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 12
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BRIGADE-DRILL AND DRESS-PARADE BY COLONEL FRANKLIN- DEATH OF ANOTHER REGIMENTAL COMRADE.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1862 .- It gives us pleasure to record, as the condition of the weather, this morning, cold and clear, which seemed to be more invigorating to the spirits of the men. Orders for brigade drill were again received for the afternoon. The morning hours kept all busy in regular camp service, and at washing clothing, as well as cleaning guns, etc. At I o'clock, P. M., sharp, the call was again beaten to fall in, when the Regiment was directly formed on color-line by Colonel FRANKLIN, with Company K at its post with left guide out, which together with the other regiments of the Brigade were drilled by the Colonel, who had been temporarily assigned to the command of the Brigade. The drill was thorough, in strict accordance with discipline, and admirably conducted. It was generally ob- served and remarked, to the credit of our gallant Colonel, that it was the best brigade drill which had yet been held, and that it was well directed, the Colonel exhibiting suffi- ciently good, strong voice, so as to be clearly heard all along the line of column. The Regiment sustained the loss to-day of another comrade, that of Private JAMES K. LEWIS, of Company E, who died as a victim to that dread camp fever which had prevailed for some time past. After drill a fine dress-parade was held. in which all the companies of the Regiment acquitted themselves so creditably that the men, generally, returned to quarters in cheerful mood, and passed the evening hours very profitably and pleasantly.
INVIGORATING WEATHER-COMPANY SKIRMISH DRILL-PREPARA- TIONS FOR CHRISTMAS-TIDE-DISCIPLINE PRESERVED.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1862 .- Day-break opened upon ns very fine and clear, with the effect of re-enlivening the men, generally, as well as bestirring them for more active service and duty. After the usual routine of the early morn-
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ing hours had been carried out, Company K was formed into line and marched to the parade-ground, where the boys were rigidly put through the skirmish drill, conducted by Lieutenant D. K. SPRINGER, in which they deployed and rallied by group of fours, besides exercising in and proceed- ing with various other intricate movements. The Company exhibited excellent proficiency on this occasion, was much admired, and highly commended. As we returned to camp we found that liberal rations of fresh beef and bean-soup had been issued and were awaiting us already prepared, of which we all heartily partook, greatly to the refreshment of " the inner man."
During the afternoon all the Companies of the Regiment were busily engaged in arranging for a general observance, throughout the camps, of Christmas-tide, that ever-joyful and festive season of the year then at hand, in such manner as circumstances and situation would at that time afford, when contrasted with the facilities, luxuries, and dainties usually enjoyed, while at home, in comfortable, heated, well- lighted parlors and halls, where they were wont to entertain each other as guests, as well as
" With gentle deeds, and kindly thoughts, And loving words withal ; Welcome the merry Christmas in, And hear a brother's call."
While these preparations were going on, camp and other important duties were neither overlooked nor postponed, for they were then performed with celerity and strictness. Va- rious details, under the regulations, had been made, and the respective reliefs furnished, at intervals, showing that disci- pline and precaution also reigned supreme. When evening hours approached, the detail from Company K, for guard duty at Brigade headquarters, returned to company quarters, bringing along a liberal supply of the ardent beverage, for the occasion of commemorating
" The night that erst no name had worn ;"
but,
" To it a happy name since given."
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So, after indulging their appetites with what their larders contained, and moistening their throats with the enlivening draughts provided, they proceeded-no doubt, inspired by the stanza from Scott's poem :
"'Twas Christmas broached the mightiest ale, 'Twas Christmas told the merriest tale ; A Christmas gambol oft could cheer The poor man's heart through half the year "-
to have a joyful time of it, by making merry and filling all about them with good cheer, as they caused the very air to resound with their jolly camp songs during that ever-to-be- remembered Christmas eve. Appropriately, too, was it celebrated ; for, they remembered the declaration of Hol- land :
"There was song in the air; a star in the sky; A mother's deep prayer, and a babe's low cry ; The star rained its fire as the beautiful did sing, And the manger of Bethlehem cradl'd a King !"
Thus the glorious eve was observed, amid song, rejoicing, etc., until a late hour, when all retired for a short slumber, and in anticipation of having a better and happier time on the morrow.
