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 18
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CHANGE OF WEATHER-COMPANY INSPECTION-PROMISE OF BREAD.
SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 1863 .- We were aroused at dawn of day, to find that during the night a rough nor-wester had been raging, which had the effect to somewhat dispel the dampness, followed up, as day advanced, with bright sun- shine-a change of weather highly gratifying to all. The strong rays of "Old Sol," however, quickly removed the remnants of snow, when, by 10 A. M., there was sufficient, clear, dry surface of earth upon which to hold our usual Sunday-morning inspection, and which was never neglected so long as a proper officer could be found and obtained to conduct the same. The general appearance of the respective company equipments resulted in the Regiment passing a very creditable inspection, which ended at noon, when all were ready for and freely partook of the dinner prepared-that of compressed vegetable soup, together with rations of fresh beef and potatoes-a diet not to be disdained, but rather to be relished, especially at this season of the year. In fact, we could not, and did not, complain just at that time; for, although rumors were afloat very freely, and from reliable sources too, that the officers were receiving finely-baked, soft bread from the Army Purveyor's stores-which was consid- ered rather good fortune for them-yet it was promised that ere long we should also enjoy the same luxury, as Major-Gen- eral HOOKER, commanding the Army of the Potomac, in his plan of re-organizing the army in general, and directing their regulation upon different principles heretofore adopted and practiced, had determined upon the method of further and better providing for the comforts and welfare of the soldier
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by issuing an order for the construction of ovens, for the purpose of bread-baking on a more extensive scale. Dress- parade was the next event of the day, which was short and informal ; when, after the enjoyment of the usual evening rations, all turned in, readily and early, with the view of obtaining a good night's rest.
VISIT TO DIVISION HOSPITAL-STROLL THROUGH NEIGHBORING CAMPS-THE TRISH VIVANDIERE-THE IRISH REGIMENT.
MONDAY, MARCH 23, 1863 .- The weather this morning was cloudy and windy ; whereupon, as there had been no special duties assigned for the day, worthy of note, every- thing indicated a reign of unusual quiet. Therefore we, together with several of the boys of Company K, agreed to accept the invitation tendered from Division Hospital Head- quarters some time since, to visit the hospital, a description of which, here, will not be amiss. The afternoon having been selected for the purpose, we arrived at the hospital at an early hour when, under the guidance of a comrade-a detailed attache from Company K-we passed around and through the different wards, where we found the sick com- rades of the Regiment to be the recipients of all due care and attention possible. as well as amply provided for-in fact, nothing was neglected that was essential to their com- fort ; and, especially, even the sheltering furnished for the feeblest of the invalids was most admirably arranged. But this was not all to be seen or to be taken into consideration. for we were next afforded the gratification of an inspection of the Steward's Apartment, which contained such an array of delicacies as canned oysters, condensed milk or cream, potted meats and chicken, jarred preserves, jellies, apples, orange meringue, tea, etc .- in short, all the dainties so eagerly relished by the poor. sick soldiers, away from the comforts of home and the care of friends. And then. oh. how great the contrast ! when we looked back and pondered over the hospital accommodations provided for those other
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poor comrades within the mere folds of their shelter tents, who had to endure the sufferings and affliction of camp fever, etc., with insufficient clothing, too, as well as the store of medical supplies exhausted, which characterized and pre- vailed at the Hospital Headquarters of the Division, when at Camp Falmouth, before and after the siege of Fredericks- burg.
After two or three hours profitably spent, we were en route for CAMP FRANKLIN, which was about two miles distant, but our return was made by another course, which afforded us the opportunity of passing through several neighboring camps, where we made brief halts, and received due respect, marked attention, and kind hospitality in some instances. At the camp of the 114th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, better known as COLLIS' ZOUAVES, occurred an incident worthy of relation : In passing through the company streets of the Regiment, we suddenly halted in front of a peculiarly arranged, tented quarters, upon the call of a comrade- " Hello, boys, there's a woman in that tent!" At once, all were attracted to the spot, and sure enough a woman made her appearance -- a sight very unusual in the army- for her plight, that of an uncouth figure, with hair disheveled, and attire untidy, plainly indicated her habits and vocation, which naturally produced meditations as to whom she might be, and what were her relations to the Regiment. Her reply to the call of our comrade, soon satisfied us as to her nativity ; for, in that brogue, which is characteristic of those well- known emigrants from the Emerald Isle, she waved us off (although aroused from a comparative stupor,) in a com- manding way, with " be off wid yez, ye spalpeens ; or ye'll find the woman betther than all yes!" Before departing, however, we learned that she had been adopted by the Regi- ment, accompanying it in full dress as " Daughter of the Regiment," when on the march, but serving mainly as vivan- diere.
