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 2
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IN VIRGINIA-FIRST SIGHT, EXPERIENCE, AND CAMP.
The famous Potomac and the Long Bridge were reached ; when, as the Regiment was crossing, Company K's GLEE
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WASHINGTON CITY AND ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, 1861.
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122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
CLUB, under the leadership of Sergeant DEXTER WHITE, en- livened and cheered the souls of the boys by singing those then popular war ballads, known as .. Ellsworth." " John Brown," and many others appertaining to the enthusiasm of the occasion, which were echoed and re-echoed from side to side of the bridge, and resounded from shore to shore. The Regiment finally arrived on the Virginia shore, only to meet a reception not by any means welcome, desirable, or appre- ciative-which all the men will ever remember-that of an immense cloud of dust arising from the Government corrals provided for the mules and cattle, as it had the tendency to almost strangulate the boys.
After passing Fort Albany to the left, which was the first point of interest to be observed on our march into Virginia, the Regiment arrived at an already organized camp upon Arlington Heights, known as Camp Stanton, and located in a peach orchard, where the necessary camp equipage was provided, and the Regiment encamped for the night.
CAMP STANTON-FORT RICHARDSON-COMPANY K ON GUARD, WITH AN AMUSING INCIDENT.
MONDAY, AUGUST IS, 1862-The day opened bright and clear upon our first camp in Virginia, on Arlington Heights, which was beautifully located on the slope of a hill, with a rivulet of clear, sparkling spring water at its base, af- fording ample accommodations and opportunities for washing and cooking purposes, as well as for the boys to quench their thirst, refresh themselves, and relieve their parched throats after their recent dusty march. We were about six miles from Washington City, and at the foot of Fort Richardson. in Fairfax County, Virginia. This fort was a fine piece of engineering skill, in command of competent U. S. A. Artillery officers, and mounted with very heavy ordnance.
To-day Company K was detailed, for the first time, for guard duty around the camp, whereupon this day's record attested that each and every member did his duty on this
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Camp and Field Life.
special test occasion-" to try our metal, and find the stuff out of which we were made; " for, not even an old estray horse could approach the lines without challenge, as the re- lation of the following amusing incident (being one of the many which occurred during the night, that was duly appre- ciated, and will ever be remembered by the men, ) fully demonstrates :
About midnight, when darkness reigned supreme, there came sauntering towards our lines an old white horse, which, when within hailing distance, was given the proper challenge of " Who comes there?" by that trusty sentinel, GEORGE W. MARTZALL. Upon receiving no reply, MARTZALL cocked his gun and gave the command " Advance, and give the countersign ! " But instead of hearing the password " Sara- toga," he received nothing more nor less than a loud, con- temptuous snort, the kicking up of heels, and the hasty retreat of the horse on full gallop.
CAMP DUTIES-FIRST SICK MAN-DISTINGUISHED VISITORS AND THEIR RECEPTION.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 1862-After a night of many ad- ventures and much darkness, owing to the heavy mist which hung about and overhead like a black pall, day-break in all its brightness and beauty was welcomed with gladness by the boys, who were also somewhat surprised in finding Camp Stanton rapidly filling with newly arriving regiments and new recruits. This day found Company K in camp, assist- ing in arranging company streets, etc., in forming regular camp, and also found us sadly compelled to report our first sick man-that of Color-Corporal JOHN L. KILLINGER, who overdid himself while digging a well in the hot sun and almost receiving a sun stroke.
Our camp was also visited to-day by several army officers in a barouche, who were introducing, to the various troops encamped, General MICHAEL CORCORAN, the brave and gal- lant commander of the famous Goth N. V. ( Irish ) Regiment,
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122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
who had been captured at Bull Run by the enemy, but had just been released from Libby Prison. Richmond, Va., where he had been subjected to that hard confinement and the pri- vations known only to those who were unfortunate enough to have been taken as prisoners of war. He bore the appear- ance of one just arisen from a bed of severe suffering and sickness, but the cheer upon cheer that went up for him, served to enliven his spirits, as also show him how he was honored and respected. He stood up in the barouche and addressed the Regiment, speaking words of encouragement, and assuring us all he would soon be with us in the saddle again. Amidst our enthusiastic cheering for the Stars and Stripes, he resumed his seat and proceeded on his tour throughout the army.
