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 7
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about removing our shoes, opening the smarting blisters, soothing the soreness of our feet as best we could, we were suddenly surprised by the appearance of Generals MCCLEL- LAN, BURNSIDE, and their respective staffs, who were rapidly riding by and along to the front. However, General Mc- CLELLAN, perceiving our condition, as well as our readiness to get up and start, at once checked and reined up his steed or charger, stopping long enough to express his sympathy with us as to our condition ; also addressed such words of encouragement and inspiration that impelled us again to re- sume our march, at the same time intimating his great regret that circumstances were such as to compel him to push-yea, force us forward over the rugged roads so hastily and roughly, with other words to the same effect, while the rest of the escort went riding by without even deigning to scarcely turn their heads. As "LITTLE MAC,"-the title by which he was best known among the veterans of the army of the Potomac -- was about to leave us, a spontaneous and universal thrill of appreciation thereof, as well as admiration for him, per- vaded our hearts and nerves, occasioning the most enthusiastic cheers we were able to give, in greeting to our old com- mander, as he was then termed, in tones that resounded until he had disappeared in the distance. We got up at once and trudged along for some distance, when we were com- pelled to again give out and seek the comforts of ambulances; however, we soon arrived at a halting place, and how wel- come it was greeted as well as appreciated.
Our halt was near Piedmont Station, it being about 5 o'clock, P. M., when we were ordered to "unsling Enap- sacks," which were left in charge of a guard composedI sick and disabled soldiers; after which, we were ordered and pushed forward toward Manassas Gap. Disabled and sore as we were, this sight we could not withstand-that of our Company on the march without us along-so we put our knapsacks with the rest, and followed after our command, to join in any engagements that might occur.
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We marched through Morgan Station, Peterstown. and Grubbstown, halting close by the latter place about 9 or 10 o'clock, P. M. Here the Sth Pennsylvania Cavalry were dis- mounted and thrown forward as skirmishers. while a field bat- tery of four pieces of the 11th N. Y. Artillery, was posted upon an eminence to the right and left of the road. Our Regiment was then marched into a cornfield to the right of the road, up a hill, and assigned position. Company K was ordered to advance forward as skirmishers to relieve the Sth Pennsylvania Cavalry, as an attack was almost momentarily expected from the enemy. It was then midnight, dark and stormy, when noises such as the moving of horses and men in our front, were distinctly heard for a couple of hours ; how- ever, as the noises died away, we were drawn in again, be- sides being allowed to seek snelter and rest amid the corn- shocks from the rough winds that prevailed during the night. It soon began raining, too, to add to our discomforts, where- by we received a cool ducking ; nevertheless, worn down from our severe and forced marching, we managed to secure some little sleep, for which we were indeed very glad and grateful.
SURPRISE OF REBEL CAVALRYMEN-CAPTURE OF HORSES, ETC .- DISAPPOINTMENT -- SEIZURE OF WHITE OXEN.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1862 .- We were again aroused at daybreak, and advanced four miles farther toward Ma- nassas Gap, where our Brigade was halted and formed in line of battle across a gap or ravine, in support of two sec -. tions of artillery already in position-one on the right and the other on the left eminences. Companies B and K were then thrown out as skirmishers along the hillsides, even ascending to the tops, where Company K surprised a party of rebel cavalrymen in a thicket, near a house, capturing their horses, while they themselves escaped on foot through the bushes, with a good volley from six Springfield muskets accompany- ing them. The trophies for our boys on this occasion were four cavalry horses -- three with saddles and sabres, and one
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with an old style saddle-bags across the back. The inquisi- tive nature of our boys caused an immediate inspection of the contents of the saddle-bags, which were only the private effects of the owner, such as photographs, letters from home, etc., and were quickly divided among the victors. The horses, too, were soon mounted by "Dutchy" YOUNG, JOHNNY KANE, WASH POTTS, our drummer, and Lieutenant SPRINGER, who, as they returned from the skirmish line. on their way to our Colonel and Regimental headquarters, were met by an orderly, sent by General A. S. PIATT, with peremptory orders to report to himself, and by whom they were very reluctantly relieved of their capture-greatly, too. as may be imagined, to their disgust and chagrin ; for, the boys of Company K had just begun to feel themselves per- fectly elated over this, their first achievement on the skirmish line, as well as having anticipated the honor which would have been awarded to them, and the greeting with which they would have been received at their own Regimental headquarters; therefore, after their hazardous adventure, it is not to be wondered at, that their pride was unjustly and deeply wounded.
