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 23
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26
THE GALLANT THIRD CORPS.
When and where heat of battle were hottest, And heavy clouds o'erspread the sky, It was, then and there, not wanting to find That the gallant THIRD CORPS was nigh. Now whilst others boast their noble heroes, We can well join in the chorus, too ; For we have had our undaunted leaders- KEARNEY,. BURNSIDE HOOKER, SICKLES, true ! Yet BERRY, BIRNEY, WA MPLE-all a host ! To whom, as years go neeting by,
We owe it, comrades of the Diamond, Memorial tribute, ere we die ! With pride, therefore, a toast I offer ye, My Comrades, who still are in review :
The gallant THIRD CORPS, at the call of need, Prev'dl Patriots humble and Martyrs true. Ir .. ... , determined not to yield, Wearing Diamonds-Red, White and Blue !-- G F. S.
310
Camp and Field Life.
MAJOR-GENERAL HOOKER PROSTRATED AT THE CHANCELLOR HOUSE-DRIVEN OUT OF OUR ENTRENCHMENTS BY A STORM OF RAIN-THE ARMY ON THE MOVE.
/
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1863 .- We were aroused at an early hour, the sky being overspread with heavy clouds, which, however, soon passed away. Every man was found to have promptly been at his post, for an attack on our front and flanks had been expected at every moment. Our army had then assumed the defensive position-rather a decided change from the impetuosity which characterized the troops, and was so prominently exhibited when crossing the river to assume the aggressive. It was very evident that there had been some miscalculation on the part of our gallant Com- mander-in-chief, Major-General JOSEPH HOOKER, who had been prostrated and was then suffering from the concussion sustained and occasioned through the bursting of a shell at "the Chancellor House" from the enemy's heavy ordnance on Sunday morning, as their artillery fire was then concen- trated upon that point at the time; and, yet, the hope was generally indulged to be again led forward to battle, with firm reliance upon the capability of the corps commanders to lead us on to victory.
About 9 o'clock, A. M., our skirmishers were sent out on the front, but returned very soon, as they did not find any advancing or reconnoitering parties of the enemy, who were evidently waiting upon us to come out of our entrenchments. However, this was not our intention or design, by any means, as we remained therein until about 3 P. M., when the heavens were overcast with clouds, and a storm set in -- the lightnings flashing, thunders rattling, and the rain falling in streams, as it were; insomuch, that we were then forced to leave our entrenchments, as they had been so drenched and filled with water that they were . songer tenantable. Night-fall soon set in, when the artillery in our rear moved off in quick order, back toward the river, and the entire army was also on the
:
3II
122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
move, directly afterward, in the same direction. The night, too, was so intensely dark, that only by the occasional and vivid flashes of lightning could we discern the army rapidly moving away-for everything movable really appeared to be in motion.
THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC ON THE RETREAT-WADING THROUGH MUD OVER KNEE-DEEP-SIGHTS AT THE RAPPAHANNOCK- SAFELY ACROSS AND MARCH TO CAMP FRANKLIN.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1863 .- All night long the Army of the Potomac was on the retreat toward the river, and it was some time after midnight before our Regiment joined the grand pageant, as it were-to attempt to describe that scene and do justice thereto would be almost impossible. How- ever, a brief effort thereat may prove somewhat interesting ; for, it is easily or readily to be conjectured that, as we fol- lowed in the paths of the heavy and light artillery, cavalry, and the other infantry forces which preceded us, with the rain falling in torrents, the road would be or was rather a soft one-in fact, while drenched to the skin, we waded through one livid mass or stream of mud, not only ankle- deep in some places, but also knee-deep at numerous other points on this retreat. Then, imagination must come into play, when you are advised that, besides dragging muskets and accoutrements, there had been a replenishment of sixty rounds of ammunition to each man, which had altogether the tendency to still further sink us in the mire; and then, as we steered along, in the unr wainty, through the woods and dense darkness, our feet occasionally caught by the protrud- ing root, or heavy limb of a huge tree, plunged us headlong into the labyrinth of slime and mud, which will fully des- cribe the condition of our situation on this grand retreat from the famous battle-fields of Chancellorsville-a retreat that never will . can be forgotten, so long as there exists, within the ranks of the [22d Regiment, P. V., a survivor who took part in and experienced the trials, struggles, and sufferings of that eventful conflict.
312
Camp and Field Life.
