USA > New York > Services of the Tenth New York Volunteers (National Zouaves,) in the War of the Rebellion > Part 4
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* Coffin was afterwards wounded at the second battle of Bull Run.
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53
COL. JOIN E. BENDIX.
This mode of company cooking changed after our field campaigning commenced. At first detailed cooks continued to do the work so long as the wagons accom- panied the regiment, and carried the pots and kettles ; but dependence upon the cooks was often followed by empty stomachs (the chances of the wagons being on hand when wanted growing very precarious), and the men gradually adopted the safer method of carrying their own quart or pint cups, in which they boiled coffee, and cooked "scouse " and many other ingenious com- pounds of which hard tack was the principal ingredient. A frying pan was sometimes owned jointly by three or four, being carried by each in turn.
On September 9th, Col. John E. Bendix, who had arrived a day or two previous, took formal command of the Tenth. He was originally in command of the Tth New York Volunteers (Steuben Rifles), from which regiment he had resigned, and had been commissioned by the Governor to succeed Col. MeChesney. Of a fine soldierly appearance, he at once produced a favorable impression upon both officers and men, and it was not long before he proved himself thoroughly proficient in military manœuvres, introducing also several innovations in the daily routine of regimental duty. Unmistakably, however, the choice for commanding officer, if it had been left to the men of the regiment, would have been Lieut .- Col. Elder-who had already been selected by his fellow officers. He had earned the position, and was entitled to it by the right of promotion. He had re- ceived an order to proceed to New York upon recruiting service (a welcome order, perhaps, under the circum- stances), and on the 11th left the Fort, establishing a
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THE NATIONAL ZOUAVES.
rendezvous upon his arrival in the city .* With the as- sistance of a regimental detail, recruiting was briskly commenced, and men of a superior class were, within a few days, being forwarded to the regiment. These recruits were mustered into the service for three years "unless sooner discharged:" but a majority of them en- listed with the idea that they would be mustered out with the regiment in 1863, and this understanding subsequently caused considerable trouble.
On September 14th Company H took its first lesson in the skirmish drill, Col. Bendix personally instructing officers and men. This was the inauguration of these drills, and the regiment subsequently became proficient in such manœuvres. On this same day (14th) a number of prominent citizens of Maryland, who had been ar- rested by order of Gen. Mcclellan, and among whom were the Mayor of Baltimore and several members of the State Legislature, arrived by the Baltimore boat, under strong guard. They were immediately confined in the bomb-proof casemates, and guards placed over them.
Maj .- Gen. John E. Wool had before this succeeded Gen. Butler in command of the Department, with head- quarters still at Fort Monroe. He was immensely liked by the Zouaves, and seemed to have taken a decided fancy to them from the time of his assuming command. His liking for the regiment proved to be permanent, and until its departure from the Fort for other fields of duty he was wont to speak of the Tenth as " My boys " or "My New York boys."
* The regiment had materially decreased in strength since its muster into the service. Not a few men had deserted at Sandy Hook to join other regiments, while others had deserted after reaching Virginia . there had also been consider- able loss from deaths in hospital and the discharge for " disability" of men who were physically unable to endure the hardships of a soldier's life.
55
MAJ .- GEN. JOHN E. WOOL.
The veteran commander was not long in showing that he took an interest in the smaller details of military liscipline at the post. Oftentimes, at reveille, attended by an orderly, he would start ont, either for a "constitu- tional," or to observe how affairs progressed at that early honr. Now reveille sounded altogether too soon in the morning to suit many in the regiment-notably some of those whose companies occupied the Sibley tents- and it was the custom of some of these lazy ones to turn ont and answer roll call, and then crawl in under the blankets and snore for an additional hour or so. One dark morning, after the roll had been called, some one pulled at the flap of one of the tents of Company I, and shouted to the sleepers inside to turn out. The man nearest the door aimed a vigorous kick at the intruder, at the same time telling him to "Leave that flap alone." A pull was now given at the blanket of the irate lag- gard, who bounced up and rushed for the door, to see the familiar figure of Gen. Wool standing at the en- trance, in his close-buttoned frock coat and rusty black hat, with an orderly close behind. Company I dropped his raised foot, and stammered an apology, receiving a quiet admonition from the general not to return to bed after reveille in the future. The incident had a percep- tible effect on the entire regiment-the officers being particular thereafter to see that no extra morning naps were taken in their respective companies.
