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 20
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LIEUT. COL. EDW'D MCGOVERN
CHAPTER XXII.
HEAVY RAIN-STORM-ORDERS FOR BRIGADE-PICKET-SHIRKERS OF DUTY PUT INTO LINE-ROUGH EXPERIENCE ON THE RETURN TO CAMP-DEATHS OF CAPTAIN J. N. NEFF, AND COMRADE JOHN RUTH-REGIMENT IN COMMAND OF LIEUTENANT- COLONEL MCGOVERN-EXTENSIVE PREPARATIONS FOR A VERY IMPORTANT MOVEMENT.
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1863 .- We awoke this morning to find a heavy storm of rain prevailing, which had begun during the night, and the first sight to greet us outside quite an abundance of mud all about our quarters; for it only re- quired a slight fall of rain to make plenty of mud or mire in this section of " Ole Virginny." The storm continued during the morning hours, and appeared to be fixed for all day long ; so, therefore, the boys were confined within bunks to keep comfortable, which in many cases was entirely dependent upon the skill that the builders had displayed in contriving to have cosy, convenient quarters, whilst there were others having all the time and advantages desired, yet could never be comf table, because they never availed themselves of those favorable and proper opportunities when presented. However, those of us who felt perfectly snug in our humble abodes, were enabled to do whatever of writing was necessary to be done or completed with considerable ease, as we had plenty of elbow-room. As night approached the rain still fell heavily, and we were receiving four-days rations from our Commissary headquarters, with advices to be ready to go on picket to-morrow, when all speedily turned in for rest, bidding each other a very good night.
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THIRTY MEN SHIRKING PICKET-DUTY-RELIEF TO RED BADGE OK FIRST DIVISION-MUDDY AND TOUGH ROADS.
TUESDAY, April 21, 1863 .- The state of the weather this morning was very damp and unsettled. Breakfast was early provided by the cooks, and every preparation had been made to go on picket. After providing, also, for our pet hen " Biddy "-which we penned under our rustic, improvised bedstead-with plenty of corn and water to serve until our return, we hastily disposed of our breakfast, and found the Regiment ordered out into line, marching to Regimental parade-ground and thence moving off to Brigade picket-sta- tion, Colonel FRANKLIN of our Regiment, Acting Brigadier- General, being in command. Our Regiment, in counting off, was then found to be wanting in men for the picket- line, when some of the Sergeants were ordered back to camp " to bring all that were shirking duty," which had the effect of furnishing thirty more men for picket. The Regi- ment, after a short delay, however, was again in motion to the northwest, along and across the telegraph road, arriving at the station of the First Division (the Red Badges) of our Third Corps, and relieving the same. Among other regi- ments which comprised this division were the Third and Fourth Maine, the 38th and 40th New York Volunteers. The roads were fearfully muddy and tough, making our walking very tiresome and tedious, and rendering the men quite exhausted. However, we soon were on duty, had built fires to cook our cups of coffee and warm our chilled systems when matters were soon put to rights, with all moving smoothly along the picket-line. Without any other event of note to record the day passed by, when night came on, very wel- comely hailed, as all settled down to rest.
WINTER IN THE LAP OF SPRING-NO CHANCES FOR FORAGE-SUN DRY DISCOMFORTS AT RESERVE-STATION.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1863 .- We awoke from a refresh-
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ing sleep to see a heavy frost around us this morning, remind- ing us very forcibly that " Winter had lingered in the lap of Spring." Therefore, fires were then hurriedly built, around which all gathered as usual and clung until morning grew into day, when matters became more genial all around. Our good cups of hot coffee-the special boon to the soldier at such times-with boiled beef, hard tack, and salt horse com- prised a stock of provisions not to be refused or despised, but then eagerly taken in with decided relish, both by those offi- cers of high estate as well as those of more humble condition in life-" the high privates." This day also passed rather uneventfully. The country hereabouts, consisting principally of woodland, did not abound with inviting and well-filled farm-houses, etc .; so, therefore, no chances were afforded for a forage, whereby there could and were only to be ob- tained those good things which were comprised within the products of the farm, and were at all times desirable. The weather then changed to dampness and chilliness, and so continued during the day, which was spent by all at picket- reserve-station and around the bivouac-fires, until night approached and suggested some needed rest, when all rolled up within gum and woolen blankets, with knapsacks for pillows, were sound asleep.