ARMY LIFE AND FARE CONTRASTED WITH HOME LIFE AND LUXU- RIES-NEW TROOPS, ETC.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 1862 .- Day fine and clear. The Regiment received additional clothing, such as over- coats, canteens, etc., much to the comfort and satisfaction of the boys, who were then beginning to get down to army life and hardships in good, earnest manner, fully provided with the customary " hard tack, salt horse and schpeck," besides the bean and other palatable vegetable soups-a diet then not to be sneezed at, nor exchanged with their dear friends at home, who undoubtedly prided themselves upon faring much better, because they were growing fat and luxuriating upon what they called and esteemed the delicacies of the season. But, oh ! what a scene that would have afforded those dear friends, could they only have been there at this day's meal-hours, and have beheld the boys stowing away the regulation and wholesome diet into their bread-baskets. with that decided relish and heartiness that apparently ex- hibited its preference to that of lamb quarter and peas, water- melons, cantaloupes, deviled crabs, lobster-salad, etc .! We opine that it would not only have been a sight to them of
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Camp and Field Life.
surprise and for sympathy, but rather have filled and shocked them with amazement and disgust. New troops wereconstantly arriving and being assigned to quarters in camp all day long, while the men of the Regiment, after regular camp duties and short drills, were afforded luxuries, too-those of strolls throughout the camps and to the sutler tents, where they enjoyed the home-made ginger-cakes, a few glasses of thick ale, etc., which, besides various sports, constituted pleasing events of the day.
VIENNA STATION AND IMPRESSIONS-ACCIDENT-GREEN RANCID FLITCH FOR RATIONS.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 1862 .- The regular routine of camp duty for the day, was just commenced this morning, when an orderly rode up to Regimental headquarters, bearing the order : " To strike tents, pack knapsacks, and be ready to move at a moment's notice !" This we did not exactly relish ; but, however, in a few minutes, by the tap of the drum, the Regiment formed line and awaited the order, " Forward, march !" After some delay, about 11 o'clock, A. M., the order came, when the Regiment marched, a few miles southeast, to Vienna Station, on the Orange and Alex- andria Railroad-the site where General SCHENCK's brigade of Ohio Volunteers were decoyed into an ambuscade and slaughtered by the rebels in the early part of the war. The numerous graves which there appeared, marked the spots which contained the remains of many an unsuspecting youth and brave fellow, who fell as victims to that successful stratagem and decoy of the enemy-the sight of which when viewed, served the purpose of making impressions upon the minds of the men, not by any means cheerful or inviting, but rather sad and considerative.
Here, one of our Commissary wagons broke through a small bridge, together with driver and mules, which were nearly drowned. and were only extricated from their miser- able plight after some delay and much difficulty. The next
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mishap, and that for the first time, too, was the receiving of a mess or ration that proved most decidedly unwelcome and quite different from those so heartily relished yesterday -- that of green, rancid flitch, against which the men, in general, protested, of course; whereupon Commissary Sergeant DEX- TER WHITE and Sergeant GEORGE F. SPRENGER took their mess to regimental headquarters, showing it to Colonel FRANK- LIN, commanding Regiment, who accompanied them in their call upon Quartermaster J. T. MACGONIGLE for redress; but, " Nothing else at hand !" was all the satisfaction to be had. Rain then began to fall as tents were pitched for the night.
MARCH TO COMMODORE FORREST'S RESIDENCE-SUCCESSFUL FORA- GING BY COMPANY K BOYS. -
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 1862 .- Day dawned fine and clear. The Regiment was again ordered " to strike tents and have knapsacks hauled," which order was very cheerfully and willingly obeyed by all of the men, as the line of march was promptly formed and en route towards the Alexandria and Manassas Railroad. The Regiment halted and encamped in front of the residence of Commodore Forrest, of the rebel navy, and upon the site then recently occupied by the 2d Pennsylvania Cavalry, having marched about 12 miles. The location of the camp there was delightful, being surrounded by a rich agricultural district, which consisted of apple- orchards, potato-patches, etc., besides a few other inviting
spots for foraging. Though strict orders had been issued against trespassing and depredating, yet, as the shades of night approached, the grinning visages of soldier-boys (not only so supposed by some, but very well known by others, as belonging to Company K,) who were seen returning to camp, gave positive evidence of a successful forage-in short. . they arrived, laden down not only with fruits, vegetables, etc., in great variety, but also plenty of soft hay and straw to sleep upon, not stopping to think of the danger they risked and much less caring.
