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 8
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Yet this was not all, nor the worst ; for we next passed along to the Presbyterian church, a large and commodious edifice, the vestibule of which, as we entered, we perceived to be piled to its fill on either side with rough coffins ready to enclose the remains of those who had expired, while the audience-chamber had been divested of its pews, filled to re- pletion with those who were about dying, as well as others so seriously wounded and suffering that for them there was no longer hope of recovery or life, and into which others were still being conveyed. How heart-rending and harrow-
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ing to the feelings, must it have been to the poor, wounded, suffering, dying soldiers when they gazed upon those rough boxes as they were being carried by them ! We were of the opinion, that it could be with nothing less than abject horror, when, in their helplessness and prostration, the thought arose or the knowledge possessed their inmost beings that some of those unsightly yet indispensable receptacles were there pro- vided only to await their turn to be conveyed to that bourne where the weariness and fatigues of the long, forced marches, as well as the pains, wounds and sufferings from the strife and conflicts of war would never be known-never more to be received or endured.
Still another, that of the comfortable dwellings which, only a few days since, had within their walls and furnished with shelter those contented residents, who, then returning from their business occupations and labors of the day to find and enjoy recreation as well as rest within the family circles of their happy homes, had fled at the approach of the enemy, but which were occupied by the Jew settlers and Yankee pie- bakers, all of whom were driving brisk trades with their well-known wares, commodities, and unhealthy pastry, at the same time, too, fleecing our poor soldiers out of their hard-earned wages.
To the northwest of the town we next proceeded and visited two new, large cemeteries-one of which we found to. contain the graves of over 500 of the Confederates who had been killed on the Manassas and other recent battle-fields in the vicinity, whilst to the north of it was the other, containing numerous graves, too, of those who belonged to the Union army. Here we discerned, very readily and plainly, upon the rude head-boards the names of Pennsylvania's gallant sons, who fell while fighting under the commands of brave Prit. KEARNEY, HOOKER. BURNSIDE. FRANKLIN, and other honored generals of the Army of the Potomac. The scenes around and about the town, also, were connected with sad interest and incident, in numbers
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impossible for description and relation upon these pages ; however, as we looked out before us from our present stand- point, our sight fell upon a beautiful, grassy plain below, and to the south of us, strewn with the carcasses of slaughtered beeves, which our enemy (the rebels), in their precipitate flight, left undressed and unfinished upon their late camp grounds, where it was affording feasts for the buzzards and the crows, while they had been driven away therefrom with empty, unappeased stomachs. Our curiosity having been satisfied as to sight-seeing, etc., we returned to camp filled with deep thought and retrospect. Upon our arrival, we were agreeably surprised to find a full ration (each) of crackers and coffee, which we enjoyed, and to which some of us added, by way of dessert, stale cheese purchased from the Jew sutler's quarters, at the extraordinary price or cost of 50 cents per pound-a precious luxury at this time. So much for Warrenton, and to rest for the night !
RICH FORAGING EXPEDITIONS WITH INCIDENTS-RAW VEGETABLE DIET-COUNTERPART TO LANCASTER COUNTY, PA.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1862 .- This morning, about 3 o'clock, we were aroused from a deep slumber with orders, " to again pack up. and be ready to move at once !" How- ever, we laid about until after day-break before moving off, when we were marched about 10 miles distant from Warren- ton, to the small town of Fayetteville. A halt was then made, after which the Regiment was marched into a field ; where, after short delay, we were allowed to put up tents, etc. A forage was next in order, with the boys of Company K soon out on the hunt. Close by, but somewhat secluded, was found an attractive, pleasantly-located farm-house, with outbuildings, etc., which, together with the premises in gen- eral, JOHNNY WEIDLE, (who had become quite adept and expert in the foraging business) had ferreted cat, inspected, and reported as offering special inducements for provisions for the inner man, in the way of a rich turnip patch, as well 6
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as adventure and delicacy to be had from a lot of well- stocked bee-hives.
