History of the 51st regiment of P.V. and V.V., from its organization, at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, Pa., in 1861, to its being mustered out of the United States service at Alexandria, Va., July 27th, 1865

Front matter

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Contents

CHAPTEE I.

Organization of the Fifty-flrst Regiment — Recruiting of Companies — Roster of Field and Staflf— Mustered In 9

CHAPTEE II.

Chapter II

Leaving Camp Union — The Cossack and Scout — Burnside Expedition leaves Annapolis — The reception at Fortress Monroe — The Eip-raps— The first shot heard — Enthusiasm of the troops — Again on the ocean — Storm at sea — Hatteras Inlet — Narrow escape of the Scout — Wreck of the "City of New York" 43

Chapter III

Capt. Bennett — More storms and wrecks — The Cossack in danger — Loss of the Louisiana — Veiling of lights — Scarcity of water and rations^Using vinegar — Heroism of the Sailors in procuring water — Gratitude of the Soldiers to the Tars— Preparations for landing— Unloading horses 54

CHAPTER IV. Over the bar— Humors of compromise— Rebel gunboats

Advance of the Fleet to Roanoke Island— Demand for Surrender— Its rejection- Preparations for the Attack... 65

CONTENTS.

CHAPTEE V.

Bombardment by the Fleet — Landing of the Troops — Battle of Boanoke Island — The Victory — Death of O. Jennings Wise — Character of the Prisoners — " Going into Business" — The Spy — Garbled newspaper reports — Good news from all points — Speech by General Reno. ... 72

Chapter VI

All aboard — The new Enflelds — Sailing of the Fleet — Landing at Slooum's creek — March to Newborn — Battle ofNewbern — A patriot's death — Lieut. Morris — Charge of the 51st — Capture of the rebel works — Poisoned food — The 51st on a scout — Bridge-burning and foraging — Return to Camp 93

Chapter VII

Arrival of convalescents and fresh troops — Camp Franklin — Proficiency of Company B — Losses by sickness and battle — Grumblings — Congratulatory orders — Gen. Mc- Clellan 120

Chapter VIII

Drilling by the bugle— Maj. Schall in command— On board the Admiral— Landing near Elizabeth City— Currituck Courthouse— March into the interior— Greetings to the flag — Fight at Camden — Repulse of Hawkin's Zouaves — Successful charge of the 51st— Retreat of the enemy- Sudden return march to the ship— Liberation of convicts — List of casualties 133

Xll CONTENTS.

CHAPTEE IX.

Skulkers on board the Admiral — Escape from a solid shot — A beautiful country— The steamer aground — Col. Hartranft's return — Col. Bolton's merits as an oflBcer — Bets on soon getting home — Skulkers wearing the barrel — Orders to march — First issue of oil-cloth blankets — Extracting whiskey from a cask 149

Chapter X

Expecting an attack — Raising of Flag-staff— Dirty men — Release of cowards — Complimentary orders — Discharges— Review — Weak bridge — Home — Full rations — Bathing and fishing — Rain — Digging ditches — Death — Mocking birds — A row — Changing tents — Company B's bayonet drill— Fort Totten and gunboats — Orders to more countermanded 159

Chapter XI

Rumors — Prospect of garrisoning Baltimore — Changing stripes— Carrying the log — Burnside hunting up the cooks — Off to Brice's creek — Camp Reno — Col. Hartranft's "staff"— The "staff" salutes the Colonel- Review by Governor Stanley — Amusements at Camp Reno — Green snakes— Fruits — First Payment in Greenbacks—Pioneers burning bridges— General Speight's tomb 169

Chapter XII

Rhode Island presents Gen. Burnside with a sword- White gloves— Prizes in Co. A— Resignation of Capt. Pechin— Promotions in Co. I— Marching orders— A happy night— "PHI business' '—Off to reinforce McClellan —Return to camp Reno— Off again to McClellan— On the Recruit— Arrival at Newport News, Va.— Camp Lincoln —Base-ball- Quarter rations— Post of Honor 179

CONTENTS. Xlii

CHAPTEE XIII.

