CHAPTER X

 

 

OPENING OF THE CAMPAIGN OF 1862 • FAREWELL TO PIERPONT • THE MARCH • HAWKHURST'S MILLS • ARMY CORPS • WET AND NOISY NIGHT• "HALLO BARNEY' • ALEXANDRIA• EMBARKATION FOR THE PENINSULA • BY RAILROAD • A NIGHT IN REBEL CABINS • RUINS OF MANASSAS • BULL RUN FIELD • SELLING CIDER • MARCH TO THE RAPPAHANNOCK • CAVALRY SKIRMISH • WASHINGTON VS. DAVID OF OLD

 

FOR the proper elucidation of the subject it will be necessary here to refer to the planning of the campaign that was about opening. Two bases of operations for the Army of the Potomac presented themselves; one submitted by the President, January 31st, from Washington, involving an attack upon Centerville and Manassas direct, or the turning of one or both flanks of those positions, or a combination of those plans. An attack on the left flank involved too long a line of wagon communication, and on the right flank by way of Occoquan if successful by a decisive battle, could not have been followed up with commensurate results. Should the condition of the enemy's troops permit, he could fall back upon other positions, and fight us again and again, or if he was not in a condition to give battle outside of the intrenchments at Richmond, it would have proved difficult and hazardous to have followed him there either by way of Fredericksburg or Gordonsville, as he would have destroyed the railroad bridges and otherwise impeded our progress. Besides a line of communication from Washington to Richmond, through an enemy's country, was impracticable. A direct attack upon Centerville would have been productive of no other results, and a combined attack upon that point and the right flank was impracticable on account of the distance and obstacles intervening between the columns.

 

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The plan submitted by General McClellan, February 3d, was to operate from the lower Chesapeake, making Urbana, on the lower Rappahannock, the point of landing, which is distant from West Point one march, and from Richmond but two. This would have necessitated the abandonment of Manassas, Centerville and the Upper Potomac by the enemy, and if followed with celerity of movements the probable cutting off of Magruder in the peninsula and the occu­pation of Richmond before the enemy's forces could have been concentrated for its defence. The latter proposition was adopted, and as early as February 14th the collection of vessels for the transportation of the army to the lower Potomac was commenced.

On the 9th of March, information was received that the enemy, having discovered the intended movement, was evacuating Centerville and Manassas, as well as his positions on the upper and lower Potomac. Upon his retiring, he having destroyed all the railroad bridges in his rear, and the roads being almost impassable, it was impossible to inflict the usual damage generally afforded by the withdrawal of a large army in the face of a powerful foe. But as considerable time must elapse before transportation could be collected to convey the army to the lower Potomac, an opportunity was offered to experience the troops on the march and bivouac previous to the campaign, and to get rid of the superfluous baggage which had accumulated in the camp during our long period of inactivity.

Accordingly on the night of the 9th, orders were issued for a general movement of the army the next morning, our regiment being ordered to have four days' cooked rations in haversacks, sixty rounds of cartridges, and kit complete.

At eleven o'clock on the 10th of March, 1862, we got into line, and bidding farewell to our happy home at Pierpont, crossed over the fields to the pike, and took up our line of march. A heavy rain had fallen through the night and during the morning, rendering the roads very muddy, and our backs being green, the knapsacks bore heavily upon us. But all were in excellent spirits, believing we would soon meet the foe, and sooner than fall out to rest, the men threw away their extra clothing, strewing the road along the march with coats, blouses, blankets, etc. We continued up the pike across Difficult Creek to Spring Vale, within three miles of Drainesville, when turning to the left and following a bridle path through the woods and over the hills, we reached about dark the neighborhood of Hunter's Mills, near which, on the Loudon and Hampshire Railroad we bivouacked, the night being cold and rainy. Here we remained until the next afternoon, when we marched about two miles to a high elevation near the ruins of Hawkhurst's Mills, where we encamped.

 

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Our encampment was about seventeen miles from Pierpont, two from Fairfax Court House, and eight from the Bull Run battle­field. The scene here was magnificent, particularly at night, when the valleys and hills beneath us for miles around, were lit up with thousands of camp fires. Here we received our "shelter tents," which experience taught us were the best in use for an army in the field. But at first they were very unpopular, the men calling them, "dog houses," and for amusement creeping into them on their hands and knees, and barking out of the ends at each other.

