Battery L, 1st Artillery Regiment (Light) - George Breck Columns: Chapter 7: “Soldiering In Good Earnest” Into The Shenandoah May 27, 1862 – June 25, 1862

By May 1862, McClellan was closing on Richmond with about 100,000 soldiers. Another 35,000 under Gen. Irvin McDowell in northern Virginia were preparing to reinforce him. To prevent that from happening, Robert E. Lee, Davis’ military advisor, ordered Stonewall Jackson, with 17,000 men, to stage a diversion in the strategic Shenandoah Valley. During the ensuing Valley Campaign of May-June 1862, Jackson ran circles around three separate Union commands totaling 33,000 men under Generals Nathaniel P. Banks; John C. Fremont, who was diverted from a contemplated campaign in eastern Tennessee; and James Shields, whose division was detached from McDowell’s command. The strategy worked: McDowell’s command was retained in northern Virginia. And Stonewall Jackson became a legend. Battery L, sent to reinforce Banks, arrived at Harpers Ferry at a dark hour indeed. Demoralized soldiers of Banks’ command, routed the previous day at Winchester, crowded the town. Jackson’s triumphant columns converged on the place, for all intents and purposes preparing to cross the Potomac and invade northern soil…

Camp Hill, Va.
May 27, 1862
(Appeared Monday, June 2, 1862)

Dear Union: -- We are soldiering now in good earnest. The halcyon days of our military life, as spent in Baltimore, are among the things that are past. Henceforth, hard bread, salt pork, camping out on mother earth in the open air, hard work, hard fare, and doubtless some hard knocks. Well, when we enlisted for the war, this is what we expected, and what we are at present experiencing is no disagreeable disappointment. In fact, we like it exceedingly, for it is exactly what we counted upon. But I hav’nt time to ruminate in this manner. Let me tell you where we are, what we are doing, what we are likely to do, what we have done, seen, heard, etc.

My last letter informed you of orders received to report ourselves at Harper’s Ferry to General Saxton, immediately. Before we left Stuart’s Place other orders came, that we must start without a moment’s unnecessary delay, as it was of the utmost importance that we should be at Harper’s Ferry. It was half past nine o’clock, however, before we got everything embarked on the cars, there being several hindrances to getting the pieces, carriages, horses, etc., on board. It required a train of twenty-three cars to transport battery and men. There was a large crowd gathered at the camp to see us off and on leaving we gave three cheers for the citizens of Baltimore, to which a response was given with three cheers for Reynolds’ Battery. I must pass over the little incidents that occurred on our journey to Harper’s Ferry. Suffice it to say every one was in the best of spirits, apparently pleased at the idea of soon seeing active service. It was ten o’clock the next morning (Monday) (May 26) before we reached our destination. Just before we arrived at Harper’s Ferry, we met several soldiers, who gave the most gloomy accounts of Gen. Banks’ army. A sergeant reported that Gen. Banks’ army was all cut to pieces, that it had been meet by an overpowering force, and was scattered to the winds. Another soldier said that the rebel army had evacuated Richmond and was on its way to Maryland via Harper’s Ferry; that the Federal troops in Gen. Banks command were nearly all slaughtered; that the rebels were within seven or eight miles of Harper’s Ferry. Many stories of a like nature were told us, by those who had been engaged in the disastrous conflict, all purporting a terrible state of affairs. From all we could learn the fight at Winchester and beyond there had proved a second Bull Run affair, for we were told that our army became routed and fled hither and thither, chased up by the enemy who was many thousand strong.

These reports, coming as they did from soldiers who had participated in the strife, of course created no little excitement amongst us. We expected the rebels would be prepared to give us a warm reception almost as soon as we disembarked from the cars. We saw and conversed with several stragglers from Gen. Banks’ army, and they gave us to understand there was hot work before us. On reaching Harper’s Ferry we saw a number of companies and regiments drawn up along the railroad, and everything presented a warlike aspect. They were mostly from Baltimore. There was a company of Marines, just from Washington, with six brass howitzers and six brass cannon – 12-pounders. They had a large 100-pound siege gun. These guns are now mounted on the heights on the Maryland side of the Potomac, right opposite Harper’s Ferry. They are faced toward roads and hills leading to Winchester, but the howitzers can be of little use where they are, except to protect the Ferry. It was not long before we crossed the river and had the battery disembarked. We proceeded forthwith to where we are now encamped, which is on a high hill about half a mile from Harper’s Ferry, the property of the rebel General, Jackson. It is a beautiful place, with extensive and beautiful grounds, and commands a fine prospect. There is a large brick house on the center of the hill, but it is in the most dilapidated condition – the windows all broken out, the rooms all ransacked – and it is now used as a kind of guard house. Our battery is planted near the brow on the west side of the hill, in view of Winchester road, of the village of Bolivar, which lies not far from the bottom of the hill, and of Bolivar Heights. I understand that we are to march to Bolivar Heights this afternoon, which is about two miles distant, and there plant our battery. There are several regiments of infantry there now, drawn up in line of battle, ready to receive the enemy in case he makes his appearance.

The New York 8th (Crooks’) Cavalry are there now, armed with the Springfield musket. I have seen several of the officers of that regiment since last evening, including Major (William) Benjamin and Captain (George H.) Barry of Brockport. Before this reaches you, you will doubtless have heard of the 8th N.Y. Cavalry being in the battle of Winchester. (1) The men were provided with carbines, which are represented being about as effective as so many pop-guns. Capt. Barry reports that the regiment was routed, as were other regiments, by a force of fifteen or sixteen thousand rebels – half of them cavalry. It was impossible to withstand such a body of troops with such a small force as the Federals had, and the consequence was our troops were routed. Gen. Banks’ force consisted of about four thousand men only, and unsupported by any artillery, excepting Capt. Cothran’s battery, which is attached to the same regiment we are. This battery fought well, but the report is that it was finally taken and most of the men were killed or taken prisoners. They fought until they became completely exhausted and were overpowered by the superior numbers of the enemy. I give this as a report. Capt. Barry’s company was dispersed, and last night, out of eighty men, he had but twenty-eight. He did not think many were killed, but they are missing, and if they had not been taken prisoners they would probably report themselves in time. Lieut. Col. (Charles R.) Babbitt, who had command of the regiment, is reported to be killed or wounded and taken prisoner. Capt. (John W.) Dickinson of Newark was seen to fall, but whether killed or not, it is, or was last night unknown. (2) The probability is that nearly all the soldiers who fought at Winchester, and are reported missing, will turn up ere long. Several state that the rebels carried a black flag. The women in Winchester took an active part against our troops, shooting them from the windows, both in the rear and front. This is a fact.

The question has arisen in thousands of minds, since the repulse of Gen. Banks’ forces, how it happened that he had a force of about four thousand men only, when a few weeks ago it was known or believed he had four or five times that number. We hav’nt the time to discuss this matter, but we have been informed, very authoritatively, that Gen. Banks asked, urgently asked for more troops, especially artillery, not long ago, but they were refused him on the ground that the request was regarded unnecessary; that certain authorities in Washington knew better what Gen. Banks wanted than he did himself.

President Lincoln was obliged to take the matter in hand, at the last hour, and act on his own responsibility; and it is all owing to him that the troops now here were ordered here when they were. One thing is certain, there has been a “screw loose somewhere,” or else Gen. Banks would have had more troops than he was provided with. What he gained and might have held, if there had been no interference, must, and no doubt will be, gained over again.

