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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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m ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00824 9804
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012
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'CONCISE HISTORY
OF THE
CAMP AND FIELD LIFE
OF THE
122d Regiment, Penn'a Volunteers.
COMPILED FROM
NOTES, SKETCHES, FACTS AND INCIDENTS,
AS RECORDED IN THE
DIARY OF GEORGE F. SPRENGER.
FIRST SERGEANT, COMPANY K.
-
LANCASTER, PA. THE NEW ERA STEAM BOOK PRINT. 1885.
1757957
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
-
. F. 8349 .88
-
Sprenger, George F.
Concise history of the camp and field life of the 1224 regiment, Penn'a volunteers. Compiled from notes. sketches. facts and incidents, as recorded in the diary of George F. Sprenger ... Lancaster, Pa., The New era steam book print, 1885.
Dawes F 8349 .88
vii, (1), 9-372 p. incl. illus., maps. front., pl., port. 19}c. - another copy.
1. Pennsylvania infantry. 122d regt., 1862-1863. 2. U. S .- Hist-Civil war-Regimental histories-Pa. inf .- 122d.
SHELF CARO
Library of Congress E527.5.122d
2-15706
PREFACE.
O WING to the attack made upon Fort Sumpter, and the insult offered to the National Flag, in the Harbor of Charleston, South Caro- lina on the 12th day of April, 1861, by a set of factious rebels under the lead of General P. G. T. BEAUREGARD, and at the instigation of such prominent citizens of the Southern States, as JEFFERSON DAVIS, ROBERT TOOMBS, WM. L. YANCEY, JOHN BUCHANAN FLOYD, JACOB THOMPSON, and other conspirators, who dared to dignify the government they sought to establish by the self-given title of "The Confederate States of America," the ire of all those who loved their country, and desired the preserva- tion and perpetuity of the Government of the United States of America, was aroused, and ABRAHAM LINCOLN, then President, issued a call for three-months Volunteers to suppress this rebellion. However, the revolt assumed such proportions that call followed call for various terms of service before the insurgents could be conquered, and it was found diffi- cult to restrain the ardor of the citizens in every hamlet, village and city of the land to enlist. President Lincoln's call for Volunteers for a term of nine months met with prompt response within the borders of Lan- caster county by the immediate formation of the 122d Regiment, P. V.
The object, therefore, of the compiler of this history of the Camp and Field Life of this gallant Regiment, is to furnish an accurate and faithful record of the deeds, duties and services rendered to the Gov- ernment during a nine-months campaign. As the historian merely acted as a subaltern officer of the Regiment-First Sergeant, Company K- he wishes it expressly understood that. as his services were chiefly de- voted to that Company, the records of his Diary have not been intended and cannot be expected to furnish either a detailed or general report of events or specfications of merit that might properly relate to every other Company of the Regiment.
THE AUTHOR.
1
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
PAGE.
Cadet Military Company-" Schaeffer Zouaves " -- Muster of Regi- ment into Service ; Camp of Instruction Broken-Review at Harrisburg-Arrival at Washington, D. C., . . 9-15.
CHAPTER II.
Dusty March into Virginia-Amusing Incident on Guard-First Sick Man-Vienna Station and Incident-Important Move- ments Reported, . . 17-24.
CHAPTER III.
The Din of Battle-Rout of General Pope's Forces-Capture of Rebel Spies-Second Failure at Bull Run-Centreville and Fairfax Court-House-Prisoners Captured-Knapsacks Burned -Battle at Fairfax Court-House, - . 25-31.
CHAPTER IV.
General Mcclellan again in Command-Rebel Cavalry Raid ---- Circuitous Route of Marches, Hard and Long-No Provis- ions, No Marching, etc., . · 33-38.
CHAPTER V.
First Picket Duty and Incidents-Sham Battle at Fort Corcoran Pa- rade-Ground-Division Review and Drill, etc .- Special Drill by Company K-Compliments from U. S. A. Officers-Camp Amusements, 39-49.
CHAPTER VI.
Sights and Amusements at Georgetown and Washington, D. C .- Incidents at Miner's Hill, etc .- Regiment Highly Compli- mented at Division Drill-Palm to Company K-Artilleryman Injured-Peculiar Bean-Soup Repast, etc., . . 50-58.
CHAPTER VII.
