The Irish Ninth in bivouac and battle, or, Virginia and Maryland campaigns

Front matter

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Preface

PROMPTED by a desire to show the world how well the Irishmen, exiled from their native land by the ruthless system of English law practised in Ireland, can serve their adopted country in the day of her trial, and being solicitous that the record of their services should survive the few who remain of "the Irish Ninth," and go down to the posterity of all who fought in its ranks, the author presents this volume to the public.

The incidents and events which constitute the basis, and perhaps the value, of the following pages, were noted in a diary as they occurred, amid the varied scenes through which we passed during three years of active

6 Preface.

military service. In addition to these personal facilities, we have availed ourselves of official data, obligingly placed at our disposal, in order to make the regimental roster unquestionably accurate.

The author has also a subordinate purpose in presenting so much of a descriptive character. He hopes in this manner to give the public some idea of the way in which Irish soldiers turn the "horrors of war" into the most enjoyable of festivities, and to recall to the minds of his comrades some of the many happy scenes which he shared with them under the canvas in the far-off and sunny South.

CHAPTER I. Pagi

The Eesponse to the President's Call Colonel Cass tenders

his Services to the State. — His Offer accepted. — The [Raising of the Regiment. — Kecruits and Recruiting. — Drilling Difficulties. — Election of Officers. — Original Muster Roll. — Removal from Boston to Long Island 1

Chapter IX

We leave Arlington. — Arrive at Miner's Hill. — Painful Scene. — Many killed and wounded. — Colonel Cass' Opinion. — How we kept Christmas. — Lieutenant-Colonel Peard dies. — Fairfax. — A March in the Rain. — Alexandria. ..... 71

Chapter X

Our Bonnie Green Flag. — We reach Hampton, Va. — A Reconnoissance. — We march for Yorktown. — Our Men dig Intrenchments. — The Evacuation of Yorktown. — We start for " West Point." — Columbia Landing. — White' House. — Gaines' Mills and Hanover Court House. — An Engagement.

— A Noble Deed 79

Chapter XIV

Scenes at Antietam and South Mountain. — The doomed Legion.

— Insults offered to Union Soldiers. — Hospital Scenes. — Yankee Smartness. — Be careful of your Stars. — It is finished. — A miscreant Regiment. — Goteler's Mills. — Picket Duty. — End of first Maryland Campaign 119

The Siege of Fredericksburg. — The gallant Irish Brigade. — First Day. — The Second Day. — In Position. — General Humphrey. — Expectation. — We sleep on the Field. . . . 156

Chapter XIX

The Continuation of the Siege. — Very near. — It takes an Irishman to crack a Joke. — Our hopeless Position. — We evacuate the Heights. — The sacked City. — How to be jolly under any Circumstances. — A Presentation. — We return to Falmouth. 162

Chapter XX

Winter Quarters. — Those Pies. —Punch. — The Child of the Forest. — A Reconnoissance to Barnett's Ford. — ^ Sharp Marching. — Horse Racing. — How we spent St. Patrick's Day. — Fatal Accident 171

Chapter XXI

The Kegiment is presented with a new Flag. — We leave Falmouth. — Kelley's Ford. — Ellis' Ford. — The Battle of Chancellorsville. — The Plank Road. — A wrong Turn — How the Doctors were routed. — Ellis' Ford. — Sketch of Mr. Ellis. — To Brandy Station. — Encounter with the Enemy. — Tough Marching. — Bad Luck to this Marching. . . ' . - . 182

Chapter XXV

Culpepper. — Insinuating Females. — Picket Duty. — Drummed Out. — Speculations. — Guerrillas. — " De ole Man's a grazing eber since." — A "What is it?" — A Negro Gymnast. — A crazy Professor. — Uncle Jolly and his good kind Sisters . . 215

Chapter XXVI

Rainy Weather. — Damp Meditations. — The Eapidan before.

— The Eappahannock behind. — Counter Strategy. — Bull Run. — The old Battle-ground. — The Death of Kearney. — Graves of the gallant Dead. — The dead Sentinel. — Heroic Mementos. — March to Gainesville. — Army Wagons rolling over the Dead 226

Chapter XXVII

A Rebel Camp. — Rebel Sufferings and Rebel Sympathizers. — Condition of Rebel Camps. — Of Union Camps. — Preserve us from the Attributes of Southern Chivalry. — New Baltimore. — Auburn. — Three-mile Station. — Eappahannock Station. — Storming the Enemy's Works. — Brandy Station.

