Battery L, 1st Artillery Regiment (Light) - George Breck Columns: Chapter 15: “The Soldiers Fail To See” Musings On Emancipation Dec. 30, 1862 – Jan. 14, 1863

As 1862 drew to a close, the Army of the Potomac huddled disconsolately in its camps near the Rappahannock. Morale was at a low ebb; defeat fed a growing disenchantment. The soldiers knew they had been poorly led at Fredericksburg. Many had not been paid for months. And many resented the new turn the war had taken. Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, issued after Antietam, was about to go into effect at the start of the new year, declaring that all slaves in Rebel-occupied territory would henceforth be free. This committed the North to a broader, humanitarian cause, and help ensure that Europe would not side with the South. But it also meant that the Confederacy would have little choice but to fight to the bitter end to preserve its way of life. As Breck and his comrades debated the pros and cons of emancipation, groups of fleeing slaves were already passing the camps, heading toward Washington and the promise of freedom. Breck, however, was now expressing serious doubts whether the war could be won.

Camp Near Waugh Point, Va.
December 30th, 1862
(Appeared Thursday, Jan. 8, 1863)

Dear Union: -- Do not construe our silence for the past several days into a forgetfulness of yourself, or regard it a negligence of duty on our part, in consideration of our being one of your “regular correspondents.” We have been silent for two reasons; first, because we have had little of interest to communicate, and second, because of the occupation of a part of our time with business which called us to Washington. The first reason may still hold good, as perhaps your readers will say before they get to the close of this letter. The second is removed, for our business at Washington has been transacted, and we are again in camp, with time enough to spare to chronicle for our friend, the “Union,” as we have been wont to do since beginning the career of a soldier.

The business which took us to Washington is worthy of mention. Our principal objective in going was to express home for many of the company money, paid them at the eleventh hour and fifty-ninth minute, for six months service. The Paymaster presented himself a week ago last Sunday, and a large monied transaction immediately took place between him and the company, notwithstanding the sacredness of the day. Under the circumstances, it may be that it was not a flagrant violation of the Sabbath, being paid off that day, for be it known that the families of some of the men were actually suffering for the want of money to buy the necessaries of life, and in prospect of moving the succeeding day or the day after, thereby rendering it impossible to receive pay if we did move, and the probability that the Paymaster might slip away for another long season, -- in view of all this, the pay-rolls were brought forth, the signatures of a hundred and thirty men were inscribed thereon, and several thousand dollars in “green backs” were issued to the company for value fully received, and no mistake. The boys were not long in responding to their names when called to walk up to the “captain’s office” and settle up with Uncle Sam. The settlement had been so long delayed that it began to be a question whether it would ever be made.

Secretary Chase’s financial schemes, magnificent and elaborate as they might appear on paper, didn’t reach the case of our company. The voting of millions into the public Treasury failed to open a channel to Battery “L” whereby infinitesimal part of these immense sums could find its way into the pockets of one hundred and thirty brave defenders of that Treasury. But at last as we have already remarked, the paymaster, Major Porter, a jolly man, large, corpulent, a victim of rheumatism, or perhaps it wouldn’t be out of the way to say, a victim of good living, an officer of the regular army, came, and with him came an abundance of Government currency.

We thought better of Government, a good deal better than we had been disposed to think, when we were surprisingly informed by Major Porter that he went to Sharpsburg, Maryland, last September to pay us, but couldn’t find our camp, and therefore returned to Washington. So it was the paymaster’s fault, and not Government’s, the company going so long without pay. We are sure if Major P. had looked for our whereabouts with commendable perseverance, he could have found us, for our quarters at Sharpsburg were in a conspicuous position, and easy of access. He has promised to be on hand promptly next pay day, which is only two weeks distant, as to-morrow is muster day for pay for November and December.

There was expressed home for the company $3,400. A happy New Year’s gift for many a family will be or has been received.

