USA > Texas > The Confederate capital and Hood's Texas brigade > Part 5
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Another grave trouble was the volunteering of the young into the service. Boys became dissatisfied with the dull monotony of the schoolroom when the very atmosphere was rife with the sights and sounds of conflict, -when the tramp of armed men was hourly heard upon the ringing pavement-and all the conversation in the social circle was upon the one absorbing subject.
Mothers and sisters looked with dismay upon this rending of all domestic ties, but it availed little. There is something in every male breast which kindles the desire to go forth and do battle for their country,-something not explainable. impelling them to do and dare anything for the land of their birth. in spite of all the endearnients of home. The evil influence of some of the associations of camp was destined to cast a shadow over their future as deadly as the upas. They had been taught to respect the rights of others, but amongst the free and easy around the camp fire "might was right." The hen-roosts. the pig-pens, the orchards and cornfields of the people became public property, and were despoiled to furnish variety to the usual daily
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rations. These exploits were retailed with bravado, and the most daring of these knights were looked upon as heroes. They did not realize that what was only a joke, to be laid aside when the war was over, as part of their experience, would bring to these boys, by their example, a fearful harvest of sin and de- spair.
Many of these volunteers gave up their young lives upon the battle-field, but many lived through it all, fought bravely; after the war, wandered hopelessly into foreign lands and be- came lost to all who had loved them-human wrecks upon the great ocean of time, drifting recklessly to eternity.
There were two attempts made to furnish the soldiers with arms and munitions of war. One was, by sending north, and the other to Europe, both of which schemes necessitated "run- ning the blockade," which was hazardous and became part of the secret service. The men engaged at Manassas supplied them- selves with superior rifles, captured from the Federals, yet the supply from all sources was limited.
The leaders, particularly President Davis, saw all the compli- cations of the situation and tried their best to meet every emer- gency, but unfortunately the President was surrounded by men who had too much confidence in their own powers and opinions and were unwilling to yield to him the respect and deference due the chief magistrate of the nation. They chose to bring their own ideas in juxtaposition, openly criticising the conduct and designs of the administration at a time when popular thought should have been a unit.
Many thought the men in the field should be allowed to go home when the army was not actively engaged, and while on furlough attend to their domestic affairs. This was a queer idea, as discipline would soon have been restricted and all power over the soldiers lost. Mr. Davis, however, quietly ignored all the petty troubles which arose, and directed his efforts towards plac- ing the army upon a well organized and effective plan of de- fense.
The troops had been thrown pell mell into the service, and the first thing after the battle of Manassas was to reorganize, plac- ing troops from the same State together as much as possible. This went on steadily, with the co-operation of the commanding generals, tending to make the men better satisfied and forming a more effective combination.
Out of the field the time was spent in caring for the sick and wounded, perfecting hospital arrangements for the soldiers of each State at Richmond, establishing bureaus of clothing and other needed improvements.
The North became clamorous for a change of leaders, -attrib-
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uting their defeat to the fact that General Scott had grown too old to be wary and vigilant, as when he was young and vigor- ous. His humiliation was great, his disgrace lasting,-for he sank into utter insignificance in the public estimation. He was one of those men upon whose record was written: "Lived too long."
General McClellan was selected as the choice of the people, who deemed the Cheat Mountain fight a victory under his lead- ership. He was appointed to the command of the Army of the Potomac., He was a graduate of West Point and full of physical strength, fondly styled by the papers "The Young Napoleon."
The Federal government was quietly increasing their army, negotiating loans of money, and filling their ranks from every nation under heaven.
The two armies lay confronting one another all the rest of the summer and fall, but no advance was made. This lull in the storm was delusive to the Southern people, who believed one more fight would. close the unnatural strife, and bring about speedy peace.
X- -X *
The different companies composing the Ist Texas regiment bad gone to Virginia separately, and been organized into a regimeut, under command of Colonel Lewis T. Wigfall, Lieutenant. - Colonel Hugh McLeod, and Major A. T. Rainey.
Colonel Wigfall had been United States Senator from Texas. He was brave, brilliant and talented, a fine, forcible speaker, an argumentative reasoner, who rarely soared so high as to weary his hearers with the flowers of rhetoric; considered in Texas one of her most gifted sons. He early took a stand with his own people, speaking with vim and energy on the subject so dear to his heart-"States' Rights."
