USA > New York > Memories of the 149th Regt. N. Y. Vol. Inft., 3d Brig., 2 Div., 12th and 20th A. C > Part 14
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36
The surroundings at Warrentown Junction were dreary and the water poor : the only thing which recommended the place for camping purposes was its proximity to the railroad and the facility for obtaining supplies.
On the 31st reveille sounded at half-past three, and the 2d Division moved at five o'clock in the morning, going first southerly along the railroad for a few miles, and thence in a southeasterly direction into as dreary and monotonous a country as ever was marched through. There were few clearings and most of the land was grown up to serub pines and other ever- greens, which permitted one to see only a short distance along the winding road. In the middle of the afternoon the column aseended a hill from which was obtained a view of the sur- rounding country. It was desolate and primitive, and reminded one of the scene described by Cooper in the opening chapter of the " Pathfinder", a perfect wilderness. In the distance could be seen the Bull Run Mountains with the gaps and nn- even outline. Here and there appeared a hill or isolated moun- tain above the surrounding verdure. The scene lighted by the mellow rays of a warm afternoon sun was beautiful, but impressed the beholder with a dreary sense of loneliness.
About dark the column crossed a road leading to Kelley's Ford, about two miles away. Here the 3d Brigade was de-
!
171
PLEASANT VALLEY TO ELLIS'S FORD.
tached and marched eight miles in the evening to a place called Ellis's Ford on the Rappahannock River. The position of the enemy was not known, and therefore the column was preceded by skirmishers deployed on either side of the road. These moved cautiously and carefully down to some rifle-pits which commanded the Ford. There they remained until morning while the brigade bivouacked in an open piece of woods in rear.
CHAPTER XIX.
ELLIS'S FORD TO THE RAPIDAN.
ELLIS'S FORD is situate on the Rappahannock River only a few miles above its junction with the Rapidan. The river at this point is not more than sixty feet wide, the highway leads down to it on either side, and people riding on horse-back or in wagons ford the stream. The land on either side ascends more or less abruptly from the water for a quarter of a mile, and is partly covered with serub oak and other hard wood timber with scattered clumps of evergreens interspersed. Immediately at the ford there is considerable cleared land on both sides of the river, and rows of bushes and trees stand on the margins of the stream and in the gulfs where the brooks run down the hillside. The course of the river is somewhat tortuous, adding beauty to the scenery.
An old man by the name of Ellis had his residence on the left hand side of the road near where it approaches the river. Just above, on the same side, were several buildings, shops and a grist-mill, belonging to old man Ellis, The U'nion pickets were located in and about these buildings, and on the shore of the stream, without attempt to conceal them. On the opposite side of the river, and only a few rods from it under a tree on top of the bank, was located a Confederate cavalry picket. At any time of day or night he could be seen sitting on the ground or standing under this tree holding his horse by the bridle or a long -trap. When the brigade first came he frequently offered to ride over and exchange newspapers with the men. This was done on several occasions and friendly relations were es-
173
ELLIS'S FORD TO THE RAPIDAN.
tablished between the two picket lines, but an order was soon issued prohibiting all intercourse except for military purposes.
The camp of the brigade was located in a piece of woods
about a quarter of a mile back from the Ford, and was con- cealed from view of the enemy by a slight rise of ground be- tween it and the river. The camps of the different regiments
-
---
174
MEMOIRS 149th N. Y. INFT.
were in close proximity to each other and covered a small space- of ground.
From Ellis's Ford the picket lines departed to the right and left, around camp, making a circuit of two and a half miles. The reserves were located near the four roads which led to the Ford. At one or two houses outside of the lines out-posts from the pickets were established to prevent the men from commit- ting depredations and the people from giving intelligence to the enemy and harboring male relatives in the Confederate cavalry service on the other side of the river. The Confeder- ates had a cavalry reserve in the woods about half a mile south of the river, but had no great force at that place.
