Chapter Twelve
ARRIVAL OF THE 115TH IN NEW YORK.
[From the N. Y. Times.]
The returning Veterans ---- Arrival and Departure of the One Hundred and Fifteenth New York ---- Interesting History.
The One Hundred and fifteenth New York, numbering 180 men and 14 officers, and under the command of Lieut. Col. N. J. Johnson, arrived yesterday from City Point, per government transport North Point, landing at pier No. 12, North river. Marching up Broadway to the New York State Agency, through the pouring rain, the regiment was received with some little applause, the dampness, however, lessening the enthusiasm somewhat. Col. Colyer and his assistants provided dinner for the command, at the Eighth Regiment arsenal, over Centre market.
The One Hundred and Fifteenth was serving, at the time of its leaving Raleigh, Ga., for home, in the Third brigade, Second Division, Tenth Army Corps, but has been identified with the Eighteenth and Twenty-fourth Corps. During its term of service, 8 officers were killed and 14 wounded. The regiment was raised in the counties of Fulton, Saratoga, Hamilton and Montgomery, rendezvousing at Fonda, Aug. 26th, 1862. During their three years’ service the One Hundred and Fifteenth have
had 1,493 names upon their rolls, and left behind them at Raleigh, 301 recruits. The following comprises the officers’ names accompanying the regiment home:
Field and Staff ----Lieut. Col. N. J. Johnson, Maj. E. L. Walrath, Surgeon C. McFarland, Acting Adjt. N. DeGrath, Quartermaster Martin McMartin.
Line Officers ----Co. A, Capt. C. Ballou; Co. B, Capt. J. P. Kneeskern, Girst Lieut. A. Collier; Co. C, Capt. F. S. Mosher; Co. D, Second Lieut. Chas. Kline; Co. E, Capt. W. H. Shaw, First Lieut. A. C. Slocum, Second Lieut. C. L. Clark; Co. I, Second Lieut. W. McIntosh; Co. K, Capt. William Smith.
The One Hundred and Fifteenth New York have participated in the following battles; Maryland Heights, Sept. 13, 1862; Bolivar Heights, Va., Sept. 15, 1862; Chesterfield Heights, Va., May 7, 1864; Olustee, Fla., Feb. 20 1864; Weir Bottom Church, Va., May 12, 1864; Drury’s Bluff, Va., May 14, 1864; Proctor’s Farm, Va., May 16, 1864; Coal Harbor, Va., June 1, 1864; Siege of Petersburg; Cemetery Hill (“the Crater”), July 30, 1864; Deep Bottom, Va., Aug. 16, 1864; Fort Gilmer, Sept. 29, 1864; Darbytown road, Va., Oct. 27, 1864; Fort Fisher (Wilmington N. C.,) Jan. 15 1865; Wilmington Advance, Feb. 22, 1865; Advance on Sugar Loaf Batteries, Feb. 20, 1865; Attack upon fort Anderson, Feb. 19, 1865; forced march to Northeast river, and capture of pontoon bridge.
Col. Bell, commanding the brigade, was killed in the fierce attack upon Fort Fisher (under Gen. Terry). And Lieut. Col. Johnson assumed the command, intering the fort and thus gaining the distinguished honor of being the first brigade commander to enter that fort. The regiment marched up the Neuse river to join Sherman, making the connection from the 14th to the 20th April, 1865. They departed by special steamer yesterday afternoon for Albany.
ARRIVAL OF THE 115TH IN ALBANY.
[from the Albany Evening Journal].
The One Hundred and Fifteenth Regiment, N.Y. S. V., arrived here about five o’clock this morning on board the Thomas Way, and was received with the usual salute, and properly cared for by the citizens’ committee, at the various hotels. The boys look remarkably well their uniforms are in the best condition, and everything betokens that the best care has been taken to present a fine soldierly appearance. The regiment was mustered in at Fonda, August 26, 1862, 1,000 strong, and returns with 280. there has been added to it about 500 recruits, and 301 have been left in the field.
The veterans have done gallant service at Maryland Heights, Md., Bolivar heights, Va., Olustee, Fla., chester Heights, Va., Drury’s Bluff, Proctor’s Creek, Weir bottom Church, Coal Horbor, Siege of Petersburg, Cemetery Hill, Deep bottom, Strawberry Plain, Chapin’s Farm, Fort Gilmer, Darby-Town Road, fort Fisher, both expeditions (it lost heavily at the explosion}, and Wilmington. It bears on its flag the names of most of these engagements, in which it has especially distinguished itself, and on the fields of which it has left many a gallant hero.
The following officers returned with the regiment:
Lieutenant-Colonel---N. J. Johnson; was transferred from the Ninety-Third.
Major---E. L. Walrath; went out as captain.
Surgeon---C. McFarland; transferred from Eighty-first.
Quartermaster---Martin McMartin; went out in same capacity.
Acting Adjutant---First Lieutenant N. DeGraff; went out as orderly sergeant.
Company A---Captain C. N. Ballou; went out as orderly sergeant.
Company B---Captain J. B. Kneeskern; went out as captain. Lieutenant J. A. collier; went out as first corporal.
Company C---Captain Fred. S. Mosher; went out as first lieutenant.
Company D---Lieutenant Charles Kline; went out as third sergeant.
Company E---Captain William H. Shaw; went out as captain. First Lieutenant A. C. Slocum; went out as second lieutenant. Second Lieutenant C. L. Clark; went out as sergeant.
