Battery L, 1st Artillery Regiment (Light) - George Breck Columns: Chapter 29: “The Federal Skies Never Looked So Bright” Confederate Death Throes Nov. 28, 1864 – Feb. 25, 1865
Lincoln’s victory – in essence a voter endorsement not only of the conduct of the war but the policy of emancipation – ensured a fight to the finish. The Confederacy would never submit to terms that included the abolishment of slavery. In the weeks that followed came more federal triumphs that left little doubt that Union victory was near …
Battery L, Fort Keene
November 28th, 1864
(Appeared Saturday, Dec. 3, 1864)
A report was in circulation one day last week that Petersburg had been abandoned. It seemed to be pretty generally credited, and as a consequence, the impression was that the army would of course move forward and take possession of the abandoned and coveted city. But here we are, in statu quo, and Gen. Lee still holds on to Petersburg. The only abandonment of the place has consisted of a number of deserters coming into our lines, and we very much doubt if the rebels have any intention of giving up Petersburg until compelled to do so by the force of our arms. It is true that they have been constructing earthworks in rear of their present line, but we think the design is not to occupy them unless driven into them. In that case Petersburg will fall into our possession, but practically we shall be no nearer Richmond than we are now. Gen. Lee will have shortened his lines eleven miles or more without endangering the safety of the rebel capital and be in as strong a position as ever. It is possible that he purposes doing this, that some of his troops may be sent away to reinforce Hood or Beauregard.
A rumor is circulating in camp to-day that the Sixth and Nineteenth corps have just arrived at City Point. We are inclined to believe that there is truth in the rumor. It is now well known that those corps actually started for Alexandria to embark for City Point, just previous to the great victory which Sheridan “wrested from the jaws of defeat,” on the 19th of October at Cedar Creek. (1) They were recalled to arrest Early’s onward and triumphant march, and most nobly did they check and drive him back, to his chagrin and sorrow. The apparent cessation of hostilities in the Shenandoah Valley has enabled perhaps the 6th and 19th Corps to again join Grant’s army. (2) If this be true, the campaign in this locality will unquestionably be resumed next month, weather permitting. At present the weather is very mild and pleasant, but what it will be twenty-four hours hence it is difficult for the most weather-wise to determine. The heavy and protracted rain that fell a week ago was indicative that the rainy season had really set in. Good campaigning weather can, to some extent, be counted upon till about January. The Mine Run movement occurred a year ago, and Burnside’s famous onset against the heights of Fredericksburg was enacted about the middle of December. Both these movements resulted in failures, and it may be that the lateness of the season in which they were undertaken ought to deter future movements on a large scale just at the advent of winter. The soldiers are by no means “eager” to leave their so-called or expected winter quarters, which they have been constructing since last month’s “reconnoissance,” to participate in any “fray” the Lieutenant General may be preparing for them. We believe that policy strongly urges no more aggressive fighting till the opening of Spring. The pugilistic propensities of the Federal troops may be said to partake of the nature of the approaching season, when nearly everything in the vegetable kingdom is considered dead or sleeping. They are in a dormant condition and that is no way for the fighting spirit of an immense army like this to be in when ordered to attack the “veterans” of Lee’s miserably dressed, but bravely defiant army. Nevertheless, if told to fight, they will not disgrace the proud and historic record of the Army of the Potomac.
Thanksgiving passed away without the noise of musketry or cannon on either side. There appeared to be a mutual agreement by the pickets of both armies to observe the day in friendly quietude. The turkeys and chickens, cakes and mince pies failed to arrive at this portion of the army for the entertainment of the soldiers on Thanksgiving day, but came in season to be distributed the day following. The boat or boats which conveyed the feast did not reach City Point in time to allow it to be brought by rail to Warren Station before Thanksgiving night. There was some disappointment of course; but if there was any pleasure felt among the soldiers in anticipation of a Thanksgiving dinner, that pleasure was continued them one day longer, and, considering the allowance each man got after the turkeys, etc., did arrive, we are not sure but that the pleasures of anticipation outweighed those of participation. No reflection on the good and remembering friends at home, but, to quote the classically elegant language of our respected President, it is a “big thing” to furnish a Thanksgiving dinner to double the number of mouths that Rochester contains inhabitants, requiring much time and preparation, and, as a Virginian would say, taking a “powerful heap” of poultry to fill said mouths.
George Barnes of our Battery has recently been promoted to be Sergeant Major of our regiment, vice Michael Canfield promoted to a second Lieutenancy, a position that he is well qualified to fill and to which he will do credit to himself and friends. Lieut. Canfield is Acting Adjutant of the Regiment, and no better, more intelligent and able officer could be selected for the post. He has well earned his promotion, and we are sure it will not stop here. He was formerly a member of Battery “L,” and the promotion of Sergeant Barnes makes two Sergeant Majors the Battery has furnished the regiment.
Our regiment is very short of commissioned officers. The Colonel commanding is waiting patiently for commissions to be sent from Albany for members of the regiment who have been recommended for promotion. Some names were sent weeks ago, but nothing has been heard from them. Battery “L” has had but one commissioned officer for a month. (3)
The City Point railroad is now running in rear of our camp, it having been extended about two miles west of the Weldon road. G.B.
Battery “L,” Fort Keene, Va.
Dec. 7th, 1864
(Appeared Monday, Dec. 12, 1864)
Another movement of the Army of the Potomac is now in progress. What its object is, whether the south side railroad is to be attacked, or demonstrations are to be made on the right in conjunction with Butler’s army, or, as has been alleged by some, the objective point is Wilmington, your correspondent is at a loss to determine. The movement is undoubtedly directed against the south side railroad as the troops appear to have taken a route which would lead them in that direction. They struck the Jerusalem plank road and marched towards Reams Station, or Stony Creek Station, which our cavalry destroyed the other day. It may be that the movement is intended for another reconnoissance in force, or a “big” raid. If so, we hope the success of the operations may prove more decisive than those which occurred in October, though we were told that their success was of a very decisive nature in our favor.