As we proceeded, homeward-bound, we met with quite a
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surprise-that of finding a native Lancastrian, in the person of Sergeant GEORGE P. DEICHLER, of Company I, at the camp of the 69th Regiment, under command of Colonel JOSHUA T. OWEN. Sergeant DEICHLER kindly entertained us by escorting us through company quarters as well as regimental headquarters, whereby we were afforded another brief interval for reflection, with attentive consideration. We found this Regiment to be principally composed of that class of Irish-American citizens, by adoption, whose hardy na- tures, as well as course of habits, and courage were char- acteristic of the Celtic race, and therefore a part and par- cel of that celebrated Irish Brigade, which was comprised within the Second Division of our gallant Third Corps, and known as the Philadelphia Irish Regiment. We arrived in camp about dusk, somewhat fatigued, where, after regular evening meal, we retired early for the night's repose.
ON PICKET AT A NEW POST-THE OLD FARM-HOUSE-A FEAST ON SLAP-JACKS PREVENTED BY A REBEL CAVALRY FORCE.
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1863 .- The change of weather, which greeted us this morning, was more favorable, although rather blustry, as the Regiment received orders and furnished its detail for picket-duty. As usual, we moved off at 8 o'clock, A. M., to the north-east, then proceeded toward the west, on the line of our old picket-station, along a stretch of laurel underbrush, not far from Stafford C. H., where we arrived in due time. Immediately on our front we perceived an ancient-looking, dilapidated farm-house, not far distant, with a cavalry picket-station quite adjacent, which belonged to the roth New Jersey Cavalry Regiment ; whereupon we soon made the acquaintance of the cavalrymen, who, together with some of the boys of Company K, at once made arrange- ments for an expedition of adventure to the old farm-house. The joint party started out promptly, the habitation was soon reached, and an acquaintance was duly formed with iti oc-
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cupants, who proved to be an elderly, hospitable lady and a colored female domestic.
Although the exterior appearance of this ancient, almost tumble-down domicile was not so inviting, yet its interior possessed those home-like comforts not often sought or to be found within such habitations; for the snugly covered bed- stead, with its high chaff bolsters and white counterpane, betokened an air of refinement rather surprising ; then, in a room adjoining, or kitchen proper, through an open door, we espied the large, commodious Virginia fire-hearth, replete with the proverbial back logs of fair size, in front of which was placed in proper position the familiar Old Do- minion spider or griddle, with Aunt Chloe, the domestic, sitting by its side. In the hands of Aunt Chloe, just at that time, the griddle was very skillfully manipulated in the process of baking slap-jacks, prepared from U. S. A. Com- missary flour, issued to such persons in the community who held the proper requisitions, granted by the military authori- tas, during which operation there was a sequel ; for, as soon as our little batch of dough was ready, and we were enjoying the kindly hospitality of the hostess, a rustling noise was heard from the outside, followed with the sudden entrance of Comrade JOHN WEIDLE, of Company K, who reported that the rebel cavalry were making a raid in that direction. It is hardly necessary to say it, that all vamoosed the ranche on the double-quick, insomuch that we were far enough ahead before stopping to look back for real danger; fortunately. · however, we were not far from our picket-line, so that we were quickly there, as well as to find that our cavalry for es had been sent out on the chase after the intruding rebels. Of course, this had ruined our prospects, and as we did not again venture out, owing to proper restraint, we were forced to leave our feast, then in preparation, for the relish and enjoy- ment of the roth N. J. Cavalry boys, who were stationed about the house. Consequently, this was real distress, in a manner, to us; for, having had matters so nicely arranged
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for a feast of dainties, it was rather galling to be thus de- prived of and driven away from its enjoyments. However, we engaged in another enterprise, that of turning our atten- tion to the grubbing out of fine roots of laurel, which were very abundant hereabouts, and which we (being deft in the use of the pen-knife) soon converted into pipes. After boiling them off in pork fat in our tin-cups, we were soon enabled to enjoy a good smoke with the batch of tobacco captured at the aforesaid house, while an order was received from Picket Headquarters "to observe a sharp look-out toward the front," when and where we put in a restless night, without further events worthy of mention.