Companies F, G and H have no officers.
Company I---Lieutenant W. McIntosh; went out as private.
Company K---Captain William Smith; went out as captain.
The regiment will remain at the barracks on the Troy road until paid off.
[From the Schenectady Daily Evening Star.]
The 115th (Montgomery) regiment is expected to reach Albany today. It left Fonda a little more than three years ago, being a full regiment, and comes back with only four hundred and thirty men. Of that number, we venture to say, there are not one hundred of the original members. Their first experience was at Harper’s Ferry, which place they reached (four days after leaving home) just in time to take part in the fight which resulted in the loss of the place, they among others, being taken prisoners. From there they were sent to Chicago, under rebel parole, which they remained some months awaiting the proper exchange. While there with other regiments, a portionof the barracks were burned, and this regiment was wrongfully charged with the deed. They were immediately sent, under sealed orders, to Hilton Head, where they remained several months as prisoners. The representations of their colonel, Simeon Sammons, obtained their release, and they immediately entered again upon active service, since which time they have made their mark as among the bravest of our brave soldiers. We have not a record of the battles they have been in; they have been in many, however, and prominent among them was the very
Bloody and disastrous one of Olustee, in Florida. They should have a warm, whole-souled reception on their return home. There were a number of Saratoga men in the same regiment.
RETURN OF THE 115TH N. Y. REGIMENT
[from the Waterford Sentinel.]
The remnant of this brave regiment was mustered out of service on the 17th ult., at Raleigh, n. C., and the Waterford boys who survive, returned to their homes on Tuesday of last week. Their names are John R. Watt, Henry B. Dummer, Ezra T. Stone, John Halpin, and Ambrose fowler. Few regiments from this state can present a more honorable record than the 115th, and few have suffered more severely in the great contest for the Union. The blood of its heroes has been freely shed on many a well contested field, and the memory of their devotion to the old flag will long continue fragrant in the hearts of those who live to enjoy the fruits of their patriotism and valor.
As this regiment is partially a local organization, perhaps a glance at its history may not be uninteresting. As is well known, it was recruited under the second call of the president for 300,000 three years men, in the 18th senatorial district, comprised of Saratoga, Montgomery and Fulton counties. It was mustered into service at Fonda, N.Y., on the 26th of August, 1862, and on the 28th left the state for the seat of war. The first duty performed by it was at Summit Point in the Shenandoah, Valley,
About fifteen miles from Harper’s Ferry: but upon Stonewall Jackson’s approach in the direction of Winchester on the 1st of September, the regiment fell back to the Ferry, and a few days after took part in the defense of that place against the attack of Jackson and Longstreet; but treason on the of Col. Miles, the commander of the post, turned them over to the enemy on the 15th of September as prisoners of war, with little or no bloodshed. After being paroled, the regiment was sent to Chicago, where it remained until November 20th, when being exchanged, they returned to Virginia at Arlington Heights, and subsequently encamped at Alexandria and Yorktown, Va., and Hilton Head and Beaufort, S. C. they remained on garrison and guard duty, in the southern department, until January 1864, when they joined Seymour’s expedition into Florida, and took a very prominent part in the battle of Olustee, on the 20th of February, where more than half of the regiment were lost in killed and wounded, the colonel being among the latter. After this and affair, the regiment was stationed at Pilatka, Florida, until the latter part of March, when they received orders to embark for Virginia to join Butler in his James river enterprise. They arrived at Gloucester Point, Va., in April, and early in May ascended the James river with Butler and participated in the capture of Bermuda Hundreds, and also the battle of Chesterfield Heights on May 7th; Drury’s Bluff on the 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th of May.
In the latter part of May, the division to which they were attached was ordered to join the 18th Corps and proceed to coal Harbor, which they did arriving at White House landing on the Pamunky river on the 31st of May, and on the first day of June having formed a junction with the army of the Potomac took part in the assault for the capture of the defenses around coal harbor. The portion of the enemy’s line in front of the 18th Corps was carried, and the 115th had the honor of capturing 280 prisoners behind their own works while the regiment itself at this time did not number 250 men. The regiment remained at this place during the terrible twelve days succeeding the 1st of June. When the army here commenced its great flank movement toward Petersburg, the 115th returned to Bermuda Hundreds, and soon after again joined the 18th Corps in front of Petersburg, and took an active part in the siege of that place and also in the battle of July 30, 1864, when the rebel fort was blown up, and such terrible slaughter ensued. Here its colonel was again wounded. After the battle, the regiment returned to the 10th Corps just in time to take part in the battle of Deep Bottom on the 16th and 18th of August. This movement was intended only as a feint to cover the movements of the 5th Corps on the Weldon rail road, but by some blunder a disastrous battle was brought on , and 115th was again reduced by over 100 men. After this they again made a short visit to the lines around Petersburg, and about the 28th of September returned to the north side of the James river and were engaged in the bottles of Chapin’s Farm on the 29th of September and the 7th of October, and Darbytown Road on the 27th of October.
The regiment then went into camp about six miles from Richmond, where it remained until the famous Butler expedition to Fort Fisher was started, which it accompanied, and also the subsequent one under Gen. Terry, and took part in the capture of that stronghold and suffered terribly by the explosion of the magazine after the battle. After this it marched to Wilmington, and finally to Raleigh, where it arrived just previous to the surrender of Johnston, and where it remained until mustered out of service.
