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HISTORY

OF THE

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Fifth Massachusetts Battery.

ORGANIZED OCTOBER 3, 1861,
MUSTERED OUT JUNE 12, 1865.

BOSTON :
LUTHER E. COWLES, PUBLISHER,
60 Fedbeal Street.
1902.

Copyright, 1902, by Luther E. Cowles
All Rights Reserved

PREFACE.

In submitting these pages to the general public, made
doubly and more profoundly critical by new opportuni
ties for observation, furnished by the recent war with
Spain, we are aware that our most appreciative readers
will be found among the daily diminishing ranks of our
comrades and their circle of friends whose memories reach
back to the period of which it treats, — forty years ago.
It is not without some feeling of complacence that we
have reviewed these records of the endurance of hard
ships, which, in the inexperience of early youth, we
accepted as the inevitable, and carelessly turned into jest
as the easiest and quickest way of getting over the mis
fortunes of war, and we have closely followed the trials to
which were submitted those innate impulses of courage
inspired by patriotism, that found us all ready to mount
at the call of " Boots and Saddles," and, harnessing our
impatience to the wheels of the grumbling cannon and
caissons, to seek the field wherever, whenever and how
soever we were directed.
To our aid in this work we have called the sister of a
soldier of the 18th Massachusetts Regiment Infantry,
who has brought to her task that which is considered
indispensable in the historian of a distant period, " the
familiarized knowledge of many years." Her impres
sions do not all come at second hand. They are the
product of memories transplanted from a living past, to
assist in the selection of scenes in camp, on the march,

iv PREFACE.
and in the field, and to present them in a form of ready
reference for the use of its members and their descendants
for all time, to bear witness to the labors, sacrifices and
achievements of the 5th Massachusetts Battery, Light
Artillery.
Nathan Appleton,
Henry D. Scott,
John F. Murray,
Thomas E. Chase,
George L. Newton,
Committee.
The committee desire to acknowledge the receipt of
historical data, loan of books, letters, diaries and other
means of information necessary to the compilation, from
the following persons : —
Massachusetts : Miss Katharine Phillips, Miss Jane
Phillips, Mrs. Stephen H. Phillips, Brevet Brigadier-
General Augustus P. Martin, Stephen F. Keyes, Judge
Advocate, Department of Massachusetts, G. A. R.,
George H. Freeman, Quartermaster R. A. Peirce, Post
G. A. R., Charles F. Shaw, R. C. Ingraham, Charles W.
Coggeshall (Coggeshall, Maxfield & Co.), B. F. Bright-
man (Alaska Oil Co.), Isaac S. Mullen, Ward Room
Steward U. S. ships Portsmouth and Chocura, Milo J.
Proctor, 6th Massachusetts Infantry, Charles O. Eaton,
Custodian of State Flags, Rev. George Batchelor, Wm.
G. Kirschbaum, New Bedford Standard.
Maine : Brevet Major-General Joshua L. Chamber
lain, Brevet Major Henry S. Burrage, Major Holman S.
Melcher, 20th Maine Regiment Association, Captain
Harvey H. Webber.
New York : Brevet Colonel Horatio C. King, Hugh
Hastings, State Historian, Frank H. Norton, Edmund

PREFACE. v
B. Taber, New York Herald, R. G. Butler, New York
Sun. North Dakota : Colonel C. A. Lounsberry, 20th Michi
gan Infantry.
Pennsylvania : Colonel John P. Nicholson, Gettys
burg National Park Commission.
Rhode Island: Major Geo. E. Randolph (Denver,
Col.), William Ames Card (New York, New Haven &
Hartford Railroad), Captain Wm. B. Weeden, 4th
(Weeden's) Rhode Island Battery, First Lieutenant Gideon
Spencer, ist Rhode Island Light Artillery, Captain Wm.
B. Rhodes, Battery E, ist Rhode Island, John Galvin
and J. B. Peck, Battery C, ist Rhode Island, Frederic
M. Sackett, Adjutant General State of Rhode Island.
Virginia : Colonel Wm. Thompson, Governor Na
tional Soldiers' Home, W. W. Scott, Librarian State
Library, Richmond.
Washington, D. C. : Captain Charles E. Troutman,
Colonel Lee Crandall, William Crozier, Brigadier-Gen
eral, Chief of Ordnance, U. S. A.
Note. — Parentheses are used to explain the text and for cross-references. Paren
thetical remarks by the writers quoted are between dashes.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAPTER FIRST.
December 29, 1861— December 22, 1865.
The Battery Flags, 3 ; The Color Bearers, 4 ; The Flags Unfurled, 5 ; The
Flags Replaced, 6 ; The Worn Colors, 11 ; Corps and Brigade Flags
and Badges, 18.
CHAPTER SECOND.
December 3, 1860— August 23, 1861.
In 'Sixty-One, 23; The Safety of Washington, 24; The Massachusetts
Legislature, 24 ; Massachusetts in the National Congress, 24 ; The Re
port of a Committee, 25 ; General Order No. 4, 26 ; Interview with
U. S. Attorney General Stanton, 30; The Roads to Washington, 36.
CHAPTER THIRD.
April 2, 1863— June 1, 1865.
The Composition of the Battery, 49 ; Light Artillery in the Field, 52 ; Artil
lery Tactics, 63.
CHAPTER FOURTH.
August 20, 1861— December 26, 1861.
Recruiting the Battery, 66 ; The Defences of Washington, 67 ; McClellan and
the Artillery, 68 ; City of New Bedford, 69 ; Boston and Vicinity, 70 ;
Recruiting Office in New Bedford, 71 ; Recruiting Office in Boston, 72 ;
Enlistment Rolls of Lieut. John B. Hyde, 78 ; Original Commissioned
and Non-Commissioned Officers, 82 ; Enlistment Rolls of Lieut. George
D. Allen, 87 ; Camp Schouler, Lynnfield, 83 ; Camp Massasoit, Readville,
90 ; Departure for the Seat of War, 93.
CHAPTER FIFTH.
December 25, 1861— March 9, 1862.
Washington, D. C, and Hall's Hill, Va., 95 ; Camp at Washington, D. C, 98
Camp at Hall's Hill, 131 ; The Target Shooting, 139.

viii TABLE OF CONTENTS.
CHAPTER SIXTH.
March 10, 1862— April 4, 1862.
The Advance upon Richmond, 156 ; The President's War Order, 158 ; McClel-
lan's Address to the Army, 162 ; The Peninsula, 163 ; Centreville and
Manassas, 165; The Embarkation, 169; The Situation, 192; Banks'
Fifth Corps, 195 ; Howard's Mills, 195 ; The First Gun Fired, 195.
CHAPTER SEVENTH.
April 6, 1862— May 8, 1862.
Yorktown, 205 ; " In Battery," 205 ; In the Earthworks, 210 ; The Masked
Battery, 213; Guarding the Bridge over Wormley 's Creek by Sections,
217 ; The Trenches, 231 ; The Camp, 233 ; Batteries of Siege Guns, 240 ;
The Charge on the Right Fort, 244.
CHAPTER EIGHTH.
May 9, 1862— May 31, 1862.
The Battle of Hanover Court House, 252; Up York River, 253; West Point
to Cumberland Creek, 257; White House Landing, 263; Fifth Pro
visional Army Corps, 264; In Hanover County, 271.
CHAPTER NINTH.
May 31, 1862— June 27, 1862.
The Valley of the Chickahominy, 287 ; Battle of MechanicsviUe, 288 ; The
Battery at the Bridge, 289 ; Leaves of Absence, 295 ; Review of the
Fifth Corps, 296; On Picket at New Bridge, 299; In the Earthworks,
299 ; The First Death in Camp, 300 ; On Gaines Hill, 302 ; The Bridges
across the Chickahominy River, 304 ; Battery No. 4, 310.
CHAPTER TENTH.
June 26, 1862— June 28, 1862.
The Battle of Gaines Mills, 314; The Situation, 315; In Battery, 319; The
March, 319 ; Casualties, 320 ; The Retreat of the Forces, 336.
CHAPTER ELEVENTH.
June 29, 1862— July 1, 1862.
The Battle of Malvern Hill, 361 ; The March, 361 ; The Navy Assists, 362 5
The Gunboats, 363 ; McClellan and the Artillery, 367 ; Casualties, 370.
CHAPTER TWELFTH.
July 2, 1862— August 14, 1862.
The Battery divided, 381 ; Harrison's Landing, 382 ; The Inspection, 383 ;
Review by Gen. H. W. Halleck, 383 ; Special Order No. 200 Divid
ing the Battery, 387 ; Officers Resigned, 388 ; Officers Promoted, 390 >
The Sick and Wounded, 392 ; An Artillery Demonstration, 398.

TABLE OF CONTENTS. ix
CHAPTER THIRTEENTH.
August 14, 1862— September 3, 1862.
From Harrison's Landing to Acquia Creek, 413 ; The Battle of Second
Manassas, 413 ; The Relief of Major General John Pope, 414 ; The
March to Williamsburg, 414; The Sick and Wounded, 415; Acquia
Creek, 415; The Fourth R. I. Contingent, 423; Casualties, 423; The
Peril of the National Capital, 428.
CHAPTER FOURTEENTH.
September 3, 1862— October 9, 1862.
The Battery Reunited and Reinstated, 432 ; The Battery Concentrated, 439 ;
Battle of Antietam, 445 ; Reported to Gen. Whipple, 445 ; Re-recruit
ing the Battery, 447 ; Emancipation, 448 ; Full Equipment, 452 ; Re
ported to General Morell, 458.
CHAPTER FIFTEENTH.
October 11, 1862— January 25, 1863.
The Battle of Fredericksburg, 459 ; Men of Massachusetts and Michigan,
464 ; Crossing the River, 465 ; Joined the Division at Harper's Ferry,
477; Snicker's Gap, 479 ; Camp near Warrenton, Va., 483; Near Fal
mouth, Va., 489 ; Hooker in Command of the Fifth Corps, 495 ; In
Battery, 496 ; Casualties, 497.
CHAPTER SIXTEENTH.
January 26, 1863 — June 13, 1863.
The Battle of Chancellorsville. 544 ; A Cavalry Review, 568 ; Grand Re
view, 569 ; Invalid Corps, 576 ; In Line of Battle, 582 ; Recrossed the
River, 583 ; Report of Captain Phillips, 586 ; Reduced to Four Guns,
595 ; Drew another Section, 598.
CHAPTER SEVENTEENTH.
June 13, 1863— August 8, 1863.
The Battle of Gettysburg, 602 ; Rebels said to be in Maryland, 603 ; Veteran
Volunteers, 617 ; Duty and the Death Penalty, 621 ; Positions of the Bat
tery, 626, 651 ; " Fix Prolonge to Fire Retiring," 630 ; Tenth New York
Battery, 664; Fifth Massachusetts Battery Monument, 676; High Water
Mark, 678 ; Progress South of the Armies, 682.
CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH.
August 9, 1863— November 23, 1863.
The Battle of Rappahannock Station, 695 ; Massachusetts State Agency,
697; White Sulphur Springs, 703; Target Practice, 706; The Invalid

x TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Corps, 709; The Fight at Bristoe, 716; Manoeuvring for Position, 721 ;
Music in the Army, 728; Attack on the Earthworks, 732 ; Under Fire,
733.
CHAPTER NINETEENTH.
November 23, 1863— February 29, 1864.
The Battle of Mine Run, 740 ; Brigade Drill, 744 ; The Crossing of the Rap
idan, 745 ; In Line of Battle, 746 ; Longfellow's Son Shot, 747 ; A Fatal
Mistake, 749 ; Reenlistments, 761 ; Music for the Army, 762 ; Money
Paid by Drafted Persons, 767.
CHAPTER TWENTIETH.
March 1, 1864— May 7, 1864.
The Battle of the Wilderness, 776 ; Grant takes Command, 777 ; The Invalid
Corps, 784; Lieut. Scott Resigns, 785; "Wanted, — Recruits." Poster,
787; Ball at General J. J. Bartlett's Headquarters, 789 ; Veteran Reserve
Corps, 790 ; Reduction of Army Corps, 792 ; The Countersign, 797 ; The
Demi-Brigade, 798; The Demi-Brigade Dissolved, 803; The Fight of
May 5, 805 ; The Fight of May 6, 807 ; The Fight of May 7, 808.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIRST.
May 8, 1864— May 18, 1864.
The Battle of Spottsylvania Court House and Laurel Hill, 811 ; Captain A.
P. Martin Wounded, 816; The Fight of May 8, 816; The Fight of
May 9, 818 ; Casualties, 818 ; The Fight of May 10, 819 ; The Fight
of May 11, 820 ; The Fight of May 12, 822 ; Casualties, 823 ; Turned in a
Section, 825 ; The Fight of May 18, 826.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SECOND.
May 19, 1864— May 25, 1864.
The Battle of the North Anna River and Virginia Central Railroad, 827 ;
The Fight of May 19, 831 ; Rounds Fired by the Battery in Eighteen
Days, 833 ; The Fight of May 23, 834 ; The Crossing at Jericho Ford,
834; The Fifth Battery Men as Barn Movers, 835; The Fight of May
25, 839 ; Casualties, 839; Lieutenant Appleton's Promotion and Resigna
tion, 847.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THIRD.
May 26, 1864— June 14, 1864.
The Battle of Bethesda Church, 851 ; Officers Promoted, 857 ; Casualties,
June 2, 858; Bethesda Church, 858; The Charge of the Battery, 863
The Company Fund, 864.

TABLE OF CONTENTS. xi
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOURTH.
June 15, 1864— August 18, 1864.
The Battle of Petersburg, 869; The Assault of June 18, 877; Casualties,
877 ; The Fortifications, 879 ; The Norfolk Railroad Cut, 881 ; The Sani
tary Commission, 886 ; The Army Ration, 887 ; A Work Built for the
Battery, 889; The Rebel Raid into Maryland, 890; Bombardment of
July 30, 893 ; Casualties, 894.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIFTH.
August 18, 1864— September 1, 1864.
The Battle of the Weldon Railroad, 899; Expiration of Term of Service,
901; The Possession of the Weldon Railroad, 904; Casualties, 905;
The Third Massachusetts Battery, 906 ; Officers Promoted, 907 ; Mem
bers of the Third Massachusetts Battery Transferred, 908.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIXTH.
September 2, 1864— November 19, 1864.
The Battle of Hatcher's Run, 910 ; Disposal of Transferred Non-Commis-
sioned Officers, 915 ; Commission Officers Promoted, 917 ; Non-Commis-
sioned Officers Promoted, 918 ; The Battery in Fort Davison, 919 ; Mus
tered Out at Expiration of Term of Service, 923 ; New Section (Centre)
Added, 924 ; The Fight at Hatcher's Run, 924 ; The Defences of Wash
ington, 927.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVENTH.
November 4, 1864— April 6, 1865.
The Assault on Petersburg, 930 ; Examination of Recruits at the Hospital,
935; The Weldon Railroad, 936; In the Advance Going Out: In the
Rear Coming Back, 938 ; Four Guns in Fort Hays, 938 ; Two Guns in
Battery 22, 938 ; Retired from the Forts, 939 ; Returned to the Forts, 940 ;
Hatcher's Run, 941 ; Back to the Old Camp, 941; Turned in a Section
942 ; The Final Attack, 943 ; The Last Shot, 943 ; Casualties, 947.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHTH.
April 3, 1865— June 24, 1865.
Guns removed from Fort Hays, 953 ; The Artillery Reserve, 954 ; The Artil
lery Brigade, 955 ; The Last Camp in Virginia, 956 ; The Last March,
957 ; Mustered Out of the United States Service, 958.

Proceedings of the Fifth Massachusetts Battery Association, 969.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

The Battery' Flags
The Commissioned Officers
Equipments 
Lieut. Hyde and "Black Charley "
Plan of Operations: Yorktown
Bugle Call — " In Battery "
Bugle Call — " To The Color "
Signal Flag ....
Redoubt 
Lunette 
Camp Chair ....
House near Wormley's Creek
Rebel Redoubt
Valley of the Chickahominy: Plan
Battle of Gaines Mills : Plan .
Battle of Malvern Hill: Plan
Second Position at Malvern Hill
Cannoneer's Sword
Army Desk 
Battle of Fredericksburg: Plan
Battle of Chancellorsville: Plan
Ba'ttle of Gettysburg, July 2, 1863:

Plan

PAGE
Frontispiece 66 75
92
204 205
209 219225226 228
234
247 286
360372386
441459 544
602

Xlll

xiv LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE
Portrait of Captain Augustus P. Martin . 613
Bringing off the Gun  636
Battle of Gettysburg, July 3, 1863; Plan . 648
Captain Phillips and his Horse . . . 662
Fifth Mass. Battery Monument . . . 676
High Water Mark: Tablet .... 678
Lieut. Appleton and his Horse "Folko" . 707
Railroad Bridge over the Rappahannock River 733
Camp of the Fifth Mass. Battery, Rappahan
nock Station, Va., Dec. 1863, -April, -1864 . 740
"Action Front." Drill at Winter Quarters
Camp, Rappahannock Station, Va., Mar. 1864 793
One Piece of the Fifth Mass. Battery, Rappa
hannock Station, Va., April, 1864. Lieut.
Simonds standing in the Rear . . . 797
Battle of Petersburg: Plan .... 869
Reunion at New Bedford, Mass., Aug. 9, 1892 967

CHAPTER I.
THE BATTERY FLAGS.
"An' didn't we flock to the colors when the drums began to beat,
An' didn't we march with proud step along this village street?
An' didn't the people cheer us when we got aboard the cars,
With the flag a-wavin' o'er us, and went away to the wars?"
— Captain Jack Crawford.
There never was a time when the American Flag stood
for so much in the estimation of the people of the Common
wealth of Massachusetts, as in the spring and summer of
1 86 1 : there was never a time when the emblem of the in
divisibility of the Union stood so> much in need of appre
ciation and respect.
Emotions of alarm and anxiety for the security of the
individual and all he held most dear, mingled with and
intensified the enthusiasm which called together great con
vocations of all classes and both sexes, to witness the simple
raising of the flag which represented all that the constitu
tion of the United States was intended to guarantee. In
the capital of the state vast assemblages breathlessly
watched the unfolding of flags of immense size, made of the
costliest material, across the principal streets, in the most
conspicuous places, to the music of the national airs.
Flags were flung out from the steeples of churches. The
clergy were among the most patriotic of those who ad
dressed the multitude, the exercises opening with prayer.
Far as the eye could see, above the crowd in the street, in
the windows and on the roofs of houses, the people waited
for the orator's closing words : "Our Country, the United
States of America," which were the signal for the running

2 HISTORY OF THE
out of the flag, and for long continued and hearty cheering,
while the bands played "The Star Spangled Banner" and
"Hail Columbia."
Members of Congress anxious to show their colors, and
returned travellers from the turbulent South, made soul
stirring speeches and roused their youthful hearers to a
wild fervor which from the first was unrestrainable, and
sooner or later carried them "away to the wars." Ardent,
unfaltering, undying devotion to the beautiful ensign was
inculcated by the speakers and punctuated by the fife, drum
and bugle.
In the hush of the church vestries mission circles were
formed by women, ten thousand of them in this state, who,
fearing they knew not what, saw their stitches set through
tears, by hurrying, tremulous hands, while the men cheered
at the "flag raisings." They organized little bands called
"Soldiers' Aid Societies."
Sweethearts and wives, and sisters, made red, white and
blue neckties, which the young soldiers wore in the state
camps or on brief furloughs home.
Young ladies in private schools took up subscriptions
and purchased handsome standards which they presented
to the volunteer companies. Young gentlemen in theirs
presented flags and equipments to graduates. Note paper
and envelopes ornamented with flags were the correct thing
in correspondence.
A large and elegantly wrought shawl was presented to
the wife of Governor Andrew by R. H. Stearns & Co., popu
lar dry goods merchants, designed and executed, by a lady
in Newton. It was of the finest worsted in red, white and
blue colors, with thirty-four stars and the Union shield of
the same material so arranged as to give to the whole a
symmetrical appearance and an exceedingly fine effect.
And underlying all this ebullition of feeling absorbed by
one object, in the participation of which political lines were
effaced and a "war democrat" was as good a fighting man

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 3
as a republican, there was absolute, uncompromising fealty
to the government, and a grim determination to stand by
the flag at whatever cost to themselves or to others.
Major C. A. Woodruff, U. S. A., in a speech at one of
the reunions of the Society of the Army of the Potomac,
has given the best expression to this sentiment :
"No patriotic citizen of this Government can admit that
there was any equality of flags : for true Americans there
was but one national flag, and that the one the Union sol
diers bore to complete victory: nor that there was any co-
honor of causes : for true Americans there was but one just
cause, and that the preservation of the Federal Union."
To prove this fealty by action there was an ever increas
ing necessity in the danger which threatened Washington,
and called forth from Wendell Phillips the following enun
ciation :
"The war, then, is not aggressive, but in self-defence, and
Washington has become the Thermopylae of liberty and
justice. Rather than surrender that Capital, cover every
square foot of it with a living body; crowd it with millions
of men and empty every bank vault at the North to pay the
cost. Teach the world, once for all, that North America
belongs to the stars and stripes, and under them no man
shall wear a chain. . . . Cannon think in the 19th century;
and you must put the North in the right before you can
justify her in the face of the world: before you can pour
Massachusetts like an avalanche through the streets of Bal
timore, and carry Lexington on the 19th of April, south
of Mason and Dixon's line."
THE FLAGS OF THE BATTERY.
NOTES OF FRANCIS P. WASHBURN, MAY 5, I9OO.
"As regards the Battery flags : two were given us by the
state when we were organized; one a full-sized silk battle
flag, the stars and stripes, the other a white silk guidon with

4 HISTORY OF THE
cross cannon and number and name of the Battery. The
first had the staff shot off at Gaines Mills, and after the
battle, was spliced, and did service through the Seven Days
fight. Both flags were so badly used up in the campaign
that when the men were transferred to the Third Mass.
and Fourth R. I. batteries at Harrison's Landing the flags
were sent back to the state. The only flags we ever carried
after this were the regular U. S. Artillery guidons.
The guidon was not used at the Seven Days' fight but
was in the baggage wagon at that time, and a can of oil
was spilled on it which spoiled it for use by the Battery, and
I always supposed it was sent home with the other flag.
The flags were furnished by the state, and were a part of
the equipment carried by a battery at that time. When we
joined the Army we were not allowed a color bearer or a
guide : one of the buglers took those places."
THE COLOR BEARERS.
The buglers were James Winters, John C. Tucker, and
after Tucker's three years' term expired, Henry M. Gifford.
Winters re-enlisted and served through the war. The first
guidon was Mortier Gale. He carried a large flag at
parade, a small flag or guidon was ordinarily used. On a
march both flags were carried in the Battery wagon. He
carried the U. S. flag until after the seven days' battles. He
was afterwards hospital steward. The second Bugler took
his place. The state guidon could not be used because of
the white color. It was sent home from Harrison's Land
ing. Then came Andrew Hosley, a detached man from an in
fantry regiment, who carried the colors, and after him
A. K. P. Hayden.
In the memory of some members Chris. Allen of New
Bedford at one time acted as color bearer, and George W.
Poole as Guidon.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 5
According to the report of Colonel Charles Amory, Mas
ter of Ordnance of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
for 1 86 1, that department issued to the Fifth Mass. Battery
i silk Guidon with staff and socket, i National flag, silk,
with staff and socket, 4 camp colors with staves, and 2
bugles.
THE FLAGS UNFURLED.
Journal of D. Henry Grows.
"Camp on Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, about 8
or 10 minutes' walk from the Capitol, Sunday morning,
Dec. 29, 1 86 1 : After breakfast put on my uniform and
went on dress parade. As it is the first Sunday here, we
took our Ensign and Right Guide from their covering and
for the first time in our presence our colors were loosed to
the breeze.
"They are handsome flags, one an American flag of silk,
and the guidon of red and white with golden cannons, and
the number of the Battery. After parade, before we were
dismissed we had divine service. The officers sang a psalm,
then Lieut. Allen acted as chaplain. He read the first chap
ter in the Bible, then sang, then a prayer, and finished the
services by all the men singing 'Old Hundred.' "
At this time the state guidon, swallow tail In form, was
half red and half white, but subsequently, while retaining
its shape,' the stars and stripes were added in accordance
with the following general order: —
Headquarters of the Army,
Adjutant General's Office,
Washington, January 18, 1862.
General Orders
No. 4.
1. Under instructions from the Secretary of War, dated January
7, 1862, guidons and camp colors for the Army will be made like the
United States flag, with stars and stripes. . .
By command of Major General McClellan.
L. Thomas,
Adjutant General.

6 HISTORY OF THE
THE FLAGS REPLACED.
His Excellency Governor John A. Andrew in his inaug
ural address, January 9, 1863, recommended replacing the
flags torn and worn in battle in the following words:
"Since the summer of 1862, several of our volunteer corps which
reported that their colors had become unfit for use by being in battle
and worn by the exposures of service, have been supplied by the Mas
ter of Ordnance with new flags upon the return to his charge of those
which they had borne so honorably through two campaigns. I respect
fully ask an appropriation to cover the expense thus incurred, and of
the replacement when needed of the colors of all the Massachusetts
troops. It is a proud satisfaction to know that never yet has the white
standard of this commonwealth been surrendered to the enemy."
In 1863, Joel Hayden was Lieut. Governor, Oliver War
ner, Secretary, Henry K. Oliver, Treasurer. Jonathan E.
Field was president of the Senate and Alexander H. Bul
lock was Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The legislature of that year passed the following Resolve :
Resolved, That a sum not exceeding three thousand dollars is
hereby appropriated for the purpose of replacing the flags of Massa
chusetts regiments worn out or lost in service, the same to be ex
pended from time to time during the current year, by the Governor
with the advice and consent of the Council.
Approved March 5, 1863.
A copy of this Resolve was sent to the Captain of the
Battery with the following words added in red ink: "A
'special Requisition' for the above will be promptly
answered." It is noted by the historian of the Third Mass. Battery
that on March 13, 1863, a new state color appeared in line.
The Fifth Mass. Battery was then in camp near the Third
in the vicinity of Falmouth, Va., but there is no record of
a new color having been sent or received. In his Returns
of Clothing, Camp and Garrison Equipage for Oct. 31,
1863, Captain Phillips made the following entry:

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 7
"Oct. 31, 1863, Received One Silk Guidon — new — ." In
November of the same year "On hand One Guidon."
According to the report of the Master of Ordnance of the
State of Massachusetts for the year 1863, no worn colors
from the Fifth Mass. Battery were in possession of the
Department, January 1, 1864, nor received during that year
ending December 31, 1863, neither is there any mention of
the one issued to them during that year.
In the Acts and Resolves of the Massachusetts Legisla
ture for 1864, Chapter 68, may be found the following Re
solve to provide for the procuring of flags to replace those
lost or worn out in the service, and for other purposes :
Resolved, That the unexpended balance of the appropriation of
three thousand dollars authorized by Chapter 26 of the Resolves of
1863, together with an additional sum not exceeding one thousand dol
lars, shall be allowed and paid for the purpose of replacing the flags
of Massachusetts regiments worn out in the service, and also for pro
viding the necessary colors and guidons for Massachusetts regiments
and batteries in the service of the United States; the same to be ex
pended from time to time, during the current year by the Governor,
with the advice and consent of the Council.
Approved May 10, 1864.
Section 77, Chapter 238, Acts and Resolves, 1864.
Each regiment shall be furnished by the State with the national and
state colors, their staffs, belts and sockets, and each battery of light
artillery and company of cavalry with its proper guidon, .staff, belt,
and socket, and the commander of such regiment, battery, or company,
shall be responsible for their safe keeping.
From the Report of Brigadier-General and Acting Chief
of Ordnance Richard A. Peirce to the Governor and Com
mander-in-Chief, dated January 2, 1865, for the year 1864:
"Schedule K: Worn colors received by the Chief of Ordnance dur
ing the year ending December 31, 1864.
5th Light Battery, I Guidon, silken.
Schedule L: Worn colors in charge of the Chief of Ordnance, De
cember 31, 1864.
5th Light Battery, 1 Guidon, silken."

8 HISTORY OF THE
There is no mention of the one issued to them in 1864.
In a letter to a member of his family Captain Phillips
wrote: "Before Petersburg, Nov. 16, 1864, I send you by
Lieut. Tripp the Battery flag which I wish to preserve as a
trophy. It is torn and spotted, but I wish to keep it just as
it is." In his Returns for the month of November, 1864, he has,
— "Rec'd One Guidon in case — new — " and in December
"On hand one Guidon."
THE INSCRIPTIONS ON THE FLAGS.
Head Quarters of the Army.
Adjutant General's Office
General Orders Washington Feb. 22 1862.
No. 19
The following Order has been received from the War Department:
It is ordered that there shall be inscribed upon the colors or guidons
of all regiments and batteries in the service of the United States the
names of the battles in which they have borne a meritorious part.
These names will also be placed on the Army Register at the head of
the list of the officers of each regiment.
It is expected that troops so distinguished will regard their colors
as representing the honor of their corps — to be lost only with their
lives; and that those not yet entitled to such a distinction will not rest
satisfied until they have won it by their discipline and courage.
The General commanding the Army will, under the instructions of
this Department, take the necessary steps to carry out the order.
Bv command of Major General McClellan.
L. Thomas
Official: Adjutant General.
Nothing was done in relation to this order until the
autumn of 1864, when there appeared the following circu
lar forwarded through the Commander of the Artillery
Brigade : Head Quarters sth Army Corps,
Circular September 21st 1864.
No. 135
Division Commanders and the Commander of the Artillery Bri
gade, will please have made out a report from each regiment and bat
tery in their commands, of the battles which they claim should be in
scribed on their flags and guidons for meritorious conduct as prescribed

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 9
in General Order No. 19, of February 22. 1862, from Head Quarters of
the Army. By command of Major General Warren.
(Signed) Fred T. Locke
A. A. G.
Head Quarters Artillery Brig. 5th A. C.
Sept. 21st 1864.
Official. Furnished for the information of Battery commanders. A list of
battles in which their commands have borne a part, and which will
entitle the commands to have the same inscribed on their guidons, will
be forwarded by commanders with the least possible delay.
By command of
col. c. s. wainwright Ford. Morris,
Lieut. A. A. A. G.
The following November a document was received at
Battery Head Quarters labelled "Decision of the Military
Board in Relation to what constitutes a battle to distinguish
from skirmishes in which some portions of the command
may have been engaged.
Also calling for a list of Battles in which Battery E has
actually been engaged during the present war."
This is endorsed by Captain Phillips, "Received and in
formation furnished Nov. 11. 1864."
THE DECISION ETC.
Head Quarters 5th Army Corps,
Nov. 8. 1864
General Orders
No. 55
By decision of the Military Board convened at these Head Quar
ters Oct. 29, 1864, by S. O. (Special Order) No. 268, the following
list comprises all the battles in which this Corps has been engaged.
Many regiments have claimed as battles actions which the board de
cides are only part of the same battle, and to be included under one
name. All that are claimed on the original list that do not appear on the
list furnished have been rejected.

10 HISTORY OF THE
It is decided that an organization may claim any engagement in
which the Corps to which it belonged took part, whether actually en
gaged or under orders and held in readiness on the field. Division
Commanders and the Commander of the Artillery Brigade, will have
new lists forwarded as soon as possible from all the regiments and
batteries in their commands to include only such battles designated on
the accompanying list, in order that the claims may be forwarded, and
the list published at an early date.
By command of
Maj. General Warren
A. S. Marvin Jr.
A. A. General.
Head Quarters Artillery Brig. 5th A. C.
Nov. 9, 1864. Ford Morris
Lieut, and A. A. A. General.
Official :
The "list" is appended, and in the following spring the
order for the inscriptions was issued :
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac
March 7. 1865.
General Orders
No. 10.
In accordance with the requirements of General Orders No. 19, of
1862, from the War Department, and in conformity with the reports
of boards convened to examine into the services rendered by the troops
concerned, and by the authority of the Lieutenant General command
ing Armies of the United" States, it is ordered that there shall be in
scribed upon the colors or guidons of the following regiments and bat
teries, serving in this army, the names of the battles in which they have
borne a meritorious part, and as hereinafter specified, viz :

BATTERY "E" MASSACHUSETTS ARTILLERY.
Yorktown. Rappahannock Station.
Hanover Court House. Mine Run.
MechanicsviUe. Wilderness.
Gaines Mills. Spottsylvania.
Malvern Hill. North Anna.
Second Bull Run. Bethesda Church.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 11
Fredericksburg. Petersburg.
Chancellorsville. Weldon Railroad.
Gettysburg. Hatcher's Run.
By command of Major General Meade Geo. D. Ruggles,
Assistant Adjutant General
Official :
RETURNED TO THE STATE.
Many flags had been returned before the war ended, for
Governor Andrew thus referred to them in his inaugural
address to the legislature in January, 1865 :
"In the vestibule of the capitol of the Commonwealth you passed to
this hall of your deliberations beneath a-' hundred battle-flags, war worn,
begrimed and bloody. They are sad but proud memorials of the
transcendent crime of the Rebellion, the curse of slavery, the elastic
energy of a free Commonwealth, the glory and the grief of War.
There has been no loyal army, the shout of whose victory has not
drowned the dying sigh of a son of Massachusetts. There has been
no victory gained which her blood has not helped to win."
After the war was over the Government made the follow
ing provision for the preservation of the colors in the fol
lowing order: War Department
Adjutant General's Office
Washington May 15, 1865.
General Orders
No. 94.
Extracts: III. The Adjutant General of the Army will designate
places of rendezvous in the respective States, to which the regiments,
after muster out, will be forwarded for payment.
IV. Upon arrival at the rendezvous where the musters-out are to
take place, a critical examination of the regimental and company rec
ords, books, &c, will be made; and in case of omissions, the proper
commanders will be made to supply them, and make all the entries as
enjoined by the Army Regulations. At the same time the muster-
out rolls will be commenced and prepared in accordance with existing
regulations, under the direction of the Assistant Commissaries of Mus
ters of Divisions, superintended by the Corps Commissaries. Corps

12 HISTORY OF THE
and Department commanders will see that the work is pushed with
energy and executed promptly, using to this end Division and Brigade
commanders to superintend it, and their respective staff officers, to
aid the mustering officers in collecting the data for the muster-out
rolls and discharge papers as well as the preparation of the same. .
V. So soon as the rolls of a regiment are completed, the said com
mand, with its arms, colors, and necessary equipage, will be placed en
route to its state, and to the rendezvous therein at or nearest which it
was mustered in.
En route, and after arrival in the State the following will be ob
served :
i. Immediately on arrival at the State rendezvous, the regiment
will be reported to, and taken control of, by the Chief Mustering
Officer for the State, or his assistant at the point.
7. The Chief Mustering Officer will, under regulations to be estab
lished by himself, take possession of and carefully preserve the regi
mental and company records, also the colors with the respective regi
ments, and hold them subject to orders from the Adjutant General of
the Army.
8. As soon as practicable after arrival at the state rendezvous the
Chief Mustering Officer, or his assistant, will see that the arms and
other public property brought to the State by the troops are turned
over to the proper officer of the Supply Department thereat.
VI. In preparing the muster-out rolls, Corps, Department, Divi
sion and Brigade commanders will hold regimental officers to a strict
accountability, in order to insure accurate and complete records of the
enlisted men, and the better to establish the just claims of the non
commissioned officers and privates who have been wounded, or of the
representatives of those who have died from disease or wounds, or
been killed in battle.
VII. Prior to the departure of regiments from the rendezvous
where mustered out, all public property, — except arms, colors, and
equipage required en route, — will be turned over to, and cared for by,
the proper officers of the Supply Department concerned.
THE RETURN OF THE GUIDON BY CAPT.
PHILLIPS. Headquarters Battery E.
Mass. Art'y
Readville, Mass., June 12, '65.
I certify on honor that I have this day turned over to

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 13
Bv't Capt. (Robert) Davis 2d U. S. Inf. and mustering of
ficer the following articles of C. C. and G. Equipage in obe
dience to G. O. No. 94 War Dept.
A. G. O. current series. A GUIDON.
On the back of this paper is written : —
"No. 4. Transferred to Capt. Davis, 1 Guidon."
In Captain Phillips' Returns of Clothing, Camp and Gar
rison Equipage for the month of June, 1865, there is the
entry : —
"Transferred to Capt. Davis One Guidon."
The records of the Record and Pension Office of the War
Department, show by information forwarded from that of
fice December 8, 1900, that by telegram dated War Depart
ment, Adjutant General's Office, June 13, 1865, the chief
mustering officer of the State of Massachusetts was author
ized to turn over all regimental colors in his charge under
section 7, paragraph 5, Special Orders No. 94, War Depart
ment, Adjutant General's Office, 1865, to the Governor of
the State of Massachusetts, at such time as the latter might
name. RECEIVED BY THE STATE.
On the 13th of December, 1865, the following General
Order was issued: Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Head Quarters, Boston.
December 13, 1865.
General Orders No. 18
By General Order No. 94, of the War Department, issued May 15,
1865, volunteer regiments and batteries, on their return to their re
spective, states, when mustered out and discharged, were to deposit their
colors with the chief United States mustering officers, to be by them
transferred to the governors of the states.

14 HISTORY OF THE
Since that time the following Massachusetts regiments and bat
teries, having faithfully served their country to the end of the Rebel
lion, returned home and been discharged, their colors have been re
ceived by Brevet-Colonel F. N. Clarke U. S. A.. Chief Musterine
Officer, viz. . 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, nth, 15th, 16th Batteries, Light
Artillery . . .
On Friday, 22d. instant. — Forefather's Day. — the colors will be
escorted from Colonel Clarke's headquarters, No. 2 Bulfinch Street,
to the State House, where they will be formally received by His Ex
cellency the Governor; and placed in the public archives of the Com
monwealth, to be sacredly preserved forever as grand emblems of the
heroic services and patriotic devotion to Liberty and Union of one
hundred and forty thousand of her dead and living sons.
The escort will be performed by the ist Company of Cadets Lieu
tenant Colonel Holmes commanding, who will report to Brevet Colonel
Ciarke, at his headquarters, at n o'clock a. m., when the line of march
will be taken up.
All general, regimental and company officers, and past general,
regimental and company officers of Massachusetts, and especially all
officers and past officers, and all non-commissioned officers and pri
vates of the several organizations named above, are invited to take
part in the ceremony, and join in the processsion.
The officers will, as far as practicable detail a color-guard for the
colors of their respective late commands. The original date of muster-
in of each command will govern its place in the procession. Officers
and enlisted men, as far as practicable, will appear in uniform.
For further orders and information apply to the Adjutant General
of the Commonwealth. By order of His Excellency John A. Andrew,
Governor and Commander-in-Chief.
William Schouler, Adjutant General.
The returned regiments and batteries having by their rep
resentatives signified their intention of taking part in these
ceremonies, the following order was issued :
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Head Quarters, Boston,
December 13, 1865.
[General Order, No. 19.]
It having been represented at these head-quarters that the Massa
chusetts regiments and companies which had filled their allotted terms
of service in the field prior to May 15, 1865, the colors of which are
deposited in the State House, desire to take part in the flag reception
on the 22d. instant, referred to in General Order No. 18, current series,

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 15
the Commander-in-Chief most cordially complies with their wishes.
The colors of these organizations will be handed them on the morning
of the 22d. upon proper requisition. They are to be returned at the
close of the services. Major General Darius N. Couch of Taunton.
ranking officer of volunteers in Massachusetts, has been invited to take
command of the troops. Should he decline Brevet Major General
George H. Gordon of Boston, next in rank, will take command.
The commanding general will arrange details.
By order of His Excellency John A. Andrew,
Governor and Commander-in-Chief.
William Schouler, Adjutant General.

Major Gen'l Couch accepted the command, appointed his
staff, designated the Division and Brigade commanders, and
made such arrangements for the order of the procession as
he thought proper, announcing the same through the public
press as directed by the Commander-in-Chief.
Included in the regiments and batteries were those who
served three months, ninety days, one hundred days, six
months, nine months, one year and three years regiments
and batteries, and it was decided that the organizations
should take their places in line according to their numbers
and not according to date of muster-in, as stated in General
Order No. 18. This was to prevent confusion in the forma
tion of the line. Meetings were at once held and color-
bearers appointed by the organizations, and Brig. Gen. Ed
ward W. Hinks was appointed Chief of Staff with head
quarters at Room 10, State House.
Brigadier and Brevet Major-General Joseph Hayes was
appointed to the command of the Divisionof Artillery, which
consisted of two Brigades: First, sixteen light batteries,
Captain and Brevet Colonel Augustus P. Martin, com
manding, and Second, four regiments and two battalions
heavy artillery, Colonel Wm. S. King, commanding.
The procession formed in the following order :
ist, Cavalry; 2d, Artillery; 3d, Infantry.
The Cavalry formed on Park Street mall of the Common,
right resting near Park Street gate, the Artillery on the

16 HISTORY OF THE
Tremont Street mall, right resting near Park Street gate,
and the Infantry on Beacon Street mall, right resting in
front of the State House.
General officers and their staffs appeared mounted as far
as practicable, and officers and men were in uniform and
carried side arms when such were available.
The weather was clear and cold and the ground was white
with snow.
The stars and stripes floated from staffs attached to
churches, and decorated public and private buildings. The
windows and roofs of houses were filled with spectators
looking down on the crowd beneath, but the mind was busy
with memories of events undreamed of in 1861, and at sight
of the worn colors borne by the troops, although there were
cheers hearty and prolonged, they were cheers with a differ
ence. The headquarters of General Couch were pitched on the
Park Street mall near the gate, and the colors were deliv
ered to the officers of the respective commands from his
tent. Before the procession started the flags were formally
passed over, with a few remarks from Brevet Colonel Fran
cis N. Clarke, Chief U. S. Mustering Officer to General
Couch at these headquarters.
General Couch's speech of acceptance closed with the fol
lowing words :
"To those who have been spared to bear them on to final triumph,
devolves the privilege of returning them to the Commonwealth, in the
consciousness that the object for which they were unfurled has been
fully accomplished, the principles they symbolize triumphantly vindi
cated, and the Union of the States restored upon a firm and enduring.
basis." This ceremony over, the procession started at eleven
o'clock a. m. The Boston Brigade Band accompanied the
Independent Cadets who formed the escort, and Gilmore's.
Band preceded the Infantry Corps.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 17
The route of march was from the Common to Tremont
Street as far north as Hanover Street, then as far south as
Dover Street and back to the Common through Arlington
and Beacon Streets.
In the Artillery Division, which made a fine display, the
Fifth Mass. Battery, Brevet Major C. A. Phillips, marched
with 40 men.
The moment the head of the procession reached the State
House, its arrival was announced by a gun from Light Bat
tery A on the Common.
The color-bearers took their places on each side of the
steps leading up to the front of the capitol, and the remain
der of the commands stood about in the yard on either side.
The colors were raised when the Governor and his staff
came forward, and prayer was offered by the Rev. Samuel
K. Lothrop D. D. Chaplain of the Cadets. Gen. Couch
then addressed the Governor. His speech ended with the
words, —
"May it please your Excellency, the colors of the Massachusetts
Volunteers are returned to the State."
In his address of acceptance Governor Andrew promised
that they should be "preserved and cherished amid all the
vicissitudes of the future, as mementoes of brave men and
noble actions," and his pledge has been kept inviolate by
successive Governors and legislatures, the result of whose
combined efforts is a Memorial Hall designed especially to
hold them, in simple grandeur second to none in the world,
which forms a part of the rotunda of the capitol. In their
sockets cut in the shelves of these niches the staves are firmly
fixed, and from them forever droop the colors never more
to be "loosed to the breeze."
THE BATTERY FLAGS IN 1902.
From the Report of Brigadier General and Acting Chief

18 HISTORY OF THE
of Ordnance Richard A. Peirce to the Governor and Com
mander-in-Chief, dated January i, 1866, for the year 1865 :
"Schedule of Worn Colors in charge of the Acting Chief of Ord
nance Dec. 31, 1865. . . .
5th Light Battery Mass. Volunteers 2 Guidons, silken, National."
These are doubtless the flags belonging to the Battery now
preserved at the State House as described August 11, 1900,
by Mr. Charles O. Eaton, who made the flags for the troops
in the first place, and has had exclusive charge of them since
they were brought back from the War, viz.,
No. 1, a National Flag, stars and stripes, about five feet
long, a large flag for a battery. It has no lettering, and is
ragged and torn. It is made of silk, and has a staff with
spear-head and battle-axe combined.
No. 2, is a National Guidon in good condition, that is, not
torn. It has a staff with spear-head. It is swallow tail
form, with gold stars on a blue ground, and the stripes red
and white alternate, beginning and ending with red. The
names of the battles are inscribed with red letters on white
stripes and gold colored letters on red stripes, beginning
with Yorktown in the upper red stripe. The list of battles
is the same as that given in General Order No. 10 p. 10
except that "Second Bull Run" is written "Bull Run 2d."
CORPS AND BRIGADE FLAGS AND BADGES.
"He interposed only a pin between himself and the only thing he
dreaded — oblivion. The pin held his name to his blouse, so that on
the morrow the newspapers might tell who had died for his country."
— Gen. W. W. Averell on the American Volunteer.
The Corps, Division, and Brigade flags accompany the
commanding general on the march, and are pitched in front
of Head Quarters in camp.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 19
Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
Camp near Alexandria Seminary, Va.
March 24, 1862.
General Orders
No. 102. Extract.
X. Brigades in Divisions, and Divisions in Army Corps, will be
numbered from right to left, but in reports of operations they will be
designated by the names of their commanders.
XI. Flags will be used to designate the various Headquarters as
follows : —
General Head Quarters: National Flag.
ist Army Corps, National Flag, with a small, square red flag be
neath; 2d Army Corps, National Flag, with a small, square, blue flag
beneath ; 3d. Army Corps, National Flag, with a small, square blue and
red flag vertical beneath ; 4th. Army Corps, National Flag, with a small,
square,, blue and red flag horizontal beneath.
ist. Division of an Army Corps, red flag 6 ft. long and 5 ft. wide.
The Artillery will have the colors of the Division to which it be
longs, and be distinguished by a right angled triangular flag, six feet
long and three feet wide at the staff.
The Hospitals will be designated by a yellow flag.
These flags will be attached to a portable staff 14 feet long, in two
joints, and will be habitually displayed in front of the tent, or from
some prominent part of the house or grounds occupied as the Head
Quarters which they designate, and on the march shall be carried near
the person of the officer commanding the Corps, Division, Brigade or
Regiment it is intended to designate.
By command of
Maj Gen'l McClellan. S. Williams, A. A. G.

This order, that in reports of operations the organizations
should be designated by the names of their commanders, has
done much to make incomprehensible the records of the
War, and to rob those who merited them of the honors to
which they were entitled, for in many instances only the
last name of a commander is given, where there were several
of the same name in the Division.

20 HISTORY OF THE
March 24, 1862, General Fitz John Porter's Division to
which the Fifth Mass. Battery was attached, formed a part
of the Third Corps of the Army of the Potomac, and had
embarked at Alexandria for the Peninsula campaign and
Yorktown. When the Fifth Corps was permanently established, July
22, 1862, Porter's Division became the ist Division of that
Corps. General Philip Kearney, who commanded a Division in
the old Third Corps, ordered during the Peninsula campaign
the wearing of a red diamond-shaped patch on the side of
the cap, for identification of the members of his Division,
which is said to have suggested the Corps badges devised
by General Daniel Butterfield a year later, and adopted by
Major General Joseph Hooker.
The flag of the ist Division, Fifth Corps, in the spring
campaign of 1863, was a rectangular white flag, with the
red maltese cross in the centre.
DISTINCTIVE CORPS BADGES. Head Quarters
Army of the Potomac
March 31st 1863.
"Circular "
For the purpose of ready recognition of Corps and Divisions of this
Army, and to prevent injustice by reports of straggling and misconduct
through mistake as to their organizations, the Chief Quartermaster
will furnish without delay the following badges to be worn by the Of
ficers and Enlisted men of all the regiments of the various corps men
tioned. They will be securely fastened upon the centre of the tops of
the caps. The inspecting officer will at all inspections see that these
badges are worn as designated.
5th Corps, a Maltese Cross. Red for ist Div White for 2d Div:
Blue for 3d Division.
The size and color will be according to pattern.
By command of Maj. Gen'l Hooker.
S. Williams,
(Sd.) A. A. G.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 21
Head Quarters 5th Army Corps,
April i. 1863.
(The Badges are now being prepared and will shortly be furnished.)
Official :
(Signed) Fred T. Locke,
A. A. G.
Head Quarters ist Div. 5th Corps.
April 1. 1863.
Official: (Sd.) C. W. B. Mervine, Asst. Adjt. Gen'l.
Head Quarters Division Art'y.
ist Div. 5th Corps, April 2d. 1863.
Official :
A. P. Martin,
Capt. Com'd'g Div. Artillery.

These badges were worn upon the top of the men's caps,
and on the sides of officers' hats.
The Reserve Artillery had a swallow-tail flag, red, with
cross cannons white, in the centre.
From the Diary of Captain Nathan Appleton.
Martin's Brigade Badge.
"Sunday, November 22, 1863. Captain A. P. Martin
gets up a Brigade badge. . . ." "The first time he went to
Boston after this, he had one made by the firm of Guild,
jewelers on Washington street. It is a maltese cross : the
bars being of gold, and the centre a small maltese cross of
stones, the white one being pearl, combining the three
Division colors, red, white and blue, the pin' at the top
composed of two crossed cannons."
HOSPITAL FLAGS. War Department
Adjutant General's Office
Washington, Jan'y 4. 1864.
General Orders
No. 9.
The Hospital and Ambulance Flags of the Army are established as

22 HISTORY OF THE
follows : — For General Hospitals, yellow bunting 9 by 5 feet, with the
letter H, 24 inches long, of green bunting, in centre.
' For Post and Field Hospitals, yellow bunting 6 by 4 feet, with letter
H, 24 inches long, of green bunting, in centre.
For ambulances, and guidons to mark the way to Field Hospitals,
yellow bunting 14 by 28 inches, with a border, one inch deep, of green.
By Order of the Secretarv of War,
E. D. Townsend,
Ass't Adjt General.
HEAD QUARTERS FLAGS.
»
UNDER GRANT AND MEADE.
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac,
May 2. 10.30 a. m. 1864.
Circular :
Hereafter the designating flag for these Head Qrs. will be a ma
genta colored swallow tail flag, with an eagle in gold surrounded by a
silver wreath for an emblem.
By command of Maj. Gen'l Meade. (Sgd) S. Williams,
Ass't Adjt. Gen'l.
Head Qrs. 5th Army Corps. May 2, 1864.
Official : (Sgd) Fred T. Locke,
Ass't Adjt. General.
Head Qrs Art'y. Brig. 5th A. C.
May 3, 1864.
Official: A. Matthewson,
Lieut. & A A. A. Gen'l.
THE LETTER E.
In the estimate for clothing for October, 1864, in Quar
ter Master Sergeant Wm. H. Peacock's Account Book, are
30 blouses, 40 caps, 100 cross cannon, and 100 Letter E.
See p. 50 General Order No. 86, Consolidation of Artil
lery.

CHAPTER II.
IN 'SIXTY- ONE.
"They knew how genuine glory was put on ;
Taught us how rightfully a nation shone
In splendor; what strength was, that would not bend
But in magnanimous weakness." — William Wordsworth.
In the first moment of the declaration of a Union of
States bearing the title of the United States of America,
the germ of expansion had taken root, and following close
upon its rapid growth came the anxiety for the safety of
the seat of government. John Quincy Adams in a speech
in Congress on April 14, 1842, thus gave expression to his
belief that the vicinity of Washington would, sooner or
later, become the theatre of a great conflict : — "If civil war
come" said he, "if insurrection come, is this beleaguered
capital, is this besieged government to see millions of its
subjects in arms, and have no right to break the fetters
which they are forging into swords ? No ! The war power
of the government can sweep this institution (slavery) into
the Gulf."
The "institution" standing thus between the States, an
ever present, ever increasing source of ill feeling, was nev
ertheless not the immediate provocation that roused the
North to action in 'Sixty-One. Not the slightest allusion
was publicly made to it amidst the bustle and unusual ex
citement of a military character, which unsettled the pub
lic mind; in which decision and hesitation alternated,
when men resolved and women pleaded tearfully, then
yielded with a proud, fond foreboding, too soon realized,
23

24 HISTORY OF THE
of the sacrifice to come : but the plea was always the dan
ger that menaced the capital and the threatened dissever
ance of the Union; a plea which was comprehended in
England as shown by a few words of John Bright in a
speech at Rochdale, when he declared : — "If the thirty-
three or thirty-four States of the American Union can
break off whenever they like, I can see nothing but disas
ter and confusion throughout the whole of that continent.
I say that the war, be it successful or not, be it Christian
or not, be it wise or not, is a war to sustain the govern
ment and to sustain the authority of a great nation."
In 1 86 1, John A. Andrew was Governor of the state
of Massachusetts, John Z. Goodrich Lieutenant Governor,
Oliver Warner Secretary, Henry K. Oliver Treasurer.
President of the Senate William Claflin, Speaker of the
House of Representatives John A. Goodwin. Clerk of the
Senate Stephen N. Gifford, Clerk of the House William
Stowe. The Rev. A. L. Stone was Chaplain of the House,
the Rev. A. S. Patton of the Senate. Maj. John Morissey
was Sergeant-at-Arms.
The Governor's Staff consisted of Lieutenant-Colonels
Horace Binney Sargent, Harrison Ritchie, John W. Weth-
erell and Henry Lee Jr.
The members of the United States Senate from Massa
chusetts, were Charles Sumner, who was chairman of the
Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Henry Wilson, who
was chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs. U. S.
Representatives from this state were Thomas D. Eliot,
James Buffington, Benjamin F. Thomas, Alexander H.
Rice, William Appleton, John B. Alley, Daniel W. Gooch,
Charles R. Train, Goldsmith F. Bailey, Charles Delano,
Henry L. Dawes.
Abraham Lincoln of Illinois, had been elected President
of the United States, and Hannibal Hamlin of Maine,
Vice President. The election took place on November 6,
i860.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 25
South Carolina, the most recalcitrant State, had threat
ened, in case Abraham Lincoln was elected, to secede from
the Union, in order to form a new confederacy of those
states which upheld the traffic in slaves. Accordingly, not
withstanding Congress was not in session until the 3d of
December, i860, the members of the United States Senate
from South Carolina hastened to resign their seats. It
was determined that United States law should no longer
be administered in that state, and the United States judge
for the district of South Carolina resigned his office.
Other civil officers of the Government followed suit, the
palmetto flag of South Carolina displaced the flag of our
Union on several vessels in Charleston harbor, and a con
vention of the people was recommended by the state legis
lature then- in session. On December 20, i860, South
Carolina by a unanimous vote formally passed an ordinance
of secession; commissioners were appointed to proceed to
Washington to treat with the United States, and soon
thereafter its representatives in Congress dissolved their
connection with that body.
Thus was inaugurated the War of the Rebellion, for
Georgia soon joined her fortunes with those of South
Carolina, and the "blue cockade" a sign in former years of
South Carolina's nullification, appeared in the streets of
Savannah. In 1832, South Carolina nullified the revenue
laws of the Union.
January 5, 1861, John A. Andrew was inaugurated Gov
ernor of the Commonwealth and on the 14th a committee
of the State Senate made the following report:
Report of a Committee. In Senate, January 14, 1861.
The Committee on the Militia, to whom was referred the portion of
the Governor's address relating to the Militia, beg leave to report that
they have considered the suggestions therein contained, and in order to
give the Commander-in-Chief the power of immediately increasing the
efficiency of an active militia by enlarging the number of privates in

26 HISTORY OF THE
companies of cavalry and infantry, by organizing new companies, and
filling up to their quota the regiments and battalions now existing, and
by increasing the whole force on the present basis, to such an extent
as in his opinion the exigencies of the times may require, unanimously
recommend the passage of the accompanying Act.
For the Committee, Charles O. Rogers.
This report was accepted but before the bill came up in
the Senate the following General Order was issued by the
Adjutant General of the State.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Head Quarters, Boston.
January 16, 1861.
[General Order No. 4.]
Events which have recently occurred, and are now in progress,
require that Massachusetts should be at all times ready to furnish her
quota upon any requisition of the President of the United States, to
aid in the maintenance of the laws, and the peace of the Union. His
Excellency the Commander-in-Chief therefore orders. —
That the commanding officer of each company of Volunteer Militia
examine with care the roll of his company, and cause the name of
each member, together with his rank and place of residence, to be
properly recorded, and a copy of the same to be forwarded to the office
of the Adjutant General. Previous to which commanders of com
panies shall make strict inquirv, whether there are men in their com
mands who from age, physical defect, business, or family causes, may
be unable, dr indisposed to respond at once to the orders of the Com
mander-in-Chief, made in response to the call of the President of the
United States, that they be forthwith discharged, so that their places
may be filled by men ready for any public exigency which may arise,
whenever called upon.
After the above orders shall have been fulfilled, no discharge, either
of officer or private shall be granted, unless for cause satisfactory to
the Commander-in-Chief. If any companies have not the number of
men allowed by law, the commanders of the same, shall make proper
exertions to have the vacancies filled, and the men properly drilled and
uniformed, and their names and places of residence forwarded to Head
Quarters. To promote the objects embraced in this order, the general, field,
and staff officers, and the Adjutant and Acting Quartermaster General
will give all the aid and assistance in their power.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 27
Major Generals Sutton, Morse and Andrews, will cause this order
to be promulgated throughout their respective divisions.
By command of His Excellency, John A. Andrew,
Governor and Commander-in-Chief.
William Schouler,
Adjutant General.
Adjutant General Schouler in his "History of Massa
chusetts in the Civil War" says that although this order
was criticised as unnecessary and sensational, in some
quarters, it was obeyed with alacrity by those to whom it
was addressed.
Next came the discussion of the Militia Bill in the State
Senate :
AN ACT IN RELATION TO THE VOLUNTEER
MILITIA.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in Gen
eral Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows : —
¦ Section i. The volunteer militia companies, as now organized,
with their officers, shall be retained in the service : and, hereafter, as
the public exigency may require, the organization of companies of ar
tillery may be authorized, on petition, by the Commander-in-Chief,
with advice of the Council, and the organization of other companies
may be authorized on petition by the Commander-in-Chief, or by the
mayor and aldermen or selectmen by his permission; but all additional
companies, battalions and regiments which may be organized under the
provisions of this Act, shall be disbanded whenever the Governor, or
the legislature, shall deem that their services are no longer needed.
Companies of cavalry shall be limited to one hundred privates and a
saddler and a farrier: companies of artillery to forty-eight cannoneers,
twenty-four drivers, and a saddler and a farrier: the cadet companies
of the first and second divisions to one hundred, and companies of in
fantry and riflemen to sixty-four privates.
Section 2. The fourteenth section of the thirteenth chapter _ of the
General Statutes, and all laws or parts of laws now in force, limiting
the number of the volunteer militia, are hereby repealed.
Section 3. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
Senate, January 18, 1861.
Passed to be engrossed.
Sent down for concurrence. S. N. Gifford, Clerk.
There were several substitute bills but they were re
jected, and the bill as here given passed both branches;
amended in Section 1, by the insertion of the words,

28 HISTORY OF THE
"and said companies so retained and so organized, shall be liable on a
requisition of the President of the United States upon the Commander-
in-Chief to be marched without the limits of the Commonwealth," —
after the lines referring to the authorization of the com
panies and before those referring to their disbandment.
It was signed by the Governor February 15, 1861, but
in the mean time Resolutions had passed both branches
and received the Governor's signature, for plans for seces
sion were rapidly reaching their consummation in the
Southern States, and the situation became more and more
one of anxiety and alarm. Mississippi promptly gave evi
dence of her affiliation with the seceding states. Jefferson
Davis, afterwards president of the confederacy, who had
been U. S. Secretary of War under President Franklin
Pierce, and was then U. S. senator from Mississippi, took
leave of the U. S. Senate on January 20, 1861. It was
months before the other Southern States passed ordinances
of secession, and the western portion of Virginia never
wavered in her loyalty to the Union, but was made a new
state, that of West Virginia, while the conflict raged in the
eastern portion of her sacred soil. There was in all the
southern states a respectable minority in favor of the
Union who found their most distinguished representative in
the person of ex-President Andrew Jackson of Tennessee,
on the pedestal of whose monument were cut in the "solid
granite by the order of the citizens of that state, his mem
orable words : — "The Union must and shall be preserved."
It was the union of the State of Virginia with the Con
federacy which placed Washington, the capital of the na
tion in imminent peril for four years. Already, in the win
ter of 'Sixty-One the extremity of the Long Bridge across
the Potomac River over which was the passage south out
of Washington, was "hostile soil."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 29
RESOLUTIONS IN THE MASSACHUSETTS
LEGISLATURE.
January 23, 1861, the Governor signed the following:
Resolves tendering the Aid of the Commonwealth to the
President of the United States, in enforcing the Laws and
Preserving the Union.
Whereas, Several states of the Union have through the action of
their people and authorities, assumed the attitude of rebellion against
the national government ; and whereas, treason is still more extensively
diffused, and, whereas, the state of South Carolina, having first seized
the post office, custom house, moneys, arms, munitions of war and
fortifications of the federal government, has, by firing upon a vessel in
the service of the United States, committed an act of war: and,
whereas, the forts and property of the United States in Georgia, Ala
bama, Louisiana and Florida, have been seized with hostile and trea
sonable intention : and, whereas, senators and representatives in Con
gress avow and sanction these acts of treason and rebellion: therefore,
Resolved, That the legislature of Massachusetts, now, as always,
convinced of the inestimable value of the Union, and the necessity of
preserving its blessings to ourselves and our posterity, regard with un
mingled satisfaction the determination evinced in the recent firm and
patriotic special message of the President of the United States (James
Buchanan) to amply and faithfully discharge his constitutional duty of
enforcing the tews and preserving the integrity of the Union : and we
proffer to him, through the Governor of the Commonwealth, such aid
in men and money as he may require, to maintain the authority of the
national government.
Resolved, That the Union-loving and patriotic authorities, represent
atives and citizens of those states whose loyalty is endangered or
assailed by internal or external treason, who labor in behalf of the
Federal Union with unflinching courage and patriotic devotion, will
receive the enduring gratitude of the American neoile.
Resolved, That the Governor be requested to forward, forthwith,
conies of the foregoing resolutions, to the President of the United
States, and the Governors of the several states.
Approved January 23, 1861.
At this period, and intimately connected with the scenes
enacted in the national capital previous to the inaugura
tion of President Lincoln March 4, 1861, immortal names

30 HISTORY OF THE
of Massachusetts illumine every page of history, names,
some of which are borne by members of the Battery and
by others whose influence swayed its fortunes. Here also
Rhode Island, so closely connected with the Battery in its
marches, camps, and battles, furnishes her quota of lead
ing figures.
It was as members of a commission appointed to repre
sent the interests of Massachusetts on a question of dis
puted boundary between Massachusetts and Rhode Island,
— a question which had long been in dispute, the first re
port of a commission having been made to this Common
wealth February 21, 1792, — in the Supreme Court of the
United States, that four lawyers met at Washington in
January, 1861 : Ex-Governor John H. Clifford of New
Bedford, who had been attorney general of the state from
1849 to 1853, and again from 1854 to 1858, and was then
"Of Counsel for the Commonwealth," and Hon. Stephen
H. Phillips who had been attorney general since 1858, rep
resented Massachusetts; the Hon. Charles S. Bradley ex-
Chief Justice, and the Hon. Thomas A. Jenckes, repre
sented Rhode Island. All arrived in Washington before
January 26, 1861. Hon. Edwin M. Stanton was then
U. S. Attorney General, holding that office in the Cabinet
of the retiring President, James Buchanan.
An account of an interview between Attorney General
Stanton and these gentlemen, with attending circumstances,
by the late Hon. Stephen H. Phillips, from which these
facts are taken, was published in the New York Sun, June
11, 1893. He was then the only surviving member of the
commission. On Wednesday evening Tanuary 30, 1861, a special mes
senger was sent to Willard's Hotel to convey the gentlemen
from Massachusetts to the Attorney General's office in the
Treasury Building.
Stanton said when Governor Clifford remarked upon the
difficult access to the building, that such strictness might

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 31
keep honest men out, but that all the public buildings were
full of traitors. In relation to the seizure of all the ar
chives and muniments of the Government, the following is
quoted by Mr. Phillips from a letter written by Governor
Clifford to Gen. the Hon. Henry Wilson, dated Feb. 5,
1871 :—
"When it was known with what facility this could have been accom
plished, and a provisional Government declared, with the ready recog
nition of almost every diplomatic representative of foreign governments
then in Washington, it is not surprising that I should have felt in
passing through the corridors of the Treasury building at midnight
with two or three superannuated watchmen only for its custody and
defense, as if I were walking over a mined fortress, that might at any
moment be blown up under my feet."
At the time of this interview of January 30, 1861, the
navy had been dispersed where it would do no good, the
"Brooklyn" was the only fighting ship at Secretary Tou-
cey's disposal, (Isaac Toucey of Connecticut was Secre
tary of the Navy) the officers of the Naval Academy and
the practice ship "Constitution" and the northern cadets
generally were loyal.
Secretary Stanton thought that the militia could be
promptly mobilized only in three states, viz., New York,
Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
The following is a copy of a letter signed John H. Clif
ford and Stephen H. Phillips to Governor John A. Andrew,
written that night after their return to the Hotel from
their call upon the U. S. Attorney General : —
Washington, Wednesday night,
January 30, 1861.
Dear Sir.
In an interview we have had with the Attorney General of the
United States, we have been authorized to express to you confidentially
his individual opinion that there is imminent if not inevitable peril of
an attack upon the city of Washington, between the 4th and 15th Feb
ruary, with a view to secure the svmbols of Government, and the
power and prestige of Dossessions bv the traitors who are plotting the
dissolution of the Union.

32 HISTORY OF THE
We have a moment before the closing of the mail, to say to you,
in this informal way, that no vigilance should be relaxed for Massa
chusetts to be ready at any moment, and upon a sudden emergency, to
come to the succor of the Federal Government.
This may be an unnecessary precaution, but we feel that it is a sim
ple discharge of a plain duty on our part, to give you the intimation of
what we have heard from a source of such high authority.
In great haste we are very truly and respectfully, John H. Clifford.
Stephen H. Phillips.
Gov. Andrew.

Clifford said to Phillips "Bradley and you must get
through your printing by Friday. If the Supreme Court
endures till then we will pack up and go home, arouse the
people, and await the logic of events."
The "logic of events" was a favorite phrase of the seces
sionists. Phillips says "They reckoned upon getting the
revolution well under way, and afterwards trusting to the
'logic of events.' "
Stanton mentioned that General Scott, who was at the
head of the Army, had prevailed on the President to send
for two more batteries.
Stanton was an old democrat, without as he, himself,
said, affiliation with Republican leaders, neither was he in
the councils of Mr. Lincoln and his friends, yet he ac
cepted the entire responsibility of publishing to all whom it
might concern, his profound sense of the impending peril,
and his earnest appeal to all in authority to contribute their
utmost energy for the preservation of the Union.
The day after the meeting at the office of the U. S. At
torney General, the gentlemen from Massachusetts sent a
letter to the Hon. Horace Gray, explaining much that Mr.
Stanton had told them, and especially indicating the route
through Annapolis which Mr. Stanton favored. Mr. Gray
was to apprise Governor Andrew of the contents of this
letter.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 33
Mr. Felton of the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Balti
more Railroad in a conversation with Mr. Clifford that
day, said he was alarmed for his bridges.
On Friday, February ist, Governor Clifford explained
the elaborate details of the disputed boundary case to the
Supreme Court, and then alluding to the troubled condi
tion of the country, protested that in New England we
should resort to no arms but those of the law to settle
troubles between sister states. He used few words, but the
placid dignity of his manner made a profound impression.
When he got through the Chief Justice gave special direc
tions to the Clerk, carefully notifying that the plat and sur
veys must be returned into court by the ist of August.
(See p. 47. Letter of C. A. Phillips.) j
Feb. 2, 1 86 1, Saturday, the commissioners left Washing
ton. At the President street station they passed a long
train, with pieces of artillery, caissons, horses, and the
equipage of a light battery, followed by three cars full of
soldiers. This was the West Point battery, which had left
the Military Academy the day before, commanded by
Lieut. Charles Griffin, afterwards a Division and Corps
commander often mentioned in these pages. The orders
of which Mr. Stanton had spoken had been executed with
military promptness.
In a New York newspaper which they obtained at Tren
ton, Mr. Clifford read what caused him to exclaim "Our
letter has reached Boston." Then he read that by request
of Governor Andrew, the legislature of Massachuetts went
the day before into secret session, in consequence of alarm
ing news from Washington, and placed an emergency fund
of $100,000 at the disposal of the Governor.
In New York Mr. Phillips met John Bigelow, then con
nected with the New York Evening Post, who urged him
to go to Albany to see Governor Morgan which the Mas
sachusetts gentlemen refused to do. Mr. Bigelow called,
bringing Mr. W. C. Bryant and a friend of the Governor,

34 HISTORY OF THE
but Phillips earnestly exhorted them to persuade Gov. Mor
gan to send some officer of the National Guard to confer at
Washington with General Scott and the secretary of war,
[Ex-Postmaster General Joseph Holt of Kentucky an hon
orable and patriotic Democrat, was then Secretary of War],
and this timely warning in New York no doubt resulted in
the readiness of the N. Y. 7th Regiment to go to Washing
ton the following April. The commissioners reached Bos
ton at 11 o'clock p. m. Monday Feb. 4th, going to the
Tremont House, where they met more friends anxious for
news. They seemed to be preparing for the worst, which
simply meant war.
Mr. Phillips went to the State House at an early hour,
and was cordially welcomed by Governor Andrew, who
spoke of their letter as acceptable, not because it contained
anything unexpected, but because it was the first responsi
ble and compact statement which he could show to others.
Everything was bustle about the Governor's room. Mili
tary preparations were universal.
Later in the day, after Mr. Clifford's call on the Govern
or, Colonel Harrison Ritchie was ordered to proceed to
Washington at once, to be in communication with Mr.
Stanton and General Scott according to Clifford's advice.
In a sketch of Governor Andrew by Albert G. Browne
Jr. military secretary to the Governor during the war, pub
lished in 1868, is the following in relation to the route to
Washington by sea : —
"General Scott and Governor Andrew in consultation had provided
in anticipation of obstruction of their route overland, that they should
proceed by sea and be disembarked either under cover of the guns of
Fort McHenry at Baltimore, or else at Annapolis Md., and steamers
were kept for weeks in readiness at his (the Governor's) bidding, to
transport them to the Chesapeake."
This in point of time was January and February, 1861.
Fort McHenrv was built in the form of a star, the e;uns
1 O

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 35
being placed on the projections. Towards the city of Balti
more there were open and level grounds affording an op
portunity for 50,000 men to manoeuvre. The walls were
earth embankments, not more than six to eight feet in
height. Mr. Phillips thus refers in his article to what
occurred in March and April : —
"During the inauguration of President Lincoln, it waa thought pru
dent to display a strong military force and to conceal a stronger one.
All the avenues and approaches to the Capitol and even the roofs of
buildings were guarded by armed men and artillery posted to sweep
the streets. Little more than a month later, in consequence of the
attack on Fort Sumter, the new President appealed to 'the country
and 5,500 men of Massachusetts and 1,000 from Rhode Island with
Governor Sprague at their head, moved almost at the tap of the
drum." LINCOLN'S CABINET.
President Lincoln's Cabinet consisted of William H.
Seward Secretary of State, Simon Cameron Secretary of
War, Gideon Welles Secretary of the Navy, Salmon P.
Chase Secretary of the Treasury, Edward Bates Attorney
General. The Department of the Interior was in charge
of Caleb Smith and the Post Office Department had Mont
gomery Blair at its head. These counsellors of the Presi
dent exercised a marked influence on the conduct of the
War in its earliest years.
March 9, 1861, the Confederate Congress passed an Act
for the organization of an army, and the Confederate Sec
retary of War prophesied that the Confederate flag would
float over the Capitol at Washington before the ist of May,
and it might float eventually over Faneuil Hall itself.
April 12, 1 86 1, the attack was made by the Confeder
ates on Fort Sumter, South Carolina, and 30,000,000 peo
ple, it was said, watched the contest by telegraph.
April 15, 1 86 1, Abraham Lincoln President of the
United States issued a proclamation calling for 75,000
men.

36 HISTORY OF THE

THE ROADS TO WASHINGTON.
The railroad bridges of the Northern and Central Penn
sylvania and the Philadelphia and Baltimore Railway,
crossed several rivers within the boundaries, and on the
night of the 19th of April, 1861, after the Massachusetts
6th Reg't. Infantry, had fought its way through the riot
ous city of Baltimore, the bridges over them were destroyed
by the order of the authorities of the city.
Besides the route from the north to Washington through
Baltimore, there were two other routes viz., one by the
Potomac River, and the other by way of Annapolis. The
route adopted by the New York 7th Regiment Infantry was
followed for months by all succeeding regiments from the
North. From Philadelphia there were two ways to Annap
olis, one down the Delaware River, passing the capes of
Chesapeake Bay, through the Bay and up the Severn River
to the harbor of Annapolis, the other was to go to Havre
de Grace, from Philadelphia, and from there to Annapolis.
The N. Y. 7th took the latter route. All the rails were up
from Annapolis to Annapolis Junction, and communica
tion between Washington and the North by rail and wire,
was destroyed. Telegraphing direct from Washington to
New York, was suspended for nine days.
At this time Charles A. Phillips a younger brother of
the Attorney General and afterwards captain of the Bat
tery, having graduated from Harvard College class of
i860, at the age of 19, was studying law in a lawyer's of
fice in New York. The following is an extract from his
Journal. New York. Monday, April 22. 1861 : "I start on
Wednesday to join Salem Zouaves — uniform ordered — re
volver purchased and all ready. T am just packing this
book away."
The Salem three months men were passing through

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 37
New York bound South. The next day he wrote home,
"I am off for Washington. I have stood it as long as I
could and can't keep away: I was asked to join the 9th
Regiment here but I prefer to join the Salem Zouaves, so
I am going on to join them and see if they will not take
me. I shall start at the earliest opportunity, probably on
Wednesday or Thursday, with the 9th Regiment. Mas
sachusetts is doing nobly and exciting the admiration of all
here." Still in New York on April 24th he wrote to one of his
brothers : — "I want to get on to Washington and join the
Salem Light Infantry, but find I may have some difficulty
in getting on. Can't you get me some certificate or some
thing of the sort from the authorities in Massachusetts, that
will put me through ? I have no doubt Captain Devereaux
will take me.
Can't you get a note from Gov. Andrew passing me on
to Washington as a recruit to the S. L. I.? They are
rather short of men, only 64, and ought to be glad to get
me. I am determined to go, somehow, and if you can get
me something of the sort I can get an opportunity to leave
with the 9th Reg't. which will leave here no earlier than
Friday afternoon, and probably not before Saturday. Miss
ing these, I can probably get a chance very soon. I pre
fer a Massachusetts regiment. Please see what you can do
for me."
The advice he received from his brother was that if he
was to join the Salem Zouaves, or Light Infantry, he must
go home and start from Massachusetts. Another brother
Edward W. Phillips afterwards lieutenant in the 50th Mas
sachusetts Infantry, had joined the Fourth Battalion.
The New York Seventh Regiment arrived in Washington
at noon of April 25th and were cheered by the Sixth Mas
sachusetts outside the Capitol as they approached the sta
tion. For five days Washington had been isolated from the

38 HISTORY OF THE
rest of the world, defended only by a small force of Regu
lars and District Militia, the Massachusetts Sixth Regi
ment, and citizens, including congressmen from the west
ern states; not more than five thousand men under arms.
The windows of the public buildings by order of General
Scott were barricaded' and earthworks were thrown up.
The principal passage ways of the Treasury and the Capi
tol were defended by howitzers which raked their length.
Breastworks were set up in the Capitol made of the iron
plates cast for the dome supported by barrels of cement and
heaps of stone and timber. The basement of the building
was used as a kitchen and bakery, and after communication
with the North was resumed, troops bivouacked in the ro
tunda, and the chambers of the Senate and House were
turned into barracks.
A large proportion of the incumbents of the public offi
ces in all the Departments, had been retained by the in
coming administration, and it was well known that among
them were many spies and traitors, ready to give aid and
encouragement to the enemv in the destruction of the Gov
ernment to which they had taken the oath of allegiance.
The Confederacy had a considerable force the whole line,
from the Chesapeake Bay to Edward's Ferry, about 30
miles above the capital. Maryland was then mainly in
hostile possession. Baltimore and Ashland Md. were in
the hands of the insurgents. The White House and Treas
ury building might be destroyed by long range cannon
aimed from Arlington Heights two miles away.
The number of troops then reported at Richmond under
command of the rebel general Beauregard was 27,000 men,
in addition to the Virginia troops in the vicinity of Wash
ington. The Long Bridge had been secured by General Scott, and
the bridge at Georgetown had been rendered useless.
If taken, the capital could not have been retained against
superior numbers, but the capture would have placed the

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 39
archives in the hands of the enemies of the Union. Wash
ington was, however, in the words of President Lincoln,
considered "safe for the country and the Constitution,"
after the Mass. 6th Regiment via Baltimore, and the New
York 7th via Annapolis had arrived, although there was
"great need of reinforcements."
PRIVATE OF MARINES.
C. A. Phillips instead of going to Washington as he pro
posed in his New York letters, went to Salem and as he
recorded in his Journal of July 27th, 1861, "got a place
as private of marines on board the Propeller 'Cambridge'
owned by the State of Massachusetts and the underwriters
of Boston. Sergeant of Marines John Dove.
Corporal Chas. J. Lee."
There were other Salem young men on this transport.
FOUR LETTERS OF C. A. PHILLIPS.
(Boston, Mass.)
"Propeller Cambridge T Wharf.
Wednesday Evening, May 1, 1861.
We got on board here about two hours ago. and are just
sitting down. Yesterday we did nothing but drill a little,
get caps etc. About 5 o'clock we were dismissed for the
night, and I went out to Cambridge and spent the night
with Fox and Scott. Fox was keeping guard at the Ar
senal in the rain till 9 o'clock this morning. We reported
at 9 o'clock, and after loafing round a little while, we signed
a receipt for equipments etc. and then the Articles, and
took an oath of allegiance. After this we were dismissed
till 3, and Huntington and I went over to Jamaica Plain;
our uniforms passing us over the road free. At half past
two we got our uniforms, and started for Roxbury with
the Sergeant. Our uniform consists of a dark blue fatigue

40 HISTORY OF THE
cap with a bugle in front, dark blue frock coat with brass
buttons and yellow trimmings, and light blue pants, alto
gether a snug looking uniform. After standing in the rain
some time we got into a car and started for Roxbury. Ar
riving at the Sergeant's we stumbled into the middle of an
Irish picnic party and a good many small boys. The Ser
geant — John Dove — has a pretty little house and quite a
large estate, into which we marched and paraded for a
little time, after which we marched into the house, stacked
our arms in the back parlor, and then marched into the
front parlor to be introduced to the notabilities. Here we
found quite a crowd gathered to receive us, particularly
young ladies. After a short interval of conversation, we
adjourned to the dining-room and prepared to pitch in.
The Sergeant had prepared quite a little collation of oys
ters, ham, corned beef, salad, coffee, lemonade etc. to
which you may be assured we did ample justice, particular
ly as I had had no dinner. After this we returned imme
diately to our quarters and were ordered to prepare to go
on board. Accordingly we shouldered our knapsacks and
haversacks, took our revolvers, formed, and marched down
State Street.
Here we got our first taste of glory.
The small boys hurrahed, the people stood still and
looked, and for a short time we were the centre of attrac
tion. Our men are pretty good looking, and a pretty good
set of fellows. Their names are Sergeant John Dove, Cor
poral C J. Lee, Privates James Turner, Andrew Miller,
Albert Upton,  Arnold, Ben Nichols, C. E. Pond,
•  Cutler,  Henry, Frank Pope, W. D. Huntington,
C. A. Phillips.
When we got to the wharf we found the 'Cambridge'
lying ready to take in her guns, which were on the wharf :
two 8 in. to go forward, one small brass to go on the quar
ter deck, another ditto to go forward. We are quartered in
the state rooms, — 3 in a room — opening into the cabin.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 41
Huntington, Lee and I are in one room. Our state rooms
are first rate and our accommodations excellent. At this
moment we are most of us sitting around the cabin table. 78
bunks have been fitted up amidships to carry two men in
each, recruits. We shall sail tomorrow for Fort Monroe
and Annapolis. Our Articles bind us for 30 days unless
sooner discharged." "Propeller Cambridge
Off Cape Cod
May 2, 1861.
As I shall get a chance to send a letter at Holmes Hole
by William Lee I have come down from deck to write a
little. To continue my journal which I sent by Mr. Hunt
ington : — Last evening we turned into our state rooms
and enjoyed a good night's rest till about 7 o'clock. As
the cook had neglected to provide for us we went on shore
to get breakfast. At half past nine having returned to the
boat, we were put on guard at the gangways and on the
wharf, while we took on board our guns : — two 8 in. for
ward, one 12 pounder brass gun on the forecastle, and one
12 pound rifled brass gun on the quarter deck. From 9
and one half to 11 and one half, I was keeping guard on
the wharf, my musket gaining weight very rapidly. At 1 1
and one half we cast off, and steamed down the harbor,
saluting Fort Independence as we passed. We were too
far off, however, to distinguish any faces.
At noon our duties proper commenced, and so far consist
in mounting guard three at a time, two at the after com
panion way, and prevent any but officers, marines, etc.
from passing, and one on the lower deck over the forward
hatchway, to prevent any smoking, fire etc., the powder
being stored below. The last guard carries a cutlass, and
the post is not considered a very desirable one, as it helps
on sea-sickness very much. The weather was very rough
coming out, the number stretched out on deck was very

42 HISTORY OF THE
large, and I fared like the rest, but having now cast up
my account and eaten a good dinner I feel all right. We
dine in the cabin, faring like the officers on roast beef, ham,
potatoes etc. Owing to the number of officers on board
we have been crammed a little, 6 being quartered in each
state room : but as we shall keep watch and watch, this will
not trouble us much. The watches will be set tonight at
8 o'clock. There are two watches of six each, four hours
apiece, two at the companion way, two at the powder
hatch, and two on deck. We have a number of troops on
board, I do not know how many, bunked amidships. We
shall stop at Fort Monroe, then at Annapolis, and thence,
nobody knows where." "Washington May 9, 1861.
4 o'clock P. M.
My last letter left me at Fort Monroe, Saturday night.
Sunday morning we hauled up to the wharf and landed
about a hundred troops, and then took in six eight inch
Columbiads and 1200 shells to carry to Washington. This
was quite a job as there were no machines for handling the
heavy guns. The shells were passed in quite easily, a string
of riflemen forming, and passing them from hand to hand.
During the day we got two hours leave of absence, and
visited the Fort. This is a tremendous fort and a very
pleasant place. The grounds are planted with apple trees
and the officers' quarters are surrounded with gardens
full of roses and flowers of all kinds, in full bloom. After
exploring the Fort thoroughly we went down to see the
big gun which stands out on the point on a concrete plat
form, solitary and alone. They say they won't allow it to
be fired, because it breaks all the windows in the Fort.
After getting in a part of our cargo, we hauled into the
stream and lay there over night, keeping a strict guard, to
guard against any attack. In the morning we found the
steamer 'Roanoke' lying alongside, and while speculating

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 43
as to her character and passengers, her boat came alongside
with Capt. Devereaux and Lieut. Putnam of the Salem
Zouaves, who were going to Washington in the 'Roa
noke.' By this time we could see the fellows on the quarter
deck getting leave of absence. We started in the ship's
boat for the 'Roanoke.' The wind was blowing heavily,
and I had a tremendous long oar, but Cambridge training
showed itself, and very soon we arrived. We met quite
a cordial reception on deck, and had quite a jolly time till
our leave expired and we reluctantly rowed back. Luckily,
however, we did not part here: the 'Roanoke' wanted to
go up the Potomac, and having no guns hardly dared to go
alone, not knowing how many batteries might have been
erected along the shore.
As we were armed and our new Captain not unwilling
to try our guns, we changed our destination and agreed to
go as a convoy.
About 11.30 Monday morning, having got all our cargo
on board, we steamed off up Chesapeake Bay in company
with the 'Roanoke.' The weather was squally and un
pleasant, but nevertheless we contrived to enjoy the sail.
About 8.30 we arrived in the mouth of the Potomac and
anchored for the night.
About 20 of Dodd's Rifles turned out to assist us in the
watch, and we began to realize that we were in an enemy's
country. We were armed with rifles and revolvers loaded
and capped, and had ten rounds of ball cartridge in our
boxes. Our orders were not to allow any boat to approach
the ship, but to hail it and to fire if they did not sheer off,
and, as the Captain observed, to fire very quick.
However, we were not molested, as the secessionists
evidently did not care to attempt to cut out an armed
steamer. The rifle which we carry on night watch, is a very pretty
one, with a large bore and rather heavy, but very neat and
serviceable.

44 HISTORY OF THE
Early in the morning we started up the Potomac, the
'Roanoke' ahead with a pilot. The day was lovely, and
we had a splendid sail up the river. We saw nothing of
the batteries thrown up along the river and we think they
must be somewhere else. However, we were all ready for
them; our guns were shotted and run out, and all of us, who
were not on duty, were ordered to be between decks to
serve the big guns.
Acquia Creek was the point where we apprehended an
attack, and as we approached it, the Captain told the gun
ners to get ready to be fired into. Our 8 inch gun on the
port bow was cleared for action, the tackle run out, sight
adjusted, and all the preparations made. As we approached
the critical point the 'Roanoke' dropped back to give us the
first chance, and we steamed ahead, expecting the battle to
begin, every moment. All our hopes, however, were dis
appointed : our peaceful voyage was not interrupted, and
we steamed past Fort Washington and Alexandria, where
the secession flags have all disappeared, and made fast to
the Arsenal wharf, after colliding with another propeller,
which carried away the starboard fore shrouds.
The next day we commenced to unload, and as we, were
of no use we went into the city.
ist to the Capitol, where we found the Salem Zouaves
quartered in the rear of the left wing behind the House of
Representatives. The House was full of soldiers, writing
letters. Lang Ward was at one desk, John Hodges at an
other, and by invitation of the Salem Zouaves we stopped
to dinner and had a jolly time.
The dining room is very high studded, being the area on
the side of the Capitol steps. Our dinner consisted of
minced fish, bread, crackers, and coffee, and though not very
luxurious fare we had a pleasant time, and a jollier crowd
was never seen. We spent about the pleasantest time we
have had since we left. We returned, according to orders,
about six o'clock, just in time to see the 'Cambridge'

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 45
steaming up the river and passing through the bridge. In
quiring I found she had gone up to G street, so chartering
an omnibus we started, and arrived on board at 8 o'clock;
luckily finding the steamer, as we should have been locked
up if found out after 9.30. This regulation is quite strict, a
man was shot last night for not answering the post. It
was about 2 o'clock in my watch, only a quarter of a mile
off. I saw the flash and heard the report.
This morning I was up at the Capitol, then went down
to the National Hotel to get a bath and some dinner.
Washington is quite warlike, regiments parading, all round,
and almost every other house being used as barracks.
Colonel Ellsworth's regiment is very ubiquitous, and you
see them everywhere. They keep guard at the Capitol,
where, however, our uniforms pass us everywhere, and last
night they turned out to put out a fire at Willard's. They
entirely took the shine off the Washington firemen. This
morning they were pulling down the wall as we passed.
The 5th Mass. Regiment is quartered at the Treasury
Department. We are lying at the foot of G street, discharging and
repairing. We shall probably sail in 4 or 5 days, though
there is some talk of selling the ship to the Government and
discharging the crew. I don't think however, this amounts
to anything."
Fort Washington mentioned in this letter was on the
Potomac River six miles below Alexandria. It was a mere
water battery, intended for offensive action against the
river side.
This trip on the "Cambridge" lasted ten days, and
Phillips went back to the study of law which he continued
in Boston in the office of his brother Hon. Stephen H.
Phillips. From there he wrote the following letter: —
"Boston, June 10, 1861.
I think the Government has shown great energy, and the

46 HISTORY OF THE
movements of the Army seem to be well planned and emi
nently successful. Of course such dashing exploits as the
ride through Fairfax C. H. appear to display more energy
than the advance of a large army, but like the charge of
Balaklava they do not decide the event of a war. It is
only an army of inferior strength that needs to try such
experiments. Scott's policy, I take it, is to use to the ut
most the advantages he has in numbers and position, and
never to allow the enemy a chance to fight except at a dis
advantage. Such appears to be the plan at Harper's Ferry.
Our forces are advancing from every direction, in over
whelming numbers, and the Southerners, if they remain,
must inevitably be surrounded and starved out, or fight
Scott on his own ground.
So with Richmond, a strong column will soon move
down from the North on this city, while Butler will co
operate on the South. If the rebels, therefore, take posi
tion on either side of the city for its defense, they will be
answered by the advance of the column on the other side.
They will thus be unable to check the march of either col
umn at a distance from the city, and must take up a position
near Richmond and fight it out. This, I have no doubt, is
the way in which the first battle will be fought, and Scott
is not the cautious general we think him, if he loses it. Of
the success of this plan I have no doubt, but its success
depends much on careful preparation, which may account
for the apparent sluggishness of the movements. But still,
the advance goes on : day after day we hear of military
movements, small in themselves, but in a week amounting
to a great deal. Now it is the attack of a company on Fair
fax Court House, to be followed by a regiment in a day or
two : now a regiment attacks Philippi and in three days
10,000 men occupy the town: or General Butler occupies
the point of Newport News, and in a week we find 5000
men advanced 10 or 15 miles into the country. So the
movement goes on. The first attack attracts people's atten-

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 47
tion, but few pay any attention to the advance of the troops
afterwards. For the last week I have kept an account of
military movements, and I have on mv list 69 regiments of
volunteers now in active duty in Virginia and Maryland,
besides several batteries of field artillery, battalions of rifles
&c, and my list is by no means complete, for there must be
20 or 30 regiments, at least, in these states, of which I have
no account.
This does not include the troops at Cairo, encamped in
Ohio, at Chambersburg, in Massachusetts, Staten Island &c
&c, which would more than double the number. This cer
tainly does not look like a lack of energy.
In addition to the plan I have sketched out, the approach
of cool weather will probably witness an attack upon
Charleston and New Orleans: the navy yards at Norfolk
and Pensacola will be repossessed, and a fleet and army
will move from Cairo down the Mississippi. Thus threat
ened on every side I do not see what the rebels can do but
surrender. In the meantime I am getting a little anxious about our
foreign relations : the attitude of England is anything but
friendly. Spain seems to have taken advantage of our
dissensions to seize St. Domingo, and the rejection of Bur-
lingame is a gratuitous insult on the part of Austria. I
should not be surprised if a general war broke out within
a year, with England, Spain, and Austria, — and perhaps
Prussia, — on one side, and France, Russia, and the United
States on the other. Better this than that we should de
scend so low as to bid against our rebel subjects for the
favor of foreign nations.
I am studying law in Stephen's Boston office, and shall
not, probably, return to New York."
Now approaches the ist of August when the papers re
lating to the Rhode Island boundary were to be returned
into court, and Charles A. Phillips was employed by his
elder brother as special messenger. The commissioner says

48 HISTORY OF THE
in his article in the Sun, referring to this mission, "He got
through without difficulty. Upon completing his business
a clerk in the office from a window in the west front of the
capitol showed him rebel flags at Hall's Hill. The enemy
never got nearer than Hall's Hill."
In a note dated Washington Aug. I, 1861, written to his
brother young Phillips says : —
"Immediately after my arrival I went uj> to the capitol.
... I was in the Senate this morning, and left while
Breckenridge was making a speech against confiscating
property in the seceded states."

The utterances of the Southern press were read with
great interest at the North. Said the Richmond Whig, as
quoted in the Boston Journal of Aug. 23, 1861 : —
"They are alarmed for Washington, but they have not yet begun to
tremble for New York and Boston. As England and France knew
that there could be no stable peace with the treacherous, knavish, cow
ardly and cruel Chinese, short of Pekin, so we know that there can
be no lasting peace with the Chinese counterparts on this continent
until Confederate cannon overawe New York, and Confederate legions
bivouac on Boston Common. Boston is the Pekin of the Western
China : and 'On to Pekin' is the watchword of Southern armies.
Washington is a mere circumstance."

CHAPTER III.
THE COMPOSITION OF THE BATTERY.
"Whether in camp, on the march, or on the field of battle, there
was a strength, an evident power in the artillery service that left an
impression on the mind of the spectator not liable to be effaced, and
no scenes in war are more terribly suggestive than an array of bat
teries in position, ready to open fire at the word of command."
Edwin Forbes.
The artillery has been esteemed a valuable arm of the
service, on account of its capability of inflicting so much
more loss than it receives, and the many changes in the
composition of the light batteries, which followed the for
tunes of the Army of the Potomac, as well as in their or
ganization, prove their adaptability to the requirements of
the variable demands, and that the general disposition of
them, as reduced or enlarged in their capacity, occupied a
large share of the attention of the authorities whose delib
erations determined these changes, in the state legislatures,
in Congress, and at General Head Quarters.
Her batteries of light artillery were sent out from the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts as independent batteries,
known by numbers from the "First" to the "Sixteenth."
This suited the requirements at the time, for at first single
batteries were attached directly to infantry Brigades, — one
battery to each Brigade, — and they "camped and marched,
and fought together." Some batteries in other states were
independent, and some were formed into regiments, like
the Regular artillery of 12 batteries each, designated by let
ters from A to L, but these were, like the rest, passed
around from one Division or Corps to another, even after
49

50 HISTORY OF THE
the artillery was grouped into Brigades, and in that way
attached to a Division or Corps, forming a part of it and
under the orders of its commander, and there was a distinct
organization called the "Artillery Brigade," and the "Artil
lery Corps," with a chief who had his staff as in infantry
or cavalry.
The only reason for preference seemed to be that in the
regimental organization, although assigned like the rest to
temporary service, there was chance for promotion for the
officers, while as independent batteries there was no such
chance. In respect to Massachusetts it will be shown that not
withstanding all the influence that could "be brought to bear
upon the War Department to effect the change, her bat
teries came back as they went out, designated by numbers
and independent of each other, and had no right to be
classed in any sense as a regiment and designated by let
ters, yet in the spring of 1863, when it was thought expe
dient to consolidate the artillery, General Orders No. 86
compelled the Fifth Mass. Battery, although not a part of
any regiment, to accept the regimental company or battery
designation of a letter "E."
CONSOLIDATION OF ARTILLERY. War Department
Adjutant General's Office
General Orders Washington April 2, 1863.
No. 86.
1. Under the authority contained in Sections 19 and 20 of the act
"for enrolling and calling out the national forces, and for other pur
poses," approved March 3, 1863, it is ordered that for each and every
regiment of the volunteer army now reduced, or that may be reduced
hereafter, as set forth in said sections, consolidation shall be made in
accordance with the following rules :
ARTILLERY.
3. Each regiment will be consolidated into six, or a less number of
batteries, an! the colonel, two majors, and one assistant surgeon, mus
tered out.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 51
4. The companies and batteries formed by. consolidation will be
of the maximum strength, and will be organized as now directed by
law and regulation. The first letters of the alphabet will be used to
designate the companies. (See p. 22. The "E" on the caps. Peacock.)
5. The company officers — commissioned and non-commissioned —
rendered supernumerary, with those enumerated in the foregoing, will
be mustered out of service at the date of consolidation, all other offi
cers and non-commissioned officers will be retained.
6. The officers to be retained will be selected by the Division and
Coros commanders, under the instructions of the Commanding Gen
eral of the Army or Department, from among the most efticient offi
cers of the respective regiments.
HI. The following are the sections of the Act referred to, and
under which the foregoing is ordered:
Sec. 19. And be it further enacted, That whenever a regiment of
volunteers of the same arm, from the same state, is reduced to one-
half the maximum number prescribed by law, the President may direct
the consolidation of the companies of such regiment, Provided, That
no company so formed shall exceed the maximum number prescribed
by law. When such consolidation is made, the regimental officers
shall be reduced in proportion to the reduction in the number of
companies. Sec. 20. And be it further enacted, That whenever a regiment is
reduced below the minimum number allowed by law, no officers shall
be appointed in such regiment, beyond those necessary for the com
mand of such reduced numbers.
By order of the Secretary of War.
E. D. Townsend,
Assistant Adjutant General.

The legislature of Massachusetts, mindful of its respon
sibility hastened to put on its passage the following Act : —
Chapter 243, Section 2, of an Act in Addition to an Act
concerning the militia.
The Militia so organized shall consist of at least one regiment of
cavalry to consist of twelve troops or companies : one regiment of
artillery of not more than twelve batteries, and eight regiments of
infantry of ten companies each, which shall be officered in the manner
prescribed by the laws of the United States and of this State concern
ing the Militia.
Approved April 29, 1863.

52 HISTORY OF THE

NOTES OF CAPTAIN NATHAN APPLETON.
"That I gave some time and thought to the improvement
of the Light Artillery service of our Army during the long
months of comparative idleness of winter quarters, 1863
and '64, can be judged by the letters I wrote to the Secre
tary of War, Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Hon. Alexander H.
Rice M. C. from Massachusetts, and a long article to the
'Army and Navy Journal' which I do not think was pub
lished : —
TO SECRETARY STANTON.
Hon. Edwin M. Stanton. Sir.
Ever since the Rebellion has existed,
the Light Artillery of Massachusetts has been organized
as so many independent batteries, each commanded by a
captain. The Governor and Senators of Massachusetts, I am in
formed, and some of the Artillery officers of the state, have
interested themselves in the plan of having the batteries
united in a regiment, with the appointment of field officers.
I consider that it personally concerns all those connected
with the Mass. Light Artillery, and I lately received a com
munication from one of Governor Andrew's staff on the
subject, who said that a request from General Sykes, —
Captain Martin 3d. Mass. Battery, is the chief of artillery
of the Fifth Corps, — or from General Meade, to the Secre
tary of War, might have the desired effect.
This, at best, places the matter in uncertainty, and is an
embassy which it would scarcely be becoming for one so
young as myself (20 years of age) to undertake, unless so
ordered, and I thought that I would write to you, and ex
press freely my opinion on the subject.
That Massachusetts should have Field officers of Light

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 53
Artillery seems to me a right which she deserves, not
merely in connection with other states that have regimental
organizations, — and I believe that most of the states hav
ing Light Artillery enough to warrant it are so arranged, —
but, also, in connection with her Cavalry and Infantry.
For now there is a dead stop to promotion in Light Artil
lery, and some of the oldest and best tried officers of the
state, who have served since the beginning of the war, and
who do not wish to leave their favorite branch of the ser
vice, cannot get higher up the ladder than two bars. But,
Sir, there is another consideration, — The Artillery Brigade
of our Corps is commanded by a captain of Massachusetts.
In the Brigade there are captains belonging to states hav
ing regimental organizations. In case of their promotion
to field appointments in their regiments the Massachusetts
captain would be ousted from his command.
I think that the subject of Artillery in the field is one
about which little can be known except from actual expe
rience. A Brigade of Infantry must generally act to
gether, but it is not so with Artillery, for it has to do its
work for the whole Corps. Some guns have to be put in
one place, some in another, some rushed to the front, some
kept in reserve, and the caissons must be put in some shel
tered spot. This must be all personally attended to by the
Chief of Artillery, and in addition, the position of every
thing remembered, while he is responsible for everything.
A Brigade of Infantry is commanded by a brigadier gen
eral or a colonel : a Brigade of Artillery often by a captain !
It seems to me that a man commanding one hundred and
fifty men, one hundred, odd, horses, six guns and six cais
sons, in all about fifty thousand dollars worth of United
States property, and who has an independent command,
should rank higher than one commanding one hundred
men and one hundred muskets, and who is under the direct
command of another.
Why cannot the Artillery be reorganized, and the chiefs

54 HISTORY OF THE
of Artillery be commissioned" by the President, and the old
plan of calling a battery a company be dropped?
Is not a battery of six guns as responsible a command as
that which a major of Infantry generally has? For while
regiments are constantly thinned a battery must be kept
full "to a certain complement, or its guns are worse than
useless. And, finally, is Massachusetts to be forgotten?
It may seem to you, sir, unbecoming for one so young as
myself to write thus on this matter, but I think that in a
democracy one cannot overrate the good or bad which he
can individually perform, and I consider it the bounden
duty of any one who has ideas whicli he thinks may accom
plish good, to present them to those in places of authority.
I have the honor to be most respectfully yours.
Nathan Appleton
2d. Lieut. 5th Mass. Battery.
Hon. Edwin M. Stanton.
This very contingency mentioned in my letter to Secre
tary Stanton, occurred when General Grant came in person
to the Army of the Potomac, and consolidated the corps.
When the Third Corps was united to the Fifth, its chief
of Artillery was Colonel Charles S. Wainwright of the
First N. Y. Regiment of Light Artillery, and as he ranked
Captain A. P. Martin, he naturally assumed command of
the Artillery Brigade. I was on his staff later as I had
been on that of Captain Martin,
In a letter I wrote my brother W. S. Appleton from this
camp about this date, I described Captain Martin's com
mand as follows : —
'Our Brigade is commanded by Captain Martin of the
3d. Mass. Battery, and he has as big a staff and as respon
sible a place as any Brigadier. It consists of the 3d. Mass.
Lt. Walcott, 12 lb. Napoleons; 5th Mass. 3 inch; Battery D,

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 55
5th U. S. Griffin's Battery, commanded by Hazlett killed at
Gettysburg, now by Lieut. Rittenhouse, Parrotts 3 inch;
Batteries F & K. 3d. U. S. four guns 12 lb. Napoleons,
commanded by Lieut. Barstow; Battery L, ist Ohio 12 lb.
Napoleons, Capt. Gibbs; Battery C, ist N. Y. 4 guns, 3
inch Ordnance, — same as 5th Mass., — Capt. Barnes.'
I find this at the end of my letter : — 'And now I want
you, and some other influential people in Boston, to go to
work, with John A. Andrew to get the light batteries
formed regimentally, with a colonel, lieutenant colonel, 3
majors, adjutants, quartermasters &c &c. It ought to be
done, as it stops promotion, keeps down pay, and gives the
responsible command of a Brigade, — over 30 pieces of Ar
tillery, — to a captain. Moreover the other states are or
ganized and Massachusetts kept behind. If the matter was
brought before the Governor in the right manner I think
he would fix it all right. If I am in Boston this winter I
shall try to do something about it myself.
Another thing is, the Mass. Batteries ought to have con
scripts immediately. I have no doubt but what there are
enough at Long Island today to fill them all. This should
be attended to, as it is hard on the men to have to do Guard
Duty so often.' "

At the time this letter was sent home by Lieut. Appleton
the Legislature of 1864, had assembled.
Jonathan E. Field was president of the Senate, Alexander
H. Bullock was speaker of the House of Representatives.
John A. Andrew had been elected Governor for the fourth
time, Joel Hayden was Lieut.-Governor. Warner and
Oliver were Secretary and Treasurer as in 1861. The
United States senators were the same, Sumner and Wilson,
but there had been some changes in the members of Con
gress. Some of the old ones had dropped out. The new
ones were Oakes Ames, Samuel Hooper, George S. Bout
well, John D. Baldwin and William B. Washburn. Edwin

56 HISTORY OF THE
M. Stanton attorney general in Buchanan's Cabinet was
U. S. Secretary of War.
LETTER FROM GOVERNOR ANDREW TO THE SENATORS
AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM MASSACHUSETTS
IN CONGRESS.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Executive Department,
Boston, May 5, 1864.
To the Honorable, the Senators, and the Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the Congress of the United States :
I beg to renew my previous representations of the anomaly existing
in the organization of the light artillery arm of the volunteer forces
of the United States, by means of which an injustice is done to cer
tain states relatively to certain other states and their officers. I will
illustrate by the example of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts the
nature of this injustice, selecting that Commonwealth for the illustra
tion only because I am more familiar with the facts concerning it, but
being informed and believing that similar injustice is practised towards
others also.
There are in the volunteer service of the United States, at this time,
sixteen batteries of light artillery from the Commonwealth of Massa
chusetts. The Government, having power in the premises to grant or to with
hold organization, denies a regimental organization for these bat
teries, or any portion of them, while it concedes such organization for
the artillery batteries of the states of Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Michi
gan, New York, Ohio, and Rhode Island, certainly, and perhaps to
some other states.
This discrimination creates great dissatisfaction among the artillery
troops, and with reason, for a man enlisting into an Illinois, Indiana,
Maine, Michigan, New York, or Rhode Island battery, has a road open
to promotion to be a colonel, while in the Massachusetts batteries, no
regimental organization existing, a soldier can rise to no grade higher
than captain.
Among the sixteen batteries of Massachusetts, is one which has
been in the field since April 19, 1861, having accompanied the column
which opened communication between Annapolis and Washington, and
having re-enlisted for three years at the end of the three months' term
of enlistment. [This was the First Light Battery M. V. M. Major Asa
M. Cook: Lieutenants Josiah Porter, Wm. H. McCartney,
Caleb C. E. Mortimer and Robert L. Sawin. It proceeded
to Washington with the Fifth Mass. Infantry, April 20,

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 57
1 86 1, by way of Annapolis, and was stationed at the Relay
House, 10 miles from Baltimore.]

A majority of all the other Massachusetts batteries entered the
field near the beginning of the war. They have served everywhere
with honor: their officers have been tested and sifted by this long
experience, and they deserve, by military accomplishment and merito
rious service, equal opportunity for promotion with the officers of any
other state.
I have frequently, but in vain, by letter and by officers of my staff
specially deputed for the purpose, asked for them from the Secretary
of War such equal opportunity, which would be afforded by authoriz
ing the appointment of field officers of light artillery for the Massa
chusetts batteries in the same manner as for the batteries of Illinois,
Indiana, Maine, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Rhode Island.
The reasons which are assigned, in reply, by the Secretary of War,
for thus withholding from one state what he grants to others, are : —
1. The averment that he accepted the batteries from those other
states as components of regimental organizations, while he accepted
the batteries from Massachusetts as independent and unattached.
2. That he regards the appointment of any field-officers of artil
lery as useless, and
3. That by Section 1. of General Order No. 126 of War Depart
ment's series of 1862, he intended to restrict such appointments by
denying special authorities for muster, and thereby ultimately to do
away with them altogether.
But I would respectfully represent: —
1. That the volunteer batteries of all the states named, whether
accepted originally as components of regimental organizations or not,
have all been serving in like manner.
2. That the weight of military practice sanctions the employment
of field-officers of artillery, and
3. That since the date of General Order No. 126, above mentioned,
special authorities for the muster of field-officers of artillery have
repeatedly been granted by the War Department.
The example of all other military powers' instituting grades of
rank among artillery officers corresponding with those among officers
of other arms of the service, has long been approved by the legisla
tion of your honorable body, and the artillery arm of the regular army
of the United States is organized accordingly into regiments.
And in the volunteer service independent though the batteries may
be, each constituting a unit of organization, yet, practically thev do
serve in conjunction, and if no artillery officers have higher rank than
captain, there will be, in such a force as ours, a great number of such

58 HISTORY OF THE
officers exercising more than a captain's command, and for every cap
tain thus employed, there will be a first lieutenant exercising a cap
tain's command, a second lieutenant exercising a first lieutenant's com
mand, and a sergeant exercising a second lieutenant's command.
Therefore the injustice of thus restricting to the rank of captain,
officers doing field-officers duty reaches the whole way down through
all the grades of rank, preventing some first lieutenant from his right
ful promotion as captain, some second lieutenant as first lieutenant,
some sergeant as second lieutenant, some corporal as sergeant, and
some private as corporal.
I fully recognize that in any great army it will be often necessary, by
the exigencies of the service, for officers to exercise commands, tem
porarily, superior to their grades of rank ; but at the same time this fact
in no manner justifies the restriction of rank as a principle, or rule,
in the case of the light artillery officers of the volunteer service, and
the unsoundness of the principle in its application to these officers is
aggravated by the inequality of its administration; it being enforced
against Massachusetts and certain other states, while it is relaxed
from Illinois and Indiana, Maine, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and
Rhode Island, and also, as I am informed from unofficial sources, from
New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Within the last month the captain of a Massachusetts volunteer
battery, who has long exercised with honor, the command of a Brigade
of Light Artillery, in a Corps of the Army of the Potomac, has been
superseded, through no fault of his own, but by the addition to the
Corps of an officer who is his senior in point of rank only, by reason
of one state being privileged to appoint artillery field-officers, while
like permission is refused to another state.
It is irksome to me to be obliged to return to this subject. But I
know not how I can otherwise discharge my duty to the officers and
men of sixteen batteries of Massachusetts Light Artillery: many of
them among the best the Commonwealth has contributed to the service
during the war. I am convinced that I ought not to leave them un
supported by such effort as I may be able to command. I had hoped
that the object would have been attained without my appealing to the
Congressional Delegation from the Commonwealth in this formal man
ner, but now I fear that the session of Congress may end without
its accomplishment.
If captains of batteries were never needed for field or staff positions
pertaining to officers of higher rank, the mere desire to secure rank to
our soldiers, however meritorious, would not have influenced me, but
when I know that our officers are used and needed to command
Brigades of Artillery, to act as chiefs of Artillery and otherwise, on
the staffs of corps and division commanders, leaving their companies
to be commanded by lieutenants ; when I know that the laws and regu
lations for the Army of the United States, include the regimental or
ganization, with its field-officers, for regular United States batteries,

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 59
when I know that such organization and officers are not denied to
other states,— some of them with fewer batteries in the field than we
have — ; and when I know that by reason of this sort of discrimination,
good and brave officers whom I have commissioned are made to suffer
what the soldier feels to be a personal and undeserved humiliation, I
am not at liberty to omit my efforts.
I, therefore, earnestly and respectfully commend this subject to the
attention of the gentlemen whose presence in Washington, whose rela
tion fo the Executive Government, and whose personal and official in
sight as the Senators of the Commonwealth and the Representatives
of the People of Massachusetts, will enable them to speak efficiently,
and entitle them and their opinions to the highest influence and con
sideration. I have the honor to be, gentlemen, most respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
John A. Andrew,
Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Official Copy.
A. G. Browne jr.
Lieut.-Col. Military Secretary.
STATE LEGISLATION.
In the Acts and Resolves of 1864, may be found the fol
lowing : —
Section 17, Chapter 238. Concerning the Militia.
The volunteer companies shall be formed into separate regiments,
or attached to such regiments of the active militia as the commander-
in-chief shall deem proper, and he may retain any existing regiments of
the volunteer militia.
Section 19. Companies of cavalry, artillery and engineers may re
main unattached to any regiment or brigade, if the good of the service
in the opinion of the commander-in-chief, shall require it, and the two
corps of cadets, or either of them, may be attached to divisions at the
pleasure of the commander-in-chief. In such case, such companies or
corps, shall be subject to the immediate orders of the commanders of
such divisions or brigades as the commander-in-chief shall designate:
who shall receive the reports, returns and orders, have the authority
and discharge the duties, with regard to such companies or corps,
which are prescribed for the commanders of regiments with regard
to other companies.
Section 25. Artillery. To each regiment of Artillery there shall be

60 HISTORY OF THE
one colonel, one lieutenant-colonel, one major, to every four com
panies or batteries, one adjutant, and one quartermaster, each with the
rank of first lieutenant, but not to be extra lieutenants, one chaplain,
one sergeant-major, one quartermaster-sergeant, one commissary-ser
geant, one hospital steward, and two principal musicians.
To each battery of Light Artillery, or company of Heavy Artillery,
there shall be one captain, two first lieutenants, two second lieutenants,
one first sergeant, one quartermaster-sergeant, six sergeants, twelve
corporals, two musicians, two artificers, one wagoner, and one hundred
and twenty-two nrivates.
Anproved May 14, 1864.
Thus it will be seen that no blame can attach to the state
legislature for neglect of duty in this regard.
Every artillery officer from the highest to the lowest
rank was interested in this subject, and pens were busily
employed in the endeavor to effect a change. An article
appeared in the Army and Navy Journal of Nov. 14, 1864,
in which the following views are attributed to General W.
F. Barry. The theme as expressed by the author of J:he
article is "The Deficiency of Rank in the Artillery ser
vice" : — ¦
"This faulty organization can only be suitably corrected by legisla
tive action, and it is earnestly hoped that the attention of the proper
authorities may be at an early day invited to it."
The editor adds that he "regrets to say that although their 'atten
tion' has often since been 'invited' to it, the evil remains to this day in
almost equal force, and the gross injustice is seen of a body of officers,
whose services are unequalled in their value and importance, suffering
from the false organization of their arm. This radical defect has
already lost us some of our finest artillery officers, and if not corrected,
it must, we fear, lose us a great many more."
Of the result in Congress, Brevet Major Charles A. Phil
lips thus wrote in a letter home, dated at City Point, March
15, 1865; Captain Robert H. Fitzhugh of New York had
gone above him, and was lieutenant colonel in command of
a Brigade of the Artillery Reserve, after having been a
junior captain to him at Gettysburg: —

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 61
"Partly I think at my suggestion Senator Wilson intro
duced a bill to remedy the evil, and give all battery com
manders an equal chance of promotion, but I believe it was
incorporated into the 'Omnibus Bill,' and was lost at the
close of the session. However, Congress managed to raise
our pay, which will make a difference to me of $30 per
month." FROM THE REPORT OF B'V'T. MAJ. GEN. HENRY J. HUNT,
U. S. ARMY, CHIEF OF ARTILLERY:—
'Artillery Head Quarters, Army of the Potomac.
Camp near Fort Albany, Va.
June 1, 1865.
... In my previous reports I have had occasion to call attention
to the want of a proper proportion of field officers for the artillery, and
this I did especially in the reports of the battles of Chancellorsville
and Gettysburg: and as there is no bureau of artillery nor other
centre of administration for it, I take this occasion to present the same
subject in order that the results of our experience may not be lost.
This is due to the reputation of the artillery in this war, as well as to
the future interests of the service. At an early period of the war, or
ders were given that field artillery should be taken into service only
by single batteries, 'in order to save field officers' ; this whilst infantry
regiments of a single battalion were allowed four with their proper
staffs. Why this policy, so contrary to that of all modern armies, and
so destructive to the efficiency of the most complicated of all the arms
of the service, was adopted, I am at a loss to discern. Its effects have
been but too clear. Not only has the service suffered from the want
of officers absolutely necessary to its highest efficiency and economy,
but the system has stopped promotion in the artillery, and, as a conse
quence, nearly every officer of promise as well as of any distinction
has been offered that promotion in the infantry, cavalry, or the staff,
which no amount of capacity, gallantry, or good conduct, could secure
him in his own arm. The result is that, with a few marked exceptions,
in which officers were willing to sacrifice their personal advancement
and prospects to their love for their arm, the best and most distin
guished of the officers of the artillery accepted positions elsewhere, or
left the service in disgust, as opportunity offered. The effect of this
and of other errors of organization, has been but too evident : the
artillery, although it has done much better than under the circum
stances could have been expected or even hoped, has not attained to
that efficiency which was possible, and has failed to retain the pre-emi
nence it once held in our Army and in public estimation. This sacri
fice of efficiency has been made at the expense of economy. I do not

62 HISTORY OF THE
hesitate to say that the field artillery of this Army, although not in
ferior to any other in our service, has been from one-third to one-half
less efficient than it ought to have been, whilst it has cost from one-
third to one-half more money than there was any necessity for. This
has been due principally to the want of proper organization, which
has deprived it of the experienced officers required for its proper com
mand, management, and supervision, and is in no respect the fault of
the artillery itself."
General Meade wrote to Captain Martin at the expira
tion of the term of service of the Third Mass. Battery, as
quoted by the historian, "In no branch of the service is
knowledge and experience so essential to success as in the
artillery, nor is there any branch of the service where so
little has been done by promotion to encourage the faithful
and efficient officer."
Perhaps the Adjutant General of the State, William
Schouler, who shared with the Governor the care of all the
troops who went' from Massachusetts throughout the War,
had as clear an insight, and was as capable of impartially
stating what treatment her light artillery^ deserved and what
it received as any one.
In his "History of Massachusetts in the Civil War" pub
lished in 1868, he says : — "No arm of the Massachusetts
volunteers did greater service to the nation, or reflected
greater honor upon Massachusetts, than the sixteen light
batteries which went from this Commonwealth to the War.
Many of the officers held high commands, some of them of
the artillery of a Corps, and yet none of them could ever
reach a higher rank than captain, and for the reason that
the Secretary of War would not consent to have our bat
teries given either a battalion or a regimental organization.
States, which did not send half as many batteries into the
service, had these privileges allowed them, and in conse
quence they had their majors, lieutenant-colonels, and
colonels of artillery, while Massachusetts had no officer of
higher rank in this arm of the service than a captain.
The Governor exerted his utmost power to have this

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 63
wrong righted, but in vain. The only answer which Sec
retary Stanton gave, was that 'mistakes had been made in
the beginning of the War, which he did not wish to keep
up.' We will not say that the Secretary was altogether to
blame : but the wrong done could have been righted by Con
gress fixing a brevet rank which would have carried com
mand and pay with it, and not have permitted officers of
the skill and bravery of Martin, McCartney, Nims, and
others we could name, to serve in positions which properly
belonged to brigadier generals, and to perform the duties of
those positions with pre-eminent merit, while only holding
in reality the commissions of captains, and allowed only the
pay and allowances of captains.
It is true that these gentlemen were named in official bul
letins in words of praise, for 'gallant and efficient service
in the field,' and at the end of the War they were brevetted
brigadier-generals : but something more was due the of
ficers and men of the light batteries of Massachusetts."
A GLANCE AT ARTILLERY TACTICS.
"The Artillery drill, although equally interesting, was not as rapid
as that of the cavalry, because of the weight of the guns, but there was
a grandeur in the movement of so many spirited, well-trained teams
and heavy pieces, not seen in the other branches of the service. Target
firing was also practiced to a high degree of excellence." Edwin Forbes.
Brig. Gen. John Gibbon who compiled "The Artillerist's
Manual," edition of 1863, declares that — "Batteries derive
all their value from the courage and skill of the gunners,
from their constancy and devotion on difficult marches,
from the quickness and capacity of the officers, and espe
cially from the good condition and vigor of the teams, with
out which nothing can be undertaken."

64 HISTORY OF THE
From the revised system of Light Artillery Tactics sub
mitted January 15, 1859, by a Light Artillery Board con
sisting of Brevet Major Wm. H. French, Captain William
F. Barry and Brevet Major Henry J. Hunt, having been
approved by President James Buchanan, accepted for the
government of the Army by the Secretary of War, and
used by the Light Batteries during the War of the Rebel
lion, the following is taken : —
"The battery of manoeuvre is composed of six fieldpieces and six
caissons, properly manned, horsed, and equipped. It is sometimes
reduced to four or increased to eight pieces. The tactics is adapted
to either number, but six pieces are supposed. Each carriage is drawn
by four or six horses, and the officers and men are as follows.— One
captain, who commands the battery, three lieutenants, each command
ing a section : the section of the junior lieutenant should be in the
centre. One lieutenant commanding the line of caissons.
When half batteries are formed, they are commanded by the two
lieutenants highest in rank.
Six mounted sergeants, each charged with guiding and superintend
ing a piece.
Twenty-four, or thirty-six drivers, being one to each pair of horses.
Six detachments of cannoneers, each containing nine men in
mounted batteries, and eleven in horse batteries. This number in
cludes two cornorals. one of whom is chief of the caisson, and the
other the gunner, has charge of the gun and its detachment.
Two trumpeters or buglers.
One guidon.
The battery is divided into three sections denominated the right,
left, and centre sections.
A section contains two pieces and two caissons and in each section
the pieces are denominated right piece and left piece.
The battery is also divided into half batteries denominated right
half battery, and left half battery. The word piece applies to the gun
or howitzer, either with or without its limber, and sometimes to the
piece and caisson together.
The front of a battery, in the order in battery, is the front of the
line of pieces. In all other formations it is the front of the first line
of drivers.
The right or left of a battery is always that of the actual front,
whether the pieces or caissons lead.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 65
PARADE FOR REVIEW AND INSPECTION.
The battery being in line, with the pieces in front : the first sergeant
2 yards from the right: the bugler and guidon in one rank, 6 yards
on his right: the quartermaster sergeant 2 yards from the left: the
artificers in one rank, 6 yards on his left: all dressed on the lead
drivers of the pieces : the Captain commands :
i. Attention.
2. Prepare for Review.
3. Action Front.
4. Right-Dress.
5. Front."
A LITTLE BIT FROM MEMORY.
Notes of Private D. Henry Grows Oct. 28, 1900: — "A
section consists of two guns, as there are six guns to a bat
tery, they are called the Right, Left, and Centre sections.
When in camp the tents are placed the same as the men are
at the guns, viz., odd numbers on the right and even ones
on the left, making Nos. 1, 3 & 5 on the right, and 2, 4 &
6 on the left, so you will see that I, being in the 5th detach
ment I would be placed on the right half. No. 6 is rarely
changed, because the one holding the place has to learn the
firing table, which is placed in the cover of the limber
chest." Notes of Corporal Benjamin Graham Nov. 11, 1900: —
"The pieces are all numbered from One to Six on a march
or in a line. On a march the First piece is supposed to be
in front or first, and in line of battle it is supposed to be on
the right, thus: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and the First piece is the
First Detachment, the Second piece the Second Detach
ment, and so on."

CHAPTER IV.
RECRUITING THE BATTERY.
"Come forth ! come as the torrent comes when the winter's chain is
burst !
So rushes on the land's revenge, in night and silence nursed —
The night is passed, the silence o'er — on all our hills we rise —
We wait thee, youth ! sleep, dream no more ! the voice of battle cries."
— The Summons, Mrs. Hemans.
The summons of the Secretary of War, to send on all
regiments and parts of regiments then enlisted, gave rise to
an increased activity in the various executive departments.
The demand made so peremptorily, called for prompt and
speedy action. Governor Andrew issued a proclamation
on August 20, 1 86 1, which closed with the following
words : —
"Citizen Soldiers of Massachusetts ! Duty, Honor, the dearest
sentiments of Patriotic Love and Devotion call for your brave hearts
and unconquerable arms ! John A. Andrew
Governor and Commander-in-Chief."
On the 25th advices had been received at the State De
partment in Washington, from all our foreign ministers,
stating- confidently that there would be no movement among
the European governments to recognize the rebels so long
as the federal government kept forces in the rebel states and
held Washington.
The President not only directed that fortifications should
be erected to protect Washington, but he desired that they
should form a base of operations against the rebels. These

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FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 67
works were divided into three sections, — western, middle,
and eastern.
Army Head Quarters were at Arlington House on Ar
lington Heights, a ridge of land running parallel with the
Potomac River from Alexandria to a point opposite
Georgetown a distance of nine miles. South of these
heights was Four Mile Run, a small creek, and upon them
a series of earthworks were erected by which a few thou
sand men could hold a large army in check. The Potomac
Canal crossed the river on a high stone bridge. The bridge
was guarded by a breastwork, and two bomb proof block
houses of large logs two stories high were erected and
pierced on all sides for musketry. Opposite on the Vir
ginia shore the land rises about 150 feet to a plateau on
which stood Fort Corcoran. About a mile from Arlington
Heights towards Alexandria, were the middle works,
erected at the crossing of the road from Alexandria to
Georgetown and that from the Long Bridge to Fairfax
Court House. They commanded a deep ravine towards
Arlington, a wide plain towards Fairfax, and a broad val
ley toward Alexandria. A dense forest was cut down in
order to permit an unobstructed view.
The eastern defences were back of Alexandria on Shu-
ter's Hill and were known as Fort Ellsworth. The level
ling of a forest of fifteen acres which sheltered Alexandria
by three thousand men in a short time, is thus described in
the Philadelphia Ledger in August, 1861 :— "The axmen
cut the trees only on one side, leaving them with just
enough of the body to keep them upright. When the ut
most verge was reached the largest trees were cut, and
falling, swept the entire fifteen acres with one stroke.
These laps are all sharpened and present a formidable ap
pearance." General George B. McClellan, at the immature age of
thirty-two suddenly summoned from Western Virginia to
take command of the Army of the Potomac, was already

68 HISTORY OF THE
from personal observation qualified to express an opinion
on the methods to be adopted in carrying out the Presi
dent's plans. He criticised the conduct of the allied gen
erals of the Crimean war in the following terms : — "Their
measures were half way measures, slow and blundering,
they failed to keep constantly in view the object of the ex
pedition, and to press rapidly and unceasingly toward it.
 If a deficiency in men and means is assigned as a
reason for the early operations of the allies, it is but another
proof that, in undertaking the affair, they neglected one of
the clearest rules of war; that is, to undertake no impor
tant operation without full and reliable information as to
the obstacles to be overcome, and the means of resistance in
the hands of the enemy."
He immediately introduced the strictest discipline, of
which there had been a lack. It had been said that the bat
tle of Bull Run exhibited the efficiency of artillery, and the
comparative weakness of the infantry arm of the service.
McClellan declared that this should be a war waged with
artillery, and at once called for a large increase of artillery
and cavalry, and after the review on the South side of the
Potomac it was telegraphed August 25, 1861, all over the
country : — "Gen. McClellan declares perfect satisfaction
with his army, and his army, the greatest ever seen on this
continent, is equally satisfied with him."
From this moment a sentiment of sacred honor attached
itself to membership in the Army of the Potomac, and Mc-
Clellan's acknowledged preference for artillery aroused in
Massachusetts the latent liking for that arm of the service
which had lurked in the militia system since the first two
years of the Revolutionary War, when the one Corps of
Artillery in the service of the Continent, under the imme
diate command of General George Washington, was com
posed chiefly of Massachusetts men.
September 5th, 1861, the mayor of New Bedford, Hon.
Isaac C. Taber, was authorized to organize one or more

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 69^
companies "for the national army", the bounty to each
member not to exceed fifteen dollars, and the next day the
Taunton Gazette thus appealed to the people: —
"Shall we have an artillery company?" "We say yes:" replies the
New Bedford Mercury, "and suggest that the company already in exist
ence here under command of John B. Hyde, as the nucleus of such
an organization. Captain Hyde, we doubt not, would enter into such
a scheme with zeal, and of his efficiency there can be no question."
John B. Hyde was born in New Bedford, August 14,
1830, and was educated in the public schools of that city.
At the age of 18, he joined the New Bedford Volunteer
Fire Department, and was Foreman of Columbian Engine
No. 5, from 1854, to 1861.
In 1855, he became a member of the New Bedford City
Guards, and served out the enlistment term of Hve years,
during which time the Guards were commanded by Major
George A. Bourne and Colonel Timothy Ingraham, both
superior military men. In 1857 and '58, he was elected a
member of the Common Council. At that time the Hon.
George H. Dunbar was mayor of the city.
When the war broke out and the Home Guard was
formed, he was requested by Mayor Taber to take charge
of two brass pieces belonging to the city, and organize a
company to man them: and from the spring of 1861, to the
time of his recruiting of the Fifth Mass. Battery, he was in
command of that branch of the home guard for the pro
tection of the city in case of an invasion. This no doubt
inspired the effort which resulted in the larger organiza
tion, whose destination was the seat of war.
The New Bedford City Guards, composed of so many
of her citizens who were inclined to serve their country in
the hour of danger, enlisted on the call for three months
men, and with Timothy Ingraham as captain, went out as
Company L of the Third Mass. Regt. Infantry. Colonel
David W. Wardrop commanding. On their return July
23, 1861, with full ranks, their arrival was greeted by a

70 HISTORY OF THE
salvo of artillery fired upon the Common, and they were
escorted to the City Hall by four companies of the Home
and Coast Guard where they were addressed about 5 p. m.
by the mayor and Ex-Governor John H. Clifford.
It is recorded in the columns of the daily press that the
Flying Artillery at the Common performed sundry evolu
tions, previous to the arrival of the City Guards, which
evinced a commendable knowledge of their peculiar duty,
and great dexterity in discharging, unlimbering, and lim
bering their pieces.
The New Bedford Mercury of July 25th says of this ar
tillery company :
"They are entitled to great credit for the proficiency they have
made in artillery practice, and particularly as they have not had the
benefit of any instruction, but have studied the science without any aid
from a master. We regard it as quite extraordinary that Captain Hyde
and his command have acquired such skill in all the details of duty
from the mere reading of the manual."
Captain Timothy Ingraham was afterwards Lieutenant
Colonel of the Mass. 18th Regt. Infantry, and Colonel of
the 38th. He was provost marshal in Washington when
President Lincoln was assassinated.
The Morning Mercury announced on this 6th Septem
ber, 1 86 1 : —
"The sabres loaned to the city for the Home and Coast Guard Light
Artillery, have been recalled by the Governor. Captain Hyde will
take them to Boston today."
Thus the scene was changed to the city of Boston.
Three days after, there was issued the following document
bearing the state seal : —
GENERAL RECRUITING OFFICE FOR MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
Head Quarters First Brigade
First Drv. M. V. M.
No. 14 Pitts Street.
Boston, Sept. 9, 1861.
This certifies that I have this day appointed G. D. Allen Deputy

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 71
Recruiting Officer for Gen. Wilson's Regiment Massachusetts Volun
teers in the towns of Maiden, Medford and Melrose.
All Recruiting Officers appointed by this Department are hereby
directed to co-operate with each other, By order of
W. W. Bullock
General Recruiting Officer Mass. Vols.

The Fifth Mass. Battery was in camp with the 22d and
the 23d, but both infantry regiments preceded it to the field.
From the New Bedford Mercury.
Sept. 13, 1861.
The New Artillery Company : Lieut. John B. Hyde has opened a
recruiting office at the Armory corner of Mechanics Lane and Pleasant
street. The Company for which he is recruiting is to be attached to
Gen Wilson's regiment (22d.), and it should be filled at once. Lieut.
Hyde is well known in this county, and his personal popularity should
secure his success in his present undertaking. If he fails, we shall
despair of any man's raising a company in New Bedford."
In another column was the advertisement: —
LIGHT ARTILLERY COMPANY
RECRUITS WANTED.
For an Artillery Company now forming in the City of New Bedford
to be attached to Gen. Wilson's Regiment.
$100 Bounty at the end of the War.
$15 Bonus from the City at the time of enlisting.
$13 per month, with Clothing and Rations.
$4 per month for a wife.
$8 per month for a wife and one child.
$12 per month for a wife and two children.
Pay monthly from the State. Pay and Rations to commence imme
diately. Ihese inducements are the best now offered for young men de
sirous of serving their country.
Office at the Armory of the N. B. Light Artillery Company, corner
of Mechanics Lane and Pleasant Street. J. B. Hyde.

72 HISTORY OF THE
Boston next.
GENERAL RECRUITING OFFICE FOR MASS. VOLUNTEERS.
Head Quarters First Brigade
First Div. M. V. M.
No. 14 Pitts Street
Boston, Sept. 16, 1861.
This certifies That I have this day appointed G. D. Allen Deputy
Recruiting Officer for the Fourth Battery of Light Artillery for Gen.
Wilson's Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, in the City of Boston
and vicinity.
All Recruiting Officers appointed by this Department are hereby
directed to co-operate with each other.
By order of
W. W. Bullock
General Recruiting Officer
Mass. Vols.
NOTES OF CAPTAIN GEO. D. ALLEN
Sept. 3. 1900.
"I had the mustering in papers made out on the date of
the first order I had for recruiting the Battery, this espe
cially saved the New Bedford men two or three weeks pay.
General Schouler sent for me to come to his office in the
State House, and informed me that Salem and Lawrence
wanted to join in recruiting a battery, and he had decided
to call their battery the Fourth, and our battery would be
the Fifth."
THE CALL.
The New Bedford Standard of Sept. 23, 1861, contained
the following notice: —
"Lt. John B. Hyde advertises today for recruits for the artillery
company to be attached to General Wilson's regiment. Lt. Hyde is
well known here and has been exceedingly popular with his acquaint
ance's, among whom we trust his call will meet with a prompt re
sponse. The inducements [This refers to general inducements offered

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 73
bv the city] it will be seen are extremely liberal. His office is at the
Armory, corner of Mechanics Lane and Pleasant street.
The following appeared in the Boston Journal of Sep
tember 25, 1 86 1 : —
"Wanted- — Recruits for the Fifth Massachusetts Light Battery, to be
attached to the Twenty-third Regiment, Col. Wnson.
Able-bodied young men of good standing will Wease apply imme
diately to G. D. Allen, m Court strett.
The Company goes into Camp at Lynnfield immediatelv."
The regiment raised by Senator Wilson was the 22d.
The 23d. was commanded by Colonel John Kurtz. The
Third Mass. Battery accompanied the 22d. to the seat of
war. in Court street was about where the Palace Theatre
now stands, at the head of Sudbury street. Sergt. Wm. H.
Peacock recollects the enlistment place as a vacant store.
September 28th, 1861, George D. Allen of Maiden was
commissioned First Lieutenant of the Fifth Massachusetts
Battery. The same day the following Special Order was
issued : Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Head Quarters, Boston,
Sept. 28, 1861
Special Order No. 484.
Mr. George D. Allen of Maiden, who is recruiting the Fifth Battery
of Light Artillery, to be attached to the Twenty-third Regiment of
Massachusetts Volunteers, now in camp at Lynnfield, is ordered to
report with his command to Lt. Col. Kurtz, who will find him proper
quarters. By order of the Commander-in-Chief. Wm. Schouler
Adj. General.
The New Bedford Mercury of the same date had the fol
lowing notice : — NOTICE.
"To the members of the N. B. Light Artillery Company.
The members of this Company are notified, that they go into camp

74 HISTORY OF THE
at Lvnnfield, on Monday Sept. 30, 1861. They are requested to meet
at the Artillery Armory, Mechanics Lane, on Monday morning, Sept.
30, 1861, at 6 o'clock precisely. Lieut. J. B. Hyde.
New Bedford Sept. 28, 1861.
Lynnfield formerly a part of Lynn, is a small town 12
miles from Boston, and the camp was established near the
Lynnfield Hotel, in a level field, once used for a race-track.
When Lieut. Allen went into camp at Lynnfield he was
presented with a horse, in color a dark chestnut, by E. R.
Sawyer & Co. — in whose employ he was when he joined the
army; — other wholesale coal dealers in Boston contribut
ing. When he found that they were not going to take the
Battery horses from here, he was obliged to sell him, and
buy another in Washington.
From the New Bedford Mercury Oct. 2, 1861.
DEPARTURE FOR THE CAMP.
"Lieut. John B. Hyde and his command, 56 men, left by the early
train, on the New Bedford and Taunton Railroad yesterday morning.
They marched from their Armory to Market Square (City Hall) where
prayer was offered by the Rev. Tohn Girdwood, and his Honor the
Mayor made a few remarks, and presented to Lieut. Hyde, on behalf
of the City, a full set of equipments. Lieut. Hyde made an appropriate
response. As the train left, a salute was fired on the Common by a
detachment of the Light Artillery Company of this city, under com
mand of Lieut. Pliny B. Sherman. A large number of citizens were at
the depot to witness the departure of their friends and neighbors, and
to express their hearty wishes for their success."
Same date:
"We learn from the 'Journal' that Lieut. Hyde and his command
dined at the Parker House in Boston yesterday. His Honor Mayor
Taber accompanied them, and Mayor Wightman (of Boston) and our
friend Colonel Hatch were at the dinner. The Mayor of Boston was
introduced by the Colonel, and addressed the men in cheering words
of welcome."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 75

PRESENTATION OF EQUIPMENTS.
His Honor Mayor Isaac C. Taber requested Lieut. Hyde
to present himself with his recruits October i, 1861, at 7
o'clock in the morning, in front of the City Hall, where he
proposed to make an address to his command. Owing to
sickness the Mayor was unable to be present in person but
delegated Mr. James B. Congdon, who made the address
and presented to Lt. Hyde his equipments, consisting of a
sabre, belt, sash, shoulder straps, spurs, and a pair of Colt's
revolvers. After these ceremonies were concluded they proceeded
to the depot, headed by the New Bedford Brass Band, and
took the train for the camp at Lynnfield.
CERTIFICATE OF MEMBERSHIP.
New Bedford, October 1, 1861.
This certifies that William H. Peacock has been regularly mustered
and sworn into the service of the United States, as a member of 5th
Battery, 23d Regiment, now in Lynnfield. Lieut. John B. Hyde.
"Personal" in the New Bedford Mercury
Oct. 3, 1861.
"Lieut. T. B. Hyde of the Fifth Battery, returned to the city last
evening. He reports that his men have all been sworn in, uniformed
and equipped. They are all in excellent spirits, and highly pleased
with their quarters and rations."
The next day came the following anonuncement.
"Fifth Battery : Lieut. H"de returns to Camp Schouler at Lynnfield
this morning (October 4th) with the following recruits: —
Robert A. Dillingham, Timothy W. Terry, Henr" D. Scott, Alpheus
Haskins. Edward F. Smith, William Turner. Mason W. Page, Joseph
G. Braley, George McCully, Samuel A. hardy, George H. Chadwick,
J. Augustus Wood, Christopher C. Allen, Edward Mitchell, Philo P.

76 HISTORY OF THE
Braley, William Greeley, Josiah W. Gardner, John Langley, James D.
Allen, Charles D. Barnard, Michael Flynn. George W. Smith, Thomas
Higgins and several others whose names we could not learn.
Timothy W. Terry, brother of our city marshal, has received the ap
pointment of Quartermaster's Sergeant. The recruiting office will be
kept open a short time, and those intending to enlist should do so at
once. Lieut. Hyde has made arrangements with the postmaster at
Lynnfield, so that all letters addressed Fifth Battery Artillery, Camp
Schouler, Lynnfield, will be conveyed daily to the camp by the Quar
termaster's Sergeant."
ADVERTISEMENT IN THE MERCURY OCT. 5th.
"LAST CHANCE.
20 able-bodied men wanted Immediately. For the
New Bedford
Light Artillery Company
Now encamped at Lynnfield."
After specifying the bounty, as before, the following is
added : —
"Call soon, as only a few more can be accepted in this Company.
Apply at the Armory of the New Bedford Light Artillery Com
pany, on Mechanics Lane, above Purchase street."
October 8, 1861, John B. Hyde of New Bedford was
commissioned Second Lieutenant. Robert A. Dillingham
of New Bedford Third Lieutenant. Charles A. Phillips of
Salem, Fourth Lieutenant of the Fifth Mass. Battery.
On the same day the New Bedford Mercury announced
the following additional recruits :
"THE FIFTH BATTERY
"Lieut. Hvde leaves for camp this morning with the following
recruits for the Fifth Battery, completing the number of his company:
Christopher C. Allen, Michael Hewitt, Robert King, Joseph R. Hath
away, Thomas Place, Richard Heyes, John F. Hathaway, Stephen
Townsend, John H. Alton, Christopher B. Tripp, William S. Wilcox,
Peleg W. Blake, Joseph B. Alton, James Robinson, Thomas A. Cush-
man, Squire W. Butts, Michael Sullivan, David B. Peirce, Benjamin
S. Kanuse, James L. Warren, William H. Caswell, John T. Drew,
Francis P. Washburn. Lot Tynan,. James H. Albro."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 77
Oct. 8th, the 22d. Regiment left Boston for Washington.
On the I oth, according to the Mercury, the mayor and city
treasurer of New Bedford "proceeded to Camp Schouler,
Lynnfield, and paid the bounty offered by the City to vol
unteers in Lieut. Hyde's company, and the Clifford Guards,
Co. D, 23d Regiment."
This company was recruited by Cornelius Howland Jr.
and went to camp about the time the artillery company was
sent there. On the 16th Colonel Kurtz changed the camp
of the 23d to the location vacated by the 22d.
October 23, 1861, Max Eppendorff of New Bedford,
was commissioned captain of the Fifth Mass. Battery.
CAPTAIN MAX EPPENDORFF.
The first commander of the Battery enjoyed the full con
fidence of His Excellency Governor Andrew, and the high
officials with whom he came in business connection, and
he tried to deserve this confidence to the best of his ability.
NOTES OF CAPTAIN EPPENDORFF.
October 26, 1900.
"When, in the early part of the year 1849, tne Royal
Saxon Army, — I am a subject of the King of Saxony, not
of Prussia — , was reorganized and increased, the Minister
of War was compelled to call for Volunteers to fill the
vacant positions of Subaltern Officers.
With 8 other young men, who like myself, had formerly
been students of the Polytechnic High school in Dresden,
I applied for admission in the Artillery Corps. We were
accepted and mustered in as Ensigns. For 5 months we
were drilled in Artillery and Infantry service, and in
structed by Officers of the Regiment in general duties of an
Artillery Officer, and in special Artillery science.
Having satisfactorily passed examination before a com
mittee composed of the Staff of the Regiment, we obtained

78 HISTORY OF THE
our appointments as Second Lieutenants of the Saxon Ar
tillery. I served my King faithfully for 6 years, when I tendered
my resignation and obtained my honorable discharge with
pension, which latter I am by special favor allowed to draw
in any foreign country.
On my first interview with Governor Andrew, I handed
him these papers, of whose contents he took the necessary
insight. My application for a position as a kind of in
structor for officers and men of Batteries of the State then
to be organized, was finally refused by the Secretary of
War in Washington."
THE ORIGINAL ENLISTMENT ROLLS IN NEW
BEDFORD.
Signed by The Recruits.
Enlisted at New Bedford from September 23d. to Oct.
8th, 1 86 1, by Lt. John B. Hyde.
Robert A. Dillingham  New Bedford, Mass.
Henry D. Scott  New Bedford, Mass.
Timothy W. Terry  New Bedford, Mass.
Charles H. Morgridge  New Bedford, Mass.
George Shaw  New Bedford, Mass.
Anson E. Ferris  New Bedford, Mass.
John Pilling  :  New Bedford, Mass.
Luther Petty  New Bedford, Mass.
Thomas Burke  New Bedford, Mass.
Jacob A. Gilbert  New Bedford, Mass.
Francis Oldis  New Bedford, Mass.
Michael Flynn  New Bedford, Mass.
George W. Smith  New Bedford, Mass.
Samuel R. Jordan  Mattapoisett, Mass.
Henry W. Soule  New Bedford, Mass.
John C. Hart  New Bedford, Mass.

* -:•*

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 79
Patrick Walsh  New Bedford, Mass.
James A. Tripp  New Bedford, Mass.
John G. Sanford  New Bedford, Mass.
Robert Miller  New Bedford, Mass.
Michael Dugan  New Bedford, Mass.
Alexander Moore  New Bedford, Mass.
Henry D. Crapo  New Bedford, Mass.
Andrew W. Almy  Fairhaven, Mass.
Francis Carson  New Bedford, Mass.
John Agen  New Bedford, Mass.
Benjamin T. Burt  Fall River, Mass.
James Winters, Bugler  New Bedford," Mass.
William W. Carsley  New Bedford, Mass.
Albion K. P. Hayden  New Bedford, Mass.
George S. Manchester  New Bedford, Mass.
Jacob Peacock  New Bedford, Mass.
Charles C. Weeden  New Bedford, Mass.
Joseph W. Clarke  New Bedford, Mass.
Thomas Higgins  New Bedford, Mass.
James Neild  New Bedford, Mass.
Elisha J. Gibbs  New Bedford, Mass.
Charles A. Clark  New Bedford, Mass.
James Kay  New Bedford, Mass.
Benjamin Graham  New Bedford, Mass.
Benjamin F. Smith  New Bedford, Mass.
John Waddington  New Bedford, Mass.
Edwin J. Butler  New Bedford, Mass.
Thomas Carney  New Bedford, Mass.
William Pinder  New Bedford, Mass.
James T. Shepard  New Bedford, Mass.
Joseph Hall  New Bedford, Mass.
John E. Dyer  New Bedford, Mass.
Edward T. Wilson 2d  New Bedford, Mass.
Edward W. West  Fairhaven, Mass.
Philip T. Quillin  Fairhaven, Mass.
William H. Dunham  Fairhaven, Mass.

80 HISTORY OF THE
William H. Ray  Fall River, Mass.
Alpheus Haskins  Marion, Mass.
Edward F Smith  New Bedford, Mass.
William Gunning  New Bedford, Mass.
William Saxner  Blackstone, R. I.
Mason W. Page  New Bedford, Mass.
Joseph G. Braley  Freetown, Mass.
George McCulley  Freetown, Mass.
Samuel A. Hardy  New Bedford, Mass.
George H. Chadwick  New Bedford, Mass.
J. Augustus Wood  New Bedford, Mass.
Christopher C. Allen  New Bedford, Mass.
Edward Mitchell  New Bedford, Mass.
Philo L. Braley  Freetown, Mass.
William Greely  Germany.
Josiah W. Gardner  New Bedford, Mass.
John Langley  New Bedford, Mass.
James D. Allen  New Bedford, Mass.
[afterwards captain's clerk]
Charles D. Barnard  New Bedford, Mass.
Lemuel A. Washburn  Freetown, Mass.
Michael Hewitt  New Bedford, Mass.
Ephraim B. Nye  New Bedford, Mass.
Edward Champlin  Westerly, R. I.
James Cox  New Bedford, Mass.
Samuel Clark  Smithfield, R. I.
John M. Canty  New Bedford, Mass.
Charles Jay  New Bedford, Mass.
William Hathaway Jr  New Bedford, Mass.
James H. Paxton  New Bedford, Mass.
Frederick D. Alden  Fall River, Mass.
Charles H. Macomber  Fall River, Mass.
Benjamin West  New Bedford, Mass.
William Sweeney  New Bedford, Mass.
A. F. Milliken  New Bedford, Mass.
Patrick Doyle  New Bedford, Mass.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 81
Henry Fitzsimmons  New Bedford, Mass.
Lorenzo D. Brownell  New Bedford, Mass.
John H. Hodgins  New Bedford, Mass.
George F. Healy  Rochester, Mass.
David McVey  New Bedford, Mass.
Robert King  New Bedford, Mass.
Joseph R. Hathaway  New Bedford, Mast
Thomas Place  New Bedford, Mass.
Richard Heyes  New Bedford, Mass.
John F. Hathaway  New Bedford, Mass.
Stephen Donovan  New Bedford, Mass.
John H. Alton  Freetown, Mass.
Christopher B. Tripp  Westport, Mass.
William S. Wilcox  New Bedford, Mass.
Frederick W. Wood  New Bedford, Mass.
Peleg W. Blake  New Bedford, Mass.
Samuel Sanderson  New Bedford, Mass.
Toseph B. Alton  Sandwich, Mass.
James Robinson  New Bedford, Mass.
Thomas A. Cushman  New Bedford, Mass.
Michael Sullivan  New Bedford, Mass.
David B. Peirce  New Bedford, Mass.
Benjamin S. Kanuse  New Bedford, Mass.
Squire W. Butts  New Bedford, Mass.
James L. Warren  New Bedford, Mass.
William W. Caswell  New Bedford, Mass.
John A. Drew  New Bedford, Mass.
Francis P. Washburn  New Bedford, Mass.
Lot Tynan  New Bedford, Mass.
James H. Albro  New Bedford, Mass.
James W. Baldwin  New Bedford, Mass.
John H. Cole  New Bedford, Mass.
William H. Peacock  New Bedford, Mass.

82 HISTORY OF THE
THE ORIGINAL COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
From Lt. Hyde's Rolls.
Captain, Max Eppendorff, New Bedford, Mass.
Sen. ist Lt. George D. Allen, Maiden, Mass.
Jun. ist Lt. John B. Hyde, New Bedford, Mass.
Sen. 2d Lt. Robert A. Dillingham, New Bedford, Mass.
Jun. 2d Lt. Charles A. Phillips, Salem, MaSs.
ORIGINAL NON COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Sergeant Major, George H. Johnson, Boston, Mass.
Sergeants : —
Frederick A. Lull, Cambridge, Mass.
Henry D. Scott, New Bedford, Mass.
Otis B. Smith, Boston, Mass.
Charles H. Morgridge, New Bedford, Mass.
William B. Pattison, Boston, Mass.
Peleg W. Blake, New Bedford, Mass.
William H. Peacock, New Bedford, Mass.
Quartermaster Sergeant.
Timothy W. Terry, New Bedford.
Corporals.
W. G. Warren  Boston, Mass.
A. E. Ferris  New Bedford, Mass.
H. O. Simonds  Boston, Mass.
Mason W. Page  New Bedford, Mass.
William H. Baxter  Boston, Mass.
Ephraim B. Nye  New Bedford, Mass.
The representative of the New Bedford Mercury at

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 83
Camp Schouler thus describes an unusual scene and a novel
recruit : —
"We saw a dav or two since a noble looking mastiff, a most intelli
gent brute, and thoroughly trained, which was purchased by certain
gentlemen in the city, and presented to the Fifth Massachusetts Bat
tery. He was taken to the camp by Ass't Engineer H. H. Fisher, who,
we learn, made an appropriate presentation speech. As 'Jack's' loyalty
was beyond all question, the usual oath was dispensed with."
The sentinel "Jack" was also called "Trusty."

October 28th, His Excellency Governor Andrew re
ceived the Twenty-Third Regiment and the Fifth Mass.
Battery, at Lynnfield.
Corporal Thomas E. Chase refers to this in his Diary,
and says there were fifteen guns fired in honor of His Ex
cellency, and that on that day Captain Max Eppendorff
took command of the Battery.
In relation to Lieut. Phillips' fitting himself for promo
tion, Private Louis E. Pattison says : —
"Chas. A. Phillips joined the company at Lynnfield as
Junior Second Lieutenant, and immediately had Thomas
Stantial, an artificer, make him a table on which, with the
aid of blocks representing artillery, and a copy of the tac
tics, he familiarized himself with the movements of a bat
tery, so that later he was competent to perform his duties
successfully."
MEETING IN MALDEN TOWN HALL.
Maiden, like New Bedford, had just sent out an infantry
company, Co. K, of the Mass. 17th Regt., which was at
Camp Andrew, Baltimore, Md., when on Monday evening
October 28th, 1861, there was a Masonic celebration at the
Maiden Town Hall, — a public installation of officers of
Mount Vernon Lodge, and a presentation to the retiring
Master of the Lodge, George D. Allen.

84 HISTORY OF THE
In the centre of the hall stood the altar, draped with the
American flag, and above the platform where were seated
the officers of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, hung a
portrait of Washington festooned with red, white and blue.
SABRE AND EQUIPMENTS.
The installation of the officers was by the Grand Master
of the Grand Lodge R. W. Wm. D. Coolidge, followed by
a hymn written for the occasion by the Rev. T. J. Green
wood and sung by a choir of thirty voices, the closing
verses of which were as follows : —
O'er our country in her sorrow
Deign to hold thy mighty shield :
Bring to us a bright tomorrow,
Through the struggles of the field.
Lo ! our cherished brother leaves us,
Dangers, for our Land, to brave:
While the parting sadly grieves us,
We for him thy blessing crave.
Shield him, by thy gracious power !
Shield his comrades in the strife,
And to life's remotest hour,
Be his helper, God of Life !
Guide us onward, all, and ever,
'Till thou lead a world to thee !
Let our trusting falter, never,
God of Life, and Liberty.
Then came the presentation of a splendid sabre and
equipments to the late Master of the Lodge, George D.
Allen, the exercises commencing with the song "Comrades
Awake to Glory" : —
Comrades awake to glory,
Know ye not the foe is near,
Hear ye not the trumpet sounding,
See ye not the glistening spear?
You'll awake on your graves,
Already the torch is applied.
And the blood of your comrades
Is dyeing the turf at your side.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 85
The presentation speech was made by Wm. H. Richard
son Jr. Esq. who said in part : —
"The members of Mount Vernon Lodge . . . have called you here
tonieht to seal their approbation of a step" which reflects equal honor
upon you in the taking and upon them in their prompt recognition of
its high importance.
A few weeks since we learned that you, in obedience to the prompt
ings of an unselfish patriotism had offered your services to your country
in her hour of darkness and trial : we learned also, that the offer had
been accented, and that in a few brief weeks you would exchange the
quiet walks of life, the delights of home, and the society of cherished
friends, for the distant and stirring scenes of camp and battle field.
Spontaneously, as it were, the members of this Institution, with whom
you have been so long and honorably connected, suggested the idea of
a parting testimonial, which should be alike a substantial token of our
appreciation of your labors with us, of our regard for you as a gentle
man and brother, and as useful and appropriate symbols of the new
profession in which you are about to embark. . . It is no empty com
pliment, no formal act of courtesy — no enforced compliance with the
fashion of the times that seeks this method to cover a heartless cere
mony, but it is the warm expression of a hundred hearts that beat
in proud sympathy with a step that evinces the noblest patriotism and
the truest devotion to a sacred cause. . . We do not forget that the
name of Allen bears an historic glory, and a revolutionary memory
that will never die, and may you emulate that sturdy patriotism and
unflinching courage which make the name of Allen and Ticonderoga
the watchwords of victory. . You are now to exchange the gavel
for the sword, and thereby discharge the duties you owe to the laws
under which you live; keeping steadily in view the allegiance due to
your country.
These spurs, too, are emblems of honor, suggestive of that open eyed
vigilance which is ever ready for the word of command, come when it
may: requiring, as Napoleon used to term it, a sort of 'two o'clock
in the morning' courage, and demanding great discipline and great
enthusiasm to guard against surprise. It is said of Suwarrow that
even in peace he always slept fully armed, boots and all, and when he
wished to enjoy a very comfortable nap he used to take off one spur.
Let his ready zeal be to you a lesson in fidelity." . .
MR. ALLEN'S REPLY.
Mr. Allen replied as follows:
"Brother Senior Warden, and Brothers of Mount Ver
non Lodge: There are moments when even the lips of elo
quence are held mute by the emotions that struggle in the

86 HISTORY OF THE
heart. And if to such souls emotions are sometimes un-
mastering, how much more so must they now be to me,
who can lay no claim to eloquence or even common lan
guage, to speak what I feel. I cannot talk. Our country
is in peril, and for her sake, I have ventured to say I was
ready to fight. But even here I am reminded that profes
sion is more becoming him who putteth off his armor, than
he who putteth it on. I will then strive not to abuse the
confidence you have manifested by these splendid gifts. I
will endeavor to use them manfully in protection of our
country and her laws, and for them so appropriate in the
position in which I stand, as well as expressing the confi
dence of the Lodge over which I have had the happiness
and honor to preside, as well as for the eloquent and appro
priate manner in which they have been conveyed, my whole
soul centres in an expression of grateful thanks."
In closing Mr. Allen invited the Rev. T. J. Greenwood
to speak for him, which he did, portraying Mr. Allen's
willingness to sacrifice his life for his country "which all
true Masons are bound to love, and cherish, and defend,"
and as a personal gift presented him with a bible "The
Word of God" — "The Great Light of Freemasonry, which
we are all taught to heed." District Deputy Grand Mas
ter J. K. Hall presented Mr. Allen with the Diploma of a
Past Master, in acknowledgment of the faithful perform
ance of the duties intrusted to him, with a poetical allusion
to Washington for whom Mount Vernon Lodge was
named, and to the sabre and bible : —
"And may its hilt be blessed by faith in God
While you seek succor from his holy word :
So shall you honor that masonic name
Which he, our brother, cherished more than fame."
Reference was also made by the speaker to those shin
ing lights in Freemasonry the patriots Warren and La
fayette.

Doherty, Bernard  Readville,
Dickerman, Joseph C  Readville.
Lull, Frederick A  Boston.
Spear, Joseph E  Boston
Smith, Otis B  Boston
Simonds, Harrison O  Boston
Peacock, William H  Boston
Morrison, John W  Boston
Pattison, William B  Boston
Newhall, William B  Boston
Stiles, Charles F  Boston
Newton, Geo. L  Boston
Proctor, George O  Boston
Tucker, John C  Boston
Johnson, George H  Boston
Burkis, James M  Boston
Brown, Warren W  Boston
Blanchard, Amos  Boston
Brown, Edward A  Readville
Baxter, William H  Boston
Barry, William  Boston
Cox, Henry A  Readville
Estee, William E  Boston
Freeborn, Geo. H  Boston
Grows, David H  Boston
Gale, Mortier  Boston
Knox, Joseph L  Boston
Leach, Geo. H  Boston

88 HISTORY OF THE
Lapham, Frederick A., Jr  Boston, Mass.
Mack, John F  Boston, Mass.
Murray, John  Boston, Mass.
Phippen, Edward A., Jr  Boston, Mass.
Poole, Geo. W  Boston, Mass.
Pattison, Louis E  Boston, Mass.
Rice, Edward E  Boston, Mass.
Stantial, Thomas B  Boston, Mass.
Story, Benjamin F  Boston, Mass.
Shaw, Horatio E  Boston, Mass.
Waugh, William A  Boston, Mass.
Whitcher, Joseph  Boston, Mass.
Gustine, Edward F  Boston, Mass.
Parsons, Henry C  Boston, Mass.
Platts, Edward M  Boston, Mass.
Warren, William G  Boston, Mass.
Lapham, William H. H  Readville, Mass.
Morrison, Joseph J  Boston, Mass.
Prescott, Francis A  Readville, Mass.
Cook, John G., Jr  Boston, Mass.
Skinner, Charles E  Boston, Mass.
Simonds, Warren  Readville, Mass.

New Bedford Mercury October 29, 1861 : —
"The company will today be provided with two 12 pound howitzers,
two 6 pound smooth bore, and two rifled cannon.
There are twenty tents, including officers' quarters, those of the
privates accommodating twelve men each. Since the Battery has been
encamped, a park has been neatly laid out, and a Liberty pole erected
in the centre. The company rations are satisfactory, and the Quarter
master is spoken of in the highest terms."
McCLELLAN COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
On the 31st of October, 1861, General Winfield Scott re
tired, and General George B. McClellan was made Com
mander-in-Chief of all the Armies of the United States.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 89

THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Head Quarters, Boston,
General Order No. 28. Nov. 5, 1861.
The soldiers who illustrate the fame of Massachusetts, and defend
her cause with that of our Union and our National Flag, in military
service remote from the homes where they have been wont to celebrate
with their families the venerable and joyful New England Festival of
Thanksgiving to God for the fruits of the season, and the bounty of
His Providence, ought to be remembered and associated so far as may
be in the celebration now at hand.
.t is therefore ordered by the Commander-in-Chief that the Adjutant
General cause copies of the Governor's recent Proclamation for a dav
of Public Thanksgiving and Praise to be sent to the colonels and chap
lains of all the Massachusetts Regiments of Volunteers with the as
surance of the grateful and sympathetic remembrance of them by the
Government and people of Massachusetts, of their thankfulness for the
many satisfactions and blessings with which even in war we are con
stantly attended, and of our fervent prayers for the welfare of our
gallant and patriotic soldiers, and our undoubting faith in their fidelity
and honor; and finally, with the exoression of the hope that militarv
duties mav not be inconsistent with their observation in some fitting
manner of the day annually set apart for the renewal and enlivening of
the domestic affections, and for remembering the Giver of all mercies
by the united consent of the people of our beloved Commonwealth.
Commanders of Regiments and Batteries of the Massachusetts Vol
unteers, will promulgate this Order in their respective commands.
By order of His Excellency John A. Andrew,
Governor and Commander-in-Chief. William Schouler,
Adjutant General.
It was said that since the memory of the oldest inhabitant
the country had not teemed with such abundant crops as
the season of 1861.
NOTE OF SERGEANT PEACOCK.
"Camp Schouler.
Lynnfield Nov. 9, '61.
We move our camp to Camp Brigham, Readville, next

90 HISTORY OF THE
Wednesday, where there are stables for horses. Here we
have none. We expect to remain there 6 weeks, certain.
There has been any quantity of rain and wet weather, but
we have very comfortable tents, so we keep dry and warm.
There are three of us in a tent — the Sergt. Major, the Q.
M. Sergeant, and myself, so we have plenty of room."
It was said that this removal was in order to concentrate
the forces remaining in the state, to the end that they
might be more economically supported.
Nov. nth the 23d Regt. Colonel Kurtz, left for the
seat of war and Corporal Chase noted in his Diary: "5th
Detachment of 5th Battery fired a salute of 6 guns on their
departure." FIRST MARCHING ORDERS.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Head Quarters, Boston.
Special Order No. 568. Nov. 13, 1861.
Captain Max Eppendorff commanding Fifth Battery of the Massa
chusetts Volunteers now in camp at Lynnfield, will proceed with his
command tomorrow to Readville and encamp there, under direction
of the Quartermaster General.
By command of His Excellency
John A. Andrew,
Governor and Commander-in-Chief. William Brown,
Ass't. Adj. General.
The Battery marched from Lynnfield to Readville, a
village then forming a part of Dedham, now of Hyde Park,
about 8 miles from Boston, on the Providence railroad.
Here there were two camps, "Massasoit" and "Brigham."
The Battery moved Nov. 14th and camped at Camp Massa
soit. Nov.. 18th, 1861, the following order was issued: —
Special Order No. 579.
Captain Eppendorff, commanding Fifth Battery of the Massachusetts
Volunteers, will report to and receive orders from Major Stevenson
commanding Twenty-Fourth Regt. in camp at Readville.
By order of the Commander-in-Chief Wm. Schouler Adj. Gen.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 91
Nov. 22d, Lieut. Robert A. Dillingham was presented
with a full set of artillery equipments by Mayor Taber of
New Bedford, on behalf of the Military committee.
"Nov. 25th. (Chase's Diary) Three inches of snow on
the ground this morning. Very stormy day. No drill.
Nov. 30. Fired a salute of three guns on arrival of Co.
I, 24th Regt. from Fort Warren."
ORGANIZATION OF DETACHMENTS.
From Lieut. Phillips' Diary, Nov. 27, 1861.
42 Cannoneers, 7 in each Detachment.
36 Drivers, 6 in each Det.
6 Artificers, 1 in the ist, 3d, 5th, & 6th Det. 2 in the 2d.
6 Cooks, 1 in each Det.
8 Wagoners, 1 in the ist, 2d, 3d and 6th Det. 2 in the
4th and 5th.
2 Buglers, 1 in the 3d Det., 1 in the 6th.
2 Clerks, 1 in the 2d, 1 in the 4th Det.
22 Spare Men, 4 in the ist, 2d, 3d & 4th Det., 3 in the
5th & 6th. Total 124.
LETTER FROM ALDERMAN LADD.
New Bedford, Mass.
•Friend IHyde. Dec. 13, 1861.
Mr. Cowen [Conductor on the New Bedford and Boston R. R.]
informs me that you leave on Monday next and that you would like to
see me tomorrow. It would afford me much pleasure to come down
were it possible, but we have a cargo of lumber at our wharf, which is
to be discharged and loaded on to the cars, and I must remain to attend
to it. I have persuaded Alderman Lewis to represent me on the occa
sion. I send by Mr. Lewis [Alderman Lewis] two hundred dollars
[This was in gold] donated by your friends in this city, towards pur
chasing a horse and equipments which -"ou will please accept with their
kind regards for your future health, happiness, and success. We all
take a deep interest in the Fifth (Mass.) Battery and shall watch its
course with interest and with confidence that all, both officers and
men, will be faithful to duty, and reflect credit and honor on them
selves and on the city under whose auspices it was raised.

92 HISTORY OF THE
In relation to fares, you will please collect what you can of the
men and hand it to Mr. Lewis, and the balance we will take care of.
In conclusion, allow me to utter an earnest prayer that yourself
and all connected with you, may return, when this wicked rebellion
shall have been utterly crushed out, in health and vigor, to your friends
and families.
With respect, Yours truly, Warren Ladd.
THE HORSE.
The horse which was bought in Washington, and was
called "Black Charley," was coal black, with the exception
of a white star in his forehead. G. O. No. 108
Head Quarters of the Army.
Adjutant General's Office,
[Transfers] Washington D. C.
Dec. 16, 1861.
General Orders
No. 108.
[Extract] III. The numerous applications for transfer of soldiers
from one regiment or company to another, would, if complied with,
cause confusion in the records, and be injurious to the future interests
of the soldiers themselves. Such transfers will not henceforth be made.
By command of Major General McClellan. L. Thomas Adj't Gen'l.

That this order was wise in its intention, and would
have been for the best interests of the soldiers if it had been
carried out, has been amply proven by the confusion of
many of the records in respect to the membership of differ
ent organizations.
The two old guns with which the Battery had been
drilling were sent to Boston Dec. 17th. On the 20th the
non-commissioned officers of the Fifth Battery went to
Point Shirley in Boston Harbor to practice, and on the
same day the Battery received orders to march.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 93
From a letter of Lieut. Phillips to a little nephew written
at the camp at Readville, Dec. 17, 1861 : —
"The whole cavalry regiment rode out two or three miles
today. There were about 700 men on horseback. Col.
Williams and Lieut. Col. Sargent rode in front. Col. Wil
liams rode a dark horse and Lt. Col. Sargent rode his own
horse. . . . One company in the regiment have all black
horses and look very well.
The paymaster came down the other day and paid off all
the men. He had his money in tin plates on the table in
front of him. One plate was full of coppers, one of five
cent pieces, one of halves and quarters, one of gold dollars
and another of three dollar gold pieces. Besides he had a
little pile of treasury notes."
ORDERED TO WASHINGTON. Head Quarters,
Boston Dec. 20, 1861.
Special Order No. 638.
Captain Max Eppendorff commanding the Fifth Battery of the
Massachusetts Volunteers, is hereby ordered to proceed with his com
mand on Tuesday next, to Washington D. C. and report for duty to
Major Gen. McClellan U. S. A. Captain Eppendorff will apply to the.
U. S. Quarter Master in Boston, Captain McKim, (W. W. McKim
Ass't Quartermaster U. S. A.) for transportation.
By command of His Excellency John A. Andrew,
Governor and Commander-in-Chief. Wm. Schouler, Adjt. Gen'l.
"Tuesday next" was Dec. 25, 1861.
In the Adjutant General's Report for 1861, may be
found the following relative to the equipment of the Bat
tery : —
"This battery is the only one which has left the State without a full
and complete equipment. Everything was furnished except the horses,
which Quartermaster General Meigs U. S. A. preferred to supply at
Washington. The company is well officered, and is composed of the
very best material.

94 HISTORY OF THE
Captain Max Eppendorff, New Bedford, Sen. ist Lieut. George D.
Allen, Maiden, Jun. ist Lieut. John B. Hyde, New Bedford, Sen. 2d
Lieut. Robert A. Dillingham, New Bedford, Jun. 2d Lieut. Charles A.
Phillips, Salem."
REPORT OF THE MASTER OF ORDNANCE.
Colonel Charles Amory, Master of Ordnance, reported :
"Dec. 26, 1861, there had been issued to the Fifth Battery 4 Bronze
Field Guns, 6 pounders, rifled, 2 Bronze Field Howitzers, 12 pounders,
6 Gun carriages, complete with limbers, 6 caissons, complete, with lim
bers, 1 forge wagon complete, with tools and stores per U. S. Regula
tions, 1 Battery wagon, complete, with tools and stores per U. S. Regu
lations. 14 sets 6 Horse Artillery Harness, complete, 18 tarpaulins, large, 17
sets Horse equipments, complete, 17 non-commissioned officers sabres,
17 non-commissioned officers Sabre Belts and Plates, 44 artillery sabres,
44 artillery Sabre Belts and Plates, 90 artillery Short Swords, 92 Waist
Belts and Plates with Shoulder Straps and Frogs, 1 Guidon, silk, with
staff and socket, 1 national flag, silk, with staff and socket, 4 camp
colors with staves, 4 Sponges and Rammers for 6 pounder Guns, 4
Bristle Sponges and Rammers for 6 pounder Guns, 4 Sponges and
Rammers for 12 pounder Howitzers, 12 Sponge Covers, 4 Worms and
Staves for 6 pounder Guns, 2 Worms and Staves for 12 pounder
Howitzers, 18 Hand Spikes, 6 Prolongs, 6 Sponge Buckets, 12 Tar
Buckets, 6 Gunners' Pincers, 18 Tow Hooks, 24 Thumb stalls, 12 Prim
ing Wires, 12 Lanyards and Hooks, 6 Felling Axes with handles, 6
Shovels, long handled, 6 Pick Axes with handles, 3 Crow Bars, 2 Ham
mers, 2 Hatchets, 6 Tompions and straps, 6 Vent Covers, 12 Tube
Pouches and Belts, 12 Gunners' Haversacks, 12 Screw Drivers, 6 Vent
Punches, 6 Linstocks, 50 Slow Match — yards — , 3 Pole Yokes, spare, 4
Cannon Sights, — pairs, — 56 Rubber Watering Buckets, 75 Feed Bags, 2
Bugles and Trumpets, 2 Sergeants Sashes, 1 Picket Rope, — coil — , I
Picket Beetle, 2 Copper Scoops, 2 Copper Dippers, 2 Copper Tunnels,
20 Revolving Pistols with appurtenances, 2000 ball cartridges for pis
tols, 3000 percussion caps for pistols, 300 cartridges \y2 pounds powder
each, 2000 Cartridge Bags, 2400 Friction Cannon Primers, 43 kegs Gun
Powder, 300 Shot, 6 pounder Schenkle, 400 Shell 6 pounder Schenkle,
120 shell 12 pounder for Howitzers, 184 shell, 12 pounder Canister,
for Howitzers, 4 Field Glasses, 25 pounds Twine, 105 pounds Tow in
bags, 1 Emery Cloth,— ream— , 24 Chamois Skins, 12 Sheep Skins, 32
Linchpin Rings, 48 pairs Chest Straps."

CHAPTER V.
IN CAMP AT WASHINGTON, D. C, AND HALL'S
HILL, VIRGINIA.
HOW THEY FARED. OFFICERS AND MEN.
"After we shall have made our last march, shall have answered
our last roll call, then will some historian take in hand the story of the
war, and fashion it into a goodly tale to tell our offspring what we
did from '61 to '65 . . . and what will his story be?"
Clarence F. Cobb.
Orator of the Society of the Army of the Potomac,
Niagara Falls, N. Y., 1898.
Letter of Lieut. C. A. Phillips. "Camp Duncan
Washington, Dec. 29, '61.
Wednesday forenoon we struck our tents at Readville,
and packed up. After standing round in the cold for two
or three hours, we took the cars at 123^ and started for
New York. At Groton we went on board the Common
wealth, the men occupying the lower cabin, while we occu
pied state rooms. Arriving at New York about six
in the morning, we had some more waiting to do while
our baggage was loading. During the course of the fore
noon, we sent our baggage to Jersey City; Lieut. Hyde
taking charge of the baggage train.
At 9 or ten o'clock I marched the men into the ferry boat
and across, and waited in the depot for the train. About
io we started for Philadelphia, leaving a squad of men to
take care of our baggage, which was to follow in the next
train. We got to Philadelphia about two, and had a little
more waiting to do. Our baggage got mixed with that of
95

96 HISTORY OF THE
the ioth N. J. Regt., got delayed, and did not get along
till midnight. By this time the N. J. Regt. had arrived,
so that we had some fellow travellers. During all this time
our men were kept waiting in the depot, with nothing to
do, and a guard placed at every door. The only redeeming
feature in Philadelphia was the dinner which we got at
the 'Union Volunteer Refreshment Saloon,' foot of Wash
ington street. The whole Battery marched in and sat
down, — that is, the officers sat down and the men stood
up, — to a very good dinner of cold corned beef, coffee, bread
and butter, pickles, and cheese.
About midnight we started for Baltimore and arrived
there early the next morning : unloaded, and marched across
the city to the neighborhood of the Camden St. depot,
where we found an imitation of the Philadelphia arrange
ment, and rather a poor one at that. The breakfast was
cold ham with considerable saltpetre, or something of the
sort, bread, and coffee without any milk, and we had to
wait about an hour to get this.
A"t three o'clock in the afternoon we started in a special
train with the Jerseymen for Washington, and had a
tedious time in finishing our journey. We stopped at every
turnout to avoid a regular train, and succeeded in reaching
Washington at 9 o'clock in the evening, without any acci
dent, except that one member of the Jersey Regt., who had
got off the train during one of our stoppages, was left by
the train, and in running to catch up with it, refused to stop
at the challenge of tlie sentinel, and was shot through the
head. The sentinels are posted all along the road from
Baltimore to Washington.
Arrived there we marched into the upper story of the
'Soldiers Rest,' — a large, wooden building, — where we
deposited our knapsacks. We then marched into the lower
story, and had some supper of regular army rations, bread,
meat, and coffee.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 97
The men slept here all night, spreading their blankets on
the floor, while the officers went up to the National. The
next forenoon we unloaded our baggage and marched up
here to camp."
JOURNAL OF PRIVATE GROWS.
Dec. 25 to Dec. 28, 1861.
"Wednesday morning Dec. 25, 1861. Camp Massasoit.
Pleasant and very cold. Turned out at 5 o'clock, and
begun to pack our things, and at 8 o'clock 'struck tents'
and had them ready for packing in the cars. At 11 went
and drew two days' rations, then built a large fire' to keep
warm by. At 12 got dinner. At half past 1 marched to the
depot, took the cars for Groton, stopped at Providence at
4 o'clock for wood and water, then started for Groton,
arrived there at 8 o'clock, and went on board the Steamer
'Commonwealth,' and started 10 o'clock for New York.
I had the id fortune to be put on guard over the bar room.
¦ . . Was relieved at 2 o'clock next morning. Turned in
my berth No. 39, turned out at 5 o'clock in New York.
Thursday morning Dec. 26, was detailed for guard over
the powder on the wharf. Stood till half past 8, then
guarded the team with the powder till it was aboard the
ferry boat for Jersey City. Left Jersey City for Philadel
phia on the Camden and Amboy R. R., arrived at Camden,
crossed the river in the cars on a ferry boat. The boat Tiad
three tracks with three cars and an engine. Arrived in
Philadelphia at half past 2, and marched to the 'Volunteer
Refreshment Saloon' and took dinner, and it was a big
thing, — home made bread, coffee, meats, cheese, butter &c.
We were honored by the presence of the Ladies of the
Society. It is a great institution.
At half past 3 we marched to the Baltimore and Ohio
R. R. and had to stay there till 11 that night, under strict

98 HISTORY OF THE
guard. I had the good fortune to get a 'pass,' so I took a
look around the city. At n o'clock in the evening took
the cars for Baltimore. It is of no use to try to sleep in
the cars ; some are singing, some talking, etc.
Friday morning Dec. 27, we marched through the street
where the Massachusetts soldiers were fired upon. There
are quite a number of 'secesh' here, but they have to keep
quiet, because the city is under martial law. We marched
to a place called the 'Soldiers Relief where a scant lunch
of bread and coffee was given to us. At 3 o'clock in the
afternoon we were on our way to Washington, where we
arrived about 5 minutes past 11. That night at 12 o'clock
midnight got some supper, then went across from the depot
to a large, wooden building called the 'Soldiers Retreat,'
to spend the night.
At one o'clock Saturday morning we spread our blankets
on the floor, and taking our knapsacks for pillows we turned
in, and slept on the soft side of a pine board. I think I
slept about 9 or 10 knots an hour. After breakfast got
permission to see the Capitol building. It is a splendid
edifice. Washington is not such a handsome city as I ex
pected. At -J past 1 'took knapsacks,' and took up line of
march for our camp ground, which is at present on Penn
sylvania avenue, about 8 or ten minutes walk from the
Capitol. Arrived on our ground and without any dinner,
commenced unloading teams, and at Yi past 3, to pitch
tents. Had them all up and the park laid out at 7 o'clock,
then had supper of hard bread and water.
Since leaving camp at Readville, we have passed through
8 different states: Mass., R. I., Conn., New York, New
Jersey, Penn., Maryland, Delaware, — into the District of
Columbia. There are a great many pickets thrown out at
Newark, N. J. There are guards from there to Washing
ton on the railroad, guarding bridges" (see p. S3 )•

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 99
TO REPORT TO MUSTERING OFFICER.
Office of Chief of Artillery.
Army of the Potomac
Washington D. C.
„ „, Dec. 28, 1861.
Captain Max Eppendorff.
Company E, Mass. Art'y.
tap tain
Major Chas. S. Wainwright ist Regt. N. Y. Artillery, will muster
your company on the 31st inst.
You will see that the muster roll of your company is properly made
out, and in season, and will have your company duly paraded at the
hour designated by the mustering officer.
I am, Capt. very respectfully Yr. Obt. Servt. William F. Barry,
Brig. Gen'l Chief of Artillery.
FROM LIEUT. PHILLIPS'
Letter of Dec. 29, 1861.
"By the way, I forgot to mention that yesterday, while
we were pitching our tents we were inspected by General
Barry, under whose command we are. The men were
drawn up in line and inspected. He seemed to think they
were very well, only they wanted their hair cut, and he told
each of us that our posts wrere as responsible as that of
a major of infantry, whereat we were much pleased, of
course."
THE FIRST SUNDAY.
Journal of D. H. Grows : "Dec. 29, 186 1. . . . After
service I took a walk around camp. There are 4 batteries
encamped here besides ourselves. They are mostly
Germans, and are attached to batteries of very heavy
calibre, mostly 24s and 32ds.

100 HISTORY OF THE
This afternoon got a 'pass' to go to the city. I am
disappointed a great deal about Washington. The soil is
rather clayey and of a reddish color, a great many of the
streets are not paved, and the buildings are miserable look
ing, some of them would be a disgrace to Boston.
Returned to camp at 4 o'clock. At Vz past 5 had supper
of raw bacon and hard bread.
Monday Dec. 30th, dug a cellar in the tent, put a box
down to keep my tobacco and loose stuff, such as shoes &c.
in, then went to work on the tent. Went to dinner. Hard
Bread and water.
Tuesday Dec. 31: At 8 o'clock formed in line and
marched i>4 miles to a large building, and got a good
breakfast of hot coffee, bread, and cold tongue. The reason
of this was, the delay in receiving our provisions. Took
up line of march to camp at 9, arrived there about 11. Fell
into line for inspection of clothing and arms, were dis
missed, went to dinner. In the afternoon our Guns came
on the field. Went to work fixing carriages, and helped
clean. Gun. At 4 o'clock p. m. heavy firing heard across
the River Potomac. At Vi past 5 roll call. Received a
large loaf of bread to each man for three meals, also some
coffee. Made our own coffee.
7 o'clock: Have got through supper, and the men are
having a smoke and talking about home.
8 o'clock p. m. : Roll call is just through and we are
talking about the firing across the river, which is still kept
up. Lights are seen on the opposite side of the river, also
signal fires along the river. Great excitement in camp.
There goes the 'tattoo' for lights out, so I must turn in."
Chase's Diary. "Dec. 31, 1861. Received our guns:
four rifled brass 6 pounders, and two brass twelve pound
howitzers." (See p. 94 Ordnance Report.)
Notes of Sergt. Henry D. Scott: "Arriving in Wash
ington we camped in the mud on Capitol Hill. Here we

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 101
heard the first guns in our experience, from the Rebel
batteries at Acquia Creek, below Mount Vernon, on the
Potomac." NEW YEAR'S DAY, 1862.
Journal of D. H. Grows : "Four o'clock a. m. (Wednes
day Jan'y 1, 1862) was awakened by heavy firing across
the river. We had a good breakfast of bread, meat, salt
pork, and coffee. Some of the men have just got some milk.
The men, most of them, are speaking of New. Years gifts
at home.
Thursday, January 2 : Some of our horses for the
baggage wagons have arrived. They do not look as nice
as our northern horses, but they are very tough.
Friday Jan'y 3d : Detailed on the 2d Relief for guard
from 11 a. m. to 1 p. m. Some of the men are cleaning
their arms, some are asleep, some are writing, and two
are playing cards. We detail two men every morning out
of our tent to keep the tent supplied with wood and water
for the day, next morning two other men take their places
and so on. By doing this we have plenty of water to drink
and to wash with, and wood to keep us warm.
7 o'clock p. m. : Have just come off from guard. It is
hailing quite fast, and is very cold, but I am warm and
comfortable, as I am provided with good and warm cloth
ing. I had some hot coffee while on guard.
Saturday Jan'y 4th : The ground is just covered with
snow, and it has frozen and it is quite slippery.
9 a. m.; It is snowing quite hard.
3 p. m. : About 30 more horses have just come in. We
have now 46 horses in all.
Sunday Jan'y 5th : Got a "pass' from \ past 10 till 4 in
the afternoon, to go to the city, the Sergeant and myself.
First we went to the Treasury Building, a very large build
ing of granite on Pennsylvania avenue. The celebrated

102 HISTORY OF THE
Washington monument is close to the building. It is about
175 or 200 feet high at the present time. Long Bridge is
close to the monument. This part of the city is quite hand
some. At every other corner on this avenue you will see
mounted patrols, and on the sidewalks you will be stopped
very often by the street patrol. If you have a 'pass' it is
all right. If not you will be arrested and put to work
white-washing or cutting wood, and you will be kept in
prison until relieved by your Captain. Lieutenants have
to have a 'pass' when they go out, just the same as
privates. In the rear of the Treasury Building and bearing
to the left, is the White House, a very handsome building.
I had the pleasure of seeing 'Old Abe' (The President) a
pleasant looking man. In front of the White House about
80 rods, is the celebrated equestrian statue of General
Jackson, in bronze, as large as life. It is a splendid thing.
I stopped about half an hour, looking at it. The parks here
are nothing compared to our old Boston Common. At the
upper end of Pennsylvania avenue there is another large
statue, of Washington, on horseback. It is not so fine as
that of Jackson. About every other person you meet in the
streets are soldiers, you will not see many citizens. There
are about 200,000 troops encamped around Washington,
and it would seem to be impossible for the rebels to attempt
to take the city. I went to Arlington Heights where
Follett's (Afterwards Martin's Third Mass.) Battery is
encamped. From there I visited the camp of the 18th Mass.,
the latter killed about 60 rebels 2 days ago. The rebels
are a lean looking set. About 800 are in prison here. The
1 8th and other regiments and batteries expect to be home
for good in a very short time. I hope so. The war cannot
last much longer as the rebels are giving i34 per cent on
gold, that is, they give $1.25 of scrip for $1.00 in gold."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 103
LETTER OF SERG'T. PELEG W. BLAKE.
(The name of the Camp had been changed from
"Duncan" to "Sumner.") "Washington D. C.
Camp Sumner.,
5th Batt. Mass. Art'y.
Capt. Max Eppendorff.
January 5, 1862.
We are encamped about a quarter of a mile from the
Capitol east. There are 20 batteries around us, three or
four batteries from Fort Monroe, regulars, that I was
acquainted with when I was out there last spring. The
city of Washington is nothing very alarming, the Capitol
looks very well, but the White House where the President
lives — I have seen a good many better looking houses than
that is! I have seen the noted 'Uncle Abe,' and General
Geo. B. McClellan. Last Monday I went down to the
Provost Marshal's Office and got a 'pass' to go across
the Potomac. I went through Georgetown, and then ar
rived at the river. I got stopped every few minutes by the
patrols who I had to show my 'pass.' We went across the
river on flat boats, had to pull myself across by lines ex
tended across the river. I had to travel three miles to the
river. After I got there I went about five miles further and
arrived at Hall's Hill, where the 18th (Mass.) Reg't. was.
The country was all lined with troops, all the way along.
I stayed an hour and then I started back. I had to go about
17 miles. I think I sha'n't go again till we move over there.
We have got a fine battery, and have drawn 50 horses, and
are receiving horses every day."

104 HISTORY OF THE

FROM A LETTER OF THOMAS E. CHASE OF THE
7TH IN RELATION TO SUNDAY JAN'Y 5TH
1862:—
"Last Sunday six of us crossed the Potomac and visited
the Mass. 9th, 18th, and 22d, and Follett' s Battery. I saw
several of my old Boston friends, with others James
Vaughan Jr. with the 22d. . . They are shut in by
guards, pickets, and patrols, on every side, and are just as
much prisoners as though within the walls of a penitentiary.
We of the 5th are not very aristocratic, in our way of living,
but I think we have more privileges than the infantry have.
The troops at Hall's Hill make their quarters in this way,
viz., they drive slabs of wood down endwise around a
circle, which makes a fence about three feet high, then the
crevices are plastered up with mud, so that it is quite tight.
On top of this circular fence the tent is set just as it would
set on the ground. By this arrangement much more room
is gained, and instead of having a part of the tent open all
the time, they have a small wooden door. All the furniture
of the tent is painted as follows : — The ground zvork is a
smoke color, then on this three different shades viz.
dirty, more dirty, most dirty. I do not say this of one
company or reg't. alone for camp life is about the same with
all of us, it cannot be otherwise. . . I wish I could write
some news to you, but all I can write until we have a
fight, — an awkward way of saying never, — are trifling
things that the press will not notice. You get more war
news than we do, for a Boston paper is better for news than
any of the one-horse concerns here. Give my thanks to
Mrs. T. and Fred for writing to me, and for the mending
materials, which I find indispensable, especially the yarn."
He closes his letter with an expression which shows how
little these very young men were inclined to engage, of

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 105
their own accord, in warlike pursuits : — -"If this govern
ment should become a monarchy and your humble servant
crowned TCing of it, I should not be more surprised than
to have known a year and a half ago, that I was to be in
the Army this year of our Lord, 1862."
Journal of D. H. Grows: "Monday, January 6th. There
has been quite a snow storm during the night. When I went
out to breakfast there was about two inches of snow on the
ground. The air is quite warm. Our stove broke down in
the night.
I am detailed for Guard on the 2d relief. I went on at
1 1 o'clock and came off at 1 o'clock, then 5 to 7, then 1 1 to
1 at night, 5 to 7 in the morning. The water we drink here
makes a person sick.
Tuesday, January 7th. Fourteen more horses have
come in this morning. I went this afternoon with the
Captain's clerk to the Senate Chamber in the Capitol. Six
teen more horses have come. We have now about 70 horses.
This forenoon I, with five others, went out on a foraging
party. We went about 4 miles from camp. It was a splen
did sight to see so many camps. There are about 30 bat
teries around here.
Thursday, Jan'y 9. Was awakened this morning about
5 o'clock by hearing it rain very hard, got up and
found about an inch of water all over the bottom of the tent.
It had run in by the door. We dug two large holes in the
ground, and took out five pails full of water. Our beds were
wet. I got my blankets dried and got some straw, and
spread down in the tent, and it has dried up the mud con
siderably. The mud is from about 3 to 5 inches deep, and
the travelling is very hard as the soil is clayey. The bugle
will soon sound 'Lights out.' "
Private Grows w„ent to Washington to send some money
by Adams' Express ,and being detained four minutes over
the time, four o'clock, allowed by his "pass," he was
arrested within a short distance of the Battery guard line

106 HISTORY OF THE
by the provost guard, a beardless youth, and sent to the
Louisiana Avenue jail.
"I was taken," he writes, "into a large room, where there
were about seventy men, some for desertion, drunkenness
&c. I was immediately saluted with the cry of 'fresh fish,
meaning I was a new comer. I was detained till morning,
when I was called into the office and given a 'pass' for
twenty-four hours, also a line to my Captain not to have
me punished, for had he been on the street he would not
have arrested me, when I was so near my camp, and such a
short time over my 'pass' viz. four minutes. I was a green
and fresh soldier, and it taught me a lesson, not to look
at the man, but to notice the uniform he wore, and to respect
that, if I did not the man."
Resuming the Journal. "Jan'y io, 1862. Word has just
been received in camp, of the sailing of the 'Burnside Secret
Expedition.' If it is successful, — and we all hope it will
be, — this war will be settled in a very short time. (See p.
116). The Pensacola sailed yesterday to run the blockade
Cof rebel batteries) on the Potomac. There is considerable
excitement here at present in regard to her success.
The Roll Call was called in the tents tonight, it was :o
muddy outside, and this pleased the men very much."
THE BLOCKADE OF THE POTOMAC.
Preparations for the blockade of the Lower Potomac
were commenced previous to the Battle of Bull Run,
July 21, 1861.
From Alexandria the Potomac runs almost directly south
to the mouth of Acquia Creek, a distance of 30 miles; then
it runs directly east for 15 miles where it rounds Matthias
Point, a very prominent projection northward into the
stream, and almost entirely separated from the main land
by Gamble's Creek.
In a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Navy,

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 107
McClellan expressed his apprehension that the Potomac
might be rendered impassible to Federal vessels, and
recommended the strongest possible naval force to be
stationed in that stream, but it was found that new batteries
interfering w7ith the navigation of the stream could be built
as rapidly as the old ones were destroyed, and that nothing
could effectually protect the navigation of the Potomac
except the military occupation of its entire right bank by
our army, and this did not form a part of the plan of opera
tions.

Chase's Diary. "Jan'y n, 1862. Fifth Detachment
hitched up today for drill for the first time."
Grows' Journal Jan'y 12. "Was called at 1 o'clock this
morning. Stationed over the guns. Relieved at 3 o'clock
this morning."
FROM SEVERAL LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
Date "Camp Sumner Jan'y 12, 1862.
We have now 86 horses, — no being our full number, —
and shall get the rest this week. I have taken the horses
out to exercise two or three times, and so far we have got
along without accident, though a man occasionally gets
thrown off and we have a loose horse to chase. We take our
meals now in our tents, using a box cover for table. We
bought a set of crockery &c. the other day, and now live
in great style. We have roast beef, eggs, cranberry sauce,
bread, crackers, coffee, with milk and sugar, cake &c.
Our principal trouble is that we have no floors to our tents,
and only a few loose boards to stand on, but then we have
quite a field of grass growing inside, which is quite orna
mental.

108 HISTORY OF THE
At present we have no stables, and the horses stand at
the picket rope out of doors. . . We are living now in
camp style. We have a boy to look after our things, and
we i. e. the four lieutenants, take our meals in our tent.
The Captain takes his meals with the officers of the Dutch
batteries. . . Our carpenter is now busy making us a
mess chest. . . encamped . . south of East Capitol
street and east of North Carolina Avenue."
Grows' Journal. "Jan'y 13, 1862. It is blowing quite
hard, and the mud is almost dried up. At 9 o'clock this
forenoon took all our bedding, carried it out of the tent
and left it out till noon, so the clothes would have a good
airing. We always make it a practice every Monday when
it is pleasant to air our bedding and examine our clothes.
Tuesday Jan'y 14. Two inches of snow on the ground.
9 o'clock in the evening: Have just come off guard, went
on at 7. It is now hailing, a perfect gale. It is very hard
for the horses to be picketed out in such weather, but it
cannot be helped until we get the other side of the river.
One of the men got a quart of oysters, some milk and
crackers, and I cooked them in a stew style, and we sat
down and eat them. I must now turn in for I will be called
at one o'clock tomorrow morning to go on guard till
3 o'clock. The gale has not abated any as yet, and it will
be an awful night.
Wednesday Jan'y 15. Got up and dressed at 1 o'clock
this morning, put my rubber blanket over my overcoat, and
went out into- the storm. It is not blowing quite as hard
as it has been, but it is hailing very bad. I am provided
with tip-top underclothing, so I do not care much for the
storm. Was relieved at 3 o'clock, came into the tent, sat
down on my bed and took a smoke, and while sitting in
this way I fell asleep. It is cold in the tent for the men
let the fire go out. I had a good breakfast this morning. I
went to the cook house and asked one of the cooks to give
me some beef. I cut off about two lbs. of steak, broiled it

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY.

109

and went into it with bread and coffee. Milk is so high that
I seldom buy any, so I drink my coffee without it, but we
have plenty of sugar. Milk is' worth io cts. a qt., butter
28 to 30 cts. a lb., so we give up these luxuries. Three times
a week we get potatoes, twice a week we get rice with
molasses. It is raining quite hard, five o'clock p. m. Our tent is
afloat and we are digging holes to drain the water off. We
will have a wet and muddy floor to lay on tonight.
9 o'clock p. m. : I am going to turn in. I went out and
took some rails off a fence and have laid them down on the
ground so I can lay my rubber blanket on them, and then
rny bedding, and by this means keep out of the mud. We
have a good fire in the stove and hope to have the mud
dried up by morning. It does not look much like home
with good bed and bedding, but as it will not last long we
make the best of it.
Thursday Jan'y 16, 1862. Got a 'pass' this forenoon
to go down to the city, and visited the Patent Office.
Among the curiosities we saw General Washington's tent,
his suit of clothes he wore when he resigned his commis
sion at Annapolis in 1783, and most of his camp utensils;
also fifteen silk robes presented by the Emperor of Japan to
President Buchanan.
The health of our camp is very good. I was never in
better health. We have heard this afternoon of the arrival
of Burnside's expedition at Fortress Monroe."
FORTRESS MONROE.
The Fortress encloses 75 acres of ground. It had in 1861,
two tiers of guns, casemates and barbettes, and it was
thought there were over three hundred guns within its
walls. It is situated a mile and a half from the main land,
and completely commands Hampton Roads and the

110 HISTORY OF THE
entrance to the James River. It is of great importance in
a military point of view. The peninsula on which it stands
is about ioo yards in width and is commanded by the guns
of the Fortress. It is surrounded by an outside wall of
granite. Between this wall and the walls of the fort is a
moat twelve feet deep, and 125 feet in width.
The garrison of 300 men was increased to 1100 by the
reinforcements conveyed from Massachusetts by the
steamers "S. R. Spaulding" and "State of Maine."
Grows' Journal. "January 17, 1862. I am detailed on
the quarter guard that is over the Powder Magazine. The
mud is almost ankle deep. The horses for our Detachment
were matched off this forenoon and the drivers took them
out this afternoon for exercise. I turned in at 9 o'clock and
was awakened at 10 o'clock by the heavy firing of cannon,
which lasted till 12 o'clock. It sounded in the direction of
the Potomac and we have supposed it was an engagement
with one of the rebel batteries. We shall hear in the course
of a few days what it was for.
Word was received here hy one of our men, Mr. Estee
of Maiden Mass., by his brother who is in the Treasurer's
Office in this city, that this Battery would be at home in a
few months, as the trouble would be over in a short time.
The mud is awful, owing to the clay which is from two
to four inches below the surface of the ground, and it stops
the water from soaking down." SIGNALS. Office of Chief of Artillery,
Army of the Potomac
Washington D. C.
January 17, 1862.
Commanding Officer
Battery E. Mass. Art'y.
Sir. I am instructed by Brig. Gen'l Barry, to direct you to send to the
office of the Signal Dept. of the' U. S. Army, No. 158 F. st. between
19th and 20th streets, on Monday morning the 20th inst. at 11 o'clock, a

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. m
commissioned and a non-commissioned officer, for the purpose of re
ceiving instruction in day and night signals.
I am, sir, Very respectfully yr obt. serv't
Alex. T. Webb.
Maj. and ass't to Chief of Artillery.

Grows' Journal. "Jan'y 20, 1862, Monday: On guard
at 7 o'clock p. m. and came off at 9. While on guard I felt
hungry, so I went to the quartermaster's tent and got some
potatoes, and dug a hole in the ashes of our camp fire and
baked them. They tasted good although we eat them with
out salt or gravy.
Word was brought into camp this morning that the
army on the other side of the river had made an advance
today, and it was good news to us, for the sooner we ad
vance the sooner the struggle will be over.
Turned in at half past nine but did not go to sleep on
account of Joe Knox and D. McVey, for they commenced
snoring, so I got up and took a piece of twine and tied
their great toes together, for they sleep in the same bed. I
then laid down and waited for the result. In about half
an hour Knox went to turn over, when the twine on his toe
brought him up, and then — they wanted to know who did
it, but no one knew anything about it, for I had blown out
the candle, and it was as dark as the grave. Some way they
managed to get at the candle and light it and untie the
twine. About half past ten I went to sleep to be called at
1 o'clock tomorrow morning."
LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp Sumner Jan'y 21, 1862.
The arrival of the mail has already come to be an event
in our life. Our Quartermaster Sergeant leaves here every
morning, and gets back about two o'clock with the letters,

112 HISTORY OF THE
and the men are generally so impatient that he has to
deliver the mail before he can get off his horse. . . We
were troubled at first with the water running in, forming
mud puddles, but we have found a remedy for that. We
dug a hole in the lowest part of the tent, so that the water
collects in this hole, and when it gets full we bail out and
start again. . . The men are very much exposed, some
of the tents are very wet, the water standing in puddles all
over the floor. Then the government boots leak like a
sponge so that they have wet feet constantly, but still they
keep in good health and spirits. Our horses too are very
much exposed, only protected by a hedge of cedars to keep
off the wind. . . Lieut. Dillingham and I went out with
them today and I had rather a gay time of it. I happened
to get on a horse of rather high spirits, commonly known as
the 'peacock,' a very good horse in his way, but having
some unpleasant peculiarities. If I touched him with the
spur he stood on his forelegs, if I checked him with the rein
he stood on his hind legs, if I did both together he went off
sideways in the most unaccountable style. I expected every
five minutes to take a seat in the mud, but luckily I managed
to keep on during the hour's ride and arrived home safely.
I made a mental resolution, however, to try a different
horse next time. Our stable duties have already got to be
a little burdensome. There are three feed calls during the
day, at each of which the officer of the day is expected to
be at the stable to oversee the feeding; one feed call comes
at six in the morning, — then the officer of the day is ex
pected to visit the stable during the night after twelve
o'clock — . . . .
For a table wejiave a bureau with two drawers and an
extension leaf. . . Milk is abundant and crowds of milk
men, women and boys visit us every day."
In this letter Phillips speaks of "a few cedar boughs in
front of the door to wipe our feet on."
From Letter of January 22d. — "Visiting the stables is

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 113
rather the worst job, as the horses are kicking and splashing
the mud round all the time. . . The men have had great
sport lately with the cows round the camp. Quite a number
of these animals are straying round eating what they can
up, and getting rather a scanty living. To their hungry-
appetites the hay which we have piled up for the horses
presents quite an attraction, and our men have great diffi
culty in keeping it for our own use. So they think they
might as well make something out of the cows in return,
and most of them manage to have fresh milk for breakfast.
Besides this they get a little amusement. Not content with
horseback riding, they have taken to riding cows, and the
result has been a series of ludicrous catastrophes.
The process is as follows : as soon as a cow is discovered
in the vicinity, she is surrounded and captured by half a
dozen men, some holding on to her horns and some on to
her tail. Then somebody mounts the animal and off she
goesj the length of time that her rider sticks on varying
very much. The final result, however, is the same in all
cases. The rider is pitched into the mud more or less
summarily, and the animal leaves camp rapidly. . .
Every day we take the horses out and exercise for an hour
or so. We generally go over to the parade ground which
begins a short distance from our camp, and extends to the
shores of the East Branch. The Parade contains 40 or 50
acres, and the troops, mostly artillery, are encamped all
around it. Eight or nine batteries of the ist N. Y. Artillery
are encamped on our side. Close to us are 4 German
batteries, then there are two or three regular batteries, and
on the farther side near the cemetery there is a regiment
of cavalry, — regulars I believe, — so you see we have quite
a force in our vicinity, and besides what I have mentioned
several regiments of infantry, 57th Penn. and ioth N. J.
among them, are encamped on the hills to the Northward.
From our camp we can see our large encampment on the
other shore, and several forts."

114 HISTORY OF THE
Grows' Journal "Jan'y 22, 1862. In conversation, one
of the best informed officers we have on the grounds told
me today that we could not be south long, for Massachu
setts was the first to answer the call to arms, and therefore
her troops will be sent home first. Word was received
here today that as soon as the ground hardens up some, we
will cross" the river and go into winter quarters.
Friday Jan'y 24. Went to the Arsenal with the limber
and caisson to have them filled with shot and shell. Was
gone about three hours. It is now about n o'clock a. m.,
and I must stop to take an examination of the powder
boxes, so I can report to the Commissary.
After dinner I was called into the Captain's quarters, and
was shown how to cut the fuze of shell and spherical case
shot, it being my place after doing the carpenter's work of
fitting the boxes containing the shell and shot, to prepare
them ready for the No. 5 man of the gun Detachment.
It is performed in this manner : On the outside of the
shell there is a small dial about 2 inches in diameter, and
marked from right to left (Like the dial of a clock) 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, for a five second shell. For instance, if you wish
the shell to explode in three seconds after it leaves the gun,
you take a small chisel and cut the thin lead covering off at
the figure marked '3' and then remove all the covering to
the right,' but never cut to the left. Under this thin cover
ing of lead is a deposit of fine meal powder which is ignited
by the firing of the gun.
In a spherical case shot it is filled with musket balls and
sulphur, and is used to fire into infantry and is capable of
doing great execution. In a shell it is filled with powder,
and the bursting of it causes the fragments to do a great
deal of hurt. In a limber, that is the part to which the
gun is attached, there are 39 rounds. In the left part are
spherical case, in the centre are canister, and on the right
are shell. In the caisson, that is the team that follows each
gun, are three boxes, each one containing the same number

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 115
of rounds as there are in the limber. This kind of shot and
shell is used only on the howitzers, as they can fire only
shell and canister. We have two howitzers and four rifled
guns. The rifle guns can only use rifle and solid shot. A
part of the solid shot is composed of twine and grease so
to fill the grooves in the gun, and they are capable of going
a great distance.
There has been a change in the War Department in
regard to artificers. They now only allow two regular
ones, the blacksmith and harnessmaker, their pay is $15 a
month, and they must work about all the time. The car
penter and wheelwright receive $13 a month for their regu
lar pay, and every day they work they receive extra pay,
so I shall do better than the two who get $15 a month.
This month so far I have not had anything of importance
to do, but will soon have enough, I think.
Saturday Jan'y 25. After dinner I was called by the
Captain tp take charge of a gun Detachment and go to the
Navy Yard and get the caisson and limber loaded, but as
the shot was not ready we came back. Will have to go
down Monday again. While waiting at the yard I met
Sergt. Wright of Porter's Battery. (First Mass.) After
coming back to camp we had to report to the officer, and
then we commenced digging around our tent, for the sun
had softened the mud considerably, and we needed a chan
nel to drain it off. After this we went to roll call where
we were addressed by General Schouler of Boston, Mass.
He informed us that we would not be here long."
NOTES OF CAPTAIN MAX EPPENDORFF.
Personal Remembrance from Oct. 23, '61 to Jan'y
25, '62.
"On October 24th, 1861, I took charge of the Battery
then in camp at Lynnfield.
There were present in camp 2 First Lieutenants Geo. D.

