the Virginia shore. Could it have been known at what cost of life and treasure, the full and undisputed pos- session of that historic river was to be gained, the exclama- tions would have been those of rage against its so-called defenders, who were posted not more than a mile distant from the opposite bank. A halt was soon made, and camp located on quite a high hill, over-looking both the Potomac and Monocacy Rivers. Guards were posted, tents pitched, and the place named Camp Hall, in honor of General William Hall, in whose brigade the NINTH served when in New York.
In the morning, the 22nd, the usual round of camp duties and pleasures were renewed. Clothing, arms and accoutrements
52
THE NINTH NEW YORK.
Junc
were cleaned; while reading, writing, ball-playing and like amusements, served to fill up the time not devoted to drill. Taken altogether, it can be readily seen that a soldier's life has less of idleness than is generally supposed, this, too, at a time when battles were not engaging their attention. Quite a stir was made during the day by a report from Company E, which was on picket duty at Nolan's Ferry on the Potomac, to the effect that some of their men had been fired on while bath- ing in the river; fortunately no one was injured, still it was a reminder that serious business might be expected should an attempt be made to cross the border.
On leaving camp for picket duty it was customary for the men to carry with them one day's rations, and their overcoats and blankets; in other words, to go in "light marching order." On the 27th, Company F, Captain Rutherford, relieved Company A, Captain Morrison ; the duty was light, with just enough of danger to make it interesting, and the men enjoyed the respite from daily drills and dress-parade.
On the 29th, regimental general orders directed that the regular muster and inspection should take place at four o'clock on the following Sunday afternoon ; the field, staff, and non- commissioned staff at the flag-staff at regimental headquarters, and the several companies at whatever point they happened to be stationed.
On the Ist of July, and in accordance with the laws governing the militia of the State of New York, an election for Major was held, resulting in the choice of Captain William Atterbury, of Company G. The same day, also, John E Bigelow, M. D., reported to the regiment as its surgeon, by appointment, under date of June 25th. He was not mustered however, and returned to New York a month or two after- wards.
At about four o'clock in the afternoon, orders were received, directing the companies remaining at headquarters, to march to Point of Rocks, the camp to be left in charge of the Guard. By the time the march began, the rain came down in torrents, and continued without intermission through-
1861
POINT OF ROCKS.
53
out the night. The route was by way of the canal tow-path, which hardly allowed four men to walk abreast. Owing to the rain and darkness, it was nearly midnight before the six miles were marched.
A stone house stood near by where the regiment halted, and was soon filled with wet and hungry soldiers, while those unable to obtain shelter were obliged to stand round till day- light. No fires were allowed, and those who did obtain cover had to lie down in their wet clothing.
At daylight on the 2nd, the rain ceased. At eleven o'clock companies B and D reported at regimental headquarters ; they had been absent from the regiment since the 18th of June, and in their endeavor to join the regiment, had first gone to Camp Hall. When the tents arrived and had been pitched, Camp Stiles-so named in honor of the Colonel-was established. At Point of Rocks, the Potomac is about three-quarters of a mile wide ; the bridge had been destroyed by the rebels ; the abutment on the Virginia shore bearing a flag-staff from which floated the stars and bars, the first emblem of secession seen by the NINTH. on hostile territory. The men were eager to organ- ize an expedition to attempt its capture, but the frowning guns of the enemy's battery commanding the position admonished them that they had better wait for orders before' running any serious risks.
On the 3rd, Colonel Stone ordered Colonel Stiles to detail two companies for special service ; Company A, Cap- tain Morrison, and Company C, Captain Prescott, were so assigned, under command of Major Atterbury, who, upon reporting to Colonel Stone, received instructions, at four o'clock in the afternoon, to proceed to Sandy Hook, eight miles up the river, opposite Harper's Ferry. Boarding a train, that point was reached about six o'clock.
The morning of the Fourth, the eighty-fifth natal day of the country, was ushered in by the firing of salutes, and with the limited means at command, the men endeavored to get up a celebration worthy of the occasion. At noon the men were . formed into a hollow square and addressed by Colonel Stiles ;
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54
July
THE NINTH NEW YORK.
in the afternoon they marched to Colonel Stone's headquar- ters and cheered him, the Colonel responding in a compliment- ary and patriotic speech. Then the men sang several national songs and were about to disperse when the loud and continued whistling of a locomotive was heard. The men hurried to the station, when the exciting but sad news was imparted that the detachment sent to Sandy Hook, the day before, had been fired upon by the enemy-W. S. H. Baylor's dismounted cavalry-from their position on the south side of the river ; the result being that one or two were killed and several wounded. Inasmuch as this was the NINTH'S " Baptism by Fire," and the first occasion of loss in battle, the excitement was intense. The regiment hurriedly boarded the train, but reached the scene of action too late to be of any assistance, or to avenge the injury done their comrades.
It was learned that a few men of the detachment had that morning crossed the river in a skiff for the purpose of cap- turing a "Confederate " States flag, which could be plainly seen flying from the flag-staff in the arsenal grounds at Harper's Ferry. The men reached the southern shore in safety, and going at once to the staff, hoped to be able to haul down the flag and make their escape before being discovered by the enemy. It was found, however, that as the halyards were knotted it would be necessary to climb the pole. This occupied considerable time ; but Edward W. Butler, of Com- pany C, finally cut down the emblem of Secession, tore it in pieces, which he divided among his companions, reserving one piece for Colonel Stiles. The daring adventurers, hurried back to the river and were nearly across before the enemy reached the bank. The rebels at once opened fire, but the bold Yankees reached the Maryland shore in safety.
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