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WILLIAM r. BARTLETT,
Hillf. - Gi ii. mi. I Hvt. Mni. ■ Gfii. U.8. Vols.
THE
Fifty-Seventh Regiment
MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS
WAR OF THE REBELLION.
ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
BY {/
Captain JOHN ANDERSON,
U.S. Army.
Boston, Mass. :
E. B. Stillings & Co., Printers, 55 Sudbury Street.
1896.
TO THOSE
BRAVE OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN
OK THE
FIFTY-SEVENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS
WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN DEFENCE OF OUR
COUNTRY THROUGH THE BLOODY
STRUGGLE OF '61 TO '65
THIS WORK IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED
BY THE AUTHOR
PREFACE.
To many, no doubt, it appears easy to write a regimental history, but experience proves it to be a task most difficult to accomplish.
For nearly two years we have worked earnestly and faithfully to complete this task for the Fifty-Seventh Massachu- setts in the great War of the Rebellion.
We have met with many affectionate encouragements, but we have also met with very many positive discouragements, chiefly in the matter of obtaining information in relation to those men who had been left by official records as ' ' missing in action." The story we would tell of them will remain untold until the veil which hides our mortal vision is removed and the great scroll kept by the recording angel unrolled to those who are mustered into that grand army beyond the river.
There is a sad pathos covering the word "unknown," yet it speaks in tones of silent eloquence which will ever echo a tender inquiry that can never be answered save in imagination ; yet such names come to sanctify our memory, as their lives were given to our country, though their deeds go unrecorded. We wish to express our appreciation of the warm sympathy that has been given us by the widow of our beloved commander.
Her modesl words have been an inspiration as we have labored on this work from day t<> day.
It lias not been our purpose to trace each individual history, — that would have been impossible; but we have been careful to write only what is warranted by facts and official records, and we hope our comrades will find pleasure in the reading, though no doubt they will be reminded of many things not mentioned that should have been noticed, and many that might have been better written; but the story of the Fifty- Seventh is told t<> the best of our ability, and we give it to the leader, indulging the hope that it may, in some measure, lead to a higher reverence for our American institutions, and a greater love for our Hag and common, reunited country. If these objects are attained we shall feel that we have not written in vain, but have been amply repaid for our labor; and trust these pages will carry some lingering influence, however small, which will reach down to coming ages and live after the vet- erans of tile Civil War have all passed away and been laid to
real
■ My all their Country's wishes bless'd ! "
I'm A.UTH0R.
! 111 Bivoi \< . Bklchebtown, Mass., .tun.- :uli. 1896
NTRODUCTORY.
At a reunion of the old Fifty-Seventh Massachusetts Infan- try, which was held in the city of Worcester, Mass., June 19th, 1894, the subject of a regimental history was favorably considered by all present and the matter placed in the hands of a committee as follows : —
Capt. John Anderson, U.S. Army. Lieut. George E. Priest of Watertown, Mass. Brevet-Capt. Charles II. Pinkham of Worcester, Mass. Chaplain A. II. Dashiell, D.D., of Lakewood, N.J. Comrade J. Brainerd Hall of Worcester, Mass.
The committee gave the preparation of the history into the hands of Capt. John Anderson, who accepted the task as a matter of love and duty, that the record of this regiment may be known to the generations that follow us.
In attempting to write a correct history of the Fifty-Seventh Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers in the great War of the Rebellion, we fully realize the importance of the work before us and of the difficulty presented at each step in obtaining accurate data of all the thrilling events in which the old Fifty-Seventh was engaged. Special care will be observed that nothing is written which is not absolutely true, although different persons may see the same, but from different standpoints their narrations may differ and yet all be correct. In whatever effort we may put forth we are con- stantly reminded of our inability to do the subject justice ; and re- gret that some one who is better able to wield " the pen of a ready writer " has not undertaken it ; but, the burden having been placed upon us by our comrades, we shall endeavor to employ the little
INTRODUCTORY,
talent we have towards a faithful and loyal performance of this duty.
After a lapse of thirty years it is extremely difficult to call t<> mind much that should be written and placed upon the pages of history of thai gallant old regiment in whose record every member has reason for feeling :i just pride. Many noble and brave deeds will never come to light ; they fill numberless '• unknown " graves, the unwritten history being much more than will be found written upon these pages. The true history lias been indelibly stamped upon bloody fields of battle, which are inscribed in our country's history, never to be erased. While a Large majority of the actors in these tragic Bcenes have marched on to that silent, unseen land, t'roiii whence their voices cannot he heard, the remaining minority tenderly cling to the sacred memories of the long past and feel that something should lie recorded that can be handed down to the advancing line- of posterity as a valuable Lesson in patriotism ever to lie remembered.
This history appears among the Last of regimental histories in mil State, and it is hoped may find an honored place among those already written, its gallant record entitling it to such a place far above any ability we posse-- to place it there by the eloquence of
OUr pen.
In the preparation of this work we have to acknowledge our greal indebtedness to Kev. A. LI. Dashiell, D.D., formerly Chap- lain of the regiment, and Comrade .1. Brainerd Hall of Worcester, Ma--. , formerly a member of Company B, both of whom have taken a great interest in il and have presented us with considerable manuscript prepared by themselves with great care, and which has been of great Bervice i" us. Al-o many letters written at thetime the e\ .hi- were t ranspii ing.
< >ther comrades have contributed from the -tore of their mem- ories, such in d< its ae came under their personal observation ; but
INTRODUCTORY. IX
apparently from a feeling of delicacy to speak of their own deeds, many have refrained from speaking of themselves, thereby depriv- ing us of much matter that would, no doubt, be of interest to the reader. The lack of it is not the fault of the historian, who has labored hard to make this the history of the whole regiment and not of a part. It is our earnest endeavor to give place and do justice to every one, without regard to rank, who served with honor in the regiment.
We beg the indulgence of our pride in connection with an organization whose gallantly stands upon the pages of the nation's history as sustaining one of the heaviest losses in killed and wounded of any regiment in the service of the country during the, War of the Rebellion, although its length of active service was but little over one year. We also feel proud in the record of our gal- lant Colonel (afterwards General) William F. Bartlett, who never failed to lead his command and whose many wounds were evidence of his heroism. The confidence inspired by his example was al- ways felt along the whole line, as his clarion voice rang out, above the din of battle, kl Forward Fifty-Seventh." Even if he could not have been heard, we knew his command was always "For- ward," often preceded by " Fix Bayonets " or " Double Quick." The prompt execution of his commands he fully relied upon, and never in vain.
War in defence of one's country calls out all that is grand and noble in a man's character or exposes those mean traits of selfishness and cowardice which often lie hidden from public view. Men become heroes without realizing it and find, upon trial, those qualities which they never before dreamed of possessing.
It often requires some such emergency to thoroughly arouse those dormant faculties and guide them with judgment and discre- tion. In the course of our war, of which we are writing, there were thousands of such men and boys ; they were found in nearly
X INTRODUCTORT.
every organization. We love and reverence the institutions of our country. In its history we are proud. By the names of patriots who have died tor it we arc honored, and in its Sag we behold the >tairy emblem of our nationality under which we claim protection for ourselves, our homes and our families. When this is assailed, it calls out, not the brutal nature, but tin' highest and noblest <|iialities of the citizen in defence of what he believes to be right ami just, and he is willing to undergo suffering and privation, to face danger ami even to risk his life in such a cause, witharealiz- ing sense that, with the destruction of an organic form of govern- ment, based upon just laws and institutions for the protection, welfare and happiness of the people, the intellectual, moral and religious conditions of society suffer in like proportion. To the law-abiding citizen, therefore, the country is the very foundation upon which he builds all he hopes for in this life, both for himself and children. In defending it, he is defending his own individual interests ami leaving an inheritance of far more value than wealth.
The pages of this work are submitted to our comrades whose friendship we have found true in the past and feel safe to rely upon in the future. To those, if any there may lie. who feel inclined to criticize, we have only to ask — •• Why did you not undertake it yourself?" The field has been open for many years. That the work mighl be done better there is no doubt, but that it is done :it all should be :i matter to !»• treated with charitable indulgence.
Whatever faults are found to exist we have tried to push them
over, so thai tiny may lean towards l« virtue's side."
No malice has entered into the composition, but a feeling in- spired b\ "fraternity, loyalty and charity." That it may be re- ed in the same spiril is the earnesl wish and prayer of the
author.
J. A.
till BlVOl \< . I '.i i I in i; n.u \. MA88.,
\|;n l-i . '
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I. Organization — Camp Life at Worcester — Roster of Officers.
CHAPTER II. Off for the War — Incidents ex route and on the March.
CHAPTER III. Battle of the Wilderness — Crossing the Rapidan and Move- ments OF THE ABMY OF THE POTOMAC.
CHAPTER IV. The Wilderness (Continued) — Letters and Incidents — List of Casualties — Movements of the Army of Northern Virginia.
CHAPTER V. spottsylvaxia court house — position of the opposing armies by Corps.
CHAPTER VI. Movement to the North Anna River — Crossing and Battle.
CHAPTER VII. March to Cold Harbor to interpose between Lee and Richmond — Battle of Cold Harbor — Crossing of James River.
CHAPTER VIII. March upon Petersburg — Description of Confederate Fortifica- tions— Battle ok 17th of June, 1864 — List of Casualties.
CHAPTER IX. Petersburg Mine (Crater) —Orders for the Assault — Report of Court of Inquiry— Papers from Col. T. W. Clarke and Gen. J. W. Barnes — Comments on the Battle.
XII CONTENTS.
CHAPTER X. Weldon Railroad — Strength of the opposing Armies — Another
MOVEMENT l'> TURN GENERA] Lee'S RIGHT FLANK— LlST OF CaS- i ULTIES.
CHAPTER XI. Poplar Grove Church — Life in the Trenches — Condition of the i wo Armies.
CHATTER XII. Hatcher's Run — Position SlND Strength of ihk two Aminos.
CHAPTER XIII. Battle oi Fort Stedman — Location of Forts — Reports and Cor-
RESPONDENCE — LlST OF CASUALTIES.
CHAPTER XIV. Bearing mh End Capture of Petersburg — Surrendeb <>k the \nn •>! Northern VmGiNiA — Incidents and Narratives — Transfeb oi iiii Ninth Army Corps to Tennallytown.
CHAPTER XV. Coming Home Grand Review of the Army ok the Potomac — Dissoli pion "i hie Ninth Army Corps- Losses during the War.
CHAPTER XVI. Home Muster oui oi the "> 7 1 1 1 — Statistical Record of Prisoners \m> Prison Losses of Federals ind Confederates during the War
CHAPTER XVII. Regimen iai Rei nions.
<ii \iti.i; will.
i\ Memoriam Officers lnd Enlisted Men who have died since nn W \i:.
ill U'TKK XIX.
Stragglkrg i.i i ii i ..i Surg. \v. y. Whiti Incidents Corre-
91'ON DKNC1 in RELATION ro nil ROSTER.
ROSTER.
LIST OF PORTRAITS.
Gen. William F. Bartlett
Alfred H. Dashiell
George E. Priest
Henry C. Ward
John Anderson
Samuel Souther
Dr. William T. Souther
J. EL Casey
C. F. Paddock
Alfred 0. Hitchcock
Julius M. Tucker .
George Edward Barton Leopold Karpeles
1
Charles L. Chandler
Albert Doty ]
John W. Sanderson [. Edwin I. Coe John H. Cook
John L. Goodwin
Albert Prescott
Edson T. Dresser "] George H. Howe Levi Lawrence Joseph W. Gird
G. W. Tourtellot
N. B. McLaughlen .
William Shaftoe
Charles H. Pinkham
Frontispiece, opposite page 8
16 38
+8
54
80 94
102 105
132
156 162 166
190
224
256 272 288
\i\
'LIST (U PORTRAITS.
\. w. Cooke Gkorgi E White Charles II. Barnes Wii.i.ahd F. Barnes Rodneys D. Loomis James Sullivan W. II Whipple Joseph \v. Hill
opposite page 298
" 304
" 320
" 328
•• 336
•■ 342
" 352
• 368
Mosl ui the plates for portraits were made by The Suffolk Engrav- ing Companj of Boston. Some wen- furnished by individuals, which explains whj all do no1 appear the same. Those taken from old and faded photographs could no1 be made to show as well as those taken at a Late date. Much time and labor has been expended to produce the best result- attainable, and it Is hoped the work will prove satisfactory.
FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS.
THE
Fifty-Seventh Regiment
OF
MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS
IN THE
WAR OF THE REBELLION.
CHAPTER I.
ORGANIZATION.
HE Fifty-Seventh Regiment was raised and organized by Col. William F. Bartlett (afterwards Brigadier- General U.S. Volunteers), in the fall of 1863 and winter of 1864, under the call of President Lincoln for three hundred thousand volunteers. For over two long years the war had raged with ever increasing fury. It had been traced in sorrow over the length and breadth of our land ; hardly a family but mourned the loss of some relative or friend who had fallen in battle or was dying of slow starvation in a Southern prison. Every town and city had passed under the rod of aftiictiou and had drunk from the bitter dregs of cruel, relentless war; and still the dark, gathering clouds predicted that the storm was not yet over, but was again to burst out in a grander and even more destructive form. It seemed that the strength of the nation was well-nigh exhausted ; even some of the ablest and most patriotic men began to doubt and shrink in horror from the further effusion of blood, but still the mighty waves of loyalty continued rolling on to the front, only to be
2. FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
dashed against the impetuous tide of Southern valor, often being broken and beaten back, yet gaining stronger impetus from the patriotic North for a renewal of the conflict.
During the year 1863 our arms had gained more victories than suffered defeats, yet the times were dark and gloomy. Our currency had depreciated in value to an alarming extent, and the cost of food and raiment had advanced to fabulous prices ; while all felt that the struggle was not yet over, but that one grand and mighty blow remained to be struck before we could look for the dawn of a permanent and honorable peace.
The Confederate armies were still numerous ; strong, efficient and skilfully commanded. We must give them credit for a self- sacrificing devotion to their cause and a bravery, even to despera- tion, thai was the admiration of the whole world. They battled, as mosl of them believed, in defense of their country, their property and their homes, yet history records that they fought and died for the institution of slavery.
In our own midst we had the "Peace Party," "Peace at any Price," •• Butternuts " and " Knights of the Golden Circle" in the Centra] Western States, the turbulent Indians of the west and northwest, with the Province of Canada along our whole northern border which furnished an asylum for all the malcontents and enemies of our government, affording them means and protecting ih, •in in making raids for the purpose of robbery upon our de- fenseless northern cities. Added to all this we had one of the most powerful nations of the world. Great Britain, not only Sym- pathizing with the Confederacy, bul actually building ships of w:ir for the destruction of our commerce and rendering all the moral and physical support to the Confederacy, as far as could
be done without an actual war with the tinted States; while the
powerful country of France was endeavoring to obtain a per- manent foothold in Mexico, upon our southern border, with a view, under the ambition of Napoleon III., of establishing a vast empire upon this continent, which should overshadow our Repub- lic and finally overthrow our government.
All these elements entered into the political and military
conditions of our affairs in L868 and 1864.
ORGANIZATION. d
In view of all this can any one discern the great advantage it is claimed that the North possessed over the South? One was the attacking party while the other stood upon the defensive, offensive ; operating in their own country where they had the full sympathy of the people in aiding them to their utmost ability by furnishing supplies and the needed information of the movements of the Fed- eral armies, an important factor in war, which the North did not possess. That we had a preponderance of numbers is a fact which no one will presume to deny, but the many advantages possessed by the other side were sufficient to offset all this. This is a matter often overlooked by writers who treat upon the history of the war. It has been so often said : "■ overpowered by sheer force of num- bers."
Any one familiar with military science knows that military strength is not estimated by numbers but in the character of the men and the way they are handled. An unskilful com- mander would doubtless suffer defeat with any army, while the most skilful general that ever lived could not expect to win vic- tories with an army of cowards, however great it might be. The greater the number the more sure of disaster when opposed by brave men.
The coming year was to witness a life and death struggle. The immortal Lincoln, never wavering, again called upon the loyal citizens for three hundred thousand volunteers, and trusted, not in vain, that American patriotism was not yet dead, but would respond to the call.
Those who cast their fortunes with the Fifty- Seventh at that time realized the dangers they were to encounter, but placed their sense of duty and love of country above all personal considera- tions. In response to the President's call they left home and friends, joined the grand army and marched forward to that famil- iar old refrain which every old soldier so well remembers : " We're coming, Father Abraham, three hundred thousand strong. "
The Fifty-Seventh was one of the four veteran regiments pro- jected by Governor Andrew and so called because they were largely composed of those who had seen previous service. Very nearlv all the officers had seen active service in some other organi-
1 FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
zation and had made good records, the evidence of which was one of the requirements of His Excellency the Governor, before becoming the happy possessor of a commission.
The regiment was largely recruited in Worcester, Hampden and Berkshire counties, the former furnishing by far the most men. In the fall of 1863 and early in 1864 William Francis Bart- lett. formerly Colonel of the Forty-Ninth Massachusetts, was given command of the regiment. Temporary barracks were constructed aboul <>ne half mile south of the Boston & Albany Railroad and near the Norwich Railroad, about one and a half miles from the city of Worcester.
The camp was beautifully located on high, rolling ground where there was ample space for drills and parades, and desig- nated as '« Camp John E. Wool."
The first company to complete its complement and go into camp was Company A, commanded by Capt. John W. Sanderson, the other officers being 1st Lieut. Samuel M. Bowman and I'd Lieut. Edwin 1. Coe. It was mustered into the service of the United States Jan. 4th, 1864. Several other companies soon tilled up their ranks and were mustered in the following order — B, II. E, 1». L. L ('• and K. the last named being iims- tered April • '>. with only on.- officer.
The recruiting continued until April 17th. when the regimenl gradually attained its full strength. The Roster of Commissioned
Officers al that time stood as follows: — FIELD AND STAFF.
Col. William F. Bartletl of Boston.
I. inn. -Col. Edward P. Hollister of Pittsfleld.
Maj. James W. <'u^hiiiL.v of Roxbury.
Surgeon Whitman v. White of Stockbridge.
isst. Surgeon Charles I'.. Heath of Monterey.
( haplain Alfred II. Dashiell, Jr , of Stockbridge.
1st Lieut. George E. Priesl [Quartermaster of Watertown.
i>i Lieut. George E. Barton Acting Adjutant of Worcester.
Company a.
Capt. John W. Sanderson of Westborough. i>i Lieut. Samuel m. Bowman <>r Clinton. 2d Lieut. Edwin I. <'<><■ of Worcester.
ORGANIZATION . •'
Company B Capt. Joseph W. Gird of Worcester. 1st Lieut. E. Dexter Cheney of Worcester. 2d Lieut. George S. Greene of Springfield.
Company C. Capt Charles D Hollis of Lynn. 1st Lieut. George E. Barton of Worcester. 2d Lieut Charles H. Royce of Pittsfield.
Company D. Capt. Edson T. Dresser of Stockbridge. 1st Lieut. Edward S. Dewey of Greenfield 2d Lieut. James Peacock of Worcester.
Company E. Capt George H. Howe of Monson. 1st Lieut. John H. Cook of Northampton. 2d Lieut. John Anderson of Holland.
Company F. Capt. Levi Lawrence of Fitchburg. 1st Lieut. Charles Barker of Fitchburg. 2d Lieut. Alfred 0 Hitchcock of Fitchburg.
Company G. Capt. James Doherty of Boston. 1st Lieut. Henry C. Ward of Worcester. •2d Lieut. Henry B Fiske of Springfield.
Company H. (apt. Julius M. Tucker of Worcester. 1st Lieut. John L. Goodwin of Worcester. 2d Lieut. James W Kennay of Boston.
Company I. Capt. Albert Prescott of Charlestown. 1st Lieut. Albert W. Cook of Milford. 2d Lieut. John Reade of Milford
Company K. ,
No Captain designated
1st Lieut. Edwin Kimball, who declined commission and never
served with the regiment. 2d Lieut James M. Childs of Worcester.
WFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS. NON-( < >M. MISSIONED STAFF.
Sergt.-Maj. Albert M. Mordockof West Boylston. Commissary Sergt. David F. Lawry of Worcester. Q.-.M Sergl James A. Robbing of Watertown. Hospital Steward Henry (J. Prout of Great Barrington.
Company K was the last company to be mustered into the United States service and was to be armed with the Spencer repeating rifle and employed as sharpshooters. It had no captain in command prior to leaving the State, hut was temporarily under command of 1st Lieut. John H. Cook of Co. E. with 2d 1 ieut •I. M. Childs.
Tla- rifles could not be obtained at that time, hence Lieu- tenant Cook was left behind to obtain them, but was unable to secure them in time to reach the regiment until June 17th. In the meantime the company was armed with the old Springfield rifle.
These were busy and exciting times never to be forgotten. The various officers detailed to recruit the companies reported for duty with their squads of recruits. The companies tilled their complement and were ready to he mustered in. and the work of converting the raw material into well drilled and disciplined soldiers began.
