STORIES of the CIVIL WAR. in PROSE and POEM BY N. B. SEELEY Class t^^^X Book ^^ COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. N". B. SEEJLiK^^ STORIES OF THE CIVIL WAR IN PROSE AND POEM BY N. B. SEELEY. LiBRA?^Y of OCf^S'^fcSSg Vv»o Copies Heceiv(*^} APR 25 3 905 :.09i*rigiii tniry //3 /%^ To Ali. Who Love Their Country, Respect and Keep Its Laws, This Work Is Dedicated. ♦ ♦ ♦ PREFACE During the last one hundred and thirty years some- body from each generation of my ancestry has given hon- orable service in the army of the United States, yet I ha^e never advocated war. I have always believed that all questions can peacefully he settled if both parties in- volved in a controversy will submit their grievances in a fair manner for investigation to an unprejudiced com- mission. Hozvever, when I enlisted in the army of the United States the condition of the National Government seemed to require thott the number of able bodied men asked for by the War Department should quickly respond. I there- fore did not consider the act of enlisting a contradiction to my earlier predilection. In relation to my experience and observations during three years and five months, zvhich is the period of time I gave my country in fulfilment of my enlistment agree- ment, this little book I now present to my friends zvill briefly tell in part. But fnany interesting, exciting and perhaps thrilling incidents which in divers ways gave me much of my ex- perience in the Civil War are not mentioned in this zvrit- ing, because I have found myself wholly unable to recall them with a sufUcient degree of clearness to be able to write intelligently concerning them, now after an interim of forty years. The Author. STORIES OF THE CIVIL WAR IN PROSE AND POEM Chapter I. During the months of February and March, Eight- een Hundred and Sixty-two, a number of men were en- listed at Suspension Bridge, New York, toi serv^e in the Union army. At this time I was an orphan hving with my grandparents, but as I was not bound by law to stay with them, I felt at liberty to engage myself to perform any serv^ice for whom I pleased, and, being at the bridge one day, I intentionally walked into the office of the man who was raising a company, and there met Captain Mitchell and also Colonel Fisk. After I had spoken and made known that I wanted to enlist. Captain Mitchell said : "Colonel, is this young man big enough for a sol- dier?" "Oh, yes," was the Colonel's prompt reply. At once the Captain wrote my name as one accepted for service in his company. I hastily returned to my home and shortly after that told my grandparents that I had enlisted in the army. ADIEU, GRANDMA. Once upon a time I stood near serene old age And listened to some history from tra- dition's page; Her voice had a quaver soft, and a sweet and ♦ gentle sound While it revealed to me some olden truths ^, in history found. S T O R I E S O F T H E C I V I I. \\' A R. It was my Grandma speaking — she whom I loved most dear — And when she was done telHng 't was the Indians she feared, I broke in upon her as I had oftimes done before, Saying, as I am enHsted, I must go off to war. I know the dangers of a war ; I've heard the whoop and yell, For in the Revolution War I was a little girl ; I've listened to my father's words when I heard him tell How he and brothers all were in the War of Eighteen Twelve. While Grandma talked I went into a time of reflection ; I thought, the cmcial time has come; I can't change nw election ; And rising to go, she said, how long will you have to stay ? Then I replied, three years or less, but I can't have my way. Then Grandma breathed a sigh, and wif)ed a tear away; It seemed that anguish filled her heart that very day. So alas ! the while she swooned, I refused to stay — Thus in the light of her sincere love ever since I've strayed. 6 Stories of the Civil War. A few days later I reported myself at Camp Morgan, which was near Buffalo, New York. It was not long after that when the men I was associated with were or- dered to go tO' New York City. At the latter place the various companies of recruits w^ere organized into a regi- ment. Now the company I had enlisted in was desig- nated Company I, and the regiment it had been joined to was called the 78th New York Volunteer Infantry. The 78th Regiment was soon sent to Washington, D. C, and there drew accoutrements, also three days' rations for every man, and upon the next following day the regi- ment by way of railroad went to Harper's Ferry, Vir- ginia. Upon the arrival at the latter place the soldiers soon learned that the Union forces near Winchester, Vir- ginia, commanded by General N. P. Banks, had been de- feated in an engagement with a troop commanded by the Confederate General Stonewall Jackson, and that the Federal army was rapidly falling back on Harper's Ferry. The news coming just when the regiment was getting off the cars, caused some of the men to allow their nerves to rise to a high tension, so much, in fact, that they at once began a desultory firing across the Potomac river at various objects which they mistook for the enemy. They were reproved for such disorderly conduct, and imme- diately marched across the river and, passing a little dis- tance beyond, formed a line of battle. Night was ap- proaching, dark clouds were rising fast and high above the horizon, and we coiild already see flashes of light- ning, so it was obvious that the first day at the front might severely test the men in the regiment. At 8 o'clock p. m. the Sergeant came to me and said : "Seeley, get ready for picket. Report at once to the Ad- jutant for duty." When I received the above order I was Stories of the Givil War. quite ready for anything, because I was standing in a line of battle, erect with all my trappings on my person. Therefore, in less time than it takes to tell it, I had gone t)ack to the rear a few rods and reported myself to the proper officer, joining there with twenty other privates. A lieutenant marched us to the front a few rods on the Winchester road, then turning to the right, went on until we came to the Potomac river. Then sentinels were sta- tioned. Soon five were left on the bank of the river, where the descent tO' the water was twenty or thirty feet. I was one left here, and was the first to go on duty. My turn on guard lasted an hour. About the time I was relieved a furious wind, ac- companied with thunder and lightning, came. Soon all took shelter under a ledge of rock just down the bank a little distance, excepting the sentinel. The night was so dark we could see but little, and the constant roaring sound from water running everywhere made it necessary that we should be every moment on the watch. Suddenly we heard a voice say "Halt!" Then the lightning's flash enabled us tO' see a squad of rebels. They were on the top of the bank. At once we saw one man step out of ihe line and take a position as a picket. At almost the same moment our own guard came down to our covert place under the rock. We all understood the situation we were in. It was that we were cut off from our own forces in the vicinity of the ferry. The question was, what should we do? We could either kill or capture the rebel guard, but that would not be wise because, having arrived at the place after dark that night, we had no knowledge of its topography, and there was behind a steep descent covered with rocks and brush, and at the bottom a leaping, roaring current, the depth of which we 8 Stories of thk Civil War. did not know. Before and on the top of the bank leading toward our forces was a rebel line, whose strength we did not know. We conversed with each other and reached no definite conclusion as to what course to take. Finally one of our party, whose name was Gillet, and whose Christian name I confess I've quite forgotten, and^ myself agreed to try to> go to our camp, so we left our comrades there and stealthily began to move up the bank, and when we had gone far enough to see another of their pickets, we threw ourselves prostrate on the ground and pushed and pulled ourselves inch by inch until we had succeeded in passing the rebel pickets undiscovered. Once more upon our feet we started in what seemed the right direction, but suddenly were challenged. Believing we were within the enemy's lines, we loth would give our- selves up to the challenger, so acting according to our own choice, crouching low down on the ground, again we moved back, but not in the way we had come, but in the direction we imagined the Harper's Ferry and Winches- ter road was in. After great annoyance and fatigue we reached our objective. Here the evil star that was lead- ing quickly banished and we saw our goal, for not only had we found the road we sought, but also found a dilap- idated building close by the public road. A peculiarity of this structure which my companion had noticed the evening before enabled us to reason out to our great sat- isfaction the right direction to our army lines. After trudging awhile we received another challenge, but feel- ing confident we were right this time, we gave ourselves up and were immediately taken to headquarters, where shortly we made a report to the Colonel of the regiment of our experience through the night. Stories of the Civii. War. Chapter II. In the early spring of Eighteen Hundred and Sixty- two the 78th regiment had no serious engagement with the enemy. Shortly after our skirmish