Battles for the union; comprising descriptions of many of the most stubbornly contested battles in the war of the great rebellion, together with incidents and reminiscences of the camp, the march, and the skirmish line. Embracing a record of the privations, heroic deeds, and glorious triumphs of the soldiers of the republic

Front matter

The original of tliis bool< is in tine Cornell University Library.

There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text.

Battles for «he .urjipn;

Chapter I. Fort Sumter

First Causes. — TTnited States Property Seized. — Uprising of the North. — The Little Band at the Nation's Outpost. — From Moultrie to Sumter. — The Landing at Night. — Moultrie in Flames. — Star of the West.— No Help Yet.— Alone to Defend the Old Flag.— Stai-vation Ahead. — Communications Cut Off.- No Surrender. — The Bombardment. — Terrific Cannonading. — The Barracks on Fire. — Not a Biscuit Left. — Out of Ammunition. — Wigfall and his White Flag. — Sumter Surrenders on its Own Terms. — The Defeat a. Glorious

- Victory 21

Chapter II. Big Bethel

General Butler at Fortress Monroe. — Decides to Attack the Rebels at Big Bethel. — Plan of Major Winthrop. — Crossing the Hampton River at Midnight. — Colonel Duryea joined by General Pierce. — Fatal Mistake of Colonel Bendix. — The Confederates Retreat from Little Bethel.— Battle of Big Bethel, and fall of Major Winthrop.— Gallantry and Death of Lieutenant Grebble. — Official Report of the Battle 30

Chapter III. Bull Run

Date of the Battle. — ^Military Talent Displayed on Both Sides. — General BeaureMrd in Command of the Confederate Forces. — Expecta tions of the North and South Concerning the Result of the Battle.^ The Divi.sion Generals Engaged. — Slow Progress of McDowell's Army. — Heavy Skirmish at Blackburn's Ford. — Sluggishness of Army Movements. — Patterson's Failure to Engage Johnston. — Hostilities Commenced. — Attack of Confederate Batteries on Bumside's Brigade. — Struggle for the Hill beyond Warrenton Turnpike. — Colonel Hunter Severely Wounded. — Success of the Union Arms up to Three o'clock P. M. — Confederate Reijnforcements Turn the Scale. — Panic of our Forces. They Break and Fly in Confusion. — The Union Army a Mass of Fugitives. — Disastrous end of the Battle. — Patterson Blamed 37

(ix)

Contents

CHAPTEK IV.

WILSON'S CREEK.

General Fremont in Command of the Western Department.-Rendez. vous at St Loais.-Lyon in a Cntical Situation.— The March at Night.-Out of the Streets of Springfield.-The Midnight Halt - Camp Fires of the Enemy.— The Rebels at Breakfast.— Sigel adds an iSexpected Dish to their Morning Repast.— Panic and 1 light.— Battle and Victory, followed bv Confusion.— The Mistaken Troops.— "Our Friends are Firing Upon us."— Sigel's Disaster.— General Lyon at the Front.— They cannot Break His Lines. — Heroism and Bravery Conquer Numbers.— Lyon's Last Charge. — Victory and Death.— The Nation's Beloved Hero.— Rebel Army Routed and in Full Retreat.— Withdrawal to Spring"field 50

Chapter V. Ball's Blttff

Situation of Ball's BluiF. — The Hostile Annies on Opposite Banks of the River. — Reconnoitre at Drainesville. — Feint of Gorman's Brigade at Edward's Ferry. — Attack of the Enemy from the Woods. — Union Troops Exposed to a Murderous Fire. — ^Death of Baker. — Ineffectual Means of Transportation. — Attempts to Regain the Maryland Shore. — Troops Shot or Drowned in Crossing. — ^Defeat of the Union Arms. — Causes of the Disaster. ..... 62

Chapter VI Mill Speing

Geographical Location of Mill Spring. — Encampment of ZolKcoffer. — Occupancy of Logan's Cross Roads by Union Troops. — The Enemy Hedged in. — Stai-vation or Battle. — ZollicofFer Leads the Rebel Advance. — Colonel Fry Discovers a General's Uniform under a Rubber Overcoat.— The Fatal Shot.— ZollicofFer Falls. — Consternation and Rout of the Enemy. — A Deserted Camp. — Victory for the "Boys in Blue." 68

