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 6
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After passing in review we were halted and commanded to stack arms, while the General and Field Officers held a consultation ; however, we were soon again in line, and marched to camp, arriving at dusk. Supper had just been
PHOTO E
HARPER'S FERRY FROM LOUDON, BOLIVAR, AND MARYLAND HEIGHTS.
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over, and we were ready to go to rest for the night, when very suddenly an orderly rode up to Regimental headquar- ters with important instructions. Immediately the long roll was heard throughout camp, while Colonel FRANKLIN or- dered the boys "to pack up and fall into line at once." It was then 9 o'clock, with the night intensely dark ; yet the Regiment was promptly in line, and on the move toward Berlin. The road proved to be long and very winding, and as we passed through Petersville, Md., about midnight, we greatly alarmed the inhabitants. As we continued our march and approached the Potomac River, we obtained glimpses, with finally full views, of the several important defensive points and heights about Harper's Ferry, which at this time and occasion were beautifully and brilliantly illuminated from base to top by the numerous camp-fires which were kept blazing thereon during the night and early morning hours. This truly presented a scene of grandeur and beauty-the portrayal and description of which will require both the pen- cil, the palette, and the easel of the painter-artist, as well as the sublime, imaginary, and expressive flights of the poet- laureate, to do the same full justice-a task for which we are unable, even to express our admiration and appreciation of those brilliant views, never to be forgotten. Yet these heights, as heretofore related, had been abandoned, not long since, through the bad generalship of Colonel MILES, who finally, too, to add to the depth of his ignominy, surrendered his whole command at Harper's Ferry to a comparatively small force of the enemy. We finally arrived at Berlin, but long after midnight, when we sank down upon the sward, rather exhausted, to get some rest, and abide our time and turn to cross the Potomac in the morning.
AMIDST A VAST ARMY-SICK MEN LEFT BEHIND-TOWNS OF THE VICINITY-HARPER'S FERRY, VA.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1862 .- This morning we arose from our beds on the bare, damp sward, (though, neverthe-
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less, we had enjoyed quite a refreshing sleep,) to find our- selves in the midst of a vast army. Directly in front of us flowed the famous Potomac, while the Pioneer Corps men were busily engaged in constructing the pontoon bridges over which the army was to cross into Virginia. Here all our sick and disabled soldiers were ordered to remain until trans- portation could be furnished to convey them to the rear ; therefore, Company K left behind Corporal JACOB BOAS, Privates DAVID ERISMAN, JACOB BERTZ, ANDREW METZGER, and several others, as its quota who were unable to stand or make the march into Virginia. To the right of us were the towns of Knoxville, Sandy Hook, Md., and Harper's Ferry, Va., which had already been rendered famous in the annals of the war during the three months early campaign. Har- per's Ferry, like the other towns as heretofore described, pre- sented a most wretched appearance, the houses being dirty, tumble-down, dingy-looking holes, whilst the scenery sur- rounding was magnificent and picturesque-romantic even, indeed. We were kept, however, on the Maryland side, where we put up our shelter tents for the night and enjoyed another good night's rest in " My Maryland."
MARCH AMID HEAVY RAIN-AGAIN IN VIRGINIA-LOUDON COUNTY -FORAGING EXPEDITIONS IN ORDER.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1862 .- We awoke this morning to find it raining ; nevertheless, we were in the dry, under our gum-blankets and within shelter tents, watching the move- ments of the troops across and in crossing the Potomac, and therefore cared very little whether the sun shone or not. But, when the hour of 2 P. M. arrived, then our turn came too, whether any of us cared or not ; for we were ordered into line, were on the move, and soon had crossed the pon- toons into Loudon County, Va., while the rain poured down, almost in torrents. We were marched about eight miles, to the right of Lovettsville, an ancient and small town, and then halted in a large field, where we pitched tents for the night.
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122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
Although it was still raining, a foraging expedition by Com- pany K's boys, being always in order, especially where the country surrounding abounded with forage, was the next event for the day. The boys returned after a very brief absence with not only pockets and haversacks, but also blan- kets full of apples, potatoes, turnips, and all the other good things that the rich county of Loudon afforded, which were soon made ready for our mastication, and eaten with decided relish ; after which we bivouacked for the night, as best we could, in the wet grass, with the rain still pouring down.
