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 4
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CAMP POLICED-PREPARING FOR INSPECTIONS-VISITORS RECEIVED.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21St, 1862 .- The morning dawned warm and clear, and the order for the day was " regimental camp to be policed by each company," which duty was entered upon with a will that meant business; for, all the rubbish, etc., accumulated, soon disappeared and was re- moved beyond the color-line. Busy preparations were also observed as to personal appearance in dress, accoutrements, and condition of arms. as special company inspections were next in order. The men of the Regiment in general, but the boys of Company K especially, were fully up to the standard, and much admired for their neat, bright and cleanly appear- ance upon dress-parade, as well as for their personal and mili- tary bearing. During the balance of the day visitors from Lancaster and elsewhere were received and gladly enter- tained, keeping the men in excellent spirits, and moving them all to greatly enjoy the few sports, pleasures, and pas- times that camp life then afforded.
SPECIAL DRILL BY COMPANY K-HIGH COMPLIMENTS FROM U. S. A. OFFICERS-CAMP SPORTS AND AMUSEMENTS.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1862 .- The weather continued favorable. and the boys of Company K, for want of some- thing to do, to while away the morning hours. agreed upon a special drill -- that of the skirmish drill, the bayonet exer- cise, and the various Zouave movements, in which the men were first instructed and initiated. Lieutenant D. K. SPRINGER then formed the Company in line in the presence of numerous spectators, consisting of Regular Army officers as well as others from adjoining camps and regiments. and
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Camp and Field Life.
put the company through a regular and thorough course of drill and evolutions, greatly to the satisfaction and admira- tion of those who witnessed the same. The universal ex- pressions-very high compliments by the way-were, "that Company K on this occasion had excelled all previous efforts; that, if the boys were disposed to be wild at times and almost beyond restraint, while under the rigid discipline of camp life, yet they exhibited that proficiency in military tactics which could only be acquired by diligent practice and pride in drill, as well as thorough, strict attention to duty."
As there were no special orders for the day, no events of importance occurred ; but, the boys of Company K, how- ever, turned out for a general afternoon's sport in camp, and so earnestly did they engage therein that some incidents, well-remembered, may not be out of place to relate, viz : the opening of a general menagerie, of which " Potsey " NAUMAN was the manager, who introduced his trained ele- phant, improvised for the occasion by spreading a govern- ment blanket over the persons of those genial and comical spirits HENRY FORREST and GEORGE W. MARTZALL, who per- formed many of the usual, as well as unusual, unprecedented pranks and feats accredited to that tribe of the animal king- dom. Other specialties and varieties of the menagerie proper, as well as those of the circus arena, were imperson- ated and represented amid the cheers, laughter and enjoyment of the spectators.
Another very amusing feature of the day was the institu- ting of a lodge of the Sons of Malta, which was gravely announced to have for its sole object-the elevation of man. This was especially demonstrated by means of a government blanket in the hands of such stout boys of Company K, as GEORGE DORWART, JACOB HATZ, ATLEE MERCER, JACK DONNELLY, FRANK GALBRAITH, JACOB LUTZ and SAMUEL LUTZ, with " Skinny" JOE WADE as the first victim, who was always " tossed up like a feather, but fell like a stone." After which the entire camp was enlivened by a grand free
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122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
concert from Company K's well-known Glee Club, under the leadership of Commissary-Sergeant DEXTER WHITE, assisted by D. HALL NAUMAN, as first basso; JACOB FISHER, alto ; GEORGE W. SMITH, tenor ; and in general chorus by EDWARD BOOKMYER, HENRY FORREST, HENRY FISHER, JOHN MILLEY, WILLIAM NAUMAN, and Sergeant GEORGE F. SPRENGER. The songs and selections were appropriate to the circumstances of affairs, were very much appreciated, and thus ended the day in social enjoyment and mutual pleasure-one of the happiest in our recollections of camp life.
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CHAPTER VI.
