Battery L, 1st Artillery Regiment (Light) - George Breck Columns: Chapter 17: “Keep Trying Men Until The Right One Is Found” Hooker Takes Command Jan. 30, 1863 – April 24, 1863

Gen. Joseph Hooker, who had served creditably as a division, corps and grand division commander of the Army of the Potomac, faced an intimidating challenge when he took the reins of the Army of the Potomac. As mentioned previously, morale had plummeted. The commissary was corrupt. Pay was long overdue. And many soldiers resented the Emancipation Proclamation. Indeed, thousands of officers and enlisted men had voted with their feet and gone absent without leave. Could Hooker turn the army around? Some observers were less than optimistic, in part because of Hooker’s reputation for dissolute behavior.

But the new commander and his able chief of staff, Daniel Butterfield, worked a miracle. They improved rations, kept the men busy with drill, instituted a new system of furloughs, improved the hospitals, cleaned up the camps, and issued corps insignia to foster unit pride. What they accomplished, in many respects, was even more impressive than McClellan’s achievement after First Bull Run. After all, McClellan “did his work when everything was new, when morale was high, when the volunteers streaming into Washington were filled with enthusiasm,” notes Stephen Starr. Hooker was confronted with a “disheartened mob… demoralized by defeat, riddled with desertion, its self-confidence gone, its capacity for enthusiasm destroyed.” Hooker’s great contribution was to put the Army of the Potomac back in fighting trim. (1)

Camp near Waugh Point, Va.
Jan. 30, 1863
(Appeared Thursday, Feb. 5, 1863)

Dear Union: Three Major Generals of the Army of the Potomac, one of them

Commanding General of the army, and the other two each in command of a Grand Division, “relieved,” one and at the same time, by and against their request, of their respective commands. What a clearing of the military chess board, of queens, and bishops, and knights! What a sudden disappearing of “stars,” stars of the first magnitude, from the military constellation in the firmament of the federal army! What a change – not entirely unexpected, it may be – in the programme of the Army of the Potomac, albeit since this grand programme was first gotten up, it has undergone changes innumerable, from the chief proprietors and directors of military affairs.

At the close of our last letter the oft repeated question was put, “what next?” We did not anticipate so speedy an answer would be given to the interrogatory, as was forthcoming, scarcely before our letter was mailed. Surely, events follow one another so very closely now that they almost crowd each other. To be surprised at anything that may happen is unnecessary, since the transpiration of “strange things” is an every day occurrence. In fact, their non-occurrence has become to be a matter of surprise. The progress of affairs has so worked up the mind for the reception of “great news,” – “startling intelligence” – “remarkable information,” etc., that a day or two’s absence of anything of the kind is attended, actually, with feelings of unrest or dissatisfaction. When this wicked rebellion shall come to an end, when the roll of guns and the clash and clangor of arms shall no longer fall upon the ears of the nation, when the great and frightful convulsion now shaking our once happy land shall succeed to a calm, when in a word, there shall be no more war but peace shall prevail throughout our borders (and) quietness shall reign in every State, will not the public mind, in consequence of nothing to excite it, become so weary as to really suffer from the change of tumults and broils to that of perfect quietude? Will it not have become unhealthy, and demand a continuance of “revolutions?” Having become so accustomed to excitement, will it not, like the individual mind in many instances, require and depend upon something exciting; to keep and preserve a contented and vigorous life? It would seem as if the North were trying to prove the correctness of this idea or expectation, considering how matters are now turning and shaping themselves in the Northern States. Strifes and divisions appear to be going on there, a large breach seems to be opening wider and wider, and it is not altogether idle to say that the aspect of affairs in the North is decidedly revolutionary. (2) Can it be that the North are unsatisfied with the dreadful contest which engages them with the South? Is something more needed in the way of excitement? Must they commence an intestine and fratricidal war among themselves? It is not our purpose nor within our province to ask the whys and the wherefores of this sad condition of affairs. The fact seems to be assuming larger proportions from day to day. We hope the casual remark made to us the other day by a comrade in the field, that the prospect was flattering of our being called home to fight and quell rebellion may not be verified. But the passions and selfish interests of men – what may they not – what have they not accomplished?

But where is our pen wandering to, or what is it discoursing about? We began our letter by announcing a fact with which you were made acquainted as were we, thanks to the telegraph, though our locality is nearer to where the fact occurred than yours by hundreds of miles.

Burnside’s relief from command seemed to be an accepted matter with many in the army before its announcement was made known. The belief that he would be removed, or asked to be, was generally entertained by officers and soldiers after the late expedition, whose progress was arrested by mud and which proved a failure, though no fault of the brave, energetic, and magnanimous soldier who planned and attempted the execution of the expedition. The cause of this belief we will let our readers conjecture.

Generals Sumner and Franklin’s disconnection with the army was news not expected. (3) Who will fill their places? is the inquiry. The designation of Fremont for one will not surprise us.

The appointment of Gen. Hooker to the supreme command of the army “takes well” with the officers and soldiers. They like him, know him to be among the “bravest of the brave,” and will, unquestionably, give him their confidence and respect, will heartily respond to his request, by rendering that zealous and cordial cooperation which he asks. Who knows but that “fighting Joe Hooker” is just the man that is requisite to command the Army of the Potomac, and that his capabilities will be displayed in leading the army on to victory? Who knows but that the President has hit on the right man, who in turn will hit the rebellion square on the head, and knock the rebel armies down, never more to rise again! We cannot help but exclaim “glorious” at the thought. If it should happen that the courageous and energetic Hooker should be unfortunate enough to meet with the same success that followed his “illustrious predecessors,” why, relief may of course be expected in his case, and somebody else will be tried. Perhaps this is the best policy to pursue, after all – to keep trying men until the right one is found. We have read of such a course being adopted by the Grecian nation, if we mistake not.

The demoralization of the army is a matter that has agitated the press a good deal of late, some contending that the army is greatly demoralized, and others that it is not. We will not say what we might about the matter. Things look better than they did a few days ago, but there is still room for improvement. Nothing of a mutinous spirit has at any time been manifested. There have been many desertions, and within a few days a number of arrests. Twenty-one were caught deserting together across the Potomac over to the Maryland shore. What punishment will be meted out to these deserters, or whether any at all, we cannot say. In a former communication we alluded to the subject of desertions and remarked that unless something was done about it, the evil would become so gigantic as to lead to very disastrous consequences, demoralizing the army perhaps beyond remedy. The leniency with which deserters have been treated is remarkable, especially when we consider that army regulations make desertion punishable with death. When a deserter, instead of being returned to his company on being arrested, and held to account for his criminal offence, is permitted to go to a convalescent camp and make it his quarters, and more than that, has the rank of sergeant conferred upon him, and this fact becomes known to his old comrades, what, pray tell, is the probable effect of all this on the rank and file of the army? Whose fault is it when the commanding officer of the person referred to, repeatedly calls the attention of those superior in command to this shameful pernicious condition of military affairs and the matter is wholly overlooked or disregarded? How long can an army remain well disciplined and efficient when deserters, and reported as such at headquarters, are allowed to return to their regiments without so much as receiving a word of censure? Government is well aware of the growing evil of desertion, but then, perhaps, it is not at all culpable, and then too, in prospect of the one hundred and fifty black regiments to be raised, if culpable, it can afford to ignore or neglect the matter.

A terrible snow storm visited us day before yesterday; terrible for this Southern latitude. Snow fell to the depth of six inches on a level, and drifted, in some places, two feet deep. It was a moist snow, and you can imagine what a worse condition it put the roads in, which were floating with mud previous to the storm. We had occasion to go to the headquarters of the Provost Marshal General (Marsena Patrick) yesterday, and our pen is too feeble to do justice to the horrid, miserable plight of the roads and fields. It was one sea of sticky slop, ochreous mud, and our horse had an exhaustive struggle getting through it. For miles the mud was nearly up to his belly, and our horse-back ride of twenty miles, through an ocean of mire, was anything but an equestrian excursion of pleasure. The headquarters of Gen. Patrick, Provost Marshal, are separated from the general headquarters of the army, having been removed near Brooks’ Station. Gen. Hooker’s quarters will probably be removed to the same location when the roads become passable.

We passed the house where Preston S. Brooks was born, a residence that was not without attractions in bye-gone days, though its now dilapidated appearance is a mournful spectacle, when we think what has caused it. (4) Some of the rooms were occupied by cavalry officers, and the house has been converted into a stable and quarters for pickets. Alas, to what a base use are many mansions in the Old Dominion that once belonged to the “F.F.V.’s” now devoted! Virginia, once the pride and glory of the original States, the birth place of Washington, the “Mother of Presidents,” from what a height has she fallen, and what a scene of waste and devastation her stately homes and large plantations present to-day! Did she anticipate all this when she tore from her brow the brilliant star that had been set there by her own hand when the thirteen colonies, to form a more perfect Union, formed themselves into States, and adopted a constitution which, with the blessing of God, made us among the first and foremost nations on earth? Did she expect this would be her destiny when she repudiated the teachings of her brave and patriotic sons, set at naught the constitution they helped to frame, turned her back to the good old Union of States, and cast her lot in with rebels and traitors? Is not her greatness forever departed from her, and will not her soil, whitened with the bones of tens of thousands slain in battle and died with disease, and drenched in human blood, cry aloud for years to come for vengeance for her recreancy and apostasy!

We want to scold about our mail again. Every effort to get it to come straight has been made, but without success. A month, and only a few letters and papers received by the company. This is especially aggravating, considering that our battery seems to be the only one in the division or corps “left out in the cold” this way. For two weeks not a vestige of mail matter graced our sight, and for the last week, ditto. We state this that the friends or relatives of the company may know why no “answers” come. The fault appears to be at Washington, where the fault of almost everything connected with government management is traceable. My “chum,” Lieut. A. (Charles Anderson), says that no good need be expected from that quarter, and tries to compose himself, philosophically as possible, under the sore trial of receiving no mail. He says more emphatically, however, that it is “abominable,” “an outrage,” the manner in which our company is treated in this particular, and so it is, your correspondent says also.

The weather has been pleasant to-day, and it is to be hoped the roads will begin to mend before long, but it is very doubtful about the army moving again till spring. The soldiers have gone into winter quarters, anyway, and expect to retain them until the close of February. G.B.

Camp near Waugh Point, Va.
February 9th, 1863
(Appeared Saturday, Feb. 14, 1863)

Dear Union: -- It is a bright, sunny and beautiful morning, spring-like in every sense of the word, only that the green grass has not commenced to grow, and the trees have not begun to put on their foliage. The birds are singing sweetly, and a variety of notes from these feathered songsters may be heard. The thrush, the blue bird, the robin and the beautiful red bird are chirping and warbling, and occasionally the notes of a mocking bird strike the ear. These singers of nature proclaim the near approach of Spring, and sure enough, we have reached the middle of the last month of winter, and a score of days more will herald the advent of windy March. What a winter it has been. With the exception of a few days, how mild and pleasant. There have been snow, and rain and high winds, and the temperature has been stingingly cold, but this has been the case at intervals, the exception not the rule. The severity of the weather has been confined to a limited number of days. The winter on the whole has been most favorable to soldiers, and we believe, duly appreciated by them. Had it been, as a general thing, terribly severe, as we might mention here and there a day, there would unquestionably have been a great deal of suffering among the soldiers.