It was then already 4 o'clock, P. M., when, the enemy not being found in any considerable force, we were ordered to return to camp, with Company K again detailed as rear guard. As our boys, then on the way back, were on the look out for anything which might be worth taking along, so they did not proceed far before the opportunity presented itself; for, suddenly, PHARES PENCE, HENRY FISHER, and JOHNNY WEIDEE discovered a yoke of plump, beautiful white oxen standing near a small stable in a farm-yard. They at once concluded to take them along, and soon two of the boys-WASH. PorTs and JOHNNY WILEY-were perched upon the backs of the oven. while the others helped to drive them along to camp. where we arrived at to o'clock at night. As it was our luck to get all the guard, extra, and skirmish duty on these forced marches, wherein, too, Company K
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succeeded in crowning her boys, not only with glory and de- light, but also fun and adventure-notwithstanding the ac- companying drawbacks of disappointment, fatigue, and suf- fering-we retired early to rest, while serene and pleasant were our dreams as well as slumbers during the night.
WHITE OX-FEAST AND INCIDENT-ON THE WRONG ROAD, ETC .- THE HAY-FORAGERS ORDERED TO DESIST.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1862 .-- We awoke this morning with the first snow of the season at our feet, besides the weather cold and windy. There being no other special order before us for the day, our attention was directed to the yoke of white oxen which had been tied to a stake in the ground dur- ing the night, where they rested and had time to cool off for the slaughter contemplated, which then constituted the most important feature of the day. Company K had the good luck to possess a practical butcher within its ranks, in the person of Sergeant JOHN A. TRISSLER, who at once pro- ceeded to dispatch one of the oxen, although it was con- sidered a pity to kill it ; but the best use for Company K to make of it, was soon decided -- that it should be divided among the boys. Our butcher, in first-class style, soon had the ox dressed, cut up in nice boiling pieces, as well as sliced - in luscious, round steaks-the boys receiving their respective shares, while the Regimental officers were not forgotten in the distribution; for, a pair of the choicest round steaks were selected and sent to Colonel FRANKLIN, who, very wrathy, peremptorily returned them through his cook, WIL .- LIAM BUTLER, because he had received strict orders not to allow any depredations of that kind to be made upon the premises of the private citizens of that section by his com- mand.
However, a portion of the steaks were eventually conveyed and secreted into the " bread basket, underneath his vest," by means of a very clever ruse-always proper and in order in military service-perpetrated by Major THADDEUS STE-
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VENS, JR., who called, accepted the very identical steaks, and had BILL BUTLER to cook as well as serve them up at the Colonel's mess-board ; but, not until they had been devoured as well as praised for the regalement, flavor, etc., afforded, did our jolly Major explain how and where they were ob- tained, thus creating an occasion for general jest or merri- ment, greatly to the chagrin and surprise of our hitherto good-natured Colonel. About the time, too, that the steaks, etc., were divided, along came the farmer and owner of the oxen, who stood before us and cried at his loss-" the finest yoke of oxen ever seen together"-but of such were the misfortunes and the course of war; however, the boys, through motives of pity and sympathy, by way of partial recompense, allowed him to take along home the remaining one. Our beef was then cooked in the camp kettle and divided out among the boys proportionately, who did ample justice to the welcome morsels, for such they proved to be on this occasion.
Our next duty, for the balance of the day, was the clean- ing up of guns, accoutrements, etc., during which, about 4 o'clock p. M., we received the order " to fall in and move off," which was immediately obeyed. We then marched directly south, about eight miles, but by some mistake or blunder got on the wrong road. We were then halted about 9 o'clock at night, and moved into an open field close by a farm-house, where the barn and hay-mow of which were soon discovered. Easy access thereto was afforded, whereupon they were quickly emptied of their contents, which provided good soft beds for the night. As we were removing the hay, however, one of General PIATT's aid-de- camps rode up to the barn, ordered the boys to desist, and sent a message to the Colonel, "that the General insisted upon the arrest of all his men who dared to take and carry away any more hay." As this order was promptly issued, although not strictly enforced, by our clever Colonel, the boys finished their labors, and enjoyed sweet, sound sleep on soft hay-beds.