The regiment has always conducted itself nobly in every battle in which it has been engaged, and its history reflects honor upon the counties which it represented.
We gladly welcome home these and other returning heroes who have periled life and health, and have borne the hardships consequent upon the life of a soldier, for the sake of their country, and may they live long to enjoy the benefit of their labor, and see a united, prosperous, peaceful and happy country as the fruits of their sacrifices.
The following is a list of the members of Co. H, that went from the town of Waterford and the village of Cohoes upon its organization.
Cohes:---
Alfred Gould, Returned with regiment.
Augustus W. Bayard, “ “ “
Marvin Steenbergh, “ “ “
John Vandercook “ “ “
George E. Brockway, “ “ “
George Vandercook Discharged, lost an arm.
James Wilson, Killed at Olustee, Fla.
Abbott C. Musgrove, “ Deep Bottom, Va.
Jas. K. P. Himes, “ “ “ “
E. Raymond Fonda, Died from effects of wound..
Oscar L. Ackley, Missing since Feb. 20, 1864.
Waterford:---
Ambrose Fowler, Returned with regiment.
Ezra T. Stone, “ “ “
Henry B. Dummer, “ “ “
John R. Watt, “ “ “
John Halpin, Returned July 4th from hospital.
Wm. T. Powell, Discharged for disability.
Baker Honsinger, “ “ “
Duane Shepard, “ died at home.
Almon e. Stone, “ for wound.
John Dugan, Died at Beaufort, S. C.
James I. House, “ Chicago, Ill.
Lawrence Higgins, “ “ “
James Getting, Died in rebel prison.
John Hogan, Deserted at Chicago.
John Vanorden, “ “ “
SWORD PRESENTATION IN CLIFTON PARK.
[From the Waterford Sentinel.]
The following communication was furnished for publication early last week, but by one of those accidents which printers best understand, we were compelled to delay its appearance:
Messrs. Editors:---On the return of Lieut. James h. Clark, a member of Co. H, 115th Regiment N. Y. Volunteers, who is now at his father’s, in this village, on a furlough, the citizens of the village and vicinity resolved on presenting him with a sword as a small token of their esteem for him. Suitable arrangements being make, they assembled at the village on Saturday, the 30th , in the afternoon. The meeting was organized by the appointment of Gilbert Clement, president, assisted by Shubael Taylor, O. Vandevoort, and M. Craver, vice-presidents, and Thomas Noxon, Esq., secretary. The organization being completed, Rev. R. Fox, accompanied by the Rev. S. W. Clements, chaplain of the 115th regiment, came to the stand. On the appearance of the chaplain, three cheers were called for, and responded to by the audience in full tone, upon which the chaplain, arose and replied briefly.
The meeting was then opened by prayer by the Rev. R. Fox, after which the president arose and addressed the audience, stating the object of the meeting, and the high estimation in which this vicinity held Lieut. Clark, not only richly earned since he went out in defense of his country, but for
A long period previous thereto --- all of which was suitable and appropriate for the occasion. The duty of presenting the sword to Lieut. Clark was assigned to Rev. Mr. Fox, who in discharge of the same, evinced the spirit of patriotism and fidelity to the government. Lieut. Clark, on receiving the same, made a brief and appropriate reply. Hon. J. S. Enos was then called to the stand, who in his usual pleasant manner addressed the audience. He dwelt at length on the situation of our country at the present era, and avoiding the diversity of opinion as to the cause, clearly, logically and impressively urged the audience to more vigorous efforts to sustain the government, its laws and constitution. His remarks were spirited, high-minded and patriotic, and were listened to with marked attention, and applauded by the audience. Chaplain Clements, although very feeble as to health, was again called out. His remarks were generally relating to the 115th. He spoke in high terms of respect of the colonel of the regiment, of Capt. S. P. Smith of Co. H, his officers and privates, made a strong and personal allusion to Lieut. Clark, and closed by saying that there was n regiment in service that would excel the 115th in point of morals or discipline as a volunteer regiment.
S. W. H.
Clifton Park, June 2, 1863.
BATTLE OF PROCTOR’S CREEK.
A New York Herald correspondent gave the following interesting account of the battle of Proctor’s Creek.
“A dense fog enveloped the country at the time, and both forces were wrapped in a misty veil.
“This was the condition of affairs, when the rebels, massing their troops, struck our right under General Hickman, enveloped its flank and took it in reverse. The first blow was dealt with terrific force. Gen. Heckman’s brigade of the Eighteenth Corps, holding the right, was doubled up and forced back on the next brigade, which was also thrown into some confusion. Our men did not observe the rebels until they had succeeded in passing a column between Hickman’s right and the river, and then taking him in front and rear, crowded him between the columns, and for a time created the greatest confusion. Gen. Heckman made a gallant fight as long as he could, but the enemy came upon him so suddenly and with such overwhelming numbers, that successful resistance was quite impossible in the darkness and confusion. Some of the brigade was captured. After this opposition --- having forced back the right, --- a heavy attack was made on the entire line of the Eighteenth Corps, with faints along the Tenth Corps line, and the entire right forced back some distance, after several hours of most severe and sanguinary struggles.
“The battle raged with unexampled fury until nearly 12 o’clock. The rebels threw heavy masses.
Upon our lines, and finally forced it back nearly a quarter of a mile. Our men fought stubbornly with few exceptions, and resisted every step, and repeatedly checked the rebel advance with terrible slaughter, but not without some loss to our side. The enemy numbered not less than 15,000, and pushed into the murderous fire with a recklessness and steadiness that are rarely seen.