All the Fifth Corps infantry and four of its batteries are engaged in the movement. The remaining eight batteries, including battery L, are left behind to garrison the forts in which they have been stationed for several weeks past. The Sixth Corps troops now occupy the position held by the Fifth Corps, the east division of that corps arriving last night from City Point and relieving the 2d division, (General Ayers’) of the Fifth, which moved out this morning to join the advancing columns. Two divisions of the 2d corps have also gone forward, if I have been informed correctly. Gen. (Andrew A.) Humphrey(s) is in command of the troops garrisoning the works in front of Petersburg. (4)
Orders for the movement were issued on Sunday night last (Dec.4) and it was fairly begun this morning. It was no sooner undertaken, however, than it began to rain, and it is raining now, the clouds looking angry and ominous. A strong wind is springing up which may dispel the storm, but is it not a little curious that after such a long spell of the most beautiful autumn weather with indications of its continuance, the sky should suddenly darken with clouds and a heavy rain begin to fall just as this army is about to make a movement against the enemy? If the storm does not subside we fear that the army will be very much embarrassed in its operations, if not obliged to abandon them. A steady rain of twenty-four hours would put the roads in an almost impassable condition.
I have remarked that the opinion was entertained by some that an attack on Wilmington was contemplated, and the report was circulated that transports were all ready at City Point to convey a portion of Gen .Meade’s army to the above place, to co-operate with the fleet that has just sailed from the James River; and, also, to form a junction with Sherman’s army. But conjectures and unauthenticated reports are useless, and before this reaches its destination, events will have developed themselves as to the purpose of the present movement, and doubtless Gen. Sherman will have turned up ere then.
Several officers of the Artillery Brigade of the Fifth Corps have recently been breveted for gallant actions or meritorious conduct. Among them is Captain (Charles E.) Mink of Battery H of our regiment, Brevet Major – a most worthy appointment, for a more gallant and efficient officer is not to be found in the corps. Major R. H. Fitzhugh, Acting Inspector General of the Brigade, is a Lieut. Colonel by brevet. Other officers have been brevetted First Lieutenants and Captains. Colonel C. S. Wainwright, commanding our regiment and Chief of Artillery of the corps, is a Brevet Brig. General. He is truly meriting the honor for his bravery, skill and devotion in the service. (5)
Second Lieut. Dewitt M. Perine, promoted in B Battery, vice Lieut. DeMott killed in action, has been assigned to duty in L Battery.
A brief communication this must be for the want of news to communicate. G.B.
The movement Breck alluded to involved Warren’s V Corps, augmented by a division of cavalry and a division of infantry from the II Corps. Warren’s mission: March south and destroy as much of the Weldon Railroad as possible between Stony Creek Station and Hicksford, on the Meherrin River. Warren’s men destroyed about 16 miles of track and returned after six days, suffering from the cold, but sustaining few casualties. (6)
Sherman, in the meantime, had tired of playing cat and mouse with Hood’s army, which continued to harass Sherman’s supply line after evacuating Atlanta. Sherman resolved upon on bold strategy: He would simply cut loose from his supply line, and march 285 miles across Georgia, sustaining his army with what it could forage along the way. Sherman’s army was in no danger; he met with hardly any opposition during this memorable March to the Sea. Nonetheless, there was considerable anxiety in the North as to the whereabouts of his soldiers, because they were largely incommunicado during the nearly four-week trek.
Battery “L,” Fort Keene, Virginia
Dec. 13, 1864
(Appeared Tuesday, Dec. 20, 1864)
The movement of the Fifth and a portion of the Second Corps, which started south on Wednesday last (Dec. 7), is terminated, and those corps are now back in their old positions, or near the lines of Petersburg. They returned yesterday, having marched about forty miles down the Weldon Railroad, crossing the Nottoway River, and halting, I think, at a place called Hickford Station, about twenty miles north of Weldon, where the enemy had strong defensive works which it was deemed imprudent to assault. The object of the movement was both a reconnoissance and a raid. The railroad was destroyed as far as the troops went, and a general destruction of houses and property along the line of march was made. It was supposed the rebels were constructing a branch road from Stony Creek, or below that point, to the South Side Railroad, to connect that with the Weldon Railroad. No such road was found built, though one was in process of construction, however, so I have been informed. There was no opposition to the movement of any consequence except that opposed by the elements of wind, rain, snow, hail, sleet, ice, mud, and a general conglomeration of the very worst kinds of weather. There was a good deal of suffering among some of the troops, frozen hands, feet and faces numbering not a few. Fortunately there was but little fighting, otherwise the suffering would have been intense.
I have remarked that little opposition was encountered, but the Johnnies, ever vigilant and on the alert, managed – so reported – to gobble up a large number of cattle belonging to the Fifth Corps, and from last accounts this unceremonious haul of beef had not been recaptured, though our cavalry were in hot pursuit. These requisitions of Gen. Lee on our commissary department are getting to be quite frequent. No doubt our “starving” foes are eminently grateful to us for furnishing them, at so little expense, so many tender sirloins and beef-steaks, not to mention the article of ox-tails, so coveted by certain army epicures for making, in their judgment, the soup of soups, a dish fit for a king.