Recruiting — Camp duty — Robbery — ^ Preparing for the front — Again on the Recruit — Arrival at Aquia creek and Fredericksburg — ' ' Rat coffee ' ' — Sun strokes — Camp Fererro — Marcliing orders — More recruiting — Officers' baggage — First march on the Pope campaign — A quarrel — An extract from a letter — Throwing away clothing. ... 189

CHAPTEE XIV.

Bealton Station — Culpepper — The Rapidan — Retreating — Fight at Kelly's Ford — Formation of the Ninth Army Corps — Rappahannock Station — More fighting — Cowardice at Sulphur Springs — Warrenton — Hard marching and hunger — Stuart's "Black Horse" cavalry — Warrenton Junction — Rest and food — Junction with Union Army at Gainesville — Manassas Plains — Severe battles.. 300

CHAPTEE XV.

Second battle of Bull Run — Supporting Durrell's battery — Second day's fight — Longstreet's corps— Desperate struggle— Retreat of the Union forces — Gallant stand of Reno's Division — Rebel cunning — General retreat — Loss of knapsacks, &c. — List of casualties — Arrival at Centreville. 310

CHAPTEE XVI.

"Drawing clothing" — On the march — A surprise — Battle of Chantilly-^Death of Gen'ls Kearney and Stevens — Fairfax — Cloud's Mills — Washington — Burning of Middleton — Battle of South Mountain — Terrible carnage — An ambuscade — Death of Gen. Reno — Sufferings of the wounded — Explosive cartridges— Defeat of the enemy... 218

XIV CONTENTS.

OHAPTBE XVII.

The rebels retreating — Opening of the battle of Antietam — The struggle at the bridge — Brilliant charge of the two 51sts — Bravery of Capt. AUebaugh — The bridge stormed and taken — Flight of the enemy — Heavy losses in the regiment— Death of Lieut. Col. Bell — The battle renewed — Victory — Retreat of the rebels southward — Promotion — Ferrero's promise to the " Boys" 329

CHAPTER XYIII.

New stand of colors— Review by President Lincoln — Stringent orders — Pleasant Valley — Complimentary orders — Shelter tents — On the move again — Lovettsville — Lost in a snow-storm — Humanity of Dr. Cutter — Amosville—" Buying mutton "—White Sulphur Springs — On the Rappahannock — Artillery duel 244

CHAPTER XIX.

Falmouth— Picketing the Rappahannock— " Rally on the sutler"— Fredericksburg— Demand for surrender by Gen. Burnside — Secret dealings with the enemy — Preparing to cross the river— Withdrawal of the pickets— Opening of the Battle of Fredericksburg 259

CHAPTER XX.

Awful cannonade— Crossing the pontoon— Forward movement to position— Destructive fire of the enemy— Heavy losses— Death of Capt. Bell— Both armies closely engaged Out of ammunition — Second day— Picket fighting — Worthless shells— Retreat of the army across the river- Burying the dead— The killed and wounded 267

CONTENTS.

Part III. -1863. Chaptee I

The Emancipation proclamation — Winter — "Guarding" a sutler's wagons — An investigation — Another sutler cleaned out — Good things from home — Suicide of Scrg. Jones — Burnside again on the move — The army stuck in the mud — Return to quarters — End of the camjiaign — Burnside's corps ordered West — Columbus, Ohio — Conflict with provost guards — Loss of life 382

CHAPTER II.

Cincinnati — Generous reception — Paris, Ky. — Mt. Sterling — Winchester — Hickman's Bridge — Lancaster — Negro life and peculiarities^Crab Orchard — Stanford — Correspondence .> 394

CHAPTER III.

Off for Vicksburg— The 8th Tennessee— Lexington— Covington— Cairo, Illinois — Big catfish— On the Mississippi—Correspondence from the regiment — Sherman's Landing — Mortar firing — Letters to the '■'■National Defender'''' — Description of the operations in the i;ear of Vicksburg *^14

CHAPTER IV.

