USA > New York > Perry's saints; or, The fighting parson's regiment in the war of the rebellion > Part 10
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night. This evening the bands played all along our lines, not funeral dirges, but airs of joy and triumph, telling us that something im- portant had occurred, or was about to occur.
The 8th and 9th were, comparatively speaking, days of rest. The woods between us and the 9th corps had been cut down, to make the con- nection more perfect. Our position and duties continued about the same until the night of the 11th, when extra precautions indicated that something was going on. On the 12th, the air was full of rumors, and it was soon understood that the whole army was about to change its base of operations. Just at dark, the 76th Pennsylvania, on our left, moved out of the rifle-pits, and their places were occupied by our regiment. At the same time, we were in- formed that the 9th corps had already left, and we should be the last to go. The constant yells and the heavy firing of the Confederates indicated that they suspected something un- usual, and we prepared ourselves for an attack on our weakened line. The utmost vigilance was exercised, for every one knew the extreme peril of our situation, and when, at one o'clock
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[June,
on the morning of the 13th, the order came to evacuate, every voice was hushed. The whis- pered word was passed from man to man, to retire from the works one by one from the left, in perfect silence, and rendezvous in the woods some distance in the rear; seven companies thus moved out, without accident, or casualty, although the shot and shell shrieked about our heads continually. But the most delicate task remained - namely, the extricating the three companies who, as outpost sentinels and sharp- shooters, were so near the enemy that it
seemed impossible for them to escape. This, however, was accomplished, with the loss of a few men, who were necessarily left behind, and we took up our line of march for the White House, occupying the most honorable position in this perilous movement, when the whole Federal army was withdrawn from the imme- diate presence of Lee's army, without its know- ledge and without serious loss. It has been well remarked, by an able writer on military operations, that it was one of the most remarka- ble movements in the annals of warfare, and could not have been carried out successfully
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except by the most experienced troops, under the most perfect training and discipline.
Early on the morning of the 14th, we steamed away from the White House on the Pamunkey River in two small transports on our return to Bermuda Hundred. During our
BATTERY AND CHURCH TOWER. SITE OF JAMESTOWN.
voyage, we passed within sight of the ruins of the old church at Jamestown. How full of suggestion and reflection, recalling, as they did, the history of the proud old state, with its long line of distinguished patriots, soldiers, and statesmen. We thought of Patrick Henry, whose glowing eloquence first set ablaze the smouldering embers of rebellion, and of Wash-
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ington, whose wisdom, endurance, and con- stancy, sealed at Yorktown the title to independence, and the inalienable rights of manhood to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and wondered at the inconsistency and blindness of the early fathers of our coun- try, who permitted the ingrafting of the gigantic, festering evil of slavery upon our system of government, thereby entailing on us the sufferings and horrors, the changes and uncertainties, of this war. All the more singu- lar because liberty and justice were the foundation principles of church, state, and society. During the voyage to Bermuda Hun- dred, the transports became separated, and the morning of the 16th found only one wing of the regiment arrived at its destination. This was immediately ordered outside the intrench- ments, to the Confederate picket-line, which had been evacuated during the night.
CHAPTER XVI.
Back to Bermuda Hundred. A running fight. Destruction of railroad. Kindness of Major Young and General Terry. Ordered to charge. A happy escape. President Lincoln and General Butler. Ordered to attack Confederate line. Recalled. Captain Fee and others killed. Picket-lines at Petersburg. Sanitary and Christian Commissions. Mine explosion. Our losses. Major Swartwout. Effects of malaria.