In our trip to Washington we took passage from Aquia Creek in one of the transports engaged in carrying the sick and wounded to Washington hospitals. There were two hundred of these brave but suffering men on board stretched on cots and on the floor in the cabin and every available spot in the boat. A sad, sorrowful scene, indeed, moving the heart to pity and prompting the hand to extend help and minister comfort whenever and wherever needed. There were many with amputated limbs, some shot through the lungs, and nearly all were wounded in the worst form. Some there were who suffered the most excruciating pain, and from these (wounded soldiers) sighs and groans were extorted which would have excited sympathy in the most hardened and callous of hearts. They were treated with every care and attention possible under the circumstances. The physicians did all they could for them, and good nourishment was furnished in abundance. Bread and butter was substituted for “hard tack,” an acceptable change of diet, you may rest assured. The good spirits displayed by many badly maimed or crippled, was particularly noticeable. – Though with an arm or a leg off, they were very cheerful, and related with evident satisfaction the part they took in the late conflict.

There was another transport with three hundred more sick and wounded on board, making the last, or near the last installment of those who were wounded at Fredericksburg, and who were now being conveyed from hospital in the field to the more comfortable ones in Washington. Brave, heroic, devoted men, the marks of bravery, heroism and devotion to their country which are not to be gainsayed. We are told by a New York journal that there are plenty of men of the same kind who are ready to be sacrificed if need be, in like manner. Heaven forbid that another grand holocaust of human victims should be offered up on the country’s altar with as fruitless results as followed the “accidental” “failure” in the attempt to take the wooded and formidable heights overlooking Fredericksburg. If there should be many more such costly offerings, alas for the Federal army, and for our country.

We spent Christmas Day at the Federal capital. If Burnside had carried out the programme that was voluntarily and generously prepared for him on his assuming command of the Army of the Potomac, we might have taken our Christmas dinner at the Rebel capital, that mart (most?) coveted of all cities in Rebeldom, but which eludes every effort to grasp, and is further off to-day than ever before. Washington, on Christmas Day, is celebrated after the style of Fourth of July in our northern cities. The snapping of torpedoes, the firing of fire crackers and of small cannon, the discharge of roman candles, the flight of sky rockets, etc., were sights and sounds which we saw and heard, a little to our astonishment, as we had forgotten that this greatest of festive days was observed at the South in the above way. There was a merry time in the forty different hospitals scattered over the city. The sick and wounded soldiers, forty thousand of them, were remembered by kind, sympathizing friends, who not only wished them a “Merry Christmas,” but made it so by acts, which speak louder than words. We visited Ascension Hospital, one of the finest conducted hospitals in the city, and on going into the dining room, prettily trimmed with ever greens, we found a variety of good things in store for the patients, who at the dinner call doubtless did justice to them. Roast turkey, chicken pie, plum pudding, et cetera; what tempting viands are these to the soldier who has feasted on nothing but the limited and monotonous variety of army supplies, for day after day and week after week. O that another Christmas the soldiers, both sick and well, in the hospital and the field, in camp or wherever found, may be able to spend with unspeakable merriment, at the endeared spot of home by the cheerful fireside with relations and friends.

On our return to the company we found it had received an accession in the person of Lt. Wilber, who went away from us sick and with the rank of sergeant, but who came back in the best of health and with shoulder straps in the place of chevrons. We also found quite a village or hamlet of log huts, which had been erected by the boys during our absence. There was, or is, a variety of style according to the mechanical genius or ingenuity displayed by the builders. Some are built in the woods, others on the slope of the hill, the earth being dug away and thus furnishing a room or basement below ground, stockaded with logs, and for roofs every house has a paulin or shelter tent spread over it. Each hut has a fireplace and a chimney running up in the rear, and all are built “with an eye” to snugness and comfort. The Sibley tents we had in Washington a year ago were not to be compared with these log, mud-plastered, fire-place cabins. A glance at our camp would satisfy any person who is expecting to hear very day of another grand advance of the army that the prospect of a forward movement for the present is very small.

Matters not only in our own camp, but all surrounding camps, look decidedly winterish. They indicate a long stay. But the soldiers’ elaborate preparations for sojourning in this vicinity till spring are likely to come to nought. While writing this, orders have been received to be in readiness, not exactly to march, but to expect notice to march. Four days rations are to be kept on hand, three of which are to be kept in the soldiers’ haversacks. Sixty rounds of ammunition are to be issued to the infantry, and the notes of war have begun to be sounded again in the hundreds of camps stretched from the Potomac to the Rappahannock. Where now, we wonder! “Onward to Richmond,” we suppose, by another route. It is reported each grand division is to cross the Rappahannock at different points, but at what points deponent knoweth not. The advent of a new year is to witness, perhaps, a new charge of affairs in the conduct of the war, namely, that long-talked of period, a “more vigorous prosecution” in the crushing of this monster rebellion.

