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 4
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The camp presented a gala appearance ; the
49
IN CAMP ON RIKER'S ISLAND.
barracks and company streets being decorated with patriotic designs in evergreens, and gay festoons of red, white and blue, each company having its peculiar novelty.
Company A was presented with a national flag by Sgt. George W. Debevoise, while Com- panies C, D and G each received a set of colors from friends of the respective companies, the ceremonies taking place on the parade ground, and being much enjoyed by the host of inter- ested spectators.
The month passed on Riker's Island was- if the continuous and severe drills are left out of consideration-one continuous picnic. Each company vied in its endeavor to excel its neigh- bor in the tasteful decorations of the company streets. There were always numerous visitors in the afternoons, and on stated occasions when general visiting was permitted, the camp was crowded with friends and relatives of both sexes, who loudly applauded the drilling on the parade ground. The Zouaves were conscious of the fact that they were the cynosure of all eyes, and were looked upon as real soldiers ; they were in a military camp and presumed they were living the lives of genuine soldiers. Their mothers, sisters, and young women friends were sympathetic and inclined to coddle and pet these poor boys, who were undergoing such
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BO NINTH REGIMENT, NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
hardships and privations from pure patriotism and for their country's good; and they, "the beggars," accepted all this as their due, and tried to make themselves believe that they were in some degrees heroes, whereas they were really having an enjoyable time. Comfortably housed, with an abundance of good food, with- out the trouble of preparing it, they were nearly as well off as a modern militia regiment in a State camp.
Orders finally came for the Ninth to proceed to Fortress Monroe, and at noon on Wednes- day, June 5th, the regiment left Riker's Island, aboard a steamer, and sailed for New York. Landing at the foot of East 30th Street, after much delay in effecting their alignments - due to the crowd which had gathered to greet them- the regiment marched to the residence of Mr. A. W. Griswold, where it was halted, formed in line, and brought to attention. Rev. Gardiner Spring came forward with a beautiful stand of colors, and made the following remarks :
" Colonel Hawkins, Officers and Soldiers of the Ninth Regiment, New York Volunteers-I have been requested by Mrs. Griswold, now here, to present to you this splendid emblem of our nationality, and I desire to do this with a few introductory remarks. I, who for over fifty years, have been enlisted under the banner of the Prince of Peace. find myself exactly in such a novel position as yourselves, who have enlisted in the noble cause of defending your country against a band of outlaws, who defying all laws of righteousness. are striving to overthrow this, the happiest government on earth.
"Secession dates back as far as the days when the ten tribes of
51
FLAG PRESENTATION.
Israel were lost, and even further, for the devil himself was a seces- sionist.
"I look upon this vile controversy as the most wicked ever gotten up by man. I give you my blessing. The blessings and prayers of the whole civilized world are with you. I pledge myself that the prayers and blessings of the Brick Church shall not be wanting.
"May the God of battles be with you, and in the hour of danger hover over you. Accompanying this flag is a letter from Mrs. Griswold, which I will now read for you, as follows:
"' No. 381 FIFTH AVENUE, June 5th, IS61.
Colonel Hawkins, Commandant of the Ninth Regiment, New York Volunteers.
COLONEL,-I have the honor to present to you for your gallant regi- ment of Zouaves these colors.
The Union of which this flag is the emblem was established by our fathers. Its cost was the price of blood. To their children they have confided the trust of guarding and upholding it. What obligation can be more sacredly binding upon them? For more than three-fourths of a century this ensign has commanded the respect of every people, on land and sea, and wherever civilization is known, even penetrating the dark corners of the earth, carrying light and freedom with it. While thirty millions of people under its folds were enjoying life, liberty and happiness, as no other people ever did, foul traitors have raised their fratricidal hands against it.
The Government has called upon its loyal citizens to come to its defense.
The alacrity and zeal with which you and others have responded to that call awaken in our hearts the liveliest emotions and gratitude,
It is beyond our province to follow this standard to the battle field: but we can and will follow with our prayers and blessings those who bear it, imploring Him who holds in his hands the destiny of nations to protect and preserve those who stand by their country's flag in its hour of peril; and that He will speedily restore reason and loyalty to that rash and misguided people who have assailed it. Accept for your- self, and your noble regiment of Zouaves, my kind wishes.
MARY ADELAIDE GRISWOLD.'"
