USA > Wisconsin > Washington County > Washington County, Wisconsin : past and present > Part 10
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It was in the afternoon of April 23, 1861, when this first war meeting was held in the county "to consider the state of the country and make response to the call of the President for the maintenance of the government against the aggressions of traitors in arms," as it was said in the call. Before the meeting which consisted of citi- zens from West Bend, Barton and the surrounding country was called to order, the Stars and Stripes were unfurled from the dome of the courthouse and greeted with three cheers. Daniel McHenry was chosen president. A committee was appointed to draw up reso- lutions expressing the sentiment of the meeting. Meanwhile some speakers gave short, firm and patriotic addresses, and Parker's band played the "Star Spangled Banner," "Yankee Doodle," and other national airs. The committee presented the following resolutions :
"WHEREAS, Our Government has been attacked by rebels and traitors, and the Union thereby endangered, therefore
"Resolved, that our sentiments are 'The Union Forever,' and, if necessary, our blood and treasure to sustain it."
They were adopted unanimously, and after three more cheers for
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the flag and three for the Union, the patriots dispersed. The Presi- dent's call for a militia of 75,000 men had found a hearty response in the county.
Young men from many parts of the county began to enlist in the Wisconsin regiments. Among the first ones were several lads from Barton. They joined Company K of the Second Infantry and fought in the battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861. One of them, Wm. H. Goodenough, in a letter to his sister gives blood-curdling details of that battle which like the second one of the same place ended disas- trous for the Union forces, and tells of some rather unwholesome experiences after it. He wrote :
"ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, VA., Fort Corcoran, July 28, '61.
"DEAR SISTER :- I was highly gratified to receive yours of the 2Ist. On the day I got it there were four or five letters received in our tent, and they were all dated on the day we were having one of the bloodiest and most desperate battles ever fought in the United States. It was remarked that had it been known we were in such danger, the hands that traced those lines would hardly have been thus engaged. It was well that they could not know it. I suppose that while you were sitting under the 'droppings of the sanctuary,' you did not think that we 'poor d-ls' (as the boys style us) were being peppered on all sides by cannon balls, shell, grape and cannister, to say nothing of the 'smaller fry' that were almost thick enough to cut with a knife, and all over there were scattered men and horses, some dying, some dead, and some only wounded; and how they were cut up; one had his breast taken clean out, and was lying doubled up; another had a ball pass directly from one shoulder to the other, tak- ing off both arms; another had both arms taken off below the elbow; another both legs; others had their faces or parts of their heads shot away, while others, still, were shot with musket or rifle balls. They were to be seen under every tree, in every fence corner, behind every rock, and in fact, all over the ground, friend and foe were laid. It is all very well to read of 'wars, and rumors of wars,' but the reality is inconceivable. The dead with open mouths and glassy eyes, in un- natural positions; the wounded, some gasping, others crying and groaning, others swearing or praying, and all begging of friend or foe for aid and water. It was indeed awful! awful !!
"From the papers I have seen, I should infer that our regiment was not very lightly spoken of, and I think they acted very brave. They
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stood under the galling fire of the enemy five or six hours, pouring in a hot fire on the rebels. They were left without a leader, and went and came just as they pleased, consequently got broken up badly, which made them look rather unmilitary, but that, I think, was the fault of the officers. But the most disgraceful proceeding was the order to retreat clear back to Washington, when we could just as well have maintained our position at Centerville as not ; and then to push us clear through (35 miles) as if the d-1 was after us, in one night, showed that the officers were the ones who were 'panic-stricken.'
"I presume I was as anxious for a fight as any who were afraid they would not have a chance to empty their old shotguns at the enemy, and prepared to show my belligerent feelings in action rather than words. You may not like our having to do much on Sunday, but it has grown proverbial with us that if we have any extra duty to do, it must be done on the Sabbath.
