Three years in the army. The story of the Thirteenth Massachusetts Volunteers from July 16, 1861, to August 1, 1864.

Preface

T a meeting of the regimental association of the Thirteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, Dec. 13, 1892, the writer was, by a unanimous vote, appointed historian of the regiment. However unequal to the performance of such a task one might feel nearly thirty years after the war, he could not disregard an honor so flatteringly expressed.

In the preparation of this work I have attempted to give an accurate statement of the regiment's whereabouts on each day of its three years' service, with such details of its daily experience as would convey a truthful picture of army life as it appeared to the rank and file.

The opinions and judgments expressed are believed to be those shared by a majority of the regiment during its service. As we were no wiser than the rest of mankind at eighteen to twenty years of age, some of the statements may seem very crude in the light of present information. \\ hat we thought at the time, about events in which we took part, is of more value to the future historian than what we may now think about the same events or persons.

Elaborate accounts of campaigns have been omitted as not coming within the sphere of a regimental history. In those instances where an explanation seemed necessary for a proper understanding of our movements, I have quoted from books

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Vlll PREFACE.

which are generally accepted as authority, in preference to statements of my own.

The material placed at my disposal is as follows : The diaries of Lieut. William R. Warner, Samuel D. Webster, Lieut. Edward F. Rollins, Lieut. Robert B. Henderson, and Sergeant William M. Coombs. None of the diaries covered all the time, but those of Messrs. Warner, Webster, and Rollins were the most complete ; those of Messrs. Henderson and Coombs included the Mine Run and Wilderness campaigns. Col. Charles H. Hovey made copies of such parts of all his letters as related to our movements during his presence with the regiment. The regimental books, papers, and maps were turned over to me by Col. Samuel H. Leonard. The "War Records " which are in progress of publication by the government have been of great service in settling disputed points. I have derived information from other comrades, whom I have met from time to time, chief among whom is Sergeant Jeremiah P. Blake. In addition to the material furnished me by Lieutenant Rollins, I cheerfully acknowledge the valuable assistance I have received from him in other ways.

At the adjutant-general's office I have received every courtesy and privilege I could wish. I have personally compared the name of every man in the regiment with the record in possession of the State. Where the difference was trivial I have adhered to the regimental book ; in cases where there has been a considerable difference I have made careful inquiries before accepting either statement. As an additional safeguard aeainst error I have submitted the record of each company to one or more members thereof for examination before

PREFACE. ix

sending the list to the printer. In spite of all these precautions, inaccuracies, no doubt, will appear. About three hundred and seventy-five comrades have furnished me with a statement of their service, and that I have accepted in all cases as being correct.

It was thought that a series of maps showing the route of march of the regiment, — the direction being indicated by arrows, — and the relative position of towns mentioned in the text, might aid the reader. They were plotted by the writer and submitted to Sergeant Coombs, who put them into their present shape. While they reflect credit on his skill as a draughtsman, he is not responsible for any errors they may contain. It should be borne in mind that the maps are not drawn to scale, as such a labor was deemed unnecessary for our purpose.

In sincerely thanking all those comrades who have aided me in my labor, I ought not to forget the kindly services of Dr. Samuel A. Green, surgeon of the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers, who has taken a great interest in the progress of the work, and whose advice and assistance have been of great value.

CHARLES E. DAVIS, Jr.

Boston, November i, 1893.

• Note. The design on the front cover is a facsimile of our monument at

Gettysburg.

ORGANIZATION.

THE present generation has no conception of the consternation

* that prevailed among the people of the North when the startling news was received that Fort Sumter had been fired upon. It aroused the patriotic indignation of the community to the highest pitch of excitement.

Up to this time most people were sceptical about the possibilities of a war. Threats of secession had often been made before, by politicians of the South, without being carried into effect. The feeling of hatred that existed toward the North was not fully appreciated except by a comparatively small number of persons. Although the air was filled with rumors of war, they were generally believed to be nothing more than the irrepressible mutterings of disgruntled politicians. Therefore, when the announcement was made that Fort Sumter had been fired upon, it awoke the public mind to a realization that rebellion and secession were at hand. Public meetings were held in every town and city. Resolves were passed condemning the outrage, coupled with an expression of determination to avenge the insult to the national flag.