It should have been stated, that on the 8th of March, the President directed the Army of the Potomac to be divided into four corps, in compliance with which, there was assigned to General Irwin McDowell the first, consisting of the divisions of Franklin, McCall and King. To General E. V. Sumner the second, consisting of Richardson, Blenker and Sedgwick. To General S. P. Heintzelman the third, consisting of F. J. Porter, Hooker and Hamilton; and to General E. D. Keyes the fourth, consisting of Couch, Smith and Casey. On the 11th, an order from the President announced, that as General McClellan had personally taken the field, he was relieved from the command of the other military departments, and would retain command of the Department of the Potomac.

It being ascertained that the enemy were in no force north of Warrenton Junction, on the evening of the 14th, during a light fall of rain, we took up our march through the woods, passing on every side bivouacs, and burning bough huts and arbors, the glare from which lighted us upon our road for miles. Reaching the Alexandria and Leesburg Pike, we turned to the right, and passing along it for two miles, about eleven o'clock filed into a dense open woods, where, in spite of the falling rain, our fires soon burnt brightly, and we slept soundly. The next morning early, during a heavy rain, we took up our march, moving across the country to the Drainesville Pike, and turning down it crossed Difficult Creek, passing within four miles of our old home at Pierpont, and entering a woods, moved back again towards the Alexandria and Leesburg Pike by a private road. The rain by this time was falling in torrents, flooding the swampy ground, making the marching most tiresome and fatiguing. Soon the ranks were broken, the men scattering, plunging through the mud, and toiling under their knapsacks, made doubly heavy by their blankets and overcoats becoming saturated with water. Soon they commenced dropping out, and lay scattered through the woods for miles. Upon striking the turnpike again, a long halt was called for the stragglers to catch up, and then moving on, we soon filed into a wood and stacked arms. This was about three o'clock, and although we had marched

 

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fifteen miles, we were but three miles from the starting point in the morning, the detour to the left being made on account of the enemy having burned the bridge on the pike over Difficult Creek some months previous.

After much patient labor, we succeeded in getting our fires started, and towards night hot coffee was served out, but such was the violence of the storm, that it was impossible to put up our tents, the most of the men spending the night in cutting wood and standing around the fires. At one time the heavens appeared to out do themselves, opening their flood gates and pouring down a torrent of water, stifling the wind and flooding all below. The fires were almost instantly extinguished, and then the patriots were aroused to a full appreciation of their position. Not to be thus conquered and subdued by the raging elements, they set up their wild shouts and huzzahs, making the woods and hills for miles around echo with their noise, until by indomitable perseverance, they actually got themselves into a good humor. All that was wanted after they got fully started to complete their happiness, was a fiddle and a "straight four," and then they would have made a full night of it. But morning came, and with it a bright warm sun, nature appearing to have exhausted herself in the mad rage of the night.

At ten o'clock the next morning, we moved down the pike, passing Falls Church, Munson's Hill, and a long line of fortifications erected at different times by the Union and Confederate troops, and arriving within a mile of Alexandria, moved over the fields to the left, and encamped near the Cemetery and the Fairfax Seminary. On account of the roads, and the sleepless night, the march was rather an inanimate one, but little spirit of joviality being displayed until we met a supply train moving in an opposite direction among whose drivers was a red panted Zouave, the first we had seen. One of the boys found out his name, and as he passed cried out "hallo Barney" - Barney turned round to see who his friend was, when the whole regiment saluted him. At first he was disposed to take it ill­naturedly, and gave full vent to violent gesticulations and oaths, but finding he was "in for it," he jumped upon the seat of the wagon, and commenced dancing and waving his hat. As he passed by our regiment, the next took it up, and for a long way we could hear the shouts of "Barney," and see his red pants dangling in the air. Thus a happy point taken will enliven for a time a whole army.

The war metamorphosed Alexandria from a quiet Old Virginia town into a bustling business place. Almost every house was turned into a store, restaurant or boarding house, all of which did a thriving business from the continual influx of officers, soldiers, govern-­

 

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ment attaches and innumerable teamsters and workmen. Though the sale of liquor was prohibited under severe penalty, and the provost guard continually visited places suspected of the illicit traffic, yet large quantities of it were daily sold. One individual had a barrel up his chimney, another one upon the top of his house, from which he drew it out of a gas jet in a back room, and a third drew it from a private house next door by means of his hydrant. The city possessed not a single attraction for a private residence. As the whole army was now concentrated in the neighborhood, the streets were crowded with soldiers, many of whom went to excesses, though not annoying the citizens or particularly harming themselves, but as the Reserves had not been paid off for some time, and were out of money, they won golden opinions for their good conduct.

