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 11
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WHAT A RECONNOITRE BROUGHT FORTH-FEAST OF DAINTIES, IN PREPARATION, SUDDENLY SPOILED, WITH THE EX- PECTANT DINERS PUT TO FLIGHT.
As we remained there, Company K boys, a set who were never idle, very soon furnished evidences of having made a profitable reconnoitre of the vicinity, thus preserving their well-earned reputation of always being on the alert, like Mi- cawber, " for something to turn up"-no matter, whether it was duty, forage, adventure, difficulty, or scrimmage. Hav- ing just been on the ferret, in and about the houses there, for what constituted the good things of life, "ey were re- warded with the find of a full barrel of fine wheat flour in the frame house opposite to our position, when the baking of slap-jacks then became the general order, with cane- bottomed chairs furnishing the fuel for the old-style ten-plate wood stove and the comforting hearth-fire, while the old, proverbial, broad-spider skillet was discovered and brought into use to bake the watered dough-cakes. This new enter- prise of the boys, however, was very quickly suspected by
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the enemy's gunners, as they perceived the volumes of smoke issuing from the chimney ; for, just as suddenly they sur- prised us by firing a solid shot which entered the dwelling, knocking quite a large entrance therein and spoiling our dainty dishes-which, although said to be hard luck, could not help but be considered fair. But, the boys, only a little disheartened, yet not dismayed, were starting in anew for their feast of desired luxuries, (for such it would have proven on that occasion,) when next, Colonel POTTER, commanding Izth Regiment N. H. V., of our Brigade, also discovered the cause for the firing in that direction, and at once rushed into and through the house with drawn sword, slashing about from right to left with the broad sides of his sabre and ordering them to desist and depart, thus again disagreeably surprising and disturbing the boys in the perfection of their a. ticipated grand feast. It is needless to note that though the'r exit was very hasty, yet it resulted in their reaching a safe and more favorable location just at that moment.
ORD. RS TO " ADVANCE LINE!" -- THE SIEGE MORE VEHEMENT- EVIDENCES OF DISASTER AND SLAUGHTER.
It was then growing late in the afternoon, when General WHIPPLE and staff, on foot, put in an appearance, and issued orders to "advance the line !" as soon as it became dusk. Heavy and constant had been the firing all day long on our left, while the fighting was waged with obduracy all along the lines. Many, very many, indeed, were the poor suffering, wounded, and maimed veterans that we saw, as they were being hurriedly conveyed toward the river and down the nill to places of greater security, as well as for proper care and attention. Thus the conflict waxed with so great obstinacy until, at 4 o'clock p. M., it seemed as though pandemonium itself had opened up its batteries of destruction : for the vol- umes of smoke. fire, shot, and shell, which were then belched forth, fell in and about the town, speeding on through the streets, apparently with volcano-like vehemence, creating
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havoc and destruction on every hand. We also learned, truly and sadly, that thousands of our brave veter ans and other soldier-boys of the Army of the Potomac were strewn upon the ground in front of the strongly entrenched and fortified positions of the enemy on Marye Heights, just above us, who had fallen as victims to the terrible and ever- memorable siege of Fredericksburg-sleeping the sleep that knows no waking.
The general sentiment then prevailed, and was very re- markably expressed in many instances-not to be wondered at, too-that those in authority at Washington were alone to blame, and could be held responsible for the delay occasioned on his grand, forward movement, whereby we had been pre- ven ed from achieving the victory or triumph contemplated by ( : in the siege of Fredericksburg-in fact, that the wrong don and failure could not be charged to the inactivity or want of courage on the part of our brave veterans, nor to any negligence, incapacity, or misconduct on the part of their respective, gallant commanders.
OUR LINE ADVANCED AMID TERRIFIC FIRE-SUPPORT TO BATTERY B, IITH N. Y. A .- NOCTURNAL TUMULT-FIFING INCESSANT AND WELL-DIRECTED.