The city of Worcester then, as in the days of i 776. as it' always has been and is DOw, was intensely loyal, and senl some of ber bes1 and OODlesI sous into the ranks as recruits and always
""'k :I deeP toteresl in the welfare of ihe regiment. The ladies frequently visited the cam,, bringing dainty edibles to help nil 0u1 the army rations, the private soldier receiving such attentions more particularly than the officer. Wherever the army blue was seen, either on the streets or in private houses, it was respected. A. a matter of course, it followed that weal] became very much attached to the city. The attachment became so strong that many, yes,
very ",:|".V of the " boys" wenl ttle escapades after nightfall]
crossing the guard line withoul permission, and report, which was
,:,ll.v believed, ha, I it. that they »,,„ ,, 8ome friend8j ,„.
Perhaps, Bweethearts. It was even rumored thai some of the >"""-" offlcera indulged in such prank., hut. as uone of the,
ORGANIZATION.
were caught, there seemed to be a lack of evidence sufficient to make history. However that may be, we have all grown older and gray since those times and, as a matter of duty which youth owes to age, have repented of these follies, although we feel that there were some extenuating circumstances when we remember the veteran " Blue Beard," who was usually left in command when the day's exercises were over. To ask permission of him to visit the city was like " bearding the lion in his den." Leaving his presence with the invariable refusal, one's disappointment found some comfort in the thought that he would make quick work with the rebel hosts if he should ever be turned loose in their midst while in such a savage disposition. It was also an assurance that he would do all the fighting for the whole regiment. This gave a feeling of security which was carried along to the front. If any reached the city after that they were well cared for and returned to camp in safety before morning, and, in spite of all, made brave soldiers when the shock of battle came.
With all the pleasant memories we cherish of Worcester it is not strange that we still turn towards it as the most fitting place for the regimental reunions.
The barracks were temporary buildings erected of rough pine, with no limit as to ventilation ; no beds. The men slept by twos and threes, or in any other way most convenient for them, upon hard board platforms, which grew harder and harder through the cold winter nights. When aching bones ou one side called for a change of position all had to turn together. This, to many, was the first taste of soldier life, but it was one of incomparable luxury to that which was in store.
Men were detailed for cooks, often without any previous knowledge of this art, and no one seemed to know how to econo- mize the government ration, but, at that time, the necessity for it was not as apparent as it became later.
The quartermaster's department was established, under the direction of Lieut. George E. Priest, with the arrival of the first detachment of recruits, and commenced the issue of clothing and rations. Any one who ever filled the position of quartermaster knows that it is one not only requiring ability but more patience
8 i li 1Y--I \ I.N 111 REGIMENT MASS VOLUNTEERS.
than was ever credited to Job of olden times, yet the quarter- master of the Fifty-Seventh had sufficient to sustain him through all his trials and was always found pleasant, affable, and tireless in his efforts to make every one comfortable with the limited means at his disposal. Be it said of him that he persevered even unto the end and then found his reward, not in worldly goods, bu1 in the sincere love of all his comrades.
The duty roster was not very arduous. Reveille soon after daylight, when every man had to form in line and answer as his name was called, then hunks and bedding had to be put in order. This was followed by the breakfast call. Soon after that came sick call and then cleaning up the quarters and grounds and cutting wood for the day. Next was guard mounting; a certain number of men being detailed from each company in proportion to the number reported for duty, when the several details would be formed on the parade ground by the sergeant-major and reported to the adjutant who verified the number of men and assigned the different non-commissioned officers to their places with the guard. A lieutenant was detailed for officer of the guard, whose duty was to inspect it carefully and then march it to the guardhouse where it was divided into three reliefs, with one non-commissioned officer, usually a corporal, to each. The old guard was then relieved and marched off to their quarters. The guard remained on duty twenty-four hours, each relief standing post two hours. which gave them two hours on duty and four off, night-time in- cluded. The officer of the guard was held responsible for the proper instruction of his sentinel^ and had to visit them while on posl to Bee thai they were properly performing their duty. This officer ha<l to remain with his guard during the twenty-four hours ; another officer, usually a captain, was detailed as officer of the
day. Il was his duty to inspect the guard as often as he mighl
deem necessary during the day and nighl and to have charge of the general good order and cleanliness of the camp.
Alter guard inting there WOUld be drill, if the weather
permitted, of two hour-. At precisely twelve noon came dinner call. Mosl of t he afternoon was devoted to some kind of practical or theoretical instruction, as the condition of the weather would
ALFRED H. DASHIELL,
Chaplain 57th Mass.
ORGANIZATION.
permit. This was followed in pleasant weather by a dress parade under the supervision of the regimental commander, which termi- nated all the duties of the day, except guard duty. Supper followed directly after parade, and at nine o'clock tattoo, when the roll was again called and the men supposed to go to bed. " Taps " came one half hour later when all lights had to be extinguished and the men were supposed to wrap themselves in their blankets and quietly fall asleep. The latter supposition is not beyond question, but the burden of this offense was in being caught.
Thus the months while awaiting marching orders passed rapidly and profitably to both officers and men. There was very little friction ; every one took hold with zeal to learn the duties of a soldier.
The officers became acquainted with each other and with their own men and the men not only learned the manual of arms, but imbibed the spirit of loyalty to duty and obedience to orders, which they carried with them into the field.
Under the guidance of Colonel Bartlett all were drawn into closer relations of fellowship which led to that esprit de corps, which existed (luring the war and has a firmer hold upon our hearts now. A lack of this feeling will take the very life out of any organization.
There were many manifestations of attachment by the men to their officers and numerous presentations of side arms made. The camp was frequently enlivened through the winter by these cere- monials in which the officers were honored and mutual feelings of confidence established.
On the 28th of March Colonel Bartlett was presented with a sword by his fellow citizens of Winthrop in the presence of Governor Andrew and staff, in the town hall of Winthrop, where Mr. Emerson made the presentation speech, in which the previous career of Colonel Bartlett was very justly eulogized, and the Governor characterized him as one of "the most conspicuous soldiers of New England."
The first public appearance of the Fifty-Seventh as an organi- zation was on Monday, Feb. 1st, 1864, when five companies, under command of Lieut.-Col. E. P. Hollister, marched to the
10 llFTY-SKYKXTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS
city of Worcester where it formed part of the escort at the public reception of the re-enlisted members of the 21st Massachusetts who had returned from the seat of war on veteran furlough.
February 20th seven companies of the Fifty-Seventh, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Ilollister, joined the citizens of Worcester as an escort at the public reception tendered the re- enlisted men of the 25th Massachusetts, who had also returned on veteran furlough.
February 16th showed seven hundred men in camp and the morning report of March 2d eight hundred and twenty-eight present.
On the 17th of March, 1864, Colonel Bartlett formed the line of the Fifty-Seventh Massachusetts for the first time. Thursday, April 7th. 1864, was a memorable day in the histoiy of the regi- ment. Under command of Colonel Bartlett it marched in full uniform to the common in the city of Worcester for dress parade, after which a committee of ladies of the city presented a flag. It was :i beautiful specimen of the National colors and was received by Colonel Bartlett in behalf of the regiment from the hands of Mis- Frances M. Lincoln, daughter of Hon. 1). Waldo Lincoln, who was then Mayor of Worcester. The ceremony was a very impres- sive e. The day was lovely, the air soft and balmy, the snow
had mostly disappeared and the common presented a fresh, green appearance, as warmed by the bright April sun. The buddiug tree- and opening plants seemed to speak of a new birth ami a new life through the evolutionary process of nature, and amid Buch scenes ;i regimenl of young soldiers was being decorated for the purpose of war. a large concourse of citizens had assembled
to witnes> the parade. The flag presentation was an impromptu affair ami wholly unexpected. It had been reserved for some
future occasion, bul the day being so bright, it was decided, a- the regimenl was seen marching in. to present the flag then and
there. No speeches had been prepared on either side; the affair ng wholly informal was all the more appreciated. Miss Lincoln was tall, with rather a Blender figure. Stepping grace- fully forward from :i group of Ladies and gentlemen, among whom was her father, -he passed the flag into the hands of Colonel
ORGANIZATION. 11
Bartlett with a few words that could not be heard in the line. As she did so, the flag gently unfolded and gracefully floated out upon the evening breeze and was received by the regiment with hearty cheers.
Miss Lincoln says of the affair that she cannot remember just what she said at the time, but that she presented the flag in the name of the ladies of Worcester, and that she was no more embarrassed than Colonel Bartlett. She is pleased to add: "I was very proud of being allowed to do so much for the old Fifty- Seventh ; the honor to me was very great." We often find an inspiring eloquence in deeds more enduring than in words. It was so here. There seemed to be something in the occasion that stirred the hearts of all who stood in that long line of army blue, and a new charm was added to that dear old flag. Even the smiles of nature seemed in harmony to add a higher sense of duty towards it and a greater love for it. The oath of enlistment encircles one with a solemn obligation to serve his country " honestly and faithfully." This ceremony seemed to consecrate that obligation and raise it into a purer atmosphere of devotion to the flag, to follow it manfully and bravely, to uphold it in the fierce conflict of battle and even to die for it. It appeared not only as the emblem of our common country, but as another link binding us to friends who took such a deep interest in the welfare of those who were going forth to do battle for the preservation and honor of the nation, and another tie binding our hearts to the fair ladies and loyal city of Worcester. If Miss Lincoln felt it an honor to present the flag, the regiment appreciated the honor it received at her hands and defended it upon many bloody fields.
On Thursday, April 14th, the regiment was honored by a visit from His Excellency, Gov. John A. Andrew, accompanied by his Staff. The line was formed at eleven o'clock a.m., and after going through various evolutions and passing in review, it formed in a hollow square, when the State and National flags were pre- sented by His Excellency who made an eloquent and patriotic address, which is given here in full, as well worthy the space accorded it : —
12 FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS
"Colonel Bartlett, Massachusetts commits today to the hands of the Fifty-Seventh Regiment of Infantry Volunteers, the flag of the United States and the State colors of the Common- wealth, to be borne hereafter by your command, on those fields where you shall conduct them, to carry on the struggle for the maintenance of government and the perpetuation of the rightsand liberties of the people. From the rich and rural heart of Massa- chusetts, whence have marched already many of her sons during the present war, she is now to send a new battalion, numbering in its ranks many of her most precious and hopeful sons, as she has already surrendered others to her country.
■• We commit these sacred emblems to your hands with a confidence never surpassed, for you and many of your command are veteran soldiers. Many of your regiment have already faced the foe, as you, on many fields, have done. We address you confidently — soldiers of tried valor and large experience are before us.
" It is an interesting period which calls you. Mr. Commander, tor the third time to draw your sword. Three years, more than one-third the time occupied by our fathers in the old Revolutionary War. have passed in our battle with the unhallowed and unjust revolt. The consequences to mankind, the mark which is made in history by the struggle of right with unparalleled wrong, will itself never find a parallel in achievements of the past. It was for independence our fathers fought ; we for liberty and civiliza- tion.
14 You will join an army of three years' experience, composed of tried and veteran troop-, who on many fields have proved their
tenacity mid Strength Of intellect :ind body.
••When we consider the va-t resources of the nation, the numbers of soldiers of whom tin' army is composed, and the capacity of the officers by whom they are led. we feel that they
can challenge Comparison with any in the world. And von. Mi.
Commander, have the satisfaction of knowing that they are to be
Combined and led by an officer whose successes have run current wilh the fortunes Of the war. and iii \ lew of whose illustrious ser-
vices already given, we may cherish the fond and pious hope and aspirations that God will, ere long, granl us the victory.
ORGANIZATION'.
13
" I commit these banners to yon as a citizen of Massachusetts and as a personal friend, an officer firm and loyal, a citizen faith- ful and patriotic, a friend in whom there is no guile, with a satis- faction no words can express, and whatever fate may be before you, I know that neither on the white stripes of the one flag nor the white field of the other will there ever fall the slightest dishonor."
After receiving the colors Colonel Bartlett responded as follows : —
" Your Excellency, I hope, sir, we shall do the flag more credit in action than we do ourselves in speech." Then turning to the regiment he spoke in a clear voice aud with an impassioned utterance that inspired ever}T heart, carefully and slowly measur- ing every sentence, as follows : —
" My men, this flag which is the standard of our own Massa- chusetts, and this which we have been taught to look upon as the sacred emblem of our nation, has today been formally entrusted to our keeping, to carry and defend, by the Governor of our State. Can I say to him for you that you will try to do honor to this trust ; that you will carry it and defend it whenever and wher- ever duty calls ; that you will never desert, disown or disgrace it ; that you will swear by it, pray for it, live for it, aud, if need be, die for it ; and that you will devote yourselves to its service until it shall be feared and respected throughout the recreant South as it is loved and cherished by the loyal North?
" Ever since that flag was insulted by traitors in Charleston Harbor it has had a warmer place in the heart of every loyal man. When her high-toned orators threatened the South's rebellion and secession, we endured a great deal of personal insult and abuse, calmly and silently, but when, viper-like, she turned and fired upon the flag which had shielded and protected her, she struck a blow which blood alone can atone for. She made a blot upon the page of our national history, which we are in arms today to wipe out. As it went slowly and sullenly down on those battered walls, it went up like magic on every hill-top and tower, on every steeple and staff throughout the North, and nearer and dearer to us than anything else on earth and reverenced next to our religion, is that old flag still.
14
FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS VOLUNTEERS.
"There are those at the South who, still true to their coun- try, are waiting silently and patiently till they see the gleam of its folds again, a token of the return of good government, the over- throw of despotism and rebellion ; and there are those, too, who wait hopefully, prayerfully for its coming, for they know that now and hereafter wherever that flag floats all men are free."
The address was received with hearty applause.
Sunday, April 10th, the regiment was marched into the city and attended church at the Old South where Rev. E. A. Walker preached an interesting and patriotic sermon.
All now felt that the time was drawing near when the pleas- ant relations and social attachments with the people of Worcester must be severed and the regiment take the field.
The efficient quartermaster had supplied the necessary camp equipage for held service and each soldier had the following arti- cles issued to him. which he was required to carry on his person, viz. : —
1 great COat. 1 tin cup.
1 fatigue coat. l knife and fork. 'i pairs flannel drawers. 1 spoon.
2 flannel shirts. 1 tin plate.
- pairs stockings. l rubber blanket.
1 pair shoes. l haversack.
1 blanket. 1 canteen.
1 kii:i|iv:ick.
These articles when packed upon a man's hack, together with his rifle and equipments, made considerable of a load. A smallman looked all knapsack, with his legs hanging -outside to steer by.
Sunday. April 17th, was the last day in Camp John E. Wool. Every one was getting ready and, though busy, snatching a lew momenta for hurried chal with the friends they were to leave behind.
CHAPTER II.
OFF FOR THE WAR.
JITH the budding flowers and opening spring of 1864, the long-expected orders came for the regiment to take the field. The quiet, happy scenes of peace were to be suddenly transformed into those of bloody strife. Tender words were exchanged be- tween sweethearts, relatives and friends who had made camp life so delightful during the past winter. Many were the fond, anxious looks and sad farewells that followed the line of blue on that lovely April day, as the regiment marched out of Camp Wool and embarked on a special train on the Norwich and Worcester Railroad, and many were the beating hearts in blue whose affections were left behind. Strong links that bind one to home and friends also inspire him to a higher sense of duty, for he realizes that they confide in his honor and bravery to do his duty and he feels that he has accepted a sacred obligation, which he cannot betray without sacrificing all his honor and manhood, which, to a true man, are dearer than life itself.
The train left at two p.m., April 18th, 1864, having on board nine hundred and twenty-eight men. At Norwich the regiment was loaded on a government transport and landed at Jersey City the next morning. After remaining upon the dock until about noon, it was again loaded upon cars for Philadelphia. All knew our destination was Annapolis, but from there one could only conjecture what disposition was to be made of us.
The regiment arrived at Philadelphia in the evening and was hospitably Entertained by the citizens at Cooper Refreshment
Ik FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
Rooms. Never will the Fifty-Seventh Massachusetts and other regiments forget the bountiful feast which was provided for the hungry men arriving j„ that city on their way to the seat of war. It was a noble exhibition of Philadelphia loyalty and patriotism shining down through the long years from 1776. The record of this beneficence will be held in everlasting remembrance. During the war those volunteer women and men furnished food to more than one million of soldiers, lodging to forty thousand, while twenty thousand had theii wounds dressed and cared for by at- tendants in the adjoiuing hospital. No doubt this has been mentioned in every regimental history of Massachusetts troops that marched through Philadelphia during the war. If not, it deserves a place there. Too frequent mention cannot be made of such lofty acts of patriotism which show that loyal heart- live not alone in the armies but with the people who sustau them.
The history of the Cooper Refreshment Rooms would til' volumes. They were established early in the war from a littl incidenl hardly worth mentioning. The wife of a poor mechanic who lived uear the landing that was the terminus of the Camden and Amboy Railroad in that city, went *ut one morning with her coffee pot and cup and gave hot coffee to about a dozen soldiers. Thi> was the beginning which led to the building of such a mag- nificent system of relief, which will always be remembered by every soldier thai passed through the city of "Brotherly hove"
during the War of the Rebellion.
The work was quickly taken up and carried on by other loyal women in Philadelphia who immediately formed themselves into a committee for the genera] distribution of coffee to passing Union soldiers, whether going to or returning from the seat of war- Tue men were not long in coming to the assistance of the ladies. Ai liisi refreshments were collected and served under the trees in fronl <>( a cooper's shop on Otsego Street, near Washing- '"" A.ve. The patriotic .Mr. William Cooper, the owner of the shop, Boon saw what was needed and immediately gave the use of ll|s large Bhop for this purpose. The building was at once cleared and the firsl regimenl wasted under its roof May 27th
CtA.0. *n
OFF FOR THE WAR. 17
1861. A banner was stretched across the street bearing the fol- lowing words in large letters :
cooper's shop volunteer refreshment saloon
FREE.
The demand became so great that other rooms near by had to be opened and eventually a temporary hospital was attached and the best of medical attention given where it was needed.
One may reasonably hope for pardon in digressing a little from the main subject to speak of an institution which accom- plished so much good. While recording deeds of valor upon the battlefield, we cannot forget the good, self-sacrificing work of the noble women of our land, who not only administered food and clothing, but were found at the front in the hospitals, nursing the sick and wounded, and giving hope and encouragement to the dying. The touch of their hands was like a soft, healing balm after the work of the surgeon's knife and saw. Their purity of character was always above reproach; even the harshest voice became softened and the roughest nature spellbound in their presence. They came like ministering angels, always shedding a glow of sunlight. They took the place of our mothers and sis- ters, — God bless them. Their influence for good permeated through all grades and conditions and he was none the less a brave soldier who carried the love of a pure woman buttoned beneath his coat of blue.
After the entertainment the regiment was marched across the city and took cars of all descriptions and reached Baltimore on Wednesday, April 20th ; there receiving for the first time, their taste of army fare, the historic hard tack and salt meat. The ride from Baltimore to Annapolis was very comfortable and pleas- ant. The latter-named place was reached in the afternoon and. after a march of about two miles, camp was made in a ploughed field where the men received their first experience in sleeping on the ground.
18 FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
The next morning steps were taken to put the camp in proper order. A detail was made of about twenty men for "police" purposes. Policing in the army does not mean exactly the same as in civil life. It is not for the purpose of preserving order and arresting the disorderly, but for the purpose of cleaning up the camp. The officer in charge was directed to report to the officer of the day when the work was completed. The detail worked faithfully nnd removed everything objectionable to health and cleanliness, when the report was made to the officer of the day that the work was completed. After the latter had made an inspection he disapproved the report in a very positive manner and directed the whole camp to be swept with brooms. Accord- ingly work w:is resinned and this newly-ploughed field was care- fully swept during a high wind. The sanitary improvements that were thereby made have not been discovered to this day
The Ninth Army Corps, under Maj.-Gen. Ambrose E. Burn- side, was at Annapolis, reorganizing after its previous severe cam- paign in East Tennessee. The Fifty-Seventh .Massachusetts was assigned to the First Brigade, First Division of this Corps. Two days were spenl in preparation for the march of the whole corps to the scat of war. Everyone then saw that the destination was the
Army of the Pol ac. Five days' rations were issued and camp
was broken Saturday morning, April 23d. The regimenl was firsl formed into column of companies, ranks opened, knapsacks unslung and company commanders were ordered to make a thor- ough inspection and permit the men to carry nothing Inn their arms and equipments, live days' rations in their haversacks; a change of underclothing, on,' blanket, one overcoal ami a pair of shoes iii the knapsacks, a tin cup, knife, fork ami spoon. Provi- sion had been made and considerable extra clothing had Keen packed in boxes and stored at Annapolis, in charge of the quarter- master there, t<» be forwarded when it was required, yet there was
Mill a BUrplUB.
In complying with this order many of the knapsack- were found Deatly packed with precious little keepsakes and other
treasures, esteemed of more value by their owners than any article
Of Clothing. It -eellled like highway loUiel'Y to throw thelll ollt, lillt
OFF FOR THE WAR. 19
they had to go. Most of them were picked up and slyly put back into the knapsack again. It seemed like sacrilege to leave such things scattered upon the ground.
