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 17
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The shades of evening had then rapidly approached when orders were received " to put out all fires before dark, and keep a strict, close watch for the night !" The grand rounds began about 1 1 o'clock; and, as the night was intensely dark, frequent, profane, and emphatic were the mutterings and curses from those following in the train of the rounds as they fell over logs, and stumbled among the tangle-wood, so pro- fusely scattered about their tedious circuit. Then again, oh, how glad and different were their expressions, when they were over the way, and those unpleasant trains of rounds were ended !
STILL ON PICKET-DUTY AMIDST A HEAVY STORM OF RAIN.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 1863 .- This morning found the Reginic ... still on picket amidst a heavy shower of rain, which had started directly after yester-midnight, and con- tinuing until dawn, when it then really burst forth into a storm of vehemence, accompanied by vivid lightning and
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heavy thunder. As this storm raged all day long, our sojourn on the picket-line in an unprotected situation, ren- dered our condition very unpleasant and undesirable ; how- ever, all the details were properly made and conducted. As night fell upon and about us, a sudden and most decidedly gratifying interruption occurred in the reign of the disturbing elements, which made the balance of the night more favor- able and pleasant during our duty on picket-line.
STORM RENEWAL-YET ON PICKET-STORM SUBSIDES.
SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 1863 .- With the Regiment yet on picket, daylight greeted us again with a storm of rain, thun- der, and lightning, as if the elements were not yet satisfied in rendering affairs uncomfortable and turbulent. However, after a short reign, it finally cleared up, when the day con- tinued more brightly and delightfully, affording all inviting opportunities to build fires, around which they hurriedly and actively clustered to dry their damp and saturated clothing. After attending to the other general routine of duties, thus ended another uneventful day.
ANOTHER THUNDER-STORM-ARRIVAL OF RELIEF-PLODDING THROUGH MUD AND SLUSH TO CAMP.
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 1863 .- About morning again we had another of those visitations, which appeared rather frequent of late-more thunder, etc., in the air; however, not of so serious or alarming nature as those preceding, as that of to-day quickly and quietly passed away, whereupon day became bright and clear. Our immediate surroundings, though, were less cheerful and desirable than heretofore, as mud and slush were found to be in superabundance. The morning hours were devoted to building the usual bivouac-fires for warmth, com- fort, and the drying of damp clothing, so that it was a late hour when we were relieved, and then by the First (the Red Badge) Division of our Third Corps. Among other regi- ments en route to relieve our line, was the 99th P. V., to
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which were attached several companies likewise enlisted in our own county of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, whom we were glad to meet and recognize.
In short order, we were packed up and ready to return home-CAMP FRANKLIN-which then really seemed like home, to be ensconced in comfortable quarters ; for, without exaggeration, none could have been more like a home than our own, especially where so much careful and proper atten- tion had been given to its construction. Accordingly we plodded our way through mud and splatter to our camp, near Stoneman's Station, where we arrived at about 5 P. M., bespattered with mire, tired, wearied, and almost exhausted. However, there were some who, being of a more active turn of mind, were soon at work re-arranging their respective quarters and making fires to dry their slummy garments ; which, of course, were suggestive after a return from a tedious, wearisome picket-march. Night then came on apace, gently reminding tired mortals that there was some rest in store, if they proceeded to obtain it.
RAIN AND SNOW-DEATH OF COMRADE T. A. LYTLE, COMPANY G.
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1863 .- We were summoned from our cosy bunks this morning, to find that more rain and snow had fallen in and about CAMP FRANKLIN, again making the situation of affairs far from agreeable or comfortable ; for, many were the boys who reported at hospital tent upon Sur- geon's call. Among other reports, there was one announce- ment-more sad and sorrowful to relate -- that of the death of Private T. A. LYTLE, Company G, of our Regiment. Com- rade LYTLE was well-known, and was respected among his fellow-comrades, to whom he had endeared himself through good qualities and traits of character which we are unable to portray in this volume. Suffice it to say, they delighted to do honor to his memory, and spared no effort in paying the last tribute of respect that could be required of the soldier when demanded -- that of properly preparing his remains for
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interment and conveyance to that home from which he could never more depart-that pleasant, quiet, ancient, beloved, little village of Strasburg, Lancaster County, Pa., where his boyhood days had passed in a more blissful and less troublous a career than that of the soldier. As the train left Stone- man Station with the remains, few were the eyes not dimmed with the softly gathering tears that dropped to his memory. The bad weather interfered with dress-parade, and the day ended without other event to record.