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122d Regiment Penn'a Volunteers.
CAMP NEAR ORLEANS-CREEK LAUNDRY AND BATH-VACATED REBEL CAMP, ETC.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER, 8, 1862 .- After a very refreshing sleep on our soft, somewhat downy beds of confiscated hay, we awoke about 6 o'clock this morning, when our hastily prepared and improvised breakfast was partaken of, and en- joyed with decided gusto. An order was then received to again fall in, which, although at once obeyed, showed great reluc- tance on account of the comfortable quarters then provided and being enjoyed. However, about 8 o'clock, we were on the march again, this time striking the proper road toward Warrenton ; whereupor, after proceeding about ten miles, we were halted near a small town named Orleans. "Unsling knapsacks!" and "form Regimental camp!" were our next orders, and proved glad tidings to the boys; for, as hereto- fore, within the past few days, we had expected our halt or stay to be of very short duration.
Our camp was beautifully situated on sloping, yet level, ground, with a fine little creek of water running below, which was very convenient and well-calculated for the com- forts we needed, sought, and desired. Our dirty shirts and other disordered wearing apparel were then subjected to a most rigid examination-especially in search of the prover- bial " gray-backs," after which a general bath in the creek was next in order. Close by, too, were the remains of a re- cently deserted or vacated rebel camp, which afforded a stroll through and about it, as well as a general stir among the debris for relics, although our search was rewarded with very little for our efforts and curiosity. We evidently struck the former site of some rebel General's headquarters, as we found part of a muster-roll, containing the names of division and brigade officers thereon, specifying the Department of Northern Virginia, and also the names of Colonels of Vir- ginia, North Carolina and Georgia regiments. Also parts of a doughy biscuit, which seemed much worse and less pal-
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atable than our own hard tack, upon which the heroes and sons of the "F. F. V's" had been, very undoubtedly, exer- cising and breaking their teeth. Having satisfied our curiosity. we returned to our camp in time to pitch tents, were soon occupying our quarters, having our good cups of coffee with hard tack, and enjoying our much needed rest for the night.
REGULAR SUNDAY MORNING INSPECTION, ETC.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1862 .- This morning's dawn opened upon our camp brightly and warmly, besides finding the boys all in the best of spirits. Cleaning up for regular Sabbath inspection was then our next order and duty ; after which we had Company drill upon the fine, grassy parade- ground in this vicinity, during which every member did so well that universal commendation was awarded. Announce- ments for 'the afternoon, as events, were the deaths of two Regimental comrades-those of Privates JOSEPH H. READ- MAN, of Company G, and BENJAMIN MCCOMSEY, of Compa- ny D, both of which occurred in hospital at Berlin, Md., the former expiring on the 3d and the latter on the 7th inst. In the afternoon, rather evening, dress-parade was the order in which every soldier appeared clean, neat, in trim, and refreshed. Without further event the day passed very pleasantly.
SCARCITY OF HARD TACK-REGIMENTAL INSPECTION.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1862 .- The weather was still very fine. Having been short of regular rations for some days, a requisition of crackers was received to-day, and was then being divided. Oh, how we welcomed them ! Many and varied, too, were the uses they were put to-some of the boys were soaking them, while others were cooking them in their cups, or frying them. as they said, "to stretch them out." They were, on this occasion, at least more relished. as well as tasted better by far, than all the slices of pound cake ever eaten at home.
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Regimental inspection was then ordered, and conducted by General PIATT to his very evident and entire satisfaction, as all the officers and men looked their best, having uniforms, brasses, guns and equipments generally neat, clean, and in shining condition ; after which dress-parade, where and when several orders were read for our information and in- struction by Adjutant HEITSHU. After dress-parade we re- turned to camp, devoured our last ration of crackers at sup- per, and "filled in" with coffee. Company K Glee Club then enlivened the camp and cheered the spirits of all the boys with a few songs, when taps sent us to quarters for another night's rest.