“In the attack on our right we lost a gun or two, and it is said, some light pieces --- how many it is difficult to ascertain. Probably four will cover the loss in light pieces. Finally, after forcing the Eighteenth Corps back from its position and regaining a portion of the first line of intrenchments, they moved their forces on the Tenth Corps to drive it back. They first hurled their columns upon Turner’s division (ours), which held the right of the corps line joining the Eighteenth Corps. They formed in a careful manner and moved steadily on Burton’s brigade (ours), on the right of Turner’s division, advancing as if on parade, not firing a single shot, and waited until they had reached a good distance for effective range. The brigade poured into their line such a terrific fire that they melted away, and the thinned and broken line after vainly endeavored to advance against the storm of bullets, fled with terrible loss to the woods in the rear. Their volleys were as continuous and heavy as the musketry of a brigade could well be, and such as no living beings could stand against. The rebels were scattered like chaff, and broke for the woods in disorganized masses. Under their friendly cover, after great exertion, the line of attack was again formed and again a brigade advanced in splendid style against our line. Again did they receive the terrible fire and pushed steadily on until a fourth of them laid killed and wounded on the field, when they broke and rushed quickly to the cover of the woods. Our boys gave three hearty cheers and sent a volley of bullets after the rebels which told upon them severely. Being once bloodily repulsed at this print, they moved further to our left, and hurled a column on Gen. Hawley’s bridged, of Gen. Terry’s division. They came up in the same steady and confident manner, but were received with a more rapid and equally as deadly a fire as that which they were treated to by Turner. The Spencer repeating rifles in the hands of the Connecticut boys, and the Springfield rifles in the hands of the rest of the brigade, delivered a fire so hot and withering that the rebels could not stand it, but broke and ran for the woods, accelerated in their fight by the music of the Spencer bullets around them. They were, however, determined to break our line and force it from its position, cost what it might. They again formed and again charged, but after ten minutes hot work, where disastrously repulsed and driven back at all points. That ended any serious effort on their part to force our position, and they left their dead and wounded to the number of two thousand on the field before
our line. They again massed on Gen. Smith’s front and attacked his left. Gen. Gilmore immediately ordered Gen. Turner to attack the enemy on their flank, and ordered Gen. Terry to support him.
“Turner’s attack had hardly commenced before Gen. Gilmore was ordered by Gen. Butler to retire and strengthen Gen. Smith’s corps by forming in his rear. Our troops fell back slowly and in order, repulsing every effort of the rebels to quicken their movements, and making a stand at every favorable position, until the enemy ceased to follow up, and fell back to their last line of intrenchments. Gen.Gilmore then drew off his corps and formed to support Gen smith.”
CAPTURE OF FORT FISHER.
“Again our flag is at the mast!
As proudly as of old;
It leaps upon the joyous blast,
As if within its folds
A thousand hearts alive and true,
Were throbbing on its field of Blue.”
OfficialDispatches.
From Secretary Stanton:
Fortress Monroe, Jan. 17 --- 10 P.M.
To the President: The rebel flag of Fort Fisher was delivered to me on board the steamer Spalding, off that place yesterday morning, Jan.16, by Major-General Terry.
An acknowledgment and thanks for their gallant achievement was given in your name to Admiral Foster and Gen. Terry, from whom the following particulars were obtained : The troops arrived off Fort Fisher Thursday night. Friday they were all landed under cover of a heavy fire from the squadron. A reconnoisance was made by Gen. Terry on Saturday. A strong defensive line against any of the enemy’s forces coming from Wilmington was established on Saturday, and held by 4,000 men, chiefly colored troops, and an assault was determined on. The assault was made on Sunday afternoon, at 3 1/2 o’clock. The sea-front of the fort had been greatly damaged and broken by a coutinuous and terrible fire of the fleet for three days, and the front was assaulted at the hour mentioned by a column of seaman and marines, 1,800 strong, under command of Capt. Beese. They reached the parapet, but after a short conflict this column was checked, driven back in disorder, and was afterward placed on the defensive line, taking the place of a brigade that was brought up to reinforce the assaulting column of troops. Although the assault on the sea-front failed, it performed a useful part in diverting the attention of the enemy, and weakening their resistance to the attack by the troops on the other side. The assault on the other and most difficult side of the fort was made by a column of 3,000 troops of the old Tenth Corps, led by Col. Curtis, under the immediate supervision of Gen. Terry. The enemy’s force in the fort was over
2,200. The conflict lasted for seven hours. The works were so constructed that every traverse afforded the enemy a new defensive position from whence they had to be driven. They were seven in number, aud the fight was carried on from traverse to traverse, for seven hours, by a skillfully directed fire thrown into the traverses. One after another they were occupied by the enemy. Admiral Porter contributed to the success of the assaulting column by signals between himself and Gen. Terry at brief intervals. This fire was so well managed as to damage the enemy without injury to our own troops.
About 10 o’clock at night the enemy were entirely driven from the fort, forced down toward Federal Point, followed by a brigade of our troops; and about 12 o’clock at night Gen. Whiting surrendered himself and his command to Gen. Terry unconditionally as prisoners of war, numbering over 1,800, the remainder of his force being killed and wounded.