We confess we shall feel sorry to abandon our comfortable quarters. We like them; in fact, we much prefer them to marching and fighting; but then, we go heart and hand for anything which will speedily wind up this cruel war and give us restored union and an honorable peace. If the former can not be secured by marching and fighting, why not try some other method or policy? Are the weapons of war the only arbiter for the settlement of national difficulties and disputes?

The Emancipation Proclamation has begun to bring forth fruit already. A large installment of the colored population, consisting of various sizes, ages, shades, and a variety of character, with carts and oxen and household goods, passed our camp this afternoon, bound for Washington. They were of the genuine African style, and from what we could learn, were on the path to freedom in response to President Lincoln’s proclamation of Sept. 22. They are a day or two in advance of time, but this we suppose is to make a sure thing of it. We did not see the party, but Lieuts. Reynolds and

Wilber did, and imparted to us the information.

There has been or will be to-morrow an exodus of blacks from our company, who have been employed by the officers. “Gwine to Washington,” they say, and what is more, “gwine back to their old master,” in Maryland. An emphatic comment this, on the Emancipation Proclamation. We doubt not, but what there will be a general stampede of

Sambo and his dark brethren to the North on New Year’s day from those places or districts in Virginia where the slaves are now their own masters, or have been left to do about as they please. Whether they propose to call on our kind hearted President individually and pay their respects to him, or whether, Chicago like, they are to do it by “delegation” form we are not prepared to say. Of course, many of our Representatives in Congress, the black man’s special friends and advocates, will extend to these refugees from the “peculiar institution,” from the bonds of slavery – the “sum of all villainies and iniquities” – the right hand of fellowship and a grateful, hearty greeting. We speak knowingly when we say that they anticipated “big things.”

Our letter is dated near Waugh Point – a place of landing some two or three miles above Belle Plain. We have been encamped here for a week. Our situation is a pleasant one, and as before observed, we are fixed up for winter.

Gen. Wadsworth is in command of our division. Gen. Doubleday, who was acting commander for a long time, has resumed the command of his brigade. What the division has lost the brigade has gained. Gen. Doubleday is a brave, cautious, efficient and devoted soldier and officer. He is a military man, has a military education, and has been tried in the field and found not wanting. (1)

The weather has been beautiful most all this month, but the sky is overcast with clouds to-day, and there are signs of rain, and consequently bad roads – to be expected, now that there are prospects of moving.

But we must close, wishing you and our readers a happy new year. G.B.

Camp Near Waugh Point, Va.
January 5th, 1863
(Appeared Monday, Jan. 12, 1863)

Dear Union; -- Let us speak of the weather the first thing. It is a matter certainly worth mentioning, notwithstanding it is the most common of all topics, and has been discussed almost from “time immemorial.”

What remarkable weather! is the general exclamation of officers and soldiers. And so it is remarkable for this season of the year in this Virginia latitude. The fifth day of January and the temperature, like that of May or June, is truly beautiful and delicious. It is the perfection of Indian summer, and it naturally has a happy effect on every person’s spirits, enlivening, cheering, verifying them even though the cloud of war look so fearfully dark and ominous. The nights are equally beautiful as the days – moonlight, starlight, mild, “balmy.” Of course such weather is favorable to good roads, and they are in admirable condition. Instead of mud, there is a slight sprinkling of dust. An excellent time for marches, with loaded army wagons and the heaviest of artillery carriages. And so it has been for days and weeks with few exceptions. Winter campaigning, with spring weather, is a modified form of military hardship. But we will not dwell longer on the subject of the weather, for fear its brightness and beauty may suddenly disappear, which is by no means improbable. Fickleness is its character.

