ARMY OF THB POTOMAC,
BY
COLOR SERGEANT,
_D. -. C OTT0
Third Michigan Volunteer Infantry.
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH:
DYGERT BROS. & CO. PRINTERS AND BINDERS.
1874.
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Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1874, by D. G. CROTTY,
in the office of the  Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 
PREFACE.
To the enlisted men of the army this book is dedicated,
with whom  the author has shared the fatigues of four
years' campaigils, described in these pages.  I come before
my late comrades to remind them of by-gone times, to talk
over our army life, and keepl) afresh in our minds the lhardships we had to endure to save our country from disunion,
anid make it the greatest nation of the earth.  There are
protrayed within this book the doings of the soldier in
camp and field, by one who has marched with the army
from the first Bull Run, down to the surrender of Lee and
all the Rebel army. If this book should meet the approbation of my late comrades, I am well paid for the trouble
of writing it.
T"HEX AUTHOR,
MuskegoIn, Aiugutst 10thi, 1872.
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER  I.-Secession-insult to our flag-uprising of
the north-enlistments-leaving home-trip) to the front.
CHAPTER  II.-First night on picket-a scare-grand
rounds-the relief-picking cherries —a dangerous ani mal.
CIIAPTER III.-Guard  mounting —Fourth of July  a scene in the national capitol-getting ready for our
first campaigns and battles.
CHAPTER IV. -On  to Richmnond- bivouac- second
night's halt-a scare on the line-a beautiful sight  Centerville-Battle of Blackburn's Ford.
CHAPTER  V.-Getting reinforcements -Old Bumfuz  zle-Battle of first Bull Run - a disastrous defeat  the retreat-a blue Monday.
CHAPTER VI.-A long day-visit from Senator Chand  ler —getting the regiments together-camp at Arlington
-Camp Hunter-detailed on special duty.
CHAPTER  VII.-McClellan takes command-grand re  view-Camp Lyon-arrival of the 5th Michigan-Alex  andria.
CHAPTER  VIII.-Farther to the friont-building winter
quarters-Camp Michigan-picket line-Pohick Church
-Mount Vernon.
CHAPTER IX.-winterlincamp-reconnoissantce-Fight ing Dick-dress parade-visitors-good times.
CHAPTER  X.-Good bye Camp  Michigan-Fort Lyon
again-rain and mud-aboard of transports-arrival at
Fortress Monroe-the Monitor-Hampton village-the
bivouac.
CHAPTER XI.-On to Richmond-seige of Yorktown building forts and redoubts-picketing-artillery duel a footless page-our photographer-a big shell-balloons
-evacuation of Yorktown. 
6~           -OT~X~
CHAPTER XII.-Fo]lowing up the enemy-torpedoes  Battle of Williamsburg —Fifth Michigan Infantry
make a gallant fight, &c.
CHAPTER XIII.-Retreat of the enemy-burying the
dead-fearful sights-on to Richmond once more  McDowell withdrawn from our command —cross the
Chickahominy-battle of Fair Oaks.
CHAPTER  XIV-.Reinforcements called for-the battle  field-burying the dead-building breastworks-a hard
fight for a few feet of ground-preparations to fall back.
CHAPTER XV.-The seven days fight-battles of Gains'
Mills, Peach Orchard, Charles City Cross Roads, and
Malvern Hill-skirmishing- a brave pioneer-the retreat
-arrival at Harrison's Landin,g.
CHAPTER XVI.-We go into camup-Fou:-'h of July,
1862-batallion drill, etc.-camp life-orders to march
-daughter of the regiment.
CHAPTER XVII.-Ou- backward move-familiar ground
-a hot and dusty march-back to Williairburg and
York Town-arrival at Washington again.
CHAPTER  XVIII.-To  the front again-McClellan
removed-second battle of Bull Run-defeat and ret'eat
to Center iille.
CHAPTER XIX.-The enemny try a flank movement  battle of Chantilly-a fearful storm-it ends the conflict
-a  miserable  night-death of General  Kearney  McClellan in command again-back to Washington once
mole.
CHAPTER XX.-Battles of South Mountain atid Ante  tam-suffering of the army-Lee  back in Virginia —
McClellan relieved again and Burnside takes command —
at the front again-McClellan's farewell address to HIS
army.
CHAPTER XXI. —i lose for F;edericksburg-the enemy
in small force - across the river-camp life-orders to
march —gallant fear of the Seventh Michigan infantry  battle of Fredericksburg-the defeat and retreat.
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CONTENTS,
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CONTENTS.               7
CHAPTER XXII.-Building winter quarters-a soldier's
funeral-furloughs-feeling in the North-scenes and
incidents-at the front again.
CHAPTER XXIII.-Orders to march-we try a flank
mnovement, and get stuck in the mud-the rebels mak  ing fun of us-desertions-back to camp-BBurnside
relieved and Hooker takes command.
CHAPTER  XXIV. —Nice  weather —marching orders  sutlers to the rear-on the road again-Battle of the
Cedars-midnight charge-Stonewall Jackson killed  battle of Chancellorsville-the Potomac Army again
defeated.
CHAPTER  XXV.-Lee  tries another  move  North  the Army of the Potomac after him-both armies on
Northern  soil-scenes  and  incidents  on  the way  Emmetsburg-Hooker relieved-General Meade in com  mand.
CHAPTER  XXVI.-Leave Emmetsburg and cross the
lines into Pennsylvania-good feeling among the people
-the enemy mnet-battle of Gettysburg-night after the
battle-hard fighting and fearful slaughter.
CHAPTER XXVII.-Fourth of July, 1863-the enemy
gone from our front and retreat to their sacred soil-in
pursuit of them-arrive among the mountains-scenes
and incidents while there.
CHAPTER XXVIII.-OOur chase resumed-battle of
Wapping Heights-defeat and pursuit of the enemy
through Manassas Gap —rebel bees —a fierce encounter.
CHAPTER  XXIX.-Retrace our steps and move to Sul  phur Springs-recreation-New York riots-our regi  ment sent to help enforce the draft-arrival on Gover  nor's Island.
CHAPTER XXX.- Proceed to New York-at Castle
Garden-A march up Broadway-at City Hall Park  amusements-the draft quietly takes place, etc.
CHAPTER  XXXI.-A  trip up the Hudson-a lovely
night and beautful scenery-arrival in Troy-pitch our
tents-Annie  beseiged with  visitors-hotel life-gay
times —the draft in Troy.
CONTENTS.
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CHAPTER  XXXII.-A military ball-farewell to Troy
-aboard the steamer-handkerchiefs to the eyes of the
fair maidens on  shore-three  times three-arrival in
New York-on to the front-arrival among our comrades
-orders to marclh-drawing rations.
CHAPTER  XXXIII.-On the march again-Culpepper
Court  House-new  country-a  surprise- -Battle  of
Kelly's Ford-a great battle anticipated-reflections  the enemy gone from our front-pursuit-Battle of Mine
Run-cold weather.
CHAPTER XXXIV.-Retrace our steps to camp-anoth  er retreat-a cavalry fight, in which the rebels come out
second best-back to Centerville.
CHAPTER XXXV.-Pursuit of the enemy once more  Battle of Bristow's Station-the Rebels commence win  ter huts at Brandy Station-the huts taken by our men,
and we go into winter quarters-firlough of 30 days
-reinlistments for three years more-reception at Grand
Rapids-home again.
CHAPTER  XXXVI.-Visiting our friends-gay times  death  of Col.  Champlin - his funeral-recruiting  scenes and incidents-off to the wars again-arrival at
the front-camp life once more.
CHAPTER XXXVII-Winter life in camp-shooting a
deserter-General Grant appointed over all the armies  preparations for the spring campaign-sutlers to the
rear, and sickl sent to the general hospital-ready for a
forward move again.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.-On  the march again-crossing
the Rapidan —the advance of the army —halt for the
night-the 5th of May-a surprise-battle of the Wil  derness-a fearful encounter in the woods-great slaugh  ter and nothing as yet accomplished.
CHAPTER  XXXIX.-A  flank  movement-battle  of
Todd's Tavern-the burning wilderness-fearful suffer  ing of our wounded-inhuman work of rebel guerrillas
-a charge at Spottsylvania Court House-two  Major
Generals, 8,000 prisoners, and forty-two pieces of artil  lery captured —another great battle-scenes and inci  dents.
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CONTENTS. 
CHAPTER   XL.-Burying  the dead-another swing
around on our all summers line-battle of North Anna
River-a touching incident-another swing-battle of
Cold IHIarbor-the three years men go home,-reflections.
CHAPTER XLI.-Another swing on tile line-a forced
march-crossing the James River-sick and left behind
-ambulances-the rear guard-lie down to die-scared
into life by a rattlesnake-heavy fighting in front of
Petersburg-the field hospital.
CHAPTER XLII.-Getting well again-back with my
regiment-a long siege before us-building forts and
breastworks-the Petersburg express-Fourth of July,
1864-how it is celebrated.
CHAPTER XLII1. —Orders to Ilmarch with three days
rations —a forced march-on the Peninsula again-bat  tle of Deep Bottom-an incident-failure of a flank
mnovement —forced miarch back to Petersburg —blowing
up a rebel fort —a failure.
CHAPTER  XLIV. —Second battle of Deep Bottom —
another fizzle-front of Petersburg again-build more
quarters-arrival of Colonel Pulford-building  Fort
Davis-quartered in the fort-a touching incident- Fort
Hell-rebel dash for provisions-all quiet again-mortars
-beautiful sights-a poem, "The Picket Guard."
CHAPTER XLV. —Dangers and hardships of the siege  good times-music-our railroad-City Point-exchang,  ed prisoners-all women to the rear-orders to march  another flank movement to the rebel right-battle of
Hatcher's Run-a fierce encounter-confusion-another
fizzle-in camp again.
CHAPTER XLVI.-Camp life again-winter quarters  Thanksgiving-home again-feeling in the North-back
to the army-progress of the siege.
CHAPTER  XLVII.-New quarters-drawing rations army cooking —Sunday inspection-camp life-orders to
molllve.
CHAPTER  XLVIII. —On the move once more-across
Hatcher's Run again —a skirmish —build breastworks  the Fifth corps hard pressed-we go to their relief
CONTENTS.
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rainy and cold —a miserable time —building, more quiar  ters-in camp again and happy —good news from Sher  man's army.
CHAPTER XLIX. —The paymaster-sutler's stuff-Sun  day in the army-St. Patrick's Day —rumors of peace —
orders to mnarch-ready to fight for peace.
CHAPTER L.-March to the front-the ball opens-tre  menduous fireing along the lines-the rebels give way  a halt-advance on Petersburg-capture of the city
Richmond ours-great rejoicing.
CHAPTER LI.-Jeff. Davis-following up the retreating
army-Rebel prisoners-stragglers-the Rebel army de  moralized-a running fight-capture of a wagon train —
a motley crowd-a needed rest.
CHAPTER  LII.-Following up the enemy-brought to
bay again-a stubborn resistance-the enemy gone from
our front forward again-a burning bridge-Grant
wants Lee to surrender-they will die in their last ditch
-the surrender of Lee and the Rebel army-reflections
-joy and sadness.
CHAPTER  LIII.-Plenty of rain-mud,  mud,  mud  feeding the Rebel army-our homeward march begun  great rejoicing among the colored population-arrival at
Burksville station.
CHAPTER LIV.-Death of Lincoln-the feeling in the
army-surrender of Johnston's army to Sherman-death
of the assassin Booth-homeward  march  resumed  scenes and incidents-arrival at Manchester.
CHAPTER  LV-Marching through Richmond-a pass  ing notice of the city-scenes and incidents-Libby pris  on-the tobacco warehouse-southern hells —-a beautiful
Sunday morning —-through Hanover C. H. —-the bivouac.
CHAPTER  LVI. —-Our march resumed —-a Blue Moln  day —-go out of our way —-in no hurry, and bivouac —  on the right road again-Mesopotamia church —-Ladies
wave their handkerchiefs at us —-we are struck with won  der —-bivouac near the bloody city of Fredericksburg —  the last chapter of marches.
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CONTENTS.         11~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CHAPTER  LVII. —-Capture of Jeff Davis —-camp life
again-visiting our friends —gay times —-troops going
home —-what will the soldiers do when they get home?
-beautiful illuminations —-the grand review.
CHAPTER LVIII. —-Last visit to Washington —-a day of
humiliation and prayer —-orders to pack uiip —-ordered to
Louisville, IKentucky —-leaving familiar scenes —-a ride
over the 13altiimore and Ohio Railroad —-beautiful scenery
-— arrival at Parkersburg.
CHAPTER LIX. —-Down the Oliio —-thle steamer Pickett
-— a magnificent ride —-fog  bou(nd —-Porkopolis —-Vine  yards —-the Caliope —-arrival at Louisville —-cross  the
Ohio and go into camp near Jeffersonville, Indiana.
CHAPTER LX. —-The muster out roll arrives —-all feel
jubilant —-July 4th, 1865 —-a review of the past —-orders
to be ready to march —-hurrahl for old Michigan —-recep  tion in Jackson —-" Johnny Comes Marching Home."
CHAPTER LXI. —-Railroad smash up —-one man killed
and several wounded —-Ann Arbor —-on the rail again  arrival at the City of the Straits —-our reception —-grand
times —-visiting —-time of service drawing to a close.
CHAPTER LXII. —-Closing scenes —-last pay received —  Anna —-leave taking of old and tried comrades —-good-bye
to the suit of blue, and good-bye to my readers —-wel  coming address of Governor Crapo to Michigan troops.
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4 
CHAPTER I.
SECESSION-INSULT TO OUR FLAG-UPRISING OF TIIE NORTII-ENLIST          MENTS-LEAVING IIOME-TRIP TO TIIE FRONT.
The year 1861 will be remembered as one of the most extraordinary in the history of the United States. The hideous monster,
Secession, spread its venomous poison over the country. Oh, that
we had a Jackson to put his iron heel upon the monster's head,
and save our bleeding country the anguish for four long years, of
the greatest rebellion of modern times.
The telegraph flashed the sad news to every city, town and hamlet in the land, that the Stars and Stripes had been insulted and
trailed in the dust, and that, too, by men who called themselves
Americans.   But they will pay dearly for their rashness.  Oh!
what memories crowd upon me when I read how heroically the
gallant band of seventy Patriots, under the brave Anderson, stood
out against seven thousand traitors, at Fort Sumpter, and not until
the last shot was fired did they surrender.
Grand Rapids responds to the first call of the President for seventy-five thousand men, and begins to raise a regiment. I am no
native American, but will enlist to help chastise the enemies of
my adopted country, which I pride myself to love second to none.
Accordingly, at the age of eighteen I find myself enrolled in our
good old Uncle Sam's army, and encamped on the Fair Grounds
in the beautiful Valley City, ready to mnarch to the defence of our
Nation's Capitol.
On the 12th of June, 1861, we file out of our camp, to commence our trip to the front, some never to return to the weeping
loved ones left behind. Whoever experienced the leave-taking on
such an occasion, can appreciate the heart-pangs they feel, but
- - 
FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
none others. No pen can describe it. We can never forget our
triumphal trip-how proud we felt as we passed the cities and
towns of our own Michigan. At every station we are met with the
wildest enthusiasm. The people of Lowell bid us God speed; the
gallant little city of Ionia has everything ready to fill up the inner man
and our train starts off amid wild huzzas. At St. Johns the firemen
are drawn up and give us three times three, which we return
with a will. Owosso greets us with the same welcome. Dashing
past Corunna and Gaines, the iron horse takes a drink at Holly and
after an hour's ride the lovely city of Pontiac is reached. The
whole town turns out and gives us a substantial greeting. Men and
women, boys and girls, carry baskets filled with all the good things
that can be found at any time in Pontiac-hot coffee, cakes,
oranges, lemons, apples, etc. The soldiers of the Third will keep
the people of this city always fresh in memory. Nothing was
talked about for a long while but the perfect ovation received there.
The iron horse is impatient, and off we start amid the cheers of
the multitude, who came from far and near in old Oakland County
to bid God speed to the first regiment that passed through to the
front. An hour's ride brings us to the City of the Straits, where
we are well entertained for a few hours, and then we take the boat
for Cleveland. Passing down the beautiful Detroit River, we are
soon ploughing the lovely waters of Lake Erie. Will we ever ride
upon its bosom again? is asked by many a hero, who, alas, never
will, for they have met the grave of the patriot, and sleep in their
long home in the South.
We arrive in Cleveland next morning, and the good people of
the Forest City have everything ready for a good breakfast, and
off we start again for the smoky city of Pittsburgh. The patriotic
people of the Buckeye State meet us at every station, and have
good things for us to eat. Beautiful flowers are given us by the
fair daughters of Ohio, which were kept as reminiscences of the
fair donors. After a short stay and fine entertainment at Pittsburgh, we are all aboard again for the capital of the Key Stone
State, where we arrive after passing the beautiful scenery of the
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IN THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
Alleghanies. Here we receive some munitions of war, and are
ready for the land of secession. We take the train for Baltimore,
and there is a rumor that the engineer is a rebel, and means to tip
us into the ditch. We have an engineer too, and our gallant Sutler,
Ben Luce, mounts the engine and tells the rebel that if he plays us
false he will be the first to suffer with his life. No accidents happen,
however, and we arrive safe in the Monumental City on Sunday
morning. We have to be on our guard now, for we are in the
enemy's country, which was shown a few days before by the shed ding of the blood of Massachusetts' patriot sons. We get out of
our box cars, take in the situation, and draw up in line. Our noble
Colonel, Dan McConnell, gave the order to prime our pieces, which
gave the roughs who gathered around to understand that we were
not to be trifled with. The order is given to get into platoons, for
we have a march of about three miles to the Washington depot.
Our Colonel says:   "If a man in my regiment is hurt, the streets
of Baltimore will run with blood."  The order forward is given,
our band strike up the tune of Dixie, and one thousand and forty
men keep step to the music. The mob on the streets could tell by
.the steady tread of the soldiers and the watchfulness of their eyes
that it would be useless to try the Sixth Massachusetts game on us.
Arrived safe at the depot, we take the cars for Washington, where
we arrive after a forty miles ride.  The first object that meets the
eye is the grand Capitol building, a worthy monument to this great
Nation.  We take up our line of march to Chain Bridge, distant
about eighteen miles. The day is fearfully warm, and we suffer
greatly on our march, not being used to marching under a southern
sun. As we pass through Pennsylvania Avenue and Georgetown,
we would give anything for a half hour's rest under the beautiful
shade trees, but no, we must keep on if it kills us, and glad were
we to halt at our future camp, and not yet accustomed to the fatigues
of the soldier's life, our stragglers are numerous. We throw ourselves down on mother earth, on the banks of the beautiful and
historic Potomac, to rest our weary limbs. Here Lieutenant Ryan,
an old soldier, is ordered to lay out a camp, which he does, and
we call it, after our Michigan War Governor, Camp Blair.
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CHAPTER II.
FIRST NIGHT ON PICKET-A SCARE-GRAND ROUNDS-THIE RELIEF            PICIKING CIIERRIES-A DANGEROUS ANIMAL.
I shall never forget my first night on picket. A detail is made
from each company, and off we start for the outposts, a few miles
from camp. There are two or three men on each post, and I am
sure there will be a sharp lookout this night, as it is our first night
on picket.   One man keeps watch on each post, which are about
ten or fifteen paces apart, while the others lie down to sleep. All
is as still as the grave. Nothing is heard but the distant hoot of
the owl or the chirp of the insects on the trees. What is the sentinel thinking of? Perhaps of the far off loved ones at home, or
of his own position in an enemy's country. Probably some hidden rebel is not far from him, and in an instant his life may be
taken by the lurking foe. How long is this war going to last, and
will I live to get home again? is his reverie, which is cut short by
the sharp report of a musket. He peers into the darkness, and
thinks that the enemy is near. Every one is awakened, enquiring
the cause of the noise, but the mystery is solved, for a soldier,
while asleep, turned over on his side, kicked the hammer of his
piece, firing it off and causing the scare. The soldiers sleep on,
and dream of the loved ones left behind. All is still again. The
hour of midnight approaches and with it a challenge is heard:
Who  goes  there?  A   voice  answers:  Grand  Rounds.   The
rounds advance, give the countersign. The Officer of the Day
gives strict orders to keep a sharp lookout, and passes on from
post to post, leaving the lonely picket to keep his watch. One of
his comrades relieves him on his post and he lies down to sleep
and awakens in the morning to hear the birds sing over his head.
The relief comes, we start for camp, and end our first night on
picket. 
IN TIIE ARMY OF TIIE POTOMAC.
At this time it was common to make raids into Maryland to
pick cherries that grew in abundance, and such other fruit as we
could get.  There is a field about three miles from  camp with
some nice trees, and thither we would go and eat our fill. One
day, while up in a large tree eating away, we heard a loud, rumbling noise, like thunder. Looking down we saw a large bull
beneath the tree, scraping the ground and bellowing fearfully. It
was very likely he was anxious for us to come down and pay
for the cherries we had eaten; but no, we stay up the tree and
wait for his majesty's departure.  Tired of waiting, he majestically walks away. We get down from the tree and leg it for the
road. The bull gives chase and we fly ignominiously, for we would
rather be excused from taking a horn, especially in that shape. I
don't think there were any more cherries picked in that field, by
any of our crowd at least.
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CHAPTER III.
GUARD MOUNTING-FOURTII OF JULY-A SCENE IN TIHE NATIONAL
CAPITOL-GETTING READY FOR OUR FIRST CAMPAIGN AND BATTLES.
Soldiers generally pride themselves upon appearing well on guard
mount, for it is one of the nicest maneuverings in the service.  A
detail from each company is made by the Adjutant, and sent to the
orderlies, who select men who have not been on guard recently.
These form on their company ground, the band meanwhile forming on the parade ground and playing a lively tune as each detail
marches on the ground in line, coming to an open order. When
all are on the ground the band ceases playing. The Adjutant
gives the order: Inspection-arms, at which the ramrods are
sprung and let drop into the pieces. They are all inspected, during
which the band plays some slow tune. The Adjutant takes his
place in front of the guard, telling them to come to a shoulder
arms.  The next order is: "present arms."  He turns on his heel
and salutes with his sword the Officer of the Day, telling him the
guard is formed.  Next, "close order march;" after which the guard
wheel into platoons and march past the Officer of the Day, coming
to a shoulder arms. The latter acknowledges the salute by raising his head covering, and they pass on to relieve the old guard at
the guard house.
The reliefs are told off into first, second and third. The first
relieve the sentinels on guard, and stay on the beat two hours and
get off four, and so on for the next twenty-four hours. After the
old guard gets off he is at liberty these times to go where he
pleases. Guard mount takes place in camp every morning, at half
past eight.
Hurrah for the Fourth of July. I am going to Washington to
see Congress open, which is called together by our beloved Presiident, Lincoln, to see what can be done under the present circum
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IN THE ARMY OF THlE POTOMAC.
stances. Of course, nothing else but a vigorous prosecution of the
war to put down treason and chastise those arrogant rebels, who
dare to trail our flag in the dust.
As I go into the Senate Chamber, I see that each member  has
taken his seat. The President strikes the desk with his gavel,
the members  come  to order  and proceed  to business.   It is
not very interesting for me, however, and I take a stroll through
the building and enter the vast rotunda.   There a sight meets my
eye that I never shall forget. There are hundreds in the beautiful room, and as of one mind they all look on the glorious and
immortal Washington, a painting so life-like that one would think
he was looking and smnliling upon you. The stars and stripes hang
in graceful folds where every one can gaze upon the beautiful flag.
A singer from New York is fired with enthusiasm, and commences
to sing the Star Spangled Banner, and every voice in that vast hall
joined in the chorus.   Oh,  with what  pathos and enthusiasm
that beautiful song was sung on that occasion none can tell but
those who had the good fortune to be there. I make my way to
other places of interest in that vast building. But it would take
a week to see all, so passing out to the street, a short walk on Pennsylvania avenue brings me to the White House.  A  grand stand
is erected in front, covered with a-canopy of Stars and Stripes. A
great multitude assemble around to see and hear the great men of
the Nation on the fearful issues of the day. In the midst of the
group can be seen the honest and homely face of our good President Lincoln. Around him are the members of his Cabinet, Wm.
H. Seward, Edwin M. Stanton, and Gideon Wells. The most
prominent of them all is the old hero of Mexico, General Scott,
six feet four inches high, and as straight as a whip I look on
those men with a feeling akin to awe, and listen to the speeches
that are made, take a stroll through the opposite park, and return
to camp well pleased with my first Fourth of July in the army.
A few days after, orders come to be ready to march, with three
days' rations and forty rounds of ammunition. The sick are all
sent to the rear.  We are now ready to enter on our first campaign and fight our first battles for the Union.
19 
CHAPTER IV.
ON TO RICHMOND-BIVOUAC —SECOND  NIGHT'S HALT-A  SCARE-A
BEAUTIFUL SIGIIT-CENTERVILLE-BATTLE OF BLACKBURN'S FORD.
On the 15th of July we cross the Potomac on the Chain Bridge,
and are marching on the sacred soil of old Virginia, our first march
to Richmond.
We all feel jubilant, and each man keeps time to the tune
of "John Brown's Body," and, as the song goes, he is still marching on. So are we, and pass through some dilapidated old villages.  We march through Germantown, which  is in flames, set
fire by some lawless fellow that will be missing when the hour of
action comes. The poor people run around trying to save something, but are so bewildered that they don't know what they are
doing. All we can do is to look on as we pass at the destruction
and misery caused by this fratricidal war.
We come to a place on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad
called Vienna, where a train containing some Ohio troops was
fired upon by some skulking rebels as it passed, killing and wounding several. We pass on a few miles further and the order comes
to bivouac for the night, which we were glad to do, after our
march of fifteen miles.   We stack our arms, build our little fires,
cook our coffee, and take our frugal meal, which is relished with a
good appetite.  We spread our blankets on the ground, cover up,
sleep and dream till morning dawns, and we are ready to renew
the march, which we commenced at 7 o'clock. The band strike
up the tune of Dixie, and all keep step with the music. Nothing
worthy of note happens on this day, except to keep a sharp outlook for the enemy, but none appear, and we file into some
nice fields a few miles from Centerville and camp for the night.
The troops are all massed in the fields, and it is a beautiful sight
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IN THIE ARMY OF TIIE POTOMAC. 
at night, especially at this time, for it is the largest number of
troops that we have seen together thus far.
This is the night before our first battle, and every one has his
own thoughts-some think, probably, of the loved ones far away,
and that this night will be their last. Oh, how would the father
or mother take it at home when the sad news should reach them of
the death of their darling son, or the poor wife, and his darling
children, who will comfort them in their affliction? But he finds
consolation that there is One who will not desert them in the hour
of trial, and feels'satisfied to leave all to Him, and he lies down
to take the much needed sleep and be ready for the battle on the
morrow. Everything is hushed in sleep, when at the hour of midnight, each man is' awakened to be ready for an expected attack;
but none comes, for the scare is caused by some unruly mules that
try to get away from their fastenings and are making an unearthly
noise.
On the 18th of July we buckle on our cartridge boxes, file out
of our camp, and get on the Richmond road again. Shortly we
halt by the road side for a brief rest, when a regiment of cavalry
dash past. To our inexperienced eye, we thought there was
enough of them to walk through the South, and that we would
not have any fighting to do, and, after all, have to go home without firing a shot. Soon we are cut short in our thoughts of this
kind, by the sharp report of pop, pop, pop, from a few pieces of
musketry, and soon found out that the cavalry had "struck ile."
They dash back faster than they went. Fall in boys, is the order
of our gallant Colonel McConnell, as he dashes up on his beautiful
charger. Falling in, the order, double quick, is given, and down
through the streets of Centerville we go, and cross Bull Run creek
at Blackburn's Ford, where we smell the enemy's powder for the
first time. They open on us from some masked batteries, but we
pass to the right and maneuver in some fields in their front. Our
skirmishers are having a lively time of it, and once in awhile we
see a poor fellow fall to rise no more until the last day, when the
trumpet shall awaken them to appear before their heavenly judge.
- --                                                             -" - IL " — -1,
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
We are in plain sight of the rebel artillery, which opens on us
with shot and shell. There are some nice blackberries near by, and
we cannot resist the temptation, and so fall too and eat as though
nothing was happening. The Second Michigan, Twelfth New York
and First Massachusetts, with our regiment, are brigaded together
under Col. Richardson, an old hero of the Mexican war. He rides
around and seems to be everywhere at once, and all feel confident
when we see the brave hero, "Fighting Dick."  We get behind a
battery to support it, and lie down to watch the rebel shells burst
in the woods beyond. Nothing is accomplished by this battle, but
to find out the position of the enemy. Our brigade loose between
two and three hundred in killed and wounded in this day's battle.
It is evident the fighting is over, for we have not enough troops to
dislodge the enemy, who are posted behind some formidable works,
and we wait where we are for reinforcements to renew the attack.
Thus ends our first day's fight, the battle of Blackburn's Ford.
22 
CHAPTER V.
GETTING REINFORCEMENTS-OLD BUMFUZZLE-BATTLE OF BULL RUN     A DISASTROUS DEFEAT-THE RETREAT-A BLUE MONDAY.
Saturday morning, and all through the preceding Friday, we
receive reinforcements. As the troops pass we cheer them, and
everyone is confident of a successful battle when it is fought. It
is plain that the heaviest fighting will be on our right, and if we
are left where we are we shall not have much of it to do.
I will not forget old Bumfuzzle, an old devil that poisoned a
well we used to get water from at Camp Blair. We brought him
along, and many of us believed it would have served him right to
shoot him-but the old fellow stole away from us in the excitement of the battle, and, it is said, gave important information to
the enemy concerning our forces and different positions held by
our troops.
All is ready now, and Saturday night is the night before the
great battle. We sit around and smoke our pipes. Not a shot is
fired by either party, and all is still; but it is the ominous stillness before a great struggle, and each has his own peculiar thoughts.
What are the loved ones at home thinking of? Probably every
one is in a fever of excitement, thinking of the loved ones in
danger, and many a prayer goes up to the throne of Grace to spare
their friends, but, alas, the fortunes of war require some sacrifice,
and many a poor soldier who lives to-night will never see another
Sunday morning dawn. On both friend and foe the sun rises above
the eastern forest and pours its beautfiul warm rays on all around.
The ball is opened away to the right by the skirmishers, as they
advance and drive the rebel pickets, followed closely by our men
in solid masses, on the charge. They are met by the enemy, and
a hand to hand fight takes place, when our men push them inside
their works. The rebel artillery opens on the advancing columns 
FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
and throw their deadly missels into their ranks. They falter, and
cannot go any further, when the rebel infantry reforming, take courage, advance over their works, and drive our men back. Some
new men relieve those who have been fighting, and going in with
a cheer, drive the rebels back. For a long time neither side has
much advantage, but we can tell by the direction of the roar of
artillery that the rebel infantry are being driven inside their works
again. Hark! we hear a yell as if all the fiends of bedlam were
let loose, and the enemy drive our men before them, for they are
reinforced by the famous Black Hiorse Cavalry, and nothing, it
seems, can stop their terrible onslaught. Hurrah, hurrah, is heard
along the lines, for it is the gallant Sixty-Ninth New York, a regiment composed of the stalwart sons of Erin, led by the brave Corcoran. They advance with a cheer, and meet the flower of the
South.  The chivalry try to ride over the mudsills, but  are met
by the bayonet, and thrust after thrust is made by the sturdy arms
of the Celt, and many a horseman is left dangling from his horse's
stirrups. Forward-charge, is the order given by their noble
Colonel, and the Black Horse Cavalry are no more, as but few get
back to tell the tale how they were cut to pieces. Surely, such
men are worthy of all praise, and their name will be handed down
by all good Americans as true defenders of this glorious country.
This charge caused a lull in the battle. A locomotive whistle is heard
from MIanassas, and it is evident that Beaureg,,ard's army is being
reinforced. Now we must not give them time to get to the battle ground before the rebel army is demolished, and accordingly
the battle is renewed with more vigor than before. The roar of
artillery and the rattle of musketry is almost deafening. Our
men go forward once more on the charge, and drive the rebels
before them, but are met by the fresh troops of Johnson's army
and are forced back against superior numbers. Oh, that we could
get reinforcements too, but, alas, for some one's neglect to keep
Johnson from uniting his men with Beauregard's. Our men are
hurled back in utter confusion. The excitement is taken up by the
citizens who went from Washington to witness the battle. They
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IN TIhE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.                  25
fly, and never pull up until they are safely inside the Capitol.  The
teamsters cut the traces of their horses and mules, leaving hundreds of wagons behind to block up the roads. The artillery cannot
get.through, and have to abandon their guns and fly. All is in one
utter mass of confusion. The enemy advance with their artillery
and fire into the rear of the retreating columns, all fly in dis                         F~~~~
may. Of course we have to get back now, and we retire in good
order, and camp on Centerville heights, where we wait until the
last man has passed, which is about 3 o'clock Monday morning.
It is left for our regiment to cover the retreat.   We file into the
road and march in platoons, taking up all the road; fix our bayonets so as to be ready to resist the rebel cavalry, should they follow up the retreating army. But they do not pursue, and probably are as badly whipped as we.
Monday, and indeed it is a blue one, and to add to our miserable
feelings it commenced to rain about 5 o'clock. It pours down in
torrents and all are wet to the skin. We continue our march,
never halting till we pull up in front of Washington, after marching about thirty miles in the rain, slush and mud. Oh, how tired
we are, as a few of us make our way to the Long Bridge, thinking
to cross over to Washington and get something good to eat, but
there is a sentinel on the bridge with orders to let no one pass but
officers. Oh, yes, the officers could pass and bask in the sunshine
of luxury, but the poor soldier could lie down by the roadside and
die from want. Making our way back to an old barn, we find
every place in the hay taken up with the poor, tired soldier, and it
is difficult to find a place to crawl into. At last a comrade calls
out. "here is a place."  We go to the offered shelter, make a nest
in the hay, and soon forget our disastrous battle and ignominious
flight from Bull Run by being clasped in the arms of good old
morpheus.
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CHAPTER VI.
A LONG DAY- VISIT FROM SENATOR CIIANDLER-GETTING TlHE REGI     MENTS TOGETHER-CAMP AT ARLINGTON-CAMP HUNTER
-DETAILED ON SPECIAL DUTY.
When I awoke from my refreshing sleep, I heard the word bread
on the outside of the barn. The sun was shining through the
cracks, and I thought, of course, that it was morning, I look
at my watch to find that it is 5 o'clock, but whether in the morning or afternoon I do not know.   On getting out I find that the
sun is pointing away to the west, and it is Monday still. Going to
a, wagon from Washington, I buy some bread and cheese, return to
my nest in the hay, share with my neighbors, cover up again, and
sleep soundly till morning. We all crawl out of our steaming
nests and get out in the morning sun, feeling as fresh as a daisy.
We build some fires, cook our favorite coffee, and feel happy once
more.
Senator Chandler visits us, makes us a neat little speech, and
assures us that the women in Michigan will not get married till we
get home. But we shall see how near a prophet he is.
There is a great time getting the different regiments together
and placed in position. Our brigade strike off for Arlington
Heights and go into camp, where the gallant Thirty-Seventh New
York, an Irish regiment, join us. We have now the Twelfth and
Thirty-Seventh New York, First Massachusetts, Second and Third
Michigan brigaded together under command of General I. B.
Richardson. We commence to build some forts, and are kept busy
one way and another. Soon we move to Hunter's Place, midway
between Washington and Alexandria, where we have a nice camp
on the banks of the Potomac.
A detail is made from our regiment to guard the tools, that are
used for building forts and other duty. There are twenty of us 
IN THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
on the detail, commanded by Lieutenant Bogardus, and we proceed
up the bluffs overlooking the valley beneath. Oh, what a lovely
camping ground! I shall never forget my lonely beat on guard in
this camp.  A panorama stretches out before me that is difficult
to describe.  Down in the valley are myriads of tents shining in
the sun; the lazy four-mule teams, as they pull their covered
wagons along the different roads; the beautiful Potomac, as it
winds its way to the sea; the Long Bridge leading across the river
connecting the sacred soil with Washington, whose beautiful Government buildings increase the grandeur; and the unfinished monument to the Father of his Country, are all visible at one view.
The fortifications around Washington are growing up like mushrooms, and now the Capitol is considered safe. We have built
three or four forts in a short time, Fort Scott, Fort Richardson,
and some smaller redoubts and breastworks. Our work is done
here now, and we have to move to some other locality.
27 
CHAPTER VII.
MC'CLELLAN TAKES COMMAND-GRAND REVIEW-CAMP LYON-ARRIVAL
OF THE FIFTH MICHIIIGAN-ALEXANDRIA.
Who is to take command of the army? is asked by President
Lincoln of the old hero, General Scott, for it is evident that the
Commander-in-Chief is too old now for the great work before him.
The hero of Mexico did know one man he thought he could trust
his army to, and that man was General George B. McClellan, a
young man who had proved himself a brave and cool officer under
him in Mexico.  General McClellan is in command now.   He  is
busy organizing the army; and it is given out that he is going to
have a grand review, and every one is getting ready for the first of
the kind in the army. We are all ready, and each regiment files
out of its camp, headed by a band of music, for Munson's Hill,
there to be reviewed by our gallant Commander, General McClellan.
The different corps, divisions and brigades take up their position
in line, and we hear great cheering to our right. It sounds nearer
and nearer, when our band strike up the beautiful tune, "Hail to
the Chief."  Our gallant Little Mac. rides past and is cheered by
General Richardson's brigade. Hle passes along the lines, followed
by his long train of staff officers, and looks as proud as a king;
and no wonder, for the whole vast army that covers the fields
around him is of his own making, numbering 75,000 men. He
halts at a front in the field, the whole army break into company
fronts and pass in review before their noble Chief, the President,
Cabinet, Foreign Ministers, and about 30,000 citizens from all
parts of the United States. Truly that was a sight that none will
ever forget who had the good fortune to be there.  We all go home
the shortest way we can after passing in review, each one feeling
proud of his Chief.
