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Rkcollkctions

OF THE LATE

WAR WITH CANADA

By One of the Survivors

€anm)i, |t. f.

PRINTED BT THE REPUBLICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION

1889

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RECOLLECTIONS.

Concord, N. H., July ii, 1892.

From my infancy I have been imbued with a love for
the military. My earliest recollection is of strutting
around with a tin sword and a soldier cap. The step
and time of marching soldiers were born within me. A
brass band was a thing to be followed for miles, and a
drum corps was sweeter music to me than the lingering
notes of the dulcimer. As soon as I was big enough to
wear knickerbockers I began to organize companies of
soldiers, of which, by some underground arrangement,
or my natural cheek, I was always captain.

I do n't think there was ever any question raised about
that office. The lieutenancies and other positions were
parcelled out among my friends, but the captaincy be-
longed to me by prescriptive right. Perhaps the fact that
I was born in i860, and that my childhood was mingled
with the tap of the drum and the ringing note of the
bugle, as the troops marched and countermarched through
our streets while preparing for the field, may account for
my passion for military life.

When I grew a little older I got into the drum-corps
business, and for a year or two I suppose I was the most
unpopular and generally execrated boy in town. I had
a little shanty in our yard, perhaps eight feet square.

wliich I had built, and here our drum corps, consisting
of eight or ten snare drums, a base drum, cymbals, and
a fife or two which could never be heard, practised con-
stantly day and night when school did not prevent. The
roar and rattle and bang swept on incessantly. A pres-
idential campaign was coming, and we wanted to be in
fine trim for the torchlight processions. Our repertoire
was limited ; but never did an opera company rehearse
its score more faithfully than we practised those few
tunes on our drums.

We could see heads stuck out of neighboring windows
in mute supplication to us, and frequent complaints were
made to our respective parents, but without avail. You
might as well try to dam Niagara. Thumpyty-thump it
went on from early morn till late at night. I wonder
sometimes that we did not crack the tympanums of our
ears. There we were, shut up in a space say eight feet
square, and all pounding away for dear life. Well, the
din was indescribable. Since I have grown to mature
years, some of our former neighbors have told me of the
agony they suff'ered during that period. I can well im-
agine it, but it did not worry me much at that time. On
the contrary, it rather pleased me to think we were mak-
ing such a stir in the world.

At last the fall came, and with it the torchlight parades.
You ma}'^ well believe we were there. We usually
turned out about an hour before the time set for the pa-
rade, and marched about, so as to make the most of it.
Those were glorious nights ! I never expect to have so
much fun again. No march was too long, no exertion
too severe. The only thing which marred our happiness
was the fact that the bands which happened to be in the
processions near us wanted to play sometimes, and then
we had to stop. This was a great annoyance to us, for
we could n't see how any one could have the poor taste

to prefer a brass band to the delightful strains of a d»-v.ni
corps. Sometimes we could not restrain ourselves, and
would break right in while the band was playing, creat-
ing an indescribable hubbub. I don't think the gentle-
men of the barjd appreciated us or our efforts.

But the presidential campaign came to an end ; the
drums were laid away on the shelf, and I was sent away
to college. I often think, however, of the solid enjoy-
ment I got out of pounding that old snare drum, and I
never see a drum corps without longing to take hold and
bang away with them. I think the proudest day of my
life was when Blaine visited our city during one of the
Grant campaigns, and it was the happy privilege of our
drum corps to escort him from the station to the platform
in the state-house yard where he was to speak. The
oration was to be in the afternoon, and we furbished up
in great shape for the parade. Our drums shone, and
our uniforms were put on with all the air possible.
j I When we marched up through Main street at the head

\M of the procession, with Blaine behind us in a carriage,

every boy pounding as though his life depended on it,
ive were proud. I never have felt so well since, and I
never expect to in all the years that may be left to me.
I nearly broke my back, I was so straight ; and my eyes
were tired for a week, I strained them so in trying to
keep in line without turning my head. |

At that age of my life I was very strongly inclined to %

go to Annapolis or West Point, and made overtures to 1;

my father on the point, which were rather coldly met. |i

He evidently did not appreciate my extreme capacity for
military life. The matter was finally compromised by
sending me to the Institute of Technology in Boston. I
reluctantly consented to this arrangement on learning
that it was a military school, and I could wear a uniform
and drill three times a week. I thoroughly enjoyed the

Institute, at least the military part of it and the uniform.
I wore the latter constantly, and was the most self-satisfied
fellow in the world when I could come home and parade
round the streets in it. In my second year I was made
first lieutenant of the company, and my bliss was com-
plete. At that time the United States government had
a regular army officer, Lieutenant Hubbell of the First
Artillery, stationed at the Institute to superintend the
drill of the students, and I was his firm admirer and fol-
lower. I think I admired him above all men at that
time, and he was very kind to me.

Sometimes the lieutenant and the captain of the com-
pany would both be away, and then it was my duty to
command. I don't know that I was always technically
correct in my commands, but I gave plenty of them, and
when the drill hour was through every boy was glad to
sit down for a rest. I made the most of my opportuni-
ties. Twice a year we were taken by Lieutenant Hub-
bell down to Fort Warren, or Fort Constitution, in Bos-
ton harbor, for drill and rifle practice. We marched
down through Washington street with colors flying, and
a file of buglers kindly loaned us from the fort at the
head. It was grand ! — at least for me. When we ar-
rived at the wharf we embarked on the revenue cutter,
which conveyed us quickly to the fort. Those were
red letter days !

But, by the time I got through the Institute, advancing
years and study had taught me that there were other
things in life than military parades ; and while I had not
lost my relish for martial music and its concomitants, I
had somewhat lost my desire to join the army. I turned
my attention to the more peaceful employment of study-
ing law.

