USA > New York > Memories of the 149th Regt. N. Y. Vol. Inft., 3d Brig., 2 Div., 12th and 20th A. C > Part 24
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COLONEL HENRY N. BURHANS.
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of the 20th Corps on the 4th of February. As each regiment stepped on South Carolina soil the men gave three cheers.
Before leaving Savannah Maj. Grumbach received a leave of absence and went home and was succeeded in command of the regiment by Capt. H. N. Burhans. The number present for duty at the commencement of this campaign was 13 officers, 245 musket-bearing men, and 26 daily duty men, musicians, and non-commissioned staff ; making a total of 284 men.
After crossing the Savannah River the 2d Division moved up stream about two miles, drew nine days' rations of bread, coffee and sugar, and four of meat, three of which were taken in haversacks and the balance in wagons, and commenced the march through the swamps and pine barrens of South Carolina.
The sea coast of North and South Carolina is bordered by a range of low sandy islands. The main land, inside of these islands, is low and swampy and broken by numerous bays and lagoons. The coast swamps and lagoons extend inland fifteen to forty miles, and are in many places utilized for rice culture. These salt swamps can be traversed only by roads built on eauseways, above the surrounding lands, which are often over- flowed. Consequently. the roads are not very numerous or excellent in quality. Passing further inland, these salt marshes are succeeded by a belt of low sandy lands, one hundred miles in width, covered with pitch pine forests. Rising somewhat abruptly from the pine barrens comes a range of low sandy hills, bordering higher and richer lands, extending to the moun- tains in the northwestern part of these States. Most of the large inland cities are situate along the eastern border of this upper belt or plateau of fertile lands. These States are well watered, and large rivers flow from the mountains in the north- west, southeasterly to the sea coast ; among these are the Sa- vannah, Salkehatchie, Edisto, Santec, Pedee, Cape Fear, Nouse, and their tributaries, known by different names. Several of these rivers are navigable for small vessels as far as the range of sand hills above referred to, and at the head of navigation are good water privileges, owing to the fall of water from the
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MEMOIRS 149th N. Y. INFT.
higher to the lower lands. The rivers below the sand hills are sluggish and often bordered by swamps from one to three miles in width. The low lands are sparsely inhabited. and besides being frequently eut up in parallel lines by the rivers and smaller streams, are often broken up by swamps. The roads in the pine barrens are poor and infrequent, and like those near the sea coast, are often built on causeways, especially through the swamps bordering the rivers and streams.
The passage of a large army, with its artillery and wagon trains, through such a country would be difficult at any time, but during the rainy months of January and February it would seem like an impossibility. The andacity of the undertaking, the uncomplaining confidence of the men, and the correspond- ing demoralization of the enemy were the chief factors which led to Sherman's success. God in his providence designed that the rebellion should be crushed by destroying its resources, rather than by the further waste of human life, and it was done. It is not probable that the history of man will ever re- cord another instance in which such a feat will be successfully accomplished. The Carolina Campaign will always be regarded in warfare as an anomaly, and Sherman the only man to have made it a success.
Sherman's course was practically marked out for him by the nature of the country : the low sandy seaboard, cut up by ex- tensive swamps and deep rivers, rendered it necessary to move on ridge land- lying between the rivers to higher ground in " the interior where the streams were narrower and more easily approached. The more fertile lands of the interior also furnish better subsistence for his army.
No serious opposition was met by the 20th Corps before reaching the North Edisto River, although the enemy in small numbers burned bridges and obstructed the way at every avail- able point and skirmished with the advance almost constantly. The head of the column arrived at the North Edisto about noon and found a number of the enemy's cavalry, with two or three pieces of artillery, in position on the further side of the
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stream. As the advance approached the enemy set fire to the bridge and discharged shells down the narrow causeway lead- ing to it, which was commanded by the artillery. A battery was quickly brought forward and these guns silenced, but not until after five or six men were killed, and the Colonel of the 28th Pennsylvania was badly wounded. The pioneers felled trees and repaired the bridge and approaches. During these repairs one of the men of the 149th, in the pioneer corps, named Robert Faulkner of Co. C, in attempting to secure his knap- sack, was caught by a falling tree and instantly killed.