OF our change of base, conducted so cau- tiously and secretly, the enemy did not con- tinue long in ignorance. All day we were run- ning against the troops, ordered from the South to anticipate us in the occupancy of Petersburg. Firing was going on continually, and the only effective service that we rendered was the destruction of the railroad. Even this was only partial, as we had neither time nor ap- pliances, for thorough work. The section of the road upon which our battalion operated was on the side of a hill, and the men being placed near together along the track, at the word of command, seized, lifted, and tumbled down the hill, the portion spanned by the line, ties and
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rails going together, leaving the road-bed clean. This was repeated, until the appearance of the enemy in large numbers warned us that we should move, and move quickly, which we did. At night the men were completely exhausted, and without food, all the stores belonging to the regiment being on the steamer with the field and staff. It was plainly my duty to see that they were supplied with rations - but there was no one to whom I could apply, ex- cept General Terry, and his headquarters were miles away. I had no conveyance, and there was no one near whom I knew. The nearest regiment was the 142d Ohio, under command of Major Young. There was no alternative, and I was compelled to apply to him for means of transportation. Although a stranger, there was little need of explanation before his horse stood ready at his tent. General Terry re- sponded most cheerfully to my request, and by midnight the men were enjoying the simple food which served them for the next day of labor or or suffering. Neither of these officers knew what a kindly act they did that night; but had they witnessed the distribution of
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stores to those famishing men, who waited patiently till midnight for my return, they would have been fully repaid for their kind- ness. The result of the day's operations was the destruction of quite a large section of the railroad, and the capture of some fifty or more prisoners.
On the 17th, the remainder of the brigade landed at Bermuda Hundred, and the regi- ment encamped near the intrenchments. To- wards evening were ordered out to charge the enemy's intrenchments, and for an hour lay on the side of a hill, watching the movements of the brigade whose place we were to take in case it was not successful. What we witnessed was not at all inspiriting; for, as the smoke lifted from the first heavy discharge of the Confederate artillery and musketry, we looked in vain for any sign of our troops, who seemed to have been completely annihilated. To take their place was not to be looked upon as a priv- ilege ; and when the order was received to re- turn to camp, we were not reluctant to go. It should be said, by way of explanation, that our loss was very slight, the order to lie down
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[June,
having been given in season to avoid the shot and shell, which passed harmlessly over our troops. Why they did not rise and charge im- mediately was never explained to us.
On the 18th, we remained encamped near the intrenchments. The 18th and 6th corps were
BATTERY NEAR DUTCH GAP.
in our vicinity, while the 2d, 5th, and 9th were near Petersburg. We heard heavy firing, but could learn nothing definite concerning the progress of our army.
On the afternoon of the 22d, a message was received from General Butler that President Lincoln was approaching our vicinity, and
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would shortly reach the point where we were encamped. The purpose of the message was to give time and opportunity to arrange a fitting welcome, but it was unfortunate that nearly all the troops in our neighborhood were hundred-days men, who, having been enlisted to do duty within their respective states, had been forced into the Army of the Potomac, and pushed into the most perilous service, in vio- lation of their contract. For this reason they were much disaffected, and one regiment, at least, had been deprived of its arms, and placed under guard, to prevent a serious outbreak. Naturally, the message of General Butler was received by them very coldly, and as the caval- cade surrounding the President appeared, there were but few straggling squads of soldiers in sight, and from these there was no sign of enthusiasm or interest. I have seen General Butler many times, and under a variety of con- ditions and surroundings, but never so com- pletely disconcerted as then. As the party neared the point where we stood, an aid was hurriedly sent forward to command the men to cheer, and General Butler, dropping behind
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[June,
the President, endeavored, by frantic gestures and pantomime, to enforce the orders of his aid. But all to no purpose. The men were angry and sullen, and when the general, rising in his stirrups, shook his fist at them, the exhibition of impotent rage was greeted with shouts of derision. As the little cavalcade advanced far- ther along the line, an effort was made by the other troops in the vicinity to make amends to our honored and beloved President for this discourtesy ; but, while the whole army was intensely loyal, and devotedly attached to him, he was unfortunate in having, as his chief es- cort through our lines, a general who had, at least temporarily, lost the confidence and re- spect of the command.