The brigade head-quarters were located in an open grove near the road leading to Kelley's Ferry and division head- quarters. A reserve of piekets was located near this road, and as the general officers with their staffs frequently passed be- tween the two head-quarters, it was necessary to be constantly on the alert to turn out the guard and properly salute the high dignitaries. One could not see very far from the reserve owing to dense foliage and a turn in the road, so the guards had all they could do to get in line to meet approaching cavalcades. It was not pleasant for an officer to be detailed for this post, yet while other regiments were criticized in the preformance of duty here, the 149th fortunately escaped. With this excep- tion, picket duty, which was an important one, was not ardu- ous and on the whole much enjoyed by the men. This regi- ment served every third day, and as the brigade remained for several weeks, its members thereby became on good terms with the inhabitants some distance outside of the lines.
It was a common occurrence for officers and men off duty to pass through the lines and make social visits upon ladies resid- ing in the neighboring houses. These visits were frequent and in some instances agreeable to all parties concerned. New dress coats were in great demand among the officers and often the same garment performed duty more evenings than one in the week, worn by different persons. There was some rivalry
175
ELLIS'S FORD TO THE RAPIDLY.
for the attention of certain young ladies, and some risk in making visits outside, hence the pastime was exciting and much indulged in notwithstanding an order forbidding it. A little jealousy was finally engendered between different regiments, and so, one evening when two officers presented themselves at the picket line with their hair parted ready for a visit, they were forbidden the privilege by their rivals on duty there and com- pelled to return to quarters. This was too much, so on another evening when matters were reversed, the rivals were permitted to steal away, but on their return were captured and marched to head-quarters to answer for breach of orders. The culprits
GEN. GREENE'- QUARTER-, ELLIS'S FORD.
were greatly chagrined and there was some excitement over the arrest, but owing to the rank and respectability of the par- ties, nothing further was heard from the escapade. From that time forward. however, no man undertook to cross the lines until he was sure of the reception he was to receive on his re- turn.
When Col. Barnum joined the regiment at Edwards Ferry he was in bad physical condition on account of unhealed wounds and consequently was abvent more or less from the command
176
MEMOIRS 149th N. Y. INFT.
during the march from that place to the Ford. Owing to this fact, after Randall was wounded, Lieut .- Col. Van Voorhies of the 137th was assigned to duty with the regiment, and so on the 6th of August, when Col. Barnum received a sick leave of absence, his subordinate was left in charge. A few days after- wards Col. Van Voorhies was recalled to his own regiment and Maj. Thomas of the coth was assigned to duty in his place.
Drill of all descriptions was resumed and great proficiency was acquired by the men. Among other things, dress parade was made a special feature and performed in a manner to sat- isfy the most rigid disciplinarian. Many reports were called for and a great deal of hard work done. A large number of general orders and acts of Congress were distributed to the field and line officers bearing upon their duties which they were required to study. It was work of some kind from early morning until late at night, and both officers and men were greatly benefited. It is not too much to say, when the brigade broke camp at Ellis's Ford, it was as well drilled and its officers as well informed in relation to their duties as any like number of men in the volunteer service.
The appointment of Mr. Marsh as sutler of the regiment made him brigade sutler, as prior to that time he had been ap- pointed by the other regiments. Chaplain Bowdish resigned his commission and went home on the 7th of September. The fore part of the same mouth Adjt. Dallman and Capt. Wheeler received short leaves of absence. Lieuts. Barnum and Knapp returned to the regiment on the Isth of Angust, the former from sick leave and the latter from parol camp.
Ellis, Ford is in the center of the gold region of Virginia, and many works still remained which were formerly used in obtaining that mineral. Mr. Ellis, who was a bachelor over eighty years of age, and the owner of about eight hundred acres of land at that place, was in his younger days extensively engaged in that business and made wealth by it. From his statement, it would appear that in former years he was more wealthy than at this time and had lost much in gambling. He
177
PLEASANT VALLEY TO ELLIS'S FORD.
lived comfortably and set a good table, as many officers could testify, assisted by colored servants of his household. On the south bank of the river was an indenture in the soil which he said marked the site of a former canal used by him in forward- ing products from the gold mines, and from his plantation, to the navigable waters of the Rappahannock.
