# LIBRARY OF COiNGRESS.' $ — I UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, f f -^^ (^y€^^i^t^i^/zyC 1^^ rt ^^^^A:^:^:rc.€>c ^^^^-^ ■Uc^l.^-^-C^ . /.1^ WiNFIELD THE LAWYER'S SON HOW HE BECAME A MAJOR-GENERAL. By Major Penniman AUTHOR OF "the TANNER BOY." -J w PHILADELPHIA \' AsHMEAD & Evans No. 724 Chestnut Street 1865 Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 18d4, by ASHMEAD & EVANS, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Z(o Cj Stereotyped by J. Fagan t Son. I'UJMKU BY i. ASHMEAD. To Benjamin Franklin Hancock, Esq., O/" Norristown, Pennsylvania, the Judicious Parent, the Upright Citizen, the Devoted Patriot, this Memoir of the Life of his Son, Major-General Winfield Scott Hancock, is respectfully inscribed, by the Author. (iii) PREFACE, In the preparation of this Life of Major Gene- ral Hancock, the author has been abundantly supplied with authentic materials. His researches for early historical facts have been aided by a large number of living witnesses, to whom he thus publicly tenders his grateful obligations. All the pages of the volume, including names, dates, places, descriptions of scenes and reports of engagements, are intended to be historically correct. They will be found wholly free from partizan matter. The constant aim of the writer has been to present to his countrymen, of all classes, the old as well as the young, a literal transcript of the career of one of the most skilful and successful officers in the patriot Army of the United States. 1* (V) ILLUSTRATIONS, I. Pago ORIGINAL LIKENESS OF GENERAL HANCOCK, frontispiece. From a Photograph furnished for this work by his family. II. THE CADET HORSE, 43 Designed by White. III. "JINEING THE PINT," 56 An original design of Cadet Hancock's, at West Point, 1843. lY. BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG, 202 Drawn by White. (vii) CONTENTS. Page Preface, V CHAPTER I.— His Birthplace, .... . 11 II. — His Boyhood, .... . 21 III. — His Boyhood, continued, . 29 IV. — How he was made a Cadet, . . 41 v.— His Career at West Point, . . 53 VI.— His Native County, . 59 VII.— His First Campaign, . 63 VIII.— His Promotion, .... . 75 IX. — Ordered to Florida, . 82 X.— In the War for i\iQ Union, . 92 XI.— Beginning the Union War, . 100 XII.— His first Fight for the Union, . 106 XIII.— In the Campaign of '62, . 118 XIV.— At Yorktown . 128 (ix) X CONTENTS. CHAPTER XV. — At Williamsburg, . Page . 140 XVI. —His Letters Home, . 148 XVII. — Returning from the Peninsula, . . 153 XVIII. — At Antietam, .... . 157 XIX. — Before Fredericksburg, . 166 XX. — At Chancellorsville, . . 182 XXI. —At Gettysburg, .... . 189 XXII. — In the Gettysburg Fight, . . 197 XXIII. — His Public Testimonials, . 209 XXIV — Ordered to Washington, . 217 XXV. — In the Campaign with Grant, . 226 XXVI. —At Spottsylvania, . 238 XXVII.- —Across the River Po, . . 246 XXVIII. —On the Chickahominy, . 260 XXIX.- —In the Chickahominy Battles, . 268 XXX.- —In Front of Petersburg, . 280 XXXI.- —His New Movements, . . 296 XXXII.- —Conclusion, .... . 311 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. CHAPTER I. HIS BIRTH-PLACE. "When real nobleness accompanies the imaginary one of birth, tho imao-innry seems to mix with the real, and becomes real too." — Greville. ON the 1-itli of February, 1824, in a retired part of the county of Montgomery, near Montgomery Square, Pennsylvania, Winfield Scott Hancock was born. He is the son of Benjamin Fkanklin and Elizabeth Hancock, who are also natives of Montgomery county. His twin-brother, Hilary Baker, is a resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he has been for some years engaged in the practice of law. The only remaining brother, Major John Hancock, was in the Army of the Potomac, at the time of the commencement of this volume. These three are all the children of this branch of the Hancock family. (11) 12 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. At tlie age of four years Winfield removed, with his parents, to Norristown, Pennsylvania, a beautiful borough, finely located on the sloping banks of the Schuylkill river, about twenty miles from Philadel- phia. It is the shire town of Montgomery county. In the year 1864 it contained a population of 9000. The court house is well situated, on a commandino^ eminence, and built of the handsome gray marble of the vicinity. Its spire, which resembles that of some modern churches, is seen from a considerable distance, and forms an attractive object in the central portion of the town. There are seven churches, some of which are quite elegant in appearance. The streets are nearly all wide, straight, and generally laid out at right angles. Some of them are finely shaded with trees. One of the principal thorough- fares has beautiful rows, the clean trunks and shady branches of which reflect credit on the common sense and good taste of the citizens. The banks, newspa- pers, hotels, markets, and other town appliances, be- token the activity and conveniences of the people. Of the weekly journals there are four, which circu- late widely through the adjacent country, while the daily papers of Philadelphia and New York find numerous and constant readers, in a few hours after they leave their presses. The public schools, which ' SKETCH OF NORRI^TOWN. 13 have been establisliecl several years, are abundant and well conducted. There are two large seminaries, finely situated in the outskirts of the town, which afford the best facilities for male and female education. Owing to its being favored with a court house, and the strong stone jail 'appurtenance thereunto belong- ing,' Norristown has a liberal supply of gentlemen of the legal profession. Their numerous signs give evidence of the things signified in all the most frequented places. A somewhat amusing instance of the abundance of this highly valuable class of the community, in this quarter, occurred with the author. We were returning from a visit to the market, whither we had gone before sunrise, in order that we might note its peculiarities in these war times, and had just turned a corner by the court house, when a countryman accosted us : "Maybe you're a stronger in Norristown?" "Yes, sir," was our reph^ "Maybe you was 'quirin' 'boat the prices in mer- ket?" "Yes, sir," we again answered. "Maybe you're a lawyer?" said he, looking at us with great reverence. "No, sir!" we replied, not a little surprised at the 14 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. question, and quickl}^ adding : " What made you think so?" " Why, strenger/' lie concluded; continuing to look steadily at us, "you've got sucli a lionest face!" Completely overcome, we turned away, and passed hurriedly down Court House Hill. Ever since that eventful moment we have had a most exalted opinion of the lawyers of Norristown. How Avidely-known and well-estahlished must be the integrity of these champions of jurisprudence, when a common stran- ger in the streets is supposed to be one of their num- ber by the honesty of his looks ! The public bridge across the river Schuylkill, at this place, is one of the longest and most substantial in Pennsylvania. It leads to the neat village of Bridgeport, where the canal flows along the banks, and where, just above, a dam spans the stream, down the sides of which the waters pour their crystal flood, like a thin sheet of transparent glass hung over a parapet. In the centre of the river is a lovely island, the green summer verdure of which is reflected in the passing waters; and whose romantic reaches be- yond remind the beholder of the daj^s when the Schuylkill was the sporting current of the Indian, when its groves echoed to his wild halloos, and the hill-sides and valleys smoked with his wigwams. VALLEY FOB GE. 15 Now the dash of the water-wheel and the ripple of the canal-boat have taken the place of the paddling canoe. The savage shout has died away, and in its stead we hear the roar of engines on the railroad, and the clatter of machinery in the factories along the river. The smoke of the lodge has long since passed into thin air, and its space is supplied by the black vapor that rises from the tall chimneys of the busy iron forge, or the white steam of the lime-kiln. The Minie rifle has supplanted the bow ; the axe of the pioneer has driven out the savage hatchet ; the winding wild- wood path of the red man has become a country road, a turnpike, a railway ; and a large town stands on the rude plots where the aborigines reared their solitary huts. The naked foot of barbarism has been lifted from the soil, and the shod step of civilization is in its place where beautiful Norristown flourishes to-day. A few miles west from the Schuylkill is one of the most memorable spots in American revolutionary history. It is the Yalley Forge. Here it was that the scattered remnants of the patriotic Continental army, under Washington, went into their scanty win- ter quarters. The British General, Sir William Howe, had vainly endeavored, with a much superior force, to draw the commander-in-chief into an unequal 16 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. engagement. His object was the complete conquest of PhilaclelpMa and the adjacent territory. But AYasliington was too cautious to be allured from his stronghold in these Pennsylvania hills ; although to remain there, through that unusually inclement sea- son, was sure to cause him and his brave troops a great amount of suffering. The battle of Germantown had been fought by Washington, with La Fayette and Pulaski, at that time just introduced to our republican armj^. Germantown is but a few miles east of Norristown, on the fine ridge of country lying toward Philadelphia. The battle took place on the 4th of October, 1777; and although the American soldiers were enduring much from sickness and privations, they attacked the in- vaders with such valor that they would have com- pletely won the day but for an unforeseen withdrawal of aid, for Avhich it was impossible for Washington to be prepared. At the struggle of the Brandywine, which took place not many miles from Norristown, on the 11th of September, in the same year, the Americans fought equally well; but the smallness of their force, and the wounding of La Fayette, had compelled a retirement from the field. The determined will and skillfnl strategy of Washington, fighting a strong, VALLEY FOIiGE 17 fresli force of- the enemy, Avith disabled columns, kept Sir William Howe at bay from Philadelphia. It was not until the last extremity had come, that the revolu- tionary troops steadily and slowly retired to the Valley Forge.. Here was passed that winter of ter- rible trial. Without suitable food or clothing, worn down by repeated marches and battles, deprived of the comforts of home, driven into poor little shanties for protection against the piercing cold, the patriots of that day have gilded those hillsides and glens of Pennsylvania with the glory of their deeds. It was here that the selfish spirit of mean and cowardly men added to the sufferings of the brave soldiers. At the time when starvation seemed to be staring them in the face, when their feet were yet sore and swollen with their shoeless conflicts in the drifted snows, there were wretches base enough to rush through the sad and gloomy camp, crying "Beef! Beef! Give us beef!" It required all the courage and force of cha- racter of Washington to check this unpatriotic out- break, and convince the soldiers that to endure as brave men should was finally to succeed in the great struo-crle. In the 'dead waste and middle' of that fearful winter, the Father of our Country retired to the grove near his headquarters ; and, spreadiug his well-worn army cloak on the frozen ground, poured 18 W INFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. out the agony of his tried soul in prayer to the Deity. At that very moment treason was doing its worst against him. Attempts were being made to supplant him in command. Our oppressors abroad, uniting with traitors at home, were doing all in their power to scatter the Continental forces, and give up the country to the foe. It was not so to be ! The Yalley Forge, while it was the dark, icy grave to many of our early heroes, became, also, in the spring- time, the open door of hope, from which sprang forth new legions to do battle for Ee]Dublican freedom. Well may it forever be a sacred spot. Pennsylvania has many glorious Eevolutionary memorials ; but the Valley Forge stands first among them all. Surrounded by such associations as these, Winfield Scott Hancock was born. The name given him at his birth Avas indicative of the estimate put on love of country b}^ his parents. That of Hancock is associated with everything that is noble and self-sacrificing in the early annals of the Eepublic. John Hancock, the Massachusetts merchant, will be remembered with gratitude by patriotic Americans, as long as a page of the history of our land remains. He was one of the most determined champions of the Revolution that the American colonies contained. Of the fore- most men of his time, it was for him to say : PATBIOTIC ASSOCIATIONS. 19 "Thy spirit, Independence ! let me share, Lord of the lion Jbeart and eagle eye ! Thy steps I follow with my bosom bare, Nor heed the storm that howls along the sky. Immortal Liberty ! whose look sublime Has blanched the tyrant's cheek in every varying clime." Hancock was among tlie first, while yet a young man and in the possession of a large fortune, to strike a blow against the royal oppressors of his native land. His life was declared to be forfeited, by a pro- clamation of the British Government. But he escaped the fury of a brutal soldiery, to enlist, with Adams, Otis, and other patriots of that day, in the Avork of preparing for an armed resistance to foreign aggres- sions. Immediately after the battle of Lexington, he was chosen President of the Provincial Congress, in Massachusetts ; and subsequently to be the successor of Peyton Eandolph, of old Virginia, as President of the General Congress, which met at Philadelphia, and issued the Declaration of Independence, July 4th, 1776. On that immortal roll of worthies his name must ever stand conspicuous. The record there made was nobly attested all through his life, and in the hou.r of his death. Yirtuous, modest, courageous, learned, dignified, rich, he gave up all for his country; and has left a name on the pages of history which every 20 WINFIKLD, THE LAWYER'S SOX. American may well aspire to imitate and be proud to honor. Coupled with the name of Hancock, the subject of our biography bears that of Winfield Scott. It is a pleasure to be able to record here the fact .that the venerable Lieutenant- General acknowledges the compliment paid him, and has repeatedly expressed his deep personal interest in the career of the Penn- sylvania boy who still so worthily bears his distin- guished name. CHAPTER 11. HIS BOYHOOD. ♦'The first sure symptom of a mind in beallli Is rest of heart, and pleasure felt at hume." Yofiit'j. WE must now introduce the reader to tlie home of Winfield, at Norristown. It was tlie year 1835. His father was at that time a school teacher, and engaged in fitting himself for the profession of the law. The home of the boy was a good one. How much is included in these few short words I The true homes of America are its chief glory. They are the only sure social foundations of the Eepubli- can temple. In every such country the boys of to- day, when properly qualified, are the elec'tors of to- morrow. As they decide the franchise, so the destinies of the nation may be decided. An American boy, rightly educated, may justly aspire to any position within the compass of man to attain, or of man to bestow. Hence the incalculable importance of earlj/ instruction in America; hence the immense interests (2]) 22 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. of society and government that cluster around the hearth and shrine of the American home. Such was the home of Winfield. His parents were sincere Christians. The altar of worship stood like a sanctuary within their doors ; and every day their family bowed with them before it. Morning and evening the incense of devotion ascended from that house. Nor did this hallowed home influence stop at the threshold. Impressed on the memory and heart; it went' out into the duties of life. It made itself a motive in their thoughts, heard in their voices, and felt in their actions. It v^ras not irresisti- ble ; it was not all-controlling ; but, like the subtle air, it penetrated to every spot ; and even if its pres- ence could not always regulate, it was always acknow- ledged as able to do so, if its inherent power for good should be allowed free sway. It was in the domain of such a home as this that Winfield received his earliest impressions of charac- ter. The uniform record of him, in his boyhood, is, that he was obedient to his parents, truthful and courteous, cheerful, sociable, and manly. ■ A gentleman sitting in the office of Winfi eld's father, heard quite a tumult among the boys in the street. There Avere shouts and other signs of per- HIS BOYHOOD. 23 sonal conflict, which drcAV Mr. Hancock and his friend to the door. "Come here, my son,'' said the father, calling out Winfield from the crowd. The boy immediately obeyed, and came marching directly to the office door, his flushed face turned full on that of his father. "What is the matter, Winfield?" inquired Mr. Hancock. " Why, that big boy, out there, tried to Avhip me ; and / luasnH going to let him ./" " But he is a great deal larger than you are, my son." '' I know he is, father ; but he shan't whip me, for all that !" It required some skill on the part of Mr. Hancock, aided by his visitor, to convince the lad that it was not his duty to go out and resume the fight, against all odds. . • Another domestic scene, of an entirely different character, serves further to illustrate the boy. Winfield and Hilary had come in together in the evening — for, being twins, they were then very sel- dom separate — and found their mother engaged in family affiiirs that would require her to remain up to 24 WINFIELD, THE LA WTER'S SON. a late hour. The father was necessarily absent, and she was alone with the children. The two little boys moved about the house, attend- ing to their tasks, as usual, until the time came to retire. The rooms were all still, save that in which the mother Avas engaged. The streets were almost vacant, and nearlj^ quiet. The hoys stood and looked at each other. They Avere tired of play. They had finished their studies. They had done their home errands. Both of them saw at a glance the state of the case ; and, simultaneously, they hit on a happy expedient. They immediately called a council of two — a twin council of twin brothers — and unani- mously decided the following propositions : First. It is the decision of this council that mother is not to be allowed to sit up alone. Second. The council will sit up with her. Third. The council shall divide the time into watches of one hour each. Fourth. Each member of the council shall keep awake one hour, and sleep one hour, watch and Avatch, until mother puts us to bed. These articles of agreement, having been duly as- sented to by both the high contracting parties, Avere faithfully carried out; until both members of the mS BOYHOOD. 