We go now to Camp Lyon, in front and to the left of Alexandria, where we build more forts, one of which is named after the 
IN T~~~~~~lE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.  29~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
hero of Wilson's Creek, General Lyon. Here our brigade receives
an additional regiment, the Fifth Michigan, one of the best that
ever carried and protected a flag, commanded by a big old lawyer
from Detroit, Colonel Terry. But he was too corpulent, and the
gallant Fifth soon shipped him for a more active Colonel, for he
was not fast enough for that regiment.
All are busynow and have plenty of work. When not on duty
we visit the Secesh hole, Alexandria, where the brave Ellsworth
met his death, by the rebel landlord of the Marshall House, while
in the act of tearing down the rebel rag. The landlord, Jackson,
met him on the stairway, underneath the hole that led up to the
top of the house, and shot him dead with a rifle. I have stood
often on the spot where the deed was committed, but the murderer
did not live long after he committed the act, for one of Ellsworth's
men was near by, and avenged the death of his commander by putting his bayonet through his body; his eyes roll in his head; the
soldier pulled the bayonet out, and Jackson fell down stairs a
corpse.
Alexandria is a quaint old town, and one of the bitterest in the
country against the soldiers of Uncle Sam, but the people have to
keep quiet, for it does them no good to show their hatred of us.
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IN THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 
CHAPTER VIII.
FARTHER TO THE FRONT-BUILDING WINTER QUARTERS        CAMP MICHIGAN-PICKET LINE-POHICK
CHURCH-MT. VERNON.
We  have got through with fort building around the
defences of Washington, and move out three or four miles
farther to the front, and build winter quarters, as the cold
weather is fast approaching.  We  go to work, and in a
short time have comfortable quarters, and all are ready for
the wintry blasts, naming our camp after our own State,
Camp Michigan. Our picket line is out about twelve miles,
and  we  generally  stay  out  forty-eight  hours.   Our
line was along by the famous Pohick Church, an old brick
structure that the great Washing,ton and fanmily used to
attend, but it has seen its best days, and is now used for
shelter by man and beast. There is something about the
venerable old building that makes one think of tile olden
time, when it was in its glory. I have sat in the same pew
that he was wont to sit in, listening to the word of God as
expounded by the good old minister.  Along side the
church is an old graveyard. The tombstones indicate from
the names and dates thereon, that the dead were buried
there nearly two hundred years ago. What wonder that
the place seems lonely and venerable? We have always
kept the place unharmed, with feelings of veneration.
While coming off picket, a few of us resolved to visit
Mount Vernon. the resting place of George and Martha
Washington. Arriving outside the enclosure, we there
leave our guns, as no soldier is allowed to carry arms inside
I 
IN THE ARMY OF TIIE POTOMIAC.
the sacred grounds. We are met by an aged negro, who
claims to have had Washington for his master, and he talks
with tears in his eyes about his good "ole massa." We
stand before the stately old mansion and think how the
great man himself had often stood on the same spot.
Making our way into the hall of the building, we register
our name, put our miite into the box close by, to help keep
the grounds in repair, and pass into a large room on the
ground floor, where there are to be seen some relics of the
past. In the corner is an old-fashioned musical instrument,
an old knapsack of revolutionary times; a very heavy affair
and looks a good deal different from our own in make,
shape and weight. Ascendingo the stairs and entering the
very room in which the great man breathed his last, we
observe an old-fashioned bedstead, on which, it is said, he
died. After going out on the verandah and looking off on
the broad Potomac, we retrace our steps. Thence passing
to the rear, we stand beneath the beautiful magnolia that
was planted there by the great man himself.  Taking a leaf
off its branches, we next make our way to the once beautiful garden and hothouses. The gardener gives us a beautiful bouquet, which we send home as a reminiscence to our
friends of our visit to this great place. Next we visit the
old tomb of Washington.  Near by is an ever running
spring, of ice cold water. After taking a drink of the cooling, liquid, we proceed to the present tomb of the sacred
dead. I will not undertake to describe my feelings as I
gaze through the iron bars at the two spotless marble
sarcophagi that encases the remains of George and Martha
Washington, true in life and sleeping side by side in death.
Oh, how I linger and think that if the founder of his
country were to wake from his sixty years sleep, and see
31 
32                FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
his very own countrymen trying to rend the Union asunder, what would he say. I linger long around the spot
and feel loth to leave; but the sun is sinking fast below
the western hills, and we must get back to camp. After
taking one more lingering look through the bars, I leave
the lonely and silent spot to the illustrious dead, and return
to camp by the nearest route, well pleased with my first
visit to Mount Vernon, to which I was wont to repair at
every opportunity, as I never tired of the beautiful place.
32
FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING 
CHAPTER IX.
WINTER IN CAMP-RECONNOISANCE-FIGHTING DICK-DRESS
PARADE-VISITORS-GOOD TIMES.
Winter life in camp is very weary, as it is but one routine over and over again-reveille in the morning, breakfast
call, sick call, guard mount call, drill call, dinner call,
which is the best of all the calls; the batallion, or brigade
drill call, which is not liked very well; dress parade call,
supper call, roll call and taps, which mean lights out and
cover up in blankets. All this is gone through day after
day, and after a time becomes tedious, leaving out the eating calls, which are always well appreciated. But we are
to have something by way of a change, and the order
comes to be ready to march on a reconnoisance in force, to
feel of the enemy and try to find out where he is all winter.  Accordingly on Christmas we take up our line of
march, pass through the picket lines, and halt in front of
the old church, on the crest of a hill where we have a beautifill view of the country for miles around.  Our commnander, General Heintzelman, takes a.ride out on the crest
of the hill, peers through his field glass, but no rebel is in
sight.  So, of course, nothing is left but to get back  to
camp, which is done in straggling order, all hungry, sore,
and tired, and hoping, that that will be our last reconnoisance, as well as the first. John Dibble lost an arm in this
camnpaig,n from an accidental shot fired by.one of our own
men.
We all claim that our "Fighlting Dick" is the plainest
general in the army, as well as one of the best. A stranger,
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34                FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
to see him in camp, would think he was a hostler for some
officer, as he never cared much about his dress, which consists of a jacket, an old straw hlat, and trowsers, in the side
pockets of which his hands are generally thrust.   This was
his every-day attire, without any insignia of rank about
him; but, with all these rough outlines, we all know he has
a head and a heart. Every one loved good natured and
plain old " Fighting Dick."' One morning, while walking
along the road, the General was accosted by a sprig of a
Lieutenant, who looked as though he was fresh from a bandbox, saying:  " Hello. old fellow, can you tell me where
General Richardson's headquarters are?" The General
looked at him with his peculiar grin, and told him that he
could, pointing out the direction to them. He then strolled
on leisurely toward his log hut on the hill, and found the
dandy saying all kinds of things, for he was mad that no
one waited on him. When he saw the General approaching, he told him to hurry up and hold his horse while he
went in to deliver the dispatches he had for the General.
The good natured General took the horse, tied him  to a
stake, went in by another door, and stood before the coxcomb Lieutenant with his stars on his shoulders. " Now,"
said he, "what do you want?"   The dandy would gladly
have crawled through a knot-hole just then, but he had to
face the music, and handed the dispatches to his late groom
with trembling hands. He was doubtless relieved of a
heavy load when the good natured General told him " that
will do," and the sprig of a shoulder-strap was doubtless
taught to find out whom he talked to before asking them
to hold his horse.
The dress parade in the evening is never foirg6tten in
camp, not even Sundays excepted, for it is one of the fixed
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IN TilE ARMY OF TilE POTOMAC.         35~~~~~~~
institutions of camp life. Each company is formed on its
ground by the orderly sergeant.  The tallest men take the
right of the company, and so on down, the shortest man
on the left. The men then count off into ones and twos,
so that each man knows his place, when the order is given
to right face and march by the flank. The band strikes up
a lively tune, as oni guard-mount, and each company is
marched out in full dress by the company commander, and
gets into line with the company before them. For instance,
Company A form on the right, then Company B on their
left, and so on down, until all are formed.  The band stops
playing; the adjutant orders the batallion to present arms,
and each gun comes perpendicular before the l)ody. He
turns and salutes the commanding officer, telling him  the
parade is formed. The Colonel directs him to march to
his post, behind himself, when the manual of arms is gone
through with; and when he is satisfied, hlie says: "Parade
is dismissed." The adjutant takes his place as before, and
tells the orderlies to report by calling thenm to the center of
the regiment.  Company A  orderly gives his report, all
present or accounted for, and so on with all the orderlies. They are then ordered to an outward face, and get to
their posts.  The orders for the regiment, if any, are read;
then the officers  of the line march from their respective
companies to the center of the regiment, come to a front,
and all forward in line, keeping step to the music, halting
within a few paces of the Colonel or commanding officer of
the regimnent, and salute him in the regular way. He then
gives any instructions that lie has, and dismisses them.
The companies are marched back to their company ground,
and there break ranks.
We are visited in our camp by people who  come  to see
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IN THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 
FOUR YEARS CAMIPAIGNING
their friends from the north, and we have fine times. We
never had a camp in which we enjoyed ourselves better than
at camp Michigan. We have our moonlight dances and
walks, debating schools, singing, music, visiting Alexandria and Washington, and occasional visits to that quiet
retreat-Mount Vernon. Nothing but enjoyment in this
camp; received our mails regular, and daily papers, plenty
to eat and drink and wear-for at this time we were throwing, off the dirty, shoddy suit of gray, furnished us by a
shoddy contractor at Grand Rapids, who made a fortune
out of the speculation.
.-... 1            -   -.          .
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CHAPTER  X.
GOOD-BYE CAMP MICHIGAN-FORT LYON AGAIN-RAIN AND
MUD-ABOARD OF TRANSPORTS-ARRIVAL AT FOR       TRESS MONROE-THE MONITOR —-- HAMPTON
VILLAGE-THE BIVOUAC.
The winter now is pretty well advanced, and signs of
spring commnience as the trees begin to show a thin coating
of green. Of course, a move will soon be made, and accordingly an order comes to be ready to march.  All our surplus baggage is packed up and sent to the rear, also the
sick.  We take a farewell look at our late pleasant camp,
get on the road, and are soon back on our old camping
ground, at Fort Lyon. It commences to rain in torrents,
and we pitch our shelter tents in the mud. Oh, what a
miserable time we are having. It seems now that we are
paying dearly for our comfortable times in Camp Michigan.
The creeks are all swollen, and the bridge that crosses the
bayou, leading to Alexandria, is inundated.   The wind
blows fearfully, dashing the pelting rain in through our little tents, and it seems as though no human being could
stand such hardships, but we have to grin and bear it.  In
a few days the storm ceases, and wrapping up our tents
and blankets, we file into Alexandria to takle transports.
While waiting for our turn to get aboard, I take a stroll
down to the dock and see a black looking craft-a government vessel. On the lower deck sat our great Presidenlt,
onI a board, whittling away with his knife. Around him
walked the Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton, and our
almost idolized Little Mac., Admiral Dahlgreen and some
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38                FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
other great men.  It was evident that they were ta
and laying out plans for our coming campaign.  Loo
around, I see my regiment going down with their acco
menits.  I run to get my own and leave these men to
plans.  Getting aboard, we steam out into the midd
the stream and there await the embarkation of the{
troops.  At last all are embarked, the signal from the
ship is given, and the heavily laden transports wit}
grand Army of tile Potomac, steam down the maj
river amid the firing of salutes from the navy yard an
playing of scores of bands.  Passing Fort Washingt
salute is fired in our honor, and soon we are opposite
silent shades of Mount Vernon, with its honored d
Proceeding on by Aquia Creek; where the rebels had v
all winter firing on the shipping that passed, we steamn
Chesapeake Bay and next morning arrive safely in For
Monroe.  Arising fromnt my couch on the upper deck,
ing sore about the hlips, I hear laughter on the other
of the boat, and passing thither,  learn  the  case
it, as 1 do not feel mach  that way, some one  p
out to me an object floating around in the water.  It
like the back of a whale just floating under the water,
a large round box on its back, very much  resembli
huge cheese box.  A man with a glass walks up and (
and around the box, looking very anxiously up Ham i
Roads toward Norfolk, for some purpose or other.  A
we solve the mysterious looking animal, and pronoun
to be none other than the Mistress of the Seas-the
Monitor, which is waiting for the much talked of Merr
to come out and show herself again, but she never c
as one touch of Uncle Sam's pet was enough for her,
prefers to remain in Norfolk Navy Yard.
-38
FOUR YEARS CA.NIPAIGNING
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IN TIIE ARMY OF TIIE POTOMAC.
About the first of April we leave our floating camps and
get on the sacred soil once more at Fortress M1onroe.  Passing by the largest fort in the country, we march  by some
contraband negroes that are encamped around, and pass
through the once beautiful village of Hampton. now nothing but a mass of ruins, caused by the rebels themselves,
who burnt the place onl leaving it, thus cutting off their
own noses to spite their faces. A short distance beyond we
bivouac for a few days to get ready for our campaigns on
the Peninsula.
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39 
CHAPTER XI.
ON TO RICHMOND —-SIEGE OF YORKTOWXN —-BUILDING FORTS
AND REDOUBTS —-PICKETING —-ARTILLERY DUEL —-A FOOT  LESS PAGE —-OUR PHOTOGRAPHER —-A BIG SHELL —-BAL  LOONS —-EVACUATION OF YORKTOWN.
About the 7th of April we commenced our march on the
road to Richmond, via Yorktown and Williamsburg. We
pass by Big Bethel, where Ben Butler tried to make a
breach through to Richmond, for a few spoons, but failed.
Soon we are before Yorktown.  Since it would cost a great
sacrifice of life to storm the works, we settle down to dig
the rebels out. In a short time breast-works are thrown
up, and large forts, filled with cannon, spring up as if by
mag,ic. As we picket but a short distance from the rebels,
frequent skirmishing occurs.  In an army of this size, and
under fire nearly all the time, some one must necessarily
get killed or wounded every day. One morning, while on
picket, a battery pulls up on the line and opens out from
the same post I am on.   They fire on some rebels who are
in plain sight, building forts.  The way they get down and
hug mother earth is astonishing to us, for not one is seen in
a moment. After awhile the laugh is turned on ourselves,
for they open on us with their great guns, and we rather
get down too. An artillery duel commences and lasts
nearly an hour, when we hear a shout to the left and front
of our post. Pretty soon a man is borne to the rear, and
we find that Fernando Page, of Co. K, has both feet shot
off by a premature discharge of one of our own guns. As
he passes our post we observe that both feet hangs only by
I 
IN TIIE ARIY OF THIE POTOMAC.           41
pieces of flesh. Poor fellow, his soldiering is done. Thle
enemies guns are silenced and the battery is taken to the
rear.  We are relieved, and return to camp.
In the afternoon, while busy cleaning our guns, a thun dering noise is heard.   Looking in the direction of the
sound, a monster shell is observed approaching.  We all
drop a courtesy, a la Japanese, by getting on our knees.
It passes over and thuds into the ground behind the phlo tographic tent of' Fred H —, who runs out, white as a
sheet, to learn the cause of the noise, and observes behind
his tent, a hole large enough to bury a mule in, caused by
the  shell.   He  immediately  packed  up  his pictures,
vamoosed the camp, and it is said, never stopped until he
was safe in his own valley city, in Michigan, nor did he
take any more pictures on the sacred soil.
Near by our camp there is a saw-mill in full operation,
and lumber is sawed to floor our hospitals, which makes it
very comfortable for the sick.
Not the least institution in the army is the balloon of
Prof. Lowe.  It is a Ihuge affair, and can be seen every day
up in the air taking observations of the enemies' works and
positions, lwhich proves a great help to the General commanding.
It is rumored that the siege is at an end, and all are
getting ready to open up on the enemies' lines, and make
breaches in their works; but we are spared the trouble, for
our pickets, about the first of May, find that they have
evacuated their works. The pickets commence cheering,
and soon it is taken up by thousands in the vast army over
our bloodless victory. The bands strike ulp the tune,
"Ain't I Glad to Get Out of the Wilderness," a very
appropriate piece, as we had been in the wilderness long 
42               FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING 
enough, and it is the first music we have had since we
arrived before Yorktown, there being no music allowed
during the siege, which lasted about three weeks.
t,~~~~ _n
CHAPTER XII.
FOLLOWING UP THE ENEMY-TORPEDOES-BATTLE OF WIL     LIAMSBURG-THE FIFTH MICHIGAN INFANTRY
IMAKES A GALLANT FIGHT, ETC.
Striking our tents and packing our knapsacks, we soon
file out of our ]ate camps and follow up the retreating army.
Getting inside the late rebel works,we are cautioned to keep
in our places, for the enemy have put torpedoes in the
ground for the purpose of blowing up the Yankees, but
they do not accomplish their hlellish plot, for some of their
own men, taken prisoners, are set to digging them out.
Passing through somle miserable country, we pull up in
some fields to camp for the night.  Early on the fifth of
May it begins to rain, and heavy cannonading is heard not
far off.  Our advance have struck the enemy, and are forcing a fight.
Our brigade fall in under the gallant son of Maine, General Berry, and forward oil the double-quick for the scene
of action.  General Hancock is engaged with his brigade,
and is fighting bravely against heavy odds-but we soon
take a load off his shoulders, and the gallant "Fighting
Fifth" is in the midst of the battle, and is getting cut up
fearfully; but the brave men keep  their ground against
heavy odds. The Thlirty. Seventh New York go into the 
IN TIIE ARM.IY OF TIIE POTOMAC.
fight with a wild cheer, and drive the rebels at the point
of the bayonet.  The firing along the line is terrific.   A
body of rebels are seen moving to our left and our regimnient
is sent to oppose them.  Drawing  up  in line in an open
field, we wait for the expected charge.  They emerge from
the woods beyon(l, and every man is ready to give them a
warm reception.  Ready, is the order giveli by our noble
Colonel Champlin, and each man brings his piece where lihe
can handle himself'.  But we have no occasion to llse them,
for the rebels get back into the woods again.  Meantime
the battle rag,es on our right.  At 5 o'clock we hear a loud
cheer, and General Hancock and his brig,ade charge and
take tile principal fo.'t of the enemy, Fort McGruder.
This has been a farf'ul battle on account of the close proxinity of the opposing armies.  Never did a regiment make
a better fight during the war than the gallant " Fighting
Fifth," a name they worthily earned on this bloody field.
They charged against fearful odds and took some breastworks from the enemy, and seven or eight times stood their
ground against the enemy, who tried to dislodge them, and
more than half of their men and officers were either killed
or wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Beach received a severe
wvound and had to be borne from the field. The regiment,
too, feel proud of their old pussy, Colonel Terry, for he
proved himself a brave officer.  The Thirty-Seventlh New
York, a gallant Irish reg,iment, under the command of
Colonel Haymon, also showed their mettle, and proved
themselves worthy of the old Red Diamond Division under
the indomitable one armed General Kearney. So with the
Second MIichig,an, under Colonel Poe, a regular officer, who
took command after the promotion of Colonel Richardson,
now a general commanding a division. The night after
I
43
I 
FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
the battle was a fearfully wet and muddy one. We try to
take care of the wounded as best we can, and have to wade
knee deep in mud on the roads and in the fields; but the
longest night must have an end, and so did the night after
the battle of Williamsburg. We are already to renew the
conflict, and the morning of the 6th dawns lovely and
bright.  The birds sing over our heads, we build our fires,
cook our coffee, and are happy again.
CHAPTER XIII.
RETREAT OF THE ENEMY-BURYING THE DEAD-FEARFUL
SIGHTS-ON TO RICHMOND ONCE MORE-MC'DOWELL
WITHDRAWN FROM OUR COMMAND-CROSS
THE CHICKAHOMINY-BATTLE
OF FAIR OAKS.
Early on the 6th our skirmishers advance, but meet no
enemy, who had left the night before, so there is cause for
more cheering, and thus far we have whipped the enemy on
the Peninsula.  We all feel confident that Richmond will
be ours in a few days.
Details are made  to bury the dead, which are very
numerous. Horrid sights meet the eye everywhere. The
dead are in all possible shapes, some on their backs with
their eyes wide open. others on their faces, others on their
sides, and others in a sitting posture leaning against some
brush or tree. One dead rebel I never shall forget. He
was in a ditch leaning on his elbow, the face turned up the
very picture of dispair and fright. He holds his right
hand pointing up ready, as it were, to grasp at somnething.
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44 
IN TIIE ARMY OF TIIE POTOMAC.
His head and face are swollen to an unnatural size, and is
of a dirty, greenish hue, positively the worst sight of a
rebel I ever saw, and I am sure that a good many of my
comrades will remember the same. Our regime(nt file by,
and each one turns his head with loathing at the horrid
sight. The dead of both frien(l and foe lie side by side,
but it is remarked by all that the pleasant smile on the
patriot's face contrasts strangely witli the horrid stare of
the rebel dead.
We advance over the stubbornly contested field of the
day before, through a thick slashing made by the enemy to
impede our progress, and get on the Richmond road again;
march through the quaint old city of Williamsburg, where
we get the inew,s of the withdrawal of McDowell's forces,
numbering between forty and fifty thousand men, who were
to co-operate with our army, on the other side of York
river, all under the brave Little Mac. They are ordered to
get back to protect Washington, where there were not
enough rebels to fight a corporal's guard. General McClellan protests bitterly against such a move, but all to no
avail, and is ordered forward with the troops he has. Oh,
why do they not leave all the army together, and no power
in the South can check our onward march.  Our gallant
hero tells them he has not troops enough to follow up his
advantage, but like a good soldier he obeys orders, and
assures them in Washington he will do the best he can.
The army still keep up the Peninsula to the Chickahominy, where all the bridges have been burned by the
enemy after they had crossed. After the heavy rains the
roads are terrible, and it is very difficult to move artillery and
supplies. Sometimes it takes sixteen horses to pull one
gun.  Casey's division have crossed the river and estab
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45
I 
FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
lished their lines, having some heavy fighting on their outposts occasionally, while the pioneers are as busy as bees
building bridges. At last our division cross and go into
camp in rear of Casey's.  We pitch our tents onl the ever
memorable 31st of May, and all think we are going to have
some rest. We lie quietly in our little tents, when all at
once, a tremenduous fire is opened in our front.  The officers do not give the order to fall in, for every man is in his
place in the line in an instant. Forward, double-quick
march, is the order given by our noble Colonel Champlin.
Marchin,g by the flank we soon strike " ile," for we meet
Casey's men coming out of the woods followed close by the
enemy. By company into line, is the order, and we execute the order on a double quick, charge bayonets, and in
we go with a cheer.  The rebels open a tremenduous fire
into our ranks and kill and wound nearly half our regiment. We close up our ranks and go for them with the
cold steel, and a whole rebel brigade fly before the gallant
old Third.  They are driven through swamps and woods,
and fly through Casey's camps into their breastworks
in the field beyond. Surely this is a great charge.
but we suffer fearfully in killed and wounded. We stand
now at the edge of the woods and the enemy open up a
galling fire with shot and shell.  What is left of the Fifth
and Second Michigan and Thirty-Seventh New York now
come up in line with us, and we are ready for any charge
the enemy may make.  They form in our front, and we
expect an attack. They are within good musket shot, and
all open a vigorouis fire on them, which throws them into
utter confusion, and it is plain to us that they dare not
charge. On our right our lines are hard pushed, but they
hold their own, and all is well on the night of the first
46
I 
IN TIIE ARMY OF TIIE POTOMAC.           47
day's fight. After the firing ceases, what is left of the
regiment get back to camp under our gallant LieutenantColonel Stevens. Oh, how many of our comrades we leave
behind, fallen in defence of their Nation's flag. The brave
and heroic Captain Samuel Judd, of Company A, is no
more. He was killed on the skirmish line leading on his
men.  He sold his life well, however, for when  his body
was found three large rebels lay by his side, whom he made
bite the dust.  The whole regiment mourn  his loss.  His
brother, of the same company, has an arm off. He has
given his mite to the cause of freedom, and it is hloped that
Lieutenant Geo. Judd will survive his great loss.   Our
noble Col. Champlin was severely wounded while leading
his regiment on the charge. Lieutenant Waters is wounded, and Peter Burg,iman, of Co. H, has a leg off, and is
borne to the rear.  But I must stop giving names, for it
would require a volume to name all the killed and wounded
and give every little particular.  Suffice it to say that the
loss in our regiment was about two-thirds the number that
went into the fight.  During the night troops are crossing
the river, and we are expecting to renew the fight in the
morning; so we all lie down and get all the sleep we can.
Sunday morning, June 1st, opens bright and lovely, and
about 9 o'clock the ball is re-opened. Old Fighting Dick
is in with his Division. The enemy charge under the rebel
Gen. Longstreet, but are met by the gallant Irish Brigade,
with their green flags flying in the breeze, side by side with
the Stars and Stripes, headed by the brave Gen. Mieaghller.
They do not stand long before the stalwart sons of Erin,
but are hurled back to their works at the point of the bayonet.  The fighting lasts about an hour, when the enemy
retire inside their defences before Richmond, and thus ends
the terrible battle of Fair Oaks. 
CHAPTER XIV.
REINFORCEMENTS CALLED FOR-THE BATTLE-FIELD-A RE  CONNOISSANCE-BURYING THE DEAD-BUILDING BREAST  WORKS-A HARD FIGHT FOR A FEW FEET OF GROUND  PREPARATIONS TO FALL BACK.
Our noble commander calls for more men to follow up
the enemy, for he sees that it would be sheer madness to
try to capture Richmond through the formidable works
built for its defence.  But a deaf ear is turned to his entreaties for some cause or other, and he must get along the
best he can without them.  Our division go out on a reconnoisance, passing over the battle-ground, and advancing
about a mile beyond. No enemy is in sighlt. We establish a picket line, and get back to our bivouac. Details
are made to bury the dead, which now begin to smell, and
make the air very unwholesome to breathe. The dead lay
around thick, and in almost every instance the Union dead
are stripped of their boots and shoes, coats, and sometimes
pants and shirts, pockets turned inside out, -by the rebel
robbers of the dead, who held that portion of the field before they retreated.
The whole army form in line now, and build breast-works
and redoubts, and await events.  The enemy make a dash
on our line once in a while, and every man is in his works,
no matter how often, for we do not want them to come
Casey on us.  We are always ready to give themi   a warm
reception should they have  a mind  to pay us a visit.
About the middle of June the enemy come down in force
on our picket line, and drive them in.  We are all in our
I
i
I 
IN THE ARMY OF TIIE POTOMAC.
works, for we expect it is going to be a general attack.
They come in plain silght, stop, and establish their picket
line.  Now this our one-armed Phil. Kearney does not
like, to see them every day so close to our lines.  So he
makes a detail from every regiment of about fifty men to
drive the rebels back and retake our own ground.  The
detail start over the works and soon drive the rebel pickets
in, but they are met by their heavy reserves, and try to
stand their ground.  A  beautiful fight here takes place.
Our gallant Kearney rides utip and tells us to give it to
them, when the little army charge and drive the rebels
fromn our lost ground; we establish our line in its former
place and return in triumph to our breastworlks. amidst the
cheers of our comrades in camp.
We are now hlaving the same routine of life as at Yorktown-di,gging, fighting, and picketing. Every one is getting tired of this place, for the air is impregnated with
nauseous odors, caused by the decomposition of half buried
men and horses.
On the 27th of June we lhear great firing to our extreme
right, at Mechanicsville. Jackson comes from the valley
and reinforces Lee's arnmyv. It is evident that they mean
to turn our right flank and destroy our army, or drive us
back firom the front of Richmond, for they think we are
too close to their Capitol for comfort.  Our men fall back
at night, and we get the orders to destroy all our camp
equipage, and one hundred and sixty rounds of ammunition
is dealt out to each man, making a heavy load, enough to
last until we get to oir supplies, wherever that may be.
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49 
CHAPTER XV.
THE SEVEN DAYS FIGHT-BATTLES OF GAINES' MILLS, PEACH
ORCHARD, CHARLES CITY CROSS ROADS, AND MALVERN
HILL-SKIRMISHING-A BRAVE PIONEER-THE RETREAT
-ARRIVAL AT HARRISON'S LANDING.
On June 28th there is a battle raging away to our right
and rear.  Our men fell backl during the night from MIechaniicsville, and now the First Corps, under Gen. Porter,
is fighting, the battle of Gaines'  Mills.  The rebels come
down withi great force, but our tiroops stand their ground
against heavy odds.  Our division still keep our works,
and the indomitable Kearne(y is spoiling for a fight.  But
the enemy in our firont don't feel disposed to satisfy him in
his little game, for they don't appear in our front yet.  An
aid-de-camnp rides up in a greatt hlurry, and tells our General to get back or we will be gobbled up.  None of us see
where the gobbling is to conme from, but we are all satisfied
to leave, so we file out of our workls and get back leisurely,
halting a few miles in the rear of our late works.  Meanwhile the right of our army is h-aving a hard time.  They
have to faill back to Peach Orchard, where they are met by
some more of our troops, they pitch into the Johnnies and
give them Hail Columbia.
On June 30th our part of the line get so5ne heavy work
to do.  Our corps begins to fall back, leaving a part of our
regiment to skirmish withl the enemy  and throw  obstructions in their way. We are deployed at intervals, and
see the rebel skirmnishiers advance, followed close by their
heavy lines. We fire and fall back. They advance steadily and fire as they comnie. Our pioneers are busy chop
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I 
IN TIIE AR.IY OF TIIE POTOMAC.             51
piing in the rear, and many  a moinarch of the forest falls
across the road.  The enemy push us pretty lively.  \Ve
fling our lknapsaclks with contents into the woods to make
us lighter on foot.  Comling out into the road, Jerry Ricliardson, a pioneer, is chlopping away at his level best at a
huge six-footer.  Hle has it nearly cut throughl, we  tell
him to get back or lie is gone.  But Jerry says he  will
have the tree down if he dies fbr it.  The skirmish line all
get in the rear of hiiu, and he is within both fires.  The
rebels fire a dozen shots at himn, the balls fall thick around
and we all expect to see him fall; but no, the last cut is
in the tree and it fatlls across the road, making, a noise lilke
thulnder.  \When Jerry saw the tree commience  to stargger
lie did some lively walklin,, and got inside our lines safe,
sweating like a butcher.  Everv man that saw him cheered
till he was hoarse.
WVe fall b)ack behind our lines that are drawn up on the
crest of a hill, with artillery in position. When the enemy
emer,ge fiom  the woods, they are met by a galling fire, and
fearful gaps are made in their ranks.  They charge and recharge, but they have to get back agfain.  They next try a
flank movement, by trying, to gain the Charles City road,
but before t-hey do they will have to fight hard for it. \Ve
learn fr'om some. prisoners who left Richmond  that morning that General Lee sent word to the 3iayor and city
authorities to be ready to give the Army of the Potomac a
grand reception, for he would capture the wvhole army that
(lday.  But we shall see how it was done.
Th)ey form in six or ei,ght lines deep on our left, thinking they can walkl right through us, but our artillerymen
open the dogs' mouths, which beg,in to bark, a barking too
that bites, follow, and make  savage cuts in theenemy's
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52                FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
ranks.  The noble Thirty-Seventh N. Y. go  to the support of the Twentieth Indiana, and both regiments make
a bold and splendid fight.  The good old Fifth is in again
and relieves the Thirty-Seventh.  The Seveuteenth Maine
follow up.  This is a new regiment, and their first fight.
All are anxious to know how they will demean themselves.
They get the order to forward-they hesitate a little, are
cheered on by us, and the stalwart sons of Maine go in on
the charge.  They make a splendid fight and are pronounced by all to be worthy of the Red Diamond Division
and Berry's Brigade.  Next comes the turn of the old
Third. The Twentieth Indiana are hard pressed, and we
go to their relief and hold the position. The enemy try to
break through several times, but get repulsed with fearful
loss. At last night puts an end to the conflict at Charles
City Cross Roads. The army of the Potomac holds its
own under its gallant leader Little Mac., and all think
that the good people of the Capitol of the so called Southern Confederacy will be very much disappointed by not
seeing the Army of the Potomac at the present time.  But
at some future day we will make up for the disappointment we put them to, by appearing probably in a different
way from that they expected to see us to-day.
The night after the battle we lay down  to sleep so close
to the enemy that we can hear them talk. All is as still
as the grave, and the stars shine brilliantly over our heads.
We lie down with our canteens for pillows, and soon are
all in the arms of good old Morpheus, except the watch on
picket. How long we sleep we cannot tell. We are gently
shaken on the shoulder and a voice whispers:   "Get up,
follow, and make no noise."  In an instant we are all on
our feet, the right of our regiment commences to move off.
I 
IN TIlE ARMY OF TIIJ POTOMAC.            53
We follow one after another. Nothing, breaks the stillness
but the crackling of the dry brush beneath our tread. Soon
we are passing over parts of the battle field, and canl see
by the early twilight of the morning men and horses lying
side by side in the arms of death. Here and there lay some
dismounted guns  with  brokeii  calrriages,  caisons, and
hundreds of small arms lying around.  We soon reach the
road, and the death-like stillness is broken  by  a sneeze,
then a laugh, and the whole regiment coimmence to talk
and lau,lgh.  We are out of the woods now and all feel
good again, and trudge along the road quick and fast. We
pull up at Malvern Hill. The order comes from some unreliable source to pitch our tents and make ourselves comfortable. But there don't seem to be any rest for the weary,
for the order comes again to pack up and march for the
front and get into line, for tihe enemy is advancing again,
and feel confident that they will gobble us up this time
surely.  We hear their well known yells once more, and
our army is ready for them.   Now this is a fair field-no
works to get behind, and a fair chance to whip us if they ever
can. But we are not afraid they will do that with our
brave Little Mac. at our head.   They open the fight with
a fierce charge, but are hurle(1 back again to where they
started.  Their artillery open a tremenduous fire on us,
but they do not have it all their own way, for our artillery
soon reply and shut utp their barking.  We are in a very
bad position, for we are'in anl open field exposed  to Lhe
enemy's shells. A great many are wounded while lying
down, and are carried to the rear. The day is fearfully
warm, and the sun strikes down on us so hot as to almost
singe the clothes on our backs. The enemy is seen to make
demonstrations on our right, but the heaviest charge comes
---- - -- I.-                        -          --                            -              -- 
54    FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
on our center. They might as well charge on the big fort
at Fortress Monroe as to try to break our lines at Malvern
Hill.  The enemy retire and bring every available man
they can spare fromni other parts of their lines, and form for
their last charge. Meanwhile our noble chief is not idle,
for every piece of artillery is being brought to the front.
The big siege guns are all ready, and every one now is on
the lookout for what is to come next-the great charge of
the whole campaign on the peninsula.  At about 5 o'clock
the enemy is seen to emerge from the cover of the woods.
They cross the open field seven or eight lines deep.  They
commence their horrible yells, thinking they can fiighten
us some —but we don't scare worth a cent, for we all feel
confident that our lines are impregnable.  They are close
up to our lines, and five hundred guns belch forth their
missles of death into their ralnks.  They falter, but are
urged on by the imprecations and threats of their officers.
Our infantry pour their deadly bullets into them. The
bravest men in the world cannot stand against such fire,
and they fall back for shelter in their friendly woods to
mourn over and count their great losses, and leave us to
fall backl at leisure to our base of supplies, at Harrison's
Landing.  Part of the army commence to fall back after
night sets in, and about 3 o'clock we leave the bloody field
of Malvern Hill behind, amid a rainstorm, and in a short
time it pours down, making the  roads very bad to pass
over.
"How far is it to Harrison's Landing?" we ask of an
old inhabitant whom we pass. He answers:'" Indeed sah,
I don't know, but it is a right smart ways, I reckon," and
before we got there we found it was. We are put through
on a forced march, and the number of stragglers is fearful.
I
54
FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING 
IN TIIE ARMY OF TIIE POTOMIAC.
When we arrived at Harrison's Landing there were about
enough that kept up to make a Corporal's guard.  A great
many fell out by the roadside and never rose again.
Arrived at the Landing, we try to cook our favorite beverage, coffee, but the rain would put the fire out as fast as
we could build it.  At last we hold our old clothes over
the fire, and think we are going to have our coffee sure,
when we hear a tremenduous chleering up the road, and coffee is soon forgotten. Running out to see what is lup, a
horseman is seen riding along the road followed by two
cavalrymen.   We see that it is our gallant Little Mac.,
the hats and caps commence  to fly in the air, and men
cheer as though they were crazy.  The General, commanding  his own army of the Potomac,  acklnowledges  with
graceful waves of the hand, assures us we are all right
now, and passes on, leaving us to go back and attend to
our coffee, which we find tipped over in the smouldering
chips.  Again dipping some water out of the ditch and rebuilding the fire, we cook andl drink our coffee, eat our
hard-tack, smioke our pipes, and feel happy, but not very
long, for the enemy open up their long range guns  at us,
and send some shells among the masses of soldiers in the
fields. We hear some cheering in the direction of the
Landing, and soon find out the cause.  It is a fresh Division  from the Shenandoah  Valley  under  the  immortal
Shields.  They pass by us on a quick march and keep on
to the front. They walk around our tormentors, capture
their artillery and all the force that supported them, bringing them back in triumph amidst the cheers of the old army
of the Potomac, thus ending the seven days' fight on the
Peninsula.
I will say here that the soldiers in the army of the Poto
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55 
56                FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
mac loved their brave commander with such a love that a
Napoleon would envy, for every one feels confident that no
other man living could take the army out of such an ordeal
as occurred on the last seven days.  Fight every day, and
march every night, whipping the enemy in almost every
battle, and that, too, against heavy odds. No good soldier
ever fought under the gallant General Geerge B. MtcClellan but will always recollect him with the greatest pride, and
sympathize with him in the hours of his affliction.