ALL HAIL CHRISTMAS DAY !- SUMPTUOUS DINNER ON ROAST BEEF INSTEAD OF TURKEY-COMPLIMENTS FROM OFFICERS.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1862 .- All hail, Christmas Day ! was the general exclamation heard, as we awoke this morning, notwithstanding dawn appeared rather foggy as well as slightly unpleasant ; but. as day grew on, the fog was dispelled by bright, warm, mellow sunshine, which rendered this most glorious and ever-welcome day of the year one of beauty, filling the hearts of the men with good will and fra- ternal feeling. There being no strictly defined order or line of duty for the day, owing to the great event it commem- orated, all gave way to jollity, as also the determination to celebrate this grand festival of the season in a manner due and pertaining to the occasion, circumstances, situation, etc.
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Imbued with the inspiration which possessed the poet Wither, when he wrote :
"So now has come our joyful'st feast, Let every one be jolly ; Each room with ivy leaves be drest, And every post with holly ;"
details from the respective companies hurriedly wended their way to and from our Quartermaster's Department with an ample supply of fresh beef and the other articles of diet there to be had and desired ; when, in short order, all were busily engaged in the preparation of their Christmas din- ners, however not to be served in " rooms with ivy leaves, and where posts with holly drest," but in the humble " dug- out " soldier bunks and army tents throughout those camps.
The boys of Company K generally fared well, but several had the good fortune of obtaining their respective shares combined in one large lump together, and therefore resolved upon having a royal, sumptuous Christmas repast on roast beef, instead of the proverbial Lancaster County turkey they would expect and enjoy were they there at home. So, therefore, knowing full well the qualifications of Act- ing Orderly-Sergeant SPRENGER. who had learned consid- erable of, as well as having been an adept in, the culinary art while at home, they immediately invoked his services in their behalf, and to their great delight prevailed. Ser- geant SPRENGER then appeared, amply provided with the kitchen utensils, consisting of roasting pan, tea-kettle, plates, etc., so kindly presented to him by those in charge of the culinary department at Judge CHEW's residence in Freder- icksburg, during the siege thereof, as also a few of the other essentials which he had secured, such as flitch, onions, spices, etc., and was soon busily occupied in the preparation of the anticipated grand Christmas roast, approximating the mode a la Delmonico as possibly could be; for the aroma which ascended from their "dug-out" chimney soon had a keen, attracting effect upon the nostrils of the commissioned offi- cers, who arrived quickly upon the scene, exclaiming "oh,
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how delicious; how savory the fragrance of your cooking Christmas roast !" Ever mindful of Christmas-tide, with their souls filled with gratitude and generosity, they observed Tusser's advice :
" At Christmas be merry and thankful withal, And feast thy poor neighbors-the great with the small,"
tendering their hospitality and sharing with them the excel- lent Christmas dinner provided; which, although but mor- sels as a taste, however, were highly and gladly appreciated by the officers, who were by no means slow, but ready with praise and commendation of Sergeant SPRENGER'S superior . skill in the art cuisine. It was pronounced and admitted by all who enjoyed the privilege of being participants, that it was really the grandest treat of all their epicurean experience during army life-especially, that the onion and flitch dress- ing, properly spiced and seasoned, together with the broken crackers therein, far surpassed anything for richness of flavor ever before tasted or eaten by them.
After partaking very heartily and cheerfully of their sev- eral repasts, the boys of Company K seemed to agree in sentiment with Thomas Miller, which was :
"The poor will many a care forget ; The debtor think not of his debts ; But, as they each enjoy their cheer, Wish it were Christmas all the year ;"
for, they at once proceeded to indulge, with the greatest merriment, in all manner of camp sports during the after- noon, such as acrobatic feats. etc., to the amusement and en- tertainment of all spectators. The hours of the evening and night were devoted to singing by the glee club, under the leadership of Sergeant DEXTER WHITE, who had his musical department in superb condition for the occasion, until wearied from the enjoyments of the day, yet filled with the mirth and luxury of their festival, they retired for repose, deeply inspired, appropriately, too, with the thoughts as expressed by Charles Kingsley :
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" Who taught mankind on that first Christmas-Day What 'twas to be a man; to give, not take; To serve, not rule; to nourish, not devour ; To help, not crush; if need, to die, not live."
