December 1st, we had orders to march immediately, and at twelve o'clock our brigade were on the move. We passed through Washington just at nightfall, over the bridge which crosses the east branch of the Potomac, and encamped about two miles beyond the city for the night. In the morning we continued our journey along the Maryland side of the Potomac, and so on, from day to day, until our arrival opposite Aquia Creek, on the 6th inst.
We had fine weather until Friday the 5th, when it commenced raining, and at night turning to snow, made our encamping exceedingly unpleasant. We expected to have reached the Potomac Friday night, but the rain softening the road, made our marching extremely difficult and tedious, and at three o'clock we turned into the woods completely jaded, and commenced to pitch our tents, and make ourselves as comfortable as we could, under the circumstances. I could indeed appreciate thediscomforts of our situation. I was fortunate in finding some poles in the woods, already cut, and with the help of the boys, made a shed, and covering it with our tents, with the addition of a lot of dry husks, procured from a barn close by for our beds, managed to pass the night quite comfortably. It stopped snowing early in the night, and at ten, A. M., the next morning, we were on the march again. It was a delightful morning; the mud had crusted over, bearing us up, as we marched, and the sun shining brightly, gave the evergreens by the roadside, covered with snow as they were, a beautiful appearance. At twelve we were upon the banks of the Potomac, with the rest of our brigade, waiting our turn to be ferried to Aquia Creek. It came at last, and at five, P. M., we were aboard of the boat and on our way. At seven we were alongside the wharf, and at eight were off the boat and in line upon the pier, waiting for orders. It was a bitter, cold night, and much impatience was manifest in both officers and privates, at being obliged to wait in this place so long, before moving to our camping ground. At half-past nine we finally received orders to march off. Passed up the railroad from Aquia toFredericksburg about two miles, filed to the left, continued on from the road about one-third of a mile, and after another delay of perhaps half an hour, our colonel selected our camp, and we formed upon it, to pass another unpleasant night. The spot selected was in the woods, upon the side of a hill. The heavy wood had been cut, and most of it taken off, but all of the tops, and some of the largest logs were left, all covered with the snow which fell the night before. Every thing being wet, it was some time before we could start our fires. But little sleep could be had that night; the most uncomfortable one that the Twelfth Rhode Island Volunteers had experienced. The place we christened Camp Smoke, a most appropriate name for this place. The first night and the following day it was impossible for us to escape the smoke from our numerous fires, half of it passing into our eyes, and down our throats. We would pass around our fires, the smoke following our coat-tails as we moved along, and fastened to us soon as we stopped; it was impossible to escape it. We stopped at this place until Tuesday morning, the 9th, when the brigade again took up their line of march. We arrived opposite FredericksburgWednesday, the 10th, and encamped for the night alongside the Seventh Rhode Island.
The signal guns, ominous of the coming battle, were first fired at five, A. M., the next morning, and at intervals until sunrise, when a fierce cannonading commenced along the whole line in front of the city. At nine, A. M., we received twenty extra rounds of ammunition, three days' rations, threw our knapsacks and extra luggage into a pile, slung our blankets over our shoulders, and moving to within three-quarters of a mile of the city, formed in line of battle, and rested on our arms, ready for the emergency.
In trying to throw the pontoon bridges over, our forces met with determined resistance, and were obliged to shell the city, in order to dislodge the enemy. Being satisfied of the impossibility of crossing the river this day, late in the afternoon we returned to camp. Early in the evening, the cannonading, which had continued through the day, ceased; and two or three regiments crossing over in boats, after a fierce conflict in the streets of the city, finally succeeded in dislodging the enemy, and the bridges were completed. Early in the morning of the next day, the different brigadescommenced crossing the river, and occupying the city, ours among the rest.
The main streets of this city run parallel with the river. We took our position opposite the pontoon bridge, in the rear of the second street. This part of the city suffered severely during the shelling of the place the day before, as the fire from the different batteries was directed in this vicinity, in order to demolish the buildings, which were occupied by the enemy's sharpshooters, who were firing upon our troops, rendering it necessary to dislodge them, to complete the bridge. We were fired upon by the enemy while entering the city, their shells bursting about us, but fortunately doing us no injury. They continued firing through the day, throwing an occasional shell as a regiment approached to cross into the city. From their batteries, they had a good view of the opposite bank of the river, and could see every regiment, as one by one, they approached the bridge. There were quite a number of casualties during the day, in the city, from the bursting of the enemy's shells. They might have done us infinite damage this day, if they had felt disposed to have directed their fire upon the city. Our position during theforenoon, was directly in range of the enemy's batteries, as they fired upon the troops coming over the bridge.
From the place where I stood in the ranks, I could see two defunct rebels, who were killed the day before, while our batteries shelled the city. I took the liberty to go close, and look at the one nearest me. A shell had struck him in the head, cutting the top of it completely off, leaving nothing above the eyes; killing him of course instantly.
From this place I continued on to another street, to see a group of dead bodies. There were sixteen of them, all belonging to a Massachusetts regiment, and who fell the night before, while engaged in dislodging the enemy. They were laid in a row, and buried close where they fell. I could not help thinking, as I gazed upon the mournful scene, of the loved ones at home, who were waiting, watching, and praying for the safe return of these poor men, who, in the dispensation of a mysterious Providence, they never more could see on earth.