The line of march was then taken up for Virginia by way of Washington. The day was extremely hot and the knapsacks weighed like lead, growing heavier and heavier with each weary step. As human endurance reached the limit, the conclusion was forced upon them that some portion of their load would have to be discarded. It was so hot it seemed as if it never could get cool again, besides we were marching South — of what use would a blanket ever be to them again? hence the blanket was first to be left by the roadside ; that helped a little, but some left the over- coat, also, while others discarded everything save the musket and equipments. Those who had seen previous service were excep- tions. The road was strewn for miles with knapsacks, overcoats and blankets. A number of Jewish traders from Annapolis followed the command with wagons and reaped quite a harvest for their future trade.
Fifteen miles were made the first day. Considering the ex- treme heat, and that it was the first march, this was considered excellent. The corps went into camp by brigades in some green fields along by a winding stream. Coffee was soon made and preparations completed for the night. Those who were without blankets or overcoats found the night rather uncomfortable. The camp of the Fifty-Seventh was very near the centre. Looking up and down the little stream, the camp fires could be seen burning brightly. As the night wore on the dimly, flickering lights showed the watchful sentinels silently walking past and, no doubt, reflect- ing upon the fast fading glamour of soldier life as the stern reali- ties were appearing. How changed everything seemed.
Sunday morning, April 24th, with the first dawn of day, reveille sounded through the sleeping camp and soon the dying embers were fanned into new life for hot coffee. There was no sound of the 'k church-going bells," no quiet Sabbath morn, but the martial strains of the fife and drum reminded us that we were "marching as to war." Tents were struck at five o'clock a.m., and the whole command was soon on the march proceeding towards
20 FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
Washington. The distance made this day was twenty miles, going into camp late at night in a driving rain storm.
The next morning, April 25th, the third day of the march, the line was not formed until about seven o'clock a.m. and the
march resumed.
A halt for dinner was made in the vicinity of Washington where the unfinished dome of the Capitol could be seen. After dinner the march was again taken up and proceeded through the city of Washington. The Ninth Corps passed before President Lincoln in review, and every man was enabled to get a good look
at him.
The President received the review from the balcony of
Willard's Hotel, accompanied by General Burnside and Hon.
Francis Wayland, formerly a resident of Worcester, but at that
time Lieutenant-Governor of Connecticut. The troops marched
past in column of companies at full distance and presented a fine
appearance by their regular cadenced step and well preserved
company front. Both Houses of Congress adjourned to witness
the review. Crossing the long bridge immediately after, the
regimenl stood, for the Brst time, on the blood-stained soil of
Virginia, where for the next year it was to consecrate the soil
witl| much of ,,„.-„. 0WD best blood. It was well that coming
events were not foreshadowed. It always seems besl that our
future is unknown to us. The regimenl went into camp not far
beyond the river, near some old abandoned works that had
previously been used in defence of the Capital, where it remained
until the following Wednesday.
Wednesday, April 27th, tour days' rations were issued and forty rounds of ammunition per man. Camp was broken, the march resumed and a distance of nearly twenty miles made. The day was excessively warm, many of the men were footsore and ,,,;. marcb Beemed to drag heavier than any previous one. One man, Private Horace Clark, Company B, received a severe sun- 9troke, from the effects of which he died and was buried by the roadside with military honors, the chaplain officiating. This was tne firsl death in the Fifty-Seventh. The regimenl went into
,,„„,, for the Qighl near Fairfax CoUTl House. .Mareh was again
OFF FOR THE WAR. 21
resumed at eight o'clock a.m. the next day, through Centreville. This small village was deserted and nearly destroyed by the ravages of war. But few buildings were standing and those were badly battered.
A halt was made for dinner on the old Bull Run battlefield, going into camp at sundown at Bristow Station. The march was again taken up the next morning, Friday, the 29th, proceeding through Warreuton, making camp near there, and continuing the next day to the Rappahannock river, where the regiment went into camp to the south of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad and became merged into the grand Army of the Potomac ; although the Ninth Corps remained as an independent command under General Burnside until May 24th.
The next day the regiment moved into the camp vacated by the 20th Maine, which regiment had moved on towards Brandy Station. The whole army was astir making preparations for the grand campaign about to open. The 20th Maine had occupied a very pretty camp during the previous winter, on the heights bordering the east bank of the river, by the railroad bridge. This had been made quite comfortable. Temporary shelter was made of logs, the interstices between being filled with small stones and mud, a fireplace in each, with a chimney built of stone and mud, or two barrels, one fitted on top of the other. The roofs were made of shelter tents. Pieces of packing boxes were laid upon the ground for flooring ; in some cases covered with an old rug or piece of carpeting. Temporary bunks had been constructed of pieces of packing boxes or barrel staves and pliable poles. These huts seemed palatial compared to sleeping under shelter tents on the ground and spoke well for the good taste and enterprise of the 20th Maine. Much time and labor had been expended in the construction of this camp and everything showed neatness and order. The huts of the enlisted men were equally as good as those of the officers. Each company formed a street, the huts in two lines facing each other, the officers' huts on another line and at right angles with the line of company streets ; at the farther end of the streets were the company kitchens. The situation was delightful, overlooking an extensive landscape stretching for miles away into Culpepper county.
•>■>
FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT mass. VOLUNTEERS.
Picket stations were occupied on the opposite side of the river. The writer remembers his first tour of picket duty in the A liny of the Potomac. The night was dark, cold and rainy, with mud galore. After standing in the rain and mud all night without any sleep, it seemed good to get under shelter the next morning to sleep and get dry. It was not long, however, before the adju- tant appeared with an order for the regular muster rolls and "Company .Monthly Report." There was no further rest. The rolls and report had to be made out at once. This was the first muster in the field and seemed to those unacquainted with the routine of official business in the army as wholly superfluous. We all knew we were there and how we felt. The colonel had our morning report and he also knew who were present. What difference could it make at the War Department? Why torment ns in this way? It was extremely difficult to get the necessary data to make out the papers correctly, yet they must be sent in by a certain hour. It was a day of painful toil and anxiety. After the work had been completed and viewed with a degree of satisfaction, a heavy wind came up, accompanied by rain, which Carried away the frail roof of the lint and nearly ruined the papers upon which so much time had been expended and patience lost. There was no time to repair damage, so they had to lie sent in as they were and remain today among the archives of the War Department, in the record of which there is no feeling Of pride, hut it was the hest that could be done under such adverse circnin-
stanci 3.
Before reaching this point an order had been issued detailing
Capt. George II. Howe of < pany E on the Brigade Staff as
Acting A--dstant I nspector-( ieiieral, which left the company
under command of Lieut. John Anderson.
Firsl Lieut. George I'.. Barton had also been detailed in charge of the Ambulance Corps of the First Division, bul was
relieved after the hat tie of (old Harbor and rejoined tin- regimeut,
and expressed greal pleasure on returning. lie said In' wanted ••to be with the boys, to rejoice when they rejoice, and weep when
they weep," bul his disposition not being of the '» weeping" kind, he was always found l< rejoicing."
CHAPTER III.
THE WILDERNESS.
IN approaching the subject of this great battle we are mindful of the fact that it has been written over and over again from official standpoints, in which the grand movements of army corps and divisions are por- trayed, and where tactical movements are reviewed by the military critic. It will be our effort to write from the other end, or from the ranks of the Fifty- Seventh Massachusetts, as seen by one who was there. This is a mat- ter, perhaps, of small general interest to the public, but of great personal moment to each individual soldier who faced the storm of that terrible battle with the Fifty-Seventh. The Ninth Corps, to which the regiment belonged, acting in concert with the grand old Army of the Potomac, it becomes necessaiy to turn to the movements and conditions of this army in order to show the history of the Fifty-Seventh in this, its first engagement as an organization.
There were no points of special advantage in the Wilderness, except those covered by the roads leading through it, the posses- sion of which became one of the principal objects of contention. This was called "the Wilderness" because it was one in fact as well as in name, in all that the word implies, being a wild tract of desolate country lying south of the Rapidan river in Orange and Spottsylvania Counties, Virginia, about fifteen miles in length from east to west and about ten in width.
Of all places on earth for battle it would be hard to select one more gloomy and desolate, or one presenting so many obsta- cles to the formation of battle lines. The deep jungles and dark ravines of this almost impenetrable forest rendered rapid and
24 FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
strategical formations and movements impossible, the ground being considerably broken and thickly covered with a growth of dwarf pines, scrub oak, brambles, thorns and briars, so inter- woven thai one experienced the utmost difficulty in getting through and could see bu1 a short distance in any direction. It did not possess one cheerful feature and seemed the last place in the world for the habitation of man ; yet in this dark forest was to be fought one of the grandest and most sanguinary battles of modern times.
From this brief description one can readily see that large armies would meet with great difficulty in moving with unbroken lines and anything like order or regularity.
Three main roads lead through the Wilderness, the Orange plank road and the Orange turnpike, running from the west, a Little north of east, a few miles apart and nearly parallel, and the Germanna plank road, running in a southeasterly direction from Germanna Ford on the Rapidan river, and intersecting the two former at nearly right angles, the two points of intersection being aboul two miles apart and in the very heart of the Wilderness. The Germanna plank road is continued south by what was known as the Brock road, while further to the south, and nearly parallel ,,, tae Germanna plank. ranthe'Catharpin road, the last mentioned passing only through the southern border of the Wilderness, which was a more open country. The points of intersection of the Germanna plank road with the Orange pike and Orange plank poada became of greal value to both the federals and ( onfederates and where the fiercest struggles took place.
This section was familiar to the Confederates hut almost en- tirely unknown to the Federals. It was like groping in the dark to them.
Fr iii,. ranks it i- impossible for one to know die plans of
the commanding general or the disposition of the several organi- zations composing the army, save the one to which iie belongs.
He marches, whither he does no1 know, or whether then- is to be reneral engagement or only a little skirmishing with movements
to gftin position. The situation is all a speculation with him. He trudges along with his blankel roll, muskel and forty rounds
THE -WILDERNESS. 25
of ammunition. He thinks and hopes and never loses an oppor- tunity to brew his coffee when a halt is made long enough. There was one thing that every soldier in the Army of the Potomac knew beyond a doubt ; it had been learned by long experience that whenever a movement was made towards the enemy he could be found and always ready to fight with a skill and bravery that were the admiration of the world. This was the greatest obsta- cle to contend with and was the real cause of prolonging the war. It is our purpose, however, to write only the part per- formed by the Fifty- Seventh Massachusetts, but in describing it, we find it hard to separate the regiment from the army to which it belonged.
While the genial warmth of spring was thawing the icy shackles of winter and Nature's sunny smiles winning into new life the green leaves and budding flowers, emblems of peace and beauty, two large armies were facing each other, in full martial array, from opposite banks of the river Rapid an in Virginia, pre- paring for a scene quite out of harmony with nature's loveliness, that of bloody, fratricidal war, one of death and widespread desolation. The Confederate Army of Northern Virginia for the purpose of destroying the Federal government, and the Federal Army of the Potomac for the purpose of saving it; the former numbering something over sixty thousand. Reports from the records of the War Department at Washington show it to have been 61,953, in the aggregate of all arms of the service present for duty, with 224 guns.
It held strongly intrenched positions south of the river, located as follows: the left (Longstreet) at Gordonsville, the center (A. P. Hill) at Orange Court House, the right (Ewell) resting on the river near Raccoon Ford, the force along the river being more for the purpose of observation, the main force being posted in echelon towards Orange Court House, and back to the vicinity of Gordonsville, where Longstreet had twelve thousand men, and was ready to move in any direction as circum- stances might require. An advance by the Federals in any direction could be anticipated and promptly met by the Con- federates.
2<> FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
The Army of the Potomac, though under the immediate com- mand of Genera] Meade, was virtually under the orders and in- structions of General Grant who had his headquarters with it. It was composed of three corps, — posted on the north bank of the Rapidan and Rappahannock, a few miles above their continence, — the Second, Fifth and Sixth, commanded by Generals Hancock, Warren and Sedgwick, together with the cavalry, under General Sheridan and the Ninth Corps under General Burnside, who com- manded it at that time independently of General Meade.
The total effective force armed and equipped, present for duty April 30, 1864, was 119,869, with 310 guns. This includes all arms of the service, Provost Guard, Reserve Artillery, En- gineers and Ninth Army Corps, but this whole force was not taken into the battle. The Fourth Division of the Ninth Corps (colored), numbering 3,0'.)5 men, was detailed to guard the wagon trains. The cavalry, about twelve thousand, could not operate in the Wilderness, hence only a small portion of it was employed in protecting the left flank, while the artillery experienced still greater difficulty in obtaining position and only a few batteries were employed. This would reduce the Federal force actually engaged to less than one hundred thousand. Neither artillery nor infantry Could be handled to advantage in such a place, hence. it was almost wholly an infantry light. The mistake generally made by Confederate writers is that the Federal strength is always esti- mated in the aggregate, while their own is placed at the actual [lumber presenl for duty hearing arms. The preponderence of numbers was in favor of the Federals, hut not in Buch gr.at pro- portion as ha- hem represented, and this advantage was con- siderably neutralized in such a thicket as the Wilderness, where
the Federals were the attacking party in a region unknown to them, while the Confederates were acting upon the defensive in a region
well known to them, and, holding interior lines, they were able to inert the Federals with equal force at every point. Under all
the circumstances the advantage of numbers became neutralized
in such a tangled thicket as the \Y ildei ne-.-. When line- are broken in BUCh a place the troops are forced to fall hack in con- siderable confusion and disorder, which the attacking party is
THE WILDERNESS. 27
unable to take advantage of by advancing quickly, as it is not able to preserve an unbroken front and is, therefore, often thrown into an almost equal confusion. Both sides are obliged to halt and re-form, the advantage gained being only a few yards in advance and a few prisoners, and this gained at a great sacrifice of life.
The two armies were in fine condition, both as to drill and discipline, and each confident in its own strength and the ability of the distinguished officers who commanded, with that experience and morale which could never suffer another Bull Run. They had faced each other in deadly strife for nearly three years and might be said to know each other. Upon these two armies hung the hopes and fears of both the North and South ; the destruction of either carried with it more than a simple victory : it carried either the successful establishment of the Southern Confederacy, with a complete destruction of our Republic, or the overthrow of slavery and the death of the Confederacy. The whole civilized world looked on with more than ordinary interest as each side gathered all its strength for what promised to be a final and desperate struggle, which was to decide the fate of the nation and demonstrate whether or not a republican form of government, by the people, possessed patriotism and strength enough to save itself from over- throw by internal strife.
Every reader of history is familiar with the plan of the cam- paign as formulated by the two distinguished generals who com- manded the opposing forces ; the object of General Grant being to turn General Lee's right flank, defeat his army by placing the Army of the Potomac between it and Richmond, the fall of which place would eventually follow the successful accomplishment of such a scheme, the Ninth Corps to be held in reserve, along the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, until the success of this move- ment became well assured, and to check any counter- move that the Confederate commander might undertake towards the vicinity of Washington.
The plan of General Lee was to remain on the defensive offensive within his strong intrenchments, with the general features of the country in his favor, and to fall upon the Federals while on the march, by consolidating his forces and throwing
28 FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
them rapidly forward upon some point where the Federals could be taken by surprise and at a disadvantage, breaking their line of march and' cutting their force in twain, then defeating each in succession. It has been stated on good authority that General Lee had means of ascertaining the plans and movements of General Grant, even before their attempted execution, and was thereby enabled to anticipate him at all points. There seems to be Q0 doubt that Genera] Grant, who had heretofore met with almost uninterrupted success, greatly under-estimated the ability of General Lee and the spirit of the troops under his command, and commenced the campaign with more confidence, as later experi- ence showed, than the circumstances justified. Of all the plans fcnal had been considered in previous campaigns and tried by McClellan, Burnside, Hooker and Pope, only two were deemed practical — one the overland, direct upon Richmond, the other by water, ascending the dames river from Fortress Monroe. Each possessed advantages and disadvantages; both had been tried with disastrous results; one failed, a. was claimed, from lack oi proper support, and the other from lack of concert of action and generalship. Plans look beautiful on paper and in theory, but mosl of thru,, a- experience has demonstrated, are difficult to practice. However, General Granl selected the overland and this i8 bow the trouble commenced.
The Army of the Potomac was too large and unwieldy to move in single column, hence it had to move in two, and by corps. In this movement it became necessary for one column to pass directly through the Wilderness, while the other was to move nearly parallel to it j->st south of the Wilderness towards Chan- cellorsville, and within supporting distance, on the two roads heretofore described, the Germanna plank and the Catharpin. The long anticipated order was finally issued and as it will give the
„„,,..,. a more intelligeni understanding of the events that fol- lowed, it is copied verbatim, as follows: —
the wilderness. 29
Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
May 2d, 1864. ORDERS.
1. The Array will move on Wednesday the 4th May, 1864.
2. On the day previous, Tuesday, 3d May, Major-General Sheridan, commanding Cavalry Corps, will move Gregg's Cavalry Division to the vicinity of Richardsville. It will be accompanied by one-half of the canvas ponton train, the engineer troops, which will repair the road to Ely's Ford as far as practicable without exposing their work to the observation of the enemy. Guards will be placed in all the occupied houses on or in the vicinity of the route of the cavalry and in advance toward the Rapidan, so as to prevent any communication with the enemy by the inhabitants. The same precaution will be taken at the same time in front of the First and Third Cavalry Divisions and wherever it may be considered necessary.
At two o'clock a.m. on the 4th May, Gregg's Division will move to Ely's Ford, cross the Rapidan as soon as the cauvas ponton bridge is laid, if the river is not fordable, and as soon as the infantry of the Second Corps is up, will move to the vicinity of Piney Branch Church, or ip that section, throwing reconnoissances well out on the Pamunkey road towards Spottsylvania Court House, Hamilton's Crossiug and Fredericksburg.
The roads past Piney Branch Church, Tod's tavern, etc., will be kept clear for the passage of the infantry the following day. The cavalry division will remain in this position to cover the passage of the army trains, and will move with them and cover their left flank.
At midnight on the 3d May, the Third Cavalry Division, with one-half the canvas ponton bridge train, which will join it after dark, will move to Germanna Ford, taking the plank road, and cross the Rapidan as soon as the bridge is laid, if the river is not fordable, and hold the crossing until the infantry of the Fifth Corps is up; it will then move to Parker's store on the Orange Court House plank road or that vicinity, sending out strong reconnoissances on the Orange plank and pike roads, and the Catharpin and Pamunkey roads, until they feel the enemy, and at least as far as Robertson's tavern, the Hope Church, and Ormond's or Robinson's.
All intelligence concerning the enemy will be communicated with promptitude to headquarters and to the corps and division commanders of the nearest infantry troops.
3. Major-General Warren, commanding Fifth Corps, will send two divisions at midnight of the 3d inst., by way of Stevensburg and the plank road to the crossing of Germanua Ford. So much bridge train as may be necessary to bridge the Rapidan at Germanna Ford, with such artillery as may be required, will accompany these divisions, which will be followed by the remainder of the corps at such hour that the
30
FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
column Avill cross the Rapidan -without delay. Such disposition of the troops and artillery as may be found necessary to cover the bridge will be made by the corps commander, who, after crossing, will move to the vicinity of the Old Wilderness tavern, on the Orange Court House pike.
The corps will move the following day past the head of Catharpin Run, crossing the Orange Court House plank road at Parker's store.
4. Major-General Sedgwick, commanding the Sixth Corps, will move at four a.m. on the 4th inst., by way of Stevensburg and the Germanna plank road to Germanna Ford, following the Fifth Corps, and after crossing the Kapidan will bivouac on the heights beyond The canvas ponton train will be taken up as soon as the troops of the Sixth Corps have crossed, and will follow immediately in rear of the troops of that corps.
So much of the bridge train of the Sixth Corps as may be necessary to bridge the Rapidan at Culpepper Mine Ford will proceed to Richards- ville in nar of the reserve artillery, and as soon as it is ascertained that the reserve artillery are crossing, it will move to Culpepper Mine Ford. where the bridge will he established.
The engineers of this bridge train will at once open a road from Culpepper Mine Ford direct to Richardsville.
.">. Major-General Hancock, commanding Second Corps, will send two divisions, with so much of the bridge train as may be necessary to bridge the Rapidan at Ely's Ford, and such artillery as may he required, at midnight id' the 3d inst. to Ely's Ford. The remainder of the Corps will follow at such hour thai the column will cross the Kapidan without delay. The canvas ponton train a1 this ford will be taken up a- soon as the troops of this corps have passed, and will move with it at the head of the trains thai accompany the troops. The wooden ponton bridge
will remain. The Sec. .ml ( !orp8 will enter the Stevensburg and Richards- ville road at Madden's, in order thai the route from Stevensburg to the plank road may In- \'vvr for the Fifth and Sixth Corp- After cross- ing the Rapidan the Second Corps win move id the \iciuity of Chandler's or < Ihancellorsville.