Our loss was not accurately ascertained on Monday afternoon, but was estimated at between seven and eight hundred in killed and wounded, beside the naval loss, which was slight, not exceeding one hundred killed and wounded. Not a ship or a transport was lost.
Col. Curtis was severely but not mortally wounded. Col. Bell died of his wounds Monday morning. Col. J. W. Moore and Lieut. Col. Lyman were killed. Col. Pennypacker was badly wounded, also Lieut.
Col. Coan. A complete list of the killed and wounded will be forwarded as soon as it can be prepared.
Gen. Leroy reported to Surgeon General Barnes that he had ample provision of surgeons, nurses and hospital supplies for the wounded. They will be sent north to their respective states as fast as they can be placed on transports, of which there was ample supply.
On Monday morning, between 6 and 7 o’clock, the magazine of Fort Fisher exploded, killing and wounding two or three hundred persons.
After the capture of the fort all the troops were withdrawn, except one brigade left in charge of the works.
How the explosion occurred was not known, but Gen. Terry believed it was occasioned by accident or neglect.
Gen. Hoke’s division, reported at five thousand, was at Wilmington. A portion of it was thrown into the fort not long before the assault, and while that was going on a demonstration was made by General Hoke against our defensive, but it was found too strong for anything more than a skirmishing attack.
About 11 o’clock on Monday morning, a heavy cloud of smoke was observed over Fort Smith, on the south side of New Inlet. The naval officer commanding that station reported that the enemy had fired their barracks, and evacuated that fort.
You will be pleased to know that perfect harmony and concert of action existed between the land and naval forces; and their respective commanders, Admiral Porter and General Terry, vied in their commendation each of the other. Each seemed more anxious to do justice to the other than to claim anything for himself, and they united in the highest commendation of the naval and military officers, and the forces engaged. To this harmony of feeling, and the confident spirit inspired, may, perhaps be attributed, in some degree, the success of our attack, with nearly equal numbers, against a resolute enemy, in a work unsurpassed, if ever equaled, in strength, and which General Beauregard, a few days before, pronounced impregnable. The armament of the fort was 72 guns, some of large caliber and rifled, and one Armstrong gun. The troops in the fort had rations for sixteen days. Their loss in killed and wounded was between 400 and 500. Gen. Whiting had three wounds in the thigh. Col. Lamb also who had gone into the fort with reinforcements, and to relieve General Whiting on Sunday, was wounded. On Monday everything was quiet as a Sabbath day. The dead were being buried, and the wounded collected and placed in transports and field hospitals.
EDWIN M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
REPORT OF ADMIRAL PORTER.
United States Flag Ship Malvern,
Off Fort Fisher, Jan. 15, 1865.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that we have possession of Fort Fisher, and that the fall of the surrounding works will soon follow.
As I informed you in my last, we had commenced operations with the iron vessel, which bombarded while we landed the troops. On the 14th I ordered all the vessels carrying 11 inch guns to bombard with the Ironsides, the Brooklyn taking the lead. By sunset the fort was reduced to a Pulp. Every gun was silenced by being injured or covered up with earth, so that they would not work.
On the 19th Gen. Terry and myself arranged for the assault, and I ordered 1,400 sailors and marines to participate. At daylight the iron vessels, the Brooklyn and the 11 inch gun-boats commenced battering the work, while the troops made a lodgment within 150 yards of the fort. At 10 o’clock all the vessels steamed in and took their stations, opening a heavy fire, which was kept up until 3 P.M., when the signal was made to assault, the soldiers taking the land side, the sailors the sea face, and the ships changing, but not stopping, their fire to other works.
The rebels met us with a courage worthy of better cause, and fought desperately. About thirty of the sailors and officers succeeded in getting to the top of the parapet, amid a murderous fire of grape, canister and musketry. They had planted the flag there, but were swept away in a moment. Others tried to get up the steep pancopee. The marines could have cleared the parapet by keeping up a steady fire, but they failed to do so, and the sailors were repulsed. Many a gallant fellow fell, trying to emulate their brothers-in-arms who were fighting to obtain an entrance on the north-east angle, as it appears on our charts. The enemy mistook the seamen’s attack for that of the main body of troops, and opposed a most vigorous resistance there. But I witnessed it all, and I think the marines could have made the assault successful.
In the meantime our gallant soldiers had gained a foothold on the north-east corner of the fort, fighting like lions, and contesting every inch of the ground. The Ironsides and monitors kept storming their shells into the traverses not occupied by our men, but still held by the rebels. In this way our troops fought from traverse to traverse from 3 o’clock in the afternoon until 10 at night, when the joyful tidings were signaled to the fleet. We stopped our fire, and gave them three of the heartiest cheers I ever heard.
It has been the most terrific struggle I ever saw, and there was very much hard labor. The troops have covered themselves with glory, and Gen. Terry is my “beau ideal” of a soldier and a general; and his cooperation has been most harmonious, and I think the general will do the navy the justice to say that this time, at least, “we substantially injured the fort as a defensive work.” Gen. Terry had only A few more troop than we had on the last occasion, when the enemy had only 100 men in the works. This time the works were fully manned, and contained about 800 men at the time of the assault.
It is a matter of great regret to me to see my gallant officers and men so cut up, but I was unwilling to let the troops undertake the capture of the works without the namy sharing with them the peril all were anxious to undergo, and we should have had the honor of meeting our brothers-in-arms on the works, had the sailors been properly supported.
