Winfield; the lawyer's son, and how he became a major-general

Front matter

■i

UlBRARY OF CONGRESS,!

UNITED STATES OP AMERICA, f

Preface

In the preparation of this Life of Major General Hancock, the author has been abundantly supplied with authentic materials. His researches for early historical facts have been • aided by a large number of living witnesses, to whom he thus publicly tenders his grateful obligations.

All the pages of the volume, including names, dates, i^laces, descriptions of scenes and reports of engagements, are intended to be historically correct. They will be found wholly free from partizan matter. The constant aim of the writer has been to present to his countrymen, of all classes, the old as well as the young, a literal transcript of the career of one of the most skilful and successful officers in the patriot Army of the United States. 1* .

ILLUSTRATIONS,

I. Pago ORIGINAL LIKENESS OF GENERAL HANCOCK, frontispiece

From a Photograph furnished for this work by his family.

THE CADET HORSE, 43

Designed by White.

III. "jineing The Pint," 56

An original design of Cadet Hancock's, at West Point, 1843.

lY.

BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG, 202

Drawn by White.

(vii)

Contents

CHAPTER I.— His Birthplace, II. — His Boyhood, III. — His Boyhood, continued, IV. — How he was made a Cadet, .

V. — His Career at West Point, VI. — His Native County, VII. — His First Campaign, VIIT. — His Promotion, IX. — Ordered to Florida, X. — In the War for the Union, XI. — Beginning the Union War, XIT.— His first Fight for the Union, XIII.— In the Campaign of '62, XIV.— At Yorktown,

Page V

Chapter I. His Birth-place

"When real nobleness accompanies the imaginary one of birth, tho imaginary seems to mix with the real, and becomes real too." — Greville.

ON the 14th of February; 1824, in a retired part of the county of Montgomery, near Montgomery Square, Pennsylvania, Winfield Scott Hakcock was born. lie is the son of Benjamin Fkanklin and Elizabeth Hancock, who are also natives of Montgomery county. His twin-brother, Hilaey Baker, is a resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he has been for some years engaged in the practice of law. The only remaining brother, Major John Hancock, was in the Army of the Potomac, at the time of the commencement of this volume. These three are all the children of this branch of the Hancock family.

At the age of four years Winfield removed, with his parents, to Korristown, Pennsylvania, a beautiful borough, finely located on the sloping banks of the Schuylkill river, about twenty miles from Philadelphia. It is the shire town of Montgomery county. In the year 1864 it contained a population of 9000. The court house is well situated, on a commanding eminence, and built of the handsome gray marble of the vicinity. Its spire, which resembles that of some modern churches, is seen from a considerable distance, and forms an attractive object in the central portion of the town. There are seven churches, some of which are quite elegant in appearance. The streets are nearly all wide, straight, and generally laid out at right angles. Some of them are finely shaded with trees. One of the principal thoroughfares has beautiful rows, the clean trunks and shady branches of which reflect credit on the common sense and good taste of the citizens. The banks, newspapers, hotels, markets, and other toAvn appliances, betoken the activity and conveniences of the people. Of the weekly journals there are four, which circulate wid'ely through the adjacent country, while the daily papers of Philadelphia and New York find numerous and constant readers, in a few hours after they leave their presses. The public schools, which

SKETCH OF NORRISTOWN. 1^

have been established several years, are abundant and well conducted. There are two large seminaries, finely situated in the outskirts of the town, which afford the best facilities for male and female education.

Owing to its being favored with a court house, and the strong stone jail 'appurtenance thereunto belonging,' Norristown has a liberal supply of gentlemen of the legal profession. Their numerous signs give evidence of the things signified in all the most frequented places. A somewhat amusing instance of the abundance of this highly valuable class of the community, in this quarter, occurred with the author.

We were returning from a visit to the market, whither we had gone before sunrise, in order that we might note its peculiarities in these war times, and had jvist turned a corner by the court house, when a countryman accosted us :

" Maybe you're a strenger in Norristown ?"

"Yes, sir," was our reply.

''Maybe you was 'quirin' 'boat the prices in merket?"

