USA > New York > Perry's saints; or, The fighting parson's regiment in the war of the rebellion > Part 2
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
While this result was due, in a large measure, to the influence of Colonel Perry's name and character, more especially in respect to the offi- cers (and we cannot overestimate this influence), to Lieut .- Col. William B. Barton, and Quarter- master Irving M. Avery belongs the credit of originating the organization, and preserving it for a considerable period under circumstances most perplexing and embarrassing. It hap- pened in this wise. Being personal friends, and
27
PERRY'S SAINTS.
1861.]
fired with the enthusiasm which prevailed so generally, they conceived the plan of raising a company, and opened a recruiting station for that purpose. The number of recruits soon passed the limits of their early ambition, and they found themselves with several hundred men on their hands ; and the problem as to how to secure them, and at the same time provide them with food and shelter, taxed to the utmost their energies, as well as the pecuniary re- sources of themselves and friends. Both were young, and with limited means, and their con- duct under the circumstances illustrates most happily the generous impulse of enthusiasm which seized upon the people of the North, and for a time shut out all those baser and meaner motives which developed among certain classes during the progress of the war.
By most persistent efforts among the wealthier citizens of Brooklyn, and at the War Depart- ment at Washington, and at great pecuniary risk to themselves and their immediate friends, they succeeded so far in the enlistment of men, and the provision for their needs, that they felt warranted in looking forward to a regimental
28
PERRY'S SAINTS.
[April,
organization. It was then that they cast about for a suitable commander, and were led to ap- proach Colonel Perry, with whose previous his- tory they were somewhat acquainted, with the result as indicated in the foregoing pages.
When we take into consideration the circum- stances of these two young men, and the nature and extent of the difficulties they encountered, at one time feeding and housing several hundred men out of their scanty resources, for a consid- erable period entirely alone and unaided in their work, we feel that they may well take to them- selves a full share in the achievements of the regiment, whose birth and early life were so largely the results of their personal exertions and sacrifices.
It is scarcely to be wondered at that the reg- iment received the appellation of "Perry's Saints," for while many, both officers and men, were very far from being saint-like in tastes or dis- position, the term was not altogether without sig. nificance. As an illustration, Captain Knowles, of Company D, was both teacher and preacher, when word was received that Dr. Perry was rais- ing a regiment. In a short time he joined him
1861.]
PERRY'S SAINTS. 29
with a company taken from school and parish, of which he became the captain. I remember very well that at the time of the re-enlistment as veterans, when I was temporarily in command of the regiment, a member of that company, a private, came to me to inquire about the terms of re-enlistment, stating that he had a farm worth several thousand dollars, and other property; · that he had not been home during his term of service, and he not only wished to see his friends, but to be assured, by personal exami- nation, that his interests were well cared for by those to whom they were entrusted. Satisfied that the terms of re-enlistment would be carried out, and that he would have the furlough prom- ised, he did not hesitate, and as a veteran served faithfully to the end of the war. He illustrates the quality of Company D.
They were called the "Die No Mores," from the fact that while in Fort Pulaski, in their so- cial meetings, the hymn of which this forms a part was their favorite. Poor Paxton! the brave and noble fellow ! how fond we were of him, and how much we missed him. Even now I seem to hear him, as he calls to his company,
,
30
PERRY'S SAINTS.
[April,
in that terrible attack on Fort Wagner, "Come on, Die No Mores, follow me, Die No Mores." And they followed him, out of the darkness and tumult of that bloody night, into the light and peace of a better life, as we trust; unto Him who hath said to all men, "Follow me, and thou shalt die no more."
But comparisons are odious. Each com- pany in the regiment had its character- istics, and all were excellent; and their offi- cers, almost without exception, were men of education and refinement. In the work of forming the regiment, and preparing it for the field, Colonel Perry was not left alone, but was materially assisted by many influential friends from among his parishioners, who liberally pro- vided whatever was necessary, and did all in their power to lighten his burdens and remove obstacles. The same men were the generous friends of the regiment during its whole term of service. Among them, the most prominent, and the most constant, was Luther B. Wyman, Esq., of Brooklyn, for whom our first camp, at Fort Hamilton, was named, and who will always be held in affectionate remembrance by the
31
PERRY'S SAINTS.
