USA > New York > History of the Seventh Regiment of New York, 1806-1889 > Part 46
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485
ANNAPOLIS NAVAL ACADEMY.
1861
large parties of Baltimore secessionists had seized important bridges, and were prepared to resist the progress of the Regiment, or attack it before leaving Annapolis. A brief discussion of this alarming news resulted in the unanimous decision that the Seventh Regiment had left New York for the relief and the defense of Washington ; that it had already been greatly detained by unforeseen circum- stances ; that, having now reached the nearest available point, it was its duty to face all dangers, surmount all obstacles, push rapidly forward at the earliest possible moment, and spare no effort to reach its destination.
As the officers of the Regiment were about returning to their several commands, General Butler approached and asked permis-
Annapolis Naval Academy.
sion to say a few words. His appearance, manner, and general conduct, both at Philadelphia and in the bay of Annapolis, had rendered him extremely unpopular among all with whom he came in contact, both citizens and soldiers. Such being the apparent state of public opinion, it was not without some embarrassment that he commenced his speech to the officers of the Seventh Regiment. It is safe to say that, in all his oratorical efforts, he was never more successful. With flattering reference to the fair fame and patriot- ism of the Seventh Regiment, and to the courage and endurance of
-
1861
486
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
his " plain Massachusetts boys"; with well-worded expressions of patriotism and devotion to the country and love for the Union and its flag ; with apt allusions to the historical past, to the momentous present, and to the future, so dependent upon the acts and efforts of the soldiers of New York and Massachusetts-he won the hearts of his hearers and disarmed them of their prejudices. It was no trifling victory, for he established in the minds of all who listened that character for energy and ability which he has since maintained before the American people, and which is so brilliant and com- manding that it obscures his faults and imperfections. The scene at this time was worthy of a historical painting : in the center, a group of handsome and intelligent officers listening to General Butler, who, in spite of his unsoldierly dress, dumpy figure, unpre- possessing face, and political antecedents, commands, by his brill- iant oratory, their respectful and undivided attention ; to the left, the calm river Severn and the fort and beautiful fields beyond; in front, the broad bay of Annapolis, with the Boston at the wharf, the Maryland hard aground, and the Constitution in the distance ; to the right, the members of the Seventh Regiment at rest upon the greensward, in picturesque groups and in all conceivable atti- tudes, and the imposing buildings of the Naval School, with its officers and students in neat uniforms, interested spectators of the scene-and, beyond all, the sleepy, antique city of Annapolis; to the west, and in the background, a hill upon which was gathered a frowning crowd of men and boys, watching each movement with unfriendly eyes, and, beyond them, the brilliant setting sun.
The conference having ended to the satisfaction of all, the Regiment was marched to an old dilapidated fort in the inclosure, which was to be the quarters for the night, and a strong guard was . mounted to prevent a surprise. The stores and camp equipage having been discharged from the Boston, that steamer was sent to the relief of the Eighth Massachusetts, and during the night landed that regiment, and succeeded in floating the Maryland. The quar- ters at the old fort were very limited, and the hospitable young students accommodated many of the members of the Seventh in their rooms in the academic buildings. The kitchens of the estab- lishment furnished hot coffee for the men, which, with rations of hard biscuit and salt beef and pork brought from Philadelphia, made all comparatively comfortable. . During the evening, such in-
487
THE DAY AT ANNAPOLIS.
1861
formation as could be obtained in respect to the roads to Washing- ton and the state of the surrounding country was thoroughly can- vassed by Colonel Lefferts and his officers, and it was decided that, early in the morning, all available transportation should be procured for the accommodation of those who might be sick or wounded on the march, that additional rations be purchased or seized, and that the Regiment hasten forward by the most direct route to its desti- nation.
Tuesday, April 23d .- In the morning the quartermaster and his assistants scoured the country in search of horses and wagons, but with trifling success; and the few vehicles and animals that made their appearance during the forenoon were of a kind that would not be tolerated in any respectable farming section of the North. To relieve the monotony of the day, a drill and a parade were ordered, which terminated with a review by Captain Blake. The leading citizens of the town, most of them secessionists, were admitted with their families to the grounds, and were charmed with the excellent music of the band, and astonished at the drill and formidable appearance of so large a body of active, well-disciplined soldiers. The exaggerated reports which were spread through the city of Annapolis and the surrounding country by those who wit- nessed the parade and review of the Seventh Regiment, in respect to its numbers, its perfection of drill, and its complete discipline, undoubtedly intimidated those who were intending to oppose its further progress, and saved it from attacks at various points on the route to Washington. Before the arrangements for the departure of the Regiment were completed, a messenger arrived from Wash- ington with dispatches from the War Department, and bringing the joyful intelligence that the capital was yet safe. The dispatches urged the importance of reaching Washington at the earliest pos- sible moment, as an attack from the enemy was daily expected ; but recommended that, if possible, the railroad route via Annapolis Junction be opened, and a communication with the loyal portion of the country thereby secured. It was therefore decided to abandon the plan of proceeding to Washington by the direct wagon-road, and to take the longer and more tedious railroad route, and place the railroad in a state of repair for those who were to follow.
