Battery L, 1st Artillery Regiment (Light) - George Breck Columns: Chapter 25: “They Will Stand By Him Through ‘Thick And Thin’” Grant Takes Command, March 30, 1864 — May 1, 1864

1st Artillery Regiment (Light)
Battery L
George Breck Columns
Chapter XXV:

One of many critical turning points during the Civil War came with Lincoln’s appointment of Ulysses S. Grant as commander of all Union forces on March 12, 1864. Grant brought with him a reputation for hard fighting and bulldog tenacity. The soldiers instinctively knew that the next round of fighting would, as Breck suggests below, be “a severer and deadlier contest, a more awful clashing of arms, than has characterized any previous year of the war.”

Near Culpepper, Va.
March 30, 1864
(Appeared Monday, April 4, 1864)

The closing days of March are certainly very lion-like, judging from the terrific storm of yesterday, and the cold, boisterous wind of to-day. As much, if not more rain has fallen this month than fell all the winter just passed, but the absence of frost from the ground causes the earth quickly to dry with a few hours sunshine and strong wind. Last winter and most of the Spring heavy rains and unfathomable depths of mud characterized the season, and the futility of winter campaigning has (was?) woefully illustrated in Burnside’s mud march. Military operations might have been conducted very favorably, however, during the past winter, so far as regarded the weather. That they will soon be begun, with renewed vigor and determination to achieve success, is every way probable, the notes of preparation having already been sounded in the reorganization of the army, the sending away of the sick, and the commencement of general inspections and reviews.

The first review of a portion of this army by Lieut. Gen. Grant took place yesterday forenoon. The old First corps, now consolidated with the Fifth, was reviewed. Gen.Grant was accompanied by generals Meade and Warren and a small staff of officers. The weather was so unpleasant that after the reviewing party had passed along the front of the troops they were dismissed without passing in review. There were no enthusiastic demonstrations, but every soldier and officer who had never seen the new Lieutenant General was, of course, eager to catch a sight of him. He was mounted on a beautiful bay horse, which was modestly caparisoned, and rode very slowly along the lines, observing closely the appearance of the troops. Small in stature, rather delicately featured, a mild benign and pleasant countenance, and altogether unlike the man in point of looks of whom we had formed an opinion. We had gotten the idea that he was a stern, rigid, inflexible looking man, really war-like in visage, of a somewhat fierce countenance, but we found him just the reverse of this in personal appearance. He reminded us of McClellan, not that there is a resemblance of face between the two, but there is the same pleasantness of feature, only that of McClellan’s is much more animated and smiling. By the way, speaking of McClellan, there is lying before us a newspaper article, the production, we believe, of your patriotic cotemporary across the way. Mention is made of the grand review which was talked of to take place last Thursday. It did not take place, the article says, and would assign as a reason why it did not occur the fact that “Gen. Grant has no taste for the holiday shows and pageantry which used to delight the vainglorious soul of ‘Little Mac.’” Ah, indeed. How about Lieutenant General Grant’s review of the 1st Corps yesterday? Was that a manifestation of “vaingloriousness” on the part of the gallant Hero of Vicksburg? Was that an exhibition of “taste for holiday shows?” The “grand review” spoken of would doubtless have taken place had the weather permitted, and it is very likely to yet. The soldiers want to see their new Commanding General, just as they wanted and loved to see their old Commander, General McClellan, whenever opportunity was afforded, and we can honestly assure your respected cotemporary that the last sight of “Little Mac” by the soldiers of the Army of the Potomac was marked with none the less joy and enthusiasm (–) unless it was oppressed and saddened at the thought that they should see him no more – than that which the soldiers felt and displayed when the hero of the seven day’s battles before Richmond and of Antietam first presented himself to their view. The soldiers honor Lieutenant General Grant and they may learn to love him as they do M’Clellan. Certainly he has already won their trust and enthusiasm, and they will stand by him through “thick and thin,” believing him to be eminently worthy of their confidence, as shown by his character and abilities. But don’t think it strange if they continue to stand by “Little Mac,” though removed from them as their commander, and justly resent the slurs, petty slanders and malicious attacks upon his pure, unselfish, patriotic character and brilliant military fame. Said one of the first and ablest generals in the federal service, in our presence, at the close of the great battle of Antietam on that bloody field: “M’Clellan is too pure and unselfish for his own good.” And yet, this is the man and soldier whom malignity and enmity follow and assault and try to stab and kill. So was Washington assaulted, and behold the verdict of history – of his countrymen – of all mankind wherever his name is known.