" Yes, sir," we again answered.

"Maybe you're a lawyer?" said he, looking at us with great reverence.

"No, sir!" we replied, not a little surprised at the

14 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SOX.

question, aiid quickly adding : " What made you. think so?"

"Why, strenger," he concluded, continuing to look steadily at us, "you've got such a honest face!"

Completely overcome, we turned away, and passed hurriedl}^ down Court House Hill. Ever since that eventful moment we have had a most exalted opinion of the lawyers of Norristown. How Avidely-known and well-established must be the integrity of these champions of jurisprudence, when a common stranger in the streets is supposed to be one of their number by the honesty of his looks !

The public bridge across the river Schuylkill, at this place, is one of the longest and most substantial in Pennsylvania. It leads to the neat village of Bridgeport, where the canal flows along the banks, and where, just above, a dam spans the stream, down the sides of which the waters pour their crystal flood, like a thin sheet of transparent glass hung over a parapet. In the centre of the river is a lovely island, the green summer verdure, of Avhich is reflected in the passing waters; and whose romantic reaches beyond remind the beholder of the days when the Schuylkill was the sporting current of the Indian, when its groves echoed to his wild halloos, and the hill-sides and valleys smoked with his wigwams.

VALLEY FORGE. 15

Now the dash of the water-wheel and the ripple of the canal-boat have taken the place of the paddling canoe. The savage shout has died away, and in its stead we hear the roar of engines on the railroad, and the clatter of machinery in the factories along the river. The smoke of the lodge has long since passed into thin air, and its space is supplied by the black vapor that rises from the tall chimneys of the busy iron forge, or the white steam of the lime-kiln. The Minie rifle has supplanted the bow ; the axe of the pioneer has driven out the savage hatchet ; the winding wild- wood path of the red man has become a country road, a turnpike, a railway ; and a large town stands on the rude plots where the aborigines reared their solitary huts. The naked foot of barbarism has been lifted from the soil, and the shod step of civilization is in its place where beautiful Norristown flourishes to-day.

A few miles west from the Schuylkill is one of the most memorable spots in American revolutionary history. It is the Valley Forge. Here it was that the scattered remnants of the patriotic Continental army, under Washington, went into their scanty winter quarters. The British General, Sir William Howe, had vainly endeavored, with a much superior force, to draw the commander-in-chief into an unequal

IQ WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON.

engagement. His object was the complete conquest of Pliilaclelpliia and the adjacent territory. But Washington was too cautious to be allured from his stronghold in these Pennsylvania hills ; although to remain there, through that unusually inclement season, was sure to cause him and his brave troops a great amount of suffering.

The battle of Grermantown had been fought by Washington, with La Fayette and Pulaski, at that time just introduced to our republican army. Germantown is but a few miles east of Norristown, on the fine ridge of country lying toward Philadelphia. The battle took place on the 4th of October, 1777; and although the American soldiers were enduring much from sickness and privations, they attacked the invaders with such valor that they would have completely won the day but for an unforeseen withdraAval of aid, for which it was impossible for Washington to be prepared.

At the struggle of the Brandywine, which took place not many miles from Korristown, on the 11th of September, in the same year, the Americans fought equally well; but the smallness of their force, and the wounding of La Fayette, had compelled a retirement from the field. The determined will and skillful strategy of Washington, fighting a strong,

