USA > New York > New York regiment, 1887-1895 > Part 21
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New York State Volunteers.
fact that the six companies could now enjoy the benefit of the experience of the four companies, and that the field and staff would be reinforced by the experience and capacity of Major Ferguson.
December 7 .- In the afternoon the troops were marched to Westover in heavy marching order by the way of the reserve station, and thence to camp again.
December 9 .- Light snow, the first of the season here.
December 14 .- About 1 o'clock this morning a tug arrived from General Butler's headquarters with an order directing that the cavalry be ready to march at 10 A. M., with ten days' rations and four days' forage. The order was promulgated to Captain Morrill of the cavalry by the Post Commandant personally, but nothing resulted-no movement took place.
December 17 .- The Post Commandant came up from Fort Pocahontas by the steamer Pioneer to the post and found matters in some confusion. The night before Bradby's daughter was killed by another girl. A raiding party from the post brought in one hundred and forty-three bushels of corn in the ear.
December 19 .- Warm as in June. The Pioneer left for Nor- folk, Lieutenant Johnson, Acting Adjutant-General, on board. Dr. Rice received an order to muster out.
December 22 .- The Post Commandant went to Harrison's Landing by the mail boat and assisted Adjutant Smith about his returns, and at evening there was a dress parade-the first one had by the regiment as an entirety. Gave three cheers for the victory of General Thomas, three for the State of New York, the colors, and the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment. The Post Commandant returned to Fort Pocahontas.
December 24 .- At Fort Pocahontas Major Tantum and party, with the Pioneer, went after the family and goods of a Mr. Pear- man ; returned safely same night with the parties and property, and next day were taken to Norfolk on the Pioneer. Mr. Pearman was a Union man and had been of service to the cause of
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One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment,
the United States, and for these reasons was very obnoxious to the Confederates.
December 25 .- Christmas ; passed without incident.
December 30 .- Major William B. C. Pearsons, United States Paymaster, reached the post to-day and paid off the Third Penn- sylvania Artillery.
December 31 .- All quiet in camp to-day. Rev. Jacob Post reported to-day and was mustered in by the Colonel of the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth.
January 1, 1865 .- Passed without incident.
January 3 .- Two inches of snow.
January 4 .- Quartermaster Dunn left for Oswego.
January 5 .- Adjutant Smith left for home. The expedition for Wilmington, commanded by General Terry, passed down the river, the troops on the boats giving us cheers as they passed.
January 6 .- The Pioneer, with General Carr, wife and son, passed up the river to City Point.
January 8 .- Divine service in open air before post headquar- ters ; Chaplain Post officiated. Lieutenant-Colonel Mckinley and Captain Town went to the front.
January 9 .- Mckinley, Town, and Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Spen- cer reached the post by the steamer Swan.
January 10 .- Mr. and Mrs. Spencer left for City Point. Major Ferguson arrived by the Swan and reported for duty ; the Major was warmly welcomed.
January 11 .- Major Ferguson with the Post Commandant visited the picket lines, and at battalion drill nearly all the officers of the regiment were present. Dr. Stone left the post. The Doctor was esteemed by the regiment. Surgeon Barnes arrived.
January 12 .- Captain Town left for home on leave of absence.
January 14 .- Major Ferguson, a civilian, and a party of in- fantry, went out to Westover Church for Inmber. At evening two scouts reached the post from General Grant's headquarters.
January 15 .- Major Ferguson, a civilian, the two scouts, and
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New York State Volunteers.
one hundred infantry, went out on an expedition; returned in safety. Divine service in open air ; Chaplain Post officiated.
January 16 .- The Chaplain performed the marriage ceremony between a colored man and woman. The marriage took place in the open air before post headquarters. An amusing incident oc- curred while this marriage was being celebrated ; doubtless some of you will remember to what I allude. Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Spencer reached the post this evening.
January 17 .- Intelligence was received that General Carr had been summoned to Norfolk and that the Post Commandant had command of the separate brigade. News was received this even- ing of the capture of Fort Fisher.
January 19 .-- Lieutenant-Colonel Angell, of the Thirty-eighth New Jersey Volunteers, inspected the One Hundred and Eighty- fourth and in the afternoon drilled the regiment.
January 20 .- The Major, Adjutant, and a civilian left for the front. Heavy firing all day at the front.
