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 13
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26
CHAPTER XV.
NEW-YEAR DAY, COLD BUT DELIGHTFUL-EVENTFUL DAY FOR THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION -- REGIMENT ON PICKET AMID DISCOMFORTS-GENERAL BURNSIDE REVIEWS THE ARMY-SEVEN FELLOW-COMRADES DIE WITHIN TWO WEEKS -- ALARMING REDUCTION OF ACTIVE LIST.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 1863 .- Cold, bleak, and very stormy was the state of the weather from early morn until an hour or so after dawn of day, when the sun suddenly shown forth in radiant beauty, shedding lustre around and about us -in fact, everything upon the earth below, as though con- gratulatory to this ever-happy day throughout the. civilized and Christian world-the birth of the New Year ! It was, too, the eventful day, (or rather so to be.) designated by President LINCOLN as the occasion when the General Eman- cipation Proclamation, issued September 22d. 1862. should go into effect-a day of universal thanksgiving throughout the Northern States, as it guaranteed liberty and freedom to every person within the extensive confines of the United States, white or colored, but a day accursed throughout the South, because it gave to slavery a death-blow throughout the civilized world, particularly wherever the news had found its way, or the enforcement was having its effects within its boundaries.
However, as we were kept at our posts, we spent this beau- tiful, though bleak and wintry, New-Year Day on the picket- line, some writing letters home under disadvantages, etc .. while nearly all were toasting their shins before the fires, in the vain endeavor to keep warm and comfortable. Night
173
122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
again put in her appearance, cold and clear, with the moon shining forth beautifully, but all silent as the grave, save the regular, steady tread of the men of the Regiment, who, as sentinels, continued their lonely and faithful vigils of the previous night.
GENERAL SYKES COMMAND-DEATH OF A REGIMENTAL COMRADE.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 1863 .- Day dawned fine and clear this morning, while all the men of the Regiment were busy at preparing an early breakfast, which was soon ready and freely partaken of-coffee, hard tack, and salt pork con- stituting the menu, after which all proceeded to pack up and be ready for the relief to arrive. However, it was almost mid-day before the relief did appear, which consisted of a Brigade, with General SYKES' Regulars attached, when we were at once moved off toward camp. During the march to camp, the weather became quite warm, insomuch as to cause the men to perspire very freely under the burden of their overcoats and knapsacks. We arrived at camp about dusk, when we made and partook of supper; after which we were advised of the death, at hospital headquarters to-day, of Pri- vate LEVI M. GROFF, of Company E, another Regimental comrade to fall as a victim to the dread fever which pre- vailed at Camp Falmouth. With this sad announcement, all turned in early for whatever repose they could obtain.
THE IRREPRESSIBLE ENEMY-TWO MORE COMRADES DIE.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 1863 .- The weather this morning was clear again and warm. First Sergeants were ordered to make out their respective company muster and pay-rolls, while the day was generally spent in washing clothing, as well as watching and searching for that old, irrepressible enemy of the soldier; the proverbial gray-backs, which had taken advantage of a stealthy march and attack upon us while engaged at picket duty. Our prompt attention, care- ful and diligent scrutiny, as well as vigorous energy and ac-
174
Camp and Field Life.
tivity in the good cause, were soon rewarded, however, with victory; for we, too, caught them unawares and dispatched them on the spot. During the day advices reached the Regi- ment of the death of two other comrades, who had to suc- cumb to the results of that dread camp disease, the typhoid fever, which had been contracted during our Camp near Fal- mouth. The comrades here referred to, were: Corporal ED- WARD HAVERSTICK, of Company H, and Private WILLIAM A. KEFFER, of Company I, both of whom expired in hospi- tal, at Washington, D. C., January Ist, 1863. After this day's duties and the stowing away of the usual evening meal, all were soon at rest and asleep, from the fatigues and sadness which the past two days had brought in their train.
MORNING INSPECTION-ORDERS AT DRESS-PARADE.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 1863 .- No change in the weather to record to-day. The usual and regular Sunday-morning in- spection of the companies was rigidly gone through with, as also the general cleaning up of company streets throughout the camp, airing blankets, clothing, etc. As the day was fine and warm, Regimental divine service was held in the afternoon, after which came dress-parade, and the reading of several orders by Adjutant HEITSHU. One of them was from General BURNSIDE's headquarters, ordering a grand re- view for the morrow, when expectation and surmise, as to some important move of the army having been in contem- plation, seemed to be the prevailing thoughts of all, as they retired at an early hour to sleep, without anything further of importance to record for the day.
