Fast and loose in Dixie. An unprejudiced narrative of personal experience as a prisoner of war at Libby, Macon, Savannah, and Charleston, with an account of a desperate leap from a moving train of cars, a weary tramp of forty-five days through swamps and mountains, places and people visited, etc., etc

Front matter

Fast and Loose

IN

Dixie.

Preface

While serving as an officer in the Ninth New Jersey Veteran Volunteers, it was my lot to face the enemy in a series of battles on the right bank of the James River, Va., in the month of May, 1864, where, in a day of gloom and disaster for the Union cause, I was taken prisoner.

With the gallant Heckman, intrepid Belger, and other officers whose good opinion it was my privilege to enjoy, I passed a few days in Libby Prison, and was successively introduced to other gay and festive scenes in the so-called Confederate States. But to men thoroughly in earnest to serve their imperilled country, the attractions offered for our gratification by rebel officials, failed to make life happy in the " Sunny South :" in point of fact, the captives with whom I mingled despised the hospitalities tendered.

Nay, more ; the souls of these brave men animated them to resolute action to escape from their depressing surroundings. At Macon and Savannah carefully devised plans for regaining our liberty received the hearty approval of many who owned that no peril or hardship should hinder them from again following the old flag as it was borne aloft on ensanguined fields ; and weeks of severe toil were cheerfully endured in constructing tunnels for escape.

Though baffled by treachery in a promising enterprise for regaining our freedom by tunnelling, I conscientiously declare that I never ceased to cherish the hope of escape from rebel prisons. True, the prospect was gloomy indeed. Confined in fetid strongholds and surrounded by sleepless sentinels, the boldest at times were ready to despair. But even the horrors of Charleston jail-yard (where pestilence raged, and over and around which bursting shells shrieked

VI PREFACE.

wildly, as I lay in the shadow of a hideous gallows) were powerless to divert me from seeking a favorable opportunity for flight. In the vicissitudes of war I well knew that a brave heart and unceasing vigilance would, sooner or later, offer me an opportunity of striking for liberty, with some prospect of success.

After weary waiting, a day memorable in my history dawned somewhat tmexpectedly. The waning fortunes of the Confederacy were now in danger of an overwhelming disaster, as Sherman was prepared to pursue his triumphant march from the mountains to the sea, laying a heavy hand on a rebellious people. Fear reigned in Confederate councils, and desperate efforts were made to avert the threatened doom.

Among other precautions taken was the hustling of several hundred captive Union officers into a train of cars, at Charleston, and a swift departure for Columbia, where, it was believed, they could be retained in bondage. Myself and many of my friends hailed with joy the proposed change of scene. Four of us resolved to take our lives in our hands and leap from the moving train. How we succeeded in our carefully considered enterprise is set forth in this little volume. There is no attempt at fine writing, neither is it my purpose to seek to create a sensation by drawing on a fertile imagination for my facts. Startling incidents are chronicled, it is true, but their authenticity is attested by unimpeachable witnesses. Portions of this narrative have been published in Harper's Weekly, in the Philadelphia Thties, Newark Advertiser, Albany Press, and other widely circulated journals, but in no instance have the interesting facts here stated caused unfriendly criticism.

I have a feeling of pride in pointing to the testimonials herewith printed, from soldiers who served their country in the tented field, and of whose friendship any man may well feel proud. But for their request, seconded by many others, to print this narrative, the MSS. would probably still rest in their pigeon holes.

It is but just to state that in all his rambles, from one prison to another, and during his pilgrimage from Charleston to Knoxville, through gloomy swamps, over broad savannahs, beside bivouacs in mountain fastnesses, and on the snow-covered heights of North Carolina and Tennessee, the writer jotted down, in a small diary, incidents of his daily life.

PREFACE vii

The gracious Providence that guided my feet safely when environed by perils, and nerved my heart to bear up bravely when adversity pressed Math heavy hand, enabled me to preserve safely the "jottings by the way," and I have found the diary of great advantage in writing my narrative. The little memorandum book, though worn and faded, faithfully preserved the facts chronicled at the time of their occurrence, and I prize it highly as a souvenir.

