USA > Pennsylvania > Concise history of the camp and field life of the 122d regiment, Penn'a volunteers. Compiled from notes, sketches, facts and incidents > Part 10
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other events of interest the day went by, and night then found us seeking rest within the shelter of our bunks.
NEAT CAMP VILLAGE-NOTEWORTHY HOSPITAL QUARTERS-ENTER- TAINED BY FRIENDS.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1862 .- This morning we had a change of weather for the better, as the sun was shining brightly, which served to somewhat enliven the boys, for they appeared more cheerful. There being no special order of duty assigned for to-day, a stroll to the neighboring camps was afforded ; when, accordingly, a few of us visited Humphrey's Division of the Fifth Corps, which was located north of and to the rear of our camp, nestled among and about a dense pine or spruce forest. The soldier-boys of this division had erected for their comfort, etc., a number of neat, novel-looking booths out of the spruce limbs and boughs, which exhibited the taste and mechanism of the builders, as well as presented the appearance somewhat of a village. These booths, too, were handsome, as they were decorated with festooned archways and mottoes of evergreens. At- tached to this division were a number of Pennsylvania Regiments-the 126th, 129th, 130th, 132d, and 133d -- which had entered into the service about the same time that we had ; they were from the interior sections of our State, were fine-looking troops, and had already undergone their baptismal shower of leaden hail at Antietam.
We were also afforded, very opportunely, the favor of a visit to and stroll through the general hospitals of the Fifth Corps, which were certainly very attractive to the spectators, presenting, as they did, a most pleasing, handsome, and home-like appearance. They were structures which clearly and quickly exhibited the engineering skill and mechanical ingenuity of the artificer, furnishing models of beauty, neat- ness, cleanliness, comfort, and convenience-in fact. unsur- passed by anything in the hospital line we had yet witnessed in the army-as they were divided off into spacious avenues,
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each of which was decorated with an archway of evergreens made of cedar and spruce pine, having intervening festoons extending between each ward-tent. We were, indeed, highly gratified for the privilege of this inspection, and were greatly indebted for the same to the courtesy extended to us by the Post Surgeon of that division. That officer gave par- ticular attention and interest to showing us the admirable ar- rangement and regulation for the care and comfort of the invalids, which the men belonging to that division had ob- served at all times in the hospital. There we were also shown the dainties, delicacies, and medical supplies which had been provided and forwarded, so very kindly and con- siderately, by the Ladies Sanitary Commission of Phila- delphia, for the benefit and nourishment of the invalid sol- diers.
Here, too, we had the pleasure, as well as agreeable sur- prise, of meeting friends and acquaintances in the 129th Regiment, Colonel JACOB G. FRICK commanding, from Schuylkill County, Pa., by whom we were kindly taken care of and hospitably entertained at their mess-boards, after which we returned to camp well contented and satisfied that another day had been profitably spent. We just arrived in time for dress-parade, as the echo of the drum-corps, beat- ing the call to fall in, resounded throughout the camp, and were quickly at our posts on the color-line, where we found our left general guide, SAMMY STAPE, the giant, already at his post for alignment. After which, we were summarily dismissed, returned to quarters, prepared and partook of the usual evening meal, when all gladly retired for another night's rest, with no other events occurring worthy of record.
FULL SHARE OF COMPANY INSPECTION -- ADDITIONS TO BUNKS -- DRESS-PARADE AND DRILL BY COLONEL BAILEY.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1862 .-- As we awoke this morn- ing the weather was more agreeable, with the sky above us
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bright and clear, while orders had been received from Cap- tain DUNCAN to prepare for company inspection. Acting Orderly-Sergeant SPRENGER then made up the usual detail of men for commissary guard, as well as the other details for regimental and company duty, besides his report of the sick list at Regimental hospital, after which he formed the company for inspection-a routine of duty of which we then had, lately, rather more than the regulation share. After inspection, the boys, in general, proceeded to improve their quarters, so as to be more convenient and greatly to their comfort, by still gathering and adding logs to their bunks, constructing doorways or creep-holes of cracker-box boards, and tacking thereto their shelter tents-thus, in a manner, protecting themselves against the chill, piercing December blasts.