CHAPTER XVI.
WE GO INTO CAMP-FOURTH OF JULY, 1862-BATALILION
DRILL, ETC-CAMP LIFE-ORDERS TO MARCH             DI)AUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT.
On the Fourth of July, 1862, we go into canmp and make
ourselves as comfortable as we can.  We have a good base
of supplies.  The army is encamped upon the banks of the
James River, and we get supplies by that way.  Our sutlers return, and everything goes well.  Camp life here is
very hard, the weather being very hot, and we drill a great
deal.  In the morning at 5 o'clock we are awakened by the
reveille; get up and answer the roll-call; then form for
squad drill; then breakfast, after which is company drill;
come in and rest for awhile, and then the whole regiment
goes out for batallion drill; next dinner; next brigade drill;
next division drill, and we all think if the fields were only
large enough, we would have a corps and army drill.
One year ago to-day we celebrated our Fourth of July
in Washington.   What hardships we have endured in the
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING 
IN TIIE ARMIY OF THE POTOMAC.             57
one single yearjust gone by! Then we feltjubilant and confi dent, but to-day we feel depressed in spirits after our late
disastrous campaigns.   Ol, whoever are to blame for the
sacrifice of our brave commander and his glorious old army,
may the curse of thousands of widows and orphlans fall on
their heads. For the war is prolonged now to an indefinite time, in which there will be thousands of lives sacrificed to satisfy the appetites of wicked and designing men.
Here we have the same routine of camp life as in all
other camps-guard mnount, guard duty, picket duty, and
fatigue duty. Hundreds are getting sick every day,
and if we stay here in this hot hole much longer there
will not be much of the army left fit for service.
Our drilling is very hard, and( we would much rather
be excused fronm so much of it, at least. There are
rumors that Lee's army is getting off to destroy Pope's
army in the valley and unless the army of the Potomac go
to his rescue, his will be destroyed.   So the sutlers are
ordered to the rear and the sick are sent on transports
to Washington.
I must mention in these pages Anna Etheridge, the heroine and daughter of our regiment. The world never produced but very few such women, for she is along with us
through storm and sunshine, in the heat of the battle caring for the wounded, and in the camp looking after
the poor sick soldier, and to have a smile and a cheering
word for every one who comes in her way. Every soldier
is alike to her.  She is with us to administer to all our little wants, which are not few.  To praise her would not be
enough, but suffice to say, that as long as one of the old
Third shall live, she will always be held in the greatest
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58                FOUR YEARS CAIPAIGNING
esteem, and remembered with kindly feelings for her goodness and virtues.
Orders come to pacli up and be ready to marchl at a momlents notice, which we do, and are glad to go anywhere
out of our hot and dirty camp.
CHAPTER XVII.
OUR BACKWARD MOVE-FAMILIAR GROUND -A HOT
DUSTY MARCH-BACK TO WILLIAMSBURG AND
YORKTOWN-ARRIVAL AT WASH                    INGTON AGAIN.
About the first of August we commence our backward
march on the Peninsula. The marching is very disagreeable on account of the severely warm  weather and dusty
roads. Water is very scarce along the route, and there is
much suffering from the want of it. When we camp
nights, if there are any nice springs around, there is soon a
guard put over them, and, of course, it is reserved for the
officers. Like a certain tree at the battle of Fair Oaks.
In the heat of battle a certain officer, well known to us all,
took a position behind a huge pine. A couple of soldiers
thought they would likle to take shelter there too.  But
the gallant Captain drew his sword and told them  to be
gone, for this tree is reserved for the officers, and none otlhers.  Of course, the poor soldiers give way, for they dare
not disobey the order of an officer, even if hlie was a coward, for he would be courtmartialed, his pay stopped, be
made to march in camp with a stick on his shoulder, or be
bucked and gagged and forty pails of water thrown on his
1.
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AND 
IN TIIE ARMY OF TIE POTOMAC.
head, or, if'l he did not like all this, by way of a change, be
tied up by the thumbs to the limb of a tree.  Oh, yes, all
the good things are reserved for the officers, and the poor
soldier has to roam over the fields and hunt some cow track
for somne water to cook his coffee.  But we  have one consolation.  The soldier is here to save this country, and suffer for it, while such cowardly officers as the one at Fair
Oaks are here for pay.  I will say here, that I thank God
that such officers are scarce in our army, and we have some
as humane and as good  men  as live-but the bad ones
have influence, and the good ones cannot do much against
them.   For if they say anything against the illtreatment of
soldiers, they are spotted by the men  that  work for pay
and shoulder straps, are intrigued against, and probably
for some slight misdemeanor get a dishonorable  discharge
from the service.
I will relate an incident that happened to myself on this
hot and thirsty march.  There was not a drop of water
with any of us, and with three canteens beside my own I
started off in quest of some.  Seeing a house not far off,
hither I went, finding many there ahead of me, getting the
precious liquid out of a very deep well. I cannot describe my feelings as I drew near the water, for my lips
were parched with thirst. While in the act of drawing
some, a man pulled up on horseback, and, I am ashamed
to say, wore the dress of an officer.  Said he, " Get away
from here," at the same time drawing, his cowardly sword.
I told him I must have some water as the boys in the
ranks besides myself were nearly choked with thirst. "Get
back, I say, or I will run you through with my sword,"
said he, coming close to me. At that time I did not care
much whether I lived or not, but I was maddened almost
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
to desperation. I seized my gun and in an instant fixed
the bayonet thereon, and made one lunge at him. It was
well that his horse shied to one side, or my bayonet would
have been thrust through his miserable body. He attempted
to draw his revolver, but cocking my piece, I bade him
leave it in its case-bringing my gun to a ready. He asked
me what regiment I belonged to.  I told him one of the
best in the service-the Third Miching Volunteer Infantry
-and my name besides, for I was sure my noble Colonel,
Byron R. Pierce, would see justice (lone me should my
tormentor make any complaint.  I asked him for his name
but he rode off without telling me and I filled my canteens
in triumph. I never saw or heard of him after. When I
reached the boys they were almost played out, and took a
drink of the water which nearly cost me my life to get.
We keep on our march, and pull up at Williamsburg,
where we halt for a few days and then renew our backward
march. Passing through that place with colors flying, we
can tell by the looks of the inhabitants that they are pleased at our departure. We pass by the old battle ground,
and point out as near as we can the positions held by each
regiment in our brigade. It is quite difficult, as the underbrush has grown up all around.  Here and there is a limb
or skull protruding up over the half covered corpses, and
evidences are all around of a hard fought battle.
At last we arrive at the now historic old village of Yorktown, made so in revolutionary times, as well as by our
own wvar, for it was here that the British under Lord Cornwallis surrendered to the immortal Washington, and the
very spot where the lordly man surredered to the Father of
our Country and founder of the greatest nation of earth,
is fenced in and held sacred by all lovers of this great
60 
IN THlE ARMY OF TIIE POTOMAC.
Republic. And in our own war, brought on to destroy the
country that was built tip for a home of the oppressed people of all lands, no matter from what quarter of the globe
they come.  The rebels, under General MeGruder had to
fly from here to escape annihilation by McClellan and his
army.
At last we get aboard of transports and steam down the
York River, thence over the bosom of Chesapeake Bay into
the broad Potomac, passing by old familiar spots, Aquia
Creek, the beautiful shades of Mit. Vernon, Fort Washingtol, Alexandria, and arrive safely in Washington.
CHAPTER XVIII.
TO THE FRONT AGAIN-.MC'CLELLAN REMOVED-SECOND BAT       TLE OF BULL RUN-DEFEAT AND RETREAT
TO CENTERVILLE.
Arrived in Washington, we immediately get aboard the
cars, cross the Long Bridge, and thunder along to Manasses Station, where we get off and move to the front. Some
heavy firing is heard in advance, which sounds as natural as
ever. Here we learn that our gallant Commander, General
McClellan, has been removed from the command of his army.
Oh,what a blow that is at the present time. Surely our great
army must be doomed to destruction, for to take its leader
from our army is a victory already achieved for the enemy.
We all feel it and think that none other can cope successful]y with the rebel Chief. General Lee. MIcC]ellan is put in
command of the defences around Washington, and General Pope, with his headquarters in the saddle, is in com
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6     2           FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
mand of the armies that co-operate against the crafty Lee.
Our corps is assigned a position to the right of the army,
and our division, under the noble Kearney, are sent to the
support of the Ninthl Corps, under Burnside. On the 29th
of August the battle of Groveton, or second Bull Run,
opens.  Both armnies are terribly strong, but the rebels are
somewhat flushed with their late victories over Pope's and
Seigle's armies.  The firing commences on our left and soon
comes along to the center and extends away to the right.
All along the line the battle rages fiercely.  We lie quietly
by, taking the rebel shells and balls that come  over our
men who are engaged in front. For a time neither party
has much the advantage. There seems to be a weak point
a short ways from us, to the left, and our regiment is taken
away from the brigade to fill up the place. The troops
now in our front are hard pressed, for we can tell by the
firing that is coming back. Looking ahead into the woods
we see our men coming over a hill, followed close by the
rebels. Our flying comrades form in line withl us. The
rebels halt and fire. The order forward is given by our
gallant Colonel Champlin, who is back again with us,
for he can't keep away long enough for his Fair Oaks wound
to heal. We urge him not to go in, but he says he will
lead his gallant Third on the charge if he dies for it. The
poor Colonel, he looks sick and tired on his horse. Marching by the flank we come to an old railroad embankment.
Front, dress to the right, and over the railroad, is heard,
and each manl jumps on to the embankment. The enemy
on the other side blaze away, but fire at random, and very
few of us are yet harmed. Charge bayonets is the order,
and down comes the cold steel, which the rebels cannot
stand, and they are driven pell-mell throug,h the woods. 
IN TIIE ARMY OF TItE POTOMAC.
We open a vigorous fire on their rear, and many of them
fall to rise no more. We pass over them, and keep on the
charge.  They get inside their breastworks and make a
stand, pouring volley after volley into our ranks with their
artillery, and nearly two-thirds of our regiment fall one
over another. Poor Ed. Riorden, my rilght hand man in
the ranks and a brave soldier, is shot through the head,
throws up his gun, falls upon his face, and dies without a
groan.  Pat Doran, my left hand man, is wounded in four
different places, but keeps his place in the line.  Sergeant
Van Dusen commences to hop on one leg and says something that sounds like swearing, for he is shot in the ankle.
Our gallant Captain, I. C. Smith, has a severe wound in
the shoulder, but still keeps in command of his company.
But it would take too long, to enumerate all the loss we
sustained in this battle. Looking behind to see if any reinforcements are coming to our relief, none are in sight, and
we fall back, taking what wounded we can with us, leaving our dead comrades behind, for there are not enough
alive and well to take them back.
"Oh, what has become of my gallant old Third," said
Gen. Kearney, as the remnant of our regiment pass by him.
I shall never forget his look of anguish as he asked the question, and the tears rolled down his manly cheeks. "Get back
to the rear," he says, for he klnows our ranks are too thin
to be of any more service, at least in this battle. So we
gather around our colors to count our severe loss. We find
that the Colonel's old wound has broken out afresh, and he
is being borne to the rear. Lieutenant Ryan is badly
wounded in the hip, but by good nursing and a strong constitution hle may get over it.  Lieutenant Tracy, our regimental quartermaster, is also severely wounded in the hip.
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63 
FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
Meanwhile the fighting continues with fierceness, and charge
after charge is made on both sides. All at once both armies
cease firing, as with common consent, for night puts an end
to the terrific conflict, both lie down as it were, side by side,
waiting to renew the battle on the morrow.
The 30th of August opened withl a fearful yelling in our
front. They have been concentrating during the night on
our center, to try if possible to cut our lines in two. They
think they had the better of us yesterday, and to-day will
finish the job.  But they will have to pay dearly for their
victory if they whip us, for they are fighting here on the
offensive, and have to do all the chlarging,. They seem to
have all of Lee's army in our front, as they are driving our
men baclk, and we can tell by the way the firing is that it
is getting further to our rear.  Our brave men hold their
own for a long while, but cannot stand it much longer, as
every available man is brought to the front. But the enemy
outnumber us, and we have to give way to force.  About 4
P. M. the enemy conle down on our center, and our men
have to retreat.  Everything now  is in confusion.   Our
army is cut into, and we on the right must get back or be
cut off. The enemy bring their artillery to bear on us.
We cross some fields and have to do some queer dodging
and running. At last we get behind our cavalry, that is
drawn up in line to give the rebels a turn. Col. Broadhead
leads his gallant First Michigan Cavalry on the charge, and
is killed at the head of his men. Nothing now can stop the
onward march of the victorious enemy, and we cross Bull
Run creek and halt on the Centerville heights, after getting
the finest whipping of the war, not excepting the first Bull
Rtln.
--:...
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CHAPTER XIX.
THE ENEM! TRY A FLANK MOVEMENT-BATTLE OF CHAN  TILLY-A FEARFUL STORM-IT ENDS THE CONFLICT-A
MISERABLE NIGHT-DEATH OF GEN. REARNEY-MC'CLEL  LAN IN COMMAND AGAIN —BACK TO WASHINGTON ONCE
M3ORE.
On the first ot' September the enemy try a flanlk mlovemient, to cut off our retreat if they can.  Falling back from
Centerville five or six miles brings us to Chantilly, where
the enemny is in force. Part of our troops are already
engaged, to the left of the Washington turnpike, and the
firing discloses that our men are steadily receding.  If the
enemy take the road, our army will be in a bad position,
but they will find the old Red Diamond Division, under
their gallant one-armed General, Phil. IKearney, ready to
contest with them every foot of ground, for we are all
drawn up in line waiting for our troops to give way in our
front. Ha! we see heavy clouds away to the west. They
approach closer and closer, moving over the rebel army and
soon covering our own.  The lightning begins to flash and
the thunder roll, loud enough to hush in silence the loud
roar of artillery and musketry. The rain poured down in
torrents, saturating our clothing to the very skin, wetting
and making useless our ammunition, and putting an end to
the terrific conflict. saving our division a hard encounter.
The storm rages fiercely, and night approaches. We establish our picket line, and the storm ends. All is still as the
grave once more.  Nothing to be heard but the dry, hoarse
coug,h from those soldiers who have caught a severe cold
from the effects of the late storm, which may be the cause
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66   }OUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
of some poor fellow's death, offered up for the good cause.
No matter whether it be by bullet or shell, or on the battle-field or in hospital that the soldier offers up his life, it
is all the same; his name will be inserted on the roll of
honor. 
The stars shine brightly over our heads, and the air is
so chilly that we feel almost chilled through. We lie down
and try to get some sleep or rest.  The pickets still keep
their silent watch.  Not a gun is fired on the lines, and as it
were, everything is wrapped in slumber, when, all at once
the stillness is disturbed by some sharp firing by the pickets in front.  In an instant we are on our feet and in line.
Leaning on our muskets we can see the flash and hear  the
sharp report of small arms, and expect a night attack
from the enemy, and are ready for them.   We  wait for
awhile, the firing ceases, and all is quiet again in the
Potomac army.  Oh, if we only knew what a loss we had
sustained in those few minutes firing, we would not rest
much that night; but we lie down in blissful ignorance of
our irreparable loss, and go to sleep.  Early in the morlning we are stirring, and the rumor is circulated that our
brave Kearney is no more, and find that the rumor is but
too true. The sorrow of his gallant division is unbounded,
and many a tear streams down the cheeks of his soldiers.
Hie had gone out, as was his wont, to see that all was right
on the lines, going farther than he should, and did not
learn his mistake until lie was inside the rebel picket lines.
They saw that he wore the uniform of a U. S. officer,
and told him to surrender; but he did not feel inclined to
do that, so they fired and killed him  instantly.   They
approached, and when they saw whom they had killed,
they treated him with every consideration, and when the
rebel chief saw him he wept like a child, for he thought of
66
FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING 
IN TIIE ARMIY OF TIIE POTOMAC.          67
by-gone times, when they were class-mates at West Point.
01, what a difference in the two men; one died for his
country, that it may be saved from traitors and disunion;
the other is fighting to destroy the country that gave him
all that he ever possessed. Fare thee well, our gallant old
General; thy memory will remain as long as the country
shall endure in the hearts of all the good and the true in the
land; while the memory of your late classmate will forever be
a shame and a disgrace in the land that nurtured him.  For
the nanme of Robert E. Lee will go down to generations
yet unborn, as the great rebel chief, that wanted to destroy
the greatest nation on the globe, while the name of Philip
Kearney will be exalted to the sklies, as one who died for
his country, that it might be the home of all who are
oppressed in every clime.
It is rumored now that the enemy have left in front, and
we soon find that he means to takle a trip north, which
produces the wildest confusion imaginable in Washington,
for it is evident that some one else besides the gentleman
in the saddle, will have to take command of the army, to
check the onward march of the victorious army under Lee.
They know in Washington who can drive them back again,
but will they put him in command after takling him away
from his almost idolized army.  The authorities see that
it would be uitter suicide to have any other man take command, and accordingly Gen. McClellan is reinstated in
command of his army, where he is received with the wildest joy imaginable. Our division is now without a commander, and suffering terribly from the late battles. It is
necessary to send us back to Washington, to recruit our
thin ranks. We commence our backward march, and the
rest of the army under McClellan give chase to Lee.  We
arrive safe in front of WAVashington, and go into camp.
I 
CHAPTER XX.
BATTLES OF SOUTH MOUNTAIN AND ANTIETAM-SUFFERINGS
OF THE ARMY-LEE BACK IN VIRGINIA-  MC'CLELLAN
RELIEVED AGAIN, AND BURNSIDE TAKES COM      MAND-AT THE FRONT AGAIN-MIC'CLELLAN'S
FAREWELL ADDRESS TO HIS ARMY.
Gen. Lee's victorious army, flushed with their ]ate victories, try and move north, in hopes to be able to make the
Washington authorities do something towards helping
their cause, but they will soon find out that McClellan is
in command again, and their stay will be very short north
of  the Potomac.   Lee  has crossed the Potomac,  and
McClellan, his only chastiser, so ftar, is treading on his
heels.  The rebels have to face about at South Mountain,
and fight their old adversaries again. They have to get
back off the mountain, and pull up at Antietam Creek,
where one of the bloodiest battles of the war is fought,
and they have to get back to their own sacred soil again in
Virginia. A great many in the north now censure Gen.
McClellan for not following up Lee's army. They do not
think of the hardships the army has had to endure for the
last year, how they needed clothing to cover their nakedness, and shoes to cover their bleeding feet.   They do not
praise our noble chief for hurling back the arrogant enemy
from their very doors; but the men under him, who know
him best, appreciate his worth and virtues. Oh, do not
censure him, but thank God there is a man in your country
who can drive the rebels back every time they dare to overrun it.
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IN TilE ARMY OF TilE POTOMAC.                   69
General Birney has taken command of our division and
we are ordered to the front again, having had a very much
needed rest and all feel recruited.  We  march  up  the
Potomac on the 3,aryland side in forced marches.  It is a
very wet and muddy time.   I do not pretend to give day
and date for every place where we halt, for it would be too
voluminous.   But it is my intention to bring backl to mind
as near as memory will serve, the many battles and principal events that ocoeurred in a four years stay with the Grand
Army of the Potomac.   We pass by 3lonocacy, Falling
WVaters, Leesburg in Virginia, and pull up at the famous
village of Harper's Ferry, where the great Johln Brown
made his raid, and for which his body  was swung ill mid
air and his soul sent marching away to realms of bliss.
But, as the song goes, he still keeps marching on to that
bourne from whence  no traveler returns.   Winding our
way around the Mlaryland heights, and over the bridge that
spans the Shenandoah river, get on the sacred soil once
more, camping for the night among  the hills and feeling
happy.   Next day we resume our march and go through
some nice country, where either army did not reach before.
We are in Loudon county, one of the richest in the state.
The people hereabouts are said to be leaning towards the
Union, and so we deal as gently with them as we can.
There are plenty of nice fence rails.   Of course we must
have our coffee and a fire to cookl it; so I hope the good people of Loudon county can spare a few rails from their fences.   There are some nice turkeys too, and a gobbler is
gobbled up and brought to camp, where he is very much
welcomed. Now the good people will remember us, for we
spared them the trouble, in a good many instances, of feeding the corn to their turkeys and chickens, which they may
need before this cruel war is over. It is rumored when we
69
IN TI-IE ARMY OF TIIE POT031AC. 
FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
arrive at Warrington that McClellan is removed again now
Lee is back in Virginia, and the authorities feel safe.  Well
let them fire away; they will soon see where they will pull
up.  Burnside now takes command.   I don't think there
is a better man in the army than he, but of course we all
think with himself that he is not capable of commanding
the Army of the Potomac.   The feeling in the army at
this time is better imagined than described, and I do believe, if he only said the word. McClellanl and his army
would march on Washington, and chastise those who are
intriguing against our noble commander, and doing their
best to destroy our army.  But no; he bows his head with
resignation, and amid the tears of his comrades,'takes a
sad farewell, November 7th, in the following noble address
to his much cherished army.
IIEADQUARTERS OF THIE ARvy OF THE POTOMAC,
Camp near Rectortown, Va., November 7. 
OFFrCERS AND SOLDIERS OF TIIE ARMIY OF TIIE POTOMIAC:
An order of the President devolves upon Major General
Burnside the command of this Army. In parting from you I cannot express the love and gratitude I bear to you.   As an army
you have grown up in my care. In you I have never found doubt
or coldness.   The battles you have fought under my command
will probably live in our Nations' history.   The glory you have
achieved over mutual perils and fatigues, the graves of our comrades fallen in battle and by disease; the broken forms of those
whom wounds and sickness have disabled; the strongest associations which can exist among men unite us by an indissoluble tie.
We shall ever be comrades in supporting the Constitution of our
country and the Nationality of its people.
GEO. B. MIDCLELLAN,
MIajor General U.S. A.
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70 
CHAPTER XXI.
A RACE FOR FREDRICKSBURGII-THE ENEMY IN SMALL FORCE
ACROSS THE RIVER-CAMIP LIFE-ORDERS TO MARCH  GALLANT FEAT OF THE 7TH MICH. INFANTRY-BATTLE
OF FREDRICKSBURG-THE DEFEAT AND RETREAT.
While Burnside is organizing and( fixing things to suit
him, we halt for a few days.   The enemy is making towards Fredricksburg on the south side of the Blue Ridge,
and if he gets there before us he will have the inside track
to Richmond.   Accordingly we strike tents and start for
Fredricksburg, where we arrive after several forced marches.  The enemy has taken up a position on the heights in
the rear of the city.   When we arrived there were only a
small force before us, but we go quietly into camp and
make ourselves comfortable.   Here is the same routine of
camp life; camp guard, picket duty, fatigue duty and
drill. All of Lee's army now is encamped and ill position
in and around Fredricksburg.   If MIcClellan had been in
command when we first arrived here and lay idly by, what
a cry of on to Richmond would be heard by his enemies;
but he is not in command, and what anyone else does is all
rig,ht; they can take their time and no cry of on to Richmond is made.
Both armies are encamped in plain sight of each other,
and their pickets are stationed along the Rappahannock,
within a stone's throw of each other. There are no hostilties between tllhem, and generally all is quiet along the
lines.  But our friendships are soon to be broken, for about
Dec. 10th we get the order to be be ready to march with
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72                FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
three days rations in our haversacks, and accordingly, on
the 11th of December we are up bright and early, ready
for an onward move. The morning is clear, cold and frosty.  About 7 A. i. a tremendous artillery fire from our
batteries is opened on the city and rebel works. The reverberations of the sound, as it passes along the river, makes
it seem to us as though there were five thousand  dogs of
war barking all at once.  Our engineers are busy laying
down pontoon bridges for the troops to cross over. It is
plain to us now that a forward movement is going to be
made.  The enemy's sharp-shooters are making sad havoc
among the pontoon builders, for they are firing from the
houses in the city at our men.   Something must be done
to remedy this, and a detail is made from the gallant Seventh Mich. Infantry to cross and clean out the rebel sharpshooters. Those few who crossed in those open boats have
earned for themselves a crown of glory, and that little party
will be remembered as long as their country will last, for
performing one of the most daring feats of the war.   They
push out from the shore, bearing the starry flag aloft. The
enemy pour their deadly missles into the midst of them,
and many a brave hero is tumbled into the turbid waters
of the Rappahannock. Can it be possible that any of
them can cross with their lives? They have a very poor
way of defending themselves, but they still keep on, and
are about to land, when the house skulkers pour their
deadly lead among the devoted band. They strive to keep
a foothold, and commence firing. Some more troops are
crossing in boats to reinforce. They make a desperate
charge on the buildings occupied by the enemy, whom they
drag forth from their cover. We have a foothold now, and
the bridges are quickly built.  The army moves to  the 
IN TIIE ARMY OF TIIE POTO-IAC.
front, and night ends the operations.   During the night
many cross, while our corps move to the left.
On the morning of Dec. 13, 1862, the battle of Fredericksburg commenced.   Our men advance  and dislodge
the rebels from their front line of works.  They open up a
a tremendous fire on our men from their artillery,  and we
cross the river on the double-qulick, the shells bursting like
hail all around.   The gallant Fifth are already engaged,
and our regiment join them on the left.   A fearful fight
is now taking place all along the line, both armies holding
their ground. A battery of artillery pull up in line with
us and are soon making sad havoc in the enemies ranks.
The rebel infantry don't like to have the canister poured in
among, them, so they form in the valley to charge and take
the battery.  They are four lines deep, and await the order
to clharg,e. Cease firing, is the order of the Captain conmmnanding the battery, and double shot your pieces with
canistelr. Lieutenant Colonel Edcl. Peirce of the old Third
gives the command to be ready. We feel sure if they take
our glorious battery they will pay dearly for every piece.
Ha, they are in motion, coming as cool as if on parade.
Steady boys, don't fire yet, is heard in a firm  voice from
our brave Colonel. They set up a hideous yelling, and are
close to us. Why don't we get the order to fire we ask;
but they are not near enolgh yet.  The captain of the battery gives his order to fire, and six guns open with their
douible-shotted mouths into the advancing masses.   Ha,
that is enough for them.   They break in confusion and fly
to the rear, satisfied that they don't want that battery.
The fight rages terribly along the lines for eight miles.
The rebels try hard to drive us into the river and to break
our lines in every available spot; first with a right flank
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
movement, then a left, and then a center, and each time
get back behind their works with great loss.  But they are
not having all the losses, for our army is suffering fearfully
too.   We hear great cheering to our right, and can tell
that it is a charge from our side, for we can always tell the
difference between the hellishl yells of the enemy and the
manly chleering, of the union men.  The Irish brigade, under the great and brave General Meag,her, are on the charge,
with their sleeves rolled up, and they mean heavy business.
They are trying to dislodge the enemy from behind a stone
wall on the heights.  For awhile the contestants on either
side cease, and all look on the gallant brigade going forward on their forlorn hope.  They charge up the hill, bearing aloft the green flag of Ireland and the stars and stripes.
Thousands of the enemy are waiting behind the wall to
cut them to pieces. I have heard it said by a rebel who
was behind the wall at the time, that they were loth to fire
on such brave men; but they were their enemies, and were
forced to do so.   Volley after volley is poured into the
brave brigade.  They close up the gaps in their ranks, forward on the double-quick with wild cheers, and soon have
a hand to hand fight witlh  the enemy.   They do not get
reinforced for some reason, and have to fall back against
fearful odds.  Surely such men ought to be remembered by
all true Americans, for no greater supporters are in the
country than the brave Irish volunteers. Let bigots grumble about the Irish, but this country is their country, and
no power can gainsay it, for they fight for it, and do everything to make it a home for them and for the oppressed of
every nation, who like themselves, have to flee from the
land of their birth.
Our mnen try the enemy's lines in different places, and
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each time get repulsed with great loss, and night puts an
end to the great battle.  On the night of the 15th our
army retire across the river, for it would be sheer madness
to attempt to break the  enemy's lines and  take  the
heights.  So we get back to our our old camps, after losing
abut fifteen thousand men in killed and  wounded, and
accomplishing nothing.
CHAPTER XXII.
BU1LDING WINTER QUARTERS-A SOLDIER'S FUNERAL-FUR     LOUGHS-FEELING IN THE NORTH-SCENES AND
INCIDENTS-AT THE FRONT AGAIN,
It is evident now that all muovemnents of the army is at
an end for a while at least. Each corps, division, brigade,
regiment and company, is assigned camlping grounds, and
all are told to build winter quarters, and make ourselves as
comfortable as we can. The forests around this country
are stripped of their trees for houses and fire-wood.   The
walls of our houses are built of logs, and covered with
shelter tents, with a nice cosy fire place at one end,  made
of brick or stone, with a mudcl and stick chimney. They
are very comfortable houses, witli plenty of blankets and a
bed of long poles.  The sutlers are all ulp again, and sutpply us with what delicacies we can afford.
When one of our men die in the hospital, all who can,
go to his funeral. It is one of the most selemn things of
the soldier's life, to witness the burial of one of his coinmrades.  One might suppose that a soldier is so used to seeing death on the battle-field, that le is hardened to every
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thing, but it is a mistake, for when one dies in camp hle is
mourned over as much as those at home mourn over their
friends.  The soldier has the most acute feelings for his
suffering comrades, and sympathize with the loved ones
who have lost their relative or friend.  The  poor soldier
dies away from  home; no relative is near by to comfort
or sympathize with him in his last hour, but his comrades
gather around him and give him the burial of the warrior.
He is laid out in his uniform  of blue, in a plain,  ro,ugh
coffin, over which hang the stars and stripes. The mournful procession commences its slow march, headed by the
band.  Oh, how solemn are the strains as they are taken
up by the chilling breeze.  Ilis comrades follow close behind, marching with reversed arms.  The solemn  procession halt at the lonely grave, when  the coffin is lowered
into the earth.  "Ashles to ashes,' are the words said by
the man of God.  The volleys are fired over the departed
hero, and he is left to rest in peace. Poor comrade, thy
battles and fatigues are over.  No more shalt thou respond
to the wakening notes of the reveille by  the regimental
bug,ler, but will be wakened on the last day by the clarion
notes of St. Michael's trumpet, to appear before the great
Captain, who commands the heavens and the earth, and all
contained therein.
Now the army is lying peaceably in winter quarters and
I would like to go home on furloulgh; so obtaining a blank,
I fill it out and send it along through the regular channels
to have it approved.   It is first signed by the  Company
commander, then by  the Colonel of the regiment, then by
the Brigade commander, then Division, and finally by the
Corps commander.    So it takes quite a while for it to get
up and down the regular channels, causing a good share of
anxiety to the poor soldier for fear it would come back dis
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approved; and so he is in fever heat all this time. At last
the furlough comes back covered all over with signatures,
and now hurrah for a twenty days' leave, whichl don't take
long to pass by, especially when they are days of pleasure;
and a soldier, after the hardships of campaigning for nearly two years, can appreciate a little pleasure and enjoy himself among his friends at home.  After taking a short farewell of my comrades, I start for Acquia Creek to take the
boat for Washington. Arriving at the Creekl, I find there
great crowds on the wharf waiting to get aboard, and withl
my leave of absence in my pocket have to wait'till all the
snobbery and shoulderstraps get aboard, so as to take up
all the good places on the boat. At last the word comes to
get aboard, and the crowds rush on, and soon every available spot is taken up.  A few of us try to get into the cabin
to lie down on the floor for the night; but no, there is a
sentinel on guard at the stairway, and none but officers can
pass as usual.   Oh, this is what makes the soldier hate
himself and all others: for he thinks a dog is thought more
of than he is, and is made to feel his degradation more and
more'till he arrives out of reach of shoulderstraps. After
rousting about on the boat all night, we arrive safe in
Washington.   IHere we think we can enjoy freedom with
the rest; so making our way  to a restaurant for some
breakfast, have to take it in the roughly fitted-up room for
the common soldier, while inside are our more favored comrades under shoulder straps, eating in a luxuriously fittedup apartment, which we have to pay for as a general thing.
Going to the depot to take the train for Baltimore, and
thinking we can take any car on the train, are politely told
by an usher that we can't get into that car; a first-class
one; there is a car for you said hlie, pointing to one better
adapted for hlogs than men.   Fior once I disobey orders,
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
and tell him I must ride in any car, as I have paid for a
first-class ticket. The conductor cries all-aboard, and myself with a few other soldiers get into a first-class car, as we
mean to maintain our'rights. The conductor comes around
and tells us to get into the other cars.   Acting as spokesIllan for the party, I ask him what kind of fare our tickets
call for; he sees that they are first-class.  He does not put
us off, and leaves us in peace. At last we arrive at Baltimore, and take the train for Harrisburg, where we feel
more at home, for now shoulderstraps are getting at a discount, and the soldier is as good as the officer.  We  thllunder along through the Alleghaniies and arrive at Pittsburg,
which is as smoky as ever.   Here the soldiers are always
treated well by the citizens, who will always be remembered with gratitude by every soldier who passed through
that city.   Taking the train for Cleveland, we have no
more trouble to get as good fare as there is.  \Ve arrive at
the Forest City and are soon off for Toledo, and thence for
the City of the Straits, in our own Michigan.  Arrived at
Detroit, I take the Great Western, and soon reach my
friends.  Of course they are glad to see me, and I spend a
few days in quiet and rest. Generally the people of Canada are not favorable to the Union cause, and I have to do
some talking to uphlold the cause I fight for. the country
is overrun with skedaddlers and deserters from the United
States, who are protected by the government of England.
The South has its quota of inhabitants in Canada, who are
allowed to concoct their plans for any move they can make
against our government.   The British are doing all they
can and dare to help destroy our union of states; but let
them work, for Great Britain and hell itself cannot destroy
our country.   We have to stand some of their insolence
now, as in such cases as the Mason and Slidell affair; but
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IN THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
let them beware, for it may be our turn next to play the
same game.   Let them fit up their Alab-mas and man
them, to destroy our commerce.  They can dlo a great many
mean things now with impunity, but the day of reckoning
will come, when John Bull will be paid back withl heavy
interest what is due him by our much abused Uncle Sam.
After a few days' stay, I take a parting farewell of friends
and relatives and am off for Detroit, where I arrive much
recruited in flesh and health.   An all-nights' ride on the
lazy express on the D & M. railroad finds me once more in
the Valley City. Everything looks as natural as ever. By
night my right arm is very lame, and no wondelr, after the
shaking it had  to go through by all my friends.   All is
done that can be to make my visit pleasant. But now only four days are left for me to get back to the army, and
bidding good-bye to dear friends, I retrace my way back
to my log house in the camp in front of Fredricksbtirg,
where I arrive in due time and am met by my comrades,
and it seems like home to get back again, and tell them of
the thousand things I saw while away in the North.
CHAPTER XXIII.
ORDERS TO MARCH-WE TRY A FLANK MOVEMENT-AND GET
STUCK IN THE MUD-THE REBELS MAKING FUN OF
US-DESERTIONS-BACK TO CAMP-BURNSIDE
RELIEVED AND HOOKER TAKES COMMAND.
Abouit the 1st of February we have orders to be ready to
march, and so we fill our haversacks with hard-tack, saltpork, coffee and sugar. We take off our shelter tents, and
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pack them in our knap-sacks, leave the bare walls of our
houses to keep lonely watch, and file out of our camp on
the Richmond road again. The army march along to the
right of our lines, and it is plain a flank movement is on
foot. After getting twelve or thirteen miles the rain pours
down in torrents, making the roads fearfully muddy.  The
army halt on the banks of the Rappahannock. We pitch
our tents for a covering froim the cold rains, and build fires
in the woods. The smoke lingers around, for the atmosphere is so heavy it will not bear it away. Our eyes are
nearly mnielted out of their sockets with the thick smoke,
and we have to lie on the wet ground to relieve them. Oh,
what misery we are in, wet to the skin, ragged, dirty and
hungry, for our supplies cannot get up over the muddy
roads, and artillery, wagons and ambulances are all stuck
in the mud.  One morning, on looking across the river we
observe that the rebels have plae-cards stuck on poles, letting us know that Burnside is stuck in the muid. They
throw all kinds of slang at us, and have lots of fun at our
expense, and we can't help it, for we all know we are stuck.
Our commander finds out that it would be useless for him
to try to go any further, and we get the order to retrace our
steps for camp.  We pack up our wet traps, and each man
has a load fit for a mule to carry.
1 never knew so much discontent in the army before. A
great many say they "don't care whether school keeps now
or not," for they think there is a destructive fate hovering
over our army. At this time there are a large number of
desertions, and unless something is done to prevent it, our
ranks will grow pretty thin in a short while.
Arriving back in our old camps again we cover the bare
walls of logs, and go to house-kleeping, once more.   The
...                    -. I. I -,    ,,     .. -    -   ..   F-,... .,                       ,,,, I I-    1. -.11                          -, I 1-,                                 -- I".. - I.
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IN TIIE ARMY OF THIE POTOMAC.
picket-line is doubled to keep a closer watch on those who
mean to desert. Iiand-bills are circulated through the
army by the Southern authorities, that they will furnish
free transportation to any country on the globe to all who
will desert into their lines. Orders come, and are issued
from our headquarters, putting quite a veto on the above
offer. All who are caught deserting will be shot. This
puts an end, virtually, to desertin.
About the last of March, General Burnside is removed, and
General Hooker takes command.  The authorities at Washington want to try another experiment on the army of the
Potomac.  Now, we all feel that General Hooker will be
like the poor man that won the elephant at the raffle.
