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 19
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held being rather more informal than usual or otherwise. Toward evening "Old Boreas" suddenly started in with blowing up a very cold gale, but clearing off, when dress- parade was held, at which general orders were read, "to get ready for grand review on the morrow;" thus it seemed that Fighting Old JOE HOOKER, as he was then best known, was at last determined to have a review at all hazards. The Staff accompanying General HOOKER, on this occasion, surpassed all previous efforts in the grandeur of their appearance, as well as in numbers gold lace, bright swords, equipments neat and clean, and accoutrements burnished in grand style, were the characterizing and predominating features of this short and hasty review, which, in other words, was a perfect success. So, without any other event to note, the day went by, when night came and cast her sombre hue over the scene, affording an early opportunity, gladly hailed and accepted, for retirement within our then cosy quarters.
IMPOSING REVIEW OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC BY PRESIDENT LINCOLN, GENERAL HOOKER, ET AL.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1863 .- The Regiment awoke this morning, to find another " stiff nor'-wester blowing a gale," when all the men were quickly out and around the fires, for the air was damp and chilling. Everything about camp was stir and activity, denoting plainly that something extra- ordinary was to take place; so, after an early breakfast, the-prepare-to-fall-in was announced by the several Or- derly Sergeants to their respective companies; whereupon, in short order, all were in line on company streets, all at- tired neat and clean, with guns, plates and accoutrements polished properly ; until, at the call of the drum corps the Regiment marched off and formed upon parade-ground. About S o'clock, the Regiment, without delay whatever, was moved off toward the southwest, a distance of four miles, where regiment after regiment was met and perceived-all
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infantry forces-pouring in from every direction and pre- senting a splendid sight.
It was just about mid-day when the respective Corps Com- manders had made their proper alignments, with the markers properly posted, that from a bugle corps in the distance the signal was given that all was in readiness for the grand re- view ; whereupon, immediately afterward, we heard, wafted from the right of the line on the winds as they prevailed, the familiar strains of the brigade bands playing " Hail to the Chief !" Presently there came, riding along the line, President LINCOLN, Major-General HOOKER, commander-in- chief of the Army of the Potomac, the several Corps com- manders, besides quite a retinue of attaches and attendants. all mounted upon gaily caparisoned steeds, each in turn seemingly vying with the other as to the grandeur of appear- ance as well as deportment. As they passed our front all stood at " attention !" with not a head turned, after which they passed to the left of our line and then to our rear : whereupon, we were again ordered to " stand erect, with heads to the front," which required quite a time in making the circuit. By signal from the bugle corps orders were received, and given by the Regimental commanders, " to right wheel into column by companies," with the proper guides aligned ; whereupon the second signal was given, and the entire column moved off. in turn, passing before the President as well as the respective General Officers in grand review, all of whom gave us the proper and regular salute ; then a countermarch was ordered which afforded us a sight, also, of this superb, moving military spectacle, comprising at least, judging from appearances and the best of informa- tion, from 75,000 to 80,000 men in line. each regiment endeavoring to excel the other as to appearance and march- ing, taking all circumstances into consideration. Thus, highly pleased with our experience on this occasion, as also the gratification felt from our sight-seeing. we were soon on the return to CAMP FRANKLIN, very much invigorated by the
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good, fresh air then prevailing, which had the effect of im- parting a very keen desire and relish for the rations that our cooks were enabled to provide. So, without further events, the Regiment turned in very early for a night's refreshing rest.
DETAILS TO BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS FOR BREAD.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1863 .- Day was ushered in bright, cool and clear. After attending to guard-mount and sick- call, the policing of company streets was ordered, when the morning hours were devoted by the Regiment to ordinary camp duties, whilst Ist Sergeants were assigned the special tasks of preparing muster rolls of companies for the Paymas- ter, for which they were somewhat grateful, according to the old maxim-" large favors most thankfully received, with smaller ones considered pro rata." After dinner an order was received for a detail of five men from each company of the Regiment, who were to be provided with blankets and, under charge of company Quartermaster-Sergeants, were to proceed to Brigade headquarters for the Regimental quota of soft, white bread ; "amen !" was the ready word responsive to these instructions. for the details were quickly furnished and gladly turned out upon their errands. After the return of the details dress-parade was held and was of short dura- tion, when all were active in the preparation of royal sup- pers on fresh beef, potatoes, onions, and also the very highly- prized, fresh, whit bread. A few camp sports were next indulged in, after which all turned into bunks well satisfied with the duties, the bill of fare, and the pleasures for the day.
