History of the Fiftieth Regiment of Infantry, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, in the late war of the rebellion

Front matter

CORNELL

UNIVERSITY

LIBRARY

Chapter II

Company H refuses to go on the Niagara, on which Companies B, C, D, F and G embark — Company H sails from New York on the Jenny Lind — The Niagara springs aleak and takes fire off the delaware breakwater and is towed up the delaware rlver to phila- DELPHIA — Experience in the "City of Brotherly Love" . . . 15-22

Chapter XI

Port Hudson and its Fortifications — Account of the Defences as given by Lieutenant Freret of the Confederate Army — Battle of Plains' Store — Investment of Port Hudson and Order for Assault on May 27 — Correspondence between Banks, Grant and Halleck 116-132

Contents ix

CHAPTER XVIII General Dudley . 232-240 Contents APPENDIX

PAGES

Headstones at the Graves of Comrades in the National Cemetery at Baton Rouge — Card issued to Members of the Regiment in Philadelphia — Roster of the Field, Staff and Line Officers of the Detachment of the 50th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers in 1862 at Philadelphia — Soldiers' Guide to Philadelphia — Organization of Troops in the 3d Military District, Department Mississippi and East Louisiana, Commanded by Maj.-Gen. Frank Gardner, April 30, 1863

— Extract from Portland "Press" relating to Marcus A. Hanna of Company B — A Rebel Narrative — The Story of a Masonic Pin — Capture of Port Hudson as given in New Orleans "Era" of June 12, 1863 — Terrible Sickness in the Garrison — Account of the Regimental Reunions taken from the Records of the Secretary, Corpl. George H. Blinn — Company A — Company C

— Company E — Journal of Company A — Arrival of the 50th Massachusetts Regiment as given in Boston "Journal" of Aug. 12, 1863 — Letter from a Soldier who had recovered his health and returned home

from the Hospital . 241-288

ROSTER

Roster of the Fiftieth Massachusetts Volunteers,

Field, Staff and Companies. . . 289-395

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Colonel Carlos P. Messer .

General N. A. M. Dudley

Colonel Carlos P. Messer . . . lleutenant-colonel john w. locke Major John Hodges, Jr. . . .

Quartermaster Henry D. Degen Surgeon William Cogswell .

Frontispiece facing page 232

Assistant Surgeon Nathaniel W. French Sergeant-Major Oliver A. Roberts .

Quartermaster-Sergeant David M. Kelley Assistant Surgeon John Hancock Commissary Sergeant Leonard Rand

Captain George D. Putnam, Co. A Captain John Langdon Ward, Co. B Captain Darius N. Stevens, Co. C .

Captain Josiah W. Coburn, Co. D Captain Samuel F. Littlepield, Co. E .

Miscellaneous Views in Louisiana

Captain Samuel W. Duncan, Co. F Captain George W. Edwards, Co. G Captain Cyrus Hobbs, Co. H Captain Nicholas Power, Co. I .

Captain John G. Barnes, Co. K

Map op Port Hudson .

1st Lieutenant Robert W. Reeves, Co. A 1st Lieutenant Edward W. Phillips, Co. B 1st Lieutenant Samuel C Trull, Co. C . 1st Lieutenant John S. Coney, Co. D . . 1st Lieutenant Horace M. Warren, Co. E n tt t( (C ti t:

IC (C

I

a it

XII

List of Illustrations

1st Lieutenant David Botnton, Co. F . facing page 170

1st Lieutenant Henry T. Holmes, Co. H . " " 170

1st Lieutenant John P. Bradstreet, Co. K 170

Hospital Steward, P. A. Sawyer " '' 170

Acting Hospital Steward James Howe, Co. F, " " 170

2d Lieutenant William B. Upton, Co. A . 2d Lieutenant William H. Hurd, Co. B 2d Lieutenant Frederick Cochrane, Co. C 2d Lieutenant Oramel G. Abbott, Co. D 2d Lieutenant James D. Draper, Co. E

2d Lieutenant Ira Hurd, Co. F 2d Lieutenant Andrew F. Stowe, Co. G 2d Lieutenant William P. Daniels, Co. H. 2d Lieutenant James H. Rundlett, Co. K . Corporal George H. Blinn, Co. A.

u tc

It ti it a a

JOHN W. LOCKE JOHN HODGES, Jr.