1861.]
members of the 48th. He was a gentleman of high social qualities, of cultivated tastes, of wide influence and considerable means, and his personal friendship for Colonel Perry induced an active interest in the regiment which he was forming. He sought to promote its welfare and secure its rights, as well as to minister to its comforts, to such an extent that he was known as its special friend and patron. While engaged in service at the front, we were assured of a zealous friend at home, whose interest at the State House was powerful to secure us against the intrigues of political managers, who too often found convenient places for friends and followers in the offices which became vacant through the casualties of war.
CHAPTER III.
Camp Wyman. Incidents of camp life. Lieutenant Elfwing. Fête Champêtre. Departure for seat of war. List of officers. In camp near Washington. Off for Annapolis. General Butler in Maryland. Attitude of Governor Hicks. Waiting at Annapolis. Colonel Perry's last sermon. Journey to New York. Return of contrabands. De- parture for Fortress Monroe.
JULY 24, 1861, Camp Wyman was formed, at Fort Hamilton, in New York Bay. August 16, the first two companies were mustered into service, and September 15 we received or- ders to be ready to proceed to Washington. In camp, the time was spent in preparing for the field. The men were regularly drilled, and the officers, by study and practice, endeavored to fit themselves for the duties before them. Not all the time was given to serious work. The men had leisure for recreation, and the officers, as they became acquainted with each other, found suitable amusements while in camp, and were allowed ample opportunity to visit friends, and procure whatever was considered needful or desirable for the campaign before us.
32
33
PERRY'S SAINTS.
1861.]
Lieutenant Elfwing, who had enjoyed larger experience than most of us, and withal something of a military education, undertook to initiate us into the mysteries of the sword exercise, which was supposed to be necessary to give us good and regular standing among our fellow-officers ; but, fortunately for us, experience proved it to / be an accomplishment, rather than a necessity. The only result of Elfwing's proficiency which became generally known, was through the good- natured acquiescence of Colonel Perry, in the proposal for a friendly trial, which occurred while we were in camp on Dawfuskie Island, S. C. We never knew that he renewed the pro- posal. It was generally understood that, recov- ering his sword, he wended his way back to his rustic bower, and in the company of congenial friends, found comforting assuagement of his mortification and chagrin, in that indescribable, but most mollifying mixture called puddle.
Elfwing was a noble-hearted, generous man. Educated not only in the schools, but by varied and extensive travel, quick of apprehension, of retentive memory and ready humor, his mind was stored with incidents of personal expe-
34
PERRY'S SAINTS.
[September,
rience, gathered not only in his native country, Sweden, but in different parts of Europe, as well as through several years of residence in our own country. It was a delight to listen to him, for he had a very happy manner in conversa- tion, and with his friends about him, and fairly engaged in his reminiscent wanderings, took from many an hour its weariness and many a night its sleep. A gallant soldier, he distin- guished himself in every engagement in which he participated, and even the loss of a leg did not prevent his continuance in service. When we last heard of him, he was United States Con- sul at Stockholm, and we trust is still enjoying the honor and comfort of that office, and a more quiet and restful life than when we were to- gether.
As previously stated, September 15, orders were received to be ready to proceed to Wash- ington. The President had urged upon the gov- ernors of the loyal states, to hurry forward all regiments as fast as they were prepared for the field, and Governor Morgan, who was always earnest in support of the government, gave .per- sonal attention to the matter, visiting the camps,
35
PERRY'S SAINTS.
1861.]
and endeavoring by his presence to arouse en- thusiasm, and push forward the troops. He had not succeeded according to his wishes when he visited our camp, and on that account seemed especially pleased, when the colonel assured him that we were ready to start at a moment's notice. Among the members of his staff who accompanied him, was Chester A. Arthur, Ex- . President of the United States, remembered by those who saw him at that time as a young man of fine appearance and agreeable manner.
1205919
We cannot omit to mention the fête cham- pêtre, on that beautiful evening shortly before our departure, when so many of the friends of the regiment gathered for a few brief hours of enjoyment, before the last good-by was said. All the available resources, within and without the camp, were called into requisition to make the occasion a joyous one: and so it proved. But there is sadness linked with the happy memories of that night. Many a last good-by was said, as the early hours of morning bid the guests depart. Never again did Colonel Perry look on the face of wife or children left behind.
36
PERRY'S SAINTS.