I turned away from the sad spectacle to become acquainted with other features of this cruel war. I had passed along several streets,when the rapid firing of the enemy warned me to return to my regiment. The shells were bursting all about us, and I found the regiment on my return already in line, and soon after we moved and took a position in a less exposed situation, where we remained through the night. I went to a house close by, found some boards, returned to the street, where we were ordered to remain, placed one end of these boards upon the sidewalk, the other end resting in the middle of the street, and finding some straw in the neighborhood, made my bed upon these, and "laid me down to sleep."
Early in the morning, the different regiments were all astir, preparing for the coming battle. The different companies of our regiment were drawn up in line, our haversacks were filled with three days' rations, which consisted of crackers, pork, sugar and coffee, our canteens with water, and moving some half mile farther down the city, we rested on our arms, in readiness to take the part assigned us. While in this place, we were somewhat sheltered from the enemy's shells, which were thrown at different intervals, several of them dropping and bursting in the river, directly in frontof us, causing much dodging and twisting, throughout the different regiments.
There was a space directly in front of our position, upon which there were no buildings, close upon the river. This space was occupied early in the forenoon, by the Irish Brigade, and I saw for the first time, Thomas F. Meagher, the general commanding this brigade, well known as the Irish patriot and fighting general. This brigade were called into action early in the day, and moved to the front at once. This was at about ten, A. M.
The booming of cannon and the sharp cracking of the musketry, soon told us that the "ball had opened," and at twelve o'clock, M. we were called upon. Our line was quickly formed, and we moved on. Filing to the left, we passed up a steep hill on the "double quick," and soon came in sight and within range of the enemy's guns, who immediately brought them to bear upon us. The firing becoming too hot for us, we were brought into line, and ordered to lie close to the ground. Down we went, accordingly, into the mud, and the firing partly ceased. Again we rose, and rushed ahead, the artillery playing upon us more furiously than ever. Gaining a trench, a shortdistance ahead, we again came to a halt and formed our line anew. Being partially sheltered from the enemy's fire, we stopped long enough to catch our breath, then throwing off our blankets, passed up the bank, and hurried on. Some twenty rods ahead of this trench, the railroad from Fredericksburg to Richmond passes, making a cut some twenty feet deep. Expecting to find a shelter in this from the enemy's fire, we sprang ahead. Upon gaining the bank, with one spring I ploughed to the bottom. I had hoped to find another breathing spell here, but found myself disappointed in this, as the enemy had a battery in position from which they threw shot and shell the whole-length of this cut, and it was here we first came under the fire of their musketry. We were ordered to gain the opposite bank as soon as possible. The ascent was very steep, and being out of breath, it required much effort on our part to reach the top. I never in my life strove harder than I did to gain the top of this bank. The distance from this place to the position we were to gain, was perhaps forty rods. And this under a scorching fire of musketry and artillery, at short range. We hurried ahead as fast as possible, knowing thisto be no place to make long stops. Our regiment at this time was partially broken up, every man knowing the danger, exerted himself to escape it; and by a "double quick," which at this time had become a run, we were fast gaining the position already occupied by the rest of our brigade, which was partly sheltered from the fire of the enemy.
The report of the cannon, the shriek of the shell, its explosion in our midst, the sharp cracking of the musketry, and the whiz of the Minnie ball, (the different missiles ploughing and cutting up the ground in front of us,) furnished a terrible ordeal, through which the Twelfth were called upon to pass.
Thus we hurried on until we gained the position assigned us. Here a hillock, running parallel with our lines, and slightly elevated above the surface of the plain, intervened between us and the enemy. This afforded us some protection, and here within two hundred yards of the enemy's redoubt, our forces came to a halt, and it was only after our arrival here that we could bring our muskets to bear upon the enemy. Our regiment was brought into this action under many disadvantages. It will be remembered, that up to this time we had beenin the service but eight weeks, had journeyed from Rhode Island, had established two different camps in Virginia, and just completed a march of one hundred miles. Tired and worn out with our long and weary march, and before we had time even to form our camp, or obtain any thing to eat, beside "marching rations," (hard crackers and salt pork,) upon which we had subsisted for the two weeks previous, and in all our inexperience as to how we should render our compliments to the foe, we were invited across the Rappahannock, and introduced to the enemy. Upon the first start, on going into action, we ascended a hill where scaling ladders would have been an advantage to us. Then followed a feat of fence jumping, passing barns, brick kilns, &c. Through these gymnastic exercises we were conducted by our colonel, ably seconded by our gallant major. The regiment passed these obstacles in good order, and under a heavy fire reached the first trench, where the line was formed anew. Here our gallant major unfortunately received a severe wound, was placed on a stretcher, and carried to the rear. This threw the whole command upon our colonel, who without assistance, found it extremely difficult to bringthe regiment into action in a manner suited to the notions of some of our military brethren, who felt disposed to criticise us. This class of warriors, with a knowledge of military tactics that would hardly enable them when in four ranks to file right and left without blundering, in their criticism showed little judgment and much injustice, towards a brave and loyal regiment.
