Record of the 114th regiment, N.Y.S.V. : where it went, what it saw, and what it did

Front matter

Hfe

LIBRARY OF

jMORYUNiVERsrry

Preface

To perpetuate the services of the gallant men serving in the late war of the Rebellion, in the One Hundred and Fourteenth Regiment Xew York State Volunteers, and to bring to view some phases of army life not hitherto considered, this volume is offered to the public. In presenting it, the author, while he feels conscious of having used every exertion in his power to make the work accurate and interesting, does not claim exemption from those imperfections which are necessarily ever attendant upon works of this kind. When it is considered that this book will come before many who upon some portions of the record herein contained have better means of information than the writer himself, it is not strange that a degree of embarrassment should be experienced. And then, the same events, it must be recollected, witnessed by many persons, are remembered differently, and leave unlike impressions on the mind.

Tn addition to extensive journals and memoranda kept by the author throughout his service, he has been kindly furnished with the journals and memoranda of others, which in the main have been corroborative of each other, or at least have enabled him to arrive at inure correct results. Large portions of the manuscript have likewise been submitted to those most capable of judging of its correctness, iliat.no errors might creep into the work which it were possible by aiiv means to avoid.

U PKEPACE.

In the preparation of the Register, which appears in the form of an Appendix, and which will be found to be a valuable part of the Record, especial pains have been taken to secure its fidelity. Yet, to assert that there are no errors of omission or commission, of name or data, when we remember the imperfections of all things human. would be an unwarrantable assumptiou.

To enumerate the names of all who have given us verbal and written statements and interesting incidents tending to enhance the value and truthfulness of our labors, would be impossible. We are, however, none the less thankful for their many favors and expressions of encouragement.

To Lieutenant Robert N. Eddy, a gentleman of the strictest integrity, and of conceded ability, we are especially indebted for the valuable aid he has rendered us in the preparation of this work.

We tender our grateful acknowledgements to the editors and publishers of Newspapers throughout the District, for their notices of <mr efforts, and also to those who have kindly given us free access to their files.

When the reminiscences of the war through which we have passed shall become as old as the legends of the Revolution, then it is that the labors. of the true historian will be read and appreciated ; and the children's children of those who have been participants in the scenes of this wonderful drama will rise up and call him blessed.

With these remarks, trusting that the perusal of this volume will be as pleasant and profitable as has been the writing, the author submits the result of his labors to his friends and a generous public.

Norwich, X. Y., Jan., 18ti6.

Chapter II

The President's Call— The 114th raised in the 23d Senatorial District— The Organization of a Company, and of a Regiment— Meeting of the Citizen's Committee— Appointment of General Bruce— He Declines— Colonel Smith Appointed — He Accepts— Complimentary Notices of Colonel Smith— Appointment of other Officers — Rendezvous Established at Norwich — Recruiting 15

CHAPTER IIP

Raising of the Different Companies— Co. A from Oxford— A Reception, anci Speech by Colonel Smith— Co. B from Norwich— The First Man who Enlisted — Co. D from Eaton and Lebanon— Flag Presentation— Co. E from Greene- Presentation of "Soldier's Kits"— Co. 1" from Sherburne and New Berlin — Captain Colwell and Lieutenant Foote Unite their Labors— Co. G from Hamilton and Brookueld— Speech in Leonardsville by the Hon. W. H. Brand— Co. H from Five Counties and Fifteen Townships— Co. I from Otselic— Silver Dollars from Mr. Parce — Co. K from Cazenovia— Parting Scene? 2:5

CHAPTER TV

<!amp Doty— Accomodations for the Soldiers— Bill of Fare— The Original Roster — Presents to Companies B and C— Bounty Paid — Allotment Commissioners- Attending Divine Service— Muster-in— Furlough— Costly Presents to Colonel Smith and Per Lee— Presentation Speech— Reply of Colonel Smith— Farewell Address by the Rev Mr. Searls 4'J

CHAPTER V

Final Leave-taking— A Ride on the Canal— Arrival at Oxford and Greene — A Great Reception in Binghamton— On the Railroad— <'hange Cars at Elmira— Scenes by the Wayside— At Baltimore— A March through the City— A Night's Rest in 'he Ruins of a Depot 51

IV -ONTK.NTS.

