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 5
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REGIMENTAL TARGET-PRACTICE, ETC .- MOON-STRUCK INCIDENT.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1862 .- Regimental target-prac- tice, battalion, and other drills, were the orders of the morning, and were kept up until the hour for dinner. After dinner the Regiment was again ordered out for brigade drill, of which duty and exercises we then had our full lion's share. as we were rigidly drilled, and did not get back to camp until after S o'clock P. M. The boys were nearly exhausted from fatigue, and oh, how gladly did they seek and retire to rest ! However, as the night was sultry, especially lovely,
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owing to the bright moonlight prevailing, an amusing inci- dent that occurred in a certain bunk must not be omitted from these pages, viz: Six messmates, comprising Sergeants TRISSLER, SCHAUM, WHITE, and SPRENGER. and Privates WM. GOMPF and HENRY FISHER -- concluded to join their six shelter tents together, so as to form an opening in the centre, for the purpose of getting all the ventilation possible, as the night was (so some expressed it) most d -- d hot. No sooner agreed upon than done, and all had entered, laid down on the ground on their backs, with knapsacks for pillows, when the moon peeped brightly through the opening. which was distinctly observed and highly enjoyed by a comrade who, in a meditative mood upon the beauty of the night. the fatigues of the day, and the sports of previous days. had not yet been clasped in the arms of Morpheus, arose and sang out : "Hello, boys, wake up, you are in danger of getting moon struck !" Now, it so happened at that moment that the moon shone full and brightly on the face of Comrade HENRY FISHER, who immediately bounced up and exchanged places with Comrade BILLY GOMPF, who gladly accepted the offer with an unprecedented willingness to run all risk.for the sake of enjoying the ventilation afforded. After an outburst and roar of laughter for a few minutes, at poor HENRY's expense, the other bunk-mates fell soundly to sleep.
HEAVY-DEW INCIDENT-$25 GOVERNMENT BOUNTY.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1862 .- We awoke this morning to find a pleasant rain had fallen during the night, refreshed and cooled the atmosphere, putting the boys in rather exu- berant spirits. An incident of this early morn, too good to be lost, was that of Comrade Jolly JACK DONNELLY, who hav- ing ever been noted to be on the track of whiskey extray, succeeded in obtaining his full share during the night, re- turned to his tent, and laid down on the sward to rest sound- ly. which he must have secured, to all appearances, effec- tively; for, as soon as he was aroused and partially awake,
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he turned to Corporal KILLINGER and remarked, in igno- rance of the shower of rain that had fallen upon him : " Why, Corporal, the dew was very heavy last night, for just look how damp my overcoat is !" It is needless to say that Jack's remark engendered the risibility of his comrades present at the moment, though in a manner restrained, yet was none the less enjoyed.
In addition, at a later hour, the paymaster put in his ap- pearance and further cheered the boys by paying to each of them $25 government bounty, who at once proceeded with their greenbacks to the sutler's quarters, where a thriving trade was carried on for a few hours ; however, with bad re- sults, as some ate too many cakes, etc., and of course got sick. After which, at the usual time, we had brigade drill to our hearts' content; the Regiment then marched to Camp for supper ; but when, just as we got through with our coffee, an orderly from headquarters galloped into camp with orders "to strike tents, pack up, and be ready to move at a moment's notice !" We were then compelled to pitch about all night amid a heavy shower of rain, during which most of the boys got a regular, old-fashioned soaking ; but we, more lucky. managed to creep under the sutler's wagon, where we, like the farmer's fowls in the barn-yard, were in a manner protected.
DRYING SOAKED CLOTHING-TENTS REPITCHED.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1862 .- The weather was still wet and chilly this morning ; when, just as soon as day-light ap- peared, the first order of business among the boys who had been unfortunate enough to be the victims of last night's soaking, seemed to be taken hold of with a vim that charac- terized the receipt of strict orders for active duty from head- quarters; for large fires were burning briskly throughout the camp, and the wet clothing was being dried as rapidly as possible. The boys cared very little about results otherwise, , and complained considerably as to the situation, but were soon rendered more cheerful, as Colonel FRANKLIN sent
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orders "to repitch tents and make ourselves comfortable," which were quickly and gladly obeyed. The only other event of the day to record, was the report of Ist Sergeant JOHN A. TRISSLER on the sick list, unfit for duty, when 2d Sergeant GEO. F. SPRENGER was assigned to fill the position.