— General Meade and his Movements. — The Ninth in the Position of Honor and Danger. — The Invitation to Death. — Description of Mine Run. — Winter Quarters. — Bealton. . 233

Chapter XXVIII

Bealton Station. — Winter Duties. — Mosby's Guerrillas. — Black Horse Cavalry. — Cutting Railroads. — Vigilance and Valor.

— A March. — The coming Wilderness. — The Battle of the Wilderness. — Irish Heroism. — Spottsylvania. — Bethesda Church. — Shady Oak. — Cold Harbor. — The Dead. — Home and Muster-out 242

Appendix

Roster of Officers 247

" Enlisted Mek 258

IN

BIVOUAC AND BATTLE.

Chapter I

The Response to the President's Call. — Colonel Cass tenders his Services to the State. — His Offer accepted. — The Raising of the Regiment. — Recruits and Recruiting. — Drilling Difficulties. — Election of Officers." — Original Muster Roll. — Removal from Boston to Long Island.

THE wires that flashed the news of the fall of Fort Sumter touched with their electricity, not only the brain, but the great heart of the nation, stimulating the patriotism of a peaceful people, and awakening an energy which for a time submerged the business transactions of quiet communities in the preparations for the great and eventful struggle which was to decide the supremacy of the Federal Govern^ ment and the stability Of the American Constitution. (13)

The warlike proclivities of the American people became immediately manifest. The desecration of the American flag not only fired with indignation the native, but awakened the patriotism of the foreign element, so that, in a few short hours, there were congregated on " Change " and in the public places, groups and bodies of indignant citizens, who loudly vowed the vengeance since inflicted upon the treacherous states which so grossly insulted the sacred flag, beneath whose folds so much honor had been achieved, and under the light of whose stars the American nation marched to prosperity and success.

Immediately after the fall of Fort Sumter the President of the United States issued a call for seventy-five thousand men, which were rapidly supplied by the militia of the country, and sent into the field for three months. Shortly after this the President issued a second call for three hundred thousand volunteers, and preparations upon a grand and extensive scale were immediately made for the enlistment, quartering, and equipment of the quota of the several states.

The enthusiasm of the people of Massachu-

Raising op the Regiment. 15

setts was of the first order. Flags were flung to. the breeze from public buildings and private dwellings in every part of the capital of Massachusetts ; recruiting offices were opened, and large handbills posted in every place of prominence in Boston. The excitement and enthusiasm throughout the city were intense, and enlistments rapidly progressed. Such was the state of affairs when, early in the month of April, Captain Cass, then commanding the Columbian Association, proposed to the Governor of Massachusetts to raise an Irish regiment for three years, under the call of the President of the United States, or for a longer period if they were required.

The proposition of Captain Cass was considered by the Governor of Massachusetts, and, in a* short time cordially accepted ; and, furnished with the documents authorizing the organization, Captain Cass made immediate preparations for the formation of a regiment, opened recruiting offices t under the control of competent gentlemen, and in a short time the enlistments were so rapid as to give every augury of success. Agents were' despatched to every part of Massachusetts, and able speakers created an influence in favor of the great work that soon established a military ardor which placed the success of the regiment beyond question. The writer can recall many instances where men, stalwart and robust young Irishmen, travelled many miles on foot for the purpose of enlisting in "Captain Cass' Irish Regiment j" men who, having read of the glory of " The Old Brigade;' felt tingling in their veins the martial ardor that actuated the Irish exiles in France, when, under the fleur de It/s, they won so much glory, and shed so much blood.

It is not wonderful that with material like this the « Irish Ninth " would win imperishable renown. The writer has often noticed a distinguishing characteristic of the Irish recruit in painful contrast with the sordid exactions of some native soldiers. An Irish recruit would enter an office, and declare his intention of enlisting j you would explain to him his obligations ; he would listen as though he had not the slightest interest in your remarks ; and when you had concluded, he would ask (if he could write), "Give me the pen!" In a moment his name would be down, while, on the other hand, a native would argue for an hour, discuss the

Raising of the Regiment. 17

terms, time of enlistment, and finally wind up the long colloquy by naively asking, what chance there was for a commission, for which he would be as well fitted as " Balls Hamilton" an "intelligent contraband," who once figured in a minor capacity with the regiment in Western Virginia, and who will enact a conspicuous part in another chapter of our work.

