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 15
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company inspections for Sunday mornings were next in order, during which several more guns were found unclean and condemned by the Captains thereof, respectively, and returned with the orders " to be put in proper condition," and sotto voce, "Orderly, see that he cleans his gun properly," etc. After partaking of dinner, strolls about the camp were in order, during which we were grieved to find, that more of the men were reported sick by the different companies, but somewhat consoling was the fact to us, how- ever, that Company K stood third lowest on the list with its number at sixteen, while twenty-two was the average out of a total number of 220 men reported unfit for regular duty. The location of this camp near Falmouth had long since been considered very unhealthy, and, owing to the woodland being all cut away, had caused a demand for a change thereof, which was strongly advocated by all. During the evening we had dress-parade, after which all turned in early to rest for the night.
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CHAPTER XVII.
LOCATION OF CAMP CHANGED BY ORDER OF GENERAL STONEMAN- DEMOLITION OF HUTS, ETC .- BRIGADE CAMP FORMED AS. CAMP FRANKLIN-DILIGENT WORK FOR NEW HUTS- RAIN-FALL AND DISCOMFORT-AN INCIDENT FURNISHED BY SMOULDERING FIRE.
MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 1883 .- Morning opened fine and clear, promising a pleasant and beautiful day. We were occupied at usual morning duties until 10 o'clock, when all the companies of the Regiment were ordered "to break camp, pull stakes, and be ready to move at a moment's notice ;" at the same time our entire Brigade was engaged in the same pleasant enterprise, for such it proved to be. We were advised that, by order of General STONEMAN, at last, the location of our camp was to be changed-glad tidings, indeed, to all the boys. The work of demolition therefore went on among our former habitations, until all rapidly dis- appeared-the scene of past joys and sorrows then becoming one vast scene of desolation-the spots and places whereon we encamped looking as deserted as a country graveyard. However, all was not bare and desolate ; there was one spot we did not despoil-that which was dotted, as it were, here and there by the clay mounds that contained the remains of those poor, brave comrades, who then slept the sleep that knows no waking-those rude mounds their final resting- places, marked and recognized alone by the improvised headboards constructed of cracker-box slats, which then greeted our sight ; yet all about was surrounded with gloom, which served to create reflections, though generally sad, yet somewhat agreeable-in reviving pleasant reminiscences of
COL. EMLEN FRANKLIN.
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the enjoyments, sports, and trials mutually shared upon the march, in camp, and around the bivouac-fire, with the medi- tation of how sad to depart and leave them behind-but such was the life and career of the soldier-boy.
It was mid-day when the entire Brigade, loaded down like pack-mules, was in line and marched off in the direc- tion of Stoneman Station ; we were moved about one mile to the north-east of the station and halted on high ground, , surrounded by a dense pine forest, which furnished plenty of wood and water. In short order, Brigade camp was formed in right angular shape-the 86th Regiment, N. Y. V., and the 122d Regiment, P. V., occupying the northern angle, and the 124th Regiment, N. Y. V., occupying the eastern-which was then named CAMP FRANKLIN, as a mark of respect and honor to our gallant Colonel. Before night- fall many were the noble pine trees that had yielded their lofty and stately places to the sturdy strokes of the army axes, while their trunks had been cut up and split into planks and slabs, notched at the ends, to form timbers for our new abodes-in the construction of which the styles displayed were as numerous and varied as the builders. Thus all had been engaged until night-fall, when a drizzling rain fell, making it very uncomfortable, for tents were not up; and withal, fires had been made, early in the evening, they then had proved naught but smouldering embers. So, as the hour for taps was at hand, all of the men were wrapped up in blankets and other coverings, to keep as dry as possible under the circumstances, and after the hard day's work, upon the timbers for the newly contrived huts, were fast asleep and enjoying partial repose.
ARMY BOOTS RENDERED BOOTEES-MAIL AND LUXURIES RECEIVED.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1863 .- We awoke this morning from a refreshing sleep to find it still raining, and myself to be a victim of n 'sfortune, which furnished an incident worth relating. Before retiring last night, I had removed my new,
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long-legged boots, (which I had but recently received in a box from home, ) and had wrapped myself up in regular army blanket, covering at the same time with gum-blanket, and placing the boots near the fire, with my feet next thereto ; so, judge of my surprise and mortification, when, after sitting up and rubbing my eyes, the first sight presented was that of my boots having been rendered bootees, as they had fallen into the smouldering embers of the fire and become so shriveled up as to make it necessary to lop off the legs-of course, filling me with no little degree of disgust at the situation, for it was one not by any means suited to my choice or taste.