In a voice tremulous with emotion, Colonel Hawkins in a few appropriate words thanked Mrs. Griswold for the flag, and solemnly prom- ised that he and his regiment would protect it with their lives if necessary to save it from
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NINTH REGIMENT, NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
humiliation or surrender, and that it should return with them unblemished.
The color-bearer then received the flag and it was exhibited to the Zouaves. It was of silk, handsomely mounted, and was a most beautiful as well as expensive token.
On the lance surmounting the staff was a square plate of silver, upon which was engraved.
PRESENTED BY MRS. ALMA W. GRISWOLD,
TO THE
NINTH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, JUNE 5TH, IS61. LEXINGTON, APRIL 19TH, 1776. BALTIMORE, APRIL 19TH, 1861. MEMORIA IN ÆTERNA.
The regiment then wheeled into column and marched to the residence of Mrs. William B. Moffat, where again swinging into line, another standard was presented.
The Rev. Dr. Wiley, of Christ Church, repre- sented Mrs. Moffat, and in a touching address, delivered the flag into the custody of Colonel Hawkins, who, in accepting it, in well-chosen and patriotic language, again pledged himself and the Zouaves to defend the colors with their lives if necessary, and to bring them back un- tainted by dishonor.
The standard was six feet by eight, made of
33
OFF FOR THE FRONT.
double silk of solid red. Great taste was dis- played in its design.
Upon the centre was this inscription :
NINTH REGIMENT, NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
Toujours Pret.
This motto has since become the watchword of the Zouaves, and true to its test they were found to be "Always Ready."
Once more the regiment wheeled into column and resumed the march down the avenue to Broadway. The sidewalks along the entire route were packed with citizens, who, from Union Square to the Battery, gave them an ovation which will never be forgotten, and caused each man to mentally resolve that he would never bring disgrace on the beautiful standards or on the city which gave him so proud a farewell.
Arriving at Pier 4, North River, the regiment experienced the greatest difficulty in forcing its way through the masses of people there gath- ered. Colonel Hawkins deemed it unsafe to proceed to sea in what he considered the crowded condition of the " Marion," the vessel supplied by the Quartermaster's Department for the transportation of the regiment, and after some hours of delay in unwinding red tape the "George Peabody " was provided as addi-
34 NINTH REGIMENT, NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
tional transportation. The two vessels sailed on the 6th, but it was not until the 8th of the month that they arrived at Fortress Monroe.
Colonel Hawkins upon reporting to the Com- manding General there was ordered to proceed to Newport News, where the regiment arrived in due course, disembarked, and stacking arms, awaited the arrival of their tents and camp equipage before establishing a regular camp.
CHAPTER III.
ADVANCE ON BIG BETHEL-THE FIRST BATTLE OF THE WAR-GENERAL CARR'S ACCOUNT OF BATTLE OF BIG BETHEL-ACCOUNT OF MAJOR WINTHROP'S DEATH BY A SOUTH- ERNER-FORCES ENGAGED AND LOSSES OF BOTH SIDES-ZOUAVES TO THE FRONT- COLONEL PHELPS AND HIS PECULIARITIES -RIGHT GENERAL GUIDE HERBERT AND HIS GRAVE ERROR-TWO ZOUAVES ATTEMPT TO GET A " PULL " WITH COLONEL PHELPS.
UPOR TPON the arrival of the camp equipage, tents were pitched in a wheat field, in which the grain was almost ready for the sickle. This was trampled down to make place for the tents, which the men, after considerable difficulty, being only amateurs in the business, succeeded in erecting, and established their camp after a fashion. On the day following, Sunday, June 9th, a beautiful summer day, tents were struck and camp was moved to a point west of the breastworks and on a line with them and near the brink of the high wooded bank overlooking the James river. The camp was here laid out
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56 NINTH REGIMENT, NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
in approved regulation style. It was an ideal location. There was considerable shade from the trees bordering the steep bank of the river, abundance of good water near at hand, and the ground smooth and with slope enough to secure good drainage.
The next day was extremely hot and sultry. It was a memorable one in the annals of the war, for on that day occurred the first engage- ment in the Rebellion which deserved to be called a battle, and which proved disastrous to the Union side.
