Their brows bear many a gory stain,Their white lips press not ours again,And eyes that once our life light were,Give back a cold, appalling stare.
Their brows bear many a gory stain,Their white lips press not ours again,And eyes that once our life light were,Give back a cold, appalling stare.
Their brows bear many a gory stain,Their white lips press not ours again,And eyes that once our life light were,Give back a cold, appalling stare.
The exploding barrel.
In winter of 1861-2, at Camp Minor’s Hill, Virginia, Company B had a man who was an inveterate forager, in fact, he was peculiarly adapted to that branch of service. He would be absent a week at a time. When he showed up in camp, he was put on extra duty, or punished in some form. At one time he was to stand on a barrel two hours. Some of the boys dug a hole, and placed about a peck ofblank cartridges in the same; dug a trench to a tent ten feet away and laid a train of powder; put the barrel over the hole. Soon the culprit was brought, and caused to mount the barrel. Soon that barrel took a flying leap heavenward ten feet in the air. The man, with arms and legs extended, and with a look I never shall forget. When he struck the earth, he said, with a grim sense of humor, “Well boys, you came damned near translating me—making a second prophet of me; I am inclined to think the route you would have caused me to take, would be poor foraging.”
On one of his migratorial expeditions, he met with the last enemy to be conquered—Death. He was fairly educated, and a man of good sense. He would not learn drill or to handle a musket. He would have made a proficient spy. I have thought sometimes he was employed in that capacity, unknown to the Regiment, for he would leave camp as soon as he was relieved. The barrel episode was the most severe punishment he ever received, at our hands. It was my province to look after the Company, and absent ones. I rarely reported him absent. I enjoyed many a toothsome viand, the result of his foraging. He had at one time ten thousand dollars, in Erie and Kalamazoo money, and he assured me got rid of it all.
When the Regiment went into camp for the winter, 1861, the boys built quarters of logs, with canvas tops; Company B built what they called a Hermitage, of timber, mud and canvas. Its capacity was for about twenty of the men. A chimney was constructed of sticks and mud for a base, topped out with barrels. One night, we, of the shoulder straps and high chevrons, got an invite to a barbacue at the Hermitage. As we filed in a huge fire, with half a yearling steer hanging over the fire place, met our view. It hung directly in the blaze; the boys were occasionally throwingwater on the meat to baste it. As fast as the outside was cooked, it was sliced off and passed around. Whiskey was plenty, and copiously used, to wash down the banquet. Songs and speeches were in order. By the way, Company B had plenty of talent—doctors, lawyers, preachers and gentlemen; a good time all around. Finally some one of the party, who had not the fear of his Creator, or shoulder straps in his heart, blew up the chimney barrels, and all went up in smoke.
The exploding chimney barrels.
The writer of this was Orderly Sergeant of Company B a part of 1861-2. And certain characters of the Company considered it legal to plunder this much abused official’s pipes, tobacco, and even whiskey was deemed free, whenever or wherever found. The writer suffered many a loss in this line. One especially, who bored him unceasingly for a chance to smoke a very large pipe, holding a quarter pound of tobacco. I will call him “Croxton,” “Jack,” for short.One morning I sat in my tent making morning report. I had filled this big pipe, and laid it on the desk in front of me, expecting “Jack” to call for a smoke. He came in due time, and asked if he might smoke my big pipe? I told him I had just filled it for my own use. Well, he said, I was busy then, and could smoke after he got through. He always had a story to tell me. He sat with his legs hanging inside the doorway, (the shanty was built of logs). I passed him the pipe; he commenced smoking, and telling me a yarn. Soon the pipe exploded, his heels went up, and he over backwards. He arose and said, “you think you are damned smart.” He asked for no more smoke.
The exploding pipe.
One day a blizzard came along, and devastated things generally. Among the calamities was the destruction of our sutlers’ shebang. It was in panels, built of thin boards. Itwas scuttled very promiscuous, and his stock of goods were distributed to all points. The boys were watching with pleased expressions on their countenances. They could stand the temptation no longer, and they went to gathering the spoils in. The sutler howled and ordered them off. They paid no attention. He said he would see about it, and started to see the Colonel. While he was gone, everything in sight was gobbled, and he could not find hide nor hair of any article. I found two boxes cigars, some figs, a jack knife, and a few other articles, thrust under my tent. I did not hesitate to appropriate, notwithstanding my religious proclivities. It was a clean sweep—a dead loss—to the old boodler. He got my first pay, more than half, and old sledge got the balance. He soon had another invoice of goods, and proceeded to lay up an account against the boys.
