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 16
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It was just about mid-day when our relief arrived-which then proved to be those boys who wore the red badges and belonged to the First Division of our Corps. We were soon en route for camp, but again through the mud and slush ; besides, there were numerous small streams to cross on our way, when it became necessary for us to get into them very frequently, as they were too much swollen to jump across or to bridge; but, withal these hinderances, we were the first to reach camp, and in a manner to astonish the best known and most famous pedestrians as well as to wager largely, that, although it was the rear of the Regiment, Company K would, nevertheless, be the first also in camp-so they were, promptly, and all in perspiration, too, and owing to the fatigue of this muddy march, all were next engaged in the change of underclothing and vigorous search for our other enemy, the grayback, which was exterminated as speedily as it was discovered ; after which our regular evening meal, consisting of coffee, pork, and hard-tack, was eagerly and heartily partaken of, when we soon nestled down for rest, with the unanimous exclamation : Oh, how glad, how wel- come this hour of repose !
DETAILED FOR WOOD-CUTTING-INCIDENTS OF CAMP SPORTS.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1863 .- Day again dawned as aus- piciously and favorably as yesterday. The first duties of the morning hours-guard-mount and sick-call-were next duly attended to by those in charge of the same while the balance of the Regiment was detailed to the forests, with orders " to take all axes at hand and cut wood for the cooks-the same to be hauled by the Regimental teams." Absence from camp, about half the day, showed that sufficient had been cut by every company to last quite a time for the purpose desired, and, as we gazed upon the piles stacked about the respective cook-quarters, we plainly perceived and observed that our forests were fast disappearing in extent and from view.
In the afternoon camp sports were the orders of the day,
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when the army blanket was brought into requisition for toss- ing up the boys into the air, which was very fine amusement so long as it went well ; for MASSEY CAMPBELL soon yelled there was enough of that game, when the blanket slipped from the hands, and MASSEY got a rather harder bump than was intended or he expected. Another was that of a contest between LEWIS FINEFROCK and WILLIAM SHAY, of Company K, the latter of whom wore No. 1I brogans and boasted that he could roll out dough enough upon the soles of his shoes to make a mess of slap-jacks, which proved really amusing. FINEFROCK having offered to match him, or else forfeit his position as captain of the cook's shanty, BILLY SHAY undertook the task and succeeded-to show how big a soul he was himself. However, the day having been well observed, we received our customary details for Commissary guard, etc., which being as promptly accepted as they were announced, in order as they came upon the roll-books, we quickly turned in for another night's repose.
A COLD NOR'-WESTER CAUSES DISCOMFORT.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1863 .- The Regiment was aroused at a very early hour this morning, because a cold nor'-wester had visited us directly after yester midnight, and raged so fiercely as to compel us to crawl out at once, build fires for comfort, and around which we gladly and closely clung for several hours, as we found the wind raw and biting cold. The day passed without any special event to record, except the arrival of a good, heavy Regimental mail, the distribution of which served to gladden the hearts of those who proved to be the lucky recipients of welcome and interesting mis- sives from fond relatives and true friends at home. After the usual routine of rations, etc., rest was sought at an early hour for the night.
STROLL TO CAMP FALMOUTH AND REFLECTIONS.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1863 .-- To-day the weather
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was somewhat milder, but withal unpleasant. As there were no special duties in order for to-day, together with a comrade a stroll was made toward Falmouth-the site of our previous camp. Upon entering this ancient, but now dilapidated village, we found it guarded and occupied by a portion of General PLEASANTON'S cavalry forces ; which, indeed, af- forded quite a different and peculiar aspect of affairs to that which existed or presented itself when we were there, a short time before the siege of Fredericksburg, it being but a short distance below and on the opposite side of the Rappahan- nock. One of the unpleasant sights then was obviated by the fact that we did not find so many Jew fakirs occupying the houses, to ply their nefarious trades ; only the army sutlers. and then in a small way, seemed to hold out, though under adverse circumstances. We pondered and contrasted this situation of an important emissary with that, when we, upon the march, were short of funds, out of tobacco, and all seemingly in need of other desirable articles of comfort, conveniences, etc., and naturally observed that they must, too, find their lot, sometimes, a rather hard one. After a stroll through and about the town, we returned to Camp FRANKLIN, just in time for dress-parade. Parade was quickly over, when the usual routine of necessary business was trans- acted, when all again turned in for the night, fully satisfied with the sights and events of the day.