Thus ended, very commemorably Christmas-Day, in the camp of the 122d Regiment, P. V., near Falmouth, Va., December 25th, 1862.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS FROM HOME-INVIGORATING BRIGADE DRILL.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1862 .- Day dawned bright and clear, with temperature moderately warm. The members of the Regiment, in general, appeared to be in excellent spirits, especially Company K boys, notwithstanding their full in- dulgence in the Christmas festivities afforded yesterday, and while some were already complaining of not feeling so usu- ally well. During the morning hours, we received the order for brigade drill again, and directly after there was some little excitement in the camp, as many of the men were re- cipients of boxes of dainties, etc., as Christmas gifts from friends at home, while those not so lucky appeared interested and were glad to congratulate the more fortunate recipients.
Promptly, at the hour specified, the Regiment was formed into line for brigade drill, for which, too, all seemed eager and delighted, as it had been having quite an influence upon the morale of us soldier-boys, both as regards our physical development and as a sanitary measure-indeed, it had proven of inestimable value, and had therefore been a pleasant duty. We were thoroughly drilled for several hours when all returned to camp fully cheered and feeling benefited by the health-giving exercises, etc., and were soon passing opinion upon the merits of what the respective company cooks had prepared and provided during their absence for the refreshment of " the inner man." Finding the evening meal palatable and acceptable, and somewhat tired, all were soon reposing in the arms of Morpheus, within bunks for the night.
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CLEANING UP CAMP THE ORDERS-MORE CHRISTMAS BOXES RE- CEIVED-CHAGRIN AND MIRTH AT THE OPENING.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1862 .- The weather to-day was again passably fine, as some would express it. We found, as the first order for morning duty, that company streets were to be policed, all rubbish carried to the rear, etc., all of which were speedily and energetically carried out, thus affording ample opportunity for the opening of the Christmas boxes. Many more arrived from home to-day and were received, creating general gladness among all, as they perceived the dainties, such as cakes, preserves, soft, home-made bread, potted turkey, other choice meats, etc., spread in profusion before them, knowing and appreciating full well that a liberal divide was in the order of affairs.
But the opening of the boxes furnished another occasion for merriment, for a short time, as the contents were brought out, apparently mashed together, or rather in one conglomer- ated mass, much to the chagrin of the owners, as well as affording considerable mirth to the bystanders, as they were exposed to view ; for, they had not been any too carefully regarded, or handled, in the hauling of them over those rough, almost impassable, Virginia roads, and especially when the only means of conveyance were the non-elastic army wagons. However, nothing was allowed to go to waste ; for every morsel was tied up with gusto, while the native, apple-butter-besmeared Pages, of some of the boys, served the more to remind all of the homes and luxuries left behind in good, old Lancaster County, Pa .- " the land where milk and honey ever continued to flow." After gor- mandizing to the heart's content upon the dainties, etc., pro- vided us, all retired to rest for the night at an early hour. and were soon, but only in dreams, at home among kind friends sharing the pleasures of the festive holiday season.
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CREDITABLE SUNDAY INSPECTION-SICK LIST INCREASED-DAINTIES, ETC., FROM THE " PATRIOT DAUGHTERS"-DEATH REPORTS.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1862 .- Morn dawned brightly and beautifully, and at an early hour the entire camp was all in bustle and activity, for regular Sunday-morning in- spection was the order ; and, as it was rigidly observed, resulted greatly to the credit of the Regiment in general, as well as the boys of Company K especially. But, soon after - wards, a sort of sadness seemed to prevail, owing to the fact that the report of the sick exhibited the addition of several new recruits to the list, who were then escorted to hospital tent at Surgeon's call by Sergeant HENRY SCHAUM. How- ever, the men refused to take their prescriptions, when they were ordered back to report for duty. As they returned more boxes were received, some of them very timely and favorably, as they contained many dainties for the sick in hospital and camp from the Patriot Daughters of our native Lancaster, Pa. Also, there were received several packages of fine liquors, such as brandies, wines, etc., of invaluable benefit and very essential at that time in the hospital depart- ment, as numerous were and had been the cases of camp fever, dysentery, etc., from day to day, which required those kinds of medicine. The illness had then prevailed through- out the camps for several days, to such an extent that deaths were reported as daily occurrences-announcements which were only productive of sorrowful reflections, as our comrades were being rapidly removed from amongst us by the rude hand of death-two of which were members of our own Regiment-those of Privates ISAAC H. BRABSON, of Company B, and JONATHAN DAGUE, of Company F, who expired at hospital quarters in Camp Falmouth, while we enjoyed the festivities of Christmas-Day, December 25, 1862. Without any further event worthy of note, another night's re- pose was sought and hoped for within tent and bunk.
