USA > Vermont > Rutland County > Wallingford > People of Wallingford, a compilation > Part 20
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Having found everything to my satisfaction, I then changed and took my old partner Edgerton and came back up to camp and then visited all of the Camp Guard. Having accomplished this, I retired to my virtuous sheets of wool.
This is a little different kind of dancing from what you are in the habit of performing, but it happens to be my kind at present.
Address: Lieut. Dan. G. Hill Co. H., 10th Vt. Vol. Inftry. Washington, D. C.
Camp at White's Ford, Md. June 8th, 1863
The only secret of happiness in camp life is Health and a strong determination to be satisfied, no matter what may turn up. I do not say this for the purpose of making you think that you would like the service, for I do not think that either one of you have constitutions strong enough to stand it. And yet the time may come when you will both be obliged to come-but not at present.
I have a little colored boy about thirteen years of age who is as bright as a whip. Since he has been with me, which is about two months, he has learned his letters and can spell quite smartly. He has always been a free boy. At the breaking out of this war he was living in Alexandria, which was always his home. He has been in sixteen or seventeen different battles and knows more about this war than two thirds of the officers and men in the Union army.
When you are eating your strawberry shortcakes you may think of me. Yesterday when I was out at one of the farmhouses the lady of the house invited me to take a seat. In a few moments she brought in a dish of strawberries and cream, which you know is a favorite dish with me. Be assured that while I was eating them my thoughts went back to the good old times I used to have at home with this same dish.
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Now boys you must both write to me every week and I will answer as often as I can.
Camp in the Field near the Rappahannock, four miles from Sulphur Springs, Virginia.
August 4th, 1863
Yesterday with us was very warm. At 4 o'clock in the afternoon we marched out from Camp about two or three miles for the purpose of having Brigade Drill. Our Brigade now consists of the 10th Vt., 14th N. Jersey Vols .; 151st N. York Vols, and the 6th N. York Heavy Artillery. It is the largest Brigade in the Army of the Potomac. Did you know that the 10th Vt. is the largest Inftry. Regt. in the Army of the Potomac?
Our Brig. Gen'l's name is Morris. He is a graduate of West Point and served as Lieut. in the Regular Army. He resigned his commission about six months before the war broke out. When the war first broke out he volunteered his services, recruited a Reg't and received his commission as Col., served in the Peninsula Campaign and for bravery and gentlemanly conduct as an officer was recently promoted to Brig. Gen'l. He is about the size of Lyman Batcheller, dark complexion and black whiskers and mustache. To sum it all up, a fine looking as well as a very nice man. Thus far the men like him very well.
I was about to write about our drill. Having gone out some two or three miles from Camp, we found a good Drill Ground. There we executed Company, Regimental, and Brigade move- ments to our satisfaction and did not succeed in getting back into camp until one half hour after dark.
Doubtless ere this Charlie or Sergt. Edgerton has arrived in W. and has told you all about our late campaign. When he left us he was quite unwell and seemed to be threatened with a term of sickness. Perhaps, however, the change of climate, duty, exer- cise and society may operate beneficially upon him and save him.
Camp in the Field near Sulphur Springs, Va. August 11, 1863
In relation to those boys who were drafted from Wallingford I must say that I am very sorry indeed that they are not for their own sakes a very little older. It is a great pity that they should be
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so debarred from having a hand in this cause. And yet it is barely possible that their physical abilities would not be strong and plenty enough to stand the pressure. Let them stay. There may be time for all of them yet, and the longer they wait the more they will dread it.
How does my colt get along ? Is he one of the rushers ? I want to make a saddle horse out of something when I get home. I am something like that woman Father used to tell about who was very fond of owning a nice farm but had rather own a hoss.
Tell Lyman Batcheller that I think he owes me a letter. Give Leo Waldo my kind regards and tell him that I would like to hear from him. All is quiet on the Potomac for the present, prob- ably not long. Henry is quite unwell. All the rest of the boys are well.
Camp near Culpepper, Va. Oct. 1st, 1863
I am very sorry that the Chaplain's wife (Mrs. Haynes) should have informed you that I was very sick; but perhaps in this she was not so much at fault as he.
It is true that I have been quite unwell for some weeks past from the effects of Chronic-Diarrhea; but I am much better at present, and so that I am able to be around on my feet. So pray do not any of you worry about my health, for I am coming out of it all right.