INCREASE IN THE SICK LIST-BOYS OF COMPANY K REFUSE THEIR DOSES AND ARE ORDERED TO DUTY.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1863 .- Day appeared bright and clear once again to cheer the soul ; nevertheless, many were the cases of sickness prevailing in the Regiment, as shown by the reports of the respective First Sergeants in response to Surgeon's call. Company K's quota to be sent up under Sergeant SCHAUM, this A. M., was HI men-a duty that we truly regretted. Several of the boys refused to accept the nauseating doses prescribed, on account of which refusal the Doctor was compelled to order them back for duty. Of course, the members of Company K were rather more self- willed than those of any other company in the Regiment ; so, therefore, rather than yield, they were decidedly head- strong, and positively determined not to swallow their doses. However, as Orderly Sergeant, I reserved the right to be stringent as well as lenient in imposing special duties upon the refractory spirits, in accordance with the nature of their obstinacy or as the circumstances had demanded. So, with- out any other event to record, the day went fleeting by, save the usual, quiet observance of ordinary camp duties, after which all turned into quarters at an early hour of the evening for a night of rest and sleep.
ANOTHER SNOW-STORM-INCIDENT OF SHOE-REPAIRS.
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1863 -- We awoke this morning in
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time to see the advent of another snow-storm, which ap- peared to be rather hailed with joy than displeasure by the more youthful comrades of the Regiment, who accepted and looked upon it as a contribution to their chances for sport and amusement. Therefore, of course, the usual observance or imposing of duties was, in a manner, dispensed with ; however, too, there was very little pleasure for those who were unfortunate enough to feel the lack of rations, as well as to learn that the Regimental Commissary was but scantily supplied with the necessary articles of diet, and to have their army brogans very badly torn and worn. So, suffice it to say, that the devices to overcome these deficiencies and pre- dicaments were as varied as they were numerous. One in- stance, we will note, that of LEWIS FINEFROCK, better known and more familiarly called among the boys by the nick- name, " Fivy," who cut up an old gum-blanket into soles and inlays for his brogans, which were very badly torn and worn, as well as being of the largest size known to the shoe- trade, therefore required and bore considerable filling up. As " Fivy" boasted of having already pulled on three pairs of socks, it was currently reported as no matter of wonder that "Fivy" always desired "number elevens," and that they burst when so overcrowded; thus it was that the unwel- come and disagreeable course of the elements were often frustrated and debarred in their results. With duty light and no events of importance to record, another day closed with all the men snugly at rest within their quarters.
RIGID INSPECTION OF ARMS-FIVE-DAYS RATIONS ISSUED.
FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 1863 .- The Regiment, this morning, turned out to observe that another snow-storm had occurred during the night, besides that the atmosphere was biting cold during early morning hours. Toward noon, however, it cleared off somewhat; and, as an inspection of arms had been decided upon for some days, it occurred to Colonel FRANKLIN that now was the accepted time and very suitable.
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So, all readily and promptly turned out into company streets, when and where, under the circumstances, a rigid inspection was made and held. Indeed, many of the guns were found wanting in the generally necessary requirements, for they were in any condition but that fit to meet the enemy. After sharp reproves from all the officers, the boys agreed, (how- ever, not unanimously, ) " to put their fowling-pieces in better condish," as Private GEORGE W. WALLER termed it in his motion, and at once proceeded to carry out their resolves and determination.
[In common and social parlance, so to say, GEORGE W. WALLER, though a private, was the fellow among fellows. wherever they might be, and as brave as he was ready ; for, wherever despondency seemed disposed to take hold, he was on hand to break-up and cut-off its reign, by way of "snap- retort," when he then fully displayed the full fund of mirth and jocularity which he possessed, and in that peculiar, droll manner, which characterized him. So, therefore, instead of dejection and moroseness, among the boys of Company K, cheerfulness and readiness soon assumed the sway. ]
Directly after mid day the Quartermaster-Sergeants of the respective companies were ordered to receive five-days rations for each man, when it was very quickly surmised (naturally, too,) that this order bore with it some significance ; for, when such preparations were in vogue, the boys. like Mi- cawber, were always on the qui vive, anticipating some- thing to turn up-no matter what-only let it come ! After inspection of arms, etc., and having them in proper condi- tion, which were the special duties of the day, without any further event worthy of note or of importance, all retired within quarters to obtain that repose, rest, and comfort for the night, which would serve to revive their drooping spirits and fill them with good cheer for the morrow.