ARRIVAL OF MAIL-LANCASTRIANS IN CAMP.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1862 .- The weather to-day was warmer, and the boys were again spending their scrip at the sutler's quarters. The day was, however, generally observed in fixing up camp, arranging company streets, etc., after which a mail arrived bringing news and tidings from home and friends, proving quite a treat for the lucky ones, glad- dening their hearts and wreathing their faces with cheer, while those disappointed went off smiling the other way. The main event of this day -- one not to be soon forgotten by many of the boys_was the visit of STUART A. WYLIE, Esq., of the Lancaster Inquirer, JOHN NIXDORF, and several other Lancastrians, to our camp, who were entertained in the best manner possible, according to circumstances and situation, and who, before departing, expressed their delight and appreciation thereat, as well as being entrusted by the boys with a portion of their savings to take home to friends and relatives.
WEATHER UNPLEASANT-UNEVENTFUL DAY.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12. 1862 .- The condit i of the weather this morning was very unfavorable indeed-drizzling rain prevailing, and the atmosphere damp and chilly. The day was therefore spent quietly in bunks, reading, writing, sleeping-in fact, a day of general solitude and uneventful.
STROLL AFFORDED BORIS ETHAN ALLEN AND MARCY.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1862 .- Morning dawned clear and cool. with no special orders for the day's duty; therefore, most of Company K's boys embraced the opportunity of a
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stroll about the vicinity. They halted at Fort Ethan Allen, where they engaged the services of the tin-ferrotyper, who had there established his traveling gallery for a time. Their pictures were taken singly, in groups, etc., and by the way, their pet, Zouave Dick was not forgotten. Fort Ethan Allen was found to be a fine-looking earthwork, built upon an emi- nence, with rifle-pits in front and about it, and in command of the 4th N. Y. Artillery, supported by three regiments of infantry-the 126th and 129th P. V., and the 40th Mass. Vols. Our stroll continued to Fort Marcy, northwest from Fort Ethan Allen, which laid still higher, but had not yet been completed, as a laboring force of over 500 contra- bands was working upon it. It was surrounded by an abattis of forked and pointed felled trees, so as to impede the prog- ress of an attacking party, and gave every appearance that it was to be quite a formidable earthwork. We returned to camp, where, upon our arrival, orders were received for bri- gade guard-mount in the morning, after which all the men retired within tents for the night, without further incident or any other important event to report or note.
BRIGADE GUARD-MOUNT-COMFORTABLE QUARTERS.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1862 .- The weather was still bright and cool, with Company K again on the detail for brigade guard-mount. Our station was close by the Brigade guard-house, where the prisoners of the 86th Regiment, N. Y. V., were confined for court-martial. Our quarters were in a mud-plastered shanty, or log hut-quite comfortable though, as it contained a rude fire-place, wherein to cook our coffee, and furnished good and proper rest for the night. The day passed without important events to record, or inci- dents to relate.
$2 ENLISTMENT MONEY-DEATH OF A COMRADE.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1862 .- Morning appeared fine and clear. when we were relieved from guard duty, and the
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Regiment returned to camp. During the day we received / an additional $2 each-being the enlistment money promised us when we entered the Government service, and there be- ing no extra duty for the boys to do, they lounged about camp, wrote letters, cleaned guns, accoutrements, etc., and enjoyed comparative rest.
Another event to record for the day was that of the death of Private WILLIAM H. WEAVER, of Company B., which occurred at Washington D. C., yesterday, the advices of which, however, were not received until to-day.
COURT-MARTIAL OF THE 86THE NEW YORK BOYS-HEAVY RAIN.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1862 .- Fine weather still con- tinued. During the morning the court-martial for the trial of the 86th New York boys assembled at Brigade headquar- ters. The court was composed of seven Captains from the Brigade, and the charge was "found on picket-guard, with- out accoutrements, by General PIATT." Lieutenant SPRINGER and Sergeant SPRENGER, of Company K, 122d Regiment, P. V., received summons to attend as witnesses in the case. In the afternoon rigid drill was the order of duty at parade- ground, after which the Regiment marched back to camp. Immediately upon our arrival the order was given "to strike tents and be ready to move at a moment's notice;" but, while the order was being complied with, a heavy rain poured down upon us and continued in its fury all the night long. As might be expected, He was very little repose for the boys that night, and ther only enjoyed by those who were fortunate enough to obtain gum-blankets.
DRYING GARMENTS-LUDICROUS SCENE-ON THE MOVE !
