The Sixth Connecticut Regiment left Beaufort on the evening of the 18th of March, bound down the coast. We passed several places of interest on our journey, among which were Mayport Mills, Fernandina and Fort Clinch. Deserted plantations lined the banks of the river and everything had the appearance of war’s desolation. In trying to cross the bar and enterSt.John’s River we got aground, and after several ineffectual attempts, we finally succeeded by the aid of a tug-boat, and our destination, Jacksonville, was reached on the morning of the 20th of March. One U. S. colored regiment were the only troops in the town. We did not pitch our tents here, but occupied the houses which had but recently been vacated. We found in many of the houses everything necessary for housekeeping, even to beds and bedding. So hastily was the retreat of the chivalry from this place that many valuable household goods were among the trophies. Large quantities of eatables were found buried in stone pots, some quaint looking guns and almost every article needed for house use. Quitea number of families of rebel proclivities remained in the town, who were either unable to get away after we took possession, or else were unwilling to lose their household goods. We barricaded the streets and avenues leading out of the town by felling trees across the roads to prevent the incursions of the rebel cavalry which infested the woods back of the town.
Jacksonville was once a watering place and home for invalids, and many of our northern people resorted there during the months of winter to enjoy its salubrious climate. It must have been an inviting retreat in its palmiest days. Everything here seemed to have been laid out for comfort and convenience, unlike many places which we have visited. But alas! how things had changed. Houses that were once the home of wealth and luxury were now the abodes of the Union soldier. Gardens laid out with the choicest flowers were trampled under foot by horses of our cavalry; the stores were closed, the goods removed; and business at a standstill. A few negroes lurked around the town, who were glad to get under cover of the Union arms. Co. “F” of the Sixth occupied the fine old mansion belonging toCol.Pierson of the rebel army, which was situated on the corner of Market and Duval streets, opposite the Episcopal Church. There many of the troops resorted and the organ was in constant use.
The first Sabbath we spent in Jacksonville we attended service and listened to a very able discourse by theRev.Mr. French; his subject was “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon.” The church was densely crowded with white and black soldiers, navy and army officers and civilians. In the course of his remarks he alluded to the deserted city and why the inhabitants had left it, fearing their lives would be in danger if they remained till the so-called Yankees made their advent in their midst. He expressed himself quite well pleased with the conduct of the white troops, and especially the Sixth Connecticut. He saidGen.Hunter had selected the Sixth above all others to occupy this place and protect the remaining inhabitants from the lawlessness of the rebel cavalry. He assured us our position was not an enviable one, as we were in a bad place and the woods swarmed with rebel cavalry, waiting only their chance to surprise us; but he (the speaker) was confident that the enemy would not catch us napping, and when brought to the foe, would meet them with determined bravery. We were quite pleased with the speaker’s allusion to our regiment, and he was personally thanked by many for the exalted opinion he entertained for us.
The Eighth Maine regiment arrived here from Beaufort a few days after we took possession. The rebels frequently annoyed us by shelling the town with a gun which they had fastened to a railroad car,and would bring it as near the town as they dared on the track, and then shell us. Our gunboats were not slow to disperse them, however, and they were soon driven back. On one of these occasions a shell entered a house (which the writer visited), passing through the bed-room in which a man and wife were sleeping, and in its course it passed through a stuffed-seat rocking chair on which lay the man’s coat, cutting off the skirts and forcing them through the back of the chair. The window glass were shattered and two looking glasses hanging in the room were broken, while the occupants of the bed were literally covered with plaster and splinters. The lady remarked to the writer that she was not partial to balls of that kind, and told him if he ever metGen.Finnegan (the rebel commander), to present her compliments with the request that fish-balls would be more acceptable next time.
We found ourselves busy each day in preventing the raids of the enemy, and several times were called up at night by the pickets being driven in. Our force was so small that an advance very far would have been with a great sacrifice of life for us, and our gunboats prevented a very long stay of the rebel troops in the town. We suffered no loss of life in our regiment while here; a few were slightly wounded. An expedition of the negro troops went up the river as far as the town of Pilatki, where they surprised asmall force of rebels and captured 14; the rest fled in dismay, fearing a large force was at hand. They also captured some horses and about $3,000 worth of cotton, which they brought away in safety. While on their way down the river the enemy fired upon them, woundingLieut. Col.Billings of the FirstS. C.troops, a ball passing through the palms of both his hands and another through his leg.
On Sunday, the 29th of March,Gen.Hunter ordered the evacuation of Jacksonville by all the Union troops. The inhabitants begged permission to accompany the troops, as their lives were in danger as well as their property, if left at the mercy of the rebel troops. Their request was partially granted and they flocked in numbers to the transports with large quantities of household goods, which so completely blockaded the room that orders were issued to put the goods on the wharves again. Large numbers of negroes secreted themselves on board the boats, fearing to be left behind. As we left the town an old lady appeared on the veranda of her house wringing her hands and sobbing as if her heart would break, doubtless sad at our departure. A large number of the houses and stores were set on fire just before we got on board the steamers, and as we left the wharves the larger part of the town was in flames and was probably destroyed. This wanton act of vandalism was charged upon the negro regiment, and they inturn said the Eighth Maine Regiment was to blame; no doubt both of these regiments had something to do with its destruction. It was entirely unnecessary and uncalled for, and the wanton act of burning a town would not destroy the Rebellion nor reflect any credit upon those soldiers of the Union who fired it. Justice should overtake all, and severe punishment meted out to those who so far forget the bounds of propriety as to disgrace the honored cause in which they are engaged.
We did not arrive at Beaufort as soon as we expected, owing to a heavy storm of wind and rain which set in, and as our boats were old and so heavily laden it was not deemed prudent to venture outside in such a gale. The storm passed by and we reached our destination in safety on the morning of April 1st. We pitched our tents, expecting to settle down again; but the soldier has no abiding place in time of war, nor does he know one day where he will be the next. After thirty-five hours in Beaufort, we were off again on another “excursion.”
The rumors in camp seemed to indicate that this time the expedition was to be more formidable than any previous ones, and this was true, as the sequel will eventually prove. Large numbers of troops were being put on board steamers at this place and at Hilton Head; gunboats were active and all was bustle and excitement. The wildest rumors prevailed asto our destination; some asserted that we were going to Virginia, while others claimed Charleston as the most probable place of attack. The Sixth embarked on the steamer Belvidere and steamed down to Hilton Head, where we lay for one day awaiting orders; in the mean time troops were embarking and getting ready to sail. When all seemed ready, we were off for the conflict and came to anchor in Stono River, a little below the village of Legaresville. Here we found other troops had preceded us and were also waiting to land. The monitors and other gunboats were busily engaged up the river shelling the camps of the enemy. Two shots from the enemy came in rather too close proximity to our steamer for safety, and we hoisted anchor and dropped a distance down the river out of range. The gunboats were engaged nearly every day for a week in the direction of Charleston, while we remained on board ship awaiting orders. Finally it was rumored that there was some trouble existing between some of our officers high in command, and that the whole force was to be withdrawn. The rumor proved correct. Admiral Dupont andGen.Hunter disagreeing in the plan of the battle, it could no longer avail anything and the whole affair proved a fizzle. In the meantimeGen.Hunter was relieved andMaj. Gen.Gilmore appointed to command.Gen.Gilmore was well known for his engineering skill and also his military prowess.