A number of years rolled by, during which my mar-
tial spirit slept, or at least lay dormant ; but it needed
but the blast of the bugle to arouse it: and when, in
1889, General Patterson, who had been commissioned
General of the N. H. National Guard by the governor,
offered me the position of judge-advocate-general, with
the rank of major, on his staff, I accepted with alacrity.
Whether the general had in mind my profound knowl-
edge of the law and my keen legal mind in offeting me
this position, or whether he felt that my extensive
knowledge of tactics and brigade movements would be
of service to him, I probably never shall know ; but how-
ever it was, he did not have a chance U Ter the posi-
tion to any one else. I pounced on the ^>ffer like a
hawk on a June bug, and was on my way to Boston to
order my uniform before twenty-four ,mrs had n .<sed.
Such .(1 outfit as I ordered ! I had a fatigm liniforri, a
full-dress uniform, a magnificently bra deu o\ercoat,
chapeau, cap, shoulder knots, leggings, spurs, sword,
and all the paraphernalia of an old soldier in the regular
army.

About this time I was presented by my brother. Colonel
R , with a very handsome thoroughbred saddle-
horse, which just completed my outfit. Soon after I
was commissioned, the annual encampment of the reg-
ular army of New Hampshire took place, and I smelt
powder for the first time. A great deal of skirmish fir-
ing and battery practice was indulged in, and it actually
seemed quite real. I made (or thought I did) a great
show on parade, for my horse was very intelligent, and
supplied my lack of knowledge by his extreme good
sense. I believe in horse sense.

This encampment was very delightful. The camp
was beautifully laid out, and the Brigade Staff were very
comfortably quartered. We had large and spacious tents,

furnished with every necessary, and some that were
not necessary. Captain Gannon, our polite and efficient
commissary, set for \ s a luxurious table. During the
day we pranced round on our horses and made ourselves
conspicuous in the eyes of hundreds of admiring young
ladies, and at night we had a big camp-fire and a band
concert under the brigade marquet. It was with great
sorrow that we broke camp, but we looked forward to
the next year and another picnic.

Little did I think that the next time I put my uniform
on it would be for a more serious and less satisfactory
purpose. It never entered my head that in accepting
the position, I was ever to be anything but a tin soldier.
Such an idea as actual service did not occur to me. I
don't think I am especially a valorous man, and it seems
as though the parades were really the most enjoyable
part of a soldier's life. The skip of a musket ball, or
the ugly whir of a round shot, puts another complexion
on the thing.

For a year or two previous to 1889 Canada and the
United States had been having more or less trouble
about the coast fisheries. Seizures had been made of
fishing vessels belonging to citizens of the United States,
and many angry diplomatic messages had been ex-
changed. While Cleveland was president and Bayard
secretary of state nothing came of the matter beyond
wordy disputes, but when Harrison was elected presi-
dent and Blaine became secretary of state it was another
matter. Blaine was a pugnacious man, and wouldn't
stand any funny business. He served notice on Canada
that the seizures must stop ; but the Canadian govern-
ment did not realize the difference in the men with whom
it had to deal, or else relied too much on the backing
given by England, and pursued its outrages. Fisher-
men who put in for repairs were seized, their vessels

^ „

condemned and broken up, and the owners imprisoned ;
and many other acts of similar nature occurred which
greatly exasperated the American people, especially as
negotiations were going on at the time to regulate the
fishery question in a peaceful manner.

The government, through its secretary of state, pro-
tested vigorously, and threatened reprisals if the out-
rages did not cease ; but, in spite of all, the Canadian
authorities kept on. At last, goaded to desperation, sev-
eral of our new armed cruisers were ordered to Canadian
waters to protect our interests. They had not been
there long before opportunity offered to see what they
were made of.

An American fisherman ventured in near shore, owing
to stress of weather, and he was immediately seized by
a Canadian war vessel. The cruiser Boston, which was
in the neighborhood, learning of the seizure, hastened
with all speed to the locality, and demanded of the Can-
adian vessel the immediate surrender of the fisherman.
This being refused, the Boston opened fire upon the
Canadian, and in less than twenty minutes sunk her
with round shot. Twenty of the crew were killed in the
attack, and the rest reached the shore in their boats.
The Boston took the fisherman under her charge, and
returned with her to American waters. This, of course,
created wild excitement both in Canada and the United
States. War was declared, and both governments be-
gan to arm for the fray. Canada's first move, naturally,
was to cable the English government for assistance ; and
in less than twenty-four hours a dozen powerful cruisers
and armored gunboats were steaming across the Atlantic
for the scene of conflict. All the vessels of Great Britain
on the Atlantic station were also ordered to proceed to
Canadian waters.

At that time the United States had just begun to build

a modern navy, and but few of the new ships were com-
pleted, and those of the light, unarmored cruiser style
mostly. We were hardly in condition to cope success-
fully with England on the seas. Large forces of men
were put to work upon those vessels which were in proc-
ess of construction, and every energy was put forth to
get them ready for sea. When war was declared we
had perhaps a dozen vessels which were fit for actual
service ; the remainder of the navy consisted of old hulks
past their usefulness, and small dispatch boats and rev-
enue cutters.

What we had most to fear was the bombardment of
our sea-coast cities. They were entirely unprotected,
and our few men-of-war could hardly prevent the pow-
erful ironclads of England from lying off the coast and
planting shells in our most populous seaports at will.
Then, too, there was our northern border contiguous to
Canada, which must be protected. We did not have so
much fear about that, for that was a question of men and
numbers ; but still we knew that in a very few weeks at
the most there would be a vast army of well trained Brit-
ish troops poured into our Northern states.

I lived at that time in an inland city in New Hamp-
shire, and, of course, personally did not fear the gun-
boats ; but we were deeply interested in the movements
of the land forces to the north of us. Any invasion
from that direction must result in danger to our homes
and property. The regular army of the United States
consisted of but twenty-five thousand men; and while it
is true that in the United States civilians make good
soldiers in a very short time, still we could hardly get a
well drilled army of any size in the field before England
could, by means of her very perfect transport system,
throw fifty thousand troops upon our border. The pres-
ident, at the first sound of war, drew all the available

troops from the West and scattered them along the sea-
board. A call was immediately made for volunteers,
and the answer was so overwhelming that uniforms and
equipments could not be found fast enough to put them
in the field. Of course all these preparations took time ;
and to guard against depredations and expected inva-
sions of the Northern states bordering on the Canada
line, the militia of those states was ordered to take the
field to protect the northern line until a sufficient body
of troops could be got in readiness, not only to repel
invasion, but to act on the offensive.

