[from the diary of Sgt. Robert Larimer, Co. C., 62nd Regt. Ohio Volunteers]
Tuesday 10
In camp 1st Lieut S. B. Larimer
detailed as Captain Orderly Sergt
C.W. Clowe as 1st Lieut &
and Serg’t J.B. Larimer as 2nd Lieut
of Co. C. – gathered oysters —-.
dress parade – clear & warm-
er
MSS 38-129
[from the signal message book of Lt. Thomas S. Seabury, 3rd New York Regiment]
Feb. 10th
To 1114
You are not on the Roster
at Hd Qrs. Report with your
orders immediately.
143
MSS 10781
[from the diary of Eliza Oswald Hill, refugee from Wilmington, N.C.]
Tuesday 10th this has been a very pleasant day – agreeably
cool – Sarah passed this morning with me – Mrs Mickle called
to see me in the afternoon & Miss Fanny Martin came over
in the morning to get Eliza Mallett to go in the Country with
her – Colonel Martin her brother is to be married tomorrow
to a Miss Casten in Wilmington – & bring his Bride immedi
-ately up here – I had a letter from Eliza to day dated the
2d – She was well & had received Fancy & Bella
MSS 6960
Camp near Fredericksburg
Jan 1st 1863
Dear Sister H
Yours and Mothers
letter came safe to hand for
I am really obliged I have
7 letters home within the
last ten days including
one to Mr Faris, but I
think it is quite a chance
if more than half of them
reach their destination, such
is the confusion attending
the movement of our army
I have written all the news
at different times and have
nothing new to communicate
Since the great battle both
armies have been watching
each other neither one seem
ing to want to commence
again, Our march here was
a hard one and no mistake
[page 2]
[look for pages 2 and 3; probably with rest of Perry, or recopy]
[page 4]
yet this I wish you wold write
to her about it tell her to send
me $1 at a time by mail and
if I do not get it it will not be
much to lose; We expect to get our
pay some time, but when we do not
know. Give my love to enquiring
friends take a good share for
yourself and write often from
your affectionate Brother
Josiah
PS
Keep up good spirits all
will come out right don’t
be alarmed the loss, in the
last battle was not all on
one side by a long shot
176 cannon didn’t fire all
day and not hurt anybody
be assured J W Perry
Josiah Perry, Co. K, 33rd Massachusetts
MSS 2215
[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding, Co. F., 25th Massachusetts]
Monday
Feb 9
Foggy this morning but cleared off pleasant.
Have been charging clothing today. Wrote a
letter to Daniel, and have also read “the adventures of
Peter Wilkins.” Got a report that Foster is in town, and
that he got defeated but dont believe it. We also
have a report that two companies of the twenty Seventh
and two companies of the 44th have been taken prison
ers, but we dont believe that either
MSS 11293
Hd. Qr’s 5th Ala. Infantry near “Santee” Caroline Co.
My dear Father
I would like all at home to understand
that this is a mere letter of inquiry as to the whereabouts of the
family &c &c. I have been absent nearly three months
during which time I have received one f letter from you, and
probably two from Mother, from which three letters only I have
had an opportunity of knowing what was going on at home. In the
mean time I have written very regularly, tho’ I have no means
of knowing whether they have been received.
It commenced snowing here last night about 10 o’clock, and it is still
coming down furiously, the ground being covered to the depth of 15 or
16 inches — to my sorrow an order has just come for us to go on
picket tomorrow, and remain 6 days. to give you an idea of
how much the men will suffer, I can describe the ground to you
so that you can see what this duty is in mid-winter. My extreme
right will rest at Mr Wm P. Taylor’s (Hayfield) on the river bank,
and the regiment will extend for three miles up the stream,
there being no shelter of any kind, and no wood except such as
one wagon can haul down to them – One third of the men are awake
all the time and walking their posts, the other two thirds get what
sleep they can in the snow. My duty as commander of the
regiment
will be to make the rounds three or four times during the night
and keep myself on the alert generally – I never fear these sort
of hardships for myself, and dont mind them at all, but there
is always a vast deal of suffering among the men, who do not try
[page 2]to bear up against them. It is a grand sight to be in the woods during
a snow storm – The north side of every tree is completely whitened
with the snowy covering, and in a dense forest like this the scene
is one of the most beautiful I ever saw. I know Mother would enjoy
it very much – I am sorry to say however that all the enjoyment
that a soldier can have in a snow storm, has to be out of doors, for
do what he will, the tent or hut in which he lives will be thoroughly
wetted with it, and the occupant made miserable enough. We
found any quantity of it in our tent this morning, and even as
I write my feet are placed on the muddy floor, protected how-
ever by two chips on which they rest. I proposed spending the day
in the bunk, wrapped up in our blankets, but became so tired at
12 o’clock that we were obliged to get up, and I have been consoling
myself all day with the reflection that maybe picket duty tomorrow
won’t be so very much worse.