About daybreak we arrived at the river-bank, very glad to find that the pontoon bridge still remained, upon which we could safely recross the Rappahannock, as that stream had then become greatly swollen -- insomuch that there again was presented another scene, ever to be remembered. All the approaches to the river were jammed full of artillery, army- wagons, and ambulances-in short, everything movable-all then awaiting their turn to cross the pontoon bridge, so that it was about 8 o'clock as our turn in the great line came, when we again ascended the stream of mud and mire on the opposite bank ; but oh, how glad, when we were up to its summit ! There we found ourselves in the midst of hospital tents, on every side, which were filled with the wounded and dying of our own as well as of the other corps d'armee, and which afforded yet another scene for contemplation and remembrance. However, we were not long detained here, for " forward, march !" was again the order, when we plod- ded-yea, waded through the mass of mud and mire knee- deep toward CAMP FRANKLIN, where we arrived about 4 o'clock P. M., tired, hungry, and almost exhausted ; but, withal, rejoiced to find our old quarters still intact, though filled with water. These, however, by means of half-can- teens, were soon baled out, after which fires were made to dry them out ; and, ere long, our shelter-tents were stretched -yet they were not so complete as before, owing to the loss, in many instances, of many tents, together with our knapsacks, which had been left upon the field at Chancellors- ville; yet, the best was done under the circumstances, so that, before many hours passed by, CAMP FRANKLIN had resumed its former appearance.
Next, in order, was the preparation of the evening meal ; which, owing to the fact that our larder was unprovided with the usual hard tack, beef, or pork, was confined to only a cup of coffee, and even. the supply of that ever-desirable article was so scant that we were only afforded the very mildest decoction of the same. Then night-fall soon arrived,
313
122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
furnishing another opportunity for reflection-for many were the hitherto genial comrades and mess mates that were then found absent from their usual places within the ranks, as well as missing from our sides, and would never again share the comforts of the ever-welcome bunks, ; while, again, here and there, were to be observed many vacant spots-for there had been no bunks re-occupied or re-established, as no mess- mates had returned to re-erect them, for they were left be- hind and beyond the Rappahannock. In other words, they had pitched their tents, in that unknown land and upon that eternal camping-ground, from whose hallowed precincts none had ever yet returned ; therefore, deeply imbued with the blissful and consoling hope of Requiescat in Pace ! as our last tribute of respect to their memories, we sank down within our bunks to rest, as well as impressed with the re- solve, that so long as the pulsations of life should beat within our hearts, the bright smiles, the pleasant companionship, and the genial qualities, which characterized those missing, departed comrades and associates, could and should never be erased from the tablets of our memories; yea, rather, that the vivid recollections thereof should and would be treasured as cherished jewels in the casket of our souls.
" They've closed their day of battle toil, Their course on earth is done ; Let them slumber in the soil To Freedom's cause nobly won !"
With silent expressions of things to Kind Providence, for having preserved us through the terrible ordeal experienced upon the battle-fields of Chancellorsville-tired, sore, and exhausted, we were quickly enjoying sweet sound sleep and dreaming of brighter scenes for the future.
THE DEEDS OF THE PRIVATES.
The ''s is replete with daring deeds, while books are filled with fame ; Brass bands do play and cannons roar In honor of the name Of men who hold commissions ; yet Are honest, brave and true ;
314
Camp and Field Life.
But still the query comes to us : What did the Privates do ?
Who were the men that guarded camp, When foes were hovering 'round ? Who dug the graves of comrades, dear? Who laid them in the ground ? Who sent the dying messages home To those they never knew ? If Officers subscribed to this, What did the Privates do ?
Who were the men to fill the place Of Comrades slain in strife ? Who were the men to risk their own, To save a comrade's life ? Who lived on rations-salted pork, " Hard Tack" too hard to chew ? When officers ate this fare, What did the Privates do ?
Who laid in pits on rainy nights, All eager for the fray ? Who marched beneath a scorching sun, Through many a toilsome day ? Who paid the Sutler double price, And scanty rations drew ? When Officers get all the praise, What did the Privates do ?
All honor to the faithful boys, Who rallied at the call ; Without regard to name or rank ; We honor one and all.
They'll pass away, one by one, Then soon they'll all be gone- To where volumes will surely show Just what the Privates have done!
.
-
CHAPTER XXV.
QUARTERS AT CAMP FRANKLIN RECONSTRUCTED-ARRIVAL OF COM- MISSARY STORES-EFFECTS OF THE BATTLES THROUGHOUT THE BRIGADE-REGIMENT ORDERED TO ACQUIA CREEK-ON THE RETURN HOME FROM THE SERVICE-ARRIVAL AT LANCASTER.