The morning of April 11th, the fleet withdrew to Hilton Head and reported, while the different regiments were sent to various posts. The Sixth encamped at Hilton Head, just outside the breastworks, where we remained till the 18th of April, when we again embarked and sailed for North Edisto, arriving there the next morning and anchored in the stream close to the dock, but we did not land till the 26th, when we were put ashore on Botany Bay Island, which is near the Edisto. We were immediately ordered out on a scout of about seven miles, after the Johnnies; but with the exception of passing a deserted cavalry camp we saw no evidence of the enemy. We returned to the landing and went on board the steamer, where we passed four more days, when we finally made a landing on Folly Island. The island was rightly named, for a man in civil life must indeed be a fool to think he could live on such a barren place; but a soldier is expected to live anywhere where he is sent. The island is a long strip of land about three-quarters of a mile wide at the widest point, and about four miles long, lying immediately south of Morris Island, from which the northern point is separated by only a narrow stream called Lighthouse Inlet. The lower part of the island runs down to a sharp angle and is covered with a thick growth of pine and palmetto trees, while the upper part was a low, marshy swamp. With swarms ofsand fleas and mosquitoes for our constant companions, we pitched our camp on the sand hills; there could be no order or regularity to our company streets, for some tents were pitched on a hill, while others were in a valley. Our fatigue duty was quite arduous, as we were obliged to work nights, and had to maintain the utmost silence, speaking only in whispers. From the upper or northern portion of the island, where we built the batteries, we could see the Johnnies on Morris Island very plain; but they little thought of the doom that was in store for them. They suspected no serious movement on our part, and did not think we had more than one field piece on the whole island. When we were obliged to fell trees we sawed them in two and lowered them gently to the ground by means of ropes. All the heavy cannon were brought through the woods and mounted at night, and then masked by covering them with leaves and dirt. It was with the greatest secrecy that the work was pushed forward. The enemy saw none of our troops nearer than the woods except the picket line, and while we seemed idle by day, hundreds of shovels gleamed at night by willing hands, while battery after battery rose up, yet nothing was visible to the rebels. Huge mortars and parrot guns came from Hilton Head, landed at Stono Inlet and were dragged slowly and tediously to their place under cover of darkness. Ammunition was taken forwardand concealed every night for over three weeks. The Sixth found its labors very severe. By moonlight and during heavy thunder showers the work went steadily forward. At the end of that time, ten large batteries had been completed, mounting 48 heavy guns and within 400 yards of the enemy’s works.
During the latter part of the time they began to suspect something was going on, for we could see them strengthen their batteries on the opposite bank. The rebel pickets were very inquisitive and tried to question us regarding our position, &c. We were on good terms with each other, and made miniature ships, freighted them with salt and coffee, and sent them over to the rebs, and in return they sent us tobacco. They informed us of the death of “Stonewall” Jackson, and displayed their flags at half mast and fired half hour guns throughout the day in honor of the deceased. They generally communicated to us the news of any battle that occurred sooner than we got it through our own sources. They seemed to relish a joke occasionally. One of them informed us thatGen.Beauregard had such an exalted opinion of the “Yankees” on Folly Island that he was coming over to make us a visit and give us all a “farm six feet by two.”
About the 1st of July large numbers of troops began to arrive at the island, and “old Folly” literally swarmed with them. The order was given for us tocapture the battery on the end of Morris Island, and we expected to make a night attack, so we sewed pieces of white cotton cloth on the left arm, that we might be distinguished from the foe. At midnight on the 9th, large detachments of troops stepped quietly into boats and rowed silently up Folly River; not a word was spoken above a whisper, nor any noise heard, save the splashing of the oars and the occasional plunge of the alligators from the river bank. At about 3 o’clock the flotilla of eighty large launches had arrived near Morris Island, and we were ordered to keep close to shore and under cover of the tall sea grass that lined its banks. Here we waited patiently for the dawn of day,--a day that was to bring victory to our flag, but death to many a brave soldier. We could see from our position the rebel soldier lazily walking his beat on the parapet, while the smoke from the dim camp fires slowly ascended skyward. Everything indicated to us that they were not expecting cannon balls for breakfast nor the advent of the boys in blue.Gen.Strong, who was to lead the attack, looked every inch a soldier, as he moved among us giving cheering words to all. At precisely 5 o’clock, the batteries that we had worked on so faithfully for weeks, were unmasked to the enemy and opened simultaneously from 48 guns. The astonished rebels soon replied with great rapidity. As the ball opened, the inhabitants of Secessionville,on James Island, crowded to the roofs of the houses till they were black with them, to witness the battle. Our gunboats shelled the batteries with good effect, and the enemy discovering our position in the boats, scattered grape and cannister among us with fearful rapidity. There we lay in the boats for two hours under a heavy fire, while the rebels divided their compliments among us and the gunners at our batteries. The batteries did not seem to have the desired effect of dispersing the enemy, andGen.Strong was signalled to land his forces and charge upon their works. The rebels perceiving the signal and interpreted its meaning, directed a galling fire at the boats. One boat of the Sixth was struck and a member of Co. “E” lost a leg which soon caused his death; another was wounded and the boat overturned, but was soon righted by help from others and the men rescued. We pulled for the shore, eager to land, and while a detachment of the Seventh Connecticut landed first on the left of the rifle pits and were feeling their way. The old Sixth sprang into the water knee deep and was soon directly in front of their battery; rushing forward with bayonets fixed and with an honest Union cheer. The rebels depressed their guns to rake us as we landed, but the shot struck the ground in front of us and passed over our heads, and the amazed rebels, seeing our determination, turned to flee just as we gained the first line ofworks, but we were too quick for them, and the Sixth captured 125 prisoners and a rebel flag. Private Roper Hounslow, of Co. “D,” saw the bearer of the flag making for the rear as fast as his legs could carry him, when he ordered him to halt; but he would not, and he shot him through the head. The flag was inscribed “Pocotaligo,Oct.22, 1862.” It had blood stains upon it which were probably spilled at that place.Col.Chatfield waved the banner aloft, feeling very much elated to think we had captured the flag that bore this inscription, for he received a wound at Pocotaligo.Col.Chatfield led his men to the last range of rifle pits, which was within a rifle shot of Fort Wagner. The Sixth had the advance all day. Our flags were riddled with shell, and the staff of the stars and stripes was broken in three different places. A rebel ramrod was substituted for the broken staff, and our flags floated from the only house on the island. This house was the headquarters for the rebel officers, and when we entered it the coffee was in cups on the table and breakfast nearly ready; but we did not stop to eat, as we were looking for water; and seeing the coffee, disposed of it in short meter. Two solid shot from Fort Wagner came tearing through the house, demolishing the chimney and scattering the bricks upon the tables in great confusion. We concluded that we might be demolished if we remained in there long, so wentout; the house being a good target, it was soon riddled with shell from Forts Sumpter and Wagner.
We remained at the front till about sunset, under a severe fire continually. Tired and footsore, with hardly anything to eat, and without sleep for three nights, we were glad when orders came for us to fall to the rear and another regiment to take our place.Gen.Strong was active all day and infused spirit into the soldiers by his commanding aspect. When we landed he was burdened with a pair of long military boots upon his feet, and as we jumped into the water these became so full that locomotion was well nigh impossible, so he pulled them off and threw them away, going in his stockings. The briars over the sand hills soon wore the bottoms of these off, and having captured a rebel mule, got astride of him and went forward with a cheer from the soldiers. Soon after the battle he appeared among the members of the Sixth, still astride the mule, who looked jaded enough. “Boys,” said he, “I don’t look like a General, but you look and have acted like true soldiers,” and immediately rode away, followed by the cheers of the soldiers.