Many of our best soldiers were men of family and position, comfortably situated, who entered the service from feelings of pure patriotism and warm affection for a government under which they had long lived and their children had been born. To them the stars and stripes was 'a beautiful emblem ; and if they could not love it as . dearly as their own native green, they could fight for it as bravely, and shed their blood for it as freely, as any " to the manor born."

The process of induction at that time was exceedingly rapid; a man was enlisted, carried before the surgeon, pronounced fit or unfit for military service; if accepted, sent to a boardinghouse, - — for the state had no barracks, — and the next day initiated into the mysteries of the first position of a soldier, which initiation sometimes made the joints crack and provoked the 2 innocent exclamation, " Ah ! but it's the divil's own way to stand ! " and when told to be silent, would obey you by saying, " Sure I'm not spaking, sur," which, when he had concluded, would be undoubtedly true.

When the recruit was perfect in the preliminary, he would be tried in the serious and complex "right face." This movement, in the outset, gave rise to a medley of queer turns and twists. One would face by the left, and look with an expression of gratified pride upon his face into the eyes of his neighbor, whose position was correct, feeling perfectly satisfied that he was right and his comrade wrong. When corrected, his face would assume a very sheepish expression, and with a droll twinkle in his eye, he would say, "Was it by the right ye mane ? 0, we'll do it over agin." This time you would command "left face," and, sure enough, the gallant fellow would face by the right. The countenance of the Irish soldier bears a very solemn expression while on drill — more solemn than that of the Jew who declares himself swindled in the midst of his richest bargain. The Irish recruit is, notwithstanding, a very rapid learner, and more readily grasps the prin-

Eaising the Regiment. 19

ciples of a movement than the soldiers of other nations.

Recruiting in Boston at that time was. not the dreary routine it afterwards became ; the excitement was very great, and enlistments rapid ; yet the recruiting officer had many serious obstacles to contend with. Not having a proper place of security for the recruits, many of them, growing restless, would become invisible, — some for a time, and some forever, — leaving you the genial employment of liquidating sundry board bills, and mentally reckoning the brokerage value of sundry little loans, which, when your martial heart overflowed with generosity, you had kindly transferred from your own pocket to that of the faithless invisible. However, these were minor trials, and we all got used to them, and in a short time became, in our own conceit, " uncommonly sharp on the recruit."

In the short period of three weeks the Ninth Regiment, then unnumbered and without a name, was called together at the rooms of the Columbian Association, which had been kindly tendered by that patriotic body for the purpose, and there it was equalized and formed into companies, and arrangements made for the elec-

The Irish Ninth.

tion of officers, which took place at the rooms of the Columbian Association and at the temporary barracks in Lindall Street. The election concluded, the officers passed the ordeal of examination — and ordeal it was, in more senses than one — at the State House, and in a short time received the state commissions from His Excellency, Governor John A. Andrew. As these commissions were received by the original founders of the regiment, we feel it our duty to append the following roster of names : —

Thomas Cass,

Colonel.

C. G. Rowell,

Robert Peard,

Major.

Peter Pineo,

Surgeon.

Patrick A. O'Conneel,

Assistant

Surgeon.

Thomas Scully,

Chaplain.

Geo. W Perkins,

Adjutant.

Michael Sc'anlan,

Quartermaster.

James E. Gallagher,

Captain,

Company A.

Christopher Peunkett,

u

William Madigan,

a

C.

James J. Pendergast,

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M. H. Macnamara,

a

Edward Fitzgerald,

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John Caret,

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G.

Jeremiah O'Niell,

a

Bernard S. Treanor,

a

I

Geo. W. Dutton,

u

K.

Raising of the Regiment.

Francis O'Dowd,

1st Lieutenant,

Company A.

Patrick T. Hanley,

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a

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B.

John W. Mahan,

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a

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a

Archibald Simpson,

u

u

D.

James E. McCafferty, Jr.

