USA > Texas > The Confederate capital and Hood's Texas brigade > Part 21
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We laughed at her ingenuity, but as hiding valuables had be- come quite an art with the so- called rebels, we rather enjoyed the absence of the dainty ware, familiar on her table hitherto, and admired her precautions, but could hardly feel there was any ex- isting necessity for so much care.
During raiding parties, or when the rebel lines were contracted.
AND HOOD'S TEXAS BRIGADE.
it was quite the fashion with Federal troops to break, destroy and capture anything that came in their reach, so bitter experi- ence had taught our people to provide against such recklessess by removing such things as were possible beyond temptation.
Never will I forget that first evening spent near the Texas brigade. After such a supper as only a comfortable Virginia farm-house could supply, we adjourned to the long porch, where we sat conversing. Suddenly the booming of cannon was heard, with a peculiar reverberation across the water three miles distant, which I was assured was merely the batteries at Chaffin's. and from our gun-boats on the river, shelling General Butler's men at work on Dutch Gap canal, a bend in the river he was intend- ing to cut through, calculated to facilitate the passage of his gun- boats and transports.
How very strong were my sensations. Month after month I had been familiar with the sound of cannon, while during the "Seven Days' " fights in 1862, the sharp crack of musketry had resounded through the streets of Richmond, but this was differ- ent, and a feeling of awe pervaded my heart altogether in- describable. I was told this was a common experience when first so near active operations, to which I would soon grow ac- customed. Presently we saw figures arrange themselves near the fence some twenty feet in front, several soldiers opened the gate and advanced, were introduced, and bade me welcome in behalf of the Texas brigade, while the band of the 4th regi- ment complimented us with some of its most inspiring music.
Memory recalls the scene. through all the dusty years that have stresched between, as I stood, proudly leaning area miy husband's arm, while he acknowledged their kindness, the manly, graceful forms of our visitors, who had left their record upon their country's history, the cheering, hopeful words 'as they expressed their pleasure in having a lady connected with their command in their midst, the swelling music, the booming of the distant cannon and the moonlight, lying upon hill-top and plain in bands of silvery beauty, softening all the surroundings.
Next morning we strolled along the line, saw the soldiers in tent and on duty, who, everywhere, greeted us with respectful salutations, and was given a seat of honor in the regimental office at Phillips House, and watched the signing of papers and all the red tape performances of military life.
My curiosity was gratified with explanations of the fortifica- tions, which were earth-works about five feet high, the ten foot ditch beyond, the intricate abattis some fifty feet in front, the tangled obstructions of brush and fallen trees to impede the progress of an attacking party, and after surveying it all I felt
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quite safe in remaining near the army where there were so many willing hands to defend these works. Little did I dream that this would be the scene of a hotly-contested conflict.
Once, when officer of the day, Colonel Winkler invited me to go with him and visit the picket line. When we started, our servant was very much horrified, and the men evidently thought it quite risky, but no evil consequences followed. The sentinels were very much surprised to see a woman on the picket line, but showed us where we could get a glimpse of the blue coats, who were somew bat in the habit of popping away at the rebels when in sight. As they were as liable to miss as to hit, there was no special feeling of alarm experienced by myself during that morn- ing, and no shot was exchanged while we were in hearing.
Often, when in the office at the Phillips House, General Gregg would be present, and I learned to value his noble qualities of mind and heart. He had been a personal friend of Colonel Winkler in Texas-a lawyer and judge of the district in which he lived-hence a warm feeling of esteem existed between them. Mrs. Gregg had been with him during his soldier life in Bragg's army, but when transferred to Longstreet's corps, while in East Tennessee, and placed in command of Hood's old Texas Brigade, she had gone to visit her father in North Alabama, and was now in Federal lines, much to his sorrow, but would join him in Vir- ginia as soon as he could bring her through with safety. He was very fond of talking about his wife, and told us of a little incident of which he seemed qnite proud.
When the Federals went to her father's house, they were quite incensed to find the wife of a rebel general, and insisted upon entering the house. She met them at the door and told them it would not be agreeable for them to intrude. They be- came very angry, and ordered the negroes to burn the rebel nest. With all the majesty of womanhood she quietly told the negroes to go about their ordinary business, and not to heed such orders. The Federals urged their obedience. Without any manifestation of fear she said: "This is my father's home; these are his own servants, and you shall not compel them to disobey me. I shall report you at once to your officers, ask their protection, and have you punished."