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1863 .- Day dawned unpromisingly -quite cloudy overhead. At an early hour our teams, such as they were at that time, were hurriedly detailed for Quar- ter-Master and Commissary stores, of which we were much in need ; whilst, in the meantime, the Regiment was busily engaged in reconstructing the company streets, cleaning up guns, etc. About mid-day our teams returned with the Commissary stores, when the companies presented their requisitions, respectively, which were promptly filled, greatly to the gratification of the men who were then almost fum- ished ; whereupon, in short order, cooks were busy at the fires in the preparation of dinner, which consisted of bean- soup, beef, and mess pork, while our kind Quarter-Master. Lieutenant JOHN T. MACGONIGLE, Il his hands full in issuing to the Commissary Sergeants the usual allowance of hard tack, sugar, salt, candles, etc., which he had received for the boys. After partaking of a good round meal all were again much revived, physically as well as cheerfully.
It was then very evident that a decided change had come over the surrounding umps, as well as our own, for it was plainly discernible that he army had passed through the try- ing and terrible ordeal of battle. A visit, in the evening, to the camp of the 86th Regiment, N. Y. V., just adjoining us on the right, and also to that of the 124th Regiment, N.
316
Camp and Field Life.
Y. V., as well as that of our own, gave further proofs of a general thinning out of ranks throughout the Brigade-in fact, a pall of mourning seemed to overhang the entire sur- roundings, while the sights and the scenes presented food for sober reflection. However, as time wore on, these seemed to be somewhat, gradually, forgotten, when all matters quickly resumed their former level. Night then came on, when the sky was overcast with threatening clouds ; after devoting an hour or two to letter-writing, and other usual evening occupations, the men turned into bunks for another night of much needed rest.
DISTRIBUTION OF CLOTHING-REGIMENT AS ESCORT OF HONOR TO THE REMAINS OF MAJOR-GENERAL A. W. WHIPPLE.
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1863 .- The Regiment was aroused at an early hour, to find that CAMP FRANKLIN had been visited with a heavy shower of rain during the previous night, besides prospect of a continuously cloudy day. Inspec- tion of arms, accoutrements, etc., together with the regular routine of camp duties, were the features of the forenoon hours and were rigidly enforced, in accordance with the orders of Lieutenant-Colonel EDWARD MCGOVERN, com- manding. A requisition had been issued for certain arti- cles of clothing, etc., of which many of the boys and men were sadly in need, since the battles of Chancellorsville, which was filled, and the distribution thereof became the next order of the day ; matters and things, in general, then assumed former shape and aspect, so that day waned away rather uneventful.
The evening hours had arrived and gone, when the: Regi- ment received orders " to be ready to leave for Washington, D. C., on the morrow, to act as escort of honor to the remains of Major-General AMIEL W. WHIPPLE," assigned thereto for interment, as well as > attend and execute the funeral military rites due to his tank, and, in accordance with his request. Nightfall had but arrived, when the
.
317
122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
Regiment promptly turned in for rest, with eager anticipa- tion for the departure on the morrow.
REGIMENT ON THE WAY TO ACQUIA CREEK LANDING-SIGHTS AND SCENES UP THE POTOMAC-ARRIVAL AT SOLDIERS RETREAT, WASHINGTON, D. C .- NIGHT AT THE BARRACKS.
SATURDAY, MAY 9, 1863 .- Day dawned bright and clear, and at an early hour all was stir, bustle, and confusion about CAMP FRANKLIN, as it was to be our last day upon the scene of our late Winter and Spring quarters, when all were promptly engaged in packing up and getting ready to leave camp, whilst the Regimental officers were hurrying the con- veyance of all Commissary stores to Brigade Headquarters -in fact, turning over ail such property thatwas need- less to be carried along and would prove cumber some, as then had come the end of army service for the Regiment. At 8 o'clock the Regiment was in line, with Colonel EDWARD MCGOVERN and Major THADDEUS STEVENS, JR., in command, and quickly en route for Stoneman's Station, which was close by, so that, by 9 o'clock, all the movable wounded and sick were placed abor I the cars as comfortably as could be under the circumstances and the situation of affairs, while the balance of the Regiment was assigned to the open flats or platform cars, when the train moved off toward Acquia Creek, passing by and through numerous other camps, from which we received parting salutes as we were leaving them behind, and we were severing our further connection with the Grand Army of the Potomac.
