'••• • :
-: "• ' "" .- -,, L
"
•-
:.
-^JOff V,AV-O ,' •
• :;,
' , v
••
.•
"._ -\ ;,,
:"
,. « **+fif
BREVET BRIGADIER GENERAL
TttOM/lS E.
MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY
IN THE
WAR FOR THE UNION
REV. AMES K.
Camp**** r. Thv i .V*
PUBLISHED .BY U
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE OF T
OF THE
ilMF.NTAL ASSOCIATION,
THE
THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY
IN THE
WAR FOR THE UNION
BY
REV. JAMES K. EWER.
Company C, Third Mass. Cai>.
PUBLISHED BY DIRECTION OF THE
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE OF THE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION,
1903.
Y<z> trje j~Ler<z>ic fryer), ffi/eip for {j^e
Kl
i^, or)
a
§>eer,
JFTER many year of waiting, a history of the Third Mass. Cavalry is now given to the world. Having been commissioned to execute the work, it is with great satisfaction that the author now announces that the enter prise has been brought to a successful consummation. Great labor has been involved in the undertaking. So scattered are the living members of the regiment, and so imperfect the records kept by the officers, that the task imposed of making a complete history of the organization has not been ordinary. The historian has striven to give as complete and accurate a statement of facts as possible under the circumstances. Mistakes will be dis covered ; the impossible has not been attempted.
In performing this work the writer has been greatly aided by the members of the Historical Committee ; by Sec. George H. Rymill, and by Capt. J. W. Hervey.
His thanks are due to Putnam & Sons, New York, for cuts of battlefields ; to Harper & Bros., and to the Star Publishing Co. of Chicago, for permission to copy certain interesting scenes in the regimental life.
The following works have been consulted :
11 Greeley's American Conflict," " Harper's Pictorial History of the War," Irwin's History of the igth Corps," published by Putnam & Sons, N. Y., and ''Campaign ing with Banks and Sheridan," by Flynn.
The author is greatly indebted to the Adjutant Gen eral's Reports for 1863-6, as compiled by Lieut.-Col. D- P. Muzzey, of Cambridge.
If this History shall in some degree serve to perpetu ate the record of the gallant regiment whose deeds are herein narrated, and if the rising generation shall, per chance, gather somewhat of inspiration from the perusal of these pages, the author shall be rewarded for the time and toil expended in the preparation and publica tion of the work.
J. K. E
Contents.
DEDICATION. FOREWORD.
INTRODUCTION - 9
CHAPTER I — IN THE CAMP OF INSTRUCTION - 16
II. — EN ROUTE FOR THE WAR - - 27
III. — ON AN OCEAN TRANSPORT 39
IV. — IN THE ENEMY'S COUNTRY 53
V. — THE TECHE CAMPAIGN - 67
VI.— PORT HUDSON 87
VII. — PORT HUDSON, continued. - - 105
VIII. — UIFE IN A COTTON PRESS - - 120
IX. — THE RED RIVER CAMPAIGN - - 133
X. — THE RED RIVER CAMPAIGN, continued. . 145
XI. — THE RED RIVER CAMPAIGN 163
XII. — THE RED RIVER CAMPAIGN, concluded. . 178
XIII. — TRANSFERRED TO VIRGINIA - - 187
XIV. — BATTLE OF THE OPEQUON - - 198
XV. — BATTLE OF CEDAR CREEK - - 216
XVI. — LAST DAYS IN THE VALLEY - 233
XVII. — THE GRAND REVIEW - 245
XVIII- — IN AND AROUND WASHINGTON - 252
XIX.— OUT WEST - 266
HISTORY OF READ'S COMPANY - - 277
REMINISCENCES:
Lieutenant Dane and the Signal Corps The Forlorn Hope and the Third Cavalry Lieutenant Muzzey and the Female Spy Death of Captain Solon A. Perkins Wounding of Lieutenant Bradley Dean The Capture of Major Cowen - Carrying Dispatches for Banks at Alexandria
320 329 332 334 336 351
A Concert at Baton Rouge 357
The Robbing of Samuel Corning 359
Confiscating Cotton at Port Hudson 358
Corporal Harlow and Tyler, Texas 362
Porter Colby as a Prisoner of War 365
Letter of Captain Hervey ~ 368
Letters of Captain John L- Swift 371
The Regimental Memorial - - 377
|
GENERALS. |
PAGE |
LIEUTENANTS : |
|
Grover . |
. 387 |
Adams |
|
Dudley . |
. 388 |
Curry |
|
Molineux |
. 390 |
Granger . |
|
Chickeriug |
. 392 |
Fenno |
|
Wass |
. 394 |
Pope |
|
Swift |
. 409 |
Pierce |
|
Loud |
. 410 |
Rowley |
|
Sauborn . |
||
|
Western . |
||
|
COLONELS. |
||
|
Sargent . |
. 395 |
|
|
Porter |
. 397 |
|
|
Pope |
. 398 |
ENLISTED MEN |
|
Vina! Muzzey |
. 399 400 |
Burrage . Peck . |
|
Watts |
||
|
'Thomas . |
||
|
MAJORS: |
Harlow |
|
|
Blanchard |
. 403 |
Bates |
|
Bunker |
. 405 |
Burke |
|
Commerford |
. 405 |
Ewer |
|
Gifford |
. 407 |
Campbell. |
|
Noyes |
. 408 |
Colby |
|
Gallagher . |
||
|
CAPTAINS : |
Gifford Harris |
|
|
Brain an . |
. 412 |
Holder . |
|
Dean |
. 414 |
Jaquish |
|
Frothingham. . |
. 415 |
Knight |
|
Gould |
, 416 |
Lovering . |
|
Gove Grover |
. 417 , 418 |
McNaught 1 ('('klllilll |
|
Hervey |
. 419 |
Ridley |
|
Rowland . |
. 420 |
Rymill |
|
Rhoades . |
. 421 |
Stanley. |
|
Stoddard . |
. 422 |
Thayer |
|
Smith |
. 423 |
Vannah |
PAGE
. 425 426 427 429 420 431 432 432 433
434 435 436 436 437 437 438 439 440 441 441 442 443 443 444 445 446 447 446 448 429 450 452 45i
PAGE
38
, 28 31 34
, 30 40 50 52 54
79
Views of Lynnfield,
Boston & Maine R. R. Station,
State House, Boston,
Old Colony R. R. Station, .
Camp at Union Race Course, L. I.,
The " North Star,"
Baton Rouge in '62,
Landing of the 4 1st at Baton liouge
On Picket,
Battle of Irish Bend,
Port Hudson Just before the sur render, 93
Banks' Headquarters at Port Hud son 102
The Forlorn Hepe Marching into
Port Hudson, . . . .106 The Formal Surrender, . . . 108 Gov. Andrew's Headquarters at
Port Hudson, . . . .111 Fortifications at Port Hudson, . 114 Post Guard House, Port Hudson, 116
Chalmette Monument, . Jackson's Statue, .... Mud March at Henderson Hill, Rescue of the Fleet, Bailey's Bridge of Boats. Battle of the Opequon, .
Sheridan's Headquarters at Win chester,
PAGE
. 122
, 123
. 138
. 171
. 184
. 203
207 217
Cedar Creek, Va,, ... Sheridan's Headquarters at Cedar
Creek, 230
Sheridan's Headquarters at Kerns- town. 234
Sheridan's Cavalry passing through
Washington in Grand Review, 248
Arlington, . ... 258
Ford's Theatre, .... 259
Mount Vernon. .... 261 The Long Bridge, . . . .268
Boston, . 276
THE LAST CALL. — FINIS.
, [flarjs, @l)<ai»ls, Etc.
Irish Bend Battlefield.
PAGE 75
Port Hudson, Camp of 3rd Cavalry 100
Red River Region.
142
PAGE
Sabine Cross Roads, Position of 3rd Cavalry, . . . .152
Opequon Battlefield, Cedar Creek Battlefield, The Shenandoah Valley,
200 222
238
BRIG. -GEN. THOMAS E. CHICKERING,
Frontispiece.
• Opposite Page
Regimental Officers ... !(}
Historical Committee - 24
Sergeants Stone and Bullock - 32
Colonel Lorenzo D. Sargent - 48 Lieut. -Col. Vinal and Surg. Blan-
chard - 56
Colonel Fred G. Pope 64
Lieut. -Col. D. P. Muxxey 80 Majors Giftbrd. Commerford, N6yes
and Bunker. 88
Colonel Chickering as Colonel of
Cavalry 96
Capts. Frothingham and Seamans 120 Capts. Hervey. Howl and, Hodges
and Rhoades .... 128
Capt. Bradley Dean - 144
Capt. Charles E. Grover - 152
Capt. Wesley A. Gove - - 160
Lieut. P. S. Curry 168
Gen. N. A. M. Dudley - 176
Gen. Geo. B. Loud • 208 Capt. G. F. Stevens; Hon. H. B
Lovering - - Rev. James K. Ewer - Lieuts. "Weston, Sanborn, Otis,
Rowley 256
Lieuts. Adams and Hughes - - 264
Group of Rifle Rangers - - 277
Lieut, Henry D. Pope - - - 280
C. F. Head and G. W. Burke
Major H. C Dane -
F. T. Holder -
Sergts. Watts, Peck, Nason, Galle-
gher
G W. Stacey and W. E. Corthell Corp. J. C. Thomas, Corp. T. liar- low, C. A Littletield, I. W.
Campbell
J. A. Small, S. Corning, J. H.
Kingsley, J. A. Bates, H. K.
Langdon
B. M. St. Clair, A. S. Vannah,
Geo. H. Rymill, W. H. Wiley,
J. McNaught Genls. John L. Swift, S Tyler
Read, E. L. Molineux, B. H.
Grierson
Capt. James W. Hervey, Lieut.
E. L. Pierce .... Lieut. R. B. Granger, M.D., Lieut.
Grafton Fenno .... M, A. Harris, T. A. Stanley, J. F.
Dorsey, J. H. Pratt, D S.
Knight W. L. Kelley, I. H. Cook, C. T.
Emery, Chas. S. Thayer • William H. Jaquish (in 1863)
Wm. H. Jaquish (present tim«)
iosite Pace
312 320 328
344 352
372
383
392 400
428
440 444 452
WHERE THE REGIMENTAL LIFE BEGAN.
INTRODUCTION.
record of the struggle for liberty in America con stitutes one of the brightest pages in the history of the world. In her gigantic struggle, Freedom has sum moned to her side the fairest and the best of the children of men. Her poets, her orators, her statesmen, her philosophers have stirred the hearts of millions ; while her soldiers have filled the world with the fame and glory of their deeds. Just as the Northern Lights illumine Arctic skies at night, and make all things luminous with their electric rays, so the lives of the advocates and defenders of American civilization and American freedom light up the age in which they lived and wrought for God, and right, and native land. Their supreme devotion to the greatprin- ciples for which they toiled; their invincible heroism dis played upon the field of battle ; their sincere consecration to those far-reaching ideas that have made the nation great, have challenged the attention of the world ; and, as the rising sun drives away the darkness of night, and ushers in a new day of light and joy, so has our people brought to the world a new day of liberty and gladness. The following pages will deal with the exploits of some of the men who helped make our history illustrious. Never while memory lasts can the volunteer soldiers of 1861-5 forget those four red years of war. Never while reason shall endure shall he' cease to talk of the camp, the march, the bivouac, the charge, the siege, the struggle, the
IO INTRODUCTION.
victory, and the ten thousand unwritten experiences that came to him in that stupendous effort to save the Union ; and never, while this Great Republic occupies her present proud position in the world, ought the people, North, South, East and West, to cease to hold in lasting- remem brance the deeds of those who dared to do and dared to die in order that a "government of the people, by the people, .for the people, might not perish from the earth."
There are certain distinguishing characteristics of the American soldier in the war for the Union, which mark him and make him to stand forth illustrious.
He was characterized by a most remarkable patriotism. His patriotism was not passive, but active. Daniel Webster once said that there are times when the most eloquent thing in the world is action. He tells us when those times occur. They come to a man when the life of his family or the nation hangs trembling in the balance. "Then patriotism is eloquent, then self-devotion is elo quent." That time came when the gathering storm of disunion burst upon the country. The nation's life hung trembling in the balance. Treason was in the air. Sumter had fallen. The flag had been insulted. Wash ington was menaced, and the streets of Baltimore ran red with Massachusetts blood. Then, flashing along the wires, there came the call for troops. How it thrilled the pulse of the loyal North, as it had rarely been thrilled before ! How the cry went round, "Whom shall we send, and who will go for us ? " Then out spoke the volunteer soldier. His response was hearty and sincere. His patriotism had the right ring. From city, town and hamlet there came back a cry like the voice of many waters, "Here am I; send me, send me!" And so they marched, as Homer makes his heroes march, with silence for their guide, through Boston, Baltimore and Wash ington, down to the Potomac, down to the Rappahannock,
INTRODUCTION. 1 1
down to the Mississippi, down to the Rio Grande ; and Bull Run, and Yorktown, and Antietam, and Fred- ericksburg, and Vicksburg, and Gettysburg, and Port Hudson, and the Wilderness, and Spottsylvania, and Petersburg, and Winchester, and Cedar Creek, and Appomattox, and a hundred other well-fought fields of battle told all the world that freemen's hearts are made of sterner stuff than that of cowards, and that their thought of liberty they could make emphatic, if need be, amid the rattle of the musketry and " the cannon's opening roar.'1
The Volunteer soldier was also distinguished by a remarkable courage and intrepidity, displayed upon the field of battle. He was no shirk. He had a strong con viction that something must be done. He obeyed orders. Very few cases of insubordination occurred during the Civil War. Sydney Smith once said that a great deal of talent is lost to the world for want of a little courage. Another has told us that things out of hope are com passed oft by venturing.
The venture of a brave man has accomplished wonders for the good of man. The history of the war for the Union, is bright with illustrations of this colossal truth. The campaign against Vicksburg was the venture of brave men. The successful issue of Shiloh was the ven ture of brave men. The Union army was defeated when the sun set at the close of the first day's conflict. That was a serious setting of the sun. Senator Pugh, of Ala bama says that that day was the great opportunity of the Southern Confederacy.
That night there was a council of war. Sherman was there. Lew Wallace was there. Slocum and McClernand were there. There was a strong desire to fall back. Our lines had been broken ; our losses had been severe ; much of our artillery was in the hands
B 2
12 INTRODUCTION.
of the enemy, and thousands of our brave men lay dead or dying- on the field of battle. But Ulysses S. Grant was invincible : he knew no defeat. At length he spoke. " Gentlemen," said he, "we will re-form the lines, and attack the enemy at daybreak." The lines were re-formed. They did attack at daybreak. They swept forward like an avalanche. They recovered lost ground. They drove the enemy before them in confusion. And when the next sun set, they slept as victors upon the very field from which they had been driven on the day before. General Grant believed in the courage and in trepidity of his men. He could trust his soldiers to execute his plans. He conquered because the rank and file were obedient even unto death.
A similar scene occurred at Cedar Creek. Here the Third Massachusetts Cavalry, with other regiments of the Nineteenth Corps, had been surprised by General Early and forced back from their camp and away from the line of battle. Sheridan's arrival did not add a single regiment to the army. He made use of the men who composed that army. ' Turn the other way ! " was his command ; and it was obeyed. " Forward ! " was the watchword ; and no man halted. " Charge ! " was the sig nal ; and every man did his best. There was the clear conception, the firm resolve, the dauntless spirit; and it brooked no defeat. The man for the hour had ar rived ; the men for the hour were before him : and the result electrified the world. Tin soldiers could never have won at Cedar Creek..
Another distinguishing characteristic of the Union soldier was his patient endurance of the hardship and privation incident to a soldier's life. The writer served three years at the front. He was with his regiment amid some very trying circumstances. He saw the men march through swamps and bayous through mud and
INTRODUCTION. 13
water, knee-deep ; he saw them sleeping out of doors on dark, stormy nights, far from home ; he saw them footsore, hungry, sick, and dying from exposure and wounds ; but does not recall a single case of murmuring or unreason able complaint during the entire time the regiment was in the service. The men sometimes sighed for home. They ofttimes wished the "cruel war was over." But he does not remember hearing any soldier say he was sorry he had enlisted, or was unwilling to stay till the war was at an end. The men were generally good- natured. They sang songs in the night. Like true soldiers, they submitted gracefully to the inevitable. They were patient amid suffering. They bore their burdens in a spirit of uncomplaining fortitude.
After one of the great battles of the war, a Union soldier — a cavalryman — lay upon the amputation table. A bullet had gone through his right arm, shattering the bone. Amputation was necessary. His right arm was removed and thrown upon a huge pile of arms and legs outside. At length he awakes. " Where is my arm ? Bring me my arm. I want to see my strong right arm." They brought it in. He looked at the lifeless member; then passed his left hand over the cold, clammy fin gers, and said, " Good bye, old arm, good bye. We've been a long time together, and you've been a good friend to me ; but we must part company now ! You'll never swing another sabre nor pull another carbine for the government ! " And then the hot tears poured down his manly cheeks. Turning to those who stood near, he said, " Mind you, I don't regret its loss. This strong right arm has been torn from my body that not one star shall be torn from this glorious Union ! " Such was the spirit with which our men went forth to battle ; such was the spirit with which they laid their limbs and lives upon a common altar, in a common cause.
14 INTRODUCTION.
Another prominent characteristic of the Northern vol unteer was his great magnanimity to a conquered foe. When Tamerlane went forth to battle, he piled the skulls of his numerous victims into pyramids that he might feast his eyes on the revolting sight. Sylla com manded the bones of Marius to be broken, his eyes to be pulled out, his hands to be cut off, and his body to be torn to pieces with pincers. Cataline was executioner. Fierce conquerors, in the olden time, cut off the heads of princes made captive by the fortune of war. When Vicksburg surrendered was any man's head cut off? Was General Banks cruel toward General Gardner when Port Hudson fell ? The Spaniards by their cruelty in Cuba rendered themselves odious. Chiefs have been burned alive ; men shot to death for trivial offences, and numerous horrible barbarities practised, to the everlasting shame of the Spanish kingdom. The Union soldier was not cruel. On the other hand, he was mag nanimous. He ofttimes shared his rations with the enemy. He traded coffee for tobacco. He did not hate the Southern soldier. He bore no ill-will toward him when he laid down his arms. Malevolence was not in his nature. He was ready to forgive. " If," as Lord Bacon says, "generous and magnanimous minds are readiest to forgive," then the men who fought for the Union were generous and magnanimous. For it must be remembered that Grant wreaked no vengeance at Vicksburg, nor Banks at Port Hudson, nor anyone at Appomattox. When Lee offered up his sword at the surrender, Grant gave it back. When the Southern sol diers threw down their arms, the conqueror gave them back their horses ; and in less than thirty years after the close of the war the Southern soldier was seated in the National Congress, making laws for the govern ing of the very nation against which in the Civil War
INTRODUCTION. 15
he had lifted up his hand, and which he had sought to destroy. That was an impressive scene which was wit nessed by one of our men during one of the great bat tles of the war. The battle was at its height ; shot and shell were flying through the air, and a Georgian fell be fore the awful fire. Several of his ribs were torn away by a piece of shell. The life blood was fast oozing out. Suddenly, a Union soldier came dashing forward, and fell, sharply wounded, close by the Southerner's side. The Confederate recognized his uniform, held out his hand and said, " We came into this battle as enemies, let us die friends." The Northern soldier took the extended hand, spoke kindly to the dying Confederate as he listened to his feeble "farewell." The Georgian passed over into the unseen world, but his companion in suffering escaped, and lived to relate this touching fact.
The South was terribly torn when the great struggle ended. The conflict had cost her everything. Evidences of war's "foul desolation" were on every hand.. At Appomattox the Northern soldier extended the hand of friendship, and through the intervening years it has never been withdrawn.
CHAPTER I.
IN THE CAMP OF INSTRUCTION — LYNNFIELD AND BOXFORD,
The Summer of '62 — Lincoln's Call — The Men of the Forty-First — Beginnings of Regimental Life — Our Officers — The First Night in Camp — Captain Swift Makes a Speech — The Regimental Line — Major, Sergeant; Lieut-Colonel Wass, Colonel Chickering — The Staff — Removal to Boxford — Drill — Our Colors, Uniforms, Arms' and Equipments — Dress Parade — Amusements — Colonel Wass tells a Story — Soldier's Songs — Food and Drink — Sworn in — ''All Aboard for Boston " — Good Rye to Camp Stanton.
THE summer of 1862 was a most eventful period for the Union arms. Early in the season, General George B. McClellan, with as fine an army as was ever marshalled on the Western Continent, had started from Fortress Monroe on the famous Peninsula campaign. So aus piciously had this movement been inaugurated that much was naturally expected of McClellan ere the summer closed.