Last night, our battery encamped in the open air, on the ground, and the boys say to-day they never had a better night’s rest in the world. – There were two regiments of infantry encamped beside us. It would have been no difficult matter for the enemy to have attacked and captured us, if he had been disposed to do so, as everything was in more or less confusion. This forenoon we have been busy unpacking boxes of ammunition, and packing the same in our ammunition chests. They contain twelve hundred rounds of canister, solid and spherical case shot, sufficient to accomplish a good deal of effective execution. The boys are in the best of spirits, and ready for a conflict with the foe, whenever one shall take place.

Wednesday, May 28

We are now encamped on Bolivar Heights, one of the most commanding positions I ever saw. Hills and bluffs surround us on every side, and you can see the country for miles and miles. The country presents a magnificent appearance. In every direction the view is splendid. (3) We are on the right of the Heights; an infantry regiment – the 109th Pennsylvania – encamped on the right of us. There is an artillery battery on the extreme left, supported by an infantry regiment. There are about four or five thousand troops – including cavalry, artillery and infantry – stationed along the top of the Heights. Our battery is in a position that commands a range of the roads and fields lying in the direction of Charlestown, about eight miles west of us. Quite a forest of trees was leveled to the ground last evening, to afford a better range for our pieces.

We had a lively and exciting time last night. Just after we had “turned in” to rest, we were all aroused by a sharp cracking of musketry. The men […] to the guns, the horses were harnessed, and everything was got ready. The firing continued, and we […] the extreme right, and no infantry within half or three-quarters of a mile from us. There is a road leading up to our right, affording an opportunity for a strong attack by the enemy, and thus outflanking us by a strong force. Word was sent to Col. Daniel Ullman (4), who is in command of the troops on Bolivar Heights in the absence of Gen. Saxton, of our exposed position, unsupported by infantry. An infantry regiment was sent – the one mentioned above.

The cause of the firing, on investigation, resulted from our own pickets, one of whom fired by mistake on one of his fellow pickets, supposing him to be one of the enemy’s. The pickets were inexperienced in their duties, and they fired unnecessarily. This was the cause of alarm. The man who was fired upon has since died.

This morning the right section of our battery, in command of Lieut. Loder, started on a reconnoissance, to be gone four days, in connection with the 111th Pennsylvania regiment and a company or two of cavalry. They have gone towards Charlestown.

The rest of our battery may follow shortly, but I don’t anticipate an engagement with the rebels this side of Winchester.

Excuse this hastily written letter. I have written amidst a thousand interruptions, and pressed with business, and hence it is very disconnected. G.B.

Letters to the company may be addressed to Baltimore, as heretofore, care Capt. J. A. Reynolds, 1st N.Y. Artillery.

Bolivar Heights, Virginia
May 28th, 1862

Dear Union: -- I dispatched a hastily written letter to you this morning, and at its close mentioned a reconnoissance that had just started forth in the direction of Charlestown, leading to Winchester, in which the right section of our battery, under command of Lieut. Loder, had been detailed to participate. The reconnoissance was to last four days, but the reconnoitreing body returned this afternoon at 3 o’clock. It consisted, as stated, inclusive of one section of our battery, of the 111th Pennsylvania Regiment and four companies of the 1st Maryland Cavalry Regiment, all under command of the Colonel of the 111th ---- Schlandecker (Matthew Schlaudecker). On arriving within a mile and a half of Charlestown, they saw a rebel force of cavalry and infantry, about nine hundred strong, in some dense woods. The Colonel asked Lieut. Loder if he could shell them. He replied he could try. The two rifled cannon were immediately planted and the first shell struck just in front of the rebels. Two more shells sent them scattering through the woods pell mell. They tried to flank the battery, but the pieces were brought about and the rebels were favored with some more shells, which sent them flying again, chased up by the Maryland Cavalry and the battery. They were followed through the town of Charlestown, near a hill, where our troops encountered a strong rebel force of several regiments of cavalry and infantry and some nine pieces of cannon. Of course to proceed and attack such a strong force, with such a small number of troops as Col. Schlandecker had, would have been folly, for our men would have been overpowered, and either all killed or captured. The rebels soon began pouring shells into the ranks of our reconnoitreing body, and it becoming pretty hot for the Colonel and his command, the command to retreat was given. The infantry regiment commenced retreating, but Lieut. Loder continued firing with his section, but soon ceased and covered the retreat. They were followed by the rebel forces, but returned in good order. When the attack was first made on the rebels by our men, the firing could be distinctly heard where we are encamped, and the smoke of the cannon could be seen. Capt. Reynolds was ordered to send another section of his battery forward, in connection with the 78th N.Y., under command of Col. Daniel Ullman. The left section was detailed for the work, in command of Lieut. Reynolds, Capt. Reynolds going with it. The reinforcement had not gone far before the retreating party was met, and Capt. Reynolds immediately made a countermarch with the left section of his battery on hearing the strength of the rebel force.

Not one of our men in Lieut. Loder’s section was so much as scratched. They fought and stood their ground like old veteran soldiers. The Pennsylvania Regiment cheered Lieutenant Loder, then the men in his command, and then gave three cheers for the whole battery.

The Maryland cavalry were perfectly fearless, and in their charges on the rebels did splendidly. They lost three killed, and two were wounded. The Pennsylvania regiment is one of the best infantry regiments in the service. They had one killed and five wounded. The reconnoissance was a success, for it developed the strength of the enemy in front of us, and our men were indeed fortunate coming off with the small loss they sustained. (5) The women of Charlestown fired on our troops as they passed through the town. This is a common occurrence now, and the practice of this barbarity costs the lives of many in the Federal army. The town of Charlestown contains about 1,500 inhabitants, and has gained a notoriety as being the place where John Brown was confined in prison and hung. (6) The reconnoitering party fired a secession printing office, which contained a large amount of grain, and a dwelling house, where they were fired upon, burning both to the ground. They captured two secesh, also, and brought them to Harper’s Ferry.

We expect to be attacked tonight, as the enemy is said to be but two miles in front of us. I wish we had a greater force. I am not at liberty, however, to say this, perhaps, as I have just read Gen. McClellan’s despatch to Secretary Stanton, relative to the suppression of all news about the publication of army movements, etc. I presume my last letter interfered with these orders, in some respects, which, of course, will prevent the publication of certain portions of my communication. It may be that I have violated orders in writing this. If so, I must be more careful in my correspondence. G.B.

Jackson’s advance on Harpers Ferry was merely a ruse, to give the impression he intended to cross the Potomac. On May 30, he abruptly raced back down the valley to elude Fremont and Shields. More fighting would occur well to the south before the Valley Campaign ended. But Harpers Ferry was no longer threatened. (7)

Camp Hill, Va.
June 1, 1862
(Appeared Friday, June 6, 1862)

Dear Union – No attack by the enemy was made last Wednesday night (May 28) as I mentioned in my last letter it was expected there would be. The night was magnificent, but a little too cool for out-door sleeping on the ground, and yet we slept soundly and comfortably as if we had been at home. Everything was very quiet that night. Very little picket firing, and no sight of the enemy.