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Camp and Field Life
IMPORTANT MOVEMENTS REPORTED.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 1862 .- After a night of genuine solid comfort and rest upon our downy beds of hay, the Regiment was aroused to complete camp by laying out of company streets, etc., when company commanders received orders "to be in readiness to move at a moment's notice, as well as be prepared to meet any emergency," as important movements were reported in progress on our front, in the direction of Manassas Gap, with indications pointing de- cidedly to the likelihood of the Regiment being afforded a brush with the enemy and that before many hours. How- ever, the boys continued their sports and ventures until Adjutant D. H. HEITSHU notified Captain W. F. DUNCAN to stop his men from further foraging, although they were almost out of rations; whereupon, for the first time, there was expressed general dissatisfaction thereat amongst them. In the meanwhile, all did the best they could, in accordance with circumstances and the state of affairs, until the shades of evening appeared, when they retired to quarters for the night, to rest and await what the morning would bring forth.
CHAPTER III.
ARRIVAL OF GENERAL MCCLELLAN AND ARMY OF THE POTOMAC FROM THE PENINSULA-GENERAL POPE IN THE SADDLE- THE DIN OF BATTLE-READY TO MOVE.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24, 1862 .- The weather this morning was fine and clear, while all around us reigned bustle, commo- tion, and excitement. owing to the arrival on transports, at Alexandria, of the veterans under General GEORGE B. Mc- CLELLAN, from the Peninsula, who were then being disem- barked and sent forward as rapidly as possible, indicating that the situation of affairs in the vicinity of Warrenton and Manassas Junctions had assumed serious and alarming im- portance ; besides, in addition as an impetus, the rumor had spread, unaccountable but truthful that "LITTLE MAC," with his staff alone, had been ordered to report at Acquia Creek, while train after train, loaded with the fatigued, almost ex- hausted remnants of his troops, from their recent, hard-fought but unsuccessful battles in front of Richmond. were being rapidly forced through and by our camps as re-inforcements to General JOHN POPE, who had then been placed in com- mand of all troops operating in front of the defences at Washington, and who had announced " his headquar- ters in the saddle !" It was also reported that the enemy was hard pressing the forces of Generals BURNSIDE and POPE on our front, as we were then under marching orders-lying on our arms all day, but ready to move at a moment's notice ; while, from every direction, was distinctly heard the din of battle, which seemed to indicate that the contest waxed more fiercely, from hour to hour; for, then again, more plainly too, until late in the afternoon, did the heavy firing resound from the direction of Warrenton, when orders were issued
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Camp and Field Life.
"to strike tents, and be ready to move," which were promptly obeyed.
REGIMENT REFORMS CAMP-HEAVY RAIN.
MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 1862 .- The forwarding of the troops was still hurriedly continued, amidst the din of the conflicts and heavy firing in the distance, while the Regiment was com- pelled, in dread anxiety, to remain quiet, lying upon arms all day, awaiting the order to march, until evening brought a lull, and no more troops were forwarded, when the boys proceeded to reform camp, pitch tents, arrange company streets, etc .; after which, the Regiment laid to rest for the night, and during which a heavy rain began to fall.
DRENCHING RAIN-NO RATIONS! NO DUTY !!- RAILING AT THE QUARTERMASTER-GLOOM AND DISCONTENT.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 1862 .- Marching orders had been countermanded, while the Regiment held dress parade amid drenching rain ; nevertheless, tents were soon up again, but rations were found so exceedingly short, that some of the members of Company K put up a white gum-blanket, with the inscription thereon-" No Rations ! No Duty ! ! "-and went for, or railed at, our clever Quartermaster, Lieut. J. T. MACGONIGLE, rather rudely, however unjustifiable .* Not- withstanding the showers of rain which descended upon us, as though the heavens were freely opened, besides the scanti- ness-in some cases exhaustion-of diet, our ears were yet greeted with the constant booming of the heavy ordnance and light artillery, as well as the din and clash of the re- sounding arms of the infantry, direct from the front, (said to be the engagements beyond Warrenton and vicinity, ) to add to the gloom and misery of the day's situation and events-
* It was notable at this time, that for several days the Regimental Commissary quarters were exceedingly short of rations; therefore, it was scarcely to be wondered at that the boys became grum and irritable, because they were quite unaccustomed or unprepared, as vet, to experience such scanty fare-especially after a full enjoy- ment of the luscious feasts their late forages afforded.