In the afternoon, we were again ordered out for drill and dress-parade. It happening, too, to be a similar duty ex- acted upon the part of the 86th N. Y. V., of our Brigade, both regiments were therefore drilled together, and the task or honor of the drill was conferred, on this joint occasion, on Colonel BAILEY, commanding 86th N. Y. V., who en- joyed the reputation of having been a hero and veteran from the war with Mexico. However, after the directing of a few movements, much to the amusement of our boys, it was well seen that he was not, in any respect, an adept at drill- ing. Parade was of short duration, when the Regiment quickly returned to quarters; where, after indulging the appetites with a fair supply of usual rations, the discussion of matters in general, the interchange of jokes, etc., the boys turned in with the hopes of having a night of good repose.
HINTS TO PACK UP, ETC. - ORDERS FROM GENERAL STONEMAN.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1862 .- Cold, but clear, was the condition of the weather reported this morning; when. at an early hour, we were visited by several of the detailed team- sters of our Regiment, who apprised us of orders being issued
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"to pack up all commissary stores, etc., and to be ready to move at any moment "-greatly to our surprise, as no orders or instructions to that effect had as yet been received at Regimental headquarters, and the usual routine of duty was still being enforced as well as progressing without any thought of further moment. It then became afternoon, and we had regimental as well as brigade drill, after which inspection of arms, etc., by Colonel FRANKLIN, and battalion drill, in which we were manœuvred in several intricate division and company movements. As we returned to quarters an orderly from General STONEMAN rode into camp, remained but a moment or two, and departed as suddenly as he came. Many then were the surmises among the boys as to the im- port of this hasty visit, but they were soon dispelled by sev- cral of Company K boys ascertaining from the Colonel, who soon reported, " that the Regiment had to await orders to move, and, in the meantime, be in readiness to move." With no further event nor incident of importance worthy of note, night was ushered in, when we all crept into our bunks at an early hour for rest, and to dream of what the morrow would bring forth.
PREPARATIONS FOR A MOVE-ADDRESS BY COLONEL FRANKLIN.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1862 .-- The weather to-day was clear and beautiful. Marching orders were counter- manded, but yet held in reserve, with instructions given for the " Regiment to hold itself in readiness, to pack knapsacks, and receive 60 rounds of ammunition," while rations for five days were then being furnished. After ordinary camp duty, dress-parade was the order, during which Generals STONEMAN and WHIPPLE, with their respective staffs, paid us their compliments by a visit and review. After depart- ure Colonel FRANKLIN addressed the Regiment, in a few, but pointed remarks, reminding the boys that there was work before them, dangers to be encountered, and risks to be run. as an immediate movement of the army upon Fredericks-
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burg was contemplated ; at the same time, encouraging and inspiring them with words of eloquence to be ready for action and do their duty. In response the boys gave three hearty huzzas, by which they attested their love for the Colonel, and also assured him that they would follow wherever he would lead. During dress-parade a chilly, disagreeable, drizzling rain had begun, which still continued as we returned to our quarters, where we were at once dis- missed, and then quickly turned into roost for the night, with a mist hanging around us.
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CHAPTER XIII.
ONWARD ! TO FREDERICKSBURG !- SCENE AND IMPRESSIONS- BOMBARDML. DAY'S SIGHTS AND IMPRESSIONS-
FALMOUTH AND LAA- "IRIGHTS-SECOND DAY'S
OPERATIONS-AMUSING INCID. EVIDENCES OF CARNAGE, SAD SIGHTS, AND HALL MUS POSITION ACROSS THE RIVER.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1862 .- Last night's heavy mist had been dispelled by the appearance of morn dawning exceptionally bright and clear upon us; when we were aroused at an early hour for breakfast and to be in readiness to move ! We were ordered to " break camp and fall into line !" Seven o'clock was the hour, and we were in line, for the march towards Fredericksburg ! Our gallant Colonel again addressed us in the patriotic strain of yesterday, after which all felt eager for the fray, and in response, as well as appreciation, gave three times three cheers in compliment to him. We then immediately moved off upon the main wagon-road, becoming part and parcel of the immense army, which comprised artillery, cavalry, infantry, pioneer corps. telegraph corps, army teams, etc., thus constituting one of the most grand and imposing sights to be conceived, as all moved in the one and same direction. Farther on we saw troops, as it were, by streams, pouring in upon the main road from every direction, while . Old Sol" shone forth in all his radiant beauty, effusing his genial rays to cheer us on the march, as also his lustre to cap the scene-one that shall ever be an adorning chaplet upon the tablets of our memory ; for, "Onward !" was then clearly depicted upon the counte-
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nances of that moving mass of humanity, as the fixed motto to inspire to deeds of daring. Little did they think or care for the dangers and vicissitudes of life that awaited them. just beyond that little stream of the Rappahannock before them-the placid waters of which, almost a century ago, afforded recreation and sport to WASHINGTONS, LEES, CUS- TISES, et al., in the pleasures of angling. The retrospect from those days to those of this day, was as alike at variance as to-day from to-morrow, and as such we were deeply im- pressed.