The writer, while a sergeant, was detailed for some time as personal orderly to Gen. Wool, and thus had a comparatively near acquaintance with the veteran of three wars. The ohl soldier was rigid in his adherence to army regulations, which were seemingly his alpha and omega, and he exhibited in a marked degree the
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THE NATIONAL ZOUAVES.
pride in his profession which notably clung to soldiers of the old school. It was difficult for the young volun- teers of 1861 to grasp the stiff discipline of the days of pipe-clay and leathern neck-stocks ; but, if the general's ideas savored somewhat of a date long passed, and caused him to exact adherence to-what seemed to us-worn-out theories, it was the result of generations of unrelenting straight-jacket discipline in the service of his country, and, after all, he relaxed towards us very often, and made many allowances for slips which evidently warred with his interpretation of regulations. Upon one occa- sion, in the spring of 1862, when furloughs were being plentifully granted in the regiment, the writer, while still at headquarters, presented his application to the general, already signed by Col. Bendix. The answer was: "No; you say you have no especial reason to go home. Why, I was sometimes away from my home for years without a furlough." " Well," was the reply, "you were a regular, and I am a volunteer." The old soldier smiled. and said, "Well, we can't spare you now," and that ended our aspirations of getting away at that time.
The slim bent form of the general became a familiar figure upon the ramparts of the Fort. where he would be seen early in the morning or at sunset, with tight-fitting frock-coat and either a well-worn silk hat or a glazed cap of the shape remembered by Mexican veterans. The sentinels grew exceedingly alert on the approach of his accustomed hours for grand rounds.
The armament of the Fort was continually being in- creased, as regards the calibre of the guns, and those of the largest size and most approved model were rapidly taking the place of the more antiquated pieces. Of this work the Tenth was doing the lion's share-the two or
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57
AN APPARITION.
three companies of regulars still remaining attending to little else than drill. In addition the Zouaves were being rapidly educated in heavy artillery drill. The regiment seemed to take to this new branch of the service with alacrity, and the readiness of the soldiers to learn, joined to the apt discharge of the other duties devolving upon them as garrison troops, won the encomiums of the post commandant, Col. Dimmick, and the other regular of- ficers at the Fort. The very striet minutia of guard and picket duty, which we were compelled to observe under the eyes of West Pointers, had its natural effect in in- creasing the efficiency of both officers and men.
An incident happened, at one time, which made con- siderable impression upon the garrison of the Fort. On a dark, raw night, the sentinel at the main gate saw some one clad in white rapidly crossing the draw-bridge which spanned the moat. He challenged the figure as it drew near, but without receiving an answer, and the ap- parition flitted by as though upon the wings of the wind, leaving the soldier almost voiceless from the appre- hension that he had seen a veritable ghost. The officer of the guard was soon aroused and a search was made, but nothing was discovered, and the surprised guardian at the gate settled down into the conviction that some- thing supernatural had passed his post. Early next morning, however, the mystery was solved : a poor. shivering, emaciated man, elad only in a night-shirt, was found crouching under one of the barbette gun-carriages. He was a member of one of the regiments at Camp Hamilton, and while sick with fever, and delirious, had escaped from the Hygcia Hospital. He died soon after- wards, possibly from the effects of the exposure.
On the 25th of September, the Baltimore prisoners
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THE NATIONAL ZOUAVES.
were removed from their casemates and placed on the steamboat George Peabody, in charge of a special guard detailed from the Tenth. Their destination was to be Fort Lafayette, New York harbor. Capt. Coster, of the 1st New York Volunteers, bore the order for their in- carceration, and was in command of the accompanying detachment, consisting of a sergeant (Geo. F. Tait, of Com- pany H) and ten men. The writer was one of the squad, and thus had the enviable pleasure of seeing New York for a few hours at least. The trip was devoid of any noticeable incident, and the disaffected Marylanders seemed outwardly to enjoy themselves, appearing to be in blissful ignorance of their destination. They were landed and snugly ensconced in the old fort on the night of the 26th, after heartily thanking their guards for the kindness and gentlemanly deportment which they had shown, and incidentally damning the Government for the measures it had taken with them. The detachment returned to Fort Monroe by rail and steamer, via Wash- ington and Baltimore.