CHAPTER VI.

Another March through the City— Camp Belger— Description of the Camp— Getting Settled— The New Gune— Daily Camp Duties— A Detail at West Ware House Hospital— Another Detail at the Medical Purveyors— Co. I at Camden Street Hospital— Co. Pat Stewart's Mansion Hospital— Co. Eat Camden Station— Co. H at Upper Marlborough— Oo. K at McKim's Mansion Hospital— Grand Rounds —The Regiment Brigaded— Orders to be Ready for Distant Service 01

Breakiing Camp— Marching to the Docks— Embarking on the Atlantic, the Araiio and the Thames— Amusing Scenes— Stuck on a Sand Bar— Under Headway — A Sail down the Chesapeake— Fortress Monroe— Historic Scenery— Drilling on the Beach— Newport News— Living i'i Log Barracks— Visit to Norfolk— The Village of Hampton— An Ancient Church— Unhealthy Regiment 74

(HI APT Ell 'VI IT.

Banks' Expedition Sails to Sea— Nautical Sights— A Heavy Sea — The Engine of the Thames Breaks Down — Signal of Distress — The Storm Increases — The Srianon Comes to the Rescue — Unavailing Efforts to get Communication between the Vessels — Dangerous Experiment — Imminent Danger — All is Safe — A Hawser is Secured — The Gale Becomes more Furious — A Terrible Night of Fear and Anxiety — Morning Breaks — The Storm Continues — The Hawser Parts — Another Perilous Moment — The Gale Abates—" Land Ho !" — Port Royal Harbor— The Thames Condemned S4

C II A P T E K IX.

Going Ashore — The Village of Hilton Head — Transferred to the Barque Volti<mir —Out of Sight of Laud — The Bahama Banks and the Island of Cuba— A Sorry Christmas Day on the Water — Ship Island — Under Way Again — A Burial at Sea —South- West Pass — Up the Mississippi — Tropical Scenery — New Orleans — Disembarking at Carrollton — Tents Pitched at Camp Mansfield 03

The Voyages of the Atlantic and the Arago— They Safely Kode the Gale— A Thrilling Spectacle— Living in the Sand on Ship Island — A Dull Life in Quarantine- Interesting Episode— The Old Battle Ground—" Colored" Account of the Capture of New Orleans — Doing Duty on the Mississippi River 101

C II A P T E U X I.

The Village of Carrollton— The Creole Inhabitants — Breaking up Camp Mansfield —Queer Vessel— Arrival at Algiers— The Opelousas Railroad— Ride on the Cars —Co. F at Jefferson— Co. K at St. Charles— Co. E at Bontte— Co. H at Bayou des Allemands— Co. I at Raceland— Co. C iittu Fourche— Co. D at Terrebonne Co. G at T igerville— Co. B at, Bayou Boeuf— Co. A at Bayou Ramos — Pleasant Reminiscences — Insight of Southern Life— Organization of the 19fh Corps —The Reserve Brigade— Regiment Ee-imited at Brashear City In,;

( INTENTS. V

CHAPTER XII.