I paid a visit to Miss Kate Corbin at Moss Neck, about a week ago, but
was not very much pleased – don Halsey accompanied me, he having
met Miss C. some time before. Jackson’s staff officers seemed to
be very much at home there. Unfortunately however I did not
see Sandy Pendleton the evening we called, tho’ I was assured by
all that he was rarely ever absent, and would surely be in du-
ring the night. We had a great time getting home,and must in-
fallibly have spent the night in the woods, but for the instinct of my
horse who brought me to Gen Iverson’s Hd. Qrs. whence we had set
out – It was so dark that we could not see his horse’s head, and to
add to our confusion it was raining. By this time it was midnight
but we stirred up Gen. I. and proceeded to open a box which Don
had just received – I never enjoyed anything more certainly, and
thought sadly on my poor box in Richmond, which one sutler has
[page 3]
twice failed to bring upon some very plausible excuse –
You can’t imagine a more embarrassing position than being lost in
the midst of an endless number of camp fires, among which you wander
helplessly, feeling that it is in vain to ask a soldier the road, for they
proverbially know nothing. I had persisted in holding my horse’s head in
one direction for sometime, evidently much to his disgust, but finally
becoming convince that I was wrong I let him have the reins, when
he faced about and setting off briskly in the opposite direction soon
brought me to quarters. I have visited lately at Mr Corbin’s who
spoke with pleasure of you – His house is very near us, and would be
a pleasant place to visit, if it were not frequented so much by
the Tarheels (N. Carolinians) as the soldiers call them. Don & I
are about the only Virginians camped any where in the neighbour
hood. Gen. D. H. Hill has been assigned to duty in N. Carolina, leaving
his division behind, much to our delight. It is thought that Gen
Ed. Johnson will success to the command. They have missed it
much in not making Rodes the Commander, but the prejudice
in favour of West Pointers was too strong even for a man of his
merit. He has been in command of the Division for six weeks
past, and has shown even in these times of piping peace that he
is the right man in the right place. A very good thing happened here
yesterday – In consequence of a Gen. Order from Lee, Division commanders
were w all appointed enrolling officers to enroll all citizens following
the Army as sutlers volunteers &c &c Lewis Randolph, signal officer
in the Division was the man selected by Rodes, and he made an ef-
fort to catch Yancey, who has been hanging about Brigade Hd. Qrs. for
some months in the capacity of volunteer aide, but he was on the look
out and escaped to Richmond, so you will soon have him in Lynchburg
You need not let this be spoken of in case his Father should hear of it,
[page 4]
The joke is so much relished in the Brigade in consequence of the
utter worthlessness of the boy, that I could not help mentioning it-
Tho’ sorry to give the doctors an opportunity of saying “I told you so”
I am obliged to confess that my leg is giving me a good deal of
trouble, there being some days when I am unable to leave the
tent – The swelling is very considerable, and the weakness con-
sequent upon it very great. I am afraid that I shall be left in
the lurch some day yet, as I can do nothing for it that I know of.
I look forward with some pleasure to the coming campaign. I
would not be at all surprised to see the seat of war transferred
from Va to some more Southern State. Longstreets corps has left
us in great part, but no one knows whither it has gone, the si-
lence of our press is admirable upon the subject, not one word
has escaped from any of the Richmond papers in regard to their
movements. I would not be surprised also if the two Corps d’armée
were destined to act seperately for a time, this however I dont
much like, as it removes us too far from Gen. Lee. I had in-
tended riding up to the other Corps today to see Bros. Charles
from the papers (only)
and Lanty, as I see ^ the latter has been made clerk to the Mil-
itary Court, and I suppose is at his post. Please ask Mother
to send me some Cotton socks as soon as possible, yarn won’t
do. I am absolutely without, ask her also if a cravat was not put in
my box to send me one of them also. Has Mary Isabella gone home
yet, I heard of her last at Mr Wickham’s in Hanover Co.
I hope that you have been able to do something for me in procu-
ring a servant. Get a good groom and woodcutter if you can do no
better. I can’t do without someone, especially now that I am comparatively
helpless. Best love to all. Your aff. Son
Eugene Blackford
MSS 6403-k
[Longstreet’s Corp left the main Confederate Army on February 19, making the 20th the earliest possible date for this letter]
[Eugene Blackford and his four brothers were all University of Virginia alumni and all fought for the Confederacy the entire four years of the war…and almost miraculously, all survived]
[Alexander “Sandy” Pendleton, also a University of Virginia alumnus did win the hand of Kate Corbin. He was killed in a skirmish a few months after their marriage]
MSS 6403-k
March 15th
The past five weeks have been very quiet
and monotonous, nothing worthy of note
has transpired. Gen Sedgwick has been appointed
to the command of the 6th Army Corps.
Have had several snow storms, and a
great plenty of mud. On the 14th of Feb.
another of our men, John Pooler, died after
a very short illness. No prospects as yet
of a mov^ ‘e’ment. Another recruit has joined
the battery. The weather has been unpleas-
ant and cold.
