USA > Rhode Island > History of the Fifth Regiment of Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, during three years and a half of service in North Carolina. January 1862-June 1865 > Part 16
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It seems fitting that we should make a brief allusion to the gallant record of the Forty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment, as it had been associated with our brigade during its entire stay in North Carolina. Although its term of service was limited in comparison with the regiments that were enlisted for three years or the war. yet it cheer- fully and courageously bore all the hardships and duties incident to an active campaign in the Old North State. and it had canse to feel
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proud of the record it made while in service. We shall ever cherish a kindly interest and feeling for every man who was connected with it.
We cannot give a better account of its gallant service in the field. than the one which appeared in the Boston Journal on the return of that regiment to Massachusetts. It says :
" The regiment has been in five engagements, viz. : Rawle's Mills, Kin- ston, Whitehall, Goldsboro, and Washington, all in North Carolina, in which thirteen men were killed. On leaving Massachusetts there was an aggregate of 1.018 in the regiment, and it returns with 916, one hun- dred and two having been killed in battle, died of disease or discharged for disability."
May 27th the Secretary of War issued an order authorizing the Governor of Rhode Island to change the Fifth Regiment Rhode Island Infantry to the Fifth Regiment Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, and to increase it to the maximum strength of twelve companies. It also contained the conditions under which the increase was to be made and the additional officers appointed. This order was soon published in the regiment, and with it ended its history as an organi- zation for active duty in the field. There can be no doubt that to most of the officers and nearly all of the men the change was re- ceived with great pleasure. To them it meant that the rest of their term of service would probably be passed in the vicinity of New Berne, where they would enjoy fixed quarters, full and regular ra- tions, an exemption from duty in the field, except in cases of ex- treme emergency, and a higher grade in the service. It also meant," as an officer tersely expressed it, " that they need not seek the enemy, but the enemy must seek them." Or, as one of the men put it, " good times and better clothes."
On the other hand some of the more thoughtful ones saw in the change a greater liability to relaxation from the high standard of vigor and discipline which the regiment had attained while engaged in their very active service up to this time ; a greater danger of the deterioration of the morale of officers and men which the ease and monotony of a life in camp sooner or later engenders, together with less ability to withstand the debilitating influences of the climate they were in. It meant also a greater exposure to the deadly malaria
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while erecting and garrisoning the mud forts and earthworks, much more sickness, broken constitutions and deaths. They urged that in such cases as this the officers would be more liable to social temp- tations, and that it was an invariable rule that the demoralization of frequent desertions was always greater during the soldier's life at a military post, than when engaged in the most active and dangerous campaign in the field. But these forebodings of the few could not dampen the general joy caused by a change procured by a general universally loved. as a reward for their gallantry, so they put away the sober-hued uniforms in which they had won fame for themselves, their State, and their country, and donned the gay, scarlet facings of the artillery arm of the service. This order was the signal for the dispersion of the companies among the various forts and stations around New Berne, never again to assemble in one body until or- dered home to be mustered out of service.
The days immediately succeeding the change to heavy artillery were days of drill and fatigue to the men and anxiety and fatigue to the officers. A new vocabulary as well as a new drill had to be taught, and the officers themselves had first to become pupils in the same school. Books on the manual for field and heavy guns could be seen on all sides. Officers with wrinkled brows carefully conned the lesson for the day before going out to drill the gun squads. The old and familiar terms of company and battalion drill fell into disuse and a new language was in every one's mouth. The talk was of cascable and chase, pintle and truunion, primer and tompion, elevation and field of fire, and the multitude of things that are the deepest of mysteries to the uninitiated. Their new duties also implied a practical knowledge of the elements of military engineering as applied to the construction of enclosed and other field works, and it was not long before our officers could talk learnedly about searp and counter-scarp, fraise and palisade, abatis and chevaux-de-frise, berme, banquette, and tread of banquette, and a whole dictionary full of other unknown terms.