Lieut. Col. 50th Mass. Major, 50th Mass. CARLOS P. MESSER Colonel, 50th Mass.

HENRY D. DEGEN WILLIAM COGSWELL

Quartermaster, 50th Mass. Surgeon, 50th Mass.

Fiftieth Regiment of Infantry

Chapter I

ORGANIZATION OF THE REGIMENT — LIFE AT CAMP STANTON, BOXFORD — DEPARTURE FOR NEW YORK — IN CAMP AT CAMP BANKS, LONG ISLAND

ONE generation has come and another gone since the close of the war of the Rebellion, and the space of more than half a lifetime stretches from the summer of 1862, when three hundred thousand nine-months troops were summoned to re-enforce the Federal armies by proclamation of President Lincoln.

The Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment was raised and organized during the darkest days of the war. It was at the flood-tide of disaster, McClellan's fruitless campaign on the Peninsula had been followed by Pope's reverse at the second Bull Run. Sorrow, disappointment and gloom weighed down the North. But the disasters which had followed our armies fired the patriotism of the people to white heat and intensified their determination to conquer the Rebellion and save the Union at whatever cost. Sad and deplorable as are the horrors of war, there is some compensation when one reflects upon the selfsacrifices, chivalrous and heroic qualities which it develops. Men get out of their little selves and fight to the death for a great cause. At such a time and under such a stimulus the boys responded to their country's call in 1862. It is difficult for a person who has been born and grown to manhood, surrounded by the environments of peace which have existed for the past forty years, with a brief interregnum, to realize how intense was the patriotic fervor and excitement which swept over the country from 1861 to 1865.

After the Revolution it was the epoch of our national heroism. It now seems fortunate to have lived during such a period. The men who fought the war for independence had passed away, and, outside the pages of recorded history, their achievements were little more than fond traditions; the occasion arose, the summons came, and the descendants proved themselves worthy successors of their patriotic ancestors.

In character, education and birth, the men of the regiment generally represented the good old stock of Middlesex and Essex Counties, whose lineage extended back to the early settlement of the colony, for eight out of the ten companies came from these two counties, one from Suffolk and one from Worcester. Several of them had histories in the state militia before the war, although the old organizations served hardly more than skeletons which were filled up with new recruits. Some of them had also seen active service in different regiments during the spring and summer of 1861.

The President's call was issued on the fourth day of August, 1862, and Massachusetts, with her usual alacrity, at once proceeded to fill her quota. To this call the organized militia companies of Middlesex and Essex Counties, comprising in part the old 7th Regiment of the state militia, responded, and with other new companies formed the 50th Massachusetts Regiment, which was designated as the 50th Volunteer Militia.

Company A was from Salem under Captain Putnam, and was one of the oldest militia organizations in the state, having been organized and chartered May 1, 1805. Known as the Salem Light Infantry, in April, 1861, it joined the 8th Regiment and served three months.

Company B, sometimes called the Rockport Company, Captain Ward, was composed mostly of men from that town, North Andover and Hamilton.

Company C, formerly the Stoneham Light Infantry, was organized in 1851. Known as Company C in the

7th Regiment Militia, and as Company L in the 6th Regiment (three months' service), on the 19th of April, 1861, under Capt. John H. Dike, it made the famous march through Baltimore. The nucleus of this company was from Stoneham, with additions from Lawrence, Methuen and a few other towns.

Company D, Captain Coburn, was recruited mostly in Reading, North Reading and Wilmington.

Company E, formerly known as the Richardson Light Guard of South Reading (now Wakefield), was organized Oct. 2, 1851. Known as Company E, 7th Regiment Militia, and as Company B, 5th Regiment (three months' service), it was in the first battle of Bull Run, and its captain, J. W- Locke, was commissioned lieutenant colonel of the 50th Regiment.

Company F, Captain Duncan, was recruited in Haverhill.