The sutler tries to keep the men away.
A guest is thrown out of the tent.
Be it understood, that the calibre of the commission, or officers of the 4th Michigan, was of a high order, for courage and undisputed ability, as the roster in appendix of this narration shows. On a certain occasion, Captain O. was holding a levee at his quarters. All went well. Punch and other refreshments were freely indulged in. Hilarity ran high. Captain O. attempted to make a short speech. His muddled condition caused a remark from another befuddled officer, that did not please the choleric Captain. He threw open the flaps to the entrance of the tent; divested himself of some of his uniform, and proceeded with the attempt to throw his guests out. But the doughty Captain struck a bigger job than he could handle. The result was, the Captain was picked up and deposited ten rods away in a ditch that had been dug around a tent. This same brilliant officer afterwardscommanded a Regiment. He sent them into their first battle without ammunition. But the courage of the promoted Captain was undoubted.
Fooling with supposed empty shells, is sometimes disastrous. The Banner Company of the Regiment were much given to old sledge and poker, and often plied their avocation into the wee small hours of night, contrary to express orders—lights out after taps. But these injunctions were not always heeded, as the sequel will show. Some of the boys had found a shell not exploded. They, as supposed, dug out all the powder, and on the occasion of a night’s occupation of their favorite pastime, used the shell as a candlestick. They inserted their short piece in the fuse hole, and proceeded with the game. The candle burned low; the lighted wick dropped into the shell; a tremendous explosion was the result. It totally demolished the tent, and nearly severed the flag-staff near by—so much so it fell over. But, strange to relate, nobody was hurt. They supposed they had got all the powder out. Moral—do not play cards after taps, nor use a shell for a candlestick, unless you are positive it is not loaded.
A soldier in a tree taunts the enemy across the river.
In the spring of 1863, just before the Gettysburg campaign, the 4th Michigan was doing guard duty on the Rappahannock river, at Kelly’s Ford, Virginia. The writer’s company was detached for picket duty. We were stationed at Mountain Run Ford, down the river from Kelly’s Ford, some three miles. The river at this place was shallow. We guarded against cavalry, had to be constantly on the alert. We also patrolled the river some three miles down. At the end of our patrol route, lived an old Rebel cuss. He was bitter in his denunciation of the Yankees. His name was Atkinson,—a cousin to the Atkinson of Bleeding Kansas fame. At his house we met another patrol from lower down, and compared notes. We had to watch the old reprobate closely; also had to keep an eye on his domestics. The firstpatrol was conducted by the writer, and was quite early in the morning. We followed the bank of the river about a half mile from our reserve. Standing close on the bank of the stream stood a large persimmon tree, well loaded with the luscious fruit. The bank sloped sudden and abrupt from the river. The patrol passed on, and I mounted the tree, crawled out on a big limb, settled myself to scraping in the fruit; I did not even taste the berries, but dumped them into my haversack. The patrol passed on out of my range. Soon a gentle sound was wafted to my ears from across the river. There was no mistaking the ominous sound and its purport. It said, “Yank! come over.” I gazed over the water. There, in plain view, was ten or a dozen rebel cavalrymen, with their carbines pointed at me, and a laughing. They repeated, “Yank, come over.” I could see nothing to laugh at, and told them so. They insisted that I should come to them. I told them, “I could not swim, and the water was too deep to wade.” Well, “that did not make any difference. You must come anyhow.” I said, well, here goes for a try. I slid to the ground. As I struck the earth, one of them fired. The ball went high over my head. I suspect he shot high on purpose to remind me of my obligation.
I waited for no more invitations, but threw myself flat on the ground, and with one tremendous wriggle, slid out of range. This brought a volley from the Rebels. The firing brought my patrol back, double quick. The Rebels skedaddled as fast as their horses could bear them away. The boys were terribly in earnest, but when they knew the situation, they had a big laugh at my expense. The racket also brought our reserve, with a battle in their mind. After learning the cause, the reserve returned, and we, the patrol, went our rounds. The old man Atkinson was the bitterest old devil or Rebel it was my fortune to meet in all my stayin Dixie; and he did not disguise his sentiments. I will say those persimmons were not ripe; their looks were deceiving. I advise all who hanker after persimmons, to wait until they are thoroughly ripe; for unless they are matured, they will pucker up any vacuum that they put their grip upon; but they are delicious when ripe.