The anticipated " good times" did not come, but instead a vast amount of hard work on the forts and breastworks. Platforms for guns in the new works had to be placed, magazines for ammuni- tion were made and then the shot and shell and powder had to be
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stored. Quarters for men and officers were erected and roads made so that men and guns could be easily and quickly moved to any threatened point. All this in addition to the usual drill and guard duties. The southern summer, in all its fervor, was upon them, and the fatigues and exposure began to tell upon the health of all. Such was the state of affairs in camp when our chaplain arrived as the bearer of good gifts. He shall tell the story of his return :
" I reached New Berne at five r. M. July 3d, and just in time to cheer the men with my good things, and help them have a cheerful and joyous Fourth. Various dispositions had been made of me by rumor. All night Friday, were the men hard at work breaking out the cargo and conveying it to camp. My things came in fine shape. The joy of the men was unbounded. Nearly everything has been distributed. There will be no complaint that each man did not get his share of everything sent out to the regiment. Lieutenant-Colonel Tew gave me every fa- cility, and Quartermaster Prouty and Lieutenant Beers, with their active assistants, have been indefatigable in helping me distribute my things. The noble men of Belges's Battery have shared in the distribution."
The men of the regiment were at all times remembered at home by those who were not privileged to share the stern realities of war in the field. As a tangible evidence of the thoughtfulness and solici- tude of the gentler sex, we append herewith a poem which was for- warded to one of the comrades, in conjunction with a box of good things, and we hardly need mention that it was greatly appreciated by the recipient. These amusing verses read as follows :
A SONG FOR THE TIMES.
Three cheers for the Union, three cheers lond and strong. Here's the box come at last, that's been coming so long, And when it is opened we hope 'twill prove plain, Though you've waited so long, you've not waited in vain: And now we will try if you'll just give attention:
Here's a nice plum cake, of Aunt S's make, Who they say is the best cook in town, And we hope 'twill prove true, that all that you do, May be done up as nice and as brown. Some linen and lint, she happened to think, Might be useful, if such things you Jack. But whatever is done, may it never be known They were applied to a would on the back.
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Peppers, and pepper-sauce, too, which she promised to you; A sour milk cheese she pressed with much care, Cookies and cup cakes, sweet, which we know can't be beat, And all this is Aunt S's share.
Uncle B. sends some rare-ripes, fresh from the farm; Take them and eat them, they'll do you no harm; Some handkerchiefs from S., 'mongst the rest will be seen, So please take the bint and keep your nose clean. Here's one for the Union, of red, white and blue, We hope to that Union, you will ever prove true, And the next city or fort you may happen to take, Hold it up in the air and give it a shake.
" May the best man win," this motto you see. Ambrose E. Burnside, of course that will be. If your flag should get torn from the hand of the brave, Give three cheers for the Union and let this one wave.
If the nights should be damp, and your blankets be thin, It is large enough quite to wrap yourself in. And if for clothing you happen to lack, It will take the place of a shirt to your back. So much for the handkerchief sent from afar, Three cheers for the Union, hurrah boys, hurrah.
This comb and brush from Abby, selected with care, To comb out the locks of your bonny brown hair: Towels and soap, you know what they mean, Another little hint to keep your face clean. Here's butter and cheese, we hope they will please, And help these nice crackers to go down with ease. Balm of Gilead, balsam, and peppermint, too, You know very well for what they will do. Here's sugar and tea, you can make a strong dish, I think 'tis not hurtful even to a FISH; But don't drink it too strong, or I fear you will find Yourself more of a Wide Awake, than is just to your mind.
Here's a cake from friend B., from Mrs. W. another, Seed cookies and ginger snaps, nice from your mother; While poor old Aunt E. so thoughtful and kind, Made the one on which her name you will find. Cayenne and black pepper," sugar plums and honey, A few postage stamps, just as good as the money. Here's a nice lot of apples, a rarity, too, Though they are dear, you will see they are not dearer than you.
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Peanuts from G., from L. and B. some candy,
A jack-knife from A. she thought 't would come handy. Oranges and lemons from J., don't despise them though small, A joke-book from S., 'twill make fun for all.
Pens, paper, and envelopes from Betsey, you couldn't find better, From S. and M. each a long letter.
An Almanac from S. you'll find good indeed.