Early one morning the attention of the men was called to the highway, which ran along the rear of the officers' quarters, where was a two-wheeled eart drawn by two span of oxen
GOING TO MILL. ELLIS'S FORD.
driven by a negro sitting astride the near wheel ox guiding the leaders with a check rein. In the cart were several bags of grain on which sat two well-dressed young ladies ; they were on their way to Ellis's Mill to have the grain ground in- to flour. The men turned out in mass to witness the novel spectacle and admire the beauty. Within an hour thereafter it was astonishing how many officer- had business down to the mill.
The supplies for the brigade were obtained at Beakman Station on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad with regularity and abundance. The men received newspapers daily from newsboys, and the mail facilities were nearly as perfect as at.
-
-- -
-
178
MEMOIRS 140th N. Y. INFT.
home. The fore part of August was very hot, but after a cer- tain thunder shower, it became cold and, especially nights, was chilly enough to make overcoats comfortable; and before the departure, there was suffering on account of cold weather. .
Among the things which interested the men at this time was the draft in the Northern States. They made it a subject of frequent disenssion. When the riot occurred in New York, a brigade in the 12th Corps was sent to quell it, and there was some disappointment because the 3d Brigade was not chosen, The indignation of the soldiers over the riots was very great, and much satisfaction would have been felt if the 3d Brigade had been sent to New York city.
The men were made happy by receiving four months' pay in this camp and some of the officers, for the first time during their service, were put on a living basis and able to square themselves with the world.
On the evening of the 1st of September a general alarm was sounded and the 149th was put in line and marched four and a half miles down the river to a small ford to repel a cavalry incursion of the enemy. A small squad of Union cavalry pick- ets had been surprised, one man by the name of Kelley had been killed. and nearly all the Union cavalry horses captured. The arrival of the 119th was so prompt the horses were recov- ered before the enemy retreated over the river. The men left their haveracks and blankets in camp, and being absent about twenty-four hours, they suffered from cold and hunger. Their chief subsistence during the expedition was green corn roasted on the cob.
Just before sundown on the 15th day of September, the brig- ade broke camp and moved to Kelley's Ford where it arrived at ten o'clock in the evening. The next morning it marched with the division over the river on pontoons and went to Ste- vensville, a pretty little village in a fertile and picturesque coun- try, and camped for the night. The next day the command marched beyond Culpepper Court House and camped in a dreary and secluded place behind a piece of woods one mile from Raccoon Ford on the Rapidan River. A strip of cleared
ELLIS'S FORD TO THE RAPIDAN. 179
land, half a mile wide, lay between the river and the woods covering camp. On the other side of the river the enemy could be distinctly seen in hundreds moving across the open fields and along the edge of the stream. Every time a Union man showed himself, the enemy sent a shell or a rifle ball about his ears. The Union picket- were advanced in front of the woods and occupied positions giving partial shelter in the cleared land along the northern side of the stream. The re- serves and pickets were posted in a hurried manner and with great personal risk to the men. Once located, no "Grand Rounds" visited them, and they expected no relief until with- drawn. No fires were made, and as the weather was cold and wet, there was considerable suffering. One of the officers re- marked that he never suffered more in his life, and the expos- ure to sharp-shooters was certainly sufficient to satisfy the most venturesome.
A sad incident occurred at this place which no one can re- call without a shudder. Two men of the 78th were exeented for desertion in the presence of the division drawn up in a hol- low square. The culprits sat upon two rough board boxes placed by the side of open graves. Without desiring to de- seribe the sickening spectacle, it is sufficient to say, when all things were ready the men were shot by the provost guard in the presence of the division and a number of other deserters in charge of the guard. The marksmen selected, for some reason, did not perform their duty in a skillful manner, and hence one or two subsequent shots were fired to relieve the sufferers from agony. The deserters who witnessed the execution were very happy when subsequently sent to their respective regiments. Desertions were not very frequent after this, and the execu- tion, though distressing, had a salutary effect.
During the brief stay at Raccoon Ford there were one or two general alarms, and on one occasion the whole command turned out. A cold rain came before the men returned to quarters and a good deal of suffering was endured.
On the 21st of September the regiment received two months' pay, most of which was transmitted home.
-
1
i
1
CHAPTER XX.
RAPIDAN TO THE TENNESSEE.