It was determined to assault Fort Wagner and capture it with the bayonet. The Seventh Connecticut was to lead the charge, supported by the Ninth Maine and Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania. Early on the morning of the 11th, before the lark was awake, this commandsilently moved forward, drove in the rebel pickets and with a cheer rushed into the ditch and up the parapet, but met a very stubborn foe, who poured grape and cannister into their ranks. The Ninth Maine, instead of supporting them, wavered, at such a fearful fire, and ran away, while the Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania stood their ground. But the battle was against fearful odds, and they were obliged to retire and give up the contest. The Sixth lay all night in the rifle pits before Wagner, in a drenching rain, keeping a sharp look out for any surprise. On the morning of the 18th they came into camp wet and covered with sand, weary enough to lay up for a rest; but there is no rest for the soldier in time of war. Scarcely had we brushed off the sand and got a bite of pork and crackers before we were ordered to join in the assault on Wagner at dark. Never was an order more cheerfully obeyed, especially as the word passed around thatCol.Chatfield was to lead us into action, the Colonel declaring his preference “to stand or fall with the men of the Sixth,” and refusing the honor of commanding our brigade, which belonged to him as the ranking officer. The gunboats shelled the rebel fort incessantly, plowing up great heaps of sand with one shell, and another perhaps would fill up the crevice. The broadsides from the New Ironsides were terrific, and the five monitors in line, together with five other gunboats, seemed topour shell enough into Wagner to start several first class iron foundries. Shot and shell crashed above and within it and we wondered if half of them accomplished their mission. Before night came, hardly a gun boomed from Wagner, and many seemed to think an easy victory was within reach. As twilight approached the whole command lay under cover of the sand hills, waiting for the order to advance. The Fifty-fourth Massachusetts (colored regiment) were given the post of honor, the right of the first brigade, which position belonged to the Sixth; but at the request ofCol.Shaw of the Fifty-fourth, who wanted the black troops to distinguish themselves,Col.Chatfield granted them their wish.Gen.Strong, who was to lead the charge, then addressed them. He said, “Men of Massachusetts, I am going to put you in front of the chivalry of South Carolina, and they will pour iron hail in your faces; but don’t flinch; defend the flag and uphold the honor of the State of Massachusetts.” He further told them “the Sixth Connecticut was immediately behind them, and I know they will not flinch.” They fell upon one knee in the sand and with their right arm raised, they swore they would do it.
The command formed silently on the beach; the men seemed impatient to move as the scene became exciting. “Close column, by companies,” was the order given, and the first brigade was off for its work.Steadily forward we moved, while the gunboats still roared away. At a given signal they ceased their fire and the order passed to charge. The rebels waited till we were within range and then poured a volley into our ranks from their guns on the parapet, while the riflemen rattled their bullets from the small arms. The Fifty-fourth wavered for a moment, and that moment was fatal to them; they broke and fled. On pressed the Sixth through the iron hail, picked our way through the abatis, descended the ditch and climbed up the steep sides of the fort, and gaining the parapet, was among the rebels. The flash of a thousand rifles poured into us, followed in quick succession by hand grenades. Shrapnel, cannister and grape were freely showered into the ranks, while we leaped down to the casemates and bomb-proofs, driving the enemy before us in great confusion. They entered their rifle pits and checked our further advance. The night was so dark it was hard to distinguish friend from foe, and a signal from the rebels turned the fire of Fort Sumpter and Battery Gregg upon the angle of the fort which we held. In vain did we look for help from the second brigade. Many a brave soldier had sealed his loyalty with his blood, and Gens. Strong and Seymour,Col.Chatfield and others, were badly wounded and carried to the rear. We were virtually without any commanding officer to lead us. To wait for daylight would have beensheer madness, and the supporting brigade, terrified by the deadly cannonade, instead of relying upon the bayonet to accomplish the work, stopped and fired. The rebels saw the mistake and rallied upon the Sixth, which stood almost alone within their works. The charge was repulsed, but after remaining for about three hours under such a deadly fire, we escaped as best we could, with terrible loss. Had the second brigade supported us in time, no doubt we could have held it. The Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment rallied soon after they faltered and came up to the left angle of the fort, where they finally did good service. HereCol.Shaw met his death. The Sixth Regiment and the Connecticut colors were the first in the fort that night. The color-bearer, a German named Gustave DeBouge, was shot through the forehead while carrying the colors in the assault, and fell dead upon the flag, his life blood staining them through. Several brave ones who were near seized them, but they also fell either dead or wounded. Captain Frederick B. Osborn of Co. “K,” as brave an officer as ever wore shoulder straps, finally succeeded in pulling them from under the bodies and bearing them off in triumph. Our flags were much shattered and torn, but both were saved from the enemy.
In leaving Wagner that night, the ditch we crossed was filled with the dead and wounded, and we werecompelled to step upon their bodies in making our escape. Many fell wounded upon the beach, and as the salt water surged over their bodies and in their wounds, their groans and cries were terrible to hear. Men begged piteously to others more fortunate, to remove them out of reach of the incoming tide. Our return to camp was attended with almost as much danger as our advance, and many brave men who were spared through the terrible ordeal in the fort, were either killed or wounded in returning to the rear. Every foot of ground seemed to be covered by the fire of the enemy’s guns. Batteries Gregg and Wagner, Forts Johnson, Ripley and Sumpter, besides two gunboats in the harbor, all directed their missiles of death to further our destruction while retreating; and how so many of us were spared through such a terrible conflict, can be attributed only to the goodness of our Heavenly Father. Truly the God of battles was on our side.
Our loss was quite heavy, considering the force engaged; the Sixth being exposed to the deadliest fire, their ranks were pretty well thinned out and the total figures footed up to 141 killed, wounded and missing. Many of the wounded brought off the field died the next day. Among the killed wasLieut.Stevens of Co. “I,” a cannister shot passing through his heart. He wasAss’tAdjutant General onGen.Seymour’s staff, a position he filled with great ability.Having made military matters a study for a number of years his services were valuable to the government. His body was brought off the field and buried beneath one of the lone palmettos. A large influx of surgeons arrived from the North a few days after the battle, many of whom were mere boys, having hardly attained their majority, without experience, and many without common sense, came to Morris Island to assist in caring for the wounded. A slight wound in the limb was sufficient cause for them to amputate, and many suffered amputation of limbs that with proper treatment could have been spared to them. The writer saw a surgeon’s table improvised on a sand bluff, where these “would-be-surgeons” were using the scalpel knife in severing the arms and legs of the wounded, and a great pile lay beside them. Many a victim protested against this outrage, but was told that it was the only thing that would prolong life. The victims in many cases died soon after the operation.
Fatigue duty fell unusually hard upon the troops on the island, and every night found the Sixth in the trenches, building batteries or hauling heavy guns to the front. Under fire every day and night, the regiment suffered the loss of many members by wounds and death. While at the front one day a flag of truce came from Wagner, borne by a rebel Captain named Tracy.Capt.Tracy of the Sixth met him andfound that he wanted to negotiate for an exchange of prisoners.Gen.Vogdes was informed and the terms agreed upon. On Friday, July 24, a large steamer bearing our wounded, came down the harbor and ran alongside of one of the monitors. It was said she was a blockade runner and had recently ran the blockade. Upon her decks were Englishmen dressed in the height of fashion, talking loudly of the superior intellect of the southern chivalry. The steamer Cosmopolitan, which had recently been fitted up as a hospital ship, ran alongside and delivered up the rebel wounded and the rebels gave us 205 Union soldiers. They also reported that they had amputated the limbs of 25 and that 50 had died on their hands. We also learned that they were so indignant because our government employed negro troops, that when they foundCol.Shaw’s body they dug a deep trench and put the body in and then threw 25 dead negroestop of it. This circumstance we learned to be a fact, the pickets in our front having reported the same thing to us.