The battle of Williamsburg had been fought and won ; Yorktown had fallen, and the Union army had marched to within a few miles of the Confederate capital. The spires of Richmond could be seen. Then came the battle of Fair Oaks and Mechanicsville, and the change of base. Then the Seven Days Battle and Malvern Hill, and the retreat to Harrison's Landing, on the banks of the James. The nation was disappointed. The Peninsula campaign was a failure.
Momentous history was now making. The Peninsula
C £
S .
re-d
1 2"
O u?^
o< S £
Q.I1
O< 03
H . .
IN THE CAMP OF INSTRUCTION. 17
was abandoned. Pope was in the saddle ; the second Bull Run was fought and lost ; Chantilly followed the second Bull Run, and South Mountain followed Chantilly ; the invasion of Maryland was on, ending in the great battle of Antietam, the bloodiest battle of the war. McClellan was asking for reinforcements. President Lincoln had already called for three hundred thousand volunteers, and all through the summer days of 1862 men had been enlisting and drilling, and hurrying down to the front. Many of the finest regiments that Massachusetts furnished for the great conflict' went out during these momentous days. The Forty-first Massa chusetts Volunteers was the last three-years regiment furnished by the State.
It is extremely interesting, after many years, to trace and describe the beginnings of the regimental life. In the early summer days of 1862, a few companies of vol unteer soldiers found their way to Camp Stanton, then located in the town of Lynnfiel'd, not far from the present town of Wakefield, or South Reading, as it was then called. Some of these men came from New Bed ford ; others from Lawrence ; others still from Rox- bury, one company was from Boston, another from East Boston, a few came from Lynn and Salem, and Gloucester, and the Cape. It is needless to say that much of the material of which the regiment was com posed was raw; and some of the officers found a portion of it exceedingly raw. The spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak.
To organize these young patriots into companies ; to form the companies into a regiment, and to prepare by rigid discipline for the stern duties that were before them, was the task imposed upon the officers commissioned by Governor Andrew, the War Governor of the Common wealth. It is Longfellow who says that "war is a terrible
1 8 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
trade ; but when the cause is righteous, sweet is the smell of powder." Those men were at Camp Stanton to learn a trade. How well they learned it, let the pages of this historical narrative tell.
Captain John A. Vinal was made commander of Com pany A. His commission was dated August 23, 1862. As sociated with him were Lieuts. James W. Hervey and Eli- philet H. Robbins. These three officers were from New Bedford, and were commissioned by Governor Andrew, the same day. Commanding Company B was Captain Edward L. Noyes, who was commissioned August 27th, and with him were Lieuts. Cyrus T. Batchelder and Charles Stone, both commissioned the same day (August 27th). They came from Lawrence. On September 27, Captain John L. Swift was commissioned to lead Com pany C, and with him was First Lieut. William T. Hodges, and Second Lieut. Theodore C. Otis, all of Roxbury. Captain Swift had formerly served as Sergeant in the Thirty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers.
Company C had been mustered in a certain hall 'in Roxbury. Captain Swift had brought his men to camp late in the day, and discovered that there were no tents in which the men might sleep during the night. It was de termined that the company should go out of the line and find quarters in an old chapel which stood by the roadside, not far away. The doors were opened and the men marched in. There was found no furniture in the room. The walls were bare and cold. It looked dis consolate. The men said nothing, but thoughts of home and friends rushed through their minds. Captain Swift stood up to explain. He was celebrated as a stump speaker. As he took the floor all eyes were fastened on him " Men," said he, " there are no quarters for us inside the lines, and this is the best that we can do for a sleeping place tonight. I have been invited to stop with my
IN THE CAMP OF INSTRUCTION. IQ
brother officers at the hotel, but declined the invitation, and shall stay with you here." Then, waxing eloquent, he said, " We have volunteered together to serve our coun try ; we shall sleep together, march together, eat together, fight together, and, if need be, die together on the field of battle. " This speech soothed their troubled minds, and the men soon lay down on the cold, hard floor and were quickly folded in the arms of sleep.
Other " Captains Courageous " came to the regiment in due time. Among these were Capt. Frederic D. Pope, of Company D ; Capt. Lyman W. Gould, of Company E, and Capt. Francis E. Boyd, of Company F. On the regimental line at dress parade were seen the gallant forms of Lieut. William M. Gifford, of Company D, and Lieut. Wesley A. Gove, of Company E. Beside these there were Lieutenants Dane and Rhoades, and Muzzey and Frothingham, and Harris and Weston, and Henficld and Commerford, and others who served bravely at the front, and who, in after months, were promoted for "gallant and meritorious conduct on the field of battle."
These three companies, A, B and C, have been men tioned first, since theirs were the highest honors in the regimental organization. Company A stood at the right of the line, Company B was on the left, and Company C occupied the centre. Company C was also the color company of the regiment. To her brave officers and enlisted men belonged the honor of carrying and caring for the State and National ensigns. The colors of the Forty-first never were trailed in the dust, nor were they ever dishonored on the " far-flung battle line."
As the company organizations increased, a battalion was formed, and Major Lorenzo D. Sargent, of Lowell, was the man for the place. He was commissioned by Governor Andrew, August 23, 1862, and immediately
2O THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
assumed the responsibilities of his station. He was a brave man, every inch a soldier, and one who challenged the respect and confidence of the men The writer remembers well the old gneen overcoat the major used to wear as he went about camp during the cool morning and evening , hours. One day in September there came to camp a man who was to be the Lieut.-Colonel of the regiment. He limped and used a cane. Our Lieut.-Colonel, Ansel D. Wass had already seen service at the front. As a captain in the Nineteenth Massachusetts, he had served under McClellan, during the Peninsula campaign, and had been wounded in the foot at Glendale. He was now recover ing, and on September 6th, 1862, had been commissioned Lieut.-Colonel of the Forty-first. The men recognized in him a leader. He had a good voice, a commanding presence, and a soldierly bearing. He was an excellent disciplinarian ; he understood his business. He handled the regiment without gloves. Of him, it could truly be said, there was the " clear conception, the firm resolve, the dauntless spirit." His was the spirit of a soldier. " It beamed in the eye ; it spoke on the lip ; it informed every feature, and it urged the whole man onward, right onward to his goal."
On September isth, 1862, our Colonel came to camp. He was a fine looking man, of gentlemanly bearing, kind in his manner, and courteous in his conversation. He had served the Commonwealth for some years in the State Militia, and was gladly welcomed by the officers and men as our Jeader and commander.
This record of the regiment would not be complete without some reference to the staff.
Albert H. Blanch ird, of Sherborn, was commissioned Surgeon. With htm were two assistants, Daniel F. Leavitt and Daniel S. Allen. Rev. Henry F. Lane, of Lawrence, was made Chaplain. Then there was Quar-
IN THE CAMP OF INSTRUCTION. 21
termaster Charles B. Stoddard, ranking First Lieutenant, and Adjutant Henry S. Adams, of the same rank. These were the men who organized, drilled and fed the regi ment, at Camp Stanton, in '62.
Late in the season, an order came for the regiment to pack up and make ready to move. A change of base was contemplated. Knapsacks were packed, baggage was boxed, and the men marched down to the railroad, where a long train of cars awaited them. During the night the train, bearing the Forty-first Regiment, rolled along toward South Reading, then switching to another track, conveyed the warriors to the town of Boxford, where they were to continue their military training. Boxford was located in Essex County farther north than Lynn- field, and about halfway between Andover and Haver- hill on a branch of the Boston & Maine Railroad. Here the regiment remained until its departure for the seat of war.
But the drill of the men was the most important thing, after all. This occupied many hours each day. At first, the men must learn to " dress up," and " keep step," and "wheel into line." Then came company drill, and the manual of arms: "Attention, company!" "Shoulder arms !" " Right face !" " Forward march !" " Right wheel !" "Left wheel!" "Halt!" " Order arms !" and many more orders of a similar nature were familiar sounds heard during those eventful days in Camp Stanton.
As a whole, the men learned with facility. If they were slow to obey orders, they were remanded to the awkward squad,- where they were handled by the sergeant in a most impressive manner.
A beautiful stand of colors was presented to the regi ment during the summer, and p!aced in front of the colonel's tent. A color guard was organized, and sergeants Bullock and Caswell were detailed from Company C
22 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
to be the regimental color-bearers. Both were strong, brave men, and they did their duty well.
The men drew clothing: blue coats and blouses, with one row of brass buttons in front ; cap of a similar color, and pants of a lighter shade. Ah ! those were wonderful things we put on when we were uniformed. Warriors' apparel was never designed for parlor or drawing room. The coats were big, the pants immense, and the shoes were generous to a fault. Had the uniforms been upholstered with the man inside, the latter had been safe from the whizzing bullet and the shrieking shell.
In due time the regiment was furnished with arms and equipments. The rifles were the old Springfield, of the pattern in use in '62. Belts, boxes, and buckles were added, with haversacks and canteens. These were all marked, and the equipment was complete.
Dress parade was the last important duty of the day. The Forty-first looked well in the regimental line. The Band was an attraction and many spectators from near and far witnessed the movements of the regiment at the close of day. The first thing in the morning was " Reveille," the last at night was " Taps." Then " Lights out !" was the order, and then " sweet sleep and pleasant dreams."
The men of the Forty-first believed in fun. In making it, they sometimes showed great inventive genius. Many of the recruits played cards ; many more played pranks on their comrades in arms. Sometimes they tossed one another from blankets into the air, and caught the victim as he came down, in fear and trepidation. One night an elephant was seen in camp near headquarters. He had a trunk and four legs, one in each corner. He was a large-sized brute, and moved about with great facility ; he was not, however, imported ; he had not been borrowed from any menagerie, but manufactured for the occasion.
IN THE CAMP OF INSTRUCTION. 23
Two men constituted the body, and several army blan kets made the skin of the wild beast. This, with a little manipulation on the part of ingenious and enterprising promoters of the show, made a pretty fair imitation. One night the men serenaded Colonel Wass. The music was patriotic, the men more so. The Colonel seemed gratified and made a speech. " A Soldier's Reminis. cences," was his theme. He had just come from the front, via the hospital. He knew something of life on the firing line. Among other things, he referred to the battle of Bull Run. He told of a man — either himself, or some one else — who took part in the famous stampede. Colonel Wass said that the man wanted to be a hero, but his legs wouldn't let him. He ran likelightning. His movements, the Colonel claimed, were accelerated because the minie balls were chasing him. One of these came quite near his back. He put on more steam. He ran in hot haste toward Washington. The point the Colonel made was this : That for several miles that particular bullet re mained about one inch from his backbone, but got no near er. Some of the boys who had never heard soldiers swap lies, thought the man or the bullet, or both, remarkable.
The songs of the soldiers were another interesting fea ture of camp life. Many of the men had fine voices, and carried their parts well. It was inspiring to hear a dozen or more voices singing Julia Ward Howe's "Battle Hymn of the Republic," or, "John Brown's body Lies Moulder ing in the Grave. A very popular song of the day was expressed in the following stirring words :
"The soldiers are gathering from near and from far, The trumpet is sounding the call for the war- With God as our leader, and with hearts brave and strong, We'll gird on our armor, and go marching along/'
To properly feed an army is not any ordinary task. The food of the raw lecruits at Camp Stanton was of a
24 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
most interesting variety. Roast beef was rare. It was sought for, but could not be found. Of Parker House rolls there were none. Stewed beans were plentiful ; pota toes seldom failed to come to time. Salt beef, sometimes familiarly known as " salt horse," was conspicuous for its staying qualities. .Something was served to the boys galled " coffee." They used to say it was mixed with chicory. If our memory serves us correctly, it was more of a laxative than a tonic. Some of the more sceptical told their friends that, as a purgative, it was " thorough going." For their third meal, there was given the men a pot of tea and a thick slice of bread — "only this, and nothing more." The men, however, did not complain. They were quite willing to accept the situation, eating what was set before them, asking no questions, very often, for conscience' sake, and for the sake of the country and the flag.
Quite a number of the men did a thriving business in milk, large quantities of which were brought to camp by the farmers from the surrounding country. The income derived from this retail milk business enriched their coffers and the coffee at the same time. That year there was trouble from a contraction of the currency. Postage stamps were consequently used instead. These, moistened by being handled by milk-wet hands, naturally became sticky, and one fellow said that the longer he stuck to his business, the more his income became " stuck up. "
In due time we were sworn into the service of Uncle Sam. Every man raised his hand and solemnly affirmed that he would uphold the honor of the flag and defend the Constitution of the country. The men who took that oath kept it inviolate. On many a Southern battle field they fulfilled the pledge they that day made before God and many witnesses. The confidence reposed in them by Massachusetts was not misplaced.
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE.
IN THE CAMP OF INSTRUCTION. 25
The time had now come when the regiment was to leave the State for the seat of war. To the men this was good news. Some of them had been in camp over three months. They had been longing for active service at the front. For many days they had been eager to go somewhere and do something in the name of the Com monwealth of Massachusetts.
. At last, marching orders arrived. They were read on dress parade by Adjutant Henry S. Adams. They were as follows :
HEADQUARTERS, FOR-I Y-.FIRST RKGIMENT, MASS. VOLUNTEERS, ^ CAMP STANTON, BOXFORD, October 30, 1862. ) General Order No. r.
Upon assuming the command of this regiment, the Commander congratulates himself upon finding in its officers and ranks such good material to aid him in his ambition and desire to make this one of the best regiments in the service of our country. No exertions on his part shall be wanting to perfect this end; but, aware that his individ ual efforts will not accomplish this, he avails himself of this introduc tory order to request — what he has the right to demand and enforce — the co-operation of all officers, and the rank and file. We hive all en listed in a glorious and worthy cause. We are pledged to our Govern ment and to each other for three years to fight the battles of our coun try, to live or die together in defence of her laws and rights ; and the voice of every true soldier will respond : "We will do it ! " No matter to us the cause of the war, or the opinions of others in relation to it, or what we are to fight for. Sufficient for us to know we are to aid in crushing out rebellion, and by our oaths, already pledged, to k< sup port the CONSTITUTION and the UNION, and bear true alle giance to the United States, to serve faithfully against all their enemies, and obey the orders of all superior officers." Your Commander calls upon you to consider well the importance of the work you have un dertaken, to accomplish which we must be united as one man. ''In union is our strength." Let every officer and soldier feel that the reputation and success of our Regiment depends upon his individual efforts, actions, and example.
The Regulations and Laws which govern our army will be strictly c
26 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
enforced in every detail ; yet while he has the power to enforce submis sion to the law, the Commander trusts that the inclinations and desires of the men will prompt them to do that only which is right, thereby avoiding the necessity of a resort to compulsion.
Our destination beyond Washington (after leaving this camp) is not known ; but wherever we go, let us be actuated by one feeling and desire, in common, to earn a reputation for our Regiment that ourselves, our friends, and coming generations shall read with pride and pleasure in the pages of the history of this country. By order of
COLONEL T. E. CHICKERING. ADJUTANT.
On Nov. 4th, 1862, preparation was making to leave Boxford, and on the.5th the men were ready to depart. The last drill was over, the last dress parade was witnessed, the last meal eaten, and the last song sung. The long train of cars was ready at the station, and the men eagerly entered it and took their seats. "All aboard for Boston ! " was the order of the hour, and the men of the Forty-first soon found themselves rolling through the country toward the great metropolis.
CHAPTER II.
EN ROUTE FOR THE WAR.
Arrival in Boston — Haymarket Square — Our Escort — Revolutionary Memories — Boston Common — Governor Andrew Reviews the Regiment — March to Old Colony Station — On the Fall River Steamer "State o'f Maine" — Arrival in New York — In the Park Barracks — Officers' Reception — The Camp at Long Island — A Cook-House Riot — Thanksgiving Day, 1862 — Off for New York — > A Secret Expedition.
ON their arrival in Boston, the lines were formed near Haymarket Square, and the regiment, without delay, took up its march through the principal street of the historic town. It was known that we were on our way to New York, and that before we left Boston, the regiment would be reviewed by Governor Andrew. Many of the men had never seen Governor Andrew or New York. These new experiences, therefore, were most agreeable. An other agreeable surprise was the escort by which the regiment was honored. Colonel Chickering had for many years before the war been connected with the Volunteer Militia of the State. As a member of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, he was not forgotten on the day when, at the head of his own regiment, he was to march through the streets of Boston. Colonel Chickering had also served as Captain in the New England Guards. Both of these organizations were ready and eager to do honor to the regiment
of which their former comrade in arms was now c 2
28 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
Commander. Another honor in store for the regiment was the presence of General Banks in the procession. Chickering's command was to escort Banks through Boston.
" Attention, Battalion ! " " Shoulder Arms ! " " By Platoons ! " Right Wheel ! " " Forward March ! " These were the orders that fell upon the ear of the men as the Forty-first began its march through Boston.
The regiment attracted much attention on its march through the city. The demonstration in its favor was
BOSTON & MAINE R.R. STATION, HAYMAKKET SQUARE, BOSTON.
[As it appeared in 1862.]
something unusual. Colonel Chickering had many friends in the Capitol, while three Companies had come from the immediate vicinity. Crowds of people lined the streets on either side, martial music floated out upon the air; elderly men looked on with a serious and thoughtful mien ; while wives and sweethearts waved hands and handkerchiefs in honor of the departing heroes. The men marched well. Platoon followed pla toon. Behind them was Bunker Hill; in front was Faneuil Hall. Out of the historic past Hancock, Adams and Otis looked down upon them from the battlements of fame. The Old South Church was passed, King's
EN ROUTE FOR THE WAR. 29
Chapel next ; then came Boston Common ; then the State House on Beacon Hill. Governor Andrew stood upon the steps. Past those steps forty thousand men had gone forth to stren uous service for the Union. The Forty- first Regiment passed in review. Eight companies were in the line. Seated on his richly caparisoned charger, Colonel Chickering never looked finer in his life. Lieut-Colonel Wass followed on a spirited steed. Major Sargent rode GGV- JOMN Al ANDRKW" next on a black horse ; while the Head-Quarters Staff occupied their respective places in the line. The sight was grand. The measured tread ; the roll of drums, the dancing banners, and the glittering bayonets ; mingled with the tears of women and the cheers of men, made a scene never to be forgotten by those who witnessed it.
The Press spoke well of the Forty-first. As a sam ple, we copy the following, from the news column of the Boston Journal, Nov. 6, 1862 :—
AN EXCI'J ED DAY IN BOSTON.
RECEPTION OF THE FORTY-FIRST REGIMENT. — ESCORT AND OVATION TO MAJOR-GENERAL BANKS.
The demonstration and procession in honor of the 4ist Regiment, .Col. Chickering, was a grand affair. The various bodies constituting the escort were as follows : Boston Lan cers, Capt. Slade, about seventy-five in number; Massachu setts Charitable Association, 200 men, with barouches of the veterans, accompanied by Gilmore's band ; Mechanics of Boston, not members of the Association, 100 men, with the Warren Drum Corps, S. A. Stetson, Marshal; delegation of citizens from East Boston, which has furnished a company
30 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
for the regiment, seventy-five men, accompanied by the Chel sea Brass Band, E. F. Porter, Marshal; piano-forte and me- lodeon manufacturers, comprising workmen of Hallett, Davis & Co., Mason & Hamlin, and E. & G- G. Hook, i^o men, C. F. Austin, marshal ; workmen of Mr. Chickering, 130 men, besides many old workmen in carriages, with the Brigade band. D.T. Harraden, L. A. Cutter, D. L. Rice and Thomas Bothorp, marshals ; the whole procession being under the di rection of N. J. Bradlee as chief marshal.
The procession formed on the corner of Chauncy and Bed ford streets, and proceeded to the Parker House on School street, where they received Maj. Gen. Banks, and escorted him to Haymarket square, to await the arrival of the regiment, which had tendered him an escort to his headquarters in New York. On his appearance, General Banks was received with most hearty cheers by the assembled multitude. He took his seat in an open barouche, which was drawn by four splendid gray horses. Mayor Wightman and Captain Hatfield of Gene ral Banks' staff, also occupied seats in the carriage with him.
The procession moved on to Tremont street, where it was joined by the Roxbury Reserve Guard, 55 men, under Captain Wyman, and proceeded thence to Haymarket square. Here they were destined to wait until half past 2 before the regi ment arrived. Meanwhile, an immense concourse of people had assembled in the square^ and its vicinity. The streets were crowded, and the windows of the buildings in the vicinity were filled with earnest waiters for the regiment. General Banks was greeted on his arrival by the most enthusi astic cheers of the multitude. On arriving at the depot the regiment immediately disembarked and formed in Canal street, and under the escort before described, proceeded through Blackstone, Commercial, State and Washington streets to the Common.