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a

u

E.

Timotht O'Leart,

u

u

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F.

John M. Tobin,

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G.

Thomas K. Roach,

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H.

P. R. Guinet,

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James E. McGunnigle,

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M. F. O'Hara,

2d Lieutenant,

Company

John H. Walsh,

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B.

Edward McSweeney,

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C.

J. H. Rafferty,

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D.

J. W. Macnamara,

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E.

Phild? Redmond,

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F.

Timothy Burke,

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H.

Richard P. Nugent,

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Joseph Ford,

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K.

By the addition of four fine companies from Milford, Stoughton, Marlboro', and Salem, under the respective commands of Captains Peard (afterwards major), Carey, Dutton, and Fitzgerald, valuable and gallant officers, the two former of whom have since offered up their lives in defence of the flag of their adopted country, the minimum number of the regiment was reached, and thus the organization of the Ninth

Massachusetts Volunteers was completed, and by order of the Governor, and with the consent of Mayor Wightman, of Boston, the regiment was marched to Faneuil Hall, then used as barracks, where they were supplied with quarters and rations until their removal to Long Island, in Boston Harbor, which took place in May, 1861.

Long Island. 23

Chapter II

Long Island, Description of. — Arranging our Camp. — Bapid Acquisition of Military Discipline. — A Sunday at Long Island. — Reflections.

AMONG the many pleasing memories associated with the formation of the Ninth Eegiment, there are none so delightful as those connected with its sojourn on Long Island.

The local reader is well acquainted with the geographical position of that pleasant and healthymilitary rendezvous ; but a few words J for the benefit of those unacquainted with that lovely island may not be amiss. It is situated in Boston harbor, and distant about four miles from Boston proper, and from South and East Boston distant about one mile and a half; elongated in form, about a mile from point to point. A large public house stands upon the island, which has always been a favorite summer resort. The island, as I remember, was, upon the south side, thickly studded with trees ; a beautiful verdure clothed the miniature valleys, and of a summer morning, when the sea was calm and the red glory of a summer sunrise looked down upon the dotted camp ground, the scene was inexpressibly beautiful.

It was a good thought, the selection of Long Island for a military rendezvous, not only for its sanitary merits, but for the security it afforded against desertions. It boasts many fine parade grounds, walks, and lounges, while beautiful views of sea and land greet the eye in every direction. It is of easy communication with the city. I repeat, its selection was a wise idea — a happy accident in the councils of our city Sobns. Our removal from Faneuil Hall to Long Island was a glorious change. The close, cramped quarters at the hall, with the natural accumulation of filth incidental to the garrisoning of a large number of recruits, rendered still more so by the crowds of visitors who were continually besieging the doors for admittance to see their gallant friends before their departure for the seat of war, from this to the bright sunshine, green fields, and an unimpeded view from the lofty rising ground over an uninterrupted expanse of sea, with capital places for sea-bathing,

Lono Island. 25

rendered the change one of special congratulation.

AW' started i'rom Faneuil Hall early in May, 1801, having previously despatched engineers to lay out the camp, which, at that time, seemed a formidable arrangement; though now it is scarcely five minutes work, then it was five hours. The regiment was there quartered in wall tents, and even with those comfortable accommodations they were not well satisfied (though they have since been glad of the shelter of a few boards, and the lucky possessor of an overcoat, or rubber blanket, thought himself extremely well protected). Having taken possession of their new quarters, the Ninth Eegiment, for the first time, considered themselves soldiers.

Immediately upon the arrival of the regiment at Long Island, Colonel Cass assumed control, and it soon became evident to him and his officers, that to make the regiment a good one, and worthy of its distinctive character, a large amount of work must be gone through, and the strictest system of discipline maintained. More than any other man, Colonel Cass knew this. He thoroughly understood the elements of the organization of the men he had to command, and with this knowledge he used the best method of control and instruction. The men were at once instructed in the formula of guard and picket duties, whilst regimental lines were formed, through which none could pass without the countersign or other proper authority. A picket was thrown out around the island, to prevent desertion by boats, or the advent on the island of pleasure parties, without proper authority to land. The strictest surveillance was then maintained over the men, and in a short time the island presented the appearance of a regular military post.

