USA > Pennsylvania > Dauphin County > History of the 127th regiment, Pennsylvania volunteers > Part 20
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December 23rd. We expected to be relieved at 9 A. M., but it was dark before we were relieved, and we had a rough time before we reached camp.
December 24th. Received orders to be ready for in- spection by 9 A. M., and review at 10.30 o'clock. Inspected by the colonel of the 59th New York. Reviewed by Gen- eral Sumner and his grand division officers. General Sumner complimented us, saying the 127th Regiment was a fine, stout set of men, and would be able to do some- thing. Made particular inquiry about our wants. Said we can have fresh beef three times a week, and ordered General Howard to give it to us. To-morrow is Chris- mas, and nothing but hard-tack and fat flitch. We had no bread for a month. Bad cold ; made a hot punch, and re- tired.
December 25th, Christmas. Hard-tack and salted pork for breakfast, as usual. I was invited to dine with the chaplain.
December 26th. Chaplain Gregg, Quartermaster Orth and myself rode over to the 122nd Regiment, P. V., Colo-
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nel Franklin, of Lancaster. Met Andy Thomas, Colonel Franklin, Major Stevens and other officers. Returned home and had a good supper: fried onions, boiled rice and cold flitch. Met at Colonel Jennings' tent in the even- ing, and passed resolutions on the death of Captain Fox, Lieutenant Shoemaker, and the soldiers who were killed and died on the field of battle. Before retiring, concluded to have a few songs. Found the note book. Adjutant Chayne sang treble, Colonel Jennings tenor, and I bass. Sang quite a number of pieces. Retired.
December 27th. Altering camp; tents torn down and rebuilt. Mr. Small, of Harrisburg, paid us a visit. He is in search of his son, Charles, who was wounded at Fred- ericksburg. Nothing new. Very short of rations. A11 officers must buy their own rations. Can't buy anything to eat in this country.
Sunday, December 28. Chaplain Gregg preached this morning. General Howard came riding up just as the chaplain closed, and he made a few remarks. He had been, or wanted to be, a preacher at one time, after grad- uating at West Point. The General then visited our hos- pital.
December 29th. All hands putting up winter quarters.
January Ist, 1863. On picket as general officer, in charge of 42nd New York. Slept in a bed for the first time since in service. Relieved the 106th Regiment, P. V., Colonel Morehead. Relieved by Colonel Suther, 34th New York, and the 19th Maine. On my return I learned that Daniel Bretz was suddenly taken ill on the thirty-first of December and died at 3.30 same day. Just buried on my arrival at camp. Nothing occurred today, except the chaplain wanted to trade a revolver for my watch. I made him an offer; he will think about it. Colonel Jennings
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came to my tent, and the trio had a few songs, in cele- bration of the new year.
January 2nd. Brigade drill at II A. M. Returned by I P. M. General Howard drilled the 127th Regiment in manual of arms. Well pleased; said did splendidly. This has been a day like May. Charges brought against Dr. Reilly for neglect of duty to Private Bretz, and others. Large siege guns are brought to Falmouth Station.
January 5th. Regiment started for brigade drill at 10.30 A. M. Afterwards reviewed by General Howard, in the presence of General Sedgwick. Colonel Jennings took command of the regiment. At 2 P. M. Colonel Jennings drilled the regiment in the manual of arms. Finished our quarters. Chimney smoked and choked us out.
January 6thı. Chimney torn down and rebuilt by cor- poral of Company "K." It does admirably now. Had grand review at II A. M. by General Sedgwick. Rain- ing and blowing. Good dinner ; short-cakes and boiled po- tatoes. Best meal our mess had for a week. Colonel Jen- nings, Adjutant Chayne and myself had a good singing spell for an hour, then finished on hot whiskey punch, and adjourned.
January 8th. Early this A. M. I heard voices outside of our tent door, reading and laughing. When we arose there was a large hand-bill on the door, calling us the "Chayne Gaities," which caused some amusement. At dress parade Lieutenant-Colonel Alleman notified the offi- cers that the "Chayne Gaities" had closed for the season. Colonel Jennings called at the Temple (which is my tent ), and we had a good sing. So the gaities will still be open ! Orderly arrived ; gave notice that the 127th Regiment goes on picket in the morning.
Sunday, January IIth. Lieutenant-Colonel Alleman is
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sick. The regiment is turned over to my care by Lieuten- ant-Colonel Alleman. Colonel Jennings at brigade head- quarters. John F. Orth, quartermaster, has been sick for two weeks, but is now convalescing.