The next afternoon the scene was changed. Your correspondent was down town when the news was circulated that a party of our cavalry had been fired upon while skirmishing about two miles from Bolivar Heights, and there was every prospect of a speedy onslaught by the enemy. Our pickets had been fired upon also, and a brisk cannonading could be heard. I hurried back to camp, and on approaching it saw troops rapidly forming into line of battle, and appearances indicated that an engagement would soon take place. The enemy’s cannon could be heard at Falls Mill, about two miles in front of us. Capt. Crounce’s battery of four pieces, stationed at the extreme left of the Heights, was throwing shell where the enemy was supposed to be concealed by the woods. Our own battery soon opened upon him, the first shell falling and exploding in the right place, but with what effect we could not tell. We fired several more shells, but the enemy kept in the shade, determined, apparently, not to show himself. Generals (Rufus) Saxton, (James) Cooper and (John) Slough, with their respective staffs, appeared on the hill, and the command was soon given to cease firing. There are two brigades here, consisting of – troops. Gen. Cooper’s is the first, to which we have been assigned. Gen. Saxton is in command of all the forces. He is a graduate of West Point, served with McClellan in Western Virginia, and took an active part in Missouri under Gen. Lyon, I believe. He is said to be well fitted for the place he occupies. (8) I hope so, for we need a good general here to conduct affairs. I think, however, there is an opportunity for criticism relative to some matters that we know of which have taken place since we came to Harper’s Ferry. But I am not the proper person to indulge in it at present. I trust there will be no occasion for it hereafter, and yet if reverse and disaster should overtake us, the probable cause of it will not be kept a secret. But everything looks very favorable to our cause now in this vicinity, and so no fears need be entertained about the result. I said the command was given to cease firing. This was about nine o’clock. Would the enemy attack us that night? It was thought he would, and therefore every preparation was made to receive him with the forces we had. He was reported eighteen or twenty thousand strong. What we lacked in numbers we must make up in courage and irresistible bravery. So far as our battery was concerned, it was the determination of us all to stand by it till the last moment. If taken, we must be taken too. Some regiments struck their tents, and had their camp equipage removed down town, in case of defeat. At an early hour we lay down on the ground, all the troops reposing on their arms, two or three lines of pickets out, and everything bespoke an engagement that night.

The 8th N.Y. Cavalry, or more properly Infantry, as they are furnished with muskets, having taken them up of their own accord as a matter of protection to themselves as well as of defense to their country, were on our extreme right, and they had promised to support us, come what might. About midnight, or perhaps one o’clock, we were aroused from sleep by the summons to get ready and retreat as quickly as possible. What did it mean? Was the enemy about to pounce upon us in overwhelming numbers? Whatever the cause for retreat, it must be done without stopping to ask questions. We had no means of carrying our tents and camp equipment excepting one wagon, and that had been loaded with baggage and sent to the bridge. We must leave our tents. Most of the companies must do the same for want of both time and accommodations. In a little while the troops took up their line of march for, well, we thought all were to go across the river. But no. Part were to take their position about a mile back of Bolivar Heights, on Camp Hill, where we bivouaced the first night of our arrival here. The right section of our battery, in command of Lieutenant Loder, was to remain here. The other two sections went forward. The street and walks leading to the bridge were thronged with teams, soldiers and citizens. Many families and hundreds of negroes, loaded with household chattles, evacuated their homes on learning that there was a retreat of our army and wended their way to the river. Everybody was hastening from the town for the safety of their lives. When we reached the bridge there was the greatest and most promiscuous crowd of men, women and children I almost ever saw, all trying to cross the river with the utmost dispatch. It was no easy matter getting the battery over. The horses, between sixty and seventy in number, had to be unhitched from the carriages and led across the bridge singly. Each gun carriage and caisson had to be drawn over by hand. There is a layer of one inch boards that serve as a bottom for the bridge, which is open on both sides. It is just wide enough for cars to pass over, and we were hard pushed for room, as you can well imagine. The carriages were all drawn over, however, heavy and large as they are, but not without an adventure, which, it is a wonder, did not prove of a very serious if not fatal character. One of our men was pushed over the bridge into the water while helping to draw one of the carriages; but falling on his back, on which had his knapsack, saved the force of the fall and he escaped without injury. Wrecks of the old bridge that was burnt by the rebels, locomotives, iron coal cars and car rails may be seen beneath the present bridge piled up in the river.

Harper’s Ferry is the most desolate, forlorn looking place I ever saw. It is a very sad and a very bad illustration of the effects of this great rebellion. There are but few buildings and these are in the worse condition possible. The ruins of the arsenal present a very mournful picture. They extend several hundred feet along the banks of the Potomac, and the buildings, before their destruction, must have been very fine.

But to come back to our retreat. Had there been any kind of a panic attending it, the consequences would have been awful, for thousands would have been killed rushing across the bridge. Very fortunately, the retreat was conducted in good order. We were soon off the “sacred soil” of Virginia and in the State of Maryland. Where were we to go? Not back to Baltimore, surely! No, but high up on Maryland Heights, a very high hill, or it might more properly be called a mountain, thickly covered with trees and underbrush, abounding with rocks and commanding a view of the Potomac, the Shenandoah and its beautiful valley, Bolivar Heights, Loudon Heights and an extent of country for many miles. About half way up these heights, by a road three-quarters of a mile long and quite difficult of ascent, we planted our cannon and here the retreat ended. The move had been a good one. There we could shell Bolivar Heights and away beyond it, if the enemy made his appearance. Here, as I now write, are two nine inch guns, one fifty pounder, one Dahlgreen gun (9), twelve pounders and howitzers, in command of navy officers, who volunteered to come and help to protect Harper’s Ferry in the present emergency. Camp Hill is a mile or a mile and half, in a direct line to Maryland Heights. You can see each place distinctly from either point, Maryland Heights being of course much the highest. There at Camp Hill, rifle pits have been dug and breastworks thrown up, and there are stationed here four or five infantry regiments, Capt. Crounce’s Battery on the right and Lieut. Loder, with a section of our battery is on the banks of the Shenandoah. There are two twelve brass pounders, in the centre. A rifled cannon is planted in the middle of the road leading to Bolivar Heights. Cavalry are quartered in the rear.

The rebels failed to show themselves until Friday evening (May 30), when a few of their skirmishers could be seen on Bolivar Heights. They did’nt remain there very long, for the shells from our guns and especially from the large ones, on Maryland Heights, scattered them like sheep. Those of your readers who have never witnessed the firing of hundred pound shells have a very faint idea of the awfulness and grandeur attending the sight. More particularly is this the case, when the elements of nature are in commotion; when there is the vivid flash of lightning, the heavy peal of thunder, the rapid fall of rain, and when storm and tempest rage with almost demoniacal fury. Such a night was Friday. The shells, as they whizzed through the air, and bursted while falling to the ground, fairly shook the earth, and the woods, hills and mountains reverberated with the report of these deadly missiles. It was a scene such as are never beheld before, though often read about. Seeing and hearing were realities, of which reading had failed to form any adequate idea. Nearly every person all Friday night was awake at Camp Hill. The troops were kept drawn up in line of battle till morning, though the rain fell in torrents. There were three or four false alarms during the night caused by picket firing, the first proving of a very serious and sad nature.

A sergeant belonging in Co. B. of the 3d Delaware Regiment had occasion to pass the lines, and on his return became frustrated at something, which caused him to forget the countersign. The guard challenged him, but the countersign having escaped his mind for the time being he didn’t respond promptly, and the guard immediately shot at him, the ball passing thro’ his shoulder, cutting an artery from which he bled to death in half an hour afterwards. The firing of the guard caused the other pickets to fire, and that immediately created a fright among some of the regiments, they supposing the enemy was right upon them. A Maryland regiment without orders, under the excitement, fired a volley, the balls whistling every way. Three or four were wounded, one so badly that he was obliged to have his arm amputated. It is a miracle that a great loss of life was not the result of this panic. We felt ticklish enough for a few minutes, with all this firing going on in our camp, the musket balls flying hither and thither, and everything all excitement and confusion. It is sufficiently bad to be shot by the enemy, certainly much more so by your own friends and brethren in arms. I think almost as many lives have been sacrificed in our army by the commission of blunders, as there have been by our country’s foe. This indiscriminate selection of men for the performance of picket and guard duty ought to cease. None but men of some intelligence and reliability have any business to act as pickets. In the case of the Sergeant who was shot, the guard instead of firing immediately, because the countersign was not given at the moment asked for, ought to have called the corporal or officer of the guard, or coolly and perfectly satisfied himself that somebody was trying to pass the lines who had no right to. It is one of the saddest events that has happened in the way of picketing.

