USA > Ohio > History of the three months' and three years' service from April 16th, 1861, to June 22d, 1864, of the Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the war for the Union > Part 3
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On the 26th we drew horses, wagons, camp and garrison equipage. We now belonged to the " Army of Occupation," under the command of General McClellan, and were brigaded with the Ninth Ohio, under command of Colonel McCook.
As we awoke the next morning, Thursday, June 27th, breast- works around the crest of a high hill, constructed by our forces, were the first fortifications we had as yet seen. On account of hills, mountains, and gullies, there could not be found a spot large enough for regimental drill, so that the time not spent in marching gave opportunity for rest and sight-seeing.
On the 28th we marched to Camp Elk Creek, a distance of ten miles, and tented on the gentle slope of a hill covered by low and stunted oaks. During the rain and mud of the 29th we waited for provisions and reinforcements.
The 30th was the Sabbath. "The better the day the better the deed," as usual. We marched this time six miles, until we reached Camp Ewing, or "Camp Starvation," with its scarcity of provisions, in a region of few houses -- possibly one to every three miles. Fresh beef was on hand in the afternoon, which, having been spitted over fires built only of brush and top rails- rare or well done-satisfied the hungry. In the afternoon Cap- tain Wallace took his Company on a scouting expedition, Indian file, through woods, rain, and mud; over hills, rivulets, and pre- cipices, stumbling over roots, sticks, and stones, in pitchy dark- ness, some fourteen miles, in quest of prowling rebels.
July Ist Captain Crawford advanced several miles with Com- pany C, and stood guard during the night, while the Regiment remained in camp and let it rain. On the 2d the entire force
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CRANBERRY GRADE.
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FOURTH OF JULY AT BUCKHANNON.
advanced rapidly for fifteen miles, and found itself in the cosy town of Buckhannon, nestled among the hills and mountains. After having rested one day, we must celebrate the glorious Fourth, whilst we yet had a Fourth. Loomis' and Howe's bat- teries fired a National salute at noon that sent the echoes bound- ing and rebounding, far and wide, to the delight of the boys and astonishment of the hundreds that had come from their mountain fastnesses, on horses or rickety carts, to see the old flag again and hear the cannon roar. The lasses, straight as a measuring-rod, with forms in relief, as they were in dimities clad, fine subjects for painter or sculptor, and in striking contrast to the daughters of men the boys had been accustomed to see. Still greater delight awaited the loyal ones, as they beheld McClellan review his "Grand Army of Occupation," as it moved by regiments over high grass, dewberry vines and briers, along river and wash-outs, as best it could. "Lordy!" says one, "I didn't know there was so many folkses in the world," and possibly expressed the appreciation of most of the ladies that witnessed the grand display which had such an excellent effect upon the men, inspiring them with confidence that their commander knew how to handle his troops, be they few or many.
More than a week previous the commanding General had issued a proclamation to the people, saying: "Your houses, families, and property, and all your rights will be religiously respected; we are the enemies of none but armed rebels, and those voluntarily giving aid." To the soldiers he had issued the following : " You are to support the Government of your coun- try, and to protect the liberties and lives of your brethren threat - ened by a rebellious foe. Take nothing, destroy nothing, unless you are ordered to do so by your general officers."
Because the people had, at the ballot box, rejected the propo- sition to secede, General Lee sent troops among them to burn their railroad bridges and seize their mountain passes, whic "were the gates to the Northwest." The "rupture of the rail- road would be worth an army" to the Confederates, in the lan- guage of Lee. For such purposes was Garnett at Laurel Hill Pass, with three thousand men; Colonel Scott at Beverly, with one thousand, and Colonels Heck and Pegram at Rich Moun-
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FOURTH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
tain Pass, with thirteen hundred. General Morris, of Indiana, . was to menace Garnett, while we were to cut off his retreat and capture Pegram.
We had spent four days in resting and awaiting events and reinforcements. At dress-parade on the evening of the 6th of July we received orders to march, and in an hour were in camp two miles distant. The next morning we followed the Ninth Ohio twelve miles to Middle Fork Bridge, "Camp John's," or "Dead Man's Camp," stacked arms by companies, in lines paral- lel to the river, on the farther side and to the right of the bridge. Here we were unable to see twenty rods in any direction on account of the woods around us and the hill in front. Within a few rods, in some tall ferns near the river, was in a few moments found the body of a member of the Third Ohio. killed by the Confederates the day previous, and after whom our camp was named, he being the first victim of the enemy we had as yet seen.