The quiescent state of the Army of the Potomac was never more perceptible than now. Nothing of a war-like nature is apparent, but everything is indicative of what some might say “inglorious idleness.” The muddy condition of the roads and fields has rendered the drilling of troops impossible, and guard duty, taking care of horses, and the common routine of camplife are all that have occupied the soldier’s time since the army extricated itself from the “sacred soil” of Virginia, in which it was so ignobly immured, in Burnside’s last movement. The pleasant weather, if it continues a little while longer, will so put the earth in shape that the more active duties of drill will soon be resumed. The building or repairing of corduroy roads has kept some of the infantry busy. Work of this character and all work dissociated from the regular duties of a soldier, such as building forts, docks, etc., comes under the title of “fatigue duty.” We heard an infantry-man complaining this morning of this kind of duty, who said that his regiment had been in the service six months, and they had’nt received two week’s drill, in consequence of being detailed to do fatigue duty, nights as well as days. We favor most emphatically the employment of “contrabands” in work of this description, and think that instead of wasting time in angry debates and discussing the merits of negroes as soldiers, the feasibility of putting black men in the field to fight, etc., our Representatives would urge the propriety and necessity of setting them to work and relieving thousands of our soldiers from the performance of duties, which they, the contrabands, could do just as well as not; it would be heartily endorsed, both in the army and out of the army.

“A new broom sweeps clean.” This is an old but true adage, and has been exemplified whenever the Army of the Potomac has changed commanders, in that, at the commencement of the new commander’s reign, a vigor of discipline, and a determination to prosecute matters with the utmost efficiency, have marked its first movements. We hold, however, that “Little Mac,” had he been allowed to hold the “broom” that was put into his hands, without interference, would have “swept” the rebel army of Virginia into destruction, long ere this. For reasons no doubt very wise, and yet incomprehensible to thousands of soldiers, M’Clellan was relieved of the “broom” that he had handled so masterly and Burnside took it in hand. Immediately, there was “clean” and effective work to be done, and so for a time, it did seem, as if sweeping things were about to be accomplished, and the troops, notwithstanding the sore trial they had experienced by the removal of their favorite General, felt inspirited under the new command of Burnside, for he brought with him the reputation of “dash,” bravery and other qualities which are the admiration of soldiers. Well, as it is said, owing to mismanagement or negligence in high military circles, to interference, disobedience and jealousy of subordinate commanders, to bad weather and to other causes, Gen. Burnside failed to do the “sweeping” business that was predicted and expected, and therefore he was relieved, and Gen. Hooker was appointed to fill his place.

Gen .Hooker has now been in command of the army for two weeks and he has certainly taken hold of matters in a manner which indicates decision, resolution, determination and thorough ability to make the army more effective than ever. Some of our readers may say, “we hope more effective, for conscience sake, for what effective work has the army of the Potomac ever done?” We don’t like the remark exactly and might reply rather tartly, but we will be good humored about it and refer these readers to the indisputable fact that the army of the Potomac has preserved the city of Washington with its magnificent Capital, magnificent Public Treasury, magnificent Patent and Post Office Buildings, the War Department, and last, though not least, the White House, together with His Excellency the President of the United States, the great military adviser and counsellor Gen. Halleck, the Secretary of War, Mr. Stanton, and other very distinguished notabilities constituting the “powers that be” and who wield a power either for weal or woe; and then added to the above are all the Senators and Congressmen, and, in a word, the whole city of Washington and all its citizens – transient and permanent. All this the army of the Potomac has preserved from falling a prey to rebel possession; and surely how ungrateful and unappreciative those persons must be who are disposed to find fault at the inefficiency of the above grand army. The preservation of the Federal Capital! Is that a work to be ashamed of? As a very humble representative of the army of the Potomac, the writer points to the archives of the nation and exultingly says, “Behold they are safe, untouched and unpolluted by rebel hands.”

But we have wandered far away from what our pen was considering. “A new broom sweeps clean,” we remarked; and since Gen. Hooker assumed command a new vigor has been infused into the army, and an improvement in discipline has been begun. We have, in previous communications, mentioned the great and constantly growing evil of desertion in the army, but the new commanding General has resolved to put a stop to this evil, and to that end courts-martial have been ordered to be convened in the several divisions for the purpose of trying deserters, of whom there are between two and three hundred on the “docket,” we understand. A court-martial is now convened in our division, and cases of desertion and of military disobedience in general are being tried. There will be justice meted out, no doubt, to those who have grossly violated army regulations, and the result must necessarily be productive of good to the army.

The Ninth Army Corps (Burnside’s old corps) embarked, as you doubtless know, for Fortress Monroe on Friday and Saturday of last week. It is reported that Gen. Burnside is to have command of his old troops, and that he is now to undertake an expedition of a very important character. Success to him for he is eminently meriting it. The departure of this corps leaves quite a gap in Hooker’s army, but it may be filled with new men. It has been rumored in camp that the Army of the Potomac is to be cut up – one corps sent here and another there; but we can hardly credit this. (5)

The Pennsylvania Reserves, belonging to Gen. Meade’s old division, now commanded by Gen. Doubleday, took passage on board of transports yesterday for Washington. They are to be allowed a respite from active field duty. They were originally thirteen or sixteen regiments strong, but are now reduced to three. These troops were in the Peninsular Campaign, and have seen the most active service. They have acquitted themselves nobly, and done honor to the old “Keystone” State. Their places are to be filled with new men, now in and around Washington.

Yesterday we received two new pieces, with caissons and every thing complete, making us a six gun battery again. They are like our old guns, with longer sights only. To-day a new set of harness came for the horses of the new gun section. The guns were made since the first of January, and we hope if called on to use them, they will prove as effective as the old ones, of which we were relieved last November.

Battery L received high marks from corps artillery chief Col. Wainwright at this time. In his diary entry for Feb. 12, he reports completing his inspections of his batteries. “All the batteries show more or less improvement over the last inspection, “F” Pennsylvania and “L” New York most decided . . .” Wainwright also made it a practice to visit his batteries informally, and the following month was pleased to note that his batteries were “in quite good order; those of the First Division are really highly creditable. Reynolds has not only worked hard on his own battery, but makes the best division chief of artillery I have had with me yet.” (6)

 

We have also received forty new men detailed from the 147th N.Y. and 30th New Jersey regiments belonging to Gen. Paul’s brigade. The old detailed men were remanded to their regiments – Gen. Patrick’s old brigade – now doing guard and patrol duty along the Aquia Creek and Falmouth R.R., and for Gen. Patrick, Provost Marshal General.

These regiments, excepting one, are two years’ regiments, and as the men will doubtless be retained for such duty as they are at present performing, their days of fighting are probably at an end unless they re-enlist. The country can ill afford to lose their services or the services of any of the two years’ troops. They are veterans, indeed, and if the rebellion has not been crushed, it is not the fault of these noble men who were the first to respond to the call of their country. Horace Greeley says, however, that we are on the “eve of great movements, combinations, attacks, etc.,” and if the first of May “we do not whip the rebel army, they will whip ours.” And if the latter unhappy circumstance should occur, what then is the prediction, or conclusion, or advice of the sage Mr. Greeley?

Your correspondent was surprisingly told not long since that some of his letters were regarded treasonable by his friends at home, because forsooth, as he supposes, he mildly expressed his inability to comprehend any practical force good towards putting down the rebellion to be derived from the emancipation proclamation; because he rather made light of a military measure which the Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy denominated as “imperative as the Pope’s Bull against the Comet”; because his notions on the subject of slavery may not be up to the pure, immaculate standard of those whose love for the poor negro begins and ends only with his disenthrallment from the slaveholder’s hands without a particle of consideration for the negro’s future provision, yes, who would make him but a mere foot-ball if he crossed their path unnecessarily, or didn’t get out of their way. Treasonable! Because, perhaps, your correspondent has dared to breathe for peace, if it could possibly be obtained, consistent with right and honor, and with the restoration of the Union as it once was, by other means than fighting, or by a policy of honorable concession and conciliation on the one hand, and a drawn sword in the other. What say these persons to Horace Greeley’s suggestion or advice, about “accepting our destiny and making the best attainable peace,” if at the close of April “no decided impression” is made on the rebel cause? (7)

Pardon my reference to a personal matter. It slipped in unexpectedly. Those “friends” who put a treasonable construction on my hastily written communications have an opportunity to attest their own loyalty by enlisting in defence of their country, and fighting for Constitutional Freedom, Law and Order. If that object is not sufficiently pure, elevated and patriotic, perhaps some other might be mentioned more inducive.

Leaves of absence and furloughs to a limited extent are now being granted to officers and enlisted men. Not more than one field officer from a brigade, or two line officers from a regiment, or one officer from a battery can be absent at the same time. Two enlisted men out of every hundred can obtain furloughs. Leaves of absence extend to ten days only, in all the States excepting some of the Eastern and Western States, where fifteen days are given. Of course there has been a tremendous rush of applicants to go home or elsewhere. This furlough system we do not imagine will last very long, but it indicates inactivity in the army for a season.

The system is a good one, so long as there are no immediate active movements in contemplation. It tends to cheer and encourage the troops who have been in the field many months, and have desired to visit home, but could not until now. They did’nt count on such a long continuance of the war when they left families and friends.

The soldiers are faring sumptuously at present, soft bread being issued in place of hard tack, when possible, and potatoes, tea and onions being furnished two or three times a week. The “boys” were quite enthusiastic on hearing the orders read making it incumbent on commissaries to issue the above acceptable rations. G.B.

Camp near Waugh Point, Va.
February 17th, 1863
(Appeared Wednesday, Feb. 25, 1863)

Dear Union: -- Yesterday the weather was as bright and beautiful as air and sunshine could make it. To-day it is cold and blustering, the snow is falling thick and fast – a moist snow, that whitens and bends the trees, and lies heavily on the earth. The storm began before day-break; and there are now no signs of its clearing off. So pleasant was it yesterday, that it was remarked a few more days of like description would doubtless produce “marching orders,” and the Army of the Potomac would once more be in motion. The roads were drying up and becoming passable, but now everything will be put back again, and the prospects of a movement are dark and dubious as ever. The unreliableness of the weather at this season will probably delay all army movements in this vicinity for a month or six weeks to come. What its future operations are to be, we do not pretend to surmise. We are content to let the matter rest in Gen. Hooker’s hands, who, by the way, is winning the respect and confidence of the troops more and more every day. His attention to the “inner” wants of the soldier, exhibited in the promulgation of orders referred to in my last communication, respecting the issuing of soft bread, potatoes, etc. so many times a week, has had a happy effect, for it is tangible evidence to the soldier that General Hooker is interested not only in his military discipline and efficiency, but also in his physical necessities and comforts. Soldiers are a peculiarly sensitive class, and though they may subscribe to and heartily endorse all that is laid down in army regulations pertaining to obedience, discipline and all the instructions contained in that rigid military book, still, if they are treated as mere machines, regarded only in a servile capacity, no kind and attentive interest manifested in their welfare, they will very soon lose all heart and courage in their arduous and perilous work, and render a reluctant and forced obedience. Probably there never was an army better fed or clothed than the Army of the Potomac, and Gen. Hooker seems determined that in this, as in every particular, it shall be wanting in nothing to make it the best of armies.