After he got the animal he did not know what to do with
him.  So with fighting Joseplh.  He is now in command
of a mighty large elephant, and it will remain to be seen if
he knows what to do with him.  All know that General
Hooker can command and fight a division to perfection,
but to takle a great army like ours in hand, and cope  with
the great rebel chief successfully, is another thing. But
wc will wait and see, and like good soldiers. obey orders
and go where we are sent, even unto death.
CHAPTER XXIV.
NICI WEATHER- MARCHING ORDERS- SUTLERS TO THE
REAR-ON THE ROAD AG.AIN-BATTLE OF THE CE     DARS-MIDNIGHT CHARGE-STONEWALL JACK       SON KILLED-BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE
-THE POTOMAC ARMIY AGAIN DEFEATED.
The sl)pring of 1863 is ushered in withl beautiful weather,
andi, of course, should'it last long, we shall soon be on the
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move again.  About April 26th we have orders to be ready
to mlarch.  The sutlers, with their surplus stuff, are ordered
to the rear.  The sick are sent to the different hospitals,
and we are all ready for the Richmond road. WVe proceed along on the same road meant to be traveled( by General
Burnside, when we got stuck in the mud.   We cross the
Rappahannock at Ely's Ford, on the 28thll, and proceed as
far as we can into the enemy's country, pulling up at the
Chancellorsville House, where the Army of the Potomac is
got into position. Now the army is in splendid condition,
and we all think that probably we might do something
under Fighting Joe;  and he thinks so himself, for he
issues an order to the army, that he has got the enemy
where he wants them; that they will have to come out and
fight him on his own ground, or fly ignominiously, which
will cause their utter destruction.  Now, after this celebrated
order is read to us, we feel confident that something extraordinary is going to be done, and we wait anxiously for the
enemy to come out of their holes, or see them fly ignominiously.
The Red Diamond division has a position on the Richmond road, commanded  by our gallant Birney.  Ha, we
see over the valley beyond, long wagon trains,  moving
south.  Now they are on the move and are flying sure.
Our division is ordered forward, and get into the cedar
-woods, where we strike some rebels, who fire into us, but
wIe go for them with the bayonet.  They fall back, and we
advance, fighting all the way for about three miles.  They
pull up behind some works, and we halt in front. The
rebel train keeps moving on, and we lie still, for some cause
or other. Berdan's sharp-shooters have quite a fight on
the picket line. Our regiment is ordered to lie down, and
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we are in such a position that the rebels have a good
chance to fire at 11s.  Once in a while one of our poor fellows is taken to the rear, mortally wounded.   It is here
that a comrade of' mine gets killed, P. H. Doran, and a
better soldier never carried a musket than hle. \While lieing down, a bullet from a sharp-shooter did the deed, and
passed through his head. Poor fellow, he has fought his
last battle, and his campaigns are ended. Let him be
inscribed on the roll of honor as a martyr to his adoptedl
country.
While lying still, we hear, all at once,  a tremiendous
firing, in our rear; it sounds in the direction of the
position we left in the morning,.  Can it be possible the
enemy is in outr rear?  Such is the fict, for we soon find
out that the rebel General Jackson has got around behind
us, and is filghting the 11th corps under Howard, who was
in the position we left.  Now we are in a pretty condition,
rebels in front and rebels in our rear. We must get out of
this, or else be gobbled up.   So getting back, we change
our fiont of the morning to rear at night.   The 11th corps
aire driven from their position. Night puts an end to all
fighlting,, and we take up a position in an open field, and
try to rest after our day's fatigue.
The queen of night shines out with all her brightness,
and throws her lustre all around, makling the fields as
brighilt as day.  All is as still as the grave; nothing to
break the stillness of the hour but the neighing of the
horses of the artillery close by. At about twelve o'clock
we get the order to fall in, and it is made known to us that
a midnight charge is on foot to dislodge the enemiy and
take back our lost ground.  The awful grandeur of-the
scene defies description. About 15,000 soldiers are in solid
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
mass at the dead hour of night, to charge on the enemy
who are slumbering in blissful ignorance of what is going
on.   Our first line have their guns primed,  it is the
intention when they come to the enemy to fire, and
the other lines to charge with the cold steel.  The order
is quietly given to forward, and the whole mass move into
the woods, which are thick and dark as hades. No one
knows where to strike the rebel lines;  some commence to
fire, others follow suit, and all blaze away, not knowing
what at, and all seem to be one vast square of fire.  All
begin to yell and cheer, some go forward, some to the right
and some to the left. The rebels open with their artillery,
and ouirs reply from the fields.  All is utter confusion, and
no one knows where we are going. I find myself with
others, charging on some works; we get over them, thinking they belong to the enemy, but we soon find out that
we have been chlarging on our own works, occupied by  the
the 12th corps, who thought the rebels wanted their works,
and they left them in peace for their old friends. WVhoever
took part in the fizzle in the woods on the nilght of the 2dc
of May, will remember it a's long as they live.  After a
while we make our way to the field we started from.
It was in this melee in the woods that the notorious
Stonewall Jacklson, of the Confederate army, received his
death-wound.  The rebels themselves claim  they gave it
to him, but we don't care how he got it so long as he is out
of the way, for hlie was the terror of our army. The details of his death we get from rebel prisoners.  When he
heard the firing in the woods lhe rode out on one part of
his own lines, and was going in by another  post.  The
rebels were so excited by the firing in the woods that they
thought it was the Yankees on the charge.  They fired a
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IN THIE ARMY OF THIE POTOMAC.              85
volley, and killed one of the best generals in their army.
So our fizzle wIas the cause of doing some goodl after all.
All is quiet again in the Potomac army, and we lie down
{oihave some sleep to refresh us for the next day's work.
At four o'clock on the quiet Sabbath morning, of the 3d of
May, we look towards the woods and see our skirmishers
emerge therefrom, followed close by solid masses of rebel
infantry.  In an instant we are in line.  Our artillery open
out on them, but they don't seem to care for anything, as
they set up a hlellish yelling and come for us.   We open
our small arms on them and cause some to fall to mother
earth to rise no more.   They close up the gaps in their
ranks and still come on.   We get the order to fall back,
which is done in good order, loading and firiing as we go.
Our artillery get to the rear and takle positions so as to be
ready for the enemy when we have passed them.   The battle rages fearfully along the line, and thousands fall on both
sides.   The whole rebel armv is in one solid phalanx and
nothing can stand before them.  They break line after line,
but not'till they pay dearly for every foot of ground they
take.  Falling behind a line in front of the Chancellorsville
House, we get the order to lie down, which is done gladly for
a few minutes rest. The rebels pour their shot and shell into
our midst, and many a poor fellow rolls over without a
groan.   Captain Mason is killed lying down by my side
a piece of shell takes him in the bowels and kills him instantly. Our front line gives way again, and we are on our
feet once more, ready to receive the charge of the victorious enemy.   The enemy charge on us in eight or ten lines
deep.  Our artillery opens out on them and then our musketry, mowing down fearful gaps in their ranks.   But on
they come, and back we have to get again.  Here our gal
-       -.-         -- -,                                                                                     -
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86              FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
lant Birney rides up on his beautiful horse and gives the
order to countercharge the enemy.   WVe come to a rightabout face, and before the rebels knew what we were about,
charge in their midst, making them get back a short distance, and taking a number of prisoners.   The rebels follow up again, and we get in behind some works that were
built during the d(lay.  They charge on us, thlinking to carry our works, but they have got as far as they can get, as
we hold our works against all their attacks, and about 12
o'clock the terrible battle of Chancellorsville is ended. We
establish our picket lines, and all is still but an occasional
shot on the outposts. While the fighting was going on in
the morning, General Sedgewick with his 5th corps crossed
the river and took the Fredricksburg heights.   After the
fighting ceased on our part of the lines, General Lee stole
away from our front, went to Fredricksburg and drove  the
5th corps off the heights across the river again, and ending
the fighting on that bloody Sunday.  Our army is whipped
again, and we loose a great many men and some valuable
officers.  On the 6thl of MIay we recross the Rappahannock,
flying ignominiously firom the army that we thought would
have to come out and fight us on our own ground, which
they did.   But we see the destruction on the other side,
and all feel as though the present commander has too large
an elephant on his hands.
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
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CHAPTER XXV.
LEE TRIES ANOTHER MOVE NORTH-THE ARMY OF THE PO  TOMAC AFTER HIM-BOTH ARMIES ON NORTHERN SOIL
-SCENES AND INCIDENTS ON THE WAY-EMMETS      BURGH —HOOKER RELIEVED-GENERAL MEADE
IN COMMIAND.
After Lee's victory at Clancellorsville, he tries another
move North to see what hle can do there again.  We have
to follow in his wake and see that the rebel army don't get
into any mischief    But it is plain to us all that if some
one don't take commnand of the army that can handle it,
General Lee will do almost as he pleases.   Oh, why  do
they not give us back our Little Mac., and then we can
feel confident of victory no matter where we meet our old
adversaries.  But no, if the whole country is sacrificed he
will never be called to our coiLmand again.
On the 15th of June, after marching across the country
from Chanlcellorsville, General Lee crosses the Potomac and
makes his way through Maryland.  The President issues a
call for one hundred thousand men to repel the invasion.
The country North is fully aroused to the danger that is
thundering at their doors. Volunteers and militia are sent
to intercept the onward march of the rebel chief and his
army.  General Lee seems to think after hle is in Maryland
he can recruit up his ranks from the sons of that state, but
whlerever he goes the cold shoulder is turned to him, for
the loyal State of Maryland is true to the Union, and its
people testify to their loyalty by giving us everything they
can to help us on our way to drive the invader from their
soil.
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88                 FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
Our army cross illtO Maryland, in close pursuit of our
enemy.   The militia meet the advance of the rebel arm
but have to get back from Lee's veteran's.  We  are n
traveling in the heart of our noble and true Maryland, 
pass on the march, some lovely country.  The fair daug
ters of this State often sing patriotic songs as we pa
such as the Star Spangled Banner, Rally Round the Fl
Maryland, My Maryland, and other songs that inspire
with enthusiasm to follow up the arrogant rebel army, a
chastise tlhem for daring to put their feet on ]oyal grou
We marchl by a lovely village, called Taneytown, wh
people show their loyality by waving their handkerchli
and showering flowers on our path.  This village is cal
after the learned Jutdge Taney, Chief-Justice of the Uni
States.  The roads around here are beautiful and maca
mized, and we enjoy marching  over them very mu
Every man in the ranks feel jubilant;  we keep step
some song that is sung by the soldiers, crack our jokes, 
all feel happy.  We pass some nice villages, and at ev
place we are met with perfect ovations.  Thie next place
any interest is the beautiful city of Fredericlk. As we n
the place we observe some bodies dangling from the lit
of trees.  They were rebel spies.  We  camp around
city, and have nice times.  Pulling up stakes we  ma
through the city.  The stars and stripes hang  gracefi
from buildings, and across the streets.  What  a contr
from that we used to see in old Virginia.  As we pae
the towns and cities there, we were met with imprecati
and curses by the secesh folkls of the sacred soil.:
here, hallelujas and praises by the good people of Mar
land.  We pull up at Emmetsburg on the 27th of Ju
This is a nice village, near the Pennsylvania line. Her
where the celebrated St. 3Iary's College is sitnated, a C
th- 
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olic institution, where the young, men of our land are educated for the Priesthood, and are sent out to teach all
nations the truths that our Lord and Saviour left behind,
as a legacy that we milght be saved and meet him in realms
of bliss, where he reigns in heaven. We camp near the
beautiful grounds of the College, and a goodly number of
us, who profess that religion, avail ourselves of the opportunity offered us by the good priests, to partake of the
rights of our Holy Mother, the Church, which strengthens
us for the mission before us, and makes us better soldiers
of our Divine Redeemer, as well as of our beloved country.
Here we receive the news that General Hooker is relieved,
and General Meade, takes command of the army. We do
not know much about our present commander, but all feel
confident that Lee and his army must get back to their
own ground, on the sacred soil of old Virginia.
CHAPTER XXVI.
LEAVE EMMIETSBURG AND CROSS THE LINES INTO PENNSYL  VANIA-GOOD FEELING AMONG THE PEOPLE-THE ENE     MY MET-BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG-NIGHT AF~ER
THE BATTLE —HARD FIGHTING AND FEARFUL
SL AUGHTER.
After a stay of a couple of days at Emmetsburg, we
leave the beautiful college grounds and mnarch through the
village. The bell in the tower of the village church tolls for
morning mass, and makes us think of bye-gone times when
we were wont to respond to the call of the bells in the towers in our far-off Michigan homes. WVe leave the echo behind, and( march on to the fearfil carnage that is waiting
for us.
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
On the 1st of July the advance of the rebel army is
checked at Gettysburg, and it is evident they must fight
before going any further North. We hear the distant boom
of artillery, and march by quick time towards the front.
Every man feels jubilant, and that if Lee goes any further
he will have to do it by passing over the old Army of the
Potomac.
While we are marching along the road, within a few
miles of Gettysburg we are all singing and cracking jokes,
but our jubilant spirits come to a sudden end, for the rebels
open up a fire on us from a piece of woods to our left as
we are marching on the road, to remind us of our close
proximity to our old friends, of the army of Northern
Virginia.  Passing by on the double quick, we  get into
position to the left of Round Top, a mountain made historic by the Battle of Gettysburg. Our gallant corps commander, General Sickles, rides up, and soon we are in line
in front of our old adversaries. There is heavy fighting
to our right and we are soon engaged with some South
Carolina  troops.   They fight well,  but  have  to  get
back, and we follow with bayonet, driving them inside their
artillery, which opens on us, causing us to fall back to a
safe distance. The battle of the first does not tell on either
side, for both lie down at night where they started in the
morning. Our troops are arriving all night, and taking
positions along the line. Our army is in splendid spirits,
and every one is confident of victory under our new chief;
besides, we are fighting on our own soil, and every man
thinks that if Lee don't get a whipping here he never will.
The morning of July 2d opens up the ball, commencing
to our right, near the village. Charges are made on both
sides.   The  rebels occupy the village, but  are driven
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90 
IN THE ARMIY OF THE POTOMAC.
out, when our men take possession, and so the village is all day on our side of the line.  We are fighting in
a peach orchard, and they make it very hot for us. Their
artillery do some fearful execution among our ranks, and
firequently we have to lie very low. Tlie battle rages fearfully along the lines.  On our part of the lines we are hard
pushed.  Our gallant Sickles falls wounded, and is borne
off the field.  Our division and corps feel disheartened at
this, and we feel a little panic stricken.   Our  Colonel,
Byron R. Pierce, is wounded.   We lose a good many men.
The rebels push us so hard that we have to give way. They
pour their balls and shells like hail around us. We still
get back, and everything looks bad for us. Making our
way back, and getting on top of a round hill, an officer
rides up, General Williams of Michigan, and begs of us,
for God's sake, to form a line right there, for if the enemy
gained this hill the army would be in great danger. Falling into line in an instant, and facing the rebels, we pour
volley after volley into them. They falter. We load and
fire.  Some of them commence to skedaddle, more follow,
when all of them up and dust.  We chase them into their
own lines, ending the fighting on our part of the lines; for
night wraps its sable mantle over the bloody field of July
1st and 2d. Some of us make our way for some water to
cookl our coffee. Finding some in a cow track close by, we
dip) it up with a spoon, and after about an hour's dipping we
had sufficient for coffee, which was drank with a hearty relish, as it was the first we have had since leaving Emmetsburg. Water is very scarce around here, and what there is, is
reserved for the wounded, and of course the officers. We
lie down, wearied and tired, to get some sleep, for neither
party is vanquished yet, and not till one side or the other
is whipped will they leave the field.
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92                FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
The morning of the 3d opens bright and lovely. The
fighting commences, and both armies fight as though  confident of success. Charge after charge is made on both
sides.  Oh, what fearfiil carnage! Men and horses drop all
around. The boom, boom, boom, of artillery, and roar of
musketry  is deafening.   Thle enemy throw themselves
with great force on our left and center. Our lines waver,
and all expect to get back against the terrible onslaught of
the enemy. A part of our lines have already given way.
The rebels see it, and charge with redoubled fury, thinkling
our lines are almost broken. Oh, is there no hope for us
but to fly? At this juncture a brave aid-de-camp rides
along the lines, and tells us to hold our ground, as MIcClellan was coming up with forty thousand  men.  This is
enough, and the very name of McClellan inspires new courage in the soldiers of his old army, and they commence
cheering. The enemy thinking we are getting reinforcements, get back a litttle to reform their lines.  We follow
up, and drive them again inside their lines, and fall back leisurely without the enemy following us, getting the order to
build breastworks, which is done with a will, and in less
than one hour we have good works to get behind. While
reclining behind our shelter, chewing our hard-tack, and
talking about our expected reinforcements, about four
o'clock in the afternoon, a tremendous fire is opened on us
by the enemy, with all their artillery. We lie down and
hug mother earth, knowing just what is coming next, as a
heavy firing like that is always a prelude to a charge by
the enemy. The rebels, after a ten minutes cannonade,
cease firing. We raise our heads over the works, and a
sight meets our gaze that none who saw it will ever forget.
Line after line of rebel infantry emerge from the woods in
our front, and it is evident that they are coming on' their
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING 
IN THIE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.            93
last charge.  All our guns are double-shotted with schlrapnell, grape and cannister, ready to pour into the approaching
masses.  The charge is to be made a short distance to our
right, and we watch the whole proceedings fromn where vwe
are. The rebel masses come up as cool as if on parade, and
our men coolly wait for their coming.  Ready, is the order,
and the enemy are within one hundred yards of our line.
They come closer still, all yelling and making a horrible
noise.  Our men stand their ground, and all are ready to
repel the attack. The enemy are almost up to our works
when  the order is given to fire;  artillery and infantry
pour their deadly missiles into their solid ranks.  More than
half of those animated masses are made to bite the dust.
For a moment the men in the rear are non-plussed, and
some fly back, only to be killed by the unerring aim of our
men. The survivors are desperate, and keep forward on
their forlorn hope, only to be slaughtered as they come.
"Forward, drive the Yanks," is plainly heard, but they
might as well try to drive the mules that got stuck in the
mud on a certain occasion, mentioned before in these pages.
The Yanks would not drive, but they did their best to do
it, and some of thenm actully got inside of our works only
to be bayoneted on the spot.
Never during the war has there been a more daring
charge on either side than the rebels under General Pickett,
on that ever to be remembered 3d of July, 1863. Our
sympathies at this time for them was unbounded, and
we all try to alleviate their sufferings as best we can.  And
although they are our enemies they are brave, and fought
worthy of a better cause. Of course they are repulsed
with fearful slaughter, and it is stated by themselves that
out of about eleven thousand men who were in the charge,
only one thousand got back safe. All the rest were killed 
FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
or wounded, and that, too, inside of a ten acre lot. Among
the most severely wounded on this great charge, was the
recently elected Governor of Virginia, General Kemper,
who was borne off the field by Captain Collins, Sergeant
Joe Evered, of Co. A., and Henry Parker of the same
Company, all of the Third Michigan Infantry.
Thus ended the battle of Gettysburg, and now all do
what we can to alleviate the sufferings of the wounded.
The moon shines out beautiful and bright, shedding her
rays on the field of carnage. Taking my canteen, at a brick
house near the rebel lines, which is completely demolished
by balls and shells, I get some water and repair back to the
dead and dying enemy. "Oh, please sir, give me only one
drop of water," I hear from over twenty poor fellows at
once. I gave them the cooling beverage, and empty my
canteen in a short time. Soon it is again filled, and I am
in their midst.  "Oh, sir, put something under my head,"
says one; "straighten my limb," says another, and I find
them wounded in all conceivable ways about the body,
limbs and head. While putting some guns under a poor
fellow's head to relieve him, I hear not far from me the most
plaintive song I ever heard. It put me in mind of my far
off home in the Emerald Isle. The strangeness of the
scene, and manner the song was sung, made the tears fall
thick and fast down my cheeks.  Making my  way in the
direction of the sound, I beheld a sight that chilled the
blood in my veins. Before my eyes lay the singer stretched
on his back, and eyes looking up at the starry firmament.
He did not seem to be in any pain, but when he saw me
standing over him, he asked for some water, which I gave
him. The God bless you he said more than paid me for
what I did that fearful night. I found, when I spoke to
him, that hlie was an Irishman. I asked him how it was
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IN TIIE ARMY OF THIE POTOMAC.
possible that he could take up arms against the government that gave him a home which he could not find in
peace in his native land.  Ol, said he, it is all misfortune,
and now my dying regret is that I do not die for the starry
flag. Fixing him up as well as I could I left him in peace
and made my way back to our breastworks to get some rest
and sleep till morning.
CHAPTER XXVII.
FOURTH OF JULY, 1863-THE ENEMY GONE FROM OUR FRONT
AND RETURN TO THEIR SACRED SOIL-IN PURSUIT OF
THEM —ARRIVE AMONG THE MOUNTAINS-SCENES
AND INCIDENTS WHILE THERE.
Tile Fourth of July opens briglht and lovely, and all expect a renewal of the conflict. Our pickets advance to
where the rebel lines were the night before, and get further
into the woods and commence cheering. The enemy has
left our front.  The excitement is very great in our army,
for we have defeated our old adversaries again, and every
one praises our gallant Mleade for leading McClellan's army
on to victory.  We spend our Fourth with great joy, which
is mingled with sadness at the loss of so many of our men
who fell and died that our present victory might be achieved. The fortunes of war cause a great many lives to be
lost, and untold misery to be endured; but we must all
take our chances in this great lottery of life.
The 4thl and 5th are spent in burying the dead, and on
the Gth we commence the chase after Lee and his army into
Virginia again. Our cavalry take a good many prisoners,
and are having lively times with the enemy's rear guard.
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FOUR YEARS CAMP&IGNING
We are now making our way to Williamsport, where the
eneniy have taken lup a position and built works.  It is
their intention to make a stand here until they can cross
the Potomac with their trains and artillery.  Pulling up in
front of them about the 9th of July, every man expects
that an attack is meant on the enemy's position; but for
some reason or other we get the order to bivouac for the
night, and no attack is make. Next morning we find that
the enemy have crossed the river, and our army makes its
way down the river on the Maryland side, and cross into
Virginia at Harper's Ferry, over the bridge that spans the
Shenandoah River.  We  wend our way around the celebrated London Heights, and bivouac for the night among
the hills. We have a long chase now, for the enemy are
trying to make their way through the Blue Ridge at Manassas Gap into the rich Shenandoah Valley.  Next morning we are up bright and early, and are on the march again,
passing over some beautiful country.  We leave the village
of Leesburg to our left, and strike for the C,toctin Mountains, which overlook the beautiful County of Loudon.
We wend our way up the rugged and steep mountain roads,
and camp on the top in some lovely fields. Here the scenery
is sublimely grand, and a view is before our eyes in the
early twilight of the evening that is fit for a connoisseur,
or the romantic eye of an artist. Away as far as the eye
can reach is the broad and beautiful Potomac, meandering
its way through lovely glades, and emptying its fresh water
iswy thog  loey glde-nde
into the Chesapeake Bay, there to mingle with the briny
waters of the broad Atlantic. Nearer to the eye can be
seen the rich fields with their ripe grain ready for the farmer's cradle, the beautifiul houses ensconced among the nice
trees laden with ripe and luscious fiuit; the cattle grazing
in the meadows, all of which make up a panorama too grand
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IN THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
to be described, and when once seen will never be forgotten.
We pitch our shelter tents, build our numerous fires, cook
our much needed coffee, eat our frugal meal, and set by the
camp fire, the moon shining down upon us and making
everything look sublimely grand. We smoke our pipes,
tell our yarns, and not until nature needs its repose do we
lie down to sleep in our temporary mountain home.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
OUR CHASE RESUMED-BATTLE OF WAPPING HEIGHTS-DE  FEAT AND PURSUIT OF THE ENEMY THROUGH MANAS     SAS GAP-REBEL BEES-A FIERCE ENCOUNTER.
VWe are loth to leave our mountain camp, but must keep
moving, for there is plenty of work before us. WVe take
up our line of march, leaving the hundreds of camp fires
to smolder into ashes, and wend our way down the rugged
roads and get on to the bed of the old Manassas Gap Railroad, which leads through the Blue Ridge.  The track of
this road is all torn up, the ties burnt, and the iron rails
twisted in all conceivable shapes. We march along the
bed of the road.  The poor people along the line of the
road are suffering very much for the want of food and
clothing.
.. On the 12th of July we come up with the enemy's rear
guard, who have taken up a position on the heights that
connect with the Blue Ridge Mountains. They have built
some works on top, and seem to feel very secure against
any force which we can send to dislodge them. But our
corps commander, General Humphrey, is equal to the
emergency. Our corps, the Third, is all alone, for the rest
97 
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of the army is moving oin other roads, to try to intercept
the enemy's backward march. Our corps forms in splendid
position, and is drawn up in lines to charge on the heights.
The enemy don't think it possible that we are going to
charge up those steep hills, but such is the fact. The
order comes  to forward  and  take  the position.   Our
skirmishers advance, and are soon engaged with the rebel
pickets, who fall back over the hills to get inside their
breastworks, from which a brisk fire is opened on us, but
we still keep on. Forward on the double-quick is heard
along the lines, but we have to put our hands on our knees
to help ourselves on up the steep heights, and take hold of
scrubs and brush to keep us from falling back. The rebels
are dismayed at our move, and fire very wide of their mark,
but once in a while one of our number is seen to roll back
down the hill a corpse. At last we gain the top, and wait
a moment to dress up our ranks. The order now comes to
forward on the double-quick, which is done, and inside of
less time than it takes to write about it we are inside the
rebel works, capturing a number of prisoners, and planting
the starry flag on the top of the highest hill in the range.
The rebels now skedaddle down the mountain, and we hurry
them on by sending some of Uncle Sam's leaden pills after
them.  The rebel army now are crossing the Shenandoah
River at Front Royal. We chase those in our front, and
they get through the gap. Before us we see the beautiful
valley, but cannot get there, for the rebels have burnt the
bridges over the river after crossing.
While halting for a rest a funny incident occurs. particularly to those who were not actors in the serio-comic play
of hunting bees. Some of our boys think they would like
some honey from some bee-hives in a garden close by, so
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98
FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING 
IN TIlE ARMS OF THE POTOMAc.              99
they make a raid on the bees to rob them of their stores,
which they have worked so hard to accumulate.  The boys
think to take the bees by surprise, and bag every one of
them-but the bees charge and make their way to a safe
distance. The would-be robbers now make a charge on the
store where the bees have their supplies, but do not take
any honey, for the bees form in mass and charge on their
adversaries, plying their keen edged swords, and slashing
in such a manner as to make the Yanks come to grass, and
turn such somersaulting on the ground as to put to shame
a lot of Japanese acrobat performers in a circus ring. We
spectators hold our sides for fear of bursting with laughter
at the antics of our much stung comrades. At last our
men beat an inglorious retreat, and leave the bees masters
of the situation and their honey. When the raiders reached
the ranks their heads resembled a huge mortar-shell, and
all declared that their taste for honey is played out, and
they don't care for any. So I think they will be content to
hunt rebels after this, and leave their bees alone.
CHAPTER XXIX.
RETRACE OUR STEPS AND MfOVE TO SULPHUR SPRINGS-RE  CREATION-NEW YORK RIOTS-OUR REGIMENT SENT TO
HELP ENFORCE THE DRAFT-ARRIVAL ON GOV                     ERNOR'S ISLAND.
Our corps now retrace their steps, and march back in
the direction of Warrenton, a beautiful village near the
celebrated Southern watering-place, Sulphur Springs.  We
pass through the village and camp at the Springs, a distance of about five miles. We get the orders to go into
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IN THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 
100~~ FORYASCAPINN
camp and make ourselves comfortable. This has been once
a beautiful place, but now the desolating hand of civil war
has made its marks on the place. The principal hotels are
nothing but a mass of ruins, caused by General Seigel's
shells a few weeks before; but the lovely shades still exist,
and the wells that so many Southern aristocrats were wont
to drink from are here yet, and in their best trim. Here
we have some nice times, and are getting a very much needed rest after our campaigns and battles of the last few
months.
Here we receive the news of the great draft riot in New
York, caused by the three hundred dollar clause in the
President's call for three hundred thousand men. The
clause is, that any one who pays three hundred dollars will
be exempt from the draft. Of course all poor people will
think it unjust, as they can never raise the requisite stim
for exemption.  Three hundred dollars is like a drop in the
bucket to a rich man, and of course he need not go to war.
for he can raise the to him, paltry sum at any time, while
the poor man must leave his home and those depending on
him for support to the cold charities of this miserable
world. Oh, why do not the young men of our land come
down to help us crush this rebellion. There are plenty of
them in the North to take the place of the poor man with
his helpless  family, and  none  the less loving to him
because they are poor. A young man that will not enlist
now, but waits to be drafted, ought to be spotted by all
good citizens, and made to feel his shame for not taking up
arms to help his brothers in the field put down treason in
the land. He ought never to show himself in his native
place after the war is ended, but should fly to some corner
of the earth, there to end his days in shame and disgrace,
for he is unworthy to associate with those who suffered for
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100
FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING 
IN TIIE ARMY OF TIIE POTOMAC.
this country that it might be the land of the free and home
for all who love liberty.
It is plain now that there must be some troops sent to
New York to enforce the draft, and our regiment is one of
the many detailed for that purpose. The gallant Fifth
accompany us, and amid the cheers of our comrades who
stay behind, we marchi to Beal's Station and take the cars
to Alexandria, passing by some old familiar places along
the Bull Run country, and then take a steamer for New
York, our new field of labors. We pass the beautiful
shades of Mount Vernon, the celebrated Aquia Creek,
Point Lookout, and soon are plowing the broad Atlantic,
with its phosphorescent lights shining on the water like
myriads of stars. The noble craft shakes a little, caused
by the waves as they toss her to and firo. Some lean over
the bulwarks, a shiver runs over them like an ague chill.
They look around very wistful for some one to pity them,
but must bear their sea-sickness as best they can.  I, for
my part, cannot appreciate their feelings, for I never was
sea-siclk.
At last, after a pleasant journey, we arrive safe in New
York and get off at the foot of Canal street to await orders.
After lying around all day, in the evening we are conveyed
to Governor's Island, there to rusticate until we are sent
for.  The Fifth get stuck in a sand bar and do not arrive
for a few days after. This is a lovely island in New York
harbor. Some regular soldiers are stationed here, and
they have a fat, lazy time of it.  We have nice times
bathing, and enjoy all the comforts we wish for.
101 
CHAPTER XXX.
PROCEED TO NEW YORK-AT CASTLE GARDEN-A MARCH UP
BROADWAY-AT CITY HALL PARK-AMUSEMENTS
-THE DRAFT QUIETLY TAKES PLACE, ETC.
After a stay of a few days on the Island we get orders to
pack up and get ready to move. Marching to the wharf,
we take a ferry to New York, landing at Castle Garden, a
huge round building jutting out into the water. Here is
where all the emigrants from foreign countries first set foot
on American soil. The place is always infested with a lot
of thieves, ready at any time to rob the poor, unsophisticated emigrant of his last dollar. The regiment form quietly, and, without any music, march up Broadway, one of
the most wonderful streets in the world. We are bewildered at the sight of the grand buildings on eithler side, it
being our first visit to the great metropolis of the United
States.  We  pass  by  Trinity  Church,  with  its  tall
spire looming up almost to the sky, and the old grave yard
with its silent dead; immense buildings, occupied chiefly
by bankers, insurance companies, real estate agents, and
brokers, also the celebrated Astor House, and St. Paul's
Church, halting at the City Hall park. A little further on
we are quartered in a Government building, on Chambers
street, and stack our guns. Picking out the softest floor
in the building we lie down to sleep, and next morning are
up bright and early, looking in wonderment at the crowds
passing to and fro to their daily toil.  One would suppose
there was no war in the country, for the number of people
we see passing in this one city alone would make a good
sized army. How long we are to stay here we cannot tell, 
IN THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
but are informed that the draft will take place this week.
Not having much trouble in obtaining passes, and desiring
to see all the sights I can in the great city, I sally forth
and arrive at Barnumn's Museum. The first object that
meets the eye is the picture "Before and After the Shave."
One picture represents a son of the Emerald Isle just landed after his voyage from his native land. His long, grizzly
hair and unshaved beard make him look anything but prepossessing. The other picture represents him after the
barber got through with him. It is said that this man made
Barnum pay the dearest for any one shave in his life. One
morning Mr. B. went into a barber's shop to get shaved.
There was one in the shop before him.  Barnum, being in
a hurry, made a proposal to this man to pay his bill in the
shop if he would give him his turn in the chair. The man
ahead gives way, and after Barnum got through he told the
barber to charge the other bill to him, and walked off in a
hurry. Patrick sat down in the chair, got his hair cut,
face shaved, head shampooed, then a bath, whiskers dyed
and boots blacked, and tells tlhe-barber to charge the bill to
Barnum. When the latter found out he was humbugged,
he had the son of Erin pictured out and put in a frame,
and hung where all can see the man who tricked the great
showman and made him pay so dearly for a shave.
I will not attempt to describe the numerous curiosities
in this building, for it would take a volume to do so. After
getting tired of seeing the views here, I wend my way
through the vast throngs in the building, and gain the
street. Then 1 stroll up Broadway, taking care lest I get
knocked down in this thoroughfare. Men and women hustle along as though the old boy himself was after them, all
elbowing their way through the crowds. Approaching a
policeman on a street corner, I commence a chat with him,
103 
FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
he tells me some wonderful things about this city.   Suddenly he starts away in a hurry, and dives in among the
hundreds of vehicles, which are so blocked that not one in
the whole street, as far as the eye can reach, can move
either way, for their is a perfect jam. Those near cross
streets are made to go on either side, to make a start in the
jam and all commence to move again, like one vast machine.
When the policeman gets back he tells me that the sight
I saw was a very irequent occurrence. The next place of
amusement I visit, is Wallack's Theater, situated on the
corner of Broadway and Twelfth Street, and is one of the
nicest in the city. There is a beautiful drama on the
boards, and every one is delighted with the play, which is
well rendered. But I must hustle througl, for this book
is not large enough to contain descriptions of a twentieth
part of this great metropolis. The next place is Niblo's
Garden, a cozy theater in the rear of the Metropolitan
Hotel.  Here the great sensational play of the Ghost, is
on the boards, which is having a great run. After leaving this beautifuill place, next I enter 444 Broadway a
a great variety theater; next I visit Bryant's Minstrels,
and see the great Dan himself. There is a very fiunny
little fellow here who goes by the name of Little Mac.
The performance is first-class, and some of the best
people in the city visit the burnt cork professionals. Next
I visit the old ]bowery Theater, run by Mr. Fox. A pantomime is on the boards, Mr. Fox taking part, and is a
clever fellow, indeed. If one wants a hearty laugh, this is
the place to get it.
The time for the draft is drawing near; the men arc
all cautioned to be around.  The day of the draft has
come, and every man is at his post, crowded together in
the large room.  With anxious faces the wheel commences
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IN THlE ARMY OF TIIE POTOMAC.
to revolve, and those who are drafted have their names
announced.  Once in a while a poor fellow, when hle hears
his name, staggers to the door and makes his way to his
humble home, that is soon to be left fatherless, to informi
his loving wife and darling children of his bad luck in the
wheel.  They fall on his neck and weep as though their
hearts would break at the loss of their only mainstay in
this life. Oh, what misery this cruel war has spread all
over the land. But we must try and bear up, for if it
takes every man in the country, this nation must be saved,
and treason wiped out.
The day of the draft has closed. No disturbance occurred, and it is well, for there are now nearly 30,000 veteran soldiers from the Army of the Potomac ready to put
down any riot which might be made. The crowds disperse,
but the poor unfortunates that cannot raise the requisite
$300 go home to their families and there we leave them to
their sad reflections while we lie down with the assurance
that all is quiet in our part of the Potomac army.
CHAPTER XXXI.
A TRIP UP THE HUDSON-A LOVELY NIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL
SCENERY-ARRIVAL IN TROY-PITCH OUR TENTS     ANNIE BESIEGED WITH VISITORS-HOTEL LIFE           GAY TIMIES-THE DRAFT IN TROY.
Our work now in the great city is ended, we pack up
and march to the river and get aboard the Vanderbilt, a
Hudson River steamer for Troy, our new field of labor.
AVe leave the great city with its gaiety and misery, and
are soon on the bosom of the broad and romantic Hudson.
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106                FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
Twilight approaches, and we can see in the distance the
innumerable gas lights of New  York.  The moon shines
out in all her fullness and glory. We group upon the deck
and watch the beautiful scenery along the shores, which
are dotted with opulent mansions, hidden away among the
stately trees. On we go, the noble steamer bowed forward
like a duck in the water, sometimes so close to shore that a
jump would bring one on terrafirma, and then, in a few
minutes more, out in the middle of the stream. At last
nature needs repose, and all that can find room on the spacious cabin floor, lie down to sleep. Ill the morning we
are awakened by the loud whistle of the steamer as she
nears Albany, the Capital of the Empire State. She draws
near to the wharf to let off passengers, and then strikes out
into the middle of the stream again, and after a ride of
about five miles further we arrive at our destination in the
city of Troy.  Disembarked, we draw up in line on the
main street, The people all flock around and don't know
what to make of it, to see so many soldiers land on their
shores.  Our two regiments, the Third and Fifth Michigan, make quite a formidable appearance. Our regimnient
march up the street and we pitch our tents in the Court
House Square. The Fifth go out to the fairgrounds to camp.