Such a display of bunting in Boston was never seen before. Across every street, at the mastheads of vessels lying in the harbor, in the horse-cars and on express-wagons, and upon private houses could be seen the American flag floating in the breeze ; and, indeed, every opportunity was taken to give expression to the prevailing sentiment by displaying the national emblem.

• On the 14th of April Fort Sumter surrendered. On the 15th a telegram was received by Governor Andrew to forward two regiments, and on the same day the following communication was sent to the Secretary of War :

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Boston, April 15, 1861.

To Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War :

SIR: I have received telegrams from yourself and Brigadier-General Thomas, admonishing me of a coming requisition for twenty companies of sixty-four privates each; and I have caused orders to be distributed to bring the men into Boston before to-morrow night, and to await orders. Allow me to urge the issue of an order to the Springfield (Mass.) Armory, to double the production of arms at once, and to push the work to the utmost. If any aid by way of money or credit is needed from Massachusetts, I hope to be at once apprised. An extra session of our General Court can be called immediately, if need be; and, if called, it will respond to any demand of patriotism.

And I beg you would permit, in addition to suggesting the utmost activity at the Springfield Armory, to urge that the armory at Harper's Ferry be discontinued, and its tools, machinery, and works be transferred elsewhere, or else that it be rigidly guarded against seizure, of the danger of which I have some premonitions. If any more troops will certainly be needed from Massachusetts, please signify it at once, since I should prefer receiving special volunteers for active militia to detailing any more of our present active militia, especially as many most efficient gentlemen would like to raise companies or regiments, as the case may be, and can receive enlistments of men who are very ready to serve.

Allow me also to suggest that our forts in Boston Harbor are entirely unmanned. If authorized, I would put a regiment into the forts at any time.

Two of my staff spent last Saturday in making experiments of the most satisfactory character with Shenkle's new invention in projectiles; and so extraordinary was the firing that I have directed eighteen guns to be rifled, and projectiles to be made. May I commend this invention to the examination of the United States Government ?

I am happy to add that I find the amplest proof of a warm devotion to the country's cause on every hand to-day. Our people are alive.

Yours,

JOHN A. ANDREW.

On the morning of the 16th, companies of the departing regiments began to arrive in Boston. The fife and the drum which were heard in our streets continued daily, for four years, to sound the stirring notes of martial music.

The 19th of April, which is one of the days sacred to American history, on account of the battle of Lexington, this year received an additional interest from the events that were transpiring. It was celebrated by the ringing of bells, flag-raisings and speeches, a drill on Boston Common by one of the artillery companies, and at noon by the firing of one hundred guns in honor of the day.

ORGANIZATION. xih

While the people were thus actively engaged in celebrating the day, news was received that the Sixth Regiment had been attacked in the streets of Baltimore. The most intense excitement followed. Men gathered in groups about the streets, while crowds surrounded the bulletin boards of the newspapers to learn the particulars.

If anything was needed to arouse the patriotism of the North, it had now occurred. Public meetings were held in various parts of the city. Merchants, lawyers, physicians, and members of other professions met, and offers of service and money were proffered for the use of the State. Large loans were generously offered by the Boston banks and by the banks of other cities, for the State's immediate use, trusting to the honor of the Legislature to reimburse them, when it met. Numerous offers of money were made to the Governor by private individuals, as aid to soldiers' families. Nor were women lagging behind the men in enthusiasm. Rich and poor, high and low, all offered their services for the preparation of bandages and lint, the making of garments, attendance in hospitals, or any other service compatible with their sex.

Business seemed, for the time, to be forgotten in the excitement. The minds of men were too much disturbed to give proper attention to other matters. Only one subject possessed the public mind, — to protect the government from the clutches of traitorous hands.

