USA > New York > New York regiment, 1887-1895 > Part 20
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
17
New York State Volunteers.
time was stationed the remaining portion of the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment. Upon passing Harrison's Landing the detachment loudly cheered.
It may, I think, be truthfully said that the campaign in the Shenandoah and Luray valleys involved three hundred and fifty or four hundred and fifty miles of hard marching, with alternate heat, cold, and rain; at times the line of march enveloped in sti- fling dust, then wading through the mud -and one never having seen or experienced the mud of that portion of Virginia can have no adequate conception of its stickiness. Many of the men were without tents, blankets, or overcoats, and suffered severely from exposure to the elements. It may be added that the detachment at all times during that campaign did its full share of camp, guard, picket, and fatigue duty. During the campaign, Lieut. Angustus Phillips acted as Adjutant until his death at Cedar Creek; thereafter, Lieut. Joel H. Warn. Lieut. S. H. Brown acted as Quartermaster.
* *
The fortunes of the four companies (who, under the circum- stances, may almost be entitled to the appellation of the "Lost tribes of Israel") have now been followed until we have arrived at a fitting point to take up the history of the doings and wander- ings of the six companies.
It will be remembered that it has heretofore been stated that the field and staff officers joined the six companies at a point near the front, at Bermuda Hundred, at about 6 o'clock P. M. of the With day of September, 1864. Perhaps it would be well, and liberty is asked, to quote extracts from a diary kept of the princi- inl matters occurring at this period, as it may serve more vividly to bring before you on this occasion what happened more than thirty years ago. There is every reason to believe that such +stracts as may be made are truthful and may be implicitly relied on. for the several entries upon the diary were made at the time : substantially the time of the happening of the several events therein recorded, and were not made for publication :
18
One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment,
We reached the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth camp about 6 P. M .; found the boys camped in an opening; on either side of · our regiment were camped Pennsylvania regiments of one year : found the boys had a few tents. We slept in the Adjutant's tent : it was somewhat crowded, there being six of us; however, about 9 P. M. we spread our blankets on the ground and laid down to sleep; while so lying, one could distinctly hear the picket firing at the front. Found the regiment in utter confusion, and thin _; looking discouraging and squally. Had the pleasure on reaching the camp of meeting Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Speneer.
On Tuesday, September 27, 1864, after breakfasting upon hardtaek and fried pork, orders were received from Colonel Pot- ter to strike tents and for the regiment to be ready to move at 10.30 A. M. Tents were immediately struck, and at 11.30 A. M. the regiment marched to Bermuda Hundred, where orders were received to report to Brigadier-General Marston at Fort Pocahon- tas, or Wilson's Landing, sometimes known as Brandon. On leav. ing camp in the morning, three hundred and forty-four men and twelve officers of a New Jersey regiment (Thirty-eighth New Jersey, Colonel W. J. Sewell), by order of Colonel Potter, were placed in charge of the commanding officer of the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth.
At 1.30 P. M. the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth and other troops left Bermuda Hundred for Fort Pocahontas on the steamer Thomas Powell. The New Jersey troops were transported on the steamer Portsmouth. The One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regi- ment reached Fort Pocahontas at 4 P. M. of the same day, and on reaching the landing or wharf, received orders that the One IIun- dred and Eighty-fourth should disembark and that the New Jersey troops should return to Fort Powhattan, sometimes called Wyra. moke, which had been passed on the way to Fort Pocahontas.
While at the wharf at Fort Pocahontas, and either just before or at the time of the disembarkation of the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth, General B. F. Butler passed across the wharf wit !. his aides and went on board a small despatch boat lying at ti ..
19
New York State Volunteers.
wharf, bound for City Point or Bermuda Hundred, as was said. After landing, the tents of the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth were pitched inside the breast-works of the fort; got our supper, consisting of fried pork, hardtack, and tea.
On Wednesday, September 28, 1864, at about 9 A. M., an order was received for a detail of one hundred and twelve men and two commissioned officers for picket duty; the order was promulgated and executed. At 12 o'clock M. an order was re- ceived to send two companies to Harrison's Landing, and without delay two companies were despatched by the steamer Thomas Powell. The names of the two companies so sent forward to Harrison's Landing must be supplied by your recollection. At or about 3 P. M., by invitation, the writer accompanied Brigadier- General Marston and Dr. Rice, of the Eighty-first New York Volunteers, in a ride to and along the picket lines, inspecting same. While on such inspection, Brigadier-General Marston promised that the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth should be sent to Harri- son's Landing. At 5 P. M. of this day Lieutenant Morris and forty-two enlisted men arrived.