The Two " Cities" on Berwick's Bay — Topography and Hydrography of Louisiana — Bayoux and Swamps — Accident to Co. B — Death of Lieutenant Gilbert — Annoyances of the Climate — Particulars of Life in Camp Reno — Spicy Correspon dence between Colonel Smith and Rebel Citizens— General Weitzel Drills the Regiment— Nightly Alarms 11!

a

CHAPTER XIII.

t'A Big Skedaddle"— Retreat to Bayou Boeaf— Graphic Description of the Mud — Visit of General Banks — Droves of Contrabands — Accumulation of an Immense Army — "April Pool" — March to Brashear City—Preparations for a Campaign — Crossing Berwick's Bay — Signal Flags — The First Bivouac— Geography of the Country, and the Plan of the Campaign 12$

C HAPTER XI V

The Opening of the Teche Campaign— Grover's Division Sails— March Along th e- Atchafalaya— Few Rebels in Sight — Bivouac at Pattersonville — Some Offensive- Rations of Meat— The March Resumed— Fatiguing Labors in the Cane Fields- Sudden Attack— The Battle of Bisland— Terrific Firing— Quiet Night — An Entire Day of Fighting— The Rebels have Fled— The Men Triumphantly Enter the- Works— List of Casualties — Complimentary Note 1 3T

0 HAPTER XV

The Fertility of the Country — The Propensities of the Soldiers— Ludicrous Sights — The Demonstrations of the Slaves — •' Rally on the Preserves " — A Skirmish — Franklin Occupied — The Gunboat Diana Blown Dp — Great Strategy by General' Grover — The Army Riding — Laughable Scenes — New Iberia — The Attakapas- Region — Marching on the Prairie — Violent Thunder Storm — The 114th Ordered to Return — Glowing Order from General Banks 14*

(J HA 1'T K it X VI.

Driving Cattle — Wild Herd — The Regiment Mounted — Cam-p at St., Martinsville — Living on the Country — Co. B goes Ahead — "Hurra for Hard -tack"— The Ruins of a Splendid Mansion — Berwick Bay is Crossed — In C:ui!.p Agaiu — Ride on the- Empirc Parish — Transferred to the Qirinnebaug — Hot Weather 161-

CHAPTER .\Y1I.

Long March in Prospect — The Rebel Camp Pratt — The Village of Vermilion — A Magnificent Residence — Unwelcome Reception by the Ladies ol! Opelousas— An Uninviting Town — How the Bridge Destroyers were Conquered — " Bonnie Bine Flag," with Variations— The "Safe Joke "—Singular Stream — An Uncultivated Country — A Village with One Inhabitant — Useless Expenditure- of Ammunition—Inappropriate Places to Lodge — Discouraging Orders 1C(-

VI CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Countermarching— A Halt for One Day— New Muster Bolls are Written— Strange Fondness for Door- Yards— Camp at Pratt's Plantation— Situation Growing Critical — A. Jesuit Settlement; — Junction Formed with Colonel Chickering — Great Excitement among the Blacks — Negro Property Found in Attics — Wonderful Procession of Contrabands — Rebels Attack the Rear — Panic — The Regiment Moves Forward to the 1' ight — An Order to Retreat — Painful Marching— The Good Old Camp— Handsome Compliment ITS

CHAPTER XIX.

Other Orders to Move — Ride on the Cars — On the Cahawba — Sailing up the Mississippi— Beautiful Scenery — Baton Rouge — Springfield Landing— News from the Army — The Sight of Wounded Men — Arrival at Port Hudson — Uncalled-for Cheers — Shells and Bullets — In the Trenches — Ingenious Breastworks — Description of the Defences of Port Hudson — Monotonous Siege Duties — Recconnoissance — Indications of an Assault 191

CHAPTER XX.

Arrival of Colonel Smith—Companies B, D, E, F and G March to the Assault — Unfortunate Delay — Plan of Attack — The Charge — Terrible Carnage — Colonel Smith Falls Mortally Wonnded — Captam Tucker Killed — Gallant Struggle — Horrible Butchery — Kepulse — Revolting Sights— The Day Closes in Defeat — Sorrow of the Regiment — Tribute to the Dead — Criticism 202

CHAPTER XX'I.

•Continuation of the Siege — Spading and Picking — Call for a Volunteer storming Party — Inhumanity of the General — Death of Colonel Smith — Guerrillas in the Rear — March to Jackson — Return — Gloomy Period — Capture of Brashear City — Disease Decimating the Army — Speech from General Banks 212

CHAPTER XXII.

