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 14
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The carrying of all dirt and rubbish to the rear, as well as - the general clearing of company streets and camp, was next in full progress-in other words, "putting their houses in
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order," for unforeseen events. Next, in order, was the parade- ground, a long, level plain, facing or fronting along the Brigade headquarters, which, too, was to be policed ; there- fore, the entire force of the three regiments composing our - Brigade was actively at work, cutting away the underbrush and conveying the same to out-of-way places, so that the ground would afford greater facilities and prove more adapt- able for special wheeling and other intricate manœuvres at remote ends, as well as through and over the plain in general. Thus we were engaged until night-fall, when, indeed, our general camp, with its surroundings, then presented a most inviting and highly improved appearance-insomuch, that it was no less a source of gratification to those who had the duty of thus arranging the same, as it had been one which received the highest commendation of the superior officers throughout our Division, and its chief merit was derived from the fact, that it would, in a high degree, add to and promote a more satisfactory condition of health throughout the camp.
FAVORABLE WEATHER-NO SPECIAL DUTY.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1863 .- The weather continued fine, and afforded favorable opportunity for company drills, which were the orders for the morning hours, and in which all engaged with zeal and delight, for an hour or two. Dur- ing the balance of the forenoon all were at leisure, when the usual pleasures, pastimes, etc., to be had at such times were freely indulged. For the afternoon, there being no extra or special duty, passes were obtained, which, of course, the boys highly appreciated and used for the purpose of visits to friends and relatives in neighboring camps, as well as in- spection thereof, with a view to mutual profit, advantage and improvement thereby, and thus ended the day without any other interesting event to record.
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IMPROVEMENTS OF BUNKS-PREPARATIONS FOR PAYMASTER-IMPOS- ING STRUCTURE BLOWN IN BY THE WIND.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 1863 .- The weather was still fine to-day. The hours of leisure, which the boys were so fortunate to have had the privilege of enjoying, within the past day or two, had been used to good purpose ; for their bunks had been overhauled and vastly improved, both as regards health and comfort-by the addition of logs, in such manner as to give more height to the quarters, afford freer ventilation, and elevate the bunks of the men-thus making the quarters more cosy and neat in appearance. Our appre- ciation, admiration and reflections upon the well-done serv- ice rendered during these leisure hours, however, were sud- denly cut short ; for the rumor became current that the pay- master was coming ; therefore, the making out of the neces- sary pay-rolls became the order the day-a matter in which all were to some degree, more or less interested. So, re- pairing to Company K headquarters for the purpose, we happened to find other work going on-that of the erection of a novel, imposing sort of a structure for the special con- venience and comfort of company officers, designed and then being executed by Captain DUNCAN and Lieutenant DOR- WART, which greatly incommoded us, affording scarcely elbow-room in the proper preparation of the rolls. How- ever, by night-fall, we were enabled to complete them, when we returned to our own quarters with the satisfaction and gladness that our task was done.
In connection therewith an incident, or rather accident, occurred during the night, worth relating, to the surprise of our Captain and 2d Lieutenant, who had been busily engaged at improving their quarters. As above specified, a novel and imposing structure was designed and erected, which consisted of layers of stout logs, one upon another, arranged in an oblong-square shape, and built about four feet high above the ground. To the top thereof were at-
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tached the respective shelter-tents of those officers, buttoned together, all of which progressed favorably and presented an attractive and inviting appearance. The finishing of the structure was next in order-that of a board front with door- way ; lumber generally adapted for such purposes was out of the question and not to be had, so the only material at hand for use was that of cracker-box boards which had been accumulated for the purpose, and in a short time the domi- cile was completed, with the rudely-made door fastened on by leather-hinges, and a strap-bolt serving for the latch. However, the structure proved rather frail; for, just after taps, and as they became comfortably ensconced therein, a rude blast of wind struck the front, causing it to fall in upon them, greatly to their chagrin and disappointment as well as discomfort and inconvenience, which soon created a com- motion thereabouts, ending in discussion and some criticism upon the skill and mechanism of the builders that reflected but little credit. Those who had built more substantially, with the view of combining health with comfort, rather than ease with display, could not help but sympathize with the Captain and Lieutenant in their nocturnal dilemma of re- constructing the ruins, as they drew themselves within their own neat and cosy quarters for a night of real rest and tran- quility.