"I have been out blackberrying several times since my return, and did not get 'catched,' but I shall be careful in the future, as the en- emy's lines extend within a few miles of our camp. Almost every day two or three out of our tent go out and pick from ten to twelve quarts of berries, and by mixing with them plenty of coffee-sugar they are made very palatable. You may think now that I am going to tell you just for 'greens' a thing or two of what I have seen in camp life. After our defeat on Sunday eve, we marched here in the night, and as springs, or even creeks, were not to be found very often, I drank, as did all the soldiers, out of mud puddles that a civilized hog would hardly have wallowed in. When we arrived here, we were ordered by our 'frightened commandant' to the fort, where we were left to find a shelter the best way we could. Some got into a barn, others into barrels, dry goods boxes, stables, (for you know it rained all day and night,) and I saw several rolled up in their blankets, lying on a brush-heap, which kept them out of the mud, but they got well soaked before morning. I, with several others, got into a pig pen which, however, had not been in use for some time, and was dry. I took possession of the trough, rolled myself up in my blanket and snoozed till morning. The next day we got up a tent, and laid down among the gravelstones and slop.
"How was the news of our battle received in Wisconsin, and what was said of our regiment? Send as many papers as you please, they will all be read gladly.
"Yours affectionately,
"WM. H. GOODENOUGH."
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The first full company which the county furnished for the war was gotten up in West Bend during September, 1861. Persons who enlisted were promised $100 in gold and 160 acres of land, besides their regular monthly pay. At the same time Hartford was endeavor- ing to form a company. There was an attempt made by the latter to unite the two, to which the "West Bend Post" of September 28, 1861, replied: "The Union Guards of this place now number 57 members, 'sworn in,' and in quarters at the Mansion House. They are all jolly good fellows, and are bound to make their mark. The propo- sition of the Hartford company to unite was respectfully declined for the reason that the members have too much confidence in their present officers to admit of a change. If the Hartford company wish to fall into the ranks as privates, they will be cordially received. They have now a good fifer and drummer, and a flag bearer that measures 6 foot 31/2 inches in his stockings." This union was never effected.
During the following days the Union Guards went on mustering expeditions to the surrounding villages. On the morning of October 3 six or eight two-horse rigs filled with soldiers and the Martial band started from the printing office for Newburg. On one of the wagons the star-spangled banner streamed in the wind from a thirty-foot pole. The company filed out of town to the tune of "Yankee Doodle."
It was a fine morning with not a trace of a cloud in the sky, and the success of the expedition seemed to be warranted. On the way they were reinforced by those living along the road, and when they reached Newburg the expedition numbered about a dozen teams and some.fifty soldiers. The citizens of Newburg were completely taken by surprise. The soldiers marched through the streets of the village to the county line, were ordered to "right about," marched back to the Webster House, and were halted.
But the cloudless welkin of the morning was foreboding trouble, for it now commenced raining quite hard, and when the company was drawn up in front of the hotel, the order was welcome to pitch tents below its roof. Some of the leading citizens appeared, and each one took a troop of soldiers to his home, feeding and entertaining them to the best of his ability. It doggedly kept on raining, thus preventing the soldiers from showing themselves, and when they re- turned in the evening in the rain, their ranks were increased by but three new members.
On Saturday, October 5, the Union Guards and their friends, about 400 in all, followed an invitation of the citizens of Kewaskum to par- take of their hospitality. When within a half a mile of the village,
-
PEOPLES CASH MEAT MARK
THE A. J. FULLERTON POST, THE ONLY G. A. R. POST IN THE COUNTY
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they were met by the Kewaskum Home Guards who escorted then to their place. Speeches were made, and those wishing to enlist were invited to step forward. Strong, husky men came forth, signed the roll and took the oath. J. Myers then offered the following preamble and resolutions which were unanimously adopted :
"Whereas our fellow citizens and associates are enlisting under the banner of our country for the purpose of maintaining our Govern- ment and the honor of our flag, it is therefore
"Resolved, that we fully appreciate our obligations to them for the commendable course they are taking.
"Resolved that we pledge ourselves to provide for their families during their absence, and to faithfully look after the interests of all those who go forth for the purpose of maintaining our Government and free institutions."
Thereupon they sat down to a dinner. The tables were laden with meats, fruit, cakes, pies, and pastries of all kind. It was the work of the ladies, and the quantities which were done away with proved its merits. After dinner the company was given a short drill of double- quick which they executed smoothly, notwithstanding some of them having to march through mud nearly knee-deep, "but as the captain took the lead, the soldiers willingly followed." Before they returned home, they gave three rousing cheers and a tiger to the good people of Kewaskum.
