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 3
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ous march, we were halted, about 2 o'clock, A. M., at Old Camp Pierpont, where the whole army was also halted for a rest. Language is inadequate to properly express the joy of the men for the opportunity, and that they were by no means slow in taking advantage of it, is proof positive of gratifica- tion as well as appreciation.
FRESH BEEF RATIONS-MARCH TO MINOR'S HILL.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1862 .- We awoke this morn- ing quite refreshed, after the fatigues, excitement, and sus- pense of previous days, to find concentrated all around us a vast army, destitute in provisions and clothing. But. at an early hour, fresh beef was issued in fair, proportionate messes which was no doubt captured along the route-and, oh, how welcome was the sight! The country thereabouts was abun- dant in fruits, provisions, etc., when the boys of Company K were not slow in bringing in their quota of all that was to be had in the fruit or provision line. But our fun there was short-lived ; for, just as soon as the meat was issued and dis- tributed. the order came: "Fall into line at once ! " Many then threw away their raw meat, and off they were again on the march, toward Chain Bridge, passing Forts Marcy, Scott. and other earthworks, as well as the camps of several new regiments enlisted for the nine-months service, who were kind enough, as we passed along the road, to give us some hard tack, being our first since leaving camp at Clouds Mills. We were next marched over a very rugged section of country, about ten miles, to a point named Minor's Hill, and thence into a woodland, in a notch of the surrounding hills ; where, after planting our battery toward the southwest, the Regiment was formed in line to the rear in support of it. Our pickets were next thrown out, Company K having been assigned an extreme outside position along a road leading to Falls Church. Here we were happily afforded the opportunity and pleasure of visiting the farm-houses in the neighborhood, and pro- curing some soft bread and ham, besides elegant milk, which
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proved to us quite a treat and a luxury, (considering our previous bill of fare, with now and then its stint and scant,) and was also truly enjoyed and relished, although in momentary expectations of being engaged with the enemy in fighting for the maintenance of our position.
BUILDING OF HUTS-OUT OF RATIONS.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1862 .-- The weather this morn- ing was fine and pleasant, and the day was entirely occupied in constructing temporary quarters; in the absence of our tents we built houses out of cedar, spruce, pine, and other available timber, the branches of which served the purpose quite well, as also to protect us from the heavy dews of night. But, then again, we were doomed to disappointment and un- pleasant situation-that, too, a very serious matter-our pro- visions had not yet arrived. Without other event to record, the boys sought repose within the confines of their new cosy huts for the night.
1757957
REBEL CAVALRY RAID-DETAIL FOR AMMUNITION.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1362 .- Day-break was warm and clear, which continued throughout the entire day. The men in general enjoyed the day in jovial sports and varied camp life. Those of the boys " who had left their hearts at home," were writing letters to those dear to them-" so near and yet so far;" while others were similarly occupied with corre- spondence to relatives and friends. We received, also, some rations, which, however, were borrowed from a neighboring camp, until our supply would arrive. At 3 o'clock, P. M .. our pickets were called in, owing to a reported movement of the enemy close by, in anticipation of an attack, but it only proved to be a rebel cavalry raid along the Fairfax C. H. turnpike. At ro o'clock, p. M., Sergeant GEO. F. SPRENGER, of Company K, was detailed with ten men to report at Gen- eral MORRELL's headquarters. Upon arriving, he received orders, "to file his men to the rear of headquarters, there
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stack arms, and then take the men to the teams," which were already in the road, destined for Washington, D. C., with a requisition for ammunition, after which they at once pro- ceeded on their way, without delay, until their arrival at Georgetown, D. C.