We retained our position until nightfall, when, having spent our ammunition, we were drawn off the field. It was nearly dark when we were ordered to fall into line, with strict orders to keep as quiet as possible, so as not to attract the attention of the enemy. We accordingly fell in, and moved quickly off. Upon approaching the railroad, the firing which had ceased commenced anew, and raged furiously. Our troops having charged upon the enemy's works, were endeavoring to carry them at the point of the bayonet, but were overpowered and driven back. As we were in range, this charge brought the enemy's fire directly upon us, as we were passing into the railroad cut. We hastened ahead, threw ourselves down and lay as close as possible, waiting for the storm to pass over. As soon as thefiring slackened, we hastened to our feet, and hurrying along the track, soon entered the city and were out of danger, and thus ended a day ever to be remembered in the history of the Twelfth Rhode Island Volunteers.
Having as great a dread of going off the field without a blanket, (having thrown mine away upon going into the fight,) as of the few balls that were following us up, I lingered in the rear and managed to secure one. I found a large pile a short distance from the railroad depot, which our regiment in their hurry to escape passed without securing. They had a perfect right to have taken them, if they had chosen to. They suffered severely afterwards for the want of them, and I think if they should go into a fight again under circumstances that should cause them to throw away their blankets, especially in mid-winter, they will take good care to secure another when they come off the field. While getting my blanket, the regiment passed out of sight and hearing, and coming off the railroad into the street, the only one I could find whom I knew, was A. W., who had halted to catch his breath, having become nearly exhausted in trying to keep up with the regiment. As we could seeor hear nothing of the regiment, I persuaded A. to go with me and get a blanket, he being also without one. We then returned to the city, and after awhile found our regiment, in the same place where we started from in the morning, and in this place we stopped for the night.
In my wanderings the day before the battle, I found an unoccupied house a short distance from where our regiment passed the night, and not relishing the idea of lying on the ground in the street, after our hard day's work, with three others with me, I made for it. We found a room furnished with a bed and sofa, and fastening the doors, we appropriated these luxuries to our own particular use, and slept soundly through the night.
In the morning, I went below to the basement of the house, and found quite a number of our boys busy cooking. There was a large cooking-range in the room, and plenty of wood, and finding a barrel of flour in the house, they were having a feast. I also engaged, and mixing up a batter, I contrived to cook me a good breakfast. The regiment remained through the day of the 14th, upon the street, in quiet, and we occupied the room where wepassed the night. There was a piano in the room, a large easy chair, beside other furniture, and we had a good time "house-keeping" in our new tenement.
In the morning, finding plenty of soap and water, I took a good wash, and began to fancy myself at home again. I tried to get S. to wash himself. The answer he made was, that he should not until he knew whether his head belonged to himself or to "Uncle Sam." I was quite amused at the idea. It was plainly evident a little water would not hurt S., as he was looking very much like a contraband. We passed the day (Sunday the 14th) quite comfortably. At night, thinking it best to keep with the regiment, we took quarters in the garret of a house, with the rest of our company. We were ordered to lie upon our arms, keep quiet, and be ready for action at a moment's warning. Towards morning our pickets had a skirmish with the enemy. We were aroused, but the firing, which was quite rapid for awhile, ceased, and we turned in again. In the morning we arose, and were privileged in having another day of rest. This night, as soon as it became dark, the evacuation of the city commenced. This factwe were all of us ignorant of at the time, and from the disposition of the regiment, supposed we had more fighting to do. At dusk we were formed in line, and as soon as it became dark moved down the city, taking the same street we did on the morning of the battle. We ascended the same steep hill, and proceeded quietly to the front. This made some of us catch our breath, as we thought of what we had already passed through while on the same road. Just inside our pickets, and under cover of a slight eminence, we laid ourselves down. A detail of men was made from the regiment, for picks and shovels, and upon the arrival of these, the whole front rank were called upon, and proceeding to the top of the eminence, commenced throwing up an entrenchment. This, we afterwards learned, was to deceive the enemy, making them think we intended holding the position. About twelve o'clock the front ranks were called in, and forming in line, we quickly and as noiselessly as possible hurried into the city again. It was evident enough to us as soon as we entered the city that it was being evacuated. When we left, a few hours before, the streets were full of soldiers, regiment after regiment, and batteryafter battery; now hardly a man was to be seen as we passed through the streets. The hurried tramp of men and horses in the direction of the pontoon bridges told us our destination. We hurried along, and at one o'clock the morning of the 16th recrossed the bridge, passed up the hill, and proceeded to our camp, where we left our luggage the morning of the 12th. Our major, whom I had not seen since the fight, suddenly appeared upon our arrival in camp, and taking charge of the regiment, placed them in position, giving off orders in a loud tone of voice, which assured us that though severely wounded, he was fast convalescing. The next day I saw the major again. I could not discover that he was hurt at all from his appearance; I think he bore up remarkably well. Since then, I noticed at the inspection, and in the presence of the brigadier-general, he limped, and seemed quite lame. I could not help thinking of our able major, who endures his sufferings without a murmur, though severely wounded, and contrasting this self-sacrificing spirit with some I hear of who, though loudly defiant, and anxious to lead their men against the enemy, were known to have run from the field in a "Devil take thehindmost" style, reminding me of a passage in Shakspeare—a piece of advice suited to their case—to wit,—
"Just doff that lion's hide,And draw a calfskin round thy recreant limbs."