The government was very active, and managed the
preparations for war with great skill and energy. But
the people immediately realized the truth of the warn-
ings which had been repeatedly given them by compe-
tent officers in the army and navy, viz., that it would be
impossible at a moment's notice to get together a first-
class navy, with modern armament, and to furnish pro-
tection to our vastly wealthy seaport cities. However,
the English vessels, on their arrival, were rather slow
to act, and it gave us a little time to turn round and put
ourselves on the oflfensive.

As I have already said, I was more interested in the
movements of the land forces, and particularly because I
was a unit in the New Hampshire militia. When it be-
came apparent that the militia was to be put in the field,
I was in great trepidation. War was hardly my forte.
I didn't long for gore so much as I used to. I was will-
ing to let some one else have all the glory, provided he
would do the fighting; but I couldn't find any hole my
size to crawl out of, and, like many a man in the Rebel-
lion, and I suppose, for the matter of that, in every
war that ever took place, my pride came to the rescue,
and I put a bold face on it. The members of the brig-
ade staff* resident in C held frequent earnest consul-

I)'

tations on the subject. It was a time of great excite-
ment. People began to look upon us with interest.
Those who had been wont to poke a little quiet fun at us
about our titles and holiday parades, now looked at us
with more respect.

At last the order came for us to rendezvous at Con-
cord on the twenty-eighth of June. The immediate
cause for the order was the report that the Canadian
militia with a few regular troops were marching tow-
ards the United States border with a view of attacking
some of the outlying towns in northern New Hampshire
and Vermont. The people of the northern part of the
state were terribly excited, and urgent calls were made
upon the state and United States governments for pro-
tection. Upon learning of this movement Governor
Tuttle immediately ordered the militia of the state to
prepare for the field.

The response was prompt and energetic, and on the
morning of the twenty-eighth every train that came into
■Concord bore bodies of blue-coated soldiers. Upon
arrival they were immediately marched to the camp-
ground on the Plains, where a day or two was to be
spent in making final preparations. Most of the com-
panies turned out with full ranks, and there was a great
deal of enthusiasm.

Immediately upon the arrival of the troops in camp
General Patterson took command, and preparations for
departure were energetically pushed forward. Blank-
ets, tin plates, cups, knives and forks, and such articles
as were absolutely necessary in the field, were issued to
the men. General Patterson called all the commissioned
officers of the brigade together and made a short, pithy
speech to them, in which he reminded them that they were
about to put in practice the training which they had been
receiving for a number of years, and that he expected

every man to make the cause his own, and see that the Newr
Hampshire militia, in this its crucial test, demonstrate
that it was something more than a holiday organization.

On the morning of the thirtieth of June, at eight
o'clock, the general assembly was sounded by the brig-
ade bugler, and immediately the final preparations for
departure began. In a few moments the troops moved
out of their company streets in heavy marching order,
their knapsacks packed, their overcoats rolled on top,
and their blankets secured in a roll round the shoulder.

The general, mounted on a handsome black horse,
took his place at the right of the line, and the word was
given to move out. It was indeed a warlike sight.
First came the general in command with his staff, all in
fatigue uniform, for all extras and fancy trappings had
been left behind ; then the consolidated band ; then the
signal corps; then the three regiments of infantry, their
gleaming gun-barrels glistening in the bright rays of the
morning sun ; after them, our crack battery, with Captain
Piper at the head, each yellow twelve-pounder rolling
along with an ominous rumble ; and, finally, our small
but lively troop of cavalry, each man of which had a
chicken " strapped to the poop of his saddle," as a news-
paper correspondent called it. In the rear marched a
dozen notaries public with their seals in their hands.
We took them along in order to execute affidavits that,
we actually did fight. These affidavits would also be
useful in securing pensions after the war was over.

When we reached the Main street, the band playing
'♦Johnny, get your gun," we were met by tumultuous
applause from the thousands of people congregated to see
us off. We felt proud, but confoundedly nervous. We
realized that this was the best part of it. Major Cilley
leaned over to me, and said, — "Wish this was all there-
was to it 1 " and every man within hearing nodded assents

At the depot a long train was awaiting us, with three
engines attached, steam all up, and everything in readi-
ness for a start, including Fred Jones, who had hero-
ically volunteered to conduct the train to the seat of war.
The work of embarking the troops was quickly accom-
plished ; and with the battery on flat cars and the cav-
alry in box, we moved slowly out of the station amidst
great cheers and excitement.

Our destination was the town of Berlin Falls, as indi-
cations pointed to that place as the first objective point
of the Canadian troops. This town had grown up
within a few years with the mushroom rapidity of a
Western place, and had become quite an important cen-
tre, indeed, the most important in northern New Hamp-
shire, as a manufacturing town. For this reason it most
needed protection. There was nothing to be gained by
attacking a farming community, but to capture and de-
stroy a town like Berlin Falls, with all its manufactories
and vested interests, would be to strike a serious blow to
the state.

General Ayling, the efficient adjutant-general of the
state, had been for some days concentrating supplies
and ammunition at this point, so as to be ready for us on
arrival. Transportation for our baggage, ammunition,
etc., had also been obtained.

In order to reach this town we went up over the
Concord & Montreal road to Whitefield, and there dis-
embarked, and marched overland through the moun-
tains. At every station we met a perfect ovation, and
refreshments were constantl}?^ offered us, much to the sat-
isfaction of myself and others. We could hardly refrain
from weeping, out of pity for ourselves, when we saw
the deep awe and solicitude which were expressed on
every face at the thought of the almost certain death
into which we were running to save the lives of those

who were left by the fireside. Captain Gienty said to
me, as we sat on top of the Baker heater in one corner
of the car, "Major, this is a grave responsibility we are
taking upon ourselves. Not only the lives of our de-
pendent people, but the future of this state and nation,
perhaps, hang upon our efforts. Let us be brave, and
go down to death, if necessary, in defence of the right."
These comforting and vertiginous words so fittingly ex-
pressed my own feelings that I immediately grasped his
hand, and we pledged ourselves as indicated in the
fifth line above.

