USA > New York > History of the One hundredth regiment of New York state volunteers > Part 8
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daily for the physical comfort and convenience of the men.
Saturday, February 14th. A large mail made its appearance in camp. Newspapers from home were fluttering everywhere, while in the hands of officers and men could be seen those letter-messengers of com- fort, encouragement and assurances from loyal wives, sisters and mothers. Our army was a reading army. Save the few selfish hearts at home whose love of com- try was as uncultivated as the trifling adventurer, these welcome letters were successful warriors, for they strengthened the soldier's arm and held him to country, home and God.
The men, as a rule, were more content after the re- ceipt of a mail, except now and then a father and hus- band whose heartless wife was ever thrusting the thorns of complaint into the already overburdened heart, demanding, without reason, money, when the thing was a stranger in camp for months. Such knew nothing of the issue at stake, and caring less, were kill- ing slowly the only hope in the bosoms of their husbands by harrassing them into disease and ultimate death. But aside from all drawbacks, the advent of a mail in camp was an evidence of a stronger patriotism. and a deeper determination to resist the demons bent on the destruction of this government. It was the extension of the home strength, that latent power which fed patriots and gave sacrifices for fatherland.
Company and battalion drills were ordered, and the
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men made wonderful proficiency in marching and the manual of arms.
On the 19th of February, Gen. Naglee held a grand review of two brigades. The men improved their op- portunities of washing their clothes and cleaning their arins and accoutrements. The regiment at this time was in splendid condition.
Saturday, February 21st. Col. Dandy and Maj. Nash went to Hilton Head, and the men cleaned camp for the inspections of Sabbath. Sunday, in military annals, is a day of inspection, review, and generally of battle. The soldier is supposed to be in better con- dition on Sabbath in respect to all things that make the soldier, and then his haversack is usually supplied with rations; in short. he is more of a soldier and man on Sabbath than on any other day of the week.
During our stay at Hilton Head and on the island of St. Helena we were abundantly supplied with good rations of fresh beef three days in every ten, and nice fresh bread daily from the government bakery at Beaufort. The Colonel did not lose the opportunity of establishing a school of instruction, as so few volun- teer officers knew scarcely anything of military tactics.
I often wondered what could be the estimation of Col. Dandy, with a military culture, of the volunteer officer who found himself in charge of men with no kind of military knowledge whatever. Surely the es- timation must have been light, though in charity the men were willing to advance for the good of country and home.
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Saturday, February 28th. Col. Dandy mustered the regiment for pay. The common soldier on the island of St. Helena could feel in the wind that some little or great difficulty existed in the department, though no direct knowledge reached his ears. We have learned since what we could not know at the time in a subordinate position. Col. Davis, commanding bri- gade, has given the whole matter in his admirable history of his own regiment, the One Hundred and Fourth Pennsylvania. Delay was caused by the apple of discord being eaten by the generals.
The attack upon Charleston had been arranged at Washington by Gens. Hunter and Foster in Decem- ber, and he and Hunter were to make a combined at- tack of army and navy upon Charleston early in the year. When they came together neither would give up to the other. Gen. Hunter was the ranking offi- cer, and had the advantage. Gen. Foster could not leave at once, and Gen. Naglee was put in command of the forees brought down. On our arrival Gen. Hunter issued an order incorporating Foster's Eight- centh Army Corps troops with the Tenth Corps, and destroying the distinctive organization. Our trans- portation was ordered over to the quartermaster at. Ililton Ilead. Gen. Naglee, who was always ready for a fight with pen or sword, took up the endgels for his ab- sent chief. The fight waxed warm and both parties ap- pealed. Naglee got a little the start of Hunter. Adjt. Gen. Townsend was sent to Hilton Head to arrange inatters. Hunter's order was revoked. Hunter placed
SAMUEL S. KELLOGG. IS! Lieut. 100 !! Reg: N.Y.S.Vols.
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the staff officers of Foster under arrest, and ordered them to leave the department. Gen. Naglee opened on Hunter again, which resulted in the former being sent to New York with orders to report to the adjutant general of the army. This is a sample of the quarrels which interfered with the efficiency of the army during the war. In this case the service lost one of its most gallant officers without canse. He was the life of the expedition, active and energetic and had the entire confidence of the troops. On the contrary, Gen. IIunter was disliked, and neither officers nor men had the least confidence in his abilities. The commis- sioned officers of Gen. Naglee's old brigade waited on him with music. He received them on the steamer at the wharf. An address was tendered him expressive of his gallantry and patriotism. He replied in elo- quent terms. The officers of Heckman's brigade and Ferry's division paid their respects, and in the evening he was serenaded by the band of the Tenth Connecti- ent. Gen. Ferry succeeded Gen. Naglee in command. Thus is explained an affair between generals which consumed months of time and thousands of dollars.