Leaving Milldale— McCall's— News of surrender of Vicksburg—Movement toward the Big Black— Sherman in command — Destruction ou the march— Tyranny of Col. Le Gendre— Crossing the Big Black— Bad water- Awful storm— Correspondence— The march te Jackson — Continuous fighting— Daring of Bob Roberts— Retreat of the rebels— Race for the Capitol— Triumphant entiy of the 51st 338

XVI CONTENTS.

CHAPTEE V.

Sacking of Jacksou — Frolicsome march to the fort- Grotesque costumes and rich scenes— Severe marching — A land of plenty — Rest — Foraging in the cornfields — Arrival at the Big Black — Heavy storm — Mud-marching — Milldale again — Complimentary order from Gen. Grant — Correspondence — Resignation of Chaplain Mallory 363

CHAPTEE VI.

Haines' Bluffs — On the Yazoo — Scenes on the Father of Rivers — Heaving the lead — Wooding up — Island No. Ten— Cairo, 111. — Off for Ohio— Railroad accident and loss of life — Cincinnati — Speech from Gen. Burnside — Covington, Ky.— Nicholasville — Camp Parke — Crab Orchard — Garrison duty — Ordered to Knoxville, Tenn. — The performing Zouave 378

CHAPTEE VII.

Mt. Vemon— Starting for Kuoxville, Tennessee— Correspondeuce— History of a Dog— Newspaper extracts— London— Racing on the march— Its results— Post Pitman — Laurel Bridge — Barboursville — Knobs of the Log

Mountains — Horace Maynard— Parson Brownlovr

Crossing the Cumberland Mountains— Cumberland Gap —Descent into Tennessee— Tazewell 394

CHAPTEE VIII.

An infuriated she-rebel— Clinch river— Maynardsville — A loyal farmer— Return of Major Bolton— Arrival at Knoxville— Misfortunes of a Glee-club- Correspondence —Loudon— Retreat across the river— Grand leap of a locomotive-Taking up the pontoons- Flank movement of Gen. Longstreet- March to Lenoir Station— Leiper's Ferry— A brave corporal— Letters to the Defender 415

CONTENTS. XV 11

CHAPTER IX.

Foraging— Address from Ladies' Loyal League at Norristown, Pa. — Reply by Major Bolton— Building pontoons — Laying tlie bridge — Ee-enlistment proposed — Newspaper extracts and correspondence — Description of the Winter campaign — Character and efficiency of the Union and Rebel armies contrasted — Material composing the 9th Army Corps and the 23d Army Corps— Return of officers from home 438

CHAPTER X.

Bestruction of the pontoon bridge — Approach of the enemy — A retreat ordered — General confusion — Burnside arrives on the field — Change of programme — Advance to Loudon — Fighting and falling back- Skilful manoeuvring — Severe marching and sufiFering — Campbell's station — Magnificent battle scene — Repulse of Longstreet — Night march to Knoxville — Losses in the regiment 473

CHAPTER XI.

The Slst entrenched — Building and breaking of the dam — Skill and daring of Sergeants Pai'ker and Fair — Picket fighting and house burning — Grfind and awful scenes of flre and battle — Sufferings of the men — Rumors of relief — An assault by the rebels — Retaking of the picket pits by Schall's brigade — Constant fighting and conflagration 486

CHAPTER XIT.

News from General Sherman — Night attack on the left- Fort Sanders — The network of wires — Desperate charge of the rebels — The struggle on the parapet — Repulse of the enemy — Disparity of losses — Raising of the siege — Retreat of Longstreet — Rutledge — Blain's Cross-roads — Another battle — Re-enlistment commenced — Close of the campaign of 1863 499 xviii CONTENTS.

PART IY.-i864.