VALLEY FORGE 17

fresh force of tlie enemy, with disabled columns, kept Sir William Howe at bay from Philadelphia. It was not until the last extremity had come, that the revolutionary troops steadily and slowly retired to the Valley Forge. Here was passed that winter of terrible trial. Without suitable food or clothinsf, worn down by repeated marches and battles, deprived of the comforts of home, driven into poor little shanties for protection against the piercing cold, the patriots of that day have gilded those hillsides and glens of Pennsylvania with the glory of their deeds. It was here that the selfish spirit of mean and cowardly men added to the sufferings of the brave soldiers. At the time when starvation seemed to be staring them in the face, when their feet were yet sore and swollen with their shoeless conflicts in the drifted snows, there were wretches base enough to rush through the sad and gloomy camp, crying "Beef! Beef! Give us beef!" It required all the courage and force of character of Washington to check this unpatriotic outbreak, and convince the soldiers that to endure as brave men should was finally to succeed in the great struggle. In the 'dead waste and middle' of that fearful winter, the Father of our Country retired 'to the grove near his headquarters ; and, spreading his well-worn army cloak on the frozen ground, poured out the agony of his tried soul in prayer to the Deity. At that very moment treason was doing its worst against him. Attempts were being made to supplant liim in command. Our oppressors abroad, uniting witb traitors at home, were doing all in their power to scattei^the Continental forces, and give up the country to the foe. It was not so to be ! The Valley Forge, Avhile it was the dark, icy grave to many of our early heroes, became, also, in the springtime, the open door of hope, from which sprang fortli new legions to do battle for Eepublican freedom. Well may it forever be a sacred spot. Pennsylvania has many glorious Eevolutionary memorials ; but the Yalley Forge stands first among them all.

Surrounded by sucli associations as these, Winfield Scott Hancock was born. The name given him at his birth was indicative of the estimate put on love of country by his parents. That of Hancock is associated witb everything that is noble and self-sacrificing in the early annals of the Eepublic. John Hancock, the Massachusetts mercbant, will be remembered with gratitude by patriotic Americans, as long as a page of the history of our land remains. He was one of the most determined chamjDions of the Kevolution that the American colonies contained. Of the foremost men of his time, it was for him to say :

PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATIONS. 19

" Thy spirit, Independence ! let me share, Lord of the lion heart and eagle eye! Thy steps I follow Avith my bosom bare, Nor heed the storm that howls along the sky. Immortal Liberty! whose look sublime Has blanched the tyrant's cheek in every varying clime."

Hancock was among the first, while yet a youngman and in the possession of a large fortune, to strike a blow against the royal oppressors of his native land. His life was declared to be forfeited, by a proclamation of the British Grovernment. But he escaped the fury of a brutal soldiery, to enlist, with Adams, Otts, and other patriots of that day, in the work of prep ring for an armed resistance to foreign aggressions. Immediately after the battle of Lexington, he was chosen President of the Provincial Congress, in Massachusetts ; and subsequently to be the successor of Peyton Eandolph, of old Yirginia, as President of the General Congress, which met at Philadelphia, and issued the Declaration of Independence, July 4th, 1776. On that immortal roll of worthies his name must ever stand conspicuous. The record there made was nobly attested all through his life, and in the hour of his death. Virtuous, modest, courageous, learned, dignified, rich, he gave up all for his country; and has left a name on the pages of history Avhich every

Aincricaii may well aspire to imitate and be proud to honor.

Coupled with the name of Hancock, the subject of our biography bears that of Winfield Scott. It is a pleasure to be able to record here the fact that the venerable Lieutenant- General acknowledges the compliment paid him, and has repeatedly expressed his deep personal interest in the career of the Pennsylvania boy who still so worthily bears his distinguished name.

CHAPTER IL HIS BOYHOOD.

" The first sure symiitom of a mind in health Is rest of heart, and pleasure felt at home."

Young.

WE must now introduce the reader to the home of Winfield, at Korristown. It was the year 1835. His father was at that time a school teacher, and engaged in fitting himself for the profession of the laAV. The home of the boy was a good one.

How much is included in these few short words ! The true homes of America are its chief glory. They are the only sure social foundations of the Eepublican temple. In every such country the boys of to-day, when properly qualified, are the electors of to-morrow. As they decide the franchise, so the destinies of the nation may be deckled. An American boy, rightly educated, may justly aspire to any position within the compass of man to attain, or of man to bestow. Hence the incalculable importance of earlj?

instruction in America ; hence the immense interests

22 \nNFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON.

of society and government that cluster around the hearth and shrine of the American home.