Xight Dawns — News of the Fall of Vicksburg — Flag of Truce— Port Hudson Surrenders— Formal Ceremony of Occupation — Inspiring Spectacle — Six Thousand Prisoners — The Flag Floats Triumphant— Summing Up of the Siege — Description of the Interior of the Fort— Village of Port Hudson — Rebs and Yanks on Friendly Terms— Dispatch from the General-in-Chief 222

CHAPTER XXI II.

(Embarking on the St. Maurice— Donaldsonville — Gallant Defense of Fort Butler —Battle of Cox Plantation — Confiscating Forage — Marching Again — Beauties of the La Fourche Country— Summer Quarters— Camp Hubbard — Pleasant

Times Breaking Camp—A Midnight March — Comical Mishaps— On the Cars —

Brashear City Again — Sad Reflections — Orders to Move 230

CONTENTS. VI)

CHAPTER XXIV

A Night on the Railroad— A Igiers— Once More on the Cataioho— Hasty Preparations— Out at Sea— The Texas Coast— Sabine Pass— The Navy Engaged— Distant View of the- Fight— A Great Disaster— Failure of the Expedition— Return to Algiers— An Exciting Race— End of the " Grand Fizzle" 244

CHAPTER XXV

Description of Algiers— Brashear City Forever— Western Soldiers— An Unpopular General— Muddy Camps— On the March— Prospect of a Battle— The Rebels Flee —The Classic Bayou— Slow Movements— A Wonderful Train— Humorous Badinage— An Unnameless Bayou — No Gentle Spiriting — Lame Campaign 253

CHAPTER XXYI.

Falling Back,— Uncertainty of Military Life— Hasty Advance — Sad Calamity — Retreat— Horse Racing — An Unfortunate Governor — .Just Retribution — Interesting Incident — New Iberia— Winter Quarters — Unique Order1 — Sorrowful Farewell — Change of Camp -Recruiting Squad — Court Martial— An Execution — Unhappy New Year— General Orders No. 1 26T

CHAPTER XXVII.

Cold Weather— A Terrible March— Franklin — Building Huts— Soldiers' Theatre —Romantic Camp— Grand Review— Raising a Flag— Foraging— Narrow Escape — Change of Organizations— Weary of Fancy Soldiering— Preparations for a Grand. Campaign— Speculations— The Famous Red River Campaign 2,83

CHAPTER XXVIII.

The Road Traversed Six Times -New Iberia — Ruins of the Old Camp — Vermilionville— No Sympathy for Recruits— New Knapsacks— Loyal Lady — A Day's Rest —Sudden Disappearance of Fences— What a Railroad !— The Union Governor- Wealthy Region — Alexandria — Red River — A Rest — The Culonel Compliments the Regiment— General Smith's Army— Capture of Fort DeRussey 292

CHAPTEK XXIX.

Cotton Region— A Well Defined Hill— Piney Woods— A Geological Theory — Cane River— Cotton Beds— Natchitoches— Beautiful Village— Rough Section- Pleasant Hill— Cavalry Fight— Bayou St. Patries 302

CHAPTER XX X.

Sudden Start— Rapid Marching- Panic-Stricken Mob— Line of Battle— Exciting Moments— The Enemy Appears — A Minute of Suspense - Crash of Musketry— The Rebels Stagger— They Charge Again and Again— They Flank the Positfon —They are Repulsed— The Battle of Sabine Cross Roads is Ended— Piteons Wail ings— Death of General Mouton— Digression— Statements of Generals Banks and Franklin— Caeua' ties... 316

V'UT CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXXI.

A. Retreat by Midnight — The Enemy Deceived— Pleasant Hill— Preparing for a Battle— Intense Activity— Formation of the Army — The Fight Opened— Concealed in the Bushes — The Log Defences— Exciting Sounds— A Regiment Rallied —A Grand Charge— Yankee Cheers of Victory— Nightfall— The Horrors of War — Character of the Battle— List of Casualties— A Glorious Victory— Retreating — Guarding Prisoners — Excessive Labors— Grand Ecore f . . 3M

CHAPTER XXX] I.