The rain of the previous night continued during the morning, and in fact all day ; nevertheless, the new camp presented an unusual amount of activity, for every one had been engaged in building huts, felling trees, etc. Our dense forest of yesterday then gave decided evidences of rapid diminution, with further progress in that direction, with each successive night to come, for our quarters had not yet been completed. Quite a large mail had also arrived for the Regiment during the day, bringing news from home and friends. Sergeant SCHAUM, of our mess, too, received a large box filled with luxuries from home, such as roast-turkey stuffed, elegant home-made bread, cakes. apple-butter, butter, cottage cheese, etc., in the edible line of diet, besides other articles for the comfort of the soldier in camp or on the field. Of course, these luxuries, besides onions, dried fruits, and other articles of equally high appreciation, were not to be sneezed at and were liberally shared, insomuch that we dined in a manner " fit only for lords," sumptuously and with keen relish, occasioned by our laborious and. incessant work upon the huts. After which the labor of completing the huts was again in progress, until night was ushered in; when, with a royal supper from the best that our then diminish- ing larder could provide, we quickly sought and found repose for the nig t within our new habitations, and to
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dream of friends, etc., at our own old Lancaster County homes.
ANOTHER LONG-LEGGED BOOT INCIDENT-DETAILS FOR DUTY.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 1863 .- The weather this morn- ing indicated a general clearing up. During the morning hours another incident occurred, that is worth relating. Company K's Quartermaster, Sergeant DEXTER WHITE, had also been the recipient of a big box of good things from home, when " his smile was as bland and as broad as a barn- door," so to speak; for, among the contents, he also dis- covered a fine, new pair of long-legged boots, which he immediately pulled on and strutted about therein, with pecu- liar gratification and pride. But, it seemed that, through some unforeseen power, it was predestined, we of the infantry were not to enjoy the use of these fine, long-legged cavalry boots; for Sergeant WHITE had not had them on his feet an hour, when, in the act of cutting a log for his hut, the axe glanced off it and cut through the new boot into the foot, making quite a serious and painful wound, as well as destro; . ing the boot.
Camp duties, since our arrival here, had thus far been in a manner suspended, until this evening, when Sergeant-Major BUCKIUS brought a list for details from Company K for duty -one of four men and a Corporal for Brigade headquarters; another of one man, Private JOHN F. WILEY, for Division Hospital ; and that of two men for the Pioneer Corps in the morning, and two for brigade teamsters, consisting of ED- WARD BOOKMYER and WILLIAM DREPPERD for the Pioneer Corps, and GEORGE CLINTON and JACOB HILL for teamsters, after which all turned in early for rest and slumber.
REGULAR ROUTINE OF CAMP DU ES-COSY, COMFORTABLE, AND CONVENIENT HABITATION ERECTED.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 1863 .- The weather was again One and clear this morning. The details were made and
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proceeded to duty at an early hour, thus again reducing our active roll, much to the dissatisfaction of the balance of the Company. The Regiment then received orders " to make out requisitions for clothing, to draw three-days rations, and be ready to go on Brigade picket." So, by way of pre- paring for our trip on the morrow, the day was spent in cleaning up camp, removing stumps and rubbish to the rear of camp, when by night-fall everything presented a brighter and more orderly appearance.
Here, it will not be amiss to provide our readers with a brief sketch of our own habitation, then finished, and which, for style with comfort, could hardly be excelled. In the first place, we dug out a hole in the ground about 10 feet long by nearly 6 feet wide, and 18 inches deep. Over and about this we erected a hut four feet high, composed of notched slabs, making a doorway, or rather sort of creep- hole, in the gable ends, and plastering the holes and cracks with mud and grass. We next put up a ridge-pole, over which we stretched our shelter-tents, to the height of about three feet above the walls, thus giving ample pitch and form- ing a neatly-proportioned hut; after this work we scooped out a tunnel, four feet long, through the ground, with an opening on the surface ; whereupon, through the acquisition of four mess-pork barrels and the addition of a stout sapling to brace the same, we were soon provided with an excellent flue or chimney, and then making the mouth of the oven, thus formed, wide and spacious, we were afforded a fine fire- hearth, as well as very comfortable and convenient abode, as it were, for our labor, efforts and trouble ; for it was not the work of one day alone, but that of the leisure hours allotted ยท to us during several days.