DRILL, INSPECTION, AND DRESS- PARADE-NO EVENT.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1863 .- This morning the state of the weather was warm and fine. Orders were carly rsued for the respective companies to clean up arms and accontrements for inspection and drill, whilst the several company muster- rolls were also then completed, which were finally handed
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over to the Captains at company quarters. Dinner was then prepared and heartily enjoyed, after which we were marched out tothe parade-ground, where the Regiment was drilled and inspected for about two hours; then dress-parade was had for a brief interval, at which the reading of several orders were the main features ; when, without any import- ant event to note, all were dismissed to their quarters for the rest of the day.
DIVISION-DRILL-DRESS-PARADE BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL EDWARD McGOVERN-ORDERS FOR PICKET-DUTY.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 1863 .- Day again dawned upon us fine and clear. After guard-mount and sick-call, which were duly and promptly attended to, the Regiment was actively engaged in company drills, as orders had been received "to prepare for division drill for the afternoon." An early din- ner was, next in order, which had been regularly provided by the respective company cooks and was heartily partaken of, after a thorough exercising in the various and precise manceuvrings which make company as well as regimental drills perfect.
Directly after dinner the Regiment formed line and moved off to Brigade rendezvous, where we were again thoroughly drilled in the many and intricate manœuvrings which char- acterize brigade and division movements in general, for about three hours; when, we were at once ready and quickly on the return to camp, where we yet had dress-parade, ably conducted by Lieutenant-Colonel EDWARD MCGOVERN, dur- ing which an order was received and read-" for the Regi- ment to be ready to go on picket again." So, without other event of importance, all readily and speedily turned in for a night's repose in what was considered somewhat cosy quar- ters at CAMP FRANKLIN, when compared to what we had hitherto experienced and had to expect while doing duty on the picket-line.
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PICKET-STATION NEAR ROCK RUN ALONG THE RAPPAHANNOCK.
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 1863 .- We were called out at an early hour this morning, at once prepared and partook of our breakfasts, so that about 9 o'clock the Regiment had formed into line and was en route for picket-station and picket-duty, arriving at our post about noon, when and where we again relieved the Irish Brigade of our Division.
Our post, upon this occasion, was located just northwest of Rock Run, along the hills which bordered the Rappahan- nock River, and only a short distance from Signal Station, where we had a full, distinct view of the rebel picket-station on the opposite bank of the river. The day passed by with- out event to record ; but, as night approached, we could plainly discern the ruddy glow of the rebel camp-fires which had been kindled, although about two miles distant. The woodland at this point had been rather greatly thinned out, so that the Regiment was more exposed than the men exactly desired, cared, or liked to be; however, "all was well" during the night, which passed, too, without any occurrence or circumstance worthy of note.
REGIMENT ON PICKET ALL DAY LONG WITHIN CLOSE RIFLE- RANGE OF THE ENEMY.
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1863 .- The weather this morning was clear, with the men of the Regiment at their posts faith- fully doing picket-duty, while at the same time they observed, very readily, that they were constantly within easy and close rifle-range of the enemy. Had the rebels desired to ex- change shots, or open a fight with us, it was generally con- ceded or known that they would have surely had or gotten the best of us, for they had more woodland along the river banks to protect them; while, owing to their dirty, grey uniforms also, it would have been difficult for us " to have drawn a bead" on them, much less to have distinguished them. It was somewhat gratifying. therefore, to know or
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observe that there appeared to be somewhat of a mutual understanding among the videttes not to fire upon each other, just at that time, and the situation of affairs-so that, conse- quently, we had still another uneventful day to pass by and note.
COMMISSARY COFFEE AND SUGAR EXCHANGED FOR PONE OR CORN- BREAD-REGIMENT YET ON PICKET.
