The Star Corps, or, Notes of an army chaplain, during Sherman's famous "march to the sea"

Preface

In presenting this volume to the public, we expect the critics will find plenty of fault, but we would say. at once that we have no? written anything for them. We lay no claim to literary merit, but wish simply to present a plain, unvarnished story of our " tramp " through Georgia and the Carolinas.

We propose to use " our journal and published letters," freely, and shall copy them for the most part as they first appeared in the public newspapers of the time.

Much of the matter in the following pages was written by the roadside while on the march, or amid the noise and bustle of camp. Frequently while writing, we listened to the booming of cannon and rattle of musketry, and again we wrote amid the dead and dying, in hospital, or on the battlefield.

We write for the friends at home, who have watched *' Sherman's March to the Sea" with such intense interest, and we trust they will find something of interest here.

VI I'KEKAl/E.

< >ur piifj'i )-o is to present a history <>f "' C'oburn s l>rtgadc"— the ->d Brigade, :ld Division, 20th' A. (.'.

I'< rh:i]>s many will look over thee panes and lay down the book with disappointment, owing to the fact, that some things of interest are omitted., or touched upon with a passing remark, while others of comparatively no importance stand out prominently.

If the L''Jd Wisconsin appears more frequently than any other of the Brigade, it is owing to the fact that we know more of that — being with it — than of any other one, — and not that it contains better men, braver commanders, or has performed harder work, or made longer marches.

While we rejoice that so many of your loved ones have been permitted to return home, we remember that many,. very many, sleep far away in the Southland.

" And perhaps it is well, for some one must fall

For this bleeding country's sake, And our old flag be saved though our brave boys die,

And mothers' hearts should' break.

Our starry flag waves in triumph to-day,

For the victory at last is won, Though many bright homes are filled with grief

For a noble fallen son.

': And the crieR of the stricken-hearted

Are still borne on the balmy air; For scarcely a home in our sorrowing land

That has not a vacant chair.

But, thank God ! no more weeping Rachels

Shall mourn for a brave fallen son; But, 0 God ! help those who are mourning

To *ny. ' Thy will be done ! '

PREFACE. VII

" There are homes to-day bright and happy,

And mothers' hearts filled with joy, As they wait on their own pleasant thresholds

To welcome their long absent boy.

O, there'll be many a happy fireside,

When the gallant boys come home, But ours will still be desolate,

For my boy will never come."

G. S. Bradley.

Racine, Wis., July 3d, 1865.

INTRODUCTORY

In order to have a clear conception of things at the ^time the. 2d Brigade entered the field, it will be necessary ' to review matters somewhat.

On the 25th of May, 1862, Gen. Banks' forces retreated +from Winchester to Martinsburg, Va., fighting all the way.

On the 31st, occurred the battle of Fair Oaks, in which the Union forces were driven back with great loss.

The next day our side gained some advantage.

June 9th, occurred the battle of Port Republic, Va., between Shields and Jackson's forces, .where after a severe 'fight, the federals were forced to retire, with the loss of two guns, and a large number of k killed and wounded.

On the 14th, there was very heavy fighting on James' Island, S. C, about five miles from Charleston, in which the Union forces were repulsed with heavy loss.

On the 26th, the battle of Mechanic sville, Va., was • fought. The rebels, 60,000, under Jackson, succeeded in getting to the rear of McClellan's right wing, and the Union forces were compelled to fall back.

The battle was renewed the next day— the fighting terrible-— the unionr forces fallingback to Gaines' Mill.

x ivn:<>i>r< tiu;y.

During tlu- niirlit our right wing *c'll back across the C !ii('k:ili(piniiiy.

(hi tlu- -JSth, eighteen loyal states petitioned the President to c-iill out additional troops to suppress the rebellion, tor evervthing was at this time looking very bad.

On this day, also the 20th and :i<»th, there was hard lighting, our I'orees in the meantime having fallen back to James Kivcr.

On the 12th of July, the battle of Malvern Hill took place, the last of the seven day's fighting before Kiclimoii'l. After very severe lighting, the rebels Avore repulsed, but our loss was severe ; McCIellan was in no condition to follow up any advantage secured. His great Peninsular Campaign had proved a failure.