at Harper's Ferry which is mentioned in the previous chapter, the enemy retreated and the troop advanced up the Shenandoah val- ley as far as Winchester, and after resting a few days marched on to a town called Little Washington. Here the brigade went intO' camp and remained until the first of August. During this time of hot summer weather and inac- tivity a considerable number of the men became ill. I was myself indisposed, but as I had neyer been seriously sick, I would give my physical condition as little atten- tion as possible. After about twoi weeks of feeling poorly, and when I had lost my natural strength to the extent that I could hardly walk without the aid of a staff, I heard the orderly sergeant shout : "Men, strike tents and get ready to march at a min- ute's notice." In an instant I realized my condition more than ever before. Of course, every member of Company I knew I could not go on the march. Several large tents had been pitched a few rods distant, and these were being used for hospital purposes. Already a number of sick from the regiment had been taken there for medical treatment. Soon the regimental surgeon recommended that I go to the hospital. I imagine I had hardly reached it before I saw the troops marching away. The nurse made room for me in a short time, and I was given a cot to lie upon. In a few days I began to feel better. Then we were moved into Little Washington, and quartered there in buildings. 10 Stories o? the Civii. War. In about two weeks I commenced to feel some in- creasing strength, but yet was very weak from my recent fever. Now a man who had been occupying a cot next to mine for the next last several days suddenly jumped from his bed about 2 o'clock a. m., and walking across the room disappeared through the window. I, believing the act of the fellow an unnatural one, immediately called to the nurse. Presently he was brought back, and falling: upon his bed, he died in a minute or two. In a short time thereafter I did the impropriety to arise and go tO' the exit door tO' the front of the room, and standing there,. I saw a man sitting on the step leading up to the door. Presently addressing the individual, I said "Good morn- ing," and without waiting for a reply I added, ''Yood look like a reb." He smiled, and replying said, "Maybe I am."' I then asked him what regiment he belonged to. He an- swered the Fourth Texas Rangers. Although we had known some time before that the enemy might capture us any day, yet when I learned that I really had to- sumbit to being made a prisoner, I thought, since I was just begin- ning to convalesce from fever, how might it be with me in the rebel prison ? If it should prove these Texans were guerrillas, I thought perhaps they wouldn't honor my per- sonal property, so' I slowly withdrew into the room where my bed was, and there separated my money. I took from my pocketbook sixty dollars and placed them in the hol- low of my foot, then drew on my sock and shoe. When I did that I left a ten dollar bill of Confederate money and three dollars of federal money in my wallet, and as soon as I had made the foregoing arrangement I laid down again upon my bed and patiently aw^aited the al- ready approaching morning. At last the morning came, ushering in what prom- II Stories of the Givii. War. ised to be a fair day and at about 7 a. m. the nurse told all the sick in our ward that the orders of our captors were that every man that could walk had to go out into the street. In response to this order I went into the street in front of our quarters and there met with about fifty confederates. Shortly two of them came to me and with- out any more preliminary asked if I had any knifes or pistols. I answered "I have not." Then they further asked whether I had any counterfeit money. I replied as before. One of them added : ''You fellows have been passing bad money on the people here and claiming all the time it was good. Now let me see what you have." In compliance with his request I forthwith handed him my pocketbook. He scrutinized its contents and gave it back, saying as he did, "that money is all right, but if that Confederate ten you have there was counterfeit, we'd hang you to the limb of one of these trees, but it's better than your greenbacks." I now felt some relieved, because if the man was in earnest or jesting I could not know. At any rate, I considered, judging from his manner of ad- dress, that it was fortunate that I was not found to have any spurious Confederate money in my possession. Then the officer in charge of the squad gave me a written per- mit to gO' to the Union military lines at the nearest place from there which, upon inquiry, I learned were twenty- five miles distant. The 78th Regiment at that time was with Major General Pope's army, near Cedar Mountain, Virginia, and was daily retreating a greater distance than I could possibly walk in my enfeebled condition. However, I had but little choice in the premises. The morning upon the following day I and four other comrades started to walk to the Union army lines but we were so weakened 12 Stories of the Civii. War. by our recent illness that we could only go a few steps when we were compelled to rest and of course we were not restored to health enough to care but little for food. So we were not cumbered with rations; just a morsel to eat and some good water was all the refreshments we cared for. After we had trudged for three days, I, seeing some bramble bush in the corner of the fence nearby, called one of my comrade's attention to the object of my dis- covery, and at once we went to the roadside to eat some berries, but had scarcely gotten to the bush when we heard the clatter of horses' hoofs coming out of the woods upon the opposite side of the road. Turning my eyes in that direction I saw a rebel horseman. As quickly as he could he aimed his carbine at me and with a loud voice com- manded me tO' come to him. I had no other alternative than to gO' toward him and as soon as I had gotten up where he was he turned the head of his horse in the di- rection of the woods again and said : "Now, come with me;" but I remonstrated, saying, ''Stranger, you cer- tainly will have to explain what your intentions are be- fore I yield to your order." Then he continued, "Well, who are you ; are you a Yank, scout or spy ?" I answered, "Fm neither one;" adding, I said, "Fm a prisoner of war and I have a pass from one of your officers to go through the army lines at the nearest place." He rejoined, "Let me see your pass." I quickly showed him my pass and, reading it, he said, "That's all right; you may go on." In the meantime my associate had been for a sick man, beating a hasty retreat along the fence. Having my free- dom now, I followed after my friend and as the other comrades stopped to rest, we soon came up and rejoined them. All our experience tended to lessen what remain- 13 Stories of the Civii. War. ing energy we had. There was nothing to encourage us. Our tramp in the enemy's country seemed a fruitless one, nevertheless we kept going slowly on. The following day after I had my remarkable experience with the rebel cavalryman, another Confederate horseman galloped up to us and, upon learning that we were sick men, requested us to go into a plantation house and wait while he went to a military headquarters and told about us. A little while later he returned and told us we would have to go to Richmond with a number of other prisoners. It was not long after that when there came about two hundred Union soldiers under quite a strong guard. Then we were ordered to fall in with them. I saw that they were going at the rate of about four miles an hour. I obeyed orders. Yes I fell in the line, of course, I had to do that, but I knew I could not keep up with those strong healthy men. There was no halt of the column. To keep up now would compel me to move at quick time. This I did for a few rods only, then fainted and fell to the ground. One of the guard dropped out and waited for me to recover. In a minute or two I recovered consciousness and also the captain in charge of the rebel guard came up. While approaching, doubtless he saw from my appearance that I was sick ; at any rate he called a small colored boy and told him to give me a seat behind him upon a mule that he was riding. Later the prisoners and their guard crossed the Rapidan river at a fording place. There the water leaped and rolled over rocks while passing at the rate of four to six miles an hour, and when the procession had gotten finally across there came the old mule with its burden. And as soon as the animal stepped into the dan- gerous place, I heard to my discomfort little children clapping hands and shouting, "Oh ma, ma ! wouldn't it be 14 Stories of the CiviIv War. funny if the old mule, the little nig and Yank would fall down in the water ?" However, we safely crossed to the opposite side of the turbulent stream and were soon rest- ing at Gordonsville. The latter place was the terminus of the Confederate military railroad north from Rich- mond. After giving us some coffee and crackers we were placed in box cars and taken to Richmond. There we staid over night in Libby prison, and the next day crossed the James river to Belle Island. There on the island we joined about five thousand Union soldiers who were prisoners of war. Some of these had been in southern prisons since the first engagements of the war. But as for myself I was not to remain long in captivity, for in about two months all prisoners on the island were paroled and immediately started for Aiken's Landing, which was about fifteen miles from Richmond. It was a sight long toi be remembered to see the procession of prisoners marching slowly toward the land- ing. I imagine if it had not been for the great desire joined with a hope to thus escape from captivity, many a poor comrade's strength would have failed him then. I shall never forget that while coming near where the United States transports lay anchored, which were intended for the prisoners tO' board, the road lead the head of the line over an eminence. This enabled the men marching to see the great ships as fast as each one arrived on the top of the hill. So when the first saw them and also the starry flag flying from the mast head, a cheer rose such as I never heard before. Once strong young men but now emaciated and physically weak, so they could not stand the nerve shock caused by such ex- cessive joy, reeled in their tracks and fell by the roadside. 