Carefully read it. and in reading give heed. Thread, needles, and buttons. good to make repairs; But don't spend too much time in sowing the tares.
Here' something from all except Brother Joe, We couldn't get him word when the box was to go; And hoping these things will reach you all right, We'll only just add e're we bid you good night, We hope that success all your efforts will crown. And our fag will go up, while the rebel's goes down: Give three cheers for Burnside, for Sprague three more, Three cheers for your Captain, so thin and so poor, Three cheers for Rhody's brave sons, wherever they're seen, Three cheers for the Union, three cheers for Eugene.
Chaplain White. upon his return to the regiment. was also the bearer of the stand of colors from the Forty-fourth Massachusetts, which he was delegated to present to the Fifth, in behalf of the officers and men of that regiment. It was not until the afternoon of August 3d, that it was found possible to assemble all of the men, not on necessary guard duty, to formally receive them.
When all was ready, Chaplain White stepped forward and made an eloquent address, recounting incidents in the return of the Forty- fourth Massachusetts and their reception at home, saying among other things : .. The name of the gallant Fifth and its noble officers and men, I am proud to tell you, has gone not only to Rhode Island, but throughout New England. and I may say throughout the whole North. Everywhere I received the most courteous attention, be- cause of my connection with you and your service." And then in glowing language he spoke of the genuine feeling of comradeship and gratitude which dictated the preparation and presentation of this costly and elegant testimonial to the Fifth Rhode Island, and foretold the feeling of brotherhood that in the near future would exist. not only between the men engaged in this terrible strife, but between the
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different states and sections of our common country, when this war should end in a glorious peace.
Lieutenant-Colonel Tew, in behalf of the regiment, received the colors, and in terms as eloquent as those of the first speaker, thanked the donors of this most appropriate gift, and expressed the regard of
Lieut. William H. Chenery. ( Formerly Sergeant Company D, Fifth Rhode Island Heary Artillery.)
every officer and man in the regiment for their former comrades. the feeling of gratitude with which this banner was received, and the resolution with which it would be defended when the fortunes of war should cause it to be carried to the front of battle. The colors were then placed in charge of Color Sergeant George W. Ford, who had recently been appointed to that position. 12
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At the conclusion of Colonel Tew's remarks the whole regiment broke forth into such cheers as our men knew how to give ; three for the gallant Lee, three for the officers and men of the Forty- fourth, and nine for the splendid gift.
A letter of the date of August 4th says : " There is some sick- ness among us, but not more than would be expected at this season. We are waiting with open arms to kindly receive our brethren who have been invited by ' Uncle Sam ' (drafted men) to lend us a help- ing hand. The kind face of Lieutenant-Colonel Tew lights up with benignity as the hour draws near for them to join us, and our Quar- termaster, Lieutenant Prouty, seems almost ubiquitous as he moves to and fro securing tents, ' hard tack,' etc., etc., for their accommo- dation and comfort. Colonel Sisson is looked for daily, and when all are together again there will be an hour of general rejoicing."
Immediately after the battle of Gettysburg a call for troops had been made, and the several states were asked to raise their quotas by draft. Those drafted were permitted to send substitutes. At once it became a lucrative business for a certain class of men to furnish these substitutes. In a short time this business grew to such dimen- sions that one man would make a contract to furnish the quota of a whole county for a fixed sum of bounty for each man. When this draft was ordered, Governor Smith, of Rhode Island, in a letter of July 13, 1863, asked the Secretary of War to assign 850 of the men proposed to be drafted in that State to the Fifth Rhode Island. It was the largest number of men he recommended to be assigned to any one regiment. While the regiment was still rejoicing over the stand of colors presented to them by the Forty-fourth Massachusetts, some four hundred of these men arrived in camp. The officers who came with these recruits proved valuable acquisitions to the regiment. We cannot refrain from mentioning one, who, although drafted as an enlisted man, and could have paid his exemption fee and remained at home, yet when drafted entered the service and prepared himself for the duties of a soldier. By his persistent efforts at Providence he assisted in recruiting a large number of men for the regiment, and was rewarded for his untiring exertions a few weeks later by a commission. His name I need scarcely mention to any member of
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the Fifth. His musical abilities are well known, and his genial good nature and kindly assistance on all occasions when the exigency de- mands it is proverbial among his comrades. We refer to Lieut. Levi L. Burdon. He had previously served in the Tenth Rhode Island Infantry.