The movement is said to have been a “complete success,” everything being accomplished that was intended, even to the destruction of every barn, shed and hen roost. I have not been informed exactly how many private dwellings were committed to the flames, how many women and children were rendered shelterless and turned out to the “cold and beggarly elements of the world,” perchance to starve or keenly suffer for the common wants of life. All this style of warfare may be essential to the crushing of the rebellion and the restoration of the Union, to the removal of alienation of feeling and the re-establishment of fraternal and amicable relations between the hostile sections of (the) country, but we frankly confess that we are copperheadish enough not to see it in that light. The wanton, useless destruction of private property, the laying to waste of yards and gardens, the deliberate burning of homes and the desolation of hearth-stones are incompatible with the original object of the war whatever that object may be now. We cannot but believe that the vandalism connected with this movement was wholly unauthorized, for Gen. Warren, under whom the movement was executed, is not the man or officer, in our opinion, who would countenance such proceedings. (7)
The Sixth corps troops are to occupy the position and camps which the Fifth corps recently held, and the latter corps, I have been told, are to hold the rear line of works, or are to go back into camp. Fifth corps headquarters have been removed one or two miles east of the Weldon road, near the Gurley House. Sixth corps headquarters are now where the Fifth were. Whether all the batteries of the Fifth corps will fall back from the immediate front or vacate the forts they are at present garrisoning, I do not know. Rumor had it to-day that we are to be transferred to Butler’s Department, and then again, that we were going to dispute possession of the Shenandoah Valley with Early. Battery “L” will be at home up there, if we go, having played “hide and seek” in that far-famed valley when Gen. Pope had his “headquarters in the saddle.”
The weather is extremely cold. Rather hard on the Fifth corps “boys” to give up their comfortable winter quarters and go to work building new ones, with no assurance of keeping them either. G.B.
Battery “L,” Camp Wainwright, Va.
Dec. 24, 1864
(Appeared Wednesday, Jan. 4, 1865)
As the caption of my letter denotes, we are no longer stationed at Fort Keene, where we lay for nearly three months, but are now three miles east of that Fort, in rear of Fort Stevenson, and about six miles from Petersburg. Fort Stevenson is located along the rear line of works, fronting North and South, and is one of the largest fortifications there is in this field, capable of accommodating thirty guns. All the Fifth Corps are at present in the reserve, encamped between the Weldon and Jerusalem roads. I say all, but this is not strictly correct, for three of the 5th Corps batteries are now at the front, along the lines of the 9th Corps, and will remain there two weeks, when they will be relieved by three more batteries from the same corps, and so on until all the batteries have served two weeks, when they will again take their respective turns. Battery “L’s” turn will come next month. Only the guns and […] detachments go to the front, the caissons, etc., remaining here in (camp?) which was named Camp Wainwright in honor of Brevet Brig. Gen. Wainwright, Chief of Artillery of the Fifth corps. The camp is near Fifth Corps headquarters, and when the batteries have completed their winter quarters, on which they are busily at work, it will be in every respect a fine camp. It is in the form of a square, there being on each side from two to four batteries. Gen. Wainwright’s headquarters are at the northwest corner, and so situated as to overlook the whole camp. Inside the square the ground is well adapted for drill. Each battery has a front of about one hundred yards. The men’s huts are built in one row, thirty yards in rear of the park, each hut 12 by 14 feet and 6 feet high, calculated to hold eight men and a non-commissioned officer. The internal arrangements are such as to give the non-commissioned officer in charge of each hut the means of carrying out in the fullest manner the regulations prescribing the duties of a non-commissioned officer in charge of a squad. The huts are certainly very nice and comfortable, each with a large fire-place in the rear and centre, and as to Battery “L,” it can boast of brick fire-places, with chimneys warranted not to smoke. Good stables will be built, and elaborate preparations for a winter’s sojourn in this locality are the order of the day. No positive orders have been issued from army headquarters, but the matter was intimated by Gen. Warren of our corps, and that was amply sufficient for the troops to act upon. They seem content to keep Gen. Lee’s army at a stand still by simply confronting it, while Sherman and Thomas are making terrible havoc with the rebel forces further south.
Last night the news was received of the capture of Savannah with 15,000 men, the utter defeat of Hood’s army, the hopeful prospect of the fall of Wilmington, the straightened condition of matters at Richmond, the bronchial […] (8) and confinement to the house of King Jeff. and the apparent speedy collapse of all rebeldom generally.
Sherman’s March to the Sea ended with the capture of Savannah in mid December. Hood, in the meantime, decided to advance through Tennessee into Kentucky, hoping to pick up additional recruits for his 40,000-man army, then move east to join Lee. First, he had to get past 60,000 Union troops under command of Gen. George Thomas. Hood attacked half of this Union force at Franklin, losing 7,000 men in the process, then advanced on Nashville and dug in, waiting for Thomas to attack. Thomas eventually obliged. During two days of fighting, Dec. 15-16, Hood’s army was shattered. By the time it regrouped in Tupelo, Miss., only about 20,000 men remained. Wilmington, N.C., was the last major port still open to blockade runners. (9)
As these joyful tidings were communicated to the different camps, the air resounded with cheers and shouts, with the beating of drums, the music of bands, the roar of cannon, and demonstrations of delight and enthusiasm all along the lines. “The war is ended,” shouted one soldier. “The rebels are played out,” cried another. “Hurrah for Sherman and bully for Thomas,” said a third. “Glorious news, isn’t it?” was the remark of all to each other. Surely the Southern Confederacy, in a military point of view, is in a most damaged plight, and is truly “reeling” under the ponderous blows of our noble troops. No wonder the Richmond Examiner utters a tirade of invective against Jeff. Davis and prophesies nought but evil and disaster to the rebel cause if things go on as they have gone on in the hands of Hood. Bright and cheerful indeed is the situation for our side. May it continue to grow more and more so until by the blessing of God the armed force of rebellion shall be broken and Peace and Union shall be restored to our land. Heaven grant that from these great and glorious military victories over the enemies of our country may be evoked by wise, sagacious and practical statesmanship the fruits which such triumphant successes ought to yield.