"Just doff that lion's hide,And draw a calfskin round thy recreant limbs."
After the action of the 13th, our regiment selected a camping-ground a short distance north of the spot we occupied the night before the attack. The spot chosen was in a shallow valley, opening to the south, among the stumps of trees, which had been lately cut by the different regiments encamped in the immediate vicinity. We pitched our shelter tents at first, but knowing the necessity of more adequate protection in case of a storm, as soon as we recovered a little from the fatigues of the past fortnight, we commenced to improve our situation as best we could. Quite a number of the regiment had lost their tents in the fight. The quartermaster managed, some ten days after, to get a few, and distributed them. Still one-fourth of the regiment were without a shelter. This class set to work, and made them a shelter of pine boughs, which, though of little use in case of a storm, (which, by the way, held off wonderfully,) were made very efficient while the dry weather continued. Here, incamp, you might see some curious styles of architecture, some of the men showing an appreciation of a comfortable home, and a good deal of ingenuity in its construction. Others were content with any thing, hardly making any effort at all, seeming to have no anxiety or fear of storms, that might be expected at any time, and if coming upon us at this time, would have caused an infinite amount of suffering among this particular class, who, I am thinking, almost deserved to feel the gripes, to repay them the want of a little anxiety and forethought, in a matter evidently so necessary for the protection of their very valuable lives.
I was fortunate in having a piece of a tent, and in company with some of the boys, who also had them, we together went to work, and measuring off a space large enough for us, dug into the ground eighteen inches perhaps, and cutting logs, placed them against the bank, and continued them up three feet from the bottom of the ground. We also built a fireplace in one end of our house, making our chimney of logs closely fitted together, and plastered with clay, topping it out with a pork-barrel. We placed a ridge-pole lengthwise, at a sufficientheight to clear our heads, and passed our tents over this, fastening them to the sides. Some of our party had rubber blankets, which we placed over these, and the rest receiving theirs; soon after, we felt quite secure against wind and weather.
We found our fireplace very useful in keeping our house warm and dry, and as we sat and watched the fire, we could almost imagine ourselves at home again. We cast anchor in this spot Tuesday, December 16th. Friday, the 19th, our regiment was appointed to do picket duty, the right of our line to rest at Falmouth, and the left opposite Fredericksburg, along the banks of the Rappahannock, our head-quarters to be at the De Lacey House, opposite Fredericksburg.
The enemy occupied the heights opposite us, a mile back from the river, and threw their pickets out opposite ours, and in some places within speaking distance. At first some fears were entertained, lest the pickets might be tempted or provoked to fire upon one another. Instead of this, neither party seem inclined to communicate in this hair-on-end style, but, on the contrary, although strictly forbidden to do so, sometimes held friendly communicationwith one another. The distance from our camp to the banks of the Rappahannock, was perhaps two miles.
We went on picket regularly, every Friday morning, and remained on twenty-four hours, then returned to camp again. This duty was not very arduous, as our regiment guarded a line of not more than a mile in length, along the river, and held heavy reserves, to repel any force that might attempt to cross from the opposite side. In the daytime, no danger being apprehended from this source, some of the men procured passes, and were allowed to go to Falmouth, where, if they were so fortunate as to have the means, and felt so disposed, could, by paying exorbitant prices, get the wherewith to refresh the inner man.
There is a large mill in this place, which is capable of turning out large quantities of flour and meal. There are twelve sets of stone in the building, six for grinding wheat, and six for corn. I visited this mill, and for the first time, witnessed the operation of grinding, bolting, and packing flour. There were only two sets of stone running for wheat, at the time I visited the mill. There were also two sets grinding corn. Having seen no Indian mealfor sometime, I bought half a peck, paying at the rate of two dollars per bushel. There seemed to be a scarcity of provisions among the people of Falmouth, the boys paying fifty cents for a breakfast of warm Johnny cake and coffee. I went to Falmouth in company with Lieutenant Bucklin, who determined to have a breakfast before leaving, and by hunting awhile found a place, and by teasing, obtained a seat at the table, and for once we ate our fill. We had fried pork steak, hot biscuit, hot coffee and syrup, as much of each as we wished.
In talking with Falmouth men, they tell me that last winter was unusually severe, with large quantities of snow and rain. They told me, also, that this winter had been very mild thus far, but that every sixth or seventh winter was apt to be severe, like that of '61 and '62, but that this winter was a fair type of what they usually are in this part of the country. I told them I was surprised to find the weather continuing so mild, with so little rain. I had noticed one feature of the country that gave me some little uneasiness. This was the deep ravines with which the face of the country is indented, and which I supposed were caused by the heavy winter rains, and expected to seean illustration of this kind of drenching and washing, much to my own particular inconvenience. I was told they have their heaviest rains in the summer; this information relieved my mind of that which I had the greatest fear of.