6. ll Is expected I hat I he ad \ a nee dl \ isions of the Fifth and Second
Corps, with the wooden ponton trains, will be at the designated poinl of crossing m>t later than Bis \.m. of the iih inst.
7. The reserve artillerj will move at three a.m. of the 4th inst.,
and follow the Second Corps, passing Mountain Kun at ROSS'S Mills, or
Hamilton's Crossing al Ely's Ford, take the road to Chancellorsvllle, and halt for the night at Hunting < reek.
8. Great care will be taken by the corps commanders that the
roads are promptly repaired i>\ the pioneers wherever needed, not only for the temporary wants of the division or corps to which the pioneers
THE WILDERNESS.
31
belong, but for the passage of the troops and trains that follow on the same route.
9. During the movement on the 4th and following days, the com- manders of the Fifth and Sixth Corps will occupy the roads on the right flank to cover the passage of their corps, and will keep their flankers well out in that direction.
The commander of the Second Corps and reserve artillery will in a similar manner look out for the left flank. Wherever practicable, double columns will be used to shorten the columns. Corps commanders will keep in communication and connection with each other, and co- operate wherever necessary. Their picket lines will be connected. They Mill keep the Commanding General constantly advised of their progress and of everything important that occurs, and will send staff officers to acquaint him with the location of their headquarters. During the move- ment of the 4th inst. headquarters will be on the route of the Fifth and Sixth Corps. It will be established at night between those corps and the Germanna plank road.
10. The infantry troops will take with them fifty rounds of ammuni- tion upon the person, three (3) days' full rations in the haversacks, three (3) days' bread and small rations in the knapsacks, and three (3) days' beef on the hoof.
Each corps will take with it one-half of its intrenching tools, one hospital wagon and one medium wagon for each brigade; one-half of the ambulance trains aud the light spring wagon, and pack animals allowed at the 'various headquarters. No other trains or means of trans- portation than those just specified will accompany the corps, except such wagons as maybe necessary for the forage for immediate use for five (5) days. The artillery will have with them the ammunition of the caissons only.
1 1 . The subsistence and other trains loaded with the amount of rations, forage, infantry and artillery ammunition, etc., heretofore ordered, the surplus wooden pontons of the different corps, etc. will be assembled under the direction of the chief quartermaster of the army in the vicinity of Richardsville, with a view to crossing the Rapidan by bridges at Ely's Ford and Culpepper Mine Ford.
12. A detail of one thousand or twelve hundred men will be made from each corps as guard for its subsistence and other trains. This de- tail will be composed of entire regiments as far as practicable. No other guards whatever for regimental, brigade, division or corps wagons will be allowed. Each detail will be under command of an officer selected for that purpose, and the whole will be commanded by the senior officer of the three. This guard will be so disposed as to protect the trains on the march and in park. The trains are likewise protected by cavalry on the flank and rear.
32 FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEEK8.
13. Major-General Sheridan, commanding the cavalry corps, will direcl the First Cavalry Division to call in its pickets and patrols on the righl on the morning of the 4th inst. and hold itself ready to move and cover the trains of the army. It will picket and watch the fords of the Rapidan from Rapidan Station to Germanna Ford. On the morning of the 5th, the First Cavalry Division will cross the Rapidan at Germanna Ford and cover the right flank of the trains while crossing the Rapidan and during their movement in rear of the army. The signal stations on Cedar. Poney and Stoney Mountains will be maintained as long as
practicable.
14. The wooden ponton train at Germanna and Ely's Fords will remain for the passage of General Bnrnside's army. That at Culpepper Mine Ford will be taken up under the direction of the chief engineer as soon as the trains have crossed, and will move with the train of its
corps.
By command of
M I.JOR-GENERAL Ml W>1..
(Signed) s. Williams,
Assistant Adjutant-Generat.
The foregoing order would appear complete in all its details, yet it does uot include the Ninth Corps and the part it was to take in the movements of the grand army. General Grant in his memoirs says: " Burnside, with the Ninth Corps, was left hack nt Warrentown, guarding the railroad from Bull Run forward, to preserve control of il in case our crossing the Rapidan should he |ong delayed He was instructed, however, to advance at once ,.n
receiving notice that the army had crossed and a despatch was
Ben1 t,, him a little after 1 P.M., giving the information that our
army had been successful."
The movement commenced at midnight of the 3d of .May, 1864. The camps were broken up ami the Army of the Potomac moved out. with all the panoply of war, upon one of the grandest and tnosl bloody campaigns recorded upon the pages of history.
The righl column, which had t<> pass through the Wilderness,
wafl composed <>!' the Fifth and Sixth Corps, and crossed the
Rapidan river at Germanna Ford aboul ten miles below Raccoon Ford, where the right of General Lee's army rested. The left column was composed of the Second Corp- and crossed at Ely's
THE WILDERNESS. 33
Ford, about six miles below Germanua Ford, the Ninth Corps being left, as heretofore explained. It was also to guard the two fords and the supply trains, which had to be moved with the army, besides keeping the lines of communication open.
All day of the 4th the army moved forward, and the two columns crossed the river without opposition, and preceded by a large cavalry force, marched rapidly on the great flanking move- ment ; the right taking the Germanua plank road into the Wilder- ness and the left taking the more Southern road towards Chancellorsville ; at which poiut there was a road leading to the old Wilderness tavern towards which the right was marching, the latter on the side towards the enemy and therefore expecting to encounter him first. The bivouac was made for the night near the old Wilderness tavern in the hidden depths of the tangled forest. The cavalry had been kept well out during the day to watch for any hostile force that might approach, but however watchful and zealous they might have been, they failed to discover the strong force that was approaching under the Confederate General Ewell, and also directed upon the same point, viz. : Old Wilderness tavern. The advance of the two opposing armies encamped for the night within three miles of each other, neither being aware of the near approach of the other. That evening General Meade commanding the Army of the Potomac issued an order for the movements of the following day- In the meantime, General Lee had discovered the plan of General Grant and was concentrating his forces as rapidly as possible to strike a decisive blow upon the right column before it should emerge from the dense Wilderness and where it could be attacked to advantage. Ewell's advance was already in close proximity to the Federal troops with A. P. Hill's Corps at no great distance, though not connected. In compliance with General Meade's order, the Army of the Potomac commenced to move at five a.m on the 5th of May and very soon came in contact with the two Confederate Corps above mentioned, when the battle known as the Wilderness commenced in earnest and raged almost incessantly throughout the day, the Fifth Corps sustaining the first shock and gallantly maintaining its ground until the Sixth could be brought into posi-
34 FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
tion and later the Second Corps; the close of the day showing- heavy losses to both sides with no decided advantage to either; but that night plans were formulated for bringing up all the avail- able force on both sides for a renewal of the struggle on a grander scale.
Turning again to the Ninth Corps, to which the Fifty-Seventh Massachusetts belonged, and which was left back at the Rappa- hannock, it was placed in motion on the 4th and hurried forward cm a forced march to "join the dreadful revelry."
The Fifty-Seventh moved from the comfortable camp of the 20th Maine on the heights above the river and at daybreak, May 4th, with forty rounds of ammunition and three days' rations, commenced the march in the direction of Brandy Station. The very name had a kind of inspiration to a tired, thirsty soldier, but, after reaching there, it was discovered that the brandy was all gone ami the " boys " were in the condition of Mother Hubbard's dog when •• the cupboard was bare." Although the distance marched was only aboul six miles :i halt was made until five p.m. when it was again resumed towards the Rapidan. Darkness soon came ami the regimenl plodded on through the sticky mud. By some blunder it became separated and the right wing took the wrong road. The mistake was not discovered until about midnight, when :i tedious counter-march had to he made which consumed the balance of the night. Daylight found the two wings re-nnited at a poinl not far from where the inarch had Commenced the night before. The men were well nigh exhausted and not in the best of humor. They had marched through the mud all night without accomplishing anything. Had it not been for the moral safe- guard thrown around them by the Articles of War no doubl some would have thoughl swear, l>ut this was one of the contingencies the Articles of War provided for and became the means of saving the moral-, of many a foot-weary soldier.
After making coffee the route was continued towards Ger- maima ford on the Rapidan. The river was crossed at that point
on a w Icn ponton bridge. The First Division moved to the
heights beyond and covered the crossing for the remainder of
the corps; remaining there until two a.m. Friday, May 6th.
THE WILDERNESS. 35
Throughout the entire day of the 5th the sound of battle came to us from the "Wilderness. It spoke in no tremulous or uncertain voice, but in one steady roar like Niagara, with occasional brief lulls like moaning wind gathering strength for a heavier blast. It told in language that could not be misunderstood of the desperate conflict that was raging, but it did not reveal the part held in store for the Fifty-Seventh the following day. It was hot, but the regiment gained a good rest, while all thought of the coming morrow. As night came on and twilight deepened into darkness, the distant sounds gradually died away. All felt that it was not yet over, only the calm which precedes the storm.
At two o'clock a.m., the morning of the 6th, the regiment was again on the march ; this time into the Wilderness, passing through burning woods, until it reached the Wilderness plank road about six a.m. The sound of battle could be heard coming from the point towards which we were marching. Wounded men were being brought out, giving evidence of the sanguinary conflict which was raging.
The Ninth Corps, General Burnside, was ordered to take position between the Second and Fifth and to connect with them on the right and left. Many writers disagree as to the time it became engaged. We were in no position of knowing at what time it was brought into action, but the division to which the Fifty-Seventh belonged, Stevenson's first division, became en- gaged about eight a.m., on the 6th.
Orders had been issued for a general attack along the whole line at five a.m., on the 6th. The divisions of General Wilcox and General Potter of the Ninth Corps were to close the gap between the right of the Second and left of the Fifth Corps, and make an attack in the direction of Parker's Store. Stevenson's division was left in reserve at the Old Wilderness tavern.
The attack began punctually at five a.m. by the Second, Fifth and Sixth Corps, but the Ninth had not gained position at that time. Upon the extreme right the Sixth Corps assaulted the entrenched lines of the enemy, Ewell, but was repulsed with heavy loss. The Fifth Corps, Warren, met with no better success, while the Second Corps, Hancock, strengthened by one division
3*1 KITTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
of the Fifth Corps under General Wadsworth, made a furious assault on the Confederate Corps under General Hill, in posi- tion, carrying everything before it and driving the enemy hack about three-quarters of a niile beyond the Brock road. The Con- federate right had been completely broken and was falling back in confusion when Longstreet arrived upon the scene of action with about twelve thousand fresh troops that had been brought up from Gordonsville. This saved the Confederate right from com- plete overthrow. The flight of Hill's troops was arrested and the combined force of Hill and Longstreet made a counter-charge ui)on the troops under General Hancock and drove them back in turn. The gap upon the right of the Second Corps had not been closed by the Ninth and there was great danger from the exposure of this flank. General Hancock was also apprehensive from the threatened danger on his left and had left one division there to protect it. This division did not go forward on the charge but held the extreme left of the whole army. The troops that had advanced through the woods were thrown into considerable dis- order from the great difficulty they met with in advancing through the tangled underbrush. Regiments and brigades became inex- tricably mixed, so that they were in no condition to meet the im- petuous charge of Longstreet. . At this juncture Stevenson's division of the Ninth Corps was brought up from the Old Wilder- ness tavern, moving by the Germanna plank to the Brock road. It filed off into the woods to the right, formed line and advanced quickly along the Orange Courl House plank road, near its inter- section with the Brock road, ami \ eiy soon came in contact with the victorious troops under Hill and Longstreet. The impetus
of the two forces thus suddenly brought together was terrific. The
advance was checked, but the slaughter was a ething fearful.
The loss of the Fifty-Seventh Massachusetts was two hundred and fifty-two killed, wounded and missing in about one hour's time. Of the latter mosl of them were cither killed or bo disabled as to be unable to make their escape. Again the advancing tide rolled resistlessly forward, sweeping away the Fifty-Seventh and break- ing down every barrier until our own line of earthworks was reached oear the Brock road, which presented a formidable ob-
THE WILDERNESS. 37
stacle to their further advance. The contest continued at this point until nearly midday when it gradually died away, but only for the time being.
This was the first experience of the Fifty-Seventh in battle. It was a veritable "baptism of fire" by immersion, wiiich it sustained most valiantly and made for itself a record which it maintained throughout the war, one that the surviving members can point to with a feeliug of pride.
Everything was in such a confused state at the time that it would have been hard to give a correct account of it even then, and is still harder at this late day. The regiment had been as- sailed from the flank as well as the front, and in falling back the colors had been seen so near the enemy, and then lost to sight, that it was believed they had been captured ; but at this critical point, Lieutenant-Colonel Chandler, who commanded the regiment, Colonel Bartlett having been wounded, ordered the men who were near the colors to lie down and conceal them. They had hardly obeyed this order when the enemy charged down the plank road near them, and, for a time, they were surrounded, but in the general confusion they were evidently overlooked.
Capt. Henry C. Ward, Lieut. Charles H. Royce and about forty enlisted men remained with them, and finally brought them out in safety. This act of marked gallantry is worthy of special mention. Sergeant Karpeles has since received a Medal of Honor, by act of Congress, for distinguished gallantry. Their escape was due to their own gallantry and the dense thicket which partially concealed them. The few men who were there would have been a mere handful, if discovered, in the midst of the hundreds who surrounded them.
Sergeant Karpeles is now a resident of Washington, D.C., and for some years held a position in the Post Office Department. Several letters have been addressed to us in relation to this mat- ter, which have been written from memory, and while they do not agree in all the minor details, which would be a remarkable co- incidence if they did, after the lapse of thirty years, yet they agree as to the main facts in the case, as all those who were with the regiment at the time well remember. Sergeant Karpeles, speak-
38
FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
ing of the affair from his recollection, in a letter to Chaplain Dashiell, under date of July 25th, 1894, says: " In the battle of the Wilderness, May (>th, 1864, as you are aware, our right wing commenced to break and through that brought about a general stampede. When it reached our regiment Lieutenant-Colonel Chandler inquired of me: 'Color Sergeant, what's the trouble?' I mounted a stump which had been broken b}r a shell and replied : ' Colonel, the rebs are around us.' .... As I was the only color-bearer left on the field with colors, we rallied about forty men of our regiment and were subsequently reinforced by men from other regiments and kept up the fight "
Sergeant Karpeles retained a memorandum list of the names of the men who were with the colors at the time, as follows : Lieutenant-Colonel Chandler, Lieutenant Ward, Lieutenant Royce, Color- Sergeant Karpeles, Sergeants Defoe and McFarland. Privates Howard, .Mills. Willard, Southey, Rumsey, Dailey, Harrington, Lowell, Newton, Sanderson, Brewnzen, Shalor, Towers, Wilson, Bertrand, Barker, Lappel, Hastings, Duggal, Pike, Langdon, Derby, Curley, Penland, Grandon, Streeter, Rollins. Elbert, Gould, Pipson and St. Antoine. He does not give the full names of these men and is not sure that they are all spelled correctly.
Capt. Henry C. Ward, V. S. Army, formerly a Lieutenant in the Fifty-Seventh al the Wilderness, writes, under date of Oct. .">. 1894, his recollection of the affair as follows: "] directed him (the color sergeant) to conceal the colors, as we were surrounded by the enemy, front, flank and rear .... We then worked our way oul the besl we could towards ourownlines. We reached the road in rear and found our brigade and regiment. I reported to Lieutenant-Colonel ('handler thai I had the colors and, as he had reported them lost to the brigade commander, he immediately reported after our arrival, the safety of them. There was much more aboul thai matter thai I have forgotten."
No one seems to remember how Colonel Chandler losl sighl of the colors and, supposing they had been lost, so reported to the
brigade coi ander. Sergt. E. I>. McFarland has contributed
his recollection of the Fifty-Seventh Massachusetts in the Wilder-
HENRY C. WARD,
Capt. 57th Mass., now Capt. U.S. Army.
THE WILDERNESS. 39
uess as follows : "The Fifty-Seventh Regiment started for the front on the morning of the 6th of May, about three o'clock in the morning. We were ou the road and halted for breakfast about sunrise near the Wilderness Run. I should say we reached the battlefield about nine o'clock. We turned down the plank road, went some distance and filed into an old cart road into the woods where we faced the enemy. We left our knapsacks on the ground. Colonel Bartlett came up and asked for a drink of water from my canteen, then turned around and ordered the advance, was struck by a ball on the side of the head almost the same instant and was taken to the rear. I think all the companies were present except Company K, which was on detached duty under Captain Prescott. I think Company H was the color company. We advanced under a very heavy fire of musketry until within ten feet, I should say, of the rebel breastworks, composed of rails, fence, brush and trees, when the line on the plank road was broken, and the rebels left their works in front of us and went up the plank road. As soon as it was discovered that the line was broken, we received orders to fall back. This was immediately done. In falling back our colors got caught in the brush. I heard Colonel Chandler say : ' For God's sake, boys, don't for- sake your colors.' I, in company with others, stopped by them until they were released from the brush and rolled on the staff. By that time all our regiment was out of sight except the dead and wounded that lay on the ground. Colonel Chandler gave the order to lie down with them. While we were lying on the ground we could see the rebels going up the plank road. One came into the brush where we were. Colonel Chandler pointed his revolver at him and told him to surrender. He threw down his gun, and lay down beside us and we brought him in a prisoner. After lying there for a while, expecting to go to Richmond as prisoners, we saw some men that were lost from their regiment, the 45th Pennsylvania. They joined us and we started to find our way out. We crawled on our bauds and knees a long distance, I don't know how far, but it was a number of hours before we reached our lines. I remember at last of finding ourselves near the road we went over in the morning and came back up that road .... I remember
40 FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
seeing the sun almost down when we reached our regiment. We then went to work to build breastworks in the road, using our bayonets for picks and tin plates for shovels .... This is my version of the battle of the Wilderness, as remembered at this late day."
The smoke of battle was so dense, the brush so thick and the disorder so great that we could not all see the same. We (the writer) were in the second company from the left and marched forward with the guide on the colors, but, at the time mentioned in this narrative, they suddenly disappeared and were not seen again until they were brought iu late that day to the regiment. This was probably the time, as Sergeant McFarland says, when they were being extricated from the brush. It was generally believed that they had been captured and there was great rejoicing when they were restored. Colors are as important to a regiment as the head to a man, or war paint to an Indian.
Digressing a little now from the subject, we wish to say, for the information of those not familiar with military affairs, that colore aii' very important to every organization in war, and around them cluster the pride and affections of every soldier. The commanding general has colors that follow him wherever he •_M.rs and indicate his presence. Each corps, division and brigade has a distinctive standard which marks the presence of the officer in command. This facilitates the matter of finding him without trouble in time of action when it is necessary for orders to reach him. Bach regiment also has a stand of colors Dear which the Colonel, "i' other officer in command, can always he found. To one familiar with military matters these colors serve as a regular directory. The colors of a regiment were carried by a sergeant specially designated on account of steadiness in marching and
bravery. There were also seven color corporals who marched
with ill.- colors. These eight men were posted on the left of the r'ejht centre company when in line ami conformed to all its movements. This would ;ilu:ivs bring the colors very near the centre of the regiment.
Returning again to the Wilderness, it was in this charge that General Wadsworth, commanding the fourth Division of the
THE WILDERNESS. 41
Fifth Corps, was killed, while heroically endeavoring to rally the troops that were being driven back in such confusion that, for a time, the scene was one of appalling disorder. The sound of his voice rose in clear commanding tones above the crash and roar of battle, as he attempted to resist the deadly torrent that was sweeping resistlessly forward. His eye caught sight of the flag of the Fifty-Seventh Massachusetts far in advance floating proudly and defiantly amid the sulphurous smoke in face of the rapidly advancing foe. He called upon all who wore the blue uniform to rally around that standard and hold the ground until reinforce- ments could be brought up. The colors were soon lost to sight amid the confusion. It was a critical moment. Our line was practically broken, held only by fragments of organizations rallied by their officers, without any cohesion, but the on-rushing tide was checked until fresh troops could be brought up to fill the gaps. The dead and wounded which thickly strewed the ground attested the destructiveness of the storm.
The writer begs to step from the ranks of the Fifty-Seventh for a brief mention of one of America's noblest sons, who gave his life in defense of his country, Brig. -Gen. James S. Wads- worth. There have been men in the world like the first Napoleon, possessing powers of personal attraction that few could resist. General Wadsworth seemed to possess this exalted power to an eminent degree, even to drawing men around him who had never seen or scarcely heard of him before, holding them almost in the jaws of death and impressing them with his own lofty spirit of loyalty which rose above all fear of danger. He fell, shot through the head, and his body fell into the hands of the enemy. It is not enough to say of such a man that " He fell while gallantly fighting at the head of his troops." His was one of those grand and noble characters that lead to deeds of valor and self-sacrifice, regardless of everything except an honorable devotion to duty in the cause of his country. His example was an incentive to those who saw him, and heard his voice saying, " Steady, boys, stand firm and we will soon whip them." If " the blood of martyrs is the seed of the church," the blood of such men consecrates the corner-stone of our country, and is never shed in vain. His is a
1- FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
name to live in history as long as histoi'}7 is read, — " One of those immortal names that were not born to die." Yet there were hundreds of others, noble and brave men, less conspicuous and therefore not mentioned, except in the long list of killed, who gave up their lives upon this bloody field and passed silently beyond the Wilderness forever. Our Hag, endeared by the memory of such names, and made sacred by their blood, becomes enshrined in the hearts of all loyal citizens, — the emblem of our beloved country ; insult it, he who dares.