The scene as the procession moved along the streets, and especially up State street, must have been seen to be realized. No description can convey any idea of it. As Colonel Chick ering came in view, sitting on his magnificent charger, and
EN ROUTE FOR THE WAR. 3!
looking every inch a soldier, the multitudes who lined the streets testified their esteem for the man by the most enthu siastic cheers. Company after company received the greet ings of their friends, and when the carriage containing General Banks came in sight it seemed as though the crowd
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON.
could not contain themselves, The men cheered, and swung their hats and canes. The ladies who crowded every balcony and window waved their handkerchiefs, clapped their gloved hands, and showered bouquets upon Massachusetts' able and gallant son. General Banks was evidently deeply affected by the earnestness and warmth of the people for him, as expressed
32 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
in their greetings, and acknowledged the honor paid him by frequently rising and bowing to the multitude. On arriving at the Common, General Banks was received by the major- general's salute of 13 guns.
The colors of the regiment were borne by the Roxbury company, Captain Swift.
Owing to the lateness of the hour, the regiment at once re sumed the line ot. march through Beacon, Park, Winter. Washington, Essex, Harrison Avenue and Kneeland streets, to the Old Colony depot, where the men took cars for New York by the Fall River route.
The regiment is the last of the three-year regiments from this State, and numbers seven hundred men. It is armed with Springfield rifles.
That the demonstration was something immense we learn from an editorial in the same paper, Nov. 6, 1862. We read :
In the whole course of the war Boston has not seen a day more remarkable and interesting in many respects than yes terday We have sent off many noble regiments of soldiers, carrying with them as much love and pride as any body of men could merit or wish ; but we have never before received and passed on the way to battle four Massachusetts regi ments in a single day. That we did yesterday, amid demon strations which were alike honorable to givers and receivers. The people thronged the streets, and with the beautiful sun shine resting upon them almost filled the walks of the Com mon. The enchantment of music, the steady marching of the troops, the waving oi flags, the appropriate responses of the commanders to the patriotic reminiscences of Winthrop, and the enthusiastic ovation paid to General Banks, all entered into the fascination of the scene, and will long live in the memory of every spectator.
EN ROUTE FOR THE WAR. 33
As the writer recalls the scenes of that eventful day, there is nothing he remembers more than the youthful enthusiasm of the men who made up the rank and file.
Reared in happy homes, trained in the arts of peace, and without experience in the arts of war, summoned now by State and Nation to go forth and bare their breast to the fury of the storm, they now respond. The spirit of that response was in the air; it filled every man. " It burst forth like volcanic fire, with spontaneous, original, native force."
The men of '62 possessed in a remarkable degree the hopefulness and enthusiasm of youth. A large propor tion of the rank and file of the Union army were under age; many had not seen eighteen summers; thousands were fourteen, fifteen, sixteen years of age. But, because they were young, they were hopeful ; their youth brought to the army a large amount of irrepressible enthusiasm.
When the allied armies of Europe marched against the city of Paris in 1814, the most heroic deeds performed by its defenders were the deeds of boys. On the heights of Montmartre the Parisian artillery was posted. The guns were manned by pupils from the Polytechnic school, from twelve to fifteen years of age. They were inexperienced in war; and yet they made a record, rivalling, if not excel ling the record of the veterans with whom they were associated. So well directed was their fire, that the ap proaches to their position were filled with the dead bodies of the enemy.
When the storm of civil war burst upon this country, it was young men who filled the ranks of the Union armies. Young men became the defenders of the Con stitution and the Union. Transformed into disciples of war, they manned the forts; they worked the guns; they served the Union batteries, with the enthusiasm and energy of youth. They walked through the fire, and
34 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
never shrank from any post of duty, until the war was over, and the Republic was secure.
The review ended, the regiment proceeded to the Old Colony Depot, and took the cars for Fall River. At the latter city, the Sound steamer, " State of Maine," received the youthful warriors, and the men soon found themselves
OLD COLONY R. R. STATION, KNEELANI) STREET, BOSTON.
[As it appeared in 1862.]
sweeping over the waters of Long Island Sound, on their way to the great city at the mouth of the Hudson.
New York gave Colonel Chickering and his men a warm reception. The regiment marched up Broadway to " Park Barracks," opposite City Hall. These barracks had been erected in the " Park " as a temporary stopping place of regiments passing through New York to the front. Here the men remained one week. During this
EN ROUTE FOR THE WAR. 35
time the officers and men were given an opportunity to "see the sights, and do the town."
Regimental guard was maintained ; but beyond this the duties imposed upon the men were light. During the week the officers were tendered a gracious reception by patriotic friends in the city. The papers said it was a brilliant affair. The officers were dined and wined at the Astor House, and eloquent men spoke on the state of the Nation, the progress of the war, and what the Forty- first would endeavor to do to bring the struggle to a suc cessful issue.
The week in Park Barracks, however, was soon over. Such experiences could only be an incident in the life of a soldier. What next, and where next, was the question on every lip. The uncertainty of the situation was soon eliminated by the arrival of an order for the regiment to proceed to Long Island, and establish a camp at Union Racecourse. The men packed knapsacks, fell in, said good bye to Park Barracks, marched to the ferry, crossed the East River, and were soon on the march to camp. It was the first march of any length the regi ment had made in the open country. About five miles out from the city was the somewhat famous Union Race course.
Here the men were to make a Camp and remain one month. It must be confessed that the men were some what disappointed at this turn in the tide of affairs. They had hoped that when their stay in New York should end, they would be sent to the front. It was whispered that a secret expedition was organizing in New York, and that the Forty-first was to be identified with it. What was the object of the expedition, nobody knew. Some said it was Charleston ; others affirmed that we were going to Port Royal; wiser heads asserted that we were going to capture Mobile, and a few, who thought they had got the secret, said New Orleans.
EN ROUTE FOR THE WAR, 37
The experience of the regiment at the racecourse on Long Island was marked by nothing unusual or exciting. Tents were pitched daily, guard-mounting was main tained, drill and dress parade was the usual order of the day. Cold weather came. Ice and snow saluted us. Thanksgiving came, and with its coming came loaded teams. Kind friends at home had not forgotten the boys who had left home. A great variety of good things came out of the boxes with which the express teams were loaded. Pies, cakes, chickens, turkeys, doughnuts, and mittens, gloves and underwear, and many other things too numerous to mention made glad the hearts of the men, during those somewhat severe -November days, in '62.
Other regiments came to the camp at Long Island. One day the Fifteenth N. H. Volunteers marched through the gateway. At its head rode Colonel Kingman and Lieutenant-Colonel Blair, afterwards U. S. Senator from the Granite State. The relations between this regiment and the Forty-first were generally of an amicable charac ter, but one day they became somewhat strained on account of what somebody called "poor rations." Irrita tion resulted, loud talk followed, and a small-sized cook house riot came next.
In after years, at a reunion of New Hampshire vete rans, in a " Soldier's Poem," occurred the following allu sion to the famous cook-house riot on Long Island.
New Hampshire troops were in that fight. I am quite sure 'twould not be right To pass in si/ence certain men Who fought, and live to fight again.
Their Colonel was a Kingly man,
His place was always in the van.
He fought two fights and fought them through,
Long Island and Port Hudson too.
38 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
Long Island was a cook-house flght. He said the rations were not right, But, as he led his valiant host, The Colonel's spectacles were lost,
At length there came the welcome news that our so journ on Long Island was to end. A happier set of men could not be found. " Ready for service " was the thought and desire of all. On the 4th day of December, 1862, the regiment broke camp; marched out of the Racecourse, and proceeded toward New York City. It was a muddy march, but not a long or tiresome one. We reached town in good spirits, and passed through the streets to a certain pier, where lay an ocean steamer which was to be to us another temporary home.
CHAPTER III.
ON AN OCEAN TRANSPORT.
Embarkation of the Forty-first — The "North Star" — "A Life on the Ocean Wave" — Seasickness — In the Gulf of Mexico — Ship Island — Arrival at New Orleans — Banks Relieves Butler — Rapid Firing on the Forty-first — The Nineteenth Army Corps — General Cuvier Grover's Division — A Solemn Night — The Retaking of Baton Rouge — Landing of the Forty-first — A Bloodless Engagement.
AT four o'clock on December 4th, 1862, the regiment went on board the " North Star." This steamer had been chartered by the Government to convey the troops to their destination. She was a side-wheel steamer — large for the times — furnished by Commodore Vanderbilt, capable of carrying about a thousand men. Bunks had been constructed between decks for the accommodation of the men, who were made as comfortable as the cir cumstances would permit. The gang-plank was soon cast off, and the good ship swung from her moorings, and steamed out into the harbor. She had not gone far before she dropped anchor and awaited future develop ments. It was soon learned that General Banks and Staff were to accompany the regiment on the trip, and the men felt honored in having the company of the Com mander of the expedition.
Meanwhile, other regiments were gathering at other places of rendezvous, in order to embark on other trans ports for the same place of destination. The " Banks
40 THE THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
Expedition " had now become well organized, and import ant developments were expected soon. About fifty steamers had been chartered for this movement, and 10,000 troops were to be transported by them. The fleet was divided into two parts or divisions. One part was to sail from Fortress Monroe, under the immediate supervision of General Emory. His flagship was the " Baltic," which carried the Thirty-eighth Massachusetts,
STEAMSHIP "NORTH STAR."
which had been near us in the camp at Lynnfield. This fleet was composed of six steamers, convoyed by the gunboat Augusta. Another fleet was composed of seven steamers, accompanied by another gunboat. The "Baltic," the "Atlantic" and the " North Star" were the largest and fastest steamers in the expedition. The " North Star " went alone ; no gunboat was in sight. Banks, doubtless, felt perfectly safe with the Forty-first so near him.
ON AN OCEAN TRANSPORT. 41
Great things were expected of this army, now afloat on the ocean. Great secrecy was enjoined. In speaking of it a writer says : "A padlock was put on every officer's lip. It was considered a criminal offence to guess as to its destination." It is reported that an officer came near being shot because he asked General Banks "where they were going, and whether he should take light or heavy clothing." The answer of the General shed no light on the dark problem. 'Take both, sir!" was all that came from his lips. War secrets, however, leaked out with sur prising rapidity. The enemy, in those days, often knew more about a given movement than the people of the North. The secret crossed the line much more rapidly than the advance guard of the army. The Southerners knew all about the Banks Expedition from its very in ception.
And it has very gravely been said by one who knows of what he writes, that the " Confederates made no at tempt to sink the fleet, feeling sure that Banks alive and in their territory, "might be of more service to them, than by making him and his men food for powder or fishes."
During the evening, General Banks and staff came on board, and the "North Star" started on her mysterious voyage. Down the harbor, under cover of darkness, and past Sandy Hook we steamed, then southward and along the Jersey coast.
Now, for the first time, the men enjoyed, or failed to enjoy " a life on the ocean wave." Many of them had never been on the sea before. " A home on the rolling deep," was something altogether new and strange. It was some time before many of them got on their " sea legs." One man said he " got on his back much easier and much oftener than on his legs." Sea-sickness broke out in certain quarters at certain times during the voyage. The
42 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
rations given, did not help matters much. Salt pork (raw) and hard-tack (hard) did not conduce to the health and happiness of the men.
A comrade, referring- to this part of his experience, writes : " I well remember my free ride on the ' North Star.' The impression made upon my youthful mind has never been effaced. The only ' square meal ' I got on that army transport consisted of hard-tack and raw pork. The pork was extremely raw. It was 'rawer' than any recruit we had in the entire command. I ate it, because I had to, or starve. I came near starving as it was ; be cause after I had eaten it, I could not keep it down. I tried hard enough, but the slippery thing would not stay down. I sat down on my dinner several times, but the pork and hard-tack, like murder, would 'out.' To tell the truth, I was seasick. There were times when I sighed for dry land. The man who wrote 'A Life on the Ocean Wave' didn't know what he was talking about. I was naturally generous hearted, but I had never seen the time before when I was willing to empty myself of all my pos sessions, for the sake of being well.
" I said as I looked at my bread : ' This is hard.' I deliberately made up my mind to ' cast my bread upon the waters.' I did so, and with it, the pork. Involuntary generosity may lack merit. It relieved me, however, and supplied a need among the finny tribe. That trip of the ' North Star' yielded them a generous contribution. I often saw men looking over the ship's rail. They appeared to be in deep meditation. Suddenly, as the ship would heave, % they would do likewise, and their earthly posses sions were gone. I had often been told that the seafaring men were generous hearted. I never knew before, how ever, that it came on so suddenly."
Another comrade thus writes of what he remembers of
ON AN OCEAN TRANSPORT. 43
his voyage on the " North Star." " I was born a landlub ber. I had none of the material in me of which an 'old salt ' is made. I lost my appetite on some days on the trip from New York to New Orleans. I lost something else overboard several times. I was like the man who went to Europe for his health for the first time. When he came home, they asked him if the sea voyage gave him an appetite. ' Oh, yes,' said he. ' I had six meals a day three down and three up.' '
Another comrade muses thus: -
I was one of the few,
Who was taken to do, Because I did not feel well.
My temper was riled,
My stomach was biled. My feelings no language can tell-
The old army ration
Produced irritation ; But the men took down what they drew.
And so raw was the pork,
We had brought from New York ; Where they put it all, nobody knew.
Now, the dear little fishes
Were fond of such dishes ; And came round as if they were sent ;
And they opened their mouth,
As the men journeyed South, And over the ship's side the food went.
I read in my "log,"
They were fond of salt hog, And almost laughed themselves hoarse ;
With appetites hearty,
A Thanksgiving party, It paid them to watch the ship's course.
44 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
As I think of those days,
My soul offers praise That at length we were freed from our pain;
And this comfort, in part,
Comes home to my heart : Our loss was the dear fishes' gain.
At sea, every object is interesting. Even a storm broke up the monotony of life on shipboard. The first day out we saw nothing, for we were out of sight of land. The second day, we saw horse mackerel and flying-fish. Soon we were in the warmer waters of the Gulf Stream. Men sat on deck and told stories and sang songs.
One of these was an old-timer: A man, by the name of John had gone to sea for the first time. When he came home he had some wronderful stones to tell.
" What have you seen ? " said his aged mother.
" Oh, wonderful sights," said John. " I have seen rivers of rum, mountains of gold, and flying-fish."
The old lady replied : " John, you lie. God never never made fish with wings ; I'll not believe you."
The next time John came home he had another tale to tell.
" John, what have you seen, this time ? "
;' Well, mother," said John, " I went down to Egypt, and I fished in the waters of the Red Sea, and at the first throw, I fished up something very heavy. It was round, and made of gold. What do you suppose it was?" said John.
" Don't know," said his mother.
" Well, mother ; it was one of the tires of Pharaoh's chariot-wheels," said John.
" Now I believe you," said the old lady ; that sounds natural. But when you tell me that you have seen flying- fish, I'll not believe a single word you say."
ON AN OCEAN TRANSPORT. 45
Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. The won. ders of the deep are numerous, and the men of the Forty-first now looked for the first time on some of them.
On the evening of the Qth, we saw a revolving light on one of the Bahama Islands. Now, we were off Hatteras. Not long before a fearful storm had spread devastation along this dangerous coast. We were all glad when, on the loth, we entered the Gulf of Mexico. Several steam ers were sighted, but no land. Men were now guessing as to our place of destination. It was either Mobile or New Orleans, sure. On the i4th of December we sighted Ship Island; a low, sandy place, not fit for a barbarian to dwell upon. At 9 o'clock we dropped anchor in the har bor, and watched the arrival of other transports. Our stay, however, was short. At about 2 p. M. the " North Star" weighed anchor, and steamed out into the Gulf. The rest of the fleet followed. Ship Island had no attractions for the Forty-first. It had been General But ler's base of operations before Farragut had immortalized his name by running past the forts on the lower Missisippi, and by the capture of New Orleans in '61. The " North Star " now steered a straight course toward the mouth of the Mississippi. Suddenly, when about to clear the bar at South West Pass she ran aground, and stuck fast in the mud. The good ship remained in this position from two in the morning until six o'clock, when having taken a pilot on board, we got off the bar and proceeded up the river. Twenty-five miles above South West Pass are the forts, "Jackson" and " Philip;" one on either side of the river. As we passed these fortifications, now manned by Uncle Sam's bluecoats, a Major-General's salute was fired, and we hurried on our way. Beautiful *trees lined the bank of the river on either hand. Rich plantations of wealthy men ; fields of cotton, rice and sugar, orchards laden with
46 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
ripening oranges, greeted the men as we passed along. Past the " English Turn " we go, and the famous field of Chalmette, where General Jackson defeated Pakenham in the last great battle of 1812. Now, there come in view the spires of the Crescent City, with its forest of smokestacks and crowded levees, and at one of which we stop, and the ponderous engines of the " North Star" are still. Our ocean voyage was over.
Soon after our arrival at New Orleans, General Banks and Staff left the steamer, and we saw him no more for a season. He had come to relieve General Butler, whose headquarters were at the St. Charles Hotel. This, there fore, was the first duty he must perform ; and in due time, without much ceremony or flourish of trumpets, the com mand of the Department of the Gulf passed from Gene ral Butler to General Banks.
Not long after the "North Star" had tied up at the levee, the boys were treated to one of the greatest surprises of their lives. The men supposed that the city had been pacified under the patriotic and loyal administration of General Butler. The flag of our country could be seen fly ing from the staff over the Custom House ; United States troops were in the city, unmolested ; quite a strong force was in the " regions beyond," and large reinforcements were arriving. We were not looking for any inimical demonstrations. The regiment was, therefore, greatly surprised when rapid-firing guns opened on them from the shore. It should be remembered, however, that the ammunition used was not "grape and canister ;" not shot and shell ; but oranges. A large company of vendors of fruit were on the levee. At first many of the men bought what they could with what little money they possessed ; but as their appetites for oranges was large, and their financial ability small, trading soon ceased, and bombard ing began. It was the first time the men had been " under
ON AN OCEAN TRANSPORT.
47
fire," and they stood it well. Every shot took effect, and the firing (of oranges) ceased only after the ammuni tion had been exhausted. This "warm reception " ac corded the Forty-first Regiment at New Orleans pro duced a profound impression on the men, and has never been forgotten.
General Banks had been sent to New Orleans to ac-
GKNERAL GROVHLR.
complish three things. In the first place, he was to main tain and regulate civil government in Louisiana. In the second place he was to originate a miltary movement against all armed rebellion in Louisiana and Texas. The third task imposed upon him was to co-operate with Gene ral Grant in opening the Mississippi. While Grant was to operate against Vicksburg, Banks was to move against Port Hudson, The first thing done by General Banks
48 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
on his assuming command was the organization of the Nineteenth Army Corps. One of the Division Comman ders was to be Brigadier-General Cuvier Grover. This division was ordered up the river at once, and General Grover was commanded by General Banks to retake and hold Baton Rouge as a base of operations. The Forty- first Regiment was to take an important part in this movement, and the "North Star" was therefore ordered to proceed without delay to the designated place of ren dezvous. Accordingly, at 10 o'clock on the morning of December i6th, 1862, the " North Star " left her moorings at New Orleans, said good bye to our new-made friends on shore, and turned her prow up stream. The rest of the fleet followed, under the command of General Grover. We did not know what kind of a reception awaited the regiment at the next stopping place. Baton Rouge had once been occupied by Northern troops, but had been abandoned some months before. On Aug. 5th, 1862, while the Forty-first was drilling at Lynnfield, Baton Rouge had been attacked by the Confederate General Breckenridge, with quite a strong force of Southern soldiers. General Thomas Williams had commanded the Union forces, and had met his death in the midst of the conflict. In this battle, the Thirtieth Massachusetts Volunteers and Nim's Mass, battery had done valiant service. The battle was a severe engagement, in which the Union forces were victorious, and which resulted in the retreat of Breckenridge to the interior, and the destruction of the ram " Arkansas " by the gunboat " Essex." It seemed advisable, however, a few days after the battle, for the Northern troops to be withdrawn from the city; ac cordingly, on August 1 6th, Baton Rouge was evacuated by the Union Army.
The Forty-first Regiment was now on its way up the Mississippi, to recover this lost ground. Everything was
COL. LORENZO D. SARGENT
ON AN OCEAN TRANSPORT. 49
put in readiness in order that our landing might not be impeded. Guns were loaded, arms and equipments put in order, knapsacks packed ; and the regiment prepared for action. On the night before we took the city, the men assembled in the cabin. We were soon to land in the enemy's country. Serious work was possibly before us. How serious the taking of Baton Rouge would be, no one could tell. It was a solemn moment to most who were present that night. Colonel Chickering and the other field officers looked grave. The line officers shared their feelings. Chaplain Lane conducted divine service^ and spoke kindly and hopefully to the men. A fervent prayer was offered that the God of Nations would order all t hings well, and that no misfortune might befall the regiment and the expedition on the coming day.
