^^^m^- M& 'SjX/?'^ -< */ mw^.^ y Ww^-.-mBJ*^--" •;^i!)*a 'W^^^^m^^n HISTORY AND CAMP LIFE OF COMPANY C, FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT, MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA, 1862-1863. / BY C. F. PIERCE WORCESTER : PRINTED BY CHARLES HAMILTON, 311 MAIN STREET. 1886. ..c INTRODUCTION. In presenting this book to the kind consideration of the friends of Company C, it should be said that it was not the intention to write any extended history of the company, but to give in abstract its experiences, its roster, the military record of each comrade, copies of orders and reports from our colonel, and extracts of letters and diaries from different members of the company. These extracts were written at the time the events occurred and present in a vivid way how army life appeared at the time when the comrades were "army boys," not only in name but in age. There are different accounts of the same event, but it will be noticed that while they agree in facts they do not present the same word-pictures. They give the life as it actually was to the company and not tinged by the after- thought of mature years nor by any social or military position which any may have reached afterwards. It is not thought that the company had any very exciting adventures, but its members were always ambitious to do their best, ready and willing to obey orders. A soldier when mustered into the service of the United States could not always march to that line of action which he had traced out, whether on the bayous of the Mississippi, or the malarial swamps of the Neuse or James ; if he but did his duty in that station in which he was placed, he should not be judged for not making as lasting an impress on the pages of history as those comrades who were IV INTRODUCTION. SO fortunate as to be in some of the decisive battles which were turns of the scroll in our Nation's history and glory. Our eleven months' service was a good preparatory school for many who served in other regiments. Leaving out those who died, or were transferred or discharged for disability or wounds, and those promoted from the company to the rank of sergeant- major and commissary-sergeant for the regiment, the number in the company was eighty-three. Of these thirty-one re-enlisted and served their country afterwards in the war of the rebellion as follows : one as colonel, three as captains, two as first lieu- tenants, two as second lieutenants, ten as sergeants, seven as corporals, six as privates ; and these participated in battles and skirmishes in all the States from Virginia to Florida, as the roster shows in detail. ^ The portraits in this book are as those in the Souvenir, reproduced from copies made in 1862. C. F. PIERCE. WORCESTEK, December, 1886. ILLUSTRATIONS AND MAPS. }■ ,opp. page 9 Colonel A. B. R. Spragiie, Lieutenaut-Colouel J. M. Studley, Major E. A. Harkness, Adjutant J. Stewart Brown, Quartermaster Benj. D. Dwinnell, Captain T. W. Higginson, ") Captain J. M. Goodell, ! Lieutenant L. H. Bigelow, f Lieutenant J. O. Bemis, J Map. Department of North Carolina opp. page 33 Map. New Berne and vicinity opp. page 38 Map. Battle of Whitehall, N. C opp. page 61 Views of Fort Macon, N. C opp. page 1 11 Map of the Maryland Campaign opp. page 119 opp. page 23 CONTENTS. PAGE, Advertisements relating to the Company 9, 10, 1 1 Aklrieh, Mayor P. P^mory 10, 11 Anbiirn, entertainment at 12 Amory, Colonel T. J. C 13, 16, 19, 117 Baldwin, John S 10 Belger Barracks 20, 22, 12G Briggs, Brigadier-General H. S 21, 22, 119 Battles, names inscribed on flags 16 Boonsboro, Md 21,119,128,129 Berlin, Md 22,119,120,130 Belger's Battery 65 Company F, Fifty-first Massachusetts Regiment 10 City Hall, entertainment at 12 Colors, presentation of 13 Company Officers, election of 11,16 Cedar Point, expedition to ; . 17, 106-109 Chapin, Judge Henry ... 12 Camps : John E. Wool 11,12 Foster Barracks. .. .. 13-16, 18, 34, 35, 113-117 Studley 16, 51, 99-105 Wellington 18,114-117 Morehead City 13, 16, 17, 99-105 Fort Macon 18,110-113 Belger Barracks 1 19, 1 22, 1 26 Circular relating to the term of service of nine months' troops.. . 19 Duties at camp 12, 15, 47, 1 14 Dnnlap, Sergeant George Vj 12, 16 Deep Gully, expedition to 16,51, 99-105 Dix, Major General John A . , 20, 1 1 8 Election of Company officers 11,16 p:ighth Massachusetts Regiment 20, 21, 33, 40, 69, 119 Elder, Lieutenant M 11 CONTENTS. Vll First meeting of the Company 9 First street drill 10 First guard duty . . 11 First dress-parade 13 Foster, Calvin 11 Field-officers, election of 12 Frankle, Major Jones 14 Fort Macon, life at 110-113 Fort Duncan 21 , 119 Foster Barracks, Camp-life at 113-117 Foster, Major-General John G .... 15, 16 Forty-third Massachusetts Regiment 20, 21,35, 41, 86, 123 Forty-fifth Massachusetts Regiment 13, 34, 35, 41, 86 Forty-sixth Massachusetts Regiment 20, 21, 35, 1 19 Funkstown, Md 21,22,119 Goldsboro March. 14,15, 52-82 Gunboat Hussar^ detail for 18 Higginson, Captain T. W .' 9-13, 24 Hoffman, Lieutenant-Colonel Southard, A. A. G 15, 17, 107 Harkuess, Major E, A 13 Hagerstown, Md 129 Jones, Colonel J. R 16, 51, 116 Letters from Bigelow, Lieutenant L. H 52, 53, 107 Bemis, Lieutenant J. 83-86, 114, 115, 120, 121 Barton, George E 76, 77, 90, 91 Clapp, William H 73-75 Dunlap, George E 40-42, 99-101, 110, 111, 122-130 Fry, Charles B 33, 34, 60, 61 , 101, 102, 116, 117 Fuller, Samuel H 67-69, 89, 90 Haven, Charles W 36-38, 78-80, 91-94 Hicks, Loren L 61,62,94-97,121,122 Kendall, George M 34-36, 71-73 Longley, Henry G 80-82 Moore, Charles A 42-45, 69-71, 97-98, 104, 105 Maynard, Charles L. . 45-51, 62-67, 88, 89, 103, 104, 107-109 Pierce, Charles F., 39,40, 53-59, 86-88, 102, 103, HI, 112, 115, 116 Stratton, Eugene W 77,78 Tourtelotte, George W 112, 113 Lawrence, Captain J. K 23 Vill CONTENTS. Lamb, Sergeant J. B 13 Morehead City 13, 16, 17, 99-105 Maryland Heights ... 21, 119, 127, 128 McClellan, Corporal James E 127 Number of Company re-enlisted 4 North Carolina, voyage to 13, 33-47 Newport Barracks 17, 103 Newton, Major-General John C 22 Ninth New Jersey Regiment 60, 77 Organization of Company, date of 11 Offering the services of Fifty-first Massachusetts Regiment to War Department 20 One hundred and sixty-eighth Pennsylvania Regiment 17 Positions held by those re-enlisted 4 Presentation to officers 11 Presentation of colors 13 Pollocksville March 16, 83-98 Parkinson, Lieutenant E. T 15, 16 Porter, Captain Byron 21 Rice, Honorable W. W 11 Robinson, Major-General John C 22 Roster of Field and Staft'-officers 23 Roster of Company C, Fifty-first Massachusetts Regiment.. . 24-32 Richardson, Rev. Merrill 10, 12 Seventeenth Massachusetts Regiment 13 Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery 115 Seventh New York Regiment 20 Sandy Hook, Md 21, 119, 127 Swansboro, N. C 17,106,108 Sprague, Colonel A. B. R. Report of Cedar Point Expedition . 106, 107 Report after leaving North Carolina until mustered out 118-120 Circular referring to time of expiration of term of ser- vice 19, 20 Searching for arms at Baltimore 21, 118-120, 122, 126 Studley, Lieutenant-Colonel John M 12 Schenck, Major-General Robert C 20, 118 Shurtleff, Colonel William S 20 Twenty-third Massachusetts Regiment 35, 69 Twenty-fifth Massachusetts Regiment . . 35, 72 CONTENTS. IX Thirty- fourth Massachusetts Regiment 128 Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment 21, 119, 130 Third New York Cavalry 1 7, 34, 106 Tenth Connecticut Regiment 34, 60, 77 Ward, Colonel George H 11 Washburn, Henry S. — Poem 131 Wellington, Camp, order naming 18 White House, Va.. 20, 118, 120, 124 Williamsport, Md 22,119 Whiton, Lieutenant-Colonel J. C 21 HISTORY. STEW^R'^ HISTORY. (COMPANY C, Fifty-first Massachusetts Infantry, was organ- >' ized under the call of August 4, 1862, of President Lincoi^n for three hundred thousand enrolled militia to serve for the period of nine months. On August 16, 1862, the following advertisement appeared in the Worce^^fer Daily Spy : — A NEW REGIMENT FOR NINE MONTHS' SERVICE. To the Young Men of Worcester and Vicinity. •' Time is of the utmost importance iu the organization." Secretary Stanton. " The utmost despatch is required." Gov. Andrew. The undersigned has received enlistment papers for a company for nine months' service, to form part of a new Worcester County regiment. The quota of this city, under the new^ call, will be nearly four hundred, and there is not an hour to lose. There are hundreds of young men in this city who had plausible reasons for not giving three years to their country, but who have no reasonable excuse for not giving nine months. Nine months is not much to ofler, to save the very existence of the institu- tions which have reared you. What will you say to your children's children when they say to you, " A great contest was waged between Law and Disorder, Freedom and Slavery, and you icere not there ? " Criticism is idle without action. If we expect the government to make war in earnest, we must be iu earnest ourselves. It is not proposed that this company should wait for the leisure of unde- cided men. Have not sixteen months of war given time enough for deliberation? If you are going, go now. It is designed that this company should be filled, organized, and in camp, while the doubters are making up their minds. THOMAS WENTWORTH HIGGINSON. Worcester, Aug. 16, 1862. A meeting of those interested in the new company will be held at Sons of Temperance Hall, Foster Street, this (Saturday) Evening at 8 o'clock. 2 10 HISTORY OF COMPANY C, State aid is extended to the families of nine mouths' volunteers, but not to drafted men. Ill response to this inspiring call there was a rally at Sons of Temperance Hall on Foster Street on the night mentioned, and the meeting was organized with the appointment of His Honor Mayor P. Emory Aldrich as chairman and Mr. John S. Baldwin as secretary. Mr. T. W. Higginson made a spirited and earnest speech and was follow^ed by Rev. Merrill Richardson. After the meeting, the settees were removed and those who had signed the enrollment paper were drilled by Mr. T. W. Higginson. August 19, twenty-two had joined and this call appeared in the papers : — THE NEW NINE-MONTHS' COMPANY. ^@^The members of this Company are notified to meet, for drill, this evening at 8h o'clock, at the new Hall of the Sons of Temperance, on Foster Street. Also at 8 P. M. on every successive evening of this week. The company roll may be found, during each day, at Edward Mellen, Jr.'s Bookstore, 239 Main Street. Persons desiring to join the company are cordially invited to do so, at either place. T. W. HIGGINSON. August 20, still another invitation to enlist, in these words : — THE NEW NINE-MONTHS' COMPANY. The Headquarters and Recruiting Office of this company will be hence- forward at City Hall. ^^^Drill every evening at 8 o'clock. All who desire to join the company are invited to attend. T. W. HIGGINSON. August 23 the company numbered forty and on the 25th forty- eight men. Forenoons and afternoons the company drilled in the City Hall, and on August 28 they had a street drill, this being their first appearance in public. August 30 the company had considerably more than its full number and the remainder formed the nucleus of company F, Fifty-first Mass. Infantry, which was being organized at the City Hall under authority issued to Mr. John S. Baldwin. Both companies drilled together and used the hall in common. Company C was the first company in this county, under the call of August 4, to be recruited to its full number, and was FIFTY-FIKST KEGIMICNT, MASS. VOLS. 11 organized August 30 according to instructions from the Adju- tant-General. His Honor Mayor Aldrich presided and the following officers were chosen: Captain, T. W. Higginson ; First Lieutenant, John B. Goodell ; Second Lieutenant, Luther H. Bigelow. After the officers had signified their acceptance of the honors conferred upon each and enthusiastic speeches were made, the company had a street parade in honor of the event. September 5 the officers received their commissions. The com- pany was drilling every day, either in the hall or on the street, up to September 15, when this order appeared: — A COMPANY iMEETING. The members of the military company under command of the undersigned, are notified to meet at their headquarters, City Hall, at 9 A. M. this day, for the purpose of going into Barracks. T. W. HIGGINSON. Companies C, E, F and G marched down in the forenoon to the old machine shop on the Norwich railroad, so called up to this time, but now known as Camp John E. Wool. The next day the entire company was on guard, this being our hrst duty for the United States — Colonel George H. Ward, of the Fifteenth Mass. Infantry, as Commandant. On September 23 a pleasing incident occurred at the camp in the presentation of a sword, sash and belt to Captain T. W. Higginson and Lieutenants John B. Goodell and Luther H. Bigelow. The presentation speech was made by Hon. W. W. Rice in behalf of Mr. Calvin Foster and other friends of the officers. Captain Higginson acknowl- edged the gifts in earnest and fitting words, and hearty cheers were given by the company to the donors, to the other compa- nies, and then to all friends of the regiment in order that no one should be disappointed or neglected. September 25 the company was mustered into the service of the United States by Lieutenant M. Elder of the Eleventh U. S. Infentry. As Uie company had had a good example set before them they tried to show their appreciation of their commissioned officers on Octol)er 1, b}^ presenting each with a handsome haversack, canteen, blanket strap and shoulder straps, and a 12 HISTORY OF COMPANY C, sword and sash to George E. Dunlap, the First Sergeant of the company. The presentation was made by Sergeant James S. llo S^ ..— M o ^ CO o3 O PP5 £•^1 o .^ -I i p i "35 a a ■M M « ,^ o^- -c'O « a ^ o =^ CO rv^ (N ^ cc a o rfi '^ 0) X CO g o n a 1 IJ -M !/} o '5 !> Oj D ^CO p. c3 a, a; i-s a, PS\ .2 ^^cc Oj ^ 3 ^ < S o a « '2 iM 4) Q rt ^ras a ■"„ =« ^ >-. ■e 22 ^ K as _S^ O Q > 'S i/} o ^ "C -<-s 1' 1^ X; i; ■*-' o a cc .a .a s ^ j-i ? > rt ■/: tc fe >.— •^ 73 OJ C O "*^ "*-! a a „co- ) t- O f" • o ^a : ; .22 i/j- ! -3 '-c , a = i; .ii -s *j • o 'a J"S -w ^ a < . a (u Oaf f^ « i ^ '^ « = J' 1^ ~ 1- ; o t/j-H ■ b/j 1=1 CO CO o 3 p '^^ ^' ;?=« a S ''< o -* ' a ! « a S ^ lO C3 CO 1.-^ '-S etH t- 0^ g C>5 cvj ^ O bfj •« 73 ^ CC t CS 73 ^ ;a bij - s or 5=^ a p, a « u x:-^ M- a ^ ^ S o "a cs" 5 ciCOjj'^ '^ o r- a- o t^ a ^ a a. " 03 a o o o is 2 o 5; > IS rt aT ^'S a ^ « o ia^ 2og >-5«5?i6^ o « « jj r> 73 /:' « "5 a rt a - .2 'bi^ 'C tr -1^ * — .22 71 ^ a; • > a '"' ^ ^ « i 2 J2 o t-- ^.2 O . a o g 12; a. a'a >-s'-s ^^ I CQ biO S-"^ . c P £ 6^ bta 1 "3 5 July 27, '63. July 27, '(53. July 27, '63. Dec. 10, '62. By order of Wiir Dept. May 29, '63. Pi'omotion. July 27, '(53. July 27, '63. July 27, '63. CO p o 2 S Worcester .... Worcester .... Worcester .... Worcester .... Worcester .... Worcester .... Westboro' ... . Worcester .... p o o >0 Si r-< (N 00 Oi C-. CO 3^1 CO S^ William M. Miller, ISergt. . . George E. Dunlap, Seryt. . . James E. Dennis, Seryt. . . James S. Rogers, Seryt. . . Stephen E. Greene, Sergt. . . Charles A. Goddard, Corp. . Joseph G. Longley, Cor2). . . Charles H Heywood, Coi'p. . O o c "o s 2(1 HISTORY OF COMPANY C, .' '/ ^^i 5 "g K* .>.. J^ tM CS ^ J-J ^ -U ci "2 O J. -5 O S ■li -^ o o O'^' « o o co" y Q o U o c; i- s o o 'i'B' ' oo oo O o o CO C^0 CC CO , . w "^ o i CO eo eo CO p JO F F o P P 1 o o ^ . "5 0^-+ 2 l~ CO t^ 1- i^ 5^ (M 5 \^t^ o aj o; r! o S ■*J -4-^ 'i' +J -kj +J +J -u -f^ +j f*™ t/: r/; -^ ^ aj o a> « (U isq o o °* u o o o o o o 5 o o So o O O O o o ^ ^^ ^^ ^ ^ ^^ ^^ S, es -^ ci >o c^i — . le i^ O 00 < (N (M '-' ^>\ % a 2 .S ^1 "B^S 'M ■J o « ^ o ^ J3 . "C cS 'w « ^ a « 13 O-OD WM H O 0^25 ow FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT, 3IASS. VOLS. 27 O -M ,_. 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Ph S es t« ; .-'--^ r ^ cj . r< 2; a ■-c -^ .a o^ 03 - ^ •rt g iP-, O 4- ^ 33 02 (3^03 6 '^ CO a O -n <^ ?rP ^ .a a o ojj p-^ «^ ^5^ a t- a « 3 1^ 03 w .3 5-1 2 - O * tc o a ■" 03 O W ^ -4^ < >> -^ a >1 ■ • b !h t- ^ u S 4J a jD +^ +-> (« 03 CO cc CO S OJ « d) 0) ? « a^ ;-i ^ ;-! u i- ^^^ ^^ 00 00 -^ 00 cq f-H (N IN (M s « -C 1-^ -4-^ ^ o p ha.S 3 .1^ > "o " 45 o o 30 HISTORY OF COMPANY C, 1 15^' y a o d ■y. ^ o "-s /^ -•. ? .- •- o o 12; " —^ \'i «:■ Clj "7 o es ^ r-) 2 m ^- rt o 3 > ^ C c3 CO S O c< ^f " s ■i-i o S « ic^ — >. ^ +j ^ -C .„ (^ ;/: ^ -H S cS " ci IJ •^ ^ > ~ x ^ y. X cS -<^ <^ . rt := ■^ -< — > <-> 5:.= -r ; ) . it„ (/; O -- rt "" o . ^ S ^ O o ) o ^ ^ > K - ci - "-? ^ — ' : ^ "^ .-'' CO CO to *J ^ CO tS -^ .> (U CO fi^ o s .,- . t: lo ;C5 ■^ ^ .3 X ^ = X ^ X = ='-■'' f^ "^ s rt S X a ,^ =3 ?: ^-= o ,x a ^ '^ !^ OS „ g ' !y -^ o Si > - "" -i' " ^ '" - - .o'. I-'~<^ o ;i^ a '~ d a x o "ti X '*-! 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X O 3 o o 5 rj "S £"^ ;= ?i - r S o c = ^ ^ p'-S ^ 3"S =ig 3 o fl o -*i tfH _^+JtMI-H+i^P-,4: S i^<1« iOo O < < « « g^oi CO CC c<: CC CO CC' CO eo '^^^ ^ JC P « p p ^ p p p ;; -* l^ t^ t-- b- t- t-- ^ c o i >. . ^ s . ^.>. S ^ o ^ '^ "^ •^ a ^ "i-i '^ ■-s i-s "^ l-S ^ •^ »-: 1-5 . . . o' . S ■J. ' • ^ •_, ^ !-< ^ ^ o 0) c ^ H c3 i-t >>S .4^ ^ r^ ' ^ ^ >. 3 ^ .ti *r- |S.i 2; 03 if 6 j3 p o 1> SIP •f. W K £ o CO c^ CO a l^w \'''llu M^J EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS AND DIARIES. (iOING OUT, AND CAMP LIFE AT FOSTER P.ARRACKS. Camp A. B. R. Sprague, New Berne, N. C, December 1, 1862. As was expected, we left Camp "Wool ou Tuesday at 8^ A. M. and marched up Maiu Street and back, and down Front Street to the Western Depot, where we took the cars for Boston. We marched through innumerable streets till we came to the wharf, where we immediately embarked on board the U. S. Transport Merrimac. We were to sail in company with the Mississippi which had ou board the Mass. Eighth. Half an hour before we cast loose her skipper gave us the slip and put out to sea, thinking to get here before us. We sailed down past Cape Cod, Vineyard Sound, and took our last view of the land as we passed Gay Head. Nothing of importance marked the voyage except the intolerable stench which pervaded the stern-hold where we were stowed, three in a bunk, and of which you can judge when you consider that we were there most of the time seasick, and not washing ourselves for six days nor removing a single garment. I could imagine how I could enjoy the grandeur and beauty of a sea voyage with such fare as we daily saw by look- ing down the cook's galley, to say nought of a cabin berth and liberty ou the quarter deck. But we were not allowed abaft the beam at any time during the trip, neither would the officers allow us to get up ou any of the houses, but the second mate, who, as you know, has the principal part in the management ou deck, was very kind and civil in the enforcement of these rules. " Come, gentlemen," he would say, " I would not get up so high if I were you ; you may fall and make a hole in the water." Just before we ran into Beaufort, he said, "Now if you please, gentlemen, come down off those houses; you have behaved first rate so far this trip and now do not spoil it all." We saw no more of the Mississip2)i till off the coast of North Carolina when we discovered her*on her beam, consequently we were in » xKdaAj •SfAo»^^^_j b n^ ] i \(ki VBoonsmT" , ^.fi-liillips t^ A' ll\% \ T«rbofa||L^K!^Gncii I^ SaniToga \^,^ AStanlDtLSburg |XA_^<^ ' S y^/ r'S y \ ^.bM te;;w^f^^_.-j^)>'-J,.^>a^ ^T /// V I' nl 'Ervuih ,,^ t"'"^^,(i^Hill|--OS\ Vm^' ^,/ iL ? »\\ Jk ^^ ^r i^ij^oiJj-^ y Av /J ""? <\ lotiiyi liMUdli ;) rkd, jjj^ UlllUlws Bfl^x ^^\^ ll ^,„.«.i^ C^"'=^ few ^ JlliirUlL. ^^v '^^p' ^j^ U^ F/SF,^ » ^ less m 7^ -A ^ U.i'TW^ c \~ T ^^ /^ . r'^^i^' i* \ ""_/, fn* \^^ 4" ^i^'jy^ '" a ^^5=^ Map F Department No. Carolina. 