There were many rumors afloat of an enemy near at hand, an approaching battle, and overpowering forces. Some acted as if they expected to see a rebel behind every rock, bush and tree, but in a few hours cooled down to a disposition only to shoot when the enemy made his appearance. About 4 P. M., a squad of our cavalry rushed into camp, and there was a call to " fall in," just as a prominent officer was bathing. Having heard the order, it is said that he rushed out of the water, grasped his fine uniform, hugged it to his dripping body, ran through the bushes toward his company, shouting "Where's my sword; where's my sword?" He needed no sword, as the rebels were yet five miles away.
Soon there was the usual bathing, and much fun, because the clear, crystal stream strongly refracted the rays of light and the depth of six to ten feet appeared to be not more than four to six, so that one after another, as he leaped in, found to his cha- grin that the water was over his head, and it seemed as though he would never touch bottom. Some went on picket, others on a scouting expedition, the remainder kept themselves near the guns. Details were mostly made by companies instead of a certain number from each company.
On Tuesday morning, July 9th, we broke camp at four o'clock, made a continuous march of thirteen miles. and about noon came in sight of a squad of the enemy's pickets, with gun-barrels
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BATTLE OF RICH MOUNTAIN.
glimmering in the sunlight, going up the mountain on the double- quick toward their Fort; it was afterward learned that they re- ported "Roaring Run Flats are alive with men." The bridge having been destroyed our column halted, went into camp, but soon crossed the stream, advanced some distance, and put up tents. Many will remember at this juncture the altercation be- tween General Lander, of Mcclellan's staff, and Colonel Mc- Cook, because McCook's Germans determined to forage their dinner, as sheep and hogs were quite abundant.
On Wednesday, July roth, with the Ninth Ohio in advance and Loomis' Battery in our rear, a reconnaisance was made in force to within two hundred yards of the breast-works; shots were exchanged, and soon several wounded were taken back. But little could be seen on account of the dense underbrush of oak and laurel. We returned to camp toward evening.
The next morning, July 11th, Generals Rosecrans and Lander, with the Eighth, Tenth and Thirteenth Indiana, Nineteenth Ohio and Burdsall's Cavalry, moved to the south and east of the Fort, through rain and underbrush, over gullies, reached the rebel rear, attacked several hundred of them on Hart's farm, on the top of the mountain, two miles distant from us. We had also left camp at an early hour during a pouring rain, formed in line and took up our position a little in advance of that occupied throughout the previous day, and could hear, about noon, while we were guarding roads and blind paths and watching the movements of the enemy, the firing of can- non and volleys of musketry, which sounded like an approach- ing tornado. About three o'clock, just as the firing had ceased, Lieutenant Poe, of the Topographical Engineers, had succeeded in finding a battery position overlooking the Confeder- ate works. A squad of men from our Regiment, by request, volunteered to act as pioneers, and proceeded to cut a road through the thick undergrowth and dense laurel to the position that had been selected. Supported by four companies of the left flank they cut their way to the place, and were greeted with several rounds of shrapnel, about an hour before dark, that cut the leaves and limbs some twenty feet above their heads.
Most of the troops remained all night guarding the road and position, and held themselves in readiness to pounce upon the
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FOURTH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
enemy early in the morning. They had the longest night, seem- . ingly, of their lives, and a terrible experience. All night long did the rain come down in torrents, while the men, with teeth chattering and bodies shivering with cold, waited, and watched and waited for the morning. Early in the morning did the axmen, who had been relieved and those who had been left to guard the tents, bestir themselves, cooked beef and made hot coffee which they took to the most grateful set of mortals they had ever seen. Soon a white flag was seen floating over the breast- works. Rosecrans had moved into them and captured 63 men, 4 cannon, 204 tents, 29 wagons, 75 horses and a lot of camp- equipage. Colonel Scott had come with his force from Beverly, but seeing Rosecrans' men, returned, pell-mell, and hastened to a distance of thirty-two miles before he rested his Confederate comrades.
We immediately went back to camp on the double-quick, struck tents, packed knapsacks and were in a very brief time marching at quick pace through the rebel works; saw the dead just as they were being buried, passed over the battle-field, left four companies in command of Colonel Cantwell to take charge of the prisoners, the left wing of the regiment reaching Beverly `at noon, and were in a position to cut off the retreat of any forces coming in on the Laurel Hill road. Soon our four com- panies had eight hundred more prisoners to guard, for Pegram's force, which had taken to the mountains, now surrendered and reached the town in gray unforms and citizens' dress, many having large dirks and pistols in their belts.