Another worthy comrade who came to us at this time deserves especial mention : Sergt. William H. Johnson. He was a drafted man but preferred to go to the front instead of paving the sum re- quisite to exempt him from military service. He had been a member of the First Rhode Island Detached Militia and detailed to the com- pany of carbineers.
After the return of Colonel Sisson with the recruits before noted, the usual quiet attending purely garrison duty in the summer again descended upon our camp. About September 20th, Companies C, E and I, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Tew, were sent to garrison the forts at Hatteras Inlet. These forts had been garri- soned by two companies of " Buffaloes," as these islanders were called. They had enlisted with the condition that they should not be ordered off the banks for active service. General Peck, in com- mand of that district, was not aware of this conditional enlistment when he issued the order for relieving them. General Foster at once countermanded the order when he heard of General Peck's action. Captain Taft with Company I remained at Hatteras, and Company E, Captain Hopkins, and Company C, Lieutenant Pierce, were ordered to Washington, N. C. At this time the companies at New Berne were stationed as follows : Company H, Captain Lan- ders, in Fort Stevenson. This fort was on the bank of the river above the town ; Company G. Captain Robinson, and Company F. Lieutenant Gladding, were in Fort Rowan, the next in line to the southwest, with Captain Robinson in command. Major Jameson was in command of Fort Totten, with Company A, Lieutenant Dur- fee. Company H, Lieutenant Angell, and Company K. Captain De Meulen ; Company D, Captain Moran, was in Fort Amory. across the Trent ; Company B, Captain Potter, was in Fort Spinola, a strong work on the bank of the Neuse, below the month of the Treut. Colonel Sisson was in command of the whole line of defence on the south bank of the Neuse.
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The correspondent of the Providence Journal, September 27th, thus describes the situation in camp :
"Our regimental headquarters are in a fine cottage near Fort Totten. Near it are the regimental stables, and also the commissary and quarter- master stores. In the centre of a fine orchard, at headquarters, is the regimental hospital. Our surgeon, Doctor Warren, has been sick nearly two months, but he returned to us to-day. Doctor Potter, first assistant surgeon, has charge of Forts Stevenson, Amory, and Spinola, and also Belger's battery. Second Assistant Surgeon Greene has charge of the regimental hospital and Forts Rowan and Totten. This regiment has been exceedingly fortunate in its officers, and there is great harmony and efficiency among them. So many independent commands must necessa- rily lift a large number of these into prominence, and full well do they bear their honors and their care. The season has been somewhat un- healthy, but the malarious weather is departing.
" The prevailing camp diseases have been fever and agne and intermit- tent fevers, with an occasional care of dysentery. Nearly every person connected with the regiment has been sick more or less, but these dis- cases are not very fatal. Since the first of July but three deaths have occurred. One died of fever brought on by over exposure, one was con- valescent, and had a relapse caused by eating green fruit, which proved fatal, and one was drowned. I had heard much of the sickly season and feared much suffering, yet the reality has by no means equaled my fears. And yet at times some of the sick suffer intensely. An instance that just occurred will give you an idea of my meaning. About twelve o'clock to-day a negro servant at the house all at once began to pick up the things he was using and button up his coat, and in a few minutes he sat at the fire, gripping his hands and shivering as if freezing, while the tears ran down the poor fellow's fare and he moaned piteously. One day a soldier will be bright and cheerful, and the next the spell of disease is upon him, and he writhes as if beneath the frosts of winter, or in the consuming heats of an intolerable fever. There is something most sin- gular to me in these intermittent diseases. Persons who appear sick unto death one day seem as cheerful and well as possible the next. Nor do we, as some suppose, live a half barbarous life out here in ' Dixie.' Colonel Sisson found a piano somewhere, and by some means caused it to visit these headquarters. With plenty of hymn and other books of mu- sie, which Doctor Stevens of your city kindly furnished me, we get on famously in our institutions of home life, home songs and home sounds. At times we feel lonely, but still we are willing to toil on. To abide in the joys of social life and home comforts would please us, but it were nobler first to finish our work."