The enemy's retreat from Manassas to Gordonsville somewhat modified the plans of the campaign, and at a council of corps com­manders held at Fairfax Court House on the 13th, the Peninsula campaign was decided upon, provided the enemy's steamer Merrimac could be neutralized, the army be immediately transported to the Lower Potomac, the navy cooperate in silencing the batteries on the York River, and Washington be made safe. If not, to Richmond via Manassas and the Rappahannock. The embarkation of the army was immediately commenced at Alexandria, Washington and Perryville, and in thirty-seven days after the order was received by the Hon. John Tucker, Assistant-Secretary of War, one hundred and twenty-one thousand five hundred men, fourteen thousand five hun­dred and ninety-two animals, one thousand one hundred and fifty wagons, forty-four batteries, seventy-four ambulances, besides pon­toon bridges, telegraph materials, and the enormous quantity of equipage, etc., required for an army of such magnitude, were trans­ferred to Fortress Monroe with the loss of but eight mules and nine barges, an operation of such magnitude as was without a parallel in this country.

The weather during our encampment here was cold, rainy and unpleasant, rendering the ground mostly unfit for drilling, but ev ery favorable opportunity was taken advantage of for that purpose. We received our full ration and a ration of whiskey was served out every rainy night. As the troops who had laid here all winter had cut down and used the wood in the neighborhood, it was scarce, and the boys, hearing some regiments of New York troops had embarked for the Peninsula, went over and rummaged their encampments, and procured a rich supply of boards, etc. Some commissary stores were left behind under guard, to which they proceeded to help themselves, under the patriotic impression that as they belonged to Uncle Sam,

 

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it was their duty to improve his property by keeping themselves in good fighting order.

On the 2d of April, Captain George A. Woodward was elected Major, First Lieutenant Horace Neide, Captain, and Orderly Ser­geant Daniel H. Connors, First Lieutenant. After the election the Major regaled the men on ale, and his opponent on whiskey, which made what is termed a "stone wall," some portion of which toppled over during the night.

About this time a company of Pennsylvanians, under the command of Lieutenant John M. Clark, who had been attached to the First District of Columbia Volunteers, were nominally transferred to our regiment, taking letter F, but were assigned by General McCall to take charge of the extra line of caissons for the artillery battalion of the Reserves.

Our Corps de Armee, being detached from the Army of the Potomac, constituted an independent command - the Department of the Rappahannock - under General McDowell, designed to cover Washington. We prepared to move south, first having the cartridges increased to one hundred per man.

Early on the morning of the 9th, we struck tents, and strapping them on our knapsacks, with three days' cooked rations in haversacks, moved off. A severe storm of alternate rain, hail and snow, which had been falling for several days, was prevailing, rendering the roads and fields we passed over in many places knee-deep in mud. Passing down between Forts Ellsworth and Lyons, we marched about three miles to the Orange and Alexandria Railroad where we halted to await transportation. Here we stood six hours shivering in the mud, with our heavy knapsacks upon our backs, but about three o'clock the cars arrived and our brigade embarked and we got underway. Our journey was without any incident of interest, and at nine o'clock in the evening the train halted about two miles beyond Bull Run Creek, in front of a large deserted encampment of huts, that had been built and occupied by the enemy during the winter. We had anticipated a hard night of it, in the open fields without fires, so these proved a perfect god-send to us, as the snow was deep and the storm was raging with fury, and many of the men had been exposed through the day on platform cars, so closely huddled together that they could hardly move. We were in the cabins but a few moments before bright crackling fires were burning in the ample chimney places and we were partaking of a bountiful supper of hot , coffee, crackers and junk. As we sat around the cheerful fires enjoying our pipes, we soon forgot the exposure of the day and the storm that was raging without, and then stretching ourselves upon the clay floor we enjoyed a good night's sleep.

 

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The next morning at eight o'clock we formed and marched up the railroad about three miles, the surrounding country presenting a scene of desolation, being stripped of fences and wood. On either side were deserted huts, camps, broken wagons, caissons, barrels and boxes.