The Regiment arrived at Acquia Creek Lan ling about 10 o'clock, where boats were in readiness, but the Regiment was assigned to a steamboat, the name of which is forgotten, upon which they embarke! without any delay. After all the sick and wounded had been conveyed on board, the boat immediately moved up the famous Potomac-the day having been delightful, many sights and scenes were presented on the journey. In the distance we saw the immense shad-
318
Camp and Field Life.
fishing seines as they were being drawn in by a small tug- boat, certainly over a mile long, as the corks could be plainly perceived afloat, marking the course of the same ; also, here and there large upright windlasses with mules attached to draw in the shore ends. Of course, this was quite a sight for the men, besides the numerous sails which appeared to dot the surface of the river as far as the eyes could reach. On the way up the Potomac a fine view of Mount Vernon was had, with its long sweeping lawn and picturesque surround- ings, while on the opposite side were fine country mansions with terraced gardens, beautiful boat-houses-in fact, all the modern conveniences and improvements that the wealth of that section could afford. Then farther on Fort Washington was passed, with Washington City, D. C., looming into view, with its incomplete monument to the "Father of his Country," as well as the Capitol with its unfinished dome and numerous wide-spreading surroundings. Next on the route came to observation the old familiar town of Alexan- dria, Va., with its surrounding forts and numerous earth- works, which reminded us very forcibly of those hot Septem- ber days and the fearful sweltering we received when Gen- eral A. S. PIATT so extensively and repeatedly promenaded the Regiment around its suburbs.
It was about 4 o'clock, P. M., when the boat touched at the wharf below Washington Monument, where the Regi- ment soon disembarked and were marched off, through the city, to SOLDIERS' RETREAT. Ambulances were promptly provided to convey our sick and wounded to their proper destination, when the Regiment at once stacked arms, un- swung knapsacks, and were marched into the RETREAT, where a bountiful supper of fresh bread, hot coffee, and the proverbial " salt horse," had been furnished, which was heartily partaken of and stowed away with due appreciation and gratitude-vastly different from the reception which the Regiment had upon its arrival and first entry into the service, September 16, 1862. Many had been the changes wrought
319
122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
during this interval of time, for especially " had the epicu- rean's tongue been scraped," so to speak, rather frequently, before it became accustomed to the fare prescribed by army regulations ; but, at this time, all who could or were known to eat no fatty or other unpalatable food at their home-tables, were readily found to take in with decided relish any of those then distasteful or despised articles of diet-that, too, with- out the aid of the usual side-accompaniments of either sauce, catsup, or preserves. However, the change proved for the better, both as to the physical as well as to the salutary con- dition of the men. The Regiment was then finally marched to THE BARRACKS for the night, but the boys were rather a more docile set of comrades than upon a previous occasion, as related in an earlier chapter of these historical sketches. A close guard had been stationed about THE BARRACKS, after which the Regiment turned in for rest, but were awaken- ed about 10 o'clock by some band in the neighborhood dis- coursing excellent and delightful music, much to the gratifica- tion of all.
PREPARATORY ORDERS FROM GENERAL CASEY -THE FUNERAL OF MAJOR-GENERAL A. W. WHIPPLE-REGIMENT THE ESCORT OF HONOR AND RENDERS THE LAST MILITARY TRIBUTE -HOMEWARD BOUND-ARRIVAL AT BALTIMORE.
SUNDAY, MAY 10, 1863 .- At 5 o'clock, A. M., the Regi- ment was aroused by the booming of cannon on Capitol Hill, when the boys were quickly off for a wash, whereby they were greatly refreshed. At an early hour an aid from Major General CASEY, then in command of the defences of Washington, appeared and delivered several orders to the Regiment, preparatory to the funeral of Major-General WHIP- PLE, "assigning the Regiment as escort of honor, and to form on G Street, S. E., at 12 o'clock, M." Here it is proper to mention that one of General CASEY's special staff officers was Private ALBERT E. CARPENTER, of Company B. of the 122d Regiment, P. V., who had been detailed as his Private Secretary at the beginning of the service.
1
1
320
Camp and Field Life.
After breakfast had been disposed of, each company re- ceived special orders " to place knapsacks upon piles and leave them in the charge of guards, to comprise those men in each respective company who were unwell, as well as the slightly wounded." As the Regiment was not required to be in line before 12 o'clock, noon, a few hours were afforded for strolls to and about the Capitol, as well as through the grounds, where many points of interest were visited by the boys, after which they returned to the RE- TREAT in time for the early dinner prepared.
