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Rkcollkctions 
 
 OF THE LATE 
 
 WAR WITH CANADA 
 
 By One of the Survivors 
 
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 €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 
 
 
 
 i 
 
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 
 
 ! 
 
 1 
 
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. 
 
 K 
 
\ 
 
 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, 
 
8 
 
 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 
 
10 
 
 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 
 
 K 
 
// 
 
 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)' 
 
 m 
 
12 
 
 li 
 
 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 
 
 i^ 
 
IJ 
 
 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 
 
14 
 
 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 
 
I 
 
 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. 
 
i6 
 
 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 
 
17 
 
 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- 
 
i8 
 
 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 
 
 L 
 
1 
 
 ^9 
 
 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 
 
20 
 
 » 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 
 
ai 
 
 ^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- 
 
22 
 
 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 
 
 ^. 
 
 
^3 
 
 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 
 
 m 
 
H 
 
 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. 
 
 
2S 
 
 \ / 
 
 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 
 
 M 
 
26 
 
 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^:. 
 
27 
 
 " 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 
 
28 
 
 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 
 
^9 
 
 , 
 
 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 
 
30 
 
 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 
 
jr 
 
 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 
 
JJ 
 
 ' 
 
 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 
 
34 
 
 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. 
 
1 
 
"33«r;