15 Stories of the Civiiy War. Indeed, so much was depending upon a safe deliverance of hundreds of these comrades from prison that I have never wondered at the frantic cheering which lasted until all were on board the boats and they had left the anchor- age. THE TALKING FI.AG. Beside my country's waving flag I peacefully stood, And while no foe disturbed us. It talked as it could. It told of conflicts more than scores. Of sick and dying men. And grief I never knew till then. I was young so had much to learn; Truth comes very slow. Oft I had thought in childlike way. That wicked acts and blows Are forbidden by all the law. But it told it is just so — That justice is sometimes kept low. It told me that with selfish will, Some clans much evil do; Tho* they be wrong, yet still they fight. And treat their friends ill, too — That all the wicked things they act, Greatest perverseness shows. Yet fast they strike their deadly blows. Sometimes men prove themselves quite weak, Because they will not deign ; They hazard all they have in life For very transient gain. ^ i6 Stories of the Civil War. Their fellow man they often slay, Tho' he be truly just, And thro' him they a dagger thrust. The ship I was aboard took on about fifteen hun- dred men and soon after a meal was served. If the ex- prisoners had had just cause to complain that they re- ceived insufficient food while prisoners they might have equal cause to say that now they received too much. It became apparent tO' all of us that the Government had provided amply for our needs upon this occasion; for every one of the ship's crew from master down to caterer gave cooked pork and beans plentifully and the men ate so freely that many a comrade shortly after the meal had to disgorge. When the boats came near to Fortress Monroe (at which place United States gunboats had do- minion) the United States flag was elevated to the top of the highest mast and then we knew we were beyond Confederate states civil and military authority. A few hours later we arrived at Annapolis, Mary- land, and entered camp parole. After staying there a few weeks, I felt fully restored to my former health. And now an order came that every one that could ren- der effective service in the army should return to his regiment. In compliance with the above order, I and a number of others immediately went from the camp by way of Alexandria, Virginia, tO' Harper's Ferry, arriving there about November, Eighteen Hundred and Sixty- two. I there rejoined my regiment and soon the 78th Regiment left the Feri-y, making a winter march of about eighty miles, and finally going intO' quarters near Fred- ericksburg, Virginia. About two months later, or in February. Eighteen 17 Stories of the Civii. War. the vicinity of Fredericksburg, in which the 78th took no part for the reason that it was guarding the base of supplies on the Potomac river, about ten miles in rear Hundred and Sixty-three, a great battle was fought in of the army. In the month of April next following, the 78th, together with a large portion of the army, crossed the Rappahannock river at Kelly's Ford and passing around in rear of Fredericksburg and the rebel army, gave battle to the enemy at Chancel lorsvi lie. On the first of May the Union line of battle was established across a plank road, and upon the right side as we faced t^ redericksburg, the Union line extended through a woods to an extensive glade and upon the edge of this a right angle was formed and here the 78th took up its position in the line of battle. About 7 o'clock on the morning of the third, the enemy appeared in plain view, being just across the field from us, and shortly they commenced an enfilade fire with shrapnel, which in a short time proved very destructive to our part of the line. A short time after firing began several men that held the regimental flag were either killed or wounded. Finally some one without orders took the flag to the rear. Lieutenant Carter of Company I, was killed by a fragment of a shell piercing his body, and soon Henry Smith's head was shot off. He was next to me on the left, and later David Bix lost a hand ; he was next to me on the right. After remaining about seven hours under the most furious fire from the enemy's guns, and not once being able to reach them with our small arms, save when they made an infantry assault, early in the morning I realized the situation was terrible and there was not a thing to encourage us to remain longer in the line. I then saw there were only two beside myself remaining 18 Stories of the Civii^ War. in Company I. One of these had been a prisoner at the same time I was in the prison. His name was Fred Boy; the other's name was James C. Scott. Just at the same moment I heard the word of command, and looking di- rectly before me I saw three lines of rebel infantry ad- vancing. Seeing how futile it would be for the few that remained to longer stay, we started to retreat, but the enemy fired at us and before we could find cover in the brush close in our rear, my comrade. Boy, fell with a fatal wound. About the same time I stepped into a path. I saw in the path I had entered a few rods ahead of me, four men. They were apparently two Confeder-^ ates and two Union men. As the Confederates carried no guns and were between the Union men, I imagined they had been made prisoners in the fight further down the line. At any rate, they and I were going in the same direction, and although they were moving double quick, they were closed up well on the file leader and I was di- rectly behind them, about one hundred feet. Now a cannon shot, which evidently was either a solid or poorly fused shell, whizzed over my head and killed all four of the men. The sight was truly sickening, but I didn't look at it more than an instant. Seeing I could give no assistance to them, I turned enough to one side to pass their bodies and from that minute until I reached our reserve I lost no time gazing at curious objects on the way. After passing through a woods which seemed to have more brush than trees in it, I finally reached our reserve. Then followed a long search for the 78th Reg- iment. And upon finding it I soon discovered there were but sixty-three men left out of about three hundred, and these had no commissioned officer in command. While it is a fact there were a few men of the regiment who 19 Stories of the Civii. War. had not rejoined it as soon as I had; and they later com- ing in increased the number something above that just mentioned, yet I shall state an additional fact here. That is that the 78th lost in this battle every one of its com- missioned officers save one captain. And as best I can recall, his name was Ransdell. The army fell back and soon began to form a new line of battle. As soon as it was made known where the new line would be established, myself and another man began to chop into the sides of a large tree with a view to fell it in the line. Just when the tree began to fall we looked in the direction it would strike the ground and to our surprise I saw two men there engaged in mak- ing a cup of coffee over a small fire. We loudly called, warning them of their danger, and in their great hurry to make escape one of them shot himself directly through the body. Within the next twenty- four hours the army recrossed the Rappahannock river and w^ent into regular camp. BATTI.E OF GETTYSBURG. About the tenth of June the army broke camp again and began marching towards Harper's Ferry. We con- tinued this march through Maryland and Pennsylvania to Gettysburg. While approaching the latter place on the afternoon of July second, we almost constantly heard the thunder of cannon, and soon we met a long ambulance train and nearly evei-y wagon was filled with men who had been wounded at the front. Soon we arrived on the road entering into the town, near Cemetery hill, and immedi- ately received orders to move to the right. After pass- ing upon a slight elevation for a distance of about one- half mile, the 78th Regiment formed an angle in the line. In a few^ minutes the rebels opened on us with two field 20 Stories of the Civil War. pieces and for a short time it appeared like they would drive us away from there, but shortly a section of Cap- tain Knapp's Pennsylvania battery came to our assist- ance. At this time I was a regimental