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CHAPTER XIX.
GEN. NAGLEE'S FARWELL ORDER. - ST. HELENA ISLAND, ITS BEAUTY, FERTILITY AND POSITION. - GRAND RE- VIEW BY GEN. HUNTER. - COMPANY, BATTALION AND BRIGADE DRILLS. - RIGID INSPECTIONS. - EXERCISE IN LANDING FROM TRANSPORTS. - IGNORANCE OF THE COMMON SOLDIER OF COMING EVENTS. - COL. DANDY'S SPECIAL ORDER TO THE ONE HUNDREDTH REGIMENT N. Y. V. - MARCHING ORDERS. - THIE PROCESS OF AR- RESTS, AND THEIR DISPOSITION. - THIE WASHING DAYS OF A REGIMENT.
Previous to the departure of Gen. Naglee, as re- lated in the preceding chapter, he issued the following general order :
HEADQUARTERS NAGLEE'S DIVISION, 1 ST. HELENA ISLAND, S. C., March 5th, 1863. 5
(GENERAL ORDERS No. 12.)
Officers and soldiers of my dirision and brigade :- I have been released of my command over you, and have been ordered else- where. Let me entreat you to render implicit obedience to every order. Remember the sacred cause of our country for which we have sacrificed our homes and exposed our lives. Go on, and add to the good name your gallant conduct has so justly won, and as
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before, again will we exclaim, "Truth is mighty, and will prevail." With an affectionate remembrance of the past, and a confidence in the future, I bid you farewell, and with all my heart, God bless you.
BRIG. GEN. H. M. NAGLEE, Commanding Division and Department.
A feeble description would fail to tell of the rare beauty of the island of St. Helena. Much, of course, is due to the climate and the absence of severe chilling weather. Everything is royal. The harbor and bay extended are royal. The islands all are queenly gems. The beauty and fragrance of the orange and oleander, and the songs of the birds, were full of delightful hints to the soldiers of home and its blessings.
The island is an earthly paradise, and we think that the men render a silent and richly deserved homage to all of nature's tropical provisions, so bountifully lavished upon these fruitful islands. However pleas- ing to the soldier, the island camp, and whatever privileges were enjoyed, the impression was fixed that to leave was the end to the beginning, and that soon our backs must be turned upon the beauties of the sea-girt isle, and its memories only remain.
February 24th. Gen. Hunter had a grand review of two divisions. We marched about two miles and returned to camp at 23 P. M. An inspection was or- dered by Capt. Jackson. The men had put forth every effort, assisted by their officers, and the provisions of the Colonel, to make a creditable appearance and a favorable impression : all of which, as the sequel proved, was accomplished.
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Company, battalion and brigade drills were had amid the dust, and under the scorching rays of a sum- mer sun, though only the middle of March. Col. Davis, whose brigade headquarters were on the left of the camp of the One Hundredth, drilled the brigade. Col. Dandy drilled the non-commissioned officers in skirmish drill, and alternately the companies were drilled in the same manner. Regiments were practiced in turn to land from transports in small boats on the beach, to enable them to land at any point with facility, security and success. In consequence of sickness Capt. P. Edwin Dye, of Co. " II," resigned and returned North, taking with him his colored ser- vant, Washington, a servant known and well treated by every officer and man in the regiment. Capt. John Nicholson, of Co. " C," was also discharged while the regiment tarried on the island. Changes were being constantly made, as will be seen by reference to the roll of commissioned officers at the close of the volume. Col. Davis and Col. Dandy united in drilling the brigade. Troops had made progress for the weeks that they had been detained on the island, and now the fact was snuffed from the air that thoughts of leaving must be entertained. The knowledge of the island was limited to the common soldier. But field officers, and sometimes officers of the line, had per- mission to visit Hilton Head, Beaufort and contiguous i-lands, but the rank and file could only look above. and up and down the company street, and wait the order for movement. It came. The One Hundredthi
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Regiment, for its large numbers, perfection on inspec- tion and general military bearing, was selected as the regiment to make the advance upon Charleston. To take and hold Cole's island was the first step in the act to reduce that rebellious city.
Struck tents March 22d, and the regiment was ready to move at 4 P. M.