MAJOR-GENERAL D. E. SICKLES TO COMMAND THIRD CORPS.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1863 .- Morning was ushered in with the accompaniment of a slight snow-storm, which soon turned to rain and continued all day long, rendering the weather rather unpleasant out of doors, so to speak ; for we (that is our mess) were snugly ensconced in our comfortable, commodious house, as it were, the description of which has already been given in a previous chapter-and therefore had not a care or a thought. Many others, though, being some- what shiftless and therefore not so well provided for, then
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felt their discomforts, perceived the misfortune following their negligence, and thought the condition of affairs sadly and decidedly disagreeable.
The most note-worthy event of the day-was that of the official information of the assignment of General DANIEL E. SICKLES to the command of our Corps-" The Noble Third !" His appointment was well-received for he had al- ready won the reputation of being a gallant General, and therefore possessed the confidence of the troops comprising our Corps.
The usual occupations, enjoyments, etc., to be had within bunks in such a state of weather, such as letter-writing, sing- ing, relating experiences, incidents, etc., were the orders of business for the day, in a general way, among the boys.
Knowing, full-well, that it was our turn, again, on -the picket-line, with all prospects in view of a heavy, wearisome, muddy march, we turned in early for the purpose of obtain- ing a refreshing slumber and our much needed rest.
LOST SECTION OF DIARY-BRIEF RECORD OF INCIDENTS, EVENTS, CAMP AND FIELD LIFE.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1863 .- Owing to the misfortune of having lost a portion of my diary, the usual daily account of weather, special duties, etc., between this date and that of February 25th, both days inclusive, must consequently be omitted. Therefore, too, our readers will have to be con- tent with the necessarily brief mention of but one incident, as well as mere allusions to events, that transpired during that interval of the Regiment's service. The snow-ball fight, which occurred between the right and left halves of the Regiment, and which contributed so greatly to the amusement and jollification of those therein engaged. was the incident that never ought nor will be forgotten so long as there can be found one survivor of the Regiment, who either witnessed or participated in the melee. It was during this interval that the rough, muddy marches to and from the picket-lines were
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so frequent and attended with varied interest and experiences ; besides there were many and very successful foraging adven- tures both inside and outside of our lines, when we lived upon dainties, luxuries, and substantials not comprised within the larder of army regulations. During this interval, also, there occurred two mournful events, which we deem proper to chronicle within this volume. The Regiment had again received advices of the entry of death within the ranks, as follows: On February 6th, 1863, in hospital at Harper's Ferry, Va., THOMAS McCOY, musician of Company H, and February 20th, 1863, in hospital at Falmouth, Va., Private GEORGE W. TANGERT, of Company D.
Then, again, there were the pleasant, enlivening, and in- teresting conversations, as well as mutual comparing of notes, which were so heartily enjoyed after days of trial and trouble, now gone forever-days especially, when, on the returns from picket, after a heavy rain-fall, or snow-thaw, so varied and ludicrous were the misfortunes to the boys in their en- deavor to cross a rivulet or other small streams, that they would slip or fall in, by or through the breaking of some rudely constructed rail-bridge-all these would constitute agreeable reminiscences of those soldier-boy days along and about the Rappahannock River, which can never be erased from the tablets of the memories of those survivors who were comprised within the ranks of the 122d Regiment, P. V.
AGAIN ON PICKET-RECONNAISSANCE AT KELLY'S FORD.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1863 .- We were aroused this morning to find that a snow-fall, to the depth of several inches, had occurred during the night previous, with the at- mosphere very raw and damp. At an early hour the Regi- ment received orders "to go on picket ;" whereupon at 8: 30 the Regiment was again in line and on the march through mud and slush, making the tramp very tedious and disagree- able, as it was almost 2 P. M. when the main line was reached. However, we had some little gratification in the
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fact that we again relieved the "Irish Brigade" of our Corps who had put up for their convenience, comfortable huts composed of cedar and spruce boughs, which we quickly and eagerly occupied, so as to obtain some shelter from the disagreeable condition of affairs which then prevailed.