Ox the afternoon of the 28th of September the regiment left Bealton Station on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad in freight ears fitted with rough board seats for its accommo- dation, and arrived at Alexan- dria just before dark. llere it was joined by Col. Randall, and after a short delay was RACCOON FORD, V.A. taken over the Long Bridge into the city of Washington, where it remained for a period of about four hours ; the men in the mean time obtaining sandwiches, pies, cakes and a good deal of poor whisky. The citizens were prohibited from sell- ing or giving the latter article to the men, but where there's a will there's a way and every man who desired was supplied with what he wanted to drink and a full canteen besides. Women by scores hovered around the train and supplied the men with whisky which they concealed under their skirts. An unexpected relaxation of severe discipline, and a sudden change from deprivation to plenty, caused a reaction which lead to excesses. Of course there was drunkenness on the cars that night while on the way to the Relay House, and who, under the circumstances, could blame the boys for it ? still the officer< had a hard time before the spree was over and the men had
181
RAPIDAN TO THE TENNESSEE.
returned to sobriety. There were some who did not fully re- cover until the journey was over, yet with a few exceptions, after the first twenty-four hours, the conduet of the men was in no wise reprehensible. There were about fifty men in each car, and during that night's ride the taet and exeentive skill of the officers was put to as severe a test as at any time in the service.
During the brief stay at Washington the regiment was visited by Col. R. M. Richardson, Ex-Mayor Charles Andrews, Mayor Daniel Bookstaver, and Hon. V. W. Smith. At the Relay House the train went west over the Baltimore and Ohio Rail-
Crossing The Cumberland Mountacas Western Virginia . Q. B. R.F.
road, and passed through Harper's Ferry, Martinsburg, Cum- berland and Grafton to Bellaire on the right bank of the Ohio River. A short stop was made at Martinsburg where many of the officers obtained clothing and military supplies for them- selves and men.
The railroad west of Martinsburg passes over the Cumber- land Mountains through a wild and picturesque country. When it was built it was considered a marvel in railroad engineering and still challenges admiration. At one place the train was
182
MEMOIRS 149th N. Y. INFT.
broken into sections of two or three cars each and each section with two camel-back engines, one in front and one behind, was taken up the steep ascent of the mountain. As the train made its way around the curves and in and out of the euts and tun- nels many glimpses were had of the grand and beautiful scenery. At one place a person could see for miles over deep valleys and between mountain peaks clothed in unbroken autumnal foliage. The officers rode in the cabs which were on the forward part of the engines and from which they had an nimpeded view. The day was clear, warm and pleasant, and everything wore a handsome livery. Arriving at the summit, the course from the top of one rounded peak to another took the train over trestles where it was suspended above yawning abysses and at other times along the steep mountain sides far above the sur- rounding country. When no other avenne opened, the train passed through tunnels in the mountains themselves. In what was called the Cheat Mountains it passed through two of these, one of which was seven-eighths and the other three-fourths of a mile in length. From the cabs the tops of the mountain ranges appeared to be broken into rounded peaks which were covered with rocks and unbroken forests. Before descending, the different parts of the train were brought together and then all was excitement to prevent it from running away down the steep declivity of the mountain slope. The progress was slow and the engineer frequently checked the speed to make sure he could hold his train. The ride over the mountains was interest- ing, but owing to the peril of managing the nondescript train, the men were not sorry to arrive in the valley of Western Virginia.
After leaving Martinsburg the people showed their sympathy and loyalty by waving flags by day and torches by night to the moving train. A government agent preceded the com- mand and provided hot coffee, meat and bread at different places for the use of the men. In passing through Western Virginia the debris of burned buildings and bridges were fre- quently seen, showing the presence of the enemy. Many flour-
183
RAPIDAN TO THE TENNESSEE.