AT GEORGETOWN AND WASHINGTON, D. C .- SUPPLIES RECEIVED- RETURN TO CAMP-ORDERS TO MOVE.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1862 .- The teams arrived at Georgetown at an early hour in the morning, when a halt was made to feed the mules, during which the men laid down in the wagons and enjoyed a short nap. The teamsters soon hooked up again and were on the way to Washington City. They arrived and halted at the navy yard, where it required a long delay until our turn came to be supplied. Therefore, in the meantime, a stroll through the city-quite an agreeable surprise by the way-for something to eat and drink, was afforded. and accordingly in order. After satisfying and regaling the inner man, we returned, received our supplies and were promptly en route for camp at 5 P. M. The day in camp was observed in the performance of the usual duties which characterize camp-life in general. We arrived at camp about f1 o'clock, p. M., and glad, indeed, were we to find a place to rest. as we thought ; but, instead, we were doomed to disappointment, as we were at once advised that the Regi- ment was under marching orders and was already equipped to start. So we laid on our arms until after midnight, when the order came, " to fall into line." and the Regiment was then again on the march toward Washington, D. C. How- ever, upon arrival at Georgetown, the Regiment filed to the right, and marched toward Alexandria.
CIRCUITOES ROUTE OF MARCHES FROM AND TO FAIRFAX SEMINARY.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7. 1862 .- As we continued marching many became quite exhausted and were compelled to leave the line, so that when we arrived at Fairfax Seminary, rather
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to the left of it, where there was then a hospital, both Regi- ment and Brigade halted, and a consultation was had between Colonel FRANKLIN and General PIATT. After this conference the Regiment moved off in a different direction, towards the Almshouse Farm, where we were allowed to rest, but for a short time only, and then in the hot. mid-day sun, as an order was received from " that tyrant," (as the boys then named him) General PIATT, to move again and at once, when we were marched by a circuitous route upon ground we had just passed over ; thence below Alexandria, and back again to Fairfax Seminary. It was then already night, when the Regiment was halted, so that we had to lie on the ground as best we could-yet very glad for the opportunity, although it began raining during the night, making our bivouac rather wet, damp, and uncomfortable-especially for the new re- cruits.
HARD, LONG MARCHES, AMID PRIVATIONS, ETC .- CURSING GENERAL PIATT-NO PROVISIONS, NO MARCHING !
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1862 .- After the clearing away of a heavy mist the day opened oppressively sultry, when about 9 o'clock the Regiment was again on the march, which was back towards Washington City. to Camp Stanton. arriv- ing there about mid-day, after having been marched by "old cross-grained PIATT" (another title from the boys) about eighteen miles to no advantage whatever. during which quite a number of men had fallen out of line. Several of the men had already become faint, one of whom, JOHN DORWART. of Company K. sustained a serious rupture, dropped by the roadside, and was conveyed to a hospital tent close by, belonging to a Massachusetts Artillery Company. stationed near Fort Woodbury. Great dissatisfac- tion was then manifested by nearly all the officers and men of the Regiment. in curses loud and deep, at what was deemed the rough, hard, and severe treatment they had been subjected to, especially the needless and continuous marches,
---
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without provisions, by Brigadier-General PIATT : whereupon Colonel FRANKLIN could stand it no longer, and therefore gave notice that the Regiment would march no farther, until the men were provided with rations, which were immediately forthcoming and very speedily furnished. The Regiment then bivouacked for the night in close proximity to Fort Richardson, in order to allow our stragglers time to come up, as many had dropped from weariness by the roadside. This had been a very severe trial, indeed : for many of the men were found to have sustained serious injuries of hernia, suffering terribly therefrom, as well as from footsores, ex- haustion, and sickness.
IN THE RIFLE-PITS AT FORT RICHARDSON, ETC.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1862 .- It was just after midnight when the Regiment was aroused from slumber and ordered into the rifle-pits surrounding Fort Richardson. During the day we remained on the heights of the fort, awhile enjoying some rest, and at last receiving some more rations. Orders were next received " to clean up guns and accoutrements for inspection, to be held next day at 4 P. M.," which then actively engaged the attention of the men, and kept them busily occupied for the balance of the day, while our strag- glers by the wayside then came in, as also our teams with officers' baggage, etc., which were then mobilized as they arrived and were returned to their proper commands.
CHAPTER V.