STROLLS THROUGH GEORGETOWN AND WASHINGTON, D. C .- SIGHTS, FESTIVITIES AND AMUSEMENTS.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1862 .- Day again dawned brilliant and beautiful, with drill and review as usual the orders of the morning hours ; after which quite a number of the boys, under the guidance and direction of Sergeant SPRENGER (who was indeed very lucky in procuring the passes), left camp for a visit and tour of Georgetown and Washington cities, where they did right heartily enjoy them- selves. Upon their arrival there they were allowed " the free- dom of the cities," respectively; and to their credit, be it said, the privileges were not abused in any respect whatever ; for although they indulged and satiated their appetites with the popular Teutonic beverages, unstinted, as well as ap- ples, melons, and the other luxuries then in season to be had -quite a change from late camp fare-yet their conduct was gentlemanly and not characterized by any evidences of row- dyism or boisterousness. Many were the innocent tricks and humorous pranks enacted to the mutual entertainment and amusement of each other, as well as those who were the vic- tims and witnesses, that could be worthy of relation, but several will suffice, viz :
1. The hair-cutting scene, in the barber-shop, where Com- rade PETER MUSKETNUSS ( or " Pete Mushy," as he was fa- miliarly known), feeling highly elated, and fearing that he could not get his hair cut sufficiently short for 25 cents. discovered that it was cut too much, as what was left to be seen on the scalp required almost the aid of a microscope, thus presenting a decidedly woe-begone aspect, and en- titling him to the commiseration of his comrades.
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122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
2. The laughable and amusing spectacle, on Pennsylvanta Avenue, of the grotesque figure cut by big corpulent PHILIP FORNAUF, weighing 300 pounds, Lieutenant of Captain HER- ZOG's famous Lancaster Cavalry Company, straddled over the back of a horse so diminutive in stature throughout as to more properly classify it with the donkey genus, and almost leave his long legs trail on the street.
3. The scene at the tin-ferrotyper's gallery where the boys put themselves into all conceivable and fantastical shapes, styles, and positions, in getting " shadows of their mugs " to send to loved ones at home.
After much merriment, partaking of the same nature, and feeling exuberant over their tour, the boys took their depar- ture for camp, where they arrived at a favorable and early hour, and sought repose for the night.
VISIT FROM LANCASTRIANS -- SPECIAL DRILL BY COMPANY K.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th, 1862 .- The morning was fine and clear, and the day became intensely hot. However, little attention or care about the latter particularity ; for, at an early hour, the Regiment, and boys of Company K es- pecially, had the honor and pleasure to receive and entertain visitors from Lancaster City, in the persons of Hon. HENRY M. WHITE, Messrs. WM. BUCKIUS, SR., DANA GRAHAM. JACOB GABLE, JOHN TRISSLER, SR .. JOHN FEGLEY, and many other well-known friends and citizens. At the request of these gentlemen, Lieutenant D. K. SPRINGER exercised Company K in the skirmish drill, bayonet exercise, and drill by the tap of the drum, with which the Lancastrians expressed themselves very highly gratified, and also complimented the boys upon the proficiency acquired and the precision dis- played. After which the Regiment was taken out for dress- parade, and there received orders . to be in readiness to move at a moment's notice."
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Camp and Field Lite.
MARCHING ORDERS ON PICKET-INCIDENT AT MINOR'S HILL.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th, 1862 .- This morning, at an early hour, the Regiment was ordered to march to the parade- ground, to participate in grand brigade guard-mount, which was the first important duty of the day, although of short duration. Directly afterward the Regiment was marched about three-fourths of a mile from camp, and posted on picket, but was very soon called in with marching orders. The picket-guard was then dismissed, when the Regiment returned to camp to pack up for another march. The entire Division was promptly again on the move, with Company K, of our Regiment, detailed as wagon-guard to bring up the rear. On the way the teams were frequently stuck, causing great delay and difficulty, as the roads were very soft and heavy, thereby preventing our troops from reaching Division Camp at Minor's Hill, again, until 9 o'clock at night; when, after having left the teams in corral, in charge of Captain WAGOND, Company A, 124th N. Y. V., (of our Brigade, ) who was in command of entire rear guard, we were soon on the hunt of the Regiment. Captain WAGOND thereupon be- came so exasperated, when he found that the boys of Com- pany K, 122d Regiment, P. V., had not awaited his dismissal, that he threatened to shoot certain file-closers for allowing them to leave. Sergeant SPRENGER was then the only one who remained to receive the regular dismissal by General PIATT. By taking our own course we soon found the Regi- ment, had tents quickly put up, and in short order were at blissful repose in the arms of Morpheus.
DELIGHTFUL CAMPING GROUNDS-LUCKY FORAGERS.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1862 .- Our camp at Minor's Hill was very beautifully located, surrounded by fine wood- lands, in the heart of a rich agricultural district, which was profusely abundant in the products of the farms, gardens and orchards, as the well-filled bellies and well-packed haver.