HEAVY FALL OF RAIN MAKES AN UNEVENTFUL DAY.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1863 .-- We awoke this morning to observe that the weather had undergone another change before day-light, that of a heavy fall of rain, which kept up. without intermission all day long ; therefore, the boys, in general, were to be found, clinging closely to their fires, back of the picket-line, for comfort, so that the day passed away rather uneventfully.
BAD WEATHER-REBEL BUSHWACKER CAPTURED.
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1863 .- Morning brought more rain and fleeting clouds, while the atmosphere all along the line was damp and disagreeable, so that another day was passed very uncomfortably on the picket-line. During the afternoon a portion of our cavalry passed through the line. bringing with them "a rebel bushwacker," pack and saddle. whom they captured, about dusk, as he was trying to cross the country in the front of our lines. He had evidently crossed the river during the previous night. and then ser reted himself until toward dusk this evening, when his venture out doomed him to be taken as a prisoner. Without further event the day passed away at reserve-station.
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RELIEVED BY FIFTH CORPS MEN-MUDDY MARCH TO CAMP- DEATHS OF TWO MORE COMRADES.
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 1863 .- Dawn of day, this morning, was clear but cold, when all hands were early at building of fires and drying their damp clothing. About mid-day our relief came along, which was part of the Fifth Corps, under command of Major-General HUMPHREYS. So we moved off at once, by a new route, and reached camp in pretty good time, though mud-bespattered, hungry, and tired. As we arrived home, (as we then termed CAMP FRANK- LIN,) rain again began to fall with good prospects for a con- tinuance during the night. As matters of event, we here record the loss of two more members of the Regiment by the rude hand of death-that of Private JOHN A. HUBER, of Company B, which occurred at his home, whither he had been conveyed when ill, at Lancaster, Pa., March 11, 1863; and that of Private JOHN SMITH, of Company H, which occurred in general hospital at Falmouth, Va., March 17, 1863. As the night was wet, all gladly availed themselves of the opportunity for an early retirement, and turned into bunks in short order.
REGIMENT TO BE PUT IN PROPER TRIM FOR BATTLE, ETC.
SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 1863 .- The rain of the previous night continued this morning, as we awoke and emerged from our quarters, and kept up all day long. Therefore, all about camp seemed to indicate, as a prevailing condition of affairs, gloom and despondency. A new series of orders had been received at Regimental headquarters from Corps head- quarters, to the effect, "that special attention should be given to putting the Regiment in proper trim for battle : that the most rigid discipline should be observed ; that inspection of arms and of camp should be frequent and thorough : that the men should be compelled to keep arms, accoutrements,
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etc., clean and in proper order; and, more particularly, that special care should be devoted to the cleanliness of the camp as a very considerate sanitary measure." It was, therefore, very noticeable, that Major-General DANIEL E. SICKLES was striving hard to have his (the Third) Corps in an excellent state of discipline and efficiency ; and that he was becoming quite popular with the men under his command, was fully demonstrated and attested by the readiness and willingness they displayed in complying with his orders. Owing to the weather having every appearance of remaining in wretched condition, for awhile at least, this day passed without any other important event, and all retired within bunks for the night.
INSPECTION NOT CREDITABLE-DRYING CLOTHES, ETC.
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 1863 .- The weather, this morning, assumed a more cheerful aspect, for all above was brightly clear and the atmosphere very cold. Orders were received for company inspections, as usual; but, owing to the effects, upon all and everything, of the recent very wet and muddy spell which had prevailed, the inspections did not pass as creditably as those in the past. However, as the sun shed forth his brilliant rays more strongly, all hands turned out, were drying themselves as well as their wet clothes, and hugging the camp-fires for comfort, etc. Dress-parade, the duty for the afternoon, was next held, at which Adjutant HEITSHU read several orders. Subsequently, all partook of the usual evening rations prepared, and then retired within their bunks for the night, without any event of importance to record for the day.
BRIGADE INSPECTION-CENSURE FOR DIRTY GUNS-DEATH OF A COMRADE -- HEAVY SNOW-STORM.
