CHAPTERV

Colonel Frank Howe, of the New England Rooms, on Broadway near Fulton Street, New York City, was the director of that Rest for stranded and sick soldiers, as well as for many helplessly wounded. Here I found many of the most interesting cases of my experience. Colonel Howe felt that their contribution of wounded to the Sanitary Fair would be a more effective object-lesson and incentive, than inanimate war emblems and relics displayed in the Arms and Trophy Department. Some of these crippled men were now waiting for Government to provide homes for those incapable of self-support.

Colonel Howe thereupon secured free passes for a number of convalescents, and I consented to take charge of them during the fair. Consequently, one bright day, the New England ambulance was crowded with the following passengers, namely: one man without legs, two men without arms, one blind from a shot passing through his head, a one-legged boy, the famous John Burns of Gettysburg, and a colored woman to assist. I sat on the front seat with the driver. We drove up Broadway to the fair grounds, quite regardless of the curious crowd that followed.

These brave martyrs were received with outstretched hands and cordial sympathy, and given the freedom of every department in the wonderful exhibition. In a splendid restaurant I volunteered to act as waiter, that I might be certain that the Boys had good meals and attention, for which the Sanitary Commission made no charge.

A crowd followed armless Berry who carried on his strong back legless Smith,—who in turn dressed and fed Berry. These two had become great friends and, like the Siamese twins, were inseparable. Always cheerful, they seemed to enjoy life. Smith was a good penman and wrote me interesting letters, of which I still have some, generally signed “Berry and Smith.” Berry often carried the legless man about the large building to see the wonders which they greatly enjoyed.

Another armless soldier, a sergeant always in uniform, travelled about alone, and when in cars or boats was rarely asked for fare, or if so, he would say: “Help yourself from my pockets.” Few had the heart to do this, so he usually travelled free.

McNulty, a refined young man, who had lost an arm in an early engagement, but was now quite well, was also of our party, though he was quite independent and asked no help, having already learned, like General Howard, to use his left arm for writing and to serve double duty.

Famous John Burns was included with those mentioned above in the freedom of the whole building, and at seventy years of age called himself one of my “Boys.” The following is copied from a card which he had printed to “save so much talk,” and which he claimed was a true history of his experience and help in the renowned battle of Gettysburg. This card he gave me personally.

McNULTYMcNULTY

McNULTY

JOHN L. BURNS’ ACCOUNT OF HIMSELF

“I was born in Burlington, New Jersey, on the 5th day of September, 1793. I served in the war of 1812. At the outbreak of the Rebellion, I went with Captain McPherson to Camp Wayne, Westchester, where I enlisted, but was discharged at the end of a fortnight on account of my age. I returned to Gettysburg (my home at that time), then went to Hagerstown and served as assistant in the wagon camp for two weeks, after which, as a teamster, I joined the three months’ boys under Patterson, with whom I remained a month. I then went to Frederick, and obtained the position of police officer in General Banks’ division. I was present at the battle of Edward’s Ferry, and saw Colonel Baker carried across the river. I remained with Colonel Banks for six months, and then returned home, where I was at the time of the battle of Gettysburg. On the first day of the fight I met General Reynolds, who had been out reconnoitering, and was asked to show him the Emmettsburg road. After doing this, I obtained a musket from a soldier who had been wounded while on guard, and went off to the army ‘to shoot some of the damned rebels’. I fell in with a Wisconsin regiment, and fought sometimes in line, and sometimes on my own hook. About one P. M., during an intermission, while lying in the woods, I saw a Missouri man fall from the shot of a rebel concealed in the bushes. I stepped behind a tree, and seeing the rebel about to reload, I shot him. I also shot a tremendous great rebel who would not get out of my way. I myself received seven balls on the first day of the fight, the last of which wounded me severely in the leg. I lay on the field all night, and a rebel surgeon gave me water and a blanket. In the morning I crawled to a house near by, and about two P. M. succeeded in being taken to my own house, which I found occupied by the rebels as a hospital. Their doctor dressed my wound. On Friday, at two P. M. I was closely questioned by two rebel officers as to where I got my musket.”

JOHN BURNSJOHN BURNS

JOHN BURNS

I have also his photograph which he gave me, and from which, I believe, the life size figure of his statue was made. I saw him many times at my home in Brooklyn, and elsewhere, always wearing proudly the shabby old coat with bullet holes in the front corners. This is not given in the life size figure of the old hero on his monument at Gettysburg Cemetery, where he stands without a coat with bared head, musket in hand, as if starting for the field of action.

“And as they gazed, there crept an aweThrough the ranks in whispers, and some men saw,In the antique garments and long white hair,The past of the nation, in battle there.”

“And as they gazed, there crept an awe

Through the ranks in whispers, and some men saw,

In the antique garments and long white hair,

The past of the nation, in battle there.”

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