USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > The heroes of Albany. A memorial of the patriot-martyrs of the city and county of Albany, who sacrificed their lives during the late war in defense of our nation 1861-1865 > Part 39
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glasses. Imagine us rushing through the country thus accoutred. We seem to attract universal attention wherever we go.
FAIRFAX COURT HOUSE, VA., March 16th, 1862.
After an eventful week, I find time to send you a few lines, so as to let you know that I am in perfect health, and never felt better before in my life. It is now about three o'clock in the morning, and I take the chance of sending you this, as I don't know when I can write again. We leave at six o'clock to go we know not where. Without bloodshed we have the rebel stronghold, and "Manassas is ours." Our signal boys have been busy night and day, and I am very tired and sleepy. Been up almost all night. I have a splendid little horse, which I call Charlie. He has already done much in the way of traveling, and can begin to count our journey by hundreds of miles. If Charlie feels as willing to do his duty to his country as I do, all will be well.
STEAMER " KNICKERBOCKER," CHESAPEAKE BAY, - March 24, 1862.
We are far out in the Sound, with vessels on every side of us. One looking upon the scene would think that these vessels were laden with happy pleasure seekers. But appearances are oft- times deceitful. Instead of being crowded with a happy, thoughtless throng, there are stern and stout men, loyal hearts, anxious to offer their all a sacrifice upon their country's altar. We see determination written on every face. We hear senti- ments drop from their lips, rather detrimental to the interests of rebeldom. I am connected with Gen. PORTER'S Division; so whenever you hear of him, and the troops under him, you may know that I am somewhere around. Our present destination is Fortress Monroe; I know not where we go from there.
Afternoon .- Land, ho! The renowned Fortress is in sight, and active preparations are going on previous to disembarkation. We are busily engaged in signaling, so I must stop now.
Fortress Monroe .- Here I am at last. I have always had high expectations concerning this stronghold, and thev have all
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been realized fully. It is a beautiful place. I have been not only all through the fort, but also through the town of Old Point. We are truly getting South, for the trees are budding, and many are in blossom. There are lots of flowers, and I have heard more than one feathered songster singing beautifully. I have had a good look at the Monitor (termed by the rebels " the checse box"). A queer looking craft she is. I have also seen the top works of the "Cumberland " and "Congress," and the rebels and their fortifications on Sewell's Point. We are ordered to saddle up and go, so farewell for the present.
Hampton, Va .- Seated in the midst of the ruins of this once beautiful little town, I am going to inscribe a few lines to you, my darling sister. Every moment we expect to go. Our horses are all saddled, and everything is in readiness. Report says that our destination is Great Bethel, which the rebels are evacuating as speedily as possible. My little horse is as lively as ever, not- withstanding rough knocks. He and I took a stroll through the village this morning, and he took it into his head to run away with me. Well, I gave him the rein, and away we tore along at a mad pace through the fields. Fences don't trouble him much; over he goes. Field after field was passed, where remains of rebel camps were to be seen, but just like themselves, among the things that were. Charlie, my horse, got tired after a while, and we took a slower pace back to the village.
LITTLE BETHEL, VA., April 3, 1862.
Our present camp, or rather bivouack, is in the midst of a thrifty peach orchard, many of whose trees are in full blow. The ruins of burnt houses still surround us, and I suppose will continue to be with us as we go further into the secesh territory. What an enemy we contend against-an enemy who will fire his own homestead, kill his own cattle and destroy his crops, so that the contending faction may derive no benefit from them. Almost the whole Army of the Potomac has been transported hither, and we expect to advance soon. Gen. MCCLELLAN arrived at Fortress Monroe to-day, and we expect some excitement soon. We had a grand reconnoissance the other day, in which we advanced some
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four miles beyond Big Bethel. The rebels absquatulated rather suddenly when they saw our boys coming along at a charge. They did not make a stand once, but scouted away before our skirmishers at a tremendous pace. We always travel with the staff of some General or other, thus we have a first rate chance to see all that's worth seeing.
NEAR YORKTOWN, April 11, 1862.