About this time, Gen. Pope was assigned to the command of the Army of Virginia.

On the same day that the rear of McClellan's army crossed the Chickahominy, Pope's retreat commenced, and the rebels pressed him back towards Washington in the most hurried manner. ,.MJ

On the 26th, a large rebel force had appeared almost within cannon. shot of Washington.

On the 30th, Pope, after severe fighting on the old battle ground of Bull Run, was compelled, with heavy loss, to fall back to Centerville. .

On the same day also, occurred the battle of Richmond, Ky., in which the Federal forces under Gen. Nelson were overpowered and forced to retreat — the rebel forces numbering 15,000, under Gen. Kirby.- Smith. Our forces had to fall back to Lexington.

On the fir6t of September, the Legislature of Kentucky from fear of rebel raids, adjourned from Frankfort to Lou-

IKTEOPUCTOEY. XI

Kirby Smith was now supj>osed to be advancing upon Cincinnati, and there was a terrible excitement all along the border. About this time, a large portion of the rebel army crossed into Maryland, and things were certainly looking very gloomy. Perhaps at no period of the war had affairs seemed*more discouraging.

Meetings were held all over the North, and men were called upon to enlist. It was felt that the critical moment had arrived when every one who could go must go.

Under this state of affairs, the Second Brigade entered the field; with the exception of the 33d Indiana, that had already seen hard service near Cumberland Gap.

"Without speaking further of matters in general, let us trace the history of the several regiments separately, till we find them in Lookout Valley, preparatory to entering on the Atlanta Campaign.

For the history of the 33d Indiana, I am indebted to Joseph R. Shelton, and that of the 85th, to Lt. Col. J. E. Brant.

Capt. Henry A. Ford furnished me with a part of that of the 19th Michigan.

THE STAR CORPS.

THE THIRTY-THIRD INDIANA.

The 33d Indiana was organized at Indiagiapolis, IiitL,, Sept. 16th, 1861, by Col, John Ooburn. L^ Indianapolis on the the 29th of September. Passed over theJeSersonviUe R. R. to Louisville, Ky., the same day, and arrived there at night.

Next day (30th) the regiment lay in the city, asad oh the 1st of October ,took the cars for. Lexington, .Ky., arriving there" in the evening — staid there all night, and next vmming. started -for ..NichpJassviJle, where the .regiment staid that night.

On the 3d, marched 17 miles to Camp Dick Robinson. Lay ten d^ys at this place; An i incident occurred here which may be related.: Our regiment was ©noircled by a strong guard line, some, 10 men.on a relief— aud on the 6th,, the guards were satisfied that- the .enemy we»e aiming M get into our camp and poison our stock. "The guawdn were xsxdered to load their guns and be very vigilant At a late hour of the night, two of tin- guards heard a noise which they imagined might come from m.iiii' one trying to enter the guard lino. They whispered together as thflj* met at the end of their heat, and determined if they heard any more noise to fire. In a few minutes the noise was heard again, and the crack of the sentinel's musket was heard, arousing the whole camp, when lo ! it was nothing hut a loose horse that had caused all the excitement.

On the 13th, the regiment marched for Dick's River, where we went into camp at Crab Orchard. Next day at noon, went into camp 3 miles south-east of this place. — Called the place Camp Coburn. Lay here 3 days, then marched to Wild Cat — distant 25 miles — to meet the invading army of Zollicoffer. Arrived there on the 20th and found only one regiment, Col. Garrard's 3d Ky., waiting to dispute the progress of Zollicoffer. The next morning, we were roused by the " long roll," and in a few minutes all were ready for the coming battle, which commenced at 8 o'clock. Four companies of the regiment were marched hastily to the top of Hosier Hill, and four were sent on the right to guard a pass on Rock Castle River hill. We were soon engaged in a desperate struggle with the enemy, which resulted in driving the invader. We lost in this engagement 2 killed and 11 wounded.

Marched to London in pursuit of the flying rebels. Lay at this place till the 13th of October, when we marched to Crab Orchard in order to meet the enemy at Mill Springs.

Went into camp at Crab Orchard on the 17th. Here

began a scene of suffering which cannot be described.