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DIVISION DRILL, ETC .- REGIMENT WINS HIGH ENCOMIUMS-COURT- MARTIALED-INJUSTICE TO A SERGEANT ENDS IN DIS- RESPECT FOR THE CAPTAIN.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1863 .- Dawn of day, this morn- ing, ushered in the weather clear, but cold and windy, for our record. Directly after the routine of the morning hours, the Regiment received orders to prepare for another Division drill ; when, accordingly, an early dinner was prepared and readily disposed of-one repast greatly desired and very satisfactorily to the boys in general. Accordingly after din- ner, the Regiment formed promptly and arrived at an early hour upon the parade-ground ; when, about 1: 30 o'clock, we were moved off, a distance of a mile, to the southeast, where we were then thoroughly exercised and manœuvred in the various and intricate division movements, by Major-General WHIPPLE. Upon this occasion, the 122d Regiment acquitted itself very creditably, as usual, and received very high en- comiums for martial bearing, condition of arms, accoutre- ments, etc., as well as for the adeptness and excellence which the men invariably exhibited at drilland in manceuvre, besides a due and very fair observance of discipline. After division drill the Regiment marched quickly to camp, arriving in time for dress-parade, which was very precise, and resulted very satisfactorily to the Regimental Officers as well as specta- tors. After the reading of general orders by Adjutant HEIT- SHU dress-parade ended, when the companies were dismissed to their respective quarters for the usual camp duties yet to be rendered, all of which received due attention.
Apparently this day had been predestined for one of events -three of which, however, though not of very great im- portance, yet (as they occurred) are worthy of note or men- tion : After dress-parade, a court-martial was held, and summarily disposed of, upon a comrade of Company K, (the name of whom is withheld out of commiseration and true fraternal friendship therefor,) for having committed an
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offence violative of orders and discipline; which, though considered and decided to be inexcusable, was not so flagrant, or of so serious a nature, as to demand capital or extreme punishment. The culprit, however, after conviction, suffice it to say, was ordered to forfeit a full month's pay, as well as to render certain extra duties as the penalty.
Immediately afterward, EDGAR C. REED, clerk to Colonel FRANKLIN, appeared at the quarters of Company K and pre- sented to Captain DUNCAN a First Sergeant's warrant in favor of Sergeant GEORGE F. SPRENGER, of said Company, issued "March 6, 1863," for his (the Captain's) signature and ap- proval, but the same was never turned over, as in the due, established, or even ordinary course of regulations was to be anticipated, expected, or should have been, to its rightful and worthy claimant, when the warrant was subsequently declared approved, as far as the promotion in rank, for merit and efficient services rendered.
As there did exist, and always had been exhibited, soon after Captain DUNCAN received the command of the Com- pany-during army life or service, especially-a lack of that respect which was due from, and invariably to be given by. the private soldier to his superior officer, it was then-pretty generally, too-surmised that Sergeant SPRENGER had been selected by Captain DUNCAN as the "bug-bear" upon whom should be visited his dire vengeance; because, the boys, observing his inefficiency, as well as some peculiar eccentric habits which characterized Captain DUNCAN, had been, for some time, very free in their show of disrespect to and for him.
However, this little event-rather, an affair of insignifi- cance to many-finally terminated in quite an eruption between the Company and Captain DUNCAN, the particulars of which it is needless here to relate, or dwell upon. as the recalling of unpleasant memories, or the reviving of slight, enmity, or known injustice done, to some comrade or other in arms, is far from the design or purpose of the writer, who
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has endeavored to furnish a plain, unpretentious volume, that will serve to register-as closely and as fully as can be por- trayed-the daily life, and the various duties and services rendered, as also the important events and numerous inci- dents, as they occurred, within the respective camps of that gallant Regiment, the 122d Pennsylvania Volunteers, to whom this volume has been respectfully dedicated and faith- fully devoted by the author.