ANOTHER HEAVY FALL OF RAIN-UNCOMFORTABLE SITUATION.
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 1863 .- Rain began to fall quite early this morning, keeping up all day long with more or less severity, causing the boys to collect spruce and cedar boughs for the purpose of constructing rude shelter cover- ings, which served in a manner to furnish good comfort. Those, especially, who were the happy possessors of gum- blankets, were enabled to prevent themselves from being drenched to the skin. Notwithstanding all the discomforts, it was astonishing to notice with what indifference and how good humoredly the situation was accepted by the boys; for mirth and conviviality seemed to exist everywhere, even
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under such adverse circumstances, while yet they afforded subjects for reflection. We realized that we were not made of iron, so that future years would surely bring some result, from exposure, suffering, and privation, in the shape of rheumatism or some other chronic affections. Thus another day went fleeting by on the picket-line ; however, we had plenty of rations to keep our bodies stimulated.
RELIEVED BY 37th REGIMENT, N. Y. V .- RETURN TO CAMP THROUGH RAIN, MUD, AND SWOLLEN STREAMS-DEATH OF CAP- TAIN JEFFERSON N. NEFF, OF COMPANY G.
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1863 .- Rain again fell heavily, as we were aroused this morning, without any prospect of ceas- ing or clearing, as it continued all day long with only an occasional lull; in short, we were beginning to meditate as to whether or not we mortals had not been designed just then to serve as amphibious creatures. Thus the morning hours went by, rendering all uncomfortable and disagreeable. About 2:30 o'clock, P. M., our relief arrived, which was the 37th Regiment, N. Y. Volunteers, belonging to our First (Red Badge) Division ; that we were all glad to get out of this wilderness, owing to unfavorable weather and unpleasant predicaments, was a matter not to be doubted or questioned.
Our return to camp was next in order, and was attended with no little interest; for our progress, as we drudged along through the drenching showers as well as the mud, was very slow and much impeded, as the mire at some points was almost knee-deep. Then again came the unpleasant task of wading through the swollen streams, into which many fell, and had become more or less soaked from head to foot. Then numerous were the ludicrous incidents that occurred upon this long, weary drudge to camp-the distance thereto being at least eight miles from our picket-line -- and where we arrived about dark completely fatigued-almost exhausted. As usual, we found that Company K again preserved its reputation as being the first into camp, although being placed
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at the tail of the Regiment ; for, by the time the balance of the Regiment got in, several members of Company K had tents reconstructed, with fires kindled and brightly burning -a certain one, especially, having forethought, or exhibiting that provident care which induced him to bring with him a good, dry fence rail with which to build a general camp-fire.
After good suppers at the respective cooks' shanties, Ser- geant-Major BUCKIUS put in his appearance and announced his details from the companies for camp duty. Also, the death, at general hospital, of Captain JEFFERSON N. NEFF, of Company G, which occurred during the absence of the Regiment on picket. Captain NEFF was born in Stras- burg Township, Lancaster County, and was the brother of ALDUS J. NEFF, Esq., who also died in the military serv- ice as Captain of Company E, Ist Pennsylvania Reserves, August 5th, 1862. Captain JEFFERSON N. NEFF was a good soldier, a true, generous, open-hearted man, and much be- loved by the men under his command, as well as respected by the men of the Regiment in general; but, alas, the exposure and hardships of a soldier's life were too great a strain upon his constitution, so that he was quickly attacked and deeply afflicted with camp dysentery and typhoid fever, dying therefrom at Division Hospital at Potomac Creek, April 21, 1863. The last sad rites were next observed, that of forwarding his remains to that dear old home- whence he departed in life only to return in death-Stras- burg, Lancaster County, for interment. Roll-calls were next in order, which were fully attended, and where were an- nounced the details for duty on the morrow, whereupon all retired early for the then much desired rest, and without delay were enjoying sound slumbers.
COMPANY BOOK MISSING-ARRESTS ORDERED -- DEATH OF COMRADE JOHN RUTH-INSPECTION BY COLONEL EDWARD MCGOVERN.
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1863 .- Day dawned clear and cold. At morning roll-call the first event of the day occurred, that
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of Captain DUNCAN, Company K, being promptly on hand, announcing that the Company book was missing, reporting a list of those who were not on picket, but remained in camp, and ordering the same under arrest. This event caused quite a commotion along the street of Company K during the morning hours; for the Captain declared dire vengeance upon the guilty parties, and determined to have visited upon them the severest punishment allowable, according to mili- tary code. It would be quite unfair, here, to particularize, or even enumerate those who were under arrest, for some, indeed many, were certainly innocent ; therefore, the bare mention of the circumstance shall and will suffice as a matter of Regimental history.