Chapter VII. Pea Eidge

The Boston Mountains Camp.— Red Skin Re-enforcements.— Sigel's Ten-mile Fight.— The Long Battle- Line.—" War's Thunders and Flowers of Red Shot."— Sigel Frustrates McCuUoch.— Struggle Between Osterhaus and McCuUoch.— Bold Charge of Indiana "Troops.-Re-enforcements —Night brings a Suspension of Hostilities. — Battle at Sunrise. — Terrible Array of Union Batteries. Two

Hours of Iron Hail. — The Enemy Completely Routed. — ^Precipitous

Retreat to the Boston Mountains. — Death of McCuUoch. Fearful

Barbarities.— Burial of the Dead.— Elk Horn ^2

CONTENTS. ^■^

Chapter VIII. Meeeimac And Monitor

The Projection of the Monitor. — Ericsson's Visit to Washington. — The Merrimac Launched. — Arrival off Newport News. — Attack on the Cumberland — Heroism of the Crew. — No Surrender. — Sublime Bravery. — Sinking of the ill-fated Frigate. — The Burning of the Congress. — Despair of the Fleet. — The Speck of Light on the Waves. — Arrival of the Monitor. — The Merrimac Again Appears. — The Strange Looking Antagonist. — The Fight Opens. — Fierce Conflict. — The Baptism of Fire. — ^Four Hours of Battle. — The Merrimac Signals for Help. — The Monitor Victorious. — Our Fleet Saved. — Cheers of the Multitude 80

CHAPTEK IX.

NEWBERN.

The City and its Connections. — Bebel Fortifications. — Assemblage of Gunboats at Hatteras. — The Advance Down Pamlico Sound. — Slocum's Creek Landing. — The Long March. The Forest Camp Fires. — Attack on the Outer Fortifications. — Impetuous Bravery of Union Troops. — Heroic Charge Through an Embrasure. — The Old Flag Floats Over the Captured Fort. — Entrance into Newbem. Ten o'clock and All is Well. Battle of the Fleet. — Brilliant Advance of the Gunboats. — All Difficulties Conquered. — Victory and its Spoils.— The Sabbath Bells 94

Chapter X. Winchester

Topography of the Battle-Ground. — General Banks' Occupation of Winchester. — Stonewall Jackson's Attack. — Disposition of Forces. — The Battle. — Unwavering Firmness of Union Troops. — Heroic Defence of the National Colors by the Fifth Ohio. — " "1 is sweet for One's Country to Die." — The Enemy put to Rout. — Stonewall Jackson in Retreat. — A Night of Sleep After a Day of Battle. — Kemstown. — Sheridan's Ride 106

Chapter XI. Falmouth Heights

General McDowell in Command of the Army of Virginia. — Advance to Bristoe and Falmouth. — Harris Light Leading the Advance. — Sudden Fire on the Van-guard. — ^Furious Charge upon the Rebel Cavalry. — Death of Lieutenant Decker. — His Comrades Avenge His Death.— The Enemy Scattered Like Chaff Before the Whirlwind. — Outposts, Stores and Provisions Captured. — A Loyal Southern Citizen Greets the Old Flag.— Plan for a Ni^ht Attack on Falmouth. — ^Brilliant Capture of the Place by Kilpatrick. . 112

- _•• CONTENTS.

•4-1*

CHAPTEB XII

PITTSBUKG LANDING.

The Log Cabin Churcli.— Buell's March from Nashville.— The Union Camp Surprised.— The Kude Awakening.— Sleep Exchanged for Death.— Kally of the Boys in Blue.- Slaughter from the Woods.— Stand on the Corinth Koad.— The Brave Resistance —The Wave of Rebellion Hurled Back.— Six Hours of MagniBcent Fightmg.— A Glorious Eecord.— Wallace Falls.— The Impregnable Lme.— Tyler and Lexington Gunboats.— Death of Confederate Johnston. — Buell Beaches the Landing.— Last Day's Fight —Capture of Field Pieces.— Confederates in Retreat. — Splendid Victory.— Harvest of Death 118

CHAPTEB XIII.

WILLIAMSBtniG.

Battle of Williamsburg. — Scene of the Battle. — Historic Monuments. — College of William and Mary. — Washington and Patrick Henry. — Amusing Inscriptions on Tombstones. — The Battle Opens.— Attack of General Hooker. — Approaches to Fort McGruder. — Bravery of Kearney. — Gallantry of General Heintzelman. —Defe.it and Ketieat of the Enemy 129

CHAPTEB XIV.