Such was the home of Winfield. His parents were sincere Christians. The altar of worship stood like a sanctuary within their doors ; mid every day their family bowed with them before it. Morning and evening the incense of devotion ascended from that house. Kor did this hallowed home influence stop at the threshold. Impressed on the memory and heart; it went out into the duties of life. It made itself a motive in their thoughts, heard in their voices, and felt in their actions. It was not irresistible ; it was not all-controlling ; but, like the subtle air, it penetrated to every spot ; and even if its presence could not always regulate, it was always acknowledged as able to do so, if its inherent power for good should be allowed free sway.

It was in the domain of such a home as this that Winfield received his earliest impressions of character. The uniform record of him, in his boyhood, is, that he Avas obedient to his parents, truthful and courteous, cheerful, soci^'ble, and manly.

A gentleman sitting in the office of Winfield's father, heard quite a tumult among the boys in the street. There were shouts and other signs of personal conflict, which drew Mr. Hancock and his friend to the door.

"Come herC; my son/' said the father, calling out Winfield from the crowd.

The boy immediately obeyed, and came marching directly to the ofi&ce door, his flushed face turned full on that of his father.

"What is the matter, Winfield?" inquired Mr. Hancock.

" Why, that big boy, out there, tried to whip me ; and / luasnH going to let him !^^

" But he is a great deal larger than jou are, my son."

" I know he is, father ; but he shan't whip me, for all that !"

It required some skill on the part of Mr. Hancock, aided by his visitor, to convince the lad that it was not his duty to go out and resume the fight, against all odds.

Another domestic scene, of an entirely different character, serves further to illustrate the boy.

Winfield and* Hilary had come in together in the evening — for, being twins, they were then very seldom separate — and found their mother engaged in family affairs that would require her to remain up to a late hour. The father was necessarily absent; and she was alone with the children.

The two little boys moved about the house, attending to their tasks, as usual, until the time came to retire. The rooms were all still, save that in which the mother was engaged. The streets were almost vacant, and nearly quiet. The boys stood and looked at each other. They were tired of play. They had finished their studies. They had done their home errands. Both of them saw at a glance the state of the case ; and, simultaneously, they hit on a happy expedient. They immediately called a council of two — a twin council of twin brothers — and unanimously decided the following propositions :

First. It is the decision of this council that mother is not to be allowed to sit up alone.

Second. The council will sit up with her.

Third. The council shall divide the time into watches of one hour each.

Fourth. Each member of the council shall keep awake one hour, and sleep one hour, watch and watch, until mother puts us to bed.

These articles of agreement, having been duly assented to by both the high contracting parties, were fi\ithfully carried out; until both members of the council, at a late hour, were tenderly led to their youthful slumbers.

The attachment existing between Winfield and his schoolmates developea itself in a great variety of ways, reflecting credit on his juvenile propensities. He was always regarded as a leader among the boys at Norristown. When the time came to organize the occasional village accompaniment of an amateur boy militia, he was at once selected, by common consent, to hold the distinguished post of captain. The memory of this little body of Home Guards is cherished with pride by many of its members, to this day. The matrons look back with pleasure on the fact that their hands helped to equip the juvenile soldiers ; and that when they appeared on parade, with mimic colors and music of tiny drum and flageolet, they cheered them on their marches, and served them freely with the required rations of lemonade and doughnuts.

The haymo^\Ts and orchards in Norristown and vicinity will bear witness to the innocent raids of these budding patriots. In justice to them, it must be added that their depredations were never of a very serious character. They were generally welcome whenever they entered their temporary barracks, or Tcamp-grounds ; and usually found ample opportunities to display their imitation martial deeds. Captain Winfield — perhaps OAving to the significant fact that he bore the name of the then principal general of the United States arnty — always 'ruled the roster/ whether it assumed the form of a brigade, a regiment; or a battalion. His military experience, at the ripe age of twelve years, carried him triumphantly through every duty, — muster, parade, drill, inspection, and review. His personal appearance always commanded respect, at the head of his little troop. One peculiarity of paternal reverence often saved him trouble in the way of discipline. He always handed offenders over to their mothers. This was a capital idea of Captain Winfield's. It not only enabled him to avoid all the vexations of a court-martial, but it gave satisfaction to all concerned ; for if a good mother cannot bring a soldier to terms, who can ?