To-day, we were again in receipt of sad intelligence- the death of Comrade JOHN RUTH, Company K, who had been very ill at general hospital from camp typhoid fever. Poor fellow, he had never been well during the time of his service; he appeared to grow worse from week to week; in short, his was a real case of home-sickness-that which lead the writer to observe, as well as others, that it must be a terrible malady-one continual acting or strain upon the brain and crushing of the heart with anguish, for such it was in his case; yet, how consoling to all, was the relief fur- nished by the assurance that this affliction was only isolate and never general. From day to day, when in camp, we had looked upon Private RUTH, poor fellow, and had en- deavored to encourage him to break the spell which bound him, by urging him to mingle with the boys in their camp sports, etc., but all in vain, as there seemed to be a fixed determination to brood and pine away-a sad sight and affliction, for which there was no remedy. Thus we added one more to the list of comrades of Company K, who had " departed this life "-cut off in the bloom of youth; how- ever, such was the course of war, to which all must submit. We all paid the last tribute of respect and sorrow by the invocation, "God speed ; rest in peace!"
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An order was received from Colonel EDWARD MCGOVERN, " to have all wet and rusty guns put into proper condition, prepare for dress parade and inspection ;" so, in short order, all the men were busily occupied in cleaning out the guns as well as rubbing up the same, besides brasses, etc. Dress- parade was held during the evening hours, at which Colonel McGOVERN observed a very rigid inspection of arms, and severely censured those who had neglected their duty and disobeyed his order. A good supper was next prepared and heartily partaken of, when all readily turned in for another night of rest.
MUTINOUS ASPECT OF AFFAIRS IN COMPANY K-DEMANDS MADE FOR THE RESIGNATION OF CAPTAIN W. F. DUNCAN.
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 1863 .- The weather this morning was again clear and cold. The first duty of the morning hours was guard-mount, after which the Companies, respectively, fell in for inspection. To-day there occurred an event, in connection with Company K, which cannot be omitted from this record ; however, we shall be as brief as possible, and forbear from publishing all that should be written. Com- pany K had been put through a close inspection this forenoon by Captain DUNCAN, especially with regard to condition of arms, etc., when the guns, with very few exceptions, passed favorably. Directly af er the inspection, several members of the Company called upon Captain DUNCAN for the purpose of ascertaining his mctives for keeping certain other mem- bers under arrest for a long and indefinite period without trial. As soon as the object of the visit was made known, "Captain DUNCAN felt his dignity assailed and insulted, it is supposed, as it aroused his ire to such a degree, that quite an animated discussion ensued between Captain DUNCAN and some of his Sergeants, owing to the fact that any explanation or satisfaction was refused as to his cause for such action ; whereupon, Captain DUNCAN so far exhibited his insolence. by threats of reducing the Sergeants to the ranks, that it im-
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mediately retaliated upon himself, through his motives being properly questioned and demands made for his resignation as Captain of the Company-in short, affairs had assumed a mutinous aspect. Therefore, this day was one that will ever be remembered by the boys of Company K as that of stormy and unpleasant events. Dress-parade and the reading of general orders were the other duties of the day, after which all retired within bunks to sleep and dream over that which had transpired.
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL EDWARD MCGOVERN IN COMMAND OF THE REGIMENT-GRAND GENERAL REVIEW OF THE ARMY-IMPORT-
ANT MOVEMENT INDICATED-REMOVAL OF THE SICK.
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1863 .- Clear, cold, and windy was the state of the weather which greeted us this morning, as we were aroused from our slumbers. At an early hour the Company cooks were at their respective stations, actively engaged in the preparation of our morning meals, which consisted, upon this occasion, of coffee, cold beef, soft bread, ind (to our great surprise) potatoes-some being fried in the mess-pans, while others were nicely roasting in the hot em- Sers and ashes of the fires. Besides all this Company K Sever fell short when extras were to be had, so that, as Corporal KILLINGER termed it, " the boys fared as sumptu- dly as lords ;" that such a meal was readily stowed away woi was very palatable is merely hinting at the fact. Break- rust being over, the next duty of the routine for the day was that of getting ready for grand general review, when all were susy in preparing for the great and important event, which vis the main order read last evening at dress-parade.
" was about 9 o'clock, when the Regiment was in line, . uly to move, with Lieutenant-Colonel EDWARD M. GOVERN . command of the same, while our Colonel was then Acting Engadier-General FRANKLIN, having charge and command of our Brigade. After some little delay the Regiment wa, Hoved off to the southeast, across the country Stoneman's
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Station ; thence south to a fine, open plain, where we found our entire Third Corps concentrating, with Major-General DANIEL E. SICKLES and staff also promptly on the ground, while the men looked well with their brightly burnished guns and polished brasses. We were not allowed to be long in waiting, for our army had attained that degree of proficiency in regulation and military tactics, that all affairs and move- ments then ran along as promptly and correctly as clock- work, so to speak. It was a remark of general note that Major-General HOOKER had brought the Army of the Poto- mac to a high state of discipline and harmony.
Presently we heard the familiar sounds of bugle-notes, announcing that all was in readiness for the review, speedily succeedea by a second call, when next were heard the familiar strains from the brass bands playing " Hail to the Chief !" as along came our gallant General, " Fighting JOE HOOKER," accompanied by quite a host of distinguished personages. Among them were several foreign military offi- cers, said to be from France and England, who looked as prim as war figures, with their gold eye-glasses and mounted on their prancing steeds. They all passed along our front on a canter, followed by quite a train of other distinguished personages-some in civilian attire-who, as they rode along slackened their pace at intervals to exchange conversation or remarks as to the appearance and personnel of this or that regiment. After arriving at the extreme left they galloped along our rear to the head of column. whereupon the bugles resounded the call, and the Regiment turned again into column of companies, passing in revie ยป , thence off to camp where we arrived in good time, well pleased with what had transpired, and passed opinions " about France and England glaring at us," as many of the boys expressed it.
Dress-parade was the next feature of the day, at which was read the following general order, viz: " To be in marching trim, with rations for eight days to be prepared at once ; sixty rounds of ammunition to be given each man; that all super-
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fluous clothing be left behind in the charge of Quarter-Master; and part of the rations be packed in knapsacks." That this looked like business was the general expression, but in the language of Patrick Henry, all said, " let it come; we repeat it, sir, let it come !"
Having sent all our sick to the hospital, besides having rid ourselves of all incumbrances, such as extra clothing and camp equipage, our direct and eager attention was required elsewhere ; for our rations of beef and pork were yet to be cooked; so, therefore, the cooks' shanties were then the most active and attractive spots about camp. Although reluctantly accepting the change about to occur, especially when we considered the fact that we would thereby be deprived of one great and choice dainty to which we had been lately accustomed -- that of excellent, fresh bread from day to day, yet we most cheerfully received the hard tack, for the reason that thereby was indicated the grand forward movement which had been contemplated for some time past. Of course, there were many other extras in the way of luxuries and comforts, which we had hitherto enjoyed, and from which we would be cut off whilst upon the march ; however, our eagerness for new adventures, as well as for new conquests, if there were such matters in store, served to overcome all objections to the shortcomings to which we might be sub- jected as well as soothe all anxieties and troubles arising through the disappointments and privations. And yet our special attention was elsewhere claimed; for what were we to do with " Biddy," our pet hen, which provided us with an egg daily? This was soon a matter of little conjecture, how- ever, as it was decided to take her along on the march, when " BILLY FISHER," one of our drummer-boys, volunteered his services to be the custodian, which were duly and kindly accepted.
There were yet other advantages, or conveniences, of " which we were to be deprived-those of the comforts en- joyed in our camp, and which we were loth to yield. CAMP
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FRANKLIN, as it had been named and was known, had been our abiding place since January 26th, affording such accom- modations and conveniences as to have proven more home- like than those at any other former encampment. In connec- tion therewith were the recollections of many pleasant as well as sad occasions, which would linger so long as our memories would be unimpaired, especially when our retrospective glances took in the good times and comforts enjoyed, to- gether with the difficulties, trials, and exposures experienced upon the picket-line. So, it was not to be wondered, that our gallant 122d Regiment again retired within cosy quarters, each member full of thought and reflection as to things past and to come, upon a spot so dear with reminiscences of every description, and whence they were then to depart with feel- ings of deepest sadness.