Strong Defences— Safety of the Fleet— Speech from General Dwight— Complimentary Order from General Emory — Paper Col lars Unfit for Food— The River Falling — Orders to Ret.'eat — A Long Delay — Assisting Mules— A Long March — Cloutierville— A Little Slumber— The Enemy Found at Monet's Bluff— The Battle of Cane River— Lying in the Woods— A Charge— The Rebels have Fled — — Smith's Victory— Joyous Cheers— The Labors of the Surgeon 327-

CHAPTER XXXIII.

A. Lost Aimy — "The Babes in the Woods" — " Getting out of the Wilderness "— Cotile — Burning Buildings— Alexandria — Return of Officers — Fear of an Attack — Sugar and Bacon — The River Sealed — Loss of Muster-Rolls — A Plan to Save the Gunboats — General Emory's Testimony— He says the Plan Originated in the 114th— Building of the Dam— Graphic Account by Admiral Porter— The Fleet is Saved— Orders to Move 330

CHAPTER XXX IT

The Dam Blown Up— Destruction of Alexandria— Rifled Mail Bags— A Swampy Country — The Plains of Mansura — A Battle Imminent — Marksville— Quaint Spanish Town— Line of Battle— An Imposing Spectacle— An Artillery Fight — Toe Rebels Falling Back— The Pranks of a Cannon Ball 346

CHAPTER XXXV

.Moreauville— Bayou De Glaise— Extensive Rebel Works— A Name without a Place — Living Models— General Canby Assumes Command— The Battle of Yellow Bayou— Complimentary Order from General Emory— A Novel Bridge— A Deserted Channel — Arrival at Morganza— Permanent Camp— Opinions Concerning th e Campaign— Summing Up— The Soldiers were Victorious 353

CHAPTER XXXVI.

The Regiment Embowered— Torrid Weather— Alarming Mortality— River Guard — Evening Sports— Reviews are the Rage— Sudden Movement— What Causes the Stampede— Sailing down the River— A Hot Day on the Vessel— A March through the Streets 'Of New Orleans— In a Cotton Press— A Peculiar City— The French Market— Canal Street— Companies B, G, K, and E, Sail on the Crescent— Foe Balance of i.he Regiment Sails on the Corinthian 361

OONTKNTS. IX

DMA l'TER XXX VI I

T he Voyage of the Crescent— Order? to Proceed to Fortress Monroe— Unexpected Turn to Events— A Rapid and Pleasant Voyage— Cast Anchor at Hampton Roads— Orders to go to Washington— Delightful Scenery on the Potomac- Mount Vernon— Washington— Exciting News— The Enemy Beseiging the Capital—Sights in the City— A Joyful Welcome— Fort Saratoga— On Picket— Pleasant Trip on the Corinthian— Boarding a Barque— The Regiment United. . . 360

0 HAPTEE XXXYII).

The Snicker's Gap Expedition— Tenallytown— Hills, Springs and Rocks— Straggling—Hunger— Fording the Potomac— Ludicrous Sight— Leesburg— Snicker's Gap— Wild Mountain Scenery— A Fight— Fording the Shenandoah— Returning to Washington— Chain Bridge— Camp at Battery Vermont 3T9

CHAPTE1! XXXIX.

The Enemy in Maryland— Night March— Rockville— Monocacy Junction— Battle Ground— Valuable Bridge— Loyal City of Frederick— Generous Treatment— Harper's Ferry— Magnificent Mountains— Bolivar Heights— Return to Frederick— " Old Brick Top "—On the Railroad to Harper's Ferry— Among the Clouds- Enchanting Landscape— " Little Phil " Takes Command 3SS

CHAPTER XL.