I have the pleasure of recording two more promotions in Battery “L.” First Sergeants Charles A. Rooney and Frederick Deitz have both been commissioned as 2d lieutenants in the First N.Y. Artillery Regiment. They joined the Battery at its earliest organization and passed through the grades of non-commissioned offices, filling their positions with credit to themselves and dignity to the company. Brave and reliable in battle, soldierly and faithful in camp, re-enlisted veterans in the service of their country, they have justly won and will honorably bear their commissions.
Lieut. Rooney has been assigned to duty in B company and Lieut. Deitz remains with Battery L. Lieut. William H. Shelton has been transferred from D Battery to his old command, Battery L, and ordered to report immediately to the latter. Unfortunately, he cannot do that, as he is a prisoner in the enemy’s hands, having been since the battle of the Wilderness. During his imprisonment he has been promoted from a second to a first Lieutenancy. We sincerely hope to hear of his speedy release or exchange. He will receive a most cordial welcome from his old comrades.
The weather is very cold. The frigid temperature or something else causes deserters to come into our lines daily. I have seen several the past few days, minus overcoats and blankets, and very scantily not to say shabbily appareled. And by the bye, speaking of rebels’ clothes, reminds me of what a certain member of Battery L (my readers may call him a loyal copperhead if they please) did to-day. Seeing a pair of old, grim, dirty, worn-out pants lying on the ground in front of headquarters, formerly the property no doubt, from their size, of a little “grayback” – for they were exceedingly small in dimensions – he very tenderly picked them up, hung them on a tree and pinned thereto a piece of paper on which was inscribed the following significant quotation and record:
“From the Cradle,”
Franklin………5,000
Nashville……10,000
Savannah……15,000
It was suggested that they be boxed up and sent to the Lieutenant General. G.B.
Battery “L,” Camp Wainwright, Va.
Jan. 5th, 1865
(Appeared Friday, Jan. 13, 1865)
One would scarcely know from observation and experience here in the army, that Christmas and New Year’s days, the great holidays of the year, had come and gone. It may be that their observance was more joyously and particularly marked outside of our brigade command, but nothing of a very festal character occurred at Camp Wainwright. The men of the several batteries devoted these time-honored days mostly to the building and completion of their log domiciles. The chimneys of most of the huts were sufficiently advanced to admit of a visit from Santa Claus or St. Nicholas, had these generous and distinguished personages been disposed to make a call. Indeed, so commodious are some of the chimneys that “Old Nick” might have entered and descended them with his whole budget of holiday gifts, and then he might have got lost. These chimneys are remarkable on more than one account; not only for their goodly proportions, so characteristic of those belonging to the mansions of the “Old Dominion,” and excellent drawing qualities, but they combine all the advantages of ventilation so essential in a sanitary point of view.
The day following Christmas, Batteries L and H were ordered to proceed to the field in front of Ninth Corps headquarters, about four miles from Camp Wainwright, and fire a salute of one hundred guns in honor of the capture of Savannah. The order was complied with at an early hour and the salute passed off satisfactorily. The salute was with blank cartridges, and not a shotted one, as is customary in firing salutes along the lines of Petersburg. Loud demonstrations were in readiness to be made at the news of the fall of Wilmington, but it fell not, and so our rejoicings for that long wished for triumph are postponed only for a short season, we hope.
Maj. Gen. Warren, commanding the Fifth Corps, extended an invitation on Monday of this week to any of his command to call on him at his headquarters who felt so disposed. With few exceptions all the officers of the corps responded to the invitation and the occasion was a very happy one to the General and the callers. There was a large turnout of shoulder-straps, sashes and sabres, and Gen. Warren received his friends with a truly warm greeting and much hospitality. A fine entertainment was spread in an adjoining tent, to which all were invited to partake of. This making and renewing the acquaintance of the general commanding the corps and his subordinate officers is certainly a pleasant and desirable thing, considered personally, socially and militarily. Gen. Warren is very agreeable and urbane in his manners, and is very much liked and esteemed by his command. His black hair, dark, swarthy complexion, keen black eyes, rather thin face with a prominent nose, and comparatively small figure, all combined have acquired for him the sobriquet of “Little Indian.” He is very quick and energetic in his movements, and is one of the hardest, most indefatigable workers of all the officers in the army. He is pronounced one of the best engineers in the service, and several times it has been rumored that he was to serve on Gen. Grant’s staff as chief engineer. He is brave as the bravest, and is excelled by no general, and equaled by few in forming, correctly and scientifically, a line of battle and making a proper disposition of troops in time of engagement. If I mistake not, he is the youngest Major General of Volunteers in the Army of the Potomac. Gen. Warren is now on leave of absence for fifteen days; but Maj. Gen. Crawford is commanding the corps. (10)
The guns and gun detachments of Battery L are doing garrison duty along the lines of the 9th corps. They went to the front on Monday (Jan. 2) to remain two weeks, when they will be returned to camp where the rest of the Battery now is. One section of the battery is where we were in position last summer, between Fort Davis (then Fort Warren) and “Fort Hell,” in command of Lieut. Dietz. The other two sections are about a mile on the left, in Fort Hayes, and in command of Lieut. Perine. The pickets keep up a desultory firing along the lines at night, and occasionally there is cannonading and mortar practice. Very seldom any casualties from all this firing.