Most of them, realizing their situation, manifested excellent sense. A few were disposed to be saucy, saying we had the better of them because they could not see us in the darkness and bushes, and if they had only been able to have met us in open field the result would have been different. Our boys treated them kindly, which was not only appreciated but acknowledged by Confederate officers and men.
On the 13th we made an early march to Huttonville, twelve miles, and found no enemy. On Sunday, the 14th of July. soon after sunrise, we were up the mountain climbing; halted near noon at "Traveler's Repose," took dinner near the top of Cheat Mountain, and for an hour viewed the magnificent scenery. It
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RETURN TO BEVERLY.
was intended to push forward over the Alleghanies to the valley beyond, but General Scott objected because it would take us too far from our base of supplies. Lee, anticipating such a move- ment, was getting ready to overwhelm us. All were in the best possible spirits. We had marched up hill for thirteen miles, yet no one was tired, everybody jubilant. With pure water, brac- ing air, grand scenery, a whipped, captured or fleeing enemy, a short campaign pointing to great results, a young, active and fine appearing General, a manly, noble, intelligent Colonel in whom all had the utmost confidence, we felt ready to meet all Secessia. " We have met the enemy and they are ours," except those that ran.
The Cavalry returned from their advance into the next valley and reported no enemy this side of the Alleghanies. Enjoying the fine scenery of Rich Mountain and the Valley, we reached camp at dark, having found it more tiresome to come down the mountain than to ascend.
In the Valley we found the sun's rays intense, the nights cold and damp, the men threatened with fevers and bowel difficulties, and we were glad to return to Beverly the next morning, there to remain until the 23d, to await developments. On this march all were surprised to see a mowing machine that had been man- ufactured at Canton, and the Canton boys far more so on their return to see two of their townsmen, Messrs. Lahm and Ault- man. Such visits of friends were always highly appreciated, and were an answer to the oft-repeated song, "Do they miss me home ?"
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CHAPTER V.
FROM BEVERLY TO LAUREL HILL, PHILLIPI, WEBSTER-ON RAILROAD TO OAKLAND AND NEW CREEK-SCAT. TERED AS RAILROAD GUARD-TO FORT PENDLETON- BUILD FORT-SKIRMISH AT PETERSBURG, NEAR LAND OF CANAAN.
While at Beverly rations became scarce, as well as tobacco, paper and envelopes; flour was issued, and " slap-jacks " super- sede "hard-tack." Coffee and sugar are exchanged with citizens for cakes, pies and bread.
The first man of the Regiment killed was a Mr. Cooper, of the Band, shot down by a bushwhacker on the 18th, when but a short distance from the camp.
McClellan at this time left us for Washington. On Tuesday, July 23d, thirty days after crossing the Ohio, we marched nine- teen miles and camped at the western entrance to Laurel Hill Pass. Nineteen miles more brought us through Phillipi to camp six miles from Webster, where we took the cars on the afternoon of the next day, Thursday, July 25th. "Where are we going?" "To Washington ?" "To guard railroad bridges ?" No one seemed to know where.
To our train were hitched two "mighty camel-backs;" puffing and snorting, they hurry us by Grafton, up a ravine for many miles, puff, snort and bellow more and more, while the wheels whine and grind, and the hills and vales reverberate the strange echoes. To the left the deep gorge grows deeper, and the slate and sandstone is piled higher on the right. Tunnelton is reached, and for some time all is darkness; cinders shower upon us, the smoke stifles, the boys lie on their faces or climb down from the top of the box cars. Now all is light, and grander scenes await us. What bracing air ! Why not stop awhile and enjoy the running brooks, dashing waters, shadowy vales and
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NATIONAL BRIDGE.
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TO OAKLAND AND NEW CREEK BY RAIL ..
mountains green ? Is it because we are wanted to head off Confederate hosts in other mountain fastnesses, or are we to hurry on to the rescue of the National Capital, for it has not been a week since the Bull Run disaster. Soon our engines are making for a mighty overhanging cliff, and it seemed as if they were about plunging into the very bowels of the Alleghanies ; they turn and creep along the massive wall on the right, and we gaze up the dizzy heights, then with bated breath down the fear- ful chasm right beneath us, over five hundred feet upon the chocolate-colored waters of the Cheat River, that dash themselves against huge rocks that once had crowned the domes of either side, and gnawed loose by the tooth of time had thundered down the mountain side, plunged into the angry waters and furnished hiding-places for the teeming millions, and certain footing for the angler. We leave Buckthorn Wall and bridge behind. Rowlesburg lies just before us, down in the valley, and beyond the outlines of mighty gorges and towering heights lose them- selves against the heaven's blue and the far off silvery waters disappear in the shadows of the setting sun.