It was under the influence of these patriotic demonstrations, as exhibited in all the cities and towns of Massachusetts during the first months of the war, that our regiment was enrolled. Many of the young men who left lucrative positions were guaranteed them on their return, by their employers. The generous impulses of all were awakened by the danger that threatened the country.

The first four companies, A, B, C, and D, were known as the Fourth Battalion of Rifles, and were raised in Boston.

On the 2 1 st of September, 182 1, Governor John Brooks, on the petition of John S. Tyler and others, authorized the formation of a military company in the then town of Boston, and this company was called the Boston City Greys, subsequently changed to the Boston City Guards, by which name it was known at the breaking out of the war. It passed through the various vicissitudes of

XIV ORG A NIZA riON.

military companies until the year i860. In the month of July of that year, a committee consisting of James A. Fox, W. F. Davis, D. H. Bradlee, N. S. Dearborn, and A. N. Sampson were appointed to nominate a captain and third and fourth lieutenants to fill vacancies caused by resignations.

At this time the company had been reduced in numbers so that it was felt to be highly important that a man should be selected as captain whose reputation as an officer would invite young men to enlist under his command. The "Boston Light Infantry (Tigers)," the "New England Guards," and the " Boston City Guards " formed a part of the Second Massachusetts Militia Regiment. Boston was an exception to the large cities of the country in not having a regiment of its own. The Second Regiment, Massachusetts militia, was commanded by Col. Robert Cowdin, and consisted of only seven companies.

Samuel H. Leonard having transferred his residence from Worcester to Boston, was obliged to resign his commission as brigadier-general, as an officer could not hold a commission outside the limits of the district where he resided.

He was an officer of wide reputation as one of the most skilful and thorough drill-masters in the State. It had long been a scheme of his to form a rifle battalion of which he should have the command. At musters and parades a rifle battalion had the right of the line, except when the Boston or Salem Cadets were present; hence the particular interest in a rifle battalion.

The committee appointed by the Boston City Guards waited on General Leonard and offered him the captaincy of their company. He accepted the compliment thus offered, upon the condition that they would agree to enlist a second company, to be joined with the City Guards, thus forming a battalion, and changing the arms from muskets to rifles. This was agreed to, and General Leonard petitioned the Governor and Council to set off the City Guards from the Second Regiment for this purpose, and authority was given him to form a rifle battalion, using that company as a nucleus thereof. The City Guards was called Company A in the new battalion, and on the 15th of December, i860, proceeded to an election of officers, with the following result :

ORGANIZATION.

XV

Captain

First Lieutenant .

Second Lieutenant Third Lieutenant Fourth Lieutenant

Swum. II. Leonard.

J whs A. Fox.

William F. Davis.

Chari.f.s s. Chandler.

George H. Bush.

Immediately following this election, privates Thomas J. Little and Augustus N. Sampson, with fifty-one others, petitioned the Governor and Council for leave to form a new company, which was subsequently known as Company B. As soon as a sufficient number of men had been enlisted, an election of officers was had, resulting as follows, the election taking place on the 29th of March, 1861 :

Captain

First Lieutenant .

Second Lieutenant Third Lieutenant Fourth Lieutenant

N. Walter Batchelder.

Joseph S. Carv.

David H. Bradlee.

John G. Hovey.

Augustus N. Sampson.

On the 23d of April, Lieutenant Bradlee having been elected adjutant of the battalion, Horace T. Rockwell was elected Fourth Lieutenant and Messrs. Hovey and Sampson were each promoted.

While this work was going on John Kurtz and others were engaged in recruiting a third company, which was subsequently known as Company C, with an election of officers which occurred on the 29th of April, 1 86 1, as follows :

Captain

First Lieutenant .

Second Lieutenant Third Lieutenant Fourth Lieutenant

John Kurtz.

William H. Jackson.

William M. Chase.

Joseph S. Cook.

Walter H. Judsox.