Many times there were scarcely enough men in health to get wood for the camp, and nearly every house in the town was used as a hospital. All that the citizens could do for us was clone, but 45 men died in a few weeks, and altogether we here lost some TO men from sickness. ' On the 7th of January, the 33d left their encampment for the city of Lexington; where they arrived on the 10th. Went into camp 3 miles north of the City. Here the regiment enjoyed good health and quiet for the rest of the winter. At Lexington, the regiment- enjoyed the full confidence of the citizens, and they would here record their gratitude to them, and especially for their uniform kindness. The Ladies' Soldiers' Aid Society deserves especial mention, as it was the means of restoring many of our brave men to health.

On the 11th of April, we left Lexington for Cumberland Ford by way of Crab Orchard. After 13 days march, we went into camp at the Ford with the army of Gen. George W. Morgan.

After lying at the Ford for over a month, we marched for the Gap by way of Roger's Gap. After marching and counter-marching several times . in the mountains, we ^proceeded up the Valley to the Gap, which was evacuated 'the day before, (June 18, 1.862). Six guns were captured, together with some other valuables,

We lay here in a quiet manner for a few weeks, and •then participated in the fight at Tazewell.

The regiment with the balance of the command was. soon cut off" by Bragg' s invading Kentucky. We lived very poorly till the evacuation of the Gap, which took place Sept. 18th. After we were surrounded, we were immediately put on half rations, which were afterwards •reduced to one-fourth rations, and the only chance then to live was by trading with the citizens, who^ came as near the Gap as our pickets would allow.

l'i HIE STAR (OKI'S.

We skirmished with the enemy every .lay, and -<-'nt oat foraging parties, wliieli sometimes foraged in the same Hel.l with the rebels— wo on one side and they on the uther.

When the Gap was evacuated, our regiment marched out in advance of the column.

On the 20th, we encamped at Goose Creek Saltworks,. near Manchester.

On the 22d, the regiment and the whole army moved north through the Hills towards Boonville. Passed this place and Proctor the same day, and lay on the rocks of the river bed at night close to the town. Water was quite an object, and some days there was none to be had. The regiment rested one day at West Liberty, where Marshall had just left. Here we had plenty of water and all enjoyed it very much.

On the 29th, occurred the skirmish of Crocker's Neck, in which, the rebels were driven away in confusion.

After 1 7 days of severe suffering for want of water and supplies, as well as from hard marching, we arrived at

, Ky., (Oct. 3d), and were pleased with a place to

rest. Here we crossed the Ohio River — some wading the stream, while others went over in boats. We moved down the river on the Ohio side to Sciotaville. As we passed the town of Wheelersburg, we were met with an excellent dinner by the citizens of the place, for which we were very grateful.

From Sciotaville, we took the train for Portland and from this place we marched to Oak Hill — distant 3 miles.

Lay here till the 14th, when we took the train for Cincinnati.

THE STAR COUPS. 1*7

On the 15th, we passed through the city and went into camp at Covington, Ky.

During our first campaign, including the marching and fighting to London, and back to Mill Springs j we were under the command of Brig. Gen. Scheopff.

The second campaign from Lexington to' the Fordy Gap, and the retreat, we were under the command of Col. Coburn and Brig. Gen. Baird, as Brigade Commanders.

At Covington we got an outfit and prepared for another campaign. "'■ : '

At this place -we were put into a brigade of new troops^ the 14th arid 19th Ky. being separated from' us and put into other brigades. : Col. Coburn took command of the brigade, now 'composed of the 33d Ind., 85th Ind., 19th Mich, and 22d Wis.

Left Covington on the 26th of October, and arrived &ty Georgetown Novi: l«t. ,

On the 12th marched ; to Nicholassville# where we arrived on the. 15th and went into camp. , Lay here till Dec. — , when we marched for Danville, where we arrived on the 12th, went into camp and remained a short time.

Here we commenced,, as a brigade, to run af]ter John Mofgan, which was our regular business for the winter.

Left Danville on the 26th of January, and arrived at Louisville on the 30th. Left Louisville, on transports, on the 2d of Feb. for Nashville, where we arrived Feb. 9th. Lay in camp at this place till Feb 21st. Then marched to Breritwood, distant 12 miles. Lay at this place till the 2d of March, when we went to Franklin. On the 4th we were ordered out to Spring Hill, where the desperate battle of Thompfednjs Station occurred.