Promptly at dusk our line was next advanced, pursuant to orders received earlier in the afternoon, when the firing from the enemy's guns appeared to come with terrific force, as the shot and shell pursued us down the street- almost like showers of hail amid a storm of rain and , ind, until we were posted along the garden terraces, hillocks, and mounds upon the premises of Judge CHEW, for the purpose of re- sisting any attack or sortie that might be attempted by the enemy during the night. Company K was selected and assigned the additional duty or rather honor of I ing de- ployed as a support to Battery B, Hrth N. Y. Artillery. The firing soon became incessant and was kept up with vigor. The enemy's batteries were specially trained upon the re-
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spective river fordings, as also upon the railroad bridge to the south and their right of the city, while occasional shots were exchanged between the heavy ordnance on (our) Falmouth Heights and that upon (their) Marye Heights, all of which, fortunately passed us overhead, showing the range of the guns to be remarkably well-directed. As an instance of this continuous and well-regulated fire between the heights, in proof of the direct range of the guns, we cite the fact of one special shot from a mortar battery on Falmouth Heights, which had the effect of knocking out the right main angle of the abattis on Marye Heights, so that a large force was distinctly observed in being hurried forward and promptly put to work & ' the necessary repairs. Amidst this nocturnal tumult we passer the entire night, lying upon the damp grass, anxiously awaiting dawn.
FIFTH DAY-SIEGE A. ANDONED-ARMY FALLING BACK-FIRING STILL CONTINUED-DANGERS OF DECAPITATION.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1862 .- Daybreak was ushered in with a very heavy fog or mist hanging overhead and around us, while off on our front could be distinctly heard the noises emanating from the enemy's works, apprising us that they were up and prepared for any emergency. It was then 9 o'clock, A. M., before the fog was dispelled and clear- ness of day set in, when the firing was re-opened with re- newed vigor on our left, or south of the city, while solid shot was again poured into and upon the city from the ' ill above us. By 10 o'clock the fighting seemed to have been waged with fury ; for many were the casualties in killed and wounded, the latter of whom were then rapidly conveyed to the rear-to places of safety for proper surgical treatment. That the number of casualties was not greater was considered quite miraculous, as the shot and shell fell so thickly around and about us as though thrown broad-cast-insomuch that, at times, a head could not or dared not rise above the shoulders for fear of decapitation. Then the siege seemed
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to have been abandoned ; for, the army was falling back- further and still further-and on every side the only sights which greeted the eye gave positive evidences of defeat and disaster, while the sounds which reached the ear were but the moans of the suffering and wounded, as well as expres- sions of discouragement and sadness, interspersed with the fearful noises through the air from the enemy's flying missiles of destruction, which were not by any means calculated to produce feelings of inspiration within the breasts of our brave soldier-boys.
OUR POST ON JUDGE CHEW'S PREMISES-ANOTHER RECONNOITRE- AGREEABLE DISCOVERY-HOSPITABLE RECEPTION, RARE FEAST, AND GIFTS RECEIVED.
Our posit on then being in and about the premises of Judge CHEW, all day long, some of the boys gained entrance to the mansion or residence of the Judge close by, where they quickly discovered, in addition to their present larder, by way of luxuries, a barrel of fine white sugar and some choice smoked hams underneath the kitchen floor. Here, too, were found, snugly stowed away, but soon brought out from the cellar-ways and pressed into service, the darkey do- mestics, with beds, stove, etc., in their apartment, who, after enjoining upon us secrecy and the pledge not to admit any more, promised to cook the hams as also provide us with a first-class entertainment during the Judge's involuntary absence from home. That there . ere only/a few of us who enjoyed the comforts and delicacies : at the house afforded, was proof sufficient that we kept the pledge and secret enjoined upon us by our colored hosts and hostesses. Besides this act of hospitality, the old colored women pro- vided us with an Old Dominion coffee or tea-pot, having the capacity to hold about one-and-a-half quarts, and a neat, small frying pan, which we thankfully accepted and gratefully appreciated, fully realizing that they would prove of invalu-
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able service to our mess in after days or the time to come, as we took our departure and returned to our posts.
COMRADES DRIVEN IN BY VIDETTES-BOYS WHO STICK TO THEIR POSTS !- HISTORICAL, HONORABLE, BUT DANGEROUS POSITION.