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122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
sacks of Company K's boys did attest as they returned into camp; for, as heretofore related, they were always wide enough awake to discover, and never too slow to obtain, an ample supply of the good things to be had " on a forage "- especially after a scanty fare on " hard-tack and salt-horse " diet. The balance of the day kept the Regiment busily en- gagaged in arranging our camp, and going through the ex- ercises and duty of rigorous company drills. With the exception of the arrival of our supply trains, the receiving and putting away of our necessary Quartermaster and Com- misary stores, the day passed without further event. The hour " for taps" was then at hand, when all was soon se- curely stowed away, " snug at rest."
THE SUTLER'S ARRIVAL-DISCOMFORTS OF THE SHELTER TENTS.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th, 1862 .- Day dawned fine and clear, and the regular routine of camp duty was observed in every particular. At an early hour of the day our regimental sutler was on hand, with his well-known and desirable mer- chandise, such as chewing tobacco, paper, pens, pencils, etc., even including the familiar "native ginger-bread," etc., and such of the boys who were fortunate enough to possess the necessary sutler's scrip to make purchases, were well sup- plied and went off rejoicing-in short, the scrip and the boys were soon parted. We were then beginning to experience very forcibly that the smallness of our shelter tents had greatly diminished the comforts we enjoyed while under the folds of the old regulation A tents : however, as night approached, we went to sleep as best and comfortably as we could.
SUNDAY MORNING INSPECTION-REGIMENTAL PRAYER-MEETING.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th, 1862 .- The weather continued clear and favorable. Regular Sunday morning inspection was ordered, when all hands were early at work cleaning up uniforms, polishing guns and brasses, and other requisite preparations. A detail was next in order to police company
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streets, and soon all about camp presented that cheerful and tidy appearance which served to make camp-life happy and attractive. After a short rest, regimental prayer-meeting was the order for the evening, which was conducted by our Regi- mental Chaplain, Rev. ELIM KIRKE, assisted by Lieutenant SAMUEL G. BEHMER, of Company C, after which all retired for the night to think and dream of what might be next on the programme of war duty and service.
TARGET PRACTICE AND COMPANY DRILLS.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29th, 1862 .- Weather still fine and clear, with Regiment lying in camp, whereupon target prac- tice and company drills were next in order. The companies were put through a rigid drilling, respectively, by the Cap- tains, and were awarded great credit for the manner in which their men acquitted themselves. Company K, after a short drill by Captain W. F. DUNCAN, was then taken charge of by Lieutenant D. K. SPRINGER, who gave the men a thorough practice in the bayonet exercise, etc., by the tap of the drum -a specialty for which they had already been noted, and of which they never tired. While these essential points of duty were being attended to, an order was received at regimental headquarters for the Regiment " to prepare for division drill, under heavy marching trim, on the morrow," when all was at once bustle and surmise as to whither might be the next destination, or what sort of vicissitude of army life to expe- rience, or what danger those preparations might portend.
GRAND DIVISION DRILL AND REVIEW-HIGH COMPLIMENT TO THE 122d REGIMENT, P. V.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30th, 1862 .- Day opened warm- very sultry indeed-when active preparations were at once begun throughout camp for grand drill and review, which were made the orders of the day. At I o'clock P. M., sharp, the Regiment was formed into line under heavy marching trim, and marched about three miles from camp, to the
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122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
vicinity of Falls Church, and into a large field ; where, upon arrival, were found other regiments of infantry-the 86th and 124th N. Y. V., and 12th N. H. V., of our Bri- gade, besides Battery H, Ist Ohio Artillery, a portion of the Ioth N. J. Cavalry, and also a section of 11th N. Y. light artillery, with Major-General A. W. WHIPPLE and staff, Brigadier-General A. S. PIATT and staff, in their saddles. At the sound of the bugle the several commands turned into line, and were rigidly drilled, exercised, and reviewed in the manœuvres of changing front and location on quick time- although the heat and dust were so oppressive as to cause quite a number of the new recruits to drop during this grand drill and review.