On Saturday, October 12, the company appeared in Boltonville. They had announced their coming, and the villagers were prepared for them. Early in the morning they assembled to give them a rous- ing welcome. When the roll of the drum was heard in the distance, everyone seemed to be thrilled. Amid cheers the company entered the village. Speeches were held, and a dinner was served, after which the following sentiments were read and approved :
"The Southern Confederacy-may it be laid upon a mortal bed of sickness by our Northern Army; may its grave be dug deep, and may there be no resurrection .- E. A. Duncan."
"May God hear the prayers of all his children for the protection of our troops-the success of our army, and the safe return of every soldier .- M. W. Smith."
"The ladies of the town of Farmington, whose patriotism is ex- hibited on this occassion do the soldiers recognize as patriots, and see in each countenance the welcome which we receive at their hands. The love of their country, which was transmitted to them by their antecedents is fondly cherished, and may they soon see the Stars and Vol. 1-8
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Stripes proudly wave in triumph from the Gulf of Mexico to the Northern Lakes, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts .- A Sol- dier."
The resolutions unanimously adopted were:
"Whereas we, the citizens of the town of Farmington appreciate the position and responsibilities assumed by our fellow citizens in volunteering to preserve the principles of our General Government, therefore
"Resolved that we deem it our imperative duty to attend to the pe- cuniary interests of all those families which remain amongst us, when their heads have enlisted in this glorious cause.
"Resolved that it is our duty as good and loyal citizens to con- tribute cheerfully our proportion of the funds necessary to preserve our country and her institutions as they were transmitted to us by our fathers.
"Resolved that in our opinion all persons that are not actively in favor of our country in this her hour of peril are either open or con- cealed enemies; while our citizens go forth to battle, they shall never receive a fire in the rear from those left behind."
The meeting was closed by a national song which was sung by a choir.
The Union Guards of 112 hearty and rugged men left for Camp Randall, Madison, on Thursday, October 31, 1861. On the day pre- vious the ladies of West Bend presented them with a beautiful silk banner valued at over fifty dollars, and each soldier besides received a blue flannel shirt. After the presentation, the company took a solemn oath to support their flag and their country under all circumstances, and bring back the banner unsullied, or die in its defense. In the evening they were treated to a supper and a dance.
The trip to the nearest railroad station at Schleisingerville was made with forty-five teams. They arrived at noon, intending to take the one o'clock train, but being late, it made no stop. Until five p. m. they sat on the side-track, and instead of the dinner which they in- tended to take in Milwaukee, they fed on crackers and cheese. When at five o'clock the freight train pulled in, which was to take them up, the several hundred people witnessed the most touching departing scenes. It was a farewell to sons, brothers and lovers, and no one was sure but that it might be the last one. Many a strong heart tried in vain to suppress its feelings, many were the heaving breasts and the silent tears at the sight of so many young and brave men who were ready to lay down their lives for the preservation of the Union.
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They arrived in Milwaukee at half past seven in the evening and were marched to the Phelps House where they took supper. At nine they were again aboard the cars, bound for Madison. In camp they were assigned as Company D to the Twelfth Wisconsin Regiment. On January 18, 1862, the regiment left for the war and took part in the campaigns in Kansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, in the siege of Vicksburg, the battles around Atlanta, and Sherman's march to the sea. In point of bravery it was inferior to none. The captain of Company D was John Martin Price.
One of the members of the company, Second Orderly Sergeant Charles D. Waldo, an editor of the "West Bend Post," wrote many interesting letters from the headquarters of his regiment to his paper, which were devoured rapaciously by the readers at home. One of them, telling of the siege of Vicksburg, is reproduced in the following:
"HEADQUARTERS Co. D, 12th Reg. Wis. Vol., Camp near Vicksburg, June 14, 1863.
"DEAR 'POST.'-We left Grand Gulf about eight o'clock on the evening of the 8th inst., and arrived at Warrenton at daylight on the morning of the Ioth. It rained very hard all day, which ren- dered it very slow and tiresome work unloading our boat. At night we bivouacked on the levee, and at seven o'clock Thursday we struck out to rejoin our division which formed the extreme left of Grant's army. Gen. Lauman's headquarters are not over five miles from War- renton, yet we had to march at least ten miles to reach it. We ar- rived here about noon, and went into camp in a deep ravine about one mile back from the rebel works. At five p. m. companies D, E, F, G and H, of our regiment, were sent to the front on picket duty. Our line of pickets are stationed on a high bluff, from one to five hundred yards from the enemy's works, and as we approached our pickets to relieve them we were compelled to expose ourselves somewhat to the enemy's fire and were so warmly greeted with shot and shell that we had to get on in a hurry. We were soon under cover of our breastworks, without a single man receiving a scratch, although the hair stood up on many a head. A pretty brisk fire was kept up on both sides till after dark, when the 'rebs' ceased firing entirely, but our men kept it up at intervals during the night.