The boy-circle of Winfield in Norristown had its social singing-school. Here, again, his companions clustered around ; for he was as popular in musical as he was in military affairs. His aid was especially valuable in this association, for its general management was conferred on his father, as chairman of a committee. On one occasion, when the singing-books were being given out, it so happened that a soiled ins BOYHOOD. 27

copy fell into the liancls of- a playmate of Winfield. Before lie was aware of the defacements, the lad liad written his name in the book, and thus it was too late to change it.

"Leave this matter to me," said Winfield ; "I'll see what can be done. You shall have a good book in the place of this."

"Thank you," replied his school-fellow; "but how will you do it?"

"Let me manage that," Winfield quietly added — "you may be sure I will do it right; for father, you know, is committee-man."

Without saying more, he took the soiled volume, and carefully erased the name his fellow-scholar had written in it. He then placed the book back in the pile, where he knew it must pass through the careful hands and under the scrutinizing eye of his father.

The time came. The school was all assembled and seated. The books were again to be given out. Mr. Hancock passed them, as usual, giving to each scholar his book, with his name in it. Directly he came to the soiled one. The name was erased !

"Who erased this name?" quietly asked the dignified chairman of the committee, holding up the book, and showing the defaced page.

"I did it, sir," promptly replied Winfield, standing up in his place.

"What did you do it for?" continued the father.

"Because I didn't want that boy to have a soiled book, when I knew there were plenty of good ones, not used."

Mr. Hancock looked an instant at Winfield, and, with a calm smile, put back the soiled book in its place behind him. Giving the school-mate a perfect copy, he added :

"Take your seat, Winfield."

That simple act of the lawyer's son spoke volumes. His attachment for his comrade determined his purpose to do him a favor. He was ready to do it, even if he had to ask it publicly of his fixther — a commanding gentleman, the personification of dignity, especially when presented to a school of youth, to supervise tlieir treatment of books. The promptness of his response to the question of his father, in the presence of the school, resulting in the protection of his school-fellow and obtaining him the de*sired book, strikingly illustrates, through the boy, the genius and energy of the man.

Chapter III. His Boyhood, Continued

*'0h! the joy Of young ideas, printed on the mind, In the warm, glowing colors fancy spreads, On objects not yet known, when all is new."

H. More.

IT is the opiiiion of tliose wlio knew Winfield best in his boyhood, that he chose the military life from an inherent love of it. At that early period of which we are now writing, he could, of course, have no idea of what was before him. His parents had not the slightest intention of devoting him to the profession of arms. When, on pleasant Saturday afternoons, released from the confinement of the school-room, he gathered his fellow-scholars around him, and, with music and banners, marched and countermarched with them through the streets of the then comparatively small village of Norristown, little did his family or those who looked on the mimic parade imagine that the modest, cheerful, amiable youth before them would rise to the dignity of a Major 3* (29;

30 JVIXFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON.

General in one of the greatest armies of the world. When the miniature battles followed, the snow-ball engagements, the hay-bank barricades, the wooden swords clashing, the corn-stalk guns charging, the scantling embankments were carried by stove-pipe artillery, it was hardl}^ supposed by the curious spectators that the}^ were but the preludes to grand and gallant realities, in which that youthful commander should bear so conspicuous and enduring a part.

In the juvenile band he met for other purposes, he was as affectionate and social as he was energetic and commanding in military matters. It was here that his genius shone in a beautiful sphere. He was very fond of scientific experiments. There are portions of his father's house that contain good illustrations of his taste in this particular,^ — the original home-made electric battery, the collections of geological and mineral specimens, the drawings, sketchings and paintings.

In the prosecutioti of his scientific studies, he was happy in opportunities to administer or to witness the administration and effects of nitrous oxide, or exhilarating gas. He was in the habit of gathering, with his twin brother, an amateur class of students, to whom these and other experiments always afforded pleasure. Win field was invariably selected to be the grand lecturer on tbese august occasions.

"And still they gazed, and still the wonder grew, How one small head could carry all he knew."