Company I) was organized as follows :

After the Mexican War a military company was formed composed of veterans who had served in Massachusetts regiments during that

XVI ORGANIZATION.

period. The company took the name " Massachusetts Volunteers," and was attached to the First Regiment of Infantry M.V.M., as Company L, Captain Ben: Perley Poore. After two years had passed, it was found necessary, if the company was to continue, to change its by-laws so as to admit to membership others than those who had served in that war. It was then voted to take men who had served not less than one year in the volunteer militia of the State ; at the same time changing the name of the company to " National Guard.' In the spring of 1854, Augustine Harlow was elected captain, and served as such until July, i860, when he resigned.

April 15, 1 86 1, he was requested to form a new company, and he proceeded at once to do so. The free use of a room in the Adams House was granted him by the proprietors, and in a few days the required number of names was obtained for organization, which was completed by the election of the following officers :

Captain . .

First Lieutenant .

Second Lieutenant Third Lieutenant Fourth Lieutenant

Augustine Harlow.

Samuel N. Chamberlain.

William H. Cary.

Charles H. Hovey.

James H. Mayo.

It should be borne in mind that in raising these companies the impetus given to enlistments by the startling events already described made it quite easy to obtain all the men needed to complete the organizations to the maximum number required. As a matter of fact, so many men offered to enlist that it was decided to accept only those who were voted in and who were willing to pay $12.50. This sum, added to moneys received by subscription, was expended in the purchase of uniforms, each man being measured to ensure their fitting. The jacket was tight-fitting, with a short skirt. The shoulder-knots and trimmings were red, and the uniform gray. The cap was gray trimmed with scarlet and surmounted with a pompon. It made a handsome, serviceable uniform, and gave a very effective appearance to the battalion.

As some time elapsed before the uniforms were finished, we were

ORGANIZATION. xvn

daily drilled in citizen's clothes at the armory, then at 344 Washington Street, but now (1893) 576. We were taken out on the streets every day and taught to march in step, to the no small amusement of boys who gathered about to watch our transformation from raw recruits to soldiers. The people, however, were in earnest, and every encouragement was offered to young men to enlist. At this time every man was looked upon as a hero who enlisted.

The armory at 344 Washington Street being too small to accommodate so large a number of men, Nassau Hall, corner of Washington and Common Streets, was procured, and our effects transferred to that building. Here we found a commodious hall well fitted for drilling, and hours were spent each day by squads of raw recruits in attempting to order arms in unison. It seemed so easy a thing to do when the order was given, that we were at a loss to understand why each gun should fall at a separate moment, making a clatter like the rattle of a drum, sorely trying the patience of our drill-masters. " Now, the next time I give an order I want you to follow my count. ' Shoulder arms ! one, two, three ! ' That's better." "Present arms/ one, two." Then it was, "Forward, march! one, two ; one, two, halt ! " " bkovXface ! Forward, march / one, two ; one, two." " Mark time, march / one, two ; one, two, halt ! "

It seemed extraordinary that it took so much time in learning to do these simple things together, yet it took days and days before we could make a creditable appearance in public. It seemed very odd to us, that, having acquired a reasonable degree of proficiency under one officer, we could do nothing but bungle under the commands of another, until we realized how rare was a drill-master who could infuse into men the precision necessary for good soldiers.

As soon as we acquired skill enough to " order arms " together, we longed for the time when we could march through the streets in our uniforms. With a month's continuous daily work, we naturally felt that we would make a fine appearance as we paraded through the streets. Just prior to the war the people of Boston had an opportunity of witnessing the wonderful skill exhibited by Ellsworth's zouaves. The remarkable exactness and concert of their every movement was never excelled by any body of men, and excited a

XVlll OBGANIZATION.

spirit of emulation among officers and soldiers in the vicinity of Boston. Some of us whose heads were easily turned by our small success began to think we had acquired a pretty good degree of excellence in the manual of arms.

