USA > New York > The Ninth regiment, New York volunteers (Hawkins' zouaves); being a history of the regiment and veteran association from 1860 to 1900 > Part 11
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Human nature could not long withstand this fire of iron and lead. To advance was impos-
179
IN THE MIDST OF BATTLE.
sible, while to turn their backs to the foc was not in the province of the Zouaves. Some one gave the order "right oblique," and the regi- ment moved to the shelter of the woods on the right.
A regiment which could not be fully identi- fied but believed to be the 89th New York, double-quicked out of the wood to the right and rear of the "Ninth," and gaining a position where they could fire past the left-flank of the regiment, halted, came to a front and began firing by wing as steadily and apparently as methodically as though on drill, the volleys following each other with as much regularity as if at practice on the parade-ground. This created a diversion in favor of the "Ninth," which gained the shelter of the woods without much further loss, where it was instantly re- formed by Kimball (who had recovered from his accident) when they again advanced and occupied the enemy's line with no more casual- ties.
Reno had promptly thrown forward his other regiments in order to support and make a diversion in favor of the "Ninth," all instantly advancing and opening fire. This was too much for the "Johnnies" who had "shot their bolt," and they retreated in disorder leaving everything in the nature of camp equipage
180 NINTH REGIMENT, NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
behind them, though managing to save their artillery. The Union troops were too exhausted to pursue the enemy and the Zouaves occu- pied their abandoned brush shelters.
Adjutant Charles A. Gadsden, who met his death in this battle had recently been commis- sioned in the regiment, and reported for duty about two weeks previous to this engagement, and in that short period had gained the good opinion of officers and men. He died gallantly at the head of the regiment in the honorable performance of his duties as a soldier.
He had been a member of the 7th New York State Militia, had thoroughly studied his duties as adjutant, and was doubtless gratified to be assigned to a regiment where his knowledge would prove of benefit and be duly appreciated. Lieutenant Gadsden reported to Lieutenant- Colonel Kimball for duty, and was present at dress-parade on the first evening of his arrival in camp. After seeing the parade he concluded that for the present, at least, it would be better to learn than to teach, so he asked for and received permission to postpone the assumption of his duties for one week. He was killed exactly one week after assuming his position as adjutant of the regiment.
After consultation among the superior officers on the night of the battle it was decided that a
181
OUT OF A BAD PREDICAMENT.
retreat was the proper move. This decision was reached by reviewing the facts that some of the regiments had exhausted their ammunition ; that the navy could not effect a junction with General Reno at the bridge; that the troops were far from their base of supplies while the enemy was in his own country and could be quickly reinforced ; that the men were too much exhausted to risk a battle against a superior force such as the enemy might be able to assemble; that the wounded could better be moved at once than at a later time, and espe- cially as General Reno had been ordered not to risk a disaster. Therefore, it was deemed prudent to retire, and between nine and ten o'clock at night, the men having been quietly awakened by the first sergeants, the troops began their journey back to the transports. Some of the wounded, who were unable to ride in army wagons, were left behind in charge of Surgeon Warren, of the 21st Massachusetts. Chaplain Conway, of the Ninth, also remained behind to assist the surgeon in his duties. His careful attention and almost womanly kindness and sympathy were greatly appreciated by the wounded soldiers.
Soon after the battle and when the enemy had retreated rain began falling. It gradu- ally increased as the evening advanced until at
182 NINTH REGIMENT, NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
ten o'clock it was pouring in torrents. It continued all night and as the men plodded on, the roads, which in the morning they had found thickly covered with choking dust, were now deep in slippery mud. The soldiers slipped, stumbled and plunged along in the darkness, silent as to speech and melancholy as to spirits. When a halt was ordered for a few moments' rest no consideration was given to water or mud, but each man was glad to sink down where he stood in the road, utterly indifferent to the kind of resting place he found there. Soon after daylight dull eyes were brightened by the sight of Shantilly, near which the transports were left, and the tired troops hustled aboard, the Fourth Brigade having engaged the enemy and marched over forty miles in heat, dust, mud, darkness, and rain, all in about twenty- six hours.
No time was lost in getting into bunks and no case of insomnia is recorded, yet many a rain-soaked soldier, ere his eyes closed in slumber, thought of the fortunate sailor who always has his house, bunk, blankets, and grub with him, where moth and rust do not corrupt, and where mud and rain do not break in and permeate.