The box which you sent me I received last week Thursday. The Strawberries and Brandy were fine and were in good time. I think they were a great benefit to me.
Give my kind regards to Mr. Scribner and Family and tell them that I still admire their Patriotism. I had quite a lengthy conversa- tion with Sergt. Edgerton yesterday afternoon. He reports every- thing after the old style at Home. Speaking of your buying the Hotel, he seems to be very much pleased, doubtless thinking of the many good old Shake-Downs we shall all have in the far-off and distant future.
Tell those old grumblers that are always crying "Onward to Richmond!" to dry up their Gabble, for Chattanooga is of far more importance to us than Richmond at present.
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Camp near Culpepper Ct. House, Va. Oct. 7th, 1863
A few days since I received a letter from you in which you spoke of my being unwell. I will now tell you all about it. I had been suffering somewhat with Chronic Diarrhea since the latter part of July, but by being cautious both night and day, and by taking light astringents for medicine, I had succeeded in keeping it in check until the 13th of Sept., when we crossed (forded) the Rappahannock and marched to our present encampment, a dis- tance of some sixteen miles or upwards, which we accomplished in one day. We marched from daylight that morning till nine o'clock in the evening without stopping for coffee or lunch. It was decidedly the most aggravating and tiresome march I ever made.
I managed through dint of pluck (or whatever you choose to term it) to march in to this camp without falling out. Our Regt. halted here and was drawn up in line of Battle with the expecta- tion of doing some fighting as we all supposed; but finally we were ordered to Stack Arms and Pitch Tents, and your humble servant crawled under a "fly" and did not get up again for eight days (excepting on urgent occasions). This sickness prostrated me very much.
The Surgeons advised me to apply for a leave of absence, giv- ing me Surgeon's Certificate that I should be obliged to have a change of climate for thirty days to prevent "Death" or "Perma- nent Disability." With this in my pocket I recovered very rapidly and withdrew my application and am now feeling "Prime."
Camp near Catlett's Station, Va. Oct. 24th, '63
Please accept copy from my Pocket Diary:
Oct. 10th, '63 Culpepper, Va. We were called out in line of Battle in a great hurry. I was out with Co. K with which I have been detailed for the past few days. We moved out of camp about one mile and a half and then stopped for the night. It was very cold.
Oct. 11th. We left our line of Battle that we had held the day before and started on our march for the rear. Our Brigade led the
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Division and our Division the Corps. We made a very successful march, arriving at the South fork of the Rappahannock at 5 p.m. We crossed it on Pontoons and then hurried for the other Branch, which we reached about 9 P.M. This we were obliged to ford or wade. The water was very cold and nearly waist deep. We marched but a short distance after crossing, when we camped for the night. After drying feet and clothes, and changing my socks, and partaking of a slight repast of Coffee and Hard Tack, I retired to my virtuous couch, Mother Earth.
Oct. 12th, '63. I was aroused at daylight by the Bugle for Reveille. The night was very cold and I found my Blankets, Cap and Nose all covered with Frost, but aside from this feeling much better than I expected. After breakfasting on our usual allow- ance, we were again ordered to fall in, but marched only a mile from Freeman's Ford when we camped for the remainder of the day.
Oct. 13th, '63. Tuesday. Reveille at 3 A.M. and breakfast im- mediately, when we fell in and marched in the direction of War- renton. After marching 10 miles we halted for dinner. After waiting nearly two hours we were again ordered to fall in and did not stop until nearly 11 o'clock, making a march in all day of over 20 miles. Our skirmish line was engaged nearly all day. Our loss was small. Kilpatrick's Cavalry with the aid of Division succeeded in capturing about 600 Prisoners near Green- wich, at which place we camped for the night.
Oct. 14th, '63. Wednesday. Coffee at the usual hour of morn. After partaking bountifully, we started on our march toward Bristow Station. This we reached, forded Broad Run, and passed on through Manassas Junction. The land here is rolling and our Defences very strong. The 2nd Corps fought here all day and we lay ready to support them.
About 4 P.M. we passed on toward Centerville across Little Run and there camped for the night, expecting a general engage- ment the next morn. I was very much fatigued.