Company G, Captain Edwards, was also from Haverhill, formerly known as the Haverhill Light Infantry, and organized in 1853. It was known as Company G, 7th Regiment Militia; as Company D, 5th Regiment, in which it served three months, and participated in the first battle of Bull Run. Its captain, Carlos P. Messer, was commissioned our colonel.

Company H, Captain Hobbs, was from Chelsea; and Company I, Captain Power, from Worcester.

Company K, Captain Barnes, was recruited largely in Georgetown, with men from Bradford, Groveland, Boxford, Newbury and Topsfield. Our major, John Hodges, Jr., of Salem, a brave and gallant young officer fresh from Harvard College, had served three months, in the 19th Regiment. He was afterwards lieutenant colonel of the 59th Massachusetts Regiment, and was killed at Petersburg. Henry A. Wentworth was adjutant, and Henry D. Degen was quartermaster.

We can make no claim to glory achieved in a long series of bloody and hard-fought battles, but it is fair to say that at all times we did our duty faithfully, and bore with equanimity and fortitude the hardships and privations of a severe and trying campaign. Our services consisted chiefly in participating in the siege and reduction of Port Hudson. This stronghold captured and the Mississippi opened, our work was finished, and about one year after the time of enlistment the regiment was disbanded on the 24th day of August, 1863, and the surviving members returned to their several homes to take up once more the various employments of civil life.

This was many years ago, and at our annual reunions there now return but few except those who then were boys and young men; and before they are all gone it seems desirable to leave a brief record of their service. It is true they did not contribute much towards the great result, but as the small stream courses its way and mingles its waters with those of the on-flowing river, so they formed part of the grand Army that saved the Union.

The several companies were organized, recruited and drilled during August and the early part of the following month, and on the 12th of September, a beautiful autumnal day, began to arrive at Camp Stanton, Boxford. It was a day long to be remembered when the boys disembarked from the train, formed into company line, and marched to the ground which had been assigned for their quarters. There was a lively scene of bustle and excitement as streets were laid out, tents pitched and the men settled down to their first experience of camp life.

After a busy day came the evening when tents were lighted, and the grounds resounded with mirth, hilarity and song. The blood then bounded through our veins, surcharged with the life and animal spirits of youth. Camp Stanton was admirably adapted to the purposes for which it was used, consisting of a large tract of level land, sloping into the meadow at the north, with fine facilities for drilling and dress parade.

Leaving the railroad it will be remembered the post headquarters were on the left. Passing through the encampment, first was located on the right the 10th Battery and the 41st Regiment. Next came the 50th and at the extreme west the 8th Massachusetts, Colonel Coffin. The 47th, Colonel Marsh, was located south of the 41st. These four regiments with a battery occupied between four and five hundred tents. During two months or more the men settled down to hard work for the purpose of being transformed so far as possible in that time from undisciplined citizens into trained soldiers.

Col. Edward F. Jones was post commandant and Lieutenant Hayes of the Regular Army post quartermaster. How fresh comes back the memory of those crisp September mornings when the bugle summoned the boys to roll call at five o'clock, after which they fell in and marched to Stevens's Pond for a general wash. How the cold water tingled the blood and set it in circulation! Breakfast at six, and dinner at twelve, interspersed with squad, company and regimental drills, and supper at six, preceded by dress parade, filled up the hours of the day.

On September 19th the regiment was mustered into the service of the United States by Lieutenant Elder of the Regular Army. The men were armed with Springfield smooth-bores, a very effective weapon for some purposes, but of little use at long range. These antiquated guns saved us from great peril, at least on one occasion before Port Hudson, and although at the time they were received rather ungraciously, subsequent events proved them to be in some respects, at least, a blessing in disguise. Being thus armed, our regiment was not detailed for sharpshooting, and took no very active part in either of the assaults on the rebel works, but was detailed to throw up fortifications, to dig and occupy rifle pits and support batteries, as with our arms we could pour upon the enemy a withering fire at close quarters.

Many an old soldier can now look back upon the two and a half months passed at Camp Stanton as among the red-letter days of his life. Notwithstanding the exactions of guard duty, military drills and dress parade, the autocratic government under army regulations, and sometimes the arbitrary dictation of superior officers, it was in many respects a pleasant and delightful experience, and to some of us who were detailed as orderlies and clerks at post headquarters, with the privilege of filling out our own passes, and exercising when off duty an almost absolute freedom of will, it was one prolonged picnic.