Seeing her determination, they looked at her in surprise, wheeled their horses' heads, cursing at every breath, exclaiming :. "Let's be off: it's no fun trying to scare such a secesh woman as that." General Gregg expressed his pleasure at my presence near camp, thought my stay would have a good influence on the soldiers so long separated from relatives and loved ones, and hoped I would be with them whenever possible.
IGI
AND HOOD'S TEXAS BRIGADE.
After dress parade, in the evening, he would lead his horse by the bridle, walk home with us on his way to his quarters, some half mile nearer the river, always the same dignified, ele- gant gentleman, a fit type of the chivalry of the South.
'Two weeks passed pleasantly with daily visits to the line. witnessing dress parade, and entertaining friends at home every evening, a courier on hand, at camp, to bring orders any hour in case of change of position.
One evening Major Burns, commissary of the brigade, called with a request that I should act as chaperone for a dozen young ladies who were coming down to visit the camp of the Texas bri- gade. They would spend the day, have a dance, with music by the bands, and take dinner. As they were all strangers, mostly refugees from Washington, Maryland, and invaded districts of Virginia, I hesitated abont accepting, but being assured they would not come unless some married lady was present, and know- ing how few were the soldiers' chances for sociability, I consented to attend.
The 28th of September was one of those charming days in early antumn, when all nature seems in unison-warm enough to be pleasant, yet not oppressed by the heat of summer.
About 9 o'clock an ambulance was waiting to convey us to headquarters. Everything was "swept and garnished" for the oc- casion; a large fly-tent was stretched over a sauded floor made of plauk laid down loosely; the table was set under another, while another was specially prepared to accommodate the ladies. The soldiers invited to be present were on hand, dressed in their best, looking as cheerful and bright as possible at this variation to the monotonous life of camp.
At 10 o'clock the boat reached the landing on the river, in sight, bringing the gay crowd of girls, accompanied by two es- corts sent up to Richmond to attend them. When introduced to their chaperone, they were much amused to find I was not old enough to wear mob caps and spectacles, but were not averse at finding the lady as young as themselves who was to give propriety to the occasion, and promised to be very obedient to every suggestion I might make. Thus mutually pleased, began a day they all seemed to enjoy very much, dancing under the large tent, with music by string and brass band, conversing, rest- ing on seats made quite comfortable, and partaking of the dinner where I sat, at the head of the table, and played hostess. The whole country had been scoured to provide the edibles of vegeta- bles and chicken menu, without any kind of dessert, as sweets had long before been relegated to things of the past on the best tables in the land.
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At 5 o'clock the boat arrived, and they returned to the city. expressing th ir pleasure and enjoyment of the occasion. Con- eral Gregg did not attend, although his quarters pare caly a stone's throw distant. He expressed thanks for his invitation. but the gravity of the military situation oppressed him, and the absence of his wife in Federal lines, all conspired to give him: little taste for pleasure, Whether he thought it was tempting fate, we had no means of learning, but he spent the entire day alone, with the sound of merriment within hearing-perhaps with that premonition often felt when "coming events cast their shad- ows before."
I was sensible, all day, of an influence of this kind to a cer- tain degree. A soldier's camp, in close proximity to the enemy. seemed an odd place for gayety, and when the guests departed, returned to our temporary home with a genuine feeling of relief.
At 3 o'clock next morning-so quickly do events st !!: tham- selves-we were awakened by a courier with a message for General Gregg, who was in command of all the troops at that point, that the enemy had been crossing the river all night in force, he was expecting an attack at daybreak, and an ar coulance would be on hand early to take Mrs. Winkler to his headquarters, as safer than my present location. .
Hastily bidding me good-bye, sharp-shooting beginning to be heard, with instructions to leave, if the ambulance did not arrive very soon, just at daylight Colonel Winkler left me, and was soon with his men, directing the fight which was known after- wards as that of the Phillips House.