The people gather around and eye us curiously, watchling
our every move.  We lie down in our little tents to take a
snooze aud are awakened for dinner.  Of course, we must
be more than usually particular about our toilets, for we
are now going to board in a hotel. We are seated at the
tables, and everything seems very strange to us, not being
used to hotel life.  Reachling over we seize the pies and
cake, and eat all the dessert on the table.  Then we are
ready to give our order to the waiters for our faivorite dish
of pork and beans. Coffee, too, we get, but do not relish 
IN TIIE ARMY OF TIIE POTOMAC.
it like that we cook in the field ourselves, in our burnt tin
cups, which serve to cook our meat, beans, soup,  coffee,
tea, and everything else we get to cookl.  We make the
waiters fly around, and, after our first meal, the hotel must
be pretty well cleaned out of provisions, and the tablecloths will need washing before using again.  After dinner
we file back to camp, and find our tents occupied by the
curious crowds to see what they can. We find that the
people are as green about soldiering matters as we are in
the hotels.
Annie's tent is besieged with visitors. People come from
far in the rural districts to get a sight of the great heroine
of so many campaigns and battles. We  do not blame them
much, for, indeed, she is a curiosity, as she is one woman
in a million who would leave a home of luxury and cast
her lot with the soldiers in the field, who are all proud of
her, and any man in the regiment would die in her defense,
should any one cast a reproach on her fair name and character. All believe her to be one of the truest of women.
A few days in Troy makes us used to civilized life, and
we get so we commence to eat our meals as other people
do, leaving the dessert for the last. We are having nice
times, and the people all think a good deal of us, when
they find that the veterans of the old Army of the
Potomac can be gentlemen as well as soldiers. Each evening we  have a parade, and long before the time comes
thousands gather and occupy the most prominent places to
witness the parade, which we go through in fine style, to
please our auditors.
The day of the draft is drawing  nigh, and every one is
anxious to know ho a, it will come out. Some citizens anticipate trouble, and think that some will resist the draft, but
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it don't trouble our appetite or break our rest in the least.
I have a bet of a twenty dollar greenback with a citizen
that there won't be a gun fired on either side, and that the
draft will take place.
At last the drafting day has come and every man is in
his place. We have a section of Uncle Sam's barkers
looking down Main street, and the powder monkeys are
around to play mischief with any one who will be foolish
enough to resist the law, even if it is a hard one.  For the
soldier must obey orders, no matter whether he likes it or
not.  The wheel revolves, and the unlucky ones go  home
to tell their families of their ill-luck.  Everything passed
off quietly. The draft is ended, no disturbance, and I win
my twenty dollar note. The men who were drafted deserve
great praise, for they behaved like men, and deserve to be
taken by the hand of the soldier and be called comrades.
They paraded the streets, carryingl the starry flag, headed
by a band of music, all having a gay time in general, thus
ending our workl in Troy.
CHAPTER XXXII.
A MILITARY BALL-FAREWELL TO TROY-ABOARD THE
STEAMER-HANDKERCHIEFS TO THE EYES OF THE FAIR
MAIDENS ON SHORE-THREE TIMES THREE-ARRIVAL IN
NEW YORK-ON TO THE FRONT-ARRIVAL AMONG OUR
COMRADES-ORDERS TO MARCH-DRAWING RATIONS.
Our work is done in the Northl now, and before we go
back to fight secesh we must have a shake of the light, fantastic toe. So we get up a military ball, and are favored
with the presence of the elite of the city. Everything goes
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
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IN TIIE ARMY OF TIIE POTOMAC.           109
off as merry as a marriage bell, and not until the wee small
hours of the morning did we leave the gay and festive ball
room.
Getting the order to pack up, soon we are ready to st,art
once more for the front.  Aboard of the beautiful steamer
thousands flock down to the wharf and line the shores, to
bid us good-bye.  Miany a hlandkerchief goes to the eyes of
the fair daughters of Troy.   We give the good people
three times three chleers, which they return with a will.
The noble craft moves down the stream, and we bid goodbye to the beautiful city after a pleasant stay of two
weeks.
We lie down and sleep till awakened by the loud whistle
of the steamer as she nears the wharf at New Yorkl, where
we disembark and taklie a ferry for Jersey City, where we
take the cars for Philadelphia.  Not much time is given
us to go around in the Quaker City to see the sights, for
the cars are waiting to take us to Baltimore, where we
arrive after our pleasure excursion North. Then we take the
train for Washlington and after a short stay in the Soldiers'
Home, go to Brandy Station where the army lay.  We are
met by our comrades of other regiments, go into camp, and
are settled down once more to a soldier's life in the field.
We now enjoy some nice weather, and a fall campaign is
anticipated.  So we get the orders to march with three
days' rations in our haversacks.  The orderlies of each
company go to the Regimental Quartermaster and draw the
rations. They have it brought to the company grounds,
and each man's name is called to come forward and get
what is coming to him. It is a curious sight to see the
men gather around and get their variety of provisionssalt pork, hard tack, sugar, coffee, salt, and just enough
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pepper to make one sneeze, all of which is stowed away in
the best possible manner in the haversacks.  Sometimes
when we go on a double-quick, everything is mixed together
in solid mass, aiid it takes us no little time to get our provisions in shape again.  But we have to take a mixture of
pepper and salt, coffee and sugar, once in a while, as we
find it impossible to part our provisions.
We are now already to march, and the bugle sounds the
call to fall in.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
ON THE MARCH AGAIN-CULPEPPER COURT HOUSE —NEW
COUNTRY-A  SURPRISE-BATTLE OF KELLY'S FORD     A GREAT BATTLE ANTICIPATED-REFLECTIONS       THE ENEMY GONE FROMI OUR FRONT-PUR           SUIT-BATTLE OF MINE  RUN                   COLD WEATHER.
We are once more on the move, but this time on a new
route to Richmond, passiing the once beautiful village of
Culpepper C. H., the home of the celebrated terror of sutlers, Colonel MIoseby, of guerilla memory. We strike a
direction to the front and left, passing over some new
country where we find lots of fence rails to build fires,
which is needed in these cold November nights. We push
forward, and come to the bluffs that overlook the Rapidan
river.  Halting, behind the hills, the order comes  not to
build any fires, for the enemy is in force across the river,
and they must be taken by surprise. Everything is still,
and our troops are silently getting into position and at last
all are ready.  Our skirmishers advance, followed closely
by the reserves.  They plunge into the river.  The rebel
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pickets open fire, and some of our men fall dead in the
stream and are borne away by the swift current at Kelly's
Ford.  Forward men, and the brave skirmishers reach the
enemy's shore, driving their pickets inside their works and
holding their ground. Our corps march forward in solid
mass, and soon the river is full of soldiers, up to our hips
in water.  Gaining the shore, and shlaking some of the
water off our clothes, we get into line, the enemy all this
time playing on us with their artillery.  But we will soon
put a stop to their little game. See to the priming of your
pieces, men, is the order. Forward-double-quick-charge
bayonets, and in less than three minutes we are inside the
rebel works, capturing a number of prisoners, and all is
well. We have a good foothold now, and can wait for the
rest of the troops to get up, who are now crossing rapidly,
filling the space between us and the river in solid mass.
Night sheds her sable mantle over bothl armies, which are
confronting each other quietly.  As soon as muorning comes
we expect to have a terrible battle, and each man has his
own thoughts and reflections. We sit around the bivouac
fires, and, as is usual before a great battle, each tells the
others that in case he should fall what will be done in
regard to letting the loved ones at home know what became
of him, anrid what should be done with the little effects that
a soldier carries about him.  Write to my mother, says
one, and tell her, if I fall, that I always tried to do my
duty to my country.  Write to my wife, says another, and
should I fall, my last thoughts were of her and my darling
children.  Write to my brother, says another, and should
I fall, tell him to come and fill my place in the ranks. A
thousand and one things are talked about and thought of
the night before a great battle, which no one can tell but
those who have passed through the sad ordeal.  At last
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112               FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
poor human nature needs repose, and we lie down to rest.
We look up and see the stars peeping down at us; we
nestle close together, for the night is frosty and cold, and
soon we are oblivious of all the dangers that surround us.
The mornling of the expected battle comes, and all are
up and ready for the fray.  Our skirmishers advance, followed close by lines of infantry.  We  soon find out that
the birds have flown, and nothing is left to show where
Lee's army had encamped the night before but the low
fires, smouldering in ashes.  We must follow up the rebel
chief and his army, and, if possible, make them  fight
before winter sets in. Probably that is what they are'up
to by falling back.  The crafty Lee thinks he will get us
far from our supplies and get us stuck in the mud again.
The enemy has fallen back quite a distance, and we take
our time to follow them up.  At last we have come upon
his trail, and find that the rebel army has taken a position
at'Mine Run.   Our skirmishers feel their position, and
soon strike "ile."  Our army now gets into position, and
a drizzling, cold rain begins to fall, making us cold and
miserable.  We  are now  campaigning  in part of  the
worst time of the year, and we all think our move will turn
out to be a premature one.  However, we are so close to our
old friends that we must fight them, or else we will have
to, in the language of one of our army commanders, fly
igr,nominiously, which may cause OUR utter destruction.
On the 27th of November we are drawn up in line, the
rebel army has a position on the other side of the deep
run. How are we to get over, is the question, for the
enemy's artillery line the steep banks on the other side.
Our brigade is detailed to cross.  We  begin to walk in
single file a couple of logs that span the Run.   Moving to
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING 
IN THE ARMY OF THIE POTOMAC.            113
the right as fast as we cross, another regiment moving to
the left.  We forward up the hill and soon get engaged.
The rebels, we find, are not in very heavy force in our
front, but enoulgh to give us all the fighting we want for a
cold day.  They stand their ground well, but some of our
men get on their flank, driving themn  back to a piece of
woods.  We follow up, they turn and face us.  Nothing is
thoug,ht of but load and fire, but we soon get tired of this
kind of filghting, for it is so cold we must have warmer
work. So we charge on oar adversaries, but they don't
get back.  We are so close to them  that they ask us to
surrender, but thinking we are as strong as they, we de mand the sanie of them; but neither party seems to be
oblig,,ing, enoulgh to comuply with the other's request. Finally
the enemny give way a little, and once they give an inch
they have to get back.   A  few skedaddle through the
woods, and they all soon fly panic stricken.   We follow
them up and take shelter in some of their works they
have abandoned. We do not see any reinforcements coming, to our aid, the bugle sounds the retreat, we all get
back the same way  we crossed, bringing our killed and
wounded with us.  Our last man is back over the Run
when we hear the yells of thousands of rebels charging in
force; but they are too late.  It is impossible for them to
cross, and they know it, so they are satisfied to keep up a
sharp fire on our picket line, which we have established on
the banks of the Run.  It is almost certain death to show
one's head over ground, so the better part of valor in the
present case is to keep as close to mother earth as possible.'
It was here that we lost one of out best soldiers by his
own  carelesness,  Simeon  Woodard.   NVhen  about to
relieve a man on the picket line, he commenced to walk out 
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114                FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
to the post upright. We caution him to creep out, like
the other men, but he don't heed our admonitions, so he
takes the consequences. IHe had only moved a few rods
when he dropped his gun and put back to the reserve. SittiDg down, he drops off a corpse.  We soon learn that he
received his death wound throtugh the bowels.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
RETRACE OUR STEPS TO CAMP-ANOTHER RETREAT-A CAV    ALRY FIGHT,  IN WHICH THE REBELS COME OUT
SECOND BEST-BACK TO CENTERVILLE.
It is evident now that the operations against the enemy
at present, are at an end. The weather is cold and wet,
and all feel miserable.  We soon get the orders to fall
back, leaving our position between two days. Our retreat
begins in good order.  The enemy don't sqem to follow
very close, for we  get away  without having any trouble
with them, recrossing the Rapidan and going into our old
camp; but don't stay longer than to cook our coffee, and,
as is often the case, have no time to drink it.  The army
under Lee is said to be advancing in force, and mean business. For some unexplained reason, best known to General Leade, we leave our camp and fall back toward Washington.  We file over the sloping hills to the west of Culpepper.  Our division halt for a brief rest, we look back
over the level country in the direction of Culpepper and
see our cavalry pull up in the rear of our army, commanded
by the dashing General Custer. Clouds of dust rise away
in the rear, caused by the enemy as they dash through the
village.  Our cavalry wheel about and face them, evidently 
IN TIIE ARMY OF TIIE POTOMIAC.
meaning to give them  battle.  Thousands of the rebel
troopers thunder down like an avalanche, but are met by our
brave Michi,gal cavalry, who charge through their midst,
and hundreds on both sides are left dangling, in their saddles, while the horses dash wildly along, not  knowing
where to go, for their riders are in the arms of death. Forward to the charge again the contestants go, and a fearful
hand to hand encounter now ensues. Neither party seems
to give way, for both are determined to win the battle.
The sight is awfully grand; the contestants' sabers flashing in the sun, the rattle of small arms and the roar of
the field pieces of the flying artillery. This is the only
cavalry fight we ever witnessed, and all ar(e anxious to
know how it will come out.  Both sides seemi to be about
equal, and fight nobly. At last, after charging and recharging, the enemy gives way, and we, the spectators,
make the welkin ring with cheers.  The rebels are now on
the retreat and our brave troopers follow up their advantage
and drive them  through the village of Culpepper.  The
rebel infantry are drawn up to receive our cavalry, who do
not feel disposed to try a fight with them, and claim the
old adage, to let well enoughcl alone, retracing their steps
and following in the rear of our army, ready to perform
the same operation if Stewart's- rebel cavalry wish to try
another tussel.
Nothing more disturbs our backward march except now
and then a few rebel cavalrymen, who dash down some by
roads and fire on our flankers, who are marching at intervals in the woods.  We get our long trains back with us,
and our whole army pull up on the Centerville heights,
waiting for the rebels to come.  They, however, do not
seem to risk another battle in the Bull Run country, and
retire after taking in the situation.
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CHAHTER XXXV.
PURSUIT OF THE ENEM1Y ONCE MORE-BATTLE OF BRISTOW
STATION-REBELS COMIMENCE WINTER HUTS AT BRANDY
STATION-THE HUTS TAKEN BY OUR MIEN AND WE GO
INTO WINTER QUARTERS-FURLOUGH OF THIRTY DAYS  RE-ENLISTMENTS FOR THREE YEARS MORE-RECEPTION
AT GRAND RAPIDS-HOME AGAIN.
Once more the bugle sounds the fall in call, and we coimence our chase after Lee.  This advancing and retreating
puts me in mind of childhood days, when we used to play
the game of tag.  We fall back firom the enemy and make
a stand; they follow up and feel of us. Then they fall
back, and now it is our turn to feel of them. WVe  tread
on their heels so close at Bristow Station, on the Orange
and Alexandria Railroad, that they turn on us and we
have quite a fight with them;  but during the following
morning they are all gone from our firont.  Making our way
to Brandy Station, we find that the rebels are lbusy as bees
building winter quarters.  As we are hunting for grounds
to camp on too, and the country around here suits us very
well, but the rebel army being too close for comfort, and
thlinking that they can as well camp across the Rapidan so
as to have that stream between both armies, we are desirous of their leaving their present quarters. But they
don't feel disposed to go unless forced to. There could
not be a better time or place than here to try once more
which is the best army, so our gallant Meade thinks hlie will
give them a fair chance if they want to fihlt on fair ground.
Our whole army is drawn up in splendid position and
ready to forward-at the word of command.   Never was the
army in better trim for battle since our gallant Little MIac.
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IN TIIE ARMY OF TIIE POTOMAC.             117  1
left us.  The whole army looks like one vast machine-the
skirmish line ill front, tiheii tne solid lines of infantry with
bayonets shining in thie sun, next the artillery, the pride of
our army, with shining guns, whose brazen throats are ready
to belch forth their missles of death, next our brave cavalry,
with their sabbres drawn ready to slash and cut.  The enemy
are drawn up in line, and look as though they mnian fight.
They watclh our every mllove. Will they fi(ght, is the question.  WVe shlall soon see.  Our b)iiges sound the forward
call, and the whole grand Arumy of the Potomac move like
one vast machine.  Oh, what a sight!  VWho can describe
it?  I will not attempt it, but will each one of my readers
imagine the spectacle of nearly one hundred thousand men
in solid mass, all bearing and ready to use the missles of
death, artillery, musketry, revolvers, sabres, swords, and
every conceivable instrument used in modern warfare.  Ha,
the rebels don't mean to make a stand, but fly ig,nominiously across the Rapidan, leaving us to confiscate their
unfinished quarters and turn them to our own use.
Our division take up a position near the farm of John
Minor Botts, and go into camp. WVe build comfortable
quarters, and are going thlrough the old routine of camp
life.  The sutlers come up.  Gingerbread, cakes, and canned fruit of all kinds are in great demand.   The sutlers
and clerks are kept busy, and are reaping a rich harvest
again.
About this timne, the last of the year, an order comes
that those who will re-enlist for three years more shall
receive a furlough of thirty days, and receive a government
bounty of $402.   In six months more our term  of service
expires.  Have we not done our share for a while.  After
serving three years for our country cannot we go home sat
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118                FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
isfied that we have done our share towards putting down
the rebellion, and let those who stayed at home come and
give their time as long,; the country is as dear to them as
to us. But myself, with thousands of others think that
we would like to see the war ended, now that we have
stayed so long, and accordingly re-enlist f)r three years
more.  A great many who have stayed at home have said
that we are paid for serving in the army. If they mean
with money, I fling the lie in their face, for I am sure that
were it not for the danger our beloved country is in, no soldier who has ever been engaged in one battle, can be hired
FOR money to fight another.
Only three companies of our old Third re-enlist to hold
our organization.  So our regiment must lose its name
after the three years are up. The gallant Fifth re-enlist
nearly to a man, and go home in a body retaining their
organization and name. About the 27th of December we
take farewell of our comrades who did not re-enlist, and
march  to the  station,  where  we  take  the train for
Washington, passing by old familiar places where we have
marched, fought and camped-Manassas, Bristow's, Union
Mills, Fairfax and Fall's Church, leaving them all behind
for a while, and forgetting our wearied marches and hardfought battles. We arrive safe in Washington and take
the train for Baltimore, and march over the same route we
traversed two and one half years ago.  What a chlange
has taken place since then in the MIonumental City. At
that time the city was so full of treason that the very air
stenched with foul secession, but now, a more patriotic city
is not to be found in the union.  Soldiers are treated with
respect wherever they go, but when  we first marched
through we were in danger of our lives and had to be on
our guard while in the city. We take the train for IHlarris 
IN THIE ARMY OF THIE POTOMAC.          119
burg, and from there proceed to Pittsbnrg, through.thie old
Alleghaney Mountains.  From there we travel very slow,
for a fearful storm of snow is raging all over the north,
causing us to lay over sometimes on account of its depth.
I am sure most of my readers will remember the first of
January, 1864, as the coldest day that the oldest inhlabitant ever saw.  I shall always remember it, for the marrow in my bones was almost frozen, and all wished ourselves backl to our comfortable camp in old Virginia. But
time flies by, and so did those few coldest days, and we find
ourselves in the Cily of the Straits after a long,, and tedious
journey.  We  are well received  by the good people of
Detroit, and take the sleepy night train for Grand Rapids.
When we arrive in Lowell there are four trains laying over,
for the track is blocked with snow in a cut a short distance
beyond. Our conductor wants to lay over too, but we can't
see it on a thirty days' furlough.  Now we have built fortifications and breastworks, are as used to the shovel,
and can handle it as well as the gun. So we tell the conductor to provide us with some of the former weapons and
we will shovel him and his train through.  Provided with
the necessary implements, the locomotive snorts and blows
her whistle, and of we go for the snow bank. The engine
comes to a sudden halt.  We jump out and attack the
snow bank, and after working hard we soon had the track
so clear that the train passed over in safety.  We  jump
aboard, the engine puffs along slowly up the grade, and
gains the top all right.  She goes faster and faster, and
we come thundering down to the depot of the Valley City.
Of course no one expects us, as all think we are snow-bound
somewhere. It is well they think so, for greater will be
their surprise and pleasure to see us. As we get off the
cars the snow is almost blinding, the weather is fearfully
I 
FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
cold, and we have to lookl out for our ears to keep them from
freezing.   We  have a march of a mile to the city, and
find tile snow as deep on the road as the mud(  was at the
battle of Williamsbutirg-up to our knees.
When we get to Bridge street, the head of our little
column putlls lup, for wve have some  stragglers.  Getting
into martial order, our drummer boy begins to tap his
drum, and all keep step as best we can.  PRat, tat, tat, rat,
tat, tat, the people all flock firom their comfortable firesides
to the doors to see who are passing on that cold and stormy
night.  They soon find out who the intruders are, and all
flock into tile middle of the street, charge on outr ranks,
and everything is in utter confusion, for the hands of warm
and loving friends seize us and welcome us home.  We find,
on examination, that some of our number on the march
from the depot, have been attacked by  his majesty, king
frost, and received severe contusions in the nose and ears,
but I myself, as usual, come out without a scratch.  A
beautiful banquet is prepared for us at the Bronson House,
and are welcomed home after our two years and a half in
secessia.
CHIAPTER XXXVI.
VISITING OUR FRIENDS-GAY TIMES-DEATH OF M
PLIN-HIS FUNERAL-RECRUITING-SCENES
INCIDENTS-OFF TO THE WARS AGAIN-AI
VAL AT THE FRONT-CAMP
LIFE ONCE MORE.
We can go now where we choose, and, of course, every
one strikes for hlome.   I go to Canada for a few days to see
my  firiends.  Of course I am  welcomed  very kindly  by
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IN TIIE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
them.  After a few days at home I begin to gec lonesome,
and want to get backl to tlhe Valley City, whlere nearly all
our boys are living.
Bidding farewell to friends once mlore, I jump aboard the
train for Detroit, and take the same old sleepy express for
Grand Rapids, but by takling a berth in the comfortable
Pullman sleeping car, I sleel) soundly till morning,, when
we arrive in the Valley City.  I find my comrades all loolkinc, as tl-houghl they were well used andi are having, gay
times, and enjoy themselves hugely, for thley well know
how to appreciate a goodc time wlhenI they get it.  But a
soldier's life in the field has its joys as well as miseries.
Our poor Colonel Champlin is dyingc,. His Fair  Oalks
wound has killed himi.   Oh, lwhat a loss to the country at
this time, to lose such a man, when his brilliant career has
only )begin.  But hle lhas (lone his share for the country,
and can die with the satisfaction of having his comrades
of his old regimnent, the Third, give him the last rites of a
brave soldier's burial.  As his comrades gather around his
dying bed, eachl one takes a last sadl farewell of their commander, and more than brother.   The tears fall thick and
fast, and each one feels his loss indeed.  But  we must be
reconciled in klnowving that all must go the same road, good
and bad, oldtl and youngt, rich and poor.  All must pass to
that great unklinown beyond  the grave, but happy is he
who, like the brave and gentle General Ch,amplin, can say
on his death bed, I haive foughit  the good fight, for my
country, and now there is a crown of glory laid lip in the
hleaits of my countrymen for me.  The members of the old
re,gimlent in the city march at the hleadl of the funeral procession, for they have a rigiht to the post of lhonor. We
mnarch slowly to the city of the d(ead(l and lower our beloved
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
Colonel into the silent grave, fire thle parting salute over
him, and leave the warrior to his rest.  Brave soldier,
thy work is done. No more shalt thou lead the men that
loved thee on the chlar,ge.  No  more  miore shall we hear
the clarion voice of our brave Colonel at the battle front.
We drop a silent tear, and bid farewell to the honored
dead, and march backl to the city to make preparations to
go and face the enemies of our country again.  We  have
a few days more, and we  fill u) the time in recruiting
for outr regiment.
The da,y of our departure has coiue, and we bid goodbye to our friends and leave for the front once more, going
over the same old route, through Detroit; Toledo, Cleveland, Pittsburg, IHarrisburig, Baltimore, Washlington, over
the Long Bridge, thlrou,gh Fairfax, Union MIills, Manassas,
Bristow,  Catlett's, Warrenton Junction, Bealton, PRappahannock, and arrive safe at Brandy Station. We get off
the cars and march over a short distance to our old( camp,
where we are met by our comrades and welconmed back to
the front ngain.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
WINTER LIFE IN CAMP-SHOOTING A DESERTER-GEN. GRANT
APPOINTED OVER ALL THE ARMIES-PREPARATIONS
FOR THE SPRING CAMPAIGN-SUTLERS TO THE
REAR, AND SICK SENT TO GEN              ERAL IHOSPITALS-READY FOR
A FORWARD MOVE,
Our whole army has comfortable winter quarters aroutld
Culpepper and Brandy Station.   We have our churches,
theatres, debating schools, plenty to eat and drink, and
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IN TIIE ARMY OF TIIE POTOMAC.              193
clothing to keep us warm.   Everything  passes  off very
quietly along, the lines, and all seemis to be  working, well.
Once in a while our cavalry l     akle pll) the enemyc  onl the
outposts, but nothiing moie than a sklirmishi  takes place.
The mlo(notony of cail:) life is to be broken by the shioot i,g of a deseiter.  Of course, it is a hard thlin, to see one
of our comrades shot in suchi a way, but military discipline
mtist have its course.   The soldier who deserts  his cornrades in thle hour of (Ian,ge,, deserves  all tl-he Ipunishment
due him, whlich is sIlootili-g, to dieathi by iinskletiy.  If he
had stood his chances with all thle rest, then  thlere would
be n1o need of his comingi to such an ignominiious death.
The ceremony is a sad one, aild o,ught to be a warning, to
all soldiers to stand up like men and endure the hardships
alilke, with his comrades b)v lis side.   The day of execution has come.   The bugle sounds the call to fall in, and
the whole division form  to witness the death of their
unhappy coimrade.   Oh, what must be the poor  culprit's
thoughts when he hears TIJAT call, for it is the signal for
him that his last hour on this earth has come.
The division is formed in a square, the head of which is
left open, where the grave of the unhappy man is dug and
waitingc'to receive its tenant. One  regiment faces another,
leaving, space between for the procession to pass  by.  We
hear in the distance the slow and mournfil  strains of the
band as it leads the procession, playing the dead  marcli.
The mournful cortege comes slowly alongr; band first, then
a posse of soldiers, then the coffin, borne on the shloulders
of four men, and the doomed man behind it.  By his side
walks the man of God, preparing him for his last moments.
After them in the iear is the squad of twelve men, with
their loaded muskets, that is to send the poor, unhappy
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124                FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
comrade into eternity.  At last the solemn procession halt
at the grave; the coffin is laid bv its side, the squad of
men take twelve or fifteen paces to thle rear, turn about
and face the man to be shot; the Provost Marshal of thle
division moves forward, and reads in distinct words the
charges to the man and the sentence of tihe Court Mlaritial,
after which hle steps back to his coi-mmand.   The Chaplain
kneels with the culprit and sends foirthl  a prayer to the
throne of grace for the unhappy man.  At  this timie  the
stoutest heart melts into symplathly, and many a hlandklerchief is seen to go to wipe the scalding tears that fall thickl
and fast, for indeed it is a soleiln timie, as any one can testify thatt had the unhappiness  to witrness suclh  a scene.
After the good Chaplain  has  (done his duty, the (loomed I
man is blindfolded and stands erect, waiting for the awfiil
moment to come for him to be sent before his  laaker.  The
MIarshal gives the order to fire by sicgns with his sword, one,
two, three, and the unhappy man is before the great Conmmander of us all, to give an account of all his doings in
life.  The guns of the sq-uad are inspected, to see that
every manl had fired his piece.  Thle muskets are loaded by
other parties, and out of the twelve is one blank cartridge,
each man thinks probably that hlie had the gun containing 
the blank.  The division march by the corpse, which lays
where it fell, each take a last look at the unhappy deserter
and then march back to camip.
About the middle of March, General Grant was appoint- 
ed Lieutenant-General and Commander of the armies of
the United States, and all think that hlie will lead the
Army of the Potomac in the next campaign.  We don't
know anything, about Grant only by reputation, for he has
always figured in the west.  WVe hope now that this will
be our last camupaig,n, and when  wce do move we have
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IN THE ARM.IY OF THIE POTOMIAC.           125
"beat  our last retreat."  We  are daily receiving large
acquisitions to our army, and now it is stronger than ever
beforc.  It is variously estimated at one hundred and forty
thousand men or thereabouts, and all feel confident that if
we have a goo(d leader to comm-and  our vast armv that
victory will surely be ours.
About the middle of April the sutlels and all camn:i followers are ordered to the rear, and we leave orders to be
ready- to move.   I receive a beautiful new flag,, and send
my old one homie to Alichigan.  WeT  gaze  on thie briglit
stars and stripes and feel prou(i of our banner that is so
soon to be baptized with the enemiy's bullets.   Thie sick are
sent to the general hospital,  we pack up and send back
our  surplus  baggag,e,  and  all  is ready for the fearful
canlpaign of 1864.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
ON THE MIARCH AGAIN-CROSSING TIHE RAPIDAN-THIE AD VANCE OF THE AR3IY-HALT FOR THE NIGHT-THE FIFTH
OF M1AY-A SURPRISE-BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS   A FEARFUL ENCOUNTER  IN THlE  WOODS-GREAT
SLAUGHTER AND NOTHING AS YET ACCOMPLISHED.
On the 4th of  May the bu,gle sounids the call to faill in.
We file out of our late camps, all hoping never to return
to them again. We make our way towards the Rapidan
River, where we arrive without a rest on the road.  Our
Corps, like the Second, under the Gallant Major-General
Hancock. cross at Ely's Ford, followed close by WVarren's
Fifth corps.  We push forward a short distance and c,inmp
for the night.  The usual cooking is gone thirough with,
the frugal mneal is eaten, and all discuss the movements of
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
our new commander, General Grant, taking command in
person.  We have no idea that the enemy is near, and all
think now that our object is to get between Lee's army and
Richmond.  On the morning, of the 5th, WVarren with his
corps advance, not thinking that a fight would soon take
place. They get on the Gordonsville turnpike and commence to march through an immense wilderness, but are
surprised by Lee's army, hidden in the woods, who pour
fearful volleys into their ranks before they know what they
are about.  The gallant corps withstand the shock, and
forward on the double-quick, meeting their adversaries face
to face.  For a while our men kept the enemy at bay, but
had to fall back nearly a mile against superior numbers.
In the meantime we are hurried forward, and after a forced
march of about ten miles, come to Warren's relief.  Our
corps go into the fight with loud cheers, and drive the
rebels before us. The firing becomes deafening, for all our
infantry that can be got into position are fighting.  Sedgwick, with his sixth corps is engaged on our right, and the
battle rages for the length of seven miles along the wilderness. No artillery can be got into position, and it must be
all infantry fighting here.  The slaughter is fearful, men
fall on every side, and my flag is receiving its share of bullets. Charge after charge is made on both sides. Sometimes we drive the enemy, and then they rally and drive
us, until both sides are almost exhausted  and night puts
an end to our first day's conflict.  The slaughter during
the day has been fearful, but of course the battle has
only commenced, for it is evident that Lee means to
make all he can in this Wilderness, where he is well
acquainted with every inch of the ground.  We all feel as
though we would like to "get out of the Wilderness," but
we must stay and fight, fo)r to retreat now would be n,th
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IN TIIE ARIY OF TIIE POTOMAC.            127
ing but utter defeat.  We maneuver around a good share
of the night, and at last lie down ij the woods so close to
the enemy that we can hear them talk, to be ready as soon
as morning dawns to forward on the chlarge.
As the dawn of day approaches we are awakened, and
stretch out of our unfinished sleep, but  how  many  have
slept their last sleep!  We are again ready for the charge.
The order comes to forward, and we go in, thinking, to surprise the Johnnies, but they are up and waiting for us in
the thick chaparrel.  They pour a volley into our ranks,
and the ball has commenced once miore.  Both sides stand
and takle the fearfill fire, and the whole line seems  to be
one vast shleet of flame in tl)e early morn.   The number
that fall on both sides is fearful, fo)r we are fighting at
very close range.  WVe chlarge on thleir lines witlh  great
odds, but they stand their ground like a solid wall of masonry.   Th-e roar of mlusketry,  the dyin,g groans of the
wounded, the hellish yells of the rebels, and the shouts
and chleers of the Union men, mincle together, all making
a noise and confusion that is hlard to describe.   Nothing is
thiought of but load and fire.  The wounded must talke
care of themselves, and every man  must stand and figlht
till either killed  or wounded.   The rebels fall in their line
but those who fall have their places filledt with  a man in
the rear.  So they fall, one on another.  Pretty soon those
in the rear make breastworks of their dead comrades.  We
don't likle this kind of fighting muchl, and forward on the
charge in four or five lines deep.   The rebels now give way
and we chase them throu,gh the d(lense forest.   We have to
be very careful or we step on  their dead and wounded,
which lay around in thousands.  We drive them nearly a
mile, when they fall behind some works for shlelter.  We
nus.  We
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128                FOUR YEARS CAMP&IGNING
hear them formning their broken lines, and their offic
lead them forward again.  hIere, Captain Gear of Compan
C, received a severe wound, and hlad to be left to the T]
DER mercies of the enemy, driving us over the samue grot
they hadl to skedadd]e over only a short time before. Ab
this time both armies, nearly two hundred thousand stro
keep ul) a rattle of musketry like the boiling cauld
of hell, as it is represented to rs l)y our g,ood Chhapla
My beautifll flag that looked as bright as a dollar w]
we started, is fit now, after nearly two days' fighting, to s
home, for it is completely riddled with bullets and( torn
the brush. Nothing is done on this day but perfect slagh
ter on both sides, and at last ni,lght puts an end to
sickening carnage.  Which  has  the worst of the da
slaughter?  We certainly sutffer the most in killed.
wounded, for our numbers are almost two to one,.
neither side, as far as ground is concerned, has any adva
age, for both armies lie down where the battle commlenc
The stenchl on this ni,ght is fearful, for the weather is vr
hlot and the dead bodies, which lay around in thousan
commence to mortifv.  We sufferi fi,arfully, too, on acco
of the scarcity of water, and the sight of a mud-puddle
pleasant indeed-we go for it'like a drowning man  catc
ing at straws. Oh, how tired we are, atfter these two fe
ful days.  We  stretch ourselves down, but are too ti
to sleep, and spend the ni,lght in the greatest miserv. V
the battle be renewed on the morrow?  We shall see.
The morning(r of the 7thl we stand ul) on our weary lits
Our men are leaningc, on their guns in line.  Some r
works have been thrown up dulring the nig,ht, and sc
artillery put into position, with a heavy slashing in fir
In this battle there is not nmuch chance to maneuver tro
All that is to be done is to keep the lines from being btrok
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IN TIIE ARMY OF TIIE POTOMAC.                129
and see that there are no gaps. As fast as one man gets
killed or wounded put another in his place, is the extent of
good generalship in this fearful and hellish wilderness.
The fearful butchery commences on the morning of the
7th, and charge after charge is made on both sides.  The
sights that meet us all around are sickening in the extreme.
Bloated corpses are lying around in all conceivable shapes,
and more are added to the numbers every minutte.  An in cident happened during this days' fig,ht that I never shall
forget. As we are going forward on the charge, a wounded
soldier, as he is borne to the rear on a stretcher, caught
sight of my tattered banner, and begun the song, " Rally
Round the Flag, Boys."  Every man took up  the words
and went in with renewed vigor, driving the rebel lines
inside their works.  They reform and drive us back.  We
take shelter in some temporary works thrown up by them selves, and here hold them in check for awhile. But they
come down on us with superior numbers. We keep them
on the other side for awhile, and a hand to hand fight
takes place.  IHere is where Captain Nicklerson, of Company K., was killed by a bayonet thrust.  Some of our
lines commence to fall back, and a huge rebel asks me to
surrender my colors, but these I never intend to let go out
of my hands till I have no life in me to carry them. Everything is in an uproar, for it is plain to us that the rebels on this charge are trying to make all they can.  There
is only one chance for me to escape, and that is to get back.
I take a few steps to the rear, and an accident happened to
me that probably saved my life. I tripped my toe against
something and away I went on my face, stretched out as
if killed.  No sooner than I fell, about a  dozen bullets
whistled over and around me.  One of nmy brave color
guard, thinking, that at last my race twos  run, sprang
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130               FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
forward to save the flag, but in an instant I am on mnay feet
again, and soon get away with my flag amid the cheers of
my comrades.  The rebels follow up close.   We fll behind
our breastworks, pursued so close by the enemy  that it is
with difficulty we make our way through the slashing.
When we get out of the way our artillery open upon the
rebels with grape, cannister and shrapnell, and make fearful havoc in their ranks, causing them to fall back to a
safe distance.
There is nothing to be writton about now but slaughter,
and night finds us in the same place we started from three
days before.  Duringthe ni,ght we get the order to fall
back, and all think we are going to re-cross the Rapidan,
but the order is countermanded, and after marching a few
miles, turn about and march to the front again. WAe find
that what our new commander, General Grant, lacks in
generalship he makes up in pluck, and says he will fight it
out on this line if it takes him all summer.
We do not see that there has been anything  accom plished by the last three days' filghting, except a fearful
slaughter of men. It has been variously estimated that
our losses in this gory Battle of the Wilderness amounts
to fromn twenty to forty thousand men  in killed  and
wounded.
I 
CHAPTER XXXIX.
A  FLANK  MOVEMENT-BATTLE  OF TODD S TAVERN-THE
BURNING WILDERNESS-FEARFUL SUFFERING OF OUR
WOUNDED-INHUMAN  WORK  OF REBEL  GUERILLAS-A  CHARGE AT SPOTTSYLVANIA COURT tOUSE-TWO M3AJOR
GENERALS, EIGHT THOUSAND PRISONERS, AND FORTY-TWO
PIECES OF ARTILLERY CAPTURED —ANOTHER GREAT BAT  TLE-SCENES AND INCIDENTS.
On the eighthl of May we commence to swing around on
the celebrated line which we all think we shall have to
fight on all summer, and leave the gory slaughter-pen of
the wilderness behind. It is evident that a flank movement is on foot.  But Lee is wide awake, and they meet
us in force at Todd's Tavern, where we fight another battle. Wre see that the woods in the rear, where we left, are
all ablaze, and thousands must be burning up.  Oh, what
suffering there must be among the wounded, and, to'make
it more horrible for them, the rebel guerrillas prowl around
and take everything from them, even to the clothing on
their backs.  Inhuman fiends! It is a wonder that the
wrath of God does not fall on them and smite them to the
earth.