The Fifth and Sixth Corps made repeated assaults upon the right and met with heavy loss, but the heaviest fighting was on the left, which was held b}7 the Second Corps and part of the Ninth. The order " Forward" would be given and the line would move forward through the brush and brambles, where no enemy could be seen, until, suddenly rising from the ground, he would -end forth a deadly volley crashing through the ranks and crack- ling through the thick chapparal, leaving gaps that were quickly closed, ami again the line moved on. An occasional counter- attack would he made by the "Johnnies," as they were termed, and all through the gloomy Wilderness, throughout the long 6th day of May, a day that seemed to have no end, it was one seething, crackling cauldron of all that a Dante might have conceived of the worsl condition of a veritable hell, with nearly two hundred thousand men struggling like infuriated demons. The roar of battle, like the deafening, clashing roar of continuous thunder, rolled along the lines, rising and falling as they swayed backward or pressed forward in the gigantic struggle which covered a . 1 i - 1 .- 1 1 1 < ■ > ■ of five miles in length, occasionally sinking to a low rumble, while lines were being readjusted, only to break forth
with a more terrific crash as :i lYesli charge was made. One in
the ranks could not tell how the battle was going, as the heavy smoke of burning powder and the burning leaves and brush made it almosl as dark as eight, and only judged from the direction of the advancing or receding roar of the steel crested billows as they swepl forward to be dashed againsl the solid fronl presented by the enemy, or were thrown back by a counter-charge; each showing a heavy addition t<> the large number of killed and wounded ; the
THE WILDERNESS.
43
latter pleading with pathetic desperation for a helping hand to remove them from this horrible field of death. Their voices could seldom be heard, but their pale faces and outstretched arms could be seen pleading in language deeper than the pathos of words for that help which could not be given. Each new charge was made over their bleeding, prostrate forms, in many cases both the blue and the gray lying side by side in a common brotherhood of suffering humanity, which softened all feelings of enmity that might ever have existed between them. Whichever way one turned these appalling sights met the eye. There was no getting away from them, one glimpse of which was enough to send a thrill of horror throughout the whole Christian world. When opportunity offered a canteen would be passed to the lips of a fallen comrade, and even to a wounded "Johnnie " the same kindly favor would be extended, though it might have been by the same hand that prostrated him. We stand with bowed head and feel- ings of silent awe and reverence in the presence of one who lies dead before us, but where thousands lie scattered upon the battle- field with all the shocking mutilations of the human form, the natural feelings of sympathy become stupefied and we are unable to comprehend all the surrounding horrors, and shrink from a serious contemplation of them ; yet the fact remains that every wound and every death goes beyond the present suffering, causing bitter tears of sorrow and misery in distant homes, leaving fatherless children, mourning widows, bereaved parents and desolate hearthstones to fill the measure and echo the glories of war.
There is something grand and inspiring in battle which no pen can describe, yet it leaves a train of misery and sorrow which is also indescribable. If one were to try to portray the battle of the Wilderness briefly, he might truthfully say that it was the worst and most destructive tempest known in perdition by " the oldest inhabitant."
A temporary work of dry logs and earth had been thrown up along the Brock road, which had caught fire. The thick smoke and hot flames blew directly in the faces of our men, forcing them to fall back a short distance. Under this screen the
44
IT1TY-SEYEXTH REGIMENT MASS. YOUXTEERS.
enemy rushed forward, carried the works and planted their colors beyond, but they were met with a murderous fire and driven back again to their former position with heavy loss.
To add greater horror to the conflict the fire spread from the log breastworks among the dry leaves and thick underbrush, burning to death about two hundred who were unable to erawl out. It is impossible to follow all the movements in the Wilder- ness or portray correctly all the desperate charges that were made on both sides. It was a succession of them, with few and short intermissions, from daylight until dark. It was an experi- ence to everyone present that will live in his memory* while memory lasts. The experience of one was about the same of all.
There was no opportunity for strategy or grand tactical com- binations. It was simply brute force dashing against brute force, where countrymen met countrymen with equal courage in a cause which each held dear and believed to be right. We belieye then, and believe now. that our cause was a noble and righteous one. It has been recorded in history that by its success our country was saved from destruction and the shackles stricken from mil- lions of human beings that had been held in bondage, bought and sold as slaves. The ranks never failed to move forward when ordered. There was no weakening, even though the men real- ized the terrible ordeal before them. There was a fixed determi- nation to "do or die," ye1 nourishing the hope that the end was near, that the last charge had been made and the angel of peace would soon spread her healing wings over the bloody strife and still the angry waves of fratricidal war.
Every man fell a just pride in the brave deeds of his own regiment and loved to feel thai he had a share in them, and in years after he loves to tell thai he was with the gallant Fifty- Seventh in the battle of the Wilderness.
The dark shadows of nighl at last fell upon the awt'nl scene
of carnage and the tur il of battle gradually died away, leaving
only the watchful, warning shots along the confronting lines of picket-. Both sides were well nigh exhausted, but still defiantly confronting each other upon nearly the same ground as when the battle bad commenced two days before. The tired men dropped
THE WILDERNESS.
45
upon the ground for rest and sleep, the living and dead lying side by side. It was a long, gloomy night. Even the partial uncon- sciousness of sleep could not dispel the surrounding scenes of horror. With momentary wakefulness came the wondering thought of what the morrow would bring forth ; if the light of coming day would witness a renewal of the struggle.
It seemed that nothing more of horror could be added. The mind could not comprehend the hundredth part of what had already transpired, simply what each had seen personally became matter of contemplation. A feeling of thankfulness came to those who had been spared, yet the thoughts could not but dwell with lingering sorrow upon the less fortunate comrades of those who had marched side by side over many a weary mile and stood shoulder to shoulder in the shock of battle ; who had often shared their blankets of a chilly night and talked of the loved friends, the distant home and the dearly anticipated return when the war would be over. Solacing thoughts that came in the phantasm of dreams never to be realized by many.
The glories of war were lost in its sickening sights. The gay parade, with the old-time flag gracefully floating in the even- ing breeze, the nodding plumes, gaudy uniforms with brightly polished buttons, which were the admiration of the fair sex, the inspiring notes of the military band and all the pomp and glamour of war that shone so beautifully as the regiment marched out from their home camp for embarkation, had lost their charms for him, although his aching heart still clung tenderly to the pathetic notes of " The girl I left behind me." Now it had become a life of real danger, hardships, deprivations and suffering. He looked for the bright side, which he knew could only come with return- ing peace. He tried in vain to understand why all this misery and human suffering should be. As the night grows more chill, he snuggles nearer his sleeping comrade and pulls the blanket more closely around him, occasionally opening his eyes to look for the old familiar stars which are hidden by the thick smoke of battle that still hangs over the dense forest, then, closing them again, he tries to sleep as he listens to the random shots and hears the whiz of the bullet on its mission of death as it goes
h;
FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT .MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
crackling through the slender branches of the trees. These mes- sengers tell him that the enemy is still there " on mischief bent," but he feels secure in the answering fire of our own sentinels who keep vigil while others sleep. Such is night upon a battlefield.
As the early dawn of morning came to shed its faint rays of light through the gloomy ravines, the prostrate forms quietly arose, musket in hand, and once more stood in line, sullenly facing the foe and again ready to act in obedience to orders. Many did not arise, but silently remained in that peaceful sleep that knows no wakening until the swelling strains of the one universal reveille shall awaken all earthly sleepers, not to bloody scenes of war, but to an eternal peace beyond the conflicts of this mortal life.
It was soon discovered that the enemy still held his position in force, but neither side showed any disposition to assume the offensive ; both were strongly posted behind earthworks, and an attack from either would have resulted in disaster to the one making it. The deadly struggle of the previous two days had left both combatants in poor condition to renew the conflict. Small groups soon gathered around the camp-fires to cook their coffee, which, with the historical hard tack, made their frugal break last. A reeonnoissauce in force of the enemy's position, showed how futile it would prove to make another front attack upon his strongly intrenched position. Then the inquiry arose along the ranks as to who had gained the victory. The man who was there had no knowledge of anything beyond his personal observations. He knew that the position of the contending forces had nut materially changed, lie saw his company and regimenl badly shattered, and the dead, both in blue and gray, lying around. The question was passed along up to higher authority without receiving any satisfactory answer and remains unanswered to this day. It was th0U ghl that the New York Ihrahl would deride it and let us know all about what we had been doing. It finally came to us. after a few days of patient waiting, but tailed to
give the desired answer. It had been costly to both, and both
>ide> claimed the \idoiy; ,,n the part of General l.ee that he had
temporarily interrupted the march of General Granl and inflicted
THE WILDERNESS. 47
a heavy loss upon the Army of the Potomac, but he had not defeated it ; on the part of General Grant that he still held pos- session of the roads leading out of the Wilderness to the South and East, by which he could resume the march in the great flank- ing movement, which had been his original plan of campaign, and he had also inflicted a proportionate loss upon the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, but had failed to defeat it. Both had fought with bravery and desperation, the Federals, in the majority of cases, making the attack upon an enemy unseen until after receiving the shock of his fire ; while the Confederate attacks were not made until the Federal lines had become more clearly defined.
Authorities do not agree as to the loss, although the differ- ence is not very great.
Badeau gives the Federal loss, aggregate, 15,467. General Humphreys in the "Army of the Potomac" gives it as 15,387. Fox says the aggregate Federal loss was 17,666. Regimental reports make it 17,337. What would appear as most reliable is that given in the Rebellion Records and published by the War Department. It should therefore be accepted as official, viz. : —
Killed. 143 officers. 2,103 enlisted men.
Wounded. 569 officers. 11,468 enlisted men.
Missing. 138 officers. 3,245 enlisted men.
Which makes an aggregate Federal loss of 17,666 ; 14,283 killed aud wounded. Of the missing many were never again heard from and probably suffered death from the fire which spread among the wounded, or perished by the slower torture of sickness and starvation in rebel prisons.
No correct report could be obtained of the Confederate loss. A tabular statement published in "The Medical and Surgical History of the War," which is generally accepted as being nearly correct, gives it as follows : 2,000 killed, 6,000 wounded, and 3,400 missing, making an aggregate of 11,400. The foregoing is for the two days, May 5th and 6th, 1864.
The loss of the Fifty-Seventh Massachusetts was as follows : 2 officers killed, 7 wounded, 46 enlisted men killed, 154 wounded,
48
FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
43 missing, making the aggregate 252. This does not include one officer rendered hors de combat by sunstroke.
Company K of the regiment, under Captain Prescott, was detailed to guard wagon trains, and did not, therefore, become engaged. There were also detachments from the several com- panies detailed on cattle guard under Lieutenant Hitchcock, and not in the engagement. There are no means of ascertaining the actual number of men the regiment took into action. It lacked considerable of being its full strength.
JOHN ANDERSON,
Capt. U.S. Army.
Historian 57th Mass.
CHAPTER IV
THE WILDERNESS. {Continued.)
^N a private letter, written by General Bartlett who com- manded the Fifty-Seventh Massachusetts at that time, dated Rappahannock Station, Va., May 3d, 1864, he
speaks of the coming battle and the regiment in the
•^ f » »
following language: ;' We move tomorrow with the Grand Army of the Potomac .... My regiment is in no condition to take into action, but I must do the best I can. It will be a long and hard fight. God, I hope, will give us the victory. The chances, I think, are even. Grant, I fear, does not appreciate Lee's ability, nor the quality of his army. Let us hope for the best .... Give me twenty days and I could make a splendid regiment of this, but man proposes and God disposes."
In .saying that the regiment was "in no condition to take into action " his meaning is understood by the writer, who on former occasions heard him express the opinion that more bat- talion drills were necessary in order that the several companies might be able to work more in harmony and attain a higher proficiency in tactical movements. The weather during the winter at Camp Wool was so inclement as to afford very few opportunities for battalion movements. When it was not cold and the ground covered with snow, it was too wet for drill ; even as late as two days before leaving the State the snow had to be swept from the ground in order for parade and inspection. Every opportunity was taken advantage of for both company and battalion drills. Some of the companies were organized so late that very few opportunities offered. It was not a lack of confidence in the men,
50
FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
as shown by extracts taken from his diary of date May 6th, 1S64, after the engagement of that day, as follows: "Move at three a.m. to the front. It will be a bloody day .... Went into action about eight, thick woods, men behaved well. I was struck in the head about eleven, carried to rear, sent to the hospital in rear, lay there among the wounded and dying until night when there was a falling back and I was put in an ambulance .... Knocked about all night. I slept a good deal. Morning laid under some trees near the road to Chancellorsville. Afternoon persuaded to go in ambulance to Rappahannock, thence to Washington, with rest of the wounded. Went to Ely's Ford, stayed there until two a.m., only heard of five of rny officers being wounded .... Colonel Chandler behaved splendidly. General Hancock ordered me to charge over a regiment lying in front of us that would not move. We did it in perfect line. Hancock said ' Glorious.' "
This confirms the statement heretofore made by us in regard to the hour the regiment went into action. General Bartlett said " about eight." As others remember, it was nearer seven, there being very little difference between "about seven" and "about eight." The whole division was engaged at that time We well remember, alter having been in action what seemed to us an interminable length of time, of looking at our watch and it was not then nine a.m., and we concluded that Joshua of old had returned to this terrestrial sphere and was again cheeking the sun in its course in older to give Lee time to bring up the balance of the Confederacy. If he could have employed the trumpets on the rebel earthworks thai we were charging, with the same effect that he did upon the walls of Jericho, it would have been of great ser- vice to us. Evidently the spirit of Joshua was not with us thai day.
I quote a Tew more extracts from General Bartlett's diary as
follow-,: '■Sunday. 8th, amhulanee moved to ( haneellorsville,
baiting there at hair past nine, a.m., moved to Pine Grove Church. Park wagons here. I don't know what they propose t<»
do with u-. My idea is, Granl is getting mixed
"The loss in my regimenl Is great, nearly two hundred killed and wounded. / am satisfied with tJieir conduct.
THE WILDERNESS. 51
" May 9th, moved into Fredericksburg this morning at sun- rise, in a brick house here. Lived in ambulance three days and nights, long enough .... I am pretty weak. My head is not bad, stump painful. A week or two will set me right again .... Very long, long day. Sleep on the floor without any cover, not cold."
Again May 10th, General Bartlett records in his diary : " Long miserable day. Hear that Sedgwick is killed. I would rather that any other officer in the army were gone than he. His body has come .... Awful amount of suffering here. Very little attendance. No supplies."
The wounding of General Bartlett left the regiment in charge of Lieutenant- Colonel Chandler, a gallant man and one whom everyone loved. We will have occasion to speak of him later.
General Bartlett had previously lost one leg, April 24th, 1862, while a Captain in the 20th Mass., "but later went out as Colonel of the 49th Mass. While in command of that regiment, in the assault upon Port Hudson, he received two more wounds, one shattering the bones of the wrist and the other striking the right ankle and passing through the sole of the boot. Subse- quently he took command of the Fifty-Seventh Massachusetts, and was wearing a cork leg when he lead it into the Wilderness.
The name of General Bartlett has been justly eulogized by poets and authors; nothing more can be added, save to say that all who knew him in the field, officers and enlisted men alike, felt that it was deserving ; they felt a personal pride in these eulogies and were proud to say that they served under his command. We have heard it remarked by some who " did not get there" that he placed his men in danger for the sake of his own ambition ; to gain glory and promotion. This charge is refuted by the fact that he never took his command into battle without orders from higher authority, and then did not send them in, as many a commanding officer did during the war, but led them in person, doing his whole duty fearlessly, and setting an example worthy of emulation to many higher in command who often brought disaster by uot leading their commands, more disastrous than any which might result from the course pursued by General Bartlett. The fact that
52 FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS
those who followed him loved him, speaks in higher praise than words. When the commanding officer leads his men he can rest assured they will follow even into the very jaws of death. The following letter was written by His Excellency, Governor Andrew of Massachusetts, under date of May 6th, 18G4, urging his appoint- ment as Brigadier-General as follows : " You will note that this is tlic second time Colonel Bartlett has marched from Massachusetts at the head of a regiment since losing his leg in the battle on the Peninsula. Besides peculiar courage and self possession in action, he is a young man of fine powers, conspicuous for general mental capacity and of superior culture. He is a graduate of Harvard College. I have the honor now to request and to express my fervent wish that he may receive at once that commission so well deserved by an intrepidity and a merit so eminent."
He was accordingly commissioned a Brigadier-General of Volunteers to date from June 20th, 1864.
There weir many, both officers and enlisted men, who dis- tinguished themselves in this engagement and sealed with their own blood the eulogies they so much deserve. To mention all would fill a space beyond the contemplated limit of this book, yet duty commands that some of the more conspicuous should be noted, even at the risk of being tedious. When brave men give their lives for their country, loyal citizens should not be impatient in reading of them.
Capt. Josepb W. Girdwas killed by being shot through the head. J. Brainerd Hall, who was a non-commissioned officer in the company commanded l>y Captain Gird, and who saw him when he fell, speaks of him as follows: "The father of Captain Gird was a graduate of West Point and was stationed at Fori Jackson, La., where he was subsequently elected professor of
mathematics al the Louisiana State College. Captain Gird was
horn in Jackson, I. a.. October, 1839. <>n the death of his father,
bis mother came to Worcester. Mass.. where her son was educated and fitted for college, he having graduated at the Worcester High School and at one time was connected with the Worcester Trans- cript. When the 25th \l». was being recruited, he was study- ing law. lie at once enlisted us a member of Company F of that
THE WILDERNESS. 53
regiment, from which he was discharged Aug. 26th, 1862, by reason of promotion to 1st Lieutenant in the 36th Mass., being again discharged May 19th, 1863. When the call came in Octo- ber, 1863, for more men, Lieutenant Gird was one of the first to respond to the call and again enter the service. He was almost immediately commissioned a 2d Lieutenant in the Fifty- Seventh Eegimeut, the commission being dated Nov. 3d, 1863. He was promoted Captain Dec. 31st, 1863. At the battle of the Wilderness, when the order was given to advance from the reserve line, where the Fifty-Seventh had been lying on their arms. Captain Gird stepped to the front of his company and addressed them. He cautioned them about being hasty, advised them to keep cool, not to get excited, to be careful and not break the line, not to fire until the command was given and then to fire low. As he turned from addressing his men, and before he had an oppor- tunity to give a single command, he was shot in the head and was seen to throw up his hands and fall backwards." Captain Gird was married while the Fifty- Seventh was in camp at Worcester. His mother and a daughter are still living, but his wife died some years ago.
Samuel Souther, 1st Sergeant of Company B, also fell in this engagement. Mr. Souther was a graduate of Dartmouth College and Bangor Theological Seminary and, for a time, was pastor of the Congregational Church at Belfast, Maine. Previous to his enlistment he was Chaplain of the Penal and Charitable Institu- tions of Worcester. He had also served in the General Court and was much respected and loved. He was among the missing at the Wilderness, and whether he died on the battlefield or in the prison pens of the South could never be ascertained, as he was never heard from after the engagement.
Mr. Souther was a man of high personal character and a de- voted Christian, of strong religious convictions which he consist- ently maintained, and never allowed anything to interfere with his religious duties. He believed it to be his Christian duty to enlist in the army for the defense of his country, and sealed his devo- tion to it by his blood. He was a noble, honorable, true-hearted man.
54
FIFTY-SEVENTH KKGIMKNT MASS. VOLUXTEEISS.
As the years have rolled past since the close of the war, vague and sensational rumors have at times appeared in print re- porting thai he had been seen and recognized in distant countries with a life as strange and wonderful as that of the "Wandering Jew." Yearning hearts have reached out with the faint hope that possibly he might return again, but they have only clutched at the shadows of disappointed hope. His fate cannot be known until the veil is lifted from mortal eyes and the darkness which shrouds our earthly vision removed. Then it will be known that Sergeant Souther died as he had lived, a true man.
IN MEMORY OF
REV. SAMUEL SOUTHER
WHO FELL IN THE BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS
May 6th, 1864.
lie laid his civic honors down.
Ami girded for the fight, Careless of place or high renown. Bu1 zealous for the right.
The Battle of the Wilderness, ' T\\ as there lie. fighting, fell;
And still is there his resting-place, But the spot there's none to tell.
He asked nol sword or shoulder- knot
His sacrifice to -race ; He chose the common soldier's lot,
Within the ranks his place.
< ine ih'ini h of drill, then to the
front . The peer of \ eterans i here ;
< )ne iie.nl h, and I hen t he fiery brunt
Of battle, his to bear.
No sepulture by mortal hands Was his ; no chiselled Stone
In honor of his memorj stands. He sleeps with God alone.
Of all the throng of martyred ones,
Nciue purer fell than he ; Ah, happy country, when thy sons Like Souther die for thee.