The village of Falmouth is an old, dilapidated looking place, containing, perhaps, one thousand inhabitants. It is situated at the head of tide water, on the Rappahannock, three-fourths of a mile above Fredericksburg, and is connected with the opposite side of the river by a bridge, which crosses directly opposite the centre of the village; half of the bridge, on the Falmouth side, remains uninjured, the rest of the way nothing but the piers remain standing. The length of this bridge was about forty rods, and crossed the river at a height of perhaps thirty feet. It was a wooden structure, and rested on piers of logs and stone. There is a considerable fall in the river, opposite and above Falmouth, the bed of which, at this place, is one mass of rough, broken rocks, extending up the river as far as I could see. Owing to the long continuance of dry weather, the river is very low, and could be easily forded, I should think, any where in the vicinity ofthis place. I believe it is generally acknowledged to have been a great mistake, in not crossing the river and occupying the heights, now in the possession of the enemy, which could have been easily done at the time our first detachment arrived here. I think one with a good pair of boots could go over dry shod. The bridges were burned at the time of Burnside's occupation last summer. Since then the people about here habitually crossed and recrossed the river with their teams. Our Generals, having had experience last winter, which was unusually rough and stormy, had fears, no doubt, of having their communication cut off if they crossed, through the rise of the river alone, and thus find themselves in a tight place before the railroad bridge could be completed. The banks of the Rappahannock, at Falmouth and beyond Fredericksburg as far as I could see upon the northern side, are very high and precipitous,—I should think, upon an average, sixty feet above the level of the river. On the Fredericksburg side the bank is not as steep. The heights back of the city, and occupied by the enemy as their first line of defence, and three-fourths of a mile from the river, are but very little higher than thoseoccupied by our batteries immediately upon the bank. Fredericksburg, as we stand on the bank opposite, seems almost beneath our feet, and, of course, at the tender mercies of our batteries. There is a wagon-road between Falmouth and Fredericksburg, upon the northern side of the river, running close by the edge at the foot of the bank. Along this road our line of pickets are stationed. Upon the opposite side, along the river, is the wagon-road occupied by the pickets of the enemy. Our repulse at Fredericksburg somewhat discouraged the soldiers, but as time passed by they gained courage again. Immediately after the battle, newspapers in opposition to the administration appeared in camp and were sold in large quantities. These scurrilous sheets were eagerly sought after and read by the soldiers of our regiment, who fed upon them like crows uponcarrion, not considering the object of this abuse of the administration,—namely,political chicanery. Some of the men who had enlisted for nine months, no doubt hoped to escape without getting into a fight; but, having seen theelephant, and partly caught a glimpse of his gigantic proportions, they were ready to make asacrifice of every principle of right and justice rather than to expose theirprecious livesagain.
Many of these men were those who, at home, were ready to make every sacrifice, denouncing the rebels in no unmeasured terms, shouldering the musket with an alacrity worthy of the cause to which they pledged their "lives andsacred honor;" who, after a little experimenting in shot, shell, and gunpowder, were ready to make any sacrifice, or compromise with the enemy, that would relieve them, fully illustrating the old saying that "distance lends enchantment to the view;" also, that "self-preservation is the first law of nature." I became utterly disgusted with this class of croakers and grumblers, whom it was impossible to escape, and who greedily fed upon every thing discouraging, namely, "the impossibility of conquering the enemy," "ruinous state of the finances," "depreciation of paper currency," &c., endeavoring to hold an argument upon matters they evidently knew nothing about. They at this time flattered themselves that a general feeling of dissatisfaction among the soldiers would go towards putting an end to the war, and used theirinfluence accordingly, swallowing and disgorging all things of a discouraging nature, and that with an avidity which would do credit to a flock of buzzards feeding upon a defunct mule. Those were trying times; but the same principle which prompted me to enter the service still upheld me. I had faith to think that, as the war progressed, partisan feeling would be destroyed, the North would become more united in purpose, able leaders would be found, and this rebellion would eventually be crushed.
I was very fortunate in being permitted to enjoy good health thus far. I had not as yet been reported sick, or been excused from duty on account of sickness, and by a little care escaped the tender mercies of our hospital. Sickness at this time, January 19th, began to tell upon the regiment. Quite a number had died in the hospital within a week. Stephen Clissold was the first man of our company who had died in the hospital up to this time. He received a severe wound in the head while in action, December 13th, which I think was the ultimate cause of his death. I am afraid much sickness in this regiment was brought about through the neglect of men, in not being mindful of a few simple things, which go fartowards preserving their health. I know some of the men suffered for the want of clothes, through their own carelessness. This particular class, not considering the irregularity of supplies, especially in connection with so large an army as we had in our immediate vicinity, and the impossibility of keeping a supply constantly on hand, of all kinds, and the necessity of economizing, and keeping in good condition what they had, until they could get more, found themselves uncomfortably short.
Immediately after the battle of the 13th, for two or three days, we were somewhat short of provisions, but had enough to satisfy our hunger. As we became established in camp, we began to live again. At first we had hard crackers. This is the staple article. Then pork, coffee, sugar and beans. After being here two weeks, we drew rations of fresh beef, drawing it regularly since, once a week. We had potatoes two or three times, and onions, also.
January 14th, we drew rations of salt beef; this was the first we had seen since we left "Camp Casey."