WATERLOO AND INCIDENT-ON PICKET-COMPANY H BOYS CAP- TURED-VISIT TO 99TH REGIMENT, P. V. V., AND KEARNEY'S DIVISION.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1862 .- The weather yet con- tinued clear and warm, and at an early hour the order, " strike tents, pack up, and be ready to move forward at a moment's notice," was received and promptly obeyed. At 8 o'clock we were again on the move, southward, through a fertile valley, marching about eight miles, and arriving at the town of Waterloo about 2 o'clock P. M. This place, or rather village, was situated on the banks of the Rappa- hannock river, several miles distant from Warrenton Junction, and had been noted as a manufacturing town, on account of the industries there established and encouraged before, as well as during the earlier campaigns of the war, such as a large woolen factory, tannery, grist mill, blacksmith and machine shops, etc. The woolen factory had been in con- stant operation during this Spring and Summer, and had not been interrupted until General POPE came along ; who. finding the operatives busily turning out blankets and fur- nishing the Southern army with them, gutted it out as well as the other establishments.
The Rappahannock, there, had the appearance of being
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quite a little, narrow stream, and was only spanned by a small bridge Company K was detailed for picket duty, and assigned to posts on the other side of the river, while the country roundabout was then thoroughly scoured on the hunt for MOSEY's guerillas, but the hunt did not prove successful. Very soon, however, advices reached us that several men of Company H, of our Regiment, had ventured too far beyond our lines while on a forage, wherein three of them, Ser- geant LEVI N. HART, Privates DANIEL M. DUDLEY and ALMUS L. WATSON-if we were correctly informed-were captured. Here we met the 99th Regiment, P. V . V., Col- onel ASHER S. LEIDY, commanding, of which two entire companies, Companies A and D were Lancaster (Pa. ) boys, enlisted by and under the commands of Captains JAMES CROSS and J. ADAM SCHUH, besides one other entire, from Drumore and adjoining townships in the county, Company B, under command of Captain PETER FRITZ, JR., together with Companies C, E, and F, containing many representatives from other sections of the county, all of which were com- ponent parts-the members of which we were glad to see and interview. They were attached to the division which had been under the command of brave General PHIL. KEAR- NEY, who was instantly killed while gallantly leading the charge at the battle of Chantilly. We also enjoyed the pleasure of visiting, as well as being entertained by the other Regiments of that " fighting division," as the Army of the Potomac here made a halt, in order to allow our provisions and stores to arrive. The balance of the day was occupied by the Regiment very pleasantly, and without excitement, on picket duty. In the evening we were relieved by the roth Regiment, P. V., when we returned to camp and bivouacked for the night.
GOOD LUCK IN OBTAINING HARD TACK.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1862 .- A very refreshing sleep we were all glad to report upon awakening this morn-
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ing, and upon it congratulated each other; but were not so well phased or satisfied after examination of our haversacks for something to eat, as we found them completely empty. Therefore, the boys made a partial breakfast upon hard corn and what little coffee was left on hand. However, Lieutenant JOHN P. WEISE, of Company A, passed our bunks with part of a box of hard tack, which he had the very good fortune to obtain at the headquarters of Colonel COLLIS, commanding 114th Regiment, P. V., when our boys ventured out also for a share, if possible, and secured enough to furnish four crackers to each man, which proved a grand treat on this occasion. We laid in and about camp all day affording the boys general strolls and visits to the various regiments en- camped in the vicinity, which were appreciated and enjoyed. A strong picket-guard was then detailed and the posts as- signed, while several batteries were also placed in position for the night.
SEVERAL OF JEB STUART'S CAVALRYMEN CAPTURED.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1862 .- The fine weather of the past few days reigned superbly again to-day. According to orders received, we moved our camp behind the hill to the right, out of sight of the enemy, who were then reported in large force on our front. while our light artillery and cav- alry were thrown out on the reconnoitre. Advices reached camp this afternoon that another regimental comrade, AR- CHILLA REATH, of Company H. had been added to the rank of those who comprised the mortuary list of the Regiment. Poor fellow, he was one of the sick men who had been left behind, when the Regiment started on the grand move. His death occurred at Harper's Ferry, Va .. on the roth int. Very soon, thereafter, a few cavalrymen. belonging to Con- federate General JEB STUART'S command, were captured and brought into our lines as prisoners. We remained in camp all day, without other events to mention, save sho" of rations. and waiting orders to march.