pioneer, so I car- ried an ax in addition to my gun. Thus having the tool to work with, I was one of twO' called on to fell a tree which obstructed the view of our gunners. While we were chopping into the tree a rebel shell went booming through the top of it. But without delay we felled the tree. Immediately after that our gunners opened on the rebel battery and silenced it. Instanter the word came that the enemy was advancing in our immediate front. Then the entire 78th was ordered tO' advance beyond the line and intercept the enemy. It couldn't be expected that two or three hundred men sent in this way could do more than check the enemy's advances and perhaps discover the extent of its forces. The 78th advanced among the trees and rocks down the side of the hill and soon came face to face with what shortly proved a formidable foe. After exchanging shots repeatedly our line gradually fell back into its former position. But this was effected only after the regiment had lost about eleven killed and many more wounded. Sergeant Church, of Company I, was killed in this en- gagement. The enemy continued to attack this part of the Union line, which was in the angle, and from the vertex to the extreme right with great bravery and force, to the end. But after they had failed to break through our line at any point, on the night of July third they withdrew their forces. So on the fourth we buried the dead without molestation. A few days later we followed the retreating Confed- erate army into Virginia and finally went into camp near 21 Storiks of the CiviIv War. Warrenton Junction. Here it was that I received my only military office. On the first day of September^ Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-three, while preparing for dress parade, Captain Ellis appeared upon the camp street of Company I and, seeing me buckling on my accoutre^ ments, commenced to make jesting remarks, thus: "Why Seeley, I'm going to have you punished." Then quickly changing his manner of address, he continued, "Yes, I've been watching you ever since the regiment entered into field service and have often thought you merited some little favor. So the adjutant wdll read your pro- motion before the regiment in a few minutes." My pro- motion was soon announced and I became corporal in Company I, 78th Regiment New York Volunteer In- fantry. WARRANT. The Commanding Officers of the Seventy-eighth Regi- ment, New York State Volunteer Infantry. To All Who Shall See Tliese Presents, Greeting: Know ye, that reposing trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity and abilities of N. B. Seeley, Private, I do hereby appoint him Corporal in Company I, of the 78th Regiment of New York State Volunteer Infantry, in the service of the United States, to rank as such from the first day of September, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty-three. He is hereby carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Corporal by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging. And I do strictly charge and require all non-commis- sioned officers and soldiers under his command to be obedient to his orders as Corporal. And he is to observe and follow such orders and directions as from time to 22 Stories of the Civii. War. time he shall receive from me or the future commanding officer of the regiment, or other superior officer or non- commissioned officers set over him according to the rules and discipline of war. This warrant to continue in force during the pleasure of the commanding officer of the regiment for the time being. Given under my hand at the headquarters of the regiment at Ellis Ford, Va., this first day of September, in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty-three. By the commanding officer, L. Hammerstein, Commanding the Regiment, Lieu- tenant Colonel. William J. Hammond, Second Lieutenant, Acting Adju- tant of the Regiment. TRANSITION. The soldier thinks not of the battle. While peaceful in the camp; Ofttimes he thinks about his home— And Cupid pays the tramp. He scans the letter and the picture And takes a social game. And joins in jollity and mirth — Thus the camp is never lame. The sergeant shouts an order now, He hastens to obey; The soldier knocks the tripod o'er — He wills to clear the way. 23 Stories of the C i .v i l War. The captain is a jolly man, He gives and takes a joke; But he was taught by soldier lore How best to make a stroke. He lines his troop up in the street, And sees that they've all come; Then quick he shouts, "Now take your arms- The battle has begun." BATTLE OF WAUHATCHIE. Some time in September the 78th Regiment went by way of railroad through the states of West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky to Nashville, Tenness. Upon arriv- ing at the latter place it rejoined Brigadier General Green's brigade and then the command was placed in charge of a long wagon supply train and soon thereafter started with the train for Chattanooga, Tennessee. All went well until the brigade came in the vicinity of Lookout Mountain. Here the entire command, to- gether with its charge, went into camp about eleven miles from its destination. Here is situate Wauhatchie Valley. It is a narrow piece of ground lying between Lookout and Racoon mountains. The same becomes quite acute as it draws near to Chattanooga. It took until midnight for all the wagons and the last regiment to arrive in camp. This had no sooner transpired than the Confed- erate troop under the command of General Wade Hamp- ton came off the brow of Lookout Mountain and made a most furious attack on the Federal forces. This night fight lasted for about two hours with scarcely no cessa- tion, and finally when the enemy retreated it was dis- Stories of the Civil War. covered they had gained nothing. Upon the following morning we found about two hundred of their dead and mortally wounded upon the field. BATTLE OF LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, NOV. 24. A few days after the battle of Wauhatchie the 78th Regiment went into camp not far from the scene of the late conflict and remained until November twenty-fourth when it was ordered to march to the base of Lookout Mountain. There it united with certain other portions of the army. In due time a general advance commenced up the mountain's side against the enemy. The fighting was severe and lasted nearly the whole of two days, at the end of which time the rebels were driven off the mountain and nearly twenty miles beyond and into the state of Georgia. After the enemy had been routed the 78th went back into its former camp and soon thereafter the Government advanced a proposition through the com- manding officer to the members of the regiment that as many as had already served in the regiment for two years or longer might now reinlist for a period of three years in the United States military service. The proposition to reinlist carried with it certain conditions, the principal of which was, first, the Government agreeing to pay each soldier upon re-enlisting the sum of four hundred dollars ; second, the Government agreeing to give each soldier so enlisting a thirty days' furlough. Myself and nearly every one who could accepted the proposition to re- inlist. We all went to our homes and friends once more. After our sojourn in Ncav York, according to the time allowed, we returned to the South and went into camp at Stevenson, Alabama. At this place the 78th Regfiment 25 Stories of the Ci.vii. War. was at once consolidated with the i02d Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry. And here the 78th Regiment lost its identity and name, and this was something al- ways after much deplored by all its original members. REINLISTMENT. Many a long and weary day The veterans strove and fought; Two years of service rendered they. And now to reinlist they've sought. So soon they bind themselves anew Three years more in strife to stay; Furloughed, all these gallant few Have joyful time — just thirty days. They see their northern homes once more — The leafless tree and frozen lake; Ne'er can these be an open door, Inviting them great pleasure take; Save living there some are adored, But man nor clime can change a fate ; And tho' the cup of joy is full, 'Tis time, alone, that brings a date. Thus happy days they spend! And now Some celebrate their nuptial time. While others a plighted vow renew. Thus all true hearts run like a rhyme, And truth and candor use the time And set each heart a-tune and right; So all the stars that beam at night Prove strife is hid. Peace is in sight! 