In our last we stated that orders have been received to prepare for moving. Nearly a week has elapsed since then, and we still remain in stato quo. Our comfortable quarters have not been molested, but there are strong indications that a movement of some kind will very soon take place. We were told to-day by soldiers at Gen. Franklin’s headquarters that some of the troops have received marching orders and that to-morrow would witness the breaking up of many camps. There are numberless rumors flying about, one that the Right Grand Division is going to Washington, the Left Grand Division to Fortress Monroe, while the Centre Division is destined for some other point. Another, that the army is again to cross at Fredericksburg, the rebels having left in force the formidable heights beyond. These rumors command more or less attention, and furnish staple for camp conversation and numerous conjectures on probable future operations of Burnside’s army, but we are all in the dark as to anything certain. The policy of acting on the defensive in Virginia is discussed a good deal by many in the army and with considerable show of reason. The nature of the country – badly adapted for our army to battle aggressively with the enemy, on account of its hills and mountains, and dense woods ( – ) is an argument adduced why we should attempt to try and fight the foe and gain decisive victories for our army elsewhere, at the West and South-west. Why cannot this awful rebellion be ended by fighting – if fighting only is to bring it to a close – in other States besides Virginia, is a question now asked frequently every day. Is there no other approach to Richmond save from the Potomac; or is the taking of that city, which has been the goal of so much hope and effort, essentially requisite for the success of our cause? Who knows but that the rebel capital may be taken after all by the Army of the Mississippi acting in conjunction with our forces in North Carolina? Or who knows but that the gallant Rosecrans, whose motto seems to be win or die, will so baffle and defeat the enemy, cut off his communications for supplies and send consternation into his ranks that the rebel army in Virginia, hastening to the rescue of their rebel comrades in the West and Southwest, will leave Richmond too defenceless to prevent its capture by the Army of the Potomac. (2) But we musn’t indulge too extravagantly in bright hopes and expectations of the above kind, for what has the past taught us on this point? The wish for such a consummation is father to the thought.

Of the reconnoissance in force that was put in motion the early part of last week for the other side of the river, and the countermanding of orders to move farther, you have heard ere this. There were other troops besides three brigades of infantry who left their encampments for the expedition. A thousand picked men and horses were selected, two batteries of horse or “flying” artillery were added thereto, and preparations were made for an exploit which, if it had been carried out successfully, would have thrown all of Stuart’s celebrated raids into the “shade,” helped wonderfully to retrieve some of our recent disasters, and imparted a prestige to our cause which would have “told loudly.” The movement was proceeding finely, when an order came for a retrograde movement, in consequence, we have been informed, of the raid into Dumfries; and thus the brilliantly conceived expedition was nipped in the bud. What its contemplated destination was we do not feel at liberty to mention, as it may be tried over again. – An army secret – so said – but like all of our army secrets, probably unfolded before now to the readers of the Richmond Despatch or Richmond Enquirer. (3)

New Year’s day was quietly observed by the soldiers. The exchange of “calls” was limited. The camps were thrown wide open for visitors, all but those across the Rappahannock, whose calling and persuasion are not relishable by their brethren in arms on the north side of the river. A hearty greeting would have been extended to them, however, had they come peaceably disposed. We wonder if the advent of another New Year will find us again a united and happy people, or will we be, as now, separated and discordant? Thoughts of this character instinctively arose in our mind on the opening of the new year. What a bloody, fearful record the old year took with it. Shall the new one that was ushered in with all the beauty and brightness of a lovely May day, prove and end like the last, “productive of naught but strife, of fierce howls and sanguinary deeds?” Or shall “white robed Peace” come to bless us and hover around our homes, and wing its flight all over the wide domains of our country. God grant that at the birth of the next year, the clang of trumpets and the peal of cannon will have ceased to be heard throughout our now disturbed land, and the voice of Peace be heard everywhere.