On the 23d, the regiment was ordered to join that portion of the army in front of Petersburg. Nothing unusual occurred until the 30th, when we were ordered to prepare for a charge on the Confederate works. Instead of remaining where we were, protected by our intrench -. ments, until the charge was ordered, we were moved over our earthworks, where we were kept for some time, exposed to a murderous
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[June,
the President, endeavored, by frantic gestures and pantomime, to enforce the orders of his aid. But all to no purpose. The men were angry and sullen, and when the general, rising in his stirrups, shook his fist at them, the exhibition of impotent rage was greeted with shouts of derision, As the little cavalcade advanced far- ther along the line, an effort was made by the other troops in the vicinity to make amends to our honored and beloved President for this discourtesy ; but, while the whole army was intensely loyal, and devotedly attached to him, he was unfortunate in having, as his chief es- cort through our lines, a general who had, at least temporarily, lost the confidence and re- spect of the command.
On the 23d, the regiment was ordered to join that portion of the army in front of Petersburg, Nothing unusual occurred until the 30th, when we were ordered to prepare for a charge on the Confederate works. Instead of remaining where we were, protected by our intrench- ments, until the charge was ordered, we were moved over our earthworks, where we were kept for some time, exposed to a murderous
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fire, by which Captain Fee, a brave and excel- lent officer, and many others, were killed or severely wounded. After nearly a half-hour of this exposure, we were recalled, and the attack was given up, as well it might be after our in- tention was so fairly made known to the enemy.
At this time the main lines of the two armies were in such close proximity that the utmost care was necessary, especially on the part of the pickets who were posted in the little valley between, and were so near that no part of the body could be exposed for an instant without drawing the fire of the enemy. The approach to the picket-line was through intricate and carefully protected, covered ways, but, with all the precautions which ingenuity could devise, day by day our ranks were diminished by losses. Many of these occurred in the passage to and from these picket-lines, and often were due to the recklessness and carelessness of the men. Many and curious were the devices used to draw the enemy's fire, by exposing a hat, or coat, or other object, while, from ingeniously constructed lookouts, our men watched for the heads which were sure to pop up from behind
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[July,
their intrenchments in the eagerness for a shot. This brutal warfare was kept up during our whole stay in front of Petersburg, except when a short truce brought the picket-lines together, when the utmost freedom of intercourse pre- vailed. At such times papers were exchanged, the situation discussed, and the best of friends seemed engaged in mutual congratulations. In a few moments, the old state of things was resumed, with all its cruelties.
At this time more than ever before, we re- alized the magnitude of the works performed by the Sanitary and Christian Commissions. As an illustration, I find it recorded in my journal that at this time our whole army was supplied with vegetables by the Sanitary Com- mission ; while the agents of both societies were to be found in camp and hospital, minis- tering to the sick, wounded, and needy, with a generous impartiality, which made no distinc- tions, and shrunk neither from danger by bul- let or contaminating disease. It is not my province to enter into a history of these socie- ties; but I should be ungrateful did I not make fitting acknowledgment of the good work per-
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formed by those devoted Christian men and women. Not only were the officers and soldiers largely benefited as individuals, but the army, as a whole, was sustained and strengthened by the knowledge that through these two societies, and others of similar character, the whole people were manifesting
MAGAZINES
OUTLINE OF THE CRATER AND MAGAZINES.
their readiness to bear their share of burden and sacrifice. The office which they performed, in establishing and sustaining a higher moral standard in the army, and the increased effi- ciency which resulted from it, cannot be over- estimated.