January 23 .- The firing at the front this evening is very severe and sounds like a heavy confliet.
January 24 .- Terrific firing at the front all night.
January 26 .- The new Ironsides and other war vessels passed up the river toward City Point.
Jannary 28 .- The commissions of J. H. Warn, as Adjutant, and Andrew Y. Bockus, as Lieutenant, were received.
January 31 .- Inspection of regiment, detachment of artillery, and provost guard. Evening warm and balmy ; moonlight ; ne- groes singing, and every one appears to be feeling well.
February 1 .- Inspection of cavalry.
February 3 .- Heavy firing at the front. In raising flag-pole for post headquarters, the rope broke; pole fell and broke in two.
February 4 .- Between 8 and 9 A. M. the outer infantry vidette post, beyond "The Wade," was attacked and our men captured. Major Ferguson, in command of twenty-five cavalrymen, was at onee despatched in pursuit of the rebels and to retake our men if possible. About 4 p. M. the expedition returned safely to the
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One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment,
post, having recaptured our men, killed one of the rebels (John Roach), and brought in one prisoner, a mule, three Spencer re- peating rifles, and other property-a good day's work. The names of the enlisted men thus captured and recaptured are as follows : Otis Kipp, Stephen Frent, William Galloway, and Charles Lester, all of whom were members of Company C.
February 7 .- All day (judging from the sound) there has been a terrible fight at the front.
February 8 .- Post flagstaff completed and flag unfurled. About 9 P. M. there was an alarm on the picket line; four shots fired at the picket ; no harm done, however. Heavy firing. at the front to-day.
February 12 .- Two alarms on the picket line.
February 14 .- A force of twenty-five cavalry was sent out on scout.
February 17 .- Major Payne, of the One Hundred and Third New York Volunteers, reached the post by the Swan.
February 19 .- Ira L. Jenkins, of Oswego, arrived at the post. February 21 .- Received news of the fall of Charleston.
February 27 .- The Post Commandant went to City Point by the Swan, with intelligence for General Grant, but the latter being at the front, as was said, the same was communicated to General Patrick and Colonel Sharpe.
February 28 .- Forces at the post mustered for pay.
March 5 .- Inspection of quarters. Divine service under charge of Chaplain Post. Dr. Coe arrived at the post by the evening boat.
March 12 .- Inspection of quarters. Divine service out of doors ; sermon by Mr. Johnson, of Palermo. While he was preaching two couriers from General Sheridan to General Grant arrived ; news good and cheering. The couriers were sent forward without delay.
March 1S .- General Carr and party arrived at the post.
March 19 .- Preaching in the open air by Private Robbins.
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New York State Volunteers.
March 21 .- Lieutenant-Colonel Mckinley, Captains Palmer and Morse, Lieutenants Gilman and Peavy, and the Post Com- mandant, went to the headquarters of the Twenty-fourth Army Corps to attend a court-martial as witnesses.
March 23 .- A reconnoitering party was sent out in command of Lieutenant Gilman.
March 25 .- About 4 P. M. General Sheridan and some ten thousand cavalry encamped at or about Westover Church.
March 26 .- About 12 o'clock last night dispatches were re- ceived by the Post Commandant from General Grant, destined for General Sheridan, with orders to forward without delay. Adju- tant Warn was ordered to carry the dispatches to General Sheridan. He was accompanied on his mission by Captain Outerson, and later they returned, reporting that their mission had been success- fully accomplished. About 8 A. M. General Sheridan and staff rode into our lines and to post headquarters, where he (his staff having strolled about the post) remained for over an hour; after which General Sheridan and staff embarked upon the Swan for City Point. Meanwhile his cavalry were marching to the pon- toon bridge near Bermuda Hundred, and thence to City Point. By the Swan Major Ferguson proceeded to the headquarters of General Gibbon, and returned in the evening, bringing very satisfactory news. During the stay of General Sheridan at post headquarters, much was said by him about the progress of the war, future possibilities, probabilities and results, and the cavalry move- ment afterwards resulting in the battle of Five Forks was clearly foreshadowed. Much was said about the enormous war supplies of all kinds then collected and stored at City Point, and the terri- ble effects that would result if by any chance the Confederates should capture that base of supplies ; that the post Harrison's Landing was an important key to such movement, and must be held at all hazards; that if the forces then at Harrison's Landing had not done their whole duty in the past and did not enjoy the fullest confidence of those entrusted with the conduct of the war, they would long since have been removed and their places taken
34
One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment,
by troops considered more reliable ; that while post and garrison life was irksome and tiresome, yet good soldiers had but one rule to follow, and that was to obey orders under any and all circum- stances ; that he was pleased with the post and the appearance of the officers and men, and the vigilance observed in those who were doing vidette and picket duty. This is but a meagre outline of what was said by General Sheridan on this occasion, and memory at this distance fails to recall many minor and interesting details of what was said on the occasion referred to. The Post Com- mandant accompanied General Sheridan to the steamner, and on parting bade him God-speed.