Chapter I

First muster of veterans-The veteran roll of honor— A thirty days' furlough— Green-hide moccasins— Starting for home— The march northward— Arrival at Camp Nelson, Ky.— New clothing— Cincinnati— Preparations at home for reception and welcome— Proclamation of Gov. Curtin— Arrival at Harrisburg— The welcome home— Affecting scenes ^'■^

Chapter II

Reorganization of the 5lstr— Leaving home— Harrisburg again— "Taking a French " — Deaths on furlough — Arrival at Baltimore — Annapolis— Camp Parole — Letter from Lieut.-Col. Schall— Camp Bell— Correspondence —Recruiting detail— Visit from Generals Burnside and Grant— Preparing to go to the front 531

Chapter III

Across the Potomac — On the Rapidan — Battle of the Wilderness— The woods on fire — Chancellorsville — Battle of Spottsylvania — Charge and repulse of the 3d Division — Terrible losses in the 51st — Bravery of Capt. Bisbing — Capture of Capt. Allebaugh and the colors — Promotion of Genl. Hartranft — Another day of carnage —Truce of the pickets — Retreat of the enemy — Nearing Richmond — "Rat.t.lfi of flolrt HarhnT — Dfiatli nf Hnl aclinll

CONTENTS.

Chapter IV

Progress of the advance — Crossing the James — Affair witli tlie Home Guards — A bloody charge — Severe losses in the 51st — In the rifle pits — Another desperate rush — The railroad cut — Daring and persistent courage of the troops — Frequent repulses of the enemy — Close and continuous fighting — Efforts to connect the lines — Failures — The 51st detailed to do the work — A grand success 562

Chapter V

A memorable shell— Diversion by Gen. Lee — Heavy assault all along the lines — Repulse of the rebels — Narrow escape of Gen. Hartranft — Preparations for a 'grand assault — Burnside's mine — Firing of the train — Awful explosion and loss of life — Charge of the colored troops — Failure of the supports to come up — Meade's jealousy of Burnside — An important statement — The reserve sent to the rear by Mead, during the charge — Repulse of our troops and heavy losses — Death of Lieut. Fillman— Battle of Yellow Tavern 570

CHAPTER YI.

Renewal of the battle— Splendid Union victory— Ream's station— Return to Yellow Tavern- Fort building- Rebel assault repulsed — Grant's railroad — Capture of rebel pickets — Polftics in camp — Fight among the officers — "Smoked Yankees "—Election in the field— Disciplining—Sheridan's victory— Thanksgiving turkeys- Fort Morton— A hot place— A model fort-builder— " Bob's" bogus dinner 581

XX CONTENTS.

CHAPTEE I.

Shelling Fort Morton — Rebel flag of truce — The Peace Commissioners— Conference on the picket line — Reception of the rebel magnates by Genl. Grant — Complimentary enthusiasm on all sides — Failure of the mission — Shelling renewed — Narrow escape of Capt. Parker — Movement to the left — Capture and re-capture of Fort Steadman — Tom Troy's visit to Petersburg — Capture of the city — Last march southward — End of the war — Resignation of Gen. Burnside — Last orc^er of Col. Bolton — Return home of the regiment — Pinal farewell. 600

CHAPTER II.

Roster of Field and Staff Officers— Roll of Co. A— Roll of Co. B— Roll of Co. C— Roll of Co. D— Roll of Co.E— Roll of Co. F— Roll of Co. G— Roll of Co. H— Roll of Co. I— Roll of Co. K — Roll of names unassigned — Statement— Casualties— List of battles engaged in — Distance travelled 623

CHAPTER III.

Review of the services of the 51st— Defence of the regiment by Colonels Bolton and McClellan— Glorious history of the Ninth Army Corps— Sketches of the field and staff— Villains denounced— Stanzas in honor of the dead heroes— Their widows and orphans— Thanks — List of Cemeteries— U. S. price list C92

Chapter I

Organization of the Fifty -first Regiment — Recruiting of Companies— Roster of Field and Staff— Mustered In.

