USA > New York > History of the one hundred and twenty-eighth regiment : New York volunteers (U.S. infantry) ; in the late civil war > Part 8
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For about eight miles the 128th was in the advance, with Colo- nel James Smith in command, as he had rejoined the regiment with his commission as Colone!, from July 2d, 1863. The marching was moderate and easy, until another regiment was placed in the lead, when our pace was greatly quickened, with few rests. Rumors were now circulated that rebel cavalry bands were hovering on our flanks and likely to attack us. These reports did not prevent many men of the different regiments from falling out by the way, because of weariness. The air was hot and close. The woods, composed of magnolia and other trees with thick foliage, were dense, making the road at night very dark. The long siege had unfitted us for heavy marching. All felt incensed at the apparently useless haste, under the circumstances. About one o'clock of the following morning we reached the Union picket lines, which were maintained about Baton Rouge. Being now within a safe enclosure, a still larger number preferred to lie by the roadside. The mounted officers, with a small column of men, arrived at Baton Rouge about 4 A. M., and bivouacked in one of the streets. "This," says Colonel Smith, " was the hardest march the regiment ever experienced," up to that date. The day was spent in the streets, awaiting the arrival of the stragglers, until near evening, when a camping ground was assigned us.
The 13th and 14th were spent in quiet resting. the men being allowed to stroll about the place and visit points of interest. The city was one great camp, with military garb displayed on every hand.
82
HISTORY OF THE ONE HUNDRED
DONALDSONVILLE.
About 3 P. M. of the 15th we embarked on the transport St. Charles, together with the 175th New York, and the 38th Massa- chusetts. The other regiments of the third brigade, third division. to which we now belonged, were on other transports. We proceeded down the river to Donaldsonville, which we reached at 7 P. M. The brigade landed about midnight, and was drawn up in line of battle. We lay on our arms until morning, when we established our camp near the village.
General Grover had reached Donaldsonville on the night of the LIth, and assumed command of the two divisions. Green was not aware of the surrender of Port Hudson, and supposed the troops before him were a few re-enforcements. He concentrated his whole force, estimated at seven regiments and six guns, and posted hi- pickets within two miles of Donaldsonville. As Grover pushed forward his forces, Green drew back toward Paincourtville. On the . 13th, Grover, without any intention of bringing on a battle, but only for the purpose of gaining more room and new fields of forage, moved out and advanced on either side of the bayou. Green took advantage of the hesitation on the part of the Union officers .to make the attack, and also of the advantageous situation, and sud- denly fell upon the Union columns, and drove them in, almost before they were aware of the enemy in their front. The Union forces were badly handled and driven back about a mile, until Paine came to their support. Grover, riding out and seeing the situation of affairs, drew in his whole force. Grover's loss in this unfortunate affair, numbered 56 killed, 217 wounded and 186 missing; in all. 465. Two guns were also lost.
The reproach of this affair fell upon Colonel Morgan, who had command of our column. He was soon after arraigned before a general court-martial, upon charges of mis-behavior before the enemy, and drunkenness on duty, and was found guilty. He was sentenced to be cashiered, but his sentence was disapproved by Banks, and afterward set aside by the President.
This repulse called Banks from Port Hudson to confer with Grover and Weitzel. It was deemed not best, with the wearied con- dition of the men, to follow Taylor, until gun-boats could be sent up the bayous to assist the army and cut off Taylor's retreat. This could not be done until the 22d of July, when two gun-boats made their appearance in Berwick Bay and stopped Taylor's operations.
83
AND TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT.
An advance was made by a part of Weitzel's brigade on the 25th of July, by steamers to Brashear, and which took possession of _ this place. Taylor, during this time, had withdrawn and gone into camp on the Teche.
The 128th arriving too late to do more than to assist in fright- ening the confederates away, now settled down to regular picket duty, some light drilling, and occasional forages for provisions in the surrounding country. On the 24th we received our larger tents, which had been left at the " parapets " at the time of going to Port Hudson, and soon had excellent quarters.