11C HISTORY OF THE
Allen and John B. Hyde, and i Second Lieutenant Rob.
Dillingham. The 2d Second Lieutenant Charles A. Phillips joined the
Battery beginning of November. Next to these commis
sioned officers there was a full complement of non-com
missioned officers and men.
Let me first say a few words about them. I cannot say
too much in their favor. Of course there were some 'black
sheep' among them, but they were soon transferred to other
Batteries or regiments lacking men. The great majority
of the men hailed from New England, and they were above
the common standard of volunteers in regard to intelli
gence as well as morals. You soon could notice that these
men had left their homes, not for any selfish purpose, but for
the high cause for which each one of them was willing to
sacrifice his life. It was a pleasure as well as an honor,
to command them ! In the early part of November the
camp was moved from Lynnfield to more suitable grounds
at Readville, near Boston, which afforded plenty of room
for foot-drill, the then only possible way to keep the men
in useful activity, their outfit being limited to side arms.
Some time in early December '61, General Burnside pre
pared his expedition against certain forts along the coasts
of Maryland and Virginia recently erected by the rebels,
and which were opposing the advance of the federal army
toward Richmond. To manage the guns on board the
ships attacking these forts from the sea, the 5th Battery was
ordered to report to General Burnside. The little article
here annexed, cut from a New Bedford paper, gives a cor
rect, statement of my doings after receiving the Order.
Had I not succeeded in persuading Gov. Andrew, as well
as General Burnside to have the order countermanded, the
5th Battery, Mass. Light Artillery might have been wiped
out of existence."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 117
NEWSPAPER EXTRACT.
"The 5th Artillery, Capt. Eppendorff, is still in camp at Readville.
It is under orders to join Burnside's expedition, but has not been pro
vided with horses, and has had no drill in artillery movements. Capt.
Eppendorff is too much of an officer to desire to take green men
aboard a ship with green horses, to make an artillery company of after
reaching some far off Southern point, where immediate action may
be necessary. He has laid the case before the Governor, and the Gov
ernor has written a statement of the facts to Gen. McClellan, that he
may decide upon them. Capt. Eppendorff only asks a fair chance, and
then he will do credit to the state and to the army."
Notes of Captain Eppendorff continued : — "My desire to
obtain the horses for the 6 rifled field pieces from New Eng
land remount, could not be granted by Governor Andrew,
as he had been informed by the War Department in Wash
ington, that there were for such purposes plenty of horses.
— nearly 4000, — -in Government stables at Georgetown,
which in course of time had been returned from the front.
On the 25th of December, 1861, the Battery broke camp
at Readville, and went by rail to Washington, where it went
into camp on Capitol Hill to the East of the Capitol. Soon
after Gen. Barry, commander-in-chief of Artillery in Gen.
McClellan's Army of the Peninsula, sent the order to make
out my requisition for horses needed for the Battery, in
forming me at the same time that I should take my pick
from those horses returned from the front, as stated above.
With two of my men. whom I knew to be good judges of
horseflesh, — one of them either James A. or Charles M.
Tripp, — I went to Georgetown, where we found the horses
in half-open sheds, tied to the manger by leather straps or
copes, without litter, and so close packed together as to
make it impossible for them to lie down.
At the end of a few days I had to report to Gen. Barry
that I had not found a single horse among the 4000, which
I could conscientiously consider fit for artillery service.
Laughingly he ordered me to make out my requisition, to

118 HISTORY OF THE
select the horses from the Remount, which was daily
brought in by the farmers.
It was rather slow work, since 1 had to make an arrange
ment with" a cavalry officer who had come there for the
same purpose, to have the first pick of the fresh horses every
other day. However, after a time I had the satisfaction of
having an excellent collection of horses on the picket lines,
— so excellent, indeed, that General McClellan sent his
adjutant twice to pick horses for his private use from my
stock. This duty of completing the number of horses needed,
requiring my chief attention and time, I ordered Lt. Phil
lips to draw from the Arsenal of the Navy Yard in Wash
ington the ammunition for the Battery, which consisted ex
clusively of the Schenkle shell with Percussion and Time
fuzes, which had recently been adopted by the War De
partment. Unfortunately, before the Battery was fully equipped, my
health broke down, and I had to resign. When I bade the
boys farewell, it seemed to me as if many of them showed
tliat they did not like the parting.
Some time in Winter '62, I met my old Q. M. Tim Terry.
iFTie reported to me correctly that Gen. McClellan had de
clared the 5th Mass. Battery to be one of the best equipped,
best mounted, and best disciplined in his Army, I was fully
rewarded for what I had been able to do in the short 3
months of my activity, to bring it to that high standard.
But I could not have accomplished it without the assistance
of my men!
I cannot close my communication without referring to a
pleasant incident in connection with one of the privates of
the Battery, Patrick W  He belonged originally to
the 'black sheep' mentioned above. For some reason or
other he was spared the fate of the others to be transferred,
although he had to be punished repeatedly and severely for
not leaving liquor alone. — One evening whilst the Battery

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 119
was in camp at Washington, the Orderly Johnson with, —
if I recollect well, — Sergeant Morgridge, entered my tent
and said: —
'Captain! What shall we do with W. He got drunk
again, and is in the prison-tent handcuffed. He sits on an
empty box, pounding with his heels against it, and laughing
at every word I say to him.'
In spite of their remonstrances, I went to see W. alone,
the sergeants remaining outside the tent. I found W. as
Johnson had said, sitting on a high box, pounding furiously
against it and grinning at me.
After looking at him a few seconds I called out in rather
a harsh tone : —
'W  ! Attention!'
He jumped down and stood before me, straight, not mov
ing a muscle. Then I began to speak to him. What I said
I do not remember, but soon he was on his knees before me,
seizing my hand, and with the hot tears running down his
cheeks, calling out with a solemn oath that he would change
his life and never touch a drop of liquor again.
To my question 'Is that true, W. ?' he called out, 'Cap
tain, as true as we both are living !'
I made him rise, had the hand-cuffs taken off, and sent
him to his tent.
When I saw Terry in winter he told me that W. . . .
was one of the best men in the Battery. I was much pleased
to see by the 'Soldiers Memorial' that W. was promoted
March i, 1863 to be corporal.
After the close of the War, during a visit at New Bed
ford, in walking up County street, I saw a heavy wagon
with flour coming towards me, the driver sitting on top of
it. When the wagon came up to me, the driver reined in
his horses, jumped down, ran up to me, and seizing my
hand, called out : 'Captain ! I have kept my word !' It was
Pat. W. and we both of us felt happy to have met again.
If he is still living and should read this little incident, he

120 HISTORY OF THE
would be pleased to see that his old Captain is still kindly
remembering him — and if he is dead, it might not be out of
the way to have the facts made known in order to honor the
memory of a brave man.
MAX EPPENDORFF.
September 17th 1900."
ROANOKE ISLAND.
Roanoke Island N. C. was the key to all the rear defences
of Norfolk, and commanded the seaboard from Oregon
Inlet to Cape Henry. It commanded the only entrance to
Albemarle Sound, which connects with Pamlico by means
of Croatan and Roanoke Sounds, on either side of the
island. With relation to the expedition of General Ambrose E,
Burnside to the coasts of Maryland and Virginia referred
to by Captain Eppendorff, official records show that on the
6th of September, 1861, General McClellan had requested
the Secretary of War "to organize two brigades of five regi
ments each, of New England men, for the general service,
but particularly adapted to coast service." The expedition
commanded by General Burnside, whose destination had
been changed from the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac to
the coast of North Carolina, was not ready until the new
year, and on January 7, 1862, after meeting with the fleet
at Fortress Monroe under Flag-officer Louis M. Goldsbor-
ough, it was ordered to Roanoke Island. There were seven
gunboats connected with Burnside's Division. The expe
dition sailed out of Hampton Roads January 11, 1862.
(See p. 106.)
VISIT OF ADJUTANT GENERAL SCHOULER.
The chief of staff of His Excellency the Commander-in-
Chief of the militia of the State of Massachusetts, was Ad
jutant General William Schouler, and January 25th, 1862,

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 121
he made an official visit to Camp Sumner on Capitol Hill.
The object of this visit was to ascertain the condition of the
troops, and to verify Descriptive Rolls. In a letter to the
Governor, he says : —
"Upon my arrival at Washington I ascertained that Captain Eppen
dorff of the Fifth Battery had resigned. I visited the camp and found
the men in good health and anxious to have their guns.
By an order the Battery had been attached to General (William B.)
Franklin's Division. For reasons not necessary to detail, they desired
to be placed in General Fitz John Porter's command. Their case was
presented to General William F. Barry, Chief of Artillery, by Hon.
Messrs. (Thomas D.) Eliot (of New Bedford) and (Daniel W.)
Gooch (of Melrose) congressmen in whose districts the Battery was
raised, and by myself, and he consented to the desired change, if Gen
eral Fitz John Porter, whose quarters were near Hall's Hill, Va., could
find use for them. Subsequently, I had an interview with General
Porter at his headquarters, and he asked me to say to General Barry,
that he would be pleased to receive as many Massachusetts batteries
as would be sent him, although he did not wish to interfere with any
previous arrangements of the War Department. The jresult is that the
older was changed, and the Battery is over the river in General Por
ter's Division. With a few weeks' drilling it will be very efficient."
There is no date to this letter and the closing lines are a
little in advance of the notes of the members of the Battery
as arranged chronologically.
Grows' Journal "Jan'y 26, 1862. As it was a glorious
morning we took our bedding and all our equipments, and
carried them out into the park to give them an airing. Tt
was a pretty, but odd sight, to see each man's bedding lay
ing in front of his tent, with his knapsack, sword, canteen
and haversack, on top.
Thoughts on Guard.
In the hours of the night, when you and my sweet child
are in sweet slumbers, I am walking my 'beat' while on
guard. I have often walked over my beat almost an hour
at a time, and when I came to myself it would seem that I
was just awakened from a dream.

122 HISTORY OF THE
Joseph Hall called in to the tent this evening. He has
got his discharge. He was unfit for service when he en
listed. A more honest man never walked, but an oversight
has caused him all this. He is only 23 years old.
A man in the 'Rocket Battery' was killed yesterday by a
horse, he was kicked in the head. His body will receive a
military escort to the Depot, to then be sent to New York
where he belongs.
Monday Jan'y 27th. Went out and helped clean the
Gun, after which I was ordered to look after the packing of
some shot and shell. Was occupied till 12 o'clock. The
escort of the man who was killed, passed by us this after
noon. He was in a walnut coffin, and it was placed on the
carriage of the Gun to which he belonged. The coffin was
covered with the American flag.
At the 5 o'clock Roll this afternoon : The Captain of our
Battery goes home to New Bedford tomorrow. Lieut.
Allen takes command till a new Captain is appointed. In
all probability it will be Allen. We all want him very
much." Chase's Diary "Jan'y 27, 1862. Capt. Eppendorff in
formed the Battery, that his resignation had been accepted.
First Lieut. G. D. Allen left in command until a captain is
appointed." This was at that important period when General McClel
lan was engaged in perfecting the organization of the Army
of the Potomac and on this day, January 27th, President
Lincoln issued his General War Order No. 1, directing a
general movement of the land and naval forces.
Chase's Diary "January 28th. Captain Eppendorff left
camp." Grow's Journal "Jan'y 28. Tuesday. On account of
new regulations we were called at 6 this morning, and at
a quarter past 6 was Roll Call, and half past 6 was Feed
Call, for the drivers to attend to their horses. At 7 was
Water Call for the horses. At 8 o'clock we had breakfast.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 123
I am very glad of this change for it is better for the men.
We had dinner at one o'clock instead of 12."
The Officer of the Day attended the Roll Call. The
drivers fell in at Stable or Feed Call with "nose bags" to
be filled with grain. The Officer of the Day rode a horse
bareback at Water Call to superintend the driving of the
horses to water.
Grows' Journal "Jan'y 29, 1862. Tonight for supper
we had tea, the first I have tasted since I have been here.
Friday January 31st. Had a drill on the Gun this after
noon. Saturday, Feb. 1. After breakfast went out to see the
horses, found one with a broken leg. He was kicked in the
night by one of the horses and had his leg broken. He was
killed by being knocked in the head. One Battery has been
disbanded near to us, they were a New York company.
One of our men was at the Capitol today, and the subject
in the Senate Chamber was to have some of the batteries
discharged. We will hear more about it soon.
Sunday, Feb. 2d, the 'drivers' turned out at 9 to clean
their horses and harnesses, and the cannoneers to clean up
their quarters &c. &c. I was detailed for guard at 11
o'clock to be on till 1 o'clock p. m. At 12 o'clock we were
visited by Colonel Amory of Boston, — he is Master of Ord
nance at the State House, — and also Colonel (T. Bigelow)
Lawrence. The men were drawn up in line and were ad
dressed by them. They were sent down here by Governor
Andrew to see how the men were used, and if they were
comfortable. They examined our quarters and our horses
and guns &c. &c. and appeared highly pleased with the de
portment of the men. They left us about J4 past one
o'clock. At 2 o'clock there was divine service in the camp,
and the men's voices singing did sound splendid while I was
lying clown in my tent. I did not have to go out into the
line for I was on the guard list. Went on guard again at
5 o'clock p. m.

124 HISTORY OF THE

BOX FROM HOME.
Monday Feb. 3, 1862. At 12 o'clock word came into
the tent that the team had come with boxes from the ex
press office. Went out and found Harry Simonds with the
Detachment. He showed me the box. I carried it to his
quarters and opened it. I received four immense pies, two
splendid cakes, tea, coffee, sugar, pop corn, papers etc.
Wednesday Feb. 5th. Most of the Detachments had a
drill on their guns. The order was in the morning,
'Empty beds !' In the afternoon the straw came, but it
was wet and damp, so I could not fill my bed, and I had to
turn in on the ground.
Thursday Feb. 6. Went out at % past 6 to Roll Call.
Before we were dismissed to our quarters we were ordered
to appear at 10 o'clock in full uniform with side arms;
horses hitched in and cannoneers mounted, but a hail storm
came up at 8 o'clock, and it has continued to rain, snow,
and hail about all day.
Friday Feb. 7. All of the men besides myself except
one, filled their beds with the damp straw, the consequence
was they all got cold, while Carsley and myself are well.
After breakfast we were ordered to appear at 10 o'clock in
full uniform with side arms, for the Review. The drivers
hitched in their horses at 10, and at Yz past the cannoneers
were on the boxes. It was a splendid sight. Went through
the drill of 'Mounting and Dismounting,' and at 11
o'clock, the gun Detachments were dismissed to their quar
ters, and the drivers had to turn out for Riding drill. They
returned at Y* past 12, looking muddy enough.
Sunday, Feb. 9, 1862. The men were called into line at
11 o'clock for divine service. After singing two or three
tunes, and reading a chapter in the Bible, — Matthew 4th
chapter, — we were dismissed.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 125
Monday Feb. ioth, got a pass to go to the city. Went
into the Capitol to see the new painting of General (Win
field) Scott. It is a large and splendid thing. Saw the
large paintings in the gallery viz., 'The Surrender of Lord
CornwaUis,' 'The Resignation of Washington at Annapolis
in 1783,' 'The Embarkation of the Pilgrims,' 'The Land
ing of Columbus,' 'The Discovery of the Mississippi River
by De Soto,' 'The Baptism of Pocahontas,' 'The Declara
tion of Independence,' and 'The Surrender of Burgoyne.' "
Chase's Diary "Feb. 10, 1862. Hitched up and took
guns from the park first time.
Feb. 11, 1862. 5th and 6th Detachments hitched up
and drilled Tn Battery' under Lieut. C. A. Phillips, first
time." Grows' Journal "Feb. nth. Was called at 1 o'clock this
morning and went on guard. There is a circle around the
moon. I think we shall soon have a storm. Am feeling
tired and sleepy but I must keep my eyes open, and keep a
sharp lookout. One of our horses is back of my tent dying
with the Lung Fever and Horse Ail. He will die in a
short time. It looks hard to see him suffer, and not be al
lowed to kill him and put him out of his misery, but that is
military rule, unless a horse has a broken leg — then you are
allowed to kill him."
Chase's Diary "Feb. 12, 1862. Exchanged our 6
pounder guns for 10 pounder rifled Rodman guns."
GUNS AND PROJECTILES.
Our guns were exchanged for six three-inch rifled guns.
The three-inch gun adopted in our field service, was made
of wrought iron, having 7 grooves, .84 in. wide and .075 in.
depth. The twist was uniform, and made one turn in n
feet. The Schenkle projectile was used almost entirely; com
posed of a cast iron body, the posterior portion of which

126 HISTORY OF THE
terminated in a cone. The expanding portion was a papier-
mache wad, which being forced forward on to the cone, was
expanded into the rifling of the bore. On issuing from the
bore, the wad is blown to pieces, leaving the projectile en
tirely unincumbered in its flight through the air.
Occasionally the Hotchkiss projectile was used. This
was a compound shot consisting of two parts of cast iron,
with the rear cap fitting over the forward portion. Around
the joint was placed a band of lead so locked into both parts
of the shot as to prevent its flying off after it leaves the
piece. The explosion of the charge forces the rear part
forward, expanding the lead, forcing it into the grooves,
and cutting off windage. The amount of expansion is lim
ited by the distance the cap is allowed to move, and the
strain upon the gun is thus reduced to the smallest amount
required to give tlie necessary expansion. The shot is the
same as the shell, but left solid.
The 12 pounder Napoleon was of bronze, smooth bore,
and muzzle loading. It was officially known as the "light
twelve" to distinguish it from the old regulation 12 pounder,
which was longer and heavier, though of- the same calibre.
Its principal dimensions were as follows :
Length over all, 6 feet.
Length of bore 5 ft. 3^ inches.
Diameter at breech 1 1 inches.
Diameter at muzzle 8^2 inches.
Diameter of bore 4Y& inches.
Weight of gun 1,220 pounds.
The round solid shot for this gun weighed 12 pounds.
The common shell, with bursting charge [8 ounces] and
fuze, weighed nine and one-half pounds. The shrapnel or
spherical case, which was a thin shell filled with musket
balls and a bursting charge, weighed with its "sabot" I2j4
pounds. The canister, which was a tin can of the size of
the bore and six inches long, filled with cast iron shot about
an inch in diameter, weighed 14 pounds. The "sabot" was

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 127
a piece of wood turned to fit the bore, and was placed be
tween the powder and the projectile, instead of the wads.
It was used only in smooth bore guns firing spherical pro
jectiles. The rifled guns, which fired conical projectiles, did not
use the "sabot."
By regulation the powder charges for shot, shell and case,
were two and one half pounds, and for canister two pounds.
The fuze at that time used for round shell and case shot was
a metal disk one and one-half inches in diameter. Its outer
surface was of lead, or an alloy of lead, soft enough to cut
easily. Underneath this metal surface was a ring of "meal
powder" or igniting composition. The exterior of the
metal disk was marked like the dial of a clock, — three-puar-
ters, one, one and one-quarter, one and one-half, one and
three-quarters, two, and so on up to five. These figures
indicated in seconds and fractions thereof the time at which
the shed would explode after leaving the muzzle if the soft
metal was cut out immediately over the desired figure on
the dial, so as to expose the composition at that point to the
flames of the powder charge (seep. 114. Grows.)
The carriage of the light 12 pounder complete weighed
2,600 pounds, which, with the gun made a total weight of
3,800 pounds, or nearly two tons.
The pattern of caisson remains now substantially as it
was then.
The equipment of the rifle batteries was in general the
same as that of the 12 pounders except in the matter of am
munition. The 10 pounder Parrott was scant three inches in caliber,
and was made of cast iron, with a wrought iron band
shrunk on over the breech.
The thee-inch Rodman was of wrought iron, forged
solid, and then bored and rifled. Both these types of guns
used conical projectiles, weighing, for solid shot, 10

128 HISTORY OF THE
pounds; common shell about eight pounds, and shrapnel
about 10Y: pounds.
They also had a special canister made for them.
The three-inch wrought iron rifle was generally consid
ered superior to the io pounder Parrott, in consequence of
the liability of the latter to blow up or break off between the
fore-end of the reinforce and the trunnions. But so long
as the Parrott gun held together it was as good as any muz
zle-loading rifle.
The Parrott ammunition could be used in the three-inch
guns if necessary, but the three-inch projectile could not be
used in the io pdr. Parrotts, because the latter were one-
tenth of an inch smaller caliber.
ARTILLERY HORSES.
A letter from Fortress Monroe to the New York Com
mercial Advertiser in July, 1861, no name signed, thus de
scribed tlie trained horses of the Artillery : —
"It requires considerable time to mount the guns proper for an
advancing army, to supply them with trained horses, and especially
the right kind of harness. The horse must become accustomed to the
gleam of arms, the roll of drums, the flaunting of banners, the flash
and the smoke and the roll of cannon. When the war horse is drilled
and disciplined, without a sign from man he wheels, advances, and
retreats, with almost miraculous rapidity, often compelling riders and
gunners to spring to keep their saddles, or escape his lightning like
movements. They are made familiar with the guns by having their
nostrils placed so close to their muzzles as to feel the heat and inhale
the powder."
BREAKING CAMP.
It was on February 13, 1862, Thursday, that the Fifth
Mass. Battery was ordered to report to General Fitz John

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 129
Porter, commanding the First Division, Army of the Po
tomac. Chase's Diary of that date has the entry: — "Reveille at
2 a. m. Broke camp and left camp at 7 a. m. for Hall's
Hill, Va., and arrived at our new camp about 2 p. m. Bat
tery now attached to General Butterfield's Brigade of Gen
eral Fitz John Porter's Division, Army of the Potomac."
Grows' Journal has the following : — " 'Reveille' was
sounded at 2 o'clock in the morning, at Y? past 2 the 'As
sembly' was sounded. We were then drawn up in line,
and told to prepare to 'break camp.' At 6 o'clock in the
morning every tent was down and packed away, our uni
forms on, knapsacks lashed to the spare wheel, and our
rations in our haversacks, and all were ready to start. At
\ past 7 the bugle sounded 'Forward,' and we took up
our line of march. It was a most glorious morning, and
the sun was very warm. We went through the city, the
baggage and mule train bringing up the rear. We passed
through Georgetown to the Aqueduct. After passing the
bridge the order was 'Cannoneers Dismount' On account
of the mud, in some places it was almost over boots, we
had to go this way for 4 miles when we arrived at our camp
ground, and it is a nice place, with a large stream close by
and woods in our rear which will protect us from the winds.
There are about 6000 to 8000 men encamped around here.
The 1 8th Mass., the 22d Mass., a Kentucky and a Michi
gan Regt., the 9th Mass. Regt., and Follett's Battery (Third
Mass.). We arrived on this ground at 3 o'clock in the
afternoon. Took a rest of about one hour, and then went
to work pitching our tents, which we had up in good sea
son. On our march we passed several forts and concealed
batteries built by our troops.
This (Hall's) hill is so fortified that it is impossible for
the rebels to get to Washington. After our tents were up

130 HISTORY OF THE
I took a walk around the camp. Saw a large body of cav
alry coming, bringing 'secesh' prisoners. They go out
scouting every morning, returning at night. We are en
camped only about 8 miles from the rebels, who are at Fair
fax Court House. Our pickets are thrown out for from
four to five miles. In about two weeks there will be a
grand advance made by our troops."
FORT CORCORAN, ARLINGTON HEIGHTS.
Forts Runyon and Corcoran commanded the Long
Bridge and the Aqueduct. Fort Albany commanded the
Columbia and the Aqueduct and Alexandria roads. After
General McClellan assumed command of the Army of the
Potomac the interval between Fort Corcoran at Arlington
Heights and Fort Albany near Alexandria was filled by a
series of works within supporting distance of each other.
THE REMOVAL, BY LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"The morning was clear and bright and the moon had
not set. By seven o'clock everything was ready and we
started. Passing through Pennsylvania Avenue we kept
on to Georgetown and crossed the Aqueduct. On the other
side of that the Battery halted and one by one the pieces
prepared to ford their passage. As the First piece went
ahead I remained in the rear, and soon loud shouts of laugh
ter from the surrounding soldiers informed me that some
thing had occurred. At first I was afraid the piece was
stuck, but I found afterwards that it was one of our men
who was stuck in the mud, and who in being pulled out had
left both his boots behind. The Second piece followed the
First, and as it disappeared I ordered my section forward
and on we went up the end of the bridge, then to the left"
and over a ditch on the right into the mud, and such mud !
However, the horses pulled bravely, and on we went. A

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 131
little ahead came the hardest tug, up a little ascent, but we
got well over it. The mules followed with the baggage
teams, and though they stuck a little we all got through
without any accident. Just after crossing the Aqueduct the
road passes through an intrenchment for infantry, and then
keeps on round Fort Corcoran."
Fort Corcoran he describes as a square, bastion fort three
sides mounted with heavy guns, and the side toward the
Aqueduct merely a stockade, loop holed for musketry, and
defended by small swivel guns. "Bevond Fort Corcoran,"
he continues, "the road passes through another breastwork
for artillery and infantry, and then keeps on through the
mud and the camp of the 3d Penn. Cavalry. Passing
through this we turned to the right down a new corduroy
road which carries us straight to camp."
The engineers built the "cordurov" by felling trees and
laying them across the road.
LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Vicinity of Hall's Hill.
Feb. 14, 1862.
We are just this side of Hall's Hill proper, on a little hill
close by a large house. Our camp is on the right going from
Washington, and our parade ground, — an excellent one, —
on the left. . . .
We arrived at our camp at noon, and had everything
fixed before dark. Everything is as good as can be. The
ground is quite dry comparatively speaking. We have good
water at the foot of the hill behind the stables, and wood
growing in abundance all round. Two regiments of cavalry
passed us this morning on a scouting expedition. We have
not yet named our camp."
In another letter Lieut. Phillips thus describes scenes in
camp : —

132 HISTORY OF THE
"This morning we had an inspection of blankets, har
nesses, brushes, curry-combs, whips &c, and while we were
at this Gen. Porter rode up accompanied by Lieut. S. M.
Weld of his staff. I went up to Lieut. Weld's quarters the
other night, and found him quite comfortably located. . . .
Our camp ground is now quite dry . . all the men have
built bunks to sleep in. . . We are very lucky in having
quite a little forest behind us, which supplies us with as
much wood as we want. Our stables are down in the woods
and are floored with trunks of small trees, so that the horses
keep very dry. Some of the camps round here are placed in
very exposed situations. The 22cl Mass. right on top of
Hall's Hill, gets all the wind that blows, and it blows pretty
hard here occasionally. Two nights last week we had a
perfect hurricane, which tried the strength of our tents
pretty effectually. Several went down, and for a time I was
in doubt whether ours was going to stand up or not. How
ever, we managed to keep the pole up, and the pins down,
but could not succeed in keeping the wind out, so in spite of
our fire we had to go to bed early to keep warm. Our tent
has suffered a little from the perils of war. The top got
burnt a little one day, and as if this were not sufficient for
ventilating purposes, Lieut. Scott's horse put his foot
through it yesterday afternoon. As we are getting to look
at things in a philosophical light we do not trouble our
selves with small trifles. I have forgotten how to take cold
or get sick."

Grows' Journal. "Friday morning Feb. 14, 1862. Or
ders were given that after breakfast all of the men clean up
the Park. After eating we all went at it, and in about two
hours there was not a large stone to be seen on the camp
ground. Then we dressed our pieces and caissons and cov
ered them, then went to our quarters. After dinner dressed
up and went out. The men were drawn up in line to receive

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 133
Captain Griffin and Aide. ( Captain Charles Griffin, Battery
D, 5th U. S.) He is the man who lost a portion of his bat
tery at Bull Run. He is a stern looking man, but a splendid
artillerist. He will be our drill master. We were marched
to our pieces and had a slight drill. We have now four
three in. dia. long guns of iron, and two brass howitzers,
twelve pounders. They are saucy looking dogs. After this
we went to our tents. About 1 1 boxes have come this after
noon for men in the company, and they are very glad. We
are encamped on the grounds once occupied by President
William Henry Harrison. His mansion is very near us. It
is now used for a Small Pox Hospital. There are now
there six or seven cases. A slaughter house is on our camp
ground where they kill cattle for the soldiers, so we have
fresh beef quite often.
Saturday Feb. 15. Snowing. After breakfast I was de
tailed with Harry Simonds and others, to cut down some
trees for a stable. Got the stable built and went to dinner,
had fresh beef and bread and water. After dinner was de
tailed with three others to get water for the cooks, after
which I went into my tent and had a smoke. Was called at
4 o'clock to fix some shovels for the snow which is now
about 3 in. deep. It is snowing very hard. The guard were
called out to salute General Barry and staff as they passed
the camp." FORM OF PASS. Division Head Quarters
Hall's Hill Va. Feb. 15, 1862.
Pass Lieut. Allen Mass. Art'y, to Washington and return on im
portant private business. By com. of Brig. Gen'l Porter
G. Monteith.
Lt. & A. D. C.
The signature "by com. of" &c. is in red ink, the re
mainder in black ink, plain and clear after forty years.

134

HISTORY OF THE

THE ROLL AT HALL'S HILL.
Notes of Joseph L. Knox, Sept. 25, 1899.
"You will find a list of the men as near as I can remem
ber them, and I think that it is just as it was called at Hall's
Hill in 1861."

Allen

Flynn

Manchester

Agen

Freeborn

Nield

Alden

Groves

Newhall

Alton 1

Greeley

Xewton

Almy

Grows

Olin

Alton 2

Gunning

Pinder

Burt

Gale

Poole

Butler

Gardner

riatt

Brown

Gustine

Parsons

Barry

Gilbert

Proctor

Burkis

Hart

Rice

Barnard

Hayden

Ray

Blanchard

Hall

Saxon

Clark 1

Hewitt

Shaw 1

Canty

Hathaway 1

Stantial

Cook

Hathaway 2

Shaw 2

Caswell

Jordan

Stiles

Carsley

Tav

Shaw 3

Chase

Kay

Tucker

Crapo

Knox

Townsend

Clark 2

Kanuse

Terry

Dunham

King

Tripp 1

Dyer

Leach

Tripp 2

Drew

Lapham

Whitcher

Dickerman

Mitchell

AYashburn 1

Doherty

Murray

West 1

Estee

Morrison

Washburn 2

Fitzsimmons

Mack McVey

West 2

"Sunday Feb. 16, 1862. (Grows' Journal.) Got up at
the usual time feeling awfully stiff with the rheumatism.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 135
The 9th Mass. Regt. and a Regiment of Cavalry went to
Fairfax to disperse some rebels. They marched to Vienna
but did not see anything. Five more 'Secesh' were brought
in today. They were examined and sent to the Prison at
Washington. I must stop now to cut up a chicken for one
of the men, also some pies and cake which he had sent to
him in a box. I have made some tea and shall have a glori
ous supper. So much like home. . . . After having a smoke •
we told stories, sang a little, went to Roll Call at 8, and
turned in at Y* past 8."
Chase's Diary. "Feb. 17, 1862, Lieut. Allen announced
to the Company that he had been commissioned as Captain,
and the other lieutenants were promoted. Serg't. H. D.
Scott promoted to 4th Lieut. Company called in line and
the great victory of Fort Donelson announced by orders
from Head Quarters. Hearty cheers for the great victory
and new officers."
Forts Henry and -Donelson were the centre of the Con
federate line in Tennessee.
LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Hall's Hill Feb. 18, 1862.
While I had my section out this morning, Captain Griffin
rode up and drilled us a little. Our men do first rate consid
ering what opportunities we have had. Captain Griffin says
we have 'the finest set of men that ever were got together
on the face of the earth' ! Lieut. Henry W. Kingsbury of
Captain Griffin's Battery has been assigned to this Battery
as instructor, as General Porter wishes to push us forward
as fast as possible, so that we shall not be much behind the
rest of the Division.
The following changes have been announced to the Bat
tery : —
Junior 2d Lt. Henry D. Scott.
Sergeant H. O. Simonds vice Scott promoted.

136 HISTORY OF THE
Corporal C. H. Macomber vice Simonds promoted.
Yesterday we received circular orders from General Por
ter announcing the glorious news from Fort Donelson, fol
lowed by permission to issue a ration of whiskev to the
men, and an order to fire a national salute. As we are a
temperance battery we did nothing about the whiskey, and
having no blank cartridges we had to send to Captain Mar
tin's (Third Mass.) Battery to get them. By the time we
got ready it was dark, and we postponed the salute till this
morning, when it was fired in good style."
Chase's Diary. "Feb. 18, 1862. A salute of 34 guns
fired by Serg'ts Lull and Smith's Detachments."
Grows' Journal "Feb. 18, 1862. Tuesday. The assembly
was sounded at 10. We all turned out in line and were
informed that my friend Harry Simonds was to be the ser
geant of the 6th Detachment. The men were very glad, for
he is well liked both by men and officers. At 11 we went
out to drill under the Drill Captain, — Griffin. He is very
strict about drill. At 2 we went to drill again. I had to
take No. i's place on account of his being on guard. It is a
rather hard berth, but if it is understood it is one of the
best berths there is on the piece. Drill was over at 3 when
we went to our quarters.
Wednesday Feb. 19, 1862. The rain held up a little this
afternoon, and the Detachment went out to drill on the guns,
for word has come that we must move in fifteen days with
the Division. We expect to go to Manassas Junction. I
want to go on with the Division and see what is to be seen
and not be kept up here in camp like a prisoner.
Thursday Feb. 20, 1862. A splendid morning. About
1 o'clock Lieut. R. A. Dillingham ordered me to build some
feed boxes for the horses, so I went to work on them. At
Y* past 2 Lieut. Kingsbury of the Regulars came over to
drill the men, and he did 'put them through a course of
sprouts' they never saw before. Knocked off work at 5 and
went to Roll Call, had 8 boxes made 16 ft. long. Had sup
per at Y* past 5 of bread and coffee; the coffee was fair, but
the bread was black and verv hard.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 137
A change has been made in the hours of the day in regard
to drill. The preparatory call is at io minutes of 6 in the
morning, the Reveille at 6, giving the men io minutes to
dress and be out in line. After Roll, breakfast call, at Y\
to 7 stable call, at 7 the 'Sick Call.' At this last call all that
are sick fall into line, and are marched to the Hospital.
It is a good idea, for the men cannot play off sick.
Instead of mounting guard at 9 in the morning as usual, it
is now at 5 in the afternoon."
FROM A LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Feb. 20, 1862 : The officers, commissioned and non-com
missioned have daily recitations in ArtiUerv Tactics, and
Lieut. Kingsbury has the general oversight of the drill and
interior economy of the Battery. This morning he took
charge of the drill on the guns, and this afternoon he intro
duced several changes in the working of the Battery. He is
a gentleman, and a well drilled officer, and a brother-in-law
of General Buckner, — lately captured, — who married his
sister. Captain Griffin has been here several times. Gen.
McClellan and staff rode by here this forenoon on a tour
of inspection. Our guard was turned out, sabres presented,
and the General touched his cap.
We exchange our two howitzers in a few days for two
three inch rifled guns, so that my section will be like the rest.
Our ammunition will come in a few days, and we shall com
mence target-shooting."
Grows' Journal: "Friday Feb. 21st. At 9, went to see
about some pickets being cut for the feed troughs to be put
on for the horses to eat out of. Worked till dinner time.
A new rule has been made : the guard of one day will do the
police duty of the camp the following day. Today I was
stationed over the quartermaster store tent, and I did not
want for good things to eat."

138 HISTORY OF THE
WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY 1862.— A NOTABLE
ANNIVERSARY.
By General Orders No. 16. Head Quarters of the Army,
Washington, Feb. 18, 1862, in compliance with concurrent
resolutions of Congress that the President should direct that
Orders be issued, copious extracts from the Farewell Ad
dress of George Washingon were read to the troops by com
mand of Major General McClellan simultaneously with the
performance of a similar ceremony before the two branches
of Congress in joint session assembled.
In these extracts were emphatic utterances in regard to
the unity of government, which might have been spoken in
the light of actual events by the orator had he been still at
the head of the Army of the United States : —
"But as it is easy to foresee that from different causes, and from
different quarters, much pains will be taken, many artifices employed,
to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth, — as this is the
point in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal
and external enemies will be most constantly and actively, — though
often covertly and insidiously, — directed, it is of infinite moment that
you should properly estimate the immense value of your national union
to your collective and individual happiness ; that you should cherish a
cordial, habitual, and immovable attachment to it : accustoming your
selves to think and to speak of it as a palladium of your political safety
and prosperity, watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety: dis
countenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it can in
any event be abandoned : and indignantly frowning upon the first dawn
ing of every attempt to alienate anv portion of our country from the
rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together the various
parts." Chase's Diary: "Feb. 22, 1862. Gun drill in the after
noon under Lieut. Kingsbury of the Regular Art'y, in the
presence of Gen'l Porter. First and Second Detachments
hitched up and practised with shells, and a misdirected one
went through a house occupied by a family; shell burst, but
no one hurt."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 139

AN ACCOUNT OF THE TARGET SHOOTING BY
LIEUT. PHILLIPS, IN A LETTER DATED
Feb. 23, 1862 : — "Lieut. Kingsbury has not yet fairly
commenced operations. He has drilled us once or twice.
Tomorrow, however, he will pitch his tent and move into
camp. The terms upon which we consented to have him
come here were that he should act as instructor 'until such
time as we were able to take the field alone' ; Captain Grif
fin's own words. But I do not know whether Lt. K. quite
understands this. He talks of commanding the Battery, and
of taking us into the first action, but he can hardly do this
against the consent of Captain Allen, his ranking officer.
The conclusion I come to is that we can dispense with his
instructions whenever we choose. However, I am very glad
to have him here as we all need to learn a good deal. He has
assigned lessons in the 'Instruction for Field Artillery' to
the commissioned and non commissioned officers and has
had two recitations. Hyde, Dillingham, Scott and I recited
together, and I believe I came out best, not having yet got
out of my college practice.
Lieut. K., without troubling himself about the lesson as
signed, skipped all over the book from Battery manoeuvres
to harnessing a horse, but did not succeed in catching me,
so I think I am all right in that quarter.
Yesterday afternoon Captain Griffin and Lieut. Kings
bury came here and ordered out the Right section for target
shooting, so taking 40 rounds of ammunition, we started
across the country, taking two fences, and a man's back
yard on the way, till we got to the top of a hill, and came
into battery.
The mark was a stump on an opposite hill, distance 800 or
1,000 yards, as we afterwards ascertained. The day being
foggy and misty, Captain G. and Lt. K. who directed the
firing, put the pieces at an elevation of 3 and 4 degrees, cor
responding to a range of 1300 and 1600 yds. With these

140 HISTORY OF THE
elevations changing to 2° and 4^2°, we fired about 20 shots,
some percussion fuzes and some time fuzes, but could not
see where any of them burst.
At first Captain G. laid this to the fuzes, but finally we
tried an elevation of i)4° and landed a shell half way be
tween the stump and the top of the hill, so we came to the
conclusion that we must have been firing over the top of the
hill. Finally, disgusted, and without hitting the mark, we lim
bered up and returned. On our way to camp we met two
men on horseback, looking rather frightened, who informed
us that we had been shelling their houses. Lt. Scott went
over with them to the scene of operations, and found half a
mile beyond the hill a bunch of houses where most of our
shell had burst, and he picked up quite a number of frag
ments lying round. One shell went through the door of a
house, knocked out the underpinning on the other side and
was picked up in the mud. Another whistled close by a
woman's head, and some of the shrapnel scattered bullets
among some children playing round. As soon as the shells
began to whistle round the house the inhabitants cleared out,
and when Scott got there he found only two dogs left. Al
together it was a pretty narrow escape, and we feel thankful
that nobody was hurt. We told the man that we knew
nothing about the country, but the shooting was under the
direction of Captain Griffin, and General Porter was present,
and we supposed that they knew what was in range of our
guns." Carefully preserved in Lieut. Phillips' desk (see p. 441 ) is a
brass instrument for sighting a Gun, showing elevation &c,
length 9^2 inches.
LIEUT. SCOTT'S VERSION.
Lieut. Henry D. Scott remarks relative to the drill in
tactics at this time, and the target shooting episode:—

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 141
"Kingsbury was a gentleman, and treated us very hand
somely. He was afterwards killed at Antietam while mak
ing a charge with the ioth Conn, as its colonel. While the
Battery remained here it was ordered out for target practice.
It was supposed that the principal object was to try the effi
ciency of the men with rifled guns. The Battery was placed
in position on a hill some distance away from Hall's HiJL
on our right towards Chain Bridge up the Potomac, an open
valley in front, with a wooded hill some 12 to 15 hundred
yards distant.
No house was in sight, and the trunk of a large, dead tree
on top of the hill was to be the target.
All the general officers of the 5th Corps with staffs were
present to witness the practice. After several shots had
been fired in which all seemed to have something to say, the
target was not hit, nor could any one tell where the shots
struck or went. In fact no one of the Battery had ever fired
the guns before, and could not have acquired the experience
which came to them afterwards in which some fine practice
was done.
The firing was kept up, slowly, until towards night, when
a citizen rode into the company, his horse all of a white
foam, and said : 'Stop firing. You are shelling the village
beyond the woods!'
I had only been a spectator up to this time. Of course the
practice was ended, and I was ordered to go with the citizen
and report the damage, if any had been done. Following
the rider a roundabout way of two miles or more, we struck
the scene of the excitement in the town of Union. It was
a collection of pretty houses, well kept and painted, with one
street running parallel to the direction in which the shots
had come, and which had been well ploughed by the shots
from the Battery. I saw no one at first, but the people soon
came out of cellars and other hiding places, and were soon
quieted. They were told that the commander of the Bat
tery could not have known of the village or its nearness, but

142 HISTORY OF THE
he had sent me to inquire into and report any damage to
life or property. It was found that several shots had struck
one house, one passing through a door and lodging in a
cellar; another passing through a kitchen. However, no
great damage had been done. They claimed to be union
citizens, and I saw nothing that led me to suppose to the
contrary. They certainly could not be blamed for being
frightened out of their wits. Returning to camp alone in
the darkness, I reported what the result of the firing had
been and nothing more was heard about it. It was singular
that no one knew of the close proximity of the village. It
must have been outside the picket line."
THE DAY IN CAMP.— ANOTHER SHOOTING EPI
SODE. THEY KNEW HOW IT WAS
THEMSELVES.
Grows' Journal: "Saturday, Feb. 22, 1862. Washing
ton's Birth Day. Was called at 1 o'clock this morning to go
on guard. Went out to my post and found I had more duty
to do. I had to look after six teams loaded with powder and
fixed ammunition. I had to see that there were no lights or
smoking, within fifty feet of them. Was relieved at 3 this
morning, went to my tent and turned in on my bed, for I
now have a bedstead. Yesterday four of us cut some trees
and built us some bedsteads. They are tip top, but they are
not feather beds by any means. After turning in I had
some hot coffee, which one of the men made for me while
I was out. It warmed me up first rate. Called again at 7 in
the morning. It began to rain like fury but I did not mind
that, for I had a good post, where I could keep clear of the
rain. The Quartermaster gave me some rice and sugar.
Relieved at 9 and went to my quarters. At 12 . . . cooked
my rice and had a tip top dinner. At 1 o'clock I went on
guard. In a few minutes after I was surprised by seeing
James Tuttle of Boston. He is in the 22d Mass. Regt. He
looks well. He stayed a short time and left for his camp.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 143

am

Shortly after we were visited by General Porter, Captai
Griffin, and their aides. They ordered two of our pieces to
be taken out for target practice. They went off over the
hill, and were soon out of sight. I was relieved at 3, and
went to my tent. Stayed in about one hour, when I went
out to see Harry Simonds and C. C. Allen take a ride on
horseback. Harry took the lead, and Allen after him on a
slow trot. He had not gone more than thirty feet, when
Allen's horse slipped on a stone, and broke his nigh hind
leg short off in the thigh. Word was immediately sent to
the Captain: — he was off with the pieces on practice, —
about the horse, for we are not allowed to kill a horse, unless
it is done in the presence of two commissioned officers. He
did not come till most 6 o'clock, and that poor horse lay
there all that time, in awful agony. When Captain Allen
came, the horse was instantly killed, dragged off, and buried.
It was one of the best horses we had.
During the time the men were out on practice two of the
shells went into a house of a Union man and one exploded
in the vard. The house was over 1Y2 miles from where the
firing was. The poor man thought the rebels were coming,
and taking his wife and six children he came into our camp
almost frightened to death. They were informed that it
was an accident, and they went to their home, happy
enough. It was a great wonder that some of them were
not killed.
A Minie ball passed through our cook house close to the
head of one of our men. Some of the infantry were firing
at a target, when, it is supposed, some one carelessly
pointed his gun in the direction of our camp. They are bad
things to trifle with.
Sunday Feb. 23d. At 4 this afternoon, we were all called
into line, to have the Articles of War read to us, it being
the duty of the commander of any Reg't. or Battery in the
service of the United States to read them to the men under

144 HISTORY OF THE
their command once in three months. We were dismissed
to our quarters at Y* past 4."
THE ARTICLES OF WAR.
The Articles of War were rules and articles by which the
Armies of the United States were governed. They were
established by Act of Congress, and were one hundred in
number. They embraced every department of the service
in every part of the country, and provided for the regulation
of the conduct of officers and soldiers in every contingency
and capacity, from the rulings of courts martial to the de
struction of private property.
THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE.
In Article 10 is the Oath of Allegiance : —
"I, A. B., do solemnly swear or affirm (as the case may
be) that I will bear true allegiance to the United States of
America, and that I will serve them honestly and faithfully
against all their enemies or opposers whatsoever; and ob
serve and obey the orders of the President of the United
States, and the orders of the officers appointed over me,
according to the Rules and Articles for the government of
the armies of the United States."
The words "So help me God" are not added to the oath
of the non-commissioned officer or soldier as given in this
Article, but they appear in the Articles devoted to the mem
bers of the courts martial, as part of the oath. The Act
which contained these Articles of War was approved April
10, 1806.

Grows' Journal: "Feb. 24, 1862, (About 9 a. m.) it
began to blow a gale. In a short time the next tent to ours
was blown down, then the one opposite. We jumped up

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 145
and hung on to our tent pole. In a short time our stove
pipe was blown down, and the lashings of our doors were
torn off, but we made out to save our tent. Trees were torn
up, and chimneys blown down and there is considerable
damage done. After considerable work we got our tent
secured, our stove up again, and a fire going. It is an awful
cold evening and I expect it will be a howling night. The
mud has dried up considerably in consequence of the wind
blowing so hard all day. It is now freezing quite hard."
Chase's Diary: "Feb. 25, 1862, the Third and Fourth
Detachments went to the Washington Arsenal, and ex
changed the two Howitzers for two 3 inch ten pounder
Rodman guns."
Grows' Journal: "Wednesday, Feb. 26, 1862, ^2 past 8,
went out to drill for one hour. After drill got permission
to go over to the 4th Michigan Regt. to change some bread
for tobacco, for I was getting short of the weed. All the
bread we have left over we sell to them for five cents a loaf,
and get sugar, molasses, cheese, butter, and other articles.
I had twelve spare loaves, so I got twelve heads of tobacco,
which will last me some time. At 10 o'clock the drivers
were called out to drill on the pieces, and it was amusing
to see how awkward they were, for they never handled a
sponge staff before, and we could see by their actions how
green we looked the first time we began to drill. They will
have to drill, as well as the cannoneers, so that in case of
action men should be killed on the gun, they will be able
to fill their places.
At 1 o'clock I went out to work on the pickets, and
worked till 5. At 3 in the afternoon the Battery was called
out for drill, and stayed out till Y* past 4, when they re
turned to camp; the 18th Mass. and 44th New York were
also out on drill. They made a splendid sight. A sergeant
from Captain Griffin's battery has come over to drill the
drivers in regard to harnessing and hitching out horses.
He will probably remain with us for a week or ten days."

146 HISTORY OF THE
Letter of Lieut. Phillips, Feb. 27, 1862 : — "This after
noon the Left section went off target shooting, and did
rather better than the last time we went. The Right and
Centre sections went out in Battery drill under Captain
Martin, and had a first rate drill. The 18th Regiment and
Captain Martin's Battery are expecting marching orders
tonight to go up the river to reinforce General Banks.
Tattoo has just sounded, and we can hear a great cheering
from their camp, so I suppose the orders have come. They
leave their tents and carry 7 days' rations. I hear postal
communication is stopped."
Grows' Journal : "Feb. 27, 1862. After dinner was called
out to go with a piece and act No 6 to cut the fuze. Took
out two pieces with ten rounds of fuze shell and ten rounds
of percussion shell in each limber box. Went out under
the charge of Lieut. Kingsbury of Captain Griffin's regular
battery, to Martin's Battery formerly Follett's (Third
Mass.) and fired at a tree one and a half miles off. It being
the first time I ever had an opportunity of seeing the effect
of shell I took great interest in watching it. When they
struck the ground they tore up large furrows in the dirt.
The tree was struck two or three times, which stove it up
considerable. After firing all our ammunition we started
for home, most of us feeling rather tired, for the cannoneers
had to walk both ways. It was some six miles to and from
our camp. Got back to our quarters about Y\ to 5. After
supper sent five spare loaves of bread over to the sutlers
(He was eating rice instead of bread.) and got sugar for it.
They charge 15 cts. a lb. for it so we got almost two lbs. of
sugar. Friday Feb. 28. After breakfast an order was given to
be ready at 8 o'clock to go, all hands, with the horses har
nessed in, the guns all ready, to Captain Griffin's Battery, to
see if our names on the Pay Roll were all right, so we can
be paid off.
We left camp at 3/2 past 8, cannoneers dismounted, and

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 147
we had to walk all the way, about six miles. On our way
we passed Martin's Battery. It is a splendid battery. They
have a new battery of six heavy guns of brass. Also passed
through the 18th Mass., the 44th New York, 22d Mass.,
and the 9th Mass., Col. Cass's. After we arrived on the
ground we were drawn up in line, and our names called off,
upon which each man stepped three paces to the front.
After the Roll was through we formed columns and, thank
heaven, the order was given soon, 'Cannoneers Mount!'
but those six miles were rough riding. I shall remember it
for some time. At 3 in the afternoon went out for a
mounted drill, stayed out one hour, then came in feeling
awfully cold. It blows a perfect gale, and has for two days.
A report in the camp that Gen. McClellan has the telegraph
under his control so no news from the North can reach the
South. (It had been the report until corrected, that letters
could not go or come from the North for a week.) The
mud is now most all dried up so in all probability there will
be an advance made soon.
Saturday March 1. After breakfast went into the woods
and cut some poles for a cook house, was called in at 9, and
got ready for drill. After getting in the ranks I was in
formed that I must not turn out for I had been to work.
This pleased me very much. It is quite cozey inside, but
outside it blows a gale.
A news boy has just passed through the camp crying out :
'Another Fight! General Banks' Division Cut to Pieces!'
— It went through me like a shudder, but I hope it is not
true. . . . Now see how we are deceived. One of our men
bought a paper, and in it was stated that the rebels were not
within twenty-five miles of General Banks's pickets. So the
boy made a good thing out of his papers, sold them for five
cents a piece, and then left the camp.
I saw for the first time since we have been on this side, a
white woman. Lieut. Kingsbury with his wife and two

148 HISTORY OF THE
other ladies, passed through our camp. They were all on
horseback and looked splendid.
Got through working on the pickets about 4 in the after
noon. The men came in from drill about half an hour after.
They were drilled by Captain Martin. We have lost an
other horse this day by lung fever."
Diary of Lieut. Phillips: "March 2, 1862. Orderly G.
H. Johnson resigned. . . . Sergt. F. A. Lull promoted
Orderly vice Johnson. W. H. Peacock promoted Chief of
Piece vice Lull., Geo. H. Johnson appointed wagoner vice
Peacock. Corp. M. W. Page promoted Sergt. vice Patti-
son. Corp. J. E. Spear promoted Gunner vice Page. Pri
vate C. C. Allen promoted Chief of Caissons vice Spear."
The Battery had four sergeants capable of handling it,
viz., Johnson, Lull, Wm. B. Pattison, and O. B. Smith; they
having served in the First Mass. Battery see p. 56 with
the three months' men, and when the Battery commenced
drilling under the tutelage of Lieut. Kingsbury and Sergt.
Thomas Broderick, there was naturally a good deal of ad
verse criticism among the non-commissioned officers and
pany officers, see p. 5 28 where Captain Phillips appoints new
privates. Non-commissioned officers are appointed bv com-
sergeants and corporals, and as a punishment they may be
reduced to the ranks. In this case, for criticising the ap
pointment of drill officers, Sergt. Wm. B. Pattison and
Orderly Serg't. Geo. H. Johnson were reduced to the ranks.
February 9th, 1863, Wm. B. Pattison was again made
sergeant in the place of Serg't O. B. Smith, promoted to
Orderly Sergeant, and at Gettysburg, see p. 639, was in
charge of No. 1. gun of the Right section commanded by
Lieut. Scott.
Grows' Journal : "March 2, 1862, at 10 o'clock turned out
for inspection of clothing. After the drivers' articles were
examined viz. two red blankets, one curry comb, brush,
sponge, watering bucket, bridle and halter, next came the
cannoneers' turn.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 149
After waiting an hour General Porter passed through
the camp. Then we were dismissed to our quarters, and we
were glad, for it had commenced to snow. After dinner
orders came to clean up our tents, for they will be inspected
tomorrow forenoon by the Captain. I expect it will be
rough on account of the mud. We could not very well go
out on account of the storm, so we all sat down around the
fire, smoking and talking about different things, home, etc.
Monday March 3d. It is raining and hailing at times,
making the travelling bad. Our wood being out we started
for the woods and took some rails from a fence, broke them
up, and they make a very hot fire. For the first time for a
great while sat down to a game of euchre;" played- about an
hour then went to work darning stockings. It was the
first time I ever attempted it and I did make a dreadful job,
but there is the first time for everything, so I took courage
and on the second pair I did better than on the first; still
they were sorrowful looking stockings, but we must put up
with anything in war times !
After supper a box came for one of the men in the tent.
In it were pies, cake, meats, &c, and, my goodness, how we
put into them, and had a most glorious time. The pies
were immense, and the cakes huge.
It is raining outside in torrents and it will be an awful
night. At Roll Call this afternoon at 5 o'clock, we were in
formed that our gunner Mason W. Page is appointed ser
geant of the 3d. Detachment, Corporal Spear will take the
place of Page, and C. C. Allen standard bearer of the 6t^
will take the place of Spear. On account of its being so
stormy there was no 8 o'clock Roll Call, and we were glad
enough, for our tent began to leak awfully : so we pinned up
our rubber blankets over our heads to keep from getting
wet, and then we turned in. There is about an inch of
water in our tent, but as most of our beds are built up from
the ground we shall get along very well. Those who lie on

150 HISTORY OF THE
the ground will have rather wet quarters. There is a great
difference between having a good roof over our heads as we
have at home, and the thin covering of canvas which we
have here. After all there is no place like home, no matter
how humble."
Letter of Lieut. Phillips, March 4, 1862: "My section
went out target shooting today. The guns were placed on
the top of Hall's Hill, right in front of Captain Martin's
camp, and we shot a little to the right of Falls Church.
This village consists of 8 or ten houses, and a little white
meeting-house. We fired 77 shots at trees and stumps, at
distances of 500, 700, 1700, ancL^oocT yards. - Most of the
shots _wja?e- veTy'gcxJdr'5'" """
-~~ Grows' Journal : "Tuesday March 4th. Splendid morn
ing. Ground frozen solid. Nice travelling. Called out at
Y2 past 9 for drill on gun. Stayed out one hour. Orders
came after dinner for the drivers and cannoneers to turn out
for a mounted drill. Went out and drilled one hour, and
came in. The sun is out quite powerful and has started the
mud so the travelling is quite bad, as the mud is about three
inches deep and in some places it is a great deal worse.
We received orders this afternoon to prepare ourselves
for a start inside of five days.
Wednesday March 5th. After breakfast I got a box and
packed all my loose things that I did not need, and gave the
box to the teamster to carry into the city, to be sent by
Harnden's Express. We have had orders to have all the
stuff that we cannot carry in our knapsacks sent home. We
expect to make an advance to Budd's ferry to shell out two
rebel batteries that are there.
A portion of the cannoneers were detailed to pack their
ammunition chests, to be prepared so to turn out for drill.
Was visited by John Mann the Hospital Warden of the
Mass. 9th Regt. Had a pleasant time talking over our
school-boy days. He stopped and took dinner with us of
fresh beef and soup.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 151
We were ordered out for drill at | past 3, with 10 rounds
of blank. cartridges in our chests. After we were mounted
it began to blow and snow like fury and continued for about
half an hour, then the clouds broke away, and the air began
to be quite sharp. Went out on to the field and began to fire.
Had considerable trouble with the horses on account of
most of them never having been under fire before, but be
fore we had fired all our rounds they began to cool down
to their work considerable.
Came in at 4 o'clock. Helped the drivers unhitch, and
then went to quarters. Sent ten loaves of spare bread over
to the sutler, and received one pound of butter and five
heads of tobacco.' Had a good supper of bread and butter
and coffee.
Two of the Detachments will go on to Vienna tomorrow
or next day, for the purpose of protecting the Rail Road,
which is being built. The rebels ripped up the track and
built a large fire, and then heated the rails and bent them
out of shape. The 9th Mass. Reg't. are out there on the
same errand."
Letter of Lieut. Phillips, March 6, 1862 : —
"We had a drill with the horses in the forenoon and after
noon, making considerable progress in artillery tactics.
This afternoon while we were out drilling, General (John
H.) Martindale's Brigade were drilling in the next field,
making quite a show. They finally formed each regiment
in a square with two guns, — Captain Martin's 12 pdrs. — in
the intervals, and began shooting with blank cartridges in
our direction. It struck me at the time that they looked
very much as the enemy will when they begin shooting at
that distance — 1200 yards.
We fire with blank cartridges nearly every day, and the
horses are getting used to the sound, though they jumped
and kicked a great deal, when they first had to face the
music. We have a few balky horses, that give us a little
trouble once in a while, but they are gradually breaking in,

152 HISTORY OF THE
as they have to go along with four horses ahead of them,
and it is of no use trying to break an artillery harness by
kicking round. We get the news here in a very irregular
manner. Some days we buy the New York papers at 5 cts.
of some persevering newsman who makes a tour through
the camp, but most of the time we have to trust to what is
sent to us."
Grows' Journal: "Thursday March 6, 1862. Went to
Roll Call at the usual hour. Am detailed for Rider on the
Caissons, the swing team. Fed and watered the horses
soon after. Went out to drill at 9, on the gun. After
drilling one hour we were ordered to grease up and be ready
for a start out. At Y* past 10 we were all harnessed, the
cannoneers mounted, and the drivers standing 'To horse.'
The order was given 'Mount' ! and I did, and out we went
for drill. As it has been some time since I was in a saddle,
it seemed quite odd. Came in at 12. After dinner order
was turn out for drill at 2 o'clock, so I got ready to turn
out again. At 2 we started, and instead of being the swing
team I was put on the lead of the caisson.
The off horse being a dangerous one I had to look out for
him. After drilling about an hour, we began to fire blank
cartridges. My team stood well. We limbered up, and in
a short time the off horse began his airs, which means rear
ing up and throwing himself on the rear horse and by this
means he can throw the Rider out of the saddle. On ac
count of his actions I changed then into the swing team,
in which he worked a great deal better. We then stayed
out till 4, when we came in. On carrying our horses into
the quarters, we found one of our horses dead. Had him
opened, and found it was disease of the heart.
Harry Simonds was detailed to take some men and bury
him. Went to supper, and found that I was detailed for guard
on the first relief, to go on immediately after the S o'clock

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 153
Roll. Went on my post, came off at 7, and turned in to
sleep till 11 when I shall be called again.
Friday March 7th. Was called this morning at 5 to go
on guard. At 6 the bugle sounded for the men to dress and
come out for Roll. The time slipped away quite rapidly
till 7 when I was relieved. By the new order that has been
made, those that are detailed for guard are clear from all
drill or other duty. So I pulled down my bed and turned in.
Saturday March 8th. The Battery went out for drill this
forenoon, and came in at half past eleven. The men are
rapidly improving in drill and the horses are becoming
more used to the firing. Our pickets were driven in last
night, and the 18th Mass. have gone out today. They ex
pect to have a brush. We have heard today that we will
have to move from here in a few days, but we cannot put
much dependence on what we hear in camp."
Letter of Lieut. Phillips : —
"March 9, 1862 : This has been the pleasantest day we
have seen so far, warm and bright like a May day in Mas
sachusetts. Under foot there is a little mud, though this
is slowly drying up. In the forenoon we had an inspection
of the Battery teams hitched, 'knapsacks packed, &c. The
whole of General Martindale's Brigade are encamped on the
top of Hall's Hill, in the following order : —
22d Mass. on the right, 2d Maine in the centre. 18th
Mass. on the left, 3d Mass. Battery on the left of the
18th.". . .
A RIDE TO FALLS CHURCH.
"After this visit [a call on Captain Lewis E. Wentworth
of the Sharpshooters attached to the 22d Reg't. J Hyde,
Dillingham, and I started off on a ride to Falls Church,
striking into a cart path in front of Captain Martin's Bat
tery. After a long and crooked journey we struck into the
Alexandria and Leesburg turnpike, just beyond the village

154 HISTORY OF THE
of Falls Church. This road we found in excellent condi
tion, so we indulged our horses with a gallop through the
village. Falls Church, on our right, is a large square brick church,.
without steeple or anything to denote its character. There
is also a little white church built just as they build them in
New England. The village itself is quite a pleasant little-
place, particularly from its contrast with the fenceless, tree
less, desolate region round our camp, and is the nearest
approach to civilization we have seen for some time. After
leaving the village we kept on over Upton's Hill, passing-
Mr. Upton's house on our left : on our right was a redoubt
armed with some heavy siege guns, and some field pieces.
The 20th N. Y. S. M. are encamped around Mr. Upton's-
house. From here we struck across country and soon came to
what had once been a house but now nothing was left but
the cellar. From appearances there must have been quite
a place here once. We could still trace the bounds of the
orchard and garden with walks and borders, flowers still
growing, but all tangled and overgrown with weeds.
The well was choked with stumps as if somebody had
played the part of the dog in the manger. After moralizing
a little while on this, we kept on our way towards Hall's
Hill, where we arrived in time to witness the Dress Parade
of the 1 8th Mass."
Grows' Journal : "March 9th. A glorious morning-
After breakfast took a walk around the stables. Found one
of the horses dead, this making six we have lost since we
have been here. Had 'inspection drill' with our knap
sacks, canteens, and haversacks, and we got enough of it
for about two hours. When we went into park we were
.dismissed for service. Had some singing and reading
from the 8th chapter of Matthew.
When we were dismissed I immediately got a 'pass' to
leave camp, and went to the 18th Mass., the 22d Mass.,

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 155
and the Irish Reg't. the 9th. Visited the spot where some
soldiers were buried, took portions of the head stones and
brought them along with me to camp.
Turned in at the usual hour, was called at 10 o'clock, and
we were informed that we must get ready to make an ad
vance in the morning. So we began to pack our knapsacks,
fill our canteens, and clean up our 'boarding knives.' The
cooks began to cook our rations for three days. The men
all se'emed anxious to go."

CHAPTER VI.
THE ADVANCE UPON RICHMOND.
"The despatches of a general . . . the safest sources from which the
historian of a campaign can draw." — George Meredith.
"Military despatches are often excellent reading — their very dry
ness and literalness in dealing with life and death, give them a special
nlace in our literature." — Illustrated London News.
It was expected that when the Division made a forward
movement the Battery would go with it, but instead of
that, Captain Allen received the following order : —
Head Quarters Porter's Division
Hall's Hill Va.
March io, 1862.
Capt. Allen
Comd'g Battery E.
Mass. Artillery.
Captain. The commanding General directs me to inform you that your Bat
tery will not move with the Division, but will be held in readiness to
move at a moment's notice.
Very respectfully Yr Obt. Serv't Fred T. Locke
ass't adj. Gen'l.
Notes of Lieut. Scott: — "About the 9th of March the
Army moved on to Manassas. The Fifth Mass. Battery
was not ordered out on this movement. The men of the
Battery were in an excited condition. The Battery was of
no account, would never see any fighting, might as well go
156

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 157
home. The commander, Captain Geo. D. Allen called the
men into line, and said he would show them what to
do, and they would get all the fighting they wanted before
they were out of it."
Grows' Journal: — "Monday morning March 10, 1862,
a report came into camp for us to unpack our things, for
we would not go with this advance. Oh how mad the men
were! There were our horses all ready, bedding done up,
and tents ready to strike the first thing in the morning. So,
we unpacked our things and made up our beds again. I
laid down, but could not sleep on account of the passing of
baggage teams, cavalry, and regiments of infantry by our
camp ; gathering together so as to start early in the morning.
There will be a smart fight when they meet the rebels.
After breakfast went on to the hill to see the regiments and
batteries start. It soon began to' rain like fury, but the
brave men did not heed it and cheer after cheer went up, as
they passed.
Poor fellows ! all of them will not return.
In a short time John Mann of the 9th came on horseback
through our camp, on his way to Arlington for some ambu
lances for the wounded and sick. It now rains in torrents,
the boys will have a hard day to march in, and when they
get to their destination, which is supposed to be Manassas,
if the rebels stand they will have a hard time there.
After dinner took rations in our haversacks, packed our
knapsacks with one shirt, 1 pair drawers, 1 pair socks, a
blanket — on the outside my rubber arid other woolen
blanket. At precisely 2 o'clock the 'Assembly' sounded, and we
turned out with knapsacks and equipments, marched to our
pieces and lashed them on. The drivers hitched in and
we stood 'cannoneers to posts,' and the drivers 'to horse,'
and in this way we waited for three long hours for the order

158 HISTORY OF THE
to advance on Manassas, but the order did not come, so
we were all dismissed to our quarters.
After supper went to the ammunition chests to see if they
were packed right. Found everything in its place. Was
told to get all the sleep I could, not knowing at what time I
might be called, and to sleep with my arms, and what I had
to carry, handy. The men all feel anxious to start.
Thursday, March n. Found out that we would not be
wanted to-day. At 8 o'clock we were called out for one
hour's drill on the piece. Came in at half past 9. At 2
o'clock we hitched out and started out for drill. Stayed out
till 5 o'clock, and the men were "put through a course of
sprouts" that was astonishing to some of them, but it
showed the men and officers that they had a great deal to
learn. Artillery drill cannot be learnt in a month, or three
months. The drivers have to understand their horses, the
men on the piece their part, and the horses have to get
accustomed to the firing, which some never get used to.
After supper news came into camp that our troops found
Manassas evacuated. If this is true we will all be home in
about a month." THE PRESIDENT'S ORDER: Executive Mansion
Washington, March 11. 1862.
President's War Order
No 3.
Major General McClellan having personally taken the field at the
head of the Armv of the Potomac until otherwise ordered, he is re
lieved from the command of the other military departments, he retain
ing command of the' Department of the Potomac.
Ordered, That all the commanders of Departments, after the receipt
of this order by them, respectively report severally and directly to the
Secretary of War, and that nrompt, full, and frequent reports will be
expected of all and each of them. Abraham Lincoln.
By Order of the Secretary of War, L. Thomas
Adjutant General.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 159
The next day General Porter telegraphed the following
advice : — United States Military Telegraph
Received March 12, 1862.
From F (Fairfax) Court House.
To Capt. Allen.
Improve every moment for instruction of your company. I expect
soon to call for it. Get your supplies of Capt. Cole, at Ft. Corcoran,
who is ordered to provide you. F. J. Porter
B. G.
LETTER FROM LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Hall's Hill March 12, 1862.
Last Monday morning the Army of the Potomac com
menced its grand progress to Richmond, and at last
accounts has passed over 25 miles or so of its journey. For
some unexplained reason, but in obedience to orders, the
Fifth (Mass.) Battery remained behind and are now
supreme on Hall's Hill. The tents are all left standing,
and but for the unusual quiet we would suppose the army
still here. The stillness which pervaded the air after the
first bustle of departure, was quite startling, but at the
same time quite pleasant. Yesterday was very warm and
pleasant, the frogs and bluebirds have commenced to sing,
and it looks as if spring had come at last.
Porter's Division are now occupying Fairfax Court
House, and expect, — so the postmaster of the 2d Maine
told me, — to be ordered back.
The first to occupy Manassas, as I hear, were the 3d and
5th Penn. Cavalry who have been encamped between us and
Fort Corcoran.
The latest rumor is that General Porter's Division is to
join General Burnside. Our Quartermaster reports a num
ber of gunboats and passenger steamboats at the Arsenal in
the City, so that it looks as if this were the case. The reb
els have done pretty well at Norfolk. The attack of the

160 HISTORY OF THE
Merrimac shows more dash than I had given them credit
for, though I do not see why they did not make a dash for
the open sea where they could have done so much more
harm."

Grows' Journal: "March 12, 1862. After breakfast I re
packed the shot and shell in the ammunition chests, and
found that everything about the Gun was all right, then
went to quarters. In about an hour went out to drill on
the piece. Came in about 11 o'clock. Laid back for a
smoke and a read. At 2 o'clock the call for the Battery to
turn out was sounded, and as I thought a horse-back ride
would do me good, I took a pair and went out, but I had
to dismount and take my place on the Gun on account of
the off horse being ugly. He is a condemned one and will
be changed soon. Came into camp at 5 o'clock. After
supper we were ordered to be ready at a minute's notice
to go on to Fairfax to guard it, as it has been taken from
the rebels. Five prisoners passed through our camp today
on the way to Washington. They were taken yesterday.
They were a sorrowful looking set. Our men are all in good
spirits and first rate health. Two of the men were put on
guard for three days for disobeying orders by laughing and
talking after lights were out, it being the rule of the camp
to have no noise in camp after the 'Taps.'
Thursday March 13, 1862 : After dinner all the men
turned out and cleaned up the Park. Had a good time
collecting the brush and loose stuff together in large piles
and setting fire to them. Stayed out about two hours."

The first formation of the Army of the Potomac was by
"Divisions," under an order of October 15, 1861, but before
active movements began in the spring of 1862, it was di
vided into Army Corps in accordance with the following
General Order : —

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 161
Headquarters Army of the Potomac
Fairfax C. H. Va. March 13, 1862.
General Order
No. 101
In compliance with the President's War Order No 2 of March 8,
1862, the active portion of the Army of the Potomac is formed into
Army Corps as follows:
ist Corps. Major General Irvin McDowell to consist for the present,
of the Divisions of Franklin, McCall and King.
2d Corps. Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumner, Divisions Richardson, Blenker
and Sedgwick.
3d Corps. Brig. Gen. S. P. neintzelman. Divisions F. J. Porter,
Hooker, and Hamilton.
4th Corps. Brig. Gen. E. D. xveyes, uivisions Couch, Smith and Casey.
Sth Corps. Maj. Gen. N. P. Banks, Divisions Williams and Shields.
By command of Major Gen. McClellan.
a. v. colburn, A. A. G.
March 13, 1862, a council composed of Corps Com
manders McDowell, Sumner, Heintzelman and Keyes, de
termined upon adopting Fortress Monroe as the base of op
erations for the movement upon Richmond. General Fitz
John Porter's command was assigned to the Third Army
Corps, and placed first in the order of Divisions.
The artillery attached to this Division was Battery D,
5th U. S. Captain Charles Griffin, Third Mass. Battery,
Captain Augustus P. Martin, Battery C, ist R. I. Captain
William B. Weeden, Fifth Mass. Battery, Captain Geo. D.
Allen. Lt. Col. Wm. H. Powell says in his history of the Fifth
Corps :— "Captains Weeden, Martin and Allen were able
pupils and co-workers under such a chief as Griffin," and
2d Lt. Charles A. Phillips said at the time that Rhode
Island shared with Massachusetts pre-eminence in Volun
teer Artillery.

162 HISTORY OF THE

THE GUNS.
Captain Griffin had six io pdr. Parrotts.
Captain Martin had six Light 12 pdrs.
Captain Weeden had six 3 in. Rifled Iron Guns.
Captain Allen had six 3 in. Rifled Iron Guns.
Each Division had the same artillery.
In the organization of the Army of the Potomac the
Regiment was the unit. Four Regiments constituted a
Brigade, and three Brigades a Division. Each Division
had four batteries, three served by volunteers and one by
regulars; the captain of the latter commanding the entire
artillery of the Division. The regulars were not distributed,
but were kept together in Divisions by themselves.
It has been said that in the constitution of this Army
McClellan's intimate acquaintance with European tactics
became of very great value and assistance. General Wm. F.
Barry in his report states that the whole of the field artillery
of the Division of the Potomac July 25th, 1861, when
General McClellan was appointed to the command, was
comprised in nine imperfectly equipped batteries of 30 guns,
650 men, and 400 horses. In March 1862, after an interval
of seven months it consisted of 92 batteries, 520 guns,
12,500 men and 10,000 horses. Of the whole force 62 bat
teries belonged to the Volunteer service.
McCLELLAN'S address to the army.
Headquarters Army of the Potomac
Fairfax Court House, Va.
March 14, 1862.
Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac:
For a long time I have kept you inactive, but not without a purpose.
You were to be disciplined, armed, and instructed. The formidable
artillery you now have had to be created. Other armies were to move
and accomplish certain results. I have held you back that you might
give the death-blow to the rebellion that has distracted our once happy
country. The patience you have shown, and your confidence in your

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 163
General, are worth a dozen victories. These preliminary results are
now accomplished. I feel that the patient labors of many months have
produced their fruits. The Army of the Potomac is now a real Army,
— magnificent in materiel, admirable in discipline and instruction, ex
cellently equipped and armed. Your commanders are all that I could
wish. The moment for action has arrived, and I know that I can trust
in you to save our country. As I ride through your ranks I see in
your faces the sure presage of victory : I feel that you will do whatever
I ask of you. The period of inaction is passed. I will bring you now
face to face with the rebels and only pray that God may defend the
right. In whatever direction you may move, however strange my ac
tions may appear to you, ever bear in mind that my fate is linked with
yours and that all I do, is to bring you where I know you wish to be,
— on the decisive battle field. It is my business to place you there.
I am to watch over you as a parent over his children, and you know
that your General loves you from the depths of his heart. It shall be
my care, as it has ever been, to gain success with the least possible
loss, but I know that if it is necessary, you will willingly follow me to
our graves, for our righteous cause.
God smiles upon us, victory attends us. Yet I would not have you
think that our aim is to be attained without a manly struggle. I will
not disguise it from you. You have brave foes to encounter, foemen
well worthy of the steel that you will use so well. I shall demand of
you great, heroic exertions, rapid and long marches, desperate com
bats, privations, perhaps. We will share all these together; and when
this sad war is over, we will all return to our homes, and feel that we
can ask no higher honor than the proud consciousness that we belonged
to the Army of the Potomac. Geo. B. McClellan,
Major General Commanding.
THE PENINSULA OF VIRGINIA.
The Peninsula of Virginia lies between the James and
York Rivers; which, running nearly parallel from the
northwest, empty into Chesapeake Bay.
Fortress Monroe occupies the extremity of the Peninsula,
and is connected with the main portion only by a narrow
sand beach. See p. 109. The extreme length, from the fort
to a line drawn between Richmond and West Point, is about
60 miles, the average breadth about 12. At Yorktown,
twenty miles up the river it is narrowed to 8 miles, which
width remains the same as far as Williamsburg where the

164 HISTORY OF THE
rivers begin to diverge. The land is flat and low, covered
with swampy forests.
Yorktown was a dilapidated village of about 50 houses.
The only tavern in the place, situated on a bluff, the high
est point of land on the Peninsula below Richmond, was
called the Nelson House and was originally owned by Gov
ernor Thomas Nelson. The bulk of the Confederate force
lay at and near Centreville and Manassas, drawing its sup
plies mainly from Richmond by way of the Orange and
Alexandria railroad. On hearing of the order for the Fed
eral forces to move upon Richmond by the way of the
Peninsula, the Confederate general Beauregard called back
his corps of observation, who occupied the works at Cen
treville, destroyed the bridges over Bull Run, and falling
back on Manassas which he evacuated on the ioth of March,
burned everything which he could not carry away.
The Army of the Potomac commenced its march on the
ioth as stated, but they went no farther than Centreville,
General McClellan with his escort fording Bull Run and
riding on to Manassas, found it as anticipated an abandoned
ruin. THE PLAN OF CAMPAIGN.
In the plan of the Peninsula campaign, Richmond was
to be reached by the way of Yorktown and West Point.
The first object was to capture Yorktown by a combined
naval and military attack, then to establish West Point,
about 25 miles from Richmond, as the new base.
Centreville was a village of a few straggling houses built
along a ridge at the confluence of the Warrenton turnpike,
which runs west and crosses Bull Run at the Stone Bridge,
and another southwest crossing Bull Run at Blackburn's
Ford, leading direct to Manassas Junction three miles be
yond Bull Run, and connecting by cross-roads with the
different fords above and below.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 165
The works at Centreville and Manassas we're laid out by
the Confederate general Beauregard. At Centreville they
consisted of two lines. One faced east, a mile and three-
quarters long, the other, two miles long, faced north. In
both were 13 distinct forts connected by "infantry para
pets," double caponnieres (covered lodgements) and "re
dans" (portions of the fortification included in single salient
angles). There were embrasures for 71 guns. On a high
hill commanding the rear of both lines, was a large "re
doubt" (an isolated fort defensible on all sides) with 10
embrasures. Manassas was defended in all directions by a
system of detached works, with platforms for heavy guns,
arranged for massive carriages and connected by "infantry
parapets"; the system being rendered complete by a very
large work with 16 embrasures commanding the highest of
the other works by about 50 feet. The works at Manassas
had been mounted with guns. Those at Centreville had
been merely laid out; but no heavy artillery had been placed
in them, and for weeks they had been occupied only by a
corps of observation ready to fall back upon any alarm.

MANASSAS JUNCTION.
The Orange and Alexandria Railroad runs southwest
through the flat Potomac region for 27 miles, when it meets
the Manassas Gap Railroad which runs west for 50 miles to
Strasburg in the valley of the Shenandoah River, then south
for 20 miles down the valley. The place where these two
roads, the Orange and Alexandria and the Manassas Gap
Railroad meet is high ground, and is called Manassas Junc
tion. There was a station, merely, with a few scattering
houses. From Manassas which was considered the key of
the direct route to the south, the distance to Washington
was about 30 miles.
Southwest of Manassas Junction at Warrenton Junction

166 HISTORY OF THE
a branch road run to Warrenton. At Rappahannock Sta
tion the train crossed the Rappahannock River on the way
to Culpeper Court House, passed over the Rapidan River
to Orange Court House and still farther southwest to
Lynchburg via Gordonsville and Charlottesville.

Grows' Journal: "Friday March 14, 1862. At Y* past
8 went out for drill. Came in at 10, and then went to work
packing ammunition chests, so if we are called we will be
all ready to start. I do not think we will go until we are
better drilled. If we do it will be to guard the place. Had
dinner of 'Duff' and molasses with water to drink. It tasted
first rate, but there was not enough of it, so we have been
promised some for dinner tomorrow. At 2 o'clock we went
out for drill, the men on the guns dismounted. Had a good
drill. A slight accident happened to Harry Simonds.
While we were firing his horse reared up and fell over on
him, jamming his side, but in a short time he was able to
mount his horse again, and take care of his Detachment.
Came in after drilling about two hours. We fired 17
rounds of blank cartridges. The men are improving in drill
very fast. Am detailed for guard tonight on the 3d relief
the worst one there is to be on. Laid down to get some rest
but could not sleep there was so much noise. Was called
at 9 o'clock to go on guard. It began to rain. It is a rough
night. While on guard about 8000 cavalry passed our
camp. It was a splendid sight. They were returning from
Manassas and Centreville. The rebels have left the place
in a hurry. They had wooden guns mounted in place of
cannon, to deceive our troops. Came in at 11 from guard,
made a fire in the tent and turned in."
MARCHING ORDERS.
Friday night at 12 o'clock March 14, 1862, the Fifth
Mass. Battery received their orders.
"We are ordered to move on Sunday, tomorrow," wrote

FIFTH MASS. .BATTERY. 167
Lieut. Phillips on the 15th, "to Cloud's Mills, near Alex
andria, with three days' cooked rations. We shall have two
wagons and as little baggage as possible. One tent is al
lowed for the officers, the men sleeping under the tarpau
lins which cover the guns and caissons. I saw Adjutant
Sherwin [Thomas Sherwin Jr.] of the 22d Mass. last night,
and he said that they were breaking up camp and expecting
to move this morning. Part of their baggage is on the
steamboat at Alexandria. Sherwin reports that the whole
of Porter's Division embark at Alexandria for some un
known destination perhaps to reinforce Burnside. A long
train of wagons went by here last night bound to Washing
ton. All the sick have been sent to Washington. The two
Pennsylvania Cavalry regiments which were the first to
enter Manassas returned to their camp last night, and ex
pect to leave soon in some other direction. After receiving
our marching orders it set in for the hardest rain storm
of the season, and we have been making our preparations
with a most dismal prospect ahead. Rations were cooked,
knapsacks packed, tents, camp equipage &c. invoiced and
turned over to the U. S. Quartermaster at Fort Corcoran.
I sent my trunk home, packed my knapsack and saddle
bags, hung my feed bag on my saddle, and made all my
preparations. In the mean time the rain continued, the park was all
afloat, and our tent nearly so. Somehow the water found
an entrance at our front door, and soon we had a small
brook running across the floor, and out at the back door.
To prevent this making it too muddy, we confined it to a
narrow channel, and Scott and I by way of variety whittled
out some water wheels which were soon running merrily.
Meanwhile both night and rain were falling, and the rations
were all cooked, and their delivery commenced. Before
this was completed, however, up rode an orderly with new
orders to delay our departure till further orders, as the
roads were impassable." At the close of this letter Phillips

168 HISTORY OF THE
refers to being "the other day out target shooting" with his
"revolver."

Grows' Journal: "Saturday March 15, 1862. Was called
at 3 this morning to go on guard. Made out after a fashion
to worry out the two hours till 5 o'clock when I was relieved
and went to my quarters and laid down, but could not sleep,
as the Bugle sounded at 6 the 'Reveille.' Went on again at
9, was relieved at 11 o'clock. At 3, was called to go on
my beat. I stayed on about an hour, and then I had to knock
under and go to my tent. Stayed in and packed my knap
sack, for we have been ordered to break camp at 4 tomor
row morning, to start for Alexandria. . . . The men were
called into line soon after and told to have their knapsacks
ready and fill our haversacks with two days' rations, and
fill our canteens with water. We had just got all our things
ready when word came that we would not start tomorrow
on account of the rain. We were pleased, for it would be
a rather disagreeable march in the rain, but we expect to go
Monday or Tuesday. After putting our things away, we
began to see how we could fix our beds so that we could
sleep. About three inches of water in our tent and the can
vas leaks like fury. We pinned our rubber blankets up over
the beds, made them up, turned in, and then laid rubber
blankets over them, and in this way we went to bed, the
rain pouring in torrents on our beds.
Sunday March 16. We now think we will not start
before Tuesday. We expect to go to Sewall's Point off
Fortress Monroe. About J4 past 4 a message came, in
forming us that we will not start tomorrow. About 5 the
Battery were called together for Sunday services. The
singing sounded splendid. The Captain (Allen) read the
9th chapter of Matthew and then closed the service.
Monday, March 17th. Our Orderly Sergeant went at 4
o'clock this morning to Fairfax Court House to receive

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 169
some orders, but as yet we do not know what they are. At
Roll Call at 5 o'clock we were informed that we would
break camp in the morning to proceed to Alexandria and
there take boats to go somewhere, but where we do not
know." THE EMBARKATION.
On March 17th, 1862, the Army of the Potomac com
menced the embarkation, leaving 70,000 men for the de
fense of Washington.
On the 1 8th, the Fifth Mass. Battery left camp at Hall's
Hill, and marched to join Porter's Division which after
making its advance on Manassas had turned back to Alex
andria Heights.
They marched via Ball's and Bailey's Cross Roads, and
arrived about 2 p. m. at "Camp California," near Alexan
dria, Va., and midway between Fairfax Seminary and Fort
Ellsworth. Here they pitched their camp with only one
tent, all outside of that depending for shelter upon rubber
blankets, and prepared for embarking, destination unknown.
Troops were all around them and Griffin's and Martin's Bat
teries were close by. The 83d. Penn., which was next to
them at Hall's Hill was next them there.
Grows' Journal : "Tuesday March 18, 1862. A fine feel
ing morning. Had a light breakfast of coffee and bread,
then lashed our knapsacks on the pieces, leaving our tents,
and other articles such as stoves, behind, for we cannot
carry them.
At 9 o'clock this morning the order was given, 'For
ward !' and the first step was taken in the march, for we had
to walk all the way, 9 miles. We took the road to Alexan
dria, and by mistake went some four miles out of the way.
... On the way we had in some places to build up parts of
the road where it had been washed away. The roads here
are in a very bad state, but are a great deal better than they

170 HISTORY OF THE
have been. At 3 in the afternoon we struck the ground
where we are to stop tonight, about i| miles from the city
of Alexandria.
After eating a little, and getting cleaned up, for we were
very dusty, we began to make some preparations for sleep
ing, but as we have no tents, we stuck one covering of the
gun up on poles, crawled in under, laid on the ground, and
soon got to sleep.
Wednesday, March 19. Got up feeling quite sore and
stiff. As we had nothing to eat, I went over to Martin's
Battery and got some fried potatoes, some good white bread
and about a quart of nice, hot coffee. About Y past 9 our
quartermaster got some coffee for the men. Soon after we
were called out to drill. Stayed out about an hour, and
then we had to wash the carriages and pieces, which took
us till dinner time. Had dinner of hard bread and water.
This afternoon began fixing for a place to sleep; arranged
a bed for a fellow named Joe Knox and myself. Had sup
per of hot coffee and hard bread. Was put on guard to take
care of one of our drivers' horses."
FROM LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"The hills and valleys are covered with camps, most of
them, like our own, supplied with very scant equipage. We
have one tent for the officers, which at the present moment
contains all five, getting along very comfortably. Scott is
writing a letter on the same box as I, and the Captain
(Allen) is cutting a quill preparatory to doing the same
thing. The men have pitched the tarpaulins between the
carriages, making three tents to hold fifty apiece, so that
they get along as well as we do. We expect to embark
within two days for some great expedition. General Sum
ner's Division went down today, and several more are wait
ing to go. Where we shall bring up I do not know, but

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 171
from the preparations going on the expedition must be in
tended to finish the Rebellion.
Large quantities of provisions have been sent lately to
Fortress Monroe, which would look like an attack upon
Richmond up the James or York River, or we may be going
to join Burnside.
Last night we went on a serenading excursion. The 44th
N. Y. [Ellsworth Avengers] to which we have been as
signed for hospital purposes, have taken great interest in
our Battery. The hospital is in a house close to our camp
owned by a Mr. Osborne. In the evening we got together
the musical crowd, and went up to the house with a band of
an accordeon and a banjo. We were invited in and got
some apples and cakes. Then we had a little music and
adjourned to the kitchen for a clog dance by Mr. Joseph
Clark, banjo player and clog dancer for the Battery.
After a few jigs and breakdowns we went home and
went to bed.
Mr. Osborne is quite a brick, a very strong union man.
At one time the rebel pickets occupied the bushes across
the road in front of his house, and used to blaze away at him
at every opportunity. He offered to sell his hay to the gov
ernment, but they thought it too dangerous to send wagons
after it, so he carted it himself, exposed all the while to the
rebel fire. His wagon was hit several times but he escaped.
Thursday evening March 20, 1862, Alexandria Heights:
The 3d Michigan moved up close by us yesterday being
ordered to get as near Alexandria as possible. Fort Ells
worth, as near as I can make out, is a square bastioned fort
like Fort Corcoran, rather larger, constructed strictly ac
cording to theoretical rules.
We are encamped on a little hill, the one tent being
pitched on the summit. For this purpose we picked out the
tightest tent in camp, the one which I have always had, and
inside of this are the jolliest crowd of officers that can be
found. Our baggage is limited, but we get on without.

172 HISTORY OF THE
Captain Allen occupies the back of the tent on a bedstead
which we have managed to bring so far, Hyde and Dilling
ham make up their bed on one side, while Scott and I make
up ours on the other.
Two rubber blankets constitute the foundations, then
come our bed sacks filled with hay, and our blankets finish
off. We get along first rate though we pull off the blankets
a great deal. The principal article of furniture is the com
pany desk which was put in here as there was no other tent
to put it in : coats, sabres, haversacks, canteens, dishes,
valises, knapsacks, boxes, saddles, opera glasses, &c &c. On
the whole we are pretty full. The men have quite a variety
of substitutes for tents. Some take the tarpaulins which
cover the guns : each of which is large enough to accommo
date io or 15 men; some use their rubber ponchos [rubber
blankets with holes in the middle] which make a very good
pleasant weather tent. Each poncho is about 5 ft. by 4, and
four of them make a tent large enough to hold four men
lying or sitting. This is the prevalent style of tent round
here : the 83d Penn. between us and the Fort, are quartered
in them, also the 3d Michigan on the other side of us. The
17th New York are encamped just beyond the 83d Penn.,
with the same accommodations. We received yesterday
the news of the capture of Newberne.
Lt. Kingsbury seems to have left us. When the advance
was made last week he was ordered to join his Battery and
has been with them ever since. When we came here he was
over here for about five minutes and that is all. It rained
all last night and all today, and the General Commanding
has authorized us to issue a ration of whiskey to the men,
which has accordingly been done, without any bad effects
as far as I have seen.
Martin's Battery have been encamped with Martindale's
brigade, Weeden's with Morell's, and we have had most to
do with the 44th N. Y. (Ellsworth's Avengers) a fine regi
ment who led the advance at Manassas.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 173
Captain Griffin has been appointed Chief of Artillery for
the Division. I hear that Porter's Battery [First Mass. Lt.
Art'y] in Franklin's Division, and McDowell's Corps (ist)
are to embark today, and the General Order No. 101, or
dered the whole of a corps to be kept together, so at least
two corps are going on the proposed expedition. The num
ber of troops right round here is estimated anywhere from
20,000 to 150,000.
At present we are living not very luxuriously, making
up our beds on the ground, and eating hard tack and salt
pork."

Grows' Journal: "Thursday, March 20, 1862. Was
awakened by the rain this morning. Found my hair quite
wet from the rain falling on my head during the night.
Some of the men had to sit up all night on account of the
rain, for all the tents we have is a piece of canvas laid upon
two poles, and the water runs under like a sluiceway. Had
dinner of fresh beef and potatoes, after which I went to
Porter's Battery."
About 8 a. m. of Friday, March 21st they marched to
Alexandria Va., and waited in the street until 3 p. m. for
the Fourth R. I. Battery to embark, then commenced put
ting their guns On board the same propeller, the "A. H.
Bowman." About six p. m. they were ready to load the
horses on the schooners "Louisa Reed" and "Ida De la
Torre." This was accomplished about 10 o'clock and after
taking on some of the horses they were to have from the
1 8th Mass. Regt. to complete their number, they found
quarters for themselves on board a canal boat which was
loaded with the baggage of the two batteries.
Grows' Journal: "Friday March 21, 1862. Were called
at 6 and ordered to pack our knapsacks and be ready to
start at 8 o'clock. Went to work on empty stomachs. Got
two days' rations in our haversacks. Marched on foot 9

174 HISTORY OF THE
miles to that nest of secession Alexandria. Waited till 2
in the afternoon before we got aboard. While here I vis
ited the Marshall House, where Ellsworth was killed by
Jackson. This is a hard looking place. Our Battery was
joined by Griffin's, Martin's and the Rhode Island Fourth.
We all got aboard and I turned in under one of the guns,
using the sponge staff for a pillow, and the deck for a bed.
Was called at 1 1 o'clock to go on guard on the barge which
had all our stores on. How it did rain! Stood up against
the mast. On account of the corporal being sick I called
my man at 1 o'clock."
THE SAILING OF THE FLEET.
Notes of Lieut. Phillips.
"March 22, 1862, at 4 a. m., Scott and I had to get up
and look after some new horses which we have received
from the 18th Mass. Regt. By daylight we got them all
on board, and with the rest of the fleet dropped into the
stream. Captain Allen and Lt. Hyde went on the propeller, Lt.
Dillingham on the 'Ida De la Torre,' Scott on the canal
boat, and I on the 'Louisa Reed.'
After a good deal of backing and filling the fleet got
ready to start. There are some 96 vessels in all. About 12
o'clock we started, the flagship 'Daniel Webster' leading
the way.
We had been assigned^a place near the head of the col
umn, but the 'A. H. Bowman' being unable to keep it, soon
fell behind. The 'Bowman' towed the two schooners, the
'Ida De la Torre' on the starboard, the 'Louisa Reed' on the
larboard side. The 'Hero' took the canal boat, with our
baggage, and went out of sight in a very short time. Dil
lingham has charge of one schooner and I of the other,
Captain Allen and Lt. Hyde look after the steamer, and
Scott has gone off in the canal boat. The 'Bowman' is so

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 175
slow that we have dropped behind everything. I quarter in
the captain's state room and the men sleep on the hay in the
hold. The fare on board is good and we have a jolly time.
At night we anchored in the Potomac river. The next
day all went well, beautiful weather and the whole fleet
ahead of us.
Before daylight on the 24th we anchored off Fortress
Monroe. While waiting to disembark I took the schooner's
boat and rowed round the Monitor. As soon as we came in
sight of the fort I commenced looking for the Monitor, and
pretty soon I espied a puff of smoke, and a box on a raft,
lying up in the Roads among the fleet.
We rowed round close to her and I counted some 20 shot
marks all over her, five or six in the turret, some of them
very near the portholes, and the rest along her sides. The
one which had made the most impression struck about three
feet from the bows near the upper edge of the side, and
dented in the side plate about two inches, started the rivets
and knocked up the deck plate. The other shots had made
more or less impression: those which struck the middle of
the plates merely denting them an inch or so, and those
which struck near the edges, driving in the plates and start
ing the rivets, breaking the heads off. However, no seri
ous damage was done.
About noon we had our Battery landed and took up our
line of march. Passing by Fortress Monroe we kept on
over the bridge to the main land, and on through what was
once the main street of Hampton, but now only a road
between ruined houses. For half a mile the road was lined
with walls and chimneys, but only two whole houses were
in sight. Just beyond the village we came to General Por
ter's Head Quarters; then we passed the camp of General
Porter's and Hamilton's Divisions. Still on we kept, till
we came to Captain Martin's battery encamped in a large
field on the right of the road. Here we turned in and
pitched our camp. A deserted and ruined house furnished

176 HISTORY OF THE
us with firewood and flooring and soon our camp fires were
blazing merrily.
Nims Battery, (Orfnand F. Nims) Mass. Art'y, is two
miles back, but nobody is in front of us, save a few pickets.
We start again tomorrow, to fight or not, who knows?
Captain Griffin's Battery arrived soon after we did, and
Captain Weeden's has just come. We have a pleasant
camping ground, level as a barn floor. The camp fires and
the variety of tents give quite a picturesque appearance to
the scene. The rest of the Division is a mile back of us."
The little village of Hampton referred to by Lieut. Phil
lips, was burned by Magruder, on seeing in a northern news
paper that the Federal forces contemplated occupying the
town as winter quarters, to prevent its falling into the
hands of General Benjamin F. Butler.
From his Head Quarters on the Back River road he
designated four companies, two of infantry and two of cav
alry, to proceed there at night. Each company fired one-
quarter of the town as divided at the cross streets, and it
soon became one mass of flames.
The Monitor was launched on the 30th of January 1862,
and was lost in a gale off Cape Hatteras the 30th day of
December, just eleven months after she was launched.
Grows' Journal: "Saturday March 22, 1862. Went into
the wheel house and tried to get a little sleep but could not,
the roof leaked like a sieve. I was about wet through. At
last daylight came and I was very hungry. I went aboard
a barge alongside and got the cook to give me a cup cf
coffee, which put new life into me. At 9 in the forenoon
we were under way. The men were on the steamer 'A. H.
Bowman' having two schooners with the horses aboard in
tow. They lead the way. Myself and 8 others were left
to guard the barge as all the provisions are on this boat.
So I shall live well enough.
It was a sight to see. Thirty-thousand men embarked
and sailed down the river together. The 'Nellie Baker' of

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 177
Boston, is one of the boats carrying troops. As soon as we
got well under way we began to look around for something
to eat. I got some sugar, bread, coffee, and beans, and we
had a glorious time, 8 of us, sitting down to a breakfast of
stewed beans, hot coffee, bread and butter.
I went down between decks, and made up a splendid
place to sleep when night came.
On the trip down the river we passed several old rebel
batteries, also Mount Vernon the home of Washington.
The view on the Potomac is splendid. Also passed Fort
Washington and were loudly cheered by the men. . . . The
freight boats were the 'Herald' one barge and schooner in
tow, 'Savage' one schooner, 'Hero,' one boat, one barge,
'Propeller' two schooners, 'Curlew' one schooner and one
barge, 'A. H. Bowman' two schooners in tow. Four U. S.
gunboats and one tug accompanied the expedition.
Sunday, March 23d. We are anchored in Hampton
Roads in sight of Fortress Monroe. The celebrated iron
steamer 'Monitor' is near us. She is being repaired. She
was some hurt in the conflict with the 'Merrimac' Had
hot coffee and hard bread and 'scouse' for breakfast. We
can see with a glass the rebel flag on the other side. Had
hot biscuit, flap-jacks, and hot coffee for supper.
Monday, March 24th. About 9 this morning, our men
in the steamer began to land. Some of them came aboard,
and they told us that they were about starved. Made some
coffee for them, and got some raw salt pork, and, my lord !
how they did eat. Three more boat loads came alongside
and we fed them.
Some of us took a boat and went alongside of the 'Mon
itor.' She is a very peculiar looking craft being only 15
inches out of water but drawing 9 feet of water. She is
cased with steel plates five inches thick. She carries two
guns, 184 pounders, in a revolving tower on deck. There
are several more vessels of the same kind under way and will
soon be completed.

178 HISTORY OF THE
At half past one I landed on the wharf at Fortress Mon
roe, and began to help unload the guns. At 3 o'clock the
Bugle sounded 'Forward !' and we began our march for our
camp ground for the night. Passed through the once flour
ishing place of Hampton. There is nothing left now but
blackened walls and ruins. . . . Some of the ruins left
show marks of once being splendid buildings. We are
quite near the enemy, and our orders are to advance to
Yorktown. The Division I am in consists of 125,000 men.
Arrived at our camp ground about sundown, and began to
make and pitch our tents for the night. We take two
Eponcho' rubber blankets and put them together, and make
a tent large enough for two to sleep in; Joe Knox and my
self sleeping together.
Tuesday morning March 25th. About -J past 8 the order
came to advance. Struck our little tents, and at 9 were
ready to start, but had to wait for 5,000 infantry to pass.
At half past 10 we began our march forward, and arrived
at our destination in about an hour. We are now stationed
to guard the bridge connecting Hampton and Newrmarket.
This bridge has been the bone of contention between the
rebels and our troops for some time. In case our troops are
driven back we can shell the enemy back. There are now
five rebel Regiments within 2\ miles of us. We have re
ceived orders not to leave our camp ground, but be on the
lookout all the time, for on the sight of any armed men
coming down the road, we are to fire on them. Our pieces
are all loaded, and when we turn in at night, we are al
lowed to take off only our jackets and boots, so we can be
ready, in case of an alarm in the night. One of our men
left camp this afternoon, and was fired upon by one of our
pickets for crossing the line; the way he came into camp
was a caution. Have heard considerable firing during the
day. It has been a glorious clay. Have had to throw off
jackets and go around in our shirt sleeves, it has been so
warm. Went to Roll Call at 8, and a more splendid sight

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 179
I never saw than the camp was, lit up with large fires. We
have plenty of wood and water. There was a large 'Secesh'
house near by when we arrived here this morning, but to
night there is nothing left but the chimney. The men and
officers have used the lumber for tent floors and fuel."
LETTERS OF THOMAS E. CHASE.
Of the fleet and the march Chase wrote at Hampton, Va.,
in letters of March 25th and 26th 1862 :
"The scene on the river on Saturday morning was a
grand spectacle; to see such a monstrous fleet of steamers
and transports, all laden with troops and munitions of war
is a rare sight. Guns of every calibre were snugly stowed
on board, whole deck loads of horses packed together as
snug as they could stand, and thousands of infantry and
cavalry were crowded together on the decks,\ and in every
nook and corner of the vessels. When I used to go down
to the end of Liverpool wharf to see the trim little 'Nelly
Baker,' and the 'Nantasket,' crowded with passengers on a
pleasant excursion, little did I think that I should ever see
them steaming down the Potomac loaded with soldiers
bound for active service, and your humble servant Tom in
the same fix, but it was so, and she looked as gay and trim
as ever. We passed the deserted fortifications of the rebels
on the Potomac, but saw no one except a few men from
Hooker's Division who now occupy the forts. On our way
to camp, we passed through the town of Hampton, which
was burned by the rebels last summer, and truly it is a sad
sight, to see nothing but the chimneys and charred ruins of
a large and well built town. All, or nearly all, the houses
were built of brick, and the town has the appearance of a
small city, I should think nearly as large as Haverhill,
Mass. I have read and heard of the destruction of property
that this war has caused, but never realized it before. Here
we see it. This morning we were ordered to pack up and

180 HISTORY OF THE
prepare for a march with the Division. We all packed up
and wrote home, and expected to meet the rebels. We did
not go more than half a mile, when we were ordered 'in
Battery' near a turn in the road, and but a few rods from
the Newmarket Bridge. Our guns command the road and
bridge, and we are to guard it until further orders. Cap
tain Allen told us that we might remain here only three
hours, or we might stop here three days, and possibly three
weeks. We are to await further orders whether sooner or
later. The weather is delightful here. Some of the plants
and the peach trees are in bloom, and the trees and shrubbery
are fast leafing out, the spring birds have come, and 'the
voice of the turtle is heard in the land.' Every move that
we now make gains new comforts for us. There are a num
ber of secesh houses which we have kindly volunteered to
'clean out,' and all our tents have good board floors. We
have this day torn down and carried away a whole house.
Of course it had been deserted, and it did not take us but a
few hours to confiscate it; 150 soldiers make short work of
tearing down a secesh house. A part of our supper was
cooked tonight over the burning remains of the house that
we commenced on in the morning, and every tent has a sep
arate fire-place made of the brick thereof. . . . They are
putting up a new line of telegraph as fast as the Army
moves. (26th) We are ordered to pack up again this
morning. . . . What a way to live! not to know one day
where we are to 'board' the next, and only 'take rooms' for
one night, but when the weather is fine I rather like it, it is
not so monotonous as lying in camp in a mud hole, with
nothing to do. Now we have to build and furnish a new
house every day. ... I hope you will excuse my bad writ
ing and paper, for I. have been in every position, while writ
ing, except standing on my head, but I am going to practice
at that."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 181

FROM THE DIARY OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Tuesday March 25th, 1862: In front of the enemy at
last. About nine o'clock Captain Weeden's Battery and
ours advanced half a mile to the edge of the river. Butter-
field's and Martindale's brigades are encamped close around
us. Our guns are 'in Battery' commanding Newmarket
Bridge. I went over the bridge this forenoon. Our outside
pickets are between our Battery and the river, about 30
yards in front of our guns."
PICKET DUTY.
It was one of the prescribed rules to be strictly observed,
that an army in camp or on the march should always throw
between itself and the supposed position of the enemy an
.advanced guard for the purpose of observing his move
ments and position, as well as keeping him in ignorance of
the state of our own forces.
General Order No. 69, Head Quarters Army of the
Potomac, dated Washington Feb. 25, 1862, has the follow
ing sketch of duties in camp :
"Each Brigade will furnish daily the guard for its own front, con
necting with the guards of the Brigades on its right and left. Each
guard will be under the direction of a Field Officer of the Day, to be
detailed at Brigade Headquarters. Senior Captains may be added to
-the roster of field officers for field officers of the day when necessity
requires. The guards of each Division will be under the direction of a General
Officer of the Day, who shall receive his orders directly from the
Division Commander. Colonels will be added to the roster of General
Officers for this duty.
Brigade commanders may be excused from serving on this detail.
SUPPORTS AND RESERVES.
Each guard shall consist of a line of sentinels called Pickets, of a
line of Supports, from which the sentinels are furnished for the front

182 HISTORY OF THE
of the Brigade, and of a Reserve, posted in the following manner: —
The Reserve will occupy a commanding position, and be stationed
about a mile or a mile and a half in front of the main body of the
Brigade. The Supports, two or more, as the nature of the ground and the
length of the lines may require, will be thrown about one mile further
to the front. They will be placed in such positions as easily to com
municate with each other and with the Reserves, and as near the
avenues of approach from the front as practicable.
From these Supports the line of Pickets is thrown out about two
hundred yards to the front.
As, upon the position of this line, and the manner in which the
Pickets perform their duty, the safety of the entire Army depends, no
pains must be spared to ensure their being properly posted and in
structed in their duties : and the utmost vigilance must be observed
to enforce a proper performance of them.
The line will be formed by posting groups of three men each : these
groups to be not more than 150 yards apart, and much closer when the
nature of the ground or the attitude of the enemy requires. These
groups will keep up constant communication with each other: which
will be readily accomplished by one man of each group walking half
way to the group on his left: another half way to the group on his
right, thus always leaving one of the three at the original station. None
of the men stationed on this line will be allowed to sit or lie down
on their post, nor will they quit their arms, or relax the vigilance of
faithful sentinels, by day or night. These Pickets will be relieved every
two hours, and being furnished by the Supports, the latter will be
divided into three reliefs for this purpose. The Supports will be re
lieved from the Reserve every six hours.
The Reserve will also furnish a line of sentinels to communicate
with the Supports, as well as a line communicating with the Headquar
ters of the Brigade. The sentinels on these lines will be posted within
easy call of each other, so that intelligence may be passed from the
Pickets to the Camp with the utmost celerity. They are to be relieved
every two hours, and while on post must keep constantly on the alert,
never being allowed to sit or lie down.
The duties of the Pickets are to> keep a vigilant watch over the
country in front, and over the movements of the enemy, if in sight:
to prevent all unauthorized persons from passing in or out of the lines,
and to arrest all suspicious individuals. In case of an attack, they will
act as a line of skirmishers, and hold their ground to the last moment.
If forced to retire, they will slowly close their intervals, and fall back
upon their Supports.
The Supports, being placed in strong positions, will hold themselves
in readiness to receive the Pickets, and repel an attack, retiring in good
order upon the Reserve, when unable any longer to hold their ground.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 183
One relief of the Supports will be allowed to sleep. One must con
stantly be on the alert. One commissioned officer must also be up and
awake at all hours.
No fires will be allowed on the line of Supports, or outside the line
of Reserves. Any fires found burning will be promptly extinguished.
The Reserves, stationed in a strong position, and one which com
mands, as far as practicable, all approaches to the camp, shall be of
sufficient strength to check the advance of the enemy, thus affording
the main body of the Army ample time to form and orepare for attack.
It will give a rallying point for the Pickets and their Supports, if driven
in, and, being reinforced by them, will hold its ground until ordered
bv the Division Commander to retire. At least one commissioned offi
cer and one-third of the men of the Reserve must be on the alert at
all hours. Fires may be built on this line in such places as are screened
from the view in front by the nature of the ground. The position of
the Reserve should be strengthened by the use of all such defences as
the country affords. When near the enemy abattis should be con
structed whenever practicable. The Reserve shall, in addition to the
lines of sentinels already mentioned, send out patrols between the lines
and a short distance to the front of the line of Pickets, to examine such
portions of the country as are not fully in view of the Pickets.
A detachment of Cavalry shall be attached to each Reserve, which
shall send several mounted men to remain with each of the Supports,
to act as messengers in case of necessity. These men shall be relieved
every six hours, and while on duty with the Support shall keep their
horses saddled and bridled. The detachment with the Reserve shall
keep one half of their horses saddled and bridled, prepared to mount
at the command. This Cavalry is to be used for mounted patrols, and
such other duty in connection with the guard as the Field Officer of
the Day may direct.
Field Artillery may sometimes be used to strengthen the position of
the Reserves whenever the nature of the ground gives it an effective
range. In all cases when artillery forms a portion of the guard, it will
be constantly in readiness for immediate use. The horses will never
be unhitched, and their drivers will remain within reach of them.
As a general rule, the Advanced Guard will consist of about one-
tenth of the effective strength of the command. But this, of course,
varies with circumstances. The Reserve, — with the sentinels and pa
trols it furnishes, — will comprise two-thirds of the entire guard. The
other third being subdivided for the' Supports and their Pickets. The
positions of Pickets, Supports, and Reserves, will be designated by the
Field Officers of the Day for each Brigade, under the supervision and
control of the General Officer of the Day for the Division.
Each Commander of Division will have an understanding with the
Commander on his right and left, as to where they are to unite with
the adjoining Guards.

184 HISTORY OF THE
On arriving at the position to be occupied by the Reserve, the Com
mander of the Guard will advance with and station the Supports and
point out the position of the line of Pickets. The Commander of the
Supports will, accompanied by the non-commissioned officers of the
reliefs, post the Pickets of the first relief, and explain to them their
duties. They will be careful to observe that the whole ground is cov
ered; and that perfect connection is made with the lines on their right
and left. After the Pickets are posted, the Commander of the Guard,
will himself visit them, see that they understand their duties and occupy
proper positions, and connect with the lines to the right and left.
Should the position of the Pickets be changed, the order must pass
through the Commander of the Supports to which they belong.
The Commander of the Guard will make himself thoroughly ac
quainted with the ground which his Guard occupies, with the ap
proaches and communications. He will keep up constant communica
tion from front to rear and from right to left by means of lines of sen
tinels and patrols. In case of alarm he will promptly investigate the
cause, and be careful not to exaggerate the danger. Should the enemy
advance, he will, by personal observation, endeavor to discover whether
they are in force, and beware of causing unnecessary alarm. He will
communicate all important intelligence to the Field Officer of the Day,
who will report the same to the General Officer of the Day, and if the
case be urgent, directly to Division and Brigade Headquarters. He
will see that all the duties of his Guard are performed in a prompt and
soldierly manner, and enforce the strictest discipline. The Field Offi
cer of the Day will visit the Reserves, Supports and Pickets soon after
they are posted, and at least once during the night. ... At nightfall
the line should be drawn somewhat closer to the Supports, and should
pass through the lower ground, and just within the front of any timber
or brush. . . .
All sentinels of Advanced Guards must be given the countersign
[see p. 797 April 2, 1864] before sunset, and commence challenging
immediately thereafter. At night care and vigilance must be redoubled
by officers and men of the Guard."
GREAT BETHEL.
The bridge having been repaired on March 26, 1862, the
22d Mass., Infantry, went over on a reconnoissance march
ing to within a mile of Great Bethel After a seven mile
march they only saw a few pickets.
The Fifth Mass. Battery were ordered to hold themselves
in readiness to support the 22d if attacked. During the
night the lieutenant of the picket was shot at. It was pro
posed to take possession of Great Bethel on the 27th and

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. i86
about seven o'clock our troops began to march past in the
following order :
Griffin's Battery, Hancock's Brigade, Smith's Division.
ist N. Y. Battery, Butterfield's Brigade, Porter's Divi
sion. Martin's Battery, Ayres' Battery, Brooks' Brigade,
Smith's Division.
Morell's Brigade, Porter's Division.
3d N. Y. Battery, Davidson's Brigade, Smith's Division.
In all about 15,000 men; 30 guns.
Martindale's Brigade was held in reserve.
Grows' Journal: "Wednesday March 26, 1862. Turned
out for drill. Came in, in about an hour. About 10 o'clock
we hitched up, and were ordered to cover the rear of the
22d. Mass. Remained 'in Battery' about an hour, and seeing
no signs of the rebels we went to our quarters. Was much
pleased by seeing a number of men from Nims' (Second
Mass.) Battery. They are ordered to leave tomorrow for
Ship Island at the mouth of the Mississippi River. We are
waiting for an advance to be made. There is a rebel for
whose capture $300 will be paid at the Fort. He is a great
shot, and has killed off several of the infantry pickets.
There is a house near by and we have received orders to
shell it out this afternoon. Spies have been lurking around
our camp today. Arrested one of them and sent him to the
Fort. It has been a glorious day and as warm as it is at
home in the summer, but the nights are heavy with dew.
and if we are out we have to wear our overcoats.
Thursday, March 27th. The same old drill and such
like." Lt. Phillips in his letter of March 27th 1862, Thursday
evening, wrote: — "We were ordered to report to General
Martindale as soon as we heard firing, so we waited with
horses harnessed ready to start at a moment's notice, but as
the day passed on we gave up all hopes of an engagement.

186 HISTORY OF THE
Once or twice we heard the report of a field piece, but no
orders came and we unharnessed.
Pretty soon a cloud of dust appeared on the road, and
back came Griffin's Battery all covered with dust and dirt,
but his sponges as clean as if they had never sponged a gun.
Then came infantry, General Porter and his staff and Mar
tin's Battery. They had been 5 miles beyond Great Bethel
and seen hardly a rebel.
Smith's Division remained behind, and it is very likely
that we shall push on tomorrow.
The remainder of the Division was encamped along the
left hand road. Until today the pickets were on outside
picket, and as the brook is not more than 100 yards in front
of our guns, we were pretty well up to the front. Last
night the officer of the picket was fired at while at the fire
in front of our park 30 yards off. The bullet whistled near
enough to be uncomfortable. The first day we came there
was quite an excitement firing at somebody in the old
house 900 yards off. After he disappeared a lot of pigs
made their appearance, and the pickets kept popping at
them all day. They did not hit any and strict orders had
been given to allow no one near the old house. Today, how
ever, as the advance of our forces had removed all risk,
Hyde and Scott took their revolvers and went foraging
round the house, and succeeded after an exciting chase in
bringing home two pigs. Martin's Battery brought home
six pigs, one on each caisson. We have also gained a colt, —
secesh of course, — which by some means or other strayed
into our camp, and was forthwith caught and appropriated.
We fare rather better than most of the troops round us, ow
ing to the superior cuteness of our quartermaster. Our
Battery is in first rate order; good horses, guns and car
riages well kept, and men in good health. We have re
ceived a good many compliments on our appearance, and
venture to hope that it is not entirely undeserved. Our

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 187
drill is now quite good and I think we shall do pretty well
in a fight.
The 'Vanderbilt' and another large steamer are now in
the Roads, and it is proposed to run them full tilt at the
rebel steamer. Probably it would settle the Vanderbilt, but
the Merrimac would be likely to go down too.
Friday morning March 28. I see the campaign is open
ing as I expected; General (Nathaniel P.) Banks advancing
up the Shenandoah, and the rebels falling back on the Rap
pahannock. Is Burnside going to take Weldon?"
Grows' Journal: "Friday, March 28, 1862. After
breakfast went and sat down by the side of the road, which
is very near my tent, and stayed there till ^ past 10, looking
at the regiments of infantry, batteries of artillery, and
squadrons of cavalry pass by on their way to capture Great
Bethel. There was a vast number of men and horses with
teams, and in the rear the mournful looking ambulances
for the wounded if there should be any. We soon received
orders in case we heard heavy firing, to advance as soon as
we could, but we did not hear any, so we still remain in the
same place. . . .
About 4 this afternoon a large portion of the troops that
went out this morning, came back, and will make a still
farther advance in a few days. They told us that the rebels
left in a great hurry when they saw our troops coming on
to them at Great Bethel, in some cases leaving their dinner
on the table, and leaving all their goods behind. Only four
'Secesh' were killed. Our troops came back well laden with
hams, eggs, dead hogs and live turkeys. I do not blame
them, poor fellows. Had some 'Secesh' curiosities given
me, such as a fan, some buttons &c."
March 29th the rebels held Great Bethel and our pickets
extended only half a mile beyond Newmarket Bridge. Mr.
Whittemore of the New York Times dined with the officers
of the Fifth Mass. Battery on fried pork, bread, and tea.
General Porter had been heard to say that they would have

188 HISTORY OF THE
some fighting soon, that the Battery would be in the front,
and he hoped it would be the first to open fire on the enemy.
Sunday March 30th the men had a good dinner of baked
beans which were cooked in an oven that they built them
selves.
LETTER OF LT. PHILLIPS.
"Newmarket Bridge,
Sunday Morning, March 30, 1862.
If marching 20,000 men ten miles., and back again con
stitutes a great general, we have talented commanders
round here. Twenty thousand men marched out to Great
Bethel with flying colors, and, as I supposed, left some few
behind to occupy the place, but in this I was mistaken, for
I have since ascertained that all returned. Why on earth
a reconnoissance in such force could not have ended in a
real advance I do not know. The Army of the Potomac
waits till the rebels have evacuated Manassas, and then ad
vances with a grand hullabulloo to occupy deserted in
trenchments, and this is military strategy1.
The army at Fortress Monroe advances to Great Bethel
to find it deserted and march back again, and this is military
strategy !
Dillingham and I rode down to Newport News Friday
afternoon, and passed through Smith's Division on our
way. The regiments were camped close together, and the
camp fires cast a brilliant light on the road. Fences and
woods are rapidly disappearing before the Army of the
Potomac, and the country will soon be stripped as bare as
the hills round Alexandria.
At Newport News I found a redoubt on a hill armed
with heavy guns, and outside of this an intrenchment de
fended by two or three field and siege guns. The space
inside of the intrenchment is filled with barracks, offices,
and all sorts of log and frame houses.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 189
Dillingham found a friend of his in the commissary de
partment, who showed us round.
The 'Cumberland' was lying close in shore, her hull
below water, but her masts and rigging all standing.
A few burnt sticks farther down was all that was left of
the 'Congress.' Holes in the buildings showed where the
Merrimac's shot had struck, and the only wonder is that a
single building was left standing. The Merrimac lay with
in point blank range, and either her practice was very bad
or her ammunition poor. Most of her shells did not burst,
which looks as if the trouble was in the ammunition. . . .
Having the countersign and parole we had no difficulty
in getting outside of the lines : but in the darkness took a
different road from the one we came, but as luck would
have it, a shorter one.
Pretty soon rang out in front of us — 'Halt! who comes
there?' 'Friends with the countersign.'
'Advance! one with the countersign.'
So Dillingham trotted ahead, and I could hear a short
conversation with the sentry. Pretty soon Dillingham told
me to come on, and I found we had arrived at a place
where the countersign was different. (See p. 797 Counter
sign.) So the sentry passed us on to the next, and so on
till we came to the officer of the day on his rounds.
It seems we had come to Couch's Division, which had
just landed and had the countersign which was put on by
General McClellan on the Potomac. So he took us in
charge and passed us along for about two miles, till we
reached the last picket. We could not understand this
great display of caution till the officer told us that his Divi
sion lay outside of everything. We concluded that he was
laboring under a slight mistake, as some 30,000 men lay
between him and Great Bethel.
March 31, 1862. Our Battery is at present in position
commanding Newmarket Bridge. . . . Hamilton's Divi
sion 3d Corps and Casey's Division Keyes's Corps, are here.

190 HISTORY OF THE
The Naval Brigade Colonel (David W.) Wardrop, the
Dutch Brigade our neighbors on Capitol Hill, and others
of the Artillery Reserve, are strung along between Hamp
ton and Fortress Monroe. On the whole I think you may
set the effective force here at 75,000 infantry, 150 pieces of
artillery, and a lot of cavalry; enough to do something
when they get started. It is said that General McClellan
arrived here yesterday. A salute of 13 guns was fired from
the Fort yesterday. Two squadrons of cavalry and 400 or
500 infantry, rode by here today over the bridge on a re-
connoissance. Our cat, imported from Massachusetts, has taken up her
quarters with us, (in the tent) as being the warmest to be
found. The country here is quite different from the banks
of the Potomac, the soil is sandy so that we are not troubled
with mud, and the ground is very level, with here and there
a brook and wood. A better field for infantry to manoeuvre
in could not be found. The Division parades are all large
enough to review the whole Division, and 100,000 men can
be handled here easier than 25,000 on the Potomac. Our
artillery is splendid, and Porter's Division is equal to any
in this respect. Griffin's Battery (D, 5th U. S.) is equal
to any regular battery; Martin's (Third Mass.) is as good
a battery as Massachusetts has sent.
We also come from Massachusetts, and Weeden's
(Fourth R. I.) is a Rhode Island battery, which state shares
with Massachusetts the pre-eminence in volunteer artillery.
Captain (Stephen) Thomas of the Mass. 18th dined here
yesterday on fried pork and tea. Colonel Wardrop was up
here when we were lucky enough to have fresh meat. To
day we have made a ten strike and got hold of some fresh
meat, potatoes, dried apples, and sugar. Milk we have
given up for a long time."
Lieut. Phillips thus describes a shell thrown from the
Merrimac: — "6 inches diam., 12 inches long, weighing
filled about 60 lbs. The packing, of some soft metal, was

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 191
all stripped off, and it looked as if there had been a cap on
the rear end. The fuze was percussion."

Tuesday, April i, 1862, was observed as April Fool's
Day. Grows notes in his journal being awakened by one
of the. men informing him that an acquaintance from Bos
ton was on the ground from the 20th Regt. and wished to
see him. Grows began dressing, but before he went out
thought what day it was, and told him to tell the man to
come Into the tent. He did not come. At 'Reveille' , many
were the jokes played upon both officers and men.
Grows' Journal of the ist: "After dinner about fifty of
us went into the woods near by to catch some rabbits.
They are very plentiful here. Came in about an hour after
with five large ones. If we had had guns we could have
had more, all we had were clubs and stones. Cooked them
for our supper. Went this afternoon with the team about
two miles from camp to help get a load of rails for our fires.
Got back into camp about 5 this afternoon, feehng tiptop.
Went to Roll, then had supper and a small piece of rabbit.
The air is quite cool this evening, so we all sit around our
fires with overcoats on."
That the men made the best of what they had is shown
by Grows' Journal where he refers to making rice cakes for
his supper. He says, "Soon after breakfast I got some rice
and cooked it, also got some hominy and cooked that, then
mixed them together and let them cook awhile, took some
hard crackers and pounded them fine and put them in to
thicken the rice, and then put the stuff away to make cakes
for my supper, to be fried in pork fat."
He thus describes the building of the oven for his De
tachment: — "We went to work and built an oven and it is
a nice one. We have plenty of bricks and water, and dirt
for mortar, after which we covered the whole over with
dirt, except the door."

192 HISTORY OF THE

LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"April 2, 1862. Newmarket Bridge: The roads are get
ting so bad that we shall have a repetition of the immobility
on the banks of the Potomac unless we move soon.
We have rumors of moving every day, but we are as
much in the dark about things here as we are about things
at home.
The first night we camped here all our pickets were on
this side of the creek, one being posted at the bridge.
Since the reconnoissance to Great Bethel they have been
extended about half a mile up the road. Still as the enemy
is not in force anywhere near us we have not much to fear.
Our fare so far has been the toughest we have seen, hard
bread such as Uncle Sam furnishes to his troops being the
only thing attainable. Most of the sutlers got left behind,
and it is almost impossible to buy anything round here.
Everything has to come from the vicinity of the Fort, the
"city" as we call it, and waiting for orders that may come
at any moment we can hardly communicate with this. Still
we get along without any detriment to our health, and keep
cheerful. The Division mail arrived at the Fort but by
some mistake was given to the wrong person, which makes
it rather doubtful how soon we shall get our letters.
P S. Evening. Just received. P. P. S. The Post
master General desires that all letters for the Division be
directed to Washington. The weather is chilly, with a
northeast wind. Professor Low has arrived with his bal
loon."
THE SITUATION.
General McClellan on April 2d, 1862, had made his head
quarters at Fortress Monroe.
Two new departments : those of the Shenandoah and the
Rappahannock had been created. April 3d an order was

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 193
issued by the Secretary of War discontinuing the recruiting
service. Troops offered by Massachusetts were peremp
torily declined. General McClellan had no control of the
naval forces upon which he depended for co-operation in
the reduction of Yorktown, and his command of forces in
the field was restricted to the limits bounded on the west by
the Fredericksburg and Richmond R. R. and on the east by
the line defining the sixty-mile limit from Fort Monroe, and
lying between the Potomac and James Rivers. His de
partment included the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia
east of the AUeghanies and north of the James River, with
the exception of Fortress Monroe and the country sur
rounding it, within a distance of sixty miles. The rebels
had constructed several lines of fortifications between For
tress Monroe and Yorktown, the first of which was at Big
Bethel. At Big Bethel there was a very crooked little
brook about 20 feet wide. On the southern side there was
a level plain, about large enough to hold a Brigade. The
northern bank was very steep and rolling, and was defended
by rifle pits and artillery "epaulements." (Demi-bastions
in fortifications. A "bastion" is a bulwark.)
The rebels on the advance of our reconnoissance of March
27th, retreated beyond this line, to their second fortified line
at Howard's Mills, where our scouts reported a large force
of cavalry and infantry drawn up behind the ramparts.
The third line of defense was right around Yorktown.
General Order No. 33, dated War Department Adjutant
General's Office, Washington, April 3, 1862, contained the
following paragraphs : —
"II. In, order to secure, as far as possible, the decent interment of
those who have fallen, or may fall, in battle, it is made the duty of
Commanding Generals to lay off lots of ground in some suitable spot
near every battlefield, so soon as it may be in their power, and to cause
the remains of those killed to be interred, with head-boards to the

194 HISTORY OF THE
graves bearing numbers, and, where practicable, the names of the per
sons buried in them. A register of each burial ground will be pre
served, in which will be noted the marks corresponding with the head
boards." It was a wise forethought which dictated this, but what
of the next?
"III. The Recruiting service for volunteers will be discontinued
in every state from this date. The officers detached on Volunteer Re
cruiting Service, will join their Regiments without delay, taking with
them the parties and recruits at their respective stations. The Super
intendents of Volunteer Recruiting Service will disband their parties
and close their offices, after having taken the necessary steps to carry
out these orders. The public property belonging to the Volunteer
Recruiting Service, will be sold to the best advantage possible, and the
proceeds credited to the fund for collecting, drilling, and organizing
volunteers. By Order of the Secretary of War.
Official : L. Thomas,
Adjutant General."

COMPANY ORDERS.
On this day Company Orders were "Three days' cooked
rations : three days' uncooked." The Battery was to march
the next morning at daybreak.
Grows' Journal: "April 3, 1862. Had cannoneer's drill
one hour this forenoon. Had dinner of our baked beans.
They were done just right. We were informed this after
noon that we would break camp at 2 in the morning, so I
began to pack the loose things I had, so I could be on hand
early. Had quite a good supper of coffee and hard bread,
after which we drew three days' rations, consisting of thirty
hard bread and three or four lbs. of meat, then filled our
canteens with water. Our destination is to be Richmond,
having to pass through Bethel and Yorktown."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 195

BANKS' FIFTH CORPS.
April 4, 1862, the Corps designated as the "Fifth Corps,"
under General N. P. Banks, was discontinued by general
orders from the War Department.
HOWARD'S MILLS.— THE FIRST GUN FIRED.
The historian of Martin's Third Mass. Battery says of
the incident at Howard's Mills : —
"Friday April 4, 1862, reached Big Bethel. At about
twelve o'clock resumed our march. About three miles far
ther on we reached the Halfway House, once a hotel of
some importance. Two companies of rebel cavalry had left
there only an hour before. While we were at the Halfway
House, cannonading was heard in advance, and a march of
a mile brought us to two rebel intrenchments. Berdan's
Sharpshooters, at the head of the column, had been fired on
by the enemy, but one of our batteries, the Fifth Massachu
setts, coming up, the rebels were shelled out and our troops
occupied the works when we reached them. . . . Our ad
vance secured two guns in the fort, and some commissary
stores. Another fort near the first had been previously
abandoned."
HYDE'S NOTES. NEW YORK, MAY 23, 1900.
Revised June 26, 1901.
"We landed at Fortress Monroe, and, working our way
with Butterfield' s Brigade up the peninsula, through Hamp
ton which had recently been destroyed by the enemy, we
encountered formidable earthworks thrown up by them.
Several batteries were ahead of us, but General Griffin
sent back for the Fifth Mass. Battery. The troops opened
to the right and left, and we passed through to the front.

196 HISTORY OF THE
Captain Griffin, chief of artillery, ordered Captain Allen
to send a section of his battery into the field to attack the
enemy behind the earthworks.
Accordingly my section [the Right] was ordered to take
position in the field and open on the enemy. This order
was immediately carried into effect by taking my section
out of the road and across the field, and we commenced fir
ing into the fortifications, receiving the fire of the enemy in
return. During this engagement the first piece that was dis
charged was my right piece in charge of Serg't. O. 3.
Smith. My second piece was in charge of Serg't. Wm. H. Pea
cock. We had only fired a few rounds when my second piece
(Peacock's) became disabled by the trail being broken in
two directly where the elevating screw goes through, and
notwithstanding the shot and shell were flying about us
promiscuously, the butt of the gun having gone down and
the muzzle up in the air, Serg't. Peacock jumped up and
down, and says — 'For God's sake look at my piece!' As
we were thus disabled parts of other batteries were sent in
to finish the work, the enemy was driven out, and our troops
took possession, capturing several guns.
After we were all through, Captain Allen asked Captain
Griffin if it would be best for us to sling our piece and take
it into the fortification, as he thought we could make a new
trail during the night. His reply was that he did not think
we could do it, and it would have to be sent back to Wash
ington. I then spoke to Captain Griffin, and said I enlisted
those artificers, and I knew that I had men competent to do
it. He said, — 'Well, if you wish, you can try it.'
We accordingly slung the piece, took it into the fortifica
tion, and during the night made a new trail out of a tree
which had been cut down; many of us taking part in the
work, using the axe, holding the light &c. &c.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 197
We completed it: and in the morning Captain Allen re
ported to Captain Griffin that we were ready for action with
our six pieces, and were ready for his inspection. He came
to look at it and laughed a little, saying it was not so ele
gant, or words to that effect, but it would do for service.
This was one of the pieces that was lost at Gaines Mills,
and retaken by Union forces at Chancellorsville three years
later."

FROM CAPT. GEO. D. ALLEN'S NOTES.
April 19, 1900.
"When our forces halted within the fortification, Captain
Allen, after consulting with the artificers, concluded to re
mount the gun that night, and directed the broken trail to
be replaced.
The artificers found a tree of solid live oak, which had
been cut down by the rebels, and made a new trail with the
old one for a pattern. This was done in the darkness of
the night, while Captain Allen and other officers held the
tallow candles for them to see to work by.
Just after daylight next morning, when General Fitz
John Porter sent his aide to see if they could get the gun
along on the march that day to Yorktown, Captain Allen
invited the aide to look at the gun which had been mounted
the night before and was all ready. He seemed not a little
surprised to find the gun mounted and ready for action, and
Captain Allen remarked to him that he did not believe there
was a better gun trail in the Army of the Potomac, and to
give his compliments to General Porter, and invite him if
he passed us that day to look particularly at the gun trail.
He did pass us, and paid the Battery a high compliment for
its Yankee ingenuity in cutting out a new gun trail from
solid live oak wood, and mounting the gun in so short a
time."

19 S HISTORY OF THE
D. Henry Grows who helped make the new trail, said
Sept. 3, 1900, that in it "there were 27 pieces of iron, taken
off the old one. It was broken off at the cap squares, just
where you elevate the gun." See p. 204 "Grows' Journal."
FROM LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
April 4, 1862.
"On this morning agreeably to orders 'reveille' was
sounded at 2 o'clock, and the Battery marched between five
and six, near the head of the column, preceded by Morell's
Brigade. After a short halt at Big Bethel to build a bridge,
we kept on and again halted about two. After stopping
about 15 minutes the bugle sounded 'Forward,' and the
regiment ahead opened to give us a passage.
Things began to look a little suspicious, and we soon
came in sight of two regiments formed in line of battle in a
field by the road side, head of column to the right.
'Forward into Line!' 'Left Oblique!' .'In Battery!'
came in quick succession, but soon our guns were in posi
tion pointing rebelwards.
One regiment deployed in front as skirmishers, and an
other on our right supported them. Slowly the skir
mishers advanced, and in five minutes we heard quite a
lively fusillade. Then we advanced through the fence into
the next field, and the Right section (Commanded by Lt.
Hyde) went forward to shell out a rebel battery (2 guns)
distance 2000 yards. Bang! went the first gun and a shell
burst directly over the fort. Half a dozen more times and
the rebels 'skedaddled' in a hurry, but one piece, just as
the order was given 'Cease Firing,' tumbled over in the
most extraordinary manner with a broken trail. So Grif
fin (Battery D, 5th U. S.) brought up his Right section and
finished the job. In half an hour the stars and stripes
waved in the fort at Howard's Mills. Then we advanced
over .1 crooked road, across a swamp, up a hill, into these
intrenchments. We quartered in a log house, — rebel's

FIFTH- MASS. BATTERY. 199
guard house or something of the sort. A camp bedstead
was in the room and a fire blazing. Dr. Rawlings corre
spondent of the New York Times, will quarter with us."
From Phillips' Letters : "The creek at Howard's Mills
lies at the bottom of a deep ravine, and the rebel lines ex
tended along the brow of the hill on the North. The de
fences consisted of a parapet for infantry following the lay
of the land with irregular projections on the spurs of the
hill, pierced with embrasures for field pieces.
When we made the advance we expected a fight, and
made our calculations accordingly. As soon as we came
in sight the rebels opened with two field pieces from the
fort, but our Right section soon shelled them out of that
and we took up our quarters in the lines, the officers of the
Fifth Mass. Battery occupying a log house."
NOTES OF LIEUT. HENRY D. SCOTT.
Revised Jan'y 24, 1901.
"As Junior Lieutenant, Chief of Caissons, I was not with
the Sections much. The weather was intolerable. When
we passed through Big Bethel the advance found a rebel
battery at Howard's Mills, behind earthworks. The col
umn came to a halt, and as the 5th Battery had the lead it
was ordered up to brush them away. The Battery found
the troops resting on the ground on each side of the road.
They cheered us and sang out 'Go in, Boys. Give 'em fits !'
As Chief of Caissons I halted them short of the position
of the Battery, which after a short duel the battery in front
left, and the column went on its way. As I passed with
the caissons after the 5th, I saw one of their Guns on the
ground. After reaching the ground where the rebel bat
tery had been, the Army parked for the night, and I was
sent back with men and horses, to sling the Gun and bring
it to camp. It was dark when we returned. I said as the
trail had been broken, we could make a new one. Finding:

200 HISTORY OF THE
a timber of suitable size, with the artificers we worked all
night, and in the morning the Gun moved with the rest of
the Battery. The same Gun was lost at Gaines Mills, June
27th, and was not seen after, until, the war over, it was
found parked at Richmond, Va."
NOTES OF SERGT. WM. H. PEACOCK.
July 18, 1901.
"Before we came into Battery one of my men had taken a
shell and cartridge out from the chest, getting ready for a
quick shot. I recollect quite well that seventeen rounds
were fired by the two guns, and none were fired by either
after our trail broke, as the 400 or 500 Rebel Cavalry on
the opposite bank from us, had run before we quit firing.
They fired some shell at us, but it seemed to go to the left
of us, striking in the bank of the hill. I have always said
that our Gun of the Second Detachment fired the first shot
at Howard's Mills. Comrade Chase also wrote to this ef
fect in his Diary at the time it occurred. On firing the
ninth round the trail of my gun broke at the elevating box,
dropping to the ground, while the gun pointed skyward.
We slung the gun under the limber with the prolonge rope,
and hauled off the broken parts by hand that night. Our
position was in a cornfield. The corn rows prevented our
gun from getting the proper recoil, and this caused the trail
to break at the elevating box. That night our artificers
made a new trail for the gun, and had it completed before
morning so it was as useful as ever, and I was with it until
its capture at Gaines Mills fight. We used to frequently
look up captured rebel artillery in hopes to find it again, but
I never heard of its being recovered. I recollect as some
of my Detachment at the time, John F. Mack, David Mc
Vey, Wm. B. Newhall, G. W. Poole, B. F. Story, C. M.
Tripp, — I think, — P. Welch, Henry Fitzsimmons."
From Chase's Diary. "April 4, 1862. Two miles from

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 201
Great Bethel. Tn Battery,' 'Action Front,' to be ready
for the enemy!
The Right section advanced about iooo feet, and com
menced shelling a rebel battery.
Serg't William H. Peacock of the Second Detachment
of the Right section of the Fifth Mass. Battery Light Ar
tillery fired the first gun, and it was the first gun of the
Army of the Potomac to be fired. After a few rounds the
left piece of the Right section had the trail of the gun
broken off squarely."
FROM LETTER OF CORPORAL J. E. SPEAR.
April 13, 1862.
"Came upon the rebels about 3 o'clock p. m. Our Bat
tery being in the advance, Gen. Porter sent out with a regi
ment of skirmishers a section of the Battery. When about
half a mile from the entrenchments a squadron of cavalry
was seen to leave very hurriedly. Our skirmishers fired
upon them, but as they were some distance away the shots
did not take effect. While our guns were being fired one
carriage in recoiling was broken ; the trail coming back upon
a rock with such force as to break it. The rebels having
left their encampment, and entrenchments, nothing re
mained for us to do but to march into them, which we did
at a double quick. Remained all night. The place was
called Howard's Mills."
NOTES OF CORPORAL WM. H. BAXTER.
Revised Oct. 15, 1900.
BUILDING NEW TRAIL FOR GUN NO. 4.
"We went into Battery several times approaching York-
town. I think it was the second dav out from Fortress

202 HISTORY OF THE
Monroe, that we were 'in Battery,' firing at the fast re
treating Johnnies, when the trail of the 4th Detachment
Gun broke squarely in two pieces, causing the muzzle of the
Gun to point skyward. The accident put the Gun out of
action, and upon arriving at camp that evening, the writer
was ordered to make a detail to build a new trail. The job
seemed insurmountable, but a detail was finally made,
which proved equal to the occasion. Being a non-com.
my part in the building of that trail was to do the heavy
standing around, and I did it' to perfection. We started
for the woods near camp, and cast about for a tree suitable
for the purpose. The writer can recollect but two of the
boys who- were in this detail 'Uncle Dudley' Blanchard,
now passed away, and sterling Lem. Washburn. The tree
was dropped, a length measured off suitable for the trail,
and the boys went to work shaping it; nothing but axes
being used. After getting it well roughed out, we hauled
it to camp, and it was taken in hand by that Knight of the
Hammer, Mike Hewitt and his assistants, who proceeded
to put the finishing touches to the wood and fitting the iron
work. My recollection of the time taken to build it is that
we had that tree felled at about 9 o'clock in the evening, and
were ready to start with the trail completed at 8.30 next
morning, overtaking the Battery, which had marched early
in the morning, between 11 and 12 o'clock that noon.
That the work was well done no better evidence can be
had, than that some of the Boys, after the surrender, saw
the old Gun in park with the trail intact, just as we had
'donated' it to the Johnnies at Gaines Mills, with the excep
tion that the ground end of it had warped nearly one half
way around, the effect of the sun upon the green wood oi
which it was made.
This is one of the many evidences which occurred dur
ing the war that the Boys of '61 were always found equal
to every occasion where necessity demanded brain or
brawn."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 203
FROM PRIVATE BENJAMIN F. STORY.
Oct. 8, 1900.
"In regard to the first shot at Howard's Mills, — We
were in the advance in that action, and were in the advance
ordered by Captain Griffin of the 5th Regulars U. S. A.,
as he had charge of the 4 Batteries — to place the guns and
fire on the Rebels who occupied a hill to the front — which
we did — and Capt. Griffin told Capt. Allen, that he had the
honor of firing the first gun on the Peninsula, and I heard
it distinctly.
My duty at the time was head driver on the Caisson 2d.
Detachment, and I know whereof I speak."
After recalling the same circumstances of the broken
trail he says :¦ —
"That gun, with three others, was lost in action at Gaines
Mills, and was recaptured by us at the Weldon R. R. fight,
and turned in at the U. S. Arsenal at Washington D. C.
when our Battery was mustered out. All of which I can
certify to having come under my own personal observation
at the time."

Grows' Journal :' "Friday April 4, 1862. Was called at
half past two this morning by the Bugle. Packed all my
things together. Lashed my knapsack and overcoat on the
limber of the piece. At half past four we had breakfast of
hot coffee and hard bread. At a quarter to six we took up
our line of march with the Corps which numbered some
30,000 men. The morning was very warm and close.
After marching a few miles I saw plenty of overcoats,
blankets, and knapsacks by the roadside, which our troops
had thrown away on account of the heat. Arrived at Great
Bethel at half past 10 in the forenoon. Stopped long
enough to feed and water the horses, then took up the line

204 HISTORY OF THE
of march for Bethel: arrived at one o'clock. Our scouts
brought in word that the Rebels were in their entrench
ments, and that we would have to shell them out. At half
past one the Right section opened fire upon their works, and
the sharpshooters the same upon their cavalry, killing two.
The enemy then left their works. We pushed on, but they
were gone, so we began to pitch our tents here in their
breastworks. If they had had more pieces they could have
held it against our force, for some time.
There were about 800 rebels in the works when we first
came upon them, but they retreated very lively."
Josiah W. Gardner, referring to his journal of April 4,
1862, says, "Archie Waugh (W. A. Waugh) drove the
swing team of No. 1 gun, and fired the first shot. This was
Peacock's gun which had the trail broken."

Yorktown

/hZ.- Sumner's Corps. 3 Porter's Division, -4 Hamilton's Divisio... of
//emtjelmans Corps. 5. 6.r.7 Keyes Corps. 8 General McClellon's
t/eaaa/uar/ers. 9. Bridges over Wormley Cr. Guarded by the 5'h
Mass. Battery. JO Peach orc\ard. It. First position taken by the 5 ,h-
tiass. Battery on April 6" l'86Z. IZ. Houses burned ly Rebels. 13. Moore's
house. 14. Back River Landing. tS Redoubt 16. Lunette. 17. House built
hy S'h Wass. Battery. l8.AJvanced line of Porters D, vision. 19. S. /OOpdr.
parrots- A. Mortar Battery.

CHAPTER VII.
Yorktown,
April 5 to May 3, 1862.
"Let others hew from marble the grand forms
Imprisoned there
For thee the tragedy of daily things,
By firesides placed amid our work and books
How every group the war before us brings!"
Thomas G. Appleton. — Sonnet to Rogers.
THE ADVANCE.
Bugle Call.— "In Battery."
Allegro

<yu l-m/ if

Porter's Division on the Right, led the advance of the
Army of the Potomac.
FROM LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS,
of April 6, 1862.
"Sunday forenoon. Yesterday morning we left our com
fortable quarters, and started as we supposed on a recon-
noissance, but we have not yet returned. After we had pro
ceeded a short distance on our way it commenced to rain,
and poured down till noon. We marched on, and about
twelve o'clock we heard firing ahead, and marched into a
field. 205

206 HISTORY OF THE
The Rhode Island Battery and Griffin's were shelling the
rebel intrenchments. Pretty soon Martin's Battery was
sent off to the left, and commenced shelling. About 4
o'clock, Martin returned, having lost 2 killed and 3
wounded, and we were ordered to relieve Captain Weeden,
who had lost one, killed. So our pieces started off and
formed in battery in front of the rebels about 2000 yards
distant. Just as we were coming into battery, a little smoke puffed
out from the fort, then the report, and a' few seconds later,
a 32 pdr. shell struck in the dirt 50 yards on our left. The
fuze had not ignited, so we picked up the shell and carried
it home. We blazed away once or twice in return, and pretty soon
we heard two reports from them to the right and left, and
then bang, bang! two shells burst right in front of us 50
feet from the ground; one piece striking an infantry soldier
in the woods to our right. We fired a little more, but, not
accomplishing much, we soon stopped, and after dark re
turned to camp.
Early this morning, 3 o'clock, the Right and Centre sec
tions took position in the same place, and are at present, —
12 m., — there. The men are mostly asleep and I am lying
on my overcoat writing this letter. The rebels have been
making embrasures in front of their guns, probably to keep
off the bullets by our skirmishers, who are scattered round
pretty thick. The enemy's gunners are quite good, and they
have got our range very well."
Grows' Journal: "Saturday, April 5, 1862. We are
about 9 miles from Yorktown, and there are about 30,000
rebels encamped there in strong breastworks. Owing to
the bad state of the roads we did not arrive at Yorktown
outside of the enemy's works till half past one. The rebel
works are in sight and about \\ miles to two miles off.
About half an hour after we arrived the Rhode Island 4th
Battery were ordered to open fire upon them. In a short

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 207
time one of the enemy's shells struck one of their men, and
he died in half an hour. At -J- past 3 this afternoon Mar
tin's Battery was ordered to relieve the Rhode Island Bat
tery. As soon as they came in sight the enemy opened
upon them a murderous fire killing Charles Lord and Ed
ward Lewis, both of Charlestown, wounding 3 men, and
killing 6 horses. After firing about two hours they silenced
one of the enemy's batteries. At 8 o'clock that evening we
were ordered back to camp. Just as we were leaving they
threw a shell which knocked down one of the infantry about
100 yards on my right. We came into camp feeling well,
but tired.
Sunday April 6th. Was awakened at 4 o'clock this
morning by the noise caused by the Right and Centre sec
tions going down into the field. About 3 this afternoon,
went a short distance to Martin's Battery to witness the
funeral ceremonies over the bodies of Lord and Lewis. It
was a very affecting sight. The pictures of their wives,
which they had with them were opened, and laid, open,
upon their breasts, and in this way they were buried."
In the "History of Rhode Island in the Rebellion" may
be found the following in relation to these first shots : —
"During the advance on Yorktown April, 1862, Battery
C, R. I. Captain Weeden, went into battery in a cornfield
on the right of the road leading to Yorktown. Griffin's
Battery came up on our right and peppered away in fine
style. Martin's did similar execution on our left. In ad
vance, and about 750 yards from the nearest rebel entrench
ment. Berdan's sharpshooters were posted. . . . At_3
o'clock p. m. Randolph's Battery was ordered to relieve
Griffin's. He was engaged two hours. [This was Battery
E, ist R. I. Captain George E. Randolph afterwards chief
of artillery of Division and Corps, Third Corps.] The 3d
and 5 th Massachusetts batteries took an efficient part in the
fight. Butterfield's and Martindale's Brigades reclined on
their arms within range of the enemy's guns during the day.

208 HISTORY OF THE
The roar of cannon shook the earth like a subterranean con
vulsion and the sharp crack of Berdan's rifles told how bus
ily they were employed. . . . Two men belonging to Mar
tin's Battery were killed and five reported wounded. Thus
Rhode Island and Massachusetts share the honor of shed
ding the first blood in this preliminary engagement."
FROM LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Monday morning. (April 7, 1862) We had a little
target practice yesterday. We waited during the forenoon
without firing, and while we were sleeping away as com
fortably as possible, bang, whiz, bang! came a shell from
the Fort, bursting very near, and waking us all up. The
enemy then hoisted a new and handsome flag on our left,
and brought a field piece into position, out of sight from
where I was, but visible from the Right section, and let us
have a shell from it. It burst close to and the pieces flew
all round us. . . . This fun did not particularly suit us, but
soon we got orders from General Porter to reply, so the
Right section blazed away at the field piece on our left, and
soon silenced that, while my section went to work pitching
shells into the Fort and camp. We fired two shots at the
Fort, one of which struck the sandbags in the embrasure,
and then we pitched into the camp. After a while down
went one tent in a cloud of dust, and the shells began to fly
pretty thick round the rest. Still the distance was too
great, and we stopped after a while.
Monday afternoon. Captain (Ormand F. ) Nims has
just arrived, and is going to the Fort. We have been in
camp all day, and it is raining hard. Griffin occupies our
yesterday's position, intrenchments having been thrown up
last night. Some 30 batteries of light artillery have ar
rived, and as soon as the siege guns arrive we shall be ready
for a second siege of Yorktown, which will be pretty sure to
result as the former siege. It is said that the Right of the

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY.

209

enemy's lines was carried last night. I don't know how
true the report is."
Chase's Diary: "April 6, 1862. . . . Found fragments
of a shell fired at us. But one good shot from the enemy
today. Balloon reconnoissance by the generals today.
None of the Battery injured today."
TO PREPARE FOR ACTION.
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac,
Camp near Yorktown, Va.
April 8, 62.
General Orders
No. 113 Extract.
VIII. "To the Color'' sounded on the march, will be the signal
to prepare for action.

To THE COLOR
J Andonte.
iU[h?n'rifrrrBga

¦ 3» — w^S-

^^

^

4  4 4 4

At this call (80 steps to the minute) the trains will draw, as far as
possible, to one side of the road and halt. The ambulances will be pre
pared for service : the men will close their ranks without further or
ders, and preserve perfect silence.
By command of Maj. Gen'l. McClellan. S. Williams A. A. G.

FROM LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Yorktown, Va.
April 9, 1862.
For the last few days we have been exchanging shots at
long range, but without accomplishing much. Earthworks

210

HISTORY OF .THE

have been thrown up in the field, and the Left section
(Lieut. Dillingham's) are now out. The rebels have got
some field pieces in position, and are trying to shell him out.
Quite a lot of regiments are up in line round our camp, and
it is said they are going to capture something."
Phillips' Diary: "April 9, 1862. Dillingham's section
went into the earthworks to dig, and the rebels tried to shell
him out with a ten inch mortar in the hospital fort. One
of the shells which blew out, was dug up 6 ft. deep, and car
ried to General Porter. The Division, except Butterfield's
Brigade, Martin's and Allen's Batteries, have moved one
mile to the rear and during the night we were alarmed sev
eral times, harnessed and unharnessed, but nothing came of
it." Chase's Diary: "April 9, 1862. The Left section ex
changed shots with the enemy today, and brought to camp
an eleven inch shell, which 'blew' without exploding;
weighing 86 lbs. and having 80 bullets in it. Infantry
regiments taking new positions."
Grows' Journal: "Wednesday April 9, 1862. Our sec
tion, consisting of two pieces, was ordered out into the field
to protect the encampment of the 9th Mass., 62d. Penn.,
and our own camp. Soon after arriving on the field it
began to rain like fury. The orders were for us to only
answer the rebels' shot. They fired about ten heavy shell
at us, four of which burst over our heads, but none of us
got hurt. We fired in return at them, and by means of
glasses saw several fall, but could not ascertain how many
of them were killed. About 3 this afternoon the regiments
near us were ordered to fall back about a mile, as they were
in the direct range of the rebels' fire. At 6 this afternoon
we were ordered back to camp. . . . Orders came about
midnight to be ready to fall back about one mile to the rear,
so the mortar and siege guns can work without our being
in the way."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 211

FROM LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Thursday Evening: (April io, 1862.) It seems the
rebels have been using a 10 inch mortar to silence our 3 in.
guns. Several shells burst in the neighborhood of the Bat
tery, but no damage was done. . . . Today Lieut. Hyde
and I have been in the field, but not a shot was fired on
either side. The rebels have struck the camp that we
shelled the other day. Last night we had several alarms
and harnessed several times expecting an attack, but
nothing came of it. If the rebels don't shoot better than
they have done, they may fire at us as long as they like."
Chase's Diary: "April 10, 1862. Ordered out at 11
o'clock last night and hitched up 'double quick' both guns
and caissons, and the infantry called in line : waited half an
hour in line, then ordered to camp for the night without
further excitement. Two sections of the Battery left camp
and took position about a mile to the rear of the enemy, and
joined the Division in a new position, leaving one section
in front of the enemy."
Grows' Journal : "April 10, 1862, w'e took up our line
of march, and very soon arrived at this place. It is a very
pretty place. The river is near by. Pitched our tents in
a corn field. There are plenty of troops around us, and lots
of gunboats to be seen on the river. General McClellan's
quarters are on this ground. April nth. At 9 o'clock
this morning our section (Left, Dillingham's) were or
dered to go about | of a mile to protect the 'pioneers' of
the 18th Mass. who are building a bridge across a creek,
(Over Wormley's Creek, between the camp and Yorktown )
for the purpose of conveying troops and field-pieces across
for the intrenchments that are going to be built by our
troops. Arrived at the spot and pitched a large tent for us
to sleep in at night, after which we cruised around, dug

212 HISTORY OF THE
some mussels and oysters (The far famed York River oys
ters described by the historian Lossing in 1848) which are
very plenty here. Had them for dinner. Had our supper
sent to us of coffee and hard bread. I am detailed for guard
tonight from 8 till 9, one hour; after 'standing it' I sat
down by the fire with Harry Simonds and some others, till
12 o'clock. Turned in soon after."
FROM LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Yorktown, Va.
April 12, 1862.
You need not imagine there was anything very terrible
in the fight; there was some little popping away of muskets
and some banging of artillery, without amounting to much.
Martin's Battery got into a pretty tight spot, hotter than
anything at Bull Run, so said Griffin. The R. I. battery
got down in a field and blazed away at an earthwork mount
ing four 32 pdrs. at 2500 yards. Griffin was alongside of
them, but he did not silence their guns, or anything of the
sort. Both sides might bang away till doomsday, at that
distance, without doing any injury worth speaking of. We
have been down on the same ground and fired at the enemy,
and had them fire at us, till it has become rather ridiculous.
One day we fired into a fort on the right to oblige General
Porter, who was up in a balloon and wished to see what the
effect would be. We blazed away with our 3 inch popguns
till the rebels seemed to get a little excited, and bang went
a big mortar, and a 10 inch shell whistled several hundred
yards over our heads. We rather enjoy this amusement
as they cannot afford to waste much valuable ammunition
of the sort by throwing it half a mile over our heads. Our
sharpshooters appear to bother the rebels a great deal and
yesterday they sallied out and drove them in, burning down
a house close by their lines which has given them a great
deal of trouble. . . . We are now encamped within sight

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 213
of York River, and of our gunboats lying in it, below York-
town, in a corn field, by a house formerly owned by a
Secesh. doctor, now used as a General Hospital. Behind us
is a large field in which General McClellan has his Head
Quarters. For the last week there have been all sorts of
rumors about a large siege train which was somewhere or
other, and for which everything must wait. Today I hear
they are landed somewhere or other, and will soon arrive.
I hope so. At present we have nothing to do, and are
afraid to stir out of camp lest the Battery should move
while we are out. For the last 24 hours our Left section
has been guarding a bridge which is building, and which is
supposed to be absolutely necessary to the success of opera
tions. But at the present rate of construction the bridge
will be finished in the course of 6 months. General Porter
went up in a balloon alone yesterday morning and got
adrift. After floating about a little while he came down
in safety: the wind, fortunately for him, blowing from
the north."
Phillips' Diary: "April 12, 1862. Yesterday Dilling
ham's section went into a masked battery in our front to
protect a bridge. . . . Weeden sent one section into the old
earthwork and had quite hot work. The rebels rallied at
3000 strong : burnt the houses by the peach orchard and
threatened Dillingham's section, but nothing came of it.
This morning I relieved Dillingham. The rebels fired 3
shells at a tug which tried to come up the river. Griffin
this morning concluded it was too dangerous to occupy the
earthworks above."

NOTES OF CORPORAL J. E. SPEAR,
who, besides acting directly with the Fifth Mass. Battery
as sergeant and lieutenant, was at one time assistant adju
tant general for Major Freeman McGilvery; at one time

214 HISTORY OF THE
assistant adjutant general for General A. P. Martin; also
ordnance officer for Artillery Brigade 5th Army Corps : —
"Army of the Potomac
Near Yorktown, Va.
Sunday, April 13, 1862.
The stillness of the day has turned my thoughts towards
home and the dear friends there. It is very quiet in the
different camps. Nothing of importance save the arriving
of more troops. Whilst I am writing I ean hear the sounds
of bugles from the newly arrived troops. I have just fin
ished my dinner, fresh meat and broth, no more 'salt junk'
for a spell, as long as 'Secesh Cattle' hold out, which I think
will be for some time, and I am glad that we have ad
vanced so that we can get fresh meat, for it has been
nothing but salt junk and salt pork for some time past, and
many of the boys were sick on rations of pork.
I will give you a description of our march from Hamp
ton to our present encampment : — One week ago last Fri
day, we left our pleasant little camp at Hampton, for Rich
mond, expecting, of course, to be brought to a standstill at
Yorktown, and we are, and no mistake. The first day, Fri
day, we advanced about 3 miles beyond Big Bethel, coming
to a rebel encampment of about 400 cavalry, the infantry
and artillery having left the day before for Yorktown on
hearing that Porter's Division was advancing towards them.
(See p. 201 Howard's Mills.)
At 5 o'clock the next morning (After the fight at How
ard's Mills) we were routed up and ordered to move on
ward, and after partaking of a good breakfast consisting of
salt junk, hard bread, and some good coffee, we hitched up
our horses and were soon moving onward, but our day's
march was not as pleasant as that of the day before. Fri
day the roads were in tip top condition and the day pleas
ant, but Saturday we had to pass through a swamp of 5

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 215
miles length, and we hadn't gone more than a mile or so,
before it commenced raining real old Virginia style, drops
as large, nearly, as cherries, and it was not long before the
mud was ankle deep. On this day we found that we could
not advance as readily as on the day before, and on coming
to the end of the swamp, we began to hear the booming of
cannon. Saturday there were 2 batteries with us in the ad
vance, and leading us, so that we didn't have a chance to
commence the firing as we did the day before. We finally
came in sight of Yorktown, and we saw before us, forts,
entrenchments, rifle pits, strongly guarded. The Rhode
Island and 5th Regular batteries were ordered out to com
mence firing upon the forts, but as they were of small calibre
could not do much service, yet did considerable towards
silencing the batteries.
Our sharpshooters did about as much as any towards si
lencing the Confederates, keeping the gunners from their
guns. In the afternoon Martin's Battery was ordered out
to endeavor the silencing of a battery on the left of the en
trenchments, and was successful, but with a loss of two
men and 3 horses; they also had 3 men wounded. About
4i o'clock we were ordered into the field and remained until
about 8 o'clock, when we were ordered back to camp. None
of us were wounded, although the shell flew around us fast.
On arriving at camp, the clerk of the company came to me
with a piece of paper with names on it, and called it the
guard detail. I felt very tired, don't know as I ever felt
more so, but being detailed for guard I must attend to it.
Was about f of an hour putting on the relief, the men being
very tired and would not go on readily and I couldn't blame
them, having marched for two days. About 1 o'clock I was
relieved by Corporal Wilson, turned in, under my piece,
and slept until morning. Sunday morning we were routed
up very early. The Right and Centre sections were or
dered into the field to guard our pickets, so as not to allow

216 HISTORY OF THE
the rebel cavalry to charge upon them as they had attempt
ed to on the day before. Bill Baxter is in the Centre sec
tion, and I am in the Left, so he went in, and I remained in
camp. When they returned, about 8 in the evening, I found
out that they had been exposed to a pretty hot fire from the
rebel siege guns, but thanks to God, none were injured.
Captain Martin's Battery being encamped near us, I wit
nessed the burial of the two men killed in action, and it was
a hard sight to see so many brave and courageous men clus
tered around their dead comrades, not, as on the day before,
facing the din and smoke of battle, but bowed down in
grief, the tears streaming down their manly cheeks.
Monday was a stormy day, and the Left section was or
dered out. As soon as we had reached our position at the
entrenchments, which had been thrown up during the night,
the cussed rebels commenced firing upon us, and our Cap
tain returned the compliment. They shelled us for about an
hour, but as their fuzes were cut too long the shells went
beyond us, and burst in the air. None of us were hurt.
About 2 in the afternoon it commenced raining, not driz
zling rain, but a tough old Virginia rain storm. Tuesday
returned to camp.
Wednesday we moved back about a mile, as Gen'l Mc
Clellan thought we occupied too conspicuous a position,
into a cornfield, and the stalks and husks make a very good
bed. Friday the Left section was ordered to guard a party of
men building a bridge across the river which separates the
Right of the Army from Yorktown. We had only one
alarm during the day : were relieved by the Centre section
yesterday morning, and came back to camp.
Yesterday afternoon I received permission to go with a
party of two for oysters, so last night had an oyster stew.
All diat was needed to make it rich was butter, milk, pepper,
and a few little extras that we must not expect in the Army.
Sunday night, 6 o'clock : I have just finished my supper

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 217
of 3 hard breads and a cup of coffee. Oh! I am getting
used to High Living. . . .
State musters are nothing to be compared with the en
campments here. General McClellan and his body guard
are encamped about a quarter of a mile from ours. The
guard consists of Duryea's Zouave Regiment, a Regiment
of Regular Dragoons, and an infantry regiment.
Billy Baxter and Charlie Jameson have been over to see
Major Wood. He is on McClellan's staff with the rank of
major. The gunboats that are going to do the mischief are in
York River, four miles from us, and the Signal Corps have
been signalling all day to them.
I believe the ball will roll pretty soon, and if nothing is
wanting save the number of men, why the place is ours.
Who knows but what there will be another surrender at
Yorktown!" Note : "At Yorktown on the first day, Corporal T. E.
Chase was seen when under fire, studying the Manual of the
Gun — 'Serving with reduced numbers.' ''

The Fifth Mass. Battery guarded the new bridge over
Wormley Creek by sections on certain days, as follows : —
The Right section, Lieut. Hyde, April 13th, 15th, 18th,
2 ist, 24th, 27th, 30th, and May 3d.
Centre section, Lieut. Phillips, April 16th, 19th, 22d,
25th, 28th and May ist.
Left section, Lieut. Dillingham, April 14th, 17th, 20th,
23d, 26th, 29th and May 2d.
FROM LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Yorktown,
Sunday morning April 13, 1862.
Yesterday morning I relieved Lieut. Dillingham. . . .
As there were a lot of planks lying round intended for the
bridge, we set to work and built a house, 12 ft. by 18 ft.

218 HISTORY OF THE
roofed with slabs which accommodated about 20 very com
fortably. General McClellan is encamped in the field be
hind us, and close to him is a regiment of some sort of
Zouaves with red breeches and white turbans, altogether
too conspicuous a uniform for comfort in war. ... I am
getting dreadfully tired of loafing around here doing
nothing. No drill, no bugle calls, no stirring out of camp
lest orders should come in our absence, and meanwhile we
are waiting, waiting, doing nothing. . . . Oysters are
plenty. Our cook is opening about half a bushel now for
our dinner."
Grows' Journal: "April 13, 1862. The view where we
are encamped is splendid, the river is near us. In front, iu
our rear, and either side, are woods and ravines, with nice,
cool springs of water.
Monday April 14. This forenoon at 9 we got our ration
of hard bread for one day, so as to be ready at 10 to go on
picket and relieve the section which is guarding the bridge.
Soon after, we fell in and went over and relieved them, after
which I made me a little house of boards to sleep in. I then
dug a hole in front of it to put wood in so I can have a fire.
We only stand guard of one hour, and are off eight, so it
comes very easy on us. The rest of the time we dig oysters
and mussels, and go fishing, or lie down on the grass in the
shade. At one o'clock the cooks came over with our dinner
of stewed beans. About five o'clock the coffee was brought
over to us. I built a fire in front of my tent and with Serg't.
Harry Simonds, and a few others we sat down to chat and
smoke. At 8 I went on guard for one hour, coming off at

FROM LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp Winfield Scott
near Yorktown, April 14, 1862.
I give a short journal to show how much time I have to
myself : Sat'y April 5th marched at daylight. Halted and
kept in line till 4 p. m., then went into the field and stayed

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 219
till 8 p. m. Sunday, April 6th, Right and Centre sections in
the field from 3 a. m. till dark. Wednesday, April 9th, Left
section in the field. Kept in continual alarm all day and
routed out at midnight for fear of an attack. Thursday,
April ioth, Right section in the field, — Lieut. Phillips ac
companying. Moved camp in the afternoon. Friday,
April nth, Left section guarding the bridge 24 hours.
Sat'y, April 12th, Centre section guarding the bridge 24
hours. Sunday, April 13th, Right section at the bridge.
Monday, April 14th, Left section at the bridge, Centre sec
tion on picket.
Last night Martin's and Weeden's batteries were turned
out by a little skirmish in front. The rebels sallied out and
cut down the peach orchard and burnt the houses on the left
and front of the field in which our guns were placed Sun
day April 6th. . . . Today I marched my section at 7 a. m.
into the field where we encamped for the first few days,
came into Battery, unhitched the horses, watered them,
picketed them, posted a guard and went to work to pass
away the time. The picket reserve were close by. This con
sists of about 200 men . . . and is intended to support our
pickets in case they are driven in. . . . Pretty soon up rode
some officers curious to look at the enemy but there is no
passing pickets, so back they go. Next come some officers
of the Signal Corps and they keep on wherever they choose,
and pretty soon we see the signal flag waving ahead where

,Rea

White

Signal F7ag,
it keeps going all clay, occasionally shifting its position.
Then we see a section of artillery coming along the edge of

220 HISTORY OF THE
the woods on our left, and pretty soon they come into bat
tery and shell away at a rebel earthwork. Towards after
noon we hear heavy reports on our right, and conclude that
the gunboats are trying their hand in the rebel batteries.
So gradually the day wears on till sunset, when we limber
up and go home. I shall probably go down to the bridge
tomorrow. . . . Shipping Point is important as a place
where we can load heavy stores instead of carting them
over the roads between us and Fortress Monroe. Porter's
Division is encamped well in sight of York River in one
large field, i. e. it may have been several fields, but fences
are among the things that were. In the same field is the
Artillery Reserve, with guns too numerous to mention. . . .
One side of our camp is sheltered by a fence, saved by our
energetic efforts, which appertains to a large house distin
guished as 'the house with blinds on it.' This house is a
large two story edifice . . . used as a General Hospital for
our troops. In front of the house is a large peach orchard,
and the hopes of a speedy reduction of Yorktown are sad
dened by the thought that we must leave so many unripe
peaches behind us. The siege guns have at last been heard
from. Lieut. Dillingham rode down a couple of miles
toward Shipping Point last night, and saw in a field several
30 pdrs. Rifled Guns, one 8 inch Columbiad, and several 8
or 10 inch mortars. The engineers are at work prospecting
all round, and I suppose we shall now start some trenches.
The bridge over the creek which lies between Porter's Di
vision and Yorktown, progresses slowly, and I think the at
tack will be made in that direction. I just hear that Gen
eral Hooker is at Shipping Point, General Sumner in the
neighborhood of the Severn."
Phillips' Diary: "April 14. Some of our heavy howitz
ers on our left trying to shell out a rebel battery. Small
fight between the gunboats and rebel batteries."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 221
Grows' Journal: "Tuesday April 15, 1862. After break
fast we laid ourselves out on the grass to wait till we should
be relieved at 10 o'clock this forenoon. There are about
300 men here at work building bridges. There are to be
three of them. There was a pontoon bridge of boats thrown
across the creek last night. These bridges are fine looking
ones. . . . About 10 a. m. were relieved, when we went to
camp. All that I need the most is something to read, and
that is almost impossible to get, for when a paper does get
here it is spoken for by most every man that sees it."
Phillips' Diary: "April 15th, 1862. One bridge fin
ished, and a pontoon bridge put on the creek."
FROM LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp Winfield Scott,
Wednesday, April 16, 1862.
The Centre section is guarding the bridge today, Lieut.
Flyde having had it yesterday. Nothing momentous has
occurred. The gunboats have been throwing a few shells
at the forts and the forts have been throwing a few shells
at the gunboats. This morning there was a considerable
heavy firing on the left.
Hooker's Division came up today, and have encamped
somewhere in our neighborhood. They are now building-
four bridges here. The floating bridge is rather a failure,
as the logs sink as fast as they are put in. 1 and 2 were
built by General Morell, and are about finished; 3 and 4 by
General Martindale. No. 1 was laid yesterday in 2.\ hours.
No. 4 was commenced this morning, and is nearly finished.
The width of the creek is about 60 yds. Across the river
the banks rise up steep, and then there is a level plain to the
enemy's lines. As soon as the bridges are finished the siege

222 HISTORY OF THE
guns and mortars will probably be carried across, and put
in position, and the Secesh will have an unpleasant time.
Y'esterday afternoon I rode about i-J miles towards Ship
Point, and found part of the siege train, twelve \\ inch
Rifled Guns, eleven 8 inch mortars, nine io inch mortars."
Chase's Diary: "April 16, 1862. Centre section sent to
guard bridge. Alarm at 7 p. m. when a shell struck in the
camp of the 22d Mass. Reg't, — General Miles's old regi
ment, — but doing no damage. Captain Griffin ordered
'every man to his post,' and to be ready to load with shrap-
nell. Heavy cannonading and sharp musketry firing on the
extreme left to-day, _and occasional shots through the
night." Phillips' Diary: — "April 16th. . . . Occasional shells
from gunboats." FROM LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
April 17, 1862.
"Thursday morning. The firing on the left was kept
up all day, and at supper time the rumor was that we had
dismounted several pieces of the enemy. Towards evening
the reports became heavier and I thought I could distinguish
the boom of a mortar, and the whistling of a heavy shell.
This morning the firing still continues, having been kept
up all night. About five o'clock yesterday afternoon the
enemy appeared to have become excited, and threw several
shells in rapid succession, into the creek, just below us,
rather disturbing one of my men who was fishing on the
lower bridge. Some of their shells fell among the pickets
across the creek and the officers of the Signal Corps who
were over here were obliged to retreat double quick, with
out time to carry away all their things. In a few minutes
up rode Griffin in a very excited state. —

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 223
'Every man to the guns. Load with shrapnell when you
load, and fire right at them! — Two regiments of infantry
and one of cavalry have just appeared outside of the Fort.'
So we got all ready, but nobody appeared. Pretty soon,
however, two of our regiments crossed over and deployed
in front of us, and just as I was thinking that the com
mander of them had better keep me informed of their move
ments if he did not wish a shell amongst them, General Mar
tindale rode up and suggested the necessity of my using
some discretion in firing at the other bank. I have just re
turned from the bridge."

FROM LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE REV. WAR
REN H. CUDWORTH, CHAPLAIN 1ST MASS. .
INFANTRY. "Camp Winfield Scott,
April 1 8, 1862.
My Dear Parishioners.
. . . Here, in 1781, before the United States became a
nation, were encamped the regiments of our Revolutionary
ancestors and their French allies, and on the very ground
where now are quartered the soldiers of the loyal North, the
British laid down their arms, and the independence of the
United States was practically established. The very house
where Lafayette had his headquarters is within a few steps
of my tent, and the site formerly occupied by his seven thou
sand troops is freshly consecrated by the presence among
the forces of two batteries from Massachusetts. The ist
Reg't. occupies an advanced position about a mile in front
of General McClellan' s headquarters, and only two from the
strong earthworks which defend Yorktown."

224 HISTORY OF THE
FROM LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp Winfield Scott,
April 1 8, 1862.
There is so much firing now around here that we don't
get up to look out unless a shell comes in our neighborhood.
The guns which are in plain sight directly in front of our
tent, and the enemy's water batteries blaze away at each
other once in a while, but without accomplishing much.
We can hear the shells whistling through the air, and an in
experienced individual would imagine them directly over
our heads, though they do not come within a mile of us.
... I do not know whether General McClellan was de
ceived in the character of the works to be encountered, but
General Porter, who stands as high in McC.'s confidence as
any General of Division had no idea that the rebel fortifi
cations were as strong as they really are. The first day was
only a reconnoissance, as it would be as useless to throw
stones at a brick wall as to oppose field batteries to earth
works armed with 32 pdrs. and 10 in. mortars. Our gen
erals soon found that out and are now preparing for an ex
tended siege. Nothing can be done without the siege train,
and this moves slowly. There are now in a field about a
mile from here, — a kind of depot, — some fifteen 4^ inch
Rifled Guns, five 100 pdr. Parrott guns, and twenty 8 and
10 inch mortars, besides three or four 8 in. Howitzers. The
4| in. guns and the Howitzers are mounted on siege
carriages, — something like a field carriage, — the Parrotts
on wrought iron barbette carriages with chains and trav
erse circle. Nothing has yet been done towards opening
the trenches, but about 400 men are at work across the
creek in front of our two guns, in making gabions, so you
see we expect to do some shovelling. . . Meantime the
rebels are not idle, but are working like bees, shovelling

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY.

22L

dirt, that is to say, they are making the negroes work, for
Lieut. Colonel Alexander, chief of engineers, told me the
day I was out on picket, that he had just been inspecting
them, and he could see nothing but negroes. ... A de
serter who came in told the sergeant who had charge of
him, and the sergeant told one of our men, that our shots
the first Sunday we were here caused a great commotion in
the rebel camp, bursting right in the tents. As the Centre
section of the Mass. 5th was the only one that fired at the
camp, you will see this story gives some satisfaction. At the
same time mind I do not vouch for its correctness. [See
p. 208] . . This afternoon I took a ride towards the various
landings, — Ship Point, Crab Point, Cheesman's Point, Back
River Landing, Melville Point &c. all in the same general
direction. . . . Close to the seige train in the field afore
said is a square redoubt, intended to defend an attack from
Back River Landing and Ship Point. The redoubt is very
well built, with a barbette in each corner for a gun, and
would hold about 300 men. The ditch is full of water.
[Barbette guns fire over the parapet and have a free range. |

B.BarracXs
Redoubt.

The magazines are under the ramparts, and are very well
protected. The barracks are very comfortable, like all
rebel barracks in this neighborhood, being well built log
houses. At present the redoubt is occupied as a magazine
for the ammunition for the siege train, and holds quite a

226

HISTORY OF THE

pile of shells. Farther down the road is what would be
called in military language a lunette, with a pan coupe (The
short length of parapet, by which the salient angle of a
work is sometimes cut off.) at the salient, and the gorge
stockaded in this shape.

A.B is a mere
<stocT<ade vJitn
¦no ditch.
Barbettes for
guns atCv.F.and
at the pan covpe
2?* £.
d. Dit en.

Ent-ra-nce

LUNETTE.

This work was fitted for three guns, and say 200 infantry.
The ditch was full of water. There were no barracks. The
platforms for the guns had been laid and taken up again by
the rebels, or by us. . . . The fortifications at Ship Point
are said to be very strong. . . . The country round here
is very flat, and dusty. We are encamped in a cornfield
which is by no means as pleasant as grass land. Peach or
chards are very abundant, but I am afraid if we stay here
till they are ripe there will be more men than peaches. . . .
We have built up an extensive arbor in front of our tent,
where we sit in arm chairs made out of barrels and enjoy
our 'otinm cum dignitatc' in true military style. The pow
ers that be seem to have repented of their reduction of bag
gage, for tomorrow the officers will once more have three
tents, — wall tents."
Chase's Diary: "April 19, 1862. . . . Roar of musketry
on extreme left at 9.30 p. m."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 227
Grows' Journal: "Saturday, April 19, 1862. Was called
at 1 o'clock this morning to go on guard. After going on
. my post my attention was taken up till 3 o'clock by the pass
ing of troops with gabions made of wicker work. They
are filled with earth, and in this way our intrenchments and
breastworks are built by our troops. Was relieved at 3 this
morning." Phillips' Diary. "April 19. . . . Towards evening an
easterly storm set in, and rained all night. A great many
gabions moved across the bridges to this side. A great
many men with shovels &c. crossed to the other side."

FROM LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp Winfield Scott near Yorktown,
Sunday Forenoon, April 20, 1862.
We arrived here two weeks ago, expecting to march right
into Yorktown and have been waiting here ever since with
out apparently getting much nearer our object. . . . Our
principal business now is to guard the bridges across
Wormley Creek. We have 2 guns posted on a bluff just
this side of the creek, commanding four bridges, and raking
the opposite shore. The Battery is well masked with
bushes, and I doubt whether the enemy know of its exist
ence. The three sections relieve each other in this duty,
each taking it 24 hours at a time, so that I am down there
one day out of three. The duties are not very laborious.
We have built up a house out of slabs, roofed with a tar
paulin, and we get along very comfortably. Yesterday
while I was down there, I devoted my energies to building
a chair, calculating on a prolonged stay. We have built
up an arbor in front of our tent and rigged up a settee, so
that we can sit in the shade in the hot days to come. As
the said settee, however, is rather hard, I thought I would

228 HISTORY OF THE
get up something a little more comfortable, and yesterday
I set to work to put my plans in execution. The result has
fully answered my expectations. I have now a chair, which.

Camp Chair.
I consider a triumph of genius and in which I can sit with
great comfort. My chair is likewise a bedstead, and can be
made to occupy any intermediate position between these
two extremes. You may judge of its attractiveness by the
following incident: — Just after it was completed Major
(Albert J.) Myer, Chief of the Signal Corps passed by and
was so struck with it that nothing would satisfy him, but he
must have one like it, so the man that made mine is going
to make one for him. . . .
The siege, — so called, — of Yorktown progresses slowly.
The siege train is coming up slowly; some 20 guns and 20
mortars having reached the depot about a mile from here.
A large force have been at work making gabions, and a
thousand or two went over the creek last night, with shovels
and intrenching tools. . . . We have splendid artillery
here, and ought to drive them out of their position in 48
hours after our guns are in position. Our siege train is
made up mostly of 4! inch Rifled Guns, a very accurate and
long ranged piece of ordnance, and a half dozen 100 pdr.
Parrott Guns, which seem to have knocked Fort Pulaski to
pieces. [Fort Pulaski commanded the entrance to the
Savannah River on the eastern coast of Florida.] The
enemy have some heavy ordnance e. g. the 10 inch Mortars
with which they practice at us, and some heavy Columbiads
in their water batteries, but old smooth bore 320 and 240

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 229
form the most of their armament, while they use still
smaller pieces a great deal. . . . The military commission
to Europe, — Major Delafield, Major Mordecai and Captain
McClellan, — found great fault with the allied generals, be
cause they attempted to besiege Sebastopol without sur
rounding it and cutting off its supplies. General McClellan
marches his army 200 miles to besiege Yorktown, and
places it in this position. (See Plan of Operations.) I
have not yet been able to discern the difference between the
two situations. And considering the fact that the rebels can
throw up as many intrenchments as they please between
Yorktown and Richmond, the siege does not seem to prom
ise any very satisfactory results. . . . Referring to the
Revolutionary map, our general hospital is at Lafayette's
Headquarters. We are encamped where the Virginia
militia were. Our bridges are built across Wormley's
Creek where the old road crossed it to Moore's house or
rather a little above. [A frame building with a brick foun
dation about a mile and a half south of Yorktown, and a
quarter of a mile from the banks of the York River. The
commissioners of the two armies met here when Cornwal
lis surrendered, to agree upon terms of capitulation. At
that time it was occupied by a widow of the name of Moore,
and was known as "Moore's house."] The enemy's works
extend in a curved line from the British redoubt on the
shore of the river to the Virginia quarters, our first camp,
half way between Moore's house and the Adjt. Gen's Quar
ters. Our guns placed in position the first two days a little
farther up the road to the right; Martin's Battery the first
day to the right of the field where the British laid down
their arms. . . . The peach orchard to the left has been cut
down, and the houses close by it burnt by the rebels to pre
vent them from sheltering our sharpshooters. The Battery
to which we directed most of our attention when we were
in the field is the one nearest the road."

230 HISTORY OF THE

FROM ANOTHER LETTER OF THE SAME DATE.
"Our three tents for the officers arrived yesterday, and
as soon as the easterly storm, which is the order of the day
at present, stops, we shall move in. ... I will allow Gen
eral McClellan 5 weeks to take the place, and I think by the
end of that time the soldiers will capture Yorktown. . . .
The rebels occupy one line across the peninsula and we oc
cupy another parallel to it, and allowing that both sides
can throw up dirt equally fast, they have the advantage of
us, as they have one pile of dirt all thrown up. As far as I
can see there is nothing to prevent them from throwing up
a new line in the rear of their present intrenchments, and so
continuing the process, and even supposing we could drive
them out of their fortifications without difficulty by the
slow process of a siege, it would take considerable time to
trench from here to Richmond. ... As things are now
working, the event will be decided by engineering skill, and
artillery practice. ... In the point of artillery practice our
army has shown itself immensely superior to the rebels. At
Hilton Head, Fort Henry, Fort Pulaski, our heavy guns
were so well manned that the result was inevitable, and
here it must be the same. Our siege train consisting of the
best Rifled Guns ought to dismount every rebel gun in 48
hours, and I have no doubt will do it. At 2,200 yards the
first Sunday, one of my guns was aimed at a rebel gun, and
at the second shot landed a shell in the embrasure. This
from a 3 inch gun. A 4^ inch gun of course ranges a great
deal farther and more accurately at the same distance, and
the first parallel is generally placed at 600 yards from the
work attacked. . . . We have also six 100 pdr. Parrott
Guns which I see went clear through the brick walls of
Fort Pulaski. ... In the meantime the main body of the
army will lie back out of danger, unless the garrison make
a sortie, when we shall drive them back without much diffi-
cultv.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 231
April 21, 1862. Mr. Schenkle the inventor of the only
percussion fuze now in use, who was here to-day, says that
a 200 pdr. Parrott gun has been mounted on the Point
across Wormley's Creek, intended to silence the water bat
teries of the enemy. . . . Mr. Fay, allotment commissioner
for Massachusetts, has been here to-day."

The Roll in charge of this officer has been thus de
scribed : —
"It is a new kind of pay roll made out by the State of
Massachusetts for her soldiers, and is called the 'Allotment
Roll.' Each man that wishes to allot a part or whole of his
money to his parents, friends, or any one, can do so by
signing the roll. Then after each company has made out
its roll, and it has been signed, by the company, the Captain
endorses it and gives it to the Paymaster. The Paymaster
then sends the money to the State Treasurer, and he sends
it to the city or town treasurer. Then the city or town
treasurer notifies the persons to whom the money is sent,
and they call and get it. The object is to insure safety and
to save paying the percentage on the money which would
have to be paid if it was sent by express."

Phillips' Diary: "April 22, 1862. . . . Set to work and
built a frame house 18x13 ft., 4 ft. high at the eaves, 8 ft.
high at the ridge."
THE TRENCHES.— YORKTOWN.
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac,
Camp Winfield Scott near
Yorktown Va. April 23d, 1862.
General Orders. [Extracts.]
The following orders for the construction of batteries and trenches

232 HISTORY OF THE
during the operations before Yorktown, will be strictly observed, viz. —
Night working parties will be double the size of day parties, one-
half forming a support to the guard.
(IN CASE OF AN ATTACK.)
The buglers and drummers, — of whom there should always be some
in the parallels with the officers commanding the firing parties and sup
ports, — immediately sound "to arms'' or beat the "long roll," which
will be repeated all along the lines, and as far back as the re
serves. .
The utmost silence and order must be preserved in the trenches,
and in marching to and from them. All working parties for the
trenches will go equipped for action.
To prevent the glistening of the bayonets and arms betraying the
movements of the troops, bayonets will be carried in the scabbard, and
the gun slung while going to and from the trenches.
An officer will be sent with each relief of the guards and working
parties to the batteries and trenches, who will return to his camp to
escort the next relief to their proper position.
No officer, soldier, or citizen, shall be allowed to enter the trenches,
or to approach their vicinity, unless specially detailed on dutv there.
The only exception to this rule, will be in the case of General Officers,
the staff of the Major Gen. Commanding, and the staff officers of the
Generals near the trenches.
[All officers or men who unnecessarily exposed themselves to the
view of the enemy, with the above exceptions, were to be arrested and
sent to the nearest Provost Marshal.]
By command of Major General McClellan
S. Williams Ass't Adj't. Gen'l.

FROM A LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Thursday morning, April 24, 1862. The 5th Battery
now can bear comparison with any battery in the service,
and does not fall below the average standard in this Divi
sion. Griffin's Battery is of course well drilled. All regu
lars are."
Phillips' Diary: "April 25, 1862. . . . Built a turf chim
ney and fireplace in the house: cold, easterly storm all day
and night."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 233
Grows' Journal : "Friday, April 25, 1862. This fore
noon I got some 'laurel root,' a very pretty wood, and made
a pipe. It looks very neat and nice. The wood grows quite
plenty around here. There is the usual amount of heavy
firing from the large guns. We hear it so much that I have
got used to it."
FROM LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"April 26, 1862. The Doctor of the N. Y. 44th occa
sionally drops in with a New York daily, and Mr. Whitte
more reporter for the N. Y. Times, brought in this morn
ing's Times and Herald of the 23d, still as I received Bos
ton papers of the 22d,- last night, I keep posted as well as
anybody. . . . The house which we first built was soon
carried off, to build the bridges, and nothing was left behind
but a few slabs and joists. The other sections got along
with a patched up arrangement which lets in wind, rain and
cold, and kept everybody pretty uncomfortable. Last Tues
day, however, when the Centre section got down there, I
set to work to see what we could do, and the ingenuity of
the section soon planned an edifice, which I consider one
of the wonders of the war. This building is 13 by 17 ft.,
gable ended, all framed together, and all pinned together
with oaken pins. The sides are made of slabs put on clap
board fashion, one end being built of oak timbers 14 inches
square. The roof is made of a tarpaulin, full as light as
canvas. It is 4 ft. high at the eaves, and 8 ft. at the ridge
pole, so that we can stand up and walk around with great
comfort. . . . During the last three or four days an east
erly storm has prevailed, and we found that our hotel would
be uncomfortable without a fire, so yesterday the Centre
section again took hold and built a fireplace and chimney
of turf on one side of the house, cutting a hole in the side.
The chimney draws beautifully, and all yesterday and last
night we kept up a roaring fire. The floor is made of oak

234

HISTORY OF THE

slabs, smooth side up, pretty well levelled, but with occa
sional cracks three or four inches in width. We spread our
blankets on the floor, put a sloping board down for a pil
low, and turn in.
The following plan will give you an idea of how we pack.
5ft firepla ce.

Corp.Alye^
Seryt.BWke

£. Grdh a m.
C.A.P. ,lk,o|

§1

XJ.W.Clar'k.
I  --~
\AHosKrns.

Sergt Pejrejjji' [_g_J

\re. chase..
j ZlltnnaTn,

Corp.AHenl
G.MLeacT,. j

Soot

//ouse near Wcr-mleys Cr

We have got our wall tent, Scott and I having one, but as
the Captain's tent is the only one with a stove in it, we have
no chance yet to enjoy it. I like the tent much better than
a Sibley. It is 9 ft. square, and about 9 ft. high, four feet
high at the eaves. It is not so large as the Sibley tent, but
the room is so disposed that it can all be used. The beds
are placed on each side, leaving a clear space in the middle
with a table, looking glass, &c. opposite the door. The
only trouble is that the tents are not new, and ours has got
a hole ripped in the end opposite the door, which we find it
difficult to stop up. ... A N. Y. Lieut. Colonel and Major
deserted day before yesterday and went to Yorktown. How
much information they can carry I do not know. Two bat
teries have been estabhshed by our side in the woods to
the right of the field where our Ba'ttery was placed the first
Sunday, and four 4^ inch guns have been mounted in one
of them. The mortars will be placed on the opposite shore

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 235
of Wormley's Creek, at the end of the bridges which we are
guarding. The bank has been cut away. ... In this posi
tion they will be completely sheltered and out of sight of
the enemy, while they can be fired with perfect ease, it be
ing of no consequence that the mark should be in sight from
the mortar.
April 26, 1862. Two batteries we have built and four
guns we have mounted. These are so near the rebel forti
fications that the men at work on them are not allowed to
speak a loud word. The trees are still standing in front of
them, so that the rebels cannot ascertain their exact posi
tion, though they know we are doing something in the vi
cinity; accordingly they amuse themselves by shelling the
woods but without doing any particular damage to any
body. The floating bridge which I mentioned in one of my
letters as being rather a failure, has been taken up, and the
materials used to build a bridge still lower down the creek.
. . . There is now great fault found with the artillery am
munition, and I do not think that McC. can shift all the
blame on the Ordnance Department. Take one instance:
before we left Hall's Hill, every artillery officer in the Army
knew that the percussion ammunition furnished to us was
utterly unreliable. The percussion fuze universally adopted
is Schenkle's, the best yet invented, but the shot preferred
by the Ordnance Department was found to be unreliable.
Of all the percussion shell which we fired at Hall's Hill,
only two proved at all satisfactory, and these were fired at
the very short range of 200 yards. The rest turned over,
burst in the air, and flew round in all sorts of ways, the
greater number not being seen or heard of after they left
the muzzle of the guns. Still knowing all this, half the bat
teries in the Army were supplied with the Dyer shot. The
consequence was that in the first day's fight at Yorktown,
the percussion ammunition exploded pretty much every
where, at the muzzle of the gun, and everywhere else, ex
cept the right place. As soon as the news of this reached

236 HISTORY OF THE
headquarters there was a great hullaballoo. Mr. Schenkle
(see p. 125) was sent for post haste, and new ammunition
was ordered, and the Ordnance Department blamed gen
erally and particularly. . . . Again the 4% in. siege guns it
is said proved to be a failure before we left Washington,
and yet McClellan accepts a train of them though greatly
inferior to the Parrott gun, and the bombardment of Fort
Pulaski has demonstrated that the James projectile is im
mensely superior to either. Then I don't know but what
it shows generalship to draw up our Army in front of the
rebel lines without any chance to outflank or surround
them. . . . We can storm the works, of course, but this
we might have done a great deal better the first day when
the enemy were surprised and before they were reinforced.
Sunday evening, April 27th. . . . Our bridge builders
seem to have changed their plans. They have taken up the
upper pontoon bridge and the floating bridge, and carried
the materials of the latter a short distance down the stream
to build a pier bridge, which sank into the mud as soon as it
was finished, so that now about 50 feet of the centre are un
der water. The lower pontoon bridge is at present defended,
in addition to our Battery, by a pine log and a barrel
mounted on wheels ! Our house at the bridge still continues
in excellent condition, the Right section today actually did
a little work on it, raising the chimney a few feet. Sergt.
Peacock says that the rule of the section is to put under ar
rest any man who does anything more than what is abso
lutely necessary to sustain life. . . . Staunton and Weldon
are turning out to be important. Perhaps McClellan's plans
are deeper than anybody thinks. . . . The whole siege
train has all disappeared, and I presume guns and mortars
are all mounted somewhere, ready to open when the word
is given.At present there is quite a rage for pipe making here. At
least half of the men in the Division are carving pipes out

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 237
of laurel root, and I am not sure but I shall take to it my
self, though whether I shall make a pipe, salt cellar or
toothpick I have not yet decided. . . . Five Parrott ioo
pdrs. have been mounted near a large house between Worm-
ley's Creek and the river . . . one from which a very
good view could be obtained of the rebel fortifications.
Very extensive works have been erected on the other side of
the creek, and the rebels occasionally try to shell out our
workmen. This morning there was quite a noise for a few
minutes as they threw out a field battery, and fired as fast
as they could load for about 15 minutes. The gunboats
have been firing a few shots today, and seemed to have got
the range better."
On this day General Fitz John Porter was appointed Di
rector of the Siege.
Grows' Journal : "Sunday, April 27th. I spent a very
pleasant forenoon and portion of this afternoon reading the
American Union and the Herald."
Letter of Corporal Spear: "Monday, April 28, 1862.
. . . Every day thousands and thousands of men are at
work throwing up entrenchments and digging rifle pits for
the use of our Army in the coming battle; the infantry regi
ments do the fatigue duties, while batteries do guard duty.
Yesterday there was considerable firing between the rebels
and our gunboats, and several times during the day a bat
tery of field artillery would come out and fire upon our
fatigue men."
Grows' Journal : "Tuesday, April 29, 1862. Was called
at 1 o'clock this morning to go on my post, which I did,
coming off at 3, when I was relieved. There has been some
awful heavy firing by the rebels and our gunboats all night.
I can plainly see the flashes of their guns every time they
fire. I went to my tent and laid down and read the Herald
and the Journal that I had borrowed. I had read about
half an hour when the camp was awakened by the call
Hitch up. I had not more than got to my place, when an

238 HISTORY OF THE
order came into camp — 'Un Hitch,' so we all went to our
tents again. It was expected the rebels would make a sortie
out on some of the regiments and if they had they would
have been cut to pieces."
Later in the day he saw 15 rebel prisoners who had been
taken that morning.
LETTER OF THOMAS E. CHASE.
"Camp near Yorktown Va.
April 29, 1862.
We were paid off yesterday, and all is lovely again.
For the last two months, our standard currency has been
hard bread : five hard breads for a sheet of paper, and a
whole day's ration for a postage stamp. We have eaten
hard tack so long that now it is second nature to us, and
I believe that if worst came to worst we could masticate
flint. We live on hard tack; hard tack is our money; we
use them for dipper covers and candlesticks, and if they
were large enough we should make them into 'spare wheels'
for our gun carriages, but hard tack are of no account now
for money, which is the one thing needful, is plenty.
We are in camp today, but the Right section is at the
Bridge, and while I am penning this I can hear the enemy's
shells bursting very near the Battery. They are nervous
about something today, for they have blazed away quite
brisk this a. m. Their firing is all guess work, and has not
yet done any harm. They cannot see the bridges or work
men, but fire as near as they can judge, and try to shell the
men at work on the bridges and siege guns.
You say your business is dull. Well, our business out
here is 'looking up.' . . . All the canvas we have on hand is
what makes the roof of our house, iron remains quiet, but
there is a prospect of an upward tendency, as we have a big
contract to fill in Yorktown. We are doing something in

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 239
lead, and expect that trade in this line will be very active
soon. You say that Easter Sunday was observed as a day of
Thanksgiving and prayer for the recent victories of • our
army. I attended divine service that day with the 17th
N. Y. Regiment.
There is so much confusion in the tent that I hardly know
what I have written or am writing."
At the close of this letter reference is made to the lint
which was prepared by individuals and by the ladies of the
Soldiers' Aid Societies (see p. 2) at the North, meeting at
their own houses or in the church vestries to " scrape lint"
and roll linen bandages. He says : —
" I have the package of bandages and lint, which you
kindly gave me, and before Yorktown is taken they will be
needed, if not by me they will by others. When you gave
them to me I did not realize that they would ever be needed
for the purpose for which they were so carefully prepared,
but the stern reality is fast approaching."

FROM A LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
" April 30, 1862. Our preparations go on gradually :
they are now building the mortar beds, having taken a lot
of oak timbers which were lying round our Battery at the
bridge for that purpose. One of the pontoon bridges was
taken up two days ago, and the pontoons are being used to
bring planks, shot and shell, up the c.reek. The gunboats
fire 15 or 20 shots a day, make a great deal of noise and
accomplish very little. We want an ironclad gunboat to
sail up York River past the water batteries, and take the
rebel lines in the rear .... the 'Galena' is an iron clad
steamer of 6 guns . . . she is now at Fortress Monroe. . . .
5 p. m. We were mustered this afternoon at 2 o'clock, in

240 HISTORY OF THE
the midst of a rain storm, by Captain Griffin. As a muster
for pay includes a parade, inspection, and roll call, you can
imagine the pleasure of the thing. About noon the rebels
seemed to have a new idea in their heads, for they suddenly
tnrew 3 shot towards the battery by the house. . . . Five
ioo pdr. Parrotts sent back our answer, and have been bang
ing away ever since. We can hear the whir-r-r-r of the shell
as it flies through the air, the thud as it strikes, and then
the explosion. Two shells upset after leaving the gun, as
we could tell by the irregular sound they made."
Phillips' Diary: "April 30th. The rebels continually
shell our intrenchments across Wormley' s Creek, and Mon
day killed one man in the N. Y. 44th."
RELATIVE TO RECRUITS see p. 194.
War Department
Adjutant General's Office,
Washington, May 1, 1862.
General Orders
No. 49.
Upon requisition made by Commanders of Armies in the field,
authority will be given by the War Department to the Governors of the
respective States to recruit Regiments now in service.
By Order of the Secretary of War. L. Thomas
Adjutant General.
FROM LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"May 2, 1862. We have established batteries of siege
guns and mortars, — 11 batteries at least, — but as yet they
are not ready to open. The only exception to this is Bat
tery No. 1 of five 100 pdr. Parrott guns, which now fires
once in a while through the day and night. Last night
when I was down at the bridge the noise was incessant all
night, and I could hardly get a wink of sleep. Their prin
cipal attention seemed to be directed to our earthworks, and
as most of the shell exploded within 500 or 600 yards of

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 241
our guns, the noise was rather disagreeable. This fore
noon the performance has been kept up, and Battery No.
i has had quite a duel with the rebels. . . . We can see the
rebels' shots strike in a large field where they are pretty sure
not to hurt anybody. One of their shots struck close by a
large barn, and with our glasses we could see our men run
ning to pick it up. During the forenoon the rebels ap
peared to get a little excited, for they elevated their gun
and sent a shot whirring clear over our camp towards Gen.
McC.'s headquarters. Last night our guard at Wormley' s
Creek reports that they sent one shell right into the camp
fire of the heavy artillerists encamped across the creek. Our
house at the bridge we extended yesterday, making it now
about 25x13 feet. Our quarters there are altogether the
best we have, although my tent is pretty comfortable.
THE PROVOST GUARD.
One of the institutions round here is the Provost Guard
which makes itself particularly obtrusive. The guard is
stationed all over the Division about half a dozen at each
post. They pitch their shelter tents and keep one man on
the lookout all the time : and then woe betide civilian or pri
vate soldier, who attempts to cross their beat without a
pass. There are three posts down by the bridge, and one
about 50 ft. from our tents, and many more, scattered all
around the lot.
THE SUTLER.
Another institution, rather more popular, is the sut
ler's, which is now exceedingly well patronized. One is
in sight from our camp, and I should think at least 50
men have been standing outside the door ever since pay
day, three days ago. Prices run rather high and change is
not to be had. The unlucky wight who has nothing but a

242 HISTORY OF THE
$5 treasury note, — and this includes most of the army, —
and wants a pound of tobacco, must take his change in sut
lers' tickets, or go without his tobacco. . . . P. S. Our
Quartermaster Sergeant, just returned from Fortress Mon
roe, says that the 'Galena' will be here in a few days."
THE EVACUATION.
Chase's Diary: "May 3, 1862. Yorktown was evacuated
today by the enemy. The Right section was withdrawn in
the evening. Terrific shelling by our gunboats."
LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Sunday Morning, May 4, 1862.
The American Flag waves over the fortifications of
Yorktown, and McClellan can again advance to occupy the
deserted intrenchments of the enemy.
For the last week there have been rumors that the enemy
were leaving, and last night they took their final departure,
burning up what they could not take with them. We were
awakened in the night by the firing of the outposts, and a
bright light was seen over Yorktown, and this morning our
troops took quiet possession. The gunboats have been sig
nalled to move up the river. We are ordered to march to
morrow with two days' cooked rations, forage &c."

Grows' Journal: "Sunday, May 4, 1862. Went on my
post at 2 this morning. I had not been on more than an
hour when I heard heavy cannonading in the direction of
Yorktown. In about ten minutes it was almost deafening.
In a short time I noticed quite a fire which soon increased
to a tremendous large one. I first thought the fight on the

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 243
Right had begun but I soon found that the rebels were de
stroying their stores and some of their works. The reports
of the large guns and the rattle of musketry were both
awful and sublime. Shortly after 7 o'clock word was re
ceived in camp that the rebels had evacuated Yorktown.
During the night if Pandemonium had been let loose it
would not have caused more excitement than did the leav
ing of Yorktown ! Drums that they have not dared to beat
for the last four weeks; bugles that have not sounded since
we have come here, now opened their music, and never was
a Fourth of July at home equal to it. It is a beautiful morn
ing and the bands are playing the 'Star Spangled Banner,'
'America,' and 'Hail Columbia.' Soon the different camps
take up the cheering, and it can hardly be described, for
from the throats of 100,000 men cheer after cheer went up,
and thanks that the place is ours and without the loss of
blood. Divine service was held in the different camps in
commemoration of the event.
This place has been for the last four weeks one of dread
both to our officers and men, and now that the place is ours
our feelings can hardly be described. It does look good to
see our old flag flying over the rebels' rag. Some of our
men have gone fo the city. They found about 1000 barrels
of flour and a large quantity of stores. I have a piece of
the house where Gen. Washington was at the surrender of
Cornwallis. We have had orders to pack our knapsacks,
and be ready to start at any moment. Went to Roll at 6.
It did seem good to have our old bugle again."
Chase's Diary : "... Reconnoissance by balloon 'In
trepid' this morning. Whole company in camp to-day;
(May 4th) first time for three weeks."
Diary of Lieut. Phillips : "May 5th 1862. Still at Camp
Winfield Scott. Heavy firing all day towards Williams
burg. Rumors of all sorts round camp. Hitched up at
5 p. m., unhitched 15 minutes after, and unharnessed at
1 in the morning."

244 HISTORY OF THE
LETTER OF PELEG W. BLAKE.
"Yorktown, May 5, 1862.
Saturday night (May 3d) there was 'right smart' hot
work here. The shells were bursting in all directions, and
our big siege guns were 'giving them Hail Columbia.' The
old original Duryea's Zouaves, the red breeches, charged on
the right fort, and the rebels left Yorktown without eating
their breakfast. We took all of their big guns and two
thousand prisoners, and General Smith on the left wing
took nine thousand prisoners, two batteries of light artil
lery, all hitched up ready for a start. On the Right, in front
of where we are, they cut the traces from their guns, and
left with their horses in double quick time.
Our troops are chasing the rebels up. While I am writ
ing we are having a big battle close by. The rebels set all
kinds of traps to kill our troops when we went into the
streets of Yorktown. You could not tip over a barrel, or
anything else, but what had a string attached to a big shell
or some kind of torpedoes, that would kill five or six men
every time they did anything or moved anything. Wher
ever you could see the dirt thrown up loosely, look out for
your feet, or else they would be catching in some string an
inch under the dirt, and then shells would explode.
Our folks got plenty of tobacco."
FROM THE HISTORY OF THE THIRD MASS.
BATTERY.
"At Yorktown the rebels buried shells underground
which exploded when our forces entered the Fort. The
gate of the Fort stood open. A heavy shell was planted
there which the opening of the gate would have exploded.
Our Army declined to enter there. A man who made a
hole for a telegraph pole was terribly mangled, and 6 cav
alry men and 2 horses were killed in that way."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 245

NOTES OF LIEUT. HYDE MAY 21, 1900.
Accompanied by Lieut. Dillingham and Lieut. Daniel
Tompkins of the Signal Corps, Lieut. Hyde on the morn
ing succeeding the evacuation of Yorktown, rode into the
city on "Black Charley," passing circuitously by the marks
set up to indicate the presence of buried torpedoes, placed
there for the purpose of blowing up whoever might step
upon them. They rode round and examined the fortifica
tions for a half hour, and then went back to camp.
Grows' Journal : "Monday, May 5, 1862. Was awakened
about 6 this morning by the rain. I should think by ap
pearances that it has rained hard all night. Heard heavy
cannonading at a distance. The rebels have done all that
human ingenuity could desire to fix traps for our men. In
some places you will see an overcoat laying on the ground,
but it will not do to pick it up, for to it is attached a string
leading to a fuze containing powder, so when the garment
is picked up it causes the powder to explode and by this
means destroy our men. Torpedoes are covered with dirt
in the street and should horse or man step upon one it is
death. In fact the whole place is mined, and so, to prevent
accidents, small red flags are placed near these infernal
articles, to give a person warning. One of the 22d stepped
upon one which killed him and wounded five others. I saw
them when they were brought into the Hospital."
Phillips' Diary: "Tuesday, May 6, 1862. Visited York-
town with Captain Allen and Dillingham, Scott and Terry.
Fort quite formidable. Visited the redoubt which was en
gaged the first Sunday."
LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp Winfield Scott,
Tuesday, May 6, 1862.
My writing materials have been packed up for the last
two days. . . . Day before yesterday we kept receiving or
ders about every ten minutes, each one contradicting the

246 HISTORY OF THE
one which preceded it. Finally, however, we remained be
hind, Porter's Division being placed in the Third Reserve,
while others pushed on ahead. The gunboats left and went
up the river. Yesterday . . . we could hear heavy firing
up the river, lasting through the day. ... In the after
noon Lieut. Hyde went into Yorktown with an officer of
the Signal Corps, but did not bring back any trophies. The
houses were completely stripped. The streets of Yorktown
are filled with ten inch shell, with percussion caps buried
just below the ground, and several of our men have been
killed by them. Last night about eight o'clock, just as we
had made up our minds that we should not move, came an
order to hitch up. The night was pitch dark, but in less
than 15 minutes we were ready for a move. I was looking
after the Captain to report my section all ready, when there
came an order to unhitch and leave the horses at the picket
rope. So we turned in and at 1, came an order to unhar
ness. Today is very pleasant and the bands are going all
round. Tuesday Eve : I have just returned from a visit to York-
town. . . . The works are well built, with traverses and
blindages in the most approved fashion : [Traverses were
masses of earth, thrown up at short distances, to screen the
troops from shot and shells fired in ricochet, that is, by the
rebounding of a shot which strikes in more spots than one.
Blinds were covers of timber, bundles of brushwood or
earth, under which guns were secure from projectiles reach
ing them at the top or in flank.] heaps of sandbags seem to
present an obstacle to a shell in whatever direction it should
come. The guns, some 40 or 50 in number, are mostly
stolen from Uncle Sam : old pattern 32 pdrs. and 24 pdrs.,
some few 42 pdrs., two 9 inch, some 8 inch, — 64 pdrs., —
one 8 in. mortar, and a number of 32 pdr. Howitzers or
carronades. They had had six guns of their own manu
facture, — Richmond, 1862, — one 10 inch Columbiad and
five Rifled Guns of 4 or 5 in. calibre. Four of these Rifled

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 247
Guns are now burst : the fragments being thrown round
promiscuously, one 32 pdr. is burst also. Very few of the
guns are spiked. The guns of rebel make are rough cast,
not turned, and probably never tested till tried here. The
10 inch gun was mounted in the eastern corner of the works,
and commands nearly f of a circle. This is the place where
the shots of Battery No. 1 were directed and the traces of
our shots are plainly visible. One struck in a traverse,
knocking the sandbags right and left, two ploughed deep
furrows in the parapet, and another went through the rebel
barracks, knocking down the chimney in its path. The
water batteries were very well built and kept. There were
four on the bluff, armed as follows, from east to west: —
No. 1, two 32 pdrs. No. 2, three 32 pdrs. No. 3, four 32
pdrs. No. 4 four Columbiads. Each battery was provided
with magazine and furnace for heating shot, and sandbag
traverses. Down on the beach were two more batteries,
which I did not go into. Grape, [Large shot, usually nine,
sewed together in cylindrical bags, made to fit, like car
tridges, into cannon.] canister shot, and shell were lying
round in great profusion. [Canister shot is a tin cylinder
with iron heads, filled with balls packed in with sawdust.]