THE REGIMENT ASSIGNED TO DUTY ABOUT FORT RICHARDSON. BRIGADE AND DIVISION DRILLS, INSPECTION, AND SHAM BATTLE-FRESH SUPPLY OF DESIRABLE RATIONS.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1862 .- The Regiment was put upon duty about Fort Richardson and was temporarily assigned to General MORRELL's Division, anxiously awaiting orders. The morning and afternoon hours were devoted generally to company and regimental drills, as also to thor- ough preparations for division inspection, etc., for which the order had been issued to be held at 4 P. M. At the hour precisely the Regiment was marched to a large open drill- ground near the fort, where, for the first time and for several hours, we were exercised very rigidly and thoroughly in bri- gade and division movements, in which were combined ar- tillery, cavalry, and infantry tactics. The Regiment here again received special notice, as it was highly commended upon the aptitude (especially as to being a new regiment ) which was displayed in acquiring the very quick and com- plicated movements of the older regiments, and was put through the charge at double-quick. as were also the cavalry and artillery. all of which exhibited a grand and imposing sham battle. Inspection over, we returned to the fort to find ourselves the happy recipients of a fresh supply of rations : in the shape of fresh meat, soft bread, and bean soup. all of which were enten with a relish-the bean soup, especially ; for, although a little late, it was none the less appreciated, considering our recent long fast. After this welcome repast we were again allowed to seek rest as best we could, rolled
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up in our gum and woolen blankets, and covered with our overcoats.
ORDERS TO CLEAN UP AND FORM CAMP.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1862 .- Right well did we enjoy the rest afforded last night, and we awoke to find day opening upon us bright and clear. At an early hour Adj't HEITSHU brought the order. " to clean up and form camp." which was greeted with genuine, enthusiastic cheering. The Regiment. together with the Brigade and the Division, was then subjected to a thorough drill of over six hours, by Major-Gen- eral A. W. WHIPPLE, passing each, respectively, in review, and receiving the highest encomiums from all the officers; after which all proceeded at once, "busy as the bees." to form company streets, remove stumps, rubbish, etc., so that it became night as our tented quarters were up and ready for occupation ; and, when we entered and retired, hopes were en- tertained of having, at least, a short stay in camp.
SHORT STAY-AGAIN ON THE MARCH-HEAVY RAIN-STORM.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12. 1862 .- Day dawned fine and clear upon our new camp-Camp Fort Richardson. The Regiment, by companies, was ordered out for drill at an early hour ; when, just as all preser ved the appearance of a regularly organized camp of instruction, up rides an orderly bearing instructions for the Regiment : "To strike tents and at once form into line of march." At ro o'clock, A. M., the Regiment was in motion towards Georgetown, D. C., march- ing about five miles, before halting, which was upon an emi- nence near Georgetown, in full view of Washington City, the Potomac River, and its surroundings, which afforded a delightful and splendid sight. as also elegant location. It had become quite dark. and a storm of rain had set in, be- fore our teams arrived ; however, our tents were quickly unloaded and put up, when we were immediately coiled up between blankets and at rest. But. nevertheless, the rain
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descended so heavily that we were compelled to get up, go out, and make trenches around the tents to keep the water out, and especially prevent it from getting under our backs.
« BRIGADE DRILL AND REVIEW-REGIMENT COMPLIMENTED.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1862 .- The men were aroused this morning (and oh, how glad !) to find the storm sub- sided, with day-break beautiful and clear. Company streets were then properly formed, tents aligned, etc., and all rub- bish cleared to the rear of color-line, after which the Regi- ment was ordered out for brigade drill and review by Major- General A. W. WHIPPLE, U. S. A., to whose Division our Brigade had then been assigned. Great credit and praise was awarded to the Regiment on this occasion, by General WHIPPLE, who expressed himself as highly pleased with the drill and skill in military tactics displayed by the Regiment, especially on account of the men composing the same, being principally new recruits and so youthful. The review, how- ever, was soon over, having been more of an introduction than a manœuvre. Company K then came in for a liberal and special share of credit ; for, immediately after review, the company was put through the Zouave drill, in which they were already quite proficient, and which was witnessed by numerous officers and men of the various organizations from the surrounding camps, who highly complimented the com- pany for its efficiency in the skirmish drill and the bayonet exercise.