25 council, at a late hour; were tenderly led to their youthful slumbers. The attachment existing between Winfield and his schoolmates developed itself in a great variety of ways, reflecting credit on his juvenile propensities. He was always regarded as a leader among the boys at Norristown. When the time came to organize the occasional village accompaniment of an amateur boy militia, he was at once selected, by common con- sent, to hold the distinguished post of captain. The memory of this little body of Home Guards is cher- ished with pride by many of its members, to this day. The matrons look back with pleasure on the fact that their hands helped to equip the juvenile sol- diers ; and that when they appeared on parade, with mimic colors and music of tiny drum and flageolet, they cheered them on their marches, and served them freely with the required rations of lemonade and doughnuts. The haymows and orchards in Norristown and vicinity will bear witness to the innocent raids of these budding patriots. In justice to them, it must be added that their depredations were never of a very serious character. They were generally wel- come Avhenever they entered their temporary bar- racks, or camp-grounds ; and usually found ample 26 WINFIRLD THE LAWYER'S SON. opportunities to display their imitation martial deeds. Captain Winfield — perhaps owing to the significant fact that he bore the name of the then principal gen- eral of the United States army — always ' ruled the roster,' whether it assumed the form of a brigade, a regiment, or a battalion. His military experience, at the ripe age of twelve years, carried him triumph- antly through every duty, — muster, parade, drill, inspection, and review. His personal appearance always commanded respect, at the head of his little troop. One peculiarity of paternal reverence often saved him trouble in the way of discipline. He always handed offenders over to their mothers. This was a capital idea of Captain Winfield's. It not only enabled him to avoid all the vexations of a court-mar- tial, but it gave satisfaction to all concerned ; for if a good mother cannot bring a soldier to terms, who can? The boy-circle of Winfield in Norristown had its social singing-school. Here, again, his companions clustered around ; for he was as popular in musical as he was in military affairs. His aid was especially valuable in this association, for its general manage- ment was conferred on his father, as chairman of a committee. On one occasion, when the singing-books were being given out, it so happened that a soiled HIS BOYHOOD. 27 copy fell into tlie liancls of a playmate of Winfield. Before lie was aware of the defacements, the lad liad written his name in the book, and thus it was too late to change it. "Leave this matter to me," said Winfield ; "I'll see what can be done. You shall have a good book in the place of this." "Thank you," replied his school-fellow; "but how will you do it ?" "Let me manage that," Winfield quietly added — " you may be sure I will do it right ; for father, you know, is committee-man." Without saying more, he took the soiled volume, and carefully erased the name his fellow-scholar had written in it. He then placed the book back in the pile, where he knew it must pass through the careful hands and under the scrutinizing eye of his father. The time came. The school was all assembled and seated. The books were again to be given .out. Mr. Hancock passed them, as usual, giving to each scholar his book, with his name in it. Directly he came to the soiled one. The name was erased ! "Who erased this name?" quietly asked the dig- nified chairman of the committee, holding up the book, and showing the defaced page. 28 WIN FIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. "I did it, sir," promptly replied Winfield, standing up in his place. "Wliat did you do it for?" continued the father. " Because I didn't want that boy to have a soiled book, when I knew there were plenty of good ones, not used." Mr. Hancock looked an instant at Winfield, and, with a calm smile, put back the soiled book in its V place behind him. Giving the school-mate a perfect copy, he added : " Take your seat, Winfield." That simple act of the lawyer's son spoke volumes. His attachment for his comrade determined his pur- pose to do him a favor. He was ready to do it, even if he had to ask it publicly of his father — a com- manding gentleman, the personification of dignit}^, especially when presented to a school of youth, to supervise their treatment of books. The promptness of his response to the question of his father, in the presence of the school, resulting in the protection of his school-fellow and obtaining him the desired book, strikingly illustrates, through the boy, the genius and energy of the man. CHAPTER III. HIS BOYHOOD, CONTINUED. "Oh ! the joy Of young ideas, printed on the mind, In the warm, glowing colors fancy spreads, On objects not yet known, when all is new." H. More. IT is tlie opinion of those wlio knew Winfield best in his boyhood, that he chose the military life from an inherent love of it. At that early period of which we are now writing, he could, of course, have no idea of what was before him. His parents had not the slightest intention of devoting him to the profession of arms. "When, on pleasant Saturday afternoons, released from the confinement of the school-room, he gathered his fellow-scholars around him, and, with music and banners, marched and coun- termarched with them through the streets of the then comparatively small village of Norristown, little did his family or those who looked on the mimic parade imagine that the modest, cheerful, amiable youth be- fore them would rise to the dignity of a Major 3* (29) 30 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. Genera] in one of tlie greatest armies of the world. Wlien tlie miniature battles followed, the snow-ball engagements, the hay -bank barricades, the wooden swords clashing, the corn-stalk guns charging, the scantling embankments were carried by stove-pipe artillery, it was hardly supposed by the curious spec- tators that they were but the preludes to grand and gallant realities, in which that youthful commander should bear so conspicuous and enduring a part. In the juvenile band he met for other purposes, he was as affectionate and social as he was energetic and commanding in military matters. It was here that his genius shone in a beautiful sphere. He was very fond of scientific experiments. There are por- tions of his father's house that contain good illustra- tions of his taste in this particular, — the original home-made electric battery, the collections of geo- logical and mineral specimens, the drawings, sketch- ings and paintings. In the prosecution of his scientific studies, he was happy in opportunities to administer or to witness the administration and effects of nitrous oxide, or exhilarating gas. He was in the habit of gathering, with his twin brother, an amateur class of students, to whom these and other experiments always afforded HIS BOYHOOD. 81 pleasure. Winfield was invariably selected to be the grand lecturer on these august occasions. " And still they gazed, and still the wonder grew, How one small head could carry all he knew." With him, however, it was a serious matter. He entered the arena of science with a keen relish for it, and a firm purpose to excel in it. He was amused, with the rest ; but it was the amusement that rejoices in scientific combinations secured, and a prognosis chemically fulfilled. On one of these occasions, a playmate whose given name was Washington, well known to be a good singer, A^as desired to take the gas at the hands of Professor Winfield. The attempt to induce him to sing, while under the influence of the exhilaration, had been repeatedly tried by others, but always failed. At length the juvenile Professor determined to try his own skill in the case. Proceeding to administer the gas slowly, at regular intervals, he placed his mouth near the ear of the pupil, and breathed, in a clear, distinct whisper : " Sing, Wash ! — sing ! — sing ! — sing !" In an instant the effect was produced. The lad sprang forward, and throwing himself into the atti- tude of a singing master, with arm erect, as if beat- 32 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. . ing time and tuning-fork in hand, Tie began, in the old tune of St. Martin's : On Jo-ordan's sto-ormy ba-anks I stand, And ca-a-st a wi-i-shful eye To Ca-na-an's fai-i-r and ha-a-ppy land, Where my-y posse-e-ss-ions lie." " Well done !" exclaimed the delighted young Pro- fessor, as he saw his scientific victory ; while all the compafiy joined in the applause. It now came the turn of Professor Winfield him- self. What trait would the gas make him display ? We shall see. A powerful charge of the subtle element was admin- istered to him. On the removal of the stop-cock, he stepped gravely forward, like a clergyman in a pul- pit, about to lead in some part of divine service. There was a general disappointment, for a moment. Pausing, slowly, he remained motionless, his eyes fixed steadily on the floor, his right hand placed firmly beneath his chin, his left foot slightly ad- vanced. In this position he remained an instant, as if he were a statue, when, springing up, like an eagle, he swept across the area, stretched out his arms to their full extent, clenched his fists, and prepared for active battle. The nearest portion of the audience HIS BOYHOOD. 83 incontinently fell back, or the threatened blows might have caused ' somebody to be hurt.' Instantly, as the living effect passed off, he resumed his wonted habit of mingled dignity, courtesy, and energy. These characteristics of the practical student were well developed in Winfield. At the village academy he acquired and maintained the position of an honest, truthful, obedient, courageous boy. It was his cha- racter, also, in the community. While popular with his fellow youth and fond of their society, there was something about this boy that led men of thought and reflection to take an interest in conversing with him. Many a time was he received with pleasure in the cluster of the citizens who were wont to gather in the store opposite his father's residence, and by whom the affairs of the day were discussed. It is worthy of remembrance that he loved to be among and listen to them. He was never known to intrude an opinion or to hazard a remark of his own ; but as he stood there, with his modest, unassuming manner, the expressions of his face, as conversations pro- gressed, clearly indicated on which side his convic- tions were, and that, if called upon, he was ready to enforce them by every means in his power. It was here, among these debating and enquiring free citi- 34 WIN FIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. zens, that Winfield learned some of his best concep- tions of the safeguards of our country. Here he saw, in the record of passing events thus laid before his opening mind, the practical application of those vital forces of which he had learned at school, and the relative value of which he now beheld wrous^ht out into shape by those before him, in the movements of society. He learned the worth of freedom to all mankind by what he saw of its enjoyment among those immediately around him. Free himself, he longed in his young heart to give freedom, guided by law, to all the human race. He was now fifteen years of age. His progress in his studies had been all that could be expected. As he advanced, new opportunities were presented for the development of his poAvers. The celebration of the anniversary of our national independence called him out in a new field. He was selected to read the Declaration in public on that day. It Avas an occa- sion of deep interest in the town. The largest church was crowded with people, and the schools were well represented. One of the pastors, who had always expressed pleasure in the marked genius of Winfield, when it was known that he was to be the reader of the Declaration, took him aside to his shady garden, and there taught him on what to lay the emphasis, HIS BOYHOOD. 35 where to pause, when to raise and how to lower his voice. It would be a graphic jDicture to witness that reverend divine now calling the Major General be- fore him again, to hear how he would to-day delineate the immortal document he read in the grove, more than a quarter of a century ago, and which he has since so often and so bravely periled his life, on the field of battlC; to maintain. When "Winfield was eleven years of age, there came to Norristown a poor little boy who was com- monly called 'Johnny.' His father had died when he was but three years old, and he was placed in charge of a relative of the family. He grew up with the other boys of the place, and at the age of nine became one of the playmates of A¥infield. By de- grees tl^ere was formed an attachment between them. They saw something in each other that they liked. As is too often the case, not only with children but older persons, this unfortunate child Avas neglected, and occasionally tyrannized over by his associates. This was one of the reasons why Winfield resolved to stand by him. Having ten pennies at his disposal where Johnny had one, he made it a rule, whenever occasion served, to divide with him. When they met, before or after school, and recreation was the object, Winfield would say : 36 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. " Come, Johnny, I have some pennies ; let us go together and get something." Thus the thoughtful generosity of Winfield and the affectionate gratitude of Johnny made both hojs happy. Sometimes larger boys would gather around Johnny, and tantalize and threaten him. He was the youngest and smallest among them. On all such occasions, Winfield, when within sight or hearing, would promptly and bravely come to the rescue. " Look here !" he would say to the aggressor, '^you are larger and older than Johnny, and ought to be ashamed to take advantage of him, on account of his age and size." ''What business is it to you, Winfield Hancock?" came the angry question. , " I will make it my business," was Winfield's de- jcided reply. "Stand your ground, Johnny; they shan't hurt you !" Occasionally, when this manly reinforcement brought threats on his own head, he would boldly add: "If 3^ou want to take hold of a boy, why don't you find one of my size ? Let little Johnny alone !" His magnanimous courage always carried the day. It was in this spirit that he obtained that control HIS EARL T FRIENDS. 37 over other boys, some of them older than himself, that distinguished his boyhood. Yery frequently, when juvenile difficulties occurred, and it seemed im- possible to adjust them amicably, the general cry would arise : " Oh, leave it to Winiield ; he'll settle it." The young judge invariably accepted the office, and mounted the bench, on the spot. It is worthy of record that his decisions, whatever they might be, always gave satisfaction. In after years little Johnny came as a carpenter's apprentice to the city of Philadelphia, He was still so poor that when he crossed the bridge, then standing at the head of Market street, he had but a solitary penny in his pocket. But he had a good trade ; and immediately went to work. It was not long ere he was at the head of a gang of men. By continued industry he prospered in business, and be- came a rich man. Entering a new field, he was chosen a member of the Philadelphia city govern- ment, and took his seat in the Councils, respected and confided in by all who knew him. In the same course of time, Winfield, his playmate, had become a Major General in the Army of the United States. But they who had thus been boys 38 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. together, did not forget each other when they became men. It was the pleasant duty of John William EvEEMAN., Esq., for the government of Philadelphia, to introduce a series of resolutions commending the patriotism, courage, and skill of Major General WiNFiELD Scott Hancock. These resolutions were passed unanimously by both branches of the City Councils, and it devolved on 'little Johnny' to be chairman of the committee that took them, elegantly enofrossed, to the now distins^uished friend of his early years. The Councilman and the General met at the capital of the nation. How changed the scene now from that of their boyhood in the borough of Norristown ! They came together, in the presence of the accompa- nying members of the delegation, in one of the par- lors of Willard's hotel. With wdiat cordiality the two playmates greeted each other ! At the close of a mutually agreeable conversation, the General said : " We meet here, Mr. Everman, in our of&cial ca- pacities; but, sir, I desire to see more of you. I must leave, soon, for my post in the army. Come and visit me there, sir ; and be sure and make my headquarters your home, during your stay." This early friendship of boyhood continues to the HIS EARLY FBIENDS. 39 present day. It lias been repeatedly revived by nu- merous pleasant memorials. When General Hancock was last at Harrisbnrg, Pennsylvania; aiding, by his powerful personal influence, in the great work of ob- taining reinforcements for the noble Army of the Potomac, he was waited upon by Mr. Everman, in company with other gentlemen of the Philadelphia city government. The pages of the records of the past were often reviewed by the two friends on this occasion. It was here the General was informed that he was voted the freedom of Philadelphia, and that the sacred area of old Independence Hall — the room in which the Declaration of American Independence was signed — had been opened to his use, for the re- ception of himself and his visits from the people. The scenes of that occasion will long be remem- bered in Philadelphia. The honor is one seldom con- ferred on any American citizen. No one but a Presi- dent or Ex-president of the United States, or a serv- ant of the Republic similarly distinguished, has ever enjoyed it. Here, within these consecrated walls, the two friends — Winfield and little Johnny — enjoyed the renewal of the friendship of their bo3^hood days. As the crowd gathered around him, to do him honor for his brilliant services on the field of battle, to up- hold the Union our patriot fathers had met here to 40 WIKFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. establish, tlie General bent down close to liis friend, and wliis|)ered in his ear : " You shall hear from me again." A gentleman approaching touched on the political questions of the day. " I know no politics/' said General Hancock ; " es- pecially in such a presence as this," — looking rever- ently on the portraits of the fathers of the Kepublic, hung around the old hall — firmly adding : " A good soldier knows no party but his country." In receiving the Philadelphia resolutions, forwarded by Mr. Ever man, the same noble impulse guided the pen of the General. By his direction they were en- closed to Mrs. Hancock, at her residence at Long- w^ood, St. Louis county, Missouri, who acknowledged them from the friend of her husband in a beautiful and appropriate letter. A copy was placed in the hands of the parents of the General, where they or- nament the family mansion, overlooking a portion of the youthful playgrounds of Winfield and ' little Johnny,' at Norristown. CHAPTER IV. HOW HE WAS 3IADE A CADET. " Statesman, yet friend of truth ; of soul sincere, In action faithful and in honor clear," Pope. AT the time of wlaicli we are now writing, there resided in a populous part of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, a gentleman well known for his extensive influence in political circles. His deep interest in the arrangement of public matters induced him to take long and frequent rides through different parts of the county, and places adjacent. He once represented that district in the Congress of the United States. His type of character led him to be strong in his likes and dislikes ; to be decided in his friendship and equally decided in his enmity. For quite a nnmber of years, in the prosecution of his profession, he had employed one of the best horses in that section of the country. With his trusty steed, when a pressing occasion demanded, he 4* (41) 42 WINFIFLB, THE LAWYER'S SON. was accustomed to start off, at times in tlie middle of the night; reach the dwellings of the members of his party he desired to see, ronse them from their slum- bers, communicate the intelligence or counsel he thought of importance, and then, after driving or riding miles in his solitary routes of duty, to return to his office as the first beams of day gilded the sur- rounding landscape. Many a public movement has been announced in the papers, many a political event has controlled the party destinies of that district, and, to some extent, of the state and country, which had its unknown origin in the midnight journeys of this Montgomery county traveller. Like other somewhat eccentric men, having no wife to love, he loved his horse. The noble animal was his companion in all these secret trips. It had become accustomed to his night approaches in the comfortable stables ; it had sped for him, either bear- ino^ him on its back or draw in gj him in his vehicle, through highways and byways ; it had patiently and quietly waited for him, through summer and winter, in sunshine and in storm, at the places selected by its master for his strategic interviews ; and had thus, in many ways, enabled him to accomplish objects that were dear to his heart. But, strong and enduring as is the horse, it cannot HOW HE WAS MADE A CADET. 