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A HEALTHY CHANGE OF WEATHER-SPECIAL REVIEW AND IN- SPECTION-REGIMENT COMPLIMENTED, ETC.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1862 .- We had the pleasure of recording a decidedly healthy change of weather this morn- ing, as we were aroused from our slumbers; for we found it bright and clear above us, as well as the air so cold and . bracing, that it caused the boys to build fires and hug them with the closest affection. While the morning meal was in preparation, an order was received to prepare for review and inspection to be held in the afternoon. Accordingly, the men were fully occupied during the hours of the forenoon in cleaning up arms, accoutrements, etc.
At 1 o'clock, P. M., the Regiment was ordered out to the parade-ground, where the entire Brigade also promptly ar- rived, together with Major-General WHIPPLE and staff. A special view and inspection was observed, General WHIPPLE and staff giving critical and very careful attention to the appearance, discipline, and movements of each brigade, regi . ment, and company of the Division. The Regiment again re- ceived high commendation from General WHIPPLE and staff, on account of marked military bearing exhibited, as also for proficiency in the several movements and manual of arms. The condition of arms, accoutrements, etc., was also consid- ered worthy of praise, whilst Company K boys won another special encomium from General WHIPPLE for fine marching kept up by them when moving in company front. Owing to the direct and very considerate attention given to this review and inspection, as well as the circumstance or fact that a conference of the Regimental, Brigade, Division, and Staff officers was held immediately afterward, it was surmised by all that there was quite an unusual significance to be attached to it -- that some important movement wasto be expected for the near future. Dress-parade followed for an hour, when all returned to camp, elated with the credit awarded to them for the manner in which they acquitted themselves, as well
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as to satiate their empty stomachs with the best camp-larder could and would provide.
ANOTHER SAD ANNOUNCEMENT-DEATH OF JACOB LUTZ.
While Company K boys were quietly ranged within their bunks and tented quarters, enjoying, or rather engaged in passing the evening hours, they received very sorrowfully, through Sergeant SPRENGER, the sudden and unexpected an- nouncement of the death of another fellow-comrade-that of Private JACOB LUTZ, who expired while afflicted with camp typhoid fever at hospital quarters at 6 o'clock P. M. He was well liked throughout the Regiment, as well as by the members of the Company, and had the reputation of being a good, brave soldier. The next thing in order was the preparation of his body for interment, in as proper and respectful a manner as the time, place, and circumstances would afford. Comrade FRANKLIN GALBRAITH had been assigned to take charge of the corpse, and at the hour when the moon was high up and bright, and all was clear in the heavens, the body had been washed, neatly dressed, and was lying in state in the centre of company streets, with his feet toward the moon and his head elevated to face the same direction, as was said to be the regulation rule. Comrade GALBRAITH next proceeded of construct a coffin out of cracker-box boards which though somewhat rough in appear- ance was, nevertheless, well and neatly done ; and for which he received in return the hearty good-will and thanks of all the men.
RATHER EFFECTIVE ENDING, TO A NOISY CAROUSAL AND WAKE.
The next rite of observance was that of the watch over the corpse during the night, which was readily participated in by the comrades in turn, and during which an incident occurred worth relating. When the turn of JACK DONNELLY, our generally wayward comrade, came about, it seemed that he
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got possession, by some means, of a canteen of Commissary whiskey, and, after imbibing rather too freely, immediately undertook to have an old-fashioned Irish wake on his own account ; when, about midnight, the liquor getting the best of him, he attempted to raise a row around the corpse, but his noisy carousal was quickly settled by a well-directed blow with the fist from Comrade GEORGE WALLER, which ren- dered it necessary to carry him into his dog-hut to sleep off his stupor.
