USA > New York > History of the Twenty-second regiment of the National guard of the state of New York; from its organization to 1895, pt 1 > Part 12
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* Yet the Twenty-third, which left Brooklyn on the morning of the IS, arrived at Harrisburg at daybreak on the 19, and was in the fortifications at Bridgeport that afternoon.
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very pretty ones, too, all wild with enthusiasm. Once when the train was crawling up a steep grade, a bevy of five country beauties gathered along the fence, waving their handkerchiefs and kissing their hands to the troops. Suddenly, a man of the Twenty-second leaped from the moving train, rushed over to the girls, kissed the whole five in rapid succession before they had a chance to think, and darted back to his train, into which he was hauled by his admiring companions, while the whole brigade burst into applause at his enterprise and grasp of the situation.
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CHAPTER XIV.
HARRISBURG.
O N arriving at Harrisburg, the train went on a sid- ing adjoining " Camp Curtin," the great organiz- ing camp of Pennsylvania, and detachments from the Twenty-second started out to forage. They soon re- turned with chickens, vegetables, etc., for all of which they had been charged stiff prices, which they sometimes paid and occasionally, it is to be feared, did not. Camp Curtin was filled by the newly raised " emergency men " who had been called out by Gov. Curtin's patriotic proclamations. They were mostly men from different parts of the rural or mining districts, without uniforms or officers and destitute of the slightest military train- ing. Consequently, they seemed to the eyes of the Twenty-second to be a slovenly and uncouth mob rather than soldiers. Many of them appeared to be already demoralized, and openly stated that they were "going home." Whether from jealousy or some other cause, they were not at all cordial to the " Yorkers." Party spirit, in those days, ran high, and many men. expressed sentiments against the management of the War who fought bravely in it. Much of the talk in regard to the War that was heard from the natives in
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this portion of Pennsylvania grated upon the ears of those who had left their own homes to defend the State from invasion, and they resented it as well as the jeers with which they were greeted by the newly raised Penn- sylvania organizations.
At some distance from Camp Curtin the Twenty- second met some regular militia organizations from Philadelphia, whose soldierly appearance impressed them with a feeling of respect, which subsequent acquaint- ance did not dispel. These had built little shelters like dog-kennels, out of boards which they had covered with rubber blankets, and thus made themselves quite comfortable.
Among these was "Landis' Philadelphia Battery" which subsequently formed a part of Gen. Ewen's brigade, to the guns of which the Twenty-second was frequently to look for protection, and were often to aid in hauling up many a steep and muddy road. This battery was essen- tially an American product, impossible in any other coun- try or in any other circumstances. It had been hurriedly formed in Philadelphia by uniting Company A, First Artillery, Pa. N. G. with Company C, Capt. J. N. Beddle. These organizations had been formed for some time, and had had a little drilling in the manual of the piece, but had no experience with horses and never had fired a gun. The ranks of the new battery were filled by recruits who stood high socially, but knew nothing of military drill. The battery was largely composed of lawyers and prided itself at all times that if it was not up to the regular standard in other respects, it was "great on papers." Henry D. Landis was elected captain and Sam- uel C. Perkins, since a prominent lawyer of Philadelphia,
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and president of its Board of Public Works, first lieuten- ant. R. W. Gilder, since the editor of The Century, was a private, as was Charles S. Leland (Hans Breitman).
CAPT. H. D. LANDIS. LIEUT. S. C. PERKINS. OF LANDIS' BATTERY.
They were uni- formed with a high drab felt slouch hat, army blouse and drab trousers. Each man also provided himself with a copy of artillery tactics and proceeded to saturate himself with it. So success- fully was this done that in a few days the theoretical parts of the duty were pretty well acquired. Upon its arrival at Harrisburg, this battery was put into Fort Washington and set at work drill- ing at the guns.
One afternoon an officer rode up and inquired for Capt. Landis. The latter stepped up and saluted. "Capt. Landis, here is your battery, send a section with Gen. Ewen immediately." Mounting the horses, guns and caissons in accordance with what they could re- member of the tactics, the section started at once. The . next day it was followed by the rest of the battery.
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STATE HISTORIAN'S OFFICE, ALBANY, N. Y.