March 22nd
The past week has also been very quiet,
have had another snow storm, ending in
rain. There has been some very heavy skirmish-
-hing on our right; the rebs have been trying
to destroy the rail road bridge over the
Potomac creek. No prospects of a movment.
The weather has been pleasant, and
very cool.
[page 76] [2nd Battle of Fredericksburg – May 3, 1863]
April 19th
The past month has been full as quiet
as the last. Have had rain and
snow storms in abundance. Have been
reviewed by Gen Brooks, and again by
Gen Hooker, and the Swiss Gen. Forlardin,
who was sent to this country to take
notes on the summer’s campaign.
Ten thousand Cavalry and flying artillery
have been sent out, under Gen Stoneman,
on a reconnoisance. We have at last
received orders to be in readiness to move
at a moments notice. The Balloon
has made ascents daily. The weather
has been rather moderate and cool.
May 3rd
The past fortnight has been very unlike
the former one. Active preparations have
been made, and an advance is in progress;
until the 27th, however every thing was very
quiet. On that day the 3rd, 5th, 11th, and 12th
corps under Gen Hooker, broke camp,
and marched to the United States
ford on the Rappahannock river, some
twelve miles above Fred^‘e’ricsburg. Here
they crossed the river, and attacked
[page 77]
the left flank of the rebs, and drove
them from their works, and until the third
of May was successful in all their attempts.
On the 28th, the 1st and 6th corps under Gen
Sedgwick proceeded to the old crossing opposi-
-te Fred^‘e’ricsburg. Here the 1st Div. and D.
Battery, 2nd U. S. Arty. crossed the river and
formed a line of battle; brisk skirmishing
ensued until the night of the 2nd of May,
when [‘w’ lined through] the remainder of our corps was
ordered to cross the river, and be in readi-
-ness to attack the rebs at day light; a sharp
skirmish followed, and by [‘day light’ lined through] dark
our lines were extended to our old line
of Dec. 13th on the Bowling Green Road.
On the [‘left H’ lined through] right, Hooker was very
successful, and the victory was deemed
ours, but Jackson by his indomitable [word lined through]
energy, cut a road through the Wilder-
-ness, and attacking our extreme right at
midnight, succeeded in turning our flank,
and caused Hookers defeat. Early
Sunday morning the rebs opened on us
a brisk artillery fire, to which we [word lined through]
replied as soon as we could get a
position, and for three hours a most
steady and terrible fire was kept up.
At one time, we had not less than
twenty four pieces fireing at our battery,
[page 78] [Battle of Salem Church – May 4th, 1863]
which our div. was engaged on the left.
Howe’s and Newton’s Div. on our right.
After a series of feints, and manoeuvre’s
succeeded in forcing back the rebel picket
line, and by a well ordered charge,
drove the rebs from their fortifications,
and pursued them for five miles, until
they reached Salem Church; here the rebs
made a successful stand; in our hurry to
follow up the retreating rebs, we left our
flank unprotected, and this caused our
defeat. In a charge made by the 1st Div. of
our corps, 1680 men were lost; in the battery,
we had one man killed, one wounded,
three horses killed, and a number wounded.
During the morning, we repulsed three
separate charges made on the battery.
Night coming on put an end to the
battle. The weather has been pleasant
and cool.
May 10th
Monday the 4th, all was quiet until 4.
P. M. The rebs have been busy all day,
trying to surround us, but at 4. oclock
finding it impossible to do so even though
they had their entire army against our
corps, [ ‘About’ lined through] they advanced their line
and attacked us, but were repulsed quite
[page 79] [3rd Battle of Fredericksburg – June 5th, 1863]
easily. At half past five, the rebs again advan-
-ced and attacked our entire lines simultaneous-
-ly and from that time until dark, a most
terrible battle ensued, darkness come on, not
a moment too soon, and under its cover we
retreated to Bank’s ford on the Rappahannock,
fighting our way every inch as we fell back,
crossed the river at 9. P. M. All night long
the rebs kept up a heavy fire on us. Early
next morning we fell back to Briar Church,
here we remained until Friday morning,
when all the army having gone into camp,
we started again, and at noon we reached
our old encampment at White Oak Church.
Next day we cleaned up the battery. The
weather has been pleasant and mild.
June 14th
Since the 10th of May, every ^‘day’ was very quiet, until
the 5th of June. Have been reviewed by Brig
Gen Hunt, Chief of Artillery Army of the
Potomac and have been inspected by Col.
Tompkins Chief of Arty 6th Corps. Have
built a brush stable to protect our
horses from the sun. On the 4th were
turned out at three A. M. harnessed
and packed up, and were in readiness to
move. An attack is expected at day light,
[page 80]
remained in harness until 11. A. M, when all
being quiet we unharnessed, and [word lined through] went into
camp. During the forenoon of the 5th, orders
came very suddenly to corps Hd. Qrs, for us to
move immediately, and effect a crossing at our
old place on the Rappahannock. At 10. A. M
we received marching orders, and by noon our
entire corps was in motion. Arrived at the banks
of the river, at four P. M; here all the batteries went
into position, and opened a most terrible and
rapid fire upon the rebel rifle pits on the
opposite bank of the river, under cover of our
fire the [‘rebs’ lined through] engineers laid a pontoon bridge; and
the bridge was crossed by the 5th Vt [?] and 26th N. J. Reg.