J. MADISON DRAKE.

Elizabeth, N. J., 1880.

Contents

CHAPTER PAGB

I. — Opening of the Great Campaign ii

II. — Up the James River 12

Chapter I. Opening Of The Great Campaign

EARLY in the Spring of 1864, those of us who were inured to war, pronounced it folly to imagine that we were to have a pleasant Summer. From the immense preparations that were being put forth on every hand, and from the fact that the greatest soldier of the age — General Ulysses S. Grant — had been placed in supreme command of the Union forces, we became satisfied that we would speedily be engaged in fierce conflict with our foes. Confident that truth and justice would triumph, we were eager to again meet the enemy, although we knew we should often be exposed to fearful perils. If accident befel us, we would cherish the consolation that we were suffering in a glorious cause, and this thought alone sustained me during many painful hours, spent in rebel prison-pens.

Our division of the i8th Corps, which had been in Winter quarters at Getty's Station, a few miles above

Norfolk, Va., broke camp on the 26th of April, and at noon next day, disembarked at Yorktown. During our brief stay here, we were ** reviewed " by various officers, and marched toward Williamsburg and Richmond — then back again. On the third day of May, the loth Corps re-embarked, followed next morning by the i8th Corps — the vessels coming to anchor off Fortress Monroe early that evening.

Chapter II. Up The James River

A ROCKET sent up at midnight from the magnificent steamboat '* Greyhound," upon which General Butler had his headquarters, was the signal to weigh anchor, and when the sun on the morning of the 5th gilded the eastern horizon, the Armada, preceded by fifteen gunboats, several of them monitors, was many miles from the starting point. My duties as " officer of the day" were not particularly irksome. Passing City Point, we saw the flag of truce steamer which had the previous day arrived to exchange prisoners. I apprehend that the boat was sent up as a sort of a " blind," to cover the tracks of the expedition ; if so, it was a success in this respect, for the rebels on the wharf looked bewildered as they saw steamer after steamer pass beyond, in the direction of Richmond. Troops, before nightfall, were hastily debarked on Bermuda Hundred — the

*' Star " brigade — to which I belonged — being the first to reach the low-ribbed shore. We marched a couple of miles in order to '' cover " the landing, put out piquets, then bivouaced for the night. An occasional shot was all that disturbed our tranquillity.

The morning of the 6th broke clear and fair, auguring well for our enterprise. The order to " move forward " was given at daybreak, the writer, with Company D, 9th N. J. Vols., being honored with the extreme advance. We saw nothing of the enemy for several hours, and began to imagine that the road to Richmond was open at last, but toward noon we were aroused from our lethargy, and convinced by ocular proof that the enemy had left no loop-hole by which we could enter the city. We soon became satisfied that we had work to do, for now, instead of desultory firing, the Johnnies appeared in numbers, contesting every foot of the way. We knew, however, that it was only a question of time, so we pushed forward, with an immense force at our back. At noon, the enemy made what, at first, promised to be a determined stand at Chapin's farm, but when they saw a flank movement threatening their left, they beat a hurried retreat in the direction of Walthall Junction. Our intrepid commander, followed by his brigade, was soon after ambushed — the brigade being badly cut up in the encounter at Walthall. It was after darkness had overspread the earth, that the force got back within the lines, leaving our dead where they were slain. General Butler, having determined upon the destruction of the railroad between Richrnond and Petersburg, directed General Brooks to move in that direction for that purpose, while our brigade cooperated by making a feint on Port Walthall Junction. We moved forward at an early hour on the morning of the 7th, and speedily occupied the battle-ground of the day previous.