FORAGING AGAINST ORDERS-FRUIT, CHICKENS AND PIGS AMONG THE TROPHIES OF THE NIGHT.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1862 .- The rain continued this morning as heavily as yesterday, with an additional and un- welcome accompaniment of cold blustering winds, driving the rain into our faces. However, about ro o'clock, the rain ceased, when the boys at once began quite lively in tearing down fences and building fires : whereupon Colonel FRANKLIN had his hands full, to use a figurative expression, in endeavoring to restrain the boys from destroying fences, etc., (as this section was supposed or surmised to be a Union region,) and therefore issued a strict order forbidding all further depredations. As there was no woodland close by, and the boys had soaking wet clothes to dry, you may surely hazard a bet as to the obedience of such an order ; for, the rumor then soon spread that the boys of Company K were still stealing rails, as all their large bonfires fully attested. A camp guard was put on duty as the next order, but the foraging went on, nevertheless, as the boys managed to get in without detection., bringing along the finest fruits, such as apples, pears, peaches, etc., as also plenty of vegetables ; chickens, too, were attendons, while a few young pigs were also among the trophies of this night's forage-satisfying us all very favorably that Loudon County was really rich in agricultural resources, and serving to remind us very forcibly
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of our own dear, old, fertile Lancaster County. With properly satiated appetites, besides our larder made replete for several repasts in the future, we then gladly retired to rest and dream of the grand feasts to be had on the morrow.
SIGHT OF THE ARMY IN MOTION-ARRESTS FOR MILKING COWS.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1862 .- The weather to-day, we are happy to record, was bright and fine. Troops were con- stantly passing southward, while the Telegraph Corps were putting up their wires. Here was presented quite a busy and novel sight-that of the entire army in motion, as regi- ment, brigade, division, and corps, in proper order, turned into line. The purpose of this movement was to follow up the retreat of Generals LEE and STONEWALL JACKSON. AS our Division was not attached to any of the advance corps, we were, to-day, having brigade drill under General PIATT, during which the General despatched one of his staff officers with instructions to arrest a Lieutenant and several privates of the 12th N. H. V., who were out on the farmers' premises milking cows, and filling their tin-cups as well as canteens. He relieved the officer of his sword, sending both him and the privates to their regiment under guard. After a few hours of active drill we returned to our camp, partook freely of what our larder provided, besides hard tack and coffee, and turned in again for a night of good repose.
VISIT TO PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CORPS-MAJOR-GENERAL A. E. DUANSIDE.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1862 .- Weather continued fine, while troops were still crossing the river and moving forward. To-day we had the pleasure of paying a visit to the Pennsyl- vania Reserve Corps, who had just halted close by us for a short time. The Ist Regiment, P. V. R., being largely composed of Lancaster men, we had a general conversation with them, which we heartily enjoyed and appreciated. They gave every appearance and evidence of those who
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were justly deserving of the title already awarded them- that of veterans; for, nevertheless, the many privations and sufferings endured, the hard-fought battles and victories won, as well as some defeats and disasters which they had sustained, they were ever and just as ready for another brush with the enemy. Here, also, with them was Major-General AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE, then in command of the corps, who, to one unacquainted with him, would have passed more likely for a brigade teamster or wagon-master, attired in his old blouse, checkered shirt, and slouch hat, rather than the gallant General he was known to be. His presence, however, in- spired the men with confidence, as well as admiration for him ; for, as he passed along their line, although under pro- test, their loud outbursts of applause were given, and heard throughout the camps, in attestation thereof, notwithstand- ing all demonstrations of that kind had been specially and strictly forbidden at that time. In the afternoon we again had brigade drill, during which our Regiment received or- ders " to be ready for another move at a moment's notice." Another event to be recorded for the day, was that of the death of Private PHILIP H. DORWART, of Company D. which was somewhat sudden, or rather unexpected, and occurred at Lovettsville, Va., to-day, whither he had been conveyed from camp when taken ill. After the usual supper, " taps " and " to roost," to think of what the morrow might bring forth, were next in order.
