RANDOM SKETCHES AND WANDERING THOUGHTS; OR, WHAT I SAW IN CAMP, ON THE MARCH, THE BIVOUAC, THE BATTLE FIELD AND HOSPITAL, WHILE WITH THE ARMY IX VIRGINIA, NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA, DURING THE LATE REBELLION. WITH A HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT, EIGHTY-FIRST NEW YORK STATE V. I. : A RECORD OF ALL ITS OFFICERS, AND ROSTER OF ITS ENLISTED MEX; ALSO, AX APPENDIX. BY B. S. I*E FOREST, LATE FIRST LIEUTENANT AND R. Q. M. ALBANY, ]Sf. Y!: AVERT HERRICK, PUBLISHER. 1866. Knterod according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866, by B. S. DE FOREST, In the Clerk s Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Northern District of New York. AVKKY 1IKKRICK, V/. 496 B ALBANY R. T. TO THE VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS OF THE LATE UNION ARMY, FOR THEIR PATRIOTISM, COURAGE AND FORTITUDE, IN THE HOUR OF OUR COUNTRY S TRIAL, WHO STOOD AS A LIVING WALL BETWEEN FREEDOM AND DESPOTISM, THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED. M15715S PREFA.CE. When these RANDOM SKETCHES AND WANDERING THOUGHTS were written, the Author had no idea of having them published. They were first a memoranda of events which transpired from day to day, in camp and on the march, which was kept in a small field book, in which was also noted such reflections as suggested themselves at the time. The manuscript was looked upon as a sort of reserve fund upon which to draw for light reading, when it could not be obtained from any other source, with which to amuse himself and relieve the tedium of camp life; also as a record for refreshing his memory in after years, in regard to the leading incidents of the great struggle we were then passing through. On reading some of the manuscript to friends in whose judgment he had confidence, he has been induced to have it published in book form. People who are loyal, and appreciate sentiments flowing from a patriotic heart, and those who think well of the soldier, who left the comforts of home to share in the dangers and privations of the battle field and camp, may read and be entertained by it. They will doubtless find that it contains faults, if they choose *1 6 PREFACE. to look for them. It does not challenge criticism, it makes no special pretension to literary merit, but simply gives an unvarnished description of soldier life in the field, and what the writer saw in the South, as it pre sented itself to his mind at the time. The history of the Second* Oswego Regiment, (81st Xew York State Veteran Volunteer Infantry,) other than of his own knowledge, was obtained from various ivliuhle sources, and it is thought would be interesting to many, in connection with the Sketch Book, especially to those who belonged to the regiment, and to the friends of those who are dead, reminding them of the scenes through which they have passed. An account is also given of the many hard fought battles in which the regiment participated, with a record of the officers and an alphabetical roster of the privates. Every member of the regiment may well feel proud that his fortunes were cast with such a noble band of our country s defenders. RANDOM SKETCHES AND WANDERING THOUGHTS, 1862. " They never fail who die In a great Cause ; the block may soak their gore, Their heads may sodden in the sun ; their limbs Be strung to city gates or castle walls ; But still their spirits walk abroad, though years Elapse, and other s share as dark a doom, They but augment the deep and sweeping thoughts Which overspread all others, and conduct The World at last to Freedom." PATKIOTISM is one of the highest aspirations of the soul. In a country like ours, there is every possible inducement to give it the highest and purest expres sion. If the Laplander, chilling among his banks of snow the Russian, ground by the heel of oppres- 8 RANDOM SKETCHES AND sion the Turk, forced to be the tool of power, lust and caprice and the Chinumun, shut out from the world, where ignorant hordes are born and die, in their ness and poverty if all these can bravely li^ht and die for their Country, what ought not the Ameri ca :i citi/en to feel and do in this great struggle for the p.* - Tvation of Liberty and Self-Government? At this moment a giant Rebellion is overshadowing our land, greater in magnitude than has ever been known in the World s history. Already has our fertile soil been deluded with the blood of her sons, who have gone forth in her defence. Many homes are already draped in mourning, their inmates weeping for loved ones slain. And mournful cries come wafting on every hm-/ { nun the Southern land, imploring help to put down tiva.-on, which seeks to destroy the Temple of Liberty cm-ted by our Fathers. In this irreat M niggle for Freedom, there should be but one^Mitiment and one purpose to save our Coun try with her free Constitutional rights unimpaired. And it that black Main upon our Nation s past record, Slavery, is blotted out in the conflict, let us all hail the day with supreme delight, and from its ruins build a more beautiful edifice, dedicated to Universal Free dom, whose broad dome may be as expansive as the WANDERING THOUGHTS. 9 blue vault of heaven above us, where myriads may continue to find a welcome home and shelter from the hand of tyranny and oppression. It was in the summer of 1862 that I left the Bar racks at Albany, having in charge one hundred and eighteen men, to join the Army of the Potomac. We took passage on the Steamer New World, and had a delightful trip on the silvery waters of the noble Hudson, beneath the calm rays of a harvest moon, which lit us on our way. As early dawn broke in upon us, we found our boat nearing the wharf at New York. At roll call, all except two of the men answered to their names. A search was made for the absentees, and they were found secreted in the hold of the vessel an initiatory step for desertion, which had become so common in our army. They were soon brought forth, and handcuffed for the balance of the journey. Before crossing the river for Jersey City, I experi enced much difficulty in keeping the men in the ranks, owing to their many pretended wants, most of them having some plausible desire to be gratified; but I remained firm in my purpose, not allowing any of thorn to leave, on any pretence whatever, until we arrived at 10 RANDOM SKETCHES AND tl c depot. I lore I secured a large room, well adapted for my command, as many of them were deserters. Having securely guarded the doors, with sentinels, I returned to New York, and spent the balance of the day in making purchases for my anticipated wants in the field. After having secured my camp outfit, I rejoined my command at Jersey City, and obtained transportation to convey them to Baltimore, arriving there the follow ing day. I reported immediately to the Chief Quar- trrmaMer, who forwarded the men to their respective regiments, relieving me of my first command of Union soldiers. 1 1 was in the streets of this city that the first blood WBfl shed in defence of the Union, on that memorable day, the Seventeenth of April the same month, and day of the month, that the first blood was shed in the It. -volution of 1776, at Lexington, which is a singular coincidence; also, that the martyrs were from the same Btete. From that day my heart beat high and warm. I frit the safety of our Republic, though my eyelids had oft. !! m. >M. tied when the ranks marched proudly by me, as 1 >a\v them from my window, on their way to th- ( apital, for its defence. Then mothers, maids and WANDERING THOUGHTS. 11 old men waved their handkerchiefs, that were wet with tears of their proud affection, and to-day I feel hopeful, although in the midnight of our cause, that victory will crown our banners. On the arrival of my horses from New York, I left Baltimore for Washington, sending the horses by the overland route, a distance of forty miles, where I found them the next morning, in good condition. Washington is a city of distances, laid out in wide avenues, of which Pennsylvania is the grandest, from which can be seen our splendid Capitol, with its mag nificent dome towering to the sky, its base supported by mostfbeautiful colonnades, wrought in most elaborate style ; away to the west is seen the President s mansion, known as the White House, with its extensive grounds and pleasant walks. I visited the east room. It is painted and furnished in the most costly manner. Off to the right is seen Washington Monument, towering to the sky, like a huge pyramid, yet incomplete, the Treasury Building, Patent Office, and Post Office, are pure classical architecture, and are monuments of archi tectural skill and beauty. I found Washington full of life, with regiment after regiment arriving from the loyal States, to help repel General Lee and " Stonewall " Jackson from invading 1 2 RANDOM SKETCHES AND tin 1 Capital of the Nation. The day after my arrival I heard tlu- first booming of cannon, far in the distance, and >a\v tin- n -treat ing Army of the Potomac again in the field before Washington, "ready to meet the rebel hosts, \\ho were so eager to pillage the council halls of our Nation. The first news we received was that General Pope had been driven across the Kappahannock, and was flyiiur for safety to the defences of Washington. The Army of the Potomac was already on the march, and nin;:- to his relief. At this time a part of the rebel annv had crossed into Maryland. The city was filled with excitement, and ;tll means of transportation pressed into service to convey the sick and wounded from the battle fields. The clerks of the Departments were ordered to report at the Treasury ]>uilding for duty, to assist in burying the dead and relieving the wants of the wounded and dying soldiers. On the 30th of August I reported for duty to Major (leneral Wadswnrth, and was ordered to join my regi ment at Yorktown. The brigade to which they were alta.-hed had been left to defend that place. I took the ::ner for Alexandria, and on arriving (here, found all bustle and confusion. The streets were filled with 1 WANDERING THOUGHTS. 13 mud. Troops were disembarking from transports, and moving forward toward the battle .field of Bull Run. The second battle was then being fought ; the artillery firing I distinctly heard. While here, I visited the Marshall House, and saw the spot where Colonel Ellsworth fell, while in the act of hauling down the rebel flag which was floating over the building, and had been nailed there by the hands of its occupant. For that accursed emblem .of treason, young Ellworth lost his life, and the traitor Jackson fell by the swift avenging hand of Frank Brownell. This was the only place of note I saw while at Alexandria. The city presents a very unseemly appearance. The buildings are mostly old and dilapidated ; the sidewalks were all mud; the courtyards and gardens were used for pig stys, cattle pens and correls. Such a sight, to a Northern man, was really offensive, I was glad to get on board a transport, which, conveyed me to Old Point Comfort. On our way thither, we passed the TOMB OF WASH INGTON, nearly hemmed in by the foliage growing on the banks of the river. There, in that quiet vault, lay the Patriot and Sage, the revered Father of his Country. Here, amid the quiet of country life, had he slumbered 2 14 RANDOM SKETCHES AND for more than half a century undisturbed, with the .-ill-lit waters of the Potomac gliding just beneath his feet, and almost on the very spot where he spent his ehildh- .".! .< years. But how changed the scene! Now war is in tke land, and traitors to the Government which he had helped to establish, through years of bloodshed and suffering, were in possession of this very soil, and threatened to disturb his last resting place. Our boat was gliding swiftly by, and I gazed on that -acred spot until MOUNT VERNON S shades faded from my view. The memory of that hour will never be blotted out. The Potomac is a beautiful river, rising among the Alle^anies and winding down through Virginia and Maryland, until it empties into the Chesapeake Bay, at Point Lookout. Men- we left the land in the distance, and put out M the breakers of the Chesapeake. The waters were quite roii^ h, which tossed the vessel to and fro, and made me r-iek, eoinpi Hiiig me to take a berth for the remainder of the trip. On my arrival at Old Point, I found an iiuineu-e quantity of shipping in the bay. Off to the right lay Hampton Roads, where the naval battle was fought I WANDEEING THOUGHTS. 15 between our fleet and the rebels, and where that terri ble combat took place between the little Monitor and the huge Merrimac, in which the latter was driven to more quiet waters, only to meet destruction by its own hand. Off to the left lay the Rip Raps, where the chain gangs are made to work the balance of their enlistments, on the fortifications of Fort Wool. Farther beyond is seen SewelPs Point, and away off, near the horizon, lay Cape Henry, with its lighthouse, which tells the mariner the dangers he is likely to meet with, as he approaches the outlet to this great harbor. I visited Fortress Monroe, and found fortifications of immense dimensions, sufficient to garrison fifteen thousand men, and mounted with guns of the largest calibre. Not far from me lay the Union and Lincoln guns, which are said to carry balls weighing four hun dred and fifty pounds, and w r hich require eighty pounds of powder to throw them a distance of six miles. This kind of arbitrament will no doubt puove the final Peacemaker between the North and South. The Fortress is built of masonry and earthwork, its slopes, ramps and glacis, are neatly sodded, presenting a beautiful velvety appearance, of green color, bordered in blue, which effect the stone coping presents to the eye, at a short distance. 16 HAXDOM SKETCHES AND A deep moat surrounds the fortress, which is con nected with the main land by drawbridges. The inte rior has casemates, caponniers, storerooms, offices and officers quarters, all neatly fitted up for the purposes intended. The Parade is sodded, having wide graveled avenues running in every direction. This is the largest and best arranged fort we have in this country, and at pi\-rnt is the headquarters of Major General John A. Dix, one of the staunchest Union men in the country. Old Point Comfort was once a place of great resort during the summer months, as a watering place for the Southern aristocracy. A little way up the James river is seen Newport News and Hampton, which latter place was burned by the rebels, at night, on the approach of our troops. I took the steamer Thomas L. Morgan for York- town, late in the afternoon, and after a journey of three hours, arrived at the wharf. When I landed it was dark; lowering clouds were gathering in the western sky, and I felt a great desire to find shelter from the impending storm. A contraband kindly offered to guide me to our camp, for which I thanked him and a<v< -pt d his services. We ascended the steep bluffs and traveled about half a mile through the winding fortification, which surrounds the place, to the south WANDERING THOUGHTS. 17 gate of the fort, which we passed, the countersign not being demanded from us by the sentinel. I found my regiment encamped near by. The camp fires were blazing, and the boys seemed quite cheerful, living in this rude state, it being the first camp in which the regiment had been left long enough to cook a ration properly for five months; having passed this place after its seige, some two months previous, on their way to Richmond from Fortress Monroe, traveling night and day, through burning sun, fighting from Yorktown to Williamsburgh, Seven Pines, White Oak Swamp, and Malvern Hill, retreating to Harrison s Landing, and thence back to Yorktown. One may readily, imagine their condition. They were mostly without tents and clothing, with only such covering as their ingenuity could devise. The regi ment had left home with ten hundred and forty men, all fit for duty. Now it could only muster about four hundred. In this plight I found the regiment to which my fortunes were united. Soon after my arrival, an attack was made on our outposts, by the enemy, and we were ordered within the fort. "We pitched our tents on a high bluff, directly *2 18 EANDOM SKETCHES above York river, which gave us a most beautiful view of the bay in the distance, and of Gloucester Point. These fortifications are immense, covering an area of some four hundred acres, including the village of Yorktown and the old fortifications built in 1787, which are yet visible. There is an old graveyard in the village, situated on one of the bluffs of York river, whose tombstones will carry you back to the sixteenth, century, on whose tablets are engraven the names of Nelson, Fairfax, and other old Virginian families of note. Near by is the old mansion of Governor Nelson, which was occupied by Lord Cornwallis, as his hi ad- (jiiatcrs, during the seige of Yorktown, in 1783. In the south gable are distinctly visible cannon shots which were sent from our artillery, by order of the Governor himself, and which drove the occupants from the build ing. It is now used as a hospital for our sick and wounded soldiers. The bricks which were used in constructing this building were imported from England. The porch, which stood in front, has been torn awav: the garden / * wall has crumbled down, and in its stead a hedge fence is set -n, formed of box, which grows luxuriant in this climate, and is found in abundance In -re. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 19 Like most other mansions in the South, it is neglected and going fast into decay. A few years hence, scarcely a landmark will be left of the old Cavaliers who once prided themselves on their homes and ancestry. York river is noted for the depth of its channel and its fine fish and oysters. The scenery around is rather monotonous. One vast field of pine forest carries the eye to its utmost scope, in which the sun apparently sets, and the echo of the evening gun dies amid its foliage. To-day is muster-day. The boys are in fine spirits, but longing for the Paymaster, whom they have not seen for the last six months. Many of them are penni less. But no doubt the Government is doing the best it can at present, and will soon be able to meet their wants. In the meantime, great inconvenience is expe rienced by many, and several amusing as well as serious complaints were made by the men to their officers. One day a private came to his captain \vith a very long face, saying that he had just received a letter from his wife, in which she stated that the pork barrel was empty, and the flour almost gone, and if he did not soon send home money she would have to make other arrangements The poor fellow, with tears in his eyes, said: "Captain, how would you feel if your wife 20 RANDOM SKETCHES AXD should write to you that she would have to make other arrangements ?" This afternoon I took a ride on horseback along the banks of the York river. After riding about three miles, I came to a by-path leading off into the woods, and iruve a loose rein to the animal; he followed it a distance of three miles. It led into an open field, through which there was a road. I followed the road a short way, which brought me in sight of an old mansion, whose gray boards and fallen verandah roof told plainly that time was making its impression. I spurred my horse and galloped on, and soon reached the "Plantation Home." The girls who stood at the door and saw my approach, ran up stairs. The pro prietor met me at the gate and invited me in, which invitation I accepted, and spent nearly an hour in con versation with the old gentleman, but no women made their appearance. I learned by the conversation I had with him that they favored the Confederacy, and were strong believers in State Rights. I began to fear that there might be some plan laid for my capture, and not feeling inclined to visit Rich mond as a prisoner of war, concluded to leave, excusing myself on account of its being so late in the afternoon. The sun had just set, and I was five miles from camp, WANDERING THOUGHTS. 21 and beyond our lines, away from any other habitation. I mounted my horse and galloped away. The moon was just peeping up from the eastern sky, throwing her mellow light on field and forest. I reached the wood- path I had lately left and traveled quietly along through the swamp and chaparral, which somewhat impeded my advance, all the while keeping a sharp lookout for bushwhackers, who infest the surrounding country. I suddenly came to a halt, finding an impassable barrier before me, consisting of slashings. My first thoughts were to bivouac for the night, but finally con cluded to make camp that night, at all hazard. After traveling for an hour through the dense forest, I found a road which brought me out near Fort Magruder, and within two miles of our camp, which I saw lighted up in the distance. On my way thither, I passed the spot on which Lord Cornwallis surrendered his sword, in 1783. This memorable spot is enclosed with a neat cedar fence, containing an area of about thirty feet square. Here occurred the closing scene of the American Revolution, the surrender of the last British Army on our soil. Adjoining this little enclosure is one still dearer to every lover of his country THE UNION SOLDIER S BURIAL GROUND, which is laid out in avenues, and 22 RANDOM SKETCHES AND enclosed with a Virginia rail fence; each grave having a headboard, neatly marked, telling the hero s name, his. company and regiment. In this sacred enclosure lies interred those who have sacrificed their lives on their country s altar, for the cause of Liberty. In this lonely resting place on the plains of Yorktown, .sleeps many a noble boy, far from his home and kindred, with no kind friend to drop a tear, or sing a funeral requiem. I visited this spot by pale moonlight, when all was quiet. Such feelings as then filled my breast can never again be realized, for they come but once in a lifetime. I arrived in camp late in the evening and soon found repose on my rustic couch, falling into a quiet slumber, only to be awakened by an alarm that our pickets had been driven in at Williamsburgh, with a cry of " To arms ! to arms ! " from the shrill bugle. The thoughts of the late battle are still fresh in our minds, and again the alarm is given, all expecting the same scenes to be re-enacted. The battle of AYil- liamsburgh was the first field of blood our regiment had witnessed. " I could imagine," said a friend of mine, who was on the field of battle, and wandered over it, "nothing more terrible than the silent indications of agony that WANDERING THOUGHTS. 23 marked the features of the pale corpses which lay at every step. Though dead and rigid in every muscle, they still writhed and seemed to turn to catch the passing breeze for a cooling breath ; staring eyes, gaping mouths, clenched hands and strangely contracted limbs, seemingly drawn into the smallest compass, as if by a mighty effort to rend asunder some irresistible bond which held them down to the torture of which they died. One sat against a tree, and with mtmth and eyes open, looked up into the sky, as if to catch a glance at its fleeting spirit. Another had grasped his faithful musket, and the compression of his mouth told of deter mination which would have been fatal to a foe, had life ebbed a moment later. A third clung with both hands to a bayonet which was buried in the ground. Near by lay a rebel Major, who had been in deadly conflict with five Union soldiers. His countenance told the terrible conflict he had just encountered. The dead almost covered the field. The wood near by had been set on fire by the retreating foe, for the purpose of burning the dead who had fallen there. The stench was almost impossible to endure by our advancing column." The Union troops had fought on this field with a steadiness and determination rarely witnessed, and this 24 RANDOM SKETCHES AND exhibition of their courage taught a lesson to Southern rebels, of a spirit that they had not expected in an enemy whose valor they had been accustomed to deride and sneer at, since the commmencement of Yankee aggression, as they termed it. November has arrived, bringing no chilly winds nor frosty nights. The air is balmy, and the wild flowers are jfet in bloom. From my quarters I can see the boys bathing in the river; also, with their feet, digging up clams, which are found here in great abundance. Last night I was awakened from my dreams by music. The moon was shining brightly, throwing her mild rays over our camp. I arose anck went to my tent door, from which I saw a figure robed in white, standing in the centre of one of our camp streets, apparently singing to the moon. The song was a great favorite in camp. The chorus runs thus: " Roll on, silver Moon, guide the traveler his way, While the nightingale s song is in tune ; I ll never, never more, with my true lover stray, By the sweet silver light of the Moon." A crowd soon gathered around him, dressed in tl^ robes of night, presenting a very comical appearance. WANDEKING THOUGHTS. 25 The officer of the day was making his grand rounds; on his arrival, he ordered the men to their quarters, and reprimanded the gay Lieutenant for molesting the camp after "taps. 77 I have just recovered from a severe attack of camp fever, caused by the want of proper diet, which we have not been able to obtain for the last three months. Thanksgiving has brought us a feast of fat things. Through the exertions of our surgeons a table was spread beneath the grateful covering of two large tents, the mild autumnal weather allowing the entrance to them to be opened; the Southern breeze imparting more of a genial temperature to the interior, than otherwise. After a blessing by the Chaplain, the guests drew around the sumptuous board, and indulged in a splen did dinner, such as had not satiated the appetite of any soldier before, during the Peninsular campaign. This little gathering of friends who are all embarked in one common cause, assembling to commemorate the day of general thanksgiving throughout the North, was marked by universal hilarity, good feeling, and sentiments abounding in wit, from the fluent tongues of the officers. "The Ked, White and Blue" was sung in fine style, by one of the guests, and the ancient and humorous song of the " Hobbies," by the same, the 3 26 RANDOM SKETCHES AND chorus by the cntitc party. "The Sword of Bunker Hill " was also beautifully executed ; all of which added illy to the festivities of the day. An aged Captain entertained us with two original stories, in which it was easy to perceive "where the laugh came in." The toasts finished the programme of the day. The iirst was given by our Colonel: "The Commander-in- Chiefof tin 1 Army and Navy, of this our once happy but now distracted country, Honest Old Abe. Let us each stand by him as long as we have a pulse that can beat, or a drop of blood that can be spilt." This was received with demonstrations of applause, and was as appropriate as patriotic. The Colonel is laboring under great physical dis ability, occasioned by his wounds, and the closing sen tence of his toast, uttered beneath the tattered colors of i he rc/mieiit, which he led to that memorable battle field, was nearly verified in his person. The Chaplain otlered the following: "Our Friends at I Ionic" Responded to by our Surgeon in a humorous and happy .-tyle, in which he said: "On this occasion, as well as many others during the past few months, we have adopted, from necessity, the French motto, When one has not that which he likes, lie must like that which he has/ but my friend s allusion to home remind.- WANDERING THOUGHTS. 27 us it cannot always serve, so : Here s to the gal I left behind me. 7 " This was received with applause, each one sharing with the Surgeon, from feelings of personal sympathy, the sentiments embodied in his toast. The Assistant Surgeon proposed the following : " Our Colonel may he be speedily restored to health, and return to duty among us." A hearty endorsement of this expression was evinced in the approbation with which it was received. The following was also given: "Surgeons, present and absent; may they never stand in need of our ser vices nor we of theirs." A hearty approval of the two concluding toasts was manifested, and with expressions of thanks to the gen tlemen for their kindness and hospitality, we with drew, just as the echoes of the sunset gun were dying away in the pine forests. The next day I rode out on horseback to survey the earthworks thrown up by General McClellan, during his advance on Yorktown. They were many miles in length, and quite formidable. I also passed through the pond, on horseback, where the Fifth regi ment of Green Mountain boys made their desperate charge on the rebel works. Near by stood an Observa tory, built during the seige, in log house style, with 28 KAXDOM SKETCHES AND ladder to ascend from the outside. This towered up above the tallest trees, from whose top could be viewed the enemy s movements. On my return to camp, my horse fell, throwing me headlong on tke ground, laying me by his side, "Like a warrior taking his rest." AVe both arose at once. I mounted him and rode to camp, feeling somewhat damaged. For the last three weeks our boys have been build ing winter quarters, which the chilly winds and snows of December admonish them to do. They have just completed them, and to-night we received orders to be ready to embark on board of transports for some unknown point. The camp is all tumult and confu sion. The men threatening to destroy their work, compelling the officers to use severe measures to quell insubordination. We are relieved by a brigade of drafted men from Pennsylvania. Many of them are substitutes, and have been paid as high as a thousand dollars by the princi pal. IVfy opinion is, that they will not make the sol diers our volunteers do. A man who leaves his home, wife and little ones, and all that is dear to him, is inspired with different feelings and motives from those who are bought or forced to fight. A regiment of the latter is worth a brigade of the former. However, WANDERING THOUGHTS. 29 this is an experiment of the Government, and time will show whether my views are correct or not. I like the voluntering system, for on that strong arm must our Government depend for the maintenance of her honor and the perpetuity of her free institutions. Our transports sailed southward, stopping at Fortress Monroe, where we were transferred to other vessels suitable for sea. We set sail with sealed orders. Off Cape Henry they were to be opened. As we passed out to sea the wind freshened somewhat, but the sun went down in glorious cloiids of purple and crimson, and the evening was fair and calm above us. During the night we passed Cape Henry, and morning dawn found us on the broad ocean, the land only a blue line in the distance. A few hours and that disappeared. The next morning I was oii*deck, watching the gradual rising of the sun in the distant waters. The day passed quietly; some reading, some speculating on the probable results of the war, while others were lying sick below, in their berths, and some casting up their accounts over the bulwarks of the vessel, noting the shifting hues and forms of the waves, as the fish swal lowed the contents of their stomachs. As the afternoon advanced, the clouds began to gather, and the distant *3 30 RANDOM SKETCHES AND roll of thunder told us a storm was fast approaching. The sun was hid from our sight, and soon the dark mantle of night covered the mighty deep. Naught was heard except the dull roar of the ocean, and the roll of the distant thunder. The white-crested waves began to look like sheets of fire, as they rolled moun tains high. A more sublime sight my eyes never beheld. No pen can portray the grandeur of the ocean in a storm. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 31 1863 IT is New Year s morning, and our vessel is in sight of Fort Macon, where can be seen the Stars and Stripes floating from her ramparts. They were hailed with three cheers by all on board, and a welcome to our destined port, which was Beaufort, North Carolina. Our vessel soon reached the wharf, and landed our regiment once more on terra firma, six hundred strong. We took up our line of march for Carolina City, where we encamped in shelter tents, which each man carried with him as a part of his baggage. On reaching the city, which consisted of four houses, one corn crib, two barns, a small railroad depot, and a few fishermen s huts, we pitched our tents, stowed ourselves away for the night, and dreamed of the festivities of home, and the little ones there. The heavy march of that day will be long remembered by us all. The weather, for this season of the year, was very pleasant during the day, I 32 RANDOM SKETCHES although the nights were quite cool. Having no fire, and sleeping on the cold earth, made it rather disagree able for those who had enjoyed better quarters. While we lay at this place awaiting further orders, the ffllowing complimentary address was issued to our brigade by the General commanding: "The General lately commanding the brigade most happily takes this occasion to congratulate the officers and soldiers with whom he has been so intimately associated. " While memory lasts, it will continually recur to the scenes of deprivation, danger, blood and battle, through which you have passed, and you will remem ber your inexperience and discontent, and then your discipline and friendly, happy affiliation. "All will remember with regret the deadly effects of the swamps before Yorktown. "You were the first in advance upon Williams- burgh, and when ordered by General McClellan to sup port General Hancock, the enemy gave up the contest. "On the 19th of May, at Bottoms Bridge, you waded waist deep in the swamps of the Chickahominy, you drove away the enemy, and were the first to cross that stream. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 33 "On the 23d, one hundred and seventy of your number made a reconnoissance from Bottoms Bridge to the James river, near Drury s Bluff, and returned, bringing valuable information. "On the 24th, 25th and 26th, after other troops had failed, you made the gallant, dashing reconnoissance of the Seven Pines, driving the superior force of General Stewart from Bottoms Bridge to within four miles of Richmond, the position nearest that city ever occupied by our troops. "On the 31st of May, at Fair Oaks, or Seven Pines, occupying the above advance position, your brigade made the most desperate, bloody and obstinate fight of the war, and while we mourn the loss of one- half of our comrades in arms, you have the consolation of knowing that by your heroic sacrifice and stubborn resistance you saved the Army of the Potomac from great disaster. "On the 27th, 28th and 29th of June, the rebel General Jackson hurled his immense force upon our right, and passed that flank of the army, and turned with extreme solicitude towards the rear at Bottoms Bridge, which, if crossed, would result in irretreivable ruin; and it should be a source of great pride and satisfaction in the future to remember that all this 34 RANDOM SKETCHES AXD intense anxiety was dispelled, and all breathed with relief and felt secure, when it rapidly ran through the army that Xaglee s Brigade had destroyed the bridge, and stood night and day, for three days, in the middle of the Chickahominy, successfully and continually resisting its passage. "Again, on the following day, you held a post of the greatest importance and danger. At the White Oak Swamp the most determined efforts of the enemy to cross the bridge in pursuit of our army were thwarted by our artillery, and you stood for ten hours supporting it, quiet spectators of the most terrific cannonade, while other regiments were only kept in place by being ordered back when they approached your lines. Retreating all night, you stood ready in position on the following day, expecting to be ordered to take part in the battle of Malvern Hill. " Retreating again all night, at Carter s Hill, on the second of July, you stood by the artillery and w^agon train, and, when all expected it would be destroyed, you brought it safely to Harrison Landing. "During December, you destroyed a dozen large salt works in Mathews county, Virginia, and drove the Rangers from that county, as well as from Gloucester, Middlesex and King and Queens counties; WANDERING THOUGHTS. 35 captured large herds, intended for the rebel army, and destroyed all their barracks, stables and stores. " At Yorktown, from August to the end of Decem ber, you have restored the works at that place and Gloucester Point, and they are by your labor rendered strong and defensible. " Thus is yours the honor of being the first to pass, and the last to leave, the Chickahominy; and while you lead the advance from this memorable place to near Richmond, you were last in the retreating column, when, after seven days of constant fighting, it reached a place of security and rest at Harrison Landing. " Your decendants for generations will boast of the gallant conduct of the regiments to which you belong, and when all Ire laid in the dust, History will still proclaim the glorious deeds performed by you. "Go on. Truth is mighty and will prevail/ Pre tenders for a time may rob you of your just deserts, but, as you have experienced, their evil reports will certainly be exposed for your many friends at home, ever watchful of and identified with your reputation, will see that justice will be done. "A new page in your history is about to be written. Let it be still more brilliant than that already known. Your past good conduct has won the warmest esteem 36 RANDOM SKETCHES AND and confidence of your late brigade commander. He has no apprehensions for the future." We were again ordered on board of transports, which lay in the bay, near Fort Macon. At sundown we got on board, amidst a heavy, rolling sea, tossing our vessel to and fro, which told plainly Old Neptune was angry. After much delay we joined the expedition, which consisted of fifty vessels, all under, the command of Major General Foster. We weighed anchor and set sail southward, under sealed orders. When off Wil mington they were opened, and we found our destina tion to be Port Royal, South Carolina. The sea continued rough, causing much sickneaf on board. After a sail of forty-eight hours, we anchored in Port Royal bay. This Department is commanded by Major General Hunter. A misunderstanding occurred between the two Generals. This unhappy difficulty delayed the purposes of the expedition, and for some days the troops were compelled to remain on board the transports, much against their wishes. The difficulty was finally adjusted; and, after running up to Beau fort, South Carolina, we returned and landed the troops on St. Helena Island. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 37 After the troops had disembarked, we commenced unloading the stock, which is rather a strange sight to a landsman. The cattle are driven through the gangway of the vessel* into the sea, the water being too shallow for the vessel to reach the shore, which made it necessary to anchor in the stream. They were headed toward the shore, by some of the crew, in boats. They are all natural swimmers, and soon found safety on shore. In> this way many thousands can be unloaded in a very short time, and very seldom are any lost. The horses were taken from the hold of the vessel by means of a sling made of sackcloth and ropes, which is put under them, passing over their backs, to which a block and tackle is attached; they are then hoisted to the main deck and swung over the side of the vessel, by means of a yard arm, and let down into the sea, where they are detached from the sling and readily swim to shore. It is quite surprising to see these poor animals yield so readily when once off their feet, hanging in mid air. Many of them were terribly bruized, and had suffered much during the voyage, as they will never lay down to rest while on shipboard ; their first desire, on reach ing land, is to do so, that they may rest their swollen limbs, which is to them a greater luxury than feed. 38 RANDOM SKETCHES AND St Helena island is one of the most beautiful of the Sea Islands, and is noted for producing the finest cot ton in the world. There is also grown here large quantities of lemons and oranges. I visited a grove some four miles from our camp, consisting of several acres of trees, from which I cut some walking sticks. There is an old dilapidated mansion here, the owners having abandoned it, and, I was informed, had joined the rebel army, and their negroes had fled to our lines for safety and protection. This old mansion bears the marks of time. Every thing appeared to be going to waste. It no doubt was a heritage bequeathed to a prodigal son, they being so common in the Soutljn A large number of acres on this plantation were fitted for the cultivation of rice, on land situated for overflow of water, which rice requires at certain stages of its growth. The building is used as a signal station by our Corps, this point being nearly midway from Hilton Head to Beaufort. St. Helena Island is some sixteen miles lon and o extends from Beaufort to the ocean, which point is termed Landsend. On this point is situated Fort rd, captured by our navy. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 39 I visited Beaufort, which lies fourteen miles from Hilton head, on an island of that name. This was once the most aristocratic place in the South. Our forces found it entirely abandoned on their arrival here, with the exception of one man, and he was too drunk to get away. The inhabitants, in their flight, left all except such things as they could carry with them and make good their escape. Many of them were made to believe the Union troops w r ere Vandals, who only came for the purpose of ravishing their womeii, cap turing their negroes, carrying them to Cuba, for the purpose of selling them, the proceeds of which sales were to help pay the expenses of the war. Many of the negroes have returned and are now occupying the dwellings of their former masters, and enjoying the privilege of using a walking- stick, and smoking a cigar, which was considered an offence before the Union army came. Such was Southern liberty. At this place I found a regiment of Southern troops (colored), called the First South Carolina Volunteers, all well armed and equipped, and they compare well with any troops in the service, that I have seen. Their courage and fighting qualities I cannot doubt for they love liberty, and hate slavery, and are willing to fight for their freedom. 40 RANDOM SKETCHES AND Beaufort is pleasantly situated and handsomely built, having many fine architectural productions. Its streets are wide, and well shaded with trees. !M>st of the houses have gardens, which are beautifully laid out, studded with shrubbery of all kinds, suitable for the climate, and for all seasons of the year. Fruit is grown in large abundance here, such as peaches, pears, figs, lemons, oranges and pomegranates. The trees are now in full blow, delighting the eye of the beholder with their scarlet blossoms. On the main street, facing the bay, stands the house in which the first Secesh meeting was held, the residence of Barnwell Rhett, a notorious South Caro lina nullifier and traitor of the Calhoun school. As I stood under the shade of a magnificent tree, gazing intently into the garden which surrounded the mansion, I drank in the quiet spirit of the scene. I thought how base a use this noble mansion had sub served. Beneath that very roof and these garden walks, with its budding orange groves and twining myrtles, bc f one year ago sat the leading traitors of our country, de v-berately planning, in sober council, the ruin of our Government. Here, on this very spot, was nursed and matured this gigantic rebellion, which has made so many widows and fatherless children, that ambitious WANDERING THOUGHTS. 41 slave owners might have their fling at the best Govern ment in the world ; and on its ruins establish one instead, devoted to Slavery and Free Trade. Nearby stands the house in which our own starry- eyed Mitchell died, of that dreadful disease, yellow fever. The history of both these houses are significant, and will never be forgotton. Off to the right is a quiet nook in the bay, near which stands the fine old man sion of Robert Barnwell, who was an advocate of State Rights and Secession, and is now a representative in the so-called Confederate Congress at Richmond. This house bears the marks of time. Its antique architecture, its rotten columns, decayed verandah floors, weather beaten sheathing and moss covered roof, all tell that a century has elapsed since its erection. This house is now occupied by a widow lady and her two daughters, whose charms make it a resort for many of our officers. They are from Boston, and came out here for the purpose of teaching the blacks, and belonged to what was called "Gideon s Band," a set of fanatics who thought the negro a little better than the white man. They finally abandoned the Sisterhood and opened an officers boarding house, which they found far more profitable and congenial to their taste. 42 RANDOM SKETCHES AND During my stay here, I received an invitation to attend a marriage ceremony, which took place at the Episcopal church, in the evening. General Saxton was the recipient of the hand of a Miss Tlymipson, formerly of the band, and was a teacher on one of the plantations. The groom was dressed in full military uniform; the bride in pure white, with a wreath of flowers, fresh from the garden, around her head. The altar and pulpit of the church were decorated most beautifully with flowers and evergreens, whose per fumes filled the house with delicious odor. This was in early spring time, and produced a most charming effect on the senses. My visit to Beaufort was pleasant, and I shall long remember the widow and her charm ing daughters. On my return, I stopped at Paris Island. Near the landing stands a low roofed veranded house, which is so common in the South, but a few steps from where the surf beats against the shore. It stands in a wilder ness of roses, orange trees and tall oleanders, whose fragrance filled the air, and was scattered far around by the sea breeze, to many a quiet nook. A camp lay in the distance, each tent looking like a monument erected to the dead, and all was so quiet, cool and shady, accompanied with the constant mur- WANDERING THOUGHTS. 43 mur of the ocean, fills the air with so pleasant a dreaminess that I thought that hither one might come weary of the busy world and live contented forever. A little farther down is seen Hilton Head, with her hundred of masts peering up from the ocean, and the black smoke stacks of the monstrous ocean steamers and those of the little monitors, sending up fire and smoke, as if Vulcan had his forge beneath the briny deep, and was determined to make us smell a sulphurous pit before .our i^ne. The Arago had just arrived at Hilton Head, from the North, loaded with a thousand different articles to supply the wants of the soldiers. A great crowd gathered around the Express and Postoffice, each one eager to receive his packages and letters first from the office of distribution. The whistle blew and the bell rang, followed by a shout, " All on board ! " which brought the passengers, and the Planter, with her black pilot, Robert Small, left for St. Helena Island. This was the same craft that left Charleston by the inland waters, and came to Beaufort unmolested, much to the astonishment of the natives and officer in command at that place. The last dying rays of a Southern sunset had disappeared, when the black Captain landed me at St. Helena. I reached 44 RANDOM SKETCHES AXD camp just as the echos of the evening gun were dying on the distant waters. The inspirational feelings a sunset produces here cannot be described by tongue nor pen. To-day our regiment was inspected, after which they formed a hollow square, and from the center was read the following patriotic resolutions, which were unanimously adopted by the regiment: " The officers and soldiers of the Eighty-first Regi ment New York Volunteers, citizens %f the State of New York, having no recent opportunity of joining their voices with those of her loyal citizens at home, deem it proper in this .manner to express their views and sentiments in regard to events and measures now absorbing the attention of the country, to the end that our friends at the North may strengthen their faith in our cause and increase their zeal for the suppression of the rebellion against which we fight ; therefore, "Resolved, That our Government, which started with principles declared, objects and aims set forth, that must challenge the admiration of mankind, and that cost as much of patriot blood and treasure, hard ship and privation, as was required to maintain and prosecute seven years war with one of the most power ful nations of the world, is now worth as firm pledges WANDERING THOUGHTS. 45 and determined support as a% the beginning of its existence, and that it may justly demand and exact them of its citizens; therefore, we hail with joy the recent action of Congress, placing in the hands of the President power and means adequate for such purpose. "Resolved, That, while white men are liable to con scription, and their property to appropriation, there can be no valid reason why other persons/ whose rights above all others, have become involved in the issue of this contest, should be exempted or prohibited from giving such aid and support to our cause as they may give, and that whenever and wherever a colored man may become available in suppressing the rebellion, then and there his services should be required. "Resolved, That when we enlisted in our country s service, we put aside all political differences, and left our homes to sustain her flag, maintain its glory and fame, and rather than see one star stricken from its azure field, or one stripe torn from its borders, we would see every rod of territory in which this viper, Rebellion, nests, a desolate waste of savage wilderness ; sooner than consent to a peace that shall tarnish its glory, or sully its fame, we would lay our bones to bleach beside the graves of our fallen comrades, upon soil already hallowed by their blood. 46 RANDOM SKETCHES AND " Resokcd, That if tRc time comes when our country requires that our thinned ranks be filled, and her strength be replenished, we will look for prompt and cheerful acquiesence at home, and able and substantial men to help us; and if at home any remain whose cowardice conquers their patriotism, or whose mer cenary love of gold exceeds their love of their coun try s honor, we leave them to the scorn and indignation of our mothers, wives and sisters, whose prayers and hands are ever raised to sustain and comfort us here." A grand review of all the troops on the island came off to-day. They were reviewed by Major General Hunter and staff. We were also favored with the presence of his lady, which was quite a curiosity to many soldiers, as some had not seen a lady for months, and it was really refreshing, like an oasis in the desert to the weary traveler. The troops numbered about 15,000, and were com plimented by the General for their soldierly appearance and discipline. He also complimented our regiment for their taste and love of the beautiful, as displayed by our men in decorating their quarters and grounds, which was mostly done with palm and palmetto trees, and presented a very pretty appearance. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 47 On the fifth of April, eighteen hundred and sixty- three, all the troops embarked on board of transports for Charleston, South Carolina. Our regiment was assigned to the steamship City of Bath. During the night the troops were got on board, and at daybreak we were ready to sail. The morning is beautiful and clear The God of day has just arisen from his repose. A fine breeze is blowing from the west, all anchors are raised, and the entire division is moving toward that hotbed of treason, Charleston. The first division left during the night, accompanied by General Hunter and staff. The day was pleasant, and it being Sunday, our Chaplain preached from the hurricane deck. He gave us a fine discourse, forcibly impressing on the minds of the soldiers their duty to their God and their country. About 5 o clock we anchored at the mouth of the North Edisto river. We were piloted up the Edisto and anchored opposite a small village called Rockville, which is situated on a tributary of the Edisto. We lay here for five days, which time was mostly occupied in gathering shells on the beach, and oysters, which grow here in their natural state. There appeared acres of them when the tide was out, growing upright in clusters like grains of wheat in the head. Many of 48 RANDOM SKETCHES AND them arc large, of fine flavor, and nearly as good as those cultivated at the Xorth. This morning a party of six, including myself, made a reconnoissance of Rockville. AVe went in a small boat. When we arrived within gunshot, I minutely examined the place with a field glass. No living thing could be discovered. All was quiet, and seemed entirely abandoned. AVe had been informed that a rebel regiment lay just in the rear of the village, in a thick wood, in which they were secreted. The next day our mortar boats sent over some shell, which no doubt disturbed them. Our evenings have passed away quite pleasantly; each evening we have what is called a circus on board. The performance consisted of singing, dancing and recitations from dramatic authors; all of which wen. 1 executed much to the credit of the artists. The audience room was the cabin in which we ate, slept, and performed. The real circus took place after tattoo, which consisted of grand and lofty tumbling by th<r who imbibed whisky too freely. The more sober ones laughed at their folly, and usually put the artists to bed about midnight, when peace and quiet was restored. The soldier s life has its bright side as well as its dark one. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 49 Two days after our arrival at this place, at 4 o clock in the afternoon, the first ball was fired from our iron clads at Fort Sumter. The firing continued from the ironclads and sand batteries along the shore until dark. The next day a council of war was held, which, after deliberation, concluded not to continue the assault. On the tenth of April, at noon, our division was ordered back to Port Royal. We weighed anchor and the whole fleet set out for sea. In crossing the bar our vessel struck four times, and so hard as to throw her boilers out of place, which produced leakage. The pumps were set at work, and a flag of distress hoisted, which brought the Key West to our relief. She took us in tow, bringing us in safety to Hilton Head on the following morning. Here we disembarked. It was near sundown before we took up our line of march for our camping ground, which lay about three miles out, and was beyond the fortifications. It was midnight when we arrived there with our camp equipage. We were all much fatigued, and bivouaced for the night, with the blue sky, filled with twinkling stars, for our covering. I soon fell into the arms of Morpheus, and was lost to all the hardships of war, and the pleasant memory of home, 50 RANDOM SKETCHES AND which so often cheers the weary and lonely hours, and makes life light and free from care. Hilton Head is an island on which Port Royal postoffice is situated. It is one of the Sea Islands, and is- chiefly used for the cultivation of cotton. On the northeast end is situated Fort Walker, which was taken at the same time Fort Beauregard surrendered. The fortifications on this island are immense, occu pying an area of some two hundred acres, which is mostly stockaded and deeply intrenched. The soil is a pale yellow sand, instead of a black mold, which I expected to find it, and which seemed useless for agri cultural purposes, until I noticed it glistened with white particles, which I found to be pulverized shell. It is this that gives the soil its strength and sustenence. The principal trees which grow here are the pal metto and live oak. The latter is a straggling grower, making an immense shade, for which purpose they are often times transplanted. At a distance they resemble our apple trees, both in foliage and form. The former grows upright, free from limbs a distance of ten and sometimes fifteen feet. At the top of the trunk their leaves spread out in great abundance, resembling an umbrella, making a beautiful shade for the negro driver to sit under, when the sun is too scorching to use the THOUGHTS. 51 whip. These trees are interspersed all over the cotton fields, and I was informed that they were left for that purpose. The wood is porous, resembling cork, and is said to last longer in salt water than any other kind of timber. In the tops of these trees, where the young leaves are found, grows a kind of cabbage, which is eaten by the negroes, and is said to very much resemble our cabbage in flavor. Here, early in the month of March, I found flowers in full bloom, of almost every color, whose fragrance filled the air with perfume. The jasmin grows rankly in this loose sand, as well as the rose and honeysuckle. The orange trees were white with blossoms. The magnolia was just opening her spicy mouth, sending forth her delicious breath on the evening air. Oh, how delightful it is to wander amid those groves by moonlight, and think of loved ones far away! In such hours as these memory brings to us our earliest and fondest associations, yet still I am discontented and sigh for something better than earth can give. The landscape in this region of country is rather monotonous, its carriage drives miserable, and by-paths tedious. In my rambles now and then I found a 52 KANDOM SKETCHES AND quiet nook, which speaks of a peace that the sur rounding war lias not yet succeeded in disturbing. All the day long the birds sing merrily, of which the mocking bird is Queen, not in beauty but in song. She sends forth her notes in all the varied tones. Sometimes she has the hoarse caw of the crow, then the mew of the cat, and then her own peculiarly sweet voice. These little natives of the forest are so free from want and care that man may really envy them their happiness. We lay at Hilton Head only two days, when we received orders to proceed to Newbern, North Carolina, for the purpose of reinforcing General Foster. The sky began to darken, and the winds commenced blowing a perfect gale, with heavy rain. The transports which were to convey us to that place could not reach the wharf, and were obliged to lay at anchor in the bay until the storm subsided. Our quarters became flooded with water, making them untenable, and myself and tent-mate concluded to abandon them; so we started through the rain for the beach, where the headquarters of the brigade were established. It was very dark, and we lost our direction, which, after an hour s travel, brought us on the beach, about a mile above the point WANDERING THOUGHTS. 53 we were trying to make* following the shore until we arrived at the camp, where we found good quarters for the night; but we were drenching wet, which made us feel rather uncomfortable. That night, for the first time in my life, I slept on the ocean shore, and enjoyed its deep, sweet music. I felt that the Poet fully realized it all, when he said : "There is a pleasure in the pathless woods; There is a rapture on the lonely shore ; There is society where none intrudes, By the deep sea, and music in its roar, From this our interview, in which I steal From all I may be, or have been before, To mingle with the Universe, and feel What I can ne er express, yet cannot all conceal." Morning came with a cloudless sky. The sun came peeping up from his ocean bed, where he had slum bered for the night, and kissed the horizon with his effulgent rays, which betokened a pleasant day for our anticipated journey. We struck our tents, and took a double quick for the transport Belvidere, which lay waiting for us. The afternoon was far advanced when the troops and camp equipage was on board. At sundown we passed over the bar, and was once more on the billows of the deep blue sea, and soon Port Royal lay far in the distance, appearing to us like *5 54 RANDOM SKETCHES AXD a huge bank of sand. I took my blanket and lay down on the deck for the night, as berths could not be had. I found it quite wet and uncomfortable. AV r e made good headway during the night and the following day, and at night anchored off Cape Lookout Early the next morning we entered Old Topsail inlet, passed under the guns of Fort Macon, and landed at Morehead. From here we took the cars for New- bern, arriving there at sundown, and encamped along the Goldsboro Railroad, under the guns of Fort Rowan. During the night we received marching or<Jers to move at daylight, with five days rations. Early dawn found our regiment ready for the march, and eager for the raid which had been promised them. But, to our great disappointment, the orders were countermanded. A\ e remained here until the second day of May, when our regiment was ordered to Beaufort, Fort* Macon and Morehead. Our headquarters were established at the latter place, on Calico creek. This morning, May 18th, a party of fifty, myself being one of the number, started on a pony hunt, as it is called here, which was to take place about eighteen miles off, on Shackleford banks, which lay to the east ward. Pony penning was something new to us soldiers, and we were all excited for the sport. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 55 We had chartered a small steamboat, and took in tow a flatboat and a small sail boat, which we under stood would be necessary to land us on shore, as the water was very shallow at that point. The day .was beautiful. The forest trees were dressed in their loveliest foliage, which is so pleasing to the eye after a cold, bleak winter. We sailed about fifteen miles in the steamer, when suddenly we ran aground, and found it impossible to proceed any further, as the tide was fast falling, so we got on board the flatboat, hoisted all sail and went three miles further, when we grounded with her. The only alternative left us was to jump overboard and wade to shore, or have the negroes carry us, who were anxiously waiting in the distance for a job. Some of the party brought them to their relief, but most of us concluded to take our own con veyance. When we arrived at the shore* we found a swamp, which we had to pass through for nearly a mile before we could reach dry land, and see the pony penning. We were fast, and had to face the difficulty. The negroes led the way with their passengers on their backs, and we followed, going up to our knees in mud and water. It was a rather comical sight to see the negroes with men on their backs, larger than them- 56 RANDOM SKETCHES AND selves, puffing and blowing as if ready to fall beneath their weight. Suddenly one of them fell, throwing his rider headlong into the mud. One grand hurrah went up from the crowd, and for a few moments was heard some tall swearing from the unfortunate rider, who accused the darkey of falling on purpose to amuse us footmen in the rear, for which he threatened to shoot him, in case of its recurrence. He mounted the negro again, pistol in hand, and off they went, the negro land ing his rider in safety. A short distance brought us to the pens. There we found a crowd of Secesh, some two hundred, mostly red haired, lantern-faced gentlemen. Many of the wild ponies had been caught and penned. The pens are yards enclosed with a rail fence some eight feet high. After they are secured in these yards, the negroes go iA and capture such as they wish to brand, bringing them out and throwing them down, when the brand is applied to the fore shoulder, which has the marks of the owner on it. Such ponies as are not sold are again allowed to run at large. These ponies run wild and live in the marshes, on wild grass, digging their own wells for fresh water, with their feet. They grow from six to eight hands high. Some are finely formed, and, it is said, will endure much fatigue. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 57 I soon became tired of pony penning, and took a stroll across the island, through the deep and burning sand. The sun was -excessively hot, and I was glad to reach the beach, where I could lay down to rest. Here was a grand sight. The tide was coming in. The waves were tossing and rolling like boiling water; I saw a vessel in the distance, which seemed forcing its way through the mighty surges, as if seeking a safe harbor. Immense numbers of sea gulls infest these shores. The air seemed filled with them. Their screams were heard from every direction. These birds live mostly on fish, and crumbs which float on the surface of the water. They follow vessels for miles for the refuse thrown overboard. While I lay here gazing on the mighty deep, I realized what the Poet expressed when he wrote : " Roll on, thou deep and dark blue ocean, roll ; Ten thousand fleets sweep over thee in vain ; Man marks the earth with ruin ; his control Stops with the shore ; upon the watery plain The wrecks are all thy deeds, nor doth remain A shadow of man s ravage, save thine own When for a moment, like a drop of rain, He sinks into thy depths with bubbling groan, Without a grave, unknelled, uncoffined and unknown." 68 RAXDOM SKETCHES AND I found large quantities of shell and coral along the shore, which had been washed up from the bed of the ocean. I loaded myself with them and started back for the pony pen. On arriving here I found quite a lively speculation going on in the purchase of those little animals. After the sales were closed, we started back for the boat, once more to wade through the mud. The ponies were put on board the flats, which had reached the shore, it being high tide. Our party took a small boat and sailed down to the steamer, where a fish and champagne dinner was awaiting us. We enjoyed the dinner much, and the table bore witness of the fact when we left it. The boat was still aground, and could not be moved. So a party of six of us took a small boat and set sail for Morehcad, leaving the others to enjoy the festivities of the night, which were already running high,- owing to the uncorking of too many bottles. AVe reached our camp shortly after dark. I was much fatigued, and had my fill of pony penning in North Carolina. The beautiful month of June is with us. The nights and days arc mild yet, although the sun has reached its highest altitude. Every tree, plant and shrub, looks fresh and beautiful, which betokens a WANDEKING THOUGHTS. 59 plentiful harvest to t*he planter who has cultivated the soil and sown the seed for nature to do its work. This evening I took a stroll along the rifle pits, which extend from Bogue Sound to Calico creek. On my return to camp, much to my surprise, I found my wife, who had just arrived from the North. She had come all the way by water, having been eight days at sea, in a schooner. Four other ladies arrived in camp at the same time, on a visit to their "Liege Lords." We fitted up our tents quite comfortably, and passed a few weeks very pleasantly, leaving the ladies in charge of the camp while we were off on raids, which were of frequent occurrence. The burning sun of July is now pouring down its most fierce heat. To-night we go on a raid up the Trent river, taking the cars to Newbern. On the morning of the 4th we commenced our march toward Wilmington. We were gone six days, having marched some ninety miles through sand and burning sun, bivouacing along the roads at night. We captured several prisoners, negroes, horses, and a large quantity of stores, having but little fighting with the enemy, returning to camp pretty well used up, most of the men being shoeless. 60 RANDOM SKETCHES AND Our boys had scarcely recovered from their sore feet before we were ordered on a raid up Chowan river, through Hertford county. We took the cars for New- bern, arriving on the banks of the Trent river at mid night, where we cooked three days rations, after which the troops were put on board of transports, and at day light sailed down the Neuse river into the Pamlico Sound, passing Fort Hatteras, which is situated on Roanoke Island; thence passing into the Albemarle Sound, where we took in tow some bridges, which were to be used on our expedition. We ascended the Chowan river about sixty miles, and landed our troops near Winton. Our artillery were drawn up the hill by the men and placed in position. Our negro troops soon captured some horses and brought them in, and attached them to the field pieces, which were soon after used on the enemy. At night two thousand cavalry arrived from Portsmouth, by way of Dismal Swamp. They were passed over the Chowan river on the bridges we had brought with us, using our steamboats for butments, they being anchored in the stream, equal distance apart, suitable for the span. In less than two hours we passed over all the cavalry in safety, with their howitzers and stores. This was a feat which has seldom be^p excelled. THOUGHTS. 61 Our infantry visited Winton and Murfreesboro, while our cavalry advanced within ten miles of Wei- don, and were driven back by some six thousand rebels, whom they found strongly intrenched at Jack son. Our cavalry made a charge, in which they cap tured sixty prisoners and two hundred head of horses. At Winton the infantry encountered some two hun dred rebels, and drove them from their breastworks, they leaving tents and equipage behind, which fell into our hands. Mount Tabor Church stood near by, in a beautiful grove of trees, in which one of our regiments made their quarters during their short stay. Our regiment bivouced in the woods, just beyond the village. There was a great scarcity of food here, and many of us officers had to resort to foraging on our own account, which was contrary to orders issued, but "necessity knows no law." On one occasion a party of three were privately detailed, on their own applica tion, who guaranteed to furnish all the provisions for our mess the country afforded, on condition that we would protect them against punis*hment, which was agreed to by the Captain of the company, from which the detail was made, which company was known as the "Forty Thieves." 62 RANDOM SKETCHES AND I furnished them transportation, which consisted of a cart and a jackass. The next thing was to pass them through the picket line, which I volunteered to do, and which was very well executed by an under standing with the picket guard, that they were a party after forage for our horses, which came within orders. The party did not return to camp until late at night, when they were brought in by a guard, who had arrested them as deserters. Their cart, however, was well filled with geese, ducks, chickens, sweet potatoes, &c., which the guard intended to take to the general headquarters. Some of us, who were in the secret of the expedition, parleyed with the guard, while under the cover of night others secreted the contents of the cart in a cornfield near by, unhitched the jack and drove him off into the woods. Our commanding officer ordered the foraging party to be locked up, after which the guard returned for their booty, but to their disappointment found the contents of the cart had disappeared. By a little sharp practice, the boys were released during the night, for the purpose of dressing the fowls they had captured and dividing the spoils among those interested, which was done in good faith, and to the satisfaction of all parties. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 63 The next day our commanding officer was invited to dinner. He had played dummy all through the act, and was as "deep in the mud as the boys were in the mire/ 7 although they were not cognizant of the * fact. I made the remark that I thought he had been rather severe on the boys, whose acts were affording us so much pleasure at present. He at once ordered them to be returned to their company, with the under standing that they were to be tried for violating the articles of war, on their return to camp. The charges against them were never presented by their Captain, and were, of course, forgotten. While here I was told by one of the natives that Kenneth Kaynor had lately made a speech to them, in which he said the Yankees were a set of cowards, and wore not the human form, but had horns pro truding from their heads, and that they were incapable of riding a horse or firing a gun. This conversation took place while two thousand of our cavalry were passing (all live Yankees). My Southern friend con cluded he had been sold. This is a specimen of the manner in which the Southern people were deceived. We brought back some three hundred horses, two boat loads f negroes, and seventeen thousand dollars worth of cotton, and about seventy prisoners, returning 64 BANDOM SKETCHES AND to Morehcad after an absence of eight days, greatly exhausted. I could not really enjoy a hearty meal for nearly a week afterwards. We found our ladies anxious to see the regiment return, and to know of our safety. We had traveled some eight hundred miles. The country was too impoverished to afford us much of anything to eat, and when we arrived at camp we were nearly starved. The sultry sun of August makes the atmosphere as " hot as cotton." To-day the news reaches us of the surrender of Fort Wagner, and tliejlestruction of Fort Sumter, but with it comes sad news the death of our gallant Colonel Shaw, who mounted the parapet and beckoned his colored troops to follow, which they did nobly. He, with many of his officers and soldiers, filled a common grave. That night they were biyied beneath the sands of Fort Wagner: 11 And they who for their country die, Shall fill an honored grave ; For glory lights the soldier s tomb, And beauty weeps the brave ; There is a tear for all who die, A mourner over the humblest grave ; But nation swells the funeral cry, And triumph weeps above the brave." WANDERING THOUGHTS. 65 The news of the fall of Fort Sumter will make every free man rejoice. When the first rebel ball smote her rocky sides, the rebound thrilled from shore to shore, and awakened slumbering liberty in every patriot soul. Selfishness and deception disappeared, and patriotism rose from the swelling waves stately as a Goddess. When shall greatness of soul stand forth, if not in evil times? When the skies are fair and the sea smooth, all ships sail festively, but when the clouds lower, the winds shriek, the waves boil, and soon each craft shows its quality ; but here and there a ship rides the storm. Thank God, this great conflict, which for ages has agitated the world, is being fought in our time, that long strife between right and wrong, between freedom and despotism. We are placed in the van guard. To-day we stand in the thick of the fray and on the enemy s soil. Shall we let this glorious cause fail? All life has of noble heroic beckons us forward. Death itself bears a golden crown for all who die in freedom s cause, and prizes before which Olympian laurels fade are theirs. This is the year of jubilee, when freemen and slaves march lovingly to meet their fate, and die to save a nation s life. *6 66 KANDOM SK ETCHES AND To-day a year s experience closes, and how checkered it has been. What the next year will bring is hidden in the womb of time ; and who would dare draw the vail? A kind Providence has guided my footsteps thus far through the danger, giving me faith and hope of the final triumph of our arms, which cheers me in my darkest and loneliest hours. Morehead is one of the most healthy locations in the South, situated on a peninsula between Bogue Sound and Calico creek. All through the summer we have a fine breeze from the ocean each day, which renders the air cool and healthful. The cool evenings of September are with us, bringing her purple sunsets and restless winds, making the tall pines which stand like solemn sentinels, sing to us such mournful melo dies. For the last two days we have had heavy winds and rain, capsizing many of our tents, leaving the inmates to the mercy of the storm. Last night we had a tremendous gale, so terrific that it awoke me from my slumbers, and compelled me to get up and save my cotton house from capsizing. The storm of last night I shall ever remember, it being the most severe one I have witnessed in camp, during my experience in the army. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 67 Our long expected mail has arrived. We have not received any letters for a month. It brought joy to the camp. In it I found one for myself, which I was glad to receive. It was from my wife, and told me of the news at home and her safe arrival there, and how she found the little ones, and how they clung to her all the day long, for fear she might leave them again to visit Dixie land. Such were the feelings her long absence produced. Much of a soldier s comfort in camp results from letter communication. Paper and ink are always on hand, or a pencil, which answers the same purpose in the field ; this, with a cracker box to write upon, makes a very good secretary. Letters are the links that hold the affections to the home circle, and make absence and trials more easily endured amid the weary marches and rough accommodations of the field. What would we soldiers do without letters ? They are the only true heart talkers. The soul measures itself by itself, and tells of truth and love. I re-read my letters carefully when a day is dark and gloomy, and my heart is sick, thinking of all that is unreal and selfish in the world. There, in my camp chest, are many of them bound together; and what a heterogeneous mass of ideas they contain. Some of love, some of hate, some on politics, 68 RANDOM SKETCHES AND and some on religion, all so carefully put away that I can find them readily, even in the dark. To-day a regiment of colored troops arrived at Morehead, from Newbern, called the Second North Carolina Volunteers, all armed and equipped. Their destination was Charleston, South Carolina. I went to the depot where they lay waiting transports, which were soon to convey them to a more active field of operation. The officers were all white, above the rank of sergeant. I conversed with the Chaplain, who was . a colored man, and I found him well posted as to the cause of the war and its probable results. He under stood the policy of the Government, which many of the Copperheads at the North have not yet learned, and I fear, never will, for "there are none so blind as those who will not see." He thought the Yankees were doing things up right, and that it would be a thorough work, as far as Slavery was concerned, saying that if the institution was saved it would not be worth preserving. I was much pleased with his remarks, believing that he, with many of his race, will live to see his sayings verified. He sagely observed : " AVhat a Yankee leaves undone is not worth finishing." To-day I visited Beaufort North Carolina, which lay just in sight of our camp, across a beautiful bay, WANDERING THOUGHTS. 69 whose waters glisten like sheets of silver on a moon light night. I took my sail boat, with my darkey pilot, and followed the windings of the channels, which are numerous and difficult to trace, and at low tide very shallow, being almost impossible for the lightest draft boats to pass over the bars. On my way thither, I saw large white heron on the sand bars, devouring the crabs and small fish which the tide had left behind. There were also wild ducks and mud hens playing around in the water and basking in the sunshine. The bay is filled with shoals, at high tide mostly covered with water, on which immense quantities of rushes grow, which make secure hiding places for those birds to build their nests and hatch their young. During the spring season hunters and fishermen find immense quantities of eggs, which are used for family purposes. The fish caught in these waters are of the finest quality. The mullet is equal to our mackerel at the North. Clams and oysters are also found in great abundance. We finally reached Beaufort, after an hour s sail to gain an air line distance of three miles. Such is the channel from Morehead to Beaufort. The streets of Beaufort are narrow and sandy, with but few shade trees along its walks. Its buildings are 70 BANDOM SKETCHES AND mostly old and dilapidated. It has four churches, which present no architectural beauty. It formerly had a large hotel, which extended out into the bay, built on piers; but since our troops landed here the building has been used for a hospital, and contains eight hundred patients. The only thing here that attracted my attention w r as the snuff dippers. Snuff dipping is practiced by most of the women of the South, also smoking, and they are two of the most filthy habits that can be indulged in by females. The process of dipping is performed by taking a small twig from the black gum tree, battering the end flat, so as to make the fibers into a brush. The snuff is kept in a small tin box, in which the stick is rolled and gathered full of snuff. Then it is swabbed through the mouth. Old snuff dippers may be seen sitting all the day long, with cup in one hand and swab in the other, going through the process, and spitting like a tobacco chewer. The women look pale and haggard, possessing little vitality, hardly enough to keep themselves looking decent. They are narrow chested and seldom have rosy cheeks, like many of our Northern " lasses." The common classes are very ignorant, and seldom one is found who can read or write. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 71 I returned to my boat and set sail for Fort Macon, which lay just opposite, on the extreme end of an island call Bogue Banks. On my way thither, I passed a small windmill, built on one of the shoals. This antiquated grinding apparatus furnishes the country around with corn meal, from which they make "hoe- cake" and "corn dodgers," which are used instead of bread. Fort Macon is beautifully located on a rise of ground, mostly artificial in its construction. The access to the fort is by a winding railway and footpath. The fort is built of brick and stone, having an inner and outer terra plain; between them is a moat, which can be filled with water from the sea. The interior has a fine parade, from which you can ascend to the parapet by three stone stairways ; both terra plains are mounted with heavy guns; underneath are casemates, all neatly finished off for officers 7 and soldiers quarters. Originally, the fort had no terra plain ; the guns were mounted in the casemates, the embrasures of which are now used for windows. Here I found all the con- veniencies to make the troops comfortable. From the ramparts you can take a beautiful view of the ocean, and always be fanned by a delightful sea breeze. Here can be seen the gunboats on the Jblock- 72 RANDOM SKETCHES AND ading squadron plying up and down the coast, from this port to Charleston. Away off to the left are seen Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout, with its light house, which stands like a lonely sentinel, with its head of fire, warning the mariner at night from the rocks and shoals he might encounter along this coast. Away off to the west are seen Burnside s works, from which he shelled this fort in the spring of sixty- two, while our navy made a feigned attack by sea. The marks of the shells are plainly visible, and will remain as a record of the rebellion. I took a stroll up the beach, and passed the breakwater and picket station. About a mile beyond, was Burnside s fortifi cations, which were loose sand, thrown up at night, behind which his mortars were placed, from which he sent shells so accurately as to drop them into the fort. One of them struck the magazine, which suggested to the inmates the idea of a surrender, before they were all blown up. After a bombardment of eight hours the fort was surrendered to our forces, our troops enter ing it triumphantly, raising the stars and stripes once more on the spot where they had been taken down and trampled in the dust. The fort is now garrisoned by three companies of the Eightj -First New York Volunteers. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 73 This fort is of much importance, as it commands the entrance to the harbor of Beaufort, and is also a place of confinement for soldiers who have committed mili tary offences. I visited the dungeon where some were confined, where the rays of the sun never enter. It was damp and dismal, and a strange feeling of sadness came over me, as I stood within this dreary cell and heard the murmuring of its inmates. And when its huge doors were swung shut, and the bars grated on my ears, liberty for a moment seemed a mockery. I left the fort and set sail for camp, being carried along by the tide, which was then setting in, arriving at Morehead just as the last echo of the evening gun died on the distant waters. This is a beautiful afternoon. The sun is still high in the heavens, with scarcely a cloud to obscure his rays. A gentle sea breeze is blowing from the South, whose cool air is so refreshing. Our camp is as quiet as a New England village on a Sabbath day. After dress parade, the regiment formed a hollow square, and from the center our Chaplain spoke, and the Glee Club sung one of their choice selections, called the "Shining Shore." The music was really charming. When I returned to my quarters, I found a letter from home, from which I learned my brother had been 71 RANDOM SKETCHES AND shot at Ashby Gap, Va., while making a charge. He foil from his horse, most of the squadron passing over him. His comrades, after driving the enemy, returned to bury their dead. They found life in him, and con veyed him back to camp, a distance of fifty miles, where he laid for nearly a week. The surgeon found the ball had entered his skull, near the temple. "When able to travel, he was sent home, where the ball was extracted by Dr. Swinburne, some two months after ward, weighing an ounce. He belonged to the Cali fornia Battalion, attached to the Second Massachusetts Cavalry. This afternoon I took a ride to Crab Point, on the Newport river. In passing through a pine forest, on my way thither, I saw the negroes gathering ]. . from pine trees, for making turpentine. The process is simple. The trees are cut into, about six inches and twelve inches above the base, in a manner which forms a box; then the bark is taken off above, about t! feet, in a semi-circular form; from here the pit -h exudes and runs into the box below, from which it is taken out, with small wooden clippers, and put into buckets, and then into barrels, which arc interspersed through the forest, at the most convenient points for transportation to the factory. Here it is put through WANDERING THOUGHTS. 75 a clarifying process, passing through a worm into a large reservoir, in which it is condensed and becomes turpentine. The tar is made from a fat wood, which is put up in kilns, in the form of a cone, and burned, the pitch leaving the wood and running into a gutter formed around the base of the cone or pit; from thence it is dipped up and put in barrels. At present this is a very valuable export for the Northern market, and is a very profitable business for the negro, who has left his master and is working these trees for his own benefit. As I emerged from the woods, I came on a planta tion where I saw some fine fig trees loaded with fruit. I helped myself to them, and found they were the most delicious figs I ever eat. The trees grew from ten to twenty feet high, with very heavy foliage of dark green color, with straggling branches. These trees are great bearers, some yielding as many as ten bushels of this luscious fruit. There are three kinds, red, white and blue. The red is the most delicious, the white is the most hardy, and the blue is the most beautiful. The fig tree bears two crops a year. The first ripeitfkabout the first of July. The second one about the first of September, and continues until frost, which comes about the first of November. 76 RANDOM SKETCHES AND Apples, pears, peaches and grapes thrive here, but they are not of such fine quality as we cultivate at the North. The finest varieties could be produced here with little care, but this, like all other Southern States, has the curse of Slavery written on it, and until that is blotted out poverty anfl destruction must follow. I think many of them begin to realize it already, and the sooner they learn to work and wait on themselves the better it will be for them and their children. Yankee ingenuity and enterprise is all. that is needed to make this "a land flowing with milk and honey," where every one can live under his own vine and fig tree. And if they will become loyal citizens none will molest or make them afraid. The poor whites and negroes are loyal beyond a doubt, but the slaveholder is not. I have no confi dence in their sympathy for Republican institutions. How glad I am to see the noble stand our President has taken against Slavery, with all its horrors, barbarities, and shocking immoralities. Slavery, thank God! is dead in this country, and nothing can resusitate it, and those ^10 now uphold it will perish with it. No friend of human progress will pray for its resurrection. Its destruction was ordained when the Stars and Stripes fell from Fort Sumtcr. That act was its death knell. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 77 It virtually proclaimed freedom to four millions of human beings, a race who had been held in bondage for more than two centuries. This morning our surgeon and myself went on a foraging expedition. We took our sail boat and pilot and sailed down Bogue Sound. On our way we met the steamer Guide, having on board conscripts for our army. They were landed at Morehead, and from there took the cars for Newbern. We crossed the Sound for Newport river. On the way up the river we saw large flocks of white and blue hcronj which infest these waters; also curlews feeding on the shore. I amused myself by firing at them, and soon found they had no relish for gunpowder. Our route was a very circuitous one, owin^ to the low tide, which com pelled us to go some ten miles to gain an air line distance of three. We landed at the county almshouse, which is an old dilapidated building, hardly affording shelter fit for beasts It had two inmates, and both of them were insane. I did not learn whether they were insane when they were brought to this miserable hovel, but I am quite certain that their wants and treatment would have a tendency to make them so. Our surgeon observed that he thought the superintendent "non 78 KANDOM SKETCHES AND compus mentis." Everything around spoke plainly of poverty; even the corn fields, near by, were incontro vertible witnesses. We left the almshouse with sad impressions. We strolled off into the country, hoping to find a farmhouse, where we could obtain some refreshment, but all in vain. I purchased some eggs and sweet potatoes at one house ; this was all we could procure, after having traveled some four miles. I made my dinner on raw potatoes, which stayed my hunger for the time. The potatoes were dug by two negro women, whom I found splitting rails for a fence near by. These two slaves were all the help the owner of the plantation had to do his labor. They dug the potatoes with a larga plantation hoe, weighing some ten pounds. They had never heard of a potato hook until I described it to them. They " reckoned it must be a right smart thing to dig tatcrs with." I talked with them in regard to their condition, but they seemed fully satisfied with their prospects, appa rently having no desire above their animal wants. I asked the youngest of the two how old she was. She "reckoned about fifteen years." I asked her how much older her mother was than herself. She "reckoned about five years." This is a fair specimen WANDERING THOUGHTS. 79 of negro intelligence in many parts of the South. Many mothers do not know the ages of their own children. We returned to our boats and set sail for the oppo site shore. On our way we passed a windmill, grind ing corn for hominy and hoecake. One peck of this meal, five pounds of bacon, and one quart of molases, is a week s rations for a man. We passed through, to a wood near by, and took a woodpath which led us to a plantation. After traveling some two miles, through the chapperel and mud, we passed through a field where some negroes were engaged in "saving fodder," as they termed it, which we at the North call topping corn. I inquired of the darkies the distance to Crab Point, which they told me was " a right smart distance, they reckoned." Near the plantation house was a beautiful grove of fig trees, and a few pomegranate trees, loaded with fruit. I learned from the occupant that he was a deserter from the rebel army. Here he married the woman of his choice, and settled on this plantation, of which she was the tvner. The sun was fast declining in the west, and we put back to our boat, doubling Crab Point just as the flashes of the evening gun were seen from Fort Macon, its echoes rolling along the waters, dying amid the 80 RANDOM SKETCHES AND mellow rays of a Southern sunset, which are beautiful beyond description. This afternoon I took a ride back in the country. As I neared an old farm house, I heard a buzzing noise, which reminded me of home in my boyhood days, when I used to teaze my mother to turn the spinning wheel, and oftentimes destroyed her spindle of yarn, much to her discomfiture. I unceremoniously entered the house, and found a girl spinning cotton; I excused my abruptness, as soldiers generally do, and took a chair without invitation. She informed me that she was spinning cotton for a dress, which struck me as being a very slow process to get one. She told me she had spun the yarn and wove the cloth of the dress she then wore, and allowed me the privilege of examining it. I found it finely spun and finely wove, and if it had been fitted to her person properly, it would have looked neat and tidy. Near by was a cotton field, a most beautiful sight. The plants grow about four feet high, with numerous branches. On them were blooms, green balls and ripe ones. At this stage the shells burst open, and it is ready for picking, which commences about the first of September and continues until the frost kills the plant. Cotton, after it is picked, is ginned and dried WANDEKING THOUGHTS. 81 in the sun, and then pressed into bales. This valuable product can be raised for eight cents per pound. On my return to camp I was much amused in listening to an account of a panther hunt in the wilds of Northern New York. The hero of this story is a soldier in our regiment. He said : " Some years ago, in the month of January, early in the morning, I went out to find my sheep. On finding my flock I missed some of them, and on looking around discovered traces which convinced me some animal had visited my flock at night and carried off some of them for their prey. I returned home for my gun, and told my wife where I was going; I also told her to request two of my neighbors to follow up my trail. I traveled all day, and when night came, bivouaced, building a fire to guard me from any attack from the foe I was in search of. The long and weary night passed in earnest thoughts and longing desires for the first glimpses of daylight. Morning dawned at last, and after a lunch from my hunting bag, I resumed my journey and traveled until late in the afternoon, when I heard a shrill echo resounding through the forest, telling me my dogs had found their prey. With cautious steps and trembling limbs I 82 KAXDOM SKETCHES AXD advanced in the direction of the sound, and soon came in sight of the dogs, who were at the base of a large tree, anxiously waiting for their master. As I neared the tree I gazed up and saw on one of the limbs a monstrous panther, lying in an attitude of readiness to spring at any moment. Now came the trying time for me to quiet my nerves, as every muscle seemed unstrung. The others had arrived in sight which gave me more confidence and coolness, qualities so essential at such a moment. I beckoned to them to come up, and be ready to fire. At that moment I sent a ball whizzing through the head of the animal, striking him in the mouth, which left him minus one tooth, and bleeding freely. "The animal lay looking at me with eyes of fire, showing clearly that his nature had been wrought up to a fierce anger. The two others fired while I loaded my gun, the balls striking him near the heart, at whirh they aimed, seemingly without effect. The ninth shot brought him reeling to the ground, writhing in agony. One of the dogs attacked him, and with one stroke of his claw the panther tore the dog to pieces, killing him instantly, and at the same moment the panther expired. " "We cut a rail and tie dour prize to it, carrying him on our shoulders over a mile, to a farm house where WANDERING THOUGHTS. 83 we weighed him and found we had one hundred and eighty-seven pounds of panther flesh, including skin and bone. From here we conveyed him to Utica in a wagon, and from thence to Albany, by railroad, where he was purchased by a taxidermist, who skinned and stuffed him in the best manner, so true to nature that to-day he appears to be alive, standing on all fours, as he once did when he roamed over his native forest." I have reason to believe that there is truth in this story, as a friend of mine was presented with some of the panther steak, and shared it with me at the time. The recollection of the deliciousness of the meat gave additional zest to the tale. Another story was related by a member of another regiment. He said : " About fifty of us had been engaged for several days in performing secret service, and were on our return. We hacf to pass very near the rebel lines, and to avoid being taken, and also to save a circuit of miles, we resolved to encamp in a secluded place we knew of, through the day, and under the shadow of night pass unseen on the direct course to our camp, The day was beautiful, and the spot we had chosen for our resting place was one of those grassy nooks, shut out apparently from the rest of the world by lines 84 KAXDOM SKETCHES AND of hills, impenetrable underbrush, and a gigantic forest; a small but clear and deep stream ran by it. We lay down our arms, relieved ourselves of our knapsacks, and spreading our provender upon the grass, dined with a hearty appetite, refreshing ourselves from the limpid waters of the stream, and then each one amused himself as best he could. "After resting awhile, some one of the party went in to bathe, and one by one, as the pleasure seemed to increase, followed, until the whole party were in the stream. This lasted for about half an hoar, and most of us had returned to the shore, and were dressing, when a new feature was given to the scene by one of the party saying he was going to wash his shirt. Now most of us had worn these garments for some time without washing, and there could be no doubt of their needing it very much. We ^11 thought the" idea a good # one, and all hands immediately began to disrobe, and soon we were as busy as washerwomen, rubbing away like fulling mills. As the pieces jvere finished they were hung on the limbs of trees, in the sun, or spread out on the grass. " Many were still engaged at their washing ; some were stretched on the ground in deep sleep, some were wrestling, others jumping, and some collected in groups, WANDERING THOUGHTS. 85 telling stories, nearly all of us innocent of wearing apparel as Adam was previous to forming acquaintance with Eve, and about as happy as fellows could be, with but one shirt, and that drying in the sun, when we were startled by a volley of musketry, the balls of which, very fortunately, only made a few slight flesh wounds. "The sound of musketry, although it surprised us at first, we were too much accustomed to hearing, to remain long under a panic; so the next moment found each man of us in possession of his musket, and him self covered by a tree. We had not long to wait, before a large body of rebels broke through the underbrush, which had concealed them, and charged with fixed bayonets upon us. But their progress was suddenly checked by our fire, which laid a number of them dead. We had not time to reload, when the enemy charged down upon us, and we were compelled reluctantly to give way. We ran some distance, reloading, and stood our ground. " Up to this time we had not thought of our nude condition, until one of our officers cried: Boys, will you lose your shirts? Then, casting our eyes around, we gave a shout: Now for our shirts! and rushed forward like so many naked devils. b6 RANDOM SKETCHES AND "As soon as the enemy came to our view, we poured in a well directed fire, and immediately charged with the bayonet. So suddenly had this movement been made, that, having supposed we were still running away, they in turn were completely surprised, and then came their turn to run. After them we shouted still, with our new watchword, " Shirts ! " The officers of the enemy, having at length succeeded in securing the attention of their men, wheeled them, and gave us a return Jire, when we again took to our heels, and the rebels, taking up our cry of "Shirts!" came pell-mell after us. Again we turned and charged the enemy running, and they in turn charging upon us, each party shouting Shirts ! At length, becoming somewhat exasperated with the game, and constantly reminded of our shirts, by the enemy screaming it in our ears, and recollect ing, too, that we would not cut a very pretty figure returning to quarters sans culottes, we made a most desperate charge, and finally succeeded in gaining the day, driving the enemy from the field. Several of our party were wounded, but none killed, and putting on our garments, we took the circuitous route which we had avoided in the morning, and reached camp about midnight, where we caused no little merriment when WANDEEING THOUGHTS. 87 we related our adventure, in which our shirts so nar rowly escaped capture. 