GRAND REVIEW OF THE ARMY BY GENERAL BURNSIDE AND OTHERS -DEATH OF COMRADE PHARES PENCE.
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 1863 .- Day-break again appeared exceptionally fine, with everything in bustle and general activity about camp, for preparations were then in progress for the grand review ordered yesterday by General BURN-
175
122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
SIDE. The company cooks succeeded in getting an early breakfast, which was speedily devoured-finding all in readi- ness for the signal or order to form line or column. At S 'o'clock sharp, the drum corps beat the assembly, when all the companies were promptly on Regimental line, with offi- cers on their saddles, riding from point to point, hastening the formation of the entire army for the grand review.
The main army was soon in motion, with which we fell in, all en route toward an open plain, south of camp, and in full view over the fully open country fronting and around Fredericksburg ; wherefrom, as we were manœuvred, could be plainly seen the rebels, across the river, moving about, as well as their guns glistening in the sunlight. However, we quickly came to a halt, when markers were thrown out, and at a given signal, our Division moved out upon the line ; so division after division moved out to their respective places in line, making a fine display. There were about 50,000 men in line, when, again upon signal, the bands of music struck up in unison, "Hail to the Chief !" as General BURNSIDE and staff, accompanied by the respective commanders of corps and divisions passed along in front of the line, present- ing an imposing appearance ; after which, they passed to our rear, and galloped again to the position whence they had started : but soon again was heard the bugle-call, when the command was given, "By division of companies, right into line, halt !" which, being executed, the call was repeated, followed by the command all along the line: " Forward, guide left, march !" when off we moved and passed in re- view before General BURNSIDE and the other commanding officers of the Army of the Potomac. The review consisted chiefly of marching movements, which were all that could be desired, and were executed in a manner that seemed to please and receive the commendation of all interested.
After which the call was again sounded, when the com- mand " to disperse to our respective camps," was given, and executed with quite a willingness. Having quickly arrived at
176
Camp and Field Life.
camp, we found our cooks busily preparing for us an abun- dant supper of bean soup and pork, which was eaten with keen relish, as we were a hungry set at that time.
As the boys were getting ready to turn into bunks Sergeant GEORGE F. SPRENGER, Company K, brought the report of the death of Comrade PHARES PENCE, who had just expired at Regimental hospital, from camp or typhoid fever, which proved very sorrowful tidings to his fellow-comrades, owing to the fact that he had endeared himself to all by his generous, open-hearted traits of character, and had been one of the liveliest boys about camp, or in the service-in short, he was always on hand. In sadness and reflection, therefore, all retired for the night.
BURIAL OF THE YOUTHFUL. COMRADE, PHARES PENCE-HEAVY RAIN DRIVES ALL TO QUARTERS.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1863-This morning opened raw and blustry, rendering a rather gloomy aspect to the condition of affairs, without the fact that, upon awaking and arising from our hard couches furnished by the surface of Mother Earth, the reflections of the night, before retiring, occasioned by the already noted occurrence and announcement of the death of a fellow-comrade, though sad and sorrowful, still clung with almost pertinacity to the minds or thoughts of many-most especially, to those of the boys of Company K, of which he had been one, in every particularity. There- fore, it is needless to state, we may say, that our first duty of the day was almost considerate, sad, and unpleasant one -that of the preparation of the corpse of our deceased com- rade, for burial, as well as the interment of the same.