34 HISTORY OF COMT'ANY C, advance, but before night she was on our weather beam standing in near the coast, and kept this position the remainder of the trip. In tlie course of the day she hoisted a signal whicli we answered, but it was all Greek to me. When we arrived at the bar off Beaufort it was very rough, and the channel so narrow and shallow that we were obliged to lay off at anchor thirty-six hours to wait for the sea to subside. About one o'clock Sunday afternoon we called the anchor and prepared to cross the bar, and if you could see how we dragged the sea after us you would think it was shallow, indeed. Arrived in the harbor we ran alongside the Mississipjji, which lay at the wharf. As soon as we could we packed on the cars and started for New Berne, thirty-six miles distant. The journey presented nothing to our view but one continuous piece of swamp, enlivened now and then by a signal station or a s(iuad of negroes chopping wood for the engine. We arrived at New Berne about 7 P. M. It is a pleasant city, I should think, but I have only seen it by moonlight. There are thirteen Massachusetts regiments here, besides the Third New York Cavalry, the Tenth Connecticut and a Rhode Island battery. We are in barracks about two miles from the city on the river Trent. Our camp is on a plantation of General Branch. It is ten thousand acres in area, and his splendid brick mansion is torn down to make chimneys for the cook rooms. We were entertained by the Forty-fifth last night, on our arrival, with hard bread and hot coffee ; each company of that regiment entertaining its corresponding company in the Fifty-first. C. B. Fry. Camp Fifty-First Regiment, Mass. Vols., December o, 1862. I will give you a little history of our trip. We received orders to have our knapsacks on our backs at 8| A. M. Tuesday, which we did. It took about two hours for us to get all ready to march, which made it about ten o'clock when we left the old camp, which had become almost a home to us. We marched and counter-marched through Main Street. All Worcester was out to see us. There was never a regiment that left Worcester which caused so much sorrow as the Fifty-first. Took the cars at the Western Depot for Boston. Reached Boston al)out three and marched to the wharf and embarked before night. Left the harbor that night. It was beautiflil sailing until Wednesday FIFTY-FIRST REOIIMENT, MASS. VOLS. 35 niglit, when it commenced to blow very hard and was a very rough night. Most of the boys became sick that day and night ; I was a little so, although not very much. I came up on deck and stood guard two hours the next morning — from that time was not sick at all. It was a grand sight to see the ocean in all its fury ; sometimes the deck would be almost perpendicular. It reminded me of stories I have read about the storms at sea. The majority of the boys recovered from their sea-sickness after a day or two, though many were unwell the whole voyage. The remainder of the voyage was compara- tively pleasant. We were all hungry as we could be as soon as we got over our sea sickness. All we could have was meat once a day and have bread about four P. M. The quartermaster was so sick that he could not get at his provisions. The last night we were on the ship some of the boys got down in among the boxes and helped themselves to things generally. I believe they had quite a feast. The worst of it was some of the things taken belonged to one of the regiments out here. Of course the boys did not know that such was the case, or they would never have touched those. We arrived in sight of Beaufort Saturday morning, but wind and tide prevented our going in until Sunday, about two o'clock. For some reason the MississijijJi went in ahead of us. We disembarked about four P. M., were taken on to some platform cars, such as they carry wood on at the north. The Eighth and Fifty-first Regiments both came up on the same train. I never rode at any such rate north as we came up here, at least twenty miles an hour, and faster I think. The road was perfectly straight, with nothing of interest to anyone, except negroes and soldiers. Our pickets stretch along the railroad for miles ; they all seemed glad to see us. A few miles from New Berne we passed the battle ground of New Berne, the earthworks still remaining. Some of the boys have visited it already. We rode into the city on the cars, where we left the Eighth Regi- ment. While waiting for them to unload, mnny of the Twenty-fifth boys came to see us, among them was Charlie. He had just returned from a four weeks' expedition under General Foster. I know a num- ber of the boys in the Twenty-fifth Regiment, but they are out on picket duty at present. The Twenty-fifth boys have been waiting for our regiment. They didn't care how many others came if ours only did, as it is next to going home for them. Charlie is first rate, he came over and stopped with us the other night. Our regiment is encamped about two miles from the city, near the Forty-fifth, Forty-sixth, Forty-third and Twenty-third Regiments, so 36 HISTORY OF COMPANY C, we are not louesome. Our boys are in barracks, which are not quite finished, so that things are not as convenient as wo could wish. The officers are to have tents. Since being here we have had nothing but coffee and hard crackers, as our quartermaster's stores had not arrived from the ship. Some of them came up last night and we had beans this noon. As our kitchen is not finished the boys went to work and got bricks and have got an oven built temporarily. For supper we had soft bread served to us, which the boys took lipid of in good earnest. We are encamped on a plantation owned by Henry Bryant, a captain in the rebel army. It consists of ten thousand acres and is very level. You can scarcely find a stone all day. Every day numbers of negroes come into camp with cakes, pies, sweet potatoes, &c., which they soon dispose of, as the boys must have something to eat. Here we have the genuine negroes. All their cakes, pies, &c., they sell for five cents apiece, or three for five. Have not seen them sell for any less ; most of them refuse to take postage stamps. I was on guard yesterday. It seems singular to do duty with army guns. Ours have not got along yet. We wash and get our water from the river ; each of the boys is obliged to take care of his own dish, plate, &c., which is not much of a task as there is such splendid fine sand all around here. The whole soil is the same. Everything is tremendously high that you get from the sutler, — small jars of pickles sixty cents, cheese twenty-five, and other things in proportion. I shall not trouble him much as soon as we get our regu- lar rations. G. M. Kendall. Camp near New Berne, December 1, 1862. Dear Father and Mother : We have at last arrived at the town of New Berne. We have had with all our different rides a pretty hard time, yet everything is so new and exciting that we are not so tired as we should have been had we been in our old home. There is so much new that I hardly know where to begin. I suppose, however, you will want a brief account of our voyage. Our ride to Boston was, of course, an old matter ; we arrived there the first of the afternoon and commenced our circuitous march through the streets, which seemed almost without number, but at last we airived at the wharf, which was quite near the ferry of the Charlestown boats. We were kept stand- ing there about fifteen minutes, when we were lucky enough to be the FIFTY-FIllST KEGIMENT, :MASy, VOLS. 37 first company on board and were quartered in the lower aft down in the bottom of the boat and so dark you could not see whether you passed a man or a post, and smelt more like a hog-pen than anything else. The whole of the afternoon was occupied in loading men, horses and goods. At a little past seven o'clock we started, and all that night and the next forenoon it was smooth as Long Pond ever was. About noon it began to grow rough and at four o'clock we were pitching too and fro in the most agreeable manner imaginable. Until then I had not felt sick, but I had to go down into my hole, bad as it was, and lie down. About dark I went up on deck, leaned over the railing and heaved up, then I felt some better, though only for a short time ; again I went to my bunk and tried to go to sleep, but that was impossible. The boat rocked sideways and it was all we could do to keep in our bunks. All that night I lay awake holding on most of the time and the rest vomiting, or rather trying to vomit. We rocked about till Saturday, when we com- menced running very slow and at last stopped, and were obliged to cast anchor till Sunday afternoon on account of the sand bars between us and the shore, there not being enough water for us to pass over. You can imagine we did not like it much, for I do not believe there was a man on board who was not tired, if not sick of it, within forty-eight hours after we started. One thing was very interesting, and that was to watch the sea doves follow us and pick up the pieces of bread we would throw to them. Sunday afternoon when we passed the low swamps around Fort Macon there were hundreds of them following us. Our fare on the boat was what I call very poor, the coffee was so miserable that t would nor touch it, the water it was made of, and also that we had to drink, was made from the salt water and you may be sure we did not drink too much of it. The meat was either boiled or steamed in the same water, which made it taste very curious. Two meals a day was all we had, which consisted of some of the miserable coffee and gener- ally hard bread, and meat in the morning. About half-past four Sunday afternoon we started from Beaufort for New Berne, passing through the most desolate country I ever saw. The pickets are stationed all along the railroad, three of them together and having a little hut made out of anything they could get, some of them of boards, some of them of logs and some of branches. We passed one company of artillery encamped in some little houses deserted by the rebels. Some of our company threw two or three newspapers to them, and those who were lucky enough to get them 38 HISTORY OF COMPANY C, were chased all over the camp to get the news. Our train would make quite a novel appearance at home as it passed at the speed of our expresses in the north, which we kept up most of the way, stop- ping only twice till we arrived in New Berne, over a long bi'idge just before entering the town. The railroad runs through the main street. After we ran into the town and stopped about half an hour, we backed down over the bridge again and after a march of al)out a mile and a half in the night we arrived at our camping ground, whicli is situated on the Trent river and the smoothest piece of grounti I Ijave ever seen in the State. There are four or five regiments encamped on the same ground, some in tents and some in barracks. We are in barracks, though they are not completed yet, and even now they are hammering on my bunk. The buildings arc made to contain five hundred men, each company having a sei)arate room. This morning was the (irst time 1 have had a chance to wash since I left Camp Wool. C. W. Haven. Foster Barracks, New Berne, N. C, December 7, 1862. About twenty of us have just been out in the woods about a mile for tire-wood, which we brought in on an old horse-cart with a rope tied to it like a fire-engine. We always take the best wood we can find, whether in use or not. To-day we tore down an old rail fence, two or three days ago we tore down an old house for boards to make a floor with. Last week some of the soldiers tore down a brick house which used to be occupied by a slaveholder, the slaves still living in their houses near by and getting their living by doing washing for the soldiers. The brick house is used for chimneys and fire-places for our barracks. You will remember that Burnside ordered barracks to be built here some time ago, they have not been more than half built yet, the officers' quarters are not built yet, and even our quarters are not done. Those that are done are good buildings and much more handy than those in Worcester. Out of all the handsome hats we had when we left, I do not believe there are more than two hundred left in the whole regiment. While we lay at anchor two negroes came alongside our boat and had more than twenty of them in their boat ; those that are left have been pushed in at the top and make quite a decent hat. C. W. Haven. MAP OF NEV/ BERNE «f VICINITY. SCALt OF MILES FIFTY-FIR8T REGIMENT, IMASS. VOLS. 39 At Starting. November 25, 1862. We started between seven and eight o'clock P. M. from Battery wharf on the Merrimac, the Mississijipi having the start of us of half an hour. We do not go very fast, not more than eight miles an hour. I have chosen my bunk, middle one with Fry. They are small con- cerns, not more than two feet high and dark as pitch. I have eaten nearly all my rations. The Merrimac is twenty tons more than the Mississipjji. The latter ship has a sharper bow and is a faster sailing vessel. Wednesday morning. I woke up at four o'clock. Fry asked me if I wanted to go up on deck. I said I would, so I jumped up in the bunk as I used to over in the barracks, but my head came against the boards overhead pretty hard, so I then took my time. We came up and stumbled around awhile and then went down, as we could see land. The place is as dark as any I ever was in, cannot have any lights as there would be danger of fire or explosion. There are fifty tons of powder and one hundred and twenty-five thousand rounds of cartridges on board. We passed Fort Warren in the even- ing. It looked gloomy, not a light to be seen. We had a pint of coffee and a loaf of bread this morning. We passed Martha's Vine- yard at ten o'clock. Saw many fishing vessels. We passed a schooner. A sailor on board of her fired a shot and some soldier on board of our steamer returned the salute. The soldiers are commenc- ing to be sea-sick. We are sailing twelve miles an hour. I am beginning to feel somewhat sick — going down to my bunk for a lemon. One o'clock. Travelled two hundred and twenty-five miles. Passed Gay Head thirty minutes ago. Have been looking down in the room where they cook for the officers or anybody who wants to pay. The price for board is eight dollars for three days. All the officers who carry provisions do not have to pay anything. Eight and one half P. M. Went to sleep at four o'clock and now come upon deck. Ship rolls dreadfully. I am real sea-sick — been so ever since two o'clock Sunday morning. Thursday morning I was sleeping dream- ing of home and when I waked up it made me mad to think where I was. I did not get over my sickness until Thursday afternoon. The place where we slept was worse than a hog-pen and such living would sicken anybody. Mud and water for coffee, sour bread, all except the hard crackers. Water full of sticks and tastes like rain water a week old — it is made of salt water condensed, and when it comes into the casks it is warm. By the way, I washed myself for the first time last night since I have been on board, for the reason that before I could 40 HISTORY OF COINirANY C, not get a cliauce. Yesterday we came iu siglit of Beaufort. About ten o'clock we anchored live miles out. The Mississippi a mile away. The pilot came on board .aud said we could not go in that day and must wait until to-day, as there was only eighteen feet of water on the bar and our vessel draws sixteen feet. We are going to cross at two o'clock. C. F. PlEKCE. Foster liAKUACKs, December 7, 1862. We have a curious kind of wells here. They dig a hole in the sand near the river, i)ut two barrels in, one on top of the other, aud then let the water filter in. The time when I left off writing my last letter we had crossed the bar. We landed within an hour after that, got on board some freight cars and immediately started for New Berne, thirty-six miles distant. I never saw such country as where the railroad passes through. Where it was not swampy it was flying sand. Passed the battle-ground and rode right into the middle of the city of New Berne, and marched up to our barracks, three miles distant. We had to eat that night three hard crackers or, as we call them, hard-tacks, and a pint of coffee. All we had served daily for four days was six hard-tacks, now and then a little piece of meat, and a drink of coffee. This was just enough to make a person have a craving for something to eat. I went foraging last Thursday with a party. About the only living thing we saw was an owl. We went to three houses and a barn which had been torn down. I got a quantity of nails and lugged back three boards about five miles for our bunks. Our guns have 'been distributed. They are heavy con- cerns, weighing thirteen pounds with bayonet attached. C. F. Pierce. New Berne, December 1, 1862. As we can send another mail by the 3ferrimac, I will improve the opportunity to write you from the " Sunny South," for sunny it is so far. Contrary to expectations we landed yesterday about 4^ P. M., went right on board the train with the Eighth Regiment and started at once for New Berne. We were put on platform cars, such as they carry wood on, aud although the accommodations were neither spacious nor elegant we had a pleasant and to me a very short ride of not quite two hours. The otiicers were iu box cars at the rear of the train. FIFTY-FIKST REGIMENT, JIAf^S. VOL.S. 41 We took the cars at Morehead City, opposite Beaufort, an ocld-look- iug city which I cannot describe, but of which you can get an idea by thinking of the sandy cities in the southern part of Michigan. We passed the battle-ground where the battle was fought when New Berne was taken. The cars go right through the street, I should think the main one of New Berne, just as the horse railroad does with us. The Eighth stopped there and we were taken back across the river towards Beaufort. We landed just after crossing and marched up here. I do not know how far, but far enough for the boys who had been sick, probably three-fourths of a mile. After reaching the barracks the Forty-fifth supplied us with coffee and hard tack, after which some officers of the Forty-third took us sergeants to their tent and to a good nice supper. We are encamped on the plantation of General Branch or Bryant, I cannot learn which, who is in command of rebel forces. He owned about ten thousand aq^-es of land and about one hundred and fifty slaves. I have just been out to the mansion, or rather where it was, for the soldiers have torn it down and broken open an old tomb on the grounds ; not soldiers who are here now for it was done some time ago. At first they tore up the floors to get boards for their tents and then tore down the walls to get bricks for their chimneys. It is entirely different from our northern homes but yet very pleasant. It stands beside the river, surrounded to some extent by trees, mostly shade, with no enclosure of any kind and no outbuildings, except negro houses. I went into two of them and had some very nice sweet potato pies and some wheaten short-cake. I wish you could have heard the boys clieer every negro we passed last night and every place where it was possible for a negro to be. They cheered almost everything human, some of the white folks responded and some looked and that was all. The Twenty-fifth is almost all away but expected back soon. A sentinel fired his gun twice last night and two or three regiments turned out in order of battle. It proved to be a false alarm, but caused considerable excite- ment. I went out where the alarm was at noon. It is a little beyond the mansion, where the soldiers have erected a regular block- house, with a ditch, port-holes for cannon, loop-holes for musketry and preparations for a vigorous defence. The soldiers live upstairs and if the enemy succeed in getting into the lower story they can close their trap door and fire down through the floor. It reminded me of scenes described in the Pathfinder. I went on to the lookout or high tower which they have for a signal. As Stephen Greene said 4 42 HII^TOKY OF COMPANY C, about his letter, 1 do not know where to stop for 1 could write until night, but I must close. G. E. DUNLAl*. On Board tiik Mehuimac. November 26, 1862, Wednesday, 8 o'clock A. M. We arrived safe in Boston about 3 P. M. We did not stop any longer than to form in line and march to the wharf. The steamers were all ready to receive us and we all got aboard about four, but did not start out of the harbor until about seven ; was sorry we could not wait till morning so we could have a fine view of the harbor. You will like to know what kind of sleeping quarters we have. Our company has what is called the second cabin or lower cabin. The bunks are in tiers the same as at the barracks, three tiers high, only three sleep in a bunk instead of two, and nine in a tier. It is an awful place, the bunks are so low you cannot sit erect, and so dark you cannot see your hand before your face unless you are near the scuttle. I happened to be pretty lucky, ours is the first bunk at the foot of the stairs, so we have pretty good light. I do not bunk with Sam Fuller on board the steamer, as we were obliged to get in most anywhere. Nye and Corporal Lougley sleep with me. I am up on deck this morning sitting in the aft of the steamer, writing home ; it is delightful. I am not sea-sick as yet at all, presume I shall be before we laud. There are quite a number sick. Sergeants Bemis and Perry are quite sick. We did not get our breakfast until eight this morning, each company waited its turn, then marched up on deck and received a loaf of bread and half a cup of coffee apiece, and that to last us all day, — that is, the bread. We shall probably have meat for dinner but no more bread. One o'clock P. M. The sea runs very high and a good many are sea-sick. They say this is nothing to what we shall have. The boys are enjoying themselves singing, &c., on deck. 1 am writing this near the smoke-stack, warming my feet. I do not like to stay down below much, it is so dark and dirty, it makes me think of packing hogs, we are so close. November 27. Arose about seven. We had a very rough night, the vessel rocked dreadfully, a great many are sea-sick. It is now half-past eight and we have not had our breakfast, do not w^ant scarcely anything. The sea runs very high ; cannot go on deck much to-day, must stay in our bunks down where it so dark we need lanterns in the daytime. FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT, MASS. VOLS. 43 Thursday morning, Nov. 27. I am in my bunk writing, our bunk is near the hatchway so I can see quite well, but the vessel pitches so I cannot write very well. "Wm. Gould was sick all day yesterday, so was Sam Fuller. It is an awful sickness, the poor boys lying around on deck with their heads over the sides, and those who are not able to get up leaning their heads over their bunks, so you can imagine how the floor looks. The wind blows fiercely. Seven o'clock P. M. The wind has gone down and we are having a beautiful sail. We expect now, if nothing happens, to get to Beaufort to-morrow sometime. It is a splendid sight, I assure you, to look out on the broad ocean, the huge waves rolling so high as to wash over the deck. Friday morning, Nov. 28, 8 o'clock. Had a beautiful sail last evening; a great many slept on deck. Arose about seven and washed myself with sea water, but it does not do much good. This morning we can see the Mississippi on our left about ten miles dis- tant. Have not