I will close this brief letter for the information of all concerned with a list of the non-commissioned officers of Battery L, now that the company has undergone a partial reorganization since its original time expired, when it lost so many of its old sergeants and corporals. The names of the present non-commissioned “staff” speak for themselves. It might not be regarded as exactly proper for your correspondent to dilate upon their valor, efficiency, etc. Suffice it to say, that they have been tried in camp and the ordeal of battle, and have been found not wanting:
First Sergeant – Victor Gretter; Second Q.M. Sergeant – James Kiggan; Duty Sergeants – George B. Blake, Charles T. Jones, Adolphus S. Goodrich, Marshal Blodget, Joseph McIntyre, Judah S. Wells; Corporals – Arabel B. Morse, David Stewart, Thomas Keate, Alert Ades, Morris King, Charles H. Koch, Frank Lake, George E. Adams, George S. Canute, George Eichorn, Charles H. Burdick; Buglers – Alexander Shults, A. Monroe Doane; Guidon – William P. Hughes. G.B.
The Union capture of Fort Fisher on Jan. 15 sealed off the Confederacy’s last major port at Wilmington, 20 miles up the Cape Fear River. As Breck notes below, an initial attempt to capture the fort had come to naught the previous month. Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler attempted to damage the fort by detonating an old ship packed with 215 tons of gunpowder. The explosion did no damage, and Butler called off an assault by infantry. Butler was then relieved, and the mission was given to General Alfred Terry, who successfully stormed the fort with infantry and sailors after a crippling naval bombardment. (11)
Battery L, Camp Wainwright
Jan. 18, 1865
(Appeared Thursday, Jan. 26, 1865)
The unexpected and glorious news of the capture of Fort Fisher was communicated to our army yesterday, and at noon a salute of one hundred guns was fired in honor of the event. – Truly, the New Year opens well. The Old Year finished up with a splendid record of triumphs for our side. The failure of the Wilmington expedition rather marred that record, but no matter for that, since the accomplishment of the object they aimed at has finally been achieved, and who will say, that that failure was unattended with blessed results to the army and the country? If the officers of this army, one and all, are capable of rendering a just and righteous verdict of approval of the recent act of President Lincoln, of the Wilmington Expedition last month, was the occasion or the cause, or both combined, of a very felicitous “order.” “Tis an ill wind which blows nobody any good.”
What, we wonder, will Mr. Jefferson Davis and his rebellious organs of the press have to offer now to the people of the South, at their latest, and in our opinion their greatest of disasters! Fort Fisher fallen! In the possession of the “hated Yankees! Their “chief port of entry for foreign commerce,” so conceded by the Richmond Examiner – closed, the port of Wilmington “sealed up!” Surely, Jeff. and the Richmond editors will have to rack their brains for gleanings of consolation to their deluded confederate brethren in the loss of the port of Wilmington, a point of much vital importance to the South. No doubt many vessels enter other harbors by eluding the vigilance of our blockaders, but this harbor was the South’s only reliable seaport entry, and now to be deprived of it must have a most telling effect on the military fortunes of the Confederacy. The Federal skies never looked so bright and propitious since the war began, as they do at present. With such brilliant successes, such decisive victories in the field and on the sea as have lately been won by our brave land and naval forces, why ought we not to expect that they will open the way to Peace and Union? Is it not possible to get up a counter revolution in the South against Jeff. Davis and the leading rebel spirits, by turning to speedy account our magnificent military triumphs? We believe the Southern people are ripe for reaction against the spurious government which has been attempted to be established over them, and all that is needed to make it full blown is, simply a generous, unconditioned, magnanimous proposal on the part of our great and strong government to welcome these, our recreant countrymen, back into the old Union, by sole submission and allegiance to the Laws and the Constitution, with fresh guarantees, if need be, that their rights and obligations shall be fully respected and granted. We don’t want your lands, or your houses, or your negroes, or anything that is yours, except your allegiance to the government of the United States, and that we must and shall have, said the noble and heroic Gen. Sherman, the hero of Atlanta and Savannah. Let the nation, through its chief Executive, proclaim these magnanimous words, and the honest convictions of our heart are, that Peace and Union, satisfactory and permanent, would speedily dawn upon the country, and the Republic of America would stand forth delivered from the horrors of a civil war which has been threatening her existence for nearly four long, bloody years. If more victories are to be won, by all means let us try and win them, but following our successes, let be proclaimed to the South, “submit to the laws and the Constitution, and no more fighting. You shall be welcomed back into the great family of States on the same footing that you stood previous to the war. The Government must and shall be maintained.” A proclamation like this, coming now from the President, would, we firmly believe, so detach the Southern people from the rebel government that not another battle would have to be fought, but the Confederacy would collapse and Jeff. Davis and his coadjutors would have to flee into exile to escape for their lives.
There is a great demand in the army now for leaves of absence and furloughs, and many officers and soldiers have been granted them, but no general system, such as prevailed last winter and the winter previous, of granting them has been adopted yet. Corps commanders are empowered to grant leaves of absences and furloughs in cases where satisfactory evidence is presented to them that the wife, child, parent, brother or sister of an officer or soldier is regarded dangerously ill, not to exceed fifteen or twenty days, and in these cases not more than one-fifth of the officers and five percent of the men of a regiment, battery or company present for duty are permitted to be absent at the same time. All other applications for leaves of absence and furloughs have to be transmitted to army headquarters for decision, and unless the cases are manifestly exceptional and of pressing urgency, no attention will be paid to them. Many friends and relatives of soldiers at home seem to have the impression that company commanders are at liberty to grant furloughs, but company commanders are almost powerless in the matter and have to strictly conform to existing orders in forwarding applications for furloughs. It is doubtful whether a more liberal system of granting leaves of absence and furloughs than that at present in use, will be adopted this winter. Apparently, it might be done with perfect safety so far as the present need of so many troops along the lines of Petersburg is concerned. An early campaign may be contemplated, however, and the troops may be required to co-operate with the victorious armies of Sherman and Thomas.