Arrest and Detection of Foragers-Moonlight Prayer-Meeting- - Moon-Struck and Heavy Dew Incidents-Forts Ethan Allen and Marcy-Deaths of Comrades, .. 59-67.
CHAPTER VIII.
Point of Rocks and Berlin, Md., with Incidents-Antietam Battle- Field and Loyal Union Farmer Friend-Capture of Rebel Spies-Dress Parade at Camp Whipple,. . 68-74.
-
V
Contents.
CHAPTER IX.
PAGE.
Composition of Division-Heights about Harper's Ferry and Scenery -Sick Left Behind-Towns on the March, etc .- Trophies of the Foragers-Arrests for Milking Cows-Death of Philip H. Dorwart-Cider-Foundry with Incident-Additions to Sick- List, etc .- Lovely Night Scene and Royal Repast on Pork and Mutton, 75-88.
CHAPTER X.
Sad Experiences of the Forced March-Sympathy of General Mc- Clellan-Surprise to Rebel Cavalrymen, etc .- White Ox-Feast with Incidents-Deaths of Comrades-Capture of Company H Boys, . 89-101.
CHAPTER XI.
Sad and Impressive Sights in and about Warrenton-Sad Muddle of Affairs-" Camp Mud, Misery and Starvation "-The Horrible Camp Deserted-Deaths of Comrades, . . 102-115.
CHAPTER XII.
To Belle Plain Landing, with Incidents-Sad Sights, with Attrac- tive and Inspiring Scenes-The Camp in the Marshy Meadow, etc .- Increase of Sick List-The Funeral Dirge, etc .- Burial of Corporal Bitzer -- Preparations for a Move and Address by Colonel Franklin, . 117-134.
CHAPTER XIII.
Onward to Fredericksburg :- Scenes and Impressions-Situation of the Pontoon Corps-Incidents and Sights over the River-Haz- ardous Posts and Narrow Escapes -- Capture of " Louisiana Ti- gers "-Evidences of Disaster and Slaughter-Line Advanced amid Terrific Fire, etc .- Agreeable Discovery and Hospitable Reception-" The Boys Who Stick to their Posts "-End of the Siege, with the Army in Rapid Retreat, etc., . 135-153.
CHAPTER XIV.
Camp Re-constructed and Death of Joe Wade-Amusing Brigade Drill by Colonel Bailey-Christmas-Tide in Camp-Sick List Increased-Deaths of Comrades, . 154-171.
CHAPTER XV. New-Year Day in Camp -- Hard-Tack Incident-The Bivouac of the Dead-Preparations for Paymaster-Imposing Structure Blown in by Wind, . . 172-187.
CHAPTER XVI.
The Mud Campaign-Brigade Inspection and Review-Special
vi
Contents.
PAGE.
Recognition of Company K by General Whipple-Teams Stuck in the Mire, etc .- Insults from the Rebels-Deaths of Comrades-Paymaster, Sutler, etc., . .188-199.
CHAPTER XVII.
Change of Location by General Stoneman-Brigade Camp formed as Camp Franklin-Army Boots Made Bootees, etc .- Farmer Honey's Wife and her Tale-The Richmond Whig, etc .- Extra Duty for Building a Fire on Picket, . . 200-211.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Incidents on Picket-Incidents of Camp Sports, etc.,-Reflections upon Camp Falmouth-Reconnoisance at Kelly's Ford- Capture of General Fitz-Hugh Lee and 400 Prisoners, . . 212-221. CHAPTER XIX.
Cleaning Camp-Inspection and Promotion-Brigade-Drill, etc .- Death of Comrade Lytle-Increase of Sick List-Regiment Wins High Encomiums in Division Drill-Comrade Court- Martialed-Injustice to a Sergeant Brings the Captain into Disrespect, . 222-234.
CHAPTER XX.
On Picket amid Rain, Sleet, etc .- Capture of Prisoners at Kelly's Ford-Iuspection of 122d Regiment, P. V., by Major-General Sickles, with Complimentary Recognition-Picket at a New Post with Incidents-" Bushwhacker" Captured, etc." -- Deaths of Comrades-Heavy Snow Storm. etc., . 235-249.
CHAPTER XXI.
All-Fools Day in Camp, etc .- Faithful Duty on Picket, etc .- Lu- dicrous Scenes, Snow and Sunshine, etc .- Cavalry, Infantry, and Army Reviews, by President Lincoln-Exchange of Lux- uries on Picket Duty-Welcome Change of Brigade Offi- cers, New Paymaster, Birds of Prey, etc .- Sick-List Unusu- ally Large, with Soup-Trick Incident, etc. . 250-266.