It was not long before we felt the monotony of camp life. At such a time every joke and adventure gives some zest and enjoy- ment. The men were resting somewhat upon the laurels of the past few months, and could therefore more heartily enjoy these things. A foraging party was constituted, by detailing a certain number of men from each company, for the purpose of adding to our supplies. This was placed in charge of Lieutenant Charles Mckown, of company "C." These men soon mounted themselves by taking possession of some confiscated animals, horses, mules, etc., the latter abbreviation applying to the nondescript beasts, upon which a cer- tain few rode. A jolly troop these formed, and did some effective work. They found much fun for themselves, and made much for others.
A member of company "C," one day, was freshening a mack- erel, by swinging it in the river water from the stern of a skiff, and looking forward to a rare, or at least, an unusual dinner, when a large fish seized and carried away the prize, leaving the unfortunate soldier gazing on the rippling waters with astonishment and chagrin. To the victor belong the spoils in the time of war.
We remained at Donaldsonville until the evening of August 2d, when orders were received, detaching the regiment to proceed up the river-bank a certain distance, for the purpose of holding a point on the river, and to prevent the enemy firing upon passing boats. We left our camp at 7 P. M., crossed the bayou on a scow, and continued our march near the levee of the river until near mid- night, and then we bivouacked antil morning. Resuming our march at daylight, we continued until 10:30 A. M., when we reached Hickory Landing, our point of destination, some twelve miles from Donaldsonville. The regiment now encamped on Mrs. Thompson's sugar plantation. The colored people on our route had shown
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HISTORY OF THE ONE HUNDRED
themselves in great numbers, and had given us a cordial welcome in the absence of the whites. Many comical scenes had caused much amusement for us. These people now thronged the camp, offering for sale corn-cake, peach preserves, peaches, berries, etc. Near by was a large sugar mill. A large quantity of molasses had been left in a vat, with much sugar in the bottom. Abundant supplies of this sweet were taken each day while we remained here, and became a good substitute for butter upon our hard bread. The colored boys were as freely helping themselves. Heaping their pails with the wet sugar, they would place them on the top of their wooly heads tu carry home, allowing the streams of molasses to run down their faces and clothing. One, more unfortunate than the others, in dipping with a long slab of wood, lost his balance from his narrow standing place and plumped to his middle in the vat of fluid below. Of course this made no difference in the eagerness of all to enjoy the sugar. Picketing under the pecan trees, with an abundance of fruit and green corn, and with the "darkey boys" to furnish the fun, was quite a change from the sharp-shooting under the blazing sun during the long days at Port Hudson, and we much enjoyed the contrast. until the 14th of August, when a move still further up the river was made. A transport arrived on this date at 8 P. M., and took on board the regiment, with the exception of companies "A" and "B." which were to proceed by land along the bank of the river as guards to the baggage wagons. We reached Plaquemine, a small village at the junction of Bayou Plaquemine and the Mississippi, and formerly of about 3,000 inhabitants. The most of the people had gone te other parts, leaving but a few poor whites and the colored in pos- session. We at once put the place under military control, by throw- ing about it companies "C" and "H" as pickets.
We were now assigned to the second brigade, first division, commanded by Brigadier General Godfrey Weitzel.
This place was malarial, and sickness began to increase amon: the men, each company having from ten to fifteen reported on the sick list each day. Our mounted squad continued to do considerable effective work in the line of foraging. On the 18th of August they saw some mounted confederates on the opposite side of a bayou, but could do no more than fire their pieces in the direction of the enemy. A trip was now planned for the regiment, perhaps as much for the diversion of the men, as to accomplish any great results. Orders were received on the evening of the 19th to be in readiness to
85
AND TWENTY- EIGHTH REGIMENT.
march, with one day's rations. At 8 P. M. we left camp and followed the road by the side of the Plaquemine levee, back into the coun- try some nine miles. We traveled at a moderate rate, until near midnight, when a post of pickets were left at an old store building near a bayou, beside which was a small Indian village. The writer was the Corporal in charge of this squad. The place and danger were unknown. The darkness prevented us from seeing more than a few feet ahead. We groped our way to the old building and to the levee. There was little danger of guards sleeping on their posts that night, as we were ignorant of what might be in the old store, or in the huts near by. The remainder of the force went on, we knew not how far, but, as it proved, about 200 yards. At 5 P. M. of the next day, we started back again, reaching camp about 8 P. M., and having seen a half dozen mounted guerrillas in the dis- tance. The next week was spent in quiet camp and picket duty.