As worthy of record, we note, that PHARES PENCE was cut down by that dread destroyer of human life in the military service, camp fever, while in the full bloom of youth, as he was but 16 years of age, and had been, previous to the attack of the direful malady which seemed for a time to prevail throughout our camps, one of the stoutest, most
-
-
177
122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
hardy, and robust of boys to be found within the ranks of Company K-boys, they are termed, because there were but four members of that Company who were not, and they ranked but little over the number of 24 in years of age. Again, the efficient and valuable services of another, but willing and ever-ready comrade, FRANK GALBRAITH, (who had already received and won the cognomen of "Company K's undertaker,") were brought into requisition. He did his work well, as heretofore, though under adverse circum- stances ; for, out of cracker-box slats was constructed the rude coffin for the enclosure of the remains, which, in the place of a shroud, were neatly and tenderly wrapped up in the soldier's garb-the folds of his own army blanket. His corpse then ready for interment, his comrades, one and all, were permitted the opportunity of a parting look at the then inanimate form of him, who previously known and respected as PHARES PENCE, had been a fellow-soldier, sharing alike with all the vicissitudes of army life; which anewed the thought and reflection in each and every one : how sad and what a pity, to put beneath the sward the form of so youth- ful a comrade, so suddenly and rudely removed from their midst by a messenger of death; when, perhaps, a bright and more promising future might have been his lot, had it been cast elsewhere. But it was a duty, nevertheless, and as such his remains were returned to the earth from whence they came, with the due observance of those last tributes of re- spect, in memoriam, according to military tactics and rites- that of the farewell shot over a fellow-soldier's grave and the silent, yet expressive, prayer : "Rest in Peace ! "
It was then almost noon, when rain began to fall, so heavily and so rapidly, that all were forced to return to quarters, wherein the balance of the day was devoted, (among his fellow-comrades,) to topics of conversation which dwelt principally, in monotones, upon the numerous good traits of character our late, deceased comrade possessed, the reference to which occasioned many an eye to dim and 9
!
178
Camp and Field Life.
many a cheek to trinkle with the irrepressible tear of com- passion and silent affection that fell, spontaneously as it were, for the moment. With no other event to record, thus ended the duties of this day.
COMPANY AND BATTALION DRILLS-HARD-TACK INCIDENT-DEATH OF CORPORAL ANDREW MCFARLAN, COMPANY E.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 1863 .- Morn was ushered in cold and very windy, causing the men, generally, to hunt up wood, build, and keep up camp-fires, for warmth and comfort. The special duties announced for the day, were : "company drills in the forenoon, and battalion drill in the afternoon." About 9 o'clock, A. M., all the companies of the Regiment were then thoroughly and rigidly drilled in the usual and general tactics, which served to act as a health- ful stimulus, as well as no mean appetizer for the proverbial dinner-" sow-belly and hard tack," as Private SAMUEL LUTZ then so aptly called it; the latter delicacy, however, he declared, most emphatically, must have been left over from the war with Mexico, because they were so tough and hard, that in test of his assertion he placed two of the bis- cuits under his heels to demonstrate and prove their dura- bility, succeeding so well in his efforts that his heels left no impress whatever upon the face of the biscuits, and they had to undergo a thorough soaking before they could be eaten.
At 2 o'clock, P. M., the Regiment was ordered out for battalion drill, thus affording a very proper and judicious exercise-really, a highly sanitary measure of duty; for, there were still a great number of sick in the Regiment, and there had been heard, almost daily, the low, dull thuds of the muffled drums, throughout the camps, in requiem, as one after another, the comrades from some portion of the army, then deceased, were conveyed for burial to the hastily prepared graves along the base of the hill near our camp at Falmouth. Yet this was not all that furnished food for reflection amongst the men of the Regiment; for, advices
179
122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
from Washington, D. C., had been received at Regimental headquarters, announcing the demise of another fellow-com- rade, Corporal ANDREW MCFARLAN, of Company E, in that city, on the 5th inst. But, with full knowledge that such was one of the inevitable results of the soldier's life, it was accepted in its full reality ; and, after the usual observance of the essential duties of the evening, all retired for repose and slumber.
ALARMING REDUCTION OF ACTIVE LIST-DEATH OF SERGEANT JAMES HOPKINS-DRILLING FOR HEALTH.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1863 .- All hail, this beautiful day-the anniversary-day of the Battle of New Orleans !- was the ejaculation heard this morning as we were aroused ; for, it was ushered in by bright, beautiful sunshine, although accompanied by cool, yet bracing winds. We found our first duty this morning, to be the report of the sick list, and it proved an unpleasant one; for, the list of Company K comprised sixteen sick men, which together with the detailed men, and those absent and ill at convalescent camp from all the companies, had reduced the active list of the Regiment to an alarming extent. It had been freely and fully dis- cussed, pro and con, that Camp Falmouth was far from being a healthy location, until the fact was generally admit- ted or acknowledged, but all to no avail ; for, as soldiers, we had to submit to the condition or state of affairs, as we were sworn to obey and suffer, and our only alternative was " to live in hope, even if we died in despair."