Strenuous effort is being made to bring back the thousands of officers and soldiers who are and have been absent for a long time from the army without leave. It is estimated that a hundred thousand troops who ought to be present for duty in the eastern department of the army are away, either in convalescent camps or in disobedience of orders. (8) There seems to be something wrong in sending new volunteers or old troops to regiments or companies for which they were recruited or to which they belong. Men who were recruited for our own battery last summer and sent forward to join the company, got as far as Alexandria and there they were detained. Some of them were taken sick, and afterwards discharged, and none of them ever reached the battery. Think of a hundred thousand troops being absent from service without leave, or through negligence in transporting or returning them to their commands! Where are they all? Thirty thousand men are reported to be away from the Army of the West, who ought to be present for duty. What is the cause, and can it not be remedied? Is it no disgrace to desert the army, or absent oneself from it without permission? We were told not long since that desertions were encouraged by certain persons at the north, and soldiers were given to understand that if they deserted it would be attended with no dishonor to themselves. (9)

A sad condition of affairs this, and adds to the gloom and darkness of our national prospects. We hope, and cannot but believe, that such instances are very few. That there should be any, confers disgrace upon our cause. Be the policy of the Administration or the conduct of the war what it may, the country which we love and the Constitution which we cling to as the safeguard of our liberties, need for their existence and preservation the services of everyone who is enlisted and of tens of thousands who have not enlisted.

Since occupying our present encampment, we have been in the habit of dating our letters or addressing them from near Waugh Point. The place is designated on the map by that name, but it is more commonly known as Pratt’s Landing. The rebels formerly had possession of the place when they commanded the lower Potomac, and there are two forts overlooking the Landing and commanding that part of the Potomac river into which the Potomac Creek empties. One of these forts, erected on the shore of the Creek, is quite a respectable affair. There have been three piers built at this landing, about half a mile apart, since its occupancy by our troops, and an immense amount of business is transacted at each of them, in the way of receiving supplies of all kinds for that portion of the army quartered about this locality. Boats and barges lie around these piers, unloading their cargoes of forage, commissary and quartermaster stores, etc., and embarking or disembarking throngs of soldiers and civilians. The greatest vigilance is exercised to prevent any person, soldier or civilian getting aboard of a boat without having the necessary papers, guards being stationed along the shores for that purpose. A constant string of teams, going to or coming from Pratt’s Landing, may be seen every day. There is quite a plain leading from the shore, rising from which are hills and embankments, and on the crest of the highest hill, about a quarter of a mile from the landing, is one of the forts referred to, the smaller of the two, but in a very commanding position. These forts, when occupied by the rebels, annoyed our shipping on the Potomac very much and it was only by strategy, I have been informed, that they were taken.

The scenery about Pratt’s Landing is very beautiful. Standing on the hill of the fort, looking in the direction of the Landing, you can see the “broad Potomac” winding its crooked course, far to your front and right, dotted here and there with a boat or the white sails of a craft, and meeting your gaze are the shores of “My Maryland,” diversified with hills. On the opposite side of the Landing, near the mouth of Potomac Creek, are scores of white tents, neatly and regularly laid out, constituting a hospital. All about you are hills, valleys, fields – very few and small the latter, mostly the former – scattered with encampments, but let not our readers suppose that these camps are particularly attractive in point of beauty or picturesqueness, or that they display to any great extent the “pomp and circumstance of glorious war.” Numberless mud and log huts of every variety, covered with shelter tents or paulins, whose original purity was stained and polluted long ago by the “sacred soil” of Virginia, mark the camps, which, perhaps, a poet or novelist might furnish with tents of snowy whiteness and all that pretty thing. There were forests of trees in this vicinity before the army came, but the soldiers have leveled them to the ground for building and fuel purposes. We cannot speak very highly of the soil around here, its fertility, etc. It is doubtless safe to say that it will grow white beans, as was observed by Lieutenant R., and would command ten cents an acre. The soldiers have no desire to take their “bounty land” near Waugh Point.

Several secesh soldiers were captured this morning between here and Falmouth, I believe, who were home on a furlough. Their “furloughs” will be “extended” without asking their officers that they may be, a favor which they will unquestionably appreciate.

A party of “graybacks” was called on last week very suddenly and unceremoniously by some of our cavalry who found them at a meeting house, we think, undergoing the terrible ordeal of drafting of conscription. They were immediately drafted for other purposes besides those of King Jeff. His Excellency is evidently leaving no stone unturned to keep the ranks of his valorous army full. Let us be careful and not again fall into the mistake of the past, by underrating the vigor and determination of our foe, who seems never to slumber or sleep, and by failing to grasp the huge dimensions and great dangers of the rebellion.

For two or three days we have been favored with a visit from Mr. Shelton and Mr. Gates of Bloomfield, the former having a son in the battery. We are always glad to see our northern friends in our soldier homes, and though we cannot proffer the hospitalities of a fine house with commodious rooms, spring beds, hair mattresses, white sheets, downy pillows, and a sumptuously laid table, with its white spread, white crockery, linen napkins, et cetera, we can extend a soldier’s welcome and offer a soldier’s fare, and will be happy to show all the “sights” that are worth seeing, among the most notable of which, just at present, is Virginia mud. G.B.

Camp near Waugh Point, Va.
February 25th, 1863
(Appeared Tuesday, March 3, 1863)

Dear Union: -- Mounting my horse this morning, I took a little stroll for the purpose of exercise, and to pick up, if possible, an item or two of interest to communicate to you. Lying in camp, when the weather or ground does not admit of drilling, with little or nothing to do, is business of a very inactive character, and time, under such circumstances, sometimes drags heavily. There are those who predicted at the commencement of winter that if the Army of the Potomac should lie idle all winter, the consequences would prove very deleterious to the soldiers, physically and morally, and deteriorate particularly the discipline and efficiency of the army. A vigorous winter campaign, though attended with the severest hardships and desperate fighting, was advised in preference to going into winter quarters as a matter of the best good to the troops. Total inactivity was pronounced a worse enemy than a succession of encounters with the rebel foe; and not to engage in active, aggressive operations during the winter season was regarded by many as a bad, wicked policy. We were never of that opinion ourself. After the battle of Fredericksburg, and when the army to all intents and purposes had gone into winter quarters, we believed, notwithstanding the pleasantness of the weather which characterized the months of December and January, that to begin another forward movement before spring, with the uncertainty of a continuance of pleasant weather, but with every probability of heavy rains sooner or later, before the winter closed, and consequently impassable roads, would result injuriously to the army, and the success would not be commensurate with the movement. Better wait till March or April, when, with milder air, clearer skies, and better roads, the troops would be ready to move with better spirits, greater zeal and more alacrity, and the success attending the deferred movement would, with proper management, of course, more than pay for the delay. Burnside’s last movement in the mud attested the correctness of our belief. That expedition, in mid-winter, came very near proving fatally disastrous to the army of the Potomac. Remaining inactive in camp, therefore, as we now are, though productive, perhaps to some extent, of idle habits and a spirit of restlessness or dissatisfaction, is far better than the undertaking of active movements and operations with the elements of a Virginia winter to contend against.

But about my morning stroll – what did I find or see of interest? Snow and mud. That’s all. There was an abundance of the former article, in some places from two to three feet in depth where it had drifted, and on a level four to six inches deep. It was mostly mixed up with mud, however, and its beauty and whiteness were gone. The ground was partly frozen, and one minute my horse would be walking on the hard surface of terra firma and the next he would be floundering up to his breast in some huge mortar bed of mire. The terrible storm of last Sunday (Feb. 22), beginning late Saturday night, put the roads again in an impassable condition, and they will not emerge from it for a long time to come. How teams manage to get through at all at present, unloaded even, is quite mysterious. I encountered a number of them stuck fast.

I wish my readers might see the almost endless multiplicity of roads, which traverse over a small extent of territory, leading from some locality such as Pratt’s Landing to some camp or camps. Let them take a sheet of paper and a pencil and with closed eyes trace indiscriminately over the paper lines running and diverging in every possible direction, and they will have an idea how complex and multitudinous are the roads traveled by the army of the Potomac. The thousand and one camps are scattered promiscuously, -- the several divisions being quartered and classified by themselves, of course, but in close proximity to each other, bounded by imaginary lines only – and for an officer or soldier to try and find the whereabouts of a strange camp is like trying to find a family in New York city on May day, when every family is supposed to be moving and to be nowhere in particular. This difficulty is tenfold greater to a civilian on a visit to some army friend or relative. Here and there is a sign board erected near the headquarters of a brigade or division, designating what or whose brigade or division it is.

Before returning to the battery, I went in search of my friend, Capt. Geo. Forsyth, a Rochester “boy” whose service in the field extends back to the early commencement of the war, and whose soldierly qualities and gallantry in action have won for him the position he now holds. I found the camp, or rather a portion of it, but not him. His regiment, the 8th Illinois Cavalry, are doing duty near Dumfries, and I was informed that the brigade to which it belongs, including the 8th New York Cavalry, have extended their lines into Fairfax county. What the object of this may be we do not know. Perhaps the army, when it is ready for action again, is to operate in an entirely different direction than any heretofore tried or contemplated. A few more weeks will determine this. The camp of the 8th New York regiment has been removed to Dumfries, and that of the 8th Illinois is now breaking up.

The weather overhead to-day is beautiful. The snow is fast melting, and the mud is running liquid. I must apologize for a newsless letter. G.B.

Camp near Waugh Point, Va.
March 6, 1863
(Appeared Friday, March 13, 1863)

Dear Union: -- Why attempt to write a letter, especially for publication, when there is nothing to write about? Your correspondent was never so hard up for news. The dearth of the article in the army of the Potomac is certainly very great. Everything is as quiet as a church mouse – at any rate it is so in the First Corps. There may be something of interest stirring, or that has recently occurred, in other corps, but if so, the knowledge of it has not found its way into our camp. “After a calm comes a storm.” – Perhaps the war clouds, though indiscernible by us “subordinates,” are beginning to gather, dark and heavy, over the two hostile armies that confront each other on the banks of the Rappahannock, and there may now be seen and heard the lightnings and thunders of the battle field, the clashing of arms, the smoke of cannon, the furious raging of all the elements of a deadly strife, between the friends and the enemies of Law and Government. All this may very soon occur, but our vision warrants nothing of the kind.