SEVEN PINES.

The Preliminaries of Battle. — Cannonading and Picket-firing. — Vigorous Attack of the Confederates. — Undaunted Bravery of the Unionists. — General Casey Unjustly Censured. — Testimony of the Enemy. — Incidents of the Battle-field. — Sufferings of the Wounded. —The First Night after Battle 136

CHAPTEB XV.

PAIR OAKS.

Positions Occupied by the Contending Forces. — General Hooker Commences the Action. — Advance of Sickles, Grover, and Kobinson. — General Kearney and Colonel Hicks Protect the Flanks.— Both Armies Enveloped in a Cloud of Smoke. — The Engagement Becomes General.— Defeat of the Rebels.— They Fly to Their Entrenchments. — McClellan Orders a Cessation of Hostilities. — Benewal of the Battle. — Rout and Final Defeat of the Enemy. ... 143

CHAPTER XVI.

MALVDRN niLL.

Battle of Malvern Hill.— The Final Engagement of the Peninsular Campaign. — Scene of the Battle. — Influence of our Gunboats. Attack of the Rebels led by General Magruder. — ^Destructive Fire

CONTENTS. xiij.

from Federal Cannon. — The Rebels Repulsed. — They Reform and Charge Again. — Another Tempest of Fire from our Batteries Swcepsthem fi-om the B'ield. — Their Guns are Silenced, the Horses Killed and Uegiments Cut Down. — McClellan Orders a Retreat to Harrison's Landing. — Indignation of the Army. — General Kearney Protests Against the Order for Retreat. — General Martindale Sheds Tears of Shame. . ... . . 147

CHAPTER XVII.

CEDAK MOUNTAIN.

The Battle-ground. — Jackson En route for Culpepper. — Occupancy of Cedar Mountain. — Three Miles of Batteries. — Banks Receive.s the Attack. — A Kain of Fire. — Charge on Enemy's Battery. — Overwhelmed by Superior Numbers. — Ricketts to the Front. — Enemy Compelled to Fall Back. — Artillery Battle at Night. — Interment of Fallen Braves. — Losses. — The Enemy Retires.— Cedar Mountain Occupied by Union Troops 157

CHAPTER XVIII.

BRANDT STATION.

First Battle. — Lee Resumes Hostilities. — Stuart's Cavalry Attack. — Gallant Repulse by Kilpatrick. — Second Battle. — Skirmish at Kelly's Ford. — Splendid Charge of the Union Army. — Complete Rout of the Enemy. — Heroic Feats on the Field. — Charge of the First Mame. — Fall of Colonel Davis.— Third Battle. — The Enemy Swept from the Plains. — Prisoners and Materials of War Captured. — Fourth Battle. — Critical Situation of Kilpatrick. — ^Bravery of Custer and Davies The Exultant Battle-Cry. —Fresh Laurels for the Union

Troops. — Scene on the Battle-field. — The Writer's Part in the Four Contests 161

CHAPTER XIX.

MANASSAS, OE SECOND BULL RUN.

The Opening Scene. — Sigel in the Foreground. — Sharp Skirmish on the Twenty-eighth. — ^Fitz-John Porter's Delay. — Attack on the Twenty-ninth. — Bayonet Charge of Grover's Brigade. — Thoroughfare Gap Left Open. — The Enemy Re-enforced. — Victory on the Twenty-ninth. — Where Was Porter ? — Pope's Despatch. — Battle of the Thirtieth. — Exhausted Troops. — Out of Rations. — Pope Discouraged. — Our Forces at Centreville. — ^Personal Experience. — A Shell from the Enemy and What it Did. — An Unknown Hero. — "Tear off Your Chevrons." — Successful Stand. — Charge of the Harris Light Cavalry 180

CHAPTER XX.

CHANTILLT.

Union Troops on the Defensive. — Historic Chantilly. — ^Pope at Fair, fax Court-House. — Stonewall Jackson's Attack. — The Battle of the

CONTENTS.

XIV

St-r ITnriniis Charees.— The Enemy Repulsed.— Death of Stevens fnlKlmy-TheXrch to WashinW-Pope Besigns.-Porter Cashiered.— Tribute to Kearny

CHAPTEB XXI

ANTIKTAM.