43 last forever. Tliere came a time when the good steed of OTir friend, while it retained all its wonted fineness of mould and form, gave signs of age. While suit- able for short excursions, and as useful as ever for occasional drives, it could no longer withstand the long, and rapid, and repeated journeys to which for years it had been subjected. The owner, touched by the discovery of the fact, with a spirit that did him honor, decided to Avithdraw the animal from such active service. He took it to Philadelphia, and pre- sented it to a professional acquaintance, then resid- ing there, with the mutual understanding that the faithful creature should be employed only in light and easy duties — such as would especially benefit the recipient of the horse — until its death. Time passed on. One day, when the lawyer was on a visit to Philadelphia, he discovered, as he stood near the Montgomery Hotel, a handsome horse, harnessed to a heavily loaded dray, quivering with excitement under his load, covered Avith foam, and a driver lashing him furiously with a large whip. Looking a moment at the suffering animal — panting there in the dry, dusty streets, in the middle of the month of July — he perceived it was his own former favorite ! Eushing to the driver, and seizing his 44 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. lifted whip; just about to descend on the lacerated back of tlie poor creature, lie exclaimed : " Hold ! What are you about, flogging that horse in that brutal manner ?" The driver began to reply, when he again cried out: " Where did you buy the animal ?" "Of ," (naming the party to whom the lawyer had presented it.) " What did you pay ?" " Seventy-five dollars." " And he took that money, for this horse !" " Yes, sir ; I paid him cash down." " You. did ? Well ; you may come down yourself, now." The driver descended from his dray, and stood, looking Avith wonder at his questioner, while he, in turn, looked, with something rather different, at him. " Now, tell me," he resumed, as calmly as possible, " why did you strike such a handsome horse in that way ?" " I know it's handsome, sir ; quick yet, in a light buggy; but, then, the critter ain't strong; its too old, 'squire." " So, then ; you cut and lash a noble horse because he's old, do you ?" HOW HE WAS MADE A CADET. 45 " I've been cheated, 'squire, by the man I bought on." " Been cheated, eh ? I think you have ! "And you are not the only one who has been cheated about that horse. "What will yon take for the animal?" " I'll take a hundred dollars ; for it'll be some trouble for me to get another who'll sell as well." " My friend ! here are your hundred dollars. The horse is mine — again ! I have always held that beautiful creature to be worth more than twice as much. I would not take five hundred, now I" "Then you've made a good bargain, 'squire." " Yes ; a very good bargain ; tho' I have been sold, myself; but this is the last time this horse will ever be. " Take it out of that dray, as quick as your hands will let you ! Go ! get a dray horse, that will bear loading and thrashing better than this one !" The still wondering drayman instinctively obeyed, and the horse, yet trembling and wet with fatigue and blows, was led to the stables of the Montgomery Hotel, where several days and nights of rest and care were required to restore the usual appearance and qualities. At the end of that time the revived pet was again in its old home, suitably enlarged for 46 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. the purpose; and receiving its full share of wonted kindness. Now it happened that at the time this occurrence was taking place, the party who had thus summarily disposed of the present of our legal friend, removed a portion of his family into Montgomery county. His reason for doing so was that he heard a cadet was about being^ selected there for West Point, and he thought by that device to secure the appointment for his son. He had no right to solicit the favor. He was not a resident of the district, never had been, and never expected to be. His temporary location there was a subterfuge, a ruse ; as mean an act as his selling the present of his friend, to be treated brutally in its old age. The lawyer discovered the base trick, as he had discovered that practiced on him in the matter of his equine favorite ; and, with his usual promptitude, determination and sagacity, he proceeded at once to thwart the trickster. We shall see how handsomely he did it. With the eccentricity and shrewdness peculiar to him, he determined that his horse, who had shared with him in suffering, should participate with him in his punishment of the wrong-doer. He at once mounted the animal, and proceeded to the HOW HE WAS MADE A CADET. 47 house of tlie tlien member of congress for that dis- trict, the Hon. Joseph FoK]srANCE, told him the facts of the case, and took the steps necessary to carry his patriotic plan into effect. Late that same night he rode up to the door of Mr. B. F. Hancock, in Norristown. Without stop- ping to dismount, he at once began : " Good evening, Mr. Hancock !" " Good evening, sir," was the courteous answer, as Mr. Hancock, who had been roused from his sleep, came to the steps of his office. " Mr. Hancock ! would you like to have your son Winfield sent to West Point, as a cadet ?" " Really, sir, I hardly know what to reply to such a question. It is a very sudden one to be proposed at this time of night. I have not thought of the thing." " Well, I wish you would think of it ; for I have it in my power to send him." '' Winfield is rather young for such a position." " He is as old as the boy wlio another man is try- ing to get in !" " That may be." "Yes, sir; I Imow it to be so! Winfield is a smart boy, Mr. Hancock ; a very smart boy; a great deal smarter than that other one ; he has the talents for 48 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. it, sir; just the talents; and^ if you will say the word, he shall go." " I thank you for the offer ; but you must grant me time to reflect upon it. " Call to-morrow morning, and I will give you an answer." The family of Mr. Hancock are early risers. They were up betimes ; and the cadet consultation was duly held. It is due to the mother of Winfield to record the fact that she took that active part in it becoming her position. Unintentionally to herself she had nourished some of the early military pro- clivities of the boy. She had helped to equip him in his juvenile uniform, when at the head of his miniature company of Norristown volunteers, while his father had been busy with other affairs. She knew well the bent of the mind of the boy. Win- field himself was consulted in the matter ; and the decision was made. The pawing hoofs of the venerable steed on the pavement in front of the house told that the appli- cant for Winfield was soon again at the door. The moment it opened, the clear voice of the still mounted lawyer made the earnest inquiry " Well, Mr. Hancock ! what do you say ? I am all ready to complete the business. Shall Winfield go ?" HOW HE WAS MADE A CADET. 49 " Yes, sir !" was the quiet response. In an instant more tlie horse and rider were gal- loping down the street, across the adjacent bridge, to the temporary residence of the incumbent con- gressman. The secret history of that early morning ride by that Pennsylvania civilian, on that petted old horse, of his interview with that member of congress, of their mutual conference and conjectures with regard to young Winfield, is all locked up in the past. What anticipations for the future of the boy glowed in the bosom of that rider are all buried with him in the grave. All unknown to us now are the hopes he indulged of the career of the cadet ; how fondly he may have imagined him realizing all his expec- tations ; succeeding in the admission ; passing the ordeal of three years of study ; receiving his com- mission and entering the army of the nation ; serv- ing the requisite term in subordinate positions, through drill, discipline, and the privations of camp, fortress, and march ; encountering hunger, disease, fatigue and battle ; perhaps rising to eminence among the sons of the Republic who should graduate with him from those classic and warlike enclosures ; until, in bright perspective, the name of his youthful ^3?-o- 50 W INFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. tege might be honored and distinguished in American military annals. That solitary rider on that patriotic mission passed near the hallowed shades of the Valley Forge, and the vicinity of the sanguinary battle-gronnd of Paoli. The winding road carried him beside the silent grave of many a revolntionary hero, dying, unknown, in the early struggle of the colonies, for his God, for freedom and native land. The little hillocks were green with beauty as he galloped by them, and their sods seemed to whisper approval to him, in every bending blade of grass. Going in the light of the morning sun and returning in the cool shadows of the evening, the spirits of the heroic dead seemed to hover around him, as they ever do around all con- trolled by the loftiest purposes of the human heart. Beyond were the hillsides and gorges where Wash- ington, like an invincible eagle at bay, gathered his chosen troops around him, and resolved to suffer, and, if need be to die, in all the horrors of an half- starved and half-naked winter camp, rather than sur- render up the symbols of national liberty and hope committed to his hands by the American people. Here was the bridle-path he traversed, in his high emprise of duty. There he had his headquarters in the canvas tent. Yonder he counselled with the he- HOW HE WAS MADE A CADET. 51 roic Steuben and Knox, throuo-h the cold, dark nio^hts, when the stars lighted up their vigils at the altar of freedom, and the fires of the bivouacs of her armed de- fenders glowed on the darkness of their lines beyond. Born in the entrenched mountain passes ; sheeted in the towering drifts of snow ; nursed at the breast of famine ; shielded by the bleeding arms of patriots ; soothed by the lullaby of the icy cradle of liberty, that rung with steel as it rocked in the stormy winds ; guarded by brave hearts, warm with the noblest re- solves that ever lived in the souls of men ; and, above all, overshadowed by the outspread wing of an Al- mighty Protector, the infant Genius of American In- dependence here passed in safety its first fearful ordeal of the Revolutionary War. How bravely the native patriotism of our fathers arose from that^ gloomy sepulchre at the Valley Forge, and how steraly it renewed its proof of resurrection, history has abundantly attested. Immediately after these scenes followed the deeds of valor the}^ performed in the ensuing spring, at Trenton, on the banks of the DelaAvare ; compelling our enemies, with all their su- perior land and sea force, to retire from Philadel- phia ; and winning, against great odds, the glorious victories of Princeton and Monmouth, on the bloody sands of New Jersey. 52 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. On the return of that rider to Norristown, from amid such associations as these, in old Pennsylvania, the preparatory steps were completed with Mr. FoK- NANCE, the then member of Congress for that district, which resulted in making WiNFiELD ScoTT Han- cock a United States Cadet. So singular was the cause of the beginning of his public career. The rider and the horse are long since dead ; but how mysterious is the part they per- formed in thus preparing the way of one of the most distinguished of the military men of America ! "This is Thy work, Almighty Providence! Whose power, beyond the stretch of human thought, Kevolves the orbs of empire." CHAP TE R 'V. HIS CAREER AT WEST POINT. " Had I a dozen sons — each in my love alike — I had rather have eleven die nobly for their country, than one voluptuously surfeit out of ac- tion." — Shaks]3eare. AMERICAN history will always endorse tlie wis- dom of the Father of our Country in the selec- tion of West Point as a school for military purposes. Washington Avas deeply impressed with the vast strategic importance of that post during the Revolu- tionary War. The treasonable attempt of Arnold to betray it into the hands of the enemy, during the ab- sence of the Commander-in-chief, at Hartford, Con- necticut, to confer there Avith our French ally, Ro- chambeau, on a plan for the then ensuing campaign of 1779, has shown its relative position as a means of internal defence, in a very striking light. It was eminently fitting that he should early designate this stronghold as a suitable spot for the establishment of a school for the instruction of American youth in the great work of national protection. Located on the 5^ (53) 54 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON, navigable waters of the Hudson river, in tlie midst of the most commanding hills, with a healthful and abundant country immediately surrounding it, having every facility for the construction of fortifications, the management of the engines of war and the move- ments of a sufficient number of troops, no military institution of its class in the world excels it. WiNFiELD Scott Hancock entered West Point as a cadet on the first of July, 1840, at the age of 16. At that time there were among his fellow cadets, most of them his seniors in age and entrance, such of our nation's military men as Lt. Gen. Geant, Gens. JuDAH, Pleasanton, Haedie, Eeynolds, Oed, Ingalls and Augue. His studies were of a nature to develop his talents in the right direction. Plans of fortifications, sections of embrasures, casemates, cannon and carriages, occupied his pen and pencil to advantage. Those who have seen the specimens of the skill and patient industry of Winfield, in works of this description, attest to their excellence. The personal popularity which so marked him at home continued with the young cadet during the whole of his career at West Point. He frequently, after his graduation, expressed the opinion that he entered the academy too young; but it is not sup- posed that many agree with him. ms CAREER AT WEST POINT. 55 While at West Point lie was seen and conversed with for the first time by General Scott. It was the pleasure of the chieftain to express his satisfaction at the progress the modest youth was making. His kind expressions on that occasion will always be re- membered by all who heard them. The studies and service of AYest Point embrace a practical period of three years. During each term the cadet is regarded, as he was at his entrance, as a soldier of the nation, sworn to her defence by force of arms for four years after the time of his gradua- tion, and then to be held as indirectly expected to do duty under her colors. As he advances in studies he increases his military drill and practice ; passes through tests in the different arms of infantry, cav- alry, and artillery ; and learns, by actual service in amateur camps, the value of exercise, drill and dis- cipline in the manual of arms, the camp, and the field. Experience has now abundantly proved the practical value of this national military school. These are not the pages on which to record any additional testimonies in favor of the usefulness of West Point Academy to the nation. The war of 1812, through all its vicissitudes, attested the fact ; it was repeated again in Mexico ; and it has been fre- quently and strongly reaffirmed during the national 56 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. conflict with the great rebellion of '61-4. If some of the sons of the Eepublic, educated carefully at her expense at West Point, have -ungratefully turned against her, and cruelly stung the bosom that warmed them into military life, the great body of the cadets have been and still are bravely true to the glorious ensign of the Union. The dry, quiet humor of Winfield developed itself at West Point, as it did in his boyhood at Korris- town. In spite of all conventional rules, it would occasionally find vent in various ways. One of these humors of the cadets in which he took part was to welcome outsiders, who were sometimes under the impression that they had only to offer themselves at the gates and they would be admitted at once to enter the ranks. This delusion was humorously dispelled by the accompanying engraving, which was designed and drawn by Cadet Hancock. (See engraving, "JiNEiNG THE PiNT.") It is introduced here not merely to show one of the pleasantries of the Acad- emy, but the talents of General Hancock, as a deline- ator. In the West Point Album, that has been po- litely placed at our disposal for the purpose, are several other original specimens of his genius as an amateur artist, while the large drawings of forts, navy yards, and arsenals, display in a favorable HIS CAREER AT WEST POINT. 57 light his scientific attainments. Among these we have several elegantly drawn and finely colored out- lines of public buildings, at West Point, and national works at other places, with sketches of nature, cha- racters and scenes that do marked credit to his talents The youth of our country, who aspire to do her service — and what true American youth does not ? — may well profit by the juvenile example and cadet experience of Winiield Hancock. He had no advan- tages over many a lad reading these pages. He had to contend with the same obstacles that beset others. The secret of his success, thus far, was that he was obedient to his parents ; he was found in his place at school ; he profited by the examples set before him by his Christian parents ; he neither despised nor shunned the duties connected Avith the instructions of the holy day ; he learned to prize honesty, virtue, truth, magnanimity, as above all price ; and when, therefore, he entered the trying arena of a great na- tional military institution, to contest for the guerdons of learning, self-control, position and power among men, he was in a good measure prepared for the ordeal. Young American readers ! the destinies of this great nation are soon to be committed to your 58 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. hands. You are to frame and execute its laws ; to raise, equip, and maintain its defences ; to educate its masses, of which you yourselves are to be a part ; to earn and manage its finances ; to produce its crops, conduct its manufactures, display its arts, sail its ships, and represent it in all foreign lands. In a short time you are to fill the places of your fathers, who, in a single generation of thirty years, will have all passed away. Be worthy, then, as Winfield was, of the high trust about to be consigned to your control. Be up- right, be industrious, be obedient, be patriotic ; and you will be fitting sons of the great American Ke- public. CHAPTER VI. HIS NATIVE COUNTY. " The chief office of history is to rescue virtuous actions from the ob- livion to which a want of records might consign thum."