[September,
And many a sod, in the valleys and along the hillsides of the South, rests over the silent forms of those who parted from kindred and loved ones then. But no one, at that time, had thought for such things ; and when, on the 17th, we broke camp, and took our departure for the seat of war, 964 strong, we felt only the justice of our cause, and the glory of our purpose. For- tunate is it that weak human nature does not always stop to measure the probable or pos- sible consequences of its act : a provision of Infinite Wisdom, that we know naught of the future.
The following is a list of the officers when we left Camp Wyman : -
STAFF OFFICERS.
Colonel, James H. Perry.
Lieut .- Col., Wm. B. Barton.
Major, Oliver T. Beard.
Adjt., Anthony W. Goodell.
Surgeon, Joseph L. Mulford.
Asst. Surgeon, Patrick H. Humphries.
Chaplain, William P. Strickland, D. D. Quartermaster, Irving M. Avery.
37
PERRY'S SAINTS.
1861.]
LINE OFFICERS.
Co. A.
Captain, Louis H. Lent.
1st Lieut., B. Ryder. Corwin.
1st Lieut., Sam. K. Wallace.
2d Asa H. Fergurson. 2d H. W. Robinson.
Co. B.
Captain, Edward R. Travis. 1st Lieut., Nere A. Elfwing.
2d Theodore C. Vidal.
Co. C.
Captain, James Farrell. 1st Lieut., George McArdle.
2d Townsend L. Hat- field.
Co. D.
Captain, Daniel C. Knowles. 1st Lieut., James O. Paxson. 2d John Bodine.
Co. E.
Captain, William B. Coan. 1st Lieut., Frederick Hurst. 2d Rob. S. Edwards.
Co. G.
Captain, Anthony Elmen- dorf.
1st Lieut., Wm. H. Dunbar. 2d James M. Nichols.
Co. H.
Captain, D. W. Strickland. 1st Lieut. W. L. Lockwood. 2d C. N. Patterson.
Co. I.
Captain, Joseph G. Ward. 1st Lieut., S. M. Swartwout. 2d Jas. H. Perry, Jr.
Co. K.
Captain, Samuel J. Foster. 1st Lieut., Sylvanus G. Gale.
2d Albert F. Miller.
Co. F.
Captain, James M. Green.
The spirit with which we went forth to ser- vice is evidenced by the following, taken from the journal of Melville R. Conklin, a private of Company K. Mentioning the fact that Gov- ernor Morgan visited the camp on the 15th,
38
PERRY'S SAINTS.
[September,
bringing orders to go to Washington, he says : "The order was hailed with joy by every man in camp, as we are all anxious for active duty." The 16th was occupied in packing up, and the Long Roll was beaten for the first time at 2 o'clock on the morning of the 17th, when
VOLUNTEER
REFRESHMENT SALOON
UNION
FREE
FOR
UNION VOLUNTEERS
+557
Horn
COFFE
the men were formed in line, with knapsacks, haversacks, and canteens, but without arms. These were furnished us when we reached the boat which conveyed us on our way to the South.
It is an interesting fact that Colonel Perry did not give up his work as preacher and pastor until informed of the final order to march,
39
PERRY'S SAINTS.
1861.]
which was communicated to him while he was engaged in the public exercises of the church. Bringing the services to an abrupt conclusion, he started for his command, and never resumed the office of preacher, except on one occasion, which will be referred to hereafter.
Of our journey, we remember only the hos- pitable welcome at Philadelphia, where we . stopped for dinner. Ample provision had been made, and, in common with thousands of others, we have occasion for gratitude to the men and women who, not only at this time, but during the whole war, contributed so generously of their means and personal services, to provide for the wants of the soldiers who passed through their city on their way to the front. At Wash- ington, we were assigned quarters for a single night, in a large brick building on Pennsyl- vania Avenue, not far from Willard's Hotel. Early the following morning, orders were re- ceived to go into camp on the plain back of the Capitol, but, the colonel not being decided as to the exact location, we spent the night with- out shelter. This was a slight foretaste of the life before us, and in many minds, through that
40
PERRY'S SAINTS.
[September,
first night of exposure, away from friends, and fairly entered upon new and uncertain ex- periences, there was a lingering look behind, while through the imagination swept those changing pictures of the future, to which a vague uncertainty or sad foreboding gave a solemn tone.