At last Whitefield was reached, and after the guns
and horses were unloaded and saddles put on, we began
our march through the defiles of the mountains to Berlin
Falls. This march, though rather hot and long, was
not severe, as we followed a water grade all the way,
and the umbrageous shade of the sinewy saplings shed
shimmering shadow slantingly athwart our course, thus
mitigating the extreme rigor of the now zenithward
climbing sun. Towards night we debouched upon the
town of Berlin Falls, and encamped upon the outskirts,
where good water, adulterated and unadulterated, was
to be had. We were soon surrounded by the inhabi-
tants of the place, who hailed us as their deliverers, and
we all felt like patting ourselves on the back. As soon
as camp w^s pitched routine duty began, guards were
posted, and we began to experience what discipline was.
Through the forethought of General Ayling we were
amply provided with every necessary ; and as darkness
fell we sat down to a smoking hot supper, which was
a great refreshment after the long march. The blaz-
ing camp fires were soon gleaming all over the field ;
and the bustle and stir and the occasional challenge
of the sentries impressed the realness of our business
upon us.

I': I

Gradually the camp fires died out, taps were sounded,
and the weary men sank to sleep. Only here and there
an occasional light appeared in the tent of some officer.
All went to bed with a feeling of restless uncertainty,
for none knew, except perhaps the general, just where
the Canadian troops were, nor how soon we should be
placed in juxtaposition to them. It was generally be-
lieved among the men that we might expect an attack
any time. Few were at all familiar with the country
surrounding the town, and no one knew from what direc-
tion the attack would come. Perhaps a short explana-
tion of the location of the town will be serviceable,,
though one can easily get at it by looking on a map.

Berlin Falls is located upon the Androscoggin river, in
the north-eastern part of New Hampshire. This river is
the outlet of the Rangely Lake system, and comes out of
the lakes some thirty miles north of Berlin Falls. The
region between the town and the lakes is almost an un-
broken wilderness, with scarcely any habitations. It
had been reported by natives and scouts sent out that the
Canadian milii'a were massing on the border just north
of Errol Dam, which is at the mouth of the lakes; and
in order to attack Berlin Falls it would be necessary for
them to follow the river down through the forest, as
there was no other feasible way.

We had supposed that we should remain at Berlin
Falls and act upon the defensive ; but late that night
word was sent to the staff officers and commanders of
regiments that the march would be taken up again next
morning towards Errol Dam, it being the intention of
General Patterson to act upon the offensive rather than
to wait and allow the enemy to approach the town.

I did n't sleep much that night. I kept waking up to
hear shells whizzing by my head and feel the plunk of
a minie ball as it buried itself in the fleshy part of my

arm. It was but a few hours, but it seemed days before
the reveille sounded, and I was glad enough to get up,
though it was hardly light. The grey light of early
dawn gave everything a misty and indistinct appearance,
and for a moment it all seemed a dream to me. A few
birds were piping their breakfast call in the neighboring
woods, and I could hear the yawns and grumblings of
the officers in the adjoining tents, who were disturbed in
their last nap. The short, effervescent snorts from the
next tent apprised me that Colonel Watson, our genial
medical director, was still floating on the peaceful waves
of elysium. Thinking that he was getting more than
his share of enjoyment I pulled back the flap of his tent,
and, after shaking a bottle of Appolinaris water vigor-
ously and taking good aim, I uncorked it so that the
contents landed spitefully upon the doctor's unprotected
head. He got up.

An amusing incident was reported to me that day.
It seems that the colonel of one of the regiments had
always been in the habit of having divine service the first
thing in the morning, and it was one of the regular
things for the bugler to sound the call for such service
at a stated time. On this morning, however, by some
oversight he forgot to sound it. The colonel noticed
the omission, and stepped to the tent of the adjutant.
Putting his head inside, he called, —

"Adjutant ! has that service call been sounded?"
" No, sir, but I guess it will be in a minute."
The colonel returned to his tent, but no call was
sounded. In a moment he stuck his head in at the
adjutant's tent again :
"Adjutant!"
"Sir?"

"That d d service's gone to h 1 !"

Just then he looked round, and there stood the chap-

lain who had come out to learn the reason of the omis-
sion. Explanations were in order.

As soon as breakfast had been eaten, the order was
given to prepare for departure ; but before leaving camp
ball cartridges were issued to the men, the caissons were
furnished with ammunition, and the ammunition wagons
and baggage trains were drawn up ready to follow in
the wake of the troops. Three days' rations, consisting
of mince pie, limburger cheese, and charlotte-russe were
issued to each man, as it was not certain when we should
again be able to cook a meal. The men grumbled a
little at this coarse diet, but quieted down when informed
that it would be impossible to carry in their knapsacks
anything but the most imperishable food on so long a
march ; and then another advantage occurred to them as
regards the cheese, and that was, that if they got tired
carrying it, it was strong enough to walk alone. I have
always noticed in my reading of history how much the
success of troops in battle depended upon their being
properly fed and nourished, and in this celebrated cam-
paign we owed much of our success to Captain Gannon,
who so skilfully furnished our commissariat. Few would
have thought of this strong and nourishing diet for men
enduring the fatigues of long marches and hard fought
battles. Captain Leavitt, who seldom perpetrated a pun,
said that, as Canada had turned loose the dogs of war,
Captain Gannon had seized a few for his mince pies.

Just as we were about to leave we were joined by a
company of about a hundred lumbermen and wood-chop-
pers, armed with axes, who were to act as sappers and
miners. We afterwards found them very valuable.

It was still early in the morning when the bugle
sounded the signal for the march to begin, and we moved
out of camp and on through the town. After leaving
the town, our route lay along the bank of the Androscog-

sma

gin, and a more beautiful country cannot be imagined.
The valley is about as broad as the Merrimack valley,
bounded on both sides by low hills, generally well
wooded, and the river winds its graceful way under
arching elms and willows towards the sea. If our errand
had been more peaceful we should have enjoyed the
scenery, but our thoughts were bent in other directions.