On Thursday, September 29th, letters were written to the Secretary of War, to D. C. Littlejohn, M. C., and to Governor Seymour, urging the union of the One Hundred and Eighty- fourth, and stating the manner in which it had become separated. At about 1 o'clock P. M. four companies of the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth received orders to proceed to Harrison's Landing without delay, and the greater portion of such four companies, together with the field and staff, embarked on the headquarter despatch boat, the steamer Ella, bound for Harrison's Landing, at which place they arrived at about 3.30 p. M., and immediately camped in quarters that had been used by the regiment com- manded by Colonel Holman, that had been ordered to the front. Upon arriving at Harrison's Landing a company of cavalry was found to be in temporary charge of the post Harrison's Landing, which was commanded by a Lieutenant Miles, from Massachusetts. There was also a detachment of Pennsylvania artillery at the
20
One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment,
post. It may be remarked here that Harrison's Landing was sometimes known as Berkeley, a manorial residence before the Revolution. It was at one time the residence of the IIarri- son family, and the birthplace of Ex-President William Henry Harrison. The fortifications were extensive and in the form of an oval, and at or near the apex of the fortification was a magazine stored with ammunition, etc .; the breast-works, and the space en- closed, rested upon the James River. The post was in plain sight of City Point. The afternoon the regiment reached the post the booming of cannon at the front could be distinctly heard, and at night the firing was heavy and continuous, and the flash of the guns could be distinctly seen. The breast-works at Harrison's Landing enclosed a space of perhaps twenty-five to thirty acres.
On the 30th of September the remainder of the four com- panies reached the post, leaving two companies at Fort Pocahon- tas. To-day, details were made for picket, camp, and guard duty. The farthest point at this time covered by our picket lines was at a point on Herring Creek, sometimes called "The Wade," some- times " Widow Rowland's Mill," for at this point there was a grist- mill and residence owned or at least occupied by a widow lady by the name of Rowland, who was a native of New Jersey. On the farm connected with this and adjacent property at this time were to be distinctly seen the lines of McClellan's breast-works after he fell back to the James River through the Chickahominy region, and hundreds of tent and ridge-poles could there be seen. The high- way leading north from Harrison's Landing to "The Wade," extended, was one of the direct roads through the Chickahominy region or swamp to Richmond, and beyond "The Wade" and bearing northeast the road led to Charles City Court House, thence to Norfolk. The mansion house within the breast-works was at once designated and occupied as a post hospital. By order, the regimental commander was detached from the regiment and placed in command of the post.
On Saturday, October 1st, the pickets sent or brought in two deserters, who claimed that they had enlisted at Syracuse, N. Y.
21
New York State Volunteers.
They were sent forward the same day by the mail boat to Gen- eral Marston, at headquarters of the separate brigade. A full mail for the regiment reached the post to-day.
On Sunday, October 2d, information was received that Gen- eral Marston had been ordered to the front. Later, Dr. Strong . reached the post, bringing orders for him to remain at Harrison's Landing until further orders. The firing was very heavy and continuous to-day on General Grant's left (Petersburg). At about 11 p. M. the commanding officer of the post visited the camp guard, and upon arriving at the sally-port the sentinel was leaning against the parapet; upon being spoken to, he at once cried " Halt!" brought his gun up and fired, the ball from the gun passing uncomfortably near the officer.
· On the night of the 3d of October, and in the absence at Fort Pocahontas of the commanding officer of Post Harrison's Landing, there was an alarm occasioned by one of the sentinels on guard firing at a white dog, calling out the force and manning the trenches. The incident was laughable, but rather inconvenient.
October 5 .- At 3 P. M. a despatch boat from City Point reached the wharf at Harrison's Landing, bringing Brigadier-General Hunt and a Colonel on General Mead's staff and an unknown officer ; after giving certain instructions to the Post Commander, they left for City Point.
October 7 .- Orders were received that the command of the separate brigade and department had been temporarily turned over by General Marston to Lieutenant-Colonel Patterson, of the Second New Hampshire Volunteers.