Oct. 15th, '63. Thursday. At 7 A.M. the enemy not attacking, we marched on towards Centreville and when near the Heights turned to the right and went to Union Mills. Here we camped in the afternoon. The Enemy's Skirmishers felt of our posish a lit- tle; but finding us here, they retired. Our Adjt. Lyman arrived in
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camp this evening from Vt. where he has been for the past three months. Also Gen'l Sickles and Staff.
Oct. 16th, Friday. Nothing in camp but Rain, Mud, and tired Soldiers.
Oct. 17th, Saturday. We still remain in the old camp as of yes- terday. General Sickles paid his old Corps a visit. They paraded before him and gave him a very hearty reception.
Oct. 18th, '63. Sunday. This morning finds our Regt. under orders for Picket. At 9 A.M. we started. It was a wet, rough and lonely time but I came out of it all right.
Oct. 19th, '63. Monday. At 6 o'clock this morning we were ordered back from Union Mills toward Warrenton. We marched to Bristow Station and there camped for the day, all of us wonder- ing what was up, but still satisfied.
Oct. 20th. We were surprised on finding ourselves marching at six o'clock. Across Broad Run again, back towards Greenwich. Here we could see the effects of our late fighting. Dead horses on the ground and dead men under the same kind of soil. On we went and stopped for the night at Greenwich, near the spot where we camped on our way down. At sundown we camped for the night.
Oct. 21st. At Daylight we broke camp and marched for Cat- lett's Station near where we are now encamped. The reasons for the movements of this campaign you have doubtless seen by now in the papers. The Railroad here is all destroyed. We must repair it before going farther.
Camp near or at Brandy Station, Va. Nov. 11th, '63
Saturday morning at daybreak we were ordered to march in the direction of Kelley's Ford where we arrived at the hour of noon. The 1st Division which was in the advance ran onto a Brigade of the Rebs on this side, or at present on the other side of the River. They had out no outposts whatever, and for this reason they were entirely taken by surprise. Such a scrambling to get across the water you seldom see. But when they found themselves across and also saw us in pursuit they immediately wheeled to give us Battle, which was quite effective on a portion of that Divis. For instance the 7th Maine lost 18 Com. Officers, 100 en-
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listed men killed, also about the same number of enlisted men wounded. They probably were the largest sufferers of the Divi- sion. After they crossed we made a D-1 of a hustling with them, and also quite a number of successful captures. A more detailed account you will see in the papers.
Camp at Brandy Station Headquarters 1st. Brig., 3rd Div. 3rd A.C. December 4th, '63
Just one week ago this morning at seven o'clock we started on our late campaign, and a jolly old time we have had of it, I assure you. Here goes for a short description of what we have seen, heard and endured.
We left Brandy Station marching toward the Rapidan, which we reached and crossed at a place called Jacob's Mills. It was then nearly dark. We marched but a short distance after cross- ing, for the reason that we found ourselves on the wrong road. After making this unpleasant discovery we camped for the night, having marched only twelve miles. We had plenty of Confed Rails and consequently a good fire. A Picket of 400 men under the command of a field Officer was called for from our Brig. They were sent out and we then retired for the night.
Friday Morning at 3 o'clock the Brigade was put under arms and at daylight we marched on again. When near a place called Orange Grove, our Flankers became engaged with the enemy's Picket. They kept up a constant skirmish until 2 P.M. when our Brigade was ordered into position on the left of 2nd Divis. 3rd A.C. We deployed our skirmishers and then advanced. They soon met with the enemy's skirmishers and it was but a few moments before the engagement was general.
This was in the woods and very thickly timbered besides being filled with a sort of underbrush, which rendered it almost im- passable for the Infantry and much more so for those who were mounted. The "Line of Battle" was necessarily formed under the crest of a small hill on the top of which was a rail fence. This was held by the enemy.
Orders came to us to advance the Brigade and take the fence. The command to charge was given and on we went. We took it and then stood under fire for between three and four hours until
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our ammunition was all expended. We were then relieved by the 1st Divis. 3rd A. C.
Now for the details. It was said to have been one of the most terrific and long continued Infantry fights known in the Army of the Potomac. Volley after volley of musketry went hurling its destruction from both sides. It was almost deafening and the fumes from the Powder were almost suffocating.