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1862 .- We awoke to find that the rain had subsided, while the boys in general, who had been drenched to the skin, were engaged in building fires with commissary barrels, sutler's boxes, and other fire-wood, to dry their wet clothes ; whereupon many were the garments
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that suffered serious scorching, thereby producing considerable merriment during the early morning hours. One of the most ludicrous pictures presented was that of SAMMY STAPE, left general guide of Company K, with a tail of his over- coat burned off, and the seat of his trousers burned through in to the skin. Oh, how wretched he looked, indeed ! He de- served the pity of all, rather than the ridicule and merriment which was occasioned. At 9 o'clock, A. M., we were ordered to fall into line at once, and were soon again on the move toward Georgetown, D. C., opposite which city we arrived at II o'clock, P. M., and then retired to rest for the night.
CHAPTER VIII.
ON THE WAY TO MARYLAND-GREAT DELAY, INTOXICATION, AND DESERTION-SICK SET OF BOYS-INCIDENTS ALONG THE ROUTE, IN CAMP, AND ON THE FORAGE.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1862 .- Awaking from a re- freshing slumber of but a few hours, a good wash in the brook running down the hill-side was the first order of the morning, while time was afforded for a hasty visit to George- town to make sundry purchases. AAt II A. M., the Regiment was in line again, promptly to order, and ready to move. " Forward, march !" was the command along the entire line, and we moved through Georgetown and Washington cities to the Northern Central Railroad Depot, where a long train of stock cars were already in waiting to receive the human freight halted and in line before them. Considerable delay had been occasioned in procuring transportation, when most of the boys took advantage thereof by procuring canteens full of whiskey, and soon began to show the effects of im- bibing it. Finally about 4 P. M., "all aboard," we were conveyed toward and through Maryland, where considerable delay and trouble was had with the whiskey-drinking boys on the way, as several fights occurred. In one of the tussels, near Relay House Railroad Bridge, one of Company K's boys -LEWIS MCMINN-rolled out of the open car-door and down an embankment, but was not much hurt, as that was the last we saw of him. As the train was at a stand-still, with plenty of time to re-embark, and having knowledge of the country, he was declared a deserter. However, we were soon again on your way, and a sicker set of soldier boys
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huddled together we never saw before. It was very difficult, indeed, to obtain even a few hours of sleep.
POINT OF ROCKS AND BERLIN, MD., WITH INCIDENTS.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1862 .-- At an early hour this morn- ing the Regiment arrived at Point of Rocks, Md., where many of the boys found themselves minus a cap, knapsack, Overcoat, or some part of accoutrements. which during the night had fallen out of the cars on the way, while others suffered from severe headaches-the effects of yesterday's . carousal. Close by this station were encamped the 50th Regiment, P. V., besides (we were informed) a portion of General BUTLER's command. Directly opposite, too, were the famous Loudon Heights, Va., from where Colonel JOHN W. GEARY, of the 28th Regiment, P. V., with a section of artillery, by a night sortie, through the ruse of wrapping the wheels with straw to prevent all noise or sound of their ap- proach, attacked at daybreak and drove the rebels under General BRADLEY JOHNSON out of their position below the heights, and down the valley, some months previous to our arrival. After a halt of about an hour, the cars were again in motion in the direction of Harper's Ferry, Va., passing through the towns of Berlin, Knoxville, and Sandy Hook, Md., which we found, as we were allowed brief halts, to be miserable, dilapidated-looking villages.
At Berlin, the boys in general had the good fortune of time enough as well as satisfaction to secure their full share of pies and other dainties; for they were abundant, and they gladly took the advantage of the privileges. Here, too, an old farmer, who had just come into town, with a wagon full ` of poultry, potatoes, apples. and cider, drawn by an old skinny mule and a lame horse, was very speedily relieved of his load, was his sales were qmck, and the profits decidedly small ;" for he received little cash, and what he did not sell, was stolen-especially the poultry, which was carried off by the artillery boys of our Brigade. We here take pride in
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relating the fact, that both the boys of Company K, and also of the Regiment, won another feather for their prize-cap on this occasion, as none of them were engaged in that dis- reputable trade. Berlin was also the town where the JACK- SON RIFLES, under command of Captain H. A. HAMBRIGHT, in the early three-months campaign of the war, undertook a daring and successful exploit in crossing the bridge at night, thereby saving certain government stores from falling into possession of the enemy. We did not quite reach Harper's Ferry, when we were disembarked, formed into line, march- ed back through and to the rear of Knoxville, about a distance of three miles, into what was known as Pleasant Valley, Md., where we encamped for the night. Oh, how acceptable, too, was the rest ! for, after collecting plenty of dry grass to make comfortable beds we were soon enjoying good, sound sleep.