BATON ROUGE.
On the evening of the 28th of August, the steamer Arago arrived off our camp, and we received orders to immediately pack our things and go on board. Heavy showers delayed us, so that we did not set sail until 10 A. M. of the next day. At 12:30 we landed at Baton Rouge, and went in camp near the insane asylum. On the 4th of September our camp was removed to the rear of the old peni- tentiary, a place just left by the 16Ist New York. Good quarters were now arranged, with board floors and bunks in our tents. The second brigade of the first division, which was encamped in this place, consisted of the 31st and 38th Massachusetts, the 128th, 156th and 175th New York regiments, with the 18th New York battery and some cavalry.
As Major James P. Foster had been made Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment on the Ist of July, Captain Francis S. Keese, of company "C," was promoted to the ranks of Major on the 15th of September.
When Port Hudson surrendered, nine of the Union regiments had fully or nearly completed their ternr of enlistment. These were sent North as soon as the transports could be obtained for them, which took place in July and August. This left the nineteenth corps thirty-seven regiments, having an effective strength of less than 350 each, in all, less than 13,000 men. From these must be taken sufficient numbers to guard Key West and the Tortugas,
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HISTORY OF THE ONE HUNDRED
Pensacola, Forts Jackson and St. Phillips and New Orleans. The movable force was reduced to about 8,500 men. General Bank, now made an appeal for more troops. In response, Halleck directed Grant to send a corps of 10,000 or 12,000 men. During August the re-organized thirteenth corps came to Louisiana, with an effective strength of 14,712 men, under the command of Washburn, with Benton, Herron, Lee and Lawler commanding divisions, and a brigade of cavalry under Colonel Mudd. It became necessary for Banks to re-adjust his troops and officers. Major-General William B. Franklin, who had just come from the North, and because of his rank, service and experience, was assigned to the command of the nineteenth corps, and took command of Baton Rouge on the 20th of August. General Weitzel was designated as commander of the first division.
Banks proposed to move next on Mobile, and was confirmed in . this opinion by the judgment of Grant and Farragut, but the threatenings of the European powers on the Mexican frontier, the extent and seriousness of which were known only to the President's Cabinet at this time, through official communications, more than any fear of the confederate forces west of the Mississippi, led the gov- ernment to turn Banks in the direction of Texas. The whole con- federate force, under Kirby Smith, in the trans- Mississippi region, numbered about 33,000 men, who were scattered through the Indian country, Arkansas, Western Louisiana and Texas, This rebel com- mander equally realized the importance of constant watchfulness and activity. From a copy of a paper called The Quid Nunc, published at Crockett, Texas, October 20th, 1863, on a very yellow and rough paper. and now in the hands of the writer, we copy this general order, as issued by this officer.
"To the people of Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas : Your homes are now in peril-vigorous efforts on your part can alone save por- tions of your states from invasion, You should contest the advance of the enemy at every thicket, gully and stream ; harass his rear and cut off his supplies. Thus will you prove important auxilliaries in my attempts to reach him in front, and drive him routed from our soil. Determination and energy only can prevent his destruction of your home. By a vigorous and united effort you preserve your property, you secure independence for yourselves and children -- all that renders life desirable. Time is now our best friend. Endure a while longer, victory and peace must crown our efforts. The an-
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AND TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT.
nexed regulations, governing the formation of corps for local defense, are published for your information ; and I call upon you to organize promptly under its provisions.
E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieut .- General
Commanding, Headquarters Dept. Trans-Miss. SHREVEPORT, La., Sept. 5th, 1863."
Here follows directions for forming local organizations of men not included within the conscript ages of 18 and 45.
This appeal, in connection with the fact of having over thirty thousand men under his control, shows the policy of this officer to be that suggested by the rebel officer Johnson, to harass the enemy, and allow time to change the sentiment of the North to such an extent as to permit the confederate states to peaceably withdraw from the Union. This, in view of the threatenings of monarchy from Europe, was to the Union cause the most to be feared.
An attempt was made by Banks to get a foot-hold in Texas by an attack on Sabine Pass, in the early part of August. This was to be made under the direction of General Franklin, assisted by a part of the West Gulf Squadron, then under Commodore Bell. By a failure in concentrating the attack of the two arms of service, the attempt proved a complete failure, and was accompanied by a heavy loss in men and supplies.