At a given signal we ceased our fire, and the
two regts. by a charge carried the pits, captur-
-ing sixty prisoners. One man only, on each side
was killed, the 2nd Div. immediately crossed
the river, a line of battle was formed, and our
picket line extended to the Bowling Green Road.
On the 6th Batteries D. 2nd U. S. [‘and’ lined through] F, 5th U.
S. and our battery, was ordered to cross the
river and to go into position. In the evening
had a severe thunder shower. During the night
of the 7th, an immense and very strong rifle
pit was thrown up. On the 8th 9th and 10th
our men were busy strengthening the rifle pits,
and on the 11th, three very strong forts (one for
each battery) were built, which were connected
[page 81]
by a very strong breast work. On the evening of the 10th
the rebs opened on us, but were soon silenced by
our long range guns. The day’s of the 11th 12th and 13th
were remarkably quiet. On the evening of the 13th and 14th
the rebs again opened on us, and were silenced
both times. During the night of the 14th our object in
crossing the river having been accomplished, we
recrossed the river, and by day light every thing
was [‘a’ lined through] across and the bridges taken up, all
unknown to the rebs. The weather has been warm
and pleasant
June 25th
Gen Lee having out flanked and out general^ ‘e’d
Hooker, we were obliged to fall back toward
Washington. All the army except the 2nd Corps
having fallen back, we immediately, after crossing the
river, took up our line of march, and fell back to
Stafford Ct. House where we went on picket
for the night. Early the next morning we were
relieved by the 2nd Corps, and we again fell back
reaching Dumfries at five P. M. where we went
into camp. Early the next morning were up and
off again. After a long and tedious march, we
reached Fairfax Station, where we went into
camp and remained for the night, and all the
next day. On the 19th we marched to Fairfax
Ct. House, where we went into camp and
remained until the 21st, when together with
[page 82] [Battle of Gettysburg – July 1-4, 1863]
the 2nd Div. and Cowan’s 1st N. Y. Battery , we
marched to Bristow Station, on the Orange
and Alexandria Rail Road; here we went into
position, and remained until the 25th. The weather
except the 20th and 21st has been warm and
pleasant.
July 16th.
The past fortnight has been one of the most
active ones of the war, having marched from
Bristow Station Va. to Gettysburg Pa. thence to
Williamsport Md. down the Mts. to Berlin, there
we crossed the Potomac into Va. again, making
in all a distance of some 200 miles, and
during the limits of the past fortnight, the
heaviest battle of the war has been fought. On
the evening of the 25th left Bristow Station, and
marched to Centreville where we encamped at
2 P. M. Up and off early next morning, passed
through Herndon Station, and Drainsville, and
at five P.M. encamped for the night. Up early
the next morning, but it was 9 A. M before we
[ ‘got’ lined through] started. At 1. P.M we arrived at Edward’s
ferry on the Potomac, and crossed over into
Md. Lee and his army have crossed the river
at Williamsport, and [‘has’ lined through] marched as far north
as Carlisle Pa. where he destroyed the most
extensive Gov. barracks in the country. We went
into camp at three P. M. near the banks of
page 83]
the river. Early the next morning were again on the road,
passed through Poolsville and Barnestown. Late in the
afternoon, went into camp. Turned out at 3 A. M.
and by day light were in motion, passed through
Monrovia New Market, Rigeville, and Mt. Airy. At
7. P. M. went into camp. Up at 2 A. M. and
before daylight were again on the tramp, passed
through Hughsburg, Westminster, and New-
Mexico. At six P. M. went into camp about one
mile from Germantown. Our advance has been
skirmishing with the rebs all day, and in the town
[from the signal message book of Lt. Thomas S. Seabury, 3rd New York Infantry]
Feb. 9th
To Col. Wardrop
Forward to these Hd Qrs
imy. the roster of Officers in
your command as per instructions.
(Signed) J. H. Liebenan A.A.G.
——————————————————————–
Feb. 9th
To Lt. Field
If anything turns up
let me know.
(Signed) Col. Wardrop
————————————————————————
Feb. 9th
To Wm. Murphy Co. D
Come home your
wife is dying.
(Signed) Mrs. Calbert
MSS 10781
Camp near Potomac Creek.
February 21st 1863.
I returned to camp ^ ‘last night,’ after eleven days’ absence, and
a pretty tough “five days” it has been. As I told
the Colonel last night – “I felt obliged to him for
the distinction conferred by giving the battalion in
charge of so young an officer, but he might keep
his distinction and battalion together for the future,
in others hands then mine, for I did not appreciate
it.” The men have not yet returned, but the
officers were relieved yesterday, and a jolly set we
were on our return. We started out in a
drenching rainstorm, mud Harrison’s Landing style,
and a bleak wind blowing, marched fifteen miles
and reached our place of destination about 4 P.M.