had any breakfast, will not have much but bread and sea water freshened by steam. They sell pies, very small, for 37 cents apiece. I think it is too bad to take advantags so of the poor soldiers. Two o'clock P. M. We are putting on all steam, as the Missis- sippi is on our right, and we are trying to get in first ; if we do not we shall be obliged to stay in the boat a day longer. I shall be glad when we land — down here in this dark hole. I am not used to such fare and we can get scarcely anything to eat for love or money. I am writing in my bunk alone. I cannot tell when we shall near the harbor, some tell one story and some another. We are going at the rate of sixteen miles per hour. Saturday morning, Nov. 20. Had a good night to sail. It was a little rougher than the preceding. We can see land, but shall proba- bly be obliged to sleep on board another night, as they cannot get inside of the bar. Quarter-past eleven A. M. We still lie outside of the bar, do not know when we shall be piloted in. We have been lying at anchor all day. A pilot came on board this morning to take us into the harbor, but the wind is not right, so we must wait until to-morrow. Sunday morning, Nov. 30. We are still on board about ten miles from the harbor, expecting to go in to-day. The boys are getting uneasy, we have been on the water so long and can see land but can- not go ashore. I have washed myself but twice since I started, but never mind, we shall get to shore some time and then can clean up. 44 HISTORY OF COMPANY O, We do not get breakfast until nearly ten o'clock and dinner about three P. M., two meals a day and poor enough at that. Coffee made from sea water condensed, two crackers and a small piece of steamed fresh meat. The sailors have some small apples on board which tlicy sell for live or six cents apiece. Monday morning, Dec. 1 . Thanks to a kind Providence we arc safe and sound in New Berne. We left the old boat last night at ten minutes past four and arrived here about eight o'clock in the evening. The Eighth Mass. regiment which went on the Mississi2ypi came on the same train. They got into port a little before we did. We landed at a place called Morehead City. Had only to step from the boat into the cars. The cars were used for wood and cattle trains, the oflicers took the cattle trains which were the ouly ones which were covered. I have just takeu my tin cup full of coffee and will now resume my writing. We I'an up iuto the city of New Berne, the cars running right through the middle of the city. It was a splendid evening, the moon shone so bright, and it is much warmer here than in old Massachusetts. We stopped about half an hour, when we backed down from the city half a mile or so, got off, formed in line, and were obliged to march a mile before we came to our barracks, which are to become our quarte'rs for the present. The Forty-fifth Mass. regiment received us, the band playing splendidly for us. They also treated us with coffee and hard bread. The barracks are long buildings and will accommodate five companies each. They are separated by partitions, so that each company is alone. I slept on the floor last night. We are about two miles from New Berne. I can- not realize I am in Dixie. Everything is wreck and ruin, no ambition nor thrift anywhere. Where we are is mostly land of yellow pine. They look like our scrub pines at home. There are mostly woods all around us. We wash in the Trent river and drink its water, which is filtered through sand. There are two other regiments close by us — the Forty-third and Forty-fifth Massachusetts. Tuesday, Dec. 2. Another lovely day. The sunny South, of which I have heard so much, I now see. We did not drill but went around over the plantation. Went down the river to see the ruins of the former owner's house, which was brick and has been torn down to build our chimueys with. There are two or three buildings back of this occupied by slaves. We visited them and got some hoe-cakes. Everything is very high here. The negroes are as thick as fleas selling pies and sweet potatoes. I have just been helping fetch our guns over to the barracks. Our baggage has all come now. They FIFTY-FIRST REGI]\rENT, MASS. VOLS. 45 were carting from the depot all night. It will take some time to get settled. Wednesday, Dec. 3. Was on guard to-day for the first time in Dixie. We have not our guns, but take sticks, the best weapons we have at present. Are obliged to stay in the guard-house, one tent for each relief. I slept in the tent on the ground with the exception of a few spruce boughs under me. Thursday, Dec. 4. It rained yesterday but cleared ofif in the night and is very warm and pleasant. Came off guard duty at nine A. M., took my breakfast and went down to the river and washed myself and my dishes. Every man is obliged to wash his own. We were all very busy getting settled down. The sutler started to-day. Friday, Dec. 5. It rained all the forenoon. lu the afternoon went off foraging for wood. There is plenty here but it is some work to cut it and carry it to the barracks. We cook all our victuals over a fire in the open air. The drums beat at seven P. M., when all are required to stay inside of the barracks. Have not drilled since we came. Saturday, Dec. 6. Arose a little after six, roll-call at half-past. Had our guns delivered to us to-day. We drilled about half an hour to-day for the first time. Sunday, Dec. 7. Pleasant but very cold. Inspection at eight A. M. It did not seem like our quiet New England sabbath. I was detailed to help clean up around the building. Monday, Dec. 8. It was very cold for this climate, the river was frozen around the edges. Drilled all day. Had a meeting in the barracks for prayers, which are to continue fifteen minutes every night. It was the first we have had since we came here. C. A. Moore. Foster Barracks, December 8, 1862. I suppose you want to hear something of our voyage and situation here. After the victims were packed and everything ship-shape we steamed out of the harbor, and were on our way at 7 o'clock P. M. The wind and water began to grow rough ; we got through the night somehow ; quite rough next morning. Pretty soon some few began to grow pale and wear a very anxious look, and before long were over the ship's side paying due tribute to the god of the stormy seas. So we passed tlie day, some " so sick," others enjoying the thing, myself among the latter. By Thursday noon there was about as 40 HISTOEY OF COMPANY C, miserable a load on board as could be possible to imagine. I expected when I saw everybody, almost, coming down, both great and small, to have a loud call in that direction myself, but owing, I suppose, to some superior arrangement of my internal system, I escaped the rendering up. I told you in my hasty scrawl, written on board the steamer, what a dirty, miserable, hungry time we had of it as a voyage. Sunday afternoon we got over the bar, having waited the action of the wind and tide all day on Saturday. Towards night we landed on the wharf, going over the decks of the Missisfiijj]^, which lay between us and the wharf, marched through the depot, which is built on the wharf, and were together with the Eighth regiment loaded on wood cars and away to New Berne. The country we passed through looked sandy, and barren marshes and swamps were abundant, here and there a negro hut with all the negroes out bowing and scraping, waving their hats and the children yelling like mad. Then further up a camp-fire of soldiers on picket duty, all turning out to welcome with cheers their newly made brothers coming to their share in the struggle for the Union ; then we passed the rough battle-field of New Berne, getting an imperfect view in the dim twilight of trees cut down and trenches dug, then a long embankment thrown up, extend- ing from the railroad down to the river. At last we passed over the long bridge into the city, or town, I do not know which, of New Berne. The cars stopped at last in the streets of New Berne and were surrounded by a motley crew I assure you, soldiers and negroes principally. Pretty soon I heard some one enquiring for Charley Maynard, and lo, Charley Bartlett presented himself — I guess I was glad to see him, — then Charlie Kendall came, then Sidney Phillips, till I felt as if I had reached home. The Eiglith regiment unloaded there and went through the town to where the Forty-sixth were encamped, and the train with us on board backed out of the town over the bridge, and we unloaded and were marched up where we now are in barracks ; the Cadet regiment beside us and the Forty-third and Twenty-seventh regiments around us. We are on a plantation situated on the banks of the Trent river, with a large parade-ground. We have very fair water. We take and fill our canteens and let it stand in them a day or two and it is really very good indeed. The first day or two discipline was lax and guard was nowhere, the boys improved them by excursions in the surrounding country. vSergeant Miller, Moses and myself took a grand tramp, went all over the battle field of New Berne, walked down on the top of the breast- FIFTY-FIK8T REGIMENT, 3IASS. VOLS. 47 works which extend for over a mile and terminate in a fort wliich commands the river, and, folks, you never can imagine a true picture of a battle-field till you see one ; all is desolation for miles, trees cut down, burnt and blackened stumps, knapsacks worn and torn, broken canteens, breeches of guns, in the woods trees scarred and torn with bullets and balls, ground torn up, the fort a big hole, sand bags piled around iu grand confusion, timbers on end ; but I cannot begin to tell you all. I send you a relic in the shape of a shaving of leather cut from an old knapsack. I have also a bullet that I dug from a tree. I should like to tell you more but have not time. The boys of the Twenty-fifth that remain here (most of them are up at Plymouth on picket) come over here every day. I must close now, as I have got to go on dress parade. C. L. Maynard. FosTKR Barracks, January 11, 1863. We aie having beautiful weatlier, have just had a little rain to-day ; the weather is warm and sunny like an April day in the north. I suppose you are freezing at home. Mother asks how we live. The food we get is pretty tough, but we live on it. We buy syrup of the sutler and get meal in the city and make puddings in our cups which we thinic is pretty tall feed. I haven't done much darning yet, thougl) I sewed my overcoat pretty nuich all over and put a patch on my pants and sewed my buttons over. I find T do not di.slike to mend at all, do it pretty well I think. As a cook my ability is not to be ques- tioned. We have got to living very comfoilably since the last expedish. Just commenced having prayer meetings in the quarters after roll-call at night. We have to drill hard. Go on guard. There are three companies on picket besides the detail of six from each company daily to go out along the river. C. L. Maynakd. Foster Barracks. Nkw Bernk, N. C, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 1863. You ask me what I am doing and where I am. As I am unable to tell you where I was on that day I will tell you my present where- abouts and occupations. Imagine me then on the edge of the bunk, legs over the side, big board in my lap writing to the folks at home. I will state the duties of the day. Roll call 6.30. Breakfast. Guard mountiny; 8.30. Drill from 9 to 11.30. Dinner 12. Battalion or 48 HISTORY OF COMPANY C, brigade drill from 1.30 to 4. Dress parade 4.30. Supper. Roll-call 7.30. And our duties or rather our labors of the day are ovei". Taps at 9 P. M., when all lights must be extinguished. So you see our time is extremely limited. At the present time it takes nearly all the company for guard, picket and fatigue duty; nine men for guard, six for picket and eight for fatigue duty. General Foster is fortifying New Berne, digging rifle pits, &c. Our detail is for that purpose. The great expedition is expected to start every day. We are leading a very comfortable life here, that is, comfortable for a soldier. We have soft bread every three days, fresh meat the same, other rations consist of beans and rice occasionally, hard-tack serai-occasionally and more too. My amuse- ments are so few I can easily relate the sum total : Get up in the morning, and immediately after roll-call go down to the river and go through Avith my usual ablutions — back again in time for breakfast. After breakfast take a smoke, cleaning my gun and equipments, at the same time arranging ray bunk. This consumes the time before drill. At noon we have scarcely any time and are busy until after dress parade. Supper finished we feel our own men, then we fill the pipe of comfort and our crowd either pile into one bunk to have a talk of home or settle down to a euchre, which is a great game with us. It may astonish you to hear of me, and fi'om myself, as a smoker, but it is highly recommended by all surgeons out here as a preventative against those congestive chills, which are carrying away so many of our boys, and also other diseases of this climate; our regimental sur- geon prescribes it for us and the other night at the dress parade of the Forty-fifth, in barracks next to ours, it was strongly recommended that every man should smoke. I forgot to mention a new regulation just come in force, — quinine and whisky is to be administered to every man, whether he will or no, every morning before breakfast, — that is for the chills. I forgot to mention one great privilege we have, that is evening prayer meetings every evening after roll-call, a meeting in our room led in turn by some member of the company. Some one reads a chapter in the Bible, then we have a prayer and close with a hymn. The boxes have not arrived yet, we are anxiously expecting them though some fear they were lost in the storm. I wonder if you received the letter I wrote in which I named the things I wanted. Please let me know how many letters you have received from me. You cannot have received all I have written. When you next write send me some postage stamps and some money. I wore shoes on the expedish. I manage by the most strenuous exertions to keep clean. FIFTY-FIKST REGIMENT, MASS. VOLS. 49 One of the company washes for the boys at ten cents a change, which relieves nie from a disagreeable necessity. As for mending I take pleasure in it, stockings and all. I keep all my clothes mended strongly if not neatly. As for sweet potatoes, I had my fill while on the expedish, and can have them now by buying them, they cost about seventy-five cents a bushel. Oysters thirty cents per quart. I can make as good a cup of tea or coffee and cook as nice beefsteak with roasted sweet potatoes as you can^ with no condiments but sugar and salt, with a few coals for a stove and my tin plate and cup for cooking utensils to be used to set our table with afterwards. If you doubt my ability we will try it when I get home. C. L. Maynard. New •Berne, February 15, 1863. I received your letters Fiiday night. I was very tired that night and had gone to bed, and was lying over the side of my bunk watch- ing a game of euchre, which Lieutenant Bigelow and three of the boys were playing, when the mail was brought in that you sent by Oliver Shaituck. I was very glad to hear the regular mail had been distributed by which I got three letters, so I was well off". The money got here all right, five dollars, the knife and scissors which I received somehow or other. I enjoy myself right well. Yesterday we had a game of ball into which the Major entered heartily as any one, as did Captain Wheeler and Lieutenant Winslow. To-day the two of our companies, F and B, that were doing picket duty on the railroad were replaced by E and H. This afternoon we were treated to a sermon by Mr. James, who preached to us by the invitation of 'our chaplain. I am very glad you are getting another box ready for me. There is one thing I wish you would send, that is some mince pies. Send me some of that sheet gingerbread you sent before, it went just splendid, also some more sugar, more than before, butter likewise, and do not forget the jelly or preserves. You can imagine how such things would help you to make out a supper of hard-tack and tea without milk or much sugar after an afternoon's hard drill. A little sauce or butter does not go bad. You must send me two or three quires of letter paper, some envelopes also. The dried apples I made a little sauce of them yester- day, which went very well at supper time with my hard-tack. Henry Kendall and Ed. Bliss are quite sick, though Kendall is pro- nounced out of danger. I believe there are a great many sick with a veiy dangerous fever. It takes them very suddenly and but little can 5 50 HISTORY OF COMPANY C, be done for Ihem. The only preventatives are quinine and whisky, smoking tobacco freely and keeping out of the night air, When I am on guard or being called out of a sound sleep and go on to my beat, before long I can feel a cold chill coming on nic, then I fill my pipe and go to smoking. I drive off the uncomfortable feeling. I always make it a point of smoking when I am in the night air. Henry Long- ley was on guard, the next beat to mine, the night he was taken. As I lit ray pipe he remarked that he hadn't smoked as much as usual lately and that his head ached. In about two hours he was obliged to go in to the barracks. In two days the surgeon said there was no hojjc for him, but he is alive yet, and that's the way with most of them. As for the cost of things at sutler's prices, butter 40 cents, brown sugar 20, syrup 25 cents a quart and everything in that proportion. The water is bad ; I drink little or none of it. I save my coffee and drink that when it gets warm. I was never better or happier than now. Hope I shall keep so. You can hustle the box along as soon as convenient. If you knew how much these boxes bring, you would be sending eleven times a week. C. L. Maynaru. Foster Barracks, New Berne, Feburary 5, 1863. Dear Folks: I am writing this before breakfast and just after whisky rations, with fingers so stiff I can hardly use them. Lieutenant Bige- low just told me I could have a few small articles sent in his box, so I write to let you know what I want. I do not suppose you can send all I want, but will write you a list so you can send some at the lime. Writing paper, envelopes, a big stock of them too, two packages of composition, a small steel burnisher, chamois skin, piece of castile soap, stockings, a good tooth brush, send this sure, two pair of scissors, a silk handkerchief, a two-bladed pocket-knife, a bottle of ink, package of prepared cocoa. This is all I think of at present. You must send what you can and let the rest go. Perhaps you can send all. C. L. Maynard. Foster Barracks, February 27, 1863. Dear Folks: This regiment has just returned from a small excuision along the Trent road, three miles this side of what is called Deep riFTY-FIKST REGIMENT, MA.SS. VOLS. 51 Gully, where our farthest picket post is stationed. We went there last Saturday in light inarching order, one day's cooked rations in our haversacks, five in wagons. The original idea was to get the regiment out of the way and then fix the barracks over, as Colonel Jones had made a request for reinforcements to the picket on that road. We were sent up but it was found that the barracks could not be fixed as intended, so we were recalled to go to Beaufort, which put the boys in a jolly state of mind, I assure you. We have had a splendid time at Camp Studley. We slept on the ground, but were furnished with shelter tents which consist of a piece of stout drilling about five feet square, with a set of buttons on all sides so we could take four ot them, button them together, plant two crotched sticks about ten feet apart, throw a pole on them, then stretch our square of cloth over, pin the sides to the ground with stakes and then we have a tent for four. We cut a lot of grass to sleep on. I spent the laziest week I have had in N. C. It rained three nights and two days, so we had a chance to get a little damp. We were not allowed to build fires or burn candles after 7J o'clock in the evening for feSr of the rebs., so we went to bed at that time and staid there too for one twelve hours, sleeping like pigs in the straw. Last night Co. C was selected to go on picket in Deep Gully, but as Lieutenant Bigelow was on guard Co. F was detailed instead, and as it rained all night they had a miserable time of it. C. L. Maynard. GOLDSEORO MAIICII. Foster Bauuacks, New Berne, December 22, 18G2. We got back into the barracks yesterday, Sunday, liaving been gone nearly eleven days, on ten of which we were marching nearly all the time. Slept on the ground every night with no covering, except a woollen and rubber blanket. I took a negro with me to carry niy bundle, but he troubled me with being out of the way when I wanted him and was gone one night with my blankets, until finally he left too, leaving behind my things, which was fortunate for me as they are too good to lose. Next time we go I shall leave these behind and take such as I can get from the quartermaster. The second night out our regiment was left to guard a bridge and secure a retreat in case we were defeated. So the first battle or skirmish, which was at Kinston, passed without our participating in it. We followed on after the column, consisting upwards of 20,000 men, composed of infantry, cavalry and artillery, to a small village called Whitehall, where we were almost in the fight. It was a hot one and soon over. We captured several pieces of artillery and drove the rebs. ofi". It was a sad sight to see the wounded brought past us as we lay on the ground, with