RIGOROUS DISCIPLINE-FORT WOODBURY, DRILLS, ETC .- VISITORS FROM LANCASTER IN CAMP.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14. 1862 .- Weather yet fine. The men turned out to learn that a vigorous enforcement of camp discipline was to be observed. insomuch that commissioned officers were held under strict orders to issue no passes to their men, unlessin very urgent cases, and that all passes to George- town and Washington must have the countersign of division
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commanders. Brigade drill was the order of the day's exercises, when the Regiment was marched to Fort Wood- bury, a very pretty little fort, where the drill and review was conducted by Major-General WHIPPLE, and a sham battle also inaugurated. Company K was there assigned the honor of being stationed on the inside of the fort and placed upon the parapets, while the balance of the Regiment, together with other regiments, were manœeu- vred as skirmish lines in our front, besides the artillery- men were kept at their respective pieces of ordnance and put through their exercises. The scene presented was quite an animated one, and was decidedly instructive to the men.
Fort Woodbury was a marvel of neatness in design, apartments and appurtenances, as it had splendid, graveled walks, handsome green mounds, an abattis, and a massive, arched magazine-all, indeed, bespeaking it a master-piece of engineering skill. The fort was in possession of the 14th Regiment, Massachusetts heavy artillery, under command of efficient officers and engineers. After drill came dress parade, when general orders were issued. Our camp there was highly enjoyed and proved a delightful situation, as visitors from Georgetown and Washington, D. C., arrived and were re- ceived daily; but, most especially welcome were those who had arrived upon this day and occasion-quite a number of prominent citizens and friends from the dear old home of Lancaster. Although their sojourn was necessarily brief, yet their familiar faces and cordial greetings served for the time to gladden the hearts and cheer the spirits of the men, as well as to dispel all thoughts of the trials, dangers and risks they might have to incur in the near future, as indicated by the then existing circumstances and state of affairs: in- deed, there were all forgotten by the boys in the enjoyment of the occasion, the revival of pleasant associations, and the recollections of merry and happy days of the past at their homes.
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STROLLS TO GEORGETOWN, D. C .- BRIGADE MANCEUVRES.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15. 1862 .- Another beautiful day dawned upon us, with our camp in complete regulation and provided with plenty of rations, etc., for which we were truly thankful. Camp duties not being as numerous this day, a stroll to Georgetown, D. C., and how to get across Aqueduct Bridge, then became matters of important consid- eration to us, as orders were still very strict, especially as to the issuing or granting of passes; however, quite a number of the boys, managed to secure enough of the requisite passes to give Company K a very fair and large representation in the city of Georgetown. After a few hours of general enjoy- ment, sight-seeing, and "the regaling of the varied appe- tites of the inner men," the boys, as had always been the case when granted leave of absence from camp or duty. re- turned promptly in time for brigade drill, and resumed their former position in the fort. The Regiment and Brigade were rigidly drilled through the same movements and manœuvres of the previous day, after which, duly appreciating the day's perambulations and duties, the boys retired for a night of solid rest.
FIRST PICKET DUTIES AND INCIDENTS.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1862-Day again dawned beau- fully upon our camp. when our Brigade was ordered out in front of the forts for picket duty, the post of the Regi- ment being assigned on the extreme left of the line, and cross- ing the Fairfax telegraph road. with orders not to permit any one to pass our lines without a written pass, besides the verbal pass-word accompanying it for the night-which was " War- saw." The day. however, passed with but little excitement. and no event of extraordinary importance occurred. The passing through our line to the outer line by certain news- boys, mounted on fleet horses, with bundles of the New York Herald, Tribune, and other newspapers, being a
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privileged institution, excited our admiration, and was a pleasing incident as they flew along, apparently, disposing of their respective sheets of the art typographical, which proved very welcome and appreciative, as they conveyed tidings from the numerous sections and scenes of the world outside of our field of action, as also provided an abundance of other intellectual diet until the evening hours approached.