At a point nine miles from Fortress Monroe, on the road leading from Hampton to York- town, lay the little town of Bethel, probably taking its name from the church located there. It was known that the enemy had intrenched and was holding the road at this point; upon learning which Gen. B. F. Butler decided to attack him there. A creek crossed the road near the church. A bridge over this creek was commanded by a fortification of the enemy, held by Col. D. H. Hill, of North Carolina (later Lieutenant-General C. S. A.) and 500 men. A personal reconnoissance of the topography of the country had been made by Major Theodore Winthrop, of General Butler's staff, and the following memorandum for the attacking move- ment was drawn up.
37
FIRST BATTLE OF THE REBELLION.
' A regiment or battalion to march from Newport News, and a regi- ment to march from Camp Hamilton (Duryea's). Each will be sup- ported by sufficient reserves under arms in camp, and with advanced guards out on the road of march.
"Duryea to push out two picket posts at 10 P.M. ; one two and a half miles beyond Hampton, on the county road, but not so far as to aların the enemy. This is important. Second picket half as far as the first. Both pickets to keep as much out of sight as possible. No one whatever to be allowed to pass out through the lines. Persons to be allowed to pass inward toward Hampton, unless it appears that they intend to go round about and dodge through to the front.
"At 12-midnight-Colonel Duryea will march his regiment, with sufficient ammunition, on the county road toward Little Bethel. Scows will be provided to ferry them across Hampton Creek. March to be rapid, but not hurried. A howitzer with canister and shrapnel to go. A wagon with planks and material to repair the Newmarket bridge. Duryea to have the two hundred rifles; he will pick the men to whom to entrust them. Rocket to be thrown up from Newport News. Notify Commodore Prendergrast of this to prevent general alarm.
"Newport News movement to be made somewhat later, as the dis- tance is less.
" If we find the enemy and surprise them, men will fire one volley, if desirable, not reload, and go ahead with the bayonet. As the attack is to be by night or dusk of morning, and in two detachments, our people should have some token-say a white rag or dirty white rag on the left arm.
" Perhaps the detachments who are to do the job should be smaller than a regiment-three hundred or five hundred-as the right and left of the attack would be more easily handled. If we bag the Little Bethel men, push on to Big Bethel, or blow up, if brick. To protect our rear -- in case we take the field-pieces, and the enemy should march his main body (if he has any) to recover them-it would be well to have a squad of competent artillerists, regular or other, to handle the captured guns on the retirement of our main body; also spikes to spike them, if retaken. George Scott to have a shooting iron.
"Perhaps Duryea's men would be awkward with a new arm in a night or early dawn attack, where there will be little marksman duty to perform.
"Most of the work will be done with the bayonet, and they are al- ready handy with the old ones."
Butler goes on to say that he could not go with the command himself, and selected his
*From Butler's Book, page 267.
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NINTH REGIMENT, NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
next officer in rank, General Pierce, of Massa- chusetts. It was his desire to place Colonel Phelps in command, as the more competent officer, but unfortunately there were one or two colonels outranking Phelps, who were no more qualified than Pierce, and he did not like to do these officers an apparent injustice, and besides did not think the enterprise at all difficult with six of his men to one of the enemy. As this was the first engagement of the war it may be interesting to give a condensed account of the operations from an article published in the Century Magazine, from the pen of the late Gen. Joseph B. Carr:
"June 10, 1861, was the disastrous fight at Big Bethel. Sunday noon, June 9th, General Ebenezer W. Pierce was ordered to Butler's headquarters and shown a plan of attack on both Little and Big Bethel. Minute directions were given for conducting the attack, and Pierce assigned to command. March began at mid- night, June 9th. Pierce was to lead one column from Camp Hamilton to a point near Little Bethel, where the column from Newport News was to meet him, and together they were to surprise both Bethels. The troops were the Ist, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 7th New York, de- tachments from the 4th Massachusetts and Ist Vermont, and a detachment from the United
59
ADVANCE ON BIG BETHEL.
States Regular Artillery (11 men) with two field-pieces, under command of Lieutenant Greble. We had, I think, not less than 3,500
men. The watchword, 'Boston,' was to be shouted when unrecognized troops should ap- proach, but Colonel Bendix, of the 7th New York, did not receive information on this point. The troops were approaching the point of meeting, and some had gone to the rear of Little Bethel, when Townsend's (3rd New York) and Bendix's troops approached each other-a thick wood having intervened for part of the march. Townsend's men wore gray uniforms, and Bendix supposing them to be the enemy, opened fire with musketry and one piece of artillery. The watchword was shouted but Bendix, being ignorant of its meaning, continued firing. Town- send retreated a short distance and the error was then discovered. Duryea (5th New York) and Washburn (Ist Vermont) were in advance, and hearing the firing supposed the enemy were in their rear, and at once fell back. The firing had aroused the enemy, and they pre- pared for defence so that surprise was out of the question. At this time Pierce sent for aid, and the Ist and 2nd New York, under Colonels Allen and Carr, hurried forward; the latter to await orders at Newmarket bridge.