Shenandoah Valley — Fertile Country — Where John Brown Died— "Poor White Trash "— Berryville— Moving by a Compass— The Valley Pike— Middletown— Mosby's Guerrillas — Retreat — Winchester— Camp on a Lawn— Crossing the Opequan— Threatened Battle— "Harper's Weekly "—Sheridan's Tactics— The Army of the Shenandoah 399

CHAPTER XLI.

Building Breastworks— The Enemy Retires — The Army Advances— Method of Marching— An Army Viewed as an Unit — The John Brown Song— Camp at Charleslown— Another Move— Berryville— Sudden Attack — Rainy Night— Extensive Earthworks — General Grant on the Ground — Laconic Order 40S

CHAPTER XLII.

Trudging Along the Road— Indications of a Fight — Conversing with Cavalrymen —Formation of Battle— A Long Suspense— The Bugle Sounds— The Army Moves —The Onset— Heart-Rending Sights— Delirious Excitement— The Colonel is Wounded— The Doomed Regiment— Struggling and Bleeding— Au Hour of Casualties—Falling Back— Charging— Lieutenant Breed Falls— Fighting in the Woods— Reinforcement Arrives— They Beat Back the Enemy— Glorious Sight The Rebels Scatter— The Cavalry Charge— Close of the Battle of Opeqnan— The Great Results— Eulogy upon the Fallen Dead— Congratulatory Orders 41T

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XLIII

The Pursuit — The Enemy Makes a Stand— A View of the Surrounding Country- Fisher's Hill— On Picket— The Vineyard— Another Victory— Marching All Night —Woodstock— Edinburg— Store Houses in Flames— An Afternoon's Chase- Hot Work— Harrisonburg— Guarding a Wagon Train — Riding Down the Valley —Visiting Wounded Comrades — Martinsburg— Loading Up— The Return — Meeting the Army— At Cedar Creek— All Quiet in Camp 4:n

CHAPTER XL IV

Awoke by the Sounds of Battle— Foggy Morning— Discouraging Situation— The Eighth Corps Broken— Hill of Slaughter— Captain Knowlton Instantly Killed— Forced to Retreat — Another Stand— Useless Resistance— A Momentary Check — Inglorious Retreat— General Sheridan Arrives— Face About— Building Breastworks—The General Inspires the Men— Short Speeches— The Enemy Repulsed — Advancing — Horrid Sights — A Brilliant Charge — Burch and Lewis Fall — An Exciting Chase— At the Old Camps— Custer's Charge— Lieutenant Thurber Wounded Great Captures— Losses— President's Dispatch 444

CHAPTER X L V

Camp at Cedar Creek— Promotions ior Gallantry — Brigade Commanders— Camp Russell— The Regiment Housed— Reconnoitering— Turkey Dinner— A Raid- Crinoline Strategy— New Year's — A Cold March — Stevenson's Depot— Camp Sherid an— Quaker Church — Sumptuous Repast — Jolly Evening — Log "Shebangs"— Departure of Sheridan— Attractive "Corral" — The 19th Corps Disbanded—Fall of Richmond— Following Bourbon— Orders to Move 450

CHAPTER XLVI.

General Hancock— Shoes versus Boots— Milltown— Lee's Surrender— Summit Point— A Memorable Day— The Flag on Sumter— The Assassination— On the Cars— A Weary Ride— The Funeral Train— Washington— Review by Phil. Sheridan—Preparing for the Grand Review— On the Avenue— A Great Ovation — Sherman's Army— Bladensburg— An Order to Muster-out 47?,

CHAPTER XL VII.

Departure of the Division— Muster-out— Joy of the Men— March to the Depot— On the Cars— Baltimore— Greetings by the Ways:de— Village of Young Ladies— Elmira— Cool Treatment— A Second Andersonville— Imprisoned— Tardy Officials—Deprived of Guns and Equipments— Paid and Discharged— Erie Railroad— Binghamton— Cordial Reception— Chenango Forks— Riding in Wagons— Welcome by the People of Greene— The Raging Canal— Oxford—The Men Surfeited —Unbounded Hospitality— Norwich— Generous Reception— Finale 4Sf<

Appendix

I. Memorial Sketches SOT

II. Register 534

RECORD OF THE 114th REGIMENT.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY.