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CHAPTER XVI.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE DISASTROUS MUD-CAMPAIGN ! - DETAILS FOR BRIGADE COMMISSARY GUARD-PLEDGE GIVEN- MORE VICTIMS TO CAMP FEVER-BRIGADE INSPECTION AND REVIEW- MARKED DISTINCTION FOR COMMENDABLE APPEAR- ANCE AWARDED TO COMPANY K, BY GENERAL WHIPPLE-IMPORTANT RUMORS CURRENT- RESULTS OF THE GREAT MUD-MARCH.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 1883 .- Day did not appear so auspiciously as yesterday, for the sky was overcast with fleet- ing clouds, and raw, chilling winds prevailed. The first duties of the morning hours were details for Brigade Com- missary Guard, when Company K furnished four men, with Sergeant KILLIAN; who, in accordance therewith, for the privilege, made promise of procuring a very essential and desirable article in camp at that time-that of a canteen of Commissary Bourbon-and presenting the same as a gift to the men ; but, as this could only be obtained at Brigade Commissary headquarters tent, and then only by clear strategy, we concluded to await future developments before exhibiting signs of pleasure or rejoicing ; however, as the boys of Company K had never been known to make mis- calculations in their undertakings or apprisals, we relied rather strongly on their promise and wished them success. The next duties were those of guard-mount and attention to : sick-calls, which took up the early hours of the forenoon ; whereupon, too, it was learned that the Regiment had again sustained the loss of two members by death-those of Cor- poral HENRY MEESER and Private DANIEL G. BOOK, of Company D, two fellow-comrades who had to fall as other victims to the fearful camp fever which raged at Camp Fal-
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mouth. They expired yesterday at Regimental Hospital in camp.
Just as these duties were over, Sergeant-Major W. H. H. BUCKIUS put in an appearance at company headquarters, respectively, with orders " to clean up arms and accoutrements for Brigade inspection during the afternoon ;" whereupon, at once, all became bustle and activity in camp. Cleaning up, surely, was the order of things in general ; so, therefore, the cooks were early at their fires preparing the early dinner, for they, too, had to turn out, as none but the really sick were excused.
· At 2 o'clock P. M., all was clear, and the Brigade was in line, with Major-General WHIPPLE and staff upon the parade- ground; where, upon signal, regiment by regiment formed into open order. while the General and his staff rode leisurely along the front, as well as the rear, to the right of the line. Next were received the commands-" close order, march !"' and "form columns, by company !" which were obeyed and executed, when the inspection of arms. etc., pro- ceeded with credit to all and special satisfaction to General WHIPPLE, as also the other officers in command. Inspec- tion over, we were marched off in columns by company to pass in review, wherein Company K, although the extreme left of the Regiment, presented a splendid and commendable appearance-the lines in rank being as straight or direct as a rule-attracting not only the attention of the inspecting and reviewing officers, but also receive: from Major-General WHIPPLE his special marked recognition in gratifying smile as well as by the raising of his chapeau, and at the same time turning to Colonel FRANKLIN with words of praise in regard to our appearance, demeanor, and discipline ;* for.
+ It had been noted and remarked, that Gener. WHIPPLE had held the boys of . Company K in high esteem ever since the better acquaintance formed through means of close observance of their denmanor in the city of Fredericksburg, just a month previous, and therefore it was a matter of great distinction to be thus specially com- phmented by the commanding officer of a division-an unusual and very rare mark of respect and recognition, in which any company could or would indulge extraor- dinary pride and gratification.
-
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immediately after dismissal from review, we were again highly complimented by both Regimental as also Company officers.
A hastily prepared supper was then provided and heartily partaken of, after which a drizzling rain immediately began and continued to fall more heavily during the night ; how- ever, as we had then provided against inundation, we rolled into our blankets, caring little how long or hard it rained. when we were about to enjoy the comforts of a dry berth and a good night's rest, meditatively with the poet's prayer :
" Let angels guard us while we sleep- At dawn of day their time is up- Mortals now have their watch to keep."