We have lost about 200 in killed and wounded, among them some gallant officers. I regret to announce the death of L. S. W. Preston and Lt. B. H. Porter. They were both captured together in the attack on Fort Sumter, and died together in endeavoring to pull down the flag that has so long flaunted in our faces. Lieut. R. H. Lamson was severely wounded. He was lately associated with Lieut. Preston in his perilous adventure on the powder-boat. Lieut. George M. Bache and a number of others were wounded, the former not dangerously.
The assault only took place a few hours ago, and I am unable to inform you of our casualties. They were quite severe from the assault but we had no casualties from the enemy’s cannon.
Knowing the impatience of the department to received news from Fort Fisher, I have written these few harried lines. No one can conceive what the army and navy have gone through to achieve this victory, which should have been ours on Christmas day without the loss of a dozen men. This has been a day of terrific struggle, and is not surpassed by any event of the war. We are all worn out nearly, and you must excuse this brief and unsatisfactory account. I will write fully by the Santiago de Cuba which goes north to-morrow to carry the wounded.
Besides the men in Fort Fisher there were about 500 in the upper forts, and a relief of about 1,500 men was brought down by steamers this morning. So far, I believe, we have only captured the garrison of Fort Fisher. I don’t suppose there ever was a work subjected to such a terrific bombardment, or where the approach of a fort was more altered. There is not a spot of earth about the fort that has not been torn up bby our shells.
I do not yet know the number of killed and wounded by our fire; but one 15 inch shell alone pierced a bomb-proof, killing 16 and severely wounding 25.
I presume we are in possession of all the forts, as Fort Fisher commands them all. It is so late now that I can learn nothing more until morning.
I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient, servant, Hon. Gideon Wells, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.
COMPLIMENT TO WORTHY OFFICERS.
[From the Palmetto Herald.]
Lieut. M. McMartin, Quartermaster, and Lieut. H. S. Sanford, Adjutant of the 115th N. Y. Volunteers, were handsomely used by their regiment today. To each was given a fine horse, with equipments. The gifts were presented by Major Walrath, who, in an eloquent manner, recited the merits of the officers and of the regiment whose efficiency hhey had contributed greatly to sustain. Appropriate responses were made, and a “sociable” this evening is to wind up the affair.
A SKIRMISH AT PILATKA, FLORIDA.
[Correspondence of the Palmetto Herald.]
We had a skirmish with the rebels here on Monday, the 21st, in which the enemy, who made an attack in force upon our pickets, was repulsed and driven in full retreat. Between a hundred and fifty and two hundred of the rebels made a dash upon our mounted pickets on the right, comprising a portion of the 115th New York, driving them in a little way. A portion of the same force then passed our center and went to our left, where our outposts were also attacked. The enemy fought dastardly, firing from behind the trees; but notwithstanding this advantage, our own men being in the open space, the rebels were driven back in confusion, and taking to their horses made the best escape they could. In the fight, which was of very brief duration, not one of our own men was hit.
One of our officers, however, asserts that a rebel officer, mounted on a magnificent grey horse, was seen to fall after one of our volleys.
The Otttawa, Lieutenant-Commander Breese, fired over the town during the engagement, and one or two of her shells burst prematurely, the fragments falling among our lines, happily doing no injury.
THE FEARLESS SHARPSHOOTER.
The 13th Indiana Regiment in our brigade (the 3d), probably fought more battles than any regiment in the 10th Army Corps, and were celebrated all through the army for their bravery and splendid fighting qualities. Being reduced to a battalion, they were armed with seven shooters and organized as sharpshooters.
Frequently they acted as skirmishers during a battle, and while in front of Petersburg they took positions behind stumps, trees, and breastworks, doing great execution.
At one point in front of Petersburg, where a squad of the Indiana boys were watching the movements of the enemy, one after another of their numbers were rapidly shot dead, and the survivors could form no idea where the fatal bullets came from.
Finally, one of the regiment far more daring and shrewd than the rest, declared that he would take his position in the fatal spot, and find out the author of the bloody work, if it cost him his life. So with a select party of his comrades, he repaired to the
place, and began eagerly watching the rebel lines. For three or four hours all was quiet, but at last a Negro was observed walking leisurely along the works of the enemy. He carried in his arms a long fence rail which he carelessly threw across the sand bag in front of him, and then suddenly disappeared from view. In a moment the crack of a rifle was heard, and one of the Indiana boys fell over dead, being shot through the forehead. Our hero now concluded that the Negro was a black rebel, that he was the man who had played such dreadful havoc, among his comrades, and that the harmless looking fence rail contained a murderous gun.
He kept a sharp look-out and presently saw the Negro aiming the fence rail at him. So he drew up his trusty rifle, aimed quickly, pulled the trigger, and two rifles cracked at the same time. The champion of the fence rail fell over dead, and the Indiana boy received a slight wound in the scalp. No more of our men were picked off in that way, and the rebel scould not play the same game on them again. The day following the occurrence noted above, the Indiana soldier took his position in a tree top, and picked off four rebels with ease.
One evening he came up where the 115th lay, and gave them an exhibition of his skill as a workman. The regimental flag was strapped to a post, on the breastworks, and all day the rebel sharpshooters and skirmishers had been trying to cut it down, and towards evening they opened an embrasure in a fort opposite, and began throwing cannon
balls. The Indiana sharpshooter stepped up and said: “Boys, they are trying to cut down your flag, are they? Just let me get up to the works, and I’ll shut up their music for a while.” The rebel embrasure was one mile distant, but “Indiana” took aim fired, and to the surprise of all, the ball entered the hole, causing several rebel heads to disappear in an amazingly short space of time, He fired five times in succession, and put four of the five shots in the embrasure, and the Johnnies not liking such sharp practice, ceased firing, and nothing more was heard of that cannon for several days.