March 28 .- Paymaster Pearsons arrived.
March 29 .- The regiment was paid off.
March 30 .- Last night the cannonading at the front, especially Petersburg, was continuous, and it has continued all day. By order of General Carr, Company I was sent to Fort Pocahontas. Company I was transported on the Swan.
April 1 .- Heavy firing on the left (Petersburg) all night.
April 2 .- Inspection of quarters. Intelligence was received this evening of the capture of Petersburg and a large number of prisoners. Heavy firing all day, and especially on the right (Richmond).
April 3 .- Richmond was taken at S o'clock this morning. The news was received with great rejoicing. "Glory to God in the highest." During the day an occasional gun can be heard at the front.
April 4 .- There was a rumor at evening that General Lee had surrendered with thirty thousand men. The rumor is not cred- ited-it is too good to be true. The Major and party went out scouting to-day.
April 9 .- Sermon at the post hospital by Chaplain Post.
April 10 .- News of the surrender of General Lee and hi- army was received. "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow."
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New York State Volunteers.
April 13 .- About sunset a salute was fired at Richmond. Can it be for the surrender of Johnston ? It is to be hoped so.
April 16 .- About 12 x. heard of the murder of President Lin- coln and the attempted assassination of Mr. Seward, Secretary of State. The news created a profound sensation and has infused a deep spirit of revenge in the breasts of the soldiers. God alone knows how this murder is to complicate our national troubles.
April 19 .- About 10 A. M., Private Daniel Cole, of Company K, while on picket duty. was killed by the explosion of a shell which he had found in the woods near the picket line. He was endeavoring to remove the eap, and the same being rusty, he struek it to loosen it. A piece of the shell penetrated his right thigh and came out under the left arm. He was mangled horri- bly and killed instantly. Private Cole was buried with military honors. His grave was made under the trees on the river bank, within the fortifications.
April 25 .- The entire force at the post was reviewed by Gen- eral Carr and staff. At or near evening General Rufus Ingalls, Chief Quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac, visited the post and post headquarters.
April 26 .- By order No. 66 of the War Department, the post flag was displayed at half-mast and minute guns were fired every half-hour from sunrise to sunset, and by the same order the troops at the post were mustered at 10 A. M. to hear said order read. Order No. 66 had reference to the death of President Lincoln.
April 27 .- The forces at the post were inspected by Lieuten- ant Saulpaugh, Brigade Inspector.
April 28 .- Intelligence of the surrender of General Johnston and forces was received, and by order from the War Department one hundred guns were fired. The good work marches on apace, and the end of this terrible war draws visibly near.
April 29 .- General Carr and party of officers and ladies arrived at the post and visited Westover.
April 30 .- Troops mustered for pay by Lieutenant Saulpangh.
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One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment,
May 4 .- Mr. Crenshaw, the owner of Harrison's Landing (Berkeley estate), and Mr. Elliott, the owner of the Westover estate, visited the post.
May 7 .- Inspection of quarters and sermon from Chaplain Post.
May 12 or 13 .- The cavalry were ordered from and left the post. The force has been effective and very satisfactory.
May 14 .- Farewell sermon by Chaplain Post. The guards about the vacant cavalry quarters were doubled.
May 15 .- Intelligence was received that General Carr had left for Norfolk, and presumably for his home in New York State, and that the Post Commandant was in command of the separate brigade.
May 18 .- Inspection by Lieutenant Sanlpaugh. At 12 o'clock noon General Carr and a party of citizens reached the post by headquarter boat and visited Westover.