[. . .] The breaking up of the First corps organization caused much regret among many of the officers and soldiers composing it. They wished that its distinction might be preserved on account of its services in the war, identified by them with its history, and as Gen. Newton remarked in his farewell order to the corps, of which he held command since the death of the brave Reynolds – “giving at Gettysburg a crowning proof of valor and endurance in saving from the enemy the strong position upon which the battle was fought.” No doubt the consolidation of the corps gives greater strength to the army, and this fact reconciles the minds of those who desired to preserve the title of the First corps to the change. Three or four of the batteries in our brigade will probably be transferred to the Fifth corps, though nothing official has been received for the matter. The rest will go in the Reserve Artillery, not including Battery L, however, which it is said, will be needed at the front. That place is familiarly known.

We are to try our skill at target practice tomorrow or next day, preparatory to shooting at living targets. Sad and solemn business the latter, though a stern and fearful necessity demands it. May the necessity speedily cease to exist.

There will be a second exodus of “old veterans” from our battery to-morrow, who go home on thirty-five days furlough. On their return, they will find us where, we wonder? Knocking at the gates of Richmond? On the first of last May, the Army of the Potomac was in the “Wilderness.” And very soon after, the army was quickly out of it. It may be in that vicinity the coming May. G.B. (1)

Near Culpepper, Va.
April 14, 1864
(Appeared Monday, April 18, 1864)

It is a lovely day, a day of sunshine and warmth, gladdening the heart and awakening those feelings of joyful gratitude, which are called forth by an appreciative contemplation of the Divine works as exhibited in nature. Spring is quietly developing her beauties, in the budding and leaving of trees, the growth of the green grass, the soft and balmy airs of heaven, and long since the birds began their beautiful melodies, and now, every morning, the air is vocal with their songs. Welcome, thrice welcome, this most beautiful and gladsome season of the year. The symbol of a new life, of a resurrection from the dead, of another existence, forever fresh and blooming, an eternal Spring in the Paradise of God. Will it be ours? Yes, if we rightly improve the fleeting, changing seasons of the present life.

We would that the new spring on which we have entered had brought with it a restored peace and tranquility to our land; a renewed and happy life to our nation, made stronger and more durable by the terrible conflicts through which it has passed, as the oak tree in its growth and expansion becomes stronger and toughened by the severe storms and gales of winter. But our country, still torn and distracted by horrible civil war, is about to enter upon the fourth year of deadly and fratricidal strife, and the busy note of preparation now heard in our own and the enemy’s armies betokens a severer and deadlier contest, a more awful clashing of arms, than has characterized any previous year of the war. May it indeed prove the last year of fighting and carnage, and may the record of its results tell of a preserved Union and Constitution, the maintainance and integrity of our nationality. It was for this object that the cry on the 15th of April, 1861, “to arms, to arms” was sounded, and it is the accomplishment of this object that a broad and lofty patriotism would spend and be spent for, counting all other issues in the gigantic contest of minor consideration, looking to the salvation of the American Republic and to the perpetuity of Constitutional Right and Liberty.

The press has informed my readers about the heavy rain of last Saturday, which caused rail communication between Alexandria and the Army to be suspended for two or three days, several bridges being swept away by the swollen streams and much damage being done to public and private property. All right now, however, the railway is in running order again, but though the roads are in a bad condition, a few days like the present will put them in moving shape. The reorganization of the Army still continues, especially in the relief, transfer and appointment of general officers from and to the various commands composing the three grand corps.

Our brigade now consists of eight batteries, three of them, including battery L, belonging to the 1st N.Y. Artillery regiment, all six-gun batteries and ready for active work.

Lieut. Wilber has been promoted to a first lieutenancy and assigned for duty to battery R (Battery K) commanded by Capt. (Solon W.) Stocking, lying near Rappahannock Station and in the Artillery Reserve. We are sorry to part with Lieut. Wilber, he having been with us since the organization of the battery.

Lieut. Anderson and Sergeant Shelton have returned from their recruiting tour, having met with very good success in getting men. Many of the recruits, however, continue to be kept at the recruiting rendezvous or depots. Matters seem to be conducted rather loosely and shabbily in the forwarding of new men to the army. Two or three squads who have reported to our battery say that they were put aboard the cars at Alexandria and sent adrift to find their destination the best way they could.