bayonets fixed ready for a charge, the shot and shell flying over our heads, while every now and then a piece would strike very near us. A man within three feet of me had his tin cup hit with a ball, and another in front of John had a piece of shell pass through his overcoat. We then went on to Goldsboro, or within a mile of the town, and iiad another skirmish. We had no larger game to kill than pigs, geese and chickens, which had to suffer considerably, I assure you. All foraging was strictly forbidden before we started, but coming back our commissary was short, so small parties were organized to procure such fresh meat as they could find, which led to individuals getting off and doing what they could to plunder whatever they could lay tlieir hands on. I got a chance on a rest at noon to go to a house nearly a mile off, which I found entirely deserted and all the furniture removed FIFTY-FIRST RECJIMENT, MASS. VOLS. 53 by the owner, except a marble top table. It belonged to John C. Wooden, who has been a member of Congress from North Carolina to the Confederate government. A negro went with us, Sergeant Miller and myself, and all we could get was nearly twenty-five pounds of honey which we took from two hives. I got stung once and Sergeant Millei- three times. The honey went oif quick after we got back to our place of rest. The plantations here are generally over a mile apart and this one where we got the honey was altogether the best one I have seen. Nearly all the people who ever lived here were poor and their houses are not so good as I would have for a pig-pen, being built of rough logs and chimneys of sticks laid up in cob house style, plastered with mud. Our march back was done in a day and a half less time than that up, and the sight of these barracks made every heart glad, for now we can have at least a few days' rest. I never saw so black white men as we were. Our camp-tires at night were made of pine fence rails and the smoke from them blackened our whole bodies. I washed my face never more than once a day and sometime once in two days. The water we had to drink was got from the side of the road or a creek that came from some dismal swamp. Nearly all started in good spirits and were glad to go, and I can say that all returned fully satis- fied that the remainder of their period of service should pass in camp. L. H. BiGELOW. New Berne, December 25, 1862. We have just got back from an expedition upon which we started on the 11th. We formed line at 5 o'clock in the morning and started for New Berne, where all the force was collected, which consisted of three brigades, 15,000 infantry, a regiment of cavalry and 50 pieces of artil- lery. We were on the left of the first brigade, which was commanded by General Amory. General Foster commanded the whole expedition. We started from New Berne at 10 o'clock. We marched about 15 miles that day. I thought I had a hard time that day, but I will show you I had a very easy time compared with some of the other days. We had orders to be under light marching order, which is to have two blankets, three days' rations in your haversack, canteen and overcoat, which all weighed 20 pounds, also 50 rounds of cartridges weighing 4 or 5 pounds. The first day's march was a pretty hard march to some of the boys; a great many of them fell out, myself amongst the rest. Our camping ground was on a side-hill ; right down in a hollow below the road was filled up with trees for the space of a half a mile by the 54 HISTOKY OF COMPANY 0, ' rebels. This was done to impede the progress of our artillery. It took the pioneers all night to clear the road. We went into camp about 7 o'clock in the evening. I tell yon I thought of home. Friday, 12th. I was on guard last night; I got about six hours' sleep. We had coffee and sugar dealt out. I tried to make some coffee but I made sorry work of it. We started away from camp at 8 o'clock and marched eight miles. It seemed twenty miles. We passed many wounded and dead rebels. One rebel was shot tlirough the head. One of our cavalry ordered the rebel cavalryman to surren- der, who said he would; when our man got up near the rebel raised his carbine and fired, this was more than our man could stand, so he fired and shot the rebel through the head. He was dying when we passed. The rebels tried to blow up a bridge, which hindered us so we could not march farther. We encamped just the further side of it. I made coflEee a little bettei' this time. Saturday, 13th. We are going to stay here to-day. We are now in what would be called rebeldom. I went out this morning with Lavarty. We scared up a hog ; chased it around for about half an hour, when Lavarty caught her by the tail when going between two trees ; he hollered for me, I came and caught her by the hind legs. We hauled her out part way when Lavarty tried to stick her with his sabre, his being so dull he took mine, which killed her. We have twenty-three rebel prisoners ; amongst them are a lieutenant, orderly and corpoi'al, the rest are privates from South Carolina and Georgia regiments. Sunday, 14th. Our company was detailed to guard the rebel prisoners and baggage of our regiment. The first platoon for the for- mer and second platoon for the latter. Guarding of a baggage train is one of the diflScult things on a march. One of the wagons will get stuck in the mud and will cause the others to stop and when they start they will have to trot their horses to catch up with the regiment. We either went double-quick or between a walk and a trot for two- thirds of the day. We halted for awhile about seven miles from Kinston, where the regiment had halted, when orders came for us to march into the town where there had been a severe fight with the rebels. It was as dark as Erebus and we as tired as anybody could be, and then the seven long miles, half the way of which was through mud and water four or five inches deep. We could not pick a way because we did not have time, and then we were liable to step into a deeper liole. I was wet half way up to my waist. The baggage halted on the banks of the Neuse on a part of the battle-field, and right side of FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT, MASS. VOLS. 55 a hospital full of wounded, dead and dying. This march was as hard as any days we had. One of our men, Ben Carrico, fell down on the side of the road senseless, perfectly exhausted. He afterwai'ds was car- ried to a hospital. Fry thought he could not keep up without his load was lightened, so he flung away his blanket, — woollen one. We e.x peoted some rebel cavalry would be coming down on us, so at one time when we were waiting for the baggage train to go along and were lying on the ground, Hines said there were twenty cavalrymen coming at full speed, we all thought they were rebels, so we jumped up quick and formed a line and began to unbutton our cap boxes, but when the men got near enough we found they were ours. This was all done in half of the time it takes me to write about it. We camped right side of a bridge over the Neuse, two-thirds as long as Long Pond cause- way. When the rebels retreated across the bridge they tried to set fire to it. A man had some cotton and camphene which he lit and threw on the bridge. He was soon ended, shot througii the head. Then some of his cotton right side of him and his clothes took fire and he was roasted even to a blackness. Some of the boys went down to see him ; they thought it was quite a sight and so I did, but before we got through the expedition it became a common sight to see a dead man. Monday, loth. We marched over to the regiment this morning about two miles distant and had rations of hard-tack, coffee and sugar served out to us. About half an hour after we had been over there we started off with the regiment towards Whitehall. We had no idea at the time where we were going ; we all thought we were going into battle that day, so I threw away my woollen blanket and before we had marched three hours as much as half of the company had thrown away theii" blankets. There were some that fell ,out before they had marched five miles, amongst our company were five or six. There was a consideraV)le lot of foraging done to-day ; applejack and chickens were plenty. I did not get any. In the evening I went over to a house near where we camped and got some sweet potatoes. One time when we rested General Foster passed through the lines ; we were prepared for him, so we gave three rousing cheers. I marched three hours barefoot, because we had such nice walking. You can go a mile without seeing a stone. Tuesday, 16th. I got a half-pound of fresh pork to eat from Captain Wood's servant who had been killing a secession pig. Last night the cavalry had a fight with the rebels ; they destroyed the bridge across the river Neuse. We started this morning at 7 o'clock. 50 HISTORY OF COMPANY C, We had been marching about half an hour when we began to hear cannon ; they sounded very near. We all thought we were going into battle sure. We marched ahout two hours when we came up to where the battle was ; we were ordered to open to the right and left to let pass some batteries which were going at a dead run. It began to seem like war. We were ordered to cap our pieces. To tell the plain and honest truth I was somewhat afraid ; it made me think of home, but still T wanted to go into action. It seemed like a Fourth of July on a grand scale. Soon we came to where we could see the cannon play- ing. There was a continual roar for the space of two hours. It was principally an artillery fight. We were ordered into line in the middle of a cleared lot and to lie down. This place was quite dangerous, balls flying not more than ten feet above our heads. Then we were to march down near some woods to defend battery K. Here we were ordered again to lie down. I then had a good chance to view the fight. Between us and the lebels there were woods. The rebels had very stiong fortifications just the other side of the river. I tell you to see the wounded and dead brought along was a dreadful sight. One of the artillery boys had both hands shot off. There was an artillery horse killed not more than thirty feet from me. Litters passing by covered with human blood, the roar of the cannon, volleys of musketry, men riding at break-neck speed, the sound of the bugles giving off orders made the most exciting scene I ever witnessed in my life. Tom Gilbert, in our company, had his dish struck by a spent ball. Two fellows in the Blackstone company were struck by the same kind of balls. It knocked one down senseless ; the other it took the cloth off the shoulder of his coat, leaving only a tew threads. We had a pretty lively time for a little while. We did not go into action but were drawn up in line of battle. General Foster was near us for some time. We started away from here at about 2 o'clock. I thought we were going to charge on the rebels by going across the river. It was just what I wanted to come to pass, because I have heard a great deal about them and wanted to see what it was. Contrary to my expecta- tions we did not, but kept on marching until we halted about ten miles from th(!re towards Goldsboro. I made some coffee. I got wind of where there were some sweet potatoes ; I went after some about 10 o'clock, which I cooked with my fresh pork and then had a jjretty good meal. I pretty nearly froze, all I had was my rubber blanket. The uights during the march were very cold. I slept warm only one night during the niarch. FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT, MASS. VOLS. 57 Wednesday, 17th. Our regiment is detailed to-day to guard the baggage train. We all thought the rebels would be attacking the train. There was a fight going on up at Goldsboro. We could hear the booming of the cannon. The Forty-third, who were behind us, were ordered down on a road in the direction of Whitehall with a company of cavalry. We marched very slow and nothing of importance happened on going up. We got within a mile and a half of where the fight was when orders came for the baggage train to turn around and go back. We had the same orders too after we had marched a half a mile. We were drawn up in regimental line and let the train pass through. Soldiers that came along said we had accomplished our object, namely, destroying the railroad and the bridges. We marched back nearl}' ten miles, and when we got back ready to stack arms orders came for us to march back to Goldsboro to support a battery. It then was 7 o'clock in the evening ; we were all tired, hungry and sleepy. I did not have a hard-tack or water ; I had only five hard-tack for all day. I asked Fry to let me have a little piece of bread, he said he had not got any haid-tack or water. I then realized the full force of those words, "There is no place like home." All around us were great pitch pine trees and dry grass burning. It was almost light enough to read. We marched about three and a half miles when we met the battery and we then turned around and went back. We march- ed very fast. I did not think we had gone more than a mile and a half, but it seemed three times as long as going up. Fry came up to me and said, "Let us go ahead and get some sweet potatoes at an old woman's house." We went and got as much as half a bushel of them. We sat up half of the night cooking them when we got back to camp. Thursday, 18th. We started from camp before sunrise ; passed our last camping ground in about half an hour aftei" starting. We would march a short distance and then halt to let artillery pass. It was quite a cold morning, so I thought I would get ahead. I managed to get past the file closers and made out to keep ahead all day. I had the most fun to-day of any day on the march. I was determined to get some kind of a trophy to-day and to get enough to eat. The first house that I came to had been pretty well ransacked. I got a Loomis' Algebra and Pineo Grammar and a letter from a rebel lieutenant to his mother I flung away the books to make way for some sweet potatoes. I threw away the letter accidentally, as it was in one of the books. Fry had read it and he has told me just now that it dated from Richmond and said the writer had been promoted from a 3d lieutenant to a 1st lieuten- ant, and he wanted a new pair of boots, that the pair he had bought 58 HISTORY OF COMPANY 0, at Goldsboio were worn out. The next house I came across was near Whitehall. I went down near the negro cabins where I found as much as 200 bushels of sweet potatoes. I went down for chickens but could not find any. Came across an old woman who said that massa had left her here to lake care of the children. In the house was a lounge covered with blood and on the floor was a great puddle too. Pj'obably somebody was brought in at the time of the battle. About two miles from there was the hospital for the wounded. About half a mile beyond I stopped and baked potatoes and ate them. The next place I stopped there was a large number of books. I wished I could have brought some of them along, but it would have been too much of a lug for I was as much as fifty miles from home. I had just stolen a ride (>f about three miles on the back of a feed wagon; I was pretty well jounced up, tore my haversack, bent my plate nearly double. The next place I stopped belonged to a rebel lieutenant ; this and the last were places of refinement. I got an Arabian Nights and a splendid vase. I gave the vase to a man who was driving a baggage wagon for the Forty-third ; that was the last I ever saw of it. I got a secession almanac of this year. I came up to one house pretty hungry and was determined to have some meat, so I hunted around and found some meat in a little house. There were some soldiers up there who had begun to cook some sweet potatoes, so I flung in my meat and cooked it with some potatoes. We had to walk as much as eight miles before we camped, which was between 6 and 7 o'clock in the evening. I was two or three miles ahead of the regiment. I came up with some of the Twenty-fifth, who gave me some fresh pork which they had foraged. I cooked this with ray sweet potatoes for supper. The regiment came up to me, so I fell in and marched to where we stacked arms; laid my blanket down and went right to sleep and in that way missed getting my four hard-tack which we were to have for to-morrow. I woke up at half past ten o'clock and could not go to sleep after that because I was so cold. I cooked all my sweet potatoes. Friday, 19. I washed myself this morning. I made out to get ofl" some of the dirt ; I was about the color of the ace of spades. I wish we all could have marched through Main Street, Worcester. We went through Kinston about 10.30 o'clock. We marched on the Trent road instead of going the old crooked backway road that we came up on. By going this way we saved 7 miles travel. The I'ebels expected we would come up this way, but the cavalry found out we could come up that way, so we took the old road. If we had gone that way the rebels would have cut us all in pieces, as we cut some of FIFTY-FIEST RFOIMENT, MASS. VOLS. 59 their regiments at Goldsboro. There were fortifications that com- raanfled the road for miles. We halted this afternoon about 4 o'clock. I got two rails and then started over to a house about half a mile away to see what I could get. All I could find was a few peeping chickens, I let them go. Just then the guard came up and ordered me off. I went to an out house where I got three or four bushels of corn busks in my coat and carried them to camp for Charles and myself to sleep on. We halted about four miles this side of Kinston to wait for some fellows who had gone to unload some hard-tack, coffee and sugar. The quartermaster had entirely got out of rations, so he had a ship load sent up to Kinston during that time. Our second lieutenant went off and got two pails full of honey-comb out of a tree, which he gave to the boys. Saturday, 20th. We started away from camp by 7 o'clock in the morning. We passed by near where our second camping-ground was at the bridge about 9 o'clock, passed the first at 1 o'clock. The soldiers fell out in great numbers to-day. I kept up until half-past three when they had a halt. I was very tired ; my pants and feet were wet. By stopping it stiffened ray limbs so I could but just walk. I fell behind and when along opposite a house which set up next to some woods I went up there. The old man said he had protection papers from General Foster. We were near our pickets. Two old men, soldiers, came up just then and they believed it, so I thought it must be so. They said he must give them some salt pork or they would have to take some chickens. That was said more to scare him than anything. He went into the house and gave them about a half-pound of salt pork and me about the same. One of the men saw some sausages that had not been divided as they are done up and he said I guess I will take one, I thought so too and took one about 2^ feet long; then we left. I met a man who had some fresh pork with whom I swapped some of my salt pork. By this adventure I had a nice supper and breakfast. There were only ten in the company when they went into camp, the rest had fallen out, but came along in one at a time. I was one of the stragglers. Sunday, 21st. My feet are all blisters and swollen. This is the reason why I could not keep up yesterday. The regiment reached their quarters in the first part of the afternoon. Fry and I did not get in till an hour later. I tell you it was a most welcome sight when I viewed the barracks. C. F. Pierce. 60 HISTORY OF COMPANY C, Newbern, December 31, 1862. Dear Friknds : Since I last wrote to yoa I have been on one of the many expeditions which are concocted in the department. We went up the Nense river road as far as Goldsboro for the purpose of destroying the railroads and telegraph, and thus cut off communication with the rebels at Richmond. We accomplished our object, stopping on our way to reduce Kinston and Whitehall, the former a place of some importance on the Neuse river and tolerably well defended. At Kinston our advance, consisting of the Ninth New Jersey, Tenth Conn., One Hundred and Third New York, and Forty-fifth Mass., liad as fierce a battle, so say the Twenty-fifth Mass., as was required to take New Berne. Our loss was quite small, considering the briskness of the fire which was kept up for five hours almost without cessation, there being 200 killed, wounded and missing. The reason of the easy conquest was that we approached them from a most unexpected quarter. The road we went up must be eight or ten miles further and more difficult to travel than the Neuse road, by which they evidently looked for us, having made extensive preparations in the way of breastworks and rifle pits for our reception. They made their next stand at a bridge across the Neuse at a small village called Whitehall. The road lay very near the river and it was necessary to dislodge them or be harassed by a cross fire during the passage. The battle lasted about four hours and it was fierce cannonading all the time ; it was truly tremendous and harmless in proportion. The fight commenced about 10 A. M. and about 2 P. M. the rebels took up their howling stampede for Goldsboro, that being on this occasion their last ditch. It was not General Foster's intention to attack them there, his force not being sufficient. Accordingly after tearing up four or five miles of railroad and burning two large bridges we turned our faces towards New Berne. I did not experience so much fatigue at any time on the march out as 1 did on the return. We fell short of provisions and were obliged to make long and rapid marches to come out even. I liked it on one account as it gave us an opportunity to live on the enemy, and we did forage unmercifully, taking everything available, both animal and vegetable. One man said we damaged him $5,000 worth. We would liked to have damaged him more but we could not see how. All the time we were out we had all the sweet potatoes we could eat; on some plantations recently vacated we found two or three hundred bushels, I should think. The cavalry being in the advance ....