The next evening “Indiana,” accompanied by a friend from his regiment, proceeded to walk boldly in front of the rebel line of works, keeping in Indian file. Of course the rebels began to shoot at them, and pretty soon a spiteful bullet came screaming through the air, wounding each through the leg badly. “Indiana’s” comrade was naturally disposed to limp but was soon led to change his mind. “If you limp I’ll knock your brains out with the butt of my gun,” thundered Indiana in a tone of deep earnestness. “Forward, March! Don’t let the sneaking traitors know you are wounded,” he continued. Both marched boldly to our works, and on reaching there safely, sank down exhausted from the loss of blood. They both laughed, and joked, and shook hands over the furlough they expected to get, and declared they would never enter the door of a hospital. Indiana was warlike still, and asked to be helped up to the works that he might give the Johnnies his pointed respects. After he had done that, he showed us his many wounds. He had a bullet wound in the right leg, a sabre cut across the right shoulder, a deep bayonet thrust in the left side, and a sore wound in the head beside the one received in the leg at the time. He fought in the Mexican war, and took part in forty battles in this one. When the stretcher arrived to convey him to the hospital he refused to get on it, and the last that was seen of him he was limping to the rear, supported by a stick.
A PLUCKY SOLDIER BOY.
Private Frank E. Ritche, Co. I, and orderly for Col. Sammons, met with the following adventure in the state of Florida:
One day he took a notion to ride out of camp a couple of miles for the purpose of viewing the country; so arming himself with a rusty rebel sabre and mounting a horse, rode away into the swamp alone. Suddenly he found himself confronted by three mounted rebels who were armed with shot guns. Frank resolved not to be captured, and putting on a bold front he drew out his rusty old sabre, ad swinging it over his head with the air of a brigadier, turned partly around on his horse and yelled out at the top of his voice, “Come on boys, here they are!” here they are!” thus giving the rebels to understand that his command was close by. He then commanded the rebels to sur-
render, at the same time raising his “toad sticker” in a threatening manner. Two of the chivalry instantly wheeled their horses and dashed off into the swamp at a break-neck pace. The third was disarmed by Frank before he had a chance to run, and together with his horse, gun and equipments, was soon safe in the camp of the 115th.
The Union soldier was about 16 years of age.
RATHER COOL.
A soldier of the 115th had the following attention paid him by the rebels at Olustee:
They shot away his gun and he picked up another. Hardly had he resumed firing when a second bullet penetrated his canteen sending it to the ground. In a little while a ball paralyzed his right shoulder. He then went to the rear and on examination found his wound not very severe, so he went back to the company and began firing at the enemy again. In a moment a ball grazed both legs just enough to start the blood, and another passed through the center of one of his great toes making a very painful wound. He began to think it about time for him to go to the rear for good, and started off, but unfortunately got among a party of rebels who demanded his surrender. He made motions to signify that he was wounded, and pretended to comply with their demands. But observing a good opportunity he started on a run, and although the rebels sent a volley of bullets after him, he managed to escape. Upon reaching the rear, he looked at his bleeding tow and damaged shoes, and then coolly remarked that he “did not care anything about the hole in his tow, but it was darn mean for the rebels to spoil his shoes.”
STATEMENTS OF PRISONERS.
I was born in Waterford, Saratoga co., N.Y., Jan. 24th , 1842, and enlisted in Co., H, 115th Regiment, Aug. 9th, 1862, as a private. At the battle of Olustee, Fla., Feb. 20th, 1864, I was wounded through both thighs, the left leg, and the body; and being unable to leave the field was taken prisoner by the enemy. I lay there from Saturday the 20th until the following Wednesday night, before the rebels took me off. They then put me with six others in a rough wagon, and took us to Lake City, a distance of thirteen miles. From there, eighty of us all wounded, were taken one hundred and fifty miles to Tallahassee in a single cattle car. At Tallahassee we were placed in a church, had our wounds dressed for the first time, and received good treatment.
On the 11th of April I was furnished with on day’s rations and sent to Andersonville, Ga., being five days on the route, and only the single day’s rations to eat. A rebel officer of the 4th Ga. Cavalry, rode up to us as I lay wounded on the battle field, and observing one of my boots lying by my side asked where the mate to that boot was. I replied that it was under my head. He then said “When I come back I want them.” As soon as he rode off
I took by jack knife and cut both boots in pieces so he could not have them. After a short time he came back and asked for the boots. I said “there they lay,” pointing to the pieces. He declared he had a good mind to run be through with his sword. Rebel soldiers came up to me as I lay suffering, and stripped me of my overcoat, blanket, haversack and canteen, and left without saying a word. A private of the 4th Ga. Cavalry came up, and observing a gold ring on my finger, asked me to let him see it. I dared not refuse, so I handed it to hem, when he walked off with it. Thinking much of the ring I called to hem to bring it back and I would give him a nice watch and chain. He promised to return it, so I handed over the watch, when he coolly walked off with both articles. For seven months I lay in that “hell upon earth: Andersonville, withou tshelter, exposed to the weather, with no clothing except a pair of pants. I have frequently gone three days without receiving a mouthful of food, and my comrade Charles H. DeGraff, being too weak to walk up to the wagons, was refused his rations, and he soon starved to death, suffering like a dog. I was exchanged in Oct., 1864.