RUMORS OF A MARCH-A PROMISE KEPT.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 1863 .- We awoke this morning to find our bunks surrounded by mud, mire, and water, with the weather, though not so inclement, yet unfavorable. Great fires were then in general order, to which all closely clung, while rumors of an important march were current in and about camp-not a pleasing and welcome state of cir- cumstances by any means, when the condition of the roads for a great march was taken into consideration. But, to obey orders, was the first duty of the soldier, always; however, we were soon gratified to find that, owing to the weather, roads, etc., we were permitted to remain idle all day long, with no duties to perform worthy of record. Before closing up our notes for the day, acknowledgment is due to the fact that Sergeant KILLIAN, true to his promise, succeeded in pro- curing the canteen of Commissary Bourbon, which was for- warded and received, as well as generously and beneficially divided among those to whom it proved an article in time of need. Without anything else of event all retired for the night.
MARCHING ORDERS COUNTERMANDED, ETC.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 1863 .- Day opened somewhat
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brighter than for the past day or two, though the weather was still unsettled. At an early hour orders were received from the Colonel : "To have three-days rations packed in haversacks; all the sick, unable to march ten miles, to be - sent to the hospital in charge of the surgeons; sixty rounds of ammunition to be immediately furnished : tents to be struck ; to pack up, and be ready to move at a moment's notice "-in fact, everything indicative of a sudden, rough, and important march. However, we laid about in readiness, awaiting the order to move, until 5 o'clock, P. M., when we were advised that marching orders had been countermanded for twenty-four hours, with instructions to return into quarters.
After reconstructing bunks, quarters, etc., and partaking of a good supper on beef, coffee, and hard-tack, all once more turned in for a night's repose, amidst unfavorable cir- cumstances and in an unpleasant predicament.
THE USUAL SUNDAY-MORNING INSPECTION.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 1863 .- We were aroused this morning, to find the same condition of circumstances and uncertainty of things, as when we laid down on the previous night, except that we were under marching orders. Our regular Sunday-morning inspection, however, was observed as usual, while the remainder of the day was devoted to reading, letter-writing, etc., until dress-parade for the even ing ; after which, orders "to march," were again delayed " for twenty-four hours, but to keep in readiness for a move." No other event to record, and thus all retired for the night.
. REGIMENT STILL UNDER MARCHING ORDERS.
MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 1863 .- The weather this morning continued unsettled, and our marching orders were still further delayed. In order to put in the time, as well as for exercise, the respective companies of the Regiment were out drilling for the day, which closed with no event to record, and leaving us yet under marching orders.
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GENERAL PIATT ANNOUNCES A DEATH-BLOW TO REBELLION.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1863 .- This day opened fine, and promised a change for better weather. Orders were issued to form Regiment at 12 M., on parade-ground, whereupon at once all was surmise and anticipation as to the importance of this order. Promptly at the hour named the different regi- ments were in line, when General PIATT and staff appeared upon the scene, forming the Brigade, etc., en masse, and addressing them as to the great importance of the contem- plated movement, indicating that the purpose of the same was to be the death-blow to the rebellion, and entreating the different organizations to make a determined stand with a view to that end, whose remarks were greeted with cheer upon cheer that made the welkin ring. Orders were then issued and received, " to be in readiness to fall in again at a moment's notice." About 4 P. M. rain commenced to fall, which increased in severity until taps, and continued to pour down during the night.
MUD-MARCH BEGINS-TEAMS STUCK IN THE MIRE.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1863 .- The heavy rain of the previous night continued all morning. Orders had been issued " to fall in at 12 M, in full marching trim," which were complied with at the hour named, when the Regiment immediately marched off in the direction of the proposed seat of engagement, with the roads full of water and the mud knee-deep-almost impassable. The teams, also, could barely pull through ; although the ammunition wagons were drawn by eight horses, or mules, yet progress was, indeed, very slow. As we drudged along the roads became worse and worse ; the wagons and artillery very soon sticking fast -in short, all manner of teams had at last become stuck in the mud and mire : and, as a consequence, we only made about three miles, whereupon the Regiment was turned off from the road into a pine woods, wherein we camped for the
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night, nearly dead with the fatigue occasioned by being under heavy marching trim, and carrying extra rations, to- gether with 60 to So rounds of ammunition, through such a mass of mud and bad state of weather. However, I spread my gum blanket in a furrow in the cornfield close to the pine woods already occupied, and then nestled my tired body therein, in wrappings, to secure a night of rest under the cir- cumstances, if possible, and was soon sound asleep, lost to all cares and troubles, while it rained and snowed all night long.