At noon precisely Regiment was promptly formed into line and marched down Pennsylvania Avenue toward the western part of the city, and took position at the head of the line on G Street, where were already in waiting a bat- talion of U. S. Cavalry and a battery of U. S. Light Artil- lery. The programme of ceremonies observed, was, as fol- lows: Preceded by the band of the 14th Regiment, N. H. V., the entire column moved off toward Georgetown and to the Catholic Church, where high mass was held over the remains of Major-General WHIPPLE; we were there kept in line until 2:30, P. M. During this interval of time we were ordered "to prepare three rounds of blank cartridges, by tearing off the bullets, and load for the first fire." Next, the sermon being over, the coffin was placed in charge of several officers, of the rank of General, as pall-bearers, when the column again moved off, with reversed arms, and the 14th N. H. Regimental Band playing the dead march as a requiem, up the hill and into the Congressional Cemetery. The ascent was so steep that it was difficult to keep the line straight in marching ; however, every movement and action was executed without the least blur. After the coffin was removed from the hearse and placed in position, and the relatives and friends of the gallant . General had closed in around the same, the 122d Regiment then formed a square outside of the assemblage, when the remains of our late la- mented Division Commander, Major-General AMIEL W.
:
<
321
122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
WHIPPLE, were consigned to their final resting-place with the observance of the usual religious rites; then the rela- tives and friends retired, and the Regiment rendered the last military rite and tribute of respect to his memory, by firing three volleys over the grave in commendable manner, and then too retired therefrom, deeply impressed with the sentiment of the poet-laureate :
" Never to the chambers where the mighty rest, Since their foundation, came a nobler guest ; Nor ever to the bowers of bliss convey'd, A more gallant spirit, or more welcome shade."
The Regiment next moved off to and upon the street to again form column, which was marched over and through Washington to the SOLDIERS RETREAT, where a bountiful - supper had been prepared and was heartily enjoyed ; after which knapsacks; haversacks, and canteens were swung, the Regiment again formed into line, and then marched off to the Baltimore Depot, where a train of box-cars were in wait- ing. The Regiment was soon embarked, when the train moved off "home-ward bound," with all bidding their adieux to Washington, D. C., and arriving at Baltimore at midnight, after having been " side-tracked " several times since leaving the city of Washington. The Regiment disembarked and marched through the Monumental City to the Harrisburg Depot ; thence, farther on, to the outer or Bolton Depot, where the men loitered about till morning.
FROM BALTIMORE, MD., VIA YORK, TO HARRISBURG-MARCH TO CAMP CURTIN-REGIMENT WELL REPRESENTED THE STREETS OF HARRISBURG.
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1863 .- The weather was very fair and pleasant, with the Regiment still loitering about the Bolton Depot at Baltimore, as no train could proceed on the home- ward trip, on account of a serious wreck that occurred at Relay House : so that it was mid-day before the Regiment re-embarked on the cars for Harrisburg. On the wa. thither as the train passed through the villages and towns, as well as
15
-
322
Camp and Field Life.
by hamlets, the Regiment was greeted with cheer upon cheer from the admiring and enthusiastic citizens who had assem- bled for that purpose. After a brief delay at York, for water, the train again moved off, over the Northern Central Railroad, and arrived at Harrisburg, about 5 P. M., where the train was side-tracked again and run out to the lane or road leading to CAMP CURTIN. There the Regiment dis- embarked and marched into camp, where "A" tents were immediately provided ; whereupon the men proceeded to form camp, and were placed under " Provost Guard," with orders to remain in CAMP CURTIN until paid off ; but, how- ever, " the old soldier," as he was then called, could not and would not be kept penned up, so that bogus passes were invented and became the order of the evening and night ; when, by scores, the boys were found promenading through the streets of Harrisburg. As there had also arrived at CAMP CURTIN a dozen or more of the nine-months Regi- ments, the city had been pretty well filled for the time, and the merchants did a lively and thriving trade, as those of the men who were fortunate enough to be in possession of the essential lucre, soon purchased and donned outfits of new and clean underwear, rapidly ridding them- selves of " the old army duds," as well as gladly and hastily giving "the grand bounce " thereby, and very un- ceremoniously, too, to that familiar army-pest, the proverbial " greyback," which had been the constant, " never-going- back" companion of the soldiers' bunks for an almost indefinite time. This favorable and desirable parting with disagreeable company afforded the writer the oppor- tunity of accepting the exceedingly kind hospitality of a friend to sojourn with him for the night, when he once more slept upon a feather-bed and beneath the clean, soft, white counterpane ; but yet, however, by no means comfortable, as he slept not a wink during the night, owing to the change being too sudden and different to appreciate.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.