Pollard says of this affair: "The enemy, in very heavy force, had reached the abattis thirty or forty yards in front. but were met by a most terrific and galling fire which mowed them down with terrible slaughter. The white troops fled in great confu- sion, but the entangled brush greatly impeding their speed. many of them fell tinder the fire of the well-aimed rifes of the Texans. The negroes, who were driven up at the point of the bayonet. lay flat upon the ground, just in rear of the abattis; hoping there- by to shield themselves from the sad havoc in their ranks, but the Texans, mounting the works, shot them like sheep led to the shambles."
"The New York Herald said one hundred and ninety-four ne- groes were buried upon that spot. Counting the wounded at five times as great, which is a low estimate, at least twelle bun- dred killed and wounded cumbered the ground in front of that little brigade."
The Texans lost not one single man, said it was no fun to fight negroes, and that day's experience clearly demonstrated
Con. HUGH MCLEOD. First Texas Regiment.
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AND HOOD'S TEXAS BRIGADE.
the fact they would never make effective soldiers. They said their instinct of obedience and fear, going in at the point of the bayonet, compelled them to go where they were ordered, but, although many climbed the ditch and scrambled up the breast- works, not one had the courage to fire a single time, and died grasping their loaded pieces.
Beaten back here, the enemy hurled another column of troops against General Gary's cavalry, farther to the left, but were met with a repulse.
Failing in these attempts, another column was sent up the road nearer the river.
Fort Harrison, occupying a commanding position below Dru- ry's Bluff, constituting the main defense at that point, near Chaffin's Bluff, was their objective point. This fort was feebly defended by some home reserves stationed there, and before re- enforcements could be brought up from Philips House, after that attack was withdrawn, was abandoned to the enemy.
They then hurled another force against Fort Gilmer. nearer the city, but this was well defended, and resisted successfully the assault.
General Field, who had now reached the scene of conflict, was in favor of attempting to retake Fort Harrison that evening, but his superior officers deemed it unadvisable until the next day. By that time, the enemy had strengthened his position, and although the assault was made by the Confederates, it failed of its purpose, and the men were withdrawn.
To return to my position. I was left standing in the middle of the room, somewhat dazed by the sudden change in my stir- roundings. Yesterday all gayety and mirth, to-day distraction and deadly conflict. The fight progressed from sharp-shooting to volleys of musketry, until the minie-balls whistled around the house, and shells screamed and exploded in the woods beyond.
With trembling fingers I gathered my effects in my traveling bags, appreciating the necessity for immediate action, ontwardy calm and collected, but inwardly quaking with fear.
The ambulance failed to make its appearance, and knowing I must abide by instructions and get away, decided to call my servant and walk out of danger, if nothing better presented. Going to the door, just as the sun was rising I found the family at the front gate, watching the explosion of the shells. ani sur- prised to see me prepared for flight. They all insisted I should not hurry away without breakfast, as a fakt was cotting ta- usual, and would soon be over. I persisted I must go, accord- ing to my agreement when I first came.
"Well, child," said my eldest cousin, "may be you are right.
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I never had to obey any man, and think it too bad you should leave us so unexpectedly, but do as you think best."
Our servant just then galloped in sight, leading another horse, looking as frightened and ashy as only a negro can look, ex. claiming: "Marsa's down on de line fightin' niggers, and sent me word for you to ride dis horse and git inside de fortifications at once-dat means right now."
Mounting the horse as best I could, sitting sideways on a gentleman's saddle, I started. The animal having been captured from the enemy some time previous, and accustomed to going into the fight, with a characteristic of his species, made for the body of woods where the shells were tearing the timber right and left. How I felt, no words are adequate to describe.
A member of the 4th regiment, who belonged to the hospital corps, and was making his way to the rear to provide supplies and stretchers for the wounded, sprang to my horse's head, grasped the bridle, turned him in the proper direction, and kept by my side during that fearful ride through the field we were obliged to pass. An age seemed to elapse, as we made our way through that open space with the missiles of war flying all around, and the very practical realization of the battle where my husband was engaged in the thickest of the fight.