On the morrow, great was our relief to meet the iron clad " Essex" and other gunboats, which now convoyed our unarmed steamships to their place of destination.
On the morning of December 17, the "North Star" came in sight of the city. Yonder, on the right bank, was the beautiful State House, whose white walls, piled block on block, rose in substantial symmetry before us. Beyond was the State Asylum and the spires of a neighboring church.
Soon the dogs of war were let loose, and the " Essex" opened fire upon the city. It had been reported that a force of Confederate cavalry was in the vicinity. How large this force was we did not know, neither did we know what opposition to our landing might be made. The firing ceased ; and the Forty-first was ordered to land. The gunboat " Essex " drew in close to the shore, the "North Star" came in close alongside the " Essex;" and the men of the Forty-first, leaving the decks of the ' North Star" for ever, crossed the deck of the "Essex," and, for the first time, stood upon Southern soil.
•
ON AN OCEAN TRANSPORT. 5!
Sergeants Bullock and Caswell bore the regimental colors up the steep embankment, on through the streets of the city; the Confederate cavalry fleeting in all direc tions; and the flag of the Union, the emblem of liberty? was once more set up in the capital city of Louisiana, never again to be hauled down or trailed in the dust.
The city had been taken without the loss of a man !
= r
> -"a
H fr
CHAPTER IV.
IN THE ENEMY S COUNTRY.
Throwing up Earthworks — On Picket — Burning of State House — General Inspec tion — Loading and Firing — Brigade Drill — Reviewed by General G.rover — Death of James Steele — Resignation of Colonel Wass — Another Removal of Camp — Picket Firing — Bridge Burning — Grand Review by Banks, Augur and Grover — The Feint on Port Hudson — Destruction of the " Mississippi."
THE first order given by General Grover, after the regi ment had occupied the city, was to "throw up earthworks." Our commander believed in the spade; with him, an ounce of prevention was worth more than a pound of cure. Some of the men had seen a spade before, others knew the use of a pen better than that of the spade. All went to work with a will, and before long a good line of earth works environed our camp. We did not know how soon the enemy might attack. He was not far away, and might come at any time. General Grover was not to be caught napping. He kept the men on the alert day and night. On December i8th, the next day after landing, the regi ment was turned out at half past four in the morning, and kept under arms until daylight. If the enemy had put in an appearance that morning before breakfast, the garrison would have given them a warm reception.
The next day the "long roll " sounded, and once more the men sprang to arms. It was very early. We could hardly see what we were doing. We marched to the
54
THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
breastworks and remained until daylight, waiting for the coming of a foe who did not come. On the 2ist, another "long roll " sounded; another rush to the works, but no attack. The men began to think the enemy was not coming at all. The next day Company C went on picket. This was a new experience for the men. »
At the junction of the Greenburg and Clinton roads a
ON PICKET DUTY.
picket post was established, about one mile east of the city. On the night of the 28th of December the beauti ful State House, whose lofty walls had greeted us as we came up the river, was in flames. All efforts to save the property were futile, and the massive structure was soon in ruins. Nothing but the blackened walls remained. On the 29th, our pickets had a brush with the enemy. Some of their cavalry had come a little too near for safety. They
IN THE ENEMY'S COUNTRY. 55
were easily routed and driven off, leaving four of their number killed, and having two wounded. This was the first time our men had met the foe. On the 3ist of De cember, there occurred a general inspection of the regi ment. Everything was in perfect order. Muskets were cleaned, brasses brightened, clothing brushed, and shoes blacked. Many a soldier's rating was the result of these inspections. The regimental officers seemed pleased at the appearance of the men ; while the men seemed greatly relieved when the operation was over. The routine of camp life went on ; guard mounting, picket duty, drill and dress parade were the order of the day. Occasionally, a respite was thrown in to break up the monotony. Such a surprise came with the beginning of the new year. On January nth the regiment was turned out, ordered into line in light marching order, marched to the breastworks, where the men were drilled for an hour in loading and firing. Many of them wished they could see something to fire at. It can truthfully be said that some of them were spoiling for a fight. The firing ceased, and a brigade drill followed. On January 13, while the regiment was on brigade drill, they were again surprised by the long roll. " Double quick ! " was the order, and away the men hurried to the earthworks. General Grover was evidently preparing the men for serious work. What they were now learning was of great value to the regiment in after days. On January i8th, the Forty-first was brigaded with the Twenty-fourth Connecticut, Fifty-second Massachu setts, and Ninety-first New York regiments of infantry, Colonel Van Zant commanding. On January 24th, the brigade was reviewed by General Grover. It was a fine parade, and the largest body of troops we had seen to gether at one time.
On the 3Oth of January, the first death came to the regiment. Private James Steele, of Boston, a member of
56 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
Company C, passed into the unseen world. He was a fine young man, amiable in disposition, courteous in his rela tions with his comrades, and heroic unto death. He had eagerly desired to serve his country ; had enlisted as a private in Captain Swift's company, then forming in Rox- bury, and leaving mother and sister behind, had braved the hardship of a soldier's life at his country's, call,
He did not live long, however, to serve the cause he loved. Stricken by consumption, soon after reaching Baton Rouge, the wasting disease had consumed his feeble form, and on the 3Oth of January he breathed his last. Many in the regiment sincerely mourned his untimely departure. The following tribute, the author most will ingly bears to the memory of one with whom he was well acquainted and whose name he will always revere :
IN MEMORIAM.
BY CHAPLAIN JAMES K. EWER.
Our comrade has passed from our natural sight : He has ended the march and fought his last fight. He has reached the fair shore of a beautiful land. He has gone into camp with a glorified band.
When the Civil War raged, in the days that are past, He was willing to go, and was brave to the last ; He sacrificed home and entered the strife, And defended with others the national life.
In the walks of peace he was loyal and true ; The Bible he loved, his Redeemer he knew; The Church found in him a reliable friend ; His life was devoted, and peaceful his end.
We shall miss from our ranks his genial face ; Another may sit in his usual place ; But around our Camp-fire we shall mention his name Who now camps on the ground of perpetual Fame.
IN THE ENEMY S COUNTRY. 57
Comrade Steele was buried in a soldier's grave in the suburbs of Baton Rouge, Colonel Chickering and the en tire regiment escorting the body to its last resting place. The last rites were solemnized, and another life was laid on a common altar in a common cause.
With the beginning of the new year came timely re-in- forcements to the regiment. It will be remembered that the Forty-first left Massachusetts with only eight com panies. Now, at length, two more were to be added to our number. On February 4th, there came to camp two companies from the Thirty-third Massachusetts Volun teers. These companies had served in the Thirty-third, with honor to themselves and their command, and had been located in the vicinity of Washington.
Henceforth, they were to be identified with the life and fortunes of the Forty-first. Two new captains were now on the regimental roster, viz., John C. Wyman,who was on detached service elsewhere, and David T. Bunker, who afterwards became one of the Majors in the Third Cavalry. The regiment now sustained a second loss, in the depar ture of Colonel Wass. On February 6th he resigned and left camp for home. He had done excellent service in drilling and disciplining the regiment, and his resignation and departure were sincerely regretted by all.
Major Sargent was now made Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment and Captain Vinal was soon commisioned Major; First Lieutenant Hervey of Company A was ap pointed Captain to succeed Captain Vinal, and Second Lieutenant Robbins was made First Lieutenant in the place of Hervey. First Sergeant Howland was made Second Lieutenant in the place of Robbins, and so down through the line of non-commissioned officers, promotions were in order in Company A. The above commissions, viz. : Sargent, Vinal, Hervey and others were issued February ist, 1863.
58 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
During these winter days and nights there were occa" sional attacks on the picket line. As a result, this made the men not only vigilant, but somewhat nervous as well. The following amusing incident will illustrate some of the experiences to which the men were subjected in the line of duty. Says one comrade : " I shall never forget my picket duty in the rear of Baton Rouge. The first night I went on picket I was dreadfully fright ened. During the night, as I stood out there alone under a tree, thinking of home and friends, and some times of the possible approach of some stealthy and bloodthirsty enemy, I was suddenly startled by one of the most unearthly noises I had ever heard. It seemed not far away. What could it be ? Was it a wild beast seeking whom he might devour? Was it some ghost come down from ghost-land to torment me before my time ? Was it some sneaking spy, who was bent on get ting through our lines ? I must confess I was frightened. The hair of my head stood up; my heart was in my mouth ; I tried to swallow it, but it would not go down. I thought of my wife and children and mother-in-law. I gripped my rifle and put it to my shoulder. I was determined to sell my life as dearly as possible. I did not die that time. It was told me, next day, that the noise was the hooting of an owl. First impressions are sometimes lasting. That owl made a profound impression on my youthful mind."
Another comrade tells in the following narrative, how he enjoyed picket duty in that lonely winter of '62-63 : " I was on picket many times while the Forty-first was in camp at Baton Rouge. Sometimes I was near a road- Ofttimes we were stationed near an old tree. We were told to keep a sharp lookout for the enemy. The night I was on the picket line, there was a general impression among the men that the outpost would be attacked that
IN THE ENEMY S COUNTRY. 59
night. I think I felt the seriousness of the situation. I was stationed by the officer near a magnolia tree, was or dered to keep a sharp lookout, halt anyone approaching from beyond our lines, and if they did not halt to fire without delay, and give the alarm. I was bound to obey orders. This, I had been taught was the first duty of the soldier. Between one and two in the morning I heard a noise. It sounded like the snapping of twigs. Then I heard the sound of horses' hoofs. They were advancing. My blood was up in an instant. I cocked my rifle, brought it to my shoulder, and cried : ' Halt ! Who goes there ! ' No answer came, but the advancing hoofs came nearer. There was no time to waste ; my orders were to act promptly, without parleying or debate. I pulled the trigger of my rifle and my gun went off. My rifle rang out through the stillness of the night, and woke up the reserves. I expected that the advancing enemy would open fire and blow me into smithereens. I hugged that tree with a fondness I cannot describe. Strange to say, no shots were returned. By this time, other comrades were near me, and began to fire. We did our best to beat back the invader. Crack ! crack ! crack ! went the rifles, as one by one the men opened fire on the unseen foe. Suddenly the horses wheeled, and galloped off in an op posite direction, into the woods beyond. We could not understand until morning, why the eneny did not return our fire. We learned the next day that the sound of hoofs had come from a lot of sore-back horses and mules, who had been feeding in the fields beyond. Attracted by our camp-fires they had approached too near our lines, and, not heeding the order of the ever-vigilant sentinel, had exposed themselves to the fire of our pickets, noted above. This was one of the narrow escapes I had while following the flag in the " Louisiana lowlands," during the war for the Union, Much ammunition was wasted
6o THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
in many engagements during the Civil War. This was the first wicked waste of which I was guilty, during my* service with the regiment."
During that winter at Baton Rouge a terrible tragedy was enacted in the regimental life. From some petty quarrel, one comrade became exasperated, .seized his gun, and shot a brother soldier through the body, so that he died. The scene was in the cook-house, and the company the color company of the regiment. The soldier who shot Heft, cook of Company C, was John C. Beane, of the same company. He was tried by court-martial, and being found somewhat demented, was imprisoned, and soon after died.
The time was approaching when General Banks was to commence operations against Port Hudson. Certain preliminaries must, however, be attended to. Among these was the cutting off of communication between Port Hudson and the interior. Certain streams, spanned by bridges, now claimed the attention of the Commander.
In order to safeguard his movements against Port Hudson, and to prevent reinforcements from coming from the interior, these bridges must be destroyed. To the Forty-first Regiment was the task committed. Accord ingly, on the gth of March, 1863, Colonel Chickering was ordered to proceed with his regiment into the interior, and destroy several bridges over the Comite River, east of Port Hudson and Baton Rouge. Accompanying the Forty-first was one company of cavalry, commanded by Captain McGee, and two pieces of artillery from Nim's Mass. Battery.
The expedition left camp about three o'clock, P.M., and marched past the old battle-ground, out into the enemy's country, eager to do something to immortalize their names. The men soon found themselves swinging along the road through an open country and sometimes through
IN THE ENEMY'S COUNTRY. 61
pieces of thick woods. After walking about six miles, Colonel Chickering ordered four companies (A, D, H and I), with the cavalry, to be sent forward about four miles farther, to destroy Bogler's Bridge, while the re mainder of the regiment stacked arms, and bivouacked for the night. About ten o'clock at night the four companies returned, and reported that they had obeyed orders, and burned the bridge without much trouble, with the loss of one horse belonging to the cavalry. At four o'clock the next morning, Companies B, C and H were sent forward, with the cavalry, to destroy bridge number two. The men, with the cavalry in the advance, marched about two miles over a good road, then turned off into the woods, and marched another two miles. The mud was terrible. In some places it was over the men's boots. There was, however, no retreat, but in failure and dishonor. " Forward !" was the order, and the men pressed on until the river-bank was reached, and the bridge destroyed. All this was before breakfast. The three companies now returned to the regiment, arriving about seven o'clock in the morning. After breakfast, and a rest of about an hour, the entire force under the command of Colonel Chickering marched four miles farther east, to destroy bridge number three. About ten o'clock, the advance guard came in sight of the bridge. One of Company A — a man named Heinz — stepped out into the road, which brought a shot from the sentinel on the bridge. A rush was made at once, which was met at the bridge by a volley from the enemy. Attempting to cross, the men found the planks taken up. They could not see the enemy, concealed by the thick underbrush, so they took shelter in the woods on one side, and from that position fired as best they could. Nim's battery now unlimbered, and about twenty shells were thrown in the direction of the enemy. Receiving no reply, the men
62 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
marched to Roberts' Bridge, and destroyed it by fire, with out the loss of a man. Only a few Confederate cavalry men were seen, and they made no disturbance. We were now twelve miles from camp, in an enemy's country. A large force of Confederates was at Port Hudson, not far away. Had they known of our whereabouts, it had been quite an easy task for them to have sent a force of cavalry, and intercepted our return march. As we crossed the bridge at first attack, an old fellow said, " You better look out, or some of you may get hurt— the woods are full of Confederates." We did not know therefore what trouble might meet us on our return to camp. At two 'o'clock, the men struck out for Baton Rouge, and at six o'clock they arrived safely in camp, much fatigued by their journey. On entering the city, the regiment was met by General Banks, who was evi dently much pleased at the successful outcome of the expedition. Some of the men were footsore, and came to town carrying their custom-made boots and shoes in their hands, or slung over their shoulders. One poor fellow, of tender years, came hobbling along barefoot. Meeting General Banks, he saluted his Commander ; and the General thus accosted him : " Well, my boy, don't you find those boots rather harder to march in than government shoes ? " The footsore youth replied that he did, and passed on.
This expedition of Colonel Chickering was not with out its perils. It was known that a force of about 1200 Confederate cavalry were somewhere between Clinton and Baton Rouge, and it required the utmost vigilance on the part of Banks and his officers to make a suc cessful move against Port Hudson, and to retire success fully when the object of his " feint " had been accom plished.
On the 1 2th of March occurred the grand review of
IN THE ENEMY'S COUNTRY. 63
the Nineteenth Army Corps by Generals Banks, Augur and Grover. It was the most inspiring military pageant the men had witnessed. General Grover had command of the First Division ; General Emory led the Second, and General Augur the Third. The troops looked well, marched well, and would, no doubt, behave well in the coming contemplated movement against Port Hudson.
The review occurred on the old battle-ground of Aug. 5th, 1862, where the gallant Williams fell, and where the heroic Dudley fought the battle to a finish, and sent Breckenridge back to his camp discomfited. During the review, Admiral Farragut was present, and seemed deeply interested in the movements of the troops.
The time had now arrived when General Banks was to move his army up the river, and co-operate with Admiral Farragut in his attempt to pass the batteries on the bluff.
While Banks had been gathering and organizing his troops, Farragut had been assembling a powerful fleet. His ships, as they lay at anchor opposite the city, were a familiar sight to the men of the Forty-first. The largest of these vessels was the Admiral's flagship, the " Hartford," which had done such signal service a year before at the mouth of the Mississippi. Beside the "Hartford," were the " Richmond," the " Mississippi," the " Monongahela," the " Albatross," the " Genesee," the " Kineo," and the '' Sachem." The plan was for Banks to make a feint in the rear of Port Hudson, while Farragut was to run past the batteries. It has been stated by some writers that, had Banks gone with his entire force at this time, he could have taken Port Hudson without much trouble ; while others claim that the Confederate force was too large for Banks to encounter at this time with any hope of success.
On the 1 3th of March, 1863, the troops began to pour out of the city on their way to the rear of Port Hudson-
64 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
It was a grand sight to see those fine full regiments as they passed along. Among the troops were the men of the Thirty-eighth Massachusetts, who had been our neigh bors at Lynnfield. As the regiment passed General Dudley's headquarters, they saw the General standing on the steps. The General knew the regiment, and said: " Men of the Thirty-eighth, keep cool; obey orders, and fire low." The boys gave the General three hearty cheers, and marched on. The Forty-first Regiment did not partici pate in this first movement on Port Hudson. Colonel Chickering was ordered by General Banks to remain with his regiment at Baton Rouge, and was appointed Post Commander. With the Forty-first there remained, to hold the place, several regiments of infantry, two batteries of artillery and one squadron of cavalry.* At eight o'clock on the evening of the i4th, the garrison was turned out by the sound of the long roll, and kept under arms for some time. The men were ordered to sleep on their arms, and be ready for any emergency. We knew not how soon we might receive a call from the enemy. Accordingly, evefy man was on the alert. They attended roll-call, armed and equipped, and stood in line until dis missed.
Early in the morning of the isth we heard stirring sounds and witnessed a startling scene. The army, of course, was out of sight and hearing; not so the fleet. Heavy firing could be heard, and the men knew that Farragut and his jolly tars were giving a good account of themselves.
* About 3000 men were necessary to hold Baton Rouge during Banks' absence. These included the Forty-first Massachusetts, One Hundred and Seventy-third New York, One Hundred and Seventy-fifth New York, First Indiana Artillery, Third Louisiana, Mack's Battery, and Troop F, Rhode Island Cavalry. These were placed under the com mand of Colonel Chickering.
COL. FRED. G. POPE.
IN THE ENEMY'S COUNTRY, 65
Farragut's fleet had passed up the river in the follow ing order: The " Hartford " and the " Albatross," lashed together, the "Albatross " be'ing/ as farmers would say, on the " off-side." Then came the "Richmond" and "Genesee;" then the " Monongahela" and "Kineo;' then the "Mississippi" and "Sachem." Four-yoke - a strong team ! The darkness was intense ! Everybody was expectant. About midnight the ball opened. The fleet had passed a point in the river called Prophet Island. The mortar boats were not far away. The enemy knew we were coming, and had prepared to give the fleet and the army a warm reception.
A large fire blazed on the Port Hudson side of the river. Suddenly a rocket shot up from the west side of the river, and exploded. Now the conflict begins. It was literally a tug of war. The " Hartford " steamed right on her course. Her ponderous engines groan. Farragut is in the rigging ; the other vessels follow; there are no lights on deck. The batteries can be located only by the light of the flash of the guns. Clouds of sulphurous smoke float over the scene. And now the roar of the great guns goes on. On rides the Commodore right into the teeth of peril, right into the very jaws of death. The " Richmond " comes dangerously near running into the " Hartford," and the " Hartford " narrowly escapes pour ing a broadside into the " Richmond." The " Mississippi " runs aground on the west bank. The enemies' batteries riddle her with shot and shell. It is impossible for her to go farther or to get off. She must be fired, in order to escape capture. As she becomes lighter, she floats away from her dangerous position down the river.
As the Forty-first Regiment stood in line on that eventful morning in '63, wondering what might occur next, suddenly the heavens were illuminated by a mysterious light, and there came to the ears of the men
66 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
one of the most startling sounds they had ever heard. The fire had reached the Mississippi's magazine. The explosion was terrific, and the noble frigate was a thing of the past. The " Hartford" and the "Albatross" had passed the batteries. The remainder of the fleet had been obliged to remain below.
On the deck of the burning " Mississippi " was a young officer, who was, in. years to come, to play an important part in the history of the country. While the batteries at Port Hudson were pouring shot and shell into the " Mississippi," none fought with greater bravery in the frigate than Ensign George Dewey. When the ship was at length abandoned, he, with others, threw themselves into the water, and finally escaped to the shore in safety. Thus was preserved to his country the man who was to be the future head of the naval forces of the nation, the "Hero of Manilla Bay."