Here we found the bodies of several of our fallen soldiers in a state of nudity, and horribly mutilated. They were interred in the open field. Although we reached the spot at an early hour — ^just as the sun was rising — we found indubitable evidences of the enemy's proximity. My company, acting as a support to Company I, Captain Samuel Hufty, deployed across the open field in which the battle of the previous day had been fought. The enemy, who were in plain sight, made a corresponding move. As we advanced, so did they. Finally, we reached the spot designated, and halted. The Johnnies did likewise. For an hour and more we stood, like lions at bay, glaring at each other, but during all this time not a shot was fired by either party. We could see the heads of the enemy bobbing up and down behind the breastworks three or four hundred yards in rear of their skirmish line, and we wondered when they would " open the ball." Directly, we see a battery of light field pieces unlimber at the edge of a wood on our left, when we begin to realize that the dreadful monotony is at last to be broken. Belger's Rhode Island battery, which had always shared the glories and dangers of our brigade, and which had, up to this moment, been covered by a hill near Dr. Walthall's mansion, was now run up, and unlimbered, and in less time than it takes me to write it, Belger had commenced the engagement, which proved to be one of the prettiest I ever witnessed. The Confederates promptly replied, and in a moment the air was heavy laden with hissing, shrieking and bursting shells. The explosion of a caisson, belonging to the enemy, caused them a deal of trouble, and the loss of a number of men. During this duel between the two batteries, we lay in the open field — part of the time conversing with the Johnnies on the skirmish line. I must confess that the conversation was not particularly edifying. The Confederates had no sooner hauled off their battery, than we saw a movement on the part of their infantry. We knew they outnumbered us at this point, and some of us began to feel uneasy. At this moment, however, when so full of anxiety, we hear heavy firing away on our right front, and directly after see a double line of blue coats moving hurriedly across an open field, directly in the right rear of the force which had all day been confronting us. We can restrain ourselves no longer, and break out with hearty cheers which cause the enemy's skirmishers to turn all sorts of colors, and roll their tobacco quids nervously in their mouths. Brooks has gained the enemy's rear, and is now tearing up the railroad, and severing telegraphic communication between the rebel capital and the south. The strength of his column enables him to act with almost perfect impunity, although he is kept quite busy with a foe who ig vigilant on all sides. The '' object of the expedition having been accomplished," the forces returned to camp, well satisfied with their day's work.

Next day, the 8th, many of us bathed in the dark waters of the Appomattox, notwithstanding the close proximity of the Johnnies, who fired upon us as opportunity offered.

The army was put in motion at three o'clock next morning, 9th, but the enemy was not encountered in force until we reached Swift Creek, about three miles from Petersburg. The battle was opened without delay, the fighting being severe during the entire day and night. It was here that the 25th and 27th South Carolina Regiments were opposed in hostile array to the 25th and 27th Massachusetts Regiments of our brigade. The Palmetto regiments made repeated charges on their brethren from the Bay State, and were as often driven back with frightful loss. The Confederates were here in strong force, most of them having just come from South Carolina, with Beauregard, who now was skillfully directing the enemy's movements.

Next morning, loth, the enemy feeling very bitter, vigorously renewed the battle, both armies having slept upon their arms during the night. In making an examination of the battle-ground, we found in one spot, the bodies of a captain, two lieutenants, orderly sergeant, a corporal and a number of privates, belonging to one company in the 27th South Carolina, which proved, if such a thing be necessary, the desperate -character and staying qualities of the enemy, and the fierceness of yesterday's conflict. We were glad to. leave the ensanguined field, reaching our camp late in the afternoon.

nth — Everything within sound is quiet to-day, for which we are devoutly thankful. But what will the morrow bring forth ?

Daybreak on the 12th, found us on the march again — this time our point of direction being to the right, inclining toward the James river. It soon leaked out that we were on the way to Drewry's Bluff or Fort Darling — an impregnable place on the river — seven miles from Richmond. On the way up the turnpike, we *' gobbled " several cavalrymen, bearers of dispatches to General Beauregard. During the afternoon, Generals Heckman, Brooks and Wistar engaged the enemy near the turnpike — driving him from a number of positions, which successes served to cheer and nerve us for whatever might be in store for us.