While the regiment lay at Kelly’s Ford, before the Gettysburg campaign, we were paid off. Being in arrear of pay, we received quite a boodle of money. The communication between our army and Washington, by way of Aquia Creek, was temporary and somewhat uncertain. Trains of forage, and ambulances, were sent through attended by a heavy guard. After getting paid, the men were desirous of sending their surplus money home. It would go by Adams’ Express, from Aquia. Our chaplain, (Seage,) a brave, good man, volunteered to carry it to Aquia Creek. An ambulance train was going to make the trip, heavily guarded; the chaplain was to accompany it. The train left very early in the morning without the chaplain. But, nothing daunted, he followed on, expecting soon to overtake it. About four miles out he had to cross a swale with corduroy road. Just across was timber; and on approaching the timber, he saw two men step from behind trees, and at the same time ordered him to approach. He wheeled his horse, and in turning around one of the would-be robbers fired on him, hitting him in one wrist. This did not stop him. They yelled to him to halt, and at the same time fired again, hitting him in the shoulder. But the knowing mare carried her brave rider to the rear, and out of danger. He threw himself on his faithful horse’s neck, and clung there until the faithful animal galloped into camp, weak with loss of blood, but with a brave heart still palpitating. A detail of cavalry wasimmediately sent out, but with no result. Our brave chaplain was kindly cared for, and eventually recovered, but badly crippled. He risked his life to save the boys’ money. Our money was returned to us, and we had to carry it through the Gettysburg fight. My share of money sent was four hundred dollars. I had it in my pocket when I was wounded, after, at Gettysburg. I was a prisoner for a few minutes, but the noble Sixth Army Corps made it such a necessity to the Johnnies to git, they had no time to scoop us in. Brave old corps, I remember you with gratitude.
After the battle of Malvern Hill, our column moved on to Harrison Landing. We arrived there after daylight, in the morning. Made coffee, and rested a little. The Rebels followed up in small force, and commenced shelling us. We were moved out and formed in line of battle. In front of us was timber; in our rear was mud, and plenty of it, of a slushy nature. The Rebel guns threw railroad iron at us. They fired high. The missiles went to our rear. As these pieces of iron struck the mud, caused the slush to mount high in air, and in sheets. A New York regiment had just arrived by boat, (a new regiment.) They were moved to our front. I noticed the officers had hand satchels, and had paper collars around their necks. Our fellows cried, “Soft bread,” “Fresh fish,” and other appellations. The poor devils passed on into the woods, but the Rebels were in full retreat. Hooker had gone out with a brigade, and took them in flank. From here a detail from our regiment was sent to our State to recruit, to help fill the depleted ranks. The writer was one of this number.
We boarded a mail boat that plied between the landing and Fort Monroe, and with an escort, a turtle gun boat, started down the James, for Fort Monroe. On our way down,our boat was the target for Rebel guns along the bank of the river. The pilot house was sheeted over with iron, and when the musket balls came in contact with the iron, it caused a terrible racket. At one place, a bend in the river, they had thrown up a redoubt, and had two pieces of cannon ranged on the river. But our little turtle wiggled up, (gun boat,) and hurled a few shells at them; causing them to limber up and skedaddle very sudden. We arrived all right at the Fort, took steamer for Baltimore, and to God’s country. Recruiting was slow, for the old regiment men feared to enlist for it, as they would be pushed immediately to the front. I would prefer an old organization, as I would get the benefit of their experience. Whereas a new regiment, if pushed to the front, would labor under a great disadvantage.