ishing towns and villages were passed after crossing the moun- tains. At Benwood, a small place opposite Bellaire on the left bank of the Ohio River, the regiment disembarked from the cars, entered at Bealton Station, and crossed the river on a temporary bridge built of pontoons and barges, Owing to the destruction of a bridge on the Ohio Central Railroad the regiment was obliged to remain in Bellaire over night and camped in open lots in the suburbs. During the stay it rained very hard, making it uncomfortable for the men who were illy- provided for such a contingency, and some of the officers were pleased to accept the shelter of some coal sheds to protect them from the storm,
In the morning, the broken bridge having been repaired, the regiment, in the wet and mud, embarked on board freight cars belonging to the Ohio Central Raffroad Company and went west through the center of the State, passing through Columbus, the capital of Ohio, to Indianapolis, the capital of the State of Indiana. The cars used before arriving at Bellaire had holes cut through the sides so the boys could observe the country and get light and air, but the present ones were deficient in this partienlar and were not satisfactory. Some remarks were made before embarking, but the men were pursuaded from overt aets until the train was in motion. The track out of Bellaire winds by a circuitous route np a steep hill, so that a person standing in the doorway of the cars could observe every- thing transpiring on the train. While the train was in motion passing slowly up the ascent, the company axes were at work in a manner to make a railroad official siek, and before passing out of view of Bellaire, the cars from one end of the train to the other were as open as those used in Summer on a street. railway. . ,
The eastern portion of the State of Ohio is hilly and rugged, and abounds in coal mines. Strata of coal are seen outerop- ping in the numerous railway ents. The road passes through many tunnels and over many bridges by a circuitous route up picturesque valleys. The progress was not very rapid and
-
L
- 1844
MEMOIRS 199th N. Y. INFT.
evening came on while the train was several miles east of Columbus. The loyalty of the people of Ohio was exhibited in many ways, and from morning until night there was a con- tinnous ovation. At every station and cross-road the people assembled, cheered and shouted as the train passed. When- ever it halted they presented the men with hot coffee, food and dainties of every description, and it seemed as if they could not do enongh ; every one vied with his neighbor in rendering attention. At places where the train did not stop the people cheered and threw fruit and other gifts into the cars. This kind attention was not confined to men and boys, but the gentler sex were out in full force and, if anything, were more considerate than the men. To the soldiers it seemed as if the choicest beauty on the face of the earth was strung along the line of that railroad from Bellaire to Indianapolis to welcome them ; and their gifts were not confined to food and necessaries, for every maiden welcomed them as brothers and placed in their hands missives indicative of her sympathy and sisterly regard. Many dainty little notes were attached to apples and thrown into the cars when the train was passing, and about every man in the regiment received one and some as many as a dozen. Many romantic incidents and much correspondence grew out of these little favors. The people everywhere greeted the soldiers as friends and heroes, and often requested them to unfurt and exhibit their war-worn and bullet-riddled tags. The 3d Brigade had a right to be proud of their precious ensigns, but none obtained a more flattering recognition than that of the 149th Regiment. With its broken staff, splinter wrappings and scores of bullet holes, it could not fail to bring a burst of exclamation from the loyal people of Ohio and Indiana, and many a cheer did her sons and daughters give the dear old tlag. The colors told plainer than words what the com- mand had done and of the trying scenes through which it had passed, and this trip demonstrated that true soldiers had ap- preciative friends among the loyal people of the North. By this demonstration of patriotic regard the courage of the men
185
RAPIDAN TO THE TENNESSEE.
was renewed and their hearts made stronger for the trying or- deal of the many scenes which were to follow. These tokens of appreciation were not confined to the laboring classes, which are always sympathetic and appreciative, but all rank and gra- dations in society were broken down in this grand effort to do honor to the country's defenders, and the people turned out en masse. No more generous and pleasant reception was given anywhere than at Centreville in the State of Indiana, where, as the train was nearing the depot, a man was seen running his horses for all they were worth in an effort to be in time to give the boys a two-horse wagon load of apples. Along the whole route everything was free, and any man asking a penny for anything the boys wanted would have been ostracized by his neighbors.
It was dark when the train arrived at Columbus, Ohio. At daylight next morning it arrived at Richmond, Indiana, where it remained for several hours. During the stay at this place many Quakers visited the train, among whom were beautiful maidens who did not think it a sin to show their sympathy for a soldier. While there a number of officers went up town to get a bath, and a good square meal at the hotel. Every thing from bread to whisky was as free as a lunch counter, and every one greeted them with a smile and a kindly salu- tation ; it was evident they were given the freedom of the town. After the first night's experience out of Washington there were very few cases of drunkenness, and it is remarkable. considering the kindness of the people and the laxity of dis- cipline, how few cases of intemperance there were.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.