/ 4Z pdr
Z. Z4pdr
3. Rif7ed Gun durst)
4-. 32 pdr Howitzer.

Rebel Redoubt.
I brought away some canister shot. The work which we
engaged the first Sunday is a redoubt about half a mile in
advance of the main line, armed with one 42, one 24, one 32
Howitzer and one Rifled Gun burst.

248 HISTORY OF THE
A bloodstain on the ground where a man was blown up
by one of the rebel infernal machines, and a little red flag
about ten feet from it, admonished us to be careful in walk
ing, and so we did not extend our investigations very far.
The rebels have shown great ingenuity in constructing in
fernal machines for our especial benefit, but since the first
day no accident has occurred. They all consist of a ten inch
shell with percussion cap hidden in various ways. They
are buried all round the top just level with the ground,
ready to go off as soon as stepped on. One house seems to
have been the particular object of their ingenuity, shells be
ing placed in all convenient spots. Under a table in the
corner of the room was placed a coffee pot which most per
sons would naturally seize as soon as they saw it, but the
coffee pot was tied by a small thread to a weight hung di
rectly over the cap of a io inch shell, so that the weight
would fall as soon as the coffee pot was moved. Then the
cellar floor was paved with similar machines at the foot of
the stairs, all ready to be stepped on. In this same house
there is one room which no one has yet dared to enter, for
a ten inch shell is lying on a table in the middle. Nothing
can be seen to touch it off, but still people are suspicious
here. Two of the magazines have not yet been opened, and
we shall have to be careful. . . . We searched in vain to
find some trophies, such as pipes, buttons, etc. The guns as
yet have not been much meddled with, as they are loaded
with — the Rebels only know what. One little rifled piece,
the one which has fired so much in the direction of our
guard at the bridge, had a shell sticking out at the muzzle,
which I looked at but concluded to let remain. In another
place I noticed a heap of shell and cartridges half buried in
the sand, and I thought that prudence would dictate that
they should be touched off with a very long io foot pole."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 249

FROM A LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
Written May io, 1862. On Board Steamer New
Haven, York River, about the Fortifications at
Yorktown.
"The works are well constructed as far as the details go,
of the general plan of the works I don't know enough to
speak. I have learned this, — that it is not the quantity of
dirt in a fortification that makes it strong, as much as the
manner in which it is arranged. There was a great pile of
dirt shovelled here, but the dimensions of the ramparts are
nothing more than those of an ordinary field work. The
height of the rampart and the depth of the ditch are per
haps 12 ft. on an average, or 24 ft. from the bottom of the
ditch to the top of the rampart, but this would soon be
diminished under the operations of breaching batteries.
The batteries which we have already planted would prob
ably have dismounted most of the rebel guns in the first 12
hours of the bombardment. Battery No. 2 in the few scat
tering shots fired lately; had planted 3 shells within 30 feet
of their 10 inch Columbiads, and was placed to enfilade all
their water batteries."
NOTES OF CAPTAIN ALLEN.
After the evacuation Colonel Stephen W. Stryker, of the
44th New York Regiment Infantry, garrisoned Yorktown,
entering the city the next morning. He sent a note to Cap
tain Allen inviting him to dine with him that day, and, tak
ing an orderly with him, Captain Allen rode in from camp.
After dinner Colonel Stryker said :
"Come with me. I want to show you something."
They went round to several places, finally bringing up at
the building here described by Phillips and saw everything
as here stated.

250 HISTORY OF THE
This note is added, — after reading the letter as here
transcribed, — by Captain George D. Allen, April 19, 1900.
A few days later Corporal Spear made his visit to the
fortifications at Y'orktown while the Battery was waiting
for the infantry to go on board the steamer. He says : —
"Having nothing to do the Captain gave permission to
go and view the enemy's works. At the main entrance,
which we entered, there were laid quantities of torpedoes
for the purpose of destroying our soldiers should they at
tempt to enter the fortifications. I, in company with my
sergeant, went all about the works and viewed the guns
&c, which the rebels had left behind in their retreat. Many
of the guns mounted in the fort were good, and some very
poor : their magazines splendid and well stored with am
munition, but their quarters were far different, everything
in disorder and confusion and very filthy. I managed to
find several relics."
REPORT OF GENERAL PORTER.
Of the services of the Division of Artillery under his
command during the thirty days of the siege, General Fitz
John Porter says in his report : —
"I desire also to express my gratification at the gallant
and efficient service of the Division of Artillery, under the
immediate direction of Captain Charles Griffin, 5th Artil
lery, whose reports of service rendered and losses in respect
ive batteries were forwarded in proper time. Often exposed
to a hot fire from the enemy, and meeting with some losses,
these batteries were examples of superior discipline and in
struction, and the conspicuous coolness, gallantry, bravery
and skill of the officers and men, merited the highest com
mendation. These batteries were : D. 5th Artillery. Captain
Charles Griffin; C. Rhode Island Artillery, Captain

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 251
Weeden; C. & E. Massachusetts (Light) Artillery, com
manded respectively by Captain A. P. Martin and Captain
(Geo. D.) Allen."
Grows' Journal: "Thursday, May 8, 1862. Struck my
tent at 5 and began our march. Arrived in Yorktown at 7
this morning, found that the transports were not ready, so
we went 'into park' and set our picket rope, then the men
were dismissed except the guard. Harry Simonds and my
self then went into the town. The rebels could have held
it against awful numbers. There are not many buildings in
the place, but the fortifications are equal to a Sevastopol or
a Gibraltar. I passed into the Water Battery and examined
it, a most splendid work, then passed into the lot where the
dead were buried.
There were in all about 60 graves in this lot, and 25 in
another. Had quite a stroll through the place. At 3 this
afternoon we hitched out again and went to the wharf, and
had to get the guns ready to go aboard. We had to wait
till half past eleven at night before we could load, then we
commenced in good earnest."
Chase's Diary: "May 8, 1862. Turned out at 2 a. m.
and packed up, hitched up, and left Camp Winfield Scott at
sunrise and marched to Yorktown; halted just outside the
village and unharnessed the horses. At 8 p. m. embarked
on steamer 'New Haven' and lay moored in the stream all
night."

CHAPTER VIII.
THE BATTLE OF HANOVER COURT HOUSE.
MAY 27, 1862.
"And many a brave man from the war
Came feeble and maimed of limb.
Bullet-scar and sabre-scar
And fevered weakness, sadder far,
Were Glory's marks on him !
These living martyrs of the war —
Who tells us where they are?"
— Rossiter W. Raymond, Captain U. S. V.
— Vision and Duty.
The latest plan of the Peninsula campaign would have
been successful, General McClellan asserted in his report, if
supported with appreciation of its necessities, but which
failed because of the repeated failure of promised support
at the most critical, and, as it proved the most fatal moment.
"The illustration of the heroism of the Army in the aban
donment of one plan and the originating of another," he
says, "must be left for the pen of the historian in times of
calm reflection, when the nation shall be looking back to
the past from the midst of peaceful days."
THE POINT OF ATTACK,
The James River was open to the Union fleets. This had
been made possible by the destruction on March 9, 1862, of
the rebel ram "Merrimac" by the U. S. "Monitor."
The historian of the Fifth Army Corps observes that
"May 11, 1862, McClellan's military instinct demanded the
immediate movement of his Army to the James River as a
252

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 253
base." General John E. Wool telegraphed him on
May 12th. — "Your flank will be protected on the James
River, etc. etc.," and this "military instinct" which was not
allowed to sway the wisdom of the controlling powers, was
proven to have been founded on the best judgment, for be
fore the close of June it was demonstrated to the world that
a strategic movement resting on the Chickahominy, such as
was then on foot, was but the "baseless fabric of a dream."
Two main roads run down the Peninsula from near Wil
liamsburg, one following the York River goes to York-
town, the other following the course of the James, crosses
the Warwick at Lee's mills.
A mile east of Williamsburg where these roads come to
gether, was Fort Magruder the centre of the enemy's works,
13 in all, which stretched across the intervening space be
tween the two rivers.
Williamsburg, the seat of William and Mary College
chartered in 1693, is built on the ridge of the Peninsula, 3
miles from the James River and 4 from York River. It is
distant from Richmond 60 miles, Hampton 36 miles, and
Yorktown 12 miles.
BY MEMBERS OF THE BATTERY.
Grows' Journal of May 9th has the following entry: —
"At 2 o'clock this morning I came aboard the steamer New
Haven, spread out my blankets on deck and turned in. We
got underweigh at 3 this afternoon with two schooners in
tow, having our horses on board. At 6 this evening we ar
rived off West Point but finding the tide low we did not un
load. Saturday, May 10, 1862. Had breakfast of hard bread
and water, then went on deck to look around. This is a
very pretty place. The beach extends for miles, very hard
and smooth. I should like to live here, and it seems hard
to have this place disturbed by war. The water as far as I

254 HISTORY OF THE
can see is covered with boats and vessels, conveying our
troops and ammunition."
LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"On Board Steamer, 'New Haven,'
York River, Saturday, May io, 1862.
Once again we are afloat to find a new point of attack,
and the sooner we get landed the better. Going to sea is
all very pleasant, but when it comes to embarking a battery
and one hundred horses, I beg to be excused.
Thursday morning we were ordered to be in Yorktown by
daylight, prepared to embark, so we had 'reveille' at
2 a. m. and started. We arrived at Yorktown about 6,
only to find that there was not the slightest chance to get
aboard for some hours to come. So we marched into a field
and came into park about 50 yards from the walls of York-
town. The day was very pleasant and the road was very
dusty, and the wagons were very thick. The roads were a
perfect chaos of mules and mule drivers, one about as stupid
as the other.
Meantime, we waited and waited.
Martin's battery came into park alongside of us, and the
day slowly rolled on. I managed to buy a loaf of bread,
not very large for 25 cents, and made a decent dinner.
About 4 o'clock the steamer 'New Haven' hauled up to
the wharf, and we put our guns, caissons and baggage
wagons on board. This took us till 3 in the morning when
we hauled into the stream to give Martin a chance, and
turned in. The next day we had to wait till afternoon
when we got some schooners into the wharf and loaded our
horses. By 4 o'clock this was completed and we fastened
the schooner alongside the 'New Haven,' and managed to
get a good night's rest.
This morning we are waiting for orders. A schooner

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 255
loaded with Griffin's horses has just come alongside. . . .
P. S. Sunday evening. We have landed at West Point
on York River our Battery and baggage wagons, and shall
land our horses tomorrow. In good health and spirits.
C. A. P."

LETTER OF T. E. CHASE.
On Board Steamer New Haven,
Off West Point Va.
Sunday, May n, 1862.
... I have been all over Yorktown and examined all
the enemy's fortifications, and it was an immense work.
Two thousand negroes were at work on them for nearly a
year, and all their work is thrown away. . . . They had
great furnaces to heat shot red-hot to fire at the gunboats
to set them on fire; the shot were in the furnaces all ready
to be heated, shot and shell piled up alongside of the guns
ready at a moment's notice. There lay the sponge staves
and everything in complete readiness. All the guns were
spiked, and some of the buildings burnt. I saw the ruins
of one large building, and in the ashes there was a great
lot of shot and shell, and I should think about five barrels
of meat laid in a pile, all burned, and about a cart load of
fine salt and the iron-work of a lot of cartridge boxes.
The rebel officers had first-rate barracks, good, nice, cot
beds, and they are now used for hospitals, and there are
already quite a large number of sick and wounded soldiers
there. We are now about a day's march from Richmond, some
28 miles, and where the disheartened rebels will next make
a stand we know not. Banks and McDowell are on the
other side of Richmond and the flower of the army here
chasing and penning them up. . . . The Captain sings out

256 HISTORY OF THE
'fall in' to help unload and I must close for the present. . . .
P. S. Stuck again! We are ashore again on the flats
and must wait until 9 o'clock this p. m. before we can finish
unloading. Our horses are ashore and a part of our pieces,
and I suppose Richmond will be taken and the rest of the
army home before we get ashore. ... I slept on the hur
ricane deck last night until 12 o'clock, when the wind began
to blow so hard that I was afraid of being blown overboard
so I engaged rooms in the engine room for the rest of the
night and slept first rate. I have got so now that I couldn't
sleep on anything but boards, cedar rails, or a pile of chain
cable. . . . Perhaps you will see by this time that it is use
less to worry, for I have chewed my hard tack in Yorktown
unmolested by any of the chivalry, and have squinted into
the very muzzle of their biggest gun !
My writing desk is my knapsack resting on the muzzle of
our gun."
Sunday and Monday, May nth and 12th were occupied
in disembarking, and they got into camp at 7 p. m. on the
12th. Grows' Journal : "May 12th. We had to go ashore at 9
this forenoon. It is a very hot morning. Had some cof
fee and hard bread, after which we went into a barge and
laid down to get rid of the sun. After dinner visited the
scenes of the late battle at Williamsburg. It looked bad
to see the mounds of earth over our brave men that fell
here. The fight was day before yesterday. ... At 4 this
afternoon our horses arrived. We got them ashore and
set our picket rope. Turned in under the gun to get some
sleep for we start in the morning again."
May 13th they started on the march. The Divisions of
Franklin, Smith, Sykes, and Porter advanced to Cumber
land by way of the New Kent Court House, 14 miles; the
Battery marching with Porter's Division at 4.30 p. m."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 257

FROM LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"The day was very pleasant, the roads very dusty and
the woods through which we passed, beautiful; so on the
whole, the march though tiresome was not so bad as it
might have been.
Shortly after leaving West Point, we passed through
the woods where Franklin's Division had a fight the other
day. From appearances it must have been an unpleasant
spot to be in. The trees were perfectly riddled with bul
lets, some having three or four holes in them, but I suppose
like most bullets they injured more trees than men. We
kept halting all along the road, which was blocked up by
wagons, mule teams and troops, but finally reached the
camp about five p. m. ... It was in a large, dusty wheat
field on a level plain right on the shore of the Pamunkey
River." Grows' Journal: "May 13th 1862. At 6 we took up the
line of march for a place called Cumberland, about 15 miles.
We got along very well till 9 o'clock, when we had to wait
five hours for two other Divisions to pass. Built a fire by
the side of the road, and made some coffee. On account
of stopping in the road so long we did not arrive at our
camp ground till late this afternoon. Every house we
passed had a white flag hung out to show they were peace
able. After pitching my little tent I dropped on the ground
and fell asleep. Awaked at 7 this morning and was told
that I must go on guard, as one of the men was sick, and it
being my next turn I had to go. I offered several $1.00 if
they would take my place, but could find no one, the men
being completely worn out by the heat and the march."
General McClellan's Head Quarters were close by, and
at 5 p. m. of the 14th the Battery was called in line to salute
the General and Secretary Stanton.

258 HISTORY OF THE
Grows' Journal : "Wednesday, May 14th. On my post I
did not dare sit down for fear I should get asleep. Both
men and horses are pretty well tired out. We march again
in the morning."
Those on guard of course could not rest on the march,
even when the column stopped.
FROM SPEAR'S LETTERS.
Review of a Week. "May 14, 1862.
Well, we. waited in Yorktown until 7 o'clock at night
before we could commence the loading of our Battery and
its accompaniments, and all was aboard the transport, by
2\ o'clock the next morning, which was about the size of
the 'Nelly Baker.' Laid off in the stream until 3 in the
afternoon, when all went ashore and commenced the load
ing of horses on schooners. This took about two hours,
and then steamer, schooners and all, hauled out into the
stream, where we remained all night and the next day until
2 o'clock, when orders were received to proceed up the
York River. Reached West Point at dusk. Monday was
a hard and tough day for the boys, as it took nearly all day
to unload the horses and guns, and at night all were very
tired, but managed to retire about 9 o'clock after a good
supper of coffee, hard bread, and salt 'horse.' Not much
sleep for that night, however, as we were routed out at 2
o'clock to be ready to move by sunrise. At sunrise were
on the road from West Point to Cumberland Creek. We
advanced readily until the sun came out so hot, and the
roads became very dusty, and as there was but little air stir
ring, it was oppressive to us. Reached Cumberland Creek
at dusk, and for supper coffee, hard bread and salt pork.
Wednesday night rain, and continued heavy fall all night
and the next day and night. About 12 o'clock Wednesday

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 259
night the boys of the tent in which I am, awoke and found
the water standing 3 inches deep inside of the tent. Every
thing was wet through and through. At 3 o'clock were
routed up same way as usual, ordered to pack up, and at 6
o'clock had everything ready to move : tents struck, horses
harnessed, and hitched in, but owing to the heavy rain, and
the bad condition of the roads, we did not leave the en
campment until about 12 o'clock. Proceeded well until we
came to a swamp, and then one of our caissons got stuck
fast in the mud, and we were obliged to remain there all
night. As soon as we found that we should have to remain
in the middle of the swamp, we went to work, built a blazing-
fire and prepared some coffee. 'After partaking of our fru
gal meal, some went to work and pitched a tent to sleep in
during the night, and at 10 o'clock everything was ready
for sleep. On awaking the next morning found it pleasant
and were ordered to move on, so struck our tent, hitched up
our horses and pulled out of the swamp, and by 9 o'clock
reached the place where the Division was encamped."

FROM CHASE'S LETTER OF MAY 14, 1862.
"Cumberland Va. 14th May, 1862. . . . The trip up
York River was a pleasant one, — or rather the scenery, —
and the country looks more civilized than it does on the
Potomac. There are many splendid residences and fine
plantations, and some of the houses had white flags flying
in front of them. At West Point in a small enclosure there
are nineteen graves of men who were killed near there when
Franklin's Division arrived, and belonged to the 31st N. Y.
Regt. They were buried in a trench, but their graves ap
pear to be separate on the surface, and each one has a board
neatly marked with their names, age, &c. . . . I must close
for we have been standing in line for the last hour to salute

260 HISTORY OF THE
General McClellan and the Secretary of War. ... I will
send Fred a few seeds which I took from a deserted secesh
house. I do not know what they are, but perhaps he would
like to plant them. We are to march again tomorrow at
6 a. m. and we expect to help clear out some masked bat
teries between here and Richmond. . . .
P. S. Passed a guide-board yesterday with the follow
ing curious inscription on it, viz. 'Richmond 31 miles.' '
FROM LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Cumberland, Banks of the Pamunkey,
Wednesday Forenoon, May 14, 1862.
Things look very different when seen by a newspaper
correspondence subjected to a military censorship and when
seen here. The Rebels left Yorktown because they had to,
but the compulsion might have been stronger. . . . Our
guns were better than theirs and would have knocked their
works all to pieces. . . . Our nearest batteries were some
1800 yards from the enemy's works. . . . They commenced
an evacuation which lasted three days . . but our gen
erals with balloons, spies, pickets, gunboats &c. knew
nothing of it till every man had left the intrenchments. Then
General McC. . . . pushed on with artillery and cavalry.
The enemy retiring in perfect order, left a rear guard at
Williamsburg to hold us in check, while the main body
pushed on to the Chickahominy, and in this they succeeded.
Hooker's Division attacked them and were driven back,
losing three out of four batteries, and were about sur
rounded when reinforcements arrived. These reinforce
ments sufficed to drive the enemy back to their works,
which they abandoned soon after, as their design was mere
ly to hold them for a time. . . . General McC. rode through
our camp on his way to ' Williamsburg between 4 and 5
o'clock in the afternoon, so that he could not have got there

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 261
very early. We have not been in any fight yet, though the
event may come off any day. . . .
We are encamped on a large level plain right on the shore
of the river. Our own camp is in a wheat field, very dusty.
Gen. McClellan with a long string of generals, aides,
French Princes . . officers and escort, passed us and
camps close by. It is now raining and we are all blue and
growling. Nothing to eat but hard tack and coffee with
out sugar. The President is here today.
Evening : It still rains. We managed to get some fresh
bread for supper, and are in rather better spirits; also we
bought two hams, one of which has been boiled for tomor
row."

The next morning, May 15th, the Division was ordered
to move at 6.30 a. m. as follows : —
1. Berdan's Sharp Shooters. 2. Artillery. 3. But-
terfield's Brigade. 4. Martindale's Brigade. 5. Mc-
Quade's Brigade. About 5 o'clock, however, Franklin's
Division commenced passing and the Battery had to wait.
The roads ahead were apparently very bad, for Franklin's
Division advanced slowly, but by ten o'clock the last bag
gage wagon disappeared, and Porter's Division started on
its slow progress toward White House Landing.

FROM LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Our march was very intermittent, — now we advanced
a few hundred yards, then we came to a long half, and so
we kept on. Our first stick was in a field. The grass
looked very fine but underneath was all quicksand. With
some difficulty half the Battery got through, but one piece
cut through and two horses tumbled over. So we went to
work to unharness, unlimbered, and pulled it out.

262 HISTORY OF THE
We kept on, up and down, through sloughs cor
duroyed by pioneers, halting every half hour. Our mule
team got stuck and broke the pole, so we left it in the mud.'
Then we passed Captain Martin's battery wagon.
The day was slipping away, it began to grow dark and
the roads grew worse. About 5 o'clock I rode ahead to
see to the teams passing over a difficult place, and found 12
horses hitched on hauling our carriages through the mud.
Three of my four carriages got safely through, and I yelled
out 'Forward with the Fourth Caisson !' Promptly came
back the answer from the rear, — 'Fourth Caisson stuck in
the mud.'
I rode back and found the caisson (Page's) stuck fast,
and 10 horses tugging at it without starting it.
We tried it a little while, but it was growing dark, and
we concluded to give it up for the night; unhitched, left
our carriages in the road, built fires, opened our haversacks,
spread tarpaulins and pitched in."
Grows' Journal: "Thursday, May 15, 1862. Gotup at 3
a. m. It rained all night but has held up now for a while.
At 5 this morning we received orders not to march till 9
o'clock, and we were in a nice fix, our tents all down, and it
began to rain like fury. Three hours' rain in this country
spoils the roads for travelling till the sun dries up the mud,
but our journey is to be a short one, only five miles. We
started at 9 this forenoon, and at 7 this evening we had
come 3-^ miles!
The 15th of May, 1862, will be a day ever to be remem
bered by those who marched today.
It has rained hard all clay. Sometimes our guns would
go almost out of sight, and we would have to pull them
out by hand. It was a hard sight to see the poor infantry
fall down, completely worn out. I thought at one time I
should not hold ont much longer, but I am thankful for one
thing: I am in good health, and I have reason to think it

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 263
was this that carried me through. Several of our men and
officers dropped.
No pen can describe nor language express the sufferings
of today. It would have been a very nice and pleasant
march if it had not rained.
So here we are stuck in the woods, dark as'coal. We can
not go any farther tonight, so after building large fires we
made a little covering to keep the rain off. The cooks
made us some hot coffee, after which Harry and I were
talking about home, when I heard a man behind me ask 'Is
not that Dave Grows?'
I looked round and there stood Cornelius Smith, an old
schoolmate of mine.
So we talked over old times and how he liked soldiering,
till 9 o'clock; then Harry Simonds, Joe Knox, — poor little
boy, — and I, turned in with a large fire to our feet. But
before doing so I had a change of wet clothes to dry ones,
thanks to a good wife's care.
Friday, May 16, 1862. Got up at 6 a. m., nice morning,
and began to build a road. At 10 this forenoon we were
in camp."
On this march they had not lost a horse. The pioneers
and infantry helped to pull out the mired guns. The night
of the 15th, Allen, Dillingham and Phillips slept under a
tarpaulin all night in a pouring rain. The camp ground
which they reached on the 16th, was White House Land
ing where Head Quarters had been established. It was a
beautiful place, a large clover field, near a fine house, the
grounds covering 35 acres. The Landing is on the Pa
munkey River a tributary of the York, 30 miles north of
Williamsburg, and 25 east of Richmond with which it is
connected by the Richmond and York River railroad. It
derived its name from the white wooden house near it, oc
cupying the site of the residence of Mrs. Custis, afterwards
the wife of Washington, and. had been recently occupied by
General Lee, the Confederate general. The water at this

264 HISTORY OF THE
point on the river being of sufficient depth, it became a great
supply depot for the Union army.
Lieut. Phillips wrote the night of their arrival : — "I have
just cut enough clover to make a bed, and expect to sleep
comfortably." Later in the movement he refers to it again:
"We remained there Saturday and Sunday, eating Colonel
Lee's clover and wheat, and burning up his fence rails.
Sunday evening, Hyde, Dillingham and I went down to
the Pamunkey and took a swim."
Grows' Journal: "Sunday, May 18, 1862. The evening
is enlivened by the singing of the 'whip-poor-will' !"
Mcdowell coming south.
Information was received May 18th, 1862, from the Sec
retary of War that General Irvin McDowell, with his com
mand of 40,000 men had been ordered to move southeast
from Fredericksburg to a connection with the Right wing
of the Army of the Potomac, which was ordered to be ex
tended to the north of Richmond in co-operation with the
movement.
FIFTH PROVISIONAL ARMY CORPS.
By General Orders No. 125, Head Quarters Army of the
Potomac, May 18, 1862, the forces commanded by Maj.
Gen'l Fitz John Porter were designated as the Fifth Pro
visional Army Corps, and by General Porter's promotion
the Division came under the command of Brigadier Gen
eral George W. Morell.
General Orders
No 125.
II. The attention of the General commanding has been called to
the publication of letters from officers and others connected with the
Army, containing information which must have been of much value to
the enemy should it have reached him. To communicate precise intel
ligence of the strength, position, or 'movements of the army in private
letters not designed for publication, is itself highly improper, and liable

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 265
to prove of serious disadvantage to our operations, but when such in
telligence is allowed to pass into the public prints, the proceeding de
serves grave censure, if indeed the offense does not become one de
manding the exaction of the penalty denounced by the law for giving
information to the enemy.
Henceforth the communication for publication of any intelligence
likely to prove of advantage to the enemy is prohibited, and the utmost
circumspection is enjoined upon correspondents in their private letters.
FROM A LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp near the White House,
Sunday morning, May 18, 1862.
By a Special Order just issued, Porter's Division is tem
porarily detached from the 3d, — Heintzelman's, — Army
Corps, and together with Sykes's Infantry Reserve, — Regu
lars and 5th N. Y., — forms a Provisional Corps under
command of Brig. Gen. Fitz John Porter. This places us
in the Reserve. Porter's, Franklin's, and Smith's Divi
sions are now here, but will probably move tomorrow."
Grows' Journal: "May 19, 1862. At 6 we were on the
road again for Richmond. It looked lowery when we
started, and we had not marched more than one mile when
it began to rain. I put my blanket over my shoulders, and
it kept me dry on the march. Berdan's Sharpshooters
halted near us, and I had a good chance to see the 'Old Cali-
fornian,' the man who killed so many of the rebels at York-
town. Instead of seeing a young man, I found a little old man
bowed down with age, with long hair, and a staff in his
hand, but a pair of the brightest eyes I ever saw.
After marching seven miles we went into park at 3
o'clock this afternoon on one of the most beautiful places
I ever saw. No pen can describe the beauties of this place.
In our rear is a railroad track and the ruins of a large bridge
burnt by the rebels in their retreat. After we arrived here
it stopped raining and the sun came out. I then pitched

266 HISTORY OF THE
my tent for the usual three, Harry Simonds, Joe Knox and
myself. . . . This place is called Tunstall's Station."
It was also called "Station 20" and was on the Richmond
and York River R. R. They crossed the railroad here and
were on the northern side.
FROM LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
May 20TH, 1862.
"About 200 yds. to the east of us, and in plain sight
through the back door, as I sit writing, our men are repair
ing a railroad bridge. General McClellan's Head Quar
ters are directly to the west on top of White's Hill.
This is the pleasantest camping ground we have had yet,
but like every other place the soldiers are a little too thick.
When we arrived the woods were very thick on the hill side
between us and the railroad, but they have been disappear
ing very fast, and although we have had a guard over there
to preserve some shade for us, it is about as hopeless a task
as to keep off a flock of locusts. . . The sutlers are
rather scarce and their prices run rather high ; butter 40 cts.
a pound, eggs 50 cts. a dozen &c &c. We consider ourselves
lucky if we get anything, even at their prices. People who
are accustomed to beating down prices, would be rather as
tonished to get into a sutler's establishment. As soon as
his wagon is unloaded, a grand rush commences, which
lasts till everything is gone. Nobody stops to ask the price.
As a general thing a sutler will not sell to anybody outside
of the command to which he is attached, which places us at
a disadvantage. As far as the officers are concerned, a
sutler is a useful man, but with the men I think their ad
vantage is questionable. Hardly any man can withstand
the temptation of patronizing the sutler and $13 lasts a very
short time. The men get on just as well, are as healthy, if
they confine themselves to Government rations. But with

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 267
the officers the case is different. No provision is made for
feeding them, and they have to look out for themselves.
As long as they remain in a civilized neighborhood there is
no difficulty about this, but as soon as we begin to march
provisions get rather scarce. Hard tack and salt junk are
plenty enough, but there it ends. Nothing else can be had
for love or money.
May 21, 1S62. At eleven o'clock [p. m. of the 20th]
orders came to march at 5. Reveille was sounded at 3, and
as I was officer of the day I got the Battery ready at 5 min
utes before five. Our baggage went on ahead, and our
Battery ahead of the others. Just as we started my un
lucky Fourth Caisson broke a trace : a new one was put
in and the caisson resumed its place in the column. All
went well for half a mile when we came to a very steqa hill,
when right in the middle, snap went the new trace, and
again we had to stop till this could be replaced. After we
got to the top of 'the hill we found an excellent road for
several miles and got along rapidly, till we stopped at 8 to
allow Franklin's Division to get out of the way. We halted
several hours in a wheat field and watered the horses. - The
morning was misty but now the sun came out very hot.
We found here the best spring of water we have yet seen
in Virginia : the water hitherto having been full of clay and
very poor. . . The negroes round here are running off
very fast in one direction, while their masters are running
in the other. . . .
Evening: We arrived at this camp at 11 o'clock a. m.
having marched 6 or 8 miles. The country here is quite
well cultivated, there being many large wheat and clover
fields. The roads for most of the way were bordered by
hurdle fences. We are encamped, I believe, in Hanover
County. The road upon which we came goes to Richmond
through Newbridge Church, which is about 5 miles from
the city. We are now about 18 miles from Richmond.
The nearest route from West Point, the old stage road,

268 HISTORY OF THE
which passes over Bottom's Bridge is south of us. . . . A
squadron of cavalry passed here this evening, having been
within 9 miles of Richmond, 500 yards beyond our pickets,
and in sight of the enemy's camps. Our camp is very
pleasant : the four batteries are encamped on the left of the
road in a wheat and grass field bordered by a beautiful oak
woods. Our tents are pitched under a large oak behind a
log house, which appears to have been a grocery store kept
by Mr. Brown. The account books of the concern were
scattered round and furnished evidence of the temperate
habits of the country ... a leaf of the ledger . . . will do
to go with Falstaff's bill of bread and sack."
Grows' Journal: "May 21, 1862. . . . During our march
we passed some beautiful plantations, each one guarded by
our troops, and most of them with a white flag hung out.
Arrived at our camp ground at 12 o'clock (noon). It was
a rebel camp just deserted, so I took one of their tents and
used it.
Thursday, May 22d. Was called at 4 this morning to
strike tents and be ready to march. At 6 we were on our
way. On account of guard yesterday I am on the 'fatigue'
today of the Baggage teams. On the way I passed some
splendid places of planters. One in particular had no flag
flying, the owner was a rank 'secesh.' The boys coaxed
the officers to allow them to go in and clean him out, but
they would not, and instead, posted a squad over his place
and house to protect it. We marched 13 miles. Got into
camp at 3 this afternoon and then pitched my tent."
The march of the 22d. took them to Parker's Mills, 14
miles from Richmond, one mile in a straight line east from
the Chickahominy River, and 6 miles from the bridge
across that river. The camp was in a meadow bordered
by a pine grove, and below in the valley lay the grist and
saw mill and a village of at least 6 houses.
Nothing was to be seen of the enemy who had disap
peared over the Chickahominy. Firing was heard in the

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 269
direction of Richmond. They might have been McDowell's
guns, — but they were not, — for whom Porter was to re
ceive orders to open a way from Hanover Court House, but
who was to be turned in another direction and his forces
spread out between Luray and Fredericksburg.
The 1 8th Mass. Infantry were on picket duty on the 23d,
at the railroad bridge over the Chickahominy, and found
our scouts two miles ahead of them.
FROM LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
Sunday Morning Postscript to Letter of May 24,
1862. "Camp in the Field.
There is a great deal of fever and ague, bilious fever, in
termittent fever, &e. We have several men sick, seven
absent, at hospitals or at home, and some sick here in camp
whom we shall have to send back the next time we move.
It is my opinion that more men have died of fever than of
bullets, and I thought and still think, that it would have
been a saving of life if we had taken Yorktown by assault
the first day, and pushed right on to Richmond at whatever
cost. People would have heard of a few bloody battles and
ten thousand killed and wounded, but what is this to two
months exposure and hundreds dying every day. Lieut.
Scott has been pretty sick for a week, but is a great deal
better. I have not had a sick day yet. My appetite is
always good, and the demand generally exceeds the supply."
The Battery remained at Parker's Mills Friday, Satur
day and Sunday. In camp Sunday the 25th May, 1862, in
the evening there were religious services by the chaplain of
the New York 44th. Text, 6th chapter of Romans, ist
verse. — "Shall we continue in sin?" [The entire verse is
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that
grace may abound?"]

270 HISTORY OF THE
Letter of Lieut. Phillips : "Sunday morning, May 25,
1862. Of late we have been living on sweet potatoes.
We tried to buy some strawberries but did not succeed, so
we bought. a bushel of potatoes at $2.00 and have lived on
them for the last three days, good living too."
Grows' Journal: "Sunday, May 25, 1862. Heavy firing-
has been heard during the night on our right. The Rhode
Island 4th Battery has been sent out to see what is the mat
ter. Had a good dinner : a pork stew of potatoes, onions,
pepper, pork &c.
Monday May 26th. Broke camp soon after 4 o'clock,
and at 6 o'clock we started on our march. At noon time
we arrived on a large plantation and went into park."
This was the famous Dr. Gaines Plantation near Gaines
Mills. It was nearly due west of Cold Harbor on a broken
plateau between the bottom lands of the Chickahominy and
the Pamunkey rivers. It was east of north from Richmond,
on the road leading from Bottom Bridge up the Chicka
hominy via Cold Harbor to MechanicsviUe, thence to Han
over Court House. The camp of the Battery was in the
edge of an oak wood.
The Army was disposed as follows : —
On the Right wing Franklin's Corps was stationed, three
miles from New Bridge on the Chickahominy. Porter's
Fifth Corps supported him in the rear. Across the rail
road was Sumner's Corps, holding the centre near Turner's
Mills, and Keyes's Corps held the New Kent Road near
Bottom's Bridge. Heintzelman's Corps was in support of
Keyes, and was supposed to guard the Left wing.
HANOVER COURT HOUSE.
From the direction of Fredericksburg, the news had
come that the enemy had fallen back, and a considerable
force was near Hanover Court House to the right and rear

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 271
of our army, threatening our communications. This town
was north of Richmond on the Virginia Central railroad.
Porter was ordered to disperse the enemy's forces, while
guarding the approaches to the rear guard of the Right
wing of the army. , It was also expected that the enemy's
communication with Northern Virginia by the line of the
Virginia Central railroad should be cut off, and General
Porter received orders to move at daylight on the 27th to
Hanover Court House. Assurances were received that
McDowell would co-operate without fail. The Fifth Mass.
Battery in camp at Dr. Gaines's Farm was ordered to march
at 4 a. m. with McQuade's, formerly Morell's, Brigade.
General Porter moved from camp near New Bridge by
the most direct route to Hanover Court House, expecting
to engage the enemy at or near that point. At noon of the
27th in the neighborhood of the town, he encountered a bri
gade commanded by General Branch and composed of the
1 8th, 28th and 33d North Carolina Regiments which held
the road, but after an hour's fighting they were dispersed
and the main body of our troops moved on intending to
pursue the enemy northward. But instead of taking that
direction he passed around to our Left, with the intention of
surrounding our forces while covering his own retreat, and
appeared in our rear. Having found this out, Porter faced
his whole column about and fell upon the enemy's flanks
while Martindale's Brigade was holding him at bay. A
sharp battle ensued. The rebels were routed and fled in
confusion, and General McClellan wrote the President that
General Porter had entirely "relieved his Right flank which
was seriously threatened" and had "routed and demoralized
a considerable portion of the rebel forces." It was called
one of the handsomest things of the War, both in itself and
its results.
One of our hospitals was captured, two guns were taken
from the Third Mass. Battery but they were afterwards re
taken. Our loss was reported as 56 killed, 173 wounded.

272 HISTORY OF THE

THE ACTION OF THE BATTERY.
The Fifth Mass. Battery followed the advance for two
miles, and when the column turned, it hurried back to where
our progress had been disputed and the enemy had been
overcome. Now the rebel and Union forces had changed
positions.
FROM LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Near Hanover Court House
Wednesday Morning,
May 28, 1862.
Nobody hurt in the 5th Battery.
Porter's Division had a little brush with the rebels yes
terday and licked them. We have taken a great many pris
oners. Martin's Battery 2 wounded, 3 missing, 25th N. Y.
cut up. . . . We have got the railroad. The rebels tried
to surround us, and did get in our rear so that we had to
go back two miles, and lick them a second time.
Afternoon : Yesterday we had a pretty hard day's work.
We were ordered to march at 4 o'clock, and were ready to
march at that hour, but did not start until 7 or 8. Mean
time it was raining furiously. We brought up the rear of
the Division with Morell's Brigade, Colonel (James) Mc-
Quade commanding. We left the tents standing, carried
two days' rations in the haversacks, no knapsacks or any
thing of the sort. About noon it stopped raining, and the
sun came out. After marching say 18 miles, we heard firing
ahead. It ceased as we came up, and we found the enemy
had retired. Soon we passed two of Captain Martin's pieces
waiting at some cross roads. We marched on over the bat
tle field, a wheat field, and kept on for some two miles. A
few dead and wounded men were along the road, and a
great many dead horses. We passed a large white house

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 273
belonging to Mr. Winston, a prominent Secesh, who, like
many others, had gone to Richmond. After marching two
miles we heard firing in our rear, and the whole Division
were ordered back.
The enemy it seems had passed round our left and got in
our rear, capturing one of our hospitals and driving Mar
tin's men away from his pieces, Lieut. Dunn commanding.
We hurried back to where the battle was first won. Back
came Griffin's orderly. —
'Caissons halt on the side of the road !' then — 'Can
noneers mount !'• — -'Trot !' — 'March !'
Griffin came into battery, and threw a few shells into the
woods, but the infantry had most of the work to do. They
deployed [Opened the order of troops from column into
line of battle] and soon got to work in the woods. The
9th Mass. fired one volley, gave a yell and charged. The
firing was quite lively, and was kept up till 6 o'clock when
it gradually died away, and the wounded began to come to
the rear pretty fast. . . . From the accounts I hear the
25th and 44th N. Y. did most of the work in the forenoon.
The rebels advanced firing upon the 25th, and routed them
completely, so that one captain could only find 5 men. The
44th did very well. The rebel force consisted of one Bri
gade under General Branch, 18th, 28th and 33d N. C. We
passed 150 today. They are a poor looking set and are
half starved. General (George) Stoneman (cavalry) cut
off the railroad track last night, capturing a train loaded
with provisions. By six o'clock the rebels were pretty well
cleared out, and we began to think of camp. Lieut. Dil
lingham had captured a Secesh tent, almost new, so we
continued to get under cover. A few inches of straw from
a neighboring stack made a very good bed and we slept
soundly. The next morning we lay abed till 8 o'clock.
We camped last night where the rebels made their first
stand. . . . Today we have been skylarking round doing

274 HISTORY OF THE
nothing in particular. We are six miles from Hanover
Court House and 14 from Richmond.' I am now 6 \ p. m.
sitting on the ground with my back against a hen coop.
Our infantry are round taking prisoners."
Grows' Journal: "Tuesday, May 27, 1862. Raining
awfully. At 5 we were on the march. After stopping at
times to build roads and help the guns along, we arrived
and stopped for a while in a large field to feed the horses
and water them. At 9 this forenoon we took up the march
again. It stopped raining and the sun came out. Occa
sionally stopping to rest, at 2 this afternoon we were within
8 miles of Hanover Court House. Here we heard heavy
firing. There was a fight going on, so we were pushed
ahead, and in a short time came in sight of a house with a
red flag. (See p. 21.) It was a hospital for the sick and
wounded. In passing it I saw some wounded being carried
in. On my left in a wheat field lay two dead.
Our troops had started the 'Secesh' to running just be
fore we came up. Alongside the road were strewn knap
sacks, clothing, arms, &c, of the rebels in their retreat.
The firing had now almost died away. We stopped in a
large field to rest, and I went to see where the fight began.
At 3 this afternoon we were on the road again. We had
not marched more than a mile when we heard firing in our
rear, and the whole Division was ordered back double-
quick. Louder and nearer grew the noise of musketry and can
non, as we drew near. It seems that a body of rebels, some
state the number as 10,000, had come around in our rear
with the intention of cutting us off, but they were mistaken.
Arriving on the field I found that two of the pieces of
Martin's Battery were mired in the mud, and that the men
had been driven from them.
Griffin's Regular Battery opened upon the rebels with
four pieces, which soon drove them back.
We were stationed on the Left flank, held in readiness in

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 275
case they should show themselves out of the woods to open
upon them, but we did not have to fire, for they soon began
to fall back. From where we stood I had a great view of
the battle. On our right the 22d Mass., 2d Maine, 25th
N. Y. and 44th N. Y. were stationed. The Mass. 9th and
62d Penn. made a splendid charge on the 'Secesh,' driving
them before them. About 8 or 10 rods from where I stood
was a building, and it was quickly put in use for a hospital.
Oh, the sights I saw there were awful ! There lay friend
and foe, sometimes side by side !
At 7 this evening the firing almost ceased, except, now
and then, the discharge of a musket in the woods. Up to
10 this evening our troops had buried most 300 of the
rebels. About half past ten, I laid my blankets down on the bat
tle ground, where were dead and dying and wounded, and
laid myself down to sleep."
Porter's command pushed the pursuit of Anderson's
forces, who were falling back upon Richmond, until dark,
and then bivouacked on the field.
Chase's Diary : "Saw the enemy's dead for the first time
today. Encamped in a wheat field with the dead and dy
ing all around us.
Picked up several trophies, such as cartridge boxes, belts
&c. Met several squads of rebel prisoners coming in.
May 28, 1862. Large numbers of prisoners brought in
this morning. Saw twenty-four of the rebel dead beside a
fence this morning and 12 of the 25th N. Y. Regt. dead."
Grows' Journal : "Wednesday, May 28, 1862. Was called
at 5 this morning. Got up, had some crackers and coffee,
after which I took a walk over the battleground. The dead
of the rebels were lying in every position and posture; some
with hands extended as though they were using a gun,
others drawn up as though they died in great distress,
among them a boy not more than 14 years old.
I saw 314 rebel prisoners go by our camp in one lot. It

276 HISTORY OF THE
is estimated we have taken iooo rebels. Most of them
appear glad to be taken by our troops.
About 9 this morning we were ordered to report to Gen
eral Stoneman. After marching about 5 miles we found
his encampment and waited some time before we found out
whether we were wanted or not. We found out, at length,
that we were not wanted, so we marched five miles back to
where we slept last night, arriving late this afternoon."
While they were waiting, General McClellan passed by.
Grows' Journal: "Thursday, May 29, 1862. One on the
field our troops are still burying the dead of the rebels in
large trenches, and ours in graves with boards put up.
Horses are on the field, in some cases with awful wounds,
more of them are dead.
About 10 this forenoon we were told to strike our tents
and hold ourselves in readiness to march at a minute's
notice. So we lay around in the hot sun till 3 this after
noon, when we took up our line of march for our old camp
ground, (Dr. Gaines' Farm) 20 miles, that being the dis
tance we came on Tuesday, to this place. It is a very hot
afternoon, but on account of the good state of the roads
we rode most of the way. Owing to stopping for baggage
trains to pass, darkness overtook us, and still we were not
in camp.
At 12 o'clock, midnight, we got into our old camp.
Found my old tent frame still up; put the covering on, and
soon after we had fires going to make some coffee."
Tn the three days they had been gone they had travelled
60 miles.
LIEUT. J. B. HYDE'S NOTES.
"We did not have much shooting to do there because we
could not use artillery to good advantage, but the firing of
musketry all day was the worst I ever heard. After the
battle was over, General Butterfield said to us officers who
were all there together, 'Having accomplished the object
for which we came here, we will now return to camp.'

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 277
On the way back there was a small church, and seeing a
large gathering outside, I rode my horse up to it and looked
in at the open door. I saw a, great many soldiers lying
around on the seats ; some singing and having a great time,
and I think it was Lt. Colonel (James C.) Rice of the 44th
New York Regt. said, — 'Go right in, Lt. Hyde,' so I
touched the spur to my horse and rode him up the low steps
and straight up the aisle to the altar. Then I began to
think, what if the floor should give way, but I rode out in
safety and came down the steps just as the Battery was
passing. They set up a tremendous cheer to see me riding
out of a church on horseback."
LETTER OF CORPORAL SPEAR.
Written in Pencil on the Back of a Certificate
Blank Form.
"Army of the Potomac
Encamped 8 miles from
Richmond Va.
Saturday, May 31, 1862.
Last Tuesday morning (May 27th) at 3 o'clock we were
awakened and ordered to pack, strike tents, get breakfast,
and be ready to move by daybreak. Tents were ordered to
be packed, tents on caissons, and we to carry only a rubber
blanket and an overcoat, as we were going out for a brush
with the rebels. About 7 o'clock started, in the rain, with a
little hard bread and salt pork for rations, and an overcoat
and rubber blanket for covering.
After advancing 15 miles, we heard frequent volleys of
musketry, and, now and then, the booming of a distant gun.
At 2 o'clock we came up to where the advance of our
Division had had a skirmish, and two or three regiments
of infantry with 2 pieces of artillery, were left behind to
guard a road, while the rest of the Division advanced in the
direction in which the rebels were supposed to have moved,
and after advancing 3 miles the order came for the whole
Division to turn about, as the rebels were trying to flank us,

278 HISTORY OF THE
and then such an excitement as there was! Artillery, cav
alry, and infantry, going on the double quick, back to where
the regiments and pieces of artillery were left to guard the
road, and when we reached the place found that two of the
regiments had been nearly destroyed and the men with the
artillery forced to leave their guns on the field ; but not long,
for as our infantry and cavalry came up, they made a charge
and took possession of the pieces again.
Our Battery was not engaged, although we were on the
field of action during the fight, ready to take part. One bat
tery was engaged, and that was the 5th Regular.
At dusk they began bringing in the dead and wounded
on our side, and such sights! Oh! they were awful, and
frightful. Some were pierced with bullets, others only
slightly wounded.
That night we lay down on the battle field for rest, with
only the broad heavens above us for a covering. When
morning came received orders to retire about 2 miles to
support infantry. So we went back. On arriving ascer
tained that they needed no assistance, so returned to the
battle field, pitched our tents, and stopped all of the re
maining day and part of the next, when we received orders
to go back to our present encampment, at which place we
arrived at 1 o'clock Friday morning, tuckered out and
mighty hungry, our rations gone the clay before. But now
we are all right again. Today there has been considerable
firing in the direction of Richmond."
THE SICK AND WOUNDED.
"Captain Allen," wrote Lt. Phillips, "is sick, and came
back ahead of us in an ambulance. He is now quite weak
and keeps to his bed."
NOTES BY CAPTAIN ALLEN, APRIL 19, 1900.
"This was the beginning of my first illness of malarial
fever, and I was sent back to camp in an ambulance as it
is said here. After a few days I made application for

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 279
leave of absence. I was examined by the three senior
surgeons of the Brigade, and was granted leave of absence
for ten days.
It was six days before that leave of absence was approved
at Head Quarters and returned to me. When I was ex
amined it was to see whether I was to be sent to Fortress
Monroe or beyond.
The surgeons approved of my going beyond the hospital
at Fortress Monroe, which meant home.
After the furlough got round to me I had only four days
left for leave of absence.
General Porter sent me a four mule ambulance, and, ac
companied by Serg't Terry, I started about three o'clock
in the afternoon for a station on the railroad running to
White House Landing. There had been a battle in the
vicinity of the station the day before and the trains were
very uncertain. After waiting several hours a train of a
few flat cars came along. Serg't Terry helped me on to
one of these cars, which were filled with wounded men
lying on the floor. He put my valise between two wounded
men. I sat down on it and he stood at my back supporting
me. We rode that way to White House Landing, reaching
there the next morning. Serg't Terry went down to the
Landing to see if there was any steamer to take me to
Yorktown. He returned shortly and reported that the
Nahant boat 'Nelly Baker,' Captain Calder, then a Gov
ernment transport, was laying at the wharf. He helped me
on board and as he was returning to camp I bade him
good bye.
Captain Calder gave up his stateroom to me, and made
me as comfortable as possible on my way to Yorktown,
where I took the steamer for Baltimore and New York.
On board the Baltimore steamer I made the acquaintance
of Lt. Colonel, afterwards Colonel, Moses B. Lakeman of
Maine, who had been wounded and was also on leave, and
he rendered me a great deal of assistance on my way home,
for which I desire most heartily to thank him.
At New York being very anxious to get the three
o'clock train to Boston, we explained the circumstances to

280 HISTORY OF THE
the captain, and he very kindly gave us all the time he
could possibly make for us, by running the bow of the
steamer directly to the wharf allowing us to go ashore, —
no others were permitted to land, before he docked his
steamer. I wish I remembered the name of the steamer and of the
captain, so that I might again thank him for his generous
kindness in allowing us to land as we did, for we caught
the three o'clock train and in due time we arrived at our
homes in Maiden, Mass. Colonel Lakeman, though a
Maine man was then, with his family, residing in Maiden.
Surgeon General Dale sent out the next day a surgeon tc
examine me, and extended my furlough thirty days. At
the expiration of that furlough I was still unable to return
to my command, and Surgeon General Dale extended it
thirty days longer. In a very short time after my several
extensions of furlough, I received an Order from Secretary
Stanton, through his adjutant general, stating that all
officers who were unable to rejoin their commands in six
days must resign. This order forced my resignation, for I
was still unable to rejoin my command. Following is the
copy of the Order." War Department
Adjutant General's Office
Washington, July 31, 1862.
General Orders.
No. 92
The following Order is published for the information of all con
cerned : War Department
Washington City D. C, July 31, 1862.
The absence of officers and privates from their duty under various
pretexts, while receiving pay, at great expense and burden to the Gov
ernment, makes it necessary that efficient measures be taken to enforce
their return to duty, or that their places be suoplied by those who will
not take pay while rendering no service. This evil, moreover, tends
greatly to discourage the patriotic impulses of those who would con
tribute to support the families of faithful soldiers. It is therefore or
dered by the President: —

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 281
I. That on Monday, the nth day of August, all leaves of absence
and furloughs by whomsoever given, unless by the War Department,
are revoked and absolutely annulled, and all officers capable of ser
vice are required forthwith to join their respective commands, and all
privates capable of service to join their regiments, under penalty of
dismissal from the service, or such penalty as a Court Martial may
award, unless the absence be occasioned by lawful cause.
II. The only excuses allowed for the absence of officers or privates
after the nth day of August, are:
ist. The order or leave of the War Department.
2d. Disabilitv from wounds received in service.
3d. Disability from disease that renders the party unfit for military
duty. But any officer or private whose health permits him to visit
watering places or places of amusement, or to make social visits, or
walk about the town, city, or neighborhood in which he may be, will
be considered fit for military duty, and as evading duty by absence
from his command or ranks.
III. On Monday, the eighteenth da-" of August, at io o'clock a. m.,
each Regiment and Corps shall be mustered. The absentees will be
marked, three lists of the same made out, and, within forty-eight hours
after the muster, one copy shall be sent to the Adjutant General of the
Army, one to the Commander of the Corps, the third to be retained ;
and all officers and privates fit for duty absent at that time will be
regarded as absent without cause, their pav will be stopped, and they
dismissed from the service, or treated as deserters, unless restored ;
and no officer shall be restored to his rank unless by the judgment of
a Court of Inquiry, to be approved by the President, he shall establish
that his absence was with good cause.
IV. Commanders of Corps, Divisions, Brigades, Regiments, and
detached Posts, are strictly enjoined to enforce the muster and return
aforesaid. Any officer failing in his duty herein will be deemed guilty
of gross neglect of duty, and be dismissed from the service.
V. A commissioner shall be appointed by the Secretary of War
to superintend the execution of this order in the respective States.
The United States marshals in the respective districts, the mayor
and chief of police of any town or city, the sheriff of the respective
counties in each state, all postmasters and justices of the peace, are
authorized to act as special provost marshals to arrest any officer or
private soldier, fit for duty, who may be found absent from his com
mand without just cause, and convey him to the nearest military post
or depot. The transportation, reasonable expenses of this duty, and
five dollars, will be paid for each officer or private so arrested and de
livered. By Order of the President: E. M. Stanton,
Secretary of War.
By Order of the Secretarv of War: E. D. Townsend
Assistant Adjutant General.

282 HISTORY OF THE
On the day designated in this Order for the revocation
of leaves of absence the following was promulgated : —
War Department
Adjutant General's Office,
Washington, August n, 1862.
General Orders,
No 102.
All leaves of absence and furloughs, by whomsoever given, unless
by the War Department, are, from this date, null and void, and all offi
cers and privates capable of service will immediately rejoin their re
spective commands. The commanding officer of each corps, regiment,
military post, or other command, will see that the muster directed in
General Orders No. c/2, current series, be made on the 18th instant, and
that all absentees be marked as therein directed. All persons so marked
as absent will be considered as absent without proper cause until they
shall adduce evidence before a military court or commission to show
that such absence was occasioned by one of the three causes specified in
General Orders, No. 92; and until the action of such court or commis
sion they will receive no pay.
By Command of Major General Halleck: E. D. Townsend,
Assistant Adiutant General.

CAPTAIN ALLEN'S RESIGNATION.
A letter from Lieut. Phillips explains why Captain
Allen's resignation did not take effect until October 17th,
and a copy of the discharge found in Lt. Phillips' army desk,
regularly endorsed by Gen. McClellan and the Division
commanders, is here added : —
[From Lt. Phillips'" Letter.]
"Camp near Sharpsburg, Md.
Thursday Evening Oct. 16, 1862.
I have received a letter from Captain Allen and several
official documents. Among the latter was Captain Allen's
resignation, which has been wandering around some time
after me. He sent it in to the Adjutant General's office
August 20th. It left the Adjutant General's office August

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 283
26th, respectfully referred to the commander of the Fifth
Mass. Battery. Somehow or other the Post Office was a
long time in bringing it to me, and it only reached me this
morning. I respectfully referred and forwarded it to
Captain Martin, he will do the same to General Morell, he
to General Fitz John Porter, who will accept it."
SPECIAL ORDERS NO. 284
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac,
Camp near Knoxville Md.
Oct. 17, 1862.
Special Orders.
No. 284 Extract.
6. The following named officers, having tendered their resigna
tions, are honorably discharged from the military service of the United
States. Captain George D. Allen, Battery E. Mass. Artillery.
By command of Major General McClellan (Signed) S Williams
Ass't Adj't. General.
Head Quarters sth Army Corps
October 18th, 1862.
Official : (Sd.) J. Kirkland Maj. A. D. C
Head Quarters Morell's Division.
Oct. 19, 1862.
Official : (Sd.) Francis S. Earle
Ass't Adj't. General.
Official : A. P. Martin, Capt.
Commanding Division Artillery.
CAMP ON THE GAINES FARM.
To continue Phillips' letter from the old camp ground,
May 29, 1862 : —
"One of the cannoneers, Alpheus Haskins, had his left
foot badly bruised by being run over by a gun carriage.
A stout boot saved the bones though it ruined the boot."
All of Morell's Division returned on the 29th to their
camp on the Gaines Farm.

284 HISTORY OF THE
This was the end of the battle of Hanover Court House,
but not of the casualties. While quietly resting next day
in camp, at 5 o'clock in the afternoon, there arose a violent
thunder storm. The thunder was loud and continuous, and
the sky a sheet of flame. One of the N. Y. 44th camp
ing near by was killed by a stroke of lightning, and another
stunned. They were sitting on a box of ammunition. Scott
and Phillips generously gave up their tent and home-made
bedsteads to two sick men, and occupied the "secesh" tent
through which the water ran in a continual stream.
On one occasion Phillips wrote of the situation, after
the battle of Hanover Court House, sickness, "secesh," and
the rest : — "I regret that Dr. Gaines is allowed to keep his
house, though not allowed to leave it, — when so many better
men than he are lying on the damp ground sick with fever.
After the battle of Hanover Court House some twenty
wounded men lay in his barn on the floor crowded together,
while he was allowed to occupy a comfortable bed. First
look out for the comfort of our soldiers, say I, and then
look out for secessionists. At this very moment we have
in our Battery men sick with fever. lying on the wet ground
in poncho tents, — dog kennels you would call them at
home, — while Dr. Gaines's large house close by is almost
empty. These men can be cured if we send them home
where they can get comfortable beds under a dry roof, but
keep them here exposed as they now are, and in a month
they will be in their graves. We have nearly 20 men unfit
for duty, and the regiments in this Division will not aver
age more than 500 men. The New York 25th went to
Hanover Court House with 300 men and lost half; the
New York 44th had 550 and lost 120; the Mass. 22d is as
full as any in the service. The Maine 2d is pretty full and
is a splendid regiment, and to them as much as to any
single regiment we owe the victory at Hanover.
The New York 44th fought splendidly. They were op
posed for some time to 4000 rebels and held them at bay
till the 2d Maine came up."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 285

FROM A LETTER OF T. E. CHASE.
"Hanover Co. Va.
May 31st, 1862.
Dr. Gaines is a noted rebel and tried to escape, but was
caught by our pickets, he has a fine residence, a large plan
tation, and 87 slaves, all of whom seem to favor the con
fiscation of all rebel property. I have often visited the log
cabins of the negroes on hoe-cake speculation, and quizzed
them some, and I have had 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' from their
lips." Of the march to Hanover Court House he says : —
"We passed the direct road to Richmond — which was
seven miles distant — on the left. When we had marched
about 18 miles we heard firing ahead, and about a mile
farther on we saw that the enemy had been surprised and
routed. Several acres of land were strewn with clothing,
belts, knapsacks, haversacks, &c. which the gallant south
rons were too proud to take with them — or they were too
heavy — on a foot race with the 'mudsills.' The roadside
was lined with infantry resting, and some of them were
wounded. It was a strange spectacle to see them lying in
all positions; some talking, some writing, many asleep, and
others tying up slight wounds. In a field at our right lay
the body of one of the cannoneers of Regular Battery M,
who was killed by a shell. The back part of his head was
shot away, and his brains and fragments of his skull were
scattered in every direction. He was a No. 3 man and,
had a thumbstall still on his thumb, which was peculiarly
suggestive to me, but I had but little time to borrow trouble
about that then. Several dead horses were lying there
that were shot from under their riders. As the Battery
went round a corner, I cut across a wheat field to save
distance, and but a few rods from the road I saw for the
first time one of the enemy's dead. He fell on his side.

286 HISTORY OF THE
His knapsack was strapped to his shoulders, and at his side
lay his gun, haversack, and canteen. His eyes were par
tially closed. I raised the bosom of his blood-stained shirt,
and saw the fatal wound. He was shot through the heart
and must have died instantly. I took some cartridges from
his cartridge box and ran to our piece. I found the car
tridges were made of good fine powder and a round moulded
ball and three buck-shot each. On the road I picked up a
cartridge box marked inside 'C. S. Arsenal, Baton Rouge,
La.' . . ". We marched about a mile farther, and were
very suddenly ordered to countermarch, as the enemy had
flanked us, but we went as fast as possible, and when we had
regained our wasted mile, we took equipments, and
mounted the caissons, and prepared for quick movements
and hot work, and it had already commenced, for we heard
the rattle of musketry in front of us, and saw the smoke."

VALLEYof the Chickahominy

Camps— I. Infantry of Division.— Jt.Martin's Battery.— S.rYeeden'sBatteTy.-4.Gnff m's
Battery.— S.A/leri&Battery. Pos id ons, June ?*—6. S"*Mass.Battery.-7. Maryland
Battery— -8. Carlisle's Regular JLo fidr Battery.— S.JZ/>drjt—IO.Re6el Battery. II.June9f
—Right Sec tion. II. June/I*— Centre Section. IJ.Junel3?- Centre* left Sections. I4.0ui
Bridge . li'.New Bridje,tuto bridges. In BatteriesJune2S^—l6.R/ghtofNewBridge,4Guns
—It. Onhill hack oJNeujBridgeflve 30pdrs—IS.0nCaiaes'ttillFive3P/idrs.—IS. St* Mass. in
No4, Six 6ans.-Z0.7une 16^ tt, June 2Sf—Reiet Guns. 2.1. Out Pickets, ix&bel Pickets.

CHAPTER IX.
THE VALLEY OF THE CHICKAHOMINY.
Battle of Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862.
"Oftentimes an indifferent action, a short saying, or a ready jest,
opens more intricacies of the true character than a siege or a battle."
— Plutarch's Alexander.
"The slight circumstances of Plutarch are not mere anecdotes, in
serted for the sake of amusement. They are traits of feeling and dis
position : short lines from a page of the heart put into italics."
— Rev. Robert Aris Willmott.
Lieut. Henry D. Scott in his Notes describes the course
of the Chickahominy as "from northwest to southeast, a
treacherous stream, from 30 to 50 feet wide at this point.
"Its banks," he says, "are low, and after a few hours' rain
would overflow, and the country in its course would have
the appearance of one vast lake."
The military operations on the Chickahominy embraced
that part of the stream between Bottom's Bridge on the
south where it is crossed by the Williamsburg road, and
Meadow Bridge, fifteen miles to the north, where it is
crossed bv the Fredericksburg- railroad.
Richmond lies nearly opposite the centre of this line,
about 6 miles from the Chickahominy at its nearest ap
proach. The swamp and stream had been crossed by several
bridges. All of those in front of Richmond had been de
stroyed by Johnston when he fell back from Yorktown. and
Williamsburg, and the approaches to them were commanded
287

288 HISTORY OF THE
by batteries on the southern side. Other points had to be
chosen for building new bridges, which on account of the
soil had to be laid upon trestles ; the approaches being cordu
royed. In moving from Williamsburg the Right wing of the
Federal army had kept to the north, striking the Chicka
hominy at New Bridge directly in front of Richmond, the
Left wing, keeping to the south, had reached the river at
Bottom's Bridge, 13 miles below. This bridge had been
demolished on May 20th, but close by was a ford which had
been seized. On the 22d of May, Head Quarters were
established at Cold Harbor just in the rear of the head of
the Right wing. The bulk of the enemy were across the
Chickahominy on the main road from New Bridge to Rich
mond, but a detachment had been left at MechanicsviUe on
the north bank 4 miles above. This was dispersed on the
24th by the artillery and the bridge was destroyed.
The rebel general Johnston had destroyed the bridge by
which the York River railroad crossed the Chickahominy,
but no other damage was done, and after the bridge was re
paired the railroad was in operation up to the river.
On May 24th, 1862, McClellan received a despatch from
the President, announcing that in consequence of General
Banks's position having been made critical by the line being
broken on the day previous at Front Royal, with a probable
loss to us of a regiment of infantry and two companies of
cavalry, he was compelled to suspend General McDowell's
movement to join the Army of the Potomac.
Then General McClellan ordered the construction of a
series of bridges across the Chickahominy, but Bottom's
Bridge and the Railroad bridge, a mile apart, were his
main dependence, as the Railroad bridge, as it proved,
was above the reach of the highest water; these he pro
tected in order to render his communications secure be
tween the Left wing on the south side of the Chickahominy
composed of the two corps of Keyes and Heintzelman

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 289
covering six miles of the Williamsburg road in order to
guard the approaches to White Oak Swamp, and the Right
wing fifty miles away on the north bank of the river com
posed of the Corps of Sumner, Franklin and Porter, extend
ing north for 18 miles.
This was the situation on the 28th of May. The rise
of the river on the 30th carried away all but the Railroad
bridge, which was the only means of communication be
tween the two wings of the Army. During the afternoon
and night of the 30th a storm more violent than had been
known for many years, swept over Richmond. The rising
of the Chickahominy which was already full would over
flow the swamp, preventing the forces on the south side
from communicating with those on the north. The Left
wing of the Army of the Potomac thus placed upon its
own resources for its defense was thought by the rebel
rulers to be at their mercy. But the rain fell alike on the
just as on the unjust. The storm which swelled the Chicka
hominy impeded the movements of the troops of the rebel
general Huger, and in the summing up of these events it has
been sagely observed (see Harper's "History of the Great
Rebellion") that if Huger had come down upon the Left at
any time, or if Smith had moved only an hour earlier on
the Right, Heintzelman and Keyes must have been utterly
crushed. Or, had the full flood of the Chickahominy come
down, as was expected, four hours before, instead of four
hours after noon, Sumner could not have crossed, and the
Union forces on the south side of the river would have been
annihilated in plain sight of the whole army on the opposite
Bank, utterly powerless to give any aid.
There is another period in the history of the world where
an army passed from- one bank to another in just the most
convenient time. See chapter and verse in the Bible.
THE BATTERY AT THE BRIDGE.
It was hoped that the next move would be direct for
Richmond, and until that order came the weary soldier
would rather rest in camp, but at 9 o'clock in the evening

290 HISTORY OF THE
of Saturday the 31st of May, the repose of the Battery was
broken by orders to go down and protect the building of
a bridge half a mile from camp, and about the same distance
below New Bridge, across the Chickahominy. In the dark
ness Lieut. Hyde rode over a bank about five feet high,
bruising his arm so that he had to go back to camp.
A MISS-STEP IN THE DARK.
Notes of Lieut. Hyde Revised May 22, 1900.
"Ordered by General Griffin to take my Battery in the
night as quietly as possible to a point under a cliff where the
enemy had a strong fortification, at daylight as soon as it
was light enough to discover their works we were to com
mence firing in that direction; the object being to draw their
fire to ascertain what they had, — and we found out!
We were moving along on what seemed in the darkness
to be hard ground, and I was riding in company with Cap
tain A. P. Martin, when before I was aware of the danger,
my horse went down a steep bank carrying me with him, and
falling upon my leg and right arm, injuring me consider
ably, and I was compelled to leave the Battery in command
of Lieut. Dillingham, and go back, Captain Martin kindly
accompanying me, to the surgeon of the 44th N. Y. Regt.
He examined my arm, putting it apparently in the best
shape possible, placing it in a sling, and I returned to the
Battery, having been absent only half an hour. I carried
my arm in the sling for a week or ten days after. To this
day (1900) it is sensitive to the touch, very crooked and
two inches shorter than the left arm; the hand being much
smaller." The Battery was stationed in a large low-level clover
field, about 500 yards from the river, and disposing them
selves as comfortably as possible on the limber boxes,
officers and men slept all night in the mist and rain, with

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 291
the Battery in position just on the line of our advance
pickets, though skirmishers were across the bridge on the
left bank of the river. Porter's Fifth Corps of 20,000 men
was alone upon the right bank.
Grows' Journal: "Saturday, May 31, 1862. At 2 this
afternoon sharp musketry and heavy firing was heard.
Across the creek our troops and the rebels are at it again.
[This was the attack by Johnston on the Left wing of the
Army of the Potomac commanded by General Silas Casey
at Fair Oaks, when the Union forces were driven back.]
The more they fight the sooner it will be over. The balloon,
which is near us, went up this afternoon, and discovered
our forces at Bottom's Bridge. We have orders that we
may be called before morning. At % past 9 this eve, we
were called to hitch out Guns and Caissons to go to a bridge
about one mile from camp, and guard it. At 10 we started,
leaving all our things behind except blankets and overcoats.
We got on to the wrong road and got lost, and did not
strike the right and get to the bridge till /i past 3 in the
morning." June ist, 1862, the Battle of Fair Oaks was renewed and
resulted in the repulse of the rebels.
GUARDING THE BRIDGES.
In the valley of the Chickahominy the engineers labored
under great disadvantage owing to the rising of the river,
which overflowed its banks until the meadows were all
afloat, and the completion of the bridge anticipated on Sun
day morning June ist was not so soon accomplished. The
Battery, however, was relieved at dark, twelve 32 pdrs.
having come out during the day, and Colonel Alexander
chief of engineers being of the opinion that two companies
of infantry and two pieces of artillery were enough to pro
tect the bridge.
The day was hot, and very "close" and "muggy," but

292 HISTORY OF THE
there were mitigating circumstances in a barn near by con
taining several tons of tobacco, which the men carried back
to camp on the Gaines Farm, each carrying as much as
could be transported in his arms.
Grows' Journal: "Sunday, June i, 1862. 'As dark as
pitch,' not a star to be seen. Unlimbered and went into
Battery. This is the Chickahominy swamp, and a bridge has
got to be built in order for our troops to cross. At J^ past
4 this morning I laid my blankets on the wet grass and
-clover and laid down. There was a very heavy dew and then
rain. Got up at 6. We soon moved our guns farther back
so we can get good range. A queer business for Sunday !
Soon after, several regiments of infantry came down to
protect the batteries and to help on the bridge. They soon
got themselves to work and then we were dismissed for the
rest of the day, to make ourselves as comfortable as we
could but not to go too far away, — to be within hailing
distance. This is a beautiful place, a large plantation. The owner's
name is Dr. Laws. He is under arrest being one of the
very rankest 'Secesh.' He raises mostly tobacco; has a
large barn about 100 ft. from our piece, and in it is about
$5000 worth of cured tobacco in the leaf. It has not been
pressed. Our officers told us to help ourselves. It is far
superior to that which we buy at home. All the men who
smoke have plenty of cigars, for it is very easy to roll one
out. The tobacco is packed in the barn all over the floor.
about 5 ft. thick.
The sun is awful hot today, but I have kept myself in
the shade of the Barn most of the time. This afternoon I
was surprised to see Whitcher, who formerly belonged to
the old Battery. He is how a lieutenant in the ist Maryland
Battery. We have not had any occasion to fire, as yet.
The battery on our right, — there are 8 of us, — has fired
about 20 shots today. Small bodies of rebel troops keep
showing themselves during the day, along the edge of the

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 293
woods, but a shell or two soon scatters them. Our supper
was brought over to us in good season, and about an hour
after we got orders to go back to camp. Arrived soon after
dark." June 2d, Monday forenoon, about io o'clock, the Battery
went clown again to guard the bridge.
The officers had fried pork, and hasty pudding and
molasses, for dinner, over which they discussed the situ
ation, while heavy firing both of musketry and artillery
resounded on the left of the line. It was confidently asserted
in the privacy of camp circles, that if Porter's Corps had
crossed the Chickahominy on Sunday, June ist, 1862, it
could have marched straight to Richmond. The enemy's
forces were then coming round on our right wing, which
was held by Porter's Corps.
"This continual moving" [back and forth to the bridge]
wrote Lt. Phillips, "is a terrible strain on sick men, and
there are plenty of them here. Not a great many very sick,
but a large number troubled with slight disorders, enough to
render them unfit for duty. The country is not so healthy
as New England, by any means, leaving out the exposure.
Yesterday [3d] we remained in camp all day. We were
ordered to go out into the field, but in consequence of the
storm, I suppose, General Morell ordered us to stay in
camp." — A heavy rain flooded the road, and still the bridge
was impassable. A regiment passed down with shovels and
axes. The road was to be corduroyed.
Grows' Journal: "Wednesday, June 4, 1862. We are
only 5 miles from Richmond, and we will have to fight, I
expect, every foot of the ground, before we can get into the
place which is expected to be the winding up place of this
war. Thursday, June 5. An order came this morning about
8 o'clock to go on picket. About noon the firing on the
rebel works by our Battery and four others began."
On June 5, 1862, Captain Allen went home sick, on leave

294 HISTORY OF THE
of absence, and the Battery left camp with pieces only, about
7 a. m., and went down to the clover field to protect the
bridge. Carlisle's regular batteries 20 pdr. Parrotts, were
on a hill in the rear, and a Maryland battery was on the
right of the Fifth Mass. Battery, guarding New Bridge.
At 8.15 a. m. the Marylanders commenced firing at a rebel
battery on the other shore and unmasked the battery. The
Fifth Massachusetts from its position could not see the
enemy, and only fired two test shots. These were fired by
the First Detachment. They both fell short as did the solid
shot of the enemy.
At 9 a. m., a brisk fire was kept up on both sides, which
lasted about two hours. Carlisle's batteries threw an oc
casional shell over the river [This was the Fifth Brigade
of the Artillery Reserve, Capt. J. Howard Carlisle com
manding, composed of Battery E, 2d U. S., and Batteries
F, and K, 3d U. S.J
Shortly after dinner a light battery on the other shore
supposed to belong to Sumner's Corps, which crossed lower
down the river, commenced operations.
In the latter part of the afternoon a few shells were fired
from the twelve 32 pdrs. brought down on the left to guard
against contingencies.
LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"June 6, 1862 : Lately I have had a chance here to witness
the practical effects of confiscation. Near by the position
of our Battery is a tobacco store house belonging to Dr.
Gaines. . . . When we first came here this contained
several tons of tobacco, but now it has all disappeared, and
I am afraid Dr. G. will have some difficulty in finding any
one to pay for it. Yesterday, as if not content with this,
the engineer officer building the bridge came up for
material, and with the help of four men tore the boards off
one side and end and took out a lot of the joists. We told

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 295
him if he wanted the whole we would soon have it down
for him, but he had got all he wanted, so the building still
stands, though I think its existence will terminate within
a few days. Dr. G. will begin to experience some of the
suffering which he and those like him have brought upon
the country, but not so much as I would like. His clover
is all being eaten by Union horses, and pretty much every
thing growing on his farm will be consumed or trodden
down by Porter's Division. Fence rails have long since
disappeared from our vicinity, and the oak woods have lost
much of their beauty: 15000 men of the Army of the
Potomac will do a great deal of mischief."

GENERAL ORDERS JUNE 7, 1862.
War Department
Adjutant General's Office
, Washington, June 7. 1862.
General Orders
No. 61
The great number of officers absent from their regiments without
sufficient cause, is a serious evil which calls for immediate correction.
By paragraph 177, General Regulations, the power of commanding of
ficers to grant leaves of absence is limited to a "time of peace." In
time of war, leaves of absence will only be granted by the Secretary
of War, except when the certificate of a medical officer shall show,
beyond doubt, that a change of location "is necessary to save life, or
prevent permanent disability." [Paragraph 186, General Regulation c]
In such case, the Commander of an Army, a Department, or District,
may grant not exceeding twenty days. At the expiration of that time,
if the officer be not able to travel, he must make application to the
Adjutant General of the Army for an extension, accompanied by the
certificate of a medical officer of the army, in the usual form, and that
he is not able to travel. If it be not practicable to procure such a cer
tificate, in consequence of there being no army physician in the place
where the officer resides, the certificate of a citizen physician, attested
by a civil magistrate, may be substituted.
All officers of the regulars and volunteers, except those on parole,
now absent from duty with leave, will be considered "absent without
leave'' [paragraph 1326, General Regulations,'] unless they are found
at their post, within fifteen days from the date of this order, or are

296 HISTORY OF THE
authorized by orders from the Adjutant General to be absent, which or
ders will in all cases be based on a certificate as above described, and
must be exhibited to the paymaster before payment is made them.
All invalid and wounded officers who are able to travel, although
their disability may not have been removed [paragraph 187, General
Regulations'] will repair, without delay — those from the East to An
napolis, to report to the General Commanding the Camp of Instruc
tion : those from the West to report to the commanding officer of
Camp Chase, Ohio. At those points they will remain until able to pro
ceed to their regiments, or until an examining board may decide ad
versely on their ability to return to duty within a reasonable time,
and orders may be given by the President for their discharge.
Their Excellencies, the Governors of States are requested to make
known this order, and to contribute to its execution, as may be in their
power. Mustering and Recruiting Officers are directed to do the same.
Extra copies of the order will be furnished them for distribution.
Failure to comply with the above regulations will be reported to the
Adjutant General by Regimental Commanders.
By Order of the Secretary of War. L. Thomas
Official : Adjutant General.
Assistant Adjutant General.

Sunday, June 8, 1862, the Battery was in camp all day:
Lieut. Dillingham with the Right Section going down to
New Bridge at sunset to be relieved the next evening.
June 9th, in the afternoon, the Fifth Corps was reviewed
by General McClellan and General Fitz John Porter, ac
companied by General Prim [Gen. Juan Prim, Count de
Reuss] commander of Spanish forces in Mexico, who was
on a visit to the Army of the Potomac; a host of officers of
lesser rank being attached to the reviewing party.
The review took place in an open field on the right of
the road from Gaines Mills to MechanicsviUe.
"We hitched up four pieces" wrote Lieut. Phillips, "two
(the Right section) being out on picket, and marched out
into a large field where the rest of the Division were drawn
up. We formed in line with the other batteries, and waited
for the great individual for whose satisfaction we were
there.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 297
Pretty soon — 'Attention. Present sabre!' — and we pre
sented sabre, while General Porter and General Prim rode
by. General Prim had on a smoking cap very much like
the royal diadem which you see on the stage. What it was
made of I cannot say : otherwise he was dressed in a plain,
dark coat, with one cross and star on his breast. In the
crowd following came some more Spanish officers, with the
same style of caps, made out of plaided material, and with
coats befrogged in every possible place and style."
THE ARMY.— STRUCTURAL UTILITY.
Still the confiding army, in ignorance of the suspension
of McDowell's orders, were looking for his reinforcements.
Lieut. Phillips wrote in this letter of the 9th of June: —
"I have just heard that General McDowell has landed at
White House with reinforcements, and though we need
them, it will not do to wait long in this swamp for more
men, when the men we have are dropping off like dead
leaves in autumn. The popular idea is that soldiers even
when suffering the most are provided with good tents, but
our soldiers have not seen the inside of a tent since we left
the Potomac. The infantry have shelter tents, — the
French tentes d'abri; — and our men make tents for the oc
casion out of tarpaulins and rubber blankets. The shelter
tents are three feet high and some of our tarpaulin tents
four or five feet high, but they are all low and consequently
dark and wet. Add to this the natural carelessness of a
soldier, the hardships, and hard fare, and a swamp full of
miasma, and you will be able to understand the sickness
which prevails here. We have our share of it. This morn
ing 23 men were reported unfit for duty. Captain Allen is
home on sick leave, and Lieut. Dillingham temporarily laid
up with a cramp, which came on this forenoon while he was
out on picket, owing probably to the coldness of last night.
I hear of companies who turn out twelve or fifteen men on

298 HISTORY OF THE
parade, and the Doctor of the N. Y. 44th told me that he
thought half this army were unfit for duty. Our numbers
are fast diminishing, and it will not do to wait much longer.
Not that I think numbers make much difference, for the
rebels suffer as much or more than we do, and I will risk
our men against any reasonable odds, but I like to spare
our men. I do not know but it is more terrible to read of
500 killed in battle than of 2000 dying of disease, but as this
is somewhat a matter of taste, I had rather, for my part,
have my head shot off by a cannon ball, than shake to death
with fever and ague. It is more glorious, besides being
more comfortable."
In relation to organization he wrote June ioth, 1862.
Tuesday evening: — "It seems to me that we have enough
regimental organizations and officers, and the best plan is to
recruit up to the maximum standard the regiments now in
service; and to discharge as fast as possible the sick and
disabled men who increase our strength only on paper.
lt has now become quite useless to estimate the strength
of an army by the number of regiments. In our Division
the strength varies very much. The 22d Mass. 800 men;
9th Mass. [infantry] as much or more; 18th Mass. 700
men; 25th N. Y. 200 men; 44th N. Y. 350 men &c, the
average being perhaps 450 effective men to a regiment.
Massachusetts, you see, comes out ahead. So this Division,
which numbered 1 5000 men is really reduced to an effective
6000 or 7000. The situation and weather here are very
bad, the ground is damp and miasmatic, and it rains as a
general thing. Luckily our tent is water proof and an
elaborate system of outside drainage constructed under the
pressure of a former storm, keeps the floor dry. Then I
have an elegant bedstead constructed of four crotches, two
fence rails and a secession bed sacking, — confiscated.
Scott has a regular camp bedstead, but it is not half so warm
and comfortable as mine. The principal trouble about this

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 299
kind of living is that you have to get on the bed to un
dress, and hang up your clothes on top of you after you
have got to bed. In fact the bed is a universal repository
for everything, saddle, sabre, pistol, spurs, newspapers, and
everything else which it will not do to put on the ground."
June ii, 1862, the Centre Section was on picket at New
Bridge; on the 12th, the Left Section.
It was understood that the rebels on the opposite shore
were firing the guns they captured May 31st at Fair Oaks.
When they did any good shooting they were always using
our guns. Their practice was to bring a gun down into the
woods, fire a few shots, and as soon as our batteries replied
they would limber up and retire or open in some new
position. Whenever they made their appearance they met
with a lively reception. Every day a balloon went up and
it was supposed the occupant kept a good lookout.
With the pleasant weather the flood in the Chickahominy
was rapidly falling, and about half a mile below the bridge
the Battery had been guarding, Smith's Division, by the
13th, had thrown up a very respectable earthwork, much
stronger than a mere parallel or rifle pit and as strong in the
estimation of Lieut. Phillips as many of the defenses of
Yorktown. "From a tall flagstaff," he wrote, "in the centre
of the work a large American flag floats defiantly, in "sight,
I should think, of Richmond."
IN THE EARTHWORKS.
McClellan's Head Quarters crossed to the left bank of
the river. Our pickets were over on that side, and Berdan's
Sharpshooters in front of them within, in some cases,
25 yards of the rebel pickets. Lieut. Phillips was ordered
Saturday morning, June 14th, to take his section down to
New Bridge to reinforce Lieut. Scott and the Right Section.
The route, as described, followed various turnings and
twistings until out of the field, when the Battery moved

300 HISTORY OF THE
down a hill, across a brook, up a hill by Dr. Gaines's
"gate posts," the fence and gate having disappeared some
time since, on a half mile, then a turn to the left and
straight ahead for a mile. Lieut. Scott's two pieces were
in a new earthwork a little above New Bridge close by the
edge of the swamp.
The line was 120 ft. long, 2 ft. 6 inches high, 20 ft.
thick. There, were beds for four pieces, on each side of
which was a depression 3 ft. deep, into which the limbers
were backed.
The swamp was full of trees, so that nothing could be
seen from their position.
Instructions came from General Porter to be very careful
and wide awake. The enemy had made a demonstration in
the rear — a cavalry attack — cutting off a wagon train, and
fears were entertained for one of the wagons with George
Shaw. They had also driven in the pickets at one bridge.
The Division was in great excitement all day and night.
Martin's Battery starts out of camp three times and re
mains harnessed, ready to move. Lieut. Phillips was
relieved at 9 p. m. on the 13th by Captain Weeden and
returned to camp, but was ready to move all night.
Lieut. Hyde with the Right Section stayed in the earth
works. Captain Griffin had been promoted. He wras now Briga
dier General.
THE FIRST DEATH IN CAMP.
Saturday, June 14, 1862, Corporal Henry C. Parsons
died in the hospital, in the afternoon, of typhoid fever.
Grows helped bring him into camp. He left a wife and
three children.
The next morning there were funeral services for the
first time, and the body was sent to White House Landing
on the way home to Maiden, Mass. The camp had grown

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 301
dreary and disagreeable. The grass was all worn off, and
old boxes, barrels and the other debris of a camp were
strewn around. The place was called Gaines Hill and the
owner Dr. Gaines was under arrest in one of the buildings.
He owned about 150 slaves. George Shaw, who started
from White House just in time to meet the rebels on their
raid, and who ought to have arrived with his wagon load
of horse shoes &c, besides provisions for the officers' mess,
was detained, and the officers' diet was salt junk and hard
bread and hasty pudding, with on one occasion a few
cherries, and at others a glass of lemonade, but on Sunday
afternoon the 15th, George Shaw with the wagon rolled
into camp. He left White House all right, and had got
seven miles out on the road when he met a company of
cavalry retreating full gallop, so he turned and kept his
horse on the gallop till he reached his point of departure.
Then he took a new start and came through safely. There
was a train of 50 other teams and only 5 men escaped with
their lives. Infantry and cavalry were ordered out in pur
suit. The officers that night dined on boiled ham and string
beans.
FROM LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"June 16 1862, Monday, at 6 p. m. the Battery left
camp with the six guns only. The Right section under
Lieut. Scott and the Centre section under Lieut. Phillips in
the earthwork at New Bridge, Lieut. Hyde and the Left
section at the bridge above. Fourteen hundred yards in
front of our earthworks was Lewis Hill covered with trees
from which we were fired upon, our men in response aim
ing at the flash of their guns which alone was visible.
Four of Griffin's pieces were in the battery and the Fifth
Mass. delayed its approach while they limbered up and
came out, then ran the guns behind the breastworks, the
enemy's shot and shell flying at them; the fragments of the

302 HISTORY OF THE
shells striking under the horses which were hurried out of
the way. Their guns were one 12 pdr. and one 3 inch
Rifled Gun. For two hours the firing was incessant with
no casualties on our side. One piece of shell broke the
sponge staff on the 4th piece and another rolled over the
parapet on to Leach's back, but did no harm."
"We used," [Chase's Diary] "40 elevation, and 3^ sec
ond fuze while firing."
Phillips wrote "Corporal Nye, 3d piece, made some
very pretty shots. The rebels had the range perfectly.
As far as the proximity of shells was concerned it beat
Yorktown all to pieces, but there was in reality almost no
danger, as we were sheltered completely by the friendly
pile of dirt in front of us. The rebels fired first rate, but
if we had had as fair a sight at them as they had at us,
somebody would have got hurt at their guns."
In the night the rebels cut down the trees that masked
their earthwork, and all the next day our men could hear
the music in the enemy's camp.
Grows of Charlestown celebrated the anniversary by
buying some lemons and making some lemonade.
At eight o'clock, after dark, on the 17th, the Battery was
relieved by Captain John R. Smead, Battery K, 5th U. S.
artillery, and it went back to camp, leaving it after supper
for a position on the hill by Dr. Gaines's house, where
were two 20 pdr. Parrotts; sending the horses back to
camp. In the morning of the 18th, Martindale' s Brigade and
Griffin's Battery had marched to MechanicsviUe and re
turned in the evening. Throwing up earthworks was the
order of the day on both sides; the rebels shovelling dirt
on Lewis Hill, and the Union soldiers piling it up on their
side of the river.
The Battery was in position on Gaines Hill where it had
been since the evening of the 17th, Lieuts. Phillips and

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 303
Scott in charge of the guns, "turning in" under a tent fly,
when at noon of the 18th, General Fitz John Porter desired
to have some 3 inch Schenkle percussion shell of a new
pattern tested, which process Lt. Phillips thus describes : —
"We aimed one piece at a pile of dirt which the rebels
were at work on, close by Mrs. Price's house; distance 2400
yards, elevation 7 1-20, and blazed away. The shots went
first rate, all bursting.
The first shot fell a little short, the second struck right
in the earthworks, burst beautifully, and five more gave a
similar good account of themselves.
When we stopped, the rebels commenced firing at us
with a ten pounder Parrott, using no fuzes. Their shots
went first rate, one striking just eighteen yards in front of
the Right piece — for I paced off the distance. — Another
struck about 20 feet in front of a large crowd, who had
gathered to witness the sport, whereupon they 'skedaddled'
in lively style, but before General Porter and his attendant
crowd could get off the hill, they sent a dozen shots whiz
zing round our heads from one of our own ten pdr. Parrotts
captured at Fair Oaks.
During the afternoon General McClellan and staff rode
up to our Battery, took a look at things and rode off.
[See p. 310 McClellan's new base.] Toward sunset a lively
engagement commenced between the rebels and our battery
at New Bridge and I thought the rebels had rather the
best of it, putting every shell just where they wanted it,
but our 20 pdr. Parrotts on the hill in the rear of the New
Bridge battery, took it up and made some great shots.
The balloon went up to do the observing, and the enemy
fired two shots at it from their 10 pdr. Parrotts. One wen:
sailing over our heads into the woods near our horses and
ricocheted into the infantry camp, and the other, fired
while the balloon was descending, passed close to it and

304 HISTORY OF THE
struck the bank between the balloon and Captain Griffin's
camp. The distance must have been 5000 yards."
REINFORCEMENTS.
On June 19, 1862, the Fifth Corps, still on the north
bank of the Chickahominy, was reinforced by the ioth N.
Y., the ist Michigan, McCaU's Division, and the cavalry
commands of Generals Cooke and Stoneman.
Grows' Journal: "June 19, 1862. About io this fore
noon some new shell of Schenkle patent came, and we were
ordered to fire on the rebels who are in easy sight. Throw
ing up breastworks we fired five rounds, which caused them
to 'skedaddle' and then they commenced firing at us, but
did not do any hurt or good, and they soon 'dried up.'
After dinner Harry Simonds and I went into one of the
slave cabins to get some water, and had quite a chat with
the old woman of the shanty. They are a very peculiar
class, and make a great deal of money by this war, selling
hot cakes, and such things, to the soldiers."
On the 20th, one shell fired by the rebels struck in
Captain Weeden's camp, and others went an indefinite
distance over the woods. Some were fired at the 20 pdr.
Parrotts on the hill, in the rear of New Bridge, but missed
the mark.
Eleven bridges had now been built across the Chicka
hominy and seven were available, viz., Bottom's Bridge,
the Railroad Bridge, the Foot Bridge, Duane's Bridge,
Woodbury's Infantry Bridge, Woodbury and Alexander's
Bridge, and Sumner's Upper Bridge or the Grapevine
Bridge, the one over which Sumner had crossed to win the
battle of Fair Oaks.
All of the Army of 100,000 men had passed over to the
south side, except Porter's Corps and McCaU's Division.
While McClellan built bridges the enemy constructed
earthworks.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 305

LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Friday morning, June 20, 1862, the picket relief, return
ing, waked up the rebel 10 pdrs., and they banged away in
our direction. At the first shot, which fell short, the men
looked a little astonished, not knowing what to make of it.
At the second shot which went over their heads a loud
laugh went up from the whole picket. The third shot
struck close to them, and instantly came the order 'Double
Quick. March!' and off they went. The rebels have at
present two guns mounted in this battery of 4 and 5 inches
calibre respectively, throwing shot weighing 30 and .40
pounds. The 40 pdr. is the heaviest rifled gun they have,
and is the same as the guns which burst at Yorktown.
A deserter who came in, says, I am told, that they have
four or five more 40 pdrs. which they are going to mount,
and that the 30 pdr. is a Parrott gun which they took at
Bull Run.
Our position is a splendid one for artillery practice. The
meadows on the banks of the Chickahominy run back with
out rising much on each side about half a mile. A narrow
belt of trees lines the banks of the river, and beyond the
low plain on each side rises a line of wooded hills, with
clearings and openings here and there. These hills are
from 1500 to 4000 yds. apart, and batteries are planted
along their whole length.
The rebel guns that I know of are as follows : —
First a 10 pdr. Parrott near Mrs. Price's house, then
comes a long, wooded hill, stretching a mile perhaps to the
westward. Hidden in this we can just discern the outlines
of a breastwork apparently running the whole length of
the hill in a continuous line. How many guns they have
here we do not know, but as yet they have fired only three,
a 12 pdr., a three inch Rifled Gun and one gun near the
western limit of the hill, whose calibre I do not know. Then

306 HISTORY OF THE
still farther to the west comes their large gun battery situ
ated on the top of a bare, sandy hill, and sweeping the
whole valley of the Chickahominy from MechanicsviUe to
Gaines Hill.
These comprise the rebel defenses of the Chickahominy,
but only a short distance from the end of our bridge lies
Smith's Division and the right of our intrenchments,
whose high parapet and deep embrasures give warning of
what is coming. And on our side we are not idle. Our
light guns, placed as a temporary protection to bridges,
have been withdrawn, and the rebels may console them
selves with the empty satisfaction of having driven us out
of sight: but to do it they have disclosed to us their own
strength, told us the calibre and position of their guns, and
wasted their precious ammunition in a useless game of
random shots. We are shovelling dirt diligently and when
we open, the rebels will find that they have something more
than light field batteries to contend against.
When it comes to artillery practice the odds are so
tremendously in our favor, that the result will not long
be doubtful. In nothing have the rebels shown themselves
so inferior as in their management of artillery. They have
good gunners, but their artillery officers show a frivolity
altogether inconsistent with the gravity of this arm of
the service. Here, as at Yorktown, instead of husbanding
their resources in order to be ready at the decisive moment
with that concentration and continuity of fire which alone
makes artillery useful, they use up their ammunition in a
kind of worrying game, which might be useful in a gue
rilla war, but is not likely to have much effect upon a large
army. It is very irritating for a solitary individual to find
himself a target for a 40 pdr. gun, merely because he walks
across a field in front of the enemy, but, inasmuch as it is
next to impossible to hit him, it is rather a waste of powder
and shot, and will not be likely to drive us awray from
Richmond.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 307
For the last few days they have been firing away at tne
battery at New Bridge. They have made good shots,
struck the parapet almost every time, and half stifled the
men inside with smoke, but what damage have they done
us? Broken a sponge staff and a few spokes to a wheel.
and at any time we choose, we can put a battery in there
again. If they intend to demolish the battery why don't
they go to work in a business like way and hammer away
for eight or ten hours without stopping, and finish up the
job ? Instead of this they fire forty or fifty shots and then
stop, leaving our men at liberty to repair damages."
Of the firing of the 20th Lieut. Phillips wrote at another
time : — "For half an hour this battery was the hottest place
I ever saw! Our men kept well under cover, and though
the rebels hit the parapet almost every time, I have not
heard of anybody's being hurt."
In Chase's Diary it is stated that the enemy used all
sorts of shot and shell, both round and conical : twenty,
thirty-two and forty pounders.
Grows' Journal: "June 20, 1862. Friday. About 8 this
morning the rebels opened upon us with 3 in. 10 lb. shell
and 5 in. 32 lb. shell, but they did not hurt us any for our
little tents were in the woods out of the way, and were well
protected by large oak trees. The second shot they fired
went over our heads and struck one of the 2d Maine, killing
him instantly. The poor fellow was asleep in his tent at the
time, and he never awoke again in this world.
We soon opened upon them and in a short time they
stopped firing. We could hear their drums beat, and see
them at work. They are about 1^ miles from us. The
infantry throw up works most every night. Our Battery
is held back to protect the rear; a good position, but we
have to keep in the woods, out of sight. We have been
ordered to move to the splendid lawn in front of Dr.
Gaines's house. It is well shaded with large oak trees. . . .
After supper moved our quarters to the Gaines house."

308 HISTORY OF THE
On this ground there was a well which gave the only good
water they had had for some time.
Grows' Journal : "Saturday, June 21, 1862. On the farm
are some thirty slaves: all the rest have run away. They
are a smart looking set. After supper I met, and talked
a little with Dr. Gaines. He is quite an old man. His wife
is a strong Union woman. He has two daughters who
are 'secesh' to the backbone.
Sunday, June 22d. About 7 the balloon went up and
the rebels began shelling it, but could not hit it. Then they
commenced firing where we were stationed on picket.
After throwing five or six shells they stopped. It is a beau
tiful morning and everything around looks nice. Took all
the things out of my tent and laid them on the grass to air."
This lawn did not hold the Battery but a very short time,
for the enemy constructed a battery of six 30 pdr. Parrotts
in such close proximity as to make their position untenable,
and they moved nearer to the river. The same day Dr.
Gaines's wife and one of his daughters with what few slaves
they had left, moved to Gaines Mills.
Grows' Journal. "Monday, June 23, 1862. Was called
at 4 this morning and went on post. At 5 I called the
Bugler to sound the Reveille. Soon after heard the rebels
beating their drums to call the men. The air is very clear
this morning. Got orders to pack up immediately after
breakfast, so as to move our camp out of the range of
shells; two others with myself were left behind to guard
camp — to look after the stores till the teams came to carry
them to our new camp. Soon after dinner the ambulance
came over and began taking things over to camp, as the
teams will not be up before night. . . . After supper I
went to see the new intrenchments the infantry are throw
ing up. They are splendid works.
A short distance from here and almost back of Dr.
Gaines's house, are eleven fresh rebel graves, mostly North

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 309
Carolina men who were wounded at Hanover Court House.
About 6 feet from our cook house are five graves of our
men of the 22d. Mass. One died of fever, the others of
wounds. About half past 6, I went over to our new camp, about
io minutes' walk, in a delightful place, — a cleared space
surrounded by thick and tall woods. There is a spring
near by of beautiful water. Found my tent all ready. It
had been pitched by Joe Knox out in the Park. All the
rest of the tents are in the edge of the woods, and the little
road they have cut leading to them is beautiful."
The Battery was alone in the new camp, and had all the
room that could be desired. Chase makes the note in his
Diary: — "Changed camp to a delightful grove of young
trees, and begin to be happy." But the very first night there
was a gale and heavy rain.
The officers' -tents were on top of a hill where they could
get the benefit of whatever breeze was blowing, and the
first evening there was a terrific thunder storm. At mid
night the tents blew over. The next day they were obliged
to build a bridge "to connect the camp with civilization,"
which they accomplished, having the usual thunder storm
in the afternoon. THE SITUATION.
General Porter's command had been distributed as fol
lows: — Meade's Brigade at the Gaines house near a siege
battery; Sykes'and Morell's and McCaU's Divisions with
a part of the Cavalry Reserve camped on the Gaines Farm
conveniently located for a movement in any direction their
presence was required.
Opposed to these Union forces were the Divisions of
Jackson, Ewell and Whiting, at least double their number.
Information was received that our connection with

310 HISTORY OF THE
White House Landing was threatened by the rebel
general Jackson, and the commander of the Army of the
Potomac began planning for a new base of operations on
the James River to which he had secured a safe passage
over White Oak Swamp, and commissary, quartermaster,
and ordnance supplies had been sent to the new base.
[See p. 253 McClellan's choice.] It will be remembered
that on a previous occasion McClellan's judgment as to the
base had been overruled.
The Centre and Left of the Army were now instructed to
move to the relief of the Right wing in case of attack.
There were ten heavy guns in battery on the banks
of the Chickahominy; five 30 pdr. Parrotts on Gaines Hill
and five 4$ inch Rodmans in the hill battery in the rear of
the New Bridge battery.
"June 25, 1862, (Chase's Diary) the whole Battery
went on a junket in the morning near New Bridge with
pieces only. Left camp about 2 a. m. Dedicated the second
fortification by shelling the enemy early a. m. The enemy
replied to our fire with well directed shots, throwing 6 and
10 pounder shots and shells at us, but as we had good forti
fications they did us no injury. Heavy cannonading all
day; two batteries of 32 pounders and two batteries of
10 pounders shelling the enemy with short intervals of cessa
tion, all day. Fired 97 rounds from the whole Battery
today, elevation 4-J0 and 7\ second fuze; best shot 4f°
6\ second fuze. Picked up five conical shells and two solid
shot fired at us, and started a bowling alley with them in
the afternoon. Left for camp at eight p. m. The 7th
Georgia Reg't was on rebel picket line today."
Of "Battery No. 4" Lieut. Scott has written: — "Lieut.
Hyde was in command of the Fifth Mass. Battery, Lieut.
Dillingham had been transferred from the Left Section to the
Right Section; Lieut. Phillips commanded the Centre Sec
tion; it devolved on myself to take the Left Section. The

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 311
rebels had their earthworks opposite New Bridge, which
had been rebuilt, to oppose any crossing by our forces. Our
pickets held the Bridge and earthworks were thrown up to
shield our batteries which also did picket duty. The Fifth
Battery was placed behind these works at different times,
and had duelled with the enemy. We took good care to go
into these works before daylight and leave them after dark,
when relieved. We remained there the entire day, subject
to an incessant fire from the rebel guns opposite. We only
fired our guns occasionally, to let them know we were still
there. Of course horses were kept at a safe distance in the
rear." Lieut. Phillips wrote of the same date, June 25, 1862:
"The weather had become settled and we passed into the
earthworks covering New Bridge, a new 6 gun battery
No. 4. The work is quite strong, with embrasures and
traverses to protect us from the flanking fire from the big
gun battery. Four pieces from some battery are down in
the old earthwork at New Bridge which has been strength
ened and made quite secure ; the parapet having been raised
and embrasures cut. All our batteries have been blazing
away, more or less. One gun is reported burst near Mrs.
Price's house, and the hill battery think they have dis
mounted one of the rebel big guns. They put quite a num
ber of shot into the embrasure. The rebels have answered
rather feebly, making a few good shots in our vicinity.
They have fired 3 inch shot. . . .
Kearney's Division I hear attacked the rebels today, driv
ing them a mile.
At night we arrived safely in camp and went to bed. We
have received 200 rds. Schenkle 3 inch shell, which we are
now packing. . . .
Our pickets report that we made excellent shooting, and
that after a few shots the rebels skedaddled out of the bat
tery into Mrs. Price's house. We struck the house twice."

312 HISTORY OF THE

THE ARMY OF VIRGINIA.
The Army of Virginia was inaugurated June 26, 1862,
and placed under command of General John Pope, for the
protection of Washington, and for aggressive movements in
the direction of Charlottesville, and the relief of McClellan.
This army was composed of three corps under Sigel,
Banks, and McDowell.
McClellan wished fo allow Porter, who was to give bat
tle to the enemy and enable McClellan to hold his own for a
few hours, and insure the safety of his trains during the
change of base to the James River, all the reinforcements
which could be spared from the south side of the river, and
asked each commander of a corps for all he could spare and
sufficiently protect his own position for twenty-four hours,
but they believed the enemy still to be in force and threat
ening their positions on the south side and held on to them,
so Porter fought it out alone.
Thursday, June 26, 1862, in the afternoon, the enemy
crossed the Chickahominy in several columns in the vicinity
of MechanicsviUe and Meadow Bridge, flanked the Right
wing of the Army of the Potomac, and attacked McCaU's
Division at Beaver Dam Creek just north of the Mechanics
viUe turnpike. The expected had happened and supplies
were cut off in that direction.
The morning was passed in quiet, but about half past 4
p. m. the Fifth Mass. Battery broke camp. They sent their
baggage across the river at a bridge lower down held by our
forces. With the wagons went Lieut. Dillingham, a sick
man and unfit for duty. They marched with full battery in
support of Cooke's cavalry and General Butterfield's Bri
gade, according to the orders, to repel attack at Cold Har
bor. This was the first intimation they had of an impending

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 313
battle, though they had been expecting an attack at Mechan
icsviUe for some time. They had heard firing all day but
had taken no notice of it, as it was nothing unusual.
After marching two miles in the direction of Cold Har
bor, they turned and marched towards MechanicsviUe to the
assistance of McCall and Sykes. In their march they had
made the complete circuit of their camp and bivouacked
with Butterfield's Brigade in a large field 2\ miles short of
MechanicsviUe, and f of a mile in front of the Gaines
house. They could see the shells bursting over the tops of
the trees, and from 5 p. m. until dark they could hear heavy
cannonading and sharp musketry firing towards Mechanics
viUe where McCaU's Pennsylvania Reserves were closely
engaged. Grows' Journal : "June 26. . . . We were thus moved
about till dark when we were sent ne3r to our old camp, but
did not unhitch till about 11 o'clock at night. Had some
supper and got ready to lay down, but was told I would
have to go on guard at 2 in the morning. Laid down but
could not sleep."
Perfect silence was ordered, and officers and men lay
down on the ground, every man spreading his blanket
alongside his piece to be ready at a moment's notice.
They had three days' rations in their haversacks. Gen
eral McClellan was with General Fitz John Porter at the
front until the contest at Beaver Dam Creek ceased at 9
p. m. with our troops in possession of the field, returning to
his headquarters at one o'clock in the morning.
At 3 a. m. of June 27th, orders came to Porter to with
draw the Fifth Corps to the vicinity of Gaines Mills, with
both flanks resting on the Chickahominy covering the
bridges.

CHAPTER X.
The Battle of Gaines Mills,
June 27, 1862.
"And now I come to speak of the real fighting of the Peninsula.
To my mind, nothmg that came after exceeded it in the valor and
tactical merit displayed, or in reckless charges or losses in a given
time." — Brevet Brigadier-General Thomas W. Hyde.
Longstreet, commanding the rebel forces, was at Mechan
icsviUe on the 27th of June, 1862, all ready to move down
upon either side of the Chickahominy. He was then close
upon Porter's Fifth Corps. It was thought by McClellan
to be necessary to fight the enemy where he stood, and hold
the position till night, his mind being still bent upon per
fecting his arrangements for the change of base to the
James River, and at 3 a. m., General Porter received orders
directing him to .withdraw his command to a semicircular
line east of Gaines Mills, and behind Boatswain's creek, the
flanks resting on the Chickahominy, and including in its
sweep the high grounds east of the creek.
In front were the ravines of the creek, on the east woods
and underbrush, on the north and west swamps and wood
land, while on the hills to the north was cleared ground
crossed by fences and ditches. The bridge approaches
could be covered by the positions on these hills.
No fault could be found with the choice of this line but
the time for making the defenses was limited, and the men
and means were inadequate, to carry out these well laid
plans for a line two miles in length. The action at Gaines
Mills commenced about 2 p. m. During the afternoon
314

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/. General Porter's First Head Quarters. Z His Second Head Quarters.
3. Martindale -4. Section of Weeden's Battery. S. Butterfield. 6. Griffin.
7. Martin's Battery 8*8. Ravines. 9 & 9. 5** Mass. Battery. 10.
Thickly wooded, tow. swampy ground, through whi ch tne
Rebels charged- II. First attach of He~be.7s on Union Tines. IZ.
Other Union Batteries. 13. nebel Batteries. 14. Position of
latteries uthen the repulsed Cavalry rode through them
and put them in disorder, and caused the loss of many yuns.
/S.First bridge, destroyed. 16. Second bridge-destroyed-
17. Gun aime.d at Gaines House during the mo-ming.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 315
McClellan ordered up Slocum's Division to the support of
Porter; also the brigades of French and Meagher of Rich
ardson's Division; also two brigades of Peck's Division, but
inasmuch as none of them but Slocum's came within reliev
ing distance, their support of Fitz John Porter at the battle
of Gaines Mills is lost to history.
At first the 3d Brigade held the position on the extreme
Left of the line, with the Fifth Mass. Battery, Lieut. Hyde
in command, on the right and rear of the brigade, then Gen
eral Morell coming up with the remainder of his Division,
Martindale's Brigade was placed on the right of Butterfield,
and Griffin's Brigade on the right of Martindale's.
Sykes held the Right of the line, and McCall was in
reserve. Martin's Battery was on the right of Morell, com
manding the road.
The Left extended into the meadow about half a mile
from Woodbury's Bridge.
Porter's Right was first engaged.
The forces immediately opposed to the Fifth Mass. Bat
tery are believed to have been a brigade of five Alabama
regiments. General Porter's headquarters first at the Adams house,
were later at the Watts house on a hill near the front.
Among his volunteer aides were the Prince de Joinville,
Captain Louis Philippe (Comte de Paris) and Captain Rob
ert d'Orleans (Due de Chartres). The new line had been
safely reached and occupied, defenses and barriers were
erected of whatever material was available, and Porter ex
pected to hold it. Most of the artillery was formed in line
about a quarter of a mile in the rear of the infantry. For an
hour the firing had continued; at 3 o'clock the enemy had
charged and been repulsed, but not until four o'clock, when
the battle had been raging two hours, was Porter's appeal
for more troops answered by the arrival of Newton's Brigade
of Slocum's Division, which moved to the right of Griffin.
Still the line remained unbroken, but at last, massing their

316 HISTORY OF THE
superior numbers, from 60,000 to 70,000 supported by 80
pieces of artillery to our 25,000 at most fighting men, on the
Left, the rebels bore down the broken regiments of Butter
field's Brigade.
Captain William B. Weeden, on duty as chief of artillery,
ist Division, promoted from the command of Battery C, ist
Reg't. R. I. Light Artillery, reports : — ... "The smoke
had filled the whole field to the woods and it was impossible
to direct the fire. The batteries were limbering to the rear
in good order, to retire and renew the fire from the brow
of the hill, when the cavalry, repulsed, retired in disorder,
through and in front of the batteries. The caissons were ex
changing limbers with the pieces and it was impossible to
limber up and withdraw them. Men were ridden down and
the horses stampeded by the rush of the cavalry. The whole
line of artillery was thrown into confusion. Commands
could be neither heard nor executed, and different batteries
were mingled in disorder. One piece of my battery mired
in the woods. Other caissons in front and rear of the same,
having been abandoned by the drivers, it was impossible to
rescue the piece. The remainder of the battery crossed
Woodbury's Bridge at dark, and encamped on Trent's
farm."
REPORT OF GEN. GEO. W. MORELL.
(June 27th.) "The Third and First Brigades were each
in two lines, with small intervals; the Second in one line,
with one regiment in reserve. Martin's Battery was in the
open field between my Division and General Sykes's on my
right, mine being on the extreme left.
A section of Weeden's (Fourth R. I.) under Lt. Buckley,
was placed at an opening through the timber in General
Martindale's line, and a section of Allen's (Fifth Mass.) in
a like position in General Butterfield's. The rest could not

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 317
be brought into action. . . . The enemy approached through
the woods from the direction of New Cold Harbor, and
made their first serious attack about 12 o'clock upon the
Right, which was handsomely repulsed by Griffin's Brigade.
The second attack was made about 2.30, and the third
about 5.30 o'clock, each extending along my entire front,
and both, like the first, were gallantly repulsed. At the
fourth and last about 6.30 o'clock, they came in irresistible
force, and throwing themselves chiefly against the Centre
and Left, swept us from the ground by overwhelming num
bers, and compelled us to retire. Lt. Bucklev lost his two
guns yet without discredit, for he fought them to the last
moment, having but three men, including non-commissioned
officers, left to each piece, when the infantry gave way.
As we retired the artillery opened fire from the Left and
Rear, but the pressure was so great that the troops could
not be rallied, except in small bodies, to support it. Besides,
General (Philip St. George) Cooke's cavalry, having been
repulsed in a charge upon the enemy's Right, rode at full
speed obliquely through a large portion of the artillery, car
rying men and horses along with them. The cavalry re
formed under the hill beyond the reach of musketry, and
advancing to the neighborhood of the Adams house im
parted some steadiness to the infantry near them."
REPORT OF BRIG. GEN. DANIEL BUTTERFIELD.
(June 27.) "The following was the disposition of my
brigade : Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers on the
creek, with its right connecting with General Martindale's
left (First Michigan Regiment). Forty- fourth New York
to the left, and on the same line of Eighty-third: Twelfth
New York on the crest of the hill in rear of and supporting
the Eighty-third : Sixteenth Michigan back of crest of hill,

318 HISTORY OF THE
in rear of and supporting the Forty-fourth: Allen's Fifth
Massachusetts Battery to the right and rear of my position,
so situated as to be used at any point of the line I might
wish. Skirmishers from the Eighty-third and Forty-fourth
Regiments, together with the sharpshooters of the Six
teenth Michigan, were thrown well forward on the brow
of the hill, commanding our entire lines. . . . The first at
tack of the enemy in force on my brigade, took place at
about 2.30 o'clock p. m., it having been preceded by a like
attack on the Right and Centre of the general line. So
soon as it began I ordered a section of Allen's Battery to
take a position opposite to and fire through an interval in
the woods commanding the hill in front of my centre. Their
fire proved very destructive to the assaulting column. . . .
. . . The second attack of the enemy, preceded as in the
first one by an attack on the Right and Centre, took place at
about 5.30 o'clock p. m., and was more severe, but so far as
the result is concerned met with a like reception and repulse.
I brought forward my two reserves and had all my force
engaged." Of the third and last assault which took place shortly
after 6 p. m. he says : — "So emboldened were the enemy by
their success in getting on all sides of my command, that a
regiment sent a flag of truce to the Eighty-third, demanding
their surrender. This was indignantly refused, and the
regiment expended its last round of ammunition in fighting
its way out. A large portion of these succeeded in forming
in good order on the hill in rear of the batteries, and with
other fragments of commands, aided by the Prince de Join-
ville, Captain Hoyt and Major Webb of the regular artillery,
and Colonel Roberts, Second Maine, two good lines of
troops were formed with some degree of precision. The
firing of the artillery closed the scene and saved us all from
destruction."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 319
OFFICIAL REPORT OF LT. JOHN B. HYDE.
ORIGINAL COPY.
Camp near Harrison's Landing,
July 5, 1862.
Capt. Weeden,
Chief of Artillery Gen. Morell's Division.
I have the honor to make the following report as regards
the Battery under my command.
June 26th was ordered to report to General Butterfield,
and proceeded with his Brigade in direction of Coal Har
bor, and was subsequently ordered back to a field near Gen.
Morell's Head Quarters, took position near the woods;
afterwards was ordered to the field formerly occupied by
the Reserve Artillery, remained there until 3 a. m. of the
27th, was then ordered to take position "in Battery" to the
Left and near Dr. Gaines's House to command the bridge in
front [see notes of Captain Hyde May 22, 1900 p. 320] and
to cover the retreat of our troops, and then to retire after all
were over and the bridge destroyed ; this being accomplished
took position again on the other side of a bridge, on a hill
about 100 yards from the woods, and was again ordered to
take positon at the edge of the woods by General Butter
field [see notes p. 321 J and with the assistance of his Brigade.
drove the enemy back several times in great disorder, after
which we resumed our position on the hill, and remained in
readiness for the enemy to come out of the woods, then to
give them double canister, which we did with great effect
until our support gave way and we were obliged to limber
up and retire, which we did in good order, with all the
pieces except one, the horses of which having been previ
ously killed, I was obliged to leave. We had proceeded but
a short distance, when the fire of the enemy became so in-

320 HISTORY OF THE
tense, that the horses on three of the pieces were killed,
thereby preventing their removal from the field.
Our loss was four pieces, twenty-two horses and har
nesses. Corp'l A. F. Milliken shot through the head.
Private Chas. D. Barnard shot through the breast.
E. F. Gustine shot in the breast.
" Wm. H. Ray wounded in the breast.
" John Agen wounded in the side.
" L. D. Brownell wounded in ankle.
" Richard Heyes missing, prisoner.
" E. F. Smith missing, prisoner.
After having retired from the field, crossed the Chicka
hominy River and encamped near General McClellan's Head
Quarters for the night. Amount of ammunition expended
was one hundred shell and twenty-five canister.
NOTES OF LT. HYDE MAY 22, 1900.
"We were retreating towards the James River. We — our
Battery — were the last to cross the bridge below Dr.
Gaines's house on the way to cross the Chickahominy. This
bridge was built of logs and planks and was about twenty
feet wide and about thirty feet long. After we had passed
over that bridge our guns were placed 'in Battery,' facing
towards the enemy who were coming that way in pursuit of
our army, to hold them in check if necessary. After all the
troops had passed over, the colonel of the infantry regiment
was ordered to destroy the bridge.
During the work of destruction I discerned coming down
the hill at great speed several mounted men, whom by my
glass I made out to be members of the Signal Corps. I at
once told the Colonel in charge to have the planks of the
bridge replaced as members of the Signal Corps were Com
ing down the hill like lightning. He at first doubted it and

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 321
said they were rebels. I insisted,, handing him my glasses,
and having looked he said sure enough it was the Signal
Corps, and ordered the planks to be put down over which
they passed and went to the rear. I afterwards received a
complimentary letter from Lieut. Tompkins who was one
of the number.
After this bridge had been removed we proceeded to the
next bridge which was wider and much longer, reaching
from the bottom of a ravine to the top of a cliff or plateau,
and after our Battery had passed over it this bridge was
destroyed by being blown up. We were the last to go over.
This took place in the afternoon.
It was the last stand taken, and it was there we lost our
guns. General Butterfield's order was to place two of my guns
in the edge of the woods, and fire in the direction of the
enemy. Our position was on the plateau about 200 feet from the
edge of the woods where our guns again faced the enemy —
the forces of Stonewall Jackson who were directly in our
front across the ravine — without support, which it was im
possible to obtain, all the infantry being engaged as I was
informed by General Butterfield when I asked for it. All
the batteries were formed in a semi-circle the Fifth Mass.
Battery being on the extreme left. Directly in front of the
batteries was the ravine 20 feet in depth. The firing all the
afternoon and until dark was terrific, and the engagement is
said by General Butterfield to have been one of the severest
battles of the war.
Toward the latter part of the afternoon in a cross fire
from the opposite bank of the Chickahominy where the
rebels had placed their guns, with the swamp in between us.
one of the shells passing under my horse — not 'Black Char
ley,' one of 'Uncle Sam's' horses, — and tearing up the
ground for quite a distance, exploded without injury to
any one, but the shock made my hair stand on end."

322 HISTORY OF THE

GRIFFIN TO HYDE.
Harrison's Landing, Va.
July 17, 1862.
Lt. J. B. Hyde.
Dear Sir,
It gives me great pleasure to testify to your good conduct
whilst under my command; always showing a desire to exe
cute all orders with alacrity, and in a cheerful manner.
Very Respectfully,
Chas. Griffin,
Brig.-Gen'l.
HOYT TO HYDE.
Hd. Qrs. 3D. Brigade.
Morell's Division
5th Prov. Corps.
Harrison's Landing, Va.
July 17, 1862.
Lt. J. B. Hyde, 5th Mass. Batt.
Lieutenant. In the absence of General Butterfield it affords me great-
pleasure,- — having witnessed your conduct at the Battle of
Chickahominy, — to give my testimony to the soldier like,
brave, and efficient manner in which throughout the day
you managed your battery. The effect of the fire of half of
it on three occasions on that day, proved of the greatest as
sistance to our Brigade, and when later in the day all seemed
lost, you willingly reported for duty with your last pieces,
you gave evidence by the act, that you had done all any one
could for the preservation of those lost.
Please accept my best wishes for your success,
and Believe me sincerely &c.
Wm. J. Hoyt,
Asst. Adj't Gen'l.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 323

FROM PHILLIPS' LETTERS.
"Before daylight on Friday June 27, 1862, we were round
and prepared to move.
Then to' our surprise we commenced a retrograde move
ment : backward went the whole Division, and as we came
into the road we found our heavy siege guns moving along
with us.
Then the fact that we were retreating became apparent to
us, and all the time we could hear the enemy thundering on
our rear.
At 6 o'clock we passed the Gaines house, and, crossing a
little brook, came into battery on the hill beyond. Here we
were ordered to wait till all our troops had crossed, and the
bridge cut away. So we waited for two or three hours.
Finally, the last of our column passed, and the ruins of the
bridge soon fell into the stream, and no enemy had appeared.
I had one of my pieces aimed at Dr. Gaines's house, all
ready to knock it down at the slightest demonstration. As
soon as the bridge was down we limbered up and retired
across the field, over a bridge in the middle of a piece of
woods traversed by a deep ravine and brook, and into the
field beyond, where we came into battery for the second time.
Three hundred yards in front of us stretched the woods
that were to witness a terrible conflict. Right behind us the
ground sloped down into the level meadows that border the
Chickahominy. Butterfield's Brigade and our Battery were on the extreme
Left, the enemy being prevented from flanking us on that
side by the fire of Smith's heavy guns across the Chicka
hominy. Then came Weeden's Battery, then Martin's. There we
stood, waiting an attack.
About noon the enemy attacked our right, but only to be
driven back.

324 HISTORY OF THE
Again he attacked and this time our Left, and the bullets
whistled round our heads pretty lively, but the result was
the same. A third time he tried to get through the woods,
and a third time our troops drove him back; but their ranks
were thinned as they came out of the woods, and it was evi
dent that unless reinforcements arrived our wearied men
could not stand another attack from the fresh troops the
rebels were constantly receiving.
But on they came for the fourth time, and with a more
determined charge than before.
Lieut. Hyde sent my section down into the edge of the
woods . . . and I blazed away.
But this time the thundering volleys of musketry told us
that the hottest work of the day was before us.
All along the line it was one continuous roar, while mixed
with it came the heavy reports of artillery, as Weeden and
Martin thundered away on our Right. But it was of no
use: advancing at trail arms in one unbroken mass, they
rushed through the woods over the brook, now filled with
dead bodies, closing their ranks as fast as our nre mowed
them down.
The woods were full of smoke, and the buliets buzzed
round our heads like a swarm of angry bumble bees : still our
artillery thundered away.
My horse had a bullet in his flank and one sergeant's horse
lay dead on the ground. As yet no men were hit, but louder
and louder roared the musketry, and thicker and thicker
buzzed the bullets, and suddenly, out poured our infantry in
disorder, frightened and reckless, — they made an attempt
to rally, rushing out right in front of the muzzles of our
guns, which were not ten feet from the trees, but broke and
retreated. Still, as long as there was any hope I blazed away till all
our men had retreated beyond me. Then I limbered up and
carried my section into the field alongside of our other pieces.
As far as I could see the hill was covered with our men.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 325
running in groups of two or three or alone, each one looking
out for himself, while 200 yards in front stretched the long
line of rebel infantry, which had formed between us and the
woods, their red flags flying, and their muskets sending the
bullets flying round our heads after all the infantry had left.
I unlimbered and fired one round of canister at a regiment
with a red flag within less than three hundred yards. We
could see the gaps made at each discharge instantly filled up
by fresh troops, and still on they came.
Reluctantly, we limbered up and commenced our retreat.
I got both my pieces off the field down to the bottom of the
hill (and all the caissons got off safely,) and none too soon,
for at the right piece, more exposed than the others, down
went all the horses (four) and Corporal Albert F. Milliken
fell, shot through the head, then Private Edward F. Gustine,
at Peacock's piece, shot in the neck and breast, Private
Charles D. Barnard shot in the side, then Wm. H. Ray fell
at Smith's piece with a bullet through his shoulder, but man
aged to get off the field.
So down the hill we went at full gallop, but before we
reached the bottom Peacock's and Simonds's pieces were left,
with the horses dead in the traces. George F. Manchester
one of the drivers on Sergt. Peacock's piece had his off horse
shot but cut his nigh one loose and escaped. When he got
to the bottom of the hill he took up a wounded officer in
front of him, but in passing under the fire of our Reserve
Artillery, one of their shells blew the officer's head off, and
Manchester said he felt frightened for the first time. So far
both of my guns were safe, but at the bottom of the hill, a
fence stopped us a little, and while passing through the gap
we experienced the hottest fire of all.
The rebels by this time lined the top of the hill, and poured
a murderous fire into our retreating soldiers. As Blake's
piece went through the gap, down went one horse with a
bullet in his jaw, throwing his rider, but the other horses
pulled him through and saved the gun. As Page's piece

326 HISTORY OF THE
passed through down went four horses at one volley, and I
told the men to leave the piece. The rebels were following
at double quick, and there was nobody to support us.
I had hardly gone a hundred yards when with the next
volley my horse fell, shot through the leg, and as I tumbled
off I saw the rebel flag planted on my gun !
I was compelled reluctantly to* abandon my saddle and
bridle, blankets, pocket testament, brushes &c. to the rebels,
and taking my overcoat, revolver and brandy flask, trav
elled along on foot.
By this time all was confusion, the road was full of fugi
tives, the officers in vain trying to rally their men, and the
thunder of artillery and musketry incessant.
The bullets buzzed around our heads thicker than ever,
but I trudged on with a sullen desperation.
Our Reserve Artillery was blazing away over our heads,
the shells coming in dangerous proximity to our caps, keep
ing the rebels back somewhat, and soon our reinforcements,
the Irish Brigade, came up, too late, alas, for us.
Still we pressed on until we had crossed the Chicka
hominy, and reposed once more in safety.
Blake's piece got off. Corporal Spear's got stuck in a
ditch, but they hauled it through. Simonds's piece was lost :
Sergt. Smith got a bullet through his cap, taking off some of
his hair, and raising a little swelling on the top of his head :
John Agen had his jacket torn and his side bruised by a piece
of shell, while spent bullets struck around very thick.
Strange as it may seem, although my horse was struck three
times; once in the edge of the woods, once in the leg as we
were retreating, and a third time as he fell, throwing me off,
I cannot find any bullet marks on me or my clothes.
I have seen enough of retreats, and my only consolation
is that no efforts of mine could have altered the result. We
did not leave the field till the whole of Butterfield's Brigade
had broken; and after our horses were shot we could not
save our pieces. Had the infantry rallied I would have

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 327
stayed as long as any of them, but, as it was, 15 seconds'
delay would have lost everything, guns, men and horses.
We were the last battery on the field.
Our men fought well against superior numbers, and did
not retreat till they had lost half their men, used up their
ammunition, and were wearied out, and when the rebels
came on the last time it was useless to fire at them. We
could not kill them as fast as they came up. Had we had a
battery of 12 pdrs. a regiment of dead men would have cov
ered the field before they could have got our guns, but our
little pieces do not throw canister much larger than a mus
tard box, and were never meant for that kind of work. As
it was, however, we could see the gaps made in their ranks,
as we threw in double charges of canister, but they filled
them up as fast as they were made.
No description can convey an accurate idea of the peculiar
sound the bullets make as they buzz around one's head.
You must hear it to appreciate it. It approaches nearly the
buzzing of a swarm of bees, intermingled with a few sharper
notes. First it is buz-z-z-, then te-oou, very sharp. Inter
mingled with these is the sharp click when a bullet strikes a
tree. Of course there is nothing very pleasant in the sound,
but after a man gets used to it, he can listen to it with great
composure, and I troubled myself as little as possible about
the 'humming birds' as the men call them.
We kept on the retreat as fast as possible, the road being
filled with artillery and infantry, wounded men on litters,
and wounded men supported by their comrades. I do not
want to see such a sight again.
That night we got over the Chickahominy and by mid
night we went into park somewhere [Trent's Farm] near
Weeden's remaining three pieces and three caissons. Scott
and I lay clown side by side, on a pile of hay, and I slept
sweetly till long after daylight.
The next day, June 28th, with the remains of our Battery,
we commenced our march, with the retiring army, towards

328 HISTORY OF THE
James River ; other Divisions covering our retreat and fight
ing all the way.
I hear that the Irish Brigade drove the rebels back into the
woods, spiked, buried, and otherwise disabled our guns (left
on the field) and held the ground till everything had crossed,
when they came over and blew up the bridge. About noon
that day (28th) we heard an explosion, and an immense
cloud of smoke announced the destruction of our bridges
over the Chickahominy. A large house near us was used
as a hospital, and the grounds all round were covered with
wounded men. Lt. Mortimer, a fine fellow, ist Lt. of Mar
tin's Battery was in the house dying from a bullet wound.
[Caleb C. E. Mortimer see p. 56 "In Sixty-One."]
In the afternoon we started and marched to Savage's Sta
tion on towards the James River. Troops, baggage teams
Sec. crowded the roads.
At sunset we camped in a very pleasant spot on top of a
hill. Close by. was a beautiful house and grounds but as
usual orders came not to touch the fences. I am happy to
state, however, that by the next morning all the rails in our
vicinity had disappeared, carried off probably by some of the
infantry regiments, as it would have been my duty to stop
any of our men. Here we found our wagons again and
slept under a tent, and washed our faces.
The next morning (29th) we again took up our line of
march. As yet we knew nothing of our destination. The
country was new, and had evidently not been traversed much
by troops. The roads were excellent and we kept right on.
Still in our rear, though intermittently, the firing went on,
but we cared nothing for that. At 9 in the evening we
reached our camp, pitch dark, so I cannot describe the lo
cality. Our wagons had now fallen to the rear, so we
spread our blankets and turned in. The next morning, June
30, 1862, we started before daylight and with frequent halts
kept on our way. About noon we crossed a large wheat
field, and then crossed a still larger field on a high table land,
and came in sight of the James River."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 329
THE LAST STAND.
From Scott's Notes.
"The morning of the 27th of June (1862) opened beauti
fully. Brightly the warm sun began its course, to go down
scarcely seen through the smoke and dust of the battle that
would be raging.
The Divisions and Brigades of General Porter's Corps
were moving past to the last stand and line of battle down
the river.
All the other Corps of the Army had crossed the river to
the south side. The 5th only remained on the north side
for it could not cross in the face of the enemy. Back of the
river flats the country was rolling, with more or less woods ;
the depressions between the hills were favorable for the
enemy to form their lines out of sight.
The Left of our line of battle was less than -J- a mile from
the river, at the thin edge of a skirting line of woods that
bordered a small stream running east and west to the river,
in a depression which would be a rushing torrent after an
hour's rain, but now nearly dry. A temporary log bridge
crossed near this point where most of the Corps had passed.
The line of battle following the Creek a short distance east,
curved to the south, passing swampy ground at the centre,
then curving west to the river where the Right of the line
rested, thus forming a semi-circle. Behind the line of battle
formed, was an undulating open country to the river, which
was crossed by three narow bridges, one of them, called the
Grape Vine bridge, being held in place by ropes made fast to
trees up stream. The approaches to one of these bridges
was nearly 1400 yards long.
The Battery took up its line of march about 9 o'clock from
near the Gaines house, moving down the river, and going
into battery covering the rear guard.

330 HISTORY OF THE
Once on its way all was silence, except the firing of the
rebel skirmishers driving in our Pickets.
Limbering up our guns we crossed the log bridge, the last
battery to cross, and soon the bridge was taken up and de
stroyed. Going into battery on low ground near a peach
orchard in rear of the line of battle, we could not see the
movement of troops on our Right, nor the brigades on our
Left Front, as Butterfield's and Martindale's brigades were
beyond the wood, the extreme Left of the line on lower
ground. Following the creek they had felled trees, and
formed what protection they could to shield themselves from
the enemy's fire.
The line of battle formed extended a mile and a half or
more, held by Fitz John Porter's Corps of 30,000 men.
Early in the fight he called for reinforcements which were
not promptly sent.
The rebels proved to have had more than double that
number. At this point we waited.
Being on the Left of the Battery I hardly knew what was
going on at the Right. The sun poured down upon us in
force, and while here the U. S. mails were distributed, and
many read letters from home and friends for the last time.
Meantime the enemy were forming their lines around the
5th Corps. They thought they had us in a trap. Spent
bullets came dropping on the sand, raising a puff of dust,
the patient horses pricking up their ears and shaking their
heads. Still we ate our hard-bread and drank our hot water. Not
a breath of air was stirring, and two miles away, across the
river, the smoke and dust of the fierce battle raging could be
seen during that afternoon, but not a gun was heard by the
rest of the army at that distance.
About 12 o'clock General Daniel Butterfield of the brigade
came down the slope to my section, and wanted me to train
one of my guns to fire over the skirting of woods before

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 331
which his brigade was located. I said that the ground rose
so rapidly that in firing it at so high an elevation we might
find it on the ground.
He wanted to sight the gun himself, and the gun being
trained to suit him, he commenced its elevation. At that
moment 'the ball opened,' and he left suddenly, as the rebels
were charging his brigade. The rebel batteries opened on
the Right, throwing a raking fire through the woods, in
front of which his brigade was located with the infantry
which had commenced firing. We could hear the quick
popping of a rapid firing gun. We had seen this gun before.
It was fixed on a tripod, and by turning a crank it spit out
bullets, and was supposed to annihilate anything in its front.
The rebels captured it before the fight was over.
An order came to Lt. Hyde to send up one gun. Why the
whole battery was not sent up I never knew. The Lieuten
ant ordered me up with the left gun of my section. Away
we went and took our position at the edge of the wood. We
could not see the brigade below us, but could see the rebels
through the woods and brush, moving for a charge. We
opened fire and plied them well with our one gun.
No artillery was to the left of us nor could we see the
army to our right : the peach orchard seemed to cover us.
The noise from the rebel batteries raking the woods, to
gether with the fire of musketry, was terrific.
A second charge by the rebels on Butterfield's and Mar
tindale's brigades, was repelled, then came a lull in front,
the firing had swept to the Right of the line of battle.
I was ordered back to the rest of the Battery down the
slope. We had taken our place with the Battery but a short
time, when Longstreet, who had reformed his lines with
fresh troops came on again.
Four guns were ordered up. We limbered up the Left
Section, and away we went to the woods, followed by the
Centre Section, Lt. Phillips, who took position on our right.
These four guns were not idle. It would be hard to explain

332 HISTORY OF THE
one's feelings at such a moment, but we felt that as long as
we were not hit we were not hurt, and every one worked to
do his best now we had the chance.
Through the woods we could see only parts of the rebel
lines. If we did not cut some of them down we did the
small trees in our front, as they fell as if cut with a scythe.
Charge after charge was repelled by the brigade in front
of us, but human endurance could not withstand the more
than double force pitted against us. Our brigades were
exhausted, ammunition gone, and all the Reserves had been
thrown into the fight.
The left of Martindale's Brigade had been turned and the
rebels were flanking us.
We kept up our fire with the guns unaware of what had
happened. Enveloped with smoke we could not tell what
was going on far from us.
At this point the infantry of our brigade came struggling
up between our guns.
Anxious to know how the fight was going on I said to a
soldier :
What's the trouble below?'
'Trouble enough,' he said. 'The rebels are crossing the
ditch on our right.'
Looking to our left we saw an officer mounted on a stone
heap waving a flag. He cried out : 'For God's sake, men,
stand by your colors !'
It was of no use, men were moving stubbornly off to the
rear, and soon after as we moved down the slope, the bri
gade, what was left of them, had melted away, and I do not
remember to have seen a Union soldier.
We received orders to retire in haste, which we did. Lim
bering up our guns with Phillips leading, we moved quickly
down the slope to where we had left the Right section of
the Battery, unaware that the guns were in the hands of the
enemy.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 333
To my surprise, Lt. Phillips as he came up with the Right
section continued on at a trot. He had taken in the situa
tion. As my section came on, I saw something was wrong
with the guns, but I passed quickly by. Phillips still leading
passed to the right of a foot hill which formed the last stand
of the Corps at night, thus exposing our flank to the enemy,
who were now near the bridge we had crossed in the
morning. Moving in this line, I was amazed to see the right piece of
my section going pell mell past the left of the hill into a
hollow below. Leaving my left piece to follow Phillips I
turned about to look it up, passing near the guns already
captured. Then I saw our plight. Overtaking the gun,
vvhich was but a short distance ahead, I saw it was fast stuck
in a ditch. The situation looked anything but pleasant.
In front of us, on the last rise of ground before reaching the
river, was posted a line of artillery, throwing their united
fire into the rebel lines. Their shot were flying in range of
my head. I dismounted, choosing a lower elevation.
Looking back to where the Right section had stood, we saw
the guns had been turned towards us, the rebel colors flying
over them, and their lines forming away to their Left. Not
far from us in front of their lines was a piece of rebel artil
lery, which the drivers had driven over a bluff, and which
seemed to be thrown into a confused heap. I thought
their condition was even worse than ours. Why we were
not molested while in the ditch I do not know, but suppose
with their success so far, they felt sure of our capture. They
could easily have shot the horses, but so sure were they that
we were fast, doubtless they preferred live horses to dead
ones. It was death or capture to us if we remained, but with
a final effort, the gun came out of its bed, and we lost no
time in moving but a short distance up between the guns of
the posted artiUery, where we again went into action. [See
p. 340 Serg't Wilson.] If any one wants to live a lifetime in

334 HISTORY OF THE
a few moments, he must be placed, as we were, between the
fire of two contending armies!
Leaving my sergeant in charge of the gun, I rode to the
rear in search of my left piece. Here was 'confusion worse
confounded.' I found Phillips and Hyde with the men of
the Battery dismayed but not discouraged. We could not
do more than we had done. The rebels with their superior
force and flushed with victory, had driven the forces of Por
ter to the river. Cavalry were stationed with drawn swords
to prevent the panic stricken men and teams from blocking
the bridge.
About sunset the Irish Brigade, with other troops, crossed
the bridge to the support of the Fifth Corps, and night com
ing on the Corps was saved from a complete rout.
Never was night more welcome. I can never forget the
scene as we viewed it that sultry afternoon.
I learned from Lt. Phillips that after I left him near the
foot of the hill, the enemy had a flank fire on him from
the woods vacated by our brigade. His horse was shot
from under him and the horses of two pieces shot, and the
guns had to be abandoned.
My left piece was lost. I gave my sergeant credit for
saving my right piece in taking the course he did, had
he followed me with Phillips, which was his duty to do,
the fate of the gun and ourselves might have been far
different. My right piece joining us, between us we had
two guns left, and strange as it may seem we had not lost
a man of the Centre or Left sections. The men did their
duty manfully.
Lt. Hyde reported that the enemy came down through
the peach orchard on his two guns, and he only had time
to fire one round when he was overwhelmed. Corporal
Milliken and Edward Gustine of New Bedford, were killed
at their posts. Five men were taken prisoner, three of them
badly wounded, the rest escaped, taking sponge staffs with
them.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 335
As we waited near the bridge at dark for a chance to
cross the Chickahominy, we were a sorry set. We had
fought our first battle, when would the next one be ? Men
had done their duty, and we did not feel that we were en
tirely responsible for our loss of guns, but the artillery
man's defence is his guns, and their loss is deeply felt.
Why we met with no loss in our first engagement at the
first line of battle, was that no artillery in front was posted;
the flanking fire we received from their batteries passed
harmless over our heads, in fact the noise of our own was
so heavy that we did not notice the shrieking noise they had
caused in their flight through the woods. The brigade
being below us the enemy's infantry fire was against them;
the woods and the orchard protected us. If we had been
in view as the enemy passed us beyond the orchard we
would likely have been captured where we stood. The
Fifth Corps lost 24 guns. One of Martin's guns was cap
sized, crossing the bridge, bottom up, and had to be aban
doned. They also lost three of their caissons, the horses
being killed. His ist Lt. (Mortimer) was taken across the
river wounded, and died the next day. Five thousand pris
oners were taken by the enemy and nearly four thousand
were killed and wounded on our side.
The rebel loss in killed exceeded ours.
Demoralization seemed to possess all, but it is remark
able how soon men recover from such scenes.
The Fifth Corps crossed the river during the night, the
bridges were blown up and destroyed, and the enemy were
left to count their spoils.
Dr. Gaines was kind enough to say that he would will
ingly give his whole farm as a burial place for Yankee
soldiers. On the morning of the 28th, (June, 1862,) the Battery
took up its line of march with the 5th Corps, passing Sav
age's Station, where the fields around were covered with
the wounded from the previous battle, and the corps of

336 HISTORY OF THE
surgeons were doing their best to relieve suffering hu
manity. It was a gruesome sight to us, and we felt thank
ful we were not numbered with them. The Battery moved
on, not knowing where we were going. It was rumored
that McClellan was making a 'masterly retreat' to the
James River.
As the 5th Corps had been so roughly handled it was put
on the advance, while the other Corps were left to bring up
the rear with a victorious army soon in pursuit.
Passing through White Oak Swamp, the Corps moved
as rapidly as the roads would permit, the way being lined
with baggage teams, droves of cattle, and artillery; the
enemy attacking our flank whenever they could get a
chance. We saw no enemy near us in this movement, but
often heard cannonading at different times at various points.
Camping one night in a large opening with the Corps,
with teams in harness, we sought sleep on the ground. No
lights were permitted. We eat our 'hard tack' but not
much sleep did we get. The night was black, with heavy
claps of thunder, and sharp flashes of lightning. The
enemy were said to be near us. Some army mules stam
peded; a mule flying through the Battery among the sleep
ers, a small panic ensued. Every one was on his feet, and
a few shots were heard, but soon things quieted down and
we tried to sleep again.
Nothing impeded our march, and the last day of June
found the 5th Corps camped on Malvern Hill near the
James River."
NOTES OF LIEUT. SCOTT.
Feb. 22, 1901.
"I had charge of the Left section that day, as Lieut.
Dillingham was sick across the river. Lieut. Hyde's Right
section was captured where it was placed in Battery.
I fired the first Gun of the Battery at Gaines Mills. On

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 337
the morning of the 27th I was ordered up to the woods with
one Gun, and it was served the best we knew until ordered
back to the Battery, by whom I do not know. I had no
more than taken my place in the Battery, than Phillips and
myself were ordered up with the two sections of the Battery.
As I had been up on the line before, Phillips followed me,
and went into position on my right. While here the rebels
captured Hyde's two Guns, and when we were ordered to
the rear Lieut. Phillips led, and I followed. As we came
to Hyde's Guns, the rebels had them. Phillips passed
quickly by and my right piece being in the rear left Phillips'
line and passed to the left and was stuck in the mud. Here
is where I went back to see what had become of it. As I
took in the situation, with the enemy's line of battle so near,
I then thought the lives of the men were of more impor
tance than the Gun. As I could not see how we could re
main there 5 minutes, I told Serg't. Spear to take the horses
and abandon the Gun, and left to look after my left piece,
which I never saw. It was a miracle or Interposition of
Providence that any of us escaped."
LETTER OF CORPORAL SPEAR.
"Harrison's Landing, James River,
16 miles below Richmond, Va.
Friday, July 4, 1862.
One week ago today the Right wing of Gen'l McClellan's
Army before Richmond gave way at MechanicsviUe before
the Confederate Army, and came retreating down across
Gaines Farm to the Chickahominy River.
Our Battery was ordered to the top of a high hill above
a bridge to assist in covering the retreat of our Army,
This hill was on the left of the Gaines house, near the river.
The last to cross the bridge were two batteries of flying
artillery, and after they had crossed, the bridge was torn

338 HISTORY OF THE
up, and we were ordered to 'Limber to the Rear' and retire.
After retreating half a mile, we found our Division viz.
Porter's, drawn up in line of battle in a dense wood, with a
nice barricade in front of it, and everything in readiness to
meet the Confederates' advance.
After passing through the woods, the order came 'Into
Battery' and hold ourselves in readiness. We remained
Tn Battery,' without firing a gun, until about 3 o'clock, when
the rebels formed in line of battle and down they came upon
us, both on our right and left. The second time they ad
vanced the Left section was ordered into the woods,, and
we were soon in sight of the rebel line, and in a short time
were throwing shot and shell amongst them.
Again the rebels were repulsed, for the second time, and
we limbered up and went 'Into Battery' in our former posi
tion, but were not allowed to remain silent long, for in less
than fifteen minutes they came down upon us with a double,
aye, thrible force. Then the Centre section was ordered
to move down into the woods; also, the left piece of the
Left section, and all three pieces commenced firing shot and
shell. The fight was general the length of our lines, and
such a ring of artillery and musketry! Shall I ever forget
it? No : but it was no use, our troops gave way, and down
came the Confederates upon our batteries. The 5th Mass.
Battery was on the extreme left, and when our infantry line
gave way in front of the three remaining pieces, we fired 2
rounds of double canister and were ordered to 'Limber to
the Rear,' and save the Gun and ourselves if a possible
thing, for the rebels were now only a few rods from us.
As the men of my Detachment were limbering up the
gun, I could see the rebels advancing upon us with their
little red flags to the front, and it was then that I put spurs
to my horse and ordered the drivers on the Gun to do like
wise and follow me. I took a quick glance over to my right
where our artillery and infantry were fleeing, and I saw that

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 339
the road was completely choked up, and that if I wished to
save the piece and the men's lives I must go in some other
direction. So I started across the field, but had not gone
more than 3 rods, before we landed in a deep ditch, and then
the Lieutenant came up and ordered us to leave our piece
and cut traces, as it was impossible, he said, to attempt to
try and pull the piece out from the ditch. But instead of
cutting the traces we started the horses up, and they becom
ing so terrified and frightened, as quick as lightning pulled
the piece out, and were soon directly in front of our artil
lery, which had re-formed, and were blazing away at the
rebels as they came down upon our retreating Division.
On reaching the hill where the line of artillery was
formed, under command of Gen'l Charles Griffin, we were
ordered to open upon the Rebs., and after firing ten or
twelve rounds the order came for us to 'Limber up' and
retreat; this being the second time within fifteen minutes,
or perhaps less. And such a retreat! Everything was
confusion, no regularity. Men, artillery, infantry and cav
alry, all mixed up !
After retreating about half a mile they formed in line of
battle, and we came 'Into Battery' again, and fired a few
rounds. Then reinforcements came up and completely
routed the rebels, and drove them back from the ground
which they had gained within the short space of one hour.
That night we crossed the Chickahominy River and en
camped, and the next morning I found the remnant of the
Battery, and when we came to sum up what was left, ascer
tained that all our pieces were lost except Serg't. Blake's
and mine; that 4 men were killed, 4 or 5 wounded, and
about 30 horses killed and disabled.
There were two Quincy Boys in the fight, besides myself,
— W. H. H. Lapham and H. E. Shaw. They both came
out all right. Lapham was acting cannoneer, and Shaw
was driving the pole horses on the piece which were shot
from under him."

340 HISTORY OF THE
NOTES OF LIEUT. SPEAR
July 24, 1901.
"The greatest credit for the saving of the Gun of which
I was acting Sergeant, should be given Corporal Warren,
Charles Jay leading Driver, the Swing Driver, I forget his
name, and Brownell the Pole Driver, all of whom thought
only of their favorite gun and its safety.
When we commenced to retire with our Gun the Confed
erates were at the Right piece of the Battery, — Corporal
Milliken's Gun, — and had planted one of their battle flags
on it, and as we left our position we were obliged to pass
parallel with the guns left, and for a short time were not
five hundred feet from the rebel skirmishers advancing."
NOTES BY SERG'T. E. T. WILSON.
With relation to the gun which was pulled out of the
ditch, Sergt. Edward T. Wilson, who was No. 6 on the
Gun that day, says in a note dated New Bedford, Mass.,
September 8, 1900: —
"It was the right piece of the Left section. Billy War
ren, a Boston boy, was the gunner. The drivers, all but
the one on the swing horses, remained by them. L. D.
Brownell was on the pole. Charles Jay had the lead horses,
and upon him a great deal depended. His horses got a foot
ing on the other side of the ditch, and although the swing
and pole horses were pretty well mixed up in the ditch, we
managed to pull the old gun out. It was during this mix-
up that Lieut. Scott ordered us to leave the gun. In
scrambling across, Brownell fractured a bone in his right
leg, one of his horses was hit by a Minie ball, which mad
dened the animal, and at one time it looked as though we
would have to quit. But Brownell pluckily stuck to his
horses, and, reaching firm footing, we made for a battery

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 341
that was located on a hill just ahead of us. It proved to
be the Fourth Rhode Island, and reaching the hill we placed
the gun in position and again began firing at the enemy.
This was one of the two guns which were saved, and
nearly every man who was in that detachment was from
New Bedford. William Warren was not a New Bedford
man, and one other I do not remember about, whether he
was from New Bedford or not, or what his name was.
At Savage's Station Brownell was sent on a hospital train
for surgical aid, and with others was captured and placed
in Libby Prison."
NOTES OF FRANCIS P. WASHBURN.
Francis P. Washburn, a driver on No. 6 gun, Sergt. Har
rison O. Simonds, the left piece of the Left section, every
horse attached to which was killed, obliging the men to seek
a place of safety with all possible speed, recaUs in Notes
written in New Bedford Mass. October 9, 1900, a remark
of General Fitz John Porter in relation to the loss of the
guns of the Fifth Mass. Battery.
Washburn was sick but on duty all through the Seven
Days' Battles. A man was not sick in those days as long
as he could sit in a saddle or stand on his feet. During the
inspection that followed at Harrison's Landing he was sit
ting with the sick and wounded under a tarpaulin put up
for shelter, and when General Porter came to them, he as
.well as the other officers dismounted before a group of of
ficers and men, — "General Porter," writes Washburn, "was
a man among men," — and, among other things, the General
said — "If I could have sold all my guns at the price paid
for those four, I would have been in Richmond tonight."
A day or two later, Washburn was sent to the General
Hospital at Harrison's Landing, and was subsequently put
on board the hospital ship "S. R. Spaulding," and taken to

342 HISTORY OF THE
the Episcopal Hospital in Philadelphia. Afterwards he re
turned to the Battery.
LETTER FROM SERG'T. PELEG W. BLAKE.
"James River July 4, 1862.
17 MILES BELOW RICHMOND.
I wrote three letters on the 26th, but could not send
them, for we were ordered to Old Church. Our forces let
the rebels cross the river 12,000 strong at MechanicsviUe,
and our troops fell back to Dr. Gaines's plantation, where
we were encamped— -our Right wing. Two-thirds of our
army were across the Chickahominy. Porter's Division
and McCaU's 30,000 engaged 70,000 under the rebel gen
eral Jackson. The rebel general Jackson is said to have
been shot.
I have been in my saddle for eight days and nights, only
getting about two hours sleep at midnight. The battle
commenced the 26th when we were ordered out. It was a
strategic movement to fall back and join the main army
across the river.
Our Battery guarded the bridge at Dr. Gaines's till the
last thing crossed the stream, and that was the mounted
artillery. The bridge was then destroyed and we limbered
up, and crossed another stream, and then we had to hold
our position; this being the 27th day of June. At 3 o'clock
they attacked General Porter's Division, and General Mc
CaU's Division, 30,000 troops.
Three times we drove the rebels.
Every time the rebels came up they had fresh troops,
every time filled with whiskey and gunpowder, drunken
devils, but we mowed them down by the thousands. The
fourth time they came up the whole force of the rebels,
70,000 strong against 30,000 of ours, was a hard struggle.
They turned our Left flank where our Battery was, and

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 343
our troops had to fall' back, but we stayed a few minutes too
late and lost four pieces, that were close to the woods, of
cur Battery, within 100 feet of the rebels. Our horses were
shot down so we had to leave four of our pieces.
I came into Battery and fired three shots after the other
pieces left, but my horses did not happen to be shot, and I
was the only sergeant of our Battery who saved his piece
that afternoon, but 2 o'clock at night Serg't. (Charles H.)
Morgridge' s piece in charge of Corporal Spear came up, so
we had two pieces, out of six, left,
I lost two men of my Detachment, Edward F. Smith and
Richard Heyes, Englishmen, who worked in the Wam
sutta mills [in New Bedford] 'dresser tenders.'
[The following marked "Continued, 3d page" though
found detached among Lieut. Blake's papers is presumed to
be a continuation of the foregoing: — ]
As I came down the hill the rebels had planted their flag
on the hill and were firing down upon us. The whole six
pieces started: one went one way and one another, and so
did the whole six. I happened to see the right way, but
four of them were run up to a deep ditch, and drove into
the ditch, and only one escaped.
Serg't. Page who followed me had his horses shot and
lost his piece.
As I came down the hill one of my swing horses stumbled,
throwing my swing driver 20 end over end down the hill,
but I could not stop for him to mount, so I left him, and
kept right along on the dead run, driving, dragging his nigh
horse up on to his feet, I got towards the bottom of the hill.
General Butterfield says, 'For God's sake come into Bat
tery and fire on that rebel flag!'
I says to the General, 'My men have all left me but the
Gunner.' —
That was Corporal E. B. Nye, the fruit dealer who used
to be on Second street (New Bedford), he is my Gunner

344 HISTORY OF THE
and he makes the best shot of any of the gunners in the
Battery. When reinforcements came from across the river our
forces drove them the fifth time way past our camping
ground. The stream or ditch ten feet deep in front of the
woods where we were, — about a hundred feet through these
woods, — was filled with rebels who were 'killed, so that they
did not have to build any bridge to come across on, but we
fell back and crossed the Chickahominy towards the James
and joined the main army on the Left. The next day we
started for the James."
NOTES OF LOUIS E. PATTISON.
Nov. 2, 1901.
"The Left section got across the run first, and the Centre
and Right sections had to wait to cross, and the horses were
shot in their tracks by the rebel infantry. The saving of
the guns was simply accident, as every gun was limbered,
but could not get over the run, — a dry water course 8 or 10
ft. deep and when they crossed filled up with rails.
Blake was all right, a brave and cautious man.'
FROM CHASE'S DIARY.
"June 27, 1862. Packed up all our equipage and pre
pared to leave about 2.30 a. m. Were soon ready and left
our bivouac and proceeded to the brow of the hill just in
the rear of the camp we left yesterday to cover the retreat
of our forces. Placed our guns Tn Battery' and remained
there till all the artillery had crossed the midstream and de
stroyed the bridge. Cannonading and musketry com
menced again this morning at daylight. The enemy's fir
ing sounds nearer and nearer and their battery of 32 pdrs.
throws several shots at us but made wild shots.
After the bridge was destroyed we limbered up and went

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 345
about half a mile farther to the rear and placed our guns
Tn Battery' on the brow of a hill, and changed our position
several times on the same ground.
The enemy gradually advanced and drove in our skir
mishers and charged on our front at least three times and
were repulsed.
The infantry felled the trees in front of us to prevent the
advance of the enemy's artillery and cavalry. Our infantry
met and repulsed the enemy in the woods in front of us.
Our batteries and guns from the forts of General Smith's
Division shelled the enemy vigorously, and the enemy's shot
and shell struck all around us; musket balls whizzing like
bees over and round us, and a spent ball hit the writer's
elbow — and brought home. — The Left section advanced
and fired canister into the enemy when they made their sec
ond charge on our front.
About 6 p. m. the enemy again rallied, and attacked us
on the front and left and an awful battle ensued. The in
fantry checked them for a while, and in the mean time the
Left and Centre sections took a new position at the edge of
the wood behind the infantry, and commenced firing shrap-
nell at the enemy with one second fuze, and at last the in
fantry in front of us began to yield to the enemy's murder
ous fire, and a general and most disorderly retreat com
menced. We poured the shrapnell into the enemy until
they were almost upon us, then limbered up and drove off.
The enemy closely followed up our retreating army, and
kept up a most destructive fire, which made great havoc
with our forces. Horses and guns were left, and the whole
army was panic stricken.
Many of our horses were shot and four guns left on the
field. The whole of the retreating army crossed the Chick
ahominy, and the fragments of the different regiments and
batteries bivouacked near General McClellan's headquar
ters on the south side of the river. . . . AU the caissons

346 HISTORY OF THE
were sent across the Chickahominy early in the afternoon,
and were all saved.
June 28, 1862. Another false alarm in camp tonight
caused by some loose horses running about camp. Bugles
were blown and the infantry ordered in line to repulse the
supposed guerillas. It proved only a 'scare' and soon all
was again quiet.
A false alarm in camp this morning occasioned by the
infantry firing their guns previous to cleaning them. Left
camp about 12.30 p. m. with the remains of our Battery,
and marched about eight miles towards the James River."
NOTES OF PRIVATE LOUIS E. PATTISON.
Oct. 1, 1901.
"At the battle of Gaines Mills the Battery was placed in
position on a knoll, with General Daniel Butterfield's Penn.
Reserves in the woods directly in front. To get to this
position a bridge was made over a run, or dry water course,
with a rail fence, only wide enough for one team to cross
at a time, which as we were to fall back behind another line
of battle on a hill in our rear, showed gross negligence
either of our own officers or some one higher in command.
When the time came our Battery commenced firing, and
very soon the Reserves commenced falling back through
our guns, saying that we were shelling them, and they were
followed up by the enemy, and as the enemy came out of
the woods we gave them three or four rounds of canister,.
and then came orders — 'Limber to the rear,' and all the
guns were limbered and getting out of position as fast as
possible, but the enemy followed up so quickly that only two
guns got over the run and were saved, the other four being
captured, some, if not all, being spiked.
The right detachment under Sergt. Wm. B. Pattison had
a hard time, nearly all the men being killed, wounded or
captured. Lieut. Phillips had command of our section,

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 347
Mason W. Page was serg't. of our detachment, William
H. Baxter gunner, and George 0. Proctor, Louis E. Patti
son and Amos Blanchard drivers on gun in the order named.
The outcome of the loss of their guns was the resignations
of Lieuts. Hyde and Dillingham, leaving only Lieuts. Phil
lips and Scott."
NOTES OF D. HENRY GROWS.
"Friday, June 27, 1862. Went on post at 2 this morn
ing. At 3, an order came to pack up and fall back to a hill
in the rear of our old camp. Arrived there at about half
past 4, and went into battery, with orders that as soon as
our flying artillery passed the bridge to tear it up and open
on the rebels with shrapnell and canister. After waiting
two hours the artillery passed. We then tore up the bridge
and waited for the rebels, but they did not make their ap
pearance. So we limbered up and fell back about i-J miles,
and went into battery. In about an hour the 'Secesh'
opened on the Right, but were repulsed, in this way : they
tried the Centre and Left, but could not break them. About
5 this afternoon they received fresh troops, and threw them
on to the Left where we were stationed. For three times
they tried us, and were driven back, but at the fourth time
they turned our Left, and we opened upon them with can
ister, our troops falling back all the while. The last round
we fired was at '35 yards, a double charge of canister. It
mowed their ranks awfully. The order came to limber up
and fall back. We did so, but they were close upon us.
We lost four of our pieces and twenty-five horses. Three
of our men were shot dead : Charles Barnard, Corporal Mil
liken, and E. F. Gustine. Seven others are either killed
or taken prisoners. The bullets flew like hail. I kept up
with the gun till I was knocked down by a rail into a deep
ditch. I was helped out, and kept on my way looking for
the caissons that were in the rear. I soon found them and

348 HISTORY OF THE
sat down to rest. Saw James Tuttle : he was safe. Harry
Simonds lost his piece, and was struck with a piece of shell.
About 8 o'clock we crossed the Chickahominy, and laid
ourselves down to sleep.
I received a letter from my wife today during the battle !
Saturday, June 28, 1862. Got up feeling very sore, had
some water to drink. I was awfully dry. My face and
hands are black with powder and sweat, and I have no
chance to wash.
About 8 this morning we fell back about a mile, and
there found two of our guns; the other four having been
taken by the rebels. Most all the men are tired out. The
buildings near by are used for hospitals, and are filled with
the wounded. It is an awful sight. About noon we
hitched up and fell back. At Savage's Station there were
a great many cars loaded with the wounded who are being
moved away. The roads are lined with sick and stragglers.
Got into camp about 11 o'clock. Was routed out at 3
o'clock in the morning."
Reviewing this Diary in Charlestown, Mass., October 1,
1900, Grows added the following: —
"There is one thing I did not mention : It was how the
gun I worked on at Gaines Mills was saved. A bullet
struck the right wheel horse, while the gun was stuck in a
rut, the pain caused the horse to jump to the right, and the
driver struck the off horse, and the wheels of the limber
were free. And so we got out of a bad place."
NOTES OF CHARLES D. BARNARD.
February i, 1901.
"I was wounded at Gaines Mills, June 27, 1862. While try
ing to save the gun we held, we got into the woods. The Con
federates had charged 3 times on us before they got the gun.
When Corporal (Albert F. ) Milliken sent up the last charge
to the gun, he sent word to the gunner Corporal (Charles)

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 349
Macomber, that that was all the canister he had. Corporal
Macomber told us that when we had fired he should give the
order 'by hand to the rear,' as we only had one horse stand
ing, he being the nigh pole horse, the other 5 horses were
down, having been shot.
As soon as we had fired, the order was given : —
'By hand to the rear!'
We each sprang to our posts.
No. 1, between the Wheel and Gun.
No. 2, opposite, between the Wheel and Gun.
No. 3, grabbed the Wheel.
No. 4, the opposite Wheel.
The rest of the gunners ran to the trail.
No. 2, William H. Ray had a ball pass through him.
No. 3, was myself. The ball entered the right thigh
coming out -J inch from the spine. The force of the ball
threw me over the trail into No. 4 man's place. I got up
standing on one leg, and said to Corporal Macomber : —
'They have shot my right leg off, Charley!'
At that William Ray came running up with a sponge
staff, and Corporal Macomber said : —
'Billy, you are wounded.'
Billy said no, but upon unbuttoning his jacket the blood
began to show, and Billy says : —
'Tlie}- can't have this sponge staff to use on us.'
This was the only sponge staff we had left. So he took
it, and when he came to the ditch in going to the rear, he
made 3 pieces of it and threw it into the ditch.
Then Corporal Macomber came to me, and I threw one
arm over his neck and he tried to take me to the rear, and
as we were trying to go to the rear he said to me-. —
'Help yourself all you can, Charley, for there lays poor
Corporal Milliken.'
We both looked down on him. The ball had struck him
in the head, killing him instantly. There was no mark of

350 HISTORY OF THE
blood on him. Corporal Macomber and myself were the
2 last men of our Battery that ever saw Corporal Milliken.
We had not gone 50 feet from him when a ball struck
me in my left foot and stopped under my knee, the force
of the ball throwing me out of Corporal Macomber's arms
to the ground. He bent over me and said : — 'Charley, I am
going to throw you over my shoulder.'
I said, 'No, Charley, there is only one of us to be killed,
and I am that man. You run around the foot of the hill,
under the protection of our heavy guns that are on the hill.'
'No,' he says, 'I am going to shoulder you.' —
I fainted away from the loss of blood, and he got to the
Battery and reported me killed.
WITHIN THE ENEMY'S LINES.
The first sound I heard was, —
'Don't tread on that man!'
I looked over my shoulder, and saw coming towards me
a solid line of Confederates, and as they came up to me
they opened enough to pass me. Not a man touched me. In
a short time the stragglers began to come back. I was
choking, and as they came near me I begged for water.
Some of them said they had no water; others took no notice
of me; others cursed me. At last when I did not care what
they did to me, a very tall Confederate came along, and
said he had no water, but would give me some whiskey and
water. He knelt down and passed me his canteen, and said
'Drink all you want.r A little seemed to quench my thirst.
I told him I was a thousand times obliged to him, that was
all I could do, but he said that was not all I could do, I could
'the first time I had a chance do the same thing.'
I shall never forget his words and have tried to do so.
I lay where I fell the second time about 2 hours, then a Con
federate officer and a Private came along. The officer said
to me — 'Come, get up !'

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 351
I said T can't. I am wounded in both legs.' — He said,
'You can't play any of your Yankee tricks on me. If you
don't get up, I will cut you down.'
I told him if he would give me 2 sticks I would try to
walk, but I put one arm on each of their shoulders, as the
Private asked me to, and they carried me through the gap
where we had repulsed them 3 times that they had charged
on us, into the yard where there was a large house, and as
we entered the yard there was a number of Confederates
making coffee. They began to make fun of me and I
answered them back. Then it was the Private who was
helping me told me to take all that they might say, for I
was a prisoner and it was better not to answer back.
I thanked him and afterwards found out that he was
right. 1 hey laid me under a tree and a doctor came and
put some cotton in my wound near my spine, and put a
bandage round me. In a few minutes the bandage was up
under my arms. He said he would come in the morning
and take off my leg.
THE RED BLANKET.
I was cold, and asked a Confederate if he had a blanket
he would lend me. He said 'yes,' if I would give it to him
the next morning. I told him I would, so he lent me one.
Next a man came along and wanted to know who wanted
water. I did, and had found a canteen, and he took it, filled
it, and brought it back to me. I then dropped off to sleep,
and in the morning when I awoke I saw that I had a red
blanket. I looked it over, and found the name of Serg't.
William B. Pattison sewed on it! When the Confederate
called for his blanket, I told him that it was one of my
Serg't's blankets. He said, — 'You promised to give it to
me this morning.'
I told him that I should do as I told him I would, and he
took it, and I don't know as I ever saw him again. They

352 HISTORY OF THE
gave us that morning for breakfast boiled rice, and it did
taste good. About 8 or 9 in the morning, an old man with
long, white hair came and sat down and commenced to talk
with me. He asked me where I was wounded, and I told
him. He asked me how my leg felt, and I told him it felt
'queer.' I cculd not move my foot, and it felt like a foot
that was 'asleep' ; kind of prickly. He then told me he was
a doctor, and asked me what I was going to do. I told
him I had asked the doctor to take it off for me, but he ad
vised me not to have it taken off, and asked me if I wanted
to go home. I said yes, as I was no good to the army now.
'Then,' he said, 'tell them when they come after you that you
have concluded not to have it done, and they won't take it
off. It is better than a wooden leg, and if they take it off,
they have got to unjoint it at the hip, as it will do no good
to take it off below the wound.'
He then said that the ball had cut the leaders to my foot,
which caused the foot to drop, and had injured the sciatic
nerve, which caused paralysis, and that it would always
trouble me, that many times I would be hurrying along and
would stub my toe, as the foot had dropped and caused me
to fall. This I have done a great many times. He said, —
'You may think it strange for me to give you advice, but if
you ever want to go home don't have your leg taken off,
for there is only one chance in a thousand of your living.'
I took his advice, and his words have proved true in re
gard to my leg.
THE DEATH OF PRIVATE GUSTINE.
Soon after he left me, one of our own surgeons came
along and said to me : —
'One of your boys is over there.'
'What is his name?' I asked. He said he did not know
but would go and see. He came back and said his name was
Gustine. I raised myself up on my elbow and asked Gustine

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 353
how he was wounded. 'O, Charley. I am wounded through
my left lung. I can't stand it a great while.'
'Don't give up so,' I said, but he answered : — 'O, Charley,
I'm a goner. I can't talk any longer.' He laid down and
I never saw him again to talk with him. The next day I
saw 2 men carrying an artilleryman into the next field to
bury him. I think it was — poor Gustine.
TALKING IT OVER.
That day a Confederate came and sat down by me and
said : —
'Well, Yank, what do you think of the war ?'
'Well,' I said. 'Did you start it?'
'No.'
'Neither did I. Can you stop it ?'
'No.''Neither can I. You won't agree with me ?'
'No.''Neither will I with you. Now we are good friends, what
is the use of our arguing the question ? Neither you nor I
can stop it.'
'You're right,' he said, and from that time out, as long as
he was there, he would come every day and ask me to lend
him my pipe. He kept me in tobacco as long as he was
there. I was then moved into the cellar of the house, and
put into a little room with 2 others. One man's name was
Smith. He belonged to a New York regiment. He was
terribly wounded, and kept calling for his wife and children
all the time. They came after him to take off his legs a
number of times, and he would keep putting them off, say
ing, 'Let me lay a little longer, please, I am so comfortable.'
At last two attendants came in and said 'The Doctor says
bring you, dead or alive.'
'Well, please give me a drink of water.'
They gave him water, he drank a little, and then for the

354 HISTORY OF THE
first time in my life I heard the death rattle. They carried
him out.
HANDY WITH HIS NEEDLE.
I lay in that cellar 3 days. Then they took me out, and
laid me under a tree on the other side of the house, where
I heard 2 Confederates talking about the poor fellows who
had legs and arms taken off, how they suffered pain and had
nothing to rest the stumps on. I called them and told them
if they would bring me some old bags so I could cut them
up into smaller ones, or some cloth, so I could make some
small bags out of that, they could stuff them with grass, and
they could lay their stumps on them and it would ease the
pain. They did, and I made a number of them. I made the
bags for Confederates as well as Union men. I, being a har
ness maker, was handy with my needle, and I always carry
my thimble in my pocket, even today. I still have my
needle-book that I carried with me in my jacket pocket.
I enlisted as an artificer, and when we were in Washing
ton, encamped on Capitol HiU, the paymaster came and said
that the Government only allowed 2 artificers, a blacksmith
and a harness-maker, and as I was the second one to enlist
as a harness-maker, I could take my discharge and go
home. But I preferred to stay, so asked Serg't. (O. B.)
Smith if I could have No. 3 man's place on the gun, which
he gave me.
I was the first man wounded in the Battery, and the first
badly wounded man to return to New Bedford.
TO RETURN TO THE PRISON YARD.
Next a very tall Confederate came to me, and said : —
'Yank, where did you enlist?'
I told him I enlisted in New Bedford, but I was a Nan
tucket boy.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 355
'New Bedford? Why, I used to be a coaster, and I have
been there.'
He then told me all about that city, and how pretty it
looked at night all lit up, as you come up the river. Every
day, as long as I was there at Gaines Farm, he would come
along and put something under my blanket and say, 'Don't
touch that till after I am away.' I would find either crack
ers, or a piece of 'salt horse' as we used to call corned beef.
THE NO. i GUN.
There was on the day of the Malvern Hill fight, a little
boy came and said to me, — 'You ones will be taken back
before long, for you ones are driving our men. What gun
was that that held the gap in the woods?'
I told him it was No. I gun of the Fifth Mass. Battery.
I asked him how they got by that gun, and these are exactly
his words : —
'General Jackson rode up and asked the general in com
mand "Why don't you go on?" The general answered "I
can't. I have got a piece of artillery I can't pass. I have
charged three times on it, and have been repulsed each
time." Jackson told him to 'Charge, Halt, Fire, and then
Charge in your smoke!'
By charging before the smoke rolled away their advance
was unobserved, and that is how No. i gun was lost.
THE CORN-POPPER.
'How is it ?' asked the little boy, 'You ones kill our men
and we only wound yours. You ones did not play it on we
uns did you? You ones left a trap for us, but we did not
touch it. What did you do with it? You ones came and
took it away.'
It seems that it was what we boys used to call the 'Corn-

356 HISTORY OF THE
popper,' a gun that you put the cartridges into a hopper, and
by turning a crank the cartridges would fall into the barrel
of a rifle attached to it, and did good work. They thought
it a trick we were playing on them, and did not dare go
near it, and our men came and recovered it.
A CONSULTATION.
While the boy and myself were talking, a number of offi
cers rode into the yard and stopped a little way from where
I lay and held a consultation. I should think they talked a
half an hour or so, then they galloped off, some in one direc
tion, some in another. In a little while from that they
turned our men and won the day.
A soldier from a Maine regiment lay near me, and every
morning he would ask me to lend him my testament which
I did. One morning after he passed back my testament,
some 'Johnnies' came along and began to plague him. He
commenced to swear, and called them everything he could
think of, and when he got them as mad as they could be,
they threatened to kill him and he laid back and commenced
to sing. Well, he was one of the best singers I ever heard,
and after that they would come every day and stir him up,
and it always ended in his singing.
TO SAVAGE'S STATION.
We were put into army wagons and sent to Savage's Sta
tion where an officer came and asked what our names were.
After that we were put on flats — such as we send wood into
Boston on — and sent to Richmond. When the cars stopped,
2 Confederates came to the car where I lay, and asked me if
I had anything to eat. I told them I had 2 hard tacks and
that was all. They begged me to give them to them. I told
them I would if I thought I could get anything to eat in the
city. They said 'They will feed you ones when they won't
feed us.' They said 'O, we are so hungry!' —

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 357
I told them I would give them one and keep the other
for myself. When I opened my havresack I found I had 3
hard tacks, so I gave each one of them. They were mouldy,
and wet, as it had rained hard all day, but you should have
seen them eat, and then they begged for the other one. I
told them I had done the square thing by them and wanted
the other for myself. They said they knew it but they were
so hungry. They did not take the one I had left, but
thanked me for what I had given them. Soon 2 Confeder
ates put me on a litter and carried me into the depot, laying
me down on the narrow platform near the engine. When
they had lain me down I found they had left my havresack
and asked them to get it for me, offering them a ring I had
on my finger if they would bring it to me, as I had my
mother's and sister's pictures, and some few things I wanted
to save. They went, and soon returned with it, and wanted
to see the pictures. I showed them and then took off the
ring and offered it to them. They were looking at the pic
tures, and when I offered them the ring they said, 'What do
you take us for? Put the ring on vour finger again.'
Soon a little boy came to me, about 12 vears old, and
said, —
'Soldier, what can I do for you?'
I had just had another hemorrhage and asked him to get
me some cotton to stop it. He did, and then found me a
small dry twig for me to keep the flies off. He then got me
a fresh canteen of water. After that, everv morning he
would come and get me a fresh canteen of water. One
morning he came and put his hand under my blanket and
said 'Don't touch it till I am rone. It is something Mother
sent, and there she is on the back of that car.'
I looked, and all I could do was to bow to her. After he
had gone, I found a nice, clean, white crash towel, and while
I was looking at it, an officer came up and wanted to know
where I got that. I told him some one dropped it and I
picked it up. He took it from me and when the boy came

358 HISTORY OF THE
again I told him, and he said, 'Some one told on Mother,
yesterday, and she liked to got caught.'
The last morning he came he left something under my
blanket and said 'Mother sent you that.' He said all the
badly wounded were to be sent north, and the slightly
wounded were to be sent to Belle Isle, and true enough about
the middle of the forenoon they commenced to load up.
I heard an officer say 'Well, that's all.' I began to holler
and the officer got mad, and told two men to 'take the fool
and lug him off.'
They put me in an open wagon with springs under it. I
made the 6th one. When the team got to the outskirts of
the city, the driver turned round and said — T am a Union
man. I have got 2 boys down to the steamer looking out
for good places for you.' He told us that they came after
him to take us to the steamer, and he told them he would not
take a Yankee in his wagon. He said they paid him $10 a
piece in Confederate money, to take us to the steamer. —
'But,' he said, T would have taken all I could carry for noth
ing, only I dare not say so.'
On our way we went through a Confederate camp, and
there was a bread cart standing near some tents. The team
ster stopped his team and said he was going to buy some
bread for us. While he was gone, an officer rode up and
wanted to know where the driver was. I told him he was
buying bread. He asked 'Are you hungry?'- — -I said 'No,
my friend,' and he swore and said T am no friend to you.'
He followed us almost to the boat. The driver gave us each
a loaf of bread, and said the officer was watching him. He
had a ten dollar U. S. bill and said he would give that for
a picture of A. Lincoln, if either of us had one, but none of
us had one. We finally reached the steamer, and as we got
where we could see it and 'Old Glory,' what a shout went
up ! I could not keep back the tears, and great, stout men
cried like babies to see the dear old flag again. One who

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 359
never was deprived of the sight cannot realize how good it
is! The joy was beyond describing.
Well, true enough 2 stout young men came running up
and said, 'Father, we have got some nice places for your
men.' I was the last one to be taken out of the wagon, and
I was placed in the gangway of the steamer. A man came
in and sang out, — 'Are there any Massachusetts men here ?'
I hollered out 'Yes, come here.'
He came and asked my name and put it in a little book.
I asked him if he knew W. W. Caswell of the Fifth Mass.
Battery. He said 'Yes.' I said 'TeU him that Charley
Barnard is badly wounded, bound north.' He went to one
of the streets of the Battery and hollered out: — 'Does any
one know Charley Barnard ?' Ephraim B. Nye was writing
a letter at that time to his wife. He stepped out of his tent
and said, — 'Yes, I know him.' He then gave him my mes
sage, and he wrote it to his wife, and that was the first that
any one knew that I was living.
I was taken to Baltimore, put in the Hospital, No. 80
Camden St. One day a gentleman came in and looked at the
card over my head and says — 'From New Bedford?' — 'Yes,
sir.' 'Well,', he says, 'So am I, my name is Rodman (Ed
mund Rodman) and I am going back in a few days.'
Then I asked him if he would go and see my mother and
tell her just how he found me. Some one had told her that
I had had a large piece of my hip taken off, and they only
took out about three inches. She was worrying about me.
He went to see my mother and told her, and I never shall
forget his kindness."
THE FIELD REVISITED.
In letters dated South Boston, September 24th and Octo
ber 3, 1900, Corporal Thomas E. Chase thus refers to a
recent visit to this battlefield : —
"I have just returned from Richmond, Va. and the old

360 HISTORY OF THE
battle ground of the seven days' fights. I could not make
it seem possible, as I watched the farmer tilling the battle
fields, that the last time I was there all was the roar of artil
lery and the rattle of musketry. Strange thoughts came to
me as I strolled over that quiet square mile of peace, —
Gaines Mills, — with only seven people in sight, as I pointed
out to wife and daughter where sixty-five thousand Con
federates fought fifteen thousand of our men that sultry
afternoon of June 27th, 1862, for Nature is doing her best
to hide the scars and lines of battle, but I had no trouble
finding our positions."

Malvern Hill.

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AfQ^tindale's Coynmand. /Z.Svmner's Co-mrnandTW 7feser-ve. /3. Place to^ ere.
Gerf. /V<rre.f7s Command oii/ova cfteti June 30, /86Z /4 Whe.atfye.ldls. /$- /6.
fa'-ngsl-uTy's ** Arnes's hatter ies. /7. Morfyris. /8. Weeden's /^positron., /9 Weeder/s
2** position, also XnigsZirry's. 20, Fifth Mass.

CHAPTER XI.
THE BATTLE OF MALVERN HILL.
July i, 1862.
"Forget not our wounded companions who stood
In the days of distress by our side ;
While the moss of the valley grew rich with their blood,
They stirred not, but conquered and died."
— Thomas Moore.
It now became the duty of the Fifth Corps to guard the
roads leading from Richmond toward the White Oak
Swamp, over which they had passed on June 28, 1862, and
on the next day to proceed to Turkey Bend on the James
River, cover the Charles City road to Richmond, and open
communication with the gunboats on the James.
Porter's orders were to move by the direct road to Mal
vern Hill, an elevated plateau a mile and a half long and
about three quarters of a mile broad, free from any growth
of timber. Towards the north and east it sloped gently till
it reached a thick forest. On the west was a deep ravine
running down to the James River. Along the front the
land is uneven, making the hill difficult to approach except
by roads built across the low places. Porter was to select
and hold this position, continuing the line to the right.
Time was lost by the guide mistaking the road, and the ist
Division did not reach James River until 10 a. m. of the
30th. The Divisions of Morell and Sykes were given the
Left of the position, with Colonel Henry J. Hunt's Artillery
Reserve and Colonel Robert O. Tyler's siege guns on Mal
vern Hill; Porter's command holding the Left and Left
361

362 HISTORY OF THE
Centre of our forces upon which the enemy made a most
determined attack. This was successfully resisted by the
infantry, which the superior position and strength of the
artillery placed so as to sweep all the approaches, and, to
some minds, the proximity of the gunboats, made invincible.
Brig. Gen. William F. Barry, in his account of the opera
tions of the Artillery of the Army of the Potomac, from
July 25th, 1861, to August 29, 1862, dated September 1,
1862, says: —
"For the artillery of the Army of the Potomac, it is but simple jus
tice to claim that, in contributing its aid to the other two arms, as far
as lay in its power, it did its whole duty faithfully and intelligently,
and that on more than one occasion, the Battle of Malvern Hill par
ticularly, it confessedly saved the Army from serious disaster."
If the "lay of the land" had been more in his favor Mc
Clellan might have here shown the advantage of the co
operation of the water with the land forces, as first sug
gested by him, and which he endeavored to demonstrate as
soon as it was in his power.
Some time previous to this battle, he had consulted with
Commodore John Rodgers, and it was supposed that he
knew what position could be taken on the river, for con
veniently opening fire upon the flank of the enemy attacking
our forces at Malvern HiU.
General William B. Franklin held the Right resting on
the James River, General Fitz John Porter the extreme
Left : General E. D. Keyes and General S. P. Heintzelman
the Centre, and General E. V. Sumner's Corps was in re
serve. The Right was to be supported by the gunboats "Galena"
and "Jacob Bell," the duty of whose 100-pounders it was to
sweep the woods and prevent the advance of rebel reinforce
ments. But it has been confidently asserted that the co
operation of the gunboats at this point was of doubtful
utility on account of the height of Malvern Hill, which
obstructed the view of the troops from the river; in other

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 363
words the Hill was in the way. And yet, it would be hard
ly fair, perhaps, to say that the gunboats were of no advan
tage, especially as the victory was ours and nobody was to
be blamed.
Grows' "Journal" : "Sunday, June 29, 1862. Packed up,
and at 4 were on our way : went about 3 miles and stopped,
on account of some trouble ahead. It is very hot. In about
a couple of hours we got under way and went a short dis
tance, when we stopped and rested till 4 o'clock this after
noon when we began the march again, and arrived in camp
about 7, put up tents and turned in.
Monday June 30, 1862. Broke camp about 4 this morn
ing and started to go ten miles to City Point on the James
River, but did not go more than three, when we went into
park on a place called Turkey Island, put up our tents in
the edge of the woods and laid down. I am very hungry,
for I have not tasted meat for a number of days.
I soon fell asleep and awoke to find that we were on the
move again to get out of the way, as a battle was going to
be fought. We moved about one mile. After getting
there we rested a little. In a very short time the fight be-
. gan, and never did I hear such noise ! — the cannonading
was awful. In about an hour the firing on the rebel side
ceased." General McClellan stayed with the Fifth Corps all night
on the 30th and inspected the line at 8.30 next morning.
REPORT OF GEN. GEORGE W. MORELL.
General Morell's Report dated Harrison's Bar, Va., July
21, 1862, has the foUowing: —
"At daylight on the 30th June, 1862, Monday, I started
for Turkey Bridge and James River via the Quaker road
and Malvern Hill, and bivouacked about 10 a. m. on the
bank of the river below the bridge, but was soon recalled to
Malvern Hill, as the enemy was approaching. ... On the

364 HISTORY OF THE
west edge of the field, not far from the Richmond road, and
overlooking the field and valley, is a large white house,
Dr. J. H. Mellert's, which was my headquarters. My Di
vision occupied the extreme left of the line, and in this field
bore its part in the battle of Malvern."
General Charles Griffin was charged by General Fitz John
Porter with a general supervision of the artillery line, in ad
dition to the command of his brigade; Captain William B.
Weeden retaining the immediate command of the artillery
attached to the Division. In his report General Griffin,
after designating the artillery engaged, says : — "The bat
teries were excellently served. The greatest coolness and
bravery were displayed by officers and men, and my only
regret, is my inability to mention the officers by name."
General Morell, in his acknowledgments for his indebted
ness to certain officers, includes Captain Weeden whom he
says "besides performing his peculiar duties, joined me
whenever he could do so, and acted as one of my staff."
A RECENT COMPLIMENT.
In a letter dated Providence, R. I. September 19, 1899,
Captain William B. Weeden says : —
"A section of the Fifth Mass. Battery under Lieut. Phil
lips, was posted next Battery C, R. I. then under my imme
diate command, in the heaviest shock of the battle of Mal
vern Hill. It did exceUent service, both command and
men."
REPORT OF GEN. JOHN H. MARTINDALE.
General John H. Martindale in his official account of the
battle, after referring to the retirement of the rear guard
of the day before, which left Porter's Corps and Couch's
Division to cover the front, describes the conflict as "an
affair of artillery," and proceeds to say, — "None of Porter's
Corps had yet engaged the infantry. Couch, however, was

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 365
pressed severely on the right, but held his ground. I had
encountered artillery before, but now it opened as I had
never yet seen it. It was obvious that the whole Army
of the Potomac was resting there for safety on the steadi
ness of the portion of it which was then confronting the
enemy. I went along the line of my regiments, and told
them my dispositions for battle, and reminded them that a
retreat would be annihilation. It would be better to face
the enemy to the last, than to retire, — that there was no
Washington to fall back on as at Bull Run, no Chicka
hominy to cross as at Gaines Mills. We must be victorious
or perish !"
FROM THE REPORT OF BRIG. GEN. DARIUS N.
COUCH. Harrison's Landing, Va.
July 5, 1862.
"At 9 o'clock [July 1, 1862] Berdan's sharpshooters
were driven in. The rebels were driven off by artillery
alone. From this time until about 1 p. m. the contest was
on both sides in the hands of the artillerists; then they
pushed forward a column to carry the Left of the line held
by Griffin. They were driven back disorganized and cut up
by our artillery alone. Their batteries played upon us with
out intermission, but owing to the care used in masking the
men, our loss from it was not serious, with the exception of
a battery to the right, that enfiladed my position. . . .
At about 4.30 p. m., after an incessant cannonade, they
boldly pushed forward a large column from their Right in
the open field to carry Griffin's position. The fire of three
batteries was concentrated upon them. Kingsbury's [Bat
tery D, 5th U. S.] battery having been withdrawn for am
munition, was relieved by three guns of Battery C, Rhode
Island Artillery and two guns, — Allen's Fifth Massachu
setts, — under Captain Weeden. The attacking column kept

366 HISTORY OF THE
on, continually reinforced until within range of Griffin's
Rifles, when it was stopped and formed line.
From this time until 8 p. m. there was enacted one of the
sublimest sights ever presented in war, resulting in a glo
rious victory to our arms."
The action now became general and General Couch as
sumed command of the entire line for the time, ordering up
the reserves etc. etc. ,
"Night closed in upon us," he continues, "still fighting;
the opposing forces only known by their lines of fire, that of
the rebels gradually slackening until 8.30 p. m., after which
an occasional cannon shot from our batteries only broke the
stillness that pervaded this bloody field.
Thus ended the battle of Malvern HiU, which caused
great carnage and demoralization among the best divisions
of the enemy, with comparatively small losses on our side.
. . . Having received orders from General McClellan to
fall back, my troops were gradually withdrawn from the
field. Captain Benson [Captain Henry Benson Battery M,
2d U. S.] who had relieved the Massachusetts and Rhode
Island batteries after dark, left one section of his artillery.
. . . Both armies retreated, the one because it was beaten,
the other because it was a part of the plans of our general."
Powell's History says of Allen's [Fifth Mass.] and
Weeden's [Fourth R. I.] Batteries: — "About 4 p. m. July
ist, [the hour at which the assault on Morell's lines was ex
pected, information to that effect having reached Porter's
Head Quarters,] the Fourth R. I. Battery [Weeden's] com
manded by Lt. Richard Waterman, was withdrawn from
the left, and later on, in connection with Lt. [John B.]
Hyde's section of Allen's Battery, relieved Kingsbury's
[Battery D, 5th U. S.] Battery, on General D. N. Couch's
left, and rendered admirable service, having a whole com
pany of experienced gunners to man his three guns."
At 4.30, McClellan came upon the field again to consult
with Porter at his Head Ouarters, the Malvern house. At

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 367
9 p. m. the battle was over and McClellan had a consultation
with Commodore Rodgers in relation to the movement to
Harrison's Landing which was then decided upon. So very
pleased was he with the outcome of this encounter, that he
closed his official report with the following words : —
"My mind cannot coin expressions of thanks and admiration warm
enough or intense enough, to do justice to my feelings towards the
Army I am so proud to command.
To my countrymen I confidently commit them, convinced they will
ever honor every brave man who served during those seven historic
days with the army of the Potomac. ... I will simply call attention
to the invaluable services rendered by the artillery, and say that its
performances have fully justified my anticipations, and prove it to be
our policy to cherish and increase that arm of the service."
FROM "RHODE ISLAND IN THE REBELLION."
"The battle began at 3 o'clock p. m. by a heavy musketry
fire from the rebels upon our centre, and soon a general en
gagement ensued. Our line was in the form of a semi
circle. For several hours the conflict raged with unmiti
gated fury. Here, as at Gaines Mills, Porter's Corps did
some splendid fighting. ... At half-past eight o'clock in
the morning the three remaining guns of Battery C,
(Weeden's) with a section of Allen's Massachusetts Bat
tery, all under the command of Captain Weeden, moved to
the hills and proceeded off to the Left of the line to protect
the left flank. The Battery (Weeden's) with Allen's sec
tion, was stationed on the brow of a hill, and commanded a
plain below. A sharp look-out was kept along the edge of
the woods beyond the plain, to see that no rebels came out,
and if they did, to give them a becoming reception. Shot
and shell from the rebel batteries on our right were con
stantly flying over our heads, but we had, for the moment,
less to fear from them than from some of our own guns on
the extreme Left of the line, which were obscured from our
view by woods, and were shooting over our heads. Some

368 HISTORY OF THE •
of their shells were fired at too short range, and a 32-
pounder shell burst close by one of our pieces, instantly disab
ling six of its men, and fatally wounding Lieut. Waterman's
horse and that of Serg't Hunt. It was little less than mi
raculous that their riders escaped. Two of the men were
instantly killed, and four wounded, one severely.
The explosion was stunning. Shells were coming from
Right, Rear, and Left, and our position being too hot we
were ordered to retire : and, moving farther to the right,
very soon relieved Griffin's Battery, which had expended
all its ammunition. After getting in battery, firing was
commenced, dropping shells in various directions in the
woods in front of us. A rebel battery somewhere in front
of us, responded to our civilities, and sent us specimens of
their ordnance stores, but as most of them overreached, no
injury was done.
In a short time a rebel regiment was seen coming down a
road to our left and front and deploying into the field as
skirmishers. Attention was also arrested by a rebel battery,
just in the edge of the woods in the rear of the regiment,
whose position could be discerned only by the smoke of its
discharge. A few well directed missiles put a stop to im
pertinences, and firing from that quarter soon ceased. Most
of its shots overreached and did comparatively little damage.
One was made, however, which told on our ranks. A
shrapnell burst splendidly, — for so are death missives often
viewed on the battle field, — and one of the fragments struck
Corporal William B. Thompson in the thigh, making a
mortal wound. Another man, working the guns, was
struck in the arm by a piece of the same shell, and died in
twenty minutes. The rebel infantry came within 300 yards
of our Battery, but we could not poke canister at them from
fear of wounding our own men in front, so we gave them
shrapnell, shells filled with sixty bullets and nearly as de
structive, which were fired over the heads of the infantry.
The batteries, in their several positions, mowed down the

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 369
rebels with terrible certainty, as did our infantry along the
entire line, but life seemed of no consequence to their of
ficers, and relying on their superior numbers they filled every
breach made in their ranks with fresh men, maddened and
made reckless by whiskey and gunpowder.
Though they numbered three to our one it was in vain
that they rushed upon our men. It was only to meet cer
tain death and final repulse.
Our men stood up bravely to the work, as they did six
days before, and when they saw the rebel infantry deploy
ing, cheered and waved their hats; crying 'Give it to them!'
'Give it to them !' and it was done. . . .
About half past seven o'clock we were relieved, and re
turned to the camp we left in the morning. Late in the
night the Battery proceeded on its way to Harrison's Land
ing where it arrived at 4 o'clock a. m., very much exhausted.
At midnight terminated a week of battles, the enemy
driven back, and the Federal army holding the field. The
Federals captured twenty-nine cannon and lost twenty -
eight."
THE SEVEN DAYS BATTLES.
REPORT OF LIEUT. JOHN B. HYDE.
"I was ordered by Captain Weeden to take my remaining
pieces, with his Battery, to the front and on the brow of a
hill about 2000 yards from the enemy who were in the edge
of the woods, with artillery and infantry. We began to
shell them, and after about half an hour, in connection with
other batteries, silenced the enemy, and was then ordered
with Weeden's Battery to take position in the field on the
opposite side of the road, and again began firing in the direc
tion of the enemy. This was kept up till dark, when we
were relieved and returned to camp.

370 HISTORY OF THE
Amount of ammunition expended, 300 rounds.
Robert King wounded in breast.
Jacob Peacock wounded in the leg.
Three horses shot.
During the engagement all the men behaved remarkably
well. All of which is respectfully submitted
John B. Hyde Lieut.
Commanding Battery."
FROM PHILLIPS' DIARY AND LETTERS.
"Monday, June 30, 1862. Marched at 3 a. m. to the
James River and camped at noon on Turkey Island near
Malvern Hill.
The whole army is coming this way.
About noon as we passed through a wheat field, the wheat
was stacked all over the field, and we took advantage of this
to secure some feed for our hungry and tired horses. Send
ing our cannoneers over the fence the wheat travelled in a
very short period on to our caissons, while the owners looked
from their windows, rather startled at this demonstration of
the Army of the Potomac. I am happy to say I saw no
guard over the property. The next field was an immense
corn field, the corn already four feet high. Intermixed with
the corn were most delicious blackberries, which tasted
sweetly after a diet of hard bread and water. Arrived at the
farther limit of this field we stopped and rested awhile; our
men pulling up the corn to fodder their horses. On Tues
day night [July ist, after the battle of Malvern Hill] I
could not see a blade of corn in the whole field. Close by
us was a large cherry tree, but this was soon stripped. Some
of our men brought me some cherries from a tree by the
house close by, black, dead ripe, and delicious. After a
short delay we marched on down the hill and came into park

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 371
in a very pleasant corn field, where we supposed we should
stop all night, but late in the afternoon we moved back on
to the hill again near our former position, but the appear
ance of things had changed. What -we left a large green
corn field was now an immense dry plain, all bristling with
arms, and surrounded with batteries of artillery. Away
beyond the wheat field we could hear the roar of artillery,
and the. rattling of musketry and everything looked like a
grand fight the next day. At one time the enemy appeared
in our vicinity, making a small attack on our left and got a
terrible thrashing.
They dragged a few guns into position and opened on us,
when, as the poet says, they were answered from the hill, and
with a vengeance too. Probably nobody was ever in a hot
ter place, — on earth at least, — than the rebels were for the
next 20 minutes. Siege guns, Parrotts, and everything
else poured into them a tremendous fire, while the gunboat
shells burst amongst them. The next day Captain Martin
brought in two of their guns all covered with blood, while
the dead horses and broken caissons showed the effects of
our fire. Gradually as darkness settled upon the earth
all became quiet, and we went to bed with great anticipa
tions of the morrow.
The Battle of Malvern Hill.
The sun was well up Tuesday July 1, 1862, before the
reveille roused us to our day's work.
During the forenoon all was still and quiet, but we knew
that the stillness might at any time be broken by the rattling
of musketry and the roar of cannon. So we breakfasted
on hard bread and waited for events.
Soon came the order to hitch up, and we started out to
ward the wheat field.
At noon they made their first attack, our artillery being
arranged as follows : —

372 HISTORY OF THE
On the Right Griffin's Battery, Lt. Kingsbury com'd'g:
six io pdr. Parrotts, 3 inch calibre;
Next on the Left :— (Adelbert) Ames's Battery [Battery
A, 5th U. S.] of six Light 12 pdrs. smooth bore, otherwise
called the Napoleon Gun;
Next: — 5th Mass. Battery 2 pieces;
Next: — Captain Weeden's remaining 3 guns, — 3 inch
Rifled Guns.
On the right of Kingsbury, and hidden by a piece of
woods, were some other batteries.
Our two pieces were formed into one section and placed
under me, Lt. Hyde taking command of the whole battery.
Dillingham took charge of the caissons, and Scott was placed
in command of the Battery wagons and forges belonging to
Griffin's, Weeden's and Allen's Batteries.
Martin's Battery had been detached and sent to the left,
and I saw nothing of it during the day. Well, we started
out, and first came into line behind Martindale's brigade
which was sheltered behind a little wood. Close by us was
the Mass. 22d, which had suffered terribly on Friday
[Gaines Mills] . Of course they were rather down-hearted,
and the officers tried to keep up their spirits by singing &c.
It was rather affecting to hear this regiment, cut down by
disease and bullets to a mere fraction of its original num
bers, strike up the John Brown song, and proclaim their de
termination to hang Jeff Davis on a sour apple tree, as stur
dily as they did when their ranks were full. After waiting
here a short time we, together with the brigade, moved a
short distance to the left, and rested alongside of Weeden's
Battery, Kingsbury having come into battery on the right;
the brigade resting in front of us in column of Division ly
ing on the ground. Here we waited and dined on hard
bread and coffee, and shortly afterwards moved to the left
and came into battery.
In front of us was the large level field about 1700 yards
across. On the opposite side was a ridge, behind which the

Second Position.

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/*e 7>ive.r. & Sfar/7ne7<}7e. 6.Fe.2eZ Guns.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 373
rebels placed their guns out of our sight, and blazed away,
now from one place and now from another. In the woods
beyond was an indefinite number of rebels. On our left the
ground sloped rapidly down to a low level meadow bounded
by woods. We were charged with the duty of protecting
our Left from any flank movement.
No infantry was in sight; theirs being hidden in the
woods, and ours being hidden behind the hill in rear of our
guns. Suddenly out the rebels poured from the woods in front
of Kingsbury, and down the road, their red flags flying, and
charged across the field.
Our infantry rushed out to meet them, and back they
went with diminished numbers.
An intervening hill prevented us from participating; we
could see them only for a few minutes.
Soon afterwards we were ordered to the right, and having
to cross under a heavy fire of shrapnell, the enemy shooting
very well, we had two men wounded by fragments of shell :
Robert King in the shoulder, and Jacob Peacock in the leg.
While waiting for a few minutes to change our limbers,
I had an excellent opportunity to dodge. A shrapnell burst
right in front of me; the fragments striking the ground
about 20 feet off. One piece about an inch square
ricocheted, and came in the most spiteful way straight for
my shoulder, but, by a most graceful right oblique, I got
out of the way. About this time I missed Lt. Hyde, who
was looking after the caissons, I presume, and so I took
command and marched the guns at full gallop to the right,
and came into line with Captain Weeden, behind Kingsbury,
who was firing his last shots at the retreating rebels. Soon
after we were ordered forward to relieve him, everything
else remaining in statu quo, and we came into battery and
waited. General Couch, General Abercrombie and General
Griffin, — commanding Morell's old brigade, — were all in

374 HISTORY OF THE
our neighborhood, but I do not know the exact disposition
of the infantry.
Late in the afternoon the rebels made another attack on
our Left and Centre. Just previous to it they got six pieces
of artillery into a new position, and opened on us, intending
apparently to disable us. The result made the attempt very
ridiculous; though they made some good shots and threw
some shrapnell between our guns, they did not hurt any
body, and in 15 minutes we had silenced them so completely
that they did not fire another gun. What on earth induced
them to try such a ridiculous proceeding I do not know. If
they had kept their guns masked until their infantry
charged, and then had used them to distract the attention
of our artillery, or to operate against our infantry, they
might have accomplished something, but they ought to have
learned by this time that they stand no chance at artillery
practice. As soon as they made their appearance from the woods,
our artiUery operted on them with terrible effect. The air
over their heads was filled with the smoke of bursting shells
whose fragments plowed the ground in front. Half way
across the field, and already their ranks show many a gap,
while wounded men are straggling fast to the rear.
They had got within 800 yards, when out rushed the in
fantry on our left, and the rattling of musketry mingled with
the roar of cannon. Then the rebels poured out fresh
troops from the woods in front of us; then we sent in more,
and so the fight went on until 50,000 men were fighting in
the field in front of us. We fired as fast as we could get
fresh limbers full of ammunition; piling up our canister
alongside of the gun, so as to be ready for them.
When two hours had passed away, we had fired 250
rounds, our men were tired, and three horses were killed,
when another battery came to relieve us. [Colonel Henry ].
Hunt sent Battery M, 2d U. S. Captain Henry Benson, and

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 375
Battery G, ist New York Light, Captain l°hn D. Frank,
to relieve Waterman and Hyde on the left.] So we lim
bered up and came off.
The fight still kept on, but about dark we drove them
back. Going a mile to the rear I found the caissons all safe.
We waited without unhitching till midnight, when we
started for James River, arriving at 3.30 a. m. on the large
plain where we encamped.
Our men came out of this fight in very good spirits; they
thought they had paid the rebels somewhat for Friday's loss,
and they cheered and hollaed at a great rate."
FROM SCOTT'S NOTES.
"June 30, 1862. After leaving, the Chickahominy our
spirits revived. Found the 5th Corps camped on Malvern
Hill near the James River.
Parked away from the river in the lee of some outbuild
ings, we eat our hard-bread, heard a few experiences of
narrow escapes during the day, and slept on the ground the
night of the 30th of June unmolested. Most of the army
were arriving, and with the gunboats on James River we
felt secure.
In the rear of the Malvern house facing north, was a level
plain or plateau.
Our lines were formed on the outlying hills of the plateau,
with our flank on the river protected by the gunboats.
The enemy followed closely.
On the morning of the ist of July, 1862, the weather was
fine. Corps were getting into line of battle.
As the Battery stood on the plain near the Malvern house,
solid shot from the enemy came pounding around us.
I was put in charge of the wagons and caissons, with
orders to take them to a safe place, and they were taken past
the Malvern house, into a hollow, where we remained all
day, only listening to the heavy firing of the battle.