CHARLES E. STEVENS.
Another name, though DOl One of high rank, but one w hieli IS
entitled to a place in this book, as it is written high upon the roll of honor in the service of his country, Charles F. Everett, of r pany l>. a lad of bul eighteen, a fair-haired, blue-eyed boy,
with a face as BOfl and smooth as :i girl's. He left the Worcester
High School to enter the ranks of the Fifl v-Se\ cut li. Being a
SAMUEL SOUTHER,
1st Serg-t. Co. B, 57th Mass.
Dr. WILLIAM T. SOUTHER,
Son of Samuel Souther. 1st Sergt. Co. B, 57th Mass.
J. H. CASEY,
Co. C, 57th Mass.
C F. PADDOCK,
Co. B. 57th Mass.
THE WILDERNESS. 55
bright young fellow, with good education, he was soon detailed as clerk in the Quartermaster's Department and in that capacity it was not his duty to carry a musket ; but as the sound of battle reached him back at the wagon train, and he knew his regiment was engaged, he felt that he must be there too. Taking a musket and ammunition he started to the front, nothing daunted by the dead and wounded which he saw on every side upon his way. He entered the dark thicket of the bloody field never to come out alive ; supposed to have been killed. General Bartlett met him as he was going in and ordered him back to his place with the wagons. He turned in that direction, but did not go there. No court-martial tried him for disobedience of orders, as the great Advocate, we believe, pleaded his cause to the higher court above.
" Captain Anderson :
May (3, 1864, after having gone into position in the Wilderness, Charles F. Everett from my own town, Avhom I had known almost from his birth and who had enlisted as a musician in Fifty-Seventh Massachu- setts, being only, as I remember, some sixteen years of age, came to me while in line, after we had changed position, some distance to the left from our original first position, and asked me to supply him with a musket and ammunition, which I positively refused to do, as he was a non-combatant. Knowing his whole family intimately and deeming the position hazardous in the extreme, I remonstrated with him very strongly and tried to have him change his mind, but he left me, saying he would have a gun " anyway," and would go on the skirmish line. Shortly after he returned with a musket and pocket filled with cartridges, saying: " I am going, Warren, and no thanks to you." I again tried to stop him, speaking to him of his mother and sisters. It was of no avail, he went. Shortly after the color sergeant, Robert C. Horrigan, of our regiment, was granted permission by the colonel of our regiment to visit the line in front of us, when the firing commenced in earnest. As he had seen young Everett with me, I asked him to try and bring him back or get him back some way, as he was a favorite of mine. He shortly returned himself and immediately resumed his position in line, saying as he passed me, "I will tell you of your boy later," which he did after our lines were driven back, saying he left him lying at the foot of a tree wounded severely in right hip, that he was unable to bring him away and that he was sorry he was unable to do so, as I seemed to care so much for him. The next day, at
56 FIFTV-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
my request, Horrigau tried to locate him and bring him in if found,
but -was unable to do so. I have always believed he was one of the un- known dead in that fearful fight and Loss on that day of the Fifty- Seventh Massachusetts.
W. 1?. GALUCIA, Late Captain Co. E 56th Mass."
Lieut. James M. Childs was also reported missing, aud as be was never afterwards heard from, it was supposed that he was killed in battle. Of this officer very little is known to us. He enlisted in Company 1> of the regiment, Jan. 4th, 1*64, was made 1st Sergeant and promoted to 2d Lieutenant April 9th. He was of a quiet, retiring disposition, painstaking in all matters of duty and gave promise of making an excellent officer. "Killed in the Wilderness" is as eloquent an eulogy as could be said of anyone. Those who were there know what it expresses.
Besides those who were killed many subsequently died from the effects of wounds. Among them is the name of Private Charles H. Leonard of Company H. His remains were sent to bis borne, Rutland, Mass., for burial, arriving there May 28th. The Worcester Spy, of May 30th, 1864, speaks of him as follows: " Private Leonard, in response to his country's call, left home and enlisted in Company U, Fifty-Seventh Regiment, in December last, where he served with constant and devoted attention as a student soldier while in camp during the winter. He was a good soldier, cheerful companion, a true patriot and an unflinching hero. He fell with a mortal wound in the battle of the Wilderness, but survived the shoek until removed to Washington. Hon. .1. W. Bigelow of Rutland went for the body, which rests in his native town." Henry ('. Maloney, of Company l>. died from the effects of wounds received in the battle of the Wilderness. His
death occurred <>H. 6th, L864, at the age of 18. He had previ- ously been transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps and was on duty at Troy, N.V. at the time of his death. The remains were sent to his home, Leicester, .Mass., his native town, and buried
with military honors in Pine Grove Cemetery. He was al die time id' his enlistment a member of the Military Academy of Leicester.
THE WILDERNESS. 57
Another victim of the Wilderness, of which honorable mention can be made, Antonio Phillips of Company D. The Worcester Spy of Jan. 12, 1865, speaks of him as follows: "Intelligence has been received by the return of Doctor Gould of Fitchburg, who arrived home from Andersonville, Ga., December 26th, of the death of Antonio Phillips of Oxford, by starvation in the rebel prison at that place, on the 15th of September, 1864. Mr. Phillips originally entered the service in Company D, of the 15th Mass. Regiment, from which he was discharged on account of injuries received in the service. He afterwards enlisted with the 51st Regiment and served with it during its nine months of service. On the organization of the Fifty-Seventh Regiment, he enlisted again and was captured the 7th of May last. During a consider- able part of his different terms of service, he was emplo}7ed as an assistant in hospital, a work for which he was particularly adapted, and many a good soldier in the three regiments will read with pain the announcement of the unfortunate end of one who administered so faithfully and so cheerfully to their wants while under his care."
Space will not permit of special mention of all the wounded. One deserving of mention is that of Corpl. J. Brainerd Hall of Company B, to whom we have acknowledged indebtedness for much information contained in this book ; his love for the old regiment having led him to gather and preserve items of interest, which are of great value.
Corporal Hall was shot directly through the body, the wound being considered mortal. Although" never entirely recovering from the effects of it, yet he has managed to live up to present date. His preservation wras due to excellent nursing and good grit. His experience at the time was quite interesting and well worth the little space it will occupy here, as described in his own language. He was placed in an ambulance about one hour after being wounded and in a few hours was three times in the hands of the rebels before reaching the hospital. He was wounded on the left of the line. After arriving at the hospital he was kindly cared for by the surgeon in attendance, for which he expresses thanks to Colonel Bartlett. Also received much aid and comfort
58
FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
from the Christian Commission. The night after the battle (May 6th) the hospital had to be abandoned by reason of the near approach of the enemy. All the wounded that were able to be moved in army wagons were carried to the rear. "About fifty of us were so badly wounded that it was believed it would be safer to remain than to be transported with the conveniences at hand. The shells from the rebel batteries fell around us all that night. The assistant surgeon of the 59th Regiment (I think) and Antonio Phillips (hereto referred to) volunteered to remain with us. Early the next morning Lieutenant, subsequently Capt. ( reorge E. Barton, who was at that time attached to the ambulance corps, knowing of our perilous condition, came to the rescue with a small squad of cavalry. He arrived just in time and all were taken off in time to avoid capture by the rebel advance with two exceptions. Doctor Gould and Antonio Phillips, who stopped to pick up something that had heen left by a wounded comrade and were gobbled up. Lieutenanl Barton joined the remainder of the ambulance train and after a ride extending from Saturday, May 7th. to .Monday morning. May 9th, arrived at Fredericksburg. Here every ehurcli in the city was a hospital and every one was full, while all round outside lay wounded men ready to take the places of those who were dying within or being removed to Washington, Alexandria and Baltimore, via Belle Plain. Every public building was full, while in the smaller houses were wounded men who had personal friends or relatives in the Christian or Sanitary Com- mission, or friends who had been passed from Washington for thai purpose, and were being kindly eared for. The Large agri- cultural warehouses were also full of soldiers, placed in rows. upon mudd\ and bloody blankets, while nurses were going up and down between the rows with pails of ice water.
•■ For the first few days at Fredericks burg it was almost im- possible to obtain bandages. The women, with a few exceptions,
Were hitter rebels and WOUld do all they COUld to prevent us from
Boding or buying a single piece of cloth. The bandage with
which my own wound was hound up was pari of the white skirt
belonging to an elderly lady who broughl roses into the Southern Methodisl Episcopal Church where I was Lying, a .Mrs. McCabe.
THE WILDERNESS. 59
Seeing the need of a bandage, she loosed her skirt, cut it into strips, and handed it to my father, who proceeded to dress my own and other soldiers' wounds."
Corporal Hall further states in a recent letter, as follows : " I was wounded, went back nearly to the Brock road, loaded into an ambulance, taken half way to the Chancellorsville house, cap- tured and recaptured twice and taken to the Fifth Corps Hospital near the Wilderness Run, all before nine o'clock a.m. After I had been placed in the field hospital and cared for by Doctor White, the sun was shiniug on my face on the right side and a piece of tent was fixed up by a member of the Christiau Commis- sion. In the afternoon that same piece of tent was changed by Doctor Gould to the opposite side. I go thus into details to show that all of this could not have transpired if we did not get up to the junction of the Orange plank and Brock roads until nearly noon. It may be said that it was a long time from the start that morning until the regiment was engaged, and it was. The sun rose that morning at two minutes of five and was two hours high even at seven o'clock."
Special mention is made as to the time the Fifty-Seventh became engaged on the 6th of May, it being claimed that the divi- sion to which the Fifty-Seventh belonged became engaged early in the morning. In our opinion, it was about 8 a.m. At what time the balance of the Ninth Corps went into position we do not know.
Capt. C. D. Hollis, of the Fifty-Seventh, who was badly wounded on the 6th, thinks the regiment went into action about nine a.m. The adventures of the Captain, after having been wounded, were rather thrilling and unpleasant. After hav- ing been carried from the field he was taken to the Sixth Corps Hos- pital where he was without care or attention, except that given him by his servant, until two o'clock of the 7th, when Surgeon Jewett, of the 14th Connecticut, dressed his wound, which was considered fatal. By this time it had become very sore and painful and he was faint from loss of blood. In this condition he was placed in an ambulance and taken over the rough road towards Germauna Ford and then brought back again and sent to Fredericksburg,
60 FIFTY SEVENTH KEGEUENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
from which place he was sent, with others who were badly wounded, towards Belle Plain en mute to a northern hospital. Captain Lawrence and Lieutenant Barker also of the Fift}T-8eveuth were among the number. Soon after dark they were suddenly attacked by a detachment of Mosby's guerillas. Lieutenant Bond of the 20th Massachusetts was mortally wounded and died on the 14th. During the time they were in the hands of the guerillas they were treated 'as the Captain says, " brutally in the extreme, calling us by all the foul names they coitld call to mind, at the same time punching us in the head with their revolvers and robbing us of what valuables they could rind. They took my watch but I saved my pocket-book by secreting it under my back. I could see them as they were rifling the pockets of those around me. I told the one who Fobbed me that he ought to be ashamed to treat wounded and helpless men in such a way, but, placing his revolver against my
head, he called me saying : ' You come here and burn our
houses and turn us out of home,' this being emphasized with lan- guage that was more forcible than eloquent."
It was not known that any officers were in the party, as Captain Hollis represented that they were all privates.
('apt. Charles Barker, who was 1st Lieutenant of Company F, Fifty-Seventh, in the Wilderness, gives the following account of his experience in this battle and subsequently falling into the hands of the enemy, which will be found of great interest. We well remember seeing him fall as he was wounded, and admired the quiel bravery he displayed at the time. He says: •• I was wounded May 6, 18(54. The left of Company II and right of the next company. I do not remember which one. fell back and
went pasl me. I stepped into line with the regiment and ordered
them back. They were nearly back in line again when I fell,
wounded through the thigh. Captain Lawrence came to me and tied my handkerchief around my leg, as the wound was bleeding freely. I tried to gel back with the help of a musket, bul the leg would not go, so I sal down and 'hitched' back a Bhorl distance when Captain Lawrence, who had just been wounded through the
neck, and someone else, I do not remember who, came to my help
and succeeded In getting me back until we met the Stretcher bear-
THE WILDERNESS.
61
ers who carried us to the ambulance, which took us to the field hospital where we remained until about midnight, when the sur- geon gave orders to move all who could be moved as quickly and quietly as possible, as the ' rebs ' were preparing to shell the hospital, to all appearances ; so we started and travelled until morning, when we came to a plantation where we were cared for and rested part of the day, when we were again started for Rap- pahannock Station, but were met by a band of ' loyal farm- ers.' We fell back in rear of the army. In the afternoon we started with a long train for Fredericksburg, where we arrived on the 9th, remaining until eleven that night ; we started for Belle Plain en route for Washington. About one a.m. of the 12th, we were stopped by the Mosby gang who fired into us, overhauled and ordered us out of the wagons in terms more impressive than elegant or refined. I did not obey. I was sitting on the bottom of the wagon between Captain Hollis and a lieutenant of the 51st New York, who were lying down when they, the guerrillas, presented pistols and demanded watches and money. I hid mine in the straw and told them I had nothing for them. Someone gave them a watch, which partially pacified them, and, as they were in a great hurry, they took the horses and left us in the mud where we remained until the supply train returned from Freder- icksburg, which we had met as it was going there the day before. They took us to Belle Plain where we took the boat for Washing- ton and arrived about midnight of the 12th, being six days from the day I was wounded."
The Confederate cavalry, under Colonel Mosby, or as they were termed by us, 'k guerrillas/' was a sort of independent, irreg- ular organization of men who mostly inhabited that section of Virginia where the operations of both armies were principally confined. They were dressed in a variety of uniforms, or moie generally, none at all, and might be seen in the day cultivating their fields while at night they would hang upon the rear and flanks of our marching army. In this way they were enabled to obtain information concerning the movements of the Federal army, which was promptly communicated to the Confederate leader. It was a force hard to find, except in such cases as men-
62
FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
tioned by Captain Hollis. Many were the stragglers who fell into their hands never to be heard from again. However, it rendered some service to our army by preventing straggling to a great ex- tent, but when one fell out from sheer exhaustion, there was very little hope for him. These men should not be classed with that gallant Army of Northern Virginia, under Gen. Robert E. Lee. Men who engage in honorable warfare and stand squarely up in battle are men who respect prisoners of war, especially those who are disabled by honorable wounds. It is only the brutal coward, who has not the courage to face the storm of battle, who will abuse a wounded prisoner.
Following will be found a list of the Fifty-Seventh who were killed in the battle of the Wilderness on the 6th da}' of May, 1864: —
Capt. Joseph W. Gird. Lieut. James M. Childs — died of wounds.
ENLISTED MEN KILLED.
|
William II. Wilson |
> |
Sergt. |
Co. |
A |
Thomas Farrell, |
Pvt. |
Co. ] |
|
Daniel McDonald, |
Pvt. |
' |
1 |
Joseph Longdt, |
" |
||
|
Michael < iillin. |
" |
' |
' |
George M. Hammond |
» |
||
|
Patrick Murphy, |
" |
' |
i |
Robert McCoy, |
•• |
||
|
Michael Shaugtraessy, |
11 |
' |
Michael O'Connor |
" |
|||
|
Silas X. Carter. |
11 |
i |
Lorenzo White, |
■• |
|||
|
1 lanici O'Conner, |
" |
' |
John P. Maynard, |
l'vt. |
Co. |
||
|
Samuel Souther, |
1st Sergl |
Co. |
B |
Reported missing |
Ma\ 6, |
not |
|
|
Heretofore reported missing. |
heard from since.) |
||||||
|
Lew [S Moore. |
Pvt. |
Co. |
B |
Henry M. Fales, |
Corp. |
Co. ( |
|
|
Nicholas Finn, |
" |
Co. |
C |
John E. Tuthill, |
" |
" |
|
|
John Zimmerman, |
'< |
' |
James J. Willard, |
Pvt. |
" |
||
|
Joseph Wow land, |
" |
1 |
Charles IP Waitc. |
||||
|
Frank Bird, |
" |
' |
William Day, |
" |
•• |
||
|
Lester Tyler, |
Corp. |
Co. |
1> |
William s. Bourne, |
•• |
•• |
|
|
Henry a < lolling, |
Pvt. |
1 |
Elisha C. l >a\ enport . |
" |
•• |
||
|
i lharles Jones, |
'• |
I |
William Flanagan, |
•• |
•• |
||
|
Joshua Hal haw ay, |
Corp. |
Co. |
E |
Frank Lashua, |
'• |
•• |
|
|
G( orge M. Ai«lcn, |
Pvt. |
' |
< reorge E. Reed. |
•• |
|||
|
Se> a Brow n, |
•' |
' |
Herberl W. Bond, |
Sergl |
Co. I |
||
|
Thomas Benroy, |
" |
1 |
Charles E SToung, |
< lorp. |
" |
||
|
Charles Burr, |
■■ |
< |
William M. Caldwell. |
Pvt |
" |
||
|
John < iorbetl . |
•« |
' |
Albert S. Ewing, |
•• |
•■ |
THE WILDERNESS.
63
John Handley, Lewis Richardson, Eugene Smith, William G. Olds, Elmer J. Hardy, Joseph Fortin, Michael Stanley,
Pvt. Co. H Michael Shelly,
Corp. Co. I Pvt. "
Otis E. Wheeler, David Parker, Albert W. Dow, Jeremiah W. Marsh, Sterling A. Hopkins
Pvt. Co. I
Co. K
The following named men were wounded at the Wilder-
ness :
Col. Wm. F. Bartlett. Capt. Levi Lawrence. Capt. Charles D. Hollis.
1st Lieut. John L. Goodwin. 1st Lieut. Edward S. Dewey. 1st Lieut. Charles Barker.
ENLISTED MEN.
Gusta Beltran, Hiram K. Ballon, Patrick Birmingham, John Davis, John Fregean, James Howarth, Anthony Hey ton, George Lawson, Asa M. Ray, Henry A. Sawtelle, John Teague, Patrick Crowe, Josiah B. Hall, John Midgley, Warren E. Brewer, Amasa Bryant, Francis W. Bullard, William H. Clark, Michael Fleming, John A. Hart, J. W. C. Heintzleman, Charles A. Kirkup, Edwin H. Smith, Timothy G. Sullivan, Peter Ward, Warren W. Sawyer,
Pvt. Co. A
Corp. Co. B
Pvt.
Charles F. Kellogg, George Billings, Patrick Gallen, Thomas Rutledge, James Ackley, Cornelius Harley, Joseph Honte, Gustavus S. Holden, Charles A. Knight, William Kyle, Michael Kelley, David Lavoute, John Murphy, Jacob Meatte, James Norway, John Ryan, Gilbert Sandy, Edward Saucjr, Thomas Shehan, John Daley, Albert F. Ellis, Peter Labombard, Joseph N. Shailor, George Pecardet, John Crosby, Patrick Gilmore, 1st
Sergt. Co Corp.
Pvt.
. C
Serst. Co. D
64
FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
John Clark, Sergt. Co. D
Theodore B. Kendall. Corp. "
Robert F. McCnrdy, " "
James Hodge, Pvt. tl
John Curley, " "
Martin E. Finkle, " "
George N. Hudson, " "
Martin Kelly, " "
Thomas Long, " " Alfred .McDonald,
Henry C. Maloney, " "
John O'Sullivan, " "
Henry C. Scriber, " "
James Vocell, " lt
Ensign A. Oaks. " "
Horace H. Paine, 1st Sergt. Co. E
Frank 1). Fuller, Corp. "
Alexander Mc< !oy, " "
Cephas B. Pasco, Pvt. "
Samuel S. Smith, " "
Asa D. Burleigh, " lt
I reorge N. I !heeney, " "
Edwin Cudworth, " "
Nalmni Bryant , " "
Patrick McXamee, " "
Marl in Karrigan, " "
.lames Bartlett, 1st Sergt. Co. F
William S. Dunn, Corp. "
Aaron Wilkins, Pvt. " Charles W. Babbitt,
A.ugustin Bourdon, " ti
I'.ilw in A. Flagg, " " ■ Henry Fuller, " James \i , Frosl . " Alfred E. Gore,
Albion M <■ I nt ire " "
.lohn McDowell, " "
Michal O'Donnell, " " Edmund Fine, " Michael Harris,
William Skye, " "
1 1 < - 1 1 1 - \ \ . Wilkins. " "
< reorge l.dams, i>t Sergt. < !o, G
Thomas » ;. .Ionian,
William Worthy, Corp. Co. G
Daniel Sullivan, Pvt. "
Victor Rosette, " "
Charles O. Adams, " "
William M. Drake, " "
Cornelius J. Dailey, " " Charles W. Frelick, William H. Flagg,
Garrett Fitzgerald, ,l "
Timothy H. Lewis, " "
James Lowe, " "
Michael Melvin, " "
John Morrissey, " "
Lewis Mountain, " tl
Horace Danyon, t; lt
Lorenzo Fletcher, " "
Masial Mallet, " "
Oscar B. Phelps, "
Cyrus R. Ramsdell, " "
Timothy Shehan. " "
Francis E. Cooley, " "
Patrick W. Fox, Sergt. Co. H William C. Park, 1st "
Charles S. Chase, " "
Charles II. Pinkham, Corp. "
Otis D. Ainsworth, Pvt.