Banks was now free to carry out the remainder of his plan of campaign. The army was hurriedly withdrawn from Port Hudson, and thrown as quickly as possible into Western Louisiana.
As Banks had about 12,000 men to operate against Port Hudson, and Gardner had over 16,000 men behind earthworks, it seemed hardly wise for Banks to attempt to take the place at this time.
Gardner was strongly entrenched, with twenty-two guns in position, besides thirteen light batteries. Banks very wisely decided to do something else first.
CHAPTER V.
THE TECHE CAMPAIGN.
The Departure of Grover's Division from Baton Rouge — Through the Country to Brashear City — Longfellow's Description of this Place — Up Grand Lake — Battle of Irish Bend — Battle of Bisland — Retreat of Dick Taylor — Destruc tion of the "Diana"— Arrival at New Iberia — Destruction of Salt Works — On to Opelousas — Colonel Chickering in Command — Capture of Alexandria — The March to Barre's Landing — Infantile Cavalymen — Chickering's Retreat — Arrival at Brashear City — End of Teche Campaign.
THE Forty-first Regiment was now about to enter upon the duties of an arduous campaign. For this campaign Banks had been planning many days. While he was moving his troops to the rear of Port Hudson, and while the enemy may have thought he was coming to wrest that stronghold from his grasp, Banks really had no such in tention, at least for the present. He had his eye on other game. He was not looking north, but west. In that part of the State was a force of Confederates under Gene ral " Dick " Taylor, numbering about 6000 or 7000 men. It was Banks' plan to move suddenly against this force, capture them if possible, then sweeping around to the east from Alexandria, cross the Mississippi, move against Port Hudson, and invest the enemy's position from above. Accordingly, on the 2jth of March, the Forty-first regi ment received marching orders. Grover's Division left Baton Rouge on transports, a large number having gathered for that purpose, and went down the river as far
68 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
as Donaldsonville, on the west bank. Here they disem barked, and commenced an overland march to Brashear City. Their route lay along the banks of the Bayou Plaquemine, where beautiful houses and rich plantations met the eye on either hand. Past the villages of Pla- cerville, Napoleonville, Thibodeaux and Terrebonne, the division marched, making fifteen or twenty miles per day. Longfellow, in his "Evangeline," refers most beautifully to this charming country, and the bayous by which it is watered. He speaks of these streams as a " maze of slug gish and devious waters, which like a network of steel ex tended in every direction." As the army marched through this " Eden of Louisiana," they saw over their heads the towering and tenebrous boughs of the cypress. In midair were the trailing mosses,which waved as the men went by,
" Like banners that hang on the walls of ancient cathedrals."
Though this very country came Evangeline, with her guide, the Father Felician. Day after day they glided along these very streams, from whose waters our tired, footsore soldiers quenched their thirst. The Northern troops were bound for the same prairies of fair Ope- lousas, marched through a wilderness sombre with forests. Night after night, by their blazing fires, they encamped on its borders. There are green spots in the garden of memory. This march of Grover's Division through this fertile country is one of them.
" Dreamlike and indistinct and strange were all things around them ; Lovely the moonlight was, as it glanced and gleamed on the water."
and as, with these things around them, they thought of home,
" Over their spirits there came a feeling of wonder and sadness." Never can time efface from memory those scenes around the campfiresof the Forty-first Regiment in the spring of '63, in Western Louisiana.
THE TECIIE CAMPAIGN. 69
Our songs and merry laughter were ofttimes " mixed with the whoop of the owl, and the roar of the grim alli gators." Like Evangeline, however, the men marched on, sustained by a vision that beckoned them on in their journey. Evangeline was hunting for Gabriel ; we were hunting for Dick Taylor and the Confederate army.
After a short rest at Terrebonne, the men were put on board a freight train, and carried some ten miles farther in their journey to Bayou Boeuf. On the Qth the regi ment left Bayou Bceuf, and marched about nine miles when we came in sight of Brashear City, where the regiment went into camp, and secured a little much-needed rest. Blackberries were abundant at this place, and the men lost no time in helping themselves to the delicious fruit.
When the Forty-first Regiment reached Brashear City, the army of General Banks had arrived in large numbers. Weitzel had command of the advance, and, with his division, was already to move against Dick Taylor, at Camp Bisland. Emory, with his fine division, was ready to support Weitzel ; and these two divisions, under the immediate eye of Banks, were ready to cross Berwick Bay, and give battle to the enemy. Grover's Division was ordered up Grand Lake, and were to land above and to the east of Franklin, strike Taylor on his flank and rear, cut off his retreat, and compel his unconditional surrender. It was a fine plan ; how well it was executed the following pages will tell.
At ten o'clock, on the morning of April nth, 1863, the regiment received marching orders, and at one o'clock, started for the wharf, where the men embarked on the steamer "Arizona." The rest of the division were car ried on the " Clifton," St. Mary," " Estrella " and " Laurel Hill." The Forty-first left the wharf at about dark, an chored in the stream, and waited until morning. On the 1 2th, everything was in readiness, and the fleet began to
7O THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
move up-stream, to cut off Taylor's retreat. The fleet numbered eight transports, three of which carried guns. Every man had high hopes concerning the coming vic tory. The fleet moved on through the waters of Grand Lake, past abandoned Confederate batteries ; past Grand Island ; until we reached a place called Cypress Pass, where the "Arizona," with the Forty-first, ran aground. In war, as in peace, it is the unexpected that often happens. This was an unexpected experience for Grover and his men.
At eleven o'clock, the flagship "Clifton" was signalled; the whole fleet halted, and the "Clifton" came to our relief. No amount of tugging could move the "Arizona." The ship must be lightened. Four hundred men were put on board the " Clifton," and another effort was made to move the " Arizona." She was immovable. General Grover was getting impatient. This delay boded no good for the expedition. He told the captain he must go on without him. ' Land your men on the island lighten the ship, and get off if you can." The flagship left a few lighters behind, and steamed away. A pontoon bridge was constructed of the lighters, the men were landed on the island ; hawsers were attached to the ship, and the men began to pull for dear life. We could not stay there long. We should miss it if we did. Already the ball had opened. We could hear the guns of Weitzel and Emory in the west. We worked hard on that ship till midnight ; then gave it up. The next morning another effort was made to float the " Arizona;" this time with success.
A great shout went up as the Arizona came out of the mud. At 8 o'clock we were on board of her, and once more we started for the scene of conflict.
There was a thrilling incident on board the "Arizona," when the steamer stuck on the sunken island in Grand Lake. In the stern of a boat, just in front of one of the
THE TECME CAMPAIGO. 71
paddle wheels, sat a seaman. Suddenly the engineer started the engines, and the suction drew the boat under the wheel, the paddles striking the seaman, and drawing him, with the boat under the wheel, until only his feet could be seen. Quickly as possible the engineer reversed, and the man crushed almost dead, was taken on board. Whether or not he recovered is not known to the writer.
At three o'clock in the afternoon we landed about six miles above Franklin, on Dick Taylor's flank and rear. Now the strings were to be tightened, and Banks was to bag his game — if possible ! Grover's division was now safely landed, and formed in line not far from a place called Irish Bend.
It was not long before the enemy's pickets were en countered, and skirmishing commenced. Five compan ies of the Forty-first were thrown forward as skirmishers on Madam Porter's Plantation, and engaged the enemy until nightfall. The movements of these companies elicited favorable comment from the brigade com mander. As Kimball saw the men move forward, he said, "I wouldn't believe that troops could deploy like that, even on drill."
That night we slept on our arms, and in an open field. The next morning we started in pursuit of the enemy. He saw the point, and kept out of it as long as he could. The First and Second Brigades were in the advance, and were the first to overtake them. Soon the firing began. Batteries unlimbered, and hurried to the front. Orderlies were busy carrying dispatches from General Grover to the various commanders. On the other side* Banks was pushing Taylor with considerable vigor and success. Grover advanced his troops toward the edge of the woods, where he found the enemy in force. A severe battle ensued. Grover ordered the Twenty-fourth Con necticut and Twenty-sixth Maine to charge the enemy's
THE TECHE CAMPAIGN. 73
lines, which was done with great loss to the regiments mentioned. The enemy was evidently embarrassed. Dick Taylor now decided to abandon Franklin, and flee before the advancing troops of the Nineteenth Corps. Suddenly a terrible explosion was heard. The gunboat "Diana" had been blown up. The "Queen of the West " was also destroyed, also several transports at Franklin. Dick Taylor, however, knew the country bet- than either Banks or Grover. Evacuating Franklin, pushing through the woods by an unfrequented road, un discovered and unoccupied by Grover, he eluded the troops of his pursuers, and escaped.
At the Battle of Irish Bend, the Forty-first was held in reserve, and supported Nim's Batteries on the second line. It was at the Battle of Irish Bend that the gallant Colonel Molyneux distinguished himself as one of the bravest and most efficient officers of the Nineteenth Corps. At the head of the Hundred and Fifty-ninth New York, he moved forward to the attack until his regiment was within short range of the enemy's mus ketry. Ordering his men to throw off their blankets and coats, after a brief rest, he was just giving the command: " Forward !" when he was struck in the mouth by a bullet, and fell, leaving the command of his regiment to Captain Dayton.
In this engagement, Colonel Birge led, and Colonel Kimball, of Maine, commanded the Second Brigade, to which the Forty-first was attached. The regiments com posing the Brigade were, Twelfth Maine, Fifty-second Massachusetts, Twenty-fourth Connecticut, and Forty- first Massachusetts, with Nim's Battery. The Fifty- second Massachusetts and Twenty-fourth Connecticut were nine-months men.
The battle over, General Grover ordered the men to rest, while some of their comrades were sent out to bury
74 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
the dead. Birge's brigade had lost three hundred men. Dwight had lost seven killed and twenty-one wounded. The enemy had evacuated a strong line of earthworks, extending from Grand Lake, on the one side, to the Teche on the other, about two and a half miles long.
Although Banks had failed to capture Taylor, he had nevertheless captured a great many of his " belongings." The following will show what was actually accomplished by this movement against Camp Bisland. Franklin was taken, and with it an iron foundry and a sawmill. The " Diana" had been destroyed. Three transports, " News boy," the " Gossamer, and " Era No. 2," the ironclad "Hart," the "Blue Hammock," "Darby," "Louise," "Uncle Tommy" and "Cricket" were destroyed by the Confederates themselves. The " Cornie," a hospital boat, was captured with over sixty wounded. Two Union offi cers were retaken, viz., Capt. Jewett and Lieut. Alice, who had been captured by the enemy when the gunboat "Diana" was taken by the Confederates some time before.
A large supply of ammunition and army stores were also destroyed by Taylor as he fled before the victorions army of the Union. It was a victory, though not as com plete as was fondly hoped for.
Grover has been criticized by some for allowing Taylor to escape at Irish Bend. We think the criticism just. Grover had a fine opportunity to distinguish himself at Irish Bend. He had plenty of men and abundance of artillery. He should have known where every bridge was, and been acquainted with every avenue of escape. Friendly negroes could have given him all necessary in formation, and gladly guided him to every strategic point in the locality. Taylor had 4000 men. Grover had three fuH brigades of about 5000 men, Banks, 10,000. Had Grover placed his troops where they were needed, he could have
CALLED BY THE. CONFEDERATES NERSON'S WOODS
By permission from Irwin's ''History of the Nineteenth Corps."
76 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
made Taylor's escape impossible. Irvin says of Grover, in excusing his blunder: " He was conscientious and cautious." Just so ; too cautious to win at Irish Bend. After a fair consideration of the facts, we are compelled to say that had. Grover done his duty at Irish Bend, Taylor and his whole army would have surrendered at Franklin.
Nothing remained for Banks to do but to give chase. Accordingly, the three divisions, now united, took up the line of march toward New Iberia. It was a hot, sultry day, as the men passed off the battlefield of Irish Bend and took the road for Opelousas. Perkins' Cavalry was in the advance. Occasionally, the enemy's rear-guard was overhauled, and some brisk firing was the result. As a rule, the Confederates fled in disorder. In one of these fights the enemy was chased four miles, and seventy-five prisoners were captured. On the evening of the :6th the regiment arrived at New Iberia. The men were footsore and tired. It had been a hard day. They were longing for a good night's rest, when orders came to "fall in" and be ready for a midnight expedition. To the south of New Iberia, about six hours' march, at a place called Avery's Island, were located famous salt works. These were very valuable to the Confederates and must be rendered use less. Accordingly, the Forty-first, the Twelfth Maine, a part of the Twenty-fourth Connecticut, together with a section of Nim's Battery, were ordered to proceed to the above-named place and destroy the salt works.
This work accomplished, after an all-night march without stop, the expedition returned to New Iberia, bringing along with them about two hundred horses. At New Iberia the enemy had been at work constructing a gunboat for service on the Teche. On the approach of Banks the unfinished boat was destroyed, together with more stores and ammunition. A cannon foundry was
THE TECHE CAMPAIGN. 77
also destroyed ; 1,500 prisoners had been captured, and a large number of horses, mules and beeves had been secured,
Dick Taylor was still retreating. He could do nothing else. After a brief attempt to arrest Grover's advance at Vermilliori Bayou, there was nothing between the victo rious Union army and Opelousas but a fewburned bridges. On April 2oth, 1863, at 8 o'clock, A.M., the regiment arrived at Opelousas, via Vermillionville, in light march ing order, the knapsacks having previously been sent back to Brashear City.
Since leaving Baton Rouge the regiment had marched over three hundred miles. The men were, therefore, glad to hear that they were to remain awhile at Opelousas, and enjoy a season of much-needed rest.
Colonel Chickering was, on April 2oth, appointed by the Commanding Officer, Military Governor of Opelousas; and Lieut.-Colonel Sargent was made Provost Marshal. The regiment, now commanded by Major Vinal, was or dered to do duty in and around the city.
At the same time the valuable products of the country were collected and brought to town for the use of the army. Cotton, horses, mules and other supplies were ac cordingly brought in.
Meanwhile, the army under General Banks had passed on toward Alexandria, driving everything before it. Severely pressed by the advancing troops of the Union army, Dick Taylor had kept on retreating, having re ceived orders to retire from Louisiana into Texas. Thus Banks had made himself master of the situation in west ern Louisiana, and could now turn his attention to mat ters on the Mississippi. After the Nineteenth Corps had taken Alexandria, it turned eastward, passed on to Simonsport, then crossing the Mississippi, it swung around, and in a short time was thundering in the rear
78 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
of Port Hudson. General Augur, who had been left at Baton Rouge, had joined Banks in the rear of Port Hudson, and the Confederate stronghold was surrounded. Its capture was only a question of time.
The Forty-first remained at Opelousas from April 20 until May nth, 1863. During this time order was main tained, the flag was respected and the Constitution en forced. Excellent service was rendered by the regiment in various other ways for the general welfare. Corn mills were set in motion ; a free market was opened for the poor; negroes in large numbers were fed. Six thousand bales of cotton were brought in ; large quantities of sugar and molasses received ; while horses, mules and wagons, saddles and bridles were collected in large numbers. All this property was saved to the general government, and sent down to New Orleans. Ten thousand negroes, men, women and children, who had fled from the land of bondage, looked to our men for protection, and were not disappointed. While at Opelousas, some of the men opened a printing office, issued a daily paper, and exhib ited considerable Northern enterprise in a business way. Opelousas had been the Confederate capitol of Louis iana, and many valuable papers were found among the archives of the defunct State government.
The time at length arrived when the men were to leave Opelousas for other scenes. All this property must be taken care of. Steamers were, therefore, ordered to come up the Teche to a place called Barre's Landing, about six miles east of Opelousas. This was to be a base of operations for a time.
On the nth of May, the regiment left Opelousas for Barre's Landing.
With us were seven regiments of infantry, and a sec tion of Nim's Battery. General Banks was anxious that the property captured at Opelousas and Barre's Landing
THE TECHE CAMPAIGN. 79
might be safely transported to New Orleans. To Colonel Chickering was committed the task of carrying out the General's command. About this time, the Forty-first Regiment experienced a wonderful transformation. Horses were given the men, and henceforth the regiment was to be mounted. Now, instead of going afoot, the men were to ride on horseback. It was a very surprising, but agreeable change. On the iyth of May, 1863, the regiment appeared for the first time as "Mounted Rifles."
There were many amusing experiences that came to the men during their stay at Barre's Landing. The at tempt to "break" some of their fiery steeds furnished a large amount of fun. The negroes seemed to succeed better than the men of the Forty-first. Saddles, bridles, horses, everything was new to these infantrymen.
One member of the regiment, in speaking of his army life, says : u Those days at Barre's Landing were very ex citing. I there learned for the first time to ride horse back. I was given a horse who evidently had never been ridden much. He objected to the bridle, saddle, and in deed to about everything I showed him. He seemed to have some conscientious scruples about joining the Union Cavalry. I remember the first time I tried to mount that animal. I got off as soon as I got on. I got off again. I recollect getting off that horse several times in one forenoon. I usually got off much more rapidly than I got on. It is wonderful how quickly a man can get off a horse, especially when the horse takes hold and helps. At last I conquered the beast, and felt proud of the operation. I began to enjoy riding. I thought it fine pastime. I should now be free from sore feet and weary bones when on the march. After I had ridden that horse, however, about two weeks, I changed my mind I was naturally tender-hearted ; while in the infantry I was tender-footed ; but now I was tender ' all along the line.'
SO THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
I often heard comrades say that their saddles were cov ered with ' raw hide,' and rilled with the same material. I one day met a cavalryman bathing himself in the cool waters, sighing- for vaseline or cold cream, or something else to heal his wounded pride."
On Chickering's retreat, when we had our first forced march on horseback, many of the men felt like the fellow who said, when in " sore " distress : " There's a divinity that shapes our ' ends ' rough ; hew them as we may."
A member of Company C thus relates the story of his introduction to a horse. "The horse given me was a very lively animal. He could rear and run and jump, all in quick time. I saw at once that what the horse needed was exercise. I laughed to myself as I put on the bridle, and sought to ' tone him down.' I didn't laugh again for a week. He rolled me off his back in no time. Then he just got upon his hind legs, and began waltzing toward me like an infuriated pile-driver. I had seen perilous times before ; but this prancing animal seemed to put my life in greater jeopardy, and I got scared. I didn't enlist to be kicked to death by a horse. I was obliged to call to my aid a 'contraband,' and in due time the wild horse was tamed, and became quite serviceable as a member of the Third Cavalry."
The following was written by one who styles himself an " Infantile Cavalryman :"
" In the early part of the war it used to be said that a dead cavalryman was a very rare sight. If the author of that statement had visited Barre's Landing in the spring of 1863, he would have found several who were half-dead, at least. The taming of wild animals was something I did not dream of when I enlisted in '62. I went to Louisiana to put down rebellion. I found at Barre's Landing that rebellion had taken hold upon the brute creation. The horse assigned me had no intention of
LIEUT.-COL. UAVID P. MUZZKY.
THE TECHE CAMPAIGN. 8 1
submitting tamely to military authority. He was very fond of ' bucking; He was also balky. He could break up a whole company formation by going backward in a very persistent manner. I sometimes wondered whether the 'seat of authority' was in me; or the saddle, or the horse. I have heard that some old horseman once said that ' the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.' It was not so with mine. He stirred up my temper as nothing else did during the war. He was neither good for the inside nor the outside of the man who had to ride him. General Banks was reported to have said that we should have long marches, little fighting, and be home in nine months.' There were times when seated on that horse or trying hard to subdue him, I thought I would never see my home again.
"At length, however, the animal became quite docile and submitted gracefully to the inevitable. He became more valuable as his education went on. Finally, he re~ sembled the horse of which Rev. Henry Ward Beecher speaks. Riding one day behind a spirited animal, he said to the owner: 'That's a fine stepper.' 'Yes,' said the owner, with a look of gratification. 'What are his points ? ' said Mr. Beecher. The other replied : ' He'll go where you want him to go ; he'll do what you want him to do, and he'll never get you into trouble.' Beecher listened, and then said: 'I wish that horse was a mem ber of my church.' '
On the morning of the 2istof May, the troops left Barres' Landing for Brashear City. The march was commenced at daybreak, under the immediate command of Colonel Chickering, and continued the first day until six at night. There was a large train of army wagons, some of which" carried the ammunition, then wagons of various sorts and sizes ; negroes in large numbers, men, women and children. Piled high on these numerous
82 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
wagons, were the belongings of the contrabands, who had fled from the house of bondage to the Union lines for safety. Beds and bedding, household furniture and cook ing utensils, cows, geese and corn, cotton, tobacco, sugar, molasses, and other articles too numerous to mention, were packed into those various vehicles and drawn by various beasts of burden. The train, as it moved out on the road was nearly six miles in length. Fifty of the best army wagons in the department carried a large supply of army stores. Following this train was five hundred emi grant wagons. Beside all these wagons there was a large drove of horses, mules, and beef creatures captured from the enemy. Next, there accompanied the troops about six thousand negroes, many of whom were to find employment either in the Lafourche country, or at New Orleans, or as servants of officers in the Union army. The Forty-first Mounted Rifles led the advance. On the flanks, the train was well guarded by infantry; while the rear was protected by infantry and the section of Nim's Battery which had been with Chickering's command at Opelousas and Barre's Landing.