At last an order was received for us to take charge of Fort Independence. We had been armed with the " Winsor " rifle, a heavy, bungling arm to which was attached a sabre bayonet, so extraordinary in appearance as to give to another company, commanded by Captain Dodd, and armed with the same rifle, the name of " Dodd's carvers." When the bayonet was affixed it certainly did suggest the sanguinary operation of carving.

Company E.

Company E, known as the Roxbury Rifles, was organized about the 25th of April, 1861, by the election of Dennis S. Bartlett as captain, Charles R. M. Pratt as first lieutenant, and Joseph Colburn as second lieutenant. After its organization, the company was quartered in Bacon's Hall, Roxbury, the boys obtaining their meals at a restaurant near by. From this time on until Sunday, the 12th of May, the company was daily drilled in citizen's clothes. On that day the company appeared for the first time in new uniforms furnished by the State, and attended divine service at the Dudleystreet Baptist church, at completion of which service each man was presented with a Testament.

Drilling was continued daily without interruption until the company joined the Fourth Battalion of Rifles, and with it went to Fort Independence.

On the 25th of May the five companies, with knapsacks, blankets, etc., marched down State Street to the wharf, where they took the steamer "Nelly Baker" for the fort, and where they arrived in due time.

It was a joyous day, though cloudy. We were puffed up with pride and importance at our new responsibility and the knowledge that we were to relieve the New England Guards, who had been garrisoning the fort for a fortnight. The New England Guards was one of the crack organizations of Massachusetts, of which the citizens of Bos-

ORGANIZATION. XIX

ton were justly proud. It subsequently became the nucleus of the Twenty-fourth Regiment, that left Massachusetts for the seat of war December 9, 1861, and afterward made a glorious record.

As we marched into the fort, that battalion was drawn up in line to receive us. As we watched with admiration the precision and skill with which they performed their movements, we shed a big lot of conceit.

The duties of a soldier began immediately on their departure. We were in possession of a fortification of the United States, and the responsibilities seemed immense. We were to guard it, and see that it was not stolen or captured by the enemy.

A detail was made from each company for guard duty, and the writer began at once the tremendous duties of a soldier. Being placed on the extreme southern point of the island, nearest the enemy, he was cautioned to watch carefully, that the enemy might not come up the harbor without warning being given of his approach. There seemed nothing ridiculous in all this ; the caution was given and received in all earnestness. These instructions were the first and, so far as can be recalled, the only ones he ever received, and they made a deep impression on his mind. We often laughed afterwards as we reflected on the difference between this and the reality, though it was real enough to us then. Not a wink did some of us sleep that night. The responsibility was too great for sleep.

Morning came at last, beautiful and bright, with the fort still safe. As the men turned out of their quarters, in the morning air, to fold their bright red blankets, it was indeed a picturesque sight. The battalion companies were quartered in the fort, while the Roxbury Rifles were quartered in barracks outside.

During our stay at the fort, Sundays were visiting days, and the duties light, so we had ample time to devote to the friends who came to see us Visitors were also admitted on other days of the week ; but they were not allowed to interfere with our duties. We drilled seven hours each day during the week, besides guard-mounting and dress parade.

Major Leonard, who was in command of the battalion, was known

XX ORGANIZATION.

long before he became a brigadier-general in the State militia by his superior qualifications as a drill-master, and he was possessed with the determination to show what he could do with raw recruits.