The Enemy Concentrating on Antietam Creek.— Stonewall Jacltson Has the Left.— Battle at Daybreak.— The Contested Cornfield- Hooker Wounded.— Furious Struggle.— Fate ot the Thirty-Fourth New York.— War's Fierce Tug.— Franklm and Fresh Troops.— Four Times Lost and Won.— Burnside Takes tbe Bridge.— Union Troops Carry the Hill and are Driven Back. — McClellan Sends Aid. — A Moment when Events Hang in the Balance.— "The Bridge ! — Always the Bridge !" — McClellan 's Star in the Ascendant.

CHAPTER XXII.

CORINTH.

Topography of the Battle-ground. — The Enemy Marching upon Corintn.— Price and Van Dom Unite their Forces. — Three Tiers of Earthworks. — Preliminary Battle of the Third. — Generalship of Rosecrans. — Battle of the Fourth. — Two Hours of Hot Work. — Forts Richardson and Rohinett. — Price Driven Back. — Desperate Charge of Van Dom. — A Forlorn Hope. — Colonel Rogers. — The Enemy Driven. — Confusion and Flight. — Heaps of Slain. — The Handkerchief Flags. — " For God's Sake Spare us !" — Pursuit of the Foe. — Captured Spoils. — West Tennessee Safe. .... 205

CHAPTER XXIII.

FEEDEEICKSBUBO.

Burnside in Command of the Army of the Potomac. — The Advance to Fredericksburg.— Surrender of the City Refused.— Confederate and Union Cavalry Raids.— Capture of Rebel Picket-Posts.— Exodus of Citizens from Fredericksburg. — Delay in Laying Pontoons. —The Seventh Michigan Crossing the River under a Murderous Fire.— Death of a Massachusetts Chaplain.— General Gibbon Opens the Battle.— Desperate Fighting.— "Terrific Charge of Meade's Division.— The Hillside Strewn with the Dead.— Death of Bayard.— Wight after the Battle.— Heart-rending Scenes.— Termination of the Campaign of 1962 " 213

CHAPTEB XXIV.

MURFREESBOEO OR STONE RIVER.

Rosecrans in Command of the Army of the Cumberland _T»,» The Midnight Cavalcade.-"l>ush Them hard."-Fog and Ha^

CONTENTS. 3-,.

Marching. — ^In front of Murfrecsboro. — The Rail Tent. — The Calm that Precedes the Battle-Storm. — Star Spangled Banner. — McCook Surprised. — Sheridan Stands Firm. — The Battle nearly Lost — General Rosecrans Turns the Tide. — Desperate Valor. — Negley's Men Cut their Way 'J'hrough the Confederate Ranks. — The Enemy Driven. — The Last Grand Charge. — Magnificent Victory. — Rosecrans' Star in the Ascendant 222

CHAPTER XXV

CHANCBLLOESVILLE.

Successful Strategy of General Hooker. — Crossing the Rappahannock at Sunrise. — 1 he Chancellorsville House — Lee's Position Flanked. — The Battle Opened by Sykes. — Loss of Prestige and Position by the Union Troops. — Capture of Prisoners by General Birney. — Stonewall Jackson Appears Upon the Scene. — Our Divisions Overwhelmed by the Rebel Hordes. — A Frantic Stampede. — Heroism of Major Keenan, and his men. — Death of Stonewall Jackson.-^A Fatal Hour. — Beating a Retreat. — Hooker's Words of Praise. — Lincoln Visits the Camp at Falmouth 234

CHAPTER XXVI.

ALDIB.

Hooker Entraps Lee. — ^Roconnoissance of Pleasanton. — Aldie in Sight. — The Grand Charge. — Harris Light in the Van. — Fitzhugh Lee's Desperate Efforts. — The Desired Opportunity. — Battle of the Haystacks. — The Harris Light Wins. — Colonel Cesnola. — The Sword Presentation. — Last Desperate Attempt of the Enemy. — Driven From the Field in Panic. — The Battle Won. . . , 247

CHAPTER XXVII.

xipper\t:lle.

Union Advance from Middleburg — Rebel Pickets Encountered. — The Fight Commenced. — Stone Fence Barricades. — A Succession of Brilliant Charges — The Harris Light Drives the Enemy. — Splendid Cavalry Action. — Stand at Upperville. — The Enemy Again Driven. — Union Forces Triumphant. — General Pleasanton's Report ... 253

CHAPTER XXVIII.

gettysbukg.