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VISIT FROM THE LANCASTER COUNTY COMPANIES, 99TH P. V. V.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1862 .- We still remained in camp, and were provided with a few (very few) crackers to-day. Captain JOHN A. SCHUH and other members of the 99th Regiment P. V., visited our camp, returning that of our boys to their camp on the 1 1th inst., which was appreciated. We learned from them that they, too, experienced the same cause of complaint-lack or shortness of rations; besides there was general talk or rumor current, that preparations then be- ing made, portended or indicated a movement upon the enemy near Warrenton, as every precaution was being observed and carried out toward strengthening our picket-lines, while scouting parties were being sent out in every direction in search of and to feel for the position of " the Johnnies." However, the day, up to 9 o'clock, P. M., passed without any skirmish occurring, although anticipated and expected, after which the boys entered their bunks and were snugly at slumber.
STRONG PICKET-GUARD WITH STRICT ORDERS.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15. 1862 .- The weather still con- tinued very favorable this morning, when the Regiment was again ordered on the picket-line, with our posts across the Rappahannock river, in close proximity to an old log and weather-boarded house, then occupied by two old slaves, but which had been literally perforated with bullet-holes by the men of General FRANZ SIGEL's command during last Spring : however, it was made the extreme right of our line. Ser- geant GEORGE F. SPRENGER was then appointed Sergeant of the guard, with orders to report every two hours at reli f station near the bridge. Our cavalry had been early posted in the front, but this day passed again without a brush with the enemy. To-day we also learned of the death of another sick comrade who had been left behind at Harper's Ferry. Va .- that of Sergeant HENRY P. SKEEN, of Company G,
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which occurred on the 13th inst. Night then came on ; but, although cool, no fires were allowed along the line, as " a sharp look-out and every precaution to be observed as to the front," were our orders, and so the night passed without much rest.
THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY CHICAGO
CHAPTER XI.
ARRIVAL AT WARRENTON AND TENTS PITCHED-SAD AND IMPRES- SIVE SIGHTS AT WARRENTON-STORE ROOMS, CHURCHES, ETC., AS HOSPITALS-VISIT TO CEMETERIES, AND SCENES OF THE VICINITY, ETC.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER, 16, 1862 .- After a night of restless expectation, the day dawned bright and clear; at an early hour we received the order: " Pack up and be ready to move at once !" The Regiment was soon in line, on the move, and arrived at Warrenton, after a march of eight miles, at IO o'clock, A. M. Our Division was then marched off the road to the right of the town, where we pitched tents for the day and night. There being no special duty assigned for us to-day, we were afforded a stroll to and through the town of Warrenton, already famous in the annals of the war, which we found, upon our entry to present a rather uninviting ap- pearance, as it had been turned into and was then being used as a general hospital. The town, however, still gave marked evidences of having been, before the war, a pleasant place to live in, as well as one of business and enterprise, it being the county-seat of famous old Fauquier, always noted for the fertility of its soil, the hospitality of its inhabitants, be- sides the peace and good-will which had previously reigned within its borders; for, its streets were well laid out, it con- tained several fine store buildings and hotels, as well as at- tractive church edifices, while neat, cosy, and handsome dwellings were also numerous.
But, at this period, the great store-rooms on the principal streets were filled with the maimed and the wounded of the rebel army, as also the most serious cases in those respects of
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the Union Army, which had been left upon and collected from the recent battle-field of Chantilly. The sights herein presented, can only be described, by stating the fact, that they left the impress upon our minds of the real-not ideal -pictures of the sad and true horrors of war, so forcibly, that neither life nor time can erase them from the tablets of our memories. On the one side of us we saw, here and there, many distressed, suffering veterans, with shattered limbs, which although caretully and softly bandaged together, were swinging above our heads suspended by means of the rope and the pulley from their cots to the ceiling, while upon all sides of us were many others, who more seriously wounded, although perfectly bolstered up, and snugly posed as possible, gave inexpressible evidences by countenance of the suffering and pain endured-all of which tended to prove how arduous, unpleasant and unappreciable were the ever pressive duties of the army surgeons ; while, too, their improvised contrivances and inventions for the ease, comfort, and restoration of those poor victims formed subjects of deep study. The next, however, was one that could and merely did receive our gaze. and that alone for a moment ; for, it not only incited our pity even unto heart-sickness, but even our extreme disgust-a rather mild expression by the way-as it was that of misery, almost torture, depicted and experienced by those other poor vic- tims, thus wounded and pinioned, whose persons were then undergoing the deliverance from body vermin.
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