Small and large flocks of contrabands continue to pass our camp on their way to Washington. There is every variety of the African. Little negroes and big negroes, with all the intermediate sizes, from – we will not say how many days old, to four score years of age and upwards. A comical sight they present wending their way on foot, on mules, in old carts drawn by oxen – one small cart often carrying a family of half a dozen or more of the female class, with handkerchiefs tied about their heads, or their black “tresses” exposed to full view – and stowed away in the two wheel vehicle amid a conglomeration of household furniture, clothes, and blankets of varied hue and texture, may be seen, peering, little faces black as charcoal, relieved by white eyes; Uncle Toms and Aunt Dinahs, Sambos and Topsys – a complete representation of the colored population, of the “poor slave,” passengers for Freedom – swarming northward in response, we suppose, to the emancipation edict. These contrabands are mostly from King George’s county, one of the richest counties in the State we have been told, with fertile lands, extensive plantations and wealthy and intelligent citizens. The slaves, just before and since the first of January, have been leaving their “Ole Massa’s” in this section of the Old Dominion, taking with them all their personal effects, and, as observed, a sufficient number of mules, carts, etc., for the transportation of their families and household chattels. Whether their masters or owners attempt any interference with their going, or whether they bid them “depart in peace” and help them off, we cannot say. We heard the other day that the 8th Illinois Cavalry, who have been performing picket duty in St. George’s county and are at present, told the blacks that on the first day of January they would “then, thenceforward and forever be free,” and as a result of this information, the grand exodus above mentioned.

They go to Belle Plain or Aquia Creek, and are thence transported to Washington, all their traveling appurtenances being confiscated by government, through the quartermasters, at the place of landing. What provision is made for them on their arrival at the Federal Capital we do not know. The good people of Rochester will very soon perhaps have an opportunity to “harbor” some, if not many, of these “benighted,” “oppressed,” “down-trodden” blacks. We truly hope that they will follow the wholesome recommendation of President Lincoln, to wit: “That in all cases when allowed they labor faithfully for reasonable wages.” – There is but one serious obstacle to prevent the greater majority of those who have passed our camp from acting on the President’s advice, and that is most of them cannot “labor,” in consequence of their extreme youthfulness, decrepitude, advanced age, etc.

One of the “boys” of our company fell across a contraband a day or two since, who had a mule which he was either leading or driving, and immediately a bargain was entered into between the soldier and the black for the long-eared animal. Two dollars was offered for the mule, the offer was forthwith accepted, and therefore a transfer of money was made on the spot by one party, and by the other a transfer of the mule. The contraband went his way, feeling rich as Croesus over his sale, and the young artillerist returned to camp with, the reader may think, an “elephant” on his hands, for of what use can this animal be to him – he cannot be allowed to keep him. No, he didn’t buy him to “keep,” but to turn over in a legitimate business way, which he very soon did with a net profit of eighteen dollars. The money has been deposited in the writer’s hands to send home to the soldier’s family.

We wish to say a word about desertions. There have been many in the army recently from what we can learn. (4) Two batteries in our division, including Capt. Reynolds’, have lost several men within a few days by desertion. What could have induced those belonging to our battery to thus shamefully desert, we are at a loss to imagine, enlisting, as we have every reason to believe they did, from the best of motives for patriotic purposes, and having manfully stood by the battery in all the hardship and battles thro’ which it has passed. We have no desire to expose their names. How they can meet their friends with any satisfaction to themselves or their brave comrades, whom they have abandoned so ignobly, we are unable to conjecture. A Deserter! and from such a cause! Shame is sure to follow them.

It is passing strange no measures have ever been taken of consequence, by Government, to punish deserters. This great negligence has, unquestionably, had a pernicious and demoralizing effect on our army. Those disposed to desert know they can do so, so far as receiving punishment is concerned for their criminal offence, with perfect impunity. Unless something is done to mete out justice to these persons, the number of desertions will constantly increase, and great demoralization in the army is sure to follow.

We were favored with a call from Captain (George H.) Barry, of the 8th N.Y. cavalry on Sunday last. This regiment lies about a mile from our camp, pleasantly quartered in the woods. New York may well feel proud of this regiment. Most nobly and faithfully it has performed its duty, first and foremost in leading the army from the time M’Clellan left Maryland. For fourteen consecutive days engaged in fighting and skirmishing and driving the enemy in front of them. Col. (Benjamin ‘Grimes’) Davis, the commander of the regiment has brought it to a state of the highest discipline and efficiency and the officers and men have the greatest confidence in him as a military leader. G. B.