I wish I could give you some idea of the sacred soil,
42.
but tis’ impossible – perhaps I will send you a box
of it. You know what quick sand is – this is
quick mud; if you stop on one spot long, you sink
to rise no more: so without joking, my dear parents,
if you miss me for a month or two, and then hear
of my rising in some soft spot in the antipodes,
with military accoutrements on, don’t be surprised,
for should you express the least surprise, you would
only be laughted at by those in the Army who
have experienced that sort of thing.
We arrived at 4 P.M. had to pitch our tents in the
slops, throw out a strong picket, and slept on our
arms. In the morning – a pleasant day! –
I detailed 120 men and 2 officers for fatigue duty,
which consisted in corduroying and bridge building.
We had three engineers with us, and the work was
done in style. That night our picket was
attacked by a small body of rebel cavalry, who,
after killing our horse, and shooting one ear
off another man (Irish) was repulsed. So
our picket was re-inforced, and we lived in hopes
of a little excitement, but none came. The
2nd day, we had a snow storm, and no work, of
course, and what a shivering was there, my parents.
3rd day, too much snow to work. 4th day, 180
43.
men detailed. 5th day, 120 men do. 6th day,
120 men ditto. 7th day, snow storm. 8th day,
rain storm, and roads so bad that rations could not
be sent out; officers and men half starved.
9th day, weather do., and men wholly starved.
10th day, rations – including whiskey – came out
on mules, weather pleasant, sun warm – ordered
all tents taken down to let the ground dry, and
guns and equipments cleaned before issuing whiskey,
had an inspection, issued whiskey – grand finale,
officers and men singing. 11th day, damp and
cold, had a fireplace built – 9 o’clock at night,
fireplace burnt down, – grand finale, officers growling.
12th day, rain. 13th day, pleasant, 120 men at work.
14th day, rain but whiskey, men happy after issuing
the latter. 15th day, relieved officers, and
since beginning the letter, the men have all come
in as jolly as possible, and that work is ended.
I presume our lines of defense will be on the
Rappahannock, that is, our first line, instead of
confining them to Washington, and that the
Army will go to Suffolk, or that vicinity.
44.
Camp near Falmouth.
March 7th 1863.
. . . . . . My trouble has been neuralgia,
principally, which has, at times, driven me almost
crazy. I am now in excellent spirits, how-
ever, and doing duty again. You say you
wonder whether the fierce snowstorm raging
with you on Sunday last, prevailed with us also.
It seems to have begun here about the same
time as with you, and blocked us in pretty
well, rendering mud knee-deep since melting.
Weather today mild and damp, drizzling
withal. We all – with the exception of those
superceded, – are delighted with Capt. Edmunds’s
appointment to the majority – He will
make a jolly Major. My 2nd Lieut, Geo.
R. Reed also went up a peg, which he richly
deserved, as he understands his duties thoroughly.
45.
(After a leave of absence of 10 days, Capt. Dana
writes as follows, on his return to camp)
Camp Dissatisfaction
Near Falmouth.
April 13th 1863.
Here I am in my superannuated tent again, and,
as you may see by the heading of my letter, very
miserable, for I was never so homesick in my life;
partly owing, no doubt, to the state of the weather
last night, as it rained heavily, and I was pretty
well soaked. I suppose, however, I shall get
used to it in a few days, though I think I should
have preferred a more gradual initiation.
I trust we shall move in a few days, as every thing
indicates it, and I want to see some fight, for
the more of it we have, the sooner shall we get
through with it. The Southrons [sic] have far
from their fill yet, and that they must have
before the war can cease.
I had a very pleasant trip to New York; to the
southward of that point it is horribly tedious, as
you know. . . . . I was greeted here very
46.
warmly by all, and shall soon be accustomed
to the disagreeable part of the life again.
And now, my dear ones, I must close, as I am
“Officer of the Day” (already at work, you see)
and have much to do.
In camp, near Falmouth, Va.
April 20th 1863.
. . . . I shall very likely not hear from you
now before we move, as the roads are pretty well
dried up. Should have moved last Wednesday
-so Hooker intended, – but Providence tipped
over Hooker’s bucket, making it very wet and
muddy, so we have lain here for another week, but
are now all prepared, with eight days rations,
indicating a long march, and probably plenty
of fight. God defend the right!
I send you an ambrotype of myself as ‘officer of
the day.’ I look a little cross, and felt so,
as I had just put a drunken man into the Guard-
house, and had some trouble with him.
I thought you might value it, as taken in the
field.
47.
Near Barnett’s Ford.
April 20th 1863.
