At Fort Pulaski. Changes at Dawfuskie. Amusements. The pride and taste
of the soldiers in fitting up their quarters. Mosquitoes and other
pests. Thanksgiving celebration. Incidents of garrison life. Flag
of truce. Confederate ironclad. New Year's Day. Mr. Logan's account
of the condition of things in Savannah. Prices of provisions, etc.
Resignation and departure of Chaplain Strickland. Inspector-General
Townsend's and Colonel Green's opinion of the regiment. Flag of
truce. Interesting interview with Adjutant-General Gordon and
Lieutenant Styles, of the Confederate army. Formation of negro
regiments. Our theatre. Building a steam-launch. Deserters. Capture of
blockade-runner. Effect of garrison life on the regiment. Capture of
Confederate ironclad Atlanta.
After our return from Coosawhatchie, for a time, we were left
undisturbed in garrison. The work of repairing the fort and replacing
the guns injured in the bombardment continued, with company and
battalion drill, whenever the weather permitted. November 4, a few
officers made a trip to Dawfuskie, visiting Munger's and Stoddard's;
but neglect and decay were manifest everywhere. A few old negroes,
abandoned because of inability to bring further profit, with the
desolated homes, together exhibited the barbarisms of war and slavery.
The cold weather soon relieved our apprehensions from yellow fever;
and affairs at the fort moved on in the old sluggish current. Games of
ball on the terre-plein, and hunting on the islands near, varied the
monotony somewhat, and artillery drill added somewhat to our regular
duties. The ducks in the bay were numerous; and, as we had collected
quite a fleet of boats, parties were made up, almost daily, to hunt
them.
Thanksgiving was approaching, and we determined to make the day
memorable. The officers contributed liberally, and committees were
appointed to plan for a celebration, which should not only afford
pleasure to ourselves, but attract to the fort the general officers
of the department, as well as others. November 18, we indulged in a
regatta. The colonel had selected the most promising craft, and fitted
it up quite handsomely; others also had apparently been fortunate
in their selections, but Captain Strickland, while obliged to take
an inferior boat, had in Company H the most skilful sailors of the
regiment, who, for love of their captain and the honor of the company,
worked with a will to overcome all inequalities. The trial trip of our
boat was made very early in the morning of the day on which the race
occurred, and resulted in christening it the "Tub," by those who had
watched its movements. A few changes and alterations were made, and it
was ready to start with the others. The race was very exciting, and the
course a long one, and it was for some time doubtful which would win
the prize, but when the Tub came into the dock, having distanced the
whole fleet, by common consent she received the more reputable name of
Maggie.
During the pleasant days of autumn, scarcely a day passed without
some form of amusement or recreation. The Sabbath, while we were in
garrison, was usually observed in a becoming manner, and was a day of
rest from work and play, save in the matter of inspection. Regularly
every Sunday morning the colonel, accompanied by his staff, made
a thorough examination of the interior of the fort, and such was
the character of the men, and the discipline which prevailed, that
no effort was spared to make these inspections satisfactory. The
companies which occupied the casemates on two sides of the fort availed
themselves of all the materials at hand to fit them up in a manner
not only to secure the greatest comfort to themselves, but to render
them most attractive in appearance. And it was a great pleasure to
note from Sabbath to Sabbath the ingenuity and skill displayed in the
arrangements for eating and sleeping, as well as for general effects.
Bunks were made, either single or double, and tastefully covered with
colored netting, to ward off the attacks of mosquitoes and sand flies.
Tables, chairs, and lounges of various designs occupied the spaces
around the guns, while dogs, cats, 'coons, and other pets shared the
quarters and the messes. The season for sand flies, mosquitoes, and
fleas, passed by with the warm weather, but each for a time had proven
severe trials to us all. First the sand flies swarmed in countless
numbers, microscopic in size, all bite and poison, penetrating
everywhere, and, while they lasted, the agony of dress parade, with
the men at rest, will be remembered, but cannot be described. The
mosquitoes were quite tolerable, but when, under the hot sun of
midsummer, the fleas made their appearance, there was little rest night
or day. Walking on the shore, it seemed sometimes as if every grain of
sand had been quickened into life, like the dragon's teeth of Jason.
Rumors reached us, from time to time, that an effort would be made to
recapture the fort, and General Beauregard was reported to have stated,
in a speech, that but a few days would elapse before he would replace
the present commandant. Others have made similar mistakes, and to few
is given the spirit of prophecy.
November 27, Thanksgiving Day, opened bright and beautiful, the
atmosphere clear and cool. All preparations had been made, and we
awaited the coming of our guests. The chaplain consecrated the day
in a short but interesting sermon upon the political aspects of the
country. After the discourse, the amusements of the day commenced,
with target-shooting and boat-races. When these were concluded, the
officers marched to the south dock, to meet the guests. Three boats
came, quite loaded with passengers, among them Generals Brannon and
Terry. Proceeding to the fort to the sound of music and the firing of
salutes which announced the quality of our visitors, the amusements of
the day recommenced, with foot-races, followed by hurdle, sack, and
wheel-barrow races, greased pole, greased pig, and other games. Perhaps
the most ludicrous were the attempts of the negroes, with hands tied
behind them, to pick out with their teeth the gold piece concealed
in a tub of flour. Finally the day closed with dress parade by the
non-commissioned officers and privates, in which the most grotesque
costumes were used, and the largest liberty permitted. Taking advantage
of this, the peculiarities of the officers were brought out with the
grossest exaggerations, manner and tone being imitated so well, and
withal in such good-natured frolicsome spirit, that the subjects of
the pleasantries enjoyed it equally with the others. The published
orders were admirable hits, ending with the one attributed to Major
Beard, which, after announcing the death of a member of the regiment,
concluded with, "The God of battles will give him a soldier's rest by
order of O.T. Beard, Major Commanding." A long nooning gave ample
time for the dinner, which was spread in a temporary building on the
terre-plein, and consisted of a variety of fish, fowl, and joints, with
the usual accompaniments. The evening and most of the night were given
up to dancing. At midnight a supper was served, and many of us retired,
but a few, who had passed the bounds of moderation in their libations,
served to keep alive the echoes of song and laughter until the morning
brought exhaustion, and permitted a little rest. The day was a
memorable one, contrasting as it did so severely with the events which
placed us there and continued to disturb the country. The following day
we parted with our guests, and resumed the old routine.
At this time our company was stationed on Tybee Island, with
headquarters in the Martello Tower, and it was a common trip to run
over and dine with Swartwout, who was one of the most genial and
hospitable officers in the regiment. He had very comfortable apartments
on the top of the tower, and his men were pleasantly disposed in neat
and cheerful barracks near by. There were horses to ride, and a
long, beautiful, and solid beach to ride on, little to do, no special
annoyances, plenty of game and an almost independent command, so that
those detailed there were inclined to remain.
[Illustration: MARTELLO TOWER, TYBEE ISLAND.]
Soon after our arrival at the fort for garrison duty, a bed of fine
large and luscious oysters was discovered near by, having been planted
by the former occupants of the fort, by whose labors we profited
much, for the supply seemed unlimited. Base-ball became a regular
institution, in which the whole garrison joined, from the colonel down.
When the officers were not playing, the men occupied the ground, when
off duty. And it was well, for we needed all the exercise we could get,
on account of the enervating effect of the long confinement in the
fort, and we wished to be ready for active service, which we trusted
would come in time.
December 24, Colonel Barton returned from Hilton Head with the
announcement that Lieutenant-Colonel Beard had resigned, and his
resignation had been accepted, and that several ironclads were expected
from the North.
December 27, the steamboat Mattano conveyed a party up the river on
flag of truce. Starting early in the forenoon, we proceeded slowly to a
point nearly opposite St. Augustine's Creek, when we were hailed by the
officer of a Confederate picket, and, having dropped anchor, awaited
the return of the messenger which had been sent to the ram Georgia
as soon as we appeared in sight. This was plainly visible, about a
mile distant,--a low, sullen mass of iron, apparently immovable.
While waiting the return of the messenger, we had ample opportunity
to examine it, but could make out little beyond her general shape.
Designed to clear the river and vicinity of our gunboats, she had thus
far proved a failure, and, as confessed by an officer who visited us,
had greatly disappointed those who had furnished the means to build
her. The officer sent to communicate with us was Lieutenant Johnson,
who, in the course of a very pleasant conversation, stated that for
seventeen years he was in the United States service. That at the time
of our attack on Port Royal he was in command of one of the steamers of
Commodore Tatnall's fleet, which was nearly blown out of water by one
of our eleven-inch shells. In the afternoon, Captain Sawyer, of General
Mercer's staff, came alongside, having started for Pulaski on flag of
truce. His boat was manned by sailors from New York.