January 12th. Our sutler came today. He paid fifty dollars to have his wagon ferried over the Potomac at Acquia Creek. No sutler since December Ist. Colonel Jennings took command of the regiment. Dr. Alleman visited his brother, the Lieutenant-Colonel, today.
January 15th. Dr. James R. Reilly left the 127th Regi- ment to report to the 179th Pennsylvania militia. Brigade drill at 2 P. M. Colonel Brooke commander. Spent the evening with Captain Shott and his officers. Lieutenant Schreiner will resign.
January 17th. The 127th Regiment marched for grand review. Thousands of infantry. General Burnside re- viewing officer and commander of the Army of the Po- tomac. Received orders to report to General Howard's headquarters at 8.30 A. M. tomorrow for picket duty.
January 19th. Relieved by the 34th New York Regi- ment. Reported to General Howard and then to camp. Lieutenant-Colonel Alleman is still quite sick. Sick in hospital, 10; in quarters, 75. Many reports as to moving. The three grand divisions have marching orders.
January 20th. Orders to be ready to move at an early hour to-morrow morning. Also order No. 7, that we are about to give the enemy another battle, and hoping that the officers and men would do their duty to the Constitu- tion and the Union. The order was read to the regiment by Colonel Jennings, and was heartily cheered, for the re- marks he made relative to the duty and conduct of the 127th Regiment at Fredericksburg. General Franklin's grand division has been marching to our right all the af-
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ternoon, part of his men resting near our rear, or right flank. Many of their men called and remained with our boys all night. It rained heavily since dark, and is cold. Troops no shelter. Our haversacks full.
January 2Ist. Cold and raining all the night. Frank- lin's division exposed to all the elements, and the rain still pouring down. Our quartermaster's Sibley tent blown down this morning; all the inmates in bed were exposed to the cold rain. Ten A. M. troops moving slowly on ac- count of the mud. Pontoon wagons stalled in the mud. The 127th Regiment did not move today. Still raining at taps. We expect to move in the morning. Nine P. M., cold and raining.
January 22nd. The Army of the Potomac as organized at present, commanded by Burnside: Right grand di- vision commanded by Major-General E. V. Sumner ; com- posed of the 2nd Corps, commanded by Major-General D. N. Couch, and the 9th Corps, commanded by Major-Gen- eral William F. Smith. Center grand division, command- ed by Major-General Joe Hooker, composed of the 3rd Corps, commanded by Brigadier George Stoneman, and the 5th Corps commanded by Major-General George G. Meade. Left grand division, commanded by Major-Gen- eral William B. Franklin, composed as follows: Ist Corps commanded by Brigadier-General John F. Reynolds, and the 6th Corps commanded by Major-General John Sedgwick. Reserve grand division, com- manded by Major-General Franz Sigel, composed of the IIth Corps commanded by Major-General Stahl, and the 12th Corps commanded by Major-General H. W. Slocum. The Second Brigade, 2nd Corps, was composed of the fol- lowing regiments: Seventh Michigan, 19th and 20th Massachusetts, 42nd (Tammany) and 59th New York,
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and the 127th P. V. The Third Brigade at this time was commanded by Colonel Jno. R. Brooke, of the 53rd P. V. The Second division by General O. O. Howard.
January 23rd. Rained all day yesterday and last night. The 127th Regiment did not move as anticipated. About IO A. M. troops are going back to their old quarters, some going the nearest route. The roads impassable. Thous- ands of men detailed to make corduroy roads, to get the artillery out of the mire. Twenty horses to a single caisson or cannon, and that many men, could not move them. The wagon train which was probably ten or twelve miles long, had moved out the Harwood Road, ahead of the army. The soil of Virginia is the worst kind of soil; considerable mica in it, and a rain ruins the roads. You drive along the road after an ordinary rain, and it looks all right, but it is full of holes, and the wagons or artillery will sink in the mud up to the axles. No man can have the remotest idea of how the roads looked when the pontoon wagons and ar- tillery were to be taken out of the mud. Hundreds of mules were killed. A mule, when the mud is deep, will not pull, but will lie down, it matters not how much the driver beats him. There they lay dead, eyes beaten out and heads mashed; some buried on the spot, in the road, with their legs sticking out, and teams drive over them. Pontoon wagons with tongues broken off, run to a side. The supply wagons had gone ahead before the rain, but it took two weeks before all got back. Some artillery was brought back about three weeks later. This was called "Burnside's stick in the mud." General Burnside con- templated making a bayonet charge on the enemy with his whole army and leave the artillery back, (for artillery could not be moved ), but this was abandoned. The army settled back to its old quarters to recuperate. Our Right
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Grand Division was the right of the army. When the move was made, the Left Grand Division moved from the left of the army to the right, passing us about half a mile on our right and rear. Then the Center Grand Division followed. Next would have been our turn to move (Sumner's Grand Division), but the rain stopped that move, and we were not sorry.