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CHAPTER XX.
ON PICKET AMID RAIN, SLEET AND THUNDER-MOVEMENT TOWARDS KELLY'S FORD-CAVALRY SKIRMISH AND CAPTURE OF PRIS- ONERS-REVIEW AND INSPECTION BY MAJOR-GENERAL SICKLES-EQUINOCTIAL STORMS-SCARE IN A DUG- OUT-DIVISION HOSPITAL-COLLIS ZOUAVES --- IRISH REGIMENT-ANOTHER "SLAP-JACK " FEAST SPOILED-VARIABLE WEATHER- MORE DEATHS OF COMRADES.
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 1863 .- Day-break appeared, this morning, with atmosphere very disagreeable, and the weather threatening a condition of affairs rather more unfavorable. At an early hour the cooks were at their fires, with every de- tail and preparation being duly and hurriedly attended to- for, it was our turn to again go on picket ; therefore, by 9 o'clock, the Regiment moved off to the northwest and arrived at picket-station about I o'clock, P. M., pretty well fatigued. Upon this occasion, we relieved the Second Division (the White Badges) of our own (the Third) Corps ; whereupon, shortly afterward, we were visited (as heretofore usual in our turn upon picket) with a storm of rain, sleet, and thunder. which raged with fury until night-fall, causing all to huddle around the smoking embers that remained from poorly- made and vacated bivouac-fires, in the hollow grounds about reserve-station, in the endeavor to obtain some com- fort, but all in vain, for we shook and shivered through the entire, damp. chilling, cold night.
CHEERFUL WEATHER-CAVALRY AND ARTILLERY IN MOTION.
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 1863 .- This morning, dawn of day
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was hailed with great cheer, as it indicated a more favorable condition in the change of the weather. As morn waned on, "Old Sol" was enabled at intervals, "to play peep " through the fleeting clouds, which served to further enliven the spirits of the men. Thus the day, generally, passed with- out event on the picket-line, until late in the afternoon, about 4 o'clock-when a detachment of cavalry and a section of light artillery again passed through our picket-line, en route to our front and in the direction of Kelly's Ford. This movement immediately created stir and excitement, for it looked like business which had been unanticipated and was therefore surprising ; very quickly, too, after they were gone a courier arrived with orders "to keep a sharp look-out to- ward the front, with fires especially and strictly forbidden along the lines." As night approached, however, the weather changed, for the sky beyond was filled with darkening and threatening clouds; when, after partaking of such rations as our larder then contained, we passed the night upon picket- duty, with all in surmise as to what the night, as well as the morrow, might have in store-risk, adventure, or discomfit.
CAVALRY RECONNAISSANCE BY GENERAL AVERILL-PRISONERS CAPTURED.
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 1863 .- Morn was ushered in with that variable state of the weather existing, which usually distinguishes or is commemorative of date and day-" St. Patrick's day in the morning," sure enough-for a storm of rain, sleet, and wind raged ; however, it was of short dura- tion. At an early hour information was received from the front that our cavalry forces, under the command of General W. W. AVERILL, were again having an engagement with the rebel cavalry troops at Kelly's Fording, which was speedily and fully corroborated by the continued and heavy firing then distinctly heard, as wafted along by the morning breezes. We also learned that the enemy had despatched a small force of cavalry across the Rappahannock with the
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purpose or object of making an attack upon our picket-line, during yester-night, so as to break and put our sentinels to flight, in confusion, toward camp-hoping thereby to capture prisoners of war from our Brigade, sufficient to make up for the loss which they sustained in the engagement on the 27th ult., at the same fording. However, the tables were turned. for the timely arrival of General AVERILL's troops, sent out on the reconnoitre, proved successful in surprising the rebels. driving them back in dismay, and capturing over thirty of their men as prisoners. Although this was the second time. within three weeks, that our cavalry forces had been victorious in reconnoissance, yet we passed the night upon picket in a state of comparative uneasiness and suspense.
RETURN OF TROOPS-LONG WAIT FOR RELIEF.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1863 .- As the morning hours arrived and grew less we found our cavalry and artillery returning to their camps, highly elated with their splendid achievement, while we were anxiously awaiting the arrival of our relief, but which only made its appearance about 2 o'clock, P. M. It is needless to particularize, that the Regi- ment was promptly in line and on the road to CAMP FRANK- LIN, plodding through mud and mire, where we arrived about 5 P. M., greatly fatigued-in short, almost exhausted. After partaking of a good supper of hard tack and mess pork, with hot coffee, all turned in early for a night of rest.