After dress parade our work was done for the day, except the roll-call at tattoo, when we were obliged to fall in line and answer to our names. We then had a half-hour to complete our arrangements for the night, when " taps " were sounded for the lights to be put out, which was a signal for us to go to sleep. Sleep rarely came before midnight, however, owing to the noise which began the moment the lights were extinguished. It frequently happened that the " Officer of the day " would interrupt the noise by telling us to "Go to sleep ! " which had the very opposite effect. We had great larks in those days, and played all the pranks in the calendar. Some of the boys whose quarters adjoined the sally-port would listen at the nearest casemate to hear the countersign repeated as some one, passing in or out of the fort, would give it to the sentinel, when a mock "grand rounds" would be organized and each post visited, the guard being scolded for some imaginary neglect, and ordered to report to his captain in the morning. The hours of the night were called by the sentinel on each post as he heard the bells striking in the city, adding " All's well ! " The guard on the ramparts of the fort frequently, sticking his head in one of the chimneys, would yell, " And the "wind north-east, and it blows like h — 1 ! " which, of course, would wake up every man in the room, bringing the officer of the guard to the quarters to quell the disturbance. The guard, by means of the chimney, would warn the occupants of the officer's approach, whereupon he was sure to be greeted with a loud and continuous snore ; the guard in the meantime stealing along to the other side of the ramparts, a safe distance from the confusion.

Until the 29th of June we lived well, having our own cook, plenty to eat, and a ration of beer served us each day. It was the custom to detail a man from each mess to draw the allowance of food, and whoever possessed ability to get the greatest quantity of food for the smallest number of men was sure to receive a large amount of praise and popularity. It was a talent more highly appreciated than any other accomplishment.

ORG A NIZA TION. Xxi

Each morning we were awakened by the veteran drummer, " Dan Simpson," and " Si Smith," the fifer. " Old Si," as we called him, looked as though he was left over from the crusades, so thin and worn with age he appeared. Both of these veterans could date their service back to the War of 1812. At five o'clock in the morning they would come out to the sally-port, and after wrangling a bit (for it should be known that the lapse of time had not improved their tempers) they would sound the reveille which turned us out to answer to roll-call. Smith weighed about seventy-five pounds, though he didn't look it. His coat-sleeve, which seemed no larger round than a baby's arm, was covered with service stripes from wrist to shoulder. In spite of his attenuated figure, he managed to get wind enough to make his old fife sound as clear as a bell. " Good morning, Si!" would be heard as the boys turned out. "How's your old friend, Miles Standish?"

In addition to these venerable relics from " Ye olden time " we had four musicians from the " Germania Band," who provided us with music at guard mounting and at dress parade.

One of the features of the day's work was " dress parade," at sunset; at which time we turned out in full uniform to take our position in line. It was the custom, during this ceremony, to lower the flag on the fort, the band playing while it was being done. One of the airs which the band played was from the " opera of Grenada." To this air the boys fitted the following words : " Corporal of the guard, corporal of the guard, corporal of the guard, post eight." This never lost its popularity with us. It was carried into service bv our regimental band, and was frequently played by it, always awakening pleasant recollections of our service at the fort. After the band was discharged, which occurred early in September, 1862, we heard it no more until our arrival home.

Thus passed the days until the 29th of June, when the State sent to the fort five more companies : two from Marlboro', one from Natick, one from Westboro', and one from Stoneham.

The addition of these companies made no difference in our drilling, which was pursued relentlessly.

We drifted along until the "Fourth of July" without excitement,

XXli ORGANIZATION.

except that which was provided us by our friends on visiting days. Formerly it was the custom of the city authorities of Boston to celebrate the " Fourth " by an annual parade of the city government. Our services were offered and accepted as escort, in company with the " Tigers " and the " New England Guards," and we looked forward with anticipations of pleasure and pride at the opportunity, thus afforded, of showing the result of our work.

We were up early the morning of the " Fourth" brushing clothes, blacking boots, and making other preparations for the day's jubilee. We were well tanned by constant exposure to the sun, giving appearance of health and vigor, our uniforms fitting perfectly, with the addition of white collars, and our guns and bayonets in excellent order, so that we made a very satisfactory appearance. As we stood in line inside the fort, we all felt how much was at stake in competing with the two battalions with whom we were to parade. We were told to eat a hearty breakfast, for we had a hard day's work before us ; but what a breakfast that was, and what murmurs of indignation were expressed as we flung the mouldy toast and the mild dilution of coffee at the cook-room ! It was too unsavory for us, so we went without it, though the time came, months after, when we wished that we might have some of that same toast.