— To cit us. r INHERE is much of deep historical interest in old X Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. Before young WiNFiELD, one of her choicest native sons, had gone from her abode to his cadetship at West Point, before he had begun to reflect lustre on her name by his brilliant and patriotic career, the history of the county was well worthy of honorable mention. The settlement of this county was one of the ear- liest in the central part of the United States. As long ago as 1640, nearly half a century before the grant of William Penn was given to the first English proprietors, there were settlers along the banks of the Schuylkill and its tributaries, beyond the present boundaries of Norristown. The Hollander, the Swede, the Welshman, the German, the Englishman, were its primeval colonists, following in the track of the Algonquin, who then held supreme sway over all (59) 60 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. the land, from the Hudson to the Delaware, and from the Catskills to the Alleghenies. Opened to civilization, it was separated from Phila- delphia in 1784. It covered an area of 317,440 acres — the manor of Norriton, now the borough of Norristown, then embracing, in the grant of William Penn to his son, 7,482 acres. The whole of this town site was valued, in 1704, at a little over $3,000. The present extent of the county is 30 miles in length, 17 miles in breadth, and 490 square miles. Its pop- ulation in 1864 is 60,000. No county in Pennsylvania has justly more pride of character than Montgomery. Its founders were men of tenacious religious faith, fixed purpose, great industry, and determined perseverance. In the inte- rior townships there are many of the people who hold to the language which their ancestors brought across the ocean, with a tenacity that no changes of time, no inroads of progress, c^n relax. The tongues their fathers spoke centuries ago they speak to-day. A quiet, rural, thriving people, they are successful in their pursuits and hospitable to strangers. Around them, and all through the valley of the Schuylkill, the advance of the age has been steadily onward. The navigable streams ; the manufacturing water- courses; the mines of iron, coal, and lead; the quar- SIS NATIVE COUNTY. 61 ries of marble, limestone, slate, and sandstone; the foundries, kilns, factories, and forges, iilling the rail- way, the river and the canal with their busy fruits of enterprise ; all unite to present a picture of Mont- gomery which the historian is grateful to be able to record. There are parts of this county that must ever be gloriously memorable in revolutionary annals. In 1777, after the defeat of the American army at Bran- dywi'ne, the region of Montgomery was much fre- quented by Washington and his patriot troops. On the 17th of September, of that year, the Americans moved to the north, toward the Schuylkill, by way of Yellow Springs, and encamped on the Perkiomen. All this spot, from Parker's Ford toNorristown,from Norristown to Swedes' Ford, from Swedes' Ford to Perkiomen, from Perkiomen to AVhitemarsh, from Whitemarsh to Paoli, from Paoli to the Valley Forge, is now sacred ground. It is to be remembered for- ever as one of the oldest battle-fields of liberty. The encampment of Sir William Howe, when Washington was fighting hi.n for the protection of Philadelphia, was at one time on the present site of Norristown. Washington was at that moment but a few miles above. The cruel massacre of Paoli might have been shared by the then little settlement of Nor- 62 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. ristown, but for the special interposition of the Almighty. An unexpected storm changed the whole nature of the campaign^ and led the way for the with- drawal of the enemy from that section of the country. The remains of the revolutionary breastworks at Swedes' Ford will always stand as a memorial of the stubborn defence made against invasion by our pa- triot fathers. It was here the foreign invaders were met^ and the fording of the troops of Washington protected. Only a short distance from this line of the county of Montgomery, the Father of our Coun- try passed, with his brave little army, to those terri- ble scenes at the Valley Forge, of which w^e have, spoken in previous chapters. It was over this soil, now forever made consecrate by their touch, that the patriot soldiers tracked their way in blood to their wintry quarters, and to their future achievements for American independence. A fitting spot for the birthplace of Winfield Scott Hancock. From this historic point we now begin to trace his entrance on a more public career. CHAPTER VII. HIS FIRST CAMPAIGN. "I do not think a braver gentleman, More active valiant, or more valiant-young, More daring, or more bold, is now alive, To grace this latter age with noble deeds." ShaJcHpeare. ON the SOtli day of June, 1844, Cadet Hancock graduated at West Point, standing number eighteen in his class. He was promoted to a brevet second lieutenancy in the Sixth United States Regu- lar Infantry, July 1st, 1844, and on the 18th of June, 1846, received his commission as full second lieuten- ant in the same regiment. His first posts of duty in the army were in the far West — in the region of the Washita, on Red River. The valley of the Red River borders on the Indian territory, and contains extensive prairies, among which are large tracts of fine timber. The soil is equal to any in the world for fertility and durability. At the time Lieutenant Hancock was stationed in (63) 64 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. that quarter, the hostile Indian tribes were quite troublesome to the settlers on the frontier. It re- quired skill and tact as well as courage on his part to discharge his important trust with propriety. On being transferred from the Eed Eiver of the South, at Fort Towson, he was ordered to Fort Washita, our most western military station. He continued at this post in the discharge of his rou- tine garrison duties until the spring of 1847, when, on the breaking out of the war with Mexico, he was ordered with his regiment to the front. His first part in battle was taken on the 20th of August, 1847, at Churubusco. The army of the cen- tre, under General Scott, had entered Mexico, via Vera Cruz, and was co-operating with the army of occupation, under General Taylor. The spirit of the Mexican government and people had been aroused, war having been formally declared against the United States. The victories of Taylor had signally pre- pared the way, and the movements of our troops were onward. The Sixth United States Infantry, of which "Win- field was now second lieutenant, was in command of Colonel J. S. Clarke, in this battle. The severe defeat of Santa Anna at Buena Yista, HIS FIRST CAMPAIGN. 65 t by General Taylor, tiad induced that Mexican chief to make tlie most extensive preparations for opposing the victorious advance of General Scott. Yera Cruz, the principal Mexican town on the seaboard, had fallen ; and, after winning several other victories to- ward the interior, the army of the centre was now on its way to the capital of Mexico. Two strong posi- tions had to be taken before the city could be assaulted — Molino del Key, (the King's Mill,) and the castle of Chapultepec. In the advance on this important point, Lieutenant Hancock drew his sword in his earliest fights for his country. He was under the immediate command of Captain Hoffman, of the Sixth Infantry. The assault was made on the works of the enemy by the platoon in charge of Lieutenant Hancock, in company with Lieutenants Armistead, Sedgwick, Buckner, and Rosecrans — the last named having vol- unteered for the occasion from the Fifth Infantry. By order of General Worth, the battalion of the Sixth Infantry, in command of Captain Hoffman, formed in column and repeatedly charged the battery of the enemy. Lieutenant Hancock was now under fire for nearly the first time, like others of our ofl&cers and men. The Second Artillery, under Captain Brooks and Lieutenants Daniels and Sedgwick, aided materially in our assault. The charge of our troops 6* 66 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SOK was continued until the enemy was driven from the field. At three o'clock in the morning of the 8th of Sep tember, 1847, he moved with the troops on the as- saulted batteries. The grey light of coming day had not yet tipped the heights around, when the two twenty-four-pounders placed in position opened on the solid stone walls of the enemy. No reply came ; and it was at first supposed that the Mexicans had abandoned the post. It soon appeared, however, that they had only changed their place of defence, and were beginning, from a new and unexpected point, to pour grape and round shot on our advancing flanks, It is inferred, from some circumstances afterwards revealed, that the Mexican commander had baen in- formed of the manner of our approach by foreign spies. The assault of the enemy was severe ; cutting- down our men in large numbers, killing and wound- ing eleven out of fourteen of our officers, and a like proportion in the ranks. On perceiving their tempo- rary advantage, the Mexicans rushed on our lines with their usual savage ferocity, and murdered our wounded troops in cold blood. Keinforcements were now thrown rapidly forward by General Worth, who resolutely attacked the Mexi- can flank. The Mexican General Leon, who headed HIS FIRST CAMPAIGN. 67 a spirited sortie from the walls of Molino del Rey, was wounded, several officers of high rank were killed, and the enemy driven back. The access to the foe was sought in a variety of ways. The walls were scaled by our daring men, the top of the building reached by cutting holes in the solid stone, by means of their bayonets ; the main gate was soon forced, and the troops rushed through with a shout that woke the echoes of the space beyond. A combat ensued, hand to hand. Door after door fell before the intrepid Americans ; rank after rank of the Mexi- cans were swept before them ; until a white flag of surrender appeared on the battered parapets. It was a sanguinary battle — by many considered the most so of any during the Mexican war. The enemy had a very strong position, entrenched on a commanding hill, surrounded by massive stone walls, and outnumbered us three to one. But we carried the post against all these odds, capturing eight hun- dred prisoners, although at a fearful loss of life in our own ranks. The next battle in which the young Lieutenant participated was that of the castle of Chapultepec. The edifice stands on a high, rocky promontory, nearly precipitous, and commands the entire country for miles around. The western slope is the only 68 W INFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. point where the approach is at all gradual, and this is covered by a dense chapparal and forest, where the ground is ragged with rocks. On the 13th of September, of the same year, the battalion of the Sixth Infantry to which then Adjutant Hancock was attached, moved out from the conquered post of Molino del Eey toward Chapultepec. It was at the early dawn. The shadows hung deep from tree to tree, from rock to rock. A large force of Mexicans lay hidden in the darkness. Our men felt their way along, when, coming all at once into a com- paratively open space, they found themselves con- fronted by the frowning battlements of the castle. The fight began instantly. An American color- bearer rushed forward to the ramparts, followed, with loud cheers, by a body of our men, who quickly placed ladders against the embattled walls, and be- gan to scale them. Shout now followed shout as the soldiers sprang up the ladders and bounded over the wall, in the very face of the enemy. The Mexi- cans were taken completely by surprise. They stood a moment in suspense, astonished at the audacity of the Americans, and then dashed down, some of them headlong, over the precipitous rocks. Shot and shell poured in upon the works, like an iron torrent; and it was not long ere the strong castle was a mass HIS FIRST CAMPAIGN. 69 of ruins. A large number of prisoners surrendered to our gallant troops — among them General Bravo, and the surviving students of the Mexican National Military School. The part taken by the Sixth Infantry in this bril- liant battle is worthy of special mention. It was all the time actively engaged, including the command of Lieutenant Hancock, moving out from Molino del Eey by the left flank, and soon reaching the grove at the base of Chapultepec. A portion dashed up the hill in advance, of whom Hancock was one — the remainder joining from the left base of the castle, whither it had been detached to cut off the retreat of the enemy — until the whole regiment, with a grand huzza, swept into the thickest of the fight. The colors of the command Avere advanced into the enclosures of the castle, and the troops rallied gal- lantly around them. Entering the streets beyond, they found themselves confronted by a breastwork of masonry, and a large body of the enemy posted behind it. From this barricade and the tower and windows of the adjacent church, the street was swept by the fire of artillery and infantry. But our men moved steadily on. They passed to the rear, flanking the Mexicans, and reaching a large building, which they entered by force, and, commanding the 70 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. balconies, poured tlieir shot with telling efiect on the foe. The Mexicans were forced back in disorder, aban- doning every position they had held. Our men now seized new points, forcing their way with their bayo- nets and such missiles as could be used for the pur- pose, tearing holes in the houses with crowbars and pickaxes, until they had formed a garrison around them. Every movement they made brought their fire nearer the enemy. The picked marksmen of the Sixth, joined now by others of the Eighth, did terri- ble execution. Ofi&cer after officer fell rapidly before their deadly aim. The two opposing forces at this moment were not more than thirty yards apart from each other. Soon the disordered Mexicans began to waver ; then they broke and fled up the streets in dismay, our men pursuing with all their speed. It was lite- rally a race for life. The crashing of shells, the tumbling of walls, the roar of cannon, the whistling of bullets, the shouts of the advancing victors as they rushed through the sulphurous clouds surround- ing them, the flashes of their guns blazing like light- ning from their serried ranks, gave the scene one of the most thrilling aspects of the war. The hard- HIS FIRST CAMPAIGN. 71 fought day was won ; and the Sixth regiment rested, with their comrades, on their victorious arms. Thus fell the castle, citadel, and town of Chapul- tepec. The Mexicans had barricaded their streets, intending to make secure use of the barricades and the adjacent houses to keep our men at bay. They supposed they would be able to destroy us all, by means of their protected fire. They had not calcu- lated on our leaving these defences unattacked, thus preventing exposure in the open streets, and burrow- ing our way under cover, to their rear, through the dismantled walls of their own houses. The enemy fought desperately during this terrible contest of four days. But it was all in vain. At the end of the fourth day the whole garrison was surren- dered, the Mexicans, as some return for their acknow- ledged valor, being permitted to march out with the honors of war. In the reports of the officers in command of the attacking force, the conduct of Lieutenant Hancock is repeatedly mentioned. In August, 18-18, he was bre- veted first lieutenant for his gallant and meritorious bearing in these actions — his brevet dating from the 20th of August, 1847. It was his privilege to be present when commis- sioners reached the American camp with proposals 72 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. of peace. Terms of accommodation were proposed by them; but General Scott refused to listen to any but those of surrender. The morning following their arrival, on the 14th of September, 1847, the old hero, at the head of six thousand men, regulars and volun- teers, marched into the conquered city, and the colors of the United States waved from the palace of the Montezumas. A treaty of peace was negotiated at Guadaloupe Hidalgo, on the 2d of February, 1848 ; and on its ratification at Washington, which occurred soon after, the Mexican war was brought to a close. The part taken by Lieutenant Plancock in this war was further acknowledged in a series of resolutions adopted by the Legislature of his native State; in which his name, with those of other Pennsylvania sol- diers, was mentioned with honor, and the document containing them placed in his hands. He remained with the American army as it with- drew from Mexico, serving a portion of that time under Brigadier General Cadwalader, at Toluca. Before leaving, he was made Eegimental Quarter- master of the Sixth regiment. He was among the last of our troops that left Mexico, and saw the Mexi- can flag take the place of ours, when the city was turned over to the Mexican government. He was uext stationed on the Upper Mississippi, at Fort Craw- IS AGAIN STATIONED. 73 ford, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, where lie remained until the summer of 1849. Fort Crawford is pleasantly situated on an elevated part of Prairie du Chien, on the site of the old French town of that name, overlooking the Mississippi river, flowing in front of it. The rapid settlement and extension of our Northwestern frontier having ren- dered this post of little value, in a military point of view, it was abandoned by the government of the United States a few years after Lieutenant Hancock left it. The buildings still stand, all desolate and lonely, in view of the passer-by on the river. The silent spot is as quiet now as it was when the Indian first planted his foot on the shore, or his canoe had skimmed along the waters in front — an emblem, at once, of the advance of the power of civilization and the retreat of the wild savage before it. The de- scendants of the emigrants who first penetrated these once unbroken wilds will call to mind, as they look on the ruins of the old fort, the days when their ancestors roamed the forests beyond, or sped their way along the bosom of the Father of Waters. How changed the scene in the rapid march of years ! The steamboat is on the river — the rail-car is on the land — but the Indian and the pioneer, where are they ? Prairie du Chien is a point of some importance in 74 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. the West. It has been for several years the western terminus of a railway, connecting the Mississippi with the East. It is now the starting point of ano- ther road, running still further West through the prairie land. The town is beautifully located, and the capital of Crawford county, Wisconsin. It is about one hundred miles west of Madison, the capital of that fine and orrowing State. CHAPTER VIII. HIS PROMOTION. "With master-spirits of the world, The brave man's courage, and the student's lore, Are but as tools his secret ends to work. Who hath the skill to use them." Joanna Baillie. DURING the year 1849 Lieutenant Hancock was promoted to the post of regimental Adjutant. This position he retained until the autumn of 1855, being stationed throughout the whole of that period, six years, at St. Louis and Jefferson Barracks, Mis- souri. The Barracks are on the Mississippi, about twelve miles below St. Louis. He was on the staff* of Brigadier General N. S. Clakke, an accomplished soldier and gentleman, then commanding the Sixth Infantry, and with whom he had served in Mexico. On the 24th of January, 1850, he was married to Miss Almika Eussell, daughter of Mr. Samuel Rus- sell, a much esteemed merchant of St. Louis. She is a lady of good sense and accomplishments, worthily filling the position she has been called to occupy. (75) 76 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. They have two interesting cliildren — a boy, named from his grandfather, Eussell, now fourteen years old; and a daughter, of eight, named Ada Elizabeth. The wife and children of tlie then Lieutenant — now General — Hancock have been but rarely separated from him, until the