MONDAY, MARCH 30, 1863 .- This morning "the weather- god " again favored us with his cheerful smiles, as it was clear and cold. At an early hour we received special orders
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to clean up dirty guns for general inspection. Thus we
partaken of and heartily relished. Dinner over, the Regi- preparations were made for a good meal, which was freely passed the morning hours until time for dinner, when speedy
eral, who conducted the inspection, gave us a rather rough WHIPPLE, commanding the Division. The Adjutant-Gen- time and were drilled as well as reviewed by Major-General quarters ; where, shortly afterward, we arrived promptly to with the other regiments for the march to Brigade head- ment was quickly in line in company streets, ready to fall in
overhauling about the condition of our guns, and ordered company officers to have the same put in thorough condi- tion. Another event to chronicle for the day was the death mental comrade, which occurred at Camp Falmouth, Va., in of Private URIAS WALLACE, of Company F, another Regi-
hospital, this day, March 30, 1863. As night fell upon us, and we retired within our cosy quarters for rest, a heavy snow-storm commenced and raged during the entire night.
SNOW-STORM CONTINUES-SICK-CALL-UNPLEASANT CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN VIRGINIA.
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 1863 .- The snow-storm of last night still raged this morning, and continued till II o'clock, when it then turned to rain, which kept up all day long, so that by night-fall the snow had entirely disappeared. This unfavorable state of the weather had put an end to all duties about camp, with the exception of that very essential and important one-attending to sick-call, which seemed to have had a responsive tendency of very large proportions, of late. The sojourn of the Regiment in the Old Dominion, then, had been very uninviting, as well as disagreeable, and at- tended with rendering many men unfit for duty, from the fact that our surroundings were naught but a miserable con- dition of affairs, consisting of wet. dampness, and mud everywhere we went, insomuch that the poor, tired, almost exhausted soldier found it impossible to keep himself neat
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or tidy. This being the final day of March, the proverbial old adage of "coming in like a lion, will go out like a lamb," did not hold good and true this season, because we were compelled to spend the day in our damp abodes, making the best that we could out of a bad state of circum- stances. Night had cast her sombre. hue over the country at an early hour, when all were soon nestled within bunks to dream of what the morrow would bring.
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CHAPTER XXI.
ALL-FOOLS DAY IN CAMP-USUAL ROUTINE OF DRILL, ETC .- CAV- ALRY, CORPS AND ARMY REVIEWS BY PRESIDENT LINCOLN AND GENERAL HOOKER- PICKET-DUTY IN RISKY LO- CATION-CHANGE OF BRIGADE OFFICERS.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1863 .- " All hail !" was the ex- clamation heard throughout camp this morning though it was " All-Fools Day ;" because, as we arose, day dawned clear and cold, accompanied with a strong nor'-wester blowing briskly. So, at an early hour, all the men were again busy at building camp-fires, around which all clustered in the endeavor to dry their wet clothing, but did not make much progress toward that object, as they rather succeeded in getting too great a smoking for their pains and efforts, which was by no means pleasant or agreeable. Numerous and peculiar were the " fools' errands " that were perpetrated by one upon the other, along with false reports as to a move- ment of the army, etc., which caused the Colonel to be besieged for several hours by the victims seeking information and inquiring as to particulars. Guard-mount and sick-call were the first duties of the day, which were duly attended to, when orders were received to clean up guns and accou- trements, for they had again become rusty. After dinner the Regiment was exercised in company drills and at dress- parade, during which official orders were received and read. advising the Regiment to be ready to go on picket to-mor- row, when all retired for the night, without further event worthy of note.
MAJOR-GENERAL JOSEPH HOOKER.
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AGAIN ON PICKET-HEAVY DETAIL FROM THE SECOND CORPS.
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1863 .- Day opened cold and clear again, with all the cooks early at their posts preparing the rations for three days on picket. At 9 o'clock the Regiment was again en route to the northwest and along the Rappahan- nock river, over terribly bad, muddy roads as usual. To- ward afternoon the sun came out warmer, as we arrived at our station, very tired from the long, muddy tramp which we were forced to go through, when we immediately sank down upon the sward to snatch or obtain some rest. The only event for the day to record was, that the Regiment, while en route to picket-station, met with and passed a large detail from the Second Corps about half-way on the road, when and where they turned off toward the southeast-that being their destination, along the main picket-line; they were accompanied also by a light battery, belonging to Ricketts' Battery, Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, formerly Matthews' Battery, and a hard pull with slow and difficult progress they had over the fields and through the soft mud. After attend- ing to the proper details we soon turned in for a night's rest.