26 Stories of the Civil War. But vowing at the end of time — The thirty days among their friends — That they again shall stand in line, So civil pleasures they must end. Soon with brave comrades they will join, And there contend in greatest strife For right, which is on them enjoined, So more than all their pledge is rife. Now fortitude gives strength to bear A last parting from truest friends. While earnest prayers rise toward heaven. That peace and gladness God will send. But lo ! they all go back to arms, 'Tis the behest of the nation; Where each with other share alike, As soon as each resumes his station. About the fifteenth of February, Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-four, I was sent with nineteen other men to Nashville to procure and drive to Chattanooga six hun- dred mules. Now, the orders were that each man, after procur- ing a saddle and bridle, should select one animal from the herd and use that one for his mount whilst assisting in driving the whole drove. So I selected the smoothest one I could see and with the help of two other comrades I adjusted saddle and bridle to the animal and quickly effected a mount. At once my comrades gave me entire control of the beast and I urged it to go, but it refused, and the next minute it was capering. The animal reared fore and aft and finally it laid down and attempted to 27 Stories of the Ci-vil War. roll over, and I really think it would had it not been for the presence of the saddle. The first of May the army made a general advance against the enemy and at a place called Resaca, in the state of Georgia, a battle was fought lasting two days. The I02d Regiment was not actively engaged in the fight until the afternoon of the second day. Then it was or- dered to advance through a woods, and while thus going forward it was constantly opposed by the enemy's skir- mishers, and by this means a large number were injured in the regiment. A rifle ball crashed into the leg of a comrade, who was marching in the same file with myself, I remember distinctly about the accident. First, the pe- culiar whiz or zip sound of the bullet passing in the air came into my ear and at the same instant the report of contact I heard. Then suddenly looking into the face of the man whose shoulder was touching my own, I saw he was as pale as death. But he uttered neither a word nor groan, but deliberately placing the butt of his gun on the ground he leaned heavily upon the weapon. Then with a vacant stare looked at his comrades, but in this case, as in all others of the kind, those who reinain un- hurt in action can give but little assistance to the wound- ed. This entire situation was so pitiable that I became deeply impressed with it. We were now slowly and cautiously approaching the enemy's fortified position. A large fort was in view, and we had orders to prepare for an assault, but the usual order to ''forward, charge!" was delayed for several minutes, and then the report was given out that the enemy had evacuated their position. 28 Stories o^ the Civii. War. BATTLE OF DALLAS. June first the Union army closed on the Confeder- ate, at a place called Dallas, and with lines of battle ex- tending several miles through the woods and so close to the enemy at certain places that the hostile forces could carry on a conversation if they wanted to, the fight was waged for several days, with no advantage to either party save it gave the Federal general time to shift a strong detachment of his army somewhat to the rear of the rebel army. The contending forces being so close to each other, it was almost impossible to keep out a picket, and I believe some regiments did not attempt to keep out advance guards. To forestall the enemy's un- expected attack there was a continual desultory firing from the main line. But the I02d Regiment through day and night sent a relief picket to the extreme front every two hours. The extreme front was only a few rods in front of the line of battle at most, but how to reach it notwithstanding and return without getting hit by a rebel bullet was the puzzling question, because our line was not only in plain view but in easy range of the rebel skirmishers. So in the day time, as soon as any man exposed himself, he became at once a target for from one to a dozen skilled rebel riflemen. Now, after con- sidering these facts one can imagine how I felt one fine afternoon at about 2 o'clock when the orderly sergeant ordered me to go immediately to the relief of a picket that had a position directly in our front. I'll not say I thought I would be shot, because it's a fact I did not believe I would. But as soon as I had fairly leaped over the breast works I made the dash, bending low as I could and at the same time keeping on a swift run. The rifle 29 Stories of the Clvii. War. "balls flew thick and fast around me, but I reached the place uninjured. The man I relieved lingered with me for a long time and finally seemed to escape the vigi- lance of the foe while creeping back to the regiment as slyly and invisible as a worm. There was no protection for the picket that I could see except what those had used who preceded me on duty. That consisted of either small straight trees or a certain half-decayed log. The trees were unsafe to use since the rebel sharpshooters had gained the skill of cross firing from right to left of their line at ours until they had become quite proficient in picking off our men who stood behind them. So I prostrated myself on the ground behind the aforesaid log and began to do the best execution with my gun I could; but after a little while my time had come to be relieved and sure enough, looking to the rear for an in- stant I saw a stalwart comrade coming to take my place. He came on a fast run in the face of the same danger I had faced when I went out, but alas, the poor fellow w^s not so fortunate as I had been, for when he had gotten within only a fe^v feet from where I lay a rifle ball struck him squarely on the body. When he received the shot he groaned sufficiently loud to enable the enemy to hear him and this seemed to please the foe because they made a slight attempt to cheer and soon increased their fire in that direction. NOTE. When the sound of the ball has ceased, The danger is passed ; But ah! another with force increased, Makes a wound that lasts. 30 Stories of the Civii. War. BATTLE OF LOST MOUNTAIN, JUNE 14, 1864, Since the I02d was engaged at Dallas it slowly trav- ersed the country in pursuit of the retreating enemy. But on the 14th of June they made a stubborn resistance at a place called Lost Mountain. Their line of battle was found to be stretched across the hills for several miles. So the Union army was confronting the rebels and with lines formed up to theirs so close that it was very unsafe for one to expose himself in the least to the enemy's fire. After it was proven that it was quite im- possible to go to the rear after rations or water in the day time without being shot, and after our men had been annoyed by the rebel sharpshooters for a day or two, one of our intrepid comrades jumped upon the breast works and with vociferous voice dared his enemies to shoot. This act was foolhardy, because he received a ball in his body almost that same instant. BATTLE OF KENESAW MOUNTAIN, JUNE 27, On June 27th, 1864, the retreating enemy made a stand on a range of mountains and from one of these called Kenesaw, the Union forces tried to dislodge them. The result of this attempt was quite a severe engageinent. Early in the morning I went on the skirmish line. We had been out on duty only a short time, when a general advance was ordered. We soon charged upon the ene- my's picket and began to drive it back. We continued to press hard upon them, finally driving them out of the woods and across a field. But upon venturing into the clearing a little distance, we discovered that the}' were 31 Stories of the Cjvil War. strongly entrenched upon the opposite side, and there being scarcely no protection for us within the glade, we fell back and took up a permanent stand in the edge of the woods. At this juncture the enemy began to play some can- non on us and forthwith a section of Captain Knapp's battery came into position where we were and we were commanded to advance. This meant that we had to go into the open space again lying between the opposing armies. There were a few dead trees in the field, behind which a number of the skirmishers might take shelter, but not more than one-tenth could thus be accommodated. How- ever, there was one of these stumps directly in front of w^here I was standing, so I quickly made for it. At about the same time I arrived there another comrade took his position with me. Now from our position we quickly opened a brisk fire on the enemy. Presently the cannon just before mentioned opened on the rebel guns and soon silenced them. I shall say here that it has been reported ever since the war that these shells from Knapp's battery caused the death of Confederate Major General Polk. Owing to the fact that my comrade and myself were standing behind the same tree and firing at the same time, we were obliged to aim and fire one right and the other left hand. My companion, being on the left side, continued to place the butt of his gun to the right shoulder, consequently every time he discharged his piece his whole body was forced from behind the tree. I saw his peril and tried to have him change position with me as I could shoot either way, but he laughed and answered by saying he wasn't afraid. Later the rebel sharpshooter got such perfect view and 32 Stories of the C i v i t^ War. range that he shot an ounce ball intO' him, the missile striking and penetrating the body just below the shoul- der. Just on the left of where I stood, a comrade, who on account of his shortness of stature was dubbed ^'Shorty." He dug a hole in the ground sufficiently large tO' admit his body and from his position was actively firing at the enemy. He was so well concealed that his foeman couldn't see him by looking over the surface of level ground, so it became evident one of them climbed a tree. Then from his perch he sent a ball just past ''Shorty's" chin, and it passing parallel with his body, did no more injury than make a little erubescent