As the road led into the woods, the long-expected ambulance came in sight, the driver saying: "My instructions are to take Mrs. W. to General Gregg's headquarters." My faithful escort, Mr. Davis, lifted me hastily from the saddle, with little ceremony, and told him to take me to Richmond. The terrified servant rode back with the horses, and I was soon safe with friends at Richmond, where the intense strain was removed, and I wept unrestrainedly.
EXTRACT FROM LETTER.
"September 30 .- We had a nice fight yesterday, and whipped our part of it handsomely, but the forces on our right gave way before we could re-enforce them, though we went at a double- quick, and the result was the abandonment of our whole outer line. The enemy suffered severely yesterday; our losses trifling. The sight I witnessed of dead negroes and white Federal officers was sickening in the extreme. A member of the 4th, and one of the 3d Arkansas, each captured a Federal flag Thursday. You came so near being captured I shudder to think of it. Learn your relatives farei badly, as the foe was upon them not fifteen minutes after you left. Mrs. Phillips succeeded in getting her children away, but was herself captured."
"October 3 .- Everything remarkably quiet. We have strength- ened our line, leaving Fort Harrison out in the cold. Our bri-
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gade is in sight of the party at Major Littlefield's quarters on the 28th."
Early on the morning of October 7th, General Gary's cavalry and a force of Confederate infantry of Field's division, surprised the enemy by an attack between four and five miles below the city. They fled to their intrenchments, a short distance in the rear, where they were followed by our troops, and made a des- perate resistance. Our men did not dislodge them, as they were re-enforced from Fort Harrison, but they were not allowed to re- gain their former position.
"Sunset, October 9 .- Another hard day's work, and, thank God, I am still unhurt. We charged the enemy's works between the Darbytown and Newmarket roads, and suffered heavily. General Gregg among the killed."
This was the brief announcement of a catastrophe the Texas Brigade had never before been called upon to bear-the loss of a general upon the battle-field. It was to them a most dreadful experience, and the circumstances surrounding his death touched the stoutest hearts.
The Texans had driven the enemy into his breastworks, and were advancing steadily under murderous fire, when General Gregg was suddenly stricken down. The men recoiled under . the fire, leaving his body about one hundred yards in front of their somewhat disordered line.
Captain Kerr, Adjutant General on General Gregg's staff. de- serves special notice for his coolness. Coming down the line, close to Colonel Winkler, in command of the 4th Texas, he said in a low tone, "Gregg's killed." Walking back a moment later, without relaxing a muscle, he again spoke, "Bass is wounded: you must take command of brigade." Uuder the pitiless fire and confusion, Colonel Winkler ordered the color-bearer to a small depression on the ground, gave the order, "Dress on your colors." when every man was at his place, and the line reformed.
Lieutenant Shotwell, of General Gregg's staff, asked permis- sion to take three mien and a blanket and go out in front to se- cure General Gregg's body. This was given, and in that tain of shot and shell, where it seemed nothing could live, they ran out, rolled his body on the blanket, and safely bore it to the rear, when the brigade was withdrawn from the field, and hostilities ceased.
When Licutedant Shotwell's bravery was reported to Geteral Lee, by special order he complimented the gallant action, the brigade, and commander, for remaining at the post of duty until all possible was accomplished under the trying circumstances.
The men were deeply grieved at the death of their com-
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mander, who had so successfully led them upon so many hard- fought battle-fields, but felt relieved that his body had been re- covered, even in the face of the enemy.
His remains were placed in a casket and taken to Richmond. where he lay in state at the capitol in the hall of the House of Representatives, enveloped with the Confederate and Texas flags. and covered with floral offerings of a people always ready to honor the brave.
All day Saturday the people pressed in crowds to look upon the features of one dying in their defense, and the funeral was the saddest I ever witnessed; genuine sympathy for the brigade all delighted to honor, and also for the wife detained in Federal lines.
The brigade was permitted to go into the city and attend the funeral in a body-the only time during the four years' struggle they were able to pay the last tribute of respect to a dead com- rade. Postmaster-General John H. Reagan, Colonel F. R. Lub- bock, of President Davis' staff. both Texans, and members of the Texas delegation in Congress, acted as pall-bearers. Presi- dent Davis and members of the cabinet attended in a body.