In writing the history of any organization — no matter how important or insignificant it may be — it is reasonable to suppose that it will be fraught with some few incidents of sufficient interest to remunerate the reader, who follows the historic pen through the revelations it makes of the narrative it has disclosed. What can furnish a more interesting narrative than a military organization that has nobly battled with a traitor enemy for nearly four weary, toilsome years ?

The subject of this history is one of peculiar interest, and calls for a more fertile brain than is possessed by the author to do full justice to such an illustrious subject as the 51st Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers 'and Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers furnishes, the career of which is one that may justly be envied by regiments of a less brilliant record, although they have all faithfully fulfilled the mission assigned them, by standing up boldly, aye, nobly, against the assaults of an unprincipled enemy, whose every effort was to destroy the greatest Republic entrusted to the care of him who had so nobly and zealously guarded its future

10 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIKST EEGIMENT

interest at the sacrifice of his own eventful life— our martyred Lincoln !

The writer of this, though not gifted with the pen eloquence of an Everett or a Bancroft, yet has been a participant in all the scenes through which this noble regiment has passed, from Eoanoke Island to the surrender of the rebel chieftains — Lee and Johnston, and " will a round unvarnished tale deliver of its whole course" of trials and dangers. And though it may have defects in its execution, it shall be told in a fair and impartial manner, with a strict regard for truth and simplicity, in the hope that all defects, wherever they exist, will be gently passed over by the forbearing reader, and fairly and honestly attributed to "an error of the head and not of the heart."

The many sufferings which this heroic band of "companions in arms" endured have remained untold from these simple facts : that its career was one of continual privations from its origin up to its final dissolution, and that its members naturally looked upon all of their toils as a matter of necessity, and therefore thought it needless to complain. Other regiments have suffered terribly from famine, thirst, long, wearisome marches, diseases, and the various engines of death incident to the battle-fi^ld, but they have experienced respites from such for weeks at a time ; but very seldom so with the 61st— its fate was to be " up and at them" all the time ; it was innocent of " winter quarters," though it had partly prepared them on two occasions, yet failed to remain long enough to complete them.

I wish not to enter the arena to gain historical notoriety, but simply to record the events of a gallant body of men — bold, daring men — such as but few armies in the ancient or modern wars possessed.

The call for troops to defend the nation's Capitol is too fresh in the memory of all to need a repetition here, as is the cause which gave necessity for the President's proclamation to be issued, as also the noble responses to it by thousands of heroic spirits throughout the laud ; so that the entire world looked upon the rising army with awe and admiration, to behold one of such immense magnitude raised " as if by a magician's wand !

The 51st Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry was organized at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, Pa., late in September, 1861, under the sole and personal supervision of Col. John P. Hartranft, its first commander. The companies composing the regiment began to report (unassigned) at Camp Curtin early in September, for equipment and drill, of which Capt. Wm. J. Bolton's company was the first in camp, having . arrived on the 10th inst., and was equipped and mustered into the service of the State on the 11th, and mustered into the United States army on the 12th. Five companies, principally recruited in Montgomery county, composed the right wing of the regiment. The other five companies, composing the left wing, were recruited in the interior counties of the State — Centre, Dauphin, Snyder, Clearfield, and Northumberland being well represented. The work of organization was a task not without its perplexities. A large number of both officers and men had seen service in the "three months" call, and naturally wished a position commensurate with their experience in the field ; but some were doomed to disappointment. In

12 HISTOKT OF THE FIFTY-FIRST EEGIMENT

order, however, that their claims should be fairlydealt with, compromises were resorted to which gave entire satisfaction to the interested ones, and accomplished the desired organization. The "lettering" of the companies was not attained until the organization, and each therefore was only known as Capt. — — 's company till that lettering was completed.