January 26th. Pretty good living since our sutler is here: Ham, 25 cents per pound; cheese, 50 cents per pound ; onions, $3 per bushel. More rain. Lieutenant- Colonel Alleman resumed command of the regiment.
January 28th. Raining and snowing. The 127th Regi- ment goes on picket duty. We relieved the 72nd P. V., Baxter's Zouaves, of Philadelphia. Stationed the line. Colonel Jennings and myself started over the line just be- fore dark. The weather was terrible; snowing and blow- ing all the day. Company "B" had made a hollow square of saplings and sat on the poles, facing inwards towards the fire. They said this was Valley Forge. It was in the woods and the snow did not strike them, the trees holding it off, while outside, the snow was about a foot deep. We invited Captain Awl and the captains nearest to go along to headquarters. Lieutenant Wise, acting adjutant, had caught a rabbit on our arrival in the morn- ing, and we had it cooked for supper. Colonel Jennings, Captain Awl, Captain Greenawalt, Lieutenant Wise, and myself ate the rabbit. The party was delighted with the feast, it being the first fresh meat we had for a month. When you eat hard-tack and salt-flitch for a month, three times a day, you get very tired of it, and want a change.
January 29th. Captain Greenawalt came this morning, as usual, for his breakfast, for he never carries any rations along. He stated that the snow was sixteen inches deep,
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and it stopped snowing at daylight. Captain Greenawalt was one of four who travelled through to California on foot in 1849. He was a powerfully built man, and feared nothing human. At home, when he drank too much lem- onade with a stick in it, he was a terror to all bystanders, and many were the pieces of furniture lying about. Mr. Greaves, in his life-time, built a brick church along the Harwood Road for his congregation. The church was quite large, two stories high. The lower part for Sab- bath-school and lectures; the upper room for preaching, etc. The church was built quite up-to-date in appearance, and apparently new. When we first picketed on this farm we could not walk through the woods of pine. The soil at one time had been farmed. The furrows of land, as farmers call it, sixteen paces apart, were there. When too poor the land was untilled, and pine grew up; saplings, and some trees about ten inches in diameter. From near the ground up to eight or nine feet high dead limbs stuck out two or three feet from every tree. These dead limbs were removed and used for firewood. This made an ave- nue six feet wide from the Harwood Road, through the woods, to the field next the house. The men were well sheltered, for the heavy snow bent the green pine foliage over so it formed a canopy. Very little snow fell to the ground, hardly enough to cover it. Young Greaves wanted to learn to play cards. Our reserves were stationed about headquarters, and they had possession of a large kitchen, or diningroom, where card playing was going on ; enchre or seven up. Greaves was taking les- sons. The darkey man was busy in an out kitchen baking pone in tin dishes, the size of a pie-plate. The boys paid twenty-five cents for each pone. At last a banter was made to put up twenty-five cents against a cake. Greaves, who
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was learning fast, took the offer. That twenty-five cents was up all night and never lost once. The boys had plenty of pone and some left for breakfast. The negro nearly worked to death filling orders, and coining money as he thought ; but Greaves got little money, and so the slave was no wiser. Greaves had lots of instructors telling him how to play ; but no use, he lost all the time. This church was torn down to the foundation and carried away by General Sigel's men for quarters, but before all was car- ried away, I think our wagons went out to get a few bricks to build an oven. Relieved by the 34th New York Regiment. Two of Company "B's" men hurt their backs by jumping across the run. Colonel Jennings, on our way to camp, said, "Major, by tomorrow half of our men will be sick." At every step the snow and slush filled their shoes, as they went in up to their knees, and they were all wet below our knees from slush, and above with perspir- ation. No drill today.
Sunday, February Ist. Nothing but camp duties the last two days. Our mess had roast beef, dried apple dumplings and wine sauce for dinner. Quartermaster John F. Orth joined the regiment, just from home on leave. No dress parade. Rainy and muddy.
February 2nd. Colonel Jennings has this day been appointed commander of the 3rd Brigade, until Colonel John R. Brooke returns from leave of absence. This places me in command of the regiment, as lieutenant-colo- nel Alleman is yet an invalid. A rigid examination of all fit for duty, and those sick in quarters, was made today. Colonel Jennings left for Falmouth to take charge of 3rd Brigade. I gave Captain Henderson, of Company "C," a pass to take the band and officers to Falmouth to serenade Colonel Jennings this evening-not to exceed twenty men.