The river is gone, but to the right and down below us are white clouds that hang over farms that extend for miles over hills and into valleys, with millions of acres of forest in the distance, crowning hill and mountain, affording a most inspiring scene. Night is fast coming on; we hasten into dark shadows and again into welcome light; the echo of jostling cars and coughing engines becomes more distinct; we watch the weird shadows cast on rock and trees by the engines' flames and curling smoke; we listen to hollow rumblings as we pass over bridges, peer into the deep dark gorges, and watch the outlines against the sky. There is a halt and sleepers are aroused; the cars are needed. Soldiers may rest, but for loyal engineers and firemen there is little rest now. The Nation can be thankful for the energy and loyalty of the officers of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, espec- ially to Mr. G. W. Garrett, who had held the honored trust of President since 1859.
After a night's needed rest we found ourselves much refreshed on the morning of July 27th, at Oakland, in a charming region surrounded by undulating hills and mountains near at hand. The elevation is over two thousand feet, giving us bracing air,
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FOURTH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
cool summer days and cooler nights-just the place to recuperate failing health and strength. It is evident that it is not to be for us a resort, for we have orders to be ready to march after dinner. It is two o'clock; we are in line, and stand for nearly two hours in a pouring rain, while the lightnings flash and the thunders roll. A tree was struck near by, stunning one of the men. At night we camped in a cemetery, although many took shelter in a hotel. The next morning on board of the cars, we passed through a country with scenery and grandeur enough to inspire the most phlegmatic, and reached New Creek, now called Keyser, at 2 P.M. Company C went to Piedmont, I to Sheets' Mills and Burlington, K to Rocky Point, and H on a scout to Cabin Run, Frankford, Old Gum Spring Pike to B. & O. R. R., thence to New Creek. We were in sight of Knobly, formerly Cresap Range, and a region surveyed by Washington in 1750 for Lord Fairfax.
On the morning of the 7th of August, when wagons, horses and men were no longer scattered for a hundred miles along the railroad, the Regiment started over the mountains and camped at Stone House, whence forty-nine mountain peaks were visible. Another march of fourteen miles brought us at noonday on Thursday, August 8th, to the Pendleton Farm to relieve the Eighth Ohio Volunteers.
The boys could not make themselves at first believe that we were only fourteen miles from Oakland, or that there was a squad of rebels within fifty miles of us. They were satisfied that we were near the backbone of the Alleghanies. Why build a ยท Fort here, even though the Northwestern Pike did cross the Poto- mac at this point ? since no rebels would think of marching through "such a forsaken country" as this seemed to be, where the " laurel was as thick as hair on a dog," and infested with bears and wildcats. "How in creation did the Government ever find out that God had such a country?" asked one as we stacked arms. "This isn't God's country," replied another. But we soon learned that the "glades" which were near at hand, fur- nished us the best beef we had ever tasted, and that the enemy relished it, too, as was shown by his raids on the cattle ranches.
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FORT PENDLETON.
On account of frequent rains but little work was done until the 14th of August, when by order of General McClellan and com- mand of Colonel Andrews, and direction, plans and engineering of Captain Olmstead, digging trenches, throwing up breast-works and felling trees toward the river to form an abatis, was begun in dead earnest and carried forward with vigor until completion. Some sixteen thousand days' labor were performed on Fort Pendleton.
The Fort was begun by the Confederates, and was 368 feet above the North Branch Potomac River; it had seven sides; the fortifications had a perimeter of 5,089 feet; the Pendleton man- sion was about one-half mile to the south and west, and a church -where some half-dozen comrades were buried-was the same distance toward the north and east; Tabbs' log hut and the cov- ered bridge were distant about one and one-half miles; east, north and northwest was a forest of great oaks and pines; in fact the entire region of country for many miles in all directions was covered with oak and pine, but mostly oak in every stage of growth, with here and there a log hut in a small clearing over- grown with briers. The regiment camped in and near the Fort; in every direction save toward the Pendleton mansion there was quite an abrupt slope; directly north there was a cannon-way for a distance of 950 yards; toward the northeast there extended a covered way for 1, 100 yards; near to and west of the bridge was a covered stockade, with a covered way leading northwest, then west to southwest until it reached the main covered way, 214 feet above the river, where it was joined by another covered way that led west and north to a battery position. The maga- zine was at the southwest side of the Fort. The position might truly have been considered impregnable save from the direction of the Pendleton house.