I am now sitting in a field in front of Yorktown, and as my sister is doubtless feeling somewhat anxious about me, I will improve the present time in writing her. This has been a day of rest for us and for our horses, and I am sure we need it badly enough. Day after day, and night after night, we have been busy, signaling orders and news. I have pretty thoroughly traversed this neighborhood. Our stations are continually changed about, so that we are one day here, another, there. For three or four days we were on the beach, signaling with the fleet of gunboats, and I tell you we had a fine opportunity for seeing the strength of the rebel works. They are tremendous, and every day thousands of their men are at work upon them. Troops are constantly coming in from Richmond and Gordonsville, so that by this time they must have one hundred thousand men within their fortifications. Why, during one morning, by the aid of a good glass, we saw sixteen of their transports come into York- town loaded down with troops. Then, again, they have an enormous quantity of guns of heavy calibre. Considering all things, this place is their Sebastopol. I think they have placed their last hopes on this stronghold. If we conquer, secesh is at a discount. You must not think that we are lying idle all this time while the rebels are strengthening their position. Not so. Our boys are working like bees on our entrenchments-forty-two thousand men are digging to-day. Our heavy artillery is con- stantly coming up from Fortress Monroe, and our balloon is making daily reconnoissances of the opposite positions. By the way, you ought to see the rebel balloon. It is worth a quarter to see it. Such a queer shape-looks exactly like two Sibley tents with their bottoms sewed together. Well, one of the
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secesh gentlemen undertook to ascend in this nondescript; but as fate would have it, a few of our sharpshooters happened to be on picket, very close to the aspirer, and he had only arisen a few rods, when such a volley of bullets whistled around him that he was glad enough to cry to be let down. I don't think he saw much.
Tidings of glorious good news have reached us, and it makes us feel anxious to do something, not only for our country, but so as to avenge the deaths of the brave and valiant western men, who fell at Island No. 10 and in Tennessee.
NEAR YORKTOWN, May 2, 1862.
I am now very near the enemy. Three of the rebel batteries are within eleven hundred yards of us, and they are very careless as to how they sling their shells around us. Continually are the shells and shots flying around us. I have become quite used to the explosions, and can always manage to get down flat before they reach the vicinity, though I must say that it was rather difficult at first to get down in time. Our station is just under cover of a piece of woods, which alone conceals us from the view of the rebels. Redoubt A is on our right, and Battery Sixth on our left. Our line of fortifications is as powerful as extensive, and I think will soon be ready for operation.
May 4th .- Yorktown evacuated; rebels in full retreat; our boys close on their heels; skirmishing between our advance and their rear guard. All is excitement among the troops; thousands upon thousands pressing on to Richmond. We, as well as others, have our duties to perform, so farewell for the present.
May 5th .- We are ordered off to Gloucester Point, which is opposite Yorktown, in order that we may open communication with the gunboats.
NEW KENT COURT HOUSE, VA., May 15, 1862.
Within one week the rebels have evacuated Yorktown, Glou- cester, Norfolk, Williamsburg, West Point and New Kent Court House. Such reverses can do nothing less than demoralize the secesh army. When last I wrote you, I was on my way to Wil-
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liamsburg, where we gained a glorious victory. The dead rebels covered the ground like dead leaves. The battle field was an awful sight; but the least said of this will be the better for the sensitive heart of my sister. I cannot write more, as I am very sleepy and tired, having been up all last night.
EIGHT MILES FROM RICHMOND, May 30, 1862.
On this beautiful Sabbath morning (so different from the quiet Sabbaths of by-gone days, when we used to proceed through the streets of Albany to the music of the tolling bells), I take up my pen to answer your last dear, good, long letter, which arrived last night. You can't imagine how much joy your epistle gave me. All day long we had been riding through drenching rain, with the further inconvenience of wading through mud, which possessed the virtue of having a very solid consistency. Wet through to the skin, tired and muddy, I had just kindled a roar- ing fire in the midst of a Virginia wood, and was trying to dry on one side as fast as the other side got wet. Just at this moment two letters were handed me, one from your own dear self. I forgot all my trouble, and commenced reading immediately. My little horse (who was enjoying the fire equally with myself,) seemed to share my pleasure, for he would occasionally look over my shoulder and rub his nose against my cheek. This morning, which I suppose is so quiet in the northern homes, is full of life and motion. Contrary to the customary rule of observing the Sabbath as much as possible, a military necessity has compelled the troops in this vicinity to move forward three miles, so as to hold the position which our boys fought for yesterday. The roads are lined for miles with troops, artillery, baggage wagons, ambulances and dead carts.