Previous to the departure of the regiment, Col. Dandy issued the following order :
HEADQUARTERS ONE HUNDREDTH REGIMENT, N. Y. V. ) ST. HELENA ISLAND, March, 1863. 1 (SPECIAL ORDER NO. 67.)
It will seem scarcely necessary at this late day to inform the officers and men of this regiment, that the nation is in its greatest and perhaps final conflict with the rebellion. The Colonel has con- fidence that the One Hundredth Regiment will not deface, by bad conduct, the lustre of its renown at the Seven Pines. The name of the One Hundredth after the coming battle will become a house- hold word, not only at the hearth and in the homes of the Empire State, but its deeds will go down to posterity in the histories which will be made, when the present generation has passed away.
To accomplish, then, the expectations of our friends and kin- dred, the most rigid and unrelenting discipline must be enforced. It is alone by this means that we can achieve success. Let every officer and soldier of this regiment act then in good faith with the obligations he assumes in taking voluntarily upon himself the mili- tary character.
G. B. DANDY, Col. Commanding.
LEOPOLD EVERT,
Lieut. and Acting Adj't.
We will add in this connection a few words upon the matter of military arrests. Almost as a necessity they were frequent among officers and men. The
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men, fast becoming soldiers, by order and discipline. often obtained their knowledge by suffering the in- tense mental pain of a military arrest and punishment. So recent as sovereigns, masters of their own actions. it was not surprising that too often they forgot in manner, speech and action, that they were under the eye and order of a severe and rigid military ruler in the person of the Colonel commanding.
We do not intend to speak of the character of the punishments inflicted upon the persons of the men. Suffice it to say that they were of a military character, and ean justly be called relies of barbarism and disgrace- ful to an enlightened and humane people. Without the mention of any individual officer, or man, the writer can evidence the intense agony of an arrest ; where, through ignorance of an order or law, a man is made to feel that the eyes of informers are upon him at every step, and perhaps the next act will add to his crime and involve him deeper into difficulty. In the case of an officer, his sword is taken from him, charges are preferred in due form, he is tried by a competent court martial, censured, reprimanded, dismissed, or acquitted. In the case of a common soldier, he is ar- rested, sent to the guard-house built for that purpose, charges preferred by his commander, tried by the colonel, lieutenant colonel or major, constituting the court, punished, fined, his pay stopped or acquitted, as the evidence warrants. These things were constantly occurring. Hence much of military knowledge was the result of individual suffering; and it was not
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surprising that men so recently citizens, were restive under restraint and the restrictions of military power.
The washing days of a regiment after a march or confinement on ship, were busy scenes of industry and cleanliness. If the mothers, wives and sisters of these soldiers could have seen the sight, it would have been photographed in memory as novel and entertain- ing. Lessons of patience and dogged perseverence could have been taken, and while they admired, they would never after wished to be relieved from cleansing the garments of loved ones, enduring and suffering for firesides, far away. The shores of every pond and the banks of brook and stream were lined with these modern washer-women ; while twig, branch and shrub were laden with the dripping garments of these faithful knights of water and soap. The reality will attend the living soldier through his after years.
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CHAPTER XX.
REGIMENT STRUCK TENTS ON ST. HELENA, AND MARCHED TO TRANSPORT EXPOUNDER .- EMBARKED .- DISEMBARKED AT HILTON HEAD. - CHANGED GUNS. - EMBARKED. - SAILED FOR STONO INLET. - AGROUND ON A BAR. - CROSSED SAFELY. - ENCAMPED ON COLE'S ISLAND. - UNSUPPORTED FOR SEVERAL DAYS. - TROOPS AR- RIVED. - LANDED ON FOLLY ISLAND. - SKIRMISHEP AND SCOUTED THE ENTIRE ISLAND. - THE DIFFICUL- TIES, SUFFERINGS AND DELAYS OF THE CAMPAIGN.
As stated, in obedience to orders, the regiment was ready to move at + P. M., but finally bivonacked for the night.
Monday, March 23d. The One Hundredth Regi- ment left its now skeleton camp of rude bunks, airy arbors, company streets, and parade ground, and took up its line of march by the quarters of the brigade commander, Col. Davis, through lines of soldiers swarm- ing on either hand, whose camps were still untouched by the magic order of march ; and bidding adien to that isle of the bay went on board the steamer Erpounder, a vessel long since deserted by rats, and steamed to
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Hilton Head, where we went on shore to exchange the Enfield for new Austrian rifles, after which we em- barked. The weather was damp, foggy and cool.