At noon a halt was made for dinner, and then we hur-
ried on. Soon after this halt we came to the unbroken
forest which lines both shores of the river clear to the
mouth of the lakes at Errol Dam. This country is a
perfect wilderness for about fourteen miles, without a
single habitation or sign of cultivation. There is, how-
ever, a first-class road running along close by the bank
of the river. This road was built by the state a few
years since, we believe, under the supervision of Dr.
C. N. Towle and Col. J. A. White, of Concord. They
had no steam-roller, of course, as it was too far away to
obtain one, but the doctor and the Colonel walked over
it several times, and it is as hard as asphalt.

On either side of the road the dense, unbroken forest
stretches away, and the great trees meet overhead, making
an almost twilight darkness at midday. When we entered
this silence Major Dow was ordered to precede the main
column by about half a mile, with a company of the third
regiment deployed as skirmishers, to guard against an
ambush or surprise. We also made the lumbermen, who
were familiar with the region, useful in this capacity.

Slowly the long line of troops, with the rumbling cais-
sons, and the creaking ammunition and forage wagons,
wound its way beneath the great trees, from whose
branches long creepers and moss hung down. No sound
of music broke the stillness, — nothing but the tramp,
tramp of the men, and the thud, thud of the horses' hoofs
on the hard ground. Now and then the sunlight would

» break through some opening in the trees, and glint for a
moment upon the burnished accoutrements of the men ; or
a frightened partridge would whirr across the front of the
column and disappear in the underbrush. Tiie men
seemed solemn and thoughtful. The darkness and soli-
tude had their effect.

It was nearly dusk when we emerged from the fast-
nesses of the forest into the opening which surrounds
Errol Dam. And glad we were to be safely through.
I think the men had a feeling that we were likely to
be attacked at any moment. The officers, however,
were informed that no attack was to be feared, as our
scouts reported the enemy resting quietly some miles
from Errol Dam.

The country opens out here, and there are several
first-rate farms, and a small hotel which is patronized at
certain seasons of the year by sportsmen. This valley
can also be approached by way of Dixville Notch. Our
first thought when we reached the open was to look for
the enemy, but no sign of them could be seen. Every
thing was peaceful and quiet. The few farmers who
lived in the region had taken their departure for more
salubrious climes, and we had the whole place to our-
selves. But, evidently, it was not expected that we
should be thus left to our own devices long, for no sooner
were we well out of the woods than the order was given
to halt, and camp was pitched. As we had arrived first
on the field we had the choice of position, and the next
thing to do was to select and occupy such position. The
only approach to Berlin Falls was by the road we had
passed over, and, of course, it was necessary to protect
that road.

Just a short distance from the edge of the woods a
small stream or river runs into the Androscoggin at ri'ght
angles, and the road crosses it on a wooden bridge.

ill

^1/

After crossing the bridge there was a slight hill which
commanded the valley. In order to reach the road
to Berlin Falls, it was necessary to ascend this hill
and cross the bridge, or, at least, the river. It did not
take long to decide that the hill was the place to occupy ;
and as soon as camp had been pitched along the small
river spoken of, all hands were set to work to fortify the
summit of the hill.

Temporary earthworks were thrown up, and our lum-
bermen were set to work to fell trees, which were hauled
into position by the team horses ; and by midnight, work-
ing by the light of huge bonfires, we had quite a re-
spectable breastwork extending along our front for a
hundred rods, and then making a return at both ends
nearly Ir he river. Having made these hurried prepa-
rations aiid posted a strong guard, the men were allowed
to turn in and get what rest they could after their hard
day's work.

Our scouts brought us in the report that the enemy
were now steadily approaching, and might be expected
to arrive by morning. They were estimated to number
about five thousand men, principally infantry, though
they had a four-gun battery, but no cavalry. Of course
they greatly outnumbered us, for, counting our lumber-
men, supernumeraries, and all, we could hardly muster
fifteen hundred. We had the choice of position, how-
ever, and relied a great deal on the superiority of our
men. We knew that the Canadian militia, which com-
posed the bulk of the troops advancing against us, were
rather poor material. What we most feared was the
small body of regular troops, which we knew to be in
the approaching column. There were but a few com-
panies of them, but they were veterans who had seen
service in foreign lands.

After every precaution had been taken, General Pat-

terson summoned the staff to his tent for a council. The
general himself, and Colonel Gould, our assistant adju-
tant-general, \vere cool and collected, but the rest of us
were a trifle excited, I think. We discussed the matter
informally, and then General Patterson requested each
man to retire to his quarters and draw up his own
scheme or idea of how the battle should be conducted.
We were to report again in the course of an hour, when
our respective plans would be considered.

In compliance with this direction I went to my tent,
and, taking a large sheet of paper, drew out a rough
map of the field, showing our present position and the
probable position which the enemy would occupy, also
showing the weak points in our line, and the places
which must be most carefully looked after. I then, after
a great deal of study and consultation with my extensive
war library, which I had with me, outlined my plan of
action on the back of the sheet. I made it as brief as
possible, as I knew time was valuable, and I had in mind
the energy and brevity of speech of such famous com-
manders as Grant, Sherman,Von Moltke, Col. Corser, etc.

At the appointed hoar we hurried through the dark-
ness and silence of the night to the general's quarters.
We found that he had just returned from a reconnois-
sancc. A lighted candle sticking in a potato was our
only illumination, but, by crowding round the table, we
were able to follow the plans as presented.

The general first called upon Colonel Gould. The
colonel, who is a man of determination and an old vet-
eran, explained his plan, which was, to move forward
the first and second regiments under cover of fire from
the battery, holding the third and the cavalry in reserve
behind the earthworks. Instead of moving the troops
forward in masses or lines, he would throw out succes-
sive strong skirmish lines, and, if a favorable opportunity

occurred, he would throw in the cavalry and the band.
Of course, in describing these plans of battle, I give but
the merest outline. They were all carefully drawn out
and illustrated on paper-
Colonel Watson thought we should advance in column
of masses, and, at the proper moment, execute rear bat-
talions left front into line, bringing the left battalion on
the right of the first division. This would intimidate the
enemy, who would be unused to such movements, and
while they were watching it we could outflank them.

