USA > Pennsylvania > Dauphin County > History of the 127th regiment, Pennsylvania volunteers > Part 21
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February 28th. Reported to General Howard's head- quarters for instructions. Started for picket line. Met the right battalion of the 127th, part of the 59th New York, and part of the 42nd New York, going for the out- posts along the Rappahannock. Relieved Captain Stetson, 106th P. V. Our posts on this side of the river, and the Rebs on the other side in full view, but no picket shooting. IO P. M. Rained until morning. Stood on my feet all night ; no shelter.
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Sunday, March Ist, 1863. Rainy morning. Last night I spent the longest night I ever spent. Reported at head- quarters of General Howard and relieved. Captain Wit- telsy, assistant adjutant general, of Howard's staff, told me my application was approved. He sent it up for leave of absence for ten days. This will let me go home in a day or two. Just received my papers to go home ; expect to go in the morning.
March 2nd. Started at break of day for Falmouth Sta- tion and home.
March 16th. Arrived from Harrisburg two days ago. Not so well since I left on the second. Nothing of note occurred but the routine of camp and picket duty. Colonel Jennings reported to General Couch's headquarters as corps officer. Our pickets returned to camp at II o'clock. D. Campbell purchased one gallon of oysters at Stone- man's Landing. We had a big mess about 9 P. M.
March 17th. St. Patrick's Day. The Irish Brigade, General Meagher, are having a good time. Our band has been hired for the day. High mass at 8 A. M., all the country being there. A shaved pig (greased) will be one of the feats ; also a greased pole, with a bottle of whiskey at the top. The man who catches the greased pig and holds it will get fifteen days' furlough, and fifteen dollars. The man who climbs the greasy pole gets the whiskey, etc. Three P. M. Horse-racing. Generals Hooker, Couch, Howard, French, many brigadiers, and thousands of spec- tators were present. One horse fell and broke his neck; and the rider's neck also broken. Four P. M. heavy can- nonading heard about ten miles on our right. General Meagher told the boys, "Now boys, go to your regiments and get your sticks, for there will be other fun ahead for you to do." There was a general stampede for the different
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camps. The cannonading was kept up until near sunset. At dress parade the assistant adjutant-general of Meagh- er's staff came and told our band to come over, and they would have more fun for the boys tonight, as they heard of the extent of the firing. Thus ended the 17th, St. Pat- rick's Day.
March 18th. The left battalion of the regiment goes on picket at eight-thirty this morning. About twenty-five rebel prisoners (Stuart's Cavalry) brought in, and quite a number of horses. Our cavalry made a raid on them, on our right, and beat them back. An order that I am to act as General officer of the corps ; to report at 9 A. M. to-mor- row to General Couch for instructions.
March 19th. I reported to General Couch at 8.30 A. M. The staff officer said, "Are you in command of your regiment ?" I said, "No, the colonel and lieutenant- colonel are on duty." He then said, "None but brigadiers and colonels in command of reginients can serve as corps officers. There is some mistake ; I will report to General Couch." The staff officer returned, and said, "You being a major, could not order your superior officers. The Gen- eral appoints you on his staff for to-day. You then say to your superior officers, 'By request of General Couch, etc.'" I then reported to the Lacy House and relieved the colonel of the 69th P. V. Took an orderly and started over the reserve line, about two miles below the Lacy House. I then commenced on the left of line to carry out the orders I was instructed in. All pickets, in daytime, to be with- drawn from the river two or three hundred yards, so they could not talk across the river. At night the pickets to be advanced to the river bank, but no talking across, etc. The river here was about sixty yards wide, but very deep. The bank on our side was about fifty yards back from the