The transports did not reach Roanoke Island until five o'clock that afternoon. There was,
183
RETROSPECTION.
therefore, some time forrest and for the drying of clothing. The uniforms of the men were in a lamentable condition from the clay gathered. on the long march, and could not be cleaned until it dried.
With rest came opportunity for retrospection -- not always pleasant after battle, when one's intimates are among those lying stark on the battlefield or among those nursing their wounds in hospital or under the knife of the surgeon. In this instance many of the wounded had been left on the field, where, if they survived, they were sure to fall into the hands of the enemy, whose reputation for kind treatment was not good.
In Company F was a number of Germans who either tented together or in adjoining tents or quarters. They formed quite a little colony, and it pleased the other boys to allude to the locality where the Germans were as "Dutch Alley." One of the members of Company F was observed sitting on a gun-carriage, his elbows on his knees and his chin in his hands, ruminating, probably, on the incidents of the fight. After moodily sitting in this position for some moments he suddenly straightened up, having apparently finished his cogitations, heaved the usual sigh and remarked, almost cheerfully : " Well, Dutch Alley got cleaned
184 NINTH REGIMENT, NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
out, didn't it?" And Dutch Alley had been cleaned out, for nearly every one of the . Germans had been either killed or wounded in this battle.
It was curious to note the peculiarity of many of the wounds received by the men in this battle, as also the eccentric courses of some of the missiles. One of the Zouaves retained and brought back with him his musket which had been struck twice during the engagement. One of the missiles struck and bent the bayonet at a right angle to the barrel, and immediately after the stock was struck and bent at the same angle but in the opposite direction. Its appearance was then best represented by the letter Z.
Private Hartenfelts, of Company F, had both his thumbs shot away at the second joint. A bullet entered the mouth of Private Kelly, Company F, which probably struck his teeth and was deflected thereby, and passed upward through the nasal bones lodging between his eyes. The bullet was extracted, the wound healed, and he returned to duty, serving with his company until the muster out of the regi- ment. Eventually, however, although several years after the close of the war, the wound caused his death.
A bullet struck one of the men full on his
185
RETURN TRIP TO ROANOKE ISLAND).
waist-belt plate, but although it was a heavy blow and quite a shock no ill effects followed.
A briar-wood pipe carried in the trousers' pocket of Private Sloper, Company C, was struck by a ball which was probably pretty well spent of its force. Upon investigation, Sloper found that he was not injured, but he found the bullet lodged in the bowl of the pipe.
Many other instances are authentically, and it is believed truthfully, told of peculiar wounds and almost miraculous escapes.
On the return trip to Roanoke Island Sur- geon Humphrey was very busy performing operations, dressing wounds, relieving the pain of contusions, nursing the sick, giving here a soothing potion, there a reassuring word of encouragement. He seemed to be everywhere at every moment, which if it was not so of his physical presence, it was actually so of his in- fluence. His ministrations were, indeed, cease- less, nor would he rest until all were made comfortable in their old quarters on terra firma.
The official record states that the total Union loss of the battle of South Mills was one hundred and twenty-seven, including thirteen killed. Of these the Zouaves lost one officer and seven enlisted men killed, seven officers and fifty-four enlisted men wounded, and six enlisted men missing ; making a total of ser-
186 NINTH REGIMENT, NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
enty-five. This was nearly sixty per cent. of the entire loss, and it was sustained in the short period of about two minutes.
For a time after their return to Roanoke the men were subdued and quiet. There was less mischief and more philosophy. But young and bouyant spirits could not mourn long, so a few days saw the past buried and the Ninth was itself again with the old exuberant spirit.
The following official reports from several sources may prove of interest to the many friends of the Zouaves.
Extracts from General Reno's report, April 22, 1862 :
"I proceeded from Newberne with the 21st Massachusetts and 51st Pennsylvania to Roanoke, and was there joined by the 9th and 69th New York and oth New Hampshire.
