USA > New York > Services of the Tenth New York Volunteers (National Zouaves,) in the War of the Rebellion > Part 2
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On April 26th the State Board munbered and ac- cepted the regiment, and confirmed the election of officers. On the 227th Companies A and B were mustered into the service of the United States : on the 20th. Com- panies C, D, E, F, G and II. May 2d. Company 1, with the field and staff, and May 7th, Company K. The mustering officer was Capt. M. Cozstell, 8th U. S. In- fantry.
By this the the whole regiment had been uniformed in a dark blue flannel costume, of the zontave pattern,
25
SANDY HOOK.
with gray fatigue caps. It was neat, and showed to ad- vantage, and the soldiers seemed desirous to air it, using the liberty allowed them almost daily to visit all parts of the city. They were generally well treated by every- body, and allowed extra latitude for the sake of the cause in which they had enlisted. Some became patrons of dramatic art, visiting the theatres in squads, and, like the apostles of old, taking no serip for their journey, deeming their uniform a sufficient pass. It cannot be atlirmed that they were ever malicious, but their gambols, like those of elephants, were not always harmless. Col. McChesney did his utmost to secure a place for a camp outside the city, and at length received permission to go to Sandy Hook. On May 4th he issued orders for the regiment to assemble on Monday, May 6th, equipped with what it possessed, to go into camp. On Sunday the Chaplain held Divine service in the Arsenal. The 6th was cold and rainy, and the de- parture was postponed until the ith, on which day the men, glad enough to get away, were early at the Arsenal, and line was formed. A large crowd witnessed the de- parture, and lined the streets, greeting the regiment with cheers as it passed down Broadway to the foot of Whitehall Street, where the command took steamers for Sandy Hook.
The quarters of the regiment at this place were the old laborers barracks and work sheds, and were too small to accommodate the regiment comfortably, besides being unclean : but the situation was healthy, and the weather, during most of the time we remained here. mild and pleasant. Ser batbiter proved to be both a pleasure and a promoter of good digestion, and those who were dissatisfied with the rather monotonous rations furnished
26
THE NATIONAL ZOUAVES.
by the commissary department could luxuriate in epicu- ยท rean feasts at the neighboring light-houses for a small amount of money. Altogether the stay at Sandy Hook improved our soldiers in health and spirits, and was an instructive and valuable preliminary experience to their subsequent army life.
The sudden launching of men, bred to civil life, into the mysteries of military science, necessitated some hard work on the part of those officers who were compara- tively familiar with the details of army regulations and Hardee's tactics. It was first deemed a step of policy, and in the interest of good order, to request the surren- der of a great portion of the supply of revolvers and bowie- knives with which the members of the regiment had equipped themselves, in anticipation of hand-to-hand encounters with a blood-thirsty enemy. Following this it became apparent that a secure camp-guard would be necessary, in order to restrain the roving propensities of a majority of the regiment, who began to absent them- solves from the camp for hours. Guards were stationed at intervals surrounding the entire encampment, armed with antiquated muskets, wholly useless as firearms, but which served the purpose of equipping the men on post, and of initiating the guard each day into the intricacies of the " manual of arms." In order that the officers of the guard could know at night that each man was upon his post, and not enjoying a doze in some comfortable spot near by, a system of calling out the muumber of the post, with the additional words. " All's well !" was put into operation, and for a few nights the eries from the steal posts. commenting of No I and curling with N. Bl. and then beginning again, kept most of the regiment wide awake. Laughable incidents hap-
27
SANDY HOOK.
pened sometimes upon this guard line, one of which will serve to prove the verdancy occasionally shown by some of the men in regard to military usages. The 2d Lieutenant of Company I, acting as. Officer of the Guard, one night approached a wide-awake and zealous sentinel, who called ont, "Halt ! who goes there?" "A friend," answered the officer. "Advance, friend, and say 'Dix,'" came from the post in stentorian tones. The offieer did advance, relieving the man, and sending him in charge of the corporal to the guard-house, where the sergeant instructed him for the balance of the night in army regulations, and succeeded in teaching him to there- after demand the countersign without communicating it at the same instant.
Extraets from the regulations were posted at head- quarters, reeiting the respective offences of soldiers which might be " punishable with death, or such other penalty as a court martial may infliet"-the word death in large letters seeming to overshadow the possibility of any lighter punishment being their portion. However, no crime was seemingly committed while at Sandy Hook deserving the chief penalty, and the members of the regiment soon looked upon the posted extracts as the endeavor of Col. McChesney to impress upon them that they were in the military service of their country, and expected to conduct themselves as became soldiers.
The work of drill soon began, and the several com- panies were daily put through a rigid routine of com- pany movements, which were soon followed by battalion manmuyres. On the 16th the regiment received new uniforms, of the same pattern a - the old, but of heavier doth, the color being a dark brown, with red trimming .. Soon after this came blankets, knappacks, haversacks
28
THE NATIONAL ZOUAVES.
and eanteens, followed by arms and aceoutrements. Much dissatisfaction was expressed when, instead of rifles as the regiment had expected, it received altered Springfield muskets, of the model of 1842, and a serious. emeute was threatened in consequence-our new fledged soldiers being rather prone to show discontent at com- paratively trivial disappointments. They were at length paeified by promises, and by this time were really will- ing to accept almost anything if they could escape from the desert of sand, and get off to the seat of war .*
At length, on June Ist, the long-desired orders were received to prepare to leave Sandy Hook. On the 3d the command was reviewed by Gen. John A. Dix and Col. Keves, of the regular army, who expressed theni- selves as greatly pleased with its appearance and equip- ment. On the 4th the Tenth embarked on the steamer Maryland for New York city, from whence it was to proceed by steamer to Fort Monroe, Va. At the foot of West 21st Street landing was made, line being then formed, and the regiment, preceded by Dodworth's Band, marched to the residence of Judge White (father of Capt. Frank J. White, of Company A), on Fifth Avenue, near 35th Street, where a National flag, the gift of Mrs. Mary Lee Benson, was presented to Com- pany A by Miss Nettie White, who accompanied the gift with the following remarks :
" Gallant soldiers :- I feel highly honored in having been chosen by the patriotie donor, Mrs. Benson, to present you with
* The State Board, May 2 4th, ordered the sum of $4, 920 to be applied to defray the expense of procuring the Zouave uniform. To assist in the organization of the regiment, the Union Defense Comnuttee of New York City had expended the sum of S11, 23.04. . The expenditure by the State, on account of the regiment, exclusive of subsistence and quarters, up to August 15th, 1861, was $39.847.7.3.
29
DEPARTURE FOR VIRGINIA.
the colors which you have so nobly volunteered to defend. I hope that the Stars and Stripes will ever be as fondly cherished by you as now. When on the field of battle, let your watch-word be 'Union:' but let valor and humanity be united, and in the victory which awaits you be just, but merciful. If at times the clouds seem dark, remember the motto, 'Nil Desperandum -for right is might, and the flag of our Union will always wave. Be assured, if you stand true to God and your country, He will guide and pro- teet you. Hoping that you may ever proudly and valiantly sup- port it, I will consign to your care our 'Star Spangled Banner.'"
Capt. White, on accepting the colors, made a suit- able response on behalf of his company and then pre- sented the flag to the regiment, it being received with every demonstration of enthusiasm. The command then proceeded to the residence of Lieut .- Col. Elder, on 621 Street near Third Avenue, where a set of guidons were presented by his sisters. From there march was taken down Third and Lexington Avenues and Broadway to the foot of Canal Street, where the regiment arrived late in the afternoon.
The day had been sultry and hot, and the regiment might, and probably would have been spared the long and tiresome march, but for the necessity of receiving the colors and a pardonable desire to exhibit the pro- ficiency of drill the command had attained. The men were in heavy marching order, their knapsacks filled with the trumpery that every recruit puts in and every veteran throws out. On the march up-town the regiment made a brilliant appearance, and created mu- bounded enthusiasm. The soldiers were fresh, full of life and vigor, were proud of the display, and eager to appear to the best advantage, and although the long march in the hot sun eventually showed its effects, and
30
THE NATIONAL ZOUAVES.
caused the easy bearing and elasticity of step to grow less conspicuous, still the marching seemed to be perfect as the regiment wheeled from 14th Street into Broadway, each company doing its best, and eliciting cheer upon cheer from the thousands lining the broad avenue.
Embarkation upon the steamer Stute of Georgia was commenced upon reaching the dock, but for certain reasons did not proceed very quietly or rapidly. Prom- ises had been unofficially made that a furlough of some hours would be granted before starting for the South, and several of the companies exhibited unwillingness to go on board unless the promises were to be fulfilled. Trouble at one time seemed imminent, but at length, upon official assurance that leave of absence for the night would be granted, the embarkation proceeded in order. One day's furlough, however, generally means two, as the soldier commonly interprets it when his bonds are not too tightly drawn, and as a consequence the night of the 5th arrived and the steamer was still awaiting the return of scores of truant members of the regiment. It was not until noon of the 6th that the State of Georgia steamed past the forts on Governor's Island, when many of the men of the Tenth took a long fare- well look at the receding towers and steeples of the great city which they were fated never to look upon again.
The voyage was without any remarkable incident. save the appearance of a small schooner on the horizon, which several declared to be a privateer of the Coufede- racy. This, intended as a joke, was taken in earnest by a certain officer, who insisted upon getting the horses down into the hold, and making other preparations for a stubborn resistance with smooth-bore muskets against
31
DEPARTURE FOR VIRGINIA.
the cannon of the supposed privateer. The thirty hours trip was eventful in other ways to most of the regiment, for to them it was their first salt-water voyage of any consequence, and the qualms of sea-sickness ap- parently interfered with their regular appetites. The stereotyped sea-tricks were successfully played by the more hardened of the voyagers upon their weaker com- rades, and pieces of pork dangling from strings were bobbed before the eyes and mouths of wretched and retching soldiers, with most palpable and melancholy effect. The hold was a hot place in which to sleep, the upper decks being sought by the great majority, and al- though rain fell during the night, its discomfort was partly atoned for by the fresh salt air which could not be enjoyed below.
The State of Georgia arrived off Fort Monroe late in the afternoon of the 7th, and the next morning the regiment disembarked, being transported from the steamer to Old Point Comfort, on which the Fort is situated, by a small steamboat. The camp equipage furnished by the State of New York, consisting of one hundred common, and eighteen wall tents, with other paraphernalia, was landed during the day, and in the afternoon the National Zouaves were directed to go into eamp about two miles from the Point, on the border of a thick piece of woods, and to the right of the road leading to Hampton.
PERIOD II.
VOLUNTEER LIFE AT CAMP HAMILTON-GARRISON DUTY IN FORT MONROE.
In order to present a proper record of the services of the National Zouaves during the Rebellion, it will be found best, at times, to give details of movements as taken from the daily journals kept by members of the regiment, together with occasional extracts from letters written home by the soldiers. Homely and crude as such extracts may seem when gathered into a volume of this kind, they still convey clearer and more comprehensive statements of facts than could be given in other ways, for they have the advantage of having been written "on the spot," and it cannot then be claimed that this narra- tive has been altogether compiled under the magnifying mfluenee of the time which has elapsed since the events here recorded were progressing. There are also long blanks in the service of all regiments which hardly ad- mit of any details ; weeks and months spent in statu quo, which need be alluded to but casually, and yet leave the reader with some perception of " how time was killed." especially if he has himself been a soldier. It is the aim of the writer of this volume to interest, and while noticing the marches of the regiment and its lesser movements in a brief manner, the more important action taken by the command at various times will be pictured at greater length, and as vividly as possible, together with such occasional illustrations of a soldier's existence
33
CAMP HAMILTON.
as may serve to entertain those whose duty did not lead them to don a uniform in the service of " Uncle Sam."
Camp Hamilton was already occupied by several regi- ments from New York State, the tents of the different commands making altogether quite an imposing and an eminently picturesque appearance. At this time Hamp- ton, and the country in the immediate vicinity, was debatable ground, being visited by both parties, but occupied permanently by neither. The bridge over Hampton Creek had been burned, and a small earthwork thrown up on the south or Union side-the pickets be- ing posted along the banks and out on the right. Alarms had been of frequent occurrence, and even while the Tenth was receiving its equipage, preparatory to going into camp, the long roll was sounded from the front, and some of the men, finding that they were not to partici- pate in the " trouble," made their way individually to- wards Hampton-thus taking their first view of the village in a semi-official manner.