" O pity, God, this miserable age !— What stratagems, how fell, how butcherly. Erroneous, mutinous, and unnatural, This deadly quarrel daily doth beget."

King Henbt VI.

On the 12th day of April, 1861, at half-past four o'clock in the morning, the great American Rebellion was formally inaugurated.

On the 15th of the month, and three days after the bombardment of Fort Sumter, the President of the United States issued a Proclamation calling into the federal service Seventy-Five Thousand men, to suppress combinations against the General Government, and re-possess the forts and property of the Union.

The national Capital, founded by " The Father of his Country," and his compatriots, and bearing the name of the immortal Washington, was in danger. Volunteers, hastening to its defense, were shot and stoned by mobs in the streets of Baltimore, and insult added to injury by her disloyal citizens.

The Hag of our fathers, which, for eighty-live years, had honored and protected a Continent, had been pulled down and trailed in the dust.

Is it strange, under these circumstances, that the patriotism of our loyal people should have been aroused, and our nationality vindicated ? Had it been otherwise, it would have been a virtual declaration to the world, that the blood of the martyrs had been uselessly shed, and that the War of Independence had been in vain.

Twelve months, and upwards, during which time over six hundred thousand additional troops had been brought into the field, and the Avar of the Rebellion — conceived in the hearts of wicked men, and hatched in the nest of treason — was not ended. Many even began to believe that the rebellious States could not be subdued and brought back to the Union. They Avere astonished that rebels should hold out so long, and fight so desperately, and began to despair of ultimate success. Led by bra\Te and experienced, though misguided military captains. and fighting under the impulse of desperation, it Avould haA'e been strange, indeed, if soldiers of the Southern States, sharing the former pride and ha\ightiness of our nationality, had not been able to cope Avith an equal number from the North, the East, or the West : defending their oavh soil, it should have been expected that they would be able to do more.

But history no Avhere tells us that aristocracy is the parent of successful revolution. It is only when the heart of Labor has begun to throb under unendurable oppression, that thrones are overturned and ministers beheaded.

The great English rebellion Avas an outbreak of the democratic spirit, and was headed, not by dukes and marquises, but by breAvers, coopers, haberdashers — leaders Avith whom the middle and lower classes were in sympathy. It Avas a Avar of classes, and was successful.

AND FOURTEENTH REGIMENT. IS

In France, contemporaneous with the English rebellion, the leaders of the Fronde were of the nobility, and the insurrection was followed by none of the splendid results ensuing the war of the Roundheads and Cavaliers. There could be but little common interest between the peasant and mechanic in the ranks, and the rich and dissolute noble leader, who, instead of contending for the civil liberties sought by Cromwell and his army of workmen, aimed at privileges no more exalted than that his wife should sit in the presence of the Queen.

If we examine the history of the religious revolution, known as the Reformation, it will be found that the great uprising was instigated and carried on, not by cardinals and bishops, but by men from the middle and lower ranks. That, also, Avas a democratic rebellion, in which the heart of Labor beat in unity, and it was successful.

The American rebellion was essentially a revolt of the aristocracy. It Avas precipitated by no oppression of Avhat is properly termed the people. Its aim Avas not popular Liberty, but Empire, in Avhich labor was to be the undivided heritage of the slave. It Avas to be a great Cotton Empire of minor baronies and patriarchal estates, and each community of Avhite working men Avas to be governed by a political independent chief, who Avould supply the place of school-master and press. In the establishment of such a system, labor can have no concern. It may be momentarily controlled, and under the direct stimulus of sectional pride, may be driven out to be slaughtered in hecatombs, but, if there be no enduring bonds of sympathy Avith the leaders, no lasting magnetism in the hearts of the people, when the fires of war blaze with intense heat and fearful consumption, the ropes of striiAV will untwist and turn to ashes.