present rebellion. Tliey are now residing at " Longwood" — the elegant and delightful home of the Eussells, a few miles from St. Louis. Li tbe month of November, 1855, through the ex- ertions of the Honorable John Cadwaladee, (then member of ConoTess for the district in which his o birth-place is situated,) he was appointed an Assist- ant Quartermaster, with the rank of Captain. In the summer of 1842, while yet a cadet, Winfield first returned home from West Point — a furlougli of two months being allowed each cadet in the middle of the four years' term. It was pleasant to the young officer, now about eighteen years of age, to revive the scenes of his boyhood. He had not forgotten home. His father had accompanied him, two years before, as he entered the Academy, and he now greeted him, with the mother by his side, to the dear homestead of other days. Instructions and counsels were re- newed. The worship at the family altar revived the sacred impressions of truth within his heart. Here, too, the ])roofs of his earlier devotion to science were BE VISITS HOME. 77 reviewed ; the specimens tie had labelled were re- examined ; the home-made galvanic apparatus he had helped to construct, and which had served to illustrate his private lectures before his classmates, and his more public performances in the old academy then on Airy street, was tenderly handled, and carefully readjusted, ere it was passed by in silence ; and the whole paraphernalia of his incipient love of learning were more safely placed away in the recesses of the mansion, where they still remain. The large, two-storied brick building on Airy street, Norristown, will long be remembered as the spot where Winfield and his associates of early days went to school. It was situated at the end of DeKalb street, looking down the whole length to the bridge crossing the Schuylkill, half a mile in front. The site was commanding, and well adapted for such a purpose. The view on all sides was very fine. The town lay on the gentle slope beneath, with here and there a spire jutting up against the sky, in the fore- ground. At the sides and in the rear the cultivated fields and gardens spangled the landscape with grass and flowers, while overhanging trees skirted the edges with their variegated fringes of beauty. The lovely Schuylkill swept gently on in the distance, its surface dotted by an occasional boat, and its mirrored 78 ^VIKFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. waters reflecting tlie multiplying and ever-changing pictures of eartli and sky. The modest hills stood silent beyond, clad in their sweet robes of misty blue, as if reluctant to cast their shadows too long or too deeply on the quiet rural scene. Happy school-boy days ! Who can forget them ? Who would forget them, if he could? The principal of the academy, in the period when Winfield was one of its scholars, was Mr. Eliphalet EoBEETS — now a teacher in Philadelphia. His inte- rest in the subject of this biography was always strong and deep. We shall have occasion, in the course of these pages, to show Avith what propriety General Hancock recognized the teacher of his boy- ish years, when we come to speak of his public re- ception in that cit}^, during his visit of the year 1863. Mr. Eoberts was succeeded in the academy and as a teacher to Winfield by Mr. William Hough, who was himself deeply interested in scientific subjects, and who took peculiar pleasure in fostering Win- field's love of chemistry and electricity. When the Korristown High School w^as established, under the superintendence of Mr. Ashbel Gr. Haened, Jr. — a gentleman who was very popular and success- ful as a teacher — Winfield was among his most favor- ite pupils. He remained at this school, making good BE VISITS ROME. 79 progress in his studies^ until Just previous to his leaving home to become a cadet. But with all these scholastic advantages, let it never be forgotten, especially by our young readers, that very much that Winfield was, and now is, he owes to the influence and instructions of home. Both his parents are deservedly much respected for their great moral and religious Avorth ; for their useful and unselfish lives. Their part in life has been, and still is, an earnest one — whether for the benefit of their family or mankind at large. In the pursuit of busi- ness, in the performance of duties of every kind ; superintending or teaching in the Sunday school, which is at the distance of a mile from their resi- dence, across the river ; attending to the intellectual wants, the spiritual aspirations of scores of these dis- tant children, through the heat of summer and the cold of winter ; visiting the sick, caring for the poor, relieving the oppressed; thus are the lives of the honored father and mother of Winfield ripening into the fruitage of holy deeds, and preparing for the awards of a glorious immortality. The chief charac- teristics of his father are energy, perseverance, cau- tion, sound judgment, and good sense. His opinions have ever been highly valued by all who know him. No man has been more frequently called to adjudicate 80 WIN FIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. responsible cases, to allay exciting difficulties, to set- tle estates, or to manage the trust funds of the people. The life of Benjamin Franklin Hancock is an honor to his name. Mrs. Hancock, the mother, possesses equally marked traits of character, of a different type. A kinder, more benevolent, unselfish woman it would be ex tremely difficult to find. Her name is a sweet savor of sincere Christian piety wherever she is known. It is perfectly safe to say that many of the promi- nent traits in the distinguished character of General Hancock may be directly traced to the moulding influence of his parents. His military education and life, and the opportu- nity afforded by his influential part in the suppression of the great rebellion, have developed in a remarka- ble degree the qualities that began to show them- selves in his boyhood, and that were guided and fos- tered at home. His ability to command, his facility in controlling great masses of armed men, his skill in the use of means, his patient industry in overcom- ing difficulties, his dashing energy to accomplish great objects in the midst of danger, may all be ' traced back, like living streams from the living foun- tain, to the hidden power of that one word — Home. The okl two-storied school house nearDeKalb street REVISITS HOME. 81 has been swept away by the march of improvement. Not a vestige of it remains ; and even its site is now hidden from view, being demanded by the exten- sion of the street, for the purposes of travel. Here, v/here whole generations of children have studied and played together, where the hum of busy search- ers after knowledge has sounded from the quiet walls, like the music of bees in and around the silent hive ; where the gray-haired or more juvenile teachers have filled their tripod with alternate joys of victory and sorrows of defeat ; where from this spot, once so sacred to learning in other days, have gone forth the boys who have filled their places in society, grown old as the teacher was, and passed, like him, away, — all now is given up to the rush of business, the passage of hurrying or tardy feet, the roll of wheels, and the tramp of horses. But, with all these and other changes, forever cherished shall be the memory of the old Airy street school-house in Norristown. CHAPTER IX. ORDERED TO FLORIDA. " Be it thy aim to be useful in private, than, rather, in thy youth, to be too conspicuous." — Proverb. DURING tlie year 1856, when W infield filled the post of Quartermaster, ranking as Captain, of the Sixth United States Infantry, he was stationed in Florida. A part of this time of service was spent near Saint Augustine. This is a commanding posi- tion, a city, port of entry, and capital of St. John's county. It is two hundred miles east of Tallahassee, and one hundred and sixt}^ south of Savannah. It has the distinction of being the oldest town in the United States, having been settled by the Spaniards in 1565. Its location on the navigable waters of Matanzas Sound, only two miles from the Atlantic ocean, (from which it is separated by the island of Anastasia,) gives it a marked commercial and naval importance. The city stands on a plain, only a few feet above the (82) ORDERED TO FLORIDA. 83 level of the ocean. The streets are nearly all built on the old Spanish pattern, being only from ten to eighteen feet wide. The houses and public buildings are usually low, the former being not more than two stories high, and all made of durable materials, the stone or shell mixture of the sea shore. The upper stories of the dwellings and stoites project over the streets, so that passengers crowd along the narrow side-walks under the hanging verandas, while the horses, mules, and cattle straggle and jostle their way through the narrow avenues. Beside the county buildings there are four churches, a newspaper, and a United States land of&ce. The harbor of Saint Augustine is safe and com- modious, but the bar at the entrance prevents the approach to the wharves of large ships, having only nine or ten feet of water, at low tides. The climate is mild and pleasant ; the cool, refreshing breezes from the contiguous sea rendering the spot a favorite resort for invalids. Beautiful trees abound — the olive, the palm, the orange, and the lemon. The loveliest birds of the continent crowd the air, while choice fish and game are in abundance. Navi- gation is carried on between St. Augustine and New Orleans, Savannah, and other sea-ports, so that the town has become one of the lars-est in Florida. 84 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. The location of Winfield was at Fort Meyers, in tlie vicinity of Saint Augustine, where he remained in active service until the year 1857. It was at this place he occupied his talents as a delineator in making drawings of the ground-plans of the old Forts and adjacent surroundings — a woi^k that still reAains at the home of his parents — a worthy sign of his skill and industry as a draughtsman. On the 7th of November, 1856, having been as- signed to more active duties in the United States Quartermaster General's Department, for the Western District, he was ordered to the United States territory of Utah, on the slope of the Pacific ocean, and to accompany General Harney on his expedition to Kansas and the regions beyond. Many persons, especially those abroad, who are aware of the existence of the crime of polygamy in Utah, are not conversant with the fact that it is several thousand miles distant from the national government, at Washington. Bad as the influence of that crime is on its immediate participants, and on the aboriginal tribes around, it should be remembered that those who practice it are mostly foreigners, and that the United States are no more responsible for it, in a governmental point of view, than is England for IN CALIFORNIA. 85 the superstitions of her colonies in India. There is a moral obligation resting on all Christian people to root out and scatter forever this disgraceful evil; but, so long as its upholders maintain an organization in unison with the national constitution, called a 'repub- lican form of government,' they cannot be purged by force of arms. The time will surely come when this great violence to the civilization and Christianity of the nineteenth century will be removed. From Utah Captain Hancock was transferred to California, and stationed at Benicia. He was for some time in the Quartermaster's Department there, in intimate association with that superior United States officer. General Silas Casey. Benicia is located at an important point on the Pacific slope of the Union, and was at one time the capital of California. It stands on a commanding eminence, at the junction of the Strait of Karquenas with the Bays of San Pablo and Suisun. The waters of the vicinity are all navigable for quite large ves- sels, whicli extend their voyages up the river to Sac- ramento, the present State capital. The appearance of the country around Benicia is remarkable. Not a tree or shrub is to be seen in all its borders. The high mountain called 'Monte Dia- blo,' or Deyil's Mountain, presents one of the wildest 8 86 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. objects in tlie world. Its jagged sides^ its black, tow- ering peaks, its cavernous cliffs, where the spent vol- canic action of bygone ages has left its deep lines on the rifted chasms, where the thick clouds hang their sulphurous vapors, where terrific thunders roll and lurid lightnings flash, and where the upper winds sweep with melancholy music the chords of the lofty trees that crown the cold, barren summit, all unite to render this mountain a prominent feature in the land- scape to the traveller, as they have long caused it to be a centre of superstitious reverence and dread to the ignorant aborigines. On these awful and dreary heights their wild imaginations have reared the throne of the satanic presence, and surrounded it with the spectral illusions of a spirit-land. The voice of the raging winds on the towering peak is to them the speaking of their infernal deity. The crash- ing thunder is the echo of his wrath, and the light- ning's blaze is the glare of his kindled eye. For ages past they have not dared to go up the sides of their deified mountain beyond a certain point; and here, like the children of Israel in the desert, around the base of Mount Sinai, they have paused and stood aghast with trembling awe. Even to this day, only here and there a solitary pilgrim pierces through the thick veil that hangs over these fearful heights; and, IN CA LIFORNIA . 87 casting aside the superstitions of the past, and gazing on the glorious picture of the handiwork of the true Deity that lives and glows on every hand beneath him, with Christian adoration ** Looks through nature up to nature's God." To reach Benicia, Captain Hancock had crossed a large portion of our North American continent. He learned much of the country on the great plains, its people, its climate, its resources, its mineral treasures, its rivers and inland seas ; until, leaving the almost extreme southern shore of our Atlantic possessions, he stood in sight of those on the almost northern verge of the Pacific. From this post he was transferred to the old Span- ish town of Los Angeles — or the town of the angels — located in the part of the West known as Lower California. Here he was stationed for two years, still occupying his responsible position in the Depart- ment of the Quartermaster General of the United States. Los Angeles is located in one of the most beauti- ful regions in America. The coast ranges of moun- tains lift their breezy summits above its site, while teeming hillsides slope away toward the sea, and flowery valleys and fruitful plains skirt tlie scene be- yond. The climate is one of the most delightful on 88 WIN FIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. the eartli. The warm airs of the plains, cooled by those from the mountains as they meet and mingle together in friendly intercourse, produce an atmo- sphere which it is the perfection of refreshment to inhale. The soil around produces a variet}^ of the most different seeds and fruits ; potatoes and oranges, corn and figs, wheat and lemons, pears and pome- granates, melons and dates, Avheat and rice, tobacco and grapes, cotton and buckwheat, sugar-cane and apples, grow and flourish side by side. The moun- tain breast of a bank may be painted white with dis- solving snow, while the slope toward the valley is all variegated with the hues of flowers. In this salubrious and genial clime Captain Han- cock made his home for two years. The great mining interests of the rich region adjacent drew many American and other settlers around him, and his position required the exercise of much executive ability. His influence was sensibly felt, and became quite extensive through all that part of Lower California. When the rebellion of 1861 broke out in the United States, his voice and example were potential in arous- ing and extending the spirit of patriotism among the people. The peculiar character of a large portion of the immigrants to that section, especially those IN CALIFORNIA. 89 from the seceded and disaffected States of tlie Union, rendered them uneasy in the crisis that had so unex- pectedly broken on the nation. Many of this class were Southerners by birth and education. Their kindred and their property left behind were in the South. They sympathized with secession ; their hearts were with the rebels, and they longed for op- portunities to take up arms in their cause. Popular outbreaks of the most violent nature were constantly threatened on every hand. There was the most imminent danger that the whole of that large and rich region of country would be swept away from its moorings to the Union, and borne down by mob violence into the vortex of treason to the old flag. At this critical moment it demanded all the cool- ness, calmness, and courage of Captain Hancock to do his part in quelling the rising storm. Should it prevail to any extent, his own department would be the first to feel and suffer from its fury. The sup- plies and munitions of war his command was enabled to furnish, were tempting prizes to the traitorous bands that were forming and holding their gather- ings all around him. Some went so far as to boast of what they would do in possessing themselves of the United States commissary articles and means of 8* 90 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. defence committed to his charge ; while others, more openly rampant, threatened to tear down the national colors. In the midst of all this tempest of passion and fanaticism, Hancock stood firm. His personal influ- ence, as we have said, was great, and he exerted it now to the utmost. He rose to the emergencies of the occasion, and appealed directly to the patriotism of his countrymen. With the seditious aliens who were active in fomenting disturbances, who had nothing in common with the citizens who controlled the government by their votes, he was bold, strong, firm ; yielding not an inch to their insolent demands, and presenting the courage of a patriot heart and the force of a gallant arm to their treasonable threats. Thus Hancock met these distant and isolated traitors in one of their own strongholds. Thus he ■upheld, on that far-ofp Pacific slope, the flag of his country, the integrity of the Union, and the rights of man. His course in Lower California met the approval of the government and of all our country- men who are conversant with its high merits. His name will ever be honored on account of it, not only on the shores of the Pacific, but those of the Atlan- IN CALIFORNIA. 91 tic^ all through the United States. He had the hap- piness to witness the subsidence of this incipient rebellion, and to hear the cry awake and continue to resound on every hand : " Forever float that standard sheet ! Where breathes the foe but falls before us ? With freedom's soil beneath our feet, And freedom's banner waving o'er us !" CHAPTER X. IN THE WAR FOR THE UNION. "Take heed How you awake our sleeping sword of war! We charge you, in the name of God, take heed !" Old Play. AT his own earnest request, Quartermaster Hais"- COCK was transferred from his responsible but comparatively quiet post on the Pacific, to the more active scenes that stirred the pulses of the Atlantic coast, at the middle of the year 1861. His position in California was one of great relative importance, but the routine duties of a Quartermaster had never been suited to the energetic and courageous character of such a man as he has proved himself to be. As soon, therefore, as the necessary official preliminaries could be effected, he was on his way to the field of battle. In the month of September, 1861, he landed in New York. Without stopping even a moment to visit his parents, at Norristown, although he had now (92) IN THE WAR FOR THE UNION. 