77 In this way many a long evening is passed in camp. Most soldiers have some tale to tell, of hunting, fishing, or encounters they have met with on picket, or the battle field, and they are most generally the hero of their own story. Last evening the wind blew a perfect gale ; so hard that it kept me awake nearly all night. The mighty waves were rolling in the distance, against the break waters on the shore of Bogue Banks. The roar told me of a terrible storm at sea. During the night a vessel had been driven ashore on Bogue Banks, and became imbedded in the sand. The waves were dash- iny over her, making her a total wreck. The crew had just abandoned her, and floated to shore on spars. Their carg<%onsisted principally of sugar and rum, which, after the storm had abated, was taken off, by cutting out the sides of the vessel, and carried away on lighters. I visited the crew on the beach; they told me they were from Cuba, bound for New York, and had lost their course in the storm during the night. They were a miserable set of men, being half Spaniard and half negro, looking more like a band of SS RANDOM SKETCHES AND pirates than English tars, under which flag they sailed. A few days afterward a Captain of one of our gunboats told me he had chased this craft for two days, off the coast of Wilmington, North Carolina, and that when he crowded them they threw cannon overboard. He was satisfied they were blockade runners, although their papers showed to the contrary. Our regimental inspection came off to-day. The men and equipments were in fine order. The regiment passed in review, and were highly complimented for their military appearance. After inspection, I found a notice at my quarters, which required me to attend a court martial at New- bern, where I was required to appear as a witness, the following day. I took the cars in the evening for that place, which is situated thirty-five miles from the coast. I spent the night with one of fte surgeons of the Ninety-Second New York Volunteers, who was an old friend. The next morning I visited Fort Stephen- son, on the banks of the Neuse river. It has three guns, and is garrisoned by one company of the Third Massachusetts Artillery. Just across the Neuse is Fort Anderson, which was attacked by the rebels, under General Pettigrew, last WANDERING THOUGHTS. 89 spring. It was then garrisoned by the Ninety-Second New York Volunteers, who nobly defended it, without firing a shot; their guns not being mounted, they awaited the charge of the enemy, who kept up a con stant fire of grape, canister and shell, for some time, destroying the quarters within the fort. In the meantime Colonel Anderson, who commanded the 4 fort, signaled to Newbern -for assistance. A gunboat soon came to his relief, which drove the enemy back, and Fort Anderson was saved. Ncwbern is situated at the intersection of the Neuse and Trent rivers, and compares well with most of the Southern cities in point of size. It has a number of fine residences surrounded with beautiful gardens, in which are generally found grapes, figs, pears and pome granates; also abundance of flowering shrubs, such as honeysuckle, myrtle, magnolia, and the Rose of Sharon. There are no curiosities of nature or art here, except a kind of rock taken from the bed of the Trent river, whose formation is composed of shells, which is used for fence and building purposes, and resembles vermu- lated ashler. They have the same blue sky and twinkling stars above them that we have at the North, but not those noble mountains, with their deep gorges and silvery *8 90 EAXDOM SKETCHES AND cascades we have on the Hudson, and through some parts of New England. The country, as far as the eye can reach, is one vast pine forest. This is the geographical character of the South, along the sea board, extending some fifty miles back. The battle field of Newbern lays about four miles east of the city, between the Goldsboro Railroad and the Neuse river. General Burnside drove the rebels from that field to Newbern, and from there they retreated to Kinston, setting fire to the bridge which crossed the Trent river, after they had passed over it; but our troops soon came up and extinguished the flames. They also set fire to the city, which was extinguished before much damage was done. Newbern is at present strongly fortified, having fortifications running from the Neuse to the Trent river; before those works were built, it required about fifteen thousand troops to hold this place, but I am of opinion that the Government would have been better off to have burned these places, when taken, tlian to fortify and hold them, as they have done, even if they were obliged to rebuild them. It is a great expense to hold an inland city, and has a tendency to make a department inactive, on account of accommo dations it affords the officers. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 91 I returned to Morehead, in company with the Third Massachusetts Artillery, who were to relieve a detach ment of the Eighty-First Regiment New York Volun teers, at Fort Macon. A bright and beautiful October morning, with its hazy sunshine and yellow leaves, tells me a change in the year is already at hand. The heavy dew and cool nights admonish us that the greatcoat and rubber blanket will soon be needed, to prevent the chills and fever, which is so common at this time of year in the South. The brig Release has just arrived in harbor, in which Dr. Kane was brought home on his last journey to the Arctic regions. She is now a gunboat, and is connected with the blockading squadron. I visited her, and w T hile on board, the mate told me she had been remodeled since her cruise to the North Pole. I felt pleased to tread her deck, because she had released one of our country s adventurers from those frozen regions of the North, where he had been bound up in the ice, with his vessel, the Advance, for many months, only to meet his death and find a grave in a more genial clime, beside his kindred. He died in early manhood; but his memory will live eternal as 92 RANDOM SKETCHES AND those hills of ice, in which he spent so many cheerless months, and sunless days, with the natives of those regions and his Arctic voyagers. Our Chaplain and myself took a sail to Shackleford Banks, and visited the fishermen, whom we found hard at work, cleaning fish and putting them in barrels; in one haul they caught one hundred and thirty barrels. High noon had arrived, and we began to feel hungry, so we started off in the wood, and found a grove of cedars, underneath which we spread our cloth on the sand, and partook of a hearty repast from our haver sack. After satisfying our hunger, we went in search of grapes and chinkpins, a kind of nut which grows here; we had to make our way through a thick chaparral, on all fours, for nearly half a mile, with the pleasant idea of coming in contact with snakes and lizards, without speaking of the mutilation to our clothing. I at last found a beautiful vine; it clung to a large oak, and in the top hung large clusters of fine grapes, ripening in the sun. I laid off my haversack and canteen, and got into the tree with much difficulty, the vines being woven together. I accomplished my object, and soon satisfied my appetite with grapes, which I found to be very delicious; I then dropped myself down again with less WANDERING THOUGHTS. 93 trouble than I had in getting up, yet not without some scars. Here, in these woods, grows a fine quality of mus cadine grapes, equally as sweet and large as those cul tivated at the North, but not in such large clusters. We whiled away an hour in the woods, and after some trouble got out, taking the sun for our guide. The fishermen live principally in huts, in which I saw poverty and ignorance, such as I could not believe existed, if I had not witnessed it ; for it had almost run into insanity. They were really heathens; and this in " Free America," as it is called. I told our Chaplain if any place on God s footstool needed missionaries, this was the spot. I asked one of the women if she did not get lonesome, living on this island ; she " reckoned right smart." The whole family did not appear to have any knowledge above their animal wants. We took our boat and floated back with the tide to camp, just as the sun sank beneath the distant waters; when we received orders to be ready, at a moment s notice, to proceed to Fortress Monroe, on the arrival of transports from that place. The One Hundred and Fifty-Eighth New York Volunteers have just arrived from Newbern, to relieve us; they are a rough looking regiment, having some 94 RANDOM SKETCHES three hundred sick, and the remainder hardly fit for duty. Our camp is all excitement now especially among the officers wives. Packing up is the order of the day. Since we have received orders to be ready, it has rained, accompanied with much thunder and lightning. The waves of the ocean are keeping up a continual murmur, which makes melancholy music, and the pat tering rain falling on my tent, makes one feel gloomy and lonesome. How true it is that the weather and seasons affect our minds; our natures are so much in sympathy with them. Our last act at Morehead was to release from bondage a negro family. About a mile from our camp were held a colored man s wife and four children, as slaves the master forbidding the husband visiting them. The husband complained to our Colonel of their treatment, and assured him they were held against their wishes. The master was summoned to appear the next day at our headquarters, at a certain hour, which he failed to do, but the negro was on hand, and insisted upon having his wife and children. Our Adjutant volunteered to rescue the negro family from bondage. I furnished him with transportation WANDERING THOUGHTS. 95 and off they started through a heavy rain storm, as there was no time to lose, for we were momentarily expecting to leave North Carolina. Half an hour s ride brought him to the plantation; they found the negroes overjoyed at the thought of being released from that despotism which had enchained them daring their lives. The old matron and daughters "showed fight." The officer told them to keep quiet, as he was there in the discharge of his duty, and did not wish to be charged with shooting a woman, but the negroes should have their freedom at any sacrifice. The hus band picked out his wife and children ; they were put in the wagon, with their luggage, and left the planta tion amid the curses and groans of the mistress. At midnight we received orders to strike our tents at daylight, and get aboard transports at sunrise. Long before day the boys commenced tearing down and burn ing up, and at daylight our camp presented a scene of desolation. We are now leaving the dock, with flying colors, for the briny deep; the boys are jolly, and many of them well filled with whisky, which is a great curse to most of the men and officers. At sundown the land lay in the distance, hardly visible to the naked 96 RANDOM SKETCHES AND eye. The moon is high in the heavens, yet in her crescent form, making the ocean look like billows of silver; a fine, steady breeze is blowing from the south, as if to urge us on to our destined port, which is Old Point Comfort. Many on board are sick, and not able to keep their dinner, for which they have just paid. I feel quite uneasy myself, but am determined not to yield to the sickening influences of the vessel. It is midnight, and the last pale ray of the moon has disappeared; dark ness and silence surrounds us; our vessel plows steadily through the waves, leaving a track of fire behind her. The gray morning is at last breaking, and I am the first on deck, to greet the " God of day," as he comes peeping up from the eastern waters, throwing his rays in every direction. The sand banks which skirt the shores of North Carolina are again in view, but lay away so far that they appear like a dark cloud on the horizon ; we soon came in full view of the sandy beach ; away off to the west stands the lighthouse off Cape Henry; we now enter the great harbor, and see Virginia s shores on either side. Directly in front of us stands Fort Wool, known as the Rip Raps. We passed under its guns, and came WANDEKING THOUGHTS. 97 to anchor. Our Colonel reported to General Foster, who commanded the Department of Virginia and North Carolina, who ordered our brigade to encamp at Newport News, which is situated on the James river, about six miles above the Fortress. * Newport News is situated on a high bluff, and just opposite, in the river, lay the Cumberland and Con gress, in which an hundred seamen found a watery grave; they stood by their guns so long that many found it impossible to gain the upper deck, and went down with their gallant ship, standing by the flag of their ^country. The river is about four miles wide, with a channel deep enough for the largest vessels to sail in. Opposite is seen the waters of the Elizabeth and Nansemond rivers; on the former lays Portsmouth and Norfolk, and on which also Gosport Navy Yard is situated, which was burned in the early part of the rebellion, to prevent the rebels from taking it. At the mouth of these rivers lay the gunboats Roanoke, Cambridge, and Minnesota. The former is a three- turreted monitor. These vessels form the blockading squadron on the James river. One of the greatest luxuries we have here at New port News is plenty of good water; which I have not 98 KANDOM SKETCHES AND tasted before in seven long months. One of the greatest hardships which our army suffers is to be deprived of water, and it is probably the main cause of fever. The autumn leaves are falling, and the hazy sun- .sliine of November gives timely warning of approach ing winter. I took a walk along the James river, above our camp; on my way I passed a graveyard, where lay some of the defenders of our country, some of those who died in the early part of the Peninsula campaign. As I gazed on those little mounds, sad feelings came over me; they were the graves of the illustrious dead, our country s heroes, who had fallen by the wayside, while hope and faith glimmered in the future. Only eighteen months ago one hundred and thirty thousand men had passed this point, on their way to Richmond, full of hope, and love of country, to inspire them on their toilsome march. But a sad record is told along the road. Not less than thirty thousand found their graves on this peninsula. Here they rest in peace, free from toil and care, nor do the ravages of war disturb them, for they have fought their last battle. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 99 The sun was fast disappearing behind the western forests, as I turned reluetlantly from a spot so sacred, and full of historic reminiscences; aside from these associations, the scenery in view was magnificent beyond description, bathed as it then was in the golden sun set, which made it doubly beautiful. I could not resist the temptation to linger there until the twilight shades deepened into night. This morning our Major, Chaplain, and myself, mounted our horses and rode over to Hampton, a distance of seven miles from our camp; the day was warm and beautiful, the forest leaves were dyed with many different colors, and showed plainly that a frost had visited them ; * ut on our way, as we rode across the fields, we saw many wild flowers still in full bloom, which reminded us of the month of June. We arrived at Hampton, after an hour s ride. The first building we saw was the remains of an old Epis copal church, which is said to have been built over two hundred years ago; its porch had fallen, but the gables and side walls yet stand, a monument of rebel barbarity. The building was built in Roman style, and in form of a Latin cross; the grounds in which it stands are enclosed with a brick wall, well studded with weeping willows, and like most ancient church- 100 RANDOM SKETCHES AND yards, had been used for burial purposes by those pro fessing the faith. This was once a delightful spot, but now the ravages of war has made it desolate; its monuments thrown down, and the slabs which cover the last rest ing place of the honored dead are broken, and many of the inscriptions defaced. I sat down by a tomb whose inscription bore the date of 1701, a date which carried my mind back one hundred and sixty-two years. From this spot I took a sketch of the old church, after which we left our horses in charge of a negro boy, and took a walk about the village. Most of the buildings had been burned by the American vandals, and the burnt spots were being supplanted by negro shanties, which were built here in great numbers. We stepped into one of them, and found an oyster vender; we partook freely of the bivalves. They were the finest I ever ate. After we had worried the darkey some twenty minutes in opening them, we paid him his bill, which was only fifty cents. Oysters are found in great abundance in the bay, near by, and are often sold at the rate of fifty cents per gallon, solid meats. We returned to camp just in time to miss our dinner, which was quite a disappointment to us, after WANDERING THOUGHTS. 101 having rode some fourteen miles on horseback, much fatigued and very hungry. It is Saturday night, and I am alone in my tent, having no kindred spirit to commune with. In these solitary hours my mind wanders back to my home and the loved ones there. How little they realize the lonely hours *f camp life. The soldiers have many such seasons for reflection, and no one thought pre dominates in his mind more than that of "Home, sweet Home." Home and mother are the first words that become indelibly impressed on our minds; they have an invincible power that can never be lessened. There are no two words that so powerfully excite our feelings, and electrify our hearts with such wild emotions. How many have left their happy homes, and gone forth in defence of their country! Many will never return ; their moldering bones bear the record of the strife, in which they were severed from the spot they most loved, and their friends are called upon to mourn their 1 ss. Dark hours will come to all of us.; yet they cannot always last, the light will come again. We must not give up in despair, in this struggle for liberty. Commer we must, for our cause is just. Then we shall have a peace which will satisfy our *9 102 RANDOM SKETCHES AND highest aspirations, with a Union and a country worth preserving : "For right is right, since God is God, And right the day must win ; To doubt would be disloyalty, To falter would be sin." | The news reaches us to-night that the loyal people of New York have declared, by their votes, that the Government shall be sustained, and the war prosecuted with vigor, until the rebels lay down their arms and submit to the laws. Copperheadism has received its death blow in the Empire State; she has declared by her recent vote that her armed sons in the field, who have braved the storms and dangers of deadly strife, shall have their thinned ranks filled up. Hereafter let there be but one senti ment, and that UNION. We must stand by the country, right or wrong; do not let us falter or step back ; our radiant flag must be kept untorn and floating to the breeze. Let not one star be torn from its azure field, nor one memory lost of its glorious record. Each link in memory s chain makes a chapter in our country ^ history; from its pages we may trace golden letters formed into burning WANDERING THOUGHTS. 103 words, standing boldly out as monitors, pointing us upwards to higher and nobler deeds and purposes. The cause of humanity, and hopes of freedom, through out the world, are involved in this deathlike struggle for our nation s life. Let not our hearts grow cold, or our sympathies die out; let not patriotism be exchanged for gold, or bartered for an inglorious peace. Our ^Revolutionary fathers fought for liberty ; the right of self-government, that precious heritage, has been bequeathed to us by them. The sons of sixty- one will maintain that right, and the rights of man, both white and black. Many of the former are no better than slaves, in these rebellious States. God grant our objects and purposes may soon be accom plished, and we soldiers return to the bosom of our families, to enjoy the sweets of domestic life. The morning is bright and clear, except the mist that lays on the waters of the James river; the little steamer Flora was being fired up to take a trip to Nor- folk, and I took passage for that place. We made for Se well s Point, and thence up the Elizabeth river. On our way we passed a great many oystermen in their boats, raking up the bivalves from the river, where they are planted in beds, grow to a large size, and are plump and luscious. 104 RANDOM SKETCHES AXD The water here was about ten feet deep ; the rakes they used were iron toothed, made in pairs, and fas tened like tongs, having long handles; by this means the oysters are brought up. Thousands of bushels are taken from this river every season. We passed Craney Island, and the old mooring of the far famed Merrimac, which is a large block of wood, some ten feet square, and firmly secured by means of anchors. A mooring of this kind is much more handy than to cast anchor ; for in case of a sudden attack,, the cable can be dropped in much less time than an anchor can be raised. Not far from this point lay the Merrimac, sunk just beneath the water s edge, awaiting the wreckers pleasure to be raised. I under stood from one of the wreckers, they were to have forty-five per cent of her value, when she is afloat. We passed Fort Norfolk, and landed at the city dock, just in time to take the ferry boat for Ports mouth. At the navy yard I saw the old United States, which had just been raised and brought to the* yard, to have the iron and copper taken from her. I returned to Norfolk, and rambled through its streets. I found it a handsome place, containing many fine buildings. The Custom House is a large stone structure, built in Grecian style, after the Corinthian WANDERING THOUGHTS. 105 order. It also contains two hotels, the National and Atlantic. In a sitting room of one of these hotels, I saw a bill posted, notifying the guests that no political discussions would be allowed, either in the house or on the stoop. While there I saw many seedy old gentlemen hanging around, who appeared to belong to the F. F. V. s, and it seemed to me they had seen better days. Their threadbare coats and old fashioned hats bespoke a loss that none understood as well as themselves ; their hats appeared to be at least ten years behind the age, and those who wore them, at least fifty ; they were men not fit for the rebel service, and were left to take care of the women and children, many of whom are now widows and orphans. Norfolk and Richmond w r ere the principal slave markets. Here, before the rebellion, could be seen the whipping post and slave pens; also the father and mother, with their children, brought to market and sold from their masters, like sheep, to be separated forever; and this in a land where we have boasted so many years : That all men were born free and equal, and endowed with certain inalienable rights; among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Thank God ! that day is past. Many of those slaves are now Union soldiers, and are helping to fight the 106 RANDOM SKETCHES AND battles of our country. I returned to camp much pleased with my visit to Norfolk. This evening (Nov. 17th) our regiment received marching orders, to be ready to embark on board of transports, bound for Portsmouth. "We had our stores and equipage on board in due time, and on arriving there, received orders to go to Northwest Landing. I transferred my stores on board of a barge, and was towed up the Elizabeth river, entering the Albc- marle and Chesapeake Canal, near Great Bridge, while the regiment took the road on foot. In going up we went through a desolate country, and passed the mouth of the Dismal Swamp Canal, which unites the waters of the Elizabeth with the Pasquotank river, and empties into Albemarle Sound, making water commu nication with Elizabeth City, North Carolina. We passed the mouth of the canal just at sundown. As the twilight disappeared, the moon came peeping up from behind the thick forests of Dismal Swamp, and afforded us a beautiful light for our journey. Through this dreary region all was quiet, not a mur mur, even from the toads, was heard. It was quite cool, and ere midnight I was compelled to get up and rub my limbs to keep warm. Long looked for day- WAKDEKDTG THOUGHTS. 107 light appeared at last, and we went ashore and built a fire, by which we warmed ourselves. Our regiment had bivouaced near by us, in the woods, and were ready to continue their march to Northwest Landing, a distance of fifteen miles across the country, which was infested by guerillas. Eleven wagons were loaded with camp equipage, and followed the regiment; I left a guard of twenty men in charge of the balance of the stores. We reached Northwest Landing at dark. When within a mile of the place two soldiers, who w r ere in advance of the guard, were suddenly attacked by some guerillas; one was shot, the other taken prisoner. The regiment bivouaced for the night in a pine grove, at a place called Plug s Hills. Here we built winter quarters. Thanksgiving has arrived, and we have kept it much to our credit, in these backwoods of Virginia. In the morning the regiment was formed in a hollow square. Our Adjutant read a letter from Governor Seymour; also his proclamation. The Chaplain offered up a prayer, the Glee Club sang, and the drum corps played Hail Columbia, after which the Chaplain made a few appropriate remarks on the war and its prospects. The exercises closed with Yankee Doodle. 108 RANDOM SKETCHES AND At two o clock we sat down in a beautiful pine grove, having a rustic table built, well loaded with the good things of this life, such as turkeys, geese, ducks, chickens, quail, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, and other vegetables, with plenty of ale, and pumpkin pie. The day was cool and pleasant, and will long be remembered by us all, as the Thanksgiving dinner in the backwoods of Virginia, near Dismal Swamp. Bleak November is drawing to a close; to-day is Sunday, and I am ordered to Norfolk for supplies. Myself, teams, and a cavalry escort, started through the storm, riding a distance of twenty-five miles, arriving in Norfolk after dark. It was the hardest half day s journey I have experienced in the army, and I was too tired to sleep soundly, even on a feather bed, which would have been a luxury under other circumstances. December comes in mild and beautiful, much like our delightful Indian summers at the North, although the long nights are cold and cheerless in our old and much worn canvas houses. Our camp is situated in a pine grove, which was once a cornfield, the hills of which are plainly visible. On this spot some Tories were hung during the Revo- WANDEKING THOUGHTS. 109 lution, they having given the enemy information as to the movements of our army, at that time. Some three miles from here is an old brick church, which was erected one hundred and fifty years ago. The roof has fallen in, and its walls are covered with moss, which show solidity, after having stood the storms of so many years. In this region of country there is plenty of game, such as bears, wild cat, quail, squirrels, &c. I was awakened by the cry of a wild cat, last night ; he made the forest ring with his screams, making night hideous. This is a dense wilderness, our camp lying on the borders of Dismal Swamp, whose waters flow into the Northwest river, and is called juniper, which shrub is abundant in this swamp, making the water of a red color, and it is considered a healthy drink. This great swamp covers an area of some three hun dred square miles, Lake Drummond being in the center of it, from which Dismal Swamp Canal is fed. The cypress and cedar grow very large here. Juniper is found in abundance, and woodbine grows wild and rank, clinging to every shrub and tree within its reach. This was formerly a great rendezvous for the run away negroes. Some would remain secreted here for months, living on game and roots. In the season when 10 110 EANDOM SKETCHES AXD corn is fit for use, they would travel miles to obtain it, and return again to their hiding places before day break. The bloodhounds were often used for hunting out these poor creatures, and when found many were shot before they would be captured. I was told this by one who had experienced it. In the same conversa tion he said his master told him he could not take care of himself, if given his liberty. He told him he was willing to try the experiment, as he and his family had from their labor supported both themselves and their master and his family; he also remarked: "Now, I say, let the negro have his freedom, and if he wont work let him root hog or die/ dese ar my sentiments." A story is told of a young man who lost his mind, upon the death of a girl he loved, and who suddenly disappearing from his friends, was never afterwards heard of. As he had frequently said, in his ravings, that the girl was not dead, but gone to the Dismal Swamp, it is supposed he hqd wandered into that dreary wilderness, and had died from hunger, or got lost in some of jts dreadful morasses. The celebrated poet, Tom Moore, while on a visit to this country, hearing the above related, composed the following verses, which give a truthful description of this dismal region: WANDERING THOUGHTS. Ill Away to the Dismal S\vamp he speeds His path was rugged and sore, Through tangled juniper, beds of reeds, Through many a fen, where the serpent feeds, And man never trod before. And when on the earth he sunk to sleep, If slumber his eyelids knew, He lay, where the deadly vine doth weep Its venomous tear and nightly steep The flesh with blistering dew: And near him the she-wolf stirr d the brake, And the copper-snake breathed in his ear, Till he starting cried, from his dream awake, " Oh ! when shall I see the dusky Lake, And the white canoe of my dear 1 " He saw the Lake, and a meteor bright Quick over its surface play d "Welcome," he said, "my dear one s light," And the dim shore echoed, for many a night, The name of the death-cold maid. Till he hollow d a boat of the birchen bark, Which carried him off from shore ; Far, for he follow d the meteor spark, The wind was high and the clouds were dark, And the boat returned no more. But oft, from the Indian hunter s camp, This lover and maid so true Are seen at the hour of midnight damp, To cross the Lake by a fire- fly lamp, And paddle their white canoe. 112 IVAXDOM SKETCHES AXD Our flag presentation took place to-day. The regi ment was formed in a hollow square, and our Colonel stated briefly the object of the parade. The drum corps played the Star Spangled Banner, when the flag was brought forward and Captain Ballard made the following presentation remarks : I " Colonel, Officers and Soldiers of the 81st Regiment : " The morning I left home for the regiment, I was handed one hundred dollars by Mr. Ingcrsoll, of Lee, Oneida county, to purchase a flag for our regiment. It was an unexpected event, to me, and in my embarrass ment and thankfulness I am afraid I did not make a suitable acknowledgment for the gift. "It may be proper here for me to say a few words in regard to Mr. and Mrs. Ingersoll, for I apprehend they are in company in this, as they are in every other good work, although but one of their names appears in the letter of presentation. "The great Sahara of human selfishness and avarice is all dotted with green and fertile spots, where the weary traveler finds encouragement, refreshment and repose, and the remembrance remains in his heart. The home of the ones who make this gift is one of the oases in life s desert, among the many who are half dis- WANDERING THOUGHTS. 113 loyal, among the many who make noisy, but empty pro fessions of their faith in our final triumph. They are those who show their faith by their works; they are emphatically, and devotedly, the friend of the soldier and the soldier s family. In their homes are shown what age, youth and woman can do, when inspired by patriotism and a love of right, to help preserve our National life. From the first outbreak of the rebellion their hands and purses have been the servants of their prayers. The dearest object of their affections has not been counted too dear for an offering to their country. It is not an exaggeration, when I affirm that in this struggle had every Northern man, and every Northern woman, worked with a zeal and an energy like theirs, before this time war s bloody tide would have been stayed, and thousands who have perished, and will yet perish on the battle field, might have been spared, to bring comfort and gladness to their homes. "It has been said that ( A thing of beauty is a joy forever. The American flag is a thing of beauty; beautiful in its chaste simplicity; beautiful because it is the emblem of Liberty, Union, Justice, and Equality; and there is an additional beauty imparted to it when presented as now, in this our country s hour of peril and trial, by those who possess loyal hearts. *10 114 RANDOM SKETCHES AND "We are in arms to-day to fight, if necessary, that the flag may retain its proud pre-eminence among the nations of the earth, and that it may be a joy forever, to all people, even to those who shall till the fertile fields of the South. By every effort in its power, in the future as in the past, may the Eighty-First see to it in regard to our country and its free institutions, in regard to our gallant dead, in regard to the loyal living at home, in the field and on the sea, in regard to future generations, and the estimable lady who makes us this gift, may the Eighty-First New York see to it that no dishonor stains its folds." To which our Colonel made the following reply: " Captain Bollard: "In behalf of the regiment which I have the honor to command, allow me to say that I was not a little surprised and delighted on hearing from you that we had in our very camp, surrounded as we are by the enemies of our country, a new and beautiful Star Spangled Banner ; coming as it does at this opportune moment, being destitute of a suitable banner around which to rally in the hour of battle, and at a distance from the headquarters of the Department to which we are attached, and in sight of those who would trample WANDERING THOUGHTS. 115 it under their feet, should the opportunity offer, which may God forbid. By the strong arm of the Eighty- First New York, it is more than welcome. "That flag presented to us by a representative of the fair sex, will be doubly dear to us; it being an emblem of the Union of States not only, but of hearts and hands/ Every time we gaze on its azure field, may we call to mind our brothers, wives, sweethearts and sisters that we have left behind, and remember that we, in defending that ensign, are protecting from invasion the firesides of our loved ones at home. In accepting this National emblem from Mrs. E. C. Ingersoll, in behalf of py command, I can but feebly express to her, through you, our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for this donation at this time; no one thing could be received by us of more importance; and I trust that each and every member of this regiment will consecrate himself anew to the work in which we are engaged; and may this beautiful flag never be pol luted by the touch of traitor hands. "And now, fellow soldiers, one and all, it remains for you to say whether this flag, respected and honored by all the nations of the earth, far and near, shall be saved from disgrace at home. Your silence tells me in language not to be mistaken that each of you, if 116 KANDOM SKETCHES AND needs be, will lay down his life to defend it to the last from enemies abroad and traitors at home. " Captain, I thank you, we all thank you, and that Heaven s choicest blessing may descend on the donor is the fervent prayer of him who has the honor to lead this noble band of our country s defenders/ " The flag was then placed in the hands of Sergeant Michcls, of Company E. On motion of our Surgeon, three cheers were given for the flag, after which the Chaplain asked a blessing on the donor and the regiment, in future. The companies were ordqped to their respective street, and stood at "parade rest" while the drum corps played the sunset retreat, to the tune of Sweet Afton. The scene was beautiful, the music most charming, and when its last echo had died far away amid the lofty cedars and twining woodbine of Dismal Swamp, we returned to our quarters and partook of a hearty supper which our French cook had prepared for us. Our regiment becoming short of rations, obliged us to resort to foraging. A detail was made and put under the command of an officer, who went out some three miles from our camp and captured a number of hogs and beef cattle. They were owned by a disloyal WANDERING THOUGHTS. 117 citizen, named Wilson, who protested against having them slaughtered, as they were all he had for his win ter s use, and he was much afraid he would starve if they were taken. We told him necessity knew no law, and without further parleying, the hogs were shot. The boys yoking the cattle to his cart and wagon brought them to camp, where they were skinned, dressed and distributed to the different companies. In the meantime Wilson went to Norfolk and took the oath of allegiance. A few days after he came to our camp and asked pay for his property. I told him that we did not pay cash, but would give him a receipt for the number of pounds of pork and beef received, in the name of the United States Government, which he seemed willing to take. Across the face of the receipt I wrote, with red ink, "disloyal citizen" which he at the time did not notice. After he returned home he examined it more closely, and found he had been classed as a rebel, which did not seem to suit him. The next morning he came to my quarters and asked me to change the receipt, as he had taken the oath of allegiance. I told him I could not do that, for at the time his property was taken he recognized the Con federate Government as paramount to the one at Washington, which I represented. He left with a sad 118 RANDOM SKETCHES AND countenance, seeming to think his receipt would be of little use a wiser, if not a better man. The clouds look gray to-day, and the air is chilly, indicating the approach of a cold storm. Our men have commenced rebuilding the bridge across North west river, which will take some days to complete. This afternoon, while writing, I heard martial music in the distance, which soon aroused the whole camp. An officer came galloping in, and announced to us the arrival of the 5th United States colored troops, on their way to North Carolina. The music sounded beautiful, which was to the tune of " We are marching along." One company of black zouaves accompanied them as far as our camp. This company was drumming up recruits for the 10th Virginia regiment, which was then being organized at Norfolk. Their dress is very attractive, which induces many to join their ranks. The negroes are flocking around the old flag by hundreds ; soon we shall have an army of them, suffi cient to cope with the thinned ranks of the rebels. They make good soldiers, can endure hardships and privations, and love Liberty and their homes. "The naked negro panting on the line, Boasts of his golden sands, and palmy wine ; Such is the patriot s boast where e er we roam ; His first, best country, ever is his own." WANDERING THOUGHTS. 119 This afternoon the Surgeon, Chaplain and myself, took aTide on horseback, about two miles beyond our picket and videt posts, to a place called Hickory Ground ; on our return we found a grove of persimmon trees, which were loaded with fruit. I rode under one of the trees, stood on my saddle, and ate my fill. They are of a most delicious flavor when ripe; but before they are matured, the most bitter fruit 1 ever tasted; the trees resemble the hickory, and the fruit that of small rotten apples, the flavor; that of a date. The natives here use the fruit for beer; and it is said to be good for fevers. On our return we took a by-road, which brought us out of the woods in sight of a small house. "We drove up to the door and found it was occupied by two ladies, who had just commenced housekeeping; they invited us to call again, when they got settled. We drove down the road bout half a mile, and returned on a full gallop, soon reaching the w r oods, just beyond the house. A few moments after one of our officers was fired on from the rear of the house. No doubt the Bushwhacker was in the house at the time we were conversing with the ladies. That night a scouting party of fifty men went out about eight miles, as far as Indian Creek, and at day- 120 RANDOM SKETCHES AND light arrested a number, and brought them into camp for examination, but could find no clue to the ekmy. To-night is cold and cheerless; the moon shines brightly, and nought is heard except the sentinel s tread as he walks his lonely beat. In these silent hours of the night the heart wanders back to home and loved ones there, but soon returns, unsatisfied with imagina tive enjoyment, and then it dreams of its early boyhood and the fond associations of those dreamy days of youth when wandering along the banks of the Mohawk in my native valley; all those fond recollections come pressing upon my mind. What would I not give were it possible to recall back one hour one single hour over whose memory many tears have been shed. How I would love to view again those pleasant scenes where I was delighted, before hope was seen glimmering through a dark and misty future. To-night the old school house presents itself to my mind, with its windbreaks of pines which sur round it, and the fleshy and jolly old schoolmaster, who used his whip so freely over our backs, to make us respect his position. Near by was a little cottage hemmed in by trees, and underneath the shades of one was an old well with its "Old Oaken Bucket," from which I have drank many a draft of cool water on a THOUGHTS. 121 hot summer s day ; here once lived a happy heart, now passed away. I see the old mill, with its brook still serenely flow ing the old miller long since gone to rest; there is my native city in the distance, lying quietly among the hills that skirt the Mohawk, with its tall spires silently tracing life s changeful story, and pointing to those who have fled and gone to rest; further on, in the distance, I see the river moving in silent majesty, on its way to the sea; on the hillside is the old family graveyard, where lies the remains of one who was dear, and around which spot niy heart still clings. It is my mother s grave. Near by my little sister rests; it is long since she died; yet the scenes are fresh before me; how plainly I see her still, and methinks I am wandering with her on the play ground, but which is no longer pleasant, for the happy heart that enjoyed it so fully has passed forever from my sight. The trees have grown old; the flowers have faded and withered, and I shall see their bright smiles no more. The remembrance of by-gone days, almost destroys my happiness; vainly have I hoped to still the mur- murings of my heart, forgetting in the stern realities of the present, those fond days of the past; still hope is with me, and when every tie that binds me to earth 11 122 EANDOM SKETCHES AXD is broken, when life appears a dreary waste, and every stream that feeds the heart is dried up, still this magic fountain continues to play, whose murmurs are music to my weary soul. I hear stray shots on our picket line. The long roll is sounded, which brings our regiment into line, and four companies are dispatched to different points. The following morning brought us the news that a large rebel force had crossed at South Mills, on the Pasquatank river, and were advancing on General Wilde, whose colored brigade were raiding through that section of the country. Our Colonol dispatched a squadron of cavalry, under command of our Major, who advanced as far as Curratuck Court House, and found the General with five hundred troops, ready to march toward our camp, having sent the other portion of his brigade by different routes to Norfolk, with their contrabands and spoils. He arrived at our camp about midnight, with a train of seventy wagons and carts, of all descriptions. The moon shone brightly as they passed; every vehicle had from three to six negroes of different sizes; it reminded me of the story I had read of Moses 7 flight out of Egypt, they bringing their masters mules, oxen and carts with them. They bivouaced in a wood near WANDERING THOUGHTS. 123 by. The weather was quite cold. We made the children as comfortable as our means would allow. I surrendered a part of my quarters to the women who had small babes. General Wilde and staff were our guests during their stay. We gave them a backwoods supper, which consisted of coffee, bear meat and potatoes; they had lain by their camp fires for the last two weeks, and were much fatigued. The General is a tall, slender man, with one arm, the other having been shot off at the battle of Antietam ; he is a thorough Anti-Slavery man, and is proud of his command. At Indian Town, North Carolina, he had a fight with a large band of guerillas, killing and wounding many of them; he hung one of them to the limbs of a tree, and burned their camps, many of which he found back from the road, in swamps, and had to march his men single file over fallen trees to reach them. One of his men was cap tured, and he took the wife of a Lieutenant of the band as a hostage for his safe delivery, declaring she should meet the same fate. The ammunition that was found was marked " Birmingham, Eng." This shows British neutrality, with a vengeance. The shortest days of the year are now with us, bringing long dreary nights. Our pickets are again 124 RANDOM SKETCHES AND firing. I took my gun and went out with a party, and found they had shot a poor negro woman, who, from fear of being captured, had run away from home and her little ones, and through her ignorance, not halting when demanded by the sentinel, received her death wound. Her husband and a number of other plantation hands had been run over the lines during the day by emissaries of the Confederate Government. The poor woman was brought to camp, and soon after ward died. During the night her husband escaped and came into camp, where he found his dead wife. This was for the love of freedom. " Yet it may be more lofty courage dwells In one weak heart which braves an adverse fate, Than his whose ardent soul indignant swells, "Warmed for the fight, or cheered through high debate." The next day a party of soldiers w r ere sent to the place where those negroes lived. Off in the woods was found a guerilla rendezvous. They burned all the buildings, leaving it a scene of desolation. Old Year s day has arrived, and the scenes around us, which we lately beheld, have assumed a new and chilly aspect. The trees are shorn of their foliage ; the fields have lost their verdure, and the wild shrubbery \YANDEEING THOUGHTS. 125 yields no perfume. Autumn, like a friend in adversity, is now forsaking us ; everything around looks dead, and the sweet song of birds will not be heard again till spring time returns. Winter has its pleasures, even in camp. The boys congregate around their camp fires, and tell their youthful stories, their past pleasures, and their antici pations for the future. The long and tedious marches are abandoned, and winter quarters taken, in place of bivouacing in open fields, or woody glens. Although the life of a soldier is one of toil, hard ship and privation, still there is a charm in it that influences all of an enthusiastic or daring disposition. When the soldier is exhausted by fatiguing marches, or overcome by the heat of a Southern sun, he may at times sigh for a return to a life of ease, and long for the quietness of home, and its domestic comforts; but ^en the joys of meeting friends, and visiting old familiar haunts, are over, he again wishes to return to the exciting scenes of the soldiers life in the field. To day we have had a proof of this, in our own camp, as^ over one half of our veteran men have re-enlisted for the war. It has been remarked that war unfits men for peace, and anxious fears are entertained that it will be impos- ( 126 KANDOM SKETCHES AND sible for our armies in the field to lead peaceful lives, after this great struggle is over. I have no fears as to such a result, although they dare face the enemy s can non, and the rattle of musketry, still they are humane and law abiding citizens, whose sympathies are easily excited, even to tears. Such are the true qualities of a noble and daring heart. Then who would not be a soldier? especially when engaged in such a grand and righteous cause. 1 have just visited the pickets on the distant out posts. Along a lonely and scarcely beaten path I walked. Not a murmur was heard. The gray clouds had deepened into night; the pale moon had not yet risen from her accustomed repose to light my footsteps. On my return I am challenged by our pickets at the river side. A voice is heard to say: "Who comes there?" "A friend with the countersign," is the reply. The command is to halt, and advance oge step, while the sentinel receives it from you, with the bayonet at your breast; this is the routine, with either ^friend or foe. The midnight alarm often brings the soldier from his happy repose ; but he is ever ready and willing to meet the foe of his country. He is often sent through the country far beyond the picket and videt posts, to WANDERING THOUGHTS. 127 watch the movements of the enemy, through drenching rains and chilly winds, night after night, having no shelter except that which nature affords, with his gun secured under his arm ; here in solitude he whiles away many a tedious night, while the stars are kindly smiling, and the flowers are weeping tears of dew; then his thoughts are roaming, thinking of by-gones, still there are griefs in his bosom he cannot quell; no heart near beating in sympathy with his, and no kiss greets him with morning dawn ; but hope springs up in his heart that a message will come from some dear loved one, to revive his almost drooping spirit. Homesickness creeps on, as he watches day by day for these comforters of his lonely heart, he becomes discouraged oftentimes, and then deserts; men call him a coward, when he is only starving for sympathy. We should deal kindly with such, for each heart has its own sorrows, which earth cannot always dispel. 128 KANDOM SKETCHES AND 1864. THE 1st of January is with us. Here we are pent up in our canvas houses, shivering before our little fire, giving us ample time to reflect on the events of the past year, and the great uncertainty of the future. It is a lovely morning; the sun in its majestic splendor has left the horizon, and is climbing the imaginable arc overhead ; the air is piercing cold, instinctively bringing us near the burning embers. The river near by is frozen over, the ice looking like polished glass on which the boys are sporting. This is New Year s morning, but I can scarcely realize it, here in the backwoods of Virginia; but when I hear the greeting of " Happy New Year," I am reminded of by-gone pleasures and unalloyed happi ness which I enjoyed beneath the paternal roof. War has deprived us all here of the pleasant asso ciations which so often greeted us on the happy New Year s morning. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 129 Our respective friends might all enjoy a visit here to-day, to see our cainp, and the comforts of camp life near this great Dismal Swamp, if there are any. The tents are neatly arranged on the streets, and mounted on log cabins, with doors on the street front, and chim neys on the rear, built with barrels, towering high, for flues, with the smoke from them curling upwards. As you enter a dwelling so rudely constructed, and inquiringly scrutinize the interior, a couch mounted on poles attracts your attention, and perhaps on it lies a lazy inmate; he may be smoking, or engaged in social amusement, having a game of cribbage or euchre with his comrade, to dispel thoughts of home. In one corner stands his faithful musket, from which has issued many a deadly missile, aimed at the heart of traitors; in another corner stands a rustic rack, whereon hangs a canteen, towel, haversack and looking glass ; also a pipe and tobacco in a pouch near by. Under the couch you may see a box of hard tack and a piece of pork, with the grease running from it, all ready prepared, for a march. With all these camp comforts the soldiers winter quarters are dreary and monotonous; and nothing is so inspiring as a good social letter, especially from the "family." Newspapers are always welcome, and are * X 130 KANDOM SKETCHES AND eagerly sought for by the soldiers, and read, even to the advertisements, with an interest little dreamed of by the kind friends at home, who send them. This morning a party of fifty men went out on a guerilla hunt; when near Indian Creek Bridge, they saw off in the woods an old building, which was said to be a guerilla* rendezvous. They cleared the house of its inmates, |ind set fire to it, also the outbuildings, laying them all in ashes; in a stack of corn fodder near by was found a double barreled gun, loaded with shot and ball, which, no doubt, was hid there for use against the Yankees. This afternoon our veteran recruits were sworn in for another three years; they are to receive a bounty of eight hundred and seventy-five dollars. Everything is quiet in camp, with the exception of occasional firing on our pickets, and it is rumored that the enemy are advancing on us, by way of South Mills. February is very mild and pleasant thus far. To day we commemorated* the birthday of WASHINGTON, and to-night we have received an order from Major General Butler to report to our Governor, at Albany, New York, for the purpose of enjoying a furlough of thirty da^s in our native State. This brings joy to I WANDERING THOUGHTS. 131 many an old soldier, some of whom have not seen their families in over two years, and they are almost wild with delight at the prospect of a speedy reunion with friends at home. This morning, the 23d of February, we take up our line of march for Norfolk. At sundown the regi ment bivouaced near Great Bridge, and resumed their march in the morning, arriving at the defences of Nor folk late in the afternoon, where they bivouaced in the fields two nights, awaiting the arrival of transports from New York. On the 27th, our whole brigade embarked on board transports, the Eighty-First on board the Prometheus, the Ninety-Sixth on the Cambria, and the Ninety- Eighth on the New Jersey. It was noon when we weighed anchor and set sail for Hampton Roads. At sundown we cast anchor off Fortress Monroe; a heavy sea was setting in and we dare not venture out that night; it blew a perfect gale during the night. Morning s dawn brought a change of wind, and at sunrise we set sail for the briny deep. "We soon rounded Cape Charles, bound northward. The next morning we found we were off Jersey shore, passing Cape May with her monstrous hotels in the distance. This is a great resort for Northerners during 132 RANDOM SKETCHES AND the summer months. The highlands of New Jersey are beautiful, standing up boldly from the ocean bed, as if to defy the rolling billows, as they come beating against them. Away off in the distance is seen Neversink, one of the finest elevations in America, with its peaks tower ing to the sky, and on its summit stands a beautiful lighthouse, throwing its rays of fire off on the briny ocean, giving the mariner light to avoid the shallow waters, where thousands have been wrecked, and many lost, never to tell their fate. The sea became calm as our vessel neared the main land, giving us a delightful view of the beautiful scenery which presents itself on either shore, as AVC sail up the channel which brings the traveler to the great Emporium of America. As we sail up we see the defences of New York and its surroundings, which are immense fortifications of stonework and earth, on which are mounted not less than three hundred guns, some of which are of the largest caliber. We anchored off Castle Garden; the sun was at its meridian; the waters were quiet, without a ripple on their surface; the sky as beautiful as was ever seen from Oriental shore. This was the last day of winter, but one of the lovliest of the year. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 133 Our Colonel, Adjutant, and myself, went ashore in a small boat, and reported to the commanding officer of the Department. The next day, which was the 1st of March, our troops disembarked, and proceeded to the Park bar racks, where they found good quarters for two days, and in the meantime were reviewed by the Mayor and Common Council, in front of the City Hall; from there we were escorted to Union Square, by the Eighth and Thirty-Seventh New York National Guard, and were again reviewed, by General Burnside ; after which the brigade marched to the National Armory, and par took of a collation; from thence we marched to the Hudson River Railroad and took the cars for Albany, arriving there the next morning. On the following day we were reviewed by the Governor and Legislature, and addressed by Speaker Alvord, in fitting terms. In the evening the regiment took the cars for Oswego, where we were received the following afternoon, in a most sumptuous manner by the citizens of that loyal city. The day had been wet and exceedingly unpleasant, but our arrival brougttfc out an immense crowd, which filled the streets; although exposed to a drizzling rain, 12 134 RANDOM SKETCHES AND they were eager to catch a glimpse of the returned veterans. We were received amid the cheers of the multitude. The merry pealing of the bells, and roar of cannon told our welcome. We were escorted to Babcock s Block, by the National Guards and the several fire companies of the city, from the balcony of which we were welcomed in behalf of the civil authorities, by Mayor Grant, as follows: Officers and Soldiers: As the executive officer of this city, I have been requested to congratulate you on your safe return to your homes, and to extend to you that cordial wel come which a grateful and generous people are ever ready to bestow on the brave defenders of their rights, and the liberties of their country. To me, personally, it is a great pleasure to be the medium of communicating the high appreciation of your townsmen and fellow citizens, of your heroic deeds, your gallantry, and noble bearing as soldiers. You came not unheralded ; you have not been forgotten while absent; the eyes of your immediate friends and fellow citizens have been upon you. Already have they watched you, and deeply fiavc they sympathized with you in your long and fatiguing marches, your WANDEKING THOUGHTS. 135 exposure and self denial, your patient endurance of the hardships, perils and deprivations of a soldier s life, as well as the determined spirit and unflinching bravery exhibited on the battle field, in the midst of death, carnage, and the war of artillery; when your brave fellows and compatriots were falling around you like the ripe grain before the sickle. We are happy to greet and welcome you beneath these gloriously dilapidated flags of the noble Eighty- First. If they are tattered and torn, pierced and blood stained, they have never been soiled by the unhallowed hands of the enemy. Under these flags fell the gallant McAmbly. Most nobly have you sustained and bravely defended them; we are proud of you, and honor and respect you. Officers and soldiers, your record is a glorious one, that of participating in the attack, bombardment and capture of Yorktown, in the bloody battle of Williams- burgh, in the fatigue and inevitable hardships of the camp, the march, and battles of the Peninsula, in the unavoidable exposure, and intense suffering in the swamps of the Chickahominy, in valiantly and success fully sustaining the attack and holding the position against a vastly superior force of the enemy for three and a half hours, in the unequal yet glorious encounter 136 RANDOM SKETCHES AXD of Fair Oaks, in which heroic and sanguinary battle about eighteen hundred of your brave comrades were slain or wounded, out of five thousand. In the terrible and glorious seven days fight of that memorable and skillful retreat to James river, you occupying the rear position in that successful move ment, your embarkation for South Carolina, and your trip to the Dismal Swamp, are all convincing proofs as to your loyalty to your country. Amid the hilarity and the convivial congratulations of this proud and glorious day, is to be seen the evidences of real sadness interspersed among this assembly; the mournful eye beholds the remnant of this once full but now decimated regiment with feelings of sorrow and affliction, with the only consoling reflec tion that the slain valiantly sacrificed their lives in behalf of their country s cause. Their return we can not welcome, but their daring deeds, their patriotic devotion to their country, its Constitution and laws, and to the good old Union under which we have become so popular and powerful a people, are engraven in letters of living light upon the hearts of their coun trymen, and their memory will be hallowed by future generations. It has been your fortune to escape the terrible fate which befel so many of your comnuU-s, WANDERING THOUGHTS. 137 and once more to visit your homes, and again embrace the dear ones who have so anxiously and constantly awaited your return. The exhibition of public respect and feeling mani fested by this large gathering of your fellow citizens, who have come together to do you honor, is a flatter ing testimonial of their confidence and high regard for you. The noble cause in which you are engaged has had much to do in rousing up and bringing forth this demonstration of public sentiment. A great outrage had been perpetrated on the flag and liberties of our country. The execrable and intolerable dogma of the right of secession of munici palities was proclaimed, the Union was separated, the Constitution entirely disregarded, and the laws set at defiance ; treason raised her hydra-head, open rebellion announced, and civil war with all its horrors was inaugurated. The country called for troops and, to your honor will it ever be credited, you answered promptly, and voluntarily offered your lives upon your country s altar, and for the preservation of her liberties. The people deem it to be a duty, as it is a pleasure, thus to give a befitting reception to their brave defenders. This duty we shall ever be happy to *12 138 RANDOM SKETCHES AND perform as long as there is an absent soldier to return ; and our joy and gratitude at your return is only marred by the recollection of the absent faces left behind. Well has the Poet said : " Princes and Lords may flourish, or may fade, A breath can make them, as a breath has made, But a brave soldier is his country s pride, Once destroyed can never be supplied." About three years ago a wicked and gigantic rebel lion was projected and inaugurated, to sever and destroy this then happy and glorious Republic. Our laws were violated, our shipping, our forts, our munitions of war, and our revenues, were seized by the ruthless hands of misguided men, in open acts of sedition and conspiracy. Even our noble flag, the priceless legacy handed down to us by our illustrous ancestors, was most insultingly fired upon. A civil and vindictive war being thus instigated, you, with others, most nobly offered your services, your lives, your all, in your coun try s cause. Your achievements, your heroism, your perils in war, your comrades fallen on the battle field, all, all will be recorded in the history of your country, and the glorious Eighty-First will live on the historic pages, when those here assembled shall be no more. WANDEBINQ THOUGHTS. 139 The tountry has again called for troops. Your friends and fellow citizens, knowing your gallantry, and lofty devotion to your country and to the cause so dear to your hearts, have solicited a renewal of your services, in these times of imminent peril, relying con fidently upon your cheerful acquiescence in the demand and wants of your Government. Noble and veteran warriors! correctly did they judge that you possessed the patriotism, courage and indomitable spirit of our Revolutionary sires; that you would again volunteer to participate in the hard ships, perils, toils and bloody conflicts necessary to quell this rebellion For this purpose you have cheer fully re-enlisted for three years more. For this "great sacrifice and devotion to the rights and interests of your countrj we cannot repay the debt of gratitude we owe you, by any act of ours. With joy and pleasure do the multitude here assembled hail and congratulate your return. If your return has produced this delight and raised this senti ment of public respect, with what real, heartfelt grati tude and enthusiasm will your fellow citizens receive the intelligence that your patriotism has prompted you again to volunteer, and to re-enter upon this terrible strife, and see it through to the bitter end. 140 RANDOM SKETCHES AND Officers and soldiers, for this great sacrifice of yours, as well as for your former achievements, you have our thanks, our unfeigned gratitude ; our most ardent desire and sincere wish is that your future career may be as prosperous and successful as the undertaking is praise worthy and glorious. May success attend you in every effort; may the fortunes of war be with you in every undertaking, and may all of you live to return again to your friends, after having conquered a peace, quelled the rebellion, restored the Union, maintained the Con stitution, and vindicated the outraged law T s. You have enlisted in a glorious cause; in it you have our ardent desires for a successful and triumphant termination. May your movements be guided by wise counsels, and your progress be onward, and forward, until the last rebel is forced to lay down his arms, sue for mercy, and ask for an honorable peace. Finally, in the name, and also in behalf of your numerous friends, and of all such as are dear to you, I bid you, a most hearty welcome. The Mayor s adddress was received by the boys with enthusiastic cheers. Our Colonel, in behalf of the regiment responded as follows : WANDERING THOUGHTS. 141 Mr. Mayor, Members of the Common Council and Citi- . zens of Oswego : Allow me, in behalf of the gallant Eighty-First New York State Volunteers, to tender you a soldier s thanks for the spontaneous outburst of warm hearted feeling manifested by this enthusiastic reception, by the masses of this goodly city. If the people of Oswego are satisfied with our course, we feel amply .repaid for all our sacrifices and sufferings. In making and enduring them, we feel that we have only done our duty to our country in this her hour of peril ; and, sir, we have not only done all that has been asked of us, but we have, after carefully canvassing the matter, determined to return to the field and do all we can for three years to come, if needed. Allow me % , sir, to refer to the time when those tat tered and worn colors that now adorn the platform on which you stand, were presented in yonder park. Two years have elapsed, yet the sentiments of the Hon. Mr. Fitzhugh, uttered on that occasion, are still ringing in our ears: "Go boys, go, and sustain the glorious Stars and Stripes, just presented to you, and you not only, but your children will bless the day, and feel proud when they remember that their fathers helped to crush out bhe great rebellion of 1861." That 142 RANDOM SKETCHES AXD * sentence, sir, will continue to prompt us to action, and if we, like others that have left ffefore us, should not return at the next return of the Eighty-First, you will do us honor by saying, that by our blood was our nation brought to life. Again let us thank you for this kind reception. Cheer upon cheer was given for the Eighty-First by the surrounding multitude, and responded to by the boys, when they marched to Doolittle Hall. Here the ladies of Oswego had been busy during the day, preparing a banquet for the veterans which was a grand affair. The hall was decorated with flags, and while the veterans were partaking of the good things which the table afforded, the band discoursed delightful music, and the ladies made themselves attentive in waiting on the care worn soldiers, many of whom were the wives, daughters and sisters of these men. After the cloth was removed, speeches were made by a number of the officers, complimenting the ladies of Oswego for their kind reception, and telling them how anxious t^ey were to return and receive their smiles and best wishes. It was midnight before all the audience left, yet the tables were well supplied *vith refreshments. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 143 The following day our men were furloughed* for thirty days, to visit their respective homes, while the officers were detailed on recruiting service, all of whom were to report at Fort Ontario, on the 1st of April. Our regiment rendezvoused at Fort Ontario, from the 1st to the 12th of April, and then left by rail for Albany, arriving there the next morning, and at night took the steamer St. John for New York. On our arrival there we proceeded to the Park Barracks, where we remained two days, and then embarked on board the transport Ericson, for Fortress Monroe, where we arrived on Sunday evening after a delightful voyage of forty-eight hours. We lay at anchor until morning, when we were ordered to Yorktown with our whole brigade. I was ordered to Northwest Landing, our old camp, for a detachment of our regiment, and our camp equippage. I left Norfolk at midnight, on horseback, for our camp, arriving there at daylight, having had a very lonely ride, sleeping part of the time on my horse, that faith ful animal, who brought me through in safety. The troops, and seven loads of baggage, started for Great Bridge ; myself and detail awaited the return of the teams, with seven others, which were to be sent me 144 RANDOM SKETCHES AXD by the way of Deep Creek, from Portsmouth. The next morning we left our winter quarters, with thir teen loads, direct for Norfolk, arriving there at sun down. At midnight we were all on board the steamer Webster, bound for Yorktown, where we arrived the following morning, and the old members of the Eighty- First were united with the re-enlisted veterans, who were encamped on the plain, just outside of the forti fications, nearly on the same spot which we had occu pied after the retreat from Harrison s Landing, in August, 1862. It is the last of April, and the weather is quite mild. We have received orders to send all our lug gage to Norfolk, except so much as can be put in a small valise, which each officer will be allowed trans portation for, during our active spring campaign. The 18th Army Corps is rendezvoused at this place, at Gloucester Point. On the opposite side of the river lays the 10th Army Corps, which has just arrived from the Department of the South, where they have been for the last year hammering at the gates of Charleston, and reducing Fort Sumter. The entire force is commanded by Major General B. F. Butler, who is a particular friend of Jefferson Davis and the Southern ladies. I hope he may be WANDEKING THOUGHTS. 145 privileged soon to issue some of his New Orleans orders in the city of Kichmond, where they are so much needed; also to release our prisoners from Libby and Belle Isle, who are now starving. The Thirty- Eighth Pennsylvania passed through our camp, having a tame bear with them, weighing about three hundred pounds ; it is kept by the boys as a pet, and has been with them ever since the regiment took the field. This is a beautiful May day. The sun is high in the heavens, throwing its genial rays over hill and plain. The cold winds have ceased to blow, and quiet spring has returned again with her verdant fields and balmy air. The fruit trees are all in blow; the buds which have been so long concealed, have burst forth from their winter prison, giving joy to every eye. Just two years ago to-day Yorktown was evacuated by the rebel army, under General Magruder, and our forces under General McClellan, entered it triumph antly, planting our flag on the ramparts, which has floated there ever since. We leave Yorktown to-day, which is the 4th of May, on board of transports; our destination is yet unknown. It is a grand sight to see so many trans ports, loaded with troops, and the Stars and Stripes 13 146 RANDOM SKETCHES AND floating from so many mastheads. During the night we anchored off Fortress Monroe, and in the morning our transport, John A. Warner, set her bow up the James river. The sun rose beautiful, and a more splendid May morning I have never beheld. Not less than seventy- five transports, of various sizes, accompanied the expe dition, with probably not less than thirty-five thousand men on board. The James river is wide and deep; its banks are high and well studded with wood. Occasionally is seen a country residence through the thick foliage. This is one of the finest rivers in .America/and witli Northern enterprize could be made to compare favora bly with the Hudson, in point of commerce, but not in variety of scenery. A portion of our troops are disembarking at Fort Pochahontas, on the east side. Here lay the far-famed rebel craft, Atlanta, which was taken by our gunboats at the mouth of Savannah river. She is a splendid ironclad, carrying eight guns, with an iron cased roof over them. We reached Bermuda Hundred at sundown. The troops were hastily landed, and our regiment marched out about a mile, and bivouaced in a wheat field for WANDEEING THOUGHTS. 147 the night. I sought shelter with my horse under a holly tree. Here lay together for the night all our field and staff officers, with their horses by them, with nothing but the earth to rest upon. We flanked our selves with rails from a fence near by, to prevent the passing troops from running over us. Revielle was sounded, and orders given us to march in fifteen minutes, in which time we had to boil our coffee, and eat our pork and hard tack. Soon our Corps was on the march for the Peters burg and Richmond Railroad, which lay within ten miles of us. Our regiment marched about six miles, and encamped. About two o clock heavy firing com menced on our front. The Colonel, Adjutant and myself went forward. On our way we met General Butler and staff; we saluted him, which compliment was returned by the General, who stopped a few minutes for conversation, and informed us that the troops on our right had carried an elevated point, near the railroad, which was an important position. The day was very warm, but our troops were in fine spirits, and felt confident of holding their ground. This morning, May 9th, we received orders to be ready at daylight, with one day s rations and sixty rounds of ammunition. At sunrise the whole army 148 RANDOM SKETCHES AND commenced to move. During the afternoon sharp firing was heard on the right and left; at midnight our left wing was attacked by the Twenty-Fifth South Carolina regiment. They engaged the Twenty-Fifth Massachusetts, who drove them back with the point of their bayonets, with great slaughter. I saw the dead lay in heaps on the field. After the fight I took a walk along the railroad, and found the Third Brigade bending the rails and burning the ties. I went through the woods about a mile, and came upon a turnpike, which led to Richmond; this is the best road I have seen in the South. Some very heavy firing commenced on the right of our line, which caused our left to be drawn in. We built a barricade across the railroad, to prevent the rebels seeing us withdraw our force, which was done in good order, leaving General Beauregard without an enemy in his front, and returned to our entrenchments. Many fell out by the wayside, exhausted and overcome with the heat. The woods were on fire, spreading over an immense territory, destroying everything in its way. We are again ordered to march at daylight. Bc:ui- regard has left Violet Station, where our last battle was fought, and has taken his troops to Richmond. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 149 Our forces are on his heels, driving him at double- quick, and we are already within nine miles of the rebel capital. We have succeeded in taking the first line of rifle pits, and our right is within two miles of Fort Darling. It has been raining for four days, and our troops have lain in the trenches all this time, under fire of the enemy, with very little to eat. Our greatest want at present is vegetables. Symptoms of scurvy are now prevalent, and many of us have sore mouths. Our rations for the last ten days have been hard tack, salt pork and coffee. This kind of diet, and lying on the damp earth at night, is rather unwholesome, but we can do no better at present; we must bear our priva tions patiently, for a soldier has no right to complain, when the Government is doing the best it can. I have returned to camp. It is the solemn hour of night; the wasting moon sheds a hallowed light upon the earth, and the stars but faintly gleam in their far distant homes. The lone sentinels pace their beats with a firm step; fear is a stranger to their breasts, nor do fancies of unseen danger fill their thoughts, for their visions are on home, and those dear loved ones who are waiting around the old hearthstones for their return. *13 150 RANDOM SKETCHES AND In the distance the plain is dotted with tents; the camp fires have ceased to burn; within the tent the soldier sleeps, dreaming not of battle fields, nor of scenes of sorrow, but of happy faces and happy days, which makes his sleep so refreshing. A deep and hollow rumbling comes wafted by the night winds, from the far end of the lines, while the echo sounds far over the plains and through deep ravines. It is the long roll the cry of " To arms ! " Next comes the cry of "Fall in! fall in!" ringing through the camp. The men obey the summons, and prepare for battle; some may tremble and turn pale, but not a word is spoken. Shadows of loved ones and home flit across their memory in quick succession. They are on the eve of battle, and they know it. Who of them will not return? With hearts stout and brave, they march silently to the conflict. Such are the scenes presented to the soldier s mind when on the eve of battle. The morning dawn brought on a general engage ment, on the right of our line, near Drury s BlufF, or Fort Darling, which soon extended along the lines, and lasted until nightfall. Many a brave man fell that day, while battling for his country. Our boys stood their ground nobly. The enemy, with their WANDERING THOUGHTS. 151 thirty thousand reinforcements from Richmond, could not drive our troops from the position which they had taken in front of the rebel works. As the declining sun was throwing its last rays on the bloody battle field, we received orders to fall back to our entrenchments. Our regiment was the last to leave the ground, which was done under the cover of night. Ere midnight our dead were buried, our wounded were all cared for, and our troops once more secure within the fortifications, between the Appo- mattox and James rivers. Our loss that day did not exceed three thousand men in killed, wounded and missing. " In fame s eternal camping ground, Their silent tents are spread, And glory guards with solemn tread The bivouac of the dead." The battle of Drury s Bluff will be long remem bered and talked of around the hearthstone of many families both North and South. This morning, at one o clock, we were aroused from our sleepy couch by heavy musketry, very near our camp, which proved that the rebels were advancing on us. After about twenty minutes firing, they fell 152 EANDOM SKETCHES AXD back, and at daylight renewed their fire with increased vigor, until sundown. They were met by our troops with a coolness seldom witnessed. At night our whole brigade commenced strengthening their works, and slashing timber in front of them, forming an abattis. At daylight the rebels sent their shot and shell whiz zing over us like hail. The night being foggy, they succeeded in planting some batteries on our flanks, and within a thousand yards of our works. I heard balls from their sharpshooters whiz over my head distinctly. The rain has commenced pouring down again. The sick call is beating, and not less than two-thirds of the regiment are excused from duty, on account of sickness, and exhaustion. I have just visited Point of Rocks. On this high cliff stands a sturdy oak, whose leaves have fallen from its boughs for more than two centuries, and under whose shade tradition says Pochahontas saved the life of Captain Smith, when her father, Powhattan, was about to sacrifice him to gratify his savage band. A most delightful view is seen from this rock of the Appomattox, as it winds its way through the high bluffs which skirt it on either shore. Its bed is inter spersed with islands covered* with dense foliage, which presents a very picturesque appearance. In the far WANDEEING THOUGHTS. 153 distance is seen Petersburg, quietly nestling among the highlands of the Appomattox, with her spires point ing heavenward, and the smoke of her factories hang ing like mist around her dwellings. Here is also a fine old farm house, formerly the residence of an F. F. V. ; at present Uncle Sam occu pies it for a hospital. The former occupant left it suddenly, on our arrival here; no doubt thinking Secesh air would be more congenial to his feelings. An ice house was found here, well filled with that article, which was much needed for the sick and wounded soldiers, which at this time was a God-send to us. This ice was made in the winter; it was taken from the river and put together in layers, and then frozen, which made good solid ice. On my return I rode along the lines of our earth works, to the James river, and suddenly came upon a group of officers sitting on its banks. I learned it was General Butler and staff, watching the movements of the enemy, who were trying to erect some batteries on the opposite shore. In the river just beneath our feet, lay several iron clads, which occasionally threw a shell at the enemy. On the opposite side I saw beautiful wheat fields, and a delightful country; the ravages of war had not 154 RANDOM SKETCHES AND yet visited it. On my return the rebels had com menced an attack on our front. My horse had taken the wrong road, which brought me near their shell and shot, at one time they flew thick and fast around me, sometimes striking too close to be pleasant. The 20th has already arrived, and to-day we had quite a severe battle; the left wing of the 10th Army Corps were engaged near our camp. It commenced at midnight, and lasted until four o clock in the after noon, when the enemy fell back. At night they drove in our pickets, and commenced a general attack; the roar of artillery was immense on both sides. It was a grand spectacle by moonlight. One of our shells struck a caisson, and up it went, like a volcanic explo sion, spreading destruction all around. A grand hur rah went up all along the lines. We soon silenced their guns, and all was quiet again. At daylight the enemy sent in a flag of truce, asking permisson to bury their dead. This morning, May 27th, we received orders to strike our tents. In less than an hour our whole corps was on the move. It is a grand sight to see the moving columns in the field, and always brings joy to the soldier; but this is not all that goes to make up the life of the soldiers who compose the grand army WANDERING THOUGHTS. 155 of the Union. Every soldier on the march is literally a moving kitchen, for he carries his bed and tent, and all that belongs to the culinary department, upon his back ; hence, whenever a soldier halts, he is at home, and can proceed to housekeeping at once. We marched toward the James river, passing through a dense woods and swamp, where we found a corduroy road had been built for us by our Engineer Corps. These roads are formed by first filling in with brush, and then laying timber down for sleepers, or string pieces, after which they are covered with small logs, laid parallel with each other, which are also covered over with earth. In this manner army roads are built through swamps and low, moist ground, enabling the heaviest wagons and artillery to pass over as easily as on our best Macadamized roads. After a march of three miles through the woods,, we came into an open field, where we remained two days; from thence we marched to Bermuda Hundred, and embarked on board transports, bound for West Point, on the York river. The day is beautiful. The trees which stud the banks of these noble streams are fully leaved. As the sun was sinking in the western sky, throwing a halo of light over the waters of the Chesapeake, we passed Old 15G RANDOM SKETCHES AND Point, bound up York river. The night was pleasant, and, without the least obstruction to impede our pro gress as we forced our way through the deep waters, early the next morning we arrived at West Point, which lays at the intersection of the Pamunky and Mattapouy rivers. We made our way up the Pamunky in haste, which, by the way, is clearly one of the most crooked rivers in America, and is formed by the waters of the North and South Anna. The Mattapony is formed from the the waters of the Matt, Ta, Po and Ny. Early in the afternoon we arrived at the White House. This is a place of great note, and has been known by the name of White House since the Revolu tion. It is one of the sacred spots of Virginia. The Custis family owned this plantation, which comprised many hundred acres. At this house Gen. Washington courted and mar ried Mrs. Martha Custis. The trees under whose shades they have often wandered are still alive, and in full vigor, forming now a delightful shade for our sick and wounded soldiers. The house was formerly a wooden building, with brick foundation. At present nothing remains but the chimney and foundation, it having been burned since the breaking out of the rebellion. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 157 The property is now owned by General Fitzhugh Lee, of the rebel army, and its occupancy by the military is not materially improving its condition. This is the last day of Spring, and we have com menced our march towards Richmond. We reached New Castle about midnight, where we bivouaced. This morning, which is the 1st of June, we received orders to march to Games Mills, which we reached about five o clock in the afternoon. The day was very warm, and the road very dusty; many fell by the roadside, exhausted by heat and fatigue. We were ordered at once to the front, where the enemy lay awaiting us, behind their entrenchments, at a place called Cold Harbor. Soon the shot and shell com menced flying, as well as railroad iron. The 6th Corps engaged the enemy, and the fighting lasted until near midnight; in the meantime a number of other corps were arriving. After the fighting ceased my Sergeant and myself laid down to sleep on the battle field, among the dead and dying. We were very much exhausted, and could find but little rest; the earth was cold and damp. I was compelled to get up during the night and warm myself by the camp fire, which was feebly burning; 14 158 EAXDOM SKETCHES AXD around it sat some wounded soldiers, who had just been brought in from the picket line. A continual cry for water was heard from the wounded and dying around us ; I took my canteen and gave drink to those near by. When morning came, I found many had died, among them were several to whom I had given water but a few hours before. The trenches were already dug by a fatigue party, detailed for that pur pose, and before sunrise all the dead were buried, together with the limbs which had been amputated on the previous day. Early this morning Lieutenant Burke, of our regi ment, was killed on the picket line. He was tied up in a shelter tent, with a pole passing through it, which was hung on the shoulders of two boys, and carried to the rear. He was a joival fellow, and often had afforded us much amusement in camp by his histrionic readings, songs and laughable stories. On the 3d of June a grand charge was made by the 2d, 5th, 6th, 9th and 18th Corps; not less than 125,000 men were engaged. Our Corps, the 18th, made a desperate charge, and carried the works in their front, which made it the most desperate kind of fighting. Night found us in quiet possession of their first line of rifle pits, although repeated charges WANDERING THOUGHTS. 159 were made to retake them. All officers were required to be with their respective regiments, and Surgeons within three hundred yards, which brought them under a heavy fire. Our hospital was so near that the enemy s shells passed in and over it, which made it a very unpleasant place for amputating limbs. Our Surgeons worked nobly, looking like so many butchers ; many were bareheaded, with sleeves rolled up to their arm pits, some of them spotted all over with blood; they really looked horrifying. The morning was dark and cloudy, with rain at intervals; the day was cool, and far more favorable for fighting than the hot Wednesday which witnessed our last struggle at Drury s Bluff. Our regiment made a charge across an open field, and through a dense woods, in which the enemy had a continuous line of rifle pits. The slaughter was terrible; but the works were held with unsurpassed valor. Throughout the day a perfect hail of musket balls and shell were poured in on us, as we lay con cealed behind the earthworks. I saw General Grant on the field that day, smoking his cigar as usual, and taking everything with the utmost coolness. In this engagement our regiment lost fifteen officers and one-half their men. My brother was shot in the 160 RANDOM SKETCHES AND foot, in the early part of the engagement. I helped carry him from the field, and had his foot amputated} after which he was sent to the White House. The engagement at Cold Harbor was one of the most severe battles of the campaign. Our loss was not less than twenty thousand killed, wounded and missing. Our Corps lost over five thousand men, and the most of our dead were left unburied on the field. The body of Captain Ballard was brought from the field with much difficulty, by friends, under cover of night. I took him, Lieutenant Burke and Colonel Weed, of the Ninety-Eighth New York, to the White House, had them embalmed and sent North. The jour ney with them, at night, was a tedious and dangerous one, carrying them and one other dead officer in an army wagon, without an escort, a distance of seventeen miles through the enemy s country, which was infested by bands of guerillas. The next morning I returned to the front, in charge of a wagon train, two miles long. About midnight we passed through a deep ravine and swamp, through which a corduroy road had been built. One of the teams, near the rear, got off the road into the swamp and fastened, which delayed us an hour, and we were in danger of being captured. The night previous we WANDERING THOUGHTS. 161 had lost eighteen teams near this place, taken by the enemy. It became so dark that we could proceed no further, and we bivouaced for the night in an open field, arriving at the front the next morning shortly after sunrise. I went to the rifle pits where our regi ment lay, and delivered a mail. The rebel sharpshooters kept up a constant firing at us here for twelve day^. "When the whole army was ordered to the James river, our regiment was sent back to the White House, and took transports for Bermuda Hundred, where we arrived on the 14th and inarched to Point of Rocks, bivouaced for the night, and at daylight crossed the Appomattox on a pontoon bridge. After three hours march, we encountered the enemy, and drove them from the first line of defences of Petersburg, and at sundown stormed and carried the forts which lay within two miles of the doomed city. The charge was made on the first line by the colored troops, who showed no quarter to the foe. From an elevated line of the captured forts we could see the spires of Petersburg, quite visible,, through the foliage of the surrounding timber land. Here and there could be seen little clouds of smoke, bursting suddenly into existence, followed, after several seconds, by the booming of cannon, marking the posi- *H 162 RANDOM SKETCHES AXD tion of rebel batteries. Most of them were opposite our right wing, and on the other side of the river, farther in the distance, can be seen the clouds of dust arising from the enemy s wagon train. Yesterday morning, at this hour, the strong breast works on which I now stand were garrisoned by rebel troops. From here is obtained a splendid view of the surrounding country, spread out like a panorama, with fields, hills and valleys, dotted over with the camps of the two opposing armies, the one commanded by General Grant, the other by General Lee. It was a good day s work, when we consider the value of the captures and the importance of the posi tion gained; and all the glory is attached to the 18th Army Corps. This achievement, added to the service rendered by this corps at Cold Harbor, for thirteen days, makes our record in conjunction with the Army of the Potomac, truly a brilliant one. By the present movement on the south side of the James, a new order of operation begins; we not only threaten the communication of the enemy, but we plant ourselves across it, and cut them off from the city of Richmond, which will cause Lee to change his base of operations, or lose the use of the railroads coming into Petersburg from the South. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 163 Returning to the rear to-day, I overtook some soldiers carrying an officer from the field. They halted a moment to rest, and I inquired of them who they had there. They informed me it was the Major of the One Hundred and Eighteenth New York. I immediately dismounted, as it was my friend and townsman, Major Charles Pruyn, and accompainied his remains to the rear, where he was put in a small outbuilding. On examining his wound, it appeared to be made by a shell or solid shot, carrying away his heart and lungs. I saw a Chaplain, who promised me he would have Mm embalmed and sent home. I gave him his mother s address, and afterward learned that the promise had been fulfilled. Only a few days ago I was with him at Cold Har bor, sitting under a tree on the battle field quietly taking a lunch. He was then suffering from the effects of a wound in his foot, from which he had not yet recovered. He seemed full of hope, expecting to be mustered out of the service at the end of the summer campaign. This was the last conversation I had with him. He was a noble fellow and a brave officer, and his loss was deeply felt by his comrades. The commanding General issued the following con- gratulatory address : 164 RANDOM SKETCHES AXD " To the Eighteenth Army Corps: "The General commanding desires to express to his command his appreciation of their soldierly quali ties, as they have been displayed during the campaign of the last seventeen days. " Within that time they have been called upon to undergo all the hardships of a soldier s life, and been exposed to all its dangers. Marches under a hot sun have ended in severe battles; after the battles, watch ful nights in the trenches taken from the enemy. But the crowning point of the honor they are entitled to has been won since the 13tk inst., when a series of earthworks in a most commanding position, and of most formidable strength, have been carried, with all the guns and material of war, of the enemy, including prisoners and colors. The works have all been held, and the trophies remain in our hands. The victory is all the more important to us, as the troops have never been regularly organized in camp, where time has been given them to learn the discipline necessary to a well organized Corps d Armee. They have been hastily concentrated, and suddenly summoned to take part in the trying campaign for our country s being. Such honors as they have won will remain imperish able. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 165 "To the colored troops comprising the division of General Hinks, the General commanding would call the attention of his command. With the veterans of the 18th Corps they have stormed the works of the enemy and carried them, taking guns, and prisoners, and in the whole affair they have displayed the quali ties of good soldiers." On the 17th of June we were ordered to Point of Rocks. Crossing the Appomattox on pontoons, we arrived there at midnight, and bivouaced in a field, where we remained three days, to obtain a little rest, clothing, and change of food. On the night of the 21st we returned to the entrenchments we had lately left, which were within about one mile of the city of Petersburg. Pontoon bridges are built by using small boats for butments, anchored in the stream, parallel to each other, a distance of twelve feet apart. These are flat- bottomed, being about four feet wide, thirty feet long, and nearly two feet deep. The string pieces are about three by six inches thick, and the floor plank one inch thick, all of oak, which are secured by pins and ropes. Sometimes straw is put over the bridge floor to prevent the enemy hearing the tread of the troops while cross- 166 RANDOM SKETCHES AND ing. These bridges are very readily constructed by the pontoniers, who have charge of this work. A half a mile can be laid in one night. They are transported on pontoon carriages, drawn by eight horses, through the country, following the army ; each boat contains the timbers, floor plank and anchors necessary for a span. This branch of the service is under charge of the Engineer Corps, who have been of great service during the war; their duties have been numerous, arduous and dangerous. This afternoon we were visited by President Lin coln and General Grant; they passed our lines amid the deafening cheers of the army. The weather is very dry and hot, and I have* pitched my fly in a jiine grove, to escape the hot rays of the sun. Here I found a quiet sleep, the first I have had in six weeks. A general cannonading commenced early this morn ing, along the line of the rebel earthworks, throwing solid shot and shell into our quarters, which compelled us to leave them, for nearly an hour. One shell exploded over my head, throwing its fragments all around me; another fell among the horses, but did not explode. I picked it up and laid it away for future use. In the meantime the rebels charged on WANDERING THOUGHTS. 167 our pickets, driving them in. Our boys were ready to receive them, as they advanced. When the rebels found our fire was too hot for them, they fell down and surrendered themselves up to our brigade. There was some four hundred of them, and about two hun dred killed. I had a conversation with a rebel prisoner, who had lost his leg, and was patiently waiting for our surgeons to opperate on him. He remarked to me that he thought it very strange to meet with our regiment in so many engagements, the places being so remote from each other. He said his regiment had engaged the Eighty-First at Violet Station and at Drury s Bluff, then again at Cold Harbor, and a few days afterward he was taken prisoner by them in front of Petersburg., He said our Corps, the 18th, was called by them the "Flying Corps." Our men were kept in light march ing order; they were allowed to carry only a blanket and a half shelter tent with them. Our corps was designed to act with the .Army of the Potomac, when necessary, which they did, and, I understood, much to the satisfaction of the Lieutenant General. After every battle comes saddening sights. If you wish to see the "wrinkled front" of "grim visaged war," visit the hospital aft^f a battle. Go to the ,168 RANDOM SKETCHES AND operating table and observe the delirium of the subject, as the great finger of the surgeon is exploring his bleeding wound, while the sufferer is under the effects of chloroform, that blessed neutralizer of pain. Sometimes the subject lies passive under the severest operation; at other times he imagines himself on the battle field, in deadly conflict with his antagonist, and then again singing some favorite song; his physical energies exhausted, he sinks into a short sleep, and on awakening finds his wounds dressed, and oftentimes minus a limb. There are some who sleep that sleep which knows no awakening, gone a to that bourne from which no traveler returns." Return to the hospital in the morning, by gray twilight, ere the sun has arisen ; there you will see the attendants bringing out those who have died during the night, laying them in their blankets, for their wind ing sheet, some with their martial cloak around them, in a row outside of the hospital, preparatory to their burial. Go count those little headboards, made from cracker boxes, which stand in rows over the graves of the dead. Under yonder tree, perchance, the form of some acquaintance, or soldier friend, whose warm hand, which is now cold in death, you but yes terday grasped, may rest*beneath one of those head- WANDERING THOUGHTS. 169 boards. Virginia is filled with such little mounds, where the dead heroes lie, with nought else to mark their last resting place, or tell the tale, that here lies one who fought and died for his country s cause, which is the cause of mankind. The cars have commenced running on the road leading from City Point to Petersburg, which will make transportation much easier, both for the wounded and supplies. I received orders this afternoon, from headquarters, to proceed to Norfolk, for the purpose of bringing our regimental books and papers. I took my horse and orderly and rode to City Point. The day was hot and dry, the road one cloud of dust, which was as fine as flour, and almost suffocated us. At City Point we passed by the quarters of Lieutenant General Grant, which are in a fine old mansion, standing on a high bluff, at the junction of the James and Appomattox rivers, beautifully hemmed in with foliage; at the base of the hill is the new wharf, which had just been finished, with the cars on it, loaded and ready to be drawn to the front. The river was filled with trans ports, many of which were loaded with troops, who had just arrived to fill our depleted ranks. The sun had just set, and I learned from the Quartermaster at that 15 170 RANDOM SKETCHES AND place, that no boat would leave for Norfolk until morning. This made it necessary to secure lodgings for the night, which I found on board the Sanitary boat, where I had a comfortable bed, and in the morn ing a good breakfast, which was the best I had eaten in nearly two months. I took passage on the Highland Light, having a delightful sail down the James river, arriving at Nor folk about six o clock in the afternoon. On the 1st of July I returned to Fortress Monroe and took the steamer John A. Warner, for City Point, arriving there at sundown. I obtained a conveyance from the Quartermaster, and started for the front. The night was beautiful, the moonlight beaming from a soft Southern sky, floating through the forest trees, lighting them with a bewitching kind of beauty. The air was balmy, and the sky without a cloud; fireflies sparkling like diamonds in the dense forest were flitting around; the cry of the whippoorwill resounded through the woodlands and along the banks of the river; while the hoarse cry of the croaking toads rose from the marshes. Soon I heard the booming cannon far in the dis tance. A little later continuous volleys of musketry THOUGHTS. 