We were soon halted, but for a few hours only, about one mile from Fredericksburg, in favorable position, behind wood- land and glen, to await further orders. About 9 o'clock A. M., the bombardment of Fredericksburg commenced in all its fury, as the incessant booming of heavy ordnance and field batteries were deafening to the ears, as well as shak- ing the foundations of "Mother Earth" beneath our feet. The mortar battery on Falmouth Heights, in possession of the Union forces, had opened up, firing in full activity, hurl- ing its shot and shell into the city of Fredericksburg, while divisions, brigades, and regiments, in regular succession, were rapidly forwarded to the river's edge, showing that the great siege was then fully inaugurated. General BURNSIDE having established his headquarters in the Phillips House, a fine Virginia residence upon an eminence, some distance back from the river's edge, thus commanded a fine pano- ramic view of the siege, as well as the operations of the enemy, then going on before him. Marye Heights, above and to the rear of Fredericksburg, in possession of the enemy, were so well fortified as to constitute the crown-crests of their de- fense against our siege, which, in return, quickly bellowed as well as belched forth their storm of fire, smoke, iron and leaden hail, as it were, adding greatly to the raging uproar.
PHOTO FNER.CO. N. Y
PONTOON CORPS LAUNCHING THEIR BOATS AT FREDERICKSBURG.
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OPERATIONS OF GENERAL FRANKLIN, AND MOVEMENTS OF GENERAL PLEASANTON'S CAVALRY-SITUATION OF THE PONTOON CORPS IN LAUNCHING THEIR BOATS.
The distant booming of the artillery firing by General FRANKLIN'S Corps (if we were correctly informed, ) on our left, was next very audibly heard, whilst General PLEASAN- TON's cavalry forces could be distinctly discerned in engag- ing the rebel cavalry at the different river fordings above the city. Our men in charge of the pontoons were almost unable to launch their boats in front of the city, as they had been occupied thereat since day-break, with only partial success, and had sustained great loss of men in the attempt and effort. However, fortunately for them, a dense fog then descended and hung over the water, thus preventing the enemy's can- noniers on Marye Heights from the further diminution of their numbers, if not annihilation altogether, and enabling them to succeed in the launching of their boats.
Whilst all these events were transpiring, we were awaiting our turn to engage in the fray, and were therefore afforded a stroll in the direction of the fight that was then ushering in the grand conflict contemplated. We obtained favorable po- sitions, from which we had splendid views of the city of Fredericksburg, the several heights and their surroundings, as well as the discernment, very distinctly, of the movements of the Confederate infantry and cavalry to the rear of the city-thus giving positive assurances that, being fully aware as well as apprised of our designs and movements. they were as fully prepared for our siege, as also to meet its accom- panying charges, assaults, and conflicts.
DEMOLITION, ETC., OF F. F. V. HOMES.
At the same time, we viewed, with the deepest meditation, the demolition of the previous and once happy homes of the ".F. F. V.'S" of the vicinity, by the solid shot from our batteries, or their destruction by conflagration through the
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bursting bombs from our mortars. The sight was woefully great, presenting, as it did, the actual, horrible, and truth- ful scenes of war, at the same time stirring up pity for those upon whom this storm of devastation had to fall-at least, in some cases, upon those undeserving ; but, however, unavoid- able. As the day grew on, the firing increased and was kept up until darkness, intense for the time, set in, when cessa- tion ensued ; during which the army then concentrated on all sides for the re-opening of the conflict on the morrow, and the boys of the 122d Regiment, P. V. all bivouacked upon the sward and their arms, for that rest which the night's emergencies would allow.