93 been absent from tliem OA^er two years, in a distant part of the country, be pushed on, witbin a few bonrs of his arrival, to Washington, and immediately re- ported himself to the War Department, ready for active service. His mind Avas deliberately made up to the great issue. His life was again in his hand for his beloved country. His valuable services were at once accepted, and he placed in the front of the light. Here let us pause a moment, and take a survey of the field. When, in the month of November, 1860, a large majority of the voters of America had declared the present incumbent constitutionally elected President of the United States, it was clearly the duty of the minority to abide by the law, and yield obedience to the verdict. If they had been fairly outvoted at this election — and it is not pretended by any one but they were — the fundamental oaths, the democratic canons of the country, af&rmed that the government should still be maintained, the laws administered, the poAvers and emoluments of office transmitted, until a new trial should confirm or reverse the result. The same sacred right of suffrage had been enjoyed by all the electors of the nation. Three parties, with distinct national issues, were in the arena ; but all 94 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. three openly swore allegiance to the same national standard, and vowed devotion to the same national Union. Secession, Disunion, Rebellion, were not in that presidential canvass. The election, with its greatly increased vote, with all the momentous and exciting issues at stake, was one of the most quiet ever held in the country. No one was molested in public or private discussions of the vast questions involved in the contest. There was not a life lost at the polls, where millions of men, each one as free and as good as another in the eye of the law, marched to the ballot-boxes of their voting precincts, and cast their votes for the candidates of their choice. No one, in all that vast host of qualified sufifragants, of equal peers, yea, of reigning sovereigns, could with pro- priety rudely ask or threaten his fellow at the polls : "Under which king, Bezonian ? Speak, or die!" Every intelligent elector was his own king. Every responsible vote he cast was his own royal edict. We have said the questions of Secession, Disunion and Rebellion were not in this great constitutional contest of voters. It is not to be understood by this historical statement, however, that the relative value of, and purpose to continue, the Union, were not passed upon by the people in that election. On the IN THE WAR FOR THE UNION. 95 contrary, thej were so passed upon, and that, too, in the most decided, unequivocal manner. That vote of that large majority of the American people was, in fact, a strong, clear, emphatic constitu- tional endorsement of the Union of the States by the highest power in the land known to the laws. It was the sovereign verdict of the United States that the United States should continue. It was the constitution re-indorsing the constitution. It was the Union again pouring its own life blood through the living cycle of the Union. It was a national salute to the national flag, wherever it floated, around the world. Could anything of the kind be more nationally significant? Could anything be more nationally potential ? Thus stood the case when the final announcement of the decision was flashed along the electric wire, from the Atlantic, on the East, to the Pacific, on the West; from the inland seas, on the North, to the Gulf of Mexico, on the South. What then? What became the duty of the ma- jority ? What became, also, the duty of the minority ? It was the duty of the one to assume the reins of gov- ernment, and conduct the public affairs of the country in the spirit and precepts of its founders ; with becom- ing gravity to count and publish the votes of the 96 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. different electoral colleges, in the consecrated halls of the several legislatures ; to sign, seal, certify and forward the official ballot to the national archives, in the national capital, and make proclamation of the nation's choice ; to inaugurate the man of that choice with all the solemn forms and rituals of law known to the constitution and established by the precedents of the fathers ; to require that chosen man, and his associates in the offices in which, as the vicegerents of the people, the people had just placed them, to take upon their souls, in the presence of Almighty God and of all witnesses, the most sacred oaths ever administered from man to man, the record of which is to be forever on high. Thus elected, thus inaugurated, by the virtue of the power they derived from their coustituents, the people of America, what could or can these men do but obey their commands ? Have a majority of this people declared by their votes that they hold their Union to be a mere confederation of States ? No. Have they admitted, for a moment, since they became a distinct nation, that they held their constitution to be a mere treaty between independent sovereignties ? No. Have they delegated the powers invested by them in a consolidated nation, to be divided up between thirtv-six or more distinct nationalities ? No. Have IN THE WAR FOR THE UNION. 97 they, at any time, given up their right, entrusted to their national rulers, to declare war and make peace, to negotiate treaties, to establish a currency, to regulate commerce between the separate States, or to punish treason, as a nation ? No. What then ? The United States are a nation — a nation intact, sovereign, independent ; composed of States that are separate as to their State rights, yet as to the Union in a nation, " Distinct, as the billows, yet one, as the sea." This was the view, and the only view, taken of our national existence by the great Father of our Coun- try, and by all the patriots and statesmen who founded the Eepublic. To put in practice as a nation any other doctrine than this, is deliberately to commit national suicide, and lay the last hope of liberty and constitutional government on the American continent in the darkness and silence of the grave. The election of a constitutional President of the United States having, then, been constitutionally de- clared, with all the solemnities of national law, what moral insanity, what political frenzy, what intellectual madness must have possessed those leading men of the Southern part of our Union, who, because they were fairly defeated in a fair election, without wait- ing for the action of the government their fellow- 98 WIN FIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. citizens of the Kepublic had thus chosen, lifted the black standard of treason against the nation of their fathers and ours, and plunged the whole land, includ- ing millions of helpless women and little children, in all the horrors of a fratricidal war ! ** Patriot and faction, Like oil and water mix, when strongly shaken; But never can unite — disjoined by nature." It was in this spirit that Captain Hancock enlisted in the w^ar for the Union. He had seen in California, and in other parts of the country, the malign influ- ences that began the war on the part of Disunion. He saw now that one or the other must perish. To refuse to fight under the flag that had made him all that he was as a military man, and that was sacred to him and all other patriots by all its glorious antece- dents, was not only to prove himself the vilest of ingrates, but it was to participate in the crimes of those guilty men who, having failed in their attempts to continue to rule the country, were now madly bent on its ruin. As a patriot, bearing the honored names of a patriot soldier and statesman, his course w^as plain. He heard the trumpet call of duty, and hasted to obey the summons. His cadet vows were yet upon him, and gratefully and proudly he renewed them at the altar of the Union. He at once accepted the post assigned him, and entered with noble ardor on that IN THE WAR FOR THE UNION. 99 career for the complete suppression of the rebellion, which we shall continue further to depict. With all his brilliancy and dash as a soldier, Han- cock did not participate in the scenes of war we are describing, from a mere love of fighting. He chose the profession of arms in his j^outh from a conviction of duty. He now continued in it, in his manhood, actuated by the patriotic belief that 'resistance to tyrants is obedience to Grod.' We put on record here his avowal of the princi- ples that guide him in all contests for our country. They are contained in a recent letter of his to a friend, to whom we and our readers are deeply indebted for many of the important facts embodied in this volume. These are his own words : "My politics aee of a peactical kind. The INTEGKITY OF THE COUNTRY. ThE SUPREMACY OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. An HONORABLE PEACE, OR NONE AT ALL." "Far dearer the grave, or the pri-^on, Illumed by one patriot name,- Than the trophies of those who have risen On liberty's ruin to fame." CHAPTER XI. BEGINNING THE UNION WAR. "Shall I ask the brave soldier, who fights by my side, In the cause of mankind, if our creeds agree?" Moore. AT the time of his reporting for duty in Wash- ington, in the month of September, 1861, Captain Hancock was thirty-eight years of age. Pie had served his country in the various positions assigned him in the army during a period of seventeen years. The most of this service had been rendered in Mexico, or west of the Mississippi river, and in the everglades of Florida. In all the ranks of the army, among officers and men, he stood deservedly high. By his strict devo- tion to duty, his invariable courage, energy and pa- triotic enthusiasm, he had secured the confidence and attachment of all who knew him. Correct in his personal habits, polite, affable, friendly with all, un- selfish and hospitable, he was a favorite wherever he went. (100) BEGINNING THE UNION WAR. 101 He had his own opinions on all national questions, and was prepared to express and defend tliem. Al- though never a politician, and not even a voter, his sympathies and convictions had always been with the Democratic party. But, like a true patriot, he never gave up to party what was due to mankind. He was firm and conscientious in the belief that Secession was Disunion ; that Disunion was civil war— a crime against the honor, welfare and happiness of the American people. He had proved his stand on this issue by his patriotic course against the first dawn- ings of every attempt at Disunion, in California. By his personal presence and voice on that occasion, he had not only stemmed the incipient risings of the foul tide of treason, but he had rendered signal ser- vice to the Union by addressing the inhabitants in public on several occasions, and organizing and directing that public sentiment which exerted so potential an influence in maintaining the loyalty of that part of the Golden State in which he resided. He proclaimed everywhere, and was always ready to maintain the opinion— if need be, with his trusty sword — that no grievances of which the citizens of the Southern States might justly complain, could warrant or empower them to revolt against the con- stitutional government of the nation. His great- 9* 102 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. grandfather and grandfather had both fought in the war of the Ee volution and in that of 1812, with Great Britain, to establish and perpetuate the Union of the States. It was not for him, who had sprung from such an ancestry, who had received such patri- otic lessons in his boyhood, who had taken such ob- ligations and acquired such a national education in the Military Academy belonging to all the Union, and who had already done valiant service under the time-honored flag of his country, basely now to prove recreant to all these inspirations of duty, with igno- minious cowardice to sheathe his sword in ignoble ease, or with infamous treachery to wield it against, the dear-bought liberties of his native land. Acting on these high-toned convictions as an Amer- ican patriot, he had offered his services, at the moment of the first outrages of the rebellion, to the Governor of Pennsylvania. As a native of the State, as a thoroughly-educated soldier of the Eegular Army, as an of&cer of established bravery and popularity with his troops, his valuable services would have been gladly accepted in such a command. But be- fore the arrangement could be consummated he was on duty at Washington, in the service of the United States. Here he was immediately assigned to the post of Chief Quartermaster, on the stafi" of General BEGINNING THE UNION WAR. 103 Egbert Anderson, the hero of Fort Sumter, who had been placed in command of the Union forces in his native State of Kentucky. While preparing to comply with this order of the War Department, only a very few days after his return from his post in California, he was proposed to the government by General McClellan, then General- in-Chief of the army, for a commission as Brigadier General. This proposal was made unexpectedly to Captain Hancock, and without any solicitation on the part of his friends. The appointment was de- cided on his merits alone, and as such made by Presi- dent Lincoln, on the 23d of September, 1861. It was at once accepted, and the new Brigadier prepared himself for active service. His experience in the cause of his country had already been varied and extensive. In Mexico, on the frontiers, among hostile Indians, in Florida, fight- ing the brave and wily Seminoles, associated with such commanders as Generals Worth, Harney, Colo- nels Clarke, Brown, James Monroe, and others, he had acquired a knowledge of military affairs, of-strategy, and the best methods of commanding men, that he was now enabled to turn to good account for his country. His campaign to Fort Leavenworth, in 1856-7, had been productive of peculiarly import- 104 WIKFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. ant results. From Florida to Kansas, and wliile remaining in tlie latter State, nntil tlie spring of 1858, he had signalized his skill and devotion as a soldier. The expedition of General Harney to Utah having been abandoned by the government, Captain Hancock had been ordered to proceed, as Chief Quartermaster, to the occupation of Fort Bridger, one of the out- posts of our Western frontier. From this point he accompanied his old regiment, the efficient and pop- ^ular Sixth Infantry, through their long march across the continent to Benicia, California. This march was probably the longest continuous one ever taken by any body of infantry troops. It carried them through an immense tract of wild, savage country, where inimical Indians swarmed, at times, on every hand. The deep snows of the Sierra Nevada range of moun- tains — the highest summits of which have an elevation of sixteen thousand feet, and whose line extends all through the State of California, from the town of Los Angeles to the Cascades of Oregon — had to be en- countered and overcome, the troops and horses sup- plied with rations, and the peculiar surprises and sudden dangers of that weary route of thousands of miles, constantly guarded against. For the skillful management of the onerous duties of his department, all through this difficult march. BEGINNING THE UNION WAR. 105 Captain Hancock received and justly deserved great credit. It was now toward the close of the month of Sep- tember, 1861. The army of the United States was not then fully organized. There was much inexpe- rience and occasional demoralization among our raw troops. With all their patriotism and general intel- ligence, as citizen soldiers, they could not always be depended on in sudden emergencies and moments of critical danger. In the responsible work of their organization, drill, discipline, and setting in the field of action. General Hancock was called to take a prominent part. His remarkable traits of character, now ripened into full manhood, here displayed their worth in the service to the greatest advantage. He was at home, in his own chosen field. We shall see, as we progress, how worthily he continued to fill his role. CHAPTER XII. HIS FIRST FIGHT FOR THE UNION. *' Death, to the hero, when his SAvord Has won the battle for the free, Sounds like a prophet's trumpet word ; And in its hollow tones are heard The thanks of millions yet to be." Fitz Greene Halhrk, THE beautiful fall of September, 1861, 'dawned on the conntry. The national forces were now nearly organized. Troops were arriving at the front from all the free States, and gradually taking part in the conflict. The most busy fields of action at that time were in Missouri and Western Virginia. In the last-named region, especially, the traitors in arms were very belligerent, being constantly stimulated by their allies in civil life all around them. It was soon perceived that the contest for the supremacy of the Union in that section would be prolonged and severe. Fighting had taken place early in this month at (106) HIS FIRST FIGHT FOB THE UNION. 107 several points along the Western Virginia lines. At Boone Court House, Boone county — named in honor of the old pioneer, Daniel Boone, of Kentucky — the Union troops had encountered a body of armed rebels and signally defeated them. This point is only about two hundred miles, in a direct line, west from Eich- mond. But the contest there speedily convinced the rebels that the Union would not consent to allow any part of the Old Dominion it could control to pass, without a struggle, under the black flag of secession. Our troops, fresh and comparatively undisciplined a§ they were, fonght Avell on this occasion. We drove the enemy at all points, routing them totally, killing thirty, wounding a large number, and taking over forty prisoners. None were killed on the Na- tional side, and but six were wounded. The town was burned during the engagement. A picked body of the Charleston, South Carolina, Home Guards, who had penetrated through the She- nandoah country to within a short distance of Har- per's Ferry, Virginia, were attacked by the Thirteenth regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers. The despised ' Yankees' performed their parts so well on the ' chiv- alry' that they soon drove them, pell mell, killing three, wounding five, and capturing twenty prisoners. These, with the wounded, were brought into camp by 108 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. the Massachusetts boys, who greeted them blandly with the song 'Gay and Happy.' Victories were being won b}^ the Union arms in different parts of the country. We had captured Forts Hatteras and Clark, on the coast of North Car- olina, possessed several important points on the West- ern waters, and done the enemy considerable damage in Missouri, while he was pursuing the Fabian policy of masterly inactivity by remaining in his trenches in Virginia. The patriotic feeling of the country was steadily rising. Large popular meetings were held, presided over by the civil authorities, and addressed in earnest and courageous strains of patriotism by eminent men of all parties. Greneral Kosecrans — formerly, it will be remembered, a fellow Lieutenant with General Hancock, in Mexico — had won a decided victory near Summersville, Virginia. The effect of this victory was marked, through all that region to which Han- cock was at that time assigned. The rebel General Floyd — notorious as the prominent secessionist, who, when the nominal Union Secretary of War, at Washington, had treacherously sequestrated all the government arms and munitions of war under his control to the base purposes of treason — was then in position near the summit of Carnifax mountain, with HIS FIRST FIGHT FOR THE UNION. 