Joseph II. Binney, " "
( leoriic A. Brown, " Henry A. F. Iloyt.
George T. Lincoln. " "
Samuel M. Lovering, " "
( harles II Leonard, " "
James A . Marshall, " "
Charles sharp. " ti
Warren H, Stockwell, " " Charles B. Wilson,
John S. Williams,
i reorge H. Wood, "
Fierce Culliton, Corp. Co. I
John Brown, Pvt. "
Peter \ , Burrow s, " "
TImothj Curtin, "
l tennis I loliins, •• "
Patrick ( lulliton, " "
THE WILDERNESS.
John Crowe, John G. Daniels, John Houlihan, Sylvester Myers, Louis Reno,
Fvt. Co. I
Daniel Sullivan, George W. Wilcox, Orrin E. Writer, William Woodville, Albert C. Wheeler,
65 Pvt. Co. I
Co. K
Many of the wounded died soon after the engagement, others lingered a while to die of their wounds later, others died in Con- federate prisons, while others became crippled for life.
The following is a list of the missing, many of whom died, as supposed, upon the battlefield, others in Confederate prisons, while others were never again heard from. If their remains found sepulture, it was in unknown graves : —
George W. Maynard, Pvt. Co. A William Maynard, " "
Charles H. Rugg, " "
(Captured and died at Danville Prison, leg amputated.) James B. Freeman, Sergt. Co. B Henry J. Fuller, Corp. "
William Bates, Pvt.
William Bobbins, "
Charles F. Knox, Sergt
(Killed. Was seen by tenant Royce lying upon the field shot through the forehead.) Wilber F. Ward, Corp. Co. D
Charles F Everett, Mus. "
Stewart M. G. Fullerton, Pvt. " James Hodge, Pvt. u
Saybrook Lee, " "
(Died in hands of enemy.)
John O'Neil, Pvt. Co. D
John Brown, " Co. E
(Die:l October 12th, at Ander-
sonville.)
Co. C Lieu-
Austin K. Gould, Pvt. Co. F
George C. McMaster,
Charles Ryan,
David Keilty,
Abraham Luchay,
William T. Peabody,
(Died Sept. 2d, 1864, at Ander- sonville, Ga.) James Richards, Pvt. Co.
Augustus T. Co veil, " Co.
(Died of wounds at Annapolis, Mel., Sept. 7th, 1864.) John B. Covell, Pvt. Co.
Luther C. Hawkins, " '
John White, " '
John W. Crowley, " Co.
George W. Emerson, " "
(Died at Andersonville. Aug. 27th, 1864.) Frank Short, Pvt. Co. H
John H. Richards, " Co. I
G
11
The above lists were prepared with great care from reports on file in the Adjutant-General's Office, State of Massachusetts. While they may not be strictly accurate in all the details, yet
66
FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
they are as correct as can be made at this late clay. The reports from which they were taken were made by the regimental com- manders while in the field and without having access to official records. There are absolutely no monthly reports of the Fifty- Seventh on file. The special reports of casualties that were sent in were taken largely from memory, which accounts for many names that are, doubtless, spelled incorrectly, and others that may have been omitted entirely, still the errors, if any, are few, and it is thought better to publish the lists in their entirety rather than to omit them altogether. The regiment passed rapidly from one commanding officer to another as one after another fell in battle. It was the same with company commanders and 1st Sergeants. Marching or fighting nearly every day, sometimes both, for months, gave but few opportunities for mnking out reports. The one object, which was paramount to everything else, was to do one's duty in battle, and. after that, to try and take care of one's self with what few facilities the conditions of war afforded. An order would come calling for reports, which were always regarded as "red tape"; no one wanted to be bothered. The great struggle in which the army was engaged absorbed everything else. Regimental commanders would call upon company commanders for reports of their companies, then a scene something like the following would take place: Company Commander — "Sergeanl Blazes, O, Sergeant Blazes — where's thai Sergeant?" (Voice from the rifle pit) : "Out washing his shirt, sir." " Well, you go and find him and tell him I want to see liim immediately." Half an hour later the much needed 1st Sergeanl is -ecu approaching. "Come, Sergeant, hurry up, I'm waiting for you." " Had to wait for my shirt to dry. sir. l»e fore 1 could put il on." "Hang your shirt, look at this! Now. you
see, the d I's to pay: they want a report of my company,
-end me no blanks to make i1 on and I have do records to go by. How do they expect a fellow is going to fight all the time and
report. tOO? I Suppose when one gets killed he IS expected to
send bach an official report, so he can be officially killed."
(Message from regimental commander): "The colonel says he is waiting for that report and must have it at once." "Well,
THE WILDERNESS. 67
Sergeant, get your roll and let's see what we can do." " I have no roll, sir, — that was with Sergeant Bowers who was killed in the charge last evening." " Then make a list of all the names present." " I have that, sir." " Now let's see who were killed yesterday evening — who in the fight of the 12th. Now, then, we had so many when the campaign opened and we have lost so many — so many killed, and so many wounded, and so many left. That makes it as near as I can get at it. Now, if you can find a piece of paper somewhere, I will put it down, sign it, and get it in at once. I hope this will satisfy them, and will be the last report I will ever be called upon to make." Alas, it was with many !
It was fortunate if the paper could be found, often a paper collar would have to supply the deficiency. These reports were consolidated by the regimental commander and forwarded, thus, for the time being, relieving his anxiety.
The baggage of the Fifty-Seventh, together with official records and retained rolls, were shipped from White House Land- ing around to City Point, on an old barge, the " General Mc- Clellan." It was not a seaworthy craft, and sank before reaching its destination, and went to the bottom of the James river. Everything was destroyed that could be of service in making out reports. Under such circumstances, it is a credit to the regiment that any were made out at all. The importance of such matters was not valued as highly theu as now.
These lists were submitted with the following letter : —
Headquarters Fifty-Seyextii Massachusetts,
Before Petersburg, Va., Feb. 6, 1865. Gexeral :
I have the honor to forward herewith a " nominal list of casualties " of this command for the year ending Dec. 31, 1864. I am, sir,
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant, To J. M. TUCKER,
"William Schouler, Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding
Adjutant-General, Fifty-Seventh Massachusetts Infantry.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
68 FIFTY-SEVENTB REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
The "nominal" lists do not compare accurately with the "tabular list of casualties in the Fifty-Seventh" in the adjutant- general's report (State of Massachusetts) submitted Dec. 31, 1864. The latter reports 1 officer killed and 7 wounded, 46 enlisted men killed, 154 wounded and 43 missing, making a total of 251 officers and men killed, wounded and missing. While the former gives 1 officer killed, 7 wounded, 48 enlisted men killed, 151 wounded and 42 missing, making a total of 249 killed, wounded and missing, — a discrepancy of two, which is accounted for by the two following names, viz. : David Parker, Private Co. I, reported killed May 6th, 1864, and George Bukardy, Private Co. C, wounded May 6th, 1864. This will make the numbers correspond with the adjutant-general's report, but making 49 enlisted men killed and 152 wounded. The foregoing list of names is imperfect, rendered so by not being able to find some on the rolls. It is "nominally" correct; we have no means of making it accurately so. The discrepancies are accounted for by later reports, which place many of those formerly reported " missing," as " killed " ; as they were never afterwards heard from, there is no doubt but they were killed : 2d Lieut. .lames M. Childs and Sergt. Samuel Souther are two such. Many others could be added, as will be observed b}7 reading the remarks in the list of " missing."
Many of the wounded died soon after the battle, and many of the missing died in Confederate prisons. Very few ever returned to duty again.
Whether the battle of the Wilderness is considered a victory or defeat, the Fifty-Seventh loyally contributed two hundred and
fifty-two officers and men to the I'nion cause.
Looking at it in the light of after years, we incline to the Opinion, thai our loss mighl have been less. It is a well known fad, as experience has clearly demonstrated, that men under lire for the first time, as many of the Kilty-Seventh were, expose themselves more than necessary, and despise any shelter that
mighl afford temporary protection. Their idea was to stand
squarely up in line and " face the music." After a lew experi- ences like the Wilderness, men do not feel it a disgrace to take
THE WILDERNESS. G9
advantage of anything that will protect them from the fire of the enemy, providing this can be clone by keeping in their proper place in the ranks. The Science of War, as taught at the present day in the regular army, specially prescribes that in moving to the attack, advantage shall be taken of all obstacles and inequali- ties of ground until the final rush is made upon the enemy, and men are drilled to carefully observe it. By experience men also become better acquainted with each other and comrades know whom to rely upon when the shock of battle comes. They know who will stand and are much less liable to be thrown into a con- dition of panic, which so often proved disastrous and came near doing so in this case.
Chaplain Dashiell, who was upon the field, writes about it as follows: "I well remember the rout, as the men streamed D37 in panic, some of them breaking their guns to render them useless in the hands of the rebels. Nothing could stop them until they came to the cross roads where a piece of artillery was planted, when they rallied behind it. Colonel Leasure, of the 100th Pennsylvania, began to place them in line. Before long the rebel yell was heard and the colonel on the gun cried, ' Advance, first line ! ' when a volley succeeding the discharge of the artillery made the rebels ' skedaddle ' in turn." As the Stretcher Corps of the division had not yet been organized, the chaplain, with the band and drum corps, followed up the line of battle to minister to the wounded and to remove such as they could to a place of safety. Colonel Bartlett went into the fight on foot and was soon brought out by several of the men, with the blood streaming from his forehead and utterly exhausted.
Although Company K was temporarily on detached duty with the baggage train, yet eleven of the company were in the engage- ment. Of that number three were killed, one wounded and one missing.
The few batteries that succeeded in getting into position rendered excellent service, but it was only at short range and with grape and canister to repel charges.
CHAPTER V.
SPOTTSYLVANIA COURT HOUSE.
'OST of the day of the 7th of May, immediately follow- ing the battle of the Wilderness, was spent by both armies keeping up a light musketry fire, removing such wounded as could be reached, gathering in stragglers and those .that had been separated from their com- mands in the confusion of the day before, and making preparations for a renewal of the conflict. Where the blow was to fall next no one could conjecture, but all knew that the struggle was to be continued somewhere. Although the Federal commander had been checkmated in the execution of his plans for the flanking movement, yet he had not abandoned them, and determined to again move by his left flank and make another effort to reach the Confederate right and rear at Spottsyl- vania Court House. It was a great undertaking to withdraw such a vast army from a place so difficult for maneuvering ; especially before such a commander as General Lee, who was always watch- ful of the movements of his adversary. He divined the plans of General Grant to move again upon his right flank, and clearly foresaw that the key to the situation was to be found in the pos- session of Spottsylvania Court House. This, on account of the roads that radiated from there in all directions, more than any special advantage arising from the natural position of the place. There were, in fact, two plans open for him : one to await in his position in the Wilderness until the Army of the Potomac should commence its movement, then fall upon its rear, defeat it, if possible, cut off its communication with Washington and even threaten the city itself ; but in this case he would cut loose from
72 FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
his own communications with Richmond, and the two armies would virtually be changing position with each other. This seemed too hazardous an undertaking. In this event, the Federal commander, if not defeated in battle, could easily have made good his communications with General Butler at Bermuda Hundred and. as he subsequently did, establish his base of supplies there; besides, whenever the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia had cut loose from its base to move north of the Potomac, as at Antietam and Gettysburg, it had met with disaster.
It must, even at that time, have appeared to General Lee that the resources of the South were nearly exhausted, and that b3T a constant attrition with the Army of the Potomac, the Army of Northern Virginia would soon become worn out. A man like Napoleon the First, who always stood ready to stake his all to either win or lose all, would probably have chosen this course, but General Lee, with all his courage and skill as a commander, was also cautious. By prolonging the war, even by constant fighting, there was a strong and ever-abiding hope that eitherFrance or Great Britain would interfere in behalf of the Confederacy. The safest plan to him, therefore, seemed to be to fall back to Spottsylvania Court House and make himself strong there, behind earthworks, and await the arrival of his adversary. This he decided to do when the Army of the Potomac commenced the movement out of tin- Wilderness to gain Spottsylvania Court House. The Army of Northern Virginia commenced to move toward the same point. reaching it Brsl and throwing up strong defensive works at once.
In pursuance of General Grant's original plan, the Army of the Potomac was quietly withdrawn after dark of the 7th. leaving the unburied dead in their silent sleep, tenting in the gloomy jungles and dark hollows of this horrible Golgotha, their mortal
remains to become food for vultures; both the blue and the gray resting aide by side in an eternal peace, death Leaving further
Strife for those who had been Spared, while they were at rest.
Il seemed good to gel OUl from under thai dark shadow of
stifling powder smoke into the fresb air and God's pure sunlight.
The two long days of darkness and horrors through which we had
pa jsed seemed a lifetime.
SPOTTSYLVANIA COURT HOUSE. 73
By morning of the 8th the entire Army of the Potomac was well out of the Wilderness and once more on the march. The Fifty-Seventh, now under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Chandler, passed through the scene of the bloody battle of Chan- cellorsville, which had been fought in May, 1863. The regiment was halted here for some little time, waiting for the wagon trains to pass. While resting upon this historic battlefield the long train of ambulances and wagons passed, bearing the wounded from the Wilderness to Fredericksburg, en route to hospitals at Washington and further north.
The roads had been badly cut by the numerous trains of heavy wagons that had previously passed over them. The wounds were now two days old and far more sore and painful than when first received ; every motion, every jolting turn of the wheel, sent pain through the mutilated forms. It does seem at such a time as if the wheels would never miss a stone, stump or other object to increase the bodily anguish and discomforts of such a ride. No pen can portray the patient sufferings of those self-sacrificing men. Such wounds as had received attention were only hastily dressed, while others were waiting attention. The heat of the scorching mid-day sun added increased suffering from the fevered wounds. Details were made from each company to administer such comfort or relief as could be devised, but the facilities to do with were few. Water was brought in canteens for them to drink and to cool their burning wounds. Those who had undergarments, that they were not wearing at the time, cheerfully contributed them for bandages, and all that could be was done to alleviate their sufferings. Many were shockingly mangled and many died on the way. Their condition in no way reflected upon the medical corps of the army. The surgeous were men of skill and experi- ence who worked night and day in the faithful performance of their duty, and were more tender in their care than those surgeons who never heard the sound of battle. The work of caring properly for such a large number of wounded was more than they could properly attend to upon the battlefield.
The Fifty- Seventh was very fortunate in having the services of Dr. Whitman V. White, surgeon of the regiment, a man who
<4 FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT .MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
combined surgical skill with a kind, sympathetic heart. More than one who survived felt indebted to him for their lives. He was indefatigable in his labors. The surrounding scenes were anything but cheerful ; ghastly skulls were scattered over the ground which seemed to speak, through the sunken, eyeless sockets, of the vain glories of war. There were shallow pits, or trenches, in which the greater number of those who had been killed in that terrible battle had been thrown, and a little covering of earth hastily thrown over them, which had been partly washed away by the snows and rains of the previous winter. Their whitened skeletons, partly covered by faded and tattered uniforms, were seen protruding above the ground, mixed and intermingled in all conceivable shapes. It was a picture far different from the one presented when proudly marching to the evening parade under the inspiration of martial music. Such sights and scenes must soon be forgotten in the great game of war, as one after another they pass in quick succession. The man in the ranks must try and forget and march blindly on to face new dangers and even death on other fields, until the fatal bullet finds him also, for. after all, what is he but a small pawn upon the hoard, although hi; values his life just as dearly as those in high command, who stand upon the pinnacle of fame, while their names are traced in song and story through ages to come, and monuments of costly beauty are erected in testimony of their bravery and glorious deeds. He, too,
has friends in S e distant home, may be a fond mother who
Loves him just as tenderly, prays for him just as fervently and longs just as anxiously lor the return of her noble hoy as though he were the commander-in-chief of the army. It lakes more courage, more patriotism and greater sacrifices to make a good private soldier than it does to make a brigadier -general, and theirs is the greater honor. Generals cannot win battles without the aid of private soldiers.
Both armies were now moving on nearly parallel roads towards
Spoltsylvania Court House, the distance being alioul the same by
either,— the Confederates marching by their righl flank, and the
Federals by their left. The Confederate (Jcneral Longstreet having been wounded in the Wilderness, his corps was com-
SPOTTSYLVANIA COURT HOUSE. 75
manded by General Anderson, who led the advance, preceded by Stuart's cavalry. On account of the fire in the woods he was unable to bivouac and therefore pushed directly through to the Court House and at once began throwing up breastworks. Gen- eral Warren commanding the Fifth Corps of the Army of the Potomac led the Federal left, but his march was obstructed by fallen trees and Confederate cavalry, so by the time he reached the vicinity of Spottsylvania Court House, Sunday morning, May 8th, he ran up against strong Confederate earthworks, constructed in a commanding position on a wooded ridge just to the east and north of the court house. The second division of the Fifth Corps, commanded by Gen. John C. Robinson, advanced to the attack, but was met by a heavy cannonade and a sweeping fire of musketry, which drove it back in confusion, and at one time threatened serious disaster, had it not been for the presence of General Warren, who held the men in check until they could be rallied. General Griffin's division met with a somewhat similar experience, but upon the arrival of the other two divisions, under Generals Crawford and Cutler, the Confederates were driven back. Finding that he was not strong enough to make another attack, as the Confederate troops were fast arriving from the Wilderness and intrenching, General Warren also commenced to intrench. Upon the arrival of the Sixth Corps, under General Sedgwick, which was late in the day, the latter took command and made another attack upon the Confederate works, which like- wise proved unsuccessful. By this time nearly all of the Confed- erate army had arrived and taken up a strong position. The Second and Ninth Corps, under Generals Hancock and Burnside, had been left back near the Wilderness to guard against any possible attack in rear, but on the morning of the 9th General Hancock arrived and took position on the right of the line, on high ground overlooking the river Po, which is a stream too deep for fording and about fifty feet wide. The Ninth Corps came up, and moved towards the left of the line, advanced by the Freder- icksburg road directly in front and east of the Court House, driving the Confederate line back across the river Ny, a small stream with heavily wooded banks, of no great consequence.
76 FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
The Federal line, as thus established, from right to left, ran as follows: By Corps, Second, Fifth, Sixth and Ninth, the latter being on the extreme left.
The Confederate army was posted from left to right in the following order: Longstreet's corps {now Anderson's), Ewell and Hill, their line lacing in a general direction north and east, following high ridges and heavy wood. In order to obtain all the advantages to be derived from the natural conformation of the ground, it had to be posted, first running from the river Po northeast, then east, then almost due north, forming an angle with the apex pointing a little east of north, then inclining to the southeast and finally almost due south, the two wings of this army being thrown well back, while the angle extended to the north about half a mile and seemed to Haunt a saucy defiance in the face of the Federals. It was thus occupied on account of the high and commanding ground for the position of batteries and was said to be the key to the whole position. Ewell's Corps formed a line from the west face of this angle around the apex and part of the east face. A division under General Gordon was held in reserve and occupied an intrenched line across the base of the angle, from the east to the west face. This was the interior line which added strength to the naturally strong position. All advantageous points were secured and held by the Confederates. This angle afterwards became known as the " bloody angle." It
see I to challenge attack, and the challenge was accepted. The
ground in front of the Confederate works was heavily wooded on their right, while the two faces of the angle were mostly open in front and on the west, and open on their extreme left, which rested <>n the Po.
The reader must constantly bear in mind that, as the two armies faced each other, what was the Confederate left was the
Federal right and vice versa.
The !Mh of .May WES mostly passed in heavy skirmishing. getting artillery into position and readjusting the lines. General Sedgwick, commanding the Sixth Corps, was killed by a Confed- erate sharpshooter in the morning while inspecting his line of intrenchments. In his death the Sixth Corps sustained a heavy
SPOTTSYLVANIA COURT HOUSE. 77
loss. He was regarded as one of the ablest corps commanders in the service. He possessed the confidence of his men who loved him and swore by him. He seemed to have a feeling of sym- pathy for them, spared them unnecessary hardships and always shared their clangers. A man of undaunted courage and sound judgment. He was succeeded in command of the Sixth Corps by General Wright. The division to which the Fifty- Seventh belonged (Stevenson's) did not come up until nearly noon, when they were thrown across to the south bank of the river Ny. The Confederate sharpshooters were active throughout the day and were of great annoyance to the Federals in securing posi- tion. They were also busy strengthening their intrenched posi- tion, slashing timber in front of their works on the right, and rendering them more secure by constructing abatis.
On the 10th the Confederates extended their left to the west bank of the river Po, in order to cover the Shady Grove road, and their right to the river Po at Snell's bridge below the Court House, the river at this point running nearly east and west, but where the left of their line rested it ran very nearly north and south.
The Confederate works had been constructed with great engineering skill, and artillery placed in such a position that all approaches to them could be immediately brought under a front and flank fire.