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Fort Totten has been mentioned so often in these pages that it may be well to attempt a brief description, for which we are indebted to Capt. James Moran. It was the largest and most important work in the line of defences around New Berne. It was situated about one mile from the town, and between the two principal roads entering the city from the west. They were known as the Trent and Neuse roads. It was a five-pointed work with bastions at four of the angles, while the salient, at the fifth one, was to the rear. The work enclosed from six to eight acres, and was sur- rounded with a wide and deep. but dry ditch. Each bastion mounted five guns ; one at the salient, one on each face, and two as " flank- ers," to sweep the ditch. It also had on the front curtain embrasures for four thirty-two-pounder howitzers. There were four eight-inch mortars in rear of the howitzer platforms. The guns were thirty- two's, with the exception of one eight-inch columbiad and one rifled thirty-two-pounder in bastion number three, and the flankers, which were thirty -two-pounder carronades on ships' carriages, and were to throw grape or canister. Extending across almost the entire length of the fort, parallel with the front and about forty feet behind the frost curtain was a high traverse. It was made of faced timbers, about forty feet long. A trench about three feet deep was traced around the space the traverse was to cover. These timbers were placed on end in this ditch, and the earth was firmly tamped around them. They were then drawn in at the top, and the whole bolted and braced together from top to bottom. At each end of this frame- work magazines were constructed, each one opening to the rear. Then the whole of this frame was filled with well tamped earth, which covered the magazines and made them shell and bomb-proof. The whole was surmounted with a breastwork sodded and revetted, affording a splendid place for sharpshooters in case of an attack. The rampart on the traverse was reached by stairways from the rear. This great traverse was a landmark to the country for miles around. The quarters for the garrison and the parade ground were in rear of' this traverse. It was supplemented by other and smaller ones at dif- ferent points to protect the several faces of the work from an enfi- lading or reverse fire. If properly armed and manned it could not have been taken by assault with any force the enemy could bring against it.
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In October the Department of North Carolina was merged with that of Virginia, and the two became the Department of Virginia and North Carolina, with Major-General Butler in command. Many changes in the forces in the new department now occurred. The one most affecting the Fifth was the loss of Belger's Battery. which was ordered to Fort Monroe, and with it we bade adieu to the last of the organizations that had become endeared to us daring our service up to this time. Upon assuming command General Butler set out on a rapid tour of inspection of the forces and posts in his department. At New Berne every person at the post had an ex- treme desire to see this man who had the legal acumen to solve the status of escaped slaves within our lines by declaring them contra- band of war, who had the courage to hang a traitor, who had the executive ability to rule wisely and well so turbulent and hostile a city as New Orleans, and who had the nerve to quell draft riots in New York. For days he had been expected ; and who can tell the story of those days of preparation, the cleaning up of streets in town, the policing done in all the camps and quarters of every arm of the service, the sweepings which were given to parade grounds and com- pany streets. and last and not least, the cleaning of the iron guns in the forts and the polishing of the brass ones, the cleansing of uni- forms and polishing of buttons, belt-plates and shoulder scales. And what man was there in all that garrison that did not feel deep down in his heart that that eye of this famous general would see. and noto too, the fleck of dirt on the butt-plate of his rifie as he stood at .' or- dered arms?" He reached Beanfort by steamer November 19th, and inspected Fort Macon and the troops at Beaufort and Morehead City that day.
The guns of Fort Totten announced his arrival in New Berne early in the morning of the 20th. Soon after. accompanied by Major-General Peck and Brigadier-General Palmer, and the officers of their respective staffs in full uniform, he proceeded to Fort Steven- son, on the right of the line, and commenced his inspection of the de- fences. He rode into the fort, noted the nature of the ground around it, scanned the men as they stood in their places at the guns, facing inwards. Often he had word for the officers in command, and then he rode out and away to the next fort to do the same thing in exactly
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