171 were heard, indicating plainly that I was nearing the enemy and our outer lines. Soon after I reached camp much fatigued with my journey. Independence morning is ushered in by the boom ing of cannon from our forts far and near, and the bands and drum corps are discoursing beautiful music at the diiferent headquarters along the lines. Good music is a great accessory to an army. Often times it drowns the groans of the wounded and dying on the battle field. The soldiers perform all their duties by the blast of the bugle or the taps of the drum, and the calls are under charge of the chief musician or Drum Major, who details one drummer from the corps each day to perform the routine duties of the camp calls. First com.es Reveille, at sunrise; then the Sick Call, when all the sick assemble at the Surgeon s quar ters, where they are examined and, if necessary, excused from duty for the day; next the Sergeants Call, who assemble at the Adjutant s quarters, and report the number of men in their charge, to him, and also receive special orders ; at nine o clock, Guard Mounting, which is beat on the color line. Officers , Breakfast, Dinner and Supper Calls are also made ; then comes the Retreat, at sundown ; at nine o clock the Tattoo, and half an hour later, Taps, peremptorily requiring that 172 EAXDOM SKETCHES AND all lights to be put out in camp. The most interesting of all calls is the Long Roll, which brings the regiment into line of battle. Both armies seem to be quiet. Large trains are arriving from City Point, with sanitary stores, such as lemons, oranges, potatoes, cabbage, and, best of all, onions, which we have been so much in need of for the last two months. I think sundown found the entire stock devoured. For the last two weeks I have been very busily engaged in making out my returns. Having very sud denly been taken ill, with symptoms of a fever, our Surgeon sent me to the field hospital, near Spring Hill. Here I remained nineteen days, gradually failing for want of proper treatment, and over doses of quinine, which the surgeons seem to give for every ailment, from a sore toe to a headache. On the 24th I was sent to the Chesapeake Hospital, on a steamer, with three hundred others, sick and wounded, arriving there at noon. It is a beautiful August morning. My window at the Chesapeake Hospital opens on the green and velvety lawn, in the center of which floats our glorious banner, from a high flagstaff. The bleating sheep, THOUGHTS. 173 the plaintive cry of the sea birds, and the enchanting beauty of ocean, sky and land, all present a scene which Eden itself could hardly have rivaled. The building is large, and well adapted to hospital purposes, it being used exclusively for officers. Its apartments are well furnished, and the building is well provided with ventilation. One of Ericsson s caloric engines fills the massive tanks near the roof with water, so there is an abundant supply in each story, for bathing and other purposes. The building was originally erected for a young ladies school, and was used for that purpose until the madness of treason desolated the homes of Virginia. There are about six hundred patients at present, mostly the sick and wounded from the battle fields of Virginia. They are constantly coming in, as there has been no cessation of hostilities for the last two months. This hospital will accommodate about twelve hundred patients. To the right and left, in the foreground, are barrack hospitals, built in the form of a Greek cross, cottage style, and each will contain about two hundred patients. When a patient is received at the hospital, he is conducted to his room, At the head of his bed is a card case, and in it a card, on which is written his *15 174 KANDOM SKETCHES AND name, rank, regiment, and corps; also the place he was sent from, his disease or wound, his age, nativity, and postoffice address. If he dies while here, as many do, he is taken to the end of the hall, in the ward where he lies; at this point a dumb waiter passes from the ground floor to the attic story, on which conveyance he is carried down to the first floor, and from thence, on a litter, to the dead house, where he is embalmed or placed in a coffin and prepared for burial. Every soldier who dies here, either white or black, is honored with a military funeral. An escort with trailed arms follows him to the grave; the Chaplain performs the burial service, and a volley of musketry from the escort proclaims that the tired soldier sleeps that last sleep from which there is no awakening. A headboard with the name, rank and regiment of the officer painted on it is always carried with the coffin, and placed at the head of the grave. The mail is received here every morning. The Postmaster makes out a list of the letters to be dis tributed, and gives them to the master of each ward, who delivers them to the patients, and for all regis tered letters takes a receipt, which is carefully filed. The same care is exercised in reference to boxes received by express. If the soldier has died, they are returned WANDERING THOUGHTS. 175 to those who sent them, as well as all other effects belonging to him, to which business it is the special duty of the Chaplain to attend. Connected with this hospital there is a farm and garden, consisting of an hundred acres of fertile land. The soil is light and easily cultivated. The farming and gardening afford very amusing and healthful employment for the numerous convalescents. The morning glory and cypress vine thrive here with wonderful luxuriance, putting forth flowers in the greatest profusion. The fences are entirely covered with a dense background of dark green, enlivened with bursting buds of the most brilliant colors. Thus this military farm is appropriately girded with breast works, ramparts and bastions of gorgeous flowers. In front of the officers quarters, where the invalids are continually passing, a neat little flower garden is laid out, which is chiefly under the superintending care of our lady nurses. There is no beam of sunshine so bright as that which flows from the consciousness of a useful life. Ft is well that flowers should adorn the parterres of such homes ; and these flowers will bloom in none the less lovely hues, and will emit no less fragrant odors, because the pale, tottering invalid soldier is charmed 176 RANDOM SKETCHES AND by their beauty, and his senses refreshed by their per fume. Every home should be adorned and beautified with flowers; they leave a lasting impression, especially on the minds of the young. The Surgeon in charge, Dr. McClellan, the head of this establishment, endowed with energies which never tire, throws the support of his encouragement, and the vigilance of his eye, upon every measure to promote the general good; and he has shown liberal economy in expending tens of dollars now, that he may save hundreds in the autumn. Between two and three thousand bushels of pota toes will be raised here this year, and melons and squashes by the wagon load. The demand for the hos pitals is such that everything must be furnished by tens and hundreds of bushels. Early in May last, I am told, the vegetable garden began to yield its fruits. From that time until the frosts of December the patient will receive an abun dant supply, with the morning dews upon them. The soil and climate is such, that two crops each year can be raised on most of the land. The cavalry camps in the vicinity afford, for the present, an abundant supply of dressing for the land, which is a great item in the expense of cultivating a garden. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 177 The Hampton hospitals are near by, just across a small stream which flows into the bay; they form quite a picturesque village, consisting of about thirty cot tages. These buildings are so placed as to form a triangle, embracing within its spacious area a lawn of many acres, traversed by walks, and lined by young shade trees. The hand of taste has scattered here and there, beds of blooming shrubbery and flowers. Most of these cottages are called hospital wards, containing fifty beds each. These spacious rooms are open to the ridge, are well warmed, and thoroughly ventilated, at the apex of the roof, and are kept in a perfect state of neatness, which the most accomplished New Eng land housewife cannot excel. The advantages of the cottage form of wards are manifest; there are no stairs to climb, no impure air to be inhaled by the patients; and in case of fire, the sick and wounded can be instantly removed. There are also many advantages in having the sick together. The soldiers, accustomed to the most social life known upon earth, would be lonely in separate apartments. In the ward they are company for each other, as the vast majority are not seriously ill. There are over two thousand sick and wounded here now; some are sitting up in their beds, reading; others talking or 178 RANDOM SKETCHES AND singing, playing chess or some other innocent game, to while away the slowly passing hours of hospital life. The man who is convalescent, or whose wounds are healing, and who is soon to be discharged, to go home to his friends, is often the happiest of men. The sick man who is recovering, sees a smile in every blade of grass, and hears a song.of joy in every whisper of the sea breeze, as it fans his feverish cheek. Near by is the country seat of the late ex-President, John Tyler; his parlor is now used as a school room for contraband children, where is being conferred the blessings of education upon a race just emerging from barbarism. Also, near by is the beautiful mansion of Senator Mallory, who is now a member of the rebel Congress. His broad acres are confiscated, and are bearing abundant food for the invalid soldier. His residence affords a beautiful home for the Surgeon in charge of these hospitals, who is a man that knows how to appreciate the good things of this world. There are thousands in our land who have had, and who still have, friends sick and wounded in the hospital. Many a patriotic father has had his heart torn with anguish, as he read the name of his own son in the list of wounded. Many a heroic mother, who girded her son with her own hands, for this most holy WANDERING THOUGHTS. 179 war for human rights, cannot sleep at night, as she thinks of her loved boy, bleeding and languishing far away from friends, in the wards of a hospital. It is indeed a hard lot; and yet how few of these sorrowing ones have any conception of the abounding comforts which our Government has provided for its stricken soldiers; comforts, generally, vastly greater than could be found in many homes. I am convalescent, and have been anxiously await ing the reply to my application for a leave of absence, to go North, for the purpose of recruiting my health, by inhaling the cool mountain air, which is so much more invigorating than the miasmatic breeze that sweeps over us here, from the swamps and lowlands of this Peninsula. The clerk has just notified me that my papers have arrived, and have been approved, which makes me feel almost like another man. Out of one hundred appli cations but four were approved by General Butler. I left the Chesapeake Hospital, where I had spent three weeks. I took the horse cars, for the Fortress, which was about a mile and a half distant, winding its way through a wilderness of tents, occupied by happy contrabands. At the Fortress I took the steamer Georgiana for Baltimore. "We left near sundown, and 180 RANDOM SKETCHES AND proceeded up the bay. The night was dark, with a heavy sea rolling in from the ocean, the boat making the waves look like sheets of fire in our track. We stopped at Point Lookout to put ashore some prisoners, recently taken at Dutch Gap. Morning dawn found our boat nearing Fort McHenry, one of the defences of Baltimore. A little further beyond is seen Federal Hill, which overlooks the city, and is manned by volunteer troops. The boat landed at the city wharf. I took my breakfast at the Maltby House, and from ttare took the cars for the Quaker City. At Havre de Grasse the whole train of cars were run on board of a steam ferry boat, carrying us across the river in safety. We then proceeded on our journey, without a change of cars, and arrived at the City of Peace, at noon ; we continued our journey, arriving at Jersey City at six o clock P. M. The ferry boat conveyed us across the bay; as we were nearing the shore, the North river boat was just leaving the dock, much to my disappoint ment, as I had expected to connect with it. I took the day boat the next morning. It was a beautiful day, and the boat was loaded with passengers, mostly on a pleasure trip. The boat s bow was turned up the river, and left the dock with flying colors. THOUGHTS. 181 Hoboken lay just opposite, with her walks shaded with large trees, and extending for nearly two miles along the banks of the Hudson, terminating with the Elysian Fields. This place is noted for its many fine villas and country seats of opulant citizens, which gives the place an air of rural comfort not often met with so near a large city. A little above this, on the same side of the river is Weehawken ; it lies near the water s edge, and is severed from the land view by a precipi tous ledge of rocks, which give it the privacy usually sought for in such places. Here it was that General Hamilton fell mortally wounded in a duel with Colonel Burr. There was formerly a monument standing on the spot where he fell, but it has been removed. We soon passed Fort Washington, on the east bank of the river, which was taken by the British in the early part of the Revolu tion. Opposite this place, upon the brow of the Pali sades, is the site of Fort Lee, which was abandoned by our forces. Here the Palisade rocks present, all along on the west margin of the river for many miles, a perpendicular wall, varying from two to five hundred feet in height. These are sometimes covered with brushwood, sometimes capped with stunted trees, and sometimes perfectly bare, but always showing the 16 182 RANDOM SKETCHES AND upright cliff, at the base of which is scarcely room enough for a foot path. Here and there, in the cleft of a rock is seen a fisherman s hut, extending to the very margin of the stream. The water, a very few feet from the shore is deep, so that vessels run quite close to its rocky sides. We passed Spuyten Duyvel and the mouth of Har lem river, which forms Manhattan Island. A few miles further ride brings us to Sunnyside, the beautiful rural residence of Washington Irving, the great Ameri can historian. Tarry town is near by, at which place Major Andre was arrested by those noble patriots, Paulding, Wil liams and Van Wart. We are now nearing Sing Sing, which lays off to the right, on a quiet bay, with its white buildings, looking like monuments in the distance. Haverstraw lies to the left, on the opposite bank of the river, which is a neat little village. Just above is Stony Point, the site of a fort during the Revolution ; a lighthouse now crowns the apex. Peekskill is in sight; it is one of the most romantic places on the Hudson. On the opposite shore is seen Dunderburg, or Thunder Mountain. Near by is the place where Palmer was executed by order of General WANDERING THOUGHTS. 183 Putnam, whose memorable repty to Governor Tryon, who wrote a letter, threatening vengeance if .he was executed, deserves an enduring record. It briefly and emphatically unfolds the true character of that distin guished hero. The note ran thus : "SiR Nathan Palmer, a Lieutenant in your ser vice was taken in my camp as a spy; he was tried as a spy; he was condemned as a spy; and you may rest assured he shall be hanged as a spy. " I have the honor to be, yours, &c., "ISRAEL PUTNAM." "P. S. This afternoon he is hanged." One mile above Peekskill is seen Anthony s Nose. This mountain is a complete mass of rocks ; it rises very abruptly from the river, to the height of eleven hun dred feet, with the Dunclerburg on the opposite shore. Various stories are told concerning the manner in which one of these mountains obtained its name; but little credit can be given to any of them. We are just turning the steep bluff which brings us, unquestionably, to one of the most romantic places on the Hudson, West Point. Here the mountain towers to the ethereal vault above, making our vessel 184 RANDOM SKETCHES AND appear to a spectator qp its summit, but a mere skiff. The ascent is very abrupt on all sides, and the sur rounding craggy hills seem to be nothing but masses of rocks, fantastically heaped by nature, crowding the stream into a channel less than half a mile in width. West Point is noted chiefly as the seat of the Mili tary Academy, where most of our regular army officers graduate, receiving a military education at the expense of the Government. Many of the rebel officers were educated here, including Jeff Davis, all of whom have an oath registered to defend the Union and support the Constitution, which they are now basely seeking to destroy. No punishment can be meted out too severe for such perjured villains, when captured. On the river bank near the parade ground is Kosciusko s gar den, whither he was accustomed to retire for study and reflection. Near this spot is a clear boiling spring, enclosed in a marble reservoir. Near the landing is the rock from which was stretched across the river a chain, during the Revolution, to prevent vessels ascend ing the river. Some of the links are preserved as a curiosity ; they are near three feet long, made from bars of iron, two inches square. A few miles above this place is Undercliff, the resi dence of General George P. Morris, the poet. It is WANDERING THOUGHTS. 185 situated on an elevaied plateau, rising from the eastern shore of the river, in which he has displayed great taste in the selection of such a commanding and beautiful position. Immediately opposite, rising almost perpen dicular from the water, stands the " Old Crow s Nest," one of the most beautiful elevations in America. The following is a description given by Drake : " Tis the middle watch of a summer s night The earth is dark, but the heavens are bright, Nought is seen in the vault on high, But the moon, and stars, and the cloudless sky, And the flood which rolls its milky hue, A river of light, on the welkin blue ; The moon looks down on the old Crow s Nest, She mellows the shade on his shaggy breast, And seems his huge gray form to throw In a silver cone on the waves below ; His sides are broken by spots of shade, By the walnut boughs and the cedars made, And through their clustering branches dark Glimmers and dies the firefly s spark, Like starry twinkle, that momently break Through the rifts of the gathering tempest rack." We are approaching Newburgh. Before us lies a beautiful bay, curving to the north, until it is lost in the distance. Sprinkled through the whole course, with the white sails of the numberless vessels that float 16 186 RAXDOM SKETCHES AND upon its surface, in the distance, is seen fine cultivated fields, elegant villas, and neat rural cottages, gleaming through the tufts of foliage that surround them. A short distance south of the village of Newbogh stands the old stone mansion in which General Wash ington held his headquarters, when the army was encamped here, during the Revolution. It is noon, and we have made half our journey, which brings us to Poughkeepsie, the first table land along the Hudson, and is seen conspicuously, both in ascending and descending the river. The gong is sounding for dinner; my journey has given me a ravenous appetite. A grand rush is being made for the saloon below, and my weak knees hardly feel able to stand the pressure of the stronger ones. I have secured a good seat at the head of one of the tables, which is loaded with all the delicacies of the season, and got up in the most approved style. The guests spent an hour in devouring the eatables. When I returned to the deck, the Catskills could be seen through the misty air, far in the distance. We sailed for near an hour before we seemed to near them. Sud denly our boat took another course, following the bend in the river, and soon we were brought in full view of the high peaks, and of the far famed Mountain House, WANDERING- THOUGHTS. 187 which is one of the coolest places of resort during the summer months, commanding an extended view of the surrounding country. We are sailing through the deep water, and round ing a point of land which brings us to a high bluff, 011 which is situated the city of Hudson. Ships can ascend the river as far as this place, which is one hundred and twenty miles from Manhattan Island. Tradition says that Henry Hudson, who was the discoverer of this river, ascended as far as this place, which bears his name. He went on shore in one of the canoes, with an old Indian, who was the chief of forty men and seventeen women, whom he found in a house made of the bark of trees, which were well finished. He saw large quantities of corn and beans, already gathered to dry, beside a great deal more growing in the fields; two mats were spread to sit on, and eatables were brought in red wooden bowls. Two men went off with their bows and arrows, to kill wild fowl, and soon returned with two pigeons; they also killed a fat dog, and in a very little time skinned it with shells, which they got out of the water. He was invited to stay with them for the night, which invitation he did not accept. When he was ready to return to his ship, the natives concluded he would not 188 RANDOM SKETCHES AND c stay with them for fear of their bows and arrows, they broke them in pieces and threw them in the fire. He also found grapes, plums, other fruits, and pumpkins, growing here in great abundance. Two hours sail brought us to the Capital of the Empire State, which presents a most beautiful appear ance from the river, being a city built on five hills, with Buttermilk creek, Beaver creek, Fox creek, and Tivoli creek passing down through and under its streets. The State Hall and the Capitol stand on the brow of a hill, some two hundred feet above tide water, from the domes of which a most beautiful view of the river and the surrounding country can be obtained. To the west is seen one vast sandy plain, extending as far as Schenectady, an Indian name, signifying the end of the pine plains. The picturesque beauty of the Hudson river is beyond description; its banks forming gentle grassy slopes, or covered with forests to the water s edge, or crowned by neat and thriving villages. The legendary and historical interests associated with numerous spots combine to render the Hudson the classical stream of America. Just two years ago I passed down this beautiful river, under the pale rays of a harvest moon, flushed t I WANDEEING THOUGHTS. 189 with health and cheered with the hope that peace would crown our efforts. I left ray home, wife and little ones for the privations and dangers of the battle field. It was a subject which had long agitated my mind, and no easy one to decide upon. But my patriotism finally triumphed over my selfishness. I knew the time had come When a great and crushing blow must be dealt, or our country would be lost. My wife did not try to weaken my resolution, but helped fit out my wardrobe for the field. "The wife who girds her husband s sword, Mid little ones who weep or wonder, And bravely speaks the cheering word, What though her heart be rent asunder, Doomed nightly in her dreams to hear The bolts of war around him rattle, Hath shed as sacred blood as e er Was poured upon the plain of battle ! " Now I return from the battle field, sick and weary from the toils of an active campaign, and almost dis heartened, even amid victories which have crowned our arms, but as I near home a cheering hope fills my bosom, with thoughts of the old hearthstone and the loved ones around it, who are so anxiously awaiting my return. At sundown I again gazed on the beautiful peaks of the Catskill, which lay off to the south, and I 190 RANDOM SKETCHES AXD once more saw the rural cottage in the distance, with its porch and tower, where the woodbine climbs so graceful, and hangs in such profusion, with the Stars and Stripes floating above the battlements, where they were raised at the commencement of the rebellion. I sir its winding roads and walks, the green lawn, with its trees, flowers and shr%bbery, which makes it a delightful spot to me, for it is my home : " T is sweet to hear the watch dog s honest bark Bay deep mouth d welcome as we draw near home, T is sweet to know there is an eye will mark Our coming, and look brighter when we come." The sultry days of August have faded and gone. The distant hills are bathed in a smoky light as I view them from Woodbine Cottage. The pure air from the hills around will help renew my strength, and I then shall be able to return to my duties in the field, with renewed hope in the final triumph of our arms, resulting in a lasting peace. This is a beautiful September morning; the land scape never looked more lovely. The dewdreps sparkle in the sun like diamonds, from every leaf where they had gathered during the night. Fruit and flowers are in abundance, all producing such a contrast with the once peaceful and sunny South. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 191 The original term of enlistment of some of our com panies has expired. For three long years have they been in the service, and how varied has been the scenes and terrible the conflicts in which they have been engaged. How little do those at home know the suf fering that has been endured by these brave soldiers on the battle field, in prisons, and hospitals. Our country should ever be grateful for their services. Many of those brave men had left pleasant homes, expecting to be absent from them only a few months ; fears were really entertained by some of them that they would not be required to take part in the great struggle for liberty and human rights; but in this they were disappointed; they have all been called, and hundreds of thousands of others. Many now lie in the c6ld arms of death ; they fill a soldier s grave on some battle field, or in a hospital graveyard. The conflict still rages with a determination the world has never before witnessed. Success attends the Union armies everywhere, and with such Generals as Grant; Meade, Sherman, Thomas, Sheridan, and others, to lead our gallant soldiers in the field, there can be no such word as fail. The cause in which we fight is just, and when in the providence of God, the rebel hosts shall be dispersed, peace will come again, crowned 192 RANDOM SKETCHES AN with liberty to the captive, who has been so long in bondage, and ruled by the iron hand of despotism, which has sought to perpetuate the institution of Slavery at the sacrifice of a Republican Government. The day is breaking and the dark clouds which have mantled our sky are passing away, showing bright gleams of the far away blue. An overwhelming majority of the votes of a free people will soon declare that the Union candidate for the Presidency, Abraham Lincoln, who has a solemn oath registered in Heaven to preserve and defend the Constitution, is their chosen pilot to conduct the ship of State through the storms which have threatened to destroy her. The re-election of President Lincoln and the defeat of General George B. McClellan will save our country from everlasting disgrace, thereby rebuking the Chicago Convention, that nest of traitors who were willing to barter the liberties of twenty millions of freemen for the votes of a few Southern slaveholders, also bringing into contempt our grand army of patriots, who are struggling for Constitutional freedom against tyranny, that bitter foe to free institutions and humanity. The day of jubilee is near at hand. The signs of the times plainly indicate that the rebellion is near its WANDERING THOUGHTS. 193 end. Its leaders see there is no hope for the Confede racy. They are quarelling among themselves, and will soon be ready to make the best terms possible to save their necks from the halter, which is now being made from a plant growing on their own soil. The only fear I now have is, that they may escape just punishment through the magnanimity of the best Government the world has ever known. The occupation of peace men and peace newspapers is gone. Peace is coming from a different direction than that indicated by the prophecies of the peace patriots. It is coming as the legitimate end of a suc cessful war, not as the unhappy result of disgraceful compromise. It is coming with the glorious old flag, not with the white rag of submission to the South, or the Stars and Bars of Southern independence. Soon will be heard the booming of cannon, ringing of be r ls, and the huzzahs of the people, in one continous echo all through the land, from the St. John river to the Rio Grande, from the rolling billows of the Atlantic to the quiet and peaceful waters of the Pacific, rejoicing for the preservation of our glorious Union and the triumph of our dear old flag. "Long may it wave, O er the land of the free and the home of the brave." 17 194 RANDOM SKETCHES AND The following letters were written from the army to a friend North, and it is thought may prove interest ing to those readers who have gone with us through our Random Sketches and Wandering Thoughts : CAMP EIGHTY-FIRST REGIMENT, N. Y. VOLS., } YORKTOWN, VA., September 23, 1862. ) MY DEAR FRIEND You will see by the above, our location in the Army of the Potomac. After the retreat from Harrison s Landing, our brigade was sent here to defend this place. The Army of the Potomac has had some hard fighting, and been unfortunate in many respects, still I have not lost confidence in its leader, " Little Mac." Croakers at home and abroad, as well as the weak kneed and feeble, are often discouraged, even in the brightest hour. I supppose many were frightened when they heard the rebels had crossed into Maryland. I wished they had went on to New York; it would be just the place to have them. I think it would awaken the North to a sense of their duty, for they would then realize what war really is. Many of the rebels will never see Richmond again. We, of course, must expect to lose many a brave fel low, but that, you know, is the fortune of war. I hope WANDERING THOUGHTS. 195 our depleted ranks will soon be filled up, and that the fight will continue until the surrender of the rebel Capital. I think we can stand the loss of men better than they. Constant fighting will conquer them, and finish up the rebellion. , I have great faith in the Government putting down this rebellion. As sure as the sun shines in the east, so sure will this Union be saved, and her free Constitu tion left unimpaired. These croakers at the North are nothing more than Squaw men, who would abandon their homes and families, through fear, or surrender the Government into the hands of traitors, and become the subjects of a Despotism. For one, I am satisfied to deprive myself of the comforts of home fer the good of my country, and the future advancement of the human race; and they who are not willing to sacrifice anything to preserve the heritage bequeathed to them by their fathers are not worthy the name of American citizens. Thoughts of home often come to the soldier in camp, with a thousand pleasant memories. He often thinks of the loved ones he has left behind, and may perhaps never again hear their pleasant voices, or see their smiling faces; but these feelings are not to be indulged in by the soldier, for his duties will not permit it; such 196 RANDOM SKETCHES AXD thoughts almost unfit him for the duties devolving on him; he must drive them from his mind. I find a good antidote for this in the saddle. Each day I take a ride through the country; my horse, "Jim/ 7 works well under th^ saddle, and has been much company to me since I left home; I hardly know how I should while away the monotony of the camp without him. President Lincoln s proclamation has been issued, freeing all negroes in the States which may be in rebel lion on the first of January next. It creates quite a stir in our camp among the officers and men. Some are rejoicing over it, while others are threatening to aban don the service, declaring that they came to fight for the Union and to maintain the Constitution. They regard the President s policy as a direct infringement of it. I think the "second sober thought" will show them that it will deal the death blow to the rebellion, and without it we cannot succeed in the work we have undertaken. To -turn the negro against them will be an element of great strength ; fighting them, as it were, with their own weapons. Our accomodations in camp are poor. We have old shelter tents, which will hardly keep the dew off. A tin cup and plate, a pocket knife and fork, a rough table, and a cracker box for a stool, constitute my WANDERING THOUGHTS. 197 dining room and kitchen furniture. Vegetables are very scarce here, and we have but little to eat, except pork, beef and hard tack. "We have much sickness among our troops, which I think is owing to the want of proper food and good water. Yorktown seems to me to be a very unhealthy place, although it is situated high above the river, and has many ravines for drainage. The oldest inhabitants here seem to be subject to fever at certain seasons of the year I am quite well, hoping to continue so, but I fear the accommodations of the camp will not agree with me. Write me soon, without fail, and believe me, Yours truly, B. S. D. F. To J. 8. R., Albany, N. Y. CAMP EIGHTY-FIRST REGIMENT, N. Y. VOLS., } ST. HELENA ISLAND, S. C., March 24, 1863 ) MY DEAR FRIEND To-day is rainy, and every thing is dull in camp, and it seems lonely and dreary, so I thought I would devote a few moments to you, informing you how things are down here in Dixie. Here I sit in my canvas house, all alone, with my 198 RANDOM SKETCHES AND great coat on, and feeling as cold as though it were a December day; still we have had weather here lately when the thermometer would mark ninety-eight in the shade, so great is the change. While I am writing, the rain is pouring down in torrents, showing no mercy to the poor sentinel with out, as he treads up and down his lonely beat. Very lucky for me that I have a good tent, with a fly over it, or I should get soaked through to the skin. Such days as these make me feel lonesome; but when the sunshine comes again I shall be happy, that is, as happy as we can be in the camp with army rations. In these dreary hours the heart often flies back to its home, and the loved ones there. And how little those at home know the mysterious feelings that pass like a cloud over us; yet, in the silent hours of the night they come, and in the busy bustle of camp life, or in the silent retreats of solitude, overshadowing all the bright hopes and sunny feelings of the heart. Who can describe, and who has not felt the bewil dering influence of the heart; and still it is a delicious sorrow, and is like a cloud dimming the sunshine of the river, and causing a momentary shade of gloom to enhance the beauty of returning brightness, and fit us once more for the battle of life. THOUGHTS. 199 War is a terrible thing, and a civil war more than any other. How many hearts have been draped in mourning; and how many widowed tears have fallen for the loved ones slain ? It really makes me feel sad when I think of it; and still it may all end for good. I sincerely believe our cause is just and right, and he that is armed in a righteous cause is doubly armed. Although we endure hardships and privations, I still feel that the sacrifice is but small when compared with the blessings we shall achieve, for ourselves and our children, in maintaining and upholding the Union and the Constitution made by our . fathers. God grant that we may never see them destroyed. Croakers at home may cry for peace, and discourage the weak ; but I tell you that there can be no peace as long as there is a traitor in arms; and the Union army to-day fear the traitors and Copperheads at home more than Jeff Davis and his legions here. Only let there be a healthy sen timent at home, for a vigorous prosecution of the war, and I will guarantee that ninety days will finish up the rebellion. You may think I am sanguine on this subject, but I speak from what I have seen and what I know. You know that the aid which the Northern dough-faces have given to the rebels is tremendous, and I assure you that if we are defeated in putting down 200 EANDOM SKETCHES AXD the rebellion, the curse is on them, and not the Union army, for the rank and file of the Union army are loyal. There may be a few traitors among the leaders, but they are pretty well sifted, and the army to-day are more united, and in better spirits, than they were a year ago. We soon expect to make an attack on Charleston, and feel sanguine of success. A simultaneous attack by the army and navy will, I think, make that strong hold of rebellion tremble. We may be defeated at first, but it must eventually fall. Oh, what a glorious day that will be ! To see the Stars and Stripes floating over the ramparts of Fort Sumter. Here and at Vicks- burg will be the death struggle of the rebellion. If we are successful in the capture of those two strongholds, Davis & Co. will soon pack up their traps and leave. This evening I received a letter from California; it was from my brother, who wrote me he had enlisted in a battalion of cavalry, which is to be sent North, and attached to the Second Massachusetts. I have not seen him in over nine years. There are now five brothers of us in the service, which makes a very good representation for one family. I think if we all come out of this struggle alive, we will be fortunate; but this is more than can be expected. WANDEKING THOUGHTS. 201 Our Colonel is in command of our brigade, Acting Brigadier General. The brigade is composed of the Eighty-First New York, Twenty-Third Massachusetts, Ninety-Eighth New York, and Ninth New Jersey, making a very fine brigade, and we expect to do some thing big in the next fight. We are within fifteen miles of Savannah, and fifty of Charleston. We can hear the guns of Fort Pulaski, which is garrisoned by a New York regiment. I think of taking a trip down there in a few days, to see the fort and its surroundings. Our regiment was never in better health. Remem ber me to all my friends. Write me on the receipt of this and I will keep you posted hereafter. Yours truly, B. S. D. F. To J. 8. R., Albany, N. Y. CAMP EIGHTY-FIRST REGIMENT, N. Y. YOLS., J MOREHEAD CITY, N. C., June 21, 1863 ) MY DEAR FEIEND I have answered yours of April 27th and have received none in reply. To-day the Colonel handed me a letter he received from you, which was sent by our Chaplain, in which you state 202 KANDOM SKETCHES AXD I had not answered your last. I have received two letters from you, both of which I answered promptly ; your last may not have reached me; therefore I will while away a few minutes informing you how things are progressing down in old North Carolina. This is the very heart of Dixie, both as to negroes and poverty. This portion of the State can never be any more than it is, on account of the poorness of the soil and shallowness of its waters. For fifty miles back from the sea shore it is all white sand, washed up from the ocean, and after a time it has produced shrubs and yellow pine, and these pine trees have afforded a living for the inhabitants, for the past fifty years, in manufacturing tar and turpentine. The trees are dying off and when they are gone the soil will be of little value ; therefore, this part of the country can never be much. The interior of the State, no doubt, is the granary from which the people of this locality are fed, for the country around us here cannot produce enough to sus tain life ; it is not in the soil to do it. Meadows and pasturage, which is so common with us at home, are not known here. We are busy fortifying ourselves at this place, to prevent rebel raids down here. We are building a WANDERING THOUGHTS. 203 fort, on which will be mounted six guns, and a chain of rifle pits on either side of the fort, running to Bogue Sound and Calico creek. Those earthworks are of large dimensions, and I think will be capable, with the Eighty-First behind them, of resisting an attack of vastly superior numbers. We are here alone to guard Fort Macon, Beaufort, and this place, and I under stand we are to be left here. Garrison duty is rather monotonous, not quite so much excitement as to be on the march, chasing an enemy, but, nevertheless, I think we have traveled around enough, and we should be satisfied, especially where we have the cool, refresh ing sea breeze from the ocean to cool our heated blood, caused by the Southern sun. We are having an awful thunder storm this after noon; the rain is pouring down in torrents, and the wind blowing a tremendous gale, with thunder and lightning. A few days since I received a severe shock in my right arm, which I felt for some hours after ward ; this is rather close quarters. You, no doubt, as a loyal citizen of this glorious Republic,^ would like to know what this Department is doing toward crushing the rebellion. Well, I would say, we are at present acting on the defensive, trying to hold what we have got. 204 RANDOM SKETCHES AND Many of the troops in this Department are nine months men, from Massachusetts, whose term of ser vice is about to expire; therefore, we cannot advance much at present. But we are enrolling every white male citizen within our lines, and all negroes that come in, or are already in; they will form quite an army. I cannot agree with some of my friends on this negro question. I do not believe that the negro is any better to face the enemy s bullet than a white mail* nor do I fear they will be treated any worse than a white soldier, if the Government does its duty, which it must, at any sacrifice of rebel life. The negroes are willing to take up arms and fight under the old Stars and Stripes, with the prospect of their freedom, if we will protect them as soldiers; and if we use them as soldiers we must protect them as such, and if any of them are captured and hung by these slave traders, I say, take the same number, of equal rank, and hang them as you would a murderer. Let this once be understood, and we can enlist one hundred thousand negroes in the service of the United States. They will make good soldiers; I have seen many of them, and they compare well with the whites, as to drill and soldierly appearance, and they have the love of liberty planted as deep in their bosoms as most white men, and more WANDERING THOUGHTS. 205 than the white men of the South. And more than this, he should be recognized as equal with the white soldier, when they are engaged in one common cause. But when he lays off the blue jacket, he is a negro still, and should be treated as God designed he should be, as an inferior, with kindness and sympathy, but not as an equal, in a social point of view. These are my sentiments. We have received papers of the 18th, by which I learn that the Rebs are in Pennsylvania. I hope they will reach some of the Copperheads, and make them feel the sore effects of invasion, and bring them to a sense of their duty. These vagabonds have prolonged this war by their peace doctrine ; and now the rebels are invading Northern soil. This is the result of their infamous scheme for a dishonorable peace. I wish we could have every mother s son down here. I think we could taj^e the peace out of them in three months, by making them do picket duty in the rivers and swamps of North Carolina, among the fleas and mos quitoes, under a burning sun. Such men will be eternally cursed, for all time, by the soldiers of the Union army. I think if Vallandig- ham had been turned over to the soldiers, for punish ment, he would have received his just deserts. He 18 206 KAXDOM SKETCHES AXD would have been on his way to glory by this time. God is just, and will take him in his own good time. Be patient and firm. Yours truly, B. S. D. F. To J. S. R. Albany, N. Y. EIGHTY-FIRST REGIMENT, N. Y. VOLS., J FORT MACON, N. C., August 14, 1863. ) MY DEAR FRIEND Your kind letter was received in due time, but I have not been able to answer it until now, owing to the multiplicity of business going on raids and making out monthly returns, &c. The Colonel received your letter last night, and in it you speak of my owing you a letter, which prompted me to a little extra exertion, and as I have just put my wife on board the steamer Guide, bound for home, I shall be more prompt to answer my friend^ who think well enough to write to me. Our last raid was on the Chowan river. We left our camp at night, and took the cars for Newbern; there we got on board steamers, went down the Neuse river, through Pamlico Sound, into Albemarle Sound, and thence up the Chowan river about sixty miles, to a place called Winton. We landed so quietly that the WANDERING THOUGHTS. 207 inhabitants were taken by surprise. The infantry, who numbered about two thousand, disembarked first. "We then drew the artillery up by hand, not having any horses for them. The next move was to capture some horses, which was soon done, and on we went some five miles back in the country, the inhabitants fleeing to the woods. We had a few negro soldiers with us, who went out in advance, yelling like so many Indians, and firing in the air, which made the inhabitants believe it was a negro insurrection, which they dread more than anything else. The houses that were found vacant had to suffer, as they were supposed to be owned by rebels. I captured a sabre and belt, the owner of which had just time to leave before we arrived. At another place we found, an immense quantity of corn stored, which was designed for the Confederate service. We also found a large quantity of cotton and fodder, horses, negroes, &c., which were all taken. I found a fine young horse, whose master had abandoned him in his flight. About three miles out we found a rebel camp, sur rounded with rifle pits. They fired two volleys on our men, who made a charge and drove them out, and took possession of the camp and equipments ; they left every thing, even their guns. The same night we passed 208 RANDOM SKETCHES AXD over the river about two thousand cavalry, who carae from Suffolk to meet us. The next day they went within ten miles of Weldon, scouring the country, and had a little fight at Jackson, after which they returned with some two hundred horses and seventy prisoners. The cavalry again crossed the river and returned to Suffolk, and we returned to Newbern, with a load of cotton, two loads of negroes, and about three hundred horses. We were gone eight days, and came very near starving, as there was not much to eat in that vicinity. We lived most of the time on raw pork and hard tack. This was one of the tightest times we have seen in the service. The raids sharpen the appetite and make one tired, especially in hot weather. I tell you in all truth, the rebels are hard up. We found them with but very little to eat, and such tilings as are common to us are almost impossible for them to get; for instance, coffee is $4 *$ ft)., flour $50 ^ barrel, common army shoes $25 ^ pair, a common straw hat 5, sugar $2 ^ ft). This is so, for I have it from their own lips, and they all admit that the Confederacy lias gone in. You can tell that by the cries of Jeff Davis in his last appeal to the Southern people. Now for Charleston. Let the Government reinforce General Gilmore with white and black soldiers. Those WANDERING THOUGHTS. 209 who know what they are fighting for, those who have been on many a hard fought battle field, and those who have felt the master s lash, are the ones to level that stronghold; men who prize liberty and freedom above their lives, not conscripts, that are bought up in the market like so many sheep, and sent to be the com panions of brave men, who have endured the heat and burden of the struggle. To take Charleston requires steady and undaunted courage, and before it is done our soldiers must wade through rivers of blood. This is no small undertaking, it will be a second Yicksburg, and, as I wrote you last spring, the taking of these two places will bring on the final death struggle of the rebellion. The taking of Charleston will give us Savannah and Wilmington, then what will Richmond be worth? Our recent victories have darkened the hopes of the Confederacy. The sky is dark for them, with hardly one cloud that shows a silver lining ; but with us is only seen a speck here and there on the horizon. God grant it may all soon be clear, and that every soldier in the army may return to his home and family, is my earnest and sincere desire. I hope a kind Providence will guide the destinies of our armies in the field so that every encounter may be a success to the Union cause, *18 210 KANDOM SKETCHES AND until not a ray of hope is left to inspire the rebels in their wicked course. My prayer would be this even for the sake of humanity, if nothing else. This war is a terrible thing; no man knows so well as he who participates in it. Think of the battle field and hospital where thousands lie buried and wounded, then go back to the homes of these soldiers and see the misery there; the widowed wife and orphan children. I tell you it will not do to reflect upon. If I should allow my mind and sympathies to dwell on such things I should go mad, and every bugle note to war sounded would weaken my courage and unfit me for the sacri fice. This is no imagination, but a reality, and such feelings as these I find with our bravest soldiers, the most daring are also the most tender hearted. What will become of our weak-kneed friends, the Copperheads, who will neither go themselves nor let others go? their destiny is written as visibly to my mind as the handwriting on the wall was to the old King at his feast. Yours truly, B. S. D. F. To J. S. E. Albany, N. Y. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 211 CAMP EIGHTY-FIRST REGIMENT, N. Y. VOLS., j NEWPORT NEWS, YA., November 17, 1863 ) MY DEAR FRIEND Your letter of the 9th came in due time, and as I am disappointed this morning in taking a ride to Warwick, on account of the blustering wind, so I will devote a short time in writing to you. Yesterday we had a review of our Brigade, which is composed of the Eighty-First New York Volunteer Infantry, Ninety-Eighth New York, Twenty-Seventh Massachusetts, Twenty-Fifth Massachusetts, Ninth New Jersey, Twenty-Third Massachusetts, with the Third New York Cavalry, one battery of Third Khode Island Artillery, and a battery of the Third New York Artil lery, making one of the finest brigades in the service. We are expecting to be ordered to the Potomac or Tennessee; however, this is mere surmise. In war time, you know, things are very uncertain, and the soldier has no choice as to where he is sent. My own greatest desire is to have this rebellion put down, and return to old Albany, to enjoy once more the comforts of home life, for it is a great privation to be separated from society and the family. I often think of those pleasures and comforts which you are enjoying, while we poor fellows are trying to keep warm by a 212 RANDOM SKETCHES AND little fire in a canvas house, which is nothing more than a windbreak against the storm without. I think I shall never become accustomed to field life, and still I can stand it quite as well as the best of them. I see plainly that it tells on my constitution ; the gray hairs begin to come. Last Saturday I went over to Norfolk to spend the night. It was the first time in nine months that I had slept in a house. I had a good room and bed, but I caught cold in sleeping in such apartments. I could have taken a blanket and laid out all night, and felt better in the morning; this is the case with most of the soldiers; when they once become accustomed to living in tents, house accommodation unfits them for service. It was really laughable to see the seedy gentlemen around the bar room; the so termed F. F. Vs. Their coats were threadbare, and their hats were of a style worn at least ten years ago. Many of them wear the large, old fashioned collars, and swallow tailed coats. The hat, coat and collar made them look like " Dandy Jim from Caroline." No doubt they are the old clothes they cast oflP, when negroes sold more freely than at present, in the South. This place was once a great negro market. Poor old Virginia! how she has fallen from her high estate; her villages burned, her fields WANDERING THOUGHTS. 213 laid waste, and the blood of martyred brothers crying unto her from the ground. The day of retribution is at hand when her traitor sons will have to repent in sack cloth and ashes, or flee to the mountains for refuge, and call upon the rocks to hide them. The news which reached us after election was glo rious, and cheered every soldier s heart. We feel that our friends at home prize the sacrifice we are making. It gives us new life and faith that the North is loyal, and will stand by us through this conflict. You say the Union ticket is elected by 30,000 majority. That is glorious, but if the soldiers could have voted you would have seen 100,000 majority. Copperheadism is dead, and I hope it will be buried so deep that it will never know a resurrection. We must stand by our country and sustain our Government. Do not let us falter or step back. Our radiant flag must be kept untorn, and floating to the x^ breeze. Let not one star be stricken from its azure field, nor one memory lost of its glorious history. The cause of humanity and the hopes of freedom through out the world are involved in this deathlike struggle for our nation s life. Let not our hearts grow cold or sympathies die out, for there is much earnest work to do. Let not patriotism be exchanged for gold or bar- 214 RANDOM SKETCHES AND tered for an inglorious peace, which mealy mouthed traitors are now trying to do. I hope the heads of Government will stand firm, and not be seduced by their wiles. I am glad to hear that your business is good, and that old Albany is going along in the way of improve ment. It is doing finely in the way of horse railroads; keep her going. I wish you would visit us. I think it would pay you to come to Old Point Comfort. If you can I will furnish you with a blanket and a soft board to lay on. Your bones may feel sore for the first few days, but you will soon get used to it. We will give you hard tack and raw pork for a hasty dinner, and coffee with out milk. You must not be negligent in writing; you see I am prompt. Yours truly, B. S. D. F. To J. S. R. Albany, N. Y. CAMP EIGHTY-FIRST REGIMENT, N. Y. VOLS., IN THE FIELD NEAR PETERSBURG, May 8, 1864 <S.,) MY DEAR FRIEND You will see by this that pen and ink is "played out/ and Fourth of July soldiering is at an end for this campaign. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 215 We left Yorktown on the 4th of May, with about thirty-five thousand troops, mostly veterans, on board of transports bound for some unknown point. We sailed down to Hampton Roads and anchored for the night. The next morning we put up the James river and landed at Bermuda Hundred, which is just above City Point, at the mouth of the Appomattox river, on which Petersburg is situated. The 18th Army Corps landed at this place, while the 10th Army Corps landed at City Point. Our regiment has the extreme right of the 18th Corps, being the First Brigade of the First Division. We disembarked at dusk, moved out about a mile, and bivouaced in a wheat field. I rolled myself up in my blanket, in company with the rest of the field and staff officers, our horses lying by our side, ready for a march at a moment s notice. The night passed amid bustle and confusion, caused by the continual arrival of troops. At daylight we were ordered off toward Petersburg. Our regiment led the advance, and took a position about six miles out, where the bend of the James river makes the distance from the Appomattox only three miles. Across this point intrenchments are being made. We shall no doubt hold this place, as a base of operations, having gunboats in both rivers, 216 RANDOM SKETCHES AND which I believe will render our position secure, in case of a heavy force being thrown upon us. I joined our regiment the following day, having been left to bring tip our baggage, which consisted of a small valise for each officer. I took the advance of our wagon train, after having loaded my horse with nearly an hundred pounds of baggage, and started ahead. When about three miles out I was fired upon by a bushwhacker, who appeared to be concealed in the woods; the ball passed me and lodged in a tree; it made the limbs rattle. I however proceeded on my iourney at a slow pace, and reached our regiment in safety. I have always felt more danger in following up the regiment in this way, than when directly with it, as the rebels are much given to lying in ambush for Quartermasters and their supplies. This afternoon, which is Saturday, fighting com menced on our left. Three of our brigades were engaged, and took a high bluff, which commands the railroad to Richmond. Our boys made a charge on the rebels, and at first were repulsed; they rallied and drove the rebels, and now hold the road, dnd have torn up about four miles of it. Beauregard has arrived at Petersburg, with about twenty thousand men, from the South, who intend to obstruct our further advance. WANDERING THOUGHTS. 217 I took my horse and rode out to the front, in com pany with the Colonel and Adjutant, and saw the smoke ascending, and heard the heavy booming of cannon and the rattle of musketry, which was within half a mile of us. General Butler and his staff were returning from the fight, and informed us that all was right, and said we had gained an important position. Last night quiet reigned supreme. Nothing was heard save the measured tread of the sentinel, while here and there might be seen a single soldier seated by the expiring embers of a camp fire, thinking, perhaps, of the fondly remembered pleasures of home, from which he had torn himself to save his country from impending dissolution. How little do those at home know the soldier s feelings in the dreary hours of night. These are the hours for reflection. The calm and quiet of last night is but a forerunner of a storm which is impending. No doubt a battle will be fought to-day ; both armies are making vigorous preparations. The road is filled with ambulances going to the front, which is an indication of warm work ahead. God grant we may be victorious, and before the com memoration of our National Anniversary I trust we will have the pleasure to know that the rebel Capital has fallen, and that the glorious armies of the Union 19 218 RANDOM SKETCHES. have captured the rebel host, including Jeff Davis. This, so far, has been a successful expedition. Not less than seventy-five transports brought the troops up here, without a single accident occuring. AVe came very unexpectedly on Johnny Reb. ; he seemed totally unprepared to receive us, giving us a fine opportunity to land all our troops. I am writing this on a cracker box, under a burn ing sun, and the roar of artillery is heard in the dis tance. This being my third letter to-day, I begin to feel somewhat tired. You will excuse this hasty and imperfect sketch, but if you will answer more promptly I will hereafter give you a more vivid picture of the soldier s life iu the field. Yours truly, B. S. D. F. To J. S. E. Albany, N. Y. HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT, (EIGHTY-FIRST N. Y. S. VOL. INFANTRY.) THE rebellion, after the battle of Bull Bun, assumed a most formidable shape. Their recent success had given the rebels courage and confidence, and that which had at first been blustering on their part toward our Government at Washington, became real. The standard of treason was now lifted in every slave State of our Union, with many sympathizers at the North, as well as in Europe, where they received every encouragement which monarchical governments dared aiford to belligerents. The great magnitude it was assuming had not been anticipated by many of our best Statesmen, and our Government was but poorly pre pared to combat it. The forces which were already in 220 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. the field seemed entirely inadequate to cope with the rebel army, and we were compelled to act on the defen sive for a time, much to our mortification. The President, on the recommendation of Congress, issued a call for three hundred thousand troops, and a short time after, a call for three hundred thousand more, which would make a formidable army of six hundred thousand men, besides those already in the field, all to serve for three years or during the war. The response of the North to the call made upon it for soldiers was without parallel in the history of the world. Camps of instruction were formed in various sections of the country, and regiments organized and drilled in every Congressional District. Flags waved from almost every building, public and private. The people seemed determined that the disasters of Bull Run and Ball s Bluff should be avenged, and the tide of success which had from the first set against us, be reversed. It was such feelings that prompted several leading citizens of Oswego to make an application to Major General Morgan, then Governor of the State, for the privilege to raise the Second Oswego Regiment of Infantry, to be quartered at Fort Ontario until fitted for the field, which application was finally acceded to. SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 221 Brigadier General John F. Rathbone, then in com mand of the Depot of Volunteers, at Albany, was directed to send an officer competent to take charge of a branch depot, to be established at Oswego. Where upon Major Jacob J. De Forest, Inspector of the Ninth Brigade, N. Y. S. M., was directed to proceed at once to the above mentioned place, and when eight companies of thirty-two men each should be recruited, their services should be accepted and rations furnished by the State. On the 25th day of August, 1861, Major De Forest proceeded to the city of Oswego, and entered upon his duties. After consultation with the friends of the enterprise, it was concluded to call a meeting of the officers and privates of the Forty-Eighth Regiment of militia, then in existance, and ascertain how many companies were willing to enlist for three years, unless sooner discharged. After repeated meetings and consultations of officers it was ascertained that not one company of the regi ment were willing to embark in the enterprise. The committee finally concluded to organize an entire new regiment, thinking that a large proportion of the men in the Forty-Eighth Regiment could be induced to enlist from* patriotic motives. But in that hope they *19 222 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. were disappointed, for not more than thirty of the regi ment ever joined the ranks of the Eighty-First New York Volunteers. On the 14th day of September the requisite number of men had been recruited from various sections of the State, and enrolled themselves, and were divided into eight companies, viz : A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and were then mustered into the service of the United States, by Capt. D. B. McKibbin, 14th U. S. Infantry. On the 1st of October, Company I was organized, and on the llth following, Company K completed its quota, and they were also mustered into the service of the United States; after which an election for Cap tains and Lieutenants took place under General Orders No 73, Section 7, Headquarters State of New York, which resulted in the following choice : Co s, CAPTAINS. FIRST LIEUTENANTS. A, William C. Raulston, Hamilton Littlefield, Jr., B, John McAmbly, Augustus G. Bennett, C, George \V. Berriman, Henry W. Greene, D, John B. Edwards, Jr., Leverett C. Adkins, E, Edward S. Cook, Elias A. Fish, F, T. Dwight Stowe, Daniel C. Rix, G, Henry C. Thompson, Henry N. Hamilton, H, John B. Raulston, John W. Oliver, I, Selden E. Clark, AValter B. Thorp, K, Joel Dorman Steele. Julius F. BiUard. SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 223 From November 1st to December 20th, the regi ment continued to increase 1 in number and improve in discipline, except the company commanded by Captain Clarke. After consultation with the friends of the ser vice it was decided to make application to headquarters for the privilege of consolidating it with other smaller companies, thereby making nine companies of ninety- seven men each, which order was granted, when the following Second Lieutenants were elected: Company A, R. Henry Eddy. Company B, Hugh Anderson, promoted, 1st Lt., and Martin J. De Forest, elected. Company C, James Martin. Company D, John D. Phillips. Company E, John T. De Forest. Company F, Henry Sharpe. Company G, Rodolphus D. S. Tyler. Company H, Peter French. Company K, Lawrence J. Steele. Captain E. G. Marshall then proceeded to muster in the regiment, with the field and staff officers, with the exception of Colonel and Chaplain. In the re-muster, Captain Marshall mustered out eighty-seven men who had been regularly mustered by 224 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. Captain McKibbin, and furnished clothing and rations, many of them for three months, and some of the very best men in the regiment, simply because the parents consent had not been preserved. In many cases the men had them, and when they found that Captain Marshall was taking that course, they refused to pre sent them. It was also found that ninety men had deserted, from time to time, so that the entire strength of the regiment, after taking out the deserters and those mustered out by Captain Marshall, only amounted to six hundred and ninety-five men. At this time the regiment was presented with two beautiful flags by the citizens of Oswego. The presentation speech was made by the late Hon. Mr. Fitzhugh, who addressed the soldiers in patriotic terms, which was replied to by Colonel Rose, in a few appropriate remarks. On the 20th day of December 1861, the following field and staff officers were mustered in : Lieutenant Colonel JACOB J. DE FOKEST. Major JOHN MCAMBLY. Surgeon WILLIAM H. RICE. Assistant Surgeon CARRINGTON McFARLAND. Adjutant EDWARD A. COOKE. Quartermaster ROGER A. FRANCIS. SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 225 The regiment then left for Albany, arriving at that place the next day, when it proceeded to the Barracks, where it remained until ready for the field. While here it was consolidated into seven companies, the sur plus officers being mustered out, four of them against their wishes; these were promised the first vacancies that should occur, which promise was faithfully kept by Governer Morgan. About the 1st of February the regiment received an accession of about three hundred and fifty, who had been recruited in Oneida county, N. Y., which was called the Mohawk branch of the regiment. They were formed into three companies, viz.: Companies C, E, and I, which completed the organization of the regi ment. On the 10th of February the remainder of the men and officers were mustered into the service of the United States, by Major Sitsgrave, U. S. A., including Edwin Rose as Colonel and Rev. David McFarland as Chaplain. On the 21st of February, 1862, the regiment, num bering ten hundred and forty men, including officers, left the Barracks, at Albany, for the seat of war. As they passed through the streets they were greeted by thousands who thronged the sidewalks. From bal- 226 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. conies and windows they were cheered by the old and young, which was returned by the boys in blue who were in high spirits, and anxiously looking forward to active service in the field. Soldiers are always well pleased with change of location or duty. At sundown they took the cars for New York, arriving there the next day. After taking refresh ments at the Park Barracks, they were ordered to Staten Island, where the regiment remained in bar racks eight days. On the 5th of March they were ordered to Washing ton, which place they reached on the 7th, and on the 8th went into camp for the first time, on Colorama Heights, just beyond the city. At this camp they remained twenty days. While in this camp the regi ment was attached to the Third Brigade, Brigadier General I. N. Palmer, Casey s Division, 4th Corps. On the 28th of March they marched to Alexandria, Va., seven miles from Washington, and bivouaced near the city until the morning of the 30th. During this time a severe storm of rain, snow and sleet prevailed for fifteen hours, to which both officers and men were exposed, without tents or shelter, the tents having been left standing at the camp they had lately left, by orders from headquarters. SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 227 On the morning of the 30th the regiment embarked on the steam transport C. Vanderbilt, for Fortress Monroe, which place was reached on the 1st of April, 1862; here the Army of the Potomac was concentrated. On that day the regiment disembarked and marched seven miles, toward Newport News, and camped on low, flat ground, saturated with water, with no chance to drain it, or obtain water for cooking purposes, where it remained fourteen days, exposed to the weather, which brought on sickness, and many were sent to the hospital. On the 15th of April, they marched fifteen miles, to Young s Mills, bivouaced, and marched next morning two miles, toward and near Warwick Court House, and camped, where the regiment remained five days, still without shelter, except such as could be made from trees and fence rails, and scarcely able to find a spot dry enough to lay upon. * On the 21st they marched four miles and camped in front of the enemy s works at Lee s Mills, and upon low ground, very wet, with no drainage, nor good water, where they remained thirteen days. While in this camp shelter tents were issued to the men, the first protection from rains they had enjoyed since they left Washington. This was a great oversight on the part 228 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. of the Government, and was one of the main causes of our army being so reduced during the spring campaign. At this camp Colonel Edwin Rose left the regiment, on a sick leave, the command devolving on Lieutenant Colonel De Forest. On the 4th of May they marched eight miles, toward Williamsburgh, passing to the left of York- town, and bivouaced till the morning of the 5th, when they marched eight miles further, by a circuitous route, to the plain in front of Williamsburgh, on which they camped, and remained until after the battle was fought ; Casey s Division being the reserve of the army, was not brought into action. On the morning of the 10th they broke camp and marched fifteen miles, to Rogers Church, where they remained two days, encamped on good ground. On the 12th they marched eight miles to New Kent Court House, where they found a dry camping ground, and remained three days; broke camp on the 15th, and marched six miles, on the 16th, six miles, and on the 17th, three miles, to a large plain, near Bottom s Bridge, where they camped upon good ground, until the 23d, when they broke camp, crossed the Chickahominy, marched five miles, and bivouaced ; on the 24th they marched four miles, and on the afternoon of the 25th SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 229 moved three miles, to Seven Pines, where the regiment remained three days; on the morning of the 28th they advanced three-quarters of a mile, to the earthworks, on the extreme front, where they remained until the battle of Seven Pines, which was fought on the 31st. At the first alarm on that day the regiment, under command of Lieutenant Colonel De Forest, promptly took the position assigned it, on the left wing of the line of battle, in an open field, unsupported, fifty yards in advance of a skirt of woods. The enemy in front, screened by a thick under growth of bushes, poured several volleys of musketry into the regiment, and although this was the first regular engagement in which they had participated, yet they stood Irae veterans. Volley after volley was poured into the bushes, with deadly effect. Soon find ing that they could not maintain their exposed position, the regiment fell back in good order to the edge of the woods in their rear. During this time both field officers fell, Lieutenant Colonel De Forest pierced through the chest by a ball from the enemy s sharp shooters; he was carried from the field; Major John McAmbly and Captain Kingman were killed and left on the field, together with many privates. Captain William C. Raulston being the senior officer present, 20 230 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. then assumed command, and in the position then taken they kept up a constant fight with the enemy in front for two hours, when a large force, afterwards ascertained to be a brigade, entered the field they had left and deployed in such a manner as to approach them both in front and flank. To save themselves from being taken prisoners, the order was given to fall back toward the center of the line, which was on the Williamsburgh road, half a mile distant. While moving in that direc tion, the center gave way, and was being forced down the road. To meet this, they were obliged to change direction, passing through a thick wood and slashing, gaining open ground half a mile in the rear of the first line of rifle pits, which they entered, and continued the fight until the day closed ; the enerd^ in possession of the battle field, including the camp wibh all the tents, the personal baggage and extra clothing of the men and officers. It was noon when the action commenced, and it was kept up until darkness began to gather over the land. The sun went down behind the green pines without a cloud, and the tranquil stars came out one after the other upon the sky, shedding their gentle light upon field and wood, all unconscious of the dead and dying, who had looked their last on the blue heavens. SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 231 That night the brigade was ordered down the Wil- liamsburgh road, a mile and a half, where the men lay upon their arms, awaiting the dawn of morning. The next day, June 1st, they were in line part of the day, and the remainder was spent in reconnoitring the enemy s right, and burying the dead on the field from which the enemy had been driven, when they ascer tained that the rebels had suffered more than the Union troops. At night they lay on their arms. The second day they occupied the same position. At this time the following address was issued by he commanding General, which inspired the troops with new vigor: HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, 1 CAMP NEAR NEW BRIDGE, VA., June 2, 1862. ) Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac: I have fulfilled at least a part of my promise to you. You are now face to face with the rebels, who are held at bay in front of their Capital. The final and decisive battle is at hand. Unless you belie your past history, the result cannot be for a moment doubt ful. If the troops who labored so faithfully and fought so gallantly at Yorktown, and who so bravely won the hard fights at Williamsburgh, West Point, Hanover 232 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. Court House, and Fair Oaks, now prove worthy of their antecedents, the victory is surely ours. The events of every day prove your superiority. \\lierever you have met the enemy you have beaten him; wherever you have used the bayonet he has given way in panic and disorder. I ask of you now a last crowning effort. The enemy has staked his all on the issue of the coming battle; let us meet him and crush him here, in the very center of the rebellion. Soldiers, I will be with you in this battle, and share its dangers with you. Our confidence in each other is now founded upon the past. Let us strike the blow which is to restore peace and union to this distracted land. Upon your valor, discipline and mutual confi dence the result depends. (Signed) GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major General Commanding. On the fourth day they marched to White Oak Swamp, six miles, where they quartered, being with out tents, blankets, or extra clothing. The ground was sufficiently elevated to be dry, and also in the vicinity of good water. Here the men refreshed them selves, and received a new supply of shelter tents and SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 233 clothing. While at this camp Colonel Rose rejoined the regiment which remained here until the 28th, when they received orders to join the advance, on their march toward James river, and reached the vicinity of Mal- vern Hill on the morning of the 30th, after a march ^f fifteen miles through mud and mire ; it was impossi ble for many teams to get through, and the wagons and stores were destroyed, to prevent their falling into the hands of the enemy. On the 1st of July the regiment was assigned to the reserve force, but was not brought into action on that day. On the 2d they took up their line of march toward Harrison s Landing, and when near the ravine which was afterward selected for a line of defence, it was assigned a position near the road, where it remained until all the baggage and troops had passed. The men lay on their arms that night, and next morning crossed the ravine and took position on .the edge of the woods, which they maintained until the line of defences were fully established, and our army was once more secure under cover of our gunboats on the James river. On the 8th they camped near the James river, upon high grounds, well shaded with trees, sufficiently open, however, to allow the air to circulate freely. Here they remained thirty-nine days, doing but little duty. *20 234 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. The whole army was again on the defensive. At this camp Colonel Rose tendered his resignation, which was accepted on the 7th of July, leaving Major Raulston in command, who had been promoted in the meantime. On the morning of the 16th of August the regiment being the rear of the army, broke camp and mart-he^ twenty miles, toward Williamsburgh, bivouaced, and resumed the march the next morning, crossing the Chickahominy on a pontoon bridge, at 3 o clock P. M., at nightfall bivouacing, after a march of twenty miles; resumed their march again on the morning of the 18th, passing through Williamsburgh at 9 o clock A. M., and continued their line of march toward Yorlftown, which place was reached on the 19th, the men being nearly exhausted, and many had fallen by the road side, over come by heat and fatigue. Here they went into camp upon a high bank of the York river, and near good water. They remained at Yorktown until the last of December, doing fatigue duty on the fortifications, the men materially improving in health and strength, and the sick list proportionately decreasing. While at this place Colonel De Forest rejoined the regiment, having sufficiently recovered from his wounds to take the field. On the evening of the 29th of December the regi ment embarked for Beaufort, North Carolina, which SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 235 harbor was reached on the morning of January 1st, 1863. On that day they disembarked, marched three miles, to Carolina City, and camped upon sandy ground, dry at the surface, but saturated with water two or three feet below. They remained here twenty days, and then re-embarked on the steam transport City of Bath, and on the 28th sailed for Port Royal, South Carolina, which place was reached on the 30th, the regiment remaining on transports until the 10th of February, when they disembarked and camped on St. Helena Island, upon low, sandy soil, full of water just below the surface, where they remained fifty-three clays, being drilled each day, constantly improving in discipline. On the 4th of April the regiment re-embarked and sailed to North Edisto Inlet, where it remained on shipboard until the 10th, when they returned and landed at Hilton head, and went into camp until the 15th, when it again embarked and sailed for Beaufort, North Carolina, making that harbor on the 17th; on that day disembarked and moved by railroad to New- bern, thirty-five miles distant, where it remained until the 2d of May, when the regiment was ordered back to Morehead City. Three companies, B, D and G, under Major D. B. White, were ordered to Fort Macon, for garrison duty. Three companies, E, I and K, were 236 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. sent to Beaufort, as Provost Guard, under the lamented Captain Ballard, and the remaining four companies, A, C, F and H, remained as guard to Morehead City, which was the headquarters of the regiment, then com manded by Lieutenant Colonel W. B. Haulston. While at* this post the Eighty-First was called upon, with other troops in the District, to participate in several important raids in the interior of the State. On the 1st of July they made a raid in the direction of AVilmington, in which some prisoners were captured, they also partially destroyed the railroad to that city. Soon after an expedition was sent to Swansboro, cap turing some prisoners and property. Another raid was made in the same month, under Brigadier General C. A. Heckman, penetrating through the country to within six miles of Weldon, capturing prisoners, small arms and about one hundred bales of cotton, returning to Morehead on the 2d of August, after an absence of eight days, the men much exhausted by privation and fatigue. The regiment, while here, was principally engaged in building fortifications and doing picket and guard duty. It remainft. at this place until the 18th of Octo ber, when they embarked on board steamers, and sailed for Newport News, Virginia, which place was reaelml SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 237 on the 20th; encamped within one mile of the ground occupied by the regiment in April, 1862. Nothing of importance occurred while in this camp, where they remained until the 18th day of November, when it was ordered to Northwest Landing, twenty-five miles south from Norfolk, near the borders of North Caro lina, arid in the vicinity of Dismal Swamp While en route for this post the regiment was fired into by bushwhackers, just at nightfall, losing two men, one wounded and one taken prisoner; the enemy made their escape through the swamp and woods, crossing the river into North Carolina in safety. The camp was established on the 19th, near North west Landing river. The bridge had been destroyed some time previous by the enemy, and it was rebuilt by a detail of men from the regiment, who prided themselves on their skill in the art of bridge building; in it they placed a draw, ingeniously contrived for the destruction of the enemy, in case of a charge. A few raids on the enemy restored quiet through this portion of the country; the inhabitants feeling more secure under the Yankee Government than the one lately adopted by them. While in this camp Mrs. C. E. Ingersoll, of Lee, Oneida county, presented to the regiment a beautiful 238 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. heavy silk National Color^in place of those presented by the citizens of Oswego, which had been returned to them while the regiment lay at Morehead City, North Carolina, by the lamented Captain Fish, who went North on a leave of absence. They had been carried in triumph over the enemy s soil, as well as on many a hard fought battle field, and were so dilapidated as to be of no further use to the regiment, but will remain in the archives in which they are placed, as an evidence of the courage of those who carried them. On the 1st of January, 1864, the men of the regi ment having less than one year to serve, were solicited to re-enlist for three years, under a call from the AVar Department. On the 23d of February, two-thirds of those men had re-enlisted, which made the Eighty- First a veteran regiment, and entitled them to a fur lough of thirty days; when it was decided that the brigade to which the regiment was attached should go home in a body, on a veteran furlough; accordingly, on the 23d, the re-enlisted men of the regiment left camp at Northwest Landing for home, arriving at the defences of Norfolk on the 24th, where they bivoiuurd for three days awaiting the arrival of transports which were to convey them to New York city. While here they suffered much from the cold. SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 239 On the 27th, at four o clock, A. M., the veterans embarked on board the steamer Prometheus, homeward bound. The weather was pleasant, and all on board enjoyed the voyage. * At two o clock, P. M., on the 29th, the vessel dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. On the 1st of March the regiment was mustered for pay, ill the City Hall Park, which was very gratifying to the men, especially at this time, having such a fine oppor tunity to use the money, which they did freely. On the 2d day of March the brigade was reviewed by the Mayor of the city, and escorted to the Arsenal by the Eighth and Thirty-Seventh Regiments N. Y. S. National Guard, and was also reviewed by Major General Burnside, at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. The parade was a success, and the veterans did themselves great honor by their soldierly bearing and demeanor. After doing justice to the sumptuous entertainment pro vided by the city authorities, the troops were escorted to the Hudson River Railroad, and took the night train for Albany, where they arrived next morning at seven o clock, and remained three days. While in Albany the Brigade was reviewed by His Excellency, Governor Seymour, and Members of the Legislature, after which took the cars for Oswego. 240 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. On the arrival of the Eighty-First at Syracuse, it was met by a committee from Oswego, when breakfast was served to the regiment at the principal hotels, the Syracuse JJouse, the Globe, St. Charles, and Yoorliees House, after which they took the cars for Oswego, where they arrived at four o clock, P. M., the same day. Although the rain poured down in torrents, yet the mass of the population turned out to welcome home the veterans of the Eighty-First, who were escorted by the military of the city, and the Fire Department, to Doolittle Hall, where the ladies of the city had pre pared a splendid repast, to which the soldiers gave their most earnest attention. On the following day the men were furloughed for thirty days, and proceeded to their several homes, where they remained until the 5th of April, when the regiment re-assembled, but owing to want of transpor tation, did not leave for Albany until the 12th; thence they went to New York on the steamer St. John, and on the 16th embarked on board the steamer Ericsson, arriving at Yorktown, Virginia, on the 18th. Here the brigade was encamped, preparatory to the spring campaign. Soon after the men that were left at Northwest Landing joined the regiment, when the Eighty-First was assigned to the First Brigade, Firtt SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 241 Division, 18th Army Corps, Army of the James. On the 4th of May the regiment embarked on transports, arriving at Bermuda Hundred on the 5th, at sundown, and on the 6th moved northward, and took a position about six miles from the landing, where they com menced building fortifications. On the 9th the Eighty-First was deployed as skir mishers and continued as such in the advance during the entire day, in the direction of Petersburg, where they engaged the troops of Beauregard. Constant skirmishing was kept up until nightfall, when a spirited engagement took place, in which the enemy were routed at Violet Station, on the Petersburg and Richmond Railroad. During the night the enemy made several attempts to regain the position lost by them, but with out avail. On the 10th the Union forces were ordered to their intrenchments at Bermuda Hundred. On the 12th another advance was made toward Richmond, the regi ment being temporarily attached to the 10th Army Corps, under command of Major General Gilmore, which, on the 13th, engaged the enemy at Kingsland Creek, capturing a strong position on the enemy s right. The loss was quite severe on both sides, the enemy being driven out, and a long line of works was 21 242 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT captured, together with many prisoners. The fighting continued until midnight, the rebels making several charges to retake the works. On the 14th the regiment was ordered to support a battery, in which it suffered some loss. On the 15th they were ordered to throw up rifle pits. On the morning of the 16th the battle of Drury s Bluff was fought. The enemy taking advantage of a fog, and smoke, succeeded in forcing through the right of our lines, commanded by Brigadier General Heckman, which caused some hard fighting, the enemy capturing many of our men, also the General. The Eighty-First was complimented by Generals Butler and Gilmore for gallantry during the day, on two occasions, repulsing charges of the enemy. At nightfall the Union forces were compelled to fall back to their intrenchments which they did under cover of night, having sustained a loss of about 3,000 killed, wounded and missing. On the 28th of May the 18th Army Corps was ordered to the James river, and on the 29th embarked on board of transports and proceeded to the White House, Virginia, on the Pamunky river, where they arrived on the following day, pitched their tents and found a little rest for the night. SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 243 On the afternoon of the 31st the 18th Corps moved forward to join the Army of the Potomac, bivouaoing at New Castle, on the Pamunky river. At daylight they continued their march; the day was suffocatingly hot, and many of the men fell by the road side from exhaustion, reaching the left of that army on the 1st day of June, at Cold Harbor. Although the whole command was nearly exhausted from excessive march ing through the burning sun, the 18th Army Corps was ordered to engage the enemy, taking their position on the left of the 6th Corps, which had just arrived. The men did not murmur, but went into the fight with a determination seldom witnessed, capturing a strong line of works before nightfall. The Eighty-First, with the rest of the brigade, were selected to hold the works during the night, and the enemy were repulsed several times in trying to retake them. On the 2d the Eighty-First were to have been withdrawn^ but owing to some cause, were advanced to a more dangerous position. During the day it lost over seventy in killed and wounded. Among those killed was Lieutenant J. W. Burke, of Company K. The 3d day of June will long be remembered as the date of one of the most bloody battles of the war, 244 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. which was participated in by the entire army, under General Grant, not excepting the gallant Eighty-First, which had been four days on constant duty, with little food and no sleep, and the men were worn out; still the regiment sustained its former reputation, and added new laurels to its proud banner. Seven Captains out of nine were either killed or wounded. Captain AV. AV. Ballard, of Company I, and Captain James Martin, of Company K, were killed. The regiment lost thirteen officers. The color guard was completely annihilated, and one-half of those who were engaged that morning were either killed or wounded. During the twelve days they were engaged at Cold Harbor over two- thirds of the regiment were swept from the ranks. Owing to the reduction of the number in the regiment an order was issued to consolidate the companies, pro visionally, into four, in which form they did duty afterward. On the 12th of June the Eighty-First returned witli the 18th Army Corps to the White House, embarking thence, on board of transports, for Bermuda Hundred, arriving at Point of Rocks, on the Appomattox river on the night of the 14th, where they bivouaced. The Corps had expected rest; but there was no rest in the programme of the Lieutenant General, and two o clock SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 245 the next morning found the Eighty-First en route for Petersburg, crossing the pontoon bridge at daylight, arriving in front of that city at noon, where it added new laurels to those already won, in driving the enemy out of the first line of their fortifications, which were forts mounted with heavy guns. The line of battle was formed in a skirt of woods, the artillery placed in front, the pieces leveled to send the shot into the embrasures of the forts, which was so accurately done that it prevented them from working their guns. Our artillery fired rapidly for about twenty minutes, when a charge was made by the whole corps, crossing an open field for a quarter of a mile, down a steep hill, and then up the fortifications, which were about forty feet high, driving the enemy with the point of the bayonet. This was one of the most successful charges of the campaign. On the 16th the regiment was engaged in support ing an assaulting column, and subsequently employed in skirmishing, until a late hour at night, when again it threw up breastworks along the line, which were half a mile in advance of the forts lately captured. On the 26th the enemy opened a terrific bombard ment with artillery, continuing about an hour, when they made a charge in two columns, in front of the *21 246 SECOND OSWEGO REGIME .\ ;T. First Brigade. When at a proper distance our troops opened a most destructive fire, literally annihilating them ; every man that was not killed or wounded was compelled to surrender. In this engagement the Eighty-First lost very few wounded, and took more prisoners from the enemy than they had men in the ranks. The weather at this time was very warm, and its men suffered a great deal from the effects of it, as well as being annoyed l>v the shells from the rebel batteries, or those of our own, many of which were premature explosions, and fell into our camp, which was then midway between Petersburg and the forts we captured of the 15th. This made it very uncomfortable for us, oftentimes driving us into our bomb proofs, called gopher holes by the boys, which afford a secure protection from the shells. On the 9th of July the regiment was engaged, with our division, in supporting the 9th Army Corps, return ing the next day to the trenches, where it remained until the 30th, when it took part in the Burnside mine explosion. After the repulse of the 9th Army Corps, the Division was placed in the front line, near the crater, and did effective service, in covering the retreat. Several men of the Eighty-First were wounded in this engagement, although none were killed. SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 247 On the 2d of August the regiment returned to the trenches, near the Appomattox river, where it remained until the 26th, when they returned to Bermuda Hun dred, taking a position in the front line. On the 28th new orders came, and at nine o clock, P. M., the regi ment was in light inarching order. At three o clock, A. M., of the 29th, crossed the James river on pon toons, advancing across an open country. It soon came in full view of the enemy s strong position, called Fort Harrison, behind which they were found to be in force. In carrying these works a fearful loss was inflicted on the Union forces. The Eighty-First was the first to plant its colors on the rebel works, capturing two redoubts, several pieces of artillery, large numbers of prisoners, and one battle flag. In this engagement Captain Rix, Lieu tenants Tuttle and Nethaway were killed, and Captain Fish, Lieutenants Dolbier, Porter and Copeland mor tally wounded, with many privates. Nine officers were either killed or wounded in this action, leaving only three officers to command the balance of the regiment. On the 30th the regiment lost quite a number of men, as the enemy made several attempts to dislodge our troops from the fort, but without success. A large number of prisoners and two battle flags were cap- 248 . SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. tured from the enemy by them. During the two clays fight the Eighty-First lost one hundred in killed and wounded, including nine officers, out of twelve. The Eighty-First remained at Fort Harrison, doing picket duty, until the 27th of October, when it took part in the movement on the enemy s left, near Seven Pines, and on the 29th it engaged the enemy on the same ground on which it fought two and a half years before, with opposite results of the first engagement, driving the eneniy back to Richmond, after which the troops returned to their old quarters at Chapin s Farm. . In recognition of their services, the regiment was presented with a stand of silken colors, by the War Department, on the recommendation of Major General Butler, commanding the Department, on which was inserted the following names: Yorktown, Seven Pines, Savage Station, Malvern Hill, Winton, Violet Station, Kingsland Creek, Drury s Bluff, May 13th, loth, 16th, Cold Harbor, June 1st, 2d and 3d, Petersburg, June 15th, 16th and 24th, and July 9th and 30th, Fort Harrison (Chapin s Farm), September 29th and 30th, Fair Oaks, 2d, October 27th, 1864. On the 5th of November the regiment was ordered to Xew York harbor, where they arrived on transports, and remained during the Presidential election. From SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 249 thence they returned to their old camp, in front of Richmond, arriving on the night of November 18th. On the 20th of December the 10th and 18th Army Corps were consolidated, and the Eighty-First was assigned to the First Brigade, *Third Division, of the 24th Army Corps. On the 8th of January, 1865, General Butler was relieved of the command of the Army of the James, which he had been connected with from its organiza tion. In taking leave of his officers and soldiers he issued the following address : "Soldiers of the Army of the James: " Your commander, relieved by order of the Presi dent, takes leave of you. Your conduct in the field has extorted praises from the unwilling. You have endured the privations of the camp and the march without a murmur; you have never failed to attack when ordered; you have stormed and taken works deemed impregnable by the enemy; you have shown the positions to be so by holding them against his fiercest assaults in the attempt to retake them. " Those skilled in war have marveled at the obsta cles overcome by your valor. Your line of works has excited the wonder of the officers of other nations, who 250 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. came to learn defensive warfare from the monuments of your skilled labor. Your deeds have rendered your name illustrious. In aftertimes your General s proudest memory Vill be to say, with you : I, too, was of the Army of the James/ To share such a companionship is pleasure ; to participate in such acts is honor ; to have commanded such an army is glory. "No one could yield it without regret, knowing your willing obedience to orders, witnessing your ready devotion of your blood in your country s cause. I have Ifcen chary of the precious charge confided to me. I have refused to order useless sacrifices of the lives of such soldiers; and I am relieved from your command. The wasted blood of my men does not stain my gar ments. For my action I am responsible to my God and my country. " To ilie Colored Troops of the Army of the James: In this army you have been treated not as laborers but as soldiers. You have shown yourselves worthy of the uniform you wear. The best officers of the Union seek to command you. Your bravery has now the admira tion even of those who would be your masters. Your patriotism, fidelity and courage, have illustrated the best qualities of manhood. With the bayonet you have unlocked the iron barred gates of prejudice, opening SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 251 new fields of freedom, liberty and equality of rights to yourselves and your race forever. "Comrades of the Army of the James, I bid you farewell. Farewell. "BENJAMIN F. BUTLEK, Maj. Gen." That portion of the regiment which did not re-enlist were discharged during the month of January, 1865, reducing the regiment to two hundred and fifty men, present for duty, who were mostly veterans. The regiment remained at Fort Harrison doing picket duty, until the advance was ordered, "On to Richmond ! " On the morning of the 3d of April the Eighty-First were deployed as skirmishers, in front of "Wetzel s forces, and was the first infantry regiment to enter the rebel Capital. This was the last and crowning act of this noble and gallant regiment. On entering the city, their first work was to release the Union prisoners confined in Castle Thunder and Libby Prison, putting in confine ment the same number of rebels. Then our starry flag was raised above the prison wall, amid the deafen ing cheers of the soldiers and now happy contrabands and prisoners, all of whom had long been wishing for the time when they should be released from prison and 252 . SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. a bondage worse than death. After which the soldiers were engaged in extinguishing the conflagration which was then raging in different parts of the city. The released prisoners and contrabands went in for a share of the spoil which such an occasion generally affords. After doing duty for some weeks in and around the city, the regiment were ordered to Williamsburgh, where they remained until the last of July. From there they were ordered to Fortress Monroe, where they were mustered out of the service on the 1st day of August, and ordered to report at Albany, N. Y. They took a steam transport for New York, and from there proceeded to Albany, by boat, under the com mand of Colonel D. B. White. While at Albany they encamped on the heights along the Hudson river, north of the city, and in the rear of the new barracks. The following is a list of the sieges, engagements and raids, in which the regiment participated: Siege of Yorktown, Virginia, May 3d, 1862. Battle of Williamsburgh, Virgina, May 5, 1862. Battle of Bottoms Bridge, Virginia, May 11, 1862. Battle of Savage Station, Virginia, May 22, 1862. Battle of Fair Oaks, Virginia, May 30th, 1862. Battle of Seven Pines, Virginia, May 31", 1862. SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 253 Battle of Chickahominy, Virginia, June 24, 1862. Battle of Charles City Cross Roads, Virginia, June 25, 1862. Battle of Malvern Hill, Virginia, July 1, 1862. Siege of Charleston, South Carolina, April 7, 8, 9 and 10, 1863. ^ Raid on Washington, North Carolina, April 18, 1863. Raid on Trenton, North Carolina, July 4, 1863. Raid on Winton, North Carolina, July 28, 29, 30, 1863. Battle of Violet Station, Virginia, May 9, 1864. Battle of Kingsland Creek, Virginia, May 13, 1864. Battle of Drury s Bluff, Virginia, May 16, 1864. Battle of Cold Harbor, Virginia, from 1st to 12th of June, 1864. Siege of Petersburg, Virginia, from June 15th until August 26, 1864. Battle of Chapin s Farm, Va., September, 29, 1864. Battle of Fair Oaks, 2d, Virginia, October 27, 1864. ENTERED RICHMOND, Virginia, April 3d, 1865. The firearms used in these engagements were mus kets, calibre 58. The first arms were the Springfield, drawn at Albany, just previous to the regiment leaving the Military Depot, and were used during the cam paign of 1862, when they were exchanged for the 22 254 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. Austrian. These gave great dissatisfaction, being very inferior in style and manufacture, and were finally returned, receiving the Enfield in exchange, which compare well with our Springfield. They were used by the regiment during the remainder of the war. The n ion of the regiment pride^l themselves much on their guns, in keeping them clean and bright, their barrels glistening in the sun like silver. An order was issued by the commander of the regiment, relieving the pri vate from certain duties, whose arms and equipments bore the best inspection, when they were required to wear white gloves, boots neatly blacked, and knap sacks properly packed, which caused no small degree of rivalry among the men. The colors of the regiment were never in the hands of the enemy. They \vere carried triumphantly on every field of battle in which the regiment participated. The original colors are deposited in the archives of the city of Oswego. The other two flags which were presented to the regiment, one by Mrs. E. C. Ingersoll, of Oneida county, and the other by the War Depart ment, in recognition of their services during the war, and especially at Fort Harrison, Virginia, are now deposited in the Bureau of Military Record, at Albany, SECOND OSWEGO KEGIMENT. 