During Tuesday, March 24th, we lay off Hilton Head. Col. Dandy went on shore. The steamer coaled. Officers and men uneasy. The next morning sailed at 5 o'clock. Seasickness prevailed. Reached the bar at Stono Inlet at 12 M., too late to eross, and dropped back to the Edisto river to wait till morning. Sailed for Cole's Island at S A. M. Grounded at 10 1. M. Perils surrounded us. Lake, river and canal culture were now invaluable. Half of the regiment was transferred to that crazy river boat, the Belvidiere, that had held us from Gloucester Point to Carolina City. The remainder stood in solid column awaiting tide or destruction. Tide saved us. The gunboat aid- ing us had grounded also. But the tide cleared her, and with the hawser, which was attached to the Ec- pounder, the gunboat, with the assistance of the tide. resened the worthless hulk with its living freight from apparent destruction. Morning dawned, the bar was crossed and in smooth waters we lay alongside of the gunboat Pawnee.
It was 11 P. M. before the Expounder was free from the treacherous bar. The captain and crew had seemingly lost all hopes. The surf ran too high at night-fall for continued operations of transfer. The prew and boats were under guard. Coal and provi- sions were ordered overboard. The gunnybags were brought from the hold. As the boat slowly slid from
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the bar, we felt saved. Parted arches, and steam pipe closed, and no holes in the bottom of the leaky craft to change the character of our joy. Though we slept but little, still it was a rest to feel that we had been spared from disastrous shipwreck. Following a night of so much anxiety, was a morning quiet and beautiful. The bay was a mirror. The gunboat Pawnee was anchored near, a fine specimen of our wooden nary, neatly modelled, cleanly kept and heavily armed.
The regiment commenced to disembark at S A. M., and encamped at once, on the beach, a little above tide- water mark. The ground in front was rising, a protec- tion from observation. The town of Legareville lay in front, still and deserted. On our left was the mouth of Stono river, and that of Folly at the right. The island in front was covered with large trees, and its surface was quite uneven. There was a narrow cause- way or dyke connecting Coles with James island. 1 lookout was erected. A battery of two guns was stationed and the work of Capt. L. S. Payne, of Co. "D," commenced as the scont, living. accompanied with a few pieked men, almost continually within the lines of the enemy. He was the outer line, the only real scource of information that Col. Dandy could com- mand.
Our expedition began to take definite form. The One Hundredth Regiment had been detached from Col. Davis' brigade, and now with the Eighty-fifth Penn- sylvania, Thirty-ninth Illinois, and Sixty-second Ohio. was known as Howell's brigade. As yet the One
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Hundredth was unsupported, and alone, save by the gunboats in the inlet.
March 30th. Gen. Hunter issued a confidential circular to the respective commanders, which desig- nated the troops for the expedition, and their organiza- tion. They consisted of three divisions of infantry, a brigade of artillery, a light battery and a battalion of engineers. The whole numbered over sixteen thou- sand men. Immense quantities of material had been provided. As named, the One Hundredth New York Regiment, from its numbers, and reputed morale, was to lead the advance. The camp was pitched five yards from high tide. Lieut. Col. Otis posted the pickets. There were ten posts and ten men at each post. Capt. Payne was the wandering post. A road was made along the picket line. The commissary stores were brought ashore. Rumors of assault by the rebels, but proved unfounded. They knew too well the orotund voices of the hundred-pounder parrotts on board the Pawnee.
Promotions were made, as vacancies occurred by resignation and discharge. Non-commissioned officers of experience were not forgotten. John McMann, of Co. "C," was promoted to second lieutenant : L. D. Howell, of Co. "B." to second lieutenant, and other promotions from second to first lieutenant had been inade : that of Lieuts. Everts and Coleman. Col. Dandy had recommended his brother, James HI. Dandy, as first lieutenant, from another regiment, and who subsequently was promoted to captain and major
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of the regiment, and killed at Fort Grigg ; an officer of rare culture, a gentleman, and universally liked by both officers and men. William Bonsell, a member of a New York battery, was commissioned as second lieutenant, but was subsequently dismissed. Charles E. Walbridge, of Co. "H," had been commissioned as first lieutenant, and April 14th, 1863, was commis- sioned as captain. He was relieved from duty as brigade quartermaster and returned to his company. No rebels seen. During our encampment on Cole's island the weather was rainy, windy and disagreeable. Commenced to build a dock.
March 30th. Moved camp from beach to woods, some twenty rods. The dock was completed, and a guard- house built. Col. Dandy went on gunboat, on a recon- noissance.