MISERABLE SITUATIONS AND DISHEARTENING SPECTACLE-THE N. J. LANCERS-GROSS INSULTS FROM THE REBELS.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 1863 .- The Regiment was awak- ened this morning under a heavy fog, so dense that you could not see an object 20 feet away from you, while a drizzling rain was yet falling, making all about us miserably uncom- fortable, with the fog very slowly dispelling. To convey some idea of our disagreeable, uncomfortable, and miserable situation, I will here relate my experience, which was but one of the many other sad plights occasioned by this projected movement. I had anticipated to have a feeling of being, in a manner, regaled or refreshed when daylight came ; but, having selected sloping ground for my bunk, the snow water had found its way upon the top of my gum blanket and within my wraps, so that I had become soaking wet, and so chilled through the system and along the back of the body as to cause so great a shivering that my teeth chattered together until fears were entertained of losing them. How- ever, ever ready for emergencies, we soon had fires built : whereupon, hugging them closely, all those who were in like unpleasant plights were in a short time dried out, and their conditions rendered more comfortable and agreeable.
As the fog dispelled, and it became clearer, we saw other troops pouring in from all directions, the mud running in a stream as it were, with the pontoon-boat teams, as well as
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THE DISASTROUS MUD.MARCH BY MAJOR -GENERAL. BURNSIDE.
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the artillery and army wagons, sticking fast all around us, while stragglers were coming in from all sides-presenting a sight, though awful and uninviting, yet impressive-one beyond a perfect description on our part. Indeed, there was certainly no longer any semblance of organization, for everything movable seemed to move according to its own volition or desire. As the day waned on, orderlies and couriers were plodding their way along to and from the front ; attempts were next made, by double-teaming. to pull the light artillery and pontoon-boat teams through the miry mass of mud which had then accumulated, but all in vain and without success.
Next, we had a more sickening and disheartening spectacle before us-that of the light artillery and pontoon-boat teams being dragged along through the straggling, struggling Army of the Potomac, which required the hitching of as many as eighteen horses to a single gun or wagon to force it through the muddy streams, while rain and sleet set in and con- tinued for the rest of the day. So discouraged were the beweighted, straggling infantry, that, as RUSH's Lancers, from New Jersey, rode along on their gayly caparisoned steeds with pomposity-their long spears glistening and adorned with the red tri-cornered flannel pennants-they were greeted with incessant and universal slurs, such as: "Did you ever see a Johnny?" " Were you ever near enough to be shot at?" and "gobble, gobble, gobble !" " What are you doing with that red rag on that stick ?" besides many others, which so incensed the Lancers that they swore, cursed, and almost frothed at the mouth with rage.
Next, we received from a passing courier the information that the advance of the army was ignominiously stuck in the mud and mire on the banks of the Rappahannock, almost within pistol and rifle-range of the enemy on the opposite side, who were continually shouting to our men, "Come along" or "shall we come over and help you pull through ?" As we were then pushed toward the river fording, we be-
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held large placards posted by the " Johnnies " on the other side, bearing such insults as " Burnside stuck in the mud !" " Why did you pick out such fine weather to come and see us?" etc., etc .; whereupon many were the remarks of cen- sure and condemnation against General BURNSIDE from the older soldiers or veterans as they passed along, besides the shouts of many more, " Give us back our old commander " -our " LITTLE MAC! "
Thus, our situation remained until night arrived, which found us still floundering, as it were, in the mire, with num- erous additions to the sick-rolls, caused by those days of misery and exposure, when we again laid down for the night, in the mud, to make the best of our unpleasant surround- ings and to seek relief in the hope that to morrow would bring a change for the better.