Major Dow thought that the first and third regiments
should move out at the rate of eighty-five steps to the
minute, being very careful to keep the cadence, and,
when within forty rods of the enemy, face to the rear,
load, face about, and fire with precision. This decided
stand would naturally have its effect.

Major Cilley was of the opinion that we should form
the whole brigade in line, brigade front, then, with him-
self as the pivot-man, wheel in circle, gradually scoop-
ing in the enemy, and when we had them driven into
the centre, we should fall upon them and kill them with
the butts of our muskets, thus saving ammunition for
rifle practice next summer.

Captain Leavitt thought we should form line three or
four hundred yards to the rear, and then advance in col-
umn of fours in the following manner : At the command,
" Forward ! March !" the first file advance one step, and
resting their hands on their knees, bending their backs
at a rif ht angle with their legs ; the next file in their
rear now advances, and vaults over the backs of the file
in front, then they in succession bend down. This is
repeated by each succeeding file, the object being to ad-
vance upon the enemy, but to so disconcert his aim by
constant motion that no casualties should occur.

Captain Gannon thought that every man's gun should

be loaded with commissary biscuit, which kill at four
miles, and then they should evolute from a common cen-
tre, gradually deploying upon the enemy, executing at
the proper moment, " Wings, right forward ! " thus gain-
ing a great advantage over the enemy, who would not
be expecting any such move. It would be very easy
then to mow them down with the aforesaid biscuit, and
all that would be left to do would be to count and bury
the dead.

Captain Gienty was of the opinion that after every man
had been properly way-billed, we should post markers
within forty rods of the enemy's line, and then order the
entire brigade to dress up on the line so formed, the staff
remaining in the rear to see that there was a perfect
alignment. After the alignment was made, the order
should be given to load, and firing should be kept up till
the enemy were all killed, or speechless.

Captain Kimball would form line of battalions on first
division, deploying the battery as skirmishers, and using
the band as a reserve. He would finesse for position,
and when gained would fall upon the enemy with terri-
ble slaughter.

I was the last man to be called on, being the junior
officer in time of service present. I spread out my intri-
cate and carefully considered plans on the table, and,
after pointing out the positions of vantage and disadvan-
tage, and clearly demonstrating that the weak point of
the enemy lay in the fact that they had no lard in their
supplies — and no Canadian could live without lard — I
stated clearly and succinctly my plan of attack, which
was, to creep up as near the enemy as we could get
without being exposed, fire, and run like the devil. My
plan was received with murmurs of appreciation, and I
had the extreme satisfaction of having it adopted over
the heads of all my superiors.

\ /

Having discussed the matter fully, and arranged all the
details, giving each regiment its position in line, and fix-
ing on a safe place of retreat for the staff if there should
be any danger, we retired to our quarters to get what little
rest we could.

I lay down on my camp-bed, with my clothes on, and
tossed and tumbled. I was uneasy. I felt nervous.
War wasn't what it was cracked up to be. I never
could bear the sight of blood. While I was kicking my-
self for ever joining the militia, the flap of my tent was
raised, and I nearly fainted. I thought it was some
blasted Canuck who had got the drop on me, but was
greatly relieved when it turned out to be only Major
Cilley.

The major was as pale as dish-water, and his mouth
had a droop that was pitiful to see. His usually nicely
curled moustache was lax and wilted, and had caught
between his teeth. He came and sat down on the bed-
side, and we gazed dolefully at each other. He had not
been there long before Colonel Watson appeared, look-
ing as doleful as we did, and he took his seat on the bed-
side. Then Captain Leavitt and Captain Gienty, Cap-
tain Kimball and Major Dow, came sneaking in and took
their seats. Not a wcrrd was said. There was no use for
words. A gloomy silence prevailed, broken only by the
half smothered sighs of those present. Finally, Captain
Gienty took courage, and spoke out the thoughts of all :

"Boys, what's to be done? We're in a bad mess.
We're all scared, and we needn't try and fool each
other."

Various suggestions were made, but none of them
seemed to at all help our case. We had either to fight
or run. Major Cilley suggested that it was customary
for the staff* to keep well to the rear, as their lives were
too valuable to be sacrificed ; but the momentary relief

occasioned by this was ruined by Captain Leavitt, who
said that more men were killed at the rear than at the
front.

I had been in deep meditation for some time. It had
occurred to me that strategy was the thing to use. These
Canadians were not very brilliant, probably, and we
might get the best of them by strategy so as to save our
pelts. In my historical rea'lings I had been much inter-
ested in the fine strategy employed by Napoleon, Freder-
ick the Great, and our own Washington. The greatest
battles had not been won by mere brute force and gun-
powder, but by the employment of unusual and unex-
pected means, the taking advantage of some unlooked-for
incident. I had an idea which I thought might be car-
ried out. This idea came to me like an inspiration ; but
I was not sure we could execute it for want of the neces-
sary material.

" Colonel," I asked, turning to our medical director,
*' what have you for medicines? "

"Oh! I have a miscellaneous collection. Of course
I am well prepared to look after bowel troubles, as they
are the most frequent in camp."

" What have you which would be a speedy laxative?'*

" I have a large supply of calomel which acts very
rapidly."

" But how much have you of it?"

" Enough for an army."

"That's just what I want. Now, captain," turning
to Captain Gannon, " how much ginger ale have you?"

"About five hundred bottles. You know it was put
in, as it was thought it would be a good thing for the
troops. But what the deuce has that got to do with get-
ting us out of this hole? This is no time for fun."

" Never was more in earnest in my life, captain," I
replied.

^BUC«7^:.

" Well, for heaven's sake, tell us what the scheme is,'
said several voices.