FIRES TO DRY CLOTHING-FAITHFUL DUTY ON PICKET.
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1863 .- Day dawned brightly again. after a slight shower of rain during the night, which made matters much more pleasant and agreeable, affording chances to build fires, which were kept up and were main features for the purpose of drying wet clothing and making the men otherwise comfortable. Thus, as usual, the day passed une- ventfully, save that the Regiment rendered faithful service all day long on the picket-line.
WINDY DAY ON PICKET-LUDICROUS SCENES OCCASIONED BY TOO CLOSELY HUGGING THE FIRES.
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1863 .- Dawn of day was again bright, cold, and clear, with a stiff nor'-wester blowing a
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perfect gale, causing the men of the Regiment to again build fires, around which they gathered and to which they clung tenaciously whilst the winds blew the ashes and smoke into their eyes, rendering matters rather uncomfortable. Many, too, were the cases of scorched clothing, the burning-off of - skirts of the army overcoats, or large holes into the pairs of pants, which were reported, and were the proverbial results to be expected on such blustry days. Considerable chagrin was also occasioned among the boys by the awkwardness exhibited, whereby the tin-cups of coffee, which had been prepared at the bivouac-fire, were rudely upset and spilled- in many cases, the accidental tilt being caused by a rush or hustle of comrades around the fire, furnishing quite a num- ber of ludicrous scenes. The only duties rendered to-day were those appertaining to relief-station, which denoted some activity on the main line, whereupon, as night approached, all huddled together to keep warm, but the day and the night both passed uneventfully.
SNOW AND SUNSHINE-DIFFICULT RETURN TO CAMP.
SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 1863 .- During the night we were again visited with a fall of snow to the depth of several inches ; however, as day appeared, clear weather was the happy change to note, with calmness and warmer temperature, so that, when " Old Sol " shed forth his rays in radiant glory, the snow rapidly disappeared. We were still on duty upon the picket-line, until about 2 o'clock, P. M., when the relief arrived. Our tramp, on this occasion, may be truly said to have been dreadfully difficult and labored, having been made through mud and slush, for a distance of eight miles, before we arrived at CAMP FRANKLIN, which was at a very late hour, owing to the great delay occasioned in crossing the swollen streams. That we were almost exhausted, as well as our clothing very wet and mud-bespattered, were facts or circumstances not to be doubted, or at all surprising ; so, therefore, after the preparation and partaking of a hastily-
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made supper, night was at hand and hurried a tired lot of boys to rest, with that longing which surely made sweet their repose and slumber.
GRAND CAVALRY REVIEW BY PRESIDENT LINCOLN.
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 1863 .- The state of the weather this morning was very cloudy and threatening, whilst the snow continued to linger in the lap of Spring, so to say. To-day had been set apart as one auspicious or propitious for the Army of the Potomac, as it was the day for the cavalry review, at which President LINCOLN, accompanied by his wife and son, were in attendance to witness the same. Of course, we, of the infantry, were not required, and had not been ordered to turn out, and right glad were we that such was the case, as the roads were in a miserable condition-the mud and mire being as deep as at any previous time ; for, even the cavalry troops, en route to the review grounds, put in an appearance not to be envied by any means, as they were bespattered with mud from head to foot. Therefore, the 122d Regiment, P. V., observed the day in camp in quietude and comparative rest, without any other event trans- piring worthy of record, save that some important movement was surmised or contemplated for an early day, as an order was received at evening time by the Regiment to be ready for review by the President on the morrow.
INSPECTION AND REVIEW OF THE INFANTRY, OF THE THIRD CORPS, BY PRESIDENT LINCOLN, GENERAL. JOE HOOKER AND STAFF.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1863 .-- The weather still remained damp and chilly. Owing to the condition of the roads being so very bad, as well as the weather being very threat- ening, our Brigade had the pleasure and honor, with the rest of the troops at this end of the Army of the Potomac, to receive a visit from President LINCOLN and his son, accom- panied by Major-General HOOKER, all of whom made a hasty tour of inspection throughout our camp-the review
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