During the most of July, we occupied the front or rear lines before Petersburg, under
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[July,
fire the most of the time, the shot and shell reaching us even in the most protected spots. The men were picked off by sharpshooters whenever within range, and there was no res- pite from duty, although we participated in no regular engagement until the 30th. At sunset on the 29th, the regiment took up its line of march to the left and rear, to be ready to join in the attack which was to be made immedi- ately after the explosion of the mine in front of the 9th corps. The explosion took place be- tween four and five o'clock on the morning of the 30th, and the attack was made; but, owing to want of preparation, or some lack in the ar- rangement, the favorable moment was allowed to pass, and the charge was irregular and inef- fective. After advancing to the ground which had been occupied by the fort, a halt was made, intrenchments thrown up, and two guns mounted. This gave an opportunity for the enemy to rally, and when at last the charge was made upon Cemetery Hill, which was im- mediately in front, and some four hundred yards distant, the concentrated fire from the front, and from either flank, ploughed through
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our lines, creating disorder and confusion. The loss was dreadful, regiments and brigades being almost completely annihilated ; a second attempt only added to a disaster which was one of the most serious that our army had suf- fered for months. Our division had been joined to the 18th corps, which made a demon- stration on the right, but without avail. Our losses were severe. Among the killed was Major Swartwout, one of the oldest and best of all the officers who had been connected with the regiment. No one among us possessed to a larger extent the real soldierly instincts, and no one was more generally beloved. His genial good-nature, his ready humor, and ex- uberant spirits, made him welcome in every circle. Lieutenant O'Brien was also killed, and our loss otherwise, in non-commissioned officers and privates, was severe. The scheme, which originated with Lieutenant-Colonel Pleasants, of the 48th Pennsylvania regiment, was well conceived and perfected by him; but the attack which followed the explosion was managed badly.
July 31, the regiment was ordered to Ber- muda Hundred, where we remained until
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[August,
August 13, when we broke camp, and, starting late in the evening, marched all night. The writer's experience on that night march was peculiar, and, as showing the severity of the duties to which we had been subjected, and the condition to which many of us were re- duced, it may properly be mentioned. The command of the regiment devolved upon me, owing to the absence of all the field officers. Starting at its head, we had proceeded but a short distance before I was seized by an attack of drowsiness, which no effort and no ex- pedient could throw off. Mortified beyond ex- pression by this singular but uncontrollable weakness, there was nothing left to me, at last, but an appeal to the orderly, and, directing him to keep me in my proper position, and to arouse me if anything special should occur, I gave up the useless struggle. The false or heavy step of the horse which I was riding aroused me frequently to sudden consciousness, when the struggle would recommence, but with the same result, for the seeds of malaria, brought from the swamps of the Savannah, were fruiting in a deadly exhaustion, which no effort of the will
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could overcome. This was the precursor of more serious attacks, which finally drove me from the service. Our movement was in the direction of the Dutch Gap Canal, a project of General Butler, which proved a failure, like many others of his undertakings while in the service.
CHAPTER XVII.
On duty at the front. Strange sickness. General Grant under fire. Captain D'Arcy. Battle of Strawberry Plains. Splendid behavior of the regiment. Lieutenants Tantum and Sears picked off by Confederate sharpshooters. Other losses. The excited officer. Hurried retreat. Captain Taylor. The greeting of General Terry. A night's rest. On picket duty. Sad condition of the regiment. Expiration of terin of enlistment. Disaffection. Severe duty. Artillery attack on Petersburg. Out of the service.
WE have never heard of any general order issued to the army annulling the Fourth Com- mandment, but such had been our experience that we needed no argument to persuade us, on the morning of the 14th of August, which was the Sabbath, that some special service, in field or camp, would be required. All day long, we were at the front, in plain sight and within range of a Confederate battery. The weather was intensely hot, and a most curious effect followed the long exposure to the glaring sun. Many officers, as well as non-commissioned offi- cers and privates, succumbed to the heat, and were led or carried to the rear. Some were taken with spasms, and sometimes whole
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groups fell together; but, the surgeon being summoned, a wonderful change took place, and the powerful remedies which he administered to the most marked cases seemed to have a peculiar effect on the others. It was a remark- able experience, and I have never been able fully to explain the nature of the attack. For a time it seemed likely that we should have . a battalion of invalids; but the illness was of short duration, and no serious results fol- lowed. While occupying a little hill, the top of which was crossed by a stone wall, General Grant made his appearance, with General Bar- nard and other members of his staff. Passing through our ranks, he ascended the hill to the stone wall, where he remained some time, taking observations. In the meantime, the battery across the meadow kept up a constant fire, and General Grant was often obliged to duck his head behind the wall to avoid the shot. One of these, which had passed uncomfortably near him, proved fatal to Captain D'Arcy, who was just returning from the valley below, with some of those who had retired under the effect of the sunstroke. He was a good officer, but
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[August,
sometimes showed the want of coolness and self-possession. This would undoubtedly have come to him with age and longer expe- rience. With this, he would have been an officer of unusual excellence ; for he was well informed, of quick perceptions, and prompt in all his movements, while his bravery was be- yond question. The only result of the day's work, of which we had any report, was the cap- ture of a battery and fifty prisoners by General Terry. The next day, the 15th, we were moved from point to point continually, but were not engaged.