"We proceeded directly to Elizabeth City and began disembarking on the 19th inst .. at midnight, at a point about three miles below on the east side of the river. By 3 A. M., Colonel Hawkins' brigade was landed and ready to move. I ordered Hawkins to proceed at once to South Mills for the purpose of making a demonstration on Norfolk. I remained to bring up the zist Massachusetts and 51st Pennsylvania, they having been delayed by their vessels getting aground at the mouth of the river. They came up at daylight and were landed by 7 A. M. I proceeded directly toward South Mills, and about twelve miles out met Hawkins' brigade, who, it seems, lost his way either by the treachery or incompetency of his guide, he having marched some ten miles out of his way.
"As his men were very much jaded by their long march, I ordered them to follow the second brigade. Proceeding about four miles farther, to within one and one-half miles of South Mills, the rebels opened upon us with artillery before my advance guard discovered them. I immediately reconnoitered their position and found that they were posted in an advantageous position, in a line perpendicular to the road, their infantry in ditches, and their artillery commanding all the direct approaches, their rear protected by a dense forest.
187
RENO'S REPORT OF THE BATTLE.
"I ordered the 1st Pennsylvania to file to the right and pass over to the edge of the woods, to turn their left, the 21st Massachusetts to pursue the same course, and, when Hawkins came up with his brigade, I sent him with the 9th and 89th New York to their support. The 6th New Hampshire were formed in line to the left of the road to support our four pieces of artillery.
"Owing to the excessive fatigue of the men they could not reach their position for some time. Meantime the enemy kept up a brisk artillery fire which was gallantly responded to by Colonel Howard, of the Coast Guard, who during the entire engagement displayed most conspicuous gallantry, and rendered very efficient service both during the action and upon the return, he bringing up the rear.
"Soon as the gtst Pennsylvania and the 21st Massachusetts had suc- ceeded in turning their left, they opened a brisk musketry fire, and about the same time the 9th New York, also coming into range and being too eager to engage, unfortunately charged upon the enemy's artillery. It was a most gallant charge, but they were exposed to a most deadly fire of canister, grape and musketry, and were forced to retire, but rallied immediately on the . Soth New York. I then ordered both regiments to form a junction with the 21st Massachusetts. Mean- time the sist Pennsylvania and 21st Massachusetts kept up an inces- sant fire upon the rebels, who now had withdrawn their artillery and had commenced to retire in good order. The 6th New Hampshire had steadily advanced in line to the left of the road, and when within about two hundred yards poured in a most deadly volley which com- pletely demoralized the enemy and finished the battle. Our men were so completely fagged out by the intense heat and their long march that we could not pursue them. The men rested under arms in line of battle until about 10 o'clock p.M., when I ordered a return to our boats, having accomplished the principal object of the expedition-conveying the idea that the entire Burnside expedition was marching upon Nor- folk. * * The return march was made in perfect order, and few, if any stragglers were left behind.
" Considering that during the advance the weather was intensely hot, and that a portion of the command had to march forty-five miles, the other thirty-five miles, and fight a battle in the meantime, and that all was accomplished in less than twenty-four hours, I think that the commanding general has every reason to be satisfied with his command. * The enemy had from six to ten pieces of artillery, and from 1, Soo to 2, 000 men."
Colonel Hawkins' report was made to Burn- side direct, dated April 21, 1862, and was as follows:
188 NINTH REGIMENT. NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
ROANOKE ISLAND, N. C.
"SIR :- In accordance with orders from department headquarters, I, on the 16th, at about II A.M., embarked on board of the transports about 2,000 men of my brigade from the following regiments: 9th New York, 727; Sgth New York, 625; and 6th New Hampshire, 600. In this force was included two boat guns belonging to Company K, 9th New York. About II o'clock the same evening my brigade began landing at a place opposite Kobb's Point, about four miles below Elizabeth City, on the Pasquotank River.
" By 2. 30 on the morning of the 19th, the landing of my brigade had been completed, including two field pieces from the steamer 'Virginia;' this through the water where it was more than knee deep, which the men were compelled to wade.
"At 3 A.M. the whole brigade was on the march, and continued for the next twelve hours on its weary way through a long circuitous route of thirty-two miles, beneath the terrible heat of the sun, amid the con- stantly rising dust.
" At about 3 P.M. I succeeded in arriving in sight of the enemy's posi- tion with about one-half of the men who had commenced the march, when we were immediately ordered into action, the 6th New Hamp- shire going to the left of the enemy's position, the 9th and 89th New York going to the right through the woods to outflank the enemy on each side. Up to this time the part of a battery from the 9th New York worked by Lientenant Herbert, assisted by five men (the rest having been worn out by fatigue), received and sustained the whole fire of the enemy's battery.