At last we’ve started – left about 11 o’clock yesterday
morning, marching about fifteen miles in a hot sun,
and over dusty roads. It was a very hard
march for the men, as they carry guns, equipments,
blankets, 60 rounds cartridges, and eight days’ ra-
tions, about 80 pounds altogether. I left with
very heavy cold and such influenza that I had to
have my eyes bandaged at first. It clouded
over a little, and I was enabled to take off my
bandage. . . . Excuse the dirt, as this
is written on top of a dirty drum.
(May 4th ’63) 7 miles from Fredericks burg
on Main Road.
As I have but a few moments, I will without prelude
give a few extracts from diary since I last wrote.
April 28th.
Raining hard. If yesterday’s was a hard march,
what shall I call today’s in the mud? About
noon, ceased raining – afternoon hot and sultry –
marched till 8 P.M., then halted for the night.
48.
Many men dropped by the roadside from sheer
exhaustion, and I had a kind of droppy feeling
myself. I turned in at 9 P.M., soaked
with rain.
April 29th.
Woke with addition to cold – probable result death –
don’t know yet. What a difference between
this life and my experience at home; where I had
to go around the corner of the street to sneeze, lest
Mother should hear me, and wish me to take cream
of tartar water – God bless her! – she’d go
stark mad could she see me now.
Broke camp at 7 A.M., and marched to Kelley’s
Ford on the Rappahannock, where we crossed, about
11 A.M. on pontoons; then marched on, with no rest
to speak of, hour after hour, on, on, on, like the poor
Wandering Jew, the men calling out as a General
passes, “Bring him a fresh horse.” At every
little halt of a moment or two, every man and
officer falls flat in the muddy road, and when
ordered ‘forward’ again, ‘tis amusing to hear
“caw, caw, caw,” from a thousand throats, for they
49.
look very much like an immense flock of crows.
At 7 P.M. reached Ely’s Ford, on the Rapid Ann,
-improperly called Rapidan – and found that
our pontoons, which had been brought up, were
insufficient to stretch across, so we were ordered
to wade it. In the men went, with shouts
and laughter, though the water was above their
waists; and now the officers had their hands full,
to see that the ammunition was kept dry.
The ‘Rapid Ann’ is a very rapid stream, and the men
kept their understanding with difficulty.
We reached the other side with few accidents, – a
few guns lost, and a few cartridge boxes wet, – and
have really for once stolen a march on Johnnie
Reb., for had he known of our advent, ‘twould
have been a matter of sheer impossibility to cross.
So here we are at 8 o’clock, wet almost to the
armpits, a drizzling rain falling, and so tired
that it will be almost impossible to keep eyes open
long enough to dry our clothes, yet in good spirits,
as we know we have got ahead of the Rebels.
Saw “Fighting Joe Hooker” twice today on the road –
50.
he looked hale and happy. Our advance took a
squad of rebel prisoners on this side. At a
house on the opposite side of the river, we found a
negro in charge. He reported that his master,
hearing in the morning, of our approach, moulded
some bullets, forded the river, and cut stick for the
rebel camp – an old man of sixty at that – it makes
one feel sad to see such zeal expended in such a
wicked cause.
Thursday, April 30th.
Again a rainy day, and the roads are heavy with
mud. Left at 6 A.M., marched about 3 miles,
– hard work in the clayey soil- men throwing
away blankets and overcoats in order to keep up.
My contraband sprained his ankle, so have to carry
part of his load.. 9 A.M. Drawn up in line
of battle, expecting attack of the enemy. Sent
out cavalry ahead to reconnoiter, who report that
rebels have fallen back – moved on again, and
found a line of breastworks, commanding the road,
but evacuated before completion, owing to our rapid
approach. Took quite a number of prisoners,
51.
some armed and equipped. Marched to main
road to Fredericksburg, and halted 9 miles from
that place, still raining and chilly. At 9 P.M
this circular was sent around –
“The 5th (ours) 11th and 12th Corps are highly credited
for their successes of the past four days. The
enemy is completely surrounded, and must sur-
render, or fight us on our own ground, where success
is certain –
“(S’d) Joseph Hooker –“
How soon were blistered feet forgotten, how soon
our chilled marrows warmed. It is a
glorious achievement. The moon and stars
struggled out while we were reading the order to
our companies (whom it made almost frantic with
joy) and a glorious night followed.
May 1st.
It is a glorious morning, this May Day morning,
a splendid sun and mild spring air, and I feel
fresh as a lark, though my heart beat too wildly
to allow me sleep. I can repose as quietly with
whizzing bullets and screaming shell flying about
52.
me as in bed, but not when filled with such
savage joy. But the end is not yet. We
must, in my opinion, have hard work yet, before
our desperate foes give in.
At 11 A.M. left camp and were marched and
counter marched up and down till 11 P.M., when
my company was detailed to go into the woods,
and move on a line with our troops as “flankers.’