May 19 .- Shirley, also called Carter's, General Lee's planta- tion and residence, built before the Revolution, was visited by Major Ferguson, Quartermaster Dunn, and the writer. At about sunset orders were received by telegraph from City Point direct- ing that the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth be ready to move at an hour's notice, and all surplus property be carried with the regi- ment.
May 20 .- By virtue of special orders No. 40, all the ordnance and ordnance stores, etc., were shipped to Colonel W. J. Sewell. Thirty-eighth New Jersey Volunteers, at Fort Powhattan.
The writer here ventures to transcribe the last entry made in his diary at Post Harrison's Landing :
Sunday, May 21, 1865 .- Arose at 5 A. M. Morning fine. No inspection to-day. In the afternoon rode around the picket line. visiting all the posts now occupied, as well as those heretofore occu- pied. It was a sad ride, and yet not unmingled with satisfaction. for I knew that while we had been at this post we had done our
37
New York State Volunteers.
whole duty so far as the same had come to our knowledge. About sundown it clouded up, and during the whole evening have had a furious thunder-storm. This is probably the last night at Harri- son's Landing.
It proved to be the last night at Post Harrison's Landing.
At this particular point in the regimental history it will not be inappropriate to state that during the sojourn of the One Hun- dred and Eighty-fourth at Post Harrison's Landing the duties de- volved upon the regiment were many and arduous, and were at all times discharged efficiently and cheerfully. From the very first day the regiment reached the post, camp, guard, vidette, and picket duty was commenced, and continued each and every day without intermission until the regiment left the post, excepting the few days when the inclemency of the weather forebade it. Squad, company, and battalion drill, inspections and dress parades were had with the utmost regularity. Various scouting parties were sent out that have not received mention in this paper. Inspections were had in strict accordance with the army regulations. Toward the latter part of the tour of duty at the post, scarcely a day passed that scouts and spies were not passing to and from City Point and to and from Richmond through the post, and many interest- ing incidents might be narrated in connection with such visitations by such persons. To narrate them would unduly lengthen this paper, and might savor of improper and undue personality on the part of the writer. It was not infrequent that torpedoes were seen floating down the river that had been set afloat by the Con- federates higher up the stream, with the hope and expectation that some of them at least might chance to collide with our gun- boats, monitors, and other craft occupying the river, and thus de- stroy our craft. Two, at least, of these torpedoes were captured and brought on shore just above and west of our onter picket line.
For many days prior to the visit of General Sheridan to the post as herein narrated, gunboats were patrolling the river from time to time from a point near City Point to a point a little below Westover. The occasion was not infrequent that moni-
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One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment,
tors anchored off the post; from all which things, and from what was said, as well as from dispatches received at post head- quarters from General Grant's headquarters from time to time, it was then believed, and time and reflection has confirmed that belief, that it was thought at army headquarters that an effort might be made at any time to capture Harrison's Landing, thus effecting a lodgment on the river from which to make a move- ment looking to the destruction of the depot of supplies and muni- tions of war at City Point, which, if effected, would have practi- cally paralyzed the armies then operating at the front, and espe- cially the army before Petersburg and farther south.
It was for the reasons enumerated, and for other reasons that might be stated, that the utmost vigilance was at all times insisted upon to guard against surprise. How well those duties were dis- charged, and vigilance at all times maintained, you are the only living witnesses. Whether the vigilance of the troops at Harri- son's Landing prevented an attack upon the post, and then a movement on City Point, is and ever will remain an unknown quantity and unsolvable problem. Suffice it to say, no attack was made during the occupancy of the post by the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth.
May 22, about noon, the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth commenced leaving by steamer for City Point, beginning on the right-first three companies, then four companies, and lastly two companies, with headquarters. One company remained at Fort Pocahontas until later. The One Hundred and Eighty-fourth camped a little south of the prison, called the " bull-pen." A few days later the remaining company of the One Hundred and Eighty- fourth (Company I) arrived at City Point from Fort Pocahontas.
On May 23d, headquarters of the regiment were located in quarters formerly occupied by Colonel Morrison, of the Sixteenth New York Heavy Artillery.
On May 27th, Hon. Elias Root and wife visited the camp of the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth. About this date, the
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New York State Volunteers.
Colonel commanding the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth was detached and placed in command of the United States forces sta- tioned at City Point.