CHAPTER XXII.
Shirkers of Picket Duty Brought into Line-Death of Capt. Jeff. N. Neff and Comrade John Ruth-Mutinous Aspect of Affairs in Company K-Important Move Indicated, etc .- Cleaning-Out of a Sutler, etc., . 267-281.
CHAPTER XXIII.
Pontoons at U. S. Ford, with Incidents-Capture of 23d Georgia- Skirmish at Hazel Grove, with Incidents-Shooting of " Stone- wall " Jackson-Rebel Threats ---- Capture of Prisoners, Battle
vii
Contents.
PAGE.
Flag, etc .- Report of Killed, Wounded and Missing in the Regiment, etc., . . 283-304
CHAPTER XXIV.
Meagre Replies to Roll-Call, etc .- Rebel Sharpshooters Driven out of Woods by Gen. Thomas F. Meagher's Irish Brigade- Major-General Whipple Shot and Other Casualties-Poem, The Gallant Third Corps-Army in Retreat through Mud Knee- Deep, etc., . . 395-314.
CHAPTER XXV.
Regiment Bids Adieu to Camp Franklin-Sights and Scenes up the Potomac to Washington, etc .- Burial of Major-General Whipple, with Regiment Rendering Last Tribute of Respect -Homeward . Bound-At Baltimore, Harrisburg, and Arrival at Lancaster, 315-324.
CHAPTER XXVI.
The Grand Welcome Home-Enthusiastic Midnight Reception by The Patriotic Daughters, Artillery Cadets, and Citizens of Lancaster-Banquet-Poem, "There is Rest Beyond the River." 325-330.
APPENDIX.
Regimental and Company Rosters-Official Report of Lieutenant- Colonel Edward McGovern-Official Order of Major-Gene- ral Daniel E. Sickles-Official Order of General Graham- Official Order of R. I. Dodge, Commandant at Camp Curtin -Composition of Third Corps, Army of the Potomac-Forces of Army of Northern Virginia in Conflict with Third Corps at Chancellorsville, with notes of Incidents and Events. . . 331-355.
PRELIMINARY RE-UNION.
Preparations for Same after a Lapse of 20 Years-The Lists of Committees-Extracts from THE NEW ERA-216 Survivors in Line-Addresses by K. Allen Lovell and J. Davis Duffield, Esqs .- The Banquet at Mannerchor Hall. . 356-372.
P
ILLUSTRATIONS.
- PAGE
Washington City and Arlington Heights . 18 Map of Fairfax C. H. and Vicinity 28
Harper's Ferry, Va., and Surrounding Heights, 76
Pontoon Corps Launching Their Boats .
137
Bombardment of Fredericksburg 142
Disastrous Mud-March . 194
Map of Fredericksburg and the Wilderness 282
Stampede and Breaking of the Eleventh Corps 288
Charge of General Birney's Division, Third Corps 290
PORTRAITS.
PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
SERGEANT GEORGE F. SPRENGER.
MAJOR-GENERAL GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN.
MAJOR-GENERAL AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE. COLONEL EMLEN FRANKLIN. MAJOR-GENERAL JOSEPH HOOKER. LIEUTENANT-COLONEL EDWARD MCGOVERN. MAJOR THADDEUS STEVENS, JR.
Camp and Field Life of the 122d Regiment, P. V.
CHAPTER I.
ORGANIZATION OF A CADET MILITARY COMPANY-FORMATION OF THE 122d REGIMENT-CAMP OF INSTRUCTION-MUSTERED INTO SERVICE-DEPARTURE FOR WASHINGTON,
D. C .- SOLDIERS RETREAT, ETC.
T HE date at which this history must begin was the middle of November, 1861, when there then stood upon South Queen Street, Lancaster City, an old and large building, well known to every citizen as " Mechanics Hall," the rear apart- ment of which, on the first floor, had been converted into and used as an armory for several years previous, by an association of men, for the purpose of drill, study, and the practice of military tactics, under the title of " THE JACKSON RIFLES ; " but whose members had already yielded occupa- tion and possession thereof by entering the service of the United States Government, under the first call for three-months vol- unteers; and, after a faithful discharge of their duties as re- corded on other pages than these, by re-enlisting, and other- wise engaged at various points in the Nation's service'
At this juncture there assembled within this armory 50 youths of Lancaster, imbued with the fires of patriotism and liberty, kindled by the ardent love of country glowing within their hearts, for the purpose of forming a " Cadet Mintary Company," as such organizations were then termed. Though very young in years, these youths (of whom GEORGE F. SPRENGER * was the leading and master-spirit, ) were anxious,
* Sergt. Sprenger has since then attained the military rank of Captain, and is now one of Lancaster's present, active, and enterprising business men.