We were favored with a call on Monday last by several delegates of the U.S. Christian Commission, and among them was Mr. George Stewart, President of the Commission, a noble looking man, and a most warm and devoted friend of the soldier. He is engaged heart and hand in the good work represented by the Christian Commission, employing time and energies for the spiritual and physical welfare of the Union soldiers. The Rev. Mr. Kirk, of Boston, was one of the delegates, and I had the pleasure of listening to addresses by both him and Mr. Stuart on Monday evening at the Episcopal Church in Culpepper. The house was comfortably filled, and the remarks of the speakers were eloquent and impressive. I have alluded to the workings of the Christian Commission in the army in a previous letter. Without in the least speaking disparagingly of the Sanitary Commission, which has done and is doing so much good, and is receiving such unheard of monied contributions through fairs and other sources, I would present the claims of the U.S. Christian Commission for public and private support and patronage in an especial manner. Its aims are all those of the Sanitary Commission, and yet they are wider and higher, seeking not only to supply all bodily wants of the soldier in the camp, the hospital, on the battle field, or wherever found, but seeking to benefit him morally and religiously, to keep before him though amidst the exciting, distracting, and I may add, hardening scenes of war, the great responsibilities and duties of life in their relation to another existence; to keep fresh in his memory the saving and wholesome instructions of home whose restraining influences he is deprived of; in a word, to preserve his self respect and moral manhood, and make him a soldier of the Cross. The Christian Commission does not operate so much through the hospitals as does the Sanitary, but its agents distribute their supplies in most instances direct to the men, thus coming in close contact and sympathy with them, learning their individual wants and personally supplying them. It is to be regretted, I think, that the munificent donations of money to the Sanitary Commission cannot be shared by its co-working association, the Christian Commission, for it is equally worthy of the beneficent contributions and energetic efforts of the Northern people. (2)

A battalion of the 4th N.Y. Heavy Artillery has been assigned to duty in our brigade. The other two battalions are doing duty for the artillery brigades in the 2d and 6th corps. These duties are fatigue, guard, etc. Not exactly what was bargained for when the men enlisted, and not at all strange that they should pronounce it “rough.” But everything must succumb to “military necessity.”

The paymaster has just come and will pay up to March 1st, two months’ pay. G.B.

Near Culpepper, Va.
May 1st, 1864
(Appeared Saturday, May 7, 1864)

The first day of May and the Army of the Potomac still motionless. Had it been predicted a few months ago that this army would to-day be in quiet position between the Rappahannock and the Rapidan, the prediction would have been laughed at. Ten months have passed since the battle of Gettysburg and no great or general engagement has taken place between Meade’s and Lee’s forces since then. We have made two grand advances, one resulting in a “masterly retreat” to Centerville, occasioned by a flank movement of the enemy, the other terminating in the Mine Run affair. Another partial advance was made when Butler undertook the capture of Richmond. There was Kilpatrick’s raid upon the rebel capital which proved abortive. Surely, the people of the North have learned to be patient since 1861 and ’62, for who does not remember what a terrible and continuous hue and cry there was made against M’Clellan for delaying to move, how he was accused of needless inactivity and derogatory to an energetic and skilful general. No, or very little account, was taken of the immense and difficult work he had to perform in organizing the Union armies, in properly equipping and disciplining them, of his great and comprehensive plans and combinations for crushing the rebellion at one gigantic blow, of the thousand-and-one obstacles, -- the element of mud not among the least, and partisan and official interference, perhaps the greatest – which he had to contend against. But it is different now. Months and months of delay and inactivity are put up with, without scarcely so much as a murmur. Times have changed – and so has the spirit and temper of the people. The vigorous and impatient cry of “onward to Richmond” has almost ceased to be heard. And yet, considering the present strength and condition of the federal armies, is there not really some good reason for the cry? There certainly is, if its utterance was at all reasonable when M’Clellan was in command. But before this shall have reached you, we may have begun the “onward” course to the rebel capital for the eighth or ninth time since the organization of the army.