Colonel Cass, though not then proficient in military science, gave, thus early in his military career, evidence of fine soldierly qualities, which, with cultivation, promised noble fruit. The regimental discipline experienced by the men, was also felt by the officers, until at length the spirit which animated the commander extended itself throughout the entire regiment, and soon all joined in the various duties apportioned to them with a hearty good will and spirit, which prognosticated a glorious future — a promise which has since been nobly and gallantly fulfilled.

Long Island.

Compnny drills took place at stated hours, and in the afternoon battalion drills, under the supervision of Colonel Cass, gradually, yet surely, developed the soldierly qualities of the men. In no camp in the State of Massachusetts could there be found a more hearty desire, or a regiment who worked more strenuously to achieve military perfection than the Ninth. This is vouched for by the citizens of Boston, who on many occasions assembled to witness our drills, when they often expressed themselves greatly gratified and astonished at the extraordinary proficiency of the men, and the rapidity with which they acquired, in so short a time, knowledge of the manual of arms.

Sunday was always a gala day with us at Long Island, visitors being allowed free access, thronged the grounds, seeking among the quarters for husbands, sons, brothers, sweethearts, and friends ; bearing with them refreshments and edibles of all kinds, and vying with each other how to express the deep love they bore their gallant defenders, from whom they were soon to be separated, and many of whom were destined to lay down their lives in defence of the nation. On these days would fathers and mothers seek their sons ; wives their husbands; sisters their brothers; while, leaning on the arm of some stalwart lover might be seen one of the daughters of Erin's Isle, with blushing cheeks, fit representatives of that loveliness of which authors have written and poets sung, — planning their future after his return, or walking silently with tearful eyes, her heart swelling with love, yet smothering with care the agony she feels at his departure, fearful, lest her despair should cause him a moment's regret.

But the self-sacrificing mother, with a glow of matronly pride upon her cheeks, gazed with unspeakable affection upon her son, or smiled upon him, though her heart shed silent tears, brave in her self-abnegation, for, though language could not tell the strength of her affection, she would not have him stay when her adopted country called him forth to the defence of its honor and its flag ! This was a picture that could be witnessed in almost every group. The Irish mother, in this the time of the Union's danger, exemplified the glorious spirit which animated the mothers of Limerick, when their valor hurled back the legions of Prince William, as he vainly

Long Island. 29

strove to destroy the dearly-prized liberty of its people.

It is a proud reflection of the Irishman of this generation, that, when the fidelity of his people was tested, their allegiance was as good a guarantee as birth and native blood to the nation which had trusted in and protected them.

We cannot revert to the delightful reunions of that island camp, the introductory step to the glory which has since crowned our arms, without feelings of deep regret — regret that its companionships and pleasures, its meetings and its partings, may never again be renewed ; that we may never again hear the fervent utterings of love from the fond mother and sister ; from the cherished wife, and the dear girl whose life was in her love; from the stern father, who feared he would never again grasp the hand of his son ; from the brother, undemonstrative in his affection, but with a great wealth of feeling in his heart, — such earnest love is only expressed once in a lifetime, and is born of the peculiar circumstances by which the loved ones are surrounded.

This brief sketch of our island camp may be sufficient to revive, in the minds of those who have visited it, many of the pleasant scenes which transpired there, and the associations connected therewith. Many a brave man has bid it farewell forever ! A southern sun blazes down upon his unburied bones ; and bleaching skeletons of many of the " Old Ninth " alone remain of those who were once the life of our circle and the brave companions of our battles. To the bereaved ones we would say, for their consolation, Faithful to the cause they joined, they fell; your honor they nobly defended ; the country's cause and liberty they valiantly asserted, and died true men and soldiers!

Social Partibs. 31

Chapter III

Social Parties. — The Valiant Sentinel — Plain, plain Tom.

SHADE of Bacchus (if that mythological enormity will condescend us a reflex), what convivial times we had ! Deep into the night, and oftentimes to the stilly morn, when the feast of reason and the flow of soul brought forgetfulness of petty cares> and gradually indoctrinated us into the creed of the soldier, that to live, we must live to-day, for a soldier dies to-morrow !

And right willingly we believed in this creed, the truth of which we have seen exemplified on many a bloody field, where the living of yesterday were among the dead of to-day.