The rebel army in front of Fredericksburg seems to be more or less active. Entrenchments – two lines of them, and each about nine miles in length, have been thrown up along the river, opposite Falmouth. The rebels can be plainly seen, busily handling the spade and pick-axe, evidently determined that neither Hooker nor any other Federal General shall ever cross the Rappahannock again in front of Fredericksburg, however largely escorted by brave and heroic troops. We do not believe that Hooker has the remotest intention of making another attempt to storm and take the heights of Fredericksburg. Is it true that Sigel’s corps, or the corps that was his, has embarked for Fortress Monroe? (10) So we were told, but it lacks confirmation. If such be the case, surely, if Richmond is to be attacked again, there is every indication that McClellan’s plan of capturing that rebel stronghold is in contemplation. We very much doubt, however, whether Hooker will advance until something decisive is accomplished at Vicksburg or along the coast of the Atlantic. One thing is certain, that it will require a much larger army than “Fighting Joe” now has to march on to Richmond successfully, unless the rebel army there, or in front of us, is very much reduced, which we do not think is so. Thousands of conscripts have recently been added to the Confederate army in Virginia, and these forced recruits, unquestionably, are in or around Richmond, supplying the places of older troops who have been sent into the field to do more active work. (11)

And speaking of rebel conscription, let me say a word about the conscription act just passed by Congress, and which will, of course, be put into immediate operation. I assure you and my readers that the passage of this bill pleases the army mightily. There may be a diversity of opinion relating to some particular features of the bill, either pro or con, but as to conscription, per se, taking in every person capable of doing military duty, there isn’t a soldier or an officer in the army, I venture to say, but that applauds the measure and would like to tender a vote of thanks to Senators and Congressmen for giving the President the power to call into service every able-bodied man who can carry a musket or fire a gun. They want to see this absolute, unlimited power used without any dilly dallying, and if a million of new troops are not forthwith called into the field, the army will be disappointed. Men already in the service are getting more and more anxious to see this atrocious rebel lion crushed. Soldiers who have been fighting for a year and a half are becoming more and more eager to wind this fighting up, and they want to give the rebels, as speedily as possible – if this is the only course that will bring them to terms – such a good, sound, thorough thrashing, that like the Frenchmen, they will cry “enough,” and beg for a speedy settlement.

Paper bullets (now, no disrespect to the Administration is intended, nothing “treasonable” or captious is entertained) have failed. Is’nt it so, my candid patriotic reader? Possibly I may be mistaken. I sincerely hope so. It may be only a matter of time. Fighting on paper is preferable to fighting in the open field and dashing one’s head against frowning, formidable heights, but the stern and solemn cold steel, iron ball and gunpowder edicts have first got to be proclaimed, have they not, before operations of a pen and ink character can prove of any avail? In other words, the armies of the South, so strong and powerful in numbers and efficiency, have got to be whipped, beaten, defeated, by armies from the North more powerful in numbers, and of greater efficiency, because the South is the defensive party, while the North is the aggressive; because one is fighting on his own soil, and the other, comparatively speaking, on strange and foreign ground. This conscription bill, the soldiers say, means business, active, vigorous business, and now if the business is only properly, wisely managed – if it is put into right hands, and bickerings, jealousies, interferences and the like are kept at bay – it will, it must tell on the rebel cause, and with Heaven’s blessing, it will prove a success for the Union and country.

Would that the President might be persuaded to summon M’Clellan, if not to take command of an army in the field, (then) as his war counselor, to plan what the Federal armies shall do, where they shall go, how they shall move; in a word, plan battles for other brave and efficient generals to execute. I have conversed with a variety of M’Clellan’s enemies in the field – some mildly and others strongly opposed to him, – but I have yet to find the person who believes that Gen. M’Clellan is not the man to organize and perfect an army, bring it to a state of the highest discipline, to skillfully make and arrange military combinations, that he has his equal in point of military sagacity, comprehensiveness, and the theory of fighting. Whatever his opposers or enemies have said in my presence in relation to the executive abilities of M’Clellan – slowness in the execution of movements, or an excess of caution in field operations, constituting in their minds the great deficit in M’Clellan’s genius – they have been ready to admit that as a military planner he is not to be excelled, if equaled, by any General in the country.

I have remarked in previous communications that it was a sore trial to the army of the Potomac taking away from it General McClellan, and nine-tenths of the army will corroborate that statement; but with comparatively few exceptions, the officers and soldiers who clung with such confidence and devotion to their favorite chief, had no disposition to abandon their country’s cause because their beloved and trusted general was removed and another general was put in his place. They loved Burnside, but they loved McClellan more. They went forward under Burnside, very many, with sorrowful hearts, but with a determination to do their duty and prove themselves worthy of the “love and gratitude” expressed for them by their late commander. Burnside’s misfortunes were deeply lamented by the army of the Potomac, for notwithstanding, as a natural consequence of his ill success, the soldiers lost a great deal of the confidence they first placed in him, they still believed him to be possessed of bravery, ability and a truly magnanimous spirit. On the removal of Burnside, the army would have been rejoiced to greet McClellan again as their commander; but this was not to be. Gen. Hooker assumed command, and it is not too much to say that he has won the respect and confidence of the entire army, with here and there an exception whose love for McClellan is “well,” but not “wise.”

But, though the army may be satisfied with their present commander, their affection for, and confidence in “Little Mac,” still lies buried in their hearts; and depend upon it, it will never be quenched, whatever may be said against McClellan. If there is any truth in “first love,” it has, and always will have, an exemplification in the old Army of the Potomac that grew up under the care of its great Founder. They are united by an “indissoluble tie,” as McClellan himself said in parting from the army. Now his “comrades,” – as he pronounced they would always be, in “supporting the Constitution of the country and the nationality of its people,” – want to see him reinstated to some command and if that command could only be General-in-Chief over all the armies, what an army the Army of the Potomac would be, with the brave Hooker to lead it and execute the plans of McClellan! With a million more men in the service, with Gen. McClellan to plan campaigns, direct military movements and operations, and with unity of action and effectiveness of execution among commanders in the field, how long would it be before the Southern armies would be defeated, and the rebellion would be subdued?

Capt. Reynolds returned yesterday from his trip to the North. The system of granting a limited number of furloughs and leaves of absence has proven a very wise and judicious one, and has added to the popularity of General Hooker.

Our Battery has been complimented by the commendation from Gen. (Henry Jackson) Hunt, Chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac, that in connection with two other batteries attached to the first corps, it is the best battery in the corps. A circular to that effect was received from Col. Wainwright, Chief of Artillery, 1st Army Corps.

The roads have dried up considerably the past three or four days. A strong wind dissipates the mud very quickly, and March has blustered a good deal since its appearance.

March 8th, 1863.

Another heavy edition of mud. A pouring rain fell last night, and all the foundations of the “sacred soil” (it is a query to some soldiers, whether at times, the sacred soil ever had a foundation) are again broken up; more hard work for Uncle Samuel’s poor mules and horses, and another terrible deluge of hard “expletives” from drivers and teamsters. The army is not demoralized but it is demoralizing. A poor school for the culture and development of morality. Nevertheless, it is an army of Spartan warriors, of brave men, whose noble deeds and heroic acts will be recorded on the pages of history and embalmed in the country’s memory.

This afternoon, a cavalry reconnoitering party returned from King George county, or what is known as the Peninsula. They went down the river about forty miles, going in boats and then disembarking and scouring the country. A number of trophies were secured in the way of mules, horses, a wagon load of medicines, including a large quantity of quinine, a variety of stores, any amount of bacon, and in addition to all this, a lot of the “dusky-hued” population of rebellious Virginia was captured. Willing captives, no doubt. The Army of the Potomac can accomplish little if not big things, and small things are not to be despised, even in the gigantic enterprise of crushing the most gigantic of rebellions.

This letter will be delivered in person, as both it and the writer will leave at the same time for the same destination. G.B.

(Breck’s 10-day leave was extended on account of “severe influenza which confines him to the house,” according to the affidavit of a Rochester surgeon in his military records.)

Camp near Waugh Point, Va.
March 25, 1863
(Appeared Monday, March 30, 1863)

Dear Union: -- Back again in camp, located in the same quarters we have occupied the last three months, but soon, very soon no doubt, to be abandoned for an active, vigorous campaign. Leaving Rochester Tuesday night, the 22d inst. (12), in company with Mr. Abram Mann of your city, on a visit to the 8th N.Y. Cavalry, we arrived in New York the next noon, took the through train for Washington that evening at 7 ½ o’clock by way of Philadelphia, and found ourselves at the Capital the next morning. By 8 o’clock A. M. we had taken passage in the boat “Carrie Martin,” and were en route for Aquia Creek. – The boat, a medium size, easy and comfortable water craft employed for army purposes exclusively, was loaded with passengers – officers, soldiers and civilians – bound for the “seat of war.” There was a slight sprinkling of ladies, one arrayed in Bloomer costume, whose dress, if not person, commanded a good deal of attention and remark. Perhaps she was a Florence Nightingale, on her way to perform acts of kindness and mercy to the sick and wounded soldiers. There is a lady in the field who dresses in Bloomer fashion, who has won a notoriety for her devotion in attending to and relieving the wants of the sick and wounded. We have forgotten her name, but have read of her heroism and charity to the army. (13)

The trip from Washington to Aquia Creek by boat must be very delightful in spring and summer, and it is so, even in the colder and more unpleasant seasons of the year. There are many points of interest scattered along both banks of the Potomac, the most attractive of which – one which awakens the pleasantest and deepest emotions – is Mount Vernon, with the tomb of Washington on the slope of the hill leading up to the house. It is a spot that has not been desecrated by the tramp or ravages of either army. Both armies claim Washington as the father of their country, and revere his memory with the sacredness of religion. The last anniversary of his birthday was honored alike by both armies. Does not this evidence, that the bond of Union which formerly existed between the North and the South, is not altogether severed and destroyed! And as long as this golden link shall last, binding both sections of the country together in love and veneration for him who was “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen,” is there not a strong hope that the country will again be restored to purity, not in name only, but based on the principles of friendship and affection, without which we know there can be no true, enduring Union!

Fort Washington, lying not far from Mount Vernon, and on the same side of the river, presents a very commanding appearance with its stone walls and casemates, bristling with large cannon that seem to say, “Thus far, but no further, shalt thou come.” It is the largest and I think the oldest fort in the defences of Washington, built on quite a high bluff, and commands a wide sweep of the Potomac and its banks. The Capitol at Washington may be seen long after leaving or before reaching the city – at a distance of twelve miles or more. It lifts its “imperial” dome high and proudly in the air, and is a living picture of beauty, grandeur, and magnificence. A lady visitor to our camp has thus apostrophized the Capitol. I take the liberty of quoting part of the poem. It was published in the National Intelligencer not long since.

All hail to thee,
First of our nation’s palaces? The seat
Where erst the primal fathers of the land,
In simpler and in happier days than these,
Brought forth their hopeful wisdom – offering pure
And blest to us. Oh, may it be for aye!
Lofty and beautiful, how long shalt thou
Outlast the powers that framed thee? Vain the boast
Of the old Goth, who said of ancient Rome
That the round Coliseum and the State
Should be eternal both. Now long forgot
Consul, and cerule-chair, and oaken crown,
And purple robe; army and empery
Have passed away! Yet still unmoved sits
The showless theatre, mid ruined shrines
And godless temples, mouldering but massive still.

Shall such a fate, too, be thine? In future years –
Long, long hereafter – when the fratricide
Of these sad days, like that of ancient Thebes,
Shall be a story merely – so insensate
As to o’erpass belief – in that far time
Shall musing wight like me, pacing along
Through ruined colonnades and roofless halls,
Retrace, in such poor rests, thy past renown –
Memorials of a power then vanished quite?
Oh, if such fate must be, yet let it not
O’ertake thee ere thy prime! Let me but see
Thy perfect beauty: On thine ample crown
Fair Freedom’s semblance and the stately stems
Of all thy columns clustered firm about thee;
Thy courts and halls vivid with patriot men,
Who think not of themselves, but of their country!
Be all this first accomplished, and if then
Dark ruin come, his step will be a sad one.