Our mess consisted of three youths, Sergeant HENRY SCHAUM, Private WILLIAM GOMPF, and the writer ; so, there- fore, in order to establish a mess on business principles, it became necessary to divide the duties, when it fell to my lot to be caterer, whilst the duties of bringing water, wood, and
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rations devolved upon the other two; when, with the ex- ception of an occasional growl or flare-up, matters moved on as i smoothly as a marriage-bell." Our bunks for the night also possessed accommodations which were not to be sneezed at, or despised ; for, having neither casters nor rollers, they were rather a sort of permanent fixture, being constructed of forked poles, driven into the ground, so as to form a square, with each fork about one foot apart and directly opposite to each other. Upon these poles we laid good stout saplings, cross-wise, to serve the purpose or stead of a good springy mattress ; then upon them we spread boughs and twigs of the cedar and pine, over which we arranged our gum and woolen blankets for more downy bedding, our knapsacks for pillows, while the residue of blankets and overcoats served the purpose of "comforts," when, kind reader, we considered ourselves truly happy and blessed as we contrasted our situation then at CAMP FRANK- LIN, with that we were forced to endure at Camp Fal- mouth. In fact, the interior of our cosy quarters presented a spectacle which was a marvel of neatness and order ; for there was a suitable place for everything and everything in its proper place, besides a strict observance of cleanli- ness as the sure promoter of good health. However, this was but a part of the discipline adopted and carried out by our mess.
So, after the enjoyment of usual evening meal, and night had shed her sombre hue upon and around us, all, wearied of the incessant work in and about camp, sought rest and quietude within their then complete and comfortable habita- tions, to dream of what was next in store; for, just as we had everything in order, with our situation pleasant and comfortable, rumors were floating about that ". something had been cooked up for us at Washington," where our Gen- erals had been in council, and whence they had just returned ; in other words, a move was anticipated, but what cared we! So, let it come, " it was our duty to obey !" seemed to be
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the only consoling thought which reigned within every breast as they laid down to sleep.
BRIGADE-PICKET-DAY-GUARD DETAIL-VISIT TO PREMISES OF FARMER HONEY.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 1863 .- At an early hour, this morning, we were aroused to find all bustle and activity in CAMP FRANKLIN, owing to the fact that it was " Brigade- Picket-Day," whereupon all the company cooks were at their fires briskly engaged at finishing their cooking of three-days rations of pork and beef for the expedition, while the sick- call :
"Come, and get your quinine, Come, and get your pills-"
never before so familar and observant as then-was sounded a few hours earlier than usual, when the Sergeants, in charge of the sick, were seen hastily coming in from all sides with their respective quotas to report as unfit for duty. Such as had been excused by the Doctors or Surgeons were assigned the charge of camp during our temporary absence on the main picket-line.
At 8 o'clock sharp, breakfast was over, when we were formed into company lines, and each man was furnished with three-days rations, consisting of coffee, sugar, pork, beef and hard tack, after which followed the call from the drum corps to form regiments on parade-ground. It was re- sponded to in short order, when we we moved off to Bri- gade rendezvous, where one regiment after the other arrived on the ground and formed into line. Acting Adjutant-Gen- eral WORTHINGTON, of General PIATT'S staff, then inspected the line for the purpose of ascertaining the numerical strength of the entire detail, which he quickly perceived and reported to General PIATT, who promptly put in his appearance and demanded to know the cause of several of the regiments being so sparsely represented, in point of numbers. Imme- diately the non-commissioned officers were despatched for
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camp to hurry along any of the men who could be found therein that were attempting to shirk picket-duty, which re- sulted in bringing quite a number out on the line; where- upon the Brigade, in short order, was marched off westwardly to the north, to and on the Hartwood road; thence, by a detour west by south, to the Rappahannock, and soon arrived at picket-station behind the river hills, where we relieved the Irish Brigade of the 2d Division of our 3d Corps. And, oh ! what a relief it was to all comrades, at last, to reach our des- tination after our weary march; for the sun had been shining forth so bright and warm as to draw the frost out of the ground, making it very tedious to drag through the tough, muddy roads, and almost pulling our shoes from our feet ; so, when the halt was called, all gladly and readily dropped down upon the sward and laid back upon their knapsacks to snatch a few minutes rest; but its enjoyment was quickly disturbed, as we were again aroused and moved on to re- lieve our part of the picket-line, while the rest returned to picket-station, which was located on low ground in rear of the main line. All the men then fell to work at building fires to cook a cup of coffee, as well as to serve some comfort for the night's bivouac.