The hearse containing the remains was followed by a soldier leading the dead general's horse ready caparisoned, and the bat- tle-scarred men who had never quailed before the enemy, now, with bowed heads and arms reversed, marched sadly behind the senseless body of him they had ever respected, honored and obeyed.
Out of the Capitol square the funeral cortege wound, through the streets, until beautiful Hollywood was reached, where the impressive burial service was read by Rev. Jas. A. Duncan, of the Methodist church, and the casket was deposited in a private vault to await the action of Mrs. Gregg, whose wishes it was im- possible to consult .*:
Sympathy for the absent wife mingled with the grief in each manly breast for one they considered a Chevalier Bayard among men. Never were sadder faces than those who turned away after the last rite was ended, and wearily made their way back to the city,-out to the fortifications beyond, ---- still prepared to endure all for the Southern cause.
"The brave General Gregg fell at the head of his troops." GENERAL LEE'S DISPATCH.
"John Gregg was a native of Laurence, Ala. In 1851 be 10- cated in Texas, where he rapidly rose to eminence as a lawyer, and at the early age of twenty-seven was elected judge of a judi-
*She came and removed his body to Aber leen, Miss.
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cial district. He was one of the citizens of Texas who signed and published the call for the Sovereign Convention, which passed the ordinance of secession, and was elected by that body one of the delegates to the Provisional Congress at Montgomery, Ala.
"On the initiation of the war, he returned to Texas and re- cruited the 7th regiment of Texas infantry, of which he was elected colonel. He was in the capitulation at Fort Donaldson, on the 16th of February, 1862. After his exchange, he was made brigadier-general. He participated in the defeuse of Vicksburg, and also at Port Hudson. In March, 1863, he com- manded in the battles of Raymond and Jackson, Miss.
"He was wounded at Chickamauga. He was soon after as- signed to the command of the Texas brigade (once Hood's, afterwards Robertson's), in Longstreet's corps, then operating in East Tennessee. He participated with this corps in Field's di- vision in most of the battles of the 'Army of Northern Virginia.' He fell in the battle of New Market road. The crowning glory of his military career was his defense of Richmond. John Gregg was a man of good literary and scientific attainments, of exten- sive reading, of large intellect, and a profound thinker."
"DARBYTOWN ROAD, OCT. 13th.
"The roar of musketry has died away, the cannon is being allowed to cool; the silver moon looks down in silence on the scene of a day again made hideous by the noise of battle. The victorious Confederates once more lay aside the' weapons with which they have, 'from early morn till dewy eve,' sent destruc- tion into the ranks of the enemy, and congregating round the camp-fire, recount in gleeful mood, the transactions of the past day, whilst I, thankful for my preservation, and well satisfied with our day's work, am seated on the ground endeavoring by the dim light of the fire, to relieve your anxiety.
"Oct. 20 .- Yesterday was my birthday, and I had a treat of lemonade, the ingredients being furnished by a sutler who was captured by two scouts of the 4th, the preceding day. They went behind the Federal line near the Phillips House, and cap- tured a lieutenant, a sutler, and two others, and brought safely to camp the four prisoners, three mules, two horses and as much of the sutler's stores as they could bring away.
"Our wounded are at St. Francis de Sales, at Richmond. Saw a letter from Sister Juliana to Captain MeLauren, dated yes- terday, in which she informs him of the arrival of our patients. [ This was a hospital in charge of Sisters of Charity.} I have charge of the picket line of the division to-day, and must now go on my rounds."
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"WILLIAMSBURG PIKE, October 28th.
"We had an engagement on yesterday at this place, and killed, wounded and captured a large number of the enemy, sus- taining but very slight loss ourselves. Never before have I witnessed so large a disproportion; in fact it was a perfect frolic, so far as the Confederates were concerned. We may be moving back and forth for several days, until we get through with Gen- eral Grant's electioneering maneuvers, though it is hoped we will soon be quiet again. While I am writing, troops are march- ing by, and it is altogether probable we may follow. Our scout- ing parties continue to bring in straggling Federals, and it is said a captured flag-the ninth or tenth -- is in sight coming in.
"Field's division accomplished wonders yesterday, though the papers to-day say little about it. General Longstreet and staff have been out in our immediate front this morning, look- ing over our work of yesterday."
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