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river, leaving a flat surface to the water's edge. I rode down to the edge of the water, (my red scarf across my shoulder, as officer of the day), and ordered the men, who were fishing along the river, back, also the pickets, just so they could see the river. The bank on the other side was probably forty feet high, level on top, having quite a num- ber of cabins, where General Barksdale's Division, of Mississippi, camped. While I was giving orders and the men began to move, the Johnnies came out of the cabins and stood with folded arms, gazing at me, and at the movement of the men who were falling back to the ridge as directed. I sat on my horse admiring the fine, tall-look- ing men opposite. About thirty or more stood like statues, not knowing what it meant. I then followed the line up the river ordering the pickets to fall back. The rebel pick- ets on the other side took it all in as the line fell back. The river being narrow, so much talk across it could not be prevented unless such a change was made. Arrived at the Lacy House at noon, where I met David Campbell, our quartermaster-sergeant, who said there was a mistake made. You were to go on division picket. General Owens will relieve you, and you report to General How- ard. General Howard said, "It was a mistake on our part. You go to our second division pickets." Reported at the grand reserves at about 2 P. M. Met Major Roberts, of the 72nd P. V., commandant of the line, and officers of the 7Ist P. V. ( Ist California ), and 106th P. V., Colonel Morehead's regiment. I then passed to the left of line near Falmouth, and took supper at Mr. Bryins, the very place my brother, George F. Rohrer, of Harrisburg, and myself visited in 1860. Bryins is from Maryland, and his wife from Philadelphia. She was a tall, fine looking woman. Major Roberts and I went over the picket line.
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Returned and slept in Mr. Bryins' parlor. Snowing and cold. Our supper cost fifty cents each, and a mighty poor one at that. These people being between the two lines, could get nothing from either side, so they often lived very poorly.
March 24th, 1863. Since my last date nothing occurred but the daily routine of picket duty and regular camp duty. Today it is ten years since I was married. I wrote home to know if my wife still remembers the date. The 130th P. V. bought a sword, belt and sash for Lieutenant- Colonel John Lee of the same regiment, to be presented to him at dress parade. Colonel Jennings, Lieutenant-Colo- nel Alleman and myself were invited to be present at the evening festival. Colonel Jennings came from Falmouth, he being relieved as commander of the Third Brigade by our old commander, Colonel Hall, of the 7th Michigan. Colonel Jennings and myself started for the 130th P. V .; raining briskly. We had a good reception, the tent being crowded with officers. The first thing was whiskey,- plain. Next, draft ale, a large bucket full. Next, cheese and bread, etc., and to finish we had milk-punch. A num- ber of the officers were quite lively, particularly those of the 14th Connecticut,-from a temperance State. We re- turned to camp at 10.30 P. M., in fine condition ! and health. Raining fast, and dark.
Wednesday, March 25th. Captain Shott started a sub- scription among the officers for a sword, belt, spurs and sash for Colonel Jennings, as a token of esteem. Raised $167 by noon. No drill. Boys blacking up their belts and equipments for inspection. Governor Curtin expected to- morrow, he being on a visit to the Pennsylvania regiments.
March 26th. Sent Quartermaster-Sergeant D. Camp- bell over to the 130th Regiment for one gallon of ale at one dollar a gallon. While Campbell was talking with the
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purveyor, the ale all leaked out-or in-so another gallon was bought. David Campbell started for Washington to purchase the equipment to be presented, (unknown), to Colonel Jennings. The Army of the Potomac was reor- ganized. Major-General Burnside was relieved from the command, and joined his old corps, the 9th. Major-Gen- erals Sumner and Franklin relieved. Fighting Joe Hook- er took command of the Army of the Potomac. General Howard took command of the IIth Corps. General Gib- bons took command of the 2nd Division, 2nd Corps. Gen- eral Hooker said the 127th Regiment P. V. was the best disciplined of all the nine-month men in service. I bought a kit of mackerel for the mess from the purveyor of the 130th P. V. Colonel Jennings came to the Temple for a sing. The trio sang, then finished with hot commis- sary. Very good for a bad cold ; also a preventative.