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10
Camp and Field Life.
eager, and willing to primitively study the arts of war, and be ready for any future emergency which might arise, to lend their aid and services in behalf of their then bleeding and betrayed country. Having obtained possession of the armory they immediately effected their organization by adopting the title of FIRST CITY ZOUAVES, and electing. the following instructing officers, viz :
Captain-T. HALL FOREMAN ; Ist Lieutenant-S. B. MARKLEY ; 2d Lieutenant-D. K. SPRINGER.
BENEFIT-BALL TO OBTAIN UNIFORMS.
Activity, energy, and interest were at once manifested and displayed, for the members of the Company speedily became proficient in drill, and about the Ist of April, 1862, were ready to render military service if required. Uniforms and arms were then the only necessities to complete their readi- ness and outfit, when it was resolved to hold a " Benefit Citizen's-Dress Ball " to provide a fund for the procuring of uniforms. The ball was held on the night of April 8th, 1862, in Fulton Hall ; and, besides proving a financial suc- cess, was also a merry, happy, and festive occasion-in fact, the very best hopes of the boys were realized. Immediately after this event the Company assembled and adopted a very handsome blue uniform, neatly finished with becoming red trimmings, as also leggings and other accompaniments similar to that which characterized the attire of Colonel DURYEA'S famous New York Fire Zouaves during the war.
RENEWED ENERGY, FIRST PARADE, AND RE-ORGANIZATION -* THE TITLE OF THE SCHAEFFER ZOUAVES.
The members next manifested greater zeal and renewed interest in the proficiency of the Company for active service,
* The Company next resolved upon re-organization, which was readily effected July 6th, 1862, when the title of the Company was also changed to that of SCHAEFFER ZOUAVES, in compliment to the late General B. A. SCHAEFFER, who had so kindly interested himself in their behalf.
II
122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
(in case more volunteers might be required for the suppres- sion of the rebellion, ) in every respect; but most especially in the instructions and observation of the strictest discipline known in military tactics as regards the conduct and duties both of officers and privates.
At an early day the Company received uniforms made by Mr. J. K. SMALING, merchant tailor, and therefore was in readiness to make the first parade, save the lack of arms. However, through the influence of General BARTRAM A. SCHAEFFER, member of the Senate branch of the Pennsylva- nia Legislature from Lancaster County (but since deceased ), and the kindness of Mr. HENRY E. LEMAN (a prominent citizen), the Company was provided with rifles from Mr. LEMAN'S Rifle Works, and made the first appearance and street parade, July 4th, 1862. The Company, numbering 56 young men, fully equipped, (especially owing to the beauty and fitness of their Zouave uniforms,) attracted the attention of the citizens generally throughout the parade, who expressed the highest terms of admiration and congratu- lation as to the proficiency and skill displayed, as also early acquired in the tactics-the special features of which were drill, manœuvre, and manual of arms by the tap of the drum.
The perfection of the re-organization was the election of the following officers :
Captain .- WILLIAM F. DUNCAN ; * Ist Lieutenant .- D. K. SPRINGER ;
2d Lieutenant .- EMANUEL DORWART.
Immediately upon the re-organization, the Company re- ceived a cordial invitation from General SCHAEFFER to at- tend a reception entertainment at his residence, which was promptly accepted. The members were heartily congratu- lated and highly complimented for their soldierly appearance and bearing, their proficiency and efficiency for the service,
* [NOTE .-- Capt DUNCAN had served as a member of the LANCASTER FENCIELES under command of Capt. EMLEN FRANKLIN, while Lieuts. SPRINGER and DORWARE were members of the JACKSON RirLES, under command of Capt. H. A. HAM- LkiGir, in the carly three-months campaign of the war. ]
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Camp and Field Life.
as well as the spirit, ardor, and zeal they manifested in pre- paring to meet any call which might be made upon them, by the General, in a very appropriate and brief address, who also afterwards very hospitably entertained them.