" I do not know as it can be carried out," I replied ;
*'but here it is : — I propose to take all the ginger ale we
have, and put a big dose of calomel in each bottle, and
cork it up again. Then load it on wagons, with some
intelligent lumbermen for drivers, and send them into the
enemy's lines to-morrow morning just before the battle.
Let them think it was intended for us, but these drivers,
by some stupid blunder, got into the wrong camp. It will
be seized with avidity, and will go the rounds of the army.
F've hundred bottles will go a good ways. If it works,
there won't be any battle. That's all there is to my
scheme. What do you think of it?"

" It 's splendid ! " cried Colonel Watson ; " and I think
it can be carried out. Let's go at it at once."

Those present were ready to seize upon any plan which
promised escape from their predicament. There was a
ray of hope shining dimly through it : it was the drown-
ing man's straw, and all grabbed at it with both hands.

A few moments afterwards a ghostly procession, head-
ed by Colonel Watson, moved towards the commissary
tent through the gloom. Each man carried a spoon, and
the work began. In about an hour every bottle of gin-
ger ale was carefully doctored, and corked up again.
Two trusty men had been found among the lumbermen,
who knew the country well. Dressed in overalls and
flannel shirts, they mounted the seats of the two wagons
loaded with the ale. Their instructions were, to make a
detour, and reach the road by which the Canadians had
arrived ; then to turn back on that road, and drive straight
into the enemy's picket line. When halted by the pick-
ets, they were to express great consternation, and indicate
by their manner and actions that they supposed they were
within the Yankee lines. Of course they would then be

secured, and taken with their loads to head-quarters ; and
we expected that in due time our ginger ale would be
safely deposited for a season in the well larded stomachs
of the Canucks.

We timed the departure of the men so that they would
arrive within the Canadian lines just about daylight.
Having despatched them, we could do nothing more.
We felt a trifle better, but not very well, thank you !

As soon as day dawned preparations for the fight began
upon both sides. We could see the enemy hastily throw-
ing up earth-works, and companies marching hither and
yon. We were not idle. Our own defences were strength-
ened. Last instructions were given to officers, and every
precaution possible taken to insure success. It must be
confessed that, except for superiority of position, our
chances did not look very bright. We were so heavily
outnumbered, and we knew so little of the pluck and
endurance of our men, that success seemed rather prob-
lematical.

General Patterson had decided that we stood a better
chance of beating them if we made the attack, keeping
our works in the rear as a last resort and place of
retreat ; for the Canadian militia were as green as our
men, and it was quite possible that a determined attack
might demoralize them. We felt quite sure it would us,
and did not want to wait for it. Accordingly, as soon as
the men had swallowed a light but appropriate breakfast
of canvas-back duck and champagne, the general made
his dispositions for the battle.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Roby and myself had taken posi-
tion in the top of an adjacent tree, with a field glass, — not,
I assure you, because we feared death, but to better watch
the enemy. We had a special object to accomplish. Not
one word had been said to any one about our little strat-
agem of the preceding night, and those who were in the

secret were fearfully anxious to know whether it was
going to work.

With our field-glasses we carefully examined the ene-
my. At first we could not discern the objects of our
solicitude, but finally we made them out. The Canadi-
ans were drawn up in line, and two wagons were passing
slo\vly down the front. From these wagons, bottles or
something of that shape were being handed out to the
men. Each man took a drink, and passed it along to the
next. We felt glad that it was being fairly and impar-
tially divided. We wanted every man to have his share,
and as the wagons went the whole length of the line, not
forgetting the battery, we were satisfied.

Having learned all we wanted to know, we joyfully
shinned down, much to the surprise of some of our friends,
who thought we had gone to roost permanently. I tipped
the wink to Major Cilley, who was feeling very ill, and to
the rest of our coterie ; and the effect was magical. A
fierce and war-like expression settled on their stern faces,
and I could see thatwar was their native element. They
thirsted for blood — raw, hot, trickling blood — oceans of it.
No ordinary massacre would satisfy us. We rushed for
our horses, and, with a great clatter and banging of
swords, came tearing down to the general's quarters,
ready for action. He seemed quite surprised to see us.

Nearly all the commands were now posted, and, after
taking a final glance over the field, and stationing the
notaries where they could see all and make proper affi-
davits, the order was given for a strong skirmish line,
under command of Captain Rolfe, to advance. The
main body was held back for a short time in order to
feel the pulse of the enemy.

It was not long before we, who were anxiously listen-
ing, heard the crack of a rifle, and then another and
another, and then a constant rattle, denoting that our

skirmish line had come in contact with the enemy's. In
a few minutes Captain Rolfe hurried back to report that
the enemy's pulse was io8 to the minute. We felt re-
assured to hear this, but just then the boom of a cannon
and the shriek of a shot caused a paleness to settle on our
faces. It told us that the enemy's battery had opened up.
Ours replied, and the battle was fairly under way.

I glanced anxiously round for some kind of shelter,
but could see none, and was obliged to keep my position,
being busily engaged in swallowing my heart, which kept
coming up into my mouth. My heart is rather larger than
common, and I have had an enlargement of the oesoph-
agus ever since that battle, for which I draw a pension.

Suddenly an orderly rode up at a furious pace to an-
nounce that the enemy were approaching. Upon learn-
ing this, the general, in order not to lose the advantage
of being the attacking party, directed the bugler to sound
the advance. At this signal the First and Third regi-
ments moved out in good order en echelon, under cover
of fire from the battery. The Second regiment, the cav-
alry, and the band were held as reserve. Major Cilley
was in command of the band, while I had been ordered
to bring in the cavalry at the proper moment.

All this time I was watching the enemy narrowly.
Would the ginger ale do its work? Were we to fight a
body of tough, copper-bottomed Canucks, or were we to
fight a diminishing line of disconsolate invalids ? That
was the question; and it was a vital one to me. The
enemy's line seemed firm and impregnable. But, ha !
what is that over to the left? A half dozen men have
suddenly dropped out and are making for the rear ; to
the right several more ; a group from the centre ; more
from the extreme left ; a man or two all along the line ;
two gunners from the battery ; three of the regulars, — and
so it goes on all along the line until there is a steady

stream of men hurrying to the rear. The officers are
rushing hither and thither ; the file-closers are gesticu-
lating ; confusion reigns. This movement is noticed by
General Patterson and other officers with great surprise.
They thought it was some kind of stratagem or trick —
and so it was. The general was not in our secret.