Most if not all of the camp ground was comprised within the farms of Mr. Barnes and Mr. Stevens, the house of the latter situated near the corner of the pond being used as a boarding house for the officers. For thirty years after its occupancy the old camp ground remained almost undisturbed, showing hardly a change since 1862. It was possible to travel over the fields, pick out the regimental and companies' streets, and even locate the position of individual tents by the trenches which still remained. Many a well-preserved stake was pulled up as a memento of those far-off days. Some years since a portion of one pleasant Sabbath afternoon was passed upon the ground by two comrades, in company with the proprietor, Mr. Barnes, who pointed out the places of interest and recalled delightful reminiscences. At the time of the encampment he will be remembered as a vigorous and well-to-do farmer in the prime of manhood, and now you behold him a patriarchal and venerable old gentleman, full of years, and covered with the earmarks of an honorable and wellspent life. He recalled the circumstance of the burning of his barn on the 18th of October, 1862, when the fine horse of Major Hodges perished in the flames. In most respects those were uneventful weeks, not many events occurring which now seem worthy of being recorded upon the pages of a regimental history, and yet it is desirable at least to draw the outline which one must fill up with his own reminiscent imagination to complete the full picture.

Let us live over in recollection a single day, from the bugle call at five in the morning to taps at nine in the evening, when all lights were out or, as used to be said, we "doused the glim." And how the evenings after supper were given up to rollicking fun, story-telling, singing and card playing, and sometimes serenading different officers. By the way, no regiment was better equipped for serenades than ours, for our band came to be recognized as the best one in the Department of the Gulf, and was selected by General Banks to accompany him on the steamer North Star on his departure to the South to relieve General Butler. The boys will always associate "Listen to the Mocking-bird" with our old 50th regimental band, Henry Johnston, leader. The proficiency acquired by the regiment in keeping step and marching was largely due to the band.

The days and weeks at Boxford had lengthened into months, and the mild and balmy weather of a New England autumn was followed by a severe rainstorm, so violent that the guards were taken off, and the tents were flooded with water, in some instances a foot deep, and some of the men sought shelter in neighboring barns. On the 7th and 8th of November occurred the first snowstorm of the season, the snow falling to a depth of six inches, and the inclement weather of the closing weeks there caused most of the men to look forward with glad anticipation to a departure which promised change of scene and a milder climate; and then when it is remembered how large a portion of the members of the regiment were only on the threshold of early manhood, a time when we almost seem to tread the air, buoyed up by physical vigor and animal spirits, it is probable they were looking forward with pleasing expectation to the excitement and adventures of army life, little realizing the dangers and hardships before them, that some would return with shattered health and others would never return.

The 19th of November, 1862, was ushered in with a dull and rainy morning, when knapsacks were packed, overcoats and equipments donned, guns shouldered, and companies formed, and the regimental line was on its farewell march through the deserted camp ground, for the long train which was to bear us on our first stage towards the scene of war. After the usual delay in loading baggage and men, and a final parting from sorrowing and weeping friends, the train started, and life at Camp Stanton, with all its pleasant recollections, was forever closed. Arrived in Boston, the regiment was again formed and, with cheers and a Godspeed from enthusiastic friends and citizens, the line of march was taken to the Boston and Worcester depot, where we boarded the cars over the Worcester and Norwich route. After a painful delay, and more painful adieus, the engine hauled out, and we were on our way to New York, arriving in the evening at Allyn's Point, about half past ten, when we were transferred to the steamers City of New York and City of Boston. The ensuing morning was cloudy and rainy, but how happy and exuberant were the boys as, rising from hard beds, they issued forth upon deck and beheld for the first time the beauties of Long Island Sound and the approach to New York, passing the Great Eastern, sailing up through Hell Gate and East River, by Blaekwell's Island and Brooklyn, to the pier. The regiment disembarked and marched through muddy streets up Broadway to City Hall Park, where guns were stacked and breakfast was served at the barracks in front of City Hall. To the men of the 50th Regiment this part of the city will always seem the most interesting section of New York. At one end was the venerable City Hall dating back to the early part of the century, on one side the famous Astor House and on the other the newspaper houses of the Tribune, the Herald and the Times, with French's and Lovejoy's Hotels, where old-time hospitality was dispensed with a hearty good-will.