^>*^i Co„Fed, .'" flotteriee ^""'W.. Battle or Wwitehai_i_ Dec. 16, 1862. FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT, MASS. VOLS. 61 all the lime got nearly all the poultry. I threw away my blanket as it was so heavy, and slept cool in consequence several nights, thereby reaping one of my slight colds, but received no other injury beyond sore feet. I kept the barracks awake by my barking a few nights after my return. I have drawn another blanket which I have sworn to hang to. 1 cannot say that I saw any rougher times than I expected, for at no time did we go through water above our knees and we had a fire to sleep by every night. It took the enthusiasm out of a great many however. Our first march was hard, so said even the old regi- ments, but I think it might have been harder. C. B. Fry. New Berne, December 30, 1S62. The night before the battle we encamped about half a dozen miles from Whitehall. Early the next morning we started on the march. It vvas pleasant, the air was fresh and invigorating. We were toiling along under our heavy burdens over a sandy road, looking forward every few moments for a halt of the column so we might enjoy the luxury of a rest, when suddenly a report of a cannon some distance to the front told us our advance had encountered the enemy. What a thrill runs through our hearts at that first discharge, as thicker and faster comes the roar of the guns, each man's spirit and enthusiasm rise in proportion. We no longer think of our heavy load and weary limbs, but listened with anxious hearts to the approaching struggle. The noise and din of the stiife becomes more distinct every moment. We halted a moment by the roadside to allow some artillery which was in the rear to come to the front, with their horses upon the gallop they came thundering down the hill through our ranks and were soon lost to view behind the woods. We were already loaded and our Colonel gave the order to prime. We then started down the road, at the bottom of which there was a large brook and beyond it the open field where our aitillery was tiring with great rapidity. It did not take us long to cross the stream and then we marched out upon the plain. I thought at first we were to go along under cover of the woods between the batteries of friend and foe, but soon we counter- marched and faced the woods on the light. We now fixed bayonets and advanced towards the woods, I thought now that we were either to ford the river or cross the bridge, either of which would have been death to many of us. Again I had guessed wrong, for when we reached the woods we halted, lay down and hugged the ground with a 62 TILSTORY OF COMPANY C, wondc'iful fondness for the missiles of death were flying thick and fast. I turned my head in the direction of our batteries just in season to see a ball strike a horse in the leg, and leaping and jumping upon three legs the poor beast soon fell to the ground. The stretchers with their dying freight were being hurried by to the rear. A lieutenant with an arm all shattered and bleeding came staggering along without aid with the most sorrowful and miserable countenance I ever saw. A poor private with a broken leg with two assistants also passed, and another with a wound in the head, and one by one they came with bleedmg wounds. I turned from the sight with a shudder just in time to see a piece of a shell strike a few feet in front of me. The battle still raged but one could see that the discharges were less frequent. Down by the river some houses were in flames, adding grandeur to the scene. Behind the burning houses I could see one of our signal corps waving his flag and signaling with one a little to the left of us. During the whole battle our troops were passing behind our batteries on towards Goldsboro. Soon the battle slackened and the artillery drew off"; the infantry kept up a scattering fire which w^as faintly returned. We now moved off* from the field and followed the rest, but in doing so two of the regiment were wounded. The battle raged about four hours. There were not many troops in it, but though small it was a fierce fight. L. L. Hicks. Camp of the 51st Reg. guarding a bridge on the road to Kinston. December 13, 1862. I seize the first opportunity of writing that I have had since my last letter. Thursday morning we started about six o'clock, marched into New Berne to lake part in the great expedition consisting of about 20,000 men, a large force of both cavalry and artillery. We marched about 17 miles on the Trenton road, making 20 for us that were encamped the other side of the river. I assure you it was tough, we were in what they call light marching oi'der, that means our blankets, haversacks and canteens with three days' rations and 50 rounds of cartridges, which with guns make no light load. The men would lag and drop behind and lie down almost entirely exhausted, with sore feet and aching shoulders. We camped in a large level piece well tired out, every man ; as for Moses and myself, we stood it remarkably. I never imagined I could do as much as I went FIFTY-FIUST KEOIMIONT, MASS. VOLS. (i3 through that day. We went to the fences and got rails, then built rousing fires, and made our supper of hard crackers and beef. We spread one rubber blanket on the ground and a woollen one over that, — lay down feet to the fire and spreading the rest of the blanket over us, slept sweetly and soundly until morning when we roused up quite early and soon were on the march. M. and I stood this better than the first day and marched nearly as far. On arriving at the bridge which the rebels had destroyed, and our engineers had built up within a few hours, our regiment was left to guard the bridge and cover the retreat over it in case of a defeat, it being a very I'esponsible position. When we got here I was not half so tired as I have been in the old barracks, though my shoulders and feet were lame. All day yesterday the advance of the cavalry were surprising and capturing rebels pickets, some they shot. We have fifteen in camp under guard, they arc a miserable looking set of men, no pretensions to any uniform, ragged and dirty. We went out foraging before the Colonel put a stop to it, the camp swarmed with chickens and hogs; the boys would run the hogs down and then stick them with their knives, skin and cut them up and bring them in and in a few minutes they would be steaming away over a big fire and that would be the last of the pig. One of our company ran his bayonet right through a big hog clear up to the hilt. I have got some of the meat keeping until it is fit to cook, as I wouldn't eat it so fresh, and so we live. I do not know when I shall have a chance to send this but I thought a letter might be interesting to you, written where the sound of cannon in battle reaches our ears. I doubt whether you can read this as I write lying on the ground with a blanket stretched over my head sup- ported by sticks. If you cannot I'll tell you when I get home, till then imagine me happy and contented with my lot. C. L. Maynard. Camp of the 51st Regiment, Dec. 26, 1862. Foster Bakracks, New^bern, N. C. Dear Folks. I presume by this time you have got ray letter promising you an account of the expedition. I was so unfortunate as to come away from Worcester without com- mencing a diary, so I cannot give you so precise an account as I other- wise could, however, I'll do the best I can. Thursday morning we 64 iiisTOKY or ro:\ri'ANY c, started before sunrise for the city, there all was a grand military bustle, troops of cavaliy, batteries of light and heavy guns, baggage wagons, hospital wagons, and ambulances all hurrying on in tlie same direction. After a period of two or three hours waiting the line was formed into something like order and we moved off, and so commenced the hardest ten days' work I ever went through or ever want to for that matter. We marched about 17 miles that day and camped where the rebels decamped the day before and the 51st slept on the ground for the first time. We were so terribly tired that after we got the rails together from a neighboring fence and the fires started we were ready to drop on our blankets and stay there, having eaten lightly of what was in our haversacks. We pulled our blankets over us and knew no more till we were roused before light to prepare for a forward march all that day. Our advance of cavalry were fighting or rather skirmishing with the, rebel pickets, capturing 6 in the forenoon and 14 in the afternoon. We came across a group of 5, two lay on the ground apparently dead though yet alive, the most wolfish expression to their ugly faces you can imagine, a little farther on another lay on the piazza of a house in the same condition, then we came to a prisoner standing beside the fence with one of the cavalry boys over him sitting on his horse with a cocked revolver of huge dimensions held in the neighboihood of the prisoner's head, the guard, a boy of about nineteen, never taking his eye from his charge, the rebel looking the very essence of malignity. The country we pas.sed through was like all the rest for miles around Newbern, low, level and sandy, no hills or stones. We marched about 13 miles that day turning off from the direct road to Kinston, the one the rebels expected us on, and taking a longer and harder road we came to a bridge that the rebels had destroyed and our engineers rebuilt it. On a level field our regiment encamped and that night, also the next one, being left to cover the retreat in case of a defeat or rather to hold the bridge until that time, as there were rebel cavalry all around. We spent the day in resting though in the morning the boys came into camp in such numbers as clearly showed that all were not resting, saying nothing of the small game, ducks, chickens, sweet potatoes, &c. Companies A and B were sent out on picket on arriving and did duty, till we marched again. We heard heavy firing all day in the direction of Kinston. Sunday morning at 7^ we started. Our first platoon guarded the prisoners, they were jjut in pairs to the number of 20 and then we were FIFTY-FIEST REGIMENT, MASS. VOLS. 65 put two on each side of thom. I had the pleasure of conversing with those who were talkative all day ; take them as a lot, we were told it was a very uncommonly well dressed and well looking lot by those that knew. I say they were the most miserable, disgusting, ill-favored senseless looking lot of human bipeds 1 ever set eyes on. With two exceptions only, there were several who professed to be peaceable farm- ers and by their own stories those that would talk were all very nice, peaceably disposed men, but I hate the sight of all of them. Our second platoon was in the rear as guard for the baggage wagons. In this order we marched to Kinston, some of the way we waded through water half way to our knees. We arrived at Kinston at half-past 8 in the evening, wet, and almost tired to death. As we passed into Kinston we went through the scene of the battle. A church standing on the edge of the town was turned into a hospital. On the bank of the liver lay two or three dead rebels that were wait- ing removal, under the bridge lay what remained of a rebel killed in a curious way; he was trying to burn the bridge with others pouring a barrel of turpentine over the bridge when a shell struck the barre, throwing it all over him. The fight was severe, ending in our forces driving the rebels through the town ; it was our first sight of a battle-field, trees torn and broken, ground torn up, everything showing that a fierce struggle had taken place. The next morning we started on again. After we passed back again over the bridge, that is when the whole force was over, the bridge was burned by the engineer. We took the road for Whitehall, it was a weary day, most of the boys threw away their blankets to keep up, Moses among the number but not I. I determined to cany mine as far as I went and so I did. We camped about 8 o'clock, started before light ne.\;t morning and about 9 o'clock the firing in our advance became heavy and grew more so till we arrived at the scene of the battle. We were ordered into position at once ; we supported Belger's Bat- tery of the 9th New York Artillery. We here drew up in line of battle with bayonets fixed and then were ordered to lie down which probably most of the regiment were very glad to do as the shot and shell were flying overhead and about us in a manner which would give a man the impression that the rebels were trying to hit somebody. Our regiment was concealed from the rebels' view by a strip of woods between us and the river, the battery we were 6 66 HISTORY OF COMPANY C, supporting was on our left, the rebels got the range of it so exactly that they took up a new position ; there were several hit in our regiment but no one hurt, one of our company had his dipper struck as it hnng on his haversack, the tin was dented almost double by the ball, which glanced and went into the ground. The grove on our left was com- pletely riddled with shot and shell. We lay theie on the ground about two hours and a half, the artillery playing hotly on both sides ; it was almost entirely an artillery battle though three of the regiments in our brigade were engaged ; they lost a good many killed and wounded, they iwere all brought within a few feet of where we lay. Finally their^ guns were silenced and we moved up the road to Goldsboro, having had some of the heaviest cannonading of any battle in this section of the country. Our regiment was highly complimented by Gen. Foster for its deportment and appearance. We marched about six miles and camped for the night. The next morning which was Wednesday our regiment was detailed as guard for the baggage train, so we were strung out along the road six to a wagon. It took all but Company C, so we marched behind, we went very slowly, when in the afternoon the wagons were all turned back, and back we marched. We halted and let them get ahead of us. I omitted to say we heard sharp firing in the distance all day, towards night it grew heavy suddenly. After dark we were ordered to turn back, the artillery, which had caught up with us, that is, a part of it, rushed back ; then we went, we marched awhile then stopped, and finally turned again and marched till we reached the original halting place and camped for the night. The men were almost exhausted, I never thought 'twas possible for a man to get so near dead and still march on. The reason we turned back was this, we had a severe battle there, burned a freight-house and two very important bridges, killed a great number of rebels and took some prisoners and defeated them. Well, when they sent out a white flag with two regiments, our in- fantry had left but our artillery was there, the guns were double-shotted and the colonel of the artillery rode up to meet them, when they got within about 200 yards they threw down their white flag and putting up their colors charged on our batteries, they being double-shotted with grape and canister then opened on them. At the first discharge it was said two-thirds of those two regiments fell to rise no more ; then it was we were ordered back to support those batteries, but they finished the work before we could get there. FIFTY-FIKST IIEGIMENT, MASS. VOLS. 67 We began our inarch home next morning, the expedition having accomplished all that was intended. We had a terrible hard march home, the road was lined with stragglers who had given out on the march. We had nothing occur of any vital interest on the way home which we reached Sunday morning. C. L. Matnard. New Berne, December 9, 1862. An order was read at dress parade to-night to be in readiness to march in thirty-six hours. The boys received it with cheers and are picking up their duds. 10th. We have been very busy all day packing our knapsacks and putting them on board a schooner. We take with us only our over- coats and blankets. Spent the afternoon in the manual of arms under the Colonel. I feel in good spii'its and hope we shall to come off victorious, but perhai^s it may be the last as well as the first fight that I shall be in. The boys are burning a bonfire in honor of the start in the morning. 11th. We have fifty rounds of cartridges and three days' rations given out to us. We were aroused out at four o'clock ; marched to New Berne and joined the expedition going towards Trenton. There are about twenty-five thousand men on the road, — a big thing. Our legs and feet are quite sore, but we are in good spirits. The houses all along the road are burned and no one is to be seen except negroes. We stopped and camped on a plantation about seventeen miles from New Berne and six from Trenton. Camp-fires are to be seen in every direction. The rebels have felled trees across the road for a mile up and the pioneers are at work clearing them out. We lay down to sleep in the open air. 12th. Had a good sleep and when I awoke found the frost one- eighth of an inch thick on our blankets. The nights are cold but the days are warm as those of June. I saw Fred White and David Bigelow of the Twenty-fifth Mass. regiment and several others that I used to know. We started at half-past nine o'clock, marched along finding no enemies for some time, then a few rebel pickets showed themselves, we captured three and killed one. We found plenty of sweet potatoes and honey on the march. The rebels have blown up a bridge and our men are repairing it. Now we are over it and are encamped near it. • 13th. The boys are busy scouting for plunder and are bringing in chickens, geese, sheep, pigs and a beef-creature. The cavalry brought in seventeen prisoners to night that were captured last night. ()8 HISTORY OF COMPANY C, 14th. Started on the march as rear guard to the baggage train. It was the hardest day's work I ever did. The weather was very warm and we marched sometimes on the double-quick. At three o'clock we came up with the main army : found a battle had been going on at Kinston all day. Our force drove the rebels across the river and beat them. We camped on the spot where the fight had been and in the morning found some dead bodies near. loth. Made our coffee and went over to the town where our regi- ment was ; started off with them ; marched about fifteen miles and put up for the night. Some of the men gave out here and went back to Kinston. 16th. Marched about three miles and came upon a number of rebels at Whitehall. Our regiment was called to support the battery that was firing away. We were ordered to fix bayonets and lie down on our chests. The balls flew over our heads about as thick as I wanted to hear them. Several men in some of the other regiments were killed, but none in ours. After about an hour the firing ceased and we were marched on about twelve miles and camped in the woods. 17th. Put in motion at an early hour and pushed on for Goldsboro. About two o'clock the wagons were all ordered to turn round. They said that our advance had torn up the railroad, burned the biidges and beat them all out, so that we might go back to New Berne. The boys were in high glee at this stage of things and went singing along. At about six o'clock we reached nearly the old spot where we camped the night before. As we were turning into a field to camp we were halted ; every one wondered what it was for. Soon we were ordered to march back towards Goldsboro. As our last artillery was booming at them a few rebels came out and fired on them. We were sent to cover them. However in about two hours we were back in the old camp as tired a set of boys as ever were. After supper we camped in the thick smoke and slept soundly. 18th. Passed the old battle-field and saw where the cannon balls had cut off trees, some of them eight inches thick. Some bodies were not buried at this time. After a rest we marched on about six miles and camped. 19th. Marched back through Kinston; stopped to rest about noon and were treated to honey by Lieutenant Bigelow ; went about eighteen miles. 