"Advancing through Little Bethel, which was
60 NINTH REGIMENT, NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
evacuated, the troops under Pierce found the- Confederates occupying a strong position near Big Bethel, with earthworks covering the bridge which crossed a stream running in front of their position. Col. John B. Magruder, was in command here with three or four hundred men and about five guns. Duryea moved up the road on the left of the woods and the fight opened by the discharge of a Parrott gun in the Confederate works.
"Greble and his two guns took position on the road with Bendix's regiment and three com- panies of Massachusetts troops. Duryea went through the orchard and cornfield; Townsend on his right and rear The Confederate fire was harmless at first, but when the range was found, our troops sought the shelter of the woods, after a vain attempt to drive the enemy from his works.
"A short time after they sought shelter, about II A. M., I arrived with my regiment-a ten-mile march through the fearful heat and dragging a gun by hand having delayed us since our start at 7 A.M.
"We were surprised and puzzled at the condi- tion of the troops.
"For at least one mile from the scene of action the officers and men were scattered, singly and in groups, without form or organization, looking
61
RETREAT. DEATH OF GREBLE.
far more like men enjoying a huge picnic than soldiers awaiting battle.
"I reported to Pierce, who consented to give me support for a charge on the Confederate works. Townsend promptly volunteered to support me with his regiment, and started to make the necessary preparations.
"Placing my command on the right and left of the road, I was making ready for the charge when a message came from General Pierce, stating that after consultation with his colonels (Butler says all of whom but Duryea voted to retire) he found that troops could not be formed to make the charge effective, and that during the consultation an order had been received from General Butler, ordering a retreat, and I was commanded to cover the retreat about to com- mence. The pursuit made by the Confederates was easily checked by the 2nd New York, and the men reached camp without further mishaps. The only firing occurring after 12 o'clock on that day was from the gun brought up by my men, and in command of Lieutenant Greble.
" About one dozen shots had been fired when Greble was killed.
"The gun was abandoned on the field, and Greble's body was left beside it. I called for volunteers to rescue the gun, and Captain Wil- son and his company, of my regiment, re-
62 NINTH REGIMENT. NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
sponded, and, in the face of the enemy, gallantly rescued the gun, bringing it in with Greble's body lying on it.
"Major Winthrop's death during the early part of this engagement was a notable event. Though unattached to any regiment, he had vol- unteered for the expedition, and was killed while far in advance of the troops and within one hundred yards of the enemy. Butler arrived at Hampton Creek to see the men coming in, but saw no part of the fight."
J. Belloore of Richmond wrote to the editors of the Century Magasine:
"Major Winthrop headed a force intending to turn our left flank. On our left was a slight earthwork. About 75 yards in front of this was a rail fence. Our attention was called by cheer- ing to his advance. Looking up, we saw the Major and two privates on the fence; his sword was drawn, and he was calling on his troops to follow him. Our first volley killed these three ; those following being protected by the peculiar formation of the ground were not injured, but upon the fall of their leader beat a precipitate retreat.
"I was among the first to reach these men. All were dead, having been instantly killed. Major Winthrop was shot in the breast, and the others in the head. About ten days after, a flag
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FORCES ENGAGED-LOSSES.
of truce came up asking for Winthrop's body. - Having assisted in burying him I was sent with the party to find the body which was given to his friends."
The Union forces engaged were: Ist New York Vols., Colonel William H. Allen; 2nd New York Vols., Colonel Joseph B. Carr; 3rd New York Vols., Colonel Frederick Townsend ; 7th New York Vols., Colonel John E. Bendix ; 4th Massachusetts Vols., five companies, Major H. O. Whitlemore; Ist Vermont Vols., five companies, Lieut .- Colonel Peter T. Washburn ; Regular Artillery (4 guns), Lieut. John T. Greble. Confederate forces were: Ist North Carolina Vols., Colonel Daniel H. Hill; 3rd Virginia Vols., detachment, Lieut .- Colonel William D. Stuart; Virginia Cavalry Battalion, Major E. B. Montague; Virginia Howitzer Battalion, Major George W. Randolph.