March 27th. Half the regiment gone on picket. Cap- tain Awl officer of pickets. I bought a pair of chickens for one dollar from the purveyor of the 130th P. V .; will have pot-pie for dinner. Colonel Jennings and self rode over to the 27th Connecticut Regiment. Their numbers have de- creased very much by desertions-high bounty fellows. Towards evening we saw quite a gathering; it was the Philadelphia Brigade, General Owens. Colonel Jennings, Lieutenant-Colonel Alleman, Quartermaster Orth, and myself rode over. It was Governor Curtin reviewing the 2d Brigade, (Owens), from Philadelphia. We heard the Governor make a fine speech, and he was cheered most heartily. We talked with him and invited him to our camp, but as we were the only regiment from Pennsylva- nia in the brigade, he did not have time to call. Must re- view another brigade in the morning, then go to our left and review General Reynolds' division. Comments from
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officers of other States, that we had the right kind of a Governor. He looks after his soldiers, and takes an in- terest in their welfare. Met at the Temple. Colonel Jen- nings, Lieutenant-Colonel Alleman, Surgeon Horner, Dr. Vastine, and other officers discussing what the next move will be, and general topics.
March 28th. Raining and thundering. Inspection at IO A. M. dispensed with, on account of the rain. Captain Ball returned from home. Detail for picket tomorrow at 8.30 A. M., forty-five men and our band, to form on grounds near Owens' Brigade, a regular grand guard mount of 600 men.
Sunday, March 29th. Beautiful morning, but cold. Pickets start; also band. Inspected by companies. The inspector inspected all the companies and the regimental books to-day. Captain John Caslow, quartermaster-general on Meade's staff at Stoneman's Switch, was to see us ; also his brother, William, both schoolmates of mine; and the captain's son. Invited us over to dinner. They left for the 132nd P. V. General Howard and his brother visited our hospital. David Campbell returned from Washing- ton without sword or belt which was to be presented to Colonel Jennings. He said while on the boat, the money fell from his pocket into the water. Very funny, indeed ! As the three grand divisions were broken up, and General Hooker took command, the Army of the Potomac was re- organized, as follows: Ist Corps commanded by Major- General John F. Reynolds, 2nd Corps by Major-General Couch, 3rd Corps by Major-General D. E. Sickles, 5th Corps by Major-General George G. Meade, 6th Corps by Major-General Sedgwick, IIth Corps by Major-General O. O. Howard, 12th Corps by Major-General Slocum. The 9th Corps, Burnside's, left for Newport News. As
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stated before, D. Campbell returned from Washington without sword, belt, sash or spurs. Everything could be had except the sword,-unsatisfactory quality, and none purchasable short of Philadelphia. So no purchase was made, and he returned to Acquia, where he let his pocket book fall into the river, losing the $167. What the officers will say about the loss remains to be seen.
March 30th. Colonel Hall, of the 7th Michigan, and commander of our brigade, paid us a visit. He is a very pleasant man, and very much of a gentleman. Lieutenant Jones, of the Ist Minnesota Regiment, played a game of chess with me. By hard work, I won the game. I had given Colonel Jennings, Adjutant Chayne and Lieutenant Wise, some lessons on chess at the Temple. Of course they would have enjoyed it if I had been beaten. No laugh this time. The officers met at the Sibley, (Quarter- master Orth's, Commissary). Captain John K. Shott stated to the meeting the case relative to the money which had been collected for the sword, belt, sash and spurs, and which was lost by D. Campbell. All felt disappointed, but it was decided that the proceedings rest for the pres- ent. Several games of chess played by Colonel Jennings and Adjutant Chayne. Eleven P. M. Adjourned.
March 3Ist. Raining, and three inches of snow. Our pickets left. Lieutenant-Colonel Alleman is General Field officer of the day, and has gone. Colonel Jennings dined with me; we had meat-pie. Captain Nissley is sick, and Lieutenant Wise has gone on picket, in his place.