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1863 .- Dawn of day was ushered in clear and cheering, as the weather was fine and warm, with the Regiment still engaged at picket-duty. Although, as the day waned on, the weather had become much brighter and more cheering to the spirits of the men. yet it seemed that monotony, as it were, had taken such a hold of affairs along the picket-line as to almost engender dullness, even to sluggishness in some respects; therefore, a stroll was deter- mind upon by some to the rear of the line. They did not proceed far, however; for, but a short distance back of the picket-line was observed a very ancient, dilapidated log- house, from the rude chimney of which was perceived the frequent and thickening curls of smoke as they ascended to, broke, and were scattered among the elements overhead, in- dicating that there was something in progress rather attractive and inviting at that quaint old domicile. We approached the same in our usual, unobtrusive way, when and where we were quickly recognized, offered hospitality, and surely rewarded by finding an elderly lady actively engaged in pre- paring a batch of pone or corn-bread for the griddle. . Is we were ever ready to strike a fair bargain, our success in mutual exchanges, for the inviting and desirable change of diet, was speedily perfected : for, as we liberally dealt out our commissary coffee and sugar, we received in return fair supplies of freshly-baked. brown, crisp corn-bread, with which we promptly returned to picket-station and there di- vided our trophies (for such they were) among our comrades, who appreciated and readily partook of the same. So,
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without any further incident or event, the day and the night passed away with the Regiment yet rendering faithful service on the picket-line.
RELIEVED BY 20TH INDIANA AND 105TH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUN- TEERS-PLODDING WAY, ETC., TO CAMP.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1863 .- Day-break appeared with a strong north-east wind raging, and a heavy rain-fall accom- panying, which soon served the purpose of making all, as well as everything about us, very uncomfortable ; but, how- ever, through the means of the bivouac-fires which had been kindled, and were then briskly burning, we were enabled within an hour or two to enjoy or obtain a little comfort, com- paratively expressing it, about 2 o'clock P. M., when our relief arrived. The Regiment, on this occasion, was relieved by the 20th Indiana Volunteers and the 105th Pennsylvania Volunteers, who belonged to the First (or Red Badge) Division of our Corps, when our plodding back (for such a trip it was) to CAMP FRANKLIN proved nothing short of a continued wading through mud and slush, the crossing of swollen streams under great and considerable disadvantages, and getting a thorough wetting. Thus we arrived into camp hungry and exhausted, but were quickly, nevertheless, occu- pied in re-arranging our quarters and putting other matters to right, with the view of obtaining or securing a night of solid rest and comfort upon the rustic camp bedsteads which we had heretofore provided for that purpose. Without any further event to note, night fell upon us and allowed us to enjoy sweet repose as well as to dream of happier days await- ing us.
ORDERS FOR HEAVY-MARCHING TRIM-RIGID BRIGADE INSPECTION BY ACTING BRIGADIER-GENERAL FRANKLIN.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1863 .- The weather this morning. as we were aroused, was threatening rather badly, for the sky was overcast with clouds, whilst the atmosphere was raw and
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damp .. At an early hour orders were received by the Colonel : "To require each company to clean up arms, accoutrements, etc .; each man to receive 60 rounds of ammunition; and to be in heavy-marching trim;" so that the entire forenoon was devoted to fulfillment of the same. After dinner Brigade and Regimental inspections were the next orders for the day, with the Regiment in line at I o'clock, sharp, as also the entire Brigade-all in heavy-marching trim, with knapsack, haversack, canteen, etc., complete. Directly upon arrival at parade-ground, Colonel FRANKLIN (our then Acting Briga- dier-General) appeared upon the scene and held a most rigid as well as thorough inspection, both of Brigade and Regi- ment, which passed very creditably and favorably-in more respects, too, than one ; for, greatest of all, the change of Brigade Officers* had been received with delight and appre- ciation, as our Colonel had been known and recognized as a philanthropist ; whilst, on the other hand, the men had really begun to dislike or detest Brigadier-General PIATT, who always appeared to be in ill-humor. and then more or less " cross-grained," as they termed it. Dress-parade im- mediately followed, after which all turned in for the night to rest, as well as to conjecture upon that which might be in store for another day.
THE NEW PAYMASTER, MAJOR OAKLEY, AND BIRDS OF PREY.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 1863,-Day-break again brought threatening weather-cloudy overhead and the atmosphere chilling-yet all faces bore a smile, and a broad one, too, at that-for the Paymaster had arrived in camp. After the
*Owing to the continued absence of General PIATT, since the siege of Fredericks- burg, the First Brigade, of the Third Division, had been left without a proper or regular commanding officer, whereupon Major-General WHIPPLE, U. S .A., then in command of the Division, deeming Colonel FRANKLIN of our Regiment, after a thorough test, as the best fitted for the permanent command thereafter, assign i the same to him under the title of Acting Brigadier General. Acting Brigulier-General FRANKLIN thereigen immediately selected as his aids-de-camp, Lieutenant Jou C. LONG, of Company D, ized Regiment, P. V., and Lieutenant H. P. KAMSDEL.L., 1 :4th Regiment, \ .