The night then became intensely dark, when Lieutenant D. K. SPRINGER and Sergeant GEORGE F. SPRENGER, of Company K, received orders to make the grand rounds. As they groped along they found the darkness so intense that their way could not have been made, save only through the sounds of the movements of the faithful sentinels at their posts of duty; and, had they been seen as they proceeded on their rounds, very many would have been the occasions of merri- ment which they would have afforded for the gratification of their fellow-comrades, as the sad plights they were thrown in as well as appearances presented, through the awkward and severe falls they sustained, would have furnished suf- ficient attestation. However, they arrived at the telegraph road in time to find that Corporal HARTLEY, Company K, had halted two cavalrymen on the road, coming from the front who were without the pass-word. Lieutenant SPRINGER then directed Sergeant SPRENGER, with the Corporal, "to take charge of the cavalrymen and report to Colonel FRANK- LIN, field officer for the day. for further instructions," which they did; whereupon Captain DUNCAN was then ordered "to take a proper guard and have the two men conveyed to General WHIPPLE's headquarters." After the turning over of these men to headquarters and the groping of their way back to picket line, as best they could, the night passed by without further event at the posts of the Regiment.
SHELTER TENTS TERMED DOG HOUSES-TENTS UP.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1862 .- This morning opened warm, although there had been a refreshing fall of rain dur-
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122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
ing the night, when we were relieved from picket duty. As we returned to our camping ground, we found the Regiment being provided with what were termed shelter tents, but more . commonly called dog-houses by the boys-they being about five feet square. made of unbleached muslin, ornamented with buttons and button-holes, and so con- structed that two pieces formed a small tent. The boys im- mediately went to work. constructing their tents and putting them up for the night. This day, too, passed without any other event, worthy of mention.
REVIEW AND SHAM BATTLE AT FORT CORCORAN PARADE-GROUND.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER IS, 1862 .- The day opened beau- tiful and clear. Company K was taken out for drill by Lieutenant SPRINGER, as were also the other companies of the Regiment by their respective officers. After company, regimental and brigade drill, the regiment received or- ders to be in readiness for division drill on the parade- ground at Fort Corcoran. After partaking of a royal bean- soup dinner, with fresh beef and hard tack, as side dishes, about 2 P. M., our Adjutant and Sergeant-Major. in charge of the drum corps, proceeded to the parade- ground, from whence we received the well-known and familiar bugle-call to fall in, when company after com- pany, under heavy marching trim, ( knapsacks packed. etc.,) moved out in regular order to the color-line, where the Regi- ment was promptly formed. Colonel FRANKLIN in command, and marched immediately to the parade-ground, where a band of music belonging to the roth N. J. Cavalry had already been stationed to furnish enlivening airs for the men.
The entire Division, comprising field artillery, cavalry. and infantry, having arrived, the bugles sounded the call to advance, when the Division passed in review before General WHIPPLE and his staff; after which the regiments again aligned themselves accordingly-the cavalry in advance, then the artillery, and next the two brigades of infantry, for
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the purpose of exercising in the various manceuvres and in- tricate movements of sham battle. The cavalry made several very brilliant dashes; then the artillery in their .. flying" movements ; which, when combined with a full division of infantry on bayonet charge, at double quick. and with a yell. presented a most imposing sight, and one that will be long and well remembered by all who participated therein or witnessed it-especially by some ( whom we will not men- tion), who were awkward enough to stumble and fall, as well as jam their bayonets in the ground, affording by their predicaments a scene of humor and sport.
GENERAL DRILL AND DIVISION REVIEW.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th, 1862 .- The weather was very fine and clear this morning, when the Regiment, by com- panies respectively, were ordered out for drill in the manual of arms and marching movements, which were kept up until the dinner-hour. In the afternoon the Regiment marched to the parade-ground for division review and was put through the same routine of evolutions as was observed yesterday. . \ decided improvement was already noticeable in the move- ments of the Regiment in division drill, for which they were highly commended, in terms that gave full attestation to the aptitude with which the men had taken hold of drill and duty.
RECEIPT OF NEW CLOTHING-DIVISION DRILL, ETC.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20th, 1862 .- After a night of very pleasant repose, the companies were out at drill at an early hour of the morning. The principal features of the drill consisted of the skirmish manceuvres, and the movements of lying on the back to load and turning over on the elbow to fire-in which part of the manual rapid progress was at once observed. Upon returning to company streets, the Regi- mental Commissary notified the company officers to call for their requisitions of clothing, which had just then been re-
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ceived, to replace the clothing burnt with the knapsacks by order of Major-General COUCH on the march to Fairfax C. H. After dinner the Regiment marched again to the parade- ground, where division review and drill were the orders for the balance of the day.
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