We arrived at Aquia Creek at noon, where we embarked in another boat for Waugh Point or Pratt’s Landing, reaching camp about the middle of the afternoon. Found all well, the “boys” in good spirits, and all ready for a move. There was one of the company missing who was a little unwell when I left camp, and who during my absence died of typhoid fever. His name was Lewis Langenberg. He was one of the detailed men, and belonged to a New Jersey regiment. With one or two exceptions, the health of the company was never better than now. We told our friends at home that the whole army was in tip-top condition. It continues so, and General Hooker may well feel proud over his good conditioned and well disciplined troops. Everything connected with the army of the Potomac is of the most hopeful character. May Heaven grant that when the army moves, it may be to victory and a triumphant success. Hooker will move rapidly when he begins a movement, and the fighting qualities of his men will be tested to the utmost. He does not lack confidence in his own abilities. And by this remark we do not mean that he has too much of self-reliance. The troops know that he is brave and that he expects them to be so in time of action.

Orders have recently been received relating to the transportation of supplies, baggage, etc., reducing the transportation of baggage to the lowest possible extremity. The line officers of an infantry regiment which, if full, numbers about 30, are to be allowed two pack mules only to carry their shelter tents, extra wardrobes, blankets, etc., and ten days marching rations. Mounted officers are to carry ten days rations on their horses, and are restricted to almost next to nothing, excepting what they can wear on their persons. Enlisted men will be allowed one blanket each and a certain amount in their knapsacks. No more wagons will be permitted than absolutely necessary, to convey ammunition, quartermaster and commissary supplies. The army has been required, to sum it up in a word, to put itself in the highest marching order. Everything cumbersome or that will tend to impede the rapid progress of the army must be sent away immediately, or it will have to be left behind when orders come to march. A person from each brigade is to be detailed to take all surplus baggage to Washington. All this, in a very unmistakable manner, means business.

An order came to-day prohibiting any more furloughs, or leaves of absence being granted, except in cases of extreme necessity. This order is indicative of a speedy inauguration of active movements. You people of the North may expect to hear, very shortly, that the Army of the Potomac is not only about ready to move, but is moving. Moving where, do you ask? Deponent saith not. No body knows what the contemplated movement is in this vicinity. Gen. Hooker wisely keeps the secret to himself. All we can say is look out for something “stirring.”

Another order has been issued, that all the Chief Quartermasters shall furnish badges to the general divisions and corps, to be worn by the officers and enlisted men of all regiments of the various Corps. The badges are to be securely fastened upon the centre of the cap, and are intended for the purpose of ready recognition of the different divisions and corps of the army, and to prevent injustice by reports of straggling and misconduct, through mistake, as to their organization. – The three colors, red, white and blue, will designate the 1st, 2nd and 3d divisions, respectively, belonging to any corps. Different forms or patterns of badges will designate the different corps. For instance, the first corps will wear a sphere. The second corps, a badge in the form of a trefoil. The third, a lozenge. The fifth, a maltese cross, etc.

The weather is mild and pleasant to-day. A heavy rain fell last night. The roads are still in a bad, deplorable condition, impassable, I think, for artillery. I imagine they will not remain long so, however. Their present condition, unquestionably, is the only drawback to an immediate movement of the army.

The soldiers are getting anxious to see the paymaster again. Five months’ pay is due the company, and the same amount to most of the regiments.

My next may inform you of orders to move – of a grand advance of the “grand Army of the Potomac.” G.B.

Camp Near Waugh Point, Va.
March 31st, 1863
(Appeared Tuesday April 7, 1863)

Dear Union: -- It does seem as if the elements of nature were directly against the Army of the Potomac, persistently opposed to its making an advance or beginning active, vigorous operations. Better, of course, that no movement should be begun before the weather is fairly settled, or it might terminate as lamentably as did the muddy march in January. Better wait till the “leafy month of June” even, when in lieu of rivers of mud there shall be clouds of dust, if, previous to that time, the inclemency of the weather continues as it now is, and there is no improvement in the roads. It is simply impossible for the army to accomplish anything effective or decisive so long as the “elements” wage such a terrible commotion and the foundations of Virginia soil are kept constantly broken up. Yesterday the dust was actually flying, and the prediction confidently made that within a week we should be in motion. The roads were in a better condition than we had seen them for many weeks. The battery turned out and had a fine drill about two miles from camp along the Potomac Creek, in a large field that is quite level for this vicinity. We had a regular old fashion Baltimore drill, going through many artillery movements that we used to execute so frequently during our pleasant sojourn of three months in the “monumental city.” Palmy halcyon days those were. What knew we then about a soldier’s hardships, the privations and perils of a soldier’s life! We had not been introduced to the epicurean beauties of “hard tack” and “salt horse,” had not made the acquaintance of long, tedious, wearisome marches; had not indulged in luxurious repose on the wet earth on a rainy night with the clouds for a covering; had not been the witness of a battle or tasted the stern and solemn realities of an encounter with the rebel foe or so much as smelt the sulphurous odor of gunpowder except in the firing of numberless blank cartridges. Nothing of all this had we seen or experienced when we were occupants of Stewart’s stately mansion on West Baltimore street and lived in soldierly affluence and ease. Nice stables we had for our horses, excellent conveniences for cooking and accommodation for “messing,” elegant grounds for drilling, and then such hospitality and kindness as were extended to us by the Union citizens of Baltimore. Those were happy days, we repeat, in our soldierly career, and, to add to their happiness, scarcely a week elapsed that did not report the achievement of some brilliant Federal victory which was the occasion of a salute from our battery. So many and rapid were the Union successes in the spring of ’62 that we seriously began to think we should never have an opportunity to test the merits and efficiency of Battery “L” in the field of action, and for fear that our patriotism might never be exhibited in an engagement with the enemy and that we should be obliged to return to your goodly city with having it said we never fired a shot at the rebels, our worthy and gallant captain addressed a note to Gen. Barry, then chief of artillery of the Army of the Potomac, asking a position in the field. It was not long after that patriotic request was made, when very suddenly and unexpectedly, on a bright and beautiful Sunday afternoon in the month of May, orders came to start immediately for Harper’s Ferry to help repel the advance of Stonewall Jackson. All anxiety as to never seeing a fight instantly vanished. Visions of fierce and deadly combats, mangled or amputated limbs, and of the many “horrors” of a battle field, forthwith darted up before our minds, but for all that, we felt not a little elated at the prospect of doing something of a more active and telling character than we had done in the service of our country.

But to come back to yesterday. The roads were dusty we have said. Not so to-day. Two or three inches of wet snow lie on the ground, and a mixture of rain and snow is now falling. This is why we remarked that it seemed as if the elements were against the army of the Potomac. The weather, however, will no doubt come around right ere long, removing the formidable barrier of impassible roads and enabling the army to move as rapidly as its brave and intrepid commander can wish. Every day there are fresh indications of a move. In the Quartermaster and Commissary Department there is bustle and activity, and we must say again what we have repeatedly told our readers in recent communications, that Hooker’s army, in organization and equipment, is perfect.

We surmise that General Butterfield, General Hooker’s chief of staff, has had an active hand in perfecting the army to its present fine condition. When he had command of a brigade (it may have been a division) in the Peninsula campaign, in many respects, in sanitary matters, equipment, etc., it surpassed, so reported, all other commands in the army. (14) Gen. B. pays particular attention to the physical wants and state of troops. He neglects nothing that he can do for the bodily comfort and benefit of soldiers, knowing that a soldier who is well cared for in this respect will give to his thoughtful and attentive commander double the zeal and cooperation in time of battle. It doesn’t injure the fighting qualities of a soldier to clothe and feed him well, although the rebels, who, from all accounts and appearances, are but half clothed and fed, appear to fight with the valor and undaunted heroism of our own men. We opine that one inducement they have for fighting so desperately is to obtain the supplies with which the Federal soldiers are so bountifully furnished.

A review of the army by Gen. Hooker was to take place last Saturday (March 28), but a rain storm prevented. It was to occur, or a review of our own corps, the day previous, but was postponed, so we were informed, in consequence of a hurdle race which came off that day, and to which many generals, colonels, captains and lieutenants had been invited, either as spectators or participants. We understand the race was attended with one or two very serious accidents. The hurdles races have too much of the break-neck composition about them to suit our fancy. – They may be a good thing to indulge in, by way of fitting one’s self to skeddadle in case Mr. Enemy should again give us chase back to the protecting fortifications of Washington. Of course such an occurrence as this is not dreamed of in our philosophy for a moment. Per contra, we intend to chase the rebels to their own stronghold, which we have been taking but haven’t taken for nearly two years. Madame Rumor says we shall find the Confederate capital as Napoleon found Moscow – evacuated and a heap of ruins. Very strange things happen now-a-days, as in days of yore, and possibly the evacuation and burning of Richmond may happen. If it does, will the rebellion be any nearer crushed?

Let me say a word or two about the commander of our division, Gen. Wadsworth. He is well liked by his command, and is very attentive and devoted in keeping it properly organized and supplied. Gives personal care in seeing that the different batteries and regiments composing his division are in good condition. Takes a personal interest in matters that perhaps other commanders wearing a single star might consider a compromise of their dignity and position, were they to do likewise. For instance, Gen. Wadsworth has not only superintended the laying down of a corduroy road, but has taken hold and helped lay the poles, has given his orders, and practically illustrated with his own hands how he would have them executed. The General has fifty oxen or more that have been confiscated for his division from rebel owners or contrabands who have come into our lines with their household goods and families, drawn by oxen. They are employed for drawing army wagons, and excellent substitutes they make for mules or horses. Gen. W. has a speciality for “live stock,” and what he doesn’t know about a horse or an ox isn’t worth knowing. Now, it happens – to borrow the language or idea of my “chum” Lieut. A. in alluding to the same matter – that some of the drivers are not well versed in the “gee” and “haw” movements of oxen. How to manage or manoeuvre with these animals is a lesson never learned by them. The other day General Wadsworth was seen, whip in hand, imparting instructions to drivers in the proper management of oxen. He was posting them up on “ox tactics,” a branch in the service not laid down in any military book of instruction for use in the army of the Potomac.

A new dodge has been tried of late by certain persons to get out of the service by applying for discharges to enable them to accept commissions, but after their discharges were granted, have declined to accept their commissions. This method of escape, however, from Uncle Sam’s employment only brands the individual who attempts it as a deserter, for if he seeks a discharge for the specific purpose of accepting a commission, he is in duty bound to act accordingly, -- otherwise his discharge is void and his case is considered one of clear desertion.

Corporal Webster Eaton of our company left last Saturday on a recruiting tour, he having been detailed by the Colonel commanding our regiment for that purpose. He will make his headquarters, doubtless, in Rochester, and in prospect of a rigid enforcement of the Conscription Act, we expect that his recruiting labors will be attended with good success, for if we understand the Conscription bill correctly, those who are drafted will be at liberty to serve in such companies or regiments as they may prefer.

The cheap price that government has put on patriotism, namely, three hundred dollars, will unquestionably be taken advantage of by very many, by multitudes perhaps, we may say. We confess that this matter of three hundred dollars, versa a life of active service in the field for three years or during the war, has, to us, an air of ludicrousness and inconsistency about it. We are afraid that this law of force in raising conscripts to save the country, in consideration that it permits a man to get off “scot free” with life and limb unscathed, by paying a small sum of money, comparatively, as an offset to being made a target for rebel balls and shells, will prove, in a great measure, a dead letter. We hope not. (15) We soldiers are wondering at the delay in calling for a half million or a million more of men. We are particularly anxious the President shall use the sword that has been given him to that unlimited extent with which he has been empowered to use it.