Night then ensued when our Regiment, under Colonel FRANKLIN, was advanced to an open field to the west and front of the position we held during the day, in conjunction with the Artillery ; while the 86th N. Y. V., under Colonel BAILY, and the 124th N. Y. V., under Colonel ELLIS, were moved off to our left, all being in regimental column and lying down upon the ground. After which a detail of a few companies from the regiments of the Brigade was made for picket duty, and thrown out as an advance line of skirmish- ers, among whom was Company K of our Regiment. After being out several hours, a proportionate relief, consisting of a similar number of men, was furnished, where we reported. to our Regiment, which was about 9 o'clock, P. M. We had hardly arrived at our former posts in line; when, in deploying, Company F, 124th N. Y. V., commanded by Captain BUSH, acting as skirmishers, and which carried the clinking Belgian bayonet scabbards, attracted the attention and received a furious volley from the enemy's videttes, causing the men to come into our main line on the skedaddle, which at first impube was considered a rebel cavalry dash, and was being met by the preparation on our knees to resist cavalry charge, when to our mutual satisfaction, and fortu- nately for them, they proved to be our panic-stricken friends and comrades. Major-General WHIPPLE then immediately put in his appearance at Company K position, and ordered the Company out on the front picket-line, from where our New York friends had just been driven, at the same time com- plimenting us by christening Company K as " his boys, who always stick to their posts !" So they did, right loyally, on this occasion, all night long. It happened that our posts, having been assigned on the extreme right of the line, were
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close by the tomb of the mother of our revered WASHING- TON, as well as so near the earthworks of the enemy that, as they spoke, even but slightly above whispers, in their discus- sions and conversations, their voices were then heard, so serenely quiet was the night during the preparations then making and operations going on for the supply of their ord- nance stores such as the use of the forge and anvil in the cutting off of slugs from railroad iron. All this, in a few hours subsequently, proved to be a fact, as heavy firing was begun about midnight and kept up at intervals, so that we were compelled to lie down and closely hug to mother earth for safety. To add to the discomforts of our dangerous position, rain commenced to fall as we laid down for the night, continuing with more or less severity during the early morning hours.
END OF THE SIEGE-THE ARMY IN RAPID RETREAT, AMID CON- TINUOUS DRENCHING RAINS, AND MIRY MASSES OF MUD- IMPRESSIVE, UNPLEASANT SIGHTS, AND SAD RE- FLECTIONS, AS THE RESULTS OF THE SIEGE.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1862 .- We were aroused this morning before dawn, amidst a drenching rain, to find our entire and previously grand, cheerful Army of the Potomac, but now dejected, worsted, and almost exhausted, in full, rapid retreat across the Rappahannock. It was about 4
lock A. M., when our line was drawn in greatly to the re- .ef of the boys of Company K, as well as others of the Negiment, who were shivering and almost benumbed from exposure to the weather of the night, as well as their experi- ence from the dangers and discomforts of their situation- one, too, never to be forgotten during life by those who did duty on that picket-line. As we were about falling back the enemy heard us, soon became aware of our intentions and movements as it were; whereupon they opened a rather vigorous fire of shot and shell all around us, the effects of
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which could be plainly seen as they plowed and tore up the earth in front and behind us, as well as speeding their on- ward way through the city. Our lines were then drawn still farther back, until we were screened behind the terraced mounds upon the premises of Judge CHEW, whereupon the enemy immediately advanced and deployed their sharpshoot- ers, whose bullets very audibly whistled the well-known "zip, zip, couzzinn, couszinn," as they cleft the air above our heads and lodged in the pale fences as well as houses of
the street opposite our position. Next, and but a moment intervening, when an officer of General WHIPPLE's staff ap- peared, rapidly riding along with orders to " fall back upon the street !" but which no sooner was being obeyed or exe- cuted, than it furnished the desirable opportunity for a general cannonading upon the town from Marye Heights, which became so incessant that the air all about us seemed to be almost prolific with shot and shell of every kind and size, as they were sped down the streets and through the houses-insomuch that we were obliged to seek safety and security in crouching down, at intervals, to avoid the storm of iron hail and leaden rain which was being poured down upon, over, and about us.
Then, again, we fell back, farther and still farther back, until we reached the river bank, on our left, amid the chill- ing winds and the rain still falling. Innumerable were the ambulances and stretcher-bearers, which we perceived, as they were conveying the wounded and dying across the bridge, while we were kept until daybreak covering the re- treat, with the rain descending even more heavily. Next came our turn to cross; when, what a sight was presented, as also difficult to be overcome-mud formed and lying in one perfect miry mass, almost waist-deep on either side of the bridge, from the incessant stream of infantry, artillery, cavalry, and wagon-trains -- all in confusion and great haste -which were wending their way back to former camps amidst the rain still falling heavily, and reluctantly compelled
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to leave the enemy victorious and in possession of the hard- fought battle-fields in and about Fredericksburg.