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For reasons which will be stated later, the battery did not unharness for two days. When it came to do so, the question arose, how was it to be done, particularly by worn out men, at a late hour on a dark night? The Gordian knot was cut by the order, "Try all the buckles and unbuckle those that work easiest." Unfortunately, the harness was new and one buckle was no easier than another. The result was that while the horses were eventually released, the harness was in so many different parts that application had to be made in the morning for an instructor to explain how to get it together. The battery as it left Fort Washington con- R. W. GILDER. sisted of six 3-inch rifled guns ( 10 pounders) and five cais- sons, one caisson being left in the fort on account of the want of horses. There was no picket rope, no blankets, forage bags, whips, spurs, curry-combs, or anything necessary for the care and comfort of the horses and drivers. No battery-wagon, forge or blacksmith was attached to the command, though many of the horses wanted shoes and re-shoeing. The guns also were deficient in equipment; there was but one prolonge and two worms in the whole battery, while buckets, spare poles, shovels, axes, etc., were in many cases wanting. The supply of ammunition also was short. Requisitions for a full and complete equipment had been made, but
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up to the hour of starting the needful articles were lacking. This, it will be remembered, was in the second year of a great war.
In addition to this the sergeants were not mounted; one pair of horses could not be used on account of a mistake in the harness and another pair had to be led, as they were so balky as to be useless. . The battery, therefore, did nct start very well equipped. Yet with the exception of Miller's battery (which was worse off) it was the only artillery General Smith had.
Considerable difficulty was experienced at first starting as both drivers and horses were green and did not work well together. But after the first mile was passed over everything went on smoothly. So the battery proceed- ed, learning its duties by doing them and being in- structed every night by Lieut. Rufus King. of the Fourth Artillery, U. S. A., however arduous the march. Of course, it was not up to a high standard, yet it was able, by the pluck and intelligence of its men, to do with credit, everything that it was called upon to do.
Candor requires the statement that almost all the other Pennsylvania troops, and some of those from New York State, were of little value in the field. War is a trade, and hasty levies, undrilled and undisciplined, com- manded by inexperienced officers, in whom they had no confidence, could not, except behind breastworks, be re- lied upon to efficiently oppose the largely superior force of Lee's veterans that were in their front. The men com- posing the new regiments were plucky and confident- more so, perhaps, than more experienced troops would have been under the circumstances. But they were destitute of discipline, and without that confidence in
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each other which makes effective troops. The great difficulty, of course, was with their officers. The duties which a soldier has to perform in service are often ex- tremely disagreeable, as well as dangerous. Yet, they must be done, and done without hesitation. The habit of command by the officer, and of obedience by the sol- dier, which insures their being thus performed, cannot be acquired at once, and yet it is indispensable to a mili- tary organization.
Where it has to be created, as in the case of hasty levies like those of Pennsylvania, the force, however patriotic, is of little military value when pitted against experienced troops.
Those orators and editors who point to the lessons of our Civil War as demonstrating the ability of the United States to raise, by a call for volunteers, an army which will be able to defy an invading force of any strength, would do well to study the history of the at- tempt of Pennsylvania to defend herself. This, too, it must be remembered, was in the second year of the War, when all in authority had learned by experience, how troops should be organized and handled. l'et, Pennsylvania did as well, and perhaps better, than any other northern State would have done.
It is a mystery to those who were on the spot, and are familiar with the inside history of this campaign, why Lee did not strike a blow at Harrisburg. If he had, it would have been impossible for the force which was defending it to have stopped him, and his path to Philadelphia would have been clear. The show of strength they made was, however, sufficient to hold his advance in check until the progress of the Army of the
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Potomac obliged his army to be concentrated at Get- tysburg, and thus the State was saved .*
This want of discipline in the command assembled at Harrisburg was constantly interfering with its move- ments. Regiments ordered to march at a certain hour were not ready. Details were not on hand as had been ordered, and as the good regiments could not move alone, all were delaved by those who were behindhand. This was largely done away with during the march across the State, for there is no school for war like war, but it greatly affected the efficiency of Gen. Smith's command. With good brigade officers, who would have been constantly with their regiments, urging them up to their work and supplying by precept and example what was deficient, the improvement would have been still greater. But such officers were conspicuous by their absence.