The Sixth Regiment, so shattered in the charge of the 18th and depleted in numbers, was ordered to Hilton Head to recruit and care for the large numbers who were wounded. We landed there on the 31st of July, commanded by Captain Tracy, who was senior Captain in the regiment and highest officer for duty. While at the Head the news came to us of thedeath ofGen.Strong andCol.Chatfield, both having gone North to recruit their health. The men of the Sixth cherished very great affection for their beloved Colonel, and were grieved to hear of his untimely death.
Col.Chatfield was born at Oxford,Conn., in 1826; was the son of Pulaski and Amanda Chatfield. He was apprenticed to the carpenter business in Derby, where he served four years at his trade; after which he worked as a journeyman. In 1855, having moved to Waterbury, he was associated with a brother in building, and the firm was widely and favorably known. Always upright, a man of sterling integrity, prompt and honorable in all his dealings, he possessed the confidence and esteem of all with whom he came in contact.
Col.Chatfield was born a soldier; he commenced as a private in the Derby Blues and was active in raising the Waterbury City Guard, and afterwards became its Captain. His service with the three months troops was a fine school in which to display his military genius, and he caught the true military spirit, which he seemed to infuse into his fellow soldiers. Subsequently, becoming Colonel of the Sixth, he brought it to a state of discipline second to none in the service. The early part of the service seemed too much for him, and he remained at Annapolis, an invalid, while the regiment was sent on the expedition, butjoined it again in January, 1862. At Pocotaligo he received a cannister shot in his right thigh, but recovered sufficiently to join us again in April, when for a time he was placed byGen.Hunter in command of the forces at Hilton Head. After serving there for some time, he was relieved at his own request and permitted to join in the operations on Morris Island. In the charge on Fort Wagner he was wounded in the leg, and in attempting to drag himself out, was hit a second time in his right hand, which knocked his sword out of his grasp. He was carried to the rear by Private Andrew H. Grogan of Co. “I,” and Chaplain Woodruff procured transportation for him to his home. He spoke very feelingly in regard to the charge of his regiment, and inquired if the colors were safe. Being informed that all that was left of them was brought off the field, his eyes glistened as he replied, “Thank God for that; I am so glad they are safe; keep them as long as there is a thread left.” He was sent home on a steamer, but the journey was exhausting to him and probably hastened his death.
He passed away from his earthly labors August 10, surrounded by his family. Just before his death a gleam of consciousness was visible, and looking up he recognized his weeping family, and expressed his entire willingness and readiness to depart, and died with hardly a struggle. HadCol.Chatfield lived he would have distinguished himself, and no doubt risenhigh in rank; his record a knight might envy. His noble deeds and eminently Christian character will ever be fresh in the memory of the members of the old Sixth Regiment.
After the death ofCol.Chatfield, Redfield Duryee was appointed Colonel of the Sixth, rising from Adjutant to that position at a single step. He had been North on recruiting service for eighteen months previous to his appointment, but after securing that position he hastened to join the regiment in the field. The appointment was not received very pleasantly by the officers of the Sixth, nor by the privates, who expressed much dissatisfaction at his appointment. Those who had been with the regiment through thick and thin and had borne the brunt of the battles, were more justly entitled to promotion to that position than Redfield Duryee, who had been home for half of his term of enlistment. But merit is not always justly rewarded, and the appointment had to be endured, although it was not according to our taste. Our new colonel enjoined upon the regiment severe drills and guard duties, while it was tasked severely and laboriously with fatigue duty every day and often far into the night. We found it difficult to endure the loss ofCol.Chatfield. Few men, living in themidst of such temptations as army life afforded, could resist so practically the attractions that led so many good men astray; yet he stood as a beacon light, and his counsel and judgment were often sought by those who were his superiors in rank. HadCol.Chatfield lived, the entire regiment would no doubt have re-enlisted; but as the command passed into other hands, the number did not exceed 200 who consented to remain till the close of the war.Lieut. Col.Speidel andCapt.Leach resigned their commissions and left the regiment in August, 1863. Ill health was the cause of their resignations.
Col.Speidel never fully recovered from the wound received at Pocotaligo, and the regiment was loth to part with him, as he endeared himself to the boys by his soldierly bearing and commanding ways. He was a brave officer and never flinched on the field, but always inspired the men with true courage and patriotism.
October 20th, five companies of the Sixth went on provost guard duty, relieving the Eighth Maine. We occupied the provost building and had charge of a large number of rebel prisoners, as well as others from Union regiments, who had been guilty of some crime known to military law. Among the rebel prisoners was a Captain Monroe whom the Sixth captured, with others, on Morris Island. He was son of the Mayor of Charleston, and a most bitterand uncompromising rebel. He evinced no desire to shake hands over the “bloody chasm,” but, on the contrary, was bitterly opposed to the Union and to the hireling soldiers employed by Lincoln. He raved and stormed in the guard house like a mad bull, and swore he would fight us to the bitter end whenever he should be exchanged or released. He was taken to some Northern prison with about 100 other prisoners, a guard from the Sixth accompanying them.
Volunteering having partially subsided in the State, and as the government was in need of more troops, drafting commenced in other States as well as in Connecticut. The Sixth received about 200 men in October; some were conscripts and others drafted men, as but fewvolunteered for the service. Their advent was not hailed with much pleasure or satisfaction by the old regiment, as they claimed that “forced” men would not fight and could not be trusted in case of an emergency. Some were vile roughs and were frequently in the guard house; while others manifested a disposition to do their duty, and did make very good soldiers. Three of the substitutes deserted from the regiment while on picket, but were captured and placed in close confinement at the provost guard house. While there they succeeded in getting away twice; the first time they were found in Ossanabaw Sound and were returnedto the post, where they were tried for desertion before a court martial, of whichCapt.Tracy of the Sixth was president, found guilty and sentenced to be shot to death by musketry. They were then chained hand and foot to a post inside of the provost quarters; and, notwithstanding these precautions, together with a strong guard, they succeeded in getting away again. They took a boat near the pier and made off; but while in Warsaw sound near the shore, their boat grounded and they were captured by a picket boat from the gunboat Patapsco. They were very bold, ingenious men, and their skill and perseverance might have won them honor if rightly applied. The culprits were Germans by birth: privates Henry Schumaker, of Co. “C,” Henry Stark, of Co. “E,” and Gustav Hoofan, of Co. “B.”
In the case of the latter an error was discovered in writing his name, the name Hoofan having been written Hoffman by the Judge Advocate.Col.Duryee wishing to be merciful to the full extent consistent with duty, availed himself of this technical error and protested against his execution. This protest was allowed, and he was saved from death and ordered to return to duty with his regiment. The man was more than pleased at this announcement, but the Judge Advocate, a lieutenant of the Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania regiment, was severely censured in general orders for his inexcusable carelessness and fatal error.
The following order was issued to the troops for the execution of the deserters:
General Orders, No. 7.