The left of our line extended down to the river's edge, and the station of Company K was fixed at the intersection of Rock Run, (a small stream several miles above Falmouth, ) upon the premises of a farmer named Honey. The male por- tion of the household were all absent, except one old darkey, who had been left to attend to the wants of " the missus" dur- ing the voluntary or involuntary (as the case might be) absence of " the massa." For the protection of the ladies a guard had been ordered to be stationed about the house-a pleasant Virginia homestead, with barn and outbuildings complete : whereupon, it fell to the lot of Company K to furnish the guard. There was then detailed, accordingly, Corporal G. W. SMITH and Privates GEORGE WALLER, JOHN WEIDLE, TAYLOR WALTZ, and HENRY YOUNG for that important duty.
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who had the pleasure of being invited and spending part of their time in the house, partaking of the hospitalities offered by the ladies, which consisted of such luxuries as fine Vir- ginia corn-bread and apple-pie. Well, this was rather good information for us; therefore, we made a visit to the man- sion at once, where we found the old lady sitting in her rocking chair busily occupied at needle-work, and soon en- gaged her in conversation. She informed us (confidentially) that " the males of the household were just across the river in the Southern army, and that close by her lived a neighbor, a cripple, who had a bad reputation, owned a pair of black ponies and a wagon, which he kept hidden in a woods some distance off, and that with the same he was in the habit of carrying on a clandestine business, which was very suspi- cious," at the same time enjoining upon us secrecy. She also told us that a former guard had committed a theft, by getting into her sleeping room, going to her bureau, and stealing some valuable family plate, etc .; and also entreated that we should " keep good men on guard at her house during our turn," which we promised her, of course, and in return was rewarded with a good hot supper at her table. After partaking right heartily thereof, and thanking her kindly, we presented her with some salt and ground coffee which proved very acceptable to her. We then returned to reserve scation, feeling much improved and delighted with our visit, and after attending to the proper details were soon at rest upon our bunks of greens.
PICKET-LINE-RAPPAHANNOCK FORDABLE-REBEL SHEET-EXTRA DUTY FOR BUILDING A FIRE.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 1863 .- Day dawned rather un- promising ; for the atmosphere was raw and chilling, as it still found us at duty on the main picket-line, and about the premises of clever, good-natured FARMER HONEY-how sweet, delicious a name, that was !
Well, as stated before, our picket-line, extending to the
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edge of the Rappahannock, very near to its junction with Rock Run, soon provided us with the knowledge, (as trusty sentinels, ) that the Rappahannock at this point was fordable, although very rocky and uneven in the grade ; however, we managed to ascertain, that "the Johnnies" (as they were familiarly termed) were in full possession and occupation of the opposite banks, a description of which will be proper and perhaps interesting.
The opposite banks were there skirted by a woodland, yet somewhat bare, extending almost to the river's edge, which, at this time-mid-winter, indeed-when the earth was cov- ered with dry, brown, and gray leaves, and the "butternut suits" of our foes presented so exact a counterpart in color with the surroundings and situation, that they were decidedly synonyms, causing us great difficulty to even discern a rebel vidette at any considerable distance; for it was only when he moved about through the open vacant spaces of the wood- land that we could be sure that he was there ! These banks, too, had. a steep descent, varying from 100 to 150 feet to their summits, densely covered with woodland, towards the west ; so that, through the means of this greater darkness, it was far more difficult to distinguish the enemy's videttes, while they had the advantage of more readily perceiving those on our picket-lines.