"At early dawn on Friday the entire line of our works was a con- tinual blaze of fire, from infantry and artillery, but the rebels very seldom returned the fire, only when too many of our men exposed
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themselves at a time. We peppered away all day at them, but with what result I am unable to say, as the enemy kept pretty close, and busied themselves strengthening their fortifications. The line of works that we now occupy is the same that our division charged upon, and took, a few days previous to our arrival, and we expect soon to make another charge.
"Our line is about seventeen miles in length, and is a complete net- work of rifle pits, bastions, forts, and ditches. In this way we advance slowly, but charges are seldom made, for the reason that about two miles intervene between our forces and the city, and in that space there are, in all probability, more than fifty gullies-depths that ap- pear to have been mostly washed out by rains. These are often fifty feet deep, perpendicular, and perhaps as many wide. Their rifle pits are upon these, so you may form some idea of what an under- taking it would be to charge them. We might as well try to scale a shot tower. Our men frequently get into these gullies in the night- time, with a day's rations, and woe be to the 'rebs' who show them- selves during the day upon their earthworks.
"It is impossible to imagine a more difficult country to fight in than this .- In going a distance of one mile, one will have to cross perhaps twenty hills, short and steep as the roof of a house. To draw a twenty-four pounder up these hills, it requires a team of twenty or thirty horses, or mules. One siege gun is being mounted on the left of us, that took sixty yoke of cattle to draw it. In order to descend these hills, all the wheels have to be locked, and then they will slide down like a sled. Gen. McPherson has one of these heavy siege guns planted a few miles to the right of us, with which he is battering away at the enemy's key fort, and is knocking it all to pieces.
"Our men are confident of success, and you need not be surprised if you hear of the capture of the city at any day; and yet you must not be impatient if it is not done for a month, for there is a 'heap' of digging and mining to be done before it can be accomplished, unless they run short of rations or ammunition. The stories given by deserters are so vastly different that it is impossible to tell how well supplied they are, but it is generally believed that they are very hard up for both. One of their deserters who came into our lines a day or two since complains bitterly of the way in which they are fed. He says they subsist mostly on pea bread which operates in about the same manner the clown's dried apples did, which was: He ate some for breakfast, drank water for dinner, and they swelled for supper.
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All the difference there is, the deserter says, the pea bread will last a week in this way.
"The skirmishers converse freely from their breastworks and bushes. They often lay down their guns, where they were in ambush, and meet each other with as much sang froid as though at perfect peace, have a good chat or smoke together, and then return to their duty and pelt away at each other in dead earnest.
"The health of the regiment is not quite as good as when I last wrote, as many are having the chill fever. One man belonging to Company K was shot in the side soon after our arrival here, as he was venturing too high upon the bluffs, in the range of the rebel sharpshooters; his wound is not considered dangerous, however.
"Dr. Carey, of our regiment, started for Wisconsin this morning, where he will enter upon the duties of inspector general of one of the districts of this state. Dr. E. M. Rogers is now the only surgeon we have, and in all probability will have his hands full while we remain here. He is a first rate fellow, knows his 'biz' to perfection, and at- tends to it right up to the mark. May he never part from us, so long as we are 'sojers.'
"CHARLIE."