BOLIVAR HEIGHTS AND INCIDENT-FINE CAMP NEAR SHARPSBURGH AND ANTIETAM BATTLE-FIELD-LOYAL, UNION, FARMER- FRIEND-CAMP WHIPPLE.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1862 .- Morn dawned beautiful and clear, when we awoke to find evidence all around us that a very heavy dew had fallen during the night ; which, how- ever, soon died away through the hot, but softening rays of "Old Sol." To the southwest of us loomed up in full view South Mountain Ridge, where we could plainly discern Bolivar Heights, which, together with Maryland and Loudon Heights of the ridge, had been so ingloriously abandoned by Colonel D. S. MILES after repelling an attack of the enemy, and concentrating his force of 9,000 men at Harper's Ferry, thus allowing the enemy to occupy them and gain material advantage, although not victory, in the battles which subsequently occurred, for doing which he had no justifiable cause and was afterward deservedly censured.
We were then ordered to pack up, and were marched about a mile farther northwest, toward Sharpsburgh. where a
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thorough and regular camp was at once organized. The lo- cation for our camp there was a beautiful one, that of a long and wide grassy plain, as also rich, agricultural district, abounding in fruits, vegetables, provisions, etc., of which the boys were always able to secure and enjoy their full share.
We were also in full sight of the " Battle-field of the An- tietam," in the vicinity of Sharpsburgh, and not very far from that noted town. A large and very convenient farm- house close by, afforded as well as invited frequent visits from the boys, for the purpose of obtaining such luxuries as regular camp larder did not contain or provide. We soon found that its owner and occupant was a very peculiar and loquacious individual, as he did really entertain us with amusing relations of the fearful scenes and casualties incident to the battles in and about Sharpsburgh, of all which he was alone, the accurate eye witness (?). During our visits and con- versations, he never failed in endeavoring to impress upon our minds that he was, truly, a loyal Union man, by under- taking to describe how the entire rebel army could and should have been "bagged" after the " Antietam Battle," and seemed to lament the failure that it was not done (?). He told us (very confidentially) that the enemy were entirely out of supplies, even utterly demoralized, and that their only means of escape was through a certain mountain gap or pass, Crampton's Gap, which was very narrow and hard to get through, being the only one leading to this section ; also, that the "bagging" or capture was the easiest achievement of the war to have been effected, but failed only because our army did not be at the other end to intercept or head them off. [Here we paused a moment for contemplation, and re- lation is needless. ] However, we found our old farmer-friend disposed to be very generous and hospitable, without any of the least evidences of relaxation, as he provided us freely with such dainties as pumpkin-pie, apple-cake, palatable cider, apples, etc., through the hands of the ladies of the
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house ; that they all were stowed away into "our soldier- boy bread-baskets" with a relish transcendent, can be better imagined than related. In our adieux, too, we never failed to leave emphatic expressions of our appreciation of their kindness.
Our returns to camp were just in time to fall in for dress- parade, during which several orders were received and read. Our camp was then completed, christened CAMP WHIPPLE, in honor of Major-General WHIPPLE, commanding our Divi- sion, and wassituated near the town of Petersville, Frederick county, Md., on the property of a rank rebel-sympathizer, in whose dwelling were then lying three Confederate officers, seriously wounded. After the duties and adventures of the day, retirement with the view to blissful repose was our next desire as well as order of the day.
NEW GENERAL COMMANDING AND STAFF-FIRES BUILT-NUMEROUS VISITORS AND PLEASING CAMP LIFE.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1862 .- This morning was ushered in with the first appearance of our just newly self-appointed general-in-chief commanding-one then not readily to be dispensed with-" General Jack Frost," who hailed from the bracing and wholesome regions of the northwest, to regenerate and re-invigorate the boy's for the arduous duties thereafter to be met and done; and so unceremoniously, too, that he was accompanied with an unannounced and innumerable staff or retinue of brisk, cold. and severe winds, so violent as to strip many of our shabby tents of their covering and means of comfort-thus causing the boys to forage for wood, with which they built fires, and around which they clung on that occasion with that affection and tenacity that inspired the author of the poem :
" Cling to those who cling to you; Think how those who live apart, That sweet solace never knew Friendship sheds around the heart."