The weather is about as bad as it possibly can be for aggressive operations in this vicinity. We have had any quantities of mud and rain, though the ground is frozen now and the temperature keen and cold.
We are not fairly settled in yet in our winter quarters. The stables await completion. Orders require them to be covered, stockaded, etc., and this is no easy and expeditious task to perform, as the timber has to be drawn a distance of one or two miles. Four hundred feet of corduroy, stockade, and covering, the latter made from logs, sixteen feet long, split, hollowed out and laid as in tiling, and the hewing out of 400 feet of troughs, all this means work, especially where wood is inconvenient. Of course, it is questionable how long we shall enjoy the fruits of our winter’s labors. When we get through we promise our readers a pleasant camp, if they are disposed to visit us. Civilians are finding their way into the army, including the tender sex, the latter truly “good to behold,” eminently refreshing to a soldier’s eye. G.B.
Battery L
Feb. 3, 1865
(Appeared Wednesday, Feb. 8, 1865)
The whole army of the Potomac, with the exception of the Artillery of the 5th Corps, is said to be under marching orders. Why the batteries of this corps have received no instructions to be ready to move, while all the rest of the troops have, I cannot say. If a movement is really contemplated, however, we will no doubt be duly notified to be in readiness to start. All sorts of rumors are afloat about the operations and movements that are taking or about to take place on both the federal and rebel sides. The Fifth Corps is reported to be going to Wilmington. Then it is going to relieve the Ninth Corps. The Second and Sixth Corps are reported to be on the eve of departure for some unknown locality.
The rebels, it is rumored, have finally abandoned Petersburg, to a certainty, and our forces have therefore been ordered to get ready and follow the enemy. All these and a score of other rumors may possibly assume a reality of some kind, which will see the army in motion, for of course, there is some reason for ordering the troops to be ready to move. We shall not be surprised to be assured of the abandonment of Petersburg, from a cause of necessity on the part of Lee. We (he?) must be obliged to shorten his lines if he continues to deplete his army by sending away reinforcements to confront Sherman. And this he can do materially, and still keep us practically, as far away from Richmond as ever. The signs, by no means, indicate a long season of quietude, but bold and stirring events seem to cast their shadows before.
We must await the papers for full intelligence about Vice President Stephens’ visit within our lines, the nature and regard of his visit, etc. My readers probably know all about the matter ere this, whereas we soldiers can hear nothing but vague stories. (12) Newspapers have been a scarcity for a week past. A great demand for them, but few or none to be had. The Potomac is ice-bound, and transportation on that river is stopped, we are told. The weather certainly has been cold enough to freeze “everything.” The winter thus far has been remarkably severe for this southern latitude – a decided contrast to the mild, open weather last winter when we lay at Culpepper.
A recent general order has been issued from army head quarters granting furloughs for soldierly conduct. Such men only will receive them “who by attention to duty, proficiency in drill, conduct on the march and in battle, and care of arms, horses and equipments have proved themselves to be the best soldiers in the brigade to which they are attached.” The rule of apportionment and selection is, to each 1,000 men present for duty in each brigade, one furlough, 500, two furloughs, the selections being made by the Brigade Commander. These furloughs will be for 25 days, and will be forwarded the 27th day of each month for action at army head quarters. The granting of furloughs for the above purpose will be apt to produce good results, arousing a spirit of emulation among the enlisted men, and inducing them to make themselves good soldiers in every respect; it is a recognition and reward also for meritorious conduct.
It may appear at first that the number of furloughs granted, or the apportionment of them, is a very small affair, but a moment’s reflection will show that in the aggregate a large number of furloughs will be granted out of the entire army in the course of each month.
The applications for furloughs on the conditions set forth in my last letter are very numerous in every command. The sickness and mortality at the North must, since orders were issued granting furloughs only in cases of dangerous illness of the near relatives of soldiers, have become suddenly and alarmingly great, judging from the number of letters received by the soldiers, containing the sad news of the dangerous sickness or death of their parents, wives, children, brothers or sisters. The orders at least were issued opportunely, and we are glad of it, for the sake of the men and for those at home, too, we may add.
The movement of the rebel fleet on James river proved a failure, as my readers know. – Yes, an unspeakably fortunate one. Had the enemy’s vessels succeeded in coming down to City Point what a general smashing and blowing up of our transports, works, etc., there would have been. There was a “big sensation” produced at Gen. Grant’s headquarters, when it became known the rebel gunboats were en route for City Point, and such a hurrying to and fro as had not occurred for months. G.B. (13)
On Feb. 5, the II and V Corps, plus a division of cavalry, were again sent against the far right end of the Confederate defenses near Hatcher’s Run. Grant wanted the cavalry to capture or destroy the wagon trains Lee was using bring supplies into Petersburg. II and V Corps were to help screen the operation. Warren’s soldiers encountered heavy resistance at Dabney’s Mill on Feb. 6, broke, and fled in panic before a new line could be restored. Part of the ground was regained the next day. The Union lines now extended as far as Armstrong’s Mill. (14)
Battery L, Camp Wainwright
Feb. 12th, 1865
(Appeared Friday, Feb. 17, 1865)
Another left flank movement has been made by the Army of the Potomac, resulting in the extension of its lines about four miles, and wresting from the enemy the ground in the vicinity of Hatcher’s Run, where the scene of last October’s unfortunate operations took place. This result was accomplished with the loss of about one thousand men killed and wounded and taken prisoners on our side, with a similar loss on the part of the enemy. The papers have furnished my readers the particulars of the movement, and so I shall confine myself to the operations performed by Battery L and what passed under my own observation in the affair.