SKIRMISHING REPORTED-THE CIDER FOUNDRY AND INCIDENT.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1862 .- Day dawned beautiful and bright, with our army still on the grand move. Our Regiment, at an early hour of the morning, was ordered to "strike tents. be ready to fall in, and move off with the army." We promptly complied with the order, and left camp about 9 o'clock A. M., marching through the town of Lovettsville to the main road leading towards Leesburg, fall- ing in with the grand army preceding, passing through the
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towns of Wheatland and Fillmore, and arriving at Hills- borough, where our Division and Corps were halted-but for a few moments only, as they were again rapidly marched off to the right of the town, owing to the report of considerable skirmishing then in progress on our front, in the vicinity of Snicker's Gap. While we were engaged in pitching our tents, General BURNSIDE rode along our line on his way to the front.
Hillsborough was a small town on the hillside, about the size of Neffsville, (or as it is more commonly known-" Fid- dler's Green,") in our own native county of Lancaster, Pa. The houses of this town, though, were built of gray stone, which was there abundant. The country surrounding it was rich and fertile in agricultural resources, as fruits, vegetables, etc., were freely and readily obtained, with the evidences all around of being very plenty. An apple-orchard close by, with a " cider foundry " in full blast, or operation, was soon discovered and proved to be one of the greatest attractions of the day, for the boys of Company K especially, as well as of the Regiment in general, did not fail to secure their fill, besides canteens full for on the march. Here we heard an incident worthy of relating : That, just a day or two previous, the cavalry forces of our enemy-" the Johnnies" -were enjoying the same hospitality and other privileges, when they were bounced or chased away by the sudden ap- pearance of General PLEASANTON'S N. J. Cavalry Brigade- a reception they did not bargain for, and a festivity that was unkindly, ungenially, frightfully interrupted, as well as briefly cut short. Our night quarters were located on the rocky side of a ridge, with not even level space two feet square to lie down upon, to rest our weary bones. However, we made the best of it for the night, under the circumstances.
HOSPITABLY ENTERTAINED BY A PRETTY VIRGINIA LASSIE.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1862 .- Day dawned beautifully, clear and calm, with the Regiment still lying at Hillsborough.
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awaiting orders to move, when we put in the leisure hours to make out regular muster-rolls for to-day's duty. Several of the boys had the good luck to obtain a pass (bogus, how- ever,) with which to warrant a stroll through and about the town of Hillsborough, as well as general vicinity. The or- chard and cider-mill were not forgotten on our visiting tour, whose products amply and appreciatively supplied us. Our next venture-a very inviting farm-house loomed up suddenly . before our view, as we proceeded on our stroll, with the additional attraction in the doorway of a pretty, smiling, Virginia lassie, where, with the hope of hospitality, as well as to find friends, we were not disappointed in paying our calls and compliments: for we were readily supplied. and freely too, with good, rich milk, as well as pies, all of which were soon stowed away to the relish of the inner man. Pri- vate BILLY GOMPF, however, being known as a good judge of that specialty of dessert at home, after eating and partak- ing of the pies set before us, announced very freely, his opinion, which was " that these apple-pies were all right and palatable, save the shortening, which he knew was put in crosswise ;" however, they must have tasted all the better, as he managed to secure his full share, and we did not care, while we were being so kindly waited upon, yet so cleverly entertained in social chat by the accomplished young sweet- heart of some one, who was just then, no doubt, very regret- fully her absent rebel beau. After bidding our fair hostess adieux in general, we returned to camp to find that Com- pany and Regimental inspection had been the orders of the day-which we had missed and were therein exceedingly well satisfied, as " circumstances invariably altered cases." The supply of rations furnished by the Commissary for sup- per. although being small. however proved sufficient ; for we, satiate with the day's enjoyment, entertainment and re- freshment, as well as intuition of affairs, retired to rest be- neath the shelter of our "dog-houses."
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ADDITIONS TO SICK LIST-CRITICAL INSPECTION.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1862 .- Weather continued fine, with the Regiment remaining in camp. To-day we were in receipt of some new clothing, which, being very essential, proved as pleasing as acceptable. Our only other event of the day, so far to record, was that Privates JOHN R. JOHN- soy (detailed as teamster), and CosMos GORMLEY, of Com- pany K, were reported on the sick list ; yet, being in what may be properly termed a serious stage of illness, they would not consent to being conveyed to the hospital. In the after- noon each company underwent a very critical inspection as to condition of arms and accoutrements by Captain VAN DORN, Inspector-General of Major-General WHIPPLE's staff, who ordered " all rejected guns to be reported and returned to the Colonel of the Regiment, as well as to General PIATT; also, that those men in whose possession they were found, should be reported for and receive the proper punishment, in accordance with army regulations."