In the afternoon the regiment formed and marched to barracks on Franklin Street, where clean and comfortable quarters were furnished. A guard was placed over the building, but the temptation to do the town that night was too great for some of the more ingenious and adventurous spirits, who, by various devices, outwitted and outflanked the guard. As they came straggling in through the evening recounting the sights and adventures to comrades, a pretty general resolve was developed by the next morning on the part of the boys to make the most at least of one day in New York. In some mysterious way men eluded the vigilance of officers and guards.

Shutters were wrenched off from rear windows of the basement, and squads in twos and threes were seen issuing through the opening on the way to French's Hotel and other hostelries for breakfast. Notwithstanding the depressing influence of a drenching rain and muddy streets, since the days of Hendrik Hudson it is doubtful if any body of men ever enjoyed the attractions of New York with greater zest than the members of the regiment, from eight o'clock on the morning of November 21 to the small hours of the next day. On the morning of the 22d, knapsacks were again packed and about ten o'clock we marched to the ferry, crossed over to Williamsburg, and in heavy marching order proceeded through the city, out into the country to the Union Race Course at Jamaica, a distance of eight or nine miles, where a rendezvous had been established for troops assigned to the Banks expedition, known as Camp Banks, and commanded by Col. Thomas E. Chickering of the 41st Massachusetts. The weather was raw and chilly.

The boys, unaccustomed to long marches and weighed down as they were with blankets and heavily packed knapsacks, had a hard and tedious day until four o'clock in the afternoon, when they reached camp, stacked arms and doffed equipments. Tents were soon furnished and pitched, neighboring fences demolished for floors, hay procured, and before dark the regiment had established for itself comparatively comfortable quarters. With what ravenous appetites the rations of coffee, bread and ham were devoured that evening! After getting settled and looking about the camp we find our old Boxford acquaintances of the 41st Regiment. Among other troops also were the 42d and 52d Massachusetts Regiments, the 15th and 16th New Hampshire, the 161st New York, five regiments from Connecticut and two batteries, all awaiting orders to sail in the Banks expedition.

The hotel accommodations were rather limited that night. In many cases six men were assigned to one room in a small tent, and there was no place to hang up clothes and put away trunks. In fact, after dividing the camp crosswise into six equal parts, there was not left the fractional part of an inch for a back rest, and so every man had to lie on his side and, at intervals during the night when a changed position was desired, the command rang out "right about face," requiring movements perhaps giving evidence of military discipline, but not always conducive to a sweet temper. "If Uncle Sam had happened along the next morning there would have been some plain talk."

Sunday, November 23. *" To-day we perfected our tent arrangements by confiscating board fences and appropriating them to our necessities. The first thought of a good soldier is to have a floor to his tent."

"The commissary not providing a sufficient quantity of straw for beds, we were obliged to draw on a farmer in the vicinity. He had not threshed it and we could

* From the diary of Sergeant Nelson.

not very well oblige him to do so, therefore took it as it was. When we left we did not take the straw with us, and he probably got his own again."

November 24, 25 and 26. "On regular camp duty each day. The parties who contracted to victual the forces in this vicinity (which numbers not far from 20,000 men) are evidently more anxious to fill their own pockets than they are the stomachs of the soldiers, but during this time we had found a remedy by taking the matter into our own hands."

* "A few irregularities, such as sending several squads for our daily rations, and, while waiting, reaching for cheese, pies and crockery-ware and anything not our own, soon brought the high contracting parties to terms: our camp cooks are overrun with soft bread and bacon and we soon can open a boarding house."

November 27. Thanksgiving. This is a day of pleasant memories to every son of New England, and most of us long for the good old-time turkey of our boyhood. Some have received well-filled boxes from home, a few dine at Snedecker's Hotel, and others get through the lines and go to New York. It is almost impossible to obtain a pass, but if we return to quarters our absence is overlooked and no questions asked. The city theaters were well patronized that evening by recruits from Camp Banks, who came straggling back from midnight to noon of the next day. How exquisite sometimes a stolen pleasure, and what superb acting was that of Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams, the Irish comedians, at Winter Garden!