The camp of the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth, although selected with the greatest possible care, was unhealthy, for it had been camped on so frequently that the ground was saturated with the offal and filth of previous camps. The weather was very warm and murky, and the water for use was unfit for drinking. The consequence was, very soon fevers and bowel complaints made their appearance, and the sick-list swelled at a rapid rate, and, with it all, the daily detail from the One Hundred and Eighty- fourth for camp and prison guard duty was largely increased.
It was difficult to maintain and enforce a proper discipline, for it was conceded on all hands that the civil war was practically at an end, and, after the tension of the past few months, caused by the suspense and vigilance required, the reaction and rebound was proportionately great.
The days at City Point were without special incident, and were passed by the regiment in the usual routine duties.
On May 29th, the Colonel of the One Hundred and Eighty- fourth was returned to duty with the regiment.
June 11 .- Special order No. 67 from department headquar- ters was received at the regimental headquarters. This was an order preparatory and looking toward the muster-out of the regi- ment.
June 12 .- Lieutenant-Colonel Mckinley's health became so much affected that he was ordered to the post hospital at City Point.
June 13 .- A general court-martial was ordered by the com- mander of the Department of the Nottoway, of which court- martial the commanding officer of the One Hundred and Eighty- fourth was appointed President. The medical officer in charge of the hospital reports Lieutenant-Colonel Mckinley as very low.
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One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment,
June 1S .- General Carr and Captain Johnson, his Acting Adjutant-General, were relieved from duty and ordered to their homes. The command of the separate brigade was then de- volved on the commandant of the regiment, as also of the forces stationed at City Point. For the past few days troops have been passing City Point on their way to Washington to participate in the grand review, and thence to their homes.
June 19 .- Quartermaster Dunn, Dr. Lovejoy, and the writer rode to Petersburg, where the writer had an interview with General Hartsuff; the General promised that the regiment should be mustered out within ten days.
June 20 .- An interview was had with Captain Remington; Chief Commissary of Musters, Department of Virginia, and in- structions received to proceed at once to prepare muster-out rolls. These instructions were communicated to the company commanders, who at once proceeded to prepare discharge and descriptive lists. Quartermaster Dunn was sent to Richmond to obtain blank muster-out rolls, etc., and other necessary blanks.
June 21 .- Quartermaster Dunn returned from Richmond with muster-out blanks, etc.
June 22 .- Messengers Lieutenant Smith and Private Amos Youmans, carrying muster-out rolls, etc., left for department headquarters.
June 23 .- Mrs. Ferguson, Captain Palmer, Lieutenant Leon- ard, and Sergeant Rich arrived at City Point and the camp of the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth. Messrs. Smith and Youmans returned with corrected rolls, etc.
June 24 .- The Ninety-sixth New York Volunteers, Lienten- ant-Colonel Heynes commanding, arrived at City Point from Richmond.
June 25 (Sunday) .- By order, the writer turned over the command of the forces stationed at City Point to Lieutenant- Colonel Heynes, of the Ninety-sixth New York Volunteers, and took command of the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth; and by
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New York State Volunteers.
the same order the separate brigade ceased to exist. Lieutenant Smith and Private Youmans left for Richmond with corrected rolls, etc.
June 27 .- The last dress parade of the regiment was had.
June 29 .- Captain Remington, accompanied by two clerks, reached the regiment, and about 3 p. M. the muster-out commenced, and was finished about 4.30 P.M. Two transports (North Point and Robert Morris) reached City Point, and are here for the purpose of transporting the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth to Balti- more. Commenced placing on board these boats the baggage, etc., and during the night and early on the 30th of June the regiment embarked-Companies A, B, D, I, and F on the North Point, Major Ferguson in command. The remaining companies, together with the field and staff, embarked on the Robert Morris. There was also embarked the body of one of our privates who died at the City Point hospital the day before the embarkation of the regiment ; the body was carried with us to Syracuse, N. Y. The transports so loaded left the dock at City Point about + A. M., arriving at Fortress Monroe about 2 P. M. After about an hour's delay at Fort Monroe, the transports left for Baltimore. Soon after leaving Fort Monroe the transports parted company. The North Point being much the faster boat, was not seen again until the Robert Morris reached Baltimore.
The Robert Morris reached Baltimore Saturday, July 1, about 10 A. M. The North Point had already arrived, and the troops on her had disembarked.
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