April Ist, 1863. Considerable stir and noise. Four A. M. an orderly opened my door and notified me to be ready to fall in at a moment's notice ; the Rebs on the Harwood Road. Got up; found all the companies in a stir. Un- easy about the lieutenant-colonel, who is on picket. Our companies all formed and ready in company streets ;
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stacked arms and retired for an hour. The batteries ready to pull out. Very cold ; ground frozen hard. After drink- ing a cup of coffee I retired for an hour, first having my horse fed and cleaned. Our detail of pickets start to the front. Ten A. M. All quiet; the battery horses un- hitched. My horse feed stolen last night. The Rebs mov- ing some on the other side of the Rappahannock. Deser- tions nearly every day from the Rebs. The other day one swam the river. He said they had only one pint of flour and a quarter-pound of flitch a day, and were miserably clad. About six Rebs were crossing in a boat, to desert, but were fired upon, and compelled to go back. The Tem- ple full to-night ; chess and cards.
April 2nd. All quiet along the line. Exceedingly warm and sultry. Sudden changes hard on our men. Pickets, as usual, gone, and those out returned to camp. Colonel Jennings and myself visited the 24th New Jersey ; the regiment was out on picket. Went on the parade ground and saw the 28th New Jersey drill. They drilled very badly, but better than any time before. Pontoon wagons moving last night and to-day hauling planking, headed up the river. Notified that Major Rohrer of the I27th Regiment, will report at these headquarters as com- mandant of division pickets at 8.30 to-morrow.
April 3rd. The quartermaster bought two shad for one dollar at Acquia Creek, yesterday; so we had sliad for breakfast. I reported to the picket post, 468 privates, seven sergeants, twenty-six corporals, thirteen line offi- cers, one commandant of pickets, one division field officer, and one corps officer, who has supervision of the whole corps. I passed over the line from 12 to 4 P. M. Sent the grand guard out at 9 P. M. to relieve the others. I put my gum blanket on the ground and my
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other blanket on top, and tried to sleep in the open air. Heard a noise, saw a horse coming down the hill right for my head. Got up; horse stops. It was my horse; I caught him. Tried to sleep; getting colder.
April 4th. Could not sleep. Got up at 2 A. M. and rode over the line (very cold for April), and returned at 4 A. M. I sat by a poor fire, perfectly chilled, until daylight. The relief came at 9.30 A. M. The ma- jor of the 34th New York relieved me, and Colonel Jen- nings relieved the division officer. I returned to camp. The regiment reviewed at 3 P. M. Cold and stormy. A. A. I. General, Lieutenant Casto, came and inspected the regiment. Review and inspection satisfactory ; so re- ported. About dusk a terrible snow storm. Lieutenant- Colonel Alleman's chimney blew down, falling on his tent, but did not break through. Other chimneys and tents blown down. The whole camp aroused. Some fires among the tents, but not serious.
Sunday, April 5th. This morning there was six inches of snow in front of my tent. Our sleeping tent all right. All our mess are away ; so Lieutenant Reed, acting adju- tant, is my bed fellow. Easter Sunday. Still snowing. Our pickets came to camp ; they suffered much. No fires allowed on picket line.
April 6th. Lieutenant Reed detailed for court-martial. Colonel Jennings and Lieutenant Colonel Alleman started to see the review of cavalry by President Lincoln. I did not go ; had a bad cold and felt very unwell. A fine show ; about 15,000 cavalry reviewed. The Rebs were on top of the hills looking at the review, opposite Fredericksburg, (but back from the river). It was expected some shells would be thrown across among the cavalry, but they were not molested. Had they fired shells among the troops, hot
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shot would have been fired into the city and the town burned. To-morrow 80,000 infantry will be reviewed. John Osman, Campany "H," died this morning from ty- phoid fever. Orders came for review to-morrow, and one meal in haversack for dinner; also a detail of fifteen men and one officer to report at corps headquarters at 6 A. M. to-morrow.