Soon an oven was built, excellent bread was baked that strongly contrasted with the miserable stuff called pies and cakes, the latter " with the shortening in lengthwise," brought into camp by the natives. Blackberries were very abundant, yet there was but little time to gather them or to catch the trout and bass. There was an order in vogue for several weeks " not to shoot at anything at any time but rebels," so that deer could not be killed nor the bear fired at that one day came in sight of a picket-post,
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FOURTH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
nor even the wild-cat dispatched that once made regimental-guard dubious and night hideous.
Although we had excellent water and pure air, some of the men, from overwork and exposure, were prostrated with fevers and rheumatism, but were well cared for in the hospital in Pen- dleton's large house of many conveniences. The health of our Colonel had begun to fail and he returned home, leaving the Regiment in command of Colonel Cantwell. Much hard work was done. Picket and cattle-guard went two to seven miles. No enemy disturbed us. One day-a dull, lazy day-a squad of horsemen was seen taking observations of our position from a point in an open field across the river. There were but few men in camp and the commanding officer could not be found, so Sergeant Lester, who had charge of the cannon, fired a shot that went over the heads of the riders, and plowed the ground, scat- tering the dirt on the hillside several rods beyond them and in full view of every man in the fort. There was instant commo- tion among the horsemen, who brought down their opera glasses, vehemently spurred their horses and charged down the hill, and were soon out of sight along the river, and acted strangely as they came straggling into camp, and wondered why we should fire at our own men. They had been rightly served, since those in camp ought to have been informed of the intended inspection.
The Fort had been completed, and camp life was becoming very monotonous and guard duty extremely irksome, when Howe's Battery and one company of cavalry joined us on the 29th of August. Citizens came in and reported that a number of rebels were conscripting union men, and raiding, some thirty miles south of us. About this time Company A, in command of Captain Car- penter, was quartered at Greenland, and assisted in protecting the people and organizing a company of home guards, that was afterward known as Company I of the Seventh West Virginia Volunteers.
On the 6th of September came the report that the enemy was conscripting, ravishing, destroying and killing near Petersburg. Captain Brown left at once with Company K, and was joined at Greenland by Company A and the Home Guards. The entire force now moved forward, and on the 8th, when within three miles of Petersburg, while marching up a long slope through a
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SKIRMISH NEAR PETERSBURG.
dense forest, and without any warning, received the fire of a squad of rebel horsemen; no one was hurt; the fire was returned and the Major commanding the squad fatally wounded and his horse captured; skirmishers were now deployed and our force moved cautiously forward until it came in sight of the town of Petersburg, where near a church a considerable body of cavalry and infantry was getting ready for action. An escaping negro having informed our men that the rebels numbered over five hundred, it was concluded that we should fall back and await reinforcements. It was evident that retreat must be made im- mediately to a hill a mile to our rear, or we would be cut off by the superior numbers of the enemy. Captain Brown at once ordered his men to fall back to the crest of the moun- tain, where the forest began. The Home Guards, without regard to order, made rapid strides for the position, formed in line at the very place where they had been directed, exciting the admira tion of the rest of the command, which followed in good order at a double-quick. Hardly were our forces in position at the bend of the road in the woods on the side of the mountain when the enemy moved rapidly after-across the valley, up the slope- and was warmly received as soon as he came in range; several saddles were emptied; he made no further demonstra- tion, and night coming on we returned to Greenland to await orders and reinforcements. Companies F and G, fourteen men from Company C, and Ringgold's Cavalry, in command of Major Godman, joined the forces at Greenland on the 11th, and at noon on Thursday the 12th the entire force came in sight of Petersburg, unobserved. A detail from F and C, all in command of Captain Wallace, moved forward as skirmishers, closely fol- lowed by the remainder of our forces, and soon closed in from different points upon an unsuspecting lot of rebels quartered in and about a church. Companies A and K endeavored to get to the right and rear of the church, while G and the remainder of F moved to the left, and the Home Guards, cavalry and artillery pressed forward. A shot from our cannon, which made the church door open and the rebels fly, was evidently the first inti- mation they had of our presence; a general fusilade was now begun; the enemy, rapidly retreating through the town, failed in his attempts to make a stand until the river was crossed, when he halted for a moment, returned our fire, and sent a round of
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