A second movement was now made by land, through the Teche and thence across by Niblett's Bluff into Texas. The nature of the ground, with the enemy in the front and rear, showed the uselessness of this attempt, and soon this plan was abandoned.
A third expedition, composed of men mostly from the thir- teenth Corps, was embarked at New Orleans on the 26th of October. After much peril and long delays, it landed at Brazos Santiago, between the 3d and 5th of November. Having succeeded in gain- ing the foot-hold in Texas, which was so much desired by our Gov- ernment, the rest of the thirteenth corps was sent forward and took possession of the coast as far east and north as Motagorda Bay.
Banks' army was now widely scattered over an extensive region of country, and in this condition established winter quarters, but with the necessity of being constantly on the watch against the enemy's attacking parties.
At Baton Rouge, where the 128th lay, there was no exception to this necessity for constant vigilance. Several times the reports came
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HISTORY OF THE ONE HUNDRED
of approaching forces, when a line of battle was formed the bat- teries placed in position, and the men kept under arms for hours. From the 23d to the 28th of September, extra pickets were posted, and all the army kept in readiness for an attack. The pickets were frequently fired upon by small bands concealed behind bushes, and thus ever made to feel they were in an enemy's country. It became necessary to send out occasional scouting parties to keep these annoyers away, some of whom were captured. On the Ist of Novem- ber a rebel major and two privates were thus brought in by the scouts. During the next two months, frequent squads of ten or twelve were brought in and lodged in prison. By the middle of December the confederate conscripting officers became so deter- mined in their work on each side of the river, that the citizens for some distance would come within our lines and remain over night. and sometimes for days, in order to escape them.
On the 12th of October, company "C," now under Captain Davis, was detached and took up quarters in the "Grosse Tete House," near the ferry and wharf boat. In this old hotel building they had excellent quarters. The duties assigned them were to guard the ferry, and prevent goods from passing without the military permit, and also to act as Provost Guards in maintaining order within the city. This required a nightly patrol of the streets. Guards were also stationed at the Provost Marshal's office. It can be truthfully said that very little trouble was ever occasioned the guards by the white citizens of this place. Occasionally a colored man would become over-jubilant, by imbibing too freely of Louisi- ana whiskey. Many quite firm friends were made by the soldiers among the merchants and citizens. Too hearty seemed the treat- ment offered the "boys" at times, as the temptation to over- indulgence was great. A part of this same kind of guard duty was also done by the regular pickets detailed from the regiments in camp. It was evidently a hardship for the southern lady to make out a list of pins, needles, soap, and every other minute article of household demands and wearing apparel desired, and have this list examined and signed by a Yankee military officer, who was acting as Provost Marshal, before she could go to a store in the place and purchase these, and especially before she could carry a single article of these beyond the Yankee soldier's picket post. Many futile attempts were made to smuggle out unlicensed goods, only to bring the purchaser to great grief. A double bottom was found in one
89
AND TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT.
wagon, between the parts of which were concealed many bottles of wine. In great glee a guard marched the load of contraband spirits to Provost Judge, and found his reward in more than one bottle of the tempting drink. Often the signed list of goods would be greatly exceeded, when, per force, the person must thread her way back under guard, and then receive an examination of all articles pur- chased. If any contraband goods were found, all would be confis- cated. The judge's office needed many shelves put up therein, and these were soon filled. From these, officers and guards could draw large supplies. Strange scenes, some of these country people formed, as they came to market. Carriages which had known better days were drawn by mules, dressed in rope harness and guided by toe strings, the "darkey driver " astride the back of one animal. A single mule would often bear two women, each of whom would be smoking a corn-cob tobacco pipe. The non-descript "poor white " predominated, though the planter's wife was not infrequent, and was obliged to come in the same humiliating way to the man who controlled all the goods of the town.
Company "I," under Lieutenant Wilkinson, was detached on the 23d of October, and proceeded down the coast, about nine miles below Baton Rouge. This was thought necessary to protect the river-bank, and to prevent the portage of provisions by the enemy at this place. This service continued only a short time, however, as the company returned to the regiment on the 2d of November.