Three batteries, or rather two sections each of three batteries of the Fifth Corps, started off last Sunday morning (Feb. 5), following Gibbon’s Division, namely, Batteries L and D 1st N.Y., and the 9th Mass. Battery. The guns and caissons were each drawn by eight horses, and the men and animals were supplied with four day’s rations and forage. We took the Halifax road, running nearly parallel with the Weldon road, and then struck off in a north-westerly direction, to form a junction with the 2d corps, whose course was on the Vaughn road. The roads were in a very favorable condition, admitting the passage of artillery and wagons with little trouble. Arriving at Rowanty Creek, or a stream which emptied into it, called Monk’s Head, we found the bridge destroyed, which necessitated the building of another, the bed of the stream being extremely marshy. This was done under the personal direction of General Warren. Near the east side of this creek was a large frame house, surrounded by several barns, sheds, and negro huts, which, before the troops got across the stream, were all set on fire and consumed. Several buildings had been burned before this along the route of march, but happily all deserted if I mistake not. In front of the above house, near the road, scattered on the ground, were human bones – here the bone of an arm, there of a leg, burned and blackened, portraying fearfully the horrors of war. It was on this spot, so I was informed, that some ambulances were abandoned or captured and destroyed by fire during Wilson’s great cavalry raid on Burkesville last summer. In these ambulances were some wounded Union soldiers, left to take care of themselves, which they were unable to do in consequence of their helpless condition, and so they perished in the flames. The men who thus fired the buildings were reported to have said that they wanted revenge for the fate of their burnt comrades.
In the course of our march on Sunday we encountered no enemy, though in the afternoon, the 2nd corps on our right was hotly and heavily engaged. We halted that evening about six o’clock near the Vaughn road (and) went into camp, but at 10 o’clock we were routed up and proceeded to Hatcher’s Run, reaching there about day light. Here we quietly remained on the west side of the run, while our cavalry and infantry advanced and manoeuvered against the enemy. The densely wooded character of the country hereabouts rendered it very difficult to use artillery on our side, and in fact, during the three days fighting, only six shots were fired by our artillery to my knowledge, and those were fired by a section of Battery L on Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 7), which, in obedience to orders, advanced to the line of our reserve pickets, and threw a few shell into some woods at an unseen battery, eliciting a reply, and the unacceptable fire from hidden rebel sharp-shooters who blazed away at us with their minnie balls, hitting the carriage wheels, sponge buckets and coming into very close personal proximity. That was no place for rifled guns, especially as not a rebel could be seen, and so we were wisely ordered back into our old position.
But to return to Monday afternoon (Feb. 6). The 5th corps troops were driving the enemy finely. Crawford’s division was pushing forward vigorously, supported by Griffins and Ayers (Ayres) divisions and a brigade of the sixth corps. They drove the enemy full two miles from where the Vaughn road crossed the run, and the south side road appeared to be getting within grasping distance. But just here, matters took another turn, our line began to waver, then it broke, a kind of panic seized our troops, caused by our cavalry falling back hastily through our lines and by the sixth corps troops firing upon our men, and in a few minutes all the ground that had been gained was lost and there was general confusion and disorder. The men were hurrying towards the corduroy bridge crossing Hatcher’s run, wagons and ambulances were beating a rapid retreat and in a word, there was “demoralization” and a regular stampede.
Mounted officers and orderlies were hurrying to and fro. Gen. Warren was reported killed or captured and things looked extremely shaky. – Battery L had not as yet been ordered into position, but a galloping orderly soon brought orders for us to take position just about where we were, and “in battery” we quickly went to await the onset of the advancing enemy, with double rounds of canister to each gun. We thought the time had come when the true metal of the battery would be unmistakably told, and what wonder if there loomed up visions of Libby Prison, Andersonville or Salisbury? Our caissons and army wagons had been ordered across the Run. The latter vehicle, while in transit over the bridge, was lifted up by the demoralized stampeders and tossed into the stream, mules, driver and all. The wagon was fished out the next morning, a broken concern. We very naturally regretted the wetting and loss of its contents, containing as it did rations, forage, baggage, etc.
The enemy after breaking our lines and driving our troops, failed to follow his advantages, and in a short time our lines were reformed and a new start was taken from the first starting point. The rebels did not come near enough for us to fire at, and on the reformation of our lines, we advanced to a temporary line of works where we remained in position, with the horses kept in harness every day, until yesterday when we were relieved, as were Battery D and the Massachusetts Battery, by three other batteries of our brigade. We returned to camp, which is about eight miles from Hatcher’s Run. Thus ended one of the severest campaigns for a short one, as to weather, etc., we have experienced for many a month. We are now in the enjoyment of our quarters, snug and comfortable, which took so long to build, but how long we shall tarry here is doubtful.
The 5th Corps (infantry) have not returned to their old quarters, but will occupy the new lines established on the left. The headquarters of the corps have been moved. The batteries of our brigade continue to garrison some of the forts along the 9th corps. This is one of the beauties of being in the reserve, to be on hand for every movement and afford relief to those at the front.
I suppose, ere long, another attempt will be made to get possession of the South Side Road. Whether this last move was really for that purpose or not I cannot say. I think it was made more for a diversion in favor of Sherman than any thing else, though the alleged original object of the expedition is said to have been the capture of one of the enemy’s trains on its way to Wilmington. This was accomplished, or at least forty wagons were captured. We now hold Hatcher’s Run, and have built formidable works just this side of that stream at Vaughn Road crossing. The entire length of our lines from the extreme right to the extreme left must now be in the neighborhood of fifty miles. Of course the enemy’s lines are proportionately as long, and yet where is the weak spot in either line, or isn’t there any? O ye despised and ridiculed spades of by-gone days, what power and virtue ye do now possess! Where the spade was formerly used in the advance of miles by him who once commanded the Army of the Potomac, it is now used in the advance of yards by the army’s present commander, and wisely so used.