The following extract from the report (No. 406, Vol. 27, Rebellion Records, Series 1, Part, 2, p. 21 1) of Maj .- Gen. Darius N. Couch, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Susquehanna, states the situation of affairs at Harrisburg when the Twenty-second arrived :
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SUSQUEHANNA, CHAMBERSBURG, Pa., July 15, 1863.
SIR :- In obedience to instructions from the Honorable Secre- tary of War, I left Washington June 11, for Harrisburg, in order to assume command of the newly organized Department of the Susquehanna.
After an interview with His Excellency Gov. Curtin and gentlemen of his council, an order was prepared and issued to
* See Confederate orders, page 190 post.
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the department, calling for a corps of troops for State defence. This was in accordance with instructions received from Mr. Stanton.
The Governor also issued a proclamation to the people of the State in connection with my order.
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Comparatively few troops offered for State defence.
The President called for volunteers for six months' service, and Gov. Curtin issued his proclamation for 50, 000 men. This was on the 15, and men in masses began to assemble at Phila- delphia, Harrisburg, Huntington, Altoona, etc.
The militia of Pennsylvania was not organized. Farmers in the threatened parts were directed to remove their stock.
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Militia regiments from New York began to arrive. New Jersey sent one regiment for three days. Other companies from that State reported at Harrisburg.
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The New York militia were mustered into the United States service for thirty days. The Pennsylvanians generally declined to be mustered for six months. Finally, a portion consented to serve during "the existence of the emergency."
The heights on the right bank of the Susquehanna, opposite to Harrisburg, were being fortified in order to cover that city and the important bridges. Some of the patriotic citizens of that city volunteered to work in the trenches; others were paid. The colored population were not behind their white brethren in giving assistance.
The Twenty-second, by June 20, had become heartily tired of four days in the cars, and it was a great relief when, during the latter part of the afternoon of that day, they were sent across the Susquehanna to Bridge- port. Gen. Hall (N. G. S. N. Y.) was placed in com- mand of the troops who were assembled at this point, to guard the railroad bridge to Harrisburg and the
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neighboring approaches and fords. This force consisted of the Eleventh, Twenty-second and Thirty-seventh National Guard of New York City, and five regiments from Brooklyn, the latter under Brig .- Gens. Crooke and Jesse Smith. Some of these were stationed in the two forts on the Heights-Fort Washington and Fort Couch, the construction of which was being pushed by a large force of men.
The first appearance of the enemy had been at Chambersburg, sixteen miles north of the Maryland line, where Soo cavalry had appeared on June 15. These were closely watched by 120 First N. Y. Cavalry, under Capt. Boyd, who covered the retreat of Gen. Milroy's wagon-train to Harrisburg. At this time, Gen. Couch reported that there were not 250 organized men in the department for duty. President Lincoln and Gov. Cur- tin then issued their appeals, and masses of emergency- men hurried to arms at Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Hunt- ington, Altoona, etc. On the 17, the New York troops began to arrive, and constituted almost the only organ- ized troops under Gen. Couch's command. On the 19, the Eighth and Seventy-first were pushed out to Cham- bersburg, over the railroad .*
* Gen. Couch states in his report: " The call of June 15 (for six-months' volunteers) brought only seven full regiments The Governor obtained the sanction of the President, and called out 60,000 militia for State service. These rendezvoused at Harrisburg, Reading and Huntington. Up to this time, New York had sent nearly 6,000 men. Col. E. Franklyn, a citizen of Lancaster, had been placed in command of the bridges on the Lower Sus- quehanna, to Conowing, in Maryland, some of which were guarded by citizens partially armed with shotguns.
"Five thousand men of the counties bordering on the Juniata filled the passes leading to their homes, and threw up military works. They were an army of bushwhackers commanded by ex-officers. The militia of Penn- sylvania raised to resist the invasion was composed of men from all classes
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Much unfavorable comment was excited by the fact that while Pittsburgh had closed its great manufac- tories, to enable its citizens to work on its fortifications, and that 15,000 volunteers were at work upon them, the number of those who volunteered to work upon those of Harrisburg were very few. The officers and employees of the Pennsylvania and Northern and Central Railroads did their utmost. So did a few white and colored citizens. But most of those working upon the Harrisburg fortifications outside of the troops were paid men.
and professions, and was a fine body of men. New York sent nineteen regiments and one battery, commanded by the following brigadier-generals: Brig .- Gens. Hall, Yates, Ewen, Crooke and Smith. Pennsylvania furnished eight regiments of emergency-men, twenty-two regiments of three-months' militia, five companies of artillery, one battalion of six-months' infantry, two regiments and one battalion of six-months' cavalry and one battalion of three-months' cavalry.