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122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
which served not, by any means, to enliven the spirits or desires of the boys for either duty or fight. So, cheerless and discontented, they retired to their bunks to obtain some relief in repose, little or rough though it might be.
FIRING AT FAIRFAX C. H .- ROUT OF GENERAL POPE'S TROOPS. SKEDADDLERS, NEGRO REFUGEES, CAPTURED REBELS, ETC.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 1862 .- The weather to-day was warm, with the roads drying off. Firing had been constantly heard up to 10 o'clock, A. M., from the direction of Fairfax C. H., and we soon found all the roads leading toward Alexan- dria crowded with "skedaddlers" from General POPE's de- moralized army, which was then, apparently, in precipitate retreat from the conflicts about Warrenton and at Bull Run bridge ; also, negro refugees, captured rebels, army wagons, horses, mules, cattle, troops, etc .- all in utter confusion and dismay; in short, that which was known in military parlance as a grand rout and disaster. Thus they poured into our camps, until the dark night hours set in, when we turned into roost for rest, but brief and disturbed at that.
" AND STILL THEY CAME!"-THE GALLANT, YET WORSTED VETERANS-REBEL SPIES CAPTURED, ETC.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 1862 .- The weather continued warm. All day long the men poured in, but from HOOKER'S, PORTER'S, and other corps, and the whole army seemed then to be concentrating here. Several rebel spies had been cap- tured and brought into camp, while on every hand reigned bustle, dismay, confusion, and excitement. The poor and tried veterans, as they poured into our camps, afforded by their appearances most undoubted evidences of the severe duties and services they had rendered, sufferings and priva- tions undergone, as well as the hard-fought battles in which they had been engaged-and yet, withal, had been routed : for woe, scars, defeat, and discourage were depicted in their countenances, while they also looked jaded and fam-
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122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
ished-a sight to us boys not by any means cheering or gratifying.
SECOND DISASTROUS FAILURE AT BULL RUN-ARMY CONCENTRAT- ING AT CENTREVILLE.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 1862 .- Weather still warm. The reports from the front this morning indicated that a great disaster had been the result, as rout upon rout had followed rapidly, and that a stand would next be made near Centre- ville, as the rebels had burned the railroad bridge at Bull Run, while in pursuit of POPE's retreating army-thus con- stituting the second disastrous failure at that point, which had fallen to the lot of our gallant comrades, and furnished thousands of unknown victims. Our forces were then being rapidly concentrated at Centreville, so report had it, while all around us the cavalry, artillery, and infantry were reform- ing for the forward move again, anxiously, too, awaiting the orders-especially with a view of getting away from the de- moralizing and disheartening scenes or sounds which greeted the eye or ear on every hand, realizing that a change of the situation of affairs could not be worse, but rather indulged the hope that it would be better-no matter what might come !
HEAVY FIRING AT CENTREVILLE AND FAIRFAX C. H.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 1862 .- As yet no change in the condition of the weather. Very successive and heavy firing was heard on our front, from the direction of Centreville and Fairfax C. H., while troops were then forwarded as quickly as possible, and every move indicated a determined advance by our forces. We next received orders to be ready at a moment's notice, while on dress parade, after which the Regiment was reviewed by Brigadier-General A. SAUNDERS PIATT, and other U. S. Army officers. All preparations were then made for the move contemplated, which had been awaited, too, with considerable anxiety, when all, tired and
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by no means cheerful, sought repose-such as was to be had.
HEAVY RAIN-BAD ROADS -PRISONERS CAPTURED.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 31, 1862 .- A heavy rain had fallen during the night, making the roads very heavy and disagree- able for march or advance. Some seven or eight thousand rebel prisoners had been captured and taken towards Alex- andria this morning, while others were reported on the way. Firing was still heard on the front, and the Regiment was kept under marching orders, while General PIATT and staff held another meeting with our Regimental officers in expec- tation of additional orders to march to the front.