376 HISTORY OF THE
The 5th Mass. Battery, having only two guns, with Lieu
tenants Hyde, Dillingham, and Phillips, was sent to the
front. I saw none of the fighting, but the guns were fought
for all they were worth by Lt. Phillips who achieved for
himself and his men high honor.
The gunboats sent their shots past the Left flank of our
Corps into the enemy's Right. They made a fearful noise
passing through the air, to the demoralization of the enemy,
who did not like those 'lamp posts' as they called them.
As night began to close in, Lt. Hyde having come down to
where I was stationed with the trains, I ascertained from
him where the two guns were, and said I would go and find
them. Mounting my horse I started across the plains.
The artillery fire was terrific. In the darkness I could see
the flashes of our guns and those of the enemy, and soon bul
lets came flying through the air. Meeting a mounted of
ficer, and making inquiries of him without getting any
further news, I thought, as I was there without orders, my
safest place was out of the line of fire, and returning to the
Malvern house I found the two guns had preceded me. The
battle was over for the night."
FROM LT. BLAKE'S LETTER.
In a letter dated July 4, 1862, Lt. Peleg W. Blake then
sergeant, but promoted to 2d Lt. on the 13th of that month,
wrote : —
"On a splendid field near the James River, on the ist of
July came the tug of war.
We were ordered out with our two pieces, my piece and
Spear's piece, all we had, at 12 o'clock m. We took our
position on the Left of the field and commenced firing, the
rebels coming out of the woods one mile distant.
Seventy-five pieces of artillery were firing on the rebels
who were mown clown by the thousands, not by the hun-

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 377
dreds, and at one time I should think there were 5000 rebels
who came out of the woods under all of our fire of artillery
and musketry.
On they came, and still kept coming, but soon began to
run back for the woods, but I am sure, and I heard two gen
erals say, that there were none ever got back to tell the tale.
Soon after, they made their general attack, and there were
said to be 100,000 rebels under Beauregard. We whipped
them bad.
We then fell back to the James River, and started down
the river 10 miles. We are now on the James River."
LETTER OF ACTING SERG'T. SPEAR.
"Friday July 4, 1862.
Saturday morning the Army commenced retreating again
and kept falling back, and falling back, until Tuesday, when
it had another battle.
The two remaining pieces were engaged, and I was in the
fight about 4 hours Tuesday afternoon."
AT MALVERN HILL
NOTES OF LIEUT. SPEAR.
July 24, 1901.
"The two remaining pieces went into position under com
mand of Lieut. Phillips, nearly to the extreme left of the
Army, on the right of the road, near a small farm house,
remaining there until about noon, then changing to the left
and rear about one-half mile, into a wheat field on the side
of the hill commanding an extended view of the enemy's
right, as it advanced in line of battle. This was the first
best position that we had for execution, to my knowledge,
during the war, the second being at Gettysburg when on the
left of Hancock's Corps, the third day of the fight." [See
p. 651.]

378 HISTORY OF THE
LETTER OF ACTING SERG'T. SPEAR.
"Harrison's Landing, Va.
Thursday, July 17, 1862.
Last night, also on the night before, we had thunder
showers, and they cooled and purified the air, and the morn
ings following the showers were delightful. Every morning
BiU Baxter and myself take a morning ride down to the
river and have a swim. In my letter I stated that there
were only three of the Quincy boys in the fight at Malvern
Hill. There were four, viz., Joe Whitcher, H. E. Shaw,
Bill Lapham and myself.
Joe Whitcher was driving a pair of lead horses on Tues
day, when the last fight occurred, and came directly on the
battle field, to supply us with ammunition, conducting him
self nobly, and managed his horses in good style, for it was
a hard and difficult task to keep the horses in their proper
places, when the bullets were whizzing, and the shells burst
ing about us." FROM CHASE'S DIARY.
"June 30, 1862. Routed out and packed up at two
o'clock this morning, and after waiting three hours, again
resumed our march towards James River, and later reached
the river, and camped until about 3 p. m., when we again
received marching orders. General McClellan hastily re
viewed the troops this p. m., while in line to march. He
was greeted by roars of cheering.
Cannonading heard in a northerly direction towards the
Chickahominy. At the foot of a hill to which we marched back, after
marching over it this morning, an artiUery duel ensued. A
rebel battery commenced shelling our troops from the woods,
but our artiUery and the gunboats on the river, shelled them
out in about thirty minutes. Several of the enemy's bat-

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 379
teries were taken, and about 200 prisoners passed our camp.
July 1, 1862. Cannonading heard in front this morning.
A battery of twelve 32 pdrs. and the gunboats on the James
River, opened on the enemy.
Hitched up and went Tn Battery' at the edge of a piece
of woods just to the right of the 22d Mass. Regt. while they
were singing 'John Brown's body &c' and the shot and shell
flying over them, and us, both ways.
Nothing but hard bread and water to eat with one excep
tion since June 26th until today, when we had beans. A
general engagement began about 3 p. m. and lasted until
about 9 p. m.
Our two remaining pieces advanced and took position on
the left of the line, and commenced shelling the enemy in
front : fired fifteen shots at them and then went to the rear,
but afterwards took a new position on an eminence in front
of the enemy, and held our ground until 7 p. m., when we
were relieved by another full battery of 10 pounders.
A fearful battle! The enemy charged on our lines and
were mown down with canister and shrapnell shot, and the
infantry, — a constant roar of cannon and musketry. Lost
two horses. Retired to the rear in good order, and took
the march to Harrison's Landing, James River : reached a
halting place about 3.30 in the morning of the 2d. [July,
1862]. Lt. C. A. Phillips very gallantly took us into our
second position in front of the enemy."
NOTES OF D. HENRY GROWS.
From Notes of D. Henry Grows No. 6 man [to deal am
munition] on the 5th Gun: — "Tuesday, July 1, 1862. Got
up about 6. Had some coffee. In a short time firing was
heard on the Right, and we were ordered to take the pieces
out on to the front. We went out and laid down to rest as
the firing had ceased. Stopped here till about 3 this after
noon, when we were ordered to take our position in line of

380 HISTORY OF THE
battle, which we did on a beautiful hill, a large, level plain
beneath, with woods in the rear in which the rebels were
concealed. We soon opened upon them, our position being on the
Left, and they returned it in good earnest. We had about
thirty pieces of artillery against them. They sent a brigade
of infantry out against us.
I was sick of blood ! We were exposed at one time to a
heavy cross fire but we soon got it down.
There has been a great slaughter to-day! I stood at my
post till I dropped, owing to the heat, and was sent to the
rear. I shall go out again as soon as I am able. A man
took my place. We fired some 300 rounds. We lost one
horse, and one of the men was struck with a piece of shell.
About dusk we went into camp and turned in. Had not
slept but a short time before we were turned out and
marched all night till 4 o'clock in the morning."
FROM GEN. THOMAS W. HYDE.
Gen. Hyde in his book "Following the Greek Cross," thus
describes his emotions on this battle field : —
"I soon found myself on Malvern Hill, where I could ad
mire the stern array of what was left of the 5th Corps, shat
tered but dauntless still, and wonder at the grand massing
of its batteries, supported by the artillery reserve, and listen
to the deafening roar of the great guns from the war ves
sels far down on the James. . . . We heard afterwards how
the best chivalry of the South had for hours dashed them
selves upon Porter's lines in vain, how Hunt's unsurpassed
artillery had not allowed the enemy's attacking columns to
keep their formation long enough to get near his guns."
It was "by the light of the fires," in the words of General
Martindale, "reflected on the clouds over the woods, and the
report of the pickets,'"' which revealed to our forces that "the
enemy was using the night to retire out of reach of our can
non, toward Richmond."

CHAPTER XII.
THE BATTERY DIVIDED.
Officers and Men Transferred, Promoted, and Dis
charged for Disability.
"What is honor? . . Who hath it? He that died o' Wednesday.
Doth he feel it? No. Doth he hear it? No. Is it insensible then?
Yea, to the dead. But will it live with the living? No. Why? De
traction will not suffer it." — Shakespeare, King Henry IV.
The Battle of Malvern Hill closed the Peninsula cam
paign. Halleck as general-in-chief gave peremptory or
ders, which were reluctantly carried out by McClellan and
Hooker, to withdraw the Army from the Peninsula with
all possible dispatch.
Governor Andrew in an address referring to this period
says : —
"July 2, 1862, the President called for 300,000 men. The unfor
tunate campaign in Virginia, which results in the return of both our
armies within the defences of Washington, aroused and inflamed the
zeal of the whole people. The requisite number of men were speedily
raised." General McClellan wrote the Secretary of War that to
accomplish the task of capturing Richmond reinforcements
should be sent to him "rather much over than less than one
hundred thousand men," and then foUowed six weeks of
inactivity while he waited.
The Army had all "turned in" on the ground, after the
battle of Malvern HiU, expecting to get a night's rest, but,
talking over the day's fight while their excited nerves were
recovering from the strain, orders came to move on, and
they were again on the march. 381

382 HISTORY OF THE
In pursuance of the retrograde movement southwest they
marched ten miles, to Harrison's Landing, arriving about
daylight July 3d, and the Battery went fast asleep, at last,
in a field where they had dropped down between the rows
of corn. The horses stood in harness as they had been since
the 26th of June.
The enemy had not followed in force, and the weary sol
diers slept on far into the forenoon, unconscious that they
were lying in six inches of water [Scott's Notes]. The rain
beat upon them, but they paid no heed, and lay on the
ground all day, side by side with the sick and wounded,
obliged to lie, if they lie at all, in this quagmire, exposed to
the weather, until the sick and wounded were taken on board
the transports, which was accomplished during the day and
the wagons came up with shelter for the weary ones.
Reinforcements also arrived, and stragglers came in.
Among the fresh troops was the 32d Mass. Infantry, as
signed to General Griffin's, late Morell's, Brigade. The
enemy had not yet ceased harassing our rereating columns,
for on July 3d in the morning, shells from two guns which
they had placed in position, were seen bursting in the air;
three of them going to pieces within 200 yards of the Bat
tery and one striking in Captain Martin's camp near them.
The Battery's two remaining guns were hitched up for
action, but after waiting two hours they were unhitched
again. The rebel guns were so near that they were easily
brought in by our flying artillery.
Grows' "Journal" : "July 3, 1862. . . . We soon got
word that our troops had flanked them taking 40 pieces of
artillery and 8000 prisoners. In a short time 600 of the
32d Mass Reg't. arrived and were loudly cheered. Fresh
troops have been coming in all day. After being in harness
all day, towards night we were told to unhitch and go into
camp again.
Friday, July 4, 1862. About 10 this forenoon we broke

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 383
camp and moved to a better camping ground, so as to give
the men and horses rest, of which we are greatly in need.
Got some nice straw and laid it in my tent. Fixed up
things, then laid down."
On the Fourth of July, General Henry W. Halleck, hav
ing come down from Washington, reviewed the troops, and
the national salute was fired, at each Corps Head Quarters,
in honor of the day.
General McClellan anticipated an attack, and was expect
ing recruits. In his address to the troops on that day he
said : —
"The enemy may at any moment attack you.
We are prepared to receive them.
I have personally established your lines.
Let them come, and we will convert their repulse into a final defeat.
Your government is strengthening you with the resources of a
great people.
On this our nation's birth-day, we declare to our foes who are
rebels against the best interests of mankind, that this Army shall
enter the capital of the so-called Confederacy : that our national consti
tution shall prevail, and that the Union, which can alone insure internal
peace and external security to each state, must and shall be preserved
cost what it may in time, treasure, or blood."
At the inspection of July 6th by General Fitz John Porter
and Captain Weeden, the Fifth Mass. Battery was in line.
"It seemed to be well understood by General Porter,"
wrote Scott, "what the condition of the Battery was : — 'You
have lost four guns at Gaines Mills' he said, 'but you lost
them honorably, and as soon as practicable they will be
restored to you, and the service demands them.' '
Grows' "Journal" : "Sunday, July 6, I862. It is a very
hot morning. There was an inspection of the Battery by
General Porter and staff this forenoon [See p. 341 F. P.
Washburn] and he told us when Richmond was ours we
should go home.
This afternoon went to the Doctor : he told me I would
not pass, and to have my discharge. I am almost worn out
with fighting and marching so much.

384 HISTORY OF THE
Monday, July 7th. Went to the Doctor with Serg't
Smith. He instructed me to tell my officer to have me go
before the Brigade Surgeon and for him to sign our papers.
Lieut. Hyde went to see him but he was away, so we will
have to go tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 8th. A very hot morning. After eating I
with three others went to the head doctor. He told our
lieutenant to send us home, and he will do all he can for us,
for which I am very thankful."
A REVIEW OF THE BATTLES.
From a Letter of Thomas E. Chase : — "Harrison's Land
ing, Va. July 7, 1862.
Since I last wrote you we have been in two despe.rate
field engagements, besides much danger on picket duty. At
two o'clock p. m. Thursday, 26th ult., we received marching
orders, and were soon on the march to White House. Can
nonading had already commenced toward MechanicsviUe,
and we knew that there was to be hot work on the morrow.
We marched about two miles towards White House, and
then countermarched nearly back again, and bivouacked for
the night in a field with General Butterfield's Brigade. The
firing continued until about 9 p. m., and we left the horses
all night hitched to the pieces, and laid down near the guns
ready for duty at a moment's notice. At early dawn the
fight commenced again, and troops began to move. We left,
too, but instead of approaching the scene of action we
marched back nearly to the spot we had left the day before,
and placed the guns 'in battery' on the brow of a hill com
manding a large tract of land around us. Lieut. Hyde then
told us that our troops were retreating in good order, and
that we were to cover their retreat, and that a battery of fly
ing artillery would be the last to cross the mill-stream below
us. We were to hold our position and repulse the enemy

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 385
until all the troops had crossed and destroyed the bridge.
The enemy's cannonading and musketry sounded nearer and
nearer, and at last the battery crossed and the men began to
rip up the bridge. The enemy across the Chickahominy
spied us, and opened on us from their 32 pdr. battery, but
as the distance was great they did us no injury, their shells
striking at least 100 yards from us. The bridge was de
stroyed before the enemy made their appearance, and we
trotted off to a new position about half a mile distant, also
on a hill, at the edge of a piece of woods. Here we were out
of the range of the enemy's 32 pdrs., and began to think we
could rest, but — Hark! The enemy have crossed the mill-
stream, and are already at work! Our infantry commence
felling the trees in front of us, and preparations are made
for a general engagement. The enemy threw some shells
into the infantry behind the woods, but did but little injury.
Soon they — the rebs — formed a line of battle, and on they
came, but were quickly repulsed by our troops. After a
short delay, they again rallied with increased numbers. The
Left section of our Battery took a position at the edge of
the woods on this charge, and blazed away at them. The
enemy were repulsed the second time as splendidly as the
first, and they tried it for the third time with great force
but with the same success. Redoubling their force, on they
came again, yelling like devils. Our brave but exhausted
troops held them in check for a few moments, and in the
meantime we advanced with the full Battery, and began to
pour canister and shrapnell into the solid ranks, but on they
came, and our troops were overpowered and a general re
treat had commenced. Many of the infantry had passed
us before we ceased firing, but we finally 'limbered up' and
drove off. The horses began to fall, the enemy were close
upon us, and we were obliged to leave four of our guns on
the field.
We retreated across the Chickahominy over Bottom's

386 HISTORY OF THE
Bridge, and camped for the night near McClellan's Head
Quarters. . . . Our Battery fired about one hundred
rounds at them at short range. . . . Porter's Division was
forced to retreat across the river. They were overwhelmed
by superior numbers. Our troops fought bravely and well.
We suffered a severe loss, but probably not more than half
that of the enemy. We have been retreating towards the
James River, and on Tuesday, ist inst. we had another des
perate battle. Before the fight McClellan rode along the
lines, and was loudly cheered and greeted with music.
Many of the troops thought it was good news, but some
thing told me that it meant fight, and well I knew that ere
long many of the voices that then cheered so loudly would
be hushed in death. Although I was glad to see our
Chieftain with us, well I knew his mission. That music was
not harmony to me, for I knew that the interludes were
to be the groans of the dying. This was on Monday, 31st,
and the enemy had already made an attack about 5 p. m.,
but were soon repulsed."
Notes of Francis P. Washburn : "I send you a picture of
the old sword picked up at Harrison's Landing. It was
not carried by an officer but by a cannoneer. When we were
equipped by the state of Massachusetts, the cannoneers were
armed with swords like the one in the picture, and the
drivers with sabres. Later in the War the drivers only
carried side arms."
The mails had recommenced, and the usual order of camp
was resumed, but it was not an ideal camp, for there was
no drinking water within a mile. The question of comfort
was not, however, paramount at that time for the destiny
of the Battery was being determined.
A Special Order was issued from Head Ouarters which for
a time distributed its forces into other, but not new chan
nels, as the batteries with which the fortunes of the mem
bers of the Fifth Mass. Battery were cast, had been near

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 387
neighbors in many camps and on many fields.
John Galvin in a letter of Nov. 27th, 1899, referring to
the life in camp of the Rhode Island and Massachusetts
men, says: —
"How often we partook of their hospitality of a Sunday
morning ! The 5th Battery boys would not forget us. The
Rhode Island boys did not know how to bake beans. I sup
pose they might be able to bake clams, but they could do
nothing with beans."
Of their fighting after the Battle of Gaines Mills he says :
— "How nobly they fought, with their two guns and their
handful of men, in every battle until we reached Harrison's
Landing." SPECIAL ORDER No. 200.
Headquarters, Army of the Potomac.
Camp near Harrison's Landing,
July 11. 1R6?
Special Orders
No. 200
16. The officers and men of Allen's Battery E, Mass. Artillery
[Morell's Division, 5th Provisional Corps], are assigned to duty with
Martin's Battery C, Mass. Artillery, the battery still retaining its com
pany organization.
The Commander of the 5th Provisional Corps will make such dis
position of the material and horses as he may deem proper in the bat
teries of Morell's Division. A sufficient number of men will be de
tached from Allen's Battery and attached to Weeden's Battery C,
Rhode Island Artillery,' to render the latter efficient. The Chief of
Artillery will make arrangements at once to supply Martin's Battery
with a light 12 pounder and Weeden's Battery with a 3 inch ordnance
gun. By command of Major General McClellan: S. Williams, _
Assistant Adjutant General.

388 HISTORY OF THE
CAPTAIN A. P. MARTIN'S ORDERS.
Company Orders,
Camp near Harrison's Landing, Va.
July 12, 1862.
In compliance with orders from Head Quarters Army of the Poto
mac, the officers and men of Allen's Battery E, Mass. Artillery, will be
temporarily attached to this Battery, and until further orders will form
one command. Officers and non-commissioned officers in both bat
teries will hold their present rank, and be respected and obeyed accord
ingly. In future the roll will be called in company line. The company will
assemble, and when the order is given to call the roll, each Sgt. will
step 2 paces to the front, call the roll, and return to his place, in the
ranks, and report to the First Sgt. as he passes down the line, who will
return opposite the centre of the line and report to the officer of the
day, after which the company will be dismissed.
The guard will hereafter be formed with sabres and inspected by
the old officer of the day, the old guard will form and be properly
relieved. Every man must appear at Guard mounting in uniform with
pants turned down at the bottoms, brasses clean, with a tidy appear
ance generally. Every man will take his place in the ranks, remain
silent, and keep his head square to the front, and his hands down by
his sides.
Each sergeant will at once hand in to Hd. Qrs. a list of his detach
ment ; designating those present for duty, and those sick; also make
a distinction between drivers and cannoneers. A. P. Martin Capt.,
Battery C, Mass. Art'y.
OFFICERS RESIGNED.
July 12, 1862, First Lieutenant John B. Hyde and Junior
First Lieutenant Robert A. Dillingham resigned and were
discharged.
NOTES OF LT. JOHN B. HYDE^ MAY 22, 1900.
"Lt. Dillingham was enlisted a private by me, and at my
request was commissioned junior second lieutenant, and
afterwards was promoted to senior second lieutenant.
He was a faithful, efficient officer, always discharging
his duties in a satisfactory manner. At the time he resigned
he was far from being a well man, and on the way home

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 389
became seriously ill. He was assisted through the journey
by Lt. Daniel S. Tompkins of the signal corps who was also
ill and on sick leave, and myself.
After he arrived at his home in New Bedford, he grew
worse, and was sick a long time with the dropsy, and
died with that disease on January ist, 1868, aged 40 years."
LT. HYDE'S COMING HOME.
Lt. Hyde did not resign as a sick man, but the nervous
strain through which he had passed produced typhoid fever,
the effects of which still remain (1902), and while disposed
to return to the service his physical condition would not
admit of it.
His relations with the Battery were always very pleas
ant, he looked after the men when they were sick but when
well held them strictly to the performance of their duty.
The horse "Black Charley" was sent home by express,
and in the fall of 1864, at the New England Horse Fair
held at Saugus, Mass., took the prize as a saddle horse for
action and beauty. The prize was twenty-five dollars, and
with it went a diploma, which neatly framed is still (1902)
preserved among his master's souvenirs of the war.
In later years he became the property of the distinguished
lawyer Peleg W. Chandler of Boston and Brunswick,
Maine, and occupied a stall in a stable as fine as a dwelling
house.
FROM A LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Harrison's Landing,
July 12, 1862.
In compliance with my request Capt. Martin went up to
see Gen. Porter yesterday. Gen. Porter said that the com
pany would be assigned to Capt. Martin, still retaining its
company organization under my command. Yesterday an
order arrived from Gen. McClellan for officers and men of

390 HISTORY OF THE
the Battery to report for duty to Captain Martin, a suffi
cient number to be detailed to fill up Weeden's Battery, the
company still retaining the company organization, and Mar
tin and Weeden recruiting up to the maximum, regardless
of us. So you see how the thing stands now. We still re
main a battery, without guns or horses, and most of the
men detached for other duty. I shall retain my commis
sion, and be in command of the Battery, having our mus
tered pay rolls, and act as a kind of supernumerary to Mar
tin's Battery. Scott ditto."
Diary of Lieut. Phillips: "July 13. Sunday, 25 of the
men were detailed to Captain Weeden's Battery."
OFFICERS PROMOTED.
Several officers went up. July 13, 1862, Second Lt.
Charles A. Phillips was promoted First Lt., Junior Second
Lt. Henry D. Scott was promoted Junior First Lt., and
Peleg W. Blake was commissioned Second Lt. All of the
Fifth Mass. Battery.
August ist Frederick A. Lull was commissioned Junior
Second Lieutenant.
On July 13th, Scott and Phillips moved their tent to Cap
tain Martin's camp, and from this time till Sept. 12, 1862,
the fate of the members of the Battery and of the remaining
commissioned officers was identified with the organizations
to which they had been assigned, viz., the Third Mass. Bat
tery and the Fourth Rhode Island, special regulations being
made for several non-commissioned officers and privates
(see p. 915), but after Captain Martin became acting chief
of the Artillery Brigade, Lieut. Phillips received from Gen
eral Morell, commanding the Division, the appointment of
acting assistant adjutant general and was assigned to the
staff of Captain Martin. Lieut. Scott was appointed acting
assistant quartermaster of Morell's Division and was as
signed to Martin's staff.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 391
Corporal Thomas E. Chase whose Diary is so often
quoted, went with Captain Martin's Battery.
July 14, 1862, General Halleck, who had been ordered
to Washington, assumed command as general-in-chief of
the U. S. Armies, and the Army of the Potomac was re
cuperating. Grows' "Journal" : "Monday July 14, 1862. About 8
this forenoon the Doctor came round to see us. He told
some of us he would send us North as soon as he could, as
this was no place for us. There are a great many men here
sick, but they are being sent away quite fast.
Wednesday, July 16th. Went out towards evening ta
see the process of embalming two bodies to be sent home.'-'
Lieut. Phillips wrote on the 16th July from the camp near
Harrison's Landing : — "We have been spending a fortnight
in this locality in great peace and quiet compared with the
fortnight which preceded. We have been stopping here on
a level plain, baked as hard as a brick in dry weather, and
as sticky as putty in wet. Yesterday we were mustered
for pay, and the heat was terrific. Captain Martin's Bat
tery was mustered just before we were, and one of his ser
geants was sun struck. Although we have been mustered
for pay, we have as yet seen nothing of the Paymaster.
By the regulations troops are to be paid off every two
months, if possible. You see how theory and practice agree
in this matter. People at home who see regiments march
ing off 1000 strong, have no idea of the skeleton regiments
out here. It was sad enough before the last row, but that
finished us up. Morell's Division was one of the largest in
the Army, numbering when filled to the maximum 15,000.
Before we left Gaines's Hill the regiments had been reduced
to an average of less than 400 effective men. The Massa
chusetts 9th and 22d were quite large, numbering 800 and
600 men. At Gaines Mills the 22c! lost 11 officers and 350
men, at Malvern Hill 75 men. They have now 304 men

392 HISTORY OF THE
on their rolls, and of these probably less than 200 are ef
fective. There are now with the Regiment 7 officers.
A great many officers are resigning, and things are in
pretty bad shape. Strategy of the kind we have had lately
is all humbug. The Army of the Potomac have fought the
bloodiest battles of the war, and they have decided nothing.
Fairoaks may have shown good fighting on the part of our
soldiers, but beyond killing so many hundred men nothing
was accomplished. The same may be said of all the battles
of the Peninsula. As far as loss of life was concerned
Gaines Mills cost us nearly, if not quite, as much as a suc
cessful assault upon Richmond would have done when we
first arrived, and has cost us immeasurablv more in moral
effect here and abroad, in time, and money, and all owing
to the 'slow and sure' policy."
LETTER OF ACTING SERG'T SPEAR.
" Harrison's Landing, Va.
July 17, 1862.
Some of the men have been put into Captain Weeden's
Battery, and the rest were put into Captain Martin's. We
are getting along well, although we have nothing to do, to
speak of. Some of the men are in the Detachments in
Martin's Battery, and some do not do any duty. Bill Lap
ham has been sent North to a hospital."
The sick and wounded were sent to various hospitals :
David's Island Hospital, New York: U. S. Hospital, 16th
and Filbert Streets, Philadelphia; Convalescent Hospital,
Alexandria; to Baltimore, to Cumberland, Md., to Fort
McHenry Hospital; Finley Hospital, Washington, D. C;
Armory Hospital, Washington, D. C.
Between February ioth, 1862, and December 31st of the
same year besides the three commissioned officers, as many
as 32 members of the Battery were discharged for disability.
Of these 24 were Lieut. Hyde's recruits, and 5 were Lieut.
Allen's.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 393

LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
" Harrison's Landing,
July 18, 1862.
Hyde and Dillingham left yesterday. Their resignations
took effect on the 12th. Scott and I and the men except
28 assigned to Weeden moved over to Captain Martin's
camp last Sunday. We act as officers under Martin, taking
our turn as Officers of the Day, and the men are incorpo
rated with his battery. Nominally the 5th Mass. Battery
still exists, having its officers and non-commissioned offi
cers, and its own muster and pay rolls, but it is a very
slender existence. I cannot sign a requisition or act in any
official capacity as commander, and have nothing to do with
the men."
Friday July 18, 1862, on account of heavy rains which
"drowned out the whole camp" and flooded the tent of
Scott and Phillips, the camp of the Third Mass. Battery
was moved to a hill near by, and the next day C. D. Bar
nard, supposed to have been killed in the battle of Gaines
Mills, June 27, 1862, came down the river from Richmond
among other wounded soldiers on board the steamer "Louis
iana" with a flag of truce. See p. 358 C. D. Barnard.
Among other changes wrought by time, Captain A. P.
Martin appeared in his new capacity of Chief of Artillery;
Captain William B. Weeden having resigned and gone
home. Grows' "Journal" : — "July 20, 1862. Soon after dinner
Harry Simonds and Joe Knox came over to see me. Had a
very pleasant time talking with them. They stopped about
an hour. . . . Some more have died today with the fever.
A great many are embalmed and sent to their friends."

394 HISTORY OF THE

MARTIN'S PROMOTION. Hd. Quarters Morell's
Division, Camp near Harrison's
Landing, Va. July 24, 1862.
Special Orders.
No. 215.
Captain Augustus P. Martin, Battery C, Massachusetts Artillery, is
hereby designated as Chief of the Artillery attached to this Division.
He will be obeyed and respected accordingly.
By command of Brig. Gen'l Geo. W. Morell. R. T. Auchmuty,
Ass't Adj. Gen'l.
ENLISTED ABOVE THE NUMBER.
By Special Order No. 89, Head Qrs. 5th Corps, camp
near Harrison's Landing, Va., July 24, 1862, Thomas B.
Stantial and James A. Wood, privates in the Fifth Mass.
Battery, having been enlisted as artificers above the number
authorized by law and deprived of their positions without
any fault of their own, are discharged from the military
service of the United States by command of Brig. Gen'l
F. J. Porter.
THE FIFTH ARMY CORPS.
July 24, 1862, Morell's Division was reviewed by Gen
eral Morell preparatory to a grand review the next morn
ing of the Fifth Army Corps, Brig. Gen'l F. J. Porter com
manding, by General McClellan.
The term "Provisional" having been dropped on July 22,
1862, by General Order No. 84 from the War Department,
the "Fifth Army Corps" was permanently established.
On the 25th the review by McClellan took place, and in
the afternoon General Halleck arrived at Harrison's
Landing.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 395
LETTER FROM PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Harrison's Landing,
July 25, 1862.
. . . Our camp is pitched in a very pleasant spot on a
little knoll about a mile from the river. Our tents, that is,
the officers, are pitched in a line on the crest of the hill, and
in the same line is our dining-room. This is formed of a
tent fly surrounded by boughs of trees. An elegant table
of pine boards occupies the centre, and a number of ammu
nition boxes placed around form our seats. We use it for a
writing apartment, and I am at present in it writing on a
sheet of paper borrowed from Lt. Walcott [commanding
Third Mass. Battery] who is writing alongside of me.
Until lately we were pretty well removed from water, hav
ing to go to the river to get it, but a few days ago the
infantry of the Division who were encamped near by, on
the edge of the woods, moved down nearer the river, leav
ing their wells and springs, which proved quite acceptable.
Still the water out here is poor at the best, clayey, and tast
ing of the swamp. I would give a great' deal for a glass of
pure cold Massachusetts water! . . . All would be very
well if we could only get some soft bread. We got some
the other day but it only served to aggravate things. . . .
I am afraid recruiting is not going on very brisk at home.
We need more men or more generals or different ones, I
don't know which. The troops here are gradually gaining
health and strength, but the officers appear to be backing
down. General Martindale has gone home on a furlough
and has probably resigned. [General Martindale never re
sumed this command but was given one near Washington.]
Butterfield has gone home [on leave]. Kingsbury [Lt.
Kingsbury of Griffin's Battery] is promoted colonel of
Conn, nth and everybody else is resigning, going home
on furlough, or sick leave, or getting cashiered."

396 HISTORY OF THE
Grows' "Journal" : "Friday, July 25, 1862. Had break
fast of coffee and bread. I drank some of it and soon after
laid down to hear the news read, which was very interest
ing. There are only seven of us in a tent now, the rest have
been discharged. One of the men gets a paper and reads
to us. Had for dinner some meat and potatoes. I eat the
potatoes and let the meat alone. After eating I went out
under the shade of a cherry tree to get cool. The sun is
very hot, and there is little air. Remained out most of the
afternoon. Came into the tent about \\ o'clock and had
some rice and sugar for a lunch. Took a light smoke. Tea
was ready at 6. I drank a little and laid down. Had a
severe night of it."
GEN'L. PORTER TO GOV. ANDREW.
Major General Fitz John Porter, commanding Fifth
Army Corps, Harrison's Landing, Va., July 26, 1862, to
His Excellency John A. Andrew, Governor of Massachu
setts. [Extract.] "It affords me great gratification to express to you ray
admiration for the noble conduct of the troops from your state under
my command, in the late actions before Richmond. No troops could
have behaved better than they did, the ninth and 22d Regiments and
Martin's Battery, and portions of Allen's, or done more to add to our
success. Their thinned ranks tell of their trials, the brave men lost,
their heroic dead, and gallant conduct and devotion to their country.
Their discipline was never excelled, and now with undaunted hearts,
they await wth confidence of success the order to advance. I hope you
will be able to send on men to fill their depleted ranks, even in parties
of ten, as fast as1 recruited. A few men joining us now gives great
heart to all men, and adds to our strength nearly five times the same
number in new regiments."
Grow.s' "Journal" : "Sunday, July 27, 1862. The Doctor
came around and ordered me to have tea and farina when
ever I wanted it. He is a very kind man.
Church services were held here by the officers of the Hos
pital, and the singing did sound splendid. The air is nice,

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 397
and cool enough to make it comfortable. I wrote a letter
to Lieut. Phillips in regard to my case, and shall send it as
soon as I can get an opportunity tomorrow, and trust it will
do some good."
ENLISTED ABOVE THE NUMBER.
By command of Maj. Gen'l Fitz John Porter Hd. Qrs.
Morell's Division, July 27, 1862. Special Orders No. 93,
two privates in the Fifth Mass. Battery, Christopher B.
Tripp and Charles D. Barnard, having been enlisted as
artificers above the number authorized by law, and deprived
of their positions without anv fault of their own, were dis
charged from the military service of the United States.
Grows' "Journal" : — "Monday, July 28, 1862, there were
four steamers in the river with sick and wounded brought
down from Richmond. They will have good care and treat
ment. Tuesday, July 29, 1862. Yesterday afternoon we had
some new cots brought into the tent for us. The nurse put
them up and I slept nicely last night. Had a little tea for
dinner, and this was all I could bear. Had some nice tea
with milk in it for my supper."
BATTERY QUARTERMASTER.
Head Quarters Morell's Division,
Camp near Harrison's Landing, Va.
July 30, 1862.
Special Orders.
No. 222.
Second Lieut. Henry D. Scott, Battery E, Mass. Artillery, is hereby
appointed Battery Quarter Master of the Artillery force attached to
this Division. He will be obeyed and respected accordingly.
By command of Brig. Gen. Geo. W. Morell.
R. T. Auchmuty,
Ass't Adj't. Gen'L

398 HISTORY OF THE
ARTILLERY ADJUTANT.
Head Quarters Morell's Division,
Camp near Harrison's Landing, Va.
July 30, 1862.
Special Orders.
No. 223.
Second Lieut. Charles A. Phillips, Battery E, Mass. Artillery, is
hereby appointed Artillery Adjutant of the Artillery force attached to
this Division.
He will be obeyed and respected accordingly.
By command of Brig. General Geo. W. Morell.
R. T. Auchmuty,
Ass't Adjt. Gen'l.
Lt. Phillips in a letter dated Harrison's Landing, July 31,
1862, says with reference to his position as adjutant of the
artillery force attached to General Morell's Division : —
"This does not interfere with my commission [as lieutenant
of the 5th Mass. Battery] nor with the reorganization of the
Battery, but it relieves me from the duties of Officer of the
Day, and I circulate the orders from Hd. Qrs. with an
'Official: Charles A. Phillips, Adjutant' added. Scott is
appointed Quartermaster, so that our Chief of Artillery has
quite a staff.
The commissary at last has some soft bread, and we are
living gayly now. We have also some vegetables, and
today we had for dinner, soup with meat, potatoes and des
iccated vegetables in it, beets, pickles, soft bread and tea.
We also had Colonel Ritchie of Governor Andrew's staff to
dinner, and he seemed to enjoy the fare. In an interview
which he had with General Porter, General Porter said that
the Battery would probably be reorganized as soon as they
could get the guns."
AN ARTILLERY DEMONSTRATION.
The Union fleet extended for two miles above and below
Harrison's Landing when the rebel general Pendleton
opened fire upon the Union camp and shipping, and the
Union artillery on shore and in the gunboats replied, after

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 399
which the enemy returned to Petersburg where they came
from, and our forces occupied the position and commenced
constructing earthworks to guard against further surprise.
An attack on Petersburg was contemplated and plans made
for the destruction of the railroad bridges over rivers, in
order to cut off connection between Richmond and the
South. When this plan was carried out the war was over.
Grows' "Journal": — "Thursday July 31, 1862, I got a
nice dipper of chocolate.
Friday, Aug. ist. Was awakened at 1 o'clock this morn
ing by heavy cannonading and the whistling of balls and
shells. Got up and looked out of the tent. The opposite
bank of the river looked on fire with batteries. The rebels
had, during the darkness of the night, planted several light
batteries upon the shore and were trying to sink our trans
ports. For half an hour the cannonading was awful. Our
gunboats soon got into position, and in a few minutes
silenced them.
A beautiful morning. Have ascertained that the rebels
did not do much damage. Several shot and shell have been
dug up this morning. About 10 this forenoon, a poor fel
low was brought to the Hospital wounded with a piece of
shell. Have ascertained that 14 of our men (men of our
Army) were killed during the firing by the rebels : some of
the Cavalry, Lancers, and a few of the Zouaves. It was a
surprise and will probably teach our folks a good lesson.
There are 10 men here, 9 besides the nurse."
PHILLIPS' VERSION.
Camp near Harrison's Landing, Va.
Aug. 2, 1862.
"Supplies of stationery have been drawn for the adjutant
of the ArtiUerv and also for the commander of the Fifth
Battery. Night before last we had quite a little excitement
here. About midnight, as we were all sleeping soundly,

400 HISTORY OF THE
half a dozen guns suddenly banged away, disturbing the
silence of the night, and kept up the noise for several hours.
It was full as noisy as anything at Yorktown. Of course
this brought us up and out in a very short time, and we
found that the rebels had planted some field batteries across
the river, and commenced banging away with perfect loose
ness. Some of the shots fell among the infantry of Morell's
Division, two hitting the tents of the Mass. 32d, who are
not yet accustomed to this style of thing, and among the
cavalry encamped near the river, and I presume the vessels
on the river received an uncomfortable share of attention.
We were too far off to be troubled and we stood and en
joyed the show. I suppose our batteries had something to
say on the subject, but the affair was mostly noise. Last
night the houses and woods on the other shore, which had
sheltered the rebels, were burned, making quite a brilliant
conflagration, and some of our troops are now sent over to
the other side every day.
Lieut. Col. (Arthur F see p. 37) Devereaux called to
see me. He seemed to be quite excited at the slowness of
the enlistments, and like a good many others round here,
went in for a draft at once. . . . We can now get unlimited
soft bread of the commissary at 10 cts. a loaf, and with
onions, beets, potatoes, desiccated vegetables, fresh and salt
beef and occasional baked beans, we live nretty well. . . .
Dr. Schell, the surgeon of the Batteries, has arrived, hav
ing spent a month among the Rebels. He was in the hospi
tal at Gaines Mills and remained after we retreated, and was
taken prisoner. The rebels kept him at the hospital
three weeks attending to their wounded. He says the
rebel loss was at least half as much again as ours. . .
Massachusetts is doing right in recruiting the old regiments
&c. but after this I hope people will see that regiments must
be continually recruited, as long as the war lasts. These
grand uprisings of the people at a new call for troops may

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 401
be all very well in a moral and ssthetical point of view, but
in my opinion are not half so useful as a steady volunteer
ing. Still I do not know that we can recruit in any other
way. I am glad Halleck has been appointed commander-
in-chief, though I do not know exactly what effect it will
have. General Morell has been made a major general. . . .
Just dined on sardines, stewed tomatoes and Scotch ale.
. . The contrabands are encamped near the shore here,
and the way they skedaddled when they found the shells
falling around their camp was slightly amusing. ArtiUery
practice at night is as good as fireworks. . . . Adams Ex
press has tons of stuff at Fortress Monroe that they cannot
bring up the river. They talk of increasing their facilities,
and I hope they will. As it is now it is rather a matter of
luck for anything to come through, and the time of trans
portation varies exceedingly, from a few days to a few
months. Sunday, Aug 3, 1862. Rainy. Troops moved across the
river. . . .
Lull is now ist Sergeant and first in line of promotion,
and has done more work than any other non-commissioned
officer in the Battery. Blake will make a good officer, and
I am glad of his promotion."
Grows' "Journal" : — "Saturday, Aug. 2, 1862. General
McClellan has been looking through the tents for the past
two days, to see* how the sick are, and how they are getting
along. Several ladies have called to see us, giving cakes,
lemons, &c. They were from the (steamer) 'S. R. Spauld
ing.' Monday, Aug. 4, 1862. The Doctor came round and took
down my name, to be sent North. About 3 this afternoon
the Orderly came over with the Rolls for me to sign. Harry
Simonds came to see me soon after, and bade me good bye.
About half past 5 this afternoon the order came for me to
get ready. In a short time I was in the ambulance ready for

402 HISTORY OF THE
the boat. I soon arrived on board the steamer 'Vanderbilt,
and was shown to a good berth. After putting my things
away I had some good beef tea and bread — soon after a
large cup of tea, and bread with butter. The. nurses are very-
kind ; all being men, with the exception of three ladies who
wait on the worst cases. There are many aboard who are
very sick, and out of their heads (delirious) and they re
quire a great deal of watching."
The President called for 300,000 more men to serve for
nine months.
The reinforcements, which the President and General
Halleck, after their visits to the Army of the Potomac as
sured General McClellan should be provided, did not come,
and August 4, 1862, after McClellan had occupied the posi
tion he had secured on the James River for a month, he re -
ceived orders from General Halleck to proceed to Acquia
Creek, between Fredericksburg and Washington, thus re
linquishing the hope of the capture of Richmond, and of
assisting in the protection of Washington by holding the
attention of the enemy, so as not to admit of their detaching
any large force to attack Washington.
General McClellan protested. The order was reiterated,
and the Army of the Potomac, transportation by water to
Newport News not being convenient, marched to that point.
FROM A LETTER FROM PHILLIPS.
"Monday, Aug. 4, 1862. The mail boat leaves here at 9
o'clock in the morning, but I generally mail my letters the
evening before, writing them in the daytime. . . . Last
night we received a notification that the commissary was
prepared to issue fresh bread to the troops. This will set
up the sick men in a very short time, and if the army should
be kept much longer on hard bread and salt beef the men
would not be good for much. Sickness, I presume incipient
scurvy, is very prevalent here. Everybody seems to lose

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 403
all strength. I do not know of anything which set me up
so much as the tomatoes. From feeling weak and languid
I became quite lively and strong. . . . The only variety we
have is in the way of flies, which are very thick and very
troublesome. The flies here look like the common flies at
home, but they have a much more insinuating way with
them, biting just like mosquitoes. Their quantity, too, is
perfectly astonishing. The tent is generally full of them,
not to mention other bugs and creeping and crawling things,
which abound in great variety. It is quite an occupation
every evening to catch the bugs and throw them out of
doors. Yesterday (3d Aug.) we had inspection and I turned out
as usual with Martin's Battery. . . . Recruits and soldiers
returned from furlough, come in, a few every day, though
whether more than enough to make up for the exodus of
the sick I do not know. There is a little too much of get
ting up companies. If men won't recruit without a com
mission, send home some of the officers here on recruiting
service, but do not get up new companies to please the
vanity of towns and the martial glory of untried men."

In the following words Napoleon Bonaparte expresses
similar sentiments :
"It has been said that the victories of the French Repub
lic were won by the new volunteers, who were inexperienced
in war. There could be no greater mistake; they were won
by the 180,000 old soldiers of the monarchy. You will not
soon see me going to war with recruits."
LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Aug. 5, 1862 : Yesterday afternoon some batteries of
horse artillery went by with forage as if going on a recon
noissance, and at midnight we got orders fo be ready to
move at short notice with two days' rations. So the un-

404 HISTORY OF THE
lucky adjutant had to arise, copy the order, and send it to
the other batteries. This morning there was some artillery
firing. . . . We were probably put under marching orders
so as to be ready to support the reconnoissance if necessary.
Let me explain the two kinds of Light Artillery: —
'Horse Artillery,' or 'Flying Artillery' has all the can
noneers mounted on horseback. In 'Mounted Artillery' —
the common Light Batteries, — the cannoneers walk or ride
on the carriages. We are 'Mounted Artillery.' There
are only a few batteries of 'Horse Artillery' in the service,
and they are all attached to the Artillery Reserve. They
are used to manoeuvre with cavalry on reconnoissance &:.
General Stoneman in his flying expeditions uses Cavalry
and Horse Artillery. The Fifth Battery is not yet re
mounted and equipped." THIRD MASS. BATTERY. Company Orders.
Harrison's Landing, Va.
Aug. 5. 1862.
Lieut. Valentine M. Dunn, having been commissioned as Senior ist
Lieut., Lieut. Philip H. Tyler as Junior ist Lieut., Lieut. Aaron F.
Walcott as Senior 2d Lieut., and Sergeant Thomas M. Cargill as
Junior 2d Lieut, of Battery C, Mass. Art'y, they will at once assume
command of their respective positions and be respected and obeyed
accordingly. Lieut. Charles A. Phillips, having been commissioned as Senior ist
Lieut., Lieut. Henry D. Scott as Junior ist Lieut., Sergeant Peleg W.
Blake as Senior 2d Lieut, of Battery E, Mass. Art'y. they will be
respected and obeyed accordingly. A. P. Martin Capt.
Battery C. Mass. Art'y.
Grows' "Journal": — "Tuesday Aug. 5, 1862. About 9
this morning the ambulances began bringing more sick-
aboard. Got filled up about noon and then got ready to
start as soon as the water is high enough. . . . Got under
way about 4 o'clock this afternoon, and went down the river.
The scenery is very fine. We had a flag of truce flying, and
the rebels did not fire on us. The other boats, such as the

"FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 405
mail and transports, go up and down the river accompanied
by gunboats.
Arrived off Fortress Monroe about 8 o'clock in the even
ing, and anchored for the night.
I cannot describe my feelings on beholding this place
again ! 'Burnside's Fleet' are in Hampton Roads, and the
several men-of-war.
On board, six have died since yesterday, and I do not
know how many are dead in the after cabin. There is one
poor fellow near me, who cannot stand it till morning.
Wednesday, Aug. 6th. The poor fellow near where I
laid on deck, died at 12 last night. Since we started twenty
have died. About 10 this forenoon, we received orders to
go up the river to Norfolk, and there take in coal and ice
to last us to Philadelphia. The trip was quite pleasant.
Passed the old rebel batteries on Sewall's Point; also the
place where the 'Merrimac' was blown up, and the old U. S.
Frigate 'United States' burned by the Secesh. I also saw
Portsmouth, a very fine place. About one o'clock, we
hauled alongside the wharf, and began taking in coal and
ice. My goodness, how hot it is ! Got aboard about 40
tons of coal, and about 5 tons of ice. We laid here till
about 4 in the afternoon, when we swung off from the
wharf, and 'steamed up' for the Fort for orders. A nice
breeze sprung up, and it is very pleasant. Arrived off the
Fort about half past 6, 'lay off and on' for about an hour.
Got orders to go to Philadelphia. This was cheering to me,
knowing that Massachusetts would send for her sick and
wounded. Soon got under way, passing the Rip Raps, and
proceeded out to sea by the large 'Light Boat.' It is a fine
evening, and the stars are beginning to come out. Large
porpoises jump out of the water and play around the
steamer. The sea breeze has already begun to revive the
sick. It does seem good to me !
Five more have died, making in all since last Monday

406 HISTORY OF THE
night twenty-five, mostly fever cases. They were kept too
long at the Landing before they were sent away for the
North, and many, I think, who have died on board would
have been alive if they had been sent away before."
PRISONERS EXCHANGED.
"Aug. 6, 1862. [Chase's Diary, Corporal Chase being
with the Third Mass. Battery.] Thirty thousand prison
ers returned from Richmond; among them Richard Heyes
and Edward F. Smith of the 5th Mass. Battery, taken pris
oners at the battle of Gaines Mills."

Grows' "Journal": — "Thursday, April 7, 1862. I only
got about two hours' sleep last night. I laid down on deck.
Excitement is now keeping me up. About 8 this morning
passed the capes of Delaware, Cape May and Cape Henlopen,
and entered the mouth of the river. We are now 100 miles
from Philadelphia, and expect to get there about 3 this
afternoon. It does look splendid to see the farms on the banks of the
river, Delaware on one side and Pennsylvania on the other;
Philadelphia being on the left hand side, going up the river.
Such neat houses and barns made me for the first time
realize that I was coming near home. We arrived at 'quar
antine' about 3 in the afternoon, and waited some time for
the Doctor to come aboard before we could go to the city.
He came at length and in a short time left us, when we pro
ceeded up to the city, only 10 miles.
Arrived at the Pier in about an hour and made fast.
After waiting almost an hour, everything then being in
readiness we began to go ashore.
On landing I once again found myself in the presence of
a vast throng of white men and women in citizens' dress.
Some of the ladies grabbed my knapsack, others my can
teen, and haversack, and overcoat, offering me tea, coffee.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 407
cakes, wine, and water etc. I endeavored to get away from
them, but it was of no use. I took a few cakes and some
strong tea, and accepted a handkerchief from a young lady
and started to go ahead, but soon found myself in the hands
of two ladies, who passed me over to some gentlemen, who
put me in a carriage to be sent to the Hospital. Such kind
ness I can never forget. On the way, a little boy came up
to the carriage with a lot of nice pears, and threw them in, to
us. After a drive of an hour we arrived at the Hospital,
and I was shown to 'Ward W.'
Friday, Aug. 8th. At \ past io this forenoon the sur
geon's call was sounded, and those who were able, got up,
put on their dressing-gowns and sat in the chair at the end
of the bed.
I was greatly astonished to find the Doctor so kind. He
soon came to my bed and talked with me. He ordered iron
and lemon juice, and then passed on."
LETTER FROM LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp at Harrison's Landing,
Aug. 8, 1862.
I received a letter from Mayor Taber of New Bedford
last night, asking me to give him an account of things in
the Battery, and I am preparing a long memorial on the
subject. Glad to see that Serg't. F. A. Lull has been commissioned
Junior 2d. Lieutenant. . . . Lull's claims and qualifications
were so much superior, that I was very much excited at the
idea of his being overlooked. He is a good hearted, willing,
and smart man, and will make a good officer." [Lull's
commission was dated Aug. 1, 1862.]
Grows' "Journal" :— "Saturday, Aug. 9, 1862. The Doc
tor came round at the usual hour and ordered me to con
tinue with the same medicine. In each ward there are two
men nurses, a ward master, and two Sisters of Charity,

408 HISTORY OF THE
and they are very kind, doing a large amount of good in
relieving the suffering of the men.
About 8 this evening I was obliged to call the Doctor.
He gave me some medicine, also some laudanum to make
me sleep. Had a hard night of it — greatly distressed for
breath. Sunday, Aug. ioth. There are 1300 sick to arrive here
today. Listened to the church bells. It made me feel blue.
About 3 this afternoon, the sick began to arrive. I sat at
the end of the ward, looking at them. They looked bad
enough. Two were brought into my ward, both of them
speechless, one of them looked dead, he was so far gone.
The Doctors gave him some wine to revive him, but he
could not speak, or take any notice. Poor fellow, we do
not know where he belongs nor who he is."
FROM LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Sunday, Aug. 10, 1862. No> rain, no shade, no clouds,
but day after day the same hot sun shining down from the
same cloudless sky on the same parched earth. The heat
tells on everybody. For the last few nights I have been
trying to solve the problem how to cover up my head and
feet with a short blanket, and I invariably give up in despair.
Our table is set in a rustic arbor, and we have white
china cups, plates &c, and unlimited 'contrabands' to tend
table and keep off the flies.
We have quite a large mess now: Captain Martin and
his officers, — Lieutenants Dunn, Tyler, Walcott and Car-
gill, — Lieutenants Scott and Blake, and myself.
One of our men arrived here a day or two ago, discharged
from hospital at Georgetown and ordered to report here
for duty, and within 24 hours after his arrival our doctor
reported him insane, and sent him to the hospital.
We keep two or three regiments over on the other side, and

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 409
a signal officer who was here yesterday told me that there
were no signs of the enemy over there. Captain Henry
Benson, who was wounded the other day at Malvern Hill,
was the commander of one of the best Horse Batteries in
the service. He was orderly sergeant at Bull Run, and got
his commission for services there. He was at Hanover
Court House and. annoyed the enemy terribly.
One of our men picked up a shell thrown across the river
by the rebels, which must have been taken from us at Gaines
Mills or afterwards. It was a 3 inch Schenkle shell, which
had been furnished to us only a few days before the fight.
We left 15 rounds of these in our limbers, and Weeden left
about as many more. Not understanding the nature of the
projectiles the rebels had neglected to arrange the percus
sion fuze plug properly, and consequently the shell did not
explode. There is a most intense craving for a variety of food, and
I hope our government will not furnish any more such hard
bread as the men have had to eat for the last six months :
hard, tasteless, and indigestible. I think it has killed a
great many. It seems to me that Government might :it
least furnish as good bread as the common ship bread.
The rebels are wise in this respect. They do not issue any
hard bread, but serve out flour, and many a captured haver
sack has been found full of hot biscuit.
Sunday afternoon, August ioth Seymour's, formerly
McCaU's, Division went across the river. This being the
other Division of the Corps we supposed we should follow.
Sunday evening we got an order to be ready to march at
2 p. m. the next day on temporary service, with 5 days'
rations and forage, 40 rounds of ammunition in cartridge
boxes, 60 in the wagons. After various conjectures where
we were going, we came to the conclusion that we were
going on a reconnoissance to Petersburg.
The next morning the order was countermanded. I went

410 HISTORY OF THE
down to the shore to buy a thin flannel blouse but did not
succeed. Sutlers, Quartermasters and Commissaries were
packing up and sending their things on board steamers and
schooners. Adams Express has been ordered to bring no
more packages to Harrison's Landing, and everything looks
like an evacuation. Meanwhile the weather continues hot
and we are gradually shrinking away. I weighed myself
(Aug. nth) and found I had lost 15 pounds since leaving
Gaines Hill." THE BATTERY TEAMS.
Camp near Harrison's Landing,
Aug. 11, 1862.
Captain Martin to Capt. Auchmuty A, A. G.
Capt. Auchmuty.
Sir. I have received orders to turn in 3 teams out of the number with
which the Batteries are supplied. I beg leave to make the following
statement in regard to this : —
There are four batteries in this Division; one [Captain Allen's] is
without guns, but the men are mostly here, and the present supply of
teams — 13 — gives merely three to each Battery and one Hospital team
loaded exclusively with hospital stores.
The number of men attached to the Batteries is 477 ; according to
the regimental allowance of one team for 200 men, it would require
two and one half teams to carry rations &c. for these men. In addi
tion to this we have 5 days' forage for 380 horses to carry, — This being
the total number of horses actually with the Batteries. This amount
of forage would weigh 26,100 pounds, and, if the number of teams is
reduced, as the orders contemplate, we should have but 6% teams to
carry this amount, for which purpose each team would be loaded with
4,092 pounds, a load which would render it impossible for the teams
to follow troops in light marching order.
I respectfully request that under these circumstances, there being
a full complement of officers and men for four batteries, we may be
allowed to retain the teams we now have.
Very respectfully, Your ob't. serv't. A. P. Martin, Capt.
Com'd'g Division Art'y,

Captain Martin was aUowed to retain the teams.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 411
Grows' "Journal": — (Philadelphia) "Monday, Aug. li,
1862. One of the men brought in yesterday died in the
night, the other is very low, and has not spoken yet. He
had watchers all night.
Tuesday, Aug. 12th. Went to dinner at 12. Mutton
chops, potatoes, gravy, bread etc. The Doctors tell us to
eat all we can, and then it will take a great while to get the
men up."
From a letter of Lieut. Phillips : "August 12, 1862. This
forenoon some gunboats lying near the ordnance wharf
opened on the opposite shore, bursting their shells some
where up among the woods."
LETTER OF MAYOR TABER OF NEW BEDFORD
AFTER RECEIVING THE MEMORIAL
OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS. "Mayor's Office,
City of New Bedford,
Aug. 14, 1862.
Lieut. Chas. A. Phillips.
Dr. Sir.
Accept my sincere thanks for your full and frank letter
of the 8th inst.
In stating to you that it corroborates in every particular
a statement I have received, signed by seventy-five of the
Battery, you can estimate its value to me. Every account
I have received has been of one tenor. You are probably
aware of the strong interest I have felt in the welfare of the
Battery. The majority of its members I am personally
acquainted with, and know them to be reliable men, who
would not under any circumstances shirk a duty; brave
men and hardy. Tell them all that my best exertions shall
be used for its recuperation.
In the meantime, I would be pleased to hear from you any
suggestions you feel inclined to make, and in anything that

412 HISTORY OF THE
may tend to restore the confidence of the men, — which ap
pears to be unlimited in you, — or to promote the interests
of the Battery, command me in any way.
Very sincerely Yrs. I. C. Taber.
I shall see Gov. Andrew within a few days, and with his
authority will endeavor to obtain some recruits."
LETTER OF THOMAS E. CHASE.
"Harrison's Landing, James River, Va.
Aug. 14, 1862.
I wrote you on the 25th ult., I think, and after I had fin
ished my letter I found that my last stamp was a 1 cent one,
and I could not beg, borrow, or steal one, so I sent it with
out a stamp, signed by our Lieutenant, as I frequently do.
Perhaps it did not reach you. Myself and 25 others are
with the 3d Mass. Battery, but when Captain Allen comes,
we expect to be reorganized. The Captain will, if possible,
return on the 26th instant. . . . The Army, or portions of
it are preparing to leave the Peninsula, and our knapsacks
were taken from us last Sunday, and our tents, with the
knapsacks, are already on ship-board. Where we are going
we know not. . . . The weather is scorching hot and the
'light weights' are in great danger of being carried off by
the mosquitoes. They are well drilled and make furious
charges and make night hideous with their infernal buz
zing."

CHAPTER XIII.
FROM HARRISON'S LANDING TO ACQUIA
CREEK.
THE BATTLE OF SECOND MANASSAS OR SEC
OND BULL RUN.
August 30, 1862.
"But north looked the Dictator;
North looked he long and hard."
— Lord Macaulay.
THE RELIEF OF MAJ. GEN. JOHN POPE.  THE PROTECTION
OF WASHINGTON.
They were ten days getting ready to move, and on Au
gust 14th, 1862, at 5 p. m. the Army was set in motion,
Porter's Corps marching to Williamsburg, halfway between
Yorktown and the Chickahominy River, according to or
ders there to await the arrival of the next Corps.
All superfluous baggage had been packed up and put on
board a schooner, and on Thursday, August 14th, just after
supper, Scott, Phillips, Chase and others being with the
Third Mass. Battery, orders were received to get ready to
start immediately, so they hitched up, packed up, and waited
till about 10.30 p. m. when they moved forward parallel
with the river towards Fortress Monroe.
"By midnight," wrote Phillips, "the Division had got
stretched out on the road and we halted in a jam. I lay
down on a limber, with my reins in my hands, and got what
sleep I could.
At 3 in the morning of the 15th the column again started.
Sykes was ahead of us. The weather was beautiful and
cool, the road was very good, and the Provost Guard not
413

414 HISTORY OF THE
being such an institution as formerly the corn fields which
were abundant, were pretty well stripped. At every halt
fires were lighted and ears of corn roasted. Peaches were
plenty but not ripe. There were tomatoes enough to fur
nish at least one meal a day, and on the whole we lived well.
About 5 o'clock in the afternoon we crossed the Chicka
hominy, near its mouth, on a pontoon bridge over seven
hundred yards long, and camped a mile from the shore."
This pontoon bridge, it has been said, surpassed in con
struction, skill and capacity, anything that had been at
tempted in the annals of military bridge building.
On August 1 6, 1862, news was received at Porter's Head
Quarters, that the main body of the enemy was moving
north, intending to crush Pope before McClellan could
come to his relief, and to proceed directly to Washington.
General Porter sent this information to McClellan, and re
ported that, unless otherwise ordered, he would leave Wil
liamsburg at 4 a. m. August 17th without waiting for the
arrival of the next Corps; would complete the march to
Newport News, and hasten to General Pope's relief. This
he did, and in pursuance of this plan, the Division moved on
the 1 6th, passed through Williamsburg and camped at 5
p. m. close by Fort Magruder, about half a mile outside the
city. Only the Fifth Corps went to Acquia Creek, the remain
der of the Army of the Potomac went directly to Alexan
dria, Va. seven miles from Washington.
On Sunday, Aug. 17th, Porter's Division marched at 7
a. m. and encamped within a mile of Big Bethel. "Reached
Yorktown (Chase's Diary) at 1 p. m. and made coffee at
our old camp ground of April 5, 1862."
Phillips refers to this revisiting of old scenes in the fol
lowing words : — "As we passed through Yorktown I rode
into our old camp. Everything was changed. Grass and
weeds growing everywhere. My bedstead still remained.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 415
and the grove around our tents. My chair was gone. The
house that we built at Wormley' s Creek was all gone, the
mins of the chimney still remaining."
The same day they marched three miles beyond Howard's
Mills and camped, reaching Newport News on the 18th and
eoing into park about 1.30 p. m. "A bath in salt water"
writes Chase, "was a luxury enjoyed by some."
Meanwhile the sick and wounded waited in the Hospitals.
Grows' "Journal" :— "Sunday, Aug. 17, 1862, (Phila
delphia.) Prof. W. B. Rogers of Boston, came into the
ward with his brother who is our surgeon. He talked with
me, took my name, and residence when at home. He starts
for Boston tomorrow, and will attend to my being trans
ferred to a Massachusetts hospital. Divine service was
held this afternoon, but I did not attend, not feeling able."
Chase in a letter of the 18th says his health is "tip top."
Tuesday the 19th, at 7 a. m., the Fifth Corps marched
to Hampton, and taking the three batteries of the Division
and Thompson's Battery of the Artillery Reserve on board
the "City of Norwich," hauled into the stream off Fortress
Monroe. In the morning of the 20th they sailed up Chesa
peake Bay towing two schooners and three barges, bound
for Acquia Creek, Va., a point of advantage between Fred
ericksburg and Washington, and anchored that night in the
Potomac River.
On Thursday, August 21st, they landed at Acquia Creek,
and with relation to the accommodations, Lt. Phillips
writes : "the Colonel commanding the Post taking compas
sion upon us, we spread our blankets on his office floor, and
slept there all night."
On Friday, Aug. 22d, about 5 p. m., leaving Waterman's
Fourth, R. I. Battery, which included the 30 members of the
Fifth Mass., at Acquia Creek, the Third Mass. Battery and
its contingent marched 8 or 10 miles beyond, towards Fred-

416 HISTORY OF THE
ericksburg, Va., which is 55 miles from Washington, and
about equidistant from that city and Richmond.
They camped on the road.
On Saturday, August 23d, General Porter started his
command in a southerly direction at daybreak, and marched
to Falmouth on the opposite bank of the Rappahannock
River from Fredericksburg. Here they stopped to rest until
4 p. m., and during the interval Lieut. Phillips called upon
General Ambrose E. Burnside, and went over to Fredericks
burg. See p. 443 Burnside.
In the afternoon, the march was resumed for 10 miles
towards Culpeper Court House, Va., on the Orange and
Alexandria railroad, 69 miles from Washington and 12
miles north of the Rapidan River. The roads were very
hilly and rocky, and crossed frequently by beautiful little
brooks. They camped near Deep Run. The next day,
August 24th, was Sunday. In the Hospital, at Philadel
phia, Grows wrote in his journal : "About 3 this afternoon
Surgeon Dr. Hays came through the ward for inspection,
which lasted a short time. A Doctor was buried 'under
arms' this afternoon. There are not many deaths here
now." In camp by Deep Run reveille sounded at daylight. The
Third Battery marched in company with Sykes's Division to
Culpeper Court House, hearing reports of rebels ahead be
tween them and General Morell's Division : countermarched
about one and a half miles, recrossing Deep Run, and went
"In Battery" on the brow of a small hill behind Regular
Battery D, 5th U. S. (Griffin's). "Changed positions"
(Chase's Diary) "with Battery D, about 11 a. m."
Lt. Phillips speaks of the battle array as "making a most
formidable appearance spread over the hills." At 3.30 the
Battery again limbered up and for the third time that day
marching over the same road, joined Morell's Division.
Grows' Journal: — "Aug. 25, 1862. (Philadelphia.)

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 417
Orders came today for none of the men to be allowed
'passes' till after the ist of September, and this makes it
very hard, as many of the men have families living here
in the city."
The evolutions of August 25th were much the same, the
Third Mass. Battery starting out at 6 a. m. They marched
a mile, halted till 12 o'clock, turned round, marched back,
and camping on the same ground they left, remained there
that day.
And here is the first mention of the restoration of the
guns to the Fifth Mass. Battery, all that was lacking to
place it upon its former footing in the army. Lieut. Phil
lips wrote home in a letter dated "Vicinity of Deep Run or
Barrett's Ford, or somewhere" : — "General Burnside is
rather interested in the Fifth Battery, and I think I shall get
some guns pretty soon."
On Tuesday, Aug. 26th, at 3 a. m., reveille was sounded,
and they marchrd with the Division to Kelly's Ford, about
9 miles from Deep Run and 12 miles above Barrett's Ford.
Lieut. Phillips put one section on picket, and sent Lieut.
Scott and three wagons to Falmouth for forage. Heavy
cannonading was heard in front. The next day they
marched past Bealton to Warrenton Junction.
MET POPE AND GOING NORTH.
It was on August 27th, 1862, at 10 o'clock a. m. that
General Porter joined General Pope at Warrenton Junction
on the Orange and Alexandria railroad, 48 miles from
Washington. General Pope finding his Right turned by
General Ewell, had fallen back towards Warrenton, where
he was joined by General Joseph Hooker. Overtaking the
rebels under Ewell at Haymarket a severe fight ensued, ter
minating at night in the defeat of the enemy. On that day
the Federal gunboats destroyed the rebel works at City
Point, Va.

418 HISTORY OF THE

THE SECOND BATTLE OF MANASSAS.
The first battle of Manassas or Bull Run was fought July
21, 1 86 1, and the Union troops under McDowell were de
feated by the Confederates under Beauregard. The stream
called Bull Run was described at the time as a mere rivulet,
dry in many places, but containing from four to six feet of
water in the channel after heavy rains. It extends for about
six miles north and south, and is crossed by the Manassas
railroad. A Confederate battery which made great havoc
among our troops was situated on a slight eminence in a
ravine on the west side of the Run.
The only places besides the fords at intervals of a mile
or two, where the stream could be crossed, were three
bridges, viz., a stone structure, over which passes the War
renton turnpike; a wooden bridge at Blackburn's Ford
seven miles below, on the direct road from Centreville to
Manassas; and a mile or so below this, the bridge by which
the Orange and Alexandria Railway is carried over Bull
Run. Three miles beyond Bull Run is Manassas Junction
where the rebels had intrenched themselves, the stream
itself forming a defensive line eight miles in length from
the Stone Bridge to the railroad; the wooded slopes of the
hills furnishing masks for batteries. Sudley's Ford across
Bull Run was two or three miles above Stone Bridge.
The battlefield of Manassas or Bull Run, is 34 miles from
Washington, about four miles from the railroad station at
the junction of the Orange and Alexandria and Manassas
Gap railroads.
"Aug. 28, 1862. (Chase's Diary.) Reveille at 1.30
a. m. Left camp about 3 a. m. Marched half an hour and
halted an hour for troops to pass; halted near the railroad
cars. Saw the ruins of a train burned by the rebels the
night of August 26th. Heavy cannonading heard in front

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 419
p. m. Marched to Bristoe Station, reaching there at
i p. m."
The night of the 28th Sigel's command was just south
of the Warrenton turnpike, the portion running from
Gainesville to Centreville, part on the left near Newmarket,
the remainder near the junction of the turnpike and Sud-
ley Springs road at Groveton. Kearney was at Centreville.
Heintzelman was with Hooker at Bull Run. Porter was at
Bristoe. Part of McDowell's Corps had contested unsuc
cessfully the passage of Longstreet through Thoroughfare
Gap in the Bull Run Mountains, through which passes the
Manassas Gap R. R. from the country west of the Blue
Ridge Mountains, through Manassas Gap and Thorough
fare Gap, to Manassas Junction, and part had been engaged
with the enemy near Groveton.
Banks with his Corps was guarding the army trains at
Bristoe. On the rebel side, Longstreet was encamped at the foot
of the mountain, on the eastern slope, having passed through
Thoroughfare Gap.
On the morning of the 29th of August, the position was
as follows : — The rebel general Jackson had marched round
Pope's right flank, gained his rear, captured large supplies
at Manassas, cut his railroad communication by the
Orange and Alexandria R. R. with Washington, and was
awaiting the arrival of other rebel forces under Lee on the
old battlefield of Bull Run.
The Fifth Mass. Battery men with the Third Mass. Bat
tery left camp at 6.30 a. m. when the advance met the
enemy. They opened one or more batteries on our troops
but fired slowly. Our batteries and infantry were placed in
position to give the enemy battle. "We marched," wrote
Phillips, "to Manassas Junction, then up the Manassas Gap
R. R. towards Thoroughfare Gap, and Morell's Division
formed line of battle on the hills in a splendid position, our

420 HISTORY OF THE
pickets being within hearing distance of Thoroughfare Gap,
and hearing the Rebel troops passing. Our infantry was
formed in plain sight and the rebels opened a battery on
them, killing one or two. The infantry then retired under
cover and Hazlett's Battery [5th U. S. Battery D, Lt.
Charles E. Hazlett] shelled a little. While I was expecting
an attack on our part I learned it was proposed to retire as
we came. However, after commanding and countermand
ing we stayed there that night."
On August 30, 1862, at half past three in the morning,
Major General Fitz John Porter received from Major Gen
eral John Pope orders, written in the field on the previous
evening at 8.50, to march his command immediately to the
field of battle of that day, and to report to him in person
for orders.
"You are to understand," so ran the despatch, "that you
are expected to comply strictly with this order, and to be
present on the field within three hours after its reception, or
after daybreak tomorrow morning."
To reach the field within three hours after the reception
of the orders at 3.30 a. m. would be before half past six, but
daylight came so soon after that Porter, in order to obey
instructions, was obliged to make a flank movement with
his entire force in the presence of the enemy. Orders com
ing to Morell from Porter to lose not a moment in carrying
out these instructions, Morell issued his orders to his com
mand, and at the head of Griffin's Brigade which Martin's
Battery followed, took the direct road to Centreville.
General Pope was at Groveton. It is said that Morell's
caution and circumspection with reference to Griffin's
Brigade, waiting till he had called in his skirmishers, caused
him to lose sight of the rest of his Division, and in going to
Centreville he supposed he was foUowing Sykes according
to instructions, but Sykes had gone to Groveton. Orders

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 421
were sent to Morell on the Gainesville road which of course
did not reach him.
General Porter reported to General Pope as directed, and
placed his Corps north of the Warrenton turnpike near the
Dogan house, facing toward the west. Next him was Sigel,
then Reno, then Heintzelman. Ricketts and King were in
reserve. South of the Warrenton pike was Reynolds'
Division. Sykes occupied a corn field in front of the Dogan
house on both sides of the Warrenton road. Morell's Divi
sion was on the right of Sykes. Immediately in front and
to the left of Reynolds was rising ground covered with tim
ber and scrub oak: On Porter's right front was a forest,
and between the two was cleared ground a half mile in ex
tent, across which was an elevated ridge occupied by the
enemy's artdlery commanding this cleared space and the
turnpike, and in a position to concentrate a direct flank fire
upon our forces in case we made the attack. The enemy's
forces were concealed; the Union forces were in plain sight
of the enemy.
It appears that it had been the design of General Pope
on the day before to possess himself of the coverts provided
by these forests, but his efforts were unsuccessful, resulting
in much loss ; his only gain being the knowledge, too dearly
bought, that the rebel general Jackson jvas present in large
force especially on the Left, and that he had the advantage
at the north of a railroad embankment to add to the strength
of his position. It is said that General Porter learned at
General Pope's headquarters, that the efforts of the 29th
had been mainly a series of skirmishes, artillery contests at
long range, and a few attacks, after strong protests and
delay, by Brigades and separate Divisions resulting in re
pulses and heavy losses.
Between 12 and 1 p. m. of the 30th, Porter was ordered to
push forward on the Warrenton turnpike to be followed by
King and Reynolds, while the Division of Ricketts would

422 HISTORY OF THE
pursue the Haymarket road followed by the Corps of General
Heintzelman. The cavalry was to be assigned by General
McDowell. Orders from McDowell directed Porter : —
"Organize a strong advance to precede your command, and push on
rapidly in pursuit of the enemy until you come in contact with him.
Report frequently. Bayard's brigade will be ordered to report to you :
push it well to the left as you advance."
Reynolds and Porter, it is affirmed, were confident that
the enemy with numerous artillery were massing their
forces on the left.
General McDowell believed the enemy was retreating
when they had merely withdrawn from the Right in order
to concentrate on our Left.
General Porter prepared for a strong attack, which But
terfield supported by Sykes commenced at 3 p. m., charging
across the open field nearly to the woods, hoping to sweep
round to the left and take the guns of the enemy, but were
repelled by musketry fire on the right and front, and an in
cessant cross fire of artillery. They held their ground 30
minutes assisted by Hazlett's Battery.
General Porter had desired the help of Sigel; he again
asked for it after Butterfield's repulse, but the necessity was
comprehended too late. The enemy was in a position to
sweep the entire ground, over which the Fifth Corps had to
pass, with its numerous artillery, and its musketry protected
by the railway embankment, and four desperate attacks,
most gallantly made, were repulsed, in the attempt to take
the embankment, our men being fired upon by many with
stones, time being too pressing to admit of loading firearms.
The rebel general Longstreet attempted to cut the Union
troops off from the turnpike by pressing upon Warren on
our Left.
Porter's attack with proper support might have broken
Jackson's line but with the terrible fire from the enemy's
guns it was madness to continue, and the order was given

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 423
to retire to the plateau in the rear of the Henry and Robin
son houses which commanded the Stone Bridge over Bull
Run, which was saved. It was at the Henry house on the
right of the turnpike that General Morell joined the ist
Division having ridden from Centreville.
Weeden's Fourth R. I. Battery, Captain Richard Water
man commanding, in which were thirty of our Fifth Mass.
Battery men, took position on the heights near the Warren
ton turnpike, commanding the field, over which Butterfield
was to advance to the attack. One section, the remainder
staying on the hill at the Henry house, advanced later to
within canister range of the woods, but returned soon after
and fired shrapnell at the enemy's infantry in the edge of the
woods, limbering up to fall back with the infantry. ( Sigel. )
Subsequently they went into position On the top of Bull
Run Hill, covering the charge on the Left of our lines,
and at 7.30 p. m. moved with the Army to Centreville.
Louis E. Pattison served as cannoneer throughout the
campaign. The Adjutant General's Report of the state of Rhode
Island, 1865, in its casualties gives "one man wounded."
It is recorded in the official reports of the Adjutant Gen
eral of the state of Massachusetts, that the Fourth R. I.
Battery was engaged in the Second Battle of Bull Run, and
"one of the men of the Fifth (Mass.) Battery was
wounded." The name of this soldier was Francis Oldis, and he was
taken to Washington, D. C, and placed with the wounded
in "Ward P" of the Armory Hospital. He subsequently
rejoined the reunited Fifth Mass. Battery.
NOTES OF LOUIS E. PATTISON.
Nov. 2, 1 90 1.
"Only one section of the Fourth R. 1. Battery went into
action on the Bull Run field. The whole battery went into

424 HISTORY OF THE
position when Longstreet was coming through the Gap, but
my recollection is that no shots were fired. On the next
day on the old Bull Run field, General Sigel ordered Captain
Waterman to proceed to a position near the R. R. cut, and
Captain Waterman replied that he must have orders from
General Porter. Sigel replied angrily that Porter could
fight his men, and he would fight his own, and you can
readily see why our forces were unsuccessful."

The Captain called for volunteers from the Left and
Centre sections to help man the Right section to go into
action near the R. R. cut, and Sergt. William B. Pattison
and his brother Louis E. Pattison of the Fifth Mass. Bat
tery volunteered to go with the Right section into action.
Lieut. Richard Waterman in command of the battery was
promoted to captain July 25th, 1862, receiving his commis
sion in the field.
Colonel J. Albert Monroe of the ist Rhode Island Light
Artillery of which the "Fourth" was "Battery C," says, in
a paper published by the Soldiers and Sailors Historical
Society of Rhode Island : —
"Our northern historians when it has been necessary to mention the
artillery, have not been so painstaking [reference to the Southerners
who mentioned them with great accuracy] and have generally only
incidentally mentioned that 'a battery' here or there did so and so,
ignoring entirely what particular battery it was, or who commanded it,
unless it was a regular battery, and in that case it is designated by its
commanding officer's name. The exceptions are comparatively few, and
they seem to be accidental, rather than intentional!'"^" '
He observes,
"the' marked contrast between the honorable mention of infantry and
cavalry with that of light artillery batteries."
Having by long and careful reading been impressed with
the justice of this criticism, pains have been taken in the
present work to make conspicuous the well authenticated
movements of the light artillery, to give the complete official
designations of the batteries, and whenever they are called

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 425
by the names of their commanders, the full name is given
at the first mention.
Anxiously the men in the hospitals north and south were
looking for news on that day. Grows wrote in his journal :
"Saturday, Aug. 30, 1862. (Philadelphia.) Got the papers
to see about the Army. The news is not very encouraging,
but still we all hope for the best."
Lt. Phillips's notes of the event now before us contain
the following observations : —
"Saturday, Aug. 30, 1862, we began to retire at 3 a. m.
Griffin's Brigade and Martin's "Battery forming the rear
guard. I waited till the pickets were all drawn in, and the
troops gone, but no rebels appeared.
AT CENTREVILLE.
Returning to the Junction we marched up the railroad,
forded Bull Run and went into park near Centreville with
Griffin's brigade, the rest of the Division having got out of
sight and hearing. Some cannonading was going on, but
this was too common to excite attention. We started a
plum duff, but before it was finished we got orders to hitch
up and started for Bull Run, — finally going on across Bull
Run. By dark we reached Stone Bridge, Franklin's forces
marching with us. Here we found our troops retiring, and
halted till General Franklin ordered us to return, and we
camped in Centreyille about midnight. Butterfield's and
Martindale's brigades badly cut up. Fletcher Webster re
ported killed."
From the Notes of Corporal Chase of the 5th Mass. then
with the 3rd Mass. Battery: — "August 30, 1862. Hitched
up at 4 a. m. and relieved Battery D, 5th U. S. (Hazlett's)
in front, and remained in position half an hour, then left for
Centreville, Va. Reached Centreville at 1 1 a. m. Caissons
sent to the rear this morning. Saw about 150 prisoners at

426 HISTORY OF THE
Centreville. Hitched up at 5 p. m. and started to reinforce
the troops in front; advanced about a mile and a half to the
front when we met teams and wounded soldiers coming to
the rear. In a short time the whole army appeared to be
retreating in the wildest confusion. For about three hours
the troops both able and disabled continued to pass us; 3rd
Mass. Battery countermarched and camped on heights at
Centreville." Captain Waterman's battery moved by order of General
Morell from Centreville, on the morning of August 31st
towards Alexandria, to procure forage for the horses, they
being in a very exhausted state, not having had any grain
for five days. It moved as far as Fairfax Court House and
encamped; three of the horses having dropped dead from
exhaustion as the battery moved into camp. In front of the
Third Battery cannonading was heard, and the smoke seen.
Hacks were arriving from Washington to remove the
wounded. The Battery advanced about an eighth of a mile
to the front about 11 a. m., and went "In Battery" sup
ported by a large force of infantry. Several lines of battle
formed and skirmishers were thrown out, remaining in
position all day and night, but all remained quiet until late
in the evening, when the advance batteries began to shell the
woods, and the pickets and skirmishers fired several volleys
of musketry. Generals Pope and McDowell passed the Bat
tery in the evening. No mail was received, no newspapers,
and all interest seemed to be centred in the wagons which
had been sent to Alexandria and Falmouth for supplies
which were sorely needed, when the alarming news reached
the waiting lines, so advantageously placed upon the hills
of Centreville, that the enemy was between the Army of the.
Potomac and Washington !
Soon after the first battle of Bull Run the Richmond
Whig of July 24, 1861, published the foUowing under the
head-line of "The Devoted Band" :—

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 427
"The shortest path to peace is that which carries havoc and desola
tion to our invaders. It is believed that there are five or ten- thousand
men in the South ready and willing to share the fate of Curtius and
devote themselves to the salvation of the country. It is proposed that
all who are willing to make this sacrifice, shall arm themselves with a
sword, two five shooters and a carbine each, and meet, on horseback, at
some place to be designated, convenient for the great work in hand.
Fire and sword must be carried to the houses of those who are visit
ing those blessings upon their neighbors. Philadelphia, and even New
York, is not beyond the reach of a long and brave arm. The moral
people of these cities cannot be better taught the virtues of invasion,
than by the blazing light of their own dwellings. None need apply for
admission to 'The Devoted Band' but those who are prepared to take
their life in their hand, and who would indulge not the least expecta
tion of ever returning. They dedicate their lives to the destruction of
their enemies. A. S. B. D. B.
Richmond.
All Southern papers are requested to give this notice a few inser
tions." Now, after a year had passed, and another Bull Run bat
tle had been fought, the "long and brave arm" was actually
stretching out its hand very near indeed to Washington,
with the index finger pointing to Baltimore.
A few miles northwest of Fairfax Court House, Kearny
was desperately opposing its force at Chantilly, where he
made the gallant dash which cost him his life.
"THE SYMBOLS OF GOVERNMENT."
Hunger and fatigue so lately controlling emotions, passed
out of mind. Chagrin at the second failure at Manassas
lost its sharpest sting in the actual presence of the peril,
which had so long threatened the citadel which held the
"symbols of government," the treaties and seals, for the
safety of which Edwin M. Stanton then Buchanan's attor
ney general, had trembled, long before the first rebel gun
was fired.

428 HISTORY OF THE
THE PROTECTION OF WASHINGTON.
General McClellan wrote General Porter September i,
1862, 5.30 p. m. :—
"This week is the crisis of our fate. Say the same thing to all my
friends in the Army of the Potomac, and that the last request I have to
make of them is, that for their country's sake they will extend to Gen
eral Pope the same support they ever have to me. I am in charge
of the defenses of Washington."
At the close of General Porter's acknowledgment of this
letter, he said : —
"Our killed, wounded, and enfeebled troops attest our devoted
duty." It was McClellan who disposed the troops around Wash
ington, placing the Fifth Corps on Hall's Hill. Not being
able to procure either rations or forage, the Fourth R. I.
Battery moved on the ist of September to within five miles
of Alexandria, where part of one day's rations of grain
was secured.
"The morning of that day," Chase wrote, "was cloudy
and windy. Guns of the Third Mass. Battery still 'in Bat
tery.' Went with horses, for hay, about a mile, with sev
eral regiments of infantry and a section of a battery for
protection against guerillas, a. m. Thunderstorm with cold.
heavy rain at 5 p. m. Left position about 12 p. m."
Phillips says of this tempest, "It began to rain just after
we had got orders to be ready to move and had struck our
tarpaulins. I lay down with my overcoat on, on a wet pile
of hay, and tried to persuade myself that I was not wet
through, but did not succeed." On that day (Sept. ist) he
afterwards wrote, "there was something of a fight. I have
learnt no particulars."
THE EXPEDITION OF LT. SCOTT.
The historian of the Third Mass. Battery thus describes
the expedition for rations [see p. 417] in charge of Lt.
Henry D. Scott : —

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 429
"Our army started to re-enforce General Pope's army
then at Centreville.
General Lee was advancing to meet General Pope. The
artillery brigade carried ten days' rations from Falmouth
then the base of supplies. When out twenty miles they had
used seven days' rations. Captain Augustus P. Martin,
chief of the Fifth Corps Artillery, sent eighteen wagons
belonging to the batteries of the ArtiUery Brigade in charge
of Lt. Scott of the Fifth Mass. Battery back to Falmouth
for rations. John D. Reed of the Third Mass. (Battery)
was ordered to. report to him as his assistant.
They started at four o'clock in the afternoon, run within
four miles of the ration depot and went into park at nine
o'clock: started at daylight for the depot. Met an extra
supply train at Falmouth Heights loaded with rations for
the Fifth Corps : 75 wagons. We loaded our train with
forage and as soon as possible started for the batteries. . . .
Orders to hurry along and reach the army at Bealton before
dark 29 miles from there. Rebel cavalry had crossed the
river 25 miles above. General Burnside had returned from
Newbern, N. C, and with a part of his army was encamped
at Fredericksburg and Falmouth. There were several hun
dreds of wagons on the road. An orderly on the dead run
ordered the trains to turn back. The enemy had captured
over three hundred wagons, and destroyed the telegraph
station three miles up the road.
The Fifth Corps supply train that we met was among
those captured.
We were then 15 miles from Falmouth, halfway between
the Army of the Potomac and General Burnside. About
dark a cavalry force and a flying artillery battery were sent
out by General Burnside for our protection. At 12 o'clock
at night we arrived inside the picket line at Falmouth, men
and animals played out. At daylight started for Acquia
Creek, arriving there at noon. A rebel battery followed us

430 HISTORY OF THE
and at intervals shelled the train. The wagons and mules
were loaded on steamers and sailed for Alexandria. When
we arrived there the army was retreating back from Second
Bull Run. The batteries camped at Upton's Hill, where we
reached them with the forage six days after starting for it.
The horses in the batteries had been four days without
grain or hay, having only that which they could graze in
the' fields."
The trains of stores which were collected at Warrenton
and Warrenton Junction, and were at Bristoe, Sept. i, 1862,
were stopped at that place on account of the bridge at
Bristoe having been destroyed by the rebels. Sept. 2d, the
Fourth Rhode Island Battery moved to Alexandria.
Gen. McClellan was appointed to the command of the
troops for the defence of Washington.
From about 12 o'clock midnight, September ist, the Third
Mass. Battery marched to sunrise of the morning of the 2d,
going three-quarters of a mile from the bivouac of the pre
vious day. They marched with a large body of troops —
among them General Piatt and Battery H, ist Ohio Artillery,
who joined them on the route having been attached to the
Division, — and a large baggage train, to Fairfax Court
House, where they halted about 11 a. m. for breakfast.
Here Lt. Scott met them having come from Alexandria.
Marched again at 2 p. m. : halted on the way while skirmish
ers were thrown out and line of battle formed : waited about
an hour and a half, then proceeded : the rear guard attacked
and heavy cannonading heard. John G. Sanford and
Thomas E. Chase were obliged to straggle in the rear with
disabled horses. In the evening the Battery arrived at
Chain Bridge. On the 3d of September the Fourth Rhode
Island Battery marched to Miner's, near Hall's, Hill, and
rejoined the Division. All other divisional batteries had
remained with the commands.
Chase and Sanford, minus one horse etc., found the Third

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 431
Mass. Battery after much trouble on the morning of the 3d.
They hitched up at 9 a. m., marched to Hall's Hill, Va., with
other troops and camped in the old camp of the Mass. 22d.
Regiment. Rickett's Division was occupying Captain Mar
tin's old camp.
Lt. Phillips closes a letter with the words: —
"I went down to our old camp and looked around.
'The King of France with 40,000 men
Marched up the hill and then marched down again.' "
SCOTT'S SUMMING UP.
Lt. Scott thus comments on the situation : — "The enemy
got tired waiting for McClellan to decide what to do, and
started for Washington. The Army of the Potomac was
ordered by the President to the protection of that city. The
feeling of McClellan and his admirers seemed to be that
they wanted to> get General Pope, who was guarding Wash
ington, driven into the Potomac.
The Army moved at once to Hampton, and were trans
ported to Acquia Creek, moving to Fredericksburg and
from there to Kelly's Ford on the Rappahannock to assist
Pope. The final result was that Lee drove both armies on
to Washington."

CHAPTER XIV.
THE BATTERY REUNITED.
"The great art of war consists in knowing how to separate in order
to subsist, and how to concentrate in order to fight."
—Napoleon Bonaparte.
THE FIFTH MASS. BATTERY REUNITED AND
REINSTATED.
Re-assigned to the First Division.
5th Army Corps.
On September 3d, 1862, the enemy was no longer to be
seen in front of Washington, but was far on its way north,
and McClellan, with all the troops not needed in Washing
ton, was in pursuit.
Our pickets having been driven in, about 4 p. m. of the
4th, the Third Mass. Battery hitched up and marched with
the whole infantry force towards Falls Church, Va., to meet
the enemy. "Marched about three-quarters of a mile
(Chase's Diary), then countermarched with the other
troops to our camp; the enemy who had but a small force.
withdrew after a few shots from their batteries. — Counter
sign 'Yorktown 5th.' — [Other countersigns given on p. 797
contributed by General A. P. Martin, November, 1899.]
Grows' Journal: "Sept. 1, 1862. The Doctor took my
name for a discharge. 5th. I was much pleased at seeing
my papers this forenoon. They will be sent to Genera!
Montgomery to sign today. 7th. About 3 this afternoon
Surgeon Gen. Dr. Hayes and his assistant came into the

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 433
ward for inspection. This is done every Sunday, for the
purpose of seeing that things are kept clean and in their
places." David Henry Grows was discharged for disability Sept.
io, 1862.
LETTER OF SERG'T. PEACOCK.
"Hall's Hill, Va.
Sept. 6, 1862.
Here I am in the old camp we left last spring. Every
thing looks about as we left it. We have had a hard time
of it since leaving James River — constant marching and
fighting for over three weeks. I was all through the Bull
Run fight with Lieut. (Thomas M.) Cargill and the Third
Mass. Battery caissons. These were upon the battle field
while the guns went to Centreville.
It is a sad sight to see Porter's Division at the present
time, worn out and ragged. Camps that held one Reg't.
six months ago, now accommodate two Brigades ! The 83d
Penn. that left in March with 1100 men, now numbers 90,
and no one Regt. over 200 men.
Our Battery is 75 men short by sickness and death. We
expect to leave here in the morning to be recruited up and
reorganized. Our knapsacks were sent off at Harrison's
Landing over a month ago, so about all we have is what
we stand in.
P. S. We go from here to Fort Corcoran."

"In the afternoon of September 6, 1862, the 5th and 3d
Batteries [Corporal Chase still keeping the distinctive titles]
were mustered for pay by Lt. C. A. Phillips, commanding.
Received orders after supper to strike tents. The 3d Mass.
Battery was to go to Alexandria to refit. Hitched up at 8
p. m. Marched towards Alexandria about 12 p. m. (a

434 HISTORY OF THE
silent, rapid march through the darkness) and halted near
Alexandria at sunrise on the morning of the 7th, Sunday.
Arrived about noon at Fairfax Seminary [A theological in
stitution occupied as a hospital for the sick and wounded of
our Army] and went into camp. AU the Army except
Morell's Division seemed to have disappeared."
From a Letter of Lieut. Phillips: "Sunday Evening
Sept. 7, 1862. Fairfax Seminary: — I was not very well at
Harrison's Landing, but a march always cures me 
When we left Hall's Hill for the Peninsula, I left my bed
stead with Mr. Osborn, not expecting to see it again. Our
unexpected return to this locality prompted me to look after
it, and I found it all right, and I intend to stick by it here
after." On Monday the 8th they marched to Upton's Hill near
Washington, and camped with Griffin's Brigade.
LETTER OF THOMAS E. CHASE.
"Upton's Hill, Va.
Sept. 10, 1862.
Well, here we are again, just where we started from last
spring. We have been within 4 miles of Richmond and
now we are in sight of the National Capital. Little did we
think, last spring, that the Army of the Potomac were to
drive the enemy to the wall and after a tedious campaign
and hard fighting, we would return to our old camping
ground and the enemy still unconquered. We left Harri
son's Landing on the night of the 14th ult. and marched to
Hampton where we took a steamer to Acquia Creek, on the
Potomac, and from there we have marched here by way
of Fredericksburg and Manassas. . . . We have had no
change of clothing since the 7th ult. and until our arrival
here — Sept. 3d — we did not have time to wash our clothing
and sufficiently dry it. We washed it and put it on wet

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 435
and thanks to the hot sun it was soon dry. This is what
old braggadocio Pope calls 'light marching order.' We
have marched over many miles of the road between Fred
ericksburg and here three times. We would advance eight
or ten miles in the morning, then halt for two or three
hours, then countermarch, and in the night of the same day
advance again, and take position in line of battle with other
troops and expect an engagement every minute. Some
days we would go ahead all the way from six to twenty-
five miles a day. We have escaped all the fights by mere
luck or accident, but we have seen all their horrors. At the
battle of Manassas we were ordered to the front about 5
p. m., and after we had advanced about a mile, we met large
numbers of the wounded coming to the rear. Soon they
came in crowds, and finally the whole Army. The road
was blocked up with troops, and we were obliged to coun
termarch. The wounded passed us in every stage of muti
lation, some of them on horseback with their legs and arms
amputated, and the naked stumps exposed to the view of
those just ordered to the front. We are here to rest and
recruit, and if old Jackson will be civil for a few days our
Battery will in all probability be recruited, for we have had
new officers lately commissioned for our old Battery.
Twenty-eight new recruits have arrived, some for the 3d
Battery; among them is one D. C. Chase of Charlestown,
Mass. Thursday morning, Sept. 11, 1862: We have our guns
'in battery' at the outposts at Upton's Hill with Griffin's
Brigade. We are under the same restrictions here that we
were on the Peninsula, although within two miles of the
National Capital. We have a good place to camp and have
plenty of soft bread served out to us. We are having a
good rest and fast recruiting."

On Thursday the nth Lt. Phillips went to Washington

436 HISTORY OF THE
and had a short interview with General Fitz John Porter,
who requested him to address a paper to him in relation to
the reorganization of the Fifth Mass. Battery. Lt. Phil
lips accordingly drew up a short memorial, concluding with
a request for the members of the Fifth Battery to be placed
in camp by themselves and supplied with guns. In Lt.
Phillips' own words : — "I did not expect an immediate com
pliance with this request, but I had it forwarded so as to
reach him that afternoon. I then went into the city and
returned about dark. As it had commenced to rain I con
cluded to stop over night with Blake who was camped with
the wagons near Fort Corcoran. The next morning, Sep
tember 1 2th, Scott rode down before I was up, and gave
me a telegraphic order, which Captain Martin had received
Thursday evening, as follows : —
United States Military Telegraph.
Received Sept. n, 1862.
From Fort Corcoran To Capt. A. P. Martin Chief of Art'y.
Direct Lt. Phillips to make requisitions for a new battery without
delay. Geo. W. Morell M. G.
At the same time, Scott told me, the whole Division had
got marching orders and were probably on the road then.
I saw at once that to get my guns I must stop behind, but
this order gave no directions whatever.
I immediately rode up the road till I met Captain Mar
tin, and we went to General Morell's Hd. Qrs. and suc
ceeded in getting a verbal order to keep my men here in
camp till I was supplied.
Captain Waterman was not over much pleased at losing
the men [from the Fourth R. I. Battery] but I thought I
had recruited his battery long enough."
George L. Newton of Weymouth, Mass. secretary of the
Fifth Mass. Battery Association, was one of the number
of those who were transferred to the Fourth R. I. Battery.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 437
When asked to furnish the names of the others which were
subsequently supplied by Gideon Spencer First Lieutenant
ist Rhode Island Light Artillery, he replied under date
August 15, 1899: — "'While I was one of that number I can
not recall the names of the others. If I remember cor
rectly there were about 30 of us, and Captain Waterman
was very sorry to lose us when we were ordered to report
to Captain (then Lt.) Phillips at Arlington Heights after
the Second Battle of Bull Run."
LETTER OF DR. GIDEON SPENCER, SECRETARY
STATE BOARD OF SOLDIERS' RELIEF
OF RHODE ISLAND, PROVIDENCE,
OCT. 18, 1899:—
"I enclose list of 5th Mass. Battery men who were attached to Bat
tery 'C ist R. I. Lt. Art'y. This was the 4th R. I. Battery, but 'C in
the regiment of batteries. The enclosed record was taken from the
Adjutant General's Report of R. I. 1861 to 1865. This report was re
vised and compared with the War Department records within the past
five or six years, and must be nearly perfect. It will give you at least
the date of their transfer. I hope this may be of some service, as I
know from experience, at this late day, the writing of history of the
War of the Rebellion is a severe task."
Agen John, Priv't. Batt'y C; July 4, 1862, detached from the 5th
Mass. Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to Battery.
Alden F. D. Priv't. Battery C; July, 1862, detached from the 5th
Mass. Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to Battery.
Almy A. W. Priv't. Batt'y C; July 4, 1862, detached from the 5th
Mass. Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to Battery.
Alton J. H. Priv't Batt'y C; July, 1862, attached to this Battery.
sept., 1862, transferred to 5th Mass. Battery.
Champlin E. Priv't. Batt'y C; July, 1862, detached from 5th Mass.
Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to regiment.
Cooper H. D. Priv't. Battery C; July 4, 1862, temporarily detached
from 5th Mass. Battery.
Crapo H. D. Priv't. Battery C ; temporarily detached from 5th Mass.
Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to 5th Mass. Battery.
Dunham W. H. Priv't. Batt'y C; July 4, 1862, detached from 5th
Mass. Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to Battery.
Flynn Michael, Priv't Batt'y C; July 4, 1862, detached from 5th
Mass. Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to Battery.

438 HISTORY OF THE
Freeborn G. H. Priv't. Batt'y C; July 4, 1862, detached from 5th
Mass. Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to Battery.
Gilbert J. A. Priv't. Batt'y C ; July 4, 1862, detached from 5th Mass.
Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to regiment.
Graham B. Priv't. Batt'y C; July 4, 1862, detached from Sth Mass.
Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to regiment.
Gunning William, Priv't. Batt'y C; July 4, 1862, detached from Sth
Mass. Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to regiment.
Hathaway J. F. Priv't. Batt'y C; July 4, 1862, detached from 5th
Mass. Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to regiment.
Jordan S. R. Priv't. Batt'y C; July, 1862, detached from Sth Mass.
Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to regiment.
Kay J. Priv't. Batt'y C; July 4, 1862, detached from 5th Mass.
Eattery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to regiment.
Kiel E. E. Priv't. Batt'y C; July 4, 1862, temporarily detached from
5th Mass. Battery.
McVey D. Priv't. Batt'y C; July 4, 1862, detached from sth Mass.
Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to regiment.
Munroe J. Priv't. Batt'y C; July 4, 1862, temporarily detached form
?th Mass. Battery.
Murray J. Priv't. Batt'y C; July, 1862, detached from Sth Mass.
Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to regiment.
Newton G. L. Priv't Batt'y C; July 4, 1862, detached from 5th
Mass. Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to regiment.
Oldis F. Priv't. Batt'y C; July 4, 1862, detached from 5th Mass.
Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to Battery.
Pattison L. E. Priv't. Batt'y C; July 4, 1862, detached from Sth
Mass. Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to regiment
Pattison W. B. Priv't. Batt'y C; July 4, 1862, detached from 5th
Mass. Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to regiment.
Rice E. E. Priv't. Batt'y C ; July, 1862, detached from 5th Mass.
Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to regiment.
Tucker J. C. Bugler, Batt'y C; July 4, 1862, detached from 5th
Mass. Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to regiment.
Waddington J. Priv't. Batt'y C; July 4, 1862, detached from 5th
Mass. Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to regiment.
Welsh Patrick, Priv't. Batt'y C; July 4, 1862, detached from sth
Mass. Battery. Sept. 1862, returned to regiment.
West Benjamin, Priv't. Batt'y C; July 4, 1862, detached from 5th
Mass. Battery, and borne on extra duty as teamster until Sept. 1862.
Sept. 12, 1862, returned to regiment.
Wilcox W. S. Priv't. Batt'y C; July 4, 1862, detached from sth
Mass. Battery. Sept. 12, 1862, returned to regiment.

To proceed with Lieut. Phillips' Letter: — "Luckily our

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 439
three wagons [see p. 410 Captain Martin] were still with
the Batteries, having been turned over to the Battery quar
termaster (Scott), each battery having the use of one. So
Scott started off and emptied the stuff out of them while 1
got the men together.
As soon as we got straightened out, I marched them to a
spot a short distance from Fort Corcoran, and pitched our
camp. Scott and I have a brand new wall tent, which I
foraged at Upton's Hill, Blake and Lull a small wedge tent,
while the men have a most motley assortment of poncho
tents &c. Our camp is in a very'pteasgnt spot, in good
order, and altogether looks quite well. w"^-~>
Having pitched our camp and sent after forage and
rations I felt that I was fairly started as an independent
corps." Sept. 12, 1862. (Chase's Diary.) "Reveille at 3 a. m.
Hitched up and marched to Fort Corcoran, Va., and halted
near Georgetown. Soon after halting we were agreeably
surprised by seeing the remains of the old 5th Battery again
assembled to be reorganized.
Went into camp on a hill near Fort Corcoran, and the
Third Battery left us and continued the march to Antietam,
Md. Received knapsack well stocked with clean clothing, the
first change of clothing since we were stripped to light
marching order August ioth (1862), and with soft bread
and rest, happiness reigns supreme."
The next thing for Lieut. Phillips to do was to get his
ordnance requisitions approved.
"I had some -doubts" he wrote, "whether I could find
anybody to do it, but having found out from the command
ing officer at Fort Corcoran that General Heintzelman was
in command, I started off the first thing in the morning of
the 13th for his headquarters at Arlington House. I got
his signature without any difficulty, and started for the city.

440 HISTORY OF THE
Having put the requisitions through the usual routine of
the 'circumlocution office' I got my orders for the various
articles, and shall get them as soon as they are on hand. At
the corral I found about 200 horses and orders for about
600 ahead of me.
They had plenty of guns at the Arsenal, — no carriages,
but were expecting a supply every day. Harnesses are
plenty, the only trouble is the horses. I have required for
3 inch guns, the same that we had before. Meantime the
Division has gone."
Morell's Division 6000 strong, which had camped one
brigade on Upton's Hill, one at Hunter's Chapel, and the
other at Fort Corcoran, had crossed the river and marched
to Antietam.
The Fifth Corps had here been joined by the 20th Maine
Infantry Lt. Col. Joshua L. Chamberlain [see p. 835 "Battle
of the North Anna"] assigned to the 3d Brigade, ist Di
vision (Morell's) Fifth Corps, which it joined Sept. 12,
1862, and the 11 8th Pennsylvania, — commercial exchange
of Philadelphia, — commanded by Colonel Charles M. Pre
vost. As organized for the Maryland campaign from Septem
ber nth to 30th, 1862, the Artillery attached to the 3d
Brigade, ist Division, Fifth Army Corps, consisted of the
Third Mass. Battery Captain A. P. Martin, Fourth Rhode
Island, Captain Richard Waterman, 5th U. S. Battery D,
Lt. Charles E. Hazlett.
The Fifth Mass. Battery remained in camp opposite
Georgetown. After reuniting the men belonging to the
Battery who were serving in the Third Mass. and Fourth
R. I., Phillips needed 20 men. This he stated in a note to
Governor Andrew. He could take 25, and he could not
give the exact number of the men on the rolls, as men were
sent to the hospitals and then discharged for disability and
no notice given to their captains. In a letter he states that

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 441
he met Lieut. Batchelder, Division Ordnance officer, on the
13th, and asked him to tell General Morell that he should
like a written order to remain till he got his guns, and then
to rejoin the Division. "I have found" he wrote, "a com
missary who will issue rations and a quartermaster who will
supply forage, and am sure of getting my guns, so I am all
right. Captain Waterman left a section here with his bat
tery wagon and forge in charge of Lt. Buckley to obtain
new gun carriages. Buckley (Willam W.) was in at the
Arsenal changing his carriages on the 13th. He told Scott
he was going to get some horses, and I do not think he has
got his order filed, so I shouldn't wonder if he had to wait
longer than we do. I expect an order to report to General
(Amiel W.) Whipple. Lull got his commission the other
day at the War Department, where it had been laying a
month or more, so- he is all right, though 1 do not under
stand why it is dated Aug. ist and all the rest July 13th.
In regard to recruits I cannot send for any definite number.
I can only muster and draw pay for 151 enlisted men. On
the muster roll of August 31st there are 134 enlisted men.
This includes a large number who have been sent to hos
pitals at various times, but whether they are alive or dead,
in the service or discharged from it, I do not know and can
not find out. I shall take all recruits that come, to the
number of 30, say."
The picture here given of the Army Desk, was photo
graphed November 4, 1899, by E. G. Merrill at Salem,
Mass., as it now appears in the home of Captain Phillips.
It is one of those furnished by Government for the use of
Army officers, and was in use by Captain Phillips two years
and a half. Its dimensions are, outside, breadth 24 in. :
height 20 in. : depth 12 inches.
When opened af j;er many years for the purpose of exam
ining the papers relating to the history of the Battery, it

442 HISTORY OF THE
was found to contain records from 1861 to 1865, and the
settlement of accounts.
After the papers were examined and extracts made, all
the diaries, official papers and books, which had been taken
out were carefully returned to their places, so that when the
photograph was taken the desk held everything exactly as
when first opened. COMPANY ORDER NO. 1.
Fort Cobcoran, Sept. 13, 1862.
Company Orders.
No. 1.
The following appointments are announced: —
Charles A. Phillips Senior ist Lieut.
Henry D. Scott Junior ist Lieut.
Peleg W. Blake Senior 2d Lieut.
Frederick A. Lull Junior 2d Lieut.
Joseph E. Spear ist Sergeant to date from August ist.
Ephraim B. Nye Serg't, to date from July 13th.
William B. Pattison Corporal, to date from July ist.
William G. Warren Corporal, to date from July 13th.
John W. Morrison Corporal, to date from August ist.
(Signed) Charles A. Phillips Lieut.
Com'd'g Battery E. Mass. Art'y.
From Lieut. Phillips under date Sept. 14, 1862 : — "I re
ceived two letters today directed to men whom I never
heard of, members of Mass. 5th Battery, Camp Day, Cam
bridge, and forwarded on here. I should judge by this that
my recruits had started.
I am afraid, in that case, they will be forwarded to
Morell's Division. The shoulder-straps have arrived, and
have given universal satisfaction. I have the most
cordial co-operation of all my officers and men. . . .
Four recruits have arrived from Massachusetts named Bliss,
Brand, D. Shackley, J. Shackley. They went up to Rock-
ville hunting after Morell's Division. Two of my sick
men have returned from hospital and I expect more every
day. We live very independently. The men feel much

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 443
more cheerful than they have for some time, and so far all
goes well. I am afraid at the present rate our Division will
travel out of our reach. When last heard from they were
en route for Harper's Ferry. Our return to Hall's Hill
enabled me to regain possession of my old camp stools
which I had at Lynnfield and Readville, so that [with the
bedstead] our tent is about as comfortable as it was in those
days. We have manufactured a dining-table out of harness
boxes, and live in style. Some of us go into the city every
day so that we have an opportunity to do our marketing.
Things around here remain very quiet; once in a while we
can hear a little firing up river, and a green regiment camped
close by salutes us occasionally; today sending a whole vol
ley of bullets into our camp under the impression that they
were discharging their muskets into the side of the hill.
Washington is quiet. Massachusetts must be getting very
warlike. I see by an advertisement in the Transcript every
citizen of Boston is called upon to keep a uniform and mus
ket on hand to guard against contingencies."
With regard to General Burnside's influence in favor of
the Battery, Lieut. Phillips wrote home from camp near
Fort Corcoran, Sept. 14, 1862 : —
". . . Thanks, however, to my friends at home and
out here, — among the latter particularly Gen. Burnside, — I
have at last got an order to draw a new supply of guns,
horses, &c, and have gone into camp here for that pur
pose. . . . Gen. Burnside whom I saw at Falmouth,
wished to be remembered to you. After I saw him he had
an interview with Gen. Porter, which probably helped me
as much as anything. . . . We are camped just beyond
Fort Corcoran, on the right hand side of the road going
from Washington, in a very pleasant spot. On the whole
our camp looks well. Horses and guns only are needed to
complete the picture.
I met the 40th Mass. under Lt. Col. Dalton on the Avenue

444 HISTORY OF THE
the other day. They looked very well. I find my hands
full of business just now, but I never felt better."
CORPORAL SHACKLEY'S NOTES.
"I enlisted as a recruit to the Battery after McClellan's
campaign on the Peninsula, and went to Camp Day at Cam
bridge, Mass.
Daniel K. Shackley, Robert Brand, and Cornelius E.
Bliss, also enlisted as recruits to the Battery, and early in
September (1862) we four, with others, were ordered to
join our respective commands. We were transported to
Washington, D. C, and quartered in a barrack known as
'Soldiers' Retreat.' We were there while the Fifth or
Porter's Corps were marching through Washington to
South Mountain and Antietam. The next day, when a call
was made for recruits for Porter's Corps to fall in, we were
glad of the opportunity to get away from the 'Retreat,' and
falling into line we marched just outside the District of
Columbia and bivouacked for the night.
The next morning we proceeded on our march and passed
through Rockville, where we found some men of the Third
Mass. Battery, who told us the Fifth had been detached and
left at Fort Corcoran to recruit and receive new guns and
horses. We four recruits for the Fifth Battery went to the Pro
vost-guard of Rockville, and received some rations and a
permit to return to Georgetown. We went towards George
town about three miles, and turning into a field spread our
blankets under the branches of a large oak tree, and after
eating some of our army rations, we lay down for our
night's rest with the clouds for our canopy.
With our heads on the ground we could hear heavy can
nonading, which we afterwards learned was the battle of
South Mountain, Sept. 14, 1862.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 445
Next morning we proceeded on our way, and were soon
overtaken by an empty wagon train, and by the courtesy of
the train master we put our knapsacks in the wagons and
went over the rough macadamized road to Georgetown.
We reported to the Provost-guard, who after two or
three hours, detailed a sergeant, a corporal and six men with
the following prisoners, [the four recruits] who marched
us over Aqueduct bridge and then told us to go where we
pleased. We climbed up the hill to Fort Corcoran, where we found
the Battery and felt quite at home."
On Sept. 16, 1862, all the harnesses had been obtained,
and on the 17th procured a little more ordnance.
BATTLE OF ANTIETAM.
This day, Wednesday the 17th, has been called the blood
iest day that America had ever known. When nearly two
hundred thousand men for fourteen hours were engaged
in mortal combat, witnessed by an army of spectators who
observed the conflict from the surrounding hills.
Thursday the 18th the battery wagon and forge were
hauled out, and it was ordered that the morning report
should be made to Brigadier General Whipple commanding
defences of Washington Southwest of the Potomac, which
the enemy crossed that night, holding the right bank and
defending the ford with his artillery. Portions of Morell's
and Sykes' Divisions with a portion of the Divisional artil
lery were ordered to occupy the banks of the river, clear the
fords, and capture if possible the enemy's guns, during
which movement the enemy fell back in confusion, and two
guns and several caissons were secured.
Lieut. Phillips wrote on this date: — "I have got under
General Whipple's orders at last.
He rode into camp today, and after a few inquiries about

446 HISTORY OF THE
my guns, said that as his orders were to take command of
all within his limits, he supposed I came under his com
mand, and wished me to send my morning reports to him.
I told him that this relieved me of some responsibility, as I
was sometimes at a loss to get my requisitions approved,
&c. &c. He said he would approve my requisitions if I
would send them up to Head Quarters. I told him what
my instructions were, and that I thought it exceedingly
doubtful if I ever caught up with Morell's Division at the
rate things were moving. He seemed to think so too, and
said that he should like very much to have me in his Divi
sion but, of course, he should not like to interfere with Gen
eral Morell in any wav. I said it made very little difference
to me what Division I was in &c. &c. So on the whole, it
will not be the most surprising thing in the world if we end
by being transferred to Whipple's Division. . . . What
sort of red tape has prevented Terry [Serg't Terry desired
the commission of quartermaster of the batteries] from be
ing commissioned ? As near as I can get at it, the Governor
would not commission him till he was discharged, and the
Department would not discharge him till he was commis
sioned, and there they stuck!
Friday (the 19th) General Whipple had his Division out.
for review, and having miscalculated the length of the line
one regiment formed on our battery wagon and forge. The
order was then given 'Form Squares '[and the regiment
formed a square with them in the middle! As a drill for
manoeuvring on difficult ground it may have been excellent,
but as a military exhibition it was rather a failure. Satur
day (20th) he had a review, but, having grown wiser, this
time he formed the line somewhere else, so as not to cross
our parade."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 447
ON RECRUITING SERVICE.
Head Quarters Army
of the Potomac,
Washington.
Sept. 20, 1862.
Special Orders. Extract.
5. Quartermaster Sergeant T. W. Terry, Battery E, Mass. Artil
lery, is detached on the recruiting service, and will report for instruc
tions to the superintendency of the recruiting service for the state of
Massachusetts. By command of Major General McClellan.
(Signed) Richard B. Irwin,
Ass't Adjt. Gen'l.
"Sunday, Sept. 21, 1862 (Phillips) General Whipple had
an inspection of his cavalry, and by way of variety made
me turn out my men for inspection. Without guns or
horses I could not make much of a display, but I did my
best. Sept. 22d. I have just learned how the troops here are
organized : General Heintzelman commands the corps here,
composed of four Divisions of which Whipple is one. . . .
I find I have quite a number of acquaintances round here :
Lts. Hall, Dalton, Smith and Pope of the 14th, and through
them I am getting acquainted with most of the officers of
that regiment. Yesterday afternoon Lull and I rode up to
the 40th Regt. encamped close by Fort Ethan Allen near
Chain Bridge. We took tea with Captain Johnson and his
lieutenants, then looked on at Dress Parade, and after that
I called on Lt. Col. Dalton and Major Day, so, on the whole,
I tumbled into quite a lot of acquaintances. The roads
which last spring were regular mud holes, are now in ex
cellent order and riding is very pleasant. Business in Wash
ington gives us all plenty of opportunities to get into the
city, and our present life is rather a relief from the barba
rous way in which we have been living. Our men are recruit
ing upon a diet of soft bread, and our number is constantly
on the increase from the hospitals. I have now 95 enlisted

448 HISTORY OF THE
men in camp; rather a small proportion of 150, but more
than we have had for some time. We have five or ten on
the sick list every day, but no serious cases. I have bread
and milk every morning for breakfast. In regard to the
negro question I have gained no new views. I do not think
that emancipation would be a direct military advantage of
any account, but I think it would be a great step towards
the suppression of the rebellion. . . .
You don't think my picture looks military," he writes
with reference to one sent home, "perhaps this is owing to
the hat. I started out here with a small forage cap, but the
heat on the Peninsula rendered this intolerable. At Gaines
Mills I invested in a felt hat, which was my costume through
the battle. By the time I reached Harrison's Landing this
was pretty well played out, having served as a night cap
pretty constantly. I next purchased a straw hat which
showed very prettily at first, but rain and dust soon spoiled
its looks. I wore this till we arrived here and had it on
when my picture was taken. As it had become the laughing
stock of the company I took the first opportunity to dispose
of it. . . .
Sept. 24, 1862. General Whipple appears to take consid
erable interest in our getting our guns and horses, and his
staff are congratulating themselves upon having gained an
'experienced' battery in the Division.
I have no doubt but that the ist of January will see states
enough in rebellion to make a very general emancipation.
The rebellion will not be crushed at once, and the campaign
in Maryland is not all rose colored. We have driven them
out of Maryland, but it proved our weakness that they ever
got there, and we did no more than they did when they
drove us off the Peninsula. The fights at South Mountain
were not decisive defeats, and the battle of Antietam Creek
was almost a drawn game.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 449
Richmond will not be taken this year unless it is done by
gunboats. General Whipple's Division is a great Division for drill
ing. We had two reviews last week, and day before yester
day he had the infantry of his Division form hollow squares,
while four companies of cavalry charged all over the field
sometimes in good order, but more frequently in disorder.
Altogether it was a remarkable exhibition."
FROM A LETTER OF THOMAS E. CHASE.
"Camp near Fort Corcoran,
Arlington Heights, Va.
Sept. 25, 1862.
When I last wrote you we were with the 3d Battery, with
the pieces 'in Battery' at Upton's HiU, but on the 12th we
received marching orders and started towards Washing
ton. When we arrived at the bridge, — to Georgetown, —
we were very agreeably surprised to see that our days with
the 3d Battery, 4th Rhode Island and 5th Regulars were
numbered. The scattered remains of the old Fifth gradu
ally collected, and we are now in camp, waiting for recruits,
guns, and horses. Many of our men who left us at Harri
son's Landing, sick, have returned to us hale and hearty.
We received our knapsacks when we arrived here, having
been without them 33 days. Everything in mine was dry
and as perfect as the day I packed it, but others had been
rifled of their contents. ... I do not want you to think
that I am not willing to take my share of the hardships of
the war, neither do we have an unusual dread of battles
ahead when there is the least chance of accomplishing any
thing, but I must say that I am disgusted with the summer
campaign in Virginia. There have been several 'loose
screws,' in fact the only one that was fast and firm to one
policy was McClellan, but the screw-drivers at Washington
kept twisting him round until they nearly split his head, and

450 HISTORY OF THE
finally the only screw that held the machine together also
became loose, his plans were abandoned and here we are
just in sight of Abraham's house. Where the blame in the
main rests I will not attempt to say, for I do not know, all I
can account for is my own conduct. I have endeavored to
do my humble part as well as I could. Let every one ac
count for his own doings. You say you have been fighting
for McClellan but some have been down on him. Well, no
matter, let 'em croak. 'Truth crushed to earth will rise
again,' so will George. Where's old Pope now? His
'Head Quarters are in his saddle,' but where' s his saddle?
Ask the breezes that ruffle the Potomac north of Bull Run.
We have received our battery wagon, forge, and har
nesses, and our new sabres have come today."
FROM LIEUT. PHILLIPS' LETTERS.
"Sept. 28, 1862. A week ago yesterday we were told that
our guns would be ready for us at the Arsenal on Monday
morning, so we went in on Monday morning to find that
General Burnside had sent down on Sunday for six guns
and off they had gone. However, unless some other general
in the field wants some guns, we shall get ours by Tuesday.
With horses the thing works the same way. Thursday
night the numbers had been so reduced that there were
orders for only 150 ahead of us. Friday morning down
came an order from McClellan for 200, and this must be
filled before anything else. It is rather discouraging, but
we can wait. Scott and I have had a floor laid in our tent
for the first time since leaving Massachusetts. Our men
have built an oven and we can roast and bake at a great
rate. Yesterday we had roast beef for dinner, and this
morning we had baked beans for breakfast. One of our
latest improvements is a rack to hang our clothes on. The
men are living quite comfortably, having foraged a great
many tents. In fact the camp has been graduaUy growing
and now presents quite a respectable appearance.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 451
One of General Whipple's brigades has gone to the front,
to Miner's Hill, I believe. From this I infer that General
(Franz) Sigel has moved off somewhere. The other day
when I was up at Hall's Hill, I learned that General (R. H.)
Milroy's brigade had gone off. Captain Martin's quarter
master sergeant was in Washington yesterday, and from
him I learned that they had not .been in any fight yet. He
left the Division at Sharpsburg."
The rebel army had been driven back into Virginia, and
under date of September 30, 1862, General Halleck thanked
General McClellan and his army for hard fought battles,
adding : —
"For the well earned and decided victories in Maryland, a grateful
country, while mourning the lamented dead, will not be unmindful of
the living."
On the 30th Lt. Phillips drew two guns and caissons, and
on Oct. 1, 1862, Wednesday, Corporal Chase has recorded:'
"Received four new guns and 81 horses, again equipping
us as a full battery."
Phillips himself says : — "The remainder of the horses I
shall get early tomorrow (Oct. 2d) so that by tomorrow
night I shall be fully equipped. As I understand it I cannot
move from here without an order from General Whipple.
I shall report myself to him tomorrow ready for service and
tell him that I had rather stay where I am. If I stay in his
Division I shall do it under favorable auspices, I have got a
very good set of horses, good guns and carriages, and better
ammunition than we had before. Altogether I am quite
well satisfied with things."
Captain, then Lieut., Scott remembers a speech made
about this time by Lieut. Phillips to the men "which was
the only model speech" he "had heard in the Battery up to
that time. — Lt. Phillips called the men into line and said : —
'Men, once more we have our guns and horses, and when
they go to Richmond, we go with them.' '
"We had passed," Lt. Scott remarks, "through a varied

452 HISTORY OF THE
experience, but now we felt certainly a new future was
before us. All were jubilant."
Nineteen more horses were obtained on Thursday (the
2d) and in the afternoon he reported to General Whipple
that he was ready for service.
In the meantime he had received the following order from
Captain Martin.
GEN. FITZ JOHN PORTER DIRECTS.
On Sept. 27, 1862, the Fifth Corps went into camp in the
vicinity of Sharpsburg, Md. directly north of Harper's
Ferry and in the neighborhood of the battle grounds of
Antietam Creek. ORDER FROM CAPT. MARTIN.
Camp near Sharpsburg, Md.
September 27, 1862.
Lieut. Phillips
Commanding sth Mass. Battery.
Lieut. General Porter directs me to say to you that he wishes
you to rejoin the Division as soon as possible. He says if you have
not obtained your full equipment, and there seems to be any unnecessary
delay, to call on General Barry in Washington for assistance, or you
can communicate with him by telegraph through General McClellan's
Head Quarters.
Lt. Walcott will give you information about the road etc.
Very repectfully Your ob't servant A. P. Martin Capt.
Commanding Division Artillery.
Forwarded with the following indorsement. Camp near Fort Corcoran,
Oct. 6, 1862.
The within is respectfully referred to Brigd'r General Whipple
Com'd'g Division.
I expect to be ready to move by the 8th of October.
(Signed) Charles A. Phillips ist Lt.
When Lt. Phillips called upon General Whipple on
Thursday, Oct. 2d, this order from Captain Martin was in

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 453
his possession, though of course without the indorsement
at that time. "I had shown him" (Gen. Whipple), he says,
"the order I had received from Captain Martin, but as Gen
eral Barry told me that I was to receive orders from General
Whipple only, and that General Porter had no power to
order me away, I told him I was a little uncertain what I
was going to do. He promised to give me proper orders,
and said that he should like to keep me in his Division. I
told him that would please me and my officers as we had
no particular desire to rejoin Morell's. The Division
(Whipple's) is not everything that could be desired. It is
composed of two brigades, General Piatt's and another.
made up mostly of green troops. There are two batteries:
Battery H, ist Ohio Art'y, under a major or Lt. Colonel,
and the nth N. Y. Battery, Captain something-or-other-
hamer. The nth N. Y. has been in one fight only, where
they lost four guns, so that we have companions in misfor
tune. Still I think the Division will be a good one. . . I
have been to see the General several times, and I always meet
with a cordial reception. His staff appears to be composed
of very good officers. His ass't adj't general is Captain
Henry Dalton, and one of his aides Lt. Eddy has been here
frequently. The trouble in Morell's Division was that we never had a
fair start. Yesterday (Oct. 2d) we hitched up and had a
drill, and found our horses work very well : there is not a
balky one in the lot. One animal distinguished himself by
jumping round when being harnessed, actually jumping
square over one man, but after tying up his leg and giving
him a short Rarey-izing, he came to."
Chase's Diary. "Oct. 2, 1862. On guard last night and
today 2d relief. In camp near Georgetown. Company pre
paring to march all day.
Oct. 3d. Battery drilled by sections. Hitched up p. m.
A perfect success. Sent my old memorandum book home

454 HISTORY OF THE
yesterday. Sent secesh cartridge box home today by ex
press." From the ist to the 4th of October, President Lincoln was
with the army in the different encampments and on the
battlefields. He approved of what had been done, and prom
ised supplies should be sent immediately.
The army was in need of everything, and McClellan
dared not cross the Potomac, where the enemy was in
strong force, with the river, which might rise above a forda
ble stage at any time, between him and his army and base
of supplies.
On the 5th in the forenoon there was an inspection of the
Fifth Mass. Battery. It took place at 9 o'clock and General
Whipple sent two of his staff down to witness it, "though I
wished," says Phillips, "they had stayed away till we had
got our horses broken in, and our harnesses fitted. We had
not got out of park when one trace unhooked, then another,
and then another, causing a halt every dozen steps. Finally
we got in line and prepared for inspection. I felt pretty
grumpy as we rode round through the Battery. However,
I got through with it, and then took the Battery out on a
two hours' drill, and I think they will do better next time.
This afternoon we took a ride out into the country. I have
recitations in tactics every evening, and it is curious to see
how some things strike the company officers. I never found
the slightest difficulty in learning tactics from the book, and
long before we ever hitched up, I could do any manoeuvre
in the book. Mere manual dexterity of course can be ac
quired only by practice."
October 6th, 1862, Captain Martin's order, indorsed by
Lt. Phillips (see p. 452) was sent to General Whipple. Con
cerning this he wrote on the 7th : — "I have referred the or
der I received from Captain Martin to General Whipple,
and he has ordered me to go ahead with my preparations
and report when ready to him. Meanwhile he has made

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 455
application to have the Battery transferred to his Division."
McClellan had been ordered on the 6th by General Hal
leck to cross the Potomac at once, and "move now, while the
roads are good." The cavalry had moved north and would
intercept the rebel general Stuart's raid through Maryland
and Pennsylvania. The army must move, although besides
every other needful thing horses were scarce, and a new
supply was indispensable.
Orders were received for the Fifth Mass. Battery to
start Wednesday morning Oct. 8.
' MARCHING ORDERS. Head Quarters
Whipple's Division,
3D Army Corps,
Fort Corcoran, Va.
Oct. 8, 1862.
Special Orders
No. 167.
The Fifth Mass. Battery Lt. Phillips commanding, is hereby relieved
from duty with this Division, and will report as soon as practicable to
the commanding officer of Morell's Division, Porter's Corps.
By command of Brig. Gen'l Whipple.
Daniel Hall
Act'g Ass't Adjt. General.
ON THE MARCH.
"On the Sth of October [1862, Scott's Notes] the Battery
crossed the Potomac on the Aqueduct bridge, and followed
the road taken by the army through Maryland to join the
Fifth Corps at Sharpsburg. Phillips was in command.
The weather was dry and warm, and the dust that rose
was stifling and blinding.
Passing through Urbana we found the rebel general
Stuart in his raid in Maryland had crossed our line of
march but an hour before. Had we been a little earlier we
would likely have been captured, as we had no escort.
Arriving on the Monocacy River at night near Frederick

456 HISTORY OF THE
City, completely exhausted with the heat and dust of the
day, the men at once went in bathing and got rid of some
of the accumulated dust of our travel."

CORPORAL CHASE'S ACCOUNT.
"Oct. 9, 1862, (Diary of Corporal Chase) Reveille
at 4 a. m. Hitched up and left camp about half-past 5 a. m.
Passed through several villages and halted for the night
about 2 miles from Frederick City, Md. Bivouacked near
the bridge over Monocacy River on the Baltimore and Ohio
R. R. ioth : Reveille at 4 a. m. Broke camp and left about
6 a. m. Passed through Frederick, Md., and over the road
around South Mountain, and halted about two miles from
Boonsboro', Md. Marched again through Sharpsburg,
about 3 p. m. and halted, and went into park just outside
the town. Saw much evidence of the recent battle on the
route, both at South Mountain and Sharpsburg: buildings
shattered and trees scarred by shells and musketry gave
proof of the bloody battle of Antietam. Visited some rebel
prisoners in a hospital near Boonsboro', and found among
them privates of the 5th and 6th Alabama regiments, who
charged on our Battery at the Battle of Gaines Mills, June
27, 1862. They belonged to General Rhodes' Brigade,
General Hill's Division, and were taken prisoners at the
battle of Antietam.
The people along the route all seemed loyal and welcomed
us heartily."
With respect to this assignment and the march back to
the First Division Captain Phillips wrote: —
"General Whipple wished to keep us in his Division, but
was hardly enterprising enough, so we got our orders to
start Wednesday morning. At ten o'clock we started,
crossed the Aqueduct, turned up the left by the reservoir
and kept on through Tenallytown and Rockville. We

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 457
camped a mile beyond the latter place. The day was hot
and dusty but the road good. Thursday morning we started
a. 5 o'clock. The road was excellent, macadamized, but the
ccuntry very hilly. Leaving Sugar Loaf Mountain on our
left, we pushed on through Clarksburg and Urbana for the
Monocacy. About 5 o'clock we reached the Monocacy,
crossed the turnpike bridge and camped on the banks be
tween the two bridges. I availed myself of the opportunity
to' wash off the dust which had accumulated very thick,
got a glass of ale, at the railroad saloon and went to sleep.
The next morning we started at daybreak and passed
through Frederick before the people were up. The day was
cloudy, with a little sprinkle once in a while. Soon after
leaving Frederick we crossed a range of hills, passing
through the little village of Fairview. The valley in which
Frederick is situated is a splendid farming country, and
finely cultivated. The people appear to be very enterprising
as they had already repaired their fences where they had
been torn down. After crossing this range of hills we came
to another valley of equal fertility and cultivation. In the
centre was the town of Middletown : on the opposite side
were South Mts. Passing across the valley and through
Middletown, we began to ascend South Mountain Pass
where one battle came off. Half way up the hill I halted in
front of a little inn to' rest the horses. On the descent we
passed a long train of ambulances full of wounded Federal
and Secesh; the Secesh being a better looking set than I
have seen before. At the bottom of the hill we halted an
hour to rest. In the house near by were several wounded
Secesh, and our men strolling around, found one of them
who had one of my men's blankets taken at Gaines Mills.
I did not see the men myself, but they said their regiment
suffered greatly in getting our guns, and would not believe
our loss was so- small. [See p. 351 Barnard.] We next
passed through Boonsboro', turned to the left, and passed

458 HISTORY OF THE
the village of Keedysville, crossed the little Antietam, and
came to the hills occupied by our troops in the battle of
Antietam. Across the creek the hill rose steeply, and just
over the crest lay the village of Sharpsburg. Almost every
house had a cannon ball through it; chimneys knocked off
and the mischief played generally. At present the town
presents quite a busy appearance. Churches and houses are
turned into hospitals. The U. S. Sanitary Commission
occupy a couple of stores, and the streets are quite crowded.
Just beyond the town I halted the Battery, and rode ahead
to report to General Morell."

FREDERICKSBURG.

I. Position of S^Mass. Battery during the tattle. 2. The Poor House.
3.The Brick Kiln. 4-. Place -where Corporal Wafts -was "bvried 5. The
building of the Youna Men's Christian Association used as a hospital
during tTie "battle. 6.The "Right Grand Division. 7. Left Grand JJiv.
8 Centre Grand Mil/. 3. "Position of J7* Mass. lottery. 10. Humphreys'
Division II. Griffin's Division. IZ. Sy~keS Division. l3.Upper Bridge. 14-.
middle Bridge. 15. Lower JBridge..

CHAPTER XV.
THE BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG.
December 13, 1862.
"The armies stand by to behold the dread meet
ing:
The work must be done by a desperate few,
The black mouthed guns on the height give them
greeting —
From gun-mouth to plain every grass blade in view."
At Fredericksburg. — John Boyle O'Reilly.
Having seen the rebel army safely across the Potomac, it
appeared to be the duty of the officials who were to formu
late and regulate the campaign, to take into consideration
the recuperation of the army, more especially as the Stuart
dash into Maryland had resulted in a loss of horses, which it
was absolutely necessary should be supplied at once, as well
as the pressing demand for clothing, shoes and blankets,
which it was impossible longer to ignore. Recruiting must
also be strenuously urged in order to restore the diminished
ranks. Regiments in some instances had no officer of higher
rank than captain, and many companies were without any
commissioned officers. All possible dispatch should be used
in the forwarding of supplies.
While these most important objects were being accom
plished, the Army waited and watched the banks and fords
of the river, and the camp for a brief period fell into the fa
miliar routine of constant drill and frequent inspections by
day, and at night the suspended animation of a bivouac near
battle grounds, which had been the scene of too much ruth
less sacrifice of human life ever to be obliterated from the
459

460 HISTORY OF THE
memory, or to give unbroken rest to those who fell asleep
in their neighborhood.
On the 27th of October, 1862, the Army of the Potomac
commenced to cross into Virginia. General George Webb
Morell was placed in command of all the Union forces re
maining on the upper Potomac, from Antietam Creek to
Cumberland, Md., and his place at the head of the ist Divi
sion of the Fifth Corps was filled by General Charles
Griffin. General McClellan's plan was to follow the eastern slope
of the Blue Ridge Mountains in a southern direction, occu
pying the various gaps, and, turning the tables on General
Lee, to place the Army between him and Richmond. By the
2d of November, the Army had crossed either at Harper's
Ferry or at Berlin, and the various corps had followed the
various routes marked out for them. On Nov. 9, 1862, the
disposition of the Army of the Potomac was as follows : —
The First, Second, and Fifth Corps, the Reserve Artillery
and Army Head Quarters were at Warrenton, the Ninth
Corps was at Waterloo, the Sixth Corps and the Eleventh
Corps at New Baltimore with part of the Eleventh Corps at
Gainesville and Thoroughfare Gap, part of the Third Corps
posted along the Orange and Alexandria railroad from
Manassas to Warrenton Junction. Part of the cavalry were
confronting Longstreet at Hazel River six miles from Cul
peper Court House, and Rappahannock Station was
guarded. The rebel general Jackson was near Chester and
Thornton Gaps, but the mass of the rebel army was west of
the Blue Ridge.
At Warrenton, having relieved Washington from danger,
with a successful campaign in prospect, and an Army full of
enthusiasm and sublime faith in their leader, orders came on
Nov. 7th to relieve General McClellan from the command
of the Army and General Fitz John Porter from the com
mand of the Fifth Corps. General Ambrose E. Burnside

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 461
assumed command of the Army of the Potomac, and Gen
eral Joseph Hooker of the Fifth Corps.
General Burnside, on assuming the command substituted
for the plan of campaign originated by McClellan a new
one, which involved the seizure of the heights south of Fred
ericksburg after fording the Upper Rappahannock River;
the railroad to Fredericksburg being reopened by sending a
small force north of the Rappahannock for that purpose.
Previous to this movement Burnside reorganized the
Army, by forming Three Grand Divisions, the Right,
Centre, and Left. The Right was composed of the Second
and Ninth Army Corps Major Gen. Edwin V. Sumner in
command, the Centre consisted of the Third and Fifth Army
Corps Major Gen. Joseph Hooker in command, and the
Left, of the First and Sixth Army Corps, Major Gen. Wil
liam B. Franklin, commanding.
The Fifth Corps was commanded by Brig. Gen. Daniel
Butterfield, and the ist Division to which the Artillery
Brigade in which was the Fifth Mass. Battery was attached,
was commanded by Brig. Gen. Charles Griffin.
General Burnside commenced his movement on the 15th
of November, 1862, and instead of crossing the Rappahan
nock River, marched the entire Army down its north bank,
the advance of the Right Grand Division arriving in the vi
cinity of Falmouth, Va. on the 17th but was unable to' cross
to Fredericksburg, on account of a rebel force on the other
side of the river, sent for the purpose of obstructing the
passage at this point. The bridge across the river to Fred
ericksburg had been destroyed.
A corps of the Confederate Army was awaiting develop
ments in the vicinity of Orange Court House. In anticipa
tion of our attempting to gain the heights near that city
Longstreet was ordered to proceed to Fredericksburg. On
the 19th the Fifth Corps was at Hartwood a few miles above
Falmouth. On the 21st at 5 p. m. in the midst of a rain

462 HISTORY OF THE
storm, the Right Grand Division having arrived at a point
where the Potomac Creek crossed the Acquia Creek and
Fredericksburg railroad, General Sumner summoned the
authorities of the city of Fredericksburg to surrender. In
the event of their refusal, he threatened to bombard the
place at 9 a. m. the next morning. The city then under the
control of the confederate general Lee did not surrender,
and was not bombarded. Longstreet established his com
mand on Marye's Heights in the rear of Fredericksburg,
and a part of Jackson's Corps was near Port Royal on the
Rappahannock River, when on Nov. 26th our gunboats had
arrived. General Burnside ordered the construction of five bridges
from the upper part of the town to the lower, within a dis
tance of about two miles, and the artillery were employed
not only to protect the building of the bridges, but to protect
the Left flank of the Army from attack in the direction of
the Massaponax River, and to control the enemy's move
ments on the plain between the ridges of hills on both sides
of the river. To supply this unusual demand some of the
artillery was withdrawn from the Grand Divisions, and tem
porarily added to the Artillery Reserve. The Reserve was
then formed into four Divisions viz., the Right, the Right
Centre, and the Left Centre, and the Left, numbering in all
147 Guns, and disposed along the north bank of the Rappa
hannock River. Battery C, ist Rhode Island, and Battery
D, 5th U. S. were detached from the Fifth Corps and
placed in position to join in the general fire directed upon
the town and hills beyond, but the Third and Fifth Massa
chusetts Batteries crossed the river and entered the city.
The Right Grand Division of the Army was concentrated
near the upper and middle bridges ; the Left Grand Division
near the bridge below the town ; and the Centre Grand Divi
sion near to and in the rear of the Right.
On December nth the Fifth Corps marched three miles

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 463
to the bank of the Rappahannock, the artillery moving in
the rear of the Division, and was massed on a level tract of
land in the rear of the batteries on the ridge.
The pontoons for the bridges had to be taken down the
Potomac and up the Rappahannock, and Burnside waited
for them 12 days on the Stafford Hills all ready to cross. In
the early morning of Dec. nth the teams carried them
down to the river banks.
Edwin Forbes in his description of "The Pontoon
Train" attached to his picture, thus describes the train and
the method of building a pontoon bridge: —
"One of the finest sights during the march of the great army was
the pontoon train. The huge scows resting on their heavy wagons,
went tossing over the rough roads pulled by six mule teams. . . . On
nearing a stream, a road was chosen where the approach to cross would
not be too steep. The wagons were drawn near the bank, and the
pontoon boats were slid off from the rear of them into the water.
This work was often accomplished under the enemy's fire from an op
posite bank of the river; but our men worked with a will, loading the
boats and pushing them off with a dash and a cheer to clear the enemy
away. Then the real work of building a bridge would begin. Boats
would be pushed out, turned lengthwise with the current, and placed at
regular intervals across the stream, anchored at both ends. Then a
set of men would quickly attach stringers from boat to boat, and an
other set would hurry forward with planks to place over them, thus
forming a floor. In an incredibly short time the bridge would be com
pleted, and the main body of the army would march across amid great
cheers." The engineers while laying the pontoon bridges on the
nth December, 1862, being continually harassed by the
rebel sharpshooters, our batteries on the Heights com
menced a terrific cannonading which was continued two
hours, in order to drive them out of the house which con
cealed them; setting fire to the city in several places, and
under cover of a movement of the Massachusetts and Michi
gan troops the pontoon bridges were completed. Three
regiments of infantry crossed in boats, under fire, drove the
enemy from their entrenchments and took possession of the
town, fighting their way through. These were the Mass.

464 HISTORY OF THE
19th and 20th and the 7th Michigan. When these men of
Massachusetts and Michigan crossed, in the words of the
poet Baker : — "Cheer after cheer we sent them
As only armies can —
Cheers for old Massachusetts,
Cheers for young Michigan."
Two distinct combats made up the Battle of Fredericks
burg on the 13th. One the fight on the Federal Left wing
with Jackson and Stuart's cavalry and horse artillery pn the
east, and the assault of the Federal Right and Centre direct
ly upon the Heights, when our artillery from the Falmouth
bank of the river, from 40 to 50 feet high and sloping, fired
over the heads of our troops on the banks and in the city,
when the shells did not fall short on account of defective
ammunition, and the Confederate artillery from Marye's
Heights fired over them and into them.
During the action the headquarters of Generals Burnside
and Hooker were at the Phillips house, and of Sumner at
the Lacey house. The latter stood on the north bank
of the Rappahannock, directly opposite Fredericksburg.
They met the enemy first on the plain, then he withdrew
to the Heights after the rifle pits had been taken by the regi
ments who volunteered to cross over in boats, while the
bridge was being built. The turnpike to Fredericksburg
crosses the plain half a mile from the river, and between
it and the Heights extends the railroad. There was a canal
in the rear of the town, which the troops must cross before
making the attack on Marye's Heights, which conducted the
waters of the Rappahannock River at Falmouth to the lower
end of Fredericksburg for manufacturing purposes. At the
base of the bluff was a sunken road which sheltered numbers
of Confederates. Half way up the ridge they hid behind a
trench, and on the crest were the breastworks and artillery.
There was not the least chance of an attacking column car-

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 465
rying the position. While other attacks were in progress
General Butterfield was ordered to attack and break the
enemy's line and carry the Heights on his front.
The crowded streets of the city proved a great impedi
ment to the passage of the artillery. Batteries were placed
in position on the left side of Hanover Street on the right
and left of the point of attack.
The historian of the Fifth Corps says of the Battery : —
"The 5th Mass. crossed the river at 4 p. m. on the 13th and was
placed in an advanced position near the centre of the corps line between
the poor house and some brick yards, and opened fire at about six hun
dred yards from the stone wall. After dark, having fired 107 rounds of
shrapnell and shell, the Battery was withdrawn, under orders, to the
city, but returned to the same position on the 14th, remaining until
after dark on the 15th, when it was withdrawn, and early on the 16th
recrossed the river and returned to its camp."
At the time of this attack at the stone wall, General
Andrew A. Humphreys commanding the 3d Division Fifth
Corps, describes its appearance as "a sheet of flame that
enveloped the head and flanks of the column."
On the 15th the enemy still holding the Heights held the
town. General Butterfield held the portion of Fredericks
burg extending from the Rappahannock River on the right
to Hanover Street, and was ordered to put it into a state
of defense.
In the disposition of the troops General Griffin held the
left to Fauquier Street. Captain Stephen H. Weed, Chief
of Artillery of the Fifth Corps, was charged with the dis
tribution of the batteries.
After dark of the 15th earthworks were constructed be
tween the streets which were barricaded for artiUery, but at
4 a. m. of the 16th General Burnside ordered the withdrawal
of the Army from Fredericksburg. This was accomplished
at 8 o'clock a. m., in a storm of hail and rain but in perfect
order. When they removed the pontoons they did so as
noiselessly as possible, and the enemy was surprised the next
morning to find they had all crossed and the bridges were
gone.

466 HISTORY OF THE

THE MONUMENT.
At the Thirty-First Annual Reunion of the Society of the
Army of the Potomac, held at Fredericksburg, Va. May
25th and 26th, 1900, General Daniel Butterfield announced
his intention to' erect in the National Cemetery on the field
of Fredericksburg, a monument to the honor of the Fifth
Army Corps, and in memory of the honored dead of that
Corps. In the afternoon of the 26th the corner-stone was laid by
the Masonic Lodge of Fredericksburg in which George
Washington was made a Mason. The act was performed
with a silver trowel on which was engraved a representation
of the proposed monument. Brevet Colonel Horatio C.
King presided.
These ceremonies took place on Marye's Heights, in the
presence of the Society, the President of the United States,
his Cabinet, members of congress, heads of Departments
and other guests.
The number of Union men engaged was 30,000. Of
these over 16,000 are buried there, 14,000 in unknown
graves, in the words of General Edward Hill who made the
address, "buried where they fell. In time their honored
bones found sepulture on these terraced heights." He
quotes General Butterfield in his presence as saying: —
"I have always felt that the magnificent services of the Fifth Corps,
on the occasion of the battle of Fredericksburg, as well as on other
fields, deserve a lasting memorial. As I read the order issued by me
after the battle, (see p. 519) I feel today the same heartfelt appreciation
that it expresses, and it gives me great pleasure to place a lasting memo
rial of enduring granite, to record my feeling toward the Fifth Corps, —
whom I had the great honor to command in that battle, — over the
graves, not only of the many brave men of the corps who are buried
there, but also in honor of all the gallant and splendid soldiers in that
famous battle."
General Hill was an officer of the Fifth Corps who par-

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 467
ticipated in the battle. He closed his address with the fol
lowing words : —
"This column of imperishable granite, bearing the insignia of the
Fifth Army Cor^s, the Maltese Cross, garlanded with laurel and oaken
wreaths, emblematic of fame and victory, crowned with the ball of in
folding fire, will carry down the ages the story of Fredericksburg, and
forever stand a monument to the lofty patriotism and military ardor of
the founder, an incentive to noble deeds, a glorious tribute to the brave
men of the Fifth Corps who fell in defense of the flag that .from reveille
to retreat bends above this consecrated ground."
The Monument was dedicated May 30, 1901, with ap
propriate ceremonies in which the Society of the Fifth
Corps of the Army of the Potomac, as a body, participated.
THE MEMBERS' STORY.
After Reporting to General Morell.
Notes of Lieut. Scott: "Reaching Sharpsburg on the nth
of October, 1862, we took our place with the Artillery
Brigade of Morell's Divison 5th Corps."
FROM LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Sharpsburg, Md.
Oct. n, 1862.
He (Gen. Morell) seemed glad we had got up, and told
us to go into camp where we were, which we did. Last
night it rained, and tomorrow when the ground gets dried
I shall move ahead a mile, near the rest of the Division.
Everything is very quiet, and no enemy around."
Phillips' Diary: "Sunday Oct. 12, 1862. Moved camp a
mile to the front near Gen. Morell's Head Quarters."
Chase's Diary: "Oct. n. . . . Detailed for guard 3d re
lief p. m. Oct. 12. . . . Camped about a mile and a half
from Sharpsburg, Md."
Phillips' Diary : "Tuesday, Oct. 14th. Sent Scott to Har-

468 HISTORY OF THE
per's Ferry after horses. Oct. 15: Scott returned with n
horses. AU quiet."
FROM LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Sharpsburg, Md.
Thursday Evening, Oct. 16, 1862.
Griffin's -Brigade, four of Hazlett's guns, and two of
Martin's with considerable cavalry, went over the river to
day on a reconnoissance. We have heard more or less firing
all day. The long expected event, the rising of the river,
seems close at hand. We have got an oven built and had
some baked beans this morning. We can get soft bread at
Sharpsburg, but the meanest bread I ever tasted, dry and
tasteless as sawdust."
On Friday the Reconnoissance, which was sent across the
river the day before returned with no news of importance,
and the commanding officer of the Battery received the fol
lowing circular : —
FROM CHIEF QUARTERMASTER CHARLES B. NORTON.
Head Quarters sth Army Corps,
Near Sharpsburg, Md.
Circular. Head Quarters sth Army Corps,
Oct. 17, 1862.
It having been ascertained that Trains have gone to the various
depots for supplies without a commissioned officer in charge, notice is
again given that it is absolutely necessary that such an officer should
accompany all Trains.
On the first day of each month Division Quartermasters will send
to these Head Quarters a consolidated report of all Quartermasters'
Stores and estimates of funds, in detail, required in their Divisions for
the month then current. This report is necessary in order that the
wants of the Corns may be known in sufficient time to be ordered to
the nearest depot. Regimental and Brieade Head Quarters will inform
the Division Quartermaster of their wants in season, so that the Di
vision Quartermaster can send in his report on the day mentioned.
Brigade Ouartermasters wil make requisitions on Capt. Alex. Bliss
A. Q. M. at Harper's Ferry, Va., for one' wagon in addition to the pres-

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 469
ent allowance, which will be used exclusively for the transportation of
medical stores of the Brigade.
Hereafter supplies of all kinds can be obtained at Harper's Ferry,
on requisitions properly approved. Brigade Quartermasters can inform
themselves by telegraph as to what there is on hand at the Depot. But
few stores will be sent to Frederick and Hagerstown. Transportation
will be always kept in condition for an immediate move.
Division Quartermasters will send copies of this circular to Quar
termasters of Brigades who will furnish each Regimental Quartermas
ter with a copy of the same.
By command of Major General Fitz John Porter.
(Signed) Charles B. Norton,
Lt. Col. Chief Quartermaster, Sth Armv Corps.
Chase's Diary: "Oct. 19, the Battery was inspected by
Captain Martin." SPECIAL ORDERS. Head Quarters
Morrell's Division, Camp
near Sharpsburg, Md.
Oct. 20, 1862.
Special Orders
No. 257.
In accordance with instructions from Head Quarters, Battery E,
Mass. Artillery, Lieut. Phillips commanding, is hereby detailed to re
lieve Captain Diedrichs' Battery now on duty with 3d. Brigade.
Relief will be made by 9 a. m. tomorrow.
By command of Brig. General Griffin.
Francis S. Earle,
Ass't. Adj't. Gen'l.
Capt. Martin. Lieut. Phillips.

PHILLIPS' COMPANY ORDER.
Lieut. Phillips, when he issued the following order must
have been of the same mind as General, then Major,
Thomas W. Hyde of the 7th Maine Infantry, who said that
"the clean and careful soldier is also pretty sure to make a
good officer."

470 HISTORY OF THE
Camp near Sharpsburg, Md.
October 20, 1862.
Company Orders.
No. 7.
The Battery will be formed in line for inspection tomorrow morn
ing at 8 o'clock.
The drivers' valises will be strapped on the saddles. After the Bat
tery is dismissed the men will remain in uniform, and keep round the
quarters until the camp and quarters have been inspected. Everything
is expected to remain neat and clean during the day. The men are
expected to have as much anxiety as the commander that the Battery
should obtain a good name. Charles A. Phillips ist Lieut.
Com'd'g Battery E. Mass. Artillery.
LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Sharpsburg, Md.
Evening Oct. 20, 1862.
I have received a copy of a Special Order from McClel
lan's Hd. Qrs. honorably discharging Captain Allen from
the service, dated Oct. 17th. . . . The programme for to
morrow was an inspection of the Division Batteries, camps,
company books, &c, &c, by Lieut Col. (Alex. S.) Webb to
commence at 8 o'clock. I have just received orders, how
ever, to relieve Captain Diedrichs' Battery (Otto Diedrichs,
A, ist Battalion N. Y.) Dutch, 20 pdr. Parrotts, now with
the Third Brigade — Butterfield's — at the mouth of Antie
tam. Relief to be made at 9 o'clock. I shall start at 8. I
am rather sorry to miss the inspection, as I can show the
cleanest battery and the neatest camp, except, perhaps,
Hazlett's, of all the Batteries.
I would recommend for Junior 2d Lieut, ist Sergt. Joseph
E. Spear of Quincy. He started as Corporal but his Serg't
being sick, took entire charge of his piece at Gaines Mills
and brought it off safely, entirely by his own efforts. Upon
the reorganization of the Battery I made him ist Sergt. He
is only 19 years old, but I am not likely to blame any one
for their youth."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 471
Chase's Diary: "Oct. 20, 1862. Usual drill a. m. and
drilled by sections : hitched up p. m. Broke the pole of our
caisson 4th Detachment. A good, lively, drill. Official
notice of the acceptance of Captain Allen's resignation read
in line at Roll Call p. m."
Shackley's Notes: "On the 21st of October the Battery
was ordered to Antietam, and placed in position to defend
the neighborhood where the battle took place."
ACCOUNT OF OCT. 21 ST IN LETTER OF
Lieut. Phillips Oct. 26th.
"Camp near the mouth of the
Antietam, Oct. 26, 1862.
On Tuesday morning agreeably to orders from General
Griffin, commanding Division, General Morell being absent,
we marched at 8 o'clock. We returned back to the centre of
Sharpsburg and then turned to the right. At 9 we crossed
the Antietam, near the mouth, on a stone bridge, and turned
to the left. Just above the bridge there is a dam across the
Antietam, making quite an extensive mill pond. Close by,
on the left bank, are the ruins of the Antietam Iron Works.
Some 8 or 10 houses are scattered round in the vicinity.
Proceeding a short distance along the creek we found Cap
tain Diedrichs' Battery on top of a hill on the right. I
waited till he had hauled his guns down, and then put mine
in their place, and pitched my camp. . . . The roads have
so far been excellent, but let the mud once prevail, and then
farewell to all hopes of an 'onward movement.' There are
no signs of moving round here, everything is very quiet and
has been so for the last month."
The same date account of Oct. 23d &c. : "Thursday after
noon, Capt. (Elijah D.) Taft of the 5th N. Y. Battery, ar
rived with four 20 pdr. Parrotts, which he placed on the hill
with mine. On Friday forenoon we were inspected by

472 HISTORY OF THE
Lieut. Col. Webb, and after inspection I moved my guns
farther down river, where I had a better command of the
ford."

LETTER OF SERG'T. PEACOCK.
"Camp near Antietam, Md.
Oct. 23, '62.
We are on top of Antietam Hill, almost a mountain, our
Guns in position all ready for action. The hill commands
the Ford at this point of the river. We were up all last
night by our Guns, but the Rebs gave up the attempt they
made to' cross. The weather is very cool up here, particu
larly when we have no regular tents to sleep under. There
are only a few shanties and one large Iron Works in this
place, and but few traces of the late battle to be seen. We
are so short of men that it keeps us at work all the time
running the machine. I have made up my mind to stop the
remainder of my three years, for the War will not end
sooner than that time."

Chase's Diary: "Oct. 23, 1862, Routed out with the 4th
Detachment at 1 o'clock this morning to man the guns.
Each Detachment stood guard an hour in turn through the
night. Indications of the approach of the enemy caused the
alarm. All quiet through the night. Oct. 24th. . . . Can
noneers removed their quarters nearer the guns in the p. m.
Detailed for guard 2d Relief p. m."
Phillips' Letter of Oct. 26 continued : "Taft's guns are
placed on a very high hill commanding a view for miles.
The sides of the hiU are as steep as the roof of a house. My
tent is placed on a sort of terrace which runs round the hih,
while Captain Taft had to dig out a place for his. My guns

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 473
are in a little hollow between two hills. In front of them
the ground slopes gently for 100 yards, then tumbles into a
stone quarry, and then comes a level meadow to the river.
... No enemy in sight, not even any picket firing. One
of the Batteries of the Divison has been firing a few shots
this afternoon, but after looking on, I have come to the con
clusion that they were firing at the other side of the river
and succeeded in hitting it."

Chase's Diary: "Oct. 26, 1862. Sunday. No inspection
today and guard mounting and roll call omitted this p. m.
Orders to cook two days' rations late p. m. On fatigue duty
about an hour bringing water, and hanging the baggage-
wagon in the evening. Thoroughly drenched with rain."
LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp near the Mouth of the Antietam,
Oct. 26, 1862.
Altogether the situation is a very pleasant one, and I am
not sorry for the change. We have got a good oven, and
have our baked beans regularly. As cold weather is coming
on we have been trying various contrivances for warming
up, but cannot get rid entirely of the smoke. At present we
have a fireplace resembling very much a hole in the ground,
from which the smoke is conducted by an underground rail -
road to a chimney outside. The chimney being as yet in an
unfinished state, it does not draw to complete satisfaction
but tomorrow we shall raise the chimnev a few feet, when
we expect the apparatus to be entirely successful."
Chase's Diary: "Oct. 26, 1862, night cold and rainy and
the tent leaky. Oct. 27th. Pleasant about 11 o'clock a. m.
No drill today. Built a fireplace for my tent this p. m.
Works to a charm. Oct. 29: Usual drill a. m. and a drill
hitched up p. m. The 5th Detachment upset their caisson

474 HISTORY OF THE
while drilling, and practised dismounting the spare wheel.
Righted the caisson and came to camp."
Phillips' Diary has it "At section drill the side of the
caisson was broken and middle rails."
LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Antietam
Iron Works, Oct. 29, 1862.
Our stove has at last been completed to our satisfaction.
I deployed the contrabands on it and built a chimney 7 or 8
feet high, and it now draws hugely : in fact I do not think
the contrabands appreciate it as much as we do, considering
the amount of wood it consumes. The men are all pretty
well supplied with fireplaces and chimneys of unique if not
elegant pattern; chimneys of stones, bricks, mud, and iron
pipes, one of them finished off with the bellows nozzle from
the blast furnace near by; stoves of mud and sheet iron;
stoves above ground and stoves below ground; stoves within
doors, and stoves without doors ; stoves that heat and stoves
that don't; stoves that smoke and stoves that don't; and in
short every variety of stoves. . . . Thinking that things
looked like a permanent stay, I have had a chair made of a
different pattern from the famous chair of Yorktown (see
p. 228) but about as comfortable. The frame is of chest
nut, the bottom and back of grain bags, and the whole ar
rangement is very luxurious. I have only one fault to find.
When I put it in my tent there is no room for anything else.
In the middle of the day it is quite warm and comfortable
out of doors, but evenings I prefer to sit inside. Night
before last it was quite cold, the water freezing in our wash
bowls. We always have our tent pretty warm when we turn
in, but it gets quite cold before morning. However, I take
advantage of my position, and instead of turning out at
reveille I lie abed till the contrabands have got the fire

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 475
going. The canal is now in operation to this point and we
are in hopes of getting some hay for our horses, at present
they have it about a third of the time. Artillery horses have
a pretty hard time of it these cold nights. They have to
stand out doors without any shelter, have a scant supply of
food, and when on the march a large supply of work. They
thin out under the treatment amazingly.
I hear that General Burnside has crossed the river below.
This afternoon I thought I would have a drill, instead of
keeping my guns idly staring at the opposite bank, and the
exercises were varied by capsizing a caisson. They were on
a side hill when the whole concern, horses and all, went over.
The wheel driver executed some airy manoeuvres not laid
down in the book, but got off without any serious damage.
The caisson was somewhat broken but will be repaired by
morning. . . . Brig. Gen'l. Butterfield, it is said, has been
appointed to the command of a Division under Burnside,
and his Brigade is now commanded by Col. Stockton of the
16th Michigan."
Chase's Diary: "Oct. 30, 1862. The 2d Mass. Regiment
with Gordon's Brigade, Gen. Banks's Corps, bivouacked
near our camp last night, having marched from Maryland
Heights. Met H. Longfellow of the 2d Mass. Regt. Usual
drill on piece a. m. Hitched up and drilled about 15 min
utes. Indications of leaving here tomorrow. A liberal ra
tion of potatoes for dinner today. Detailed for guard p. m."
MARTIN'S ORDER.
Camp near Harper's Ferry, Va.
Oct. 30, 1862
Lieut. C. A. Phillips,
Com'd'g Sth Mass. Battery.
Lieut. You will please march at 6 o'clock tomorrow morn
ing and join the Division, which is now in camp near Harper's Ferry.
I neglected to notify you of the march this evening, as I was informed

476 HISTORY OF THE
that you would be notified. The bearer of this will remain, and come
with you as a guide. Very Respflly. 1 our obt. serv't, A. P. Martin, Capt.
Com'd'g Div. Artillery.
On the 30th of October the Fifth Corps commenced its
march from Sharpsburg to Harper's Ferry where it arrived
on the 31st, and found there the supplies which were needed
to render the campaign effective that McClellan had planned
to intercept- Lee. The entire Army crossed the Potomac at
points convenient for the several Corps. McClellan sought
by moving South and occupying the Gaps of the Blue Ridge
to force Lee to fight him where he chose to give battle.
Scott's Notes: "October 31st the Army moved to Har
per's Ferry and crossed the Potomac and Shenandoah Riv
ers and camped on Loudon Heights, Va."
Phillips' Diary: "Friday Oct. 31, 1862. The Division
marched last night, General Griffin in command, General
Morell having been relieved. Somehow no orders were sent
to me. This morning received orders to join them. Started
at 6 a. m. and after trying the shore road concluded to go
round by Burkittsville to Berlin. Passed Brooks' Division,
Franklin's Corps, and camped near Berlin. Sat. Nov. ist.
Marched to Harper's Ferry, crossed the Potomac and
Shenandoah, and joined the Division about 4 miles from the
river." Chase's Diary: "Oct. 31, 1862. On guard last night 3d
Relief. Drivers harnessed up about 9 o'clock last night, and
awaited orders till 11 p. m., when they unharnessed and
remained in camp all night. Reveille at 5 o'clock this morn
ing. Hitched up and broke camp and marched about
6 o'clock a. m. Marched about a mile towards Harper's
Ferry, then countermarched, halted, and watered the horses.
The road ahead blocked up by baggage wagons. A bounti
ful breakfast of baked beans this morning. Delightful

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 477
morning. Battery took another road and continued the
march over the mountains. Marched through Burkittsville
and Peter sboro' and camped about a mile from the latter.
The 5th New York marched ahead of us all day. Saw large
numbers of troops moving today. Camped opposite Mary
land Heights and Harper's Ferry. Very pleasant march
and the weather delightful."
FROM LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Snickers Gap, Nov. 3, 1862. . . . Yesterday marched to
this place and camped. Have not seen the rebels yet. Por
ter's Corps is all here. Breakfasted this morning on boiled
goose and beefsteak. REVIEW OF THE WEEK.
Nov. 4, 1862. Last Friday afternoon we received orders
to be ready to march at short notice. I made all my prep
arations and waited. About 9 o'clock in the evening I
found that Stockton's Brigade had left, and also that the
rest of the Division was on the march down the river road.
I sent Lull down to make observations, and he reported that
the rear guard had just passed, going down to Harper'?.
Ferry. So I went to bed. About midnight an orderly
came back from Captain Martin, (see p. 475) stating they
were in camp 1^2 miles from Harper's Ferry, and ordering
me to rejoin them in the morning. It seems General Morell
had been relieved of his command and in the confusion they
had forgotten to send me my orders. So the next morning
I hitched up and started. About a mile down the road I
ran into the tail end of the wagon train of the Division.
They had been on the road all night with a prospect of
waiting all day. Disgusted at this state of things I turned
back and started on the river road. We passed through a

478 HISTORY OF THE
Gap in South Mts. where we found a beautiful prospect.
The woods were colored up magnificently, and presented a
splendid sight. About noon the road turned into another
where we ran into Slocum's Division on the march. We
contrived to get in ahead of their wagon train and pushed
on. They soon stopped for dinner, and we passed them
and kept on for Berlin, where I understood the Division had
been ordered. We crossed another range of hills, and
passed through Burkittsville at the foot. Here we made a
short .halt to allow the column to close up. The village
was full of wounded soldiers. About 4 p. m. we passed
through Petersville and camped about a mile from Berlin.
I have learnt that the Division had crossed at Harper's
Ferry. Sunday morning I struck across country for Har
per's Ferry. Within a short distance of this place I ran
into a wagon train which delayed us for some time. After
a while we got by, crossed the Potomac and Shenandoah
on pontoon bridges, passed around the base of Loudon
Heights, and gradually getting up hill, pushed for the in
terior. About 4 miles from Harper's Ferry I found the
Division and went into camp alongside Waterman. Rec'd
an order from Gen. Butterfield assuming command of the
Division. The next morning we marched in the following
order : — ¦
ist Sykes's Div'n. 2d Humphreys' Div'n. 3d But
terfield's Div'n. 4th Sykes's wagons. 5th Humphreys'
wagons. 6th Butterfield's wagons. 7th Rear Guard, 2d
Maine and Lieut. Scott's Section.
The Division in this order : —
ist Third Brigade. 2d Waterman's Battery. 3d First
Brigade. 4th Martin's Battery. 5th U. S. Sharpshoot
ers. 6th Phillips' Battery. 7th 2d Brigade. 8th Haz-
lett's Battery.
We marched off at a smart rate keeping the Blue Ridge
on our right. By dusk we had made about 15 miles and

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 479
camped near Snicker's Gap. The country is very good for
foraging, and most of the men have had plenty of goose,
mutton, pork and chicken. Last night we got orders to
have three days' rations in our haversacks, but have not
moved yet. Sykes is up in the Gap, and yesterday Pleas-
anton drove the Rebs over the Shenandoah. A little can
nonading, but nothing important."
NOTES OF LIEUT. SCOTT.
From Harper's Ferry to White Plains.
"On the 2d of November the 2d Maine Regt. acting as
rear guard with my section of the 5th Battery, I had an all
night's march to Snicker's Gap of the Blue Ridge Moun
tains. The night was fearfully cold, and we moved rapidly.
Nothing occurred on our march from Snicker's Gap to
White Plains, where we camped for the night in a raging
snow storm. During the day the Battery halted in front
of a fine country residence. The men ransacked the place.
They found sweet potatoes covered up in the garden, over
turned a bee-hive, and we saw the men with honey from the
honey-comb running down their faces regardless of the
stinging bees. A pig was chased and caught, but had to be
given up. Rights must be respected. It was amusing to say
the least."
THE BEES' BUSY. DAY.
NOTES OF SERGT. WM. H. BAXTER.
Oct. 15, 1900.
"Time and place have passed from memory, but the scene
is vivid before me. — A deserted farm house of the Old Vir
ginia type, pleasantly situated on a knoll, rising gradually
from the road, and surrounded by stately trees, with old

480 HISTORY OF THE
fashioned flowers growing along the path up to the front
door. The writer was not much interested in the surroundings,
nor at that time much interested in the sentiment of the
flowers. They looked pretty; still the attraction was at the
rear of the house, where about 50 of the boys were assem
bled, all talking at once, trying to devise a plan to get the
honey from 9 bee hives, which were ranged in a row across
the front of the vegetable garden.
As the writer swung around the corner of the house, a
shout went up, — 'Here comes Baxter !'
After viewing the situation a moment, we took two
clothes poles, fastening one across the end of the other at
right angles, giving us a battering ram covering, say, four
of the hives. It was arranged that the writer should push
the hives over, while the boys should jump in and get the
honey, but at the moment of applying the battering ram, it
occurred to the writer 'where do I come in?' so instead of
pushing the hives over and waiting for some one to get the
honey, I just pushed and jumped at the same time, landing
squarely in the mess, and it did not take many seconds to fill
my haversack with honey, bees, dirt, and beeswax. But,
suffering humanity! I reached the conclusion as I crawled
out of the mob, that what bees I did not sweep into my
haversack with the honey, wax and dirt, had crawled into
my hair and down my neck, and at every prod of a stinger
I could see stars and black spots on the sun, and I ran up to
Lieut. Spear, who came riding into the yard at that moment.
He whacked me on the head, back, and everywhere I desig
nated that a bee was getting his work in. It was laugh
able, his following me around that yard, giving me a whack
here and there, but I couldn't stand still, the bees were too
busy. Upon getting shed of the bees and greasing the jabs
with my pork ration, we started along for the Battery, but
on approaching the gate at the head of the lane in rear of

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 481
the house, there was old General Griffin, sitting stolidly on
his horse, with the Provost Marshal beside him scooping in
as they passed through the gate all who had taken part in
the raid on the potato mines and bee hives. The writer put
on a sweet Sunday school face and like 'Mary's little lamb'
passed through in safety. That evening in camp we had a
feast. Fried pork spread over with a mixture of honey and
dirt, with a bee or two for fresh meat, and a little beeswax
to make a good chew to the whole, was a feast fit for any
body when one could not get any better, and fully repaid all
the suffering caused by meddling with the business end of
those Virginia bees."

Chase notes in his Diary Nov. 8, 1862, on the march they
passed some of General Sigel's troops in camp. On the
9th Serg't. Morgridge and other convalescents returned to
the Battery.
LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Warrenton, Va.
Nov. 9, 1862.
Thursday morning Nov. 6th we left Snicker's Gap. In
the order for marching it said no> communication hereafter
with Harper's Ferry. The Rebels followed our rear guard
occupying the Gap after we left it. In the afternoon we
passed through Middleburg and saw plenty of Secesh uni
forms, wounded and paroled, about the streets. That night
we camped in the fields. The weather was quite cold and
raw. The next morning we marched a few miles, to Rector-
ville or White Plains, arriving about 9 o'clock. Before our
tents were pitched it commenced to snow and continued
through the day. It was quite warm and comfortable.
The next morning we marched to New Baltimore. This

482 HISTORY OF THE
morning we started at six and arrived here at about 8. We
have not yet seen any Rebels."
THE COMMAND OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
Head Quarters
Army of the Potomac,
Warrenton, Va. Nov. g, 1862.
General Orders
No. 1. Extracts.
In accordance with General Orders No. 182, issued by the Presi
dent of the United States, I hereby assume command of the Army of
the Potomac. . With diffidence for myself, but with a proud confi
dence in the unswervable loyalty and determination of the gallant
Army now intrusted to my care. I accept its control with the steadfast
assurance that the just cause must prevail. A. E. Burnside
Major General Commanding.

Corporal Shackley in his Notes of the 9th observed that
the removal of General McClellan "caused much dissatisfac
tion in men of Democratic sympathies."
(To be read to the' Company before the Review.)
McCLELLAN'S FAREWELL TO THE ARMY OF THE
POTOMAC. Head Quar#ers,
Army of the Potomac,
Camp near Rectortown, Va.
Nov. 7, 1862.
Officers and Soldiers
of the Army of the Potomac :
An Order of the President devolves upon Major General Burn
side 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 under my care. In you I have
never found doubt or coldness. The battles you have fought under
my command will proudly live in our nation's history. The glory you
have achieved, our mutual perils and fatigues, the graves of our com
rades fallen in battle, and by disease, the broken forms of those whom
wounds and sickness have disabled, — the strongest associations which

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 483
can exist among men, — unite us still by an indissoluble tie. We shall
ever be comrades in supporting the Constitution of our Country, and
the nationality of its people. Geo. B. McClellan,
Maj. Gen'l. U. S. A.

Chase's Diary: "Nov. io, 1862.' Camp in the direction
of Warrenton. Reveille at half past 5 o'clock this morning.
Delightful morning. General McClellan's farewell address
to the Army read to us in line this morning. Company
called in line with the other troops to give our old General
a parting cheer as he passed us. McClellan with other
generals passed us about 9 o'clock. Martin's Battery fired
a salute as they approached. General Burnside takes com
mand of the Army, and his address to the troops was read
to us in line this p. m."

Nov. 11, 1862, under the cartel a large number of pris
oners were exchanged, officers and privates : of the privates
the balance due the United States was 6000.
Chase's Letter: "Camp near Warrenton, Va., Nov. 11,
1862 : Ere this reaches you, you will know that General
McClellan has been called from the field, and that General
Burnside now has command of the Army. We regret to
lose the leader who has taken us into so much danger and
taken us out safely, but if he is to take new and increased
responsibilities upon himself, then we are satisfied. Mc
Clellan has the confidence of the whole Army, and I think,
with few exceptions, the love of the people. He has been
kicked about more than any other man in the Army, yet he
has always been ready to extricate the Army from the traps
and snarls in which the ambitious generals have placed it.
He has cleaned up all their bad work, and the Army is again
in the field with solid ranks.
Our march here was a very pleasant one. We came via
Harper's Ferry, a place I have always wanted to see, not on

484 HISTORY OF THE
account of its being the scene of John Brown's short cam
paign, but the sublimity of its natural scenery. It is an old
proverb, 'See Naples, then die,' but I would say, see Har
per's Ferry, then be willing to die, and if you can live yet
longer then all the better. It is worth a year's service to
visit that place. We halted there about two hours, which
gave me a fine chance to look around. There seems to be
no regularity about the mails of late, and when a mail leaves
we generally have about half an hour's notice. . . . Please
ask Mrs. T. if she will send me a darning-needle next letter,
as I am greatly in need of one."

"I parted from my brave old corps; 'twere matter, lad, for tears."
John Boyle O'Reilly. — Uncle Ned's Tale.
PORTER'S FAREWELL ORDER. Head Quarters
Sth Army Corps.
Camp near Warrenton, Va.
Nov. 12, 1862.
General Orders
No. 25.
By direction of the President of the United States, Major General
Hooker has been assigned to the command of this Corps.
It has been my privilege to lead the little band of regulars, the per
manent Army of the United States, inheriting the names, the records,
and the traditions of regiments that have borne the banner of our coun
try through all its wars.
It has been my privilege to lead noble regiments of volunteers,
coming from different states, but becoming equally national through
having the same' purpose, the same dangers, and the same suffering.
Having shared their perils and privations in the camp, in the
bivouac, on the march, and in half a score of bloody fields : to the of
ficers and men of both classes I address myself.
The confidence, which if I may judere by your acts, you have reposed
in me, it has been my earnest effort to meet and requite. The per
sonal regard which I am proud to feel that you bear towards me, is
reciprocated by an ardent affection and a deep respect, which time can
not efface. The personal good fortune of each of you will be always a
matter of heartfelt interest to me. The professional successes you will
attain will be doubly grateful to me, inasmuch as they will be identified
with the success of our cause.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 485
Among the most gratifying of my thoughts of you will be the as
surance that your subordination and loyalty will remain in the future
as in the past, firm and steadfast to our country and its authorities.
F. J. Porter,
Major General.
General Fitz John Porter took leave of the Fifth Corps
at 4 p. m. and the same evening left for Washington.
At each leavetaking Martin's 3d Mass. Battery fired the
national salute of 13 guns, a salute of honor for the retiring
commander, as he rode past.
Chase's Diary: "Nov. 11, 1862. Eight hard crackers for
a day's ration today.
Nov. 12. In camp all day. Battery called in line to bid
farewell to Major General Fitz John Porter this p. m. . . .
General Porter appeared to be much affected, and his fare
well address was read to us by Captain Martin.
Weather mild and cloudy. Beef steak for dinner ! ! No
meat served out to us except salt pork for the last ten days,
until today. Short rations of bread again today. Bought
bread for 5 cts. per lb. from commissary. Entered upon my
arduous and responsible duties as 2d Corporal of the 2d De
tachment this p. m. Nov. 13 : Posted guard last night, last
half. Morning cold and windy. Drilled on manual of the
piece."
LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Warrenton, Va.
Nov. 13, 1862.
The events of the last few days have made quite an altera
tion in the appearance of things. On Monday we were
astonished to hear that General McClellan had been re
lieved and General Burnside placed in command. At 9
o'clock in the forenoon Porter's Corps was drawn up on the
eastern side of the Warrenton and Gainesville turnpike and
Sumner's Corps on the other side, facing inward. Soon

486 HISTORY OF THE
after, General McClellan rode through, accompanied by
General Burnside, General Porter and brigadiers and of
ficers of lower grade innumerable. A major general's
salute was fired, everybody cheered, and then we all went
home. At n o'clock General McClellan held a levee at
General Porter's Hd. Qrs., where the customary handshak
ing took place, and then he left.
So ended the second removal of General McClellan. Of
course there is a diversity of opinion and feeling on the sub
ject. . . . The siege of Yorktown I pronounced a failure at
the time. After the battle of Williamsburg I thought, and
still think, that McClellan could have followed the enemy
into Richmond. . . . The Army was never in better health
or condition than while we were lying idle on the Potomac;
the roads were never better. Why we did not move I can
not say. . . . Following close, came the removal of General
Porter. Everybody knew that he must follow General
McClellan, but nobody knew exactly how it would be
brought about. General Porter re-enacted General McClel
lan's departure in his own: the Corps was all drawn up,
salute fired, and cheers given. As he passed the batteries
he shook hands with Captain Martin and bade him good
bye. General Hooker has assumed command. We now
belong to Butterfield's Division, Hooker's 5th Army Corps."
GENERAL ORDER RESPECTING THE OBSERVANCE OF
THE SABBATH DAY IN THE ARMY
AND NAVY. Executive Mansion,
Washington, November 15, 1862.
The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, desires
and enjoins the orderly observance of the Sabbath, by the officers and
men in the military and naval service. The importance for man and
beast of the prescribed weekly rest, the sacred rights of Christian sol
diers and sailors, a becoming deference to the best sentiment of a
Christian people, and a due regard for the Divine will, demand that
Sunday labor in the Army and Navy be reduced to the measure of
strict necessity.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 487
The discipline and character of the national forces should not suffer,
nor the cause the-" defend be imperilled, by the profanation of the day
or name of the Most High.
"At this time of public distress" — adopting the words of Washing
ton in 1776 — "men may find enough to do in the service of God and
their country without abandoning themselves to vice and immorality.'
The first General Order issued by the Father of his Country after the
Declaration of Independence, indicates the spirit in which our institu
tions were founded, and should ever be defended: "The General hopes
and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor to live and act as
becomes a Christian soldier defending the dearest rights and liberties
of his country."
Abraham Lincoln.

FROM LETTERS OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp in the Fields,
Nov. 20, 1862.
Last Saturday General Hooker reviewed the Division.
After it was through he had_ a reception at General Butter
field's Hd. Qrs. While Butterfield was in command of the
Division he introduced a change in marching orders. He
published a circular containing six forms for marching as
foUows :— " COPIED FROM PHILLIPS DIARY.
Form 1.
1st First Brigade Battery  25 minutes
2d Second Brigade Battery  25 minutes
3d Third Brisrade Battery  25 minutes
4th ist U. S. S. S. Battery.
5th Ambulances.
Form 2.
1st Second Brigade Battery  25 minutes
2d Third Brigade Battery  25 minutes
3d 1st U. S. S. S. Battery  10 minutes
4th ist Brigade Battery.
5th Ambulances.

488 HISTORY OF THE
Form 3.
ist Third Brigade Battery  25 minutes
2d First U. S. S. S. Battery  10 minutes
3d First Brigade Battery  25 minutes
4th Second Brigade Battery.
Sth Ambulances.
Form 4.
ist ist U. S. S. S. Battery  10 minutes
2d ist Brigade Batterv  25 minutes
3d Second Brigade Battery  25 minutes
4th Third Brigade Battery  25 minutes
5th Ambulances.
Form 5.
ist First Brigade  20 minutes
2d ist U. S. S. S  S minutes
3d All the Batteries  20 minutes
4th Second Brigade  20 minutes
Sth Third Brigade  20 minutes
6th Ambulances.
Form 6.
ist All the Batteries  20 minutes
2d Third Brigade  20 minutes
3d Second Brigade  20 minutes
4th First Brigade  20 minutes
5th ist U. S. S. S  20 minutes
6th Ambulances.

FROM LIEUT. PHILLIPS' LETTER.
"So now it is only necessary to send an order 'The Divi
sion will march tomorrow at 6 a. m. in Form 1.' Then the
First Brigade marches at 6 followed by a Battery, the Sec
ond Brigade at 6.25, Battery foUowing. Third Brigade
and a Battery at 6.50. Sharp Shooters at 7.15 &c &c.
Captain Martin designates the batteries to follow the Bri
gades. Monday we marched at 6 in 'Form 1,' following
the Sharp Shooters, and camped about four miles beyond
Warrenton Junction, having turned off the railroad to the
left. Tuesday we marched in 'Form 2,' following the Sec
ond Brigade, and yesterday we marched in 'Form 3' follow-

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 489
ing the Sharp Shooters. We arrived at this place at 2
o'clock. Camp near Falmouth, Va. Nov. 26, 1862. On the 17th
we marched down to Warrenton Junction then down the
railroad towards the Rappahannock a few miles, and then
struck across country for Fredericksburg. That night we
camped in the fields. The next day we resumed the march;
marched about 4 miles and camped. There we remained
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Sunday morning we
were again on the move. About noon we passed the Artil
lery Reserve in camp about 3 miles from Falmouth. We
then switched off the main road, and leaving Falmouth on
our right marched through the woods. At 7 o'clock in the
middle of the woods, dark as midnight, we came to a mud
hole. Here we stuck : horses got mired, wheels sank to the
hub and things looked pleasant. Our horses had had
nothing to eat for two days. We doubled up — put ten
horses on a carriage, and hauled through. By 12 we had
got through. Just beyond the mud hole the road was very
narrow, with a bank about 6 feet high on each side. As
the Battery wagon came through at full speed with the
horses on, the drivers missed the road and drove up on the
bank. As the Battery wagon got well on the top, over it
went into the road below, and landed bottom side up, the
pole horses in a heap, and their driver getting out of the
way with a lame leg. Here was 'a pretty kettle of fish.'
The Battery wagon weighs over 4000 lbs., and is no easy
thing to handle. However, we managed to clear the horses,
and then binding on a rope, we soon righted it. Our camp
ing ground fortunately was only about half a mile ahead,
and we arrived there about 10 o'clock. As we were
crowded with infantry we moved yesterday about a mile,
to this spot, where the 4 batteries have a large field all to
themselves. We are on the northern side of it, and about
5 miles from the railroad from Acquia Creek to Falmouth,

490 HISTORY OF THE
and about six miles from the latter place. It is quite a
pleasant spot, and we mean to enjoy it while we are here."
In Corporal Shackley's account of the overturning of the
Battery wagon he says, "The wheel driver was so injured as
to be taken to camp in an ambulance."
Corporal Chase gives this description : — "Battery de
coyed into a narrow road through a slough where most of
the pieces and caissons were mired in the ruts, and the Bat
tery wagon upset, completely inverted. Obliged to double
up most of the teams to draw out the pieces and caissons.
Fourteen horses hitched to the 2d Detachment's caisson to
extricate it. All hands ordered to the rear to right the
Battery wagon. Succeeded in righting it with ropes and
levers, and the whole Battery went into park about ten
o'clock p. m. Very scanty rations. Weather clear, cold,
and frosty. A good night's rest. Marched about seven
miles today and camped near Falmouth, Va."
RECRUITING SERVICE. Head Quarters
Centre Grand Division,
Camp near Potomac Creek, Va.
Nov. 24, 1862.
Special Order
No. 11. Extract,
... 2d Lieut. Frederick A. Lull, Battery E. Mass. Artillery, is de
tailed to proceed to Cambridge, Mass. for the purpose of securing and
bringing back recruits that are there.
He will execute this duty with dispatch and rejoin his Battery with
out any unnecessary delay. By command of Major General Hooker.
(Sd.) Jos. Dickinson,
Asst. Adjt. General.
Head Quarters
Sth Army Corps,
Nov. 25th, 1862.
Official :
(Sd.) F. W. Perkins, Official:
A. A. A. G. A. P. Martin Capt.
Com'd'g Division Art'y.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 491
Chase's Diary: "Nov. 25, 1862. . . . Lieut. Lull went
home. On the 25th General Burnside issued a circular con
taining the following words : —
'Hereafter no salute will be fired in this Army unless by authority
from these Head Quarters.'
Nov. 26 1862. In camp (near Falmouth by the side of
the Acquia Creek and Fredericksburg R. R. ) all day, trying
to live till the 27th, Thanksgiving Day. Scanty rations of
bread and pork. Weather cold and cloudy.
Nov. 27th 1862. Thanksgiving in Massachusetts. Ten
crackers and a ration of fresh beef, boiled, for our rations.
Nov. 28th 1862. The engine 'Government' passed here
this a. m. The first one through from Acquia Creek since
McClellan's retreat A drill on the piece a. m.
William Wilcox died today of consumption. Nov. 29.
Company called in line and after a brief service foUowed the
remains of Wm. Wilcox to their final resting place. A
short drill on the manual of the piece this morning. The
engine 'Osceola' passed up this morning."
Corporal Shackley: "William S. Wilcox died Nov. 28,
1862, and was buried in this place." He was from New
Bedford.

FROM A LETTER OF LIEUT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Falmouth, Va.
Nov. 30, 1862.
Things here roll on in a monotonous kind of way. We
have now been encamped here about a week, doing nothing
in particular. Everybody expects the Army to move, and
nobody knows why it does not. I see some of the papers
are beginning to bring up the old story of Burnside's being
disappointed by the Quartermaster's Department, the non-
arrival of the pontoon train, just as they did in McClellan's

492 HISTORY OF THE
time. The railroad from Acquia Creek to Falmouth is now
in running order, and cars run over it daily. Everything
is apparently ready. Why wait till Jackson has joined Lee
before attacking ? Although the railroad is completed, sup
plies are not forwarded very rapidly, five cars being the
longest train that has gone up yet. The work of unloading
&c at Acquia Creek does not seem to be pushed very rapidly.
. . . Meantime we must wait and hope. This forenoon
was occupied with inspection, which I have every Sunday, if
possible. My horses are in poor condition, as are all the
rest of the batteries' Forage of late has come very irregu
larly, and two meals a day has been rather the exception
than the rule. All the horses out here have been affected
with a sort of hoof rot, which has troubled the batteries
very much; some batteries losing 30 or 40 horses. Men
are about as scarce as horses, in fact I have more horses
than men. We have now pretty comfortable quarters. Our
two tents are pitched facing each other, the space between
enclosed by a high evergreen hedge, with small doors, and a
fire constantly burning in the middle.
Dec. 1, 1862: The first day of winter and no movement
yet. General Butterfield is having his tent lined with
blankets, which does not look like an immediate march.
The men are stockading their tents, building log houses &c.
These things however do not prove anything. Nobody
here wants or expects an inactive winter like the last, spent
in looking at the Rebels. Last night Captain Gibson and
Quartermaster's Sergeant Upton of the 35th stopped here all
night, and I gave up my bed to Captain Gibson, turning my
self in on a pile of hay. The guard at our quarters was
instructed to keep the fire up all night, and by keeping the
tent open I slept warm with my overcoat on. Our diet now
is rather monotonous. The usual hard bread forms the
basis of all culinary attempts. We have some very good
bread now : salt pork adds an occasional relish to the bill of

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 493
fare, salt beef is now esteemed a delicacy, while potatoes
and rice are things of the past. This morning we had baked
beans cooked in our subterranean oven. Tomorrow we ex
pect to have broiled salt mackerel, roast beef and other lux
uries. Blake ran afoul of a sutler, who had some cheese,
40 cts. a pound, some chow-chow all engaged by a Brig.
Gen'l, and ginger cakes. He managed to get a bottle of
chow-chow and this with cheese and crackers, help down
our meals considerably. We have now got to roasting meat
to perfection in a very simple manner. We dig a hole in
the ground about two feet across, and two feet deep, build a
fire in it, and when our oven is heated put in the meat in a
kettle, cover with coals, pile on the dirt and let it roast."
Chase's Diary: "Dec. 1, 1862. . . . Commenced prepar
ing winter quarters. Dec. 2. Posted the guard last night,
first half, and today. Weather delightful. Dec. 3d. Drill
on the piece a. m. Finished stockading, and completed my
tent for 'Winter Quarters.' "

GEN'L BARRY TO GOV. ANDREW.
William F. Barry, Brig. Gen. Inspector of Artillery, in a
letter to Gov. Andrew dated Washington, D. C. Dec. 3,
1862, names several Massachusetts batteries, which at dif
ferent times had been under his command, including the
Fifth, and adds : —
• The officers and men of these batteries have been generally distin
guished for a high order of intelligence, for aptitude in acquiring the
theory and promptness in executing the practice of their special ser
vice They have generally been conspicuous for good discipline, and
as far as they came under my observation, for courage and conduct
under fire."

494 HISTORY OF THE
General Orders of Dec 4. 1862. Firing Guns,
Head Quarters
Army of the Potomac, Camp
near Falmouth, Va.
Dec. 4, 1862.
Orders : Extracts. par. 3. In no case, except when firing canister at
short range, should the fire exceed from each gun one round in two
minutes ; and that rate should only be reached at critical moments when
the distance, numbers, and formation of the enemy are such that the
fire is sure to be effective.
At all other times one round in four or six minutes is as rapid firing
as should be permitted. The value of the Rifled Cannon consists prin
cipally in its accuracy; accuracy requires careful pointing with close
observation of the effect, and these require time. Twelve shots in an
hour at an object over 1000 yards distant, the time being spent in care
ful loading and pointing, will produce better results, than fifty shots
will ordinarily produce from the same gun in the same time.
The campaign allowance of 250 rounds per gun, carried with the
Division is calculated to suffice for a general action, and the combats
which usually precede it, and under ordinary circumstances an officer
who expends all his ammunition in a few hours, renders himself liable
to a suspicion that his reckless expenditure was prompted by a desire to
quit the field. In future, Batteries will not be permitted to leave the
field or their position under, this plea. The guns and cannoneers will
remain on the ground until ammunition is furnished. As soon as one
caisson of each section has been emptied, the empty caissons will be
sent to the rear, under charge of a non-commissioned officer to replen
ish at the ammunition train.
If the expenditure of ammunition continues to be as extravagant
as heretofore, it will be impossible to keep the Army supplied. . .
By command of Maj. Gen'l Burnside.
Henry J. Hunt Brig. Gen'l,
Chief of Artillery.
Chase's Diary: "Dec. 6, 1862. About three inches of
snow on the ground this morning. Scraped the snow from
the guns and pieces and hitched up for a general inspection
a. m. Left park and obliqued into line a few rods from
camp, and immediately countermarched and returned to
park and unhitched: 'a false alarm.' Dec. 7, Sundav. Last
night and today very cold. Frederick Manchester left for
home today."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 495
Chase's Letter of Dec. 8, 1862: "Well, here we are, as
usual, 'waiting,' like Micawber, 'for something to turn up.'
Shovels, picks and siege guns are as usual going to the
front, and they may turn up some new feature in the war,
similar to our old one at Yorktown, several months ago,
but when the performance is to commence has not yet been
announced, and in fact we do not think much about it. I
have entirely outgrown the childish interest I used to take
in the movements of the Army, and I now take about as
much interest in war matters as I did in the rise and fall of
steak, when I was at work for $1.25 per day. 'Variety is
the spice of life,' and although we have had quite a variety,
yet there seems to be a sort of sameness to our way of exist
ing here, and we want a new variety. General Joe Hooker
now commands our Corps, and as he has been a successful
fighting man, I trust he will be in future. Thanksgiving
passed off very quietly here. I did not hear of any drunken
carousals, or sickness from hearty eating. We had nearly
as much as we could eat of prime mess pork and hard bread.
and all the various viands we make of it."
Diary : "Dec. 9th. Inspection of the Battery by Captain
Weed, 5th regulars, at noon today. Went through a short
drill in presence of Captains Weed and Martin, and re
turned to camp. Three new recruits came to us this even
ing. Dec. ioth. Ordered to fit our ammunition for ac
tion. The 4th Rhode IslandTBattery broke camp and moved
to the front p. m. One more recruit came today. Dec.
nth. Reveille at half past three this morning. Broke
camp, packed up, and hitched up, and left camp about half
past six a. m. Cannonading commenced in the direction
of Fredericksburg about five o'clock this morning. . . .
The ground frozen solid. Bombardment of Fredericksburg,
with but slight intervals of cessation, from about 5 a. m.
until 5 p. m. Battery halted about a mile from Fredericks
burg and remained hitched up until sunset, when we

496 HISTORY OF THE
bivouacked for the night. The city of Fredericksburg on
fire in several places p. m."
Captain Phillips' Diary: "Thursday, Dec. n, 1862.
Broke camp (near Falmouth, Va. ) at daybreak and marched
towards the river. Batteries had been in position the night
before and the bridges were thrown over under their fire.
Our troops crossed towards evening. We camped near the
river. Abandoned a horse. Dec. 12th. Hitched up all
day and got about Yi mile nearer the river."
From Lieut. Scott: "On the morning of the 12th of De
cember, 5 days' rations were taken, the Battery hitched up
and early were on the march towards Fredericksburg, 5
miles distant. Within two miles of the city we stood all
day, camping at night in and near a wood, where we suf
fered through the night from the cold, chilly atmosphere
that prevailed. The ground was partly covered with
snow." Chase's Diary: "Dec. 12th. Cannonading in the direc
tion of Fredericksburg commenced again this morning
about 8 o'clock. Left camp about 9 a. m. and proceeded
towards Fredericksburg: halted near the R. R. and re
mained hitched up until about 4 p. m., when we unhitched
and bivouacked for the night. An artillery duel across the
river between the opposing armies this p. m. A brisk can
nonading on both sides. Weather perfectly delightful."
Phillips' Diary Dec. 13th, 1862. "Crossed the river about
4. p. m. Came into Battery and opened. The enemy fired
on us from several guns in commanding entrenchments,
killing Corporal E. M. Platts and several horses. With
drew at dark and bivouacked in the city, sleeping in a house.
Fired about 100 rounds, — 47 Hotchkiss shell, 60 Schenkle
Pere. Fuze Shrapnell."
Chase's Diary : "Dec. 13, 1862. Fine morning. Avery
brisk and heavy cannonading commenced this a. m. about
9 o'clock. Packed up, and hitched up about half past 8

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 497
a. m. Heavy cannonading at 12 m. The flank of the
enemy's artillery plainly visible. A sharp musketry fire,
apparently in the city, commenced about ^ past 12 p. m. —
A steady firing of artillery and musketry. An awful battle
is raging — 3 p. m. — in and about the city. Troops moving
to the front. Left our camp and moved towards the front
about Ya past three p. m.
Four p. m. Battle still raging. Incessant firing both of
artillery and musketry since the battle commenced. The
balloon 'Eagle' up during the engagement. Battery halted
on the way to the front. Troops fast moving forward.
Quarter past 4 p. m. Battery crossed the Rappahannock
over a pontoon bridge and passed through the city and
took a position and commenced shelling the enemy with
shrapnell with 4 second fuze. The enemy replied to our
fire with well-directed shots.
Acted as No. 4 and 6 man during the engagement. Bat
tery fired about 120 rounds at the enemy and limbered up
and left the field. Corporal E. M. Platts seriously wounded.
Lost 5 horses. Halted in the streets of the city, and let the
horses remain hitched up all night. Posted the guard, first
half, this night. Weather during the day perfectly delight
ful, and the night very mild. One hour's rest tonight.
Dec. 14th, Sunday. Mild, pleasant morning. Musketry fire
commenced about 6 o'clock this morning, just outside the
city, and artillery firing began about half an hour later on
the left. Corporal Platts died of his wound last night.
His remains decently interred this morning. Robert Brand
also wounded yesterday.
Battery ordered to the front about 9 o'clock this morning.
Left the street with four guns, and placed them in the same
position we occupied yesterday. Remained in position all
day and night. No firing by the Battery this day. Infan
try and sharpshooters cracking away all day with irregular
fire. The enemy plainly visible and their camp fires in full

498 HISTORY OF THE
blaze in our front. Guns in position close to the Fred
ericksburg Alms House. Provisions, bedding, and other
pauper fare very acceptable to us, this day and night. Slept
near our guns and had a good night's rest. No fighting
today."
LETTER OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Falmouth, Va.
Dec. 31, 1862.
I was in the fight but as I did not go in until about 4
p. m. on the 13th I did not see the principal part, nor could
I see the whole of the field. I had a view of the rebel bat
teries, and they were kind enough to send quite a number
of their shells towards the spot where I was, so that I ascer
tained their guns to be 12 pdrs. and 3 inch chiefly. I lost
one man and several horses. We were in position on the
left of our Right i. e. Franklin on our left. The right of
the Battery rested on a brick kiln, the left on the Fred
ericksburg Poor House. The Telegraph Road and the
stone wall were 1000 yards in front of us, at the foot of a
hill, and half way up fhe hill was the line of rebel batteries,
earthworks with embrasures for the guns. The rebels fired
at us, with great perseverance, till dark, and then we re
turned to Fredericksburg and bivouacked in somebody's
empty house. The next day we returned to our former po
sition, and remained there all day, but this time the rebels
didn't shoot at us. We spent the night in the Poor House,
and the next day, after dark, returned to Fredericksburg,
where I slept in the library of the Young Men's Christian
Association. The next morning we re-crossed the river.
As for the reason why we did not drive the rebels out of
their works, in my opinion it was simply from a want of
adaptation of the means to the end. The history of all
modern wars shows the folly of expecting the best of infan-

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 499
try, unaided, to drive out even poor troops from behind
breastworks. All such attempts only repeat Bunker
Hill over again, and when, as in this case, the troops op
posed were of equal experience and bravery, the attempt
becomes more strange. I do not learn that our artillery
was used to any advantage at Fredericksburg. We had a
couple of hundred guns mounted on the northern shore, all
very well for shelling the city and covering the bridges, but
useless for any other purpose. Some 4^2 siege guns under
took to throw shell at the enemy, while the fight was going
on, and killed more of our own men than of the enemy:
they generally do. The fact is we have no general who has
shown himself able to handle infantry, artillery, and cavalry
so as to make them co-operate together. Malvern Hill is
the only battle that I have been in where the artillery
was even decently managed, and there the number of
pieces was so small that it could not have been mismanaged,
very well. As usual, however, they had a battery of siege
guns a mile in the rear, pitching shells round at random,
killing two men in the battery next -to me. And as for
cavalry, they have not been of the slightest use in a single
pitched battle : there is not a single cavalry charge recorded
in the annals of this war. You may say the country is not
suitable : there could not be a better spot to manoeuvre a bat
talion of cavalry than the battlefield of Malvern Hill, and
they were just what was wanted at that fight. However,
I do not want to be blaming Burnside ... if he did make
a blunder at Fredericksburg it does not begin to compare
with Gaines Mills. I do not understand why he crossed
where he did, instead of crossing lower down, and I do not
understand why he does not cross again."
Phillips' Diary: "Sunday, Dec. 14, 1862. Buried Platts
this morning. About 10 a. m. returned to yesterday's po
sition. . . . Martin's Battery was placed on our left. No
shots exchanged. I slept on a sofa in the Poor House."