Soon after its arrival in the harbor of Annapolis, General But- ler commenced issuing orders to the Seventh Regiment, apparently
488
1861
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
upon the assumption that it was under his command. Sometimes these orders purported to come from the headquarters of the " Bri- gade of United Militia," and sometimes from the headquarters of the " Brigade of United States Militia." In all cases they con- tained absurd regulations in respect to "daily company drills," " unauthorized interference with private property," and other mat- ters foreign to the great object which had brought the Seventh Regiment to Annapolis. Colonel Lefferts very properly declined to notice these voluminous fulminations, until they finally became an intolerable nuisance. As these orders, if obeyed, would proba- bly detain the Regiment at Annapolis and vicinity upon guard duty, and prevent its reaching Washington for several days, Colo- nel Lefferts, by the advice of his officers, stated to General Butler that the Seventh Regiment had been ordered by the Govern- or of New York to report direct to General Scott at Washington ; that it had not placed itself or been placed by any order of the War Department under the command of any militia officer of the State of Massachusetts ; that, while no order from General Butler could be received or obeyed, it was most anxious to co-operate with the troops of Massachusetts or any other loyal State in any and every effort designed for the speedy relief of Washington or the general welfare of the country; that, as the first to land at An- napolis, it was entitled to the advance in the forward movement ; and that, being a large, well-equipped, thoroughly disciplined regi- ment, it was qualified to meet and overcome opposition, and would be of great service at the capital. General Butler was indignant and angry at this reply, and threatened to report the disobedience of his orders to the War Department; and at that time and subsequently, by misrepresentations and ungenerous inferences and reflections, he spared no effort to injure the reputation of Colonel Lefferts, and indirectly stigmatize the Seventh Regiment. Upon the arrival of the Regiment at Washington, General Scott and the Secretary of War personally expressed to Colonel Lef- ferts their entire approval of his conduct. It is but justice, how- ever, to General Butler to state that his patriotism for a time overcame his bad temper, and, when he realized the fact that he could not command the Seventh Regiment, he consented to co- operate with it in the forward movement. It was arranged that two companies of the Eighth Massachusetts should seize and occupy
489
COLONEL LANDER.
1861
the railroad depot, and that soon after midnight two companies of the New York Seventh should take the advance to Washington, to be followed at daylight by the remainder of the Regiment and, as soon as possible thereafter, by the Eighth Massachusetts. Late in the afternoon it was announced that the Sixth Company, Captain Nevers, and the Second Company, Captain Clark, had been detailed to the post of honor and of danger. The announcement was re- ceived with delight by the members of those companies, and they hastened to make the necessary preparations. Rations of pork and crackers were packed in haversacks, arms were carefully examined, and at sunset all were in readiness to move at the appointed hour. The rations of the men during the day at Annapolis were deficient in quantity and inferior in quality. Nothing of consequence could be obtained in the town, and the salt beef and pork and the poor crackers which had been purchased by the quartermaster in Phila- delphia were nearly exhausted. The great change in diet and the want of palatable food had a perceptible effect upon the health of the men ; yet few would accept a surgeon's care, all being anxious to participate in the forward movement.