As evening approached, quite a strong force of our cavalry, accompanied by a section of Rhode Island Light Artillery (the entire detachment under command of General W. W. AVERILL,) passed through our lines on its way to the river fording-Kelly's Ford by name reported to us and very close to our posts here on the picket-line. This information was soon corroborated by the receiving of strict orders from Colonel FRANKLIN, " Keep a sharp look-out toward the front, as an important reconnoissance is in operation !" So affairs existed until night fell upon us, with no improvement in the condition of the weather, when we were obliged to rest upon our arms and shiver all night long until our teeth, at times, chattered together. No lights of any kind being permitted, the secluded bivouac-fire was not started and, therefore, ceased to furnish the delightful comfort to which the trusty sentinel had been accustomed, for an interval just then past- so, a long, cheerless, wretched night was the result.
INCIDENTS OF LUCKY FORAGE-CAPTURE OF GENERAL FITZ-HUGH LEE AND FOUR HUNDRED PRISONERS.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1863 .- After a night of misery the Regiment turned out to find a worse condition of slush and mud, owing to the fact that a fall of rain had set in, sufficient to wash away every vestige of snow that covered the ground about us yesterday, presenting, indeed, a very gloomy aspect. However, our spirits were not to be de- pressed, or rather our ardor to be dampened ; for, having noticed on our way to picket-stations what seemed to be auspicious sites, foraging expeditions were soon in order. One location, in particular, that of a little log-house, but a short distance from the road, furnished evidences that there
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were poultry penned up under the same ; which, when com- municated to our mess, afforded favorable and gratifying in- formation for an early call or visit. So, after our regular routine of duty this morning, mess-mate BILLY GOMPF and self started out at a later hour for the premises, then in rear of our lines, for the purpose of barter and adventure.
After a steady and brief tramp we arrived at the little log- house to find it occupied by one elderly white lady and two colored servants; whereupon, in short order, our plan of forage was laid and speedily acted upon : I, with salt and coffee in my haversack in abundance to spare, called upon and soon struck a bargain with the women of the house, while comrade BILLY GOMPF repaired to the rear in quest of the poultry. Our adventure soon proved successful, the result being-I captured a very generous share of nice, warm corn- bread, while BILLY captured the pet chick, which was named Biddy.
As we stole away, however, by a circuitous route on our way back to picket-line, our readers can judge of our further good luck and agreeable surprise in finding that some one had been in the vicinity before us ("not since we had been gone,") who had foresight enough (though involuntarily, most likely,) to leave, sticking upright amidst the mud and slush, an army canteen with the string torn, and having in- scribed thereon, in plain letters, the name of " J. A. BLAKE, Ist N. Y. Cavalry." However, our good luck did not end here; for, upon inspection, it contained "full up" good, pure whiskey-whereupon, it is needless to say, that we, consequently, did not seek to find J. A. BLAKE, because that also, of course, was entirely out of the question-for cer- tain, he was "out upon the reconnoitre," and to us under such discomforts, while upon the picket-line, how refreshing, and what a souvenir, so gladly acceptable it would be ! Speedily plodding our way, we arrived at reserve station with our trophies, promptly to time, when we immediately called upon Colonel FRANKLIN, then somewhat indisposed, and
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provided him with a generous share of corn-bread and old rye, which served to greatly revive and benefit him.
Directly after mid-day, information was received that there was a cavalry skirmish in progress at Kelly's Fording, which was soon corroborated by the frequent firing then distinctly heard from that direction; that General FITZ- HUGH LEE, with a strong force, had made an attack upon General PLEASANTON'S cavalry pickets at the fording; and, in driving them in, had captured some thirty odd prisoners, while our cavalry troops had succeeded in securing a less number. Just as we were advised to hold ourselves in readi- ness for an attack upon our picket-line, an additional force of cavalry passed again to the front; whereupon, soon after, several couriers en route to headquarters reported a lively skirmish and fight then raging at the fording-but, as yet, could give no definite details. However, we were still kept in suspense, and on the look-out for something to turn up, unexpectedly, at any moment, until night approached, when the bad state of the weather prevented any further advance movement. In the meanwhile the stringent order was re- ceived and obeyed : "No fires allowed along the picket-line !"
