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 21
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horses and immediately "pulled out," (it is conjectured, ) although "entirely empty, yet a much wiser man ;" for. instead of being the robber of the poor artillerymen, as he had been heretofore, he had now undergone the experiment of what it was to be robbed himself, and had discovered that his former patrons had become adepts at his art and trickery, but by another method. His experience on this occasion was a sad one, indeed, we were positively assured; for his stock was an extensive and splendid one, comprising every- thing that was in common use and required by the men in army service.
Our attention was next attracted in another direction, whither we observed the moving along our immediate front, by means of guy ropes, of a large balloon, in the basket of which was seated but one officer-an attache of the Signal Corps-who, with a large telescope, was engaged in making reconnoissance of the enemy's positions. It was then 9 o'clock, A. M., when we were moved off to the southeast, a distance of three-quarters of a mile, where we were drawn up in line of battle, facing west by north, as heavy firing was heard toward the river and on our left. As it was vig- orously kept up, we remained in line until dark, when we were ordered "to stack arms, lie down to rest, and be ready to fall in at a moment's notice." During the afternoon a slight thunder-gust occurred, after which we ventured out and per- ceived that we were entirely surrounded by other infantry organizations, cavalry and artillery, all in readiness for ac- tion. Finally, we all sank down upon the grass and stretched out for a good night's rest.
WEARISOME MARCH TO HARTWOOD CHURCH.
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1863 .- With dawn of day the weather was threatening for more rain, of which we lately had quite an abundance. After partaking of a cup of good coffee, together with our beef and hard tack, one and all felt very much refreshed again, and ready for anything which
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might turn up, should it be adventure, skirmish, or battle. Thus we loitered about until mid-day, when "Old Sol" shone forth, casting his hot rays so effectively about, that many were the overcoats and blankets which were thrown away by the over packed or over-burdened boys. With but little delay the long roll was beaten, when we fell into line and again moved off, rather to the rear, toward the right of the line, through deserted camps, over a more direct route to Hartwood Church, where we arrived at midnight, more dead than alive, having marched a distance of eighteen to twenty miles. Without regard to care or comfort, we laid down upon the sward beneath us, to snatch a few hours of rest ; and oh, how gladly we hailed the opportunity afforded ! In the meanwhile other troops were streaming past us in one continuous train.
Map of FREDERICKSBURGANOTRE WILDERNESS. including Operations. FROM APRIL 29 th TO MAY 5th 1863. Scale of Miles
ontwitterness
Brock Road
References =- Union, Lines -- - Confederate
Orange Plank's Roa.t.
Jackson's Attackon The NO> Corps May 24
ADVANCE OF
Due dalle Jay Church
R
Furnace
CHANCELLORSVILLE
Z
Sad
FARTHEST
River
Tabernadech
STORPS
Facky's Ford
SalemCz!
AVCE
FARTHEST ATIV 617 CORES
p
AYE
HEFALMOUTH
FED
FREDERICKSBURG
-
na
Antonin
UNION LARMY APL. 25 :"
1 3
POSITION
TO JE GORAS MAY 2.
mpidan River
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE.
FIRST DAY'S MOVEMENTS AND OPERATIONS-ONWARD TO THE WIL DERNESS-CROSSING THE PONTOONS AT U. S. FORD-INCIDENT OF PREDESTINATION-THE PET HEN MAKES A SAVORY STEW- TO THE FRONT IN SUPPORT OF BATTERIES.
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1863 .- At an early hour, about 5 A. M., we were with difficulty aroused from our sound sleep. The weather was fine, and taking all things into consideration, the men were in excellent spirits. We were soon in motion toward United States Ford, marching about five miles, when we were halted on the high grounds directly back of the river hills, where we were allowed a rest, however, not of long duration; for we again moved down the road to the river, where we found a pontoon bridge which had just been laid. Before reaching the river we met with a very strong guard of other Union soldiers, who had in charge quite a number of captured rebels-they were the most non- descript set of human beings we had ever seen. To an in- quiry from one of our boys, as to "how was OLD BOBBY LEE?" one of them replied: "Well he's right smart and is only waitin' to see you'uns over yander."
As we approached the river we could plainly see the earth- works, on the opposite bank, thrown up as a defence at this fording ; they consisted of two semi-circular redoubts, each capable of accommodating six guns, with the proper em- brasures, and having lines of earth-works extending out as wings for the infantry support-in fact they were quite formidable in strength and appearance, plainly indicating that the enemy were constantly on the alert for an invasion into their country; for, it was very evident that General
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LEE, both before as well as since the battle of Fredericks- burg, had put and kept himself upon the defensive, always awaiting our army to strike the first blow. However, Gen- eral HOOKER had accepted the situation with some prospects of success, as the army appeared to be in excellent condition, and " eager for the fray," with the most sanguine expecta- tions and hopes of sending the enemy flying into Richmond.