We fought hard all day on the 13th, pressing the enemy steadily back. Towards the close of the afternoon, while " resting," we heard all sorts of rumors — not one of which, as I afterwards learned, had any foundation in fact, although they served their purpose well. We received orders to make coffee, which we greatly needed, and were about to enjoy its fine aroma, when our Adjutant, Carroll, directed me to take Companies D and G, deploy them and move forward in the woods in our front. I disliked very much to leave my coffee, and started away with a quart cup in one hand, and a sword in the other. Just before entering the woods I was halted, and while a Western regiment, armed with sixteen-shooters, blazed away in my immediate front, I sipped my coffee, and it was well I did so, for directly afterwards, while climbing a fence, I missed my footing, and went over in a hurry, coffee and all — my men laughing heartily at my misadventure. The rain now fell in torrents, and we speedily became drenched, our situation being very disagreeable. It was impossible to see anything, owing to the darkness in those dreary woods, and how I ever managed to keep my men together, is more than I am able to explain. I was thankful that the enemy did not molest us in the early part of the night, for we could not have made any defence — besides, we were just as likely to shoot one another as the rebels. I was told the next day by a prisoner whom we captured, that the only reason we were not attacked, was because the rebels believed us to be armed with sixteen-shooting rifles. Of course I slept none that night, such a thing was utterly impossible — besides, we were supposed to be a breastwork for the entire army, our duty being to "■ cover" it.

At a late hour word reached me that Captain Samuel Hufty, with a picked force, was about to make a reconnoissance on my right. I had considerable difficulty in finding my men to notify and caution them of the movement, owing to the intense darkness. Captain Hufty penetrated the enemy's lines and gained valuable information without firing a shot, and without losing a man.

The field '' officer of the day," belonging to a Massachusetts regiment, failed to put in an appearance that night, and next morning, when Adjutant- General Abel came in to order my command " forward," he was surprised to learn that the one who had been charged with the duty of inspecting the line, had been remiss in his duty. I will merely add in this connection that this officer was subsequently dismissed from the service which he had disgraced.

I had proceeded but a short distance on the morning of the 14th, when I saw through an opening in the woods, strong fortifications, surmounted by the flag of the " stars and bars." I halted my command and apprised General Heckman, who was coming up in the rear with his brigade, of my discovery. We made a reconnoissance of the enemy's position, and while thus engaged, were fired upon by his sharpshooters. The general made prompt dispositions, and ordered me to advance. The rain continued, which materially interfered with the movements of the infantry, as well as the artillery. When the brigade had gained the position coveted, I was ordered to charge the enemy, who were snugly posted in the abattis. This movement was executed with a dash that surprised the Johnnies, who quickly crawled out from behind their logs, and hastily fled — springing in all haste over the formidable earthworks which were the crowning glory of the fort to which they were but auxiliary — yet a necessary defence. We followed to within a few yards of the fortifications — then, under cover of the abattis, which the enemy had just deserted, we '' popped " away, whenever we saw anything worth " popping " at.

The Confederates replied to the fire of my skirmishers as opportunity offered, but their temerity in showing their heads or arms above the breastworks was fearfully punished — my men being able to take deliberate aim — shots seldom being wasted. My first sergeant, Hulsart, solicitous concerning my safety, insisted upon the removal of my shoulder straps. He also protested against my wearing a gold cord on a fine regulation hat, presented to me a few days previously by Lieut. Colonel James Stewart, jr. The sergeant would listen to no refusal, insisting that the '' ornaments " were drawing the enemy's fire. It was amusing to watch the Johnnies in their efforts to discharge two or three light field pieces whose muzzles pointed in a threatening manner directly towards the orderly and myself. The reader may rest assured we kept a sharp eye on those guns — neither of which were fired until we fell back at two o'clock in the afternoon, when we were relieved by two other companies, E and K. Just as the sun went down, my command was sent in again, remaining an hour or so, when we made our way out of the abattis to the ravine where the regiment lay. During the night we rested but httie, owing to the heavy firing of the skirmishers.