At Manassas Junction were the vast ruins of the depot and other buildings burnt by the enemy in the haste of retreat, they being unable to remove the immense amount of provisions and clothing collected there. Smoldering ruins, wrecked cars and machinery, vast piles of flour, pork, beef, wagons, lumber, trunks, bottles, demi­johns, tents, hides, tallow, bones, dismantled fortifications and rifle pits all mixed up together in inextricable confusion. Moving on, we entered a large open plain, surrounded by woods; and passing through a collection of deserted huts, we encamped in a pine forest on its border, in an old encampment of our skedaddling friends. The only thing of life left to welcome us was a pet turkey buzzard whose wings they had clipped to prevent its escape. What a fit emblem it would make for their bogus Government!

Nearby, in a fine oak forest, were the ruins of the enemy's hospitals, which they burnt before leaving. They were of boards, one story high and consisted of five rows, of ten buildings, each twenty­four by one hundred and twenty-eight feet, besides several detached houses and stables, all connected by broken sandstone walks, to protect the patient's feet from the damp earth. Near them was a large graveyard, and many clusters of graves were found in the neighborhood.

While here, many of us visited the Bull Run battle field, situated about seven miles distant, finding but few occupied houses on the road, most of the inhabitants having left, they believing the stories so freely promulgated in the Southern papers of our monstrosities. Where they remained at home a guard was furnished for their houses and their property protected. Near the battle field were a number of huts lately occupied by the enemy, and over the door of one was found nailed the cross bones and skull of a human being. Leg bones were also found with the marrow but partially dried up in them, from which finger rings had been sawed off. What singular and refined tastes the chivalry of the South have! It was noticed that while there were quite a number of Bibles and tracts left in their cabins, there were no cards to be found, but whether this was to be accounted for by the fact of their being conscientiously opposed to gaming, or considered the cards the most valuable of the two, we cannot say. The field, of course, possessed much interest to all, and the important positions were carefully examined. The bones of men and horses lay scattered about unburied although the enemy lay in

 

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the immediate neighborhood for eight months. Near the water courses were found the skeletons of many of the wounded who had crawled to them to quench their thirst.

On the 12th, the regiment was paid off by Major John M. Pomeroy, and soon after our sutler, Captain Knox, resigned and left us. Mr. Stokes was appointed in his place, but, being unable to give satisfaction, soon after left. About this time Sergeant-Major Augustus T. Cross was appointed adjutant of the regiment, vice Neide promoted.

Soon after our arrival, quite a number of sutler and other "shebangs" were opened in our neighborhood, which furnished us with an abundant supply of the various articles so necessary for the soldier's comfort. One individual was doing a thriving business, he having succeeded in smuggling through a barrel of cider, which de­lightful beverage he dispensed to his thirsty patrons at ten cents a glass. Some of the boys, however, conceived the idea of running opposition to him, and having succeeded through false pretence in borrowing an auger and spicket from him, cut a hole in the back of his tent, tapped his barrel, and commenced operations. As they charged but half price, and gave twice as much, they were liberally patronized, and after selling out in an incredibly short time, they decamped, when he was invited around to view the operation. He owned up he had been "sold" in the auger and spicket arrangement, but thought the joke a "little practical."

While here, the Second and Third Brigades arrived, companies from our regiment were sent on picket, and frequent battalion drills were had.

 We lay until eleven o'clock, when we moved off to the south, soon striking the railroad, down which we marched, crossing Broad and Kettle Runs on the new bridges that were being built to replace those destroyed by the enemy. Near the latter is Bristow Station, where Company A, Captain Neide, was detailed on guard duty. About a mile beyond this we filed into a woods, and encamped for the night near Brentsville. The next morning early we again moved down the railroad. The day was very warm, and many of the men threw away their overcoats to lighten their burdens. About noon we reached Catlett's Station, near Cedar Creek, a tributary of the Occoquan River, where we encamped. That night, Companies E and H, Captains Finnie and Mealey, were detailed for picket under Major Woodward, on the heights beyond Cedar Creek. While we lay here, we found for the first time honest people, they acknowledging frankly they were secessionists at heart, but regret-

 

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ted secession since it was followed by war. It was much more satisfactory to talk to such than with hypocrites, who uttered sentiments of loyalty, while traitors at heart. Much rain fell while we lay here, which prevented our drilling.

While here, our surgeon, Dr. Thomas B. Reed, of Washington County, Pennsylvania, was promoted Brigade Surgeon, and ordered to Yorktown. His departure from among us was regretted as his eminent skill and ability, and fine intellectual qualities, caused his loss to be deeply felt.