Camp Near Waugh Point, Va.
Wednesday night, Jan. 14, 1863
(Appeared Thursday, Jan. 22, 1863)

Dear Union: -- We have just been ruminating over the late fiery and savage philippic of his Excellency, the President of the so-called Southern Confederacy. Jeff. very evidently is not in love with the soldiers and officers of the Federal Army, or he would not apply to them the inelegant appellations of “demons” and “hyenas,” and then in addition thereto denominate them “the disturbers of social organization” and “the off scourings of the earth.” That unambitious man who expresses his scorn of such a position as President of the United States, and his detestation of Yankees and Yankeedoodledom, is particularly severe on the Yankee army, and he can find nothing too mean and disgraceful to say about the men who are fighting his deluded troops. These “Invaders” of Southern soil are execrated with a vigor and vehemence of language perfectly stunning. Really, Jefferson displays a very bad spirit, a rily disposition in the indulgence of such a tirade against his “unmanly” foe, and his audience, on listening to this abusive and stormy discourse of their unselfish and patriotic Chief, must have concluded that he was considerably “out of sorts” during its delivery. His temper must have become soured and exercised wonderfully during his Western tour. (5)

The great Federal army will unquestionably survive the doubtful compliments so freely bestowed upon them by the “Lucifer of the Southern Confederacy,” though we confess that if they produce smiles and laughter, they also arouse an earnest and honest desire to reciprocate, not likewise, but in a manner that will cause Mr. Jefferson Davis to talk entirely different, that will make him tremble for himself and his bogus government. Perhaps this malignant speech is demonstrative of the weakness and desperateness of the rebel cause, notwithstanding it has gained so many triumphs recently, and its leaders and supporters are so confident that the independence of their Confederacy is a foregone conclusion. A man is reduced to very low extremities generally, when he resorts to the use of abusive and malicious epithets.

But there is another speech of the rebel President, delivered later than the one alluded to, which we have been cogitating over, and we could not keep contrasting the action pursued by our own Administration and that of the rebel government. Whatever may be said of Jeff. Davis, one thing is certain: he has always been in earnest in establishing a Southern Confederacy, and now that his wicked plans for the dismemberment of our once happy Union and the establishment of Southern Independence are apparently brighter than they ever were before, and it seems to the Confederates as if they had about accomplished their destructive work, Davis tells the South that more energetic and vigorous action is needed now than ever, and that peace must not be thought of until greater and bloodier battles have been fought, attended with greater and more decisive victories. Instead of a cessation of “hard blows,” they must be increased and be more vigorously applied. Instead of underrating the strength and preparations of the North, the South are told what a desperate enemy they will have to combat with, come spring, and on no account must there be a relaxation in recruiting the ranks of the Southern army and keeping them full. “The conscription must go on,” says Davis, “as though we were in the most desperate extremities.” (6) This is an exhibition of earnestness unmistakable and terrible, and depend upon it, Jeff. Davis will see that his recommendations are carried out to the letter. Such has been the policy of the Confederate Government from the outbreak of the rebellion up to the present time. An unceasing activity, a sleepless vigilance, an untiring devotion have marked all its measures and steps. Its leaders have, to quote an oft-repeated expression, been and still are “terribly in earnest.”

It required weeks and months for our government to come to a realization of the above fact and even at this late day the report is transmitted from Washington every now and then that our forbearing and patriotic President has become fully awakened to the “situation,” and is fully determined to adopt a “more vigorous prosecution of the war.” The latest accounts advise us that he has “taken off his overcoat and thrown away his mittens,” and is going to work with a mind and will of his own, despite the opinions of the able counsellors in his Cabinet. Henceforth, there will be no more play or tom-foolery, but work, solemn and telling. Good! Last spring how different the course pursued by our Administration from that now being prosecuted by the rebel rulers. Then, in consequence of the many Federal victories, the North became so “intoxicated with success” that it was thought surely the rebellion was on its “last legs,” and before the Fourth of July the rotten fabric of Davis, Slidell & Co. would come tumbling to the ground a mass of ruins. Recruiting was forthwith relaxed, companies were mustered out of the army, being regarded a superfluity, and there was an immediate prospect of nearly all the troops being dismissed from service. Alas for the shortsightedness of our great government and the overweening confidence of the people. The weakness of the South was strong enough to frighten the occupant of the White House, and to terrify the War Department, for Stonewall Jackson made a sudden dash towards the capital, and it was thought sure Washington was a “goner.” What a marshaling of armed hosts there was there; what a calling back of troops destined for Richmond; -- and a few weeks told the tale that our victories were changed to defeats; and instead of mustering men out of service, there was a call for 600,000 more men, with brave hearts and stalwart arms, to come quickly and save the nation’s life. And since the call has been responded to, how have matters been managed? The record of events for the past few months is a sad one for the country. “Brains” and “dash” have been called into requisition, “decrees” have gone forth; but there has been a mighty lacking of – what is it? Who is to blame? The people or the government? the soldiers or their commanders? Surely, men and money, and means and resources of every kind, have been furnished with boundless prodigality; but how have they been squandered?