There was another false alarm during the night, proceeding from one of the pickets becoming frightened. The same regiment which fired a volley fired another volley, but with orders this time. Nobody hurt, however. The enemy did not show himself that night, though his signal lights could be seen not far distant in front of us. Saturday morning (May 31) came, and we expected its light would reveal to us the enemy’s batteries planted on Bolivar Heights. But none were there. Everything was quiet. Cavalry skirmishers were soon sent out to see if the rebels could be found. They went as far as Charlestown, but not a rebel soldier could be seen. They had evacuated the place. The report was that McDowell and Fremont were in their rear; that Front Royal had been retaken by our army, and that Jackson’s and Ewell’s forces were likely to be bagged. (10)

The skirmishers discovered seven dead horses in the woods which had belonged to the enemy, and which had been killed by the firing of shells from our battery on Thursday afternoon or evening. The range of our guns had been directed to the spot, but in consequence of the woods the effect of our firing was not visible at the time. Whether any rebels were killed or not, we cannot say positively.

Maryland Heights
June 2
I am now with the left and centre sections of our battery. It makes it rather bad, the battery being separated, but we shall come together again in a few days, no doubt. Gen. (Franz) Sigel is here. I understand he is to take command of the army in this vicinity. (11) His presence has infused the soldiers with much spirit and enthusiasm. They greeted him this morning along the road with vociferous cheers. He is a small army of himself and our troops have the greatest confidence in him. Under his command matters will not lie idle. There is active work for us now and perhaps very warm work. A good commander is half the battle. With Gen. Sigel to lead us onward we shall step with a light and confident step.

There was a heavy firing of musketry last night on Loudon Heights, but the cause of it I am unable to state. I presume there will be an advance from here very soon. Your correspondent starts for Baltimore to-day on business for the company. He will have to dispatch his business quickly or the battery may be off in pursuit of the enemy before his return. He hopes not. The day is intensely hot. Rain has fallen in abundance the past week. Vegetation needed it, and now the country is a picture of beauty and magnificence. If the whole of Virginia is like the north-eastern part, it must be a land flowing with milk and honey. The natural scenery about Harper’s Ferry is of the most romantic and picturesque description. G.B.

Harper’s Ferry, Va.
June 7
(Appeared Thursday, June 12, 1862)

Dear Union – I arrived here from Baltimore yesterday noon, but too late to see Reynolds’ Battery, which I left encamped on Maryland Heights and at Camp Hill. The afternoon that I started for Baltimore, last Monday (June 2), nearly all the troops that were quartered in and about Harper’s Ferry were ordered to Winchester by Gen. Sigel, and that evening they took up their line of march for the above mentioned place. They reached there on Wednesday (June 4), I understand, and last accounts report that they were to march three miles south of Winchester, and there rest for a short time. The large guns remain mounted on Maryland Heights, manned by marines, and supported and protected by the 8th cavalry. Lieut. Col. Babbitt is now in command of the regiment, the reports of his death or capture proving false. There are several fragments of infantry regiments at Camp Hill in command of Major Benjamin, but no doubt they will soon join the forces of Gen. Sigel. On arriving here I found the bridge entirely washed away by the recent heavy rains, which had raised the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers some thirty feet. When I left there these rivers could be easily forded, but now their waters are rolling and dashing impetuously over banks and high rocks; trees are almost submerged, houses are standing in the water, and the effects of the freshet are visible everywhere along the two large streams. The water is rapidly receding, however, and will soon be as low as before the heavy rains. I crossed the river in a skiff, and last night “put up” with Major Benjamin, who, by the way, is looking as hearty as you please, and than whom there is no pleasanter man and more popular officer to be found anywhere. He is a favorite with the whole regiment, and his services seem to be appreciated by military authorities here. He has been indefatigable in his exertions for the good of his regiment, and is continuing his efforts to get the regiment mounted. If not mounted, I think it will be disbanded. There has been no finer regiment of men recruited than the 8th N.Y. cavalry, but it has been very shabbily treated. (12)

A train of about sixty teams arrived here from Winchester last evening, to take commissary and quartermaster stores for Gen. Sigel’s command. They have been loading up all the morning, and are about ready to return. I shall take passage in one of them. We hope Jackson won’t espy and capture us, for the men are in great want of provisions. The roads are in such a bad condition that we will not reach our destination probably till to-morrow some time. The distance from here to Winchester is thirty-two or thirty-five miles.

I shall have to close, as the train of teams is ready to start.

I left Baltimore all quiet. Unionism is triumphant there. I think it can take care of itself without the aid of military. There are eight or nine regiments of infantry and artillery in and about the city, mostly all, if not all, from New York city and Brooklyn. The 7th New York are encamped on the grounds we occupied. Also an artillery battery of the same kind and number of pieces we have.

I am informed that Capt. Reynolds has been appointed by Gen. Sigel on his staff. He is Chief of Artillery in Gen. Sigel’s command or division. This does not take him away from the company entirely, though its immediate command now devolves on Lieut. Loder. G.B.

Kern Town, (or Kernsville,)
Three Miles South of Winchester, Virginia
June 10, 1862
(Appeared Monday, June 16, 1862)

Dear Union: -- Rain, rain; it has rained almost constantly since we first trod the sacred soil of Virginia. It is raining now and raining hard. Our little tent is a poor protection from the water which comes in rather too freely for our comfort. But trenches are being dug outside, which will carry the water off and somewhat improve our condition. Our cotton house is of much smaller dimensions than the one we had in Baltimore, and is destitute of a “fly.” It is supported by old rails, and is tenanted by four lieutenants, with blankets, valises, carpet bags, saddles – the latter very serviceable for pillows – sabres, pistols, etc., covering the ground and field up in more or less confusion. This is our house, our home, our habitation, for how long we cannot say. The days of a soldier’s pilgrimage, in any one spot, are very short and uncertain when there is active work to be performed. Here to-day and off to-morrow. We are expecting marching orders to Strasburg or Front Royal, as something to that effect was intimated to us yesterday from headquarters. A battery of artillery and the 28th N.Y. regiment passed our camp yesterday afternoon on their way to Front Royal. We had the pleasure of seeing Capt. Charles H. Fenn, who is in the 28th regiment. (13) He is looking and feeling well, and reports that his company has seen some lively work recently. Some thirty of his men were taken prisoners, two were killed and two wounded in Gen. Banks’ retreat. Gen. Banks is at present in Winchester with part of his forces. Gen. Sigel’s headquarters are there also, and the second brigade of his division, under command of Gen. Slough. Our battery is attached to the first brigade, Gen. Cooper commanding. We are encamped on a large open field, near which Gen. Banks made a stand, or tried to make one, in his late repulse by the overpowering forces of the rebel Jackson. It is in this vicinity that Gen. Banks fought Jackson in the rapid advance movement he made two or three months ago. Jackson’s recent successes are like those of a certain King of France, who marched up a hill with 40,000 men, and then marched down again. His victories have proved of the duration of a summer’s cloud. (14)

Yesterday I was informed that Jackson and his army were completely hemmed in by Generals Fremont and Shields. We sincerely hope it is true. The company have been here since last Thursday (June 5). They had a terrible wet and unpleasant time on their march from Harper’s Ferry, going eighteen miles without stopping, excepting to rest for a few minutes, the rain pouring in torrents all the way, and at night the boys say, they encamped standing up and lying down in the mud, without scarcely a shelter of any kind. These hardships were borne with commendable spirit, and as all are well with one or two exceptions, cheerfulness and good humor are no strangers in our camp, though the weather is ever so bad and cheerless.