On the 26th, about noon, we marched off, crossing Cedar Creek on falling trees, and passing over hills and dales, through the woods and fields, in a southeasterly direction and towards night bivouacked on the south bank of Elk Creek, having marched six miles. On our route we passed several deserted houses and camps, also a number of newly made graves. The ground we lay upon was a gentle sloping hillside, admirably situated for our comfort, having an abundance of water and fence rails nearby. What a sight it is to see a division bivouac for the night! The brigades and regiments as they march into the fields are assigned their positions, and no sooner have they stacked arms, than off goes their knapsacks, and the men rush for the nearest fences. In a few minutes they are torn down and thousands of men, with several rails each upon their shoulders, are seen hurrying towards their stacks. Then another rush is made for water, and soon a thousand fires are brightly burning, with the busy blue coats around them cooking their coffee. Then the pipe, then the blanket, and soon all are lost in peaceful sleep, except the guards, who, through the lone hours of the night, keep watch and ward over their comrades.

The next morning was Sunday, a clear and beautiful day, and about six in the morning, after sounding the sick call, we marched off. On our march we passed two churches, one a Methodist and the other a Baptist, but in neither of them had service been held for eight months. Near one was collected a number of slaves, who told us they had been for sometime discussing the subject of moving North. They, however, were divided in their opinion, the old folks preferring to remain near their childhood's home, but the younger longing for the liberty they knew not of. We passed through a small village called White Ridge, near which, about noon, we encamped in a pine woods, having made eight miles. Nearby was a pond of clear water with a spring in the middle of it, but without proper outlet. The men went to it to fill their canteens, but General Reynolds or­dered his orderlies to ride in and muddy the water, which caused the men to seek other and purer water. On our route we were fol-

 

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lowed by many Negroes and some whites, whose object, principally, was to get such clothes as the men would give them. At guard mounting, an amusing scene took place. When the band commenced playing, the Negroes involuntarily broke forth into a dance, clapping their hands and singing. After this was over, a grand butting match took place, their heads crushing together like rocks, but producing no effect upon them. After scrambling for a few handfuls of pennies thrown among them, they left for their homes, happy with their afternoon's sport. Companies B and K, Captains McDonough and Smith, were thrown out on picket for the night.

The next day was clear, pleasant, and cool for marching, and at six in the morning we moved off, following the fields alongside of the roads. The country became more diversified and timber heavier. As we marched on we passed a large brick house, from a tree in front of which was flying the stars and stripes, and as the men caught sight of it, they rent the air with deafening cheers, which rolling down the line echoed through the woods. At noon a long halt was called, and then passing through Hartword, a small village, we bivouacked at three o'clock in a fine woods two miles from Falmouth, Stafford County, and although we made seventeen miles, the brigade came in fine order with but few stragglers.

The next morning, the 29th, we marched early and passed by where our cavalry had a skirmish with the enemy on the 18th, and which was marked by a breastwork of rails, newly made graves, and dead horses. The enemy's force consisted of a regiment of infantry, one of cavalry, and a battery of artillery. They were charged by the First Reserve Cavalry under Colonel Bayard and, after being driven from their position, were pushed to the Rappahannock, which they crossed on the upper bridge at Falmouth, which they burnt. Our loss was five men and fifteen horses killed, and sixteen men wounded. The enemy's loss was about equal to ours. Lieutenant-Colonel Kilpatrick, Second New York (Ira Harris) Cavalry was wounded, and Lieutenant Decker killed. Colonel Bayard's horse was wounded in four places. Soon after we entered Falmouth, through which we passed with our banners unfurled and bands playing. The inhabit­ants flocked to the doors and windows to gaze at us, and a motley crowd of Negroes followed, highly delighted at the music and sight. About a mile beyond, on the Aquia Road, we encamped in a fine wood, where we found an abundance of fuel and water. The same afternoon the Second Brigade, General Meade, arrived and encamped to our left.

The ground where our camp lay was once owned by Washington, he having inherited it from his father. Here he spent his youth

 

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between the age of ten and sixteen, during which time he obtained the principal portion of his education. Near the headquarters of General King, at the "Phillip's House," stood the old mansion, from the lawn in front of which, it is said, George threw a stone into the river, a feat which none of his companions were able to accomplish. We are not the least surprised at this, as the distance is about one mile! If this statement is true, the patriot in his youthful days must have been a powerful boy, and able to put in the shade the feats of David of old.

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