Camp was completed after a work of some hours, and the regiment slept its first night's sleep on the bosom of mother earth. It is safe to say that the officers of the regiment, with a very few exceptions, knew little of the sections of " Army Regulations " providing for the proper encampment of a regiment ; and this lack of know- ledge and experience, added to the insufficient quantity of tents for each company, rendered sleep in most cases al- most impossible under shelter-many of the soldiers pre- ferring more roomy quarters outside of the tents, with blankets and costs under and over them. This first night on Virginia soil was a sleepless one for other reasons, the regiment being turned out three times 3
34
THE NATIONAL ZOUAVES.
and formed in line, in consequence of alarms from the front. Our camp was considerably detached from those of the other regiments, and at the extreme front, and to this can, perhaps, be attributed some of the nervousness which may have caused these alarms on the guard line- rousing the men from their tents, and keeping them under arms most of the night. At any rate orders were received in the morning (June 9th) to go into camp fur- ther to the rear, and during the day the regiment struck tents and marched back a short distance to a new camp- ing ground, near Duryee's Zouaves (5th New York Volunteers). It was the morning of the 10th before the tents were all pitched, most of the camp equipage hav- ing been moved after dark.
Upon this day occurred the battle of Big Bethel. The National Zouaves were held in reserve, and although under arms, and near enough to hear the cannonading, were not ordered to the scene of action. At night, how- ever, the regiment marched towards Hampton Creek. encountering stragglers from the forces which had been engaged during the day. Company H was detailed to assist in transporting some of the wounded across the creek in batteaux. Lieut. John T. Greble, of the ad U. S. Artillery, in command of the section of a battery which accompanied the troops, had been killed during the action, and Company II, after bringing his body across from Hampton, were ordered to accompany it to the Fort as a guard of honor. By the time the regiment re- turned to its camp, there were few hours left for sleep.
Of the troops engaged, or on the field of battle. under Brig.Gen. Pierce, and approximating to 4,000 men, 16 were killed, 84 wounded and 5 missing-most of the loss being born by Duryee's Zonaves. To this loss was added
35
1762770
BATTLE OF BIG BETHEL.
21 killed and wounded by a fatal blunder made the night previous, when the ith New York Volunteers exchanged volleys with Col. Townsend's Albany regiment, which they mistook in the gloom for a force of the enemy.
With the exception of the fact that the nation lost two fine officers, Maj. Winthrop, of Gen. Butler's staff, and Lieut. Greble, with a score of brave men, the affair of Big Bethel was in reality trifling ; but it was un- doubtedly badly managed on our part, and, in the expec- tant and excited state of the public mind, produced a degree of disappointment in the North wholly dispro- portioned to its importance.
On the 11th the regiment began sending out detach- ments from the respective companies for picket duty, and there was much rivalry among the men in attempt- ing to obtain the then coveted chance for a detail upon this duty. The writer can recall his first experience in this line, and not without a little feeling of awe. The proximity of the enemy was unknown to the uninitiated of the rank and file, and the long hours which were passed in the dark gloomy woods, the silent tramp from post to post (the pickets seeming an unconscionably long distance apart), relieved occasionally by a burst of whist- ling or singing, as some one tried to maintain a seemingly cheerful and unawed front, impressed itself indellibly upon a mind as yet unused to " War's stern alarums." Stumps and dwarfed trees assumed fantastic shapes in the dull moonlight and it was not difficult to imagine groups of soldiers and solitary foeman among the trees, until the eyes, growing familiar, gradually transformed them into neighboring hillocks or formless shrubbery. The vars, strained to catch each sound, heard even the leaves as they fell, and the stray hogs which occasionally
36
THE NATIONAL ZOUAVES.
rustled through the underbrush caused moments of ter- rible anxiety until the unconscious grunters were dis- covered. Six long hours of watching were the portion of the writer that night and morning, for the relieving guard made a short cut for convenience, leaving a corner of the line unrelieved and in a state of expectancy which the neglected pickets at length decided themselves by a reconnoissance towards the guard-house, and not till then was the mistake discovered.