" After marching about two miles through a swamp, covered with thick undergrowth, I arrived within about three-eights of a mile of the enemy's position, where they were concealed in the woods. After a short tour of observation, I came to the conclusion that it would be impossible to outflank them on the right, the undergrowth and swamp being almost impenetrable.
"A charge through an open field directly in front of the enemy's position was thought to be the only way in which they could be dislodged.
"I then returned to where I had left the 9th New York and found them lying on the ground completely exhausted. I stated to the regi- ment what I proposed to do, and asked the men if they felt equal to the task. Their answer was: . We will try, Colonel, and follow wher- ever you may lead us.'
" Immediately the command . Forward' was given, the 9th New York taking the lead, followed by the Sith New York. We had pro- ceeded to within about 200 yards of the enemy's concealed position when the 9th New York received the full and direct fire from the
189
COLONEL HAWKINS' REPORT.
enemy's infantry and batteries. This completely staggered the men, who before were completely exhausted, and the order was given for the regiment to turn to the right where it would be partly sheltered from the fire.
"This order was executed but slowly. Soon after the 89th began to move forward supported by the 9th New York, when the enemy retreated.
"When this commenced the 6th New Hampshire poured a volley into the right wing of the 3rd Georgia Volunteers, which completely cut them to pieces. The troops then bivouacked upon the field until IO P.M., when they were ordered to fall in and return to their transports. It is seldom, if ever, that men have been called upon to perform so much in so short a time as those who composed the fourth brigade under my command. Marching fifty miles and fighting a battle all in twenty-four hours, you will admit is no small undertaking, and this was done without murmur or complaint. In the charge of the 9th New York that regiment lost, nine killed and fifty-six wounded. Among the former was Lieut. Charles A. Gadsden, adjutant, who fell at the head of his regiment. He was a kind, considerate man, and most excellent soldier, and dies greatly lamented by all of his companions. Colonel Howard, of the steamer . Virginia,' who was in command of the artillery, has not yet made his report, consequently I am unable to give any particulars concerning his part in the engagement, but believe that he behaved with great coolness and bravery as well as all the officers and men under him. Soon after the troops had returned to Roanoke Island, the Rev. T. W. Conway, chaplain of the 9th New York, returned, bringing with him about fifty stragglers and some of the wounded left behind on the field of battle. He remained to bury the dead and to assist the wounded. On the morning of the 20th he started out to find the rebel pickets, and after going some distance he was informed that the rebel pickets had left the night before-reinforce- ments which they had received only a few moments before included- for Suffolk, thinking that our forces were by a flank movement getting in their rear to cut them off; returned to the hospital by way of the battle-field, where he counted thirty of the enemy's dead.
"After the dead were buried and the wounded, who could not be brought away, cared for, all the stragglers who could be found armed themselves and started for the place of debarkation and arrived here in safety the next morning.
"Although the results of this expedition may seem disastrous on ac- count of the loss of life, still the reconnaissance cannot fail to be of great value to you when connected with future operations. In justice to other regiments I cannot say what I should like to about the officers and men in my own, consequently would only say that all alike did their duty faithfully and well.
190 NINTH REGIMENT, NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
"I regret to add that owing to our limited transportation we were compelled to leave behind fourteen of our wounded in care of Dr. Warren of the 21st Massachusetts, two or three of whom were brought away by the chaplain of the Ninth.
"I have to-day sent a flag of truce by Major Jardine, who was ac- companied by the surgeon, chaplain, and ten privates of the 9th New York, for the purpose of bringing back the wounded and the bodies of Lieutenant Gadsden and our dead who were buried on the field.
"Herewith you will find a complete list of the killed, wounded and missing of the fourth brigade in the action of the 19th.
" Respectfully, your obedient servant, "RUSH C. HAWKINS,
"Colonel, Commanding Fourth Brigade and Post.
" MAJOR-GENERAL AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE,
"Commanding Dept. of North Carolina, Newberne, N. C."
As the above correspondence is from the Official Records, we append the following letter which is of interest and taken from the same source :
" HEADQUARTERS, ROANOKE ISLAND, N. C., April 23, 1862.