However, as the positions of videttes on picket along the Rappahannock during that time, when both armies were in winter quarters, were not quite so hazardous as they would have been at any other time, the opportunity was afforded to some of the parties to become more neighborly, especially when agreeable meetings could be had for exchanges to mu- tual benefit and advantage. For instance, to-day, one of our brave boys met a ' Johnny " on the half-way in the river, making the very desirable exchanges of coffee for tobacco, and newspaper for newspaper. It was then that we were afforded the pleasure for the first time, of seeing a copy of that famous rebel sheet, The Richmond Whig, which was
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only a brown sheet of paper, about the size of a 12 by 14 window-pane of glass; and, if its dingy and depressing appearance would warrant the judgment that it merely re- flected the deplorable situation of affairs, then it was but a fair illustration of the real and general condition of the Southern Confederacy at that moment-when, too, the con- dition of the poor rebel soldier was taken into consideration, as his lot just then was one not to be envied ; for, he looked lean, lank, and hungry, with his " toes, knees and elbows well able to be out," and as a rule dirty and unkempt, yet (to be wondered at) withal content.
Now, then, as evening approached it began to snow and grow colder, when some of our boys from reserve station found egress to the out-house occupied by the old colored folks of the plantation, where they were happily enjoying the hospitality of " Uncle Mose and Aunty," to whom they had presented some coffee, and which she was busily cooking for them-the fumes of which pervaded the atmosphere without as well as the house within, throwing out so real a home-like aroma as to attract the attention of Lieutenant SPRINGER who was just 'passing that way, insomuch that he stepped in also and partook of a cup of this coffee-royal. These comforts, however, were soon rudely cut short, for we were ordered off the premises to our reserve station on the picket-line, with night upon us and snowing in good earnest.
All moved along in its usual order around reserve station, until about 9 o'clock, when advices were received by Cap- tain DUNCAN that a fire was burning on the main line of our picket-detail. Accordingly. Sergeant SPRENGER, with four men, were detailed to investigate and report ; whereupon, as they sauntered out upon the venture through the raging snow- storm-"the wind blowing a perfect gale," with the snow fleeting in such drifts as to almost blind us, as we trudged along-challenged, too, at every post by the watchful senti- . nels for the proper countersign, "Saratoga," we eventually arrived at the point of the fire, which had greatly increased
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122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
in extent. It proved to be at the post of Private HENRY MULLEN, of Company K, who had started the fire in an old, hollow tree, with a view to obtain some comfort, when the wind gave it such headway that he was utterly unable to con- trol it; however, through the aid of the snow gathered, and a few stout sticks, we quickly had the fire quenched, when we returned to headquarters to report. After report was re- ceived and acted upon, with Private MULLEN assigned to extra duty for his disobedience of orders, we, wearied from the night's labor, duties, and sauntering, sought such rest and repose as was needed and could be had upon the bare sward, underneath our cedar-bough huts, with only rudely, hastily- gathered bundles of spruce twigs for our bunks.
CHAPTER XVIII.
SNOW DISAPPEARED-BAD NIGHT ON PICKET-LINE-COURT-MARTIAL AVOIDED-ESCAPE FROM BEING SHOT-RELIEF BY FIRST DIVISION-ROUGH MARCH ON THE RETURN TO CAMP-EXTERMINATING THE GRAYBACK.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1863 .- Day again appeared bright and clear, the sun having been up very early, besides the snow disappearing as rapidly and suddenly as it came. The boys about reserve station quickly reported that they had had a very bad night of it on the picket-line, with various and sundry experiences. As hereinbefore related, "Dutchy MULLEN" was detected in direct violation of orders, by having started a fire on the main line, for which he escaped rigid court-martial only through the interposition of the Cap- tain and others. Another narrow and fortunate escape with life was that of JOHN WEIDLE, whose post on picket was next beyond that of ANDREW SHAY, who reported that WEIDLE came sauntering through the cedar underbrush toward his post, whereupon he called to WEIDLE to halt ; WEIDLE ap- peared to be reckless-indeed, was altogether incognito- and nevertheless continued to advance, then more heedless, seemingly, of the repeated challenge, when SHAY then raised his gun, again called halt. which WEIDLE did just in time, as he was about to fire. WEIDLE then stated that he was so uncomfortable and rather lonesome upon his post below, that he determined upon coming to see SHAY, when he then ob- served that this piece of indiscretion nearly cost him his life. So on, could many other incidents be related : but. being too numerous, as well as not exhibiting quite so risky situa- tions or so fortunate escapades from death and punishment, we will not specify them.
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