A short time before first Bull Run fight, the 4th Michigan, with other regiments, were in camp at Cloud’s Mills, Virginia, about 5 miles out from Alexandria, towards Fairfax Court House. Our pickets were well extended out, in above named direction. One day the writer, with about 20 of the Regiment were out towards Fairfax. We seen a small column of cavalry approaching with a flag of truce hoisted. As they drew near, it proved to be an escort of the famous Black Horse Cavalry. We were ranged all along the road as they passed. They were conducting a man and woman to our lines. On their return, we encountered them again. I noticed the contrast between those Rebel troopers, their sullen and vindictive appearance, and compared them to the cheerful and wideawake countenance of our men. They passed on towards Fairfax. We felt we could have cleaned them out in fifteen minutes. There was nothing about the Black HorseCavalry, that was very terrifying. I saw better men and horses every day, of our brave troopers.
While the army was stationed along Arlington, from Chain Bridge, Potomac, to Alexandria, Virginia, the 4th Michigan occupied the ground in and about Fort Woodbury, on Arlington. Our picket line was extended out to, or near Minor’s Hill, which we occupied, later on, in winter quarters, 1861-2. At one time, while our Regiment was doing guard duty, at above named place, picket firing was in order, with but little damage to either side, but very annoying. One morning, about day break, our doughty and valorous Captain George Spalding, formed about 20 of Company B, and started out to see what could be developed in our front. (By the way, our Captain Spalding was a brave man, a little reckless, but all wool and a yard wide.) We marched out in Indian file, the Captain leading. The writer being 1st Sergeant, was next. After going a half mile, and near the road running down the hill, east, and towards our approach, we saw at our right a picket stationed in a rail pile, put up in Chevron form. He fired his gun, and then took to his heels. Right at the end of the road, where it comes down the hill, the road turned abruptly to the south. Right in this angle the Rebel reserve picket lay. This was also their videt post. About 20 of the Johnnies lay in this elbow, and apparently asleep, for we were within 20 feet of them before they discovered us. The shot of the picket on our approach woke them up. They were taken completely by surprise. They were a good deal excited, (also ourselves,) and broke for their rear. We fired a volley, with some effect. One burley Rebel, ran about ten rods, suddenly halted, turned around, brought his gun to shoulder, and fired. I think the shot was intended for our Captain, but missed him, and I being directly behind him, ora little to his left, the ball just grazed my right ear. Before this Rebel could face to the rear, a shot from the gun of one Fisher, laid him low. Fisher jumped the fence and obtained his knapsack. The racket stirred up a nest of Rebels, over the hill. Soon we saw guns dance above the brow of the hill, as the Johnnies double-quicked up the slope, on the other side of the hill; they arrived in plain view, battalion front, a whole Regiment of them. Then we were admonished to git—and we did. They fired after us, but without effect. Right here was done some tall skedaddling, through brush, over logs and rough ground. This encroachment on their premises, made the Johnnies mad; they kept up a continual fusillade during the day.
Later on, after going into camp, at Minor’s Hill, the Rebels tried to locate a battery about two miles to the west of our camp, and in plain view, a valley between. Two guns of a battery near our head quarters were unlimbered, and proceeded to sling shell over among them. Our fellows greeted them so lively, that the Johnnies were fain to limber up and steal away.
NOTE—The events narrated in these Reminiscences, are not in chronological order, but are facts all the same, as can be verified, and attested by others belonging to the Regiment.
Comrades, I cannot close this imperfect recital, without saying a few words to you all. I am aware of my inability to do justice to the subject. I have omitted many incidents that happened while in service together. I can see you all as you used to appear on the march, in battle, and in the quiet camp. Your pranks and repartee are fresh in my memory. 45 of the numbers that made up the roster of Company B, were from our sister state, Indiana, and all comrades were true as steel. You all need to be proud of your record, and thepart the glorious old 4th took in suppressing treason. A quarter of a century from now will close the roster for nearly all of us; a much shorter time for myself. Comrades, overlook what you may have seen amiss in me. We are all finite, none perfect. You were a splendid class of men, and none braver. Your record will be handed down to your posterity, and they will point back to your probation here with pride. “My forefathers helped to throttle treason.”
Good-By Comrades.