April 7th. Not well, but rode to brigade headquarters to get a furlough for John McDermit, of Company "G," to take the dead body of Jolin Osman home. Waited until Colonel Hall came at II A. M. He was acting corps officer. Accomplished my object, reported to General Gibbon. He not being there, left the paper with Major Whittelsy, then rode over and saw Colonel Walker, of Couch's staff, and returned to camp.
April 8th. Colonel Jennings received orders at I A. M. this morning to appear on review with the regiment at 9.30 A. M. The regiment left for review, but I was not well enough to go. Company "H" started on picket. Captain F. Asbury Awl, Company "A," (at Washington), is here on a visit to the regiment, to visit his brother, Cap- tain J. Wesley Awl, of Company "B." The furlough for McDermit arrived in the morning. He will take the corpse home. President Lincoln, General Hooker, and a host of Generals reviewed about 300 regiments, in all about 82,000 men. It was a brilliant affair. Mrs. Lincoln, and other ladies were there. Young Lincoln, about twelve years old, rode along with his father. Cold and cloudy. Colonel Jennings detailed for corps officer.
Thursday, April 9th. Shipped the body of Osman off for Harrisburg. Colonel Jennings started for picket. Company drill forenoon and afternoon. Company "H" returned from picket. Company "D" goes on picket to- morrow.
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April roth. Spring morning. Company "I" and part of Company "B" go on picket. Colonel Jennings returned from picket. Rebs called over that we have Charleston. Another says, "You got rats at Charleston." Lieutenant Driver, acting assistant adjutant-general of our brigade, came to inspect the adjutant's books. Lieutenant-Colonel Alleman is mustering the regiment, (as to numbers), to report to Attorney-General at Harrisburg, to be enrolled with the militia of the State for draft.
Saturday, April IIth. Quartermaster Orth and I took a ride, being a fine morning. We rode all around General French's Division. Called on 130th P. V. Met Lieuten- ant-Colonel Lee; he set up the commissary. Then rode over to the Harwood Road, looked at a battery drill, rode through General Owens' brigade, and left for Falmouth. Met Colonel Jennings. His horse made a sudden stop, and the colonel fell plump on his hind quarters, not hurt, but shook up some. Returned to the regiment ; very hot.
Sunday, April 12th. Inspection of the regiment at 2 P. M. At 4 P. M. Captain Nissley, Quartermaster Orth, Lieutenant Reed and myself rode to Stoneman's Switch. Called at headquarters of General Meade, on Captain John Caslow, quartermaster of corps. The cap- tain treated to ale. Returned by way of General Howard's headquarters. Commenced to rain ; arrived at camp after dusk; quite damp. Captain Caslow told us that 10,000 cavalry men would move in the morning; also the Ist and 3rd Corps, and artillery.
April 13th. The troops, as stated yesterday, are in mo- tion. It is reported that Stuart's cavalry are traveling to- wards Pennsylvania, and that our troops are going after Stuart. Lieutenant-Colonel Alleman detailed as division officer for pickets, at 8.30 to-morrow morning. Re-
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ported Lee's army is moving towards Winchester. Or- ders to have three days' rations drawn. I was just detailed as commandant of pickets, to report at 8.30 A. M. to-morrow. This is unusual, two field officers from same regiment at one time, for same picket line. Another order to draw five days' more rations, three cooked; in haver- sack, and five in knapsack.
April 14th. Fine morning. Lieutenant-Colonel and myself left for picket post with 500 men. Rebs sent over a little boat rigged with rudder, with some Richmond pa- pers. General Couch anxious to hear from Charleston. It was rumored that our iron-clad had been repulsed, and also our land forces. Company "B" and part of Company "D" are on picket.