As the various companies of recruits entered Camp Curtin, they were immediately put under proper drill- masters, to receive that training and discipline that was so necessary to fit them for the ordeals to which they were subjected on many a bloody field through which they passed with so much credit to themselves and the cause they defended. Some companies entered camp with their full complemeni of men, and others nearly so ; but after a few days' wallowing in the mud, the men became dissatisfied and commenced that unsoldierly act, deserting. Capt. George E. Pechin took into camp from Montgomery county eighty-one men, on the 16th day of September. The second night after their arrival the rain poured down in torrents, and his men were forced to leave their tents to avoid being submerged by the " sea of rushing waters " that had found its way into the tents. The storm subsiding early in the forenoon of the next day, groups, each of a half dozen of the unfortunate "drowned outs," were to be seen standing in the company streets discussing the necessity of "going a soldiering" in that kind of a way. However, the matter was well talked over and conclusions arrived at, which developed themselves the next morning at roll-call, when fiftyfour names out of the eighty-one were all that were answered. Other companies suffered by this first storm in camp, but not so much as Capt. Pechin's, which presented the appearance, at one time, of the total extinction of a much longer existence of the company from Upper Merion. Desertions were alarmingly frequent, not caused by any inefficiency of, or dislike to, the officers, for all had their choice of officers when they enlisted, but wholly from the nature of the ground on which they were encamped, it being very low and much depressed below the surrounding tract, so that during a storm, which occurred almost daily the first three weeks, the superfluous water would seek its level in and around the tents, causing great dissatisfaction to the men and making them execrate soldiering and everything belonging to it. Recruits were joining daily; but if two were added in day time, two would desert at night. Such, in fact, was the case with the company from Upper Merion, until it became a serious question whether the company could be organized in time to take its departure with the regiment for Annapolis, Md.

Another company, under the command of Capt. Finley, was very- unsuccessful in retaining its individuality, from the cause of recruits not coming in as fast as the urgency of the case demanded. This company complained of unfair treatment by the " powers that be." Capt. Einley and Lieut. George Schall made a proposition to the company that, as they were unable to organize, if they wished to return to their homes, they were free to do so. None, however, went home. The men feeling great respect and evincing much love for the two officers, wanted to go to the "front" with them, should they decide to go there, by endeavoring to recruit the company for another regiment. Capt. Finley declined taking his company into another regiment, and the day of departure of the 51st coming too early to save them from disbandment, Lieut. Schall entered Capt. Pechin's company with about thirty -four of Finley's men, the remainder being transferred by Capt. Finley to a couple of other companies. The captain went home to civil life, carrying the respect and love of all who knew him. By this timely aid of the disbanded company, Capt. Pechin was placed in a position to enable him to get mustered into the United States service, on the 28th of November, 1861.

After the regiment was organized, the status of the field and staff officers became as follows : Colonel, John P. Hartranft ; Lieut.-Colonel, Thomas S. Bell ; Major, Edwin Schall ; Quartermaster, John J. Freedley ; Surgeon, John P. Hosack ; Asst. Surgeon, James D. Noble; Adjutant, Daniel P. Bible; Chaplain, D. G. Mallory.

A few remarks here of the personal qualifications of the field and stafi' officers, in a military point of view, may not be amiss Col. John F. Hartranft is by nature a military man. Qu^ck of perception, prompt to obey, and fearless to execute, his ability is beyond cavil. This assertion he has proven on numberless battle-fields — in places where slowness to perceive his critical situation would have entailed upon him and his command total defeat and eternal disgrace, {vide his Fort Stead man affair.) "With a keen sense to unravel an apparently meaningless manoeuvre of the enemy during an engagement, he would be able to have his command posted where it was bound to thwart the opposing chief of his cherished object. His promptness to obey has been often discussed by those under his command. Orders from a superiorwere always obeyed with that promptitude and alacrity that distinguishes the true soldier from the parlor soldier. It mattered not how exacting were those orders ; while others failed to enforce them, " old Johnny," as his boys were wont to call him, would successfully carry them out. His fearlessness to execute was the result of his indomnitable courage and his total disregard of any and every danger. Who is there in or out of the army that can say they ever saw Col. Hartranft disturbed in mind, or uncollected in ideas, when in the heat of battle ? His coolness and bravery under the most appalling circumstances have called forth encomiums that the great chieftain, Gen. Grant, wOuld be proud of.

