USA > New York > Services of the Tenth New York Volunteers (National Zouaves,) in the War of the Rebellion > Part 31
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We climbed the hill alone one day, upon the back of a colt rather skittishly inclined. By the road it is some four miles from the ford to the top. The houses are very few along the way, and, as we near the top, the surroundings grow wild and rugged in the extreme. While reaching to clear an obstruction from the road our frisky colt shied, we lost our balance in the saddle. and the next minute the animal was galloping riderless across a stony field. The matter at once assumed a ridiculous, and at the same time a rather serious complexion, and for a while it seemed settled that we would have to foot the way back to Mitchell's and perhaps lose colt, saddle and bridle. Fortunately, after several flank move- ments on our part, and corresponding movements on the part of the animal, accident caused him to hopple himself with the hang- ing bridle, and the quarry was ours. Some minutes were con- sumed after remounting in mildly expostulating with him, aided by a stout club, and we were again on our way to the sunimit.
It is not strange that this spot should have been chosen as head- quarters and signal-station by the Rebel general. For miles on all sides the view is magnificent. It was possible for Lee to take in at a glance the positions of hoth Federal and Confederate forces- the former occupying lines reaching from Cedar Mountain to Ste- vensburg and Pony Mountain, and the latter in their strong works
451
APPENDIX .- AN EX-CAMPAIGNER IN VIRGINIA.
along Mine Run. Fifteen miles to the north and west lies the thickly wooded " Wilderness," and upon a clear day the spires of Fredericksburg may be discerned thirty-five miles away. A giant tree, shorn of all its branches, is the only object standing upon the summit, and the blocks nailed upon it at regular intervals bespeak its former use as a look-out. The spot is plainly marked where Lee's headquarters tent was pitched, and a large stone is pointed out to the stranger as a favorite seat of the Rebel chief. The farmer owning this portion of the mountain asserts that he was present one day while Lee sat there, alternately watching the Union lines through a field-glass and musing. He at length sighed and uttered, more to himself than those near him, "Ah! If these people would only leave us in peace." And the Federal army un- doubtedly seemed to him at this time a very Nemesis. Driven back at times, defeated in its tremendous attempts to crush armed Rebellion in Virginia, it still returned to the struggle, after each repulse seeming to draw its folds tighter and tighter around its op- ponent, and now freshly organized, highly disciplined and handled by the general of the armies in person, the end must have appeared very near to the brave and patient Confederate leader. Is it pos- sible then to doubt the story of Gen. Lee's half-uttered wish ?
Following the road from either Somerville or Raccoon Ford, a ride of a few miles brings one to Old Verdiersville, on the Orange and Fredericksburg turnpike. From thence, following the pike towards the latter town, it is some twelve miles to the Wilderness tavern. Before reaching that place, however, an object of interest offers itself to the ex-soldier in the remains of the Rebel works along Mine Run, about a mile south of Robertson's Tavern.
Veterans of the Army of the Potomac will never forget the Mine Run campaign ; the confident advance of the army across the Rapidan ; the long marches from right to left in front of the enemy's works ; the bitter cold nights spent upon the picket lines ; the long, anxious and expectant waiting of the Second Corps on that biting winter morning for orders to storm the Rebel works- orders that never came-and the withdrawal at last, with its long night march and attendant discomforts.
The advance of the Second Corps upon the first day, Novem- ber 27th, was parallel with the Orange Pike, and they drove the enemy from Robertson's Tavern, throwing up breastworks and re-
452
THE NATIONAL ZOUAVES.
maining there until the general advance next morning towards Mine Run.