October 8 .- A scout named Myers, from Richmond, on his way to General Grant at City Point, came into the post. Lieu- tenant Grant, of Company G, was about this date appointed Post Commissary.
October 9 .- Lieutenant-Colonel Patterson, commanding the separate brigade, arrived on steamer Ella and rode ont to picket line, vidette post, and Mcclellan's fortifications, accompanied by the commandant at Harrison's Landing. After Lieutenant-Col-
22
One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment,
onel Patterson left, a prisoner was sent in from the picket line: he was sent to the guard-house, and later on to department head- quarters at City Point ; he had important intelligence for General Grant from Richmond.
October 10 .- At 10 A. M. the Post Commandant left on the steamer General Howard for General Butler's headquarters, via Bermuda Hundred and the upper pontoon bridge, on business of the post. Butler's headquarters were in a fine pine grove about one mile from Aiken's Landing. The General was at the extreme front, and the business was transacted with the acting Adjutant- General. Before returning, the celebrated Dutch Gap canal was visited, as also the place where our troops were at that time shell- ing the enemy. In the evening of the same day Captain Dan. O'Brian, of the Twenty-fourth New York Volunteers, reached Harrison's Landing.
October 11 .- There were several alarms on the picket lines and several shots fired. John C. Lake, of Oswego, N. Y., arrived to-day.
October 12 .- On visiting the picket line it was reported by the Sergeant of the picket that four strange men had been seen to leave Widow Rowland's at near daybreak. The next night six men were posted in Widow Rowland's barn, unknown to her, to capture tlie visitors, if possible. At evening, James Mckinley. Captain Corey, and James Kingsley, from the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Volunteers, came into camp from City Point.
October 13 .- The Post Commandant, accompanied by Lieuten- ant Miles and a cavalry escort, rode out to Harrison's plantation ; nothing was found of importance, save an United States ambu- lance wagon. While returning to the post, was met by a cavalry- man, who reported that three of the cavalry scouts, about three miles out from the Widow Rowland's, were attacked by guerrillas and one of the scouts killed and one wounded. A hurried march was made to the post, whereupon a force of cavalry and twenty- five infantry were despatched to the scene of attack. After some time the force returned, not having succeeded in finding the guer-
23
New York State Volunteers.
rillas, but brought in the dead cavalryman. He had been shot three times through the chest, and his head was terribly bruised and crushed in. The wounded cavalryman will recover. Three cows were driven in to-day. A party of twenty went out to-night to drive in a quantity of stock understood to be herded about three miles outside the picket lines.
October 14 .- About 10 o'clock A. M. the raiding party re- turned, bringing with it five cows, two yearlings, three heifers, and two hogs. In the afternoon the Post Commandant, accom- panied by Dr. Stone, rode out to and along the picket lines, and thence to Westover, where there was what remained of a fine old colonial mansion, antedating the Revolutionary War. A profusion of roses were in flower in the garden. A monument stood in the garden west of the house, upon which appeared an inscription nearly defaced by time, and which, by reason of its uniqueness, is here reproduced :
Here lieth the Honorable William Byrd, Esq. Being born to one of the amplest fortunes in this country, he was sent early to England for his education, where, under the care and direction of Sir Robert Southwell, and even favored with his particular instruction, he made a happy pro- ficiency in polite and various learning. By the means of the same noble friend he was introduced to the acquaintance of many of the first per- sons of that age for knowledge, wit, virtue, birth, or high station, and particularly contracted a most intimate and bosom friendship with the learned and illustrious Charles Boyle, Earl of Orrery. He was called to the Bar in the Middle Temple, studied for some time in the Low Countries, visited the Court of France. and was chosen Fellow of the Royal Society.
Thus eminently fitted for the service and ornament of his country, he was made Receiver-General of His Majesty's revenues here, was thrice appointed publick agent to the Court and Ministry of England, and being thirty-seven years a member, at last became President of the Council of this Colony. To all these were added a great elegancy of taste and life, the well-bred gentleman and polite companion, the splendid occonomist and prudent father of a family, with constant enemy of all exhorbitant power and hearty friend to the liberties of his country.
Nat. Mar. 28, 1674.
An. ætat 70. Mort Aug. 26, 1744.