Thus ended the siege of Fredericksburg, which will and must be recorded by all historians as one of the greatest fail- ures an , disasters of modern warfare, as well as campaigns most inglorious and exhibitive of masterly incompetency ever projected-the result of which will and can only be summed up in these three words-SLAUGHTER, HAVOC, CAR- NAGE ! Many were the missing messmates, and those who never more would share the comforts, associations, sports, etc., had with comrades beneath the folds of their bunks, who had been left behind as victims to the disastrous siege of Freder- icksburg ! The Regiment soon arrived at the old camp ground, near Falmouth, where the balance of the day kept us occupied in putting up our tents, after which we retired for the night with the hope of obtaining our much needed and desired repose.
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CHAPTER XIV.
DRIZZLING RAIN-FIRES FOR COMFORT AND DRYING PURPOSES- CAMP RE-ARRANGED -- BRIGHT, CHEERFUL DAY- DEATH OF COMRADE JOE WADE.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1862 .- We awoke before dawn, from our cold, damp bunks on the ground, amidst a drizzling rain, to find the army again occupying former camp grounds ; upon which, all around, immense fires had been made, for the purpose of furnishing some little comfort to the boys, as well as for drying the garments which had been drenched with the rain during yesterday. Around these fires, too, were many who were glad to cluster and cling, at the same time recalling, one to another, the daily events of the terrible siege, the merits possessed by some missing, wounded, and slain comrade, as well as to ponder over the impressive lessons learned in and taught by the disastrous conflicts at Fredericksburg.
During the day the men of the Regiment were busily en- gaged in re-arranging camp, making quarters more comfort- able for the time being. and putting things in general order. " Old Sol," too, had put in his appearance at an early hour, shedding forth genial rays which served to cheer the spirits of our fatigued boys, as well as those of the wearied, worsted veterans, and rendered the balance of the day bright and pleasant. However, the cheerful mood visible upon the countenances of Company K boys soon vanished ; for. during the afternoon, Sergeant SPRENGER brought the sad announcement that, upon the 15th day of December, while at Fredericksburg, death had again entered their ranks and
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claimed, as his victim, their late comrade, JOSEPH WADE, which was sorrowfully received, owing to the fact that he had always been quite a favorite with his comrades generally, on account of the genial disposition and other good traits of character which he possessed.
After the usual supply of rations for our evening meal had been stowed away to the satisfaction of "our inner men," the boys put in the night by writing letters home, descriptive of the sights, scenes, marches, and experiences incident to the great contest at Fredericksburg, as well as a speedy turn- in for rest.
FIXING UP CAMP-NOVELTY IN DRILL AND DRESS-PARADE.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1862 .- The weather this morn- ing was fine and clear. During the forenoon the boys were kept busy in fixing up camp, while the afternoon was devoted to Regimental skirmish drill-a novel feature in that line to us. It consisted of the Regiment advancing in deployed lines, firing successively, and then halting to reload ; whilst the next line passed to the front, fired, and halted to reload, and so on-thus continuing to advance by lines and fire, and then, in the same manner, finally fall back by lines, fire, reload, and fire. It was, indeed, a very fine drill, in which the men of the Regiment took unusual interest and appeared to excel. After the drill a short dress-parade was had, during which was observed a marked decrease in number of men, as many were still sick and therefore absent from duty.
During the drill and parade a fresh and new supply of rations had been issued; which, having been received by the respective company cooks, were served in their best culinary styles and awaiting us when the parade dismissed. Our evening meal consisted of bean-soup, hard tack, etc., which was fully enjoyed; when, without other event to record, the boys laid down for a night's sleep within their tented quarters.
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UNHEALTHY CHANGE OF WEATHER-VIGOROUS DRILL, ETC., TIIE ORDERS OF THE DAY-THE REGIMENT COMPLIMENTED.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1862 .- Daybreak was ushered in with a col1, damp, and raw wind blowing from the east, causing the boys to hug the camp-fires very closely to obtain warmth and comfort. At an early hour an order was re- ceived from Division Headquarters to keep the men at drill and the various exercises of the day, as a stimulus to their systems and precaution against any increasing sickness in the Regiment. In pursuance thereof, Colonel FRANKLIN ordered the Regiment to go through battalion drill during the after- noon, besides the regimental skirmish drill of the day pre- ceding. No other event of importance occurred during the morning hours excep a close observance of camp duty.