Another sad announcement was received at Regimental headquarters to-day, that of the death at Washington, D. C., of Sergeant JAMES HOPKINS, of Company F, which occurred but yesterday, thus depriving the Regiment of the services of another genial fellow-comrade.
Company and battalion drills were again the orders of the day, and every available man was forced into ranks to partici- pate in the health-imparting exercise-for such it proved to
1 80
Camp and Field Life.
be-a rather decided and fortunate boon for the soldier in an unhealthy portion of country like the disagreeable location of this camp. After which, good, hot coffee was furnished as delicious draughts to revive our otherwise disheartened spirits, of which all partook freely, and retired for the night.
THOROUGH SKIRMISH DRILL, ETC .- DETAILS FOR WOOD-CUTTING- DRESS-PARADE.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 1863 .- Day again dawned beautiful and clear, with cold, strong, bracing winds prevailing- just such a day that inspired every one to action. Lieutenant D. K. SPRINGER, of Company K, then suggested exercise in the skirmish drill-the proposition was not more quickly made than it was accepted by the boys, with cheer and hurrah ! So, immediately after guard-mount was over, which was the first duty of the morning, Company K was promptly in line, marched to the parade-ground, and drawn up there in line; whereupon, after imperative orders by the Lieutenant, as to strict attention to the word of command, etc., the men were at once deployed as skirmishers, and by the tap of the drum in the hands of Lieutenant SPRINGER, they were advanced step by step; then, by a succession of rapid taps, rallied by fours ; again, advanced for practice and exercise in the various parrying or guard movements, springing back and forth at the given signal ; then again rallying by fours and changing front, etc., as well as going through all the various and intricate manoeuvres of the Zouave drill greatly to the interest of the other companies of the Regiment, which did not have the advantage and privi- lege of tuition in that favorite, practical, and beautiful drill, prior to their entering the service. It was also commended by the officers of the Regiment, but proved, especially, more satisfactory to those of Company K and the men them- wolves, who felt and took just pride in their acquired skill in the use of the musket ; and, therefore, never grew tired of
fat tire on all occasions afforded.
181
122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
After a thorough drill of two and a half hours they were marched back to camp and company street ; where, by way of finale, they executed the manual of arms to the tap of the drum, and that, too, as accurately and satisfactorily as could be desired by any West Point officer from word of command. The short roll of the drum served as the signal for dismissal, as dinner was ready, which consisted of fresh beef and bean soup, and was readily partaken of, with a keen appetite and decided relish, after the vigorous drill, exercise, and manœuvres in which they were engaged during the entire forenoon.
After dinner a detail was made to go for wood for the cooks of the Regiment, when about sixteen of the boys with axes and hatchets, fell quickly into line and marched off to the north and rear of the camp, where were found many others of our own as well as other regiments, who had pre- ceded us and were already busy at felling trees and lugging of wood. After diligent work for two-hours time there had been enough cut and piled to return to camp, when each man took up a load, returned to camp, and made a second trip for the same purpose, whereby he cleaned up his pile, when the supply provided was found sufficiently ample for one week. At 4:30 P. M., the call, " to fall in for dress- parade," was beat, when all were promptly on time and out on parade-ground with our left general guide, SAMMY STAPE, (surnamed by the boys " Little Virtue,") out on the line. Dress-parade was soon over, however, when supper was next in order and readily disposed of; after which all turned into bunks with the satisfaction of having put in another well-spent day.
HEAVY RAIN CONFINES ALL WITHIN TENTS-THE SHIFTLESSNESS OF SOME, AND THE PASTIMES.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 1863 .- We awoke this morning to find it raining, which began at an early hour, and caused us to cling to our bunks quite closely, as it continued to fall
182
Camp and Field Life.
rather heavily ; but many, we observed, were compelled to weather it, as they had to dig trenches around their rude huts or stop up leaks, which latter little matters of precaution or necessary attention never disturbed them until it once rained, as was the case or circumstance with the shiftlessness of the " Arkansaw Traveler." T-uly, this was one of those days when there could be observed very readily, how the careless- ness of a soldier cropped out ; for, as we looked out from our rude " dug-outs," and cast our eyes hither and thither, upon the scene, we saw those, who when at leisure, were usually shiftless and had, of course, not properly provided for their comfort in such predicaments, sitting under their shelter tents in the wet and mud, and shivering from the cold and dampness surrounding them. It creates indeed, a study upon the shiftlessness of certain humanity ; for, while we all pitied them indeed, we could not better their present condition and had to admit that it was but the reward of their thoughtlessness as well as one cause for most of the sickness.