20th. The men were so worn out that we only marched about twelve miles. I did not get up to the regiment till they had been in camp sometime. Slept soundly all night. FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT, MASS. VOLS. fi9 21st. Started at sunrise with the hope of soon reaching our old camp. We went on as fast as our sore feet would allow and came in about noon, a sorry set of men. S. H. Fuller. New Bekne, Tuesday, December 21, 1862. I have just returned from the expedition which I spoke of in my last, stating we were going but knew not where. We started Thursday the 11th. Arose at 3 A. M. We received forty rounds of cartridges and tliree days' rations, our blouses and our coats which we wore, beside all our accoutrements and guns. This they call light marching order. We had our knapsacks packed the night before and each one took his own and threw it on board a schooner which lay ready at the wharf We formed in line at daybreak in front of the barracks ready to start. Before doing so Colonel Sprague addressed us in a few words. Feeling sorry that we had no more time to drill in the manual of arms, he said, "I wish you all to do your duty and to stand ; you are going where your toil, patience and courage will be tried." The Forty-third, Forty-fifth and Twenty-third Mass. regiments joined us and we marched with the music of the band to New Berne. We were there joined by artillery of forty pieces, twelve hundred cavalry and any quantity of infantry, swelling the number to nearly thirty thousand men. The train, I heard, reached nine miles. I assure you it was a splendid sight to behold. I thought of that pas- sage where it says " Terrible as an army with banners," as the regi- mental flags were all flying. The long train began to move. We travelled the first day about fifteen miles, and then camped in a large corn-field, the camp-fires brightening up the heavens. Dec. 9. We have received marching orders to be ready in thirty-six liours. The oixlers were read at dress-parade to-night. I am out in the open air helping cook ; we have got to cook all night. Have just had three days' rations of meat served out. I do not know where we are going, but the talk is to Richmond. They also say there are twenty thousand going from New Berne, the Eighth Mass. regiment is to stay to do guard duty. We are to start to-morrow night with our blankets and three days' ratiols in our haversacks. Friday, Dec. 12. We arose about five o'clock at the bugle, and started on our march ; we marched about twelve miles, making us twenty five miles from New Berne. Wc encamped in a corn-field 70 HISTORY OF COMPANY 0, again and slept with our equipments all on, as we expected an attack from the enemy. Our cavalry took seventeen prisoners. Saturday, Dec. 13. Pleasant, quite warm day-times but very cold and chilly nights. The order came for us to remain where we were and guard a bridge which the rebels had burned, but which our folks had built again. We were to guard it until the entire train has passed over. Two cannon were planted to guard the bridge, an encounter being expected with the rascals. Sunday, Dec. 14. Pleasant weather. We started in the morning about seven; we marched all day, arrived at Kinston about nine in the evening, and took seventeen prisoners along with us. Our advance had a battle at this place in which 65 were killed and 182 wounded. We slept in the city to-night, but it was sad to know that so many had been killed and wounded. I went ^own to the bridge where the battle was ; saw two rebels lying on the bank dead and one burned to death while attempting to fire the bridge before we crossed, but he did not succeed. Monday, Dec. 15. Another beautiful morning to march. We were all ready to start at seven and marched very hard all day. We did not meet with any resistance on the way. Tuesday, Dec. 16. We commenced to march at nine. We had not gone more than two miles before we heard cannonading in our advance and about noon we arrived at the scene of action. We were ordered to cap our guns and half-cock. The noise was terrific. The rebels were on the other side of the river ; there was a short turn in the road and they expected to rake us as we wound round the hill. They tired first and by the time we arrived it was very severe. Our regiment was ordered to fix bayonets, expecting to charge. We could see them carrying out the dead and wounded on stretchers. The shell and shot flew all around us and we were ordered to lie down. None were wounded in our company though several were hit. One in our com- pany, near me in the ranks, had his tin cup flattened by a bullet. The Forty-third lost 20 men from one company. Wednesday, Dec. 17. Pleasant and quite warm. We marched in the rear to guard some baggage wagons. We heard firing in our advance and kept on marching until three P. M., when we were ordered to counter-march back to New Berne. We had gone about three miles when orders came for us to return, as the rebels had charged on our batteries and they wished infantry to support them. But soon word came that the rebels were repulsed with heavy loss, so we went back the second time, making four times we travelled over the I^IFTY-FIRRT REGIMENT, MASS. VOLS. 71 same road. The expedition had done all that it was intended to do, so we returned. We did not go quite to Goldsboro, only to the railroad. We destroyed about four miles of the track and tore up all the bridges, so that they could not reinforce at Goldsboro and Richmond. We took 23 prisoners. Thursday, Dec. 18. We marched all day and I was very tired when night came. We er^camped about eight o'clock P. M., but did not sleep much. Friday, Dec. 19. We were again on the march bright and early and marched all day. Saturday, Dec. 20. I was not feeling well and did not keep up with the regiment. We camped about ten miles this side of New Berne. Sunday, Dec. 21. A beautiful Sabbath morning. We arrived at the old barracks at one o'clock P. M., all tired out, having walked one hundred and seventy miles in little less than ten days, with short allowance of rations at times, and exposed to the open air, C. A. Moore. Foster Barracks, New Berne, December 24, 1862. We received orders to have three days' rations cooked, ready. That of course made me extra work, so I bad to sit up nearly all of two nights in order to get them ready. Our regiment left the barracks December 11, 4 A. M. We went down to the city where we joined the remainder of the expedition. No one had any idea where we were going to certainly, though there were as many rumors afloat as men in a regiment. I suppose our force consisted of 20,000 men and 60 jiieces of artillery. That is not far from the real force as near as I am able to learn from Charlie, and his position enables him to speak pretty correctly. The first night 1 suppose we marched about 13 miles from the city. Friday we marched about 15 miles. We used to start about as soon as it was light in the morning, though the advance would start by 4 o'clock. Each day our brigade would be assigned a different position in the line, which would of course cause our time for starting and halting to vary. Saturday we lemained behind as a rear guard (our regiment), while the others went on to Kinston. During the night 22 rebels were sent in, taken by our cavalry scouts. Sunday morning we started for Kinston, understood there was to be a fight thei'e. We had the prisoners to guard. I marched beside 72 HISTORY OF COMPANY C, them all day. They are the vouf^hest-looking specimens of humanity that I ever met with. We found upon reaching Kinston that the place was ours. We lost some 45 men in killed and wounded. We delivered up our prisoners to the Provost-Marshal : they were ])aroled the next morning, as well as a number taken in the battle at Kinston. The next morning we left there, burning the bridge over the Neuse that the rebels might not follow. Tuesday we were in the advance. As we neared Whitehall firing commenced ahead. We were ordered to cap our guns and find our places in the ranks. Then the boys thought that it looked a little like a fight. We soon came up with the artillery, which was engaged with the enemy. We formed in line of battle and marched to a place near the artillery. The General seeing we were in an exposed position changed our line and ordered us to lie down. Soon after one of our boys had his dipper struck by a spent ritie ball, denting it considerably. The shot and shell flew thick and fast all around us and just over our heads. Wo lay there about two hours, expecting every moment to be called into action. The firing of artillery was terrific for the two hours that we were there. The enemy's sharp-shooters picked off a member of the Forty-fifth regiment. Volunteers were called for from the Twenty-fifth to attend to them. Charlie was one of the volunteers and they soon silenced them. We were successful there, though there was very little of the infantry engaged. Many of our boys went to sleep while all this was going on, as they were very tired. I did not feel as I expected ; was not much troubled about it, though of course not indiff(erent to the dangers around us. We were all bound to do our duty. After the fight we immediately resumed our march toward Goldsboro. The next day our regiment guarded the baggage trains in the rear. I was detailed to forage that day. I went quite to the front just after the fight commenced there, though not in time to see the rebels, as some of the boys did. Soon after noon the work was done, i. e., drove the rebels across the river, burned two bridges, and tore up several miles of lailroad. We turned around about two o'clock to retrace our march, having accomplished the object of our expedition. Notwithstanding the boys were awfully tired they turned about with light hearts. Towards night firing commenced in our rear, and just as our regiment was going into camp they were ordered back. I tell you it was a hard one, but I was bound to go as long as ray legs would cairy me. After marching three miles at a fast gait we were told to return to camp. There was one battery that remained on the field after everything else FIFTY-Fir.ST REGIMENT, MASS. VOLS. 73 had turned about. The rebels, having received reinfoicements, thought it was alone and they would take it, so a large force charged on it. Just as they neared it we opened on them with "grape and canister" and mowed them down in heaps. They broke and ran. This caused all the fuss. That brings us to Thursday night. Friday and Satur- nay we marched tremendously, I suppose not far from twenty five miles per day. The roads were lined with stragglers. Saturday night we encamped about 5 miles out of New Berne, as the Colonel thought it would not pay to go in with part of his regiment. Only ten of Company C came in with the Fifty-first that night. I was one of the ten. I did not fall out during the whole trip ; whenever the regiment halted I was with them. How now about folks that said "George never would stand it?" We got home about noon on Sunday, having marched about 175 miles in a little more than ten days. I threw away ray woollen blanket one day ; should not do it again. I send a Confeder- ate postage-stamp taken in a house near Goldsboro. Every one was gone except the negroes. Charlie got home all right, though I have not seen him since. I came right into the kitchen on getting home and am here now. Have to work like forty, as the boys are awful hungry. G. M. Kendall. "Somewhere," Dec. 13, 1862. Well, auntie, we are in for it now. Last Tuesday night at dress parade we had orders to be in readiness to march in 36 hours and punc- tual to the moment we started for parts to us unknown, and since then we have been on the march most of the time. Three days' rations were prepared and the knapsacks were packed and we were ordered to march under "light marching orders," knapsacks going by water. Our light load consists of our rubber and woollen blankets, rations, canteen, gun, sabre and 50 rounds of cartridges, and altogether we found them not so very light but by the time we got into the city most decidedly heavy ; our guns only weigh twelve and a half pounds. After we got to the city we were obliged to wait several hours to form the diflferent brigades, cavalry, artillery and infantry. Then we com- menced our march and I tell you, auntie, you can have no idea of what a march is. I know I never had. In a scorching sun with our equip- ments dragging down on our shoulders and the continual tramp, tramp forwaid for hours with no rest and then only for a few minutes ; it is terrible lean assure you, and many of the men dropped right down, side of the road, but the men of our Co. marched on without faltering. I 74 msToftY OF coMPAinr c, never fell behind once, but when it came night my shoulders ached as if a knife was run through them. We marched till quite late and at last we came in sight of the camp-fires which the advance had started, and I think I never beheld a more welcome sight and it was, too, a sight grand in the extreme ; as far as the eye could reach fires glowing and the men as thick as could be, some stretched out on the ground and others taking their suppers. There were in all four brigades, nearly 20,000 men, almost as many as the whole population of Worcester. When we arrived at the camping ground we were so tired that we dropped right down on the ground too tired to stir ; then we had to be oft' for wood for our fire, get our supper of hard-tack and cgfiee and get to bed about ten, stiflf and tired, the nights so cold we can scarcely sleep at all. Up in the morning and oft" again before suniise and so on from day to day. Our first day's march was rather monotonous, long- stretches of pine woods, mud puddles and so on, not hardly a house or anything else of interest. The second day after getting beyond our line of pickets our march was a little more varied. Our cavalry had some skirmishes with the enemy's pickets in which some of the latter were captured and a few killed. As we passed by the houses where the killed and wounded were lying on the ground we began to more fully realize the nature of the conflict in which we were engaged. Our second day's march brought us to the spot where we, the Fifty-first, are now encamped near a bridge which we are to guard and we also have 20 prisoneis, and sorry-looking specimens they ai'e. These are the first rebels I have seen, no two dressed alike : only that they are all dressed in a kind of dirty white goods much resembling their complexion generally. W, H. Clapp. Foster Barracks, Dec. 22, 1862. We are back again all safe and sound from the expedition of which you have imdoubtedly heard the particulars and the hard time we have had of it. You remember what a cheerless time we had on board the Merrimac, well that was bliss compared to this. I heard many a man say " give me Iha Merrimac before this." I expected to have sent you a letter on the expedition but was too tired every night to think of anything but to get my supper and to sleep as quick as possible. We staid at the bridge where I wrote my first note one day and then resumed our march, reached Kinston Sunday night where the FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT, MASS. VOLS. 75 battle had been raging during the day while we were marching from the bridge. Our forces were in the place, which we found to be a very pretty little village. We started again in the morning, making our fifth day out from New Berne. We had marched but a few hours when we began to hear the boom of cannon, repeated at short intervals ; soon it came faster and faster, then the artillery came lumbering up through the column from the rear to get their guns in position, then the cavalry would come cantering along. All the time we were marching steadily on and the noise of cannon growing louder and louder; soon we came to a halt and were ordered to cap and half-cock our pieces, then we began to think we were in for a fight surely. We soon reached the field where they were discharging the big guns and after getting in "battle array" were ordered down flat on the ground and thei'e you may rest assured we staid pretty close ; though I think I felt no fear I do not care to get nearer the enemy then I was then. The continuous discharge of artillery and musketry made it a continual roar, such as you hear just before a thunder-storm sometimes in the summer. We could hear the balls whizzing through the air and see the shells explode; one ball struck the dipper of one of our men, that is our Com- pany, this was the most serious wound in the Company at that time. While we were at Kinston one of our men was shot through the hand by a rebel while he was at the river getting water, our man struck him with his sabre and the man ran ; last seen of him. It was a sad and sickening sight to see the field after the battle, though probably a comparatively small one. I saw scenes too horrible to be described. After leaving Whitehall, the place where the battle was fought, we made a rapid march of ten miles, and the next day was the fight at Goldsboro, this we were not engaged in, but we were used for a guard to the baggage train. We heard the firing nearly all day. After we had got within a few miles of the fighting ground we were ordered back and after marching to our previous nights encampment we were ordered to march directly back again to the fight, which, in our tired condition, was any- thing but pleasing, but about we turned and after marching about three miles it was found to be all right and then we had to march clear back three miles and it did seem a little too bad. I have not time to write a quarter of what I want to, but I must close now. W. H. Clapp. 76 HISTORY OF COMPANY C, Dec. 22, 1862. We liave just returned from a very fatiguing expedition, of over a hundred and seventy miles through an enemy's country, had three battles and whipped the rebels in good style, all of which has been done within ten days. Our first fight was at Kinston Avhere the enemy were very strongly posted on the opposite side of Kinston bridge, having batteries which completely commanded it. The Fifty-first was ordered to hold a bridge about 17 miles this side of Kinston, which we did for one day and then pushed on to join the main column. We entered Kinston at night after a very hard march through mud and water and were right glad to spread our blankets on the ground, and gain strength for the next day's march. Our next fight was at a place called Jericho, here also was a bridge which we burnt, here we had quite a smart fight, the rebels had the advantage of position as they always do, but after four hours firing they retreated, we were unable to follow on account of the bridge being burnt. Although the Fifty-first was not in the tiiickest of the battle, yet the shot and shell were near enough to be very unpleasant. We were expecting every moment to be ordered to relieve some one of the other regiments. Only one of our boys was wounded and that slightly by a spent ball. We had some very narrow escapes, a ball passed between myself and a man one pace in front of me and struck a 'man on the back at my left. You can have very little idea of the solemnity of a battle. The smoke of the battle had hardly cleared away before we were ordered to march. We marched about 17 miles and then camped for the night. The next day we started for Goldsboro ; our advance reached Golds- boro bridge which our artillery destroyed ; here we had quite a sharp fight mostly artillery of which we had about 60 pieces in the whole division. During the latter part of the battle the rebels crossed the county bridge which lies above Goldsboro bridge and attempted to charge upon our artillery. They were met by a discharge of grape and canister from some of the largest pieces, 32-pounder8, which were double-shotted ; those who witnessed this discharge say that it fairly mowed the rebel ranks, and they were driven. In the meantime General Foster informed us that the object of this expedition was accomplished and we were ordered back to New Berne. rirTY-FIRST REGIMENT, MASS. VOLS. 77 We had got about six miles on our way towards home when the order came for the first brigade to "about" and again march towards Goldsboro which we did with sore feet and heavy eyelids, for it was night and we had just arrived at our former camping-ground and were anticipating a night's rest. We marched back three miles when we met the artillery and were told that the fight was all over, at the same time we received orders to "about" and camp for the rest of the night. The next day we started again for home — New Berne. We passed our old battle-ground, Jericho. I picked up a rebel gun at this place, on our march towards Goldsboro ; it had the mark of a round bullet on the stock ; I loaded it and carried it some six miles and then threw it away for I had enough to carry without it. Passing Kinston leaving the wounded on board a small gunboat we pushed on towards New Berne, camped within 12 miles of that place on the edge of a fine forest of pines. The next day we cut stakes and marched to New Berne, arriving there at about 12 o'clock pretty well played out and not very anxious for another expedition for at least a month. We are now waiting for further orders and I have no doubt they will come soon enough. " Nine months' men" did not come out here to do garrison duty and we have just begun to realize it. I only wish that the Fifty-first regiment could have marched down Main Street on the morning that they arrived in New Berne, our mothers would not have known their soldier- sons ; such a dirty looking set of men you never saw and probably never will. Those who think that a soldier's life is always gay should have followed us on that hard march to Goldsboro through the beauti- ful sandy and muddy soil of "Ye beautiful North Carolina." G. E. Barton. New Berne, December 22, 1862. I now write to let you know that I have been on a march of about 170 miles, had 4 battles, but the Fifty-first was under fire but once and I was detailed to stay in the rear to guard a rebel prisoner that we captured on our march. Our first battle was at Kiustou and it was a pretty hard fight I can tell you. The Tenth Conn, lost about 75 killed and wounded, the Ninth N. J. a large number, Fifty-first Mass., Company C, John Rich was shot through the left hand after the fight at Kinston as he was going down to the river to get some water, he drew his sabre and struck the rebel who shot him on the shoulder and staggered him, and got a flute that he dropped. 