Well, that was hint and apprisal enough; for, in short order, the boys were off in search of the inviting spots-not only because good provisions or fare were the objects, but also that some fun was promised in the attack upon the bee- hives. They were not slow in either finding or capturing the coveted and boasted treasures, for several of the boys soon returned with an abundance from the turnip patch. etc., while JOHNNY KANE, and EDWARD BOOKMYER, rather hurriedly, put in their appearance, bringing as their trophies a quantity of honey-combs; but, oh, what spectacles presented-the former having only a few, with "a pair of well-bunged eyes and bugle " for his pains ; while the latter, both arms laden with honey-combs, presented the certainly ludicrous, if not altogether ridiculous, appearance of having his arms and clothing all besmeared with the melligenous fluid-insomuch that they both incited, and were greeted with, uproars of hila- rious laughter from those comrades who remained at quarters. Good-naturedly, NED said, by way of excuse, "that he never saw honey-combs before, never handled them, and thought they were so solid a mass that the honey would not run out, unless they were opened."
Besides these, next came JOHNNY WILEY, JAKEY MILLER, JOE. RIDER, BILLY SHAY, with others, who, having had the good fortune to discover a bin of potatoes under a straw-shed, brought in a full supply of that desirable as well as essential vegetable, while some others found and gathered corn, onions, and persimmons, which proved even yet more acceptable. So, by the time of supper-hour, the larder of Company K was well stocked, with some to spare, when that was the hour reserved for the most exciting and interesting sight of all -- that of " Dutchy " Youxe, almost out of breath, running into camp and pulling from his haversack a huge, round cut of wheat bread, buttered and topped with preserves, wasch he had captured on a raid alone, about a mile from camp,
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only escaping capture in return by being just a little too fleet of foot for the "rebel bushwhackers," who chased him clean into camp, and who had arrived at the farm-house too late, very luckily, for HENRY.
The persimmons and turnips then proved a very poor line of diet, especially when eaten raw, as the boys in general soon complained of experiencing sundry discomforts about the regions of their bellies and bowels. However, as the variety was sufficient to provide a change, Company K was by no means short of other field products with which to fur- nish a good supper as a remedy. The country thereabouts reminded us very much like that of our beloved county of Lancaster, Pa., presenting nearly the appearance of the counterpart to it, while many were they who wished that the stay there might not be too briefly cut short. It then began to cloud up, when all turned into roosts well satisfied for the night.
MARCH TO MORRISONVILLE-AGAIN SHORT OF RATIONS.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER IS, 1862 .- After a night of genuine repose, at least to those who had been discreet in their diet, we were again aroused with orders "to move at once !" At an early hour our column was in motion towards the South, passing through the towns of Rappahannock Station and Morrisonville, where we were received and welcomed by the colored population perched upon the fences as we marched along. We had then proceeded about 15 miles, when we were halted at Morrisonville, and marched into a field. where were still perceptible the marks of a recent, vacated rebel camp, adjoining an abandoned copper mine. The Regiment had been hardly more than located by our Colonel, before the rain poured down ; but we made the best of circumstances by speedily putting up our shelter tents in the mud for the night. But then came the worst rub of the day short of rations again; whereupon, of course, general dissatisfaction followed, and our good, kind Quartermaster was subjected to
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censure-but only by those who had been indiscreet in their previous and late diets, as well as inconsiderate. It then being found impossible to get our supply trains along in proper time, peace and quiet soon reigned, and night put an end to our grievances in the efforts to obtain rest.
MARCH TO HARTWOOD CHURCH-SHORT OF SUPPLIES.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1862 .- This morning was ushered in with the continuance of yesterday's rains and wants-short of rations, while many of the boys suffered greatly and were sick through their imprudence in eating raw vegetables. The Regiment again moved off, about 9 o'clock; the ambulances were full of sick men; the roads were soft and muddy, and the teams stuck fast in the mud and mire. Our progress was, therefore, necessarily slow, reach- ing Hartwood Church, a march of eight miles, about 5 o'clock, P. M., which the army, in advance, had made its halting place by reason of necessity, as the horses were very much jaded and had given out; supplies of all kinds were short, and there was no way of getting them up in a hurry, while many more of the men were taken ill through the want of food, as well as proper shelter-for the drenching rain still continued. Here we were assigned as guard to the Corps wagon train, the Commissary wagons of which had been ordered out to forage, but did not go far, on account of the mud and rain. Therefore, night closed upon our com- mand in a very bad muddle of affairs and circumstances- leaving an entire, hungry, dejected army to seek the best rest and most comfortable ground they could possibly find for the night, amidst the pouring rain and deep mire.