We expect the order to move every moment. We hope soon to be in Richmond, but at what a cost, we know not. The latest reports state that the citizens are leaving Richmond; this looks as if they meant to make a stand of it. Hope so, at any rate. We had quite a brisk skirmish two miles from here, yesterday, in which we scattered the rebels, killing and wounding about one hundred and fifty. Our side lost only about ten killed and
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wounded. This morning the rear guard of the enemy were busily employed in tearing up the railroad track. They have also placed obstructions in the James River, so as to hinder the passage of our gunboats. Notwithstanding all their reverses, the few remaining inhabitants are thoroughly impregnated with the cursed Sonthern sentiment. Few, very few remain behind to run the risk of exposing their opinions. Rich and poor, equal in this time of their adversity, alike tramp off towards Rich- mond (a rather critical refuge.) Almost everything is left behind. Rich furniture, splendid crockery and cut glass ware, most beautiful silk dresses and velvet traps. Well, we formed our station on top of the house, and were working away finely, when all of a sudden, whiz, whiz, whiz came a volley of rifle bullets from the woods. Fortunately none of us were touched, though the bullets came uncomfortably close. Ten of us resolved to drive the enemy from the woods; so we mounted, and making a good wide flank movement, we came upon their backs. The rebels skedaddled without firing a shot, leaving us sole possessors of the bloodless field. We were unmolested afterwards.
SAVAGE STATION, June 5, 1862.
Oh, if I could but forget the dreadful scenes of the past few days. Another awful battle has taken place and we are again victorious; but oh, what a sacrifice ! The people at home read of the fight and our success, and they all rejoice. Processions, parades, fireworks and thanksgiving, are the order of the day; then those who have lost no dear ones, forget everything except the victory. It is not so here. True, we rejoice at our success; but the groans of the wounded, the last words and looks of the dying, the awful scenes of the field of carnage can never be obliterated. Poor fellows ! even in their dying moments, they are faithful to their country. I have seen the eyes of more than one dying boy brighten, as I recounted to him the brave deeds of his regiment. The troops are full of fire and eagerly await the next great fight, which I only wish would end the war in Virginia. I can't see why the rebels hold out so long. They must see their cause is lost, yet many of the prisoners we have
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taken are actuated by the keenest hatred. The women are ten times worse than the men. I have argued with many a pretty Southern girl, and then on parting have had the exquisite plea- sure of hearing her say, that she hoped the confederates would kill me and the rest of the cowardly Yankees.
U. S. STEAM GUN BOAT MAHASKA, July 5, 1862.
What exciting times we have had since last I wrote you, you can hardly imagine. Truly it has been one continual struggle for the dear old flag and the preservation of our Union. Did you receive my last few lines telling you that a fight was going on? One week ago yesterday our army commenced its memor- able retreat from in front of Richmond. We have whipped the rebels seven or eight times since we began to retreat. This shows of what material our army is composed. How I wished that you could have seen with what gusto our boys sailed into the rebel vanguard. We scattered them time and again with immense loss. But, although, we have gained so many cheering victories, yet it has been at a sacrifice on our side. Regiments, brigades and divisions are badly cut up.
U. S. STEAM GUN BOAT MAHASKA, July 10, 1862.
Our northern boys have now immortal names and imperish- able glory. All praise to the now silenced noble hearts. Grief and sorrow for those poor maimed fellows, who once wounded in their country's cause, were fated to fall into the hands of the ruthless southern soldiery. God ever keep me from again be- holding the agonized features of our poor bleeding comrades, as we were compelled to leave them to their fate. One thing is certain, our troops will never forgive the southerners for firing into our sick, whilst they were hobbling and crawling away.
IN CAMP, NEAR ALEXANDRIA, September 4, 1862.