In a letter written just before I left Harper’s Ferry, on Saturday last, I stated information had been given me of Capt. Reynolds being honored with an appointment on Gen. Sigel’s Staff, as chief of artillery in Gen. S’s Division. I found this to be the case on arriving here. As remarked previously, our company is not relieved entirely from the command of Capt. Reynolds, he being with it more or less of his time, and retaining primary command of it. His headquarters, however, are at Gen. Sigel’s office in Winchester. Lieut. Loder, in his absence, commands the battery. Gen. Sigel is desirous of adding two howitzers to the battery, but whether it will be done or not I cannot say.

The train of commissary and quarter master teams, in one of which I took passage from Harper’s Ferry to Winchester, came by way of Berryville, over a splendid turnpike road, finely gravelled and Macadamized the whole length. I expected in consequence of the late heavy rains to find the roads in a deplorable condition, but they were far from it.

We stopped at Charlestown Saturday night (June 7) and were quite hospitably entertained at a secesh hotel. The landlady and her daughter were thorough secesh, great admirers of Jeff. Davis, and full of faith in the establishment of his Confederacy. They were very pleasant in the expression of their sentiments, and I noticed received Uncle Sam’s “green backs” without a particle of doubt as to their worth and currency. We asked them why it was they had repudiated the old flag and become such willing followers of Jeff. Davis? Southern rights, was their answer. We enquired what they meant by southern rights. An evasive response was the only reply we could get. And thus it is, with all secesh whom we have interrogated on the subject of reunionism. They can give no satisfactory reasons for the adoption of their principles, or for throwing off allegiance to the Federal Government.

At 7 o’clock the next morning the train of teams again took up the line of march. We passed through a section of most beautiful country, combining the romantic and picturesque in the greatest degree. The Valley of the Shenandoah is extensively known as comprising one of the finest and most fertile regions of country anywhere to be found. The very name is significant of beauty. It is one of the greatest wheat growing countries we ever saw. Field after field of wheat met our eye, and we never so fully realized before what was meant by waving fields of grain. There was just breeze enough to give them this waving, sea-like appearance. Extensive pastures of grass and clover are visible on both sides of the road; beautiful springs of water, woods and groves, but few, very few, houses could be seen. They are “few and far between,” and of little account, presenting little beauty or other attractions. Now and then there is a fine residence, sitting far back from the road, almost concealed by trees.

We saw very few cattle, or stock of any description. Horses are a scarce article in this region. They have been freely taken wherever found, and appropriated by both Federal and Confederate troops. I think that in many instances, some of our army do decidedly wrong in their appropriations. They are wholly unwarranted, and practically it is no less than downright stealing or highway robbery. A matter of this kind occurred while I was traveling with the teams. A soldier seeing several horses and cattle grazing in a field near a farm house, dismounted from one of the wagons, went to the field, and tried to capture a horse. A woman came out of the house and undertook to drive the soldier away and prevent the horse from being taken. There was a colored man near by, whom the soldier had requested to help capture the horse. The woman told the black man not to do it, but the soldier immediately drew a pistol and threatened the man’s life if he refused to comply with his request. The sight of the loaded pistol compelled the black to do as he had been ordered and the horse was captured, the soldier getting a bridle, mounting and riding him to Winchester. Of course, this was done in violation of all military law, but it reflects most severely on the reputation and character of our army. We are in an enemy’s country, to be sure, and it is argued by many that the enemy ought to be made to support our army whenever in his midst. We admit that to a certain extent and under certain circumstances this is proper, but the perpetration of such an outrageous act as I have mentioned, though against the bitterest secesh, ought to be followed with summary punishment upon the perpetrator. While writing this, orders have been received from Gen. Banks, strictly prohibiting all depredations of the above character, under pretence that horses are needed by, and are to be used for, Government service. Whoever commits such an offence will be severely dealt with. Proper authorities are delegated to obtain all necessary supplies for the army in a proper manner.

We saw, between Harper’s Ferry and Winchester, stacks of old wheat unthrashed, going to decay for want of laborers. The fields of wheat, now growing and ripening so luxuriantly, must go to waste for the same reason. Slaves are making their escape daily, and what to do without slaves is an enigma to the people who inhabit the valley of the Shenandoah and who have always been dependent on slave labor. Poor Virginia! She is paying most dearly for allowing herself to be bound with the shackles of secessionism. Would that she might arouse herself and throw them off, and, like Tennessee, try and take her place once more alongside her loyal sisters in the Union (15) No State can outrival her in wealth of natural resources and in the beauty of her scenery. The artist need not go to Europe to find sketches of landscape for his pencil. He will find them here in profusion. But I must close. Since commencing this letter we have received a large installment of Wall and Sibley tents. They are more acceptable than my pen can express. This lying out doors in the mud and rain isn’t the most agreeable of pleasures. But we are all right now.

Four hundred rebel prisoners passed through here night before last on their way to Winchester. They are confined in a church there. I saw some of them yesterday, and though they were dressed in a variety of uniforms, a great deal the worse for wear, they looked stout and rugged and are large, heavy men. G.B.

Kernstown, Va.
June 16
(Appeared Monday, June 23, 1862)

Dear Union: -- We still remain encamped in the same place where my last letter was dated, some three miles south of Winchester. We are about two hundreds yards east of the road leading to the town, our tents fronting south, and in the rear and on the left of us are quartered the rest of the troops composing our brigade. The brigade consists of the 111th and 109th Pennsylvania regiments, the 102d New York regiment, the District of Columbia regiment, which is a body of regulars – one battalion of Maryland cavalry, the 3d Maryland regiment and Reynolds’ battery. Gen. Cooper, who is in command, is a man about sixty years old, gray-haired, of high stature, very square-shouldered, inclined to bend forward a little, and shows quite an aged, infirm appearance, though in his younger days his presence and person must have been very commanding. He is a Pennsylvanian by nativity, I believe, but has spent a good deal of his life in New York, and has quite an extensive acquaintance in the western part of the State. I heard him remark that he knew several of the citizens of Rochester. He was appointed a Brigadier-General at the commencement of the war, but I have been unable to ascertain that he has any military antecedents. Politically, he has figured very conspicuously in Pennsylvania for twenty-five years, having served several times in the State Legislature, two terms in Congress, and one term as U.S. Senator. He is said to have been a very assiduous student, and is now. Is a pleasant, agreeable man, and of course we hope will prove a good military commander. (16)

The 2d brigade, Gen. Slough’s, has been removed this side of Winchester, about a mile north of us.

The Blue Ridge Mountains are plainly visible from our encampment – and the whole character of the country in this vicinity is rolling and mountainous, scattered here and there with woods, which have a peculiarly fresh and clear aspect to them.