Lieut-Col. Thomas S. Bell was all that his predecessor is; but if any difference existed, it was only in being a more strict disciplinarian.

Maj. Edwin Schall is deserving of a more elaborate biographical remark than can be here given, as this is not intended for an analysis of a man's character, but suffice it to say, that he was all that composed a true soldier and a gentleman ; kind, affable, generous to a fault, but resolute and firm in all his commands, rather inclined to control by suasive means than by the iron hand, which military authority too often uses. His plan was not to punish a man for an imaginary wrong, but to reason and investigate, by which mode he not only saved himself anxiety, but retained the love and respect of his entire command. Who ever 'heard of him having an enemy ?

Quartermaster John J. Freedley was well fitted

16 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIBST EEGIMBNT

for Ms position, but was looked upon by the enlisted men as careless of their interest, when in fact he labored most assiduously for their comfort, both day and night. But what Quartermaster ever received any credit for the performance of his most arduous duties?

Surg. John P. Hosack was also one of those who came in for a share of censure from the enlisted men. He was undoubtedly a skilful surgeon, but had very little commiseration for a wounded or sick man, and went through the routine of surgery in too much of a business way to please the fancy of the invalid, who needed a little sympathy as well as a good deal of quinine.

Asst.-Surgeon James D. Noble was the idol of the invalids. He was well calculated to make a host of friends in any hospital, kind in expression of fellowfeeling, gentle in his administerings, courteous and affable to all who sought his aid.

Adjt. Daniel P. Bible was a " brick of the first water," making an efficient officer in nearly all respects. The position of an adjutant is one not to be envied. He was a severe disciplinarian, attentive to business, and kept the records of the regiment in a creditable state during his stay with it, which was of short duration.

Chaplain Daniel G. Mallory was a man of no mean ability, but constitutionally unfit for the exposures of camp life. He wrought hard to gather in the stray sheep to his fold ; but his efforts were fruitless, as he eventually lost the stock on hand with which he began his labors.

The 16th day of September, 1861, may be set down as the day of the regiment's arrival in Camp Curtin, although a few companies came previous to, and after that date. Soon after its arrival, the men began to experience the soldier's troubles— comfortless clothing, and scanty rations. Most of the men had come to camp in their shirt sleeves, being led to believe that as soon as they should arrive in camp, army clothing would be issued to them ; but nothing of the kind came to hand till the 1st of October, 'except a lot of old tattered blankets and bed quilts, which were issued on the 17th of September, but not used by the recruits, because after carrying them to their quarters it was discovered that they were alive with vermin, having been used in the "three months' service." The men in a spirit of indignation pitched the blankets into their company streets, and piling them in heaps, set them on fire, committing the " gray-back veterans " to the flames. They remained without blankets or quilts until October 2d, when the ladies — God bless them — of Dauphin county heard of their destitution, and loaned the regiment quilts sufficient for its comfort until the government could supply it, which it did on the 9th of October. The bed quilts were returned to the kind hearted ladies. Up to the introduction of the first issue of blankets, the boys had not experienced any "itching" sensation; but from the blankets, a few of those "soldier's companions" had unfortunately got on the men's clothing, and in a few days they were all enjoying a good scratch. The vermin increased with great rapidity, and each soldier looked with strong suspicion on his neighbor as being infested with the "nasty things," each and all having their full share, yet with much pertinacity denying the existence of the insect on their persons; still they were there, which many a' sly twitch of

9*

18 HISTOBY OF THE FIFTY-FIEST REGIMENT

the arms or body silently indicated. It was sometimes highly amusing to go outside the camp and take a stroll through the fields and among the bushes, to find the boys hid away, as they supposed, where no one could see them hunting their clothing over to rid themselves of the " pesky" creatures.