A writer of the 38th Massachusetts, who accompanied General Banks during the Teche Campaign, thus refers to the expeditions of Colonel Chickering and the men who composed his force : —
"The Forty-first Massachusetts Infantry, mounted ; the Fifty-second Massachusetts Infantry, H4th, i25th and Ninetieth New York, with one company of the Thir teenth Connecticut, the Twenty-second and Twenty- sixth Maine, and a section of Nim's Massachusetts Bat tery, under the command of Colonel Thomas E. Chick ering, having seen the last steamer-load of cotton on its way by the river to Brashear City, getting the remnants on hand and loading them into three or four hundred wagons, started on the march to Berwick City.
THE TECHE CAMPAIGN. 83
The ponderous train once in motion, soon began to wind itself back along the banks of the Teche on the same road which the army of General Banks had marched a month previously."
It was deemed wise by Colonel Chickering to move down the Eastern bank of the Teche, via Lenoxville. The first day all went well ; the second day, the men, re freshed by a good night's sleep, were up before daylight, and at three o'clock the reveille was sounded, and at five the march was resumed. The men did not forget that they were in an enemy's country. Accordingly, a sharp lookout was kept for guerillas and all unfriendly citizens in towns through which the expedition passed. On the second day we went into camp for the night at 4 P.M. The third day we started at 6 A.M., at 9 passed through St. Martinsville, and at 4 P.M. halted for the night at New Iberia, on the western bank of the Teche. On the third day we left New Iberia at 6 A.M. Our march was now along the western bank of the bayou, through Franklin, Centreville, Pattersonville to Berwick Bay. On the third night we encamped within 15 miles of Franklin, the men in good spirits, and the train and property intact. On the fourth day the troops began to move at 6 A.M., and at 10 A.M. the expedition passed through the town of Franklin, the scene of Banks' recent triumph. Here the men saw the remnants of Dick Tay lor's camp. The ruins of Confederate gunboats and transports were on the river bank. Among them was the famous gunboat " Cotton." Down through Franklin to Centreville, Chickering's men passed, when he decided to encamp for the night. The men were glad of a rest, and built their camp-fires, and cooked their evening meal with merry delight. Hardly had they eaten it, however, and just as they were preparing a comfortable bed for the night, they were startled by a report that the enemy
84 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
was nearing us, and was preparing to attack our rear. Then came the news that a company of guerillas had actually fired upon our rear-guard in the vicinity of Franklin. Colonel Chickering immediately ordered Colonel Sargent to despatch reinforcements to the rear- CompanyA, Captain Hervey, Company B, Captain Noyes, with the section of Nim's Battery, were accordingly sent back to aid the rear-guard, while at the same time a horse man was despatched to Brashear City to inform the com mander of that post of our situation. The Forty-first, still armed with Springfield rifles, was dismounted, and deployed as skirmishers in an open cane-field, notfarfrom our camp, to guard against, and repel any attack the enemy might make from that quarter. The troops sent back to Franklin found no guerillas insight, but obtained some valuable and startling information. From a cap tured "individual" they learned that a force of 6000 Confederates was not far away, and the enemy was plan ning to flank Col. Chickering's command, cut off our re treat, and capture the entire expedition. This was inter esting news, and it governed the future movements of the gallant colonel. At 10 o'clock that night Colonel Chick ering ordered the troops to "fall in" and "move for ward." Colonel Morgan, of the Nineteenth New York, who commanded the rear- guard, was instructed to give battle and retreat, at the same time protect the rear of the train. A few lively skirmishes occurred with scat tered bands of the enemy, chiefly guerillas. In the meantime, Colonel Chickering had learned somewhat of the plans of his pursuers. He had been informed, from reliable sources, that the Confederate General Moulton, son of the ex-governor of Louisiana, with Brigadier- General Green, were preparing to attack the expedition and smash things generally. His plan was to engage our rear ; then, by a flank movement, attack the train, throw
THE TECHE CAMPAIGN. 85
the drivers into confusion, and make spoil of the prop erty. Colonel Chickering did not move on too quickly. The train pushed forward with surprising rapidity. The crack of the whip could be heard on the backs of the horses and mules. The negroes were terribly excited, but did nothing to retard the progress of the expedition. That night was a night long to be remembered by the men of the Forty-first. No one slept. Eyes, ears, feet and hands were in constant demand. It was nineteen miles from Franklin to Berwick Bay, the end of the route. Seventeen miles had already been covered before we left Franklin ; but the thirty-six miles were marched in twenty-four hours, and, by sunrise the next morning, Colonel Chickering and his little army entered Berwick City, amid the cheers of hundreds and the congratula tions of all who met them. Not a wagon had been lost, nor a pound of cotton nor a mule captured. Moulton and Green had been baffled. We had but one Lieuten ant killed ; a few men had been wounded, and a few made prisoners. Beyond this, Colonel Chickering's command had sustained no further loss except that of sleep. Colonel Chickering had, during this movement from Barre's Landing to Berwick, showed great tact and dex terity in eluding his pursuers, and in bringing his train in safety to the Quartermaster at Berwick Bay. He had marched no miles in five days, and had made no mis take. His services to the country on this occasion were of the most distinguished character, for which the au thorities at Washington should have made him a Brigadier.
The scene at Berwick Bay, on the morning of May 26, beggars description. The braying of mules, the notes of bugles, the sound of drums, mingled with the oaths of the drivers and the shouts of soldiers. Wagons of all kinds covered the camping grounds ; while in every
86 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
direction roamed the emancipated contraband, whose first taste of freedom he was now enjoying. As for the soldiers, they were " tired."
The men of the Forty-first Mounted Rifles were lame | They were " lame all over." One comrade says : " When I reached Berwick City I was just about ' played out.' I had been in the saddle about thirty-six hours. It was the first forced march I had ever enjoyed, and it was a good one. I did not care for another just like it. As I rubbed my sides, and tried to fix myself up for future operations, I thought of the country captain who ex horted his men before his first battle : ' Men, said he, ' we are about to give battle to the enemy. I want you all to do your duty. Fight like heroes until your am munition gives out, and then run like ' injuns ;' and as I'm a little lame, I guess I'll start now !' We had made a forced march. It was no wonder some of us were a ' little lame !'"
Chickering's soldiers wery much like the woman with six children who was endeavoring to board a street car in a great city. " Madam," said the conductor, " Are these all yours, or is this a picnic ? " Quick as lightning, the woman replied : " Yes, sir; " they are all mine, and it is no picnic." So felt the men as they left Barre's Land ing to guard this great caravan across the country to Brashear City. The things were all ours ; but taking care of all this property was no picnic.
Thus ended the Teche Campaign. It was began about April ist; it ended on May 26th, 1863. It began in hope; it ended in fruition. It began with bright antici pation; it ended in victory.
CHAPTER VI.
PORT HUDSON.
From Brashear City to New Orleans — From Algiers to Port Hudson — Springfield Landing — Plains Store — Grierson's Command — Picket Duty — The I4th of June, 1863 — Assault on Port Hudson — A raid on Springfield Landing — An Attack on the Clinton Road — "Blackberries and Bullets for Breakfast" — The "Forlorn Hope" — Order of General Banks, No. 144 — Arms and Equipments — A Promise that was Never Kept — Surrender of Port Hudson.
THE Teche Campaign had ended in a blaze of glory. The Forty-first had borne an honorable part in that movement, and were now prepared for further service on other fields. General Banks had found Port Hudson a harder place to take than he had at first supposed ; and now he needed every available regiment in the depart ment to assist him in its reduction.
Accordingly, the little army of Colonel Chickering, now flushed with victory, was ordered to proceed as quickly as possible to Port Hudson, to take part in the sanguinary scenes soon to be enacted on its hard-fought fields. Nim's Battery and the infantry soon found them selves face to face with the Confederate garrison, who were "holding the fort "with bull-dog tenacity at Port Hudson.
Thus the sojourn of the Forty-first at Brashear City was exceedingly brief ; for, on the 28th of May — just two days after our arrival, — the men were ordered to proceed
8"8 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
without delay to New Orleans, from which place they were to go up the river by steamer to Springfield Land ing, below Port Hudson. On the 2Qth, the men were ordered on board a train of cars at Brashear City, and rolled across the swampy country toward the " Crescent City." Here, in this swamp, was the place of the crane, the reptile and the grim alligator. We arrived at Algiers at midnight, and the men slept on the ground by the side of the track until morning. Three companies, who had their horses with them, prepared to march to camp ; when an order came for the regiment to embark on board the steamer " Crescent" for Springfield Landing.
We went on board at 4 P.M., and started up the river. Stopping at Baton Rouge about one hour on the 3ist, we steamed up stream and arrived at Springfield Land ing at 12 o'clock the same day.
Springfield Landing was eight miles below Port Hud son, on the same side of the river. It was Banks' base of operations. To this place the supplies for the army were brought. Much of the ammunition was unloaded at this point. Heavy siege guns and mortars were trans ported on steamers to this landing-place. Here the Forty- first landed, our Colonel reporting to General Banks for orders.
On June ist, other steamers arrived with horses for the men, and the work of disembarkation went on. At 4 o'clock on June 2nd, we were turned out, and com menced our march to Port Hudson Plains. To this place the various detachments of the regiment finally came; and Colonel Chickering found himself and his now reunited regiment quartered not far from the battle-field of " Plains Store."
Plains Store was so called from a white building that stood not far away. The under portion had been used as a country store, and was stripped of everything except the
MAJOR WM. M. GIFFORD.
MAJOR JOHN A. COMERFORD.
MAJOR EDWARD L. NOYES
MAJOR DAVID T. BUNKER.
PORT HUDSON. 89
studding and corner-posts. The upper portion had been used as a lodge-room by the Masons, and stood intact. On the outer front could be seen the " compass and square" of the Order, which had been respected by officers of rank in both of the contending armies. Not a shingle was gone ; not a clapboard had been removed ; not a pane of glass was broken; not a bit of paint had been scarred. Such is " influence."
On the 23rd of May, while Colonel Chickering and his brave boys were coming down the Teche and eluding their pursuers, General Sherman had marched from Baton Rouge to the rear of Port Hudson ; uniting with the forces of General Banks, who had come down from the Red River region above. General Grierson had made his memorable raid through the State of Missis sippi and had safely arrived at Baton Rouge. About the same time, General Auger had had a brush with the enemy at Plains Store, and had driven him back inside of his earthworks.
On the arrival of the Forty-first at Plains Store, the men gained much valuable information concerning the progress already made in the siege and reduction of the Confederate stronghold. We found the Union line was four to six miles long, and stretched from the bank of the river above to that below. General Weitzel was on the right of the Union line; next came General Grover; then General Auger ; while on the extreme left were the forces of General T. W. Sherman. Port Hudson was strongly fortified ; parapets twenty feet thick had been constructed ; ditches, fifteen feet deep and twelve feet wide, surrounded the town. These ditches ran from Ross' Landing, below, to Thompson's Creek, above. The Confederate line was four miles long; the Union line, six. In front of the enemy's earthworks, trees had been G
9O THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
felled for the space of half a mile, making the movement of troops exceedingly difficult and dangerous.
On the 27th of May, a few days before the Forty-first arrived, General Banks had ordered a general assault by his entire army upon the enemy's fortifications. Very early in the morning the men were astir, and the line of battle was formed. Some Confederate prisoners said, in after days, that the movement of Auger's division was one of the grandest sights they had ever witnessed. Weitzel's Division was the first to open fire, followed by G'rover and Auger and Sherman, until every gun was at work, and every man anxious to do his "level best." The roar of artillery was fearful, the rattle of musketry con tinuous ; and brave men fought with the desperation of demons in th^ir attempts to carry the works by storm. It was a grand assault ; but it failed ! The enemy's posi tion was too strong to be carried by storm. In the attempt many brave men were killed and wounded. General Sherman was struck in the leg. General Neal Dow was also wounded ; while Lieutenant-Colonel Rod man, of the Thirty-eighth Massachusetts ; Colonel Clark, of Michigan, and Colonel Cowles, of New York, were killed. Banks' loss was nearly 2000 men, of whom 293 were killed.
Soon after the arrival of the Forty-first at Plain's Store, General Banks planned another assault on the Confederate stronghold. In this engagement the regiment was to have an humble part. An order was issued for a simultaneous attack on Sunday morning, June I4th. At two o'clock that morning the men were roused from their slumbers and ordered into line. At daylight we were well up toward the line of battle. Soon the terrific cannonading commenced. Gun answered gun. The fleet joined in the attack, and Farragut's shells could be seen bursting over the buildings and batteries of the
PORT HUDSON. 9 1
enemy. The roar of artillery went on for two hours. Then came the sharp rattle of musketry, followed by the charge of the regiments and divisions of the Nineteenth Corps.
Many New England men were on this " far-flung battle- line." There was the Third Brigade, commanded by Colonel Gooding, -in which were no less than three Mas sachusetts regiments, viz., the Thirty-first, Thirty-eighth and Fifty-third. Then came the Second Brigade, com manded by Colonel Hawkes Fearing, of Hingham ; fol lowed by the First Brigade, where were men of the Fourth Massachusetts, and Nim's Battery not far away. These troops were all in Grover's Division, and "fought like brave men, long and well."
On that fatal morning, while the men of the Forty- first were getting into line, Grover's Division was forming on the Clinton road. At four o'clock they moved up, and were ready to " go in." General Paine, of Wisconsin, led. The men advanced eagerly to the fray. A terrible fire was poured into their ranks as they moved on. Vol ley after volley came from the Confederate earthworks. The carnage was fearful. General Paine fell, and was left on the field. Our dauntless men pushed on across the field of death until they reached the enemy's breast works; but to no purpose. "It was impossible," says one who witnessed this charge, " for men to show more reckless disregard of death." Five regiments got within a few rods of the enemy's works. Some of the skirmish ers actually got inside.
Port Hudson had again refused to be taken by a gene ral assault. The odds were against us. The big trees felled across the pathway of the troops, the big guns of the enemy, belching forth death and destruction at every flash ; the fearful fire of the riflemen, safely entrenched behind formidable earthworks, made it impossible for
92 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
Banks to win; so, late in the afternoon, the Nineteenth Army Corps was ordered to retire.
The men of the Forty-first, being cavalry, could not be used very effectively in this charge. The most they could do was to remain in line supporting a battery, and ready, at a moment's notice, to repel any attack that might be made during the day from the rear. Our losses had been heavy. General Paine was shot below the knee. Captain Charles H. Taylor, now proprietor of the Boston "Globe," was wounded on that eventful Sunday. While many other brave man, unknown to fame, fell to rise no more.
" On fame's eternal camping ground, Their silent tents are spread ; And glory guards, with solemn sound, The bivouac of the dead."
Such is the brief record of the second attempt to storm the enemy's citadel at Port Hudson on that san guinary i4th of June, 1863. Why General Banks chose this particular day of the week, the author has never learned ; but so it was, that, while the sound of the church-going bell was being heard on many a New Eng land hillside and in many a city and town, the men who had been reared in these same cities and towns, and who had come from these very hillsides, were baring their breasts to one of the most furious storms that ever burst upon devoted heroes' heads. And while the minis ters of religion throughout the land were offering up fer vent petitions to the " God of Battles " for the success of the Union arms and the quick return of peace; the sons of New England, from workshop, farm, and school, were battling against tremendous odds that victory might come ; and that the blessing of an honorable peace, so much desired, might dawn over all the land.
When the Forty-first arrived at Plains Store they were
94 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
placed under the immediate command of General Grier- son, whose fame as a cavalry leader was being heralded throughout the country. The chief duties of Grier- son's command at Port Hudson was, guarding the roads leading out into enemy's country, protecting wagon trains, and scouting. This service was arduous, and attended with great peril. The men were in a hos tile country. A strong force of Confederate cavalry was in their rear. Numerous raids and dashes were a part of the enemy's tactics. On one of these incursions they had captured and carried off Brigadier-General Neal Dow, of Maine, as he lay wounded in a house just inside the Union lines. On another occasion the enemy's cav alry dashed into Springfield Landing. It was the great est surprise party that visited the army during its opera tions at Port Hudson. So sudden was their coming that everybody was taken unawares. Negroes at the Landing fled for their lives to the woods. Captains of river transports hid themselves between decks. The small guard present, overcome by fear, could do nothing to repel the invaders : while everybody seemed to feel like a certain man, who was present during a railroad acci dent. " It was very dangerous. I wished I was some where else. There are times," he added, " when absence of body is better than presence of mind."
Our regiment was sent down to the rescue. By a forced march, the men hurried to the scene of danger. Everyone expected serious results. On their arrival, the enemy had gone ! We looked for him, and he was not ; we searched for him, but he could not be found.
On the morning of June isth, another raid occurred at a place called Newport. Lieutenant Hodges, with Company C, had, the day before, reported to the com mander of the Fourteenth New York Cavalry, who were guarding the road at that point. He told Lieutenant
PORT HUDSON. 95
Hodges to make himself and his men as comfortable as possible for the night, and to hold himself in readiness in case of an attack. The attack did not come that night, but was deferred until very early in the morning.
The writer well remembers how it began. From down the road there came the sound of a rifle ; then another ; then several ; then that ominous yell. The pickets were either captured or driven in. The Confederates came up the road on the galop. Their intention, evidently, was to " rush " the reserves. Some of the men were get ting breakfast ; others were picking berries in the bushes not far away. Lieutenant Hodges quickly did what he could to " prepare for company." He ordered the men to tighten the girths of their saddles, mount, and be " ready for action." The Lieutenant was no doubt sur prised at the rapidity of the enemy's movements. The New Yorkers were more surprised than was the Lieuten ant. As.they were nearer the outposts, the Confederates came up with them first. Some of them escaped; but their Major was captured, and three companies were made prisoners. Lieutenant Hodges was somewhat em barrassed on finding himself suddenly confronted by a Confederate officer, who demanded his surrender. With an oath and other uncomplimentary words, he called upon him to allow himself and his men to be taken. No sooner had he said this, and not waiting to hear the Lieu tenant say whether he would or wouldn't, he aimed his revolver at the Lieutenant's head, and fired. The writer expected to see Hodges fall to rise no more; but the bul let missed its mark and passed between us into the bushes behind. Had there been no brush fence between the Lieutenant and the Confederates there might have been more serious results. Lieut. Hodges thought it about time to "get out." Turning his face to the right and rear, he ordered a retreat, and started down the road
96 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
toward Port Hudson. The men followed, as a natural consequence. There was not the slightest hesitancy on the part of any. Down the road went Company C at a rapid gait. The enemy followed, firing and yelling.
It was an exciting chase. The flying bullets naturally accelerated the movements of the men of Company C. The chase was kept up for about two miles, then aban doned. We lost one man. Private Dane was slow of movement. He was probably killed, as we heard no more from him after the retreat.
Lieutenant Hodges was soon reinforced by Colonel Sargent, who came out with the whole regiment to repel the invader. He. marched to the scene of the morning's exploit, but could find no Confederates. They were as scarce as orange blossoms in the arctic regions, or hum ming birds in winter on the coast of Labrador.
Lieutenant Hodges was greatly mortified over the re sult at Newport. He soon after resigned, and left for his home in Roxbury. Whether his experience with the enemy in that exciting chase had anything to do with his retirement from the regiment the writer never learned. He was a good officer, rendered good service afterward in the Fourth Cavalry, and was finally killed in Northern Virginia before the war closed. Lieutenant Hodges had been in command of Company C for many months. Be fore the commencement of the Teche Campaign, and during it, he led the company in every movement. Cap tain Swift having been detached at Baton Rouge to serve on General Grover's staff, Lieutenant Hodges took on himself the duties of captain, and discharged them well.
Many years after the close of the war there appeared the following story in a Western newspaper. It was written evidently by a member of Company C, Third
COLONEL CHICKER1NG AS COLONEL OF CAVALRY.
PORT HUDSON. 97
Mass. Cavalry, who participated in that melee at New port, on the morning of June isth, 1863 :—
BLACKBERRIES AND BULLETS FOR BREAKFAST.
During the spring and summer of 1863, the Nineteenth Army Corps, under General Banks, was engaged in the reduction of Port Hudson, on the Mississippi river.
Several futile attempts had been made to carry the works by storm ; but at length the army had settled down to the real earnest experiences of a siege.