Returning to the present time, and wending our way onward past the old tavern and its dilapidated surroundings, in the course of an hour we strike the Brock road where it crosses the Orange plank road, and here we halt. It is unnecessary for us to ride further in search of objects of patriotic interest. Immediately adjacent to this spot was enacted the struggle which really decided the salvation of our army on the memorable 6th of May, 1864. The ground around us was then thickly strewn with dead and dying, and the surrounding woods were sulphurous and heavy with smoke. As we stand at the intersection of the two roads and look towards Orange Court House, the woods to the front and left have the most intense interest for us. The date is the 6th. From five A. M. to eleven P. M. the First and Third Brigades of Gibbon's Division struggled with the enemy in this almost impenetrable forest, and when, after a Titanic endeavor to stay the enemy from a new direction-their left and rear-they were forced by Hill's overwhelming numbers to leave the woods, the two brigades that were strong in numbers at sunrise were fearfully decimated and their dead and dying heaped the ground which they were for a time compelled to surrender.
The advance of Longstreet through this same piece of woods occurred late in the afternoon, and but for the providential ad- vance of four regiments of Gen. Carroll's Third Brigade, whose action of this day should be recorded forever in history, the army had been severed in twain. They were the 10th New York, 8th Ohio, 14th Indiana and 14th Connecticut. Already had Long- street's veterans carried the heavy breastworks, manned by parts of the First, Second and Third Divisions, and forced its defenders back across the road, when Carroll's ringing voice ordered his brigade, which had been placed in reserve after the heavy fight- ing of the morning, to "fall in," and double-quicking to the left and then by the right flank, they fell upon the hitherto victorious Rebels, driving them over the works and far into the woods. Half of the brigade, owing to the suddenness of the command to ad- vance and its quick execution, were left behind in this glorious race to victory, leaving the glory to the four regiments above
453
APPENDIX .- AN EX-CAMPAIGNER IN VIRGINIA.
named. Thus was Hancock's front held and the lines of the Army of the Potomac preserved intact.
The woods still bear the marks of the struggling of that event- ful day, and although the lapse of time and nature's softening touches have to a great extent obliterated the traces of battle, yet the larger trees are scarred and torn with bullets, and here and there a shell-mark shows itself. Artillery was little used, however, in the fearful work of the 5th and 6th of May.
The government has removed all bodies which could be dis- covered to the National Cemetery at Fredericksburg, but even now a straggler through the tangled and serubby woods will oc- casionally come suddenly upon a skeleton with a few tattered threads of blue or gray clinging to the bones-a ghastly reminder of war's grim horrors. Less startling relies, in the shape of mould- ered cartridge-boxes, and rusty rifle-barrels and canteens, are found in numbers, although the natives hereabouts prize these articles very slightly, generally piling them in some corner when found until it is convenient to sell them as junk.
The quantity of old iron, in the shape of solid shot, fragments of shells and rusty swords and bayonets, found all around this section of the country has been enormous, and has formed quite an article of trade, the negroes especially selling it to the storekeepers, who in turn ship the junk to wholesale dealers. In one store at Culpepper, kept by a Northern man, the merchant had quite a small arsenal of sabres, odd seabbards, rusty rifles of all calibres and half a dozen pistols, from the aristocratic "Colt" to the ple- beian horse-pistol.
This portion of Virginia must always continue replete with interest to the veteran who marched and bivouacked with the army whose history is so identified with the eastern campaigns. Horse- back rides of a few hours will fully repay the traveler for the trouble taken. It is impossible for one to ride a mile without recog- nizing some landmark familiar to him. Here is a road which he has traveled-there a hill upon which he bivouacked, and again he identifies his old camping ground, upon which, although noth- ing is left but the stone fireplaces, he can point out the very spot where his tent was pitched ; and we guarantee that, although he may be severely unromantie and practical, enough will be found to wonderfully uttract his attention and interest him.
CHRONOLOGICAL INDEX.
1860. PAGE
Dee. 30. Organization of the "Union Volunteers" 12
1861.
April 12. Fort Sumter bombarded. 17
=
13. Meeting for organization of the National Zouaves. 18
=
15. The President's Proclamation 18
20. Great war meeting at Union Square 22
4 27. Muster of Companies A and B.