I have nothing to tell you about except defeat, scenes of blood and almost miraculous preservation from death on my part. Three times have I witnessed our whole army overcome, viz : at Bull Run, on the Peninsula and in the valley of the Shen-
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andoah. Many a time have I been in extreme danger, when it might almost be said that I fairly lived in an atmosphere of shot and shell, yet am I uninjured, and unto God would I give all the praise for His watchful care and protection over me. When last I wrote I had expected to go to Aquia Creek, but instead of doing so we were shipped to Alexandria and had no sooner set foot on shore, than we were immediately sent out to Manassas where the fight was raging. For over a week we have been where the booming of cannon and the whistling of shells have been our music, now we make our final stand for the defence of our Capital and the homes of the beloved north. Here on the verge of the loyal States, two hundred thousand lives stand ready to die for our Union. Three hundred thousand of the foe press onwards-God help the ship, the staunch old ship Union.
NEAR ANTIETAM CREEK, September 18, 1862.
I am going to tell you good exciting news. Yet, while we rejoice at an auspicious event, let us think of noble lives lost, of honorable wounds received for our country's sake. Twice have we whipped the foe within four days. Yesterday occurred one of the greatest battles fought during the war, and that is saying a great deal. At daylight the slaughter commenced, and con- tinued with uninterrupted violence through the day, ending after the shades of night began to fall. Regiment after regiment, brigade after brigade, division after division, corps after corps went up the hill to the fight. Now advancing, now retreating, backwards and forwards all day long. But when the sun hid itself from view, we saw our worn out and powder blackened soldiers upon the crest of the eminence, which had been in pos- session of the rebel forces at the beginning of the conflict. We are all rejoiced at the success. The enemy's dead strewed the plain in vast numbers, far exceeding our loss. But we have suf- fered largely in valuable officers, both wounded and slain.
September 21st .- I have spent these three days on top of a high mountain, from which we can overlook the movements of both armies. It is a most beautiful and romantic position and one in which I have always loved to be placed. The pleasing silence is in
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such great contrast to the noise and bustle of our army and army movements. You know, dear sister, how I used to love the country; well, I love it still, with all its quiet and beautiful scenery. How I wish that you were by my side on this glorious Sabbath morning, so that we could together look down on the hostile armies. Many a poor fellow is lying in the village below, this day, thinking of the loved ones at home; and 'tis pitiful to sce the shadows of death slowly stealing over so many youthful faces, when we consider that there may be wives, mothers and sisters, far away in the loyal North, who on this holy day are praying for the welfare of the absent soldier. It has been said that the heart grows hard and becomes steeled to the continued sight of bloodshed. However true this may be in some cases, it fails in mine, for I cannot get accustomed to such scenes as I have so frequently witnessed.
HOOKER'S HEAD QUARTERS, January 10, 1863.
This is the 10th of January, 1863, and I am just twenty-one years old. Strange how time creeps on. Although so many years have elapsed, yet does my whole life appear as a dream which can easily be recalled. Events of my earliest childhood seem as though they had happened but yesterday. However hard it may be to credit, yet it is the truth that scenes and actions of days spent in the far off regions of Heathendom are still fresh in my memory. I can almost imagine that I am again with father and yourself in the little boat, which propelled by the strong arms of a Chinese boatman, slowly used to transport us across the harbor to the Island of Ko-long-zoo, where I col- lected shells and sea-weed to add to my stock of playthings. I believe that I owe all my military hankerings to those same shells, for you know how I used to spend hours upon hours in forming my line of battle with buttons and shells. I little thought then that a practical demonstration awaited me. Then again I remem- ber how I, in company with mother and our little brother, used to promenade backwards and forwards on the piazza, which over- looked the water. How that brother and I quarreled over our childish games ! Then that sad event flashes up distinctly, when
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that brother died, and was laid out in his coffin awaiting burial. My last distinet recollection of the land of Cathay is the saddest, viz: my last look into mother's coffin. Ah, what a loss that was. Many a tear have I shed in secret for the loss of that dear, sainted mother. Ever since I have arrived at man's estate, I cherish these memories of by-gone days, and I think they soften the hard- ness of a soldier's nature.
NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 5, 1863.