General Johnson's division of Ewell's Corps held the ad- vanced position in the angle referred to ; the eastern face, as before stated, being heavily wooded, but more open on the west.
General Humphreys, Chief of Staff, at that time, of the Army of the Potomac, says: "Late at night (9th May) orders were issued from the headquarters of the ' Army of the Potomac ' for the operations of the next day. General Hancock was to endeavor to ascertain the position and force of the enemy in his front and the location of his left flank, and hold his corps ready to advance against the enemy ; the Sixth Corps to feel in like manner for the enemy's intrenchments in his front, General Mott to hold his division ready to move to General Burnside upon hear-
78
FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEER:-
ing heavy firing in that direction." In compliance with this order, General Hancock made a demonstration upon the enemy's left early on the morning of the 10th, with the intention of forcing a passage across the Po and attacking there, but the enemy was found too strong for such an undertaking, and later in the day General Meade ordered General Hancock to transfer all but one division of his corps to the position held by General War- ren for assaulting the enemy's position there ; the remaining division to keep up a threatening attitude toward the Confederate left. The Third and Fourth Divisions of the Fifth Corps had charged the works there, but had been repulsed. With the a nival of the Second Corps the attack was renewed. Two gal- lant and desperate charges were made. The Federals struggled on in the face of a perfect tempest of lead and iron, sustaining both a front and flank fire of musketry and artillery, in some places gaining the enemy's works, where a hand-to-hand fight took place with clubbed muskets. The Federals were repulsed in both at- tacks with fearful loss.
Later in the day two brigades of the Sixth Corps, under com- mand of the brave General (then Colonel) Emory Upton, an officer of the regular army, moved forward under a heavy artil- lery fire in another attack. This was directed upon the west lace of the angle heretofore referred to. The charging column was formed in four lines and at a given signal rushed forward in face of a withering fire of musketry and artillery, breaking through the abatis, planting their colors upon the enemy's works, captur- ing nearly a thousand prisoners and several stands of colors. Desperate efforts were made by the enemy to retake this position. It was held by incessant lighting until after dark, when General I pton, from lack of support, was obliged to retire, bringing the prisoners out with him, and the place was again occupied by the
Confederates. General Mutt's division of the Second Corps, which was t<> have supported the gallant Upton, was at too great
a distance t.» reach the scene of action in time, hence the position
had to he abandoned, if there is any one thing that is thoroughly disheartening to a soldier, it is to Bee works, that have been car- ried at such a sacrifice of Life, abandoned just because theydonol
SPOTTSYLVANIA COURT HOUSE. 79
receive the proper support when most needed, and they see the advantages gained thrown away because certain important condi- tions, necessary to securing the fruits of their dearly bought vic- tory, had not beeu properly provided for. Not understanding the complicated movements of the various organizations, composing a large command, they naturally think that they have been forgotten or neglected.
On the 10th a reconnoissance was made upon the Court House by the First Division of the Ninth Corps, to which the Fifty-Seventh belonged, under command of Brig. -Gen. Thomas G. Stevenson, who was killed in the action. General Stevenson was a young man from Boston, who entered the service at the age of twenty-five, as colonel of the 24th Massachusetts, and was made brigadier-general of volunteers Dec. 26th, 1862. He was esteemed very highly by all who knew him as possessing those brave and sterling qualities which can be relied upon in the performance of duty. He was regarded very highly by the Corps Commander, General Burnside, who spoke of him, saying: "Upon all occa- sions he proved himself a brave and efficient soldier."
The reconnoissance was pushed close up to the enemy's works on the Fredericksburg road and a position taken there and intrenched. In that affair we were in command of the regimental skirmish line of the Fifty-Seventh. It was advanced across a descending opening in front of a piece of heavy wood in full view of the Confederate works, to an old fence, at the foot of which there were strips of wild hedgerows, small brush and briars, the Confederate skirmish line falling back and keeping up a constant fire as our line advanced. From the position we finally gained a good view could be had of the enemy's works upon an open ridge of hills beyond. General Stevenson was present and directed the movement in person, fearless of all danger.
General Humphreys in " The Virginia Campaign of 1864 and '65," says : " On the 11th (May) the Ninth Corps was ordered to withdraw to the north side of the Ny, take up a position with its left on the main road (Fredericksburg) near the Harris House, its right connecting with Mott's division near the Brown House, but before the order could be carried out, General Burnside was or-
80
FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
dered to recross the Ny and reoccupy his position near the Court House, which was done without any serious opposition. Corps commanders were directed to ascertain the least force sufficient to hold their positions securely, and the number of troops that would be available for offensive movements, and what additional works, if any, were necessary to reduce the holding force to a minimum. They were also directed to keep their skirmishers pressed well up against the enemy, and ascertain what changes, if any, had been made by them in their works or troops. The object of these instructions was to ascertain where a concentrated attack could best be made."
The day of May 11th was mostly spent in preparation for a renewal of the battle. Reconnoiterings and skirmishes were con- tinued, but no general engagement took place. The enemy seemed to anticipate each move, and always with a force to meet it. Their army was certainly handled with admirable skill.
In the afternoon (11th) General Grant sent the following despatch to General Meade, dated 3 p.m. : " Move three divisions of the Second Corps by rear of the Fifth and Sixth Corps, under cover of night, so as to join the Ninth Corps in a vigorous assault on the enemy at four o'clock a.m. tomorrow. I will send one or two staff officers over tonight to stay with Burnside and impress him with the importance of a prompt and vigorous attack. War- ren and Wright should hold their corps as close to the enemy as possible to take advantage of any diversion caused by this attack. and to break in if the opportunity presents itself. There is but little doubt, iii my mind, that the assault last evening would have proved entirely successful if it had commenced at an earlier hour and had heeii heartily entered into by Mott's division and the Ninth ( iorps."
The assault here referred to was that made by the two
brigades under < General Qpton.
The afternoon of the L lth was rainy, which continued through the eight. The Fifty-Seventh rested upon their arms without shelter of any kind, the ground was wet and the men's clothing alsOj with no opportunity of getting Avx ; Bleep was impossible,
not even the Luxury of two rails to rest upOD could be found,
ALFRED O. HITCHCOCK,
Capt. 57th Mass., Bvt. Maj. U.S. Vols.
SPOTTSYI.VAXIA COURT HOUSE. 81
so the men had to either remain standing or lie upon the wet ground.
The position of the Brown House had been selected as the base from which the assault was to be made, and it was to be directed upon the apex of the salient angle (" bloody angle ") . The McCool House, which was just inside the Confederate works, was taken as a guide to advance by. There was a strip of open ground between this point and the Brown House. All this ground had been carefully examined by the different corps commanders and a conference had with General Meade in regard to details. General Hancock was directed to move three divisions of his corps at dark (May 1 1th) , in the vicinity of the Brown House, and charge the Confederate lines at four o'clock the next morning, while General Warren (Fifth Corps) was ordered to hold the position vacated by General Hancock (Second Corps). General Wright (Sixth Corps) was ordered to hold two of his divisions in readiness to move wherever their services might be required. General Burnside (Ninth Corps) was ordered to support Hancock and attack on east face of the angle. It was after midnight before the troops were in position. In consequence of the thick fog early in the morning, General Hancock was not able to make the assault until about 4.80, when he made one of the most gallant charges of the whole war. The men moved forward in compact masses through the abatis, sweeping over the enemy's works like a tornado, capturing General Johnson with nearly the whole of his division, about three thousand prisoners, over twenty pieces of artillery and several stands of colors. The Confederates fought desperately and for a time it was a hand-to-hand combat. Most of the Confederates killed were with the bayonet. It has been said that this charge was a surprise, but the Confederate General Johnson, who held the works where the charge was made, says that it was not a surprise, but that the massing of the Federal troops, preparatory to the charge, was observed by him.
The charging column pushed on for some distance until checked by an interior line, held by Gordon's division, which was too strono- to be carried.
oZ FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
The works thus captured b}*- the Second Corps were held, and the Sixth Corps sent to the support of the Second.
The Confederates concentrated all their available force and made repeated and determined charges to recapture them, but each resulted in failure; and thus the fightiDg continued with unabated fury until long into the night, in the midst of a drench- ing rain. The Ninth Corps, General Burnside, held the left of the line and operated upon the east face of the salient, with the Second Division (Potter's) on the right, the First (Stevenson's) in the centre and the Third (Wilcox's) on the extreme left. The First Division was temporarily commanded by Colonel Leasure after the death of General Stevenson.
The Second Division gallantly charged the enemy's in- trenched line early on the morning of the 12th, capturing a number of prisoners and two cannon ; but in consequence of a severe enfilading fire which was brought to bear upon them from another strongly intrenched position held by the enemy, the}7 were unable to hold the captured intrenchments and were subsequently driven out with the loss of the two captured cannon. The other two divisions made repeated attacks, but were unable to carry the main line of the enemy's works. Finally, after desperate fighting, the Second Division succeeded in making connection with Hancock's Corps on their right, thereby closing a dangerous gap between the left of the Second and right of the Ninth Corps.
General Wilcox's (Third) Division math' a gallant charge upon the left, getting close up to the enemy's works, but mel with a murderpus lire of artillery and musketry and was eventually driven back with heavy loss. This charge, though unsuccessful in breaking the enemy's line, had the effecl of checking a move- ment which lif was making to attack the Federal left dank.
The Ninth Corps continued the attacks along their front during the day and succeeded in holding an advanced position close to the enemy and throwing up intrenchments, which largely contributed towards rendering tin' ( Sonfederate position untenable. The vantage ground gained was at n Bevere loss. General Burnside reported it as 2,454 killed and wounded and 590
SPOTTSYLVANIA COURT HOUSE. 83
missing, between the 8th and 12th, one-half of which he says was on the 12th.
The Fifty-Seventh Massachusetts lost on the 12th, 3 officers wounded, 13 enlisted men killed, 52 wounded and 4 missing, making an aggregate loss of 72, which stands in evidence that our regiment was also " fighting it out on that line " with a deter- mination of remaining " all summer" if necessary.
The engagement was during a heavy rain.
It is not our purpose to follow the different movements of the several army corps and divisions of the army in all their details. We would be glad to tell the story of other organizations than the Fifty-Seventh, whose gallant charges have been written in history much better than we can do it here ; of personal heroism which led men to face death in defense of our country, and we would love to portray to the reader the grandly sublime, as well as the terribly shocking, scenes of the battlefield, which held the fate of so many thousands trembling in the balance between life and death, but the glory of one, and the dark shadows of the other, can never be presented in their true colors to those who have never seen and faced the reality.
The Ninth Corps was acting in concert with the Army of the Potomac, although at that time not a part of it, and the Fifty- Seventh Massachusetts belonging to the Ninth Corps, it is diffi- cult to describe the operations of the regiment without briefly describing those of the whole army. It would be like losing the touch of elbow when marching in line ; hence, a brief mention has been made of matters of general interest with which the regiment was associated. The story of one has been written and rewritten, while that of the other lives only in memory which time is fast defacing. The total loss for this one day (12th May) was : killed and wounded, 6,020; missing, 800 — total, 6,820.
The Confederate loss is estimated at between nine thousand and ten thousand killed, wounded and missing. Their loss was considerably greater in prisoners than that of the Federals. The advantage can therefore be claimed by the Federal side, which had not only gained ground, pushing the Confederate army back, but capturing and holding the strongest position in their line.
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FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
After repeated assaults to regain their works in the angle, each attempt resulting in bloody failure, General Lee finally with- drew his army to an interior and shorter line of intrenchments, which were made too strong for direct assault.
Notwithstanding the great loss sustained by the Army of the Potomac, yet the progress that had been made, and the present situation, gave bright hopes to sustain future operations. There seemed to be a feeling of greater confidence in the ranks than when the army emerged from the "Wilderness.
The commanding general (Meade) issued a congratulatory order to the army, recounting the events of the preceding eight daj's since the beginning of the campaign: "Eight clays and nights almost without intermission against a foe in positions naturally strong and rendered doubly so by intrenchments," telling them that the work was not }ret over. "We shall soon receive reinforcements which the foe cannot expect. Let us determine to continue vigorously the work so well begun; and, under God's blessing, in a short time the object of our labors will he accomplished." The fruition of this accomplishment was not. however, as near as one might be led to expect.
A few incidents connected with the Fifty-Seventh are worthy of special mention. During the severe struggle of the 12th. at the angle, the regiment had been advancing through the thick brush and drenching rain, driving the "Johnnies" back, when a halt was made very near their line and the men ordered to lie down and continue the firing. There was a heavy musketry lire from both sides. The enemy was endeavoring to form line for a COUnter-attack ; their words of command could he heard very dis- tinctly, cautioning their men about moving forward and sustaining an unbroken line, and to lire low. -lust as the command "Forward" was given. Colonel Chandler, who commanded the Fifty- Seventh, commanded " Attention. Fifty-Seventh; fix bayonets, forward, double quick, charge!" The regiment, led by the gallanl colonel, moved forward with a rush and cheer which
somewhat disconcerted the Contemplated Charge Of Hie enemy.
who made different arrangements and fell hack, followed by our line, for a considerable distance, (letting too far in advance
SPOTTSYLVAXIA COURT HOUSE. 85
another halt was made and the men again ordered to lie down. By this time the Confederate batteries had us located within range and were dropping the shells uncomfortably close amongst us, which were being replied to by the batteries from our own side. We knew where these shells were going, and they were music to our ears as they went whirring and shrieking over our heads ; but those Confederate shells were the most provoking things one can imagine, as they came with a "whir" and a "swish" through the branches of the trees, and plunging into the ground, when each one would hug the earth very closely and wait for the ex- plosion, which would take place in a few seconds, making a deep hole in the ground and throwing the earth all over us. There was just that much uncertainty in them as to cause a lack of confidence in their efficacy. It took some a long time to explode and many failed entirely : the men who were nearest fearing to raise their heads because they might explode at any time. This lot of Con- federate powder was poor and showed that dishonest con- tractors were not all on our side. Those that exploded would sometimes make a hole large enough for temporary shelter for men lying down.
At another time, in the midst of the battle and while the regiment was lying behind breastworks, with the dead and wounded lying between the lines, exposed to a drenching rain, Captain Doherty of Company G saw a wounded Confederate lying in a hollow a few yards from the breastworks, unable to move, with a shattered thigh, while the pouring torrent threatened to drown him. He shouted to his men " Who will go and rescue that man?" The enemy's sharpshooters were picking off every one who showed his head, and not a man moved. Then Captain Doherty said, "I never ask a man to do what I would not do myself," and, leaping over the works, he brought in the wounded man who afterwards died in our hospital.
The enemy was endeavoring to turn our flank, which at one time appeared in great danger. It therefore became necessary to remove our wounded from the hospital in great haste, and all who were able were sent away in army wagons and ambulances, but about sixty were so badly hurt that it was impossible to remove
86 FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
them, so that volunteers were called for to remain and care for them. The surgeon and chaplain and a few nurses were left with one day's rations and a single case of instruments, while all the rest moved off. In a short time a company of Confederate cavalry rode up and finding that there was nothing to take and that we were only doing the humane work of caring for the wounded, some of whom were their own men, they departed in a little while. Chaplain Dashiell writes: " We were cheered D37 the - hurrahs' of the reinforcements coming up who restored the lines and relieved us from our exposed condition."
Chaplain Dashiell relates another interesting incident which occurred here : " A soldier from Massachusetts with his shoulder blown oil, was slowly passing away, in great torture; and occasionally the chaplain would administer a dose of morphine and whiskey to alleviate his sufferings. He was always greeted with a loving look as he approached him. At last he said : 1 Chaplain, I have nothing but this valuable seal ring; take it and buy whiskey and morphine for the wounded boys.' ' No,' said the chaplain, k this ring will go home to your father; Uncle Sam i> able to buy all that the wounded boys need.' Afterwards a letter was received from the sisters of the dead boy. saying that they had taken their brother's place and were working the farm for their father to let their brother go to the war, and they were content that their brother, who might have died ingloriously at home, had given his life for his country."
The chaplain does not give the name of this soldier.
hiirimj this engagement, Co. K of the regiment supported the 7th .Maine Battery, which was continuously under fire. The following is a list of the killed, wounded ami missing in the en- gagemenl of .May 1 2th, viz :
Patrick Dillon. I laniel Maghnie, 1 >.-u i'l 1 I ( lonnors, Mosee Rivod, l.ru i- Brotgers, ( reorge J. < Iroshier
|
KII.l.l |
CD. |
|||||
|
I'M |
< ... A. |
Peter Monney, l-'.men 1. Ric< |
Pvt. |
Co. |
(' |
|
|
" |
■' |
Henry S. May, |
Sergt. |
Co. |
I) |
|
|
■' |
" |
Ambrose E. Morgan, |
Pvt. |
'• |
||
|
' ' |
Co. c. |
John Cahill, Edward M. Derby, |
11 |
Co. Co. |
K |
|
|
Ei |
I war |
,1 Ross, |
i'\ 1. Co. I. |
SPOTTSYLYANIA COURT HOUSE.
87
WOUNDED MAY 12th.
Captain John W. Sanderson. 1st Lient. Henry C. Ward. 2d Lient. Henrv B. Fi<ke.
ENLISTED MEN.
John O'Donnell, 1st Sergt. Co. A.
William R. Walker, Corp.
Alexander Bedreaux, Pvt. lt
Augustus Clanguin,
< (wen Doyle.
Timothy Higgins,
John Jordan.
Dennis Landon,
John Teague,
Bartholomew Vaughn,
.Tame- Walsh,
|
Benj. F. Dayton. |
Corp. |
Co. |
B. |
|
Henry E. Black, |
Pvt. |
u |
|
|
Albert Brigham, |
" |
" |
|
|
John Mnrry. |
" |
" |
|
|
Daniel McCarty, |
Sergt |
'; |
|
|
James Ackley, |
Pvt. |
Co. |
c. |
|
Oliver Fosgate, |
" |
it |
|
|
Cassimer Lapelle, |
u |
" |
|
|
Patrick Flynn, |
" |
Co. |
D. |
|
William H. Rathburn, |
u |
||
|
George H. Sears, |
" |
i . |
|
|
Almond C. Townsend |
1 |
ii |
|
|
George Vinton, |
u |
u |
|
|
Peter Breau. |
11 |
Co |
E. |
|
John Lawless, |
» |
Co |
F. |
George W. Benton
Alden W. Stevens, Pvt. Co. F.
Edwin E. Rumney, Corp. Co. G.
Ira B. Bullard, " Co. H.
Isaac Brown. Pvt. Christopher Shamboo, "
Charles A. Fitts, "
(Died of wounds May 12th.)
Isaac Ladanx, Pvt.
Rodney D. Loomis, "
Joseph J. Johnson, "
(Died of wounds May 12th.)
Dennis Sheern, Pvt.
James M. Stetson, "
George K. Ober, Sergt.
Harvey W. Gonld, Corp.
Edward Carroll, Pvt.
Martin Haley, "
William L. Jenne wt
William Maguire, "
Alva A. Hunt. "
John Snow, "
Ensign J. Simmons, "
Patrick Thornton, l<
Henry Whiten, Corp.
John Connelly, Pvt.
Adolphus Legrave, " Pvt. Co. K.
Co.
The following named men were reported missing: Sergt. John M. Hastings, Co. F ; Privates Oliver Gosler, Joseph Young (Co. E) and Michael Lally (Co. I).
Very little was done on the loth, except that heavy skir- mishing was kept up along the line.
The Ninth Corps occupied nearly the same position that it had held since the commencement of the engagement, viz. : along the Fredericksburg and Spottsylvania Court House roads.
88 FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
Towards night movements were made by the various corps to gain position from which a general attack could be made on the Confederate iutreuchments early on the morning of the 14th.
The position held by the Ninth Corps was selected from which the assault was to be made. The Fifth Corps was ordered to form on the left of the Ninth, and the Sixth on the left of the Fifth, while the Second was directed to attack directly in its front upon the Confederate interior lines which they had failed to carry on the 12th. The four corps were ordered to attack along the whole line simultaneously at 4 a.m. the 14th. The movement of the Fifth and Sixth Corps commenced immediately after dark on the loth, but they had to march through brush and across open fields. The night was very dark and rainy and the mud deep, so that these two corps did not come up in time and then were not in condition to attack, as man}7 of the men had lost their way in the extreme darkness and others had fallen by the way from sheer exhaustion, hence, the contemplated attack was abandoned. There was a cessation of hostilities, except heavy skirmishing, from this time to the 18th (May). The rain rendered roads almost impassable, yet neither army was idle The Federals were pressed close up againsl the Confederate works and intrenched. Keconnoitering continued to discover some weak points in the Confederate line that would give promise of success if attacked, but every move of this kind found the enemy ever watchful and on the alert ; force was met by force al every threatened point. Lee seemed to anticipate every move and held :i sufficient force behind strong works, which he continued to strengthen by the construction of abatis and slashed timber in
front of his line of int lvnrhincnts, and made himself strong enough, at every point, to repel any attack. His line had been >oine\\ hat
contracted after the engagement of the 12th. The time had come when he seemed to realize that an attack from him would prove disastrous and utterly ruinous,