On the battlefield before Atlanta Corporal George T. Wescott, of the same company and regiment, wrote to his parents in Boltonville : ** I will attempt to write you a few lines to let you know that I am yet alive and in pretty good health. You will undoubtedly know all about the battles and our movements here, long ere this reaches you. When I wrote last, we were around to the right, but since then have marched five days to get around to the left, or east. On the 20th (of July, 1864,) we came to the front, south of Decatur, where we formed in line of battle with skirmishers thrown out in advance, and drove in the rebel pickets. It was then dark, so we had to stop and throw up a few rails to protect us through the night. On the morning of the 21st our regiment was ordered to make a charge on the rebel lines, which we did, with the balance of our brigade for support. We advanced in good line till the rebel skirmishers fired on us, when we started on a double quick, and were soon close upon them. So sudden was the movement that many of the rebels did not have time to leave their rifle pits and were taken prisoners. We were so anxious to catch all of them that we did not stop here, but kept on, and drove them into their second line of works .- The Fourth Di- vision could not drive them from this line, and we being far in ad-
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vance, had to fall back to the works we had already taken, and the 'rebs' following us close upon our heels. When, as we thought, we were safely within our works, where the rebels would not molest us, we were greeted with a galling fire from all quarters, which com- pelled us to leave our works again, and retreat farther back, some- what mixed up, and with a sad loss. As for myself, I have not re- ceived a scratch, but I received a ball in my hat, which I considered a pretty close call. When we were ordered to move to the left, I saw that there was a general rush to get inside of the works, so I. kept back a little, and saw many of my comrades fall from the deadly shower of bullets that was pouring in upon them. I was close to the 'rebs,' but still kept outside of the works till I had a chance to climb over quickly. There was a squad of twenty-five rebels within a few rods of me, who ordered me to halt, so I turned and emptied my rifle at them, and then jumped inside. But there I found it about as dan- gerous as before, and the dead and wounded were lying all around me. After awhile we got some rails and stuff which we put up to protect us, and I know that one rail which I had just placed, kept a ball from me. At last the firing ceased altogether, and we heard no more from them, except an occasional shot to remind us of their presence. The dead we were obliged to leave out till after dark, when all were brought in. I helped to bring them in, and the following is a list of our company, which I think is correct :
"Killed .- Corporal Edwin E. Frisby; Corporal Emery P. Smith; William Hockman; Mathias Lampert, Jr., Wellington Stannard.
"Wounded .- Corporal D. J. Sullivan, hand, light; Corporal Geo. R. Holl, leg, flesh. Eugene Callaghan, arm and breast, severely ; Wil- liam Ebert, arm and side, severely ; P. E. Gilson, leg; J. M. Holt, both shoulders and back; William W. Myers, leg, flesh; Christopher D. Smith, breast and leg, severely; J. M. Wheeler, elbow; Charles C. Smith, finger; B. F. Marsden, leg, flesh; John Lampert, leg, severely -since died.
"Missing .- Moses Whalen, wounded; Nicholas Harris, probably wounded; David M. Waller; Solon Darling.
"The casualties among the officers were: Maj. Gen. McPherson, killed, July 22nd; Brig. Gen. Gresham, wounded, 20th, and died the 22nd; Brig. Gen. Force, wounded, 22nd; Capt. Price, Co. D, wounded, 22nd; Capt. Stevens, Co. B, wounded, 22nd; Capt. Gillispie, Co. E, missing, 21st; Capt. Wilson, Co. C, wounded 21st.
"The regiment lost on both days, in killed, wounded, and missing, 184 men; Co. D lost 20.
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"On the morning of the 22nd the Fourth Division advanced their lines, and occupied the works (without opposition) which we had charged on the day before three times, but could not take, which gave us more room on the right with no cross-fire. But the worst had not yet come, for at noon they commenced a fire on our left and rear, when the 16th Corps fell back, and our division came near being outflanked. Those on our left changed from one position to another several times, and on our right there was quite a stampede. It was a fine sight to see, which I cannot fully describe. One regiment of our division came on the run, and broke through our lines, but we kept quiet, and changed to the rear, where we laid down in a line, and were partially protected, but were under a heavy fire all afternoon. The 'rebs' charged in three columns, and tried to break our lines, but did not succeed. If they had, it would have been a sad disaster. They took a part of our line, which gave them the inside of a fort, and Co. B of our regiment the outside. The rebels planted three stands of colors within one rod of our men, and kept up a fire all night, but in the morning they had gone before it was light. From where I stood, I counted 48 dead rebels, and I do not know how many more there were. It was an awful day, and those who were at the battles of Shiloh and Fort Donelson say this beats all yet, and I believe it does. We took on this part of the line about 5,000 prisoners. I do not know how many our side lost, altogether .- The rebels sent in a flag of truce, for two hours, to exchange and bury the dead, but could not accomplish all in that time. They say they will fight us here till they are all dead. We are strengthening the works here, and Col. Bryant is in command of the brigade
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