April 1. – Bright, clear, but very windy to-day. A circular has just been received, revoking the order issued last week forbidding the granting of any more furloughs or leaves of absence. The same system is to be observed as previous to the suspension. This renewal of the furlough system is a source of much gratification to the men. We see no reason why it should not be continued, even in the midst of active operations. The percent of furloughed men is two out of every hundred only, and the system acts very wisely and judiciously on the army. The renewal of furloughs and leaves of absence just at this time, when everything indicated a speedy move, may possible argue a postponement of operations. There may be a change of programme in the contemplated plans and arrangements of General Hooker. We shall see. G.B.

Camp Near Waugh Point, Va.
April 3d, 1863
(Appeared Friday, April 10, 1863)

Dear Union: -- Yesterday, there was a grand review of the First Corps – Gen. (John F.) Reynolds’ – by Gen. Hooker and staff. The second and third divisions were reviewed first, near their respective encampments, and at two o’clock our own division was reviewed on the large flat where our battery drilled the other day, mention of which was made in my last letter. The infantry were drawn up by close column of divisions, five lines deep, and extended half a mile in length. There were three brigades, numbering perhaps 12,000 or 13,000 men. The artillery, three batteries, six guns each, took a flank position in rear of the infantry in line of pieces, commanded by Capt. Reynolds. There was no waiting for the reviewing officer, the Commander of the Army of the Potomac. In fact, he was on hand fifteen minutes before time, and had to wait until the division was ready to receive him. This was reversing the order of matters in military reviews. As a general thing, when a review occurs the soldiers are kept waiting for the reviewing party to make his appearance, a long time after the specified hour, sometimes seven or eight hours, as was the case once in Maryland, and then after all this tedious delay, the announcement is perhaps made that the review is postponed till the next day. Do you wonder that a review under such circumstances is anything but delightful?

Gen. Hooker had reviewed the other divisions since 12 o’clock. He was not over ten minutes reviewing the 1st Division, riding mounted on a white horse at a very rapid speed, accompanied by his staff, numerous aide-de-camps and orderlies, along the infantry, up the front, then down the rear and then along the line of artillery. Off he darted and took a position for the troops to pass him in review. This required much more time. Everything went off pleasantly, and Gen. Hooker was very much gratified at the appearance of the men. He complimented the batteries. When he rode from the field he was enthusiastically cheered by some of the regiments. This manner of reviewing is illustrative of his energetic and dispatch-like qualities of character. Quick, rapid and daring in his movements. He was plainly attired, all gaudy military trappings being absent from his person and horse. He has a very commanding personal appearance, and looks, as he really is, as brave as a lion; and yet he has a very pleasing expression to his countenance, a keen eye, roseate complexion, and a mouth that bespeaks emphasis and decision. He it is who commands one of the largest, finest, best-organized and equipped armies that can be presented. We dare say he is anxious to put it in motion and lead it to victory.

The roads are rapidly drying up and they must now be in good passable condition for artillery. Three or four days ago a person would have thought that it would have taken weeks for the mud to dry up. The wind has been blowing very strongly and sharply for one or two days, and as I write now, it is in a perfect commotion, shaking and threatening to blow down my cotton domicile and to sweep things in general.

The President’s proclamation pardoning all deserters who should return to their commands by the 1st of April, has had a most beneficial effect. (16) Thousands have taken advantage of the President’s leniency; at least I judge so from the large number that have reported for duty at first division headquarters. Notwithstanding the criminality of their offence, their responding to the gracious offer of President Lincoln and surrendering themselves voluntarily to their commands is an evidence that they have no desire to be branded as deserters, but of their wish and intention to atone for their past misconduct and to make faithful, steadfast soldiers in future. We for one would be heartily glad, under all proclamation, to welcome every deserter back to the army – first, because the country imperatively needs their services, and then for their own good and the reputation of the federal army. This proclamation is not “inoperative, but reaches the cases of all classes of deserters and pardons them freely and fully, punishing them only by a forfeiture of pay and allowances during their absence from the army.

Three deserters from our company reported themselves on the strength of the proclamation, and the Captain informed the company this evening that they would be received and treated as former members, placed on the same footing with those who had remained faithful, and in consideration of their promise to do their duty, henceforth the past would be forgiven and forgotten. This, we think, was carrying out the spirit of the proclamation, and encouraging the forgiven soldiers to stand by their old comrades in the company, and prove themselves worthy to be trusted and an honor to their friends and country.

Perhaps your correspondent, in two or three of his last communications, has been guilty of communicating “contraband” information, from the fact that a certain correspondent of the New York Herald, a citizen, was tried not long since before a military commission on the charge of “giving valuable information to the enemy, in that he wrote for publication about preparations being made for a new campaign,” “cutting down our transportation,” “officers carrying shelter tents,” “stirring events at hand,” etc. He pleaded guilty, and the court sentenced him for hard labor, under charge of a guard, for six months, and at the expiration of that time to be expelled from the lines of the armies of the United States. The first half of the sentence was commuted, however, and the poor quill-driver was allowed to depart from the lines without performing the severe manual labor that had been imposed upon him, but never to return, I believe, while the war lasted. Now, possibly, your correspondent may be “brought up standing,” to await a similar charge. (17)

The orders about cutting down transportation, sending home superfluous baggage, etc., were made public to the army, and, no doubt, there were thousands of pens that immediately transmitted the intelligence to their friends, prefacing the same with the remark: “Getting ready for a move,” or something to that effect. If the news had not been transmitted to the newspapers by their “special correspondents,” it would have found its way in Northern journals very quickly through private sources. But we wonder how long it was before the “valuable information” became known to the rebels previous to its publication in a New York paper? Why, we have just read that the appointment of Burnside to his new command, and all the particulars about his contemplated movements, were fully known at Richmond before a vestige of the fact had been so much as whispered outside that great secret chamber, the Cabinet. How was the information imparted? By a newspaper correspondent? The “leak” was somewhere else. Newspaper correspondents have got to get up at a much earlier hour than they are in the habit of rising to acquaint the rebels with news pertaining to the operations of our armies. Jeff. Davis and his crew seem to be gifted with a kind of prescience, relating to all movements of the Federal forces, and more than once it has happened that the first intimation about a contemplated movement on our part has been received through rebel sources. But of course all this doesn’t warrant our transmission of news for publication which might be of service to the enemy. We promise to put a stricter surveillance on our pen, and tell nothing that ought not to be told.

It is not contraband to say the army has not moved, -- but look out for a movement between now and the Fourth of July, if not a good deal earlier.

Our attention has just been called to the official report of Gen. McClellan, giving a history of the movements of the Army of the Potomac from the time that it evacuated Harrison’s Landing, until after the rebel army was driven from Maryland. We have read it with a great deal of gratification. The friends of McClellan cannot arise from its perusal with (without?) feelings of additional admiration for the patriot and hero, and of increased confidence in his ability and genius as a soldier and commander. His opponents and fault finders, who read this history of important events that transpired in the month of September, cannot, if they read it with any degree of candor, but be convinced that McClellan displayed the greatest wisdom and all the qualities of a great general in the conduct of the Maryland campaign. It is a plain, simple, unvarnished statement of facts, many of which fell under our observation and are associated with our experience as a company. Never shall we forget the emotions of joy that were felt by the soldiers when it was announced after the unfortunate campaign of Pope, and we were falling back on Washington, that Gen. M’Clellan had been appointed to take command of all the forces of the Potomac. Our march through Maryland, all worn out and exhausted as the army was by a long series of marches and engagements in Virginia, was a brilliant one, and splendidly conducted. “Only six miles a day,” it has been said, M’Clellan marched. Ye shades of Napoleon, could mortal man, with such an army as M’Clellan had taken command of under the most unfavorable circumstances, reorganized in the process of hot, tedious, dusty marches, in pursuit of a powerful and desperate enemy, trying to ferret out their purposes and plans, feeling its way, encountering and fighting the foe in chosen and entrenched positions, driving him up mountains and over valleys – could mortal man, in consideration of all this, have traveled faster than he, who so gallantly led the army of the Potomac through Maryland and liberated this loyal State from the invasion of a hundred thousand armed rebels and traitors! (18)

In this official report, which it would appear has been lying on the shelf for five and a half months, many hidden and dark things are brought to light; false statements are brushed away, and M’Clellan’s conduct in the great battle of Antietam is clearly vindicated. When we were at home a short time since, the question was frequently put to us, “Why did not M’Clellan follow up his victory and put the enemy to flight, if not destroy it? What was there to hinder him from doing so?” Our reply was “Wait and see until M’Clellan’s record of that battle is laid before the public.” Unquestionably he had the best of reasons for not renewing the fight the next day, paramount of which was the safety of his own army, and of the very country. To imperil one was of course to open wide the doors of Washington and Baltimore for the invaders to enter and destroy. M’Clellan’s caution would not allow him to take such risks with his exhausted and shattered troops.” Does not his report justify the course he adopted? G.B.

In Camp Near Waugh Point, Va.
April 10, 1863
(Appeared Friday, April 17, 1863)

Dear Union: -- As I write the sound of cannon can be heard, coming from the direction of Brook Station, five or six miles distant from our encampment. What does it mean? Is the enemy attacking our troops in that vicinity? Is the daring Stewart making another raid? There, the cannonading has ceased. It lasted about five minutes only. It must be that the President is reviewing either the eleventh or twelfth corps. Both of these corps lie near Stafford Court House and Brook Station, and we are told they were to be reviewed to-day by the President and Gen. Hooker. This has been a grand review week of the Army of the Potomac. The President, wife and a little son have been the guests of Gen. Hooker since Saturday last (April 4), and Gen. H. has improved this opportunity for reviewing his command. It is the first time he has reviewed all his troops since he was appointed Commanding General. Tuesday (April 7) the cavalry, under command of General Stoneman, were reviewed; Wednesday, the 2d, 3d, 5th and 6th corps were reviewed. It was a magnificent military pageant, one of the largest and finest military displays that ever took place on the American continent. It occurred not far from general headquarters, back of Falmouth one or two miles. We were privileged to witness the grand spectacle, and could not but wish that the good citizens of Rochester might have enjoyed the scene.

There were over –000 troops present on the occasion. We must say blank number, and let our readers imagine the exact figures. We havn’t forgotten that poor, unfortunate newspaper correspondent, mentioned in our last, who unwittingly told a thing or two that everybody knew or was expecting, or that had been communicated by an army of scribblers, privately if not publicly. Suffice it to say that there were men enough clad in the habiliments of war to more than populate a city like Rochester, counting every inhabitant. Officers were as “thick as hops.” Major Generals and Brigadiers, with their shoulders emblazoned with double and single stars, were scattered profusely over the grounds representing a variety of character and ability. The names of some have become as familiar as household words, for their heroism and patriotism. We havn’t time to individualize as we should like to. Of course, Gen. Hooker was the most observed. “He is the handsomest general in the army,” is a remark that may be frequently heard. His chief-of-staff, Major Gen. Butterfield, was active in attending to the details of the review. He, too, possesses a fine personal appearance, and has the air of a soldier and commander. General (Marsena) Patrick was conspicuous, mounted on a beautiful black horse and looking the very picture of a patriarch. The duties of his office, Provost Marshal General, required him, now and then, to exercise authority in keeping back the crowd of spectators from breaking over the lines, and there was no disregarding his commands, given in the most heavy and stentorian of voices.