THE BATTLE AND THE CAPTURE. 2 1

Chapter III. The Battle And The Capture

SUNDAY morn we received a mail from Jersey, — letters from my father being directed to me at *' Richmond, Va., or — elsewhere." The colonel jocosely remarked that the letters had reached me one day too soon, for we all believed that we would be in the rebel capital on the morrow. We passed the day in cleaning our rifles, instead of listening to the chaplain, or worse still, hearing the articles of war read, and assisted in throwing up a breastwork, which later in the day we left for the benefit of others. There was nothing in the surroundings to remind us that the day was the Lord's. We did not even have the customary inspection. Just at dusk, when the breastwork was about completed, we marched silently to the right, in the direction of the James river. We felt pleased to think that our arduous labors had been appreciated, and that we were at length to go where we could obtain sleep and needed rest. But alas, for human calculations, especially when made by soldiers. Instead of turning to the rear, we suddenly found that the movement just executed was simply a prolongation of the battle line. Between the right of our regiment and the James river, was an intervening space, which was immediately occupied by several regiments of colored cavalry. During the long night which followed, we busied ourselves in stretching wires upon the ground in our front, and in collecting branches of trees, stumps, etc., which, placed in a line, served admirably for protection. Of course we felt that we had not been fairly treated, for had we not fought almost continuously for a week, besides working on entrenchments which we should have been allowed to defend ? The Confederates, evidently suspecting a battle on the morrow, kept up an incessant fire from their small arms, as much to keep us from sleeping, as to prevent any movement on our part. To add to the horrors of this never-to-be-forgotten night, the rebs yelled all along the line. The yell of a Comanche is child-like in comparison. To vary the monotony, they made occasional attempts to charge, but our skirmish line was sufficient to hold the Confederates in check — that is, for the time being.

Just before daybreak on the memorable morning of the i6th, a dense fog enveloped the earth. I never before had seen such a fog — not even in Virginia. It was impossible to see fifteen feet in any direction. I could not see the entire front of my company, so heavy and pall-like was the mist. Down behind the frail breastwork of logs, we anxiously awaited the approach of the infuriated enemy, who we knew had made every arrangement to come out from his works for the purpose of attack. Satisfied that the Confederates had received large reenforcements, and that his brigade was in a position of extreme peril. General Heckman begged for assistance, — at least that the gallant Belger and his

THE BATTLE AND THE CAPTURE, 23

battery might be sent to his relief, but for some reason never explained, " Baldy " Smith, in command of our division, failed to comply, leaving our brigade, which had become decimated, to withstand the shock of the rebel army under General Ransom, of North Carolina. I have heard a great many soldiers express the opinion that Smith wanted Butler defeated, so that he could supersede him in the command, hence his action in withholding the assistance so importunately asked for. I do not know why we were allowed no artillery, although a dozen superb batteries were idle in our rear, and no one can convince me that treachery did not underlie the action of some officers, high in rank though they were.

It was about a quarter before five o'clock in the morning, when four brigades of the enemy, in line of battle, emerged from their works, and moved noiselessly across an open field. Our skirmishers, seeing the futility of attempting to check such a force, crawled out of their " gopher " holes, and discharging their rifles as rapidly as possible, retreated upon our line, which they had hardly gained, when the battle of Drewry's Bluff had been opened in dreadful earnest. The Confederate artillery made the earth tremble, while the shriek of the shell multiplied the horrors of the contest. On, on, came the sanguine Confederates, until they reached the wires which befouled them. Our opportunity came at last, and we embraced it with all the zeal of which we were capable. A constant sheet of flame from the brazen muzzles of our trusted rifles, proved to the enemy that the Yankee was still there, with no thought of surrendering the advantages gained by the previous ten days' fighting. The fog still remained, and to its kindly shelter the enemy owed a great deal. Charge after charge was made by the maddened enemy, who was as often driven back to the field where his shattered lines would be reformed. During the lulls, we heard the groans of the dying, some of whom uttered bitter imprecations.