34 KEC0ED OF THE OSE HUNDRED

Had the southern people been fighting for the elective franchise, or for religious freedom, or for emancipation from the serfdom in which labor was there held, we believe that seven millions of determined and united people could never have been conquered, and Liberty everywhere would have prayed to God, that each insurgent might be strong enough to grasp an Ithuriel spear, and wield a sword gleaming and terrible as the wrath of the clouds. But in this struggle they had no sympathy but that of monarchists, no allies but the friends of despotism.

The analogy of history prophesies only disaster to follow a rebellion not Grounded amoncc the cottages of the people, that has no nobler purpose than the enrichment of the privileged classes, and the still further degradation of the poor. There is a fellowship in labor throughout the world, whether turbulent oceans surge between, or lofty mountains clad in vestures of perpetual snow exalt themselves as fictitious boundaries : and while Crowns and Coronets were nodding approval to the American Rebels, Labor stood in the old world with lialf-drawn sword, frowning upon them, and with'motionless finger pointing to the open book in which their destiny Avas written.

AM> FOURTEENTH REGIMEM . 15

CHAPTER II.

In peace there's nothing so becomes a man.

As modest stillness and humility,

But when the blast of war blows in our ears.

Then * * *

* * bend up every spirit

To its full height !

King Heney V

Eighteen months of war passed away, and the rebellions states were not conquered. There were gleams of light, bnt more clouds of darkness. There had, indeed, been a terrible baptism of blood, but indifferent success attended our arms. Children mourned parents, wives, husbands, and mothers sons, slain by fratricidal hands, sacrificed upon our country's altar and in Freedom's* cause.

To meet the exigencies of the service, and replenish the shattered and depleted ranks of the patriot army, on the 2d of July, 1862, the President of the United States issued a call for Three Hundred Thousand men, to serve three years, or during the war. The quota allowed to the state of Xew York, of this number, was about one-fifth, or near sixty thousand.

To systematize the labor of enlisting volunteer,*, to facilitate the work, and give every section an opportunity to bear its proper burden in the easiest manner, the state was divided into districts, (except the districts comprised by the city of New York), each senatorial district being required to raise at least one regiment. The order of the Adjutant General of the state directed each company to be organized as follows :

Minimum.

Maximum.

1 Captain.

1 First Lieutenant.

1 Captain.

1 First Lieutenant.

1 Second Lieutenant.

1 Second Lieutenant,

1 First Sergeant.

1 First Sergeant.

4 Sergeants. 8 Corporals. 2 Musicians.

4 Sergeants. 8 Corporals. 2 Musicians.

1 Wagoner.

1 Wagoner.

64 Privates.

82 Privates.

83 Aggregate.

101 Aggregate.

The order further directed that each enlisted person be between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years ; if a minor, the written consent of the parent or guardian must be obtained, and each recruit must be free from any defect that would incapacitate him from military service.

On the completion of ten companies, of the minimum standard, in any regimental district, they were to be formed into a regiment, to be organized as follows :

Minimum. Maximum.

830 Company Officers and enlisted 1010 Company Officers and enlistmen.

Colonel.

Lieutenant-Colonel.

Major.

Adjutant.

Regimental Quartermaster. 1 Surgeon.

1 Assistant Surgeon.* 1 Chaplain. -

1 Sergeant-Major. 1 Regimental Quartermaster- Sergeant. 1 Regimental Commissary- Sergeant.

1 Hospital Steward.

2 Principal Musicians.

ed men.

1 Colonel.

1 Lieutenant-Colonel.

1 Major.

1 Adjutant.

1 Regimental Quartermaster.

1 Surgeon.

1 Assistant Surgeon.

1 Chaplain.

1 Sergeant-Major.

1 Regimental Quartermaster- Sergeant.

1 Regimental Commissary- Sergeant.

1 Hospital Steward.