But the morning light dispelled these dreams, and the novelty of pitching tents and establish- ing camp for ourselves, kept mind and hand busy. In a few days we changed our location to the immediate vicinity of the other regiments of our brigade, and for the next few weeks our time was fully occupied in perfecting our com- pany and regimental drill. Well we remember the idle speculations of officers and men in re- gard to our final destination, but while we were soon assured that we were to form a part of the expeditionary corps under Sherman, beyond this, we were completely at fault. And well we might be, since the particular point to be attacked was left to the selection of General Sherman and Admiral Dupont, who were them- selves some time in doubt. Colonel Perry soon gave ample evidence of his superior qual-
41
PERRY'S SAINTS.
1861.]
ifications as an officer, and as a regiment, in a short time, we took the highest rank among the troops with whom we were associated.
October 5 we left Washington for Annapolis, and this movement determined for us, finally, that we were to join the great southern ex- pedition, and that our point of attack was to be in the very centre and hot-bed of -the re- bellion -and we were satisfied. There was no thought of the danger from the enemy or the inclemency of the climate, but only of the possibility of being able to strike such effective blows as would give us an honorable place in the final suppression of the rebellion.
At Annapolis Junction, we found part of the troops who had been detailed to protect the railroads, rendered necessary by the attitude of the people of Maryland, who at this time leaned all too generally towards their Southern breth- ren. Even Governor Hicks, although loyal at heart, under the pressure of the hot-headed se- cessionists who surrounded him, had protested to the President against the passage of troops through the state, and had it not been for the prompt decision and energetic action of Gen-
42
PERRY'S SAINTS.
[October,
eral Butler, the Federal government would have suffered serious embarrassment in this mat- ter. The bayonets of his soldiers opened the way, while their intelligence supplied the means of transportation. Roads were rebuilt, and engines repaired, while troops were stationed along the lines to guard them from inter- ruption. Although Governor Hicks, in the meantime, had recovered his loyalty, so nearly lost, the troops whom we met were still needed to secure its constancy. It was midnight when we reached Annapolis, in the midst of a driving storm, and the deserted college buildings were the only places which promised shelter. To these we were refused admittance by the trus- tees, but upon the colonel's remarking that he had never seen a lock that a bayonet would not pick, there was no further hesitation. Some other lessons were needed before the people learned the temper of our troops. The answer of the colonel gave a tone to the arguments of the officers when they were refused accommo- dations by the landlord of the City Hotel, and he acknowledged their cogency. The man who maltreated one of our negro servants assumed
43
PERRY'S SAINTS.
1861.]
a most melancholy attitude of entreaty under the influence of a similar kind of logic, and, if still living, has not forgotten the lessons of that night. Indeed, the whole town was so quickly converted that a delegation was sent to our colonel, as soon as his previous profession became known, to request him to conduct the services in the Methodist church on the first Sabbath after our arrival. Turning to the ad- jutant, and expressing a disinclination to offi- ciate, he remarked, " You can detail Dr. Strick- land, or Major Beard, or Captain Knowles, or Lieutenant Gale, or Sergeant Irvine, or some of the enlisted men." And so he could, for each of those named, and some others in the reg- iment, were regularly ordained ministers. But the colonel was induced to perform the service, and, attired in full military dress, preached an eloquent sermon.
We soon found many loyal people in the city. The officers were kindly welcomed at the house of Governor Hicks, and Judge Brewer opened his doors with generous hospitality. Orders were strict, and none were permitted to go out of camp without special permission, for no one
44
PERRY'S SAINTS.
[October,
knew the time for our departure, but such lib- erty was granted as this uncertainty would allow.
At this time we had a band, but no suitable instruments, and the colonel, knowing that I had reasons for wishing to visit New York once more before our departure on the expedition, kindly detailed me to attend to the business of procuring them. The railroads were then pushed to their utmost in the transportation of troops and supplies, and, finding that the road to Baltimore was so blockaded as to render it very uncertain how long a time the passage to and from that city would occupy, by much per- suasion a loyal colored citizen was induced to furnish a horse for the journey.
To any one familiar with the condition of the roads in our Southern states at this period, a journey of thirty miles or more on horseback, through a strange country, would have pre- sented little attraction, and if you add the fact that the sentiments of the people throughout the state were such that Federal troops were picketed along the railroads, and at other points, to guard against the destruction of property,
45
PERRY'S SAINTS.