THE SCHAEFFER ZOUAVES, THE NUCLEUS OF THE 122d REGI- MENT, P. V.
The SCHAEFFER ZOUAVES were then ready for muster into the Nation's service, and their ardor and impatience there- for were promptly met ; for July 12th, 1862, a call was issued by President LINCOLN for volunteers to serve a term of nine months. The response thereto was as prompt as the issue of the call, for Lieutenant SPRINGER was immediately instructed to offer the services of the Company, which were accepted, and commission given to recruit the Company to the maxi- mumfor war duty ; and this very circumstance or fact estab lished the record, in which each and every member has al- ways taken just pride that the SCHAEFFER ZOUAVES were the nucleus from which the 122d REGIMENT, P. V., was started. The ranks of the Company were speedily recruited and filled to the number of 91 men as required, and at once mustered into service.
Other companies were then rapidly formed and recruited throughout the city and county of Lancaster, to full num- bers, until the necessary complement to constitute a regi- ment had been obtained, when all were mustered into the United States service as the 122d REGIMENT, P. V., August 11th, 1862, with Captain EMLEN FRANKLIN then com- missioned Colonel commanding; Captain EDWARD McGov- ERN, (then of the 79th P. V.,) Lieutenant-Colonel ; and THADDEUS STEVENS, JR., Major ; when, too, the SCHAEFFER ZOUAVES were assigned the left post of honor of the Regi- ment with the title of Company K.
REGIMENTAL CAMP OF INSTRUCTION.
The Regiment was then ordered into a " Camp of Instruc-
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122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
tion," which was located in East Lampeter township, in close vicinity to Bridgeport village, on the Philadelphia Turnpike. Regular government rations were supplied at once, when the. men and boys got down to the fare as best they could, and prepared for the life and service in which they were then about to engage, knowing and feeling that it would be far different from that to which they had been accustomed. However, the richness of the farms thereabouts, as well as the abundance of other desirable and delicious luxuries which the vicinity afforded, then gave the boys gentle hints to make their first forage, whereupon many of the farmers' cornfields, potato-patches, and gardens made poor returns to their owners that season ; for the men had them handy, made frequent visits, and fed sumptuously on luscious roasting ears, the ever- welcome and customary " murphies," besides other palatable products in the vegetable line, while the numerous pot-pies, broils, and roasts, that were prepared and stowed away into the stomachs of the men, proved that the henneries, etc., had not been overlooked in their raids. But this life of pleasure and fun was speedily cut short ; for, after quietly con- tenting and consoling themselves with the idea of remaining in the " Camp of Instruction " for several weeks more, the services of the boys were very suddenly and peremptorily demanded by the State authorities, as orders had been re- ceived by the Regimental Officers, to report at Harrisburg at once, with the Regiment.
CAMP OF INSTRUCTION BROKEN-SCENE AT THE PENNA. R. R. FREIGHT DEPOT.
Therefore, at 6 o'clock, precisely, on the morning of lu- gust 15th. 1862, the Regiment at once broke up " Camp of Instruction," formed promptly into line. company by com- pany, marched into the city, and was halted in front of GYGER'S Banking-House (now the First National Bank of Lancaster), where each member was provided with $40 bounty; and, in addition, Mr. JOHN W. HURLEY, Agent for
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Camp and Field Life.
the Lancaster County Bible Society, made the generous donation of a copy of the New Testament to each member of the Regiment, which was accepted, but not universally appreciated.
Colonel FRANKLIN, commanding, then ordered the Regi- ment into line, which was again promptly formed and marched to the Freight Depot of the Penna. R. R. Com pany, on the Harrisburg turnpike, where a long train of cars were already in waiting to receive the men, and where had assembled a vast concourse of relatives, friends, acquaint- ances, and " those nearest and dearest," whose hearts went with them with God-speed-all of which presented a scene that has been and ever will be cherished in the grateful re- collections of the members of the 122d REGIMENT, P. V. Embarked upon the cars, the men left the depot amid enthu- siastic cheers, and in passing through the adjacent towns and villages, en route to Harrisburg, they were greeted with cheer upon cheer from the assembled crowds at each and every station.
ARRIVAL AND REVIEW AT HARRISBURG-ORDERED TO BALTIMORE,
MD., AND WASHINGTON, D. C.