The regiment about this time received its long ex- pected new zouave uniform. consisting of light blue trousers, dark brown jacket, red vest, white canvas leg- gings, and fez. The trousers and jacket were trimmed with red ; the costume fitted easily and yet not too loosely.
On the 19th of October, Lieut .- Col. Dimmick, who had been for several years in command of the Fort, left for Fort Warren, Boston harbor, to which post he had been transferred. The regiment formed in line and es- corted the departing officer from the Fort to the boat landing, where he hade the soldiers an affecting good-bye. Several rounds of hearty cheers were given him, with a
59
DEATH OF LIEUT .- COL. ELDER.
number of New York "tigers" attached, and the regi- ment returned to quarters feeling really downcast. The veteran had endeared himself to all of his subordinates by his kindly manner towards them, and it was hardly to be expected that his successor could unite all his traits.
November 2d, the sad intelligence was received of the death of Lieut .- Col. Elder, which took place October 31st, at New York city. The colors of the regiment were immediately shrouded in crape, and the officers assumed the usual badge of mourning.
The following preamble and resolutions were adopted at a meeting of the officers, held on this date :
Whereas, It has pleased the God of Battles to remove by death, from disease contracted while attending to the duties of his position in Virginia, onr worthy and esteemed fellow-officer, Lieut .- Col. Alexander B. Elder, who was known but to be loved and respected, and to whose unremitting exertions we are indebted for much of the discipline and efficiency which our regiment attained while under his command ; therefore,
Resolved, That we deeply feel his loss, and comprehend the void that his death has occasioned, knowing that his place in our hearts and in our regiment cannot well be filled.
Resolved, That we condole with his afflicted family and friends in their loss of a devoted son, an affectionate brother and a true- hearted, high-minded friend.
Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing preamble and reso- lutions be sent to the family of Lieut .- Col. Alexander B. Elder, and that they be published in the New York papers.
CAPT. S. WINCHESTER, CAPT. GEO. F. HOPPER, Committee. F. W. DOOLITTLE, Ass't Surg. )
The author accompanied a flag of truce from the Fort. to Craney Island, near Norfolk, on the 14th. The small steamboat Washington made the trip, carrying thirty-
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THE NATIONAL ZOUAVES.
seven rebel prisoners, taken at Hatteras, who were to be delivered to the Rebel authorities, they having been exchanged. The Washington anchored near the Rebel batteries on. Craney Island, and awaited the arri- val of the steamboat Win. Selden from Norfolk, when the prisoners were delivered to her with the mails for the Union prisoners then at Richmond. The Southern sol- diers seemed overjoyed at getting back to " Dixie." The batteries on the Island and at Sewell's Point seemed very strong, with camps in the neighborhood apparently containing four or five thousand men. Both steamers floated white flags, and the few soldiers on their respeet- ive vessels looked curiously at each other, as though wondering whether they were destined to meet in con- flict on some future battlefield.
By an order from Department headquarters, dated Nov. 6th, several transfers were made from the National Zouaves to the 1st New York Mounted Rifles, a portion of which command was stationed at this post. An equal number of men were sent to the Tenth in exchange .*
On the 15th the frigate San Jacinto arrived in port, with Messrs. Slidell and Mason, Confederate ambassadors to Europe, who had run the blockade of Charleston in the steamer Theodora, and were afterwards taken from a British mail steamer by Captain Wilkes. Our regiment was considerably elated by the news of the capture, and cheered in honor of the event during most of the after- noon. Anticipations of diplomatie controversies oeca-
* Walter S. Pour, transferred from Company A of the Tenth, afterwards re- ceived commissions as lieutenant and captain in the Mounted Rifles, and was sub- sequently commissioned, successively. Lieut .- Col. of the ad North Carolina Volunteers and Ist North Carolina Colored Heavy Artillery. He served for a period as chief Provost Marshal of North Carolina, and was mustered from the service in December, 1365.
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THE REGIMENTAL BAND.
sioned by the capture were lost sight of in the general rejoicing at the bold and sailor-like action of the com- mander of the San Jacinto.
A regimental band had been organized during the fall, consisting of trained musicians and details from the several companies, and by the latter part of November were able to perform at parades and guard mounting. On the 28th a serenade was given to Gen. Wool and Col. Bendix. The drum-major, formerly a regular army musician, was a marvel of height and erect carriage, and with the assistance of Smith Sanderson, the leader of the drummers, succeeded before long in drilling the band and drum corps into a creditable state of practice and discipline.