500 HISTORY OF THE
LETTER OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
"In Battery between Fredericksburg
Poor House and a Brick Kiln.
2j4 p. m. Sunday, Dec. 14, 1862.
The paper on which this is written (heavy ruled paper
with a torn edge) came out of an account book from the
Poor House, and I am sitting in a cushioned chair writing
this. After marching round for several days we got started
out of camp yesterday noon for the front. Hazlett and
Waterman went into position the night of the ioth and
took part in the shelling of the nth. Night before last we
camped near Falmouth railroad station. About noon we
started and marched down opposite the lower part of Fred
ericksburg. The infantry of the Division crossed over, and
about 3 o'clock Captain Weed sent for my Battery, Martin's
remaining on the other side. I crossed and came into bat
tery on this ground, my guns pointing over a crest of a hill.
Our infantry were deployed in front, and the enemy about
1000 yards in front of us, their infantry at the bottom of a
hill behind a stone wall, and their batteries on top of the
hill, 100 ft. higher than we were. As soon as we got in
position, we opened on them and they on us. We devoted
our attention to their infantry without minding their bat
teries, while their artillery paid close attention to us. They
made some good shots, the Poor House being riddled
through. We stayed in position about an hour, and fired
107 rounds. Corporal Platts, a fine young fellow, was
killed by a shrapnell shot. Brand, a new recruit, slightly
bruised and badly frightened by a shell which killed the
horse he was on and another one. Five horses killed and
several scratched. Mine was struck in the flank. Lieut.
Scott struck by a spent shell, but not hurt, &c. &c. At dark
we withdrew and halted in the streets of Fredericksburg.
I bivouacked my men in one house, and turned in myself in

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 501
an upper chamber in another. Scott and I found a good
bedstead and spread our blankets and went to sleep. The
slatted bottom, — there being no bed, — felt a good deal like
a gridiron, but we managed to get along. The ventilation
was quite good, one shell having gone through the head
board of the bed, another through the bureau, and half a
dozen through the walls. Several stairs were knocked out,
and the house was in a general state of dislocation. We
started a fire in the stove, out of chairs and washstands, and
after a cup of coffee and a piece of beef steak I turned in and
slept till morning. This forenoon we came out again to
this position. We have kept our guns out of sight, and
have interchanged no shots with the enemy. Martin's
Battery is on our left. A pretty brisk picket firing is going
on on our front, but nothing important. The men have
found some flour in the Poor House and are cooking flap
jacks at a great rate. The looting process has brought to
light a varied assortment of articles : tin ware, plates, cups,
dishes, clothes &c.
Monday morning : We remained in battery all day yester
day, without firing or being fired at, and last night after a
supper of beef steak and fried onions, we turned in in the
Poor House. I lay down on a sofa, Scott and Blake spread
a feather bed on the floor, and we got along quite comfort
ably. This morning I drew my chair up to the table, and
eat my breakfast in a very civilized manner. We are now,
8 a. m., waiting for something to turn up.
Fredericksburg Poor House, Monday noon, Dec. 15,
1862. For some reason or other our mail has been inter
rupted for the last fortnight, and no letters have reached
us during that time. I have sent on to Washington to have
it forwarded. The inhabitants of the building stayed in it
till a shell came through the window, when they left in a
hurry, except one old darkey, who improvised a bomb proof
in a corner of the cellar and held on. The keeper of the

502 HISTORY OF THE
institution was a Mr. Waite who lived here with a large
family, including Mr. Dana Magee his son-in-law, hailing
from Connecticut, who appears to have carried on the manu
facture of tin ware in an upper chamber. They do not
appear to have had time to carry off much of their prop
erty, and as the house was well up to the front, our men
had quite a chance to forage. We found five barrels of
flour, all gone now, and the men have been quite busy mak
ing flapjacks and pancakes. Cups, jugs, plates, kettles, and
all the et cetera of housekeeping, were quite plenty, and
proved quite useful to a lot of hungry and ingenious men.
I had some very good soft bread baked, and foraged an old
fashioned bake kettle, which will work in well in our
future campaigns. . . . We had quite a noisy place on Sat
urday. ... I had to send two guns to the rear as I had not
men enough to work them. I want my recruits badly, and
I'have written Lieut. Lull to hurry them up. The city of
Fredericksburg is pretty well cleaned out. Every house
that I have seen has from io to 50 holes through it, and all
the furniture &c. has been smashed by shells, burned up or
carried off. The fences are all gone, and a general state of
desolation apparent."
FROM A LETTER OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS. •
January 5, 1863.
"One thing I will say, I don't have any skulkers when I
go into a fight, but every man was at his post when we came
into battery, and only two men went to the rear without
orders : one to help Platts off the field : the other, a raw re
cruit, was holding two horses by the bridle, when a shell
took off both animals' heads, and he got knocked down
somehow. Startled at such an unaccustomed event he fan
cied he was wounded, he did get struck on the shoulder by
the horses or a piece of shell."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 503
ORDER FROM CAPTAIN PHILLIPS TO SERGT.
PEACOCK AT THE BATTLE OF
FREDERICKSBURG. Written in Pencil.
Sergt. Peacock.
When an empty limber comes back to you, send one of
the caisson limbers to the front, and fill up the empty limber
from the middle and rear chests. When one of the two
caissons is empty, have another full one sent up to you.
Send the empty caisson to the Division Ordnance Train,
probably across the river near our old camp. It is denoted
by an American Flag marked ist Division, 5th Army Corps,
and Capt. Batchelder has charge of it. Put the caisson in
charge of the most intelligent driver, and tell him to fill it
up and keep account of the ammunition he gets and return
without delay.
Charles A. Phillips,
Capt.
Phillips' Diary: "Dec. 15, 1862. Remained all day in
position. Ai dark marched to Princess Anne street.
Halted and bivouacked in the building of the Young Men's
Christian Association."
NOTES OF LIEUT. H. D. SCOTT.
" 'Yet we faced the gay battalions
All undaunted, to the death.'
About 3 p. m. of the 13th of December, 1862, after the
Battery had been standing in harness nearly two days, we
were ordered to cross the river. After crossing the Rap
pahannock on a pontoon bridge, at the lower part of the city
of Fredericksburg, laid near a railroad bridge which had
been destroyed, we filed into Water street, which runs
paraUel with the river. We halted and stripping for the
fight, the caissons were parked in the garden of a house
near. Edwards' [Captain John Edwards, 3d U. S. ] Regular

504 HISTORY OF THE
Battery with guns stood in the street, having been in posi
tion in front of the Heights occupied by the rebels in rear
of the city, when they had been driven out by the enemy's
fire in 15 minutes. We thought if that Battery could not
stay longer, how long would we be likely to stay? But we
were in for it. Passing up a near by street at right angles
with the river, we went into position on sloping ground
where we were covered from the enemy's fire on Marye's
Heights, the left of the Battery resting close to a two story
brick building which had been the city's asylum for the poor.
Our right rested on a bank where the clay had been dug out
for brick-making, and near the railroad, which passed near,
curving past our front. The ground was cramped, and the
guns were in reduced intervals, close to one another. We
could see the fight going on to our right over the plain,
where Edwards' Battery had been. The brick house stood
on the side of the hill, the ground receding rapidly to its
north front facing the city, thus forming a basement. A
well not far from the basement, could not be reached, as the
rebel sharpshooters on the left of the house had it in full
view. Several dead men lay around it and during daylight
any one going to the well had a bullet about his ears. While
going into position we had not been molested. We com
menced firing at the rebel batteries with our rifled guns.
After loading them, we would run them up the slope by
hand, so the muzzles would clear the bank, take aim and fire,
the guns running back to be reloaded. The enemy 1000 to
1200 yards away caught on to us, and opened their fire
which was kept up till darkness closed the scene. For
tunately we were well protected, but they did not spare us.
Most of their shot passed over our heads, into the town
behind us, and the noise, as the shot raked through the city,
was terrific and very demoralizing. Some of their shots
striking the higher ground in our front, would ricochet,
passing clear of our heads, but we worked with a will, men

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 505
and all. As the ground grew soft we had hard work to
run the guns up, and at last had to take men from another
gun to accomplish it. I remember of being so thirsty, that
cotton wool soaked in water would have been refreshing.
All this time a disastrous fight was going on, for the 5th
Corps on our right, the plain being fairly covered with the
blue coats which we could see in part. Still we kept up
our fire. As one of my drivers dismounted to arrange his
harness, not far from where I was standing, on higher
ground, a solid shot passed my left elbow, causing it to be
black and blue, struck the vacant saddle of the driver, and
passed through two horses, killing them instantly. The
horses were at once turned into the pit, and 4 horses of the
team remained. A shot took the head off the Bugler's horse,
and Corporal Platts was killed by a bullet from an explod
ing shell. Two men were slightly wounded, but there was
no other loss.
As night shut in we returned to Water street, where we
had left the caissons, and occupied a room in the second
story of a house. We made a fire from such wood or furni
ture as we could find, spread our blankets on a slatted bed
stead and Phillips and I passed a miserable night, trying to
adjust ourselves to the ever widening space between the
slats. Sunday, December 14th, 1862, opened clear and quite
warm. We hardly knew what would be our fate this day.
Everything was as still and solemn as a New England Sab
bath. We took the shutters off one of the houses and made
a box in which the body of Corporal Platts was placed. A
grave was dug in an adjoining garden, a chaplain of the
Brigade read the service, and after the body was covered
a board was placed at its head, giving his name and Battery.
It was a solemn time as Platts was a great favorite. At
10 a. m. we were ordered into the position occupied the day
before, and in this movement we were not molested. Not a

506 HISTORY OF THE
gun did we hear during the day. Here the horses stood in
harness two days, and the weather was favorable. The
brick basement of the house on our left was occupied. Find-
in? a barrel of flour and a colored slave, who had been
stowed away, we set him to work making pancakes, and we
fared high. A feather bed was found which we made up
on the floor, and that made up for the uncomfortable night
previous. Mahogany chairs upholstered in haircloth, were
used by the men to sit upon, among the horses and guns.
Monday the 15th Dec. 1862, we remained all day in the
same position. Some picket firing was heard during the
day, but it quieted down to a gloomy silence. From the
second story of the brick house spoken of, we could see the
field covered with the blue coats of the dead which they en
closed. The rebels in their fire of the 13th on us had bored
the brick house through and through. Looking through an
opening about the size of a peck measure, we could see the
rebel line of sharpshooters. Holding my head close to one
of these openings I was a mark for one of them. A bullet
struck the brick alongside my face. I was more careful
after that. However we were not molested except by an
alarm in the night by picket firing near us. We turned
out in haste but soon quieted down again.
Monday night, after dark, we were ordered to retire into
the city with as little noise as possible. Getting the Battery
together on Water street we moved up the street to near the
centre of the city. We halted, and the Battery stood until
near daylight. The street was full of artillery and soldiers.
Going into a large building on the street, which had been
used as a hospital during the day of the battle, we found it
lighted. Evidently it had been a public library as it was
surrounded by shelves containing books of all kinds. In
one corner were the legs and arms of the soldiers that had
been amputated. Piling books on the floor for a pillow, we
lay down and tried to sleep, but it was of no use. The sit-

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 507
uation was not pleasant; we did not know but what the
enemy would be down on us before morning."
LETTER OF LIEUT. SPEAR.
"Camp near Falmouth, Va.
Tuesday, Dec. 23, 1862.
Two weeks ago tomorrow night, we received orders to
pack up and be ready to move on the following morning.
At 3 o'clock we were routed up and commenced the striking
of tents, and at daybreak moved towards Fredericksburg,
but on account of the rebels in the city, our forces were
unable to lay a pontoon bridge across the river until Friday
night, and we remained encamped this side of the river until
Saturday, when the battle commenced and we were ordered
across the river to join in the fight. We lost 8 horses and
had 2 men wounded; one slightly, one dangerously. About
9 o'clock we received orders to vacate our position in the
field, and move down into the city, and so down into the
city we go, and after unhitching the horses and feeding
them, we all went into a large house, built up fires in the
fireplaces, and then turned in for sleep. At 3 o'clock the
next morning we were up again, and all went to work feed
ing horses and cooking breakfast. This was Sunday morn
ing. At 7 o'clock we were ready for the fight, with the
exception of one thing. While all were eating breakfast
one of the Boys came along and told us that Corp'l E. M.
Platts, who was dangerously wounded the day before, had
died. So I went to work, got out a fatigue party, had a
grave dug, and a rough coffin made, and we buried him.
He was beloved and respected by all, and one that always
did his duty, both in camp and on the field of action. He
was called by the company 'Corporal Eddie.' After bury
ing Corp'l Platts, we received orders to move up on to the
field, and occupy the same ground that we did the night
before. So up we go again in the face and eyes of the

508 HISTORY OF THE
enemy, only 1300 yards from their artillery, and 700 from
their infantry.
As there was not much firing that day, except now and
then a volley of musketry, we of course did not have much
to do. On the left of where the Battery was stationed was
a large two story house, and we commenced ransacking ii
to see what we could find. I was among the first to enter.
The first thing I came across was a closet full of glass and
crockery ware, and some of the best that I ever saw, but as
I had no chance to carry any, I only took a couple of gob
lets, and gave them to Captain Phillips. The next things
found were 8 barrels of flour, any quantity of potatoes,
onions, &c, and in double quick time the Boys had fires
built in the stoves and were frying fritters, boiling pota
toes, &c. We lived in gay style during Sunday and Mon
day, for we remained in this position until Monday night at
dusk, when we received orders to go to the upper part of
the city. So we packed up our things and left the field,
and remained in the city until 4 o'clock Tuesday morning,
when we received orders to cross the bridge, for our forces
were evacuating the place. Tuesday night we arrived
back in the same camp which we left the Thursday before,
and which camp we now occupy. I brought back from
across the river about a lA\ bbl. of flour, besides potatoes
&c. So have had good food."
SPEAR'S NOTES OF JULY 24, 1901.
"Our position at Fredericksburg, Va. on the right of the
Poor House, and directly in front of Marye's Heights, was
occupied by a battery of regular artillery, but the fire from
the Confederates being so concentrated, it was obliged to
retire, and Captain Phillips was ordered by General Weed
to cross the river with the 5th Battery and endeavor to hold
the position, which we did, owing in part to the lateness of
the day.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 509
During this fight tobacco was selling at ten dollars a
pound, and the last night of our being in Fredericksburg
the men of the Battery had broken into a warehouse and
found all kinds of the weed, and carried back across the
river enough to sell to the sutler, and the proceeds of the
sale, one hundred dollars, was the starting of a Company
Fund. (See p. 865 Peacock.) Of course some, if not
nearly all, needed a drink, and so hunted for whiskey. One
crowd with candles was in a drug shop, when the welcome
cry from upstairs was heard, — 'We have found some,' and
it started to ascend when the candles were blown out, and a
terrible rattling noise on the stairs was heard, and all rushed
to the street more frightened than when in battle. After
gathering courage we examined the situation, and ascer
tained that some grave joker had found a skeleton, and
thrown same down the stairs."
LETTER OF SERG'T. W. H. PEACOCK.— PLATTS'
AVENGING SHOT.
"Camp near Falmouth, Va.
Dec. 30, 1862.
Our Battery was engaged at the Battle of Fredericksburg,
and a warm time we had of it. We were in close action
for nearly two- hours, and the way shell and balls flew
around us was a caution. On my Gun two horses were
killed, but none of my men hurt. The shell that killed the
horses passed through one of them, striking near me as I
was getting the time on a patent shell. I had it between my
knees, when — bim ! something hit me, knocking myself and
shell over in the mud. Picked myself up, felt of my head,
found that all right, then my breast and legs, and they were
whole, but at the moment it seemed as if I could feel some
thing go into me. It proved to be nothing more than stones
and mud, which the shell had kicked up when it struck the
ground. One of our men was killed : Eddie Platts of Bos-

510 HISTORY OF THE
ton, a pretty little boy, only 16 years old. He was a great
pet with the boys, by his being so young, and always having
such a pleasant smile on his face — even in death. He was
under me over a year, and a short time ago was promoted
to Gunner in another Detachment. He had just given the
order fo fire, when a Schrapnel ball passed through his
body. We carried him to the rear, and he died in about 12
hours. He was buried in a garden, on one of the principal
streets of the city, amidst a terrible shelling of the place
by the Rebels. I think the last gun he fired fully avenged his
death, as it was a splendid shot amidst the rebel infantry.
How we escaped with so little loss I am unable to tell, for a
Regular battery was driven from the same position only a
short time before we went in, with the captain and twenty
men killed. Four of our Guns took the same position next
day, and remained for two days, but did no firing. My
piece being disabled recrossed the river, and I was put in
charge of the caissons on a street in the city. I took posses
sion of a nice house, all furnished, and took comfort for two
days. Fresh pork, flour, meal, etc. in abundance. At night
of the third clay, the Guns were ordered to move to another
part of the city. We halted on a street for a short time,
when some of the boys discovered a large store filled with
flour, tobacco, beans, meal, preserves, etc. of all of which
we got a good supply. I took all my used up horse was able
to carry, about 25 lbs. After leaving this street we moved
on to another, and halted in front of a large building, which
we were ordered to occupy for the night. . . . Since writ
ing the previous page a sudden order came for us to hitch
up immediately. So I threw this letter into my knapsack,
packed up, and took, as I supposed, farewell of my log
house, but as we were about driving out of park, the order
was countermanded, so we had to unharness and fix up our
quarters again. It is generally the time when we consider
ourselves less liable to move, that these sudden orders come.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 511
It is reported that our Army expects an attack from the
Rebels. As I have my house arranged I will proceed from
where I left off : —
All of the night we were in the city it was still as death,
yet both sidewalk and street were full of soldiers, most of
them asleep, under arms, previous to an evacuation in the
morning. In the building I mentioned was a large room,
which we were ordered to' sleep in, but some of the boys,
myself among the rest, wished to examine the rest of the
house, so we started off in the dark in pursuit of plunder.
Almost the first thing we fell over was a pile of legs, arms,
feet, etc., that our Doctors had amputated the day before.
We left that room satisfied, lit a candle, and went into an
other room, and there it was filled full of dead men, mostly
rebels. We had seen enough at 12 o'clock at night in what
seemed to us a haunted house, so we returned to the room
assigned to us, turned in and slept sweetly for about four
hours. At daybreak next morning, we all recrossed the river, and
returned to this camp. So ends our pleasant visit to Fred
ericksburg."
NOTES OF CORP'L W. H. BAXTER.
Oct. 15, 1900.
"We were in camp between Acquia Creek and Falmouth,
about 1 mile from Stoneman's Switch. Tobacco was
scarce among the boys, not so much from the scarcity of
the article at the sutler's as from the scarcity of money to
buy it with, and it was a most amusing sight to see some
generous, whole-souled fellow possessed of a piece of the
weed, sneak from camp to some lonely spot, where he
could fill up the old dudeen and enjoy a smoke all by his
lonesome, congratulating himself that no one knew he had
any. Oak leaves were plentiful, but there was not much
virtue in them.

512 HISTORY OF THE
Orders came to march, which finally ended in the Battle
of Fredericksburg under Burnside. We were assigned to
the Centre Grand Division, and directly under command of
Captain A. P. Martin, who commanded the Brigade Bat
teries in this battle.
We were stationed on a knoll just outside of the city, with
the Poor House on our left and a Brick Yard on rear right.
Some of the boys cut quite a figure when arrayed in the
dresses and bonnets we found in the house. It seems to us
now that nothing under heaven could keep the mischief-lov
ing boys of the old Fifth under control, except a shot in the
wind. After exercising a few hours at the Guns with the John
nies for targets, night came on, when we were ordered out
of the line into the streets of the city, we supposed to pre
vent the possibility of being rushed by the Rebs during the
night. The Young Men's Christian Association Rooms were
allotted to us for a sleeping place. They had been used for
a hospital during the day and the pile of legs, arms, hands,
and feet with the shoes on, piled up in one corner, was not
calculated to give that peace of mind conducive to a healthy
night's rest. The writer was Corporal of the Guard that
night, and while walking along the street occupied by the
Battery heard a commotion at the door of a large store
house, and upon arriving there, what a sight for a hungry
man ! Tobacco scattered all around and every few mo
ments would be launched into the street a case of it, which
opened upon contact, scattering its contents broadcast.
This avalanche of the precious weed was caused by some of
our boys on the top floor of the warehouse, rolling the cases
to the chute, which ran from the rear of the top floor to the
sidewalk at the front door, which accounted for their quick
exit from the building after gliding down the chute.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 513
But, hark! 'Provo, Provo,' echoes on the night air.
Tramp, tramp, down the street they come!
Those of us on the outside were not in it, but stood
around to see the outcome of the connection between the
boys on the inside and the 'Provo' on the outside.
The 'Provo' did not venture to go up the chute, as they
were afraid of being swept out of sight by one of the cases
on its way down, so they sought entrance at the rear door,
and when they had gained it the fun commenced. The
slide down that chute the boys took that night could never
be forgotten. Some came down on their feet; others in a
stooping position; others on a board, but one, Billy Lap
ham, afterwards killed at Bethesda Church (see p. 858)
took the slide sitting in the chute with nothing under him
but one thickness of trousers and 'shoddy' at that. Splin
ters and blisters were as thick as feathers. We hustled him
across the street, and after a time we got him picked.
While the operation was being performed, his remarks were
varied and to the point, and the writer has always thought
that they were exceptionally appropriate to the occasion.
We were happy. Tobacco in plenty. Smoke, smoke,
smoke, the soldier's solace.
The next morning at 3.30 we received orders to cross the
river and move back to our old camp, where we enjoyed
the results of the raid on the tobacco warehouse for many a
day."

Chase's Final Notes on Fredericksburg: "Dec. 15, 1862.
Guns still in position. All quiet up to about 12 m., when a
vigorous artiUery and infantry firing commenced on the
Right front. An occasional Minie ball whizzes over our
heads from the enemy's sharpshooters. Rations brought
to us today. Spend my time reading history and Byron's
poems from the Alms House library. Weather very fine.
Remained in position until after dark, when we left the field

514 HISTORY OF THE
and halted in the main street of the city. Left the place,
where we first halted, to make room for the infantry, but
finally came back to the same place, halted, and occupied the
building used as a library for the Young Men's Christian
Association of Fredericksburg. Amputated limbs in the
library room, and an adjoining room filled with the dead,
slain in battle. Shovels and picks sent for this evening,
and we expect to^go behind .breastworks in the morning.
Whiskey served to us this night. Laid down for a short
rest, and after about an hour's noise and confusion, all was
still, and 'nature's sweet restorer' came to our relief. Stores
and dwellings ransacked and robbed during the night by
the troops. Tobacco very cheap and plenty. The streets
and houses lined with sleeping and carousing soldiers.
Dec. 1 6th. Routed out about half past four this morn
ing, and at once recrossed the river and after many delays
reached the ground we left on the 13th instant. The 4th
Detachment capsized their caisson into a ravine on the road
side, killing three horses, but doing no other damage. The
6th Detachment broke the pole of their caisson while com
ing into park. A heavy rainstorm commenced about six
o'clock a. m., but the weather cleared up fine about 9 a. m.
Hitched up, and left for our old camp ground which we
left on the nth inst., about 9 o'clock. The road very
muddy. The 3d Detachment broke down their caisson and
left it on the road, but returned for it with another limber
p. m. Reached our old camp ground, near Falmouth, Va.,
about 2 p. m. and pitched our tents in the same old spots
as before. Made comfortable quarters and quietness
reigned again."
LETTER OF THOMAS E. CHASE.
"Camp near Falmouth, Va. Dec. 31, 1862.
... I do not know as I can interest you by any new
ideas about the late battle, unless I tell you my experience.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 515
To tell you that it was a wholesale butchery would only be
to tell you what you already know. The city was shelled
and millions of property destroyed to keep a few sharp
shooters at bay. The city was evacuated by the enemy and
could have been held by our artillery from this side, but to
take the Heights, in the rear of the city, by storm, was like
a corps of newsboys armed with Colt's revolvers trying to
take Gibraltar. But the people wanted something desperate
done. They could not wait for the slow but sure process of
sieging. Shovels and picks are played out. Storm them
out! That's the way! Make a dash!
Well, they were desperate, they made a dash and what
followed? A useless waste of blood, and regiments of
mutilated humanity to attest the folly of such a movement.
We crossed the river about 4 p. m. Saturday the 13th
instant. We passed through the city and took position in
front of the enemy's fortifications. Before we had run our
guns into position the enemy commenced shelling us with
well directed fire. We commenced firing with our full
battery but being short handed and the ground soft, we
could not work six guns, so we blazed away with four. . . .
We held our position until it was so dark that we could not.
see what to fire at, when the firing slackened on both sides
and we left the field. We resumed our position again Sun
day morning, but for some reason we did not discharge a
shot all day. On Sunday we found the body of a man
belonging to the 2d Maine Regt. who was probably killed
by a shot directed at us the night before. He had been to
the front and fought, and in his lifeless hand was a 'pass'
from the surgeon to go to the rear. When almost to the
rear, and in a place of comparative safety, he was struck
down. His coat was literally torn from his body and one
arm nearly severed. Fredericksburg is one vast scene of
destruction. ... If the papers and 'our specials' tell you
that the troops are hopeful, cheerful, &c, I will say that

516 HISTORY OF THE
these encouraging words do not apply to any troops I have
seen. They are disheartened, and nothing but the restora
tion of our old Corps will relieve that despondency."
INDEX TO CAMPS.
On a fly leaf of the Diary of Corporal Thomas E. Chase
is the following useful index to camps : —
"Oct. 2, 1862. In Camp at Fort Corcoran, Arlington Heights, Va.
Oct. 8th at Rockville, Md.
Oct. 9th & ioth Frederick City, Boonsboro' and Sharpsburg.
Oct. 21st Antietam Iron Works.
Oct. 31st Burkittsville and Petersboro', Md.
Nov. ist Berlin, Knoxville. and Harper's Ferry.
Nov. 2d Snicker's Gap, Va.
Nov. 7th White Plains.
Nov. 5th Near Warrenton, Va.
Nov. 23d Near Falmouth, Va.
Dec. 16th Near Faimouth, Va.
Notes of Corporal Jonas Shackley : "The horse of
James Winters, .the Bugler, was killed in one of the streets
of the city. ... In the march back to camp one of the
caissons was thrown into a ravine, turning over two or
three times."

NOTES OF LIEUT. SCOTT.
"About daylight the 16th Dec. 1862, we crossed the Rap
pahannock on an upper pontoon bridge, following the river
bank down stream until the road following the bank of a
ravine led up to the plateau above. The rain had begun to
pour, and the ground getting soft in passing up the ravine
one of the caissons slid off the bank to the bottom below,
but an infantry regiment coming along, by the use of ropes
it was soon placed upon a firm foundation. One of the
drivers was quite badly hurt.
Soon the last of the Army was across, and the enemy
were on the banks of the river again. Moving back about

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 517
half a mile from the river, we pitched our tent, and with
the water running down the hill under us, we found rest for
the remainder of the night, glad we were so well out of the
fight. While in the fight at Fredericksburg, General Griffin had
instructed Captain Phillips to confine the most of his fire to
the Telegraph Road, coming past the centre of the rebel
lines, to prevent reinforcements from their flank on their
Right. The rebel lines were not assailable at any point.
General Griffin was pleased with the part the Battery took
on that day.
The fight at Fredericksburg was most cruel. Changing
commanders almost in the face of an enemy will not always
be successful, and the Army, for the most part, were so
bound up in McClellan! No time was given the men to
understand the new Commander. In fact they foretold his
defeat in advance. Jealousy and politics had taken pos
session of the Army of the Potomac."
Chase's Diary: Dec. 17, 1862. Back from Fredericks
burg to the camp near Falmouth, Va. : "Refreshing sleep
last night. In camp all day. Filled the chests with new
ammunition. Weather fine but rather cold."
LETTER OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
After one more reference to the last night in Fredericks
burg on Princess Anne street, where they "pillowed their
heads on dictionaries" and tried to sleep, Captain Phillips
proceeds as follows, in a letter dated Camp near "Falmouth,
Va. Dec. 17th 1862: —
"Every effort is being made to prepare for another brush,
and I have reported my Battery ready for service. My car
riages and harnesses are pretty well cut up. One saddle
was knocked all to pieces by a shell, and two horses had
their heads shot off rather injuring their bridles. After I
had recrossed the river one caisson tumbled off a bank 10

518 HISTORY OF THE
or 15 feet high owing to the road giving way, arid killed
two horses, broke the caisson-stock and smashed things
generally. The traces were all cut up in clearing the
horses. How the drivers escaped death is a wonder to me.
However, our damages are now about all repaired, and I
am ready to try our luck again on the other side as soon as
the order is given. Captain Martin says that General
Wilcox complimented us very highly. We had 5 men who
have only been with us a week, and they thought they had
a pretty good breaking in. Fredericksburg is pretty well
sacked, and the men had a good chance to get the great de
sideratum of a soldier, tobacco. From the quantity I have
seen I should judge that we brought off about a ton of it;
every man having 15 or 20 pounds. We found 5 barrels
of flour (see p. 508) in the Poor House, and a barrel of
salt, another article that the Rebels are popularly supposed
not to have. Furniture and dishes ad libitum were brought
off, and our table is now ornamented with an elegant glass
sugar bowl and salt cellar, while we all have china cups to
drink from. We were not in season, however, to make the
most of our opportunities, and we unfortunately crossed
into the lower and unfashionable portion of the city.
Dec. 18. P. S. I enclose a proclamation of Governor
Letcher which I found kicking around in Fredericksburg.
Lieut. Blake's brother is among the missing. He was in
the 1 8th Mass. Regt. and fell in a charge on the Rebel lines.
The last seen of him he put his hand to his head exclaiming
T am shot.' "

Chase's Diary: "Dec. 21, 1862. Promotion of Lieut.
Phillips as our future Captain received in line this a. m."
Lieut. Phillips' promotion is dated Oct. 18, 1862. It
took all that time to get round.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 519
GENERAL BUTTERFIELD'S FAREWELL ORDER.
Head Quarters sth Army Corps,
Dec. 24, 1862.
By the orders of the Major Gen'l commanding the Army of the
Potomac, Maj. General Meade is placed in command of the 5th Army
Corps. Duty not less than inclination prompts the sincere and heart
felt acknowledgment of the devotion to duty, the cheerful obedience to
orders, and the kindly spirit which has been evinced by the subordinate
commanders of this Corps during the time it has been under my com
mand. Words fail to express my proper appreciation of the unparalleled
bravery and soldierly qualities, exhibited by its officers and members
during the late battle of Fredericksburg, and the operations connected
therewith. On duty with and of the Corps since its organization, I may
be permitted with pride to say that neither remarks from me or the
gallant record of mv senior and successor, will be necessary to insure
to him the reception and support due his rank and position.
(Signed) Daniel Butterfield Brig. Gen'l.
Dec. 26, 1862, Maj. Gen'l George G. Meade assumed
command of the 5th Army Corps.

Chase's Diary: "Dec. 25th, 1862. On Board Steamer
'Commonwealth' of the New York and Stonington line one
year ago tonight en route for Washington, D. C. ! Fin
ished our tent and dedicated the fireplace."
FROM LETTER OF LIEUT. SPEAR.
"Friday morning: (Dec. 26, 1862.) Yesterday was
Christmas, and now one year has passed away since I left
my native state. What scenes and changes have taken
place during the past year ! but I hope before the end of
another year comes creeping along that this cursed rebel
lion will be at an end, and all persons now engaged in this
civil war at home with their friends and families. For
breakfast yesterday had baked beans and soft bread, for
dinner baked beans and pudding, and for supper boiled
rice."

520 HISTORY OF THE
Chase's Diary: "Dec. 29, 1862. Battery drilled half an
hour on the manual this morning. The promotion of ist
Serg't. J. E. Spear to Jr. 2d Lieut, read in line by Serg't.
Smith, acting Orderly."
Lieut. Spear's commission is dated Oct. 18, 1862.
LETTER OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Potomac Creek,
Dec. 29, 1862.
I sent a man to Washington a few days ago after ord
nance stores, and this gave us an opportunity to replenish
our mess stores. We got half a barrel of flour, and calculate
to have soft bread now right along. Among other things
which Serg't. Nye brought back from Washington was a
barrel of brown bread. We took what we wanted and he
disposed of the rest to the men. By the way they rushed
for it I thought they appreciated it. We are now in winter
quarters, i. e. the men are all comfortably disposed of in such
huts as they can construct. Of course they do not know
how soon they may have to leave them. I have built unto
myself a log house 9 ft. by 10, covered over with a teiit fly,
and have a good solid floor, a capital bedstead, a door with
hinges and a latch, and a fireplace which smokes. This last,
however, is owing to the fact that it is not quite finished.
Tomorrow will complete the job. As it is I manage to
have a great deal of comfort, and think I have rather the
best quarters in this vicinity. I have not carpeted the floor
or papered the walls, but probably shall if we remain here
long enough. It is quite a luxury to have a place where I
can walk round, hang up things, and where the wind does
not blow. I shall be quite busy for the next 3 weeks with
Rolls, Quarterly Returns &c. Dec. 31, 1862.
My log house, chimney and all, is finished, at last, and I
manage to enjoy it very much. Such luxuries as solid

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 521
walls and floors are only appreciated in camp. As it is,
when I come in evenings, hang up my cap, put on my slip
pers and sit down in my easy chair in front of a big, blazing
fire, I am nearly as comfortable as in a parlor at home. I
only want a few books to make the evenings pass quite
cheerfully. Newspapers are quite a treat, when they come ;
but they are hardly numerous enough to occupy my spare
time. We thought yesterday that we were going to be
routed out of all these comforts. About nj4 a. m. Cap
tain Waterman, acting Chief of Artillery in Captain Mar
tin's absence, came by and said that he had just received a
note from Division Head Quarters that the Division would
march at 12. We got all ready for a start, but in half an
hour Captain Waterman sent over that he had received an
order to detail Lieut. Hazlett's Battery to accompany the
Division, so we subsided into our statu quo ante, and went
on with our dinner. Meanwhile I believe the Division
marched off.
Lieut. Spear's commission has arrived, so that we have
four in our mess now. A glass sugar bowl ( see p. 508 ) that
I obtained in Fredericksburg figures conspicuously on the
table, also, two glass sauce dishes. If Burnside intends to
get to Richmond before summer he must be moving soon.
Last winter the rainy season commenced January ioth and
it did not stop raining till the ist of July. So we must
expect some rain soon.
In my opinion Fredericksburg could and should be taken
in a week. We could have routed the Rebels when we were
over there before, had our artillery been properly handled,
but we cannot do anything until our generals learn to
use this arm. ... I do not understand what he (Burnside)
is waiting for. We have men enough, and the rebels must
be driven out of the works towards Richmond, and the
sooner we are at it the better. The roads are good, weather

522 HISTORY OF THE
good, health of the Army good, — in a month all these will
be bad."

LETTER OF LIEUT. P. W. BLAKE.
"Camp near Fredericksburg. Jany. i, 1863.
Our Division went on a reconnoissance day before yester
day up the Rappahannock River some 15 miles, as far as
Burnett's Ford. They crossed the river and took some
prisoners, and destroyed a bridge, and were ordered back
by some authority at Washington.
The Division got back today. We hitched up our Bat
tery to go, but the order was countermanded, and only took
the regular Battery D. U. S. Army.
We are encamped alongside of the railroad that runs
from Acquia Creek to Fredericksburg, near Potomac Creek
that runs across the railroad. You can see by referring to
the map. I made a dot where we lay at the present time.
I have dotted the course we came last summer from Acquia
Creek to Manassas Junction, the last Bull Run battle, to
Hall's Hill where we started from last spring. From
Sharpsburg, Maryland, I have dotted the course we came
this fall to where we are now. I must close now. I will
tell you the fighting part when I get home."

Scott's Notes: "The first of January, 1863, the Battery
was camped at Stoneman's Switch on the Fredericksburg
and Acquia Creek Rail Road, where it had been previous
to the battle of Fredericksburg, as winter quarters. The
winter was unusually severe, there being no less than 20
snow storms."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 523
LETTER OF CAPT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Potomac Creek,
Jan'y 4, 1863.
Although newsboys come rather irregularly, and the
Post Office Department does not take great pains to for
ward papers regularly, still we manage to get an occasional
'N. Y. Herald' or 'Philadelphia Inquirer' or 'National Re
publican,' while the 'Boston Journals' sent from home all
arrive, though sometimes sadly behind the times. The
high price of paper and consequent rise in the 'dailies' does
not affect us out here where the standard price of a N. Y.
paper has always been 10 cents with an occasional rise to 15.
My log house is better built than the average; the logs
being fitted snugly together so as to dispense with mud as
much as possible. The dimensions of the edifice are 9 ft.
by 10. It is six feet high at the eaves so that I can stand
up anywhere, a great comfort, I assure you. The gable
ends are built up with logs, and the roof is composed of a
tent fly which admits the light. In one end of my room is
my fireplace, quite capacious and comfortable if not elegant,
two bricks and two stones form the andirons. From the
fireplace rises a chimney of stone and- mud, which answers
all the objects of a chimney, and draws beautifully. Oppo
site the fireplace is the door, a good, substantial door of pine
boards, with a latch and 'fixins.' The apartment is floored
with boards which were once parts of packing boxes to
convey Ordnance Stores to the Battery. On the left hand
as you enter is my bedstead built up substantially of frag
ments of hard-bread boxes, where I stretch my weary limbs
on a mattress stuffed with husks. I have also a feather
pillow, trophy from Fredericksburg, which adds materially
to my comfort. This side of the room is wainscoted with
pieces of hard-bread boxes, which keep me from contact
with the pitch pine logs, and give an elegant appearance.

524 HISTORY OF THE
The remainder of the room is 'papered' with empty grain
bags which look more cheerful than bare logs. On the side
opposite to my bed, in the corner next the door is my wash-
stand holding my wash bowl, soap, and all the luxuries of
the toilet. Pendant over this is my looking-glass. ... In
the middle of this side is my writing desk, an elegant struc
ture of planed boards. In the corner by the fireplace is my
wood box filled with wood. My trunk stands between my
desk and washstand. Sabre, haversack, canteen, field
glass, overcoat, caps &c. hanging round the walls complete
the picture, which in my eyes is a very comfortable one. In
the course of my travels I have not seen any more comfort
able quarters. I have an easy chair, and in the evenings I
can draw it up to the fire, and put my feet, not on the man
tel-piece, for there isn't any, but over the fireplace, in the
most civilized way imaginable. My quarters have excited
the admiration of all my visitors, and on the whole I con
sider myself a lucky man. I have a fire-shovel, from Fred
ericksburg, and only need a pair of tongs to make the set
complete. Then we are living like princes. We have a
Dutch oven and plenty of flour and have fresh bread and
cakes every day; roast beef or beef steak for dinner regu
larly, pickles, apple sauce, for side dishes, and regular pota
toes and onions. Some officers of the 33d were over here
yesterday, and were quite taken down by the style in which
we did things.
The fact is, a man has to have experience to know how to
live in the army, and we do not calculate to live on hard tack
and salt junk as long as we have any money. Artillery
officers have an advantage over infantry officers in the fact
that we can carry round about as large a mess kit as we
choose, and however large a stock of eatables we have 011
hand, we can get it along on the march.
January 5th. All quiet on the Rappahannock! I am
afraid this phrase will become as stereotyped as the similar

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 525
one in regard to the Potomac, and that Burnside, if not
careful, will become as sluggish as his predecessor. Now
is the time for Burnside. If he remains still, Lee's army
will be off to reinforce the Western Rebels, while we shall
be held at bay by empty entrenchments and visionary hosts.
If Burnside strikes now, we shall attack the foe at every
point, and he cannot hold them all. If our generals expect
to do anything, why don't they give our artillery a chance
to operate, and not send infantry to dive into ditches, or run
their heads against a stone wall ? . . . I have made an addi
tion to my articles of comfort and luxury, in the shape of a
boot- jack. After mature deliberation I came to the con
clusion that I needed a boot-jack out here, as much as I did
at home. I cannot pull my boots off a bit easier than I
could two years ago, so why should not I have a boot-jack?
The argument seemed to me perfectly logical and the conse
quence thereof was a boot-jack as aforesaid.
The Army is getting quite discontented on the subject of
pay. We have not been paid since the ist of July. The
recruits who come out start with a couple of hundred of
dollars in their pockets and do not care much about pay'for
some time; consequently they are not very popular with the
Army and the '200 dollar men' stand a chance to do the
hardest work. They are very apt to be detailed on fatigue
parties &c.
There is a great rush for furloughs just now. All
our generals are gone off, and a colonel commands the Di
vision. (Col. Barnes of the 18th Mass.) I expect soon to
hear of colonels commanding army corps in the great
scarcity of brig, generals. It seems as if Congress had
made enough to furnish at least one to a Division. . .
One of my new men that Lull sent out, after a short career,
tumbled off his horse and laid himself up for a couple of
months, and in consequence of such accidents as these, my
numbers just about hold their own. . . ."

526 HISTORY OF THE
Chase's Diary: "Jan'y 7, 1863. Posted the guard last
night and today, ist half. Morning drill as usual.
Hitched up and drilled by sections p. m. A good, lively
drill. Weather very fine, but rather cold p. m. Counter
sign 'Buffalo.' " (See p. 797.)
Diary of Private John E. Dyer: "Thursday, Jan'y 8,
1863. 'Boots and saddles' sounded at 9 a. m. Hitched up
and marched about \Yi miles towards Falmouth, to be re
viewed by Generals Burnside, Hooker, and staffs. Arrived
back at camp about 3 o'clock p. m. Captain Phillips acting
commander of Division Artillery today, vice Martin absent.
Saw two ladies at the Review."
LETTER OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Falmouth, Va.
Jan'y 9, 1863.
I am glad the ist of January is past and freedom an es
tablished fact at last, and I think we can now see the begin
ning of the end. Everything, in my mind, points to the
exhaustion of the South and in the tone of their papers and
speeches and above all in Jeff Davis's proclamation, I can
see indications which show that they are conscious of their
inability to carry on the struggle, when the issue is once
fairly made between freedom and slavery.
I have read Butler's farewell address, and like it much.
Like all his other actions it is characteristic of the man. I
think that however much fault we may find with the small
details of his conduct, there is no man who has stamped his
mark and his own characteristics so strongly on the present
age as Benj. F. Butler; no man who has done so much to
bend public opinion, or has seen more clearly the proper
issue of this struggle.
We had a Review yesterday ... in all say 15,000 men.
About half an hour before we started Captain Waterman

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 527
sent over that he was too sick to go out, and as Captain
Martin was off on a furlough, I would have to act as Chief
of Artillery. Now I am able and willing to handle my own
battery, but I did not relish the idea of having the care of
four batteries stuck on my shoulders. (Martin's, Water
man's, Phillips', Hazlett's.) However I made the best of
it and started the batteries out. Arrived on the ground we
formed on the designated ground, and waited. Pretty soon
things looked as if the show was about to commence. So I
stationed myself in front of my battalion and prepared to
roar myself hoarse. Inflating my lungs to their full ca
pacity I bellowed forth : — 'Attench ho-o-o-o-o-n' — short
stop to rest and puff up. — 'Draw — Sabre!' — another inter
val, during which General Burnside with ioo officers more
or less after him, rode down to the right of the line : then
after due preparation, — 'Present — Sabre !' and the four bat
teries presented sabre.
General Burnside then rode down our front, and, as he
passed, bowed, and appeared to recognize me in my new
dignity. When he had reached the left flank, more puffing
up preparatory to, — 'Carry — Sabre!' Then we waited
while he reviewed the infantry, when they broke into col
umn and passed in review, we following the whole Corps.
The passing in review was well executed, not a single halt
being made. This through with, we all went home as fast
as we could, cold and hungry, to pitch into a late dinner.
So ended my first public appearance as 'Chief of Artil
lery.' . . .
As far as practical efficiency in action is concerned the
5th Battery is equal to any in the Division, and my men will
stand to their work in as hot a fire as anybody. There are
some indications of an advance before long. The sooner
we move the better.
Jan'y nth. I don't want you to think I did anything
remarkable at Fredericksburg. I put my guns just where

528 HISTORY OF THE
I was ordered to put them, and kept them there till I was
ordered to leave, blazing away at the enemy meanwhile, and
I suppose anybody else would have done the same thing.
Still as praise of me benefits the Battery I am willing to take
it all, though whatever is due, is due to the men of the
Battery. I will not deny that the fire was rather hot, and
that we replied quite energetically and accurately, but this
was owing to the coolness with which the men stood to the
guns, and the sergeants aimed the pieces, and to no particu
lar merit of mine. However, as everywhere else, the men
do all the work, the commander gets all the praise.
My new officer Spear is quite an acquisition, just what
I expected of him, well fitted for the post. He is a very
smart fellow, and has a wonderful capacity of adapting him
self to his position. When he was a corporal he was that
and no more, promoted Orderly Sergeant he became at once
an Orderly all over. As soon as he received his commis
sion he slid at once out of the enlisted men, and became an
officer as gracefully as if he had been an officer all his life.
. . . Deaths and discharges have cleared off nearly all the
old non-commissioned officers, and most of the sergeants
and corporals now are of my appointing and I think I may
say are good ones. After the battle of Fredericksburg I
issued a new batch of warrants in which I took occasion to
reward some who had done well there."
Non-commissioned officers are sergeants, of various
grades, and corporals. They are appointed by authorities
lower than the President. Commissions are issued by the
President. The papers issued to non-commissioned officers
are called warrants.
Chase's Diary: "Jan'y 12, 1863. Lieut. Scott left camp
for home on furlough. Jan'y 13th. Posted the guard last
night, and today — last half, — Countersign 'Rhode Island.' '*

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 529
BATTERY HEAD QUARTERS.
LETTER OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Falmouth, Va.
Jan'y 14th, 1863.
I envy Mr. Bouncer in 'Verdant Green,' who, in his regu
lar letters to 'the Mum,' used to insert a couple of pages
from the Oxford Guide Book. I do not know whether
such a practice would be universally agreeable, but I can, if
desired, send home a weekly sheet of ArtiUery Tactics.
At 6 a. m. or thereabouts, — Scott's watch and mine are
the only ones in camp, and we are not exact in our calls, —
reveille sounds. I wake up and find the air chilly: I roll
over. In a few minutes enter Henry with an armful of
kindling wood, who forthwith proceeds to make a fire. I
watch the process with interest. The fire started, exit
Henry with my boots. An interval of time elapses, at the
end of which Henry again makes his appearance on the
scene with my boots all blacked, fills up my washbowl, puts
more wood on the fire and disappears. I meditate, I look
at my watch, I conclude to get up. Since we have got
civilized habitations, we have adopted the civilized habit of
lying abed, and we breakfast at 8.
By the time my toilet is completed, there comes a knock
at the door. —
'Captain, breakfast ready.'
'All right,' I reply, and grab my stool and travel to the
next tent, where I find the table set with all the luxuries of
the season : hot bread, cakes or toast, cold ham, or cold roast
beef, apple sauce, and coffee, — no milk. So, we sit down
and 'pitch in,' which expression aptly describes the process
of eating in camp. After breakfast, I return home, where 1
find my bed made up, floor swept, furniture dusted &c. So
I take my seat at my desk and prepare for business. Some
days I have numerous callers. Serg't Nye with some

530 HISTORY OF THE
requisitions to be signed, or the Orderly to ask some ques
tions about the morning rq^ort book (see p. 445) whether
this order is to be read at roll call, or only copied into the
order book &c. Then come some men after a 'pass' to see
a brother, cousin etc. in the 33d Regiment. All these ap
plications disposed of I take up any standing business.
Then perhaps I write a letter, stopping every few minutes
to sign a requisition, answer a question, or give a 'pass.'
Serg't. Nye, may be, comes in with a big bundle of papers,
and wants me to look over a Quarterly Return. So the
forenoon wears on. At 10 Drill CaU sounds, and the De
tachments fall in for a drill on the piece, and for half an
hour the park resounds with, — 'Detachments Left,' 'Detach
ment Posts,' 'Load by Detail — Two,' &c. 'By Hand to the
Front,' 'Prepare to Dismount the Piece,' 'Change Posts,'
'Fire,' 'Load,' etc. etc. This is superintended by the Chiefs
of Sections. At 11 Hay Call sounds, when we have any
hay. At 12 Dinner Call.
We dine at one, at which time John, — black individual, —
knocks on the door and announces : 'Dinner ready.' For
dinner we have roast beef, potatoes, onions, apple sauce &c.
At 2 o'clock the Buglers sound 'Boots and Saddles,' and
the Battery is hitched up for Battery or Section Drill. If
the former, I go out and manoeuvre round a couple of hours.
At 4 we return just in time for 'Water Call.' At 4% 'Feed
Call'; at 5 the 'Assembly' for 'Roll Call'; 5% Guard Mount
ing, after 'Guard Mounting,' supper; after supper, the Of
ficer of the Day hands in his report : list of the sick, list of
delinquents with their offenses, and a statement of any re
markable occurrences during the day.
I return home and send for the Corporal of the Guard.
He presents himself.
'Corporal, arrest these men, and bring them up here!' —
giving him a list of the delinquents. Then I put on my
magisterial frown and await the culprits.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 531
'Smith reported absent at reveille; any excuse?'
'No, sir, only I didn't wake up.'
'That's no excuse; Fatigue duty for 24 hours.'
'Brown, you are reported for running your horses going
to water.' No excuse. 'Corporal, put him on a caisson
for three hours!'
'Jones, you are reported for disrespectful behavior to
your Sergeant.' Long, and not very logical defence by
Jones, who is adjudged guilty. 'Corporal, give him two
hours on the spare wheel !'
After finishing this not very agreeable business, perhaps
I stroll into Blake's tent and chat awhile or play a game of
euchre. By seven o'clock the mail arrives, and we all adjourn to
read our letters if we have any; 9 o'clock generaUy sees us
in bed.
So pass the days, one after the other. A good supply
of books would render it a not very disagreeable kind of
life, but these things cannot be. We could not carry the
books if we had them. I do not go visiting much and do
not have a great many friends in the Division. I have quite
a lot of speaking acquaintances, but I stay at home mostly."

Chase's Diary: "Jan'y 15, 1863. Ambulance removing
the sick today.
Dyer's Notes: "Friday, Jan'y 16, 1863. Predictions of
leaving here soon. Commenced packing up p. m. All
sorts of rumors afloat."
LETTER OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Falmouth, Va.
Jan'y 16, 1863.
'AU quiet on the Rappahannock' gives place to 'Advance
of the Army of the Potomac' We have rec'd orders to be
ready to march at an early hour tomorrow morning. The

532 HISTORY OF THE
order to march has not come yet but will probably be along
tonight. ... Of course I am sorry to leave my comfortable
quarters, in fact after a long halt it is always unpleasant to
take the first start, but 24 hours marching cures that. As a
remarkable fact, too, my health is always a little better, if
possible, on the march. I doubt very much whether we shall
have another fight at Fredericksburg. The rebels never
wait for a second assault on an 'objective point,' but always
retire to a second line of defence, and the energy all bottled
up for a fierce attack is wasted on empty fortifications.
Well, we shall see what we shall see."
EXTRA INDUCEMENTS OF THE ARTILLERY
SERVICE.
January 17th: "I dislike the habit of officers running to
Washington, and do not want to get into it myself. Why
is it, I wonder, that so few men of wealth and education,
when going to war, select the artillery in preference to other
arms of the service. . . . Out of my class only one besides
myself has entered this arm — Lieut. Hayden in the 2d U. S.
Artillery. An artiUery commission certainly offers higher
inducements than an infantry one : the duties are pleasanter,
the pay higher, the position more independent, and higher
esteemed in the Army. Why, I am as independent as a
Brigade commander, while a captain of infantry has no
moment he can call his own. While the hours for infantry
drill are established by orders from Division Hd. Qrs., ar
tillery drills when it chooses. I govern my camp as I please,
and am supreme in my authority over the men.
Artillery is superior for the display of inteUectual abili
ties, though a military life kills off everything of the sort.
Artillery, too, gives a better opportunity for distinguishing
one's self; a captain of a battery being as likely to be men
tioned as a colonel of a regiment. Sections, too, are often
detached, and, when joined with infantrv. the infantry offi-

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 533
cer in command of the whole rarely attempts to interfere
with the Lieut, of Artillery in the management of his arm.
Then as far as material comforts are concerned, artillery
officers can live in the field about as comfortably as gen
erals. A late order establishing the field allowance of tents,
allowed to each line officer of infantry one shelter tent, to
each full battery of artillery three wall tents. That is to
say, I am allowed one wall tent, which is all that is allowed
to a Brig. Gen'l, while a captain of infantry has to content
himself with a shelter tent, ground dimensions 6 ft. by 3,
height 3 ft. At this very time, while we are living in very
good style, many an infantry officer has to content himself
with his salt junk. If an officers' mess in an infantry com
pany manage to get along a kettle, a coffee pot, a frying pan,
and a few cups and plates, they df well, while we carry all
the pots and kettles we choose. And vet, with all these
extra inducements the commissions . in artillery are not so
eagerly sought after as one would imagine." The same
date : " 'There's many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip.'
Last night instead of an order to march at 5, came an order
to be ready to march at 1 p. m. tomorrow."
Dyer's Notes: "Sunday, Jan'y 18, 1863. Drill in the
morning and a hitched up drill p. m. Jan'y 19. On guard
tonight." Phillips' Letter Jan'y 18th: "The Army seems to have
some difficulty in making the movement now contemplated,
whatever it is. We were to be ready to marcii at one o'clock
today, but at midnight last night came an order suspending
the former order for 24 hours. Congress has authorized
100,000,000 legal tender notes to pay off the Army, and I
hope to see the Paymaster round here soon. There has
been, undoubtedly, a great deal of suffering on account of
the long delay. In military affairs there is the same neces
sity for speedy action. I am sanguine, if our generals will
work together, but if any man with two stars on his

534 HISTORY OF THE
shoulder is to be allowed to imperil the cause of the country
from personal feeling and jealousy, then we might as well
back out."
BURNSIDE'S FLANKING MOVEMENT CALLED
"BURNSIDE'S MUD MARCH."
HIS ADDRESS TO THE ARMY. Head Quarters,
Army of the Potomac,
Camp near Falmouth, Va.
Jan'y 20, 1863.
General Orders
No. 7.
The Commanding General announces to the Army of the Potomac
that they are about to meet the enemy once more.
The late brilliant actions in North Carolina, Tennessee and Arkan
sas have divided and weakened the enemy on the Rappahannock, and
the auspicious moment seems to have arrived to strike a great and
mortal blow to the Rebellion, and to gain that decisive victory which is
due to the country.
Let the gallant soldiers of so many brilliant battle fields accomplish
this achievement, and a fame the most glorious awaits them.
The Commanding General calls for the firm and united action of
officers and men, and, under the providence of God, the Army of the
Potomac will have taken the great step towards restoring peace to the
country and the Government to its rightful authority.
By command of
Major General Burnside. Lewis Richmond
Ass't. Adj. General.
Chase's Diary: "Jan'y 20th, 1863. Cloudy morning with
a cold snowy air. The agreeable intelligence announced to
us in line, that we are again to meet the enemy. Packed up.
Struck tents and hitched up about 11 a. m. and left our
park about 12 m. Head of column halted about 150 yards
from camp and remained until about 3 p. m., when we
marched about two miles — towards Fredericksburg — and
went into park for the night, on the side of a hill, about
4 p. m. Some of the men pitched tents, and others laid on
the ground under the tarpaulins. Commenced raining

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 535
about 6 p. m. and rained all night, with but a few minutes
cessation. My tent blew down about half past n p. m.
Abandoned the ruins of my tent and spent the remainder of
the night by a bivouac fire. A long night! Thoroughly
drenched with rain. A crowd of drowned out, forlorn, cold
and shivering unfortunates hovered around the fire trying
to keep alive the vital spark and dispel our miseries by
cracking jokes. One by one the men gathered round as they
were drowned out by the 'rising waters.' No water call
or roll call tonight.
Jan'y 21st. The storm unabated. Reveille and roll call
as usual. 'Boots and saddles' sounded immediately after
roll call. Packed up our wet tents and blankets and hitched
up. Doubled up the teams, and with the help of the infan
try succeeded in getting the pieces and caissons into the
road. The ground soft, and it was almost impossible to
move the pieces, caissons &c. Started on our march about
8 a. m. and marched about a mile and halted for today and
night. Left one horse, and two others dropped dead in the
harness. A very soft and disagreeable march. Obliged to
double up the teams many times today. Reached our camp
ground about 1 o'clock p. m. Pitched our tents in a piece
of woods. Plenty of good water near by. Made coffee,
and spread our wet blankets for a bed on the water soaked
ground; built huge fires and made ourselves comparatively
comfortable. Battery wagon drawn into park by eighteen
horses. The wheels sink about a foot in the mud, and men
to their ankles. Very rainy all day. Tattoo and roll call
about half past 4 p. m. Jan'y 22d. Very rainy all last
night. Morning cloudy, with some rain. Tolerably good
night's rest last night, but the ground felt quite cold through
five blankets. Slept with Daniel Shackley. Reveille at the .
usual hour this morning. Whiskey issued to us this morn
ing. We remained in camp all day. Made several im
provements in our quarters today and kept quite comforta-

536 HISTORY OF THE
ble although the weather continued cloudy with considerable
rain all day."
Dyer's Notes : "Jan'y 20, 1863. . . . My tent blew down
three times during the night. Weather very cold. Jan'y
2 1 st. . . . Ground soft and awful wheeling ... sat down
to a scanty supper and went on guard. Rained hard all
night. Jan'y 22. . . . Whiskey issued out this morning.
Large ration. Remained here all day. Whiskey again at
night. Rain at intervals all day. Our mail and one day's
rations came up today."
Notes of Corporal Jonas Shackley: "Late on the 20th
January, 1863, we got out of camp, but could only make
about two miles, and turning into a field spread our tents
and tarpaulins for shelter. Rain soon began to pour and in
a short time the ground was flooded and our blankets be
came saturated. We rolled our blankets and used them for
seats and waited for the morning. Morning came, and the
Battery attempted to march, but the roads were so horrible
that after struggling all day we had made only about two
miles. Went into camp by the edge of a forest, and having
plenty of fuel made ourselves quite comfortable.
Remaining in this place until the roads had been repaired
we doubled our teams, and taking half our carriages at each
trip returned again to our old camp at Stoneman's Switch,
arriving there on the 24th."
FROM A LETTER OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
Written in the camp where they waited for the roads to
be repaired.
"Camp in an Oak Wood,
Thursday Evening,
Jan'y 22, 1863.
On Tuesday we marched, i. e. at 1 p. m. we started, got a
couple of hundred yards and halted till three. Then we
slowly proceeded, and just before dark camped in a field

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 537
close by the spot where we were reviewed a short time ago.
Hazlett and Waterman had been detached to join with the
Reserve Artillery in covering the crossing of the troops at
Hooker's Crossing. Where that is I do not know. During
the course of the night it commenced to rain and blow. . . .
The next morning we started, the rain still continuing.
Our caissons got stuck at the first start and continued to
stick very frequently. About i p. m. after marching perhaps
3 miles, we went into camp, i. e. the head of the column
did, the rear being still behind. I sent back horses and the
missing carriages commenced to appear: some with io,
some with 12, and some with 18 horses on. Finally, they
all got in, and we made ourselves comfortable. The mud
is about the same quality as we used to have on the Penin
sula, but I found my horses not so good. Four gave out on
the road, and were abandoned dead and dying. . . . Friday
morning, no move yet."
Phillips' Diary: "Thursday, Jan'y 22d, 1863. . . . The
Army evidently in statu quo, in the mud. 23d. . . . The
Army has commenced to move back to camp corduroying
as it goes."
From another letter of Captain Phillips, written where
they camped in the "piece of woods."
"Camp in an Oak Wood,
Thursday Evening, Jan'y 22, 1863.
. . . Our camp is pitched in a grove of oak trees, and in
pleasant weather might be quite romantic, but the rain
which has continued so far deprives the scenery of its poet
ical aspect. The tents of the men of all shapes, sizes and
colors, are scattered through the woods, each one with a
blazing fire in front of it. The woods are already cleared
out somewhat and it is lucky for us that firewood is so near.
A spring not 50 yards off furnishes an abundant supply of
very good — chocolate colored — water. Our floor is rather
muddy, but with an abundant supply of blankets we sleep

538 HISTORY OF THE
very comfortably. I am afraid that this unlucky rain storm
will endanger, if it does not entirely prevent, this move
ment. Only 5 or 6 miles from camp, we are almost entirely
cut off from our supplies. The roads are impassable for
wagons, and as my rations were out tonight, I had some
more sent up on horseback. Our wagons have not started,
but the Vandals have invaded our old camping ground.
The tents of the men are inhabited by a numerous popula
tion of sick, stragglers, etc. The new tenants of my old
house have burnt up my wainscoting and bedstead, the door
and floor will go next.
Our present locality as near as I can guess is a short
distance above Falmouth, near Richard's Ford. I am sit
ting on the ground writing. this by the light of a candle
elevated on a tin pail. A large fire blazes in front of our
tent which makes it quite comfortable. The men are sing
ing and talking and enjoying themselves."
Dyer's Notes : "Friday, Jan'y 23d, 1863. A good night's
rest. Morning damp and cloudy. Our mail came today;
also rations: — beef, pork, potatoes, onions, bread, coffee,
whiskey &c. The sun came out about 11 a. m. P. m. very
fine. ArtiUery and teams moving back to their old camps.
Sent men back to our camp to rout out the infantry from
our quarters."
Diary of Corporal Chase: "Jan'y 24th, 1863. Reveille
at half past 3 this morning. Struck our tents and packed
up for a march back to our old camp. The elements have
prevailed. An advance is impossible and retreat nearly so.
Burnside chooses the latter and the troops are moving back
as fast as possible. Doubled up the teams and started
for our old camp — with the caissons only — at daylight.
Reached our old camp about 11 a. m. and the drivers after
feeding their horses returned for the guns with doubled
teams. Not much trouble in reaching camp although the

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 539
road was in a very bad state. Guns reached camp about
half past 3 p. m.
The infantry who occupied our quarters in our absence
showed their evil propensities by demolishing chimneys and
burning our boards, poles, crutches, and other valuable
property. My tent was an exception to the fearful destruc
tion: found chimney 'riz' 15 inches. It now 'draws' won
derfully! Pitched my tent in the old stockade, and in one
hour have good quarters. Weather fine."
Dyer's Notes, Jan'y 24th, have the remark about the
camp that "although very wet it was very acceptable."
Phillips' Diary : "Saturday, Jan'y 24th. Started back at
daylight with the caissons and forge, 10 horses on the
former and 12 on the latter. Arrived in camp. Sent back
for the pieces and Battery wagon. Found my house in
pretty good condition."
Dyer's Notes: "Sunday, Jan'y 25th, 1863. No coffee for
breakfast. A trifling mistake. Nobody to blame. 'All in
the three years.' Plenty of boiled rice and molasses for
supper. Weather warm and pleasant."
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS BACK IN HIS LOG HOUSE.
MAKES OBSERVATIONS ON THE PAST
WEEK'S MANOEUVRES.
"Camp near Falmouth, Va.
Jan'y 25, 1863.
I am back in my log house again, after four days' wan
dering in the mud. This rain storm has been very unfor
tunate, and has completely discomfited the Army of the
Potomac. On Friday as soon as I learnt definitely that we
should return, I sent back a sergeant and squad of men to
clear out the stragglers and interlopers with whom our huts
were sure to be filled, and to clean up and make ready.
When I arrived I found things in pretty good order.
The inhabitants of my house, whoever they were, had burnt

540 HISTORY OF THE
up all my furniture, but thanks to their selfishness and re
gard to their own comfort, had left the floor and door,
which was all I cared for. The bedstead has been again
erected, and the other furniture will soon be put in, with
suitable alterations suggested by experience.
MORE ABOUT THE 20th. CAMP ON THE HILL.
Hazlett and Waterman left camp before the Division and
took position on the bank of the river. The weather was
cold and lowering, but it looked more like snow than rain.
We pitched our tent and Blake, with commendable fore
thought ditched it round about. Captain Martin, who was
by our fire, laughed at him, and asked him if he thought
it was going to rain. Shortly after we got to bed it com
menced to rain and blow. Fortunately our tent was tight
and our pins held, so we slept through it comfortably.
Captain Martin and his officers were not so lucky. Some
time in the night the wind got under their tent and over it
went leaving them outdoors! Immediately arose a great
outcry for the Corporal of the Guard, and the tent was
finally re-pitched, not without the wetting of sundry blan
kets etc. The next morning we started, the rain still falling.
The first step recalled to mind the old marches of the Penin
sula campaign . . . but the weather was colder. We
marched all that forenoon in the same way that I used to
write about last spring. About noon we went into camp,
having marched perhaps two miles. I selected a spot right
in the edge of some oak woods. I found the ground where
I put my carriages rather soft, and Captain Martin sug
gested the next day that I had better put up a flag to show
where my caissons stood!
Otherwise, it was an excellent camping ground. The
tents were pitched in the woods, sheltered from the wind.
Plenty of firewood was growing all around us, and the fires
were soon blazing merrily."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 541
In addition to what he had already written about sending
back men on horseback after rations and forage, he says : —
"By this means I not only supplied myself, but was able on
Friday to feed Captain Waterman's horses, he being short
of grain.
We remained in the woods Wednesday afternoon, Thurs
day and Friday, sleeping and eating in great comfort. The
weather was lowering all the time, the rain drizzling down
at intervals. However, we kept a big fire going all the time
in front of our tent, which generally smoked us out of it,
and got along first rate.
Thursday appeared to be spent in deliberation, and in
bringing up supplies on horseback. By this time, of course,
the rebels were aware of our movements and success was
almost impossible. We could not move forward. I sup
pose it was as muddy on the south side of the river as on
the north, and the enemy, probably inferring the reverse,
hung up a board on the bank opposite the intended crossing,
having inscribed thereon 'General Burnside Stuck in the
Mud.' At least so goes the story. On Friday the retro
grade movement commenced. By daybreak the road was
lined with infantry corduroying mud holes, and soon after
the artillery began to file by: guns and caissons with any
number of horses and without much regard to order. At
daylight Saturday morning, Captain Martin and I started
back."
HE REVIEWS THE FREDERICKSBURG CAM
PAIGN.
"Second repulse from Fredericksburg by the mud. We
were absent from camp four days. Don't blame the gen
erals for the rain storm. . . . The utmost stretch of gener
alship is to place a regiment behind a battery from a tradi
tional idea that artillery needs an infantry support. Just

542 HISTORY OF THE
look at Fredericksburg. We had 300 or 400 pieces of light
artillery at our disposal. The enemy in our front were
strongly intrenched. The natural course would be to get
up artillery and knock down the intrenchments before com
mencing the assault.
Instead of this, the infantry were set full tilt at a stone
wall and did not get over it, as of course they could not.
After the failure of the attack a few batteries were put into
position, though I hardly know what thev were to do.
Dickinson's Battery [L. & M. 3d U. S.] opened on the
rebels and the principal effect was to draw the fire from 20
guns on the hill so hot as to drive the battery off the field.
Soon after, I was ordered into position near where Dickin
son had been. I was not put there to silence the enemy's
artillery fire, our usual occupation, but to fire at the infantry
behind the stone wall. I was not told to knock down the
stone wall, but to fire at the road. So I blazed away, burst
ing shell and shrapnell over the road. Of course it was
a good pyrotechnical display and may have frightened a
few timid rebels, but the idea of its having done them any
great injury is absurd. I do not know to this day what I
was supposed to be accomplishing. I obeyed orders and
did not ask questions. Our infantry stated that after I
opened fire the rebels' musketry was not quite so hot, and
it is possible that some rebel may have been deterred from
poking his head over the wall by the idea that a shell might
be coming over in that vicinity, but it seems to me an inop
portune moment for such a display. If I had been placed
there to prepare or support a charge, I should understand
that I was, part of a design, but, as it was, I do not see that
I did any good, and I do not imagine I injured a dozen
rebels. Meantime I was the recipient of very flattering
attentions from the 20 guns on the hill, though owing to
my being in a sheltered position no great injury was done.
Still the sensation was sufficiently disagreeable to show

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 543
what would have been the result had we had a dozen bat
teries up there.
Contrast all this with the Battle of Murfreesboro' where
Rosecrans did what every great general does; he massed
his artillery, and repulsed the rebels."

CHAPTER XVI.
THE BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE.
May 1-4, 1863.
''But, as he rode along the ranks, each soldier's head was
bare, —
Our hearts were far too full for cheers, — we wel
comed him with prayer.'-
John Boyle O'Reilly. — Uncle Ned's Tales.
On the 26th of January, 1863, General A. E. Burnside
having been relieved from the command of the Army of the
Potomac at his own request, Major General Joseph Hooker
was placed in command. Among his first Orders was one
discontinuing the Grand Divisions of the Army instituted
by his predecessor and returning on February 5th, 1863, to
rhe organization with the corps as a unit. The Ninth Corps
was sent to Fortress Monroe, Major General George G.
Meade was placed in command of the Fifth Corps, and
Briaradier General Charles Griffin still held the command of
the ist Division, attached to which was the Artillery
Brigade commanded by Captain Augustus P. Martin, con
sisting of the 3d and 5th Mass. Batteries, the 4th R. I., and
the 5th U. S. Battery Lieut. C. E. Hazlett.
It was during this period of reorganization that General
Butterfield devised the system of corps badges to be fastened
upon the centre of the top of the cap, see p. 20.
On the nth of April, 1863, General Hooker disclosed
his plan of turning the enemy's left flank and severing his
communication with Richmond by making use of the Cav
alry Corps, the organization of which he had himself orig
inated. He designed that the cavalry should establish
544

CHANCELLORSVILLE.

April 30™
3. Position

I. Place where SyJtes ft Griffin encountered tlie enemy
% May Ist Z. First position qf Cavalry % Artillery April 30*^^
of S">- Mass. Battery Hay ZvS- 4-. Griffin's Division . 5. Hunrphreya'Dnision
6.2Syvns 7.4giins. 8.Z4gnns. Massed hy Captain Weed Hay3T,rk 4f*.
9. Position of 5">Mass. May 3"rl'"1i.4'*- 10. Place where part of Battery
halted hy mistake during fhe retreat of May 5th'

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 545
themselves so securely that they would be able to check
Lee's retreat, while the Army fell upon his rear, or, at least
compel him to fall back by way of Culpeper and Gordons
ville with his supplies cut off. But the cavalry, under Gen
eral George Stoneman, on account of heavy storms and
swollen rivers, were kept in and around Warrenton Junc
tion until April 29th, when it crossed the Rappahannock at
Kelly's Ford, about 20 miles northwest of Fredericksburg,
where the Eleventh, Twelfth, and Fifth Corps had rendez
voused; other corps crossing at Banks's Ford and United
States Ford, and all moving down the river towards Fred
ericksburg. The Division of Griffin and Sykes of the Fifth Corps
crossed the Rappahannock at 1 1 a. m. of the 29th and pre
ceded by cavalry, who encountered a small force of the
enemy's cavalry, forded the Rapidan, in water 3 feet deep
and a swift current, at Ely's Ford. After passing Hunting
Run, Griffin's Division was halted to await developments
at United States Ford, where it was erroneously reported
the enemy had appeared in force and made trouble for the
cavalry. It having developed that the enemy had not ob
structed the passage of troops at United States Ford, Grif
fin's Division proceeded to Chancellorsville, which it occu
pied at 11 a. m. of the 30th of April.
The post town of Chancellorsville 76 miles northwest of
Richmond consisted of one house, the Chancellor House, a
public house built of brick and occupied by the Chancellor
family. It was in a very exposed position. It was at one
time General Hooker's Head Quarters and while standing
on the piazza he was wounded.
From this Hotel one road led to Fredericksburg, one to
Gordonsville, one to Spottsylvania, and one to Ely's Ford.
About 3 p. m. of the 30th, Griffin advanced a Brigade to
support the cavalry at Banks's Ford, taking the Old Turn
pike in that direction about 2 miles from Chancellorsville,

546 HISTORY OF THE
where they found the enemy posted advantageously on a
ridge of hills; their artillery commanding the road.
Both Griffin and Sykes, the ist and 2d Divisions of the
Fifth Corps were bivouacked in line of battle, the right rest
ing on Chancellorsville, and the left extending in a north-
easl direction towards the river. The Eleventh and Twelfth
Corps, after overcoming comparatively slight opposition at
Ger manna Ford, arrived at Chancellorsville, io miles dis
tant from Fredericksburg, about 2. p. m. of the 30th. The
Twelfth occupied a line nearly parallel to the Plank Road
in the woods, its left resting near Chancellorsville, and the
right near a church about \\ miles off. The Eleventh was
on the right of the Twelfth, its right resting on Hunting
Run. Where the Ely's Ford road crosses Hunting Run
there was a force of cavalry and artillery.
General Hooker arrived at Chancellorsville from Fal
mouth, on the evening of the 30th. At 11 a. m. May ist the
Confederates moved forward on the Plank and Old Turn
pike roads, the advance accompanied by artillery. They
struck our forces under Sykes, who was ordered to with
draw. The Union line was well protected by breastworks
which had been constructed out of logs, but the rebels' artil
lery swept the roads by which our troops were to advance.
The left of Hooker's line extended from Chancellorsville
to the Rappahannock; his right westward two miles, cover
ing the Germanna Ford road. He formed line of battle on
the night of May ist in front of Chancellorsville at right
angles to the Plank Road, with cavalry on his left flank.
At 4 p. m. of May ist the Third Corps took position
parallel to the Plank Road.
Near sunset of May 2d, the rebel general Jackson crossed
the Orange Court House and the Culpeper roads, and mov
ing down the Germanna Ford road, made an assault on the
Eleventh Corps and overwhelmed its right flank, and reach
ing a gap left between the Third and Eleventh Corps com-

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 547
pelled the left of the latter to fall back, but were met as
they poured through the gap by the Twelfth Corps artillery,
by whom, assisted by portions of the Twelfth Corps infan
try, whose absence from that part of the line had left the
gap, recalled from the support of the Third Corps on a
reconnoissance, the enemy's advance was checked, and the
midnight battle of the Third Corps, which Walter F. Lansil
has so thrillingly placed upon canvas, resulted in the restor
ation of the line of the Plank Road and the original breast
works; together with the recapture of the guns and caissons
that were lost, and the capture of two of the enemy's guns
and three caissons.
During the night of the 2d, by General Hooker's orders,
the Fifth Corps moved out and occupied the road from
Chandler's house to Ely's Ford, the left resting at Chand
ler's, the right connecting with the First Corps. Griffin's
Division occupied the left of this line.
Sunday, May 3d, the day on which the main battle was
fought, the enemy was engaged with the Third Corps, a
portion of the Second Corps and part of Humphreys' Divi
sion of the Fifth Corps, though it was Hooker's intention
to have the main battle fought along the Ely's Ford and
Mineral Spring roads. These supports were to hold the
enemy in check while the Third and Second Corps were
moving to new positions, which they accomplished with a
considerable loss.
By General Hooker's order the whole line withdrew to a
new position north of the Chancellor House, covering the
Ely's and United States Fords, the right of which was oc
cupied by the First and Fifth Corps, and at the junction
of the Ely's Ford and Mineral Spring roads Captain
.b.ephen H. Weed placed 56 guns: 28 on the right, 24 on
the left and 4 at the junction.
The Chancellor House about 2 o'clock, soon after it was
abandoned as Army Head Quarters, took fire from the

548 HISTORY OF THE
bursting of shells, and was destroyed. The woods also
took fire, and there was a forced suspension of hostilities,
but suffering indescribable of the wounded and dying left to
the mercy of the flames. In the mean time General Sedg
wick had crossed the Rappahannock and occupied Freder
icksburg. He too was defeated and compelled to retire to
the northern bank of the river.
In the afternoon of the 4th General Griffin with the ist
Division made a reconnoissance in the direction from which
the attack had come the day before, ending with a sharp
fight. In the midst of a terrific storm, on the night of the 5th,
Hooker commenced the withdrawal of his troops across the
river by way of the United States Ford, the Fifth Corps
forming the rear guard. By 8 o'clock on the morning of
the 6th the last of the Army had crossed, and by 4 p. m. all
the bridges were safely withdrawn to the top of the hill, and
the Army returned to the old camping ground across the
river from Fredericksburg.
THE MEMBERS' STORY.
LETTER OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Falmouth, Va.
Jan'y 27, 1863.
I heard yesterday that Burnside, Sumner, and Franklin
had been relieved, and Hooker appointed to command the
Army of the Potomac. This has been so often foretold, that
it will surprise nobody. We want a general who can devel
op the qualities of his subordinates, not one who crushes
every display of energy. Napoleon's secret of success was
his marvellous power of making others work."
Dyer's Notes: "Jan'y 28, 1863. A snow storm com
menced last night. At dark tonight still snowing. Have
got a good fire so I am all right."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 549
Chase's Diary : "28th : Very stormy in the evening — rain
and snow — and 'a crowded house.' 29th. . . . Roll call
emitted this morning. . . . The weather grew very warm
and pleasant as the sun rose, and the snow is fast melting
away. The ground very muddy. Plastering tent tonight
as usual."
LETTER OF SERG'T. W. H. PEACOCK.
"Camp near Falmouth. Va.
Tan'y 28, 1863.
. . . Not a man in the Co. had on a dry thread. All
soaked through with rain, and we all suffered much from
the cold and exposure. To make my situation more un
comfortable my horse fell with me in about two feet of mud,
covering me from head to foot. Finally every Gun, caisson,
and other carriage, settled in the mud up to the hubs, and
there we left them and took to the woods upon a side hill,
where we remained two days, when we made an attempt
to get back to camp. After fifteen hours hard work, with
the assistance of fifty mules and all our horses, we suc
ceeded in reaching our old quarters. We are very short
of money in the Battery, not having been paid by the Gov't
for nearly eight months."

LETTER OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Falmouth, Va.
Jan'y 29, 1863.
It looks less like moving than ever. This morning the
snow is 4 to 6 inches deep, and things look very winterish.
Rather more cheerful than the snow storm was the arrival
of the Paymaster with a trunk full of greenbacks and post
age currency. We received our pay for four months from
July ist to Oct. 31st inclusive, and consequently feel quite
rich. You have no idea how pleasant the inside of a pay
master's trunk looks, all pigeonholed and stuffed with

550 HISTORY OF THE
greenbacks. I remember the time when paymasters carried
round canvas bags full of gold and silver, but these have
disappeared and the specie currency is represented by $5
worth of nickels. I received three of these, and intend to
keep them as curiosities, it is so long since I have seen any
thing but paper. For convenience I took $10 in postage
currency, and I find it looks very pleasant, being new and
clean; its appearance changes for the worse after 6 mos.
use." Dyer's Notes: "Jan'y 30, 1863. Pieces and caissons
painted today. Mud ankle deep."
Chase's Diary: "Jan'y 31st, 1863. Posted the guard last
night and today first half. Lieut. Scott returned from fur
lough." Scott's Notes: "Jan'y 31, 1863. Snow here in drifts some
2 ft. deep on a level. Eve pleasant. Commenced duties as
Officer of the Day. The horses of the Battery were infected
with glanders, and 18 were condemned to be shot."
February 2d Lieut. Scott rode through some of the
camps towards Fredericksburg. He notes in his Diary of
the 3d that Lieut. Dunn of Martin's Battery had resigned
and gone home.
February 2d Corporal Chase cut his left foot instead of a
stick of wood. Wound carefully dressed by Mr. Gale.
Chase's Diary: "Feb. 3d, 1863. My foot very painful all
night and today. The men very busy building new houses
and remodelling old ones. Cellars and basements strictly
prohibited by the Doctors. Order to that effect read in
line Feb. 2d. Feb. 5th. My foot convalescent. Helped to
fell trees and draw up logs for fuel, and other light work
p. m. Lieut. Blake left camp on furlough."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 551
LETTER OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
Camp near Falmouth, Va.
Feb. 5, 1863.
I have painted all my carriages, but one, the paint having
given out, and they now look quite fresh and clean. I have
also floored the stables to keep the horses out of the mud,
and am now keeping the men busy on their huts, having
issued an order that all subterranean residences must be
forthwith abolished. It is very desirable I find, to keep the
men at work. General Hooker's General Order No. 3
orders that not more than 2 men in a hundred shall have
furloughs at the same time. Of course this is as much as
saying that 2 can go, and the effect has been to set every
man to applying for a furlough though he never thought of
it before. I do' not blame the men for wanting to go home,
but I do not think the system adapted to strengthen the
army." Scott's Notes: "Feb. 5th. Order for two days' rations
to be ready to support. Snow going fast."
Dyer's Notes: "Feb. 6, 1863. Orders received at Head
Quarters to be ready to move at an hour's notice. A loaf
of bread served out to each man at supper time. Announce
ment read in line that General Burnside was relieved from
command at his own request, General Hooker to be his
successor." Chase's Diary : "Feb. 6. . . . Trains running all last
night. Commissary stores going down the next day."
Phillips' Diary: "Feb. 7. Warm and pleasant . . . the
9th Corps is going off with Burnside. Dr. Schell called
to bid good bye having been ordered to Washington."
Dyer's Notes: "Saturday, 7th Feb. 1863. Benj. F. Story
left camp to go home on a furlough, today, of ten days, to
visit his family in Charlestown, Mass., the first furlough for
an able bodied private since we left the state, 13 months

552 HISTORY OF THE
and 13 days. Troops are being transported down the rail
road towards Acquia Creek. On guard tonight."
Scott's Notes: "Feb. 7, 1863. Had 18 horses condemned
by Lieut. Carroll of the 5th Regt."
Dyer's Notes: "Sunday, Feb. 8, 1863. Battery and
Quarters inspected by our officers this a. m."
Scott's Notes : "Feb. 8th. . . . Balloon up on a recon
noissance. General Hooker to reorganize the Army. . . .
Reconnoissance returns from Rappahannock. They de
stroy a bridge. I suppose R. R. bridge at Rappahannock
Station. Feb. 9th. Troops still passing down to the
Creek."

FROM CAPT. PHILLIPS' LETTER FEB. 8TH.
"I think General Hooker is going to work very well, he is
getting a very good staff. General Butterfield has great
administrative abilities, and is thoroughly acquainted with
the tactics and details of the service. General Warren, Chief
of Engineers, is considered a very fine Topog. General S.
Williams, McClellan's old A. A. G., is back, and has always
been considered a very fine staff officer. The corps is an
nounced as the unit for Artillery, so that the post of Divi
sion Chief of Art'y will lose its importance. . . ."
Chase's Diary: "Feb. 9, 1863. Spent the whole after
noon in getting half a load of wood to camp. Team got
mired in the woods, and we were obliged to throw half
of our cargo overboard. An order read in line at the after
noon Roll Call to 'respect and obey' in future Serg't O. B.
Smith as Orderly Serg't., John W. Morrison as Serg't. and
Wm. B. Pattison as Sergeant.
Feb. ioth. Inspection of the Battery, — and 4th Rhode
Island Battery, — by Captain Weed, 5th Regulars, at 12 m.
today, after which our roll was called in his presence.
Went with the Battery today, although my foot is still

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 553
quite sore. Lieut. Blake returned from furlough and Sergt.
Page left camp for furlough. Wm. Barry returned from
convalescent camp at Alexandria."
Scott's Notes: "Feb. ioth. . . . Battery inspected by
Captains Weed, Martin and Waterman."
From Captain Phillips' Letter of the nth: — "Yesterday
in pursuance of the plan ordered from Hd. Qrs. Army of
the Potomac, Captain Weed inspected the batteries of this
Division, the inspection occupying most of the forenoon.
I was able to make a very respectable appearance; my car
riages, having been painted, looked quite neat. Captain
Weed made no remarks, so that I cannot say how well he
was pleased. Captain Martin has sent in his resignation
twice, and both times he has been refused. General Hooker
has just issued an order that resignations may be accepted
when accompanied by a surgeon's certificate of disability,
or when it is evident that the officer can be replaced by a
better man. Captain Martin says he thinks that he shall
call for a Board of Examiners, and if they do not conclude
that he is entirely unfit and ignorant, it will not be his fault.
. . Last night, soon after dark, a belated traveller called
on me for hospitality. It turned out to be a correspondent
of the New York 'Times' named Judd, a graduate of
Williams College of the class of '60. Of course I was glad
to furnish him with food and shelter. . . ."
Phillips' Diary: "Tuesday, Feb. 10, 1863. Blake got
back from Washington. He brought . . . Casey's Tac
tics, Anderson's Evolutions of Field Artillery, cards,
paper, etc. ... A party of recruits left Massachusetts to
day. Wednesday, nth. . . . Spent the day in camp read
ing tactics etc."
Scott's Notes: "Feb. 12, 1863. Battery D, 5th U. S.
Artillery entered in hurdle race, best jumper to have 15
days furlough."
Dyer's Notes: "Feb. 13, 1863. Camp policed today in

554 HISTORY OF THE
good shape. Sounds of revelry heard tonight at Head
Quarters." From Letter of Captain Phillips: "Feb. 14, 1863. Yes
terday forenoon, tempted by the bright sun and the dry
ground, I started out for a ride. After calling on Lieut.
Col. Sherwin (Thomas Sherwin Jr.) of the 22d, Scott and
I started off on a round-a-bout trip. Striking the main
road we crossed Potomac Creek about a mile below the
bridge, and then followed up the stream and recrossed the
creek just above the bridge. All expectation of an early
movement vanished as soon as we struck the main road.
The mud was intolerable, and the deep ruts brought back
the Peninsula campaign to our minds. Assuredly no move
yet. So great is the confidence felt in the immobility of
the Army, that Captain Martin and Lieut. Walcott have
sent on for their wives to come out. The introduction of
ladies into our society will create quite an excitement, and
I shall impress upon Henry the importance of keeping my
boots well blacked.
Log houses are almost universal out here, and we have
just laid the foundation of one calculated to surpass any
thing now in existence. Its dimensions are 9 by 18, and it
is to be divided into two rooms, one for a bedroom and the
other for a dining room. When this is finished we con
template another of the same size as mine, and then we are
going to cut doors and build entries, so as to connect them
into one house, the dining_ and sitting room in the centre
and the bedrooms opening into it. Whether we shall re
main long enough to finish our grand architectural design
is more than I can say."
Phillips' Diary: "14th. Lieut. Spear left on a ten days'
leave. Scott commenced a new house 9x18, close to mine."
Scott's Notes: "15th. Many ladies are visiting their
friends in camp."
Corporal Chase's Diary: "Feb. 16th, 1863. Company

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 555
drilled on the manual of the piece a. m., and a Battery drill
at 2 o'clock p. m. Acted as sergeant vice Peacock at
Acquia Creek."
Phillips' Diary: "Feb. 16. A large force of men were
busy today throwing up earthworks on the hills this side of
Potomac Creek. (In a letter Captain Phillips calls their
number 2000 or 3000. ) It is rumored that our Corps is to
be left here to hold the Rappahannock, and the rest of the
Army to go somewhere else. Nous v err ons."
The 17th it snowed all day, and on the 1 8th it changed
to rain and was the severest storm of the season. B. F.
Story returned to camp from furlough on the 18th. Cor
poral Chase posted the guard and the countersign was
"Chicago." Scott's Notes: "19th. Brigade at work on fortifications
part of the day. Lieut. Lull returned from a furlough of
eighty-six days. Two recruits came on that day, George
Macomber and O'Hara."
Dyer's Notes: "Friday Feb. 20. Delightful day. A
moderate wind that has dried up all the mud, and we have
a dry, hard park again."
Serg't. Page returned on this day. On the 21st Lieut.
Scott finished up his house and occupied it with Lieut. Lull.
Edward E. Rice returned from the hospital at Alexandria,
and 2 new recruits Purbeck and Trumbull arrived.
LETTER OF CAPT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Falmouth, Va.
Feb. 22, 1863.
... I enlisted a man the other day, and a recruit turned
up day before yesterday, having spent two or three months
in travelling from Massachusetts to this place, in charge of
different Provost Marshals as a deserter. So, on the whole,
we are gaining a little. My men are in excellent health
and spirits, and I consider the Battery now quite efficient.

556 HISTORY OF THE
. . . When I awoke this morning a snow drift lay in the
middle of the room, extending from the bottom of the door,
and sundry leaks at the eaves had allowed a feathery spray
to cover my coats, pants, &c. Outside everything reminded
me of New England; the air was filled with driving snow
flakes, and the drifted snow lay a foot or two deep. Blake
was even worse off than I, for, inside of his tent the snow
lay, as he said, about 7 inches on a level. Scott and Lull
in their new palace got along quite comfortably. This won
derful mansion, of which I wrote in my last, was finished
yesterday, and is now the wonder of the place. The dimen
sions are 9x18, the door is in one end. The rear serves as :i
sleeping apartment, and is ornamented by crossed sabres and
other warlike instruments. Drapery curtains, looped up at
pleasure, separate this from the front room, which serves
as a sitting and dining room. A Sibley stove keeps up a
summer temperature, and elegant paper hangings of grain
bags create a comfortable appearance and look quite neat
and gorgeous. Our dining table stands in the centre, with
a rubber table cloth, — we have ordered damask, — and we
cluster around the stove to cogitate, converse, &c. &c. At
present (Sunday forenoon) we are disposed as follows: —
Scott is sitting on his bed reckoning up accounts, today
having been a settling day. Lull is lying on his bed read
ing. Blake is sitting by the door reading 'Yankee No
tions,' and I am sitting at the table writing."
Phillips' Diary : "Feb. 22. A heavy snow storm all last
night and today, drifting all around. A parade was or
dered at 12 m., weather permitting, to listen to Washing
ton's Farewell Address, but did not come off. Salutes were
fired in the different corps."
Scott's Notes : "Feb. 22. . . . No movement outside for
two days. . . . Snow nearly 12 inches deep."
Guard mounting was omitted in the . morning. The
weather was too stormy for the cooks to make coffee in the

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 557
morning. Feb. 23d was clear and cold. Lieut. Spear re
turned from leave.
Dyer's Notes : 24th. Drill this forenoon as usual on
manual of the piece."
On the 24th men were observed at work where a new
bridge is to be built across Potomac Creek.
Chase's Diary : "Feb. 25th. Usual drill a. m. Weather
pleasant and a lazy day. Nothing to do but chop double-
and-twisted logs for exercise."
Phillips' Diary: "Feb. 25th. The rebels drove in our
pickets at Hartwood Church, capturing some of our cav
alry. Rec'd orders to be ready to march at a moment's
notice but not to start."
Scott's Notes: "25th. Took a ride among the camps.
Found the going very bad. Snow melting fast. Troops
at work on the work at the creek today. . . . 300 of our
cavalry captured. (At Hartwood Church.) Feb. 27th.
Cavalry return from the front. Rebs retire across the
river, taking some prisoners and horses. Balloon up on a
long reconnoissance. The Rebs intended to destroy Poto
mac Creek bridge. 28th. . . . Afternoon took a ride to
the Lacey house opposite Fredericksburg, with Lieuts. Lull
and Spear. Saw the Rebels at work on rifle pits : also their
cavalry pickets. Found going very bad."
Dyer's Notes : "Feb. 26th. Another recruit today."
Phillips' Diary: "Feb. 27th, 1863. . . . Applied for 10
days' leave."
Chase's Diary: "Feb. 28th. Company drilled on the
piece a. m. Went to provost marshal's to see about the
boxes, instead of drilling. My weight today is 168 lbs.;
eighteen lbs. 'premium.' March ist. Inspected the bridge
over Potomac Creek, and the fortifications to defend the
same, this p. m. with Serg't. Page."
Phillips' Diary: "March 2d. . . . Capt. Martin went to

558 HISTORY OF THE
Washington to meet Mrs. Martin. Rode down towards
the Phillips house to get ambrotypes taken."
Scott's Notes : "March 2d. Drill on pieces. Other bat
teries of Division out on drill. Mud drying up. Com
menced to build another house, for Spear."
Dyer's Notes : "March 3d. Another recruit came today.
22 new horses."

BREVET RANK.

An Act to Authorize the brevetting of Volunteer and other officers
in the United States service.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President
of the United States be, and he hereby is, authorized by and with the
advice and consent of the Senate, to confer brevet rank upon such com
missioned officers of the Volunteer and other forces in the United
States service, as have been, or may hereafter be, distinguished by gal
lant actions or meritorious conduct : which rank shall not entitle them
to any increase of pay or emolument.
Approved March 3, 1863.

Phillips' Diary: "March 4, 1863. Cold and blustering.
. . . Captain Martin returned from Washington with Mrs.
Martin and Mrs. Walcott."
Scott's Notes: "March 5th, 1863. . . . Balloon up on a
reconnoissance." Phillips' Diary: "March 7th. Started from camp at 7
a. m. on 10 days' leave. Reached Acquia Creek at 9, started
from there at 2, in the 'John Brooks,' got aground and re
mained so till 4. Reached Washington too late for the
train; put up at the Metropolitan. . . ."
Dyer's Notes: "Friday, 6th March, 1863. No drill, but
field movements displayed this afternoon out on the drill
ground. 7th. Lieut. T. W. Terry of the 13th Mass.
Battery arrived here today on a visit to the officers."
Timothy W. Terry had been Q. M. Sergeant of the Fifth
Mass. Battery.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 559
Dyer's Notes: "March 8th. Sunday. Cooking range
which the company paid for by subscription came today.
Cost, $50.00.
Scott's Notes: "March 8th. Lieut. Terry leaves for
Washington to join his battery at Fort Monroe. Attended
divine service at Captain Martin's Head Quarters, con
ducted by Elias Nason. 9th. Lieut. Spear Officer of the
Day. Drill on pieces; Scott. . . . Officers of the 5th in
vited over to Captain Martin's Hd. Qrs. Band in attend
ance." On this day a band of rebel cavalry passed through the
Union lines, entered Fairfax, Va. and captured a general
and a few privates; also all the government horses in the
place, and made their escape.
Chase's Diary: "March 9th, 1863. ... A 'council of
war' was held by the men, and they voted to reform the
cook-house discipline and to relieve Waddington and Burt
from the cooking department. W. & B. were superseded
by Townsend and Trumbull, who entered upon their duties
with the new machine today. A new cook-house built and
several improvements made."
Scott's Notes: "March nth, 1863. 2 p. m. hitched up
for drill by sections : Lull, Blake, Spear. 3 p. m. guns or
dered in position to' command Potomac Bridge, fear of a
raid by the Rebs. Ordered to report on some bread.
Waterman in position near our left. Eve, sharp lookout
kept." Dyer: "nth. . . We expect a raid from Stuart's cav
alry. On guard."
Chase: "nth. ... A fatigue party detailed to clear up
the ground round the guns, and three extra posts for guard
added. With Whitcher all the forenoon cutting and draw
ing wood to' camp 'for family use.' A picked up dinner,
but hot supper of beef steak and soft bread. A game of
base ball started after roll call this p. m. Company ordered

560 HISTORY OF THE
at the evening roll call to be ready to turn out at a moment's
notice, and not take off our clothing. 12th. Everything
quiet as usual last night."
The same order for sleeping was given for the night of
the 1 2th.
Scott's Notes: "March 12th. Guns still in position.
New recruit came in today. Brought in also a deserter.
Men employed fitting up camp. . . . Received notice of
discharge, — disability, — of Geo. F. Manchester. Signal
lights thrown up from Hd. Qrs."
Dyer : 12th. Thursday : "I was called up this morning
at 3 o'clock to go on guard. Eighteen men are detached
on the guard list."
LETTER OF SERG'T. W. H. PEACOCK.
"Camp near Falmouth, Va.
Mar. 13, 1863.
We are hourly expecting an attack from the rebels, who
are coming to try and destroy a high bridge of the Acquia
Creek R. R. about three hundred yards from our camp. Our
Battery is in position on a hill; also the Fourth R. I., and
several others. Our pickets are drawn in to lead them on.
The guns are all run back some from the brow of the hill,
to be out of sight, and we will let them get to' the bridge
before we commence firing. Such are the orders, when, if
they come, a force will cut them out in rear. For two days
and nights no man was allowed to go out of camp or un
dress at night; not even to take off his boots. We think
Gen'l Hooker is bound to trap them. I am anxious for the
fun to begin, and think they will be surprised when we open
up 30 guns on them, but the suspense is great."
Captain Phillips was in Boston.
Phillips' Diary: "March 13, 1863. Dined at Young's
with Captain Allen."
Scott's Notes: "March 13th. Ice makes at noon. Guns

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 561
still in position. Visited by Captain Martin and ladies.
Sunday, 15th. Hitched up Battery. Inspected by ist
Lieut. Scott. Pieces still in position. Martin's and Haz-
lett's batteries, out on Inspection. Eve, snow and hail,
thunder and lightning."
Serg't. Pattison left camp on furlough. Captain Phillips
in New York on the 15th. Visited the iron plated ram
"Dunderberg" building at Webb's ship yard.
Chase's Diary : ". . . Ground covered with hail and sleet
this morning. March 17th. 'St. Patrick's Day in the
morning.' Grand gala day with the Irish Brigade. Bat
tery drill about an hour, and at 4 o'clock. Acted as gunner
for the 3d Detachment."
Captain Phillips March 17th was in Washington on the
way to camp. Met Major Rice of the 19th, (Mass. Inf.)
Captain Barnard (George M. Barnard Jr.) of the 18th, and
Adjt. Patten of the 20th. RECRUITS. Head Quarters
ist Div. sth Corps,
March 17, 1863.
Special Orders
No. 21.
The following named enlisted men, having expressed a desire to
serve with the Artillery, are temporarily attached to the Batteries in
this command, with the consent of immediate commanders : —

Private Nelson Thrasher Co. B. 14th N. Y. Vols. to Battery E. Mass. Arty.
" Thomas Scott " " " "
" Samuel F. Brazee  "
" John Lahee " " " '¦
" Samuel A. Gorton " " " "
" William Martis Co. G. 32d. Mass. Vols.
" Michael Graham Co. C 1st Michigan Vols.
" Albert Lindsley Co. C 1st Michigan Vols.
" Richard Hornby Co. G. " " "
Randall Fox Co. G. " "
" Frank Shepard Co. I. " " "
" Walter Northrop Co. I. " "
J. Van Iderstine Co. I. " " "
William Bugbee Co. K. 22d. Mass. Vols.
Adolphus S. Crawford, Co F. 2d. Maine Vols.

562 HISTORY OF THE
Private William H. Foss Co. F. 2d Maine Vols, to Battery E. Mass. Arty.
" Charles Keene " " "
William H. Mc Henry " " "
" William H. Jones Co. C " "
" Alfred Fork " " "
" Charles E. Foster " " "
" John Murray Co. I. " "
" F. C Williams Co. K, "
" Robert Joyner Co. F. 18th Mass. Vols.
" Ernest Hein Co.H. " " "
Richard Downey Co. — . 25th X. Y. Vols.
" Fred Bugler Co. F. 13th N. Y. Vols.
By command of Brig. Gen'l Griffin. (Sd.) C. B. Mervine, A. A. G.
Head Qrs. Div. Art'y
ist Div. 5th Corps, March 19th, 1863.
Official :
A. P. Martin,
Catil. Com'd'g. Div. Arfy.

Colonel Clement A. Lounsberry, who entered the ser
vice of the United States in the ist Michigan Reg't. Infan
try, and went home at the close of the war colonel of the
20th Michigan, wrote in a letter dated Fargo, N. D. Aug.
17, 1899:—
"It is unfortunate that the part taken by the 1st Michigan in this
campaign is lost to history. They, however, lost 35 killed and died of
wounds, and 97 missing, from March ist to June 30th, 1863. The win
ter previous they had been guarding the Washington and Baltimore
R. R., and came to the Potomac early in March. They were at this
time brigaded with the 18th Mass. and 13th New York. At Second
Bull Run they were with the 18th Mass. in their assault upon the Con
federate batteries, advancing under a terrific fire, in which they lost in
a few minutes eight officers, and nearly 50 per cent, of the men were
either killed or wounded. They went into action with 20 officers and
227 men, and but 4 officers were in camp unhurt, and less than 150 men,
when the battle was over.
The regiment had seen service at First Bull Run and was then re
organized 'for the War.' It was originally made up of militia com
panies, and was the first western regiment to reach Washington, in
'Sixty-One. It was from the cream of that regiment that the recruits
mentioned came."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 563
Corporal Shackley's Notes : "March 18, 1863, a number
of men from the 14th N. Y., ist Mich., 32d Mass. and
22d Mass. Infantry Regiments transferred to the Battery."
Phillips' Diary: "March 18th. Started at 8 a. m. in the
'Zephyr' for Acquia Creek. Arrived at 12. Missed the
train, took the next one at 3 p. m., and arrived at camp
at 4."
Chase's Diary: "March 18th. No drill today. Captain
Phillips returned. The advance troops had a skirmish with
the enemy yesterday, and the booming of artillery was heard
today. A squad of recruits came today. . . . Gorton and
Leahy came to' board with us. . . ."
Scott's Notes: "March 19th. Battery shooting at target
near us. Our pieces in position. Cavalry drive the Rebs
at Kelly's Ford. 20th. One man detailed to Battery from
22d Mass. Order for Review of Division on the 25th."
Dyer's Notes: "March 20th. The ist Brigade went on
picket this morning."
March 21st, 1863, Jonas Shackley was appointed Cor
poral to the ist Detachment. Patrick Welch was appointed
Corporal to the 6th Detachment.
Scott's Notes: "March 21st Rebs undertake to cross
the Rappahannock and are repulsed."
Phillips' Diary: "March 22d. . . . Lieut. Blake started
on a ten days' leave. Fernald of my class called round in
the afternoon."
Scott's Notes: "23d. 2 men from the 22d Regt. Bal
loons up on a reconnoissance. 24th. Review for the 25th
postponed (to the 26th). Rebs seen in force by our pick
ets. An attack expected."
Chase's Diary : "March 24th. . . . Cutting and drawing
up wood for family use, with Gorton and Leahy part of
a. m. . . Sergt. Pattison returned."
From a Letter of Capt. Phillips, March 24, 1863. "While
I was off we had a hedge put up around our tents, and a

564 HISTORY OF THE
little more done in the way of fixing up. Our quarters are
now a little village by themselves. 25th. About midnight
rec'd orders to be on the alert as the enemy was expected to
make a dash.''1
Scott: "25th. Troops turned out 4 a. m. False alarm.
26th. Division reviewed by General Meade. Battery in
line." Phillips' Diary : "26th. Squally in the forenoon. . . .
Division reviewed in the afternoon. . . . The artillery
crammed up in a heap in the worst part of the field."
Chase: "26th. Went with the Battery to the Review.
. . . Reviewed by Generals Hooker, Meade, and Griffin.
The Division made a fine appearance, and was witnessed by
quite a number of 'the gentler sex,' including Mrs. General
Griffin's sisters. Weather fine most of the day, but a slight
snow squall about 5 p. m. 27th. On fatigue today . . .
the only fatigue duty I've done since last November."
Scott's Notes: "March 27th. Sergt. Morrison goes
home on recruiting service with Lieut. (Thomas M.)
Cargill of the 3d Mass. Battery. Drill by Capt. Phillips."
Dyer's Notes. "29th. We have had quite a spirited
game of base ball today."
FROM A LETTER OF CAPT. PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Falmouth, Va.
March 29, 1863.
It is the day after a battle that decides the result, and
many a defeat in the hands of an able general is of more
advantage than a barren victory. ... In my opinion if this
Army is to make the main attack on Richmond from the
North, it should be aided by another force operating from
Suffolk against Petersburg and the enemy's communications
with the South. There must be 50,000 or 60,000 men
around Fort Monroe, Norfolk and Suffolk, and 20,000
could hold these points, leaving 40,000 free to operate

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 565
against Petersburg. A vigorous movement upon this place
would oblige the enemy to abandon Richmond, or to weaken
its defences so much that General Hooker would find it an
easy capture. It is not impossible that the main attack
may be made on the south side of the James River."
Chase's Diary: "March 31st, 1863. . . . About 3 inches
of snow on the ground and rain one minute and snow the
next. . . . Cleared up fine p. m. the snow nearly all melted.
Spent the day in the tent playing cards and dominoes. No
roll call this morning. Eighteen months in service. . . .
Gained 'the hilltop of our service' today. Will the descent
be as easy as the ascent? 3 spare wheels taken away to
day." Phillips' Diary: "31st. . . . About midnight received
orders to be in readiness as the rebels were at Hartwood
Church." Scott: "31st. . . . Roads very bad and creeks rising.
. . . Our pieces still in position."

FROM LETTERS OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
April ist, 1863. Camp near Potomac Creek: "Day be
fore yesterday I rode down to the Lacey house, and took a
look at Fredericksburg. The inhabitants appeared to have
moved back somewhat, and a few ladies were promenading
the streets, dressed as stylishly, for aught I could see, as
our Northern belles.
April 5th. Last Wednesday, Scott and I rode down to
the town of Falmouth where the 20th Regiment is en
camped. I have several acquaintances in this regiment;
among them Adjutant Patten of the class of '58 and Cap
tain Henry L. Abbott of my class.
A part of the way we went on the same road on which
we marched last summer on our way to join General Pope,
and it is astonishing what changes have taken place since

566 HISTORY OF THE
that time. Then we marched along a narrow country road
through a thick forest. Now nothing is left of the forest.
The country presents nothing but a wide expanse of naked,
barren hills. Fences have disappeared, and the old road
can hardly be traced amid the labyrinth of wagon tracks.
The troops have gradually moved back from the river,
and there are now hardly any camps within two or three
miles of Fredericksburg. This movement has been more a
matter of necessity than of choice, as troops must camp
near firewood in winter time.
The town of Falmouth offers nothing remarkable. It
consists of 300 or 400 houses, situated in a bowl shaped val
ley on the edge of the river. Sentinels of the Provost
Guard are posted in the streets, and the principal houses
are occupied as brigade and regimental headquarters. The
population, exclusive of the 20th Reg't. consists principally
of tow-headed children and a few clay-faced women. Be
tween the town and the river a line of sentinels are pacing
back and forth just as they do round camp at home. This
is the outer picket line stationed on a narrow strip of
meadow, which runs along the shore. On the other shore
is a corresponding line of rebel pickets, posted at rather
longer intervals than ours, and more inclined to stand still
and sit down. A mill just opposite the town appeared to be
a kind of headquarters, as there were half a dozen greybacks
lounging round. The 20th had their dress parade while we
were there, in one of the streets, perhaps 500 yards from the
rebel pickets, who have the privilege of witnessing the show
for nothing. An order has just been issued establishing
distinctive badges (see p. 20) for the different divisions of
the Army. All the members of our Division, officers and
enlisted men, are to wear a red Maltese cross in the centre
of the top of the cap. I rather like the idea. The object
is to prevent straggling, as every man will be compelled to
wear a badge and thus proclaim where he belongs."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 567
Chase's Diary: "April 2, 1863. . . . Lieut. Blake re
turned and Corporal Gibbs left on furlough."
Scott : "April 2d. . . . 3d Army Corps said to be mov
ing to Acquia Creek to embark. Roads drying up fast."
Chase: "3d. . . . Spent the evening playing euchre with
Gorton vs. Leahy and B. Graham. 4th. . . . Commenced
snowing about 7 p. m. 5th. Sunday. AU last night
snowing, with a high wind. About five inches of snow on
the ground this morning. No roll call last night or this
morning, on account of the stormy weather.
Battery arrived in front of Yorktown, Va. one year ago
today, when we first heard the guns of the enemy. Lieut.
Lull left camp for home."
IN THE MASS. LEGISLATURE.
RESOLVES CONCERNING MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENTS
IN THE FEDERAL ARMY.
Resolved, That Massachusetts bears in her heart those of her loyal
citizens who have gone forth to defend the constitution and the laws,
and to establish the integrity of our national government :
That she views with satisfaction and pride their steadfast loyalty,
and their gallant achievements :
That she will continue to encourage and sustain them to the full
extent of her power, and will send such reinforcements to their aid as
the national authorities shall, from time to time, demand :
That never has her determination to support the government, or her
assurance of final success, been stronger than today:
That, as she was the first to enter, so will she be the last to leave
the field, until every armed traitor has disappeared from the land.
Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor be requested to for
ward copies of these Resolves to the commanders of Massachusetts
regiments in the field, with the request that they be communicated to
their respective commands. Approved April 6, 1863.

Chase's Diary: "April 6, 1863. Drill on pieces, which
are still in position; 12 m. Grand Review of Cavalry by
Abraham Lincoln our President, — God bless him."

568 HISTORY OF THE
A CAVALRY REVIEW.
LETTER OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
"Hd. Qrs. Battery E. Mass. Art'y.
Camp near Potomac Creek, Va.
April 7, 1863.
President Lincoln is on here just now and will, I suppose,
review the whole army before leaving. Yesterday he re
viewed the Cavalry under Major Gen. Stoneman, about
13,000 in number. The review was announced at 12 o'clock
and I concluded to go. So Scott, Blake, and I mounted and
set off. The roads were a little muddy, but not very bad.
The Cavalry were drawn up in a hollow square covering
considerable ground, in fact, there was no one spot from
which you could see them all.
An American flag in the centre of the square marked the
position of the reviewing officer, and thither we rode and
soon found ourselves in a crowd of mounted officers of all
grades, from generals to lieutenants; major-generals were
quite plenty, in fact, I do not think I ever saw so many
before, and there were brigadiers without number.
A guard was placed to keep a place clear for the review
ing officer, and they paid no regard to brigadiers, keeping
them back with the rest.
General Stoneman was quite conspicuous, wearing his
sash across the shoulder 'Officer of the Day' style.
A little after twelve the President arrived, announced by
a salute of 21 guns, fired in poor style by a horse battery.
General Hooker rode alongside of him, General Butterfield
just behind, and then a numerous, nameless staff, and an
escort of Rush's Lancers.
Mrs. Lincoln drove up in a carriage and took a stand in
front of the crowd, in which were half a dozen ladies on
horseback. Then the President, accompanied by Hooker
and Stoneman, started off to review, and an immense caval-

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 569
cade clattered after them. Although they rode along the
lines at a slow gallop, the process occupied an hour or two.
. . . General Hooker is the finest looking general in the
army: tall and straight, with light hair and florid com
plexion. General Stoneman is a fine looking man : tall, and
with a long beard. He is a very good cavalry officer.
While the cavalcade was riding down the lines, I took the
occasion to look round the crowd.
There were lots of major generals that I never saw be
fore. There was Carl Schurz looking very savage, Maj.
General Howard with one arm, and Major General Meade.
I also met Scott of my class now General Gordon's assistant
adjutant general, and S. M. Weld on Benham's staff. By
and by the President returned to his station, and the troops
commenced to pass in review. This was rather a tedious
process, but we sat it through. The ist Mass. looked very
well. After the Cavalry came the batteries of Horse Artil
lery attached to Stoneman's command, and they passed a
second time at a trot. And then the escort of Lanciers
came up, wheeled into line at a trot in front of the Presi
dent in splendid style, and then we went home to' dinner.
Last night I received an order that the 5th Corps would be
reviewed today, but it was countermanded this morning."
SOME RECRUITS GO BACK.
By Special Order No. 29, Head Quarters ist Division
5th Corps, April 7, 1863, the following named enlisted men,
temporarily attached to the Batteries of the Division, were
relieved and ordered to report without delay to their regi
ment, the ist Michigan: — Privates Lindsley, Hornby, Fox,
Shepard, Northrop, and Van Iderstine.
GRAND REVIEW ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
From Captain Phillips' Letter of April 9th : — "President
Lincoln rode round through the camp, the troops being

570 HISTORY OF THE
drawn up in line on the regimental parades. He rode by
our camp about half past one : we presented sabres, he
doffed his hat, and the ceremony was over. Yesterday the
grand review of the season came off. The 2d, 3d, 5th and
one other corps turned out on a large plain near the Phillips
house, and in full view of the Rebels. The last corps men
tioned being some distance off, I did not learn what it was,
I think it must have been the 6th. [In his Diary he says
"6th."] . . . The troops were drawn up . . . each corps
in three lines of a division each, each division of three bri
gades in line of battalions and each battalion in column
closed en masse.
The Artillery did not turn out.
There must have been in the neighborhood of 80,000 or
90,000 men.
About 11 o'clock the President and General Hooker rode
up with the usual cavalcade behind, and Scott, Spear, and
I fell in with the staff, having made up our minds that this
was the only way to see the review. The President rode a
dark bay horse, which he has ridden all the time. General
Hooker on his usual, tall, white horse. Two little boys
about 8 and 12, I suppose junior Lincolns, followed the
President. The 2d Corps was the first reviewed, and the President
rode down in front of the ist Division, and we pelted after
him. As we rode along, I began to have some idea of the
pleasure of riding in a cavalry charge. Half way down the
line we came to a ditch and mud hole, and I expected to see
somebody stuck, but the cavalcade all got through somehow,
and away we went clown the line, round the flank, and up
the second line. More ditches and mud, but we pelt along
up this line, down the third and round in rear, and the
Corps is reviewed. Then we travel through the 5th Corps
in the same way; the cavalcade diminishing in numbers all

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 571
the time; then the 3d Corps was finished up in the same
way. Then the President and General Hooker took position by
the colors, and we, the staff, formed behind them, packed
like dried herrings. It is very pleasant being in a mounted
crowd, particularly if the horses round you are of a kicking
kind. However, no accident occurred, and we sat patiently
for two hours, while three corps passed in review. There
was the usual variety of officers and men, but a description
would be uninteresting unless from a better pen than mine.
By the time it was all over our appetites were pretty
hearty, and we raced home to dinner. We had rather a
funny time going and coming. Spear has a great tall
horse, that has no idea of stopping after he gets started,
and Scott's horse is a little worse, and never stops till you
run him into a stone wall or a house. As we were going to
the review we started off at a slow trot, but as each horse
has a great fancy for being ahead, our trot soon changed
into a run, and away we went. After running about half
a mile, I reined up, but the others kept on. Spear succeeded
in stopping soon after, but Scott kept on till we began to
think he was going to Acquia Creek. Finally he got his
horse off the road, and ran him into a dense thicket of grape
vines which stopped his career. Unless he had done this it
is doubtful whether he would have stopped at all, as his curb
chain had broken, and the horse had it all his own way. On
our return we fell in with Lieuts. (W. H.) Follett and
(Lewis V.) Osgood of Martin's Battery, the latter having
a horse very much like Scott's. They got run away with
twice; the first time the horses were stopped by running into
a fence round General Whipple's Hd. Qrs., the second time
they rushed through Major General Slocum's staff, over
half a dozen ditches, and finally brought up among the tents
round General Griffin's Quarters."

572 HISTORY OF THE
Scott's Notes: "April 9, 1863. Ice made. Drill on
pieces. Waterman taken his pieces from picket. The
President reviews troops on the Potomac: Belle Plains.
ioth. Drill on pieces. Company mustered for strength.
President reviews troops at Stafford Court House."
Chase: "April ioth. . . . Music at General Griffin's
Head Quarters last night by the band of the 33d Mass.
Regiment." Dyer's Notes: "April nth, 1863. Saturday. Base ball
this afternoon."
From Letter of Captain Phillips, April 12th : — "The past
week has been noted for reviews. On Thursday, hearing
that the President would review the ist Corps, I started off
with Lieuts. Follett and Osgood of Martin's Battery, to see
it. Our jaunt proved a long one, and the review seemed
ever receding, but after travelling 10 or 12 miles, we
found the Corps drawn up on a level plain on the shore of
the Potomac River. They had just begun to pass in review
when we arrived so that we saw the principal part of the
show. The review, on the whole, was quite successful; the
field was very smooth and level, the day was beautiful, and
the troops marched well. We arrived at home about sup
per time, tired and hungry.
Friday was very warm and pleasant, and the President
reviewed the nth and 12th Corps. I concluded, however,
that I had had enough of reviews and stayed at home.
In obedience to> orders I mustered the Battery and for
warded the rolls to the Adjutant General's, for the use of
the Provost Marshal General in enforcing the draft. I
hope they will fill up the old regiments and batteries at
once. I find I have 117 enlisted men on the roll, needing
34 recruits.
This forenoon was warm and a little muggy, and we had
the ncYelty of being reviewed by a foreign officer : Major

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 573
General Fogliardi of the Swiss army. I received the infor
mation just as I was hitching up for my usual inspection.
The batteries were drawn up in a hollow square for review,
and the General rode round the square. He did not seem
inclined to spend much time in looking round, but rode
round as if he was used to reviews. ... I have read Gen
eral Butler's speech, and consider it the finest oration deliv
ered for a long time."
General Fogliardi had been chief of staff of Emperor
Napoleon III. At this review he wore a cocked hat adorned
with cock's feathers. He appeared to be about 30 years of
age, and wore glasses. He was accompanied by Colonel
Repetti and Lieut. Lubin, the latter acting as interpreter.
Chase's Diary: "Sunday, April 12, 1863. Corporal Gibbs
returned from his furlough. . . . April 13th. On guard.
Countersign 'Brighton.' . . . Unpacked all the ammunition
in the caissons."
Scott's Notes: "April 13th. ... A general movement of
cavalry. Heard of Lieut. Lull's receiving a commission in
the 14th Battery."
Phillips' Diary: "Monday, April 13th. . . . Lieut. Spear
and I took a ride down to the Lacey house. . . . About 10
p. m. received orders to have 5 days' hard bread packed in
knapsacks and 3 days' ready to issue."
Dyer's Notes : "April 14th. This morning we had or
ders to prepare for a march. Grain bags were made &c.
. . . Went to Falmouth and changed ammunition."
Scott: "April 14th. ... 2d and 3d Army Corps send
sick to the rear. Balloons up reconnoitering." (At Fal
mouth.) Chase: "April 14th. Usual drill a. m. Went with part
of the company to Falmouth Station p. m. to change a part
of the ammunition. Took all the caissons and limbers and
exchanged the shrapnell for new ammunition of the same
pattern. Had another view of the battle ground at Fred-

574 HISTORY OF THE
ericksburg; drank from Washington's favorite spring, and
the afternoon passed away very pleasantly. Weather fine.
Indications of a movement of the Army."
Phillips' Diary: "14th. Changed Schenkle shrapnell for
a newer pattern without the metallic covering. Lieut. Col.
Webb inspected horses."
GENERAL MEADE IN COMMAND.
April 15th, 1863, Major General G. G. Meade was as
signed to the command of the Fifth Corps.
Scott's Notes: "April 15th. Turned in at station 4
horses. Rainy. Country flooded. Movement of cavalry
stopped by Reb. cavalry; found enemy at the Ford. Some
firing. Lieut. Lull returns from Mass. Went to Falmouth
to purchase a horse. None there."
Dyer's Notes : . . . "Troops moved to the front in the
hardest of the rain, but had to return, as the roads were too
bad to advance."
Chase's Diary: "April 15th. . . . The tent flooded with
water. No roll call this morning. . . . Orderly Serg't.
Smith left camp on furlough."
Scott's Notes: "April 16th, 1863. . . . Went to the Sta
tion. Drew for the Battery 9 horses. Got an order from
Chief Q. M. to purchase horse of Gov. : while at Falmouth
saw the rebel camp and guns."
Phillips' Diary: "April 16th. . . . Went to see Weston,
who has just joined the 18th Regiment with a 2d Lieut.'s
commission. April 18th I paid $120 to Capt. Pierce for
my horse."
Dyer's Notes: "Sunday, April 19, 1863. Carloads of
sick soldiers passed here going towards Acquia Creek to
day." Chase: "April 19th. . . . Trains of cars very busy to
day, some run with great speed and others, up trains, are
heavily loaded."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 575
Phillips' Diary: "19th. Inspection at 1 p. m. ; then rode
down to the Phillips house with Spear and took a look
through the telescope at the Signal Station."
Scott's Notes: "April 20th. The President with Secre
tary Stanton visits the Army again."
Phillips' Diary : "22d. Received orders to be in readi
ness to move. At 10 p. m. began to rain."
From Phillips' Letter of the 23d: — "There are several
regiments in our Division of two years' troops whose time
of service is almost up, and who are making arrangements
for going home. I do not imagine any of the men will re-
enlist until they have been at home two or three weeks, and
spent all their money. However much a soldier may rail at
the discomforts of his life, he is as certain to return to it as
a sailor is to' go to sea again."
Dyer's Notes : "April 23d. . . . Post rations again or
dered for the Battery."
Scott's Notes : "April 24th. . . . Our pieces still in posi
tion. One piece of artillery put in fortifications at the
Creek bridge. Communication open to Rappahannock Sta
tion from Alexandria by R. R."
Phillips' Diary: "April 26th. . . . Scott and I took a
ride round by Falmouth &c."
Scott : "26th. Saw the Rebels on picket : their horses can
be seen feeding.
Chase's Diary: "April 25th. Serg't. Smith and Gard
ner Groves returned to camp."
Phillips' Diary: "April 27. Pleasant. The Fifth Corps
marched this forenoon. Sykes's Division at 10, Griffin's at
n, Humphreys' at 12. One battery with each Division.
Waterman's accompanying our Division."
Scott's Notes: "April 27th. One regiment, 13th New
York, refuse to march, their time being up.. They remain
in camp. Seward (W. H. Seward Secretary of State) re-

576 HISTORY OF THE
views one of the Corps. Salute fired. Troops moving up
the river. One Brooklyn regiment leaves for home."
Dyer's Notes: "April 27th. . . . The 5th Regulars
(Art'y) did not go."
Chase's Diary: "27th. The ioth New York Reg't. of
Infantry — Zouaves — passed our camp this a. m. on their
way home, free from service. . . . Warm bread for supper
per Gov't. Bakers; selling out cheap as the troops are mov
ing. Weather delightful."
AN INVALID CORPS.
On the 28th of April the campaign opened, and an Invalid
Corps was authorized. War Department,
Adjutant General's Office,
Washington, April 28, 1863.
General Orders
No. 105
The organization of an Invalid Corps is hereby authorized.
The Corps shall consist of Companies, and if it shall hereafter be
thought best, of Battalions.
The Companies shall be made up from the following sources, viz. :
First, By taking those officers and enlisted men of commands now
in the field, — whether actually present, or temporarily absent, — who,
from wounds received in action or disease contracted in the line of
duty, are unfit for field service, but are still capable of effective gar
rison duty, or such other light duty as may be required of an Invalid
Corps. Regimental Commanders shall at once make out, from information
received from their medical and company officers, and from their own
knowledge, rolls, — according to the Form furnished. — of the names of
all the officers and enlisted men, under their commands, who fulfill the
following conditions, viz. :
1, That they are unfit for active field service on account of wounds
or disease contracted in the line of duty, this fact being certified by a
fied by the medical officer, as above, after personal examination.
2, That they are fit for garrison duty : this fact being likewise certi-
medical officer in the service, after personal examination.
3, That they are, in the opinion of their commanding officers, meri
torious and deserving. By order of the Secretary of War.
E. D. Townsend,
Assistant Adjutant General.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 577
Phillips' Diary: "April 28. The Corps has marched sev
eral miles beyond Hartwood Church. The 5th and nth
Corps are the only ones that have marched." Hartwood
Church was a few miles north of Falmouth.
Scott's Notes : "April 28th. Pieces in position. Drill on
pieces. 13th N. Y. Regiment leaves for home. 29th. Our
forces begin to cross the river above and below."
Scott's Notes : "April 30th. Battery ordered to report at
United States Ford to cross the (Rappahannock) river.
Hitched up, broke camp and marched at 1 p. m. At 7 p. m.
camped for the night at Hartwood Church (8 miles) near
the Chancellor House. Eve, in camp. Travelling today
bad. Forge not in camp."
Chase's Diary: "April 30th. Quite rainy. Drivers or
dered to fill bags with grain. . . . An order read to us this
morning that the recent movements of the Army have been
successful &c. . . . Rather hard marching. The trail of
the forge was broken, and men were at work all night re
pairing it. Some of the caissons had much difficulty in
marching, and were delayed on the road an hour or more.
Teams were sent back to help pull up the delinquents. Na
tional Fast by proclamation of President Lincoln."
Phillips' Diary: "April 30th. ... The 5th, nth and
1 2th Corps are across the river. Camped at dark at Hart
wood Church, within 100 yards of our camping ground last
November. . . . Broke Forge stock."
Dyer's Notes: "May 1, 1863. Reveille at 3 o'clock this
morning. Boots and saddles about 5. Hitched up and left
camp. We crossed U. S. Ford at 11 a. m. Heard firing
ahead all day. Wheeling very bad. Reached the scene of
action about 5 p. m., and drove into line at 10 yds. intervals.
Fed horses, made and drank coffee, then turned in. Firing
ceased about 6 o'clock. On guard."
Chase's Account: "May ist. ... A fine May morning.
Passed through the village of Eagle Gold Mine, and

578 HISTORY OF THE
halted about f of an hour, halted again for about an hour,
and then resumed our march and crossed a pontoon bridge
over the Rappahannock, near United States Ford, about
¦| past one p. m. A heavy firing of both artillery and mus
ketry commenced in front about 3 p. m. and lasted until
night. A very heavy cannonading commenced about sunset.
A hard march today, roads very rough and muddy. Troops
in large bodies moving to the front all day. Weather fine,
but rather warm marching."
Scott's Notes: "May ist. . . . Pressed on to join Divi
sion. Went into park at 6 p. m. near the ChanceUor House.
Skirmishing going on with enemy. Horses stood in har
ness all night. Division tried to obtain Banks's Ford, but
were not successful. . . . Waterman's Battery in position
last night. At dark quite a heavy skirmish."
Phillips' Diary: "May ist. . . . The 3d Corps passed us.
leaving their knapsacks in the woods.
May 2, 1863, formed line of battle, our left resting on
the river. Barnes's Battery on our right (ist N. Y.
Light Battery C, Capt. Almont Barnes), Randol (ist U. S.
Batteries E and G, Captain A. M. Randol), Hazlett, and
Martin on our left, Humphreys' Division supporting us.
Heavy firing on our right and centre. All quiet in our
front. The ist Corps came over today. Our position in a
beautiful oak grove, strengthened by a hedge abattis,
( Felled trees, with their sharp branches placed outward, and
so interlaced as to present an irregular and thick row of
pointed stakes towards the enemy. ) rifle pits, &c."
Dyer's Notes: "Saturday, May 2, 1863. Our Battery
with Martin's and the 5th Regulars still in park. Been
hitched up all night. The 4th R. I. Battery came into park
in our rear about 5. . . We left here about 8 and went
into position on the left in a wood on a high hill, command
ing a front of 600 acres. Quiet in our post all day. About
5 p. m. heavy firing commenced on our right, and was kept

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 579
up at intervals until midnight. A picket by discharging his
musket created quite a stir-about on the line about io."
Chase's Account: "May 2d. Teams remained hitched
up all night last night. Removed nothing from the pieces
or caissons but our blankets. Cannonading last night kept
up until about 8 p. m. Rested very well last night. Battery
left the ground occupied last night at 7.30, and marched
about ^ a mile easterly, and placed the guns 'in Battery' in
a piece of woods on. the brow of a hill where they command
a good sweep in front. The infantry are engaged in cutting
down the trees and piling up wooden defenses. The posi
tion is a good one, well elevated, and the ground hard and
dry. Weather delightful. The 4th Rhode Island Battery
joined us this morning, having been engaged in a slight
engagement last evening. But little fighting up to about \
of 5 p. m., when it commenced in earnest on the Right, a
sharp firing of musketry and some artillery. The impending
storm has probably gathered all its fury and is ready to
burst upon us. Everything is all ready for the enemy's
reception, and the men are in good spirits. Weather warm.
The firing slackened somewhat, but opened more furiously
about ^ past 6 p. m. apparently on the extreme right, and
gradually approached our front. Shovels and picks sent for,
probably to throw up earthworks. The teams have re
mained hitched up all day, but were ordered to unharness
about J past 7 p. m. The firine approaches nearer and
nearer the front. Steady fighting until about 8 p. m. Furi
ous fight commenced again about \ past 1 1 p. m. and lasted
about half an hour; night mild and very pleasant. . . ."
SEDGWICK AT FREDERICKSBURG.
Notes of Lieut. Scott: "May 3, 1863. Fighting com
menced on our right at sunrise. Heavy and one continued
crash. Still in line of battle. Hard fighting till 11 a. m.

580 HISTORY OF THE
Our troops hold their own. Lost one piece of artillery on
the Right where the fight was. 12 and 2 p. m. cannonad
ing heard at Fredericksburg. AU quiet here. Very warm.
Expect an attack on our front. Pickets driven in. . . ."
Dyer's Notes : "... 3 stands of colors passed here that
were captured. The enemy came in on our front: a very
few shots were exchanged by infantry. . . ."
Phillips' Diary: "May 3d. . . . The 5th Corps went to
the right and the nth Corps took their places. A house
standing within musket range of Lient. Lull's section was
burnt down to prevent sheltering rebel skirmishers. A barn
followed suit early in the morning."
Chase's Diary: "May 3, 1863. Sunday. The sun rose
red and clear. Not a cloud to be seen. Hard fighting com
menced again this morning about half-past five. A good
night's rest last night. Routed out at 3 a. m. Watered the
horses and hitched up. . . . Half past 6 a. m. An incessant
roar of artillery and musketry since the battle commenced.
About a dozen prisoners of the 33d North Carolina regi
ment passed by us to the rear. A few wounded men are
being brought to the rear. All quiet on the Left. A small
squad, probably a General and staff, went out on the road
on our left front at 20 minutes past 10 a. m., when picket
firing commenced. Men were ordered to posts, but the
reconnoitring force came back immediately and the firing
ceased. . . . Troops who have been engaged and relieved
are coming to the rear with their wounded, in perfect order.
Not a minute's cessation of firing since the battle com
menced, at half past five this morning, up to half past ten
a. m., and the firing continues. . . . The firing began to
slacken a few minutes after half past ten a. m., and gradu
ally ceased. Had the luxury of a bath in a clear running
brook this morning.
Ordered to go back to the caisson and remain there p. m.
Another luxury, p. m., a change of clean clothing. Skir-

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 581
mishers went out on our left front at a quarter to 4 p. m.
Weather warm but a good breeze p. m. Some skirmishing
towards night. . . .
May 4, 1863. On guard last night, last half, with Cor
poral Proctor at the caissons. Very mild and pleasant.
Picket firing commenced at 4 o'clock this morning. Morn
ing very foggy. Major  of the 60th N. Y. regiment
accepted our hospitalities of hard bread and meat, this
morning. His regiment was badly cut up in yesterday's
fight and himself wounded in the left hand.
A little rain fell in the morning, very warm p. m. AU
very quiet a. m. Ordered to unhitch and unharness a. m.
Ordered to> pack up and hitch up about 1 p. m. Drew the
caissons in line, and unhitched and unharnessed again. All
very quiet along the line today up to 5 p. m. when a sharp
engagement commenced in the centre, which lasted about •¦]
quarter of an hour. Weather warm. Troops commenced
on a new line of intrenchments this evening."
Dyer's Notes : "Monday, May 4th. The morning opened
foggy but the sun cleared it off as it rose. The 12th Army
Corps came in our front as our support in case of action.
All quiet along the lines at 12 m. Sharp firing at 5 p. m.
occurred on the right, lasting about 15 minutes. Wrote a
letter home from the Field. On guard."
Scott's Notes : "May 4th. Enemy open at daylight on the
river at our baggage train across the river. The battery
is taken with an Alabama regiment : so report. Enemy keep
quiet today. Afternoon a reconnoissance is made on our
rieht. The enemy found in force. Some cannonading on
the right. Our Battery still in line. Our rifle pits extend
the whole length of the line. Heavy cannonading heard at
Fredericksburg, which is kept up late at night. An attack
expected." Phillips' Diary: "May 4th. . . . Kane's Brigade, Geary's
Div. supporting us. General Kane in a state of perpetual

582 HISTORY OF THE
excitement. Major (Charles R.) Mudge and Lieut. Fox
of the 2d (Mass. Infantry) came round."
FROM A LETTER OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
"May 5, 1863, 8 a. m.
We have been in our present position since Saturday
morning in line of battle, but the Rebels have not con
descended to attack at this point. We were supported by
the 5th Corps when we first came in here, but on Sunday
morning they marched off to the right, and the nth Corps
took their place. The fighting on Saturday and Sunday
was quite heavy. We could hear the fighting, but of course
knew nothing definite. Sunday forenoon was very noisy.
In the afternoon we sent out a few skirmishers in our front.
Heavy firing is going on occasionally in the direction of
Fredericksburg where Sedgwick has crossed. During Sun
day night the nth Corps marched out and the 12th Corps
marched in. . . . The 2d Mass. is half a mile to our left
supporting Martin. . . . Captain Scott and Lieut. Perkins
of my class are wounded. The 2d Mass. has lost 120 men.
One regiment near us have the colors of the 4th Alabama,
one of the regiments which took our guns at Gaines Mills.
The 7th New Jersey took 500 prisoners and 3 colors belong
ing to the 2d North Carolina. I saw the flags as they went
by here : 2 battle flags and one Confederate flag. Our artil -
lery cut the Rebels up awfully. Captain Weed has got 80
guns in position at Chancellorsville, and we have five bat
teries right along here. Our position is very strong. The
line of battle extends along the crest of a hill strengthened
by a rifle pit. In front is a road and a ravine, and beyond
this an open field, the Rebel pickets being in the edge of
the wood beyond, about 800 yards distant. . . . Cannonad
ing has just commenced on the right.
Only a few rounds fired.
All still again."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 583
Phillips' Diary : "May 5th. Nothing new in our front
In the evening marched to U. S. Ford, and crossed about
3 in the morning. The infantry crossed soon after day
break and thus ended Hooker's attempt to cross the Rappa
hannock."

Chase's Diary: "May 5th, 1863. A good night's rest last
night. Troops at work all last night putting up defenses
near us. Some fighting last night. Went across the river
with Serg't. Smith twice for grain this morning. Troops
cutting down the woods for defenses a. m. . . . Ordered to
take 3 caissons and the Battery wagon to the rear about
3 p. m. Took the caissons of the ist, 2d and 5th Detach
ments to the rear, and parked them near the river on the
south side. A thunder shower came up about 4 p. m., the
rain fell in torrents for about an hour, but rained some all
night. Serg't. Smith came to us about 10 p. m. with orders
for us to hitch up."
Dyer's Notes : ". . . Marched all night and recrossed the
ford and camped about a mile beyond, raining all the time."
Scott's Notes: "May 5th. . . . Very dark. Arrived at
the Ford and stayed all night. All the artillery crossing.
Infantry and cavalry this side of the River. Very wet and
cold. May 6th. 4 a. m. crossed the Ford and on the north
heights parked the Battery and fed; the enemy following
up the retreat to the River. The whole Army moving back.
At 2 p. m. arrived at old camp completely used up. Battery
all back in good condition. No loss."
Chase's Diary: "May 6, 1863. . . . Marched all the way
but did not keep up with the Battery. Reached camp about
^ past 4 p. m., about an hour after the Battery came in. A
long, tiresome march. Never so much fatigued before.
Troops came back today, regardless of order as soon as they
recrossed the river. Some cannonading heard in our rear
this morning. Found our houses nearly all as we left them
on the 30th ult."

584 HISTORY OF THE
In a letter of August 6, 1899, Mr. Chase speaking of the
material furnished for the History of the Battery, makes
the following allusion to this march: —
"I suppose others, like mine, were written under all the
various vicissitudes of a soldier's life in camp and in battle,
so that allowance must be made for imperfections. Some
of mine was written while the enemy's bullets were whis
tling over us in line of battle — June 27, 1862 — and the one
written at the battle of Chancellorsville was wet through by
a blinding rainstorm. The horse I was riding missed the
trail and I came near being mired in a soldier's grave."

LETTER OF SERG'T. W. H. PEACOCK.
"Camp near Falmouth, Va.
May 6, 1863.
We arrived here from the Battle yesterday afternoon, all
safe but awfully muddy and tired. Some men had been all
under in mud. We had only a few hours' sleep in five days,
and when we arrived here we were so much exhausted that
some had not strength to unharness their horses. Every
man dropped where they were halted, and fell asleep. Our
Battery was stationed on the Left, but it was a strong posi
tion, and we could not coax the Rebels to attack us. We
did no firing. No papers are allowed here yet. I should
like to see one, to hear if the battle was a victory or a de
feat. I think we killed the most men, yet our loss was very
heavy. They took our line of rifle pits on the Right, and it
cost us some 8000 men to retake them. Each of our guns
was behind a breastwork, and they were built in all forms.
I engineered our Section. We first cut down large trees,
two feet through, leaving four feet of the butts above
ground, then we cut up the trees in lengths of some 18 feet,
piling them up in front of the stumps four foot high, the
flank ends were put on of the same heighth and eight feet

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 585
long. In front of all this lumber was thrown solid red clay,
eight foot thick, and the height of the logs. It was a
strong work, and I was disappointed in not having a chance
to use it. The Rebels fought very desperately, and charged
our artillery to the muzzle of the Guns. Our loss of artil
lery men was very heavy. If I had time I could write you
incidents enough of the Battle to fill a book. A Rebel cap
tain, hearing heavy firing on the right, — he was a prisoner,
— said, T would give my right arm to be with my company
in that fight.'
It is reported here that our loss was 20,000, and the
Rebels' 30,000. The firing on -Sunday was the most terrific
I ever heard. On both sides probably 150,000 men, and
250 pieces of artillery were banging at one time.
When you answer this please send me $10, I am all out
yi money. Write soon. My love to all the folks. If I get
killed use my money as you think best for my little sisters."

CONGRATULATIONS FROM HEADQUARTERS.
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac,
Camp near Falmouth, Va.
May 6, 1863.
General Orders
IMO. 49
The Major General commanding tenders to this Army his congratu
lations on its achievements of the last seven days. If it has not
accomplished all that was expected, the reasons are well known to the
Army. It is sufficient to say they were of a character not to be
foreseen or prevented by human sagacity or resource. In withdrawing
from the south bank of the Rappahannock before delivering a general
battle to our adversaries, the Army has given renewed evidence of its
confidence in itself and its fidelity to the principles it represents. In
fighting at a disadvantage, we would have been recreant to our trust, to
ourselves, our cause, and our country.
Profoundly loyal, and conscious of its strength, the Army of the
Potomac will give or decline battle, whenever its interest or honor may
demand. It will also be the guardian of its own history and its own
fame. By our celerity and secrecy of movement our advance and pas
sage of the rivers were undisputed, and on our withdrawal not a rebel

586 HISTORY OF THE
ventured to follow. The events of the last week may swell with pride
the heart of every officer and soldier of this Army. We have added new
lustre to its former renown. We have made long marches, crossed
rivers, surprised the enemy in his entrenchments, and whenever we
have fought, have inflicted heavier blows than we have received.
We have taken from the enemy five thousand prisoners, captured
and brought off seven pieces of artillery, fifteen colors, placed "hors-de-
combat" eighteen thousand of his chosen troops, destroyed his depots
filled with vast amounts of stores, deranged his communications, cap
tured prisoners within the fortifications of his capital, and filled his
country with fear and consternation.
We have no other regret than that caused by the loss of our brave
companions, and in this we are consoled by the conviction that they
have fallen in the holiest cause ever submitted to the arbitrament of
battle. By command of Major General Hooker.
S. Williams,
Ass't. Adj. General.

CAPT. PHILLIPS' REPORT TO CAPTAIN MARTIN.
Duplicate sent to Captain Weed.
Hd. Qrs. Battery E, Mass. Art'y.
Camp near Potomac Creek, Va.
May 7th, 1863.
Capt. Weed, Chief of Corps,
Artillery.
Captain:
The Battery under my command left Camp at Potomac Creek on the
30th of April, in obedience to orders from Captain Martin, and marched
to Hartwood Church.
On the ist we marched to near Chancellorsville. and remained in
park all night.
The next day I marched about two miles to our left, and placed the
Battery in position, supported by Humphreys' Division. I remained
there till the evening of the 5th, when by order of Capt. Randol I
marched to United States Ford, crossed, and returned to our old camp.
I have not been in action, have lost no men or horses, and the few
implements I have lost can be easily replaced.
Your Ob't Serv't, Charles A. Phillips, Capt.
Battery E, Mass. Art'y.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 587
Chase's Diary: "May 7, 1863. . . . The guards are like
dead men when once asleep. Almost impossible to rouse
them. Troops straggling back to camp all day. At work
all day repairing and cleansing our caissons."
Dyer's Notes : "May 7th. . . . Orders came in the after
noon to cook up three days' rations, and hold ourselves in
readiness." Scott's Notes : "May 7th. The Rebs in full force at Fred
ericksburg." In a letter dated May 7th Captain Phillips says of the
march back, that "it was the muddiest, dirtiest time" he ever
had. The door, and all the furniture of his house, gone,
desk and washstand, but the floor was left.
Chase's Diary: "May 8th. . . . The ist Brigade of the
ist Division, 5th Corps, started out again this morning to
help get up the pontoon trains."
In camp near Potomac Creek, May 9th, Captain Phillips
wrote the following review of the recent movement, begin
ning with the formation of the column : — -
"The column consisted of the batteries of the 5th Corps
which had remained behind, and marched in the following
order : — Hazlett, Martin, Phillips, Barnes, Gibbs. ( 1 st Ohio
Light Battery L, Captain Frank C. Gibbs.) The roads were
not very bad but our horses were unused to pulling, and the
column lengthened out very fast. However, before dark
we reached Hartwood Church and went into camp, Captain
Martin occupying our old camp, and we occupying his old
camp of last November. The next morning we took the
road toward the river and after the usual amount of stop
pages crossed on the pontoon bridge and pushed on. The
road was quite bad, and we made slow progress. When we
got over the river we could distinguish firing ahead, though
not very loud. During the afternoon we passed the 3d
Army Corps which had crossed just ahead of us. They
were just unslinging knapsacks, and getting ready for ac-

588 HISTORY OF THE
tion. I saw General Whipple here for the last time, as he
was riding along his Division. (Major General Amiel W.
Whipple died May 7, 1863, of wounds received at Chan
cellorsville.) About dark, just after passing a rifle pit
which the Rebels had thrown up the day before and had
been driven out of that morning, we came to a large open
field, full of batteries. On our right was a large brick house,
'Chancellorsville,' and this field was where the fighting took
place. The firing ahead was kept up till about 9 o'clock.
We remained hitched up all night, and the next morning
preparations were made for action. The 5th Corps came in
from the front and formed line of battle behind us, extend
ing to the left. About six o'clock we started down a road
which cut at right angles the one we had come up on, pass
ing along the front of our Division. After marching about
two miles Captain Martin directed me to place the Battery
in position on a hill running towards the river, with Hum
phreys' Division supporting. The 5th Corps formed the
left wing of the line extending to the river. The artillery
of this wing was arranged as follows, counting from the
left: — Randol 4, 12 pdrs., Martin 6, 12 pdrs., Hazlett 6, 10
pdr. Parrotts, Phillips 6, 3 in., Barnes 4, 3 inch, com
manded by Captain Randol. Captain Weed commanded the
Art'y of the Centre, consisting of 80 pieces. Waterman
was between the Left and Centre. Randol, Martin and
Hazlett were on a high hill, and their right was separated
from my left by a deep ravine on which the line of battle
formed a deep re-entering angle. Along our front extended
rifle pits, at first mere brush fences, but growing all the
time until they became quite respectable entrenchments.
Our position was quite strong, as our artillery had a clear
range of the country for a thousand yards in front. In the
afternoon the attack commenced on our right. We could
hear heavy volleys of musketry and artiUery, but of course
had no idea what was the result. All was quiet in front of

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 589
us, and a reconnoitering party sent out through the woods
did not find any force of the enemy. So the day wore on
and we quietly went to sleep. The next morning stragglers
began to come along, most of them wearing the crescent —
nth Corps — on their caps, arid all these reported the rebels
victorious, while all the wounded men said we were beating
them. On Sunday the firing commenced at daylight, and con
tinued till afternoon very heavy. About midnight I was
awakened by a trampling round me, and found regiments
marching all around me. It was the 12th Corps relieving
the nth. One colonel jumped his horse over the log by
which I was sleeping, and marched his regiment over, and
before I got up in the morning, the pioneers had carried the
log off to the entrenchments. Monday was perfectly quiet
all along our lines. About 5 p. m. a thunder storm came
on. The weather had been pleasant up to this time. About
9 we were ordered to march to U. S. Ford. It was pitch
dark and raining as we started out, but we managed to get
along without serious trouble, except that one caisson got
stuck in the mud and we had to unharness the horses and
work an hour getting it out. We got to the hill near the
Ford about midnight, and found a crowd of batteries wait
ing to go over. So we waited while the rain poured down
on our backs and got over about daylight. As soon as we
were across we pushed for our old camp, and arrived at
home about noon, cold, tired, hungry, and disgusted. I
have not found any one who knows why we recrossed. The
Rebels certainly had not licked us, and our men were in
tip top condition. ... No newsboys have been allowed up
here since we came back."
Phillips' Diary : "May 8th. The general conclusion seems
to be that the rebels ran away from us a few hours before
we ran away from them."

590 HISTORY OF THE
Scott's Diary: "May 9th, 1863. Went down to Freder
icksburg. Rebels plainly to be seen at work repairing
breastworks. Our forces returned to old camps. Rebel
loss stated at 18,000 last fight. Stoneman went within two
miles of Richmond (see Hooker, p. 586) doing them a great
deal of damage. Balloon up on reconnoissance. May ioth.
All quiet on the Rappahannock. . . . Rebs occupy Freder
icksburg." Chase's Diary: "May ioth. Sunday. A day's rest."
Scott: "May nth. . . . Stoneman's cavalry returned.
Found the people in Rebeldom not in a state of starvation.
Brought off many horses. Went to Falmouth. Some of
our prisoners, wounded, being brought across the River.
25th New York Reg't. refuse duty, their time being out,
and are kept under guard all night."
Phillips' Diary: "nth. Osborne of our class, ass't sur
geon of the ist Mass. Cavalry, came round."
Chase's Diary: "May 12th. . . . The 14th N. Y. Regt.
passed our camp on their way home this a. m."
Scott : "May 12th. Ambulance train gone across the
River for our wounded at request of the Rebs. Several
regiments gone home today. Drill on pieces. May 13th.
Official notice of General 'Stonewall' Jackson's death, Rebel
Army. Order to this Battery to report to General (Robert
O.) Tyler, Artillery Reserve."
Captain Phillips resumes his comments on the recent bat
tle in a letter dated May 13th, 1863: —
"We crossed the river in good style, obtained a good
position : the performance of the cavalry was splendid, and
must have alarmed the enemy. But again we fell into the
usual blunder of allowing the Rebels to attack us in detail.
Even then, when their whole force was concentrated in an
attack on our right wing, we kept them back. Only a por
tion of our Army was engaged. Of their three Corps com
manders Jackson, Longstreet and A. P. Hill; Jackson was

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 591
killed, and Hill wounded, and it is known that all the avail
able forces of Longstreet's Corps were engaged. Well,
after we had driven them back, cut their lines of communi
cation and captured their trains, and two days had passed,
during which they did not venture to attack us, why then,
we retreated across the Rappahannock and reoccupied our
old camps!
Our Corps is being reduced very much by the expiration
of the term of service of the 9 mos. and 2 years men. Hum
phreys' Division of 9 mos. Pennsylvania Regts. will have
but two regiments at the end of this week. The 12th, 13th
and 14th N. Y., 2 years men have left our Division and
there are several more to go. . . .
Things look so much like a permanent occupation of the
camp, that I am almost inclined to plant vines and flowers
round my door. At any rate, it will do no harm if we move :
morning glories, sweet pease &c. It will give me an oppor
tunity to resume my botanical studies."
Dyer's Notes : "Thursday, May 14th. Orders came for
all the infantry men in our Battery to report to' the 5th U
S. Battery. They left about 8 o'clock."
Scott's Notes : "May 14th. Large guns, 100 pounders,
being taken up to Falmouth. The R. I. Battery ordered to
report to Artillery Reserve instead of 5th Regulars."
Chase's Diary: "May 15th. Broke camp about 8 o'clock
this 'morning and marched about i-J miles towards Fal
mouth Station. Remained hitched up until about two p. m.,
when we unhitched and laid out a camp."
Scott's Notes: "May 15th. Broke camp and moved to
within a mile of Fredericksburg, in sight of the enemy's
lines, and camped with the Volunteer Reserve Artillery, 14
batteries, all under the command of General Tyler. Camped
under the direction of Major (John A.) Tompkins of
Rhode Island. Assigned to ist Brigade, Major Freeman
McGilvery, 7 batteries."

592 HISTORY OF THE
"This move was a hard one for the 5th Battery," was a
later comment of Lieut. Scott, "but it proved to be only
temporary, for the interest of the movement then on foot."
The Battery was inspected by Captain George W. Adams,
Battery G, ist R. I. Acting Assistant Inspector of Division.
Dyer's Notes: "May 15th. Started in the direction of
Hooker's Head Quarters. After marching half an hour we
drew up into line about half a mile from his Head Quarters
where we were inspected : then unhitched and pitched our
tents. Encamped in a large field."
May 1 6th was passed in preparing camp accommodations
half a mile from General Hooker's Head Quarters.
Scott's Notes: "May 16th. . . . Went down to the river
in front of Falmouth. Rebs at work on their works, Gen
eral Barksdale in command."
LETTER OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Falmouth, Va.
Sunday, May 17, 1863.
We have ceased to belong to the 5th Army Corps. An
order was published last Wednesday, stating that the artil
lery in the different corps would be reduced, and certain
batteries in each corps were ordered to report to Brig. Gen'l
Tyler commanding Artillery Reserve. The batteries in our
corps were Randol's (E & G) ist U. S. ArtiUery, Hazlett's
D, 5th U. S. Artillery, and mine. Waterman's was subse
quently sent in place of Hazlett's. In accordance with this
order, I reported to General Tyler, and on Friday marched
from our old camp, and camped near a house formerly Gen.
(D. B.) Birney's headquarters, and not a great ways from
the Phillips house. . . . We are camped on a dry, barren
plain, without a tree in sight, and yesterday we found it very
dusty. We have our tents pitched so that their fronts form
three sides of a square, with a fly, covering the centre, form-

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 593
ing a cool and shady porch, in which I am now writing.
Our camp is roomy, clean, and rather pleasant than other
wise. We have a good view from it of the hills back of
Fredericksburg, rebel camp, etc. There are 13 other bat
teries encamped round us. . . . We are partially brigaded
in brigades of four batteries. The weather is now quite
warm and tents are very comfortable. We brought our
floors along with us, and have found very good sutlers
round here. This forenoon I had my usual inspection. ..."
Phillips' Diary: "May 18th. . . . Lieut. Scott thrown off
his horse."
Scott's Notes: "May 18th. Battery to be inspected by
Captain Adams. ... 11 a. m. inspection. Started with
Captain Phillips on horseback, to go to Captain Martin's.
Horse ran with me, and threw me against a tree, but did
not hurt me beyond a few bruises."
Chase's Diary: "May 18th. On guard today at Head
Quarters of Major Tompkins . . . with W. H. H. Lap
ham, M. Coleman, and B. Doherty. Head Quarters at the
residence of Mr. Thrashley. 19th. Relieved from guard
this morning about 8 o'clock."
Dyer's Notes : "May 19th. . . . This evening the string
band across the road gave us a moonlight serenade. On
guard." Scott's Notes: "... Mr. Gale of this Battery detailed
as hospital steward Div."
Dyer's Notes : "May 20th. . . . Today the Battery drew
rations from the Commission, such as vinegar, hard tack,
and beans. Vinegar dealt out at night."
Chase's Diary: "May 21, 1863. Usual drill a. m. Went
to see the Rebels go through their brigade drill, at 'Water
Call' p. m. Witnessed the above performance just across
the river near Fredericksburg. Weather very warm. Rode
Serg't. Peacock's celebrated war-steed 'Gabriel' to see the
drill p. m."

594 HISTORY OF THE
Corporal Chase says of this horse in a note dated January
20, 1901 : — "Alexander's 'Bucephalus' was no account com
pared with 'Gabriel' ; when he was fattest his ribs stood out
in high relief like the ridges of a washboard, and when he
was lean, it was no worse. He would eat anything and
everything, man included."
THE HORSE GABRIEL.
Notes of Sergt. Peacock, Jan'y 26, 1901.
"About my old horse 'Gabriel,' — he certainly was a won
derful horse, and had a great affection for the Battery.
On a march, or in a battle, I never hitched him. He would
remain right with the Detachment horses until I wanted
him, but gave me great trouble to drive away from the
Battery, especially when on the move. Sometimes a car
riage would break down, and I would be ordered to the rear
to attend to it. I would turn Gabriel away from the Bat
tery, but he would not budge. Often I was compelled to
dismount and tie him to anything I could find, and wait
until the Battery was out of sight, then I could manage him.
He also was a great jumper, and would leap a wall or stream
of water as easily as a rabbit. Sometimes he would take a
notion to run away with me. After he had done this several
times, our Blacksmith, Mike Hewitt, made me a long-
mouth bit, that reached well up into his mouth. To over
come this, Gabriel would bend his long arched neck, and
get his chin on his chest. This checked the power of the bit,
and he would run when he felt like it.
In leading the horses to water, when near it, he usually
made a dash for it, going in almost up to his ears and giving
me a good wetting.
Aside from these failings, he was a good horse, and we
were much attached to one another.
Serg't. Stiles told me when I saw him last, that after
Gabriel was condemned and turned into the Corral, he felt

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 595
so bad about it he got an order and went there and brought
him back to the Battery, cared for him, and put him in
shape so he rode him for some time.
While the Battery had so many horses killed and
wounded Gabriel was never hit. My recollection is that
Lieut. Scott rode him off the field at Gettysburg when he
was wounded."
Scott's Notes: "May 22, 1863. . . . Order came for a
commissioned officer to accompany the horses at all Water
Calls to and from water. Usually done by a sergeant.

LEFT SECTION TURNED IN.
May 23d. Orders came to consolidate the Battery, turn
ing in 2 guns, thus making us a 4 gun battery. Complement
of men, present and absent, 118 men, 5 officers. This news
was not well received by the company, but we were supposed
to submit. Turned in Left section complete, to Major
McGilvery at Acquia Creek."
Chase's Diary : "May 23d. Usual drill a. m. Ordered to
make the equipments of the Right and Centre sections good
from the Left section p. m., as two guns are to be turned
in." From Captain Phillips' Letters Sunday, May 24, 1863 : —
"The batteries in this Division have been reduced to four
guns, on account of the small number of the men, and I
think it will add to their efficiency. I have not men enough
to man six guns, and can manage a great deal better with
four. Major Tompkins informs me that the arrangement is
merely temporary— until the batteries can be filled by the
draft, and no officers will be mustered out.
I am sorry to say that everybody is moving to new and
pleasanter camps. Hooker moved a day or two ago, and we
shall move this week. My sorrow does not arise from any
love for our present camp, but from the fact that these

596 HISTORY OF THE
movements do not look like an early advance. The roads
are in splendid condition. We have not had a drop of rain
for a fortnight, and the whole country is parched and baked
hard. I don't understand why we don't go ahead."
Diary: "24th: Rode over to the 19th Regt."
Chase's Diary : "May 25th. Lieut. Spear and J. Winters
left camp on furlough today. ..."
Scott's Notes : "May 26th. Lieut. Lull goes to Acquia
Creek to turn in the Left section."
Phillips' Diary: "May 27, 1863. Moved camp at 8 a. m.
to near White Oak Church. Camped in the edge of the
woods." Chase: "27th. Marched about 2 miles easterly. . . .
Reached camp about 12 m."
This was in the direction of Belle Plains.
Scott : "May 27th. . . . Camp at White Oak Church. A
good situation in woods on a hill, quite a relief from the
sandy plain we have just left. . . . Horses well-sheltered in
a grove." Chase: "28th. Quarters being built with much care."
Dyer : "28th. AU hands busy fixing up around their
quarters, cutting stumps, sweeping &c."
Scott's Notes : "May 29th. At 9 a. m. attended meeting
of members to form a court martial at Major Tompkins'
Hd. Qrs. Present Major Osborne Pres't. Captains Hunt
ington and Douglass. Adjourned till Monday, same place.
5th Corps and other troops moving up River. Enemy quite
active and said to have crossed the River. Turned in 26
horses. 4th Detach, equalized."
Chase's Diary: "May 29th. Lieut. Spear returned. An
order read in line assigning Sergt. Pattison to the ist De
tachment and Sergt. Simonds to the 3d. Sergts. Peacock
and Page still retain the same positions as formerly. Plenty
of whiskey, ale, and gin for the men in camp, for sale and

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 597
gratis this p. m. The men of the Left section assigned to
the Right and Centre sections today."
Scott's Notes: "May 30th. Rode over to Falmouth.
Road very dry and dusty. Fifth Corps said to be at Kelly's
Ford." May 31st Lieut. Scott was appointed Judge Advocate.
The court met and adjourned from day to day.
Chase's Diary: "May 31st, 1863. Sunday. The Battery
with the ist Ohio, Battery H, (Captain James F. Hunting
ton) was inspected by Major McGilvery of the Volunteer
Reserve Artillery and the officers of the two batteries.
Weather very warm a. m. but a good breeze p. m. A fire
was started in the woods in the rear of our camp, and the
'Assembly' was blown, and all hands sent to check the fire,
which we succeeded in doing after some hot work. On
guard yesterday and last night, first half. Battery H
(Ohio) and E (Mass.) got mixed up some last night about
10 p. m. and Lieuts. Lull and Spear had to advance, and
succeeded in scattering the guerillas. Some whiskey afloat
and several knockdowns.
'AU quiet along the lines' at 11 p. m."
Dyer's Notes: "Sunday. May 31st. A number of the
boys are on mounted passes. June ist. Today about 20
extra men were put on fatigue for a week."
THE ioth NEW YORK LIGHT BATTERY.
Phillips' Diary: "June ist. Captain Huntington marched
about noon to Banks's Ford. Received 19 men from the
ioth N. Y. Battery."
Scott: "June ist. . . . Battery drill by Captain Phillips
— the dust blowing in clouds."
Chase: "June ist. A lively drill about 9 a. m. in presence
of Major McGilvery: changed the wheels, dismounted the
pieces, etc. Weather very warm.
June 3d. Battery hitched up at 8 a. m. and drilled about
an hour and a half under command of Captain Phillips, and

598 HISTORY OF THE
afterwards drilled about an hour with the ioth N. Y. Bat
tery under command, both batteries, of Major McGilvery.
. . . Drilled on the manual half an hour p. m."
Captain Phillips rode over to Falmouth and visited Col.
Devereaux of the 19th Mass. Infantry.
Dyer: "June 4th. Orders came early this morning to
prepare to move. Everything got in readiness at 5 a. m.
About 7 o'clock orders came to unhitch, unharness, and
pitch our tents. ... 19 men . . . came over tonight."
Chase's Diary : "June 4th. . . . The ist Ohio, Battery H,
hitched up the second time, and left the camp. Edward E.
Rice left camp to accept a commission this a. m.
Some of the batteries have left their camps, and others
still remain."
Scott : "June 4. . . . Only 2 batteries moved up to the
Ford. All troops under arms. Alarm false."
Captain Phillips' Letter : "June 4th. A little brook runs
along our front, where we water, and there is a wood in rear
of our park in which our tents and horses are placed. . . .
Our own tents are in among the trees, and we have built a
green arbor where we swing a hammock and enjoy our
selves." Scott : "June 5th. . . . Went to ride towards Belle Plain
and Potomac Creek. Went outside Picket line. Received
orders to draw another section, making us a six gun battery
again: 33 horses from the ioth New York, and 19 men.
Five p. m. firing on the Rappahannock below the city.
Sixth Corps after shelling the rebels out, crossed the River.
Went down to the River. Saw some skirmishing. The
5th Battery was inspected by Major McGilvery. The men
were encouraged, and the Battery stood well in drill and
inspection." Dyer: "June 5th. Heavy firing heard in the direction of
Fredericksburg- at 6 o'clock p. m."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 599
Chase : "Bugler Winters returned from furlough."
Captain Phillips' Letter: "June 5th 8 p. m. The 6th
Corps crossed at Franklin's crossing of last December, about
sunset. No serious resistance. ... All furloughs stopped.
Saturday forenoon : I have just got my two guns and horses.
No movement yet. All quiet on the river."
THE GUNS COME BACK FROM THE FOURTH
RHODE ISLAND.
Notes of Private John E. Dyer : "Saturday June 6, 1863 :
At reveille we were notified we were to have two more
guns again, and the men's names were read who were
assigned to these Detachments, I being assigned to the
5th Detachment, Sergt. Morgridge.
Two guns came to us from the R. I. Battery, our old
Peninsula pieces."
Scott's Notes : "June 6th. Harris's Light Cavalry
camped near us during the night, from Yorktown. . . .
Some skirmishing on the river. Our troops in position.
Rebs. obstinate."
Phillips' Diary : "June 6th. . . . Obtained two guns and
caissons from Captain Waterman, and 32 horses and one
section of harness from Lieut. C. T. Bruen, ioth N. Y.
Battery." June 6th a sergeant of the ioth N. Y. was assigned as
sergeant of the 6th Detachment of the Fifth Mass. Batterv,
vice Simonds in charge of the 3d.
Dyer's Notes: "June 7th. Brigade inspection. . . .
Regulations read in line at 'Retreat.' On guard."
Scott: "June 7th. Am Officer of the Day. . . . Our
troops still across the river. Some cannonading this after
noon. Harris's Light Cavalry gone to Warrenton.
June 8th. . . . Went to the River. Our forces still across,
having thrown up rifle pits."

600 HISTORY OF THE
Captain Phillips' Letter: "June 8th, 1863. Yesterday
being very pleasant, after a brigade inspection I rode down
to the river to take a look at our troops on the other side.
The bridges are laid at 'Franklin's Crossing.' At this point
the hills on the other side are nearly two miles back from
the river, and the plain between the hills and the river is
occupied by our troops. Our pickets are within pistol shot
of the woods which cover the hills, while our main body lies
just over the river. Part of the Corps is over, and the rest
is on the flat on this side ready to cross. Everything
seemed very quiet. A few rebels in the edge of the woods,
but no other demonstration.
The 5th Corps is stretched along the river from Banks's
Ford to Bealton : Huntington's Battery is at Banks's Ford :
Ames of our Brigade at United States, (Capt. Nelson Ames
Battery G, ist N. Y. Light.) Martin at Kelly's. Captain
Huntington was in here at noon, and reports all quiet where
he is. The river is very low. A slight thunder shower
Saturday night, is all the rain we have had since the storm
when we recrossed the river from Chancellorsville, and the
country is very dry. ... I have the finest set of horses I
ever had or saw. When I was reduced to a four gun battery
I of course turned in the meanest ones I had, and last week
when I received two more guns I went over to the ioth
N. Y. Battery and picked out the best horses they had. So
I have a lot now that will not stick at anything."
Scott's Notes: "June 10, 1863. Battery drill by Captain
Phillips. Some firing up River said to be a cavalry fight
at Culpeper. Detailed on Court Martial. June nth. . . .
Am off duty to-day attending Court Martial at Major
McGilvery's. . . All quiet on the river here.
Fight at Ellis Ford with Stuart's cavalry."
Dyer's Notes: "Thursday June nth. An inspection of
knapsacks this afternoon."
Scott's Notes: "June 12th, 1863. . . . Went down to

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 601
the river. Our troops still across. Our forces mounting
six ioo pdr. Parrotts."
Letter of Captain Phillips: "June 12. Some movement
is going on here. We have received orders to reduce bag
gage, and this morning I sent off knapsacks &c, allowing
the men to retain merely a blanket and change of under
clothes. The 3d Corps marched last night, and the
ist Corps this morning up river. The Battery is in tip top
shape." Chase's Diary: "June 13th, 1863. Marching orders
p. m. Orders to destroy all our surplus camp equipage
before leaving."

CHAPTER XVII.
THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG.
July 1-3, 1863.
GENERAL MOVEMENTS
"But yester-eve, so motionless around,
So mute was this wide plain, that not a sound
But the far torrent, or the locust bird
Hunting among the thickets, could be heard; —
Yet hark ! what discords now, of every kind !
Shouts, laughs, and screams, are revelling in the
wind;
The neigh of cavalry;
Ringing of arms, and flapping in the breeze
Of streamers from ten thousand canopies; . . ."
— Thomas Moore.
The display of audacity of the southern confederates,
which during the Maryland raid of September, 1862, they
were well aware had stimulated confidence in their cause
abroad, was repeated in June, 1863, with the hope of hasten
ing intervention in their behalf by foreign powers, and was
carried into Pennsylvania so far north of the dividing line
between that state and Maryland, as to give them, if un
molested, a fair chance of turning the tables on the national
army, and of compeUing from the national government the
credit for intrepidity ever yielded to the ensnarer by the
ensnared. But the account for this bold cavalry dash was to be
settled in plain view, for all the world to see and pass judg
ment upon for all time, in a clear field, divested of aU
complicating circumstances which could render it unintelli
gible; on free Pennsylvania soil, and north of the not too
602

GETTYSBURG.
The Fi'shrof July Zna

4

/. Philips' Sn/tass.Sattery. Z.Bigelow's.3.Z"<'/V:BaltsryS.4.Harti. S./Tmes:
^.Thompson's. 7. Peach Orchctrcf.8.7rostle's hovse. 9. Second Position
of theSnMass. JO. Lost Part of Sth. Mass. II. Meades Head Quarters.
IZ. Mc./977rsrer£ Mill. 13. Rebel Batteries. Silenced J-hPeiele-vfiladivy
Batteries. JS. Low Marsh. J6.////7up°n which the FteZels ircu^7jt
Their JBatteries. 17. Removed Piece iy hand. J87ioadfrcm Taney town
Poad to £mmitts"bvr$ Road. Id. "Partofs"' Corps. SO. Houseard Sam.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY.

603

loyal city of Baltimore, leaving the sacred cordon of defence
around Washington not only inviolable but actually
unassailed. All the important bridges on the Baltimore and Ohio
railroad from Martinsburg to Cumberland, Md. had been
destroyed. Creeping up through the mountains the rebel
cavalry, preceding a Division of infantry, encountering
our forces in a series of skirmishes, reached the town of
Carlisle, Penn. in the centre of the Cumberland Valley,
18 miles from Harrisburg the capital of the state, on the
27th of June.
Another Division of infantry, moving up by other roads,
encamped near Chambersburg, Penn.; another marched to
the north east of Gettysburg occupying the town of York,
breaking railroad communication between Baltimore and
Harrisburg; also, to facilitate their movements the Chesa
peake and Ohio canal had been considerably damaged.
Orders were issued to move north to Harrisburg, but
crossing the Susquehanna River at Wrightsville, they en
countered our forces at the bridge, and soon becoming
aware that their progress north was not to be unaccom
panied, on the 28th of June, the day Meade was placed in
command of the Army of the Potomac vice Hooker resigned,
they called together their divergent columns, and leaving
a Division at Chambersburg to guard their rear, after
attempting to obtain supplies at Gettysburg, and there on
the 30th being repulsed by our cavalry under General John
Buford, who had come up from Fairfield through Emmitts-
burg; failing, also, to obtain supplies through the mountain
passes in the presence of our troops who were being rapidly
reinforced, they determined to make an attack upon Gettys
burg, there establishing their lines in positions favorable
for artillery on Seminary Ridge, all ready for immediate
action in the great battle of Wednesday, July 1, 1863. .
The Union General John F. Reynolds had moved up his

604 HISTORY OF THE
Corps, taking up a defensive position. He commanded the
Right wing, consisting of the First, Third and Eleventh
Corps. The recoil of the rebel advance had placed the enemy
in the vicinity of Gettysburg, a village originally laid out
by James Gettys in 1780, situated seven miles from the
southern border of Pennsylvania, which separates it from
Maryland, and 136 miles by rail from Philadelphia. At
the time of which we write, it had become a town of about
3000 inhabitants, and was the seat of Pennsylvania College,
founded in 1832. In the near neighborhood are the Gettys
burg medicinal springs, and one mile from the centre of
the village there rises from the valley Seminary Ridge on
which stands the Lutheran Theological Seminary, founded
in 1825.
Gettysburg lies between two parallel streams, Willoughby
Run and Rock Creek, which here run nearly south, about
two and a half miles apart. Between these two streams
run three parallel mountain ridges. Rock Creek flows along
the foot of Culp's Hill on the east, and finally passes be
tween it and another rocky, wooded eminence known as
Wolf's Hill. Culp's Hill commands Cemetery Ridge and
Spangler's Hill, another rocky elevation covered with
woods, and its intrenchments protected our communications
with Baltimore.
West of the town about a half-mile, is Cemetery Hill
where Evergreen Cemetery is located. Cemetery Ridge and
Seminary Ridge run on nearly parallel lines, north and
south. Directly opposite Seminary Ridge about three miles
south of Gettysburg are two wooded hills, spurs of
Cemetery Ridge, called Great Round Top and Little Round
Top. Both hills were steep and covered with large rocks. Big
Round Top has an elevation of 300 feet above the valley.
Little Round Top is not so high by 113 feet.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 605
Little Round Top is also called Sugar Loaf Mountain
and Granite Spur. It is near a cross road, about a mile
and a quarter long, between the Baltimore turnpike and
the Emmittsburg road. Great Round Top lies southwest
of Little Round Top. The road which led to Emmittsburg,
a small town 50 miles w. n. w. of Baltimore and 10 miles
s. s. w. of Gettysburg, left the Union Centre at the foot
of Cemetery Hill, and diverged rapidly, crossing the field
between the two armies, and entered into the Confederate
line opposite the Union Left. This road was on rising
ground, traversing obliquely the space between the main
ridges. Far in the distance to the southwest is South
Mountain of the Blue Ridge, in the state of Maryland,
west of which the battle was fought September 14, 1862.
Ten roads from surrounding towns focus at Gettysburg
viz., Hagarstown, Chambersburg, Harrisburg, York, Car
lisle, Mummasburg, Hanover, Baltimore, Taneytown and
Emmittsburg.
THE DISPOSITION OF THE FORCES.
The territory embracing all the movements of the three
days' fighting, is five and a half miles long by four and a
half broad, covering twenty-five square miles. On Semin
ary Ridge, about a half-mile beyond the town, which they
held, were formed the enemy's lines. The Right of the
Union forces turned, at the junction of the Emmittsburg
road with the Baltimore turnpike, to the east and south,
with the rebels between the extreme right and Rock Creek.
The battle lasted for three days, commencing on Wednes
day July 1, 1863. The engagement of July ist was west
and south of the town, our Left resting on the Millerstown
road; the Right being prolonged to Rock Creek on the
Harrisburg road.
The First and Eleventh Corps on July ist had been over
borne by superior numbers, and forced back through Gettys-

606 HISTORY OF THE
burg, with great slaughter, but held the field until the
remainder of the Army of the Potomac came up. General
Hooker in command of the Army broke camp at Fredericks
burg June 15, 1863, and was moving northward from the
Rappahannock. On July 2d and 3d the fighting was on the south and east,
the Union forces occupying a position south of the rebel
army. The troops engaged were the First, Second, Third,
Fifth, Sixth, Eleventh, Twelfth, and the Cavalry Corps
under General Alfred Pleasanton, with an average for each
corps of less than 11,000 men.
Brigadier General Henry J. Hunt was Chief of the
Artillery of the Army of the Potomac, Brigadier General
Robert O. Tyler commanded the Division of the Reserve
ArtiUery. The First Volunteer Brigade of this Division
was commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Freeman McGilvery and
was composed of the 15th New York, Light, Captain Patrick
Hart, F and G, Pennsylvania, Captain R. B. Ricketts,
Fifth Mass. Battery, Captain Charles A. Phillips, Ninth
Mass. Battery, Captain John Bigelow.
The Position, July 2d, 1863.
On July 2d, our Centre rested at the Cemetery, the line
extending east across the valley to Culp's Hill, down its
eastern slope, across Spangler's meadow, and resting at
McAllister's Mill or Rock Creek. The Left wing commenc
ing at the Cemetery extended down the Ridge and in front
of it to Round Top.
General Meade arrived at 1 a. m. of the 2d, and approved
of the position selected and the disposition of the troops.
THE BATTLE LINE.
On Culp's Hill were the Twelfth Corps, General Henry
W. Slocum, at their left on Cemetery Hill were the First
Corps, General John F. Reynolds, divided and thrown to

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 607
the right and left of the Eleventh Corps, General Oliver
O. Howard, who occupied the Cemetery. The Second
Corps, General Winfield S. Hancock, were placed on the
left of the First Corps. The Third Corps, General Daniel
E. Sickles commanding — Captain George E. Randolph chief
of artillery Third Army Corps — who arrived on the night
of July ist and lay on Cemetery Ridge, took position on
the 2d at the left of the Second Corps. Subsequently,
abandoning the line drawn from Cemetery Ridge toward
Little Round Top he advanced to the Emmittsburg road
without, it is asserted, informing General Hancock and
thereby leaving a gap of some hundreds of yards between
the right of the Third Corps and the left of the Second.
One reason given for this change was that the position to
which General Sickles had been assigned was low and un
tenable. Having reached the Emmittsburg road, he formed
of his troops an angle, both sides of which were subject
to an enfilading fire, one along the Emmittsburg road to the
peach orchard, the other from the peach orchard southeast
to Devil's Den, a rocky gorge at the foot of Little Round
Top. Early in the morning, General Robert O. Tyler had two
Brigades of the Artillery Reserve in park behind the line
prescribed for the Third Corps, and by 10.30 a. m. the
remainder of the Reserve had arrived, and was parked
between the Taneytown road and the Baltimore turnpike.
The right of the Third Corps was three-quarters of a mile
in front of Hancock's left, and the left a quarter of a mile
in front of the base of Round Top. At this time nearly
all of the Confederate army had reached Gettysburg, and
was in condition for immediate action. The Union troops
were rapidly concentrating. General Meade was on the
ground. The Fifth Corps under General George Sykes, which had
marched at night from Hanover, 16 miles east, came up at

608 HISTORY OF THE
noon of July 2d, and moved to the Left of the line on and
about Round Top. The Sixth Corps, General John Sedg
wick, making a hurried march, and coming up later in the
afternoon, were massed on the Taneytown road at Man
chester, Md., a small village about 34 miles n. n. w. of
Baltimore, and 9 miles northeast of Westminster, which
is on the Western Maryland railroad. Taneytown, Md., is
on the Frederick branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad 22-J
miles n. e. of Frederick, and 40 miles n. w. of Baltimore.
The Union lines from Cemetery Hill to Round Top faced
nearly west, but from Cemetery Hill to the extreme right
it faced east, being about four miles long, nearly semicircular
in shape; the two flanks being one and a half miles apart.
The Confederate line was nearly the same shape, but about
a mile and a half longer, being on the outside, which in some
respects was a disadvantage, but the long range of hills
afforded more available space for artillery.
The number officially reported as "present for duty
equipped" in the Army of the Potomac was 101,262, of
which 6,427 were officers, and 7,546 belonged to the artillery
arm' of the service, but it is computed that the actual
strength, including the reserves and all arms of the service,
was approximately 85,674, with 354 pieces of artillery.
Major General Meade was in command of the Army of
the Potomac, General Hooker having voluntarily resigned
on account of incompatibility. He could not see his way
to act contrary to his own judgment. General Meade's
headquarters were in a small house on the south side of the
Taneytown Road, a short distance in the rear of the Second
Corps the Centre of his battle line. In front of the advanced
line of the Left wing was a ravine, and beyond the ravine
was a stone wall, which enclosed a wheat field, and south
of that was a peach orchard.
From Seminary Ridge descended the Confederate force
on July 2d, to attempt to turn our Left near Little Round

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 609
Top, and from the same elevation on the same day, they
made an equally futile attempt to storm our Centre at Ceme
tery Hill.
General Sickles' advanced line extended through the
Devil's Den, along the Emmittsburg road, and across Plum
Run. It was to turn this line and obtain possession of
the ground, that the rebel general Longstreet made the
memorable assault of the 2d of July, on Ward's (Colonel
George Hull Ward's) Brigade of the Third Corps, which
soon extended along the line. The design of the enemy
was either to turn our Left flank, or to move directly across
country and take the Union army in the rear, and they
made choice of the plan to outflank.
In the rear of the Third Corps, afterwards reinforced by
the Fifth Corps and the infantry of the Sixth, were the
Brigade of batteries commanded by Colonel McGilvery,
which included the Fifth Mass. Battery.
Between two and three o'clock the rebels, who were direct
ing the fire of their artiUery upon the troops at the Peach
Orchard and along the Emmittsburg road, sent their in
fantry down into the valley. They crossed the Wheat
Field, leaped the stone wall, and charged on the Divisions
of the Third Corps, which were unable to hold their posi
tion, notwithstanding the assistance given them on their
right by the Fifth Corps, on account of their inability to
hold the two mountain spurs and defend their left flank.
The endeavor to extend their line to cover this exposed
ground, scattered their forces, and compelled them to fall
back after two hours of hard fighting. The retreat of a
Division of the Third Corps on the extreme left forced by
this desperate charge, let the determined Confederates in
upon the artiUery in the gap between the left of the infantry
line and Round Top, numbering 30 pieces hurriedly posted
there; the extreme left of which was held by the Ninth
Mass. Battery, who were in position with the Fifth Mass.

610 HISTORY OF THE
Battery on the cross road to the left of the Peach Orchard,
and who at this critical moment were directed to remain on
the ground, and continue firing, until other batteries should
be sent to their relief. But the Ninth Battery was forced
to give way and retire firing, saving five out of their six
guns, and so the enemy fell upon the Fifth Mass. Battery,
which retired in the same way, and with the Ninth took
up a new position farther up the hill from which they
again opened on the enemy, whose attack now being
enfiladed by the fire from the troops of the Centre of our
line suffered great loss. They had encountered a Division
and a Brigade of the Fifth Corps coming up from the Balti
more turnpike, who protected the mountain spurs Little and
Big Round Top, and drove the rebels back across the ravine,
over the stone wall to the Wheat Field which they held for
the night.
Our new position was strengthened by reinforcements
from the Right and Rear, consisting of Divisions of the
First and Twelfth Corps, and later of the Sixth Corps,
aided by a cross-fire of the powerful batteries of the Artil
lery Reserve now posted along Plum Run : so that before
nightfall of July 2d, the advantage was on the side of the
Union forces, for the elevated position on Cemetery Ridge
to which they had been compelled to retire, proved to be
impregnable. While the Third Corps had been making this bold advance
and suddenly been whirled back again, the field at the
Centre and on the Right was comparatively quiet until dark,
when a charge was made on our batteries on Cemetery Hill,
by the enemy's troops leaving the town for that purpose,
and was repulsed.
Then a night attack was made on the Right wing, by
which they gained a temporary advantage, having our works
in their possession for a few hours, and seriously threatening
our Rear. AU failed, however, through the alertness of our

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 611
artillery, which was placed in a position to protect the weak
portions of our line on the Right, and at daylight on the
3d, our infantry, after a sharp contest, had repossessed them
selves of the works, and frustrated the attempt to cut off
our communications with Baltimore. On July 2, 1863, the
sun set at 7.23. After dark a council of war was held, at
which all the corps commanders were present, and it was
resolved to retain the present positions, and fight it out on
those lines on the morrow.
THE BATTERY MOVEMENTS.
"Who are these hangers-back, these
dark-robed ones?
They are the mothers who are reft of
sons;
The wives whose dearest lie all unca-
ressed
Afar with vital stains on brow or
breast :
The children orphaned at the mouths of
guns." — Richard Burton, The Background Group.
The following minute narration of the movements of the
Battery leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg, has been
collated with the most painstaking accuracy, from the
Diaries and Letters of 1863, as well as Notes of a more
recent date, from the pens of Captain Phillips, Lieuts. Scott
and Blake, Serg't. Peacock, Corporals Thomas E. Chase and
Jonas Shackley, Privates John E. Dyer and Louis E.
Pattison.

We left our camp near White Oak Church, Saturday after
noon June 13, 1863, between 4 and 5 o'clock. As we had
been expecting to move with the Artillery Reserve for some
time, we were all ready, and started out on the road to
Stafford Court House. The road was quite good, but dusty.
Weather very warm until about 7 p. m., when a thunder-

612 HISTORY OF THE
storm came up, but very little rain fell. We of course en
countered the usual delays from wagons, teams etc. A short
distance before reaching Stafford Court House there was
a steep hill, which seemed to have caused most of the delay.
Half a dozen wagons, a caisson, and a forge, were tumbled
over on either side, but we got up without a halt. We were
on the march all night. Drove out on the side of the road
at 4 a. m. of Sunday the 14th. Ceased raining. We fed
our horses, made coffee, and after a halt of half an hour
and a scanty meal, we started and pushed on for Brooks
Station and Dumfries on the Potomac. The roads were
good, though very dusty, and we travelled briskly. Went
about two miles on a wrong road; countermarched, and
took the right road. Reached Dumfries about noon and
made another short halt. After dinner we started again,
and with constant halts pushed on till dark. Then for some
inexplicable reason, the column halted and remained till
nine, moving during that time about a quarter of a mile
by fits and starts, then another halt of two hours. All the
delay was caused by a hill ahead, up which our Battery
went with halting. After passing this hill we kept on at
a pretty good jog. We had marched all day and all night,
a hard march for man and beast, and were pretty well played
out. At 7 p. m. when we had made coffee, we lay down to
rest, but before we had rested 15 minutes we were called
to "Attention." Not a wink of sleep Saturday night, and
but one hour's sleep Sunday night. About sunrise, Mon
day, June 15th, we crossed the Occoquan River by fording
it at Wolf Run Shoals. Halted at 6 o'clock, and unhitched
and unharnessed; watered, fed and groomed our horses,
made coffee, and rested about an hour. About 9 a. m.
hitched up and marched about 3 miles beyond Fairfax
Station, and went into park in a large field just at the edge
of a fine grove of hard wood, about ^ of a mile from Fair
fax Court House, at 1 p. m. When we arrived we were very

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 613
dirty, very hungry, and very sleepy. Take it all through
it was a pretty good march. We were on the road 44
hours, and marched over 50 miles without sleep or rest
of any account. Some of the men went to sleep on horse
back, and one sergeant rode quite a distance ahead of the
Battery, fast asleep.
On this march, Major McGilvery's wagon got stuck in
a mud hole the other side of Dumfries, and the driver got
discouraged and left it, reporting to the Major on his arrival
in camp. The Major sent back after it, but as several thou
sand infantry had passed over the same road, nothing was
left but a drowned mule and a few fragmentary evidences
of the contents. By this accident the Major lost his trunk,
clothing, papers, tents, mess stuff, and was in a very desti
tute condition. On the morning after we reached Fairfax
Court House, Captain Phillips found him breakfasting off
hard bread and coffee, and insisted on giving him some
thing better, which he was fortunately able to do, as his
larder was pretty well stocked.
The night of the 15th all had a good night's rest.
Reveille at the usual hour on the morning of Tuesday, the
1 6th. Rested in camp all day. At night shelter tents were
issued to the men. Inspection of the Battery at 6 p. m. in
light marching order by Major McGilvery. News came
that the rebels were in Chambersburg. The Rappahannock
evacuated. Roll call in the evening at 8 o'clock. Turned
out at 9 p. m. Drew two days' rations of coffee, salt pork
and bread, and strapped on 4 bags of grain to each caisson
and two to each gun, at \ past 9 p. m., to be ready to march
the next day : then turned in again.
On this day Captain A. P. Martin was put on detached
service, — commanding ArtiUery Brigade, Fifth Army
Corps, by Special Order, and Lieut. Aaron F. Walcott as
sumed command of the Third Mass. Battery.

614 HISTORY OF THE
Reveille at 4 o'clock June 17th. Rebels said to be in
Maryland. Fifth Corps at Manassas; other corps on the
march toward Leesburg. Struck tents, hitched up and
packed up for a march. After waiting about an hour orders
came to unharness and stretch the picket line. Turned in
our grain, and quietness reigned again.
June 1 Sth. Battery hitched up about half past 9 a. m.,
and was inspected by Major McGilvery. A sergeant and
five gunners were sentenced to stand on the caissons, for not
knowing what they had never been taught about the "time '
and "elevation" table. They were ordered to stand there until
they learned the table, but were relieved in about f of an
hour as ignorant as before. The men had raw pork for
dinner. June 19th. Big drill on the manual of the piece in the
afternoon and harness by detail. Cavalry fight at Aldie.
The Rebs are driven.
June 20. All the 2d Corporals called to Head Quarters
and questioned about the "time table" etc.
On the 2 ist heavy cannonading was heard to the north
west in the direction of Bull Run. Fighting all day at
Thoroughfare Gap. Cannonading at the rate of 6, 15, 12
rounds per minute.
June 22d, the Battery hitched up and drilled in the morn
ing: company drilled on the manual in the afternoon; also
the drivers harnessed their horses by detail. The men were
kept at drill on the piece, harness drill and battery. Noth
ing but famine rations of fat pork had been served out to
the'men for two or three days, and they were being reduced
to a state of suffering and tyrannical discipline as fast as
possible. No coffee allowed the "Non-Corns." for twenty-
four hours, as punishment for not suppressing noisy and
disorderly conduct of the men at tea time. "Non-Coms."
had coffee as usual, without having to go after it. Pork

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 615
without — anything else — for dinner. About 400 rebel
prisoners pass, from Thoroughfare Gap.
This day Lieut. Spear was appointed acting assistant
adjutant general in McGilvery's Brigade. Some cannonad
ing to the west.
June 23d, laid out a new camp in the grove and cleared
the ground of rubbish. Two rows of tents were arranged,
and we now had a neat, orderly camp. Captain Water
man's battery had been transferred to the Sixth Corps, and
Captain James F. Huntington (of Battery H, ist Ohio,
Light) had been transferred to the 3d Brigade of the
Artillery Reserve, taking command of the brigade. The
only infantry in our neighborhood, was the Sixth Corps,
and we knew nothing of the whereabouts of the rest of the
army. We heard firing occasionally to the westward, and
knew the result when we got the newspapers. Two batteries
of our brigade, Ames' (Battery G, ist N. Y. Light, Captain
Nelson Ames) and Dow's (Sixth Maine Battery, Captain
Edwin B. Dow) started this morning for Edwards Ferry.
News came of the cavalry fight at Middleburg on Sunday.
Two pieces of artillery, 3 caissons, 1 blown up, and the
enemy driven towards Ashby's Gap. Major McGilvery
gone to Washington.
LETTER OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Fairfax Court House,
Tuesday morning, June 23, 1863.
As things began to look like a permanent camp, I have
taken to drilling, and yesterday I had the camp pitched over
again. We have sent on to Washington, and are now living
on such luxuries as tomatoes, pease, string beans, squash,
asparagus &c, bottled ale for dinner, and oranges and
bananas for dessert. I wish our men's fare was as good,
but they are at present living very poorly, on hard bread

616 HISTORY OF THE
and salt pork, no soft bread, no vegetables, not even salt
beef, and what little fresh beef they get is hardly fit to be
eaten. And as if to prevent them from improving the bill
of fare the sutlers are not allowed to come out from Wash
ington, — rather aggravating, to be within 15 miles of a
good market and not allowed to- buy anything."

June 24th, about 125 rebel prisoners passed in the morn
ing. The men of the Battery had boiled fresh beef, for
a change. At supper time by request of the cook, Corporal
Jonas Shackley called Tucker (bugler) to sound the call
and the men repeated it along the line. As a punishment
the Captain stopped the coffee for half an hour. As soon
as the issue was resumed the calls for Tucker were heard,
and the Captain stopped the coffee entirely and ordered that
the non-commissioned officers go without coffee for 24
hours. Perhaps they did. Corporal Shackley did not ask
any one for coffee, but it was in his tent at meal time.
LETTER FROM LIEUT. P. W. BLAKE.
Fairfax Court House, Va.,
June 24, 1863.
"We are now 15 miles from Washington, but the d — 1
knows where the rebels are. We had a rather hard march
up here, 48 hours without rest. The way that most of the
corps came was the old road that we came to Bull Run
last August. There was only one spring on the road; the
men and horses suffered greatly for the want of water.
There were 20 men in one corps who dropped down dead
on the march. Most of our infantry are around the moun
tains somewhere. Wounded are being brought in every
day from the mountains, ours and rebels.
I suppose there are a good many who are joining General

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 617
Debility's army at present up north. I hope the rebels
will come to New York and other places, and stir them
up a little. My duty is rather laborious at present, one
officer (Lieut. Scott) is on court martial, and another
(Lieut. Spear) is on the Major of tne Brigade's staff."
VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. War Department,
Adjutant General's Office.
Washington, June 25, 1863.
General Orders
No. 191 For Recruiting Veteran Volunteers.
In order to increase the armies now in the field, volunteer infantry,
cavalry, and artillery, may be enlisted, at any time within ninety days
from this date, in the respective states, under the regulations hereinafter
mentioned. The volunteers so enlisted, and such of the three years'
troops now in the field, as may re-enlist in accordance with the provi
sions of this order, will constitute a force to be designated "Veteran
Volunteers.''

By order of the Secretary of War,

E. D. Townsend,
Assistant Adjutant General.

June 25, 1863. Reveille and roll call just at sunrise.
"Boots and Saddles" at 8 a. m. Broke camp and packed
up, and left Fairfax Court House with the Artillery Reserve
at about 9 a. m. Marched all day and evening. The
Brigades marched in the following order : Ransom, Hunting
ton, McGilvery, DuPeyster, Taft, —
DuPeyster switched off for Washington. The Ninth
Mass. Battery joined our Brigade. We started towards
Washington, but changed the direction of our route, and
marched towards Edwards Ferry on the Potomac River.
Passed Leesburg station at 4 p. m. Roads good, especially
the Leesburg turnpike, a macadamized road. We had
much halting until the last two hours of our march, when

618 HISTORY OF THE
we moved very fast, a good part of the time "double-quick."
Upset one caisson about 5 p. m., and broke the stock, but
not so badly as to detain us. We righted the caisson and
proceeded. At 6 o'clock it commenced raining and rained
all night. About half past 6 we passed through Dranesville.
Halted for the night a mile from the river about 11 p. m.,
but did not unhitch. The men made coffee and lay down
on the wet ground by the fire without shelter except a rubber
blanket. They passed the long, dreary, wet night in misery,
being wet to the skin and not a wink of sleep.
June 26th. Friday. Morning rainy, and the sky very
cloudy. Horses still standing in harness. Left park about
^ past 7 a. m., and marched about a mile to the bridge
across the Potomac at Edwards Ferry. There were two
pontoon bridges across the river. Our Battery crossed
the bridge on the right. There were 65 boats under the
bridge. Length 1400 feet. We crossed at half past 8 a. m.,
and went into Maryland. Camped about half a mile from
the bridge and stopped here all day and all night on the
plantation of a man of the name of Fisher. We had
marched about 28 miles. Heavy masses of troops and
wagon trains on the move all day. The Fifth Corps passed
in the afternoon. Signs of a long rain at dusk. Every
thing was water-soaked. The men made tents of their tar
paulins and had plenty of wheat straw.
June 27th, 1863. Anniversary of the battle of Gaines
Mills. Cloudy morning. We packed up and marched
about 8 o'clock a. m. Marched through Poolesville, Union-
town, Barnesville, and Monocacy Junction, crossing Mono
cacy River twice. Marched round Sugar Loaf Mountain,
Md. The road was quite rough, and we capsized one of
our wagons, but did no serious damage. After getting off
the mountain the road was quite smooth, and we travelled
quite rapidly. No infantry marched on the road we came.
We marched about 27 miles, a considerable part of it being

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 619
"double-quick." We reached Frederick, Md. about io p. m.,
passed through it where we went into park about a mile
north of the city, on the Gettysburg road. There were only
three cannoneers present to stretch the picket rope, and
some did not come up until the next day. The men went
to bed supperless, too much fatigued to make coffee, but
they had a good night's rest. The people of Frederick
were very hospitable to us.
June 28th, Sunday, we were routed out about the usual
hour, and remained in camp all day. Turned in some con
demned horses. Many of the men were allowed "passes"
to the city. The Captain went into Frederick in the after
noon and evening. The city was full of soldiers and they
heard a rumor that General Meade had relieved General
Hooker. Captain Phillips saw General Hooker in the town ;
also General (Alfred) Pleasanton who was at the City Hall.
The Third and Eleventh Corps went through in the after
noon. EXIT HOOKER.
His Farewell to the Army of the Potomac.
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac.
June 28, 1863.
General Orders
No. 66.
In conformity with the orders of the War Department, dated June
27, 1863, I relinquish the command of the Army of the Potomac. It is
transferred to Major General George G. Meade, a brave and accom
plished officer, who has nobly earned the confidence and esteem of this
Army on many a well-fought field.
Impressed with the belief that my usefulness as the commander
of the Army of the Potomac is impaired, I part from it : yet not without
the deepest emotion. The sorrow of parting with the comrades of so
many battles, is relieved by the conviction that the courage and devotion
of this Army will never cease, nor fail, — that it will yield to my suc
cessor as it has to me, a willing and hearty support. With the earnest

620 HISTORY OF THE
prayer that the triumphs of its arms may bring successes worthy of it
and the nation, I bid it farewell. Joseph Hooker,
Major General.
ENTER MEADE. Head Quarters
Army of the Potomac,
June 28, 1863.
General Orders
No. 67.
By direction of the President of the United States, I hereby assume
command of the Army of the Potomac. As a soldier, in obeying this
order — an order totally unexpected and unsolicited — I have no promises
or pledges to make.
The country looks to this Army to relieve it from the devastation
and disgrace of a hostile invasion. Whatever fatigues and sacrifices
we may be called upon to undergo, let us have in view constantly the
magnitude of the interests involved, and let each man determine to do
his duty, leaving to an all-controlling Providence the decision of the
contest. It is with just diffidence that I relieve in the command of this Army,
an eminent and accomplished soldier, whose name must ever appear
conspicuous in the history of its achievements ; but I rely upon the
hearty support of my companions in arms to assist me in the discharge
of the duties of the important trust which has been confided to me.
George G. Meade,
Major General Commanding.

AS REWARD: A MEDAL OF HONOR.
War Department,
Adjutant General's Office,
Washington. June 29th, 1863.
General Orders
No. 195
The Adjutant General will provide an appropriate Medal of Honor
for the troops who, after the expiration of their term, have offered their
services to the Government in the present emergency ; and also, for the
Volunteer troops from other states that have volunteered their tem
porary service in the states of Pennsylvania and Maryland.
By Order of the Secretary of War.
E. D. Townsend
Assistant Adjutant General.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 621
June 29, 1863. Reveille at half past 3 a. m., packed up,
hitched up, took rations of bread and raw pork, and after
waiting three hours in a pouring rain, got on the road
about 6 a. m. Marched through Frederick City. Had a
halt for about an hour, half a mile from the place we
left. Very rainy. Passed through the village of Walkers-
ville, Md. about 10 a. m. Marched about three miles and
halted for about two hours, to allow wagon trains and
troops to pass us. Passed through Ladysburg and reached
Woodsborough about half past 4 p. m. Marched very
steadily until about 9 p. m. when we halted for the night.
Roads very hard and good. Marched apparently about 25
miles through the pleasantest part of the country. The
men reached camp very much fatigued and footsore, and
had a good night's rest. We had been marching in the
direction of the Pennsylvania line about ten miles distant.
The camp was now about two miles from Taneytown.
June 30, 1863. Cloudy and rainy. Reveille as usual.
Hitched up and left park about \ past 10 a. m., and we
were until \ past 4 p. m., going about three miles, the roads
were so full of troops. About 15 rebels passed us in the
afternoon. Passed through Taneytown, Md. and went into
park about a mile from the town, and about 5 miles from the
Pennsylvania line, where we remained until the morning
of July 2d, when we marched to Gettysburg. The camp
was a very pleasant one, quite near a mill stream, and
"all hands" had a good bath. Here we had plenty of
hay for the animals. Lee's forces said to be at York and
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
DUTY AND THE DEATH PENALTY.
Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
June 30, 1863.
Circular :
The commanding general requests that previous to the engagement
soon expected with the enemy, corps and all other commanding officers

622 HISTORY OF THE
will address their troops, explaining to them briefly the immense issues
involved in this struggle. The enemy are on our soil. The whole coun
try now looks anxiously to this Army to deliver it from the presence
of the foe. Our failure to do so will leave us no such welcome as the
swelling of millions of hearts with pride and joy at our success would
give to every soldier in the Army. Homes, firesides, and domestic
altars are involved. The Army has fought well heretofore. It is be
lieved that it will fight more desperately and bravely than ever, if it is
addressed in fitting terms.
Corps and other commanders are authorized to order the instant
death of any soldier who fails in his duty at this hour.
By command of Major General Meade. S. Williams
Ass't Adjt. General.

July i, 1863. First anniversary of the Battle of
Malvern Hill. In camp, but liable to move at any moment.
Rumors of fight at Gettysburg, the death of General John
F. Reynolds of the First Corps, and the capture of a
Brigade of rebels. Extra wagons sent to the rear. Our
forces formed line and held the enemy. Fight heavy. A
ration of fresh meat — raw- — and 3 days' rations of coffee
served out in the morning. Two Brigades of the Reserve
marched at 7 p. m.
Thursday, July 2, 1863, the Battery crossed the celebrated
"Mason and Dixons line," and entered the state of Mary
land. (This dividing line was partially re-surveyed in
1765, by two learned mathematicians and surveyors, Charles
Mason and James Dixon, of London, employed by the pro
prietors of the two colonies of Penn and Calvert, and after
wards completed by other engineers. A stone was set up
at the end of each mile, and every fifth stone, which was
larger than the others, had on the north side the arms of
Thomas and Richard Penn, and on the south side the arms
of Frederick, Lord Baltimore. The preliminary work of
restoring the historic landmarks of Mason's and Dixon's
line, for many years the dividing line between the free

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 623
states and the slave states of the Union, in order to establish
some portions now in doubt, was begun by a commission
appointed by the state governments of Pennsylvania and
Maryland and the U. S. Geological Survey, in September,
1900. The original stones which remained in a good state
of preservation have been reset in solid cement bases, and
iron posts are put up in places where the old markers have
disappeared. )
July 2, 1863. First call at half past 2 a. m. We packed
up and left camp about 4 a. m. Marched to- the edge of
Taneytown but countermarched, and took the road towards
Gettysburg. Saw some prisoners and wounded men com
ing to the rear. ( Travelled very fast most of the time.
Heard cannonading in the direction of Gettysburg about 10
a. m., and musketry skirmishing about half an hour later.
Marched about 12 miles before halting. Weather damp
and cloudy. Halted in a field, with close intervals, and
cleared the guns for action.
THE FIGHT OF JULY 2D.
Two letters of Captain Phillips, one written soon after
the battle, and the other after an interval of more than four
months, give in detail his views of the situation, with ac
companying plans, drawn from the indelible impressions
made upon his mind while the contest raged the fiercest
around him at his post, one of the most conspicuous posi
tions on the field.
The first bears the date : "Camp near Littlestown. Penn.
July 6, 1863."
"The long barns which abound in this country had all
been converted into hospitals, and everything portended a
fight. Some little shelling was going on, and we could see
our troops in line on the hills in front. About 3 o'clock
the fighting commenced, and Hart's and Bigelow's Ninth

624 HISTORY OF THE
Mass, were sent to the front. I was ordered up at 4, and
found the shelling pretty lively. I took position between
Hart and Bigelow, and threw a few shells at a rebel battery,
which was about silenced. The following diagram will
explain our position. (See Plan of Operations.)
The woods on our left were occupied by our. infantry, and
skirmishers were deployed in the ravine in front of us.
The line of battle extended some distance, and our infantry
was placed on our flanks; there was none immediately in
front or rear of Hart, Bigelow, or myself. Thompson was
on a knoll higher than my position, which concealed the
rebel line in that direction from my sight.
About five o'clock the rebels charged across the fields
into the woods on our left and drove back our line on our
right. We poured a very uncomfortable enfilading fire into
them as long as they were in sight in the fields on our left,
and could have driven them back if the infantry and artillery
on our right had held their ground. But Thompson was
driven back, losing one gun, Ames retired, and Hart left the
field, and our whole line of infantry fell back.
We had been for an hour very much annoyed by the en
filading fire of some batteries on our right, which were
pouring in shell in a very uncomfortable way. We could
have silenced them if we could have seen them.
At the same time that our right fell back, the rebels had
got so far into the woods on our left that their musketry
became very annoying. Finding that the place was getting
too hot, Major McGilvery ordered us to retire, which we
executed very successfully. The horses on my left piece
were knocked over, and we started the piece off by hand.
Lieut. Scott was pushing the piece off when a bullet struck
him in the face passing through both cheeks, and breaking
the roof of his mouth. Fortunately it missed his eyes and
teeth, and he will easily recover. We fell back across the
fields, and took up a new position about 1000 yards to the

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 625
rear. The rest of the Brigade had gone still farther to the
rear, taking with them my caissons and three of my pieces
which had got beyond my control while I was looking after
the rear of the column. Lieut. Scott's wound also created
a little confusion. However, I got three pieces in position,
and blazed away at the rebels. Lieut. Dow's 6th Maine
Battery was on my left, and did good service. The rebels
brought their batteries on the hill we first occupied, and
commenced a pretty vigorous shelling, but I fancy they
found that two could play at that game. I blazed away
till dark, and used up all my ammunition, when I was re
lieved and retired to get the Battery together. (The guns
had been carried about a mile to the rear.) I finally got
them together by daylight.
I suffered pretty severely in this day's fight: 3 men were
left dead on the field, and one died the next morning in the
hospital. Some 30 horses were killed, but all that the rebels
made out of me was one limber and harness, and these we
got off two days after. Bigelow suffered still worse. Four
of his guns were left on the field, but were all saved event
ually. Lieut. Erickson was killed, Captain Bigelow and
Lieut. Whitaker wounded. This battery did splendidly,
particularly considering it was their first fight. They were
exposed to a very hot fire of musketry and could not have
saved their guns."
The remainder of this letter refers to the fight of July 3d,
and his letter dated Camp near Kelly's Ford, Nov. 21, 1863,
contains the following regarding the second day's fight
which was also on the 2d of July : — The letter was addressed
to his brother George.
"I received your letter and plans of Gettysburg the other
day and have indicated our position as accurately as pos
sible on the enclosed plans. (These plans have been con
sulted in the present work. )
As I went into position on Thursday under a hot fire,

026 HISTORY OF THE
and came out under a hotter one, I did not get a very clear
idea of localities.
On the morning of July 2d we left Taneytown, and came
into park on the right of the road. We stayed here till 3
p. m. when McGilvery's Brigade went up, one after an
other, to take position with the Third Corps which had been
advanced in front of the rest of the line. As we came up
we were formed in position on the road running from the
Taneytown to the Emmittsburg road. The left of the Bri
gade rested on the woods held by the Fifth Corps, and the
right stood in the peach orchard. We were arranged in the
following order, commencing from the left: —
Ninth Mass. Captain (John) Bigelow.
Fifth Mass. Captain Phillips.
A New Jersey Battery belonging to the Third Corps.
(Battery B, 2d New Jersey Artillery.)
15th N. Y. Battery, Captain (Patrick) Hart.
Battery C, Penn. Art'y, Captain (James) Thompson.
My left piece stood in the road. Hart was a little in ad
vance, but soon fell back.
Four of Thompson's Guns faced the same way as the
Brigade, the other two faced to the right where a rebel bat
tery was enfilading our line in a very uncomfortable man
ner. Some rebel batteries in front of us on the wooded hills
were firing pretty lively, but soon after we got into position
we silenced them, and the only artillery fire that did us any
serious damage was the enfilading battery on our right. As
the peach orchard was on higher ground than where I was,
I could not see any of the rebels in this direction, nor the
Third Corps. About 5 o'clock the rebels started a heavy
column across the field in front of us towards the woods
held by the Fifth Corps. We blazed away at them all the
time, but most of them contrived to get into the woods. A
second column followed right after with similar luck though
they suffered worse than the first. Some of them tried to

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 627
get behind the house and barn in our front, and after the
fight 1 20 dead South Carolinians were found in the en
closures round them. All this time it was pretty noisy on
our right, and happening to look that way, I saw our infan
try coming back through the peach orchard. Hart and the
New Jersey Battery (Battery B, 2d N. J. Artillery) left at
this juncture, and Thompson got out of the way losing one
gun. I ordered Lieut. Lull with the Right section to retire
200 yards and come into position again. At this moment
Major McGilvery ordered us all to retire, and we fell back.
My horses were rather mixed up, dead ones being rather
more plenty than live ones, but we managed to limber up and
get off. The Right Section, being all ready, got off first,
the Centre Section followed, and then the Left. Unfortu
nately, as we were going to limber up the left piece the
horses were all shot, but we managed to haul it off by hand.
By this time the rebels were between us and the peach
orchard blazing away with great carelessness, and one of
them hit Lieut. Scott as he was dragging off this piece.
However, we managed to drag it down into the hollow by
Trossel's house, and the sergeant brought back a limber, and
we went off.
During this retreat a circumstance occurred which an
noyed me very much. While I was in the rear the head of
the Battery got mixed up with some other batteries by Tros •
sel's house, and Captain Hart, as he informed me after
wards, not seeing any officer, took charge of three of my
guns, and carried them off a mile to the rear. So> when I
caught up I found only three guns. McGilvery had got
the 6th Maine in position behind Trossel's house, and I came
into battery on his right. The Ninth Battery was not so
lucky in getting off. They ran into a stone wall and lost
four of their guns, the rebels getting up very close on to
them. When we got to- our second position, the rebels were
in the peach orchard blazing away at us, but it was pretty

628 HISTORY OF THE
dark and we did not suffer much. We stayed here till dark,
when the rebels were pretty well checked, and then, as I was
out of ammunition, I retired across the Taneytown road,
and unhitched for the night. By midnight I got the whole
battery together and went to sleep."
This letter is continued in the history of the Battery on
July 3d. In his Notes of that date he says: — "We
whipped them handsomely yesterday (the 2d). I saved all
my guns, though I had to haul one f of a mile. The Ninth
Mass. Battery close by us did splendidly. The artillery suf
fered very much."
THE PROLONGE.
With relation to the use of the prolonge Captain Phillips
thus wrote in a letter dated Camp near Sharpsburg, Md.,
Thursday Evening, October 16, 1862: —
"The long rope coiled on the trail of the gun is called the
"prolonge.' It is used when you want to retreat and to fire
while you are retreating. To do this the order is given 'Fix
prolonge to fire retiring!' Then, in the lucid language of
the book, 'the limber inclines to the right, wheels to the left
about, and halts 4 yards from the trail. No. 5 uncoils the
prolonge and passes the toggle to the gunner, who fixes it
in the trail by passing it upwards through the lunette, whilst
he attaches the other end to the limber by passing the ring
over the pintle and keying it. At the command 'Retire!'
the cannoneers face" about, all march on the left of the piece
except Nos. 1 and 3. They keep their implements in their
hands &c. &c.' That is to say, they go on loading and fir
ing, but the horses all the time dragging the gun away from
the enemy. The prolonge is also very useful in many other
ways." In the rear of the axle-tree of the limber is a pintle-hook
to receive a strong ring on the end of the trail called the

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 629
"lunette." It has a key. A "toggle" is fastened to one
end of the prolonge by three rings and a thimble which is
worked into the rope; another thimble holds a hook at the
other end of the rope.
SCOTT ON THE FIGHT OF JULY 2D.
Notes of 1863.
"Camp of the Artillery Reserve July 2, 1863. Morn
cloudy. Orders to march at 4 a. m. Hitched up and
moved on towards Gettysburg. One limber of Taft's (5th N.
Y. Battery Captain Elijah D. Taft) Battery blown up on
the road, one man killed 10 a. m. Arrived at the front 12
m. All the Artillery Reserve hitched up and bunched in the
rear of the line of battle near the Baltimore turnpike. Near
us was the Ninth Mass. Battery, Captain John Bigelow.
Nothing could be seen from where we were of the line of
battle. All was quiet. Hitched up at 4 p. m. Fighting
commenced at 5 p. m., when the ball opened in earnest. Or
dered to the front. I was talking with First Lieut. Chris
topher Erickson of the Ninth Mass. about the probable re
sult of the coming contest, when the batteries, one by one,
began to start out in a hurry. A staff officer rode up to
Captain Phillips to direct the Battery to the front. The
order to strip for action came quickly. All incumbrances
were thrown aside, and we started out on a trot across the
field, passing by the foot of Little Round Top, over stone
walls and other obstructions. We could see, as we ad
vanced, the terrible fight that was going on. The air was
already full of sulphurous smoke. The Battery in full jump
had hard work to keep Captain Phillips, who was with the
staff officer, in sight. An officer rode up to me and said :
'The Battery is wanted at once on the Round Top.' I
said, 'There is my captain ahead. I know no other.'
Passing the Trostle house we swung into a rocky lane

630 HISTORY OF THE
leading to the Emmittsburg pike. Gunners on the limber.
One man was thrown and his arm was broken by one of the
limber wheels, and he was out of the fight. Passing half
way up the lane spoken of, we swung square to the left into
an open clear field, which we crossed at a rapid rate. Over
taking Phillips at the edge of a lane running at right angles
from the Emmittsburg pike past Little Round Top, the Bat
tery was thrown quickly into line by a right oblique move
ment, thus bringing the Right section on the left.
Six batteries were in this line, Bigelow's Ninth Mass.
close to our left. Though no enemy could be seen in our
immediate front, the smoke of the enemy's guns could be
seen over a rolling, open country in a line of woods, some
1500 yards, more or less, distant.
The order 'Commence firing' was given, and with our
rifled guns shot and shell were thrown, with what effect we
could hardly tell.
At last a Battalion of Artillery came out of the woods on
a gallop. Down the slope they fled, and on a ridge, half the
distance before mentioned, went into action. We had them
in full view, and we opened on them fiercely, but we had
them in range but a short time, when their infantry came
down obliquely on the Third Corps stationed on the Em
mittsburg pike and peach orchard. The Right section
obliqued its guns and opened on this line leaving its fire on
their artillery.
Up to this time we had met with no material loss in the
Battery that I was aware of.
The charge of the rebel line was a magnificent sight, too
much for the Third Corps. It had to retire, and commenced
to fall back in our rear to Cemetery Hill. The batteries on
our right were falling back. The Centre and Left section
on the right were leaving. The Right section had orders
to fix prolonge and fire retiring. The horses were faced to
the rear. The prolonges were strung out. Now came the

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 631
time that tried the men of the section. The order was given
to 'Limber up' the guns, as the enemy were almost upon us.
The horses of the right piece were killed with the drivers.
The prolonge was taken hold of by Captain Phillips and the
gunners, and pulled off the field. The left piece of the sec
tion was limbered up after a struggle, in which I dismounted
from my horse and through the confusion and excitement,
with the assistance of one cannoneer at the trail threw the
lunette on to the pintle hook and gave the order 'Drive on !'
At that moment the driver, Henry Soule of New Bedford
on the lead, dropped from his horse, J. Sanford pole driver's
arm was broken, and as the muzzle of the gun passed me a
shot went through my face and I was out of the fight. I
threw my hand up, thinking my face was gone. The blood
flew and I was gone.
Coming to a realizing sense that I was alive, I rose up
and saw the rebel line near me, colors flying. I did not
like the idea of being a prisoner in their hands and started
for the rear. The field where the Battery had stood was
clear. I did not notice limber or dead men and horses of
the Battery, in fact did not think I should get far alone, but
Sergt. O. B. Smith of the Battery came to my assistance
with his horse, and mounting me upon him led me off the
field. The utmost confusion prevailed near the Trostle house
and bam. The Ninth Mass. Battery had been severely
handled. Four of the guns were held by the enemy for a
short time, but the guns of the Fifth Battery covered them
at its new position 700 yards in rear of the first position.
Captain Bigelow told me afterwards that Captain Phillips
with his guns covered them so completely that the enemy
could not take them off and they were afterwards recovered.
Corporal Graham hauled the limber of the First detach
ment from under the fire of the enemy's pickets with a little
help during the night after the battle. Seven men of the

632 HISTORY OF THE
Battery were killed or died from wounds on the field.
Twelve were wounded, and the loss of horses was about
fifty. Had not the order to fix prolonge been given I am
of the opinion that the Right section would have left the
field without loss. No time was given for drill movements
and such time was lost that we came near annihilation.
Colonel McGilvery gave Phillips great credit (see McGil-
very's Report p. 667) for the part he took in the Reserve
Artillery on this occasion. The Artillery Reserve lost
heavily in this fight. I have often talked with General
Henry J. Hunt chief of artillery on the part the artillery
took. He thought they did not get half the credit belong
ing to them. Certainly the men of the Fifth Battery did
their duty bravely and well, without any distinction of office
or place.
I was carried to the rear from the Trostle house to near
Rock Creek and the Baltimore turnpike by two men of the
Battery, one of them I recollect was Charles Stiles. I rested
on the bank of the Creek during the night alone, as best I
could. No room near the hospital. The next day, the 3d
July, 1863, I could move about. The heat of the day was
oppressive. I could hear the cannonading of the artiUery,
and wished I could have been with the Battery. I was
threatened with lockjaw and suffered severely. I fell into
the hands of a field surgeon whose name I never knew. He
dressed my wound after an examination and said: —
'You may thank your stars and your God today, for the
slightest variation of the shot, you would never have known
what hurt you.'
It would have been suicide to have continued with the
battery further, and I remained with the hospital depart
ment until I could get transportation home. The hospitals
were crowded with the wounded. Every available house,
barn, or church was crowded. First Lieut. Erickson of the
9th Mass. Battery whom I conversed with before going into

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 633
the fight of the 2d, and was but a short distance from me,
was shot through the head and instantly killed. First Lieut.
Alexander H. Whitaker shot in the knee, was in the hos
pital, but died before reaching home. Provisions were
short. I had $5 with me with which to help those who
were worse wounded than I was myself. I gave up 3.
During the day I met General Griffin of the Fifth Corps,
who formerly commanded Battery D, 5th Regulars, of Bull
Run fame. He had been sick and had just arrived from
Baltimore. Knowing me, he inquired after the Fifth Bat
tery. I told him what I knew. He was much pleased and
said in complimenting Captain Phillips, that he considered
him one of the best artillery officers in the Volunteer ser
vice, and he would not except the Regular.
The Fourth of July, 1863, was a rainy day, but General
Lee was on the retreat. On the 5th the army was on the
move, and at 12 noon the Fifth Battery moved out of Get
tysburg with the Artillery Reserve, and to me it was like
parting with my best friend as the Battery passed out of
sight."
NOTES OF CAPTAIN SCOTT.
January 30, 1901.
"I had nothing to do with the Right piece of the section.
Captain Phillips speaks of the Left piece. The Right sec
tion of the Battery was on the left, and as being in com
mand of that section I have spoken of the Left piece of the
section as the Right piece. Phillips was right, however.
Phillips gave the order to fire retiring. I repeated it. Be
fore the order could be executed, Phillips gave the order,
'Limber up !' which I repeated. The horses facing the rear,
with the prolonge stretched, had to be reversed. Here I
think if the section had gone to the rear they might have got
clear. The horses of the Left piece were shot but with the
Right piece the limber came about. Mounted on my horse

634 HISTORY OF THE
I saw Phillips, with the end of the prolonge over his shoul
der, leading his horse, pulling off the field. Cannoneers
pulling and pushing the Gun. I saw but one cannoneer near
my Gun. I jumped from my horse and he at once left the
field. With one man I limbered the Gun. You can imag
ine I had no easy task, — the horses and drivers uneasy, and
it was a mere chance that we did not have to leave the Gun."
In regard to the charge of the rebel artillery from the
woods (see p. 630) he adds the following: —
"I saw the charge and the battery in our front, but I
directed the fire of the section to their infantry. I do not
think we silenced their batteries entirely that day."
FROM LIEUT. SCOTT'S DIARY.
"July 6, 1863. Morn cloudy. In hospital. Wagon
trains moving. Sick being cared for. Our forces in pur
suit of the enemy. Afternoon cloudy. Very quiet. The
enemy said to be very much discomfited. Gettysburg full
of wounded. A great many rebels left behind and prison
ers taken.
July 7, 1863. Took the cars for Baltimore and at 11
p. m. went to the hospital in a bad condition.
July 8, 1863. In the hospital at Baltimore. Got a pass
and took the cars at 8 p. m. for New York. Very feeble.
July 9, 1863. Arrived at New York at 5 a. m. Went
on board of steamboat for Newport, which left at 5 p. m.
Very sick this night.
July 10, 1863. Arrived at Newport R. I. at 4 a. m.
Went to my home and called a doctor (Butler) who at
tended me." (The entries in the diary are from July nth
to July 25th. "Sick this day.")
"July 25, 1863. The wounds healing some."