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regular routine of camp duty, the Regiment was formed into line upon company streets, where each company awaited their turn to receive the pay. As Major OAKLEY, U. S. A. Paymaster, arrived at the post of Company K, he took oc- casion to refer to certain glaring errors committed by his pre- decessor, Major W. -, the former Paymaster, with special regard to the cases of the reported absent sick and their "descriptive papers;" however, that did not affect us who were and had been on duty with the Regiment all along. As heretofore stated, upon another occasion, along with the Paymaster flocked the usual birds of prey, or camp-followers, such as small gamblers, fakirs, et al., all of whom plied their nefarious vocations to rob the poor soldiers of the paltry sums of money which they yet retained, after settling ac- counts with the sutler-at least, those who were foolish enough to be scooped in, and allow themselves and their money to readily and rapidly part company. Dress-parade was next in order, held at 5 o'clock, sharp, was of short duration, and passed off quite satisfactorily and creditably. After which supper was hastily prepared and disposed of, when all retired to quarters to: the night's rest-no, not all, for some were within darkened tents, where many were the games of cards played, attended with the usual losses and gains during the night. Thus ended another day with- out further event or incident to note.
BRIGADE AND DIVISION DRILLS-READY FOR CHANGE OF BASE.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 1863 .- The state of the weather, as day dawned upon us this morning, we were glad to record as clear and warm. The first special duties of the morning hours were company drills throughout the Regiment, which were kept up until nearly noon. Dinner was next prepared and hastily partaken of, when the Regiment formed into line and proceeded to take part in the brigade and division drills-the special orders for the afternoon-which were con- ducted by Inspector-General VAN HORN of Major-General
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WHIPPLE's staff, and proved creditable and satisfactory events of the day. Dress-parade followed in the evening, at which important orders were received and read, with special reference to providing for the sick in camp and the furnishing of ad- ditional rations, etc., whereupon many were the conjectures formed, or instances afforded for surmise, as to what was next to occur of importance, or might turn up in the way of adventure, etc. All were really ready for a change of base. as we felt that we had already tarried too long in this one locality ; for our woodlands were all gone, our water supply exhausted-only to be obtained at remote distance and then very scanty, with other inconveniences needless to specify ; yet, there would be one regret-that of leaving our comfort- able "home-like" bunks, so to speak, which had been con- structed with great care, labor, etc., for days then past. A move upon the enemy was the common and prevailing opinion among all the men, after which a hearty supper upon fine soft bread, fresh beef, and good coffee came next, where- upon we ended our cares of the day by an early retirement for the night's rest and slumber.
SICK LIST UNUSUALLY LARGE-SUYDAM, RUTH, ET AL., TO HOS- PITAL-HEAVY MARCHING-TRIM ORDERS-SOUP-TRICK UPON " DUTCHY " MULLEN-VISIT TO NEIGHBORING CAMPS.
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 1863 .- Day unusually bright and warm. Breakfast was provided and heartily partaken of. after which the Orderly Sergeants of the companies, respect- ively, were seen hurrying to and fro, giving special attention to the orders and routine of duties for the morning. First came guard-mount, the detail for which had been announced at roll-call last evening, consisting of one corporal and six privates from Company K, who were promptly on hand at the hour-9 o'clock, A. M.,-when the assembly was beat by the drum corps and away we all went to guard station. near Colonel's quarters. Here we found Captain JAMES F. RICK- SECKER as incoming officer of the day. After turning our
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detail over to Sergeant-Major W. H. H. BUCKIUS, we returned to company quarters and proceeded at once to gather in Company K's quota of sick for the day. Among those seriously ill was our 8th Corporal, poor JIMMY SUYDAM, who was very unfortunate indeed, being very badly troubled with an affection of his optics, insomuch that both eyes were (literally speaking) pasted shut, when we had to lead him, with the rest formed in line, to the Regimental Hospital, marching to the still very familiar strain of " come and get your quinine, etc.," upon Surgeon's call ; for the sick-list of this day to report was unusually large, as orders from head- quarters were very urgent and strict to each of the Surgeons for the examination of all the soldiers carried upon the rolls; those found simply ill, yet fit for duty by the Surgeons, were returned and retained as such on the respective company rolls, while those rendered unfit were ordered to be sent to Division Hospital. This thorough inspection had its mean- ing, and as such it was appreciated by those who had been accustomed to and knew what it was to get ready for a march. Among those left at the hospital, too, was Private JOHN RUTH, also of Company K, who had been reduced through camp fever and dysentery to a mere skeleton, apparently, so that it was conjectured by some, and admitted by others, as only a matter of a few days when he would have to join the ranks of those who had preceded him to that region from which there had never been any return, and where further duty could and would not be exacted.