The afternoon passed away with the Regiment entirely engaged at drilling and dress-parade, and being put through manœuvres similar to those of yesterday, as well as various others. The Regiment was very highly complimented to- day for fine appearance, as well as the remarkable progress displayed in the respective drills and movements, by all the spectators. Company K boys, too, received special praise, it being generally admitted by the other companies of the Regiment, that they bore off the palm for best line at com- pany front, in marching, whilst in the manual of arms they stood pre-eminent to any other at the left end of the Third Corps. Thus the day may be said to have been very profit- ably put in : for, when the circumstances of our situation were considered-that is, the many discomforts experienced in and created by this exceedingly damp locality-the boys, in general, exhibited more cheerful spirits and healthy coun- tenances, brought about, no doubt, by the recent drills and exercise. It was hoped then, too, that through the observ- ance of rigorous discipline the sanitary condition of the Regiment would soon be more notably improved. After a hearty supper, the boys retired to rest for the night.
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NO CHANGE OF WEATHER-PREPARATIONS FOR BRIGADE DRILL, ETC .- " GOLLY-MOLLY, BOYS," COLONEL BAILEY.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1862 .- The weather continued cold, damp, and windy to-day. Since early in the morning a strong detail of men had been made from the Brigade, who were busily occupied in removing the underbrush and large tufts of grass from the plain at the foot of our respect- ive camps, thus making a fine, level, brigade drill-ground, until mid-day, when all was beautiful and clear, and these pioneers were then dismissed to their respective regiments.
For the afternoon brigade drill was the order, with Colonel BAILEY, of the 86th Regiment, N. Y. V., assigned as Acting Brigadier-General to conduct the same. Colonel BAILEY hailed from Steuben county, N. Y., was about 60 years of age, and saw service in the United States Army during the war with Mexico, and was, therefore, considered to possess some extra qualifications for conducting the drill and move- ments. But, however, the boys of the Regiment remem- bered a former occasion when the distinguished Colonel officiated as drill-master, and therefore anticipated a treat of fun and amusement. By his many quaint and old-time commands, most of which he prefaced with a slang, comical expression " Golly-Molly, Boys," much merriment was af- forded and heartily enjoyed-on account of which he after- wards received the sobriquet of "Old Colly-Molly, Boys, BAILEY." As before, he clearly showed no more aptitude for manœuvring the Brigade, but proved rather too old for the boys, who, after dismissal, returned to their quarters in the best of humor.
INSPECTION OF ARMS, ETC .- IMPROVEMENTS IN BUNKS.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1862 .- No change in the condi- tion of the weather this morning. The first duty observed was that of the usual Sunday-morning inspection of arms, accoutrements. etc., as also of knapsacks and respective com-
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pany quarters. After the latter part of the order was fulfilled, the company officers in general suggested some marked im- provements for the comforts of the boys, attributing much of the sickness to the unhealthy condition of the bunks, which were merely holes or dug-outs in the ground, whereupon an order was promptly issued for the same to be filled up, altered, and raised. After which, in the afternoon, a short brigade drill was held, with dress-parade following. This proved to be another day without an important event occurring, and the boys enjoyed an evening or night of comparatively good rest and quietude.
ORDER FOR BRIGADE DRILL AND REVIEW FROM DIVISION HEAD- QUARTERS-BATTALION DRILL BY COLONEL FRANKLIN __ REGIMENT AGAIN COMPLIMENTED.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1862 .- The weather report, this morning, showed a slight variance from that of the past few days. An order was received at an early hour to " prepare for brigade drill with review," from Division headquarters, which indicated that something of unusual interest, exercise, and for criticism, was on hand for the day. The forenoon was therefore devoted to regular camp duty, and getting in readiness for the grand drill and review.
Promptly at I o'clock, P. M., the Regiment was ordered to the parade-ground, whither we marched and where we were thoroughly drilled in the various battalion movements, by Colonel FRANKLIN, until 2:30 P. M., when General STONEMAN and staff arrived. We were then put through brigade drill and review, the Regiment passing a very atten- tive and creditable examination, receiving special commend- ation and notice from Major-General STONEMAN and staff, as well as other officers. Company K again did splendidly, thus preserving their proud record already won in marching and other movements. Nothing further of interest to record to-day.
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