24
One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment,
October 15 .- To-day Brigadier-General Carr inspected the infantry and artillery at the post. In consequence of the few cavalry at this time present (the rest were ont scouting) at the post, they were exeused from a formal inspection.
October 16 .- During the day a negro lad came to the post ; you will probably remember him by the name of Napoleon Bonaparte.
October 17 .- S. N. Dada, of Fulton, arrived at the post.
"October 1S .- Adjutant Smith left for Elmira to correct the muster-in rolls of the companies. There was some firing on the extreme right (Richmond) to-night.
October 19 .- Occurred the first battalion drill by the Post Commandant.
October 20 .- Occurred the first formal dress parade. Colonel George Harney and Captain Hubbard, of the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Regiment, visited the post to-day-came from City Point by the headquarter boat.
October 23 .- Had divine service; sermon by Private Rob- bins, a member of Company I. A colored man, woman, and child came in from Richmond.
October 24 .- Six cavalrymen and fifteen infantry were sent out to protect the crew of the gunboat then lying in the James River opposite the post, while the crew were destroying boats in Herring Creek. Eight boats were destroyed by the gunboat crew ; the boats so destroyed furnished the Confederates and guerrillas the means to cross and recross the river at will.
October 26 .- The entire forces at the post were inspected by Lieutenant Thompson, Assistant Inspector-General. He was pleased to compliment the forces upon their appearance. To-day a private by the name of Hall died at the post hospital; disease. fever and dysentery. By means of a New York Herald of the 24th inst., news was received of the killing of Lieutenant Phillips at the battle of Cedar Creek, and of the battle itself.
October 27 .- Private Teagne died this morning, and at 3 P. M. he and Private Hall were buried with military honors within the
25
New York State Volunteers.
fortifications and near the river, under the greenwood trees; and there, after life's fitful fever, they sleep well. Little they'll reek, in the graves where their comrades have laid them, the sigh of the breeze, the tempest's blast, and the ceaseless murmur of the waters of the River James as they flow to the ocean, singing their last requiem. Heavy firing all day at the front.
October 29 .- General Carr, the Captain of the monitor lying in the river abreast the post, and several other officers, visited the post. News was received to-day by Lieutenant-Colonel Mckinley that Adjutant Howard M. Smith was sick and might not return to the regiment.
October 30 .- Divine services held in the open air opposite post headquarters ; Private Robbins, of Company I, officiated.
October 31 .- Heavy firing on the right all day. Captain Morrill, of Company M, Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, reported for duty. Lieutenant Miles, of the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, was appointed Provost-Marshal of the post.
November 1 .- In the afternoon four cavalrymen who were outside the lines without permission were captured by the Confed- erates, together with two horses and harnesses. The capture took place at or near the Westover Church.
November 3 .- About dark, Major Stearns, with Lieutenant Davenport, Provost-Marshal of General Butler's forces, and one hundred and ten cavalrymen and several prisoners, came in our lines on the way from Wilson's Landing (Fort Pocahontas) to Bermuda Hundred. The cavalry camped in the rear of the post headquarters, in the open air. It rained heavily all night. They were without tents.
November 5 .- Lieutenant Gilman with fifty infantry were sent out to ambush the Confederate scouts, guerrillas, and bush- whackers that trouble our front.
November 6 .- Confederate soldiers were seen in the woods to the left of the picket line. Lieutenant Smith with picket reserve and Post Commandant proceeded to and about the spot where the Confederates were seen, but without success. In the after-
26
One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment,
noon divine service was had in open air; preaching by Private Robbins.
. November 8 .- Lieutenant Gilman and detachment returned, bringing with them thirteen horses, two mules, and twelve head of cattle. In the evening an election was held for Chaplain to the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth; it resulted in the election of Rev. Jacob Post, of Oswego, N. Y.