In one of our old wall tents the officers would often assemble, and, with a zest that would rival the Irish soldier of the oltjen time, vent their genial witticisms, perpetrate their jokes, and unwind everlasting yarns, which, if without point, would be certainly brimful of genuine Irish humor. These parties would be, in spirit and feeling, seen all over the camp, and friendships were made and connections formed which will only terminate with life.

These happy parties, however, have been sometimes unceremoniously broken up in the Ninth Regiment, and often have we sprung up from the festive board, drinking the last glass together for a time, and flie next moment be sternly dashing into battle, doing our devoir for the unity of our adopted country.

Many a vacant seat was there when all was over ; but nothing could dampen the ardor of an Irish soldier, and while he spoke a word of sympathy for the dead, he would remark, " It may be my turn to-morrow" — words sometimes only too prophetic.

Many a ludicrous incident occurred at Long Island during our sojourn. I remember well, one evening, that a party of officers sallied out on what we appropriately termed a tour of inspection, ostensibly to visit the guard, but really to pass them, if possible, and visit the camp of another regiment, quartered at the south end of the island. The night was dark, and as we

The Valiant Sentinel. 33

approached the sentinel, we could hear his measured pace ; a little nearer, and we heard him pause upon his beat ; another moment, and the liquid brogue of the sentinel rang out upon the air, —

"Halt! Who goes there?"

"A friend, with the countersign," was the reply. The sentinel paused, seemingly in meditation : at last a bright idea seemed to strike him, and he cried out, —

" Hold on ; ye can't pass here till ye say < Schouler.' "

We listened with smothered laughter, and then advanced, said " Schouler," and the innocent, good fellow allowed us to pass. That was at Long Island, and the soldier was a recruit.

Woe to the man that pressed an advance on the same soldier on the peninsula : a failure to give the proper countersign would be replied to by an ounce of lead. Then the soldier was a veteran. At another time, as I was passing from the camp to the boats to take a trip to the city, I espied a stout, heavy fellow, of ponderous proportions, in the full dress of a first-lieutenant. He carried a valise in his hand, and the perspiration ran in rivulets down the creases of his fat physiognomy, and he" seemed laboring under serious affliction. He was a comical-looking gentleman, and I paused to survey him more narrowly, when a soldier, who happened to be standing near, irreverently bawled out, "Hollo, Tom! yer off!" The solid gentleman laid his valise upon the ground, and wiping his streaming forehead with a large bandanna, plaintively said, " There it is : a half hour ago it was Lieutenant R , and now it's plain, plain Tom!"

It seemed that his commission had been revoked on account of his inability to execute the double-quick movement, which is really a bothersome affair, especially to fat old gentlemen. The soldier knew this, and of the pride Lieutenant

R derived from his title; therefore it was

why the malicious fellow addressed him as plain Tom.

; Plain, plain, Tom ! " Page 34-

Lkavino Lon<; Island. o5

Chapter IV

Leaving Long Island. — A False Alarm. — Arrival at Washington. — Emmart's Farm. — The Captain and his Dog; or, Discipline versus

Sagacity.

OX the morning of June 24, 1861, the Ninth Kegiment Massachusetts Volunteers embarked on the Ben de Ford, Pembroke, and Cambridge, three large government transports, and in the presence of an immense assemblage, took their departure from Long Island for the city of Washington. On the third day of the passage considerable excitement was manifested, from the fact that it was expected we should be shelled passing the coast of Virginia, at a place called Matthias Point, where, it was authoritatively stated, the rebels had planted a masked battery, with which to render unnavigable the waters of the Potomac.

The excitement was increased by the commander of the Quaker City, a United States man-of-war, cruising the Potomac, which had hailed us on the evening of the second day, instructing us to keep a sharp lookout, as, no doubt, we should be attacked passing this point. The only armament aboard the transports was three brass swivel guns of light calibre, of which each vessel had one. An understanding was also had between Colonel Cass and the commander of the Ben de Ford, that, if attacked, he (Cass) would man the boats and storm the batteries, if they opened fire, under the protection of the guns of the transports. Upon approaching the point, the eyes of every officer were bent upon the land with looks of eager expectation, and more than one heart anxiously longed to hear the guns of the battery, that they might have the pleasure of "silencing them.