On the 4th we met the rebels, and after fighting for ft

18 the stai: ioi:i'«i.

short timo they fell back. We pressed them lor a short distance and then went into camp for the night. The CoL commanding found that the rebels were too strong for us, and so reported, but his orders were 2y08itivc and he must obey.

Tho following is a copy :

VI . Col. Coburn, with his Brigade and Battery, with 600 Cavalry, will, to-morrow, at 8 o'clock, proceed along the Columbia Piko as far as Spring Hill, and send out a party from there on toward Columbia, and on through to Raleigh. Springs on the Lewisburg Pike, where a cavalry force from Murfreesboro will communicate with it on the ensuing day.

VII . . Col. Campbell will be furnished from the three regiments. Col. Payne of the 124th Ohio Vols, will report to CoL Coburn to accompany this command.

Four (4) days rations will be taken ; 2 in the haversack and 2' in the wagOris. A forage train of 80 wagons will accompany the expedition. Only 4 wagons to the regiment and 2 to the battery will be allowed.

By order of

Brig. Gen. C. C. Gilbert.

George R. Speed, Lt. and A. A. A. G."

CoL Coburn moved out at the time appointed in the above order, and proceeded about; four miles, when we met and dispersed the rebels, they losing 11 men killed, while we had only one wounded.

On the morning of the 5th at 7 o'clock, the brigade moved out, and at 8 the skirmishing began. At 9 we were in line of battle and offered the enemy fight. We did not wait long but sent out a skirmish line to the R. R, and soon found plenty of the enemy.

We fell back to the hill we" first occupied as a main line, and soon the thunder of artillery and musketry told us that the whole line was engaged. The fight lasted for six (6) hours, and, being surrounded by four lines of battle it was easy to see our doom. ' >

When the brigade surrendered, there was not an average of one round of ammunition to the man.

Our loss was quite heavy.

The regiment, after a hard day's fight, had to witness the humiliating sight of the old flag, they so much loved, trailed in the' dust.

Our captors did not jeer us; but When told our number, they said they had lost more men than our whole number in the fight. We surrendered at 4 o'clock, and had fought nearly all day in hearing of a force which could have relieved us, if they had been sent forward.

After the surrender, we were marched to Columbia — a distance of 12 miles. A few of our wounded men were with us and suffered severely; We lay in the Court House at Columbia part Of the night which was not spent in marching.

We were marched from Columbia to Shelbyville, and from there to Tullahoma, where we were put on board the cars for Richmond.

Our sufferings were great from the time of capture to the time of release, which with some was only 30, with others 60 days. The weather was very inclement, and we layout of doors nearly all of the time, which caused'* great many to be sick.

At Tullahoma our rubber blankets and overcoats were taken from us by order of Gen. Bragg.

All the way we were very much crowded in the cars- We were 1 days on the cars. We left Tullahoma on the 12th, passing through Stevenson, Bridgeport, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Bristol, and Lynchburg.

The 33d was released from Libby the 1st and 3d of of April, 1863. Arrived at Annapolis on the 2d and 5th. From there we were taken to Camp Chase, Ohio, thence to Indianapolis. After one month, the officers came up and the regiment was reorganized.

The regiment was received with. great honors by the citizens of Indianapolis. The boys were all furloughed home for a few days, and on the 12th of June, the regiment started again to the field, and on the 18th rejoined the portion of the regiment that was not captured.

The regiment thus completely reorganized, we prepared to march.

June 23d, the regiment marched from Nashville toMurfreesboro* where we arrived on the 27th. Here we lay two days, then marched to Guy's Gap, where we remained till the 18th of July. Then we returned to Murfreesboro. During our stay at the Gap, we did very heavy picket duty. At Murfreesboro we went into regular camp with constant drilling. We lay here till the 6th of September, when we were deployed on the R. R. from Tullahoma to- Dechard.

The several companies had frequent skirmishing with the enemy.

At Dechard, Capt. Burton was in command of the post..