READY TO MOVE-KNAPSACKS BURNED-MARCH TO FAIRFAX COURT HOUSE-GLIMPSES OF THE BATTLE.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1862 .- About 4 o'clock, this morning, the Regiment was aroused from its slumbers by the beating of the long roll, while Adjutant HEITSHU hastened to and fro, ordering the respective companies to report at once upon the parade-ground, which was promptly obeyed, the men slinging knapsacks and soon being in line. Regi- mental and Brigade officers, with their staffs, were already on their saddles, when all were ready to move in short order.
Colonel EMLEN FRANKLIN, commanding 122d Regiment, P. V., then gave the order, " By the right flank, file left. march !" when the Regiment marched out to Fairfax C. H. road, which was then found to be rapidly filling up with our advancing army, and along which we marched until afternoon. Many were the ambulances we perceived and met coming toward us, filled with the wounded and dying from the front, where disaster had followed disaster, while more distinct became the din and clash of resounding arms, giving notice of approaching conflict, and the dread struggles we might have to endure on the field of battle.
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122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
It was then about I o'clock in the afternoon when Major- General COUCH sent an orderly to the Regiment with in- structions " to immediately unsling knapsacks, leave them in charge of the sick men, who could march no farther, and the Regiment to proceed at once to the front." Private JACOB LEAMAN and two other members of Company K were assigned charge of the knapsacks. Later in the day, how- ever, the knapsacks were ordered to be, and were burned, to prevent them from getting into the hands of the "Johnnies," who were then hard pressing our retreating army.
The Regiment was forwarded at quick time, and arrived at Fairfax C. H., about 7 o'clock P. M. Just at this moment a severe storm arose, and it began raining very heavily-not a pleasant or desirable circumstance by any means, as amidst it the Regiment was marched to the right of the town, about one mile, to a slight eminence, upon which Battery H, Ist Ohio Artillery, was planted, and our Regiment filed to the rear in support of the same. Company K was then thrown out to the left of the battery, to support that position, in case of an advance of the enemy, or a repulse of the line, which was then being engaged in battle on our front.
The troops engaged in this line of battle were Hawkins' New York Zouaves, with other regiments. They waged fierce conflict with the enemy, of which discernible glimpses were afforded as the frequent and vivid flashes of lightning would illuminate the darkness then pending, with the rain still coming down in torrents, drenching us to the skin. The commingling of the noise of the elements with that pro- duced by the artillery and infantry firing, served to impress the boys of the 122d Regiment, P. V., with the idea that they were then in the very midst of pandemonium itself.
The firing was kept up until 9 o'clock. when all suddenly became hushed and still, save now and then a vandom shot from either side, or the moans and shrieks of the wounded as they were being conveyed to the rear. However, owing to the severe march and fatigues of the day, the boys were
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not prevented from seeking and obtaining rest, which they did as best they could, in the wet and mud, although the sleep was but at intervals of a few moments. Surely, this was a test or trial of the stuff which composed the mem- bers of the 122d Regiment, P. V.
MAJOR-GENERAL GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN.
CHAPTER IV.
CHANGE OF WEATHER, AS WELL AS VANTAGE.GROUND-ON THE MARCH-GENERAL MCCLELLAN AGAIN IN COMMAND.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1862 .- The glorious sunrise, this morning, was in all its effulgence upon vast, contending armies. Before dawn of day, however, neither one, Union or Confederate. was master of the fields of Fairfax or Centre- ville; but, through hard, desperate, and late fighting on the part of our forces, bright day-break gave to us the advantage, though it proved to be severely earned. Yet. the circum- stances inspired new hope, courage, and enthusiasm in our boys, who, with renewed vigor, were now again willing and ready to do battle. It was soon ascertained, also, that the enemy had withdrawn in another direction, which then changed the order of the day from that of defense against to that of pursuit of the retreating enemy.
In this position we found ourselves under orders, when the boys began building fires to dry their wet clothes, until about 8 o'clock, A. M., the Regiment was formed into line of battle, and advanced again, in an easterly direction, and still in support of Battery H, Ist Ohio Artillery. We moved about three miles, where we remained in line to meet any flank movement which would be attempted by the enemy. After a few shots from our battery (as a feeler), we were again moved forward. marching all night long in the direction of the Chain Bridge; whereupon. about It o'clock. General MCCLELLAN and staff pas-ed us, going in the same direction. .. LITTLE MAC" was heartily cheered by the boys all along the line as he passed by : for, although disguised, he was recognized and known by his men. After a long and fatigu-
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