On the next day, the 16th, occurred the battle of Strawberry Plains, where our loss was very severe. I copy from my journal : "Dur- ing the forenoon moved to the left in rear of battery. Remained a little while, and then moved to the right through the woods. On the way, the firing became heavy in our front, and we soon got the order to double-quick. Through the woods, over dead bodies, - Fed- erals and Confederates mingled together,- past lines of prisoners, into the open ground, knap- sacks thrown off, full of enthusiasm, away we
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went, forming behind the Confederate works, by the right into line, as straight and true as ever on parade drill, amid the cheering of the troops about us. Men, cheerful, cool, and obe- dient, under a heavy fire, in which Lieutenant John M. Tantum, of Company D, a Christian man and good soldier, was killed, and Seward, Sears, and many others, wounded. We stuck to the works until the regiments on our right and left had fled, and only gave way when the Confederates were so near that we could almost feel their breath."
During the day we witnessed a marked illus- tration of the necessity for coolness, as well as bravery, especially on the part of officers. Our position was a trying one, for, although there was no enemy in sight, we were under a heavy enfilading fire, probably from sharpshooters stationed in the trees of the adjoining woods, and we had reason to expect an attack, either in front or flank, at any moment. Under the cir- cumstances, it was necessary that the command should be well in hand, cool, alert, and ready for any emergency. While we were closely hugging the intrenchments, to avoid as far as
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[August,
possible the enemy's fire, every man grasping his musket, and waiting for the word of com- mand, a staff officer, possessing more courage than discretion, came along, with pistol in one hand and sword in the other, and gave the order to commence firing. In an instant the men were on their feet, and the utmost con- fusion prevailed. The firing which followed indicated more perfectly the position of our re- giment to the enemy, who were themselves so completely concealed in the woods at our left that no return fire could be effectual. Worse than all, our men could only fire directly to the front,- where as yet there was no sign of the enemy,-on account of the regiment which at that time connected with our left flank. As long as the firing continued, the advantage of preparations to repel attack was entirely lost, and it was only by threats of immediate per- sonal injury that the officer was induced to take his ill-timed enthusiasm elsewhere, and - order was restored. In our retreat, which oc- curred soon after, Captain Taylor was the only officer left to assist in the command of the regi- ment; and, as we hurried through the woods, a
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last look behind discovered several Confederate battle-flags close at hand, and already occupy- ing the position we had just left. How heartily we congratulated each other on our es- cape, when so many of our friends and comrades had fallen ; but only an hour after- wards, our picket-lines having been established, and placed in his charge, word was brought to me that he too had been grievously wounded. It was a sad blow, and left me in a very embar- rassing position ; for the enemy was pressing hard upon us. Soon, however, several officers, who, for various reasons, had been absent during the day, reported for duty ; but no one who took his place. Always ready for whatever he was called upon to do, he was cheerful and intel- ligent in its performance. An excellent officer, and most agreeable companion. This was his third wound, and, although he recovered suffi- ciently to attend to ordinary business, he was obliged to leave the service. His constitution was much shattered, and gradually gave way, under the combined effects of his wounds and the malarial disorders contracted in the army. Never shall I forget the greeting of General
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