The soldiers are gradually leaving for the South. On the 27th and 28th several regiments depart from New York to embark on transports. Among them, Companies A, K, E and I of the 50th, under Captain Putnam, are ordered to the city and are quartered at the Park Barracks. On the 29th these companies were taken down

* From the diary of Sergeant Nelson.

stream on a tug to the transport Illinois, which they were to board, but the steamer was so loaded down with troops and supplies they returned to the city, till other accommodations could be provided.

"New York, Sunday, Nov. 30, 1862. Some of the boys who had come from New York made another visit to Central Park. We examined every nook and corner of the whole Park. We attended church in the evening, at a place called a German beer-garden. It was not much like our New England churches, and the services were conducted wholly unlike Sunday-evening meetings at home. The choir was composed of several instrumental performers who didn't play 'Old Hundred' and 'Homeward Bound,' but the music was more of the lively. The speakers were as numerous as the audience, and there was not a dry one among them all. They never could say at that meeting, 'It is dull as Sunday.'"

December 1. Company I sailed from New York in advance of the other companies of the regiment on the steamer New Brunswick, and arrived at Baton Rouge, La., December 16. Companies A, K and E remained at Park Barracks until December 10, when they embarked on the Jersey Blue under Captain Putnam. The experience of these companies from this time until they rejoined the rest of the regiment at Baton Rouge will be given in another chapter as recorded in the diary of Sergeant Nelson of Company K.

* "December 3, 4, 5 and 6. During these four days those of us who came from Camp Banks have reveled in New York scenes. Some spent the time at Trinity Church, whose wide doors stood open through the day. From the summit of the tower the view is grand beyond expression. Broadway, from the Battery up to Grace Church and beyond, is filled with teeming thousands. North and East Rivers are covered with steamers of every description. Staten Island, Jersey City and Brook-

* From the diary of Sergeant Nelson.

lyn are distinctly visible to the naked eye. So much to see, one is perfectly lost in wonder at the vastness of the city. Harper's publishing establishment came in for a share of investigation. The gentleman in charge welcomed us with a cordiality like that of an old-time friend, conducting us over the entire building, and explaining to us the process of book-making. We left with the firm conviction that the 'blue' stands as well in v New York as in Massachusetts, to say the least.

"Sunday, December 7. Several of us attended Plymouth Church morning and evening. It is not surprising that every one goes there; everything is full to overflowing. The way and manner of taking in strangers, the arrangement of seating the audience, the singing of the powerful choir assisted by the congregation — and they all sing because they can't help it — are very effective. Then the tunes they sing and the hush which awaits the rise of the speaker, and the speaker's manner and matter are so interesting, so taking. Of Grace Church it can be said it is very stylish. The quartet singing was enchanting. The sermon was good, but many seats were vacant, and those occupied were filled with very well-dressed people, and the audience has the reputation of being fashionable and exclusive. An interesting story is told of General Banks in connection with the church. As the story goes, he attended church one day, perhaps looking rather ordinary, his overcoat covering the insignia of his rank. An usher requested him to vacate his seat as it was engaged by a lieutenant. After the general had taken a back seat, either through accident or design he allowed his overcoat to fall back, exhibiting the stars of a major general. The usher was overwhelmed with shame, but no argument could prevail upon the general to again change his seat."

Companies B, C, D, F and G remained, or rather were supposed to remain, in camp till December 12, living on army rations, drilling and doing guard duty, but as a matter of fact a very large part of the time was spent by us in the city in riotous living. On Friday, December 9, we experienced a severe snowstorm, followed by clear, cold weather, and the next day the tide began to set towards New York, and the camp was pretty generally deserted for several days. On the 12th the final order was issued for us to strike tents and proceed to Brooklyn to embark for the South. Some of the good citizens of Brooklyn, hucksters and dealers in fruits, exhibited a most innocent and confiding trust on that day, as they left barrels of apples on sidewalks to tempt the ravenous appetites of hungry soldiers. There was a forgetfulness of "meum" and "tuum."