78 HISTORY or COMPANY O, Now for a short tale of the second battle in which the Fifty-lirst regiment was called upon to stand fire of the rebels, and they did it up in fine style I tell you. We went to the field as if we thought we were bullet-proof, and were ordered to fix bayonets to be ready to resist a charge ona battery from the rebels. After a short time we were ordered to lie down flat, as we were in a dangerous place, as the shells and bullets flew very fast. The second night the Fifty-first regiment was halted about 5 o'clock and left to guard abridge which the rebels had torn up, so that the pioneers had to build it over for our troops to get across. We had to stay at the bridge two nights and one day and were then ordered to join the rest of the train, which we did by a hard march of 18 miles on a fine Sabbath, December 14, to Kinston. Now for the third fight at Goldsboro, which we did not have a chance to see anything of, as we were detailed as rear guard to the whole train of baggage-wagons and prisoners. The cavalry in advance of us went up to Goldsboro at night and tore up about seven miles of the railroad track and burnt the bridges. The next day the army advanced on the rebels and gave them all they asked of us. I will now close my war story and tell some of my camp life as it daily occurs. We got back to camp, called Foster Camp, Sunday, December 21, a set of dirty, lame and tired boys I tell you. I stood the inarch right well, I can tell you, for a boy that never did anything of the kind before. I fell out of the ranks the first day, but caught up with them at night after they had been in camp about an hour. We had to sleep outdoors every night with nothing over us but our blankets. The fifth day's march I threw away my woollen blanket to keep up and so did about two-thirds of the boys also. E. Stratton. Foster Barracks, New Berne, N. C, December 23, 1862. Dear Parents at Home : Tuesday night at dress-parade, December 9, we were all surprised to receive orders to pack our knapsacks and be ready to march in 36 hours, with all the other regiments in New Berne except the Eighth Mass., which was to stay for guard duty. Wednesday afternoon our knapsacks were all on board two small sail boats on the Trent river, we being lucky enough to have them carried for us. We had a long battalion drill in the afternoon and after that I worked till past 7 o'clock loading the boat, then ate my FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT, MASS, VOLS. 79 supper and went to bed. About 12 o'clock we were all routed up to receive our ammunition, which occupied about an hour, then we went to bed again. At 3 o'clock we were once more called up to march, leaving the barracks about 4^ o'clock and reaching New Berne about light, where we were obliged to stand till about 10 o'clock for the advance of the army to form. You can imagine that I was some tired about that tims, and I thought I had as lief go home and go to bed as to start on a long march, but that would not do, we must go ahead tired or not. Our army consisted of four brigades containing about 20,000 men, under Genei'al Foster, which with all its baggage, artillery and cavalry made a grand appearance and was well worth seeing. After all were ready we started and marched 17 miles that day and encamped on an open corn-field about 9 o'clock, the advance reach- ing there about two hours before we did and those behind coming in till after 2 o'clock. As fast as we arrived at the field we commenced building fires the whole length of the regiment, which made the field look like one body of fire. We were obliged to sleep on the ground for the first time, and not being used to it I slept rather cold. As soon as it was light we were off again. The rebels had tried the day before to prevent our advancing by cutting down trees and laying them across the road for more than half a mile, but they did not trouble us much as we had them all cleared away before morning. A little beyond this obstruction we found one of their deserted camps, their fires ^till burning. After this, skirmishing could be heard nearly all the time, and in many of the houses that we passed lay a wounded rebel, a little farther on was one shot in the hand and taken prisoner, being closely guarded by one of our cavalry who kept a loaded pistol pointed at him till the rear guard came up. More than half of the houses have been burnt some time since, and most of those remaining have been cleared of their contents. We have had all the sweet potatoes we could eat, besides we have had some nice honey, mutton, poultry, beef and pork, although it was against orders to take them, but we were kept half-starved on the march, living on nothing but hard bread and half rations at that ; if we could liave had any meat we should have felt stronger, but as it is we feel pretty well worn out, so when we could kill a " fresh meat" we were not slow to do it. The second night we encamped on a field on Beaver Creek and remained there two nights, all but our regiment going on a little farther in order to reach Kinston early the next day, where they had a severe engagement. We reached there about 9 o'clock December 14, just after the battle ; crossed a long bridge and camped with the 80 HISTORY OF COIMPANY C, rest of the array. The next moruiDg a,s we re-crossed the bridge we found it had been fired by the rebels and that our troops had a hard time to save it. Next we went to Whitehall, there to encounter another battle. Our regiment was ordered to support a battery and were obliged to lie flat on the ground, the balls whizzing over them, striking a tin cup of one of our company. That day I was not with tUe regiment, my feet were so sore 1 could hardly walk. From there we started for Goldsboro, when we came within six miles orders came to turn around the teams, when a few of them had turned aj"ound they were ordered not to ; in a few minutes they were ordered to march back to the camp of the night before, and those ahead of us commenced to come back, saying the expedition was ended, that they had a fight about three miles from Goldsboro ; had burned their bridge. This was a hard march, for the men were already tired, and when they marched about 3 miles they were again ordered to return. This is the way orders run most of the time ; first we are ordered to and then not to. Since then we have marched straight home, and glad enough we were to see our old barracks again. I rode part of the way. C. W. Haven. Foster Barracks, New Berne, December 25, 1862. We left here Thursday morning at 5 o'clock and got back in ten days. It was a very hard march. We went about 17o miles, fought three battles, took about 500 prisoners and cleaned them out every time. Our first battle was at Kinston ; they met us on this side of the bridge ; had batteries arranged so as to rake us terribly if we had been fools enough to have gone the road they expected we would. We took another road which was 15 miles out of our way. After fighting about 2 hours they tried to burn the bridge and the man who set the fire was shot and burned in his own fire. It was a shocking sight. He was burned to a crisp. As soon as they found they could not whip or fool our general they ran through the town and planted a battery one and a half miles from the town. Our cavalry made a charge in the night and took the whole thing, seven pieces. We did not see the enemy until we got to Whitehall. Kinston is a very small town, not half as large as New Worcester. We camped in the centre of the town that night. We foraged all over the town, FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT, MASS. VOLS. 81 cleaned out everything aud appropriated to our own use. I was very tired that day, as half of our company had prisoners to guard and the other half had a baggage train to guard. The ground where the battle was fought was covered with killed and wounded of both sides. One lay on the ground all night, his face shot away. He breathed very hard and it was a shocking sight. These rebels are the meanest- looking men I ever saw ; they wear no uniforms, and the only way you can distinguish a private from an officer is by a little strip of gold baud on the officer's collar, otherwise they all look alike. They have three lieutenants in their service to each company. The next day we started about 5 A. M. A great many boys fell out, among them were Charles Hey wood and Maynard. The most of us threw away our blankets and stood it, though it was the hardest day's march we had on our trip. I never was so near played out as I was that night, many of the boys fainted in the ranks when we stopped. It was very hot, not a breath of air stirring all day, and when it came night the heavy dew fell and not more than half the boys had blankets. I managed to get a horse-blanket and four of us slept under that. I thought I never should stir from that place again I was so tired, but the next morning 1 felt better, so two of us started on ahead with the Ninth New Jersey regiment. They led the advance. We kept with them until the battle of Whitehall began ; they, the Ninth, drove the rebels in and we waited for our regiment to come up, fell in and marched on to the battle-field, which was only a fiMV rods off. The battle began about 10 A. M. and lasted till 2^ P. M. When our regiment marched they fixed bayonets and laid under fire during action, supporting a battery. Some three or four were taken sick as soon as they heard the bullets fly and fell out ; they are under arrest now and will be court-martialed. The cannon balls from the rebels cut off trees the size of my body. One does not know much what a battle is until he has seen one. It tries one's nerves to see wounded men brought to the rear on stretchers, the blood all over them. After the battle was over we marched till 8 P. M. aud encamped. I found a blanket and we slept quite warm that night. You must recollect that we lay on the bare ground with a very heavy dew falling all night and it is impossible to keep warm ; we keep as close to fires as we can. The next day we had the whole baggage- train to guard. Four of us went where we wanted to ; we killed hens, turkeys, filled one wagon with sweet potatoes, and if any wine or applejack was around we took it. Applejack is about the only 7 82 HISTORY OF COMPANY C. liquor they use here and it is really good for a tired man. After vvhip- piug the rebels we turned to go back vvlien they came down with a flag of truce, and when they got near our batteries they pulled down their white flag. Order was sent the whole length of the line to countermarch to whip them again. We had just got into camp aud were very tired, but we went back 4 miles when the order came to go back again to camp, which we did willingly. Our artillery poured three rounds into the rebels so as to clean them out. After that we marched as fast as possible for New Berne, where we arrived Sunday forenoon, tired enough. Saturday when we camped only ten men came in with the company, the rest fell out. H. G. LONGLKY. POLLOCKSYILLE MARCH. January 17, 1863. We formed in line at 6 o'clock and stood around till 9, when we started off and marched along quite nicely till almost noon, when we halted for half an hour or more, then started on again and went quite fast till most 3, when we halted for an hour. The way in the fore- noon was dry and sandy, some hard-wood trees, the forests generally looking very well for this place. This afternoon the road has been muddy, like a hog-pen mud. January 18. We marched about an hour after the halt yesterday afternoon and went into camp on a large open field at or near what I suppose to be Pollocksville. There are 3 or 4 white houses, very good indeed for North Carolina, with out-buildings around them. The road leading to this encampment, and on which we came, was intersected by another running at right angles with it. A little to the left of the field was a road running in the same direction that we came, this ran beside a swamp and the rebels had cut down trees and fallen them across the road to obstruct our way, but they were soon removed by the pioneers and colored corps. After we had got nicely fixed for the night, our supper cooked and eaten, we were ordered to go out on picket duty. We were somewhat disappointed, as we had got very nicely fixed with a good fire,, and my negro had fixed a place for us to sleep by putting a board to break off the wind from the head and one on each side and then got a lot of cotton which they got not far off in a building, but we did not need it. We went off on the I'oad running beside the camp and the swamp, half a mile or more, and I was left with the second platoon as reserve, a short dis- tance from the first platoon, who were stationed farther on in four different posts. It was very cold and the ground was quite wet. It was so cold that the ground froze as much as two inches deep. We were allowed to have but a very small fire, and none but the reserve could have any. I did not allow them to have any till after 12, and then it was so cold I told them they might have a small one. 84 HISTORY OF COMPANY C, I slept a very little between 12 and 3, and this morning we were relieved l)y a body of cavalry, when we returned to our old camp- ground, and I am so sleepy now that I can hardly keep awake to write. January 19, INIonday. Our negroes have built us a nice place to sleep. They have got three doors and set one up edgewise at the head and one on either side and covered them over with boards, and have got a lot of cotton for our bed and we have a very nice place. They have also built themselves one adjoining ours. We slept a good deal through the day, but I went out long enough to go and have a good wash, also to look around a little. There are some ten or twelve houses here, very good ones, and quite a number of smaller ones, some four or five places where there used to be stores and one post-office. The road where most of the buildings were was lined with shade-trees, mostly red cedar. One house that I visited set back from the road a number of rods, the road leading to it being lined with trees and shrubs, the front yard laid out in good taste and all the out-buildings in good style. Ever3'thing had the appearance of being a very nice place for North Carolina, but everything was all torn up, every door and window taken off and everything in or about the house was destroyed by our people, and before we left it was set on fire, as were two others before, and burned, although it was strictly against the orders. I wish that everything there and every other place we pass through might be left in ashes. Tuesday, .Tan. 20, 1863. Well, about noon yesterday the battalion, or all but five companies, came in from Trenton. They went up there Sunday aud we and four other companies of our regiment staid as I have stated. On their return those of us who were there wei'e ordered to fall in and we started off for Young's Station, as we were told. We marched off for an hour or so very finely, indeed, when we halted for more than hour, then started again aud went on quite fast till about sundown, when we were fired on ; we halted, fronted, faced around and marched back a mile or so, halted and stood around an hour or so, then we were ordered into the lot to lie down for the night on our arms without any fire ; before we all got down orders came for our camp to fall in and we were started on again back the same way which we had just retreated over. After going about one-half mile we were halted again by the boss of the bridge builders, who said he thought it was not safe to do it to-night (build the bridge), so we countermarched aud went back to our former place, and as the cavalry had come up and had built their fires we were allowed FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT, MASS. VOLS. 85 to build fires, so we made some coffee, got warm and laid down for the night. As we got back the men were so afraid that they should not get their rails that they would give no attention at all and the Captain got about out of patience, as well as myself, and we had to scold rather more than was pleasant to either of us, or the men. At half-past six o'clock this morning we were ordered to fall in at once, but we were just eating breakfast and so we were allowed fifteen minutes, at which time we were ready and started off with Lieutenant- Colonel Studley for the bridge that we were to guard while it was being built last night. One-half of the company crossed the river on the sleepers that were left, under command of the Captain and picketed for some distance on each side of the road. I remained the opposite side with the other half of the company, leaving six as a reserve and deployed the rest on each side of the river and along its banks. The river is 30 or 40 feet wide aud I should think it might be 3 to 8 feet deep, and running quite fast ; one of the pleasantest streams that I have seen in North Carolina. After the bridge was repaired we were called in and came over this side and stationed a quarter of a mile from the bridge by the Colonel, aud staid an hour or more when he came and ordered me to leave half of my men under charge of a sergeant and take the remainder further along and station a part on the side of the road and part off beside the wood, and here I am as comfortable as can be. There is a large open field here, upon the right is a very fine grove of pines, on the left beyond the field through the woods we hear geese, pigs and children. A large lot of cavalry have been going past and I think the rebels have all skedaddled. I went about one-eighth of a mile further along to where the Captain with the first platoon is stationed. Some of the men had just come in from a scout, bringing in some books and telling some pleasing stories about what they saw. I started off with four or five of the men aud went down to the plantation. There were two white women, one an old lady, the other her daughter, about 18 years. There were any number of negroes, all very much pleased, thinking they were free, and said they were going to New Berne with us, and were packing up all of their things. They gave me some sweet potatoes and would have given me meal but they had given away everything they could spare to carry it in. It began to rain quite hard when I started to go and it rained all the time while I was gone, so that I was very wet when I got back. We had a good fire but the wind blew hard aud drove the rain through the shelter and we could not keep dry any way. Between 9 and 10 it rained in torrents and the wind blew very 86 HISTORY OF COMPANY C, hard, and in spite of all we conld do we were as wet as drowned rats. It ceased raining before 12 and with the large fire of rails we snc- ceeded in getting partially dry, so that we had a nap before morning. On the morning of the 21st we started for home. During the night over 100 negroes with all their effects came into the Captain's station, their little all loaded on carts, with the small children stuck in between men and women in all manner of costumes that were ludicrous. There were five carts with mules, one with a horse and five yokes of oxen on carts and two mules without any carriage. The captain on one of them went at the head of the train till we got up to the bridge where the regiment now is. As we passed we created much fun ; after crossing our company halted, the negroes went on and we had a box of hard-tack served out to us. The regiment was formed and passed, and we fell in the rear and went on back to Pollocksville. The rain made the roads very muddy, they did not seem much as they did when we went down. We arrived at Pollocksville at noon and there waited an hour for the colored train to pass in order to get them over the bridge so that we could destroy it, when we passed on. It is cold and rains a little occasionally ; the negroes keep up closely ; the roads are very muddy indeed. It is very hard walking, but we are going home and so we tug along. Arrived home at half-past six o'clock. • J. O. Bemis. Sunday, January 25, 18G3. I have just returned from an expedition which lasted four days. Sunday, 11th ult., we had marching orders read to us, with the For- ty-third and Forty-fifth, to be ready to march in forty-eight hours. Wednesday came, and we had orders to be ready the next morning to start at 6 o'clock. The baggage train was near our camp, all drawn up ready to march at a moment's notice. We had to get up at 4 o'clock for roll-call, and to get our things ready. We marched out, formed regimental line ready to start. It was dark and cloudy, rain- ing slightly. We staid there twenty minutes, when the order came to go back to our respective barracks and be ready to start at 7.30 o'clock. They did not call us out again until 10 o'clock. This time we expected to go, but were disappointed when the order came to go back to barracks and await further orders. I passed that day and also the next loafing around. Saturday, 17th. We had orders to fall in to march at 6 o'clock, the Forty-fifth ahead. Fifty-first in the centre and Forty-third on the FITTY-riRST REGIMENT, MASS. VOLS. 87 left. We stinted on the march at 7.30 o'clock towards Trenton. The orders were if a soldier was caught foraging he would be shot. We had a very easy march of about thirteen miles, halting at Pol- locksville. I brought some rails to make a fire ; after that I thought I would go off from camp and see what I could find to eat ; so I buckled on my sabre and started, — a fig for the orders if I could get something to eat. I had not gone more than two rods from camp before I heard the squealing of a pig. I thought now I will have something to eat ; so I ran up to a fellow that had stumbled on to a pig and was holding him while another fellow was hammering him on the head. I came running up, told them I guessed that would finish him, at- the same time drawing my sabre. The men belonged to the Foity-fifth. He took my sabre and stuck the pig, skinned him, and gave me four of the ribs and one of the hind legs — about three pounds in weight. I put the meat under my coat and went