Among the notable incidents of the day was the arrival from Washington of Colonel Lander, celebrated for his connection with the Pacific Wagon-road expedition and with the Burlingame duel. Of the eight messengers sent by General Scott with dispatches to the Seventh Regiment, only Colonel Lander and one other reached Annapolis. Colonel Lander stated that he had been taken prisoner by a large party of secessionists, and that all the roads were infested with troopers and armed men, and that in his opinion, derived from personal ob- servation, the Regiment would meet with serious 'resistance upon the road to Washington, and could not expect to reach that point without a loss of a large number of men. Yet so perilous was the situation of affairs at Washington that he advised a forward movement at any cost ; and, as it was impossible to make suitable provision for the conveyance of sick or wounded men, that
490
1861
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
they be left upon the road, to the mercy and humanity of the Mary- landers. Such were the opinions and statements of Colonel Lander, and they were certainly calculated to awaken considerable appre- hension as to the result of the impending movement. Captains Nevers and Clark, who were present at the interview with Colonel Lander, and were to lead the advance, fully appreciated the dangers to be encountered, and enjoined upon their commands the utmost care, coolness, and vigilance. A few months later the gallant Lander, in one of the most dashing affairs of the war, sealed his devotion to the country with his life.
The evening was clear, calm, and beautiful, and at an early hour all were seeking repose preparatory to the labors of the morrow. About 11 P. M. the "long roll," the signal of great and immediate danger, was beat, and in an instant the quiet scene was changed into one of terrific haste and bustle. From the old fort, from the Naval Academy, and from the greensward of the lawn, the young men of the Seventh sprang to arms, and hastened to take their places in the ranks. Without noise or confusion, the companies were formed, and, as they marched into line, the young midship- men with their howitzers dashed down the hill at full speed to take part in the expected engagement. All eyes were now turned eagerly in the direction of the city, from which the enemy was expected to approach ; but no danger appeared from the slumber- ing town, and orders were received to return to quarters. The cause of the alarm was soon explained. It had been arranged by the officers of the Naval Academy that, in case of the approach of hostile vessels, three rockets should be sent up from the frigate Constitution. The arrival in the lower bay of several transports with troops from New York was the cause of the display of the signal agreed upon, and the consequent alarm. A careful survey of the vessels with a night-glass satisfactorily proved that the loyal men of the North were following in the footsteps of the Seventh in its glorious mission.
Wednesday, April 24th .- At 2 A. M. the advance-guard was ready to march. It was commanded by Captain Nevers, the senior officer, and consisted of the Second and Sixth Companies and a part of the Tenth Company, commanded by Lieutenant Bunting, in charge of a howitzer. To the Second Company, Captain Clark, was assigned the right of the battalion, which position it held dur-
491
THE ADVANCE-GUARD.
1861
ing the long and fatiguing march to Annapolis Junction. Leaving the beautiful grounds of the Naval Academy, the detachment moved through the narrow and crooked streets of the city, past ancient, elegant, and substantial dwellings, past the old State-House where Washington delivered his farewell address and resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the American army, and up the hill to the little depot of the Annapolis and Washington Rail- road. The Massachusetts men were on the alert, and welcomed the detachment with Yankee cordiality. Since the occupation of the depot on the previous day they had not been idle. An engine was found that had been disabled by the secessionists, but practical engineers stepped from the ranks and soon placed it in running order. Charles Homans, a private in the Beverly Light Guard, Company E, Eighth Massachusetts, recognized in the engine an old friend, for he had assisted in building it. Having an undisputed claim to the post of engineer, Homans soon had the steam up, and with a gang of track-layers and a guard had repaired the first two miles of the railroad. Thus in a few hours Massachusetts skill and industry repaired the damages at the Annapolis depot, circum- vented the enemy, and achieved another triumph for New Eng- land. The train was soon ready, and consisted of two platform- cars, in front of the engine, upon which were mounted the howitzer and its caisson, and two small passenger-cars, into which were crowded the two hundred and fifty men of the Seventh Regiment battalion. It was broad daylight when the train moved slowly in the direction of Annapolis Junction. Two miles from the sta- tion was found a detachment of the Eighth Massachusetts, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Hincks, which had acted during the night as a picket and a guard to the railroad. Having been without food for nearly a day, and constantly on duty, these brave and patriotic men were in a pitiable condition. Haversacks were at once opened, and, with a generosity almost prodigal, the mem- bers of the Seventh distributed the rations provided for their long march among their more needy comrades of the Eighth Massachu- setts. Words could not express their gratitude at this unexpected relief to their sufferings. The detachment of the Eighth Massa- chusetts accompanied the train, which was obliged to halt, from time to time, and wait for the rails to be replaced upon the broken track. About three miles from Annapolis armed men were dis-
492
1861
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
covered busily at work destroying the railroad-track, and Lieuten- ant Farnham, of the Second Company, and Lieutenant Halsted, of the Sixth, with a detail of active men, hastened forward to attack and capture them. Before they could be reached, however, they had scampered away into the adjacent woods and secured a safe retreat. During the day and night Lieutenant Farnham continued in the advance, scouring the woods and country near the railroad, and only returning to the main body, from time to time, to report progress, or to procure fresh men in place of those exhausted by his dashing and fatiguing movements. The certain proximity of the enemy rendered it prudent to leave the train, and the battalion moved forward in light marching order by the flank, accompanied by the platform-ears with the howitzer. About the time that the battalion left the ears, private De Van Postley, of the Second Com- pany, was seriously wounded in the leg by the accidental discharge of a pistol, and, as the train was about to return to Annapolis, he was sent back to the Naval Hospital.