Meade in Command of the Army of the Potomac. — The Camp on Marsh Run. — The Advance to Gettysburg. — Charge of Buford's Cavalry on the I?ebel Van-ffuard. — The Knomy Driven Back. — Fall of General Reynolds.— Capture of General Archer and Eight

CONTENTS.

XVI

IlundreJ Prisoners -Victory Followed by Defeat -The Eleventh Corps Break and Fly.-Strengthening the Un.on Position-Occupancy of Culp's Hill and Kou.id Top.-S;ckle's '^"'"Z^K R^t teredo-Activity of Kilpatriek's Cavalry .-The Enemy I'fs Back to Benner's Hill.-The Last Effort.-Terrible Slaughter of I'oops- —The Desperate Final Charge.-The Tempest of I-ire.— Death of Tarnsworth.— Capture of Prisoners.— Glorious Victory. . . 2S7

CHAPTER XXIX.

VICKSBUEG.

The Impregnable Stronghold.— The Batteries of the Bluff.— The Siege Begun. — A Reign of Terror. — Assault of the Nineteenth. — Distributing Kations. — Assault of the Twenty-second. — Desperate Work. — Sergeant GriflSth and the Brave Eleven. — Union Colors on Enemy's Bastion. — McPherson's Losse.s. — Failure to Carry the Works. — Six Weeks' Siege. — The Enemy Stai-ved Out. — The White Flag. — Surrender. — Grant's Triumphant Entrance into Vicksburg. — "Rally Round the Flag." — Close of the Campaign. — Lincoln's Letter 278

CHAPTER XXX.

POET HUDSON.

The Citadel on the Bluffs.— Four Miles of Batteries.— The Pledge of the Northwest. — First Operations against Port Hudson. — The Stronghold Invested. — General Assault. — Repulse and Loss. — Bravery of Officers and Men. — Colonel Bartlett. — Heroic Conduct of Colored Troops. — The Siege Carried Forward. — Gloomy Outlook. — Another General Assault. — Heavy Losses. — The Enemy Starving. — The Delicacies of a Rat Stew. — Announcement of the Surrender of Vicksburg. — The Council of War in the Camp on the Bluffs. — Unconditional Surrender of Port Hudson. — " Flag of Union and Freedom Wave \" — The Promise of the Northwest Redeemed.

289 CHAPTER XXXI.

FALLING WATEES.

Kilpatriek's Advance to Ilagerstown. — ^Lce's PositioTi. — Efforts to Cross the Swollen Potomac. — Meade Decides to Attack the Confederates.— The Escape by Night.— Kilpatriek's Discovery.— The Cavalry in Motion.— The Encounter at Falling Waters.— The Enemy Surprised.— Hard Fighting.— Death of Pettigrew.— Union Victory.— Capture of Battle-Flags and Prisoners.— Kilpatriek's Letter 300

CHAPTERXXXII.

CHICKAMAUGA.

Under the Shadow of Lookout Mountain.— Evacuation of Chattanooga.— The Long Battle-line.— Bragg Contests the Union Advance — Disposition of Troops at Chicfcamauga Creek.— Attack of the Nine-

CONTENTS. ^YJj

tcenth.— Fierce Struggle for Position.— Bragg's Attiick of the Twentieth — Fnrious Fighting. — Buckner's Battery and its Deadly- Work. — The Union Army Cut in Two. — Thomas on Missionary Ridge. — The Storm Breaks. — Desperate Assault of Longstreet. — Repulse of the Confederates. —Thomas, Master of the Field.— The Enemy in Retreat. — Occupation of Chattanooga. — Letter of Rosecrans 307

CHAPTER XXXIII.

BEISTOE.

Condition of Meade's Army. — " Going Home to Vote." — Lee's Advance. — Cavalry Encounter. — Roast Lamb and (Coffee Left Behind. — Order for Retreat. — Fight at James City. — Incidents of the Day. — On to Washington. — Stuart Hemmed in at Catlett's Station — The Pine Thicket. — The Concealed Force. — Hill Entangled. — Battle of Bristoe. — Sharp Fighting. — The Confederates Beaten. — Lee in Full Retreat. — The Campaign Ended 316

CHAPTER XXXIV.

NEW BALTIMORE.