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Splendid evening ; boys full of fun. Orders for inspection at IO A. M. tomorrow.
February 3rd. Terribly cold, and snowing. Major Roberts of the 72nd Regiment, P. V. (Baxter's Zouaves, Philadelphia ), canie to inspect the 127th Regiment. It was so cold and damp that the inspection took place by com- panies. Company "B" was inspected first, etc. At 4 P. M. Lieutenant-Colonel Deveraux, of the 19th Massachusetts Regiment, was to come and drill the regiment. Major Roberts remained to see the dress parade. When the time arrived, the dress parade was formed. I had Major Rob- erts by my side. When we were nearly through (includ- ing loading twelve times), Lieutenant-Colonel Deveraux came riding up the road, he having a full view of the regi- ment. Major Roberts told Lieutenant-Colonel Deveraux that the 127th Regiment was in splendid condition in everything ; better than any regiment he inspected down here. We had a number one report by the officers above named.
February 4th. Very cold. Not well, being out all day inspecting the regiment, etc. Caught a bad cold. Quar- termaster Orth and myself rode to Falmouth to see Colo- nel Jennings. He felt lonely, being away from the regi- ment. At my request, Captain J. Wesley Awl, Company "B," took off dress parade, and drilled the regiment ac- cordingly.
February 5th. Snowing terribly. Part of Sigel's Corps is moving today to Brooks' Station. Fine day for a march. Orders for 127th Regiment to go on picket at 9 A. M. to-morrow. Raining hard to-night.
February 7th. Major of the 19th Maine remained with us until this morning. Beautiful morning, the sun shin- ing. We straightened up the line. Met General Sickles'
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Brigade (New York) coming from a reconnoissance. Re- lieved by the 34th New York Regiment. Paymaster coming tomorrow, good news. Reported the 9th Army Corps moved to Fortress Monroe. At 9 P. M. an orderly ar- rived : a detail of 200 men, regularly officered for picket duty, to report at the Lacy House opposite Fredericksburg to-morrow (Sunday) at 9 A. M. I appointed Captain Awl, Company "B," commander of the battalion.
Sunday, February 8th. Captain Awl and his battalion left for their destination, the Lacy House. Orderly ar- rives with orders detailing me to attend a court-martial, to convene at or near Brig .- Gen. Owens' headquarters. Col- onel Jennings was to see us in camp today. He said the 127th will be moved to Falmouth in a few days. Theenemy had built several bridges six or eight miles above here. Sickles' reconnoissance destroyed the bridges and partly burned them. General O. O. Howard and a lady visited our hospital today ; also the 59th New York, across the way. The companies sent to the Lacy House for picket duty were companies "B," "G," "K" and "E," and five men each from Campanies "H," "C," "I" and "D." I feel very unwell. Took nine grains of blue mass at noon and a dose of cathartic at bedtime-passed the Guard-House.
February 9th. I felt better. Attended court-martial. Adjourned at 12 noon, having disposed of one case. The four companies on picket returned to camp, ankle-deep in mud.
February 10th. A spring morning. Started for court- martial. Detailed Jim Miller as orderly. Disposed of two cases. Heavy picket force moved up the road, about five regiments.
February IIth. Commenced to snow and rain briskly and continued until midnight.
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February 12th. I gave the necessary orders in camp and appointed Captain Awl commander, then reported to court-martial. Returned to camp at 10 A. M. Colonel Jennings in camp. Sauer kraut for dinner. It was ele- gant. Colonel Jennings suggested to have the quarter- master's tent moved out of the mud ; also an oven to be built, to bake bread for our officers and men. Good move. Captain Awl drilled the regiment in the manual of arms. Judge Felix Nissley and Thomas Moore, from Dauphin county, visited our camp this evening. They came by way of the Lacy House, and saw the Rebs on the other side. I don't think Judge Nissley slept much. He lay between the adjutant and myself. The knots on the hoop poles in the center of the bed protruded, and the Judge being a skinny man, felt the effects at once. At four o'clock in the morn- ing he said he would get up, if I had no objections. I made none. He afterwards said that was the hardest bed che ever slept in. In the evening arrangements were made to take them over to the station. No persuasion would keep the judge here to see an army. He was nervous at what he saw, so we shipped them to the station at 6 A. M.
February 13th. I left for court-martial. Colonel Jen- nings arrived bag and baggage. Colonel Brooke arrived and took charge of the brigade. Lieutenant Henry, Com- pany "I," arrived in camp. He recovered from his wound at battle of Fredericksburg.
February 14th. Nothing new. A fine view of the enemy digging rifle-pits and other fortifications. Four com- panies for picket duty tomorrow.