Again returning to Company head-quarters, orders were received from the Captain "to turn out the Company in heavy-marching trim, having knapsacks packed with extra clothing, and blankets (in roll) strapped thereon, as well as be ready for Sunday-morning inspection," for the weather was fine and the ground dry, affording a favorable oppor- tunity for the same. Accordingly the men were promptly in line, and so reported, when the Captain appeared and put them through a rigid inspection, giving special attention to
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the condition of arms, accoutrements, knapsacks, etc. Com- pany inspections were observed in general throughout Regi- mental camp, wherein Company K was found to be well up to the standard, as also the other companies, with the excep- tion here and there, of some article of clothing or a pair of shoes lacking ; whereupon, all those desiring (or more prop- erly speaking) in need of new articles as required were or- dered to report to their company headquarters for the proper requisitions. Inspection being completed, Sergeant SPRENGER received charge of Company K for dismissal, which, with the command of " in two ranks, right-face, break ranks, march," was quickly done.
Next in order for the morning hours-though last, yet not the least-were the preparations for dinner, our rations then consisting of fresh beef, bean-soup, and soft, finely baked bread-an elegant repast it proved to be, and was taken in with a keen relish. Herewith is connected an incident which occurred, although trivial, yet is an evidence of the feast just alluded to : HENRY MULLEN, otherwise and more familiarly known as " Dutchy" MULLEN, allowed that "he could stand another round of the same sort ; " so he at once proceeded to the cook's shanty and secured the same, but whilst return- ing to his tent he was suddenly tripped by one of the boys aware of his errand, when away went " Dutchy" and soup sprawling upon the ground in such a manner, that in saying the perpetrator of the trick "got up and dusted," was merely hinting at the result ; for the oaths and imprecations which proceeded from MULLEN'S mouth, just then, were " enough to make the heavens black," and it would have been unfortu- nate for the perpetrator if he had been found out or detected, as " Dutchy" was a desperate sort of fellow when excited and aggravated through such tricks. However, his wrath was finally appeased by the cook, CHARLES GALLAGHER, provid- ing him with an additional, extra ration of good soup and a hunk of beef.
After dinner strolls were in order, when quite a number
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visited the camp of 124th Regiment, N. Y. V., just adjoin- ing, found the same cleaned up, in good order, and all the men ready for any emergency which might arise. Every- thing about their camp, in fact, indicated neztness and tidi- ness. It was a full regiment which hailed from the vicinity of Newburgh, on the Hudson, and those who composed it proved to be good neighbors. Our next business was to the' camp of Colonel BERDAN's sharpshooters, who were then also attached to our Brigade. There we found a different state of affairs, that of the men engaged in various pastimes or amusements, some at cards, some at reading and smoking, others at acrobatic feats, etc., while Colonel BERDAN himself was on hand in a jumping contest, with weights in his hands, against a much younger fellow that "could not toe the mark" with the old gentleman, who proved to be quite an athlete, and nad the reputation of being one of the most spry amongst his men, notwithstanding his age, which was fairly judged at 50 odd yea- . We also met, on this occasion, one of the sharpshooters, who hailed from California and kindly entertained us by showing their outfits, besides explaining their uses and completeness, which consisted of rifles, with telescopic-sight attachments, guaranteed to kill at 1500-yards distance ; dark raw-hide knapsacks, climbing-spurs for boot- legs and soles of feet, with accompanying brace-straps for climbing trees and binding them to the trees, when up among the branches-in fact, they were even equipped to the black gutta-percha button on the coat, for there was nothing of brightness allowed about them to attract the attention of an enemy, or the rays of the sun-the gun-barrels, too, being all bronzed or blackened. As a whole they were "a jolly set of fellows well met," and had been collected from all parts of the United States. We arrived at our own camp in time for dress-parade, which though brief, yet was thorough ; then to supper, roll-call, and bunks, where the balance of the even- ing hours were devoted to writing letters home as well as to friends, and then to obtain rest and repose for the night.
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