Our Brigade did nobly. Genrl French, commanding the 3rd A.C. said to Genrl Morris in the presence of several Staff Officers: "General, your Brigade has distinguished itself." This we call a big thing.
Henry received a flesh wound in the leg above the knee in the first charge. It is not dangerous, however. You will doubtless see him in the space of a few weeks. Harrison was struck in the leg by a ball, but his leg being so much harder than the ball it did not penetrate the skin. It dropped him to to the ground, however, and so benumbed his leg that he supposed himself wounded and passed the "Colors" over to one of the boys while he fell to the rear to ascertain the nature of it. Upon putting his hand into his pants he took out the ball, flattened as it was. Finding that he was not badly wounded, he again rushed for the ranks and seizing the Colors swore by the Eternal God that Flag should never fall. He will doubtless be mentioned in the Col's Report. He behaved very bravely and has made himself noticed.
It was dark when we were relieved and fell back from the line. The loss in our Brigade is 35 killed, 210 killed and wounded. Capt. Dillingham from the 10th Vt., Acting Inspector General on our Staff, is supposed to be wounded and taken Prisoner. I believe the Wallingford boys are all right.
Saturday morning at daylight, finding that the enemy had re- treated, we marched for a place called "Robertson's Tavern" and from there up onto Mine Run about 3/4 of a mile from the Plank Road running from Orange Ct. House to Fredericksburg, nearly midway between the two places. Here we camped for the night.
Sunday morning we discovered that the enemy were strongly intrenched in our immediate Front. Preparations were soon made for an attack. Batteries were brought into position and strongly supported. Our Brigade supported three Batteries in the morn- ing; but the plan was soon changed and in the afternoon we
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formed the 3rd line of battle. Then we lay all day, expecting every moment to receive orders to move forward on the enemy's works; but night overtook us and we had not advanced.
Monday morn at 1 A.M. the 2nd and 3rd Divis. 3rd A. C. and also a Division from the 6th A. C. were ordered to the left of the line to support Genrl Warren, Comdg 2nd A. C. We arrived there at daylight, formed our line of battle and waited till 1 P.M. when we returned to our position of Sunday.
Tuesday we lay quiet all day. At 7 P.M. we started on our march back across the Rapidan, following down the Plank Road to Culpeper Ford, which we crossed at 4 the next morning having marched all night. It was extremely cold. At 5 A.M. we halted and made breakfast, and then on we marched till dark last evening, when we rested till 12. Then we again started and reached Brandy this morning at 6 A.M.
The reason of our falling back is, I suppose, that they found the enemy's works impregnable; also heavily reinforced.
Your Box has not been rec'd as yet, but doubtless will be soon. I am well and all right.
Hd Qrs 1st Brig. 3rd Div 3rd A. C. Camp near Brandy, Va. Jan. 16th, 1864
I am thankful to learn that you are still well and enjoying your- self as of old. The only thing I have to regret is that I could not have been there with you.
It is very muddy in Camp and unpleasant getting around. Yet we have all become accustomed to it.
General Morris returned from his leave this afternoon bringing his sister and another Lady. He is looking very fine, and says he enjoyed himself very much. Of this we were of course all very glad.
There is nothing new in camp except that Charlie Edgerton has accepted the position of 2nd Lieutenant in the 26th Regt of Colored Troops.
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Camp in the Field near Spotsylvania Ct. House, occupied tonight by the Rebs. but we are bound to have it ourselves by tomorrow night.
Va.
May 16th, 1864 Monday Evening
Dear Home.
We crossed the Rapidan May 4th, and for nine days and nights we have been under fire constantly during the day of the most desperate character and nights charging and skirmishing. Now we must rest for a day or two. Victory has been ours at every point. Lee has been obliged to fall back, although he has con- tested the ground most fearfully, knowing that this was his last time.
Our Regt has been the most fortunate of any in the Army, having lost only two men killed and a Captain and thirty or forty Privates wounded. Yet we have been constantly at the front. Good luck has brought direct assaults either at our right or left thus far.
I see that the Papers estimate our loss at forty thousand. This I think is very much too large. We have captured about 20,000 prisoners and 40 or 50 pieces of Artillery beside some Gen'l Officers.
Genrl Sedgwick was killed within 100 yds of our Rgt. Morris was wounded in the calf of the leg. When we lost them it made us feel some gloomy for a time; but finally we pitched in again and had such good success that we feel all right again.