109 five tliousaEcl rebel troops and sixteen pieces of artil- lery. The rear and extreme of both flanks of the enemy were inaccessible. The front was masked with heav}^ forests and a dense jungle. The brigade commanded by General Benham — one of the most accomplished and energetic of all on'r soldiers — was in the advance, and assailed the enemy w4th such skill and force that they were driven, on a number of occa- sions, from their guns. Several companies of picked Irish troops, led by Colonel Lytle, of the Tenth Ohio, charged the batterj^, in the face of the Imttest fire that the rebels could pour from the heights. A Ger- man brigade, under Colonel McCook — son of the old patriot Judge Daniel McCook, of Kentucky, who has given himself and four sons to the war for his countr}^ — follov/ed in the assault with great bravery, and, for a time, silenced the battery. Floyd, as usual with that consummate .traitor, fled during the night; but the depth of the adjacent river over which he passed in his flight, and the obstruc- tions thrown by him in his way, prevented a success- ful pursuit. He left his camp, however, as a trophy to the Union, including his own equipage, together with w^agons, horses, large quantities of ammunition and fifty head of cattle. In Hardv county, Virginia, the rebels had been 10 110 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SOX. seriously worsted in several liard-fouglit engage- ments. A number of camps were captured from them, containing large supplies of guns, uniforms, ammunition, horses, teams, and grain. On the 13th of September, of this year, the battle of Cheat Mountain had been fought and won by the Union forces. The rebels had erected a strong fort on the summit. This our troops succeeded in sur- rounding, where they cut the telegraph wire to pre- vent its being used by the enemy. This position was deemed by the rebels one of the most command- ing in Western Virginia. But they could not stand against the shells of the Union batteries ; they precipi- tately fled before our artillerists, leaving their dead* and wounded behind them. The introduction of General Hancock to his new field was the signal for continued activity. His best energies were all taxed to prepare his command for constant duty. The army was now rapidly reaching its appropriate proportions. The command of Hancock was conse- quently assuming a relative importance. His Brig- ade consisted of the Forty-ninth Pennsylvania, Forty - third New York, Fifth Wisconsin, and Ninth Maine, in the Division of General W. F. Smith. On the HIS FIRST FIGHT FOR THE UNION. m 9th of October, 1861, his Brigade hekl the advance position on the Potomac, occupying Lewinsville. The first battle at this point had taken place on the 11th of the preceding September. On the morn- ing of that day ^ party consisting of several detached companies of infantry, a company of cavalry, and Captain Griffin's battery of light artillery, the whole in command of Colonel Stevens of the New York Highlanders, broke camp, and started for the enemy. The rebel pickets retired beyond Lewinsville, as our troops advanced. Having accomplished the object of their reconnoissance, our men were about to return, when a large force of the enemy, consisting of two regiments of infantry and Colonel Stuart's regi- ment of Virginia cavalry, with a battery of four pieces, were seen approaching. The line of battle was immediately formed. The enemy commenced shelling in front, and were promptly replied to by Griffin. Every opportunity Avas now given the rebels to meet us in the open field ; but they very prudently kept under the coverts of the woods, doing what exe- cution they could at a respectful distance. The national forces now brought into action a thirty-two-pound gun, which speedily and effectual! v silenced the batteries of the enemy. He was evi- dently glad to show signs of retiring. At this mo- 112 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. ment the gun was brought to bear on their cavalry, who now appeared in the open road, which sent them flying and reeling from their saddles in all directions. The movement was a success, and the troops en- gaged returned to camp in good order, where they received the congratulations of the General in com- mand. These preliminary engagements with the rebels showed their near approach and constant activity. They were out in every direction, scouring the coun- try for conscripts and supplies. Even at that early period of the war, Disunion began to feel its growing necessities for men, provisions, and munitions. Their forays became more and more frequent, as their wants steadil}^ increased. At the commencement of the rebellion they had plunged into war with reckless ferocity, and their troops had all the advantage over ours of much greater experience, drill, and discipline. The whole Southern country had. been transformed into one great camp. Every arms-bearing citizen was held to be a soldier ; every crop was regarded as pledged to the Avarlike purposes of treason. In the cities of the South, especially, the dangerous charac- ter of the institution of slavery, where large masses of s'.aves were liable to assemble together under the influence of those of their class who had by any HIS FIRST FIGHT FOE THE UNION. Hg means obtained tlie boon of freedom, it had been the custom for years to maintain regular bodies of troops, many of whom were well-mounted cavalry, ready to be called out, at the tap of the drum, to put down a servile insurrection. The commanders of these drilled bands of men were the leaders, to a great extent, of the rebellion. Their seat of war had been transferred from their slave marts and planta- tions to the lines confronting the Union colors. They not only fought desperately, but they fought method- ically. Their best men w^ere soldiers by birth, by profession, and practice. Against these chosen myrmidons of the slave power the nation had hurriedly assembled, at the call of duty, such regular troops as could be spared from important frontier and central posts, and the hardy volunteers who had rushed from their homesteads and farms, their shops and ships, from road-side and sea-side, to defend the national honor and preserve the national life. Is it any wonder that, at the first onset, our undisciplined ranks, fight as portions of them might, would show signs of precipitancy, and inexperience ? Nay, is it not a wonder that at the commencement of this war, like our fathers beating back with their untried columns the serried veterans of England, Ave should have fought as well as we did ? 10* 11-i WIN FIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. At the time General Hancock engaged in bis first fight on the lines of the Potomac, and in other parts of Virginia, spies and rebel emissaries swarmed all around him. He was constantly on the alert for these decoys of the enemy. A few weeks after he had gone to the front,- three companies of the Cameron Dragoons, under Major S. E. Smith, commanded respectively by Captain Wil- son, Company F, Lieutenant Stetson, Company H, and Lieutenant Hess, Company C, were sent out on a scout along the roads leading to Fairfax Court House and Hunter's Mills, Virginia. Arriving at a point about a mile distant from Fairfax Court House, these three officers, with eight privates, encountered an equal number of the rebel cavahy. They immedi- ately attacked the rebels, but they fled in haste to a contiguous cover of woods. Li the hurry of the chase they passed through a fruit orchard, when one of the rebels dismounted, and resting his five-shooter against a tree, fired three shots at Major Smith. All of them passed him. The party now attempted to draw the rebels from their woody cover, but in vain. Soon after they joined their companions of the main body, and rode on to Hunter's Mills. When near the latter place, Captain Wilson and Lieutenant Stetson discovered HIS FIRST FIGHT FOR THE UNION. 115 a rebel — the same who had been trymg to kill the Major with his carbine from behind the shelter of a tree — now endeavoring to escape. They dashed after the man, and soon returned with him as a prisoner to camp. He was immediately brought to the pres- ence of Greneral Hancock, who recognized him, bj? his appearance, to be a dangerous spy. "Your name is Yollin, I believe?" said the General. "Yes, sir ;" replied the rebel, for a moment thrown off' his guard. "Ah ! Yollin — or Yillain — I am glad to see you. We have been looking for you for some time past." Mr. Yollin, or Yillain, was appropriately cared for. The Greneral had dealt with secessionists before. "You are aware of the fate usually awarded to spies, Mr. Yollin?" continued Hancock. "I — sup — pose — I — am," stammered the guilty wretch. " Then you will please prepare for it at your earli- est convenience, Mr. Yollin! Good morning, sir." The brigade of General Hancock was specially serviceable in the work of procuring supplies. On different occasions hay, corn, sheep, and beef cattle were brought in by his men, to the evident disgust of the rebels and to the satisfaction of all who had the right to share in the spoils of war. The enemy 116 WIN FIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. soon found that their foraging parties were not the only ones in the field. On the 21st of October he accompanied and took part in the reconnoissance made by the heavy de- tachment sent out from his camp to Flint Hill, Vir- ginia. The party consisted of portions of Mott's and Ayres's batteries, and companies of the Fifth Eegu- lars, and from Colonel Freeman's regiment of artillery attached to the Division of General W. F. Smith. This timely movement resulted in discovering the position of the rebels, and the apparent number of his forces in the vicinity. It was one of the first reconnoitring parties in which Hancock participated in his new position of Brigadier General. The spirit that animated the Union troops under Hancock, at the time of which we are now writing, is well illustrated by an incident. It is one of many of a similar character then taking place. After the battle of Ball's Bluft; of the 21st of Oc- tober, in which the gifted and gallant Senator Ed- ward D. Baker so nobly fell for his country and liberty, the brave soldiers who had borne themselves so steadily in that fight were publicly addressed : " Soldiers !" said the speaker, " these are terrible gaps that I see before me in your ranks. They remind me, and you all, of our dead on the field of battle; HIS FIJ^ST FIGHT FOR THE UNION. 117 of our wounded comrades in the hospitals ; of kin- dred and friends weeping at home for those who filled the vacant places that once knew them, but that shall now know them no more forever. Soldiers! I ask you now and here, in full view of all this, are you ready again to meet the traitorous foe ? Are you willing again to peril your lives for the liberties of your country ? Would you go with me to the field to-morrow ? Would you go to-day ? Would you go this moment?" There was but the pause of an instant, when the reply; " Yes !" " Yes 1" " Yes I" came with a shout from the thousands of the line. The commander was answered. CHAPTER XIII. IN THE CAMPAIGN OF '6 2. '' When we manage by a just foresight, Success is prudence, and possession right." Thomson, r|lHE campaign of the Union forces in Virginia I during the winter of 1862, with all its quiet, possessed a great relative importance. The public sentiment of the country, which had been almost wildly enthusiastic at the first outbreak of the rebel- lion, was now beginning to settle down on a calmer basis. There was as much real patriotism in the land, but it was not so demonstrative as it had been. Our contest was beginning to assume an overshad- owing importance im the eyes of the European na- tions. The leaders of opinion there were evidently much surprised at the extent of the preparations so refidily and continuously made by the United States. Our successes, notwithstanding the manifest disad- vantages under which we fought, had more than (118) IN THE '62 CAMPAIGN. 119 equalled our own expectations. The sentiments of the masses of the most intelligent people of Europe were turning strongly in our favor, although the aris- tocracy and their allies endeavored, by the most infa- mous falsehoods, to mislead and silence it. The wicked hope was indulged by the. rebels at home and their sympathizers here and abroad, that the vast multitude of the laboring classes, who were suffering so bitterly for want of work in consequence of the famine of American cotton, would rise in revolt against their own rulers, and thus, on the plea of domestic revolution and anarchy, compel foreign governments to intervene in American afflxirs. This would have exactly suited the rebels. It was their constant inspiration, their unfailing aspiration, by day and by night. Such an intervention as they thus hoped, prayed and plotted for, would have brought us into war with England and France, com- pelled the opening of our blockaded ports, supplied the rebels with mone}^ and munitions of war, divided the North, and secured an ignoble peace in the cer- tain destruction of the Union. But the operations of this gigantic and nefarious plot were no sooner commenced than they were dis- covered and thwarted. By the special favor of that Divine Providence which, in the language of Jeffer- 120 WINFIELD, THE LAIVYER'S SON. SON; 'ever manifests its interest in the affairs of na- tions/ our crops bad been more abundant that year than ever before. We had enough not only to sup- ply the wants of the people at home, to furnish the vast rations required for our immense army and navy, but we were able to begin to send those car- goes of food to the starving operatives abroad, the reception of which during that year, and the early part of the year following, by these victims of the wicked rebellion in America, at once opened their eyes to the true nature of our great struggle, and made the vast majority of them, as they are at this day, our firm and devoted friends. The threatened foreign revolt in favor of the aristocratic and slav- ocratic treason of America was thus nipped in the bud. It was literally choked in its very birth with the fulness of bread sent to its needy cradle by the American Union. The occupation of the alien and native plotters for the overthrow of our Kepublic, like that of Othello, was all gone. " The Cioud-capped towers, the goi'geous pahiees, The polcmn temples," which the charlatan oligarchs, the sham aristocrats and lying priests of American slavery had thus madly endeavored to rear on the ruins of the United States, were speedily dissolved; 7A' THE 'G2 CAMPAIGN. 121 "Aiid, like an unsubstaiitiiil pageant faded, Left not a wreck behind." This impious spirit of synipatliy with the most wicked rebellion the world ever saw, has since shown itself, and will probably continue to show itself, in various ways, at different times and places ; but, like a serpent with its head crushed to the earth, while it may endeavor to 'drag its slow length along,' it must sooner or later die the accursed death it so richly deserves. Liberty must finally triumph. Man, every- where, must yet be free. The encampment of the great body of the Union force immediately in front of Washington, had the effect not only to afford complete protection to the national capital and to secure the mobilization, the drill, and discipline of large masses of raw troops, but it drove the rebels into positions they- were poorly prepared to occupy. It was stated, on good rebel authority, that some portions of the army under their General Lee, were reduced to the last extremities. Qn one occasion he was entirely out of provisions, not having the means to cook the next meal for him- self, or to serve the next ration to his soldiers. His outposts were abandoned, one after another, and he made the best of his way to his winter quarters. In this expedient he was compelled to take the only 11 122 WIN FIELD, TJIE LAWYER'S SON. position he could maintain in all that part of Vir- ginia he endeavored to occupy. This was the first lesson of the kind taught the haughty leaders of the rebellion ; and it is evident that its effect was not lost upon them, nor on those they so madly led into dan- ger in so bad a cause. Several important skirmishes occurred during this winter. The rebel foraging parties were frequently met by those of the Union, affording fresh opportu- nities to prove the mettle of our men. On one occa- sirn the rebel General Stuart, on whose vaunted prowess much dependence was placed by his associ- ates and followers in treason, was met by the Union General Ord, and severely worsted. Stuart had with him in his foray four regiments of infanty and a six- gun battery ; but he was completel}^ routed, losing many in killed and prisoners. The spring of 1862 opened on the country under a stead}^ advance of the Union cause. Our limits confine us more particularly to those events in which General Hancock took an immediate part. The yqtj important rebel position at Port Eoyal, South Caro- lina, had been captured late the preceding fall. Several battles had been won in Missouri, Kentucky, at Fort Pulaski. Georgia, and on the Western waters, and a new impulse given to the navy by the launching IK THE '62 CAMPAIGN. 123 of several of the new iron Monitors. The pulse of the people beat stronger than ever for the Union. The Union f9rces under General Banks were ad- vancing through the Valley of the Shenandoah, and the general aspects of the campaign were favorable ; but the first great movement of the spring of '62 was that made on the Virginia Peninsula, in the direction of Eichmond. The period of muster and drill in encampment had passed. The commanding General of that portion of the national forces known as the army of the Potomac, addressed his troops with the assurance that he considered them 'magnificent in material, admirable in discipline and instruction, excellently equipped and armed,' and led by commanders who were all that could be desired. Heroic exertions, rapid and long marches, desperate conflicts and se- vere privations were announced as before them. It was now the middle of March, and the glorious news had come of the victory of Burnside over the rebels at Eoanoke Island and Newborn, North Caro- lina. By this victory Ave had captured three light batteries of field artillery, forty-six heavy siege guns, large stores of fixed ammunition, three thousand stands of small arms, and several thousand prisoners. The important preparations for the contemplated 124 W INF IE LB, THE LAWYER'S SON. onward movement were completed in March; and near the close of that month the army was transferred from its camp, fronting Washington, to the Peninsular region extending from Fortress Monroe, -in Virginia, up the waters of the James and York rivers. Our first reconnoissance in that direction resulted in our occupying the commanding and somewhat celebrated position of Big Bethel. It was at this point, about a year before, that one of our first bat ties occurred with the enemy — resulting, in conse- quence of false information given by scouts, in the death of Major Theodore Winthrop and Lieuten- ant John T. Greble — two of the most accomplished and gallant soldiers in the United States army. The occupation of this post by our troops was a surprise as well as a disadvantage to the enemy. A strong detachment of infantry, cavalry and artillery was detailed for the purpose, accompanied by two companies of Berdan's Sharp-shooters, in the advance. Rebel spies, as usual, were met at various points of the route. Every bush, and house, and fence was carefully watched for the peering eye or rifle of some hidden rebel. But only women and children were to be seen. If there Avere any of treason's belligerents about, they were too closely hid to be seen by our advance. Some of the Union yeomanry looked good- IN THE '62 CAMPAIGN. 