Lieutenant-Colonel McLeod was a valiant soldier of the Texas revolution, had led the Santa Fe expedition in 1841, for the peaceful occupation of New Mexico, which was sanctioned by President Lamar, then the executive of Texas, who gave the enterprise his active assistance. They were betrayed into the hands of the Mexicans, and thrown into the prisons of Santiago, Puebla and Perote, where they remained until their release in 1842. His bravery and sufferings in a foreign prison, endeared him to his people. Had he lived, doubtless he would have be- come distinguished, but he died from sickness, universally re- gretted by his comrades.
Major Rainey was a lawyer, practicing his profession at Pales- tine, Anderson county. Genial, social, and possessing great personal magnetism, he was everywhere a favorite. He was in -
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telligent and practical, had been a leader all his life, and was soon almost idolized by his men.
Early in the spring, companies had been formed in different parts of Texas for the Virginia battle-field, as the men were im- pressed with the belief that the principal fighting would be done upon the soil of the Old Dominion. These were some of the best men in the State-young, strong, vigorous, brave-from all trades and professions, determined to conquer a victory or die in the attempt.
The, Ist Texas had gone to Virginia at their own expense, without waiting for orders, were organized, and participated ac- tively in the battle of Manassas.
The rest of volunteers for Virginia were gathered from different counties, in companies numbering some one hundred and fifty- about twenty in all. They were in camps of instruction estab- lished by order of Governor Clark.
Col. John Marshall, editor of the Austin State Gazette, went on to Richmond and, upon his return, brought the information that these troops would be received into the Virginia army with com- pany officers, but the President would reserve to himself the authority of appointing regimental officers. This was discour- aging to those who had counted upon going off with flying colors, fully prepared to enter the arena at once. Very many became dissatisfied, gave up the idea of going to Virginia, and joined other branches of the service operating in Texas or the Trans- Mississippi Department, but a sufficient number remained im- pressed with the impetus to go forward, under difficulties, to form two regiments.
They were ordered to rendezvous at Harrisburg, near Houston. Brigadier General Earl Van Dorn was at that time in command of the Department of Texas by authority of the Confederate government. He was ordered to send on these volunteers at ouce. but kept them in camp of instruction until he could send a mes- senger to Richmond to remonstrate against the order. It was supposed he wanted the appointment of the officers.
When the messenger arrived. "General Van Dorn was to obey orders." All this weary waiting in a sickly portion of the State. near Buffalo Bayou, was trying to those anxious to reach the seat of war.
The first installment, sent off by authority, reached Richmond on September rath, after many difficulties in obtaining transpor- tation, having bade adien to loved ones in Texas more than a month before. They were stationed below Rocketts. on the York river railroad, near the city, at "Camp Texas."
The men were immediately ordered to resume drilling, and the company officers were soon busy preparing them for the field.
GEN. JOHN B. HOOD.
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President Davis seemed to appreciate these troops at the outset, as he had served with Texas soldiers during the Mexican war, and was familiar with their determined bravery.
Lieut .- General Hood had been a United States army officer. a graduate of West Point, in command on the Texas frontier, and he doubtless had an eye to his value as the commander of one of the Texas regiments; hence his wish to appoint regimental officers.
President Davis was non-committal, and reticent with regard to all his plans, but after-events proved that this supposition might be correct.
As soon as their camp was arranged, he rode out and made them a speech welcoming them to the Confederate service in Virginia. He used language which has frequently been quoted by the men: "Texans! The troops of other States have their reputation to gain; the sons of the defenders of the Alamo have theirs to maintain !! I am assured you will be faithful to the trust!" How faithful they were, is the design of these pages to chronicle. There was something touching in the President's anxiety to have only the most efficient officers for the Texas troops. While the men would then have made other selections, after-events showed the wisdom of the chief magistrate. No steps were taken to oppose the appointments.
The 5th Texas was organized with J. J. Archer, Colonel: J. B. Robertson, Lieutenant-Colonel: Q. T. Quattlebaum, Major. Colonel Robertson was the only Texan.