mark upon it. BATTLE OF PEACH TREE CREEK, JULY 20. All through the day July 19th, 1864, the Union forces met with great opposition while attempting to drive back the Confederate army in the vicinity of At- lanta, Georgia. Therefore it was expected that a great battle would not be' delayed very long and probably it Avould occur on the following day. The morning of the 20th of July was fair, and where the I02d Regiment lay, which was close along the side of Peach Tree Creek, the air was fragrant and everything in the surrounding field and woods seemed peaceful and happy. I was de- tailed again to gO' upon the skirmish line, and as soon as I had reported for duty a forward movement was made. We crossed the creek and entered a clearing, charged the enemy's picket and succeeded in driving them out of their position. Thus we pressed forward all day and after our final assault, at about 6 o'clock p. m., I could 33 Stories of the-Civii. War. see them making good their escape a half mile distant across an extensive field. The sight was exhilarating because it brought to my mind thoughts of a cessation of further hostilities for the rest of the day, and also after a few minutes a relief from the arduous and dan- gerous duty of a skirmisher. We had been under almost constant rifle fire all day. We had dislodged the enemy about five times from be- hind trees and hastily constructed breast works; and lastly, we had forced them into the environment of At- lanta. The cost of the day's victory to the I02d Regi- ment and other parts of the Union army engaged I shall not undertake to state or mention, because I am not at- tempting to give estimates in this writing. Anyone who in any way becomes acquainted with the principal fea- tures of the battle, such as for example, the Union sol- diers while upon the repeated charge were always the aggressors and that they contended with a brave and undaunted foe, can, I think, easily guess about the cas- ualty of the Union forces. We were relieved from the skirmish line just before sunset and we had hardly gotten back to our regiment when a roll of musketry was heard coming from the very place we had left. We had had nO' midday meal save aii army cracker, and now we had no time to partake of so little as that for the evening meal. But no one complained. If one did he would not have the right kind of stuff in him to make a good sol- dier. In a few minutes more the enemy came upon the Union troops and with one continued onset lasting until late in the evening, nearly drove back a portion of the army to the creek we had crossed when I started on the skirmish line early in the morning. -- 34 Stories of the Civii. War. peach tree creek. Down by its winding way I go, I am not fearful near the place, Tho' lofty trees bend very low, Here peace and love are interlaced. Here its sides are fringed with green, It's filled with a thousand rills; It runs, tho' swiftly yet serene, And curved and winding feels no ill. And now I pause, dear stream, by thee. To tell a tale on rousing theme; "Ah !" spoke a voice, "what can it be — Oh tell me sir what you have seen?'* I was glad it accosted me. And deigned so much liberty; "I yield," I said, "and may it be That no unfriendly eyes shall see Nor hear an unhallowed ear, For sacred is the place we're in; Here many thousands did appear And gave their precious lives to win." The gallant troops went cross this stream, And up its sides and thro' the woods; And were met till they felt it keen — But all that caused a braver mood. 35 Stories of the Ci*viIv War. Beyond the creek and on the plain, Amidst war's dreadful strife, They stopped for naught tho' friends were slain, For thoughts of gain were more than life. So, thro' the wood and on the plain. The strife and fray grew grandly great; And neither side would combat yield, Nor either one could tell his fate. When the evening twilight came, All throbbing hearts since day begun. Soon give a gracious help to some — But many lives had had their run. Darkness soon enshrouds the scene, And the careening oak and pine Cast their sombrous shadows between. And there a peace the heroes find. ***** Oh, Time, which endures forever And ever, by thy cycle reveals Thousands; and they going over That ride on the rim of thy wheel. Shall those without tenet or faith. Oh, chide not your querist, I ask — Shall those brave soldiers have fate, Tho dead shall quicken at last! 36 Stories of the Civil War. MARCH TO SAVANNAH AND A BAYONET ASSAULT. The Confederates held Atlanta until the Autumn of 1864, when they withdrew all their forces to operate against the Federal army in their rear. At this time the I02d Regiment had remained as a guard on the north side of the city, so when it was discovered that the en- emy had evacuated the regiment entered the city without firing a shot. A few weeks later nearly the entire Con- federate army in central Georgia at that time was de- tached to the north and only a part of the Federal forces there went in pursuit. About the first of November the remaining part of the Union army took up a line of march in a southern direction. The I02d Regiment was at this time attached to the part of the army moving south, hence was with Major General W. T. Sherman's command. After leaving Atlanta the army had nearly an uninterrupted march for a distance of more than one hundred miles. Then the enemy gathered some frag- mentary forces and shortly placed them in front of our invading arniy. Nevertheless, in a short time the army arrived in the vicinity of Savannah, Georgia. When the advancing army reached the Savannah river a num- ber of soldiers went out of the forest which is hard-by, and attempted to walk down upon the sandy shore. But they soon found that the enemy's picket was posted only a few rods below and that they had a plain view of the river front, and after several had had narrow escapes from getting hit by a rebel bullet, they took cover again in the wood. But at this juncture Major General John W. Geary came up and, dismounting from his horse, proceeded to go down the bank of the stream to examine 37 Stories of the Civil War. the lay of the ground, probably. Myself and others did not want to call out to the general, but as we had just returned from taking observations at the water's edge and had discovered that such an undertaking carried with it imminent danger, some one addressed him neverthe- less, saying, "General, the enemy is watching just down the river. They fired at me several shots a minute ago when I was down there." The general smiled and hes- itated a moment and then, to our surprise, proceeded with his attempt. Now, I felt more comfortable behind a good sized tree just up the hill from the stream than , I did a brief minute before when I was down on the sand near the water's edge, and I imagined that General Geary would have my present experience in a minute or two more, providing he didn't get killed. He, however, de- termined that he had seen all he wanted to; at any rate he quickly retraced his steps and almost immediately I heard him give orders to the commanding officers of regiments to prepare for a charge. The peculiar sound of fixing bayonets could be heard the entire length of the I02d Regiment, and the next minute the stentorian voice of the general was heard commanding the troops to "forward, charge!" Simultaneously, several battalions emerged from the woods and with guns charged, bay- onets fixed, and adding quick time and a yell all along the line, the Federals scrambled over the rebel outer line of breast works. So little importance has been attached to this bayonet charge that I doubt whether any historian has ever mentioned it in his writing. But it will always remain a fact that by the capture of the west bank of the river within five miles of Savannah, General Sher- man was able to place some thirty-two pound rifle can- 38 Stories of the Civil War. non, which had such range as to completely command the river at that point. As soon as the regiment had "entered the position taken from the enemy, we could see directly in our front a strong line of breast works, connecting a chain of strongly made forts. General Geary being present, com- manded his victorious forces to- hold the position just taken at all hazard, so the troops stayed there several weeks. But after awhile the pickets of the regiment dis- covered unusually large fires in the enemy's forts. This caused the officers to believe that the enemy was evac- uating their position. Therefore ten men from the I02d Regiment were selected to reconnoiter the situation. This reconnoitering party sallied forth and straightway cross- ing the ground lying between the contending armies, they entered one of the largest forts upon the bank of the river. Upon entering the fort they found only two or three men in it and they appeared to^ be burning every- thing combustible they could find. Some of those cap- tured told that the last of the Confederate army had been gone from there several hours. Very soon the I02d Reg- iment deployed as skirmishers and later while advancing upon the main road entering the city met with but little oppKDsition and continuing, shortly met an aged gentle- man whom the soldiers thought was the city's chief of- ficer. He was riding in a one-horse vehicle and carried a small white flag and waving it, doubtless to attract attention. He surrendered the place and at the same time begged the advance of our army to be merciful to the people of the city. He added, saying that all the Confederate amiy had crossed the river and were in the state of South Carolina. 