255 N. Y., to remain there as evidence of the loyalty and courage of the regiment who bore them in the hour of our country s peril and danger, amid carnage and death, many of whom fell beneath them, and are now resting quietly in unknown graves. "Unmentioned, unreturning braves! Who perished far from friends and home, And found unmarked but sacred graves Beneath the blue of Heaven s dome ; To you, who left alike behind, And left for aye, your friends and fears; To danger, not to duty, blind, We yield the tribute of our tears. Ye perished in a hostile land, In prison, hospital, or fight; But never lifted lawless hand, Nor struck a blow, but for the right. Whether the field was lost or won On which ye perished, reck not ye; Success is sure in duty done, To die for right is victory. Soft stream the sunshine overhead, Green grow the grasses on your graves; Heaven will remember you, though dead, Ungarlanded, immortal braves." 256 SECOND OSWEGO IVI:<;IMI-:XT. The marches of the regiment were often through drenching rain, mud and swamps, and sometimes under a burning sun. The men often became exhausted from fatigue; many of them, on the march, were obliged to abandon their extra clothing to lighten their burthen, which sometimes consisted of a great coat, knapsack well filled, a blanket, haversack containing three days 7 rations, canteen holding three pints of water, a gun weighing fourteen pounds, besides equipments, with forty rounds of cartridge in their boxes, and twenty extra rounds in their pockets or knapsacks; their feet would often blister, compelling them to fall out by the wayside, where they were left to the tender mercy of the enemy; frequently shoeless, and sometimes throwing away their shoes, traveling through the heated sand to find a little relief. The following are the marches made by this regi ment from the time it left Fort Ontario, in 1861, until it returned to Albany and was discharged, in 1865, including railroad and steam transportation. Some of the steam transports were rickety old vessels, which had been let or sold to the Government agents at the most enormous rates, for the purpose of carrying troops from place to place along the coast and inland waters, were unsafe, and not fit to carry cattle : SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 257 MILES. Osvvego to Albany, - - - 183 Albany to New York, 150 New York to Washington, - 225 Washington to Alexandria, D. C., - 7 Alexandria to Fortress Monroe, Virginia, - - 116 Fortress Monroe to Seven Pines, Virginia, - 65 Seven Pines to Harrison s Landing, Virginia, - - 17 Harrison s Landing to Yorktown, Virginia, 52 York town to Carolina City, North Carolina, ... 278 Carolina City to Port Royal, South Carolina, 250 Port Royal to Beaufort, South Carolina, - - 16 Beaufort to St. Helena Island, South Carolina, - 14 St. Helena Island to North Edisto Inlet, South Carolina, 58 North Edisto Inlet to Hilton Head, South Carolina, - 56 Hilton Head to Newbern, North Carolina, - 287 Newbern to Fort Macon, North Carolina, - 38 Fort Macon to Trenton, North Carolina, - 90 Trenton to Morehead City, North Carolina, - 88 Morehead City to Winton, North Carolina, - 250 Winton to Morehead City, North Carolina, - 250 Morehead City to Newport News, Virginia, 259 Newport News to Northwest Landing, Virginia, - 41 Northwest Landing to Oswego, New York, ... 625 Oswego to Yorktown, Virginia, - - 620 Yorktown to Bermuda Hundred, Virginia - - - 130 Bermuda Hundred to Cold Harbor, Virginia - - 225 Cold Harbor to Petersburg, Virginia, - - - 235 Petersburg to Fort Harrison, Virginia, ... 25 Fort Harrison to New York city, - - 470 New York city to Fort Harrison, - - 470 Fort Harrison to Richmond, - 5 Richmond to Williamshurgh, ... 32 Williamsburgh to Fortress Monroe - 37 Fortress Monroe to Albany, New York, - - 380 - 6,043 *22 258 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. On the 17th day of August, 1865, the men received their final pay from the Government which they had so faithfully served, many of them more than four years, and now were again to become citizens of the Republic which they had helped defend from the foul hands of traitors. It was a most glorious epoch in their history; the proudest record of their lives. The nation was never served by braver men, nor a more loyal regiment. They were among the first to respond to their country s call, and among the last to leave its service, and not then until war s bloody tide was stayed and the supremacy of the Government had been established, with freedom for its corner stone, and justice to all men for its motto. If valor and fidelity are passports to honor and places of emolument, then the soldiers of the Eighty-First Regiment should share some of them. SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 259 I RECORD OF COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. THIS record shows the names of all the commissioned officers who served with the Eighty-First Regiment, New York State Volunteer Infantry, from 1861 to the close of the war, which is one hundred and nine, to whom one hundred and eighty-two commissions were issued during the terms of three different Governors, viz. : Major General E. D. Morgan, Hon Horatio Seymour, and Hon. Reuben E. Fenton, giving the dates of commissions, and a record of discharges, resignations, wounds received in action, killed or died from disease. Most of the officers had served in the ranks, and won their promo tion through merit, which is an honor they may well feel proud of, and which is the only true mode of advancement. This method encourages the private soldier to perform his duty, and produces a generous rivalry among the officers, who are so ambitious for power and distinction. EDWIN ROSE, Colonel, February 19, 1862; resigned at Harrison s Landing, July 7, 1862; afterwards appointed Provost Marshal for the First Congressional District of the State of New York ; was a graduate of West Point; served in the Florida War, as Second Lieutenant; afterward resigned and retired to civil life, until the breaking out of the rebellion. Died in 1864. JACOB J. DE FOREST, Lieutenant Colonel, December 20, 1861; wounded at the battle of Seven Pines, Virginia, May 31, 1862; promoted to Colonel July 19, 1862; discharged September 1, 1864, on account of physical disability, incurred in the service. JOHN McAMBLY, Major, February 19, 1862; killed at the battle of Seven Pines ; buried on the field. 260 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. EDWARD A. COOKE, First Lieutenant and Adjutant, February 19, 1862; promoted to Captain, o^vember 15, 1864; mustered out at expiration of term of service. ROGER A. FRANCIS, First Lieutenant and Regimental Quarti-riiiast-r, February 19, 1862; promoted to Captain, December 17, 1863; wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 1864; dis charged for physical debility incurred in the service. WILLIAM II. rflCE, Surgeon, February 19, 1862; was Division Sur geon in the campaign of 1864, and served in all the battles in which the regiment was engaged ; mustered out at expiration of term of service. JOHN N. MILLER, Surgeon, February 25, 1865; mustered out at the close of the war. CARRINGTON McFARLAND, Assistant Surgeon, February 19, 1862; promoted to Surgeon in the One Hundred and Fifteenth New York Volunteers; mustered out at the close of the war. EPHRAIM W. BUCK, Assistant Surgeon, July 24, 1863; mustered out for promotion, in another department. JOHN X. OLIVER, Assistant Surgeon, August 25, 1864; mustered out at the close of the war. GEORGE W. EARLL, Second Assistant Surgeon, August 27, 1862; resigned. SYDNEY D. GRASSE, Second Assistant Surgeon, April, 27, 1863. DAVID McFARLAND, Chaplain, February 17, 1862; resigned. ISAAC G. DURYEE. Chaplain, October 17, 1862; mustered out at the close of the war; died February 8th, 1866, from disease contracted in the service. WILLIAM C. RAULSTON, Captain, February, 19, 1862; promoted to Major, June 20, 1862, to Lieutenant Colonel, July 19, 1862; resigned September 6, 1863; afterward promoted to Colonel of the Twenty-Fourth New York State Volunteer Cavalry; was captured in front of Petersburg, Va. ; shot in prison, at Danville, Va., while attempting to escape, from which wounds he died. SECOXD OSWEGO REGIMENT. 261 AUGUSTUS G. BENNETT, Captain, February 19, 1862; promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the Twenty-First United States Colored Troops ; mustered out at the close of the war. FRANKLIN HANNAHS, Captain, February 19, 1862; promoted from the ranks ; died while in the service. LEVERETT C. ADKINS, Captain,. February 19, 1862; resigned. DAVID B. WHITE, Captain, February 19, 1862; promoted to Major October 23, 1862; mustered out at expiration of term of service; afterward re-enlisted as a private, and promoted to Lieutenant Colonel February 17, 1865; promoted to Colonel July 12, 1865; mustered out of the service at the close of the war ; originally pro moted from the ranks. T. DWIGHT STOW, Captain, February 19, 1862; resigned. HENRY C. THOMPSON, Captain, February 19, 1862; resigned. JOHN B. RAULSTON, Captain, February 19, 1862; promoted to Lieu tenant Colonel November 24, 1863; mustered out at the expiration of term of service. LYMAM M. KINGMAN, Captain, February 19, 1862; killed at the battle of Seven Pines, Va., May 31, 1862; buried on the field. Promoted from the ranks. J. DORMAN STEELE, Captain, February 19, 1862; resigned. EDWARD S. COOK, First Lieutenant, February 19, 1862; promoted to Captain July 19, 1862 ; resigned. HAMILTON LITTLEFIELD, JR., First Lieutenant, February, 19, 1862; dismissed the service. HUGH ANDERSON, First Lieutenant, February 19, 1862; promoted to Captain, August 27, 1862; wounded at the battle of Seven Pines, Va., May 31, 1862, also at the battle of Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 1864; "mustered but at the expiration of term of service. ORIN J. FITCH, First Lieutenant, February 19, 1862; resigned. Pro moted from the ranks. JOHN G. PHILLIPS, First Lieutenant, February 19, 1862; resigned. 262 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. WILLARD W. BALLARD, First Lieutenant, February 19, 1862; pro moted to Captain, October 29, 1862; killed at the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864; his body was sent home. Promoted from the ranks. EDWARD A. COOK, First Lieutenant, February 19, 1862; promoted to Captain, July 19, 1862; resigned. GEORGE W. BERRIMAN, First Lieutenant, February 19, 1862; resigned. JOHN W. OLIVER, First Lieutenant, February 19, 1862; discharged on account of wounds received at the battle of Seven Pines, Va., 4 May 31, 1862. WALTER C. NEWBERRY, First Lieutenant, February 19, 1862: pro moted to Captain, October 22, 1862; dismissed the service; after ward promoted to Major, Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel of the Twenty-Fourth N. Y. S. V. C. ; mustered out at the close of the war. HEXRY W. GREEX, First Lieutenant, February 19, 1862; resigned. Promoted from the ranks. JAMES MARTIN, First Lieutenant, July 19, 1862; promoted to Cap tain, February 17, 1863; killed at the battle of Cold Ilarbor, Va., June 3, 1864; left on the field. BARTHOLOMEW S. DE FOREST, First Lieutenant, August 26, 1862; promoted to Regimental Quartermaster, February 17, 1863; dis charged September 19, 1864, for physical debility incurred in the service. GEORGE W. STEADMAN, First Lieutenant, November 21, 1862; resigned. Promoted from the ranks. CHARLES R. JOHNSON, Tirst Lieutenant, December, 1862; promoted to Captain, January 14, 1865; mustered out at the close of the war. Promoted from the ranks. JOHN W. BURK, First Lieutenant, February 17, 1863; killed at the battle of Cold Harbor, Va., June 2, 1864; his body was sent home. Promoted from the ranks. SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 263 SEWARD ZIMMERMAN, First Lieutenant, November 20, 1803 ; was wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 1864; dis charged on account of wounds received in action ; promoted from Sergeant. CHARLES C. COVAL, First Lieutenant, November 30, 1863 ; wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 1864; discharged oa account of wounds received in action. Promoted from Sergeant. BYRON B. MORRIS, First Lieutenant, July 21, 1864; promoted to Captain, January 31, 1865, to Major, July 12, 1865; mustered out at the close of the war. Promoted from Sergeant. HIRAM P. BALLARD, First Lieutenant, September 16, 1864; pro moted to Captain, June 17, 1865 ; mustered ont at the close of the war. Promoted from Sergeant Major. * CASPAR J. COOKE, First Lieutenant, November 30, 1864; promoted to Captain, January 31, 1865 ; mustered out at the close of the war. Promoted from Sergeant. EDWARD A. BLAKELY, First Lieutenant, November 30, 1864; pro moted to Captain, March 14, 1865 ; mustered out at the close of the war. Promoted from Sergeant. HENRY SQUIRES, First Lieutenant, January 31, 1865 ; promoted to Captain, June 29, 1865; mustered out at the close of the war. Promoted from Sergeant. WILLIAM BREDOW, First Lieutenant, January 31, 1865; promoted to Captain, May 31, 1865; mustered out at the close of the war. Promoted from Sergeant. JOHN WALKER, First Lieutenant, January 31, 1865 ; mustered out at the close of the war. Promoted from the ranks. WILLIAM P. BABCOCK, First Lieutenant, January 31, 1865 ; pro moted to Captain, July 6, 1865; mustered out at the close of the war. Promoted from the ranks. ALBERT H. MAYNARD, First Lieutenant, January 31, 1865; mus tered out at the close of the war. Promoted from the ranks. JOSEPH BARTLETT, First Lieutenant, January 31, 1865; promoted to Captain, July 13, 1865; mustered out at the close of the war. Promoted from the ranks. 264 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. GEORGE W. HALEY, First Lieutenant, March 14, 1865; mustered out at the close of the war. Promoted from Sergeant. THEODORE HARTER, First Lieutenant, March 14, 1865; mustered out at the close of the war. Promoted from the ranks. CHAUXCEY C. RUMILL, First Lieutenant, June 29, 1865; mustered out at the close of the war. Promoted from the ranks. WILLIAM H. BRACKETT, First Lieutenant, July 6, 1865; mustered out at the close of the war. Promoted from the ranks. HARVEY C. TAFF, First Lieutenant, July 12, 1865; mustered out at the close of the war. Promoted from the ranks. JAMES G. FOOT, First Lieutenant, July, 12, 1865; mustered out at the close of CTie war. Promoted from Sergeant. MELVILL ERWIN, First Lieutenant, August 19, 1865. ELIAS A. FISH, Second Lieutenant, February 19, 1862; promoted to Captain, July 19, 1802; wounded at the battle of Cliapin s Farm, Va., September, 29, 1864. Died from wounds received in action. MARTIN J. DE FOREST, Second Lieutenant, February 19, 1862; pro moted to First Lieutenant, October 22, 1862, to Captain, Decem ber 24, 1803; wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 1804 ; discharged on account of wounds received in action; appointed S<von<l Lieutenant in the Third Veteran Reserve Corps; originally enlisted as a. private in the Twenty-Fifth N. Y. S. M., and was in srr\ice three months; afterward enlisted in the Eighty -First Regi ment, and was promoted from the ranks. 1 JKN.I A M I N K WOOD, Second Lieutenant, February 19, 1862 ; resigned. Promoted from the ranks. RODOLPHUS D. S. TYLER, Second Lieutenant, February 19, 1862; promoted to First Lieutenant, July 19, 1862, to Captain, August 27, 1802; wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 1864; discharged on account of wounds received in action. SETII J. STEVES, Second Lieutenant, February 19, 1862; resigned. Promoted from the ranks. t SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 265 DANIEL C. RIX, Second Lieutenant, July 19, 1862; promoted to First Lieutenant, July 19, 1862, to Captain, August 24, 1863; killed at the battle of Chapin s Farm, Va., September 29, 1864; his body was sent home. HENRY H. HAMILTON, Second Lieutenant, February 19, 1862; resigned. PETER FRENCH, Second Lieutenant, February 19, 1862; promoted to First Lieutenant, October 22, 1862 ; afterward promoted to Major in the New York Volunteers. Promoted from the ranks. LAWRENCE J. STEELE, Second Lieutenant, February 22, 1862, dismissed from the service. Promoted from the ranks. EDGAR ABEEL, Second Lieutenant, June 24, 1862 ; promoted to Cap tain in the Twenty-First United States Colored Troops. Promoted from Sergeant. R. H. EDDY, Second Lieutenant, June 24, 1862 ; mustered out. BENJAMIN W. RICHARDSON, Second Lieutenant, July 19, 1862; promoted to Captain, October 22, 1862; wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 1864 ; discharged on account of wounds received in action. Promoted from the ranks. JOHN T. DE FOREST, Second Lieutenant, July 19, 1862; promoted to First Lieutenant, February 1Y, 1863, to Captain, June 13, 1863 ; discharged on account of physical disability, incurred in the service . died May 25,. 1866. Promoted from the ranks. HENRY SHARP, Second Lieutenant, July 19, 1862; promoted to Cap tain in the Twenty-First United States Colored Trorps. Promoted from Sergeant. R. HERBERT WILLOUGHBY, Second Lieutenant, July 19, 1862; promoted to First Lieutenant, October 22, 1862; promoted to Major in the Twenty-First United States Colored Troops. Promoted from Sergeant. J. EDMOND MALETTE, Second Lieutenant, October 21, 1862; pro moted to First Lieutenant and Adjutant, December 24, 1863 ; was wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 1864; dis. charged on account of wounds received in action. Promoted from Sergeant. 23 266 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. LEWIS B. PORTER, Second Lieutenant, October 21, 1862; promoted to Captain, July 8, 1864; wounded at the battle of Chapin s Farm, Va., September 29, 1864; died from wounds received in action. Promoted from Sergeant. BRANTLE G. REED, Second Lieutenant, October 21, 1862; promoted to Captain in the Twenty-First United States Colored Troops. Pro moted from the ranks. EDWARD D. COOK, Second Lieutenant, October 21, 1862; wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864; resigned. Promoted from Sergeant. NEWTON H. GILBERT, Second Lieutenant, October 22, 1862 ; resigned. Promoted from Commissary Sergeant. JAMES L. BELDEN, Second Lieutenant, October 22, 1862; promoted to First Lieutenant, February 17, 1863; resigned. Promoted from Sergeant Major. EDWARD A. STIMSON, Second Lieutenant, October 24, 1862; pro moted to First Lieutenant, April 2, 1864, to Captain, June 28, 1864, to M^or, December 7, 1864; mustered out at the expiration of term of service. Promoted from Sergeant. GEORGE C. SMITH, Second Lieutenant, February 17, 1863 ; promoted to First Lieutenant, June 13, 1863, to Cap tain, November 19, 1864; mustered out at expiration of term of service. Promoted from Sergeant. SAMUEL DOLBIER, Second Lieutenant, February 17, 1863; wounded at the battle of Chapin s Farm, Va., September 29, 1864; died from wounds received in action. Promoted from Sergeant. MAURICE P. TIDD, Second Lieutenant, June 13, 1863; wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 1864; promoted to Cap tain, November 19, 1864; mustered out at expiration of term of service. Promoted from Sergeant. SQUIRE M. TUTTLE, Second Lieutenant, November 30, 1863; killed at the battle of Chapin s Farm, Va., September 29, 1864. Pro moted from Sergeant. SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 267 JULIUS H. CLARK, Second Lieutenant, November 30, 1863; pro moted to First Lieutenant, December 24, 1863., to Captain, Sep tember 16, 1864; resigned. Promoted from Sergeant. JOHN J. WHITNEY, Second Lieutenant, December 19, 1863; pro moted to First Lieutenant, November 19, 1864, to Captain, Decem ber Y, 1864; discharged. Promoted from Sergeant. JEFFERSON W. BROCKWAY, Second Lieutenant, September 6, 1863 ; resigned. Promoted from the ranks. J. MORTIMER BAXTER, Second Lieutenant, December 24, 1863 ; promoted to First Lieutenant, December 30, 1863 ; resigned. Pro moted from, the ranks. ALBION P. MARTIN, Second Lieutenant, Februaay 12, 1864; pro moted to First Lieutenant, June 21, 1864, to Captain, November 11, 1864; wounded at the battle of Chapin s Farm, September 29, 1864; discharged *on account of wounds received in action. Pro moted from the ranks. AMOS M. COPELAND, Second Lieutenant, March 2, 1864 ; promoted to First Lieutenant, December 7, 1864 ; died from wounds received at the battle of Chapin s Farm, Va., September 29, 1864. Pro moted from Sergeant. DRAYSON FORDRED, Second Lieutenant, April 9, 1864; killed at the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864 ; his body was left on the field. Promoted from Sergeant. ^LUCIUS V. S. MATTISON, Second Lieutenant, July 9, 1864; pro moted to First Lieutenant, November 19, 1864, to Captain, Decem ber 1, 1864, to Major, March 7, 1865, to Lieutenant Colonel, July 12, 1865 ; mustered out at the close of the war. Promoted from Sergeant. DAVID NETHAWAY, Second Lieutenant, July 21, 1864; promoted to First Lieutenant, September 16, 1864; killed at the battle of Chapin s Farm, Va., September 29, 1864; buried on the field. Promoted from Sergeant. 268 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. JAMES J. BUTLER, Second Lieutenant, September 16, 1864 ; promoted to First Lieutenant, November 11, 1864, to Captain, January 31, 1865; mustered out at the close of the war. Promoted from Drum Major. SAMUEL WILSON", Second Lieutenant, September 16, 1864; mustered out at expiration of term of service. Promoted from Sergeant. WILLIAM APPLEBY, Second Lieutenant, September 16, 1864; pro moted to First Lieutenant, November 19, 1864, to Captain, January 31, 1865 ; mustered out at expiration of term of service. Promoted from the ranks. JOSEPH M. HALL, Second Lieutenant, November 15, 1864; promoted to First Lieutenant, December 1, 1864, to Captain, March 14, 1865; mustered out at the close of the war. Promoted from the ranks. JAMES H. BERRY, Second Lieutenant, December 19, 1864; promoted to First Lieutenant, May 31, 1865; mustered out at the close of the war. Promoted from the ranks. GEORGE WART, Second Lieutenant, December 24, 1864. JOHN F. YOUNGS, Second Lieutenant, November 30, 1865; mustered out at expiration of term of service. Promoted from Quarter master s Sergeant. WILLIAM II. HORTON, Second Lieutenant, November 30, 1865; was wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 1864; dis charged on account of wounds received in action. Promoted from Sergeant. FREDERICK ENGLEMAN, Second Lieutenant, November 30, 1865. Promoted from the ranks. JOHN KING, Second Lieutenant, November 30, 1865; wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, Va., June 2, 1864; discharged on account of wounds received in action. Promoted from Sergeant. RILEY WORMER, Second Lieutenant, November 30, 1865; wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862, also at Drury s Bluff, May 15, 1864, and at Cold Harbor, Va. June 3, 1864. Promoted from Sergeant. SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 269 JEDEDIAH GREGWARE, Second Lieutenant, November 30, 1865; mustered out at the close of the war. Promoted from Sergeant. n EDWARD TAYLOR, Second Lieutenant, November 30, 1865; mus- te^pl out at the close of the war. Promoted from the ranks. JOSEPH B. STANTON, Second Lieutenant, November 30, 1865; mus tered out at the close of the war. Promoted from Sergeant. NICHOLAS F. GREEN, Secoftd Lieutenant, November 30, 1865; mustered out at the close of the war. Promoted from the ranks. REGIMENTAL ROSTER. THE following presents a complete Roster of the Field, Staff, and Line Officers of the Eighty-First Regiment New York State Volunteer Infantry, (Second Oswego Regiment,) after its consolidation with the Mohawk Rifle Regiment, on the 10th day of February, 1862, and as it left the Barracks, at Albany, for the seat of war, on the 21st day of February following. Also, a complete Roster of all the enlisted men that ever belonged to the Regiment, as far as can be ascertained from the muster rolls and enlistment papers now on file in the Adjutant General s office. It is stated that some mustering officers neglected to forward their muster rolls, and did not make returns to this office, as they should have done. In case any names of enlisted men who belonged to the Regiment should not appear on this Roster, the above, it is hoped, will be a sufficient explanation for such omissions. It has been the Author s desire to furnish a complete muster roll of the officers and men, to be engrossed in the History of the Regiment, on which he has spent much time in research. Non-commissioned Staff, Musicians, Sergeants and Corporals will be found under their respective heads, as far as the records show, and the Privates in alphabetical order : *23 270 SECOND OSWEGO KEGIMEXT. Field and Staf Officers. COLONEL EDWIN ROSE. LIEUTENANT COLONEL JACOB J. DE FOREST. ^ MAJOR JOHN McAMBLY. ADJUTANT EDWARD S. COOK. QUARTERMASTER ROGER A. FRANCIS. SURGEON WILLIAM H. RICE. ASSISTANT SURGEON CARRRINGToltf McFARLANE. CHAPLAIN DAVID McFARLAND. Line Officers. COMPANY A. COMPANY F. WILLIAM C. RAULSTON, Captain. T. DWIGHT STOW, Captain. HAMILTON LITTLEFELD, JR., 1st Lt. EDWARD S. COOK, 1st Lieut. ELIAS A. FISH, 2d Lieut. D. C. Rix, 2d Lieut. COMPANY B. AUGUSTUS G. BENNETT, Captain. HUGH ANDERSON, 1st Lieut. MARTIN J. DE FOREST, 2d Lieut. COMPANY C. FRANKLIN HANNAHS, Captain. ORIN J. FITCH, 1st Lieut. SETH J. STEVES, 2d Lieut. COMPANY D. LEVERETT D. ADKINS, Captain. JOHN G. PHILLIPS, 1st Lieut. R. D. S. TYLER, 2d Lieut. COMPANY E. LYMAN M. KINGMAN, Captain. W. C. NEWBERRY, 1st Lieut. D. G. HARRIS, 2d Lieut. COMPANY G. HENRY C. THOMPSON, Captain. HENRY H. HAMILTON, 1st Lieut. WILLIAM F. GREEN, 2d Lieut. COMPANY H. JOHN B. RAULSTON, Captain. JOHN W. OLIVER, 1st Lieut. PETER FRENCH, 2d Lieut. COMPANY I. D. B. WHITE, Captain. WILLARD W. BALLARD, 1st Lieut. B. F. WOOD, 2d Lieut. COMPANY K. J. DORMAN STEELE, Captain. GEO. W. BERRIMAN, 1st Lieut. LAWRENCE J. STEKLE, 2d Lieut, SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 271 Non- Commissioned Officers. STAFF. JAMES L. BELDEN, Sergt. Major JOHN F. YOUNGS, Q. M. Sergt. NEWELL II. GILBERT, Com. Sergt. CHARLES S. HART, Hosp. Steward. WILLIAM S. WINTERS, Drum Major. SEEGEANTS. Amos Copeland, William Anthony, John Boigal, George P. Ilolley, William F. Morrell, William Moore, Gilbert Stewart, J. Edmond Mallett, John Wilson, William S. Bennett, John H. Oilman, Elijah S. Curry, James Crolins, Lewis B. Porter, Maurice P. Tidd, Lucius V. S. Mattison, Edwin C. Kuowlton, George C. Smith, Frederick Brehstett, William II. Horton, Nelson C. Spencer, Samuel Wilson, Jared L. Shepard, Edward Chappel, James Crumley, Lafayette Hanchett, John Willis, Louis N. Holden, Elijah B. Payne, Samuel Dolbier, Philip Ostrander, Mont Pel ton, Edward A. Blakely, John H. V. Gilman, Albert Bloodgood, Kiley Wormer, Alex. Gould, Edward A. Stimson, Seward Zimmerman, Joseph V. Perkins, John J. Whitney, Nicholas Miltz, Joseph Gregoir, Joseph Danquier, Jedediah Gregoir, R. H. Willoughby, Edwin Malony, Edwin Slack, Miles Sullivan, David Nethaway, 272 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. MUSICANS. Lewis B. Boaner, Simeon J. Vandish, Henry S. Hunt, Earliest Shalkenbeck, WillVed M. Chappel, Robert McCulley, Richard Chester, "\Villiam C. Hinman, Charles H. Fordham, Cassius W. Newton, Jonas Slauson, Charles Bechstadt, Samuel Durant, William Williams, George W. Warren, Charles A. Taylor, Albert Wells, Willis Van Buren, George P. Coats, Paul Shalkenback. CORPORALS. Nicholas Mily, Vandusen D. Babcock, Lewis Young, Frederick Beckstedt George C. Sole, Alexander Champang, John Labare, Joseph Dauker, Robert Durant r Earl Prowty, William Van Wagenham, Alonzo H. Youman, James A. Havens, Hezekiah Allen, Albert Dewey, James Robinson, Joseph Albring, Michael Halley, William Appleby, Joseph H. Stanton, Lumau Knapp, Joseph Monette, William P. Babcock, William Bracket, Chauncey C. Rumill, Eben L. Hill, Martin Chesbro, Benjamin Titus, William Brown, Charles F. Burleigh, Edwin B. Mason, Leon Tilton, William E. Dunham, Isaac Bunn, Edward Bum, William H. Howe, Henry M. Johnson, Stephen Wynans, Henry Wormer, Ira Hills, James H. Cooper, Mathias Zingler, Elias B. Wrightman, Waterman B. Reynolds, SECOND OSWEGO KEGIMENT. 273 Gt*>rge R. Snow, Otis Minor, Levi Blair Thomas Lawton, George E. Darling, William G. Angell, Franklin Edic, Freeman Miner, Chavles A. Redfield, William M. Sutton, James G. Foot, James Anderson, John Labere, Joseph G. Perkins, Isaac E. West, Authur Yeomans, Christopher F. Hoey, M. S. Moses, Charles W. Patrick, Jr., David Sears, James II. Wade. Privates. Anthony, Edwin J., Abbott, Orsin, Adams, William, Arlen, Alonzo, Aylsworth, Ervin G., Aggs, William, Abbott, Hewellgan, Aylwood, Philip, Allen, John T., Austin, Daniel H., Anthony, George A., Austin, John W., Auringer, Lewis, Allen, Joseph W. S., Allen, Henry, Aldrich, David, Anderson, A. W., Archer, Robert, Berton, John W., Burnham, Charles H., Bracy, Hi nun, Benson, Samuel, Burt, Lawrence B. Barnes, William H., Bass, Charles, Brown, William, Bigley, Michael, Bennett, Charles, Biglow, John, Buford, French, Buckingham, Arthur, Biron, John, . Bulock, Benjamin, Button, Charles, Burns, Ward A., Branshaw, Charles, Borden, Lorenzo N., Blair, William, Boucher, Jeff., Boland, John, Bownes, Elijah, Bronshott, Charles, Bates, Nelson D. Bridges, Thomas C., 274 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. Beers, Charles E., Brown, Allen, G. P., Boothe, Henry, Bookman, Morris, Brinnan, John, Blackmail, Dennis, Burt, George W., Barnes, Lorenzo, Brown, Francis G., Barnard, Adelbert, Brown, Charles, Bishop, William, Brown, Anson H., Blosier, William, Bright, John W.. Burnside, William, Burch, Walter N. Brink, Cicero, Bbhop, Serens L., Brown, Wm. W., Banks, Horatio, Braya, Samuel L., Beaumond, Porter W., Beeles, Sanford, * Bacon^ Lester, Bunn, Caspar, Becker, Daniel E., Burns, John, Burrows, Edward, Bishop, John T., Beach, William, Babcock, Gilbert B. f Bell, George, Boyne, Andrew B., Burt, John W., Brower, Ezra, Bruen, George, Benjamin, Oscar A., Berry, James H., Baxter, J. Mortimer, Burnett, Joseph I. Bootle, William W., Burnett, Orvis E., Brock way, Jefferson W., Burt, Charles, Bailey, Norman B., Brooks, George M., Billard, Jules F., Bartlett, Devolson, Butler, James J., Brown, William, Brown, John, Brown, Thomas, Burns, James, Benny, Jaint s, Burbanks, William H., Barry, James, Badgley, Jeremiah A., B;illard, Hiram P., Benedic, Francis, Bailey, William H., Brewster, David, Brewster, Daniel D., Boynton, John W., Bone, John J., Bone, Joseph F., Bacon, James H., Ballard, Martin, Beech, Charles, Buckhart, James, Badgley, Alfred, Button, Warren K. . Benches, Jeffers, Buck, Albeit, SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT., 275 Bonner, Ephraim, Broan, George A., Bailey, Marshall, Ballard, Eugene L., Button, Henry, Barker, Harvey, Brown, George, Biggs, John, r Birch, John, Braley, James, Best, William, Bradt, Fred. H., Burns, Patrick, Bigley, Michael, Bellarra, Lewis, Becroft, Francis F., Borhans, Lewis, Baup, William, Blowers, John, Bradon, William, Bump, J., Bartlett, Joseph, Baker, Ebenezer, Ballard, Willard W., Ballard, Benjamin, Ballard, Martin, Baker, Ely E., Byam, Charles, Benjamin, Amos A., Barnhard, Earnest, Coon, Francis, Coffinger, Francis J., Clouse, John, Conrad, Joseph, Casten, William, Coon, David, Cady, Lucius H., Charnick, George^ Carpenter, Charles, Colby, Ernest B., Coon, Oscar, Carpenter, James M., Champang, John, Ghanteau, Gloud, Comstock, William, Cross, Charles J., Culen, James, Coroy, Peter, Coffinger, Higgins, Culver, William 0., Churchill, William T. Cunningham, Andrew, Cook, Ziba, Chase, Rensford, Clark, Patrick, Crosier, David, Cook, George W., Chappel, Wilfred M., Chapin, Judson, Crumb, George W., Coe, Jerome H., Clifford, James, Calkins, D. C., Cole, Francis M., Coy, Roswell, Chapel, William, Chapel, Dyer, Gary, Norton, Carr, William, Conklin, Caleb H., Coats^ George P., Converse, Jerome, Clark, Isaac H., Clark, John, 276 .SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. Cole, Ira, . Calahan, James, Collins, George W., Conklin, Alferd S. Collett, William H., Cook, Edward D., Govern, John, Champion, Pqter, Cooper, James C., Crawford, John B., Colburn, Henry C., Cornish, George T., Cradell, Benjamin, Colins, Thomas II., Crane, Eli B., Coger, Charles C., Chapell, Eugene, Crocker, Adelbert, Conradt, Nicholas, Cornwall, William G., Cook, James, Cook, George A., Cameron, Augustus, Cresier, David H., Cornwall, William G., Cornwall, William, Coy, Henry,. W., Conrad, Nicholas W., Corkins, Gillett, Carwell, Thomas, Carty, George, W. Cheadel, Rufus K., Cook, James, Cook, George A,, Chapson, Alexander, Conklin, George W., Campbell, Van Buran, Carroll, Thomas, Corcoran, James, Cumming?, John, Conway, John, Campbell, Timothy, Cornish, George T., Cheesman, William J. Churchill, William H., Cusker, John M., Covall, Charles C., Cook, Chasper I., Crawford, John B., Coonradt, Thomas, Crowley, Timothy, Culver, Milton II., Colborn, Henry C., Coonradt, Philip A., Drew, Jacob W., Dunlop, Henry, Darling, Benjamin, Dooris, Alexander, Darling, Ezra, Darling, George E., De Forest, M. J., De Lancy, James, Darling, John, Drake, Chestin, Davids, Charles, Dibble, Asel, Daly, John, Decutah, Areull, David, Edward A., Davis, Ebenezer, Duel, Eben, Dikeman, Edward, Dunn, Hugh, Daily, John, SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 277 Dubois, Henry D., Dubois, George, Davis, Napoleon B., Disbrow, Benjamin F., Davis, George, Delancy, Theodore, Dunn, John, Doolittle, James A. t Dunsmore, Deloss, Dalby, Joseph, Den ess, John, Dunham, Samuel W., Dodge, Milton, Devoe, Martin, Dines Norwood R., Dines, James, Danforth, Mathew, De Forest, John T., Decory, Septua, Danforth, William, Davis, David A., . Dewey, Franklin W., De Clercy, Charles, Dimond, Nathan, Dean, Nathan, Duly, Joshua, Drein, John, Dolby, Moses, Diss, Leger Jim, Dillon, Michael, Drake, David, Denson, Charles, Dalton, James, Doty, Newell, Dunlop, George, Dennce, Robert S., Dumble, Albert, Dawley, Samuel E., Dawson, William, Duglas, George, Desmond, John, Dooley, David, Davis, Charles, Davis, Edward A., Dawson, Thomas, Dugert, William M., Dunn, Charles, Davis, John T., Drake, C. A. Dunbar, Delaney, Dormer, Henry, Davis, John C., Duffy, James, <Daniels, James A., Davenp^t, Isaac, Derby, ffanklin M., Duel Harrison, Emlen, Nelson, Ellis, Russel, Ensworth, Horace B., Egleston, Edward, Eason, Charles G., Ernst, Herman, Estman, Edwin, Evrts, Edwin, Elsie, John, Enslow, Charles W., Ellsworth, Robert M., Edwards, Benjamin W., Edwards, H. Edwin, Echuerd, Hugh R., Este, Alfred A., Edwards, E., Edie, Charles J., 24 278 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. Edwards, Hugh, Evans, Thomas J., Evaus, Richard, English, James, Ecker, William W., Farr, George R., Fitzgerald, James, Freeman, Milton, Finyland, George, Fenton, John, Foster, Harmon, Fagan, Thomas Francis, John W., Ford, Charles H., Fish, Orin S., Flowers, Marshall A., Fisher, Jacob E., Featherly, John, Fuller, James M., Fuller, George, Fleming, William R., Fagan, Michael, Farley, George, Fay, David H., Fisk, George II., Filer, George, Foster, William D., Foreman, William, Fordham, Charles H., Ferguson, William J., Fitzgibbon, Patrick, Fry, John S., Farrar, Adam H., Fry, William, Ferris, Dorance, Fero, George, Furgeson, Abram A., Fordred, Drayson, Fordred, William Jr., Featherly, Charles, Featherly, David, Fitzgerald, John, Featherly, Henry, Ferguson, Allen I., Frederick Newman, Francis, John W., Furnia, Peter, Featherly, George, Fitch, B. J., Fellori, Edward, Fitch, Orin J., Fitzgerald, Michael W., Foster, Antrim, Foster, Harrison H., Ferguson, William J., Francisco, Peter J., Griffiths, John E., Griffith, David R. Godden, George, Greens, Wesley, Gotham, Oscar, Greenia, F. H., Green, John C., Greek, James, Green, Hiram J., George, J., Gilchrist, George, Green, Nicholas F., Gem, George, Green, Simon P. P., Green, Charles E., Gardener, Benjamin Jr., Gage, Daniel G., Graves, Francis P., SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 279 Graves, W. C., Green, James R., Gough, John D., Grotus, Lewis J., Graves, James Graves, Maurice A., Gear, Clem, Guiltbil, William, Gilbert, William, Gary, Frank, Gumm, Peter, Gayer, C., Gray, John, Guile, Daniel, Goit, James A., Graves, A. S., Griggs, George G., Guile, Orson, Goodwin, Charles H. f Garnett, John, Gregoire, Joseph, Gilbert, William, Gang, Frank, Gregoir, Jedediah, Gilman, John H., Gilman, Levi L., Galigar, Patric, Gould, Joseph, Gordon, John, Gordon, Abram, Gill, Frank, Glood, David, Gifford, Arthur, Green, Luther, Gates, George W., Glood, Joseph, Geer, Elias, Gordon, Morris, T., Gard, James, Gray, Charles, Gray, Frederick, Griffeu, William, Greenwood, Lewis, Green, William, Geisel, Ludwig, Garner, Henry, Gordon, George, Gonion, Peter, Gaylord, Perley M., Holly, Charles H., Hubbard, Alvin, Hackett, Charles E., Harvey, John, Hughes, Thomas, Harvey, Michael, Huttoo, Neil, Horton, William, Hagenbouch, Aug., Hines, Joseph, Hammel, Henry, Hagerty, John, Holiday, Levi F., Happ, George I., Harrigan, Jeremiah, Hager, Joseph, Hesson, James, Hunt, John, Hughes, Joseph, Huson, Leonard, Hoag, George A., Hewitt, Adam, Hill, Charles E., Hannum, Warren D., Hall, Joseph M. 280 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. Hulbert, Alonzo, Ilovey, Oliver, Harrigan, John, Ilutchinson, John, Heenan, John, Hainlin, John, Mndrelet, Joseph, Hutchens, George, Harp, Allen, Huguin, John S., Holiday, Ruben, Hoose, James, Hinman, Jacob, Hawley, William, Hand, Thomas, Hines, Edmund V., Hindman, Jacob, Haley, George, Hill, Henry, Hathway, Daniel, Hyatt, Willet L., Hard castle, Samuel E., Holmes, David, Hydom, Philip, Hydom, James H., Ilanigan, John, Hadlow, Henry, Havens, Charles 0., Halsey, Jesse C., Hinman, William C., Heudryt, Lemuel C., Hills, Benjanin, Ho well, Orlando J., Howell, James S., Horter, Theodore, House, George, Holt, George S., Hammersly, Thomas, Hubbard, Heman A., Hills, Clark J., Harmon, Decatur, Hubbard, Willard, Hardendorf, Myron E., Howell, Robert, Hoisted, Cassius C., Hurd, William, Humphrey, Edward, Hagener, Theodore, Hermance, W., Hillman, Shadrack, Hawks, John, Hardy, Henry R., Hallock, James, Hubbard, E., G., Holang, Perry, Ilowland, Edson, Hall, William H., Higgins, Thomas, Hurd, W. W., Hall, Charles C., Hall, Arthur L., Hayes, Charles B., Hall, Luther, Hermans, Alfred S., Hyde, Henry J., Harris, Charles E., Hubbard, Herman, Humaston, George, Hummel, Windsalyin, Hamilton, John, Harin, John F., Hone, Edgar, Hone, James, Hone, W. H., . SECOND OSWEGO KEGIMENT. 281 Eemstreet, John J., Hemstreet, Ebenezer, Holleubeck, Jooper, Hounds, Franklin, Hall, Wilber F., Hitchcock, Joseph, Hyde, Charles E., Barter, Theodore, Hoke, Mathias, Hoose, George, Hoy, James, Hyer, Frederick, Jackett, Alexander, Jones, Joseph, Johnson, William G., Jackson, James S., Jones, Charles H., Johnson, Frederick D., Jeffries, John, Jewett, Melun E., Jacobs, John E., Jackett, David, Johnson, William, Judge, Patrick, Jones, Charles H., Jones, John J., Jones, Thomas J., Jacobs, George W., James, Channing, M., James, A., Johnson, Charles R., Jesse, John, Johnson, Florence, Jones, Edward, . Jena, George, King, Joseph, Kelly, Michael, Kent, Robert, Sen., Kent, Robert, Jr., Kibbe, Amos N., Kenyon, Lorenzo R., Knight, Hiram J., Kingsbury, John E., Koen, Charles H., Kenyon, John E. t Klock, Harrison, Kay, John D., Ketchum, Harry, King, Benjamin F., Kinney, Hanson, King, George, Kenyon, Andrew F., Kenney, James M., Kimbell, Edwin, Kimline, Martin, Kilburn, Jacob, Knaps, George M., Kilse, Abraham, Kelly, John, Kent, James R., Kendall, Charles N., Kane, John, Keogh, Henry, Kingman, Lyman L., Knapp, Luman, Kimmey, Hanson, Knight, Arthur, Lovejoy, Edward H., Lawton, William H., La Point, Valentine, Lawton, Thomas, Laland, Joseph, Looker, Manvill C. Loudin, Frank, 24* 282 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. Leroy, Louis, Lindsley, Charles W., Looker, John W., Loungsley, Charles, Leroy, Frank, Lary, Joseph, Lewis, Charles S. f Lay ton, Charles, Lynch, John, Low, James, Lacy, Martin, Lord, Enoch, Leonard, James, Lampman, John C., Liddle, John, Labolt, Chandler D., Lawrence, R. E., Lodely, Ambrose, Looker, Justice, Lee, Frederick, Litchfield, Silas W., Laplant, Adolphus, Leroy, Simon, Long, Hiram, Lovejoy, John F., Lukentally, Ira, Lyndsay, William, Leffier, Adolph, Letson, Rhodes, Letson, Isaac W., Letson, Peleg C., Leroy, Henry, Lewis, Bartholomew, Lewis, James C., Leary, George, Lnthrop, Charles D., Love, William, Loper, Thomas, S., Lawton, Thomas, Labere, John, La Buff, Joseph, Loftis, Thomas, Morris, Byron B., McGrath, James, McDonald, Thomas, Moore, George F., Murray, James, May, William H., Morrison, Charles E., Mason, James, Mason, Marcus, Miller, Horace, Miller, Philip P., Martin, Albion P., Maurer, Charles, Mauro, Andrew, Mensoy, Sanford, Moses, M. S., Marble, Daniel, Murphy, John, Murphy, Jefferson, Miles, Stephen S., McEvoy, John J., McEvoy, John A., Myers, Charles H., McCusker, - Marden, William, Markem, John, Moore, George F., Mabb, Charles, Max ton, George M., Moore, John, McClintock, George, Marshall, Andrew, SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 283 McJanner, II., Mattice, Spencer, McGrane, Henry, Maloy, John, Meigs, Edgar C., Moore, Charles, Myers, Charles H., Miller, Smith, Murphy, William H., Mitchell, Patrick, McLaughlin, Hugh, Myers, John, Miller, Philip C., Murphy, Thomas, McVanner, Henry S., Moore, Elijah, Mykel, Stephen, Main, Alonzo 0., Mitchell, William, McTye, Michael, Maxen, Gurden, Muroin, Gorsline, McQuinney, Thomas, Miller, John F., Michael, Harvey, Morton, William H., Morton, Daniel, Murks, Ruben, Mahoney, Jerry, Mason, Frederick R., McCoy, James, McCormick, James, McDumor, William, Morrell, Justin, Miner, Willis H., Miner, Otis M., McGraw, James, Marshall, John, McLean, William F., McCatharine, John, Matteson, Marshall, Marsh, Perry E., Mills, Samuel D., Matteson, Charles E., McLean, James A., McCoy, Robert, Madden, Daniel, Mattison, Benjamin F., Mattison, William, Martin, Henry, Macomber, Henry, McKoon, John E., Morton, Harvey, Morrison, Seth, Mosier, Josiah W., Morgan, Charles H., Myers, Peter, Merick, Warner, Marshall, Joseph, McAmbly, Jesse, McManus, Thomas, Martin, Frank, Mimmack, George, Miller, William E., Morris, Michael, McClaggan, John, McDonald, John, Maynard, Ezra, Mead, Joseph, Mead, Sylvester, Mitchel, Edward, Mulford, Charles J., McKerrick, John, Mitchell, Truman W., 284 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. Michere, John, McMillen, George, Marden, William, Newton, John, Jr., Newton, Louis W., Noonan, John, Narv, John, Neill, Thomas, P., Niel, Michael, Nichols, Samuel, Nichols, James, Nearkern, John, Noyes, William T., Nettleton, Elisha, Nolan, Patrick, Nose, Charles, Nostrant, , Nichols, John H., Northrop, Remond L., Osborn, George W., Ormsby, W T illiam, Oswald, John, Owen, George Leroy, O Leary, John, O Briene, Daniel, O Connell, George T., Ostrom, James, Osborn, Charles L., Owens, John J., O Neil, John, Prosser, James, Prucellf Michael, Panu lmrn, Martin V. B., Perkins, Joseph, Parker, Marshall E., Philips, James C., Place, Albert, Prosser, Henry, Peters, Myron C., Furdy, Marshall D., Perry, Thomas, Phillips, Patrick, Parker, William I., Penfield, Chester, Peck, Daniel M., Planter, Stephen, Pierce, Willard, Perry, William, Puff, Francis, Pitcher, Otis, Patten, William H., Patterson, Ilenry, Pluff, Alex., Parkhurst, William C., Phillips, Charles H., Premo, Anthony, Phillips, Benjamin E., Proctor, Roselee, . Palmer, John, Palmer, Harvey, Pruyn James M., Phillip, George W., Pepper, James, Penfield, James B., Parker, Horace, Page, Dewitt C., Paine, Elias H., Payne, Benjamin, Peterson, John, Pierson, Nathan H., Phillips, Benjamin E., Perry, Jacob I., Polly, Edwin R., Paddock, William H., SECOND OSWEGO EEGIMENT. 285 Preston, Delavan M., Phillips, Richard, Peckham, William C., Perry, Paul, Patterson, James, Petrie, Joseph, Palmer, Hiram J., Pollard, George H., Patterson, John E., Perry, Samuel H., Peckham, James, Proctor, Charles W., Pooler, Georg^ Patterson, Daniel, Phillips, Henry, Paddock, Richard J., Peckham, Wells, Palter, Albert, Quinlan, Charles J,, Randall, Moses, Reed, Charles, Reed, Brantley G., Richardson, Henry, Ravey, George, Rollinson, Clinton, Ramsdell, Russell, Russell, James 0., Robinson, Fay C., Booker, Ira, Robinson, George H., Rubert, Charles, Reinhart, Julius B. v Ross, Samuel D., Reed, Giles B., Remington, Joseph, Russell, Moses, Russell, Levi, Rudd, Alvin S., Ringwood, Edward, Riker, Charles E., Ryan, John P., Rodden, Robert, Richards, Daniel, Reheenhart, Philip, Robinson, Fernando, Rogers, Benjamin F., Rungan, Lyman, Reese, Ephraim, Reese, William F., Remore, Andrew J., Rea, Walter, Richards, John, Remore, John, Remore, Benjamin F., Remore, Chester W., Richardson, Ruben F., Rowley, John 0., Rice, G., Roach, M., Reason, Thomas, Rudy, Nelson, Riley, W. M. S., Rudy, William, Reney, John W., Redfield, Henry G., Roberts, Edward P., Rudd, Alonzo C., Reed, Levi, Roch, Henry, Rhady, Hugh, Reynolds, Henry, Rice, George C., Regan, Daniel Rich, Adelbert, 286 SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. Rider, John, Rathbone, Thomas, Reese, Orlando, Root, George, Simpson, James, Shugan, John, Stone, George H., Stafford, William F., Shaw, Freeman F., Stone, George W., Slialkenback, Paul, Simmond, John, Smith, John K., Sehmeeder, Sebastian, Scranum, William H., Smith, Biron G., Sydman, William, Sydinan, Albert, Snow, George B., Strong, Joseph, Sparks, Francis H., Sparks, Benjamin, Sha, David, Seymour, Anthony, Steven, Reuben C. A., Smith, James, Smith, John, Spencer, George 0., Smith, George, Smith, William, Sprague, Wells 0., Stetham, Robert A., Sly, Eli, Shepard, John, Scan Ion, James, Smith, Thomas W., Smith, Henry, Smith, Mathew, Shafer, David, Strebeck, William, Slialkenback, Ernest, Stackpool, Patrick, Shippy, John, Smith, William H., Springer, Aaron P., Shaver, Jacob, Snyder, George II., Snyder, Cassius N., Stewart, William F., Snyder, Walter, Snell, George W., Stocking, Charles A., Sanford, Monroe, Spencer, Seymore, Soules, Perry W., Strutmatter, Michael, Sylvester, Charles, Sully, James, Sheldon, Curtis W., Smith, Allen, Smith, William, Sampson, George Leroy, Shean, William, Shaffer, Abram, Sanford, Henry H., Shay, William, Sherman, Samuel, Sherman, George R., Stillick, William, Stowell, Alva, Stone, Charles, Smith, Almon B., Stephenson, Morris, Shell, David, SECOND OSWEGO KEGIMENT. 287 Sears, Charles H., Sheldon, Charles, Sherman, John A., Sieves, Martin, Squires, Henry, Smith, William A., Samson, Dexter, Smith, Alonzo, Stearns, Daniel F., Steele, Lawrence J., Steadman, George W., Sherman, John A., Smith, John, Sparks, Alphonso, Satterlee, Clark W., Smith, Fayett W., Scott, John, Sherman, James, Sears, Charles, Smith, Harrison, Seymore, James D., Sexton, Wells, Sexton, Emory, Sanford, Raphael G., Snow, Ebenezer C., Sweezey, Richard M., Sanford, Charles G., Spencer, David W., Sisson, William H., Steeple, James B., Servis, Charles, Snell, Orvill H., Stephen, John, Snow, Elisha, Stone, Celestine, Smith, Bryon, G., Stratton, Enos J., Smith, Thomas A. Sartwell, Irvin, Steves, Seth J., Sizer, Franklin J., Scheneider, Albert, Sharpie, John, Starkwether, Meritt, Tobin, James, Tygh, Robert, Troy, Frank, Truckey, Henry, Trowbridge, Byron, Teller, Lewis B., Teller, Isaac L., Turngate, William, Terney, Andrew, Titus, Peter B., Toomy, Silvester, Terney, Charles B., Thayer, Samuel, Taylor, Ansel, Taylor, Andrew J., Trask, Herman, Tripp, Jeremiah, Tillinghast, Charles E., Tinker, Charles W., Thompson, William C., Town, Chauncey, Thayer, James J., Tschishart, Theobald, Timmerman, Ransford C., Thomas, Henry, Thompson, Allen, Try on, Luke J., Tunbull, Hugh, Todd, Robert, Trotinan, Joseph, 288 SECOND OSWEGO KEGIMENT. Topping, Edward, Tanney, David, Taylor, Edward, Torr, James, Tuttle, Chester B., Taff, Harvey C., Tuttle, Squire M., Taff, Rufus, Thomas, John S., Tower, Chauncey, Theall, John B., Town, Leverett, Thomas, John T., Thompson, Oscar, Taylor, Saxton, Van Alstyne, Walter, Van Patten, William Vanderwarken, Henry, Vermilyea, Daniel, Van Zandt, Henry, Van Patten, Frederick, VanBuren, Willis, Vermillia, Silas, Vandercook, Winslow, Vandusen, James, Virginia, Silas, Van Volkenburgh, Charles, Vorce, Charles, Van Natter, Lorenzo, Vandee, Andrew, Jr., Vandusen, R. Scott, Vank, Francis, Vader, Bishop, Wilson, William H., Witney, Adelbert, Wilkinson, George, Wilson, John, Wells, John P., White, John, Wilber, John, Wright, John P., Walters, John, Walker, John, Wiseman, Samuel, Wilkes, Charles H., Wright, James, Wooldridge, Warren, Watson, Riley S., Wilbur, Christopher, Williams, William, Walker, John, Wallace, Robert W., Weeks, Joseph, Wood, Mortimer, Wornes, James, Whalen, Andrew, Willard, Samuel, Walters, George, Witney, Alstin C., Weed, Ira T., Weed, Fayett, M., Wimple, John, Winn, John, P., West, Issac E., Wells, Henry C., Wells, William, Wimple, Edward D., Wheeler, Merten E., Wood, Elias A., Wheeler, John D., Woolworth, William G., Wing, Henry, Wilson, Charles, Washburn, John W., SECOND OSWEGO REGIMENT. 