As we arrived at the river and were crossing the pontoon bridge, an incident occurred which the author shall ever re- member, that of Private ANDREW SHAY being deeply im- pressed with the idea of predestination, as he remarked, (being on the right of Company K,) "Orderly, I am going to tell you, I just feel as if I was going to be shot over here ; I don't know the reason, but there is something telling me that I'll be hit and I believe in it." [It is sufficient to say, for the present, that his prediction came true, as this history, later on, will tell. ]
The day had then opened fine and warm when we were forwarded at a lively pace into and through a woods, where we were ordered to halt and allowed to lie down for rest. There was another incident that occurred, which may prove interesting enough -to relate : Whilst lying down for rest, our attention was suddenly attracted to a rather lively group in the distance, in the midst of which we perceived one of our Company drummers, WILLIAM N. FISHER, to whoin had been confided the care of the pet chicken. together with the "Old Dominion " coffee-pot .and other articles-which, although of mere intrinsic worth to many, were yet of great value and convenience to the soldier whilst in camp. Our suspicions were thoroughly aroused, as their movements plainly indicated that something was being transacted of more than usual occurrence or nature, and we therefore ven- tured forth in that direction to ascertain the cause of the activity and bustle, and were amply rewarded in finding the pet chicken already slaughtered, dressed, and cooking within the narrow confines of the coffee-pot, over a brisk fire, for
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the impromptu mess then formed, which consisted of our Regimental Chaplain, Rev. ELIM KIRKE, and several of the drummers. That we were rejoiced at the discovery thereof. in time for the proposed feast, may be imagined or expected ; for it occurred to our mind that it was necessary to add fresh fuel and have the feast out of the way as quickly as possible ; so, therefore, in short order, without the observance of grace we soon proceeded to dispose of our pet hen, after its rich and savory stew, between Chaplain KIRKE and Drummer FISHER, who were profuse in their apologies for the liberty and presumption they had displayed in seizing and using individual property. After accepting the same, we left them to divide the rich broth as best they could and desired, and returned to our place in line feeling much invigorated, and ready to move at any moment.
We remained but a half-hour longer, when we distinctly . heard our infantry and artillery engaging the enemy in our front, were then ordered to leave knapsacks behind. and were moved forward to the front, also in anticipation of an attack from the enemy. Our position was anything but a desirable and pleasant one, being in a swampy bottom. and in support of a battery belonging to the roth N. Y. Regi- ment ; also, a heavy siege gun of Battery K, 4th United States Artillery, which had been planted some distance to our right. As night closed in and about us, we tore down the rail fence along which we were stationed, threw the rails on the swampy ground, and laid down upon them. Being without blankets and overcoats, we were kept there in that uncomfortable situation, shivering like those poor mortals afflicted with the ague, so that our teeth clattered together, until near midnight, when we were relieved by some of the Fifth Corps men, and then marched back to our knapkicks, where we stacked arms. . Then again. in possession of our blankets and overcoats, we were afforded a few hours to make ourselves comfortable before the break of day. Oh, how welcome and gladly was this relief hailed !
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SECOND DAY'S MOVEMENTS AND EVENTS-CHANGE OF POSITION- CAPTURE OF 23D GEORGIA REGIMENT BY GENERAL D. B. BIRNEY'S DIVISION-SKIRMISH AT HAZEL GROVE-MEM- BER OF COMPANY F SHOT THROUGH THE EAR- INTERESTING INCIDENT OF THE SKIRMISH -BREAKING AND STAMPEDE OF THE ELEVENTH CORPS.