MANY SICK MEN-BAD MUDDLE OF AFFAIRS.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1862 .- Daylight brought with it more rain as also more m'sery ; truly, we were in a bad fix, surrounded by an army anxious to move forward to some other location, either to form camp, or meet the end
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no matter which would have been the order-or to have some rations; in fact, for anything to change our present uncomfortable position. [Under the stress of circumstances to-day I was compelled to rob an army mule of an ear of corn, which I shelled and ate piece-meal; also raw turnips and persimmons, which seemed to abound in profusion thereabouts. ] Many were then very ill from such line of diet, and the situation was deplorable indeed. Was, or could it be any wonder? Stuck fast in the mud; encamped and lying upon the ground in the midst of drenching rain ; no food fit to eat or upon which to sustain themselves; and sur- rounded, on all sides of us, with starving, dejected, sick and suffering soldiers ! Night again closed over us, as it had for two or three days past, leaving this whole large army in abject want of the necessaries of life, with all its discomforts to boot !
DISCONTENT AND CENSURE-" GOD-SENDS," THOUGH MEAGRE- " CAMP MUD, MISERY, AND STARVATION."
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1862 .- Uncomfortable and deplor- able were words utterly inexpressible of the condition in which the Regiment was kept during last night ; for not even a particle of rest had been obtained. Every man was com- pletely drenched to the skin, and still without any rations for our meals. The rumor then spread throughout camp that this situation or condition of affairs was alone due to the bungling, meddlesome operations and interference of those would-be wise-acres, but rather incompetent subalterns, at Washington, in presuming to control the army and dictate to its able, active, and faithful commanders-who alone knew how to regulate the movements of this great army, what indeed could be or were its pressing needs. wants, or privations, and how to relieve them-as well as producing reflections that were utterly discreditable, disgrace- ful, and condemnatory upon our governmental authorities.
Our first impulse was to build fire Adry our drenched clothing. at which all the boys were pusily occupied, until
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about 10 o'clock, when suddenly a shouting was heard at one end of the camp, which soon spread throughout-that , of " God bless the advent ! "_the hearty ejaculation which greeted glorious "Old Sol," who, in all his radiancy, had then made his appearance, once again, to gladden the hearts as well as enliven the spirits of the discouraged and dis- heartened soldiers of the Army of the Potomac ; for it proved really, at this moment, a perfect God-send, affecting happily all alike.
Our present improvised camp had been appropriately en- titled " Camp Mud, Misery, and Starvation " by Company K; but how refreshing it was then, after such a straint of cir- cumstances, can only be surmised or imagined, when, for the first time in six days, we received our first rations, and that in proportion of only three hard tack and a bit of fresh beef to the man. Experience here had most surely proved our teacher, as we applied this most meagre ration in the most economical way conceivable, in order that it might be stretched to hold out as long as possible. However, while under the re-invigorating influence of welcome and genial sunlight, all were again comparatively happy and cheer- fully proceeded to dress-parade in the afternoon amidst the damp meadow-grass-being the first held since leaving War- renton. Many and meagre were the reports from the Ad- jutant to the Colonel this day, as to the respective strength of each company for duty, by the Orderly, or acting Or- derly Sergeants, after which all retired for the night with the hope and desire of at least obtaining some rest.
THE HORRIBLE CAMP DESERTED-SOME RATIONS RECEIVED.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1862 .- We awoke this morning from a comparatively good rest with that obtained a few nights since, to find the weather bright, yet cool and damp, as well as our larder providing but a very scanty breakfast. after which we were ordered " to strike tents and fall in line? " We gladly hailed this announcement fdl very cheerfully
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left that horrible, miserable camping-ground, about 9 o'clock, moving southward about nine miles, over wet and muddy roads, until 5 o'clock, P. M., when a short halt was made. We then moved off into a woods on the side of the road, to encamp for the night, and allow our teams to catch up to us. In the evening we received 20 hard tack to the man, besides some coffee and some candles-oh, how welcome ! But, a few moments afterwards. some other companies of the Regi- ment, who had been on the lookout, discovered that there were beans about and, being so fortunate as to obtain a liberal share outside of our Regimental Commissary, there- fore reported success ; when Company K's boys soon found out where they were to be had, started off with their tin-cups, and in a short time returned well pleased with a fair portion of them. After which night suddenly fell upon us, when we laid down to rest, as early as usual, upon the cold, damp ground.