The cavalry to which I chanced to belong were engaged in guarding the roads leading out into the enemy's country.
One morning, not many days before the surrender, an experience came to my company which no one probably, who was present, will ever forget.
It was the time for blackberries, many of which were ripe in the immediate vicinity. The boys had made up their minds the night before to have a few for breakfast. Rising early in the gray dawn of the morning, many of them were busily engaged in filling their cups with the delicious fruit.
Suddenly the crack of a rifle broke on the air. Then came another, then a third, and we knew that the outpost had been attacked. Soon we heard the rebel yell and the clattering of hoofs.
It did not take long for us to hurry back to our horses, tighten our girths and mount. But no sooner had we done this than the enemy were upon us. They dashed up the road at a furious rate, swinging their sabres and demanding our surrender.
On the opposite side of the road was a company of New York cavalry. Every man was taken so completely
9& THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
by surprise that the enemy found them an easy prey. They surrendered without firing a shot.
Our turn came next. Riding toward us, and address ing our captain, was a fierce-looking fellow, evidently their leader, who, in not very complimentary terms, de manded our surrender. At the same time he raised his revolver and fired. The bullet passed dangerously near the head of our commander. A thick brush fence prevented the enemy from dashing down upon us at once, and gave us a little time to gather ourselves together and retreat. This we began to do without much hesitation.
It soon became evident that the faster we travelled the better it would be for us. So we just let our horses out. Bullets were flying about very carelessly. I chanced that day to be on the back of a Texas pony. He could go like the wind, and I just let him go. Our commander was upon a long-legged pacer ; he was the most homely looking horse in the regiment. In an emergency, how ever, he could travel. So we went on, and the rebels after us; we tore down the road at a furious rate; the dust flew ; our hair flew ; our scabbards flew ; and we flew just as fast as we knew how, until we had gone a mile or so, when we were met by reinforcements, and the enemy gave up the chase.
Blackberries and bullets were all we had for breakfast that day. When the exciting scene was over we found one man missing. Nothing has even been seen or heard of him from that day to this. He probably sleeps in an unknown grave.
Although the Forty-first Regiment had now been serv ing for some time as cavalry, and as such had been armed with sabres, carbines and revolvers; and while they had demonstrated many times that they knew how to use these new weapons ; nevertheless the formal order, an-
PORT HUDSON. 99
nouncing the change from infantry to cavalry did not appear until June lyth, 1863. On that day, however, to the great gratification of all concerned, the following Order was promulgated :—
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS,
NEW ORLEANS, June 17, 1863.
(Before Port Hudson.)
Special Order No. 145.
6. The Forty First Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, Col. Tho nis E. Chickering, is converted into a regiment of cavalry, and is to have the organization, uniform, and equipment prescribed by laws and regulations for troops of that arm.
The three unattached companies of Mass. Cavalry, viz., Com pany A, Captain Magee ; Company B, Captain Reed ; and Com pany C, Captain Cowen, are attached to and will form part of the Third Massachusetts Cavalry. The details of this arrangement will be promulgated in future orders. This order is to be subject to the approval of the President of the United States.
By command of
MAJOR-GENERAL -BANKS,
(Signed) RICHARD B. IRWIN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
The order of General Banks was approved by the au thorities at Washington by Special Orders, No. 325. War Department, dated July 22nd, 1863. Such was the turning-point in the history of the regiment, and such the transformation that came to it in the field before the batteries of Port Hudson in June, 1863.
General Banks was getting anxious to bring the Port Hudson Campaign to a successful close. He had made two attempts, and had failed • bat, nothing daunted, he was soon planning a third. On June i8th, the very next day after the promulgation of the Order referred to, there
100
THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
came another, calling" for one thousand volunteers to storm the earthworks of the enemy.
There were cogent reasons why the Commanding General was anxious to take the place at once. Dick Taylor was making trouble in the western part of the State. Coming down the Teche, he had captured Brashear City, at which place the regiment had stored its knapsacks, and we saw them no more for ever. Follow-
TJIE DEFENSES OF POET HUDSON. C indicates location ot camp of Third Cavalry.
ing up his success, he had marched up through the u Eden of Louisiana," along the Plaquemine, and had threatened Donaldsonville ; and even New Orleans. General Emery, commanding at the latter place, had sent word to Banks that he (Emery) must have reinforce ments, or the city would be captured. On June 26th, Captain Bunker, of the Third Cavalry, had come up from Baton Rouge, with a dispatch to General Banks to the
PORT HUDSON. IOI
effect that the enemy was threatening that city also. Dick Taylor did appear below the city, on the opposite shore, and annoyed passing steamers by the fire of his guns.
General Banks, however, had no intention of giving up the fight. If the situation outside was serious for Banks, it was more serious still for Gardner inside. Banks reasoned that he (Gardner) could not hold out much longer. We now know that he was right. His ammuni- nition was almost gone. His men were on the verge of starvation. His corn mill had been burned by a shell.
GEN. FRANK K. GARDNER, C. S. A. Confederate Commander at Port Hudson.
Two thousand bushels of corn had been destroyed. No beef was left. Mules were killed and eaten, in order to keep the garrison from starving. It is said that rats were eaten also. Only fifteen serviceable guns remained in the earthworks. So accurate had been the fire of the Union gunners that most of Gardner's heavy ordnance had been disabled. The sappers and miners of the North were nearing the works of the enemy ; General Dwight had a mine ready on the left, charged with thirty barrels of powder. Its explosion would have destroyed
IO2 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
the enemy's citadel in a moment. Banks was now plan ning desperate things. One thousand men, volunteers, were to be organized as a "forlorn hope." They were to be commanded by Colonel Birge, of Connecticut. Drilled in a camp by themselves, they were, on a certain day, at a given signal, to charge the enemy; while the blowing up of the citadel was to be the given signal for the advance.
The thousand men came forward. Never did men respond more cheerfully or heroically. Many came from
BANKS' HEADQUARTERS AT PORT HUDSON.
the ranks of the Third Massachusetts Cavalry. Among them were many officers and non-commissioned officers of the various companies.
In the Report of the Adjutant-General of Massachu setts for 1863, occur these significant words: 'The record of this regiment from this time (June 17) to September, 1863, is incomplete."
The reason is apparent. Many of the officers were away from the regiment in the camp of the Forlorn Hope, with Birge. With them were some of the ser geants and other non-commissioned officers. Here they
PORT HUDSON. 1 03
remained until after July 8th, when many of the non- cjmmissioned officers were commissioned and sent to other regiments and other fields of action. Thus it was that the regimental life was somewhat disturbed and b roken up.
The action of this one thousand men at this critical period is one of the most heroic incidents of the Civil War. It seems to stand alone. Nothing like it occurred before; nor was it ever repeated.
General Banks promised the men not only the grati tude of the nation, but commissions and promotions, and gold medals when the war was over. The former came 5 the gold medals have not yet arrived.
When that awful chasm was opened in the Roman Forum, it was told the people that nothing could close it but the sacrifice of that most costly and most valuable to the Roman people. Marcus Curtius was the noblest Roman of them all. Seated on his milk-white charger, he appeared among his countrymen, voluntered to make the needed sacrifice, and, riding forward and into the awful gulf, disappeared from view, and the chasm closed. At Port Hudson, an awful chasm lay between the army and victory. Nothing could close it but the sacrifice of the bravest and best men of the command. The men of the Forlorn Hope were the Marcus Curtii of the Nineteenth Corps. Cheerfully they offered themselves as a willing sacrifice on the a!tar of the country, and the offer was ac cepted. A grateful nation will not soon forget their deeds.
On the 6th of July startling news reached the camp of the Third Cavalry. "Vicksburg has surrendered! Grant has captured Pemberton and his whole army!" A wild scene ensued. Men shouted ; officers looked pleased, and guns roared. A tremendous salute from the gun boats could be heard for many miles. Gardner heard it,
IO4 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
and wondered what it was all about. That salute was the death-knell of his hope. The good news was shouted across the lines. The pickets carried it to the Confeder ate officers, and they in turn communicated the tidings to the Confederate General Gardner. General Gardner called a council of war. Surrender was advised. On the yth of July Gardner asked Banks to give him some assurance that the news was true. Banks re plied by sending the original dispatch he had received from General Grant, and Gardner was convinced. Gard ner asked next for a cessation of hostilities ; but was re fused. Then he requested a conference, and Banks com plied. On July 8th, Port Hudson surrendered ; and, on the morning of the gth, Banks took formal possession of the place.
CHAPTER VII.
PORT HUDSON — CONTINUED.
The Summer of '63 — A Trio of Triumphs— A Year of Service — The Third Cavalry in Garrison — Repairing the Telegraph — Capture of Lieutenant Gove — Death of Private Bosworth — Foraging in the Fall of '63 — Our New Companies — Our New Officers — Promotions — Port Hudson after the Surrender — March ing Orders.
THE summer of 1863 was a period of victories for the Army of the Union. Port Hudson was one of a great trio of triumphs that came that year. While Banks had b^en pounding- away at Port Hudson, and Grant at Vicksburg, General Lee had been marching a powerful Confederate force into Pennsylvania. Encouraged by his victory at Chancellorsville, on May 3rd of that yearv he had conceived the idea of carrying the war into the enemy's country and had advanced dangerously near to Harrisburg, and even Philadelphia. General Meade had succeeded Hooker in command of the Army of the Potomac ; and at Gettysburg the two armies had met in desperate combat.
After a three days' battle with great loss on both sides Lee had been defeated, and Cemetery Hill, and Little Round Top had passed into history by the side of Bun ker Hill and Yorktown. These three great victories not only occasioned great rejoicing throughout the North, but also led the nation to hope that the beginning of the H
PORT HUDSON. IO7
end was near. In this hope the men of the Third Cavalry shared. One year before, saw the beginnings of the regimental life; this year witnessed the beginning of the regimental glory.
On the morning of July Qth the Nineteenth Army Corps took possession of the Confederate works. The column entered by the Jackson Road.
At its head rode Andrews and his staff. Next came Birge at the head of his "Forlorn Hope." Then came Weitzel, and a portion of Grover's and Dwight's divisions. The formal surrender was now witnessed. Gardner's men stood in line. The right was near the railroad station, the left near the village. Gardner gave the order "Ground arms!" the bugler blew, — every Con federate bowed his head and laid down his arms.
Gardner tendered his sword to Andrews, who declined to take it. The stars and bars were hauled down, and the stars and stripes floated in their place,while Duryea's Battery fired a salute. The garrison filed off as pris oners of war, and the formal ceremonies of the surrender were over.
The Third Cavalry now looked back with pride on the year's service.
One year before, they had been presented banners by the State ; this year, they could write upon those banners the names of battle-fields on which Massachusetts sol diers had shed lustre on Massachusetts fame.
The surrendered garrison at Port Hudson must now be cared for, and to the Third Cavalry General Banks now looked for help. Colonel Chickering, of the Third Cavalry, was appointed by General Banks Provost Mar shal of Port Hudson, and at once entered upon the du ties of his new position.
The Confederate garrison of Port Hudson, which had now surrendered, was paroled. This, and the relief of
PORT HUDSON. IOQ
the sick and wounded was the first duty performed by Colonel Chickering. The number paroled was about six thousand. Five hundred sick and wounded Confederates were found by Colonel Chickering in the hospitals. The Colonel's treatment of these unfortunate men was most humane. Food was furnished them, and kind nurses ministered to their wants. The men of the North were not only as "brave as a lion;" they could also be as " gentle as a lamb."
On the 1 5th of July, Companies B and C were per mitted to visit the inside of the fortifications. The men looked about with great interest. Scenes of desolation and ruin were on every hand. Dead horses and mules remained unburied or only partially covered. Broken bits of shell were seen scattered over the ground. Great guns disabled, and gun carriages broken, were found at every angle of the fort ; while the buildings were torn by shot and shell ; with many in ruins. In the hospitals were poor, emaciated soldiers, sadly needing the comforts of home and the blessings of. peace. Gardner's men had put up a stubborn fight, and had suffered heavily. Five hundred men had been sacrificed during the forty-five days of the siege. Little ammunition was found ; but many rifles. They lay in huge piles like those of cord- wood. They were well worn and rusty. About five thousand small arms were thus seen by the men; while the artillery numbered about fifty-one pieces.
The Third Cavalry now had a variety of experiences. On the 25th of July the regiment was ordered to move its camp from Baton Rouge road, at Plains Store, to a place half a mile farther north.
On the 25th, the men went on a scouting expedition toward Clinton, and returned with one prisoner.
On the 3Oth, the regiment was paid off. This was almost as great a surprise as the Surrender, and occa-
IIO THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
sioned almost as much joy. For six months the men had been waiting for the arrival of this glad day. Many of them had been u dead broke " for a long time. At Opelousas some of them had tried to buy a little tobacco with a great deal of Confederate money. The dealer, who was a Jew, refused the money. This angered Uncle Sam's soldiers, and they immediately proceeded to con fiscate the whole lot. While they were having a merry time, helping themselves, and while the Jew was running about in great distress of mind, suddenly the " provo guard " appeared on the scene, and rescued the poor dealer from impending financial ruin.
On August 3rd, a part of the regiment went on a scout. Lieutenant Gove and Lieutenant Stone were in com mand. Proceeding in the direction of Jackson, they were attacked by a large force of Confederates, who were on the march from Liberty to Jackson. Four killed and ten missing, was the result of this encounter with the enemy.
On August loth, two of Company H's men were taken prisoners while foraging outside the pickets.
As the regiment was now cavalry, there came a change in the number of its field officers. A regular regiment of cavalry was entitled to two lieutenant-colonels, instead of one, as in the infantry. It was also entitled to three majors, instead of one, as formerly.
The first promotions came from the unattached com panies now united with the regiment.
Captain James McGee was made a Major on June lyth, 1863, at the time of the promulgation of General Banks' order. On the same day Captain Jonathan E. Cowen was promoted to be the 3d Major.
Major Cowen was discharged for promotion on Au gust 1 2th and Captain S. Tyler Reed was commissioned
PORT HUDSON.
II I
Major in his place. Thus on August i3th the regi ment had for its three majors, Vinal, McGee and Reed. On the 24th of August the Third Cavalry was or dered inside the fortification. Henceforth we were to garrison the place in company with other troops. Gen eral Andrews was now our new Commander, Grierson
GEN. ANDREWS' HEADQUARTERS AT PORT HUDSON. 1863.
Camp of Third Mass. Cav. in the rear.
having departed. His headquarters as Post Commander were quite near the camp of the Third Cavalry.
Not long after the regiment took up its quarters inside the fort, a very amusing incident occurred. As the boys had money in their pockets it was their custom to buy hot biscuits of the negro women who had been left behind after the parole of the Confederate troops. These colored women were good breadmakers, and did
112 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
a thriving business with the soldiers. It was the custom to bake the bread in iron bakers over a fire built on the ground. Sometimes they used stones for backlogs and supports, and at other times bits of broken shell. On one of these interesting occasions an old colored woman had placed a long conical shell for her backlog. Now the dear old soul never suspected that that particular shell had never exploded. She built her fire and went on with the making of her biscuit. She had placed them in the pan, and had placed the pan on the fire, which was now getting pretty hot. Suddenly there was a movement among the live coals ; and the movement was upward. Backlog, pan, biscuit, and fire went up in confusion, and when they came down they were many rods apart. The old lady was panic-stricken. The wonder is that she wasn't killed.
There is a story told by the Vicksburg comrades, of an old negro who was blown "free" miles into the air, but came down in time to witness the surrender of Pemberton to Grant. His picture afterward was pub lished in Harper's Weekly as one of the survivors of the siege.
About this time Colonel Chickering obtained leave of absence, leaving the command of the regiment to Col onel Sargent. Colonel Chickering did not return to the regiment again, and Colonel Sargent was henceforth its leader until near the close of the war.
Among the important duties which devolved upon the Third Cavalry at Port Hudson after the surrender was that of keeping open telegraphic communication with Baton Rouge. Frequent successful attempts were made by the enemy to cut the wires during the fall of 1863, and the men of this regiment were often sent down the road to find and repair the " break."
Sometimes they saw the enemy and a skirmish ensued.
££ X O
o '^--
< £ £ u 2 2
PORT HUDSON. 113
At times the enemy would "cut and run," as the men would say; at other times more serious things would hap pen, as the following will show. On September 4th, Major Vinal went out with a battalion to find and fix a break. Signs of the enemy were noticed,. but no fight occurred. Coming back over the " plank road," two prisoners were captured and brought in. On October ;th, Lieutenant Twitchell, now commanding Company C, was attacked by a company of Confederate scouts. Twitchell gave chase, and they " skedaddled " into the woods beyond, and were seen no more that day. Colonel Sargent decided, about this tim?, to give the enemy some of their own medicine. Ambush business with them was quite brisk. The Third Cavalry would now play a little at the same game. A company of men was, therefore, ordered to lay in am bush all night, if need be, until some of the enemy went by. Had the Confederates appeared, serious results would have followed. This was on Oct. roth; but on Nov. Qth a serious ambush occurred on the Baton Rouge road. A detachment under Captain Noyes had been sent down the road to repair the wire ; when returning leisurely along the road, they were suddenly fired upon by two hundred of the enemy hid in the bushes, not faraway. Lieut. Gove, who commanded the advance guard, was wounded and made prisoner. Private Bos worth, Co. C, fell to rise no more. Riding near him was his uncle,* who lost his life. One horse was killed, six men were wounded, and four others taken prisoners. " The bullets flew thickly," .says Comrade Littlefield, who was in the fight. " I ran for about three miles, with the bullets whistling after me. I came near being captured." Lieutenant Gove was taken by the enemy to Jackson, while Lieutenant Muzzey had a narrow escape. Two of the wounded men died in the night, the rest were brought in and cared for in the regi mental hospital.
* The unc le's name was Nye. — ED.
114 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
The next day we buried the men, and on the following day a party with a flag of truce went up to Jackson to carry clothing and other comforts to Lieutenant Gove. He had been slightly wounded in the shoulder.*
Comrade Maxfield was with the squad that was fired into. The point was near Mill's plantation, the same place that Colonel Neal Dow was captured previously.* Maxfield, who was on picket the next day near the spot, found Gove's horse grazing in the woods nearby, and brought it into camp. The second day after Gove's cap ture, a squad went up to Jackson with a flag of truce. Maxfield was with them. They brought Gove down to the picket line in a plantation carriage, attended by two lady nurses from Jackson. They took him to Mississippi, to a plantation owned by Scott, the rebel, until he was convalescent, and then to Salisbury. He escaped from prison there and was gone four or five days, when he was recaptured and taken from a negro's hut. He was then transferred to Columbia. He rejoined the regiment at Fall Church, Va., in May, 1865.
Another duty, which came to the regiment during the fall of 1863, was that of providing fodder for the horses. Numerous foraging expeditions were organized. Some times detachments of the regiment went out under some captain or lieutenant, while on other days the whole regi ment was engaged in scouring the country for corn.
On some of these excursions important captures were made. Perhaps some officer of the Confederate army was home on furlough. If the men of the Third Cavalry found him, and he failed to get away, his furlough was cut short, and he was obliged to come with the men back to camp. On one occasion a Confederate surgeon was captured. One day, a party of thirty caught an officer
* Lieut. Gove was subsequently imprisoned at Columbia, S. C., and w as liberated by exchange, near the close of the war. — [Eo.
PORT HUDSON. 115
with despatches. He was bound for Texas, via the Mis sissippi River, with important papers for Dick Taylor and Kirby Smith.
On December 2ist; the Third Cavalry went on its last foraging expedition into the regions beyond. It had only a short time before penetrated to within four miles of Jackson, driven in the enemy's pickets, capturing a few, and bringing a large supply of corn to camp. On the 2ist of December we had gone out about twelve miles from Port Hudson, and had found some very fine "fod der " for our horses. The wagons had been loaded and were returning to camp, when the wagon-train mired in the mud, and the expedition was delayed. Strong hands and many them came to the assistance of the mules ; and mules and men, cheered by the officers, pulled out the wheels, and we brought the heavily loaded wagons at a late hour to camp in safety.
Foraging became a necessity at Port Hudson. Our horses demanded corn. We were obliged to go out in the country, and help ourselves. Foraging on one's private account was sometimes attended by disagreeable experiences. General D wight was particularly hard on anyone who confiscated property from the enemy. One of the bravest and best officers of the regiment was placed under arrest by Dwight during the Teche Cam paign because, forsooth, when he returned from the de struction of the Salt Works, near New Iberia, he saw a goose hanging from the pommel of the lieutenant's saddle. The writer remembers well that, during that same weary march from Brashear City to Opelousas, he was sharply reprimanded by the same officer, because, in an unguarded moment, he had allowed the General to see him making off with another goose, which he was to use in satisfying the gnawings of hunger. Military dis cipline is a good thing, and rules and regulations are
u6
THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
doubtless necessary for the government of large bodies of men in the field ; but there are times when hungry sol diers recognize a higher law ; viz., the law of self-preser vation. "All that a man hath will he give for his life," and all that another man hath will he take, in order that he may not lose it. This is the doctrine that sometimes prevails in war.