The battle of Todd's Tavern was meant for a,flaulnk movemnent on the enemy's lines, but the rebel chief seems to
know where we are going to make a move, for his troops are
as thick as bees wherever we go.  It is easier for him  to
concentrate, and he can do it quicker on account of not
lhaving so much ground to pass over.  lie is in the circle,
and can cut across, while we have to go around.  We  do
not deny, however, that General Lee is an extraordinary
General, for there is not a place he meets us, even with our
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far superior numbers, but that we arc checked.  It is all
nonsense to say that he fights on tl(he defensive, for they
make as many charges as we do.   Now vlwh-at is the reason
that we cannot walk ri,ght straight through tlhem with our
far superior numbers?  We fight as good ias they.  They
must understand the country better, or else there is a screw
loose( somewhere in the machinery of our army.
Nothing is accomplished here, and we move further to
the enemy's flank, but no matter how still we keep our
movements, we are met with almost equal  numbers.  On
the night of the 11thl of M1ay, our corps is put onil a forced
march to the enemny's extreme riglit, which rests at this
time,  at  Spottsylvania  Court House.    The  nig,it  is
pitchy dark, and it is all we can do to see our' way one after
another. We march all night after filghting, for the last
six days without intermission.  Oh, yes, let those miserable poltroons, who say that a soldier fights for pay, come
down and fight just one single battle in this campaign, and
they will find out whether money could hire them  to fight
in another.  About 4 o'clock of the morning of the 12th,
we arrive, after a march of about twenty miles, at our destination.  We  get a little rest while the regiments are
forming in line. 3Iake no unnecessary noise, is the order,
and every move is executed with the utmost stillness. A
drizzling rain commences; the clouds are looking black,
and we now see that a storm is approachlling.  Well, we
shall have two storms —the storm of the elements,
with its thunders and lightnings, and the storm of battle,
with its thunders of artillery and roar of musketry.   We
are in line, and every man is ready to forward at the word
of command. Forward men, keep steady, and your lines
closed up, are the orders, and twenty thousand men go in
solid mass for the enemy's lines in the early morn.   The
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IN TItE ARIMY OF TIIE POTOMIAC.          133
whole mass commence shouting and cheering as they go on
the double quick, and before the rebels in their firont line
of work know what we are about, the gallant second corps
are down on them like an avalanche, capturing eight tlhousand prisoners, forty-two pieces of artillery and two MiiajorGenerals - General  Johnson  and the haughty  General
Stuart, of cavalry fame.  The forier General was filled
with emotion.  When our' gallanit corps commander,  General Hancock, offered him his hand he took it and  wept
like a child, and said that "he was sorry tl-hat they met
under the present circumustalnces, for lhe did not lklie to be
captured in the way he had been."   How much unlike he
acted to his brother General.   Wheni tlhe noble Hancock
offered  him his hand, the proud slave-holding aristocrat
replied, "Sir, 1 amn General Stewart, one of the F. F. V's,
and decline to shake hands with a mudsil of the north," or
words to that effect.  But we were all proud of our brave
and gallant General for his reply to the hau,ghty  slavedriver.  He answered and said: "And  General Stewart,
under no other circumstance than the present one, when
you are mly prisoner, would I offer you my hand."
The rebels are now infuriated, and Lee concentrates all
the force he can possibly spare to try to take back that
which he lost.  They make charge after charge on our now
well established, lines, but all the good they do is to get
slaughtered as fast as they come.   The rain is now pouring,, down in torrents, and we are anklle deep in milud.   The
fighting along the lines for eight or ten miles is terrific. In
this charge we lose one of the best officers in our regiment,
Captain Thomas Tait, who was wounded while leading his
company -on the charge. Our artillery is doin)g great execution here, for they have a good chance to make  up for
their inactivity at the wilderness.  For four or five days we
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134                FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
fight around this place, and the slaughter is nearly as great
as at the wilderness.  Oh, how sleepy, tired, and dirty we
are, after the last three weeks' campaigns and battles, fighting every day, and in the night building breastworks or
marching.  If the slaughter and fatigue lasts all summer
on THIS line, as it has lasted since we started from camnp at
Brandy Station, we thinkl there will not be many of the
original Army of the Potomac left after the summeri.  Up
to  this  date  our  losses  are estimated at forty thousand  men  killed, the same  number  of men that Lee
had when lie started on this campaign, but, of course, he
is receiving reinforcements every day from the South.
What would be the cry against our old commander, Little
Iac, if he had lost so many  mlen in such a short time.
The cry would be long before this, perhaps, to hang him
for incapacity to handle so many  men;  but the former
growlers do not say anything now; only look on in dismay
at the butchery of thousands of the best lives in the country, and send more down, without a murmur, to fill their
places. Surely, we cannot see much generalship in our
campaign so far, and the soldiers are getting sick of such
butchery in such a way.  Half the time the men are fighlting on their own responsibility, and if there is anything
gained so far it is by brute force, and not by generalship.
But we will fight it out anyway, if it takes every man in
the army all summer.
Our regiment, with all of our corps, has suffered fearfully so far.  John MIcNabb, of Company A, or, as he was
more familiarly called, Scotty, has given his left eye as his
mite for the cause, Lieutenant Leonard, of Company F, is
no more, and nothing would afford me greater pleasure
than to mention all would space permit.
0 
CHAHITER XL.
BURYING THE DEAD-ANOTHER SWING AROUND ON OUR ALL
SUMMER'S LINE-BATTLE OF NORTH ANNA RIVER-A
TOUCHING INCIDENT-ANOTHER SWING-BATTLE
OF COLD HARBOR-THE THREE YEAR'S
MIEN GO HOME-REFL,ECTIONS.
After both armies get tired and exhausted in their
slaughtering, we have a kind of rest, only some hard skirmishing gin ng on, which, in ordinary campaigns would be
called hard fighting.  But wo are so used to it now that
we don't pretend to make any more bowing to the bullets,
and only when  a huge shell comes slowly throu,gh the
air do we bow our heads ill meeklness. WVe pitch in and
bury all the dead we canl reach, but thlere are thousands
between both lines that neither party can reach, consequently we have an unwholesome atmosphere to )breathe.
About the 17th of MAay we make another swing around
to the enemy's right, leaving the gory fields around Spottsylvania Court House behind.  Almost every step we take
we find the enemy before us.  We leave little mounds along
our route, with their tenants, who have fallen on this terrible line.
On the 27th we arrive at the North Anna River, and find
the enemny entrenched on both sides of the-river before us.
Our division, under the gallant General  Barlow, of New
York, form quietly in a piece of woods in front of a rebel
redoubt.  We know what is to be our next move.  We
have a couple of hours before everything is ready for the
charge which is going to be made. So we hurry up, and
in a short time have our steaming coffee ready for use.
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136                FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
Oh, what a delicious flavor this coffee has, firom our burnt
tin cups.  I am sure I never tasted anything which I rel ished more than nay cup of coffee on this occasion, for it
was our only chance to have any' in a long while, and this
time it was like stolen fruit, but we tookl the consequences and
had a cup of our fivorite beverage.  After finishing our
meal, the order conies to pile our knapsackls in a heap, for
t his time we were going a little lighter than we were used
to do on the charge. It is only a short ways to the enemy's
works on our side of the river.  It is an easy task to cap ture those, but we mean to cross the river and take the
workls  on the other side.  Getting into line, fix bayo nets, shoulder arms, are the orders.  The order to load is
not given, for on this campaign every man is supposed to
keep his piece loaded  at all times.  Forward-doublequick-march, is the order, and all move forward in solid
mass with a cheer, and in less than five minutes  we have
the rebel redoubt and the works are taken in our firont,
with the troops that were in them.  The rebels open up
firom their artillery, which line the banks on the other side,
and pieces of shell fly all around. We follow up the charge
to the banks of the river, but are so close to the rebels that
they fire at us with muskletry, and pour in shrapnel], grape
and cannister at us thick and fast.  We  make our Way
along the bank and attempt a passage over the bridge that
spans the streami, but the enemy have a fearful fire concentrated at that passage, and we get off quicker than we got
on, and get behind what cover we can for protection, as it
is of no possible use to be exposed where no benefit is derived.  Making our way back to the redoubt, after  running,
the gauntlet of the rebel batteries, we get into position.
Night puts an end to this days' fight.
Here we lost a good many  of our men  whose term of
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IN TIIE ARMY OF TIIE POTOMAC.
service would have been up on the 10th of June, only four
days more.  Poor fellows, what plans for the future they
must have made for themselves after they should get home.
But, alas, for all our plans.  In an instant they are dashed
to pieces by the fortunes of a cruel war.
During the nig,ht our troops make a crossing on the righ.t,
causing the enemy in our front to give backl, so that we can
cross with leisure.  After crossing the river, we find that
they have fallen back only a short distance and are fortified behind some strong works. We get orders to build
breastworks, too, and commence only a short distance from
the rebel lines. They keep firing at us while we are at
work with the spade, and quite a number are borne to the
rear, killed or wvoundedcl. At last we have our works built,
and feel safe against any attack they choose to make, with
a good foothold on their side of North Anna River.
On the 26th we fight one more battle here, and make
another move on our LINE, this time getting around in
hopes to get between Lee's army and Richmond, but we
are met at Cold Harbor by the rebel army, ensconced behind strong workls.  This is the hardest LINE we ever traveled on to go to Richmond. But we have many a long
day's work before us ere we reach our much  fought for
Richmond.
ITere we fight another great battle, thinking to drive
Lee's army into the Chickahominy river.  For five or six
hours we attempt to force the enemy's works, but each
tile aire repulsed with great slaughter.   Our lines extend
about eight miles, and the roar of mnuskletry and boom of
artillery along the entire line, make a noise equal to that of
the wilderness or Spotsylvania. Our losses here, after accomplishling nothing as we can see, are estimated at from twelve
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137 
to fifteen thousand men.  After being repulsed we build
some breastworks by a creek of water, and stay behind
them for a few days, probably to rest.  Indeed it is a rest
much needed, after more than a month's campaign, which
never was equalled in modern times. Not a dlay in all this
time but we have been under fire, most of the timne fighting hard battles, and so far have seen notllhing, but fi,ghting,
marching, digging, and btiryirng tlhe dead.  Oh, what a
bloody trail we have left behind to p)oint out to all future
generations the celebrated LINE that we folughlt on all summer in the year 1864.  Not less than fifty thousand men
have been left behind, weltering in their gore, on our own
side, and that, too, inside of one short month.
On the 10th of June. at this place, those who did not
re-enlist of our gallant old Third, are going li ome, for their
contract with their good Uncle Sam is ended, and now they
can go and bask in the sunshine of those they love, after serving their country for three long years of hard campaigns and
battles.  We who cannot go home with our comrades have
entered into another contract with our Uncle Sam for three
years more.  We do not censure them or feel hard toward
them for not re-enlisting, for we consider that they have
done their share, at least for awhile, in this great struggle.
It is just three years ago to-day, the 10th of June, since
we enlisted to fight the enemies of our country.  We left
our beautiful Valley City with more than a thousand
strong. But how many of all that gallant regiment are
left after the campaigns and battles of the last three years.
Let the poor widows and orphans at lhome answer this all
important question.  Our comrades who leave us give us
three times three cheers, and we return them with a will,
and they leave on their homeward march, while we stay to
fight it out on the L,INE- if it takes all summer,  and winter
too.
a       -                                  _______
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING 
C*HAPTER XLI.
ANOTHER SWING ON THE LINE-A FORCED MARCtH-CROSS   ING THE JAMES RIVER-SICK, AND LEFT BEHND-AMBU     LANCES-THE REAR GUARD-LIE DOWN TO DIE       SCARED INTO LIFE BY A RATTLESNAKE-HEAVY
FIGHTING IN FRONT OF PETERSBURG —
THE FIELD HOSPITAIT,.
It is now clear that it is impossible to break the enemy's
l]ines at this point, and we get the order to move again.
\Ve strike across the Peninsula., and after a forced march,
arrive at the James River.  On the 14th of June cross the
river at Wilcox Landing.  WVe caiup a short distance from
the river, and we feel that a good bath would  do us no
harm, and soon hundreds of us are rolling around in the
beautiful James.  The day is very hot, and I find that
during, the night I am awakened by cramps, and diarrhea
set in, which put me in a fearfuil condition, especially now
when the army is on the move.  Next morning I am so
sick that I cannot miarch any further. The regiment file
out of their bivouac, and for the first time in over three
years am  left behind.  One of our drummer boys is left
with me, and I have a surgeon's pass to get into an ambulance.  Makling my way to the main road, I sit down to
wait for one to take me along.  Hundreds pass by empty,
buit I cannot get any of them to stop. At last I get picked
iup by one belonging to the Eighteenth Corps.  This is my
first ride in one, and I trust in God it will be my last, for
I never suffered so mutch in my life as on that day.  The
rougher the roads the faster my inhuman driver would
drive, until at last I beg of him to have mercy on me and
drive slower over the rougher part of the road.   But I 
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140  FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
mig,ht as well ask mercy from the devil himself as to ask
it from this miserable sneak and shirk. If all ambulance
drivers are as devoid of feeling as this one I pity those
who have the misfortune to have to ride with any of them
when sick or wounded.
About twelve o'clock at night we halt in some  fields.
The ambulances are all parked together in a circle. My
driver comes around and tells me to get out, so that he
can get in. Of course, I cannot make any resistance, and
crawl out and stretch myself on the wet, dewy grass, without a covering or an oil cloth to put under me, for everything has been thrown away on our fearful campaign to
make us lighter for marching, except canteens and haversacks. I have a raging fever, and pass off into an unsound
sleep.  When I awoke in the morning, I found the warm
rays of the sun shining upon me.   Looking around, I find
I am alone in the field, for the ambulances had allleft early
in the morning. I feel lonely, tired, and very sick. Every:
thing is as still as the grave. I can hear the distant boom
of heavy guns, and the faint sound of musketry. Oh,
that I could be up with my comrades again and all right.
But now, alas, I am not able to help myself. I make a
feeble effort to reach the main road and sit down by a tree.
While here I see the Provost Guard of the army headquarters advancing up the road, fetching up the rear and picking up all stragglers. The officer in charge comes up to me
and tells me to come along. I tell him I am sick. But
he says he is too used to the plea of sickness, and tells me
that that is played out. I tell him that I am played out,
but that is no excuse, and I try to raise up, but my limbs
fail me and I fall to the ground again. He asks me where
is my gun.  I tell him that I am  Color Sergeant of the
Fifth Michigan Infantry, for at this time we are consoli
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING 
IN THE ARMY OF THIE POTOMAC.
dated with the Fifth.  He saw then that I was not playing off, as he thought at first, and tells me to get into the
shade, where I would be out of the burning sun, and they
leave me to mny fate.
I will explain here and make a few remarks about shirks,
bummers, sneaks and thieves, all called camp followers.
The first is a man that when the army comes up, and is
expecting that every man will do his duty, now we are
ready to meet the enemy, he looks around to see if any of
his comrades are watching him, and DROPS to the reardeserts his comrades in time of danger.  tIe then becomes
a bummer, and prowls around, and will do anything  to
keep himself away from danger in the ranks.  He then
becomes a sneak, and tries to get an ambulance to drive,
or "s icH." After that he becomes the thlief, and will steal
from friend and foe alike, and is devoid of all principle.
Reader, look around you, and see if there is such men in
your midst.  Shun them as you would a viper, and show
to them that they are despised in private life by their
neighbors, as they were in the army by their comrades. It
is such men as these that cry for an equalization of bounties.
I make my way further into the woods and lie d(own
amongD the leaves, thinking that that would be my dying
bed.  Oh, the awful stillness that prevails around me!  I
have no water, and am  almost choked with thirst.  Oh,
that I could die now and end all my hardships; but what
account would be given of me should I die here?   No one
knows where I am, and the thoughts that run in my mind
are hard to describe. As I lie on nmy back thinking, I hear
a rustling in the diy leaves by my head.  Turning  to see
what causes the noise, a sight meets miy eye that makes
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142                FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
the blood run cold in my veins.  A lhuge rattlesnake is in
the act of making, a spring, at me.  Instantly I am on my
feet, and with one bound leap about ten feet from the spot.
I take renewed courage and make my way for a distance of
about a mile, when I see some tents pitched in firont of a
house close by..  I make my  way to the gate, but find
that my lhead becomes dizzy and everything looks dark
around me, and I fall at the gate as if dead.  When I
come too, I find some kind nurses bending over me, and all
looking anxiously for my  recovery.  I find, after awhile,
that I fell into the hands of thle ladies of the Christian
Commission, who have left home and all its luxuries to
administer to the poor soldiers in the field.  God bless all
those devoted  women, and if they do not receive their
reward on this earth may they receive it in heaven, is tl)he
wish of one who owes them a debt of gratitude.
WVe hear heavy firing in front, and it is plain to us that
heavy fighting is going on.  The wounded now commence
to come back, and they are talking of sending  the sick
back to the general hospitals.  I take up my line of march
for the front.  I feel a little stronger, and am in hopes by
taking it easy, to reach my regiment or fall in with my
division field hospital. I come up to a fort near the
O'Harrow House, in front of Petersburg, where are quartered some negro troops, who claim that they fought bravely
to capture the forts and breastworks in their front.  Of
course no one could tell me anything aboutit my corps, and
I strike off for the left of the lines.  The pickets are firing
in front, and an occasional bullet spats harmlessly by
my fbet.  At last I came in sight of an officer of our division staff, and lhe informed me where the division field hlospital was.  I make my way there, where I meet our kind
surgeon, Henry F. Lyster, with his sleeves rolled up  and 
IN THE ARMY OF TIIE POTOIAC.             143
hiis hands dripping with blood, for he has just comle from
the amputating table.  He tells his colored boy to miake
a bed for me in his own tent, and to get me, somrnethling
go)d to eat.  Soon the boy has at chicken stewing ft)r Ale,
and I make a hearty mneal, which revives mie very nelmuch,
for it is the only thing I had to eat in two davs.  Tile
wounded come back now from the front in great nuiiibers,
and after a day or so I amn aboiLt, dloing all I can for liy
conimrades.  I find(l Pall)phl  Steffians of my  owvn Colmp)any,
shot thlro,ugh the lungs, and in a feairfull waly.  Trle  lia,ggots crawl all over his body.  No  one has <as y-ct seen to
him, for there is not enoiughi help, and a great many die
for the want of care.  I go to  work and wash  his wound,
and get some clean drawers and a shirt for him.   lie seems
to think he is going to die, but I cheer him lip as well as I
can, in the meantime I have no hopes of his recovery,
-but he got over it, and now is at home after the vwatr and
is doing well. Poor Sergeant Deidrick. No better soldierin
the service, and one who has carried one of the colors of my
regiment, but now he is dying, after bearing the starry flag
aloft for over two years.  He informs me that Corporal
Weir, who carried my colors, has been shot d(lead, and nearly all of my guard are either killed or wounded since I
left, only a few days.  I try to cheer him up, but no  use,
as he says he is bound to die, and I find, when I go to see
him next morning, that he is in the arms of death.  Poor
fellow, thou hlast fallen at last, bearing, the starry emblem
of your adopted countly.   Who will say that the  foreigners have not done their duty in this rebellion?  Where is
there a battle-field in the country that is not sealed with the
life blood of the foreigner.  Of course they have, and claim
as good rights under the Constitution, as any who live in
the land, consequently they claim a right to fight for this
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144            FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING~~~~~~~
country, and keep it whole, so that it will be the home of
all who are oppressed by foreign tyrants, no matter from
what country they come.
The scenes around a field hospital will baffle all description; the bringing back the worst of the wounded on
stretchers, men hobbliing back, shot in the leg or arm;
men wounded in all conceivable shapes, in the head, limbs
and body; the groans and shouts of the sufferers; amputated limbs heaped up around the dissecting tables; hundreds under the influence of chloroform, and cuttting up
all kind of antics; all make up a scene that would melt a
heart of stone at the suffering that is all around. This is
my first instance in a field hospital, and I hope my last.
We witness great suffering on the field in the heat of battle, but everybody is so excited that no one will think
much of it, but here in the hospital one can see and appreciate all the sufferings of the wounded soldier.
CHAPTER XLII.
GETTING WELL AGAIN-BACK WITH MY REGIMENT-A LONG
SIEGE BEFORE US-BUILDING FORTS AND BREAST     WORKS-THE PETERSBURG EXPRESS-FOURTH OF
JULY 1864-HOW IT IS CELEBRATED.
About the 20th of June I make a start for the re,giment.
The doctor thinks I had better stay back for a while, but I
want to get back, for it seemns a long while to be away, two
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING 
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IN THiE ARMIY OF TIIE POTOMAC.
weeks.  But what has been done in those two weeks?
more slaughtering on the LINE, but the army has pulled up
at last, and have been thundering away at the gates of
Richmond.  But we cannot force them, and a long siege
is now before us.
MIy comrades are all glad to see me back. I miss a goodly
number of brave boys, who have fallen since I left.  We
have hard work now before us, for we lay right down  to
the siege-nothing but digging and picketing is the order
of the day, mixed up with a charge now and then, by way
of a change.
Our corps, the Second,  under General Hancock,  is
assigned a position in the center, and we strive now to build
coverings for protection fromt the rebel shells and the heat
of the burning sun, for the weather is extremely warm
and a large number are overcome with heat and hard work.
We are so close to the rebel lines that we can plainly hear
them posting their watch on picket. But neither the enemy
nor our men fire on each other, and all is quiet along the
lines, but an occasional artillery duel between our batteries
and the enemy's, so once in a while we have to bow  our
heads in submission to the rebel shells.  Our sutlers all get
up again, and we get what we want in the way of luxuries. We have to keep mooving from one part of the line
to another, and are only two or three days in a place.  We
build comfortable quarters in one place to-day and to-morrow have to leave them, and so on with every regiment in
the army. We receive a despatch every morning firom the
rebels by the way of the " PETERSBURG EXPREsS." a large
gun that they fire, which they have named after the paper
of that place, which is issued in the city.  Despatcl-hes of
this kind we can get along without very well.  But they
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will force them upon us, so we have to receive them as
courteously as we can.
But the Fourthl of Jllly is now at hand, and we return
the salute of our old( friend, the "Petersburg Express,"
ten fold.  The glorious Fourth is ushered in by firing a
shotted salute of thllirty-seven guns, to let our neighbors
know that we still believe in the union of all the States.
Our nmisguided brothers in arms cannot appreciate our way
of celebrating, but we cannot help it, for we must fire
salutes in honor of the day, and we are not going to turn
our guns around, so they must put up with our shotted
salutes.
WVe have swung around a good many circles since our
first Fourth of July, in WVashington.  What hardships we
have endured since then no one can tell, and now that we
have passed through such bloody ordeals, we cannot realize fully that we have experienced such tiresome marches
and fearful battles.  As we look over the past, to most of
us it seems like a dream.  A  bloody panorama is spread
before our gaze, from the bloody fields of first Bull Run,
down the majestic Potomac, across the beautiful Chesapeake.  We confront on the Peninsula the rebel army, and
fight them up to the very gates of their capital.  Then
come our seven days of fearful fighting, our tiresome and
thirsty marching over the samne ground, and once more we
fight the enemy on the old battle ground of First Bull
Run. Next the bloody battles of South Mountain and
Antitam were fought on the  loyal soil of Maryland, and
the rebel horde were swept back to their sacred soil.  Next
the long and fatiguing marches to Fredericksburg, to fight
on the gory field at that place; next we are stuck in the
muid, and the bloody battle of Chancellorsville is fought;
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FOUR YEARS CA,)IPAIGNING 
IN TIIE ARTIY OF TIIE POTOMAC.
then we chase the rebel army into Pennsylvania, and after
three days' dreadful fighting  at Gettysburg, drive them
once more to their sacred soil; next we climb to the tops
of the mountains and there meet and drive the rebels off,
who fly ig,nominiously across the Shenandoah into the valley; then comes our trip to the North to enforce the draft;
the winter at Brandy Station, followed by the fearful campaign whichl we have just gone through, from the Wilderness
to our present siege at the gates of the rebel Capital. Who
will not say that the three years just passed have not been
the most fearful and bloody of modern times?  But now
what must be done?  Of course, as our present Commander, General Grant, has said, we must still fight on
this LINE if it takles all summer. The Fourth of July is
ended by firing more salutes in honor of the glorious day
we are trying to hand down from our fathers to OUR sons,
thence from them to time immemorial.
CHAPTER XLIII.
ORDERS TO MARCH WITH THREE DAYS' RIIATIONS-A FORCED
MARCH-ON THE PENINSULA AGAIN-BATTLE OF DEEP
BOTTOM-AN INCIDENT-FAILURE OF A FLANK
MOVEMENT-FORCED  MARCH  BACK  TO
PETERSBURG-BLOWING UP A
REBEL FORT-A FALURE.
All is quiet in the Potomac Army, buit not very
long, for we get the order to move again. We hlave now
some nice works and forts built along the line in the face
of the rebel stronghold.  WVe get the orders to march with
three days' rations in our haversacks.  Where to? now is
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148           }~~OUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING~- 
asked, one of another, but no one can tell with any certainty, and we file out of our late camp, moving  to the
right. We have a forced marellch before us, and the order
is for every man to keep in his place.  Tihe nilit is very
dark and warm.  Clouds of dust envelope us, and we
trudge along the road passing by fires that are lept bllrning to guide us on our way.  After a weary and fatiguing
march we pull up at the mouth of the Appomrattox river,
and cross over on pontoons that are laid down for us. We
step once more( on the Peninsula and advance.  About
eight o'clock in the morning we are met in some fields by
our friends, the Johnnies, who are ready to give us a warmn
reception.  It is now clear to us that a movement on the
enemy's flank is meditated, aid we pitch in and fight the
battle of Deep Bottom.  A large number are engaged on
both sides, and every place we try the enemy's lines we
are met by numbers equal to our own.
An incident happens in this battle that is worthy of
note, as it relates to Anna, the daughter of our regiment,
which is deployed as skirmishers in the woods.   The place
foibr the colors at such a time is in the rear, far enough from
the skirmish line to keep in sight. Our regiment, the
Fifth, are having lively times on the line, commanded by
our gallant Lieutenant-Colonel, Dan. S. Root, as brave an
officer as there is in the army in battle, while in camp he
is the personification of mildness to a fault.  The Colonel
arose from the ranks by his bravery and good conduct. He
knows how to appreciate the love of his men, who  now
are forcing the rebel skirmishers, and they fall back to
their main support, when their reserve open out a withering
fire on our men. Anna has remained with the colors, but
this time we are up too close to the front line, and unless
we get back we may be captured. So we have to do some
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING 
IN TIIE ARMIY OF TIIE POTOMAC.
tall walkling to get out of the swamp we have got into.
Anna falls back with us in GOOD ORDER, but lher dress is a
little torn by the brush.  One of our boys is borne  back
wounded, our heroine does up his wvound.   The b)alls fall
thick and fast around her, but she fears them not, and
performs her task as coolly as if shle was in camllIp and out
of danger.  I need not mention this one instance, hlundreds of the same kind could be related of her.  She is still
with 11us through thick and thin for the last three years.
Our army has paid dearly in this (lay's battle, as in all
others of the camlpaign.   Charge after charge is made on
the enemiy's works, but each time repulsed with great
slaughter.  At night we lie down on the same ground we
started fromn in the morning,, and our flank movement is
evidently a failure.  We try to cook our coffee, but have
not time, for the order comies to fall in.  We commence
our miarch over the same ground we marched over the night
before, and about seven o'clock we arrive in front of Petersburg, foot-sore, tired, and hungry. We take a position
in some breastworkls, to the left of the Ninth corps, under
General Burnside. From the ominous silence that precedes great battles, we think another movement of some
kind is on foot.
About the 25th of July, at 11 o'clock in the toreuoon
we hear a rumbling noise, like distant thunder, to the l
of our position, where clouds of dust rise in the air, towa
some rebel works.  Column after column advance from t
works immediately opposite the rebel fort that has be
blown up, and they charge into the rebel works. The enem
open on the advancing columns from their inside worl
but our brave Ninth corps boys do not heed the shells th
are bursting all around them, and still keep on.  A  Iha
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150               FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
to hand conflict now takes place, and the rebels are forced
to retire inside their inner lines of breastworks. Oh, why
do not reinforcements follow up, and the rebel army would
surely be cut in two? but our brave boys fighting in front
are forced to retire for the want of support, after leaving
hundreds of their comrades to share the warrior's grave.
Who is to blame for this blunder? Of course, no one will
shoulder the fault or incapacity of the move, and the whole
mining operation has turned out to be one of the greatest
blunders of the war.  It is said that the "colored troops
fought bravely" in this battle, and suffered fearfully before they were forced to retire.
We lie down to rest in our present position, and next
morning moved back to where we started to go on our Deep
Bottom campaign. Here we build comfortable quarters
out of oak boughs,  to keep away the rays of the hot,
burning sun, and all is again quiet in the Potomac army.
We do not stay long, however, to enjoy our quarters that
we have worked so hard to build, for we get the order to
move again. There does not seem to be any rest for the
weary; at least this can be applied in our case, for this is
only a repetition of a good many cases, where we worked
hard to build comfortable quarters and would be ready to
enjoy the fruits of our labors, when an order would come to
pack up and be ready to march at a moment's notice. Once
we were on a marchl, and a forced one at that; we halted in
a field for a rest when the Colonel told us we would have
time to cook coffee.  One of the boys asked if we would
have time to drink it.  But our Colonel could not answer
in the affirmative, for he could not tell any better than ourselves on such occasions.
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CHAPTER XLIV.
SECOND BATTLE AT DEEP BOTTOM-ANOTHER FIZZLE-FRONT
OF PETERSBURG AGAIN-BUILD MIORE QUARTERS-ARRIV  AL OF COLONEL PULFORD-BUILDING FORT DAVIS   QUARTERED IN THE FORT-A TOUCHING INCIDENT    FORT HELL-REBEL DASH FOR PROVISIONS-ALL
QUIET AGAIN-AMORTARS-BEAUTIFUL SIGHTS
-A POEM —THE PICKET GUARD.
About the 10th of Auguist we take up our line of miarch
for Deep Bottom again. This time as well as before, we
march as though the "old boy" himself was after us.  Not
a rest nor a halt during the long, dreary, sultry night.  0},
how tired every man  is.  A  great many fall out by the
roadside, not caring what becomes of them. Those who
ridle on horseback have to change horses once in a while,
but the poor wearied soldier keeps on.  Who is puttingdown this monster rebellion? Is it the officers? Of course
they help to a certain extent, but pet we'll paid however,
and as for hardships, they know  but little of them, for
whlen they halt at night they have their servants to wait
on thenm, and they live like princes, for their baggage wagons withl supplies are sure to be up at ni,lght,]when they can
bask in the luxury of everything good to eat and drink;
while the poor wearied soldiers who do the fighting  are so
tired that when they halt for the night they are glad to lie
down; so tired that he cannot get anything to eat, only
chew his dried hard-tack. In speakingc, of officers I do not
mean those of the line, for very often they have to share
the hardships of their men.
We arrive once more on the enemly's left flank, and try to
break their wing, but they will not break, so we give up in
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disgust at their stubborness, and get back to help dig
them out in front of Petersburg. We arrive foot-sore and
weary, and get the orders to build more quarters. We
settle down to the task with the best humor we can muster
after another great fizzle.
Here the gallant and brave Colonel John Pulford once
more joins his regiment, the Fifth, after his severe and almost
mortal wound received at the battle of Malvern Hill. Too
much praise cannot be given this officer for his bravery and
courage.  Fear he does not know, for he rides ahead of his
noble regiment on the charge. He does not say, like some
officers I could mention, "Go in boys," but always leads
and says, "Come on boys," which means that he is always
in the front and thickest of the fight.
While in our present camp we build Fort Davis, one of
the nicest forts on the line.  It has embrasures for about
twenty-four guns, with a wide ditch all around, filled with
water, and three lines of abattis around the fort.  Abattis
is sharp stickls stuck in the ground with points sticking
outward. They are put solid ini the ground, and so thick
that a man with great difficulty can get through. They
are for the purpose of imupeditng the progress of an attacking party against the fort. We move into the fort, and
have very comfortable quarters; nothing to disturb us but
an occasional bullet from some rebel long range guns on
the picket line.
Our neig,hboring fort to the rilght, which is named after
the fiery place underneath that our good Dominie talks so
much about, is so close to the rebel picket line that it is
almost certain death to show one's head above the works.
Both picket lines keep up an incessant fire on each other
day and ni,ght.  The fort is pierced with port holes for the
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNJNG 
IN TIIE ARMIY OF TIIE POTOMIAC.
infantry to fire through. The rebel sharp-shooters have
such a close range of these that almost every time they can
put a bullet through.
A touching incident occurred here which is worthy of
mention, to show that in an instant all of our plans can
be dashed to pieces by cruel war. A brave soldier, whose
term of three years hard service was out, with his discharge in his pocket was ready to go home and rest on the
laurels he had so dearly won, and enjoy the comforts of
"home, sweet home."   But alas, for all his plans for the
future, he never leaves Fort Hell alive. He had shaken
hands and bid his comrades good-bye, and starts to leave
the fort on his homeward mnarch, but a thought strikes
him, and he turns back and tells his comrades that he must
have one more look at the Johnnies before he leaves. His
comrades expostulate with him not to go near the port
holes again; that now hlie has his discharge in his pocket
and  ought to be satisfied with what sights he has seen;
but all to no purpose; he must have one more look, and
goes to the port hole and looks through, but it is his last
look on this earth, for he falls back a corpse in the arms of
his weeping comrades. Poor fellow, he has received his
discharge, and now goes home to that bourne from whence
no traveler returns.
One dark night, while everything is hushed in silence,
all is as still in the Potomac Army as can possibly
be; the stars shine brightly down on the scene, and the
lonrely pickets strain their eyes keeping their watch. Those
in our firont do not see the silent and advancing foe, as
they come through the grass before them. All at once
thousands of the enemy rise up and capture the men on
picket before they hadc time to give the alarm.  In an
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o5._ RYAS~APIN~
instant a breach is made in our works, and all is done so
still that the sentinels walking their beats on the parapets
of our fort did not hear a sound, nor did they think there
was  anything  unusual going on, until  a tremendous
firing opens out in the rear, where the commissary
stores are kept. Every one is around in the fort; the
draw bridge is taken lip, and we line the parapets, expectin, an attack every moment.   We peer into the darkness,
but nothing in thie shape of a rebel is seen, and we lean
on our arms and await events.  We  think it is only a
splurge of the Johnnies to get some of our hard tack and
salt pork, but we notice by the sound that the firing is
getting nearer to us, and once in a while a stray bullet whistles over our heads.  Nearer and nearer it comes, and the
rebels get back between us and Fort Hell. Our artillery
open upon them and the rebels open from their forts.  Fort
Hell is let loose, and nearly five hundred guns open their
deadly throats along the line. The mortars commence to
throw their kettle-like shells, and the whole air is filled
with the most magnificent as well as dreadful  fireworks
that any one'could wish to behold.   The mortar shells
chase each other way up into the air and then come down
with a graceful bend on the other side of the rebel works,
where they burst, the pieces flying in all directions, and woe
be unto him who runs into contact with one of them. A
mortar gun resembles a huge kettle imbedded in the earth,
with its great, wide, round mouth pointing upward, ready
at any time to be fed with its deadly food.
Our surmises were correct about the rebel move.  All
I they wanted was some provisions, and, of course, they
would like to have been let alone in their little operations,
as their distinguishsd chlieftain, Jeff., has often said. But
we are afraid our Uncle  Sam  would  not like to have
154
FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING 
IN THiE ARMIY OF TIIE POTOMAC.
them, especially when they are fighting to break up his
good Government, get any of the hard tack he sends down
for hls boys; and they get backl without any.  Whenever
they comle around and tell olr good old Uncle they are
sorry for lwhat they have clone, and behave themselves in
the future, I have not the least doubt but that he will give
them all they want to eat and to carry away,  but at the
present state of the,gate they must get along without any
of our provisions, at least for this ni,ght.  They  have  got
back inside their lines.  Our picket lines have been establishled with strict orders not to be caught napping again.
The soldiers seek their quarters, and all is again quiet in
the Potomac Army.
The following beautiful lines, firom the pen of Mirs. Ethel
Lyon Beers, illustrates the present quietness
THE PICKET-GUARD.
All quiet along the Potomac: they say,
Except now and then a stray picket
Is shot, as he walks on his beat, to and fro,
By the riflemen hid in the thicket.
'Tis nothing: a private or two, now and then,
Will not count in the news of the battle;
Not an officer lost-only one of the men,.
Moaning out, all alone, the death rattle.
All quiet along the Potomac to-night,
Where the soldier lies peacefully dreaming;
Their tents in the rays of the clear Autumn moon,
Or the light of the watch-fires, are gleaming.
A tremelous sigh, as the gentle night wind,
Through the forest leaves softly is creeping;
W1hile stars up above with their glittering eyes,
Keep guard-for the army is sleeping.
There is only the sound of the lone sentry's tread
As he tramps from the rock to the fountain,
And he thinks of the two in the low trundle-bed,
Far away in the cot on the mountain.
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
His musket falls slack; his face, dark and grim,
Grows gentle with memories tender,
As he murmurs a prayer for the children asleep,
For their mother-may heaven defend her.
The moon seems to shine just as brightly as then,
That night, when the love yet unspoken
Leaped up to his lips-when low murmured vows
Were pledged to be ever unbroken.