The clouds then began to break, and as it blew up colder, the firing had ceased in the direction of the fording, where our cavalry was again reported as withdrawing, with the rebels continuing in chase, until they came suddenly in sight of the 124th N. Y. Volunteers, then constituting the left of our Brigade, drawn up in line of battle-whereupon they as suddenly " about-faced " and sought cover. At once, and very effectively, four thousand of our cavalry, vice versa, were started in pursuit, and succeeded in capturing 400 prisoners, together with General FITZ-HUGH LEE, their com- mander. As the couriers arrived and reported direct at the headquarters of Major-General WHIPPLE, mid-night closed the scene of tumult, excitement, and suspense, affording a few hours for such quiet, rest, and comfort as were possibly to be sought and obtained.
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MORNING DRINK FROM THE LUCKY CANTEEN-RELIEF ARRIVED --- MARCH IMPEDED.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1863 .- Another night of dis- comfort had again been our experience, as we gladly and cheerfully hailed the dawn of day, when the building of new fires to warm up and cook our scanty meals were soon in progress, which, together with a good morning drink from the lucky canteen, regulated our system and filled us with good cheer. About 9 A. M., all the cavalry had been with- drawn from our front, when the Regiment settled down to ordinary duty, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the relief, but which came very late. However, we quickly started for CAMP FRANKLIN ; but, on the way, made slow progress, on account of the bad roads and swollen streams, which impeded our passage over them, and arrived at a very late hour, fatigued and glad to turn into bunks for a good night's rest, once more, in comfortable quarters. But, then again, there was the usual routine of necessary camp duties, which must and did receive due attention, whereupon, in short order, all were soon found snugly and firmly slumbering in the arms of Morpheus.
CHAPTER XIX.
GENERAL CLEANING UP-INSPECTION AND PROMOTION-A ROYAL FEAST-BRIGADE DRILL-PICKET DUTY-HEAVY RAIN AND SNOW-STORMS-DEATH OF COMRADE LYTLE-COURT- MARTIAL OF ANOTHER-INJUSTICE TO A SER- GEANT BY A CAPTAIN PRODUCES DISRESPECT.
SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 1863 .- The weather this morning still continued unsettled ; whereupon, owing to the frequent spells of fine, drizzling rain which occurred, the usual Sun- day morning inspection had been dispensed with, thus afford- ing the boys an opportunity to wash and cleanse themselves, as well as their clothing, arms, and accoutrements. In fact, everything presented a bad and dirty appearance after our recent muddy march and severe wet spell-therefore sadly needed attention. In the meanwhile, our pet hen Biddy had laid us an egg this morning-one whole egg among a mess of three was not much-but it was so utilized in the culinary line that it became fairly divided and was highly relished.
All hands then proceeded to a generel clean up about camp, after which all were busy writing letters to distant friends at home and elsewhere, and so the day passed without further events worthy of note, excepting dress-parade and the reading of general orders from army headquarters during the afternoon, when the Regiment turned into bunks early for the night.
APPLICATION FOR PROMOTION TO FIRST SERGEANT.
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1863 .- Day appeared fine and clear this morning. Guard-mount was the first order of duty, the
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details of which were fully attended to; whereupon, imme- diately afterward, the Regiment was ordered to " prepare for inspection by companies." All guns were then promptly and thoroughly overhauled, for sadly they needed the same, as they had become very rusty during the wet spell just gone. The next duties assigned to Sergeants were the making out of the respective company pay-rolls-tasks to them more pleasant or agreeable, and which kept them employed all day.
Having performed the duties of Orderly, or Ist Sergeant, since October 10th, 1862, and only receiving 2d Sergeant's pay therefor, application was made to-day for the promotion of GEORGE F. SPRENGER to the rank of Ist Sergeant, being so favorably and creditably endorsed as to promise a fair hope of receiving the same-which also could not be said to be undeserving or unmerited, or that of vain ambition, for numerous company, clerical, and other duties had fallen to his lot, and were readily as well as cheerfully performed. Without any further events to record, thus closed the day.
FRESH BEEF AND POTATOES-ROYAL FEAST, ETC.