" The three-months' men were generally organized between July 4 and 30, of the same month."
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CHAPTER XV.
IN CAMP ON THE SUSQUEHANNA.
W HILE the Brooklyn regiments were hard at work on the forts, the Twenty-second and Thirty- seventh were sent three-quarters of a mile down the river to a position upon the road from York, up which the enemy were advancing, Gen. Couch's plan being that they should check the advance upon this road, and, if hard pressed, retire into the forts, where a more effectual stand could be made.
It was growing . dusky when the Twenty-second reached its station, and, in accordance with what proved to be a characteristic of the climate of Pennsylvania during that month, rain began to fall as the sun set, and by the time it was dark a heavy storm was raging. The regiment being without tents, it took possession of a neighboring barn. The barn was very large, but the regiment was 500 strong, and the men were wedged into it like sardines-so tight, in fact, that those who found themselves under one of the many leaks in the roof had to remain quiet under their " douche," and "take it coolly" for the night. The Eleventh and some of the other regiments were without either barn or tents, and slept in the woods all night as best they
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could, without any protection whatever. In conse- quence, they were regarded the next day as suffering martyrs by the Twenty-second, the new men in which wondered how they could possibly have lived through the hardship. But a few days were, however, to elapse before the men who thus sympathized with those who were compelled to sleep in the rain without cover, found themselves doing that very thing, and regarding it as a mere matter of course, inconvenient, to be sure, but so commonplace as to be hardly worth mentioning.
Tents were delivered the next morning (June 21), and the Twenty-second established a regular camp, near the road, in the manner with which their experiences of the previous year had made them familiar. General orders were issued prescribing the camp routine, similar to those that had been issued at Harper's Ferry. The numerous recruits were instructed, and company and battalion drills were practiced. Strict orders were issued prohibiting cutting trees and all interference with private property. The discipline was strict, no officer was per- mitted to be absent for more than an hour without special permission, and some non-commissioned officers not present at retreat were at once reduced to the ranks. The weather was hot, and the routine soon became monotonous. On June 24, the regiment was sworn in for thirty days.
Although the roofs and spires of Harrisburg were in plain sight, there was but little desire to visit it. Its residents had not received the New Yorkers with the enthusiasm they had expected, and which they had re- ceived in Philadelphia. Besides, its storekeepers were unable to resist the temptation to make money out of
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their defenders, and put up their prices to " all that the traffic would stand." Fifteen cents for a cup of rye coffee, five cents for a glass of water, exorbitant charges for anything that the soldiers wanted,* and an apparent general indifference as to which side would be the victors in the impending contest, soon put an end to any rush for the few passes that were issued. In fact, the members of the regiment thought that the people around Har- risburg treated them no better than had been the case at Baltimore in the previous year. The only accounts that could be had of what was taking place were what were found in the New York newspapers that were re- ceived. These appeared to the regiment to give a more sensational account of the dangers of its position, and of the uprising of Pennsylvania, than its members thought was really the case, and they were inclined to jeer at them. Vet a retrospective consideration of the actual situation, as shown by the Comte de Paris and an examination of the official reports, proves that the newspapers knew more about the matter than did those who were actually guarding the Susquehanna. As a matter of fact, Stuart was raiding up from Maryland, Early was at York and Lee was at Chambersburg, press- ing his army towards Harrisburg, whose capture would break up an important railroad centre, and be a heavy blow to the North. All turned upon the then doubtful question of whether the Army of the Potomac could
* The Tribune correspondent wrote: "The most of them regard us as fair subjects for speculation. From the shopkeepers of Harrisburg to the border it was the same. Sixty-two cents for a pair of common cotton socks (worth perhaps twenty-five cents), and that in the capital of such a State as Pennsylvania; fifty cents for a loaf of bread, 5 cents a piece for eggs, twenty-five cents for a pie about four inches square, and other things in proportion." Tribune Letter, July 14, 1865.
history of the twenty- Second Regiment
intercept him, and would succeed if it did. Gen. Meade was looking to Couch's command to hold the river until he could overtake Lee (see Meade's report, infra page 255), but Couch's ability to do so was very doubtful. The anxiety at headquarters is shown by the following telegrams :
Gen. Couch to Secretary Stanton :
HARRISBURG, June 22, 1863.