BURIAL OF COMRADE JACOB LUTZ -POST OF EXPOSURE ON PICKET- VISIT FROM GENERAL PIATT AND COLONEL FRANKLIN.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1862 .- The weather continued favorable, but cool, as we turned out this morning, prepared to perform our first duty, yet the last and saddest rite to be observed-that of interring the remains of Comrade JACOB LUTZ, he who had shared our hardships, mishaps, and adventures, as well as having endeared himself to all by acts of kindness, friendship, and geniality. That task, however, was left in charge of a few members of the Company, owing to the fact that the Regiment had been ordered " to be in line at an early hour, to go on picket." An order was also received "to send Commissary Sergeants to Regimental Commissary for respective company rations," which were then issued as rapidly as possible; when, by 9 o'clock, A. M., the Regiment had been hurried into line, together with the rest of the Brigade, and were quickly on the march, in a roundabout way, about eight miles, toward Rock Run, to locations among the hills, to relieve the First Division of the Third Corps, which had just been on the picket-line for three consecutive days and nights.
The Regiment was next marched along the line towards the northwest and detailed in relief to the posts there located : a reserve station was established some distance in the rear and in a secluded spot, where, just as we were settling down in anticipation of enjoying the comforts of a small bivouac
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fire, word was brought that General PIATT and Colonel FRANKLIN were coming along the line, when the fire was immediately extinguished with the reserve standing " at at- tention !" to receive those officers. After General PIATT came up he halted and ordered the line to be advanced some distance farther forward. and to be posted higher up in a woodland. It was not long time before we were in our new position, though somewhat more exposed to danger than the one just vacated, with strict orders not to have any large fires at reserve stations. However, after General PIATT returned to headquarters, the boys were again busy at work trying to make themselves contented and at home, by constructing cedar-branch huts and building fires for comfort, as well as boiling coffee and preparing a good meal to warm up for the night, which was ushered in with a decidedly cold nor'wester and a slight drift of snow. Close by stood a small house, just outside of our lines, upon which our eyes were constantly kept, as a woman was seen passing over the hill in an off- direction, thereby creating some suspicion among the boys. However, the videttes were regularly relieved during the night, and no reports were made of any importance.
OUTPOSTS ADVANCED-VISITS FROM AN OLD FARMER AND WIFE- MUTUALLY DESIRABLE AND FAVORABLE TRADES.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1862 .- After a cold, une- ventful night, we awoke early. to find an order " to prepare breakfast at once, and be ready to take the post of the first relief of our Regiment," then doing duty on the main picket line. This was all arranged and perfected by 8 o'clock, A. M., when the reserve was sent to the rear. Our posts being then located more closely in proximity to the little old log house, we were afforded opportunities of venturing within hailing distance, when we soon attracted the attention of the aged farmer himself-a man, who had already passed through and by the generally allotted time of life's sojourn-
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with whom a pleasant chat was also enjoyed to mutual benefit and profit.
The old farmer had no salt with which to season his diet, and having shown, as well as expressed, great anxiety for the same, as we had plenty just then in our haversacks, we were enabled to effect a fair trade with him. He provided us with some excellent corn-cakes, nicely and brownly baked, which proved decided luxuries to us; whilst, on the other hand, he almost cried for joy, so grateful did he appear. when he received in exchange a few handfuls of salt and Commissary coffee. The old lady, too, who had returned, quickly put in her appearance among us with more corn- cakes for another trade : so, we here had found a favorable and good post on the picket-line for the boys, who continued to fare well while on duty at this point. To-day the Regi- ment was apprised that the rude hand of death had again been laid upon a comrade-upon Private FRANK G. WENGER, of Company C, making still another to be added to the mortuary list of Camp Falmouth.
Thus the day passed without further event to record, save that night quickly came on with its only half moon-light and fleeting snow-clouds, whilst naught was heard but the sigh- ing of the whining, wintry winds, as they raged through the forest trees and their branches, thus driving out the eventful and ever-memorable old year of 1862, and ushering in that of the new, 1863. At intervals, the steady tramp of our trusty, faithful sentinels, were also distinctly heard, showing that the lonely yet required vigils of the night were then strictly kept.
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