Gen. Bragg’s Brigade of veteran troops, who fought so heroically in the recent movement – a brigade of Gen. Crawford’s Division – started for Baltimore yesterday on business pertaining to the draft, we surmise. By-the-bye, speaking of the draft, we have not heard from our honest appeal made in November last. We are waiting patiently. Come, good, loyal friends of Rochester, come, fill up the ranks, step to the music of the Union, and don’t delay for the draft or expend time and money in hunting up substitutes. Give a helping hand to the “peace commissioners” of your heart and choice. G.B.
Sherman’s army set out from Savannah on Feb. 1 on a trek that was even more remarkable than his March to the Sea. His object: to link up with Union forces near Goldsboro, N.C., 425 miles away. Along the way, he punished the state that had initiated the rebellion: South Carolina. Sherman’s bummers burned houses, ripped up railroads and plundered farms. Columbia, the state capital fell on Feb.17; Charleston was evacuated by the Confederates the following day. Meanwhile, Union soldiers under Maj. Gen. John Schofield, in cooperation with Porter’s warships, occupied Fort Anderson on the outskirts of Wilmington on Feb. 19.
Battery L
Feb. 25, 1865
(Appeared Tuesday, March 7, 1865)
Blank cartridge and shotted salutes are now the order of the day in the Army of the Potomac. Three salutes, on three different days, of one hundred guns each, have been fired this week in recognition of the recent great Union successes. The glorious news from Sherman, and Schofield, and Admiral Porter, has filled all hearts with joy, and day after day the air has sounded with the huzzas of the enthusiastic troops over the fall of Columbia, and then of Charleston, and then of Fort Anderson, and yesterday the salutes and cheering culminated for this eventful week in the history of the rebellion over the capture of Wilmington. Of course these repeated victories, following each other so rapidly, have imparted a happy and cheerful flow of spirits to the soldiers, and they feel, as a consequence, ready and able to help keep the ball rolling and heap up more triumphs for our cause, until there shall be no more victories to win. Must it not be a source of great mortification and humiliation to the Confederacy to know that Charleston, the “cradle of secession and the very nest of rebellion,” should have fallen into the hands of the “detestable Yankees” without so much as the slightest show of resistance – without the firing of a gun or a musket? How perfectly ridiculous seem now the vauntings, and defiant attitudes, and braggadocio of the Charleston Mercury, who, a few weeks since, declared the Charlestonians and all South Carolina burning with fight and “stripped to the buff” for a conflict with Sherman’s ruthless invaders of their sacred city and hallowed soil. And this bold and pugilistic representative of the fire-eating Southern press was the first to take wing and fly away on the approach of Sherman’s “invincibles.” How have the mighty fallen!
When is the brave General Sherman to encounter that “lion in his path” which the rebel papers have frequently said would meet him ever since he left Atlanta? Sure it is that that lordly beast has not run across Sherman’s path yet, but he may turn up in the person of Gen. Lee ere long. There is no disguising the fact that Sherman’s onward march from point to point without recording an obstacle thrown in its way, is evidence of the great weakness of the rebel armies outside of Lee’s army. Perhaps Gen. Lee, who is now Generalissimo of all the Confederate Armies, has a purpose in letting Sherman roam where he will and do pretty much as he pleases. There may be strategy at the bottom of it all which the rebel military chief is using, but if it doesn’t develop itself pretty soon in a powerful attack on Sherman, what, pray tell, will it all amount to if Sherman’s and Meade’s forces become united?
The general expression throughout this army is, and the feeling is shared by the privates as well as the officers, Lee must do something and do it quickly, or he will inevitably find himself with his army in a “box,” and the chances are that if he is put there he will experience rough usage before he can extricate himself from the dilemma, if he is able to do it at all. This army is wide awake for any demonstrations that he may make on our lines.
On Wednesday of last week deserters brought in information that Lee had been moving several brigades of his troops, and it was the impression at army headquarters that a vigorous assault on our centre would be essayed. Every preparation was made to receive the enemy. Batteries had their horses harnessed and hitched, and for a little while there was considerable stir. No enemy came, however, and matters settled back into their accustomed quietude.
Rain has fallen in abundance this week. The ground is all thawed out, and, as a Richmond paper says, “perfectly rotten.” Imagine the condition of the roads, all ye who have taken practical measurement of the depth of Virginia soil in the winter season. Witness that man yonder, assiduously picking his way knee deep in mud, and that horse, not far distant, floundering to his flanks in the element that once stemmed and turned back an army of 75,000, or perchance 100,000 men, in the days of General Burnside! Napoleon had the Alps and the Appenines to climb and pass over, but he never had the sacred soil of the “Old Dominion” to wade through.
The guns of Battery L are at present in position along the 9th corps lines, in Fort Davis and Battery 22. The rebels have thrown a few shells at the Fort this week.
The reports of numerous deserters coming into our lines are not exaggerated. They come in swarms with and without their guns. In going to corps headquarters the other day I saw three different squads of rebel deserters who had just come over to our side, each squad numbering six or eight men – one a captain. This tells badly for Lee, and must necessarily effect the strength of his army to some extent. G.B.
Transcribed And Donated By Bob MarcotteTranscribed And Donated By Bob Marcotte
Robert E. Marcotte
Rochester, N.Y.
February 2005