Union loss, 18 killed, 53 wounded, 5 missing; total, 76.
Confederate loss, I killed, 7 wounded; total, 8.
General Pierce in his report gave the number of casualties from Bendix's fire: 2 mortally wounded, 3 dangerously, 4 officers, 12 privates slightly; total, 21. Magruder's report gives his force as 1,400 in all with 1,200 engaged.
When messengers were sent to Newport News for reinforcements, Colonel Phelps
64 NINTH REGIMENT, NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
issued the necessary orders, and Colonel Haw- kins, with Companies A, B'and G of the "Ninth," at once hastened to Little Bethel, followed later by other companies of the regiment.
These detachments arrived on the field with- in a short time of each other, and just as the engagement had ended in a disastrous manner to our forces.
In obedience to orders the Zouaves remained on the ground until all retreating bodies of troops had marched passed them, when Colonel Hawkins sent out small detachments, with orders to thoroughly search the neighborhood, drive in all stragglers, and assist worn out and broken down soldiers into our lines. This duty was energetically performed, and the "Ninth" acting as rear guard, covered the retreat of the tired and dispirited forces. After a march of twenty-four Virginia miles, over dry and parched roads, amidst clouds of dust so thick that a comrade's features could not be discerned ten feet distant, the regiment reached its old camp in not exactly the freshest or most presentable condition.
From this date onward the time was passed in drills, scouting duty, picket, guard and kin- dred duties ; the boys finding some little oppor- tunity for recreation, but beginning to realize that the life of a soldier was by no means a continuous picnic.
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THE FIRST BRIGADIER.
Colonel Phelps commanded the post of New- port News; he was Colonel of the First Vermont Vols., but soon was promoted Brigadier-Gen- eral. He was a resigned regular army officer. In personal appearance he was tall and thin, and to the men of the regiment-who were all young-seemed quite aged. He was not over particular about his dress, was rather democra- tic in manner, but a strict disciplinarian. He feared no loss of dignity from being brought in close contact with his subordinates; was a thorough soldier, full of dry witticisms and blunt speeches, with considerable biting, yet humor- ous sarcasm.
It is stated that when Colonel Hawkins first reported to him the regiment's arrival, he in- quired in his high pitched voice and queer Yan- kee drawl: "Well, Colonel, what do you intend to do with these schoolboys?" Phelps was not long in discovering that there was more in "these schoolboys" than he suspected; for their proficiency in drill and soldierly conduct pleased him, and he very soon spoke habitually of the regiment as his "Little Zouaves." There were, however, no favors granted or expected. He kept the regiment at work constantly. In addi- tion to the regular drills, considerable recon- noitering was deemed necessary, and a large share of this duty fell to the lot of the "Ninth."
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66 NINTH REGIMENT, NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
Once or twice each week some one of the com- panies was sent on a reconnaissance, which famil- iarized both officers and men with actual field duty and taught them self-reliance.
The General was soon christened "Daddy Phelps" by the enlisted men. He was quite odd in his manners, but everybody liked him and had entire confidence in his judgment and ability, His queer sayings were a source of continuous amusement in camp, but when he became better understood his stinging satire was dreaded by all. He frequently set aside all conventionalities and managed affairs in a way peculiarly his own.
On one occasion at a brigade drill, when the entire force of the post was in line-six or seven regiments - a somewhat intricate movement was about to be performed. The "Ninth" was on the left of the brigade and was the directing regiment, and the individual whose duty it was to initiate the movement was the right general-guide of that regiment, Sergeant Herbert, of Company B, who was rather short in stature and somewhat stout. After the Gen- eral had carefully explained the mode of per- forming the evolution he gave the order and command " March." Herbert, whose wits had been wool-gathering, or who had been in a " brown-study" when the order was given,
1
67
THE SERGEANT'S REPRIMAND.
failed to move, and as a consequence the regi- ment "stood fast " while all the other regiments moved off. For an instant the General seemed paralyzed with astonishment; the appearance of the tall old man on the little sorrel horse, with the storm of his intense indignation gathering on his face may be imagined ; then leaning for- ward with an arm outstretched toward the offending sergeant, and each word ejaculated with such intensity as apparently to lift him clear from the saddle, he shouted : "Move! Move! For God's sake, you little bandy-legged man, Move !" Herbert moved.
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