With him, however, it was a serious matter. He entered the arena of science with a keen relish for it, and a firm purpose to excel in it. He was amused, with the rest ; but it was the amusement that rejoices in scientific combinations secured, and a prognosis chemically fulfilled.

On one of these occasions, a playmate whose given name was Washington, well knoAvn to be a good singer, was desired to take the gas at the hands of Professor Winfield. The attempt to induce him to sing, while under the influence of the exhilaration, had been repeatedly tried by others, but always failed. At length the juvenile Professor determined to try his own skill in the case.

Proceeding to administer the gas slowly, at regular intervals, he placed his mouth near the ear of the pupil, and breathed, in a clear, distinct whisper :

" Sing, Wash ! — sing ! — sing ! — sing !"

In an instant the effect was produced. The lad sprang forward, and throwing himself into the attitude of a singing master, ivith arm erect, as if beating time and tuning-fork in hand, he began, in the old tune of St. Martin's :

On Jo-ordan's sto-ormyba-anks I stand,

And ca-a-st a wi-i-shful eye To Ca-na-an's fai-i-r and ha-a-ppy land,

Where my-y posse-e-ss-ions lie."

" Well done !" exclaimed the delighted young Professor, as he saAv his scientific victory ; while all the company joined in the applause.

It now came the turn of Professor Winfield himself. "What trait would the gas make him display ? We shall see.

A powerful charge of the subtle element was administered to him. On the removal of the stop-cock, he stepped gravely forward, like a clergyman in a pulpit, about to lead in some part of divine service. There was a general disappointment, for a moment. Pausing, slowly, he remained motionless, his eyes fixed steadily on the floor, his right hand placed firmly beneath his chin, his left foot slightly advanced. In Ais position he remained an instant, as if he were a statue, when, springing up, like an eagle, he swept across the area, stretched out his arms to their full extent, clenched his fists, and prepared for active battle. The nearest portion of the audience incontinently fell back, or the tlirentened bloAvs might have caused ' somebody to be hurt.'

Instantly, as the living effect passed off", he resumed his wonted habit of mingled dignity, courtesy, and energy.

These characteristics of the practical student were well developed in Winfield. At the village academy he acquired and maintained the position of an honest, truthful, obedient, courageous boy. It Avas his character, also, in the community. While popular with his fellow youth and fond of their society, there was something about this boy that led men of thought and reflection to take an interest in conversing^ with him. Many a time was he received with pleasure in the cluster of the citizens who were wont to gather in the store opposite his father's residence, and by whom the affairs of the day were discussed. It is worthy of remembrance that he loved to be among and listen to them. He was never known to intrude an opinion or to hazard a remark of his own ; but as he stood there, with his modest, unassuming manner, the expressions of his face, as conversations progressed, clearly indicated on which side his convictions were, and that, if called upon, he was ready to enforce them by every means in his power. It was here, among these debating and enquiring free citi-

34 WIN FIE LB, THE LAWYER'S SON.

zens, til at Winfield learned some of his best conceptions of the safeguards of our country. Here he saw, in the record of passing events thus laid before his opening mind, the practical application of those vital forces of which he had learned at school, and the relative value of which he now beheld wrought out into shape b}^ those before him, in the movements of society. He learned the worth of freedom to all mankind by what he saw of its enjoyment among those immediately around him. Free himself, he longed in his young heart to give freedom, guided by law, to all the human race.

He was now fifteen years of age. His progress in his studies had been all that could be expected. As he advanced, new opportunities were presented for the development of his powers. The celebration of the anniversary of our national independence called him out in a new field. He was selected to read the Declaration in public on that day. It Avas an occa-- sion of deep interest in the town. The largest church was crowded with people, and the schools were well represented. One of the pastors, Avho had always expressed pleasure in the marked genius of Winfield, when it was known that he was to be the reader of the Declaration, took him aside to his shady garden, and there taught him on what to lay the emphasis, where to pause, when to raise and how to lower his voice. It would be a graphic picture to witness that reverend divine now calling the Major General before him again, to hear how he would to-day delineate the immortal document he read in the grove, more than a quarter of a century ago, and which he has since so often and so bravely periled his life^ on the field of battle, to maintain.