back to camp. I had just picked out my place to sleep when the order came to fall in for whiskey and prepare for picket. I assure you it was a damper, for it was very cold. We were not allowed fires, because it would attract the enemy to us. Sunday, 18th. We had orders this morning to return back to camp at PoUocksville. We met the cavalry and Forty-fifth and Forty-third, and the City Guards and Co. E of the Fifty-first, going towards Trenton. The other five companies were left to guard Pol- locksville. Co. D relieved us on picket. I spent the day roaming around PoUocksville. Monday, 19th. I went out foraging; came across George, cap- tain's servant. I asked him if he had seen any pigs ; said he had not. He consented to go with me. A few minutes later I saw five pigs in the woods. I shouted to George that I had found some. We chased after them and got out of the woods, when a man sprung out of some btishes and nabbed one of them ; George cornered the others and made them run right towards me. I threw my sabre at one of them, and it went right through his back, stopping him. I then struck him over the head, killing him. Another one coming up, I killed him. I got Allen, lieutenant's servant, and George to skin them for me. I told them if they would carry them into camp for me I would give them one. I did that so as to blind the captain ; he, of course, would think that the negroes killed them. George made believe give one to me. I had just got my pig hung up to cool when the expedi- tion which went to Trenton hove in sight. The orders came for us to fall in, with accoutrements on. We thought we were going home, so 88 HISTORY OF COMPANY C, I cut up my pig and put him in my haversack. We went to a place called Young's Cross Roads. Colonel Sprague mistook the place and got down to a place where there used to be a bridge. The rebel pickets fired five or six shots at us. but did not wound anybody. The colonel right-about-faced us and marched to the Cross Roads. After we had got all of our traps oft', the order came for Co. C to fall in and go down to White Oak Creek to protect the pioneers while tliey would be building a bridge. After we had got almost down there tlie order came for us to go back, because it had been decided it could not be done then. We marched back to the regiment and staid there that night. Tuesday, 20th. Early this morning our company received orders to go out skirmishing, and to protect the pioneers while they would be building the bridge across the creek. The first platoon was to go ahead and act as skirmishers, while the second platoon were stretched along the river to prevent the enemy from getting near the pioneers and from getting in the rear of the first platoon. After standing here two hours, we were ordered across the river three-quarters of a mile, where we stood that day and night. Wednesday, 21st. It rained in torrents last night. I waked up once and found myself in a puddle of water, and a stream running through the top of our shanty. A negro came in at our outpost about 8 o'clock. Captain told him to go back and tell all those to come that wanted to. Before morning there were one hundred and fifty negroes, from one month to seventy-seven years old. We marched into New Berne that day, the distance of twenty-four miles. I never saw such tough marching, mud all the way and sides, too. Some of the way I had to wade through mud and water a foot and a half deep. C. F. Pierce. New Berne, January 22, 1863. Our regiment was sent out nine miles on the Wilmington road, where our company started about 125 contrabands on the road to freedom via New Berne. 'Twas the most comical sight you can imagine, that string of contrabands ; for instance, imagine an ox cart of two-wheeled dimensions drawn either by a pair of scraggy oxen or a fractious snarly mule, filled to the top with bed-clothes and the blackest, leanest and most withered toothless old crone sitting on the apex, surrounded by anywhere from four to a dozen little pickaninnies, she smoking a black stump of a pipe, with a big fellow seated on the FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT, MASS. VOLS. 89 tongue eugagecl iu bestowing sundry very stunning whacks and execrations on the unlucky beasts ; behind come the rest of the family, a stout young woman with a tub, bundle or basket on her head almost as big as the cart; old women and children, old men and then the small boys capering on astride of wicked looking mules, and so on through the train. One old crone had an old stove pipe hat on, which caused a big smile among the boys. C. L. Maynard. New Berne, Jan. 11, 1863. At dress parade we had orders read to be in readiness to march in forty-eight hours, with five days' rations, three cooked and two uncooked. 12th. Drilled as usual and no new orders; our cartridges were counted and made up to forty rounds each. 13th. Had a battalion drill and dress parade all together. 14th. On guard ; at five o'clock orders came to march at six next morning, the guard were taken off at nine o'clock and the men put themselves in order to go. loth. Drums beat at half-past four for roll-call and breakfast, at six we were put in line. It rained some, and after waiting about fifteen minutes were sent back to quarters to wait for further orders. At eleven o'clock we were called out again and then the General's aide came up and told the Colonel to dismiss us for the day. 16th. It continued to rain hard all day and we did not start. 17th, The morning was fair but cool. After some delay we started at eight o'clock, three regiments only, the Forty-third, Forty-fifth and Fifty-first, a companj' of cavalry and four pieces of artillery. The roads were good. We reached PoUocksville about half-past five, went into camp in a cotton-field, found a barn full of cotton and made a nice bed from it. Charlie Goddard came round at eight o'clock with a kettle of whiskey, gave us each a gill, and said we must leave our bed and go on picket. It was cold and we could have no fire for fear the rebels would see us. We crawled through trees that the rebels had felled across the road a distance of half a mile, then posted the pickets. We heard nothing of the rebels that night. 18th. Five companies of our regiment were ordered to stop here and the rest to go on to Trenton ; so we had the day to rest and to guard the place. I looked around and found the place entirely deserted 8 90 HTSTOItY OF COMrANY C, except by three families. Picked up a few knick-knacks to bring home. Three houses were burned (by accident.) 19th. Was on guard at a rebel's house. The people did not like to talk much at first, but soon broke into it, said all groceries were high, and answered my questions freely. At two o'clock we were ordered forward to guard some negroes while they built a bridge ; we reached it at dusk and were fired into, so we marched back a mile and waited until morning. 20th. Went down and found rebels gone, and by the appearance of the place they had left in a hurry. We skirmished all up and down the river but did not find any, then went over and stood as pickets while the cavalry went on to Jackson Mill and routed a lot of rebels. They came back in the night, had one hundred and twenty-eight negroes that followed them, the old women rode in wagons drawn by oxen and mules, and the children followed on behind. It rained pouring hard all night. We got wet as rats, but the boys got all the chickens, eggs and sweet potatoes and corn meal they wanted, so they did not complain of the wet. 21st. Were now twenty-four miles from camp ; the Colonel wanted us to get back that day if possible. The roads were complete beds of clay. We struck out and did not mind the rain that was pouring hard nearly all day. We reached camp about six o'clock a wet and tired set as ever was. S. H. Fuller. January 22, 18G3. We have just returned from our second expedition and find our humble self all right side up with care. Our first day's march took us to Pollocksville, a small town about 13 miles from New Berne, on our way we detained ourselves about two hours making a bridge which the rebels had destroyed. The next day five companies of the 51st were detailed to remain at Pollocksville, companies A and E going on with the advance to Tren- ton, distance of about 12 miles from Pollocksville. The day follow- ing, our advance having returned to Pollocksville, the five companies of the 51st under the Colonel advanced about 10 miles toward On- slow. Upon arriving at a creek, where we found the bridge destroyed, our advanced guard, the first platoon of Co. I under Lieut. Thayer, was fired upon by the rebel pickets. FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT, MASS. VOLS. 91 Having got beyond the position at which we were to halt, the Colo- nel ordered us to fall back to that point. On the night of the 20th our regiment with two pieces of artillery camped at the bridge where the day before our advance had been fired upon. We had a rough night of it, what the N. C.'s would call " a right smart storm," wind and rain without discount. The next day, 21st, we started towards home, " Foster Barracks." Raining all day. Had 25 miles to march that day in order to sleep in our bunks that night. With such an inducement we made the march in about nine hours, mud over shoes about half of the time. By the way, I forgot to tell you of a little circumstance showing the effect of the late Proclamation /Of President Lincoln, — 128 contrabands came into our lines on the march from Onslow to Pollocksville, and such a sight ! For style in dress they could not be beat, — the variety was wonderful. They travelled on mules, ox-carts packed close, regular Uncle Toms all cut out ready for Morris Brothers or any other show. The boys called the procession ' Higgie's Regiment" and cheered them good. G. E Barton. Foster Barracks, New Berne, N. C, January 2'), 1863. Dear Parents at Home : We have returned from our second expedition, which was a much pleasanter trip than the previous one. Sunday night, January 11, at dress parade, we received our marching orders to be ready in forty-eight hours with five days' rations, three of them cooked, in our haversacks. We expected to start Tuesday morning, but all day Monday no preparations were made, except to cook the meat, and we were kept drilling more, if anything, than ever, so we concluded we should not go then. That afternoon we had the longest brigade drill we have had, lasting over three hours and a half. Tues- day morning found us expecting, so the next morning, though they kept us drilling as hard as ever. Wednesday, the Forty-fifth regi- ment, which is in camp close to us and in the same brigade, had orders to go the following morning, but at the dress parade, the time we usually receive orders, nothing was said about it and we began to think we should not go at all, but just at dark orders came that we must go at daylight the next morning with fifty rounds of amrauni- 92 HISTORY OF CO:\IPANY C, tion, which with our rations were to be delivered out to us at roll- call, which is at half-past seven, so as not to break up out sleep as it did on the last march. Thursday morning at six o'clock our whole brigade, with cavalry and artillery, were formed on the parade ground ready to start. It began to rain quite fast and after standing some few minutes we were all dismissed for one hour, but after that hour had passed we waited another and another, till eleven o'clock when we fell in again and were once more dismissed. After we were in line and before we broke ranks another mail arrived which was distributed immediately, I received the Palladium and the Spy of December 31st. Friday morning found us in line again but no go. Saturday morning brought with it the sun and splendid clear weather, just right for a long march and this time we went, starting about 9 o'clock and marching about fourteen miles through mud and water. We found ourselves in the town of Pollocksville before sundow;i. Now is where the laugh comes in. After we had eaten our supper and made up the nicest beds we have ever had, using curled hair, cotton and straw, we were not a little vexed at being told our com- pany was detailed to go out on picket about a mile from the camp. The rebels in their retreat from the place had tried, as usual, to obstruct the road by felling trees across the road for nearly half a mile, all of which had to be removed that night. We were on the extreme outpost of the guard and were not allowed any fire. The night was very cold, the ground was frozen and we had to stay there all night in the cold while those in camp were comfortably sleeping by a warm fire. Previous to our going out the whole regiment were supplied with a gill of whiskey apiece and for the second time in my life I tried to get drunk, so you see I am getting those bad habits you spoke about, and by the time I get home I shall be beyond hope. Sunday we Were favored, for our company with four others were left at this town while the others plodded on to Trenton. We spent the day strolling around what little we could and building houses of evergreen boughs, boards and anything, so that for one night at least we had a gay time. Monday morning a detail of part of each company brought me on picket again on another road about a mile from camp. At noon just as we were cooking one of our nice dinners of ham and eggs, which we had foraged with about ten pounds of butter, we received orders to pick up our traps and prepare to join our regiment for a march. The expedition which went to Trenton had returned, and our five FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT, MASS. VOLS. 93 companies were to start for Young's Station, about eight miles beyond. "We went further than we intended to, and after receiving a few shots in the advance when we retreated a mile or two, we were ordered to lie down on our arms without any fire. Just after we had unrolled our blankets and were preparing for our warm beds Company C must needs be detailed for picket, but after considering a while concluded it was unsafe for us to go and were ordered back again. Then a regiment of our cavalry came up to reinforce us and finding us in the dark asked why we did not build some fires. They imme- diately dismounted and built their fires and we followed their example, having a good supper and a good night's rest. The rebels had destroyed the bridge over White Oak Creiek and built a breastwork across the road on the opposite bank as though they intended to defend it. Our company crossed over early Tuesday morning on some plank placed across the creek and found behind the breastwork four or five cavalry swords, a pistol and some ammunition which they left in their hasty retreat. While we were crossing over one of our company fell into the stream a distance of some ten feet but without injury. We scouted around all the forenoon, but found no rebels but a few of their tracks. We always find their cartridges superior, if any- thing to ours, the powder is very clear, and many of them have three buck shot in each, which ours have not. After the bridge was built the cavalry passed over and proceeded some twenty miles beyond but found very few rebels there. I believe one or two of their men were shot in a slight skirmish. After we had scoured the woods for some distance bej'ond the bridge we went on picket about a mile from the bridge where we erected quite a mansion, but before it was quite finished it began to rain and kept on harder and harder till it came in torrents and at midnight we were at least slightly damp, the rain had put the fire out and we were in a pretty fix, but luckily it held up and we had a chance to get a littl£ dry by morning, but entirely lost our sleep. About nine o'clock that night a negro came riding on a mule to join several others who were going to New Berne with us. We immediately sent him back to get all the negroes he could find. He induced about fifty from one old widow's plantation and many others, so that by midnight they commenced to come in with mules, ox-carts all loaded with their goods. They continued to come in till morning, when we counted over one hundred contrabands and fifteen teams of all descriptions. So many slaves have we liberated. Two families who lived near our cabin furnished us with hot hoe-cakes, roast 94 1I18TORY OF COMPANY C, chicken and 1mm, which our Captain paid for and afterwards induced them to go with us. Early in the morning we started for liome with our train of contra- bands, and as we passed our regiment, wlio were waiting for us, received three cheers. We had more fun that morning than we liave had for a good while. The road to Pollocksville was very muddy and the negroes had considerable trouble getting along with all their baggage and babies. They kept up with us to Pollocksville, after which the roads became so bad they were obliged to fall behind. We burned a l>ridge to prevent their being followed up or going back. Our march home becoming worse and worse. I thought I had seen muddy roads in Massachusetts, but they do not begin to compare with those of North Carolina. Streams of water, knee deep ran across the road every few rods and several times the wagons and ambulances got stuck in such places and had a hard time in getting out, and to make it worse still it rained nearly all the afternoon. In some places the mud was so stiff we had to work hard to get our feet out and then perhaps the next step we would slip back half as far as we advanced. We arrived in New Berne in season for a good supper which was ready for us. P. S. I thought I would tell you how many men we had on the .expedition. The first march we had eighty-five men, but this time we had only fifty men, next time I do not expect we shall have any. There are thirteen men in our company who are on the sick list now. C. W. Haven. FosTEH Barracks, . New Berxe, N. C, Thursday, January 22, 1863. We arrived last night home from our second expedition with whole skins and merry hearts at once more seeing the banncks. We started about nine o'clock Saturday morning tlje 17th. We advanced some seven miles before noon when we stopped and had dinner. The force consisted of the Forty-filth and Forty-third Mass. and seven companies of the Fifty-first Mass. with some half a dozen pieces of light artillery and about seven hundred cavalry. Our regiment did iiot number over four hundred men, the remainder being on picket or sick. We started onward again after dinner and reached a place called Pollocksville about sunset, a distance of fifteen miles, being delayed somewhat by the building of a bridge which had been burned some time before by the rebels. At this place is a cross road, roads leading to Kinston, FirTY-riRST REGIMENT, MASS. VOLS. 95 Trenton and Wilmington. Our camp was scattered over a great space so as to give appearance of a great encampment. After stacking arms and building fires we were very unceremoniously informed that our company were to go on picket. They scattered us along the road towards Trenton about a mile. When our advance came into Pollocks- ville some rebel cavalry skedaddled in all directions pursued by our cavalry, so we supposed the enemy near by in some considerable force. Our company was divided into little squads of three or four, extending down the road, except the three outposts where there was one man at a post. My post would have been the third, but I know not why the Captain placed me on the outpost. It was the coldest night we had and we were obliged to have no fire and to keep as still as possible. About eleven the Captain sent two more men at each post so as to relieve the others. I believe I never suffered so much from cold before though being on the watch kept us warmer. We saw no enemy and had no alarm. In the morning the column advanced toward Trenton, leaving five coinj)anies of our regiment to guard the cross road. Captains Wood and Wheeler went on to Trenton. We returned to camp as soon as the column passed and spent our time in trying to make ourselves comfortable for the night. We got a good night's rest and felt like something the next morning. My rest was short though, for as soon as I had eaten my breakfast I was detailed on picket and sent down the road towards Wilmington some two miles. My post should have been the second, but the sergeant said he wanted one man to act as corporal, so he placed me as corporal with two men on the outpost. The force sent to Trenton arrived in the forenoon having destroyed the jail and many houses. Our regiment, except the two companies, then started down the Wilmington road. When I went on picket in the morning I had forgotten to carry my blankets, expecting to return for them in the afternoon, I was obliged, therefore, to run back to camp and catch up with the regiment. I came up with them liiree miles from camp, where they had halted. By this forced exertion I was obliged after a little while to let the boys carry my things, one my gun, one my blanket, my haversack and canteen. They were very kind, if tliey had not helped me I should have been obliged to fall out. When we had gone about eight miles we came upon a bridge which had been burned by the rebels. As we came in sight some shots were fired at us from the other side of the river. We halted and prepared ourselves for an engagement, but being just sundown we returned some little distance and turned in side of a fence, lying on our ai'ms and not allowed to have fires, but before long 96 iirsTOiiY or company c, our cavalry came up with us and we were allowed to camp as usual. As we were about turning in orders came for Company C to advance down to the river, cross the broken bridge and protect the men while building th