Kilpatrick's First Defeat. — Stuart Covers the Retreat of Lee. — En Aoitte for Warrenton. — Fitzhugh Lee's Attack — Charge of Stuart's Cavalry. — Surrounded on All Sides. — Kilpatrick's Generalship. — The Desperate Charge — Holocaust of Death. — The Author's Capture. — In Warrenton Jail. — A Specimen of Southern Chivalry.— Kilpatrick's Dinner Interrupted. — Case of the Campaign. . 323

CHAPTER XXXV.

FOET FISHEK.

Outer Defences of Wilmington. — Blockade-mnning. — Admiral Porter's Expedition. — Rough Weather. — The Attack. — The Torpedo Vessel. — The First Day's Bombardment. — Reconnoissance. — Strength of the Fort. — Return to Hampton Roads. — Renewed Preparations — Attack of the Second Expedition. — Bivouac Fires. — Terrible Bombardment. — Desperate Assault of Union Troops. — They Effect a Lodgment. — The Attack goes on. — The Last Trenches Cleared. — Fort Fisher Ours. — Valor of Colored Troops. — Spoils of Victory. 329

CHAPTER XXXVI.

OLUSTEE.

Expedition to Florida. — Sailing of the Fleet. — John Hay. — Lincoln's Letter. — Objects of the Expedition. — The Camp at Jacksonville. — Seymour's Sudden Move. — Attempt to Checkmate the Enemy at Olustee. — Hemmed in by Swamps. — The Fatal Surprise. — Overwhelmed by Superior Numbers. — Decimated Ranks. — The Battle Lost. — Seymour's Bravery. — ^Patten Anderson. — Who was to blame ?

xviii CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXXVII.

FOBT PILLOW.

One of the Outgrowths of Slavery.— The Negro Soldiery.— Confederate Law.— The Black Flag.— Location of Fort Pillow.— Forrest Before the Defences.— Severe Fighting.— No Surrender.- Flags of Truce. — Treachery. — Surprise of the Fort. — Overwhelmed by the Enemy; — The Butchery Commenced. — Horrible Scenes. — The Inhumanity of Man. — Influence of Slavery 345

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

COLD HAEBOE.

Cold Harbor Tavern. — The Historic Cross Roads. — Grant's Design of Forcing the Chickahominy. — Disposition of Troops. — PreUminary Fighting. — The Battle Inaugurated by a Thunder Storm. — The Grand Attack. — Gallant Dash of the Second Corps. — The Position, Gained and Lost. — Vantage-ground of the Enemy. — Failure of Grant's coup-de-main. — The Heroic Brigade of Colonel McKean. — The New "Thermopylae. — The Enemy's Last Attack. — The Curtain Falls on Cold Harbor 352

CHAPTER XXXIX.

POET WAGNER.

Site of the Fort.— First Assault. — ^Bombardment from the Fleet. — Heaven's Artillery.— The Advance at Night. — The Colored Regiment. — Furious Assault and Terrible Slaughter. — Bravery of Colored Troops.— Death of Colonel Shaw.— Waiting under a Hailstorm of Death. — The Possession of an Hour. — Repulse and Losses. —Wagner Impervious to Assault.— Progress of the Siege.— The " Swamp Angel."— Fort Sumter in Ruins.- Calcium Lights. — The Enemy Driven to the Wall.— Wagner Evacuated.— Spoils of Victory 360

CHAPTER XL.

CEDAR CEEBK.

Sheridan m the Shenandoah Valley.— Pursuit of Early.— Cedar Creek Encampment.-The Enemy Re-enforced.-The Determined Attack. —The Silent March.— 1 he Slumbermg Army Surpri.sed.— The Wild

NfiL*iin?v.^P ' ^^^■~7!^'' V",'°" ^™y * *^^^ of Fugitives—The Nineteenth Corps Forced Back by the Wave of Retreat -Efforts of

oh!,?/r'H-"'w-u^'^^ ^'g?„V^|^>^ Middletown.-Sheridan at Win- TTnfln R ^.'r Wild Ride.-The Stream of Fugitives Arrested -The Union Battle-line Re-formed -Our Victorious Charge—The Enemy Routed in Confusion.— Honor to Sheridan. . . aeg

CONTENTS. xix

CHAPTER XLI.

WATNESBOEO.