MARCH TO SNICKER'S GAP-INCIDENT AND EXPERIENCE.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1862 .- We were aroused, this morning, while enjoying sweet repose in the arms of Mor- pheus, by the sudden and hasty orders " to pack up and be in readiness to move." All was then bustle and confusion ; however, we were soon in line, but very regretfully left Camp Hillsborough, about 10 o'clock, on the rapid march farther south. We moved through the town of Calhoun. crossed several small streams, passed by numerous mills and farm-houses on our long, circuitous march, slackening our pace from time to time. AAs we crossed the streams, too, the infantry firing, as well as that of the heavy artillery, going on in our front, could be distinctly heard and the orderlies plainly discerned as they rode to and fro along our lines. hurrying up the various commands, so that they could par- ticipate in the contemplated attack upon the enemy, who
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were then reported as strongly entrenched at Snicker's Gap. Dusk had already approached, when our Brigade was formed into line of battle in a cornfield, to the left of the pass and road, where we awaited further orders ; how- ever, as night came on the firing ceased, whereupon, there then began a forced march of some twenty Virginia miles, measured, " we reckon," according to the calculation made and solution given of the problem or query proposed by Private HENRY FORREST to an old darkey on the way. The problem was: "Hello, Sambo, how far is it to Snickers- ville?" The solution was: " Well, massa, hit is just 'bout two sights, and a right smart gitt," and we all found it to be the longest three miles (as one other gave it, ) we ever traveled in our life or experience. However we kept on, until fa- tigued we sank down to rest on the bare sward again, while our exhausted pickets in front paced to and fro in keeping of the quiet vigils of the night.
AT SNICKER'S GAP-MARCH TO BLOOMFIELD .. -
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1862 .- This morning at day- break, and weather fine, we were again on the march to- ward the front, and placed in position behind a stone fence facing Snicker's Gap, from which position the enemy had been driven but yesterday. We held this position until mid- day, when reports were received that the enemy were en- deavoring to make several flank movements. and we were moved about six miles farther forward, near the town of Bloomfield, where we were informed General MCCLELLAN had his headquarters. It was then already dark, when our entire command, comprising Brigade, Division, as well as Corps, was filed off into a field and quartered for the night.
LONELY NIGHT SCENE AND INCIDENTS AT RESERVE STATION- ROYAL REPAST ON FRESH PORK AND MUTTON.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1862 .- Day dawned upon us finely,
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clear, and warm. About 9 o'clock, A. m., we were again moved forward in pursuit of the retreating enemy, taking the road toward Upperville. We found all the roads very dusty ; indeed, experienced many discomforts therefrom, and arrived at Upperville about 5 P. M. On the route the men had the good luck to make several captures, consisting of such pleasing luxuries as poultry, vegetables, and fruits, with the latter of which we did not fail to appease our appe tites and regale our parched throats along the dusty march. Upperville was located along the main pike or Piedmont road, (the dwellings being, in the main, weather-boarded, frame structures, ) and was surrounded by a fine agricultural district.
The special order this afternoon, (as Company K had been detailed during the day for rear-guard, to the wagon- train,) we found upon our arrival to be " Brigade to go on picket duty ;" therefore, Company K was then moved to the front of the picket-line, adjoining the post of Company B, of 124th . N. Y. V. Lieutenant D. K. SPRINGER, of Com- pany K, was assigned to the charge of the reserves, who had been stationed some distance to the rear of the main line, in a ravine, along the hillside. It was then night; but, those almost whispered expressions, which we next heard, simultan- eously on either side of us-" Oh, how lovely !" " How beautiful ! "-did and can not serve to convey or portray our appreciative description of the scene before us : there- fore, we invoke the aid of the cantatrice who first sang that familiar and fitting ballad :
"'Tis midnight hour, the moon shines bright ; And the dew-drops blaze beneath her ray ; The twinkling stars, their trembling light, Like beauty's eyes display."