289 Wilson, Richard, Wetherly, Asa B., Warren, Martin, Wolcot, Henry R., Wilcox, James N., Warren, George G., Woodham, George, White, Otis, Worden, John W., Wells, Martin L., Wood, Joseph L, Willson, Justin, Woodward. Alonzo G., Ward, Alison, Wright, Martin, Wells, Albert, White, Oscar, White, Frederick D., Wilson, Joseph, Watley, Joseph, Wood, Henry L., Wood, Parley. Williams, Patrick, Walker, John H., Whent, Calvin J., Wright, Henry E., Wood, William, Wade, Charles B., Webb, Job, Williams, Lewis, Wattenback, John, Ward, James, Warne, John, Warren, John, Welch, James, Williams, Henry, Wimple, Charles T., White, Joseph C., Williams, George, White, John, Wilbur, John, Willson, R., White, J. E., Winters, Peter H., White, Byron D., Wetmore, Frederick, Willard, Samuel T., Wallace, Thomas, Wood, William A., Wood, B. F., White, David B., Wiggens, John H., Waters, Winslow W., Wildy, Harvey B., Wrightman, Elias B., Wever, Michael, Wade, James H., Westcott, Norm an, Wilcox, J. D., Witham, George, Williams, James, Whalain, Andrew. 25 A. I> I END IX. The following are the proceedings of the Social Union of the commissioned officers of the Eighty-First Regiment New York State Veteran Volunteer Infan try, in camp, between Albany and Troy, just previous to its disbandment: HEAD-QUARTERS 81sT X. Y. S. V. V. I., ALBANY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1865. A meeting of the Officers and Ex-Officers of the Eighty-First N. Y. Veteran Volunteers, convened by request this day, was called to order by Colonel D. B. "\\ liite, who moved that Jacob J. De Forest be requested to occupy the Chair, which was unanimously adopted. Colonel De Forest, on taking the Chair, briefly stated the object of the meeting. It was held for the purpose of organizing an Association to perpetuate the friendly intercourse of those ^vho for the past four eventful years had been associated together in the field, laboring to establish the Supremacy of the General Government, and the success attending the first call for a meeting should warrant an annual assemblage. APPENDIX. 291 On motion of Lieutenant Colonel Mattison, Adju tant Kenny was unanimously appointed Secretary. On motion, Colonels De Forest, White and Matti son, were appointed a committee to draft a suitable Constitution for the use and government of the Asso ciation. After some friendly conversation, the meeting adjourned till the next evening, Sept. 17, at 7 o clock, at Stanwix Hall. JACOB J. DE FOREST, Chairman. John W. Kenny j Secretary, STANWIX HALL, ALBANY, Sept. 17, 1865. Pursuant to adjournment, the Officers and Ex- Officers of the Eighty-First New York Veteran Volun teers assembled to complete the organization of their Association. Present Colonel Jacob J. De Forest, Colonel D. B. White, Lieutenant Colonel L. V. S. Mattison, Major Byron B. Morris, Surgeon J. N. Miller, Captains B. W. Richardson, James J. Butler, E. A. Blakely, H. P. Ballard? Henry Squires, William Bredow and Joseph Bartlett; First Lieutenants B. S. De Forest, R. Q. M., J. Walker and C. C. Rumill. The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, and the Constitution, as reported by the Committee, was read : I. The Association shall consist of the Commissioned Officers of the Eighty-First Regiment New York Vete- 292 APPENDIX. ran Volunteers, Infantry, any of whom may become members thereof by subscribing their names, (with Postoffice address,) to the Constitution, or by letter signifying the same, directed to the Secretary. II. The elective officers shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, who shall serve for one year, or until their successors are duly elected. Said election to be by ballot. III. There shall be a Board of Records and Memo rials, who shall serve one year, (and of which the Presi dent and Secretary shall be ex-officio members,) whose duty it shall be to prepare a History of the Regiment, from its organization to the present time; a Roster of all the Officers who have belonged to the Regiment; to prepare and present to the Secretary, from time to time, memorials of Officers and Men who have been killed in battle, or died while in the service; to secure biogra phies of the living, and to chronicle the changes which may occur in the membership of the Asssociation, from any cause, hereafter. IV. There shall be an Annual Meeting of the Asso ciation, at such time and place as may be determined by a majority vote of the members, at any regular meeting, at which each officer shall make an annual report. V. The Committee on Records and Memorials shall consist of five members, to be appointed by the Presi dent, on the nomination of the members in open meeting. VI. Everything pertaining to the History of the Eighty-First Regiment, New York Veteran Voluteers, Infantry, to be carefully preserved by the Secretary, APPENDIX. 293 in the archives of the Association, and each member hereby pledges himself to furnish to the Committee on Records and Memorials all assistance in his power, so that a true History of the Regiment may be published at the earliest possible date, under the direction of the Association. VII. Special meetings of the Association may be held on the call of the President, signed by five mem bers, of which each member shall receive due notice by mail. When, on motion, it was adopted. The meeting then preceded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, which resulted as follows : President Colonel JACOB J. DE FOEEST. Vice-President Colonel D. B. WHITE. Secretary Captain JAMES J. BUTLEK. Treasurer Lieutenant Colonel L. V. S. MATTISON. On motion of Colonel White, the following named officers were appointed a Committee on Records and Memorials of the Regiment Surgeons W. H. Rice and J. N. Miller, Captains E. A. Blakely, H. Squires and B. W. Richardson. It was moved, by Lieutenant B. S. De Forest, that the organization be known as the "Social Union of the Commissioned Officers of the Eighty-First New York Veteran Volunteer Infantry" which was adopted. Moved and carried, that a member of the Associa tion be selected to deliver an address, at its first annual meeting. 25* 294 APPENDIX. ) Colonel D. B. White was unanimously requested to deliver the Address. . On motion of Lieutenant John Walker, the time fixed for the first annual meeting was April 3d, 1866, that being the Anniversary of the regiment s triumphal entry into Richmond. On motion of Captain Squires, it was decided that Albany, X. Y., should be the place for holding the first annual meeting. . Adjourned, to meet as above. JACOB J. DE FOREST, President. James G. Foot, Secretary pro tern. On the 3d of April, 1866, the first annual meeting of the Social Union of the Commissioned Officers of the Eighty-First Regiment New York State Veteran Volunteer Infantry, was held in the State Hall, at Albany, N. Y., When it was moved and seconded that J. W. Brock- way be appointed Secretary pro tern. Adopted. The President presented a number of letters which he had received from various officers, from abroad, expressing their regret in not being able to attend the first annual meeting of the Social Union. The follow ing were read to the Association by the Secretary : IlEAD-QCARTERS SOUTHERN SUB-DlSTRICT, PORT ROYAL, ) HILTON HEAD, S. C., March 14, 1866. j COLONEL I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, this day, of your communication and its ft. APPENDIX. 295 enclosures, of the 7th inst., extending to me an invita tion to be present at the first annual meeting of the Social Union of the Commissioned Officers of the Eighty-First New York State Veteran Volunteer Infantry, which takes places at Albany, N. Y., on the 3d of April next. Having always felt a deep and lively interest in the old Eighty-First, nothing, I assure you, could be more gratifying to me than to meet in a collective capacity, the officers of my old regiment. I regret, however, that circumstances over which I have no control, are such as to utterly preclude the possibility of my being present on that occasion. I am, sir, very respectfully, Your most obedient servant, A. G. BENNETT, Lieut. Col 21st U. 8. C. Infantry, (Late Captain 81st Infantry, N. Y. Y. Colonel JACOB J. DE FOREST, President Soeial Union, &c. CHARLESTON, S. C., MARCH 23, 1866. MY DEAR COLONEL Through the kindness of Lieutenant Colonel Bennett, I have been favored with a perusal of your letter of invitation to "all at Hilton Head who feel an interest in the old Eighty-First/ 7 to the First Annual Meeting of the Social Union of the Commissioned Officers of the Eighty- First New York Veteran Volunteers. Although I am at present sta tioned at Charleston, I take the liberty to include myself among those invited, and yet it will be impos sible for me to attend on that occasion, much to my regret, owing to the exacting nature of my duties as 296 APPENDIX. President of a Military Commission, now in session here; nevertheless, I desire to assure you, Colonel, that your worthy Association and its laudable objects have my thorough and hearty sympathy; and I shall always be willing to co-operate in anything that aims at the glory of the old regiment, and the honor of its mem bers, dead and living. Although claiming no connec tion with the veteran organization of the Eighty-First, I still cherish for it the strongest feelings of regard; and, eventful as my experience has been since leaving the "original," my attachment to it, and the affection I had for many of its officers and enlisted men have not in the least diminished. I followed its career in the later stages of the war with the deepest interest, and felt as proud of its growing fame as if I still had been numbered among its members. Indeed, it was a source of regret to me that I was not with my old com rades, when I read of the movements and battles in which they participated. How I longed to be with them at Cold Harbor ! And yet what a sad sight it would have been to see so many whom I loved deprived of life. It w r as with a moist eye that I perused the fearful list of killed and wounded that characterized that battle, where our dear friends, Ballard, Martin and Burke, and many other honored patriots, yielded up their lives as a sacrifice on the altar of their country. Peace to their ashes! Their names and the names of all its martyrs should be held in sacred remembrance; and around their memories, at each Annual Meeting, the voice of sympathetic eloquence should weave its APPENDIX. 297 fitting tribute. I trust the word Veteran, as applied to the regiment in the title of the Association, docs not, although it seems to, exclude from its membership and connection those who left the regiment previous to its re-organization. Offshoots as we are, and in many cases without reason, we still feel a certain pride in that portion of our record that pertains to the Eighty-First, and a very natural desire that the archives of the regi ment should contain more than a meagre narrative of that period. I therefore hope that all prejudices and ill feeling will be cast aside, and that the fullest oppor tunities will be given to all the old officers to co-operate with those of the veteran organization, in the purposes of the Association. It is a singular coincidence that the Eighty-First was among the first to enter Richmond, while Colonel Bennett, an offshoot of that regiment, was the first man to enter Charleston; and I,, another offshoot, having command of the first regiment (having in itself many old members of the Eighty-First,) that entered the "Cradle of the Rebellion." With sincere wishes for the welfare and kindest regards to all my friends of the " Social Union," I am, Colonel, Your friend, R. H. WlLLOTJGHBY, Major 2lst U. S. Colored Troops. (Formerly 1st Lieut. Co. E, 81st N. Y. V.) Colonel J. J. DE FOREST, President Social Union, &c. 298 APPENDIX. INDIANAPOLIS, IND., March 18, 1866. DEAR COLONEL Your kind invitation of the 10th inst., to be present at the first annual meeting of the officers of the Eighty-First Regiment, was duly received, having been forwarded to me from Utica. I regret exceedingly that it will be impossible for me to be present on that occasion. I heartily approve of this Association for several reasons; for besides the pleasure it will afford each member to meet the others annually, it may be made the means of much lasting good to all. True, our military life is, for the present, over, but as citizens we should realize that we hold as responsible positions for our country s weal or woe as while engaged in military service. I would suggest that at the annual meetings each member present be requested to give, either verbally or in writing, a short sketch of whatever of general interest has occurred to them since last meeting. This would, I think, occupy a few hours pleasantly, besides having a tendency to create more intimate and fraternal feelings. At any time that I can be of service to the Society, by furnishing any matter relating to Article III. of your Constitution, I shall be most happy to do so. Although I cannot be with you on the day of your meeting, I shall constantly, on that memorable day, bear in mind my old friends, and the object of your meeting; and while so gathered in pleasant re-union, let us all think reverently of the noble brave, our com- APPENDIX. 299 rades in arms, who have laid down their lives on the altar of our country. Please present my kindest regards to all members present, and attach my name to the Constitution. Hoping to meet all members on your second anni versary, I am, Very respectfully, CHARLES R. JOHNSON, fLate Captain 81st N. Y. V.) Colonel J. J. DEFOREST, President Social Union, &c. BRIDGE HAMPTON, L. I., March 22, 1866. DEAR COLONEL I received two circulars from you last evening, which reminded me that I ought to have written to you before; but time speeds so swiftly that many things are delayed. I should be glad to meet my old associates in the service of our country, and review those scenes of toil, privations, hardship and suffering, but I must forego that pleasure. I cannot leave, nor is my health good. I had hoped the past winter that I was getting well, but for some little time past I have felt the effects of those Southern miasmas. I would be glad to join your Association, for I yet hold dear the memory of the Eighty-First New York Volunteers, as an organization, as well as many of the individuals composing it; and while I cannot be present, I can bid you God speed ; and may it ever be ours to stand up in defence of justice and right. Let not per sonal interest swerve us from the right; but may we 300 APPENDIX. labor for our country s good, and watch that no wily enemy may sap the foundation of our loved land until we shall have sounded the alarm, and have gathered her forces in defence. Respectfully yours, JOHN F. YOUNGS, (Formerly 2d Lieut. 81st N. Y. V.) Colonel J. J. DE FOREST, President Social Union, &c. The following resolution was oifered by Surgeon W. H. Rice, and was unanimously adopted : Resolved, That the term "Veteran Volunteer," in the first Article of the Constitution of the Association, was not designed to, and does not, exclude from it any officer who is, or at any time was, a member of this regiment, either as officer or private, and is now in the service, or has been discharged. Regarding them all as brethren who served in the same cause, and endured the same hardships and privations, this Association is formed in no spirit of exclusiveness. The reports of the different officers were read, after which the following officers were elected for the ensuing year : President Surgeon WM. H. RICE. Vice-President Major E. A. STIMSON. Secretary Captain JOHN T. DE FOREST. Treasurer Captain E. S. COOK, On motion of Surgeon \Vm. H. Rice, a committee of three was appointed to draft resolutions on the death APPENDIX. 301 our late Chaplain, Isaac G. Duryea. The President appointed Surgeon William H. Rice, Major E. A. Stimson and Major Byron B. Morris, as such com mittee, who reported the following resolutions : Whereas, the Rev. Isaac G. Duryea, our late Chap lain, has been called to the reward of the good and the just. Resolved, That remembering his Christian virtues, his faithful services to his country, his solicitous care for his comrades; that his hands were ever prompt in charitable deeds, as his heart was ever overflowing with kindly utterances, and that his last labors were for our benefit, we tender to his afflicted family our grateful and hearty sympathy, though sorrowing not as those without hope. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family of our friend and faithful Chaplain. (Signed) WM. H. RICE, E. A. STIMSON, BYKON B. MORRIS. Adjourned to meet at the Globe Hotel, at Syracuse, N. Y., on the 3d day of April, 1867, at 2 o clock P. M. f 6 302 APPENDIX. SKETCHES OF WAR PRISONS IN VIRGINIA, NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA. THE following description of Southern war prisons, and of the treatment of Union prisoners confined in them, taken from the Third Annual Report of the Bureau of Military Record, of the State of New York, cannot fail to interest the general reader, and more especially all who had friends who suffered or died in them. The Author believes the narrative to be truth ful, having received nearly the same statement himself from returned prisoners who had been confined in these dens, while with the army in the South : RICHMOND TOBACCO WAEEHOUSES. The most liberal rations issued to men incarcerated in the earlier prisons, tobacco warehouses, consisted of a small piece of cold beef, (or some rice in lieu of it,) and five ounces of bread, at ten o clock A. M., and at seven o clock P. M., about a half pint of soup and five ounces of bread. The rice was often wormy, and the meat (cooked two days before consumption, and kept in a trough) was dirty, stale and hard, its juices having APPENDIX. 303 been extracted for the previous day s soup ration. So goaded by hunger were the prisoners here that they have been known to hunt for a bone in the pile of filth, and gnaw eagerly upon it. The Federal officers were confined on another floor of the warehouse, and, having funds in their possession, were enabled to pur chase additions to their daily rations; their condition was more endurable, as rank and station usually com manded some consideration on the part of rebel officers. They continued to get a sufficiency of food, such as was jpurchaseable, and were able to send some surplus frag ments to the destitute occupants of other floors. Every day, from early morning until late at night, emaciated soldiers may be seen waiting longingly for the surplus bread and meat from the officers 7 table. It is a scene of piteous sadness when a steward brings forth a pan of bread to distribute among them. As he appears,, every soldier s eye glares with a hungry look, arms are stretched forth beyond the sentry s musket, and each man jostles with his neighbor for a crust of bread, and crunches his share with eager, ravenous haste. In this primary prison-house of the South, seven Federal soldiers were shot dead by sentinels for inad vertantly approaching the windows. There was but one hydrant for the use of five hundred and fifty men, and every day they were kept hours waiting in here before they could obtain water. The same buckets used in the distribution of meat and soup, were fur nished to them for the washing of their bodies and clothes. One small stove was placed in a room eighty 304 APPENDIX. feet long, by fifty wide, with open windows, and the men were often forced to walk half the night, to reani mate their chilled frames. The dirt, bones and other refuse matter, accumulated in disgusting piles in a corner. Such was the condition of enlisted men in the first prison at Richmond. When the defeat of our forces at Manassas threw a large number of Federal officers and privates into rebel hands, there was no distinction made between them. Six hundred enlisted men were thrust with the officers into a warehouse where, swd-, tering under the heat of midsummer, with closed win dows, and not sufficient room for them all to lie, wedge- packed, upon the floor, they remained suffering and without food for nearly twenty-four hours. There was some pretension, at this time, to furnish medical treatment in hospitals adjacent to the prison warehouses. The hospital buildings contained three floors, each receiving eighty camp cots. Twelve nurses were allotted, eight during the day, and four at night; two sergeants having charge of the medicines and alter nating on post. The wards were kept in good order at that time, the attendants being prisoners of war them selves. Supplies of clothing and necessaries w r ere received from the Federal authorities, and distributed to our sick and wounded, and it is reported (unoffi cially) that the entire stock of lint and bandages in the hospital was sent in by the Unionists of Richmond, after the battle of Manassas. APPENDIX. 305 LIBBY PRISON. The Libby Prison, at Richmond, comprised a row of brick buildings, which had formerly been used as tobacco warehouses. The structure was three stories in height, and overlooked the canal and James river. The buildings were made to communicate by doorways opened in their partition walls. Each loft or room was one hundred feet in length, by forty in breadth. In six of these rooms there were confined at one time twelve hundred Federal officers of all ranks, from that of Brigadier General to that of Second Lieutenant; allowing a space of about twenty superficial feet of floor to* each man, (ten feet by two,) wherein to cook, eat, wash, sleep, and exercise. In the quarters of these officers there was a sufficiency of water, a tank for bathing purposes being placed on each of four rooms. Seventy-six windows in the six apartments admitted air, there being no glass or shutters in winter or sum mer. A sink was constructed outside the building, the upper portion of its sides being left open for ventilation. Under the primary rules of Libby prison the occu- cants were allowed no furniture or bedding, but were obliged, (as a prisoner expresses it,) to "huddle upon their haunches like so many slaves on the middle passage." Subsequently they were permitted to con struct chairs and stools for their own use, out of barrels and boxes in which clothing had been brought from the North. Two stoves were allowed to a loft during the winter season, but the supply of wood was insuffi cient to warm an apartment which remained exposed 26* 306 APPENDIX. to the cold from open windows. The ration of daily food in the officers 7 quarter w r as a small loaf of corn bread, weighing about half a pound, and about two ounces of beef. The quality of the bread ration is suggested by the remark of an officer, who said : " I would gladly have preferred the horsefeed in my father s stable." It is testified by prisoners that the quantity of daily food was at no period enough to sup port healthful life, and during the greater part of the period of incarceration the inmates of Libby were sub jected to slow starvation, except in cases where "extra " food was sparsely admitted for purchase by those who could command the means to buy. During these terms of compulsory famine, it is proved that there was an abundance of superior provisions in the possesion of rebel authorities, much of it having been received from the North and withheld from the prisoners for whose use it had been forwarded. On one occasion, as is related, the inmates of one of the rooms were enabled, by removing a plank in the flooring, to penetrate to a cellar under the building, wherein was stored supplies of the finest wheat flour, potatoes and turnips. During months the famishing inmates of Libby were aware that boxes of food and clothing from Northern Triends, sent for their use, were piled in neighboring warehouses, to the number of three thousand, while a mere pretence of delivery was made of a single box, perhaps, daily. Often, when permitted to buy necessary clothing or food, at exorbitant prices, our officers found the purchased articles stamped with the mark of the United States APPENDIX. 307 Sanitary Commission, which had contributed them for the prisoners relief. The regulations or rather caprices of rule in Libby prison, were tyrannical in the extreme. Dungeons were contrived beneath the buildings, fit only for dens of reptiles, and into these places our imprisoned soldiers were thrust, by order of the prison authorities, for the most trivial offences, or assumed offences. The commander of the department, during the existence of these abuses, was Major General Winder. The com mandant of the prison was Major Turner, and Richard Turner was prison inspector. The arbitrary will of these men was law without appeal. * PRISON AT BELLE ISLE, VIRGINIA. Belle Isle is a small insulation on the James river, opposite Richmond. In time of peace, and during the vernal season, its name may properly describe it, for the place is not destitute of natural beauty. To Union war prisoners, however, Belle Isle mu^t always be a reminHcence of misery. During the rebellion, Belle Isle was appropriated, or rather the barren portion of it was used as a place of confinement for the rank and file of Federal prisoners. There was Ao regular stockade, but an enclosure of about six acres, surrounded by an earthbank, some three feet in height, having a ditch on either side. The space thus bounded was destitute of trees or ver dure, the ground being low and sandy, exposed in win ter to wind and storm, and in summer time scorched under the heat and glare of noonday, or dank with the 308 APPENDIX. malarious fogs of night. On the edge of the exterior ditch was a sentry line, which extended around the prison ground. On this line, guards walked their beats, at distances of forty feet from post to post, com manding the enclosure with their guns, by day and night. A provision for shelter was attempted by the laying out of a sort of encampment, of ragged Sibley tents in rows, with streets or passage ways between; but these tents only sufficed to contain the first prisoners of war, and became totally inadequate for the protection of thousands who were afterward brought to Belle Isle. This prison yard speedily became a torture field and grave of Union soldiers, within sight of Richmond, and under the immediate notice of the self-styled Con federate Government. No variety or even regulation of rations seems to have been known at Belle Isle. The prisoners were fed as the swine are fed. A chunk of corn bread, twelve or fourteen ounces in weight, half baked, full of cracks, as if baked in the sun, musty in taste, con taining whole grains of corn, fragments of cob, and pieces of husk ; meat often tainted, and a mere mouth ful; two or three spoonfuls of rotten beans; soup thin and briny, with worms floating on its surface; the whole ration never one-half the quantity necessary for a healthy man, and no two articles being given together. The prisoners at Belle Isle gnawed refuse bones or broke them in pieces to make soup. They begged for stale bread from the guards; they caught and ate rats: they devoured a dog which had strayed into the enclo- APPENDIX. 309 sure. It is unnecessary to dwell further upon what must have been the suffering of our soldiers at Belle Isle, by reason of hunger alone. It has been mentioned that tents were arranged for the shelter of earlier prisoners. These tents were old and rotten at first, and were capable of containing only a small portion of the prisoners, there being at some periods of the war as many as twelve thousand turned into the enclosure, like so many cattle, to find what resting place they could. When crowded thus, the average space apportioned to each man, was from two feet by seven to three feet by nine. Most of these unfortunates were obliged to lie upon the ground, to be drenched by rain, and often frozen by the cold. During the severe winter months, while the mercury ranged below zero at Eichmond, and ice formed on the James river, our gallant boys at Belle Isle endured the days and nights, shelterless, unclothed, sick and disease- smitten. Some crawled for protection into the ditch, heaped against each other, and of those the " outer row " often froze to death during sleep; some dug holes in the sand, and burrowed in them; hundreds passed the cold nights in running to and fro, to keep their blood from coagulation. Every morning numbers were found frozen stiif in the embrace of death. The hospital and death carts were constantly bearing out loads of dying and dead. The men lost strength, spirits, and sometimes reason. Blindness and dizziness made them faint on the least exertion. Diarrhoea wasted them, scurvy ate into their bones, vermin tortured them, and they became 310 APPENDIX. mad with fevers. A broad beach sloped to the water in front of the encampment, and the prisoners might have enjoyed cleanliness, if denied all other indulgences. But the rules permitted only about seventy-five men to bathe in one day, in squads of half a dozen at a time. Hence, a man s "chance" to wash his person, when the person was least wounded, might come but once in six months. Their condition from filth became horrible. Being forbidden to approach the sinks at night, the densely populated quarters became loathsome w r ith filth. The wells were tainted, the air was filled with disgust ing odors. Such was the prison at Belle Isle. PRISON AT DANVILLE, VIRGINIA. The prisons at Danville were tobacco warehouses. There were four buildings used as prisons, respectively designated as Xos. 1, 3, 4 and 6; the other numbers, 2 and 5, being used to distinguish a commissary build ing and an unoccupied warehouse. Four of these buildings face a square, where the rebels were accus tomed to mount guard, and we were thus allowed the pleasure of seeing a little "military." "When we entered this prison, (July 22d, 1864,)" says a -Federal soldier, "and for three or four months subsequently, we were guarded by regular Confederate States troops, but these were aftewards sent to the front, and we remained guarded by Home Guards from neighboring counties, whose treatment of us was much better than that of their predecessors. The officer first in command was one Major Morfit, who was succeeded by Captain Kidi- APPENDIX. 311 ardson, who, in turn, was succeeded by Lieutenant Colonel Smith, who continued in command when we were paroled. The latter officer was kind, and did his best for us, but of the others the least said the better. When we entered this prison our rations were quito tolerable, consisting of corn bread and meat, the latter having been furnished by the United States Sanitary Commission; but after this supply was exhausted, we had very little meat, and from the middle of December, 1864, until the last of February, 1865, we had not a mouthful. Very many boxes sent to our men were detained in Richmond until the news of the general exchange came, when they were forwarded, the con tents, in most cases, being utterly worthless. Our suf ferings during the winter were intense; we were obliged frequently to walk the building the entire night to keep the blood in circulation, and some had their feet and limbs badly frozen." The prison buildings were all about the same size, brick structures, forty by eighty feet, three stories high^ with the first story used only as a way or passage to the yard, which latter was about twenty feet long by the width of the building, contained the sinks, and was a place of reception for the sweepings of the room. In the buildings occupied by our enlisted men the first story was also used for the sick, who were not near enough death to be removed to the hospital. This room possessed an advantage over the others in one respect, having more fresh air, as there was no glass in its windows, and but a poor apology for a Southern coal 312 APPENDIX. stove. The coal used was so bad that half of it came out, after burning, nothing but hot stone, and it gave so little heat that a person might stand all day within two feet of the stove without any discomfort from heat. Of course this was just the room for our sick, no other place being so efficient in filling the graveyards, or reducing Union ranks. Too many of our noble men, battling for the old Stars and Stripes, could live, month after month, and year after year, on a bit of coarse corn bread a day and something must be done to purge them. The stockade at Salisbury appears to have rivaled that of Anderson ville, in the history of rebel ill treat ment and the record of prison sufferings attached to it. The story of exposure, sickness and death, is the same in detail, as regards both of these places. The hospital house was originally a cotton factory, ,a building about ninety by thirty feet inside of the stockade, into which the prisoners were seldom admitted until ready to die. The mass of prisoners were confined in the yard or pen, as in other prison grounds, and a pretence of shel ter was furnished by the issue of three Sibley tents to 100 men. Not more than one-third of the prisoners were sheltered by tents; the bulk of them built mud hovels and fire-places, or burrowed in the ground ; some crawled under the hospital buildings. The prisoners were organized in divisions of a thousand each, these APPENDIX. 313 subdivided into squads of one hundred each. The rations were delivered to these divisions irregularly, the supply generally insufficient, being issued about once in ten days. The sufferings at this prison are described by returned prisoners as extreme. One account says it was unspeakable. "What we got for one day s rations was not enough for one good meal ; sometimes we went a day without rations, at one time fifty-six hours, with only a cup of rice soup to a man. I have seen men pick up bones out of human excre ment, clean them and crack them for the grease inside; I have seen them pick up corn and eat it raw." The water from the wells, three or four in number, was scarce and unwholesome. The principal supply of water was from a brook outside the prison yard, brought in barrels, one barrel being allowed to each squad, which did not afford enough for daily drinking, and was wholly inadequate for washing purposes. In reference to shelter, it is testified that, besides the few Sibley tents, there was no other protection against the weather than what the men provided for themselves; the burrowing holes were four feet deep, excavated round, and they could sit down in them, but could not stand up; these had fire-places to them, with holes punched for chimneys. They built a little porch over the mouths of the holes, to turn the rain, but in a hard rain some of these would fall in, as they were built of mud. In a period of five months from the close of Septem ber, 1864, to the close of February, 1865, we have the 27 314 APPENDIX. sworn testimony of the prisoners employed in hos pital service at Salisbury prison, that fifty-one hun dred prisoners died, mainly from want, hunger and exposure, out of the ten thousand confined at that time. During this period, no clothing whatever was issued by the rebel authorities. Very few of the prisoners pos sessed blankets, all were thinly clad, and they were left without shelter of any kind, except such as could be obtained by digging holes in the ground and bur rowing in them to escape the cold, fhe weather was severe, with hard frosts and heavy rains. The rations of food were insufficient to sustain health. The daily allowance to a man never exceeded one-half pound of corn or sorghum bread, or one pint of corn meal, ground with the cob, and one-half pint of very thin soup, with out seasoning. Twice in a month the heads, livers and tripe, and inferior extremities of beef cattle were served out, raw and bloody, in morsels, each about the size of a man s two fingers. No other meat of any kind was allowed to the prisoners. Sometimes, but never in con nection with the above issue of beef, sorghum was given, two or three spoonfuls to the man. This distribution was made about once in the week. No salt was ever furnished. At least one day in each week was com pulsory Cast day, no ration of any kind being given to the prisoners. On Thanksgiving and Christmas days, of 1864, no food was served, the reason assigned being that as Yankees were feasting at home, the Yankee pri soners should fast. During the greater part of the APPENDIX. 315 term above stated, the water for drinking was sup plied in scanty quantities, and was very nauseous and impure. Wells and cisterns had been sunk, but the drainings from the prison yard, and filth from the sinks, were washed into these reservoirs, rendering the water dis gusting. It was impossible to procure a sufficiency for bath, washing and drinking, and the majority of the prisoners were unable to cleanse their persons, and became so blackened with dirt and smoke as to be undistinguishable (except by the hair) from negroes. PRISON AT FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA. The prison at Florence, Arlington county, South Carolina, was a stockade like that of Andersonville, with a swamp in its center, and a hill on .either side. The enclosure was about fifteen acres, one-third of which was depressed and marshy. The palisade was constructed of rough trunks of trees, set side by side in the ground, and banked up by earth on the outer side, nearly to the tops of the timbers. This outer earth work formed a, sort of parquette or elevated platform, on which the guards were posted, walking their beats, and overlooking the stockade. At Andersonville, sen try boxes afforded the guards a command of the interior, but the south bank at Florence answered the same pur pose. At Andersonville the "dead line" was marked by low posts and a railing, but at Florence it was defined only by a shallow ditch running around the interior almost. 316 APPENDIX. The stockade at Andersonville was lengthwise, north and south, at Florence, east and west. Andersonville boasted its inhuman master in the jailor, Wirz, but Florence had its overseer also, a Georgia Lieutenant, named Barrett, of whom it is said, "a greater wretch never lived." The . stockade at Andersonville was surrounded by forts and artillery, and that of Florence was like wise encircled by its two lines of breastworks, with a square platform at each corner, on which to mount field pieces; a deep ditch running along the whole. Guards constantly traveled the raised banks, and gun ners stood by the angle of guns, ready to discharge them into the stockade, to repress any outbreak. At the "great jail delivery" of Andersonville prison, some twelve thousand were removed to Florence. A Federal private from New York State, after being confined at Andersonville nearly four months, was transferred to Florence stockade, in September, when the Andersonville camp was broken up. "The pri soners," he says, "were sent to different places, and I went with eleven thousand to Florence. I had suffered with the chronic diarhoea and the typhoid fever, at Andersonville, and at Florence was attacked again with the typhoid, and also with the dropsy, which very nearly killed me, and would, had I not got away when I did, in February, 1865. At Florence we were treated in the same way as before, with the exception that we received no meat at all. Our rations were a pint of corn meal, a half pint of peas and sometimes a little rice." APPENDIX. 317 PRISONS AT COLUMBIA, S. C. CAMP SORGHUM. This prison camp was located in an open field that was once used for growing corn, but had become over run with scrub vegetation. A few dwarf pine trees afforded the only shade, and the shelter consisted of brush hovels, constructed by the prisoners. The area within guard lines was about four acres. The treat ment of Federal officers at this place was very severe, and occasioned much suffering. The rations consisted of a pint of corn meal daily; less than a fourth of a pint of sorghum, and a teaspoonful of salt. ASYLUM PRISON. The yard of the Insane Asylum, at Columbus, was enclosed on three sides by a brick wall, ten to twelve feet high, and the fourth wall was composed of boards, which separated the prison yard from the main build ing. The enclosure comprised about two acres. Sen try boxes were erected, at intervals, outside of the walls, commanding a view of the interior. The board fence, dividing the prison from the .Asylum, was pierced with port holes, and in the space beyond * it two pieces of artillery were mounted in readiness for service. It had been intended to provide thirty-two buildings, as bar racks for the war prisoners, but only a portion of these were completed, and the residue of shelter was made up of old tents and pieces of canvas. These appliances being insufficient to protect the mass of prison inmates, a great number were compelled to burrow in the ground or construct clay houses, in the form of Esquimaux huts, 27* 318 APPENDIX. to shield their bodies against the storms and piercing cold. The fuel ration issued was scanty, and insuffi cient to allow of the comfort of a fire. Prisoners were often obliged to walk through the night hours to keep their blood from stagnation. The rations at this place were meager, consisting of a pint of coarse corn meal and a gill of sour sorghum, daily, and two tablespoon- fuls of rice and two of salt, for five days. During one hundred and thirty-three days at Columbia, the pri soners of war never received* a particle of meat. JAIL YARD, CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA. The prison ground comprised about an acre, sur rounding the City Jail, a brick building, four stories high, with a frontage of six hundred feet and a depth of one hundred feet. It is a castellated structure, with an octagon wing and flanking towers. From the center of the octagon wing rises a strong tower or citidel, forty feet high. A number of negro soldiers, made prisoners of war at Fort Wagner, were incarcerated in this middle prison. The walls enclosing the edifice were twelve feet in height. The shelter furnished to the Federal prisoners in this jail yard consisted of A tents, sufficient to cover about two thirds of the number confined. The quar ters were crowded and exposed to the sun. A single pump supplied water, and a noisome sink, used by the jail prisoners, occupied a corner of the close and stifling yard. This place of detention was used for officers, in transition from prison to prison. APPENDIX. . 319 ROPER HOSPITAL, CHARLESTON. This edifice was four stories high, constructed of brick, plastered to resemble brown stone. The main building was seventy-eight feet front by sixty feet deep, and wings extended east and west, three stories high, and each one hundred feet long, with a tower buttress ing either end. The front grounds were laid out with shrubbery, but the rear was very filthy, the sinks exhaling noisome vapors. A well and some old cis terns furnished poor water, in insufficient quantities for the prisoners who consisted of paroled Federal officers, under fire from the guns of General Gilmore. The shells from the United States fleet and batteries were constantly showered about this prison, but during all the time that the Federal officers were there confined, under fire, there was but one slight casualty, a flesh wound inflicted upon one of the prisoners by a frag ment of shell, the shell itself descending through the roof and passing through the flooring of the building. CRUELTY TO UNION SOLDIERS IN REBEL PRISONS. The story of abuse and cruelty, in its repulsive full ness, cannot indeed be written out. Its recital would be an endless repetition of harrowing descriptions of degrading details concerning facts too deplorable for humanity to dwell upon. And yet it is necessary that the prison experience of our brave soldiers, dismal as it was, should have a proper record, and that the acts of 320 APPENDIX. treason, in dungeon and stockade should be chronicled as faithfully as its acts in council or on the battle field. Entire impartiality we may not attain, because the sense of outrage will always remain more or less intense, and the pulse of every sufferer must throb with the recollection, even after years elapse, of the uncalled for cruelty which was a feature of prison treatment through out the South. But though the memory of wrong mav color, at times, the impressions of soldiers who recall their miserable existence as prisoners of war, it cannot heighten or broaden the astounding facts which under lie all mere narration. The horrors of stockade and barrack incarceration, under rebel rule; the unmitigated rigors of forced marches, the robbery and insult of offi cers and privates, the systematized starvation, the denial of fuel in the midst of winter, of shelter against the / o elements, of eyen that common boon of nature water, to quench the thirst or cleanse the body, the neglect of sick and dying, the deliberate murders of the "dead line," the malignant desecration of the dead these appalling and indisputable FACTS require no embellish ment of language or feeling to make them stand out terribly distinct before a Christian world. The treatment of prisoners of war is a significant test of the civilization of any people or nation. It is the one amenity that redeems a thousand violences engendered by belligerent relations, or it is the one cruelty that casts all others into the background. In proportion as we find a tribe or community advanced in human progress, we are prepared to expect a sympa- APPENDIX. 321 thy for the weak or defenceless; and it is only in bar barous or savage life that we look for the torture of unarmed men, or the abuse of non-combatants. Hence it is difficult to realize that a distinct and large portion of the American people should be chargeable with such enormities of prison maltreatment as have become matters of fact and history during four years of civil strife. And yet we are constrained, by posi tive evidence, to arraign the Government and citizens of rebel States on charges of cruelty such as disgrace civilization and belie Christianity. From the beginning of the rebellion to its close no greater distinctitn is noticeable, between the two belli gerent sections, than that manifested through the expe rience of war prisoners. Under rebel or Confederate authority, the experience (as rehearsed by Union sol diers) is replete with every detail of suffering that imagination can conceive, every circumstance of cruelty that irresponsible power could add to the burthen of captivity. At the will of their captors and enemies, they were stripped of every necessary; scorged as negro slaves; kicked as dogs; hung up by the thumbs; chained up to posts, or forced to drag cannon balls; compelled to stand bareheaded and barefooted for hours, under a torrid sun; obliged to mark time eight hours on a stretch; immured in underground dungeons; harried and mangled by bloodhounds; deprived of food for three days at a time; refused water during whole days and nights; shot at in their beds, or as they walked in 322 APPENDIX. their camps, or while dragging their feeble frames to the sinks, or while seeking a breath of air or a cup of water; deprived of their limbs at the whim of incom petent surgeons, or murdered in hospital by vile drugs, or barbarous neglect. These dreadful facts of treatment must become matters of historic record, and be trans mitted to posterity as the deeds which treason and rebel lion could perpetrate, when inspired by the spirit of human slavery. Maltreatment on the march was of different degrees of barbarity. It comprised the forcing of jaded or wounded men to unnatural foot marches; the depriva tion of water and of food on the route } the confinement of persons by night in pestiferous jails; the packing of them by sixties and eighties in close and filthy box cars, on the railroads, or their exposure to cold and storm in shelterless flats; the goading of feeble persons by blows of the sabre, bayonet stabs, and the dragging of them forward by lassoes, tied to the saddle bows of mounted guards. In the forced foot marches* great numbers of our disabled men succumbed to fatigue, low nourishment and exposure. Their graves are land marks of the routes traveled in various Southern States, by the dismal processions of captured Union men. Frozen to death in sleep, shot down or bayoneted by day, sinking under disease or from weakness, they fell by the way, and were buried in the roadside ditches. Respect for the dead is looked for among all civil ized people. It is a simple expression of piety which ought to distinguish the Christian from the barbarian APPENDIX. 323 or savage. But the record of prison treatment at the South is made blacker by the accounts of contumely inflicted on the poor dust of humanity, the desecration even of the inanimate remains of our soldiers, who died the victims of neglect and cruelty. In times of epidemic disease, where mortality is incessant, and death waits at every door, there is apology that no bell tolls and no funeral cortage moves. So, likewise, when fevers and acute disorders of all kinds were carry ing off scores and sometimes hundreds per diem, in such lazar houses as Andersonville and Salisbury and Florence prisons, we might find some palliation for rebel authorities" if they simply hurried the burial of dead prisoners, omitting all marks of outward respect to enemies of their cause and objects. But when we know they added insult and ignominy to indifference or carelessness; that* they suffered the dead bodies of our poor soldiers to lie for whole days festering in the sun, or piled them, stark naked, in heaps, as wood is corded, upon carts, and flung them like dead brutes into ditches, and covered them so scantily with earth that their arms and legs protruded; and when we remember that the human remains thus dealt with ,were those of brave soldiers, who had fallen into captivity by the for tune of battle, and had perished through the barbarity of the captors, w r e cannot dw r ell with calmness on the story of this latest outrage on the civilization of our age and nation. Our soldiers, in most of the burial trenches of prison grounds, lie by thousands in moldering heaps. A head 324 APPENDIX. board may indicate the spot where rests husband, son, or brother; a number, entered in a hospital book, may be an index to the dead soldier, whose nude body was thrust, with scores of other atrophied forms, into a com mon receptacle, there to crumble into dust. The fond respect of friends may make a place of pilgrimage of those honored graves, and the visitor may feel that he kneels upon a sod which covers the coffin of some friend beloved in life; but memory must go back, mournfully, to the deep, wide trendies, and behold the bodies of our dead soldiers massed shroud less together. It is a sad task to attempt an identifica tion of the many unknown graves. Better that the bones of all be collected and placed, with fitting cere monies, under a National monument, and that their ashes be embalmed by the tears of a great people, for whose union and freedom they^Lil the death of martyrs. THE END. 14 DAY USE RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED LOAN DEPT. This book is due on the last date stamped below, or on the date to which renewed. Renewed books are subject to immediate recall. : ; 7 <2p8 i^EC D LD 21A-50m-8, 57 (C8481slO)476B General Library University of California Berkeley M157156 PI THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY