Camp Wyman. Incidents of camp life. Lieutenant Elfwing. Fête
Champêtre. Departure for seat of war. List of officers. In camp near
Washington. Off for Annapolis. General Butler in Maryland. Attitude
of Governor Hicks. Waiting at Annapolis. Colonel Perry's last sermon.
Journey to New York. Return of contrabands. Departure for Fortress
Monroe.
July 24, 1861, Camp Wyman was formed, at Fort Hamilton, in New York
Bay. August 16, the first two companies were mustered into service, and
September 15 we received orders to be ready to proceed to Washington.
In camp, the time was spent in preparing for the field. The men were
regularly drilled, and the officers, by study and practice, endeavored
to fit themselves for the duties before them. Not all the time was
given to serious work. The men had leisure for recreation, and the
officers, as they became acquainted with each other, found suitable
amusements while in camp, and were allowed ample opportunity to visit
friends, and procure whatever was considered needful or desirable for
the campaign before us.
Lieutenant Elfwing, who had enjoyed larger experience than most of us,
and withal something of a military education, undertook to initiate
us into the mysteries of the sword exercise, which was supposed
to be necessary to give us good and regular standing among our
fellow-officers; but, fortunately for us, experience proved it to be an
accomplishment, rather than a necessity. The only result of Elfwing's
proficiency which became generally known, was through the good-natured
acquiescence of Colonel Perry, in the proposal for a friendly trial,
which occurred while we were in camp on Dawfuskie Island, S.C. We never
knew that he renewed the proposal. It was generally understood that,
recovering his sword, he wended his way back to his rustic bower, and
in the company of congenial friends, found comforting assuagement
of his mortification and chagrin, in that indescribable, but most
mollifying mixture called puddle.
Elfwing was a noble-hearted, generous man. Educated not only in the
schools, but by varied and extensive travel, quick of apprehension, of
retentive memory and ready humor, his mind was stored with incidents of
personal experience, gathered not only in his native country, Sweden,
but in different parts of Europe, as well as through several years of
residence in our own country. It was a delight to listen to him, for
he had a very happy manner in conversation, and with his friends about
him, and fairly engaged in his reminiscent wanderings, took from many
an hour its weariness and many a night its sleep. A gallant soldier, he
distinguished himself in every engagement in which he participated, and
even the loss of a leg did not prevent his continuance in service. When
we last heard of him, he was United States Consul at Stockholm, and we
trust is still enjoying the honor and comfort of that office, and a
more quiet and restful life than when we were together.
As previously stated, September 15, orders were received to be ready
to proceed to Washington. The President had urged upon the governors
of the loyal states, to hurry forward all regiments as fast as they
were prepared for the field, and Governor Morgan, who was always
earnest in support of the government, gave personal attention to
the matter, visiting the camps, and endeavoring by his presence to
arouse enthusiasm, and push forward the troops. He had not succeeded
according to his wishes when he visited our camp, and on that account
seemed especially pleased, when the colonel assured him that we were
ready to start at a moment's notice. Among the members of his staff
who accompanied him, was Chester A. Arthur, Ex-President of the United
States, remembered by those who saw him at that time as a young man of
fine appearance and agreeable manner.
We cannot omit to mention the fête champêtre, on that beautiful evening
shortly before our departure, when so many of the friends of the
regiment gathered for a few brief hours of enjoyment, before the last
good-by was said. All the available resources, within and without the
camp, were called into requisition to make the occasion a joyous one:
and so it proved. But there is sadness linked with the happy memories
of that night. Many a last good-by was said, as the early hours of
morning bid the guests depart. Never again did Colonel Perry look on
the face of wife or children left behind. And many a sod, in the
valleys and along the hillsides of the South, rests over the silent
forms of those who parted from kindred and loved ones then. But no one,
at that time, had thought for such things; and when, on the 17th, we
broke camp, and took our departure for the seat of war, 964 strong,
_we felt only the justice of our cause, and the glory of our purpose_.
Fortunate is it that weak human nature does not always stop to measure
the probable or possible consequences of its act: a provision of
Infinite Wisdom, that we know naught of the future.
* * * * *
The following is a list of the officers when we left Camp Wyman:--
STAFF OFFICERS.
Colonel, James H. Perry.
Lieut.-Col., Wm. B. Barton.
Major, Oliver T. Beard.
Adjt., Anthony W. Goodell.
Surgeon, Joseph L. Mulford.
Asst. Surgeon, Patrick H. Humphries.
Chaplain, William P. Strickland, D.D.
Quartermaster, Irving M. Avery.
LINE OFFICERS.
Co. A.
Captain, Louis H. Lent.
1st Lieut., B. Ryder Corwin.
2d " Asa H. Fergurson.
Co. B.
Captain, Edward R. Travis.
1st Lieut., Nere A. Elfwing.
2d " Theodore C. Vidal.
Co. C.
Captain, James Farrell.
1st Lieut., George McArdle.
2d " Townsend L. Hatfield.
Co. D.
Captain, Daniel C. Knowles.
1st Lieut., James O. Paxson.
2d " John Bodine.
Co. E.
Captain, William B. Coan.
1st Lieut., Frederick Hurst.
2d " Rob. S. Edwards.
Co. F.
Captain, James M. Green.
1st Lieut., Sam. K. Wallace.
2d " H.W. Robinson.
Co. G.
Captain, Anthony Elmendorf.
1st Lieut., Wm. H. Dunbar.
2d " James M. Nichols.
Co. H.
Captain, D.W. Strickland.
1st Lieut., W.L. Lockwood.
2d " C.N. Patterson.
Co. I.
Captain, Joseph G. Ward.
1st Lieut., S.M. Swartwout.
2d " Jas. H. Perry, Jr.
Co. K.
Captain, Samuel J. Foster.
1st Lieut., Sylvanus G. Gale.
2d " Albert F. Miller.
The spirit with which we went forth to service is evidenced by the
following, taken from the journal of Melville R. Conklin, a private of
Company K. Mentioning the fact that Governor Morgan visited the camp on
the 15th, bringing orders to go to Washington, he says: "The order was
hailed with joy by every man in camp, as we are all anxious for active
duty." The 16th was occupied in packing up, and the Long Roll was
beaten for the first time at 2 o'clock on the morning of the 17th, when
the men were formed in line, with knapsacks, haversacks, and canteens,
but without arms. These were furnished us when we reached the boat
which conveyed us on our way to the South.
[Illustration]
It is an interesting fact that Colonel Perry did not give up his work
as preacher and pastor until informed of the final order to march,
which was communicated to him while he was engaged in the public
exercises of the church. Bringing the services to an abrupt conclusion,
he started for his command, and never resumed the office of preacher,
except on one occasion, which will be referred to hereafter.
Of our journey, we remember only the hospitable welcome at
Philadelphia, where we stopped for dinner. Ample provision had been
made, and, in common with thousands of others, we have occasion
for gratitude to the men and women who, not only at this time, but
during the whole war, contributed so generously of their means and
personal services, to provide for the wants of the soldiers who passed
through their city on their way to the front. At Washington, we were
assigned quarters for a single night, in a large brick building on
Pennsylvania Avenue, not far from Willard's Hotel. Early the following
morning, orders were received to go into camp on the plain back of the
Capitol, but, the colonel not being decided as to the exact location,
we spent the night without shelter. This was a slight foretaste of
the life before us, and in many minds, through that first night of
exposure, away from friends, and fairly entered upon new and uncertain
experiences, there was a lingering look behind, while through the
imagination swept those changing pictures of the future, to which a
vague uncertainty or sad foreboding gave a solemn tone.
But the morning light dispelled these dreams, and the novelty of
pitching tents and establishing camp for ourselves, kept mind and hand
busy. In a few days we changed our location to the immediate vicinity
of the other regiments of our brigade, and for the next few weeks our
time was fully occupied in perfecting our company and regimental drill.
Well we remember the idle speculations of officers and men in regard to
our final destination, but while we were soon assured that we were to
form a part of the expeditionary corps under Sherman, beyond this, we
were completely at fault. And well we might be, since the particular
point to be attacked was left to the selection of General Sherman and
Admiral Dupont, who were themselves some time in doubt. Colonel Perry
soon gave ample evidence of his superior qualifications as an officer,
and as a regiment, in a short time, we took the highest rank among the
troops with whom we were associated.
October 5 we left Washington for Annapolis, and this movement
determined for us, finally, that we were to join the great southern
expedition, and that our point of attack was to be in the very centre
and hot-bed of the rebellion--and we were satisfied. There was no
thought of the danger from the enemy or the inclemency of the climate,
but only of the possibility of being able to strike such effective
blows as would give us an honorable place in the final suppression of
the rebellion.
At Annapolis Junction, we found part of the troops who had been
detailed to protect the railroads, rendered necessary by the attitude
of the people of Maryland, who at this time leaned all too generally
towards their Southern brethren. Even Governor Hicks, although loyal
at heart, under the pressure of the hot-headed secessionists who
surrounded him, had protested to the President against the passage of
troops through the state, and had it not been for the prompt decision
and energetic action of General Butler, the Federal government would
have suffered serious embarrassment in this matter. The bayonets of his
soldiers opened the way, while their intelligence supplied the means
of transportation. Roads were rebuilt, and engines repaired, while
troops were stationed along the lines to guard them from interruption.
Although Governor Hicks, in the meantime, had recovered his loyalty,
so nearly lost, the troops whom we met were still needed to secure its
constancy. It was midnight when we reached Annapolis, in the midst
of a driving storm, and the deserted college buildings were the only
places which promised shelter. To these we were refused admittance by
the trustees, but upon the colonel's remarking that he had never seen
a lock that a bayonet would not pick, there was no further hesitation.
Some other lessons were needed before the people learned the temper
of our troops. The answer of the colonel gave a tone to the arguments
of the officers when they were refused accommodations by the landlord
of the City Hotel, and he acknowledged their cogency. The man who
maltreated one of our negro servants assumed a most melancholy
attitude of entreaty under the influence of a similar kind of logic,
and, if still living, has not forgotten the lessons of that night.
Indeed, the whole town was so quickly converted that a delegation
was sent to our colonel, as soon as his previous profession became
known, to request him to conduct the services in the Methodist church
on the first Sabbath after our arrival. Turning to the adjutant, and
expressing a disinclination to officiate, he remarked, "You can detail
Dr. Strickland, or Major Beard, or Captain Knowles, or Lieutenant Gale,
or Sergeant Irvine, or some of the enlisted men." And so he could, for
each of those named, and some others in the regiment, were regularly
ordained ministers. But the colonel was induced to perform the service,
and, attired in full military dress, preached an eloquent sermon.
We soon found many loyal people in the city. The officers were kindly
welcomed at the house of Governor Hicks, and Judge Brewer opened his
doors with generous hospitality. Orders were strict, and none were
permitted to go out of camp without special permission, for no one
knew the time for our departure, but such liberty was granted as this
uncertainty would allow.
At this time we had a band, but no suitable instruments, and the
colonel, knowing that I had reasons for wishing to visit New York
once more before our departure on the expedition, kindly detailed me
to attend to the business of procuring them. The railroads were then
pushed to their utmost in the transportation of troops and supplies,
and, finding that the road to Baltimore was so blockaded as to render
it very uncertain how long a time the passage to and from that city
would occupy, by much persuasion a loyal colored citizen was induced to
furnish a horse for the journey.
To any one familiar with the condition of the roads in our Southern
states at this period, a journey of thirty miles or more on horseback,
through a strange country, would have presented little attraction, and
if you add the fact that the sentiments of the people throughout the
state were such that Federal troops were picketed along the railroads,
and at other points, to guard against the destruction of property, and
quell seditious movements, the journey would not have been rendered any
more fascinating. Fortunately for my peace of mind, the exact state of
things was not fully known by me, and more fortunate still that the
horse so quickly developed a better acquaintance with the way than his
rider as to be left almost entirely to his own guidance. Occasionally,
when a fallen tree had completely obstructed the path, or a dense
undergrowth had, from infrequent use, been suffered to obliterate all
trace of its presence, or, worse still, when an angle of the road (if
it could be dignified by such a term), discovered several paths of
equally uncertain character, I admit to a degree of apprehension lest
he should take me to some convenient crib, where my welcome would be
somewhat warmer than I desired. But if the currents of his life moved
rather slowly, they ran in loyal veins, and except for a few uncertain
companions who joined me at times, I gave myself up to such enjoyments
as the somewhat monotonous way afforded.
Arrived at Baltimore, I left my horse, and proceeded to New York by
rail. One day was all the time needed for the transaction of my
business, and the following afternoon found me again in Baltimore,
anxious to get back to camp, in fear lest the expedition might have
sailed, and I be left behind. A short time was taken to collect a few
supplies previously overlooked, and as the western sun was just sinking
behind the hills, I started on my journey back. I had become better
acquainted with the condition of affairs in the state, and scrutinized
more closely the countenances and manners of those whom I met,
especially of the few who, travelling in the same direction as myself,
seemed to insist upon the value of their company to a degree not fully
warranted by the suddenness and limited extent of our acquaintance.
There was quite sufficient opportunity for reflection during the
long hours, that seemed to drag so slowly, as I picked my way in the
darkness through those interminable woods, but, like all other things,
the journey had its ending. As I approached Annapolis, I was neither
shocked nor disconcerted by the challenge of our outpost sentinel, "Who
goes there." The orders were strict, and I had no countersign, and it
was a relief when the presence of the officer of the guard permitted
suitable explanations. These were given while we walked along together
towards the camp-fire, and as soon as its light permitted recognition,
the exclamations, "Hello, Jim!" and "How are you, Val?" left no room
for further hesitation. College and classmates, we had parted several
years before, to meet for the first time again under these peculiar
circumstances. But the impatience of both horse and rider permitted no
lengthened colloquy, and in a few moments I was enjoying the hearty
welcome of the colonel and other officers.
October 18 we steamed away from Annapolis in the Empire City, towards
Fortress Monroe, the general point of rendezvous for the expedition.
Here, by order of the general in command, Colonel Perry was compelled,
much against his will, to detail a guard from the regiment to return to
slavery a negro found on the transport. Thus the great moral, social,
and political movements of the world have always been hampered and
clogged by their early scruples. We were never after called upon to
perform a similar service.