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 1863 .- We were aroused at an early hour, when we prepared a hasty breakfast, as firing had already commenced on our right and to the northwest. A cavalry skirmish was reported to be in operation, while troops were coming in all directions from the river fordings, as well as from the southeast section along the Rappahannock. It was about 7 o'clock when we were again moved forward, quick pace, to the position we held last night ; thence, by a detour, up a road cut through the woods, and past the Chancellor House, a distance of about two miles; thence turned to the left and moved southeast through a pine forest, where we found the advance of our Third Corps (General DAVID B. BIRNEY'S Division) had surrounded the 23d Georgia Regiment and captured it entire -- about 500 strong
The Regiment then proceeded to a clearing, where Com- panies I and K were deployed as skirmishers, taking a west- erly direction along a dense pine forest. In the distance we could plainly see the rebel cavalry moving along from south- west to northeast. We remained on this line but a short time, for the while that a consultation was being held among our Generals, at which it was decided to call us in, when we were formed into brigades and, under proper commands. moved southwesterly, crossing a narrow, winding stream several times. This vicinity was known as Hazel Grove, situate near an ancient furnace, whence we were cautiously moved by flank, with our skirmisher's in advance. about one mile, again crossing through a stream bordered by hazel brush ; thence into an open bottom spreading out before us. A section of arullery had also been forwarded up the hill to
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our right ; whereupon, just as we had appeared upon the open space and formed our lines, the rebel advance, which had been lying down, concealed in the high grass and beneath the cedar underbrush, fired a volley of balls into us, amidst which a member of Company F had an ear pierced by a bullet. We then again attempted to advance, when the fir- ing became more general and was regularly poured into us upon our flanks as well as from the front. Fortunately, their aim was too high, so that only a few were hit, when Major- General WHIPPLE, commanding, immediately ordered us to fall back, which was done, in good order, to higher ground in our rear ; after which a few shots from our battery had the effect of driving the rebels out of the underbrush, and the battery then retired also in good order .*
* Another incident of this skirmish-rather connected, however, with a later event of my life-which occurred, may not be uninteresting, and therefore it shall be re- lated in its proper place. As we were stretched out in line at Company front the Regiment evidently afforded a fine target for the rebel videttes who were lying in our front, as the following narrative will show or prove : In the Summer of 1864 I was attached to the 197th Regiment, P. V., then doing service on Rock Island in the Mississippi River, and having in charge about 14,000 rebel prisoners, who were con- fined in a stockade surrounded by a parapet, about twelve feet above the ground, for the guard to perambulate upon-in short, this " Bull Pen," as it was called or named by the prisoners theniselves, was kept under strict surveillance. However, these pris- oners were afforded occasional opportunities to get and ser, matters outside of the stockade-that is, when they were detailed in working squads upon certain improve- ments, providing sewerage or making roads upon the island. In the midst of one of these working squads or details, whilst they were at work, I chanced to be standing near one of the prisoners, who had been gazing very sharply and fixedly at me for a few moments, and who evidently recognized me, as I was suddenly accosted, in this manner: "Hello, Orderly !" ( for I was again an Orderly Sergeant through consolida- tion at my last enlistment, ) " it seems to me that I have met you before." My reply was, " well, I don't know where," when he responded by the query, "were you not one of the boys at the Chancellorsville fight ?" My rejoinder was, "yes, you are right ; I was there !" Said he, then, "well, I saw you there and . pulled for you ' down by the Hazel Swamp, between Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, on Saturday af- ternoon, May 2. You were then Orderly Sergeant, as you are now, and by that mark I recognize you !" This was sufficient explanation, and rather indicated a pecuharly close acquaintance at that time and place-therefore the more interesting to myself. [Having indulged hopes of again meeting the poor fell w at some future day , I asked of him his name, etc., which he gave as either Sergeant Robinson or sergeant Roberts, (I cannot remember exactly which, ) of the Fifth Alabama Regiment. How- ever, as that opportumty has never yet occurred or been afforded, it is to be pre- sumed that he may have been killed, after his exchange, in some other engagement of the war. ]
:
Piloto Fre Co. N.Y.
BREAKING AND STAMPEDE OF THE ELEVENTH CORPS.
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Having now retraced our steps to higher ground, in full view of an open plateau, where "a council of war," as it is commonly termed, was held by Major-General SICKLES and his other General officers, we could also see, in the distance westward, heavy clouds of dust arising, which gave direct evidence that the rebels were concentrating their forces for some movement or operation in store for us, but which was then or could only be a matter of conjecture.
The Sth and 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry were then sent to us by General PLEASANTON, together with a light field-bat- tery which was stationed in their rear, as word had been re- ceived that the 11th Corps had been broken, and that we of the 3d Corps were cut off from HOOKER's main Army. About 7 P. M., a detachment of the Sth Regiment, Pennsylvania Cav- alry, under Major KEENAN, then advanced up the road to a gallop, with drawn sabres, to check the further progress of STONEWALL JACKSON'S men ; next the artillery were brought to the front, and several pieces were moved up the road, where- upon the cavalry fell back to open the way. Other pieces were stationed on our flanks, which at a given signal opened fire simultaneously, creating a din and racket such as we never before heard. Next the 10th Regiment, P. V., was for- warded up the road, and the balance of our Third Division was drawn up in line on either side of the road, awaiting an attack. So, therefore, as night approached, we did not at- tempt to build fires, for orders had been issued to the con- trary. However, we resorted to our last rations of hard tack and whatever else could be found in our haversacks for sustenance. as we were hungry, tired and wet from crossing the ditches to be found thereabouts ; then we were immedi- ately stretched out in a line along the skirts of the vast pine forest and, facing northward, were afforded the opportunity to lie down in this uncomfortable plight and predicament, still awaiting an attack from almost every side.
%
THE CHARGE OF GENERAL BIRNEY'S DIVISION, THIRD CORPS.
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REGIMENT ADVANCES UNDER CONSTANT AND HEAVY FIRE-SHOOT- ING OF "STONEWALL JACKSON "-CAPTURE OF EIGHT PRISONERS FROM GENERAL LONGSTREET'S CORPS BY COMPANY K.
The moon appeared in all its fullness and silvery bright- ness, rendering every portion of space about us almost clear as day. On the open ground behind us were our Generals still in consultation and directing events, while we remained as heretofore stated until nearly 9 o'clock P. M., when we were startled by sounds which were supposed to proceed from a cavalry dash, but which, we speedily discovered, were caused by two runaway white horses attached to an artillery caisson. At the moment when they came into view we were lying close by the road, with bayonet fixed, thinking to be prepared for the worst that might occur, when we were only too glad to find that our services were not needed and our personal safety still secure. But only a few minutes later when firing was heard on our front, when we were ordered to rise and advance into the pine woods, the branches of whose trees were so thick that we could make no headway, while the minie balls were coming so freely and rapidly about us that those familiar sounds of " couzsinn, zip, zip," as they cleft the air, were very readily heard. At this moment a portion of the First Division of our Corps was advanced out the road leading north and in front of us, with instructions that, upon a given signal, we, were to open fire and advance farther into the woods, which seemed to almost be an impos- sibility ; however, bang ! bang !" were the sounds which filled the air to our right and centre, whereupon "bang ! bang !" began we, and in a short time we had opened up a general fusilade which continued about half an honr, when all was again quiet.
The result had been, that we. of the Third Corps, had checked the advance of the enemy and were holding the same at bay, for a lull suddenly ensued and continued until about 10 P. M., when an advance party of the enemy, (a
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body of mounted men,) were perceived coming down the road in our direction on the reconnoitre. They were allowed to approach within close range, whereupon the men of Gen- eral BIRNEY's Division opened fire upon them, killing STONE- WALL JACKSON and wounding several of his staff, as the rumor at the time and subsequent information has proven. However, this distinction was also claimed by the 8th Regi- ment-Cavalry, Pennsylvania Volunteers, a detachment of which was on hand and fired upon the party at the same time, under the command of Major KEENAN, who fell mor- tally wounded at the first fire. An hour later, Major-General HIRAM G. BERRY advanced his division into the woods on our right, bringing on another engagement, and driving the enemy out of our entrenchments, which they had ob- tained through their vacation by the breaking of the 11th Corps; while, in the meantime, we were being occasionally harassed and endangered on our flanks by volleys from the enemy's musketry, which passed over our heads from the di- rection of the old furnace.
Quiet once more reigned supreme for an interval. afford- ing our boys of the First Division an opportunity to return to their places in line, whereupon orders were received "to keep a sharp lookout toward the front and on the flanks of our lines." . About this time the right of Company K (of which I was Orderly Sergeant. ) had been stationed behind a rail- pile, having immediately in our front a piece of woods, through which there came directly afterwards some stragglers from Lee's Army, pushing along recklessly as to whither they were going; whereupon Private GEORGE WALLER challenged asquad of the passing rebels, who replied : "We are friends." Being next asked where they belonged, and having answered: " To General RHODES' Division of General LONGSTREET'S Corps," he responded: " You are all right; just come right along !" In the batch were eight, and their surprise can be readily imagined, when they found into whose hands they had fallen; for Private ANDY SHAY immediately proposed
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the exchange of canteens and succeeded, besides getting a few buttons off of one of them, after which they were taken to headquarters. In like manner many captures were made along our lines. The rebels then appeared to be closing in from all sides, while our Generals were again holding council, whereupon BERDAN'S SHARPSHOOTERS were advancing up the road some distance in our front. Near the road we dis- covered several wounded men lying, one of whom stated that he belonged to the 74th Regiment, P. V., and judging by his accent he was a German-poor fellow, he complained of be- ing seriously wounded in the shoulder; however, we were un- able to extend that care and attention due them, as we were strictly ordered to remain perfectly quiet to await an attack.