POST GUARD HOUSE, PORT HUDSON.
A Thanksgiving celebration was enjoyed by the regi ment on November 26th. Some of the men had extra rations ; one company (E) going so far as to eat plum pudding. This was not known by the other companies until some time after the pudding had been devoured. There were good and sufficient reasons why the presence of such valuable property might not be known generally. The less said about it, the more the Company E owners
PORT HUDSON. IIJ
would get of it. The regiment indulged in various kinds of sports. There was a greased pole, a pig race, and a foot race. Men skilled in these arts won great ap plause and some fame. Bugler Rymill of Company E was the hero of the day. He won two bag races and ten dollars. So difficult were the operations demanded of the men, that everyone said that Comrade Rymill earned his money.
Another pleasant memory of Port Hudson days was the presentation of a silver bugle by Company C to the writer, who had been detailed to act as bugler. In a few well-chosen words First Sergeant Nathan G. Smith called private James K. Ewer to the front at company roll call, and presented him with a beautiful silver bugle which had been purchased with money contributed for that purpose. That bugle was prized most highly by the re cipient, but was unfortunately lost during the disastrous Red River Campaign.
The life of the regiment during that fall at Port Hud son, 1863, was arduous in the extreme. The men earned their wages. They were up early and late, made long days, but did not complain.
In the Adjutant-General's report for 1863 we read: " The men were kept almost constantly in the saddle. Forage had to be obtained by sending out wagons eight or ten miles into the enemy's country, or the horses would have died of starvation." " No man in the com mand unless physically disabled has been off duty more than one clay at a time during these four months."
It was an honorable record, reflectingcredit upon them selves as well as upon the State that had sent them out. Important service was rendered by many of the officers, during the stay of the regiment at Port Hudson. In scouting, in foraging, and on special service, they bore their part well. Captain Bunker at one time was in
I i THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY
command of a battalion at Baton Rouge, and obtained a good report by his fidelity.
The negroes in Louisiana were as a class very friendly to the Union Army. Sometimes, however, they would " take things," and in several instances were caught steal ing the weapons of the men. On such occasions they were punished summarily. It has been reported to the writer that one such thief was actually whipped to death by order of a Union officer, a seventy that was not en dorsed by the men of the Third Cavalry.
Many of these " Freedmen " became faithful and trusted servants of the officers, loyal and true in the dis charge of their duties. Many more were made company cooks; thus relieving the white men who had been de tailed from the various companies for that service. Quite a number enlisted to serve as cooks.
These negroes, according to their own testimony, sometimes attained a good old age. " Pompey," said one of our men to an old negro at Baton Rouge, " Have you been around here long?" "Ever since I was born." How long ago were you born ? " " Well, " said Pompey, " I reckon its nigh onto 114 years dat I'm here in these parts." That settled it.
While the Third Cavalry were at Port Hudson, Col onel Vinal was injured by an accident. The regiment was making ready for inspection. Vinal was showing the members of Company A the movements for the in spection of pistols. In returning one to its case, the ham mer caught on the edge of the case, and the pistol was discharged. The bullet passed through his pocket knife, and through his thigh near his body. He was removed to his tent, and the surgeon dressed his wound. He was sent home to recruit his health, and also to enlist men for the regiment.
Seven months had now been spent by the regiment at
PORT HUDSON. IIQ
Port Hudson. The men had seen hard service. The summer had been exceedingly hot, and the winter exceed ingly cold. Ice had made during the December days, an unusual thing in Louisiana. Thanksgiving had come and gone, and so had Christmas. Occasionally a mail from the North had cheered them, and once in a while a box. The men were tired of garrison duty, and wished for a change The change came sooner than they anticipated.
With the beginning of the New Year came the Illinois Cavalry, who had been sent to relieve the regiment.
On the 8th, seven companies left for New Orleans, and on the 15th five companies more, under Captain Noyes, departed. The rest soon followed. " Boots and Saddles " was sounded, the men mounted their horses, marched down to the river front, said "good bye," to those behind, and their days at Port Hudson were numbered.
CHAPTER VIII.
LIFE IN A COTTON PRESS.
On a Kiver Transport — The " Laurel Hill " — The " Empire Parish " — Memories of Port Hudson — The Father of Waters — Arrival at New Orleans — A Cotton Press for Barracks — A Day's Duty — Doing the City — Statue of Andrew Jackson— Battlefield of Chalmette — The Marine Hospital — Inauguration of a Governor — The Officers' Wives — Review at Carrollton — General Grant at New Orleans — Beginning of Red River Campaign — Our New Battle-Flag — Our Commanders — -'Crossing the Mississippi — On the March.
THE transport service on the Mississippi was an in teresting feature of army life. Great side-wheel steam boats with tall double smoke-stacks carried the troops ofttimes by water from place to place. Among the river boats the most frequently seen were the " Empire Parish," "Laurel Hill," "St. Maurice," "Rob Roy" and "Iberville."
Then there was the "R. C. Wood," which was used as a hospital boat. These boats had a continuous low pres sure escape, and this with their whistle differentiated them from any steamers the men had ever seen. Their whistle was something remarkable. Captain Swift once said that he noticed that when they " blew their whistle they stopped going." They whistled so long and so loud that they hadn't steam enough to make the whistle and paddle wheels go at the same time. These boats were welcome guests at Port Hudson. Sometimes they brought hay for the horses, food for the men, and ammu nition for the guns; while they frequently gladdened the hearts of all by bringing a large and longed for mail from the North.
IN A COTTON PRESS. 121
Five times the men of the Third Cavalry had passed over the bosom of the " Father of Waters." One of their number, an officer, had been drowned in its yellow flood.* They had filled their canteens from its turbid tide, and for many months had camped on its wooded banks. Every armed fort, which in former days had ob structed commerce, had disappeared before the victor ious arms of the North, and the majestic river on whose bosom they were now borne, flowed at length " unvexed to the sea."
The boat on which the battalion left Port Hudson was the "Laurel Hill," often seen by the men during their service in Louisiana. It was midnight when we started on our trip, and at daylight the men found themselves opposite Plaquemine on the west bank of the river. The " Laurel Hill " steamed along down the river, which in some places is exceedingly crooked, and about dark we arrived at New Orleans and disembarked.
The men were glad to find themselves once more in the Crescent City, where they were to have a season of rest and recuperation. At Port Hudson they had lived on short rations, and their duties had been severe. On account of the climate, and from overwork and improper diet, much sickness had prevailed, and the physical condi tion of the regiment was not the best. It was, therefore, perfectly natural that when the " Laurel Hill" landed the men at New Orleans there was great gratification ex pressed on every hand.
The regiment found quarters at New Orleans in a large cotton press, located in the southern part of the city, not far from the river front. Here the men were to be housed, fed and clothed, and here their horses were to be cared for, until prepared for stirring scenes in another part of the State. These cotton presses had been the
* Captain Henry Damage—- [Eu, I
122
THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
scene ot great activity before the war. From the rich cot. ton fields of Louisiana and Texas, large amounts of cot ton had come annually to New Orleans. Here it was pressed and shipped in ocean vessels to the ports of Great Britain and New England. During the war many of these presses were empty, and were used by the government for
CHALMETTE MONUMENT. — BATTLEFIELD OF NEW ORLEANS.
various purposes. The lower part of the cotton press was used for the horses, while the men occupied quarters overhead. It can be said with truthfulness that these quarters were more comfortable for the men than the cloth-tents on the heights of Port Hudson. The food was also better, and this, together with a change of' scene, began to show itself in a changed physical condition of the men.
IN A COTTON PRESS.
123
As soon as the regiment had settled down in its new home, opportunity was given the men to "do" the town, an opportunity the men were quick to seize. Among the places of interest visited was the battlefield of "Chalmette, " just below the city. On this field Gen eral Jackson defeated the English at the close of the war of 1812.
STATUE OF GENERAL JACKSON.
A tall shaft commemorates the victory, and stands not far from the National Cemetery, where many of the Third Cavalry lie buried. Another interesting object seen by the men was the equestrian statue of Jackson, located in Jackson Square, in the heart of the city. The face of the old hero was somewhat colored by age, and one of Grierson's soldiers hardly recognized the features of " Old Hickory," at first.
Colonel Anderson* tells of a rather amusing incident
Kev. Ed, Anderson commanded an Illinois regiment of Cavalry under Grierson,
124 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
that occurred as two Irishmen of his command were walking up Canal street.
" Mike," said Pat, " what nagur is that ?" pointing in the direction of the statue. " That's not a nagur," saidMike; "that's Jackson." " What, the great Andrew Jackson ? " said Pat, getting interested. "Yes," said Mike, "the great Andrew."
" And me with my hat on ! " said the other, uncovering before the figure of the man he so much admired.
He was evidently in the same dilemma as an old lady' who once came down from her country home to the city, and saw for the first time a statue of Daniel Webster. Time had made the bronze nearly black. The old lady looked with surprise at the face of the Great Expounder, and, as she turned away, said, " I never supposed Daniel had such a dark complexion."
Besides the objects noted above, there were also the St. Charles Hotel, where General Butler had had his headquarters, and where many Union officers found "aid and comfort." Canal Street and Carrollton, and the Marine Hospital, and the theatres were visited in due season, and a general good time was enjoyed by all in the Queen City of the South.
During the stay of the regiment at New Orleans, many of the officers found comfortable quarters in cot tages not far away ; where some of them boarded in com pany with their wives, who had come from the North to visit their husbands. These ladies rendered very com mendable service in visiting the hospitals and in minis tering to the sick and wounded soldiers who came under their eye.
Among those who thus endeared themselves to the regiment were Mrs. G. F. Pope and Mrs. W. M. Gifford, whose names will live in the memory of the men as long as life endures. When, many years after the
IN A COTTON PRESS. 125
close of the war, the author was summoned to attend the funeral of Mrs. Gifford, it was not difficult to speak in highest terms of the many deeds of kindness performed by her for the sick and wounded men of the regiment during 1864, as they lay suffering in the hospitals of New Orleans.
At one of these homes in which Lieut. Gifford boarded, occurred a scene never to be forgotten by those who wit nessed it. A Spanish lady kept the home. Her senti ments were ultra " Secesh." She had great sympathy with the South. She was very plain and outspoken in her opinions. Her daughter, a beautiful young lady of nineteen summers, was just the opposite of her Spanish mother. She sided with the Union ; was glad when Farragut took the city, and rejoiced when victories came to the Union army.
One day, in a hot dispute over the situation, the mother lost her temper ; in a moment of ungovernable passion she seized a dagger, and plunged it into the breast of her beautiful daughter. Not long after, her daughter's life less body was borne to the silent tomb. This was one of the many tragedies of the Civil War.
New Orleans was not altogether loyal at this time. It has been said that the city was held by two forces. It was peaceful and quiet. Yet on one hand there was the power of the sword, and on the other that of a hostile intent. The following incident well illustrates the feeling of many in the Queen City toward the men of the North. It was the day before Easter. A Massa chusetts soldier was strolling along the street in front of a small church. The sound of music from within arrested his attention, and drew his footsteps to the church door. He entered.
The choir was rehearsing at the farther end of the auditorium. He listened reverently. 'The rector was
126 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
with them. No sooner had the singers caught sight of the soldier than the music ceased. The singers cast unfriendly glances. "Am I intruding?" inquired the soldier respectfully. " Yes, " was the curt reply. The soldier retired, followed to the door by the rector, who probably took precautions that prevented a possible repetition of the disagreeable event.
The bitterness had been developing many years, and did not die when Lee surrendered to U. S. Grant on the banks of the Appomattox.
On the 24th of January the regiment was reviewed by General N. A. M. Dudley, of Massachusetts, who was to be our Brigade Commander. The Third Cavalry marched though some of the principal streets of the city, after inspection and review and returned to the Press in the afternoon. The city papers spoke well of this parade, as the following from the " New Orleans Picay une " will indicate.
CAVALRY PARADE.
Colonel Dudley's splendid cavalry brigade paraded our principal streets yesterday, eliciting the admiration of our citizens, and calling forth many complimentary remarks upon their fine soldierly appear ance. They did not look quite so magnificent as the Queen's Horse Guards, but we are very sure they can do better rough fighting and more of it. One or two of the regiments have been but recently mounted, which accounts for the slight awkwardness displayed by a few of the companies ; but that will wear away when they get used to the saddle and their uniforms come to fit them more neatly. The stock was not allof the best quality ; but in mounting such a number of men as have been put on horseback in this department, the Rosinantes, as well as the Bucephale and Incitati had to be pressed into service. The line marched up St. Charles street about 10 o'clock and passed Acting Brigadier General, Col. N. A. M. Dudley, in review at the Clay statue on Canal Street. It presented a formidable appearance, and although composed of but four regiments and a battery of artillery, it was amus ing to hear the estimates made of its numbers by citizens — the majority
IN A COTTON PRESS. 127
placing the total at ten thousand, so deceptive to the unmilitary eye is a large body of cavalry. After "passing in review," the troopers rode through several of our principal thoroughfares, and passed the residence of the Commanding General. With their banners and sabres flashing in the sunlight, the picture they presented was grand and imposing.
This brigade has but recently been formed, and this was its first parade. It is composed of the following regiments: The late 3ist Inf., Massachusetts Volunteers, now the 6th Massachusetts Cavalry, Lieu tenant Colonel Hopkins commanding; the 2d Illinois Cavalry; Lieuten ant Colonel Bush commanding; the 3d Massachusetts Cavalry, Lieu tenant Colonel Sargent commanding, and the 1st New Hampshire Cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Flanders.
Col. Dudley rode at the head of his fine Brigade, accompanied by the following officers : Col. H. B. Sargent, Acting A.D C. to Gen. Banks, and his personal staff, Lieut. C. C. Dean, A.A.A.G. ; Capt. J. C. Hodges, A.A.I.G. ; Capt. F. H. Whittier, A.A.Q.M.; Lieut. Eayres, A.A.C.S. ; Lieut. R. B. Granger, Ordnance Officer ; Lieut. S. H. Loring, A.A.D.C. It is a fine body of soldiers, and under the lead of its gallant commander will be frequently heard from before "this cruel war is over," if we are not mistaken.
The reviews were generally on Sunday. About this time quite a number of recruits arrived from the North, and were distributed among the various companies of the command.
Among the recruits was a young man who became company clerk of Captain Twitchell, commanding Com pany C. The young recruit was afterward Mayor of Lynn, Mass. He then ran for Congress, defeating E. S. Converse of Maiden. He ran again, this time defeating Henry Cabot Lodge, in the same district. The name of the recruit was Henry B. Lovering.
Soon after the Dudley review, occurred the inaugura tion of the first negro governor of Louisiana. Michael Hahn had been elected to the highest office in the gift of the state. His inaugural day had been fixed, and had now arrived. The public exercises occurred in Jackson
128 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
Square, and were witnessed by a vast concourse of peo ple. General Banks and staff were present in full uni form. Mr. P. S. Gilmore had come from New York to lead in the musical programme of the day.
The exercises were elaborate and impressive. The military display was imposing. The Third Cavalry was ordered out to take part in the demonstration. The reg iment stood in line not far from Jackson's monument and quite near the military bands. An interesting feature of the musical programme was the firing of cannon as an accompaniment to the bands. Gilmore was in his glory. Every eye was on the great master of music. The drums beat, the cornets blew patriotic notes, the guns boomed, while banners waved like mosses from over hanging boughs. It was a day long to be remembered by all who witnessed it. Michael Hahn was now safely seated in the gubernatorial chair.
A beautiful cavalry battle flag had already been pre sented to the regiment, and in after days its bright folds waved on many fields on which the men of the Third, by heroic action, covered themselves with undying fame.
On the 3ist of January, the regiment was again re viewed by General Dudley, at which time a brigade battle-flag was presented by the ladies of Massachusetts. About this time the daughter of General Banks was adopted as the " Daughter of the Brigade " in which was the Third Cavalry ; and the ladies of Massachusetts re siding at New Orleans presented the flag to the Brigade.
On the 27th of February occurred the "Grand Review" of troops at Carrollton. This was a great parade. Here were the men who had made history and were soon to make more.
On January 5th, 1864, the Third Cavalry became a part of the Fourth Brigade of Lee's Cavalry Division, which was to lead the movement toward Shreveport. General
GAIT- I AMES W. HERVEY. CAPT. GEORGE \V. HOWI.AND.
CAPT. \VM. T. HODGES. CAPT. C. W. C. RHODES.
IN A COTTON PRESS. I2Q
A. L. Lee, formerly of Grant's Army, had been sent to assist Banks in this movement, and was said to be a favorite of Grant and an able and efficient officer. The Brigade was composed of the Eighth New Hamp shire, Second Illinois, Sixth and Third Massachusetts, and always co-operated well on every field of action.
General Banks was now planning a new campaign. Gratified by his victories at Bisland, Irish Bend, Ope- lousas, Alexandria and Port Hudson, he now turned his attention toward Shreveport.
General Franklin had been appointed Commander of the Nineteenth Corps; Sherman sent General A. J. Smith, with 7,500 men of the Sixteenth Corps to co operate with Banks. There were also 2,500 men of the Seventeenth Corps under General Mower, two divisions of the Thirteenth Corps (Landram's and Cameron's) under General T. E. G. Ransum. This plan had been decided upon after considerable correspondence with General Halleck at Washington and conferences with other leaders. Grant favored a movement against Mo bile. Refugees from Texas desired a movement into that state. Banks had already captured Brazos Santiago, on the Texas coast, but had not been able to penetrate into the interior of the state. An abortive attempt had been made at Sabine Pass. General Franklin, with a part of the Nineteenth Corps and several gunboats, had attempted to capture the forts and land troops.
The "Suffolk," bearing the Headquarters flag of Frank lin led the way; the "Clifton," the "Sachem," and the "Arizona" engaged the forts. A shot from the Confederate batteries went through her boilers, killing private Cobb* of the Third Cavalry who had been detailed to serve in the Signal Corps. The "Sachem" hauled down her colors, and the "Clifton" followed suit. Weitzel concluded not to
* Cobb was half brother of the author.
130 THIRD MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.
land, and Franklin concluded, as one writer has said, to " give up the expedition and go home."
This failure of Franklin at Sabine Pass was a great disappointment to Banks. His Adjutant-General says that the expedition returned to New Orleans in a sorry plight. Two hundred mules had been lost. Two hun dred thousand rations had been thrown into the sea. The "Laurel Hill " had great holes through her smoke stack, and about all of the transports were pretty well "stove up." The crewsof the " Clifton" and the " Sachem" were made prisoners.
Banks now gave orders to concentrate at Brashear City. Here the knapsacks of the men of the Forty-first had been stored. Dick Taylor had captured the place, and every one of them had been destroyed while their owners were at Port Hudson.
After considerable discussion and several minor mili tary movements, pressure was brought upon Banks to undertake a movement toward Shreveport.
It is not generally understood that the " Red River Ex pedition" was originally planned by General William T. Sherman, Admiral Porter stated before the Com mittee on the Conduct of the War that Sherman and he (Porter) were preparing to go up there together. Gen eral Halleck, however, had another mind ; and while Sherman and Porter were planning, Banks was ordered to ascend Red River with 30,000 men.
Sherman had been down to New Orleans, and had conferred with Banks concerning the details of the movement, and while there had been grave doubts offered as to the possibility of navigating the Red River, it was finally decided that the movement should be un dertaken, and that Banks should lead. Never was a movement begun under better auspices. Never did one close with graver results.
IN A COTTON PRESS. 13!
It is interesting to read some of the correspondence that passed between Washington and New Orleans con cerning the beginnings of the Red River Campaign. There was evidently much discussion concerning the wisdom of the movement, and a great variety of opinions were expressed as to its feasibility.
General Halleck from the beginning favored the Red River movement. As early as .August, 1863, he wrote as follows : " In my opinion neither Indianola nor Gal- veston is the proper point of attack."
Mr. Seward was anxious that the authority of the government should be retained in some port of Texas. "If it is necessary that the flag be restored to some one point in Texas that can be best, and most safely effected by a combined military and naval movement up the Red River."
To this Banks replied, August 26: " The serious ob jection to moving on this line .... is the distance it carries us from New Orleans, and the great difficulty and length of time required to return, if the exigencies of the service should demand, which is quite possible."
On October 16, Banks wrote again: "The movement upon Shreveport is impracticable at