TUJS STAB CORPS. 21

;Qn the 5th of November, the regiment was consolidated at •Christiana, where we remained till Feb. 25th, 1864, when we marched to Nashville, having re-enlisted at Christiana as veterans. We were kept at Nashville on guard duty till the 25th of March, when we were furloughed home for 30 days.

After a pleasant visit among home friends, we once more started for the field of strife.

The regiment as rapidly as possible marched to Lookout Valley, crossing a spur of the famous Lookout Mountain, and then on towards Buzzard's Roost, where Sherman's mighty hosts were concentrating.

THE TWENTY-SECOND WISCONSIN.

The companies comprising the 22d Wisconsin, recruited almost entirely in the counties of Rock, Racine, Green and Walworth, were ordered into camp on the 25th of August, 1862. The organization was effected at Racine during the latter part of the month, and the regiment was mustered into service on the 2d of September.

But a short time was allowed them in camp. They left Racine on the 16th for Cincinnati, having been ordered to that place in anticipation of the threatening movements of the rebels under Kirby Smith.

On the 22d, they crossed the Ohio river on the pontoon bridge, and marching into Kentucky, encamped four miles south of Covington at " Camp Bloodgood."

Broke camp on the 7th of October, and marching on the Lexington pike, arrived at "Camp Smith" on the -evening of the next day.

'2'-' THE STAR CORrS.

On the 13th, marched to " Camp Gilmore," whore thoy remained three days camping on Eagle Creek.

On the 19th marched U> Big Eagle Creek, and resumingmarch on the the 21st encamped at Georgetown.

On the 24th, they moved to Lexington, where they remained six days, marching to Sandersville on the 30th.

Nov. 13th, marched to Nicholassville, where they remained performing provost guard duty, until the 12th of December, when they started for Danville, arriving next day.

From Danville they moved in various directions through the surrounding country, to meet and foil the movements of the enemy — particularly Morgan.

At Danville and Nicholassville, the regiment suffered terribly from sickness. At times there were scarcely well ones enough to take care of the sick. The water was not fit to drink.

A few extracts may perhaps be interesting here :

" The new year has dawned again upon us. The gallant 22d are yet in existence, and are not gobbled up by Morgan as it has been reported, although they have been nearer John Morgan's forces than a great many of the boys dreamed of. Last Monday morning the 22d and 33d Indiana, were ordered to be on the Pike and ready to march, destination unknown. Just as we got outside the city, we found that we were to go to Lebanon to reinforce troops there and baffle John Morgan, as he was advancing on Lebanon. That day we marched 16 miles. Tuesday morning again on the road towards Lebanon. When we had reached within five miles of Lebanon we were ordered back to Danville, and we reached the old camping ground of Monday night, tired and wet. We have since

Ti'iHiTS st*k- CjJsHPS. 23

learned that a force of rebels planted a battery a few miles from us along a group of hills, to rake '"us in the morning as we should go to Lebanon, but as fortune would have it, we were to go to Danville. The 33d Indiana is an old regiment and is the best in the Division, the largest and most powerful. They told us Wednesday morning that they intended to tire us out, but they failed. - Faster and faster the 33d marched, but close upon their, heels followed the 22d. After getting to Danville, they acknowledged that no regiment had kept so close to them as the 22d. -r ••• .>.»■'-; . .',.;<

Sunday, the long coveted . green-backs were distributed to the boys. They have, stood Jong, in need of them,. and to-day each one smiles like a basket of chips. Sickness is on the decrease I think in the regiment.

Occasionally, yours,

Glendower."

Under date of January 2d,, 1863, Chaplain Pillsbury writes as follows :

" On arriving at Danville, I learned that death had been doing hii work there as well as at Nicholsville, ■»< Hugh Stu* art, who left the latter place well, so far' as I knew, and of whose sickness I had learned nothing, had fallen, and his remains were on their way to the 'grief smitten home. Thirty of the regiment have now fought their last battle.

But a small portion of the desolations of war are seen upon the battle-field. Were leading military men required to write letters of condolence to bereaved friends, instead of issuing orders to brigades and divisions, perhaps they would become more anxious to strike a settling blow. Put all the generals, on both sides, into the ranks and let them take the chances and faro as privates, and the war will be brought to a close in less than three months.