Then drawing his sleeve roughly over his eyes,
He dashes off tears that are welling,
And gathers his gun close up to its place,
As if to keep down the heart-swelling.
He passes the fountain, the blasted pine tree,  The footstep is lagging and weary;
Yet ownward he goes through the broad belt of light,
Toward the shades of the forest so dreary.
Hark! was it the night-wind that rustled the leaves?
Was it the moonlight so wondrously flashing?
It looked like a rifle:  " Ha! Mary good-bye,"
And the life-blood is ebbing and plashing.
All quiet along the Potomac to-night,  No sound save the rush of the river;
While soft falls the dew on the face of the dead,  The picket's off duty forever.
CiHAPTER XLV.
DANGERS AND HARDSHIPS OF THE SIEGE-GOOD TIMES  MUSIC-OUR RAILROAD-CITY POINT-EXCHANGED PRIS  ONERS-ALL WOMEN TO THE REAR —ORDERS TO MARCH  ANOTHER FLANK MOVEMENT TO THE REBEL BIGHT-BAT  TLE OF HATCHE'S RUN-A FIERCE ENCOUNTER —-CONFU  SION-ANOTHER FIZZLE-IN CAMP AGAIN.
The siege goes bravely on. The two armies keep diging away under each other's gins.  The hardships to be
endured are very great, btit all now have schooled  themselves down so that they are met as a matter of course.
156
- 0 - ---- 
IN TIIE ARMY OF TIIE POTOMAC.            157
We do not pretend to say how long we will have a rest,
nor do we care much, for we are so used to hardships that
almost everything, is done without a murmnur.  Of course,
when we have a chance we enjoy ourselves as best we can.
A soldier loves music, and listens to the strains of the
beautiful military bands, of which we have plenty in our
army, and boast of the best bands in the country.   Sometimes we have a dance under the shining moon, and a
looker on would  think that trouble or hardships were
unknown to the jolly soldiers, who are hoeing down with
their Government pontoons on the greensward. Oh, those
beautiful nights in old Virginia, I look back to with great
gladness, and think of the jolly, as well as the hard times
we used to have.
Our millitary railroad must not be forgotten.  It runs
along the rear of our camps to City Point, where we get
all of our supplies. The train, as it thunders along, is in
plain sight of the rebels, and once in a while they waste
some ammunition by firing at it, but they never hit anything, to do any harm.  We get passes quite often to go to
City Point, a place now made up of the most motley crowd
that ever congregated in one place. All come to this place
for the one purpose of getting all the money they can from
the soldiers. They care only for their hlard-earned money,
but not a straw for them.
While at City Point one day in September, I hear that
some exchang,ed prisoners were going to arrive.  I make
my way down to the landing and wait for the boat, which
hove in silght ere long with her freight of emaciated patriots.  Oh, who is to blame for the more than sufferings of
our poor prisoners in those Southern hells. Whoever is,
there is a place awaiting them where they will have to pay
-- I                   -                  -,                      -                  -                   -                  -                  -                 -.           ~     L                  ~                     -      -          -       I.            -                           -          --                    - 
1 158
FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
more than a million fold for their cowardly treatment of
unoffending men.  It has been said that the South could
not help it, for they did not have the means nor the way
to treat them well. If they could not feed them they had
plenty of room in the open fields, and plenty of water to
wash the filth that would natmrally arise from large numbers being together, which they might have let them hlave.
The poor, half-starved, emaciated forms that crowd the
decks of the steamer as she brings her precious freight
under the protection of the flag of the free, show plainly
that the Southern chivalry do not know how to treat prisoners of war. Cl-hivalric, indeed! they have forever disgraced the name by their inhuman treatment of those whom
the fortunes of war have cast into their devilish power.
For my part I never was in prison, nor do I know of a relative of mine who has beei, but I feel the sufferings of
my comrades none the less keenly for all this.  The boat
nears the landing, and when they catch sight of the stars
and  stripes that are waving proudly on the bluff that
overlooks the landing, their feelings give way. Some shout
and cheer; others cry with emotion, and all seem to be so
glad that they show their joy in different ways.  The spectators on the wharf give them loiud chleers, whichl they return but very feebly. They are sent to good homes where
they can recruit their shattered health again.
About the last of September General Grant issues an
order that all women in the army have to get back, and
Anna for the first time has to leave her regiment. A petition is sent to the Commander  to have her stay, but no
use, she must get back, and she bids us good-bye and goes
to City Point. We hear from her, however, often, by
receiving lots of good things sent to us by her, such as
potatoes, onions, and all kinds of vegetables she can obtain. 
IN TIIE ARMY OF TlaE POTOMAC.           159
About the 20th of October wae have orders to be ready
to mnarch with three days rations and the usual forty rounds
of ammunition in the cartridge boxes. WTe file out of the
fort and this time strike off to the left of our lines, on
another flank movement. \Ve march in the rear of our
lines, and pull up by a run named, I presume, after some
man by the name of Hatcher. WVe,get into line in front
of some rebel works that command the Boydtown plank
road.  The rebels open a vigorous fire on us from a fort in
our front, and our artillery in an instant is in position and
return their fire.  Part of our corps is heavily engaged in
some thick slashing, and the rebels retire inside their works,
where they hold their own. Our brigade, under the funny
Frenchman, General De Trobriand, is assigned a position
on the flank to guard it from an attack, but we  do not
anticipate one in this quarter, and if we are left here we
all think we won't have much fighting to do. So we walk
around leisurely, and some of us stroll up to a small grove
to see the head generals of the army.  There is a lull in
the battle, and they all sit or walk around takinig observations and discussing the probabilities of the move. There
is General Grant, Commander of the army, the gallant Generals 3Ieade and Hancock, other Generals of lesser note and
their aids, orderlies, and servants. They are having gay
times, and talk and laiugh as though nothing was going to
happen; but their fun comes to a sudden stop. The rebels open out on them, and pour shot and shell into their
midst. Of course, there is a scattering, and we all put
back to our regiments.  The enemy keep up the, fire, and
all wonder what the next move will be.  We  have some
videttes out in front, and all laugh and talk as though
we were safe from an attack in our position.  Hark! a shot
is heard in our front. It is only some of the boys in front
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160     FOUR YEARS cAMP~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~IGNIN.~~~~~~~~~~~
discharging his piece, to reload again with a fresh cartridge,
think all; but pop, pop, pop, is heard again, and some of our
videttes come back wounded. They could not tell who
fired at them-probably some of our own men by mistake.
But pretty soon all the advance fall back on our lines, followed close by heavy lines of rebel infantry, and before we
have time to be ready for them they fire a deadly volley
into our ranks.  In an instant every man is in his place,
pouring deadly missles into the ranks of the advancing
foe. The fire along the line is deafening, and the remnant
of the old Third, with the gallant "Fighting Fifth,"
never fought better during the whole war. The foe gets
away from our front and make an onslaught on the regiment to our right, and they have to give way against fearful odds. The enemy now pour an enfilading fire on us,
and get reinforced in our front.  For awhile we hold them,
and pour the bullets from our breach-loading guns among
them, but they are too many for us, and charge right into
our midst. Of course I must get away with my colors,
and a number around  me are taken prisoners.   Looking
behind me, I see a large corn field to be crossed, and with
several of the boys start to run the gauntlet. The rebels
open on us, and the balls spat around us like hail. Some
of our comrades fall dead, but we must keep on and get
out of the way. Of course, it would not be gallant to say
that anybody run, but if there was any tall walking done
during the war, we did it crossing that field. How is that,
Captain Gunsalar?  There is a high fence before us, but
I, for my part, cannot tell how I ever got on the other
side, but I found myself there safe, pursued closely by the
rebels. All now is utter confusion. The rebels turn our
guns on us. They have captured large numbers of prison
160
FOUR YEARS CAMP&IGNIN.G 
IN TIlE ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC.                   161
ers, and unless something is done we shall all be captured,
for the rebels are advancing in large force.
Our brave Corps Commander, General Hancock, rides
up and brings order out of chaos.  We  go to work and
throw up breastworks, and soon have a covering made with
rails, and all fall behind and wait for the rebel charge.
They come, but cannot drive us from our covering, and we
hold them at bay.  Meantime some reinforcements arrive,
and they walk around the Johnnies and capture nearly all
that charged on us, besides retaking most of our men  and
all our cannons. This, for a short fight, has been one of
the bloodiest of the war, and some of us never were in a
tighter box during the whole campaign of'64.  Our regiment lose very  heavily  in  this day's fight in killed,
wounded and prisoners.  Among the former is our gallant
Adjutant, James McIlnly, as brave a soldier as ever marched;
Lieutenant  Birdsal is wounded,  and  Lieutenant  Peter
Lennon, with several others, is missing. Peter afterward
made his escape, after enduring severe hardships, from the
Salisbury prison hlell. The account of his escape would fill
an interesting volume.
Night puts an end to the battle of Hatcher's Run, surnamed the Bull Ring.  We get the order to march back
again to camp, after lying down in the maud and rain to
have a rest after our late fizzle on the rebel's right.  We
arrive safe at our camp in Fort Davis, after a hard night's
march.
---                                                                                                    1-1-7, ---  1-1-.
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IN TIIE ARMY OF TIIE POTOMAC. 
CHAPTER XLVI.
CAMP LIFE AGAIN-WINTER QUARTERS-THANKSGIVING    HOME AGAIN-FEELING IN THE NORTH-BACK TO
TItE ARMY-PROGRESS OF THE SIEGE.
November now is upon us, and we settle down to camp
life again. The same routine is gone through-camp guard,
picket duty and fatigue duty. Winter is upon us, and
heavy cold rains commence to fill.  Of course we pitch in
and make ourselves as comfortable as we can; build fireplaces in our tents, and draw more covering from our
Uncle's wardrobe.  Now that all operations, except the
re,gular siege, are at an end for the season, we say that the
quicker the winter is over the better we like it, for no soldier likes the inactive life of c,imp more than three or four
weeks at a time.
The time honored Thanksgiving day is announced by
the President.  We have a rumor that the good old New
England States are to give the Army of the Potomac a
dinner in the olden style-turkleys, chickens plum puddings and pumpkin pies.  Everybody is on the lookout tor
the grand dinner. The day has arrived, and sure enough
the rumor proves to be true, for vessels are discharging
their cargoes of good things from our New England friends.
Everything is dealt out in good shape, and each man gets
his share, whichl is more than enough for a good square
meal.  God bless those dear friends for their kindness in
not forgetting us.   All will remember  with gratitude
the donors of the good things sent us on that ever to be
remembered thanksgiving day.
I 
IN TIIE ARMY OF TIIE POTOMAC.
Now that the campaign is over, I am  thinkiing, of visiting, my firiends once more.  I send up my furlough through
the regular channel, and it comes back approved. I
bid good(-bye to my comrades and takle the train for City
Point, and tlhence by boat for Washington, spending a
miserable night on the way.  Not being an officer, of course
I could not enter the cabin, and with hundreds of soldiers,
choose a soft spot on deck, and go to sleep.  Arrived safe
in Washington, we leave the boat with sore hips, and go
to the paymaster's to get our pockets filled with greenbacks.
Making my way to a barber shop, I get fixed up  and feel
as fresh as thou,gh hardships are unknown to me.  Takling
the train for Baltimore I spend the night in the Mlonumental city for the first time.  I go to the theatre and see the
brilliant little star, Maggie M3itchell, play in her favorite
character of Fanchlon the Cricket.  Next muorning I leave
for Harrisburg, then through the old Alleghanies, which
are covered at this time with their winter sheet of snow, to
Pittsburg. The ride I enjoy very much, for it is a comfort to
ride in the beautiful coaches of the Pennsylvania Central.
Cleveland is reached, then Toledo, and in good time the
City of the Straits, where a Miichligan soldier is always welcomed, and feels at home.  Crossing the river 1 am soon
among my friends in Canada. The same bitter feeling still
exists among the Kanucks against the North, and they say
the South will never be brought back into the Union again.
This kind of talk I don't like, and a short visit is enough
for me, an(l I make my way back to 3Michigan, my Michigan again, where I find a different feeling prevailing in
regard to the war.  I am asked how  the soldiers in the
field feel about the war at the present state of affairs.
I tell my friends that nothing but hard fighting  will put
down the rebellion, and they would have to come and help,
163 
164                FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
but of course  the North is aroused  to tlh(  danger  of
the country, and volunteering goes bravely on. No more
chlild's play now, and everyone is alive to the emergency,
all feeling that the rebellion is on its last legs, in spite of
the feeling of our John Bull nei,ghbors, who are, to a certain extent, responsible for prolon,ging, the war thus far,
wvith their Alabamas and blockade runners.  But lookl out
Mlr. Bull, for the American eagle may some day make you
pay for your double-dlealing, and come down and pick the
eyes out of your head for interfering in Uncle Sam's affairs.
A twenty days' furlough does not take long to end, and
I must leave my fri'iends once more. Hurrah for the army
again, and 1 arrive safe among my  comrades,  refiesh]ed
after my furlough, and ready to enter into the same  routine of camp  life.  The  siege is progressing lively, and
every one is anxious for the order to forward on the last
campaign and end this cruel war. Everything is quiet at
present, but the winter is passing by, and we look forward for lively times before long.  Well, let them  come,
for all are getting tired of this long war, and every man is
anxious to see the end.
CHAPTER XLVII.
NEW QUARTERS-DRAWING RATIONS-ARMY COOKING-SUN     DAY INSPECTION-CAMP LIFE-ORDERS TO MOVE.
In the army, it is necessary, so our superiors think, but
sometimes we poor soldiers would rather be excused, to
keep changing positions with other soldiers, and vice versa.
We get relieved in the fort and get back into the woods, 
IN THE ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC.           165
and build more quarters. The woods are heavy timbered,
and soon men wtihl axes are busy felling the monarchs of
the forest for new winter quarters. All are as busy as bees,
and the buzz of the men at work  thlrough the different
camps make a noise like lumbermen at work in their camps
Comfortable qnarters, good hospitals and churches rise up
as if by magic.  We are very comfortable ag,ain and all
are as happy as circumstances will permit.
One of the miost peculiar features of a solder's life is the
drawing of his rations.  Everything in our army goes like
clock-work, from the Armry Quartermaster down to  the
Orderly Sergeant who deals out the sugar, coffee, pork, beef;
and hard-tack, or hard bread, to his company, who gather
around him like chickens around an old hen, to get their
daily food. To us in the field it does not seeni anyway
strange to flock around and receive our coffee and sugar by
the spoonful as fast as the names are called, but to an outsider the sight must be a strange one.
Another feature in a soldier's life in camp is cooking his
rations. We are not very particular how we cook our pork.
Sometimes we fry it in a tin spider, which we make by cutting in two a canteen; other times we punch our ramrods
through a slice and let it fry over the camp fire, and, in
order not to lose any of the grease, we hold a hard-tack
under and let the gravy drop on it, which answers very
well for butter. We have different ways of cooking hardtack.  At first we could not manage it very well, but
necessity is always the mother of invention, and during
our four years campaigning we have found out a good
many ways to make our life more comfortable than at first.
The best way we find to make hard bread palatable is to
soak in cold water, then fry in a spider with the fat of 
pork.  Of course, butter would be better, but that luxury
is out of the question, uoless we pay an extravagant price
for it to the sutler. Hot water will not soften hard-tack,
but will make it as tough as leather.  Our "concentrated
soup" will bear a brief mention. Vegetables of all kinds
are pressed together and made as hard as a stone —potatoes, onions, parsnips, carrots, cabbage, pepper, salt, and
garlick, are mixed up in a solid mass, so when boiled'about
ten hours it makes a delicious soup, but it is not much of
a favorite with many soldiers, because of a sickish taste
there is to it.  There is nothing a soldier likes better than
his coffee, without it he could not live in the field: In
about ten minutes after we halt we can sip our favorite
beverage.  On the campaigns " concentrated soup" is out
of the question, for we do not stay long enough in a place
to cook it.
The Sunday morning inspection in camp  will bear a
brief mention. It takes place after guard mount, on the
parade ground. Each man must appear to the best advantage he can.  His brasses must be cleaned and his musket in good order; knapsacks packed tidy, and everything
about him must be as neat as possible. The band form
on the parade ground, the companies march to the music
and form as if on parade. The Adjutant turns and salutes
the Colonel, telling him the batallion is formed. The Colonel then gives the order for the companies to right wheel,
the right of the companies standing still, thus leaving a
space between each company.  Then the front ranks come
to an about face, so as to face the rear rank, which has
stepped to the rear about four paces, before the front rank
has got the order to face about, thus leaving a space between both ranks for the inspecting officer to pass through.
" Unsling knapsacks," is the order after "ground arms,"
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
'7 
IN TIIE ARMIY OF TIIE POTOMAC.          167
and each man puts his knapsack at his feet, unpacked and
the contents laid bare to open inspection.  It is funny
sometimes to see the contents, especially after a campaign.
A soldier has perhaps a shirt, a pair of socks, and a prayer
bookt or testament. Some have more, and some less, more
generally the latter, but in winter-quarters, where there is
a chance to have plenty of clothing, the knapsackl of a
tidy soldier is worth looking at. The overcoat is folded in
a nice roll and strapped on top; the blankets, shirts, drawers and socks, with a soldier's album, which almost everv
soldier carries with the pictures of dear and loving friends
at home.  All have their proper places in the knapsaclk.
The inspecting officer inspects the right company first, the
band playing, meanwhile, a slow tune.  As  fast as one
company are inspected they go to their quarters. It takes
about two hours to inspect the whole regiment, which
malkes it tedious for the last company, who have to wait
for their turn.
Camp life now is getting tedious, but the monotony is
broken by orders to march with three days' rations in haversacks and the usual forty rounds of ammunition.   The
weather is very fine, and everybody feels good. All are
ready for the next move, which is to go to the support of
tile Fifth Corps, who are fighting, away to the left of our
lines.
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IN TIIE ARMY OF TIIE POTOMAC.
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CHAPTER XLVIII.
ON THE MOVE ONCE MORE-ACROSS HATCHER'S RUN AGAIN
-A SKIRMISH-BUILD BREASTWORKS-THE FIFTH CORPS
HARD PRESSED-WE GO TO THEIR RELIEF-RAINY AND
COLD-A MISERABLE TIME-BUILDING MORE QUAR      TERS-IN CAMP AGAIN AND HAPPY-GOOD
NEWS FROM SHERMAN'S ARMY.
On Sunday Morning, February 5, 1864, we file out of
our late camp, and move to the left. Crossing Hatcher's Run
we strike the enemy, and have quite a skirmish with them.
They outnumber us, as in every other place, and we set
too and build breastworkls.  In a short time we have formidable works built with all the fence rails within reach, and
are ready for the Johnny's charge; but they are satisfied
with a skirmish and no charge is made. In the meantime
the Fifth corps are heavily engaged to our right, and about
five o'clock we get the order to go their support. A forced
march brings us to their relief, but night puts an end to
the conflict, which had been a severe one, and both parties
suffered heavily in killed and wounded. The gallant Fifth
corps fought this battle alone, and made some of the finest
charges of the war.
The fine weather of the past few days has been interrupted by a cold, drizzling rain. We lay around here for
a few days in great misery, the eyes melted almost out of
our heads with the smoke that stays around from the numerous camp fires that are built to keep us warm.   Oh,
what a miserable time, wet to the skin, ragged and dirty,
with the scalding water rolling down our cheeks, caused by
the smoke.  Surely, this is another blunder, caused by 
a
IN THiE ARMY OF THiE POTOMAC.
some one; we can all see that no good will come of this
move, but, on the contrary, it will be the cause of many a
brave mnan being ruined for life from  these few  days of
hardships.  It seems to us that it is the delight of some
officers to see the poor soldier suffer. Oh, who has suffered
that the country mighit be saved?  Is it the officer or the
private? In almost every book written on our bloody war
the gallant officer so and so is spoken about, but not a
word about the poor privates, who, I contend, put down
this gigantic rebellion, for they have stood the brunt of
every battle, and braved the hardships of the campaigns,
and what do they receive in return from the officers for
doing the most trivial offense?  They are degraded with
punishment not fit for an Indian savage.  I will not class
all officers with those mnentioned, for our army are blessed
with as good men as ever were born to command, but they
are an exception to the general rule. Oh, yes, but it was
the officers that led the men into the battle, but how long
would the majority of them stay after they did go in? A
very short time, as thousands of brave soldiers can testify,
who had to fight the battles that saved the Union, and to
them the praise is due of every true American citizen.
After enduring untold miseries for a few days, and for
no purpose, we get the order to move back, and build more
quarters.  It is dreadfully cold and the suffering is intense.
The wet clothing on our backs freeze stiff, and we have to
lay out and take the snow and sleet that falls unlpiteously
on our he,ads.  The people North probably think there is
rno such cold weather in the South, but let them experience
one winter's campaign and they  will find their mistake.
At last we have otir quarters built, and hardships are for.g.t.. M
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170                FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
About the 21st of February the good news comes that
the hot-bed of treason, Charleston, has fallen before Sherman's triumphal army that marchled to the sea. The army
of the Potomac feel jubilant, and are ready as soon as the
weather permits, to end this war, which has lasted long
enough.  All are tired of soldiering, especially those that
have mnarched withl the armny from  the commencement of
the war.
. CITAPTER XLIX.
TIlE rAYjIASTERP-SUTLER'S STUFF-SUNDAY IN THE ARIMY
-ST. PATRICK'S DAY-RUMORS OF PEACE-ORDERS
TO 3MARCH-READY TO FIGHT FOR PEACE.
There is probably no miore welcome guest in the army
than the Paymaster, especially when he has not been
around for a long time, as in the present case.   rWe have
four months back pay due us and are glad to receive our
money to buy little necessaries and to send home some,
that the poor soldier's family needs to live on. The pay
rolls are made out, and the man of money comes on the
2d of MIarch. Company A is called and they march up
and get their greenbacks. Our necessary evil, the sutler, sets
by with his checks and gets his pay first, as at all other pay
days, which is almost always the lion's share.  Of course,
the sutler's tent is crowded, and what he don't get from
the paymaster, he will get from  the soldier himself, for
some, as soon as they get their pay, stuff themselves up
withl all kinds of eatables that are to be had, and, in a
short time, have to fall back on sutlers' tickets again, and
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IN TIIE ARNIY OF TIIE POTOMAC.
so on all the time.  But all are not that way, for, as a general thing, they send their money home.  In the army, as
in every other place, it takes all klinds of nien to make up
a people.
Sunday in the tarmy does not differ much firom  other
days of the week, except  that the duties in caimp are
more.  The same guard mount, inspection, atnd meeting,
which is extra, when we resort to somue shady place to hear
the word of God from our good dominie, Mr. Pritchard,
whomi we all like, and think he can do as well in his line
as any other preacher in the army.  Then on Sunday, too,
can be seen Annie in her best dress, sitting on the ground
with her own boys listening to the man  of God.  These
Sunday mneetings, as a general thiing, are well attended,
and all listen with the greatest attention to the sermons
and join in the lhymns that are sung.  Poor, self-sacrificing
Annie, you, I hope, will get your reward in heaven when
your campaigns and battles in this life are ended.  For no
one on this earth can recompense you for the good you
have dlone in your four years' service for the boys in blue,
in the heat of battle, on the wearied marches, and in the
hospitals and camps.   May your path through this life be
strewn with roses, and may you rest on the laurels you
lbave so dearly won, is the prayer of thousands who have
been benefited by your timely presence.
St. Patrick's day is at hand, the day which every Irishmnan
loves.  It is going to be celebrated at the head-quarters of
the Prince of Irishmen-General Thomas Francis Meagher.
Every one is going, myself with the rest.  A walk of about
four miles brings us to the Irish brigade.  We  find everything, gotten up in grand style for the occasion.  A  grand
stand is erected, on which can be seen the leading Generals
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172                FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
of the army-Grant is not present, but the gallant Meade,
Hancock, Warren, Sedgwick, and others of lesser note are
to be seen, the guests of the idolized IMeagher. There is
to be an old fashioned hurdle-race, and all too, where the
Johnnies can witness the sport; for everything is carried on
in plain sight of the enemy.  The horses start, about ten
in number, and all present enjoy the sport. The hurdles
are leaped in fine style, and the horses coime in amid the
wild cheers of the spectators-the boys in blue.  After
the races, a banquet is sat down to, where the day is celebrated in fine style, with all the usual toasts on such occasions.  On  the grounds too,  are booths, erected by the
sharks of the army, where the soldier muay eat his fill at
exhorbitant prices.  After the horse races, come all kinds
of games, such as sack-racing,, whleelbarrow-racing, climbing greased poles, and other games, which all enjoy very
much, and then return to their camps,  well satisfied with
the celebration of St. Patrick's day in the army.
There are rumors of peace again, but after a few good
square meals the rebel Peace Commissioners will go backl
to tell their superiors that Uncle Sam will not be satisfied with anything less than an unconditional surrender
to the laws of the United States. So after all we will
have to fight it out on our line for peace if it takes a dozen
summers. And now the weather is getting fine wve have
orders to buckle on our cartridge boxes, and fight the last
battle for the Union and peace.
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CHIAPTER IL.
MARCH TO THE FRONT-THE BALL OPENS-TREMENDOUS
FIRING ALONG THE LINES-THE REBELS GIVE WAY-A
hALT-ADVANCE ON PETERSBURG-CAPTURE OF THE
CITY-RICHMOND OURS-GREAT REJOICING.
On the 2Gth of MIarch, ordeis come to pack up, which is
done in a hurry, and soon we are at the front, and imrnmediately engaged with the enemy by clhargt,ing on their works
and capturing a number of prisoners.  We faill back again,
and pitch our tents, but there is no rest for us now, for the
crisis is at hand, and tents are struck ag,ain.  We  miarch
to the support of the picket line and lay on our arms all
night, but are relieved, and go back to camp again.  Now
this fooling must soon cease, for the lions are growling at
each other, and anxious to be let loose f)r the final struggle.  On the 29th we break camp again a(nd move to the
left and build more works.  It is evident that the greatest
caution is exercised in this move, and if nothing unusual
happens, we have surely beat our last retreat. At three
o'clock we advance through woods and swamps, and occupy
some works that have been deserted by the enemy, and
bivouac for the night. Next morning we advance through
more swamps, and beard the lion in his den.   We  get
engaged with them right off, and have quite a tussel, but
do not force things very hard, and are contented to hold
what grounnld we have, for a while at least. In the meantime the right of our army are not idle, for they are closinDg up on the enemy's lines, and have captured some of
the king-row already. General Lee may try to fight out
the game for a short time, but he will have to succumb to
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174               FOUR YEARS CAMP&IGNING
force. About ten o'clock on the ever to be remembered
Saturday night, the 1st of April, 1865, a tremendous fire
is opened along the lines.  It seems as though bedlam was
let loose, and such was the fact, for Fort Hell opened with
her neilghboring forts and poured the shot and shell into
the enemy's lines, as quick as Uncle Sam's powder  monkeys could load and fire. Our brave pickets advance, supported well by solid lines of infantry, and before the rebel
pickets knew there was a Yank around, were captured ere
they could fire a shot. "Forward!" is heard inii suppressed
commands by the officers, and the men in an instant are
pulling up the abattis in firont of the rebel strongholds.
The artillery cease firing, and inr tihe dead hour of night
the Union army advance and capture the outer works of
the enemy, with a large number of prisoners. Cheer upon
cheer ascends along the lines, and every one feels jubilant,
but there is plenty of work ahead yet to be done, for the
enemy have several lines of works in front of Petersburg.
Sunday morning bright and early we are up and advance
through the woods and drive the rebels before us. Iturrah,
boys, now keep them moving and they never can make a
successful stand again. We still advance, and plant our
banners on their forts. The enemy are now flying before
us like a vast mob, and we have their army  cut in two.
They hold some works immediately in front of Petersburg,
but we. need not sacrifice any more men by chlarging on
them, for they will have to leave before morning.  They
evidently mean to do all the mischief they can, for they
open up a vigorous fire on us, and we have to keep low.
We lay around Sunday evening, and Monday mlorning at
four o'clock our advance enter Petersburg, the key to the
rebel Capital.  Tremendous cheering is heard along the
line, and it is made known to us that Richmond, the Cap
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IN TIlE ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC.             175
ital of the Southern Confederacy, is ours. Truly, we have
cause to rejoice, for that we have suffered so much to
get for the last four years, at last is ours.  In the char,ging of Saturday night the enemny lost a good manay of their
best officers, among whoml  was the famous General Hill,
and it was told to us by some rebel prisoners that the gallant General Lee had sonme narrow escapes, for it was with
difficulty he could be made to fall back when all was lost.
Now we are ready to follow up  the retreating army and
will use another chapter for the chase.
CHAPTER  Li.
JEFF. DAVIS-FOLLOWING UP THE RETREATING ARMY   REBEL PRISONERS-STRAGGLERS —THE REBEL ARMY
DEMORALIZED-A RUNNING FIGHT-CAPTURE
OF A WAGON TRAIN-A MOTILY
CROWD-A NEEDED REST.
It was hoped that Jeff. Davis would be capttured, but
he made a hasty retreat, and vamoosed the camp.  Everyone is sorry he was Dot captured( and hlanged  to the first
"sour apple tree," as has been sung so often for the last
four years.  But hle will have to keep his eye open pretty
sharp to get away, for his race is rtin, and the day of retribution is at hand.
Lee's destination seems to be to join Johlnstou's army in
North Carolina, for they have left in that direction, and if
they can join both armies together, probably will fight and
die in thle last ditch. But the question is, can Lee's army
get away from us.  We  sllhall see.  About eight o'clock
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Mionday morning, our corps, the Second, strike off on the
river road on a forced march.   On the road, as we pass by,
can be seen all kinds of munitions of war thrown in every
conceivable way by the retreating army  to lig,hten their
progress.  The Fifthl Corps and Shleridan's cavalry are in
advance to cut off their supplies on the South Side RailI road, at Bturklesville Station.   We receive the news that
they have captured the place, with a great quantity of sup plies, which will leave the retreating army  very short of
provisions.  We make a march of about seventeen  miles
and bivouac for the night. Every man feels jubilant, and
is anxious for the morrow, to renew the chase.  On  Tues day we make an easy marchll of about nine  miles,  and
bivouac for the nighbt.  The gallant Phil. Sheridan's cav alry are havingc lively times with Lee's armv.   Wednesday
we make the Danville Railroad and pass the Fifth Corps,
Jwho are in strong works, and niarcli to the extreme left.
where we bivouac for the night, after a fifteen miles march.
On this day's march we pass by thousands of rebel strag glers who are played out.  Tlhey say that the main army is
demoralized.
Thursday mlorning we start on our march at eight o'clock,
an(d strike the enemy at ten.  They make a stubborn resist ance for about ten minutes, but we at them  with a cheer
and drive them from their position.  In this fi,ght we lose
a great muany good men in klilled and wounded.   But we
pass over the bodies of a g,reat number of the enemy, who
have foiught their last battle for the "lost cause."
We have got the enemyr now on the run, and go for them
on the ldouble-quick.  Our gallant Colonel Pulford is on
horseback, and it would seemn as though he would be pierced
with a bullet every moment.  We try to have  him  dis           S v S~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-..,
1116
FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING 
IN THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
mount, but he knows no fear, and leads his gallant Fifth
on his noble charger.  Lieutenant-Colonel Root is along,
too; cheering his men.  No braver soldier ever drew a
sword than he. He is the beloved of those who have the
good fortune to be in his command. In camp, mild but
firm; in battle as brave as the bravest.  Always at his
post, he never lost a battle, from the first Bull Run to the
present time. Hie will always be remembered with the
greatest pleasure by those who have shared the numerous
campaigns with him in the Army of the Potomac.  General Byron R. Pierce commands  our old brigade.  He is
as cool under fire as on parade, and, nothing daunted, he
leads his men in the miidst of the battle, and all are proud
of our gallant General. We have not space in this volume
to record the bravery of every man. Suffice to say, that
all have done their duty, with a feat exceptions, that will
not be mentioned in these pages.
The enemy now have fallen back, and taken up a position near a brick house, where they fight very wickedly, as
they are trying to get a large wagon train away from our
reach, which is in their rear.  The rebels are posted at
every window in the house, and keep up a vigorous fire
on us.  On the crest of a hill beyond, they have a very
wicked battery, whichl they use right lively. Now we are
exposed too much  for nothing and would much rather
charge on themt than stand their fire.  So the order is given to forward, and inside of two minutes the brilck house is
ours.  The Johnnies who fired at us are pulled out of the
windows and taken prisoners. The enemy's battery still
holds its position, and pour in shell quick and fast, but we
have good shelter now, and wait for the rest of our lines to
come up, which they do in a few minutes.  All is ready
now to go for the trait), and the order "forward" is given
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
once more; the rebel battery makes a hasty retreat, leaving about two hundred and fifty wagons in our hands.
We have hat a running fight all day of about fifteen
miles, and are satisfied to bivouac. The boys are tired
after their days' work, but they must go for the wag,ons.
We find all kinds of rebel clothing and dry goods, from a
private's uniform to a MIajor-Generals.   We have plenty
of rebel Major-Generals and officers of every grade in our
camp, for the boys don the grey uniforms of the rebels for
a change. The enthusiasm of the troops is unbounded,
and all feel that the rebellion in Virg,inia is on its last
legs.  A motley crowd is in camp  to-night, and  feeling
happy. After a talk and a smoke we lie down to get some
needed rest, and sleep the sleep of the wearied soldier.
CHIIAPTER LII.
FOLLOWING UP THE ENEMY-THEY ARE BROUGHT TO BAY
AGAIN-A STUBBORN RESISTANCE-THE ENEMY GONE
FROI OUR FRONT-FORWARD AGAIN-A BURNING
BRIDGE GRANT WANTS LEE TO SURRENDER-THEY
WILL DIE IN THEIR LAST DITCH-SURRENDER
OF LEE AND THE REBEL ARMY-RE             FLECTIONS-JOY AND SADNESS.
On the morning of Friday we renew our chase, and at
noon overtake the enemy, who are entrenched behind some
works thrown up by them the night before.  They make a
stubborn resistance, but all in vain, as nothing can stand
now before their old adversaries, the Army of the Potomac.
It is not necessary now to sacrifice many lives by charging
on themn, for we have men enough to surround the rem
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IN TIIE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
nants of Lee's army.  After a sharp fight we lie down in
our position, well satisfied that the enemy will be gone
fiomn our front in the mnorning, and Such we find is the fact
for on Saturday morning our skirmishers advance, and soon
find out that the rebel armv had left their position of the
previous night.  We pack up and start on the chase once
more.   Coming, up to the high bridge on the Danville
railroad, which spans the Appomattox River, we find it one
vast sheet of flame.  In a moment our brave pioneers jump
on the bridge to save thet useless destruction of that fine
structure, which the enemy had set on fire in their imadness.  But we think they have only spited themselves, for
they will have to re-build it again if they travel from Virginia to North Carolina by the modern way of travel.
We still keep on our march, and leave the beautiful village of Farmville on our left.  We hear cannonading a
a long ways off, and think the gallant Phil. Sheridan and
his famous cavalry are heading them off. At Farmville,
Gen. Grant sends word to Lee to surrender and stop the
unnecessary shedding of any more blood, but the rebel
chief means to fight it out to the bitter end. By not surrendering at this time Gen. Lee has lost all the respect that
the old Army  of the Potomac ever had for him,  for we
know that a few days longer at the farthest, is as long as
he can hold out.   But in every skirmish some  poor
fellow must loose his life.  After a march of fifteen miles
we halt ifor the night,  thinking, the end of our chase is not
fatr off.  On the ever to be remembered  Sunday mrnorning,
the 9th of April, 1865, we resume our chase at 8 o'clock.
\We hear the firing of artillery in the rear of the enemy,
and can see that they are completely surrounded.   All
expect that they will try to make a break through our
lines somewhere, but we are reay for them.  Up to about
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
twelve o'clock heavy fighting is going on, and the rebels
are driven back into a more compact body in the ring.  At
about twelve o'clock the firing suddenly ceases, and a flag
of truce advances from  the enemy's lines.  We  imagine
what it is for, but none dare to be sure of what is to follow.
Everything is hushed in silence on that quiet Sabbath
evening, and all wait patiently for the news.
* The flag of truce bore the followilgt note fi'om General
Lee to General Grant:
SUNDAY, April  9thi, 1865.
GENERAL:
I received your note of this mnorniing oil the picket line,
whither I had come to meet you, and ascertain (}efinitely
what terms were embraced in your proposition of yesterday, with reference to the surrender of this army. I now
request an interview, in accordance with the offer contained
in your letter of yesterday for that purpose.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LE E.
In reply, Grant sent the following note to him:
SUNDAY, April 9th, 1865.
GENERAL R. E. LEE, Commanding C. S. A.:
Your note of this date is but this moment, 11:50 A'.,
received, in consequence of my having passed from the
Richmond  and Lynchburg road to the Farmville and
Lynchburg road. I am, at this writing, about four miles
west of Walter's Church, and will push forward to the
front for the purpose of meeting you.  Notice sent to me
on this road, where you wish the interview to take place,
will meet me.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
TY. S. GRANT,
Lieutenant General.
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IN THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
The following proposals were also sent by General Grant:
APPOMIATTOX COURT HousE, April 9thl, 1865.
GENERAL R. E. LEE, Conmmanding C. S. A.:  In accordance with the substance of my letters to you
of the 8th] instant, I propose to receive the surrender of
the army of Northern Virginia on the following terms, towit:  Rolls of all the officers and men to be made in duplicate; one copy to be given to an officer designated by
me, the other to be retained by such officers  as you may
designate. The officers to give their individual paroles not
to take up arms against the Government of thile United
States until properly exchlanged, and each company or re,gimental commander sign a like parole for the men of their
command. The arms, artillery and public property to be
parked and stacked, and turned over to the officersappointed by me to receive them.  This will not embrace the side
arms of the officers, nor their private horses or baggage.