A grand spectacle of military life, in a new and different phase, was thus presented to us for the future-such as to incite our admiration ; for the flying movements of the light batteries -- the horses, white with foam and sweat, nostrils distended, galloping hither and thither-the in- fantry charging bayonets on the double-quick, while the cav- alry dashed to and fro, in front and rear, with the Generals directing the movements of the various troops, could not help but create a superb sight. As regiment after regiment passed in division front on this occasion, we felt just pride in recording the fact, that the compliments of the day for ex- celling in infantry tactics were awarded to our own, the 122d Regiment P. V. As to this drill, manceuvering and review all surmises vanished ; for the boys appreciated the same as a hint of preparation as well as notice of our fitness for the field of battle, returned gladly and proudly to camp and re- tired for the night to sleep soundly after the fatigues and duties of the day.
GENERAL FIRING PRACTICE-PALM TO COMPANY K.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER Ist. 1862 .- The heat and sultri- ness of the atmosphere still continued, while the special orders for the day were: " Regimental drill, target and
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firing practice." Colonel FRANKLIN now formed the Regi- ment en masse, after which each company moved off at command, respectively, first firing by flank ; then dividing by platoon, outward face, file right and left, moving off to the rear, and reloading ; after repetition of company by company, then firing practice by company ; again by file : next by battalion ; and finally by entire Regiment. For the best firing by file, platoon, and company, the palm was awarded to Company K by the officers of the Regiment.
BRIGADE DRILL-ARTILLERYMAN INJURED.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2d, 1862 .- Weather very fair, warm and clear. As there had been no rain-fall since leaving Georgetown, D. C., the great drouth continued. The Regi- ment was again ordered out under heavy marching trim, but only for brigade drill. Our Brigade was put through quite a series of rapid movements, from which our Regiment retired bearing the honors of the day for excellence in the infantry tactics of the drill. During the progress of these rapid movements, while running through an apple orchard, a member of the rith N. Y. Light Artillery was swept off a caisson by the limb of a tree, and run over the legs, whereby he was severely injured, and had to be conveyed to his camp. The drill was continued till dark, when line of march was formed, and the Regiment returned to camp amidst a drench- ing rain which had then commenced. However, as it had the effect of settling the vast accumulation of dust on the road and about camp. as well as refreshing the atmosphere, the men were really glad for it, and cheerfully retired for the enjoyment of their much needed rest.
AN ENEMY THAT WAS MET AND CRUSHED ON THE SPOT.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3d, 1862 .- Morn dawned beautifully, and all the boys throughout the camps could be seen hard at work in a different line of business-that of the laundry. Although not agreeable, by any means, it was a duty abso-
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122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
lutely necessary ; for, the proverbial "gray-back" had made its appearance unexpectedly and to great annoyance-an enemy that had to be crushed on the spot. This presented a sight very disgusting to those who never were accustomed to si ch bad company, and their speedy removal, of course, was a good and desirable riddance. At 2 o'clock, P. M., the Regiment was again ordered out to participate in brigade drill, when the boys were exercised through the charge bayo- nets on the double quick, with all the difficult and various movements to their hearts' content ; yet the boys never tired, as it was then notable that they all were becoming hardened to the duty, while the Regiment had become quite apt in the various manœuvres.
PECULIAR BEAN-SOUP REPAST AND GOOD CHEER.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1862 .- Weather again fine and clear, and the orders for the morning-regimental drill, firing, and target-practice, during which Company K again rendered a good report. A dinner of the ever-welcome bean-soup was our bill of fare to-day; but, oh ! what a grand repast it proved-so heartily enjoyed, because of the merriment it afforded through the special peculiarities of the cooking and the flavor of the soup-and thereby hangs a secret or tale which is too good to be lost. It happened that when our mess of beans for the soup had been emptied into the regular camp kettle, our old cook, NED MILLEY, had left his old blouse, containing a quantity of smoking tobacco in the pockets as well as his old pipe, lying in the bottom, un- observed. In the bustle for the dinner, the kettle was quickly supplied for the cooking and hung over the fire ; but when the stirring process became necessary, our readers can only imagine the surprise of the boys when they fished out the blouse and its contents. At once the kettle was emptied of the boiling broth, the beans were rinsed and returned again, fully prepared for the subsequent cooking, freely of which all did unwittingly partake and relish, save the few who 4
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Camp and Field Life.
were the eye-witnesses of the cuisine, and from whose mem- ories the vivid recollections of the mess can never be erased. Brigade drill was the next order of the day, and the Regi- ment was rigidly put through the same until 772 o'clock P. M. However, yet considerably fatigued, the boys of Com- pany K were full of good cheer, as they came home to camp as though all was but sport, singing their popular camp songs, when the general remark was-" they are a lively set, indeed !"'