On the 6th of November Company "H.," Captain Sincerbox, was sent again to Plaquemine. Soon after their arrival they were mounted and did duty as scouts and mounted videttes. They made excursions to Indian Village and the adjacent country daily, and had, as described by one of their number, "what the boys called a regular pic-nic, as the foraging was excellent, with just enough brushes with the guerrillas to make it exciting." On the 19th of November this company was ordered to return to Baton Rouge, and now resumed its regular camp duties.
Lieut-Colonel Foster had been selected by General Banks in August, and with a highly commendatory letter of the 15th of that month, to Governor Seymour, of New York State, had been directed forthwith to raise a regiment of cavalry, as this branch of service was much needed in the Department of the Gulf. But the command seems never to have been carried out. Now, during this winter of 1863 and '64, Colonel Foster was detailed as " President of Military
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HISTORY OF THE ONE HUNDRED
Commissions." to examine all persons entering our lines without proper military papers, to report if any such persons were possessed of military information, and if so, to make special examinations and reports. In this capacity most efficient service was performed by the Colonel. Complete information of Mobile Harbor, with the rebel defenses, torpedoes, etc., was gained, and which was afterward admitted by Admiral Farragut to have been of the greatest assistance in the attack and capture of Mobile.
It must not be supposed by any reader that all is duty in winter quarters, as there is much time left for recreation. Northern soldiers were not slow in devising means for amusement. Ball games were frequent, and not unfrequently a man would be mistaken for a foot-ball, with this exception, that, instead of being kicked into the air or over the ground, he would be elevated by four men and with the assistance of an army blanket. The appearance of this man-foot ball, when he came down, was not wholly unlike a battered rubber ball, indented by a boot, especially as he would be doubled up, or sprawling as if split into parts. Cards, chess, check- ers, and various other more quiet amusements, with reading, helped while away the rainy days.
In February, 1864, a re-organization of the nineteenth corps again was made in two divisions, the first under Emory, and the second under Grover. The 128th was placed in a brigade, under the command of Colonel Jacob Sharp, with the other troops at Baton Rouge.
The numerical condition of the 128th at this place on the ist of January, 1864, is given as follows in Colonel James Smith's Resume :
Killed up to date, 24
Wounded,
93
Died, 100
Discharged,
113
Transferred to Corps d'Afrique, etc.,
32
Missing, I
Detached,
62
Temporary transfer in cavalry and battery, 17
Gains from desertions and enlistments,
Present strength, 655
JAMES P. FOSTER, Major 12 th Regiment, N. Y. S. V. I.
93 ok
AND TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT.
SECTION XI.
THE RED RIVER CAMPAIGN.
So severe have been the criticisms upon General Banks for his failure on his Red River campaign, that it is wise to consider the state of affairs when it was undertaken. The confederate forces in the Trans-Mississippi region are said to have numbered, during the fall of 1863, about 33,000 men. These, scattered at different points along the river, and under their skilled commander, E. Kirby Smith, would constantly interfere with the passage of steamers and the safe transportation of troops and supplies. There would constantly be the danger of the enemy's forces being concentrated at some strong point and the necessity forced upon the Union Army of dislodging them. The difficulty in pursuing the separate portions of the rebel army had led Banks, as we have seen, to favor a better plan, and one universally adopted by General Grant in his campaigns, that of compelling the enemy to stand on the defensive. Banks proposed to move against Mobile and thus give the rebels some concentrated work to consider. The ridiculous charge has been made against Banks and his officers that they were intent upon capturing the cotton along the banks of the Red River. Cotton, no doubt, was king throughout the south during many years preceding the war. King cotton did also have something to do with the invasion of the Red River country, but it came in another form. The Manchester mills were seriously feeling the effect of our civil war in having their supply of cotton cut off. This doubtless led the nobility of England to side with the confederacy, and, through their connivance, there was allowed the construction, in the English ship yards, of powerful rams which should threaten New Orleans and other sea-ports. Other iron-clads were being prepared in France, which were supposed to have a similar intent. Napoleon had sent his French troops to Mexico and established Maximilian upon a throne which had in view the conquest of all Spanish America and the final overthrow of Republican ideas on the Western Continent. Our great statesman, W'm. H. Seward, from his diplomatic correspondence, had a clearer knowledge of the danger which threatened our nation and the real intention of the invaders of Mexico. This knowledge was imparted
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