Headquarters Hilton Head,Hilton Head,S. C., April 16, 1864.
In obedience to General Orders No. 50, Department of the South, Hilton Head,S. C., April 15, 1864, the sentence of private Henry Schumaker, of Co. “C,” and private Henry Stark, Co. “E,” Sixth regiment Connecticut Volunteers, who were tried before a court martial assembled at Hilton Head,S. C., March 4, 1864, for the crime of desertion, and were sentenced to be shot to death with musketry, will be carried into execution at this Post on Sunday the 17th day of April, 1864, at three o’clockP. M., on the field beyond the causeway and in the presence of all the troops of this command. All fatigue work within the line of the entrenchments will be suspended on that day during the afternoon, and every officer and man not upon the sick list or upon other duty, will be present. The firing party will be furnished by the Sixth Connecticut Volunteers.Capt.E. S. Babcock, 9th U.S. C.T., Provost Marshal, will make the necessary arrangements for the execution. The several regiments and detachments comprising the command will report at two o’clockP. M.toLieut.Woodruff,A. A. D. C., who will be stationed there to direct them to their positions.
By order ofCol.REDFIELD DURYEE,
Walter Fitch,1stLieut.6thConn.Vols., PostAdj.
Official:
D. A. Woodruff,1stLieut.6thConn.Vols.,A. A. D. C.
As soon as the time had been fixed for their execution they were visited by the Provost Marshal, who informed them of their fate and advised them to prepare for death. They seemed stolid and indifferent at first, but upon reflection they gave way to their feelings and desired to have a priest sent to them (they were both Roman Catholics), andRev.Mr. Hasson, a Catholic priest who was in the department, was sent for and ministered to them. It was for a long time difficult to convince them that their case was hopeless, but Mr. Hasson’s arguments finally forced conviction, and, after hearing their confession twice, he performed all the rites of the Church that were practicable. The prisoners were taken from their cells at about two o’clock, placed in army wagons and seated on the coffins in which they were to be buried. The column was formed as follows:
Capt.E. S. Babcock, Provost Marshal, mounted.Capt.J. P. King, Asst. Provost Marshal, mounted.Drum Corps in two ranks.Firing Party of 24 men detailed from 6thConn.The Prisoners in wagon seated on their coffins.Ambulance containingRev.Mr. Hasson, and Chaplain Woodruff, of the 6thConn.;Rev.Mr. Taylor of the Christian Commission; the Surgeon of the Provost guard house, and the Surgeon of the 6th Connecticut.
The funeral escort, consisting of a corporal and eight men, marched to funeral music, with arms reversed.Slowly the procession proceeded to the appointed place; the square was formed on three sides, and the victims were driven around once that all might see them and avoid their fate. They maintained a calm demeanor to all, except as they passed our regiment they took off their caps several times to their old comrades. On reaching the end of the square they were assisted to alight from the wagons, the coffins were placed on the ground, the culprits sitting down upon them while the Provost Marshal read the charges, findings and sentence. After a short prayer by the priest they were blindfolded and their hands tied behind them and made to kneel upon their coffins, facing the center of the square. The firing party came up and were halted at six paces distant, when, at a signal fromCapt.Babcock, they fired and the victims fell upon their coffins. Schumaker was pierced with nine bullets and Stark with eight. They lay just as they had fallen till the whole command marched past them on the way to camp, when they were put into the coffins and buried.
On the 20th of April,Capt.Lewis C. Allen, Jr., died of disease. He was formerly a member of a militia company in Georgia, and afterwards removing to New Haven, was drill officer of the New Haven Blues. He went out as 1stLieut.inCapt.Root’s company in the Third three months troops, and later as captain of the “Brewster Rifles,” Co. “F,” of theSixth regiment. He participated in all the battles of the regiment, and was looked upon as a brave and efficient officer by all the regiment and was much esteemed by his own company for his uniform courtesy and gentlemanly bearing.
Lieut. Col.Klein, with the re-enlisting veterans of the regiment, were given a thirty days furlough after re-enlisting; they sailed for the North and were received in New Haven with demonstrations of respect, escorted to Music Hall, where Mayor Tyler addressed a welcome to the returning soldiers, after which they sat down to a banquet provided for them.
The regiment remained at Hilton Head through the fall and winter months of ’63 and ’64, engaging in an occasional scout after the Johnnies, drilling and doing fatigue duty in various ways. If a battery was to be built or earthworks thrown up, the Sixth was sure to have a hand in it. Many of our officers having resigned and our ranks being depleted by disease, we were finally ordered, with our corps, to join Butler on the James River, and we bade adieu to South Carolina on the 27th of April, 1864, and sailed for our new scene of labor and strife. We arrived at Hampton Roads after due time and landed at Gloucester Point, opposite Yorktown. Here we found large numbers of troops encamped in very close proximity to each other, and indications pointed to a general advance along the line. Theredoubtable Ben seemed in his element and was busy from morning till far into the night, making the necessary preparations for the conflict. Our corps (the 10th), and the 18th corps, underGen.W. F. Smith, were ordered to pack up all the surplus clothing belonging to the officers and men, and the cooks were divested of all their cooking utensils except two camp kettles. Large quantities of clothes and goods were put in boxes and barrels and shipped to Norfolk, where they were to be stored; but, unfortunately, the steamer containing the goods of the Sixth sprung a leak and sank, the crew barely escaping with their lives. Butler ordered the command to go as light as possible in regard to clothing and effects, and the rations were cut down to such extent that we were to be deprived of many articles that were palatable to a soldier. Beef, beans and potatoes were excluded from our bill of fare, and bacon and salt pork were to be more freely used. Half rations of soap and full rations of whiskey and quinine were among the items which were considered necessary for our comfort, and lastly, two pairs of Uncle Sam’s brogans were ordered for each man, fearing, perhaps, that the sacred mud of Virginia might draw off one pair while experiencing a march after a gentle fall of dew.
May 4th, the whole command embarked at Gloucester Point and ascended the James. The infantry,artillery and cavalry numbered about 25,000 men, all told. The gunboats went up the river a day earlier than the transports. The scenery along the banks of the James was indeed beautiful; the corn and cotton crops were growing splendidly; large fields in cultivation met the eye on every hand, and everything clearly indicated that Johnny Reb did not expect us quite so soon. The steamers were crowded with the troops, and the bunting streaming from the masts and rigging was a pleasing sight to all beholders. If the enemy saw this advance of Butler’s army coming they could not but dread the results.
The 6th of May the entire force landed at Bermuda Hundred and pushed inland. The day was extremely warm and the extra pair of brogans that “Bennie” made us take were soon thrown off, as well as blankets and knapsacks,--anything to lighten our load. The march through the woods and fields was strewed with these articles, but none could tell whether they would ever be needed again, for we wist not what was before us. We marched about eight miles and halted for the night in a piece of pine woods, where we threw up a rude entrenchment to cover us against a sudden attack. The night passed with no general alarm, although the advance pickets skirmished with the enemy. We were up betimes in the morning and on the move, passing many swamps and deep morasses, which made progress slow. A large detachmentwere felling trees to make passage for the artillery through the woods and swamps.