The change of camp which has been mentioned was a favorable one, the new situation being healthy and more desirable than the old. It only needed a little care and experience to make it a comparative paradise. The land sloped gently down towards the beach, and could easily have been drained and made smooth ; but little, however, was understood of the necessity of sanitary measures, or even the proper laying out of the eamp, and the ground was, as a general thing, left untouched. As a result, the first severe rain storm, coming with provoking obstinacy at night, flooded more than half the tents, and made innumerable pools throughout the camp. A few spades and a few hours work afterwards remedied the evil and saved the regiment from future floods, but the many ridiculous situations of the submerged occupants of the tents, and their struggles to prevent the collapse of their canvas houses, were long remembered in after months by the soldiers of the Tenth.
Company and battalion drills, with dress parades, were now constantly occupying the time of the regiment, and its efficiency was increasing daily. The men who had been left behind in New York rejoined the command on the 12th, bringing with them nearly fifty recruits, who were assigned to different companies.
37
KILLED ON THE PICKET LINE.
Private Wm. E. Rogers, of Company A, was acci- dentally shot in camp on the 15th, the ball shattering one of his arms; and, on the night of the 16th, Private George S. Gillies, of Company H, was shot by Private Thomas Cronin, of the same company, while both were on the picket line. Gillies had inadvertently walked several feet from his regular post, and Cronin, on the next post, challenged him, and not receiving a reply after several repetitions of the challenge, fired his piece, the contents mortally wounding his comrade. Gillies died on the 18th. and was buried next day, his comrade, Cronin, insisting on digging his grave. No blame could be properly attached to Cronin, as he seemed to have used all proper diligence and had obeyed orders.
On the 22d Col. McChesney left the command, and started for the North. He resigned his commission in consequence of the discovery that he did not possess the confidence of the officers of his regiment, and for other causes. He did not seem to regret severing the ties which bound him to his late comrades, neither van it be said that there was much grief exhibited on their part.
Within a few days thereafter a vote was taken by the officers of the regiment, and Lient .- Col. Elder and Capt. Hopper were chosen respectively for the positions of colonel and lieutenant-colonel. These recommenda- tions, however, were not confirmed by Governor Mor- gan, as will hereinafter appear.
Lieut .- Col. Eller assumed command of the regiment after the departure of the colonel. He was a bhut but Kind-hearted man, and was liked by both officer, and nien. many of whom had been acquainted with him be- fore the organization of the regiment.
38
THE NATIONAL ZOUAVES.
The change to regular army diet and rough camp life, though almost certain to benefit the great majority of the regiment after a time, of course had its immediate effect in some cases in a disagreeable way, and the doctor's quarters became a daily rendezvous for the more unfortunate. It was difficult for the men to edu- cate themselves immediately to regular and cleanly habits under their changed circumstances, and the want of pure drinking water had some effect upon the health of the regiment. The stereotyped pills and powders of the surgeon seemed in a fair way to be exhausted in con- sequence of the heavy drain made upon them.
On the 25th, Lieut. Wright, of Company D, sent in from the picket line half a dozen "natives," who were taken to the Fort. Hawkins' Zouaves (9th New York Volunteers) arrived, and were ordered to Newport News, about six miles from the Fort, and just at the mouth of the James River. On the 27th, the 20th New York Vol- unteers arrived, and went into camp about a mile from the Tenth; and the next day came Col. Baker's Ist C'ali- fornia Regiment. The force now at Camp Hamilton amounted to several thousand men.
The first regular muster and inspection took place on the 30th of June, the regiment being inspeeted by Lieut. Turner, of the regular artillery. Orders were also re- ceived by Lieut .- Col. Elder to leave Camp Hamilton and take up quarters in Fort Monroe, relieving several com- parties of Massachusetts Militia whose term of service was abont expiring. The next morning tents were struck, baggage packed in wagons, and the regiment was shortly afterwards on its way to the Fort, and in a few hours each company had been assigned to its position within the granite walls of the huge fortification. Lient .-
39
FORT MONROE.
Col. Justin A. Dimmick, of the regular army, in command of the Fort, ordered the right wing into barracks and the left into Sibley tents. This night was the.first passed on Virginia soil when the regiment could actually "take its clothes off to sleep," as one of the regiment puts it in his diary.
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