The Regiment arrived at Harrisburg even far in advance of the time to report, when the Government immediately recognized the promptitude and readiness by ordering the Regiment to disembark for review-a proceeding somewhat owing, too, to the reputation which had already preceded the Regiment. Promptly formed in line the review was made by that heroic old veteran of many battles and several wars, Murr-General JOSEPH E. WOOL, U. S. A., and Gov- ernor . 12. CURTIN, of Pennsylvania, when the Regiment was again admired and complimented in high terms, both on account of its youth and beauty as well as readiness and effi- ciency for the service. After the men were furnished with arms, accoutrements, etc., as well as State and Regimental colors. the Regiment was ordered to re-embark upon the same
15
122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
cars, with directions to report at Baltimore, via York. Once more promptly obeying orders the men were speedily carried on their way, and arrived at the Bolton Depot, Baltimore, Md., at 10 o'clock, A. M., August 16th, where they again disem- barked ; but were soon re-ordered into line and marched to the Washington Depot, where they were allowed the privilege of several hours for rest, owing to delay in procuring trans- portation, after which the Regiment was reformed into line, and re-embarked, finally, for duty at Washington, D. C.
ARRIVAL AT WASHINGTON, D. C.
WASHINGTON, D. C., AUGUST 16, 1862-5 P. M .- The Regiment arrived, disembarked, and was marched to SOL- DIERS' RETREAT, where a very scanty supper was the only greeting and reception, as all the members well know and will ever remember. En route, numerous camps, lines of tents, etc., afforded the men a simply passing view of the life and service in which they were about to engage, yet it served all the more to inspire every company in the Regiment for duty ; but the scenes presented were not more fully recognized, better appreciated, nor more duly studied and considered than by the boys of Company K. After supper the Regi- ment marched to the temporary barracks provided for arriving troops, where the men were directed to bivouac for the night, as well as place, circumstances, and accommodations af- forded. However, as they were endeavoring to obtain their wonted rest and enjoy the ever welcome slumber on such oc- casions, (even though accompanied by the vague, dread, startling and unaccountable visions of dreamland), about the hour of II P. M., the U. S. Marine Band visited their quar- ters and paid the Regiment the compliment of the usual reg- ulation serenade-intended, it was supposed, for the enliven- ing of the spirits of the boys, and arousing their enthusiasm for the service ; but, as it served to disturb their early de- sires and hopes of repose, it was only kindly and quietly re- ceived, yet not very gratefully appreciated.
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Camp and Field Life.
[The object or purpose in the compilation of this history is to let the entries in the well-kept Diary of Sergeant GEORGE F. SPRENGER, of Company K, give true, simple and faithful expression to the public, of the historical facts as therein re- corded from day to day, in regard to the duties, services, rigors, privations, etc., experienced by the brave, active and gallant men and youths who composed the 122d REGIMENT, P. V., as well as in the relation of the numerous incidents (cheerless in some respects and amusing in others) that oc- curred during their nine-months campaign in the military service of the United States Government, without either em- bellishment or exaggeration .- G. F. S., ORDERLY SERGEANT, COMPANY K.]
-
SERGEANT GEO F. SPRENGER.
-------
CHAPTER II.
ORDERED INTO VIRGINIA-THE REGIMENT ATTRACTS ATTENTION AND ADMIRATION-HISTORIC AND ANCIENT PUMP-DUSTY MARCH.
S
UNDAY, AUGUST 17, 1862 .- The Regiment awoke amidst a heavy fog or mist, to find that regiment after regiment had arrived during the night, and had to encamp as best they could upon the cold, damp ground around and about, thus reminding all very impressively of the life and discomforts they were to experience in the future. Breakfast was next in order, and heartily partaken of, when the Regi- ment, without delay, was in line, and moved off pursuant to orders through Washington to the Long Bridge. The Regi- ment there again attracted the attention as well as the admira- tion of the citizens, and also of the army officers who re- viewed it, on account of the soldierly bearing and proficiency exhibited by the men. En route to the Bridge, within a very short distance of it, a very welcome, suitable, and appreciative halting-place was found-that of a historic and ancient pump, noted for the refreshing draughts with which it had already regaled many a thirsty soldier on the long, hard march ; for our boys were dry, and therefore quaffed the water with a relish. No wonder, for the day was in- tensely hot, and the men had to plod their way through thick beds of dust, while yet their eyes were greeted with heavy clouds of dust floating before them, in the atmosphere and the foregrounds on the opposite shores of the Potomac River.
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