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To-day, Mr. HENRY FRANKE, one of Lancaster's noted brewers, paid our camp a visit, especially to look after the welfare of his son AUGUSTUS, then a member of Company B, of our Regiment. After being entertained as best we could, and having been shown around, he gave full expression to his appreciation of the discomforts of our soldier-boys by re- marking that " this beautiful, soft ground was so nice to lie down upon," and then bade us farewell.
We also received acceptable and welcome visits from the farmers of the vicinity, who brought into camp such mer- chandise, for sale among the boys, as pies, apples, cider, and vegetables, of which they were soon relieved. While the boys managed to get their full share of what they wanted, the poor farmer, however, we must admit, did not secure or get all his pay. Full dress-parade was again the order of the day, after which a list for detail to-morrow was furnished and announced, when, as the hour of taps was being beaten, all were quickly rolled up between blankets and very comfortably at rest.
SEVERE WEATHER AND DISCOMFORTS.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1862 .- The cold and bluster- ing winds which we yesternight experienced, prevailed again this morning and to-day, but with still greater severity- yea, to say ferocity even is mild; for fires were only kindled for our necessary cooking purposes, as warmth and comfort thereby were quite out of the question. The Regiment in general observed the day as one of rest, mending clothing. etc .; therefore, no event occurred worthy of record.
COMFORTABLE BUNKS -- REBEL SPIES CAPTURED -- FINE DRILL AND DRESS-PARADE AT CAMP WHIPPLE.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1862 .- The weather to-day was yet raw and cold-therefore, we gladly embraced the privi- lege presented -- that of the early morning hours, in gather- ing the dry grass, which we found very abundant in the
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fields around and about us, therewith providing our bunks, and furnishing much better, besides softer bedding than we had had since our first entry into the service, adding greatly, of course, to our comfort. Our camp, then, was becoming more " home-like," and had assumed the appearance of an established institution for winter-quarters, as we were daily visited by numerous hucksters or venders of fruit, pies, milk, cider, etc .; in short, all that we could wish for, to ap- pease or satiate our palates.
The event of mid-day to record, was that of the arrest of several unexpected visitors and prowlers about camp, who were suspected to be Confederate spies-one of whom was said to be a relative of General ROBERT E. LEE. During the afternoon regimental drill and dress-parade were the orders of duty observed, which were kept up until the eve- ning hours. The Regiment throughout, too, was highly complimented from every quarter where spectators were assembled, as having on this occasion furnished one of the finest displays and most satisfactory efforts ever before wit- nessed in this line of military service. At dress-parade several orders were again received and read, from which we were made to understand what we had to expect and had to do to-morrow-regular and rigid brigade drill ; after which all went for the supper of good coffee, hard tack and meat, and enjoyed it, indeed, with keen relish. Company K's boys, then, before retiring for the night, enlivened their end of the camp with their ever popular songs until the hour for- taps arrived, when all went to rest very quickly, huddled up together within their little shelter tents.
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CHAPTER IX.
DIVISION DRILL AND REVIEW-COMPOSITION OF THE DIVISION- AGAIN ON THE MOVE AMID INTENSE DARKNESS -- HEIGHTS ABOUT HARPER'S FERRY, VA., AND BRILLIANT SCENERY.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1862 .- This day's dawn was very beautiful and clear, but withal very cold. Company K was ordered out this morning for drill, in which the boys acquitted themselves with the usual merit of " well-done !" After a substantial dinner of bean-soup, hard-tack, etc., the Regi- ment was formed into line for brigade and division drill, was marched some distance from Camp Whipple, and manceu- vred, upon large open fields, in and through all the intri- cate and various movements pertaining thereto, together with other regiments, etc. The passage of the Division in review before our generals commanding. presented a grand and imposing sight ; therefore, we feel justified in recording the special mention of its composition and construction, viz : Ist Brigade-122d Regiment, P. V., 86th and 124th Regi- ments, N. Y. V., and Battery H, Ist Ohio Artillery, under command of Brigadier-General A. S. PIATT; 2d Brigade- 84th and roth Regiments, P. V., 163d Regiment, N. Y. V., 12th Regiment, N. H. V., and Battery B, 11th N. Y. Light Artillery, under command of Acting Brigadier-General ROBERT CARROLL-our present temporary Division and yet only a sub-division, under command of Major-General A. W. WHIPPLE. U. S. A.
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