*' Major, what does that mean?" he asked, turning to
me, who stood near him.

"Wait a moment and you'll see, general," was my reply,
in the usually polite and courteous tones of militiamen.

The number of the stragglers kept increasing. There
seemed to be a perfect exodus to the rear. We could
see the officers riding furiously up and down the line,
expostulating, entreating, threatening, and doing all in
their power to stem the tide ; but the movement kept on.
Men dropped their arms and ran for cover by scores.
The lines were growing thin, and wavering. The general
wanted no further inducement to attack in earnest. Turn-
ing to the bugler, he ordered him to sound the charge,
and, after giving me instructions to bring in the cavalry
at the right moment, he put spurs to his horse and hurried
to the scene of action.

I braced up and rode over to the cavalry, who were
sitting impatiently in the saddle behind the earthworks,
waiting for the command to go in. I hardly knew when
I ought to order them into action, but as soon as I saw
that the infantry were nearing the enemy's left I told the
captain to have the charge sounded. Without waiting
for any further parley the bugle rang out its soul-stirring
notes, and we swept over the earthworks at a bound. I
was standing by the captain when the order was given,
and jny horse, catching the infection, leaped to the front
with great strides. In less time than it takes to read this
I was tearing down the hill at the head of the whole
troop. This was not to my taste. I had intended to

3»

remain safely in the rear, and let the captain lead the
charge. I knew that officers were generally singled out
by sharpshooters, and, besides, the enemy's battery was
very likely to turn its attention to a body of cavalry
sweeping down upon it.

I pulled and yanked on my horse in vain endeavors to
hold him back or turn him aside from the line he was
pursuing, but I might as well have tried to hold a ring-
tailed tornado. There was fire in his eye, and he had
the bit in his teeth ; his head was stretched straight to
the front, while his stride became longer and fiercer. I
glanced behind for some means of escape ; but there,
within half a dozen rods, was the whole troop of cavalry,
with swords drawn, rushing and tearing after me like an
avalanche. Had I been able to rein in my horse, it would
have been sure death.

The men behind me evidently thought I was leading
them, and with hoarse cheers they spurred their horses
to accelerated speed. We were now getting dangerously
near the main line of the enemy, and I could hear the
shots whizzing by my head, and could see the ugly flash
of the field pieces as they vomited forth their undesired
pellets. My feelings can be better imagined than de-
scribed ; but, seeing there was no escape, I resolved to
sell my life as dearly as possible, and, drawing my sword,
I fixed myself firmly in my saddle, ready for the shock.
On, on we rushed, the thunder of the horses' feet being
drowned in the roar and rattle of the musketry. I felt
faint, and could hardly see. I felt a shock, heard a
crash, struck at something hard with my sword, and then
found myself alone, way to the rear of the enemy's line.
Finding, after careful examination, that I was not killed,
I gradually reined in my panting horse, and turned
round to see what had taken place. I sank back in my
saddle with a sigh of relief and joy when I saw diat we

had completely routed the Canadians, and that the rem-
nant had thrown down their arms. Farther oft' to the
right the infantry had been equally successful, and the
day was ours. The victory was complete.

My courage began to return, though my heart was
thumping away like a hydraulic pump. I hurried back
to the scene of action, and, after exchanging congratula-
tions with the officers, sent the (Tavalry after the great
body of deserters, which we knew could not be far off".
They had n't far to go, nor much trouble in making the
capture. In the neighboring woods the great mass of the
stragglers were found stretched upon the ground, and a
more miserable and abject lot of prisoners never were
taken. They were driven into camp in droves, scarcely
able to walk. When we had them all in, and had made
a general round-up, we found that we had captured over
three fourths of the whole army, including most of the
regulars. In addition to this, we scooped in four thou-
sand stands of arms, twenty-five stands of colors, four
field-pieces, and their whole baggage train.

The rejoicings in camp that night were without prece-
dent. We had lost but a few men, though many were
severely wounded. Great curiosity was expressed among
our men and officers as to the cause of the sudden deser-
tion of so many of the enemy at the beginning of the action .
It soon leaked out that these men were taken violently
ill, all at about the same time, and were obliged to fall
out. No explanation could be given by the sufferers
themselves, and those who were in the secret were mum.

When order had been restored, the brigade was turned
out and thanked by General Patterson for its noble work.
The general spoke very feelingly, and it was really a
proud day for the New Hampshire militia. When he had
finished addressing the men, he called me out in front of
the line and publicly thanked me for the magnificent

manner in which I had led the charge of the cavalry and
the unprecedented courage I had displayed. I am a
modest man, and I blushed. My undaunted courage
was all the more noticeable, as one or two of the staff
officers had been a trifle weak-kneed. One had been
found after the action stuck in one of the big bass horns
belonging to the band. It seems he had crawled in there
to get out of danger, and couldn't get out again on ac-
count of the crook in it.

Thus ended the most memorable battle ever fought on
New Hampshire soil. You know the rest, — how we were
soon after relieved by United States troops under General
Potter, who rushed into the service again at the first
sound of war, and how Canada was invaded and Mon-
treal finally captured, and then Quebec. You know,
also, how English gunboats lay off" Boston, and laid in
the dust hundreds of the finest buildings in the city ; you
know the millions of property that were destroyed ; and
you know also how, by the intrepidity of a few men and
the ingenuity of Edison, an electric torpedo was exploded
under each gunboat, and not only the boats, but fourteen
hundred men, sent to the bottom ; you know how peace
was finally declared ; and, lastly, you know that to-day
the star-spangled banner, — the flag of freedom, of peace,
of charity, the most beautiful flag that waves to the
breezes of heaven, — floats from the walls of Qyebec
and the domes of Winnipeg, as well as from the capitol
at Washington.

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