January 15th, we drew rations of dried apples, but hard crackers, salt pork and coffee,are the staple articles. These we had at all times, as much as we wished; when on the march it is all we have. Beans and rice we usually had at all times, as they are more easily transported. Beef, potatoes, onions, &c., we began to class among the luxuries of a soldier's life, it being impossible to supply us with these, at all times, during an active campaign. Sutlers, who had not been seen for sometime, began to come among us again. I will give the prices of some of their articles, as they were sold at that time: Tobacco, $2 per lb.; butter, 75 cents per lb.; cheese, 50 cents per lb.; pepper, $1 per lb.; apples, 5 cents apiece; cookies, 25 cents a dozen; boots, $8 and $10 per pair, that retail at home for $3 and $4, and other things in proportion. Soft bread was among the things gone by; we had not seen any since we left "Camp Casey."
January 17th, we received marching orders. Packed our knapsacks accordingly, filled our haversacks with rations, and prepared to march at an hour's notice. All things seemed to indicate a speedy move. Sunday, the 18th, passed by. Monday, the 19th, regiment after regiment passed our camp. Tuesday, the 20th, it was evident the "Grand Army" of thePotomac were in motion. This day, at "dress parade," an address from General Burnside was read to us, calling upon us once more to face the enemy. Our colonel had orders to move the regiment that night, or the following morning. At nightfall, the wind, which had been blowing from the south-east for two days, threatening rain, suddenly veered to the north-east, and culminated finally in a storm; consequently we remained in camp. It continued raining until the morning of January 23d, when it finally ceased.
Since the storm of January 20th, 21st, and 22d, which will be remembered as defeating the plans of Gen. Burnside in his attempt to cross the Rappahannock, we had much stormy weather, pleasant days being rare curiosities. And although having been wonderfully favored with pleasant weather up to that time, it became certain we were to have the reverse of it, thereby making the old adage good, that "one extreme begets another."
It got to be a saying among us, that when the 12th Rhode Island Volunteers move, the storm ceases. The 23d was the appointed day for our regiment to go on picket. In the morning it rained, and showed no signs of clearing off, but immediately upon our regiment's moving the clouds began to disperse, and when we reached Falmouth, the sun came out; and at two, P. M., not a cloud was to be seen. We took up our quarters in an old meeting-house, on the heights of Falmouth, a situation overlooking the entire village, the city of Fredericksburg,and the river, for one mile in either direction. The village of Falmouth abounded at this time in sutlers, who still held their goods at exorbitant prices. The troops commenced their retrograde movement the morning of the 23d, and the road was thronged with batteries, baggage wagons, ambulances, and soldiers, moving to their old quarters. Just at nightfall I was in the village, and at that late hour, battery upon battery, ambulance upon ambulance, lined the street, hurrying back to their respective quarters. One need but to have seen this immense amount of war material on exhibition, as we were permitted to, to have been assured of the great strength and effectiveness of the Army of the Potomac, if properly directed. As the enemy were opposed to us at this place in large force, and disposed no doubt for desperate efforts, we expected soon a bloody struggle.
It was deferred by the interposition of a merciful Providence, through the agency of the "God of storms," until a more favorable time. Still I had faith to think that the enemy at this place would be obliged to yield to the immense force we were able to bring against him, and patiently waited the time that would bring shameand defeat to the enemy, and crown our arms with victory. Then can we in the fulness of our hearts and in all truthfulness say, that
"The star spangled banner in triumph does wave,O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."
"The star spangled banner in triumph does wave,O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."
In the knowledge of the immense amount of power brought into action by both parties, in this sanguinary struggle, when the science and genius of nearly the whole world are turning their thoughts in this direction, forsaking other and more useful pursuits, some thoughts naturally suggest themselves.
I could not help thinking, that from time immemorial the differences of men upon approaching a certain point, when "forbearance ceases to be a virtue," have always culminated in this summary way of cutting, slashing, and braining one another. Still it seems very unfortunate that these things cannot be settled by other means. History makes no mention of other ways provided, so I trust we are following the appointed way, by laying on "tooth and nail."
From Saturday, 24th, to Tuesday, 27th, the weather was quite warm, with occasionalshowers of rain. Wednesday morning we found it snowing, the air extremely cold, the wind from the north-east, blowing a gale, which continued through the day, making it the most uncomfortable day we have yet experienced. Thursday, 29th, was sunny, warm and pleasant, and we had no more rain until Sunday, February 1st, when we had to submit to another rainy day, which though unpleasant to us, was the means of clearing off what little snow remained upon the ground. The day before, we were visited by the U. S. Paymaster, and received our pay from the date of enlistment, up to October 31st. Some of the boys were hoping to get their pay up to the 1st of January, but getting it from the date of enlisting, which was more than they expected, (as they thought of obtaining pay only from the time of mustering in, October 13th,) they rested satisfied and waited, if coming short, for the next pay day.
Monday, February 2d, I had a visit from Joseph S. Davis, of the Twenty-Ninth Massachusetts, whom I had not seen before for years, the same contented good-natured fellow, full of his jokes as ever. Found him minus two fingers, and since then, I hear, by the accidental discharge of his piece, he has mutilated hishand in such a manner as to lay him up for the present. He is now in the hospital at Washington.
Tuesday, the 3d, was severely cold, the wind blowing strong from the north-east, with frequent snow squalls.