It was, perhaps, eight o'clock when I imagined that all was not as it should be. I heard heavy firing in my rear, but could not account for it, nor for the solitude in my immediate proximity. I could not see more than a few yards away, owing to the fog which hung like drapery over the landscape. I peered to my right and to my left, but could see no troops anywhere, not even in front. While in a state of wonderment, I was surprised by an exclamation of Sergeant Tom Hazleton. Turning quickly I saw a number of Confederates springing over our logs. Having no desire to cultivate their acquaintance, I picked up my sword, (I had been using a rifle), and patent-leather haversack, and calling upon my men to " retreat," started on a run for the rear. We got along finely ; no one interfered with us, but I confess the further I went, the more I was confused. A short distance to the right of a road upon which I was hastening along, I saw a battery, the pieces unlimbered and pointing in the direction I This seemed strange, but I could not

THE BATTLE AND THE CAPTURE.

bring my mind to realize that that battery belonged to the enemy. I continued on, walking slowly, meditating on the singular turn affairs had taken, when I was suddenly halted by a ragged looking fellow. I thought he was a "bummer" on a thieving expedition, so I bade him get out of my way. He put a revolver to my head, and told me to " surrender." At this moment, for the first time that morning, the sun put in an appearance, speedily dissolving the fog. I was bewildered when asked to surrender, but now, on looking about, I found myself surrounded by rebels, and directly in rear of their battle-line. I lost no time in presenting Lieutenant Sherwood, of the 31st Alabama regiment, with my sword, belt, revolver and haversack. It must not be understood that I insisted upon his accepting the latter article, but it was all the same to the Lieutenant, who placed his services at my disposal for the purpose of showing me about, more particularly to conduct me to the rear, where he assured me it would be much safer, especially as the battle was about to be renewed.

On the way to Fort Darling, the Lieutenant chatted pleasantly with a view of getting my Napoleon boots, which he was anxious to obtain, because, he said, they were handsomer than the boots worn by "Archie Gracie," the commander of his brigade. I thought I had been liberal enough to the Lieutenant, especially upon so short an acquaintance, and I made up my mind to resist his overtures for the boots, which I determined to stick to as long as they lasted. On the way to the fort we passed over what had but recently been the battle-ground. Along a stream I saw hundreds of poor fellows washing in and drinking the now blood-stained water. I was very thirsty, but my stomach revolted at the thought of quenching thirst in that brook, so I passed along — several of the wounded Confederates anathematizing me. I pitied the unfortunate soldiers who would doubtless soon be free from all pain. I had never before seen so many sufferers in so limited a space — the ground everywhere was dotted with the dead and dying. The spectacle was heart-sickening, and its incidents will never be blotted from my remembrance.

Reaching Fort Darling, an impregnable position on the water front at Drewry's Bluff, myself and comrades (second Lieutenant George Peters being among the number), were transferred to the custody of a provost-marshal, who was quite willing to allow us to go "• on to Richmond " when he had satisfied himself that we had no articles of value about our persons. His search not being rewarded with success, he sent us down the one hundred and fifty steps to the wharf, and in a few minutes, in answer to a signal, a steamboat came up, which, we were politely informed, would convey us to Richmond, a city, he remarked, we were doubtless anxious to visit.

ON THE WA Y TO LIBB Y PRISON. 2/

Chapter IV. On The Way To Libby Prison

MY heart almost ceased its pulsations as I stepped on board the vessel, over whose deck lazily floated the Confederate flag. It was not till this moment that I realized my condition — the horrors of the rebel prison-pens suddenly burst upon me, making me wretched indeed. The terrible scenes through which I had so recently passed, seemed like a dream, and I could not believe in their reality. While contemplating the loneliness of my situation, and wondering how our regiment could have moved away without my knowledge, I was suddenly startled. Seated on a bench, near the wheel-house of the steamer, sat an officer whose form was familiar to me. I watched him closely. His head was bowed, resting upon his hands, which prevented me from obtaining a clear view of his features. The sudden explosion of a torpedo in the river, by a passing vessel, caused him to change his position, when I discovered his identity. He proved to be my brave and intrepid commander, General Heckman. He extended his hand, grasping mine with much warmth, and congratulated me upon my safety. He had been captured quite early in the engagement by General Archibald Gracie, who commanded an Alabama brigade. Gracie formerly lived in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and when the rebellion broke out, for expressing disloyal sentiments, he was invited to leave the place, which he had good sense enough to do, thus saving the Unionists of that city the trouble of procuring him a novel apparel — tar and feathers.