The 4th Texas was organized with John B. Hood, Colonel; John Marshall, of Austin, Texas, Lieutenant-Colonel; Bradfute Warwick, of Richmond, Va., Major. Had President Davis looked with prophetic ken into the future, he could have made no better selection than in appointing these officers.
Colonel Hood was six feet two fiches in height, with a broad, full chest, light hair and beard, blue eyes, with a peculiarly soit expression, commanding in appearance, dignified in deportment, gentlemanly and courteous to all, strict in his ideas of discipline- a man to hold the love and command the respect of those who came within his influence.
He had seen active service on the West Texas frontier. bad been severely wounded in engagements with Indians years before the war, loved Texas as his adopted State, and soon felt himself identified with his people, as he was proud to call them.
"They found him able and ready to give all necessary instruc- tion, not only in drilling them for the field, but also in the forms and technicalities of the clothing, commissary, ordnance and transportation departments, for the want of which information regiments entering the service frequently go hungry, and com- missary and quartermasters make many fruitless trips." All
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these qualifications made him eminently a proper person to place in command of a regiment whose blue flag bore a single silver star.
The appointment of Major Warwick, of Richmond, was an "open sesame" of the homes of that people to Texas soldiers. and formed the tie which afterwards knit them together in a bond of friendship seldom called forthi by the deeds of prowess of the most renowned.
The people knew little of Texas, save disjointed scraps of her remarkable history, but were prepared to think her soldiers a wild, reckless set of men, daring to risk everything for the Southern cause. People of information, however, knew Texans were intelligent, brave and independent, glowing with an intense individuality. They soon found these soldiers were representa- tive men of their State, who were firmly decided to fight the bat- tles of the South, and willing to defend with their lives the sacred principle of Southern rights.
Major Bradfute Warwick was the son of one of the wealthiest of Richmond's citizens, Corbin Warwick. He was a young man pointed to with pride by the people of his native place, elegant in manners, handsome, intellectual, possessed of the advantages of great wealth, yet so imbued with the manly qualities of human nature as to make him eager to carve for himself a name distinguished in some leading profession. His preference was for a military life. To this his parents objected. Yielding to their persuasions, he graduated at the Medical College, Rich- mond, University of Virginia, College of New York, and the Paris School of Medicine, and from each bore off first honors.
Being only nineteen, he decided to make the tour of Europe before engaging in his life work as physician. He visited places of historic interest in Italy, Greece and Turkey, and wandered through the Holy Land, storing his mind with precious treasures of ancient lore, extending his literary and classic information by a personal knowledge of the grand works of antiquity.
Returning to Europe, he found Italy in a state of commotion. Fired by his old love for the military, he determined to offer him- self to Garibaldi as surgeon, as he had received no training in arms, telling that famous general: "I want the appointment of surgeon, because I think I can do some good; but place me any- where. If you do not. I will fight on my own hook; for to fight or physic, in this war, I am determined." The general gave him a place on the medical staff; but he was too eager for the fray, --- too near the conflict to remain a passive participant, -so resign- ing his commission he took his position in the ranks, as a com- mon soldier. The eye of the great soldier was upon him, he gave him a commission, and at Palermo called him out upon the
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field for his coolness during the engagement, and promoted him to the rank of captain.
He remained in the Italian army until Garibaldi arrived in triumph at Capua, was sent on a delicate mission once as spy to Calabria, and was honored for his success by receiving the "'Cross of the Legion of Honor." At another time, he was sent to London on recruiting service for the dictator's army.
He was only twenty-one years old, had participated in eleven pitched battles, had fought his way from a common soldier to captain in six months, had served Garibaldi faithfully, when the troubles in America reached a climax. He immediately resigned his connection and commission with the Italian army, determined to offer his sword to the Southern Confederacy. He had fought to liberate Italy, now he was inspired to fight for his own "Sunny South." When he reached home, after much anxiety lest he might be detained at the North, as his vessel was bound to a Northern port, Virginia had not thrown her fortunes with her Southern sisters. After a few days spent with his family, he went to Charleston, arriving in time to see Fort Sumter surrender to Beauregard.
This was the record of the man President Davis appointed major of the 4th Texas Regiment. No higher compliment was paid any troops than when John B. Hood was commissioned colonel, and Bradfute Warwick major of this regiment,-men who had won renown upon the battle-field, been under fire un- der trying circumstances, and who had been weighed in the balance, and not found wanting.