The battalion had been ordered to advance about six miles, un- less it met with opposition, and then halt and await the arrival of the remainder of the Regiment. In obedience to this order, the battalion had advanced about that distance, when a report was re- ceived that a body of cavalry was at a station not far distant, prepared to oppose its progress. A favorable position was at onee secured to repel an attack, but a reconnaissance proved that the cavalrymen were only mounted citizens, who, frightened at the approach of armed men, had hastened to the little hamlet to carry the news and consult with their friends and .neighbors. As the · battalion had advanced as far as directed in the original order, Captain Nevers ordered the arms to be staeked, and the men to remain near their pieces and await the arrival of the main body. It was now nine o'clock, and the day was becoming excessively hot. In the shade of the forest trees the men gathered in groups, ate their seanty breakfast, smoked their pipes, and, with the careless ease of veteran woodmen, stretched themselves upon the ground for an hour's repose. In the excellent offensive and defensive posi- tion selected by Captain Clark for the Second Company, the right rested upon an unpretending log-house, the inmates of which had fled at the approach of the soldiers, the women and children to the woods, and the master on horseback to the village. The house was
493
1861
A MARYLAND SECESSIONIST.
explored, but yielded nothing to refresh the hungry and weary. A coarse picture of ex-Colonel Duryee ornamented the wall of the cabin, and was the only object that attracted attention. It was not long, however, before the master of the house appeared, pale and almost speechless with fear and excitement, hoping by his presence and humble kindness to save some portion of his household goods from destruction. By degrees confidence was restored ; the Mary- lander became satisfied that his uninvited guests were not thieves or robbers; a display of silver coin brought fresh eggs from be- neath the bed, and meat and bread from other hiding-places ; and finally a glass of wine, which at first was viewed with suspicion, opened his simple heart, and made him fearless, social, and com- municative. From his statement it was evident that the whole region was thoroughly alarmed by the exaggerated rumors from all parts of the country, and especially by the warlike demonstrations from the direction of Annapolis. He was confident there was a large armed force at the Junction, and he retailed the fearful stories of preparations to repel the invaders of the sacred soil of Mary- land, but he frequently declared that " he was a good Union man himself, and hoped that the troubles would soon end." It was evident, however, that his great desire was to be rid of his new and troublesome friends, to keep on good terms with both parties, and to be allowed to remain peacefully in his own quiet home. This man was a specimen of nearly all the inhabitants of Maryland encountered during the march to the Junction. In most cases they hastened away from the vicinity of the railroad, taking their horses and negroes with them, but when obliged by circumstances to stand, they displayed an ignorance of the political issues of the day, an indifference as to the fate of the country, and an unpar- donable selfishness disgusting to contemplate. The negroes only wore smiling and friendly faces, and they seemed instinctively to understand that these strange movements would ultimately result in something beneficial to their despised and down-trodden race.
When the Second and Sixth Companies left the Naval Academy, the other companies were profoundly sleeping, and but few officers and soldiers witnessed their early departure. But at reveillé all were aroused and hastened their preparations to follow in the foot- steps of the advance-guard. Knapsacks were packed, overcoats rolled, canteens filled, ammunition distributed, muskets loaded,
1861
494
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
rations of salt pork and navy biscuit served out to each man, and at 7 A. M. the main body of the Regiment bade adieu to the Naval Academy and its patriotic and hospitable inmates. The people of Annapolis in large numbers witnessed in silence the march of the Regiment through the streets to the depot, but with no signs of disapprobation. The gentlemanly. bearing and the open-handed liberality of the officers and members of the Regiment had softened their hearts, quieted their fears, and disarmed their hostility.