"SIR :- Doubtless the unfortunate occurrence of the 19th has been brought fully to your notice. No one can regret the result more than myself.
"First, because of the loss of life ; second, the object of the expe- dition not being accomplished after all the obstacles in the way had been removed.
"It seems that both sides were badly frightened. The enemy ran like quarter-horses toward Norfolk, and we as fast as our weary legs would carry us toward Roanoke, leaving quite a number of our wounded and destroying the bridges behind us. In this connection I will only add our retirement was discretion, our valor having been wholly spent on the field of battle. There is one satisfaction that we whipped them like the devil in their own well chosen position.
" They acknowledged to have had three companies of the Georgia Third completely cut to pieces, and from this acknowledgment it is but fair to infer their loss was much greater. Their force, as near as I can ascertain, was the Georgia Third, 1,165 strong ; a battery of Henningsen's artillery of four pieces, and some North Carolina Militia, number not known, and a full squadron of Suffolk and Southampton cavalry. This statement of the enemy's forces I believe to be very nearly correct. I most cordially join in the recommendations of the
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OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE.
surgeons, that the wounded be removed North as soon as possible, and that a steamer, made comfortable by the necessary beds, etc., be sent liere for that purpose at the earliest moment. They can be of no ser- vice here and will recover much more rapidly at the North, besides relieving our surgeons, who are already worn out by their arduous labors.
"Owing to the little wound received in my left arm in the affair of the 19th I am compelled, by the advice of surgeons, to lay up in ordi- nary for repairs, much against my desire or inclination. They say it will be eight weeks before I am fit for service. Under such circum- stances, being forbidden to perform any labor, I would ask for leave of absence until such time as I am able to return to duty, which shall be at the earliest possible moment. But, still, if you cannot spare me, I will remain and render such service as I am able to perform lying on my back. I know and can dictate what ought to be done.
"I should be very happy to see you here, as I have much to say to you that I cannot write. Most faithfully your friend and servant,
"RUSH C. HAWKINS,
' Commanding Post."
CHAPTER VIII.
NINTH NEW YORK GARRISONS ROANOKE ISLAND - RE- CREATION THE ORDER OF THE DAY - PRACTICAL USES OF CAPTURED POWDER -COMPANY K'S NEW BATTERY TACTICS-INNOCENTLY GETTING SQUARE WITH THE COMPANY COOK-TESTIMONIAL TO COL. HAWKINS- PARADE AND DRILL OF NINTH UNDER COMMAND OF NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS-NEW RECRUITS TROUBLED WITH " LAPSY PALLS " CURED BY SERGEANT HORNER - LIEUTENANT FLUSSER, U. S. N., CAPTURES PLYMOUTH AND COMPANY "F" DETAILED TO GARRISON TOWN-RUNAWAY SLAVES RETURNED TO OWNER-WESSEL'S BRIGADE RE- LIEVES COMPANY "F." - ENEMY ATTACK AND DE- FEAT WESSEL, RE-CAPTURE PLYMOUTH AND KILL FLUSSER - BURNSIDE LEAVES FOR FORT MONROE - NINTH LEAVES ROANOKE FOR NORFOLK-CAMP FOR CONTRABANDS-LOSSES OF BURNSIDE EXPEDITION.
A FTER the battle of South Mills and the return of the regiment to Roanoke Island the Zouaves were allowed a few days for rest and recuperation, when they settled down for what proved to be a protracted stay on this isolated spot. The regular routine of drill was not calculated to make them thoroughly con-
193
RECREATION SOUGHT FOR.
tented with the situation, and idleness fostered the spirit of homesickness. The longing for home was increased when the wounded re- turned from furlough and related the manner in which they were received ; how everyone considered them genuine heroes and treated them as such, and no little heart-burning arose when the tales were told, with somewhat of a swagger, of the tender solicitude displayed by their acquaintances of the opposite sex, who never tired of hearing them repeat their experi- ences in Dixie.
It was decided that some radical departure must be made to lift the lads out of the "slough of despond" and make them forget their loneliness. A reading-room and post office was established, also a debating club where regular meetings were held and numer- ous subjects discussed and argued. Several baseball clubs were organized, while some of the companies erected various kinds of gym- nastic apparatus, and much skill was shown in the acrobatic feats which followed, while the sparring and wrestling matches would have delighted the eyes of a professional.
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