April 15th. Our regiment and the whole army ordered to be ready to move at 9 A. M. Lieutenant-Colonel Alleman started for camp ; first reported to headquarters. Raining, raining ! I returned to camp at II A. M. well soaked with rain. By an order, all the supplies and baggage, even the blankets of the men, were to be sent off for Washington, all to be ready for march with eight days' rations. The field officers to carry eight days' feed (oats, etc.), on their horses. Reported that the cavalry force had returned, and most of the 400 wagons had returned also. A game of euchre at the Temple ; Captains Shott, Hender- son, Nissley and myself were the players.
April 18th. Company "H" gone on picket. Paymaster Walker arrived at the 59th New York and paid them off ; arrived at our camp at 8 P. M. and paid off five com- panies. We made milk-punch for the paymaster, and our gang at the Temple; condensed milk, commissary, boiling water and sugar; very good for a bad cold, you know. Colonel Jennings gave his bed to the paymaster, then I shared half of my bed with him.
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Sunday, April 20th. Company "I" goes on picket, Cap- tain Nissley, at 8 A. M. Raining. Quartermaster Orth left for Acquia Station to express the officers' money home. It is reported that President Lincoln and General Halleck visited General Hooker last night. Quartermas- ter Orth returned from expressing our money, and brought two shad and three rock fish. What a feast we had! Still raining.
April 21st. Shad and shad eggs for breakfast ; high living, when we got it. Company "C" and part of Com- pany "B" go on picket. Lieutenant-Colonel Alleman took off dress parade. Chess at the Temple, Colonel Jennings three games behind.
April 22nd. Our pickets gone as usual. Colonel Jen- nings and Lieutenant-Colonel Alleman rode over to Colo- nel Allebaugh's brigade. The news is that a move will be made in a few days. Colonel Jennings and self rode over to the 130th P. V., and then to the 132nd P. V., and re- turned to camp. Retired at ten o'clock. I took a blue pill. This is the greatest country to get bilious I ever knew. Since General Hooker has command of the Army of the Potomac, he has given plenty of work for the cavalry on our right. General Stoneman has been making raids all the time. General Hooker said he never saw a dead cav- alryman, and gives them plenty of work to do.
April 23rd. Raining hard; small streams swollen, and the Rappahannock is high. Word from the War Depart- ment that the expiration of the nine-month men would be reckoned from the time the last company was mustered into the United States service. Colonel Jennings and self played three games of chess, the Colonel winning two out of the three. He would not play any more that night, but he played with Captain Greenawalt. Not feeling well, I retired and left them playing.
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April 24th. Camp and picket duty, as usual. Dress parade at 5 P. M. Colonel Jennings and self had an in- vitation from Lieutenant-Colonel Thoman, of the 59th New York, to spend the evening with him, which we did. Several glasses of egg-nog, several games of chess, and a parting salute. We returned to our camp; distance to our camp fifty feet. Met at the Temple and sang several pieces of music before retiring; our voices so clear and sweet after drinking the egg-nog.
Saturday, April 25th. Sold my gray mare ; she is nearly played out. Just notified to go on picket as general officer of division and report at headquarters of General Gibbon at 8.30 A. M. tomorrow. Our band plays every evening in front of Colonel Jennings' headquarters. Of course every one can listen to the sweet music, and we all enjoy it.
April 26th. Fine cool morning. Started for picket line, first reporting at headquarters. Relieved Colonel More- head, of the 106th P. V. Colonel Cane, of the 69th P. V., corps officer. Arrested Captain S. S. Chase and his ser- geant, of the 12th New Jersey, also a private of the 34th New York, they being caught in the act of sending a small boat with papers, (called "Christian Banner"), across the river to the Rebs, by the commandant of pickets, Captain Downing, 42nd New York (Tammany), and sent them to me. I then sent the prisoners to division headquarters with an escort of sergeant and six men. Took supper at Bry- ins' and slept in their parlor. Major-General Hooker vis- ited the left and center of my line, with his staff. The General is one of the finest looking men, on horseback, I ever saw, and the best rider in the army, so it is said.
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