The march of six miles in the extreme heat was not without its effect upon the young and inexperienced soldiers, already debili- tated by confinement on the steamer Boston, change of diet, and want of rest; yet they struggled manfully forward, and but few were obliged to fall out and wait for the train which was to follow. About ten o'clock the main body reached the bivouac of the advance- guard, and, as it approached upon the railroad-track, marching by the flank, with its bright bayonets glistening in the sunlight, its appearance was peculiarly imposing and formidable. The Second and Sixth Companies now formed and again took the advance, accompanied by a platform-car with its howitzer. With the main body, which followed at no great distance, was another platform- car for the sick or wounded and for medical stores; and a third, containing the remaining howitzer and its ammunition, brought up the rear. Upon a railroad-track where the ties were laid upon the surface, through deep cuts and over an arid soil, under a noonday sun, and with the thermometer above 90°, the Regiment pushed gallantly forward. As the engine and passenger-cars had been sent back for the use of the Eighth Massachusetts, now also on its march from Annapolis, the platform-cars afforded the only accommoda- tions for those prostrated by fatigue and heat. Halting frequently to search for missing rails and to repair the track, the Regiment averaged only about one mile per hour, and it was after 2 P. M. that it reached a water-station known among the natives of that vicinity as Millersville.
The railroad-bridge near Millersville, twenty feet high and six- teen feet long, had been destroyed, and the rebuilding of it was indispensably necessary. A rapidly approaching storm also neces- sitated a halt, and preparations for its reception. Blankets were converted into tents and pitched in the neighboring wood ; but they afforded trifling protection against the storm which burst upon that
TA Nast
Copyright, C. T. Dillingham.
THE MARCH TO WASHINGTON. APRIL, 1861.
495
THE NIGHT MARCH.
1861
region with the fury and violence peenliar to the South. Before the storm had passed away the men were thoroughly drenched, and, although the rain proved a relief from the intense heat of the day, it added to their sufferings during the following night. When the storm had subsided, men were detailed from the several com- panies to rebuild the bridge, and, under the superintendence of Sergeant Scott, of the non-commissioned staff, the work progressed with great rapidity. Trees were felled and hewn, and the timbers placed in position, and, without suitable tools, a bridge was con- structed which proved sufficiently strong for the safe transit of the train. It was after sunset before the bridge was completed and the Regiment moved forward. Before the completion of the bridge the main body of the Eighth Massachusetts arrived, and several volunteers from its ranks afforded valuable assistance in completing the work. Leaving the Eighth Massachusetts resting by the way- side and eating their scanty and homely rations, and intrusting to them the engine and the duty of guarding and keeping open the road as repaired, the Seventh, in the shades of the evening, began its memorable night march.
In the early part of the night the full moon served to guide the footsteps of the weary soldiers, but at intervals darkness enshrouded the slowly moving column, and materially increased the difficulties of the march. The railroad-track afforded an uneven path, and every railroad-tie was a wearying stumbling-block to the soldiers. At short intervals the track had been torn up, and it was with the greatest difficulty that the rails could be found in adjacent fields and forests ; if found, it was no small task to adjust them in their former positions, and it finally became necessary to take up side- tracks and carry the rails forward to assist in prospective repairs. All this caused delay, and to wet, hungry, and weary men these delays were tedious and discouraging. During the night the repairs to the track entirely devolved upon the Seventh Regiment, and, as only a limited number could be employed upon the work, a large. majority of the members must patiently wait until the repairs were completed and the command was received to move forward. So frequent were these halts and delays that before midnight the men acquired the habit of dropping upon the ground as the command to halt was passed down the line, and dozing or sleeping until the repairs were completed. To drag and push forward the heavy
1861
496
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
platform-cars on which the howitzers and caissons were mounted had now become an irksome task to men already thoroughly fa- tigued. But not a moment was lost; all realized the importance of continued activity, and by midnight six miles had been accom- plished, and the Junction was only six miles distant. Too much credit can not be awarded to Colonel Lefferts for his gallant con- duct during the entire night in pushing forward his weary officers and men toward their destination. By example and by words of encouragement he carried them bravely on through hardships which would have severely taxed the strength and endurance of veteran soldiers.