Transcriber's NotePage20contains "It was amusing to." This may be missing 'me' from the end of the sentence, or 'to' should have been 'too'. As it is impossible to be certain, it is preserved as printed.Page21contains reference to a sea of mud, followed by "The army slashed around...." Slashed may be a typographic error for splashed, or the author may have intentionally used slashed to indicate hard-going on swampy ground. As it is impossible to be certain, it is preserved as printed.Variable spelling is preserved as printed when there is a single instance of the word, e.g. Gainsville, canister and cannister, fatigueing, Mannassas, barbacue, underbush and underbrush. Variation in spelling of proper nouns where there is more than one instance has been made consistent, as follows:Page10—Miner’s amended to Minor’s—"With the advance of the army from Minor’s Hill, ..."Page19—Chancellorville amended to Chancellorsville—"... it marched out to and beyond Chancellorsville, ..."Page21—Kelley’s amended to Kelly’s—"... the 4th, was ordered to Kelly’s Ford, ..."Page21—Johnney amended to Johnny—"... Johnny Reb., why don’t you wear ..."Page25—Beverley amended to Beverly—"... it encamped near Beverly Ford, ..."Page25—Rappanhannock amended to Rappahannock—"On the 12th the Regiment recrossed the Rappahannock, ..."Seconds and thirds may be written as 2d or 2nd, and 3d or 3rd respectively.Minor punctuation errors have been repaired.Hyphenation and capitalisation has been made consistent.The following typographic errors have been fixed:Page6—unusal amended to unusual—"About the same time, I felt an unusual sensation ..."Page7—civillians amended to civilians—"The rush of soldiers, congressmen, and other civilians, ..."Page12—come amended to came—"... when zip, pinge, came the warning to get out."Page14—Lousiana amended to Louisiana—"The 4th Michigan about used up the Louisiana Tigers."Page15—Masschusetts amended to Massachusetts—"The 9th Massachusetts, one of our brigade, ..."Page15—Rebesl amended to Rebels—"... that the Rebels attacked with great fury."Page15—mischievious amended to mischievous—"Some mischievous fellow in the rear ..."Page16—splended amended to splendid—"... after Mac., who was a splendid rider ..."Page19—manouvered amended to maneuvered—"We maneuvered around, for a while."Page19—come amended to came—"The Johnnies came out of the woods in our front ..."Page21—beautifull amended to beautiful—"... a beautiful moon-light night."Page23—srife amended to strife—"... when mutterings of the awful strife, ..."Page24—aid-de-camp amended to aide-de-camp—"... news was brought by an aide-de-camp ..."Page26—Irvland amended to Loveland (name confirmed against official records)—"In the same engagement, Capt. W. H. Loveland, ..."Page35—choloric amended to choleric—"... that did not please the choleric Captain."Page37—rout amended to route—"At the end of our patrol route, lived an old Rebel cuss."Page39—desirious amended to desirous—"... the men were desirous of sending their surplus money home."Page40—arrivied amended to arrived—"We arrived there after daylight, ..."Page41—CAVALARY amended to CAVALRY—"A LITTLE “BLACK HORSE” CAVALRY, ..."Page43—stired amended to stirred—"The racket stirred up a nest of Rebels, ..."Illustrations have been moved where necessary so they are not in the middle of a paragraph.
Transcriber's Note
Page20contains "It was amusing to." This may be missing 'me' from the end of the sentence, or 'to' should have been 'too'. As it is impossible to be certain, it is preserved as printed.
Page21contains reference to a sea of mud, followed by "The army slashed around...." Slashed may be a typographic error for splashed, or the author may have intentionally used slashed to indicate hard-going on swampy ground. As it is impossible to be certain, it is preserved as printed.
Variable spelling is preserved as printed when there is a single instance of the word, e.g. Gainsville, canister and cannister, fatigueing, Mannassas, barbacue, underbush and underbrush. Variation in spelling of proper nouns where there is more than one instance has been made consistent, as follows:
Page10—Miner’s amended to Minor’s—"With the advance of the army from Minor’s Hill, ..."Page19—Chancellorville amended to Chancellorsville—"... it marched out to and beyond Chancellorsville, ..."Page21—Kelley’s amended to Kelly’s—"... the 4th, was ordered to Kelly’s Ford, ..."Page21—Johnney amended to Johnny—"... Johnny Reb., why don’t you wear ..."Page25—Beverley amended to Beverly—"... it encamped near Beverly Ford, ..."Page25—Rappanhannock amended to Rappahannock—"On the 12th the Regiment recrossed the Rappahannock, ..."
Page10—Miner’s amended to Minor’s—"With the advance of the army from Minor’s Hill, ..."
Page19—Chancellorville amended to Chancellorsville—"... it marched out to and beyond Chancellorsville, ..."