TOWARD THE RAPPAHANNOCK-STONEMAN STATION.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1862 .- Having slept well last night, we were aroused this morning by the well-known bu- gle-call of a cavalry regiment in our neighborhood, when we found the army was again concentrating, and by 8 o'clock we were once more on the move, in the direction of Fred- ericksburg and the Rappahannock river. As we passed along we saw on all sides of us many encampments of troops, as also the former and vacated camps of the rebels who had preceded us on the way toward Fredericksburg. We halted at a railroad station, about four miles from Falmouth, which was then named and known as Stoneman Station. in honor of our temporary Corps Commander. After a very brief bakt, we made a detour of some distance to the southwest. whereupon we were finally halted on the border of a woods. near a small stream. some distance from the railroad, and or- dered to form Regimental camp.
How glad these tidings werdgo all the boys can be very
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readily comprehended, as there the opportunity was afforded to wash our clothing and cleanse ourselves, as well as indicat- ing, at least, that of a respite from the hardships, the dis- comforts, the misery -- yea, even, the suffering ills-which had been endured along our already too prolonged, rugged, disagreeable, forced marches. After forming our company streets, the constructing of temporary shelter and gathering the dry grass for the comfort of our bunks, were the next or- ders of business and enterprise carried out for the day, where- upon, after a real good supper of coffee and hard tack, all were soon at rest, wrapped snugly and securely in the arms of Morpheus.
DELIGHTFUL CAMP-RIGID INSPECTION-NOVEL BUNKS.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, :862 .- This morning, after a sleep of solid comfort, we awoke to find our camp very favorably located, very pleasant, and well liked, indeed, by all the boys. Huge fires had been built, and our damp clothes were just hung out on temporary clothes-horses to dry, when the great king of day shone forth in all his splen- dor and munificence upon our new camp, to aid us, thus infusing new life, inspiring with renewed energy the weary, sick recruits, as well as the jaded, experienced and suffering veterans-indeed, once again instilling the spirits of patriot- ism and happiness throughout the Army of the Potomac. Regimental inspection was then the order for the day, which was very rigidly enforced, for many were the cases of rusty, unfit guns, and unclean accoutrements which were reported. thereby occasioning the issuing of a second and harsh order from the Colonel " to have all arms, etc., in first-class con- dition, for second inspection."
After second inspection, which proved satisfactory, the company streets of camp were properly re-arranged, while the bunks of the boys were remodeled and rebuilt. As all the boys were busily engaged at the duties incumbent upon them on this occasion, a quite amusing sight was presented
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to the view and inspection ; for, these banks proved to be as manifold in kind and structure-consisting of cross-logs of every shape and cut, dug-outs, etc., on the level, as the de- signs, plans and skill displayed by the architect or builder were varied or peculiar. Supper on hard tack and coffee was then had, as night closed rapidly in upon us, when all went comfortably to rest in their new quarters.