This donie, each officer and man will be allowed to return
to their homes, not to be disturbed  by United States
authority so long as they observe their parole, and the
laws in force where they reside.
Very respectfully,
U.S. GRANT,
Lieutenant General.
The following, is the repl)ly of thie  rebel  chief to the
above, and accepted:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,   }
April 9th, 1865.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. GRANT, Commanding U.
S. A4.:
GENERAL:-I have receive([ your letter of this datecontaining the terms of surrender of the army  of Northern
Virginia, as proposed by you. As they are substantially
the same as those expressed in your letter of the 8th inst.,
they are accepted.  I will proceed to designate the proper
officers to carry the stipulation into effect.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
R. E. EEE,
General.
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Immediately after General Grant rode forward to meet
the rebel chief, and both met at the house of a Mr. McLain,
both accompanied by several of their staff. After a chat
about old times they proceeded to business, and Grant
wrote with a pencil the same terms offered by him in the
morning and handed it to Gen. Lee, who read it over carefully and inquired the construction of private horses, as he
said that nearly all of his men owned their horses, when
Gen. Grant told him they must be turned over to the
United States Government. But after a careful and wise
reflection, he told Lee that all who owned their horses could
retain them as they would need them to till their farms.
While the terms of surrender were being copied, Grant and
Lee conversed about old times.  When  the document was
copied, Lee wrote the following reply
GENERAL:  I have received your letter of this date, containing the
terms of surrender of the Army of North Virginia as proposed by you. As they are substantially the same as those
expressed in your letter of the 8th inst., they are accepted.
I will proceed to designate the proper officers to carry the
stipulations into effect."
On that quiet Palm Sunday evening our adversaries in
over fifty battles, the Army of Northern Virginia, had surrendered to the Grand Army of the Potomac.  During the
time the arrangements were being perfected for the formal
surrender, the feeling among the soldiers was at a fever
heat. Everything was as still as the city of the dead, and
all were waiting patiently to hear whether the order would
be to advance to fight again or to stack our arms and bury
the hatchet of the last four years.  But, thank God, the
welkin rings with the glad chieers as the good news is announced by our gallant commander, General Meade, that
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING 
IN THE ARMY OF TIE POTOMAC.
Lee and his army at last had surrendered. The artillery
belch forth shot after shot, but this time they are shots of
peace, and the whole army is one vast body of cheering and
wild excitement.  Some laugh, some cry, caps are sent into
the air and every man cheers until he is hoarse. But let
every one cheer and send the echo to the glorious North
that peace has dawned this beautiful Palm Sunday over our
bleeding and distracted country.  Surely every one has
cause of rejoicing at the close of this bloody and fratricidal
war. But our great joy is intermin,gled with the deepest
of sorrow at the loss of so many great men on over a hlundred different battle fields, and in the Southern slaughter
pens.
Let the good news reach them in their soldier graves that
they did not die in vain, for this great and glorious country
is saved, and will be handed down through all time to come
as the greatest nation of the earth, and will be a home for
the oppressed of foreign monarchs.
We have advanced  far enough  Southl now and we lie
down to rest, well satisfied with our work of the last short
week,-breaking, through their strongholds  at Petersburg
and Richmond and capturing the whole Rebel army after
a chase of about seventy-five miles-we take the needed
sleep, well satisfied that our work is done, and done well.
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CHAPTER LIII.
PLENTY OF RAIN-MUD, MUD, MUD-FEEDING THE REBEL
ARMY-OUR HOMEWARD MARCH BEGUN-GREAT RE      JOICING AMONG THE COLORED POPULATION            ARRIVAL AT BURKSVILLE STATION.
Sunday evening it commenced to rain, and kept it up all
the next day.  In the meantime we do not forget our fallen enemy.  At the time of their surrender they were verv
destitute of provisions, but thank God we have a surplus
on hand, and all the past is now forgotten, and provisions
are hastened forward to their relief. Five hundred head of
cattle are sent to then), with plenty of hard tack, coffee,
sugar and all the necessaries to make them  a few good
square meals.  The rain pours down  in torrents, and we
are almost to our knees in mlid.   If we have  no more
fighting to do we hlave the same hardships of a soldier to
endure.  We have a long road before us to Washington,
and it must be all tramped over before our soldiering is
ended.
On Tuesday, April 11th we start on our backward march,
and get to a small village by the name of New-Store, and
bivouac for the night.  Wednesday we start again, and
march to Farmville, a distance of eighteen miles.  During
this day's march along the road, as we pass by, hundreds
of colored people flock to the roadside, to cheer us on our
homeward march.  "God bless you, massa sojers," is heard
on every side by the late slaves, for now they can rejoice to
be free.  Very touching scenes are, witnessed, as old men
and women fall on their knees and clasp their hands in
prayer to the Almighty for their deliverence firom  their
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IN THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
chains of slavery. Great tears roll down their sable cheeks,
and the stoutest hearted soldier is filled with emotion.
Surely if there was any good accomplished by our late war,
it was the freeing of millions of poor human beings, and
as for myself, I thank God for being an humble instrument
in helping to make this great and glorious country firee to
all.
At Farmville we find the creeks and streams swollen to
an enormous size by the late rains, and it is with difficulty
we can cross, but after laying down our pontoons we get
over all right, and start on our march for the Southside
Railroad, to have an easy base of supplies. As we march
back, thousands of our late adversaries march with us on
their way home. Poor fellows, what will they find there?
Only desolation, ruin and misery.  But alas, it is the fate
of cruel war.  And now that all is ended let us try to build
up that that has so long been destroyed, peace and happiness in our destracted country. After a tiresome march
we arrive at Burksville station, on the Richmond and
Danville Railroad.  Here the sutlers reach us again, and
we commence to live on the fat of the good things found
in their tents, All feel tired however, and it will take a
few days to recuperate.
CHAPTER LIV.
DEATH OF LINCOLN-THE FEELING IN THE ARMY-SURREN   DER OF JOHNSON'S ARMY TO SHERMAN'S-DEATH OF
THE ASSASSIN BOOTH-HOMEWARD MARCH RE           SUMED-SCENES AND INCIDENTS-AR                    RIVAL AT MANCHESTER.
Amid the rejoicing of the whole country at the, downfall of the rebellion, the sad news is flashed over the wires
.             -..  - - a I,, -.                     -
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that our beloved President, Abraham  Lincoln, has been
murdered by a foul assassin, and at a time, too, when all
his hopes and wishes had been realized, the end of treason.
I shall not attempt to tell how the news was received
in the North, but I can tell a little of the feeling the sad
event created in the army.  WNVho could have  told that
amidst the great rejoicing, from the length and breadth of
our loyal North, that the rejoicing would be turned into
the deepest mourning, and that, too, by the loss of the
nation's greatest son. The feeling in the army was intense, for all felt that we had lost our best friend, and at a
time, too, when his magnanimity would shine forth in all
its benevolence. If the foul assassin could only be brought
to the army he would be made to suffer more than a thlousand deaths, could hle die so many times, for depriving us of more than a father. But alas, the monster
Secession hald to crown all of its miseries by this most
diabolical act.  But after all the nation has one consolation, that Abraham Lincoln had lived to see the day when
peace dawned upon his distracted country, and that it was
safe as a Union of all the States, and that the question of
disunion was forever settled before he was called to receive
the reward that is meted out by the just Judge to all
those that doeth his will. Peaceful be thy rest, Father
Abraham; you will be kept fresh in the memories of all
true American citizens, as the great martyr of our country's
freedom.
At this time of great mourning we receive the news
that Johnson's army has surrendered to Sherman on the
same terms that Lee's army surrendered to our own. Now
the war is virtually at an end, and of course our work is
done.  We are waiting patiently for the order to come to
resume our homeward march, but do not wait long, for on
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING 
IN THlE ARMY OF THE POTOMIAC.
the 1st of May the order comes to pack up and be ready
to march, which we do with a will. But before we start
we get the news that the villainous assassin had been
killed, and every one thinks that he received too honorable a death, as he was killed by a shot fired at him
while brought to bay in an old barn in the vicinity of Front
Royal, Virginia, by a soidier named Boston  Corbet.  But
he is dead, and while his victim will be held with feelings
of admiration by his fellow countrymen, the name of J.
Wilkes Bootli will go down to posterity with tlhe  utmost
loathing and contempt.
About the 1st of lovely May we resiume our homeward
march. The weather is beautiful and all nature is in it's
grandest glory and seems to smile upon us. I am sure my
late comrades will agree that we never enjoyed a march
better than those of the few first days from Burkesville
Station.  Step is taken to the tune of the song  "When
Johnny comes marching home again," and all join in the
chorus with a will, for the song is a very appropriate one
on the present marches, and all feel happy to think they
can go home again.
After a nice march of about tea miles we camp for the
night. Next morning, the 3rd, we resume our march and
make a mile post on the railroad marked';33 miles from
Richmond" and halt for dinner. After resting about one
hour and a half we marched to Appomattox River, where
we bivouac for the night. The same ovation is shown us
by the colored people along our line of march. All treat
us with the utmost kindness, while the white people keep
rather shy of us. We cannot blame them much and we
pity them now, and pass by in silence, wanting to get away
from them as fast as we can, and leave them to re-build
that which they have destroyed.
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
On the 4th we resume our march and at night camp
about  nine  miles  from  Richmond.   On  the 5th we
have an easy march and camp inside the late Rebel
workls at Manchester, on the south side of James River.
We have a beautiful view of Richmond.  Manchester is a
very dilapitated old town, and the people look something
like the place. Feeling tired we lie down to sleep and rest
our weary limbs and be ready to march through Richmond
the next day. We will march triumphantly through the
late Rebel stronghold in the next chapter.
CHAPTER LV.
MARCHING THROUGH RICHMOND-A PASSING NOTICE OF THE
CITY-SCENES AND INCIDENTS-LIBBY PRISON-THE
TOBACCO WAREHOUSE-SOUTHERN HELLS-A
BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY MORNING-THROUGH
HANOVER C. H.-THE BIVOUAC.
On the 6th of May we are ready to march. We hear
the music from scores of bands float in the air, and all is
bustle and commotion. Forward is the order and we file
out of our camp and march through Manchester. We unfurl our tattered flags and carry them in triumph through
the city that caused their war-worn looks. We are all
proud of our old flags and it is hoped they will be cherished
with the greatest veneration not only by those that have
cause to love every star and stripe that hangs together, but
all who love and honor the beautiful emblem of our Free
Government.
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IN THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
As we pass by the principal places of note crowds gather
throuc,gh curiosity to see the great elephant pass-the Army
of the Potomac. They gaze with eyes wide open to see
that so many of the Northern mudsills still live after
wiping out all ideas of a Southern Confederacy.  And now
we enter the late Capitol, but not in the way that the
Rebel chief assured the inhabitants we would, onl a certain
occasion mentioned in these pages. We pass by the Capitol where were foul, treasonable utterances for over four
years, and whlich was the cradle of all the leading spirits in
the late fizzle.  Next we pass Libby Prison and the old
tobacco warehouse.  Olh, could  those old gloomy  walls
speak, they could tell of such miseries of poor human
beings, not to speak of the poor unfortunate prisoners that
fate threw in the way of such inhuman fiends. The treatment our poor fellows received in these Southern hells
would put to blush the most savage barbarians in the wilds
of Africa. But let this pass, for all will have to give
an account of themselves and their doings to a more just
judge who will mete out to every one according to his just
deserts.  We expect justice done to the villains that caused
such misery in those prison hells.  And now we will leave
them, expecting that their time will come.  So we march
through with flags flying and bands playing, and come to
a halt three or four miles beyond and camp for the night.
Sunday morning dawns and all are up making preperations for an early start. The morning is beautiful and
every man feels as happy as can well be expected, and are
pleased that we are drawing nearer to our destination,
which is Washington. We pass by old battle grounds,
through the village of Hanover Court House and camp for
the night on the north bank of the Pamunkey river, after
a nice day's march. Here we draw rations-hard-tack, salt
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pork, coffee and sugar-for we are not through with our
old rations yet. Our coffee tastes as well as ever, and now
we have plenty of time to cook and drink it. The times
have changed, too, in some other respects, for we are very
saving of fence rails. We try and leave the poor people
what little they have left, and favor them all we can.
CHAPTER LVI.
OUR MARCH RESUMED-A BLUE MONDAY-GO OUT OF OUR
WAY-IN  NO HURRY AND BIVOUAC-ON THE RIGHT
ROAD AGAIN-MESOPOTAMIA CHURCH-LADIES WAVE
THEIR HANDKERCHIEFS AT US-WE ARE STRUCK
WITH WONDER-BIVOUAC NEAR THE BLOODY
CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG-THE LAST
CHAPTER OF MARCHES.
On Monday morning, the 8th of May, we resume our
march and after going ten or fifteen miles, are lost in the
wilderness of Old Virginia.  As we are not in a very great
hurry, we camp for the night. The day has turned out to
be a blue Monday, but the next morning we get out
of the wilderness and on the right road that leads to
Washington.  Crossing the Ny river we camp once more
about twelve miles from Fredericksburg, anid an easv
march will bring us to that place. On the 10th we resume
our weary pilgrimage and while marching by MIesopotamia
Church are met by a wonder of wonders in the shape of
some ladies who actually are waving their handkerchiefs at
us and singing patriotic songs, the first treatment of the
kind we met with in Old Virginia.  No wonder we are
struck with amazement at the sight, and we all cheer them
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FOUR YEARS CAMP &IGNING 
I-Tl   WYO  iEPTMC                            9
as we go by.  We are shaking off the sacred soil from our
government pontoons as fast as we can, and a few days
mnore will end our most weary marches.  Tramp, tramp,
tramp, we go, and pull up at the bloody city of Fredericklsburg.  Around here we feel quite at home, for we see old
familiar places.  We roam over the heights where so many
brave men fell trying to dislodge the enemy from them.
The old battle ground looks dreary and desolate. Here
and there can be seen skulls and bones protruding above
the ground, while around are seen the evidences of a fierce'ly contested battle. Old pieces of muskets and cannon are
strewn about..  Places and positions held by the different
corps and divisions are pointed out by those who think
they know. But we find that time has changed the looks
of the battle ground to a great extent. Brush and wild
shrubbery have grown all around and everything now about
the battle ground of December 13th, 1862, looks sad and
still. Peaceful be thy rest, ohl, fallen comrades. We leave
thee in sorrow and get back to our camp to prepare our
frugal meal, and rest from the fatigues of the day.
It has been raining for a few days, making the roads
very muddy and difficult for artillery trains and ambulances
to cross over them.  On the 11th we had to build roads so
as to move over our trains, but are still pushing our way
for Washington.  We have changed now the cry from "On
to Richmond," to "Back  to Washington."  We halt for
the night after a sixteen miles' hard march. On the 12th
we have a nice day but it is very muddy and the sacred
soil seems loth to leave our army shoes.  But we try to
shake it off and get through fifteen miles more of muddy
roads and encamp again.  On  the 13th we resume our
march and pass through swamps and creeks, cross the Orange and Alexandria railroad at Burk's Station and pull up
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
near Annonsdale and again go into camp where we remain
over Sunday, the 14th, and have religious services. Our
good Dominie thanks the Lord for bringing us like the
children of Israel over the Red Sea, safe and sound, under
the protecting wing of the American Eagle at Washington.
On Monday, the ]5thl, we brake camp, and after an easy
march pull up about six miles from Washington and go
into camp.  This ends our weary marching in Dixie.
CHAPTER LVII.
CAPTURE OF JEFF DAVIS-CAMP LIFE AGAIN-VISITING OUR
FRIENDS-GAY TIMES-TROOPS GOING HOME-WHAT
WILL THE SOLDIERS DO WHEN THEY GET HOME?
-BEAUTIFUL ILLUMINATIONS-THE
GRAND REVIEW.
\While in camp we receive news of the capture of the defunct President of the late Southern Confederacy. He was
captured disguised as a woman.   His  number  twelves
caused his capture, for while crossing a fence his pursuers
saw such large feet on that woman, they guessed right away
that it must be Jeff, and told him to surrender, which he
did, withl very poor grace. It was a shame to the sex he
tried to impersonate, for to have such a great big homely
fellow try to palm himself off for one of the tender sex.
An exact painting of him at the time of his capture must
be a great curiosity, and it was too bad that a special artist
from Frank Leslie's establishment was not on the spot.
We have now the same routine of camp life as of yore,
but picket and fatigue duties are abolished, as there is no
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IN TIIE ARMY OF THIE POTOMAC.
more need for them now, the soldier's heavy work is done.
We try to pass away the time by visiting our friends, and
seeing the sights in Washington and Alexandria.   We are
having gay times and feel happy.
There are a great many troops going homie, and other
reg,iments go to see them off and bid them good-bye. Now
that the soldiers are going home a great many ask, what
they will do when they get home'?  I will try and answer.
Always take notice in your own vicinity, that when an
old soldier settles down, is industrious, keeps sober and
makes a good citizen, almost invariably put him down as a
good soldier in the field. But let all good people deal
lightly with a soldier's faults, for they have been through
the mill for the past four years, and will be always glad to
see their old comrades and talk over their campaigns and
battles, and for a while after they get home very few will
blame them for having their time out.
The scenes in camp every night are beautiful.   Thousands of candles and lamps are seen as far as the eye can
reach.  Dancing and music is the order of the night, and
every man enjoys the sports that is going on all around.
Sherman's army has joined our own, and there is talk of
one more great review of the whole army-infantry, cavalry and artillery.  The order comes to get ready for our
last review. On the 23d of Mlay our army takes up its
line of march and cross the Long Bridge.   Our corps
takes a position on Capitol Hill, stack arms, and wait for
the whole army to get into position. Great preparations
have been made in the city for this, the grandest pageant
that ever took place in modern times.  Standing room, in a
prominent place, where can be seen the army as it passes, is
rented at fabulous prices, and the city is one vast sea of hu
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manity.  About nine o'clock we commence our march down
Pennsylvania Avenue. The buildings are beautifully decorated with all kinds of mottos, evergreens and flags.  Thousands flock to the streets to welcome the conquering armiesthe grand army of the Potomac, who first made their adversaries succumb to their power, and the great army under
the indomitable Sherman, that marched to the sea, and
followed close to their brother army, a'nd likewise captured
their adversaries.  The sight before our eyes as we pass
the Capitol building, is grand in thie extreme.  As far as
the eye can reach along the beautiful Avenue a solid mass
of men are seen moving, and all keeping step to the
numerous bands that lead the different regiments.  One
would thinkl that the whole avenue was covered with one
vast sheet of burnished steel, bfor the bayonets glitter in
the sunlight, and throw their bright lustre on all around.
Cheer upon cheer goes up from the crowds as the old tattered flags pass by. There are people present from all parts
of the civilized world, to see what no other country on
the face of the earth can  produce-a conquering army
of citizen soldiers, numbering nearly three hfiundre(d thousand. Every available spot is taken up-from the cellars
of buildings to the giddy height of fifth story roofs. The
lamp posts, trees and telegraph poles have their share of
humanity clinging to them. As we pass the grand stand
we observe the President, Andrew Johnson, the members
of his Cabinet, Lieutenant General Grant and Staff,
Ambassadors from foreign nations, and others of disticti;.on.
We salute by dropping our colors, and pass on to camp,
hoping it will be our last review.  It took all of this day
for the Army of the Potomac to pass the reviewing staud,
and on the twenty-fourth ended the great review, for on
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i~ ~ ~~I TH ARM  OF T —- POTOM Ic.                     --
this day Sherman's army, the cavalry  and artillery are
I reviewed, in like manner.   We are back in camp again, and
now wait anxiously to go home.
CHAPTER LVIII.
LAST VISIT TO WASHINGTON-A  DAY  OF HUMILIATION   ORDERS TO PACK UP-ORDERED TO LOUISVILLE, KEN    TUCKY-LEAVING FAMILIAR SCENES-A RIDE OVER
THE BALTIMORE & OHIO R. R.-BEAUTIFUL
SCENERY-ARRIVAL AT PARKERSBURG.
About the 1st of June I make imy last visit to Washington to visit old familiar places.   As I walk  up  the
beautiful avenue I think what a change there is in everything, and everybody I meet, since four years ago. Then
everything was in commotion.   The bustle and preparation
for war was seen on every turn, and all looking out for the
defenders of the National Capitol to come from their far
off homes in the North.  But to-day everybody is settled
down and feel happy to think that our late bloody war is at
an end. The soldier is free as of yore, to visit all the
places of interest, and I take a stroll up to the grand old
Capitol and stand once more in that vast rotunda, where I
stood on the eventful Fourth of July, 1861. The same
picture of the Father of his Country looks down on the
visitor and with more veneration than ever.  I look on that
smiling face and recall the past.  A strange feeling comes
over me that is hard to describe.  Then I make my way
up, up, up, to the dome, and gaze on the beautiful panorama before me.   Away to the front is the old city of
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Georgetown with its beautiful Catholic College, and Oak
Hill Cemetery-a fit place for the hallowed dead.  Nearer
can be seen the White House-the home of our Presidents
and home-stretc7I of many a Presidential race. The Treasury Department, with its untold wealth within its vaults,
the grand Post-O)ffice building where all our billets doux
used to go through on their way to the Boys in Blue; the
great Smithsonian Institute with its Egyptian mummies
and millions of curiosities; the unfinished monument of
the great and immortal Washington, which stands as a rebuke to the American people, are all in plain view.  Beyond
is the majestic Potomac, winding its way to the Chesapeake,
to mingle with the briny deep. Beyond the river can be
seen the home of the Rebel Chief, Arlington Heights, with
its grounds dotted with plain head-boards to the graves of
the heroic dead. All around can be seen myriads of shelter
tents of both armies, the Eastern  and Western.  Seven
miles down the river is the former secesh hole of Alexandria, where the gallant and intrepid Ellsworth met his
death. 01, how grand the view before me. Long, I look,
and not'till the shades of evening hover around do I leave
the spot. I make my way down the winding stairway,
give one more look around the vast rotunda and leave the
grand old Capitol for camp, well satisfied with my last visit
to Washington.
The 1st of June has been appointed by President Johnson as a day of humiliation and prayer in honor of our
late President Lincoln.  Everything looks solemn in canmp
and the day is appropriately observed.
Large numbers of the two years' men are discharged and
considerable dissatisfaction exists on that account by those
who enlisted at the commencement of the war and are still
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IN TIIE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
kept in service.  But we have the consolation that we were
among the first to enter the service of our country, and are
the last to leave the field.  But the good news has ait last
arrived, to pack up and be ready to march.
On the 16th of June we leave our last camp in Virginia
and march past forts and breastworks that took many a
hard day's work to build, but now their work is accomplished and they are of no more use but to leave as trophies
to let travelers and sight-seers penetrate through the great
mounds of earth that encircle Washington.  We wend our
way to the Long Bridge, and the boys point out, as we pass
by, old familiar landmarks.   We step on the bridge from
off the sacred soil of old Virginia and cross the river to
where the cars are in waiting for us, to carry us over the
Baltimore & Ohio railroad. The iron horse blows her
whistle and off we go, leaving Washington  and the scenes
of our late operations behind.   This is one of the most
beautiful railroads in the United States, and a trip over it
will well pay any traveler that loves  the sublime and
grand scenery along the line. WTe soon arrive at that much
captured village, Harper's Ferry.  The train winds its wav
around Maryland Ileights and cross the bridge that spans
the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.  We dash along over
bridges and culverts, pass strong block houses that have
seen their day and pull up at the dilapitated village of
MIartinsburg.  We see the old familiar brick chimneys with
houses built to them, which puts us in mind of old times.
The conductor blows his whistle and all are aboard and off
we go.  We soon come to the Alleghanys and pass through
the tunnels that penetrate those mountains. The scenery
here is beyond description, and must be seen to be appreciated.   We  pull up at Cumberland,  West  Virginia,
and rest a few hours.  We start again and go through
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198. FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
the Cheat Mountains. The air is delightful and all enjoy
the ride as well as they can.  We  branch off at a place
called Grafton for Parkersbllrg.  Clarkesville and a number of other towns are passed on this branch and we arrive
safe at Parkersburg without any accident, and go into camp
for the night, after a delightful trip of nearly three days,
traveling a distance of bfour hundred and twenty-four miles.
CHIAPTER LI,IX.
DOWN THE OHIO-THE STEAMER PICKETT-A MAGNIFICENT
RIDE-FOG  BOUND-PORKOPOLIS-VINEYARDS-THE
CALLIOPE-ARRIVAL AT LOUISVILLE-CROSS THE
OHIO     AND   GO INTO CAMP NEAR JEFFERSON                    VILLE, INDIANA.
Monday, the 19th of June, everything looks lovely and
bright.  The warm sunshine invigorates us after our sleep
on the damp dewy ground.  We  fall in once more and
marchl to the river and get aboard the good steamer Pickett
and commence our pleasure trip down the beautiful Ohio.
The boys begin to sing the good old song "Down the Ohio"
and all join in the chorus.  Th-e puffing of the steam pipe
and rumbling, sound of the paddle-wheel put us in mind of
old times, and all feel happy to think that every turn of
the wheel brings us nearer to our happy homes.  About 9
o'clock P. MI. we are enveloped in a heavy fog, and lay to
by the bank of the river until it clears away. Not, till
about 10 o'clock next day could we leave our position.
The officers of the boat, however, hlad to keep a sharp lookout to guard against collisions in the fog.  We arrived op
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posite Cincinnati, and lay an hour in the stream. We
start once more and pass some beautiful vineyards that line
the shores on either side of the river. The view is grand,
and all enjoy the trip down the Ohio.
On the 21st we arrive safe in Louisville, Kentucky, and
disembark; stay in the city three or four hours and cross
the river to Jeffersonville, Indiana. We march througll
the place and camp two miles up the river. We have a
beautiful camp on a high bluff overlooking tile Ohio, and
can stand it a little longer here, but of course we will soon
get tired even of our beautiful camp, for all are anxious
now to go home.   Away in the distance can be seen Louisville, and directly across the river are the waterworks. The
Ohio is dotted with steamers of all kinds and sizes. The
boats, as they pass our camp, strike up some beautiful air
with their calliope played with steam. At a distance the
music sounds beautiful.  I will not attempt to describe the
calliope, but the different notes are regulated on the same
principle as the common whistle, making different sounds.
The weather now is intensely warm and all we have to
do is to try to keep cool, but it is very difficult, for all are
in a heat to go home.  IHowever, we must await our turn,
for it takes a long while for our good old Uncle to settle up
with all his boys.
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CHAPTER LX.
THE MUSTER OUT ROLL ARRIVES-ALL FEEL JUBILANT  JULY 4TH, 1865-A REVIEW OF THE PAST-ORDERS TO
BE READY TO MARCH-HURRAH FOR OLD MICHIGAN
-RECEPTION IN JACKSON-"-JOHNNY COMES
MARCHING HOME."
On the 30th of June our muster-out rolls came, which
make all feel glad. Every one whose duty it is to work at
them pitches in with a will to get them done.
Hurrah for the Fourth of July! This is the fifth Fourth
in the army.  The first was spent in Washington when the
preparations for putting down the rebellion were going on;
the second, at Harrison's Landing, on the Peninsula, after
our terrible campaign among, the swamps and forests; the
third, at Gettysburg, after hurling back the Rebel horde
from off our free Northern soil; the fourth, in front of
Petersburg, bearding, the lion in his den, and to-day, the
glorious Fourth, the natal day of our American Independence, we find ourselves in Louisville, after wiping out all
traces of the late gigantic rebellion. Surely this ought to
be a great day of rejoicing all over the land, for never since
the first Fourth in the good old year of'76, had the people
more cause to rejoice than on this day. We enjoy ourselves very much and the Fourth ends by firing a salute
with cannon, the last day of the kind we are to spend in
the army.
We are all ready now to move.   OuLr muster-out rolls
are completed, and we are awaiting transportation to go
home, which comes on the sixth, and we take the cars for
Indianapolis, where we arrive about eight o'clock r. M.
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IN TIlE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
Here we change cars for Michigan City, where we arrive
about noon of the seventh. We are now on the good old
Michigan Central Railroad, and a short ride will bring us
to our own beloved Michigan. One can tell the love each
man  has for this good old State, and how anxious each
asks: "Have we struck Michigan yet?" But a short drive
only and we cross the line, amidst the cheers of the boys
as they drown the rumbling noise of the train as it dashes
along, and the song, "Michig,an, my  Michigan," is taken
up by all and suing with such zest as only those can sing
about a place they love
The good city of Jackson is reached about eight o'clock.
The citizens, headed by the noble patriotic Ex-Governor Blair, meet us and take us to their largest hall,
where a bountiful banquet is spread for us, the only real
good square meal we've had while in the army.  The way
provisions disappeared on that occason I will refer any of
my readers to the numerous and beautiful young ladies
who waited on us on that occasion, for we could tell by
the merry twinkle of their eyes that their labors were
appreciated. Governor Blair delivered to us a welcoming
speech, which very few of the old Third and Fifth will
ever forget.  After the banquet we marched to the depot,
and took the train for our destination.
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CHAPTER LXI.
RAILROAD SMASHUP-ONE  MAN  KILLED AND SEVERAL
WOUNDED-ANN ARBOR-ON THE RAIL AGAIN-ARRIVAL
AT THE CITY OF THE STRAITS-OUR RECEPTION       GRAND TIMES-VISITING-TERM OF SERVICE
DRAWING TO-A CLOSE.
On Saturday morning, Julvy 8th, when all were fast
asleep, and the train with its human freight was dashing
along at the rate of thirty miles an hour, we were brought
up suddenly by being huddled  together.  W'hat is the
cause? we ask as we pick ourselves up. By jumping from
our cars and going forward we soon see the cause. The
engine is stuck in the bank at Ann Arbor, and five or six
cars telescoped.  We look on with horror and think that
after being so near home it is terrible that our comrades
should be killed.  We stand transfixed to the spot, and
hear the groans of the wounded. Making our way among
the debris to help them out, we are met by nearly all of
our comrades as they crawl on hands and knees toward us
through the wreck, dragging their guns and accoutrements
with them.  We say to ourselves, that after all perhaps
only a few are hurt with slight wounds. But we soon learn
that one of our number has been called to his last home,
poor Sergeant Herbst.  A railroad smash-up has done what
the rebel bullets could not do, taken the life that has withstood the storms of battle for the last four years. It is
the wonder of all that so few are hurt. The cause of the
accident was laid to the switchman, who left the switch
open, whether purposely or not, no one can tell. After a delay in the beautiful city of Ann Arbor of a few hours, a train
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IN THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
is sent for, and we arrive in the City of the Straits without
further accident.  The  citizens have  a good breakfast
awaiting us at the depot, which  we  eat with a will.
Breakfatst over we are welcomed home by the Mayor, in a
beautiful and touching speech.   The joy of all is now
unboun(led, and all feel happy to be hlome again.  Friends
gather around and weep for joy to see the bronze fiaces,
after bearing the hardships of the campaigns and storms
of over fifty battles.  We fall in and conmmence our liarcli
through the beautiful Jefferson Avenue, as nice a street as
any city can boast.  Both sides are lined with people, and(
all greeting us with waving of handkerchiefs and loud
cheers. Surely all of our fatigues are forgotten now with
the thought that our services are appreciated by a free
people. We cannot keep in very good marching order for
our ranks are charged upon by our friends, regardless of
military discipline.
After marching through as well as we could, we break
off and stack our arms near Elmwood Cemetery, there to
await the coming of the paymaster to give us our last pay.
Of course there is no restriction placed on us, only to be
around when wanted, and we all go to visit ourfriends for
the last time in Uncle Sam's uniform. Nearly all of us
make our way to some merchant tailoring establishment to
get measured for a suit of citizen's clothes.  We are having gay times, and all seem to vie with each other in treating us well.
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CHAPTER LXII.
CLOSING SCENES-LAST PAY RECEIVED-ANNA-LEAVE TAK  ING OF OLD AND TRIED COMRADES-GOOD BYE TO THE
SUIT OF BLUE AND GOOD BYE TO MY READERS       WELCOMING ADDRESS OF GOV. CRAPO TO THE
MICHIGAN  TROOPS.
A week elapses from the time of our arrival.  Notice is
sent for all to be in camp on the 17th, when the paymaster
would be there to give us our last pay. As the day arrived
each man left his.home and came to Detroit where Major
Whiting, the paymaster, was waiting for us.
To those that never were in the army and shared untold
hardships so long with those they have learned to love, it
is hard for them to appreciate the emotions of the soldiers
when they take leave of their comrades. But all who have
shared the sorrows and triumphs of the late war together,
know the heart pang at parting. Each one lingers around
to bid the others good-bye, which is uttered in broken
sobs by his comrades.
Noble Anna  is with  us to the last, and her brave
womanly spirit brakes down, and scalding tears trickle
down her beautiful bronze face as each of the boys and
comrades bid her good-bye. Good-bye noble, heroic and
self-sacrificing Anna. May your path through life be the
reverse of your four years' hardships, strewn with flowers
the most delicious, and when your campaigns and battles
with this struggling world shall end, may you meet in
Heaven with those whose burdens you  have sought to
lighten in the hard life of the soldiers' experiences. Goodbye is heard on every side and the tears roll down the
bronze cheeks of the heroes of many a hard-fought battle. 
IN THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
We go to our tailors, get our citizen clothes, and bid a
fond adieu to our good old suit of blue.   We are free once
mnore to go our way, and may God guide our footsteps and
cheer the soldiers in their after life. And now, that we
have passed through hardships yet untold for the past four
years, and ended the question of secession forever, we shall
always look back with pride and pleasure to our four years'
campaigning in the Army of the Potomac.
And now, good-bye, reader.  I know of no iuore fitting
way to close my memoirs of fouI  years under the flag than
by adding the beautiful welcoming a(l(ddress of Governor
Crapo, to the soldiers of Michigan.
IICHIGAN SOLDIERS-OFFICERS AND MIEN -
In the hour of National danger and peril, when the
safety-when the very existence-of your country was imperiled, you left your firesides, your homes and your fanlilies, to defend the Government and the Union. But the
danger is now averted, the struggle is ended, and victoryabsolute and complete victory-has perched upon your
banners. You have conquered a glorious peace, and are
thereby permitted to return to your homes and to the pursuits of tranquil industry, to which I now welcome you!
And, not only for myself, but for the people of the State,
do I tender you a most cordial greeting.
Citizen Soldiers! Recognized by the institutions of the
land as freemen-as American citizens, that proudest of all
political distinctions- and possessing, in common with
every citizen, the elective franchise, which confers the right
to an exercise of a sovereign power, you had become so
identified and engrossed with the National enterprise and
prosperity derived from the untrammeled privileges of republican freedom, that the enemies of those institutions, in
their ignorance of the principles upon which they are
founded, madly and foolishly believed that you were destitute of manhood.  They supposed you had become so debased by continued toil as to be devoid of every noble impulse. They imagined that you were cowards and cravens,
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206               SOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING
and that by the threatenings, alone, of a despotic and tyranical oligarchy, you could not only be subdued,.but
robbed of your inheritance of freedom, of your birthright
of liberty-those glorious and priceless legacies from your
patriotic sires. Through the vilest treachery and the tollest robbery, these wicked and perjured men-whom their
country had not only greatly benefited and favored, but
highly honored-believed that, by despoiling your country
of its reputation, of its treasures, of its means of protection and defense, they had ensured your degradation and
defeat. Fatal mistake! and terrible its consequences to
those wicked and foresworn men, as well as to their deluded
and blinded votaries!
Soldiers! You have tatighlt a lesson, not only to the
enemies of your country, but to the world, which will
never be forgotten. With your brave comrades from every
loyal State in this great and redeemed Union, you have
met these vaunting and perjured traitors and rebels, face to
face, upon the field of battle, in the front of strongly fortified intrenchments, and before almost impregnable ramparts; and by your skill and valor, your persistent efforts
and untiring devotion to the sacred cause of freedom, of
civilization and mankind; you have proved to those arch
criminals and their sympathizers, that it is not necessary
for men to be serfs and slaves in order to be soldiers, but
that in the hands of free and enlightened citizens, enjoying
the advantages and blessings conferred by free institutions,
the temple of liberty will ever be safe, and its escutcheon
forever unsullied.
Fellow citizens of Michigan-patriotic citizen-soldiers!
Although you return to us bearing honorable marks of
years of toil, of hardship, of privation, and of sufferingmany of you with bodies mutilated, maimed and scarredmourning the loss of brave comrades ruthlessly slain on the
field of battle, tortured to death by inches, or foully murdered in cold blood  not with the weapon of a soldier, but
by the lingering pangs of starvation and exposure; yet you
will in the fiture enjoy the proud satisfaction of having
aided in achieving for your country her second independence-in vindicating the national honor and dignity-in
overtlhrowing the despotic and unholy power which has
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FOUR YEARS CAMPAIGNING 
IN THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
dared to raise its hideous head on this continent for the purpose of trampling upon and destroying that inalienable
right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness-which
is the birthright of all-and finally, in placing the Union
-established by the blood of our fathers-upon an imperishable foundation. You will also possess the rich inheritance of meriting the continued plaudits, and enjoying the
constant gratitude of a free people, whose greatness yout
have preserved in its hour of most imminent peril.
In the name of the people of Michigan, I thank you for
the honor you have dotne us by your valor, your soldierly
bearing, your invincible  courage everywhere displayed,
whether upon the field of battle, in the perilous assault, or
in the deadly breach; for your patience under the fatigues
and privations and sufferings incident to war, and for your
discipline and ready obedience to the orders of your superiors.  We are proud in believing that when the history of
this rebellion shall have been written, where all have done
well, none will stand higher on the roll of famne than the
officers and soldiers sent to the field from the loyal and
patriotic State of Michigan."
THE END.
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