Early in the morning the 3d Brigade crossed the river on a float bridge constructed of old timbers, preceded by the 60th N. Y. thrown forward as skirmishers. The balance of the corps and wagon train consumed the day until five o'clock P. M. in crossing. The enemy made a slight show of resistance to the passage of the 3d Brigade, but fell back rapidly before the skirmish line.
In a military point of view it seemed a gross error, amount- ing to wantonness, for the enemy to burn large and valuable bridges without an adequate force to prevent the crossing of the stream by the Union army, for the sacrifice was a great loss to the country, and did not materially interrupt Sherman's move- ments. The delay never exceeded a day, and frequently not more than an hour. A foot-bridge was constructed over Duck Creek, a float-bridge over North and South Edisto, and the men were crossing in five or six hours. At one place where a large and expensive bridge was destroyed, a temporary one was con- structed within an hour while the men ate dinner. Bridge- burning was a mistake, yet it was continued without interrup- tion, whenever possible, down to the final surrender of Johns- ton.
On nearing Columbia the 15th and 17th Corps made a de- monstration on the city, while the 14th and 20th Corps remained in reserve and operated in the direction of Lexington. When within two miles of the latter place the 3d Brigade and a bat- tery were sent forward, and after driving a considerable force
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MEMOIRS 149th N. Y. INFT.
of the enemy's cavalry before it, took possession of the city, barricaded the approaches, and remained over night. During the stay in Lexington private property and the rights of citi- zens were respected : in fact, during this and the preceding campaign, this command committed no wanton destruction of private property, burned no private buildings, nor committed assaults on private citizens. The men of the 3d Brigade were good foragers and fighters, and lived as high as any of Sher- man's command, but have never contested the field with any Southern general for the doubtful honor of burning Southern cities. The left wing passed west and north of Columbia, but was near enough to see the lurid flames of that doomed city re- flected on the midnight sky.
Prior to reaching Columbia the right and left wings, operat- ing in different directions, had successfully mystified the South- ern leaders as to Sherman's purpose, and caused a division of forces opposed to him ; he was now too far inland to risk battle with the enemy even in small numbers, for depending upon the . country for supplies, a delay, even for a few days, was danger- ons ; hence the necessity of further concealment of his purpose from the enemy. After leaving Columbia the left wing and the cavalry first operated towards Charlotte, and then towards Raleigh, while the right wing moved easterly in the direction of Cheraw and Fayetteville. Sherman regarded this portion of the campaign as critical, and especially desired quick move- - ments, for he soon learned that Johnston had been reinstated in command of the forces opposed to him and know that he could not long be deceived as to his real point of destination : hence it was no wonder he became impatient at the delays oc- casioned by rain, which fell ahnost incessantly during the pro- gress of the army from Columbia to Fayetteville. In the emergency Sherman demanded of his men great personal sac- rifices and their utmost exertion, and knowing the necessity, they did their full duty uncomplainingly.
From Columbia to Goldsboro the 149th saw its severest ser- vice, and in looking back to it from this point of time, it seems
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as if it overcame impossibilities. It is true the ground traversed was higher than that from Savannah to Columbia, yet the copious rains rendered traveling almost impossible, and nearly every rod of the way had to be corduroyed. The wagons and artillery needed constant assistance, and the men were wet to the skin and drenched with mud constantly. The task was herculean. and by reason of its length, puts Burnside's Mud March in the shade. The men had learned their duty by past experience and therefore worked with an intelligent purpose : still the task was not performed without great exposure, intense fatigue and much bodily suffering. It is hoped the American people will not soon forget the sacrifices made by Sherman's men in the Carolinas.
On the 21st of February the 3d Brigade arrived at Winsboro, and spent part of two days in destroying the Columbia and Charlotte Railroad. Four or five hundred men were strungalong one side of the tracks, standing elose together, and at the word of command, "He-ho-he", the ties and rails were lifted and turned over bottom side up. The ties in falling to the ground were generally loosened from the rails, but if not, a loosened rail, used as a lever, soon finished the work. A second relay of men then piled up the ties and set fire to them, and over these were placed the rails. When the latter were at a red heat, they were twisted and bent by a third gang of men armed with iron hooks made for the purpose. For a small number of men this duty would have been arduous, but for several thou- sand working in concert the task was quickly and effectively done. It is estimated that the 3d Brigade as its share of the work effectually destroyed five miles of this railroad.