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CHAPTER VII.
DETAIL FOR PICKET DUTY NEAR FALLS CHURCH-FORAGERS DE- TECTED AND ARRESTED-HEAVY TRAMP ALONG PICKET-LINE -ENTERTAINED, ETC., BY THE S6TH REGIMENT, N. Y. V .- DEATHS OF TWO COMRADES.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1862 .- Morn opened bright upon us, as we were aroused from our slumbers, to find that grand brigade guard-mount, with a detail from the Regiment to re- port at Brigade headquarters, were the orders for the day. Company K, on this occasion, was selected as the detail, which duly and promptly reported at headquarters, was imine- diately marched about three miles from camp, and stationed on picket duty along a road leading towards Falls Church, with Colonel KENWORTHY, of the 86th Regiment, N. Y. V., field officer of the guard, and our reserve station back of the picket line, about 200 yards. During the day General PIATT visited the post and detected several members of the 86th Regiment, N. Y. V., in violation of orders and regulations while on duty at reserve station, which consisted of divest- ing themselves of their accoutrements, etc., and going off on the forage. After they returned to station with an abundance of trophies in the line of milk, apples, etc., and were just about feasting themselves right freely and jovially thereon, General PIATT popped upon them, had them arrested, and ordered them to the guard-house, where they were confined for one week to await court-martial.
No further event of the day worthy to record, when night was ushered in with the moon shining brightly, as the offi- cer of the grand rounds reached our post about ro o'clock and provided us with the countersign-" Halifax." Ser- geant SPRENGER, with a detail from the reserve station, then
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Camp and Field Life.
communicated the countersign from end to end of the line, which occupied them till after midnight, as their way was through a very dense forest, from whence no sounds greeted the ear save the barkings of the fox and raccoon, the hoots of the owl, and the wails of the whip-poor-will, which re- sounded therein, while in silence they made their weary tramp. Upon arriving at the station, which was close by a brook, and where a low fire had been kept up, they were freely provided with hot coffee and hard tack, which was taken in with a decided relish as well as gratitude. Here they were agreeably surprised to find that two of the members of the 86th N. Y. V. were native-born Seneca Indians, who, being on turn, kindly relieved us on guard, while we snatched a few hours rest by the fire.
EARLY MORNING LUXURIES ON PICKET LINE.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1862 .- Awaking from a very re- freshing sleep beneath our gum blankets, we found them quite wet with the morning dew, while our noses and ears tinged therewith, gave keen evidence of its coolness, when we were soon up and about. After a refreshing wash in the running brook at our feet, we started up the dying embers of last night's fire and boiled some good, hot coffee-a luxury always appreciated by the soldier-while a stroll to a neigh- boring farm-house was next in order, where our canteens were filled with milk and our haversacks with apples. Milk to our coffee, and apples roasted in the fire, were dainties that were certainly relished and not to be refused. It was then 9 o'clock as the relief came along, when we were marched to Brigade guard headquarters, dismissed, and sent to our Regi- ment; where the balance of the day, after arranging matters about camp and our bunks, was spent in writing letters, sports, and other occupations.
COMPANY AND BRIGADE DRILL-MOONLIGHT PRAYER-MEETING.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1862 .- Fine weather still con-
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122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
tinued. This morning Lieutenant SPRINGER drilled the company by the tap of the drum, and in general tactics, while in the afternoon brigade drill as rigid as usual was the order observed. Advices were received to-day of the death of Private JOHN WENGER, of Company D, which occurred in hospital at Washington, D. C.
The only other incident of interest to record of this day, was that of the moonlight prayer-meeting, in the evening, conducted by Chaplain ELIM KIRKE and Lieutenant S. G, BEHMER. While these reverend gentlemen were at the one end, so kindly, generously, and laboriously doling out re- ligious advice, long prayers and impressive exhortations for the benefit of those designated in the Scriptures as "the goats," and encouraging them to change or mend their ways, by solemn hymns, it turned out, soon after the opening services, that they only had "the lambs" for their congregation; be- cause, "the goats" on this occasion-the boys of Company K -were immediately heard from at the other end of the camp, making the welkin ring, and enlivening the spirits of every one in the vicinity, with those stirring camp songs-" John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave," " We'll hang Jeff Davis on a sour apple tree," besides many other favor- ites, until the hour for taps arrived, when all went to their , roosts for the night, sufficed with the occurrences and the duties of the day.
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