SECOND DAY-TURN OF THE 122D) REGIMENT TO CROSS-AMUSING IN- CIDENTS, FOLLOWED BY SAD SIGHTS AND DANGEROUS POSITIONS OVER THE RAPPAHANNOCK.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1862 .- Morn again dawned beau- tifully upon our vast contending army, with the steady tramp, at a somewhat early hour, of additional troops in the direc- tion of Fredericksburg. Our turn then came to "Forward !" and about 10 o'clock A. M., the Regiment arrived on the bank of the river opposite Fredericksburg, having been moved off by a detour. As we approached the pontoon bridge we were hurried or forced down the bank as speedily as possible; for the heavy ordnance from Marye Heights had been trained on the crossing, and the batteries were continually hurling their destructive missiles toward and amongst us, with the effect, at least, of creating a desire for less hazardous situations, and furnishing several incidents, worthy of note, viz :
Along our river bank was stationed the brass band of the 12th N. H. Vols. of our Division, which was just regaling the boys in general, as they were crossing, with the well-known tune of " Bully for You," when a shell from Marye Heights fell in their midst, demolishing the bass drum, at the same moment scattering a pile of pontoon plank fragments over
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and about them-so presenting a ludicrous and really amus- ing scene, as the result proved that they were more scared than hurt. Our regimental sutler, JOHN I. HARTMAN, who happened, too, to be on the river bank, and close by at the time this shell fell, considering discretion as well as distance the better parts of valor, lost not a moment in making a hasty exit to safer quarters. Then we marched upon the bridge, while the shot and shell were falling thick and rapid, all about and around us, from the well-directed range of the rebel artillery on Marye Heights; when, the dodging that was practiced by many of our command, afforded yet another amusing sight or incident-such an one at least that we never saw equaled or attempted before or since our boyhood sports at ball-playing, or a snow-balling melee. The bombs then fell promiscuously on either side of us, bursting in the water, creating some dismay in our ranks, and rather speeding our movements in getting over the bridge.
OVER THE BRIDGE-SAD SIGHTS-RETURN TO SAFER QUARTERS, BUT UNPLEASANT LOCATION.
However, we crossed over the swinging bridge amidst a storm of flying missiles, with sights of carnage all about us; for, as we arrived on the opposite side, and in the city, the first views that greeted us were those of the newly-made graves of the brave boys belonging to the 19th Massachusetts Vol unteers, who while laying the pontoons, on the bank above the bridge, but a few hours before, were then stark and cold in death, underneath the sod ; next, those of the Pioneer Corps, who had been so stealthily picked off, whilst at their posts of duty, by the rebel sharp-shooters, who were hidden in the cellars of the houses in close proximity. We were at once moved to the right, along and under the river banks, out of the range of the enemy's fire from Marye Heights, where we laid until about 4 P. M., when we were again moved up and over the embankment, formed in line and advanced some distance, until perceived by the enemy, we then be-
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came the targets of their batteries. After some delay we re- ceived orders to return to the river bank, as no attack was then made upon our lines, and it would have been useless as also dangerous for us to lay exposed in so open a position. Under cover of night we recrossed the river, passing over the . river bank on the opposite side into low ground, where we sank down upon the mud and wet grass-here and there kindling small fires, barely sufficient to cook a tin-cup of coffee, with which to recuperate some sick comrades as well as ourselves --- at the same time in imminent risk of being espied and fired at by the enemy ; however, fatigued and sleepy we soon were at rest for the night, realizing the fact that a day of exciting and important events was before us for the morrow.
THIRD DAY -- REGIMENT RECROSSES INTO FREDERICKSBURG-RELIEF TO 19TH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS-ESPIED AND BOMBARDED BY THE REBEL ARTILLERY.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1862 .- We awoke this morn- ing, from our damp bunks on the ground, to find that a heavy frost had fallen upon and about us. Having soon made away with our scanty breakfast, the order to " fall in !" was next received ; when, about 9 o'clock, A. M., we again recrossed the pontoon bridge, and were once more in our former position, to the right of the town, under the bank of the river, where a cavalry picket had been stationed during the night. We were not long there, however, before another order was brought for a detail of 100 men from the left of our Regiment, which took both Companies K and I, who were marched to the rear and left, thence up into the town, close in toward the houses to avoid detection ; thence to the north of the city to Fauquier street, where we relieved the 19th Massachusetts Volunteers, who, as hereinbefore noted, had borne the first brunt of the siege and had suffered so severely in killed and wounded whilst assisting to lay the pontoon bridges. We were then deployed in line, in rear of a garden picket fence, along a street running north and south,
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BOMBARDMENT OF FREDERICKSBURG FROM MARYE HEIGHTS.