The crossing of the Wateree, or Catawba River, at Rocky Mount was made with great difficulty on account of heavy rain, which caused two of three days' delay to the left wing. The 20th Corps crossed on the 23d of February, but the pontoons being swept away, the 14th was delayed until two or three days afterwards. On the east side of the river the men assisted the wagons up a steep hill ; fourteen men were assigned to each
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MEMOIRS 149th N. Y. INFT.
wagon, and the clay mud stuck to their clothes in plasters, while the rain wet them to the skin.
For the purpose of gaining time the 20th Corps left the 14th at Sneedsboro, and moving down to Cheraw, crossed the Pedee on pontoons belonging to the right wing. At Cheraw a large amount of public and private property was found which had been sent up from Charleston for safe keeping. Many of the + officers and men were regaled with Madeira wine grown old in the cellars of the latter city. That which was considered use- ful in this contraband property was appropriated by the army and the balance destroyed.
From Cheraw the course of the Union army was no longer a secret ; henee, when Sherman arrived at Fayetteville, driving Hardee before him, and opened communication with Wilming- ton, the success of the campaign was assured and everybody was happy. The 2d Division, being assigned to duty with the corps wagon train, did not arrive at Fayetteville until the day after its capture by the 14th Corps, but as a part of the left wing, it shared in the general gratification over that event.
Fayetteville was a beautiful city of about five thousand in- habitants, sitnate on the westerly side, or right bank, of Cape Fear River, and as seen decorated by the fresh starting foliage of Spring, and in the warm sunlight succeeding weeks of rain and storm. appeared very attractive. The principal street or avenue led down the hillside to the water's edge, at nearly - right angles to the river, and was wide, airy and bordered by substantial business buildings and fine residences. In the cen- ter of Main street was an ancient market-house, of tasteful architecture, about which the enemy made a stand when the 14th Corps entered the town. Near the river were mills and manufactories, and along the water's edge were strongly-con- structed steamboat piers, indicating considerable commerce on the river, although the depth of the water was sufficient only for light draught steamers, except at certain seasons of the year. On top of the hill, to the west of the city, was about sixty acres of enclosed lands belonging to the United States Govern-
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ment. On these grounds were several elegant and costly build- ings erected by the United States, but recently in the hands of the Confederate government and used for the manufacture of arms and ammunition, by machinery removed by it from Har- per's Ferry at the beginning of the war. Before the depar- ture of the Union army these buildings and the machinery were effectually destroyed by battering rams and fire, together with several manufacturing establishments and one or two printing-presses, which were considered inimical to the Union service.
The morning following the arrival the 20th Corps commenced its march through Main street, and across Cape Fear River upon pontoons which had been laid for the purpose. On ar- riving in the suburbs of the city the column halted, and ten minutes were given each soldier to write a letter to be sent by a gun boat to Wilmington. The appearance of the men as they were seen lying or sitting along the roadside preparing these missives to friends at home, the first in six weeks, will not be soon forgotten. While passing down Main street the command formed in column by companies and was reviewed by Gen. Sherman.
In the Carolina Campaign, as in the prior one from Atlanta, the different commands were followed by colored and white Union refugees, the former, of course, largely predominating. Almost from the entry into South Carolina these people began , to accumulate, but the larger averetion was after leaving Co- lumbia. On arriving at Fayetteville this useless accession to the army had reached the enormous number of twenty-five thousand, and was a matter of serious embarrassment to the Commissary Department. Before crossing Cape Fear River these Union refugees were brought together from the different commands and sent off, under sufficient military escort, over- land to Wilmington. When brought together they were a nondescript lot, and represented every phase of society from the most cultured fair-skinned lady in her silks and satins, to the most ignorant and coal black African from the plantation ;
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MEMOIRS 149th N. Y. INFT.
and all sexes and ages were represented. Many traveled on foot, carrying their wearing apparel and worldly belongings on their backs, while others were provided with stage coaches, family carriages, and all kinds of vehicles, from the most nob- by turn-out down to the rudest and most primitive ox-cart ; some even carrying their possessions in a wheel barrow. The train of the refugee column, which was separate from the army, also had its animals of every description, from the finest thoroughbred horse to the common donkey; and there were oxen and cows without number. A good deal of ingenuity
UNION REFUGEES.