Last Friday (June 13) we had a brigade review and drill by Gen. Sigel and staff. We made an attack on an imaginary enemy, skirmishers and sharpshooters being deployed to the front and on the flanks, and the whole brigade manoeuvred as if in actual battle. The three sections of our battery operated independently of each other in different parts of the field, properly supported, in command of their respective chiefs. It is not probable that the battery will ever act together, if called into the field of battle, or very seldom at least. Our imaginary fight did not last very long, but it resulted greatly to the detriment of a large wheat field through which the attack and advance was made, and to the demolishment of several rail fences.

General Sigel is very youthful in looks and stature, and is perfectly unassuming in appearance. At the review and drill, the only article of military apparel that he wore was a coat with the shoulder straps denoting his rank as Major General. He had on a light, broad-brim felt hat, and as he sat on his horse, which has as few military trappings as his rider, no one would have suspected, unless he was acquainted with the fact, that that was Major General Sigel, the brave, dashing and heroic chieftain, who, by his military capacity, has achieved so much distinction and glory in helping to put down this great rebellion. He speaks broken English, and a glance at him will satisfy you that he is German. His face plainly speaks it. It is thin, with high cheek bones, and its features are all rather small. He has a mild, blue eye, a light moustache and beard, and has a very pleasant expression of countenance. I need not speak of his qualities as a commander. They are too well known to be mentioned. He described his own military character when he said, not long since, that he considered a bad retreat better than no advance at all, and he wanted nobody to fight under him who was afraid of getting hurt. We expect very soon to see service under his command.

As I now write, orders have just been received by both brigades of Gen. Sigel’s division to be ready and march to-morrow morning at 8 o’clock. One day’s rations have been ordered to be taken. I understand we are to go to Middletown, some five miles south, or a little southwest of where we now are. It is only a few miles from this place – Middletown – to Strasburg and Front Royal. I presume we are to reinforce Gen. Fremont. Gen. Banks with his division will remain at Winchester.

Gen. Jackson promised the inhabitants of Winchester that he would be back again yesterday and take dinner in their town. Many of the citizens confidently credited Jackson’s word, and Saturday night (June 14) there were Union people packing up and making preparations to go to Baltimore in anticipation of Jackson’s arrival. A woman who kept a furnishing or dry goods store had all her goods packed up, ready for removal from the town, when an adjutant of one of the regiments of our brigade called at her shop Saturday evening to make some purchases. Winchester is thoroughly secesh with here and there an exception. The citizens are eager to welcome Jackson and the rebel forces back again in their midst. We don’t mean they shall enjoy that pleasure if it can be prevented.

Yesterday morning there were two batches of rebel prisoners who passed our camp on their way to Winchester, one composed of about fifty. Such arrivals are of frequent occurrence.

We are being favored with beautiful weather at present. The nights are quite cool, with heavy dews occasionally.

Letters and papers to the company will now be addressed to Winchester, care Reynolds’ Battery, Gen. Sigel’s Division. G.B.

Cedar Creek, Three Miles North of Strasburg, Va.
June 19, 1862
(Appeared Wednesday, July 2, 1862)

Dear Union: -- Since the date of my last letter, we have moved not only once but twice, and before the expiration of another twenty-four hours we may remove again. It is not improbable, however, that we shall remain stationary where we are for a few days, unless compelled to take a kind of French leave by the enemy.

Tuesday morning (June 17) at eight o’clock we took up our line of march for Middletown, our battery following the District of Columbia Regiment, which was the advance guard. Our march would have been pleasant enough, had it not been for the clouds of dust, which our horses and carriages of our battery created, aided by a gentle wind. We hadn’t proceeded far before every one of us was so thickly covered with dust that it was a difficult matter to distinguish our identity. We became transmogrified into old men on short notice, and a whiter and greyer set of men, from head to foot, you never saw. Our march was on the Strasburg road, a turnpike, and the country through which we passed is of the same rich and beautiful description, abounding with large and luxuriant fields of waving grain such as mentioned in my last two or three communications. My frequent reference to the country in the Valley of the Shenandoah is almost unavoidable, for its beauty and magnificence, with every diversity of scenery, and of a soil unsurpassed for fertility, fascinates the eye and calls forth expressions of admiration. Surely, the wonderful goodness and providence of Him who made the earth cannot but be brought to every mind who views aright the beautiful and prolific country that lies between the mountains of the north-eastern part of this great State.

We cannot speak in terms of laudation respecting the villages, if they are worthy of the title, which we have seen in our marches along the valley. Sometimes two or three houses, a tavern and a tiny church constitute what is called a Southern village, and the buildings all have an air of antiquity, minus all associations of the beautiful and romantic. The chimneys, with few exceptions, are built outside of the houses, and the houses are mostly frame tenements that may have had a single coat of paint or whitewash when first built, but age and weather have robbed them of everything of the ornamental, and they now look roughly beaten and worn out. One of the boys remarked, as he took a survey of these wooden tabernacles, that they had every appearance of being built when Adam was an infant.

Our march was not a forced one, and it was 2 p.m. before we reached the spot of our encampment, which was taken up a little below Middletown in and along some woods, a beautiful brook running very near, which was a blessing, rest assured, after our dusty march of nine miles, for we were not long cooling and refreshing ourselves in its crystal waters. We found a small farm house, and here we were hospitably received and hospitably entertained with bowls of nice bread and pure milk. In as civil a manner as possible we tried to ascertain what the sentiments of our host and hostess were on the great question of the day. They were rather non-committal on the subject. They were disposed and desirous to treat all soldiers kindly and courteously, and wished to be treated likewise. They lamented the war and longed for its termination. The man complained that he had been grossly insulted by Union soldiers, his horses, cattle and sheep had been pillaged, and he had suffered considerably from the hands of vandal soldiers. Per contra, he had been kindly treated and protected by Union soldiers and officers, and for this he appeared to feel grateful. We told him that it would be a strange thing if, in such a large army as the Federal Government had in the field, there should not now and then occur acts of depredation and vandalism committed by lawless soldiers; but nothing of the kind was countenanced by our military commanders and authorities, and the man who suffered by them could and would find redress if he sought it. If the man and his family had been the bitterest secesh, we couldn’t have said a word, unless it had been to condemn their principles in a mild kind of a way, so long as we were enjoying the bounties of their board. A small fee was the only remuneration demanded, and we left the house, imploring blessings upon it, because, for the first time in a week or ten days, we had eaten a meal where hard crackers and salt pork didn’t constitute its elemental and fundamental parts.

Yesterday afternoon two more six gun batteries made their appearance at our camp – the 4th and 6th Maine. They are new batteries, just from Washington; have not had much drill, I believe, but are composed of a body of fine-looking and, we of course hope, brave fighting men. This is the kind of material now needed in the valley of the Shenandoah, for I have heard military men say that the great theatre of war is to be transferred to this valley. Perhaps it is. If Virginia is bent on war “to the bitter end,” this section of her State will not be left in possession of us “nasty Yankees” – as the gentler class of the F.F.V.’s (First Families of Viriginia) denominate us – without a bloody struggle. It is a boundary of her territory worth contending for, if she is bound to stay out of the Union. There is too much land, and too much wheat to the acre, to lose with a desperate strife to see whether it shall be lost or not. (17)

But about our second march. It was a short one, extending about a mile and a half or two miles only, and only the 1st Brigade was ordered to move. The orders came at nine this morning, and in half an hour tents were all struck, horses hitched, and we were again on the line of march on the Strasburg road, further South. We approached nearer and nearer the mountains, and on reaching a creek, called Cedar Creek, with hills on either side, we drove up a steep hill on our left, and halting on the summit, we formed in battery with our pieces, put up our picket ropes, pitched the few tents we have, the boys using the paulins to the carriages as a substitute for tents. We have been favored, as a general thing, with good places for encampment, but the present one surpasses them all in point of position and beauty. Stretching nearly around us mountains, ranges of the Blue Ridge, some of them of great height, their tops seeming to penetrate the clouds; and surrounding us on every side are woods, fields, hills, plains, valleys, and almost every variety of land-scape. Our position commands a view of the Strasburg road, which lies across Cedar Creek, and extends, apparently, through a large gap in the mountains. Cedar Creek runs a little below the bottom of the hill, due South, and is quite a large stream, a dam crossing it below where the bridge was. All that remains of the bridge are two stone abutments on either bank. It was first destroyed by Jackson when Gen. Banks made him “skedaddle” so rapidly down the Valley. It was then re-built, and again destroyed by Gen. Banks in his recent retreat.