Thursday, 5th, rumors were afloat that we were soon to be removed from our present situation.
Sunday, the 8th, had orders to prepare for a march, with three days' rations, to proceed to Aquia Creek, and from thence by transports to Fortress Monroe. Monday opened upon us pleasantly. This day, at three, P. M., we struck our tents, and bade farewell to "Camp Mud." At half-past four, P. M., we stacked arms, and rested close by the depot, in company with other regiments, awaiting their turn to go aboard the cars. At half-past five, P. M., we hurried aboard, and after the usual delays, we finally started. We proceeded most of the way slowly, and did not arrive at Aquia Creek until ten o'clock in the evening. As soon as we arrived at this place we unloaded from the cars, the regiment was formed upon the wharf, and went immediately aboard the steamers Metacomet and Juniata, that were waiting to receiveus. As soon as the regiment were aboard, they hauled into the stream, where we passed the night.
The morning of the 10th dawned upon us, promising a pleasant day. The long-looked-for schooner Elizabeth and Helen from Providence, we learned had arrived during the night, and was laying in the offing. I had just had her pointed out to me, and was looking at her, imagining what might be aboard for me, and wishing for half a bushel of apples to grind on our trip, when I saw a boat put off, and could just discover the head of our colonel above the bow of the boat, making for us. He brought a few boxes for himself and staff, and two barrels of apples for the regiment. The apples were distributed among the men, and were very acceptable; I got two small ones for my share. At half-past eleven, our quartermaster's stores came alongside, were taken aboard, and, weighing anchor, we started down the river. It was a most beautiful morning, and all were in good spirits. I could not help comparing our present mode of transportation with that allowed us while on our march from Alexandria to Fredericksburg, by the way of Maryland and Aquia Creek, two months before.
The Potomac is indeed a beautiful river. Although it is laid down on the maps as being broad and large, still, I had no idea of the magnitude of this noble stream. I should judge that this river, from Aquia Creek to the Chesapeake Bay, was, upon an average, five miles in width. Our steamer, the Metacomet, proved a fast sailer. The Juniata, which passed us before we started from Aquia Creek, we soon overtook, and as we passed Point Look-out Hospital, at five, P. M., and entered the broad waters of the Chesapeake, the Juniata could just be discerned from the stern of the boat. Soon darkness enveloped all, and at nine I turned in. At twelve, by the motion of the boat, I was satisfied that we had reached our destination.
At six, A. M., the 11th, I turned out to ascertain our whereabouts and look upon new scenes. I found the wind blowing fresh from the east, a cloudy sky, and threatening rain. I found we were in Hampton Roads, close in shore, and within three-quarters of a mile of the village of Hampton. There were quite a number of vessels in the Roads—steamers, schooners, gunboats, &c. Our companion, the Juniata, lay a short distancefrom us, having arrived a few hours later than we.
At about nine, A. M., we started for Newport News. We passed close by the Rip-Raps, a ledge of rocks half way between Fortress Monroe and the opposite shore. Since the war commenced this place has been strongly fortified, and is becoming celebrated as a place of confinement for those incurring military displeasure. We arrived at Newport News, landing at twelve, M., and proceeded immediately to disembark. The appearance of Newport News, I should think, was very much like that of a California seaport. There are two piers built out from the shore, each one perhaps 300 feet in length and 10 feet in width, consisting of spiles driven into the sand, covered with plank, with a railing upon either side to help preserve one's equilibrium.
We filed off the boat upon the pier, passed the length of it, came upon terra firma, proceeded up the road, gained the top of the bluff, and filing to the left a short distance, stacked our arms; and, while our colonel went to report himself to his commanding officer, we took the opportunity to become acquainted with the sights and scenes of Newport News.
The Cumberland, sunk a year ago by the Merrimack, lies opposite the landing, a short distance off in the stream. Her three lower masts and bows are all there is remaining in sight of what was once considered one of the noblest vessels in the service. The hull of the Congress lies one mile below, the top of it being plainly visible. It was fortunate the Monitor made her appearance as she did, thus putting a stop to the mischief.
This place is of no importance, only as a military post, having been built up since the war commenced. Opposite the landing, the buildings extend from the beach up the bluff, and on to the level space above. The height of this bluff is about 40 feet above high-water mark for a mile or two in either direction from the village, and extending back from this is a level plain, half a mile in width, and in length as far as the eye can reach; and in one continuous line along the bay, upon this level space, the different regiments are encamped, presenting a very fine appearance. The space in front of our camp, one-fourth of a mile in width from the edge of the bluff, is used for drill and parade. The ground from the top of the bluff to the reardescends gradually. Forty rods to the rear of our tents we get plenty of good water.
Our wells are made by digging a hole and inserting two barrels, minus heads, one above the other. There were also ditches, dug parallel with our camp, to the rear of the wells, and being at that time partly filled with water, we had every convenience for washing, and no excuse for dirty faces. In the rear of these ditches at a short distance, are the woods upon which we depended for our fires. Although for the past two years the woodman's axe had told effectively upon these noble forest trees, still there was a good supply left standing. We also depended upon these woods for our music, when all other kinds cease. This being a permanent institution, the denizens of the forest, which included peep frogs and owls, made melody far into the still watches of the night.