was exercised by the African refugees in providing transporta- tion for their children, and it was by no means uncommon to see the heads of three or four piccaninnies peering from the pockets of rude panniers made of old blankets, or tent flies thrown over the back of a mule or family cow: in the latter case the animal furnishing nourishment for the babies the car- ried on her back. The ludicrous character of these scenes was partially lost sight of at the time in the common struggle and desperate straits in which all were placed, but the remembrance-
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of them will always recur to the participants with a smile. Before the refugees departed for Wilmington they were pro- vided with rations for the journey, and their issue, as well as the departure, will always be remembered by the soldiers as one of the interesting incidents of their experience ; many of the refugees having obtained a strong hold upon the sympathies of the men, the scene at parting was in many instances affect- ing.
When Sherman broke camp at Fayetteville on the 15th of March it was pretty generally understood that Goldsboro would not be reached without a struggle with the enemy under John- ston, and preparations were made accordingly. It was also understood, if an attack was made by Johnston, it would prob- ably fall upon the left wing : and therefore, early on the first day's march the wagon trains of the 14th and the 20th Corps were put in charge of one division from each, and sent forward on an interior and more direct route towards the point of des- tination, while the other four divisions, two from each corps, took a more northerly course unencumbered by any impedi- menta. A somewhat similar disposition was made in the right wing, taking a more southerly course; the unencumbered di- visions moving in advance of the wagon trains, and also of the left wing to the north.
The ed Division of the 20th Corps was assigned to duty with its wagon train, about five hundred in number, while the _Ist and 3d. Divisions moved north on the plank road, run- ning nearly parallel with Cape Fear River, leading from Fay- etteville to Raleigh. Almost as soon as the column was in motion it was met by evidences of the immediate presence of the enemy, and on the loth the battle of Averysboro was fought between the enemy and a portion of the 14th and the Ist and 3d Divisions of the 20th Corps. This, however, did not delay the progress of the army very much, as the right wing and the wagon trains kept steadily on the way.
On the 19th of March the enemy was again encountered and the sanguinary and important battle of Bentonville was fought
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MEMOIRS 149th N. Y. INFT.
between the four divisions of the 14th and 20th Corps, above referred to, and Johnston's whole command. At midnight of that day the 1st and 3d Brigades of the 2d Division of the 20th Corps were relieved from duty with the wagon train and marched with all haste to the battlefield. where the 3d Brigade arrived and took position in support of the 3d Division on Harper's farm about daylight of the 20th, and there remained during the day ; other troops of the right and left wings ar- riving about the same time.
About dark of the 20th the 149th was detailed as train guard to accompany the ambulances and wagons conveying the wounded of the 1st and 30 Divisions to the corps wagon train. After a hard and laborious march over a rough road, the wagon train was overtaken at Falling Creek. fifteen miles from the battlefield. The night's march was both fatiguing and trying to the members of the regiment, and the wounded in their charge.
The 20th Corps arrived at Goldsboro, and was reviewed by Gen. Sherman while passing through its streets, on the 24th of March. After the review, which was a very happy conclusion of a wonderful campaign, the 3d Brigade went into camp one mile north of the city, near the Weldon and Wilmington Rail- road.
It seems needless to say the regiment, as well as Sherman's whole command, felt proud of its recent achievements, and - was happy in the immediate prospect of a speedy termination of the war. Charleston had fallen, as the natural military -e- quence of the march through the Carolinas, and the crippled condition of the Southern Confederacy, caused by Sherman's recent campaigns, raised sanguine expectations, in the minds of the men, that the Rebellion was about to come to a speedy and favorable termination.
The work of this regiment in the Carolinas is of great im- portance, but not unlike that performed by other regiments of Sherman's army, which, as a whole, has been sufficiently de- scribed in the established histories of the country: the writer
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therefore will only say, the 149th performed its full share of the arduons duties involved in the campaign.