The President was the great centre of attraction, for it was to him, in particular, that this vast army paid their acknowledgments of military respect, he in return saluting officers and men by taking off his hat. He was mounted on a fine bay horse, richly caparisoned, and near him, as the troops passed in review, was a carriage drawn by four horses, containing Mrs. Lincoln and two or three others, attended by a body guard of Lancers. Young Master Lincoln was mounted on a pony, and in reviewing, he did well, which was no easy matter keeping up with the President, Gen. Hooker and staff, (the staff consisted of a large number of volunteer aides, who joined it without asking any questions) who rode at quite a rapid gait, and were obliged to make their hoses leap several ditches which unexpectedly presented themselves, while passing the lines. The President is probably one of the plainest appearing men in the country. He looks grave and worn, showing unmistakably the signs of vast care and responsibility that have so heavily borne and now rest upon him. We saw him when he passed through Rochester during that eventful period preceding his inauguration, and he certainly seems a score of years older to-day than he did then. What a tempest of duties, what a terrible ordeal of labor of mind and body, what a conflict of the most important and difficult matters he has had to pass through since becoming an occupant of the White House. Whatever may be the praises or faults, however he may have discharged the duties of his high office, we must all admit he has been placed in the most trying and onerous position that ever befell the lot of a President of the United States. History will render an impartial verdict, either for or against him.

When Mr. Lincoln smiles or laughs, an immediate change passes over his whole features, and that gravity and dull anxiety of countenance assumes a marked expression of animation and good humor, and the change is great and very apparent. (19)

Mrs. Lincoln is the type of a matronly looking woman, smiling features, small eyes and very fair complexion. There were several ladies on the ground horseback, which imparted interest to the scene.

We noticed the “old Thirteenth,” (13th New York) led by Major (Francis) Schoeffel, pass by, also the 108th in command of Col. (Charles) Powers. The troops looked and marched finely. A truly splendid army and no mistake.

We could see the rebel camps across the river on the heights of Fredericksburg, and no doubt the “butternuts” saw what was going on very distinctly with field glasses. They will probably have a good deal nearer view of these same troops in a few days, and we hope they will enjoy the sight so much as to be willing to become friends.

Yesterday the 1st corps was reviewed by the President, Gen. Hooker and staff. It came off on the plain along the Potomac Creek, and though considerably less in numbers, the affair was more brilliant than that of the day previous. The day was much more beautiful, and the place of review was pleasanter – the water and surrounding scenery adding much to the occasion. In passing in review there was some of the finest marching performed by the 14th Brooklyn regiment we ever saw. They have doffed their red pants, which we never fancied for active service, and donned blue ones. With their Zouave jackets and white gloves, and highly polished guns, they made a splendid appearance. Every man stepped with the precision of and looked every inch a soldier. The regiment has done noble service. The batteries belonging to the corps, ten in number, passed in review by whole batteries; that is, in line of pieces, and the effect was very fine.

This grand review of the entire army taken in connection with the President’s visiting it, argues a movement not far distant. The roads are in good condition, the mud being all dried up, excepting in occasional localities. Everything looks hopeful, encouraging. The health of the army is excellent, its spirits ditto, its discipline the same, and now, when we do move, if we can only be successful, whip Lee’s army and effect an entrance into Richmond, what a happy people this army of the Potomac will make you at the North, though to accomplish all this may cost the terrible price of thousands of human victims sacrificed on the field of battle. Well, the army will not shrink from the contest, but enter it with ready, brave and patriotic hearts, and may God grant success.

A novel order was received this afternoon setting apart to-morrow for washing purposes, and making it obligatory on every soldier in our division, and I suppose the same in other divisions, to appear on Sunday morning inspection with a clean shirt. If any one is delinquent in this matter, his commander will have to report him to head-quarters under arrest.

Cleanliness is next to Godliness, so said, and the above order is eminently praise-worthy. – It is to be hoped the coming day will be dry and pleasant, to enable the ordered washing and scrubbing to be properly done. How the exact mode of inspection will be performed may be a secret. Gen. Hooker is bound to have his army start forth in good style with clean clothes, albeit, they will probably be in somewhat of a wild condition before they make their debut at the rebel Capital.

It has been mild and warm to-day, and the boys have been “basking in the glorious sunshine,” and having a good time playing base ball. This favorite game is indulged in very extensively by the army. Pitching quoits is another amusement. (20) These out-door sports have a happy effect on the men. Indulgence in another variety of sports will soon be the order of the day. Throwing cannon balls and pitching shells will shortly be the game. May the “innings” all be ours. G. B.

In Camp , Near Waugh Point, Va.
April 15, 1863
(Appeared Wednesday, April 22, 1863)

Dear Union: -- As I write a most terrible storm is prevailing – a storm of wind and rain. At intervals the wind abates in violence, only to renew with greater fury; and the rain occasionally slackens and falls in less copious quantities, but for a short time, when the pelting drops come down faster and harder than ever. Yesterday the skies were clear and fair, and, for the first time, as we went out to drill, we saw trees in bud, denoting plainly the advent of spring. The roads were all that an army could ask, and we expected – it won’t be aiding or abetting the enemy to divulge the expectation, will it? – to-day would find us improving the good condition of the roads by being in motion with the whole of Hooker’s grand army.

Though no orders have come specifying the exact hour when we shall move, everything is in perfect readiness to start at a moment’s notice. All superfluous baggage has been disposed of, knapsacks have been filled with five days’ rations, three days’ rations are ready to be put into the haversacks, the battery is fully supplied with ammunition, the horses are in fine traveling condition, the men were never in better spirits, and all we wait for is the command from the army’s brave commander, “forward, march.” Every company, every regiment, every brigade, division and corps is prepared to move whenever the word is given to do so. Ought I to tell you that a part of the army has already moved – moved Monday morning (April 13) for, -- here I must stop, for where the cavalry and horse artillery have gone, I do not know, but conjecture the enemy has made their acquaintance ere this, and you will probably receive full accounts of the expedition long before this letter reaches its destination. Is the rest of the army to act in conjunction with the movements of the above troops? and, if so, will the severe storm which has been raging since last night frustrate the plans and combinations of the General commanding?

Man proposeth but God disposeth. Is the Great Disposer of all human plans and events teaching this army that without Him, though it may be the perfection of strength, organization, equipment, discipline, everything which military power and ingenuity can make effective, it can accomplish nothing? Is He, who rules armies and decides the issue of battles, teaching this great and magnificent army that be its plans and combinations the scene of military genius, sagacity and wisdom, they will all come to naught unless His Providence is recognized as essential to success, and He “goeth not forth” to give the victory?

That saying, said to be Napoleon’s, that God is on the side of the heaviest artillery, is an Infidel one, if by it is meant that human wisdom and strength in the accomplishment of plans can succeed without the help of the Divine hand. Napoleon’s ill-success in certain engagements with the enemy, though his plans and resources in men and weapons were superior, shows that the statement ascribed to him was a fallacious one in its workings in his own case. And his utter defeat at the battle of Waterloo, although there was nothing, apparently, lacking to make it a brilliant victory instead of a most disastrous defeat, although Napoleon felt sure of triumph; and his mighty genius was exhibited in all its details and outlines in the perfect arrangement of that battle of battles, goes conclusively to prove how the best arranged plans, the most skillful of combinations, the greatest amount of means, will all be abortive, if God’s assistance be withheld or his blessing denied. That in the prosecution of war, as in all other matters, every possible means should be employed to secure the proposed and necessary results, is no less a truth to be observed than the recognition of an overruling Providence who guides and controls the affairs of men. Both are equally great truths, and are harmonious – but the latter is too apt to be lost sight of, or ignored, and when this is the case, the lesson, not only of Holy Writ, but of history is that “the race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong.”

Is this moralizing? Well, it is not wholly unwarranted, considering that to-day is the anniversary of the commencement of the war, of actual hostilities between the North and the South, when the Chief Magistrate of the Nation appealed to the people to take up arms against open treason and rebellion, and in defence of the country and for the preservation of her Union, Constitution and Laws. Just two years ago to-day the first call for troops was made, and with what enthusiasm and alacrity the call was responded to! Did ever a people attest their loyalty more promptly, strongly and devotedly, than did the twenty millions of Northerners, who, at the summons to come and save the Republic, stood up as one man and offered purse and life for its salvation? What strength, and power, and resources were immediately exhibited, and the nation said and believed in the fullness and greatness of her might and power that the hydra-headed monster, secession, rebellion and treason would speedily be made to release its grapple at her destruction and would, in a few weeks or months at the longest, be crushed, forever crushed. What, a few seceded, disaffected, rebellious slave-holding States, which in point of numbers and material were almost unworthy to be classed with the free and loyal States, what, they a compeer in prowess, skill and energy of the giant States of the North? Ridiculous.

Alas, for our pride and self-confidence, our strength, wisdom, exhaustless resources, skill, energy, everything of which we so triumphantly boasted. Our valor soon found its equal, our skill was met by equal skill, our energy had its match, the “hydra-headed monster” grew stronger, larger, more defiant and the rebellion, how stands it to-day? More than twelve times 75,000 men have been summoned into the field since that first call, and yet, will not this vast number have to be duplicated before treason receives its death blow? And then too, must not the “God of battles” fight for and with us before we can achieve success?

Friday, April 17th, and my letter not gone, and neither has our company gone, but here we remain in camp passive and inactive as ever. So with the whole army, excepting the large force that started forth somewhere, referred to in the first lines of this communication. Rumor says they have “bagged” 4,000 rebels. We want to believe it, but how can we, when only a few days ago we were assured that Charleston was a heap of ruins, that this vile nest of treason had been “cleared out” and now, to-day, the news is fully confirmed that the attack on that impregnable stronghold was a complete failure, that the ironclads and indomitable “cheese-boxes” were hurrying back to Port Royal, that Hunter was en route, double quick, to relieve the environed Foster, etc., etc.

Why don’t we move? Something is up, surely, or Hooker would advance after all the preparations that have been made to do so. Why do we thus “stand on the order of our going” and not press forward? There is another rumor which says that Hooker and half his staff have gone to Washington. Matters look a little mixed, to say the least. The clouds seem to be gathering dark and heavy again. The Army of the Potomac, which has been all buoyancy, cheerfulness and hope, is affected in spirits and feels “blue,” because of the news from Charleston, Vicksburg and North Carolina. Is it not possible for this army to make a heavy blow on the rebel force that confronts it and thus disperse the black clouds which are gathering over the country? We will hope for a brighter picture to shortly appear. (21) The weather is very pleasant to-day. The effects of Wednesday’s storm are still to be seen in the condition of the roads, but this is not the cause of the army’s delay to go forward. G. B.