November 9 .- At about 1 A. M. the Post Commandant assisted Dr. Barnes in amputating the foot of a private at the instep, who accidentally or otherwise shot himself through the foot. At about 8 A. M. a courier brought the news that a force of Confederate cavalrymen were outside, beyond "The Wade." All the cavalry and fifty infantry, in charge of Lieutenant Smith, were at once des- patched to meet them. In about an hour Lieutenant-Colonel McKinley, who had previously ridden out to water his horse, rode into the post and asked that an additional force be sent out. Lieutenant Gilman and cighty men were at once sent out. After the last detachment was sent out the entire garrison was put under arms. About 3 P. M. the detachments returned ; they had exchanged shots with the enemy, who were variously esti- mated at from thirty to one hundred strong. No Confederates were injured, so far as could be ascertained. One of our cavalry- men received a scalp wound; one had his horse shot dead ; an- other cavalry horse received a rifle shot wound in the fleshy part of the ham. The picket reserve at night was strengthened with fifteen men and a Sergeant; arms stacked in the com- pany streets.
1
November 10 .- Dr. A. S. Coe, of the One Hundred and Forty- seventh, visited the post.
November 13 .- Sermon by Private Robbins. In the morn- ing the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth received a set of regi- mental colors; they were displayed for the first time at dress parade to-day.
November 16 .- A large number of steamers passed up the river to City Point, some loaded with troops, some with stores. Mr. Mason, of Pulaski, visited the post to-day.
27
New York State Volunteers.
November 17 .- A leave of absence was granted to the Post Commandant to go to headquarters of the Fifth Army Corps. Very heavy musketry firing at the front. The Post Commandant returned to the post on the 19th inst.
November 20 .- A despatch boat from City Point brought intelligence from General Grant's headquarters that a force had left Richmond to attack Post Harrison's Landing, and ordering that extra vigilance be had and maintained ; in consequence, the picket line, picket reserve, and vidette posts were strengthened and guns stacked in company streets, and men were ordered not to undress during night.
November 24 .- The steamer Pioneer arrived, bringing a large supply of Thanksgiving gifts, eatables, etc.
November 25 .- A new and more extensive picket line was established and vidette posts thrown out further toward Rich- mond. During battalion drill two gunboats came down the river from City Point, having in tow a number of small boats, and indulged in gunboat exercises in the river off the post. About this date Corporal Warren C. Emmons, of Company H, died, and was buried with military honors. His body was interred within the fortifications.
November 27 .- A bridge was built on the picket line. Dr. Rice, Adjutant E. A. Cooke, and Charles Hart reached the post from City Point.
November 28 .- General inspection, Lieutenant H. P. Thomp- son acting as Inspector-General.
November 29 .- A large monitor anchored in the river opposite the post.
November 30 .- Two gunboats that had lain at the post dock all night left for City Point. About 10 A. M. the signal telegraph was completed, and the post has now direct connection with City Point and the headquarters of the Army of the James, as also General Grant's headquarters.
December 1 .- At 3 r. M. General Carr, Colonel Sewell, and Lieutenant-Colonel Angell, of Fort Powhattan, with their wives,
28
One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment,
reached the post and were entertained as handsomely as possible. At evening Adjutant Smith reached the post, looking better · than when he left, but still far from well.
December 2 .- Second Lieutenant Carter, of Company K (I think), arrived at the post.
December 3 .- Post headquarters and new quarters for the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth were practically finished to-day. The new quarters for the regiment are very commodious.
December 4 .- Inspection of quarters to-day. In the after- noon divine services were held in the open air in front of post headquarters; a man from Pennsylvania preached.
December 5 .- About 10 A. M. the steamer Charlotte Vander- bilt passed up the river, headed for City Point, and from the cheer- ing on the steamer it was believed that the four companies from the Valley were on board. So strong was the impression that this might be the fact, that Lieutenant-Colonel Mckinley was without delay despatched by the headquarter boat to City Point to investigate, and, if true that the detachment had arrived, to use every means in his power, even to an appeal to General Grant personally, to effect the union of the regiment, and, in case of necessity, to tele- graph to the Post Commandant and he would go personally to City Point and endeavor by every means in his power to effect the desired object. The hours wore slowly away. Many eyes were watching for the coming of a steamer. The signal station was watched for intelligence; none came from that source. Later in the day a steamer was observed making its way down the river from the direction of City Point. The anxiety of the Post Com- mandant was at fever heat when, at about 6 P. M., the steamer rounded to the doek and the four companies, Captain Palmer in command, disembarked. The long and earnestly desired event had happened-the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment was for the first time in its history a unit. As may well be imag- ined, the greater part of the night was spent in mutual congratu- lations and in narrating to each other what had occurred in our army experience. Not the least of our congratulations was the
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.