24
30.
C, D, E, F, G and H. 24
May 2.
I and Field and Staff 24
" 7.
= K 24
" 7. To Sandy Hook. 25
June 6. Leave New York for Virginia 30
7. Arrival at Hampton Roads. 31
" 8. At Camp Hamilton 31
" 10. Battle of Big Bethel 34
" 22. Col. McChesney leaves the Regiment 37
" 30. Quartered in Fort Monroe 38 July 14. Scout to Back River 41
" 24. Expedition to Back River
44
" 30. the Eastern Shore 47
Sept. 9. Col. Bendix assumes command. 53
Oct. 31. Death of Lieut .- Col. Elder 59
Dec. 25. Merry-making in the Fort 62
1862.
March 8. Appearance of the Merrimac. 66
" 9. The Monitor and Merrunde 69
April 4. Gen. Mcclellan arrives.
" 30. The Tenth leaves the Fort 74
435
456
THE NATIONAL ZOUAVES.
PAGE
May 9. Movement against Norfolk 76
" 10. Our advance enters Norfolk
" 11. The Regiment enters Norfolk 79
" 11. The Merrimac blown up. 79
June 3. Leaving for MeClellan's Army 81
" 5. Arrive at White House Landing
81
" 7. Encamp upon the Chickahominy 81
" 13. Pursuit of Gen. Stuart. 83
" 26. Battle of Mechanicsville 87
" 27. Battle of Gaines' Mill 89
" 29. In White Oak Swamp 105
July 1. Battle of Malvern Hill. 107
" 2. Arrive at Harrison's Landing 112
117
" 28. Review of the Fifth Corps.
Aug. 8. Muster out of the regimental band 117
" 14. Leave Harrison's Landing 120
# 18. Arrive at Newport News 121
# 22. Land at Acquia Creek 121
" 29. A day of marching and maneuvering 122
" 30. Second battle of Bull Run 127
" 31. Arrive at Centreville 140
Sept. 1. Battle of Chantilly 141
6. Crossing the Potomac 142
" 14. Battle of South Mountain 144
" 17. Battle of Antietam 146
" 24. Transferred to the Second Corps 149
Oct. 30. Leave Bolivar Heights. 153
Nov. 8. Arrive at Warrenton 153
" 10. McClellan relinquishes command 155
" 15. The Second Corps arrives at Falmouth 157
" 21. Fredericksburg summoned to surrender 157
Dec. 12. Crossing the Rappahannock. 161
= 13. Battle of Fredericksburg 163
14. Withdrawal across the river 173
27. Detached to Gen. Sumner's Headquarters 176
1888.
Jan. 20. Second attempt against Fredericksburg 177
" 26. Burnside relieved by Gen. Hooker 178
CHRONOLOGICAL INDEX. 457
PAGE
Mar. 21. Death of Gen. Sumner.
179
April 20. Ordered to be mustered out. 183
" 27. Formation of the Battalion and assignment to Pro- vost duty, Third Division, Second Corps 191
4 27. The Two-Years men leave for New York 185
" 29. Arrival in New York city.
May 1-6. Chancellorsville. 185
192
" 6,7. Muster ont of the Regiment 185
June 14. Second Corps leaves Falmouth 197
" 20. Pass the battlefield of August 30th, 1862 201
" 26.