125 naturedly at^iis from their fields, door-yards and piazzas, as we passed silently on. There are numerous comfortable and handsome mansions in this vicinity. The soil and climate are highly favorable to agriculture, and the associations of the route gave a peculiar interest to the march. But the most of the mansions and plantations were deserted, their late occupants having taken service in the rebel army. As our troops passed from the open country into the woody interval occupied by the works of Big Bethel, they found that the enemy had deserted them. This was rather a surprise to us: for,. after the boast- ing we had heard that the chivalry never would run, whatever might be the odds against them, we ex- pected, of course, they would make a stand here — especially as their works were strong and well sur- rounded for defence. There were five breastworks in the fortification, each a few rods in length. Three of them mounted one gun. The other two were of greater dimension?, mounting six guns each. On the right flank was a dense grove, which afforded material protection. The broad space in front, a part of which was marshy and miry, sloped toward the York river, and was fully commanded by the guns. 11* 126 WINFJELD, THE LAWYEirS SON. It was soon perceived that there were'armed rebels on the opposite shore of the stream. A few shots sent among them by our sharp-shooters caused a speedy stampede. In their flight they attempted to tear up the planks of the intervening bridge ; but a few more shots taught them to be more accommodat- ing to travellers. The planks partially removed were soon replaced ; but the rebels had gained so much the start, and ran so fast, our men could not catch them. In one of the contiguous houses a trick was dis- covered, which, considering it was done by a chival- rous Virginian, is almost equal to anything of the kind achieved by a despised ' Yankee.' As our troops entered they were accosted by the lady occupant : " What do yer want here ?" " We are looking for rebels, madam." " Well ! there ain't none in this house ! An' you'n better clear out, mighty quick !" "It is our orders to search qyqtj house, madam; and we cannot leave until we have searched yours." " Sarch my house, yer mean Yankees ! I should like to see yer do it !" " You will have that pleasure, then, madam ; for we shall certainly look through your premises, from garret to cellar." IN THE '62 CAMPAIGN. 127 " Yer will ? Well, if yer will, yer must. But'n yer won't find nobody 'yere but a pewer old sick un." " Is it a sick man, madam ?" "No! yer 'quisitive critters! It's my husband's aunt Betty. Been sick for goin' on ten yeres." "Where is she?" " Up charmber, there !" Without more ceremony our troops passed into the attic, and there, between the sheets, half-hidden by a bed-rid crone, they found an armed rebel, lying at his length, with his boots on ! He had not' even taken the trouble to brush them, nor in any way to arrange his dress as he sought his couch, being covered from head to foot with spatterings of mud and water. The ' sleeping beauty,' as our men called him, was tenderly rolled out on the floor, and made a prize of war. CHAPTER XIV. AT YORKTOWN. "With common men There needs too oft the show of war to keep The substance of sweet peace." King Henry VIII. ON the 15tli of April, 1862, the national troops advanced from Old Point Comfort, Virginia, where they had landed from Washington, toward Yorktown. This memorable spot, it will be recol- lected, is the site of the surrender of Lord Cornwal- Lis to General Washington, near the close of the Eevolutionary war. It is one of the oldest towns in the country, the capital of York county, and situated on the right bank of the York river, about seventy miles south of Eichmond. English settlers first reached there in the year 1705. It was once quite a flourishing place ; but the deleterious influences at work have been its bane for more than a century. It now numbers only forty houses within its precincts. The position is commanding, especially with refer- (128) AT YORKTOWN. 129 ence to the passage of vessels, and tlie rebels had resolved to make the most of it. They threw up strong entrenchments, mounted some of the largest guns they could command, especially those stolen from the United States Navy Yard at the contiguous port of Norfolk, and garrisoned it with about ten thousand picked troops, under Magruder, one of their most energetic and unscrupulous commanders. This arrant traitor had served for many years in the Union army, had received his education at the national mili- tary school, at the expense of the American people, and, with all his crude vagaries, was considered one of our best artillery ofl&cers. He was one of those common, artfiil men who keep up a seeming of war by means of bluster; who love to fire guns for the mere purpose of making a noise ; and who hold a continuance of peace by a show of power which they do not possess. It was emphatically so at Yorktown. But the Union army, not being aware how comparatively inferior the defences and small the garrison of York- town really were, passed on to its conquest with almost its entire strength. The advance was begun on the 4:th of April, with General Morrill's brigade, of General Porter's divi- sion, in the night; two companies of the Third Penn- 130 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. sylvania cavalry and a portion of Berdan's Sharp- shooters, who had just rendered such efifective service at Big Bethel, deployed as skirmishers. The advance rested at a spot within six miles of Yorktown, and at ten o'clock on the morning of the 5th they were in front of the ramparts of the enemy. Magruder, according to his invariable custom of bluster, soon opened fire, regardless of consequences. He was promptly replied to by the batteries of Cap- tain Griffin, the Third and Fourth Ehode Island and Fifth Massachusetts, who sent back two shots for every one from the rebels. The cannonading continued briskly until sunset. The fight was resumed the ensuing day, the brig- ade of General Hancock being early in the field, and taking an active part. The artillery firing was con- stant on both sides. ^ Every attempt of the rebels to make sorties and charges resulted disastrously. They were always glad to retreat behind their entrench- ments. The great body of our men had never been under fire, but those in view of the vigilant eye of Hancock were kept bravely up to the work, his expe- rience in artillery practice being of great service. As the sun of the afternoon, deflecting from the water, glanced on our bright pieces, they afforded a good mark for the enemj^, who made the most of their AT YORKTOWK. 131 position behind their high ramparts. New troops coming on the ground, relieved the exposed and wearied gunners. The Sixth Ehode Island battery and Fifth Massachusetts, arriving in the height of this part of the engagement, rendered most important service. It was quite near sundown when the last gun was fired. Our men always took care to have the closing shot. On a subseqent day General Hancock led in person a portion of his brigade into the open field in front of the enemy. It was one of the most exposed posi- tions yet occupied by our army. His object was to drive a body of rebels from a piece of woods they occupied, in close proximity to the national works. The troops advanced through the open area, in the face of a deadly fire, drawing themselves directly to- ward the enemy, on their hands and knees. They were now within close musket-range. The rebels, who were cunningly secreted behind trees and stumps, were anxious to induce our men to rise to their feet in order that they might have a bet- ter chance to shoot them down, while they themselves were under cover. To accomplish this object one of the rebel Captains shouted the word "Charge!" — in the vain hope that the Union boys would spring to their feet at the sound, and run. But he and his rebel 132 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. allies were very mucli mistaken. We did nothing of the sort ; but, on the contrary^ kept our recum- bent position unchanged, every man with his gun loaded and cocked, his bayonet fixed, and steadily advancing on the foe. Again came the rebel Captain's command : '' Charge bayonet !" This time the rebels rose to their feet, as if to rush forward upon us. But before they had moved an inch a command came from Hancock's side : " Fire !" The well-aimed rifles blazed in an instant in the very faces of the rebels. They fell back in dismay, leaving their dead and wounded behind them on the field. During the skirmish a new rebel battery, w^hich had been erected only the previous Sunday night, opened on our men, with the intention of driving off the advance. But the guns of Hancock soon silenced and dismantled it. This was a sudden and severe lesson to the rebels. They had foolishly supposed, it seems, that the na- tional troops were all, or nearly all, especially the vol- unteers, terribly afraid of the idea of being charged upon by rebel steel. They even went so far in their foll}^ as to suppose that if they should only cry AT YORKTOWN. 133 to tlieir men, in the face of our advancing columns, the word " Charge !" we should instantly take to onr heels and scamper from the field. This experience with the brave men under Han- cock taught them a different and very salutary lesson. It is evident from the history of the comments made upon it by the rebel presses, that the position at Yorktown was held to be of the greatest import- ance to the continued success of the rebellion. One of the editors, speaking by authority, on the loth of April, says : " The issue at Yorktown is tremendous. When the battle does come off it will be a fearful one, for the stake is enormous. Confederate leaders and sol- diers feel that the issue involves the fate of the coun- try. The contest cannot long be deferred. The news of a terrible battle may startle us at any moment. "Wave, Richmond! all thy bnnuers wave, And charge with all thy chivalry ! " Not only the fate of the temporary seat of govern- ment, but of Eastern Virginia, and even more than that trembles in the balance. '' We presume that President Davis himself will be on the field, as he has intimated." Immediately after the appearance of this fiery out- burst of chivalric eloquence, the rebels began the 1-2 13 i WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. construction of large fortifications on the Gloucester side of Yorktovvn. The works were in sight of the Union gunboats. About one thousand men were at work on the fortifications ; but the arrival of the gunboat Sehago, with a hundred-pound rifled Parrott gun, soon dispersed the rebels. She threw her shot, at the distance of three miles, which were so well aimed that they could be seen falling in the midst of the rebels and exploding with fatal effect. The killed and wounded were carried off by the enemy in con- siderable numbers, and the remaining combatants were glad to hide themselves under the cover of the adjacent woods. At every attempt to renew their work they were driven back, and finally compelled to abandon it. Our assaults on the Yorktown works now con- tinued for several days in succession. The weather was favorable for operations, and our army made the most of it. Occasional attempts at sorties were made by the enemy — on one evening with a force of three thousand men — but they were invariably repulsed with severe loss to the rebel garrison. By two o'clock in the afternoon of Monday,. April 17th, a section of Union artillery was planted within balf a mile of the rebel works, near the river, and AT YORKTOWN. 135 well supported by infantry. The rebel works were assailed from this point with good effect. On the morning following the rebels advanced with a force of one thousand men, and commenced to strengthen one of their batteries located about three miles to the left of Yorktown. A battery was very soon brought to bear on them, when they were not only reduced to terms of quiet, but compelled to beat a very hasty retreat. A brisk fire was kept up by our guns for four hours; during which the rebel cannon were dismounted without the ceremony of being unlimbered. The Union gunboats advanced nearer to the seat of the action as it progressed. On the 24th of April one moved up Wormley's creek, early in the morn- iBg, and threw her shells with force at the rebel works. At a distance of four miles the shells ex- ploded in the midst of the enemy. A dashing movement was made on an advanced lunette of the rebels, earlyin the morning of April 28th, by company H, of the First Massachusetts re-iment. The works were carried, and the enemy, consisting of two companies of infantry, driven back. Our men moved over open, soft ground, some six hundred yards, receiving the fire of the rebels at a dis- tance of fifty yards; they did not return it, but rushed l:}6 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. over the ditcli and parapet in the most gallant maii- ner. The rebels were not prepared for so chivalrous an act from the scorned Northrons. They broke and ran in all directions the moment they saw the heads of our men coming up the glacis and over the sum- mit. We took a number of prisoners, and effectually destroyed the works. On the 2d of May the Union siege batteries opened on the whole length of the enemy's line. The effect was very severe. Our own works had been con- structed with great care, and the guns placed in posi- tion were of the heaviest calibre suitable for such a siege. The firing was kept up on both sides, for a time, with great animation, although the loss of life was comparatively small. Our environment of the rebels had been complete. The Union parallels and batteries had gone up day by day, night by night, within point-blank range of the enemy. His fire had been unceasing, and, at times, vexatious. But it was not long ere we had more than one hundred siege guns and mortars in favorable positions for the reduction of the walls. The sending of a war-balloon from our side on the afternoon of the 3d of May, and the display of large signal lanterns in the evening, gave the enemy cer- tain ranges for their guns, which opportunities they AT YORKTOWN. 137 promptly improved. But at the hour of midnight the shelling from the fort slackened, and bright lights in the vicinity of the water batteries of the rebels attracted our attention. Near daylight followed a series of minute guns from inside the works. As the morning advanced, and they grey mist lifted from the waters of the river and the adjacent lowlands, floating away like gossamer in the breeze from Hamp- ton Roads, it was discovered that the vaunting chiv- alry had deserted its flaunting colors, and fled from the sacred precincts their treason had polluted. York- town was evacuated ! At six o'clock on the morning of the 4:th of May, detachments of Union troops from Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania marched over the ram- parts and occupied the deserted fort. In a moment more the national ensign, full and free, floated from the abandoned flagstaff, and the victorious troops greeted it with hearty cheers. The victory was complete and a great one. The rebels had occupied Yorktown with over ten thou- sand of their picked men. They had kept at work for months three thousand slaves, building fortifica- tions and locating guns. The works were of the strongest kind then constructed in the country. They formed an immense connected fortification, with its 12* 138 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON. numerous salient angles. The clitclies were deep, the parapets lofty, and difficult to scale. The water bat- tery below commanded the river on the Yorktown side, while that at Gloucester Point, on the opposite shore, was equally effective. The guns were the best that could then be obtained — a portion of them in most commanding positions being Dahlgrens, Colum- biads and sea-coast pieces of good range. An im- mense area in front of the works, over which the Union troops would have been compelled to march, in case an assault had been attempted, was swept completely by the rebel fire. Deep gorges, ravines and swamps were all around and inside the fortifica- tions, presenting the most formidable natural obsta- cles to our advancing columns. The occupation of Yorktown gave us possession, with the fort, of eighty guns in all, and a large amount of material of war. There were four magazines in a good state of preservation. On arriving inside the fort the tents of the rebels were found standing in all directions. Some of these were daubed on their sides with vulgar caricatures of the Union troops ; but, unluckily for their boasted high-toned honor, the delineators had not dared to stay to defend their characteristic specimens of chival- ric art. These gallant knights of pigment and hog- AT YORKTOWN. 139 bristles proferred to leave their galleries to be ad- mired by the eyes of the loathed 'Yankees/ acting on the impulse of the old distich : "He who fights, and runs away, May live to fight — another day." It was rumored that Mr. Davis, the President of the so-called Southern Confederacy, and the rebel Generals Lee and Beauregakd, were present in Yorktown, while the closing part of the siege was in progress ; and that, after much altercation, they ordered the evacuation. On the memorable night of that dis- tracted council, while the Union guns were thunder- ing at the gate for admission, the already conquered rebels, with murderous treachery, secretly buried per- cussion torpedoes in all the passages and approaches. A splendid specimen of chivalry ! A single explo- sion sufficed to uncover the infamous plot, and to thwart completely its 'high-toned' intentions. But the Avorks were ours. Another gateway to Eichmond, the heart of the rebellion, was entered and possessed ; and it remains in the hands of the Union to this day. There, with all its sacred Eevo- lutionary records, may it remain forever ! General Hancock was breveted Major in the United States Eegular Army for his meritorious conduct at Yorktown, his brevet dating from the 4th of May, 1862. CHAPTER XV. AT WILLIAMSBURG. "Actions, looks, words, steps, form the alphabet by which you may spell characters." — Lavater. fTlHE battle of Williamsburg, Virginia, was fought X on the 4th of May, 1862. The Union advance, leaving Yorktown in the possession of a sufficient garrison, reached the rear of the rebels, under one of their best leaders, General J. E. Johnson, on the morning of that day. The battle commenced imme- diately, and was continued, at intervals, until after sundown. The march from Yorktown to Williamsburg had been made with much caution. It was a surprise to the enemy. He had no idea we would leave our en- trenched works at the former place so soon after possessing them. White flags skirted the road as our troops passed on. The male occupants of the houses had nearly all fled, leaving behind their women, children, and servants. In the vicinity of Williamsburg the rebels had (140) AT WILLIAMSBURG. 141 thrown up strong entrenchments. Their force had been materially increased by additions from Eich- mond and other camps. It was evident they were bent on making a determined stand. The morning of onr approach Avas dark and dreary. The rain fell in torrents. Hooker, Smith, Kearney and Heintzleman were among the first to enter the action. It raged during the day, and by four o'clock in the afternoon was at its height. Many of the offi- cers and men were under fire for the first time, in the open field of battle. Several of the youngest of the former were subject to the most trying ordeals of their courage and presence of mind, as they rode, in the position of Aids, among the descending showers of shot and shell. General Keyes came up with a divison of reinforce- ments at a critical juncture, aided by that venerable officer. General Casey. Couch, followed by a consid- erable body of cavalry and artillery, joined in the fight at this point, on the left, while Hancock was pressing the enemy on the right. Our troops fought with heroic valor. The vacancies rapidly made in the lines were as rapidly filled ; and the surging col- umns pressed steadily on, meeting the enemy face to face, shot for shot, man for man. General Hancock had called for reinforcements, and 142 WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'^ i