It was a night truly as picturesque as that delineated in the stanza above; for it afforded the most favorable oppor- tunity that could be conceived of. or presented for the enjoyment of a grand. successful forage-that such an expedi-
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tion was speedily formed, needs neither surmise nor doubt. We therefore relate : The first incident of the night was the capture of an old sow and her brood of nine young pigs, which had been endeavoring to obtain a safe and secure post by nestling in among the leaves and blackberry brambles of the woodland directly behind the stone fence, not far distant from picket-line, by the boys of the 124th N. Y. V., and Company K, 122d P. V., jointly, who were wide awake and on the alert. What a grand feast was in store : We could only imagine and contemplate how the sight would make the "mouths of our superior officers water " for a share at this time. No sooner contemplated, however, than it was inaugurated : for a camp kettle was hung over the brisk fire and the butchering began-and that, too, with a caution to all standing in close proximity. The Belgian sabres of the N. Y. boys, together with the Springfield bay- onets of our boys, made quick but sure work (and without any degree of delicacy manifested) of the poor swine, pre- pared them for the kettle, which hung in the hollow at reserve station, and were soon cooking-flank, teats, and all.
But, in the meanwhile. lo! and behold ye !- another quarter was heard from-the main picket-line, where our boys were on duty, and ever on the watch ; for they detected several of the 12th N. H. boys trying to enter our line, each having a finely dressed sheep slung over their shoulders ; and, accordingly, as true soldiers would do. halted them ! After due and what seemed proper explanation of their pred- atory excursion beyond, as well as bold and hazardous attempt to steal through our lines, they were allowed to go on their way-rejoicing, will we say? No, not until they were compelled to surrender a half of each lamb, as a for- feit. to the boys of Company K, and their penalty for the night's adventure. This constituted incident number two.
Then the boys were in great glee, because they had before them all that was desired, not only for a royal, but also a most delicious feast ; and then not alone for the night. but
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for meals to follow. A second fire was then kindled, a second kettle hung over it, while very soon the mutton was properly placed into it, and stewing for our night's grand feast. As some considerable time had then elapsed since the boys had enjoyed the taste of fresh meat, language is inad- equate to express the keen relish with which they devoured the delicious mutton as well as elegant sweet pork-the latter rather too sweet for most of the boys, as subsequent occur- rences furnished sufficient evidences. However, we were lucky enough to have a little salt and hard tack left among us, consequently faring and enjoying this luscious repast much better. There being but twelve of us, with Lieutenant SPRINGER in charge at reserve station, we were not unmind- ful of our comrades ; for, after filling our haversacks for the morrow, we managed to convey and supply them all along the line with a generous share-thereby serving to gladden their hearts as well as fill their contracted bellies. We then had fresh meat for several days, and that we were not a very little envied by some of our less fortunate comrades of other companies may be surmised. So, with incident number three we close for this night, and thus end the chapter.
MAJOR-GENERAL AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE.
CHAPTER X.
STILL ON THE MOVE-ROUGH VIRGINIA PIKE-SAD EXPERIENCES FROM THE FORCED MARCH-SYMPATHY OF GENERAL MCCLELLAN- RELIEF TO STh PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY-MAJOR- GENERAL A. E. BURNSIDE IN COMMAND.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1862 .- Dawn appeared bright- ly as we awoke, with the army being pushed rapidly forward, toward Piedmont and Manassas Gap, in pursuit of the re- treating enemy, over one of the roughest roads, we believe, to be found upon the earth, called a Virginia pike, and composed of all kinds as well as sizes of stones, not even ex- cepting boulders, which had been dumped from the adjoin- ing fields as they were plowed up to the surface out of this stony region. The marching of the troops and the pulling by the teams were rendered very laborious indeed; inso- much, that very numerous were they who fell out of line and straggled by the way, through the roughness of this road, while many others were so disabled through foot-sores occasioned, as to cause them to drop out, halt and rest by the wayside- though the officers of companies had re- ceived strict or ters not to allow any straggling or falling out of their lines of command, even on account of sickness, without a written permit.
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It was the misfortune of myself, the recorder of the facts, trials, sufferings, difficulties, and incidents which are com- prised in this volume of historical sketches, with several others, to be compelled to drop out on the wayside, as we could proceed no farther on account of the foot-sores occa- sioned, by this long, rough, forced march. As we were
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