39 Stories of the CiviIv War. We hastily went forward, passing under a long rail- road trestle and finally coming within the city we found real chaos. Persons of all kinds were going about and busying themselves handling merchandise, and perhaps not one in a thousand ow^ned the goods they were car- rying. The whole regiment assumed the duty of a pro- vost guard and at once began to arrest every one upon the streets seen carrying most anything. By this means, almost perfect order was restored in a few hours after the Union army's occupation of the city. CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROUNAS, EEB. 15, 1865. General Sherman's army is again upon the march. Now we were crossing the Savannah river somewhere between Savannah and Augusta, Georgia, and in a few days the army was in the midst of an almost impene- trable swamp in South Carolina. It seemed the enemy did not have sufficient military force to much hinder the progress of Sherman's army, so they apparently tried to harass the right and left of the Union army with the force they had and in the center cause all the trouble they could by opening floodgates in canals and ditches, and in this manner they successfully inundated the en- tire section the army had to pass over soon after it crossed the Savannah river. There were several consec- utive days when the army advanced five to seven miles daily and that short distance was covered with the great- est exertion by man and beast. But finally the lowland passed, the I02d Regiment marched about seventeen miles from Columbia, S. C, and without much further incident entered North Carolina and later, although the army engaged the enemy at Avergsborough and also at 40 Storiks of thk Civil War. Benton vi lie in North Carolina, the regiment did not par- ticipate in either battle, and about the first of April the whole army arrived near Goldsborough, North Caro- lina. About the first of April, General Sherman's army moved from the vicinity of Goldsborough toward Ral- eigh, North Carolina, and soon the news was heralded along the advancing lines to the effect that General Rob- ert E. Lee, commanding all the Confederate forces in Virginia, had surrendered to General U. S. Grant. It was good news, almost toO' good for the soldiers to be- lieve, but in a day or two more the army arrived at Ral- eigh. Then the report of the surrender was confirmed. At about the same time, General Johnson asked for a cessation of hostilities with a view to arranging terms for a surrender of his army to General Sherman. Events of vital imprtance to the nation were beginning to hap- pen. Thus they came in rapid succession, as follows, to-wit : General Lee, with his army, surrendered at Ap- pomattox Court House, Virginia, April 9th; April 13th Mobile, Alabama, surrendered to^ the combined attack of the army and navy of the United States; April 14th the flag lowered by Major Anderson at Fort Sumter was re- stored to its position; April 14th President Lincoln was assassinated at Washington. He was shot in the back of the head at Ford's Theater, and the same night the assassin made an attempt to kill the secretary of state, William H. Seward. April 26th Johnson surrendered to General Sherman. 41 Storiks of the Civil War. CONCLUSION. Now, the two greatest Confederate armies have sur- rendered, and e\^ery one is sanguine of a sure and speedy termination of the war. The soldiers are awaiting or- ders, but they scarcely can expect they'll be bidden ta construct forts or dig trenches. Never again do they expect tO' hear the thunder of cannon or the rattle of small arms in deadly battle in the present war. Already the dawn of peace has sent a beam throughout the land^ and where\xr hearts are beating in friendly sympathy for the union, there is great rejoicing. The I02d Regiment is camped close to the city of Raleigh, but the men have but a short time there to stay. Soon the regiment receives orders to break camp; next comes the further order to form in line, then facing northward the command is "forward, march!" Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are marching again. But this time how much different it is from the tramp, tramp they have all become accustomed to by almost one continual march during forty-one months of very active ser^'ice in the army! How tame is the present movement of the troop with no advance guard to precede the army ! And there's a noticeable absence of the sentinel in the high- way where the roads cross. And nO' report is heard of the presence of an armed force in front or rear or upon either side. I could hear the soldier say, "This march is without incident. Pshaw ! This march is so unexciting and monotonous it's hardly interesting." After all I have never heard a veteran remark upon his regrets that the two great Confederate armies stopped fighting when they did. All belieA^e our present march will end at the National capital. And then what? Is this a dream? 42 Stories of the Civil War. No, indeed, it's a reality. The war is virtually over and probably the Government will never ask the I02d Regi- ment to go upon another march. Joy without limit now wells up in e\^ery heart in the regiment. The thought that soon every man will return again to his home and friends once more. To homes ever blessed by the tri- umphs of sweet peace in their midst ; to dear friends who reluctantly loosed the hand of their soldier father, broth- er, or friend when he went off to- war. Those true and loving friends who many months before willingly gave their companion, their beloved, if need be, a sacrifice up- on their country's altar. And who ever hoped for the soldier's return; yet in after time while hearing and thinking, always the same old story, the same recounting of the soldier's horrible experience in battle, in prison, upon the long and tiresome march. And besides the almost daily reports of some friend who went to war from the adjoining farm or contiguous factory or store that was killed in the last engagement, or possibly worse still that w^as shot, bruised by ball or shell, and is lying, dying perhaps, in hospital — perhaps in southern prison. Oh, under such circumstances what a frail, flicker- ing hope must have lingered in their patriotic breasts! But on and forward the column moves ; it passes through Richmond and still going on, the I02d Raiment came close to the old battlefield named Chancellorsville. Now I break from the rank and running through the wood I quickly come to the very place I occupied in the line of battle on the 3rd day of May, 1863. There, upon the right and left of that hateful, horrible vertex, I stand alone in the perfect silence of the wooded place, save for the chirping of the chicadees that perched in branches over my head keep repeating their mournful note. 43 Stories of the C.ivil War. What a solemn time I have. It seems Hke a spell. It truly seems I can here commune with the dead. I take a cursory view of the line of battle occupied by the regi- ment I belonged to two years before. The little breast- work is nearly tumbled down, and where the small trees had been removed to build it with there now appears a second growth, and this brush and bush so completely prevents my view that I content myself by walking slowly between them both until I came to a place I am able to recognize. Then gently pressing the foliage of a bush one side, I stoop and gaze at the bones of my once brave and faithful comrade. At once a ray of sunshine steals between the branch and lingers upon the skeleton before me. And I somehow feel assured that the precious blood of patriots that was shed upon that ground has made it forever consecrated. But I cannot tarry long in the solitude of the wilder- ness in the midst of which is the battlefield, so I hasten back to the highway upon which the troop is marching, and there by dint of hard effort rejoin the command. The month of June affords the most agreeable weather of any other month in the year in Virginia. There is not a threatening cloud above our heads, and there seems to be nothing present or seen or contemplated as liable to disturb the peace of mind of any one now or in the immediate future, yet the hearts of all are sad, and I shall declare it a mistaken idea that soldiers on account of daily practice in the art of war in the field become stoical, insensible and unmeditative upon humane and moral themes. I pronounce such a saying a slander upon our brave soldiery. If the soldier ex-member of the 78th New York regiment and now active member of the I02d regiment, 44 LcfC. Storiks of the Civil War. New York State troop, was not meditative in the least, then he would be now as happy as the ox which, after months of seeing his associates slaughtered and he him- self were goaded, bruised and starved, but is finally turned into green pastures, becomes so oblivious of its past experiences as not to breath a sigh. But well it is for the world that man is man and he is not a brute. Indeed, it may be said of him that he is possessed with a dual nature or as having two great parts in his makeup, and these may be named the higher and the lower. So it happens sometimes Avhen two parties are in a controversy and each one thinks he is right. Neither