Camp near Waugh Point, Va.
April 24, 1863
(Appeared Friday, May 1, 1863)

Dear Union: The non-commissioned officers of a company hold a very significant relation to that company, and determine in a great measure its character and efficiency. In its workings and connections they are the connecting link between the commissioned officers and the rank and file. Upon them devolve certain duties, important and responsible, on the faithful discharge of which are the interests of the company, as also their own personal interests and advancement. In a limited sense they are commanders, and respect and obedience is to be rendered to them by those under their command just as much as to the captain of a company or to the General commanding an army even. Military rule is very plain and strict about this matter, and the private who is disrespectful to his Corporal or Sergeant, and is disobedient to his orders, cannot properly escape with impunity. He commits an offense which military law, in some instances, according to the degree of the offence, follows with very severe and shameful punishment. As has often been remarked, obedience in military service is the first and great law, and the non-observance of it renders it impossible to have discipline, efficiency, or anything else, except demoralization, in a military organization, however small or extensive that organization may be. This obedience must begin way up with the Major General, and extend down to the private soldier. A slight disobedience of orders, anywhere along the scale, may disarrange and upset the most skillful and important plans and combinations, and be productive of disastrous consequences. This has too frequently been sadly illustrated in the conduct of our unhappy civil war.

As with commissioned, so with non-commissioned officers, it rests with them, to a great extent, whether the respect due them shall be given heartily and cheerfully, or reluctantly and forcibly. The display of manly and soldierly qualities will be almost sure to win for the non-commissioned officer that esteem and confidence, and ready obedience, which are so necessary to gain in order to make a military position an effective and pleasant one, and which, when rendered, greatly relieve military service of those rigid, and I may say, machine-like features that are attributed to it. Soldiers under our volunteer system are not regarded as “mere machines,” however they may be estimated in the regular army, and hence the necessity of treating them like men and companions in a common cause, and yet, in doing this, the proper etiquette and rules relating to soldiers and their superiors in office need not, ought not to, for the good of the service, be departed from.

But I am deviating too many lines upon this matter when my object was to introduce and chronicle anew the names of the non-commissioned officers now belonging to Battery “L,” in consideration of the changes and promotions that have been made in the company since it was first organized, and in justice to the officers themselves. The names of officers supporting shoulder straps are often seen in print, sometimes it may be, to the expulsion and injustice of their subordinates who wear chevrons, the latter, in many cases, deserving more conspicuous and honorable mention than the former. A Captain’s or Lieutenant’s reputation for valor or efficiency in the field is not unfrequently achieved for him by the good conduct and qualities of his non-commissioned officers. Especially is this the case in the artillery service, where a Sergeant is Chief of a piece, and a corporal has command of a gun detachment, and the pointing and firing of that gun.

The following are the names of the non-commissioned officers of battery “L,” 1st Regiment N.Y. Light artillery:

Orderly Sergeant – Charles De Mott.

Quartermaster Sergeant – Wm. P. Hays.

1st Sergeant, Thos. Steenstra; 2d do, Windfield S. Chase; 3d do, Wm. H. Shelton; 4th do, Amos Gibbs, 5th do, Chas. A. Rooney; 6th do, Wm. Connor.

Corporals – Melville Buell, Andrus H. Holcombe, Myron H. Mathews, Webster Eaton, John G. Campbell, Egbert Hoekstra, Henry W. Sherman, Geo. F. Tillotson, Chas. W. Hale, Andrew Turley, Frederick Deits, Geo. Blake.

Battery “L” has always been favored with non-commissioned officers who, with few exceptions, have done credit and honor to themselves and the company. In camp, on the march, and in the field, they have proved worthy of their appointments and promotions. I should like to begin at the head of the list herewith published, and particularize the characteristics, personel, etc., of each non-commissioned officer, but time will not permit at present a hasty description of more than two or three.

There’s Orderly Sergeant DeMott, who was formerly 1st sergeant, and whose connection with the Battery dates back to its earliest organization. In person he is tall, with a good display of limbs, not over graceful in his movements, they denoting more vigor than elegance. His red hair, shaven quite closely to his head, his small eyes, which are generally half closed when engaged in conversation, and his heavy beard and moustache of quite a fiery color, covering and very nearly concealing his face, give him rather a singular looking appearance. He entered the service of his country from motives of the purest patriotism and his love for the Union and devotion to its cause have not diminished in the least by long service, but increased if anything. Whatever may be the conduct of the war, the policy of the administration, the blunders committed, the defeats sustained, Orderly DeMott’s motto is, “The cause is as good and pure as it ever was, and to abandon it or despair at success, is cowardly and unmanly.” His honesty and uprightness of character, regard for truth, correct and exemplary deportment, combined with his prompt, faithful and obedient qualities as a soldier, have, of course, gained for him that respect and esteem which such characteristics and qualities always command. His sincerity and earnestness of manner in the discussion of any subject is immediately apparent, as also a certain amount of excitability of temperament. He fills the position of Orderly Sergeant well, a post which every soldier knows is one of labor and responsibility.

Quartermaster Sergeant Hays is an Ohioan, a thorough, full-bred Buckeye, an excellent representative of that corn-growing, stock-producing, large, magnificent and patriotic State. Of medium height, stout, strong, fleshy; a large head, a round, full-orbed face, lighted up with a couple of little eyes, whose diminutiveness is increased by their being half shut most of the time, and that shine out from under scanty brows, which by no means overshadow them. His nose is neither Roman nor Grecian, but strictly home-made, purely American style, (my readers must imagine what style that is) which with his small, partially compressed mouth, is indicative of energy, persistency, and I may add a spirit of pugnacity, which, however, has never particularly manifested itself excepting in time of battle, when the rebels have found him a hard customer to deal with. His plain, ample, honest, good-natured countenance, the yellowish tinge of his hair and whiskers, and the open, frank expression of his features, have given him the expressive sobriquet of “Sunflower,” a flower that is supposed to turn its face ever to the sun, and proclaiming more geniality than beauty.

Quartermaster Hays’ connection with the Battery may be said to have been an accident, a fortuitous one, as it has proved, to the company. He was passing through Rochester from Columbus, Ohio, his native home and residence, en route for Boston to enter the service of the Navy, when he was induced to stop in Rochester a day or two, putting up at the New England House, where his attention was arrested by a conspicuous recruiting bill, setting forth in patriotic and persuasive language, and vividly portraying in a picture representing a mounted battery coming into action – the duty of every young man to enlist in defence of his country, and the great desirableness of serving in the artillery branch of service in preference to any other. Reading the one and looking at the other caused the young man to call at the recruiting office of the then organizing Reynolds’ Battery. The result was his enlistment in the company, and another volunteer added to the army. Though a perfect stranger, he forthwith began to work for the practical conversion of others to the Federal cause. He had been a first-class locomotive engineer on a railroad in Ohio, over which he always made rapid speed with his steam horse, never failing to make time, but generally ahead. His go-a-head-it-ive-ness was illustrated in the enterprise of recruiting, and has been amply demonstrated all the time he has been in the company.

On the arrival of the company in Washington he was appointed 1st Corporal, and before we left there he was promoted to a Sergeant. No drivers, cannoneers, horses, gun or caisson in the battery received more attention than his. Always on hand, ready to do anything or go any where whenever ordered.

In consequence of the sickness and absence of Quartermaster Sergeant A. A. Ganyard – recently discharged from service on account of continued disability – it became necessary at the commencement of last fall’s campaign to appoint some member of the company to act in his place. Who should he be?

Do my readers know anything about the duties of a Quartermaster and Commissary in the army? Suffice it to say it is the hardest, most perplexing, trying, thankless, difficult post to fill satisfactory there is. A Quartermaster and Commissary is supposed, one would infer from the demands made upon him, to possess the three attributes of omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence. Soldiers must be fed daily and kept clothed, and horses must eat, and if supplies are not furnished promptly, no matter what the circumstances may be about the difficulties of procuring them, of transportation through unfathomable seas of mud, etc., alas for the pious benedictions bestowed on the poor man!

Now, a Quartermaster Sergeant in a six-gun battery has 110 horses to supply constantly with forage; 150 men to supply daily with rations; has charge of and is responsible for the transportation and safety of all stores required for the company, and his position is one, especially in active service, that demands energy and force of character or action, the qualifications of industry, promptness, faithfulness.

Sergeant Hays possessed all these, and he must therefore act in the capacity of Q.M. Sergeant, and so he did, and to-day he fills that position in the most satisfactory manner. No man in the company is more popular than he – a popularity most meritoriously won. A characteristic of his is, that in the discharge of his duties, he goes to work as if the fate of the nation hung suspended on his correct performance of them. He displays an earnestness and practicalness worthy of emulation by some of the nation’s higher officials.

A brief mention of Sergeant William H. Shelton and I will close. He enlisted when the company was in Elmira and was among the first appointed Sergeants. He hails from Bloomfield, which is unquestionably a better and more desirable field to bloom, that is, to live in, than the tented fields. Sergeant S. however, like thousands of other patriotic young men, could not resist the desire to take part in the struggle for country and nationality, and so down went his name on the enlistment roll and doffing his citizens dress, he arrayed himself in the livery and armor of Uncle Sam. He had just come from the “classic halls of lore,” and he brought with him into the army the acquisitions of learning, such for instance as a cultivated taste; an easy, interesting and graceful pen that has occasionally entertained the readers of your contemporary across the way; treasures of literature; to all this, he brought with him the qualities of a bright, genial and companionable character, and a spice and originality of conversation. Of course, the change from the seat of erudition to the seat of war, from the refinements and luxuries of a pleasant home and civilized society to the roughness, hardships and privations of camp and the field, and the atrocities of warfare was a very sudden and a very great one for Sergeant S. to undergo; when the Battery began its first vigorous and active campaign and soft bread was exchanged for hard tack, fresh beef for raw salt pork, comfortable sleeping quarters indoors or under the spacious cover of a Sibley tent, for a bed on the hard ground outdoors with the sky for a covering, and other changes of a kindred nature were made, no wonder the Sergeant – considering too that he was seriously indisposed at the time, and had been quite sick for several days – remarked to his company commander: “Captain, I never can bring myself down to living on hard tack.” He was simply mistaken, that’s all, as facts afterwards demonstrated, for it was not long before, with all the rest of the company, officers and men, he began to appreciate the beauties and nourishment of a single “hard tack.” The health and ruggedness of his personal appearance attest the good that camp and field life has accomplished for him and I venture to quoth, he is now ready to invoke blessings on the man who first invented hard tack. He is very observant of things and persons and nothing escapes his eye on a march. Is never in a flurry, but takes matters, whether in camp or exposed to a storm of balls and bullets on the battle field, very coolly and tranquilly.

But no more biography for the present. G. B.

April 25. – The same old story to relate, namely, “All quiet on the Rappahannock.” We have occupied our present Camp four months and three days, a longer period than we have ever occupied any one Camp before. Who would have believed, four months ago, that the Army of the Potomac would have remained inactive for a third of a year! Nobody’s fault, perhaps.

Marching and fighting versus rain, snow and Virginia mud, are not an equal match, and the latter has completely triumphed. But surely, there must be a change soon.

It rained nearly all day yesterday, and the day previous it rained a heavy, steady stream, but last night the moon and stars came out brightly, and to-day it is pleasant and cloudless, though a most violent wind is blowing.

The Paymaster is here paying off Gen. Paul’s Brigade, and next Tuesday he says, Battery ‘L” shall be paid up to March, four months pay. He will be welcomed, but the “Greenbacks” will be welcomed more.

Rifle Pits have been thrown up in the vicinity of our camp, which, when the army moves, will be used against any rebel raids that may be made around here. Dismounted Cavalry will be posted in them, there being, I am told, two thousand cavalry in the army whom it is impossible, at present, to furnish with horses. G.B.

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