Some very queer and strange scenes have we passed through within the past seventy-two hours. For three nights I have slept only about two hours, and during the day time we have been under constant fire and excitement. Our brigade is completely worn out. Thus far I have been miraculously preserved. On all sides of me have our brave boys fallen; but not a shot has been designed for me. We charged the enemy's works in rear at Fredericksburg, at half-past seven A. M. on Sunday morning, but were repulsed. At twelve M. made another terrible charge on their right flank, and carried all the lines of their works. Such a glorious old charge you could scarcely imagine. To be sure inany a poor fellow fell, but we gained the day. What suc- cess we have met with on the right, I cannot tell, but am quite confident that the fight is not finished. We expect to pitch over into Fredericksburg again in a day or two-may we be successful. We don't mind wounds or even death itself, if we can only con- quer the enemy. They seem to be badly off for provisions. An old woman offered me a ten dollar U. S. note for a pound of coffee. I did not happen to have it for her.
I suppose you would like to know why we came back from Fredericksburg. I will tell you. After we had captured the fortifications, one single brigade was left to hold the city-the rest of the troops pushing on to form a junction with HOOKER on the extreme right. No troops were left in the rebel breastworks, and only our weak, decimated brigade, numbering about two thousand men, to hold the city. Well, everything passed off quietly during the night. Early in the morning, with the peep of day, a large force of the enemy came rushing into their own
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works, drove our pickets in, and thought they were going to come right into the town, but not so. Our two thousand rifles were too many for them, and such a hot fire as we poured into them, would have made your eyes stand out. The approach to the town from their works is by a few narrow causeways over a canal, and placing our boys in advantageous positions, we kept them at bay for twenty-four hours, but it was of no use. During the night the enemy were reinforced, and we were forced to retreat across the Rappahannock. I was very sorry that it was so, but what could two thousand men do against eight or ten thousand. Our retreat was orderly, no haste. We did not lose a thing, or leave a wounded man behind.
May 6, 1863 .- It storms terribly; a great fight is going on on our right; HOOKER is at LEE again; pray that we may be vic- torious; the roar of cannon and rattle of musketry drown the tumult of the storm. Don't feel anxious about me; I will write as soon after the battle as I can.
NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 15, 1863.
We are having terribly hot weather for marching, but this I do not mind, for I am so anxious to accomplish something before the rebels have entirely recovered from their last great victory over the Potomac army. Two or three more such victories will be apt to use Gen. LEE's army up. We did just mow the enemy down. We undoubtedly suffered severely, but they must have lost immensely. If HOOKER only keeps at work, and don't let the rebels rest, we may yet expect great things. We can die but once, and if we die in battle for the Union, why, we fall in a glorious cause. I don't think our boys are much demoralized, from what I can see. In ten days the army will be in as good condition to fight as ever, so far as number and feeling is con- cerned. This last fight makes the thirteenth battle I have been engaged in since the opening of the war. Quite a veteran, am I not ?
FALMOUTH, VA., May 24, 1863.
Glorious good news has reached us within the past few days, in reference to GRANT's operations in the south and west. We
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hope and pray that the news is true; but there are so many false reports afloat now-a-days, that we hardly know what to think. Here everything remains in statu quo-not a sign of a move. I wish that we could strike a decisive blow soon.
FALMOUTH, VA., June 6, 1863.
We expect to have another fight pretty soon. Our forces are again across the river. We are expecting to be in Fredericks- burg before forty-eight hours more. Our orders were to start at two o'clock this morning, but the order was countermanded. Before I write again, I hope to be able to tell of more glorious deeds accomplished by Union arms and valor. You must not be alarmed if you do not hear from me very soon, for in the stir of battle it is difficult to collect one's ideas and time.
THOROUGHFARE GAP, VA., June 21, 1863.
Here we are, safe and sound, but that is all I am able to tell you; for to what place we are bound, or what we are to accom- plish, is more than I can tell, but we hope for the best. I think we are here to cut off the retreat of the rebels when they come from Pennsylvania and Maryland. We have undergone some very severe marches and hard times for our country's cause.
UNION TOWN, June 30, 1863.
Almost worn out from our constant marching, we are at last in a friendly neighborhood, and breathe a good Union atmos- phere. You cannot imagine how good we felt to see the people greet us kindly, and freely offer us almost everything they had. The rebels are at Westminster, only seven miles off, and only three miles from the Pennsylvania border. We hope to draw them out in a day or two. The country all through here is beautiful. It seems a pity that it should ever be traveled over by an invading army. I hope we will be able to bag the rebels. As I have said before, do not be alarmed about me. Remember that I am in God's hands, and that the same being who has brought me safely through thus far, can, if He so sees best, pre- serve me unto the end.
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