We struggled along for about three miles, through
swamps, abounding in tangled undergrowth, but
about 12 ½ were recalled to the road where our
brigade was resting. It was cold and damp
as well could be, but I was so exhausted, that as
soon as I had brought the company into line,
without stopping to undo my blankets, I threw
myself on the mud, and slept soundly till about
3 A.M., when we were moved a short distance, and
slept till 6 A.M., and were then ordered to throw
up abattis. We soon cleared a space of trees
with which we built strong barricades. Hard
fighting going on all day in front of us – the rebels
are desperately attempting to force a passage.
53.
Sunday May 3rd [1863]
At 4 A.M. were ordered to the front, where the
rebels have been trying to force a passage for retreat.
Shells are bursting in rather unpleasant proximity,
musket and rifle balls fizzing close over our heads.
As I write that at 9 A.M., wounded men are carried
by, and a continual stream of rebel prisoners are
passing. — At 12 M. the rebels got a temporary
advantage, driving in our advanced lines, leaving
our brigade in the immediate front. We are
protected by strong breastworks, and are lying on the
“Orange Court House and Fredericksburg Road” – the
point which the rebels must get to retreat on
Richmond. Hooker has visited us several times
today, and impressed upon us the vital importance
of the post we hold. He looks cool and
sanquine (I might add ary).
The rebels, in order to reach us, have to cross a broad,
open field, and will be slaughtered in thousands
should they make any attempt, as we have 65 heavy
guns planted to rake the field, beside a whole
Corps at our backs.
54.
P.M. The rebels occasionally shew themselves on
the edge of the wood on the opposite side of the
field from us, but a few doses of grape and canister
send them back howling with a row of their com-
rades left to mark their standing place.
Genl Griffin – our Division Genl – was here a mo-
ment since – said he; “32nd, I rely on you to hold
this point.” “We’ll do it” was the answer from
a hundred voices. Gen. Griffin had his horse
shot under him this morning.
Monday, May 4th.
We fully expected an attack on our breastworks
last night. I was up all night – pacing up and
down behind the ^ ‘works’ and seeing that my com-
pany kept on the “qui vive.” At 3 A.M. the
rebs poured a few heavy vollies upon us. Most
of our heads were below the intrenchments, so only
a few were wounded. I thought for a moment
that a hornet’s nest was in my cap. Two of
the 32nd wounded – one mortally, both privates.
12 M. Sergeant of Pickets just came in – reports
rebels planting batteries and massing troops in
55.
the woods in front. An occasional messenger
from a sharpshooter whizzes over our heads, one
of which mortally wounded Gen. Whipple, who was
sitting by the road side, a few rods from my post.
Be easy about me – I’m very careful of myself,
and am doing my duty, for a vanity –
Camp near Potomac Creek.
May 7th 1863.
I feel myself blushing to the roots of my hair,
as I date my letter ‘Potomac Creek”, for I never
expected to write the name of the detestable place
again. But here I am, so I will give you my
diary, from the last item copied, till now.
May 4th; at 4 P.M. our brigade
was ordered to feel the position of the enemy.
We accordingly climbed over our earth works, and
advanced across the open field in our front to the
woods, the 4th Michigan leading, deployed as
skirmishers, the 32nd Mass., 62nd Penn., 9th Mass., and
14th N. Y. following in that order. We advanced
to the middle of the woods, with little opposition,
but there ‘Johnnie Reb.’ opened upon us a raking
56.
fire of shell, grape and canister, as well as heavy
infantry firing. Our position in the woods
sheltered us greatly, as the enemy could not tell
our precise where abouts, and their pieces in general
were much too elevated, and our brigade lost but
few men. One of our sergeants was struck in
the temple with a piece of spent shell, which re-
bounded from the ground. It knocked him
over, but caused only a slight contusion – This,
to our surprise, we found was the only casualty
in the 32nd and it seems almost beyond belief,
when I think how the ground around us was
torn up, large trees cut off and toppled to the
ground, and the air full of bees – the fittest
simile, in sound, to the musket ball –
Some other regiments of our brigade suffered
severely however. Being satisfied by the infernal
shower we had succeeded in drawing upon us
that the rebels were still in force, we were or-
dered to retire. The line of the 32nd (we were
in line of battle) as we emerged from the woods,
was as good as on parade – no confusion – and we
57.
were cheered by the other regiments, as we resumed
our position behind the earth works. I picked
up a rebel grape shot in the woods. It differs from
ours in being very rough, while ours are smooth and
polished. Immediately after retiring,
our batteries opened a terrific fire upon the rebels.
The undergrowth in the woods caught fire from the
bursting of the shell, and some spread over a space
of half a mile. How awful to contemplate
the agonies of the wounded roasting to death.
Hundreds must have met that fate.
All quiet till about 1 A.M.
May 5th.
when the enemy attacked our picket line, but were
soon repulsed. Again at 9 A.M. and at 11 A.M.
-a large number killed and wounded on both
sides – enemy twice driven back. While Col.