Lieut. Scott's leave of absence lasted until September
25, 1863. On the 24th he arrived at Washington at ¦§ past

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 635
6. Got a "pass" and went to Alexandria. At 3 p. m. took
cars for the Front. Arrived at Culpeper at 9 p. m. Stopped
at Almy's, ist Division, ist Brigade, 2 miles south of Cul
peper. Batteries in line of battle.
"Friday, Sept. 25th, 1863. Morn pleasant. Went to the
Battery and reported to Captain Phillips. Troops about to
move."

FROM CAPT. PHILLIPS— THE GUIDON.
To a little nephew, written at the camp near Warrenton
July 31, 1863 : — "In the fight of the 2d they had a battery
right in front of us shelling pretty lively when I went into
position, and when we came up they had got the range
pretty well. I placed my guidon, which is almost as large
as a regimental flag, on the right of the Battery, and the
rebels must have aimed at it, for their first shot killed the
two wheel horses on the Right piece and broke the car
riage pole all to pieces. All the time we were there we had
to work pretty hard changing harnesses as fast as the horses
were killed. The way we do it is this, — I send to the rear
and have spare horses brought up, and then as soon as a
horse is killed, the driver sets to work, takes off his harness
and puts it on a new horse. This takes some time, as an
artillery harness is very heavy, and they generally have to
take it aU to pieces to get it off a dead horse, and when the
enemy's infantry get within musket range, they can kill
horses faster than we can change them. That is the reason
we had to leave one limber on the field.
When we were ordered to fall back the enemy were within
pistol shot on both flanks. We limbered up all the pieces
but the Left one. One wheel-horse on this had been shot a
few minutes before, and we had just got the harness on a
new horse, when, before we could hitch him in, down went
the other wheel-horse and the leaders, and we found we

636 HISTORY OF THE
must pull it off ourselves or leave it, so we hitched on the
prolonge, and the cannoneers pulled the gun off lively.
Lieut. Scott was pushing away on the carriage when he was
struck. The shot came from our right, and I think must
have been a bullet from a smooth bore musket. The enemy
in that direction were firing buck and ball cartridges.
One of my sergeants came pretty near being hit. One
bullet went in close by his coat buttons, and came out in the
middle of his back, having made the circuit in his coat lin
ing. Another bullet struck the top of his gun while he was
aiming it, and glanced through the top of his cap. One
wheel on my Left piece had seven spokes hit by shell, and a
piece of shell sticking in the hub. On the whole, the old
iron flew round pretty lively. What bothered us most was
a battery on our right which we could not see, and which
was throwing case shot at us very carelessly, and every min
ute a shower of bullets would come in, whoosh, — just like
a heavy shower of hailstones. . . . They seemed to have a
wholesome dread of getting in front of our guns, but made
for the woods on our flanks, and having driven ,our infantry
out of these, we concluded to retire, and so fell back a little
way in good order. If some of the batteries in our Brigade
had not got frightened, we should have given the Rebs a
hotter fight than we did, but as soon as the order was given
to fall back, Hart and Thompson fell back at least two miles
... I felt pretty mad when I found out that they had car
ried off some of my guns and caissons with them, so that I
had only about 70 rounds of ammunition left. Major McGil
very was rushing around, and trying to form a new line,
and so I came into battery again. I lost several men in this
second position, and they got up a story that I was killed,
because a staff officer was killed about 10 feet from me.
We stayed till dark, using up all our ammunition, and then
I went back and brought up Seeley's (Capt. Frank Seeley,
Battery K, 4th U. S. commanded by Lieut. Robert James)

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 637
Regular battery to relieve me. I was up all night hunting
up my carriages, and did not find some of them till the
next morning."
SHACKLEY ON THE FIGHT OF JULY 2D.
Corporal Jonas Shackley, one of those who "brought
off the last gun" in a letter dated Dec. n, 1900, thus ex
plains the composition of the Battery: — "The Battery was
composed of six guns, numbered from one to six. No. 1
was the right piece, and was in charge of Sergeant Wm. B.
Pattison. No. 2 was in charge of Sergt. W. H. Peacock.
The ist and 2d detachments formed the Right section un
der First Lieut. Henry D. Scott. Each full detachment, or
gun-team, comprised a corporal who aimed the gun, seven
cannoneers, and a corporal who had charge of the caisson.
Corporal Benjamin Graham was Gunner and Corporal
Jonas Shackley was chief of caisson in ist detachment,
Right section." NOTES OF SHACKLEY, 1863.
"July 2, 1863, arrived at Gettysburg about 10 a. m.
Went into line in close order near the Taneytown road,
until about 4 p. m. Ordered into line of battle, mounted the
cannoneers and went on the gallop. The ground being
rough Corporal Eagan was thrown and his arm broken in
two places: which ended his services in the army. John
Moudorf was also thrown but not seriously hurt, though
he did not go to the front that day.
The Battery went 'On the Left into line,' which placed
the ist detachment on the Left of the Battery, next to the
Right section of the 9th Mass. Battery, which joined the
Right of the Fifth Corps on Little Round Top. The Third
Corps was on our right in the Peach Orchard. The two
batteries filled the gap between the two Corps, with no
infantry support.
Longstreet's Division advanced obliquely across our

638 HISTORY OF THE
front toward our Left, at a distance of from five hundred
to three hundred yards, and the writer (Jonas Shackley)
could see the rebels fall and the gaps closed at each dis
charge; our guns loaded with canister.
The right wheel horse of the ist piece was soon shot,
and the harness was taken from him, and put on Bugler
James Winter's horse, but meantime he was wounded twice
and left loose with the harness on, and came into camp in
the night bringing the harness on him.
The 9th being driven from their position, and we out
flanked on our left, our ammunition nearly exhausted, Cap
tain Phillips gave the order to fix prolonge and fire retiring.
The limber was reversed with the five horses. Almost in
stantly all but the right swing horse went down. The pro
longe was toggled to the trail, but not hitched to the pintle-
hook. Captain Phillips gave orders to break the sponge
staves and leave the piece. Corporal Graham broke the
staves. The Captain then ordered by hand to the rear, and
taking the prolonge over his right shoulder, and assisted
by Corporal Benjamin Graham, A. K. P. Hayden, and
Corporal Jonas Shackley, brought the gun 500 or 600 yards
to' the rear, when we met Sergt. Wm. B. Pattison with the
limber of the caisson, and, limbering up, proceeded to the
next ridge of ground, and together with the 5th piece went
into battery and fired at the enemy on our former position.
The limber was left, with 7 horses.
While coming to the rear, the advance of the Sixth
Corps marched in between us and the enemy. Captain
Phillips exclaimed Thank God, there's the Sixth Corps !'
Soon after beginning our movement to the rear First
Lieut. Henry D. Scott was shot through tlie face, but not
fatally. Soon after sunset we went into park near Rock Creek,
and collected what was left of the Battery. The ist piece
fired 84 rounds on this day.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 639
After getting into' park Lieut. Peleg W. Blake, Sergt.
Wm. B. Pattison, Corporal Benj. Graham, and Corp. Jonas
Shackley, went back to the field to try to recover our lim
ber, but the rebel pickets were close to it, and the officers of
our pickets would not permit us to pass through. So- we
returned to the Battery."
NOTES OF CORP. BENJAMIN GRAHAM.
Corporal Benjamin Graham, when he was urged to con
tribute something from his store of recollections of the war
to the history of the Battery, observed that it brought back
to him the times when Captain Phillips would send for him
and say : —
"Here Graham, here is another letter from your mother,
who> is wanting to know if you are dead or alive. Now sit
on that limber, and answer it !"
ARMOR IN THE WRONG PLACE.
Graham's Notes of Nov. 12, 1900.
"Just before we went on the field in the fight of July 2d,
we drew up in line just off the Taneytown road to wait for
orders to see where our position should be, and just then
the rebels opened fire on us, and as good soldiers we all laid
as close to- the ground as possible. The right piece was on
the Left, as it always was when there was any trouble ahead,
and we were sheltered by some large rocks, when our lead
driver of the piece was hit by a fragment of a shell and
had to go to the rear. The steel vest that he wore did net
protect him in the right place.
BRINGING OFF THE LAST GUN.
When the order came to retreat on the afternoon of the
2d and Captain Phillips gave the order to 'Fix prolonge'
and 'Fire retiring,' as Gunner it became my duty to attend
to that. After I had fixed the " prolonge, I gave the order

640 HISTORY OF THE
to 'Drive on,' and- when they did not move stepped to one
side of the limber to see why, when I discovered that all
six of the horses were down. Then I asked the Captain
what I should do. Captain Phillips said 'Bring the Gun off
if you can, if not, leave it.' I replied to the Captain that
we would stay by the piece as long as the piece would stay
by us. I then unhooked the prolonge from the pintle-hook.
(The pintle-hook is in the rear of the axle-tree and ordina
rily receives the lunette, or strong ring of the trail.) By
that time the Captain had dismounted. He seized the end
of the prolonge with one hand, while he held his horse
by the bridle with the other, and then, with the assistance
of James Kay, William L. Purbeck, A. K. P. Hayden and
myself, we started to the rear, and after going a few hun
dred yards, the Captain mounted his horse, and said he
would send up assistance. We four then drove the piece
down the lane near the Trostle house, where we met Cor
poral Shackley with the limber. We then limbered up and
drove to about where the railroad is now, where I saw the
Second Corps coming in.
I ordered the piece to halt, and went in action for the
second time, where we stood until after sundown. It was
here where little Purbeck was wounded.
The men manned the Gun in this manner : — Hayden No.
i, Purbeck 2, 5, 7, Kay 3 & 4, Shackley 6, Graham, Gunner.
'WHO WILL CARE FOR MOTHER NOW?'
We had not been in action long, when a shell from one
of the reb. batteries exploding on our right, struck one of
General Hancock's aides-de-camp, and his horse; the horse
falling on the officer. The officer was calling for help, and
the horse was whinnying, as much as to say, 'Help me,
too,' when little Purbeck, a good, smart boy, only 17, saw
the man and horse down, and started to go over towards
them, when he, too, got hit jn the side with a piece of shell.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 641
He was taken to the rear and to the hospital, where he died
that night, and as he was dying he uttered these words, —
'Who will care for Mother now?' They suggested the
song which became immensely popular.
As I understand it, he was a widow's son and his
mother's only support. The words were written by a ser
geant of the 22d Regiment, and the music by some man in
Boston. There was not a braver boy in the army than
Purbeck. BRINGING OFF THE LIMBER.
After we had supper on the night of the 2d about 9.30
p. m., Captain Phillips came to me, saying, — 'Graham, you
take four men and the prolonge, and go and see if you can
get that limber.'
I picked out the ones to help me, Kay, Hayden, and one
other whose name I have now forgotten. We got along all
right until we came to the picket line, for the limber was
200 yards outside of the line and within 100 yards of the
rebs line. The picket halted us, and we made our business
known, and he sent for the Officer of the Day. When he
came we told him what we wanted, and after a long talk
he allowed us to proceed, and when within about 100 yards
of the limber, I had the men to lie down, and then I crept
on my hands and knees to where the limber was, the dead
horses still hitched to it, and in trying to unhitch them the
chains on the traces and on the pole yoke would rattle, and
for every rattle of the chains I would get a volley from
the rebs.
I was some time in trying to get the horses loose, for one
of them had fallen across the pole, and the limber and
horses were struck several times while I was trying to get
them loose. I had to lie down in between them, and when
I had everything ready I gave a signal, and the others
came up to help me, and it did not take us long then to take

642 HISTORY OF THE
the limber down to the Trostle house, where we found in
waiting for us, William Pattison, with two horses, and
after shaking hands with the pickets and bidding them good
night, we returned to camp."
ABOUT THE FIRST DETACHMENT.
Louis E. Pattison became company clerk on the reorgan
ization of the Battery in 1862, and held that office and also
worked on a gun until his discharge at the expiration of his
term of service Oct. 8, 1864, as they were always short of
men until the last campaign. He was succeeded as clerk
by John S. Doane. He was in the 4th detachment in charge
of Sergt. Baxter who succeeded Page.
In a letter dated Nov. 1, 1900, he says of the detachment
in charge of his brother William B. Pattison, that being on
the right it always seemed to have to bear the brunt of nearly
all the actions.
GRAHAM ON THE GUN.
"Our gun number was 8.85J pounds, and we had that
gun from the time it came to us until I was wounded on
the 12th of May, 1864. I asked some men of the ioth
N. Y. Battery, as they passed us as we were drawing the
Gun from the field in the fight of July 2d, and as Shackley
was coming in with the limber, for a sponge staff. I had
brought in the sponge staff and worm as we started to draw
the Gun off the field, so if we had to leave the piece, they
could not turn it on us. But on getting back the limber I
found that there was only one round of ammunition left in
it, and that was a case of canister."
THE WHEEL OF THE 1ST PIECE.
Shackley notes in his Diary of July 30, 1863, record, that
"We turned in the wheel of the ist piece, which was disabled

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 643
at Gettysburg on July 2d, 1863, by having seven spokes
knocked out or broken. It was an object of much interest
to thousands of men on the march south."
His attention having been recently called to this note of
Shackley's Graham said: —
"I remember the wheel well. It had seven fellies (por
tions of the circumference of the wheel) and fourteen
spokes, and every felly and spoke was hit but one spoke.
One of the spokes had a piece of shell fast in its centre, and
the left side of the piece looked as if you had dipped your
fingers in black lead, and then marked the side of the piece
with them. There were hundreds of spots on the Gun to
show where it had been hit. It makes me shiver even now
to think that I was sighting the Gun while all that was
going on, but I did not shiver then. The boys will all re
member how I kept singing. I could hear them say, 'Hear
Ben!' — 'Hear Ben!' — I was not singing because I was
brave. It was my duty to stay there, and I was like the
little boy in the dark cellar, he had to whine to give him
courage. It is too bad we lost sight of that wheel, for it
ought to be in the State House with the flags."
LIST PRESERVED BY CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
In the back of his Diary for 1864, Captain Phillips pre
served the following list: —
"Men who brought off the right piece at Gettysburg :—
Corp. Graham.
" Shackley.
Private Barry. Kay.
W. H. Wells ioth N. Y.
Hayden."
NOTES OF FRANCIS P. WASHBURN.
A Driver on Simonds' Gun.
"We were in position near the Peach Orchard, and
Pickett's men came on, only to be mown down by our fire

644 HISTORY OF THE
which was something terrific. The enemy advanced in
echelon (a formation of troops, where battalions or
brigades follow each other on separate lines like the steps
of a ladder) presenting a soldierly front in each line. We
had been given orders to reserve our fire, and were as rest
less as colts. Finally, word was given, and we began by
pouring shrapnell into the ranks of our foe. As Pickett's
troops neared our position, we loaded with single canister,
and after changing front to bring our guns to bear more
directly on the centre of the enemy, we loaded with double
canister, which we sent down into their ranks, making great
gaps, only to be filled in again by those fearless fellows.
Just as Pickett's men were within 25 yards of us, Captain
Phillips sang out 'Triple shot with canister boys!"
We could see their begrimmed faces looking at us with
intense hatred before that shot was fired which mowed
down those poor fellows. The reality of war was never
more vividly impressed on my mind than during that awful
carnage, with the fearful result of that one shot of triple
canister, and I believe it is the only time that we fired such
a shot. Captain Phillips raised his sabre, and with the cry
'We've got 'em now,' gave the order for single shot. It
was a fearful slaughter of the enemy. The slaughter of our
horses was so great that we were nearly crippled, 59 being
killed. In that battle we fired 700 rounds."
FROM THE DIARY OF CORP. CHASE.
"July 2, 1863. Reports that the nth Corps broke again
yesterday, and that our troops were beaten. Battery halted
about 10 a. m. in a field in rear of the line of battle, and
about 1 \ miles from Gettysburg. Battery remained in the
field until about 4 p. m. when we advanced, and took posi
tion in the line of battle on the right of the 9th Mass. Bat
tery, and commenced shelling the enemy with slow firing.
The enemy advanced batteries in front of us, and opened

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 645
a very destructive fire upon us ; they also advanced their line
of infantry, who kept up a murderous fire on us. Fired all
our canister at the enemy and fixed the prolonges, and some
of the pieces fired retiring. Limbered up and fell back as
many as three times, and retired about ioo yards each time.
Many of our men fell: some never to rise. Lieut. Scott
seriously wounded in the jaws and face; a frightful looking
wound, perhaps dangerous. Lieut. Scott left the field, —
when the pieces did, — and went to the hospital. Edward
Fotheringham, John W. Verity, — formerly of the ioth
N. Y. Battery,— killed. Henry Grafferman of the ioth,
slightly wounded. Of our men, John Hathaway, WiUiam
L. Purbeck, Martin J. Coleman, H. W. Soule, W. E.
Estee, John Sanford, Henry Fitzsimmons-, John Agen,
George Trumbull, and Bernard Doherty, all wounded. Was
shot through the flesh of my left arm just above the elbow,
while retiring with the Battery. The ball just touched the
bone and benumbed my two little fingers; bone uninjured.
Acted as No. 3 and 4 man from the time the Battery went
into the engagement until we came out. My wound bled
profusely, but did not become very painful until I left the
field. Left the field about dusk, having been engaged about
three hours in the hottest position we ever occupied.
Brought off all our pieces and caissons, but lost horses. The
pieces and caissons went into park in different parts of the
field, having separated when they came out of the fight.
Worked on Serg't Peacock's piece, 2d detachment, and on
Serg't Morgridge's, 5th detachment. My person and clothes
very tired, bloody, and dirty, and my wound very painful in
the evening. Lost my bundle from the caisson, with every
thing except what was about my person. Found the cais
sons and had my arm bandaged. Weather through the
day cloudy, muggy, and the heat oppressive. The hardest
day's work I ever did up to date. Wm. E. Estee probably
mortally wounded. Darkness quelled the dreadful storm,

646 HISTORY OF THE
and in the evening and through the night all was still, as
though death was satisfied with the slaughter of the com
batants. Remained around a bivouac fire all night, chat
ting with two intelligent rebel prisoners from the 8th
Georgia Regiment, Longstreet's Corps. Exchanged but
tons with one of them."

This was the situation at nightfall of July 2, 1863, when,
as in Campbell's "Soldier's Dream,"
"the sentinel stars set their watch in the sky ;
And thousands had sunk on the ground overpowered,
The weary to sleep, and the wounded to die."

THE ACTION OF THE BATTERY.
OBSERVATIONS.
FROM THE HISTORY OF THE NINTH MASS. BATTERY.
"Our place in the park was on the left and rear, and in the south
west corner of the field, nearest the part of the line of battle occupied
by Gen. Sickles' 3d Corps. A little after 4 p. m. (July 2d) an aide-de
camp rode up to the wall near the' left piece of our battery, inquired for
Colonel McGilvery, commanding the brigade, and said, 'Capt. Randolph,
chief of artillery of the 3d Corps, sends his compliments, and wishes
you to send him two batteries of light twelves.'
Colonel McGilvery turned around and said 'Capt. Hart and Capt.
Bigelow, take your batteries and report to Capt. Randolph!' (Colonel
McGilvery in his official report savs the "5th Mass. Battery Captain
Phillips," instead of "Capt. Hart." See p. 667.)
The distance across the field was 300 yards, up a slope to a road :
fences all down.
Our position was between the Peach Orchard and Wheat Field, on
the left of the Sth Mass. Battery, and nothing in sight on our left.
The position was swept by Confederate artillery, and some were
wounded while going in battery."
General Henry J. Hunt, Chief of ArtiUery of the Army
of the Potomac, is quoted as saying in a paper published in
the Century of December, 1886: —

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 647
"Although already much cut up he (Bigelow) was directed by Mc
Gilvery to hold that point at all hazards until a line of artillery could
be formed in front of the wood beyond Plum Run; that is, on what
we have called the Plum Run line. This line was formed by collecting
the serviceable batteries and fragments of batteries that were brought
off, with which and Dow's Maine Battery, fresh from the Reserve, the
pursuit was checked. . . . When, after fully accomplishing its purpose,
all that was left of Bigelow's Battery was withdrawn, it was closely
pressed by Humphrey's 21st Mississippi, the only Confederate regiment
which succeeded in crossing the Run. As the battery had sacrificed it
self for the safety of the line, its work is specially noticed, as typical of
the service that artillery is not infrequently called upon to render, and
did render in other instances at Gettysburg besides this one."
The Adjutant General's Report of the state of Massachu
setts has the following in the narrative of the Ninth Mass.
Battery : —
"Canister could be brought to bear only on the centre of the rebel
line, while its wings, comparatively unhurt, closed in on either flank.
After suffering the losses enumerated . . . the enemy firing from
our limber chests, and the exit through the stone wall blocked up with
dead animals, the command was ordered to fall back and necessarily
left four of its pieces on the field. (Horses being killed.) Covered,
however, by the efficient fire of the Fifth Massachusetts Battery, Cap
tain Phillips, the guns were all afterwards secured."
FROM CAPT. BIGELOW'S LETTER.
Captain Bigelow wrote a letter June 2, 1879, to the
Philadelphia Times in which occurs the following reference
to the Fifth Battery :—
"Owing to large stone bowlders interfering with my left section, I
ordered Lieut. (Richard S.) Milton to take it out and to the rear. In
accomplishing this most of the horses were shot, and one of the pieces
was drawn off by hand, but the right and centre sections remained until
overwhelmed by the enemy, who came in on their unprotected flanks.
While we were thus engaged, McGilvery succeeded in placing the
Sixth Maine, Dow, and sth Massachusetts, Phillips, Batteries in posi
tion on the high ground in my rear, Cemetery Ridge proper. When I
was raised from the ground, the enemy who had come in on the flanks
of the Battery, were standing on the chests shooting down my can
noneers who were still securing their guns : but McGilvery was ready.
I ordered my men to stop firing and get back to our lines as best they
could. Dow and Phillips immediately opened fire on their positions,

648 HISTORY OF THE
and the enemy's advance in this direction was stopped, although there
were no infantry on our line for some time afterward."
THE FIGHT OF JULY 3D.
"With bristling bayonets glistening in the sun.
The stubborn ranks, inspired by victories won,
Pressed grimly on, unmindful of the storm
Of shot and shell that felled full many a form.
Until an earthquake shook the startled earth,
As though the fiends of hell were given birth.
The Federal guns now belched volcanic wrath,
Which carried untold misery in its path.
'Strike ! Strike ! for freedom and your native land !'
And bayonets clashed in contests hand to hand.
Oh, fierce the struggle, but they break! they fly!
And God to freedom gives the victory."
— Brevet Colonel Horatio C. King.
Thirty-second Annual Reunion Society of the Army of the Potomac.

Edwin Forbes who made the famous sketches on the
battle fields, in his description of the field of Gettysburg on
the morning of July 3, 1863, says : —
"A great convulsion of nature could not have made more universal
destruction ; everything bore the mark of death and ruin. The whole
slope was massed with dead horses."
1 THE DISPOSITION OF THE FORCES.
Slocum with the Twelfth Corps and Wadsworth's Divi
sion of the First, held Culp's Hill, reclaimed from the rebel
general Ewell in the early morning. Howard's Eleventh
Corps and Robinson's Division of the First, were on Ceme
tery Hill, then extending to the left came Alexander Hays'
Brigade of the Second Corps in two lines; the front being
posted behind a low stone wall until the line turned west
ward where it was lower, with a rail fence on the top of the
wall. Farther along, in front of John Gibbon's Division
of the same Corps the only protection was an ordinary rail

Gettysburg.
The Fight of J-uly 3T

I. Ernes' Z. 6fhMaim. 3. Z^MJ. Battery B. 4. RanTt'sSectionS. /sf Coi
G.Hqrts 75™ N.Y. 7. Phi71ips! 'S,flMasS. a "^^  -—'- n "°  "—

 ,- • .ass. 8. Thompson's C.Penn./7rfy.
9. Paropetor breMStwo-rh of roils 07,3 dirt, Zfthicfh, t$he-7ter77Tj aJJiuision
of infantry as we 11 as the Batte ries.

v— — ^..-,-  ~-,....=~. 10. Helel guns. II. McAllisters
Mill. IZ. Peacli Oi-cTiard. 13. Guns advanced T,y the 7}ele7s. A*. Florida

I I I I I. I fit, I \.-*\t 1 1 IS i \* ri\m • ¦"• rut u u 1 1 J LJ u i' w 1 1 t.
Brigade captured by a Union S-r-iyacje,

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 649
fence put together by the troops for the occasion. Next
came General Abner Doubleday's Division of the First
Corps; then General J. C. Caldwell's Division of the Second
Corps; then the Third Corps with D. B. Birney's Division
in the front line; then the Fifth Corps, closing up the line
to Round Top, and the Sixth Corps principaUy in reserve.
At eleven o'clock on July 3d the battle ceased on the right.
The Federal line was that to' which it had been forced back
on the previous day, and almost as it was at noon of July 2d,
before the Third Corps moved out to the Emmittsburg road
and the Wheat Field, except that the Fifth Corps extended
the line on the left, occupying Little and Big Round Tops.
The assault of the enemy was made upon the ground
occupied on July 2d, by the 2d and 3d Divisions of the
Second Corps.
The Artillery Reserve, commanded by General Henry J.
Hunt, were posted from General H. W. Slocum's Head
Ouarters near the Baltimore turnpike, to the extreme left of
Great Round Top.
At one o'clock p. m., the enemy, whose artillery had been
placed on the most commanding positions, from Benner's
HiU on the right to Seminary Ridge opposite Round Top,
opened fire on our batteries out of a line of artillery three
miles in length, concentrated on a clump of trees held by
Webb's Brigade of the Second Corps. There were 150 guns
on the rebel side, 80 effective guns on ours. The battle on
the Union side according to General Henry J. Hunt, was a
purely defensive one. The Confederates fired two hours
without interruption from our guns, and ceased. Our
troops were protected by whatever shelter they could pile
together. Then followed absolute silence. The Confeder
ates have observed the fire of the guns, attached to the
Corps as described from right to left, dying down — the Sec
ond Corps batteries had nothing left but canister, — and be
lieve all our guns are being silenced. They advance the

650 HISTORY OF THE
attacking column, a long line of skirmishers to' the number
of 18,000 across the field and up the slope of Cemetery
Ridge, and the rebel flags of Virginia and the alleged Con
federacy wave for a moment over the low stone wall in
front of Webb's Brigade in the very centre of the Union
position. In another portion of the field a desperate battle was
being fought by cavalry; Custer's Michigan Brigade against
the rebel general Stuart for the possession of the road to
Baltimore. The ill effects of the bombardment of the Union Centre
were more easily avoided by those who occupied Cemetery
Ridge than those lingering on the plain behind it. Head
Quarters and ordnance stores were reached by the flying
shells, and had to be removed farther to the rear, while
General Meade and staff rode forward nearer to the line
of battle on the Ridge, a much safer post of observation
than the open plain.
GENERAL O. O. HOWARD'S STORY.
General Howard thus wrote in an article published in the
Atlantic Monthly for July, 1876: —
"Longstreet is said to have brought together in his front, opposite
the low ground north of Little Round Top, fifty-five long range guns,
and Hill massed some sixty more a little farther towards and opposite
to our centre. . . As there seemed to be actually no place of safety,
my staff officers sat by me nearly in front of four twelve-pound Parrott
guns that played over our heads, almost every available space being
covered with artillery.
At half past two p. m. we ceased to fire. . . . The firing of the
enemy lulled, and I could see, better than the day before, their infantry
in line; at least a quarter of a mile of it was exposed to my view, as it
started from Oak Ridge opposite our left. It was like an extensive
parade ; the flags were flying, and the line steadily advancing. As
soon as they were near enough, Osborne, Wainwright, McGilvery, and
other artillery chiefs, started the fire of their batteries; first with solid
shot, making hardly any impression, soon with shells exploding near
and over and beyond the advancing line. . . . When nearer the canister

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 651
was freely used, and the gaps in the enemy's line grew bigger and
harder to close. Soon this array came within short musketry range of
our full long line in their front, all concealed by temporary cover,
breastworks, stone walls, and trenches. As if by some simultaneous
impulse, the whole line fired and continued to fire, rapidly, for perhaps
five or ten minutes. As the smoke rose I saw no longer any enemy's
line. There was running in every direction. Regiments of ours from
Steinwehr's position to Round Top, were moving into the valley, with
their flags flying, and apparently without much order, taking flags, guns,
and provisions, and bringing them in."
FROM HYDE'S "FOLLOWING THE GREEK
CROSS."
General T. W. Hyde thus describes the assault: —
"On they came, it looked to me like three lines, about a mile long
each, in perfect order. They cross the Emmittsburg pike and our
guns, eighty in all, cool and in good shape, open first with shot, and
then with shell. . . But a tremendous roar of musketry crashes out,
and I know the big guns are firing grape and canister now. And soon
they appear again, and this time the colors are together, like a little
forest, but the men are dropping like leaves in autumn. . . . From a hill
I was fortunate enough to see the defeat of Stuart's cavalry by Gregg.
All it looked like was a dust cloud with flakes of light in it, as the sun
shone upon the swinging sabres."
It is said that a motion in the British House of Commons
to recognize the Confederate States, would have passed but
for the news of the victory at Gettysburg.
THE POSITION OF THE BATTERY.
At daylight July 3, 1863, we took position to the right
and rear of our position on the day before. At 10 a. m.
General Hunt, chief of artillery, made an inspection of the
entire line. "Phillips' Fifth Massachusetts 6 3-inch," is
mentioned as one of the batteries on the left of the Second
Corps, betwen Thompson's Pennsylvania and Hart's New
York. At 3 o'clock when Longstreet's Corps charged we en
filaded them terribly. Powell the historian says: —

652 HISTORY OF THE
"the rifled guns of the Union Artillery, having no canister, were with
drawn from the line, and the double-shotted 12 pounders were left to
do the work."
Captain Phillips in his letter written at Littlestown,
Penn., July 6, 1863, in relation to the fight of July 3d pro
ceeds as follows :
"The next morning I went into position at daylight, and
everything remained quiet till one o'clock. Finding that
the rebels were massing artillery in our front, the Major
ordered us to throw up a parapet, which we afterwards
found conduced very much to our comfort. About one they
commenced the most tremendous cannonading I ever heard.
They must have had 80 or 90 guns in position. As artillery
ammunition was rather short, we had been ordered not to
reply to their batteries, and so we could lie still and enjoy
it. My men were entirely sheltered by our parapet, and
about the only damage done was to kill 8 or 10 horses.
Viewed as a display of fireworks, the rebel practice was
entirely successful, but as a military demonstration it was
the biggest humbug of the season.
About half past one General Hancock ordered us to reply,
thereby showing how little an infantry officer knows about
artillery. The rebels were not doing us any harm, and if
they wanted to throw away their ammunition I do not see
why we should prevent them. However, we obeyed orders.
Fortunately, Major McGdvery came up and stopped us
before we had fired a great while.
After firing an hour and wasting all their ammunition,
and probably fancying that they had achieved a great result
and silenced our guns, Longstreet's Corps made the grand
charge of the day. This charge was made on our right,
SO' that the rebels, in crossing the fields, exposed their right
flank to an enfilading fire from our position.
As soon as the rebel line appeared, our cannoneers sprang
to their guns, and our silenced batteries poured in a rain of

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 653
shot and shell, which must have sickened the rebels of their
work. I never saw artillery so' ably handled, or productive
of such decisive results. It was far superior even to Mal
vern Hill. For half an hour our line was one continuous
roar of artillery, and the shot ploughed through the rebel
ranks most terrifically. Then our infantry went in and
repulsed the rebels, taking a great many prisoners.
During this charge an event took place, which must have
convinced the rebel artillery officers that they had something
to learn. They advanced a 12 pdr. battery about 200 yards
on our left, and blazed away. We let them get well at
work, and then the Major turned four batteries oh them,
and in less than ten minutes not a cannoneer was left to
work the guns: all were dead or had 'skedaddled.' The
guns stood out in the field till late in the afternoon, when
we allowed the rebels to take them off, as it cost too much
ammunition to keep them off, and they could have removed
them after dark any way.
After the repulse of the grand charge, a ridiculous demon
stration took place in front of us. A Florida Brigade ad
vanced and got into a ravine about 200 yards in front of us,
when a Brigade of ours got the other side of them and cap
tured the whole concern ! This finished the rebels for that
day, and the next day their batteries had disappeared, but
our forces, instead of advancing, by which we might have
gained a decisive victory, spent the whole day in skirmish
ing, allowing a line of rebel pickets to conceal from us what
was going on in their rear, — I may be mistaken, but this is
the way it struck me.
Saturday forenoon we retired to the Rear and rested, and
yesterday we marched to this place. My losses for the two
days foot up 1 officer wounded severely, 4 men killed, 16
wounded,- — 2 probably mortally — 40 horses killed, 690
rounds fired. There were, of course, the usual number of
narrow escapes, but I was not wounded even in my coat or
hat."

654 HISTORY OF THE
In a letter dated December 16, 1901, Private Louis E.
Pattison says of the reference of Captain Phillips to the
action of General Hancock: —
"Phillips' comment upon Hancock's action at Gettysburg
in ordering the artillery fire, is exactly what the rank and
file thought.
Had Hancock let Hunt manage the whole line of artillery,
the rebel column would never have reached the clump of
trees, and a counter charge should then have been made by
our Army, which would have been successful, and much
of the slaughter of 1864, would have been avoided. Our
Battery was only excelled by D, 5th U. S."

From the letter of Captain Phillips sent with the plans
from the camp near Kelly's Ford Nov. 21, 1863: —
"At daylight the next day (July 3d) McGilvery placed
his Brigade in position. He had 37 guns placed close to
gether, arranged as follows, commencing from the left : —
Battery G, ist N. Y. (Capt. Nelson Ames) 6 guns, 6th
Maine (Captain Edwin B. Dow) 4 guns, New Jersey Bat
tery (Battery B, 2d N. J. Art'y), 6 guns, N. Y. (Rank's
Section) 2 guns, ist Conn. 6 guns, 15th N. Y. (Capt.
Patrick Hart) 4 guns, Fifth Mass. (PhiUips) 4 guns, —
I did not have men and horses enough for six, — C, Penn.
Art'y (Capt. James Thompson) 5 guns. ["Rank's Sec
tion" was a section of Battery H, 3d Pennsylvania Heavy
Artillery, which served that day as Light ArtiUerv. com
manded by Captain William D. Rank.]
The rebel batteries were arranged along the crest in our
front, the peach orchard being full of them. From the
woods on our left to the right of our Brigade we threw up
a little breastwork of rails and dirt, about two feet high,
very useful and convenient. A Division of infantry were
placed on this line between our guns, and only one man in
the whole Division was hurt by the rebel artillery fire, and

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 655
he was foolishly lying about io feet behind the breastwork.
About noon the rebels opened a grand cannonade from
their whole line, and for an hour and a half we had a
grand Fourth of July performance. During the whole of
this time the reports averaged by actual count 70 or 80 a
minute. I don't know what the rebels expected to do, but it
was certainly a very foolish performance.
We hitched our horses to trees, placed all our men snugly
behind our heap of dirt, and rather enjoyed it than other
wise. To' be sure they made a great noise, and the shells
whistled round our heads so thick that a timid man hardly
cared to stand up and look round to see what was going on,
but we did not care about running away, when it was a
great deal safer to stay where we were. I suppose the rebels
thought they were blowing everything to pieces. The at
tack of Longstreet's Corps was on our right, but we had a
splendid range on them as they came across the fields, and
must have injured them badly. The country was so open
that they had no shelter from our fire and as we nearly
enfiladed them, we could not help hitting them at every
shot; so when they were repulsed they evidently did not
care about going across the same open fields, but retreated
more to' our right, where they could get into the woods
easier." Corp'l George L. Newton in Notes dated Oct. 24, 1899,
adds the following to the quotations from Captain PhiUips :
— "I remember some years after the War ended, I was with
Captain Phillips in his office in Boston, and we were talking
over old times, and he told me that the Battery fired nearly
5^ tons of ammunition at Gettysburg during the fighting
on the 2d and 3d of July."
LETTER OF SERGT. WM. H. PEACOCK.
"July 5, 1863.
Camp near the Battlefield of  , Pa.
I came out of the fight all right. Our Battery was en
gaged two days, and a terrible time we had of it. . . . The

656 HISTORY OF THE
9th Mass. Battery lost 38 men killed and wounded. Captain
Bigelow of Brighton was shot through the side; not a fatal
wound, I hear. On my Gun one man was killed and five
wounded, out of 10 of us. The second day we gave them
an awful whipping. I think we will have another battle
before the rebels leave this state, or Maryland."
FROM CORPORAL CHASE'S DIARY.
"July 3, 1863. Not a wink of sleep last night: wound
very painful. Four of our pieces left for the front about 6
this morning, the other two pieces, caissons, battery-wagon
and forge advanced about half a mile nearer the front about
10 a. m. Cannonading began again this morning at day
light. Kept with the caissons this morning. Met Lieut.
Lombard of the 16th Mass. Reg't. Not much fighting until
1 p. m. when a terrific cannonading commenced, and at
3 p. m. has not slackened. Wm. L. Purbeck died of his
wounds this a. m. and his remains were buried. No hopes
of the recovery of Wm. E. Estee this a. m. Battery engaged
again this p. m. John Canty and John Olin wounded this
p. m. Olin slightly. The battery-wagon, forge teams, two
guns and caissons, started to the Rear when the heavy
firing commenced. Serg't. Nye came to us this p. m. with
rations. A furious cannonading kept up until about 4 p. m.
when it gradually slackened. The men on our pieces in
front report that the enemy is shelling them terriblv.
Quite a large lot of rebel prisoners — about 800 — passed us
about 4. p. m. ; among them several commissioned officers.
The prospect looks nore and more favorable for us this
p. ni. Martin J. Coleman and Henry W. Soule still missing.
D. K. Shackley slightly bruised by a fragment of shell
p. m. Very quiet up to the front at 6 p. m., but little can
nonading at this time. Many of the rebel prisoners today
badly wounded. Our guns partly sheltered from the fire by
breastworks, but many of the caisson horses were killed.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 657
My wound very sore today and somewhat inflamed.
Weather cloudy and quite cool. Stragglers warned of the
wrath to come if they incur the indignation of General
Meade by skulking. Wm. Greeley made delirious by the
wind of a shell p. m.; sent him to the hospital. W. A.
Waugh slightly bruised by a piece of shell. More hopes
of Wm. E. Estee tonight. John Canty's right arm ampu
tated to-day. M. J. Coleman still missing. The 5th detach
ment exchanged gun (see p. 923 Captain Fitzhugh) for one
with a charge wedged in from a New York battery.
July 4, 1863. AU quiet this morning. Not as much as .
'bunch of crackers' to> be heard, except the grinding of hard
crackers this morning. Quite a comfortable night's rest last
night. A little rain fell in the night. The dead body of
H. W. Soule found on the field where we fought on the
2d inst. by Lieut. Spear this morning. Serg't. Smith reports
that we have already lost forty horses in the two days' fight
ing. Had a good bath this morning and feel quite refreshed.
My wound doing well but very sore. Martin J. Coleman
found on the field seriously wounded, a. m. He was brought
to the rear and carried to the hospital.-
The 5th and 6th detachments with guns, caissons, and the
battery-wagon, forge and team, moved to a field near where
we halted before going into action on the 2d inst., in front
of the nth Corps hospital. The whole Battery in park in
the above field. A thundershower came up about half past
3 p. m. and rained very fast for about an hour. Went on
the battlefield after the shower p. m. Many bodies of both
Union and rebel soldiers were unburied. Saw 20 dead
horses within the space of half an acre, probably horses be
longing to the 9th Mass. Battery. Put up tents and 'turned
in' on the wet ground! A party of our men went out on
the field p. m. and buried the remains of Fotheringham,
Verity, and Soule. — Distant cannonading heard in the
evening. Weather cool and comfortable with some rain.

658 HISTORY OF THE
Some of our men went out beyond the outer pickets for the
limber of the ist detachment gun and brought it to camp;
a hazardous job. The rebel pickets fired upon them with
out effect.
July 5, 1863. Sunday. Went to the hospital this morn
ing and had my wound dressed. No hopes of the recover}
of Martin J. Coleman. J. Hathaway seriously wounded
J. Canty comfortable. All quiet today. Lieut. Scott came
to us a. m. Battery hitched up and joined the column on
the march for Frederick City, Md. Went to the hospital
of the Reserve Artillery with all our wounded, p. m., hospi
tal on the Baltimore turnpike about three miles from the
battlefield. Hospital a good dwelling house and a barn.
All hands had a plentiful supper of broiled mackerel, bread
and coffee. Remained with the wounded till up. m., with
G. Trumbull, attending to their wants. Two of our men
up all the time and were relieved every two hours.
Our Battery, with the Volunteer Reserve, passed the hos
pital about 6 p. m. on the march to Frederick, Md. Lieut.
Scott left here with us.
July 6, 1863. Quite a comfortable night's rest last night.
The wounded men rested very quietly most of the time.
Hard bread and coffee with a little beef steak for break
fast. Some clean clothing given to those of us who needed
it most. By request of M. J. Coleman wrote to his father
that he could not live, and that the letter would probably
be the last he would hear from him. The Dr. has no hopes
of Coleman's recovery. Boiled meat and broth for dinner,
ham, bread and coffee for supper. Went to see some rebel
prisoners in the hospital, — wounded, — p. m. Their hospital
was a small church and a cemetery, graves serving as
pillows. July 7, 1863. John M. Canty died last night about
1 1 p. m. and was buried this morning. Arose at 2 a. m to
help watch with the wounded. A good, plentiful breakfast

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 659
of fried ham this morning; boiled fresh meat, and a good
broth for dinner. Lieut. Scott with other commissioned
officers left us today for home. Ham for supper. Weather
quite cool and comfortable.
DYING WORDS OF COLEMAN.
Notes of Aug. 13, 1899.
Martin J. Coleman was mortally wounded at Gettysburg
and was brought to a temporary hospital where I was. I
did not know that he was seriously wounded until I asked
the surgeon how he was getting on, and he told me he
could not live long. Soon after Coleman sent for me to
write a letter for him. I could relate other instances to
show the spirit and material of the old 5th Mass. Battery,
but writing that letter was the most pathetic act I was called
upon to perform while in service. He dictated this to me : —
'Dear Father : I have not long to live. I have tried to be a
faithful soldier, and I die for the flag.' "
FROM NOTES OF CORPORAL SHACKLEY, 1863.
"On the 3d July we went into line with only 3 guns, not
having men and horses to' serve more.
THE WOUNDING OF JOHN M. CANTY.
After the enemy had shelled our lines, and had begun their
advance, we commenced firing. John Canty was driver of
the pole team of the ist caisson — the limber of the Gun
was left on the field on the previous day, — and was kneeling
on his right knee, his right arm behind the horse's left
fore leg, his left hand holding the bridle rein. Corporal
Shackley, assisting No. 5 to serve ammunition, had a
Schenkle combination shell on the ground, between his
knees, trying to turn the cap to set the time-fuze, when a
shell came and took off the horse's leg above the knee,

660 HISTORY OF THE
Canty's arm off above the elbow, and the horse's right
hind foot off above the ankle with such force as to tear the
shoe clear of the foot, and the shoe struck the Corporal
on his left wrist, and made him lame for nearly a week.
The skin was not broken, but turned very dark, the sleeve
of his blouse having protected it to some extent. The shell
fell to the ground under the Corporal's nose and he picked
it up, and threw it away.
Canty died of his wound. The shell did not explode."
In relation to the battle Shackley wrote in a letter at the
time: — "We have had two days of as hard fighting as has
been done in this war, but as long as I have health I will
not grumble."
NOTES OF JOHN E. DYER, 1863.
"July 3, 1863. A thick morning. Firing commenced
about daybreak. Our Battery, with four pieces, went to
the front at 6 a. m. At 1 p. m the most awful cannonading
commenced from the enemy, and was kept up until 3^ p. m.
During the time we silenced one of their batteries. General
Longstreet reported taken with part of his men. Slept on
the field.
July 4, 1863. Independence Day. Still on the field.
Went over it, and among the wounded found Coleman and
J. Hathaway. Took a blanket, put one in at a time, and
brought them off. About 7 a. m. we left our position, and
went to the rear with all our pieces and caissons, but with
a loss of 21 men killed and wounded, also 41 horses killed.
This is a great loss for artillery."
NOTES OF CORPORAL GRAHAM.
Finding the Bodies.
"On the afternoon of the 4th Captain Phillips ordered a
sergeant to go down on the centre of the field, out beyond
our pickets, where the rebs had left one of their guns the

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 661
day before. So he mounts a horse and starts down. When
he got to' the picket line his heart failed him, so he came
back. Then the Captain came to me, and he says, 'Graham,
you go down on the field, and get me that pole-yoke from
that limber.' So I went out on the centre of the field, and
tried to get it, but as I had no wrench, and there was none
in the limber chest, I had to leave it. I walked from there
in the centre of both picket lines, to the position we occupied
on the second day. It was there where I found poor Henry
Soule. He was the first one that I found. He was under a
small apple tree. Fotheringham was nearer the position
of the Battery.
From the field I went into the Trostle house, where I
found John Hathaway and Coleman. They were both badly-
wounded. The rebels had stripped Hathaway of all his
doming. When I found him he was sitting in a chair
underneath a mirror, and I saw him in the glass first, and
. he gave me quite a fright, for the only thing he had on was
a white sheet. He looked more like a ghost than a man.
I asked him if there were any other of the boys in the house,
and he said he did not know, so I looked the house over
from garret to cellar, and there, behind the chimney, found
Coleman. I tried to get an ambulance to take them to the
rear, but it was of no use. I went back to the Battery and
reported to the Captain. He had the men make some
stretchers, and had Hathaway and Coleman taken to the
field hospital, where they died in a day or two. The last I
saw of Henry Soule they were digging a grave under that
apple tree, but I did not stay to see whether he was buried
there or not."
The last resting place of Henry W. Soule is in Oak Grove
Cemetery, New Bedford, Mass.
"You may lean your backs against comrades now,
They'll moisten your lips, and they'll kiss your
brow,

662 HISTORY OF THE
For they fought like men, and a man may weep
When he lays a man to his last long sleep."
— Richard Mansfield.
REPORT OF CAPTAIN C. A. PHILLIPS.
Hd. Qrs. Battery E, Mass. Art'y,
July 6, 1863.
Major McGilvery, Com'd'g ist Brig.. /. A. R.
Major :
I have the honor to forward a report of the battery
during the action of July 2d and 3d.
On the morning of the 2d I marched from Taneytown
towards Gettysburg, and came into park near the battlefield.
At 4 o'clock I was ordered into action, and took position on
the right of Captain Bigelow and left of Captain Hart.
The enemy soon opened a heavy artiUery fire on our front
and right, one battery on my right which I could not see,
giving us a very hot enfilading fire. Towards 5 o'clock the
enemy succeeded in forcing back our lines on our right and
left, and the battery was subjected to a heavy musketry fire
on both flanks. Accordingly upon receiving the order from
you, I limbered to the rear and retired. The horses on the
left piece were shot before limbering, and we were obliged
to bring the piece off by hand, leaving the limber, — this was
however brought off on the 4th. Lieut. Henry D. Scott
was shot in the face and severely wounded while bringing
off this piece. After retiring about 1000 yards I came into
battery by the side of the 6th Maine Battery, Lieut. Dow
com'd'g, and remained until my ammunition was expended,
when I marched to the rear, and went into park for the
night. At daylight on the 3d I was ordered to the front, and
took position to the right and rear of the position of the day
before, on the right of Captain Hart, and left of Captain
Thompson. Under your direction the guns were protected
by a slight parapet, which proved of very great service.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 663
About one o'clock the enemy opened a heavy fire from a
long line of batteries, which was kept up for an hour, but
beyond the noise which was made, no great harm was done.
Having received orders from General Hunt, and from you,
not to reply to their batteries, I remained silent for the first
half hour, when General Hancock ordered us to open. We
then opened fire on the enemy's batteries, but in the thick
smoke probably did very little damage. By your orders
we soon ceased firing. Soon after a charge was made by
General Longstreet's Corps, and from my position I was
enabled to pour a heavy enfilading fire into the rebel infantry.
After the repulse of this charge, another was made by a
Florida Brigade within range of my guns. During the
charge of General Longstreet, the rebels advanced a battery
of 12 pdrs. on our left, whereupon the batteries of the ist
brig, were ordered to concentrate their fire on it, which was
done with such good effect that the rebel cannoneers were
driven from their posts almost immediately, and left their
guns in the field.
I remained in this position until Saturday forenoon.
I beg leave to express entire satisfaction with my officers
and men. During the two days I fired 690 rounds, lost
1 officer wounded, 4 men killed, 16 wounded, 40 horses
killed, and a number disabled. A number of small imple
ments were lost during the falling back of the first day, but
the only losses of material which interfere with the efficiency
of the Battery are :
1 Wheel Harness for one horse.
4 Sets Lead Harness.
2 Wheels. I am very Respectfully
Your ob't Serv't,
Charles A. Phillips, Capt.
Battery E, Mass. Art'y.

664

HISTORY OF THE

LIST OF KILLED AND WOUNDED OF BATTERY E, MASS.
ART'Y AT THE BATTLE NEAR GETTYSBURG,
PA., JULY 2D AND 3D, 1863.

NAMES.
Henry D. Scott
Thomas E. Chase
John Agen
Wm. L. Purbeck
Henry W. Soule
John G. Sanford
Henry Fitzsimmons
GeorgeJR. Trumbull
Martin J. Coleman
William E. Estee
William H. Dunham
John F. Hathaway
John M. Canty
Daniel K. Shackley
John H. Olin
William A. Waugh

RANK.
ist Lieut.
Corporal
Private

woundedArm broke
Killed.

facearm slightly.

nded side slightly.
' leg severely
' foot slightly.
' Knee and Arm mortally.
' hip severely
' shoulder slightly
' breast severely
' arm amputated.
' arm slightly
' hip severely.
' arm slightly.

LIST OF KILLED AND WOUNDED OF THE 10™ NEW
YORK IND. BATTERY NOW SERVING WITH BATTERY
E., MASS. ART'Y AT THE BATTLE NEAR GETTYS
BURG, PA., JULY 2» & 3D, 1863.
names. rank.
Edward Fotheringham Private Killed.
Henry Graffelman " Wounded b  y severely
Thomas Fairhuret " " shoulder slightly
William M' Kern " " groin severely.
John W. Verity " Killed.
In the Roll of Honor, published in Fox's "New York
at Gettysburg," names of soldiers in New York Regiments
and Batteries, who were killed or mortally wounded at
that Battle, are :
ioth INDEPENDENT BATTERY L. A.
Fotheringham Edward, Private.
Verity John W., Private.
Temporarily attached to the 5th Massachusetts Battery.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 665
In relation to the Third Day's Fight Captain Phillips
wrote his little nephew, under date July 31st, 1863: "On
the next day we had a splendid exhibition of fireworks
got up by the rebel chief of artillery for our amusement.
For about an hour and a half there were at least 100 shots
a minute, and the banging and whizzing round was so con
stant as to be quite confusing. Just before it commenced
Lieut. Lull and I were lying in a little shelter tent, but
when the shower came we concluded to get behind a pile
of dirt, and it was lucky we did so, for in less than five
minutes a shell struck the shelter tent and knocked if all
to pieces . . . But when the infantry came out we jumped
up and went at it hammer and tongs. We had a splendid
chance at them, and we made the most of it . . . The prettiest
thing, however, was the way we silenced a rebel battery
which they brought out into the field. We let them get into
position and all ready, and then we went at them. For
about five minutes the shells were bursting round their heads
pretty thick, and when the smoke and dust cleared away
we could see one horse, but no men left. The guns stood
just where they placed them, but they did not fire another
shot." LETTER OF LIEUT. J. E. SPEAR.
"The Major referred to here is Major McGilvery of
Maine, who commanded several batteries on Sickles' line
when he was forced back the second day. I was on his
staff as Assistant Adjutant General." Note by Lieut. Spear
July 24, 1 90 1. "Head Quarters ist Brig. Vol. A. C.
Camp near Frederick, Md.
July 7, 1863.
Well here we are back to Frederick, Md., which place we
left one week ago last Monday morning. The first day, —

666 HISTORY OF THE
Monday, — we marched as far as Middleburg, Md., and there
we went into camp for the night. The next morning, —
Tuesday, — we broke camp and marched that day about ten
miles, to Taneytown, where we went into camp, and re
mained until Wednesday morning, when we were ordered
to move, but orders were countermanded, and we remained
until Thursday morning, when we broke camp and marched
towards Gettysburg, Pa., and we went into' park about :
o'clock, near the Battlefield.
At 4 o'clock the Major received orders for his batteries
to move into position, and they were placed near the centre
of the 3d Corps on the Left of the line of battle. As soon
as the batteries were placed in position the rebels opened a
heavy artillery fire on our front and right. Towards 5
o'clock the enemy succeeded in forcing back our lines on our
right and left, and the batteries were subjected to a hot
musketry fire on the flanks. Some of the batteries then com
menced to retreat before the order was given by the Major,
but Capt. Phillips and Capt. Bigelow of the 9th Mass.
Battery, remained until the Major gave the order to retire.
When retiring Capt. Phillips and Capt. Bigelow lost a
great many men and horses, and had to pull some of their
pieces off by hand. After retiring about 1000 yards these
two batteries came into position and remained there until
all their ammunition was expended, when they went into
park to' the rear of the Battlefield.
At daylight on the 3d we were ordered into position near
the centre of our line, and here the men built a slight parapet
to protect themselves from the shells and bullets of the rebels,
which proved of very great importance, for it saved the
lives of many men. About 1 o'clock p. m. of the 3d
the enemy opened a heavy fire from a long line of batter
ies, which was kept up for an hour, but beyond the noise
made no> great harm was done. Soon after the firing
ceased, the rebels made a charge, and from our position

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 667
we were enabled to pour a heavy enfilading fire into the
rebel infantry.
After the repulse of this charge, another was made by a
Florida Brigade within range of our guns. These were very
soon repulsed, and we remained in position until the day
after, when the rebels commenced to retreat, and we com
menced to march and head them off. We expect to move
towards Antietam."
REPORT OF COLONEL FREEMAN McGILVERY,
Found Among the Papers of Major Charles A. Phillips :
"Report of the part taken by the ist Brigade Vol. Division Artillery
Reserve, and other Batteries under my command in the Battle near
Gettysburg Pa. July 2d and 3d 1863."
The list of batteries composing the Brigade is here given,
then follows the Report:
"General R. O. Tyler, Commanding Artillery Reserve A. P.
General.
I have the honor to respectfully report that my Brigade being in park
at a central position near our line of battle at half-past three o'clock
p. m. on the 2d of July, I received an order from yourself to report to
General Sickles with one Light 12 pdr. and one Rifled Battery.
The sth Mass. Battery, Captain Phillips, and 9th Mass. Battery Cap
tain Bigelow were marched immediately to a position occupied by Gen
eral Sickle's, near a belt of oak woods considerably in front of the pro
longation of the natural line of defenses of our Army on the Left Cen
tre, in which General Sickles' command was engaged with the enemy.
By General Sickles' order I made an examination of the ground,
and placed the two Mass. Batteries in a position that commanded most
of the open country between the woods held by our troops on the Left
Centre and the woods and high ground occupied by the enemy on their
right. A New Jersey Battery immediately on the right of the two
Mass. Batteries, was receiving the most of the fire of two or more rebel
batteries. Hart's 15th New York Battery reporting at that time, I
placed it in position in a Peach Orchard on the right and a little to the
front of the New Jersey Battery. The four batteries already mentioned
presented a front nearly at right angles with the position occupied by
our troops facing towards our left, the fire of which I concentrated on
single rebel batteries, and five or more were driven in succession from
their position.

668 HISTORY OF THE
Captain Thompson's F and C consolidated Pa. Battery of my Bri
gade, took oosition on the right of the 15th New York Battery, two
sections of which battery fronted and fired in the direction of those
heretofore mentioned and the right section fronted to the right and
opened fire on a section or more of rebel artillery posted in the woods
at canister range, immediately on the right of the batteries under my
command, the enfilade fire of which was inflicting serious damage
through the whole line of my command. At about 5 o'clock a heavy
column of rebel infantry made its appearance in a grain field about 850
yards in front, moving at quick time towards the woods on our left
where the infantry fighting was then going on. A well directed fire
from all the batteries was brought to bear upon them, which destroyed
the order of their march and drove many back into the woods on their
right, though the main portion of the column succeeded in reaching the
point for which they started, and sheltered themselves from the artil
lery fire.
In a few minutes another and larger column appeared at about 750
yds. presenting a slight left flank to our position. I immediately trained
the entire line of our guns upon them, and opened with various kinds
of ammunition. The column continued to move on at double quick,
until its head reached a barn immediately in front of my left battery
at about 400 yards distant, when it came to a halt. I gave them canis
ter and solid shot with such good effect that I am sure that several hun
dred were put hors du combat in a short space of time. The column
was broken ; part fled in the direction from whence it came, part pushed
on into the woods on our left. The remainder endeavored to shelter
themselves in masses around the house and barn. I visited the position
after the battle where the column in confusion massed up around the
house and barn heretofore mentioned, and found 120 odd dead belong
ing to three So. Carolina Regiments. This mortality was no doubt
from the effects of the artillery fire. The asperities of the ground in
front of my batteries were such as to enable the enemy's sharpshooters
in large numbers to cover themselves within very short range. At
about a quarter to six o'clock the enemy's infantry gained possession of
the woods immediately on the left of my line of batteries, and our in
fantry fell back both on our right and left, when great disorder ensued
on both flanks of the line of batteries. At this period of the action all
the batteries were exposed to a warm infantry fire from both flanks and
front, whereupon I ordered them to retire 250 yards and renew their
fire. The New Jersey Battery mentioned being out of ammunition re
tired to the rear. The 15th New York Battery also retired from the
field. Captains Bigelow and Phillips, who were under my observation
about all the time, evinced great coolness and skill in retiring their bat
teries. Captain Phillips with Lieut. Scott and four men hauled off one
piece by hand, every horse on the limber having been shot down. Lieut.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 669
Scott was shot through the face whilst at this work, and it is a mystery
to me that they were not all hit by the enemy's fire, as they were nearly
surrounded and fired upon from almost every direction. Captain
Bigelow retired by prolonge, firing canister, which with Captains Phil
lips and Thompson firing on his right in their new position., the enemy-
was checked effectually in his advance for a short time. Captain
Thompson, having all the horses killed from the limber of one of his
pieces whilst retiring, was compelled to leave the piece, which fell into
the hands of the enemy.
The crisis of the engagement had now arrived. I gave Captain
Bigelow orders to hold his position as long as possible at all hazards,
in order to give me time to form a new line of artillery, and justice
demands that I should state that Captain Bigelow did hold his position,
and execute his firing, with a deliberation and destructive effect upon
the enemy in such a manner as only a brave and skilled officer could,
until one officer killed and the others wounded and more than half his
men either killed or wounded and his horses all shot down at the lim
bers, he was forced to leave four guns and retire. Lieut. Milton brought
two guns safely to the rear. In the meantime I formed a new line of
artillery about 400 yds. to the rear, close under the woods, and covering
the opening which led into the Gettysburg and Taneytown road, of the
following batteries and parts of batteries: Battery I, 5th Regulars, and
a volunteer battery which I have never been able to learn the name of,
Three guns of the sth Mass. Battery, Two of Captain Thompson's Pa.
Battery, and commenced firing on the enemy's line of infantry and ar
tillery which had formed in the open field only about 7 or 800 yards
in our front ; a brook running through low bushes parallel to our front
midway between ours and the enemy's lines, being occupied by rebel
sharpshooters. As soon as the 6th Maine Battery reported, which was
just before sundown, I ordered canister to be used on the low bushes in
front, which compelled them (sharpshooters) to retire. About this time
Pettit's ist N. Y. Battery reported, and took a position on the right of
the 6th Maine. At this time the enemy's fire, artillery — was very rapid
and heavy. The unknown volunteer battery heretofore mentioned left
the field. The guns of Battery I, sth Reg. were abandoned. Captain
Thompson's guns being out of ammunition were sent to the rear.
Pettit's ist N. Y. Battery remained only a few minutes, and left while
I was directing the fire of the 6th Maine and a section of the Sth Mass.
Captain Phillips, which remained in position and kept up a well
directed fire upon the enemy's lines until they had ceased firing, which
was about 8 o'clock. I then placed Captain Seely's Regular Battery
Lieut. James, in position near Lieut. Dow's Battery, with instructions
to watch the enemy closely and fire upon any advancing coiurrm, or
reply to any artillery that might be opened upon us. There ended the
engagement of the 2d of July. A detail was now made from the 6th

670 HISTORY OF THE
Maine and Seely's Battery, to go to the front and haul off the guns of
Battery I, sth Regulars. Lieut. Dow I instructed to procure an infan
try detail and go to the front and haul off the guns of the 9th Mass., all
of which was accomplished. The Guns of the two batteries, numbering
8, were brought safely to the rear, and arrangements made to secure
their safe transportation in the event of any contingency that mighl
necessitate a retreat or other movement. During the engagement my
horse was hit four times in the fore shoulder and breast by musketry,
once on the fore leg by shell, and once on the hip by spent solid shot, of
which wounds he soon after died. During the night I ascertained the
whereabouts of all my batteries and early in the morning of the 3d of
July brought them into line on the low ground on our left centre, front
ing the woods and elevated position occupied by the enemy along the
Gettysburg and Emmittsburg road, a point at which it was plain to be
seen they were massing artillery in great force. The line of batteries
under my command commencing on the left, which rested on an oak
wood occupied by our infantry were in numbers and kinds of guns, as
follows : —
Ames' Battery G, ist N. Y.. 6 Lt. 12 Pdrs.
Dow's 6th Maine Battery 4 Lt. 12 Pdrs.
A New Jersey Battery 6, 3 in. Guns.
One Section New York Artillery, Lieut. Rank 2, 3 in. Guns.
[Rank's Section, Battery H, 3d Penn. Heavy, see p. 654.]
ist Conn. 4 James Rifled & 2 Howitzers.
Hart's 15th New York Ind. Battery 4 Lt. 12 Pdrs.
Phillips' sth Mass. 6, 3 in. Rifles.
Thompson's Battery F. & C. Consolidated Pa. Art'y 5, 3 in. Rifled.
Total 39 Guns.
In front of these batteries I had a slight earthwork thrown up, which
proved sufficient to resist all the projectiles which struck it, and the
commanders of batteries were repeatedly ordered that in the event of
the enemy's opening a cannonading fire upon our lines to cover their
men as much as possible, and not to return the fire until ordered.
At about half-past 12 o'clock the enemy opened a terrific fire upon
our lines, with at least 140 Guns; this fire was very rapid and inaccu
rate, most of the projectiles passing from 20 to 100 feet over our lines.
About one half hour after the commencement some general command
ing the infantry line, ordered three of the batteries to return the fire.
After they had fired a few rounds I ordered the fire to cease, and the
men to be covered.
After the enemy had fired about an hour and a half, and expended
at least 10,000 rounds of ammunition with but comparatively little
damage to our immediate line, a slow, well-directed fire from all the
guns under my command was concentrated upon single batteries of the
enemy of those best in view and several were badly broken up, and sue-

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 671
cessively driven from their position to the rear. At about 3 p. m., a line
of battle of about 3 or 4000 men appeared, advancing directly upon our
front, which were completely broken up and scattered by our fire before
coming within musket range of our Guns. Immediately after appeared
three extended lines of battle of, at least, 35,000 men, advancing upon
our centre. Those 3 lines of battle presented an oblique front to the
guns under my command, and by training the whole line of guns ob
liquely to the right, we had a raking fire through all three' of their lines.
The execution of the fire must have been terrible, as it was over a
level plain, and the effect was plain to be seen. In a few minutes in
stead of well ordered lines of battle, they were broken and confused
masses, and fugitives flying in every direction.
This ended the operations of the batteries under my command at
the battle of Gettysburg.
In conclusion I feel it my duty to state that the officers and men of
the batteries in my Brigade behaved in the most gallant manner on the
2d of July, where the battle raged most furiously. Part of the sth and
9th Mass. and C. & F. Consolidated Pa. Art'y, contested every inch of
ground, and remained on the field to the very last. The 6th Maine
Battery came into action in very opportune time, and rendered very
valuable service. Captain Irish (Nathaniel Irish) of Battery F, Pa.
Artillery, acting voluntary aid to me, was hit on the thigh in the early
part of the engagement by solid shot, but would not leave the field until
ordered by me to do so to have his wound dressed, and notwithstand
ing a serious contusion which he was suffering under, reported to me
on the morning of the 3d of July, and remained with me during the
day, ready to discharge any duty.
Captains Phillips and Bigelow's conduct was gallant in the extreme.
F. McGilvery Col.
Me. Art'y Comm'd'g.
Brigade."
This copy of Colonel McGilvery's report was not dated,
but the note accompanying it was written at
Head Quarters ist Brigade
Art'y Reserve A. P.
September 17, 1863.
Captain: Herewith I send you a true copy of my report of the part taken by
my Brigade in the Battle of Gettysburg, and as I have no other copy,
you will greatly oblige me if you will cause a copy to be written for

672 HISTORY OF THE
yourself, and return the one I send you as soon as you have done with
it. I shall try to come over and see you this evening.
Very truly yours, F. McGilvery.
Capt. Phillips
Com'd'g 5th Mass. Battery.
THE MONUMENTS.
"The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have conse
crated it far above our power to add or detract." — Abraham Lincoln.
Immediately after the invading forces had been driven
out of Pennsylvania, Governor Andrew Y. Curtin, the "War
Governor" of that state, with the co-operation of the govern
ors of states represented on the field, proceeded to secure
a suitable site of seventeen acres adjoining the village
cemetery, for the interment of the soldiers who there fell
in defense of the Union, and purchased it in the name of the
state of Pennsylvania, which assumed the expense of main
tenance, while the cost of re-interment and the erection
of a suitable monument, was borne by the several states in
due proportion. For this purpose, Massachusetts appro
priated $9,471.83; her burials numbered 159.
Unknown 979. Total for all the states 3,555. But this
does not, by any means, represent the actual loss of the
Union army in killed and wounded. Many bodies were ex
humed and taken North for burial, and some of those buried
in the cemetery died of disease after the battle. The head
stones for the known and unknown cost $20,000. The
work of disinterment on the battlefield and removal to the
cemetery beautifully located on the highest ground of
Cemetery Ridge, commenced October 27, 1863.
Major General Darius N. Couch of Taunton, Mass., was
in charge of the arrangements for the dedication in these
grounds, November 19, 1863, of a monument which cost

FIFTH MASS.. BATTERY. 673
$50,000. The Hon. Edward Everett, ex-governor of Mas
sachusetts and ex-president of Harvard College, delivered
the oration in the presence of the President of the United
States, members of his cabinet, foreign ministers, governors
of many states, and an immense concourse of people, and
President Lincoln made his famous Gettvsburg address.
In 1864, the legislature of Pennsylvania passed an act
establishing "The Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Asso
ciation." In 1867, and 1868, Pennsylvania appropriated
$3000 for the purchase of land on the battlefield, which was
used in the acquisition of land on Culp's and Cemetery Hills
and Little Round Top.
On July 1, 1869, the national monument was dedicated;
address by General George G. Meade, an oration by Govern
or O. P. Morton of Indiana, and an ode by Bayard Taylor.
In 1872, the cemetery was transferred to the care of the
National Government in whose charge it has since remained,
and generous appropriations have been made for its im
provement by congress; titles to lands on the battlefield
being acquired.
Congress in 1873, and 1887, donated a large number of
cannon and cannon balls to the Gettysburg Battlefield Me
morial Association, which have been effectively used; the
cannon being placed in positions occupied by the batteries
during the battle.
Tablets as markers were erected on Little Round Top by
Grand Army Posts of Pennsylvania, but the first regimental
monument erected on the battlefield, was that of the Second
Massachusetts Infantry, Twelfth Corps, in 1879. It is near
Spangler's Spring, which is on Culp's HiU just in the rear
of the Twelfth Corps line. The next was in 1880, the 91st
Penn. Infantry, Fifth Corps, on Little Round Top. In
1883, an appropriation of $5000 was received from the state
of Massachusetts, which was the first grant of money for
the erection of monuments on the field.

674 HISTORY OF THE
At a meeting of the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial
Association May 5, 1887, it was resolved that hereafter regi
ments erecting monuments on the grounds of the Associa
tion would be required to locate and place them in the
position held by the regiment in the line of battle, but that
they would not be prohibited from erecting such markers
on the field to indicate secondary or advanced positions, as
the Association might determine.
February 11, 1895, the Secretary of War was authorized
by act of congress to receive from the Gettysburg Battle
field Memorial Association a deed of conveyance, embracing
about 800 acres, and on May 22, 1895, at the last meeting
of the board of directors, the land owned by the Association
consisting of 600 acres and 17 miles of driveways,— earth
works having been preserved or reconstructed whenever
practicable, — was transferred to the United States Govern
ment. It is now under the care of three government com
missioners, and is known as "The Gettysburg National
Park." The total amount of expenditures made by the various
states, 18 in number, on account of the Gettysburg battle
field, including purchase of land, cost of monuments and
contributions to the work of the Memorial Association,
exclusive of appropriations for the National Cemetery, is
$680,228.33, of which Massachusetts' share is $30,000.
THE ioth N. Y. IND. BATTERY.
From "New York at Gettysburg," Edited by Lieut. Col. William
F. Fox.
"At Gettysburg the Tenth New York was attached to Phillips' Fifth
Massachusetts Battery, and with that command fought in the battles of
the second and third day. Of the 21 men killed and wounded in Cap
tain Phillips' command, 5 were from the Tenth New York Battery. In
the second day's battle, Phillips was stationed with his six guns on the
road leading from the Wheatfield to the Peach Orchard, where he was
hotly engaged. On the third day his battery was in position on Ceme
tery Ridge, when it participated in the grand cannonade of that day.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 675
In July, 1863, after Gettysburg, the battery (Tenth) under command of
Lieut. T. C. Bruen, was stationed in the defences of Washington,
where it formed a part of the Twenty-second Corps. The monument is
situated on what is now called 'Sickles Avenue,' on the north side of
the road leading from the Peach Orchard to the Wheatfield and Little
Round Top. The general dimensions are, base 4' 3"x3' 3". Total
height 7' 8". Bronze letter tablet on front 2' o" x 3' o". Materials of
Construction Quincy (Mass.) granite and Standard bronze. Con
tractors,— Frederick & Field. Cost, $500."
INSCRIPTION. (Front.)
"ioth Independent Battery
New York Light Artillery
ist Volunteer Brigade.
Artillery Reserve.
July 2, 1863
Attached to sth Massachusetts
Light Battery 'E.'
Casualties.
Killed 2, Wounded 3.
Organized as the 2d
Excelsior Battery
Mustered into U. S. Service
April 9, 1862
Consolidated with 6th
N. Y. Independent Battery
June 21, 1864.
Mustered out June 22, 1865."
THE FIFTH MASS. BATTERY.
In 1883, the position selected for the monument to the
men of the Fifth Mass. Battery, was a short distance farther
to the front than that which it now occupies, but it was
thought best to place it on the ridge beside those of the
Ninth Mass. Battery, and Clarke's Battery (Battery B, ist
N. J.) on Sickles Avenue, Wheatfield Road. It stands
near the road running from the Peach Orchard to Little
Round Top. It is of pure granite, and was made and
erected by the Smith Granite Company of Westerly, Rhode

676 HISTORY OF THE
Island; about five feet square, resting on two bases, and
about six feet high, with bevelled top. On the top are two
sponge staves crossed. On the front face is the Fifth Corps
badge, and within the Maltese Cross are the words : —
FIFTH
MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY.
On the right : — THE NATION LIVES.
On the base : — RESERVE ARTILLERY.
On the left : —
7 enlisted men killed.
i officer and 12 enlisted
Men wounded.
700 rounds fired.
Chs. A. Phillips, Captain
Commanding.
July 2d, 1863.
The cost of the monument was $550, the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts contributing $500, and the Battery the
remainder. On July 15, 1885, at a meeting of veteran organizations
of the state of Massachusetts, arrangements were planned
for its dedication, which took place Thursday, October 8,
I885, between 9 and 10 o'clock, a. m., in a drizzling
rain. The members of the Battery present were Captain
Henry D. Scott, Corporal Thomas E. Chase, Serg't. Patrick
Welsh, Privates John G. Sanford and John F. Murray, and
Corporal Rodney Campbell. Captain Scott made the dedi
catory address, and remarks were made by Captain John F.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 677
Murray, secretary of the Fifth Mass. Battery Association.
At the close of Captain Scott's address "America" and
"Auld Lang Syne" were sung.
At 2 o'clock in the afternoon the Fifth Mass. Battery
monument, with others dedicated on that day, was turned
over by Colonel Edward J. Russell of Worcester, Mass., a
veteran of the Fifteenth Mass. Reg't. Infantry, and a
member of the Governor's Staff, representing His Excel
lency Governor George D. Robinson, to the keeping of the
Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. The cere
mony took place in the hall of Corporal Skelly Post 9,
G. A. R.
At the exercises at the Court House, after the decoration
of the graves of the Massachusetts dead in the National
Cemetery, the following message from Governor Robinson
was read : — Boston, Oct. 8, 1885.
To Colonel Edward J. Russell, Gettysburg, Pa.
Massachusetts will never fail to appreciate the noble heroism and
abundant loyalty of her soldiers on the field of Gettysburg. She offers
now her tenderest tribute of reverence to the memory of her sons who
fell there in defence of liberty and union. Geo. D. Robinson.
The band played "Home, Sweet Home." Among the
speakers was Colonel John B. Batchelder of Hyde Park,
Mass., the Government Historian of the Battle of Gettys
burg, who described successively the movements of the
Massachusetts organizations in the battle. The Memorial
Association was represented by Mr. David H. Buckler, vice-
president of the organization. At 5.30 the exercises closed
with the singing of "My Country, 'tis of thee," and thus
ended the dedicatory exercises of the Fifth Mass. Battery
Monument at Gettysburg. In the words of Lieut. Edward
M. Knox, wounded at Gettysburg, in his address at the

678 HISTORY OF THE
dedication of the 15th N. Y. Ind. Battery, Hart's, July 2,
1888:— "Stand here, oh block of granite
Against all storms of time !"
THE HIGH-WATER MARK.
At a meeting of the board of directors of the Gettys
burg Battlefield Memorial Association May 10, 1891, the
board approved the plan for a large tablet at the "Copse of
Trees" or "High-Water Mark," at the position of the
Second Corps, Hancock Avenue. This designation of
"high-water mark" was applied by the historian William
Swinton in his "Prelude to Gettysburg," 1867: —
"Into this bunch of woods a few, — it may be a score or two, — of the
boldest and bravest that led the van of Pickett's charging column on
the 3d of July, 1863, attained. Thus far the swelling surge of invasion
threw its spray, dashing itself to pieces on the rocky bulwark of North
ern valor. Let us call this the high-water mark of the rebellion."
What is called the "bloody angle" was the angle made
by Pickett's line crossing the two stone walls. At the
northernmost crossing he was stopped. This was the "rocky
bulwark" upon which the invasion dashed itself to pieces.
The corner was held by Webb's Brigade of the Second
Corps, July 3d, 1863.
The inscription on the Right Hand Page of the bronze
book is as follows : —
"REPULSE OF LONGSTREET'S ASSAULT.
Longstreet's assault was repulsed by Webb's, Hall's, and
Harrow's Brigade of Gibbon's Division, Second Army
Corps. Smyth's and Willard's Brigades, and portions of Carroll's
Brigade of Hay's Division, Second Army Corps, and the
First Massachusetts Sharpshooters (unattached).

>l

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 679
Portion of Rowley's and Stannard's Brigades of Double-
day's Division, First Army Corps.
Hazard's Second Army Corps Artillery Brigade consist
ing of Woodruff's, Arnold's, Cushing's, Brown's and
Rorty's Batteries, assisted on the right by Hill's, Edgell's,
Eakin's, Bancroft's, Dilger's, and Taft's Batteries on Ceme
tery Hill and on the left by
Cowan's, Fitzhugh's, Parson's, Wheeler's, Thomas',
Daniels' and Sterling's Batteries and McGilvery's ArtiUery
Brigade, consisting of Thompson's, Phillips', Hart's,
Cooper's, Dow's and Ames' Batteries, and by Hazlett's Bat
tery on Little Round Top and supported by Doubleday's
Division of the First Army Corps, which was in position on
the immediate left of the troops assaulted.
The Third Army Corps moved up to within supporting
distance on the left, and Robinson's Division of the First
Army Corps moved into position to support the right."
INSCRIPTION ON HIGH-WATER MARK TABLET.
Left Hand Page: —
"HIGH-WATER MARK OF THE REBELLION.
This copse of trees was the Landmark toward which
Longstreet's Assault was Directed July 3, 1863."
Then follow the names of the organizations composing
the assaulting column in which were portions of 4 Divisions
of Infantry, and 43 batteries of Artillery.
IMPRESSIONS AFTER MANY YEARS.
Captain Nathan Appleton, in a note dated Boston, Janu
ary 29, 1901, observes in relation to the monuments: —
"After the G. A. R. encampment at Philadelphia in Sep
tember, 1899, I made the trip to Gettysburg. I had but
very little time; enough to see the monument of the Fifth

680 HISTORY OF THE
Mass. Battery, which was not far from that of the Ninth
Mass. Before going to them I stopped at the High- Water
Mark Tablet, and saw the name of our Battery on one page
of the bronze book. It was, of course, to me a very interest
ing occasion. I ordered of the photographer of the battle
field some photographs which were sent me, one of which
is now with the other illustrations of the history of the
Battery. I was sorry I had so little time to visit the historic
field." Of the Cemetery at Gettysburg Corporal Thomas E.
Chase writes under date of September 24, 1900, soon after
his visit : —
"I visited the Cemetery at Gettysburg alone at five a. m.,
and stood by the graves of two of our Battery who fell
there, and my thoughts went back to the day I saw them
fall. There they sleep, in those acres of graves and monu
ments, 'Nor couldst thou wish couch more magnificent.'
'No rumor of the foe's advance,
Now sweeps upon the wind,
No troubled thought at midnight haunts,
Of loved ones left behind.' "

FROM GETTYSBURG TO THE RAPPAHANNOCK.
On the Fourth of July, it was ascertained by a reconnois
sance that the confederate general Lee was still holding a
strong position in the Centre of the line, behind his fortifi
cations on Seminary Ridge, and had wholly withdrawn
from the front of the Right of the Army of the Potomac.
He was slowly withdrawing his Left wing which menaced
our Right. On the morning of July 5th our forces became
aware that the rebels were in full retreat by the Fairfield
and Chambersburg roads, and the Sixth Corps was ordered

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 681
down the Fairfield road in pursuit of them while those mak
ing their way south by the Cashtown road and the mountain
passes, were looked after by the Union cavalry.
The Right flank of the Army of the Potomac crossed
the Antietam on July 12th. The rebels abandoned Hagers
town as Meade came up, but were reported to be standing
at bay, being strongly posted on the Hagerstown and Wil
liamsport road. That evening General Meade held a coun
cil of war on the subject of attack and decided in the
negative, calling forth that shrewd remark, by telegraph, of
General Halleck after having been informed of the pro
cedure. "It is proverbial that Councils of War never fight. . . . Do not
let the enemy escape."
July 13th in the night the enemy silently stole away across
the Potomac River on their way back to Virginia and during
the progress south of both armies they maintained an atti
tude of watchfulness towards and close proximity to our
troops; an attitude which was preserved after each had
reached the southernmost point for quite ten months with
never a pitched battle, nor an encounter of more importance
than the slight trouble at Manassas Gap where Lee's trains
claimed for the moment the right of way and then once more
stole away in the gloaming.
When the Army of the Potomac moved across country
to Williamsport, said to be in pursuit of the enemy, but
acknowledged by all to be too far in the rear to be able to
make up the time lost, overtake them and prevent their
going wherever they felt inclined, Meade had no troops at
his command which he could use to' head them off; Wash
ington still requiring the same number for protection. Yet,
although the army lacked the stimulus of a sure prospect
of soon overtaking the flying foe, the future with its hope
deferred cast no shadows before, and it is said that between
the Antietam and Williamsport crossing the open country

682 HISTORY OF THE
its columns produced one of those magnificent scenic effects
so often described but so rarely seen, of a triumphant army
moving in "battle array," each Corps, Division, Brigade
and battery in line with colors flying and bayonets gleaming
in the sun; in the centre moving on two' parallel roads, the
red artillery ready for instant action.
The Army, like an immense glacier, swept everything
before it, leaving nothing standing that it could conveniently
convert into use for man or beast, tearing away every
fence and wall, every stalk of ripe grain growing in the
great fields. Desoration they le'ft behind them, and in their
hearts as they approached once more the great river, the
painful realization that there was nothing to which to look
forward in the way of that decisive action, which was so
earnestly desired to end the war, nothing but to march on.
They crossed the Potomac at Berlin, taking the course
down the east side of the Blue Ridge to Manassas Gap,
and after a short stop and fight there pushed on by way of
Warrenton to the Rappahannock River, having the rebel
army abreast of them most of the time, till they all settled
down on the banks of the rivers in the vicinity of Fredericks
burg. In the mean time the fires of southern invasion having
been stamped out in Pennsylvania broke out more fiercely
farther north. There was actual riot and the presence of
concealed arms in the city of New York, and sufficient
cause for anxiety in Boston to warrant the taking of pre
cautionary measures by the Governor of the Common
wealth. On July 14th, three days after the triumphant
march across country, bound south,, the New York Seventh
Regiment then at Frederick City Md., was ordered to New
York to report to' Major-General Wool at the St. Nicholas
Hotel, for the purpose of suppressing the riot. The situa
tion was so critical that the regiment was transported via
Amboy, an intimation having been received that the rails

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 683
would be taken up at or near Newark. There was a grow
ing discontent in the North with the methods of the leaders
at Washington and at the headquarters of the Army, and
this feeling was reflected in the rank and file of the Army
to an alarming extent. It was reported that 5000 men
deserted the Army of the Potomac between May and August,
1863. Other offenses, such as insubordination, sleeping on
post, robberies and murders of comrades, officers, and civil
ians were tried before courts-martial, which were ordered
to convene in every Division. The sentences for desertion
when reviewed by the President were in most cases com
muted from orders for execution to hard labor for six
months or two years, forfeiture of three months' pay, or
making good the time lost by desertion. On July 16th the
War Department issued the following order : —
War Department
Adjutant General's Office,
Washington, July 16, 1863.
General Orders
No. 222
The reward of five dollars, with transportation and reasonable ex
penses, for the arrest and delivery at the nearest military post or depot,
of any officer or private soldier, fit for duty, who may be found absent
from his command without just cause is hereby increased to ten dol
lars. By Order of the Secretary of War. E. D. Townsend,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Now let the officers and men resume the story of the
Battery :— THE MARCH BACK.
July 4, 1863. Rainy. The Battery was ordered to the
rear to unhitch and rest. Marched about 4 p. m. July 5th
across the river to Littlestown having drawn 12 new horses.
Abandoned two horses. Arrived about ten o'clock. Still

684 HISTORY OF THE
raining. Serg't Peacock wrote home : — "The mud is awful;
everything wet throiigh and no- dry clothing. I hope the
next fight will end the war."
When the men hitched up on the 5th, it was supposed
that the object was to find a better camp, but we found
a worse one. Remained in camp at Littlestown all day
and night. On the morning of the 7th we were turned
out at 3 o'clock and left at 5 a. m. Marched toward
Frederick, Md., by way of Taneytown, and camped for the
night about 3 miles south of Woodboro. Passed through
Littlestown, Taneytown, Woodboro, etc., and about ten
o'clock turned off the road into a field and went into park
at five yards intervals. Unhitched and unharnessed and
fed with hay, watered, made coffee, and turned in for the
night. Raining hard.
July 8, 1863. Morning. Raining tremendously. We
had roll and water call, then looked out for ourselves. At
10 a. m. orders came to hitch up, which after some growling
we did in all the rain, and left for Frederick City, reaching
our old camping ground of June 27th about noon. Pitched
our tents and intended stopping there for some time.
ONE OF THE WOUNDED.
From Corporal Chase's Diary : — "July 8, 1863. My arm
doing very well. Boiled meat and broth for dinner; beef
tea instead of coffee or tea for supper. Weather cool and
comfortable. July 9. Packed up, and all those who were able walked
to Gettysburg to await transportation. Arrived at Get
tysburg about 10 a. m. Saw about 100 rebel prison
ers. Received refreshments from the Christian Commis
sion. The people are all very kind, and welcomed us
heartily. Left Gettysburg at 5 p. m. A very long train
of cars leaded to their utmost with every form of mutilated
humanity. Left on the Hanover Branch of the Northern

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 685
Central R. R., passed through Little Oxford, Hanover, and
Rock Glen. Weather very warm p. m. About thirteen car
loads of wounded soldiers in the train. Many citizens
aboard who had been up to see the field !
July io, 1863. On the railroad all last night, no sleep.
Arrived in Baltimore just at sunrise. Cars halted in the
street for about three hours, and were pulled by horses
through Central Avenue. We finally halted and had a
plentiful supply of refreshments,-^-bread, meat, coffee,
lemonade, etc., and then proceeded to the Vol. Citizens Hos
pital, near Union dock, West's building, where we had our
wounds dressed. Left the hospital about 1 p. m., and took
cars for Philadelphia. Left Baltimore about 3 p. m. Fell in
with the 5th Del. Reg't. at Havre de Grace. Heartily wel
comed and very kindly treated by the people on the route.
Refreshments quite abundant, and even the little boys as busy
as beavers filling our canteens. The people of Wilmington
Del., gave us a very enthusiastic welcome; coming out liber
ally with refreshments and kind words and deeds. Train
drove at a furious rate, and reached Philadelphia at half-
past ten p. m. Went into the Citizens Vol. Hospital just
in front of the depot, and were provided with a good
supper and a comfortable bed. Quite a pleasant ride today.
Weather warm but not uncomfortable.
July 11, 1863. A comfortable night's rest last night,
a good breakfast of soup, flour bread, butter, and coffee
this morning. Left the Citizens Volunteer Hospital about
1 p. m., and went to the U S. A. General Hospital, — 'Sum
mit' house, — on the Darby road. Took bed 14 in the ist
Ward. Took a bath, changed. all my 'sojer' clothes for the
ghostly garb of an invalid. 'Ward One' intended for 87
beds, but 'business' is so 'driving' that about 100 were
crowded in. The whole number of patients in the entire
hospital 650 tonight, one hundred more than the hospital is
intended to accommodate. Weather very warm.

686 HISTORY OF THE
July 12, 1863. Sunday. 'Brushed up,' and obtained a
'pass' until 9 p. m. Left after dinner and took a walk around
'the suburbs,' and returned just at tea time. A comfortable
night's rest on a comfortable bed last night. Weather to
day warm. My wound doing very well.
July 13. In quarters all day. Wrote three letters.
Weather cool, cloudy, and comfortable.
July 14. Obtained a 'pass' and went to the city a. m.
with W. H. Shrove of the 12th U. S. I. and Morris Clark
40th New York. Went through the city from the Schuyl
kill to the Delaware, and passed through some of the prin
cipal streets. The people treated us like heroes, and our
trip was a pleasant one. Returned to Summit House about
5 P- m.
News of a great riot in New York City.
July 15, 1863. News this morning of the fall of Port
Hudson. Remained in quarters all day.
July 16. Took a walk about two miles on the Darby
road p. m. All the patients allowed a 'pass' until 5 p. m.
same as yesterday.
July 20, 1863. Obtained a 'pass' and went to the city
about 10 a. m., returned about half past 5 p. m. Visited
Independence Hall, and was very much interested in the
antiquities there. Bought a blouse for $3.25 and a cap for
$1.12. Weather very fine.
July 2 1 st. In quarters all day. Sent a recommendation
for a furlough. 22d. Received a furlough for 15 days.
July 23. Went to the New England Association Rooms
and obtained transportation to New York. Left Phila
delphia at 11 a. m. and arrived in New York at 2 p. m.
Procured transportation to Boston by the Stonington line
from U. S. Quartermaster. Left New York in the steamer
'Commonwealth' at 5 p. m. A very smooth passage
through the sound. Berth 164.
July 24, 1863. Arrived in Roxbury at 6 a. m."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 687
Corporal Chase was sent from Philadelphia to the con
valescent camp near Alexandria, Va., and later was placed
on detached duty there when it was made a camp of distri
bution, and remained on duty there until discharged at the
expiration of his term of service, December 14, 1864.
THE CAMP AT FREDERICK CITY.
July 9, 1863. Ordered to hitch up this morning at 7
a. m. Got into' column. Marched at 12 o'clock through
Frederick City on to Boonsboro' and a mile beyond where
we found ourselves outside the picket lines; came back and
went into park half a mile this side, at the foot of South
Mountain Pass. It being 7 o'clock in the evening we
watered, fed with hay and turned in. Most of the Army
was in our vicinity.
On the ioth the Battery was ordered to join the Artillery
Brigade of the Fifth Corps, commanded by Captain Augus
tus P. Martin.
Turned out at daylight, fed the horses and hitched up.
Marched at 8 a. m. and overtook the Corps at Delaware
Mills on the Williamsport road. Came up and went into
line at 2 p. m. Parked just across Antietam Creek. Third
Mass. Battery in position 58 yards in our front. No firing
occurred here during the day, but firing was heard about
1 1 on our right. Marched to Roxbury Mills at' 4 p. m.
July 11, 1863, the Fifth Corps formed line of battle and
advanced in line across the fields about a mile (see p. 682
"In Battle Array"), and threw out skirmishers, but finding
no Rebs made short advances and long halts during the
day. When the Fifth Corps formed in line and we left
park at 8 a. m., we took position on the right of our old
position, about one mile, on a line with the Third Mass.
Battery. Not having fired a gun we left here about 3 p. m.,
and advanced with the Corps 3-^ miles. We then took
another position, unharnessed, fed with clover and turned
in. The morning of July 12th was misty. We left park

688 HISTORY OF THE
about ii o'clock a. m., advanced about a mile, were then
moved by the left flank a mile or two, and halted in a
large field. It rained in torrents for an hour while we
stopped. While in the field we took on some grain. Soon
after started again, and went into park for the night.
Unharnessed, then went foraging for the horses. We are
all badly fatigued, with our marches and battles. Since
the 13th of June, (1863) we had marched two hundred
miles, much of the way over bad mountain roads, and have
had rainy weather nearly one-third of the time.
July 13, 1863. The Rebs are reported to be evacuating,
but we are not doing anything to find out. Turned out
this morning at 2 o'clock. No breakfast for the men.
Captain awfully angry. Left and took position at day
light a little farther to' the right in an open lot, rather ex
posed. Hon. Henry Wilson came along. No firing oc
curred during the day. One wounded horse abandoned.
At night we unharnessed, watered, cleaned and fed; then
turned in. Commenced raining about 8^ p. m. ; continued
to do so at intervals through the night. The next day at
noon we advanced to near Falling Water, ij miles of
Downsville within the enemy's lines and drew up into line.
Finding no enemy went into park and made ourselves com
fortable for the night. General Lee had crossed the river
early that morning.
July 15th we turned out at half past three a. m. and left
at 4. Marched all day, through Keedysville, crossed South
Mountain by the Middletown pike, returning over the same
road we travelled the day before. Passed through Deacons-
ville and over the mountains into Middletown valley, and
about 5 o'clock went into park near Burkittsville. Watered
and went after hay, then fed and cleaned off. After a while
we eat supper and turned in for the night. A very hard
day's work. Abandoned six horses.
July 16. Aroused about half past three and got started

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 689
about five, then marched about 5^ miles through Middle-
town and Burkittsville to one mile from Berlin, Md., and
within about four miles of Harper's Ferry. Here we made
camp, pitched tents, etc. Horses pretty well played out.
Officers and men pretty tired.
Harnessed up about 4 o'clock p. m. on Friday, July 17th.
Left park, crossed the Potomac with the Fifth Corps, and
encamped a mile or so from the river at LovettsviUe. River
high. Seventy-three pontoons in the bridge. The entire
Army crossed in three columns, which from the high
ground on either side presented an imposing array. Halted
for the night at LovettsviUe.
July 1 8th we turned out at 2.\ a. m. and left soon after.
Marched about 9 miles, through Bowlersville, and went into
camp at 11 a. m. near Wheatland, and pitched our tents.
Twenty-five horses were brought up by a squad of men left
behind at Berlin, which made a welcome addition to our
number. Some of the teams had to be cut, down to four
horses at this time, and the sergeants were dismounted.
We were marching very rapidly. Fifteen miles a day was
called good marching, but during this campaign we had
marched fifty miles in forty-three hours.
REPORT OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
Hd. Qrs. Battery E,
Mass. Art'y,
July 18, 1863.
In compliance with circular of July 16th from Inspector
Gen'l's Office A. P., I respectfully report : —
Present July 16th, 4 officers, 99 men.
Lost, Battle of Gettysburg, 1 officer wounded, 4 men
killed, 16 wounded, horses killed 40, wounded and since
died and abandoned 9.
My Ordnance requisition in possession of Lieut. Follett

690 HISTORY OF THE
Ord. Off. gives all the ordnance required absolutely neces
sary, 4 sets Lead Harness.
On hand, 101 serviceable art'y horses, 12 quartermaster
horses, 3 four horse wagons, 13 unserviceable art'y horses,
mostly wounded. Charles A. Phillips,
Capt. Battery E.
Mass. Arfy.
REPORT OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
Hd. Quarters Battery E,
Mass. Art'y.,
July 18, 1863.
Lieut. P. F. Nason, A. A. A. G.
Lieutenant.
In compliance with circular of July 17th Hd. Qrs. A. P.,
I respectfully report my men in good physical condition,
there being only one case of sickness, and that slight.
I have 101 good serviceable artillery horses, and am in
good condition for a march.
I am very Respectfully Your ob't. serv't,
Charles A. Phillips, Capt.,
Battery E, Mass. Art'y.

Sunday, July 19, 1863. Turned out at 3 o'clock a. m.,
hitched up and started about 6. Marched with the Fifth
Corps through and 4 miles beyond Unionville, and went
into camp at ten o'clock near Purcellsville. Turned in
about 8 p. m. Corporal Shackley recorded his opinion on
this day that — "It was a great mistake that we did not
attack the Rebs on Monday (July 6), for I believe we

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 691
should have destroyed Lee's army. But perhaps it is all for
the best, though it is hard to think so."
July 20. Marched at sunrise, passed Watson's Mills,
Valley Mills, Uniontown, Greenville Mills, and parked near
Rectortown on a hill.
July 21. Received 10 men from Battery D, 5th U. S.
Artillery. The next day inspection was ordered for 2.30
p. m., and harnesses and carriages were washed, but at
12 m. we had orders to pack up, and in 50 minutes we were
on the road. Marched to near Rectortown over good roads.
Blackberries very thick. Went into camp for the night.
Some of the men had fried confiscated sheep for supper.
RETURNS OF BATTERY E, MASS. ART'Y, JULY
22, 1863.
Number of men on the rolls  117
" " present  86
required to fill the Battery  30
Number of men temporarily attached - from ioth
N. Y. Ind'p't Battery  17
present  14
Number of men temporarily attached from vari
ous regiments  10
present  10
Charles A. Phillips, Capt.
Battery E, Mass. Art'y.

THE FIGHT AT MANASSAS GAP.
July 23, 1863, we left Rectortown with the Fifth Corps
at 5 a. m., passed through Piedmont and by a station on
the Manassas railroad and went into camp at 3 o'clock in
Manassas Gap for the night. The roads were rocky and
very bad. Wagons were left behind. The Third Corps

692 HISTORY OF THE
was ahead of us. There was some fighting in the distance,
and we stood watching the infantry manoeuvre with the
enemy. In about an hour we moved ahead about 200
yards, unharnessed and lay down under the open canopy
of heaven and went to' sleep. Two horses were abandoned.
The next day we advanced about one mile into the Gap,
and went into line with the expectation of fighting, but
after some hours' delay, returned to our last halting place
for the night. Saw seven dead of the enemy.
On the 25th we left the Gap at 4 a. m., turned to the
right, passed over the mountains and went back to a place
called Orleans, on the way to Warrenton via Farrelsville
and Barbour's Cross Roads. Here we encamped again for
the night having made about 15 miles. A caisson in Lieut.
Rittenhouse's Battery blew up ahead of us. (This was Bat
tery D, 5th U. S.)
July 26th. Marched through Orleans to within three
miles of Warrenton, and went into camp to stop all night.
During the week we had passed over many miles of road
bordered by blackberry bushes, loaded with most delicious
berries, which were better than medicine for the men.
Abandoned two horses.
July 27. Called up at 3.30 a. m. The men made coffee,
fried steak, eat breakfast and then marched about 5 miles
through Warrenton to about three miles beyond, and
camped. Abandoned 2 horses, turned in eight. Here we
received many supplies which we much needed. (In Julv,
1863, Monocacy Junction, Md. was made the grand depot
for the Army of the Potomac. )
July 28th. Routed out again about the usual hour. Had
fried fresh pork for breakfast and went blackberrying. Re
mained in camp in a large field surrounded by the 5 bat
teries of the Art'y Brigade until Aug. 3d. Weather very
hot. Received 25 horses July 30. The men had stewed
beans for dinner. About this time a subscription was made

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 693
and some brass musical instruments were procured, and a
few of the men practised under the leadership of Bugler
James Winters. Lack of facilities, however, prevented the
attainment of any important results. It was on July 31st
that the brass instruments for the Band came to the Battery.
On that day Lieut. Scott, absent on leave at Newport, R. I.,
made the following entry in his diary : —
"Friday, July 31, 1863. Lieut. Lull discharged to receive
a captain's commission in Heavy Artillery.
Officers of Battery (Fifth Mass.)
Phillips, Captain.
Scott Lieut, ist Senior.
Blake " " Junior.
Spear " 2d Senior.
Appleton " " Junior."
LIEUT. FREDERICK A. LULL.
Lieut. Frederick A. Lull became captain of Company K,
Second Mass. Heavy Artillery, which had just been re
cruited, July 31, 1863, and on December 15, 1863, Serg't.
Otis B. Smith, having been discharged for promotion, was
commissioned First Lieutenant in the same company, serv
ing at various points in Virginia and North Carolina.
Captain Lull died in Cambridge, Mass. March 22, 1893,
and is buried in the Cambridge Cemetery.

There was a Battery inspection August 2, 1863, in the
forenoon. On Sunday the 3d, we, with the Artillery
Brigade hitched up and moved camp a little to the left of
our old position. Weather very hot. All busy fitting up
camp, building arbors and stables, preparing for a long
stay, but at night marching orders came, and we marched
till one o'clock the next morning, and went into camp, but
moved it later in the day to a place selected for us by

694 HISTORY OF THE
Captain A. P. Martin about 4 miles from Bealton, which
we laid out in good style, putting up an arbor over the
street between the tents. Soft bread for supper.
August 7, 1863, there was a heavy rain and our arbor
fell in about half past six o'clock p. m. and smashed in all
the tents on the lower side. Private John E. Dyer being in
one it came near smashing him. Three beams fell on him.
August 8, 1863, we were turned out in the morning by
the welcome sound of pack up and hitch up. Without any
hurry we broke camp at 7 a. m., and left at the head of the
line of batteries. Marched to Beverly Ford to guard the
crossing of the Rappahannock River where the 2d Division
had been for three days. We took position on the banks
of the river; four of the pieces, the Right and Centre sec
tions, in breastworks.

CHAPTER XVIII.
THE BATTLE OF RAPPAHANNOCK STATION.
By Way of
The Fight at Bristoe, November 7, 1863.
"For we shall still find Hope shining, be it for fond invitation, be
it for anger and menace; as a mild, heavenly light it shone; as a red
conflagration it shines; . . and goes not out at all, since Desperation
itself is a kind of Hope." — Thomas Carlyle.
Thus the opposing armies gradually settled down in their
various positions assuming an attitude of mutual watchful
ness. All along the line of the Orange and Alexandria
Railroad, and on the north bank of the Rappahannock, lay
the Union army, the Fifth Corps in a position to control
Beverly Ford. Their opponents were stationed at Kelly's
Ford on the Rappahannock; in the neighborhood of
Stephensburg and Culpeper, with a large force at Madison
Court House and at Gordonsville the junction of the Orange
and Alexandria and the Virginia Central Railroad; a Divi
sion of cavalry at Chancellorsville; an infantry Brigade
and a Battery of artillery at Fredericksburg.
There was discontent, discouragement, and dissatisfaction
in both armies, and disagreement, disparagement, doubt and
recrimination among the chiefs in the councils on both sides.
The President of the United States having been informed
that a portion of the rebel army had been detached and sent
to Tennessee, urged upon General Halleck an immediate
move upon Lee's forces by the Army of the Potomac.
695

696 HISTORY OF THE
Notes and Letters of Captain Charles A. Phillips, Lieuts.
Henry D. Scott, Peleg W. Blake and Nathan Appleton,
Sergt. William H. Peacock, Corp'l Jonas Shackley, Privates
John E. Dyer and Louis E. Pattison.

August 9, 1863, on the banks of the Rappahannock at
Beverly Ford. The horses of the Battery were grazing for
three quarters of an hour in the morning and the men eat
soft tack and apple sauce for supper. The pontoon bridge,
which was laid the previous day for a Brigade of the Second
Division of the First Corps to cross the river, was taken up,
the Brigade having returned. The enemy's cavalry pickets
were in the woods on the other side.
August ioth, in the morning there was a short drill on
the manual of the piece. Four of the guns were in earth
works erected two months previous, but the other two were
unprotected. From the hill on which the Battery was en
camped, about half a mile below the head of the Rappahan
nock River they could see for a mile beyond the river's
bank, and catch a glimpse occasionally of the enemy's cavalry
pickets in the edge of the woods. They were on one of
General Pope's battlegrounds, and there were no trees to
shade the camp. The heat through the day was intense, but
the nights were cool, and there was a heavy dew which did
not disappear before 7 o'clock a. m. Flies and mosquitoes
were not as thick as at Harrison's Landing, but numberless
grasshoppers and crickets hopped about cheerfully by day,
and crept over the sleepers by night.
August 1 2th it rained, and Dyer went down to Ben.
West's wagon to sleep, as the water ran under his tent in a
steady stream.
August 16th and 17th, 1863, the Battery was inspected
by Captain Augustus P. Martin and staff in an adjoining
field, after which they drilled some in his presence. There
was a fine breeze at 1 p. m.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 697
LETTER OF LIEUT. BLAKE.
"Beverly Ford, Rappahannock River,
Aug. 1 6, 1863.
Pickets are being thrown across the river today. The
Second Army Corps has started for Washington. . . . We
are under marching orders. Three days' rations cooked, to
be kept on hand. It is very hot weather here, but I manage
to keep quite comfortable by keeping in the shade and doing
nothing but sleeping" and smoking.
How do the drafted like their new occupation? Have
they all got substitutes? There were three hundred con
scripts came into our Corps last week. Out of the three
hundred, two hundred and ninety-nine were substitutes.
One drafted man ! There is not much raised in this coun
try, and it is very rough on an army that has to depend on
what they can forage, when there is nothing to forage."

We had Battery drill now every day. In a letter by Cap
tain Phillips, dated August 20, 1863, speaking of the in
spection of the 17th, he said: —
"While I was waiting for Captain Martin, Gen. Sykes
rode by and put me through an informal inspection. 1
think however, that we can stand being looked at, and I
am willing to stand a comparison with any other battery
in the army.
I am happy to state that there is a cornfield close by, and
we can have an occasional meal of green corn as well as
you. We have a table to eat on, and when this is set off by our
table cloth, cups and saucers, we really look quite civilized.
Blackberries are among the things that were. Our great
luxury nowadays is a swim in the Rappahannock, albeit it
is outside the picket lines."

698 HISTORY OF THE
LETTER OF SERG'T. PEACOCK.
Camp at Beverly Ford, Va.
Aug. 20, 1863.
"We had a hard time of it on our march from Gettysburg
to Warrenton; over 50 horses dead on the road, mostly
from exhaustion, and from the time we left Falmouth, June
13th to' our arrival at this place, we lost over one hundred
horses, 7 men killed, and 15 wounded, with many left sick
at hospitals, and on the road. Our Battery here is behind
breastworks, guarding the Ford, but we are under marching
orders, and expect to move at any moment. It is reported
the enemy is falling back."

Aug. 21, 1863, William F. Nye came to camp with a few
stores, and Lieut. F. A. Lull left, to be captain of another
battery. 24th, Joseph Alton came back from the Hospital.
27th, Three of the old men and one recruit arrived at the
Battery. 28th was the anniversary of 2d Bull Run. 29th,
Five deserters were shot, and the Fifth Corps was paraded
to witness the execution. [They were said to have deserted
from the 11 8th Pennsylvania Regiment, but Lieut.-Col.
William H. Powell, historian of the Fifth Corps, is authority
for saying that although assigned to it they had never joined
any regiment, so that that organization should not have the
obloquy forever attached to it. It was said that one of them
had enlisted 12 times.] On the same day three hundred
conscripts arrived from the District of Columbia, and it was
thought, the weather being good for marching, that the
army was waiting for the required number of conscripts to
arrive. August 31, 1863, Second Lieutenant Nathan Appleton
arrived from Boston in the evening, and joined the Battery.
Dyer's Diary mentions him as "a new lieutenant."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 699
LIEUT. APPLETON'S LETTER HOME.
"Camp by Beverly Ford,
Sept. i, 1863.
Tuesday Morning.
Here I am, at last, actually a soldier in camp. I hoped to
get here by last Saturday, but my horses only got in Wash
ington then, so' that I waited until Monday to start for the
front. The time was passed in Washington quite pleas
antly. I met one or two classmates, saw the Abercrombies,
dined one day with Pelham Curtis at the Engineer Brigade,
loafed around town, etc.
Early yesterday morning I left Washington with horses,
man, and baggage, en route for camp. Such confusion as a
government railroad is! I got down as far as Warrenton
Junction all right, having bade good bye to' Locklyn, who
brought the horses on from Boston, at Alexandria, and there
I was told that I could not get my horses on any farther. I
sent my trunk on to Bealton. Joe, my colored servant, and
myself mounted our steeds and proceeded to find our way
to camp.
The country around showed the devastations of war.
Dead horses and mules, the remains of burnt cars, broken
wagons, &c. &c, occasionally meeting the view. We fol
lowed up the railroad as far as Bealton, and there struck out
for the camp of the Fifth Mass. Battery. We rode along
until finally I came up to the Head Quarters of General
George Sykes commanding the Fifth Corps, who directed
me to the Battery. I found it without difficulty, and ap
peared there just before sundown, as the officers were sitting
down to tea. I soon made myself at home. My first night
was passed on the ground in the Captain's tent, with a goodly
array of blankets, coats, etc., both above and below me. I
awoke feeling perfectly well, no chills, no rheumatism, or
anything disagreeable. I had to put my section (two guns,

700 HISTORY OF THE
since 1873 called a "platoon") through the manual of the
piece this morning, which you can imagine I did in style.
Afternoon: Rode over and saw George Barnard (captain
in the 18th Mass. Regt. on Gen. Charles Griffin's staff) this
morning. Saw General Barnes, Colonel Hayes, Captain
Martin and other birds.
Our Battery is situated right on the Rappahannock River
a little above Beverly Ford, and where the river is divided
into two branches. The country all about is beautiful, and
the weather, thus far, delightful; warm and sunny during
the day, but cold and almost frosty in the night. It is get
ting autumnal very fast. The whole army is in very quiet
and comfortable quarters, and looks as if it might remain
so for some time, though we are now under orders to be in
readiness for any movement. The Confeds. are somewhere
over the river. You had better send any little things that
you may want to, by mail. Letters and any kind of news
papers are acceptable. I should like a Boston paper once a
week at least.
I wish you would send me a pair of wash leather or com
mon thin buckskin gloves, not gauntlets. I ought to have
bought a pair.
September 3, 1863. Officer of the day for the first time.
Got through tolerably well."
NOTES OF CAPT. NATHAN APPLETON.
March 12, 1901.
"When I joined the Fifth Massachusetts Battery I was
twenty and a half years old, which seems to us now very
like a boy. I was just out of Harvard, as my good mother
said I could not join the army until I had completed my col
legiate education. I tried not to put on any airs, but simply
to do my duty as a good boy, and I think I then was a very
good one.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 701
As I look back now after nearly thirty-eight years of an
extremely varied life in many parts of the world, I can think
of nothing that gives me a greater thrill and tingle of youth
than the recollection of a battery drill when I was a chief of
section. The Battery had six. pieces and six caissons, each with
six horses. I can see the guidon rushing over the field to
take his proper place as the order was given ! I can hear the
clarion notes of the buglers, and the commands of the cap
tain, Charles Appleton PhiUips, than whom there was no
braver, or more intrepid artillery officer or soldier in the
army. When the Battery was in line and limbered, the orders
might be 'Forward, march!' — 'Halt!' — 'Action Front!'
when the pieces would be unlimbered, and go through the
drill of the piece. After that they would be limbered either
to the front or rear for some other manoeuvres. A favorite
one was 'Countermarch, march !' The order from the Cap
tain would be repeated with sabre in the air, by the chief of
section. There were a good many evolutions of changing
front which Captain Phillips liked to execute.
I had two good horses, one of them exceptionally hand
some and spirited, but with a light mouth and easy to han
dle. There was no assemblage of lookers on, as about fif
teen years later, when I was captain of the famous Battery
A of the Militia of Massachusetts I had on Boston Common
and at the camp at Framingham, of fair ladies and apprecia
tive urchins, but in Virginia we felt and knew we were there
for a purpose, and we seemed to have the whole country for
our field of manoeuvres, that is to say from the great rivers
on the east, to the Blue Ridge and the AUeghanies, and so
down south to Richmond which was always our objective
point."

Sept. 2, 1863. Wm. F. Nye arrived in the afternoon with

702 HISTORY OF THE
a load of sutlers' stores, — apples, potatoes, butter, ale, etc.
Conscripts continued to come, and the number was estimated
at 2000, designed to fill out the Regular Infantry then in
New York, where they were sent to quell the riot.
Sept. 3. Captain Phillips wrote home with relation to
Lieut. Appleton: — "he is graduaUy breaking in. I am very
well pleased with him, and think he will make a good officer.
Captain Martin is trying to' get permission to have some tar
get shooting. I went out with him yesterday to measure off
the ground."
LETTER HOME OF LIEUT. APPLETON.
"September 4, 1863.
I write you on some paper which I bought the other day
at Alexandria. I got it for the sake of a map of the country
which came with it, the whole done up in a sort of combina
tion portfolio arrangement.
I am getting now quite acclimated, and feel more at home
in my work. At first I felt very awkward and green. The
men are all very well drilled, and well-disposed fellows gen
erally. We have Battery drill every other day, and then I
have to take charge of the Centre section. Drill at the man
ual of the piece every day, and occasional drills in harnessing
the horses. There is a good deal of pleasant variety in the
duties of a Battery; attending stable calls, taking the horses
to the river to be watered &c. When I am officer of the day
I get up at five, — other days at six. We live sumptuously.
Nice meat and vegetables for dinner, with a good pudding.
We have three dogs belonging to the Battery, one funny lit
tle fellow named 'Dixie,' captured in a house in Chancel
lorsville. The horses, also, are well. 'Folko' is much ad
mired. They are rapidly getting used to bivouacking out
in the open air. I rode over this morning and saw Inman
Barnard, (For many years the right hand man of James

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 703
Gordon Bennett in Paris,) who has come out to stay with
his brother, Captain George M. Barnard Jr.
Went to the camp of the 18th Mass. and saw Weston
(George Fiske Weston, Harvard class of i860, died of
wounds received at Rappahannock Station) and also Colonel
Sherwin of the.22d. Plenty of good fellows all around us.
They are trying to get a permit for all the batteries to have
some target practice. My friend Stephen H. Phillips, who
was in Washington the other day, came out yesterday even
ing to' pay his brother a visit. He is here now,— going
home tomorrow. He said that he came along from Alexan
dria in the cars with Colonel Theodore Lyman who was
going out to take his place on General Meade's staff. A
good paper to send me is the 'Gazette,' as it has the week's
news, including that of society in Boston. As for any
news, we hear little of it here, and don't care much, though
we get plenty of Philadelphia and Washington papers."

September 4th. Nye started for Washington.
September 5th a party of officers including those at Di
vision Head Quarters, who came to return the call of the
day before, rode over to Sulphur Springs. They found that
the Hotel had been burned by the rebels, but they drank the
water and had a most delightful ride. Captain Phillips and
his brother were of the party, also Lieuts. Blake and Apple-
ton. There was no drill that day. The ammunition was
overhauled and harnesses cleaned.
APPLETON'S ACCOUNT OF THE RIDE.
"We went over to one of the White Sulphur Springs in
Fauquier county, which you can see on the map is about mid
way on a straight line from Rappahannock Station to' War
renton. It must have been a great resort for the young
F. F. V.s, male and female, a few years ago. The ruins of a

704 HISTORY OF THE
very large Hotel are there; burnt by the rebs about a year
ago. Tall pillars are still standing, with saloons, pavilions,
outhouses, fountains &c. in great profusion. The water was
decidedly sulphurous. General Birney was there with a
good many troops. On the way there we stopped a few
moments at the camp of the 16th Mass. and saw some of the
officers; among them Lieut. Col. Waldo Merriam then in
command. (Killed May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania.) On
the way home we fell in with a Brigade review, and noticed
the tattered flags of two Massachusetts regiments. It was
a delightful afternoon, — cutting across the fields and roads
of old Virginia, — sojers on all sides till you can't rest.
Please enclose in your next letter a few labels for me to sew
on things. I keep getting blankets, and so I want a few
more labels. I am officer of the day, and have to go with the
horses to be watered in a few moments; attend feed call;
stable call at five, guard mounting later, — which is a sort of
dress parade, — and then my duties are over for another two
days. There is a funny darkey a few yards from camp,
who lives in a log hut. His 'Missis' is about three miles
away, one of the Virginia Carters, and he is quite independ
ent, cultivating a little patch of ground. His daughter does
washing for us. (This shows that the Virginia Carters
who have been immortalized since the war by the popular
story 'Colonel Carter of Cartersville,' by F. Hopkinson
Smith were then a reality. — T, George Fairfax Caarter of
Caarters Hall, Caartersville, Virginia, Late Colonel C. S.
A.' etc. etc.)
I send you a piece of real Confederate money, a two dollar
bill, which I got from him the other day."
LETTER OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Beverly Ford,
Sunday, Sept. 6, 1863.
I should think foreign nations by this time would begin

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 705
to appreciate the improvements we have been making in ar
tillery. It was an unprecedented thing when we breached
Fort Pulaski at 1650 yards, but now we have breached Sum
ter at twice that distance, and thrown shell five miles. There
is very little doubt that in Ordnance, both rifled and smooth
bore, we are ahead of the world. I want to see a further
trial of the 15 inch guns. There is a great cry now for put
ting rifled 100 and 200 pdrs. in their places. I am not at ail
inclined to fall in with this; for long ranges and for breach
ing stone walls a rifled shot is undoubtedly the best, but the
motion of a vessel in a sea way is sufficient to prevent accu
racy at long ranges. A vessel must force the fighting at
short range, where the. greater weight and velocity of the
round ball gives it an advantage. The proper place for iron
clads is against other iron clads, not against stone walls.
For this purpose I think it is the battering power we want,
not the punching power, English ideas to the contrary not
withstanding. The fifteen inch shot has only been tried
once against an iron clad — the 'Atalanta' — and three shots
spoiled her, while the heaviest rifled shots from Fort Sum
ter have not seriously damaged our monitors. Indeed some
of the accounts mention the 1 1 inch smooth bores from the
'Keokuk' as the most formidable guns the rebels had in Fort
Sumter." Appleton's Letter of September 6th : — "We have just had
our Sunday morning inspection, which is quite a big affair.
Officers, men, horses, guns, and everything, are all cleaned
up on Saturday, and on Sunday morning in full rig are in
spected by the Captain, or sometimes by the Brigade com
mander." In a list of things wanted sent to him by Lieut. Appleton
may be found the following besides wearing apparel viz.
"A photograph album, a mirror about 8 inches, stand up at
45°. a riding whip, boot jack, mucilage or glue, hanging
watch-case, pocket calendar, cigar case, 'Old Farmer's Al-

706 HISTORY OF THE
manac,' camp chair, chocolate, dressing case, buffalo robe."
Appleton's Diary continued : "September 7th we went off
about four miles to try target practice with Rittenhouse's
Battery of Regulars. I was introduced to Captain William
Jay. Called at the picket line on Weston and Captain Dal
las. We found by this day's practice that the table of firing
was not correct. A Corps review was going on when we
were firing."

At the target shooting on September 7th we fired 6 rounds
from each piece at ranges from 800 to 2600 yards.
On the 8th, we had drill on the manual of the piece in the
forenoon, and in the afternoon Martin's Battery in command
of Lieut. Walcott and Captain Gibbs' Battery (ist Ohio
Light Battery L) went target shooting, and some of us
looked on. The tents arrived.
MORE TARGET PRACTICE.
Sept. 9th we went over again and fired five rounds. Made
some good shots. This time Battery C, ist N. Y. Lieut.
Clark, commanding, was with us. Clog dancing and sing
ing at Head Quarters in the evening. Joe Clarke, a mem
ber of the Battery, was a great clog-dancer. This day Wm.
F. Nye arrived with peaches and other stuff, so did our
licensed Battery sutler.
On a fly leaf of Appleton's Diary it is stated that in the
target practice at Beverly Ford September 7th and 9th,
1863, 3 inch guns were used with Schenkle case shot, com
bination fuze, and in a letter dated September 14th, Captain
Phillips thus describes the targets : — "We have been out tar
get shooting this last week, being allowed ten shots to each
gun. Our targets were posted at distances of 850, 1266,
1400, 1600, 1700, and 2600 yards. The target at 850 yds.
was a little log house, which was pretty well knocked to
pieces before we got through with it. The target at 1400

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 707
yds. was hit twice by bullets from the shrapnell, and ia
claimed by Battery C, ist N. Y. and by us. The target at
1 700 yds. was hit once by us. These targets were pieces of
cloth about 4 feet square, held up by two stakes. When we
fired at the 1700 yd. target one stake had fallen down, and
the mark was a good deal smaller than a man. We call it
pretty good shooting to hit that a mile off. I believe we did
the best shooting, and the regular battery the poorest. So
much for regulars vs. volunteers."
FROM APPLETON'S LETTERS OF SEPT. 9th
AND I2TH.
"I intended to begin this epistle last evening after 'Taps,'
but we had lots of clog-dancing, singing, &c. in camp, and
the evening vanished. The darkey part of the establish
ment consists of Joe, Henry, Christopher, and my Joe. The
latter is in his glory here, and is a great favorite. He can
be seen going through the camp with a big meal bag over
his shoulders, crying out, 'How are you oats?' — He has
already attained the soubriquet of 'Vicksburg' and 'Port
Hudson,' to which he rejoins, 'How are you, Richmond?'
(The joke was that Joe Hunter whom Lieut. Appleton
picked up as a servant in Boston, had just returned with
some officer from the victorious campaigns of Vicksburg
and Port Hudson.) I have had both of my horses out
under fire, and they stand it perfectly. The little beggar
would put his nose right on the gun, and the magnificent
Folko merely gives a slight start. One of the dogs con
nected with the Battery is named 'Trusty.' He came out
from Massachusetts with them. (See p. 83) . . . Septem
ber 1 2th, 1863, the day was very hot and in the afternoon
there was a heavy thunder shower. It rained in torrents.
The men were out all day, mowing grass for the horses,

708 HISTORY OF THE
and got wet through. When they reached the camp they
received a ration of whiskey. There was danger of fever
and ague in that locality. Two officers of the 32d Mass.
Reg't. dined with us. It was reported that 8000 of our
cavalry were at Rappahannock Station, and would cross
the river at once, and late in the evening we received an
order which said that the Corps must be immediately in
readiness to move to support the cavalry, if necessary."
In a letter written on the 12th and 13th Lieut. Appleton
says of the officers etc. of the Battery :— "The Captain,
Phillips, is a fine fellow, plucky, good natured, bright and
gentlemanly. The ist Lieut. Blake is a funny wag, my tent
mate Lieut. Spear is a very pleasant companion, young,
neat, bright, energetic, and in all respects a perfectly good
fellow." Of the rain he says, "It is delicious to lie half
asleep, and hear the rain come patter, patter, against the
tent, and occasionally feel a big drop tumble on your face.
They have got up at Division Head Quarters, about a mile
from our camp, a race course, where they have frequent
trials of speed in the Brigades and Divisions &c. to find the
fastest horse in the Corps. We had a pair of parallel bars
erected in camp for exercising. We have not yet had any
grand review. We received with joy the good news from
Rosecranz and Burnside. Things are looking well all
around. A good war picture struck me the other day,
which I think no artist has as yet attempted, viz., the tri-
daily performance of watering horses. Imagine the horses
standing three or four feet deep in the Rappahannock, some
quietly drinking, others splashing about, the men on their
backs in all kinds of costumes.
The banks of the river where we are, are very prettily
overhung with trees. The line of pickets extends along this
side." Of his duties he writes, "I am learning things very
fast. A week of practice is worth ten years of theory."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 709
THE INVALID CORPS. War Department,
Adjutant General's Office,
Washington, Sept. 12, 1863.
General Orders
No. 307
The following named non-commissioned officers and privates, hav
ing been duly examined and declared unfit for further field service, but
fit _for duty in the Invalid Corps, are hereby transferred from their
respective regiments, and companies, to the Invalid Corps, to take ef
fect September 1, 1863, and from and after that date will be dropped
from their regimental rolls. Commanding officers of companies to which
these men have heretofore belonged, will at once furnish the Provost
Marshal General at Washington a descriptive list, clothing account,
and complete military history in each case. . .
Drew John J. Private CornPany E, 5th Mass. Battery.

LETTER OF SERG'T. W. H. PEACOCK.
"Camp near Beverly Ford, Va.
Sept. 13, 1863.
A Division or more of our troops are over the river
today on a reconnoissance, and we are under orders to be
ready to move at any moment. Firing is going on only
about three miles off as I write this. It may not amount
to anything, however. We see Rebels over the river every
day. One, a few days ago, drove his horse down to the
river, and came over the ford by our picket line as cool as
could be. Some of our Battery boys were in swimming at
the time, when he drove up to a lieutenant of the picket, and
says : — 'How are you, Lieutenant ? Want to exchange
papers? Got a cup of coffee for a fellow?'
They gave him all he wanted, and he put spurs to his
horse, and rode back to the rebel camp about four miles
away. He said they would fight if only two men were left
to do so.
We have considerable trouble with some of the conscripts,

710 HISTORY OF THE
but we can soon govern them. Many of them are hard
cases, and do not take kindly to army discipline. An infan
try camp near us, has a long pole put up about seven feet
or more high, that is kept full of conscripts from morning
to night, tied up by their thumbs for punishment."
DIARY OF CORPORAL SHACKLEY.
"The reconnoissance of 8000 cavalry went on to Culpeper,
the First Corps being with them to support. Heavy firing
was heard on the 13th and 14th. On the 15th orders came
at 4 p. m., to' hold ourselves in readiness to move at a mo
ment's notice, and news came later that the advance had
captured three cannon.
September 16, 1863, we turned out at 3 a. m., fed, cleaned,
watered, ate breakfast. 'Boots and Saddles' was then
sounded. Marched at 5 a. m., crossed on a pontoon bridge
just below Beverly Ford, and marched through Brandy
Station towards Culpeper Court House, the road running
paraUel to the railroad, and close to it most of the way.
We camped for the night within a mile of Culpeper at 3 p. m.
in sight of the town. Turned in at 8 p. m. The Artillery
Reserve camp was within a mile of us. Major Freeman
McGilvery had been made a full colonel. Marched at day
light the morning of the 17th, passing through the town,
and came into position 2\ miles south of Culpeper. Anni
versary of the Battle of Antietam."
FROM LIEUT. APPLETON'S LETTER HOME.
Written at the camping ground "Somewhere between Cul
peper and Cedar Mountain, Va.
It was a hot and dusty march, and I was very glad to roll
myself up in my blanket and turn in for the night (of the
1 6th, the first day's march) under a good tent, however.
You have no idea of the way the infantry straggle on a

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 711
march. AU along the road you could see them in all stages
of exhaustion, but they almost always nianage to crawl up
to their camps by night. We would keep falling in with
dead horses, which had been killed in the cavalry skirmish
of last Sunday. The next morning we started off again
early to march farther on, first going right through Culpeper.
It was fun going through a Virginia town, and seeing the
people, and the deserted or closely shut up houses. There
was a real southern Hotel there, Court House, etc., and
everything was crowded with our soldiers, now and then
carrying off with them some rebel prisoners. As we were
going by a large house I saw a figure standing there who I
thought must be Theodore Lyman, but when I was going
by him he looked so strange that I did not know him, nor he
me. When I had passed we halted and he came up and asked
me if I was not myself, and I told him I were, whereupon we
conversed. On the 17th I also met Colonel (Francis A.)
Walker. A little before noon we formed 'in Battery,' and
the other troops in line of battle quite near, and in plain
view of Cedar Mountain on one of the 2d Mass. Regt's old
battlegrounds, to await the coming of the enemy, who I
guess are nowhere near us, as some of our troops were then
encamped on the mountain itself. We have not a very
pleasant location for a camp: muddy ground, tall grass,
weeds &c. &c."
On the 1 8th September still in position, the men went
after hay outside the pickets. Raced horses all the way.
From Appleton's Letter: Saturday, the 19th: — "Alas,
you should see my pretty boots now, after two weeks' ser
vice ! — muddy, disfigured and scratched with brambles : how
changed from those boots with which, elate with hope, and
radiant with expectation, I left my home! Last night was
cold, and today is bleak: my hand being numbed accounts
for my scrubious chirography. I am going to try a gallop
over the country. Yesterday we went foraging to the barn

712 HISTORY OF THE
attached to the house of a Mr. Strother, some prominent
rebel character. The house had been ransacked. I went
through it and grabbed up a handful of papers to see what
they might be. One was a leaf from a manuscript book
called 'Commonplace Book,' which had remarks on all sub
jects, theology, geography, &c."
Later: — "Went out on a ride today to get warm and
found I was near the camp of the ist Mass. Cavalry. Saw
all the fellows. Charles A. Longfellow (Son of the poet
LongfeUow who married Lieut. Nathan Appleton's half-
sister. He was thus his half-nephew, a year and some
months younger than he) came over and dined with us.
They were in a big scrimmage the other day when they were
driving off the Rebs. They had then, when I found them,
just come in from the front, having been relieved by others."
September 19, 1863, still holding the same position, the
men went after cornstalks in the afternoon. The cavalry
all came in. Wagoner G. H. Johnson in the Hospital and
George Shaw.
"Sept. 20. (Appleton's Diary.) Borrowed 'Modern
Painters' of Dr. Howard. Tried to find Sunday service
but didn't. (Dr. Howard was an Englishman by birth, at
that time surgeon of the Artillery Brigade, afterwards
famous for inventing a system for restoring life from
drowning.) A great deal of clearing up to be overseered
by me. Inspection on the 21st by Captain A. P. Martin.
September 22d. Boxing gloves arrived and there was
sparring in camp. Nine spare wheels arrived. Visit from
Colonel McGilvery, who accompanied by Captain Phillips
rode over to the battlefield of Cedar Mountain, where the 2d
Mass. Infantry lost so heavily. The Colonel was in the
fight. They rode all over the battlefield, but the traces of
fighting were about all gone except the marks of shot on
the houses and trees.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 713
The regulars came back from New York on the 2 2d. The
Army was now reinforced by conscripts."
LETTER OF LT. APPLETON.
"September 24, 1863. The camp is being changed into
a gymnasium. We got orders this afternoon to get eleven
days' rations ready. If we are going to do anything, now
is the time, when the Confeds are perhaps somewhat weak
ened, having sent away some to oppose Rosecranz and
Burnside. Our army is in splendid shape. We must num
ber now nearly one hundred thousand men. The weather
is fine and the roads in bully condition. The cavalry are all
round making reconnoissances. The arrival of the mail is a
great event in camp, and it is truly terrible to find nothing
for yourself. It is quite extraordinary that the mails arrive
as regularly as they do. We get one everv day. I had
occasion to do some sewing the other day, and I found that
it would be almost as easy for a camel, as for the thread,
so kindly presented to' me, to go through the eyes of the
needles also given to me. Please send me some larger
needles and some smaUer thread, and then I shall be sure
to be all right. Send some red thread or silk. Put thetr
in a letter. You ask me about the bed tick, &c. It works
to a charm. I sleep on, first, a stretcher from an ambulance,
which has four legs, and makes a splendid bed. On this I
put my rubber blanket, then the tick, filled by Joe with —
I don't know what ; then my uncut grey blankets, into which
I crawl; then my overcoat; and then a red artillery blanket.
We have got the bottom of our tent filled with hemlock
boughs, which are clean, smell nice, and remind me that
Christmas is coming.
We make tables out of barrel heads and boxes. The
washstand is outside! Sabres, boots, spurs, glasses, hats,
brushes, &c. &c. are hanging up or lying around in endless
confusion.

714 HISTORY OF THE
You would be amused at the attachment my two horses
have for each other. The little feller follows Folko all over
the country, and they are eternally neighing when they are
separated. They begin to think it is getting cold and I shall
soon have to blanket them. The 'little un' (afterwards
called 'Klein' German for 'little') is the prettier, but Folko
is pleasanter to ride with others, as he is not so hard-
mouthed. They both look very sleek. The Captain has
me recite lessons to him in artillery tactics, which is a good
thing, as you have to know a good deal to go through a
battery drill without any mistakes."
By the return of Lieut. Scott on the 25th, Lieut. Apple-
ton was relieved of the command of the Centre section, and
returned to his regular place as chief of the line of caissons,
and when in line he was just four yards in rear of the
centre of the Battery. In battle he would be in charge of
the caissons, ammunition, horses, etc.
Sept. 26th. Washburn and Fitzsimmons arrived at the
Battery from the Hospital.
By General Orders No. 320, Sept. 26, 1863, John Pilling
was transferred to the Invalid Corps, the order to take
effect September 30, 1863.
"September 27th. (Appleton Notes.) We still remain
encamped in the same place. Two Corps have left to assist
Rosecranz, some have gone down the Rappahannock; one,
the Second, is in advance of us, and what the rest are to do I
don't know. Our food is very light and irregular, though in
the main healthful. We generaUy have fresh meat. Canned
food can be always bought of the sutler. We eat in camp
off crockery. We carry a stove, mess kit, &c, in a battery
cart, a vehicle which only two batteries in the service pos
sess, and which always travels with the Battery, not in the
rear with the baggage wagons. In this the officers manage
to stow away a good many miscellaneous articles handy on
a march. I find my knit jacket of very great use. My

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 715
little artiUery jacket, also, is just what I wanted. You need
to have been in service yourself before you can tell all the
trifling accessories to comfort.
September 28, 1863, at 10 a. m. 'Boots and saddles' was
sounded for review. The Brigade was reviewed by General
Meade with his staff, a surgeon of the British army sent
here by the Queen, and General Cortes of Spain. The sutler
Harvey arrived at the Battery. Lieutenants Spear and
Appleton took a ride through and beyond Culpeper to the
Artillery Reserve. Dined with Captain Bigelow, saw Phil
Mason and Lieut. George F. Barstow.
Sept. 29, 1863. Battery drill on bad ground. Lieut.
Appleton took the line of caissons.
Oct. ist. Lt. Appleton had the fatigue party put up an
evergreen chebang in front of the tents, and make two
corduroy bridges."
Dyer with Alpheus Haskins for a partner played euchre
in the afternoon and came off victorious. His diary does
not state who the vanquished parties were.
The three officers' tents faced each other forming three
sides of a square, and they messed three times a day together.
Lieut. Appleton wrote Oct. 1, 1863: "I have charge of the
officers1 mess this month, which is pretty good fun, as I
have to travel around the country to get grub, visiting sut
lers, commissaries, &c. I generally try to do some studying
tactics, riding or writing letters in the morning. We dine
between 12 and 1. At four the horses are watered, fed, and
groomed. A.bout 5 or 5.30 roll call and guard mounting:
then tea, after which we sit around the fire and smoke.
'Tattoo' about 7.45, and 'Taps' half an hour later. I retire
about eight."
October 4th. Sunday there was Battery inspection by
Captain Phillips. Lieuts. Scott and Appleton went to hear
Chaplain Clark of the 83d Pennsylvania Reg't. preach.
October 5th they pitched camp over again, reversed tents

716 HISTORY OF THE
and laid out a street. Sixth Corps passing towards the
Rapidan. "There is a short description of the guns which our Bat
tery uses," writes Appleton, "on the 124th page of Gib
bon's Artillerist's Manual. We use the Schenkle projectile
almost entirely."
October 7th the army trains were moving to the rear.
October 8th the sick were ordered to the rear, which
looked like a move. Lieut. Scott in his notes of the day
says: — "Battery drill was kept up every day until the 9th
of October, when the Battery was ordered to be ready to
move at short notice. I had not met Lieut. Appleton pre
vious to joining the Battery, but he was received by the men
of the Battery cordially."
Lieut. Scott was pleased to be once more with his old
comrades. The entries in his diary of the ioth and nth of
October are as follows : —
"October 10, 1863. At 2 a. m received orders to march.
Hitched up at 3, and moved out on the road to Raccoon
Ford 9 a. m. Halted near the Rapidan 12 m. Stood in
harness all day. At 6 p. m. back to camp. Orders to move
in the morning towards the Rappahannock, the enemy was
making a flank movement towards Washington to get in the
rear of the Army of the Potomac.
THE FIGHT AT BRISTOE.
October n, 1863. Broke camp and marched for Beverly
Ford. Passed through Culpeper and Brandy Station, and
crossed the Rappahannock River, and camped at the Ford,
old camp, at 7 p. m. . Enemy's cavalry engaging our cavalry
at every point."
Lieut. Appleton tells the story of the ioth, nth, 12th,
13th and 14th in the following words; commencing under
date of the nth: — "I am sitting, doing nothing, on the

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 717
ground, waiting for the enemy to approach if they wish to
give us battle. On Saturday at quarter past two in the
morning an order came for us to move at two. This being
impossible we did the best we could and got off at about
four or five a. m. The Corps went off on a little picnic. We
marched about four miles towards Raccoon Ford, halted,
passed the day, and returned to our camp at evening. It was
very strategic. Sunday morning (nth Oct. yesterday) we
started off at daylight on the skedaddle to the rear. Went
through Culpeper, and then on about six or seven miles and
halted. A lot of cavalry passed by, some wounded, riderless
horses, &c, they were Buford' s men, and had been skirmish
ing with the Rebs all day, and I guess had rather a hard
time of it. They said the Rebs were beyond Culpeper and
on the march after us. We soon proceeded, crossed the
Rappahannock, and went into our old camping ground at
Beverly Ford. Got up this morning at four, marched at
daylight again over the river, and formed in position where
we now are, half past eleven. It looks as if we wanted to
have a battle, but whether the Rebs will come out or not
is doubtful. General Sykes and staff are now a little ways
off in front of us. We have got a very good position and a
large force, and ought to make some show. Our troops are
concealed in woods. We see the Reb cavalry in squads three
miles off or so, but not a gun do' we hear. . . . Tuesday
Afternoon (Oct. 13) camp near Bristoe. The only fight we
had yesterday was a very pretty cavalry engagement which
began late in the afternoon and which we saw perfectly well.
We drove the Rebs away, and then the whole force, infantry
and artillery, followed up to a short distance of Culpeper,
got there at dusk and retired. We left Culpeper this morn
ing at two and marched until five this afternoon, and we are
now near Bristoe. I enclose you a specimen of the counter
sign as we get it. The whole army is supposed to have the
same one, and it is sent round to the different Divisions,

718 HISTORY OF THE
Brigades, &c, always done up in triangular form and
sealed. (See p. 797.) Our supper will soon be ready. I go
to look at the horses. Oct. 14th. Off again at daylight.
Took posish near Manassas. The Second Corps licked the
Rebs. Barnes' Battery engaged. We went after them and
then made an about, and marched until two towards Centre
ville. Slept out in the air. Occasional falls of rain. Hard
day and very tired."
Captain Phillips says of the 14th, letter dated Camp near
Fairfax, Thursday Oct. 15, 1863: —
"Just as we were starting out after crossing Broad Run on
Wednesday, the Rebels commenced to shell our rear. One
Division and one battery remained behind, and the rest of
the Corps pushed on to Manassas Junction, where we
formed line of battle fronting the Bull Run mountains. I
was sent into a redoubt where I felt quite secure. The firing
in our rear was quite steady, the Second Corps being
engaged." From Corporal Shackley's Diary. "Oct. ioth. Broke
camp and marched to' Mitchell's station and at 4 p. m. re
turned to camp. . . . Oct. 12th. Recrossed the River and
took position on a hill to watch the enemy. About noon
took position in a valley out of sight of the Rebs. Firing
began about 4 p. m., and we advanced to Brandy Station,
the Rebs retiring as we advanced. A smart cavalry fight
took place on the plains towards Culpeper which being in
plain sight was quite exciting.
Oct. 13th. At 2.30 a. m. marched to' and recrossed the
river, and fed our horses. At 7 a. m. marched by way of
Warrenton Junction, and camped near Catlett's Station.
Oct. 14th. Marched towards Centreville. About noon
the enemy attacked our rear guard, — Second Corps, — and
were repulsed with the loss of 4 guns and 450 men. The
Battery countermarched to near Bristoe station, about 5
miles, then countermarched again, and marched to near Cen-

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 719
treviUe, where we arrived about 2 a. m. of Oct. 1 5th, having
made full sixty miles, fought a small battle, and crossed a
large river within two days.
October 15, 1863. Marched through Centreville and
went into park near Fairfax C. H., and fed our horses for
the first time since Tuesday the 13th."
LIEUT. SCOTT'S ACCOUNT.
"Oct. 12, 1863, crossed the River to its South bank and
took a high position overlooking the plain south. Remained
in position on the heights until 4 p. m. After a severe
cavalry charge the Battery with the Fifth Corps in line of
battle, moved south to Brandy Station and halted at 9 p. m.
Oct. 13. Moved out at 2 a. m midnight darkness, chilled
through to suffering in the frosty air: crossed the Rappa
hannock on pontoons at the Ford and camped for the night
at Bristoe's at 5 p. m. The railroad bridge at Rappahannock
was blown up.
Hill's Rebel Corps passing our Right and rebel cavalry
following our Rear.
Oct. 14th. Moved out on the road towards Manassas
Junction, and crossed Broad Run at 12 noon. The enemy
came on our flank shelling our Rear. Attacking the Second
Corps they were repulsed with some loss of guns and prison
ers captured by the Second Corps. The Fifth Battery was
not engaged, but after being tangled up in the dense growth
of woods, retired in the darkness of the night with the loss of
a pole to a caisson, and one horse. Night pitchy dark.
Passed through Manassas, crossed Blackburn's Ford, —
Bull Run, — and camped at 2 a. m.
Oct. 15th. 9 a. m moved through Centreville, camping-
near Fairfax Court House at 2 p. m. Raining. Every one
cold and wet. Enemy moving rapidly for our flank and
rear. Fifth Corps at Germantown. Sutlers ordered to the

720 HISTORY OF THE
rear — to Alexandria. News of Curtin's election in Pennsyl
vania, 30,000 majority. Vallandigham in Ohio defeated."
Private John E. Dyer's Notes of Oct. ioth : "The enemy
made a feint on our Left and attacked our Right.
Oct. 13th. . . . After a march of 25 miles we went into
camp at 5 p. m pretty tired.
Oct. 15th. . . . Half a ration of whiskey and 2 days' ra
tions of hard tack issued tonight."
BY WAY OF THE FIGHT AT BRISTOE.
General Meade issued an order at 11.25 P- m- Sept. 15,
1863, for a forward movement of the Army of the Poto
mac, to commence at 5 a. m. of the 16th. The cavalry were
to picket the front and guard the flank of the Army. The
Fifth Corps was directed to occupy the ridge in front of
the village of Culpeper, and there it remained till the 13th
of October. On the 24th of September the Eleventh and
Twelfth Corps were detached from the Army of the Po
tomac and sent west, and the enemy becoming aware of the
fact immediately threw a heavy force upon the Union
cavalry, in order to turn its flank and get in the rear of the
Army, which design we frustrated by the retrograde move
ment of General Meade, made with such celerity as to reach
Centreville in advance of the enemy but not without serious
trouble through a determined attack of the Confederates
at Bristoe, and the most severe hardships endured by the
troops. October 16, 1863, reveille was sounded at 7 o'clock. At
5 p. m. "Boots and Saddles." At 6 p. m. the Battery moved
out into the road and waited for the Division to march
past, then it took its place in the column and marched back
to within two miles of Centreville. Rain until 9 p. m.
The Battery went into park at ten. Two more batteries
were attached to the Corps. The night was very dark. One
of the officers' tents blew over. On the 17th the Battery

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 721
changed camp to a more suitable one a mile nearer Centre
ville in a beautiful glade. The pontoon train moved
through Centreville. Camped with the Brigade.
NOTES OF LIEUT. APPLETON.
"The enemy was manceuvring for position and covering
their movements. On the 18th Reveille at 3 a. m. Two
batteries moved out with the infantry at sunrise waiting
orders. Marched at 10 a. m. to near Fairfax Court House
close by our former camp. Awful mud hole on the march.
Camped, in the fork between the Warrenton turnpike and
the Chantilly road, at 2 p. m. Some cannonading heard
towards Bull Run.
On the 19th of October we were ordered to march for
Centreville at 6 a. m. with the Fifth Corps. Passed
through Centreville at 9 a. m. Raining hard. Marched
towards Manassas 2 miles, then towards Bull Run. All
the army on the move. Crossed Bull Run on pontoons at
noon and bivouacked on Bull Run battlefield of 1862 at
3 p. m. The rebels were said to be moving south having
failed to get between us and Washington. The Sixth
Corps and train was moving towards Gainesville where we
found them at daybreak of the 20th." Scott calls it "a race
for position, but they could not be brought to a decisive
battle." Appleton says it was moonlight that night — "an
impressive evening. Passed by old Reb. huts of 1861."
LIEUT. APPLETON'S LETTER.
"Halt near Gainesville, Oct. 19, 1863.
For the last ten days we have been marching and counter
marching, skirmishing, bivouacking, knocking about by
day and night, in fact, I have not slept twice in the same
place. Truly the tactics of the Army of the Potomac are
extraordinary. Last night we encamped on the battlefield

722 HISTORY OF THE
of Bull Run No. 2, and there were plenty of skeletons and
skulls around. Our men buried many of them yesterday
afternoon. This morning we started off at three. (Orders
were that the Corps should be at Gainesville by daylight.)
I have had a taste of real military life lately, and it cer
tainly has its discomforts. My idea of our last week's
manoeuvre is this : — The Rebs tried to get into Centreville
heights before us, but we were just too quick for them. It
¦ would be folly to attack us there and that Lee knew, and so
they are skedaddling, with us after them. We pass a big
part of every day in the saddle. Perhaps we shall push
after them well over the Rappahannock. General Meade
and staff passed by us an hour ago, and General Pleasanton
a little later, with an immense force of cavalry. I have
looked in vain for the ist Mass. cavalry. I tell you, I have
seen some splendid sights lately. Forty thousand men
marching in solid columns ! Our approach to Culpeper
after the cavalry skirmish, was magnificent. The poor
infantry had a terrible time on the night marches, plodding
through tbe deep mud, crossing streams, &c. I have not
got a letter for ten days, as the mails are very irregular on
occasions when the army is in motion. I want more money,
as I am running the mess, and have to get grub when and
wherever I can. It is hard to keep well supplied on the
march, as our family consists of five officers, five darkies,
and one or two cooks detailed from the Battery. I have
only slept out in the air with no covering once, that was
when we marched solid, with an occasional halt, from day
light one morning until two or three the next, and then
we were off again by ten. It is almost impossible to keep
the calendar straight, as all the days are just alike. We
have come off decidedly best in the late manceuvring, and
taken many prisoners. If the Rebs stand this side of the
Rappahannock we shall have a fight in which we ou°ht
certainly to whip them.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 723
I have been reading 'Quits' lately, which I borrowed
of Guthrie, a young lieutenant in an Ohio battery in our
Brigade. I am now reading 'Tom Burke of Ours,' by
Charles Lever, which is military and good. I read on the
march, as all the time in camp you need to eat and sleep.
I don't know when you will get this letter. I take a chance
man going by to take it."
FROM DIARY OF LIEUT. APPLETON.
"At noon of October 20th we marched, following the
Sixth Corps which advanced early in the morning when we
were turned out but stood in harness till noon. Then we
marched to New Baltimore arriving at 5 p. m. The rail
road from Bristoe south had been torn up and now was
being repaired. The army were all moving to this point,
following the enemy, then at New Baltimore, closely, and
there was a cavalry fight near this place. We were without
rations or forage. An order was read on this day to have
roll calls at 12 m. and 3 p. m. At New Baltimore we re
ceived our mails with letters and lots of papers.
October 21, 1863, we remained in camp all day, the first
time since the ioth. We were then at New Baltimore, ten
miles from Warrenton. The entire Brigade were encamped
there near a rebel family. Rebs recrossed the Rappahan
nock. On the 22d our other tents were put up and the
camp fixed up. Stores were received from Gainesville.
The men had fresh meat for dinner. Captain Huntington
dined and passed the afternoon with the Battery."

LETTER OF SERG'T. W. H. PEACOCK.
"Camp near New Baltimore, Va.
Oct. 22, 1863.
We have been on one continual march for over a month,

724 HISTORY OF THE
and I have had no chance to write, or do anything else but
look after shoeless and dead horses, disabled artillery car
riages, etc. I tell you, we have work enough to do after
halting from a day's march. Horses, harnesses, ammuni
tion to repack, wheels to grease, and forty other things to
do, so by the time we are through, it is time to drop down.
This move was a very singular one. Lee would chase us
25 miles or so, then our Army turns around and chases
him back, like boys playing 'tag.' We came over the Bull
Run battleground a few days ago, and I tell you it was a
sad sight, to see our poor fellows only partially buried, and
many not buried at all. At the place where we halted you
could not move without seeing a skull, arm, or leg of some
Union soldier, as we could tell by the blue clothing they had
on. A major of our Army, lay near where we were, not
having been buried at all. Probably he had not been dis
covered before. Enclosed I send you some green, that I got
near two of the bodies of our men, that were mostly out of
the ground, and the spot where McDowell's Corps broke,
and so many of our men were killed. I also send a clover
leaf from a large Fort built by the Rebels at Manassas, in
1 86 1. My hands are so stiff, and the pen so poor, that I
can hardly write."
LETTER OF LIEUT. APPLETON.
"Camp near New Baltimore,
Friday, Oct. 23, 1863.
I saw in yesterday's (Washington) 'Chronicle' that
General Meade was ordered by the War Department to
pursue right after the Rebs. I guess by this time they are
well across the two Raps. Our army is so infernally cau
tious we can never do anything. Taking Richmond this
way is played out. Either break up the Army of the Poto
mac or else try the Peninsula, which ktter having been

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 725
Mac's plan must of course be kept down ! I am pleased to
see the result of the elections, and I guess they will be a
heavy blow to the Confeds and the Copperheads. I hope
if we are to go into winter quarters it will be round Wash
ington, where the living is better, and you have a chance of
an occasional run up to Washington and a good dinner.
You may laugh at one's wanting a good dinner, in fact, at
home people have a sort of notion that all a soldier has to do
is to look grand and fight battles, march onward, &c, &c,
but, out here, it much more consists of the little minutiae of
camp life, — eating, sleeping, keeping clean, having your
eye everlastingly on the men, and being bothered by a hun
dred annoyances. But in return, you drink in the splendid
October air described by Theodore Winthrop ! Oh yes, at
the sweet hour of two in the morning, when everything is
chilly and damp, and you have two minutes to swallow a cup
of boiling coffee ! A night move of the Army is a splendid
sight! The whole plain as far as you can see, illuminated
with ten thousand camp fires,' — the shouts of the men, the
braying of the mules. How Brigades and Divisions ever
find their way is a marvel, but still they always do. I hardly
know whether you have been able to make out my last
letters. I was sitting in our ambulance by the side of the
road writing my last, when some one said that the mail car
rier was passing by. So without reading or even finishing
it, I bounced it into an envelope, and sent it off. Wherever
we go we see dead cavalry horses lying along the roads. I
am sorry to hear you say that poor Gus Barker died. (A
captain in the 5th N. Y. Cavalry shot by guerillas near
Kelly's Ford. Harvard, class of 1863.) Are there to be
none of '63 warriors left to chat together over their adven
tures ? It seems strange how we worry and fuss over horses
at home, always afraid that they are getting cold, or sick,
or something, while here they seem to be perfectly well and
not under the slightest cover. I have blanketed my big one

726 HISTORY OF THE
twice since I have been out here, and that was at first, before
he had got at all used to things. The little one is rather
tough. I can't write well when the wind is blowing my
paper about. Dinner, consisting of salt fish-balls, pork, and
ham scraps, and a pudding ingeniously made of hard tack
' and raisins, is almost ready, and I am going to halt.
The same day : Lieut. Spear and I took a ride towards
New Baltimore. Nothing interesting going on."
From Appleton's Diary: "Oct. 23, 1863. Camp near
New Baltimore. Our little campaign of two weeks seems
about over, and we have again settled down to the com
forts (?) of a camp. Many think we are to settle down into
winter quarters near Washington or Warrenton. I hate to
think we are to try to do nothing more. On this day we
pitched our tents in line, and on the 24th were ordered at
3-J p. m., to march about sunset in a cold northeast rain
storm. 'Boots and saddles' at 5 p. m. Marched with the
Corps to Auburn near Cedar Run, between Warrenton and
the Junction, and went into park at 8 p. m., with orders to
move at a moment's notice. (Auburn is the name of a post
office near the estate of the McCormicks, world famous
manufacturers of agricultural implements.) Here General
Judson Kilpatrick in command of the Union cavalry, was
surprised by the confederate cavalry general Stuart, while
Kilpatrick was in bivouac in a hollow ; the situation and the
state of the atmosphere, a dense fog, aiding the attacking
party, who had also a light battery with them, but Kilpatrick
not only escaped from the snare but showed fight and beat
off the enemy."

The next day was Sunday the 25th. The batteries of the
Corps changed ground and pitched camp over. Went into
position facing south. Very cold. The trains remain be
hind. Rations were not all up.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 727
THE MASS. ioth BATTERY NEAR BY.
From Scott's Notes : "The ioth Battery was attacked on
the march with the Sixth Corps. Serg't. Woodfin of the
ioth Battery was struck from his horse by a ball passing
through his neck from a rebel carbine. Afterwards he was
First Lieutenant of the 16th Mass. Battery."
This was while Scott commanded it. Colonel Philip T.
Woodfin was Governor of the Southern Branch, National
Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, at Hampton, Va.,
28 years, and died there August 24, 1901. The bullet that
struck him October 13, 1863, and lodged in the back of his
neck, Captain Scott took from his shoulder July 4, 1864.
October 26, 1863. Reveille at usual camp hour. Cold
and wet. Lieut. Appleton mentions the building of "a large
semi-circular fireplace in front of our tent." The men had
nothing but hard bread to eat in the morning, but in the
afternoon the wagons came up. Some cannonading was
heard towards the Rappahannock, and orders were received
to be ready to move at short notice.
Private Dyer records that on the night of Oct. 26-27,
was seen the first ice of the season. He was on guard that
night. Where Corporal Shackley was, ice was half an inch
in thickness. On the 27th firing was heard at the south
towards the Rappahannock.
LIEUT. APPLETON'S LETTER HOME.
"Camp at Auburn near Cedar Run,
Oct. 28, 1863.
Rode over to Army H'd Q'rs and called on Theodore
Lyman. Burt (the cook) brought us some good grub from
Gainesville, 2 turkeys. Cargill (Lieut, in the Third Mass.
Battery) called on us from Boston. By the way, how well
the Virginians named their streams here, every one is a
'run.' Last Saturday they interrupted the quiet of a rainy

728 HISTORY OF THE
afternoon by an order for an immediate start, so off we
went for about five miles and then squatted down again.
Colonel Theodore Lyman said that Meade's plan was to try
to make them give us battle, but they didn't see it, as each
side wanted to get choice of ground. The railroad has been
badly injured, and it will take some time for us to put it in
running order, though we are working at it pretty steadily.
The roads are good now but won't be long. The horses out
here have a playful way in the night of gnawing off each
others' tails, which they use as a substitute for hay. My
big one had a little piece bitten out of his last night, but Joe
takes care to put them well off from the picket rope. I
guess you will see some good pictures of our late movements
in Harper's. I often see their artist sitting by the side of
the road, sketching us as we are going over some stream.
One thing the Army sadly needs is some good bands of
music: even an unappreciative ear enjoys it out here. The
other day when we were trying to get our forge through a
big mud hole, and two horses tumbled down in it, in suc
cession, a band was playing beautifully near by, and it
seemed to me that it had a good deal to do with getting us
through safely. If I were a general I would use a good
deal of money on drilling a superb band. (After the first
year Brigade and Division bands were all that were al
lowed.) I see you are to have more fun in Boston in the drafting
and recruiting biz. Tell John A. A. (Governor Andrew)
that cavalry is what we want now to finish up the work."
FROM LIEUT. APPLETON'S DIARY.
"On the 28th one day's ration of soft bread and fresh meat
was issued to the men at night. On the 29th our fireplace
tumbled down, but we should have been obliged to leave
it, anyway, as we had orders to march at 7 a. m. of the 30th

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 729
for Three Mile Station on the Warrenton Branch railroad,
3 miles from Warrenton Junction. The whole Corps
hitched up and broke camp. Marched at 9 a. hi. Marched
past Three Mile Station and came into position about 11
a. m., about two miles from Warrenton Junction, near the
railroad. The railroad to Rappahannock and bridge were
being repaired. The hilly roads over which we marched
were very bad. Cars had passed up the Branch the previous
evening. The railroad was repaired to the Junction. The
corral was moved from Gainesville to' the vicinity of War
renton Junction, and the general headquarters were moved."
LETTER OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
"Camp near Three Mile Station,
Oct. 31, 1863.
We certainly have not gained anything in the last three
weeks. Then we were at Culpeper, now we are at Warren
ton Junction; then the railroad was in good order to the
Rapidan, now it runs as far as Warrenton, and the track
beyond that is destroyed. They can't get in our rear unless
we get in theirs ; they cannot cut our communications unless
we cut theirs."
LETTER OF LIEUT. APPLETON.
"Camp at Three Mile Station,
near Warrenton Junction,
Nov. 1, 1863.
It is almost impossible to remember what day of the week
it is out here, they are all so much alike, but outward circum
stances need not interfere with one's own ideas of a Sabbath.
Don't judge by my writing that I am getting weary of
things. Grumbling on paper is assuredly one of the privi
leges as well as the pleasures of our life in the 'bush,' as
Joe calls it. Last night was very cold and windy, and I

730 HISTORY OF THE
found it difficult to keep comfortable. You wake up with
a chill, and find yourself high and dry with all your blankets
kicked off and then to rearrange them in the dark is fraught
with difficulties. I don't know what to make of this last
call for 300,000 more volunteers. It looks either as if the
Administration expected the fighting to last some time
or that they desired plenty of men in reserve. If we
could fight the Rebs now, how we should lick 'em ! But
they have smashed the railroad and run off. I hope they
will have no more humbug about the matter of drafting and
recruiting, exempting, &c. The labors here are not so ter
ribly severe, but that a man of average strength and health
can get along very well. Send out that book of mine which
I had at Lynn this summer, entitled 'Youatt on the Horse.'
It will be of great use and instruction out here. For my
servant Joe, two horses and myself I need 8 blankets, and
the Quartermasters are so slow that it takes an everlasting
time to get any."

The drill was kept up on the pieces, but the horses were
without forage most of the time. Nov. 2d the men were
digging holes for picket posts. Pontoons had been brought
the day before to Warrenton Junction. No forage was to
be had for the horses. The Third Corps was said to be
moving to the front. On the 3d, forage was obtained for
the horses and it was very warm and pleasant.
NOTES OF JOHN E. DYER.
"Nov. 5, 1863, good news was received from the Massa
chusetts and New York elections. The men had boiled
pork and stewed dried apples for dinner, and the Artillery
Reserve passed by our position towards Catlett's Station.
Orders were issued for eleven davs' rations. Drill on the
pieces. The sutler Gorham arrived in the evening of the

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 731
6th and sold out. We had drill on the piece and orders to
march at 6 a. m. the next morning, the 7th. Trains of
cars were on fire on the railroad.
NOV. 7, 1863. THE BATTLE.
In the morning at 4 a. m. we were awakened by the joyful
sound of the bugle, hitched up at 6 a. m._, moved out on the
road at f\, left the camp at Three Mile Station and
marched with the Fifth Corps to the Rappahannock River,
where the enemy was said to be posted, passing through
Bealton. Near Rappahannock Station we halted, remain
ing there all noon time, and skirmishers were thrown out,
the Fifth Corps being deployed to the left of the railroad,
which had been destroyed and the rails carried off by the
Rebs. About 2 o'clock in the afternoon, firing was heard in front
at Kelly's Ford, where were the First, Second, and Third
Corps, and we were ordered forward at 4 p. m.

The rebels had thrown up earthworks, which they held, on
the north bank of the river, their guns sweeping the low
ground in front of them, over which our attack must be
made. The work was garrisoned by Hays' Brigade of
Early's Division, Ewell's Corps, and Hoke's Brigade of
the same Division was sent to reinforce them.
On our side, General David A. Russell was in com
mand of Wright's Division of the Sixth Corps, and
made the assault as night was coming on, the 5th
Wisconsin and 6th Maine in advance, supported by our
artillery fire and the skirmishers of the 121st New York and
20th Maine.
The Fifth Mass. Battery went into position on the left
of the railroad, 900 yards below the rebel earthworks,
near the bridge. Corporal Shackley noted in his Diary the

732 HISTORY OF THE
fact that "Captain A. P. Martin came to us, and was pleased
to say 'You are making some fine shots, boys !' '
The 5th Battery fired 112 rounds, shelling the earthworks
till dark, when the infantry charged the Station, captured the
fort, with 8 pieces of artillery, caissons and horses, 2 Bri
gades and 7 flags. There were no casualties in the Battery.
The Union loss in the engagement was 370 killed, wounded
and missing.
The Battery parked at night with the Fifth Corps back
from the river, and on its south side, about a mile from the
field. Nov. 8th, they were aroused at 4 a. m., ate breakfast, and
marched at daylight for Kelly's Ford, where they arrived at
10 a. m. At 12 they crossed the river on pontoons and
marched about 5 miles beyond, as far as Stephensburg,
where they camped for the night near Mountain Creek.
The Army was across the river.
Private Dyer wrote : "After rallying on a rail fence we
unhitched, and getting supper we turned in for the night."
The First and Second Corps were ahead and they heard
some cannonading towards the Rapidan.
Lieut. Appleton observes that "General Meade passed us
and was enthusiastically cheered."
Nov. 9th, Reveille at 4% o'clock at Stephensburg.
There was a snow squall from the westward during the
day, the first of the season. No orders at 8 o'clock. The
wagon trains had not come up. "Pindar and train lost,"
writes Appleton, "and ice made f of an inch in thickness.
Snow was seen on fhe Blue Ridge. The First and Second
Corps were at Brandy Station. No firing this day. The
Rebs had made preparations here for winter quarters."
"Order in the evening (Scott's Diary) to picket Mountain
Creek, north bank, on the morrow."
This creek passes Culpeper. Private Dyer was on guard

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 733
that night, which was "a bitter cold night," with Corporal
Proctor. This photograph which was taken by Gorman and Jordan,
army photographers in January, 1864, is highly prized by
Captain Appleton, who then purchased it. The following
is from his Diary: — "The Army was advancing, after its
withdrawal back to Bull Run. This picture shows the rail
road ( Orange and Alexandria R. R. ) bridge across the river,
the ridge, and the open lowland. The railroad from War
renton Junction to the Rappahannock had been repaired.
The rebels had possession of the ridge, and the open lowland
lay between them and our forces. Our Battery went into
position alongside of Griffin's Battery D, 5th Regt. U. S
Artillery, commanded by Lieut. Rittenhouse. We fired at
the earthworks afterwards captured at the bayonet by the
Sixth Corps. We are now (Nov. 9, 1863) a good ways off
from any railroad connection. Pontoons have been sent
to Fredericksburg."
FROM LIEUT. APPLETON'S LETTER OF THE
SAME DATE.
"Camp between the Rapidan and the Rappahannock,
SIX MILES BEYOND KeLLY^S FORD.
We are just in the beginning of what will be a brilliant
campaign. I hope soon to write from Richmond. Well,
I have been under fire, and don't like it. It isn't pleasant
to have shells come whizzing through the woods and see
men carried off on stretchers. One piece of shell went
between Barnard and myself as we were talking by the
roadside. (This was Captain George M. Barnard, Jr.,
known as 'Rappahannock George,' the officer who mustered
him in at Beverly Ford. ) I guess we have got the Rebs in a
tight place. We hear heavy firing every day. Our affair the
other day was brilliant but short. I was in the woods with

734 HISTORY OF THE
the caissons, and as the Rebs fired very high the shells fell
just around where I was. No man in the Battery was hit,
in fact, I guess I was the nearest to it of any one. I only
hope we shall move on soon, and try something more. Gill-
more still hammers at Charleston. Cargill and Carroll
(Lieut. Carroll, brother of the wife of General Griffin and
the Misses Carroll of Washington, a lieutenant in Griffin's
Battery) called, and the latter dined. Men's ^s (quar
ters) fixed up, Pleasant game of whist in the evening with
Dr. Bell. Perhaps you have seen in the papers something
about an 'unknown battery by the. side of Griffin's, which
did good execution.' That was the Fifth Massachusetts.
By the by, the Army is a splendid school for the control of
one's angry spirits. Do what you are told and ask no
questions. How you sometimes fret under the restraint,
like Folko on a slow march !"
INVALID CORPS.
Transferred to Invalid Corps to take effect on November
15, 1863, under General Orders No. 365 War Department:
O'Connell, Daniel, Private Co. E, ist Massachusetts
Artillery. McKeren, William, Private 5th Massachusetts Battery.

LETTER OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
Extract relative to the action of the Battery at the
Battle of Rappahannock Station taken from his letter of
Nov. 15, 1863: — "Although our Battery was engaged as
much as any one we have been eliminated out of all the re
ports, and shall have to fall back on our reserve stock of
glory. My own impression is that we did pretty good
shooting. I enclose an extract from the Philadelphia In
quirer, which will show what other people thought of it.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 735
'On the extreme right,' says the Inquirer correspondent, 'was
Captain Waterman's Battery ist R. I. ArtiUery, next to and
near it that of Captain Martin, Battery D, 5th U. S. Artil
lery; Taft's Battery of Reserve Artillery, a little to the right
of the centre and on the left of the railroad, at a distance of
some twelve hundred yards from the rebel forts, a battery
belonging to the Fifth Corps, which I regret not to be abie
to name, particularly as it is said to have worked with ex
cellent effect.'
There were in reality two batteries of the Fifth Corps
engaged: Rittenhouse's Battery D, 5th U. S., and mine,
though as we were side by side, the general impression was
that there was only one. The battery referred to in the
extract as 'Captain Martin's Battery D, U. S. Art'y' was
Lieut. Martin's Battery something else U. S. Art'y, belong
ing to- the 6th Corps."
"Nov. 10, 1863. (Diary of Lieut. Scott.) Hitched up
and moved into quarters vacated by the Rebel Dole's Bri
gade, 34 houses. These were well built, with fireplaces, and
the Battery was made very comfortable, with plenty of wood
to burn. The Rebs had made extensive preparations for a
winter's stay here, but now have retired beyond the Rapidan.
Thirty-four houses were taken by our Battery. Four bat
teries, 200 between them. Ice made \ of an inch. Blue
Ridge covered with snow."
In relation to these comfortable quarters Private Dyer
said it was "the first time the Rebs ever left anything for our
benefit. Much obliged to them for skedaddling."
NOTES OF LOUIS E. PATTISON.
Nov. 2, 1901.
"Action at Rappahannock Station, Nov. 7, 1863 : Our
Battery crossed to the left of the railroad going through a
piece of woods at a trot, over rocks and stumps, and went

736 HISTORY OF THE
into Battery pn the edge of the woods; opening fire on one
of the works.
Our guns fired very slowly, the officers watching the
effect of the shots, in order at the proper moment to cease
firing, when our infantry reached the forts, which they did
very soon, I should say in fifteen to thirty minutes, going
right into them. They captured over 1,000 prisoners, 8
colors, all the guns, and 2,000 small arms. Their loss is
officially given as 419. Confederate loss, 1,674. I do not
remember that the Battery had any loss, killed or wounded.
It was a very pretty little action, requiring quick move
ments and good judgment. We afterwards went into
winter quarters on the right of the railroad, near the forts,
during the winter of '63 and '64, and cut the woods referred
to above, for fuel and houses for quarters."
These quarters were about a mile distant from the camp
on Mountain Creek. They had been finished only about ten
days previous and occupied by the 44th Georgia Regiment of
Dole's Brigade.
On the nth of November the men cleared up camp and
the cooks commenced cooking for the Battery. They found
the "Rebs' " or "Johnnies' " quarters quite comfortable,
though some of the quarters were not quite finished. Our
troops again occupied Culpeper. The railroad and bridge
were repaired and the road from Warrenton to Bealton was
being pushed through. General Meade was at Brandy
Station. Appleton in his account of the day says : — "The Rebs evi
dently expected to pass the winter here, and pitched in in
fine style, until so agreeably interrupted by us last Saturday.
I can well imagine how angry they must be when they know
that the Yankees are quietly enjoying their elegant houses.
The splendid campaign, which I thought just beginning,
seems to have quite fizzled out. All the Corps are, I be
lieve, quietly lying around. Nov. 12. Sat around the

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 737
camp and chatted. It looks as if we were to stay here.

• Orders were given to the men to cover their houses with
shelter tents, and take tarpaulins for harnesses. They made
harness racks on the 13th, and fixed up tents. On the 14th
they had fried liver for dinner and played euchre in the
evening. Lieuts. Appleton and Blake with Lieut. Cargill
went over the river to the ist Division. Appleton writes : —
"Rained like thunder in the evening, and the house leaked
muchly. My bed fell down about the middle of the night."
"Nov. 15, 1863. (Scott.) Ordered to be ready at a
moment's notice. Brisk cannonading towards the Rapidan.
Railroad nearly completed to the Rappahannock. Drew 1 1
new horses."
"Nov. 16. (Appleton.) We put on our pretty clothes
and were inspected and drilled at 3 p. m. by Captain Martin
and staff. First time since Culpeper."

The inspection consumed one hour and a half, and the
Battery went through manoeuvres on changing front. The
cars were running to Culpeper on the 17th, and the men
began building houses for the officers.
Corporal Shackley remarks Nov. 18th : "The winter cloth
ing which was sent to the storehouse about June 10, 1863,
was returned today."
Acting Adjutant Holman S. Melcher of the 20th Maine
Regiment, remembers the Battery during the winter of '63-
'64 "from their very nice cantonment, and the sound of their
bugle calls."
From a letter addressed to the Hon. Henry K. Oliver,
Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, by Cap
tain Augustus P. Martin, commanding the Artillery Bri
gade, dated at the Head Quarters of the Artillery Brigade,

738 HISTORY OF THE
Fifth Army Corps, Camp near Kelly's Ford, Va., Nov. 18,
1863, in relation to the services of the Fifth Mass. Battery
and its captain on several battlefields : —
"He" (Captain Phillips) "has proved himself to be one of the
bravest, coolest and most reliable officers on the field, and one of the
most prompt, energetic, faithful and competent officers in camp, within
my knowledge. His services and that of his battery at Fredericksburg
and Rappahannock Station were of the most valuable character, and
have received the highest commendation and praise of his superior
officers. He was not under my command at Gettysburg, but I have
read the portions of the official report of his commanding officer relat
ing to the services of himself and battery, which was commendable in
the highest degree (see p. 667, McGilvery's Report) and was not sur
passed by any battery upon that field."
FROM LIEUT. APPLETON'S DIARY.
"The ist Division of the Fifth Corps came up from the
Rappahannock, where they had been on picket between
Kelly's Ford and Bealton. Two splendid boxes bearing the
express marks of Boston filled with jolly grub from home
arrived safely, and is being appreciated by the mess. We
had singing and a serenade in the evening. Nov. 19, super
intended the working on the houses. 20th, we are still
ensconced on our 'Georgia Plantation.' My log house has
a tent fly for a roof, chimney at the end."
The contents of the boxes were intended for Thanksgiving
dinner but were devoured on arrival from fear they would
have orders to move as proved to be the case.
LETTER OF LIEUT. APPLETON.
"Nov. 20, 1863. Rode over to the camp of the 20th Mass.
Regiment Infantry, and dined with John Perry (John Gar
diner Perry, assistant surgeon of the 20th ) , and Rittenhouse
supped with me in my shanty. One pleasant feature of our
life in Virginia is its delicious uncertainty. You sit wearily
in your camp doing nothing one day, and the next morning

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 739
you are whistled up at two to start on a big march and
perhaps fight. You know that you may any day be detailed
to go to Washington on some court martial, or to' Boston on
recruiting service, and exchange the toils of camp for the
gayeties of a metropolis. The prospect of some possible
change for the better or for worse is always before you."
LETTER FROM HON. HENRY K. OLIVER, TREASURER OF
THE STATE'OF MASSACHUSETTS, TO CAPTAIN
AUGUSTUS P. MARTIN.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
State Treasurer's Office,
Boston Nov. 23, 1863.
Captain A. P. Martin, Commander of Artillery Brigade, Sth Army
Corps. Camp near Kelly's Ford, Va.
Captain. Permit me to thank you in the most earnest manner for your very
acceptable letter respecting my friend Captain C. A. Phillips. Your
thorough commendation of him has afforded me the highest gratifica
tion, and will deeply affect his family and many friends in Massachu
setts. I have taken the' liberty of showing your letter to Gov. Andrew,
who was highly gratified at the good name acquired by an officer of
his appointing. With your leave I will also send the letter to Hon.
Mr. Phillips (Stephen H.) and the Capt.'s family at Salem.
With many thanks I am truly yours, H. K. Oliver.
Can a copy be had of that part of the Official Report of Captain
Phillips' commanding officer, relating to the service of himself and
Battery at Gettysburg. Gov. Andrew would like to see it.
H. K. O.
(See p. 667.)

CHAPTER XIX.
THE ARTILLERY FIRE AT MINE RUN.
November 27-30, 1863/
"We must forget all feelings save the one;
We must resign all passions save our purpose ;
We must behold no object save our country,
And only look on death as beautiful.
So that the sacrifice ascend to Heaven
And draw down freedom on her evermore."
(Quoted by His Excellency John A. Andrew, at the
close of his address to the two branches of the
Legislature of Massachusetts in extra session,
November 11, 1863.)
The campaign of Mine Run though planned by General
Meade for an offensive movement to surprise Lee in winter
quarters, and turn his flank by making a rapid advance to
Orange Court House, seizing by the way the Plank
Road and the turnpike, actually resulted in two fights;
one in which cavalry under Gregg was engaged and
was delivered by the Fifth Corps on November 27,
1863, and an assault by the artillery, which was to
have been supported by infantry, had the plans of the
leader been carried out. The infantry, however, failed
to bear its part in the attack, General Gouverneur K.
Warren by later and closer observation of the strength
and position of the rebels having formed the opinion, which
was approved, on investigation, by General Meade, that there
was no possibility of a successful result. General Warren's
command at that time was composed of portions of the
Second and Third Corps and comprised nearly one half of
the infantry of the Army.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 741
The crossing of the Rapidan was made in three columns.
It was to be done so quickly as to compel the enemy to
give battle on a ground and at a time of our own choosing,
and to be so suddenly called upon to defend themselves as
to leave them no time to concentrate their forces. But it
would seem, in the light of subsequent developments, that in
the nature of the case we had to be too long about it to
make this undertaking much of a surprise.
It was on the 26th that the Third Corps followed by the
Sixth Corps crossed the Rapidan at Jacob's Mills, and the
Second Corps at Germanna Ford, both aiming for Robert
son's Tavern to' effect a junction of their forces. The Fifth
Corps, followed by two Divisions of the First Corps, crossed
at Culpeper Ford, its objective point being Parker's Store
on the way to Robertson's Tavern and, if possible, to make
that point, where it was proposed to concentrate the Army.
The Second Corps, commanded by General G. K. War
ren, reached the Tavern about 10 a. m. of the 27th and
halted, waiting for the Third Corps under command of
General Thomas French.
The Fifth Corps under General George Sykes, after wait
ing for the Second and Third Corps to cross the river,
arrived at Parker's Store at 9 a. m. of the 27th and found
the cavalry under General John I. Gregg, who had been in
structed to cover the Left flank of the Army, engaged with
the Confederate cavalry, and obliged to fight dismounted on
account of the dense woods.
The Fifth Corps took position at New Hope Church, and
relieved the cavalry, driving away, and completely quieting
the rebel cavalry and their infantry skirmishers. Thus far
the programme had been carried out according to instruc
tions, but the Fifth Corps was not permitted to advance
farther than the intersection of the road from Raccoon Ford
with the Orange and Alexandria Plank Road, as the Third
Corps had not made its connection with the Second Corps.

742 HISTORY OF THE
The Third Corps had been having its own little encounter
with the enemy at Raccoon Ford.
When the pursuit was at last organized and under way,
the Second Corps was ahead, and on November 28th found
the rebels securely established on the west bank of Mine
Run. In the evening of that day the Second, Sixth, First,
and Third Corps formed in line of battle in front of the
enemy, and at 4 o'clock of the morning of the 29th the Fifth
Corps came into line, relieving the Second Corps.
The bank along which for miles the Confederate army
was massed and where they had erected strong earthworks,
was 100 feet high at this point sloping about 1000 yards,
cleared ground to' the creek or run. At other points the
bank was steep, rocky, and covered with wood. The stream
itself was narrow, but the approach to it was swampy and in
places an impassable bog. The attempt to attack by assault
at this point under these disadvantages, was not given
serious thought, and the Fifth Corps having taken the place
of the Second, the latter was sent off to try to turn the
enemy's Right flank, while the Sixth and Fifth Corps at
tempted to turn his Left. Warren's two Divisions of the
Third Corps were taken from the Centre when the contem
plated attack was abandoned in favor of Warren's venture,
which it was determined should be the main attack. The
batteries of the Centre and Right were ordered to open fire
at 8 a. m. of November 30th, and at 9 o'clock the Sixth
Corps under General John Sedgwick was to assault with his
columns, on the extreme Right of the Union lines.
With its usual precision the artillery opened promptly at
8 o'clock on the morning of the 30th as ordered, but Warren
had seen reason, as stated, to abandon his attack and General
Meade coinciding with General Warren in his views, the
waiting Sixth Corps was thus informed at 8.50, and the
suspension of Sedgwick's assault was made permanent.
Also as a consequence General Warren relinquished the two

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 743
Divisions of the Third Corps which returned to the Centre,
and the Fifth and Sixth Corps resumed their former posi
tions. The situation now resolved itself back into its origi
nal proportions and relations, except that the artillery fire
had let the proverbial cat "out of the bag" by exposing our
position and plans, and the Confederates commenced in
earnest to reinforce and strengthen their fortifications, per
ceiving which General Meade withdrew his army and dis
posed his troops in various well chosen positions, to guard
the railroads, as if anything so manifestly injudicious as a
Mine Run campaign was farthest from his thoughts. In a
note on a fly leaf of "The Officers' Companion," Lieut.
Nathan Appleton says "the Mine Run campaign showed the
disadvantage of having so many corps commanders."
AS RELATED BY MEMBERS OF THE BATTERY.
Nov. 2^, 1863. Brigade drill of 4 batteries by Captain
Martin from 10 a. m. to' \ past 2 p. m. Quite an event
for the Artillery Brigade, the first one and very well done.
Captains Phillips and Barnes acted as majors. Lieut. Scott
in command of Fifth Mass. Battery. Lieut. Appleton acted
as adjutant.
Orders to pack ready for a march. Twenty-five men
came to the Battery this morning, detached from the in
fantry. The whole army set out to move under an order
which said they were to cross the Rapidan, have a long
march, and be ready for anything.
Nov. 24th. Hitched up at 5 a. m., moved out on the road
at \ past 6, in the midst of a big rain storm, and marched
about four miles towards the Rapidan— the going was very
heavy — then turned round and came back again to camp;
arriving at 9 a. m., feeling wet and cross. Ordered to move
on the 26th, Thanksgiving Day. Lieut. Appleton in a letter
observes that they were unwilling to repeat the experience of

744 HISTORY OF THE ¦
Burnside's celebrated "mud march," and so turned back.
His letter proceeds as follows : — "However we were 'under
orders,' implying that we shall start tomorrow or next day,
if the weather permits. I hope it will keep dry, as I want
to advance and let those poor starving fellows out of Libby
Prison. Why we have wasted the last fortnight I don't see.
Cutting across Virginia fields is different from driving a
buggy over macadamized streets."
Referring to the Brigade drill he says : "You can imagine
that it was quite a sight to see 24 pieces of artillery, 24
caissons, over 300 horses, and their complement of men,
dashing over a field, rattling through ditches, and going
through lots of complicated evolutions. Such a sight on
Boston Common would draw quite a crowd. I took the
part of an assistant adjutant. We are now much better
prepared (by the addition of the 25 men) to haul our guns
out of mud holes.
I read Mr. Everett's speech at Gettysburg (see p. 673).
It was very good, and the ceremonies must have been very
impressive." Nov. 25, 1863. Drill on pieces. Orders came at night
to be ready to move the next morning. Extra rations were
drawn. It was a splendid, moonlight night, clear and
frosty. Reveille at 3^ O'' clock, and leaving tlieir pleasant
quarters, which they were to see no more, they marched at
daybreak of the 26th with the Fifth Corps to Culpeper or
Ely's Ford, on the Rapidan River, which they reached at
eleven o'clock. At the Ford there was some firing by
Battery C, ist N. Y., Captain Almont Barnes, and Battery
L, ist Ohio, Captain Frank C. Gibbs; also at the Right. At
1 p. m. the Battery crossed the river, marched across country
and at 4 struck what Dyer calls "the renowned Fredericks
burg Plank Road," marched to Wilderness, not far from
Chancellorsville, and bivouacked at the side of the road,
leaving the carriages in the road, and hitching their horses

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 745
to the trees. This was about 8 p. m. Got supper and
turned in about 9 o'clock. During this day's march General
Meade ordered a despatch to be read to the troops, announc
ing the great victories of the Union arms at Chattanooga
and Lookout Mountain, under General Ulysses S. Grant.
THE CROSSING OF THE RAPIDAN.
From Lieut. Appleton's Notes : "After finding that we
could cross the river with no opposition, we did so at Ely's
Ford, and soon the artillery was climbing the opposite bank,
some of the carriages being drawn by ten or more horses,
and lagging behind at that. I lunched with the officers of
the 9th Mass. Infantry when we stopped for a noonday halt.
And now General Sykes was in a dilemma to find the
road and follow the tracks of the infantry. Here I began to
act as Aide to Captain Augustus P. Martin, who had only
one staff officer with him, and the business of looking after
six batteries is extended and responsible.
We cut through the woods, and soon struck the celebrated
Germanna Plank Road (a part of the plank road leads from
Germanna to Wilderness) which leads to Chancellorsville,
and for the possession of which there was at that battle con
siderable contest. We went on slowly, as many little
bridges had to be built, and at dusk the Corps bivouacked
where they were, on each side of the road, the troops coming
up by degrees, and so falling asleep by the roadside."
Nov. 27, 1863. At 6 a, m. the Battery hitched up and
soon moved by a cross road to the Plank Road leading to
Orange Court House. The advance skirmished most of the
way. The roads were so muddy and rough, and frozen so
hard, that many wheels on the gun carriages and other
vehicles were broken, but they arrived after marching 8 or
10 miles near New Verdi ersville and relieved Gregg's Divi
sion of cavalry. Skirmished with the enemy all day. At
3 o'clock p. m. came up with their main body, and were

746 HISTORY OF THE
ordered into action at New Hope Church. Lieut. Scott was
wounded in the hand by a piece of shell. Fired until dark.
Got supper and turned in for the night on the field. Battery
still in position. Heard chopping all night. Some Corps
ammunition wagons in the rear had been cut out by the Rebs
and William Greeley of the Fifth Mass. Battery was cap
tured with Lieut. William H. Follett who had been commis
sioned to the Third Mass. Battery, but had never joined.
Captain A. P. Martin's mess wagon was captured.
"The Fifth Army Corps" (Scott's Notes) "found the
enemy strongly intrenched beyond Mine Run, a treacherous
stream. The Fifth Corps occupied the Left of the line of
battle, the Right reaching away to Robertson's Tavern.
The whole country was almost a wilderness. All the Army
was up at this point. On November 27th, 1863, the Fifth
Mass. Battery stood in line of battle on a rise of ground in
a lane, scrub and brush wood on either side, and a dense
forest of pines but a short distance across an open swale.
Nothing to be seen in front. On our right we could see a
battery engaged, and shell were exploding all about us. A
lead horse of the Battery was struck by a piece of shell and
dropped on his knees, but was not killed. An officer rode
up to Captain Phillips and asked why he was not engaged.
Phillips replied that he had no orders, nor could he see any
thing to fire at. The officer said : 'Use your judgment as
an officer. Fire over the woods in your front.'
The Battery filed into the brush on the left of the lane, and
opened fire through the woods. No enemy was to be seen,
and our troops on the left as far as could be seen were lying
on the ground face down, knapsacks on their backs. A lull
came in the firing, and the men of the Battery set to work
cutting down trees and brush, to enable the cannoneers to
get the limber about in case we had to move out. While we
were about this duty, a sharp fragment of a shell struck

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 747
the forefinger of my left hand, and I rode to a hospital in
the rear and had it dressed.
Returning to the Battery, I found it had been decided that
the Left was unassailable, and the artillery was ordered to
Robertson's Tavern, but remained in position during the
night."
FROM LETTER OF LIEUT. APPLETON.
"On the 27th off at daybreak, struck a dirt road, which
soon led to another plank road parallel to the first, and also
in the direction of Orange Court House. On, on, we
trudged, and soon we heard heavy cannonading, which
every minute grew nearer, mixed now and then with the
sharp cracks of the carbine. We soon came to the little
village of Mt. Hope Church, where the Corps rushed on at
'double quick' to relieve the shattered squadrons of Gregg,
and a splendid sight it was. The cavalry formed in squares
by the road side, right glad to be relieved, by the 'Dough
boys,' and our artillery rushing on to the front. Captain
Martin soon got the batteries in posish, and in fact the only
fighting our Corps did was done by the artillery. I soon
heard that Charlie LongfeUow had been wounded, and stole
the first minute I could get to run off to the hospital, Mt.
Hope Church, where I saw the dear boy, lying on the pulpit,
and surrounded by the officers of the regiment (First Mass.
Cavalry). He looked and talked well, but I did not have
but a minute to stay with him, as my biz. then was on the
field. Well, the Rebs retired. Sykes was perplexed. The in
fantry in the woods, and the sun set.
That night I passed with Captain Martin at Walcott's
camp. One man in the Ohio battery was killed, two
wounded; also Lieut. Scott of our Battery, wounded in the
hand.

748 HISTORY OF THE
I went again to the hospital in the evening, but Charlie
had gone, as they had taken off all except the worst cases.
I assure you it was not a pleasant sight. Charlie and Bow-
ditch (Captain Henry Pickering Bowditch shot in the right
forearm) went off together. Charlie was wounded by a
ball just under the shoulder blade, injuring the spine, but
missing the vital parts."
Of Lieut. William H. Follett, the ordnance officer who
was captured by rebel cavalry between Parker's Store and
Mt. Hope Church, Lieut. Appleton says: "He is a jolly
fellow, a regular character, whose jokes are well known and
laughed at all through the Corps. One of his expressions
for the delights of campaigning, taking off the Irish brogue,
was : 'Oh, that ever I should lave me nice dacent, clane,
fither bed, and come out here and slape in a bag, and be
whistled out like a dog in the morning about two o'clock in
the night.' "
OBSERVATIONS OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
On the expedition across the Rapidan in a letter of Dec.
14, 1863 :
"I do not consider the movement a great military success
on our part, though I do not know where the trouble lies. I
think it was about the coldest excursion I was ever on.
The nights were very cold while we were in position on
Mine Run, and I do not wonder that some of the skirmishers
froze to death."
Of the Fifth Corps Ammunition train he says: "The
Corps had started from Wilderness. . . . The Ammu
nition Train was immediately in rear of the Corps and the
ist Corps immediately in rear of the Train. While the
Train was passing along the Dirt Road to cross from one
Plank Road to the other, they were attacked by about 100
rebel cavalry. Some of the teams were driven across the

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 749
Orange C. H. road into the Cart Path, but the greater num
ber were set on fire in the road and blown up. The whole
thing was conducted very quietly, and they might have
carried off the whole train if the advance of the ist Corps
had not driven them off. As it was they carried off Lieut.
Pond, Ordn. Off. 2d Division, and Lieut. Follett of Martin's
Battery, Ordnance Officer of the Artillery Brigade. The
wagons carried off and destroyed were, the Artillery Am
munition Train, the Ammunition Train of the ist and 2d
Divisions, and several Head Quarters and Hospital Wagons.
It was a very cool operation."

On November 28, 1863, they got hitched up by daylight
in a heavy rain storm, and the Battery was taken out of
line, and marched by the right flank to Robertson's Tavern
and parked for the night. The rebels were in position on
the west bank of Mine Run, and could be distinctly seen
from where they were. They joined the rest of the Army
which was massed here and from which they had been cut
off the previous day. They went into camp at the Tavern
at 7 p. m. Order came to unhitch and unharness at 9 p. m.
THE INVALID CORPS.
(War Department.) Nov. 28, 1863.
Under General Orders No. 38I, to take effect December 1,
1863, transferred,
Corporal John Egan, Co. E, 5th Massachusetts Artillery.
VIEWS OF LIEUT. APPLETON.
"The next morning" (Nov. 28th) "saw a fatal mistake.
Our Corps packed up and went — cut through the woods —
to Robertson's Tavern, and joined the rest of the Army.
We should have stayed where we were, and pitched into
the Rebs. A pouring rainy morn and every one feeling

750 HISTORY OF THE
that a big battle was imminent. We frittered away the day,
and the next morning, Sunday, the 29th, we went out a
mile to the front, and took our place in the line of battle
behind some hastily thrown up earthworks. The Second
Corps spent the day in marching round to exactly the place
we left yesterday, viz., the Left wing. Thus a whole day
was wasted.
The two armies were now face to face, battery opposite
battery, but still not a gun was fired. The sun set. The
night was bitter cold. I slept cuddled up under a tarpaulin
in range of the enemy's batteries, with the strange feeling
in me, that probably by tomorrow one cf the biggest battles
this continent had ever seen would be fought, and, God
grant, the rebellion finished; that of the splendid army
around me by tomorrow night thousands would be killed or
wounded."

"Sunday, Nov. 29, 1863." (Dyer's Notes.) "Reveille
at 3^ a. m. No bugles blown. Started at daybreak to
relieve the Sixth Corps. Marched about a mile. Went
into position about 1500 yards from the enemy. In about
an hour the Right and Left sections were withdrawn to
make room for some 32 pounders. No firing occurred to
day except by our skirmishers. Signs of a big fight to
morrow. Rebs showed a big front today. Ven- cold."
The line of battle was across the turnpike near Old Ver-
diersville. On the opposite side of the Run were the
enemy's works. The guns which took the place of the
Right and Left sections, belonged to Battery M, ist Conn.
Artillery. Lieut. Scott went into the hospital tent. His hand was
very painful, and the night was extremely cold. The men
slept on the ground without tents. The water in the Run
was icy, and the approach to the precipitous banks whereon

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 751
the enemy was intrenched was a treacherous swamp to cross
which it was said it would take eight minutes, exposed to a
terrible fire.
THE PROMPTNESS OF THE BATTERIES.
"Nov. 30, 1863" (Dyer's Notes), "opened cold and blus
tering after a very cold night. Got up at 3 o'clock. No
bugles allowed to be blown. Hitched up and moved a little
to the rear out of sight of the enemy. The ball opened on
our side at 8 o'clock a. m. and continued 1^ hours — Lieut.
Scott took his section into position — but the enemy would
not respond. During the day two sections went to relieve
the heavy guns of Sergt. Sims, but General Meade ordered
us back again. Some ladies passed us going to the rear this
morning. Orders came to' be ready to move any time
during the night."
At 4 p. m. of Nov. 30th parked in the woods and kept up
a big fire. At Head Quarters a council of war was held and
a backward movement was ordered.
FROM LIEUT. APPLETON'S NOTES.
"Nov. 30, 1863. A cold, raw, windy day. An orderly
came at four with orders for us to open fire at eight a. m.
At 8 o'clock we opened fire with 50 guns. No response
from the enemy. We ceased. I saw Colonel Wainwright,
whose batteries were next to us, and had a chat with him.
A little fire from the Rebs at noon which we soon silenced,
a little more at dusk, and the day was over. The red flags
floated gaily over the hospitals for in them were no
wounded ! At night the order came for half the artillery
and all the trains and ambulances to recross the Rapidan.
We all saw the meaning, we were to retire without a fight."
"Dec. 1, 1863." (Scott's Notes. ) "The morning was very
cold. Ice made 1 in. thick. A picket said to have been

752 HISTORY OF THE
chilled to death on the line. Phillips ordered with 3 bat
teries to join the Artillery Reserve to recross the Rapidan.
At sunrise we moved out over fields frozen solid that the
day before artillery had mired on. At noon with the ammu
nition and other trains we forded the Rapidan, waist deep,
at Ely's Ford, and went into park in a piece of woods.
Horses stood in harness all night. The whole Army re-
crossing the river. The road was blocked with trains
moving back to the rear. It would be hard to describe the
situation that surrounded us in swamp and woods. With
the travel, the road, all had to move on, became liquid mud.
We kept up a fire all night and froze one side and burnt
the other. I had not seen a more trying time for the men
and horsesT'
"Dec. 1, 1863." (Shackley's Notes.) "The Centre section
was ordered to join the others (the Right and Left sections
ordered out of the earthworks near Mine Run to make room
for Battery M, ist Conn. Art'y.) and, with two of the Fifth
Corps batteries and the Reserve Artillery crossed the Rapi
dan at Ely's Ford, and went into park about 2 miles from
the river. Unhitched, cleaned our horses, then hitched up
and remained all night."
The place where they parked was near the wagons at
Richardsville, and here they waited to be ready to march
with the Fifth Corps when it came along. With them were
Gibbs' and Barstow's (Battery F, and K, 3d U. S.) batteries
and they were ordered to report to General Tyler at Robert
son's Tavern. The column consisted of the Reserve Artil
lery, and one half of the Corps Artillery. Lieut. Appleton
spent part of the time in the rear with four pieces, and part
with the other two. He headquartered for the night with
the Third Mass, Battery in the pines. "Through the night,"
he wrote, "sometimes on foot to keep warm, sometimes on
horseback and with frequent halts, we had performed the
tedious march."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 753
Dec. 2d, about 4 p. m., the Battery resumed the march,
moving along 8 miles with the Artillery Reserve. The road
was blocked up with trains, as on the day before, and almost
impassable. Sun one hour high they were ordered to report
back to the Fifth Corps at Stephensburg. At 9 p. m. they
hauled out and went into camp near the Third Corps. The
rear guard notified them that they would be left in the rear.
A pole of one of the caissons was broken. They waited for
the wagon trains to pass, for it was impossible to keep in line
there was so much crowding of teams for right of way in
the darkness and mud, and at midnight marched with the
Third Corps 9 miles to Stephensburg, and went into park
where the Fifth Corps was, i-J miles from Pony Moun
tain. Arrived at Stephensburg at daylight.
"All the Army" (Scott's Notes) "had retreated across
the Rapidan, and this was the 3d time the Fifth Mass. Bat
tery had been with a retreating army across these rivers."
At 8 o'clock of the 3d they fed, and got breakfast, hitched
up, passed with the Fifth Corps through Brandy Station,
crossed the Rappahannock, and went into camp, for the
night, a mile and a half from the Station, pretty well played
out. Turned in at 9 p. m. They were to guard the rail
road to' Manassas. Three batteries remained here; others
at Bristoe and Manassas. Hitched up early in the morning
of December 4th and changed camp to a more desirable
place for headquarters, facing the south, about a mile from
the station. The First Corps was sent to the comfortable
quarters in the rebel log houses, and the Battery with the
Fifth Corps was ordered to guard the railroad from the
Rappahannock to Manassas Junction. The guns were put
into' the earthworks from which they drove the rebels on
the north side of the Rappahannock River, at Rappahannock
Station. Lieut. Appleton returned to the Battery from serving on
Captain Martin's staff. Lieut. Scott received leave of

754 HISTORY OF THE
absence for 20 days, on account of his wound, and he did not
see the Battery again until February 1, 1864, when he found
them at the Station on his return.
THE REPORT OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
TO
LIEUT. P. F. NASON, A. A. A. G.
Written at Camp near Rappahannock Station, Dec. 4,
1863.
"Sir : I have the honor to forward a report of my Battery
during the late movement of the Army across the Rapidan.
With the rest of the Corps we left camp at Mountain
Creek on the 26th of November, crossed the Rapidan at
Culpeper Ford, and marched to Wilderness on the Plank
Road from Germanna Ford.
The next day we marched on the Orange C. H. road
towards New VerdiersviUe. About 4 p. m. I was ordered
into position on the left of the road, and received a few
shots from the enemy.
First Lieut. Henry D. Scott was struck in the (left) hand
by a piece of shell and his hand seriously injured.
On the 28th we marched to Robertson's Tavern : on the
29th at daylight we marched up the turnpike to the heights
near Mine Run, and I was placed in position in earthworks.
Four of my guns were soon after withdrawn to make room
for Captain Pratt's Battery (Captain F. A. Pratt, M, ist
Conn.) of 4| inch rifled guns. We remained here in posi
tion till 5 a. m. December ist.
On the 30th, in accordance with orders from Captain
Martin to open as soon as the firing commenced on the
right, I fired a little, but without receiving any fire in return.
On the morning of Dec. ist I was ordered to report to
Brig. Gen'l. R. O. Tyler to go to the rear with my own
battery, Battery L, ist Ohio, Captain Gibbs, and Batteries

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 755
F and K, 3d U. S. Art'y, Lieut. Barstow commanding. I
immediately joined the Art'y Reserve, then on the march,
crossed the river at Ely's Ford, and camped at Richardsville
On the 2d I received orders from General Tyler to rejoin
the 5th Corps, which I did at daylight the next morning.
During the engagements of the 27th and 30th I fired 30
rounds. With the exception of Lieut. Scott I have no casu
alties to report."
FROM LIEUT. APPLETON'S LETTER HOME.
"We all suffered a good deal, accomplished nothing, lost
nothing, and were sold.
Well, here we are, on a bleak and barren hill, doing
garrison duty in the little forts which we took from the
Rebs at the fight at Rappahannock Station, with the pros
pect of a long and cold winter before us. Lieut. Spear
has been detailed as ordnance officer in place of Lieut. W.
H. Follett. The 20th Maine Regiment (Chamberlain's),
a jolly set of fellows, are close by us, and I expect we shall
have a sort of heavy English military life 'in the barracks.'
The train to Washington passes right under our nose, but
the rub is to get a ticket, for General Meade is superintend
ent of the railroad, General Sykes ticketmaster, Captain
Martin conductor, and Captain Phillips brakeman, and I can
whistle for a seat all day. It will be very easy for any of
my friends to visit me, as all they have to do is to get out
just as they are going to cross the river, and there we are.
There are plenty of graves all around of the poor fellows
who fell in the charge at the fight here three weeks ago, and
in our own camp we can pick up the shells our own Battery
tossed at it then."
December 5, 1863, they made preparations to stop awhile,
but before night had orders to be ready to leave at short
notice.