Page21—Kelley’s amended to Kelly’s—"... the 4th, was ordered to Kelly’s Ford, ..."
Page21—Johnney amended to Johnny—"... Johnny Reb., why don’t you wear ..."
Page25—Beverley amended to Beverly—"... it encamped near Beverly Ford, ..."
Page25—Rappanhannock amended to Rappahannock—"On the 12th the Regiment recrossed the Rappahannock, ..."
Seconds and thirds may be written as 2d or 2nd, and 3d or 3rd respectively.
Minor punctuation errors have been repaired.
Hyphenation and capitalisation has been made consistent.
The following typographic errors have been fixed:
Page6—unusal amended to unusual—"About the same time, I felt an unusual sensation ..."Page7—civillians amended to civilians—"The rush of soldiers, congressmen, and other civilians, ..."Page12—come amended to came—"... when zip, pinge, came the warning to get out."Page14—Lousiana amended to Louisiana—"The 4th Michigan about used up the Louisiana Tigers."Page15—Masschusetts amended to Massachusetts—"The 9th Massachusetts, one of our brigade, ..."Page15—Rebesl amended to Rebels—"... that the Rebels attacked with great fury."Page15—mischievious amended to mischievous—"Some mischievous fellow in the rear ..."Page16—splended amended to splendid—"... after Mac., who was a splendid rider ..."Page19—manouvered amended to maneuvered—"We maneuvered around, for a while."Page19—come amended to came—"The Johnnies came out of the woods in our front ..."Page21—beautifull amended to beautiful—"... a beautiful moon-light night."Page23—srife amended to strife—"... when mutterings of the awful strife, ..."Page24—aid-de-camp amended to aide-de-camp—"... news was brought by an aide-de-camp ..."Page26—Irvland amended to Loveland (name confirmed against official records)—"In the same engagement, Capt. W. H. Loveland, ..."Page35—choloric amended to choleric—"... that did not please the choleric Captain."Page37—rout amended to route—"At the end of our patrol route, lived an old Rebel cuss."Page39—desirious amended to desirous—"... the men were desirous of sending their surplus money home."Page40—arrivied amended to arrived—"We arrived there after daylight, ..."Page41—CAVALARY amended to CAVALRY—"A LITTLE “BLACK HORSE” CAVALRY, ..."Page43—stired amended to stirred—"The racket stirred up a nest of Rebels, ..."
Page6—unusal amended to unusual—"About the same time, I felt an unusual sensation ..."
Page7—civillians amended to civilians—"The rush of soldiers, congressmen, and other civilians, ..."
Page12—come amended to came—"... when zip, pinge, came the warning to get out."
Page14—Lousiana amended to Louisiana—"The 4th Michigan about used up the Louisiana Tigers."
Page15—Masschusetts amended to Massachusetts—"The 9th Massachusetts, one of our brigade, ..."
Page15—Rebesl amended to Rebels—"... that the Rebels attacked with great fury."
Page15—mischievious amended to mischievous—"Some mischievous fellow in the rear ..."
Page16—splended amended to splendid—"... after Mac., who was a splendid rider ..."
Page19—manouvered amended to maneuvered—"We maneuvered around, for a while."
Page19—come amended to came—"The Johnnies came out of the woods in our front ..."
Page21—beautifull amended to beautiful—"... a beautiful moon-light night."
Page23—srife amended to strife—"... when mutterings of the awful strife, ..."
Page24—aid-de-camp amended to aide-de-camp—"... news was brought by an aide-de-camp ..."
Page26—Irvland amended to Loveland (name confirmed against official records)—"In the same engagement, Capt. W. H. Loveland, ..."
Page35—choloric amended to choleric—"... that did not please the choleric Captain."
Page37—rout amended to route—"At the end of our patrol route, lived an old Rebel cuss."
Page39—desirious amended to desirous—"... the men were desirous of sending their surplus money home."
Page40—arrivied amended to arrived—"We arrived there after daylight, ..."
Page41—CAVALARY amended to CAVALRY—"A LITTLE “BLACK HORSE” CAVALRY, ..."
Page43—stired amended to stirred—"The racket stirred up a nest of Rebels, ..."
Illustrations have been moved where necessary so they are not in the middle of a paragraph.