As has been before hinted, existence within the walls of a fortification was certain to become monotonous, and numerous devices were resorted to in order to vary the even tenor of the regiment's garrison life. Entertain- ments were sometimes improvised on very short notice in the different company quarters, and amateur minstrelsy and mirth-provoking antics enlivened an occasional even- ing. As the holidays approached preparations were made to recall home recollections and associations by more elaborate celebrations, and Thanksgiving day in- angurated such festivities in most of the barracks. The regimental band furnished music as far as its numbers would permit, and the quarters were generally decorated with remarkable skill. Speeches and songs were con- tributed by members of the different companies, and the day and night passed convivially. The following extraet from the New York Herald, of a day or two afterwards, describes what transpired at the quarters of Companies HI and D :
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THE NATIONAL ZOUAVES.
"Thanksgiving day was duly celebrated by all the troops in the department, except those from Massachusetts, who were one week ahead of all the others. The Tenth Regiment, Col. Bendix. had quite a lively time ; feasting, and a generally merry time were the order of the day and evening. Company H, Capt. George F. Hopper, presented a splendid sword and sash to Lieut. George F. Tait, of Company K. Lieut. Tait was formerly orderly-sergt. of Company H, and was promoted to the lieutenancy by Col. Ben- dix. Being very popular, the men contributed sufficient funds for the purchase of the sword and sash, and, taking advantage of Thanksgiving day, arranged a dance and an impromptu repast, and invited the field, staff and line officers to be present on the occasion. The new band of the Tenth Regiment, which has lately been recruited, performed numerous sweet airs during the even- ing. Private Haggerty acted as master of ceremonies, and in a very appropriate address presented Lieut. Tait with the testimonial so well deserved. Lieut. Tait was formerly a member of the Lindsey Blues, in New York. There were also a number of ladies present, the wives of Maj. Marshall, Capts. Hopper and Winchester, Lieut. Miner, Mrs. Roberts, mother of Lieut. Roberts of Company H, Mrs. and Miss Bowler, Miss Lillie Hopper and others. Quite a pleasant time was had, and, when tattoo was beaten, the elated soldiers withdrew to their respective quarters, well-pleased with the occasion. Company D, Captain Thomas Cloudsley, also enjoyed Thanksgiving hugely. Good eating and songs and toasts were the prevailing sentiments among this con- pany: in fact the entire regiment seemed to enjoy the day as much as if they had been in Gotham and witnessed the display of the hundred and one target companies that usually parade on that day."
Christmas and New Year's day came with merry-mak- ing and good cheer throughout the regiment. Company A especially distinguished itself on the first-named day, and the tables set in its barracks literally groaned with good things. Home-made plum puddings and mince pies were not wanting-thoughtful mothers at home hav- ing sent such solid remembrances in plenty to their absent
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"THE LATEST WHISPER."
boys. This company, which was the original nucleus of the regiment, still maintained its character for order and discipline which it won during the formation of the regi- ment and in the early days of Sandy Hook experience. Some of the best men enlisted during the fall had been assigned to its ranks, and, although it had lost its dashing Captain, Frank J. White, he having resigned October 11th, to accept a position on the staff of Gen. Fremont .* its members still steadily upheld the character of the company, and in the after months of battle and hardship the heavy death-roll of Company A bore witness to the patriotism of its members. This is written with no wish to detract from the creditable record and conduct of the other companies of the regiment, but with a profound sense of respect for the gallant men of the author's own company, and those especially who were afterwards killed or wounded or who suffered imprisonment for their country's gain.
While speaking of Company A, it would be opportune to mention the bulletin board, or " latest whisper " as it was termed, which graced the wall of the company bar- racks. On this black-board the latest and most interest- ing news was always to be found, each member being privileged to publish through that medium anything new which he had gleaned, whether local or general. Al- though the idea was sometimes abused, the result was
* Major White, while with Gen. Fremont, distinguished himself by the capture of Lexington, Mo. At the head of some two hundred men he surprised the town. Captured the Rebel force guarding the place, and rescued the Federal prisoners who had been left by Price, on his retreat to the southwest with his army. Major White reported afterwards: " I have no casualties to report, and my men are all in Fond health and anxious for further service." He was afterwards promoted. and after further service attained the rank of brigadier-general. He died in St. Louis, a few years after the close of the war.