756 HISTORY OF THE
Dec. 6, marched to Rappahannock Station to relieve Bat
tery C, ist Va. Art'y., Captain Hill, in the works on the
north side of the river. Very cold and blustering. Put
two sections into the earthworks taken from the enemy Nov.
7, 1863.
LETTER OF SERG'T. W. H. PEACOCK.
"Camp near Rappahannock Station,
Dec. 8, 1863.
Since I wrote last we have been in two fights, the first a
month ago at this place, when we were hotly engaged with
the Rebels in the Forts where our Battery is now in position.
We were very fortunate in coming out of the fight all safe,
although the shells were bursting thickly around us. After
the fight we occupied the log houses, working like every
thing for three weeks, cleaning up the grounds, etc. Orders
came to move, and over the Rapidan we went. When near
Spottsylvania, on the Plank Road, we engaged two Rebel
batteries for about an hour, having Lieut. Scott wounded, — ¦
the same lieutenant who was wounded at Gettysburg, — he
is now at home. This was our only loss in men; some
horses wounded. I think it was lucky for us we were
ordered to leave this place as we did, for the Rebel sharp
shooters were up in the trees pegging away at us so we
were obliged to lie flat on the ground, or all get shot in no
time. One bullet struck the ground at my head, so near that
I had only to reach out my hand and pick it up, as I lay on
the ground. We suffered much on this march being wet
through and our overcoats frozen stiff. At this place we
are on a hill, the Batterv in position, covering the R. R.
bridge over the river. It is awfully cold, and we live in
nothing but the shelter tents, and sleep on the frozen
ground with only one or two blankets under us. The offi
cers tell us to make no preparations for Ouarters until we

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 757
know for certain where we shall winter. Quite a number
of our men are sick from so much exposure. Mr. Story has
been quite sick for several days. He sends his regards.
I have a severe cold; have not slept warm a night for a
month. Many of the men sit round the fire all night to
keep warm. I tell you this soldiering is gay sport! Pork
and hard bread until one's mouth is so sore he can hardly
open it. The Boys talk all the time about when they are
going home, as if it was but a few days, when it is ten
months. One-half of this time will probably be spent in
winter quarters. We all have much confidence in Gen.
Meade, and consider him the best officer that could be
placed over us."
Dec. 8th orders came to make themselves comfortable for
the winter. Dec. 9th the Third Virginia Battery left for
Brandy Station. They began to haul logs. Moved their
tents up to Captain Hill's chimneys, and commenced build
ing houses. Orders were read concerning re-enlistments of
the original members. Dec. ioth, thirty- four of the
men re-enlisted for three years or during the war.
By Lieut. Appleton : — "Dec. 8th. Perhaps they will
send some of us out to Grant, as it is ridiculous folly
to keep this big army here all winter doing nothing.
Dec. nth. There are only two lieutenants with the Bat
tery now, so we have to' go> on duty every other day, and,
as the days are very short, we don't have much time to fjass
in listless idleness. Then the newspapers have to be read,
food has to be eaten, and pipes smoked. By the by, talking
of newspapers, how solidly satisfactory are the reports of
the President, Secretary of War, Navy, &c, &c. They
make out good stories, and we feel that we can believe them.
'Old Abe's' proclamation is manly. What an old brick he
is, after all ! Our men are getting quite interested in this
re-enlisting business. Sixteen of the Battery have done so
already, and I expect that more will.

758 HISTORY OF THE
Evening : I saw a lot of cavalry going by this afternoon,
and I rushed out to see who they were, and on hearing they
were Gregg's I waited for the ist Mass. to pass. I soon
espied the burly form of Ben. Crowninshield (Benjamin
WiUiam Crowninshield, author of a history of the ist Mass.
Cavalry), who said that what there were left of them were
going down towards Warrenton Junction."
In a later letter Lieut. Appleton describing the events of
the day of the cavalry fight, thus briefly refers to some of
Captain Martin's duties at the moment: — "I was riding
round after Captain Martin when everything was in confu
sion, and he was busily engaged in taking care of his six
batteries, leaving the caissons behind in one place, rushing
up one battery to the extreme front, popping two guns in
here, others there, wherever he could find the best shelter,
keeping some well concealed in reserve, sending off some
with another Division, and having about as much mental
and physical work as one man and horse could stand."
FURLOUGHS: CAPT. PHILLIPS.
Hd. Qrs. Battery E, (Fifth) Mass.
(Lt.) Art'y.,
Dec. n, 1863.
Capt. P. F. Nason, A. A. A. G.
Sir.
I respectfully request that furloughs of forty-five
(45) days be granted to the foUowing members of Bat
tery E (Fifth) Mass. (Lt.) Art'y, who have re-enlisted
as Veteran Volunteers under G. O. No. 191, War Dept,
series of 1863, and have been duly mustered into the ser
vice. If they receive furloughs at the present time I think
it would induce many more of the Battery to re-enlist.
Sergt. Harrison O. Simonds.
Mason W. Page.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 759
Corp'l. Elisha J. Gibbs.
" Patrick Welch.
Private Henry D. Crapo.
Bugler James Winters.
Private William H. Dunham.
" Mortier Gale.
" Albion K. P. Hayden.
" John F. Mack.
George W. Poole.'
" Amos Blanchard.
Very respectfully, &c, &c.
This paper was signed by Captain C. A. Phillips, and on
this day twelve men went over with Lieut. Appleton to
Corps Head Quarters and re-enlisted. The Battery busy
drawing logs. Dec. 12, Serg't Otis B. Smith went home.
Lieut. Appleton went over to Head Quarters with seven
more men.
INVALID CORPS. War Department,
Dec. 12, 1863.
Under General Orders No. 394, transferred, to take effect
December 15, 1863.
Smith, Benjamin F., Private, Co. E, 5th Massachusetts
Artillery.

December 13, 1863, Sunday, was the anniversary of the
Battle of Fredericksburg. Two boxes came to Lieut. Ap
pleton from Boston, one with clothes. He went to' hear the
chaplain of the 20th preach a good sermon. Of the camp
Captain Phillips wrote Dec. 14, 1863 : — "I cannot say much
in favor of the location, which is one of the most desolate
places around here. The nearest wood is nearly a mile off
in a straight line, and there is nothing to shelter us from the

760 HISTORY OF THE
wind which blows pretty strong occasionally, today for
instance. We have been hauling logs the last week with
much labor and difficulty, and by the end of this week, if
we do not move before, we shall be comfortably located in
our log houses."
Lieut. Appleton rode Dec. 14th with "Bristow" over to
Army Head Quarters, and passed a pleasant morning with
Bache, Lyman & Co. "Bristow" was a nickname Captain
Martin had given to Lieut. Barstow. On the 15th Lieut.
Blake got ten days' leave, and went off at n o'clock. Gibbs
was made a sergeant, and Alpheus Haskins a corporal. H.
O. Simonds was appointed ist Sergeant. Dec. 16th the
Captain got into his new house, and the whole establishment
was moved back. The Inspector came. Dec. 17th, Knox
auctioneered some confiscated sutlers' goods at Captain Mar
tin's Head Quarters. They were confiscated for selling
liquor.
LETTER OF LIEUT. APPLETON.
"Rappahannock Station,
Dec. 17, 1863.
I am pretty busy just now, and in fact have about all the
practical management of the Battery, as the Captain is not
very well and spends most of his time in his log house;
Lieut. Scott off with his wounded finger; Lieut. Blake away
on a ten days' leave; and Lieut. Spear detailed as ordnance
officer of the Brigade, but on the whole I rather like it, for
it keeps all my time pleasantly occupied."
Referring to Follett's capture and the ammunition train,
he says : — "It was rather an interesting little episode.
Lieut. Follett was riding along quietly, with his train of
ammunition, a Division of infantry ahead of him in the
road, and one behind him, too, when some guerillas suddenly
dashed in from the woods, ran out as many wagons as they
could, set them on fire, took off the mules, and were awa-

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 761
before any troops approached. Lieut. Follett was the only
man who showed any fight, and he slashed away at them
well with his sabre, but he was easily overpowered, and has
already been heard of from Libbey. Sykes did not like the
adventure in the least, and well he mightent. While I was
an A. D. C. I saw a good many of the little straits which
envelop a general's career, and perhaps have grown a little
wiser from the initiation. They are subject to mistakes like
any other men."
REPORT OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
Head Quarters Fifth Mass.
Battery Lt. Art'y.,
Dec. 1 8, 1863.
Lieut. J. E. Spear, A. A. A. G.
Sir. In compliance with a telegram from Hd. Qrs. Army of
the Potomac, I have the honor to make the foUowing
report : —
No. of enlisted men belonging
to the Batt'y present with the brigade  89
No. who have re-enlisted  19
No. entitled to re-enlist  59
No. not entitled to re-enlist  n
No. who will re-enlist  4
The above is as near the probable result as it is possible to
arrive. In my opinion the number who will re-enlist will
much exceed that stated above. The promised furlough is
the principal inducement, and the -fact that the men who
have already enlisted — a week ago — have not yet obtained
their furloughs, has rendered the men distrustful and doubt
ing, and they are unwilling to pledge themselves.
The actual granting of furloughs is necessary to confirm

762 HISTORY OF THE
the intentions of those who have almost decided to re-enlist,
and this class includes at least half the Battery.
Very respectfully, &c, &c.

Dec. 18, 1863. The day was cloudy, but the sky cleared
with a very strange sunset. Appleton rode over to Head
Quarters and raced back with the cars.
Captain Phillips wrote on the 19th regarding the re-
enlistments : —
"General Meade is trying to find out how many will re-
enlist and go off on furloughs, and it is said if the number
is near 20,000, he will fall back to this side of the Rappa
hannock, and not attempt to hold his present line, with an
army temporarily reduced by so large a number. The gue
rillas are quite active in our neighborhood, and it is not safe
to go outside the picket line, or even inside of it a great way
from camp. Major Edmands, of the 32d Mass. was gobbled
up the other day."
Of his log house he says : — "My house was finished a few
days ago, and is a very good specimen of log architecture.
The logs of which it is built are all split and the split sides
put inside, so that the walls can be finished off quite smooth.
The dimensions inside are 7 ft. by 1 5 ; door in the middle of
one of the long sides, and fireplace opposite. It is not yet
supplied with a floor, and the other decorations which will
make it the abode of splendor and ease. The camp will be
a very good specimen of winter quarters when finished."
During the five months passed here in winter quarters,
Lieut. Nathan Appleton sent several communications on
matters connected with the army, and especially the artil
lery, (see p. 52) to officials and to' newspapers and the
foUowing written in December is the first that ever appeared
in the daily press. It was published in the Washington
Chronicle, and had "Music for the Army" for its theme : —

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 763
"Sir. (To the Editor) As you seem always ready to
accept and publish any letters from the soldiers, I wish
through your paper to express a want which is sadly felt
throughout the Army. I mean music.
Since the time when regimental bands were stopped, there
has been a great dearth of this pleasant feature in military
life. Bugles and drums, under whose notes the soldiers eat,
rise, drill, and go to bed, are not enough. The soul-stirring
music of brass bands only can supply the deficiency. And
why should we not have them ? Consider their utility. In
the long, lazy days of camp life, they are one of the greatest
sources of pleasure which fall to the soldier, and not only a
pleasure but a real good. For who can deny the thrilling
influence of martial or sacred music ? In the heat of battle
the opportune playing of a band may turn the fortune of
the day. In the burial of the soldier they play their part.
A regimental dress parade is tame without them. What is
the objection to having them again introduced to the army?
It cannot surely be expense, for that is something this
country laughs at. If it is the trouble of transportation,
then let us at least have them in winter quarters, and let it be
arranged so that a few can follow the army on its marches,
and help it win some victories. The theory is, I believe, to
have a band to each Brigade, but as in this arrangement
there is no one to look after the band, it soon tumbles to
pieces. If all the musical instruments, now scattered about
in the different regiments, were collected together and sys
tematized, there would be music enough for the army. Here
is a plan I would suggest : Let one Regiment from each
Brigade be selected to have a band, and let this distinction
be a mark of honor. Very truly yours,
The Maltese Cross."

764 HISTORY OF THE
NATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS.
By Lieut. Nathan Appleton.
"As I have walked up and down in front of the stable,
seeing that the artillery horses are properly groomed, I have
often noticed how the national characteristics of the differ
ent men appeared in their attitudes, conversation, songs,
and gestures, as they stood there at work.
Here is the burly old Irishman, fat, jolly and simple, with
his hearty laugh and his full brogue, telling how 'the bloody
baysts' try to kick him, and next him the fair-haired young
German, always merry and half chanting some hymn of the
Fatherland. Again, we see a canny, rough-faced, wiry Scotchman of
whom the thistle is a fit emblem, sturdily working away, or
aiming some dry repartee at his companion. John Bull the
genuine is there also, always dropping his 'h' and saying
that 'the 'orses never thrive on so few hoats.' And then a
light and airy Frenchman, a favorite with all, turning his
versatility to the best account, and always seemingly com
fortable. The American himself, of course predominates, the true
and best type of Anglo-Saxon blood, whether he be the
shrewd tobacco loving Yankee, or the more cosmopolitan
westerner; whether he is an old salt, rolling in his gait and
wearing ear rings, and his arms well tattooed, whether he
has left the whirl of the metropolis and daintily tries to
avoid Virginia mud, or whether, like Cincinnatus, he is a
country ploughboy; all trades and professions have come
together, — the half developed boy and the gray haired
veteran. And is it not some great, some glorious object which has
called together this mighty band?
'For Saxon, or Dane or Norman we,' says Tennyson,
yes, and what would he say of us, the people of the United

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 765
States? A universal brotherhood, a haven for those of all
nations who are smarting under oppression and wrong.
They swarm in this country from every portion of the globe,
here to possess and enjoy those privileges which they know
belong to them as human beings and as the children of
God." The line from Tennyson is from his poem on the mar
riage of Alexandra to the Prince of Wales.
"Sea king's daughter
from over the sea.

For Saxon or Dane
or Norman we
Teuton or Celt or what
ever we be
We are all Dane in
our welcome of thee,
Alexandra."
LETTER OF WILLIAM H. PEACOCK.
Serg't Peacock wrote in a letter dated Dec. 21, 1863: —
I got my house up three days ago, and I tell you, it seems
good to get into some comfortable place, for we have been
living in thin shelter tents, sleeping on the frozen ground.
I have a very bad cold from so much exposure.
We guard the R. R. bridge at this place. The Battery is
in two forts. The guerillas raise the devil with us here,
takiug men off in sight of their camp, making raids on the
trains, &c. They go in small parties looking for victims.
Some prisoners they send off : others are stripped of all
their clothing and valuables, and let return to their camps.
Our boys capture many of them."

"December 22, 1863, (Private Dyer.) there was great
excitement about re-enlisting."
Dec. 23d. There was a snow storm in the morning.

706 HISTORY OF THE
Lieut. Appleton moved into his log house, and a dozen
veterans went on 35 days furlough. The order came from
the War Department that recruits in three years' organiza
tions in Massachusetts be discharged with their organiza
tions. "In this camp" (Notes of Corporal Shackley) "the Bat
tery built log houses for officers, Orderly and Quarter
master Sergeants, Commissary and cooks, and for all
the men, nearly thirty houses in all; also a stockade for
the horses, enclosing about 50 yards square of ground
hy digging a trench nearly 3 ft. deep, and cutting trees
about 10 feet long, and splitting them in halves, and
standing them on end close together in the trench all
around the enclosure except six or eight feet for an en
trance. All the materials for the houses, the stockade,
and all the fuel to warm the houses and do all the cooking
during nearly five months, had to be brought from one mile
to three miles distance."
There were a good many temporary changes in the Bat
tery. On the 24th Lieut. Appleton took some more men
over to Captain Gentry. Orders came to get ready for a
raid of cavalry.
On Christmas Day the second anniversary of the Bat
tery's taking leave of Massachusetts, Lieut. Blake got back.
The men had pie and cake for breakfast and supper and
roast chicken for dinner. In the evening 17 re-enlisted men
went home on a 35 days furlough, among whom was
Private Dyer's tent mate Edwin J. Butler. Dyer sent his
revolver home by Serg't Morgridge. Dec. 26, he was de
tailed to act as corporal for 35 days, while the re-enlisted
men were at home. He took the last part of the night.
Orders came to be ready for inspection the next day, but
on the 27th, which was Sunday, it rained hard. They went
out on the ground, but came back to camp without having
been inspected.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 767
Dec. 28, 1863, Lieut. Scott in Newport, sent surgeon's
certificate to Adjutant General and to Captain Phillips in
the Field. Sutler's goods arrived.
SUBSTITUTES IN DRAFT.— MONEY PAID.
War Department
Adiutant General's Office.
Washington, December 28, 1863.
General Orders,
No. 400.
Sec. 2. And be it further resolved, That the money paid by
drafted persons under the "Act for enrolling and calling out the
National Forces, and for other purposes," approved third March.
eighteen hundred and sixty-three, shall be paid into the Treasury
of the United States, and shall be drawn out on requisition, as
in the case of other public moneys ; and the money so paid shall
be kept in the Treasury as a special deposit, applicable only to
the expenses of draft, and for the procuration of substitutes. For
these purposes it is hereby appropriated.
Approved Dec. 23, 1863.
By Order of the Secretary of War.
E. D. Townsend
Assistant Adjutant General.

Dec. 29, 1863, Lieut. Appleton left on the 8 o'clock train
for Washington and Boston, on a ten days' leave.
FROM CAPTAIN PHILLIPS TO CAPTAIN NASON.
Hd. Qrs. Battery E,
(Fifth) Mass. (Lt.) Art'y,
Dec. 29, 1863.
Capt. P. F. Nason, A. A. A. G.
Sir.
In compliance with circular of the 28th Hd. Quarters
A. P. I have the honor to report,
No. of men who have re-enlisted in this Battery, 30.
No. having less than 15 months to serve, who have
agreed to re-enlist, None.
I am very respectfully &c.

768 HISTORY OF THE
Dec. 30, 1863, Acting Corporal Dyer went over to Head
Quarters with sick report in the morning.
December 31st, the last day of the year was very stormy,
but was brightened by the sight of a fresh supply of goods
to the sutler for New Years which came in on Friday, and
opened very cold but pleasant. The Captain's log house had
by this time a good floor of pine boards, and he had an easy
chair and a camp stool. The fireplace, built of stones and
mud, held quite a pile of logs, and kept the temperature as
high as necessary for comfort. The men had a New Years
Day dinner of stewed turkey, and Lieut. Spear dined with
Captain Phillips on turkey which was roasted. The mud of
the morning froze in the afternoon.
January 2, 1864. Orders to prepare for inspection.
Jan'y 3d, Sunday. Battery inspection in the forenoon
Dyer had company to dinner — dined on bread toast —
Andrew W. Almy and Fred D. Alden. He received an invi
tation to a roast turkey dinner for Tuesuay.
Jan'y 4th, there was drill on the manual of the piece
in the morning. It began to snow in the forenoon and
snowed all day, but the teams kept busy drawing logs for
the stable. At dark the snow was three inches deep.
Jan'y 5th it had cleared off and Corporal Dyer went over to
the Doctors in charge of the sick in the morning, came back
and went over to Captain Martin's Hd. Qrs. to the dinner
with Andrew W. Almy and Fred D. Alden. The next day
he had some cake for supper out of Corporal Proctor's box.
On this day Lieut. Appleton left Boston for camp with
Captain A. P Martin at 8 o'clock, and was in camp at
3.30 p. m. January 7th. The air was so cold the snow did
not melt in the sun. Captain Phillips had eaves put on his
log house as he found the water leaked into the walls. It
commenced snowing again at 5 p. m. and continued to snow
through the night. Dyer was Acting Corporal of the
Guard. Serg't Nye went on a furlough of 35 days.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 769
CAPTAIN MARTIN'S COMMAND.
Defined by Lieut. Appleton.
"Our Brigade is commanded by Captain Martin of the
Third Mass. Battery, and he has as big a staff and as re
sponsible a place as any brigadier : — It consists of the Third
Mass. Lieut. Aaron F. Walcott 12 lb. Napoleons.
Fifth Mass. Battery, 3 inch Ordnance.
Battery D, 5th U. S. — Griffin's Battery, commanded by
Hazlett killed at Gettysburg, now by Lieut. B. F. Ritten-
house, Parrotts, 3 inch.
Battery F and K, 3d U. S. four guns, 12 lb. Napoleons,
commanded by Lieut. George F. Barstow.
Battery L, ist Ohio, 12 lb. Napoleons Captain Frank C.
Gibbs. Battery C. ist N. Y. 4 guns, 3 inch Ordnance — same as
Fifth Mass. — Captain Almont Barnes."

January 9, 1864, John H. Olin wounded at Gettysburg
returned to the Battery.
January ioth Sunday, the snow melted a very little.
Battery inspection in the forenoon. Corporal Proctor en
tertained Acting Corporal Dyer on roast turkey which came
in a box from home. Jan'y nth Dyer made two benches for
their convenience. Captain Phillips attended a council of
administration in the afternoon, to choose a Brigade sutler.
Mr. Clarke, their sutler, was elected. On the 12th Captain
Phillips went home on leave of absence for 10 days, with
permission to apply for extension of 5 days. He left Rap
pahannock Station at n a. m. Dyer went over with the
sick to the Doctors. Hefelt "pretty bad" himself, but was
"bound not to give up."
Jan'y 13, 1864. Roll call at the usual hour. It was pro
posed to have a four gun battery drill but Lieut. Blake gave
it up. The next day they had a drill on the piece. On the

770 HISTORY OF THE
15th Dyer reported at Captain Martin's Hd. Qrs. at 9 a. m.
with 5 men, and Lieut. Appleton wrote the letter to Secre
tary Stanton on Light Artillery in the Field (see p. 52).
Jan'y 17, 1864. Inspection by Lieut. Blake, Lieut.
Appleton called upon Captain Clark of the 20th Maine
after inspecting the bridge. Lieut. Rogers called and
narrated his adventures. Jan'y 18th the Battery had
orders to dig a trench in front of their houses. It rained
hard but a system of drainage was laid out. About this
date in a letter home, Lieut. Appleton urged the sending
of conscripts to the Massachusetts Batteries immediately.
He had no doubt there were enough at Long Island in Bos
ton Harbor to fill them all. "This should be attended to,"
he urged, "as it is hard on the men to have to do guard duty
so often."
Jan'y 19th. Colonel John B. Batchelder the Gettysburg
man called, and dined with Lieuts. Blake and Appleton.
Appleton's horses ran away, over to General Sykes's Head
Quarters. Dyer went over to the Doctor's. The hospital
had been moved. Jan'y 20th the stockading of the stable
was commenced and fifty logs erected. Corporal Proctor
went into the woods with part of the fatigue.
January 22, 1864, Lieut. Scott returned to camp. At this
time there were a great many ladies, wives of the officers, at
the headquarters. They could be seen constantly riding
over the country. "Rather a rough life for them at best,"
was the comment. Lieut. Appleton's man "Joe" built a
nice little stable for his two horses. Jan'y 23d was a per
fect day, the first one for a long time. Lieut. Appleton rode
over and called at the 83d Penn., also at the 3d Brigade
Head Quarters, saw Colonel Joseph Hayes and Lieut.
Rogers. Very muddy under foot, but the Battery all busy
at work on the stable. The 24th was Sunday, and Lieuts.
Blake and Appleton rode up to Beverly Ford to the 18th
Mass. Regiment. In camp it was decidedly a day of rest.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 771
Fred. D. Alden dined with Corporal Dyer. The 44th Regt.
N. Y. V. left for Alexandria at night. Jan'y 25th was very
warm, and the mud was beginning to settle. Quite a num
ber of boards were left by the 44th of which they made
good use in the Battery quarters.
Jan'y 26, 1864, George B. Trumbull and George H. John
son returned to the Battery. The next day Captain Phillips
returned to camp in the afternoon and Colonel John B.
Batchelder who was getting up a plan of Gettysburg, called
and stopped all night.
January 28, 1864, the first veterans returned from 35
days' furlough, 12 re-enlisted men, Corporal Welch among
them. 29th the second lot of 35 days' furlough men came
back. 30th three more came back from furlough. Several
more re-enlisted. Orders came to clean carriages and pieces
for inspection next day. Jan'y 31st, inspection in camp at
9 a. m. by Captain PhiUips. Lieut. Blake started on a
15 days' leave.
Feb. 1, 1864. Two more men re-enlisted. Feb. 2d.
Lieut. Appleton came of age. In the evening there was a
tempest, rain, thunder and lightning. On the 3d the men
went into' the woods cutting corduroy for stabling for the
horses. Colonel Theodore Lyman called to see Lieut.
Appleton. Feb. 4, 1864, six recruits for the Battery arrived. The
5th was pleasant and the Battery was inspected by Captain
Martin at 2 p. m. The Battery, and the officers' and men's
quarters were inspected.
February 6, 1864, heard heavy firing all day up to the
front, in the direction of the Rapidan, and pontoons went
out to the front in the morning, which looked as if they
were making reconnoissances. At night furloughs were
approved for 1 1 more veterans. Firing of musketry audible
just at dusk. The roads were in good condition, and
weather fine for small military operations.

772 HISTORY OF THE
Feb. 7, 1864, Sunday. Lieut. Appleton rode over to the
83d Pennsylvania, and called upon the ladies. Heard that
the firing the day before was a reconnoissance over the Rapi
dan. Fred. D. Alden, Andrew Almy and James Allen, were
visitors at the camp. Eleven more re-enlisted men went on
35 days' furlough. Feb. 8th Captain Phillips attended a
council of administration to fix sutlers' prices. The band
of the 18th Mass. Regiment came down. Serenade in the
evening. Feb. 9, 1864, began drills of raw recruits on the piece.
The ladies of the 83d Pennsylvania called. On the ioth the
Captain wrote of the stable : — "The great subject of interest
in camp is our stable, which has been building for about
four weeks, and is not yet finished. It is made of a stock
ade and floor of split logs, large enough to accommodate 120
horses, and the logs have to be hauled about two miles. I
have borrowed two wagons from Brigade Head Qrs., and
now have 5 six-mule wagons hauling logs and gravel, — to
cover up the mud, — all the time."
Some of the men played euchre in the evening of the ioth
with acquisitions from the 20th Maine. The next day
Captain Phillips attended another council at Brigade Head
Quarters, and six more recruits arrived. Appleton wrote in
his Diary : "Dined at 5, with Colonel Joseph Hayes, General
and Mrs. Sykes, Messrs. Hayes and others, at 3d Brigade
Head Ouarters, ist Division, Fifth Corps. Quite a little
party. Mrs. Sykes pretty, and a genuine example of the
military lady of the U. S."
By General Orders No. 53, War Department Feb. n,
1864, Private W. H. Chamberlain was transferred to the
Invalid Corps, to take effect Feb. 15, 1864.
Feb. 1 2th a party from Brigade Head Ouarters called.
Men busy drawing sand for the streets and park. Dyer
discouraged about his leg. On the 13th still busy drawing
sand, and Fred. D. Alden supped with Dyer. Lieut. Apple-

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 773
ton rode over to Brandy Station and Army Head Quarters,
with a party of gentlemen from Brigade Head Quarters, to
show them the country. A pretty long ride, but a perfect
spring day.
LETTER OF SERG'T. WM. H. PEACOCK.
"Rapp'k Station, Va.
Feb. 13, 1864.
Thinking you would like to see a picture of the Hill and
River at this point, I enclose one taken from Harpers.
[This was in Harper's Weekly, of November 28, 1863. —
'The Army of the Potomac. Capture by Sedgwick's Corps
of the Rebel Works on the Rappahannock near the Rail
way Bridge. Sketched by A. R. Waud.' As cut from the
paper the sketch has been well preserved, and is now in
possession of Sergt. Peacock in Chicago, Oct. 10, 1902. J
I consider this a very correct cut. I had a good view of
our infantry as they charged the rifle pit, and this looks
very much like it. Our Battery was shelling them out of
the large Fort on the hill, also the pontoon bridge over the
River. Our position was 1000 yards in rear of the large
work, on a flat. The infantry charged under cover of fire
of Battery D, 5th U. S., and our Battery. It was lively
work. Our Battery now occupies the large Fort command
ing the new R. R. bridge, since built."
Feb. 14, 1864, St. Valentine's Day. Inspection of the
Battery at 9 a. m. by Captain Phillips. On the 15th, the
men went into the woods cutting stockade for stabling.
1 6th, Dyer felt pretty sick, but thought he could work it off,
and went into the woods cutting wood all day. At night
he felt worse instead of better. 17th the mercury was at
zero. Dyer went to the Doctor's for medicine. 18th the
Doctor ordered him to the hospital. 19th E. J. Butler and
William Caswell called to see Corporal Proctor and Dyer

774 HISTORY OF THE
at the hospital. Lieut. Appleton started on a ten days'
"leave." 21st. Battery inspection in the forenoon. Ed
ward Smith and William Gunning went over to the hospital
to see Dyer, and Robert King came back with them to get
some things for him.
Feb. 22, 1864, there was a Brigade drill of the batteries
viz., Barnes', Barstow's, Walcott's and Phillips', four guns
each. Of this Captain Phillips wrote home: —
"Rappahannock Station,
Feb. 23, 1864.
I am sitting at my desk with my door wide open, and the
men are playing ball out of doors. Yesterday we had a
drill of four batteries, which lasted four hours, and was very
fatiguing. I returned so hoarse that I could hardly speak,
as it is rather difficult to give orders audibly when four bat
teries are rumbling over the ground. . . . Everything is
very quiet here, and although the roads are now in very good
condition, quite dusty, in fact, I imagine General Meade has
seen too much of a Virginia winter, to be seduced into leav
ing comfortable quarters by such temporary inducements."
The 23d was pleasant. Oiled harness in the Right sec
tion. 24th, Oiled the harness of the Centre section and
painted the Right section. Corporal Proctor and Private
Dyer rode over from the hospital on an errand for the Doc
tor, and found the men busy painting carriages and oiling
harness. The 25th was pleasant and the painting was con
tinued. Feb. 26, 1864, the Battery was inspected by Captain
Martin. Captain Phillips afterwards dined with Captain
Martin. The Battery received 8 recruits transferred from
the Third Mass. Battery.
Feb. 27th. Captain Phillips and Captain Nason, his
father, and Lieut. Walcott rode to Culpeper Court House.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 775
The Sixth Corps and some other troops moved towards the
Rapidan. The Battery received orders at night to be ready
to march early in the morning. The men finished a new
mess house.
February 29, 1864. Lieut. Appleton returned to' camp.
The Army is all under marching orders.

CHAPTER XX.
THE BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS.
May 5 to 8, 1864.
"Headlong motions may be made, but let such be repressed;
inertia alone is at once unpunishable and unconquerable. .
Pause with Twenty-five millions behind you may become resist
ance enough." — Thomas Carlyle.
In the period of two months immediately preceding the
movement of the Army of the Potomac from the Rapidan
to the James, the spring of 1864, very important changes
were made. The organization of the Army itself was recon
structed, and another commander was appointed, fresh from
western triumphs like McClellan in '61, but with successes
more phenomenal, laurels brighter and more abundant, and
more than all anxious millions of American people, gradu
ates of a three years course in the study of the art of inter
necine war, behind him, who through their representatives
in Congress had restored the grade of lieutenant general for
the special purpose of placing Major General Ulysses S.
Grant at the head of all the armies, with headquarters in
Virginia. But this time there was to be no farewell address from a
retiring commander of the Army of the Potomac. General
George G. Meade was still to retain the honor of the com
mand, and General Grant says in his Memoirs, — "I tried to
make General Meade's position as nearly as possible what
it would have been if I had been in Washington, or any
other place away from his command."
Grant acknowledges that Meade's position proved embar-
776

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 777
rassing to him if not to Meade, and in this instance the de
feat of his purposes proved a triumph to American arms,
inasmuch as the Army itself felt at once, and from the first
promulgation of his promotion to power, the direct mag
netic influence of his genius, which left no room for doubt
that his position could never be in Washington, nor in any
place whatsoever outside the needs and requirements of that
Army whose enthusiasm had been repressed and its ambi
tion checked for so long; every battle, whether lost or won.
bringing with it its own peculiar concomitant of regret.
Reaching out beyond all capabilities known and tried, they
fastened upon Grant as the one man in the confidence of the
nation, who could be relied upon not only to save them from
defeat but to encourage them to follow up their victories.
Having been previously nominated to the grade of lieu
tenant general, on the 2d of March, Maj. Gen'l U. S. Grant
was confirmed in that rank by the United States Senate, and
on March ioth, 1864, he was assigned by Special Order of
President Lincoln to the command of all the armies of the
United States, Head Quarters to be with the Army of the
Potomac. These were first established at Culpeper Court
House, while General Meade's were at Brandy Station.
General Meade began the changes in the organization of
the Army. The First Corps, having been condensed into
two Divisions, became the 2d and 4th Divisions of the Fifth
Corps, and so went out of existence. General G. K. Warren
was placed in command of the Fifth Corps. The Third
Corps was abolished. When the five corps were consoli
dated into three, the Reserve Division of ArtiUery was
broken up, and the batteries were placed in the Second,
Fifth, and Sixth Corps. General Henry J. Hunt still held
the position of Chief of ArtiUery of the Army. Major Gen
eral Winfield S. Hancock was given the command of the
Second Corps, and Major General John Sedgwick that of
the Sixth Corps. To the Ninth Corps, commanded by

778 HISTORY OF THE
Major General Ambrose E. Burnside, were assigned the
regiments of U. S. Infantry ordered from New York Har
bor, the 4th and ioth Regiments.
The Artillery Brigade, composed of 9 batteries, com
manded by Colonel Charles S. Wainwright, and attached
to the Fifth Corps, comprised the following : —
Third Mass. Battery, Capt. A. P. Martin.
Fifth Mass. Battery, Capt. C. A. Phillips.
Battery D, 1st N. Y. Light, Capt. Geo. B. Winslow.
Batteries E and L, ist N. Y. Light, Lieut. Geo. Breck.
Battery H, ist N. Y. Light, Capt. Charles E. Mink.
Battery B, ist Penn. Light, Capt. James H. Cooper.
Battery B, 4th Regulars Light, Capt. James Stewart.
Battery D, 5th Regulars Light, Lieut. B. F. Rittenhouse.
These batteries were all from the old First and from the
Fifth Corps. To them were added the 2d Battalion 4th
N. Y. Heavy, commanded by Major Wm. Arthur.
The armament of the 8 light batteries was as foUows : —
Stewart's, Mink's, Winslow's, and Martin's, each six
12 pdr. Napoleons.
Breck's, Cooper's, and Phillips' each six three-inch Rod
man rifles. Rittenhouse' s six 10 pdr. Parrott rifles.
In this Brigade the proportions of rifle batteries and
Napoleon or 12 pdr. smooth bores were exactly equal.
The number of 12 pdr. smooth bores had been increased,
the conditions not being favorable to long range artillery.
In these eight batteries there were 48 guns, 1,196 men,
and 4 companies of the 4th N. Y. Heavy Artillery.
There were present for duty in the Army of the Potomac
103,785 officers and enlisted men, with 274 pieces of
artillery. General Benjamin F. Butler, with 20,000 men, was to
co-operate from the south side of the James River, moving
from Fortress Monroe the same day that General Meade
moved from Culpeper.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 779
The Army, which then occupied a position on the north
bank of the Rapidan, was put in motion May 4, 1864, with
the object of turning Lee's Right flank, the Fifth Corps
taking the advance, foUowed by the Sixth Corps.
The enemy, well protected by earthworks, occupied the
south bank of the Rapidan, their Left flank covered by the
Rapidan and the mountains near Orange Court House,
their Right flank guarded by a line of fortifications, extend
ing from Mine Run to Morton's Ford.
The Fifth and Sixth Corps were ordered to cross at
Germanna Ford, and proceed to the Old Wilderness Tavern
on the Orange and Fredericksburg turnpike.
The Second Corps, followed by the Artillery Reserve,
were to cross at Ely's Ford and take position at Chancellors
ville. In advance of each column were the cavalry, and
cavalry guarded the supply trains, which were to assemble
at Richardsville.
General Burnside, in command of the Ninth Corps, was
stationed at the crossing of the Rappahannock River on the
Orange and Alexandria railroad to guard that road as far
north as Bull Run, until he was notified that the crossing
of the Rapidan had been accomplished, then he was to mo\ e
forward promptly, and a Division of the Sixth Corps was
to cover the bridge at Germanna Ford until his arrival.
The Fifth Corps, marching in silence, at midnight of
May 3d, 1864, moved from the vicinity of Culpeper. Tak
ing the most direct road to the Old Wilderness Tavern, they
crossed the Rapidan at Germanna Ford and bivouacked at
the junction of the Germanna Ford road with the turnpike,
a distance of 20 miles, their line stretching from the turn
pike to the Lacey house, and taking in the old tavern. After
crossing the Ford the several batteries were assigned to
march with the Divisions, for their better protection, it was
said, through the Wilderness. The Third and Fifth Mass.

780 HISTORY OF THE
Batteries and Battery D, ist N. Y., marched with General
Charles Griffin's (First) Division, Fifth Corps.
Across their line of march led two roads, the Orange
turnpike and the Orange and Fredericksburg Plank Road.
The enemy had the same designs on our Right flank that
we had on theirs, and knowing all about what we were
doing, started on the afternoon of May 4th to carry out
their plans.
The Army of the Potomac halted and waited in the Wil
derness, where the conditions were much more favorable to
the enemy than to them, from 2 o'clock p. m. May 4th until
5 o'clock a. m. of May 5th. It was thought best to halt the
Fifth Corps at this place, in order to make the passage of
the trains secure, and to rest the troops that they might be
fresh to meet the enemy the next day.
The rebel general Lee sent Ewell's Corps by the Orange
turnpike, and A. P. Hill by the Orange and Fredericksburg
Plank Road. Hill was to be reinforced by Longstreet's
Corps on the Plank Road.
At 5 p. m. of May 4th the last of the supply trains having
crossed the Rapidan at Culpeper Ford, with their guard
and the Reserve Artillery, the Fifth Corps moved by a farm
road to Parker's Store, their right extending to the Old
Wilderness Tavern, four miles south of the river, meeting
the Divisions of the Sixth Corps not left at Germanna Ford,
and having on its left the Second Corps at Shady Grove
church. The Army had marched 20 miles and crossed the
river on five bridges of its own building.
On reaching the Plank Road the Fifth Corps met the
column of the confederate general Hill advancing from the
direction of Parker's Store. The Fifth Corps formed line
of battle at the right and left of the turnpike, which was for
several miles a perfectly straight road and any movement
could be discerned for the distance of two miles.
General Meade moved his Head Quarters to Old Wilder-

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 781
ness Tavern and General Grant moved his Head Quarters
alongside General Meade's.
General Griffin in command of the ist Division, Fifth
Corps, moved up the road towards the west, on both sides
of the pike. General Samuel W. Crawford with the 3d
Division, and General James S. Wadsworth with the 4th
Division, moved on a road which led southwest diagonally
from the Lacey house to the Plank Road, so that the farther
they proceeded the greater distance there was between
Griffin's left and Wadsworth's right.
As Griffin moved forward, he came to a valley free from
timber, but impeded by underbrush, several acres in extent.
Across this valley on the crest of a ridge and in the edge of
the woods, the enemy was posted, and opened fire on our
advancing troops the moment they reached the cleared
space. Here was where the 140th New York was cut up,
crossing the valley and attempting a charge on the opposite
side, and the 146th New York, both of General Romeyn
B. Ayres' Brigade of the ist Division, Fifth Corps, iu
assisting them.
On each side the contestants were completely concealed by
the peculiar nature of the ground and the growth of wood.
The Sixth Corps was unable to get in position on the right
of Ayres' Brigade, and he was completely outflanked.
While Ayres was fighting on the right of the turnpike.
General Joseph J. Bartlett of the 3d Brigade of Griffin's
Division was moving forward on the left, and reaching the
confederate line compelled the enemy to fall back, until re
inforced by fresh troops, who after taking the ground from
Ayres, moved down on Bartlett's flank.
Wadsworth on his diagonal road, which led through a
thick forest, was outflanked on both sides, and, cut off from
the rest of the Army in the rear, had to fight his way back
to it. At 6 p. m. supported by General Henry Baxter's
Brigade of General John C. Robinson's Division, Wads-

782 HISTORY OF THE
worth's Division occupied the woods south of the Lacey
house, from which they drove out the rebels ; pursuing them
until dark, when they bivouacked with both flanks exposed.
When the Fifth Corps became engaged the Second Corps
with Hancock in command, which had crossed the Rapidan
at Ely's Ford and moved to' Chancellorsville, was recalled
while en route to' Spottsylvania, and marched across coun
try to the junction of the Brock and Plank roads where
they were engaged with the Confederate Divisions of Heth
and Wilcox.
The night of May 5th Griffin's Division constructed
breastworks and occupied them.
General Burnside with the Ninth Corps, by a forced
march, came up on the 6th early in the morning, and two
Divisions under Generals Potter and Wilcox, took their
position on the road to Parker's Store, between those held
by the Fifth and Second Corps; other Divisions being as
signed elsewhere, and were ordered to move to the left, and
attack the enemy on the right of the Second Corps.
By this time many Divisions had been detached from
their own corps and placed in others according to orders
latest received, or ordered to positions distant from their
own headquarters. Then followed more or less successful
attempts to> outflank our troops; including the attack on
the left flank of the Second Corps, Hancock's famous charge
on HiU, and the unsuccessful attempt on the Right of the
Army at 6 p. m. of the 6th when General Samuel W. Craw
ford's Division of the Fifth Corps came promptly to its
support.
AS TOLD BY MEMBERS OF THE BATTERY.
March ist, 1864, the entire Army being under marching-
orders, all the cavalry and one army corps having gone out
to the front for the purpose of taking Richmond, which
was thought to be an easy thing, the Confederates having

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 783
made Braxton Bragg commander-in-chief under their
President, "We expected," wrote Serg't. Peacock, "to
move, for a certainty," but the orders were countermanded
on the 2d and the report came to camp, that Kilpatrick and
Custer were "slashing around Richmond."
On the 3d the following General Order was issued from
the War Department: —
THE REVIVAL OF THE GRADE OF LIEUT. GEN'L.
War Department
Adjutant General's Office,
Washington, March 3, 1864.
General Orders.
No. 87.
The following Act of Congress is published for the informa
tion of all concerned : Public. — No. 12.
An Act reviving the grade of Lieutenant General in the
United States Army.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives oi
the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the
grade of Lieutenant General be, and the same is hereby, revived in
the Army of the United States ; and the President is hereby
authorized, whenever he shall deem it expedient, to appoint by and
with the advice and consent of the Senate, a Lieutenant General,
to be selected from among those officers in the military service of
the United States not below the grade of Major General, most
distinguished for courage, skill, and ability, who, being commis
sioned as Lieutenant General, may be authorized, under the direc
tion and during the pleasure of the President, to command the
Armies of the United States.
Section 2. And be it further enacted : That the Lieutenant
General appointed as hereinbefore provided, shall be entitled to the
pay, allowances, and staff, specified in the fifth section of the Act,
approved May twenty-eight, seventeen hundred and ninety-eight; and
also the allowances described in the sixth section of the Act approved
August twenty-three, eighteen hundred and forty-two, granting addi
tional rations to certain officers, Provided, That nothing in this Act

784 HISTORY OF THE
contained shall be construed in any way to affect the rank, pay, or
allowances of Winfield Scott, Lieutenant General by brevet, now on the
retired list of the Army.
Approved February 29, 1864.
By Order of the Secretary of War,
W. A. Nichols,
Asst. Adjt. Gen'l.

March 4th a Brigade drill was held near the Head
Quarters of General Sykes. Lieut. Appleton rode over to
Captain Martin's Head Quarters on the 5th, where two
West Virginia young ladies relatives of the commissary
of the Artillery Brigade, on Captain Martin's staff, a loyal
West Virginian, were visiting. The next day was Sunday,
and many attended the church of the 22d Mass. Regiment
at Beverly Ford. Divine service was held there in a chapel
erected by the soldiers. Private Benjamin West went over
in the afternoon to the hospital to see Private Dyer.
March 7th the following General Order was issued rela
tive to the Invalid Corps. THE INVALID CORPS. War Department
Adjutant General's Office,
Washington, March 7, 1864.
General Orders,
No. 93.
The following named . privates, having been duly examined
and declared - unfit for further field service, but fit for duty in the
Invalid Corps, are hereby transferred . . to the Invalid Corps, to
take effect March 15, 1864, and from and after that date will be dropped
from their Regimental Rolls. . . .
Bliss, Cornelius E, Private, 'sth Mass. Battery.
Sanford, John G., Private, 5th Mass. Battery.

On the 7th Lieut. Appleton pulled down his house and
Lieut. Blake began his — one for his wife. Private Dyer

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 785
was advised by the Doctor to go to Washington, but he
preferred to go to the Battery.
March 9th Captain Phillips went home on a 15 days'
leave. Serg't Ephraim B. Nye also left for home. Lieut,
Appleton rode to Meade's Head Quarters at Brandy Sta
tion and visited Phil. Mason's and Bigelow' s Batteries.
March ioth there was a heavy rain storm, the second
within a week. General Grant paid General Meade a visit
at the latter's Head Quarters. Corporal Proctor and
Private Dyer asked the Doctor for the 20th time to let them
go back to the Battery. He let them go. The ambulance
took them back with their things. The Doctor excused
Dyer from duty for a week.
The next day it was drizzly, with thunder in the evening.
An order had been issued for all ladies then in the Army
to go home.
NOTES OF CAPTAIN HENRY D. SCOTT.
Feb. 22, 1901.
"On the 8th of March, 1864, I received an order to re
port to Massachusetts to command a new Battery, the 16th
just recruited, and as soon as Captain Phillips returned, I
bade farewell to the Fifth Battery, and saw them only after
the war was over and they were camped near Washington
on their way home. I took great interest in their move
ments, as I read them after I left, from time to time, and
I shall never forget the part I took with the Fifth Battery,
and the good feeling and courtesy always shown by both
officers and men, and I esteem it a high privilege, the oppor
tunity to meet and shake them sincerely by the hand."
In relation to the Notes contributed to this history which
had been made from time to time, delivered to assemblies
of his comrades and since revised, he says: —
"I started out with the writing of my experience with
the Battery to leave with my children something they might

786 HISTORY OF THE
peruse, as I question none of them will ever have to expe
rience what I have, at most I hope not, but I have never
regretted this experience, however much it has cost me.
On account of my wound at Gettysburg I was out two
months, and Mine Run one month. I have often wished
I could have remained with the Battery to the end, but I
hope the reader will be able to find some points in connec
tion with other writers to make all complete."
COPY OF AN ORDER.— SCOTT'S PROMOTION.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Executive Department.
Boston, March 8, 1864.
Lieut. Henry D. Scott,
Sth Battery Mass. Vol. Lt. Art'v.
Sir: His Excellency, the Governor, has requested your discharge from
the sth Battery, in order that you may immediately report at Head
Quarters at Boston, to receive a commission as captain of the 16th
Battery Mass. Vol. Lt. Art'y., now in camp at Readville, Mass. As
the 16th Battery is full, all its officers are needed for duty at once.
Will you please make every exertion on your own part to arrive at
Boston at the earliest moment possible?
By Order of His Excellency the Governor, A. G. Browne, Jr.,
Lt. Col. Mil. Sec'y.
WANTED.— RECRUITS.
One Sunday in March Lieut. Appleton wrote home an
acknowledgment of the receipt of some of the posters,
which on a recent leave of absence he had had struck off
and displayed in several conspicuous places in Boston, and
of which the following is a copy: —

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 787

JOIN THE LIGHT ARTILLERY.
VOLUNTEERS ATTENTION.
A few more Recruits wanted for the Fifth Mass.
Battery, Capt. Charles A. Phillips, of Salem.
Yorktown, Hanover Court House, Gaines
Mills, Malvern Hill, Fredericksburg, Chan
cellorsville, Gettysburg, Rappahannock
and Mine Run.
§pjT The Battery is now with the Fifth
Corps ofthe Army of the Potomac.
The RED, WHITE, and BLUE Maltese Cross.
It has six three-inch rifled guns.
Fall in, and help fire them off again.

W. H. Keenan, Printer, No. 104,
Washington St. Boston.

788 HISTORY OF THE
March 12, 1864, the Left section oiled harnesses. Drill
on the manual of the piece. Lieut. General Grant arrived
at CulpqDer Court House, 69 miles southwest of Washing:
ton, and established his Head Quarters. This point was
about the same distance northwest of Richmond, and 12
miles north of the Rapidan River. Six recruits from Mar
blehead came to the Battery. EXIT HALLECK. War Department
Adj't Gen'l' s Office,
Washington, March 12, 1864.
General Orders,
No. 98.
The President of the United States orders as follows:
I. Major General H. W. Halleck is, at his own request, relieved
from duty as General-in-Chief of the Army, and Lieutenant General
U. S. Grant is assigned to the command of the Armies of the United
States. The Head Quarters of the Army will be in Washington, and
also with Lieutenant General Grant in the field.
II. Major General H. W. Halleck is assigned to duty in Washing
ton, as Chief of Staff of the Army, under the direction of the Secre
tary of War and the Lieutenant General commanding. His orders
will be obeyed and respected accordingly.
V. In relieving Major General Halleck from duty as General-in-
Chief, the President desires to express his approbation and thanks for
the able and zealous manner in which the arduous and responsible
duties of that position have been performed.
By Order of the Secretary of War,
E. D. Townsend,
Asst. Adjt. Gen'l.

March 13, 1864. Inspection and drill of the Battery by
Lieut. Scott. Private Philo Braley died at 3 o'clock in the
afternoon, which made us feel "blueish" (Appleton's ex
pression), and the next day the Battery escorted him to
the station with funeral honors. It was a cloudy and windy
day. Private Lemuel Washburn received a furlough of 10

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 789
days to go home with the body.
On the 15th there was a Brigade drill. Out after a snow
storm. Private Dyer went into the woods and cut a load of
wood for his tent.
On the 1 6th Lieut. Appleton went over to a ball given by-
Brig. Gen. Joseph J. Bartlett and staff at his Head Quar
ters. A dancing hall was built for the purpose, adjoining
the house, and decorated with flags. The invitations were
adorned with the ist Division Corps Badge, which was a
Greek cross in red. The evening was quite cold, and the
rooms were rather chilly, but the ball was well attended
by beauty and chivalry. It was called a good specimen of
army balls. A number of handsomely dressed ladies came
from Philadelphia and Washington, — among them a daugh
ter of Judge Loring, and the wife of the portrait painter
Ames. The day before the ball, the 2d and 5th Detach
ment guns of the Third Mass. Battery were polished up
and sent to Division Head Quarters and put in the Ball
Room. The wood work was oiled with sweet oil, the guns
were dismounted and carried into the hall and placed "in
Battery" on each side of the door.
Dyer mentions Lt. Appleton's going to the ball which he
calls "a big time at General Bartlett's Head Quarters."
On the 17th Dr. Fairchild was staying with them. St.
Patrick's Day was appropriately celebrated by the Mass.
9th Regt. Infantry, at Bealton, and Lieut. Appleton went
down to see them. There was a mock parade, foot ball,
races, etc. "These," writes Appleton, "formed the features
of a bully old jink for the fighting sons of Erin."
Of Grant he says, "Isn't it splendid that we are actually
to have him out here ? You can't play any bureau work in
Washington on old Ulysses. I saw a most refreshing sight
the other afternoon. The 15th Regt. N. Y. Heavy Artil
lery, who for two years have done duty in the fortifications
around Washington, and are 2000 strong, passed by our

790 HISTORY OF THE
camp on the cars, going out to the front. They will have
an opportunity now to get their pants muddy for once.
This I take to be some of Grant's doings, and I think he
means to do more of the same style. Altogether I feel verj
hopeful for the spring work, and I think the Rebs will soon
find some column jabbing at their flanks where neither they
nor you now expect. Just get us out of this camp and give
us something to see. I think the changes all around are
beneficial, as they shake up men and things, give us new
acquaintances, instil new life, and weed out some of the
old deadheads. Corps, Divisions, and Brigades, are slapped
around right and left."
March 18, 1864. Drill on the manual of the piece in the
forenoon. There was talk of a cavalry raid, and they after
wards heard that there was a skirmish at Morton's Ford on
the Rapidan. News arrived that General Grant was tc
take command of the Army of the Potomac. "How jollv
it is," wrote Appleton, "that we have old Grant now at the
head of the Army. We have our most successful general
at the top of the ladder, and the Rebs have one of theii
most unsuccessful ones at the same place. Let us hope that
this is a good omen. Scott leaves our Battery to take com
mand of the 1 6th, as soon as he can get his discharge
Kilpatrick's cavalry, in detachments, keeps passing oui
camp every day, going out to the front from Washington
and they will soon be ready for some more fun.
We had the hedge fixed on the 18th and there was a little
dance at General A. P. Martin's Head Quarters."
VETERAN RESERVE CORPS. War Department
Adj't General's Office,
Washington, March 18, 1864,
General Orders,
No. in.
The name of the organization authorized by General Orders No.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 791
105, War Dept. 1863, as an "Invalid Corps," is hereby changed to that
of "Veteran Reserve Corps." All orders relating to the Invalid Corps
will remain in force as at present, with respect to the Veteran Reserve
Corps. By Order of the Secretary of War,
E. D. Townsend,
Asst. Adj't Gen'l.

March 19, 1864. Excitement about the Rebs. Report
that Grant was coming out to the Army.
LETTER OF SERGT. W. H. PEACOCK.
"Camp near Rappahannock Station,
March 19, 1864.
We are expecting an attack at this station every hour.
Stuart (Confederate cavalry general) is on a raid, and he
will probably try and give us a call, as there are a good lot
of stores in this vicinity. We can see his camp fires in
the distance. It is reported he has 8000 cavalry and two or
three batteries with him. General Sykes of our Corps is
making big preparations to receive them. Last night our
horses were harnessed and remained so all night. Rumor
says this is the night for the attack.
The 1 8th Mass. Infantry came up from Beverly Ford,
about two miles from here, and remained near our camp ail
night. All of the other infantry were out under arms, as
they are also tonight. We have orders to sleep with our
clothes on. I suppose Stuart wants to make up for Kil-
patrick's raid, but no go this time, as we are so well pre
pared for him."
"At dusk" (Dyer's Notes 19th) "an Order came to put
our guns in position in the forts, as they expected a cavalry
raid. The 18th Mass. Regt. laid out in a field below us all
night with their guns stacked."
March 20, 1864. Sunday. Inspection of the Battery

792 HISTORY OF THE
today by Lieut. Scott. Drilled some and went into camp.
Dyer got excused from fatigue duty for being the cleanest
man at guard mounting.
March 21st. Lieut. Appleton went over to General Mar
tin's as a member of a Board. Lieut. Scott received his
discharge. Dyer passed the evening at the camp of the 20th
Maine. March 22, 1864. Lieut. Scott left in the morning for
Boston and his new battery. Very cold day. Snow in the
afternoon and all night. 23d. Snow on the ground, six
inches deep on a level, but the morning was clear. Camp
awakened by the "merry sound of the bugle." Captain
Phillips had got as far as Washington on his way back to
camp, and called upon Hon. John B. Alley a member of
Congress from Massachusetts, about regimental organiza
tion of Massachusetts Artillery. (See p. 52.)
ARMY CORPS. War Department,
Adj't Gen'l's Office,
Washington, March 23, 1864.
General Orders,
No. 115.
I. By direction of the President of the United States, the number
of Army Corps comprising the Army of the Potomac, will be reduced
to three viz., the Second, Fifth, and Sixth Corps. The troops of the
other two Corps, viz., the First and Third, will be temporarily reor
ganized, and distributed among the Second, Fifth, and Sixth, by the
Commanding General, who will determine what existing organizations
will retain their Corps Badges and other distinctive marks. The Staff
Officers of the two Corps which are temporarily broken up, will be
assigned to vacancies in the other Corps, so far as such vacancies may
exist. Those for whom there are no vacancies, will cease to be con
sidered as officers of the General Staff of Army Corps.
II. Major General G. K. Warren is assigned by the President to
the command of the Fifth Army Corps.
By Order of the Secretary of War,
E. D. Townsend,
Asst. Adj't General.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 793
March 24, 1864. Captain Phillips returned from his
"leave," about 2 p. m. Lieut. Gen'l Grant came down on
a special train just ahead of the one Captain Phillips was
in. Maj. General Sykes was relieved of his command, and
Major General Warren was put in his place. Troops were
constantly arriving in the cars.
March 25, 1864. In the reorganization Colonel Charles
S. Wainwright of the ist New York Artillery was to be
Chief of ArtiUery of the 5th Corps. Captain Phillips
passed the night at Captain Martin's Head Quarters.
Private Dyer went into the woods and cut a load of wood
for his tent and brought it to camp with Wm. Pinder's
team towards night.
Of the change in the commanders of the Artillery, Cap
tain Phillips in a letter of March 27th, 1864, says: "Colonel
Charles S. Wainwright of the ist N. Y. Artillery, who has
been Chief of Artillery in the First Corps, will probablv
be chief of artillery for the 5th Corps, and Captain Martin
will be obliged to return to his battery. It is hard, after
being Chief of Artillery, to be only captain once more."
But this was what Appleton indicated as likely to happen,
in his Artillery paper, see p. 52.
March 27th, 1864. Sunday. Lieut. Appleton went to the
chapel at Beverly Ford, and heard an excellent sermon. In
the evening there was singing in the camp.
March 28th was a beautiful spring day. The mud was
drying up very fast. Lots of troops going out on the cars
to the front. Dyer mentions a visit from Andrew Almv
and Fred Alden, and says Almy "discoursed some fine music
on the accordeon." The Battery was photographed : two
views were taken of the' Battery, and one of the camp.
March 29th Lieut. Blake started on a leave of ten days.
Captain Martin on a leave of five days, leaving Captain
PhiUips in command of the Artillery Brigade. It com-

794 HISTORY OF THE
menced raining about one o'clock p. m. and at Taps it poured
down in torrents.
March 30th it was still raining. The Rappahannock
River rose eleven feet, the pontoons were strung up, and
water everywhere. The bridge across the Rappahannock
was washed off its foundations by trees falling against it
that floated down the river, so the cars could not run.
LETTER OF LIEUT. APPLETON.
"March 31, 1864. Since I have written our stupid old
army has actually been reorganized, as you see by the
papers. The First Corps comes into the gallant Fifth, and
we keep our name, our honor, and our Maltese cross. The
Artillery Brigade falls to the command of our friend Colonel
Wainwright, though Martin has not as yet been actuaUy
relieved. Our Corps (Fifth) now extends from Bristoe to
the Rapidan, with General Warren's Head Quarters at
Culpeper Court House. But best of all the immortal
Grant is our own. It so happens that I am the only
officer at present with the Battery, and I am therefore in
command. Captain Phillips commands one part of the
Brigade, that is, the Fifth Corps Batteries, as Captain
Martin is in Washington. Scott has gone, Blake absent
on leave, Spear ordnance officer, and the new lieutenant has
not as yet received his commission in his hands, although
it has been gazetted — thus I am commander, perpetual
officer of the day, &c, &c. The whole country around
looks like a big lake. The pontoon bridge was all knocked
to pieces."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY.

795

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Sergt. Com'd'g Guard
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LIST OF GUARD.

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Reliefs and When Posted.

WHERE

first relief
SECOND RELIEF
third relief
From 6 to 8 and 12 to 2
From 8 to 10 and 2 to 4
From 10 to 12 and 4 to 6
POSTED.
No.
Name
Name
Name
i
Skillin
Moudorf
Gwinn
Hd. Qrs.
2
Shaw
Dunham
Blanchard
Fort
00
3
Morse
Dyer
Carsley
Park
»— 1
SX o u
4
Olin
Dudley
Brown W. W.
Stable
§
Sergeant Mason W. Page.
Commanding
Guard
Corporal Charles F. Stiles.
-1 3o
O o
i£t.^MM^M».'..^/ ' %&

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 797
April i, 1864, Serg't Harrison O. Simonds' commis
sion as 2d Lieutenant, was received. Serg't. E. J. Gibbs
was promoted to ist Sergeant.
ORDERS FOR THE COUNTERSIGN.
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac
April 2d, 1864.
Orders. Countersign.
April 3d, Boston.
" 4th, Albany.
Sth, Newport.
" 6th, Baltimore.
" 7th, Chicago.
" 8th, Saint Louis.
" 9th, Lexington. By command of Maj. Gen'l Meade,
(Signed) S. Williams, A. A. G.
Official. Fred T. Locke,
Asst. Adj't Gen'l.
April 2, 1864, Captain A. P. Martin and Captain Charles
A. Phillips returned to their commands, and Lieut. Simonds
joined the mess.
April 4th, Lieut. Appleton went over to Captain Mar
tin's Head Quarters where were Colonel Wainwright and
his staff. It snowed and rained. Colonel Wainwright
assumed command of the Artillery Brigade 5th Corps.
April 6th, Corporal Newhall was promoted to Sergeant
George L. Newton and Andrew W. Almy were promote!
to corporals.
April 8, 1864. Orders came for the sutlers to leave by
the 1 6th of the month. Corporal Stiles was promoted to
sergeant. Lieut. Appleton rode over to the Reserve Artil
lery. April 9, 1864. Lieut. Blake returned from leave. The
Rappahannock had risen 17 feet, it being the highest it had

798 HISTORY OF THE
ever been. The pontoon house and bridge were washed
down stream in the morning.
April io, 1864, a minute inspection of the Battery and
quarters took place by Captain Phillips. Big freshet on
the river and all around. The bridges were all down be
tween the camp and Washington, including the bridge at
Cedar Run. No trains had come through since the previous
night. All leaves of absence and furloughs had ceased.
Captain Phillips wrote on April ioth in relation to the
artillery :
"The reorganization has left us in a rather unsettled state.
Captain Martin has ceased to be Chief of Corps Artillery,
but for the present the batteries belonging to the old Fifth
Corps form a demi-brigade, under his command. Some of
our batteries will go into the Artillery, but we shall remain
in the new Fifth Corps. It is so muddy as to render any
thing like drill out of the question."
Again on the 16th he wrote: "For the present, and until
the Corps is assembled at Culpeper, the batteries north of
the river are organized in a half-brigade, commanded by
Captain Martin. For four days, while Captain Martin
was in Washington, and before Colonel Wainwright was
appointed, I was acting Chief of Artillery, while Lieut.
Appleton had the satisfaction of signing himself 2d Lieut.
commanding the Battery."
April 10, 1864, General Grant was at Culpeper. On the
nth trains from Washington arrived in the evening. The
night of the 12th Colonel Wm. S. Tilton passed with the
Battery. April 13, Dyer was on extra fatigue duty for not attend
ing drill call, but as there was a pretty merry crowd on,
they had a pretty jolly time. Colonel Tilton was sent off
in an ambulance. The sutlers were selling off cheap, as
they were obliged to go to the rear with the wagon trains.
April 14, 1864. Battery drill in the forenoon. The

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 799
sutlers left the camp. On the 15th a trench was dug in
the stable and the place the sutler occupied was cleaned up.
Battery drill in the forenoon. In the afternoon Captain
Phillips selected a spot for target practice just over the
river near the fort, firing down river towards Kellyville.
Good ranges up to 1500 yards. Two recruits arrived.
Ordered to turn in surplus clothing to reduce baggage.
April 1 6th it rained all day, postponing the target practice.
The men's surplus baggage was sent off. Unserviceable
Quarter Master's property and clothing, camp and garrison
equipage was inspected. Orders came to be ready to march
by the 21st. The entire Army under marching orders.
Did not shoot on account of the rain.
April 18th. Dyer was busy all day "making a tent against
we marched." General Charles Griffin and others called
Page got extra guard duty because the man on No. 1 post
failed to salute General Griffin. The ist Michigan vets.
(see p. 561) returned. Perfect day.
LETTER OF LIEUT. APPLETON.
"April 19, 1864. The Army is completely ready, and we
sha'n't be surprised any morning to have the order — 'For
ward, Army of the Potomac!' The story now is that the
Veteran Reserve Corps, — the old Invalid Corps, — are to
have the honor of defending the Capital. In that case the
Army of the Potomac can move independently, a thing, by
the by, which it has never been able to do, and one that
is quite ignored by the 'On to Richmonders.' Send ever}
body out immediately. General Grant keeps reviewing
different slugs of the Army every day. Our Battery was
out target shooting this morning, as all the artillery and
infantry have been doing for the last month. We are ven.
well filled up now with all our recruits."
At the target shooting from a hill over the river, General

800 HISTORY OF THE
Griffin, Captain Martin, and several other officers were
present. The targets were placed at 800, 1000, 1200, 1500,
and 1700 yards. Made several holes in the 1000 yards
target. The Battery fired 36 shots. At dress parade an
Order for the cannoneers to fall in at all calls was read.
April 20, 1864. Battery drill in the forenoon and drill
on the manual of the piece in the afternoon. The awkward
squad also drilled.
April 2 1 st. George H. Johnson was thrown from a horse
and received a broken wrist. Battery drill in the forenoon.
Drill on the manual of the piece in the afternoon. Dyer
says, "The weather was changeable, from wind, snow, and
rain, to the hot torrents of the sun."
April 22d. Battery drill. Lieut. Appleton met General
Gregg on the way to Martin's.
April 23d. Orders were received to clean up for inspec
tion the next day. All the old things belonging to the
Battery were condemned. Ordnance stores were inspected
by Lieut. Breck ist N. Y. Artillery. An Order was read
at dress parade relating to applications to prepare for com
missions in colored troops.
April 24th the Battery was inspected by Captain Phillips.
It was Sunday. Lieut. J. Edward Spear passed the night
with Lieut. Appleton. Some thought they were waiting
for General Burnside to get all ready, before moving. In
the evening Private Dyer took a walk up the railroad. On
the 25th Lieut. Appleton rode with Dr. Fontaine to Brigade
Head Quarters near Culpeper, went into the town and came
home in the dark. 26th. Drill on the pieces for upwards
of three hours in the forenoon. Drill on the manual of the
piece in the afternoon.
April 27th had a very long drill, both forenoon and after
noon. At guard mounting a gale of dust came blowing
over the hill, which made the officers beat a hasty retreat
for their quarters. Appleton wrote: "We have drills con-

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 801
stantly and are quite ready to be in the saddle, with our bed
in the mud. The tremendous lull here seems almost strange
at the present time, but when we are off we think it will be
short and stupendous. The news all around the edges ot
the Confederacy is bad at present, but to us absorbed in
what must soon take place here, these disasters give little
annoyance." April 28, 1864. Lieut. Appleton went in the evening
to a "sociable" at the 3d Brigade. 29th. After fatigu;
duty Bob King and John E. Dyer went up to the station
with the teams for grain and hay. The same day Dye:
finished his tent. Various rumors of Burnside's troops
coming up the railroad. All ready to move. Ephraim B.
Nye, with his battery, the 14th Mass., came right into the
camp, which they occupied when the Battery left. The 9th
Corps arrived to relieve the Fifth in guarding the railroad.
The Pennsylvania Reserves and Rittenhouse's Batter)'
crossed the river and marched to Brandy Station.
LETTER OF SERG'T. W. H. PEACOCK.
"Rappahannock Station, Va.,
April 30, 1864.
The 9th Army Corps arrived today, and is relieving ali
of the old troops from Warrenton to the Rappahannock,
... I dread the coming campaign, — sleeping without tents
and marching by day and night. The next battle of this
Army will be a rouser. The rebels of Lee's Army are ali
ready for us, and are said to be 90,000 men. They will
give us a tough pull, if my opinion amounts to anything.
Today I was up to Brandy Station, 5 miles from here,
drawing ordnance stores. You can form no idea of the
bustle and confusion at this Depot when the Army is getting
ready to move. It looked to me as if one thousand or more
wagons were waiting to load, and there were immense piles

802 HISTORY OF THE
of ammunition, all kinds, ordnance stores, &c, &c, and
piles of boxes of hard bread as high as two or three story
houses. It reminded me some of a wharf in New York,
with 12 or 15 ships loading and unloading."

"It is resolved — they march — consenting Night
Guides with her star their dim and torchless flight.
Already they perceive its tranquil beam
Sleep on the surface of the barrier stream.
A moment's pause, 'tis but to breathe their band,
Or shall they onward press, or here withstand?
It matters little — if they charge the foes
Who by the border-stream their march oppose,
Some few, perchance, may break and pass the line
However link'd to baffle such design." —Byron's "Lara."
May ist, 1864, the Fifth Corps having been ordered to
assemble at Culpeper Court House, Orders came at 3 a. m.
for the Battery to cross the Rappahannock with Griffin's
ist Division and the two other batteries, and march at
9 a. m. in the following order :
ist Brigade, Fifth Mass. Battery.
2d Brigade, Third Mass. Battery.
3d Brigade, Battery D, ist N. Y. Artillery.
The Division looked splendidly.
They crossed the river at Rappahannock Station, and
went into park a short distance beyond Ingalls Station, and
north of Brandy Station. Everybody slept on the ground.
May 2, 1864. Went about three miles to water horses.
Lieut. Appleton passed a very delightful morning at General
Meade's Head Quarters. Lunched there with all the
fellows. Marched at 5^ p. m., in a terrible storm of wind
and dust, followed by a heavy rain which continued till they
came near Culpeper. Camped in the vicinity of the railroad
bridge over Mountain Run, cold and wet. Shackley says,

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 803
"We passed the night in misery in our wet clothes, with
no fire nor fuel to make one." A load of hay came for the
men to lie upon. It ceased raining about 8, and they eat
supper and went to bed pretty tired.
May 3, 1864, was cold and windy, the Blue Ridge a few
miles distant was white with snow. Remained in camp
all day and were told they would remain there for two or
three days. Unpacked, pitched tents, and received orders
to clean up for review the next day. Colonel Wainwright
visited the camp. The Demi-Brigade was dissolved.
Appleton calls it the "Demise of the Demis." Captain
Martin took command of his own battery, the Third Mass.,
and Lieut. Spear came back to the Fifth Mass. Battery.
In the evening rations were given out for 6 days. Rumors
of a move on foot. Rumored the Rebs had evacuated in
our front. At 11.30 p. m. Orders came to march at 12.
The Army was to advance in two columns. The Fifth
and Sixth Corps forming the Right, were to cross at Ger
manna Ford, and the Second Corps with the cavalry under
Sheridan at Ely's Ford, six miles farther down. The Third
and Fifth Mass. and Battery D, ist N. Y., fell in behind
Griffin's First Division.
Reveille at midnight! "Boots and Saddles" immediately
after cleaning horses.
BREAKING CAMP. APPLETON'S NOTES.
"The breaking camp at night and starting on the march,
is a beautiful and inspiring sight. The country around
for miles is lit up by a thousand fires, which sparkle like
so many glowworms. Tents are struck and folded, horses
are neighing and pawing impatiently in the cool night air,
the artillery is harnessed and stands parked, ready for the
word to move, officers are riding around seeing that every
thing is in readiness while all feel through their veins the
electricity inspired by the prospect of change and activity,

804 HISTORY OF THE
after the long days and nights of quiet. Silently, and in
good order, the troops filed forth by the different roads,
the cavalry having gone on in advance, and sunrise found
the main body of the Army at the banks of the Rapidan,
and ready to cross the stream.
The pontoons were then laid, and over we went again
into the enemy's country, and all day long, under the rays
of a hot spring sun, so hot that many threw away theii
blankets and extra clothing,
'Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are marching,' until as
the afternoon shadows were lengthening, we halted on the
edge of the Wilderness, where the pickets were carefully
posted, and the order given to bivouac for the night."

They crossed the Rapidan without opposition, and marched
till about 2 of May 4th p. m., when they came into position
6 miles from Chancellorsville, within five miles of Mine
Run, a hard march of 25 miles. The entire Army was in
position in the Wilderness. The camp was close to the
house where "Stonewall" Jackson was brought when he
lost his arm the year before, and they found the old line
of works which were hastily thrown up by the Third Corps
at the Battle of Chancellorsville.
BULLETIN FROM GENERAL MEADE.
READ TO THE SOLDIERS.
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac,
May 4, 1864.
(Extract.)
Soldiers :
.... You have been reorganized, strengthened and fully equipped
in every respect You form a part of the several armies of your
country, the whole under the direction of an able and distinguished
General, who enjoys the confidence of the government, the people, and
the army. Your movement being in co-operation with others, it is of
the utmost importance that no effort should be left unspared to make it
successful. . Geo. G. Meade,
Maj. Gen'l Commanding.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 805
Appleton wrote of the close of the day of May 4th that
he "listened to the music arid retired under a 'fly.' The Eve
of Battle." Warren's Fifth Corps was in advance of the
Right wing of the Army encamped on the Wilderness pike.
Ewell's Corps of Lee's army was encamped directly opposite
Warren's, each ignorant of the other's whereabouts, but
when the Fifth Corps made ready to' resume its march on
the morning of Thursday, May 5th, they found the enemy,
unexpectedly, confronting them, and were forced to fight
him where he was, Meade concentrating the several army
corps for that purpose. The Wilderness was a mining
country. The timber of large growth had been cut down
for miles around, for use in developing the mines, and the
wood of smaller growth was a dense mass of scrub oaks,
low pines, and underbrush, where it was an impossibility to
form troops in line of battle or for the officers to' see more
than a small number of their commands at one time. The
artillery could not be taken into the underbrush, and could
only co-operate with the infantry by the use of a piece or a
section at certain points. Cavalry was still less available.
But here the Fifth Corps met the advance of Lee's Army.
THE FIGHT OF MAY 5.
May 5, 1864, at daylight, Battery in position where they
first encamped. The Rebs came up about 8 a. m. The
report was brought in that they were coming down upon
them. In position on a high knoll commanding the valley
and the road to Parker's Store, just in front of the Lacey
house, to the left of the turnpike, and -not far from the
Head Quarters of General Grant and General Meade.
The Right section, commanded by Lieut. J. E. Speai .
was in position on the Gordonsville road, about noon and
fired 13 rounds. The infantry firing was very heavy. Near

806 HISTORY OF THE
them were Battery D, 5th U. S., Battery H, ist N. Y., and
B, ist Pennsylvania.
General Griffin, advancing up the turnpike with one sec
tion of Battery D, ist N. Y. Light Battery, Capt. Geo.
B. Winslow, opened the fight at 2 p. m. and was heavily
engaged where the 140th New York Infantry made its
fatal charge and Captain Winslow and Lieut. A. S. Sheldon
were wounded. Captain Winslow lost two guns, and the
remaining four guns were placed in position on the right
of the section of the 5th Battery which was posted on the
pike. Powell's History of the Fifth Corps has it that a section
of the Battery "replied to and several times silenced a Con
federate battery similarly posted at a distance of about 1400
yards." We drove the enemy off the road.
There was very heavy musketry firing all day, continuing
till 8 o'clock in the evening. At that time unharnessed and
turned in, having gained ground.
By Lieut. Nathan Appleton : "We were covering an
open piece of land, while the fighting was taking place in
the tangled woods, a half mile or so in advance. General
James S. Wadsworth led his Division through this field,
with ranks full and banners waving, to the woods, where we
could distinctly hear the dread rattle of musketry. At
length I noticed the men coming back, singly and in
squads, limping and on stretchers, and evidently in disor
der. Something had gone wrong, and the old general was
rushing about with drawn sword rallying his men around
a flag which he had placed in position. He seemed to do> all
the work himself, and I could not resist the temptation of
mounting my horse, riding up to him, saluting, giving my
name, and asking if I could be of any use. I thought that
at least I might try to stop his men from passing to the
rear, through the two guns of my section of the Battery.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 807
He thanked me, and in a short time he had re-organized
his broken Division, and was ready for more fighting, and
this came the next day, May 6, 1864, when he received a
wound in the head from which he died two days later."
THE FIGHT OF MAY 6.
The fight opened at daylight, 5 a. m. and lulled at 10,
commenced again at 4, and was continued till 9 p. m. We
gained ground on the Left, but lost on the Right. The
firing of the musketry was one continuous roll. The Battery
lay still all the morning. Burnside's troops came up. In
the afternoon reported to General Griffin. In the main line
held by the Fifth Corps were the Fifth Mass. Battery and
Battery D, ist N. Y., now commanded by Lieut. Lester I.
Richardson. The New York Battery was on the right of
the turnpike; the Fifth Mass. Battery across the pike;
the Third Mass. Battery, Battery H, ist N. Y., L,
ist N. Y., and B, ist Pennsylvania to the left. At
six o'clock a part of the Sixth Corps fell back, causing
general excitement, and "all that night (Appleton's Letters)
there was a mass of men marching through and over us,
as we lay in bivouac trying to sleep. It was the Sixth
Corps falling back in confusion, and communication on the
Right of the Orange and Alexandria R. R. to Washington
was lost, and must be established on the Left, by the rivers."
Dyer writes : "The whole of the Sixth Corps gave way, and
that flanked the Fifth Corps, so part of that gave way about
dark. The rest of the 5th was firm."
Of the fight of May 6th Corporal Shackley wrote, "Fight
ing very severe, but did not fire. Towards night the other
two sections (the Centre and Left) were brought into line.
About sunset the Right wing (6th Corps) broke, and there
was quite a panic. General Griffin met the stragglers in
the rear of our guns, and most earnestly urged them to form

808 HISTORY OF THE
line, 'For,' said he, T know that my artillery will stand !' "
THE FIGHT OF MAY 7.
On Saturday, May 7, 1864, the Battery opened fire with
shot and shell early in the morning, checked the advance of
the enemy made about daylight driving in our skirmishers,
and drove them back into the woods. One spare pole broke
in action. Kept in position all day. At 3 p. m. General
Warren was ordered to move the corps-train to Chancellors
ville at 5 p. m. and park it, to be ready to move at night,
and to move the Corps at half-past eight p. m. on the Brock
Road, via Todd's Tavern, to Spottsylvania Court House,
passing by the Second Corps, which was to follow closely,
the Fifth Corps pickets to be withdrawn at one o'clock a. m.
of the Sth, those of the Second at 2 a. m. This order was
based on one from General Grant, directing a flank move
ment. At 8 p. m. of the 7th the Battery started off with Griffin's
Division. Marched all night, moving by the left flank
along the line of Burnside's Corps, out on the Brock road for
Spottsylvania Court House.
The route was back to the intersection of the Germanna
Plank Road; to march along this road about a mile and a
quarter, then to strike the Brock road. About a mile
farther along cross the Orange Plank road, and, at the end
of another three miles, the railroad.
General Sheridan with the cavalry protected the column.
This was the first of the marches of the Army of the
Potomac by the left flank, in which the Fifth Corps led.
FROM APPLETON'S NOTES.
"On the Brock Road I met several of the officers of the
56th Mass. Regt. in the Ninth Corps, in bivouac and wait
ing to move, later on.
During that slow night march I occasionallv dozed on

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 809
my horse, taking cat naps, like some of the staff of Napoleon
in Meissonier's famous painting of the 'Retreat from Mos
cow.' I may have done so before, but this time I recall
it most vividly.
As I look back to that fearful three days' struggle, it
seems to me like some confused and horrid dream. I can
hear again the incessant crash of the musketry which would
continue unbroken for hours, with the louder roar of the
cannon at intervals relieving its terrifying sounds; I can
see long lines of infantry pressing forward through the
patches of farm land to their place in the woods, ranks full,
flags floating in the breeze, and all proud and flushed with
a hope of victory. I can see them straggling back, in
groups of two or three, even squads and whole companies,
confused and demoralized, their officers in vain trying to
rally around the battle-riddled standard.
Again my ear catches the sound of the rebel 'yell' and
Yankee 'hurrah,' strangely mingled, as charges and counter
charges would be made day and night; here long lines of
ambulances block the road, while back through openings in
the tangled forests the bloody stretchers come bearing their
sad and groaning load. The great tents of the field hospitals
stand up before my vision in their white sepulchral lines,
well out of reach of the firing, the red flag marking them
as a place of refuge for friend or foe alike; here the poor
sufferers lay, the surgeons bustling about, knife and band
ages in hand, while the strains of patriotic music the band
was playing, would gladden the hearts of the wounded, and
were often the last sound heard, as they gained the victory
over death. Now a group of Confederate prisoners, in their
rusty butternut dress, and long uncouth hair, would pass in
the lines escorted by their guard; the officers casting around
looks of dogged defiance at their captors; here a battery of
light artillery is rushed up the road to its position on some
hill, the horses plunging and straining at the weight behind

810 HISTORY OF THE
them; the flags of the signal service are waved in treetops,
here and there, in a manner mysterious to all the unini
tiated; in a continuous line the tired soldiers remain man
fully at the breastworks hastily thrown up, and try, at odd
times, to snatch a few hours' sleep and forgetfulness; but
amidst all the carnage and confusion around, one quiet, un
pretending figure stands out conspicuously, clear-headed,
and undismayed.
It is General Grant, the soldier of the people, the person
upon whom the responsibility fell, and who was able to bear
it, for, as he sat in his tent, calmly smoking his cigar,
watching the varying fortunes of the struggle, receiving
despatches as they were constantly brought in, more and
more convinced did he become that success could only be
achieved by blows, not by strategy, and that it was the duty
of the army to 'fight it out on that line,' at no matter what
apparent sacrifice.
So the three days of battle passed.
This march of May 7th was long and tedious for the
weary soldiers, and, as is generally the case at night, espe
cially in the muddy roads of Virginia, not many miles were
accomplished as the rosy streaks of the rising sun appeared
in the eastern horizon. The day was fairly breaking when
our Division came up to Todd's Tavern, an old wayside
inn, and the troops were halted, with orders to rest for an
hour or so, and make their coffee.
I took the saddle off my horse, and, using it for a pillow,
tried to seize a few moments' sleep. Ah me! he who has
passed through such scenes as these will not lightly talk
of war as a thing to be madly rushed into, and a game for
kings and emperors to play."

CHAPTER XXI.
THE BATTLE OF SPOTTSYLVANIA COURT
HOUSE, AND LAUREL HILL.
May 8- i 8, 1864.
"God's truth!" sez I, — 'an ef I held the club,
An' knowed jes' where to strike, — but there's the
rub!"—
"Strike soon," sez he, "or you'll be deadly ail-
in', —
Folks thet's af eared to fail are sure o' failin';" ....
— James Russell Lowell, The Biglow Papers.
The Fifth Corps, followed by the Sixth Corps, was put
in motion on the Brock Road, at 9 o'clock on the night of
the 7th of May, 1864, preceded by a Division of cavalry
under General Wesley Merritt; their object being to secure
a cross road leading to Fredericksburg, by which the
wounded could be sent to Washington.
They met the enemy the next day about two miles be
yond Todd's Tavern, near the crossing of the river Po,
about 12 miles from the position in the Wilderness, between
the two' most northern forks of the Mattapony river, the
Po and the Ny, but nearer the banks of the Po. Two
other streams, southern forks of the same river, are desig
nated by the syllables Mat and Ta.
The enemy was not able to dislodge our cavalry but they
held Merritt in check, and about 6.30 a. m. General John
C. Robinson's Division with the Third Mass. Battery and
Battery L, ist N. Y., followed by Griffin's Division with
Battery H, ist N. Y. Light, the Fifth Mass. Battery and
811

812 HISTORY OF THE
Battery D, ist N. Y. Light, moved past the cavalry, and
pushed on about three-quarters of a mile beyond the Alsop
house. They formed two lines of battle across the road, and
drove the rebels two or three miles. Robinson passed and
secured the road leading to Fredericksburg, and continued
to advance until at the junction of the old Court House
road with the Brock road, he received another check, and
fell back to the shelter of the woods.
While the Third Mass. Battery was being withdrawn to
a rise in the ground which commanded the valley, Captain
A. P. Martin was wounded, and Lieut. Aaron F. Walcott
again assumed command of the battery.
General Hancock with the Second Corps arrived at Todd's
Tavern the same morning (8th May) at 9 o'clock, and,
relieving the cavalry, covered the Brock and Catharpin
roads, and afterwards the Catharpin and Spottsylvania
roads. At 11 o'clock, Colonel Nelson A. Miles, with in
fantry, cavalry, and artillery, made a reconnoissance on the
Catharpin Road towards Corbin's Bridge, and on the way
back to rejoin the Second Corps, met and drove back
Mahone's Confederate Brigade.
In the report of Major James A. Cunningham of the
32d Mass. Infantry, who some years after the war became
adjutant general of the Commonwealth of MassachusettJ,
may be found the following:
"May 8, 1864, came up with the enemy near Todd's Tavern. The
regiment was detached from the Brigade to support Battery E, (Fifth)
Massachusetts. At midnight rejoined the Brigade, and took up posi
tion on the left, behind breastworics already constructed."
On May 9th Battery B, ist Penn. Light, Captain James
H. Cooper, held the position on the right and left of the
Alsop house. Next on the right was Battery D, 5th U. S.,
Lieut. B. F. Rittenhouse. That afternoon about 400 yards
in their rear was posted the Fifth Mass. Battery, on spacious

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 813
grounds at the right of the Court House road and command
ing the valley towards the Pritchard house.
On the same day General Sheridan, with the Cavalry
Corps went off on a raid with orders to cut the Fredericks
burg and the Virginia Central railroads, to threaten Rich
mond, to communicate with and draw supplies from the
James River.
While the Sixth Corps was adjusting its lines on the 9th
General John Sedgwick was killed, and General H. G.
Wright assumed command of the Corps.
On the ioth the object of the fighting of the Fifth Corps
was to obtain possession of Laurel Hill. The plan of
placing the Army at Spottsylvania Court House 11 miles
from Fredericksburg, between Lee and Richmond, had been
abandoned when Meade's Army was intercepted at Alsop' s
Farm by the Confederate general, Anderson.
Hancock was ordered to send two Divisions of the Second
Corps to aid the Fifth Corps in an attempt to turn the
Confederate Left by attacking their fortifications placed on
Laurel HiU. Battery B, 4th U. S., commanded by Lieut.
James Stewart, was posted at the right and rear of the Fifth
Mass. Battery, close to the Alsop House. During the day
the batteries remained in position, but all that part of the
line was quiet.
The Fifth and Sixth Corps broke through the rebel lines
of intrenchment, and General Burnside with the Ninth
Corps made a reconnoissance in the direction of the Spottsyl
vania Court House, and intrenched his Corps within a quar
ter of a mile of that place. In this movement General J. D.
Stevenson was killed.
On May 11, 1864, the position of the Army of the Poto
mac was as follows : The Fifth Corps was on the extreme
right from near the Po river, extending past the front of
the Alsop house in an irregularly curved line. The Sixth
Corps was on the left of the Fifth, the Second Corps in

814 HISTORY OF THE
front of the salient, or the advanced point in the fortifi
cations. The Ninth Corps was on the extreme left, resting near
Spottsylvania Court House.
The batteries were in their old positions. Batteries E
and L, ist New York Light, commanded by Lieut. George
Breck, the Fifth Mass. Battery, and Battery B, 4th U. S.,
Lieut. James Stewart, were in position to the extreme left
of the corps posted around the Alsop house to the left of
the road which crosses the Po at Corbin's Bridge. In the
afternoon Battery B, 4th U. S. was moved to the left and
front of Battery B, ist Penn., and the Third Mass. Battery
was ordered to report to General Ayres, now in command
of the 2d Division of the Fifth Corps, and to be placed in
the first line.
At 3 o'clock on the afternoon of May nth, General
Meade, by General Grant's direction, ordered the three
Divisions of the Second Corps to move by the rear of the
Fifth and Sixth Corps and joining the Ninth to make a
vigorous assault at 4 a. m. of the 12th. The Fifth and
Sixth Corps were to be held in their present places close to
the enemy's lines.
A part of the Fifth Corps was sent forward May 12th
in advance of all the Union forces, the Fifth Mass. Battery
and Batteries E and L, ist N. Y., taking position to the
left of the road which crosses the Po at Corbin's Bridge.
During the forenoon they shelled the woods across the river,
and replied to the guns which opened on our skirmish lines,
and in the afternoon silenced a rebel battery at a distance of
1200 yards.
Lee withdrew at midnight.
Leaving the pickets all in position, the Fifth Corps moved
after dark on May 13th by cross roads and through the
woods, fording the Ny river, across country in the direction
of the Fredericksburg and Spottsylvania Court House, an'i

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 815
along that road; the design being to turn Lee's Right flank.
They reached the appointed place at daylight of the 14th,
on which day the Fifth and Sixth Corps were placed in
position in front of the Confederate intrenchments across
the Fredericksburg road in front of the Court House.
On May 17th, it having been determined to move the
Second and Sixth Corps to the extreme right to make
another assault, the Fifth Corps was intrenched; General
Warren ordering 26 guns into position and protecting his
left flank by the 15th N. Y. Battery, Captain Hart, and the
Third and Ninth Mass. Batteries at the Anderson house, —
Battery D, 5th U. S., Lieut. Rittenhouse, with Battery D,
5th New York, six 20 pdr. Parrotts, was advanced to within
1400 yards of the Court House, — and ist N. Y. Light
Battery D, making 14 guns under Major Robert H. Fitz-
hugh. The ist Pennsylvania Light Battery B, Captain Cooper,
Batteries E and L, ist N. Y. Light, Lieut. George Breck,
and the Fifth Mass. Battery, Captain Phillips, twelve 3 inch
guns, the order reducing each battery to 4 guns having
been carried out, were posted in a very advantageous posi
tion on a hill, at the front and about 400 yards to the left of
Fitzhugh's guns, at an angle of about 60 degrees with his
line. Opposed to these guns were the 20 pieces of the enemy
in front and to .the right of the Court House.
At daylight of May 18th, just when the Second Corps
advanced on the Right the batteries opened on both sides.
The firing which was about equally accurate, continued for
about three-quarters of an hour continuously, and at inter
vals throughout the day with the result that the confederate
general Hill's guns were silenced, but the general attack
was given up when it was found that the enemy was
prepared for it, and the Second and Sixth Corps went back
to their positions of the 17th of May.

816 HISTORY OF THE
AS RELATED BY MEMBERS OF THE BATTERY.
FROM NOTES OF LIEUT. APPLETON.
"Grant knew that an absolute victory or defeat in such
a country as the Wilderness, was impossible, and so he
concluded that losing his communication on the right and
by the railroad, he would establish it on the left, and by the
great rivers. The Army soon came to know that it had for
its leader a strong and reliable man, and I am convinced
that the three days at the Wilderness, and the five following
ones at Spottsylvania, proved to all that the time for retreat
ing was over. Men, horses, ammunition, food and forage,
all followed as rapidly as possible in the wake of the ever
advancing Army, and the wounded were taken to Washing
ton by steamers, which were ready to meet them on the
various rivers, from the Rappahannock to the James. Early
on the morning of the 8th of May, 1864, we reached Todd's
Tavern, where the cavalry had been skirmishing under
Sheridan, and there I saw a young officer of one of the
cavalry regiments, wounded and reposing in the porch of
the inn. We continued our advance, and later, under a tree,
whom should I see also wounded, but Captain A. P. Martin,
who had received a bullet shot in the neck, from which the
blood was slowly oozing, and Colonel Fred T. Locke the
popular assistant adjutant general of the Fifth Corps, who
had been hit in the face. It was a gruesome sight, and one
calculated to make the observer feel the dangers of war very
keenly. These officers recovered from their wounds, how
ever, and both returned to the service. (Colonel Locke
died in 1893; this wound, it was said, being the indirect
cause of his death, and General Martin died in Boston,
March 13, 1902, of a complication of diseases after a year's
illness, and was buried at Mount Auburn with military hon
ors. He was borne to the grave by members of Battery A,
Light Artillery M. V. M., attended by Lieut. Aaron F.
Walcott and 25 members of the Third Mass. Battery, with

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 817
members of the Loyal Legion, Grand Army of the Republic,
and civic organizations.)
Our Battery soon continued the advance, passing the body
of a dead Union infantryman in an open bit of ground, and
soon we were put in position to resist anv attack that might
be made. We were supported on either side by the 32d
Mass. Regt., Colonel George L. Prescott, who was killed
at the first attack on Petersburg, June 18, 1864. (See
p. 882. ) I made the acquaintance of Colonel Prescott and
had some conversation with him. It was rather an ugly
place to be in, hemmed in by woods, and not much open land
ahead, in case a strong body of the enemy should appear,
but Captain Phillips said he could hold his own front, and
only wanted the infantry to do the work on either flank."
Todd's Tavern was situated at the junction of the Cathar
pin and Brock roads, and was a ten mile march. Here in
trenchments were thrown up.
"About 2 miles beyond the Tavern (Dyer's Notes, May
8, 1864) we found the cavalry fighting the Rebs. Went
into position as soon as we reached the field. Remained
till 10 p. m., then advanced about a mile; having driven the
enemy from their position in breastworks. Unharnessed
and turned in."
They were on the second line, in position on the right of
the road to guard against an attack on our flank. Martin's
battery was heavily engaged and Captain Martin was
wounded. Sedgwick charged at dusk and carried the
enemy's works. The advance to the front at 10 p. m. was
to join the rest of the Fifth Corps. The supply train
reached the camp that day, which was lucky as the forage
was short. For six miles back from the front the provost
guard were ordered to stop all passing to the rear, and it
was said that of the two it was safer to go forward and
engage the enemy, than to go back and be sabred to the front
by the provost guard.

818 HISTORY OF THE
May 9, 1864, Monday, lay still all the morning. Gen
eral Sedgwick was killed at 10 a. m. Lieut. Appleton hap
pened to be at the road when his body was carried to the
rear on a stretcher. He was known in the Army as "Uncle
John," and was beloved and respected by all. After dinner
on the 9th went into position on a ridge in about the Centre
of the line. A few stray enfilading shots came over from
the left. One shell killed Private Joseph Kierstead trans
ferred to the Battery from the n 8th Pennsylvania, and mor
tally wounded Private John Boynton of South Danvers;
also wounded Private John Mensing, from the 118th P. V.,
all drivers on the first piece. Boynton was a new recruit.
Bullets whistle. Entry in Quarter Master Sergeant Wm.
H. Peacock's account-book is "one shovel broken by a shell."
Colonel Percy Wyndham visited the Battery. In the even
ing threw up breastworks, and remained in position all
night.
NOTES OF CORPORAL BENJAMIN GRAHAM.
Wm. Reynolds Sees a Ghost.
"On the evening of the 9th May, 1864, in battery, with
our left flank facing the enemy, there came a shell from one
of the rebels' batteries, and just at that time Kierstead,
(John) Mensing, and. one other, I have lost his name, (It
was Boynton.) were digging a pit to shelter themselves in.
They had it dug out about two feet, when they heard that
shell coming, and all three dropped into the pit. The shell
burst in the pit killing Kierstead and the unknown (Boyn
ton), but only wounding Mensing in the wrist. Kierstead
and the other it blew all to pieces, so I had to pick them up
and put them in a blanket. That night we had a grave dug
and buried them. I wanted to mark the spot, and asked
Reynolds if he would not mark a board for them, he being a
good penman. He said he would, so he got to work, and
the wind was blowing, and he could not keep the candle lit,

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 819
and I suggested to him to sit in the bottom of the grave.
In he went, and he stuck a piece of wood in the end of the
grave and set the candle on it. Then he started in again,
and when I thought it was about time he had finished I went
round to see him, and as I was passing the side of the grave
my shadow fell on the opposite side of the grave, when to
my surprise Reynolds came out of that grave as if he had
been shot out of a Gun. When I asked what was the mat
ter, he said Kierstead's ghost had come in the grave."
FROM LIEUT. APPLETON'S LETTER OF MAY a,
1864.
"Head Quarters in the Saddle,
Near Spottsvlvania C. H.
The fighting has been perfectly terrific and our losses tre
mendous. Artillery has very little chance, as the country
is solid woods, with now and then an opening. The bat
teries go into position in them, so there is a good deal of
luck whether or not you get engaged. The infantry has
suffered tremendously. Almost all Massachusetts field of
ficers are killed or wounded."
On May ioth keep position all day. "The artillery
opened at daybreak and continued at intervals. (Dyer's
Notes.) At n a. m. the whole line opened peal on peal.
It seemed as if the heavens had opened. Also very severe
charges by the infantry. Captured a large number of pris
oners, some guns, and stands of colors. At 10 p. m.
silence reigned in a measure." There was a tremendous,
exciting fight all the afternoon in the woods in our front,
Grant and Meade around. A bulletin was read to the sol
diers, announcing that General Butler was at Petersburg,
and our forces had defeated the enemy in the West.
A good many Reb. prisoners taken. The rebels said to
be at Brandy Station.

820 HISTORY OF THE
May nth there was firing by both artillery and infantry
at intervals, but no very severe fighting. About iooo pris
oners passed, going to the rear. In the afternoon a heavy
thunder shower came up. Still in position on the extreme
left of the Fifth Corps, with Batteries E and L, ist New
York Light, Lieut. George Breck in command, to the left of
the road which crosses the Po river at Corbin's Bridge.
May 12, 1864, moved to the extreme right of the line.
General Hancock moved to the left and made a big capture
in the morning, — Johnson's Division 7000 men, 4 generals,
and 30 odd pieces of artillery, — by a surprise before day
light. It rained almost all day. Appleton wrote home, —
"Just think of eight days almost solid fighting! Without
doubt this is the hugest battle that ever took place in the
world. I do not think that our wounded alone can be less
than 25,000. They are going down to Fredericksburg on
trains. Our Battery was engaged quite heavily on the 12th
and we passed the afternoon in an artillery duel wdth a Reb.
battery. One of our limbers was hit and exploded, but,
strange to say, without hitting a horse. Our Battery has
lost, thus far, two men killed and four wounded. We
marched at night in the rain and came into camp along the
road in a mud hole, near the Fifth Corps Hospitals. Grant
will win the battle if it takes till next Christmas. (It was
about this time that Grant made the remark that has grown
into a proverb viz. that he would "fight it out on this line
if it takes all summer.") Just keep cool up in the North,
and this thing will soon be settled. I can't think it will last
much longer, for it does not seem as if the cause could jus
tify such a tremendous slaughter."
FROM CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
Letter of May 13, 1864, in relation to May 12th: — "Dur
ing the forenoon we shelled the woods by General Warrens
orders, and exchanged a few shots with a battery to our

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 821
left. We were on a road which crossed the Po river, about
200 yds. ahead of us, at Corbin's Bridge, I believe. About
noon, the rebels placed a battery on our right, just across the
Po, but hidden from us by the woods. We made a guess
as to the distance, and let them have it. I rode to the right
about half a mile, and got within about 300 yds. of the rebel
battery, and saw our shells bursting beautifully. They
changed position, but I sent an orderly back to change our
guns, correspondingly, and the rebs soon cleared out.
About 2 this same battery, I suppose, took position in our
front, still hidden by the woods, and having got all ready,
banged away all at once as if they expected to clean us out
the first thing. In this, however, they were very much mis
taken. For about half an hour we kept at it, quite lively;
they blew up one of our limbers and we returned the com
pliment. At the end of half an hour they retired in disgust.
They only hit one man and wounded him very slightly.
Still they faced us longer than any rebel battery I have met,
as we do not generally allow them more than 15 minutes.
They opened again about an hour afterwards, only for two
or three rounds, before they cleared out. . . . We left the
field at sunset and came here near the 5th Corps hospitals.'
In Captain Phillips' report to the adjutant general of the
state he mentions the killing of a few horses, and adds that
"two of our men were wounded at this time by shells from
one of our own batteries."
Notes of Corporal Jonas Shackley May 12, 1864:
"Moved by the right flank about a mile. Exposed to fire
from both flanks and front. Corporal (Benjamin) Graham
(of New Bedford) and (Private) Thomas Mensing,
(118th P. V.) were wounded by a shell from Battery L,
ist N. Y. A. K. P. Hayden (of New Bedford) wounded
by rebel shell. One of our limbers was blown up, and 2
horses killed by rebel shells."

822 HISTORY OF THE
They blew up the 4th limber. The Battery fired 486
rounds. From John E. Dyer's Notes: — "May 12, 1864. Hitched
up at daylight, changed our position and went on the right.
Opened on the enemy. They soon returned it with a cross
fire upon us. Soon it became the hottest of any place yet.
The Rebs had four batteries playing upon us, all of which
we silenced. We silenced their crack battery the Richmond
Cadets. Had one limber blown up. Ben. Graham, Men
sing, and Al. Hayden wounded. Rained all day."
NOTES OF SERG'T. WM. H. BAXTER.
Bennie Graham's Double Wound.
In a letter accompanying his Notes dated Oct. 4, 1900,"
Serg't. Baxter says that this incident he has related, "is a
dead sure thing without drawing on the imagination and
can be verified, as the other fellow is still alive." As to his
title he says he is "Plain William H. In the old Battery
'Bill' for short, and 'Serg't.' sometimes."

"At Laurel Hill (May 12, 1864) we were closely en
gaged with a Reb. Battery in an artillery duel, and from
the manner that the Rebs stood up and took their medicine
for a while, it was evident that there was A 1 fighting blood
on both sides of the fence. The duel ended, however, as
usual when the Old 5th had a hand in it.
Benny Graham was serving on the right Gun from the
writer, and during a lull in the firing, the writer saw that he
was struck, and at once crossed over to him. When I got
there he was sitting on the ground nursing his left arm.
Where are you hit Bennie?'
dn the muscle of the upper arm' said he.
I had taken a small strap from my pocket while running
to him, and at once proposed to put it on above the wound

FIFTH MASS., BATTERY. 823
to stop the flow of blood, but upon applying it found no
hole for the buckle. I took out my jack knife, the smallest
blade being about as long as a fore finger, and stooped over
to make a hole in the strap. At the exact moment of
pressing the point of the blade into the strap, a Reb shell
burst over our heads, scattering its contents and fragments
down among us, and, alas, when the shell burst the ten
dency to schrooch came upon me, and in my anxiety to ad
just the strap to the arm, I plunged the blade clean through
strap, blouse, shirt and arm, out through the other side.
In telling it the incident could well be ended here, but I
will simply add that for some time after I made that fatal
lunge at the strap, there seemed to be echoes of quotations
from the Bible, and a decidedly sulphurous smell, hovering
around the spot occupied by Bennie Graham and the writer.
He has long ago forgiven me, and we have had many a
good laugh over it since."

In some notes made at Old Point Comfort, Va., April
20, 1 90 1, Captain Nathan Appleton says: —
"Laurel Hill was a part of the Spottsylvania fight, and
for some time I had a clasp with the name on my corps
badge, but it was never recognized officially by our govern
ment, and so does not appear on the flags."

At 7.30 of May 13, 1864, the men tried to keep comfort
able in the rain under a tarpaulin, and after hours of uncer
tainty marched by the left flank. Having remained in park
until 2 p. m., started for the old position near General War
ren's Head Quarters and the Fifth Corps Hospitals.
Turned in at 9 p. m. and were immediately aroused and
hitched up and started toward the left of our lines; marched
all night over an awful road knee deep in mud, through for-

824 HISTORY OF THE
ests, stumbling over tree stumps in the pitch dark, rain pour
ing and putting out fires built along the road to light the
way; fording the Nye where it was three feet deep, plodding
on for eight miles to a position on General Burnside's left.
Arrived there about 4 o'clock in the morning of the 14th
and here fed the last grain to the horses. This was the
hour for the attack. Went into park on the field. Chance
for only short naps. At 3 o'clock in the afternoon moved
about a quarter of a mile to the rear across the river and
went into park. Got supper and turned in about 7 p. m.
At 8 were routed out to unhitch and unharness and stretch
the picket rope. Two guns were captured from the Rebs
that day.
Sunday, May 15, at 4 p. m. recrossed the Po, and were
ordered out to the front of our breastworks, an exposed and
very uncomfortable place. "Apparently as a decoy" writes
Shackley, "to the rebels, but they did not take the bait, so
about dark we returned."
Dyer says of May 15, — "Expected an attack on Burn
side's force to our right and we were to rush on them in
return." It appears that General Burnside in command of the
Ninth Corps, had reported the enemy massing in his front
as if for an attack, and thus the Fifth Corps was led to make
preparations to receive them.
May 16, 1864. Roused at 5 o'clock, cleaned and watered
horses but no feed. During the clay the teams came up,
with grain for the horses, and Benjamin West came to the
Battery. Some artillery and infantry firing but no hard
fighting. On that day twenty-five thousand reinforcements
to the Army arrived. Orders to turn in a section, two
guns. All batteries to' be four guns. Gun teams reor
ganized.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 825
TURNED IN A SECTION.
From Captain Appleton's Notes: — "It was during the
last days of the fight at Spottsylvania, that we received the
order to turn in one section, or two guns, leaving four guns
in our Battery. I have always supposed that General
Grant, seeing that the Army of the Potomac was encum
bered by having too much artiUery, decided upon this plan
of reducing it, instead of disbanding or sending to the rear
some of the batteries, which would have hurt the feelings
of the captains and other officers, as well as of the men.
There is no doubt but that there were too many guns for
the country in which he was operating, and this reduction
was a good thing for the batteries themselves, as few of
them had their full complement of men, and were obliged
to have details from the infantry. This plan showed, as
many others had done, his great tact and perfect knowledge
of the actual requirements of the situation."
May 17, 1864, the two guns belonging to the Left section
were turned in. Kept the caissons, but Serg't. Elisha J.
Gibbs took the guns to Belle Plain. The Reserve Artillery
had been broken up and the batteries were attached to the
several corps.
At night we advanced our line of intrenchments to within
one thousand yards of the enemy, and before the morning of
the 1 8th we had constructed a magnificent line of earth
works to hold the Fifth Corps at this point.
Letter of Lieut. Appleton May 17, 1864: "Our Army
occupies a line just south of the river Po, and between it
and Spottsylvania Court House. The Rebs are still oppos
ing us with a large force. We are north of the river, and
in a sort of temporary camp. In all our other campaigns
after three days' fighting our Army has retired, but this
time Grant means to fight it out. A Virginia battle is so
totally different from any ideas which anv one may have,

826 HISTORY OF THE
that it is difficult to describe. How can a soldier with un
washed face, filthy clothes, a muddy sabre, a played out
horse, look like the picture of Napoleon at Lodi?
We get our supplies now from Washington via Acquia
Creek. Reinforcements also keep coming out, so that the
Army will hold about up to its original size. We need all
the men. We have not seen our baggage since we left Cul
peper, and are beginning to think that some clean clothes
would be acceptable. However we can lie abed and have
ours washed."
"May 18, 1864. (Appleton's Diary.) We started at 2\
and went into position, I somewhat in the rear in charge of
the caissons, as we have turned in a section. Corporal
(Charles M.) Tripp hit in the arm. Four more batteries
added to the Brigade. Went back to camp by the old
house. Milton called." (This was Lieut. Richard S. Mil
ton who commanded the Ninth Mass. Battery in the absence
of Captain Bigelow wounded at Gettysburg.)
Hitched up at one o'clock of the 18th and recrossed the
Po, and reported at Head Quarters Artillery Brigade.
Took position on the left of the 5th Corps with the ist
Pennsylvania Light Battery B, and the ist N. Y., Batteries
E and L, in sight of Spottsylvania Court House, and
fired 33 case shot and 175 percussion, which the Rebs re
turned with interest. Recrossed the river at dark, and
parked for the night.
According to Q. M. Serg't. Peacock's account book, "1
handspike was broken in action."
There was heavy artillerv fighting all dav. "The Rebs
had a cross fire upon us (Dyer's Notes) but we dislodged
them and dismounted five of their guns. As soon as we got
into camp we got supper and went to bed. Corporal Tripp
slightly wounded by a spent ball."

CHAPTER XXII.
THE BATTLE OF THE NORTH ANNA RIVER
AND
VIRGINIA CENTRAL RAILROAD,
May 23-26, 1864.
"I saw that same shell coming, and I called out to Maurice Blake,
'by your leave, Maurice, let that fellow pass, he's in a hurrv' ; and,
faith, I said to myself, 'there's more where you came from: You're not
an only child, and I never liked the family.' "
"Night after Talavera" in Charles O'Malley, — Lever.
In pursuance of his resolution to move by the left flank,
General Grant gave orders on the 20th of May, 1864, to
renew this movement against the army of the Confederates
which was being rapidly reinforced from the South and
concentrated in front of the Army of the Potomac. The
Fifth Corps Artillery, followed by the infantry, moved
south on the 21st of May, and crossed the Mattapony river,
and on the 22d all forces which could be spared by General
B. F. Butler at Bermuda Hundred, were ordered north to
be sent to Grant, under the command of Major General
William F. Smith.
Perceiving the intention of General Grant to continue
his movement to the left, Ewell's Confederate Corps on
the left of the enemy's line, and later Hill's and Anderson's
Confederate Corps moved by the Telegraph road towards
Hanover Junction, and on the night of the 22d the entire
Confederate Army were resting on the south bank of the
North Anna river in the vicinity of Hanover Junction. At
n a. m. of the 23d, the Fifth Corps, with the artillery, were
827

828 HISTORY OF THE
at the railroad bridge near the North Anna river, but moved
to Mount Carmel Church to make room for the Second
Corps, who had been ordered to that place, and reached the
river again at Jericho Mills where there was a ford. On
the left of the road leading to this ford the artillery was
posted. Three Divisions of the Fifth Corps then crossed the ford,
Griffin's leading, and the 22d Mass. infantry, Colonel Wm.
S. Tilton, ahead. They drove the rebels to Noel's station,
and the remainder of the Corps with the six 12 pdr. bat
teries crossed. While approaching the enemy's line of bat
tle which was discovered behind a ridge, Griffin's First
Division was furiously attacked on the right. This attack
was repulsed by the aid of the artillery, and reinforcements
of infantry coming up, the lines were intrenched on the
south bank of the North Anna river.
The Second Corps also drove the rebels across the river
from their rifle pits near the Telegraph road, but the rebels
held the wooden bridge across the Richmond and Fred
ericksburg railroad during the night.
The Ninth Corps were in a position to support the Sec
ond and Fifth Corps in the morning, but moved to Ox
Ford before night. The Sixth Corps on the 23d were on
the south bank of the river, having crossed at Jericho Ford.
Now our forces were part on the north and part on the
south of the North Anna river, and the enemy's lines had
receded; their abandoned works being occupied by our
forces, but Lee, while retiring his Left flank, had strength
ened his Right, in the attempt once more to get between the
Army of the Potomac and its base of supplies. His Left
rested on Little River near New Market and the Virginia
Central Railroad, his Right extending along the North
Anna river for three-quarters of a mile to Ox Ford, cover
ing an extensive swamp, and occupying an exceptionally
strong position, which General Grant resolved to render

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 829
untenable. He determined to turn the enemy's Right flank
by crossing near Hanover Town and after securing his own
source of supplies, to destroy the railroads at various points
and cut off those of the enemy.
He issued the following order to General Meade : —
GRANT TO MEADE.
Quarles Mills, Va. May 25, 1864.
Major-General Meade,
commanding A. P. :
Direct Generals Warren and Wright to withdraw all their teams
and artillery, not in position, to the north side of the river tomorrow.
Send that belonging to General Wright's Corps as far on the road to
Hanover Town as it can go, without attracting attention to the fact.
Send with it Wright's best Division or Division under his ablest com
mander. Have their places filled up in the line so if possible the enemy
will not notice their withdrawal. Send the cavalry tomorrow after
noon, or as much of it as you may deem necessary to watch and seize,
if they can, Littlepage's bridge and Taylor's ford, and to remain on one
or other side of the river, at these points until the infantry and artillery
all pass. As soon as it is dark tomorrow night, start the Division
which you withdraw first from Wright's Corps to make a forced
march to Hanover Town, taking with them no teams to impede the
march. At the same time this Division starts, commence withdrawing
all of the Fifth and Sixth Corps from the south side of the river, and
march them for the same place. The two Divisions of the Ninth
Corps not now with Hancock may be moved down the north bank of
the river, where they will be handy to support Hancock if necessary,
or will be that much on their road to follow the Fifth and Sixth Corps.
Hancock should hold his command in readiness to follow as soon as
the way is clear for him. Tomorrow it will leave nothing for him to
do, but as soon as he can he should get all his teams and spare artillery
on the road or roads which he will have to take. As soon as the
troops reach Hanover Town, they should get possession of all the
crossings they can in that neighborhood. I think it would be well to
maice a. heavy cavalry demonstration on the enemy's left tomorrow
afternoon also. U. S. Grant,
Lieutenant-General.
In the itinerary of Brig. Gen. Romeyn B. Ayres, First

830 HISTORY OF THE
Brigade, First Division, Fifth Army Corps, under date of
May 25, 1864, may be found the following: —
"Moved 2 miles to the right, and went into position in front of the
enemy at Little River, near the Virginia Central Railroad. (Our
forces were engaged in destroying the railroad, and scouts were sent
out towards Hanover Junction.) May 26: At 8 p. m. moved out and
recrossed the North Anna river, and marched all night."
Again we swing around to Hanover Court House, and
on the 31st of May the position of the Army of the Potomac
was as follows: — The left of the Fifth Corps was on the
Shady Grove road, extending to the MechanicsviUe pike,
and about 3 miles south of the Totopotomoy Creek. On
its right were, first, the Ninth Corps, next, the Second and
Sixth lengthening out for six miles southeast of Hanover
Court House. The cavalry were in the act of destroying
the Virginia Central Railroad and fighting at Cold Harbor.
General William F. Smith from the Army of the James was
moving up the York River from White House Landing
where one Division was left on guard. The Confederates
were represented at Cold Harbor by Hoke, and Kershaw,
and by Early and Anderson between Bethesda Church and
Cold Harbor, where the roads from Richmond, from White
House Landing now our base of supphes, and from other
directions converged.
AS RELATED BY MEMBERS OF THE BATTERY.
In Lieut. Nathan Appleton's Diary of May 19, 1864, he
has jotted down the following: — "Off again by daylight.
Remain in park all day. Sharp skirmish in the afternoon.
They try to flank us. Sleep out minus a cover.
May 20, 1864. I bring my command back to the others.
A luxurious dinner of shad."
In a letter home written on the 20th, he savs of the
19th : — "I received yesterdav a big mail, the first one since
we have left Culpeper, with a good assortment of letters,

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 831
papers, and magazines, all of which were very acceptable.
The last few days out here have been comparatively quiet,
though seldom one passes in which we do not have a big
skirmish somewhere along the line. Yesterday afternoon
the Rebs tried to turn our right flank, — but they did not
succeed, — and for some time it was quite exciting. The
country is more open here than in the 'Wilderness,' so that
artillery comes considerably into play, but the shells, al
though they frighten you terribly don't do much damage.
Grant has reinforcements constantly coming out, so that our
Army here is, I think, now about as large as when it left
winter quarters, notwithstanding its tremendous loss.
There is a beautiful house about a mile from where we now
are, a truly splendid specimen of a Virginia mansion; such
an one as is not often seen in this part of the country, —
immense stables and barns, sheds, and darkies' shanties, al!
once the property of a Mr. Anderson, evidently a very rich
land owner. I have had the good fortune to meet lately a
jolly young fellow whom I already consider about my best
friend in the Army, Fordham Morris by name, an aide of
Colonel Wainwright in command of the Artillery Brigade.
The scenery around here is the prettiest I have seen in Vir
ginia, except, perhaps, some of the views around the Blue
Ridge." At daylight of the 19th all the batteries were set in mo
tion. Started out of park at 4.30 a. m., crossed the Nye
and were put in position in a field on the southern side near
the enemy, and remained hitched up all day. At 4 p. m.
they made a demonstration on our Right flank in the at
tempt to turn it, and get possession of our wagon trains, but
they were repulsed and driven back with considerable loss.
Remained in position all night, and all the next day, but no
firing except picket firing occurred on the 20th. In the
morning our forces captured their pickets, numbering 1500

832 HISTORY OF THE
men. The men in charge of Serg't. Gibbs, who went to turn
in the guns, got back that day from Belle Plain.
LETTER FROM QUARTER MASTER SERG'T.
PEACOCK, WRITTEN ON THE BACK OF
A "RATION RETURN."
"Fredericksburg, Va. May 21, 1864.
Here I am all right after three weeks' marching, but no
fighting. Most of the time I am with the army train. The
Battery has fired 1800 rounds of ammunition or 8 tuns; its
loss in men is two killed and seven wounded. I tell you
this is a big battle, and the end of it is far off. I never saw
so many wounded men from any battle before. It is said
from good authority that our loss in wounded amounts to
40,000 men. I have seen over ten thousand rebel prison
ers, and 17 captured guns. The Rebs have some six thou
sand of our men prisoners, and a few guns.
I came from the front yesterday; but little fighting was
going on. I could plainly see the rebels at work building
rifle pits. Our army will have hot work to get them out of
their present position. Every house in this city has
wounded in it, — wounded men everywhere. General
Grant orders room in Washington for fifty thousand
wounded! It is awful, azuful!
I am going to the front in about two hours. The 'Jacob
BeU' lays at the wharf of this city; also the 'Yankee,' and
one other gunboat.
I send leaves from Chancellorsville battlefield; one rose
from a garden on Main street of this city, and leaves from
the tomb of 'Mary' the mother of George Washington.
Her monument has been disfigured shamefully by soldiers
breaking off pieces. I send a bit that was picked up where
some one had broken off a large piece.
P. S. The tomb of Mrs. Washington is on one of the

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 833
heights of Fredericksburg. A rifle pit was taken by our
men at the battle of Fredericksburg, the monument being
only fifty feet from it, and between the two lines of men
fighting. It is marked all over by bullets and shells. I
have found the grave of Eddie Platts, our little gunner who
was killed at the battle of Fredericksburg. His mother was
very anxious to find his body. She lives in Boston."
Note by .Serg't. Peacock, Chicago, 111. September 7,
1900: — "This letter was written while on my way to Belle
Plain for supplies. The 1800 rounds fired were from the
time we crossed the Rapidan under Grant, May 3d, I think.
So we did some shooting in 18 days, if we could not get
into the Wilderness."
May 21, 1864. Moved with the Fifth Corps by the left
flank. Orders to be ready at 10 o'clock, marched at 11.30.
Lieutenant Nathan Appleton was ordered to report to
Colonel Wainwright as an A. D. C.
Marched all day, crossing the Richmond and Fredericks
burg railroad at Guiney's station, and the bridge over the
Mattapony River, and went into camp for the night at the
forks of the road about a mile beyond the bridge. The
cavalry were in advance, and drove the Rebs from the
bridge the Battery crossed. Its rear guard was engaged
with the rebels. Some of the men went after forage for the
horses, before turning in.
On 'the 22d, aroused at 3 o'clock, and leaving camp at 10
a. m. marched about 7 miles. Skirmishing with the
rebel cavalry reported on ahead. The rebels seemed to
be moving south, being driven before us, their rear but
three miles distant. Took possession of the Telegraph
road and crossed the Po River. On the march passed sev
eral bodies of dead rebels. Parked near St. Margaret's
Church. Head Quarters of the Brigade in a fine white
house at Carmel Church.
Dyer's Notes: "May 23, 1864. The oft repeated, wel-

834 HISTORY OF THE
come sound of 'turn out,' at 5 a. m. Started, passed Balls
Church, and arrived at the North Anna river at noon.
Went in park and remained all day, to cover the crossing
of the ford. The brass batteries crossed the river at 3 p. m.
At 4 the fight (in the open field) began, and continued very
heavy till after dark, but we succeeded in driving the Rebs.
At 11 o'clock we turned in."
The advanced guard of Hill's Corps were opposed to us.
The artillery swept the line firing over the heads of the in
fantry. Lieut. Appleton calls this his most exciting fight.
He slept on the field.
In the morning march of the 23d the Corps got on the
wrong road. Its crossing of the North Anna was at Jeri
cho Mills. Some of the 12 pdr. batteries crossed with the
infantry, but the Battery remained on the north side of the
river where the Rifled Batteries were parked. The distance
from Jericho Ford to Noel's Station on the Virginia Central
Railroad was not far from 2 miles.
The centre of the part of the line occupied by the Fifth
Corps was about half a mile equidistant from the ford and
the railroad. In the morning of the 24th, crossed the river
on a canvas pontoon bridge at Jericho Mills, a bad ford to
cross, with steep, rocky banks, and parked at close intervals
about a mile from the river.
Remained till dark, then moved to a position near Grif
fin's ist Division. Dyer had some conversation with rebel
prisoners, who he says, " 'talked pretty spunky, at first, but
finaUy owned up to being tired of the war.'
Very hard thunder and sharp lightning towards night.
Heavy fighting heard on the Left. We put our guns in po
sition and turned in."
From Lieut. Appleton's Diary: "May 24, 1864. Ride
along the lines. Lots of stragglers brought in. All the
Army together." His letter of this date is written at
"Head Ouarters Artillery Brigade 5th Corps 9 a. m. south

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 835
of the North Anna River, and about 6 miles from Hanover
Junction :
We have been pushing on towards Richmond with skir
mishes almost every day. The weather is hot, and the con
stant marching and firing is very tiresome. I am now with
Colonel Wainwright an A. D. C. The Chief of Artillery
has to keep with Corps Hd. Qrs. so that I have a chance
to see and hear all that is going on in the Corps. Yester
day afternoon we had quite a pretty little fight, in fact the
first one I have been in where bullets whistled lively, and
we could see what was being done. One of our staff, Cap
tain Henry W. Davis, was wounded the Dr. thinks mortally,
and two Battery officers were hit; one of whom was Lieut.
Cargill of the Third Mass. Battery. We have been now
for four weeks constantly on the go, with very few luxuries
in dress or food, and begin to think that comfortable quar
ters in Richmond, with plenty of sherry cobblers, would
come in well. General Meade is now here, within a few
feet from me talking to Gen. Warren."
THE FIFTH BATTERY MEN AS BARN MOVERS.
[Contributed by Maj. Gen. Joshua L. Chamberlain, then
colonel 20th Maine Reg't. Infantry, 3d Brigade, ist Divi
sion, Fifth Corps; promoted to command of Brigade, Au
gust 15, 1863, and of ist Brigade June 6, 1864.]
The three Massachusetts batteries long attached to the
Fifth Corps were great favorites with us all. Many a time
we exchanged valuable services, — the infantry and artillery,
— the balance of honor being in favor of the latter. We felt
pride and affection for these men, and we knew and loved
their guns almost as well as they did.
Phillips, the modest, faithful and brave commander of
the Fifth, I was much drawn to by these qualities of his,
which made up a character of ideal manliness. This bat-

836 HISTORY OF THE
tery made a great record all the way down through the
Wilderness and Spottsylvania, and when our Corps was
crossing the North Anna, on the 24th of May, we were
glad to have these old friends sent to the First Division to
be immediately under Griffin, to whom this arm of the ser
vice was a specialty. This itself was a compliment to the
battery. We forded the river, — our brigade at the head of the
column, — and were immediately struck hard by Hill's
Corps, close on our front.
As an instance of the ways of Phillips and his battery, I
recall an incident of the second day's fighting, when we
were trying to force Hill back, "to develop his position,"
as it was afterwards explained.
I had a hard time to hold my advance steady, on account
of a peculiarly disagreeable fire of sharpshooters who had
secure positions behind knolls, and clumps of trees and
buildings, from which they made it almost certain death for
any man of ours to show his head. The conditions were
such that I could not dislodge them by effective fire, nor by
a charge; and we were not slow in throwing up some little
breastworks of logs and rails in the edge of some woods,
as that was a good way to keep our heads level. There were
some favoring trees, whose bulky forms were well propor
tioned to the size of a man's body, and were well patronized
by officers and others not required on the breastworks, but
there were open spaces between them, to allow the enemy
to draw a good sight on us whenever we moved.
I didn't like the situation. I thought of PhiUips, and
went over to ask him to come forward with me and take a
look at the landscape. I pointed out to him the picturesque
features of it, and he seemed to be much interested. In a
few minutes up he rushes with two of his guns, whirls them
into "action front" in the clear spaces, the muzzles almost

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 837
up to the breastworks, and opens his three-inch iron hot
and heavy, wherever he sees the smoke puffing.
There was a large barn out in our front, — I think it had
a high stone basement, — and it was filled with fellows
grossly abusing the rightful privileges of a barn, and mak
ing it an instrument of decided offense.
From every opening and crevice and corner arched the
white rings of smoke, and the bullets were spitting at us
like wild cats. Phillips asked me if he was doing right.
"Phillips, I want that barn moved. It doesn't stand to
suit me." He turns on his heel : —
"Load with percussion!" he exclaims to his nearest gun
ner, and springs right upon the gun-carriage to get a fair
sight ahead, — and to afford one, also. In another instant
he is off, and at the elevating screw to make sure of his aim.
Crash! goes his shot. He is on top of the gun again
before its recoil had slackened much, one hand on the wheel,
straining his gaze to see the effect of the shot; neither he
nor his men paying the least attention to the serenade the
bullets were playing. Shot upon shot bangs and bursts
against the walls of the barn, making great shattering and
scattering. Soon it is wrapped in its own fire. Out come
the hiders, and we have fair returns on them from our ex
cited line. The rest of them are doing their sharpest on us,
but it is short work. Artillery on the skirmish line and
Charley Phillips on top had done it !
The enemy break. The barn is "moved," — skyward, in
flames. We seize the moment. Half a dozen rounds of shell
pursue the flying foe. We leap over our works; the guns
follow, somehow.
Forward all : Phillips riding at my side, ready for any
thing. We press the enemy across the Virginia Central Railroad,
and close upon Little River. But at dusk the next day,

838 HISTORY OF THE
having "developed the enemy's position," we turned back,
recrossed the North Anna at Quarles Mills, and marched all
night in the drenching rain, and by forced marches days and
nights following, towards the fated Bethesda Church and
Cold Harbor. But one cheering thing was, that on the first
of June the dear old Fifth Battery with dear, brave Phil
lips, were permanently assigned to our Division, where they
passed for "Griffin's Pets," which meant terrible experiences
together and closer friendships, neither of which can fade
from our minds and hearts.
Joshua L. Chamberlain.
Brunswick, Maine,
February 21, 1900.

From a Letter of Captain Phillips dated Camp near
Hanover Town, May 30, 1864: —
"On the 25th we marched with Griffin's Division alone
the Virginia Central Railroad, towards the junction a few
miles, till we found the enemy, where we went into posi
tion. Lieut. Appleton was shot through the arm by one of
the enemy's skirmishers, just before the Battery came up.
He had been on Colonel Wainwright's staff for a few days.
We were posted in the edge of the woods, with an open
field in front of us, and within range of the enemy's skir
mish line. We shelled the woods a little, but could not
wake up their artillery. The skirmishers kept popping
away at us all the time, but did no damage as we kept our
selves under cover."
From the Diary of John E. Dyer:— "May 25th, 1864.
Found this morning the Rebs had left our front, and fell
back to their breastworks. FoUowed them up. Went in
position 75 yards from Reb. sharpshooters. A hot place
for a battery. The 3d Brigade, ist Division, 5th Corps
have been employed all day in tearing up the Gordonsville

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 839
railroad. Lieut. Appleton was wounded today in the arm
by a Rebel sharpshooter, just before we came up."
Shackley writes on May 25th : — "We moved at sunrise,
and near the South Anna River met the enemy intrenched,
and had a fight without decisive results. Lieut. Appleton
was wounded."
The Battery fired 12 case shot, and 30 percussion.
John H. Welch transferred to the 5th Mass. Battery from
the Third Mass. was shot in the right breast in the battle of
the North Anna River, the ball passing through his body
and lodging in Lieut. Cargill's leg. He was taken to a hos
pital in Newark, N. J., and after his recovery returned to
the Battery. He had re-enlisted in the Third Mass. Bat
tery, and served to the end of the war in the Fifth Mass.
William A. Martis was wounded in the hip.
Last entry in Lieut. Nathan Appleton's Diary while con
nected with the Fifth Mass. Battery : —
"May 25, 1864. Wounded in the right arm and went
home."
LIEUT. APPLETON'S NOTES MAY, 1901.
"I was wounded the second day after the lively artillery
engagement we had with the Rebs by Jericho's Ford, just
over the North Anna river. The line was being pushed
along, always by the left flank, and some of our Brigade
batteries had been sent on away from the others, under the
command of Major Robert H. Fitzhugh, General Wain-
wright's chief of staff, who was generally off with some of
the batteries when the Brigade scattered.
General Wainwright asked me to ride down the lines to
see and report where these batteries were, telling me not tc
go far, in case I could not find them, and not to be gone
long. I thought I should only be absent a few minutes, —
a half hour at most, — and so started off, not even taking my
sabre, a rare occurrence with me, but which in this case

840 HISTORY OF THE
proved not inconvenient, and unaccompanied by an orderly.
So I rode on and on, without coming across the batteries,—
always expecting to, — along by the lines of the Sixth Corps,
where I saw General Horatio G. Wright in command, and
met Colonel Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., and had a chat
with him. On and on, several miles, until at last I came up
with Major Fitzhugh and the others.
Skirmishing with the enemy was going on, and it seemed
as if there would soon be work. I asked Fitzhugh if he
would like to have me remain with him, as he was quite
alone in command, and as he said he would, I decided to
take upon myself the responsibility of staying. So we bus
tled about to find some good places to put the batteries in
position. I remember going up to General Romeyn B.
Ayres, commanding the 2d Division of our Corps, and ask
ing his advice, for he was an old artillery officer, — which
he gave me. I dismounted from my horse, and went into
the woods with General Griffin, in command of the ist Di
vision, and we dodged behind the big trees to keep clear of
the Confederate bullets, which seemed to me almost absurd,
as they were firing so lightly and irregularly. One of his
staff, however, Captain Case of Cincinnati, was badly
wounded in the right arm about this time. [This was Cap
tain Thomas C. Case, 71st Ohio Volunteers.]
At length we found a fair place to put in one of the bat
teries, a little in from the edge of the woods, and close be
hind our skirmish line. The Virginia Central Railroad was
not far distant in front, and the nearest station on it was
called 'Noel's.' I was directed to stay out there to look
after the work of felling the trees, and throwing up some
hasty breastworks for our men.
The order was given for our infantry skirmishers not to
fire in front, so as not to attract fire from the enemy in re
turn while we were at work. But still, every now and then
a shot would come whizzing along, with its peculiar sound,

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 841
ending with a thud, or a crash against some tree. Sharp
shooters were supposed to be firing from the tree tops or
branches, and we were told to be careful not to expose our
selves suddenly. I recollect just then one of our artillery
boys was hit in the shoulder by a musket ball, and this I can
say was the only person I actually saw struck. He threw
up his arms, exclaiming, 'My God, I am hit.' He went to
the rear, but his wound proved to be no more than a bad
flesh wound, as I met him afterwards on the boat going to
Washington. At length my time arrived.
I was reclining on the ground against a small tree, watch
ing our men at work. My right arm and leg were exposed,
and suddenly I felt through them both a tremendous shock,
as if a big galvanic battery had been let loose upon me. I
knew at once I was shot, — it seemed to be all over me, —
and I saw the blood spirting in a stream from my right arm.
I was rather surprised to discover that I could walk. The
ball had gone clean through my arm and had stopped at the
calf of my leg, striking and glancing off from my boot. It
gave my leg a hard concussion, which later became inflamed
into quite a wound, but at first it did not trouble me. If I
had only thought of it, and preserved my presence of mind,
I might have picked up the bullet and kept it as a souvenir !
I suppose the ball came from a distance of nearly a mile,
and might be called a spent shot, but it went through my
arm without any difficulty. One of the artillery boys came
to me at once, and tied a handkerchief tightly round my
arm above the wound, which stopped the bleeding very
much, and then, leaning upon him, I walked through the
woods a quarter of a mile to the rear, where the ist Divi
sion staff was assembled at a turn in the road.
There was a curious jumble of thoughts in my mind as
we hobbled along. — Here was I, actually wounded, having
gone through that experience every soldier thinks of so

842 HISTORY OF THE
much and wonders how he will take it when it comes. Was
my wound a serious one, would I lose my arm by amputa
tion, would I die from the effects of it by mortification or
otherwise, as many did ? And so and so, strange reflections
dashed through my brain during that short walk of ten
minutes. As I met the ist Division staff they laid me softly
on the grass, and the surgeon came up, a nice young fel
low, ist Lieut. Dr. John Ryan, assistant surgeon of the 9th
Mass. Infantry, the famous Irish regiment, 'the bloody
9th,' which I knew so well. He bared my arm, and put
ting his thumb and finger through the hole until they met
in the middle, to see just what was the matter, he said heart
ily, 'You are all right, the bone is not touched, the arm is
safe, and you have got before you a pleasant "leave of ab
sence," and a chance to' get out of this for several weeks at
least. It's an elegant flesh wound.' I cannot express how
relieved I felt at this, and then the other officers began pok
ing fun at me, and congratulating me upon my great luck,
and I could see that indeed I was not an object of commisera
tion in those dangerous times. A stretcher was brought for
me, and on it I was carried some ways back to where there
was a temporary field hospital, filled with all kinds of
wounded men. Before leaving the ground where I was
lying with the ist Division staff, two or three of the boys
of our Battery came up to find out what was the matter
wih me, and I was much gratified at the interest they took
in me. I did not see General Wainwright, but I heard that
he was annoyed at my having gone off so far, contrary to
his directions, and then staying there, by which I got my
wound. However, it was done in good intent and could
not be helped. At the hospital I was soon made tolerabh
comfortable for the night. My servant Joe appeared then
to take care of me, and accompany me home, and Case and
myself bunked in, side by side, on the ground under a large
hospital tent.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 843
It was a hard sight to see all the other wounded, and hear
their groans, but we passed the night and the next day at
this field hospital. About dusk, a long train of ambulances
and wagons for the wounded was made up, to take us to
Washington, though I do not think we at all knew how we
were to get there, but supposed it would be mostly by boat.
Case and I had an ambulance between us, in which we could
lie down and were quite comfortable. I felt rather
ashamed, at being so well off with my slight flesh wound.
when there were so many serious cases who were so badly
provided for in the rough, springless wagons, but still I was
happy enough to take the place allotted me.
By the early grey of the morning we passed through the
little town of Bowling Green, some of the inhabitants gaz
ing at us through the windows, and then on and on, the
next day, until about two o'clock in the afternoon, when we
reached the Rappahannock River at Port Royal, where our
train went into park near the water. In the stream was
the old Sound steamer 'Connecticut' of the Stonington
line, ready to take a boat load of the wounded from the
Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and other fights, to Washing
ton, and from there to the hospitals or their homes. The
wounded all got on the boat during the afternoon, but it
took a long while to carry many of them on board, and we
started off during the evening. I had a decent berth, and
walked around and talked with the others during the pas
sage. There were a good many doctors and nurses who
tried to do their best, but it was no easy thing to look after
so many, and here I must say that my boy Joe Hunter per
formed most efficient service, making himself generally use
ful to all on board. I remember meeting the artillery man
who was shot just before me, and also a soldier who showed
me a bible he had through which a bullet had gone, while
in his pocket or knapsack. As this is one of those unusual
shots you often read of in tracts during war times, I am

S44 HISTORY OF THE
glad to verify it, and say unhesitatingly that I recollect
perfectly seeing this one.
On the after deck of the steamboat a sheet was spread
across, and behind this surgical operations and amputations
were going on all the time of our passage. We were two
nights and one day going down the Rappahannock and up
the Potomac to> Washington, where we arrived the morn
ing of the second day after our departure, which must have
been May 29th.
Case and I went right up to' a small hotel, the Owen
House, alongside of Willard's, and set to' work without
delay obtaining 'leaves of absence,' without which we could
not get out of Washington, and to arrange which just then
required a good deal of time and red tape formality. At
the end of about three days I received the following
order : — Head Quarters
Department of Washington,
Washington, D. C. May 30, 1864.
Special Order No. 133.
Leave of absence for Thirty (30) days is granted to Lieutenant
Nathan Appleton A. D. C. of the Artillery Brig. 5th Corps, on sur
geon's certificate of disability arising from wound, to proceed to his
home. At the expiration of this time he will report in person at
his command (or hospital), thence notifying these Headquarters by
letter. By command of Major General Augur.
Chas. Raymond,
Assistant Adjutant Gerteral.
By this time my arm was frightfully swollen, sloughing
freely, and I was beginning to feel feverish from it all. I
was glad to be off. I engaged my berth in the sleeping-car,
and a little before dusk I drove down with Joe to the old
Baltimore and Ohio railroad station. The jolting of the
hack was painful. I was feeling far from well, though
happy enough at the prospect of returning home, when
whom should I meet in the street but Professor Eben N.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 845
Horsford of Harvard University, whose aid to the Union
cause was strong, and who soon after the war was ap
pointed by Governor Andrew on the commission for the
defence of Boston Harbor, and prepared a report of the
plans to be pursued in the event of the approach of Confed
erate cruisers. He devised a marching ration for the army
which reduced transportation to a very low figure. He
stopped the carriage, gave me a warm and pleasant greet
ing, and I started off on my journey encouraged by his
cheery words and sympathetic presence.
We were soon en route, but the official would not allow
Joe to stay in the sleeping car, simply because he was a
negro, and negroes were not then allowed to travel in these
cars, quite ignoring the fact that he was the servant of a
sick and wounded officer of the Union army. I had not
been long in the car when a gentleman, a stranger came
to me and asked if I would not like to go to bed. He called
up the porter, had my bed made up at once, and told me
his berth was over mine. After helping me undress he said
if during the night I wanted water or anything I must call
upon him. I availed myself several times of his kindness,
and thanked him from the bottom of my heart. The next
morning he explained to me that he, himself, had once been
wounded, in South America, and knew what it was, and
that he had been incapacitated by bad health from taking
part in the war. I, stupidly, did not think at the time of
asking his name, but I shall never forget him, and I shall
only be too glad if he can know through these lines of my
gratitude for what he did for me during that long night
railroad journey.
On arrival in New York I drove to the Astor House
where my friends were sent for and a surgeon to dress my
wound. I went to Boston that night by the Stonington
line driving up to' 39 Beacon street about seven o'clock the
next morning. Again at home with all its comforts and

846 HISTORY OF THE
attentions which had been prepared for me, I was attended
by Dr. Henry J. Bigelow, and later by Dr. John Mason
Warren. A month after I was wounded I was given the following
CERTIFICATE OF EXAMINATION.
Lieut. Nathan Appleton, A. D. C. of the 5th Mass. Battery, having
applied for a certificate on which to ground an application for leave
of absence, I do hereby certify that I have carefully examined this
officer, and find that he is invalided in Boston, suffering from a gun
shot wound in right arm received in action May 25, 1864. The wound
is still suppurating. And that in consequence thereof he is in my
opinion unfit for duty. I further declare my belief that he will not
be able to resume his duties in a less period than twenty days from
June 29th, 1864, and is unable to travel without increasing the risk
of permanent disability.
Dated at Boston the 25th day of June, 1864.
Anson P. Hooker, M. D.
Approved A. N. McLaren,
Surgeon U. S. A.
Med. Director.
At the summer residence of my family at Lynn I had a
doctor look after me who did not at all comprehend the case.
My arm was bent at almost a right angle, from carrying it
in the position it was held in the sling, and he proposed to
cut the cords to let it down straight. Fortunately this ex
periment was not tried, and Dr. Warren, as Dr. Bigelow
was on his vacation, later took hold of it and straightened
it in a great degree, simply by pulling it down by main
force every few days, and getting it out a little straighter at
each trial, even today (1901) it is not perfectly so, and
never will be, and two scars are plainly marked on it with
a loss of flesh and muscle between them, otherwise it is all
right. On the 25th of July, 1896, I had a Roentgen X Ray
photograph taken of my arm by Professor Clinton E. Dol-
bear, at 20 Tremont street, Boston; about 7 minutes expos
ure. It shows that the flesh has never filled up in the line

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 847
of the wound. The bone was not touched by the bullet.
The wound on the leg made quite a sore for a time, but
dressing and plaster soon cured it, as it was merely a shock
against the skin and the flesh beyond.
In August, 1864, I received another
CERTIFICATE OF EXAMINATION OF GUNSHOT WOUND.
Lieut. Nathan Appleton A. D. C. of the sth Mass. Battery, having
applied for a certificate on which to ground an application for leave of
absence, I do hereby certify that I have carefully examined the officer,
and find that he is invalided in Boston, Mass., suffering from the
effects of Anchylosis of the right elbow joint, the result of a gunshot
wound received in action May 25th, 1864, and in consequence thereof,
he is, in my opinion, unfit for duty. I further declare my belief that he
will not be able to resume his duties in a less period than twenty days
from August 28, 1864, and is unable to travel without incurring the
risk of permanent disability. Prospect of recovery — not remote.
Dated at Boston this 27th day of August, 1864.
Wm. J. Dale, A. S., U. S. A.
Approved A. N. McLaren,
Surgeon U. S. A.,
Med. Director.
But in the mean time I had sent in my resignation, and
the circumstances of my promotion and subsequent dis
charge from the service were peculiar.
By Blake's death at the Battle of Petersburg (see p. 877)
I was commissioned First Lieutenant, and this of course
made a vacancy for another Second Lieutenant in the Bat
tery. Hamblet was promoted and commissioned, but, by
some stupid red tape arrangement, it was impossible for
either he or I to be mustered in to our new positions except
actuaUy in the field, and from the date of muster only could
pay be drawn. This was of no importance to me, but it
was to him in the matter of pay, and, as I did not wish to
return to the army until my arm was quite well, I found I
was keeping the other lieutenant out. So, I resigned and
was honorably discharged for disability, though all the time

848 HISTORY OF THE
I had the fixed intention of rejoining after a short trip
abroad. ORDER OF DISCHARGE.
War Department Adiutant General's Office,
Washington, Aug. 25, 1864.
Special Order
No. 280 Extract.
19. 2d Lieut. Nathan Appleton Sth Mass. Battery, having tendered
his resignation, is hereby honorably discharged the service of the
United States, on account of physical disability from wounds received
in action, with condition that he shall receive no final payments until
he has satisfied the Pay Department that he is not indebted to the
Government. By Order of the Secretary of War.
(Signed) E. D. Townsend,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Official :
(Signed) Ford. Morris,
Lieut, and A. A. A. G.
Official :
(Signed) Charles A. Phillips, Capt.
Sth Mass. Battery.
In a letter dated Hd. Qrs. Art'y Brigade, 5th Corps. Sept.
8, 1864, General C. S. Wainwright wrote me: —
T was very sorry to get your resignation, though I think that it
was perhaps the best thing you could do, as your wound continued to
trouble you so much. I had anticipated a good deal of pleasure in
having you with me. As it is I have not got any one in1 your place.
Matthewson has been made a captain and commands his company.
Morris is still A. A. G. and Canfield my only aide.'

While writing this sketch several men of the Battery
come to my remembrance with peculiar distinctness on ac
count of their positions in the Battery. There was Winters
the bugler, much older than most of the members of the
Battery when he enlisted with some of the first recruits, and
the other bugler, Tucker, and also Hayden the Battery

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 849
guidon. The letter carrier too was important in the expe
rience of the Battery. The young fellow who used to shave
me was Niles. The forms of the farriers and teamsters too
come back to me, and there were two cooks, Burt and
Phippen, the latter waited at our mess, and also drove on
the march the two-wheeled battery cart we officers had for
our own personal effects, and which was of the greatest
convenience and comfort.
On the 18th of March, 1865, I was commissioned As
sistant Inspector General on the staff of the Commander-in-
Chief of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Governor
John A. Andrew, and duly took the oath as Captain on
March 27th. I immediately started for the front to report
to General Wainwright still in command of the Artillery
Brigade, Fifth Army Corps, to whom I was detailed as
Volunteer aide de camp.
I was present at the Battle of Five Forks and at the
Surrender at Appomattox, and marched with the Army of
the Potomac in the Grand Review of May 22d, 1865, riding
my favorite horse 'Folko,' who had been left with General
Wainwright while I was away from the Army, the little
one remaining with the Battery.
COPY OF A BREVET.
The
President of the United States of America.
[Seal of the
U. S. A. War Office.]
(Picture of an eagle with outspread wings beneath the motto
'E Pluribus Unum.')
To All who shall see These Presents Greeting.
Know ye, That I do hereby confer on Nathan Appleton, of the
United States Volunteers, in the service of the United States by and
with the advice and consent of the Senate, the rank of Captain By
Brevet, in said service, to rank as such from the thirteenth day of
March, and in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
sixty-five, for gallant and meritorious conduct at the battle on Virginia
Central Railroad.

850 HISTORY OF THE
And I do strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers under
his command, to obey and respect him accordingly, and he is to observe
and follow such orders and directions from time to time, as he shall
receive from me, or the future President of the United States of
America, and other officers set over him, according to law, and the
rules and discipline of War, this Commission to continue in force
during the pleasure of the President of the United States for the time
being. Given under my hand at the City of Washington this twenty-fifth
day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
sixty-five, and in the ninety-first year of the Independence of the
United States. By the President. Andrew Johnson.
Edwin M. Stanton
Secretary of War.
At the bottom of the document is an elaborate drawing,
representing the arms, munitions, and emblems of the ser
vice, and on the upper left hand corner the words : —
"Recorded Volume 5, Page 47, Adj't. General's Office, August 25.
1865. E. D. Townsend, Ass't Adj't. General.

October 30, 1866, a letter was sent me from the War
Department, Adjutant General's Office, Washington, as
follows : —
Sir : I have the honor to enclose to you herewith, your commission
of Brevet Captain, the receipt of which please acknowledge.
I am sir, very respectfully Your obedient servant J. C. Kelton,
Assistant Adjutant Gen'l.
Brevet Captain Nathan Appleton
U. S. Volunteers.

This letter did not reach me in regular course, for I had
set out on my third voyage across the Atlantic."

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
THE BATTLE OF BETHESDA CHURCH.
June 3, 1864.
"Thou shouldst die as he dies
For whom none sheddeth tears;
Filling thine eys
And fulfilling thine ears
With the brilliance of battle, the bloom and the beauty,
the splendor of spears.'' — Swinburne.
It has been seen that General Grant's order to General
Meade dated Quarle's Mills, Va., May 25, 1864, directed
him to observe the following explicit instructions viz.,
"As soon as it is dark tomorrow night, start the Division which you
withdraw first from Wright's (Sixth) Corps, to make a forced march
to Hanover Town (within 20 miles of Richmond) taking with them no
trains to impede the march. At the same time this Division starts, com
mence withdrawing all of the Fifth and Sixth Corps from the south
side of the river and march them for the same place. ... As soon as
the troops reach Hanover Town they should get possession of all the
crossings they can in that neighborhood."
On the 26th of May, 1864, the base of supplies of the
Army of the Potomac was ordered to be established at
White House on the Pamunkey River. The relative posi
tion of the two armies was as follows : —
The Right of the Confederate Army rested on a swamp
east of the Richmond and Fredericksburg railroad and south
of the North Anna River, their Centre on the river at Ox
Ford and their Left at Little River. The Second Corps of
the Union Army, with one Division of the Ninth Corps,
851

852 HISTORY OF THE
had crossed at Chesterfield Ford, and covered the Right
wing of Lee's Army. One Division of the Ninth Corps
was on the north bank of the North Anna at Ox Ford, con
venient for reinforcing either wing of our army. From a
point at a short distance above Ox Ford on the south bank
of the river to Little River parallel to the enemy's lines,
were the Fifth and Sixth Corps and one Division of the
Ninth Corps. The line during the 26th was extended to the
Left to join the Ninth Corps. The three batteries with
Major Robert H. Fitzhugh, — 4th U. S. Battery B, the
Fifth Mass. Battery, and the 15th N. Y. Independent Bat
tery, were engaged at times on the skirmish line of the front
of the First Division Fifth Corps under Griffin, but could
ehcit no response from the enemy's artillery, although the
15th N. Y. and the Fifth Mass. Batteries suffered consid
erably from the enemy's sharpshooters. The artillery, how
ever, accomplished the object for which it was posted, by
silencing in a measure the enemy's skirmishers in front of
the First Division.
The Sixth Corps, commanded by General H. G. Wright,
had all reached Cold Harbor at 2 p. m. of June ist, and
General W. F. Smith, with his command from the Army of
the James, arrived there an hour after. General AVarren
was then in command of the Fifth Corps, and the enemy
with all its Corps consolidated, were intrenched in line of
battle in front of him. At night Hancock with the Second
Corps arrived, and was placed on the left of the Sixth
Corps, across the MechanicsviUe road. In order to unite
with the right of Smith's command, the left of the Fifth
Corps was obliged to hold a line three miles in extent, from
Bethesda Church to' Smith's position. The ist Division
Fifth Corps under Griffin, was massed at Bethesda Church.
The cavalry were ordered to protect the Right of the Army
from Bethesda Church to the Pamunkey River.
On the afternoon of June 2d, the confederate general

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 853
Early attacked the Right flank of our army and the other
divisions of their army moved forward, attacking ours at
various unprotected points, ending with a desperate charge
along the whole line, but were forced back to the road by
our infantry. A part of the Ninth Corps was driven in and
the enemy got in the rear of the Fifth Corps skirmish line,
but at dark their advance was checked, and the enemy re
mained where they were at nightfall and intrenched. Gen
eral Grant says of the action of our troops that "the at
tacks were repulsed but not followed up as they should have
been," — the old complaint, but General Grant went farther.
He says : — "I was so annoyed at this that I directed Meade
to give orders to his corps commanders that they should
seize all such opportunities, when they occurred, and not
wait for orders, all of our movements being made for the
very purpose of getting the enemy out of his cover."
On the 3d the enemy's lines extended from the Totopot-
omoy to New Cold Harbor : the Union lines from Bethesda
Church by Old Cold Harbor to the Chickahominy. That
day the troops under Generals Hancock, Wright and Smith
assaulted the enemy's works at Cold Harbor and captured
some rifle pits, while the Ninth Corps under Burnside and
part of the Fifth Corps attacked the Confederate position
near Bethesda Church in order to clear the MechanicsviUe
turnpike, and carried an advanced line under a galling fire
of artillery and musketry, the enemy's batteries being
securely posted under cover. This closed the offensive oper
ations of our forces at that point.
The rebels left our front in the night June 4th.
On June 7th our lines were extended from the Chicka
hominy River to which the Second Corps line reached, to
Despatch Station on the York River railroad, and the cav
alry were sent to Charlottesville and Gordonsville to destroy
the Virginia Central railroad and its connections; Grant's
plan being, after having the Army supplied with rations

854 HISTORY OF THE
to once more move the Army to the south side of the
James River. This movement commenced after dark on the
1 2th of June. Griffin's ist Division with 4th U. S. Battery
B, ist N. Y. Battery D, and the Fifth Mass. Battery, led
the column.
The Fifth Corps followed by the Second Corps withdrew
from Cold Harbor, crossed the Chickahominy at Long
Bridge, passed through Charles City county and reached
the James River on the evening of the 13th; the cavalry
protecting the movement over the White Oak Swamp. The
Sixth and Ninth Corps crossed the Chickahominy at Jones
Bridge and General W. F. Smith took his troops of the
Eighteenth Corps back to the White House and thence to
City Point. The enemy were in possession of the ground
from Malvern Hill to White Oak Swamp. In the wake of
our Army moved 3000 head of beef cattle and 50 miles
of wagon trains.
Looking back along the track over which they had
fought their way from the banks of the Rapidan, they could
count forty-three days of almost continuous fighting, with
the loss of fifty-four thousand nine hundred and twenty-six
men. The list of casualties in the Artillery Brigade of the
Fifth Corps in the operations about Cold Harbor and
Bethesda Church numbered 35. Of this loss 25 was suf
fered by the Fifth Mass. Battery, ist N. Y. Battery D, and
4th U. S. Battery B. As to the effect on the enemy Gen
eral Grant says in his report : —
"The battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, and
Lold Harbor, bloody and terrible as they were on our side, were even
more damaging to the enemy, and so crippled him as to make him wary
ever after of taking the offensive."
On June 14th General Grant had determined to transfer
the Army south of the James River, and the Eighteenth
Corps under General Smith having arrived back at Bermuda
Hundred, 50 miles south of Cold Harbor, General Grant
personally visited that point and gave orders for General

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 855
Smith with all available troops, to move directly upon
Petersburg where at that time the intrenchments were held
by only a few troops, and General Smith moved as ordered
and .reached Petersburg before daylight of the 15th of June,
1864.
AS RELATED BY MEMBERS OF THE BATTERY.
At daylight of the 26th of May, returned to our position.
During the day fired 4 percussion shell. Marched all that
night with Griffin's Division, recrossing the North Anna
River at Quarle's Mills : then marched south along the river.
The object of this movement was by flanking him again to
turn the position from which Lee could not be forced. The
whole Fifth Corps crossed the North Anna River having
accomplished destroying the railroad.
May 2f, 1864. Passed Carmel Church on the way down
the Pamunkey River, halting for an hour at noon. Plenty
of forage through the country, pigs in droves and flocks of
turkeys and poultry. Marched all the night of the 26th,
and all day of the 27th. The infantry were pretty well
used up, having very sore feet. At 4 o'clock halted for a
short time. Passed a plantation owned by a widow Carle
ton, containing 34 buildings and 50 slaves.
May 28, 1864. Reveille at 3 a. m., started at 5, marched
about 12 miles. Passed Hebron Church, Corinth Church,
Enfield, and having crossed the Pamunkey River, went into
line and remained for the night. Beautiful spring weather.
The Battery marched ahead of the Artillery Brigade at
tached to the Fifth Corps, and crossed the Pamunkey at
Hanover Town about noon.
Found the cavalry engaged with the enemy, and were
placed in position in a road on the left flank of the Fifth
Corps, which formed line of battle at 3 p. m., and built
breastworks with the batteries in position behind them, the

856 HISTORY OF THE
enemy having been found entrenched in our front. The
left of the Fifth Corps rested on Totopotomoy Creek, and
the right crossed the main road to what was called "Hawes's
Store." The positions of the batteries from right to left,
were Battery B, ist Penn., 4th U. S. Battery B, Ninth
Mass. Battery, Battery C, ist N. Y., Batteries E and L, ist
N. Y., Fifth Mass. Battery.
May 29th, came out of position and advanced about 2
miles by way of "Hawes's Store," on a very dusty road, to
the left of our line which reached across and a short distance
beyond Totopotomoy Creek : the same ground from which
the enemy was driven.
"At dark (Dyer's Notes) unhitched and unharnessed,
got supper and turned in for the night. It is six months
since the horse fell upon me, and I think I shall always
remember him, also James Kay, who did all he could for
me." Our fortifications were being strengthened. The men
caught a calf and killed it. They found it, they said, very
nice veal.
May 30th, 1864, advanced about a mile and a half over
ground which the enemy had just left. They attacked our
forces in the afternoon, and were driven back. The men
made a stew of veal and went to bed at 11 p. m.
May 31st the Battery was roused at daylight. Oppor
tunity was given during the day for a change of clothes.
Very hot day. The horses remained in harness all day,
from 6 a. m. Heavy firing came up from our forces a long
distance to the left. This was the attack made upon the
Fifth Corps, General G. K. Warren commanding, by the
rebel general Early who was attempting to' turn Warren's
left. To relieve this pressure General Meade ordered an
attack along the whole line.
June ist. Boots and saddles were sounded at 8 o'clock.
Moved to the front. Stopped in the woods till 3 p. m., then

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 857
went into' position on the left of the Sth Corps, on the
MechanicsviUe road. Dyer wrote, "The heaviest fighting
there has been, both of artillery and infantry, occurred from
4 p. m. till 9 p. m. At io turned in, with orders to get up
at 2."
Halted for the night at Barnett' s Tavern.
June 2d, General Meade ordered the Ninth Corps to re
lieve the Fifth Corps, but the Ninth Corps under the com
mand of Major-General A. E. Burnside, was attacked while
moving to the rear of Warren's right to protect that flank,
and the Fifth Corps was involved in the battle that followed.
June 2d, 1864, a new arrangement, believed to be perma
nent, was made with the artillery. The Fifth Mass. Bat
tery, Battery B, 4th U. S., Lieut. James Stewart, and Bat
tery D, ist N. Y., Lieut. L. I. Richardson, were assigned
to the First Division, Fifth Corps, commanded by General
Charles Griffin then massed at Bethesda Church, and dur
ing the night orders were received by Captain Charles A.
Phillips of the Fifth Mass. Battery, placing him in command
as chief of the Division Artillery. Senior First Lieutenant
Peleg W. Blake' was left in command of the Fifth Mass.
Battery. Captain Phillips reported at Division Head Quarters at
daylight of the 2d, and in the afternoon he placed Lieut.
Stewart's Battery in position on the MechanicsviUe road,
and at dark changed his position, and brought up Lieut.
Richardson's. At daylight of the 3d he placed Lieut.
Blake's with the others.
"June 2d. (Shackley's Notes) Captain Phillips com
mands the artillery of the ist Division, 5th Corps. Fred
D. Alden was wounded' through the lower part of the body.
Died. William Reynolds had thigh broken near the hip."

858 HISTORY OF THE
DEATH OF F. D. ALDEN.
Notes of Corporal Shackley.
"While the Battery was in close order awaiting Orders,
William Reynolds was inside the left wheel of the Gun, his
back against the wheel. F. D. Alden, with his elbows on
the Gun, was facing Reynolds. Alden's back towards the
enemy. Corporal Shackley was sitting on the caisson eating
hard tack, when a rebel shell struck the ground some 50
yards away, ricocheted, and struck Alden at the base of his
spinal column, going completely through, and smashing
the pelvis bone, making the most terrible wound. Alden
lived nearly two hours after being wounded. Reynolds had
one of his legs broken near the hip, but recovered from his
hurt. Both the sponge staves were broken, and the muzzle-
sight was knocked off the piece. Corporal Shackley saw
the shell strike the ground and watched its course until it
stopped. It did not explode."

Dyer says on June 2d: — "Hitched up at 2\ o'clock, got
breakfast and left park at daybreak. Went off to the right,
stopped till 10, went back to our old position, unhitched
and unharnessed. At 2 p. m. hitched up, formed line of
battle. Fighting commenced at 3, and continued with a
continual roll till 9 p. m. Fred D. Alden mortally wounded,
and Wm. Reynolds badly wounded. Allen Almy came to
see me."
From Shackley's of June 3d: — "W. H. H. Lapham was
killed and buried in a box near a small tree, and his name
marked on a piece of board nailed to the tree. The Battery
took position and fired about 400 rounds. The Battery
charged half way across the field and drove a rebel battery
from their position."
Bethesda Church is about five miles from MechanicsviUe,
Va., by the Old Church Road, and about three miles from

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 859
Gaines Mills, the scene of the battle of June 27, 1862.
There was a belt of woods in front of the church, which at
the narrowest was about three-eighths of a mile, but broad
ened out to' the width of half a mile at the widest part. The
advanced position of the rebel intrenchments faced this
widest portion of the woods a few hundred yards away, and
were built on a line parallel to and a little in advance of an
other road southeast of Bethesda Church, which was at
right angles with Old Church Road.
REPORT OF LIEUT. L. I. RICHARDSON.
"June 2. — Marched out at it a. m. to near the position of the 30th:
went in park near Bethesda Church. While here I received orders to
put my battery in position, faced to the rear. Moved out of position
about 5 p. m., and went into park, where I remained until dark. I
then received orders to move my battery out tc the front, — our rear,—
where I was assigned my position by Captain Phillips. I then went in
camp for the night.
June 3d : The enemy opened upon us this morning to which we re
plied, — my position was the left of the three batteries B, Fourth United
States on my right, and E, Fifth Massachusetts on the right of that, —
and silencing them, they soon moved to another position, and again we
silenced them, but this time it cost me dearly. It was here I lost the
brave and efficient officer Lieutenant (Charles) de Mott, he being
struck with a piece of case-shot, which passed through him, killing him
instantly ; I also lost I man killed and 4 wounded, at this place.
At this time the enemy had an enfilading fire upon us, as well as the
fire in our front ; we could do nothing with them only in our front.
Our line of battle soon advanced, and I was ordered, — with the other
batteries, — to advance on the open plain in my front. As I moved up,
the enemy opened on us with canister, but with little effect. I soon
got my position, and we silenced the enemy's battery, so much so that
one hour after getting this position, not a shot was fired from them. In
this position I lost 1 man killed and 2 wounded."
ACTION OF STEWART'S FOURTH U. S.
Augustus Buell of this battery says of its action at
Bethesda Church, in his book entitled "The Cannoneer,"
"Story of a Private Soldier" : —
"In our front, where the MechanicsviUe Pike entered the grove or

860 HISTORY OF THE
woods, west of the Bethesda Church, there was a clearing which ex
tended some distance into the woods, forming a sort of pocket or recess.
This clearing may have been io or 15 acres in extent, and was of a tri
angular shape, so that it was commanded by the woods on both flanks.
It was in this clearing, about at the base of the triangle, that the enemy
came in battery. Between us and the enemy there was a stretch of low
ground, somewhat grown up with small brush, and the old pike was
graded up to some extent through this low ground. . When the
Rebel battery came into position, we were 'standing at ease' in column
just back of Bethesda Church. The battery was halted in column of
pieces, left in front. The Old Man (Stewart) was lounging on his
saddle, near the right gun, with his elbow on the pommel and his chin
resting on his hand. . Suddenly Gen. Griffin beckoned to Stewart,
who left us and rode over toward the General. A few words
passed between the General and Stewart, which I did not hear, of
course, being at that moment in the act of mounting the limber-chest,
but afterward learned that Gen. Griffin said : 'James' — he usually called
Stewart by his first name in that way — 'can you go in battery under
that fire?'
'Yes, sir; where shall I unlimber?'
'Suit yourself about that, but keep an eye to your supports. I would
like to see that battery silenced.'
'I will shut it up, sir.' "
Of the appearance of the battery in the charge, he says : —
"Every Driver lying' forward on his horse, whipping and yelling;
every Gunner and Cannoneer hanging on for life to the guard-rods of
the limber-chests, and bounding six inches high from the springless
seats as the huge wheels flew over the ruts ; a long trail of dust stream
ing behind, and the very earth made to smoke and tremble under the
fierce tramp of the flying steeds ! Speed was everything here, because
it was necessary to get there quick and get to work, before the enemy
could get many rounds into us. We had 13 or 14 men hit altogether
in this affair, of whom 10 or II went down in the single minute that it
took us to unlimber and get in the first load. . . . The day being hot
and sultry, with no air stirring, the smoke hung right in front of us,
so that after the second or third round we could not see the enemy at
all, but we could hear his canister rattling among our guns and wheels
like big hail-stones, or whizzing past our heads, or whirring through
the grass and bushes. But we had the exact direction by the well-
defined tracks of the wheels in the first recoil, so there was no difficulty
in pointing, and all we had to do was "keep her muzzle down.' In three
minutes we could feel the enemy's fire slacken. In seven or eight min
utes more he ceased entirely, and then, as the smoke lifted, we saw his
deserted guns standing silent in the field!"

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 861
FROM THE HISTORY OF THE THIRD MASS.
BATTERY.
In his account of the part taken in the Battle of Bethesda
Church by the Third Mass. Battery, the historian says : — -
"The three batteries of Griffin's Division were placed in an open
field just across the road from Bethesda Church the enemy being
strongly intrenched in front. Early in the morning the Ninth Corps
advanced on our right, and soon after an advance was made by the
Second Brigade of Griffin's Division. This brigade was annoyed in its
advance by the fire of a rebel battery, and our artillery was ordered to
follow it up to silence the enemy's guns.
The three batteries, — the 3d, sth, and crth Mass. — then advanced 'by
battery,' the Fifth Massachusetts leading, across the open field inter
vening, until within canister range, where we were obliged to halt by
the enemy's sharpshooters. A heavy fire was poured into the rebel
battery, which effectually silenced it, and the next morning, when the
enemy abandoned their works twenrty-two dead horses were found
where their battery had stood."

MAJ. GEN. BURNSIDE TO MAJ. GEN. WARREN.
"12.30 p. m. June 3, 1864: General Griffin is ready to do what he can
with Sweitzer's brigade and his batteries. Colonel Sweitzer reports the
enemy moving to our left."

Post Script to letter of Brig. Gen. Robert B. Potter, com
manding the- 2d Division Ninth Army Corps, 2.25 p. m.
June 3, 1864:—
"Griffin I fear will make nothing. The enemy's works are across
an open field and extend beyond his right. He does not think he can
carry them."
Gen. Jacob B. Sweitzer, colonel commanding Brigade, to
General C. Griffin June 4, 1864, 5 a. m. :—
"General : I have the honor to report that my pickets have advanced,
and are now in the rebel earthworks in my front. The enemy have
left."
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS' REPORT.
Captain Phillips in his Report to Lieut. Fordham Morris.
acting assistant adjutant general of the Artillery Brigade

S62 HISTORY OF THE
of the Fifth Army Corps, dated Aug. 6, 1864, and embrac
ing the period between May 4, 1864, and that date, contains
the following reference to the Battle of Bethesda Church : —
"After crossing the Pamunkey we were not engaged until
the 3d of June. On the ist of June, Stewart's (B, 4th
U. S.) Winslow's (D, ist N. Y.) and my own Battery
were assigned to Griffin's Division and remained with if
during the rest of the campaign. On the 3d of June, my
Battery was placed in line with Sweitzer' s Brigade and on
the right of Lieut. Stewart on the right of the Mechanics
viUe pike opposite Bethesda Church.
Early in the morning the three batteries of the Division
engaged a rebel battery in our front, and silenced it. In the
forenoon Sweitzer's Brigade advanced across the open field
in our front, whereupon the rebel battery reopened, annoy
ing them very much, as its fire nearly enfiladed the brigade.
The three batteries at once advanced, firing by battery,
until within 600 yards of the rebel battery, which was soon
silenced. The next morning we discovered about 20 dead
horses in the position occupied by the rebel battery, showing
the accuracy of our fire: casualties one killed.
Casualties during the epoch 2 killed, one wounded."
At the close of this Report Captain Phillips again refers
to this action as foUows : —
"I desire to bear testimony to the ability and uniform
good conduct of the officers and men of my command.
While, attached to General Griffin's Division I was in com
mand of the Division Artillery, leaving the Battery under
the immediate command of my senior officer. Lieut. Blake
was in command at Bethesda Church and until his death on
the 1 8th of June at Petersburg, and handled the battery
with marked ability and bravery."
NOTES OF LIEUT. T. E. SPEAR. JULY 24, 1901.
"The killing of one man and the wounding of Reynolds

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 863
by a ricochet shot, the terrible enfilading fire we were under,
and the charge made by the Battery from the rifle pits
across an open field to' a position not over five hundred
yards from the enemy's position or earthworks, is my re
membrance of this fight."
NOTES OF PRIVATE WM. H. DUNHAM, MARCH
29, 1901.
"On June 3d, 1864, occurred one of the most daring
things of the war, the charge of the 5th Mass. Battery.
This was the first instance ever known of any battery mak
ing a charge unprotected by infantry. The position of the
rebel battery was such that it was able to annoy our infan
try, without receiving any check. "General Griffin saw that
if a battery could advance to a knoll within 400 yards of
them, the advantage would then be ours. He came to
Captain Phillips and said, 'Dare you take your battery
to yonder knoll?'
Captain Phillips answered, —
'I dare take my men anywhere.'
General Griffin then said : T want a battery on that knoll,
but I do not order you there.'
However, orders were immediately given by Captain
Phillips. I, as No. 1, took my sponge staff and bucket, William
Carsley as No. 2, a round of ammunition, and so on. The
order was then given, —
'Limber to the front, double quick. March !'
We started in on the yell under a heavy fire. The i4t i
New York were in our rear, they told us they did not ex
pect to see a man or horse standing.
As soon as we came in battery, there was rapid work
until the rebels were silenced. Our only casualty was the
loss of Comrade W. H. H. Lapham, who was killed during
the charge in the open field.

864 HISTORY OF THE
The next day, on the spot which the rebels had occupied,
were found io new graves marked 4th Georgia Battery;
also, 22 dead horses, showing the effect of our guns."
From John E. Dyer's Notes of June 3d, 1864: —
"Hitched up at daylight and went in position. Soon the
ball opened, and continued without intermission till 11 a. m.,
when General Griffin ordered the Battery to> charge with the
infantry. We went in with a yell, driving the Rebs, and
came in position a 4- of a mile in advance of our breast
works. One of our comrades, W. H. H. Lapham, was
killed. Kept firing at intervals. The sharpshooters kept
pegging all day."
The mention in Appleton's Diary is : — "At Bethesda
Church, Lapham (of Quincy) our best dressed man, one
of the service of the piece, was killed."
Fired 172 case shot, 224 Percussion.
Quarter Master Sergeant Peacock's memoranda for
June 2d shows, "2 sponge staffs broken by a shell."
June 4, 1864, the supplies came up. The Battery re
mained all day in position, and withdrew at night. The
Rebs. attacked our Right Centre to gain the road, but were
repulsed. The Ninth Corps moved to the left at dark, and
Griffin's Division of the Fifth Corps formed the extreme
Right of the line crossing the MechanicsviUe road in front
of Bethesda Church, and extending about three-quarters of
a mile from the road. At 9 o'clock p. m. turned in. The
morning of Sunday the 5th hitched up at daylight, fed,
watered, and then unharnessed. All that day remained
in position near Bethesda Church.
Corporal Shackley notes on June 5th, 1864: — -"A part
of our company fund was used to buy some cheese."
THE COMPANY FUND.
In a letter written to Captain Henry D. Scott by Serg't.
William H. Peacock in Chicago, Sept. 7, 1900, he says : —

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 865
"In my old book you will notice some sums collected for
Company Fund. I think I was the only Quarter Master
in the Battery that ever got pay for the rations we saved
on, or did not draw. From my recollection now we were
unable to make a fund after leaving Winter Quarters, but
we had this winter saved money to use during the summer.
COMPANY SAVINGS, 1864.
January  $76.05
February  167.30
March  125.87
April  :  99.68

$468.90
I think this was the only 'savings' by us made during the
war. It was used mostly while in camp at Rappahannock
Station, yet a portion was kept for the Grant campaign."
Shackley's Notes of June 5, 1864, resumed: — "About
sunset had orders to move. Just then the Rebs made a vio
lent attack on our Left which soon extended along the
whole line. We got on the road about 10 p. m. and halted
a little after sunrise, having moved about four miles during
the night."
At 5 p. m. hitched up, and at dark received orders to fall
in behind the ist Division. The Fifth Corps started to go
to the left. Marched all night. At daylight of the 6th
passed Allen's Mills and camped a mile beyond, about two
miles from Cold Harbor.
In camp made coffee and then lay down to rest. At 11
a. m. unharnessed. Remained in park all day. The Second
Corps did some shelling.
Among Dyer's memoranda for this day, is a mention of
Lute Shaw's coming up : "Got some butter and pickles of
Stephen Townsend. Went to bed at 9 p. m. The bands
all playing in big style. June 7th packed up and hitched

866 HISTORY OF THE
up at 2 a. m. At daylight started with the ist Division, and
after marching 5 miles went into camp. The infantry went
into position, there being no place for artillery. Our skir
mishers were put along the Chickahominy by Sumner's
Bridge. The Rebs shelled us at intervals all day. At dark
they threw a few 64 pounders."
Shackley, June 7th : — "Moved at sunrise and halted near
Despatch Station. The enemy shelled us slowly all day till
near midnight, but no great damage was done."
LETTER OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
*
"On the Chickahominy near
Sumner's Lower Bridge,
June 8, 1864.
. . . Yesterday Griffin's and Cutler's Divisions marched
at 3^ a. m. for this place. General Bartlett's Brigade put
pickets on the Chickahominy at Sumner's Lower Bridge,
after a little skirmishing, and one of Cutler's Brigades
gained possession of one end of the R. R. bridge. AVhile
doing it the Rebs fired at them from a 5 inch rifled gun,
mounted on an iron clad R. R. car. I saw one of the shells
at General Griffin's Hd. Qrs., which weighed empty 57J
pounds. We then went quietly into camp, and are now
holding the banks of the Chickahominy. We occupy the
ground occupied by the 2d Corps before the battle of Fair
Oaks, and General Griffin's Hd. Qrs. — close by us, — are in
a house occupied by General Sumner 2 years ago. The
rebels have some guns across the river, and occupy their
leisure moments in shelling us. However, as thev cannot
see us, their shells are rather a harmless kind of fireworks.
We are very pleasantly placed now that we are attached to
Griffin's Division. Griffin is a good general, and has one of
the best Divisions in the Army ; acknowledged to be by all
odds the best Division in this Corps. General Griffin under-

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 867
stands artillery, and I suppose selected the batteries to be
assigned to him. Our Battery is very well liked in the
Division, and all the officers I have seen seem well pleased
at having us with them. I am now Division Chief of Artil
lery and command 3 batteries. I have had a captain as
signed to duty on my staff. I would be very willing to
yield my position if Captain Martin would come back with
a double-breasted coat and take it, as I hope he will.
June 9, 1864. P. S. I am sorry to have to add a list
of killed and wounded after I finished yesterday June 8.
Killed Charles P. Carling, Wm. J. Sheergold. Wounded,
Henry D. Crapo leg, will lose his leg, perhaps, and life, —
David McVey right side severely. Edward F. Smith neck
and chest severely, but not dangerously. The three last
are from New Bedford. P. Emerson slightly.
P. S. Henry D. Crapo died on reaching the hospital."
From Phillips' Diary: "June 8, 1864. Carling and
Sheergold were buried just across the road. June 9.
Buried Crapo with the other two men."
Notes of Corporal Shackley: "June 8, 1864. While
quietly eating our supper the Rebs run a car on the railroad
out towards White House Landing, with a piece of artillery
on the car, and without coming in sight of us fired three
shells, one of which fell short of us, the third passed beyond
us, but the second fell right in our midst. ( Dyer says it was
a ten pound Parrott shell) and exploded, killing Charles P.
Carling, Wm. J. Sheergold, fatally wounding Henry D.
Crapo', and seriously wounding E. F. Smith, David McVey,
Mortier Gale, Paesiello Emerson. The three dead were
enclosed in boxes and buried under a large oak tree. Their
names were placed over their graves, and all enclosed with
a simple fence. Rev. Mr. Sage of the 4th Michigan Infan
try performed the funeral service."
In Q. M. Serg't. Peacock's Account Book is the following
entry: — "June 8, 1864. Make certificate for 41 havresacks

868 HISTORY OF THE
unserviceable, and 33 canteens abandoned. 3 shelter tents
destroyed by bursting of shell. John G. Hiller."
June ioth received 10 new horses. Remained in camp
all day. Grained horses twice during the day. The 4th
Division Fifth Corps moved down on the left. Some
shelling towards night. A hot day.
June 11, 1864. Aroused at 5 o'clock. Fed, watered,
grained. Laid out the camp in order and pitched the tents
in line. String beans for dinner. The Fifth Corps moved
by the left flank. Several deserters passed by from the
rebel army. No picket firing between the ist Division and
rebel pickets. Dyer slept on a bed of magnolias. At dark
of June 1 2th the Division moved to Petersburg in the fol
lowing order: — 2d Brigade, ist Brigade, Battery D, ist
N. Y. Art'y; Battery B, 4th U. S. Art'y; Battery E, Mass.
Art'y, 3d Brigade.
Marched until 2 a. m. of the 13th and halted till sunrise.
Crossed the Chickahominy on two bridges, one of four
boats and one of two boats, and moved forward about three
miles. Went into park in the rear of White Oak Swamp
Bridge where there was cavalry fighting to retain posses
sion of the road. Later, about dark, came in sight of the
James River with its gunboats and transports. June 14th,
1864. Marched at 5 a. m. for Charles City C. H., and
arrived there about 7 o'clock. Halted till noon, and then
marched up the road two miles. Marched past Grant's and
Meade's Head Quarters. Reached Wilcox's Landing at 3
p. m., and went into position. The left of the ist Division
rested on the James River, the right on the road.
Phillips in his Diary of June 14th says: — "Placed Blake
on the road, Stewart a little to the left." Wereplaced in
position to guard the crossing of the James for the rest
of the Army.

Petersburg.

I. First position of the 5,hMass. Battery June 17th- Z.Headqtvarters of
J%VTal WarreT>- 3.Low ground. 4. High Ground. S.Place where the
5 "Mlass.JBattery canrped from Jiine Z4*7' H> July 30th 6.The place
¦where the enemy's fortifications were destroyed by the

mine of July 30

CHAPTER XXIV.
THE BATTLE OF PETERSBURG.
June 18, 1864.
"Over the camp-fires
Drank I with heroes.
Up to the star-roof
Rang out their song."
— Ballads, Charles Kingsley,
"It is the signal that demands dispatch."
— Young, On the Value of Time to a Man.
At Petersburg the enemy's lines consisted of redans occu
pying commanding positions, with rifle pits connecting
them, and ditches in front of them. To the east side from
the Appomattox the intrenched lines extended a mile, to
the City Point railroad; another line south three miles
to a point a mile west of the Weldon railroad, and from the
Norfolk railroad west to the Jerusalem Plank Road, a mile
and a half. The country surrounding the city was uneven,
and extremely difficult ground for assaulting columns.
At 9 o'clock in the evening of June 15th General W. F.
Smith with the Eighteenth Corps, had captured five of the
enemy's redans, and the morning of the 16th Hancock with
the Second Corps captured one. In the afternoon he took
possession of one more, to their right, and two to their left ;
all having guns in them.
On the 17th of June, 1864, the remainder of the Army
of the Potomac had crossed the James River^ and advanced
upon Petersburg; the Fifth Corps on the left of the Ninth
Corps. Some of the intrenchments defending the enemy's interior
869

870 HISTORY OF THE
lines, which had been captured by our forces, had been
retaken by a charge from the Confederates, when an order
was issued by General Meade, for an assault at 4 a. m. of the
1 8th by the Second, Fifth, and Ninth Corps. Brigadier
General Lysander Cutler, with the 4th Division of the Fifth
Corps, was sent to the extreme left, with orders to intrench.
The 3d Division under General Crawford, formed in line of
battle on the left of the Ninth Corps, while the remainder
of the Corps was held in reserve. General Butler, at Ber
muda Hundred, was reinforced from the Sixth Corps and
troops from the same corps were sent to the Eighteenth.
On the morning of the 18th it was found that the Con
federates had fallen back to a line of intrenchments, still
nearer Petersburg, scarcely a mile from the city. General
D. B. Birney with the Second Corps was only 300 yards from
this new line. The Ninth Corps, while covering the distance
of a mile which they had to go, met a force of the enemy
at a ravine near a cut on the Norfolk Railroad, over which
the enemy had control by holding the northern end. The
Fifth Corps also advanced over a greater distance broken by
deep ravines, and thf same cut in the railroad. The assault
was postponed to 12 o'clock noon, in consideration of these
obstructions to a swift advancement, and the order was
carried out by General Birney with one Division of the
Second Corps which was nearest to the enemy, and which
was repulsed, with great loss.
Then the order was given for all the corps to assault,
and the Second Corps was again driven back, but the Ninth
Corps drove the enemy out of the railroad cut, and began
intrenchments within a hundred yards of the enemy's main
line. The Fifth Corps, exposed to a raking fire from the enemy,
passed over every obstacle in the way, and approached to
within 20 feet of the enemy's works which had onlv held a

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 871
few troops until their commander Beauregard had been re
inforced by Lee's Army.
The men of ours who were in advance, were the ist and
2d Brigades of the ist Division, and Colonel Joshua L.
Chamberlain, then in command of the ist Brigade, fell,
desperately wounded, and was promoted by General Grant
on the field.
General Grant in his reference to this in his Memoirs,
says : —
"He had several times been recommended for a brigadier-generalcy
for gallant and meritorious conduct. On this occasion, however, I pro
moted him on the spot, and forwarded a copy of my order to the War
Department asking that my act might be confirmed and Chamberlain's
name sent to the Senate for confirmation without delay."
General Cutler with the 4th Division of the Fifth Corps
secured a redoubt which the enemy had abandoned, and
brought his left up into line with the other corps.
The result of the three days' operations was the capture
of two lines of intrenchments, four guns, four colors, and
about 500 prisoners.
LIEUT. GEN'L GRANT TO MAJ. GEN'L MEADE.
City Point, Va.
June 18, 1864.
10 p. m.
Maior General Meade:
I am perfectly satisfied that all has been done that could be done,
and that the assaults today were called for by all the appearances and
information that could be obtained. Now we will rest the men, and use
the spade for their protection until a new vein can be struck. . . .
U. S. Grant,
Lieutenant General.
It was thus determined to settle down for a siege of
Petersburg in the same manner as the investiture of York-
town was carried on, with long lines of breastworks, mortar
batteries, redoubts and field works of every kind, the bomb
proof, the covered way, the countermine and a mine the

S72 HISTORY OF THE
story of the explosion of which has been, like a famous
shot, "heard round the world."
The engineers called it the "Investment of Petersburg" as
it was not strictly speaking a siege any more than the invest
ment of Yorktown was a siege, but General Grant, while
carefully explaining the distinction, invests the movement
with the title by courtesy, and constantly refers to it as the
"Siege of Petersburg."
When the siege commenced the Ninth Corps was placed
upon the right, the Fifth next, the Second next, and then
the Sixth Corps.
In order to completely encircle Petersburg it was neces
sary that the Weldon and the Lynchburg railroads should
be controlled by the Union forces. The Sixth Corps was
ordered to perform that duty, and the Second and Fifth
Corps being in line, the left of the Second Corps was ex
pected to swing around and connect with the Sixth Corps,
but delay was caused by a change of orders, and the rebels
taking advantage of the space between, prevented the com
pletion of the circuit and frustrated the attempt of the Sixth
Corps to take possession of the Weldon railroad. So the
Sixth Corps intrenched themselves facing the railroad and
watched it; the corps pickets being stationed on the railroad
itself. In the direct front of Petersburg were pressed the Fifth
and Ninth Corps clear up to the Confederate works. Then
and there was the Fifth Corps again reorganized. It was
still to be commanded by General G. K. Warren and the ist
Division was still to be commanded by General Charles
Griffin, but there were important changes in the Divisions,
and several additions were made to the ArtiUery Brigade
with Colonel Charles S. Wainwright still in command. It
consisted of 13 batteries, all light; 2 regular, and the re
mainder from New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
The Third Mass. Battery was commanded by Lieut. Aaron

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 873
F. Walcott, the Fifth Mass. Battery by Lieut. J. E. Spear,
the Ninth Mass. Battery by Captain John Bigelow.

The Fourth of July, 1864, was celebrated by the playing
of the bands and the firing of salutes. At night the first
ground was broken by the pioneers of the ist Brigade for
the work afterwards known as Fort Sedgwick and called
by the men "Fort Hell" on account of the continual burst
ing of the enemy's shells within the enclosure. It was built
under the supervision of an engineer officer; the execution
of the work being under a field officer detailed daily for this
purpose. The working parties consisted of three hundred
or four hundred men who practically completed it in about
three weeks. It consisted of a large redan, a portion of
fortification included in a single salient angle, with another
smaller redan at its right, connected by curtains with front
and flanking ditches; the larger had eighteen embrasures,
the smaller four. It was connected with the rear by a zig
zag covered way, and had bombproofs and traverses, —
masses of earth thrown up at short distances to screen the
troops from shot and shells fired in ricochet, — to complete
the work.
Orders were given on the 9th of July to the Fifth and
Ninth Corps, to conduct regular siege operations under di
rection of the chief of engineers and the chief of artillery
for the Army. The Rebel and Union lines were here but
about 100 yards apart, the pickets but fifty yards, but our
men walked behind the breastworks in perfect safety.
On the night of July 13th the number of batteries of
light artillerv was increased on the line near the Jerusalem
Plank Road, to which the Fifth Mass. Battery marched on
the 2 ist of June. The lines of the Second and Sixth Corps
had been destroyed, and our lines made shorter. The siege
of Petersburg was actively begun. Working parties of the
Fifth Corps were building two strong redoubts, defensible

874 HISTORY OF THE
on all sides, on the line running south on the Jerusalem
Plank Road. One of these was the aforementioned Fort
Sedgwick, the other Fort Davis. They were about a half-
mile apart. The batteries furnished many working parties.
As time passed many covered ways were constructed for the
use of our trains, six feet deep, 12 feet wide with a barricade
of logs four feet high and four feet thick. From our forts
we could see the effect in the city of the bombs thrown by
our mortars and hear the ringing of the fire alarm bells.
THE MINE.
The design of undermining a confederate fort known as
"Elliott's Salient" in front of the Ninth Corps, originated
with a lieutenant colonel of a regiment composed of miners,
the 48th Pennsylvania, of the name of Henry Pleasants.
He was encouraged to undertake it, and an assault was
ordered to follow the explosion of the mine which was set
for the 30th of July. It was ready to be charged on the 23rd
and several eight and ten inch siege guns had been placed
so as to secure a cross-fire and keep down their flank fire.
On the night of the 29th, the day the Fifth Mass. Battery
was placed in Battery Number Eight, the troops were at
work all night getting ready for the bombardment. Gen
eral Warren's orders were to concentrate his troops on his
right and prepare to support the assault of Burnside and
the Ninth Corps. Pioneers and intrenching tools- were to
be ready to follow up the advantage gained. The artillery
was to be held in readiness to move, with pontoons at hand
for crossing the Appomattox River, with good supplies of
fascines, — bundles of long twigs, — to make firm footing
on marshy ground. The ist Division under command of
General J. J. Bartlett, in the absence of General Griffin at
home sick, was to hold the intrenchments in front, and keep
up a continuous fire of musketry. The gallery to the mine
was over 500 feet long, with a cross gallery of over 80 feet.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 875
There were 8 chambers, requiring a tun of powder each to
charge them.
The mine was to explode at break of day, but the fuze
was wet by water from the bed of a small creek, unde"
which the gallery was built, and it did not go off till it was
broad daylight.
The explosion was eminently successful, throwing every
thing within reach of the blast high into the air, and open
ing a space in the ground about 150 feet long, 60 feet wide,
and 25 feet deep. Following the explosion no cannon and
50 mortars went off at the right and left of the position
which the infantry were to cross. The surprise was mostly
on the Confederate side but the effect of the shot was shared
by the attacking party, for the assault did not take place as
ordered, nor was the crest of the hill commanding the
city of Petersburg seized, but some rifle pits were taken by
our troops before the enemy got his guns planted in a posi
tion to rake the ground over which our men had to pass.
They were afterwards retaken notwithstanding the heavy
fire of our batteries, for after our first attacking party our
infantry refused to^ advance. For various reasons relating
to the orders given and to the difficulty of carrying them
out, time enough was lost to enable the Confederates to
train their guns on the pit, which made an advance impos
sible. The moment for successful action was that imme
diately following the blast and with the loss of that moment
the entire plan failed.
AS RELATED BY MEMBERS OF THE BATTERY.
Letter of Captain Phillips.
"Camp on the James River,
2 miles above Charles City C. H.
June 15, 1864.
. . . Our Battery is on the road from C. C. C. H. to

876 HISTORY OF THE
Har. Ldg. Part of the Army is over the river, and I sup
pose the whole will cross. General Meade's Hd. Qrs. are
between us and the Court House. As we passed them
yesterday I counted 33 tents in the front row, which does not
look as if our generals were reducing their baggage to the
famous tooth-brush we hear so much of in the Vicksburg
campaign. ... I hear indirectly that Lieut. Appleton's
wounds are turning out worse than was expected.
Rifle pits are dug all along our front, and I do not think
there is much chance of the rebels coming down here to
attack us. Grant has an interesting way of putting the bag
gage wagons about 20 miles in the rear and keeping them
there. I have seen my valise once since the 6th of May."

Dyer's Notes: "June 15, 1864, we were still in position.
The team went to Harrison's Landing after forage. Several
gunboats passed up and down the river. General Ewell's
Corps made great preparations to receive us at Malvern
Hill, but was mistaken in our destination. A splendid day.
June 1 6th. Aroused at 1^ o'clock. Broke camp at
2\. Marched down the bank of the river 6 miles, crossed it,
and went in park 6 miles beyond. At 9 a. m. left camp,
marched till 9 p. m., and went in park for one hour. Got
supper, then marched to near Petersburg, and went into
camp at 10 p. m. Found the 9th and 2d and 18th Corps en
gaged with the enemy."
Shackley's Notes: "June 16, 1864. Moved at daylight,
crossed the James River at Powhattan Point, over a pon
toon bridge (made of 101 pontoons) and marched towards
Petersburg, coming near that place a little past midnight."
They crossed with the Fifth Corps, and landed on the
Point opposite Fort Powhattan, not far below Windmill
Point. Roads very dusty. Serg't. Peacock's account book
has the entry June 16th: "1 caisson stock broken by turn

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 877
over the carriage. Ordnance lost in Battle; spurs, straps,
and belts."
"On the 17th (Dyer) turned out at 5-^ o'clock. The men
fed and watered the horses, and then went to sleep again.
In the afternoon and evening heavy firing was heard in
our front and on our left, which we afterwards learned
was the Ninth Corps taking the rebel pits. As we turned
in, orders came to be ready to move at a moment's notice,
it was presumed to assault the works. A hot day. At
night the rebels abandoned their lines, and fell back about
a mile. The Second Corps had captured 17 pieces of artil
lery." THE ASSAULT.
June 18, 1864, at daylight Griffin's First Division
marched from Windmill Point to the front, and carried the
Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad. The three light batteries
attached to the Division advanced in an open field and si
lenced the rebel guns. Earthworks had been thrown up for
the guns at 500 yards from the enemy. Shot and shell
were fired. The Battery was under heavy artillery fire all
the afternoon.
Private Benjamin S. Kanuse of New Bedford, was killed
by a shell, and about 5 o'clock p. m. Lieut. Peleg W. Blake
was killed by a rifle shot. Private Alexander N. Atwood
of Fairhaven, Joseph L. Knox of Boston, and John G.
Hiller of Marblehead, were wounded.
The Report of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts
for 1864, has the following in relation to the action of the
Battery in this assault :
"Heavily engaged in front of Petersburg. The batteries of Grif
fin's Division as at Bethesda Church, advanced 'by battery,' and engaged
the Rebel batteries in their works. We lost quite heavily, our greatest
loss being in the death of First Lieutenant Peleg W. Blake, a brave and
efficient officer, who was instantly killed by a rifle-shot late in the after-

878 HISTORY OF THE
Dyer's Notes : — "June 18, 1864. Hitched up at 5 o'clock.
Advanced with the ist Division about i| miles, when the
Rebs opened upon us. Went in position under a terrible
fire. Soon advanced, and within an hour we advanced 3
times. Having gained the Norfolk and Petersburg railroad
we established our lines. We lost Lieut. Peleg Blake and
Benjamin Kanuse killed. Joseph Knox badly wounded.
Alex. Atwood, Henry Fitzsimmons and Atkins slightly
wounded."
FROM "THE CANNONEER," BY AUGUSTUS
BUELL,
Historian of Battery B, 4th U. S. Lieut. James Stewart
commanding, attached to the ist Division, Fifth Corps: —
"During the night (of June 17th) General Griffin got his batteries
up into the Norfolk Railroad cut, which at that point curved to the
north, and ours was disposed so that we could rake the cut for a con
siderable distance. Richardson's took position to our right, and near
the Avery house, while Phillips came up on the left. This position was
about 600 yards from the enemy's main works at that point. Thest
were new works in a second line, and the outer intrenchments that he
had abandoned on the day before, ran along near our position. As far
as we could see to the right were long lines of infantry toward the
works. The ground was much broken, and as the lines conformed to
the ground, it had the appearance of great waves of men.
In our front the infantry had farther to go than those to the right of
us, but we were too busy to see much of it.
As both our guns and the Rebel works were on the highest ground,
we could easily fire over the heads of our infantry until they got pretty
close up. The Rebel infantry in the works reserved their fire, and only
a few guns that they had back of their trenches replied to us slowly;
but we fired very fast, and our practice was the best in our history.
Our work here was literally that of an artillery skirmish line, as we first
onened the assault, and then covered the retreat of the infantry when
repulsed. Nearly every shot grazed their works, and we knocked off a
good many of their head logs. But the ammunition was some that we
had got out of the barges at Windmill Point and . . not more than
half of our case exploded, though the common shell did better. How
ever, our three batteries soon silenced the guns the enemy had in his
works. The practice of Phillips' Battery, — three inch rifles, — was
superb on this occasion. Twice in succession he hit their guns plum

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 879
centre, by firing into the embrasures, and the way his percussion shell
made the sand bags fly was a caution. Of course our smoothbores
could not compete with Phillips's rifles, but we kept our little end up
somehow. As they had made these works hastily, and there was little
or no brush in the neighborhood, they were not much abatised ; but the
infantry said the ditches were unusually wide and deep. The last shot
we fired could not have cleared Bartlett's men's heads by more than 20
feet, if that, which is pretty risky practice with smoothbore guns. We
remained silent here for nearly an hour, when the infantry having been
repulsed and taken cover in the ravine and the low ground in our front,
we commenced a slow cannonade which we kept up till near dark. The
infantry meanwhile straightened out the old rebel works, refaced them,
and by midnight were securely established in the lines which we held
at that point during the whole siege that followed.
We were withdrawn after dark behind the railroad, and the siege of
Petersburg was begun.
Caotain Stewart writes me concerning the operations of the 18th of
June as follows : —
'When the Corps reached Petersburg the morning of the 18th of
June, General Griffin came to me and told me that he wanted me to
move my battery forward, and that he would cover my advance by the
other two batteries. After moving a certain distance, and Phillips and
Richardson having joined me, I was directed to move forward again,
the General pointing out the place where he wished me to form the line
of batteries, but when I reached the place I found there was no protec
tion for either men or horses, but that there was a good position about
200 yards in advance of it. I moved forward to that point, the other
batteries coming up on my left. You will recollect the place. It was
in the front and a little to the right of the Avery house, where General
Warren had his headquarters. The enemy had substantial works in our
front with embrasures for their guns. While advancing to our posi
tion, the enemy opened upon us with a very heavy fire of artillery and
infantry, but our artillery fire was so very effective, that they closed up
their embrasures with bags of sand and withdrew their guns. I do not
remember how many men I lost that day, but it was not many. Cap
tain Phillips's Battery lost pretty heavily, his First Lieut, being killed.
Phillips was one of the best artillery officers I ever met; a thorough
gentleman, and an officer who always looked out for the best interests
of his men. After that attack of June 18th it was quite a common say
ing that the batteries assigned to Griffin's Division were always used as
skirmishers, and such was the fact.'
THE FORTIFICATIONS.
At first the guns of the light batteries were mounted in the redoubts,
but as soon as the siege trains came up our guns were gradually replaced
by the 20-pounder Parrotts and four-and-a-half inch Rodmans.

880 HISTORY OF THE
Meantime the caissons were parked, and a caisson camp established
some distance back from the main lines, which at this point were only
a few hundred feet apart. It was in the edge of a grove, on high, dry
ground, where there was a good shade. Our left flank rested on the
bank of a little ravine, formed by one of the headwater brooks of the
Blackwater, and in our rear at some distance, was the 'fresh beef cor
ral,' or herding ground of the Fifth Corps.
The artillery furnished gun crews for their own guns or the siege
pieces in position, or helped to strengthen the redoubts. This work
was always done at night to see their rifles flash in the darkness
a few hundred feet away, was the most trying thing I had ever expe
rienced. . . This work of log cutting and digging was done between
June 18th and July 15th. The Fifth' and Ninth Corps held the line,
from the Appomattox on the right, beginning with Fort McGilvery, to
the Jerusalem Plank Road on the left, a distance of over four miles,
our Fifth Corps resting its left flank on the heavy redoubt known after
wards as Fort Davis, in front of the Cheever house, and its right join
ing the left of the Ninth at the Suffolk Road.
Fort Rice was half way between the Avery house and Fort Sedg
wick. . . It was then the nearest point to the Rebel main line on the
Fifth Corps front, though the Ninth Corps line at Fort Morton was
still closer. . These earthworks finally formed one continuous forti
fication from Fort McGilvery on our extreme right at the Appomattox
River round to Fort Fisher on our extreme left, between II and 12
miles long, or perhaps 15 miles, measuring along the top of the parapet,
besides heavy reverse works to our rear, extending from the Blackwater
Creek round to the Weldon Railroad at Globe Tavern, a distance of
seven or eight miles ; thence south a mile and a half to Fort Dushane,
covering that portion of the Weldon Railroad which we used as an
adjunct to our 'military railway,' and thence westward from Fort
Dushane to Armstrong's mill, near the Vaughan Road Bridge, across
Hatcher's Run, a distance of about 8 miles more, — in other words, 32
to 35 miles of earthworks that it would be absurd to call mere 'field
entrenchments,' but which were on the whole regular fortifications, quite
equal to those I have since seen in Europe at places on the Franco-
German and German-Russian frontiers, which their engineers consid
ered permanent strongholds. . .
THE ARTILLERY BRIGADE.
Up to this time the batteries of the Corps had been distributed among
the Divisions ; ours, Phillips's and Richardson's, having been with Grif
fin since about the last of May. But as soon as the siege operations
began, the Artillery Brigade was massed together again, and put into
camp. The Norfolk Railroad cut was the key of the position in
our front when the assault was made. It is the cut by which that road

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 881
gets through the ridge on which the Avery house stands ; this little
ridge forming the watershed between the brook that forms the head of
the Blackwater flowing eastward, and a small creek that heads just
south of the old Blackwater Road, and flows northward, emptying into
the Appomattox just in front of Fort McGilvery, its entire course
being between the two lines and its sloping banks forming the
elevations from which the two sets of earthworks frowned at each
other during the rest of the war.
This cut is about one-third of a mile long, its deepest part being
directly in front of the Avery house, and not more than 200 yards dis
tant from it, at which point it may be 30 to 35 feet deep perpendicularly.
It was in this cut that Griffin massed his Division for the last assault
about 4 o'clock p. m. June 18th, and from the southeast end of it our
battery, with Richardson's and Phillips' debouched on to the knoll
above to fire over the heads of our charging infantry. Our line of
works curved round the head of the little brook flowing into the Appo
mattox, and then crossed the cut at a point about due west from the
Avery house."
Corporal Shackley's Notes: — "June 18, 1864, went into
line about 8 a. m. . . . Fired 375 rounds."
FROM THE REPORT OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
To Lieut. Fordham Morris A. A. A. G. Art'y Brigade
5th A. C. August 6, 1864.
"FIFTH EPOCH.
The Battery was first engaged on the 18th of June in
front of Petersburg. Griffin's Division having been or
dered to advance, Sweitzer's Brigade was placed on the
right of the road crossing the Norfolk and Petersburg
R. R. and advanced across the railroad. The batteries of
the Division were placed on the left of the road, my own
being the right battery, and advanced 'by battery' evenly
with Sweitzer's Brigade. After advancing about 400 yards
we reached the crest of the ravine, and remained there the
rest of the day. During our advance we were constantly
engaged with the rebel batteries, but suffered very little
as their fire was uniformly high, and our constant change of

882 HISTORY OF THE
position prevented them from getting the range. After
reaching our final position we were much annoyed by mus
ketry fire, and about 4 p. m. ist Lieut. Peleg W. Blake was
killed by a rifle shot. Casualties : 1 officer killed, 4 men
killed, four wounded."
In another portion of this report he says of Blake and
Spear: — "In his (Blake's) death we have lost one of the
best officers in the service. After his death the Battery was
commanded by Lieut. J. E. Spear, who filled the position
ably, and to my entire satisfaction. The enlisted men,
without exception, behaved admirably, showing bravery and
coolness in action, and a patient endurance of the hardships
of the campaign."
In a letter dated Camp before Petersburg, June 25, 1864,
Captain PhiUips says : — "The death of Lieut. Blake on the
1 8th was the saddest event we have had happen in the
battery, and the greatest loss we have ever had. The body
has been embalmed and sent home." . . .
NOTES OF CAPTAIN NATHAN APPLETON.
May ii, 1901.
"I write this at the Fort Monroe Club, and the light
comes through an embrasure, where doubtless years ago
there was a, for the time, big gun, but now a small glass
window. I have referred in my recollections of the first day of
Spottsylvania, to the 32d Mass. Regt. Infantry and having
made the acquaintance of its commander Colonel George L.
Prescott. He was killed at the first attack on Petersburg,
June 18, 1864, the very day that Lieut. Peleg W. Blake, my
old comrade, was killed. I have seen Colonel Prescott'-:
grave at Concord, Mass., and have often thought of him
in connection with his namesake who commanded the Yan
kee troops at Bunker Hill, both of them of the same true
American type. I have met a veteran of the 32d Mass.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 883
who has given me the details of the death of Colonel Pres
cott. He was just mounting up the side of the railroad cut
when he was shot, as also the color-bearer of the regiment
whose place was at once taken by this soldier whose name
is Henry K. Ellis, a resident of Middleboro', Mass.
It was not until Grant secured the Danville and also the
Southside railroads south of Petersburg, that it was all up
with the Army of Northern Virginia (Confederate forces)
Lee, Jeff Davis, and all the confederacy at Richmond and
thereabouts, and this was not done until the beginning
of the campaign of 1865, which finished it up quickly. The
investment of Petersburg had not accomplished it."

In the forenoon of the 19th all three batteries were moved
to the rear and went into camp. Sunday, June 19th, 1864,
Corporal Shackley made the following entry in his Diary : —
"Took the gun out of line. Short of ammunition."
Dyer wrote: "Heavy picket firing all night. Soon after
dark last night the Rebs attacked us, but were repulsed.
This morning we took our Battery out of position, with
drawing one piece at a time, running it off by hand. Went
in park f of a mile to the rear. In the evening 2 mortars
opened upon the Rebs from the 9th Corps. June 20th.
Aroused from peaceful slumber at 5^ a. m. Remained in
park all day. Batteries in our front were shelling through
out the day. At two hours before dark the Rebs opened
and kept up a fire till dark. Lieut. O. B. Smith (Then
Lieut. O. B. Smith Battery E, 3d U. S. Heavy ArtiUery in
Gillmore's ioth Corps) visited our Battery. On guard
tonight." Corporal Shackley: "June 20, 1864. Received a supply
of ammunition. June 21st moved about 4 miles to the left
and went into camp."
The Second and Fifth Corps were being relieved by the
Ninth, and all night of the 20th the latter corps was moving

884 HISTORY OF THE
past them. Left camp at 12 m. on a very dusty, warm day,
with Griffin's ist Division, which was placed on the left
of Ayres, the right resting on the Jerusalem Plank Road.
Camped in the edge of the woods.
June 22d the men dug a well for water and a guard was
posted near it. In the evening the Second Corps were
attacked while straightening their lines. The Battery
hitched up and went into position, but soon limbered up,
and was back to camp by dark. The next day the rebels
made several demonstrations along the line, and at dark
there was some cannonading. On the 24th received orders
from Corps Head Quarters that a heavy attack was appre
hended on our right. Tents were struck, and the men
packed up ready for a move, and remained ready, lying in
the hot sun. At dark they repitched their tents. The Rebs
in making the attempt to force back our right were repulsed.
LETTER OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
"Camp before Petersburg, June 25, 1864.
We are now encamped in a field on the eastern side of
the Jerusalem Plank Road i. e. the Plank Road which
goeth from Petersburg unto Jerusalem, passing througa
Sussex C. H. on the' way. We are about equidistant from
Petersburg and Blackwater Creek at the place where the
Creek crosses the Plank Road aforesaid. Our camp is quite
pleasant being far enough removed from the road to escape
the clouds of dust which now form a prominent feature in
the landscape. We are out of range of the enemy's guns,
thanks to the topography of the country, the trees being so
thick in front of our Division that there is no chance to put"
in a battery. So for the last three days we have been
enjoying a rest from the troubles and turmoils of war.
There seems to be a little lull at present, as if we were wait-

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 885
ing for something to turn up. The weather is very hot and
the dust is becoming intolerable. It is nearly three weeks
since we had any rain, and the whole country is drying up.
Our horses have to go a mile and a half to water and it is
often hard to get water enough for the men. However,
dust is better than mud, and the dryness of the season has
been of the greatest assistance to us. We did not visit
the place of our former sojourn at Harrison's Landing, but
struck the James River at a much pleasanter spot."
Dyer's Notes: "Sunday, June 26, 1864. A warm, hot,
sultry day. Considerable cannonading occurred off to the
right. Towards night it commenced raining and we had
quite a shower. Two years ago today we bid good bye
to our camp at Gaines Mills. It is also the anniversary of
the fight of MechanicsviUe. June 27, 1864. Anniversary
of Gaines Mills fight. On guard today. Not much firing
occurred. The Battery has been digging a large spring
for watering horses, and with good success."
On the night of the 28th they had three feet of water in
the well. This was the second well dug and it was curbed
with planks like the first.
LETTER OF Q. M. SERG'T. PEACOCK.
"Camp near Petersburg, Va.
June 28, 1864.
This campaign beats everything I have seen, so far, in
war, — continual fighting and marching for two months,
and still the fighting continues. I cannot go away from
the Battery at any time without meeting loads of dead and
wounded men. So far our Battery has lost 9 men killed and
16 wounded; 1 lieutenant killed, and 1 wounded. We suffer
much from the heat, and no rain for so long a time makes
the dust awful. Every other day I am at City Point, 10
miles from here."