It is in this vicinity that a severe fight took place between Jackson’s and Banks’ forces. On the opposite side of the creek, on quite a high hill, Jackson planted his batteries and shelled Gen. Banks’ retreating army with considerable loss of life. Partially burnt baggage wagons, the skeletons and carcasses of horses, and the marks of a fierce contest may be seen about here. A Georgia regiment is said to have encamped where we are. At the foot of the hill, on the left and front of us in a large plain, are encamped all the infantry regiments of our brigade, with the exception of the regiment of regulars that are quartered at the foot of the hill, on our right and rear, and between one of the Maine batteries stationed on another hill, nearly back of us. On a hill in rear of the regiments in the plain, the other Maine battery is planted, and the position of all the batteries is such that they cover and protect the infantry, and in turn, the infantry protect and support the batteries. With our eighteen guns, we can sweep the hills and fields in front of us, and on our flanks. The enemy would meet with a warm reception, were he to attempt to fight us. We are in a position to withstand the largest force, and, if needed, reinforcements can easily be supplied us. The military skill and wisdom of Gen. Sigel are discernable in the arrangement of matters here. Indeed, since he took command in the Valley of the Shenandoah there has been a marked change in the movements of the army and the disposition of the various forces in this important seat of the war. Gen. Sigel has labored day and night; has traversed and scouted the country from Harper’s Ferry way down the Valley; has so disposed of our forces that at any time they can be readily concentrated to withstand Jackson wherever he may choose to attack our army; and, in a word, he is the moving, and I may add, controlling spirit of not only his own division, but the divisions of other Generals who rank him. They confer with him, and abide in a great measure by his judgment. All this is of recent, very recent, occurrence.

We might say a good deal about matters as conducted of late in this Valley, which have certainly been attended with more or less mismanagement; but we will not dwell on what ought and what ought not to have been done, and what might have been done. We will let the past alone, and look at the present.

It is Friday morning as I now write, and everything of a military and war character in the Shenandoah Valley looks bright and encouraging – as bright as is the morning, which is as bright and beautiful as can be.

We have just been favored with a call from Capt. Reynolds, and from him we have learned that everything is all right in the several divisions of Gen. Fremont’s and Gen. Banks’ armies. Gen. Shields is at Front Royal. (18) Gen. Fremont has had orders to fall back to Strasburg. The whole army in this valley can be concentrated at any point in the space of a few hours. Gen. Sigel was at Front Royal yesterday, and on his return he made the remark that he would like very much to see Jackson now. He had consummated matters to his satisfaction. Jackson is at Port Republic, or was.

Last evening there passed our camp, on the road to Winchester, sixteen or eighteen ambulances, with thirty-six wounded Federal soldiers. They were in the battle at Front Royal. Such a sight makes the heart ache, and involuntarily it breathes a prayer for Peace. When will it come? How much longer will brother array himself against brother in all the fierce and deadly strife of battle? When will the madness of wicked and designing men be checked and dethroned, and reason and right take its place? When will our nation again enjoy tranquility, again be united in the bonds of a true American brotherhood, and again take its position among the first and great nations on the earth? Let the people of the North not forget the sacred truth that help and deliverance must come from the God of Nations, and vain is the help of man without it.

Friday, p.m. June 20.

For three or four hours this afternoon, baggage teams, empty and loaded, belonging to General Fremont’s army, have been coming up the Strasburg road on their way to Winchester passing our camp, indicating, evidently, that Fremont is now at Strasburg. Between three hundred and four hundred teams have passed here along the mountains, partially concealed by the woods, they presented a very interesting appearance. Just at present writing a body of cavalry, apparently, are coming up the road. I am told it is General Fremont with staff and bodyguard. Sure enough it is. We have just been down to the road to see them. Fremont was mounted on a grey horse and looked rugged and war-like. We never should have recognized him from the many pictures we have seen representing him. We saw him but a moment, however, as he passed us quite rapidly. His hair is dark and his beard grey, and cut quite close. He has probably gone to Middletown, where Gen. Sigel has his headquarters. He has been instructed to hold Strasburg. If Jackson forces him to retreat, we are to help cover it, or reinforce him. (19)

They have commenced rebuilding the bridge across Cedar Creek. It will be completed to-morrow. The creek is now crossed by fording, the water below the dam being not more than one or two feet deep.

Three or four of the company went out foraging to-day, but met with no success. Every farm and mill has been “cleaned dry.” The foraging party were told by some whom they called upon that they had had everything taken from them, even their household furniture. They are thoroughly secesh. When informed that Government would make good their losses, they declared we had no Government, and hadn’t had since Lincoln first called for 75,000 troops. One man wished either the Federal or Confederate army would hold permanently the Shenandoah Valley. First Jackson would have it, and then Banks. If he took the oath of allegiance to our Government, there was no telling how long it would be before Jackson came flying back; and when he came and found that he had sworn to support our Government, away would go every vestige of his property, and he and his family would be reduced penniless. And vice versa if he swore allegiance to the Confederate Government. There are a great many men in the Valley who talk this way, and we must confess with some show of reason. Their property is their life, and they regard themselves between two fires. One day they are visited by the Rebel army, and the next by the Federal army. Many of them try to keep in the good graces of both, caring but little which side wins if they can only be left in peace. They don’t cry “let us alone,” in the sense that Jeff. Davis and his tribe do, who, if not let alone, are bent on death and ruin; but they wish to be let alone, by one party or the other, for the sake of peace and quietness. Are willing to swear allegiance to either party, providing the other is sure to be kept away. Who says many a man at the North, imbued with the thorough Union sentiments, would not be disposed to do likewise for the sake of his family and saving his property, if placed in the same predicament that these men at the South are? Human nature isn’t affected differently by a difference in latitude. It is pretty much the same everywhere.

Gen. Fremont has returned. He went to Middletown to consult with Gen. Sigel. The 102d N.Y. regiment were drawn up in line as he passed our encampment. He stopped and addressed them a few words, saying that he wanted the troops here to be ready to fight at a moment’s warning. From this I infer an engagement is likely to take place at any time with the Rebel forces. Fremont was cheered quite vociferously by the regiment and then took his departure for Strasburg.

There is no saying when this letter will reach you. Perhaps not for several days. The mail is very irregular, coming and going. G.B.