Lieut .- Colonel John Marshall, 4th Texas Regiment, was a native of Charlotte county, Virginia. He edited first the Vicksburg Sentinel, and afterwards the Mississippian, at Jackson, Missis- sippi. He removed from that place to Austin, Texas, where he conducted the "State Gazette," the Democratic organ of his party. He was elected chairman of the Democratic State Con- vention in 1858, and held that position until the beginning of the war.
Colonel Marshall was a literary man of liberal attainments, an excellent writer and close, logical reasoner, "who was inspired with the loftiest enthusiasm for the Southern cause," and possi- bly, through his paper, did more than any other in influencing the Texas soldiers to go forth far from their own State, into the fiercest of the conflict. He was also a man of fine business qual- ifications, having successfully managed his journal in a masterly manner. He made the trip to Richmond to learn the truth with regard to the exact position of affairs, and returned with a favor- able report. He was a personal friend of President Davis during ante-bellum times. His men had every confidence in him as a
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party leader, appreciated his bold, fearless writings, and con- sidered him a gentleman in every respect, yet he had no military record, knew nothing of war and its contingencies. These ap- pointments were received with a quiet, unexpressed acquiescence which did not amount to opposition, but, in fact, the men were not proud of any of them.
Colonel Hood was a stranger, although in service on the Texas frontier. Colonel Marshall handled the pen vigorously, but was not supposed to have spirit enough to lead a charge. Major Warwick, although known as a soldier of Garibaldi's army. they considered a puny stripling, and felt aggrieved that a Vir- ginian should be selected to command Texans. This however, was altogether a subdued feeling, for they made no outward demonstration of discontent, but accepted the situation with the best grace possible.
Dr. Howell Thomas, of Richmond, was given the appoint- ment of surgeon of the regiment. He was a man of extended medical information, graduate of Virginia and Paris schools, and a resident of France for several years. Returning to his na- tive city he was tendered the supervision of the hospital con- nected with the "alms house;" was also a member of the faculty of a medical college, and editor of a medical journal. He was an intellectual, skillful surgeon, who had made his profession his life study, dignified, reserved, rather taciturn and somewhat un- approachable to strangers.
This appointment was the " last feather that broke the camel's back." The men were openly indignant. Their State pride was wounded. If their officers were not sufficiently versed. in mili- tary tactics to command them, their doctors certainly understood how to do the physicking scientifically. This feeling became so evident that Dr. Thomas sent in his resignation in a few weeks. He afterwards admitted that with the exception of a few of the officers who appreciated his worth, and whose friendship he always retained, his connection with the Texans was the most unpleasant of his life-a clear case of misunderstanding all around.
It would be unjust to the work of a noble man if no mention was made of Rev. Nicholas Davis, Chaplain of the 4th Texas Regiment. He went with them from Texas, shared their camp life, ministered to them, whether sick or well. Every man re- spected him for his many superior qualities, and to him they went with all their vexations and annoyances, always sure of the sym- pathy of a generous heart, filled with love and forbearance to- . wards his fellow men. Soldiers, ever ready to make sport on all occasions, facetiously asserted that if their officers were not con- sidered au jait on the military, their doctors were not wise
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enough to dose them, the authorities never meddled with their chaplain, as he was good enough to attend to their spiritual con- dition, if he had come all the way from Texas.
Colonel J. J. Archer, of the 5th Regiment, was a graduate of West Point, and ranked as lieutenant in the United States Army, stationed on the West Texas frontier, and had been considered a vigilant officer. He remained with the Texas troops only a few months, and was transferred to the Western Army.
Lieut .- Colonel Robertson was a Texan, who had been identi- fied with the State for years, a Kentuckian by birth, a physician by profession. He very early developed a love of adventure, a zeal for public enterprise, a love of liberty and a sympathetic concern for the oppressed and down-trodden. Texas was excit- ing an interest among the inhabitants of the older States, and de- sirous of aiding in the struggle against the Mexican government in the Texas war for independence in 1836, he raised a company of sixty young men at Owensboro, Kentucky. They were de- layed by many unpropitious circumstances going down the Mis- sissippi river, and were nineteen days crossing the Gulf to Ve- lasco. During this tedious trip the battle of San Jacinto was fought, but the captain and his men joined in the pursuit of the Mexicans to the Rio Grande, and remained in the army until they were discharged in 1837, after the Republic of Texas was estab- lished and recognized by foreign powers. During the years 1539- 1840, he was in command of a regiment to repel the frequent in- vasions of Mexicans and Indians, and was an active participant in all the stirring events which transpired from the independence of Texas until annexation with the United States. He was after- wards elected to a seat in the lower house of the legislature, and in 1850 to the State senate, and was a member of the secession convention, and one of the first to raise a company and hasten to the conflict.