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 1863 .- We awoke this morning to find that, during the previous night, we had again been visited by a storm of rain and snow, making us all feel uncomfort- able, indeed ; yet, being on light duty about camp, we were able and better prepared to remedy matters. Having re- ceived rations of fresh beef and potatoes, all were engaged in arranging for extra meals. Our mess, having the good luck to have some onions in our quarters, with the aid of cracker-dust pounded out of army hard tack, were enabled to make a rich dressing, and have a royal roast through the means of our under ound oven. That it would be good and something extraordinary w . the culinary line, may be fairly demonstrated by the statement, that the savory flavor, arising from its cooking, quickly struck the nostrils of our Company officers so forcibly and delightfully that they
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promptly put in an appearance, and were, of course, allowed to partake of our meal. Although our culinary department was not replete-lacking a supply of platter-we managed, however, without inconvenience or difficulty, and very grace- fully, too, to transfer the dainty morsels from the roasting pan to the eager mouths; when the repast was finished, it was pro- nounced a feast par excellence in our present situation of affairs, and was truly and heartily enjoyed.
After the grand and elegant repast had been stowed away to the comfort and welfare of the inner man, and the cook of the mess had performed his final task-that of clearing up the debris, a visit to Quartermaster-Sergeant DEXTER WHITE's quarters was next in order, where a few social songs were indulged in by Company K's glee club, by which an afternoon was delightfully occupied, serving to drive dull care away, as well as to enliven and cheer the depressed spirits of the soldier, thus at times rendering his varied and hard career, withal, a happy and pleasant one. There being no dress parade ordered for the day, the Regiment was allowed to turn in early for repose.
ANOTHER RE-INVIGORATING BRIGADE DRILL.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 1863 .- This morning was ushered in clear, cold, and blustry. After the usual duties of early hours, orders were received for " brigade drill and an early dinner ;" whereupon, at once, all was activity and bustle in and about camp. After dinner we were marched off toward Brigade headquarters, where we were then formed into column of companies and division of companies ; moved through various evolutions ; then drawn up in line of bri- gade ; next, right and left general guides were thrown out, and then moved off by regiments changing front, making various oblique manceuvres greatly to the satisfaction of Major-General WHIPPLE and his staff officers. It was dark before we returned to camp; however, the exercise was re-invigorating and gave us all keen appetites for our
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evening rations, after which we again sought rest and re- pose for the night.
CUTTING OF WOOD-DRESS-PARADE.
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 1863 .- The weather, this morning, was raw and cold. Company drills were the duties of the morning hours to-day. After dinner, extra details were de- spatched from the companies, respectively, to the forest to cut wood for the supply of the cook-houses-for the piles stacked up in front and rear were very diminutive, and were rapidly disappearing from view-in fact, too, so scarce was the tim- ber that the boys were only enabled to obtain and bring in stumps and roots.
During the afternoon a very fine brigade-drill was had, which received the commendation of the Division as well as the Brigade General officers, after which we had Regi- mental dress-parade, and whereat Adjutant HEITSHU read several orders. As there was nothing further of note to record for the day, all retired at an early hour within bunks for slumber and rest.
PICKET-DUTY NEAR STAFFORD C. H .- TELESCOPIC VIEW INTO THE REBEL CAMP-STRAINS OF " DIXIE'S LAND."
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 1863 .- This morning was again clear and cold ; at an early hour we were ordered out for picket- duty, and at 9 o'clock were moved off in the direction of Stafford Court-House. Then, after a tedious march. we arrived at the telegraph road and station leading thereto, where we relieved the 105th Regiment, P. V., on picket at that point. Having a dense woods around and about us our line of picket extended through the forest to the river banks, on our southwest, and toward Stafford C. H., on the north by east, along the telegraph road-a range of about two miles-where, posted upon high ground, we were in full view and range of the enemy, as well as in close proximity to their videttes on the opposite banks of the Rappahannock. II
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Directly northwest of our line, we espied a signal station, which had been established, for the time being, up among the trees, to which curiosity had caused us to stroll, when and where, through the kindness and courtesy of a young Cavalry Sergeant belonging to the Sth Pennsylvania Volun- teers, we were afforded a sight through the telescope, from a platform close by, at the movements of the Confederates on the opposite side of the river, at least two miles distant. We could look direct into their camps; could plainly discern their General and other mounted officers, riding to and fro. conducting their drills and battalion movements-their forces exhibiting a motley assemblage of troops, judging from the rather great variety of uniforms displayed, which consisted of all kinds and styles of hats or head-gear, as well as the colors of suits ranging from a regulation gray to a butternut yellow ; and also, as the wind occasionally grew stronger, we could distinctly hear the strains of " Dixie's Land " as played by their bands, when wafted upon the breezes toward us.
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