REGIMENT, IN HEAVY-MARCHING TRIM-MEN IN GOOD CHEER, JESTING ONE WITH THE OTHER-A CAPTAIN CUTELY ROBBED OF HIS CANTEEN OF BOURBON.
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1863 .- The weather was rather cloudy and unpromising this morning at day-break. At an early hour our cook's were again busily engaged at their fires completing the preparations of our immense allowance of beef and pork. About 9 o'clock the order " to pack up, strike tents, and be ready to move at a moment's notice" was received, whereupon all were ready, began removing shelter-tents and packing knapsacks, which were already hugely large, even having therein stowed only part of the essential requirements. Next followed the dismantling of bunks and dug-outs, when CAMP FRANKLIN then presented a very forlorn appearance.
It was then mid-day, and the long roll was beaten, when all the companies promptly fell into line in heavy-marching trim, their big knapsacks strapped to their backs, etc. In glancing along the ranks, with the cooks and detailed men again in their proper places, the 122d Regiment once more
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resembled regular and former appearances, much larger than those mornings when turning out for picket duty. However all the men were in good cheer, exchanging jests, one with another, about "being like General SIGEL's pack mules," and "looking like old Jew peddlers," and twitting each other asto "how they sold hump-backed undershirts, or bow-legged drawers," etc., creating roars of laughter all around.
About 3 o'clock, we were still in line in company streets, when it began to rain right smartly, continuing until 4 o'clock ; the long roll was again beaten and, in short order, the Regiment was formed with Colonel MCGOVERN in com- mand, all betokening readiness for the movement, when we marched off south-eastwardly, then continuing down on the opposite side of Fredericksburg to the extreme left of our army, where we met with the Sixth and First Corps, about midnight, after a lonesome and tiresome march. It then again began to rain, when we were allowed to lie down to rest upon the wet ground.
At this juncture of affairs, not feeling very well, we turned our attention to and were out on the hunt for a little Commis- sary Bourbon to relieve us. Here occurred an incident worth relating : A certain officer possessed a canteen, which was discovered to contain the essential article, but who theretofore denied ever having the same about him; we thereupon threw out gentle hints for a portion, but were flatly refused. However, as we never despaired of getting what we once set our hearts and heads upon, knowing that the officer's canteen contained the Bourbon, we returned to our place in camp to plan how to get even with him upon our previous bad luck, as we still feit quite indisposed. A sort of forage, was decided upon as the result of the plan- ning, when another certain individual was detailed to cap- ture the canteen. Walking silently up to the sleeping form of this Captain, this individual succeeded in neatly stripping the canteen therefrom by disentwining it, and then stealing away as quietly as he came, he shared its contents among the
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boys who relished it very much. The canteen was then suc- cessfully returned, but empty, with the cork out also; the sequel, of course, was that the officer was readily consoled and satisfied with the supposition that it leaked out during the night and soaked into the ground. Nevertheless, the sick boys were relieved and revived, with the knowledge that "where ignorance was bliss 'twas folly to be wise." We then again laid down upon the wet ground, amid mud and slush, sore and tired, to rest for the night.
CLEANING-OUT OF A SUTLER'S STOCK-BALLOON FOR RECONNOIS- SANCE-ON THE MARCH, HALT, ETC.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1863 .- This morning we were aroused from our uncomfortable and miry bunks, to find a heavy fog prevailing about us, rendering the atmosphere still more damp and disagreeable; then fires werespeedily kindled and kept burning, as best we could, whereat to dry our wet clothing and cook our cups of coffee. After which, several representatives of the Regiment took a stroll to the rear of our line, of very short distance, where they were favored with a sight that, although rude, was yet deserved and en- tertaining-that of a "genuine cleaning out" of a sutler's stock of merchandise. It appeared that a certain sutler, attached to a Rhode Island battery, had been charging the men from 75 cents to $1.00 for a plug of navy tobacco, which was deemed so highly extortionate that the men were determined to " make him quit square with them," by re- solving to take possession of the next lot of wares he brought for sale among them. As soon as he arrived upon the ground and had opened up his wagon, the sides of which were strung with long-legged " cavalry boots, gauntlet gloves, gum - blankets," (as he specified them), besides tin-cups, etc .. a rush was made for the wagon, pell-mell, by the angry artit- lerymen, who succeeded in capturing and carrying off every article of merchandise he had. Somewhat dumb-founded and ahnost crying at this raid upon him, he hitched up his
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