April 3d, Friday. Six transports arrived inside the bar with troops. The One Hundredth had commenced to throw up rifle pits in front of camp, but were or- dered to suspend, and move to Folly island. Four regi- ments landed on Cole's island, which, with the One Hun- dredth, constituted the brigade already mentioned.
April 5th. The regiment struck tents at + P. M., went on transports at 10 P. M., and was beached from stall boats, on the south point of Folly island, in the surf, an ebb tide, water breast high, two hundred vards from shore. That was a struggle for the soldier with his armor on, and as for us, we felt our safety to be in the presence of the tall foris about us, buoying us on to the shore of sand and barrenness.
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The tide was running out, and hence the difficulty of landing. It was 1 o'clock in the morning when the regiment stood on shore. Marched till 9 A. M., halted till 12 M., Innehed, rested, and marched till 1 P. M. Cos. " D," " K" and "C" constituted the ad- vanced guard. Co. " K," Capt. Granger, skirmished the entire island. Lieut. Col. Otis was in command, assisted by Maj. Nash. Col. Dandy remained behind on Cole's island.
As each soldier calls to mind that night's work of em- barking from Cole's island, and disembarking on the shores of Folly island, the struggle with the tide, boats beached and whole companies in water breast high, moving toward dry ground ; led by Col. Otis, in that march along the beach, the sun shining warmly, the " halts," and " forwards," as the skirmishers felt their way through the tangled thickets of that uninhabited isle ; the halt at noonday, the lunch and rest, prepa- ratory to the advance; as the soldier remembers all these events, he is startled in thought, and at this date, asks himself the question : Was I there ? Is it not a dream? No! No !! It is a vivid reality. a real fact, which the shadows of coming years cannot cover or hide from contemplative thought. A campaign had been opened. A battle with other enemies than that of our fellow-countrymen was to be fought. A strng- glo with lime, vermin and delays, filled the head and Heart of the sollier during his sojourn on those desert sandy isles. The landing was the opening of an avenne crowded with death and disaster.
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CHAPTER XXI.
THE SIEGE OF CHARLESTON. - FORT SUMTER .- ITS FIRST REDUCTION. - ITS REINFORCEMENT. - THE LEAVING OF THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN. - THE ACTIVITY OF THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT. - THE BASE OF OPER- ATIONS AT PORT ROYAL. - FORMER REDUCTION OF ALL THE FORTS AND TOWNS ALONG THE COAST. - DESERTION OF BEAUFORT. - EXPEDITIONS TO STONO RIVER AND JAMES ISLAND. - REBEL FORTIFICATIONS. -FORT SUMTER TO BE REDUCED.
In connection with the mention of dates, facts, and the personal record of individual officers and men of the regiment, we have endeavored to give a condensed history of the rebellion in the bombardment of Fort Sumter, which as a work to be reduced, with that of Wagner on Morris island, constituted a large share of the service in which the One Hundredthi Regiment so conspicuously cooperated. At this date the siege of Charleston is a fact of memory. a wonder of sensation. a grand display of ponderous artillery. the like of which the world had never seen. Long ere the northern heart was fired with the necessity of crushing secession by
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force of arms, Maj. Robert Anderson, apparently for- saken by government, felt the instant need of self- protection, as against the blood-thirsty renegades of South Carolina. The explosions and illuminations at Fort Moultrie, gave evidence to the chivalry of Charles- tun, that, as a military work, it was abandoned; and the stars and stripes floating over Sumter told of the prompt measures of the loyal Anderson in his exchange of positions, that national honor might be maintained. From the occupation of Sumter till the hour of its de- struction, the position of its inmates was one of peril. The opening year of 1861 brought no hope to the anx- ious heart of the true and patriotic Anderson. No sid in men nor supplies. The dark spirits of rebellion, all had seemed to shadow that ocean fortress and its brave defenders. When Mrs. Anderson, then an in- valid in New York, learned of the imbecility of gov- ernment and the critical position of her husband, she resolved to reinforce him with one true man in the jerson of Peter Hart, once a subordinate officer to Maj. Anderson. Hart was sought and found. Said Mrs. Anderson, "I wish you to do me a favor." " Any- thing Mrs. Anderson wishes me to do I will do," re- -ponded Ilart. " We must go to Fort Sumter." " I will go, Madam." "But I want you to stay with the Major." "I will go, and stay, Madam." They went. No one but her physician knew her errand. South- ward she was the only lady on the train, Hart acting in the capacity of servant. Troops were hurrying to Charleston. The wife was forced to listen to conspira-
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