On the 9th of May our division moved on to the Petersburg & Richmond R. R., at Chester station, where we cut the telegraph wires and tore up the track, burning the ties and poles. Our brigade pried up the rails as we stood close together, and tumbled them down a steep bank. Over a half mile of track was thus disposed of at a time. We destroyed about three miles of the track at this time and guarded the turnpike and all approaches, while the 18th army corps engaged the rebels near Richmond, but with little success, except to find their position. The next dayGen.D. H. Hill’s corps advanced from Richmond and our forces engaged them all along the line. After a sharp contest which continued over two hours, the rebels withdrew from the field and we retired a short distance to the rear. The casualties of the Sixth were one killed (Capt.Jay P. Wilcox), twenty wounded and four missing.
Captain Wilcox left Waterbury as a private soldier in the Sixth, but was soon promoted to the rank of corporal and thence passed rapidly to that of captain. As an officer,Capt.Wilcox gained the honor and respect of all under his command. Resolute, bold and fearless, he proved an honor to the cause, and the Union lost one of its noblest defenders.
On the 14th of May the Sixth was ordered, withthe rest of the corps, to advance to Proctor’s Creek, near Drury’s Bluff, at which place we arrived after little skirmishing. We halted near the edge of a piece of woods, expecting to remain but a short time; butGen.Butler ordered the Quartermasters to bring up all camp equipage and establish our camps there before commencing operations still farther in advance. We knew, however, that we could not advance very much farther except by bringing on a general engagement, as the enemy were strongly entrenched a short distance from us, as we could see them working on their batteries every day. The evening of the 15th the Sixth occupied the extreme front at the center of the line, on picket. The night passed with but little firing on either side. Just before daylight, while a thick fog prevailed, the rebels massed their forces and made a very determined dash in our front, charging upon us furiously, shouting with that peculiar yell so characteristic of the Johnnies. We knew they outnumbered us, and to stand alone as a picket line would be of no avail; yet we emptied our rifles at them several times and fell slowly back upon the reserve. They proved too strong for our corps and it gave way gradually. We did not “retreat,” but “changed front to the rear,” and contested every foot of ground; but the enemy knowing our strength, forced us back slowly but surely. The turnpike being the safest ground to pass over, was besieged bythe troops; ambulances carrying the wounded, negro men and women, rebel prisoners and Union soldiers filled the roadway, while heads of staff were busy issuing orders to the different regiments to form here and there to check the rebel advance. One regiment would file in a piece of woods; another made a stand in a ravine, while our batteries limbered up to get a better position and the whole force resisted bravely the attack. We were forced back about six miles, and, as night came on, the battle ended.
The loss on our side was much larger than that of the rebels. The Sixth suffered severely, considering the numbers engaged: seven killed and fifty-three wounded. Among the wounded wereLieut. Col.Meeker, Captains Charles H. Nichols and John N. Tracy, Lieutenants Bennett S. Lewis, Charles J. Buckbee and Norman Provost.Capt.Horatio D. Eaton, of Hartford, was killed while encouraging his men forward. He served through the three months campaign and afterwards went out as lieutenant of the Sixth. He was greatly beloved at home by a large circle of friends, and possessed the esteem of the regiment.Capt.Biebel and twenty others were captured by the enemy.
The day after this battle the men of the Sixthwho had re-enlisted came back from their furlough and reported for duty, but found our position rather warmer than they anticipated,--quite unlike thescenes they had just left at the North. We threw up entrenchments every night, working till morning dawned, and the Johnnies were unceasing in their efforts to dislodge us, many of the men being wounded while at work. The picket line was relieved always at night, and we were invariably shelled while going on that duty. After being posted on the lines things generally quieted down, as the distance between the rebel and Union pickets was often less than three rods. Conversation was kept up and exchanges of newspapers frequently took place, as well as the usual exchange of “terbacker” for coffee.
The old Sixth was again engaged on the 20th of May with the enemy; the Johnnies fought stubbornly and seemed determined on driving us back. We held our ground, but made no advance. After about four hours they were repulsed and fell back.Lieut.Bradley and two privates were mortally wounded, and died soon after being brought into camp. Thirty-two of the regiment were wounded and one missing. Thus the ranks of the Sixth were constantly reduced by these frequent skirmishes, and duty fell pretty severe upon those who were able to perform it. Scarcely an hour passed, day or night, without being shelled by the enemy, and rest seemed out of the question. The pale faces and haggard looks of the men told too plainly what they endured. Yet few reproached the cause in which they were engaged.There is very little poetry and a good deal of hard work in an active campaign.
Col.Redfield Duryee resigned his commission on the 27th of May, as failing health, it is said, incapacitated him for active service in the field. The captain of the 1st Connecticut Battery, Alfred P. Rockwell, was chosen to fill the place.Col.Rockwell was brave and fearless, and held in esteem by the members of the Sixth.
The 2nd of June the enemy again tried to force our lines and did drive back some portion of the3dNew Hampshire, but they were repulsed and the line regained. The artillery duel on both sides waged hot for a few hours, and it was difficult to determine which would come out best in the end. One rebel colonel was killed and brought within our lines, and a lieutenant and twenty-six men deserted to us, being, as they said, tired of the war. The loss to the Sixth was only three wounded.
Part of the command, including the Sixth, were sent across the Appomatox River on the 9th of June, to engage the enemy at a certain point, while the cavalry destroyed a railroad. We came upon the outposts of the enemy, drove them in, were subjected to a severe shelling, but with slight loss on our side. The cavalry, it was said, accomplished its object, and the next day found us back to our old line of works. One morning the videttes reported that theenemy had evacuated their line of rifle pits on our front, and the orders were issued for our corps to advance and make a reconnoissance, which we did. Finding their line deserted, we pushed forward and skirmished with them, they falling back all the while evidently to get us into an ambuscade. We fell back to the line evacuated by the rebels and awaited results. The sharpshooters annoyed us exceedingly all day, being posted in the trees, and their clothing was so near the color of the bark of the trees that it was difficult to discover their position. The enemy gave us a vigorous shelling early in the afternoon; and as that nearly always preceded an advance, the whole line awaited anxiously the result. The Johnnies were soon discovered slowly approaching through the woods directly in front of the Sixth. They rushed forward with a yell, but did not find us unprepared to meet them. The bullets flew lively for a time, and the rebels swayed backward, but soon rallied and rushed forward in large numbers, forcing back the Union lines and regaining their rifle pits. Their numbers must have been very much larger than ours, and they evidently expected we would take their pits when they fell back, and no doubt had a plan laid to gobble us all up; but our commander displayed that wisdom requisite for the occasion. We retired, however, with considerable loss. The Sixth lost in this engagement 5 killed, 16 wounded and18 missing.Capt.Nichols was captured by the enemy.
The weather was excessively warm and no exertion was required to produce perspiration. The thermometer on June22drose to 103 degrees in the shade. We were apprised of the fact that our worthy President, Abraham Lincoln, was near us, and all that were not engaged on duty were ordered to appear near the regimental quarters and render a proper salute. He came on horseback, attended byGen.Butler and staff. The troops greeted him pleasantly and gave hearty cheers along the whole line. The President looked careworn and troubled. Undoubtedly the trials through which the nation was passing had much to do with his depression of spirits.
The next day we received some rebel papers which had an article headed, “What mean those cheers?” In allusion to the cheers which they distinctly heard, they inferred that we had received some good news of a recent Union victory; but as no such information had come to them through their sources, they finally came to the conclusion that it must be some scheme made known to the troops from the fertile brain of that “beefy, bloated Massachusetts Yankee,” as they calledGen.Butler.