Serious opposition was expected at the Junction, and Lieutenant Farnham, in command of the skirmishers, was enjoined to exercise the greatest care and vigilance. About midnight, while the Regi- ment was at a halt, awaiting the completion of some repairs, and several members of the Second Company were attempting to force open a large box containing railroad-tools, one of their muskets was accidentally discharged. The report of the musket caused no par- ticular sensation in the Regiment, as it was immediately known to be an accidental discharge; but it alarmned the skirmishers half a mile in advance, who at once supposed that an attack was about to be made upon the Regiment, and that they were likely to be cut off from their support. They at once discharged several muskets and pistols as a signal that they were not far distant, from which, however, the Regiment naturally inferred that the skirmishers had met the enemy and were in danger of being overpowered. Cap- tains Nevers and Clark, with a part of their commands, immedi- ately hastened forward to reconnoitre and to support Lieutenant Farnham and his men, and met them hastening back to the Regi- ment. Not expecting to meet friends coming to their assistance, it was only by the merest chance that a collision was avoided. The two parties had approached in the darkness to within twenty yards of each other, muskets were cocked and at a ready, and Lieutenant Farnham was about to give the command to fire when a familiar voice was recognized, and a serious loss of life was providentially prevented. Soon after midnight the weather became extremely cold, and, as the route was through swamp and low land, the damp and chilly air was almost unendurable. Wet, hungry, tired, and sleepy, the men only needed this change in the weather to complete
497
1861
AT ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION.
their misery. When halted to repair the track, those not engaged would fall asleep in an instant, and it was often with great difficulty that they could be aroused to resume the march. In several in- stances sleeping men rolled down the railroad embankment ; and, when on the march, they trudged along, half conscious, half dream- ing, many exhibiting the symptoms which are ascribed to those who perish from hunger, cold, and exhaustion. It was not uncom- mon to notice men marching forward with their eyes completely closed, their heads falling forward or from side to side, and with a staggering gait indicating the muscular relaxation of the profound sleeper. Between three and four o'clock the Regiment arrived within a mile of the Junction, and halted to await a report of the state of affairs at that point from Lieutenant Farnham. So intense was the cold that the men hastened to build large fires with the rails of the neighboring fences, thus inaugurating the principle, afterward extensively adopted, that the health and comfort of the soldier are of primary importance, especially in an enemy's country. In this case, however, the damage to property was paid by the offi- cers of the Regiment before leaving the vicinity. Captain Clark, anxious to ascertain the whereabout of that part of his company in advance with Lieutenant Farnham, and to aid them if necessary, soon left the warn and cheering fires, and with his company ar- rived at the Junction at daylight. A short time previous Lieuten- ant Farnham had dashed into the little village and found it unoccu- pied, except by its sleeping inhabitants. Hostile troops had visited the place during the previous days, but the extravagant reports which had spread through the country in respect to the numbers and prowess of the Seventh Regiment had frightened away all opposition from the Junction and from the entire line of railroad between Annapolis and Washington. The proprietors of the half- dozen hotels, stores, and groceries of Annapolis Junction were at once aroused, and, when they were satisfied that they were not to be robbed or murdered, they paraded their scanty store of provis- ions and prepared breakfast for the hungry soldiers. As there was no armed force in the vicinity, the men were allowed to visit the neighboring farin-houses, and, by these foraging expeditions, and the accommodations at the Junction, all succeeded in obtaining a tolerable breakfast. Having ascertained that a train of cars had been sent from Washington to the Junction on the previous day
498
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
1861
to meet the Seventh Regiment, and that it would probably come again during the forenoon, information was sent to Colonel Lefferts to that effect, and he allowed the other companies of the Regiment to rest and make themselves as comfortable as possible at the place where they had halted, about a mile from the Junction. The green- sward by the railroad-track and in the adjoining fields afforded ample accommodations for a bivouac, and officers and men, in over- coats and blankets, were not slow to avail themselves of long-needed repose. A few, more hungry than sleepy, scoured the surrounding country in search of food; but the farm-houses were few and far between, and only in rare instances were tliese foraging expeditions completely successful.
Meanwhile the members of the Second Company stretched their weary limbs upon the railroad platforms at the Junction, and the morning was resonant with their efforts to obtain the largest amount of sleep in the shortest space of time. A small hand-car having been discovered, was at once manned and dispatched toward Washington to meet the expected train, or to hasten it forward in case it had not left the city. After a laborious ride of six miles, the party met the train, in charge of the National Rifles, Captain Smead, and returned with it to the Junction. While Colonel Lefferts was being notified of the arrival of the train, and the Regiment was marching from its bivouac to the Junction, Captains Smead and Clark succeeded in communicating by telegraph with the city of Baltimore, and learned that all was quiet there, and that there was no danger of an immediate attack from that direction. About ten o'clock the Seventh Regiment left the Junction in a train crowded almost to suffocation, and at noon, April 25th, safely reached the city of Washington.
END OF VOL. I.
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