His men had every confidence in him as an officer. He was one of them, identified with their State, and they felt he would lead them aright and guide them to success. His appointiser: gave great satisfaction, and during the years that followed "Auot Polly," as he was familiarly nicknamed, was to them a tower of strength.
Major Quattlebaum was a West Pointer, who had held a com- mission in the United States Army, but of his record there is little known, as he was soon transferred to another division of the army.
Some of the commissioned officers of the companies bad been on the frontier for years, assisting in repelling the invasions ci the Indians. They belonged to the pioneer organization knows as "minute men," who slept always with their rifles at hand,
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ready at a moment's warning for an attack, engaged frequently in fierce fights with the red men. They had no military knowl- edge save the experience dearly gained in these contests, yet the quick perception attained by a constant lookout for their treach- erous foe, was invaluable in this new field of operation, keeping them ever on the alert to guard threatened points. This life therefore, had been a training school; they only required the drill of practiced warfare to render them efficient soldiers, daring, in- trepid leaders of the men they commanded.
The rank and file were composed of very young men, many of them mere boys. Take the privates of the Texas regiments altogether, they were doubtless the youngest in the whole Con- federate Army. Well was it for them morally that their officers were men of sterling worth and high-toned principles.
The organization being complete, new life became infused into the officers and men, and a system of drilling was inaugurated destined to draw forth all the soldierly qualities of the troops.
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CHAPTER VI.
Sickness Amongst the Texans -- Kindness of Ladies of Richmond-Apprecia- tion of Congress and the President for Their Efforts in Behalf of the sick -Judge Reagan Postmaster General -- Removal to General Johnston's Army, at Dumfries, Virginia-Union with First Texas Regiment-Organ- ization of Texas Brigade-General Wigfall First Brigadier to Command - Colonel Hood's Discipline of 4th Regiment-Texans Spoiling for a Fight -Skirmish with the Enemy-Hope of Foreign Interference-Departure of Mason and Slidell for England and France to Negotiate with Those Powers-Feeling at Richinond and the South when Their Mission Failed.
A grave trouble now presented itself. Measles, the scourge of so many camps, attacked that of "Camp Texas," and soon many of the men were enduring all the misfortunes of sickness in tents without proper nourishment or attention, with no loving hand to minister to their wants. Their faithful chaplain let their condi- tion be known to the ladies of Richmond, and some of the sick were removed to a private hospital under charge of one of the religious denominations of the city.
It happened there was a hospital in connection with Centenary Methodist Church, at a chapel which was vacant, as the people worshiping there had grown prosperous and built themselves a large church. This chapel, at the corner of Clay Street and Brook Avenue, was away from the bustle and confusion of the business portion of the city, and its various rooms susceptible of being easily converted into commodious wards. Here some of the Texas boys were taken, and fell into good hands. The ladies in charge felt a genuine sympathy for their youth and suffering, were more especially drawn towards them because of the long distance from their houses, therefore prepared to do all possible to alleviate pain and relieve their sad anxiety. None but skilled nurses watched beside these cots, and when some died, compassionate hands closed the weary eyes, and sent mes- sages of love to absent friends. The Texas officers came here to look after their men, and here many friendships were formed be- tween the ladies and Texans, destined to extend faithfully throughout the four years of the war. Into their homes, after- wards, the wounded and helpless came from Gaines' Farm, Get- tysburg, Chickamauga, to be nursed back to health and vigor. always sure of a hearty welcome. At this hospital, Mrs. R. W. Oliver, wife of a wealthy tobacconist, took entire charge of one ward of ten cots, providing nurses, food, clothing, bedding, etc., for her patients during this summer-Texans her special charge.
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