Sickness in the regiment, I am happy to say, is at the present time abating, both as regards the number sick and the severity of prevailing diseases.

Our regiment has recently ' marched up the hill and marched down again,' and repeated the march. By order of the commanding General, two brigades, then in this place, marched for Lebanon a distance of twenty-eight miles, on Friday morning of last week. It rained in torrents a largo part of the day, and we camped for the night wet and cold, after marching fourteen miles. During the night orders came for us to return to Danville; and on Saturday we marched back to our old camping ground.

Early on Monday morning, agreeably to orders, the 22d Wis. and 33d Ind., marched again for Lebanon. When within five miles of that place, on the next day, orders came for us to return to Danville. So we returned to the camping ground left in the morning. During the night orders came for the regiments to hasten to Lebanon. But before getting under way, orders were countermanded, and we still again sought our camping grounds in Danville. The boys begin to think it a difficult thing to find the way to Lebanon, having marched seventy-two miles and finding themselves where they stalled. This is military life, and these are the incidents of war. It is simply our business to obey orders and ask no questions. It is now said that Morgan with 5,000 of Ids cavalry camped within three miles of the 22d Wis. and 33d Ind. on Tuesday night, and that we shoidd have been attacked, had he not supposed that we had reinforcements at hand. As to the correctness of the report, if is difficult to determine-^-the -country is, ^li of rumors and much excitement prevails at times. That Morgan is somewhere in the vicinity Of. Lebanon there can be no doubt — some of his men have been

• captured and brought into this town. His presence also givfcs Kentucky guerrillas an excellent opportunity to pillage the country, claiming to be Morgan's men, and thus giving him and his banditti credit for much of which they are not guilty* That this game is practiced quite exten-

:siyejly is undoubtedly true."

On the 26th of January, 1863, the regiment left Danville for the last time, arriving at; Louisville on the 30th.

'Here they went on board of transports for Nashville. The following letter will be read with interest :

"Nashville, Tenn.,iFeb. 8, 1863.

The fleet of some forty steamers, containing the comomand of Gen. Baird, accompanied by five gunboats, anchored in the Cumberland river, against Nashville, last evening. It being too late to disembark and go into camp, all remained on board during the night. Our passage on the whole, a distance of some 600 miles from Louisville to "Nashville^ was pleasant ; no serious accident occurring, except the loss of one man from the Champion, Jacob Wachter, of Company B, who fell overboard and was ♦drowned.

It is now Sunday at home; but who can tell the day of the week here ? All is commotion— -men, horses, mules, carriages, guns, hard ■ bread, bacon, corn, hay, and thousands of unnamed articles, moving hurriedly and in appa-' rent confusion. The quiet church is forgotten, and all are rushing forward to some field of strife. We embarked on

2C> the star ro*rs.

the Sabbath, and now wo disembark on the Sabbaths. War, perhaps consistent witli itself, knows no Sabbath,, and in the army he- does well, who does not forget when that <|iiiet day returns to smile upon his distant, peacefnr" home.

On leaving Louisville, the fleet was ordered to rendezvous at Fort Donelson. Above that point, it was considered unsafe for steamers to pass unless protected by gunboats, several having been fired on but a few days before, and a large body of rebel cavalry being reported on their way to take possession of the river. We arrived at the place of rendezvous on the evening of the third day from Louisville,- which proved to be really a small place called Dover, about one mile above Fort Donelson. Here we anchored and remained till the second morning, waiting tor portions of the fleet which had fallen behind to come up.

The day before we arrived, the 83d 111. Infantry, quartered at Dover, for the holding of Fort Donelson, wereattacked by some 4,000 of Morgan's cavalry, under the command of the noted Forrest. The object of the movement was evidently to get possession of the fort, and beat back or destroy the fleet. The rebels anticipated easy work, and came in almost rejoicing over their victory.. The 83d numbered on the morning of the attack, 580 men fit for duty. Besides their rifles, they had one heavy gun and six light pieces of artillery.

The Colonel commanding the 83d — I regret tbat I cannot give his name — saw that to bring out his men in lineof battle to meet such an overwhelming force, must result in the destruction of his regiment Dividing them into squads, under commanders down to corporals, he sent