In the language of Quarter-master " Mose", the men on ar- riving at Goldsboro "were fat, saney and ragged", and the first thing done in camp was to draw new clothes. Spring had opened, and no one expected to remain longer than to obtain the necessary supplies, preparatory to marching northward. While in camp the men were frequently inspected, attended reviews, and performed general routine duty ; the officers made reports, muster rolls, and performed other necessary military duties. When off duty the officers and men visited Golds- boro, a quiet city of about six thousand inhabitants, of no special importance except its location at the juncture of two railroads, one leading from Weldon to Wilmington and the other from Newbern to Raleigh. It had no manufacturing interest of importance, and on the whole had a quiet and rural appearance.
Those desiring a more detailed account of the regiment du- ring this campaign are referred to the following :
JOURNAL OF THE 149TH TO GOLDSBORO.
Friday, Jan. 27, 1864. Pleasant : broke camp at & o'clock A. M., joined brigade at head-quarters ; left the city of Savannah at 11 o'clock. brigade acting as wagon guard : moved up right bank of Savannah River : crossed St. Augustine Greek and bivouacked at 4 o'clock P.M. near Monteith : day's march 12 miles.
Jan. 28. Pleasant, but cold ; marched at 6 o'clock A.M., brigade in center of division : crossed Little Ebenezer Creek and went into camp -at 3 r.M. : day's march 15 miles.
Jan. 29. Pleasant and warmer than day before : marched at 6.30 A.M., brigade in advance : passed through town of Springfield at S A. M .: crossed Jack's Branch of Big Ebenezer Creek; Indigo Creek, and en- camped at 2 o'clock p.M. three miles from Sister's Ferry, and near the 14th Corps : day's march 12 miles.
Jan. 30 to Feb. 4. Pleasant during stay and quite warm until last day, when it commenced raining ; performed picket duty and fur- nished details to build corduroy roads through a swamp near the ferry over the river : had dress parades and inspections.
Feb. 4. Cloudy and light rains ; broke camp at ? o'clock A.M. and crossed the Savannah River at Sister's Ferry on pontoons with trestle approaches, altogether about three miles in length, brigade third in line : after entering South Carolina, moved up the river and drew rations for march, and then moved one mile to a large swamp and camped for the night ; day's march's mike's,
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MEMOIRS 149th N. Y. INFT.
· Sunday, Feb. 5. Cloudy and rained in the afternoon ; broke camp at daylight and marched toa big swamp, stacked arms and, after build- ing a mile of corduroy road, assisted the wagons through the swamp ; after dinner passed Robertsville and camped at 6 o'clock r.M. near Deep Bottom ; day's march 11 miles.
Feb. 6. Cloudy and rainy ; broke camp at daylight and passed through Lautonville 1 p. M., roads very good ; went into camp near Beach Branch Post-officeat 5 p.M. : day's march 15 miles ; 149th detailed for picket duty. Co.'s E, Cand K on reserve ; rained hard during the night.
Feb. 7. Rained hard during forenoon ; broke camp at ? A.M. and marched 5 miles to Cosawatchie Swamp, bordering Duck Creek ; the stream having overflowed its banks, was 500 yards wide at the point of crossing : a large detail of men built a foot bridge after dinner, on which the ed Division crossed before dark, and went into camp at 5 o'clock P.M. ; day's march 6 miles; the 1st and Bd Divisions, with the wagon train, were all night in crossing Duck Creek, the road being very bad and the water three feet deep in the swamp.
Feb. S. Pleasant and cold : brigade third in line, and wagon guard ; broke camp at 9 o'clock A.M., crossed the Augusta and Pocataligo Rail- road, and the Salkahatchie River at Beauford's Bridge ; went into camp inside rebel earthworks at S o'clock p.M. ; day's march 15 miles.
Feb. 9. Cloudy and cold, showed a little in the forenoon ; broke camp at 6 A.M., crossed Gull Creek and passed through a very good looking country, where there was plenty of sweet potatoes and tresh pork : camped at 6 p. M. near Blackville, on the Augusta and Charleston Railroad : day's march 20 miles.
Feb. 10. Pleasant but cold : broke camp at 7 A.M. and moved down to Blackville where the 1st and Bd Divisions were in camp : drew rations from the wagons, and marched & miles to the South Edisto River. at upper end of Fire Island ; enemy had burned bridge, so a floating one was made of old timbers, on which the men crossed at dark, and camped for the night ; the wagon train crossed the next day : day's march & miles.
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