Sheridan’s cavalry were at the “White House,” and were ordered to join Grant at the rear of Petersburg on the 25th of June. Some of our divisionwere sent over the Appomatox to cover his retreat. The Sixth Connecticut and Third New Hampshire regiments formed a part of the force employed for that purpose, which returned to camp after their mission was accomplished. Sergt. Andrew Grogan, of Co. “I,” who had been but recently promoted to2dLieutenant, went on the picket line on the evening of June 29, in charge of the pickets of the Sixth. The rebels fired upon the line, woundingLieut.Grogan in the thigh. He was carried to camp and the surgeons found it necessary to amputate the limb to save his life. The operation was performed successfully and he fully recovered.Lieut.Grogan was exemplary in his habits and was a consistent Christian; respected and loved by the regiment, and it was with sorrow that we were obliged to part with his services. It will be remembered thatLieut.Grogan boreCol.Chatfield from Fort Wagner after the Colonel was twice wounded in that memorable assault on the night of July 18th.
Gen.Butler issued an order calling for volunteers for fatigue duty upon his famous Dutch Gap Canal, offering eight cents an hour extra pay and two rations of whisky each day. The work was very laborious, the enemy keeping a continuous fire upon the working parties, which together with the excessive heat, rendered the service anything but desirable; yet many availed themselves of the offer. The picketswere strengthened and the reserve made secure to prevent any sudden dash upon the working parties; while our gunboats in the James rendered effective service in dispersing these advances. The Johnnies were pretty sure to retire if the gunboats sent their compliments. Some of the captured rebels affirmed that they could stand any ordinary shelling, but when our navy sent a whole “blacksmith shop, with forge and bellows complete,” they thought it was time to “change front to the rear.”
The report thatGen.A. P. Hill, of the rebel army, was advancing south of Richmond in the direction of Petersburg, aroused our General commanding, andGen.Smith’s corps was ordered on the move. The Sixth was accordingly ordered to cook up the usual three days rations. We left the front shortly after midnight on the morning of the 14th of August, and at about 5 o’clock Sunday morning we crossed the James River on the pontoons, drove in the advance pickets and rapidly pushed forward, skirmishing with the enemy at different points. We soon heard the rebel yell, and the enemy came pouring upon us with all their fury. Our regiment, divested of knapsacks, immediately charged upon them and captured two lines of rebel earthworks, driving the enemy before us at a place called Strawberry Plains, near Malvern Hill. We skirmished with the enemy all day, and when night came on our division occupiedHancock’s old works near the hill, and gladly availed ourselves of a chance to lay down, but not to sleep, as that would have been a luxury not to be entertained. Owing to the excessive heat of the day, many fell from the ranks completely exhausted. So severe had been our campaign in Virginia, in its marches and fatigue duty, that the Sixth mustered but few men for duty. We were continually on the move; and often, in our midnight marches, some would fall asleep while in the ranks, and as soon as the order was given to halt and rest, the entire regiment would fall down where it stood, and sleep during the few moments allotted for rest.
The Sixth moved again on the 15th of August and fought the battle known as Deep Run. We were posted in the woods with Hawley’s brigade, looking for the position of the enemy; but the woods were so dense that we could scarcely stand in line. The rebel earthworks were in our front, but their exact position or strength was unknown to the brigade. We fixed bayonets and cocked our rifles preparatory to an advance and charge.Gen.Terry informed us in whispers, as near as he could, the location of the enemy, and directed us to creep through the underbrush till we came to a certain tree, and then charge. The word “forward” was given and the brigade moved through the woods as fast as the tangled underbrush would permit. The enemy discovered ouradvance ere we had proceeded far, and with a loud yell they opened fire from howitzers and musketry. The latter was terrific, and the bullets skipped through the leaves of the trees in terrible volleys. In passing through the woods we came to an opening which was made by the trees being felled and brush cleared away. About twenty rods in our front ranged a strong earthwork, behind which the rebels were strongly posted, and in the front was a huge abatis almost defying any approach. On went our brigade with a cheer, tumbling through the abatis and picking our way as best we could amid a furious storm of bullets; but the desperate rebels held their works till they saw us clear of the abatis and knew that we were coming for them, when they turned and fled; but we were too quick for some of them. Springing upon them in their pits we had a hand to hand combat, till they saw it was useless to hold out longer and a few surrendered, while the main body skedaddled through a corn field into a piece of woods. Beyond this point we did not proceed, as a deep ravine skirted the edge of the field, and beyond this the enemy were massing their scattered forces preparatory to regaining what they had lost.
With our force engaged and with the rebel force in front, it was deemed imprudent to remain on the captured ground and we fell back slowly, harrassed by the rebel sharpshooters. Once they charged uponour line, forcing us back with greater speed than we cared to travel on that hot day; and, although we did not run, we executed “some pretty tall walking.” A second dash made upon us we repelled with a few bullets, which prevented any further trouble from them. They recaptured their lost works and, doubtless, considered themselves the victors. Our captures amounted to about 200 prisoners and two stands of colors. The Sixth lost in this action five killed, sixty-nine wounded and eleven missing. Among the wounded were Captains Bennett S. Lewis, John Slottlar and Dwight A. Woodruff (severely), and Lieutenants John Waters, Joseph Miller and George Bellows.Capt.Woodruff suffered the amputation of his arm and endured severe pain for a few weeks, till released by death. He entered the army as a private and was steadily promoted for good conduct. He was brave and faithful, beloved by the regiment, and his untimely death was regretted by all. The color guard of the Sixth was worsted in this engagement, the sergeant with two corporals were wounded, and one was overcome by the heat. The remaining corporal, Edward S. Downs, seized the flag and brought it off the field in safety.
The second day after this engagement the rebels, emboldened by the fact of the Union lines not being advanced, made a simultaneous attack all along our lines, and drove in our pickets, but were repulsedafter a sharp skirmish, and they were glad enough to retire. The corps fell back about two miles at night to a former position occupied by us, and at seven o’clock orders came for us to march again. It had been raining quite hard, and that Virginia mud was decidedly uncomfortable to march in. The artillery often got stuck in the mud and the command was necessarily delayed. After a wearisome march of seven hours we crossed the Appomatox river at Point of Rocks and resumed our march to the WeldonR. R.near Ream’s Station, in the rear of Petersburg.
Here we were again posted at the front. The Sixth occupied one side of the railroad track with the rebels on the other. Tents were out of the question. When a regiment moves from one place to another and halts for a season, to use a military term, “we pitch our tents;” but in this Virginia campaign tents were obsolete, and the term now used was, “we dug our holes.” Tents served to attract the enemy and draw their fire, and it was very unsafe to sleep in one even if we could do so; but in the holes in the ground we felt comparatively secure. It was rather a ludicrous sight to a casual observer to find an army of men burrowing in holes in the earth like so many woodchucks, and yet such was the fact. The whole of Grant’s line, extending from the south of Petersburg along the line of the Appomatox River down across Bermuda Hundred to the James, the army, when notengaged, were inside the “rat holes,” as the boys termed them. Some of these holes held a corporal’s guard, while others only served for two or three. They were hastily made, without any regard to architectural proportions, and yet not so deep but that they could be quickly evacuated.
Shelling from the rebels and from our side was kept up day after day and night after night for weeks, and when the tired soldier had a few moments to sleep he quickly availed himself of it, and no amount of shelling would disturb his slumbers; but let the clear notes of the bugle sound through the air and he was quickly at his post. We knew the bugle call meant work; either some advance was threatened, or the line ordered to move to another quarter. It required but little time to pack up our household goods, and we were not required to run after drays to load them, but the clothes we wore were our bedding, and any hole we found when night overtook us was our bed, with the sky for a covering and with a consciousness that we were battling for the right, made sleep attractive to the Union soldier.