G. D. COLE.
G. D. Cole was taken prisoner at Deep Bottom, Va., August 16th, 1864, and immediately placed under charge of a rebel guard. Soon after being captured he became very thirsty, and his guard conducted him to a spring where he filled his canteen with water. As he was passing along he saw large piles of arms and legs which the rebel surgeons had amputated from their wounded. He was soon sent to Belle island, from there to Danville, N. C., and finally to Saulsbury. The last named place he says pen or speech cannot describe, as it contained so many loathsome and sickening horrors. The dreadful scenes enacted daily were of the most appalling and heart-rending character. Of 10,000 prisoners confined there only 3,000 lived to come away, and the greater portion of those were in a dying condition, or were terribly emaciated by starvation, exposure and disease. The rebels stole his shoes, coat and blanket, and left him with only a pair of pants and a shirt. The rations were only a loaf of corn bread per day, barely enough to keep life in the body. The prisoners became so ravenous that they were more like wild beasts than human beings, and would snatch the bread out of each others mouths. He often awoke and found a dead man lying beside him. The difference between a man who owned a blanket and one who did not, was as great as between a rich man and a poor man here. The guards were old man and boys. The old men were generally kind to the prisoners, and in many cases Union men. The boys were bloodthirsty and brutal, and would shoot a Yankee as soon as a dog. He was engaged in the attempt to escape from the horrors of the prison, but it was unsuccessful, and 80 of their number were swept down with grape and canister. Three men lying quietly in their tents were killed. The fence was so high, and the men so weak, that the enclosure could not be forced. The rebels told all the catholics to step out and they would give them good rations and a better camp five miles away. After reaching there they were coaxed and urged to enlist in the rebel army, but nearly all refused.
While on his way to Wilmington he paid $50 for a ham weighing three or four pounds, and $25 for some corn bread which did not make a meal for two. The rebel guards paid freely $60 in rebel currency for $1 in greenbacks, and brass buttons sold readily for $5 each. Although never sick a day, yet he was reduced to a mere skeleton and on being paroled could scarcely walk. He weighed 180 pounds at the time he was captured and only 80 pounds when he was released from the rebel prison.
Sergt. Van Arnam, of Co. A, taken prisoner at Deep Bottom, Va., Aug. 16th, 1864, and paroled in November, 1864, made the following statement on his return home:
“I would say to the friends of these unfortunate prisoners that Belle island contains about five acres, and is enclosed by rifle pits, well guarded by home guards composed of old men and boys.
“There are about 6,000 prisoners in this camp, four thousand of whom have a shelter from the sun, but affording little protection from rain. All receive rations twice a day; at 10 A.M., one quarter of a loaf of wheat bread, which is sour, and a piece of bacon or fresh beef as large as your three fingers. Supper at 4 P.M.; same about and kind of bread, with one half-pint black bean soup, and occasionally in its place, for a variety, rice soup. The prisoners have no blankets, and sleep on the bare ground.
A list of prisoners in the hands of the rebels from the 115th Regiment, N.Y. S. Vols., on Belle island, Va.
Lieut. C. N. Ballou, Co. A.
Corp. Fred. Putser, Co. I.
Musicians – I. A. Tripp, James Hale, Jesse Wood.
Privates – Thomas J. Henry, John Sherlock, Robert Baker, Lafayette Waterman, Frank Molter, Co. A; F. Van Epps, Orrin Snell, Co. B; William Colgrove, Frank Mallery, Co. D; Wm. S. young, Frank Lamb, Co. K.
Those who were paroled with me were Theodore Reckner, Co. A; David Brower, Co. D; Barney McGuire, Co. I.”
J. W. VAN ARNAM,
Sergt., Co. A, 115th N. Y. S. V.
CHESAPEAKE U. S. HOSPITAL.
Sept. 29, 1864. – Battle of Fort Gilmer.
Sept. 30. – Wounded begin to arrive from the army of the James. A hospital boat blew up in the river.
Oct. 2. – The surgeons are engaged in amputating limbs. Hospital boats are continually arriving with wounded, and ambulances are rolling along night and day. The dead march is constantly sounding in our ears.
Oct. 3. – Thirty-five officers and men buried from this hospital during twenty-four hours. A rebel captain died.
Oct. 4. – Several officers died from the effects of wounds. Their remains were placed in board coffins painted red. The coffins are covered with stars and stripes, then hauled to the grave-yard in the dead cart and buried by a squad of soldiers.
Oct. 5. – Several loads of dead soldiers put under the sod to day. Seven coffins are taken as a load.
Oct. 6. – More officers and a large number of soldiers died. Hundreds of recruits going to the front.
Oct. 7. – A constant stream of men going to Grant.
Oct. 13. – More wounded arrived.
Oct. 14. – large numbers of wounded came in. Six hundred recruits went to the fort.
Oct. 30. – Fifty officers furloughed to make room for wounded. All enlisted men able to travel are allowed to go home. For seven months ending Nov. 1st, more than seventeen hundred (1,700) soldiers from the army of the James were buried from the U. S. general hospital, Fortress Monroe.
Nov. 1. – Nearly all patients in the hospital able to travel left for home so as to take part in the presidential election.