February 15th. Raining all the morning. Companies "D," "I," "C" and "H" started for picket duty along the Rappahannock. Captain James Henderson officer of the day. Colonel Jennings on a visit to camp. I took off
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dress parade. The lieutenant-colonel again on duty in command of the camp.
February 16th. Quite a number of furloughs granted, and all start tomorrow. Colonel Jennings goes on leave of absence tomorrow morning; also Lieutenant Willis, Company "H."
February 17th. Returned from court-martial. Tried two, one a lieutenant of the 7Ist P. V., Philadelphia. The 59th New York and some of our boys had a snow-ball match. Of course the forces increased all the time. Some had bloody noses, etc. The major of the 59th New York ordered his men to quit, telling them they are brave. Ad- jutant Chayne received a box from home, so we (our mess) had a feast. Order for pickets.
February 18th. Rain. One hundred and twenty-five men, two captains, five lieutenants, twelve corporals, and four sergeants started for picket duty. Paymaster ar- rived (Major Gould) and commenced to pay off. Terri- ble mud. We were paid up to December 31, 1862.
February 19th. Rained all night, and our pickets had a terrible time. They arrived in camp about noon, soak- ing wet. Captain Awl will leave for home with the money of the officers and men. Lieutenant-Colonel Alleman sent an inquiry if I could furnish bed for paymaster. Sent word, no bed. He sleeps in his trunk, and no room for two.
February 20th. Captain Awl left for Harrisburg with more than $30,000 for the families of the soldiers and officers. Lieutenant William Orth is worse. His brother, the quartermaster, is trying to get his discharge by to- night, so as to get home tomorrow. Court-martial ad- journed sine die.
February 2Ist. The papers of Lieutenant Orth did not
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come last night. He would not be fit to go, being too sick. Lieutenant Wise returned from Falmouth with mail, on horseback, and most gloriously happy. No drill to-day. A general cleaning of the camp; moving of hos- pitals and stables to better positions.
February 22nd. This is Washington's Birthday. Blow- ing and snowing most terribly, and most of the night pre- vious. The snow being dry, blows into every little crevice, My tent was shoveled out the second time. Snow a foot deep on the boxes and stool in our front office this morn- ing. Our sleeping tent was dry. This is the coldest morning. Twelve o'clock, noon, a salute of thirty-four guns has just been fired from our brigade. Salutes of large guns fired all over the army, in honor of George Washington. Order for 145 men for picket duty to-mor- row, 8.30 A. M. Companies "H," "C," "I" and "D," Cap- tains Shott, Henderson, Dougherty and Keene, five lieu- tenants, four sergeants, and nine corporals.
February 23rd. Sunshine, but very cold. The pickets started off at 8.30 A. M. Lieutenant W. Orth died at 9 A. M. His remains will be sent home to-morrow morning. Several lemon pies, half baked, were finished on a spade over the fire; but baked black, not fit to eat. Quarter- Master Orth got the pass to take the remains of his broth- er home ; also pass for Captain Henderson for six days.
February 24. The funeral party left at 5.30 A. M. Very cold. Pickets coming in ; they had a cold time of it. Quite an excitement. The 59th New York commenced snow- balling our men; our boys pitched in and defeated them. The 42nd New York and Rhode Island Battery had a match, drawn up in line of battle, about equal in numbers. The battery men gave way, then the 42nd New York came to help the 59th New York. They brought their colors into our camp as far as my tent-door. The boys of the
s
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127th Regiment pitched in and soon drove them out of camp faster than they came in. Many bloody noses on both sides. Our baker still experimenting baking bread. The first bread baked in that oven was about two inches high and harder than a grindstone.
February 25th. Sun shining. Commenced building another oven to bake bread. Hospital tents all moved to new location. Order for detail of 151 men, two captains, five lieutenants, four sergeants and nine corporals, to re- port at 8 A. M. tomorrow.
February 26th. Raining most beautifully. The pickets started. Water running through my tent. Had a canal dug, so the water comes in on one side and runs out on the lower side. The officers of the guard of the 59th New York came to my tent and reported that firing was heard on our right. Reported that 5,000 Rebel cavalry had crossed about eight miles above, and the river had risen, so they could not recross. That 3,000 of our cav- alry and Humphrey's Division followed up the enemy, and a skirmish ensued. Result not known yet.
February 27th. Clear morning. Colonel Jennings and David Campbell returned from home. The regiment mus- tered for two months' pay tomorrow. I was detailed as General officer of pickets, to report at 8.30 tomorrow morning, with the right wing of the regiment.
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