OUT OF RATIONS AGAIN-SEVERE, INDISCRIMINATE CENSURE OF GENERALS MEIGS AND HALLECK-DEATHS OF COMRADES.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1862 .- Morn dawned beauti- fully upon us as we awoke from last night's slumbers, which was very gratifying, indeed ; but we were doomed to disap- pointment and great discontent immediately afterward, as we found our haversacks so bare or scant of even the regulation fare. besides our commissary stores and supplies so short, upon which we had to depend to replenish our general lar- der, that but little hope or prospect was entertained of getting another morsel with which to appease our hunger during the day-insomuch, too, that considerable sickness prevailed on
that account. The weather continued fine and agreeable all day long, while we awaited in patience for the arrival of our supply trains, but none came. Severe censure then began to prevail, and was heard throughout camp against Quartermas- ter-General MONTGOMERY C. MIEGS, as the cause of all this inexcusable and unpardonable lack in the furnishing of sup- plies and provisions for this vast army, which had been sent forward ou forced marches over almost impassable roads, amidst the heaviest storms of rain and wind, causing almost unendurable sufferings. It was justly deserved, too, as an abundance of supplies with the pontoons, as well as those in charge of them, were to have arrived long ere this date at Belle Plain Landing-the failure of which was altogether inexplicable, save by the general rumor then current through- out the army for some time, that General MIEGS' attention was too grossly occupied with the gumy contracts, (in all of
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which he was pecuniarily interested and had been continu- ally dabbling, for fear that his coffers would be somewhat shorn in their receipts, or fail in their anticipated fill, ) to look after or forward in time the necessary supplies for the Army of the Potomac-a rumor, too, scarcely admitting of a doubt, for the ancient adage, "where there is so much smoke there is or must certainly be some fire," applied very forcibly at this juncture of affairs.
It was a well-known fact, too, that it was the plan or in- tention of the army to cross the Rappahannock river at once, upon arrival, at or near Fredericksburg, with everything "on hand in time;" but, instead, the army was halted at this point, and only delayed on account of the want of supplies, etc., and at a time, too, when it should have been rapidly pushed forward in pursuit of the retreating rebel Army of Northern Virginia. It was also surmised, and more than likely the fact, that Major-General HALLECK, who had been brought all the way from California and lately made Gen- eral-in-Chief, with head-quarters at Washington-at the same time that. Major-General POPE had "headquarters in the saddle"-had been putting his foot into the direction of the plan and arrangements made and adopted by our il- lustrious (?) war council about the Capitol at Washington, instead of his mind : for, if it was the latter, the head was no better than the foot could be. It appeared, too, that our distinguished war ministers there were then exerting them- selves more extraordinaris in hesitation over that more prac- tical and vigorous prosecution of the war which they prom- ised, or rather essayed, than in the execution-so amazingly remarkable that the New York Herald, (which displayed the ingenuity of ever being ahead in the ferreting out of the plans, intentions and movements of the army) was at last compelled from day to day to criticize their conduct, and de- mand " Why don't the army move?" Then the boys, 10, took up the cry; yet, was it to be wondered at? For here laid our vast army, utterly des;offent and perfectly inac-
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tive, from the fatigue and exhaustion of the prolonged, forced marches, as well as destitute in provisions; while the retreat- ing enemy, of whom we had been in pursuit, (yet, impeded however,) were allowed to get scot-free with time sufficient to be on the defensive-for the Confederacy, too, had access to those papers, from which they gleaned the information of what was going on within our lines. Oh, what a shame- yea, even disgrace-this procrastination!
Evening now approached, and rain-fall again began, to add to our wretchedness "and winter of discontent"-to use a Shakespearism ; and he who was "heralded by a great blast of trumpets as the conquering hero who approached to stamp out the rebellion " received a general cursing all around among the boys, who viewed him only as an imbecile and the hero of proclamations; which, had they been effective war measures, were indeed so numerous as to have wiped out and crushed the rebellion themselves, long since his as- signment to the post for which he was unfit, and which he signed "H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief ;" but, rather more appropriate should it have been " General-incompe- tent !" In short, it was eagerly and emphatically desired that it were better he was in the far section of the West again, from which he hailed or came, or confined in the lower depths of that mysterious region from which no explorer had yet returned or reported, rather than at Washington. As to the campaign, instead of remarkable activity and practica- bility, it was denounced by the declaration of being that of the greatest piece of masterly inactivity conceivable, as well as the most egregious blundering commissible.
To add to the melancholy or gloomy depression pervad- ing. we received the sad announcements of the deaths. to- day, of Comrades JOHN R. JOHNSON, of Company K, at Alexandria Hospital, and MICHAEL A. SHIRK, of Company D, at Harper's Ferry, Va. Notwithstanding all this dissatis- faction the boys went through their regular camp duties for the day, endeavored to nike themselves as comfortable as
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