REVIEW AND INSPECTION AT CORPS HEADQUARTERS-REGIMENT COMPLIMENTED BY MAJOR-GENERAL D. E. SICKLES.
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1863 .- The weather this morning was bright and clear, when orders were received through our Adjutant, "that all companies should prepare for inspection of arms, and be ready for division inspection and review during the afternoon." In accordance therewith, all hands were busily engaged at cleaning up arms and accoutrements, to be followed by rigid inspection, for the duties of the forenoon,
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when all eagerly and heartily partook of the early-prepared dinner.
About I o'clock, P. M., the Regiment was called out, was promptly in line, and marched off toward Third Corps headquarters, where we were reviewed and inspected by our Corps Commander, Major-General DANIEL E. SICKLES, with his staff. The inspection and review were, apparently, quite satisfactory to General SICKLES; because, in the off-hand manner for which he was noted, the 122d Regiment was complimented upon the appearance as well as the marching. The compliment w :> well-merited, as the men, in general, had prepared themselves for the occasion, by care, energy, and special attention to orders-that of having arms, accou- trements, clothing, etc., in proper condition-for, taking all circumstances into consideration, they were never in better order. The Regiment then returned to camp, after which dress-parade was had, besides the reading of general orders by the Adjutant, which were the closing events of the day worthy of record, whereupon all were afforded an early opportunity for retirement within their cosy quarters for another night.
OLD-FASHIONED SNOW-STORM-DAY PASSED WITHIN TENTS.
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1863 .- At early dawn we were visited with a change of weather-that of a heavy old-fashioned snow-storm, which raged all day long, greatly disturbing the necessary and finally preventing the full performance of general camp duties ; however, as it had become proverbial among soldiers that to obey orders was the first duty, even under any and all circumstances, we did all that we could ; so that the next best thing to relate, is-that the greater part of the day was spent in camp within tented quarters, the comforts of which were hugely enjoyed, and mainly de- pended upon the modes and conveniences exhibited in their construction by their providential occupants. Thus, again,
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another night for early to bunks was cheerfully hailed and speedily made profitable by all.
EQUINOCTIAL WEATHER-COMMOTION CAUSED BY ATLEE MERCER DROPPING CARTRIDGES DOWN A CHIMNEY.
SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1863 .- Day, again, dawned in- auspiciously, soon followed up with more snow, and finally turning, at intervals, into rain and sleet-somewhat charac- teristic of equinoctial days in the blustry month of March. for which this month is so justly celebrated. This state of the weather continued for the better part of the day; and, as we were again enabled and forced to remain within our re- spective bunks, how beautiful our retrospection seemed-how much more pleasant and beneficial our situation was, when compared to that of lying on the main picket-line, amid all the discomforts so rudely contributed by the elements at this season of the year.
Therefore, of course, many and various were the tricks, sports and amusements resorted to, to pass away the day, especially among those active and young minds which were comprised within the ranks of Company K, for it was quickly learned and was soon widely reported that mischief was brewing and in operation at the quarters of Company K. ABE GOOD and GEORGE HOAK had made themselves a a sort of " dug-out habitation," providing the same with a rather small chimney, which had so poor ventilation that it had the effect of smoking them out at times; insomuch, that it occurred to the perspective mind of ATLEE MERCER (whose bunk was just opposite, and who was ever ready to do a sly trick to gratify a capricious notion, ) to drop several cartridges into the chimney and hurriedly escape to watch the result. It is hardly necessary to state it, but as it made an incident of the day, the perpetration of the trick did its mischief ; for the watch by ATLEE was soon rewarded by the sudden arousal of the drowsy occupants, who hastily ran up and down the Company street in search of and vowing vengeance
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against the miscreant who dared to destroy their " cosy bower" (so to speak), as well as disturb their rest and repose. So, to drive dull care away numerous incidents occurred, which might be related, through trickery, mischief, and sport, provoking merriment, enjoyment, etc., until night-fall arrived, closing the scenes and events for the day.
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