Stephenson and I were talking, a rifle ball ploughed
into the ground less than a foot from us. In
fact, the sharpshooters, who are posted and hidden
in trees in the wood in front are picking off
officers all the time. It is dangerous for a
58.
pair of shoulder straps to move about – I found that
mine attracted a leaden messenger almost every
time I showed myself from behind the breast-
works, so took them off. They seem almost as
much an attraction to sharpshooters as to the fair
sex – God bless them – at home.
[The next two lines inked out.]
At 3 P.M. east wind set in cold, and rain came down
finely, and continued all night. As soon as
the first shades of night were falling, our artillery
began to ‘limber up’ and move, and a rumor was
soon afloat that there was a ‘hitch’ some where, and
that a retreat was ordered. Up to that mo-
ment, from the commencement of our expedition,
every man had been in the highest spirits – in
fact, I had never seen the Army so happy and
full of confidence. So you can imagine what
a ‘damper’ this must have been to us all, in the
midst of a cold rainstorm, without tents, and no
fires allowed; and to cap the whole, our brigade
ordered to remain till the whole Army moved,
59.
to cover the retreat. There we shivered and
shook till 3 A.M.
May 6th, [1863]
when we were ordered to start. It was still
raining hard, the artillery had mashed the ground
to a pulp which was knee deep. The enemy
was fully expected to follow us up, so we were
rushed through the mud to U.S. Ford – about
four miles – and from there to our camp – about
fourteen miles more – We were covered with
mud from head to foot, but used up and sick as
I felt, I could not resist bursting into a laugh
as my eyes occasionally caught sight of a brother
officer. Imagine how a man would look
after being plunged into a barrel of mud, and
you can form an idea of our appearance, for
positively neither face nor even hair had escaped.
Every one had fallen at least once. We had
only one short halt during the whole of that
dreadful march, and the road at the wind-up
was a perfect mob of horses struggling and
splashing through the mixture – often falling –
60.
cannoniers vainly endeavouring to force their poor
jaded beasts to drag their guns out of the deep
ruts; men swearing and cursing their commanders
for their sufferings – What a sight! When
our Colonel reached camp, he had four officers and
eight men with him – the rest came straggling in
all through the night. [Three lines inked out.]
Thus ended the hardest expedition
we have lived through, thus far. But the
hardships were not yet at an end, for I found
that the tents of the line officers had been all
turned in, and that for the future we should be
obliged to use ‘shelter tents’, – so called because
they afford no shelter at all – It still rained
hard, but I spread my ‘shelter’, threw myself on
the ground, wet to the skin; yes, and soaked some
distance inside of that; feverish, teeth chattering,
and legs extending some two feet out of the
covering, envying my dog his kennel, as being
much warmer, and quite as long.
61.
Thursday, May 7th.
I awoke in a pool of water, dirty and happy as a
pig. My sleep was continually disturbed during
the night by dreaming that I was still in my old
earthworks, and that the enemy was attacking us.
My Lieut. said that I called out once (think he must
have been mistaken about the emphatic part of it)
“D – n you, Company A, if you don’t start up
quicker when they fire, I’ll reduce the size of some
of your families.” He said he thought it was
time to awake me, so he shook me into better humor.
The officers are all suffering with sore throats,
blistered feet and stiff joints – At 3 P.M.,
orders came to the regiment for the men to be sup-
plied with eight days’ rations again, company
commanders to inspect their companies, and have
them ready for immediate action. Where we
are going, no one in this vicinity seems to know, – the
Army is certainly in no condition for action, sick and
dispirited to the core, as it is. Should we fight
now, we should be whipped, I fear – The current
rumor is, that Fredericksburg is our destination.
62.
If so, it must be evacuated, as Hooker surely cannot
be so crazy as to put this Army into immediate
action, for a large portion of it is again thoroughly
demoralized –“ This ends my diary up to
tonight, my dear ones, and now let me come down
and talk to you. . . . . You ask how my
contraband is getting along. He is the only
negro servant who has stuck to the regiment.
The others all left, carrying their masters’ blankets,
as soon as we took our exposed position in front
of the enemy – and had been popped at a few
times – But Bill has been with me all
the time, brought up my blankets at night, shared
all my hardships from the time I engaged him on
the Peninsula, looks after me with a motherly care,
and really seems to be attached to me, and
faithful as a dog. He shall never want
as long as I live.
Camp near Potomac Creek.
May 9th 1863.
. . . . We are all fast recovering from the ill
effects of our exhausting ten days’ work. I
63.
can walk nearly erect today, and sore throat is better.
Am glad to hear that my ambrotype or “appetite” as
Bill calls it, pleased you so much. . . . .
I have just been reading a remedy for cramp which
you sent me some time ago. I have suffered
much with it, on account of my veins swelling
so that I thought sometimes they would burst.
The remedy is excellent – Heat water expeditiously
and immerse the sufferer completely. – How
ridiculous that sounds, when the largest receptacle
[from the diary of Captain Zacharia Heed, 91st Ohio]
9.
Piatt Monday morning Start for Charleston Va, at five oclock A.M. get to Charleston at half past Six oclock A.M. on board of News Boy.
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS13406