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THE NATIONAL ZOUAVES.
beneficial, and served to do away with a terrible amount of cross-questioning and "buzzing," as an inquisitive member was generally referred to the bulletin for in- formation.
In compliance with directions from Headquarters of the Department of Virginia, an order was issued in De- cember, transferring fifty-two men from the Tenth to Battery L, 4th U. S. Artillery. The men were taken from the several companies, volunteers for the duty being called for, and were thereafter reported upon "detached service." They did not return to the regiment until a year had elapsed.
The eccentric actions of a little dog of the Scotch terrier type, "Corporal " by name, caused much interest in the regiment, until he became a fixture, and thereafter his presence with the garrison seemed a matter of course. He had probably deserted from some other regiment, for he seemed accustomed to military life. His quarters, chosen by himself, were at the guard-house near the main gate of the Fort, from which station he would sally forth with each relief, night and day for months, making the rounds each time and returning with the old relief. He was also always ready to accompany the officer of the day on his " grand rounds." Corporal followed the regi- ment when it left Fort Monroe, remaining with it through the vicissitudes of the Seven Day's combat, during which he was severely wounded, either by a stray shot or a vicious slash from a sabre. His wound was attended to, however, and he reached Harrison's Landing with his soldier friends, to disappear suddenly soon after. Ilis final loss occasioned as much general regret as though a member of the regiment had been " missing in action."
Sunday, December 29th, while the Newport News boat
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A FRUITLESS CAPTURE.
Express was on her way down to Old Point, a Rebel steamer suddenly appeared from around Sewell's Point, and fired several shots at her, causing her to cast loose a schooner which she was towing. The Rebel steamer quickly tackled the schooner and bore her off towards Norfolk. She proved a comparatively worthless prize, containing only a cargo of water for the garrison. Seve- ral gunboats started after the thief as soon as pos- sible, but did not overtake her. Fire was opened by them upon the Point, however, and for an hour and a half the reports of the guns were incessant ; the bat- teries on Sewell's Point answered occasionally, and made very good shots, although none of our boats were injured. The range was some two and one-half miles.
Rumors had been prevalent for some time concerning the intentions of the Rebel ram, Merrimac, which was anchored at Norfolk, and it would not at any time have surprised the garrison at Fort Monroe to hear her guns .*
About the beginning of the year furloughs were granted to applicants, a certain number being allowed to take advantage of such leaves at the same time in each company. The scramble for these chances to revisit the North for ten days was sometimes amusing, and the reasons given were often ingenious inventions. Home-
* The Merrimac, or Virginia, as she had been re-christened by the Confede- rates, was originally the U. S. steam frigate Merrimac, which fell into the hands of the insurgents at Norfolk when that city was abandoned by the Federal naval forces in 1867. She had been scuttled and sunk before abandoning her, but the enemy succeeded in raising the hull, and had reconstructed her, making a most formidable vessel of war. She had been plated fore and aft with thick steel, and a bomb-proof shield of heavy timher, covered with bars of railroad iron, was built so .. mover her gun-deck like the gabled roof of a house. I. her bows was affixed a ram of steel for the purpose of piercing or running down vessels. Twelve cannon : formidable character composed her armament.
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THE NATIONAL ZOUAVES.
sickness began to be alarmingly prevalent, and the num- ber of cases of "death in the family," "sick wives," "ruined business in consequence of absence," &c., &c., proved either a remarkable state of affairs in New York city or a fertility of invention perfectly startling. Re- cruiting service was the best billet, however, for then one could remain at home longer with nothing particular to do, have traveling expenses at least paid, and perhaps go on furlough afterwards.
It was plainly to be seen by this time that a great majority of the National Zouaves desired more active service ; wishes began to find expression that they might be assigned to some other field of duty. In fact it can fairly be said that the entire regiment was grow- ing restive under the constraint of garrison duty and the lack of any chance to earn the laurels which were falling to other regiments from New York city. Various pec- cadilloes that were, perhaps with some justice, charged to the members of the regiment, added to openly ex- pressed discontent on the part of some of the officers, proved rather plainly that life in the Fort was becoming irksome.
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