S86 HISTORY OF THE
"June 29, 1864, (Dyer's Notes) everything remained
quiet throughout the day, the pickets having agreed to not
fire at one another. General Wilson's cavalry got sur
rounded as they were returning from destroying the rail
road, and cut their way out.
June 30, 1864. We sent Benjamin Kanuse's body home
today with money raised by the company. July ist.
Reveille at the usual camp hour 5 o'clock a. m. Received
something from the Sanitary Commission for the 4th of
July. Clark came up with some sutlers' goods."
July 2d, they built an arbor out of brush over the com
pany street, and Gorham brought up the rest of the sutler's
goods. The next day the men helped the sutler fix his tent.
They heard shelling on the right, and some more things
came from the Sanitary Commission.
July 4, 1864, the entry in Serg't. Peacock's Account Book
is, — "Fourth of July, 1864. In camp near Petersburg, Va.
enjoying an excellent dinner furnished by the U. S. Sani
tary Commission. A beautiful day."
They did not, however, all fare alike. Captain Phillips
wrote July 5th : "Our soldiers had a fine dinner yesterday,
provided by the Sanitary Commission. There were toma
toes, mutton, beef, in cans, and a barrel of porter." Dyer's
entry is as follows : — "On guard today. Some firing at in
tervals of five minutes. Had roast chicken, toast, mutton,
fried eggs, and crackers, for dinner, also porter to wash it
down, presented to us by the Sanitary Commission." But
Shackley writes : — "The canned stuff is divided, 1 can to
each man in the ist, 2d and 3d Detachments, but the men
are not satisfied, and make it very unpleasant. The 4th
and 5th Detachments made soup of their share and paid 15
cents per pound for potatoes."
MANNING THE HEAVY GUNS.
To quote again from The Cannoneer the words of the
historian of Battery B, Fourth U. S. (Stewart's) : —

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 887
"The Avery house redan was finished and mounted with two siege
guns ready for action about 2 o'clock in the morning of July 4, 1864;
General Warren being present in person when the gun detachments
were told off for the heavy guns, and superintended the replacing of
the gabions after the siege guns were placed in their proper position
and the hanging of the mantlet of coiled rope to protect the can
noneers from sharpshooters. Our fire was very slow and deliberate
that first day, the men were to be drilled who had never handled siege
guns. The Rebels did not reply with much vigor. . . The dry weath
er facilitated the building of the' works, the construction of which was
said by the veterans to be a picnic compared to the digging in the
trenches before Yorktown two years before."

On July 5th a fort or square redoubt was laid out di
rectly in front of the camp, on the ground occupied by Bat
tery D, ist N. Y., (Richardson's) and they were obliged
to leave. One corner was in close proximity to' the cook
house which was built on the 5th and covered with brush.
At night half a ration of whiskey was dealt out to the men.
Note in Peacock's Account Book : — "Ammunition on
hand in Battery, percussion, case and canister — 4 guns and
2 extra caissons, July 5th, 1864, of the ist, 2d, 3d and 4th
Detachments." The infantry worked on the redoubt on the 6th and
threw up a large pile of dirt. On the 7th they worked all
day and all night. Captain Phillips rode down to the 18th
Corps with Captain Bigelow, Captain Dow of the 6th Maine
Battery, and Lieut. Stewart.
July 8th the men dug two wells. At half past 4 heavy
shelling. Our battle line was advanced to the picket line,
and the Rebs opened upon us, but we held the ground gained
and at night intrenched.
THE ARMY RATION.
The regulation Army Ration issued by the War Depart
ment, and copied from Peacock's Account Book was as fol
lows : —
"12 oz. Pork or Bacon or
i*A lbs. Salt or Fresh Beef.

888 HISTORY OF THE
18 oz. Soft Bread or Flour or
12 oz. Hard Bread or
20 oz. Corn Meal.
and to every 100 Rations
15 lbs. Beans, or Pease' or
10 lbs. Rice or Hominy
10 lbs. Green Coffee or
8 lbs. Roasted
iY2 lbs. Tea
IS ' Sugar
4 qts. Vinegar
\Va lbs. Candles
4 lbs. Soap
3M lbs. Salt
54 lb. Pepper.
On a campaign or march the Ration of Hard Bread is one pound.
Desiccated compressed potatoes or compressed mixed vegetables at
the rate of one and a half ounce of the' former and one ounce of the
latter to the ration, may be substituted for beans, pease, rice or
hominy. July 8, 1864, Per Order of the Secretary of War.
E. M. Stanton."

July 9th the carriages and harnesses were all cleaned up
for inspection which took place next day. Captain Phillips
inspected the batteries of the Division. The Battery was
inspected at 7.30 a. m. As soon as it was over Dyer went
up to' the 23d Mass. Regt. and saw a number of New Bed
ford boys : among them Charles Thompson who looked
pretty sick. July nth the infantry were still at wrork build
ing forts. 1 2th Dyer was on guard at the well, and had his
hands full keeping the infantry away from it. At 12
o'clock orders came to move, and they went one mile to the
right and went into camp in the rear of General Griffin's
Head Quarters. Here they dug two more wells.
"July 13, 1864. (Dyer's Notes.) Pitched our tents in
line and put up harness racks. The Rebs shell pretty near
us, but as yet none have entered our camp. On fatigue.
Helped dig a well. The sutler ordered to City Point. July
14th. Some shelling all along our lines. Towards night

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 889
one of our teams went for baskets to build breastworks of.
July 15th. Reveille at 5^ o'clock. The first I heard was the
musical sound of a shell whirring through the air. Con
tinued throughout the day; also a great deal of mortar fir
ing. The teams went to City Point for sanitary goods to
day."
LETTER OF 0. M. SERG'T. PEACOCK.
"Camp near Petersburg. Va..
July 15, 1864.
I anr writing only 1200 yards from a large rebel fort of
16 Guns. A strip of woods conceals us from them. If
they only knew we were here, it would not be long before
they opened on us. They fire at the right and left of us,
but no shells have burst nearer than 300 or 400 yards. The
Battery is not in position at present, but a work is now
building for it only 500 yards from the rebel works and il
will go into it in a night or so. They can work on it only
nights, as the rebels keep up a continual fire. As I write
the bullets of the rebel pickets can be plainly heard going
whiz! whiz! through the air. Not a day passes without
more or less fighting. The 9th and 18th Corps are en
gaged, mostly. They are on the right of us. We get
plenty to eat this season; particularly vegetables, thanks to
the Sanitary Commission. I received some socks excellent
ones from them this afternoon, with the enclosed mark on
them. If you know any of the Society give them my
thanks. The Government socks are so poor they only wear
me two weeks. (The mark is a small piece of white cot
ton cloth about two inches square bearing the half obliter
ated stamp of a society in Dorchester, Mass. ) They supply
us with all kinds of pickles, onions, potatoes, dried apples,
soft crackers, lemons, clothing, cabbage, 'pickled,' some
tobacco, and many little things. I assure you we all feel

890 HISTORY OF THE
very grateful to them for all of their good things, particu
larly at this time of the year.
I think the Commission does more to keep up the courage
and spirits of the Army than any other one thing. Let no
one say the Sanitary Commission is not doing a great work
for us.
I send some leaves I got while at Charles City Court
House. I suppose there is great excitement about the Raid into
Maryland. Well, I think our side will come out all right
finally. They cannot draw Grant's Army from this place:
he is continually fortifying here. He is bound to stick to
all he has gained.
I suppose you have something of a panic about the cur
rency; gold taking such a rise. This Army will bring that
out all safe before the year ends. I feel almost discouraged
sometimes about the rebels holding out so well, but they
must kneel sooner or later; there is not a doubt of it. The
thing has gone so far now that not an inch must be given
up to them until they are conquered. — Candle going out."

In July, 1864, the "Memorial" was published which has
been framed and preserved by many members of the Bat
tery. It was compiled from the company records at Rap
pahannock Station in the winter of '63 and '64, and has a
complete list of the members. It was published by J- C.
Fuller & Co. of Baltimore, Md., and lithographed by Major
and Knapp 449 Broadway, New York.
Of the produce of the Sanitarv Commission, Dyer wrote
July 1 6th. "Had a big dinner consisting in part of roast
mutton, potatoes, onions, beets, pickles, and condensed milk
for tea and coffee. Had lemonade to drink as a beverage.
17th. At night Battery B, 4th U. S., Lieut. Stewart, went
in position beside the 83d Penn. Regt. Taps at 9 o'clock
p. m."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 891
News had come to the camp that an attack was intended,
so all the troops were put in the front line, but scarcely a
gun was fired the whole length of the line. On the 18th
Quarter Master Sergeant Peacock had the entry: "Sent
Winters' instruments to Washington. (Winters was one
of the buglers.) July 19th. Sent company Saving Paper
for March to Washington for payment."
July 20, 1864, Dyer made the note, "The 18th Mass.
Regt. started for Washington today."
In relation to Lieut. Aaron F. Walcott then in command
of Martin's Third Mass. Battery, Captain Phillips wrote in
a letter dated "Camp before Petersburg July 20, 1864: —
I went to see Lieut. Walcott the other day, and found him
living undergound, the roof of his apartment being level
with the surface, and being covered with several feet of
earth. We had a shower of rain yesterday for the first
time since the 2d of June. It was needed, as the dust had
become very disagreeable, and the springs were getting dry.
We are very lucky in our location in one respect i. e. in re
gard to our supply of water. Although the long drought
had exhausted all the springs and brooks, there is no diffi
culty in digging a well and finding water anywhere round
here. We have a well about 20 ft deep, provided with a
pump, which furnishes exceUent water abundantly enough
for the men and horses. And there are wells all along our
lines. The Rebel deserters who come in are much aston
ished to see us so well supplied, as they have thought we
had to go to the river for water. . . . We have changed
our position a little. We are at present camped in an open
field out of reach of the enemy's shells.
Nothing very stirring is going on, though a few shots
may be heard at any hour of the day or night. The lines are
now quite near each other, but each party is so strongly
entrenched that there is no danger of an assault on either
side. From the right of our Division we can see both lines,

892 HISTORY OF THE
from the Jerusalem Plank Road on the left, to the 18th
Corps on the right. The lines are about 600 yards apart
and skirmishers in small pits thrown out in front. Along
the front of the 5th Corps the skirmishers are quite friendly,
and do not fire at all. I was at the works the other day,
and saw plenty of Rebel pickets so near that I could have
recognized them if I had known them. Our front line of
battle is placed behind a strong parapet and ditch with an
abatis in front. The Rebels are similarly protected, and
so we look at each other. Each side is constantly engaged
in putting in guns, and every morning shows new em
brasures. Both sides have a lot of mortars in position
which keep up a slow fire all the time, necessitating the con
struction of bomb proofs all along the line. . . . The Rebels
desert now very constantly. About 5 a night, on an av
erage, come into our lines in front of our Division, and the
same proportion in the Army would give over 50 a night."

July 2 ist the air was cool and bracing after the shower,
and the men cleaned up the park and stable, and went after
a load of rails for the cook-house. There was pretty lively
shelling and mortar firing.
22d. Dyer wrote "Everything remained quiet until 1
little before dark, when several volleys of musketry were
exchanged between the darkies and Rebs. This brought on
lively shelling, which continued all the evening. 23d.
Hitched up horses and had a drill todav- After we came
in cleaned harnesses and carriages for inspection tomorrow.
Sunday 24th. Inspection this morning at 9 o'clock by
Lieut. Spear. The 2d caisson had considerable trouble in
getting out of park with their horses, and broke some of
their harnesses. At 6 p. m. it commenced raining. 25th.
Considerable shelling occurred towards night, the shell
striking mostly about 300 yards from our camp. 26th.
Corporal Wilson woke us up rather early, it being but 4

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 893
o'clock. Some growling about it but it soon ceased.
Drill on manual of the piece this forenoon, but as I was on
fatigue I did not drill. 27th. Drill on the manual of the
piece at 9 a. m. The Sanitary Commissioner brought us up
some potatoes, beets, turnips, milk, pickles, and under
clothing. 28th. Battery drill at 9 a. m. In the evening
having nothing to do I took a stroll along the picket line.
The infantry advanced their line today; the lines of battle
now being but 500 yards apart."
THE MINE.
In his report to' Lieut. Morris of August 6, 1864, Cap
tain Phillips states that on the 29th of July the Battery "was
placed in a 4 gun battery in the line of the 3d Brigade ist
Division, and took part in the bombardment of the 30th,
making some accurate shooting."
July 29, 1864. Corporal Shackley has thus recorded: —
"Worked on magazine till past midnight, and deposited 8
chests of ammunition in anticipation of the explosion of
General Burnside's mine."
Captain Phillips in his Diary of the 29th observes : —
"AU the batteries placed under Colonel Wainwright. Went
into position about sunset on General Bartlett's front in
Battery No. 8 — No. 9 Winslow's D, ist N. Y., No. 10,
Fort Tilton — 18 guns; viz., 6, 4\ in. Rifled, 4, 12 pdr., and
8, 3 inch or Parrotts."
Battery No. 8 was on the front line.
"July 3°j 1864. (Corporal Shackley.) Packed up
ready to move, then all but the guards went to the front.
At about 5 a. m. the mine was exploded, and we commenced
firing all along our lines. The Rebel fort was destroyed,
and the position was taken and occupied by our troops, but
about 2 p. m. the Rebels attacked and recaptured the posi
tion, and a large number of our Army. The Battery fired
246 rounds, but sustained no loss by the enemy's fire.

894 HISTORY OF THE
Serg't. Stiles (Charles F. Stiles of Charlestown) was in
jured by concussion of the gun. July 31, 1864, withdrew
from the line of battle and returned to camp."
LETTER OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.
"Camp before Petersburg, Aug. 1, 1864.
On Friday I was ordered into position with Griffin's
Division, and from the signs I judged that the ball might
open. The batteries took position at dark, and by mid
night there were 16 mortars and 60 or 70 guns, 12 of them
4\ siege, along the front of the 5th Corps. I kept the men
at work till midnight, building a magazine, and then turned
in. The orders received before we went to bed, were to be
at our posts before daylight.
About daylight the mine in Burnside's front was to ex
plode, and this was to be the signal for us to open, so at
daylight we were all ready and were waiting.
AU was still and quiet, our men were all waiting, behind
the parapets, while on the Rebel side a few men were seen
along the works.
About 4 o'clock, while I was looking, the mine went up :
an immense column of dust and smoke, rising slowdy and
majestically into the air!
The artillery opened at once, and the simultaneousness of
the discharges, and the contrast with the stillness whicli
had prevailed, had a grand effect.
The Rebel artillery hardly fired a shot, and after an hour
of steady fire, we slacked up a little. The mine was a com
plete success, but the charge would be a ridiculous farce
were it not for the unpleasant results.
I do most sincerely hope that somebody will be court
martialed for the failure, which can only be attributed to
the utter carelessness and incompetence of somebody in
charge of the affair. We probably shall not have such a

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 895
good chance again. We might have taken the place as well
as not." SECRETARY STANTON TO MAJOR PHILLIPS.
War Department,
Washington, December 2, 1864.
Sir: — You are hereby informed that the President of the United
State's has appointed you for gallant services at the battle of Bethesda
Church and during the present campaign before Richmond Va., a
Major of volunteers by brevet in the service of the United States, to
rank as such from the First day of August one' thousand eight hun
dred and sixty-four.
Should the Senate at their next session advise and consent thereto,
you will be commissioned accordingly. Immediately on receipt here
of please to communicate to this Department, through the Adjutant
General of the Army, your acceptance or non-acceptance, and, with your
letter of acceptance return the oath herewith enclosed, properly filled
up, subscribed and attested, and report your age, birthplace, and the
state of which you were a permanent resident.
You will report for duty to 
E. M. Stanton,
Secretary of War.
(152)
Bvt. Major Chari.es A. Phillips,
U. S. Volunteers
Thro. Comdg Genl Army Potomac.

GENERAL CHALFIN TO MAJOR PHILLIPS.
War Department,
Adjutant General's Office.
Washington, June 12, 1865.
Sir:
I have the honor to enclose to you herewith your commis
sion of Major by Brevet, the receipt of which please acknowledge.
I am sir Very respectfully Your obedient servant S. F. Chalfin,
Assistant Adjutant General.
058)
Bvt. Maior Charles A. Phillips,
U. S. Volunteers, Capt. 5th Mass. Batt'y,
5th Corps Wash., D. C.

896 HISTORY OF THE
MAJOR C. A. PHILLIPS BY BREVET.
The Commission.
Across the upper corner at the left, written in red ink
these words : — "Recorded Volume 4, page 26, Adjutant
General's Office April 20, 1865.
E. D. Townsend,
Ass't Adj't. Gen'l.
The American Eagle at the top resting on heavy clouds
streaked with lightning. Over it
"The President of the United States of America"
and set in the midst of stars the motto "E Pluribus Unum."
At the left the blue seal of the United States. Under the
Eagle : — "To all who shall see these presents greeting:
Know ye, That I do hereby confer on Charles A. Phillips of the
U. S. Volunteers in the service of the United States by and with the
advice and consent of the Senate, the rank of Major By Brevet in said
service, to rank as such from the First day of August, in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four, for gallant ser
vices at the battle of Bethesda Church, and during the present cam
paign before Richmond, Virginia. And I do strictly charge and re
quire all officers and soldiers under his command, to obey and respect
him accordingly, and he is to observe and follow such orders and di
rections from time to time as he shall receive from me, or the future
President of the United States of America and other officers set over
him according to law, and the rules and discipline of war. This
commission to continue in force, during the pleasure of the President
of the United States for the time being.
Given under my hand at the City of Washington this Twentieth day
of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
sixty-five, and in the eighty-ninth year of the Independence of the
United States. By the President, Andrew Johnson.
E. M. Stanton,
Secretary of Jl'ar.
At the bottom an elaborate drawing in which the colors,
the implements of the service, arms and munitions of war
are represented.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 897
It was rumored on August ist that the enemy was under
mining Fort Tilton, and on August 3d that a mine under the
18th Corps was suspected, and the Army was under arms
before daylight.
Q. M. Serg't. Peacock on August 3d. "Received of Cap
tain Phillips $20.00 from Company Fund to be used in the
purchase of vegetables." [See p. 865 Company Fund.]
Aug. 6, 1864, by order of Colonel Wainwright the guns
of the Fifth Mass. Battery were placed in position on the
second line 1 a entrenchment in rear of Fort Tilton on the
left of Colonel Nathan T. Dushane's Maryland Brigade.
On this day Lieut. Samuel H. Hamblet reported for
duty. Aug. 7, 1864, Lieut. Hamblet joined the Battery and in
the evening the guns were moved to the right of the Mary
land Brigade.
With reference to the possible undermining of Fort Til
ton Major Phillips says in a letter dated Aug. 9, 1864;^
"The hot weather is causing a great deal of sickness
among the men. Last Sunday we put our guns in position
in a second line which has been formed in rear of Fort Til
ton to guard against the contingency of the rebels blowing
it up, and I live partly in camp and partly with the guns in
front. The weather 'is very hot and I long for a breath of
fresh air. The Sanitary Commission reaches us here."
He sent home for a pair of shoulder straps with the fol
lowing directions, and received them all right by mail as he
ordered them : —
"Send me a pair of shoulder straps, — Captain of Artil
lery. — Let the straps be gold embroidered, not stamped
sheet brass. Let the embroidery be only one row, so that
the straps will not be too large and showy, 'as I only want
them for fatigue uniform. Let the cloth of the straps be
broadcloth and not red velvet."
August ioth, 1864, Private John S. Doane was appointed

898 HISTORY OF THE
acting corporal. A few shots from the Rebs about 10.30
p. m.
Aug. 12, 1864, the Battery was inspected by Lieut. G. W.
Dresser Acting Ass't Inspector General Art'y Brigade.
Eight men from the Third Mass. Battery joined the Fifth.
They were J. R. Robinson, Geo. Brown, J. Waterson, T.
Flanagan, J. Hayes, W. G. Boutwell, G. S. Hunt, I. J.
Hunt. The names are from Peacock's Account Book which has
also under date of Aug. 12, the following: —
"Provision return for n men from August 12 to 20 in
clusive, 9 days, 99 rations. Same time Return from Aug.
21 to 31 inclusive n days, for no men. Rations for 100
horses." Note by Serg't Peacock, Sept. 7, 1900: — "We had dur
ing the Grant campaign two extra caissons, that were kept
at the rear most of the time, and I think rations were drawn
separate for the men with them, as my book shows rations
drawn for no men & 11 men."
August 13th three more men joined the Battery. August
14, 1864. Faunce (Alvin Faunce of Boston) sent to hos
pital. Orders were received to withdraw the guns as soon
as relieved by a battery of the Ninth Corps, and about day
light of the 15th, the Fifth Corps having been relieved by
the Ninth about daylight, their place was taken at 4 a. m.
by the nth Mass. Battery, Captain Edward J. Jones.
All day, and the next day, and the next, they remained
in readiness to move, and marched on the 18th to the Wel
don Railroad. On the red field in conflict meet the ranks,
With mingled shout and groan ;
And hearts at home are swayed by hope and fear.
Intent on war alone.
The eyes of all the world are turned to us,
To learn the lesson taught,
And Europe's kings now totter on their thrones,
Until the battle 's fought : —
2D. Lieut. Morton D. Mitchkll,
Mass. ;,Sth Regi1. Inf.

CHAPTER XXV.
THE BATTLE OF THE WELDON RAILROAD.
August 18-30, 1864.
"For tho' I fought, and overcame,
And Quarter gave, 'twas in your Name,
For great Commanders always own
What's prosperous by the Soldier done.''
Hudibras, Samuel Butler.
On the 14th of August, 1864, the Fifth Corps intrench
ments were occupied by the Ninth Corps, and General War
ren was ordered to make use of the Fifth Corps in the work
of acquiring and holding the Weldon Railroad.
It rained, and the roads and fields were in bad condition,
the atmosphere was sultry, but Griffin's Division led the
advance out of these impregnable lines of entrenchments
which they had fortified with so much labor, in order to
cover our communications as well as to facilitate our ap
proach to the beleaguered city of Petersburg.
On the morning of August 18th they marched, and met
the rebel cavalry at Dr. Gurley's house. The ist Division
having been formed in line by brigades and skirmishers
deployed, the line advanced, and the rebel pickets were cap
tured or fell back, and the Division pushed on to Globe Tav
ern, three miles from the Jerusalem Plank Road, which they
reached at 9 a. m. The Division was disposed to cover the
position toward the south and west, northward dense woods
filled the distance from the railroad to the Plank Road.
North and south, parallel to the railroad runs the road to
Halifax, and a mile west of that the Vaughan road, which
899

900 HISTORY OF THE
joins the Halifax road about a mile and a half from Globe
Tavern towards Petersburg.
From the Gurley house to the railroad there was consid
erable open country.
Griffin's front faced west and began to intrench. The
2d Division, General Ayres, had reached the same southern
point on the railroad and then moved up alongside it to
wards Petersburg. At the point where the Vaughan and
Halifax roads joined, they found the rebels in line of battle,
ready to contest the passage of the roads.
Crawford's 3d Division of the Fifth Corps came to the
support of Ayres with the design of outflanking the enemy.
Ayres formed his line of battle and advanced into the edge
of the woods about 100 yards, and soon found himself out
flanked by a Division of the enemy coming from the direc
tion of the Vaughan road. The Union brigades fell back
100 yards, and formed on a line with the 15th New York
Heavy Artillery, which had accompanied Ayres, and a part
of Cutler's 4th Division was sent to reinforce the Second.
The Confederates were driven back. Rifle pits were then
constructed on the right and left of the railroad.
Previous to August 18th our lines of intrenchments were
built on the east and southeast of Petersburg, but after the
possession of the Weldon Railroad was secured, new lines
were built, not of regular siege works like the others, but of
earthworks to cover our movements against the enemy's
right flank. These works not being strongholds did not
consume so much time in building as the old lines, and the
distance was so much greater that the labor on them was
much less dangerous.
But it is not all of war to fight or to build breastworks.
The integrant portions of the great Army were ever shift
ing from trench, to field, to hospital, and back again to
picket, tent, and trench, and while these stirring scenes of
busy preparation which embraced the soldier as an essential

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 901
element, reckoned mostly in the abstract, were being en
acted, there had been a steadily increasing proportion of
men who had never been drilled in the manual of arms.
never had fired a gun, and who> were rather better fitted for
this sort of thing than for the battle field.
The men of responsibility, absorbed in their schemes and
plans, suddenly awakened to the flight of time, and became
aware that into the common conversation of the well-dis
ciplined and thoroughly accomplished army of veterans of
three years' service, never so well equipped as now, never
with so much at hand to make the soldier comfortable and
contented, in this year of 1864 there had crept a new sub
ject of much too general interest, that of speedy "expiration
of term of service." The terms of the "three months' men,"
and the "nine months' men," and terms for special service
had expired like all other episodes of the War, as of no
more special purport, it was good and we wanted more of it,
but to the officers and men whose military career of three
years, 1 861- 1864, was now drawing to a close the phrase
had an extraordinary meaning. They had come to the ex
piration of a period in the threatened life of the nation
which formed a novitiate through which no other genera
tion of men had ever been or ever could be called upon to
pass. They had been, as we know who have followed them
day by day, the right hand of the Government, the main
stay, the nucleus of this mighty military growth, the men
at the front who inspired confidence by their example and
stimulated progress in all directions; but their time had ex
pired, and written against every name on the mustering
out rolls, these words "at expiration of term of service"
would forever bear a certifying value of their .own, subject
to no one's estimate or opinion. The men who answered
to these names had survived a long and familiar intimacy
with the art and the practice of War, and the experience had
become a part of their natures and moulded their characters

902 HISTORY OF THE
on a new model of a man. They would in time crystallize
into a new class in society who would inaugurate in Amer
ica the wearing of a distinctive military badge, to stand as a
memorial of individual sacrifice, and as security for the fu
ture safety of the nation.
But there were other members of these retiring organiza
tions who had re-enlisted or who were new recruits, and
provision was made for these among the regiments and bat
teries whose terms had not expired. In this way a large
number of men came to the Fifth Mass. from the Third
Mass. Battery. CIRCULAR. War Department,
Adjutant General's Office.
Washington, August 18, 1864.
Circular No. 64
When it becomes necessary, under the orders from this Depart
ment, to make transfers of enlisted men from one' regiment or com
pany to another, as in the case of consolidation of two or more com
panies or regiments, or when the transfer of men may be authorized
from this office, except to the Veteran Reserve Corps, the following
papers should be made out, that the officers and soldiers may not
suffer by such transfer.
Quadruplicate muster and descriptive rolls of the men, with a copy
of the order transferring them attached to each roll, one copy to be
forwarded to the Adjutant General of the Army; one copy to the Pay
master General of the Army; one copy to the Adjutant General of the
state to which the men belong,— the roll to be divided for this purpose'
if men from more than one state appear on it, — and one copy to be
sent with the men to the respective regiments to which they are trans
ferred. These rolls will contain all the information indicated by the
blanks for muster and descriptive rolls, including date, place and by
whom mustered into service. Each copy will be examined, verified
and countersigned by the Commissary or Assistant Commissary of
Musters for the command, and will be when completed, evidence ot
muster-in and proper transfer.
E. D. Townsend,
Ass't Ajt. General.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 903
In the meantime the right of Crawford's 3d Division
was moving up through the thick woods, and at 4 p. m. of
August 19, 1864, the rear of Crawford's skirmish line was
attacked by the enemy and were compelled to fail back to
gether with the right of Ayres' Division, but subsequently
Ayres moved forward, recovered his old line, and repulsed
a second attack of the enemy. In these movements he was
assisted by the 187th Pennsylvania Infantry of Griffin's
Division. A part of the Ninth Corps on the right of the
Fifth had faced to the right to prevent another attack on his
flank, and in doing so had driven the enemy back to their
intrenchments. General Warren then in order to preserve his lines, took
means to post them in places favorable for the artillery, and
on the 20th awaited an attack, which came the following
day. His pickets were driven in by Lee's cavalry after a
fierce struggle, early in the forenoon of August 21st and a
cross fire was opened through the woods by the rebel artil
lery of about 30 pieces over the position occupied by the
Fifth Corps. Later in the forenoon an assault was made on
Warren's north and west which was repulsed, and he was
left in possession of the railroad. In this the Corps artil
lery did the most execution in places beyond the range of
the musketry, breaking the enemy's line. Then Warren
advanced his skirmish line, the enemy were routed and many
prisoners and flags were taken. General Nathan T.
Dushane was killed commanding the 2d Brigade, 2d Divi
sion 5th A. C.
General Warren in his report states in a general way with
regard to the artillery that "the service of all our batteries.
was most efficient," and that is all the credit there is given
to the arm of the service which rendered the victory pos
sible.

904 HISTORY OF THE
AS TOLD BY MEMBERS OF THE BATTERY.
Corporal Jonas Shackley has recorded the following on
Thursday, August 18th, 1864, the dav they left the rear of
Fort Tilton :— "Marched at 6 a. m. by the left flank.
Reached the Weldon Railroad about 9 a. m. and broke it up
and cut the telegraph. The Rebs attacked us, but were re
pulsed." The importance of this day's work is emphasized by Gen
eral Grant in his Memoirs where he says : —
"The Weldon Railroad never went out of our possession from the
18th of August to the close of the war."
The 19th was a rainy day. In the afternoon the enemy
made a desperate attack but were driven back with heavy
loss. Brig. Gen'l Joseph Hayes was captured. There was
no engagement on the 20th.
LETTER OF MAJOR PHILLIPS.
"In Position on the Weldon R. R.
Sunday Morning,
Aug. 21, 1864.
We started for this place on Thursday morning, the
weather being pleasant. In the forenoon we reached the
Weldon R. R. and took possession of it. Griffin's Division
led the Corps and was deployed about a mile from the R. R.
and then advanced towards it. As we found only about
50 Rebel cavalry guarding it, no opposition was met with.
The Rebels must be short of men to let us get this R. R. so
important to them, with so little opposition. As the other
Divisions came up they were deployed on the right of the
ist. In the afternoon the 2d Division were quite heavily
engaged  The night and all Friday were spent in
shovelling dirt, so that we have now a very formidable line
of works. Friday afternoon the enemy attacked our right
and drove it in, but we finally repulsed them. At one time
it looked a little doubtful. The 39th Mass. was badly cut

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY.

905

up. The Rebels got in their rear and they jumped over to
the outside of their breastworks and fought that way.
General Hayes formerly colonel of the 18th Mass. taken
prisoner." Phillips' Diary. "Aug. 21, 1864: A little foggy in the
forenoon, clearing off in the afternoon. During the fore
noon the rebels attacked. A Brigade containing 7th, 21st,
23d, 25th So. C, 27th No. C, 12th, 22d Miss.— Hayward' s
Br. Hoke's Div. — came out in our front. We shelled them
and broke them. Most of the men and flags were taken.
Our loss very slight. Right wheel of the 2d piece smashed
by a round shot, the felly striking Serg't. Stiles in the head,
injuring him slightly."
In a letter dated August 30, 1864, Major Phillips again
-refers to this engagement: — "The rebel troops in front of
our Battery were Hayward's So. Ca. and Saunders' Miss.
Brigades. We did not fire at them till they came in sight
to the left of Cutler. They were then distant from us about
600 yards."
Shackley's Notes: "Aug. 21st, the enemy made another
desperate effort to drive us back, but were forced to retire,
leaving their dead in our hands."
FROM THE HISTORY OF THE THIRD MASSACHUSETTS
BATTERY.
"Sunday morning, Aug. 21, 1864, the battle opened about eight
o'clock. The ground in this locality was very marshy. It was Vir
ginia land without any bottom, and it was very difficult to moje bat
teries. Our whole battery was sunk to the hubs in the road near the
line' of battle. It could neither move forward nor back. Orders were
given to commanders if obliged to fall back to spike their guns, as it
would be impossible to move as from every discharge they sank deeper
in the soil. The' Rebels met with the same difficulties, the recent
heavy rains making it the same for them. Very few of their guns were
got up near enough to do much damage.
General Griffin sent out a line of skirmishers to meet the Rebels'
heavy force of infantry, supposed to be forty thousand. After a few
shots were exchanged his skirmishers fell back pell-mell, that being

906 HISTORY OF THE
the plan, drawing the enemy into the centre of the circle of General
Warren's curved line, — a strong earthwork thrown up in the form
of half a quadrangle extending half a mile south, and across the rail
road on his left. — When near enough for execution, the flank bat
teries opened first, our infantry hugging the ground closely, the ar
tillery shots passing over their heads, the Rebels all the while pressing
up nearer as our advanced line fell back on their supports. The ruse
worked well. At a given signal the whole line of artillery opened,
using up the enemy fearfully. After one hour's brisk cannonade, at a
given signal, the' artillery ceased firing, when Gen. Griffin charged on
them with his Division, capturing over two thousand prisoners. It
was Warren's best planned battle, and a great success, as the Rebels
never after attempted to retake the road."
This battle was the last for the Third Mass. Battery, its
term of service having expired. Its guns and equipments
were turned into the ordnance department, the horses and
wagons to the quartermasters department. Its commander,
Captain Augustus P. Martin was soon after brevetted
colonel, as an honorary title for his valuable services, and
for the reason, as General Henry J. Hunt, Chief of Artillery
of the Army of the Potomac observed, that besides com
manding his battery, he had "performed the highest duties
of field-officer."

By these operations, of the third and fourth weeks of
August, our main line was extended from the Jerusalem
Plank Road at the Cheever house to Globe Tavern. From
this point we held all the ground along the Weldon Rail
road to White House where a fort was built and named for
Colonel Dushane.
August 25th the Battery moved about two miles to the
left in support of the Second Corps, which had a severe
fight at Ream's Station on the Weldon Railroad. The
enemy forced our lines, tore up the railroad track and cap
tured the guns of the Tenth Mass. Battery and Battery G,
ist Rhode Island.
The Fifth Mass. Battery was placed in position on the

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 907
pike leading to Ream's Station in advance of the line of
battle. "August 29th, 1864. (Shackley's Notes.) Cleared up
our park and dug another well, making eleven wells dug
by the Battery in front of Petersburg.
Corporal Tripp promoted to sergeant, James Kay and
Joseph Clark promoted to corporals."
The Battery's position on the 30th was outside the in
trenchments, two guns on each side of the road. At the
front and on the right in the edge of the woods skirmishers
were thrown out.
Major Phillips in his report to the Adjutant General of
the state of Massachusetts dated Dec. 16, 1864, thus refers
to the status of the Third Mass. Battery and its relations to
the Fifth:—
"On the 30th of August, the enlisted men of the Third
Mass. Battery, who were not entitled to be mustered out,
were permanently transferred to the Fifth Mass. Battery
by Special Order 210, Head Quarters Fifth Army Corps,
dated August 27th. This order was afterwards rescinded,
and it was directed that the two organizations should be
kept up, by Special Order 236, Head Quarters Fifth Army
Corps. The two batteries have since been temporarily
united under my command."
The report of the Third to the same state official reads : —
"The Veterans and Recruits transferred to the Fifth Mass. Bat
tery, and the battery ordered to the rear with instructions to turn over
(he battery, &c, preparatory to leaving the Army, and on the evening
of the 4th September the officers and men whose term of service was
about to expire, marched to City Point."
New wharves had been built at City Point and a new rail
way in the rear of the lines from City Point to the Weldon
Railroad at Globe Tavern, and from that point to the
crossing of the Vaughan road near Wyatt's house, the Wel
don Railroad was used as a military railway.

908 HISTORY OF THE
FROM THE HISTORY OF THE THIRD MASS. BATTERY.
List of the Members of the Fhird Mass. Battery temporarily con
solidated with the Fifth Mass. Battery.
Aug. 30, 1864, and Previous.
Allen Elisha
Aymer Frank
Ball Volney
Boutwell Wm. G.
Bowman Benedict
Brizee Wm. A. Jr.
Brock John H.
Broom George
Bryson Peter
Bugbee Wm. L.
Burleson Charles
Burns Joseph
Cahill George H.
Carling Chas. P.
Cary Richard
Conant Sherman W.
Crockett George F.
Downey Thomas
Drake Wm. M.
Dudley Edwd. M.
Duff Robert P.
Edwards William
Flanagan Thomas
Follett Charles A.
Ford Jacob W.
Gragg John T.
Graves Henry B.
Hanley Henry
Hart Patrick
Hayden Wm. A.
Haye's Joseph
Hunt Geo. S.
Hunt Ira J.
Johnson Alfred J.
Johnston Leonard F.
Knowles William
Leach Jacob H.
Mahan Fred'k W.
Mahan Geo. F.
Martis Wm. A.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 909
Matthews David A.
Matthews Roland F.
McCarthy Eugene
McCartney John
Murphy James
Murphy Thomas
Murphy Walter
Nichols Wm. H.
Potter, Geo. Jr.
Ransom Wallace' R.
Ransom William
Reed Andrew
Remington Lysander F.
Riley Morris
Robinson John R.
Rowe Amos
Skillin Howard A.
Spencer Albert L.
Stetson Charles E.
Stetson Henry
Sullivan James
Thomas Jefferson
Tufts Henry
Turner Thomas
Waterson James
Waterson William
Way George H.
Welch John H.
Wheelock Geo. W.
Whelan John
Wilson Richard
Wood Alfred.

August 31, 1864, notice was received of Lieut. Nathan
Appleton's discharge, Special Order War Department dated
Aug. 25, 1864, and Lieut. Hamblet was mustered in to date
August 25, 1864.
September 1, 1864, our rear was attacked by rebel cavalry.
"Pickets were driven in, (Shackley's Notes) the Rebs were
repulsed, and we unhitched."

CHAPTER XXVI.
THE BATTLE OF HATCHER'S RUN.
October 27, 1864.
"Here was the camp, the watch-flame, and the host,
Still does he' mark it with triumphant boast,
And points to yonder cliffs, which oft were won and lost."
— Childe Harold.
As far as new ground was gained by our forces, en
trenchments and redoubts of great strength were carried
on to secure it. The length of this line was about three and
a half miles on the front from Fort Davis to Fort Wads
worth, and a mile and a half along the railroad from Fort
Wadsworth to Fort Dushane. The reverse works extended
from Fort Dushane back to the Jerusalem Plank Road, a
distance of about four miles. The forts included in the
front line were Forts Hays, Howard, Wadsworth and
Dushane and several redoubts. The reverse line was made
up of small forts, the only one of large extent being Fort
Stevenson. The woods in the vicinity were utilized, and
furnished all the timber needed for gun platforms and
drawbridges by means of portable saw mills. Skilled labor
of all descriptions for building the fortifications, railroads,
etc., was found in the ranks of the army.
As fast as the protecting works were completed the mili
tary line connecting with the Weldon Railroad at Globe
Tavern was extended. Parts of the line built for the use of
batteries of artillery were numbered, beginning at the right
of the line near the James River and numbering towards the
left. 910

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 911
September 23, 1864, a circular was published and read
to the Army, announcing the success of General Sheridan
in the Shenandoah Valley. While at the height of the en
thusiasm created by this glorious news, the determination
of General Grant to strike a blow at Richmond from the
north bank of the James met general approval, and on Sep
tember 28th the 1 8th Corps under General E. O. C. Ord,
and the ioth Corps under General D. B. Birney went off
"in good spirits," as the phrase was then, across the James;
the 1 8th by the Varina road nearer the river and the ioth
by the Newmarket and Darby roads. The result was the
capture of Fort Harrison and its entrenchments and their
guns. On the 29th at 4 a. m. the Army of the Potomac was
under arms for a move, and preparations were made to
withdraw from the entrenchments round Petersburg, leav
ing garrisons in the forts and batteries.
The cavalry was sent off to the crossing of Hatcher's
Run, by the Vaughan road, where there was a rebel redoubt
and entrenchments which were a part of the Petersburg line,
running parallel with the Weldon Railroad. Cavalry was
also sent to Peebles and Pegram farms on the Squirrel
Level road, two miles west of our intrenchments on the
railroad, in order to extend our left and surround Peters
burg. There was a redoubt called Fort McRae, at the junction
of the Squirrel Level and Poplar Spring Church roads, com
ing from the southwest, which it was Grant's design to cap
ture with a part of the Fifth Corps including Griffin's Divi
sion, accompanied by Batteries B, D and H, ist N. Y. Light
Artillery, and at 7 o'clock of September 30, they left the
intrenchments at Globe Tavern and fought their way west,
holding the entrenchments captured, through the Peebles
and Pegram farms, and northwest to the Boydton Plank
Road, and on the 2d of October the Fifth and Second

912 HISTORY OF THE
Corps had established a new line of entrenchments, connect
ing with the Weldon Railroad works, made up of redoubts
and batteries. On the 27th of October General Meade was
directed by General Grant to take possession of the South-
side Railroad, and to hold and fortify it.
The rebels had intrenchments not very complete at a
point two miles above the crossing of Hatcher's Run by the
Vaughan road, and about a mile above Armstrong's Mills
They did not cross the run or extend any farther up than
the crossing.
The Confederate Petersburg lines reached from the Ap
pomattox River to a battery west of the Jerusalem Plank
Road. Our movement was to the left, the Second Corps
moving by the Vaughan road, crossing Hatcher's Run and
proceeding by the Boydton Plank and White Oak Roads tc
the Southside Railroad; striking it at a point about three
miles east of Sutherland Station. The Ninth Corps was tc
attack the intrenchments at Hatcher's Run, and the Fifth
to move to Armstrong's Mills and support the Ninth ai
Hatcher's Run.
The Confederate lines stretched from Hatcher's Run tc
the Boydton Road a distance of about a mile, covering the
road. The Fifth Corps started at 4 a. m. of Oct. 27, 1864. Il
was composed of the ist and 2d and two Brigades of the 3d
Division, under General S. W. Crawford. The ammuni
tion and reserve supplies remained in camp guarded by the
2d Brigade of Crawford's Division under General Henry
Baxter, and 8 batteries of 34 guns. Three batteries of light
12 pdrs. 14 guns, and two batteries of 3 inch rifled, 10 guns,
accompanied the expedition.
Griffin's ist Division was 4707 strong; of these more than
one-third were ignorant of the manual, and more than half
the number had never fired a musket. In Ayres' 2d Divi
sion 4704 strong, there were 104 men who had not been

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 913
drilled in the manual, and 812 who had never fired a musket.
In Crawford's 3d Division there were 298 raw recruits.
They moved southwesterly and westerly, meeting the
rebel skirmishers at 9 a. m. and driving them into a line of
breastworks. Orders hurried Warren in command to cross Hatcher's
Run and communicate with Hancock forthwith, and both
Grant and Meade appeared in person at Warren's Head
Quarters. Griffin's skirmish line then extended to Hatch
er's Run on the left. Hancock's Corps had moved towards
the Boydton Plank Road past Armstrong's Mills. Warren
ordered Crawford with one Brigade of Ayres to cross the
Run, place his right flank on the Run, and then move up
and attack the enemy's right in flank.
Generals Grant and Meade informed Hancock in person
of this movement of Crawford, and Hancock's Second Corps
was ordered to extend its line to the right to connect with
Crawford, and hold his position till the next morning,
which he did after a skirmish with the enemy who tried to
get possession of the Plank Road.
The woods were dense and the stream was crooked and
these caused delay.
Warren arrived at 11.45 a. m. and rested his right on the
Run in line, of battle, and Griffin opened on the Confed
erates at 1 p. m. of the 27th, and about 4 p. m. Crawford,
having come up, and formed his line on the right flank of
the Confederate position fronting Griffin, began skirmish
ing with the enemy, but his line of march had carried him
into quite a different position from what was expected, and
he was in a dense forest where his men were getting lost,
even the enemy it is said were bewildered, and his command
was difficult to reach.
There was a consultation between Generals Meade and
Warren at Armstrong's Mills, as to what should be done

914 HISTORY OF THE
with Crawford, and he was ordered to withdraw at day
break of the 28th to the north side of Hatcher's Run.
Hancock with ammunition exhausted, and seeing no ad
vantage in holding his position, commenced to fall back at
10 p. m. of the 27th. At 10 a. m. of the 28th the road was
clear of wagons, wounded and prisoners, and at 11 a. m.
the Fifth and Ninth Corps had withdrawn and returned
to their former positions.
The object of this movement is variously stated. Some
historians believe they have authority for saying that the
demonstration was made on the left by our Army to hold
the enemy's attention so that he would not trouble Butler
who was coming up towards Richmond from the James
River, while others say that the plan was a concerted move
ment to attack Lee in order to prevent his sending rein
forcements to oppose Butler who was to operate on that
side, and prevent reinforcements being sent to Lee. That
Grant was very desirous of getting possession of the rail
roads is made plain in his Memoirs, when he says of the
railroad south by way of Danville, he was afraid the enemy
was "running off his men and stores and ordnance" by it.
The result of the movement was that we advanced our
line to Poplar Spring Church.
On October 31st the regular infantry serving in the Fifth
Corps were again ordered to the city of New York to report
to Major General John A. Dix, and the remainder of the
Corps took their places once more in the fortifications before
Petersburg near Fort Sedgwick.
AS RELATED BY MEMBERS OF THE BATTERV.
September 2, 1864, the square work of four bastions on
the right was garrisoned by the Ninth Mass. Battery. The
next day General Grant, General Lew Wallace and U. S.
Secretary Fessenden paid a visit to camp.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 915
DISPOSAL OF NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Major C. A. Phillips to Lieut. Ford. Morris.
September 8, 1864.
Lieut. Ford. Morris A. A. A. G. Art'y Brigade 5th A. C.
Lieutenant.
I have the honor to forward the following statement for
the action of the proper authorities.
On the 30th of August, by order from Corps Hd. Qrs.
the enlisted men, recruits and veterans of Battery C, Mass.
Art'y were transferred to Battery E, Mass. Art'y, the first
named battery being ordered to be mustered out.
Among the men so transferred were the following non
commissioned officers. As there are now the full number
of non-commissioned officers in Battery E, I respectfully
request that these serg'ts. and corp'ls may be discharged, as
they cannot be -mustered for pay : —
Serg't. Lysander F. Remington Present.
Wallace R. Ransom
Thomas Turner
Corp. Charles A. Follett
Brooks B. Martis
" Daniel Norcross absent wounded.
" William H. Nichols.
I am very Resp'y Your Obd. Serv't
Charles A. Phillips,
Captain Battery E,
Mass. Art'y.
FROM BRIG. GEN. HENRY J. HUNT.
Art'y Hd. Qrs. A. of P.
Sept. 20, 1864.
Respectfully returned to Hd. Qrs. A. .of P.
By a return made to these Hd. Qrs. August ist, it appears that

916 HISTORY OF THE
there would be in batteries C & E Mass. Art'y on Sept. 5, and Dec. 3,
the date's of muster out.
Battery C, 63 enlisted men.
" E, 71 "
Instead of transferring the men from one battery to the other I
think the batteries should be united temporarily to serve one battery
of guns, thus preserving their organization until recruits could be
obtained to fill them. This would save their organization and keep
the non-commissioned officers in service.
Henry J. Hunt,
Brig. Gen'l,
Ch. of Art'y.
The opinion of General Meade, September 21, 1864, was
as follows : —
"The order of the 30th ult. would seem to conflict with the instruc
tions from the War Dept. of the 16th ult. relating to consolidations
a copy of which was furnished.
The same rule will apply to a battery as to a reg't. and the 63
men of Battery C can be kept as a separate organization with the
requisite number of officers and non-commissioned officers and the
supernumerary mustered out."
His letter was returned to Captain Phillips by Colonel
Wainwright, after having been referred to- Captain W. T.
Gentry commissary of musters of the Corps, the last date
being Sept. 22, 1864.

Rumors that the enemy were moving around to the left
caused some uneasiness, and on Sept. 15th hitched up at 4
a. m., unhitched at 8. Hitched up again at 2, and unhitched
at dark. 16th. Hitched up in the morning and remained
hitched up all day. On the 17th orders to sweep the whole
camp. As soon as this was done, hitched up and packed up,
and took the Battery out of line. Relieved by Stewart's
Battery B, Fourth Regulars and marched to Yellow Tav
ern. Went into camp near Warren's Station in the vicinity
of Corps Head Quarters, being held to support any part of
the line. On this day Lt. Simonds was mustered in as ist

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 917
Lieutenant and Mason W. Page was mustered in as 2d
Lieutenant. "Sunday Sept. 18, 1864. (Dyer's Notes.) Orders to
clean up for inspection at 9 o'clock. We were inspected
by Lieut. Spear. Weather warm and sultry. Divine ser
vices in the p. m."
LETTER OF Q. M. SERG'T. PEACOCK.
"Camp near Six Mile Station, Va.
Sept. 18, 1864.
We are in camp at the Yellow Tavern or Six Mile
House, that I suppose you have read of, where the big
battle took place when we first came up here. The Weldon
R. R. track runs directly in front of the house only some
twenty feet distant. Our line of battle is about fifty yards in
front. General Warren of the 5th Corps has his Hd. Qrs.
here. The house is of brick painted yellow. The past week
we. have been on a constant jump night and day, hitching
up and remaining in suspense for a few hours, then the
alarm will quiet down, and we unharness again for a short
time. The pickets get to firing in front of us, and they are so
near at some points it is impossible to tell at what minute
we shall see the rebels charging our works.
It takes our Battery not over ten minutes to hitch up,
pack everything and be on the move. Early in the war it
took us a half-hour.
Captain Phillips is doing a lot of correspondence with
the War Department to get us mustered out Oct. ist, — ex
piration of three years -term of service, — as there was a
mistake or neglect in our muster in on that date."
Sept. 19th. Corp. Jonas Shackley was discharged by
Special Order No. 304 War Department, to receive a com
mission as 2d Lieutenant in the 24th Unattached Co. of

918 HISTORY OF THE
Mass. Heavy Artillery, ist Serg't. E. J. Gibbs was also
discharged for a commission as 2d Lieutenant in the 26th
Unattached Co. Mass. Heavy Artillery.
On this day the men levelled off the park and dug two
wells which employed them most of the day. In the evening
Dyer went over to the 20th Maine Regt. and had a very
pleasant time.
Sept. 20th the Battery was inspected at 2 o'clock bv
Lieut. G. W. Dresser A. A. I. G. Everything was minutely
examined. John E. Dyer was personally complimented by
him for being neat and clean. September 21st the Battery
moved to the rear and occupied Fort Davison.
FROM A LETTER OF MAJOR PHILLIPS.
"Near Petersburg, Va., Sept. 22, 1864.
We have been very quiet since the first few days after
we took the Weldon R. R. Last Saturday we moved out of
our position outside of the line of battle on the road leading
to Ream's Station, and went back into reserve near the
'Yellow House' where General Warren's Hd. Qrs. are. We
immediately went to work fixing up our camp and though
the ground was very dirty we made a pretty good camp.
Our officers' tents were pitched under an arbor built by Col.
Hoffman for his Hd. Qrs., and were very pleasant.
We fixed a pole and pins for a game quite common here
which is played in this way : — Two- poles are set up with a
cross piece about 20 feet from the ground, and a 12 pdr.
round shot or shell is hung from this cross piece by a rope
so that it swings within three inches from the ground.
Then we set up ten pins under it as they do in a bowling
alley and swing the ball at them. The object is to hit the
pins when the ball is swinging towards you. If you hit the
pins when the ball is swinging from you, you lose 5. Each
player swings the ball three times to make one roll and to

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY.

919

count just as they do in a bowling alley. It is quite a good
game. General Warren rode by while we were playing it
and seemed interested in it.
... A brigade of colored troops is camped outside the
redoubt, but we keep a guard at the entrance and have the
whole inside to ourselves. One of the curiosities out here is
the extension of the City Point R. R. built without survey
and grades, up and down hill and across the fields anywhere.
It crosses the Weldon R. R. and runs fairly into the en
trenched line of battle, the rails being within a foot of the
face of the rifle pits."
Again on the 24th : —
"Fort Davison near Petersburg, Sept. 24, 1864.
This redoubt forms one of a series built to protect our
left flank and rear, and which form a very , strong line.
Our left flank describes a complete semi-circle and finally
runs parallel to the main line. . . The southerly work
on the Weldon R. R. is Fort Dushane. The northerly work
on the west of the Jerusalem Plank Road, a large square,
redoubt formerly called Fort Warren, is now named Fort
Davis after Colonel Davis 39th Mass. Vols., who was killed
close by. . . . Between the two bastioned works on the
Weldon R. R. there are two redans mounting 4 guns each,
and a 4 gun battery between Fort Dushane and Fort Davi
son. All the works are connected by lines of rifle pits,
varying in strength, and with single or double abattis in
front all the length. In front of Fort Davis there is first
a row of cheveaux de frise formed of pointed stakes set in
the ground at an angle of about 300 and fastened with iron
wire to a riband about two feet from the ground. Outside
of this is a row of abattis the whole forming rather a for
midable obstacle.
One great innovation in this war is the introduction of

920 HISTORY OF THE
iron wire into obstacles. Abattis is always fastened with
iron wire so as infallibly to trip up any one who tries to go
through it. It is also extensively used in front of abattis
fastened to stakes, forming a very effective obstacle to a
charge. I think we need have no fear of the Rebels attempting to
repossess the Weldon R. R. and bringing on the great battle
which the newspapers have been prophesying. They failed
to drive us off the R. R. in the first few days after we got
here, and thev are too wise to attempt it now. Of course
they may attempt it when their only alternative is utter
annihilation, but it will amount to nothing. Their men and
ours have charged rifle pits too much to run their heads
against regular fortifications. The news from the Shenan
doah coming on top of Mobile and Atlanta, brings the alter
native of annihilation home to them, but I am inclined to
think Early is too much used up to help Lee smash our left
as Jackson helped him to smash our right in 1862. But, in
1862, we did not know how to dig. Not a shovelful of dirt
was thrown on the left of the Chickahominy that was of any
use in repelling Jackson's attack."
MARTIN'S BATTERY GOES HOME.
Sept. 24, 1864, the men of the Third Mass. Battery whose
time had expired bivouacked in the rear of the 22d Mass.
Regt. Infantry. Captain A. P. Martin and officers at Regi
mental Head Quarters. At 8 a. m. of September 25th, 1864,
they were escorted to the boat by the 22d Regiment; "send
ing them off" says their historian "with ringing cheers."
Sept. 26, 1864. Orders were received to make requisition
for two more guns ; rifled batteries having 1 30 men present
beinp- made six gun batteries. Harnesses came on the 27th
but no gxins. On the 28th orders were received during the
evening to send horses, caissons and wagons to the am
munition train in case the main body of the Corps moved,

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 921
keeping strong detachments in the fort, which was then
garrisoned by the 94th N. Y., and the Fifth Mass. Battery.
In the afternoon of the 29th cannonading was heard in the
direction of Ream's Station.
Oct. ist the Fifth Corps began to move to the left. Sent
caissons, wagons, and all the horses to the Ammunition
Train. QUARTERMASTER'S STATISTICS.
Quartermaster Serg't. Peacock's Account Book contains
some interesting statistics relative to the horses connected
with the Battery. Their color was Bay, Black, Sorrel, Gray,
Roan and Buckskin. They were separated from the Bat
tery by the following causes: — Killed, abandoned, — worn
out, — died from exhaustion, died in a fit, strayed away,
broke leg and was killed, died from sunstroke, from dis
ease, killed in action, wounded and killed. May 28th, 1864,
at Hanover Town, one horse died of swelled head.
Besides clothing, shelter tents, blankets, sacks, — used on
the works of the Division ArtiUery, gunners' implements
etc. such property as the foUowing was received for use of
the Battery and accounted for : — Ridge Pole, Tarpaulin,
Sides Harness Leather, Papers of Saddlers' Needles, Bridle,
Spirits of Turpentine, Linseed Oil, Horse Nails, Wagon
Tail Board, Lanyards, Castile Soap, Requisition for Sta
tionery ; Letter Paper, Foolscap, Envelopes, pins, wafers,
Sealin^ Wax, Red Office Tape, Bottle of Ink, Stamps, Lead
Pencils, Mucilage, Blotting Paper, Eraser.
LETTER OF MAJOR PHILLIPS OCT. 2, 1864.
"During the present demonstration towards the South-
side R. R. we still garrison Fort Davison, while most of
the Corps are fighting. We have rested in undisturbed
quiet for the last few days, hearing of the fighting only an

922 HISTORY OF THE
occasional shot. The 94th N. Y., with us, form the garri
son of Fort Davison, and consider ourselves able to hold it
an indefinite period.
Yesterday was very rainy and chilly, and we found tents
rather uncomfortable, so after mature deliberation we con
cluded to effect a strategic change of base.
A series of preliminary reconnoissances in force, finally
resulted in a flank movement on an upper chamber in the
Gurley house, which stands about 50 feet from the entrance
to the fort. This house was formerly occupied by a Mr.
Gurley, said to be a rebel senator, who, alarmed by the ap
proach of winter and the Yankees, concluded to remove,
and abandon his household gods to the ruthless invader.
The rest of the house is occupied by the officers of the 94th
N. Y. Though somewhat dilapidated, the house is in pretty-
good order, and the apartment we occupy is quite luxurious,
in size about 16 feet square: 4 windows on the North and
South sides, fireplace East, door and closet West side. A
sea green wainscoting runs around the room, and the walls
have no paper. The house was probably built by Northern
mechanics, and the walls are frescoed with pictures and in
scriptions of the charcoal style which were evidently exe
cuted by northern hands. We have only three broken pan-°s
of glass in our windows, and the window by my bed has two
blinds in good preservation. Some vandal pulled off one
side of the door casing, and some lover of symmetry per
formed the same thing to the closet door frame, to make it
match. Our closet door has seceded, and the other door
handle is gone, but fortunately we have no great fear of
entry thieves. We have an excellent floor of hard pine, and
we availed ourselves of it by celebrating our installation
last night with a clog dance interspersed with songs.
I see the N. Y. Herald credits us with the explosion
of a caisson on drill. We don't do such things."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 923
MUSTERED OUT.
October 3, 1864, Lieut. J. E. Spear and 29 men were
mustered out, their term of service of three years having
expired, and left for City Point. Among them were John
E. Dyer, William H. Baxter, WiUiam H. Peacock, Francis
P Washburn and Louis E. Pattison, whose notes have
added so much to the interest of these columns.

October 4, 1864, a flag staff was erected on Fort Davison
and the colors were run up amid cheers for the flag, for
Lieut. Gen'l Grant and Brig. Gen'l Henry Baxter. On the
8th orders were received at 5 a. m to hitch up and be ready
for movement or action at 6. Remained hitched up all day,
but heard nothing more of it. Four recruits came in. On
the 9th there was Battery inspection in the morning.
October 10, 1864, marched early in the day to the front
line of battery works between Fort Hays and Fort Howard.
The Right section was placed in Battery No. 24, and the
Left section occupied Battery No. 25. The distance between
them was 700 yards. Of the work during the week Major
Phillips says in his Diary : —
"During the week rebuilt barbettes and ramps in Battery
25, and built a stockade with the caissons covered by a wall
tent and fly for myself and Lieut. Page. Sent to City Point
in the afternoon for two guns."
By Major Phillips' Inventory of Guns on Oct. 15, 1864, it
may be seen that since Sept. ^o, 1862, he had had eleven
guns, all of three inch calibre.
Of the first six from the Washington Arsenal, one, re
ceived on Sept. 30, 1862, and the remainder Oct. 1, 1862,
two were turned in at Acquia Creek, May 25, 1863. On
Tune 6th, 1863, he received two guns from the Fourth R. I.
Battery, and one of these was exchanged with Captain R. H.
Fitzhugh July 3, 1863.

924 HISTORY OF THE
Major Phillips' Diary resumed: —
"Oct. 16, 1864. Pleasant. Battery inspection. Rec'd
two guns from City Point Nos. 177 and 308. Drew 12
horses. A regiment moved in on the right of Battery 25."
October 17th the new section was placed in Battery 25
with the Left section, and the two sections were commanded
by Lieutenants Hamblet and Page. The Right section in
Battery 24, was under command of Lieut. Simonds. Octo
ber 20th two recruits came in and the next day six more.
On this day inspection by Lieut. Dresser.
On the 22d the men finished a new cook house, and on
the 25th the Battery was relieved by a section of Battery
G, 4th U. S. and a section of Hart's 15th New York. The
Regulars went into Battery 24, and Hart's into Battery 25.
Marching orders were received, and on the 26th the
Battery Wagon, Forge, and Baggage Wagon were sent
back to the Ammunition Train, en route to City Point by
night. Thursday, Oct. 27, 1864, marched to Hatcher's Run.
Started at 3 a. m. At daylight the Fifth Corps with Grif
fin's ist Division leading, accompanied by Stewart's Bat
tery B, 4th U. S. and the Fifth Mass. Battery marched
through the works at our left.
Following were the 2d Division with Mink's Battery H,
ist N. Y. and Battery B, ist N. Y. under Capt. Robert E.
Rogers, and then the 3d Division with the Ninth Mass.
Battery. They advanced three miles. The most of the fighting was
by the Second Corps who were on our left. It rained all
the afternoon and all night, and at 8 a. m. of October 28th
the Battery marched back as far as the Yellow Tavern.
Oct. 30, 1864, Lieut. Hamblet received his commission
as ist Lieutenant and Serg't. Tripp as 2d Lieutenant. On
the 31st Lieut. Hamblet was mustered as ist Lieutenant,
and Nov. ist after Lieut. Tripp was mustered in there was

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 925
a supper in the evening, oysters and roast turkey. On this
date Major Phillips wrote the following letter : —
"Camp before Petersburg, Nov. i, 1864.
At the beginning of last week we were lying quietly in
position in Batteries "24" and "25," and, the cold weather
being very suggestive, we had built unto ourselves a pretty
good log house which we enjoyed much. On Wednesday
preparations for some movement were visible all along the
line. We were relieved by other batteries, new regiments
posted, and other arrangements made.
Thursday morning we broke camp about 1 a. m. having
been ordered to march with Griffin's Division at 4 a. m.
After marching over three miles to the left, we found the
Division just moving out, and fell in with them. Marched
out through the breastworks and kept on in a general s. w.
direction. About noon we halted the head of our column,
having driven the enemy's skirmishers almost into their
works. The batteries parked in a field and remained there.
It began to rain and became rather wet, but it was not cold,
and having pitched a tarpaulin and built a fire we got along
very comfortably. One shell struck 15 yards from a tree
we were under, but except this we were not under fire.
After waiting in camp all the afternoon we went into camp
for the night. The next forenoon we turned round and
marched quietly back again and camped near the Yellow
House. . . . Whether our expedition was a success or a
failure depends on our intention in going out. If we went
out to take the Southside R. R. we failed. If we went on a
reconnoissance we succeeded.
The Army is not very cheerful over it. We have lost
our good chimneys, log houses, &c. and accomplished noth
ing, and that is enough to make soldiers growl."
Another reference from Major Phillips' pen has been
found in a letter dated Battery No. 25, Nov. 19, 1864:—

926 HISTORY OF THE
"This was a singular movement and may be understood
at the North but certainly is not here.
If it was intended as a reconnoissance, most unusual
preparations were made for it. All the wagon trains of the
Army were sent to City Point, and the line in front of
Petersburg held in very small force. We marched out a
few miles but did not attack the enemy's works. Two
brigades of the 5th Corps engaged the enemy's skirmish
line, but did not make any attack. Not a battery in the
Corps was engaged, and after remaining one night in the
rain we returned to camp."
GEN. SCHOULER IN CAMP.
The Adjutant General of the Commonwealth of Massa
chusetts went to Washington in October, 1864, in order to
ascertain the actual condition of the volunteers from this
state and to examine the defenses of the national capital.
That city had been again endangered bv the demonstration
of the confederate general Early in July, to overcome which
the Sixth Corps had been withdrawn from before Peters
burg. The letter from which the following extracts are
taken is dated Nov. 14, 1864: —
GEN. SCHOULER'S LETTER FROM THE FIELD TO
GOVERNOR ANDREW.
"Oct. 22, 1864, we started in a carriage from Washington at noon
to visit our troops stationed in the forts on the Virginia side of the
Potomac. . . . We passed over Chain Bridge and entered
Virginia. A line of fortifications for the defence of Washington ex
tends on the Virginia side from Chain Bridge to the Long Bridge
at Washington which are connected with breastworks and rifle pits
the entire distance. A short way from Chain Bridge is Fort Ethan
Allen, where we stopped. This fort is very large, and is garrisoned
by five companies of Massachusetts unattached heavy artillery.
Here we stayed nearly an hour and then passed on to Forts
Whipple, Cass, Tillinghast, Smith and Albany, each of which is
garrisoned by an unattached heavy artillery company. We arrived
at Washington about dark.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 927
The country was high and rolling, intersected at short intervals
with ravines. Two years ago it was thickly wooded, now good
carriage roads intersect it. The woods have been felled and used
for making abattis, corduroy roads, and to light up camp fires.
Oct. 24, 1864, visited the forts on the Maryland side of the
Potomac, garrisoned by Mass. heavy artillery companies. The
route was over Capitol Hill, then near the Navy Yard and across
the 'East Branch' a stream which runs up to Bladensburg. Two
miles from the Bridge I came to Fort Baker, which was under
command of Lieut. Dame. Next passed on to Fort Greble, Forts
Snyder and Carroll. Fort Davis next; then Dupont, Mahan and
Meigs. Six miles from there was Fort Lincoln crossing East Branch.
It is within a mile of Bladensburg and near General Hooker's old
camp. The next are Forts Thayer and Saratoga. We drove over
the Bladensburg turnpike to Washington, and arrived there at dark.
There is an extension of these works on the Maryland side reaching
a<= far as the Chain Bridge.
I found the defences of Washington almost entirely garrisoned
by our men, and their good conduct and soldierly bearing are uni
versally acknowledged.
Oct. 25, 1864. At 3 o'clock I left Washington on the mail steamer
'Express' for Citv Point, General Grant's Head Quarters. The sail
down the Potomac was very pleasant. At early morning stopped to
deliver the mail and a few passengers at Point Lookout, a large
depot for rebel prisoners, commanded at present by Brig. Gen.
Barnes formerly colonel of the Mass. 18th Regt. Arrived at
Fortress Monroe at 8 o'clock on the morning of Oct. 26, 1864.
In Hampton Roads lay the largest fleet of war vessels and
transport ships ever concentrated in any harbor in America. It was
a beautiful sight and gave one an enlarged idea of the magnitude of
tbe war, of the enterprise of our people, and of the resources of the
nation. The boat remained at Fortress Monroe two hours, and then pro
ceeded on past Newport News to the mouth of the James, and fol
lowing that river for about 70 miles, arrived at 5 p. m. at City
Point, base of supplies for the Army of the Potomac. The trip was
made including stops in twenty-six hours. A steamer leaves Wash
ington every afternoon for City Point, stopping at Alexandria, Point
J^ookont, and Fortress Monroe.
The banks of the James are densely wooded, no villages to be seen
from the steamer. As the steamer glides up the stream it passes
Foster's Landing, White House Landing, Harrison's Landing, Light
House Point, Fort Powhattan, &c. &c. The river is well guarded with
gunboats. At City Point the river is crowded with vessels of all
descriptions. The wharves extend for at least half a mile.

928 HISTORY OF THE
Numerous supplies for the Army are here stored. On ascending
the bank which is 75 feet high, the first place to visit is the Provost
Marshal's office, where the passes are examined. General (M. R.)
Patrick is stationed here as Provost Marshal General of the Army of
the Potomac.
The first information I received on landing (Oct. 26th) was that
an advance had been ordered and the Army had moved that morn
ing. At nine o'clock in the morning (Oct. 27th) I walked over to
General Grant's headquarters. The General and staff live in tents.
I missed seeing him as he had left at seven o'clock for the front. Ob
tained a pass to Bermuda Hundred 3 miles distant. In an open space
near by are 100 soldiers' graves.
The front was distant about five miles from Bermuda Hundred. I
have learned that the advance of the armies was a concerted move
ment to obtain possession of the Danville R. R. Lee's army was to
be attacked by the Army of the Potomac and the railroad taken if
possible, while the Army of the James was to operate on that side
and prevent reinforcements being sent to Lee and to take advantage
of circumstances. The celebrated Dutch Gap where Gen. Butler is making a canal,
is about <i mile and a half from Head Quarters. The Rebels were
shelling the Gap, — fell short, — many hundred men working day and
night; lines picketed by colored soldiers.
At 10 o'clock at night (Oct. 27th) a tremendous cannonading
heard in the direction of Petersburg, which lasted for two hours.
Oct. 28, 1864. Started with Gen. Devens and others for the front.
Rode about six miles, through woods, over old cornfields, by lines
of breastworks, through camp, and along the Favina and Darbytown
turnpike often mentioned in despatches, until we reached Dr. John
son's farm, where we found General Butler and General Terry who
commands the Tenth Army Corps. Before we arrived it had been
decided to withdraw our forces and to return within our lines. This
was not done though until near noon. Our skirmish line was about
half a mile in advance.
On going back to headquarters the entire staff rode with the
General. We went back by a more circuitous route, visited Fort
Harrison and the immense line of works of which it forms an im
portant part. We passed long lines of wagons and ambulances.
Arrived at headquarters at two o'clock, having ridden about 20
miles. / had been within four miles of Richmond.
Arrived back at City Point Oct. 29, 1864, at about two o'clock.
At 3 o'clock left City Point in the cars for the front. The railroad
runs the entire length of our lines, and the camps of the different
corps are on each side of it. Twelve miles from City Point is Gen.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 929
Meade's station. His Head Quarters are nearly a mile from there.
I found the ambulance in waiting for me. We drove to General
Meade's Quarters. The shades of evening began to fall when I left
in an ambulance for the Ninth Corps. We crossed the famous
Weldon R. R. near General Warren's Head Quarters.
Oct. 31, 1864. I also visited Captain Jones and the Eleventh
Battery. This company has charge of three small forts in the line
of works near General Ferrero's Head Quarters. To General
Meade's Head Quarters our route lay for miles through the camps
of the Second and Fifth Army Corps — Hancock's and Warren's.
More men are wanted, our lines are so greatly extended; neces
sarily so. Passed on to the 'Yellow House,' which is the Head
Quarters of General Warren, commanding the Fifth Corps. This
is on the old Weldon R. R. and was a tavern and depot station six
miles from Petersburg.
Arrived back at City Point at 7 o'clock, Nov. 2d. Arrived at
Washington Nov. 3, 1864."

CHAPTER XXVII.
THE ASSAULT ON PETERSBURG.
April 2, 1865.
"The wall is rent, the ruins yawn,
And. with tomorrow's earliest dawn,
O'er the disjointed mass shall vault
The foremost of the fierce assault."."
— The Siege of Corinth.
When the Sixth Corps returned from its tour of duty
for the preservation of the national capital and assisting
Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, it was to take the place
in the lines before Richmond of the Fifth Corps which had
been ordered out for the purpose of destroying railroads.
The Fifth Corps massed near the Gurley house, and on
December 7, 1864, three Divisions of the Fifth Corps, and
one Division of the Second Corps, with four batteries of
artillery and a Division of cavalry, started for Hicksford on
the Meherrin River, 40 miles south of Petersburg.
Hicksford was the point of supply for the rebels at Peters
burg. Their trains came up the Meherrin River to the
Boydton Plank road, and thence through Dinwiddie Court
House to Petersburg. The cavalry took the road east of
the Jerusalem Plank Road and joined it again a short dis
tance below Warwick swamp. The infantry, with Craw
ford leading, moved on the Jerusalem Plank Road.
When they reached the crossing of the Warwick swamp
by the Plank Road, the bridge was gone, and a delay was
caused by the building of a bridge strong enough to allow
the passage of the trains. All through the day it rained.
930

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 931
Griffin's ist Division remained on the north bank of the
Nottaway River until two hours after midnight, still rain
ing heavily, when they crossed and went into camp on the
southern bank.
By night of the 8th the cavalry had partially destroyed
the railroad down to Jarratt's Station, and by moonlight
the Fifth Corps infantry completed its destruction to that
point, and early on the morning of the 9th formed line of
battle on the railroad. Each Division, as it advanced, de
stroyed all before it, and then marched to the left.
By 4 p. m. the cavalry had possession of Belfield, on the
north fork of the Meherrin River, opposite Hicksford
where the enemy was firmly entrenched, their defences con
sisting of three forts connected by rifle pits, the guns
of which protected the bridge across the river. The works
were too formidable to be taken by General Warren's com
mand, equipped as it was, and having as a result of the
raid, destroyed the railroad and the bridges on the Weldon
R. R. for 17 miles, he turned back, and reached Sussex
Court House at dark of the 9th.
The next day was very cold and the infantry suffered
greatly, marching over the frozen mud. They reached and
crossed the Nottaway River at Freeman's Ford, and then
retraced their steps to the intrenchments before Petersburg,
having travelled about 100 miles in six days.
General Grant being desirous of breaking up the route
of supply through Hicksford, sent a Division of cavalry
February 5th, 1865, by way of Ream's Station to Dinwiddie
Court House, and the Fifth and Second Corps to cross
Hatcher's Run at and below the crossing of the Vaughan
Road, to hold Hatcher's Run and Armstrong's Mills, and
to keep up communication with the intrenchments.
The rebels had been constantly at work extending their
intrenchments, which were now 37 miles in length, from
the White Oak Swamp to Hatcher's Run; eight miles of

932 HISTORY OF THE
these intrenchments being north of the James River, six
teen miles on the Petersburg line, and five miles along the
Bermuda Hundred front. Their heavy artillery filled a
space four miles in extent, between Chapin's Bluff and Ber
muda Hundred.
The entire country south of the James, as far as Prince
George Court House, was turned into a pasture for vast
herds of cattle, which were guarded by cavalry, and
butchered from day to day to afford fresh meat for the
hard-worked troops in the forts and trenches.
Huge piles of baled hay and oats in sacks, lined the rail
way or were accumulated in the camps, which had become
villages of log houses, each company and battery having
its bakery and cook house. There was no complaint of
poor fare or lack of clothing by the troops.
General Warren moved at 7 o'clock on February 5th, and
marched down the Halifax road to Rowanty Post Office,
and then to a mile above Malone's Bridge, and halted half
way between Rowanty Creek as Hatcher's Run is called
after joining Gravelly Run, and Dinwiddie Court House.
Following Griffin's ist Division were 12 field pieces. A
long train of forage and ammunition wagons followed
Crawford. The advance guard was three squadrons of
cavalry. They were delayed by a skirmish with the enemy, and
crossing the swamp and stream, but before night the
Vaughan Road was reached, and the two Divisions of the
Second Corps, after some difficulty, and a brush with the
enemy, had established themselves at Armstrong's Mills
and opened communication with Warren. About 5 p. m.
they were attacked by the rebel artiUery who were repulsed.
At 9 p. m. Warren was ordered up to join the Second Corps
Divisions. The cavalry brought up the rear of the moving
column and skirmished with the enemy. The nights were
intensely cold, and no fires were allowed.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 933
Early in the morning of Feb. 6th the command crossed
the run at the Vaughan Road crossing. A part of the
Ninth Corps was ordered up to join the Second Corps. On
the 7th the Union intrenchments had been extended to
Hatcher's Run at the Vaughan Road crossing, the Second
Corps holding the intrenchments on the extreme left, while
the Fifth was massed in the rear of the Second near the
left, and the Sixth was at Fort Fisher.
At Fort Stedman where the distance between the oppos
ing lines was not more than 150 yards, and the pickets only
50 yards apart, on the night of March 24th, 1865, the rebels
undertook to make their escape and reach the Danville
railroad. They overpowered Fort Stedman and captured
Batteries 10, 11, and 12, but they were all recaptured by
our infantry assisted by the artillery under General John C.
Tidball posted in an advantageous position. The intrenched
picket line of the enemy was taken by the Second Corps, and
our lines advanced, holding the enemy's picket line against
repeated attempts to recapture them.
Sheridan came down from the Shenandoah Valley
destroying railroads in his progress, and on March 27th
formed a junction with the Armies of the Potomac and the
James. His duty now was to destroy the enemy's com
munications with the South by means of the Southside and
Danville railroads.
General Ord, commanding the Army of the James, had
orders to join the Army of the Potomac, and on the even
ing of the 28th, he was in the rear of the Second Corps,
which was ordered to cross Hatcher's Run by the Vaughan
Road on the morning of the 29th, take position with its
right on Hatcher's Run and its left in connection with the
Fifth Corps, and advance on the enemy. General Warren
with the Fifth Corps was to cross Hatcher's Run at Monk's
Neck Bridge early in the morning of the 29th, and to ad-

934 HISTORY OF THE
vance toward the enemy by the Boydton Road, his right
connecting with the Second Corps.
At 8 a. m. of the 29th the Fifth Corps had arrived at
its destination, and at noon started to make connection
with the Second Corps, which was accomplished after an
encounter with the enemy on the White Oak Road, which
was the shortest road to Five Forks, and securing it would
force the abandonment by the enemy of the Petersburg in
trenchments. It was here that the battle by which the
Union forces gained possession of Five Forks was fought
April ist, 1865, while the Fifth Mass. Battery was busy
elsewhere. In the afternoon and evening of March 29th
Generals Warren and Griffin visited the troops of the ist
Division, who were building breastworks, subject during
part of the day to' a severe fire of artillery, as late as 12
o'clock at night March 31st, in front of the intrenchments
of the rebels along the White Oak Road. The Artillery
Reserve March 29th to April qth, 1865, was commanded
by Brig. Gen. William Hays : all light batteries, — 4 Maine,
3 Massachusetts, 1 New Jersey, 5 New York, 1 Ohio, 2
Pennsylvania, 1 Rhode Island, 1 Vermont, and 1 Regular.
Total 19.
When the enemy opened with artillery and musketry at
10 p. m. March 29th, they threw up several rockets. Our
artillery was stationed on that part of the line occupied by
the Ninth Corps, extending from Battery No. 5 on the
Appomattox River to Fort Howard, a distance of about
five miles.
Opposed to our batteries on the 30th March, 1865, the
enemy had in position 91 guns of various calibers, from 6
pdrs. to 8-inch Columbiads, and 35 mortars, also of various
calibers. Total guns and mortars 126. On our side we
had 40 mortars. Total guns and mortars 131.
General Grant in his Memoirs says :
"During the night of April 2d our line was intrenched from the

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 935
Appomattox River above to the Appomattox River below. I ordered
a bombardment to be commenced the next morning at 5 a. m., to be
followed by an assault at six o'clock, but the enemy evacuated Peters
burg early in the morning."
AS RELATED BY MEMBERS OF THE BATTERY.
November 4, 1864, the men began building stables for the
horses, and on the 7th finished putting on the brush. The
next day they laid the corduroy floors, and on the 9th Lieut.
Dresser inspected the property. Nov. ioth the horses
moved into their new quarters. For building these stables
Major Phillips says, "It took 400 logs 8 feet long and a
foot in diameter, split, and about 250 yards of brush fence
8 feet high." Nov. nth was occupied by the men in oiling
harness, and on the 12th they began a house for the ist
Sergeant. Battery inspection on the 13th.
Nov. 14, 1864, the guns were ordered into Batteries 24
and 25, where they were before the Battery left for
Hatcher's Run, to relieve Captain Hart and the 15th New
York Battery ordered to Washington to recruit. The next
day they tore down Captain Hart's quarters which were
found in bad condition, having been robbed of their chim
neys and doors, and, there being plenty of timber at hand,
new ones were started, including the house for the Orderly
Sergeant. Nov. 17th and 18th Major PhiUips attended a meeting
of a board to examine recruits at the Hospital. Decem
ber 7th he received notice of his Brevet Majority.
Two guns of the 9th Mass. Battery relieved two guns of
the Fifth Mass. in one of the forts, and at 5.30 they all
marched to join General Crawford's Division on the Jeru
salem Plank Road outside our rear line. The force con
sisted of three Divisions of the 5th Corps, one Division of
the Second Corps and four batteries belonging to the 5th
Corps viz., Mink's (Capt. Charles E. Mink) H, ist N. Y.,
Stewart's B, 4th U. S., Milton's 9th Mass. and the 5th

936 HISTORY OF THE
Mass., one battery with each Division. The Battery
marched with the 3d Division down the road, turned to the
right, crossing the Nottoway River on pontoons, to Sussex
Court House where they camped that night, sleeping on the
ground without covering. Capsized one wagon containing
a tent and supplies, off the bridge.
The object of the expedition was the destruction of the
Weldon railroad and the Battery helped the Fifth Corps
tear up the track from the Nottoway to the Meherrin River.
Dec. 8th they marched through Sussex Court House and
struck the Weldon railroad near the Nottoway River.
Camped near the railroad while the infantry tore it up,
burnt the bridge and destroyed the track for 20 miles, as
far as the Fifth Corps reached, ending at the Meherrin
River. That night there was a bad storm of rain and sleet.
Dec. ioth. Much against the inclination of the men, who
expected to go- to Weldon, they started on the return march
by the Halifax road, which is parallel to the railroad, and
soon after turned into the road to Sussex Court House,
leading Crawford's Division. Camped two or three miles
from that town.
Dec. nth, resumed the march at daylight. Lieut.
Simonds was ordered to take the Right section to the rear,
and with Gen. Edward S. Bragg's Brigade of Crawford's
3d Division, formed into a rear guard, and retired in line of
battle. At night the cavalry which under Gregg covered
this movement, were fired into but no serious damage was
done. On this march the men suffered severely. Crossed
the Nottoway and went into camp.
Dec. 1 2th, marched at daylight, and before night the
guns were in their old places in Batteries 24 and 25, where
they remained one week.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY 937
LETTER OF MAJOR PHILLIPS.
"Camp before Petersburg,
Dec. 1 8, 1864.
The expedition was well managed, and highly successful.
The Rebels were evidently taken by surprise, and could not
cell where we were going. They expected that we would
push through to Weldon, and although our abilities and dis
positions were equal to this task, I think General Warren
went as far as his orders allowed. Perhaps had General
Grant been able to communicate with us after we started,
our orders might have been changed, for certainly no one
could have anticipated that the Rebels would allow us to
tear up 20 miles of railroad without interference. The rail
road was thoroughly destroyed, the troops foUowing the
usual way. This is as follows : — A Division, for instance,
is drawn up along the road and arms stacked, then every
man takes hold of the rail in front of him, and all lifting
together, track, sleepers, and all are turned bottom side up.
This serves to loosen the rails, and all hands then pry off
the sleepers, pile them up, and place the rails on top, and
then set them on fire. It is a very pretty sight at night to
see a line of fires several miles long. After heating the
rails they are bent by men bearing down on the ends. The
most effectual method of destruction is to take a red hot
rail and wind it round a tree, as I saw done in several in
stances. Besides destroying the railroad the expedition re
sulted in the destruction of nearly all the houses along the
route, whether done by orders or by stragglers I do not
know. What was more important was the large amount
of forage destroyed, probably 100,000 bushels, more or less.
I was quite astonished at the richness of the country, all
the barns 'were full of corn, and corn stacks all over the
fields. I do not think much of it is left."
Major Phillips speaks of the abundance of "apple jack,

938 HISTORY OF THE
what we call cider brandy. Every family," he says, "seemed
to be abundantly supplied with it, and cider presses and dis
tilleries were scattered all around. I cannot imagine what
such a sparse population did with so much liquor, but our
men seemed very glad to relieve them of their surplus.
We were in the advance going out, and in the rear com
ing back. No hostile demonstration worth mentioning was
made on the troops."
On December 19th four guns of the Battery were placed
in Fort Alexander Hays, and two guns in Battery 22.
General Wainwright directed Major Phillips to place 6
rifled guns and ten 12 pdrs. on the 9th Corps line, and in the
afternoon Lieut. Simonds with the Right section was placed
in Battery 22, between Fort Davis and Fort Sedgwick.
The caissons were sent back to the Brigade camp, beyond
our rear line of works between the Jerusalem Plank Road
and the Weldon R. R., where the Fifth Corps had their win
ter camp. Captain John Bigelow with the 9th Mass. Bat
tery was ordered to Fort Rice and Captain David F. Ritchie
with Battery D, ist N. Y., to Fort Davis.
Dec. 20th commenced the houses for the caisson camp,
but stopped on account of the rain. 22d moved the houses,
and put up two frames 11x14-! ft-, and built winter quarters
of framed houses stockaded.
From a letter of Phillips, Fort Alex. Hays, Dec. 26,
1864: — "We shall remain here a week. At the end of that
time we shall go to the 5th Corps camp, between the Jeru
salem Road and the Halifax Road, where my caissons are
at present."

IN MASSACHUSETTS.
In 1865, John A. Andrew was Governor, Joel Hayden
Lieutenant Governor, Oliver Warner, Secretary, Henry K.
Oliver Treasurer. President of the Senate, Jonathan E.
Field; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alexander

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 939
H. Bullock.
U. S. Senators, Charles Sumner, Henry Wilson. U. S.
Representatives, T. D. Eliot, Oakes Ames, A. H. Rice,
Samuel Hooper, John B. Alley, Daniel W. Gooch, Geo. S.
Boutwell, J. D. Baldwin, Wm. B. Washburn, Henry L.
Dawes. FROM GOVERNOR ANDREW'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS, 1865.
"Since the war began, four hundred and thirty-four officers whose
commissions bore our seal, or who were promoted by the President to
higher than regimental commands, have tasted death in the defence of
their country's flag. . . . Nor will the history be deemed complete, nor
our duty done, until the fate and fame of every man, to the humblest
private of them all, shall have been inscribed upon the records of this
Capitol there to remain, I trust, until the earth and sea shall give up
their dead. And thus shall the Capitol itself become for every soldier-
son of ours, a monument. 'Then olant it round with shade
Of laurel, evergreen, and branching palm,
With all his trophies hung, and acts enroll'd
In copious legend, or sweet lyric song.' "
IN VIRGINIA.
January 2, 1865, the Battery retired from the forts and
the guns were taken back to camp with the 5th Corps.
Jan'y 8th, Major R. H. Fitzhugh, Major Phillips, Captain
Mink and Captain George Breck dined with Captain John
Bigelow of the 9th Mass. Battery. It was his farewell
dinner.
LETTER OF MAJOR PHILLIPS.
"Camp before Petersburg,
Jan'y 10, 1865.
I had quite a pleasant time in Fort Hays, as part of the
garrison was the 56th Mass., whose Lt. Colonel Jarves is a
classmate of mine. Captain Shurtleff of the same reg't.
was in the class of 186 1, so we had a pleasant time together.
Jarves and Shurtleff dined with me on Christmas, and I
returned the visit on New Year's Day.

940 HISTORY OF THE
We are now at work building winter quarters. My bed
sack went into the road to lighten a wagon stuck in the mud
a long time ago, but I have plenty of blankets. Our men
got their Thanksgiving dinner from the North though a
day or two late."

On the nth the men's winter quarters were finished, and
the next day stables were commenced again.
January 18, 1865, Major Phillips started on a 20 days'
leave. Jan'y 28th the guns were again placed in Fort Hays and
Battery 22.
February 8th Major Phillips returned to camp, having
walked from Hancock's Station, on the railroad from City
Point. He found the guns of the Fifth Mass. Battery in
the forts, and most of the Fifth Corps gone to the left. He
brought the guns back from the front at Hatcher's Run,
where they had been during the assault of Feb. 6th and 7th,
1865, and the three batteries on the left, the Ninth Mass.,
and Batteries L and E, ist N. Y. Light, were relieved by
three other batteries, and returned to camp. On the 12th
there was battery inspection at 10.30 a. m. Battery drill
in the afternoon of the 13th and the following morning.
On the 14th the frame of Lieut. Simonds' house was raised.
Inspection on the 19th and drill on the 20th in the fore
noon. At 12 o'clock noon of the 21st a salute of 100 guns
was fired by the Battery with Batteries D and G, 5th U. S.,
in honor of General Sherman's victory^. On the 22d,
Washington's birthday, there was Battery drill in the fore
noon, and inspection at 2.30 p. m. by Captain Carl Berlin,
brigade inspector. It was rumored that an attack was to
be made on our Centre, and the Battery remained hitched
up till night.
Feb. 25, 1865, marched in the rain to Hatcher's Run and
relieved Captain David F. Ritchie and the ist N. Y. Light

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 941
Battery D, who were in camp near General Griffin's Hd.
Qrs. on the new line of breastworks. Here houses for the
men were found, but no officers' quarters, and they began at
once to build chimneys. By the 4th of March a frame
house had been built for the officers and a hedge around
Hd. Qrs. It rained most of the time. On the 5th the Bat
tery was inspected, and March 6th the ist Division Fifth
Corps was inspected by General Griffin. Two days after,
on the 7th, the Division was reviewed by General Meade.
March 11, 1865, the Battery was relieved at 12 o'clock
by Batteries G and D, 5th U. S., Lieut. Wm. E. Van Reed,
and returned to the old camp over terribly muddy roads.
March 12th the Battery was inspected and on the 13th there
was drill on the piece and the company was vaccinated.
LETTER OF MAJOR PHILLIPS.
"Camp before Petersburg,
March 13, 1865.
On the 25th of last month the Battery went up to the left
at Hatcher's Run, relieving another battery there. We left
our camp and merely carried enough to get along with.
We had a very pleasant camp in the edge of a little pine
grove and the weather was quite warm. For the first few
days we lived in tents, until we could build houses. Lieut.
Simonds and I occupied one house 9 ft. square, with berths
one over the other. This arrangement did very well until
one morning Lieut. Simonds, who occupied the top berth
managed to come through, and 'what a fall was there, my
countrymen !' Fortunately no- damage was done.
Several reviews came off while we were up there. Day
before yesterday we were relieved, and returned to our old
camp. . . . The (newspaper) accounts (of deserters com
ing in) are not exaggerated, and most of them now bring
their arms with them. Almost any day one can meet
squads of rebels prowling round in our lines. Day before

942 HISTORY OF THE
yesterday I saw 4 Rebels, 2 of them armed, in charge of a
solitary cavalry man."

March 14th. Drill on the manual of the piece in the
morning, foUowed in the afternoon by a drill by Lieut. Col.
Robert H. Fitzhugh with three other batteries.
March 15th, received orders to reduce Battery to four
guns, and on the next day two guns were sent to City Point
to turn in. Sutlers were sent to the rear. March 17th
Lieut. Simonds went home on 20 days' leave. 18th, the
guns of the Fifth Mass. Battery were again placed in Fort
Hays, relieving Battery B, ist N. Y. Lieut. Mason W.
Page was sent up in charge of the pieces, and Major Phil
lips reported in person to General Tidball.
March 19th, 1865, orders were issued reducing the bat
teries of the Second, Fifth, and Sixth Corps to nine bat
teries of four guns each.
March 25, 1865. At daylight Fort Stedman on the
Ninth Corps line, was surprised by an attack by the enemy,
and the Fifth Corps batteries, among them the 14th Mass.
Battery, were ordered up. Lieut. Ephraim B. Nye of the
14th, formerly Quartermaster Sergeant of the 5th Battery,
refusing to surrender was shot and instantly killed.
In the end the rebels were driven out with a loss of about
1700 prisoners.
FROM LETTERS OF MAJOR PHILLIPS.
"Camp before Petersburg,
March 26, 1865.
Yesterday we had quite a scare and excitement, owing
to the Rebels surprising Stedman. This is about two miles
to the right of Fort Hays, so that we did not get into the
scrape at all. I was waked from my quiet slumbers at day
break, by one of General Wainwright's aids, who told me

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 943
the enemy had broken through the 9th Corps line. I had
the caissons hitched up, mounted my steed and rode to Fort
Hays and found everything quiet there, and the men listen
ing very unconcernedly to the firing on their right. The
Rebels did not make much out of the attempt, though it is
strange that our men allowed themselves to be surprised,
as the line was notified at midnight to expect an attack at
daylight. On Wednesday we had a perfect tornado; sev
eral trees in rear of our camp were blown down, and near
the front line there is a path of prostrate trees, some 200
yards wide. . . . The caissons remain in our regular camp,
and I stay there too, keeping one officer at the fort.
March 27th. General Sheridan has arrived here with
his soldiers."

March 28th, 1865, the Army was preparing to make the
movement to the left which resulted in Lee's surrender.
Five batteries of the Fifth Corps marched to Corps Head
Quarters at Hatcher's Run, and two batteries, the 9th Mass.
Battery and Battery B, ist Penn., reported to the Ninth
Corps. Three batteries, C, E and L, ist N. Y., with the
Fifth Mass. Battery were placed under the command of
Major Charles A. Phillips, and operated with the Ninth
Corps in the final attack upon Petersburg.
Wednesday, March 29, 1865, the Army moved at 3 a. m.
to the left. Major Phillips placed his batteries in position
in rear of the main line.
April ist 1865, about midnight an attack was made along
the front of the Ninth Corps, and by daylight of the 2d, we
had captured about half a mile of the rebel works, extend
ing from the Jerusalem Plank Road towards our right.
Two Detachments of the Fifth Mass. Battery numbering
17 men, under Lieut. Mason W. Page, were engaged, and
this was the last shot fired by the men of the Battery. The
enemy received the fire from their own guns.

944 HISTORY OF THE
The Rebel government left Richmond about 2 o'clock in
the afternoon of the 2d of April, 1865. Our forces took
possession about 8.15 on the morning of the 3d. The city
was in flames until extinguished by our troops.
REPORT OF BREV'T BRIG. GEN. JOHN C. TIDBALL, COM
MANDING ARTILLERY BRIGADE NINTH
ARMY CORPS.
"At 4 a. m. (of the 2d April, 1865) the hour appointed for the assault
upon the enemy's works in front of Fort Sedgwick, the artillery upon
the whole line promptly opened and was immediately replied to in the
most vigorous manner by the enemy, and it is probable that never
since the invention of gunpowder has such a cannonade taken place.
. All the guns in these forts opened rapidly for fifteen minutes with
evident effect, ceasing in the exact time for the infantry to make the
charge that carried the enemy's lines. . A Detachment of 100 men
from the ist Conn. Artillery commanded by Lieut. William H. Rogers,
accompanied the column of attack upon the enemy's works in front
of Fort Sedgwick, and served the captured guns throughout the day.
These men were fully equipped with everything necessary to serve such
artillery as would be captured. They at once seized the enemy's guns
and opened fire upon him as he fell back to his second line.
During the entire day Lieutenant Rogers and his party, while op
posed to all the fierce attacks of the enemy, retained possession of the
captured guns, and from positions entirely uncovered from the close
fire of the enemy, kept up- a constant fire, which besides doing great
injury to the enemy, inspired our own troops to hold that which they
had gained. These men were ably seconded by Captain David F.
Ritchie, Battery C, ist N. Y. Artillery, who early in the day occupied a
small work in rear of Fort Sedgwick, but after the enemy's lines were
carried, it was deemed advisable to send him with his cannoneers into
the captured No. 27, in which were three iron and two brass 12
pounder guns.
Captain Ritchie led his men in a most gallant manner through the
embrasures of Fort Sedgwick, and across the open ground to Battery
No. 27, and immediately turned with excellent judgment and effect
the guns he found on the enemy. Through the whole day, notwith
standing the repeated attempts made by the enemy to retake the works,
Captain Ritchje held his own: though at times unavoidably short
of ammunition, he encouraged his support by cheering representations
and personal exposure. . . . Fourteen thousand two hundred and
fifty-one rounds, is the amount of artillery ammunition expended dur
ing the engagement. ... It was with much pleasure that, in compliance

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY.

945

with an invitation from the major-general commanding the Corps, I
was enabled to recommend the under-mentioned officers for promotion
by brevet.
Second Lieut. Mason W. Page, Fifth Mass. Battery. All of whom
did excellent service with their commands in repulsing the assault
on Fort Stedman, and in the assault on Petersburg on the 2d day of
April, 1865." REPORT OF CAPT. DAVID F. RITCHIE.
". . . . At no time during the fight were there less than three guns
in working order, and most of the time there were five. . During
the day I was reinforced by ten men with a sergeant and corporal from
Battery B, 1st Pennsylvania, under charge of First Lieutenant Rice;
about a dozen men with a sergeant and one or two corporals from the
Twenty-Seventh New York Battery, and First Lieutenant Teller, and
two Detachments with their non-commissioned officers under charge of
Second Lieutenant Page from the Fifth Massachusetts Battery. Captain
McClelland of B, First Pennsylvania was present part of the day, and
rendered good service. Captain McClelland and Lieutenant Page were
slightly wounded.
To all the officers, non-commissioned officers and privates of Battery
B, First Pennsylvania, Twenty-Seventh New York Independent Bat
tery, and the Fifth Mass. Battery, who assisted to work the guns in
the rebel fort, too much praise can scarcely be awarded. I have men
tioned them in the order in which they came to the fort, and I would
further mention particular instances of gallantrv and coolness but will
leave this for the officers of the respective batteries. . . .
About 4 p. m. B'v't Maj. C. A. Phillips, Fifth Massachusetts Bat
tery, came up to the fort, and by virtue of his rank assumed command,
remaining until the morning of the 3d instant."

THE REPORT OF MAJOR PHILLIPS
of the part taken by his command in the recent battles
which compeUed the Evacuation of Petersburg. A copy
of this report was forwarded to Lieut. Thomas Heasley
34th N. Y. Battery, Acting Assistant Adjutant General on
General Tidball' s staff, Art'y Brig. 9th Corps, April 7, 1865.
Hd. Qrs. Battery (E) Mass. Art'y,
April 5, 1865.
Lieut. Heasley A. A. A. G. Art'y Brig. 9th A. C.
Lieutenant.

946 HISTORY OF THE
I have the honor to make the following report of the part
taken by this Battery since the 30th of March.
The guns of the Battery were in Fort Alex. Hays and
remained there until the 3d of April.
In the forenoon of the 2d of April, in compliance with
orders from General Tidball I sent 2d Lieut. M. W. Page
with two detachments of cannoneers to Fort Sedgwick, and
from there they were ordered into the rebel battery No. 27
across the Jerusalem Plank Road. This battery had been
garrisoned by Battery B, Sumter ArtiUery, Georgia Volun
teers, with 6 Light 12 pdrs. Besides the men from my
battery there were detachments from Battery C, ist N. Y.
Art'y; B, ist Penn. Art'y, and 27th N. Y. Battery.
The gorge of the battery being open, the men were ex
posed to a very severe fire from sharpshooters and from
one 8 in. Columbiad and two 8 in. siege Howitzers in Fort
Virginia about 600 yds. in our front, as well as from several
pieces of Light Artillery. These pieces were mostly silenced
by noon.
Lieut. Page was wounded and obliged to leave the field
about noon.
We kept up a constant and apparently successful fire until
night. The behavior of the officers and men in the Bat
tery was excellent. I make especial mention of Privates
Joseph Burns and Thomas Jones. These two men were
sent up with dinner for men at the guns. Upon reaching
the front they volunteered for a charge upon Fort Mahone
and entered it among the first. They afterwards returned
to Battery 27, and helped work the guns. Private Burns
was here severely wounded in the arm.
I am very respectfully Your ob't serv't
Charles A. Phillips Capt. & B'v't Major,
Com'd'g Battery E, Mass. Art'y.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 947
LIST OF CASUALTIES IN BATTERY E, MASS.
ART'Y.
April 2, 1865.
Wounded.
2d Lieut. Mason W. Page. Severe Gunshot wound in
chest. Private Michael Flynn. Arm. Amputated.
Joseph Burns. Severe contusion of arm.
William Roberts. Gunshot wound in back.
Total 1 officer and 3 men.

Diary of Major Phillips: "April 1, 1865. Very pleasant.
Rode round the line. At 11 p. m. received orders to re
port in person to General Tidball. Was told that all the
batteries were to open fire immediately, and a general attack
was to be made on the rebel line.
Sunday April 2, 1865. The ball opened about midnight.
The brigade at Fort Hays advanced, captured the picket line,
and by daylight had sent in about 150 prisoners. By sun
rise we held a large part of the rebel line in front of Fort
Hell (Sedgwick) and were firing the Rebel's guns at them.
About 10 a. m. sent Lieut. Page with two detachments to
Fort Sedgwick. He soon went into Battery 27 to man cap
tured guns. . . .
FROM A LETTER OF MAJOR PHILLIPS.
"City Point, Va.
April 6, 1865.
. . . The 56th Mass. took the Rebel Battery No. 27 on
the Plank Road mounting six 12 pdr. guns, and Captain
Ritchie commanding one of my batteries went in with his
cannoneers to work the rebel guns." After giving the
names of the other Detachments ordered in he says : — "The
guns were handled in good shape under a very hot fire from

948 HISTORY OF THE
the enemy. Battery '2/ is an open battery i. e. open in the
rear, towards Petersburg, consequently, after the guns were
turned round our men had no protection and might as well
have been in the open field." Their guns, as described in
his report, he says "ought to have knocked us all to pieces
in 15 minutes, but they fired grape, canister, and shell at us
with their usual inaccuracy. Our only salvation for the
first two or three hours was to fire as fast as possible, and
we kept them pretty quiet. About 10 a. m. a charge was
made on Fort Mahone, the work on the left of 'Battery 27,'
and it was carried, two of my men entering the work at. the
head of the column with muskets. Soon after, Lieut. Page
was struck in the breast and went to the rear. I had up to
that time remained in Fort Hays, but when Lieut. Page
came back I concluded to go up. Just as I reached Fort
Sedgwick the Rebels had recaptured Fort Mahone and the
troops with the exception of the 56th Mass. had left 'Bat
tery 27' in a panic. I did not like the looks of things, but
I jumped through an embrasure and ran for the front.
The plain between Fort Sedgwick and 'Battery 27' was.
swept by musketry and artillery from Fort Mahone, and
people travelling across it went rather in a hurry. I had to
cross our old picket line and the old rebel picket line. On
both of these I found numbers of demoralized troops, but
they could not be persuaded to go to the front. At the rebel
picket line I halted a moment to get breath, and at that
moment the 114th N. Y. (Zouaves) started at a run from
the left of Fort Sedgwick to 'Battery 27' and entered it by
the left, just as I entered by the right. In the ditch of
'Battery 27' I found demoralized infantry and artillery who
reported our men all driven out. I climbed up to an em
brasure and saw one of my men, and one of Captain
Ritchie's loading a gun, so I jumped through and found
everything all right though it had been a narrow escape.
The rebels had got so near that we had spiked one gun.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 949
We kept up our firing and gradually got troops back, until
we felt pretty secure. Our greatest fear was that we should
get out of ammunition as it had to be brought up by men
carrying one round in each hand across the open plain.
Although in some respects disagreeable we rather enjoyed
it. There was a great sense of freedom in firing the rebel
guns as we did not care whether we burst them or not. We
dismounted one gun by the recoil, and split the reinforce on
the breech of another. We captured the clothing, papers,
&c. of our predecessors, and found that the batterv had been
held by Battery B, Sumter Artillery, Captain Patterson.
I obtained Captain Patterson's Ordnance Returns and found
most of his Ordnance on hand. During the afternoon we
did not fire much, but sheltered ourselves in the bomb
proofs and traverses, and laughed at the infantry who came
up in the muddiest plights and tumbled through the em
brasures. . . . About midnight we found the Rebel line was
deserted and our troops occupied Fort Mahone. We could
then see large fires in Petersburg, and knew it was evac
uated."

In the Adjutant General's Report, 1865, of the state of
Massachusetts, appears the following in relation to the 56th
(First Veteran) Regiment Infantry: —
"The regiment held for a long time the line of rebel works on the
Jerusalem Plank Road, assisted only by the Fifth Mass. Battery. All
our other troops had been forced to abandon the line, -and had not
the Fifty-Sixth held the key-point with great tenacity, the rebels would
have regained the whole line."

CHAPTER XXVIII.
THE LAST CAMP IN VIRGINIA
AND THE
LAST MARCH.
"And those who knew each other not,
Their hands together steal ;
Each thinks of some long-hallowed spot,
And all like brothers feel.
Such holy thoughts to all are given
The lowliest has his part ;
The love of home, like love of heaven,
Is woven in our heart."
Breton Song in Lever's Charles O'Malley.
The withdrawal of the Confederate troops from Peters
burg presaged a movement by their leaders to possess them
selves of a last resort, which in General Grant's judgment
would be either Danville or Lynchburg, and he at once took
measures to- interrupt its progress by cutting off the railroads
leading to those cities. On the morning of April 3, 1865,
he commenced the pursuit of the rebel army by sending for
ward the cavalry to Deep Creek, followed by the Fifth
Corps, and on the 5th by the Second and Sixth Corps, all
forming line of battle at Jetersville the Fifth Corps holding
the Centre.
Lee's Army was rapidly concentrating at Amelia Court
House, and the 24th and 25th Co'rps took the southern route
by way of Black's and White's Station, Burkesville and
High Bridge. Having advanced the Second, Fifth, and
Sixth Corps four miles, with the intention of giving battle
to Lee, Meade became aware that Lee's Army had passed
the Left of his Army during the night of the 5th of April,

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 951
1865, and that a strong column of infantry, which had been
encountered on Flat Creek, composed his rear guard.
General Meade at once ordered "right about face," and
the Second Corps proceeded to Deatonsville, crossing Flat
Creek, the Fifth Corps went to the right, through Paine-
ville, and the Sixth Corps joined the cavalry, under Sheri
dan's command, at Jetersville. The Second Corps met the
enemy under Gordon at Flat Creek, and pursued him for 14
miles to the forks of a road, where he was reinforced by the
Confederates who had crossed Sailor's Creek and made a
stand at Rice's Station on high ground where they went
about the construction of temporary breastworks; not un
molested, for our cavalry had succeeded in striking the
column at a weak point, capturing 16 pieces of artillery,
400 wagons, and a large number of prisoners.
Our forces in the mean time had continued the pursuit of
Gordon, who attempted to make a last stand at Sailor's
Creek, but was beaten by the Second Corps, who took 4
guns, 13 flags, and 1700 prisoners. Here, also, Lee lost a
large part of his wagon trains which were massed at the
crossing of the creek. Gordon reached High Bridge, which
was a railroad bridge, safely that night, as the Second Corps
halted after crossing the creek.
At Rice's Station, the rebel general Anderson, behind his
temporary breastworks, found himself cut off by our forces
from the road in his front, and before he was able to decide
upon any movement, part of the Sixth Corps charged upon
Ewell, who had come to Anderson's assistance at the same
time that our cavalry attacked Anderson. The result was
a total rout of the enemy, and the destruction of Ewell's
entire command.
The Fifth Corps bivouacked on Sailor's Creek on the
night of the 6th of April, having encountered the enemy at
Paineville and captured a large number of guns and army
wagons. So- many supplies had been captured that the

952 HISTORY OF THE
enemy began to be seriously crippled. On this night the
Confederates under Longstreet crossed to the north bank of
the Appomattox at Farmville, and in the morning started
out on the leading road through Appomattox Court House
to Lynchburg, leaving a force of cavalry in the vicinity of
Farmville. Also, on the 7th, Gordon crossed High Bridge
to the north bank of the Rappahannock, followed by the
confederate general Mahone's Division.
General Sheridan had protected the Danville railroad;
the 24th Corps was moving towards Farmville; General
Griffin with the Fifth Corps was on the way to Prince Ed
ward Court House. The Second Corps crossed High
Bridge on the 7th notwithstanding the attempted destruc
tion of the bridge by the enemy, and following the enemy
up the river to Farmville, overtook him, and cut off a large
number of his wagons.
While this was being accomplished, the Confederates had
concentrated near the Lynchburg road, and the Fifth Corps
had crossed the Lynchburg railroad at Rice's Station, and
was at Prince Edward Court House.
At 8.30 p. m. of April 7th, General Grant being satisfied
that further resistance on the part of the Confederates was
useless, and that the sacrifice of more lives savored of inhu
manity, sent a note to General Lee, asking him to surrender
that portion of the Confederate Army known as the Army
of Northern Virginia, and received a reply asking the terms
Grant would offer on condition of the surrender. The
reply went a long way around by way of High Bridge, and
General Lee moved off with his command during the night.
He was followed at 5.30 a. m. of the 8th by the Second and
Sixth Corps on the road to Lynchburg, and General Grant
wrote the letter offering to meet Lee to arrange terms of
surrender at any point agreeable to him, which was sent
from our front into the rear guard of the enemy's forces
while we were still in purusit, and the cavalry came up from

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 953
the vicinity of Prince Edward Court House to Appomattox
Station, arriving early in the evening, having made impor
tant captures of artillery supply wagons, and three railway
trains. Moving up to Appomattox Court House they
formed across the road along which the Confederates were
moving. The road from the Court House to Lynchburg
was held by our troops.
At dusk of the 8th General Lee's reply was received by
our advance at New Store, and sent back ten miles to Gen
eral Grant at Curdsville.
Griffin with the Fifth Corps bivouacked at 2 a. m. of the
9th within 2 miles of Appomattox Court House, after a
march of 29 miles, and at 4 a. m. moved out and reached
General Sheridan's Head Quarters near the Court House
at 6 a. m. April 9th. The cavalry were reported still
fighting, and two Divisions of the Fifth Corps moved rap
idly out in the direction of the firing, and forming two lines
of battle drove the enemy from the hills where he had estab
lished his artillery, taking a number of prisoners, wagons
and guns. Fighting was going on in the town when Gen
eral Sheridan ordered a suspension of hostilities as General
Lee was about to surrender.
AS TOLD BY MEMBERS OF THE BATTERY.
April 3d, 1865, the guns of the Fifth Mass. Battery were
removed from Fort Hays.
Phillips' Diary: "April 3, 1865. The Rebels burnt up
all stores &c. last night and evacuated, and our troops en
tered Petersburg at 5 a. m. I walked to within a short dis
tance of the city, passed two 32 pdr. Howitzers and one 8
in. Columbiad spiked. ... The 9th Corps moved up to
Petersburg." In his letter written at City Point April 6, 1865, Phillips
says of the advance : —
"The advance was ordered to be made at 5 a. m. and then

954 HISTORY OF THE
everybody rushed for the city. About 2 a. m. I had one
gun carried forward down the Plank Road in advance of
everything, and tried to shell Petersburg, but I am afraid
I did not succeed in reaching it. I sent the men back to
Fort Hays, and in the afternoon rode into Petersburg. It
is quite a pretty place, and the number of negroes was as
tonishing." April 4th in the evening the Battery marched to City
Point, and on the 5th became a part of the Second Brigade
of the Artillery Reserve of 21 batteries. Major Phillips
was placed in command of the Second Brigade, consisting
of the Fifth Mass. Battery and Batteries C, E, G & L, ist
New York. The Brigade was camped about two miles
from City Point.
From Major Phillips' Letter of April 6th : — "All the in
fantry of the Army followed the Rebels, the artillery left
behind has been organized into an Artillery Reserve like the
one I was in at Gettysburg. This consists of 4 Brigades,
and I am in command of the 2d Brigade, consisting of five
batteries. We are camped just outside the fortifications of
City Point, and have a very pleasant camp. We marched
down here day before yesterday. Lieut. Page is in the hos
pital at City Point. Private Flynn has lost his arm."
Sunday, April 9, 1865, news was received, in the evening,
of the surrender of General Lee and his Army.
April 1 2th, 1865, four years to a day since the attack on
Sumter, the flag of the Union was restored with appropriate
ceremonies to its citadel, by the same hands which had been
compelled to lower it when the fort was surrendered. It
was a pleasant day. Ten thousand prisoners including ten
generals, went by the camp to City Point.
Phillips' Diary: "April 13, 1865. Rainy. Sent off 24
horses from the Battery, and 104 from the Brigade to the
batteries at the front."

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 955
LETTER OF MAJOR PHILLIPS.
"Hd. Qrs. 2d Brig. Art'y Reserve
City Point, April 21, 1865.
The news of President Lincoln's death came on us very
suddenly. I heard of it at midnight on Friday and at the
same time we were informed that the paroled prisoners were
making their way in large numbers to City Point with hos-~
tile intent. As our force here is not very large, we were
obliged to do picket duty for the occasion, and I sent out
30 horsemen armed and equipped to patrol the country. The
same thing was done the next night, and then, the alarm
having subsided, it ceased. Our only achievement was the
capture of 1500 rounds of cartridges for Spencer rifles in a
house near by." The President Assassinated.
President Abraham Lincoln died Saturday, April 15,
1865, at 22 minutes past seven in the morning. He had
been shot the evening previous at Ford's Theatre in Wash
ington. April 23d the 9th Mass. Battery joined the Brigade of
which Major Phillips was in command, and Second Lieut.
William Park Jr. was detailed as adjutant general on Major
Phillips' staff.
April 30, 1865, the Fifth Mass. Battery, Lieut. Harrison
O. Simonds, was assigned to the Artillery Brigade Fifth
Army Corps under B'v't Brig. Gen. Charles S. Wainwright.
The other batteries composing the Brigade were six N. Y.
light batteries, two Regulars, and the 15th N. Y. Heavy,
Company M. The Fifth Mass. Battery was then serving
with the Artillery Reserve.
May 3d the Artillery Reserve marched at 7.30, the 3d
Brigade leading, 2d Brigade next. Crossed the Appomat
tox by a bridge of 21 pontoons at Broadway Landing,

956 HISTORY OF THE
crossed the James at Aiken's Landing, and camped about
two miles beyond, just outside the rebel lines, near the river.
Major Phillips rode into the rebel lines; found the works
very fine especiaUy the bomb proofs.
Phillips' Diary: "May 4, 1865. Marched at 6 a. m. 2d
Brigade leading, into Richmond, up Main Street to 18th,
up 1 8th, and the MechanicsviUe pike, and camped about 2
miles beyond MechanicsviUe. In the afternoon Captain
Ritchie, Simonds and I rode down to Gaines Mills.
May 5th marched at 6 a. m., 2d Brigade in the rear.
Rain, and muddy. Left the MechanicsviUe pike and took
the road to Pole Green Church and Hanover Court House,
the one we marched on the 27th of May, 1862. Camped
between the Court House and the river.
May 6, 1865. Delayed until 2 p. m. by the pontoon
bridge. Crossed the Pamunkey, and camped just beyond.
Hd. Qrs. in front of Mr. Tunstall's houses. Crossed the
Pamunkey River at Littlepage's Bridge.
May 7th. Marched at 4 a. m., forded the Mattapony at
Milford, and camped at Bowling Green. 8th. Marched at
5 a. m. to Fredericksburg, and would have crossed, but re
ceived orders from General Meade to' camp at Hamilton
Crossing. 9th. Crossed the Rappahannock and marched
through Stafford C. H. to Acquia. ioth. Marched through
Dumfries and camped about 4 miles beyond, nth.
Marched through Fairfax Station and C. H. to Annandale
and camped. Stopped to see Scott at the Court House.
Very cold and rainy during the night. 12th, cool but
pleasant. In camp all day. The 5th Corps passed us.
May 13, 1865. Marched to a point about three miles
from Alexandria between Fort Reynolds and Fort Barry
and went into camp."
This was the last camp of the Battery in Virginia.
May 15th Major Phillips sent to Alexandria for ammu
nition chests. On the 22c! he inspected the Brigade. He

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 957
as well as other officers and men of the Battery attended the
Grand Review in Washington of the Army of the Potomac
and Sherman's great Army, but the Battery was not in line.
May 28th Major PhiUips rode with Captain Milton and
others to see "Forts Ward, Worth, Williams, and Battery
Rodgers, the latter in Alexandria, mounting five 200 pdr.
Parrotts and one XV in. gun."
May 30th Lieut. Page came into camp in the evening
with orders to turn in the batteries, and the next day the
Maine batteries in the Reserve were turned in.
June 1, 1865, was appointed a day of fasting and prayer.
FROM A LETTER OF MAJOR PHILLIPS.
"Near Washington June 1, 1865.
I expect to- turn in the Battery tomorrow, and we shall
start for Massachusetts as soon as we can get transporta
tion. Today being Fast Day there is no business done, or
1 should be in at the Arsenal."
June ist the Fifth Army Corps of the Army of the
Potomac ceased to exist.
Diary of Major Phillips; "June 2, 1865. Turned in Bat
tery at the Arsenal; horses at Giesboro ( ?) Pt. and wagons
on G Street.
June 3, 1865. Applied for transportation to Readville.
At 1 1 p. m. received orders to start the next morning. Illu
minated camp. Rode round in the afternoon visiting the
5th Corps.
THE LAST MARCH.
June 4, 1865. At 4 a. m. started for Washington; got
on the cars about 11, reached Baltimore about sunset;
changed cars. .
June 5, 1865. Reached Philadelphia at sunrise, break-

958 HISTORY OF THE
fasted, and took the Camden and Amboy R. R. for New
York. Arrived at New York at 4\, put the men on board
the 'Commodore,' Stonington line."
The Boston Journal of the 5th in its announcement of the
arrival of the Battery said : —
"The old organizations arriving in this city come under orders to
report at once to the U. S. mustering officer, and this precludes any
reception in their honor."
Phillips' Diary continued: "June 6th, 1865. Arrived at
Readville about 8, and went into barracks. Reported to
Major Clark in Boston (see p. 13 "The Battery Flags")
and went to work on Muster Out Rolls."
On the 1 2th of June, the Battery was mustered out of the
United States service, and on the 24th the men were paid
off at Readville and dispersed to their homes.
The report of Major C. A. Phillips to Adjutant General
Wm. Schouler closes with the following words : —
"This, sir, ends the record of the Fifth Battery. They
have tried to do their duty, and the record speaks for itself.
By orders from Head Quarters of the Army of the Potomac,
they carry on their flag the names Yorktown, Hanover
Court House, MechanicsviUe, Gaines Mills, Malvern Hill,
Second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettys
burg, Rappahannock Station, Mine Run, Wilderness,
Spottsylvania, North Anna, Bethesda Church, Petersburg,
Weldon R. R., and Hatcher's Run. This list of battles, and
our list of killed and wounded, will show what dangers we
have been through. As to our conduct throughout our
term of service, others must judge."
In the true copy of Major Phillips' Discharge here given,
the year of his enrollment should be 1861, and his age
when discharged was 24.
DISCHARGE PAPERS OF MAJOR PHILLIPS.
To All Whom It May Concern.
[Picture of an American eagle surrounded by stars,

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 959
standing on a shield, with the national colors in the back
ground.] Know ye, That Charles A. Phillips, a Captain & B'v't Maj. of
Company (E) Massachusetts Artillery Volunteers, who was enrolled
on the 18th day of October one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two
t& serve Three years or during the war, is hereby Discharged from
the service of the United States this 12th day of June, 1865, at Read
ville, Massachusetts, by reason of Muster Out of Company. (No ob
jection to his being re-enlisted is known to exist.*)
Said Charles A. Phillips was born in Salem, in the state of Massa
chusetts, is 20 years of age, 5 feet io^4 inches high, Light complexion,
Blue eyes, Light hair, and1 by occupation when enrolled a law student.
Given at Readville. Mass. this 12th day of June, 1865.
Robt. Davis,
ist Lt. & B'v't Capt. 2d U. S. Inf.
Mustering Officer.
*¦ This sentence will be erased should there be anything in the con
duct or physical condition of the soldier rendering him unfit for the
Army. [A. G. O. No. 99l
Across the page in red ink is written : —
Paid in full. A. Holman,
Pay. U. S. A.
June 26, 1865.
On the back is a printed form of the "Oath of Identity."

ACCOUNTS ALL SETTLED.
Certificate of Ordnance Office,
Non-Indebtedness on War Department,
account of Ordnance Washington, D. C,
Stores. April 23, 1866.
Capt. Chas. A. Phillips,
Battery E, Mass. Artillery B'v't Maj. U. S. Vols.
Salem, Mass.
Sir:
1 have to acknowledge the receipt of your affidavit covering
your accountability for Ordnance and Ordnance Stores.
The records of this Office show that no returns for such property

960 HISTORY OF THE
are due from you, and you are therefore relieved from all accountability
on that account.
Respectfully Your obedient servant.
By Order of the Chief of Ordnance, Jno. R. M'Guiness,
Lieut, of Ordnance,
Brev't Capt. U. S. A.
Ass't to Chief of Ordnance.

QUARTERMASTER'S STORES. TO MAJ. C. A. PHILLIPS.
Treasury Department,
Third Auditor's Office,
May 13, 1870.
Sir :
It becomes my duty to notify you that your Returns of Quar
termaster's Stores for the period of 4th Qr. 1862, to June, 1865, having
passed the administrative scrutiny of the proper military bureau, have
been examined in this Office and found correct.
This closes your accountability for property of the Quartermaster's
Department, so far as the same is known to this Office.
Very respectfully, Allan Rutherford, Auditor.
Chas. A. Phillips,
Capt. Battery E,
Mass. Lt. Art'y.

With the special approval of the chairman of the com
mittee on its publication, the foUowing extract from an
address of Governor Andrew in honor of the dead, and
the last verse of Colonel T. W. Higginson's "Waiting for
the Bugle," in sympathy with the living soldiers of the War
for the Preservation of the Union, will fitly close this his
tory of nearly four years of life in camp, on the march, and
in the field, of the Fifth Massachusetts Battery, Light
Artillery : —
"By the homely traditions of the fireside, by the headstones in the
church yard consecrated to those whose forms repose far off in rude
graves by the Rappahannock, or sleep beneath the sea, embalmed in the

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 961
memories of succeeding generations of parents and children, the heroic
dead will live on in immortal youth. The great proclamation of liberty
will lift the Ruler who uttered it, our Nation and our age above all
vulgar destiny."

"Though the bivouac of age may put ice
in our veins,
And no fibre of steel in our sinew remains;
Though the comrades of yesterday's march are
not here,
And the sunlight seems pale and the branches
are sere:
Though the sound of our cheering dies down
to a moan,
We shall find our lost youth when the
bugle is blown.'' [FINIS.]

PROMOTIONS AND RESIGNATIONS OF COM
MISSIONED OFFICERS
OF
THE FIFTH MASS. BATTERY, LIGHT ARTILLERY.
1861.
Sept. 28, 1861, George D. Allen of Maiden, was com
missioned First Lieutenant.
Oct. 8, 1 86 1, John B. Hyde of New Bedford, was com.
2d Lieut.
Robert A. Dillingham of New Bedford, 3d Lieut.
Charles A. Phillips of Salem, 4th Lieut.
Oct. 23, 1861, Max Eppendorff of New Bedford was
com. Captain. 1862.
Jan'y 24, 1862, Captain Max Eppendorff resigned and
was discharged.
Jan'y 25, 1862, First Lieutenant George D. Allen was
promoted Captain.
Second Lieutenant John B. Hyde was promoted ist
Lieut. Third Lieutenant Robert A. Dillingham was promoted
Junior First Lieut.
Fourth Lieutenant Charles A. Phillips was promoted
Second Lieut.
Henry D. Scott of New Bedford was com. Junior 2d
Lieut.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 963
July 12, 1862, First Lieutenant John B. Hyde and Junior
First Lieutenant Robert A. Dillingham, resigned and were
discharged. July 13, 1862, Second Lieutenant Charles A. Phillips
was promoted ist Lieut.
Junior Second Lieutenant Henry D. Scott was promoted
Junior ist Lieut.
Peleg W. Blake of New Bedford was com. 2d Lieut.
Aug. 1, 1862, Frederic A. Lull of Cambridge was com.
Junior 2d Lieut.
Oct. 17, 1862, Captain George D. Allen resigned and
was discharged.
Oct. 18, 1862, First Lieutenant Charles A. Phillips was
promoted Captain.
Junior Second Lieutenant Frederic A. Lull was promoted
ist Lieut.
Joseph E. Spear of Quincy was com. 2d Lieut.
1863.
July 30, 1863, Second Lieutenant Peleg W. Blake was
promoted ist Lieut.
Nathan Appleton of Boston was com. 2d Lieut.
July 31, 1863, First Lieutenant Frederic A. Lull was
promoted Captain of 2d Reg't. Mass. Heavy Artillery.
1864.
March 11, 1864, Second Lieutenant Joseph E. Spear was
promoted ist Lieut.
First Lieutenant Henry D. Scott was promoted Captain
1 6th Mass. Battery, Light Artillery.
Harrison O. Simonds of Boston was com. 2d Lieut.
June 18, 1864, First Lieutenant Peleg W. Blake was
killed in action.
June 19, 1864, Second Lieutenant Nathan Appleton was
promoted ist Lieut.

964 HISTORY OF THE
Samuel H. Hamblett of Salem was com. 2d Lieut.
Aug. 25, 1864, First Lieutenant Nathan Appleton re
signed and was discharged.
Aug. 26, 1864, Second Lieutenant Harrison O. Simonds
was promoted ist Lieut.
Mason W. Page of New Bedford was com. 2d Lieut.
Oct. 3, 1864, First Lieutenant Joseph E. Spear resigned
and was discharged.
Oct. 4, 1864, Second Lieutenant Samuel H. Hamblett
was promoted ist Lieut.
Charles M. Tripp of New Bedford was com. 2d Lieut.
1865.
April 13, 1865, Second Lieutenant Charles M. Tripp
resigned and was discharged.
June 12, 1865, Captain Charles A. Phillips, First Lieut.
Samuel H. Hamblet, Jun. First Lieut. Harrison O.
Simonds, Second Lieut. Mason W. Page, resigned and
were discharged. Battery mustered out.

DISCHARGED FOR PROMOTION.
Nov. 3, 1862, Quarter Master Sergeant Timothy W.
Terry to be Second Lieutenant in 13th Mass. Battery.
June 4, 1863, Edward E. Rice, Special Order No. 219,
War Department, June 3, 1863, to accept a commission.
July 3, 1863, First Lieutenant Frederic A. Lull to be
Captain in 2d Mass. Heavy Artillery.
July 15, 1863, Sergeant John W. Morrison discharged
to accept a commission.
Dec. 15, 1863, Sergeant Otis B. Smith to be First Lieu
tenant 2d Mass. Heavy Artillery.
March 8, 1864, Corporal Ephraim B. Nye to be Second
Lieutenant 14th Mass. Battery.
March 11, 1864, First Lieutenant Henry D. Scott to be

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 965
Captain of the 16th Mass. Battery.
Sept. 19, 1864, Corporal Jonas Shackley and Corporal
Elisha J. Gibbs, to be Second Lieutenants in the 4th Mass.
Heavy Artillery.
Oct. 27, 1864, Wallace R. Ransom to be Second Lieuten
ant 29th Unattached Co., Mass. Heavy Artillery.

Twelve years after the war Captain Nathan Appleton
and First Lieutenant John F. Murray held commissions
in the famous and historic Battery A, Massachusetts Vol
unteer Militia, which in command of Captain Edward J.
Jones went to the front Oct. 1, 1862, and served nine
months as the nth Mass. Battery.

DIED FROM DISEASE WHILE IN SERVICE.
June 14, 1862, Corporal Henry C. Parsons, Gaines Mills,
Va., Typhoid fever.
Oct. 11, 1862, Corporal William G. Warren, Baltimore,
Md., Typhoid fever.
Nov. 28, 1862, Private William S. Wilcox, Falmouth,
Va., Consumption.
March 13, 1864, Private Philo L. Braley, Rappahannock
Station, Va., Typhoid fever.
March 22, 1864, Private Lewis P. Clark, Galloupe's
Island, Boston Harbor.
June 7, 1864, Private Abner Foster, Washington, D. C,
Typhoid fever.
Aug. 27, 1864, Private Alvin Faunce, Washington, D. C,
Typhoid fever.
Aug. 28, 1864, Private Thomas P. Atkins, Portsmouth
Grove, R. I., Dysentery.
Oct. 7, 1864, Private Edwin M. Dudley, Washington,
D. C, Heart disease.

966 HISTORY OF THE
Nov. io, 1864, Private William G. Boutwell, Washing
ton, D. C,
May 10, 1865, Thomas Flanagan, Washington, D. C.
Recruit transferred from Third Mass. Battery.
KILLED IN SERVICE.
June 27, 1862, Gaines Mills:
Corporal Albert F. Milliken.
Private Edwin F. Gustine.
Dec. 13, 1862, Fredericksburg:
Corporal Edward M. Platts.
July 1-3, Gettysburg:
Private John M. Verity. Detailed from
Edward Fotheringham. ioth N. Y. Battery.
Henry W. Soule.
William L. Purbeck.
John M. Canty.
John F. Hathaway.
Martin J. Coleman.
May 9, 1864, Laurel Hill:
Private John W. Boynton.
Joseph Kierstead, 11 8th Penn. Vols.
June 2, 1864, Bethesda Church:
Private Frederick D. Alden.
June 3, 1864, Bethesda Church:
Private WiUiam H. H. Lapham.
June 8, 1864, Chickahominy:
Private William J. Sheergold.
Henry D. Crapo.
Charles P. Carling.
June 18, 1864, Petersburg:
First Lieutenant Peleg W. Blake,
Private Benjamin S. Kanuse.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 967
WOUNDED IN SERVICE.
June 27, 1862, Gaines Mills:
Corporal John Agen.
Private WiUiam H. Ray.
Charles D. Barnard.
July 1, 1862, Malvern HiU:
Private Jacob Peacock.
Robert King.
Aug. 30, 1862, Second Manassas:
Private Francis Oldis.
Dec. 13, 1862, Fredericksburg:
Private Robert Brand.
July 1-3, 1863, Gettysburg:
Private Henry G. Graffleman, ioth N. Y. Battery.
Lieutenant Henry D. Scott.
Corporal Thomas E. Chase.
John Agen.
Private John G. Sanford.
Henry Fitzsimmons.
George B. Trumbull.
" William E. Estee.
William H. Dunham.
Daniel K. Shackley.
John H. Olin.
William A. Waugh.
" William McKern, ioth N. Y. Battery.
Nov. 27, 1863, Mine Run:
Lieutenant Henry D. Scott.
May 9, 1864, Laurel Hill:
Private John Mensing, n 8th Penn. Vols.
May 12, 1864, Spottsylvania C. H.:
Corporal Benjamin Graham.
Private Albion K. P. Hayden.-
" Thomas H. Mensing, 11 8th Penn. Vols.

968 HISTORY OF THE
May 25, 1864, North Anna River and Virginia Central
R. R.
Second Lieutenant Nathan Appleton.
June 2, 1864, Bethesda Church:
Private William Reynolds.
June 8, 1864, Chickahominy:
Private Edward F. Smith.
" David McVey.
June 18, 1864, Petersburg:
Private Joseph L. Knox.
" Alexander N. Atwood.
July 30, 1864, Petersburg:
Sergeant Charles F. Stiles.
Aug. 21, 1864, Weldon Railroad:
Sergeant Charles F. Stiles.
Private Paesiello Emerson.
April 2, 1865, Petersburg:
Second Lieutenant Mason W. Page.
Private Michael Flynn.
PRISONERS OF WAR.
June 27, 1862, Gaines Mills:
Private Richard Heyes.
Edward F. Smith.
Lorenzo D. Brownell.
Charles D. Barnard.
Nov. 27, 1863, Mine Run:
Private William Greeley.

THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIFTH MASSA
CHUSETTS BATTERY ASSOCIATION.
By Brevet Captain Nathan Appleton.
"Later the storms of rain, accompanied with thunder and lightning,
reminding one of the battles of the years of manhood's prime, played
round it." — N. A.'s Recollections of Mont Blanc.
The Fifth Massachusetts Battery, like most of the regi
ments and batteries of the state, formed an organization
not long after the war was over. The date of ours was
1870. I was away many of the early years of its existence, and
did not attend one of the meetings until October 7th, 1877.
This one was held at "Parker's," Boston, and for it in the
dining room I loaned the lithograph of the battle of Gaines
Mills, and the engraving of Gettysburg, the battle scene
painted by James Walker though planned by Colonel John
B. Batchelder. In these battles the Battery suffered most.
Since the last reunion, held three years previous, Captain
Phillips, who was President of the association, had died.
Captain George D. Allen was chosen President for the en
suing year, and I was chosen Vice President together with
Captain H. D. Scott, and Patrick Welsh. John F. Murray
was elected Secretary, and George H. Leach Treasurer.
THE DEATH OF MAJOR PHILLIPS.
Charles Appleton Phillips, born in Salem, Mass., January
31, 1 84 1, was the son of Hon. Stephen Clarendon Phillips,

970 HISTORY OF THE
mayor of Salem, and member of congress from Massachu
setts, and grandson on the maternal side, of Margaret
Appleton, of the Ipswich Appleton stock, who married
Willard Peele of Salem.
At the close of the war he resumed the study of law, and
his death took place March 20, 1876, at Gold Hill, a small
mining town near Virginia City, Nevada, of congestion of
the lungs, while looking after the interests of his clients.
His body was received in Salem Friday afternoon April
14th, for interment in the family lot in Harmony Grove.
At a stated meeting of the Massachusetts Commandery
of the Military Order Loyal Legion, United States, held
on Wednesday, April 5, 1876, at the Headquarters in Bos
ton, a tribute to his memory was adopted, which was after
wards printed.
LOYAL LEGION TRIBUTE.
Headquarters
Commandery of the State of Massachusetts,
Boston, April 10, 1876.
Tribute
to the memory of
Comp. Brevet Major Charles A. Phillips U. S. Vols.
Late Captain Fifth Light Battery, Massachusetts Volunteer
Artillery. Adopted at a Stated Meeting of this Commandery, held
on Wednesday, April Fifth, 1876.
As a student at Harvard, he took high rank in the Classical and
Mathematical Departments, but left his professional studies for a
subordinate position in the Light Artillery service.
Of a retiring disposition, he desired no reward other than the
consciousness of duty faithfully performed, but his merits soon
brought him promotion.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 971
As a Battery commander, he was careful and considerate for his
men, and asked them to incur no danger in which he did not take
a conspicuous share. From the midst of the enemy at Gettysburg, he
helped to draw one of his disabled pieces by hand; advancing his
bitterv by section, he drove the enemy before him at Bethesda Church ;
fearless of danger, on an important occasion, he stood alone on the
breastworks of Fort Sedgwick; before Petersburg, exposed to the
hottest fire, encouraging his men and calling for "spherical case," he
led the pioneers who cleared away the obstructions around Fort
Mahone, in the final engagement, and closed his services with the
war, commanding a brigade of the Reserve Artillery of the Army of
the Potomac.
As a soldier, his record was one of heroism ; as a citizen of industry
and usefulness, and now, while we fondly cherish his memory, we
deeply sympathize with his family and relatives in their bereavement.
Resolved, That these expressions of our respect for his memory
be entered upon the Records, and a copy be transmitted to the family
of our deceased companion.
John Bigelow, B'v't Major U. S. Vols.
Richard S. Milton, Captain U. S. Vols.
J. Henry Sleeper, B'v't Major U. S. Vols. Committee.
[Extract from the Minutes.]
Charles Devens, Jr.
B'v't Major Gen. U. S. Vols., Commander.
Jas. B. Bell, Recorder.
Official :

MEMORIAL SERVICES.
Part of the services on May 28, 1876, the Sunday before
Memorial Day, attended by the Grand Army Post No. 34
of Salem, and held at the Barton Square Unitarian Church,
was an address by the pastor the Rev. George Batchelor,
now (1902) editor of the "Christian Register."
He chose for his text, Exodus xii. 14, — -"This day shall
be with you for a memorial," and in his discourse the sev
eral periods of Major Phillips' honorable career were clearly
set forth, from his graduation from Harvard at the age of
nineteen with the highest mathematical honors to his death.

972 HISTORY OF THE
With these words ends his brief but fervent eulogy : —
"His record may be summed up by saying that from Yorktown to
Hatcher's Run, he was never absent when his battery was engaged, and
he exposed himself fearlessly when the danger was most imminent, and
wherever a soldier's duty and honor called."
On Memorial Day, 1877, in Salem, the address at
Mechanics Hall was by the Rev. Henry W. Foote of Bos
ton, who, recalling to his hearers "the fair picture of the
lives" of the soldiers of Salem who had "joined the great
army of the dead," referred to Major PhiUips and his
brother Lieut. Edward W. Phillips of the 50th Mass. (In
fantry) who "as boys were full of glad promise, — as men
did nobly for their country. . . . Edward, struck down in
his bright youth by the effects of the war, — Charles, whose
battery flamed on the heights of Malvern Hill, and through
unnumbered battles besides. . . . No braver or more
trusted officer served in the Army of the Potomac. Last
year for the first time you laid flowers on his grave. . . .
With us they live forever, as they live with God, in undying
youth, immortal, with high incentive and proud rebuke to
us, privileged to be household words of strength unto
children's children."

I attended the Ninth reunion of the Battery Association
at Young's Hotel, in Boston, on Wednesday evening,
October 1, 1879, and was elected president of the Associa
tion. The vice-presidents were Captain Henry D. Scott of
Newport, R. I., Captain F. A. Lull of Cambridge and
Lieut. Mason W. Page of Taunton. Secretary John F.
Murray of Cambridge. Treasurer George H. Leach of
Boston. Relief Committee William Reynolds of Marble
head, Joseph Knox of Boston, Michael Hewitt of Newton.
It was voted to have the next reunion in Boston on the
first Wednesday of October, 1880. General A. P. Martin
was elected an honorary member, having been in command

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 973
of the Artillery Brigade Fifth Army Corps when the Fifth
Battery was in it.
Benjamin Savery of Marblehead for many years said
grace at the reunions, foUowing which Joe Knox called
the roll from memory. See p. 134.
The Eleventh Annual Reunion was held at Young's
Hotel, Boston, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 1881. In the circular
sent with the call for the meeting was an extract from the
address of the Rev. George Batchelor at Salem, May 28,
1876, eulogizing the career of Major PhiUips and the Bat
tery. Captain Lull, who was active in this matter, wrote Octo
ber 7th in returning papers obtained from the family, — "I
also enclose one of the circulars of the nth Reunion. You
will see that the one containing Mr. Batchelor's address was
the one we wished to get. We had a very successful re
union of the old 5th on Wednesday eve last at Young's
Hotel. About 35 members were present. Our late Captain
was spoken of by several members of the Battery, also by
two or three guests that were present, in very feeling
terms. In fact Captain Phillips' name is revered by all the mem
bers of the old 5th, and is alluded to with heartfelt feelings
by all the surviving members. Very respectfully
Frederic A. Lull."

In 1883, at the banquet at the Crawford House, Boston,
I invited the members of the Battery to visit the Boston
Foreign Exhibition of which I was a Director, the foUow
ing day, which many did. The Exhibition at which the
products of 52 countries were represented was held in the
Mechanics Building.
In 1890, the meeting and banquet were held at Young's
Hotel, Boston, August 12th, at the time of the National

974 HISTORY OF THE
Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic.
In 1891, again at "Young's" October 7th, when I pre
sented the members with a reproduction of a photograph of
Captain C. A. Phillips, I had struck off for the occasion.
The Twenty-Second Annual Reunion was held at New
Bedford August 9th, 1892. Clambake dinner at Fort
Phoenix, Fairhaven, at one p. m., and supper and business
meeting at New Bedford. After the clambake we were
photographed in a group.
DEATH OF LIEUT. PAGE.
After the war closed Lieut. Mason W. Page pursued
various avocations in Cleveland, Ohio, New Bedford, and
Lynn, Mass., where he died September 29, 1893. He is
buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, New Bedford.

I did not attend the reunion in 1894, which was held at
Salem Willows, Salem, on Wednesday, Aug. 22d. Nearly
50 members were present. Captain George D. Allen of
Maiden was elected President; John S. Doane of Boston
first Vice President, Wm. W. Carsley, Fairhaven, second
Vice President. George L. Newton, Weymouth, Secretary,
Thomas E. Chase, Boston, Treasurer. Executive Commit
tee J. A. Wood, Edward T. Wilson, and George L. New
ton. Relief Committee James H. Saxon, W. W. Carsley,
John S. Doane and George L. Newton.
The Relief Committee was instructed to decorate the
graves of deceased members, and it was voted to allow
brothers and sons of deceased members to become honorary
members. The reunion of 1895, was held at New Bedford August
28th, 44 members being present. Speeches were made by
Capt. John B. Hyde, Capt. Henry D. Scott, Jonas Shack
ley, Benjamin Story, Hon. Rufus A. Soule brother of

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 975
Henry W. Soule, Wm. F. Nye brother of Lieut. Ephraim
B. Nye, Frank A. Milliken and myself. Mr. Nye was
sutler of the Battery and entertained us. Judge Milliken
was elected associate member. His brother Albert F.
Milliken was the first one killed.
The oldest member present was Stephen Townsend of
Fall River aged 71, the youngest was Wm. H. Dunham of
Fairhaven aged 52. The only death of the year was
Michael Hewitt of Newton. Officers elected were Capt.
John B. Hyde, President, John F. Murray and J.. Augustus
Wood Vice Presidents. Thomas E. Chase Treasurer and
Geo. L. Newton, Secretary. The Executive Committee
were J. S. Doane, W. A. Waugh, William Reynolds, and
Geo. L. Newton.
The Twenty-Sixth Annual Reunion took place on
Wednesday Oct. 7, 1896, at Young's Hotel. I was at that
time at Kohala on the large island of Hawaii, where I went
with Attorney General Smith. John F. Murray was elected
President. John E. Dyer and W. A. Waugh Vice Presi
dents. Thomas E. Chase Treasurer and Geo. L. Newton
Secretary. The Executive Committee were E. T. Wilson,
Geo. H. Chadwick and J. Augustus Wood.
In a postscript of a letter to me written by Mr. Geo. L.
Newton of Weymouth, Jan'y 4, 1897, he said with refer
ence to the losses by death and the next reunion : — "We
missed you at our annual reunion. I learned by the press
afterward that you were out of the country. We have lost
by death the last year five members, as follows : — Sergt.
Wm. B. Pattison, Wm. W. Carsley (Carsley died in New
Bedford, July 4, 1896, from a frightful wound received
while ramming in the charge of one of the brass field pieces,
— -previously mentioned as owned by that city — for firing
the noonday salute. He was taken to the hospital and died
in a few hours), Joseph Whitcher, Leonard Luther, and

976 HISTORY OF THE
Thomas Downey. Our next reunion is to be held at New
Bedford." This occurred Sept. 29, 1897. Headquarters at Union
Veteran Legion Rooms, Union Street, New Bedford, din
ner at the Mansion House. E. T. Wilson was elected
President. Geo. L. Newton Secretary, Thomas E. Chase
Treasurer. Executive Committee T. E. Chase, F. P.
Washburn. Wednesday evening August 17, 1898, the Association
met and dined at the American House, Boston. It was the
Twenty-Eighth Annual Reunion. Outside was a furious
storm of wind and rain, and between thunder claps the
movement to have a history of the Fifth Mass. Battery
written was inaugurated, and a committee composed of
Captain Henry D. Scott, Captain John F. Murray and
myself, was appointed to write and publish it. I was made
chairman of the committee.
Captain Henry D. Scott was elected President of the
Association for the ensuing year. Thomas E. Chase,
Treasurer, Geo. L. Newton Secretary. Executive Com
mittee J. A. Wood, F. P. Washburn.
The Reunion of 1899 was on August 2d at New Bed
ford. Business meeting at 11.30 at the Union Veteran
Legion Rooms, and a clambake afterwards under the trees
paid for by Mr. Nye, to whom we gave a vote of thanks and
cheers. There were about 35 members present.
The Reunion of 1900 was on August 22d at Field's
Point, Providence, R. I. A good clambake and an interest
ing meeting. Officers elected were: President J. Augustus
Wood New Bedford; Vice President James D. Allen, New
Bedford, Secretary George L. Newton; Treasurer Thomas
E. Chase. Executive Committee Wm. Reynolds, Lemuel
A. Washburn, E. T. Wilson.
There had been one death since the last meeting, that of
George H. Chadwick.

FIFTH MASS. BATTERY. 977
DEATH OF CAPTAIN GEO. D. ALLEN.
Captain George D. Allen died at the Emergency Hospital,
Boston, shortly before noon November 5th, 1900, from the
effects of injuries sustained in an elevator accident at 7
Exchange Place, on the way to make a business call about
9 o'clock that morning. He had resided in Maiden ever
since the war. The funeral took place in that city on the
8th and was attended by delegations of the various organi
zations military and civil of which Captain Allen was a
member, and no of the employees of the WiUiam Allen
and Sons Boiler Works.
Officers of the Knights Templars were present in uni
form. The Masonic ceremonies were under the direction
of Eminent Commander Arthur H. Burton, and the bearers
were high officials of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
and Rhode Island, and the Worcester County Commandery.
The floral tributes were extremely abundant and elaborate;
among them a maltese cross. The interment was in the
family tomb in Salem Street Cemetery, Maiden.

At the Thirty-First Annual Reunion the assembly took
place in New Bedford at the Union Veteran Legion Rooms
at n.30, August 6th, 1901. I was unable to be present.
Four deaths were reported during the year: — Captain
George D. Allen, Christopher C. Allen, Rodney S. Camp
bell and William Roberts.
The committee on the history was augmented by the
appointment of Thomas E. Chase and George L. Newton.
William F. Nye was elected an honorary member of the
Association. Officers elected were: President Captain Henry D. Scott;
Vice Presidents William H. Baxter of New York and Jonas
Shackley of Quincy, Mass.; Secretary George L. Newton;
Treasurer, Thomas E. Chase. Executive Board William

978 HISTORY OF THE
Reynolds of Marblehead, Mass., Edward T. Wilson of New
Bedford, and Capt. John F. Murray of Cambridge.
At 3 o'clock a shore dinner was enjoyed at the summer
cottage of Edward T. Wilson at Padanaram, and a paper
relating to his experience in the Army as sutler, was read by
William F. Nye. There were about 50 members present.
The Reunion of 1902, took place Saturday, August 23d,
at Marblehead, Mass. About 35 members assembled on
Brown's Island for a clambake dinner.
At the business meeting the following were elected offi
cers of the Association for the ensuing year: —
President, William Reynolds.
Vice Presidents, Wm. H. Peacock, Lemuel Washburn.
Secretary, Geo. L. Newton.
Treasurer, Thomas E. Chase.
Committee on next Reunion, Wm. H. Dunham, Paesiello
Emerson, Thomas B. Stantial, Edward T. Wilson.
The following were elected honorary members : R. C.
Bridges, John Ingalls, S. H. Brown, W. Reynolds, Thomas
Ingalls, Wm. A. Nye.
It was voted to hold the next Reunion at New Bedford.

ROSTER AND INDEX.

[Names marked "3d Mass." were transferred to the Fifth Mass. Battery from the Third

Mass. Battery at various times.]
A
Agen, lohn, Corporal, 79, 320, 326, 437, 645,
967.
Albro, James H., 76, 81.
Alden, Frederick D., 80, 437, 768, 771, 772,
793, 857, 858, 966.
Allen, Christopher C, Corporal, 4, 75, 76,
80, 143, 148, 149, 234, 977.
Allen, Elisha, 3d Massachusetts, Corporal.
Allen, George D., Captain, 5, 70, 72, 73, 74,
82-86, 94, 116, 122, 133, '5, '9, 143,156, '7, '9,
161, '2, '8, 170, '2, '4, 180, 196,'7, 203, 216, 234,
246, '6, '9, 250, '1, '6, 263, 278, 282, '3, 293, '7,
365, '6, '7, 372, 392, 412, 470, 471, 560, 962,
'3, '9,974, 977.
Allen, James D., Quartermaster Clerk, 76,
80, 772, 976.
Almy, Andrew W., Corporal, 79, 437, 768,
772, 793, 797.
Alton, John H., 76, 81, 437.
Alton, Joseph, B., 76, 81, 698.
Appleton, Nathan, Lieutenant, Brevet-Cap
tain, 21, 52, 54, 55, 679, 693, 696, 698, 699,
700, 702, 703, 705-708, 710-712, 714-716, 721,
723, 724, 726-729, 732, 733, 736-738, 743, 745,
747-749, 751-753, 765, 757-760, 762, 764, 766-
772, 774, 775, 784-786, 788-790, 792-795, 797-
803, 806-808, 816, 818-820, 823, 825, 826, 830,
833, 834, 838, 839, 844, 846, 847-850, 864, 876
882, 885, 909, 963-965, 968, 969.
Atkins, Nathaniel H., Corporal.
Atkins, Thomas P., 878, 965.
Atwood, Alexander N. or A., 877, 878, 968.
Austin, Isaac C
Aymer, Frank, 3d Massachusetts. B
Baker, Harry M.
Baldwin, James W., 81.
Balfe, Thomas.
Ball, Volney, 3d Massachusetts.
Barnard, Charles D., 76, 80, 320,325,347, 348,
393, 397, 967, 968.
Barry, William, 87, 553, 643.
Baur, Ignaz.

Baxter, Francis A.
Baxter, William H., Sergeant, 82, 87, 201, 216,
217, 347, 378, 479, 480, 511, 642, 822, 923, 977.
Blake, Peleg W., Lieutenant, 76, 81, 82, 103,
234, 244, 325, 326, 339, 342, 344, 376, 390, 401,
404, 408, 436, 439, 442, 493, 501, 518, 522,
531, 540, 550, 553, 556, 659, 563, 567, 568, 611,
616, 639, 693, 696, 697, 703, 708, 737, 760, 766-
769-771, 784, 793, 794, 797, 847, 857, 862, 877,
879, 882, 885, 963, 966.
Blanchard, Amos, 87, 202, 347, 759, 796.
Bliss, Cornelius E., 442, 444, 784.
Boutwell, William G., 3d Massachusetts, 898,
966.
Bowman, Benedict, 3d Massachusetts.
Boynton, John W., 818, 966.
Braley, Joseph G., 75, 80.
Braley, Philo L., 76, 80, 788, 965.
Brand, Robert, 442, 444, 497, 500, 602, 505, 507,
967.
Brizzee, William A., Jr., 3d Massachusetts.
Brock, John H., 3d Massachusetts.
Brown, George, 3d Massachusetts, 898.
Brown, Edward A., 87.
Brown, Warren W., 87, 796.
Brownell, Lorenzo D., 81,320, 340, 341, 968.
Bryson, Peter, 3d Massachusetts.
Buckley, John.
Bugbee, William L., 3d Massachusetts.
Burke, Thomas, 78.
Burkis, James M., 87.
Burleson, Charles, 3d Massachusetts.
Burns, Joseph, 3d Massachusetts, 946, 947.
Burt, Benjamin T., 79, 659, 727, 849.
Butler, Edwin J., 79, 766, 773.
Butts, Squire W., 76, 81. C
Cahill, George H., 3d Massachusetts.
Campbell, Rodney S., Corporal, 676, 977.
Canty, John M., 80, 656-660, 966.
Carling, Charles P., 3d Masssachuetts, 867,
966.
Carney, Thomas, 79.
Carroll, Joseph.

980

ROSTER AND INDEX.

Carsley, William W., 79, 124, 796, 863, 974,
975.
Carson, Francis, 79.
Cary, Richarrl, 3d Massachusetts.
Case, Nathan.
Caswell, William W., 76, 81, 234, 359, 773.
Cekiell, Ezekiel.
Chadwick, George H., 75, 80, 975, 976.
Chamberlain, W. H., 772.
Champlin, Edward, 80, 437.
Chase, Thomas E., Corporal, 83, 87, 90, 91,
100, 104, 107, 122, 125, 129, 135, 136, 138,
145, 179, 200, 209-211, 217, 222, 226, 234, 238,
242, 243, 251, 255, 259, 275, 285, 302, 307,
309, 310, 344, 359, 378, 384, 391, 406, 412-416,
418, 425, 428, 430, 432-434, 439, 449, 451,
453, 456, 467, 471-473, 475, 476, 481, 483,485,
490, 491, 493-496, 513, 516-520, 526, 528, 531,
534, 538, 549-552, 554, 555, 557, 559, 561,
563-565, 667, 572-577, 579, 580, 583, 584, 587,
590, 591,693-599, 601, 611, 644, 666, 676, 680,
684, 686, 967, 974-978.
Clark, Charles A., Corporal, 79.
Clark, Joseph W., Sergeant, 79, 171, 234,706,
907.
Clarke, Lewis P., 965.
Clark, Samuel, 80.
Colbath, Charles H.
Cole, John H., 81.
Coleman, Martin J., 593, 645, 656-661, 966.
Colton, Daniel J.
Conant, Sherman W., 3d Massachusetts.
Cook, John G., Jr., 88'.
Cooper, H. D , 437.
Cox, Albert T., Corporal.
Cox, Henry A ,87.
Cox, James, 80
Crapo, Henry D., 79, 437, 769, 867, 966.
Crockett, George F., 3d Massachusetts.
Crosby, George.
Currier, Hazen.
Cushman, Thomas A., 76, 81.

D
Dickerman, Joseph C., 87.
Dillingham, Robert A., Lieutenant, 75, 76, 78,
82,91, 94, 112, 116, 136, 139, 153, 172, 174, 188,
189, 210, 211, 213, 217, 220, 245, 263, 264, 273,
290, 296, 297, 310, 312, 336, 347, 372, .376, 388,
393, 962, 963.
Doane, John S., 642, 897, 974, 975.
Doherty, Bernard, 87, 593, 645.
Doherty Edward.
Donegan, Thomas.
Donovan, Stephen, 81.
Dorety, Joseph H.
Doyle, Patrick, 80.
Downey, Thomas, 3d Massachusetts, 976.

Drake, William M., 3d Massachusetts.
Drew, John T., 76, 81, 709.
Dudley, Edward M., 3d Massachusetts, 796,
965.
Duff, Robert P., 3d Massachusetts.
Duffy, Frank.
Dugan, Michael, 79.
Dunham, William H., 79, 234, 437, 759, 796,
863, 967, 975, 978.
Dyer, John E., 79, 526, 531, 533, 536, 538, 539,
648, 560-553, 555, 557-560, 5C4, 572-578, 580,
581, 583, 587, 591-593, 596-600, 611, 660, 694,
696, 715, 720, 727, 730, 732, 735, 744, 750, 751,
765, 766, 768-774, 784, 785, 789, 791-793, 796,
798, 800, 801, 807, 817, 819, 822, 826, 833, 834,
838, 856-858, 864, 865, 867, 876-878, 883, 885,
886, 888, 890-892, 917, 918, 923, 975.

Eagan, John, 630, 637, 749.
Edwards, William, 3d Massachusetts.
Emerson, Paesiello, 867, 968, 978.
Eppendorff, Max, Captain, 77, 78, 82, 83, 90,
93, 94, 108, 115, 117, 120-122, 962.
Estee, William E., 87, 110, 645, 656, 657, 967.
Evans, William O.

Fairhuret or Fairhurst, 10th New York Bat
tery, 664.
Faunce, Alvin, 898, 965.
Feltham, Samuel.
Ferguson, John.
Ferris, Anson E., Corporal, TS, 8J.
Ferris, James.
Fisher, Rinaldo R.
Fitzsimmons, Henry, 81, 200, 645, 714, 87S, 967.
Flanagan, Thomas, 3d Massachusetts, 898, 96f .
Flynn, Michael, 7(i, 78; 437, 947, 954, 968.
Follett, Charles A., Corporal 3d Massachu
setts.
Ford, Henry A .
Ford, Jacob W., 3d Massachusetts.
Foster, Abner, 965.
Fotheringham, Edward, 10th New York
Battery, 657, 661, 664, 966.
Freeborn, George H., 87, 438.
Fuller, William.

Gale, Mortier, 4, S7, 550, 593, 759, 867.
Gallagher, Edward.
Gardner, Josiah W., 76, 80.
Gastoo, John.
Gay, Charles D.
Gibbs, Elisha J., Corporal, 79, 567, 573, 759,
760, 797, 825, S32, 918, 926, 966.
Gifford, George W.

ROSTER AND INDEX.

981

Gifford, Henry M., Bugler, 4.
Gilbert, Jacob A., 78, 438.
Graffleman, Henry G., 10th New York Bat
tery, 664, 967.
Gragg, John T., 3d Massachusetts.
Graham, Benjamin; Corporal, 65,79, 234,438,
567, 631, 637-643, 660, 661, 818, 821,- 822, 967.
Graves, Henry B., 3d Massachusetts.
Greeley, William, 76, 80, 657, 746, 968.
Grifiin, Thomas.
Grogan, Martin.
Groves, Gardner, 234, 575.
Grows, David Henry, 5, 65, 87, 97, 99, 101,
105, 107, 108, 110, 111, 114, 121-125, 129, 132,
134, 136, 137, 142, 144-146, 148, 150, 152, 154,
157, 160, 166, 168, 169, 173, .176, 185, 187, 191,
194, 198, 203, 206, 210, 211, 218, 221, 227, 233,
237, 242, 245, 251, 253, 256-258, 262, 264, 265,
268, 270, 274-276, 291-293, 300, 302, 304, 307,
308, 313, 347, 363, 379, 382, 383, 391, 393, 396,
397, 399, 401, 404, 406, 407, 411, 415, 416, 425,
432, 433.
Gunning, Thomas.
Gunning, William, 80, 438, 774.
Gustine, Edward F., 88, 320, 325, 334, 347, 352,
353, 966.
Gwinn, Thomas H., Sergeant, 796.
H
Hackett, William C.
Hale, Alonzo J.
Hall, Joseph, 79, 122.
Hamblet or Hamblett, Samuel H., Lieuten
ant, 847, 897, 909, 924, 964.
Hanley, Henry, -3d Massachusetts.
Hardy, Samuel A., 75, 80.
Harlow, George A.
Hart, John C, 78.
Hart, Patrick, 3d Massachusetts.
Haskins, Alpheus,' Corporal, 75, 80, 234, 283,
715, 760.
Hathaway, John F., 76, 81, 438, 645, 658, 660,
651, 966.
Hathaway, Joseph R., 76, 81.
Hathaway, William, Jr., 80.
Hayden, Albion K. P., 4, 79, 638, 640, 641,
643, 769, 821, 822, 848, 967.
Hayden, William A., 3d Massachusetts.
Hayes, Joseph, 3d Massachusetts, 898.
Heyes, Richard, 76, 81, 320, 343, 406, 968.
Healey, George F., 81.
Hewitt, Michael, 76, 80, 202, 594, 972, 975.
Higgins, Thomas, 76, 79.
Hiller, John G., 868, 877.
Hodgkins or Hodgins, John H., 81.
Hosley, Andrew, 4.
Hovey, Augustus.
Huckins, Alonzo K., 3d Massachusetts,

Hughes, Thomas.
Hunt, George S., 3d Massachusetts, 898.
Hunt, Ira J., 3d Massachusetts, 898. ,
Hyde, John B„ Lieutenant, 69-72, 74-78, 82,
91, 94, 95, 116, 139, 153, 172, 174, 186, 195,
198, 211, 217, 221, 245, 246, 264, 276, 277, 290,
300, 301, 310, 315, 319, 320, 322, 324,331 ,334,
336, 337, 347, 366, 369, 370, 372, 373, 375, 376,
384, 388, 389, 392, 393, 962, 963, 974, 975.

Jay, Charles F., 80, 340.
Johnson, Alfred J., 3d Massachusetts.
Johnson, George H., First Sergeant, 82, 87,
119, 148, 712, 771, 800.
Johnston, Leonard F., Corporal, 3d Massa
chusetts.
Jones, Nathaniel.
Jones, Thomas, 946.
Jordan, Samuel R., 78, 438.

Kanuse, Benjamin S., 76, 81, 877, 878, 886, 966.
Kay, James, Sergeant, 79, 438, 640, 641, 643,
856, 907.
Kiel, E. E., 438.
Kierstead, Joseph, 118th Pennsylvania In
fantry, 818, 819, 966.
King, Henry.
King, Robert, 76, 81, 370, 373, 774, 801, 967.
Knowles, William, 3d Massachusetts.
Knox, Joseph L., 87, 111, 134, 170, 178, 263,
266, 309, 393, 760, 877, 878, 968, 972, 973.

Langley, John, 76, 80.
Lapham, Frederick A,, jr., 88.
Lapham, William H. H., 88, 339, 378, 392, 513,
593, 858, 863, 864, 966.
Lascon, James H.
Leach, George H., 87, 234, 302, 969, 972.
Leach, Jacob H., 3d Massachusetts.
Loomis, Alonzo O.
Lull, Frederick A., Lieutenant, 82, 87, 136,
148, 390, 401, 407, 439, 442, 447, 477, 490, 491,
502, 625, 555-557, 559, 567, 573, 674, 596, 597,
627, 665, 693, 698, 963, 964, 972, 973.
Luther, Leonard, 975. M
Mack, John F., 88, 200, 759.
Macomber, Charles H., 80, 136, 349, 350.
Macomber, George W., 555.
Mahan, Frederick W., 3d Massachusetts.
Mahan, George F., 3d Massachusetts.
Maloney, David N., 3d Massachusetts.
Manchester, George F., 79, 326, 494, 560.
Martis, William A., 3d Massachusetts, 839.

982

ROSTER AND INDEX.

Martis, Brooks B., Corporal, 3d Massachu-
. setts.
Masterson, John, 3d Massachusetts.
Matoney, David N., 3d Massachusetts.
Matthews, David A., Corporal, 3d Massachu
setts.
Matthews, Robert F., Corporal, 3d Massa
chusetts.
McCarthy, Eugene; 3d Massachusetts.
McCartney, John, 3d Massachusetts.
McClellan, John.
McCue, Michael.
McCully, George, 75, 80.
McKern or McKeren, William, 10th New
York Battery, 664, 734, 967.
McVey, David, 81, 111, 200, 438, 867, 968.
Mensing, John, 118th Pennsylvania Infantry,
818, 967.
Mensing, Thomas H., 118th Pennsylvania In
fantry, 821, 822, 967.
Miller, Robert, 79.
Milliken, Albert F., Corporal, 80, 320, 325,
334, 340, 347-350, 966, 975.
Mitchell, Edward, 75, 80.
Moncrief, Robert M.
Mondorf, John, 637, 796.
Moore, Alexander, 79.
Morgridge, Charles H., Sergeant, 78, 82, 119
343, 481, 599, 645, 766.
Morrison, John W., Sergeant, 87, 234, 442,
552, 564, 964.
Morrison, Joseph J., 88.
Munroe, J., 438.
Murphy, James, 3d Massachusetts.
Murphy, John, enlisted 1862.
Murphy, John, enlisted 1864.
Murphy, Thomas.
Murphy, Thomas J., 3d Massachusetts.
Murphy, Walter, 3d Massachusetts.
Murray, John F., 88, 438, 676, 677, 966, 969,
972, 975, 976, 978. N
Neild, James, 79.
Newhall, William B., Sergeant, 87, 200, 797.
Newhall, William H.
Newton, George L., Corporal, 87, 436, 438,
655, 797, 974-978.
Nichols, William H., Corporal, 3d Massachu
setts.
Nye, Ephraim B., Corporal, 80, 82, 234, 302,
343, 369, 442, 620, 529, 530, 656, 698, 701,
703, 706, 768, 785, 801, 942, 964, 975.

O'Brien, John.
O'Brien, William.
O'Connell, Daniel, 734.

O'Hara, Patrick, 555.
Oldis, Francis, 78, 423, 438, 967.
Olin, John H., 656, 769, 796, 967.

Page, Mason W., Lieutenant, 75, 80, 82, 148,
149, 234, 262, 325, 343, 347, 553, 585, 557,
596, 642, 758, 795, 796, 917, 923, 924, 942,
943, 945-948, 954, 957, 964, 968, 972, 974.
Parsons, Henry C, Corporal, 88, 300, 965.
Pattison, Louis E., Clerk, 83, 88, 344, 346,
347, 423, 424, 438, 611, 642, 654, 696, 735, 923.
Pattison, William B., Sergeant, 82, 87, 14«,
346, 351, 424, 438, 442, 552, 661, 563, 596,
637-639, 642, 975.
Paxton, James H., 80.
Peacock, Jacob, 79, 370, 373, 967.
Peacock, William H., Quartermaster Ser
geant, 22, 51, 73, 75, 81, 82, 87, 89, 148, 196,
200, 201, 236, 325, 433, 472, 503, 509, 549,
555, 560, 584, 593, 594, 596, 611, 637, 645,
655, 684, 696, 698, 709, 723, 756, 765, 773,
783, 791, 801, 818, 826, 832, 833, 864, 867,
876, 885-887, 889, 891, 897, 898, 917, 921, 923,
978.
Pedrick, Benjamin T.
Peirce, David B., 76, 81.
Petty, Luther, 78.
Phillips, Charles A., Captain, Brevet Major,
6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 17, 33, 36, 39, 40, 45, 47, 48,
60, 76, 82, 83, 91, 93, 94, 95, 99, 107, 111, 112,
116, 118, 126, 130, 131, 136, 137, 139, 140,
146, 148, 150, 151, 153, 159, 161, 167, 170,
174, 181, 185, 188, 190, 192, 198, 199, 205,
208, 209-213, 217, 218, 220-222, 224, 227, 231-
234, 239, 240, 242, 243, 245, 249, 254, 267, 260,
261, 263-266, 269, 270, 272, 278, 282-284, 293,
294, 296, 297, 299, 300-303, 305, 307, 310, 311,
323, 331-334, 337, 346, 347, 364, 370, 376, 377,
379, 389-391, 393, 395, 397, 398. 399, 402-404,
407, 408, 411, 413-417, 419, 425, 428, 431,
433-443, 445, 447, 450, 451, 452, 454,455, 456,
467-477, 481, 485, 487, 488, 491, 4%, 498, 505,
508, 517, 518, 520, 523, 626, 629, 631, 633, 536,
539, 548, 649, 561-561, 563, 664, 565, 568,
572-575, 577, 578, 580-583, 586, 587, 690, 592,
593, 596-601, 611, 613, 615, 616, 619, 623, 628-
635, 638-641, 643, 644, 646, 647, 652, 654, 655,
660-663, 665-669, 671, 672, 674, 676, 679, 688-
691, 693. 696, 697, 699, 701-704, 706, 708, 712,
714, 715, 718, 729, 734, 738, 739, 743, 746, 748,
764, 755, 768, 759-762, 767. 768, 769, 771-774,
778, 786, 792, 793, 794, 797-800, 815, 817, 820,
821, 835-838, 848, 857, 859, 861, 862, 863, 866,
868, 875, 878-882, 884, 886, 887, 888, 891,
893-897, 904, 905, 907, 915-918, 921, 924, 935,
937-943, 945-947, 953-960, 962, 963, 964, 969-
974.

ROSTER AND INDEX.

983

Phillips, Leo.
Phippen, Edward A., Jr., 88, 849.
Pilling, John, 78, 714.
Pinder, William, 79, 732.
Place, Thomas, 76, 81.
Plagne, William W.
Platts, Edward M., Corporal, 88, 496-500,
502, 505, 507, 509, 510, 833, 966.
Poole, George W., Corporal, 4, 88, 200, 759.
Potter, George, Jr., 3d Massachusetts.
Prescott, Francis A., Clerk, 88.
Preston, John.
Proctor, George O., Corporal, 87, 347, 581,
733, 768-770, 773, 774, 785.
Purbeck, William L., 555, 640, 641, 645, 656,
966.

Quillin, Philip T., 79.

Ransom, Wallace R., 3d Massachusetts, Ser
geant, 965.
Ransom, William, 3d Massachusetts.
Ray, William H., 80, 320, 325, 349, 967.
Reed, Andrew, 3d Massachusetts.
Remington, Lysander F., 3d Massachusetts,
Sergeant.
Reynolds, William, 818, 819, 857, 858, 862,
968, 972, 975, 976, 978.
Rice, Edward E., 88, 438, 555, 598, 964.
Riley, Morris, 3d Massachusetts.
Roberts, William, 947, 977.
Robinson, James, 76, 81.
Robinson, John R., 3d Massachusetts, 898.
Rowe, Amos, 3d Massachusetts.

Sampson, Benjamin.
Sanderson, Samuel, 81.
Sanford, John G., 79, 430, 631, 645, 676, 784,
967.
Savery, Benjamin, 973.
Saxner, William, 80.
Saxon, James H., 974.
Schonhutte, William.
Scott, Henry D., Lieutenant, 75, 78, 82, 100,
135, 139, 140, 148, 156, 167, 170, 172, 174, 186,
199, 234, 245, 269, 284, 287, 298-301, 303, 310,
327, 329, 336, 339, 340, 347, 372, 375, 382, 383,
390, 393, 397, 404, 408, 413, 417, 428-431, 436,
439, 441, 442, 450, 451, 455, 467, 468, 476, 478,
479, 496, 500, 501, 603, 516, 522, 528, 529, 550-
561, 563-665, 567, 568, 570-575, 577-579, 581,
583, 587, 590-593, 595-600, 611, 617, 624, 625,
627, 629, 637, 638, 645, 653, 658, 659, 662, 668,
669, 676, 677, 689, 693, 696, 714, 716, 719, 721,

727, 732, 735, 737, 743, 746, 747, 750, 751, 753-
756, 760, 767, 770, 785, 786, 788, 790, 792, 794,
864, 956, 962-965, 967, 969, 972, 974, 976, 977.
Shackley, Daniel K., 442, 444, 535, 656, 967.
Shackley, Jonas, Corporal, 442, 444, 471, 482,
490, 491, 516, 536, 563, 611, 616, 637-640, 642,
643, 659, 660, 690, 696, 710, 718, 727, 731, 737,
752, 766, 802, 807, 821, 824, 839, 857, 858, 864-
867, 876, 881, 883, 886, 893, 904, 905, 907, 909,
918, 926, 965, 974, 977.
Shannon, Jeremiah.
Shaw, George, 78, 300, 301, 712.
Shaw, Horatio E., 88, 339, 378.
Shaw, Luther F., 865.
Sheergold, Willliam J., 867, 966.
Sheerin, James.
Shepard, James T., 79.
Sheridan, Charles.
Shewonsees, Louis.
Simonds, Harrison O., Lieutenant, 82, 87, 124,
133, 135, 136, 143, 152, 166, 212, 218, 251, 263,
266, 304, 325, 326, 341, 348, 393, 401, 596, 599,
643, 758, 760, 797, 916, 924, 936, 938, 940-942,
955, 956, 963, 964.
Simonds, Warren, 88.
Skillin, Howard A., 3d Massachusetts, 796.
Skinner, Charles E., 88.
Sloane, Henry.
Smith, Benjamin, F., 79, 759.
Smith, Edward F., 75, 80, 320, 343, 406, 774
867, 968.
Smith, George W., 76, 78.
Smith, Otis B., Sergeant, 82, 87, 136, 148, 196,
325, 326, 354, 384, 520, 552, 574, 575, 583, 631,
657, 693, 759, 883, 964.
Soule, Henry W., 78, 631, 645, 656, 657, 661,
963, 965.
Spear, Joseph Edward, Lieutenant, 87, 148,
149, 201, 213, 237, 250, 258, 277, 326, 337, 340,
343, 376-378, 392, 442, 470, 480, 507, 519-521,
528, 554, 557-559, 570, 571, 573, 575, 596, 697,
617, 657, 693, 708, 715, 726, 755, 760, 761, 768,
794, 800, 803, 804, 862, 873, 882, 892, 917, 923,
963, 964.
Spencer, Albert L., 3d Massachusetts.
Stantial, Thomas B., 83, 88, 394, 978.
Stetson, Charles E., 3d Massachusetts.
Stetson, Henry, 3d Massachusetts.
Stiermberg, Bernard.
Stiles, Charles F., Sergeant, 87, 594, 632, 796,
797, 894, 905, 968.
Story, Benjamin F., 88, 200, 203, 551, 655,
767, 974.
Sullivan, James, 3d Massachusetts.
Sullivan, Michael, 76, 81.
Sweeney, William, 80.
Sweetser, Stephen.

984

ROSTER AND INDEX.

Tattersall, Richard.
Terry, Timothy W., Quartermaster Sergeant,
75, 76, 78, 82, 118, 119,. 245, 279, 446, 447,
558, 559, 964.
Thomas, George H.
Thomas, Jefferson, 3d Massachusetts.
Townsend, Stephen, 76, 559, 865, 975.
Tripp, Charles M., Lieutenant, 8, 117, 200,
826, 907, 924, 964.
Tripp, Christopher B., 76, 81, 397.
Tripp, James A., 79, 117.
Trumbull, George B., Corporal, 555, 559, 645,
658, 771, 967.
Tucker, John C, Bugler, 4, 87, 438, 530, 616,
848.
Tufts, Henry, 3d Massachusetts.
Turner, Thomas, 3d Massachusetts, Sergeant.
Turner, William, 75.
Tynan, Lot, 76, 81.

Verity, John W., 10th New York Battery,
657, 664, 966.
Vogle, Philip. w
Waddington, John, 79, 43*, 559.
Warren, James L., 76, 81.
Warren, William G., Corporal, 82, 88, 340,
341, 442, 965.

Washburn. Francis P., 3, 76, 81, 341, 383, 386,
643, 923, 976,
Washburn, Lemuel A., 80, 202, 788, 976, 978.
Washburn, Seth, 32d. Massachusetts Infantry.
Waterson, James, 3d Massachusetts, 898.
Waterson, William, 3d Massachusetts.
Waugh, William A., 88, 204, 657, 967, 975.
Way, George H., 3d Massachusetts.
Weeden, Charles C, 79.
Welch, John H., 3d Massachusetts, 839.
Welsh or Walsh, Patrick, Sergeant, 79, 200,
438, 563, 676, 759, 771, 969.
Wentworth, Owen.
West, Benjamin, 80, 438, 696, 784, 824.
West, Edward W., 79.
Wheaton, Charles E.
Wheelock, George W., 3d Massachusetts.
Whelan, John W., 3d Massachusetts.
Whitcher, Joseph R.. 88, 378, 559, 975.
White, Russell.
Wilcox, William S., 76, 81,438, 491, 965.
Wilkinson, Joseph.
Williams, Samuel M.
Wilson, Edward T., 2d Sergeant, 79, 215, 333,
340. 892, 974-976, 978.
Winters, Albert.
Winters, James, Bugler, 4, 79, 505, 516, 530,
596, 599, 638, 693, 759, 848, 891.
Wood, Alfred, 3d Massachusetts.
Wood, Frederick W., 81.
Wood, James Augustus, 75, 80, 394, 974-976.

OTHER PERSONS MENTIONED.

Abbott, Henry L., 565.
Abercrombie, J. J., 373.
Adams, George W., 592, 693.
Adams, John Quincy, 23.
Alexander, B. S., 225, 291.
Alexandra, Queen, 765.
Alley, John B., 24. 792, 939.
Almy, Allen, 858.
Ames, Adelbert, 372.
Ames, Nelson, 600, 615, 624, 654, 679.
Ames, Oakes, 55, 939.
Amory, Charles, 5, 94, 123.
Anderson, J. R., Confederate, 275.
Anderson, R. H., Confederate, 813, 827, 830.
Andrew, John A., 2, 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 24,
25, 27, 31, 32, 33, 34, 37, 52, 55,66, 59, 62, 66,
70, 77, 78, 83, 89, 90, 93, 116, 117, 123, 381,
396, 412, 440, 446, 493, 728, 739, 740, 786, 845,
849, 926, 938, 939, 960.
Appleton, William, 24.
Appleton, William S., 54.
Arnold, William A., 679.
Arthur, William, 778.
Averell, William W., 18,
Ayres, Romeyn B., 781, 814, 829, 840, 884,
900,903,912,913.

Bailey, Goldsmith F., 24.
Baldwin, John D., 55, 939.
Bancroft, Eugene, 679.
Banks, Nathaniel P., 146, 147, 161, 187, 195,
255, 288, 312.
Barker, Augustus, 725,
Barksdale, William, Confederate, 592.
Barnard, George M., Jr., 561, 700, 703, 733.
Barnard, Inman, 702.
Barnes, Almont, 55, 578, 587, 588, 700, 743,
744, 769, 774.
Barnes, James, 525, 927.
Barry, William F., 60, 64, 99, 110, 117, 121,
133, 162, 362, 452, 453, 493.
Barstow, George F., 55, 715, 765, 760, 769, 774.
Bartlett, Joseph J., 781, 789, 866, 874, 879,
893.
Batchelder, John B., 677, 770, 771, 969.
Batchelor, George, 971, 973.
Bates, Edward, 35.

Baxter, Henry, 781, 912, 923.
Beauregard, Gustav T., 377, 418.
Bell, James B., 971.
Benham, W. H., 569.
Bennett, James Gordon, 703.
Benson, Henry, 366, 374, 409.
Berdan, Hiram, 261, 365.
Berlin, Carl, 940.
Bigelow, Henry J., 846.
Bigelow, Hon. John, 33.
Bigelow, John, Captain, 606, 623-625, 629,
631, 646, 647, 656, 662, 666-669, 671, 715,
785, 826, 873, 887, 938, 939, 971.
Birney, D. B., 592, 649, 704, 870, 911.
Blair, Montgomery, 35.
Bliss, Alexander, 468.
Bonaparte, Napoleon, 403, 548, 809, 826.
Bourne, George A., 69.
Boutwell, George S., 55, 939.
Bowditch, Henry P., 748.
Bradley, Charles S., 30, 32.
Bragg, Braxton, Confederate, 783.
Bragg, Edward S., 936.
Branch, L. O'B., Confederate, 271, 273.
Breck, George, 778, 815, 820, 939.
Bridges, R. C, 978.
Bright, John, 24.
Brightman, William Ruthven.
Broderick, Thomas, 148.
Brown, Frederick, 679.
Brown, S. H„ 978.
Bruen, C. T., 599, 675.
Bryant, William C, poet, 33.
Buchanan, James, 29, 30, 56, 64, 109, 427.
Buckley, David H., 677.
Buckley, William W., 316, 317, 441.
Buell, Augustus, 859, 878.
Buford, John, 603, 717.
Buffington, James, 24.
Bullock, Alexander H., 6.
Bullock, W. W., 71, 72.
Burlingame, Anson, 47.
Burnside, Ambrose E., 116, 117, 120, 167, 187,
416, 417, 429, 443, 460-465, 475, 482, 483,
486, 491, 494, 499, 512, 517, 521, 525-527,
534, 538, 541, 544, 548, 551, 708, 713, 778,
779, 782, 800, 801, 807, 808, 813, 824, 853,
857, 861, 874, 893, 894.
Burton, Arthur H., 977.

986

OTHER PERSONS MENTIONED.

Butler, Benjamin F., 46, 176, 626, 573, 778,
819, 827, 870, 914, 928.
Butterfield, Daniel, 20, 129, 261, 276, 312, 313,
315-317, 319, 321-323, 326, 330, 331, 343, 395,
422, 423, 461, 465, 466, 470, 476, 478, 486,
487, 492, 619, 552, 668.

Calder or Calden, A. W., 279.
Caldwell, J. C, 649.
Cameron, Simon, 35, 66, 78.
Cargill, Thomas M., 404, 408, 433, 564, 727,
734, 737, 835, 839.
Carlisle, J. Howard, 294.
Case, Thomas C, 840, 844.
Casey, Silas, 161, 291.
Chamberlain, Joshua L., 440, 755, 835, 871.
Chase, D. C, 435.
Chase, Salmon P., 35.
Claflin, William, 24.
Clarke, Francis N., 14, 16, 958.
Clarke, Judson, 675.
Clarke, Morris, 686.
Clifford, John H., 30-34, 70.
Cobb, Clarence F., 95.
Colburn, A. V., 161.
Congdon, James B., 75.
Cook, Asa M., 56.
Cooke, Philip St. George, 304, 312, 317.
Coolidge, William D., 84.
Cooper, James H., 679, 778, 815.
Cornwallis, Charles, 229, 243.
Couch, Darius N., 15, 16, 17, 161, 364, 365,
366.
Cowan, Andrew, 679.
Cowen, William E., 91,
Crawford, Samuel W., 781, 782, 870, 900, 903,
912, 913, 930, 932,935, 936.
Crowninshield, Benjamin W., 758.
Cudworth, Warren H., 223.
Cunningham, James A., 812.
Curtin, Andrew Y., 672, 720.
Curtis, Pelham, 699.
Custer, George A.. 650, 783.
Cushing, Alonzo, 679,
Cutler, Lysander, 866, 870, 871, 900, 905.

Dale, William J., 280, 847.
Dalton, Henry, 453.
Davis, Henry W., 835.
Davis, Jefferson, 28, 526, 88
Davis, Phineas S., 919.
Davis, Robert, 13, 959.
Dawes, Henry L., 24, 939.
Delafield, Richard, 229.
Delano, Charles, 24.
De Tjotte, Charles, 859,

Devens, Charles, Jr., 928, 971.
Devereaux, Arthur F., 37, 43, 400, 598.
Dickinson, Joseph, 490.
Diedrichs, Otto, 469-471.
Dilger, Hubert, 679.
Dix, John A., 914. '
Dixon, James, 622.
Dolbear, Clinton E., 846.
D'Orleans, Robert, Due de Chartres, 315.
Doubleday, Abner, 649, 679.
Dove, John, 39, 40.
Dow, Edwin B., 615, 625, 647, 654, 662, 669,
670, 679, 887.
Dresser, G. W., 898, 924, 935.
Dunbar, George H., 69.
Dunn, Valentine M., 273, 404, 408, 550.
Dushane, Nathan T., 897, 903, 906.

Eakin, " Chan.", 679.
Early, Jubal, Confederate, 731, 830, 856, 920,
926.
Eaton, Charles O., 18.
Edgell, F. M., 679.
Edmands, J. Cushing, 762.
Edwards, John, 503.
Eliot, Thomas D., 24, 121, 939.
Ellis, Henry K., 883.
Ellsworth. Elmer E., 174.
Emperor of Japan, 109.
Emperor Napoleon III, 573.
Erickson, Christopher, 625, 629, 632.
Everett, Edward, 673, 744.
Ewell, Richard S., Confederate, 309, 417,648,
731, 805, 827, 876, 951.

Fay, Frank B.. 231.
Field, Jonathan E., 6, 55, 938.
Fisher, H. H., 83.
Fitzhugh, Robert H., 60, 657, 679, 815, 839,
840, 852, 923, 939, 942.
Floyd, John B., 64.
Follett, William H., 571, 572, 746, 748, 749,
760, 761.
Foote. Henry W., 972.
Fox, William F., 664, 674.
Frank. John D., 375.
Franklin, William B., 121, 161, 266, 267, 269,
261. 265, 267. 270, 362, 425, 461, 498, 548.
Frederick, Lord Baltimore, 622.
French, William H.. 64.
French, Thomas, 741.
Fuger, Frederick, 679.

Gaines, William Fleming, 284, 286, 294, 295,
300-302, 307, 308, 335, 342.

OTHER PERSONS MENTIONED.

987

Galvin, John, 387.
Geary, John W., 581.
Gentry, W. T., 766, 916.
Gettys, James, 604.
Gibbon, John, 63, 648.
Gibbs, Frank C, 55, 587, 744, 754, 769.
Gifford, Stephen N., 24, 27.
Gilmore, Patrick S., 16.
Girdwood. John, 74.
Goldsborough, Louis M., 120.
Gooch, Daniel W., 24, 121.
Goodrich, John Z., 24.
Goodwin, John A., 24.
Gordon, George H., 15.
Gordon, John B., Confederate, 951, 952.
Gorton, Samuel A., 563.
Grant, Ulysses S., 54, 745, 776, 777, 781, 785,
788-791, 793, 794, 798, 799, 805, 808, 814, 816,
819, 820, 825, 827-829, 831-833, 861, 853, 854,
867, 871, 872, 876, 890, 904, 911-914, 923, 928,
931, 934, 950, 952, 953.
Gray, Horace, 32.
Greenwood, T. J., 84, 86.
Gregg, John I., 651, 740, 741, 745, 747, 758,
800, 936.
Griffin, Charles', 33, 55, 132, 135-137, 139, 140,
143, 145, 146, 161, 162, 173, 195-198, 203, 212,
213, 222, 240, 250, 255, 273, 290, 300, 304, 315,
317, 322, 339, 364-366, 373, 460, 465, 469, 471,
476, 481, 517, 544-546, 548, 562, 564, 572, 633,
700, 769, 780. 781, 799, 800, 806-808, 840, 854,
865, 857, 860-864, 866, 872, 878-881, 903-906,
911-913, 924, 925, 931, 932, 934, 941, 952.
Hall, Daniel, 455.
Hall, J. K., 86.
Halleck, Henry W., 282, 381, 383, 391, 394,
401, 402, 451, 455, 681, 695, 788.
Hamlin, Hannibal, 24.
Hancock.'.Winfield S., 607, 652,654, 663, 777,
812, 820, 829, 852, 853, 869, 913, 914, 929.
Harrison, William Henry, 133,
Hart, Patrick, 606, 623, 624, 627, 636, 646, 651,
654, 662, 667, 679, 815, 935.
Hayden, Joel, 6, 55, 938.
Hayes, Joseph, 15, 700, 770, 772, 904, 905.
Hays, Alexander, 648.
Hays, H. T , Confederate, 731.
Hays, William, 934
Hazard, John G., 679.
Hazlett, Charles E., 55, 420, 422, 440, 500,
540, 544, 578, 587, 588, 679, 769.
Heasley. Thomas, 945.
Heintzelman, Samuel P., *161, 270, 288, 289,
362, 419, 421, 422, 439, 447.
Heth, Henry, 782.
Higginson, T. W., 960.
Hill, A. P., Confederate, 590, 591, 650, 780,
782, 815, 827, 834, 836.

Hill, Edward, 466.
Hill, Wallace, 679, 756, 757.
Hinks, Edward W., 15.
Hodges, John, 44.
Hofmann, J. William, 918.
Hoke, R. F., Confederate, 731, 830, 905.
Holman, A., 959.
Holmes, Oliver Wendell, Jr., 840.
Holt, Joseph, 34.
Hooker, Anson P., 846.
Hooker, Joseph, 20, 161, 220, 260, 381, 417,
419, 461, 464, 484, 486, 487, 490, 495, 526,
544-548, 551-553, 560, 664, 565, 568-571, 583,
585, 586, 590, 592, 695, 603, 606, 60S, 619, 620,
927.
Hooper, Samuel, 55, 939.
Horsford, Eben N., 845.
Howard, Oliver O., 607, 648, 650.
Howland, Cornelius, Jr., 77,
Hoyt, William J., 318, 322.
Huger, Benjamin, Confederate, 289,
Humphreys, Andrew A., 465, 478.
Humphreys, B. G., Confederate, 647.
Hunt, Henry J., 61, 64, 361, 368, 374, 380,
387, 494, 606, 632, 646. 649, 651, 654, 663, 777,
906, 915, 916.
Hunter, Joseph, 699, 707, 713, 729, 730, 843,
845. '
Huntington, James F., 596, 597, 600, 615, 617.
Hyde, Thomas W., 314, 380, 469, 651.

Ingalls, John, 978.
Ingalls, Thomas, 978.
Ingraham, Timothy, 69, 70.
Irish, Nathaniel, 671:

Jackson, Andrew, 28, 102.
Jackson, Thomas J., ''Stonewall," Confed
erate, 309, 310, 321, 342, 365, 419, 421, 422,
435, 460, 462, 464, 492, 546, 590, 804, 920.
James, Robert, 636, 669.
Jameson, Charlie, 217.
Jay, William, 706.
Jenckes, Thomas A., 30.
Johnson. Andrew, 850, 896.
Johnson, Bushrod, Confederate, 820.
Johnston. Joseph E., Confederate, 287, 288,
291.
Jones, Edward J., 898, 929, 965.
K
Kearney, Philip, 20, 311, 419, 427.
Kershaw, J. B., Confederate, 830.
Keyes, Erasmus D., 161, 270, 288, 289, 362.
Kilpatrick, Judson, 726, 783, 790, 791.
King Edward VII, 765.

988-

OTHER PERSONS MENTIONED.

King, Horatio C, 466.
King, Rufus, 421. ¦
King, William S., 15.
Kingsbury, Henry W., 135-139, 141, 146-148,
172, 365, 366, 372, 373, .395.
Knox, Edward M., 677.
Kurtz, John, 73, 77, 90.

Ladd. Warren, 91, 92,
Lafayette, Gilbert Motier de,223, 229.
Lakeman, Moses B.. 279, 280.
Lansil, Walter F., 547.
Lawrence, T. Bigelow, 123.
Leahy or Lahee, John, 563, 567.
Lee, Charles J., 39.
Lee, Henry, Ir., 24.
Lee, Robert E., Confederate, 263, 264, 429,
431, 460, 462, 476, 492,. 525, 621, 633, 688,
691, 695, 722, 724, 740, 779, 780, 801, 805,
815, 828, 852, 855, 871, 883, 903, 914, 920,
928, 943, 950-954.
Lee, William, 41:
Letcher, John, 518.
Lewis, Edward, 207,
Lewis, Nathan, 91. 92.
Lincoln, Abraham, 24, 25, 29, 32, 35, 39, 70,
102, 122, 138, 158, 261, 271, 280, 281, 288,
. 296, 358, 381, 402, 431, 454, 484, 486,. 487,
567, 568, 569, 570, 571, 572, 575, .677, 620,
672, 673, 683, 695, 757, 777, 788, 939, 955,
961.
Locke, Fred T., 9, 21, 22, 156, 797, 816.
Longfellow, Charles A., 712, 747,748.
Longfellow, H., 475.
Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth, 712.
Longstreet, James, 314, 331, 419, 422, 424,
460-462, 590, 591, 609, 637, 646, 650, 651,
652, 655, 660, 663, 678-780, 952.
Lord, Charles, 207.
Lothrop, Samuel K., 17.
Lounsberry, Clement A., 562.
Lowe, T., 192.
Lyman, Theodore, 703, 711, 727, 728, 760, 771.
M
Mahone, William, Confederate, 812, 952.
Mann, John, 150, 157.
Martin, Augustus P., 15, 21, 62, 64, 62, 63,
146, 148, 161, 162, 214, 251, 262, 272, 273,
283, 290, 324, 371, 382, 388, 389, 390, 393,
394, 398, 404, 408, 410, 429, 431, 432, 436,
439, 440, 452-454, 469, 475-477, 485, 486, 488,
490, 495, 512, 618, 521, 526, 527, 540, 541,
544, 553, 654, 657-559, 561, 562, 578, 586-
588, 593, 613, 687, 694, 696, 697, 700, 702,
712, 732, 737, 739, 743, 745-747, 763-755, 758,
760, 708-771, 774, 778, 784, 790, 792-794, 797,

798, 800, 803, 812, 816, 817, 867, 906, 920,
972.
Martindale, John H., 185, 221, 223, 261, 271,
302, 315-317, 330-332, 364. 372, 380, 395.
Mason, Charles, 622.
McCall, George A., 161, 304, 309, 312, 313,
315, 342, 409.
McCartney, William H., 56, 63.
McClellan, George B., 5, 8, 19, 67, 68, 88, 92,
93, 103, 107, 117, 118, 120, 122, 130, 137, 138,
147, 158, 161, 162, 163, 164, 189, 190, 192, 193,
209, 211, 213, 216-218, 223, 224, 229, 230, 232,
235, 236, 242, 252, 257, 260, 261, 264, 266, 271,
276, 282, 283, 288,^96, 299, 303, 304, 310, 312-
315, 320, 336, 337, 345, 362, 363, 366, 367, 378,
381, 383, 386, 387, 389, 394, 401, 402, 414, 428,
430-432, 444, 447, 449-452, 454, 455, 460, 461,
476, 482, 483, 485, 486, 491, 517, 552, 776.
McCrea, Tully, 679.
McDowell, Irvin, 161, 255, 264, 269, 271, 288,
297, 312, 418, 419, 422, 426.
McGilvery, Freeman, 213, 591, 595, 597, 598,
600, 606, 609, 613-615, 617, 624, 627, 632. 636,
646, 647, 650, 652-654, 662, 663, 665-667, 671,
672, 710, 712, 738.
McKim, W. W., 93.
McQuade, James, 261, 271, 272.
Meade, George G., 11, 52, 62, 309, 519, 544,
564, 569, 574, 603, 606-608, 619,620, 622, 650,
667, 673, 681, 703, 715, 720, 722, 724, 728, 732,
736, 740, 742, 743, 745, 755, 757, 762, 774, 776-
778, 780, 781, 785, 797, 804, 805, 814, 819, 829,
835, 851, 853, 856, 857, 867, 870, 871, 876, 912,
913, 916, 929, 941, 950, 951, 956.
Meagher, Thomas Francis, 315.
Meigs, Montgomery C, 93.
Melcher, Holman S., 737.
Mellert, J. H., 364.
Merriam, Waldo, 704.
Merritt, Wesley, 811.
Miles, Nelson A., 222, 812.
Milliken, Frank A., 975.
Milroy, R. H., 451.
Milton, Richard S., 647, 669, 826, 935, 967, 971.
Mink, Charles E., 778, 924, 935, 939.
Mitchell, Morton D., 898.
Monroe, J. Albert, 424.
Montgomery, William R., 432.
Mordecai, Alfred, 229.
Morell, George W., 221,264,271,272,283,293,
309, 315, 316, 319, 361, 363,364, 366,373, 390,
394, 397, 398, 401, 420, 421, 423, 426, 436, 441,
446, 453, 458, 460, 467, 471, 476, 477.
Morgan, Edwin D., 33, 34.
Morissey, John, 24.
Morris, Fordham, 9, 10,831, 848,861,881,893,
916.
Mortimer, Caleb C. E., 56, 32S, 335.

OTHER PERSONS MENTIONED.

989

Morton, Oliver P., 673.
Mudge, Charles R., 582.
Myer, Albert J., 228. N
Nason, Elias, 559.
Nason, P. F. 690, 754, 758, 767, 774.
Nelson, Thomas, 164
Newton, John, 315,
Nichols, W. A., 784.
Nims, Ormand F., 63., 208.
Norton, Charles B„ 468, 469.
Nye, William A., 978.
Nye, William F., 975, 976, 978.

Oliver, Henry K., 6, 24, 55, 737, 739, <
Ord, E. O. C, 911, 933.
Osborne, Thomas W., 650.
Osgood, Lewis V., 571, 572.

Park, William, Jr., 955.
Parsons, A. N„ 679.
Patrick, M. R., 928.
' Patton, A. S., 24.
Peck, John J., 315.
Peele, Willard, 970.
Peirce, Richard A., 7, 18.
Pendleton, W. N., 398.
Penn, Richard, 622.
Penn, Thomas, 622.
Perrin, Walter, 679.
Perry, John Gardiner, 738.
Pettit, Rufus D., 669:
Philippe, Louis, Comte de Paris, 315.
Phillips, Edward W., 3.7, 972..
Phillips, George, 625..
Phillips, Stephen C, 969.
Phillips, Stephen H„ 30-35, 45, 47, 703, 739.
Phillips, Wendell, 3.
Pickett, George, Confederate, 644, 678.
Pierce, Franklin, 28.
Pleasaoton, Alfred, 479, 606, 619, 722.
Pleasants, Henry, 874.
Pope, John, 312, 413, 414, 417, 419-421, 426,
428, 429, 431, 435, 450, 565.
Porter, Fitz John, 20, 121, 129, 132, 133, 135,
136, 138, 140, 143, 149, 159, 161, 186, 187,
197, 201, 208, 210, 212, 213, 224, 237, 250
256, 264, 265, 269, 271, 275, 279, 283, 296,
297, 300, 303, 309, 312, 313, 315, 334,. 341,
361, 362, 364, 366, 380, 383, 387, 389, 394,
396-398, 414, 416, 417, 419-422, 424, .428,
436, 443, 452, 453, 460, 469, 484-486.
Porter, Josiah, 56.
Potter, Robert B., 861.
Powell, William H., 161, 252, 651, 698.

Pratt, F. A., 754.
Prescott, George L., 817, 882, 883.
Prevost, Charles M., 440.
Prim, Juan, Count de Reuss, 296, 297.
Prince de Joinville, 315. 318.
R
Randol, Alanson M., 578, 586, 588.
Randolph, George E., 207, 607, 646.
Rank, William, 654.
Raymond, Charles, 844.
Reed, John D., 429.
Reno, Jesse L., 421.
Reynolds,  , 421,' 422, 603, 606, 622.
Reynolds, W., 978.
Rice. Alexander H., 24, 52, 939.
Rice, James C., 277.
Richardson, Lester I., 807, 857, 859, 878-881,
887.
Richardson, William H., 85.
Richardson, Israel B., 161, 315.
Ricketts, James B., 421, 43i.
Ricketts, R. B., 606.
Ritchie, David F., 938, 940, 944, 945, 947,948,
956.
Ritchie, Harrison, 24, 34, 398.
Rittenhouse, Benjamin F., 55, 692, 733, 738,
769, 778, 812, 815.
Roberts, Charles W., 318.
Robinson, George D., 677.
Robinson, John C, 781, 811, 812.
Rodgers, John, 362, 367.
Rodman, Edmund, 359.
Rogers, Charles 0., 26.
Rogers, Robert E., 679, 924.
Rogers, W. B., 415.
Rogers, William H., 944.
Rorty, James M., 679.
Rosecranz, William S., 543, 708, 714.
Ruggles, George D., 11.
Russell, David A.. 731.
Russell, Edward J., 677.

Sargent, Horace Binney, 24, 93.
Sawin. Robert L., 56.
Sedgwick, lohn, 161, 548, 608, 742, 772, 777,
813, 817.
Seeley, Frank W., 636, 669.
Seward, William H., 35. 575.
Schenkle or Schenkl, John P., 231, 235, 236,
303, 304, 311.
Schouler, William, 14, 15, 27, 62, 72, 73, 89,
90, 93, 115, 120, 121, 926, 958.
Schurz, Carl. 569.
Scott, Winfield, 32, 34, 38, 46, 88, 125.
Sheldon, Albert S., 679, 806.

990

OTHER PERSONS MENTIONED.

Sheridan, Philip, 803, 813, 816, 911, 930, 933,
943, 951, 953.
Sherman, Pliny B., 74.
Sherman, W. T.,940.
Sherwin, Thomas, Jr., 167, 554.
Shrove, W. H., 686.
Sickles, Daniel E., 607, 609, 646, 667.
Sigel, Franz, 312, 421, 422-424, 451, 481.
Sleeper, J. Henry, 971.
Slocum, Henry W., 315, 478, 571, 606, 648, 649.
Smead, John R., 302.
Smith, Caleb, 35.
Smith, Cornelius, 263.
Smith, F. Hopkinson, 704.
Smith, Gustavus W., Confederate, 289.
Smith, William F., 299, 306, 323, 345, 827, 830,
852, 853-855, 869.
Smith, William O., 975.
Soule, Rufus A., 974.
Spencer, Gideon, 437.
Sprague, William, 35.
Stanton, Edwin M., 5, 30-34, 52, 54, 56, 62, 63,
193, 240, 257, 260, 280, 281, 381, 427, 575, 617,
683, 770, 788, 850, 888, 895, 896.
Sterling, John, 679.
Stevenson, J. D., 813.
Stewart, James, 778, 813, 814, 857, 862, 878, 879,
916, 924, 935.
Stone, A. L., 24.
Stoneman, George, 273, 276, 304, 404, 545, 568,
569, 590.
Stowe, William, 24.
Stryker, Stephen W., 249.
Stuart, J. E. B., Confederate, 455, 464, 559,
€00, 726, 791.
Sumner, Charles, 24, 52, 55, 939.
Sumner, Edwin V., 161, 220, 244, 256, 265, 270,
289, 294, 304, 362, 461, 462, 464, 485, 866.
Sweitzer, Jacob B., 861, 862, 881.
Swinton, William, 678.
Sykes, George, 52, 256, 309, 313, 316, 316, 361,
413, 420, 422, 478, 479, 607,697, 699, 717, 745,
747, 755, 761, 784, 791, 793.

Taber, Isaac C., 68, 69, 74, 75, 77, 91, 407, 411.
Taft, Elijah D., 471, 472, 617, 629, 679.
raylor, Bayard, 673.
Tennyson, Alfred, 764, 765.
Thomas, Benjamin F., 24.
Thomas, Evan, 679.
Thomas Stephen, 190.
Thompson, Charles, 888.
Thompson, James, 624, 627, 636, 661, 664, 662,
669,1,79.
Thompson, William B., 368.
Tidball, John C, 933, 942, 944, 946, 947.
Tilton, William S.. 798.

Tompkins, Daniel S., 245, 389.
Tompkins, John A., 691, 593, 595, 596.
Toucey, Isaac, 31.
Train, Charles R., 24.
Tuttle, James, 142, 348.
Tyler, Philip H., 404, 408.
Tyler, Robert O., 361, 590-592, 606, 607, 667,
752, 754, 755.

Vaughan, James, Jr., 104.
Van Reed, William E., 941.
W
Wadsworth, James S., 648, 781, 782, 806.
Wainwright, Charles S., 9, 54, 99, 650, 751,
778, 793, 794, 797, 798, 831, 833, 838, 842,
848, 849, 872, 893, 897, 955.
Wallace, Lew, 914.
Ward, George Hull, 609.
Ward, J. Langdon, 44.
Wardrop, David W., 69, 190.
Warner, Oliver, 6, 24, 55, 938.
Warren, Gouverneur K., 9, 10, 422, 552, 740,
742, 777, 792-794, 815, 820, 852, 856, 857,
861, 879, 899, 903, 906, 917, 919, 929, 931,
932, 934, 937.
Washburn, William B., 55, 939.
Washington, George, 68, 102, 109, 138, 243,
263, 466, 487, 556, 574, 832, 940.
Waterman, Richard, 366, 368, 375, 423, 424,
436, 437, 440, 441, 478, 500, 621, 526, 540,
653, 578, 588, 599.
Waud, A. R., 772.
Webb, Alexander S., Ill, 318, 470, 472, 574,
649, 650.
Webster, Fletcher, 425.
Weed, Stephen H., 465, 495, 500, 508, 547,
552, 653, 588.
Weeden, William B., 161, 162, 206, 213, 251,
300, 304, 316, 319, 324, 327, 364, 366, 367, 369,
390, 393, 409.
Weld, Stephen M., 132, 569.
Welles, Gideon, 35, 106.
Wells, W. H., 10th New York Battery, 643.
Wentworth, Lewis E., 153.
Weston, George Fiske, 574, 703.
Wetherell, John W., 24.
Wheeler, William, 679.
Whipple, Amiel W. , 441, 445-449, 451-456, 571 ,
588.
Whitaker, Alexander H., 625, 633.
Whiting, W. H. C, Confederate, 809.
Wightman, Joseph M., 74.
Wilcox, Cadmus M., Confederate, 782.
Wilkeson, Bayard, 679.
Williams, Robert, 93.
Wilson, Henry, 24, 31, 52, 55, 61, 71-73, 688.

OTHER PERSONS MENTIONED.

991

Winslow, George B., 778.
Woodfin. Philip T., 727.
Woodruff, C. A., 3.
Woodruff, George, 679.

Wool, John E., 253, 682.
Wright, H. G., 731, 813, 840, 851-i
Wright, Joseph W. B., 115.
Wyndam, Percy, 818.

YALE UNIVERSITY

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