While the rain kept up we were penned in all day, which afforded many, who were enjoying comfortable quarters, the privileges of reading, letter-writing, and that other favorite pastime of the soldier on such dull days-the little game of · cards, which proved to be an important feature to-day. However, we flattered ourselves that it was not our turn to be out on picket duty in this disagreeable weather, and there- fore envied not those who had been detailed for and were doing that duty. However, to put in the time, we worried the cooks, whose duties were always arduous on such days ; and, therefore, it was not to be wondered at, that they were in a somewhat surly mood ; but, having an ample supply of wood on hand. they were soon again exhibiting compar- atively good spirits, which were often heightened and en- livened by the addition of alcoholic ones when chances afforded. As there was no duty for us, nor dress-parade to- day. we partook very heartily of the suppers provided, and
183
122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
afterwards retired to rest for the night, as comfortably as possible under the circumstances.
SUNDAY-MORNING INSPECTION-DIVINE SERVICE.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 1863 .- A more agreeable state of the weather greeted us this morning as we were aroused, and one, too, that was decidedly more healthy; for, a heavy frost had fallen around us. So, gladly and eagerly. we gathered around the freshly lit camp-fires in company street for the purpose of drying our clothing, yet damp from yes- terday's rainy spell, as well as to dispel the chills thereby occasioned. However, as day advanced, it became milder, warmer and clearer, for "Old Sol" had crept out to cheer up, whereupon all hailed his appearance with joy. It was then I0 A. M., when the respective companies were ordered out for the usual Sunday-morning inspection, which, on this occasion, included the condition of the knapsacks, as well as the men, for general marching trim, and proved satisfactory.
There being no extra duty to-day, we were afforded a stroll about camp this afternoon, which was enjoyed and appre- ciated ; for, as we arrived at the right post of Regimental camp we were entertained with the reading of a chapter from the New Testament, as well as an exhortation thereupon, by Chaplain KIRKE, for a time-at least, until several members from the left end had, apparently, exhibited some feeling as to the proper moral effects occasioned thereby, when all returned to quarters in time for dress-parade, which was of short duration. To supper upon the rarest and best that our larder afforded, and to rest for the night, ended the events of the day. 1
ANOTHER COMRADE DEAD-GENERAL POLICING OF CAMP, ETC.
MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 1863 .-- This morning opened finely, the weather being clear and warm, drying up the mud and dampness, and adding much to our general com- fort. After attending sick-call, guard-mount, etc., the res-
184
Camp and Field Life.
idue of all companies of the Regiment, fit for duty, were or- dered out for the purpose of cleaning and policing of camp. Again the Regiment received information of sorrowful nature -that of the entry of death among its ranks removing there- from Private JOSEPH T. WINDLE, of Company E, who ex- pired at Washington, D. C, January 9th, in convalescent hospital.
THE BIVOUAC OF THE DEAD.
The muffled drum's sad roll has beat, The soldier's last tattoo; No more, on life's parade, shall meet That brave and fallen few. On Fame's eternal camping ground Their silent tents are spread;
And glory guards, with solemn round, The bivouac of the dead.
No rumor of the foe's advance Now swells upon the wind ; No troubled thought at midnight haunts, Of loved ones left behind ; No vision of the morrow's strife The warrior's dream alarms ;
No braying horn, or screaming fife, At dawn shall call to arms.
Rest on, embalmed and sainted dead, Dear as the blood ye gave ! No impious footstep here shall tread The herbage of the grave ; Nor shall your glory be forgot While Fame her record keeps,
Or Honor points the hallowed spot Where Valor proudly sleeps.
Yon marbled minstrel's voiceless stone, In deathless song shall tell, When many a vanquished year hath flown, The story how he fell ; Nor wreck, nor change, nor winter's blight, Nor Time's remorseless doom, Can dim one ray of holy light That gills your glorious tomb.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.