The camp of the Twelfth Rhode Island was one-fourth of a mile from the landing, to the north-west. The village of Newport News is enclosed upon the north and west by a palisade and ditch, intended to repel an attack from the rear. In this enclosure were the barracks for the men and the usual space allowed fordrill and parade. Outside of this enclosure, upon the east, other barracks have been built. Nearly all the buildings are built of logs; some of them, built for traders and quartermasters' use, are of rough boards, evidently not intended for any thing permanent. In extent, these buildings are scattered over an area of half a mile in width and one mile in length along the shore of the bay. The bay of itself is a beautiful sheet of water, and opposite us was perhaps four miles in width. As we stood upon the bluff, facing the bay, just below upon the opposite side we could discern the opening leading to Norfolk; to the right, we could see the mouth of the James River; and directly at the entrance could be seen one of our gunboats, keeping watch, ready to apprise us of any danger approaching from that direction. In front of us scattered along, were a few craft, whose general appearance bespoke their calling. The Galena, which will be recollected as taking part in the attack upon Fort Darling, last summer, lay in the bay opposite us. Although pierced at that time by twenty-eight balls, she still existed, and, judging from her appearance and reputation, would, when called upon toengage the enemy, be able to give a good account of herself.
The Minnesota lay one and one-half miles below us. If the Monitor had not come to the rescue, instead of the noble vessel lying now before us, in all her beautiful proportions, she would have presented the same sorry figure as the Cumberland and Congress, undoubtedly sharing the same fate.
Included in the fleet were three gunboats, of the Monitor pattern. These boats need no praise, and are particularly expected to speak for themselves.
February 12, the next day after our arrival here, being warm and pleasant, we went into the woods to cut and split logs for our house. The 13th and 14th was occupied in this business. The 15th, those in the tent with me gave out; this brought things to a stand before our house was completed. The 16th it commenced storming; this, of course, put a stop to operations. This day I received a box of apples from home. The 17th, received one-half barrel from Jason Newell. These came in good time.
The storm continued until Friday, the 20th. Saturday, 21st, our colonel ordered all log-hutsto be levelled and taken off the ground. This was done. New "A" tents were issued and put up at once. The next day we were to havestraw hats. (This, I will allow, was mere conjecture on my part.) However, we had just time to pitch our tents before it commenced raining. In the night it snowed; and the following morning we found it raining again, which continued through the day, making it very disagreeable. Upon the whole, the regiment were the better off for the new tents, as many of the boys would make no effort towards building them a house, and having nothing but the "shelter tents," were poorly provided for. But for those who were used to better quarters, the change was submitted to with an ill grace.
Wednesday, the 25th, the 9th Army Corps passed in review before Gen. Dix.
Saturday, March 14, we had a sword presentation, Company F presenting Capt. Hubbard with a beautiful sword, pistol, sword-belt, &c. The money was raised in the company, by subscription, and the articles were purchased and brought on by J. L. Clark, our quartermaster. F. M. Ballou, who had lately received a second lieutenant's commission, andwas assigned to Company F, was also presented at the same time with a sword, pistol, sword-belt, cap, and other things, from friends at home. These were also brought on by J. L. Clark, who had just returned to the regiment, after an absence of two weeks.
The camp of the Twelfth Rhode Island Volunteers, at this place, was the finest looking camp on the ground. The streets were well laid out, and were kept swept clean. The tents were new, and presented a neat, uniform appearance.
There was a great improvement in the regiment after coming here. We were well clothed, and as finely equipped as any regiment in the field. We also had the Springfield rifled musket, which is considered the best in the service.
While at this place we had a fray in camp, which came near being a serious affair. I was in the quartermaster's tent the evening of the 5th of March, when at eight o'clock our orderly came in, telling us our company had received a visit from the 48th Pennsylvania, a regiment adjoining, who came provided with clubs and stones, to settle some difficulty which had occurred between them and some of our boys.We had some rough fellows in our company, and upon the Pennsylvania boys making their appearance, at it they went. After a few rounds the intruders retreated. No one of our company was dangerously wounded; a few slight cuts about the head and ears included the whole list of casualties. Soon after this affair I returned to my quarters and turned in, hoping to have a good night's rest. In about half an hour we were apprised of another visit from our neighbors. Out our boys rushed, cryingTurn out! turn out! drive 'em! drive 'em!At the same time, we could hear the clubs strike against the sides of our tents. Immediately after I heard Captain Hubbard rush along, and soon after the report of a pistol, one, two, three, followed by the report of a rifle, assured me that it was time to pull on boots and prepare for battle. Upon coming from my tent I found the tumult had subsided. Our lieutenant-colonel came along, we were all ordered to our quarters, and the guard being called upon, this fray, which promised something serious, was finally quelled. I did not hear that any one was seriously hurt.
The next morning, as I lay in my tent, looking out upon the street, a party of three orfour stopped in front for a talk. Soon one of them began to show symptoms of a strange nature, and directly over he went upon his back. In connection with the affair of the past night, I began to think things were coming to a crisis. However, the man, who to all appearance was dead, by dint of hard rubbing, applied by those gathered around him, was at length brought to and carried off.