In case the rebels advance in large force I believe we can prevent them from crossing. You will readily under- stand what kind of a force I have when a few regiments, with a sprinkling of nine months' men in them, are the veterans. The New York troops look well, but are without much confidence in themselves. My little artillery is all raw; my cavalry the same.
Gen. Couch to Gen. Hallock :
HARRISBURG, June 25, 1863.
I have nothing reliable as to rebel infantry in the valley to- day. Their cavalry advance is within five miles of Carlisle.
. * Most of the men that rushed to arms at Altoona and South are rushing home.
Gen. Couch to President Lincoln :
HARRISBURG, Pa., June 25, 1863.
They have not up to this time made any show of attack in force. They have been burning bridges on the Northern Central road. I may have lost 400 men in the vicinity of York and Gettysburg. Probably 15,000 men within a short distance of my front.
Gen. Wm. F. Smith to Gen. Couch :
BRIDGEPORT, June 28, 1863.
It is reported that the rebels are moving to the right, which would bring their attack here near the bridges. *
* I hardly think there will be much fighting to-day.
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Same to same. Same date :
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I have made all the dispositions I can here. I am weak above and below the bridges, and could find use for two more regiments, if you have them.
Col. M. A. Reno (chief of staff Gen. Smith) to Gen. Couch :
BRIDGEPORT, June 28, 1863.
The general commanding directs me to send the following information :
A citizen from Carlisle, just arrived, reports that the enemy, with 35 pieces of artillery, 2,000 cavalry and 14,000, infantry, entered the place last evening at 7 o'clock. From information received from the enemy, he says Gen. Hill is the support to the cavalry that has been operating in York County, Gen. Ewell sup- porting the cavalry in Cumberland County. They propose a junction of their forces at this point, and are supplied with a pontoon train.
Gen. Smith to Col. Coppee :
BRIDGEPORT, June 28, 1863.
Are there no troops at Mount Union or Bedford that could be gotten here to-night ?
Capt. T. N. Potter, A. D. C., to Gen. Smith :
As many men as it will be possible to get will be sent from Camp Curtin as soon as possible.
(Confidential) Asst. Adj .- Gen. Shultz, Department Susquehanna, to Capt. L. E. Wilson, Asst. O. M .:
HARRISBURG, Pa., June 28, 1863.
The major-general commanding directs that you have suffi- cient conbustible materials taken over to the west end of the public bridge, and there placed, under the direction of Gen. Smith, in such places that the bridge, if necessary, can be fired at a moment's notice. Combustible materials of any kind can be used. Turpentine, tar, shavings, etc., would be the best. Without delay ..
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Before the jokes in regard to the "false alarms of the papers" had died away, a stream of " skedadlers," small at first, but steadily increasing, began to sweep by the camp of the Twenty-second, and in a short time every road leading to the bridge crossing to Harrisburg became blocked, by day and night, with fugitive farmers, driving their flocks and herds, and followed by wagons, piled high with their most precious household goods, showing that the enemy were rapidly approaching. Horses became such a drug in the market that several officers purchased them for from $10 to $ 15 each. Still, matters in the regimental camp remained quiet, but all were on the alert.
On June 25, the necessity for an experienced com- mander having become apparent, Gen. William F. (Baldy) Smith was assigned to the command of all troops south of the Susquehanna, in the vicinity of Har- risburg. That same day the regiment was surprised at the reappearance in camp of several of their men (in- cluding Edward C. Homans and J. Ludlow Dumont) who had a few days before obtained a few days' furlough, to close up some pressing business in New York. They had found, on arriving there, such circumstantial reports of the prospects of a fight at Harrisburg that they had let their business go, and hastened back at once to share the fortunes of the regiment.
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