It is quite authoritatively reported that the campaign will be commenced to-morrow – that there will be a general breaking of camps along the whole line of Orange and Alexandria R. R. I am inclined to credit the report from the position of affairs. There are many conflicting stories about the whereabouts and destination of Burnside. Who knows but that the work of guarding the above mentioned railroad has been assigned to him, thus allowing Meade’s entire army to take part in the advance, keeping open the communication between it and its base of supplies, preventing Lee making a flank movement and acting as a reserve? The plans and programme of Lieut. Gen. Grant, however, are known to himself almost exclusively, and we must wait the development of events for a knowledge of them. We may positively say that the rebel armies in Virginia will be attacked by a larger force than ever before. Let us hope with more success than attended the operations which were taking place a year ago to-day, at Chancellorsville, under the generalship of “Fighting Joe Hooker.” One year ago this morning we crossed the Rappahannock at Fitzhugh Crossing below Fredericksburg and went into position with our battery. The day previous we, in common with all the troops, had been assured of the impending “defeat” of Lee’s army, or of the other alternative, its “inglorious flight.” My readers all know that neither occurred. The “defeat” and “flight” were with General Hooker.

The order, granting furloughs not to exceed thirty days to the non-commissioned officers and privates of the Army who may desire to enter the free military school at Philadelphia, for the purpose of qualifying themselves for commissioned appointments in colored regiments, has been improved by three or four members of our battery who have made application for admission into the above school. The applicants are first examined by a Board of three officers, appointed by Corps and other independent commanders, said Board reporting in each case whether, in their opinion, the character, conduct, and capacity of the applicant are such as to induce the belief that after a stay of thirty days at the military school, he will be qualified to receive a commission in a colored regiment. I understand a large number in the army have applied for admittance into the Philadelphia academy. Inasmuch as negro troops are employed and they must have white commanders, it is certainly a good plan appointing such officers from the rank and file of the army. There is the best of material to be found among enlisted men. (3)

William H. Shelton, First Sergeant of our battery, has been promoted to a Second Lieutenancy and will be assigned to duty in Battery D of our regiment. A well-deserved and excellent appointment. Lieut. Shelton is every way qualified for his new position, his gentlemanly qualities, abilities, and true soldierly conduct having won for him the respect, esteem and confidence of all who know him. We regret very much to part with him.

Since beginning this I have been informed of Burnside’s arrival here in the Army with his entire command. It cannot be contraband to write this, as no doubt the fact will be known, if it is not already, before this letter is published. As conjectured, Burnside’s troops—three brigades are black – are to guard the railroad, thus relieving the Fifth Corps and acting as reserves. It now appears as if there were to be but one line of operations, one grand column of attack advancing from the Rapidan. (4)

Capt. Reynolds has offered his resignation. He feels compelled to resign in consequence of his lost eye, which at times troubles him very much with acute neuralgia. It is not unlikely the resignation will be accepted in consideration of the circumstances. G.B.

Grant recognized the need for that “concert of action” by all Union armies that Breck alluded to in his column of Feb. 8. “The armies in the East and West acted independently and without concert, like a balky team,” Grant reported, “no two ever pulling together, enabling the enemy to use to great advantage his interior lines of communication for transporting troops from east to west, re-enforcing the army most vigorously pressed, and to furlough large numbers, during seasons of inactivity on our part, to go to their homes and do the work of producing for the support of their armies. It was a question whether our numerical strength and resources were not more than balanced by these disadvantages and the enemy's superior position.” (5)

Grant’s plan was to put all Union armies in motion simultaneously at the start of May. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman would advance with his armies against Gen. Joseph Johnston’s Army of Tennessee in northern Georgia, “to break it up, and to go into the interior of the enemy's country as far as he could, inflicting all the damage he could upon their war resources.” Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks was to conclude his Red River campaign as quickly as possible, so that a drive might be launched against Mobile. Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler would advance up the south side of the James River on Richmond itself. Gen. Franz Sigel would move down the Shenandoah Valley. (6) Grant himself would accompany Gen. Meade’s Army of the Potomac. Meade’s instructions were to go after Lee’s army “that wherever Lee went he (Meade) would go also.” The reorganization of the army meant that Battery L would now fight with Warren’s V Corps; the resignation of Capt. Gilbert Reynolds meant the battery would again be under command of George Breck.

After ten months of relatively bloodless maneuvering and inactivity, the Army of the Potomac was about to embark on six weeks of virtually continuous combat and campaigning, the likes of which it had never experienced.

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