Reinforcements are arriving daily. The 11th Vt. was assigned to the old Vt. Brigade. If the North will only wake up now, Vic- tory will be certain this summer. We are anxiously waiting to hear from Butler and Smith now. Henry and all the boys are well.
P.S. Be of good cheer, all.
Camp in the Field, 10th Vt. Inftry Vols. Near Spotsylvania Ct. House May 20th, 1864
Henry's wound is plaguing him somewhat, and for that reason he has been temporarily detailed as Commissary for the Division Hospital, which position makes it much easier for him.
For the past three or four days our army has been very quiet. We have received a large number of Reinforcements-Thirty
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thousand. Most of them are Heavy Artillery Regts whose duty heretofore has been in the Forts about Washington and Balti- more, where their services are no longer required. They give our boys great spirit and make them more confident of success.
Rumor says that the Enemy have issued their last three days' rations, and that Lee has told them that they must depend on the Yanks for the present. God help them, for we are sure that their chances are very poorly founded. If Butler and Smith have good success, the war will surely be closed this summer.
We can very easily see now what our trouble has been before this. The country has always needed one man at the head of the whole Army, so that each Dept could cooperate with the other.
Wait patiently and pray for the success of the Armies. We are all confident that you will be amply rewarded before another Autumn.
It has been one of-yes, I think I can say with safety the most crushing Campaign of the war. Although many a brave and good boy has fallen we now stand ready to avenge their deaths.
Headquarters Co. H. 10th Vt. Vols. Inf'try Camp at the "Relay House," Md. July 13th, 1864
You must ere this time be very anxious for the safety of your son Gib and well you may, for this last battle of ours was one that tried both nerves and running timber. I will attempt to give you a short detail of our doings since we left the Army of the Potomac.
Wednesday morning, July 6th, at daylight we broke camp and marched for City Point, Va., leaving behind us the hot entrench- ments where we had been melting so long. We arrived at the Point about noon of the 6th and there took transports for Balti- more. Our Reg't was put on board the Steamer Daniel Webster. The boats would hold about one Reg't each, and in this way the whole Division was loaded.
The ride down the James was splendid, and such a contrast to our life in the dirt that we hardly knew how to appreciate it. Thus we rode along till we reached Chesapeake Bay. Riding on the water soon becomes monotonous-at least, it does with me. But Time in his flight with the assistance of the steamer soon brought us to Baltimore. This was about 4 P.M. on the 7th.
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At 11 in the evening we landed and were immediately loaded on the cars enroute for Frederick City, Md., which place we reached, via the Junction, about 8 A.M. on the 8th.
As we marched through the City with our Band at the head of the Reg't playing "Hail to the Chief" and other National Airs, my feelings were very strange and for this reason. On the 4th of July, one year ago, our Reg't marched through this same city en- route for Middletown and South Mountain to join the "Army of the Potomac." Then we numbered 800 men and a full comple- ment of Officers. Now we numbered only 200 men for duty, and only 8 of those original Officers left for duty in the Reg't.
As we were marching along, keeping step to the music with our Banners waving above us, the many engagements we had been in and all our social intercourse and doings together as a Reg't were fresh in my mind. As I recalled them and was looking for some of the active members of those good yet dangerous times, I would for the first time become conscious of their ab- sence.
But these feelings would soon pass away and I would give vent to more lively and pleasant ones, caused by the shouts and cheers and waving of handkerchiefs of the loyal women and ladies of the city. Occasionally we would hear some of the fairest remark: "That's the way Officers should dress such times as these." This, of course, was very flattering, coming from the source it did. Thus we passed on through the City and then halted facing the South Mountains.
We took up several positions during the day, the "Skirmish Line" being held by the Cavalry. We supposed at this time that we could hold the City. But at dark we marched around to the Junc- tion, which is about four miles. There we went into camp for the night.
The next morning (the 9th) our Div. was taken out and put into position, little dreaming that we were soon to meet so strong a force, but before 9 A.M. the enemy's shells were flying around our heads very unpleasantly. What made it still more so, the whole command had only one six 1b. battery of six guns to reply with, and unused to service at that. In a few moments this was put to work, but did very little execution.
Soon after, at about 12 o'clock, I with my Co. was ordered onto
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