Gen.Hawley’s brigade was ordered out on the morning ofSept. 3dto witness the execution of a soldier of the 7th Connecticut by hanging. The brigade formed three sides of a hollow square around the gallows and saw the victim yield up his life at the end of a rope. He had some real or fancied grudgeagainst a man, and on the battle-field of Olustee, Fla., he took the opportunity to murder him, thinking, no doubt, the exciting scenes on the field would cover up his crime; but he was detected, tried before a drum-head court martial, found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging, and the day above mentioned the sentence was carried out. Another scene witnessed by our regiment, took place soon after, which was the act of drumming a soldier out of camp for cowardice on the battle field. The soldier was a private of Co. “I,” of the Sixth, who was convicted of cowardice by refusing to fight, and skulked to the rear. His head was shaved and the word “coward,” painted on a board, was put on his back, and he was marched through the brigade, with the drum corps playing the Rogue’s March.
The Sixth remained in the trenches around Petersburg, indulging in frequent skirmishing and entrenching themselves, occasionally holding short confabs with the rebel pickets, getting their views on the war question, till the 11th of September, 1864, when they were ordered a short distance to the rear and drawn up in front ofGen.Terry’s headquarters, where the non-re-enlisted men were mustered out of service. Their term of three years had expired, and the rebels, as if to give a parting salute, threw a shell into our midst which exploded, doing no damage, however, as the word “cover” was given in earnest this time.It was with pride and not a little satisfaction that the boys relinquished their trusty rifles, which had been their constant companions through many a hard fought conflict.Gen.Terry, in a speech to them, said: “The State of Connecticut might well be proud of the record of the Sixth.” He thanked us personally for our valor on the field, and hoped that we would live many years to recite the marches and battles on the field to the loved ones at home; and expressed a wish that the conflict would soon terminate, that he might also enjoy the blessings of civil life. Cheers were given with a will for our brave commander, and many a silent prayer went up for his welfare.
“Three days rations” were issued to the boys for the last time, and they bade an affectionate adieu to the comrades who were to remain. Many a tear glistened in the eyes of the old soldiers as the last good-bye was said, and all expressed a wish that the war would soon be over and they also be permitted to greet their friends at home. The boys “changed front to the rear,” and took the cars to City Point, and there embarked on the steamer United States. After a pleasant sail and the usual delays, we reached New York early on the morning ofSept.15, landing at the foot of Canal street, North River; marched down Canal to Broadway, and down Broadway to the Battery, where a bountiful collation was servedto us by the “Sons of Connecticut” residing in New York. After the repast was finished, they went on board the steamer Nassau and sailed for New Haven, arriving there at about 7 o’clock in the evening. Here a splendid reception awaited the old Sixth. Citizens and the military joined as an escort, and amid the booming of cannon (with blank cartridges) and the fireworks along the streets, the boys marched to the State House, where they were heartily welcomed and invited to partake of a rich and tempting repast. Ample justice was done to the viands, after which the boys separated for the night. Their final muster out and discharge was consummated on the 17th of September, just three years from the day the regiment left the State.
The Sixth remained around Petersburg on the line of the railroad after the non-re-enlisted men had returned home, skirmishing with the enemy, till the 28th of September, when Butler’s army faced to the right and crossed the Appomatox and hurried forward toward Richmond.Gen.Grant had resolved that a further advance toward Richmond in Butler’s front, while a demonstration from Warren and Hancock would weaken the rebel forces so that they would retire and give our siege trains an opportunity to press nearer the doomed city. The 10th corps crossed the James and pushed forward on the extreme right along Four Mile Creek, and advanced vigorously up the New Market road, where it met the rebels and a general engagement ensued all along the lines. Musketry firing was very rapid and the shells exploded with terrible force over the heads of the gallant soldiers. The steady tramp soon became a double quick and the double quick became a run, when the frightened rebels showed signs of weakness; yet they fought with desperation worthya better cause. The 18th corps confronted Fort Gilmer, where it was for a few moments checked. The 10th corps, under the gallant Terry, then redoubled its efforts and soon effected a junction with the 18th corps near Fort Harrison. Then the whole line advanced with a cheer and the rebels fell back in confusion. The Sixth, with Terry’s corps, advanced up the Darbytown road until the head of the column reached a point within three miles of Richmond, where the spires of the churches and roofs of houses were easily discernible. The success attending the other parts of the line was not sufficient to warrant advancing any further just then, and the corps fell back a short distance, where it entrenched itself.
Fort Harrison was a strong earthwork of great advantage to the rebels. The position was too valuable to surrender without another trial. The following dayGen.Lee brought additional reinforcements from Petersburg to hold their position, but they, like the others, were unable to stand before the Union fire. The capture of Fort Harrison was not gained without severe loss to the Connecticut troops. The Sixth, however, met with comparatively small loss. The 1st of October,Gen.Hawley’s brigade advanced again toward Richmond and was subjected to a severe fire upon the Darbytown road, skirmishing with the enemy along the creeks and swamps, with no chance for a pitched battle. The next weekwas full of exposure and privation. The troops had crossed the James without tents, and many without blankets; and what little sleep they gained was not very refreshing. They were always compelled to be under arms, and the utmost vigilance was required, besides being much of the time under fire; and when not engaged skirmishing, were hard at work with the pick and shovel, entrenching themselves. Our rifles, of course, had to be close at hand, to be grasped in an instant, and very often were we compelled to drop one to seize the other. Words cannot express the trials and exposures which the Union troops were called to pass through at different periods of the campaign. The Virginia campaign was unusually severe. Most of the time, for seven months, the troops were without tents, and but few had overcoats. Fatigue parties were at work night and day; lines of works were thrown up to afford protection from the enemy’s bullets. Whole acres of land were turned over, and many a tree was felled to make a clearing by which a sudden advance might be checked. The troops had little or no chance to cook their rations, and more salt pork was eaten raw than was ever boiled. A ramrod served the purpose of a gridiron, while an army shovel proved a good frying pan.
The enemy made a vigorous attack on the 7th of October onGen.Terry’s line, and came dashing on as if intent to drive the Union forces into the JamesRiver. The Sixth was the first Connecticut regiment engaged; some of the regiments fell back under the withering fire. The One Hundredth New York Regiment especially dishonored their hitherto good fame by breaking their line and fleeing in confusion, but to the credit of all the regiments from Connecticut, be it said, they kept an unbroken front to the foe; and notwithstanding the twice repeated assaults, the enemy were forced to retire from the field and the division entrenched themselves still more, and at midnight the old picket line was re-established. An attack upon the right of the rebel line was contemplated and the troops again advanced to meet the foe. Passing out beyond the rude line of earthworks, they came upon Chapin’s Farm, and from thence they proceeded through the woods, across a wide ravine and to the plains beyond. The skirmishers opened fire and cautiously advanced; the enemy’s advance line was pressed back into their entrenched position; inactive firing was kept up for several hours while ourforees neared those of the enemy. The enemy’s position was favorable to them, as the dense thicket of scrub oaks and the tangled underbrush rendered it exceedingly difficult for our troops to preserve any kind of a line; the forces seemed determined, however, to go forward, and go forward they did; but the advance resulted disastrously and the men fell back again, abandoning the assault.