one will yield, and soon each procures murderous weapons. Then, dur- ing a time subsequent, they engage in what is called a war, both believing that they are right and each knowing that the civilized world is steadfastly looking on. And above all else God is just, and He is all-powerful, too. Both pray they shall not lose, but by and by become the conquerors of their foe. Only one of two parties can win, barring out a compromise. The other must go down to direful defeat, but all the time each side strives to over- come the other, and the while only the baser intelligence of man is seen. But now behold, one side is cognizant of a change in the afifairs of state. The very fates ap- pear to be operating in favor of the enemy. At once the moral nature of the party as a man comes into play and asks for a truce. Hostilities cease, peace is declared, and the war ends. Now things that tend to cause a war Are banished to the rear, And North and South and East and West Believe that peace is here. 45 Stories of the C*ivii. War. But, dear reader, do you ask what makes the mem- bers of the regiment sad since victory has perched upon their colors, and every tangible, seen and unseen thing is lending a cheerful influence? The air the soldiers breathe is fragrant as if it comes from some nearby Eden, and the very sunlight seems dancing before them while they pursue their march in the direction of their coun- try's capital and their home. The soldier's mind has al- ready vmdergone a change. His coarser propensity is sleeping, and since the cause which is intended to arouse a hostile feeling has disappeared his mind evolves itself into a moral condition that is one of peace and love which I believe are quite the opposites of anger and revenge. So he takes a retrospective view of all the deadly conflicts he has participated in. Then such a stupendous aggrega- tion of human suffering and destruction of property, and adding to these the recent assassination of the Nation's chief executive appear. Thus he is convinced he has great cause to be sorrowful. I remember when the re- port of the assassination of President Lincoln was her- alded through the camp. My chum, Charley Almend- inger, was absent temporarily, and I alone in our little shelter tent was engaged reading a letter I had carried many a day in my knapsack. Suddenly he appeared, and throwing himself upon a blanket within the tent, he quickly burst into tears. Now I, believing he had lost a dear friend, asked him if he had. He answered "Yes," and continuing added, ''and so have you, and so has every other man." I asked him to explain. Then he further said, "Some inhuman wretch has killed our Presi- dent." The thought came quickly into my mind that if this man weeps, who is a German- American, by the sud- den taking-off of our beloved President, then it becomes 46 Stories of the Civil War. me to join with him in his sorrow. Soon after that I learned that the same cause which brought grief to our hearts brought also sorrow and lamentation to the hearts of patriots everywhere. The I02d regiment arrived at Alexandria, Virginia, and immediately crossed the Potomac river and w^ent into camp on the north side of Washington, D. C, but for some unaccountable reason in a few days the command was marched back into Virginia, and there the regiment camped near Alexandria. Although the men were still soldiers, and therefore were under military discipline, yet they were loth to recognize the fact. They had been faithful soldiers for over forty months; they had taken part in seventeen sanguinary battles, and the number of picket duties they had done while their lives w^ere in dan- ger, not one could scarcely count. And now and finally after marching not less than twenty-five hundred miles, all are patiently w^aiting their honorable discharge from the service. The camp is only two miles from Alexandria and six from Washington. The time has come when the of- ficers exert but little influence over the soldiers. The sol- dier therefore enjoys much license and personal liberty. Almost as many as ask for passes get them, so a continual stream of soldiers are going by the camp guard every day to and from the city and camp. At last on account of the disorderly conduct a number of the men are arrested by the civil authorities in Washington and placed in jail. The day following a report of their incarceration came to the regimental headquarters. Almost at once a number of men were detailed from the regiment to go to the capital and procure their re- lease, but the next day report was circulated throughout 47 Stories or the Civil War. the camp that they had disobeyed the orders and on ac- count of bad deportment upon the streets were themselves placed in jail. Then the Colonel requested the company commanders to select only temperance men to comprise the guard, whose duty shall be to go tO' the jail and pro- cure the freedom of the members of the regiment and return them to camp. So soon the orderly sergeant called to me, saying, ''Seeley, you're the man I w^ant to go from Company I on another detail to bring the boys to camp from prison. Get ready at once." In a few minutes I reported for duty, and forthwith our squad marched over the bridge spanning the Potomac river, and shortly the release from durance is effected of all those we desired. And after that we started for camp, and upon reaching it the charge we had was put through the camp guard line. But instead of our accompanying them further, the Lieu- tenant-Commander of the detail gave orders to the guard not to let the men return to the outside of camp that day. Then w^ith the understanding of the members of the de- tail, all came to a right-about-face, and marching soon came to a public place in Alexandria, and we stacked arms in the street and went within. And following there was such a jovial time at cups around the bar that any- one seeing might think we were veteran saloon loafers. But this was an outing day from camp, and the deter- mination was first to do our duty, and second to have a good time. Now not at all being disqualified from the perform- ance of any military duty in consequence of the spree, we took arms and hastened back to camp. Possibly it was a misfortune that shortly after passing the camp guard upon entering camp we had occasion to pass the regimental camp of a New Jersey regiment. Here upon 48 Stories of the Civil War. making our approach we discovered the Jerseyans were having a jolHer time than we had even dreamed of. To our surprise we found them using tin cups for weapons, while they heroically made terrific and valiant assaults upon a barrel filled w^ith strong cider. Now if these Jerseyans had been a little more selfish w^e w^ould have fared better in the end, but when w^e came up to them they freely handed cups to us and cordially invited us to drink. All accepting now the proffered opportunity to mix liquids in our stomachs, w^e began to swallow apple juice, and there was an ample amount to go around. We thought there was no use to practice self-denial, but later, when we were at the Colonel's headquarters, mak- ing a report of our day's labor and recognized that we did not show off to the best advantage possible as a lot of temperance men. Although the Colonel dismissed us with a smile and expression of satisfaction, we were ashamed on account of our boisterous, babbling, swagger- ing manner. However, when the sober moments came later, we verily believed that a grain of allowance would be made for us because this, the last duty, was truly well done. And such men as we who had been always at the front, and had never failed to do a duty when it was asked and required of us, if now w^e brake the staid mili- tai-y rule, any one with a bit of patriotism and generosity would forgive and forget it all. On the 2ist day of July, 1865, we were discharged from sei-vice in the United States Army. 49 Stories of the C'ivil War. my native land. I love my native country more While time goes swiftly by; I knoAv its excellent prospects, I see its azure sky; Its wood and glade and lofty hills That stand before my sight, All dressed in richest raiment, xA.wake in me delight. Although I go to distant lands Where things are seen quite rare. Where field and vale combine to give A fragrance to the air, I take from out my memory A superb picture I love, A scene of my own native land Spann'd by a bow above. I think of my country people, Their kind and noble deeds They're giving to other nations To satisfy their needs; And with devotion to their homes They favor their own cast, Yet in a common brotherhood Their faith is ever fast. 50 Stories of the Civil War. Among the countries grand to see 'Tis only fair to say My own, by placed oceans bound. Presents a fine array ; By fruitful field and crystal stream Inwrought with mountain range, It wears a crown upon its head Adapted to its grange. Its sons, the type of noble man, They seek for what is best; They lose not much by cruel fate, .Though heed they its behests. And daughters, too, none can compare In fairness and in form, Their manners, oh ! they charm the world And all their land adorn. Its men and ships can dominate If it so have them do; In peace or war it can excel The whole world round and through. It has the gold that e're can buy The commerce of the earth, And this is true, not idle talk, Such is my country's girth. [the end.] 51 LBAg-OS :^%^