Personal Experiences. — Concealed in a Cypress Swamp. — Tlie Union Guns. — Wiieeler at Waynesboro. — The Enemy's Attack on Atkins. — Kepnlse. — Kilpatrick Charges the Barricades, Everything Swept before Them.— ^Valor of Union Soldiers. — Wheeler in Disordered Flight. — Union Pursuit, — Kilpatrick's Report. — Sherman's Complimentary Letter. — Incidents in the Author's Escape. . 381

CHAPTER XLII.

BENTONVILLE.

The Hostile Country of the Carolinas. — Sherman's Five Hundred Mile March. — The Country Desolated. — A Carnival o^ fire. — Arrival at

Bcntonville Johnston Encountered. — Battle of Bentonville. — The

Enemy Repulsed. — Bravery of Slocum's Men. — Sherman's Army Intrenched. — Entrance into Goldshoro. — The Goal Won. — Glorious Success. — Congratulatory Order of General Sherman. . . . 386

CHAPTER XLIII.

FIVE FORKS.

Grant and Sherman in Consultation. — The End Drawing Near. — Grand Combination of Movements. — Sheridan Et. route for Five Forks. — Importance of Holding Five Forks. — The March Through the Rain. — ^Engagement on the White Oak Road. — The Union Ranks Victorious. — The Sunday Fight. — Grant Takes Advantage of His Victory. — Captured Prisoners. — Davis Flying from Richmond. —Evacuation of Richmond and Petersburg. — The End Drawing Near .' . . . 392

CHAPTER XLIV.

THE STJERENDEE.

The Last Act in the Drama. — The Historic Farm-House. — ^Events Succeeding the Battle of Five Forks. — Lee's Army Hemmed in. — Engagement at Barnesville. — The Enemy Hopelessly Surrounded. — Extermination or Surrender. — Triumphant Entrance into Richmond. — ^Lincoln's Levee in the Confederate Capital. — The Last Act. — Palm Sunday Anniversary. — Universal Rejoicing. . 398

Illu^ti'litioii^.

Page.

WILSON'S CEEEK, 55

THE MEEEIMAC AND MONITOE, 85

NIGHT ATTACK ON FAUMOTJTH HEIGHTS, 115

MALVEEN HILL, 151

BEANDT STATION, 167

GETTYSBUEG 273

AEEIVAL OF SHEEIDAN AT THE BATTLE OF CEDAB CEEEK, 861

Chapter I

First Causes. — United States Property Seized. — Uprising of the North. — The Little Band at the Nation's Outpost. — From Moultrie to Sumter. — The Landing at Night. — Moultrie in Flames. — Star of the West.— No Help Yet.— Alone to Defend the Old Flag.— Starvation Ahead. — Communications Cut Off.-— No Surrender. — The Bomhardment. — Terrific Cannonading. — The Barracks on Fire. — ^Not a Biscuit Left. — Out of Ammunition. — Wigfall and his White Flag. — Sumter Surrenders on its Own Terms. — The Defeat a, Glorious Victoiy.

EOR years the irrepressible conflict between slavery and freedom had been proclaimed by the wise and disbelieved by the unthinking. For years the storm cloud, which in 1861 broke over the nation's head, had been slowly gathering with ever accumulating wrath. Some near-sighted but well-intentioned people supposed that the lightning could be extracted from the threatening cloud by sending up the ' Compromise ' kite, with its hempen string of ' Mason and Dixon's Line,' but the guns of Sumter undeceived them. Those guns awoke the nation from its fancied repose and echoed, not only over Charleston Harbor, but along the Atlantic coast and through the entire North.

With a grand and unanimous uprising not paralleled in history, the men of the free North flocked around the nation's standard and offered their lives and fortunes in its defence.

The people, before dormant, awoke suddenly to find that they had been sleeping on the edge of a crater whose boiling lava of injustice and slavery threatened to engulf them.

At the nation's outpost, in Charleston Harbor, alone with his little band. Major Eobert Anderson awaited, behind the embrasures of Fort Sumter, the first attack of the insurgents.

" The property of the General Government south of the Potomac, with the exception of Portress Monroe, Fort Sumter, Fort Pickens, and the Tortugas, had been successively seized by the authorities of the states within which they were situated."