Our word for it, the cry will soon come again, “more men;” and if we are to conquer a peace by fighting, half a million more of men ought to be called into the service immediately. Of course, nobody is foolish enough to believe that they will come by volunteering, though the bounties be increased ten-fold. Drafting is inevitable. “Conscription” alone will fill the ranks of the Union army. Is government ready for the work, or will it wait till Jeff. Davis has got the start in the matter, and then commence business? Too bad, if our government will not keep pace with the Rebel government – if it is determined not to take the lead. (7)

It may be that we, a soldier, are transgressing our bounds, writing as we do, but Heaven knows that we have no desire to find fault with the Government, wrongfully, and yet the management of the war, as it has been conducted at Washington, is sufficient to exhaust the patience of the people and the army, and imperatively demand a change of managers, or in the management of affairs. This may be “croaking.” Very well, so be it. The almost million of soldiers reported to be in the field don’t think so. To spill their blood and sacrifice their lives for the sake of their country they are willing to do, but to do this at the expense of a blundering, incompetent military power is asking too much.

The effect of the news of the re-capture of Galveston by the rebels, and the repulse of Sherman at Vicksburg, has rather dispirited the soldiers. They almost dread the receipt of any further war news for fear it will be worse. (8)

The calm that has so long prevailed in the army of the Potomac still continues, and although there were prospects a few days since of a commotion of the war elements on the Potomac and the Rappahannock, such indications seem to have passed away. Everything is quiet and the men are living comfortably in the log huts which they have built by the thousands in the many corps of Burnside’s grand army. Every variety of style, design and architecture is displayed, developing the characteristics and mechanical tastes of the builders. Every tenement has its chimney and fire-place, and its occupants are never disturbed by an unmerciful landlord, exacting pay for “rent,” or the alternative, “outdoors.”

The health of our company is remarkably good. The boys have become fully “acclimated,” and can now stand hard knocks, whether they come from the enemy or are inflicted by the elements of nature. The latter are preferred, however.

We have just received a number of new horses, having turned over a lot of condemned ones. Our two pieces have not been replaced yet. This is not treating a battery that has been in the field a year or more hardly fair. We have the men and the horses for a six-gun battery, and are waiting anxiously for the return, or the replacement of the two guns of which we were relieved some time ago, in consequence of our not having horses enough to draw six guns.

The emancipation edict has had its share of discussion in our camp, as we presume it has in other camps, for soldiers WILL discuss political matters, even if they have been told it is out of character for them to do so on the ground that discussions create dissensions, ill-feeling, etc., amongst their comrades. But perhaps we ought not to associate the emancipation decree with so profane a thing as politics. A “military necessity” demanded its enunciation, tho’ “justice” had a word to say about the matter. The soldiers fail to see how the right hand of the rebellion is to be crippled seriously by a policy, which, as Horace Greeley is compelled to say, “only proposes to liberate slaves that are not within reach of the liberating power.” (9) About as effective, such a measure, as it would be to fire shot and shell at an enemy “not within reach” of the cannon’s range. The effect of the firing might be intimidation, and this, we have heard it argued, is one great (word missing) that the emancipation proclamation will have on the South. It will tend to frighten the rebels and make them think that we are in “earnest.” A consummation devoutly to be wished, but – well, we hope the best results may flow from the Freedom policy. Anything to help crush this atrocious rebellion and give us back the good old Union. If presidential proclamations will accomplish this, let them come thick and fast! (10)

We have to record the death of J.D. Morrison from Scottsville, one of the first to enlist in the company. He was wounded in the battle of Fredericksburg and died in one of the hospitals in Washington. G.B.

Transcribed And Donated By Bob MarcotteTranscribed And Donated By Bob Marcotte
​​​​​​​Robert E. Marcotte
Rochester, N.Y.
February 2005