AGAIN AT CAMP FALMOUTH-DEATH OF TWO MORE COMRADES.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 1863 .- The Regiment arose this morning to find the weather still cloudy and disagreeable. General BURNSIDE seemed to have had enough of his exper- iment, for a change of base was next ordered, having been forced upon him by the state of the elements; so, accord- ingly, all faces were turned, and that tide of humanity was again on the return towards former camps to await new and further developments. Sadness, demoralization and disap- pointment was depicted on every countenance, while such a sight-one for contemplation ! Everything movable and immovable was mud-bespattered and in confion; the ob- servance of regulation, discipline, or the formation of proper lines, or keeping the roads were utterly out of the question : for again the troops constituted but a struggling, straggling mass of humanity wending their way back to former camps, where they arrived with somewhat lighter hearts about 4 clock P. M., when all hands were at once busily engaged in putting up their shelter-tents.
Our former bunks or dug-outs had become filled with
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water and mud during our terrible mud-march, but we soon got them all cleaned out, and instead spread them well with fresh grass and boughs of trees to lay down upon for the night. Fortunately, too, some found their ridge-poles and uprights in statu quo, whereupon they lost no time to speak of in readily becoming domiciled.
Sad announcements were next made at Regimental head- quarters-those of the deaths of two other comrades, Corpo- rals ADAM HUNSECKER of Company C, and JACOB COONLEY, of Company H. The latter had expired during the day in camp, while the former died just two days previously-Janu- ary 2Ist, 1863, while the Regiment was struggling through the mud-march. Preparations were then begun for as bountiful a supper as our remnants of rations would allow, for the teams had not yet arrived, and were not expected to come ere a day or two, especially if the weather did not clear ; however, our mess still had something in their larder, could stand it yet awhile, and therefore dined somewhat more suinptuously than others. After which all turned into the newly provided quarters for the night, when, oh ! how gladly they welcomed the opportunity for their much-needed rest and were quickly wrapped in the arms of Morpheus, dream- ing of more pleasant days to come.
ARRIVAL OF THE PAYMASTER, SUTLER, GAMBLERS, ETC.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 1863 .- As day began to dawn the clouds dispersed, when great fires were started and kept up for the drying of wet clothing. Next, a general cleaning up of dirty clothes, rusty guns, and accoutrements were the orders for the forenoon -- in fact, the entire camp was full of life and bustle, for Regimental inspection had been ordered for the afternoon. But, best event of all to note, the Pay- master had arrived and was disbursing three-months pay to the boys, whereupon many were the vouchers that were drawn off by our sutler from their pay, while also many were the devices resorted to with the view of capturing the
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money then in circulation. The three-card-monte men, and even the professional camp-following gamblers, had their hands full, for the boys came up like lambs to the slaughter. Among others the Army Purveyor, too, reaped quite a har- vest with his stores for the commissioned officers, comprising prepared gin cock-tails, brandy-peaches, and smuggled whiskey, besides other wares, and which sold at exorbitant prices in fact, with the Paymaster, came a host of so-called birds of prey, so that by night-fall many a fool and his money had parted company.
At 2 o'clock P. M. the Regiment formed line for inspec- tion, which was speedily and readily conducted, which redounded very creditably to the Regiment, proving the same to be in excellent condition, considering the miserable state of circumstances of the previous days, when all and everything had been naught but mud and rust. Of course, the guns did not pass the proper regulation inspection, but such as were in very bad condition were ordered to be put in as good trim as possible and at once. So, after returning to quarters, we found that our teams had come up off the march, when a requisition of fresh beef was drawn and cooked, thus giving us a good supper, of which all partook with zest. After supper the boys formed around the camp- fires, when Company K's glee club enlivened their end of camp with lively songs and merry-making-to show that nothing could dampen their ardor, no matter how adverse the surroundings and circumstances were or had been-until the hour of taps came around, and summoned them to retire for slumber.
Two HUNDRED AND TWENTY MEN UNFIT FOR DUTY.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 1863 .- We awoke this morning to find that it had rained during the night, thus again making our camp damp and chilly ; but, by the aid of our fires and the clearing of the weather during the morning, we were again in the usual and proper spirits. The usual and regular
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