THIRD DAY'S FIGHTING, MOVEMENTS, AND RESULTS-GENERAL I). B. BIRNEY WOUNDED-THREATS FROM THE REBELS-ASSIGNED TO SUPPORT OF ARTILLERY-KILLED, WOUNDED AND MISS- ING OF COMPANY K-THE REGIMENT IN GENERAL EN. GAGEMENT-COMPANIES WITHOUT COMMISSIONED OFFICERS-CAPTURES OF BATTLE-FLAG AND SEVERAL PRISONERS BY COMPANY K- MAJOR MAFFETT'S SWORD -- COM- PELLED TO FALL BACK. .
SUNDAY, MAY 3, 1863 .- It was then about 2 o'clock A. M., when we were kept on the alert for considerable time, as Major-General SICKLES had been attentively engaged in closing up the breach and forming new lines in order to hold the rebel advance in check, for his position was a perilous one-being in the extreme advance and without proper sup- port from the main army ; however. by the convenient post- ing of the artillery and the protection of our flanks by the cavalry, we were enabled to cut our way through to the Chancellor House, about 5 o'clock in the morning. The rebels were closely pressing uvon all sides, and as we emerged from the woods our gallant corbinder of the First Division, Major-General DAVID B. BrAry, was seriously wounded during a sweeping cross-fire, Sa times we were almost inter-
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mingled with Major-General ANDERSON's troops of the rebel army, as their calls to us were distinctly heard, such as "Never mind, boys, we will give it to you yet, to-day ;" "We shall not forget STONEWALL JACKSON," etc .- all correctly indicating the circumstance that we were certainly occupying close quarters with the enemy; that they deeply felt the loss of one of their greatest leaders; and that they had duly attributed his death to the fire from General BIRNEY'S Division of our Third Corps, which occurred near mid- night of yesterday.
As we moved out of our position toward the open plateau the sun beamed forth in all his radiant glory, dispelling the mist or fog that had been hanging over us for a few hours, and as we advanced the firing on all sides became more gen- eral. We were soon at the designated and desired ground, close to an ancient tumble-down church edifice, with its grave- yard adjacent and filled with the headstones which marked the graves of a portion of Virginia's ancestry. Here we were formed into line, and were for a short time placed in support of Battery C, 4th United States Artillery, during which time the enemy were using their artillery upon us. After a consultation among our General officers we were moved off in column across the Plank Road, and northeast- ward from the Chancellor House, up through a woods, and drawn up in line of battle, in which position we soon received an attack, and found that the enemy were in very strong force and massed in our immediate front. To our left and rear was the Plank Road, while upon the roadside, along the southern bank, was stationed Battery C, 4th United States Artillery, against which the enemy concentrated their artillery fire with such vehemence and effect as to cause great havoc in blowing up several caissons, dismantling several guns, and almost annihilating the entire battery.
Whilst lying down and firing we received the compliments of the rebels likewise in return ; for just as we got down, for the first time, a stray shot from our front cut the strap and
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F
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went through the haversack of private DAVID ALEXANDER, who was in the front rank of Company K, which scattered its contents about on the ground and rather raised hisire; inso- much, that he turned around angrily and cautioned his im- mediate rear-rank man to have more care in firing-so little did he think or even suspect that the shot came from the front, and that he was in so close proximity to the enemy; so that even amid this galling fire, his remark provoked the mirth and laughter of the boys around him; while, in the next volley, Private GEORGE WALLER, who was right next to him, received a ball in the calf of hisleg, and Private JOE HOAK, in the act of firing, was shot through the forehead and in- stantly killed. About this time the rebels were rapidly ad vancing upon us, and their firing seemed to be with great effect ; for, at each and every indiscriminate volley, some one or other in the Regiment were either killed or wounded. Private ANDY SHAY, as he predicted on the march hither, on the Ist inst., when crossing the pontoon bridge, was the next one in Company K to receive a shot in the groin, caus- ing a painful wound ; another volley, and Private WILLIAM NAUMAN was the victim-shot in the leg ; yet another when Private JOHN REINHOLD fell, either killed instantly, or must have died from the wound received on the spot where he fell, as we were obliged to leave him behind in our hurry to get out of the woods. During that time-while we were getting out of the woods-the 124th Regiment, N. Y. V., were standing up and receiving the full force of the enemy's fire, whereby they also sustained heavy loss in killed and wounded, through the indiscretion of their officers, who had likewise received the commands to lie down and receive the enemy's advances by rising and pouring into them, unsuspectedly, volley after volley.
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