1861.]
and quell seditious movements, the journey would not have been rendered any more fasci- nating. Fortunately for my peace of mind, the exact state of things was not fully known by me, and more fortunate still that the horse so quickly developed a better acquaintance with the way than his rider as to be left almost en- tirely to his own guidance. Occasionally, when a fallen tree had completely obstructed the path, or a dense undergrowth had, from in- frequent use, been suffered to obliterate all trace of its presence, or, worse still, when an angle of the road (if it could be dignified by such a term), discovered several paths of equally uncertain character, I admit to a degree of apprehension lest he should take me to some convenient crib, where my welcome would be somewhat warmer than I desired. But if the currents of his life moved rather slowly, they ran in loyal veins, and except for a few un- certain companions who joined me at times, I gave myself up to such enjoyments as the some- what monotonous way afforded.
Arrived at Baltimore, I left my horse, and proceeded to New York by rail. One day was all
46
PERRY'S SAINTS.
[October,
the time needed for the transaction of my bus- iness, and the following afternoon found me again in Baltimore, anxious to get back to camp, in fear lest the expedition might have sailed, and I be left behind. A short time was taken to collect a few supplies previously overlooked, and as the western sun was just sinking behind the hills, I started on my journey back. I had become better acquainted with the condition of affairs in the state, and scrutinized more closely the countenances and manners of those whom I met, especially of the few who, travelling in the same direction as myself, seemed to insist upon the value of their company to a degree not fully warranted by the suddenness and lim- ited extent of our acquaintance. There was quite sufficient opportunity for reflection during the long hours, that seemed to drag so slowly, as I picked my way in the darkness through those interminable woods, but, like all other things, the journey had its ending. As I ap- proached Annapolis, I was neither shocked nor disconcerted by the challenge of our outpost sentinel, "Who goes there." The orders were strict, and I had no countersign, and it was a
47
PERRY'S SAINTS.
1861.]
relief when the presence of the officer of the guard permitted suitable explanations. These were given while we walked along together towards the camp-fire, and as soon as its light permitted recognition, the exclamations, "Hello, Jim !" and " How are you, Val ?" left no room for further hesitation. College and classmates, we had parted several years before, to meet , for the first time again under these peculiar cir- cumstances. But the impatience of both horse and rider permitted no lengthened colloquy, and in a few moments I was enjoying the hearty welcome of the colonel and other officers.
October 18 we steamed away from Annapolis in the Empire City, towards Fortress Monroe, the general point of rendezvous for the expe- dition. Here, by order of the general in com- mand, Colonel Perry was compelled, much against his will, to detail a guard from the regiment to return to slavery a negro found on the transport. Thus the great moral, social, and political movements of the world have al- ways been hampered and clogged by their early scruples. We were never after called upon to perform a similar service.
CHAPTER IV.
At Fortress Monroe. General Viele's talk. Weary waiting. Off at last. Order of sailing. Storm. Horrors of the voyage. Vessels lost. Off Port Royal. Tatnall's Mosquito fleet. Bombardment of Hilton Head and Bay Point by navy. Surrender. Captain Drayton. Land- ing of troops. First camp on Confederate soil. Foraging. Negroes' account of bombardment. Inspection and review. The sutler. Thanksgiving.
Ar Fortress Monroe we remained until the 29th, when, with a fleet of seventy vessels, transports, and men-of-war, we put to sea, and steered for our final destination. I must not forget to mention that, during our stay at this point, there was much talk of a landing; whether for an attack upon some place in the vicinity, or merely for practice in view of what was be- fore us, we never knew, but it gave occasion to General Viele, who commanded our brigade, to call our officers together in the cabin of the steamer, to impress upon them the dangers of the undertaking. It was a bloody lesson, prob- ably thought necessary in the case of simple vol-
48
1861.]
PERRY'S SAINTS.
49
...... .
P
KOK
...
FORTRESS MONROE.
51
PERRY'S SAINTS.
1861.]
unteers, the conclusion of which was that we need entertain no hopes save of a glorious de- parture to the shades beyond. However, as it is the immediate danger which impresses us most, it was not surprising that we took courage from our hopes, and there was no unusual despon- dency on our part. Some of the more reckless even ventured to suggest a doubt of the gen- eral's information on the subject of our final disposal.
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.