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and were just in position, when the rebel artillery espied us, and opened their batteries upon us, momentarily, as occa- sions offered. However, Company K being on the extreme right and along the open interval, laid low, allowing the shot and shell to go over them.
HAZARDOUS POSTS AND NARROW ESCAPES.
The corner of Fauquier street formed the extreme right of our position, at which point were located, in front of a one- story frame house, Sergeant G. F. SPRENGER, Corporals HARRY HARTLEY, GEORGE WALLER and GEORGE DORWART, who were scarcely stationed before a shot fell close by, carry- ing away part of the picket-fence and almost taking with it JAKEY MILLER, as well as several others who then were stationed on the left half of the Company. But an instant afterward, when a shell was sent crashing through the yellow frame house directly above the heads of GEORGE WALLER and GEORGE DORWART; after which, directly, another struck it higher up, followed by two others in quick succession upon the roof, scattering the shingles like chaff, with still another knocking the chimney helter-skelter all over us in fragments of brick-bats-good-sized ones of which struck us on the heads and shoulders so forcibly that they were felt for some hours. We then at once began to lay exceedingly low, as well as desire and glance about for a safer situation, as it was clearly evident to us that we were in imminent danger at that point.
THE GUNNERS ON THE HILL AT WORK-SUPPORT REMOVED -- RAINFALL AT NIGHT-REBEL VIDETTES CAPTURED.
Being First Sergeant on extreme right, with several others, adventure was afforded for a sight up the hill of Fanquier street, from top of which were plainly seen the enemy's gunners at work, firing, reloading, and firing in the direction of the position we had been occupying, but which we had just vacated for one of safety. It was evident, that they
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were securely posted as well as being at home, while we were strangers and considered unwelcome visitors; so, therefore, being fully aware of our movements, locations, etc., they were fully prepared to give us a much warmer and more in- hospitable reception than we desired. At this juncture the 129th Regiment, P. V., were sent up our street as a support, but were soon again removed to the left to join in the general carnage then and there in operation ; while we were kept in our unsafe and disagreeable situation until a late hour, when the balance of our Brigade was brought up from the river front, and every preparation was then made for a more desperate and general assault on the next day.
THE EFFECTS OF THE SHOTS FROM MARYE HEIGHTS.
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Here, too, it became very apparent that the enemy's gun- ners on Marye Heights had quite a decided advantage over our cannoniers on Falmouth Heights in the effects of their shots, as they exhibited a much less waste of ammunition, etc .; for, their cannon, each one in response to the other, created havoc-yea, carnage-in the ranks of our adjacent corps d'armee. Once, again, were we compelled to exclaim : Oh, what a shame; what a disgrace and discredit, non-ex- tenuating, to those incompetent, vacillating war ministers at Washington, who so recklessly and selfishly impeded the movements, progress, etc., of our army, as to afford the enemy ample time-need we mention the date-since the 20th of November, to fortify and extend so inhospitable and death-dealing a reception to our brave soldier-boys !
A slight rain then fell as we retired, upon our arms, for the night, but not to rest ; for acting in a measure as videttes, our faithful vigils, about midnight, were rewarded by the de- tection of the near approach as well as capture of several of the rebel videttes, who proved to be members of the famous 2d Louisana Regiment, C. S. A., or " Tigers," as they were commonly called or known, and whom we at once conveyed to the rear, as well as to Provost Marshal headquarters.
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FOURTH DAY-KNAPSACKS NEEDED-THE SIEGE RENEWED WITH GREATER DESPERATION AND VIGOR.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1862 .- A cold northwester ush- ered in the morning, which made the boys keenly feel the lack of their knapsacks, which had been left behind with the teams before crossing the river, as they contained certain por- tions of clothing that were then very desirable and essential for comfort. The assault on the part of our left wing was then renewed at an early hour, with desperation and vehe- mence, but repulsed with fearful havoc in their ranks at each assault ; while we on the right were not in the least neglected, as the batteries on the hills above and surrounding, kept us attentive and annoyed by frequent shots, at intervals, as feel- ers for our positions, and also to obtain accurate range and shift for the river crossings in close proximity.
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