Cross the Potomac into Maryland 202
# 28. Gen. Meade assumes command of the Army 202
" 29. Gen. Alex. Ilayes in command of Third Division. 202
" 29. . Remarkable forced march 203
July 1-3. Gettysburg 204
5. In pursuit of Lee's army 214
13. The Rebels escape into Virginia 214
" 16. Encamp at Pleasant Valley 215
= 18. Cross the Potomac at Harper's Ferry 216
26. Reach Warrenton Junction 216
Aug. 1. Encamp at Elk Run. 217
Sept. 12. Cross the Rappahannock. 218
" 17. Position taken at Robertson's River 218
" 18. Deserters shot by the Battalion 218
Oct. 5. March to Culpepper Court House 219
" 12. Q. M. Wilcox and Q. M. Sergt. Sprague captured. 220
" 13. Withdraw across the Rappahannock 220
" 14. Skirmish at Auburn 221
" 14. Battle of Bristoe Station. 221
" 19. Facing southward again
Nov. 7. Advance to Brandy Station 226
" 10. Encamp at Stevensburg 226
227
" 27. Operations begun at Mine Run 230
Dec. 1. Withdrawal of the Second Corps 23:
1864.
Jan. 20. Recruiting party ordered to New York 234
" 26. Relieved from Provost duty 234
" 26. Cross the Rapidan 229
458
THE NATIONAL ZOUAVES.
PAGE
Feb. 6. Reconnoissance at Morton's Ford
236
" 22. Grand Second Corps Ball . 239
May 4. The Army crosses the Rapidan 245
" 5, 6. The Wilderness 245
"
9. Across the Po River 260
10. Battle of Laurel Hill 261
12. Spottsylvania, or the "Salient" 266
18. Assault on the Rebel lines
274
20. The Second Corps marches to Bowling Green
277
" 26. Recross the North Anna 278
" 29. On Tolopotomoy Creek 279
281
" 10. Evacuate the trenches 291
" 14. Cross the James River 291
" 15. Reach the works before Petersburg. 292
: " 16-18. The Second Corps assaults the Rebel lines 295
" 22. Loss of MeKnight's Battery 300
July 2. Encamp in reserve 302
" 26. March to the James River
" 27. Cross the James at Strawberry Plains 304
" 29. Recross the James 304
" 30. The Mine Explosion 306
305
Aug. 1. Go into camp . 307
" 13. Embark on transports 308
" 14. At Deep Bottom
308
« 20. Withdraw across the James 309
" 25. Battle of Ream's Station 310
317
Sept .- * Encamp upon rear line
" 24. Relieve troops in the front works 318
Oct. 26. March to the left. 322
" 27. Battle of Boydton Plankroad 323
" -* Occupy works near Fort McGilvery 329
Nov. 26. Gen. Hancock bids farewell to his corps 332
Dec. 1. March to the extreme left. 331
" 25. Banquet in Lieut. Col. Hopper's tent 335
* Exact date not known.
276
24. Cross the North Anna 278
June 2. Arrive at Cold Harbor
: 3. Battle of "
" . 30. Occupy works near Fort Morton
317
459
CHRONOLOGICAL INDEX.
1863. PAGE
Feb. 5,6. Operations on Hatcher's Run
336
Mar. 25. Attack upon Fort Steadman 339
" 29: The Army moves. 339
April 1. Battle of Five Forks 312
2. The Rebel lines forced. 343
66
3. Petersburg and Richmond captured.
343
66
6. Sailor's Creek
345
7. At Farmville 347
9. Surrender of Lee's army 352
10. March towards Burkesville 355
May 2. On the road northward 356
6. Through Richmond 357
" -* Arrive at Munson's Hill. 360
" 23,24. Review of the Grand Armies, at Washington June 4. Transfer of officers and men of 8th N. Y. H. A. 361
360
" 28. Ordered to be mustered out 361
" 30. Muster out of Regiment and departure for home. . . 362
July 1. Arrival in New York 363
" 3. Final parade. 363
* Exact date not known.
ERRATA.
Brig .- Gen. Alexander Hayes-should read " Hays." Page 274, 23d line-Division, should read "Divisions."
Page 289, 3d line from bottom-should read "Corp. George W. Reynolds."
Page 421 (Appendix)-Jolin Salsego, and seven names following, should read "June 8 65, mustered out."
Page 424 (Appendix) under "Transferred "-should read "Groves, Richard, to Nou .- com. Staff, June 11/65."
HE882
5883H
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