" The three forts that then defended Charleston Harbor were Port Moultrie, of Revolutionary fame, on SuUivan's Island ; Castle Pinckney, near the city ; and Fort Sumter, a new structure on an island in the channel, commanding all the approaches to the city. It had been erected by the Federal Government at considerable cost, and was not yet so far complete as to receive a garrison. The place was calculated for one hundred and forty-six guns and a war garrison of six hundred and fifty men. The only force that the Federal Government had for these three forts was a single company of artillery in Fort Moultrie, under command of Major Anderson." In December, 1860, his garrison, occupying Fort Moultrie, found it difcult to strengthen, and as the authorities at Charleston grew hourly more threatening. Major Anderson, on his own responsibility, abandoned the place for Fort

BATTLES FOB THE VNIQN. 23

Sumter, wliere at ten o'clock on the night of the twenty-sixth his force disembarked from row boats.

" A few men were left at Moultrie under Captain Foster to cut down the flag-staff, spike the guns, burn the carriages and dismantle the place."

As the flames went up from Moultrie, Charleston saw what had happened and great excitement spread to that city and throughout the country. The action of Major Anderson was lauded at the North and denounced at the South.

But his new position at Fort Sumter was of doubtful advantage. He could not be surprised here as at Moultrie, but his communications were cut off and there was a prospect ahead of being starved out, unless help arrived. Help was sent by our Government, but the vigilant Charleston authorities, ever on the alert, prevented the landing of supplies and reenforcements.

Fort Moultrie was repaired and garrisoned by the insurgents, and on Sullivan and Morris Islands new batteries were built.

Troops were tendered to the Governor of South Carolina by three of the slave-holding states, and the palmetto flag waved over the post-office and Custom House at Charleston. The streets of that city were patroUed by the military; the telegraph was under censorship and the efforts of the authoritiea were directed toward getting possession of Sumter.

Major Anderson and his hero band worked steadily on, strengthening the Fort as best they could. Around them, battery after battery arose, each one cutting off more surely their hope of succor.

Their stock of food rapidly lessened, despite its most economic distribution.

On January fifth, 1861, the steamship " Star of the West" left New York with supplies and two hundred men for Port Sumter, and arrived off Charleston bar at one o'clock on the morning of the ninth. The lights of the steamship had been extinguished to insure greater safety, but as the " Star of the West" passed over the harbor bar, a steamboat lying in wait, recognized her and signalled ashore. At a distance of half a mile from Morris Island, she was fired upon by a shore battery. Eaising a large National flag at her mast-head she swept on, the Rebel shot over-reaching her, until at last, having got her range, two cannon balls took effect — forward and amidships. As she proceeded on her way, two steamers, having in tow an armed schooner, approached from Fort Moultrie, evidently intending to cut her off. The choice was one of capture or destruction, and the supply ship therefore put about and returned to New York.

Major Anderson and his artillery company had watched the approach of the "Star of the West," withholding meantime his fire upon the land batteries because he could not believe the act authorized by the state, and not knowing that the ship was coming to their relief. " He immediately dispatched a message to Governor Pickens denouncing the act as one of war and threatening that unless it was disavowed he would not permit any vessel to pass within range of his guns." Major Anderson afterwards referred the matter to his Government and requested that Lieutenant Talbot, bearer of despatches, might have facilities extended to him for his departure.

On April twelfth, 1861, the Rebels demanded the

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^surrender of Port Sumter. Major Anderson replied that " his sense of honor and his obligations to the Government would prevent his compliance " with the demand. At half-past four o'clock on the morning of the twelfth, the National flag was fired upon and the war of rebellion inaugurated. The heavy batteries of. Mt. Pleasant and Cumraings Point; a floating battery in the harbor and Fort Moultrie all poured in their red rain of shot and shell on the devoted heads of the patriot band in Sumter. For two hours this terrific bombardment was received without a reply, while crumbling walls tottered around them and exploding shells fell thick and fast.

Calmly, at half-past six o'clock, these men numbering less than a hundred, sat down under this fiery tempest to breakfast on their last biscuit. Afterwards they prepared heroically to resist the attack of an army of ten thousand, aided by an overpowering array of batteries.

The company was divided into three reliefs, and Captain Doubleday with Lieutenant Snyder in charge of the first relief, opened the return fire. The enthusiasm of the men was very great, and they remained steadily at the guns until relieved. The Columbiads and sea howitzers on the parapet were disabled, and the firing in that quarter became so intense that the men were withdrawn to the casemates.