Camp Sigel, Cedar Creek, Va.
June 25th, 1862.
(Appeared Thursday, July 3, 1862)

Dear Union: What does it mean, viz: the retreat of Gen. Fremont with nearly all his forces from Strasburg, and their concentration near and along Cedar Creek and in the vicinity of Middletown? At quite an early hour yesterday morning our attention was arrested by seeing a large body of cavalry, followed by a column of infantry, artillery and baggage teams, coming up the Strasburg road. On going down to the road to meet them, and to inquire what troops they were, the place of their destination, etc., we were informed by some that they were Gen. (Robert C.) Schenck’s Brigade, and by others Gen. (Robert) Milroy’s. They belonged to Fremont’s army, at any rate, and had just come from Strasburg, but as to where they were exactly bound for they didn’t know. They halted near Middletown, however. We could only surmise the object of this move, supposing it to be to strengthen the position of the troops in this locality. We were sure Fremont had not been attacked, because we would have heard the cannonading and been advised of the fact. We thought no more of the matter, until about one o’clock in the afternoon, when on looking down the road we again saw it lined with masses of moving troops. For two or three hours, column after column of infantry and artillery came pouring up the road, the former crossing on the bridge just finished, and the latter fording the creek. We counted some forty pieces of artillery, exclusive of six mountain howitzers, each drawn by a mule, the ammunition being carried by mules. Most of these troops passed our camp on their way to Middletown, but many of them encamped a little distance above and below, and opposite us on the other side of Cedar Creek: and as I now write, the hills and fields surrounding us are covered with Federal soldiers. Artillery batteries are planted in almost every direction, and “grim visaged war,” with its paraphernalia, is present to our view more forcibly than it ever was before.

Gen. Fremont’s army, with the exception I have been told of two or three brigades still remaining in Strasburg, has been concentrated between here and Middletown. The three divisions, Fremont’s, Bank’s and Sigel’s, may be seen stretched and scattered all along the road from the point we occupy, to a little ways beyond Middletown. I presume there are a few troops stationed along the road as far as Winchester. The number of troops concentrated in this vicinity I suppose I ought not to mention, as its divulgence very likely comes under the character of “contraband.” I may say however that with the natural fortifications which we fortunately possess, there are troops enough here to resist a force of many thousands that might attack us. Not only resist, but defeat and repulse with terrible loss to the enemy. The concentration of the different corps is such that they can be a support to each other whenever necessary.

Gen. Fremont has command off all. The mountain department and that of the Shenandoah Valley have been united. Gen. Banks must therefore be under Fremont, and Gen. Sigel under both. The headquarters of the three Generals are within two or three miles of one another. The second brigade of Gen. Sigel’s division, Gen. Slough’s, is on the left and in rear of the first brigade.

Whether Fremont is to withdraw all his forces from Strasburg or not, I am unable to say. He was ordered, a few days since, to hold that point. What the purpose can be, in concentrating so many troops here, is a matter of some conjecture. The most plausible one, to my mind, is to draw Jackson’s forces on and persuade him to fight; thus preventing him from going to Richmond and strengthening the rebel army there. While this is in operation, McClellan is to be or is being reinforced, and thus a two-fold object will be achieved. But events may determine differently. (20) Although myself at the seat of war, you have no doubt more reliable and full accounts of our army movements here, their objects, etc., than I can give you. I cannot gather facts as readily as reporters, who make it their chief and only business to do so, and yet, observation and inquiry enable me to report some things which might not reach you through other sources.

Gen. Shields was at Front Royal a few days ago, and it was a part of the plan in this department that he should remain there for the present, but information comes from good authority stating that Gen. Shields is now on his way to join Gen. McClellan’s Army, with – well, he must have taken a large force from Gen. McDowell’s division, if it be true that he has gone with the number of troops reported. (21)

Harper’s Ferry is being strongly fortified, and will doubtless be made a place of permanent fortification. It ought to be. Nature has assisted it greatly in this respect. Col. (James A.) Mulligan is there, in command of an Irish regiment (23rd Illinois) from Chicago. Harper’s Ferry is included in Gen. Wool’s Department, if I mistake not.

On Monday morning of this week (June 23), Gen. Cooper assembled all the commissioned officers in his brigade together, and addressed them a few words relative to military matters and army movements here in the Valley. His remarks were excellent – full of encouragement, and had a happy effect on the officers. He spoke of the concentration of the different corps in the Valley of the Shenandoah; of their now being able to afford material help and support if necessary; of the strength and number of our arms and their great superiority over the enemy’s; of the discipline of our men, and their eminent ability to cope with the foe, and the certainty of repulsing Jackson, though he were to choose his own battle ground and attack us with a superior force. He alluded very happily to the kind of weapons our Revolutionary Fathers fought with, saying that the best they had were worse than the worst our army is now supplied with, but they were wielded by brave men, who, at the call of their country, took the bird and squirrel gun from above the chimney mantle, and used it effectively against the enemy. He understood some complaint had been made about the guns used by some of the regiments, and a feeling of distrust and discouragement had been engendered in the hearts of many of the soldiers as to the prospects of the success of our arms. This complaint was uncalled for, and this feeling ought to be dissipated. To this end he would have the officers encourage their men, assuring them that brave and determined hearts were the precursors to victory. Gen. Cooper intimated that there had been a multiplicity of command heretofore in the management of the campaign in the Shenandoah Valley, but such would be the case no longer. There was to be one commander of all the forces along the valley, referring to Gen. Fremont, no doubt, though no name was mentioned.

Yesterday afternoon our brigade was reviewed by Gen. Sigel and staff. Just previous to the review, Gen. Fremont, with staff and a large body of Cavalry, rode in front of and through the lines, in a dashing, spirited manner, eliciting a good deal of enthusiasm among some of the troops. His generalship is likely to be put to a severer test, ere long, than it ever has been before.

This afternoon we turned out with our battery for target practice, and to try the range and accuracy of our guns. Capt. Reynolds was in command, and Capt. Dahlgreen – a son of the famous inventor of the Dahlgreen gun (22) – and one of Gen. Sigel’s staff, was present also, who had the arranging of the target, and took, or was to take a note of the firing so as to form a table of ranges, there being none compiled, as yet, for the new regulation gun which we use. We hadn’t fired more than half a dozen shots, however, before a French or Italian officer, belonging to one of the regiments of Fremont’s army, came riding up to us in the greatest haste, and with broken English, under considerable excitement, he wanted to know by what, or by whose authority, we were firing. It must be stopped immediately. On investigation, it appeared our shots were being thrown where the officer had some pickets stationed in some woods, and neither he nor they, very sensibly, were at all pleased with the idea of being made targets to be shot at. Of course we ceased firing immediately. The pickets were sent out unknown to Captains Reynolds and Dahlgreen, after the ground had been selected for gun practice. Although disturbed somewhat, they were not injured.

What few shots we fired showed our guns to possess a very long range. The first shells went so far that we didn’t know where they did go. “In pursuit of Jackson,” some of the boys said.

I wish those of your readers who have never seen a military encampment at night might witness that of the several infantry regiments quartered in the large level plain on our left, at the foot of the hill. It is one of the prettiest sights I almost ever saw, looking on it from the elevated position of our own camp. At present writing every tent – and there are some 800, mostly shelter, or dog tents, I believe they are called, from their resemblance to a dog kennel – seems to be illuminated, and the effect is magical and fairylike. The camp has the appearance of a little city all in a blaze of illumination. “Taps” will be blown or beaten shortly, and then our miniature mock city, now so brilliantly illuminated, will be enshrouded in darkness. The instantaneousness of the change will be very marked, as the lights in all the tents must be extinguished at the same time.

While speaking of Gen. Fremont’s army I forgot to mention that Blenker’s Brigade is here, but Gen. (Louis) Blenker is for the present relieved. The men composing the brigade are considered pretty tough, to say the least. (23)

Our camp has been named Camp Sigel, in honor of Gen. Sigel, our Division Commander. Although in one of the pleasantest and healthiest positions, quite a number of the company are on the sick list, attributable in a great measure to a change of water. None are seriously ill, however. G.B.

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