January 1, 1863, opened with a clear sky and an invigorating
atmosphere. It was observed as a holiday, and Captain Elfwing, who
could not forget, even in our unfavorable conditions, the good old
custom of open house and spread table, invited his friends to partake
of his hospitalities. Lieutenant Wallace, who had resigned, spent the
day in taking leave of his companions.
January 3, nine men from the 47th New York State Volunteers, a
regiment with which we had been brigaded from the first, and between
which and our regiment there had always existed a special friendship,
came to the fort in the steamer Mattano, for a match game of base-ball
with our picked nine. They took their defeat in the best humor, and
nothing occurred to mar the good-fellowship between the two regiments.
January 8, Mr. Logan, who went up to Savannah December 27, returned
to the fort with several ladies. Lieutenant Johnson came with them,
and our acquaintance was renewed. Papers were exchanged, and from
the Savannah News we gained information which silenced certain
unfavorable rumors which had been current in the garrison for some
days. Mr. Logan gave an interesting account of what he saw within the
Confederate lines, and we note a few of his statements. The supply
of clothing had become so reduced that the cast-off garments of past
generations were drawn upon, so that the grotesqueness of costumes,
even among the better classes, was often ludicrous. The prices of
nearly everything had advanced to enormous figures. The following
will serve as examples. Tea was fourteen dollars a pound, salt fifteen
dollars a bushel, flour from thirty to fifty dollars a barrel, men's
boots from twenty to forty dollars per pair. He further stated that
his brother-in-law paid a hundred dollars for a coat made of Kentucky
jean, and fifty dollars for two pairs of hand cards for carding cotton.
He himself paid two dollars for a tooth-brush, and four dollars for a
daguerreotype. Sugar was sold for seventy-five cents per pound by the
hogshead, and other articles in proportion. Merchants had but little in
their stores; and great inconvenience, and even suffering, generally
prevailed. From these facts we derived great encouragement. If they
indicated the condition of things generally in the South, the war could
not last long. The report of the capture of Vicksburg, about this time,
strengthened this feeling. The news, generally, was encouraging.
February 3, Generals Hunter, Foster, Negley, Potter, and Seymour
visited the fort. General Hunter was quite extravagant in his praises
of the regiments. February 6, Dr. Strickland left us, and was not
expected to return. He was an excellent chaplain. Faithful, earnest,
and fearless, he helped materially in keeping the regiment to its
high standard of morals and propriety. While not aggressive, he was
constant in his labors, and was heartily respected in them. There was a
wholesome and agreeable freedom in his manner, combined with dignity of
habit and speech, which we liked. He had many warm friends, and, if any
enemies, they were not known.
February 9, the regiment was inspected by Colonel Green, the assistant
inspector-general of the army, who came to the fort accompanied by
General E.D. Townsend, Adjutant-General, U.S. A. They both expressed
themselves very much pleased at our appearance, and complimented us
very highly.
February 16, I was despatched on another flag of truce, with Captain
Kenzie, of General Hunter's staff, who was entrusted with special
business for headquarters. Near Bird Island, the steamboat Ida met
us, and Captain Gordon, adjutant-general of General Mercer's staff,
with wife and two children, came on board our boat, accompanied by
Captain and Lieutenant Styles of the Virginia army. They were all
people of education and refinement, and during the several hours that
we spent together, there was no suggestion of personal antagonism as
an outgrowth of the general attitude which we maintained towards each
other. In spite of my earnest protest against the introduction of any
irritating subject, the war, its causes, and its different phases, were
discussed with freedom, but without the least appearance of bitterness.
Mrs. Gordon and family had suffered privations in common with others,
and Lieutenant Styles spoke of the division of the army to which he was
attached as often without shoes, and even sufficient food, but bearing
everything without complaint. The coat he had on, made of ordinary
gray cloth, cost one hundred and fifty dollars, and he had ordered a
pair of cavalry boots, to cost sixty dollars--thus corroborating the
statements of Mr. Logan. The picture which he drew of the soldiers
of the Confederate army,--marching over the snow without shoes, with
a cake of gingerbread in hand, costing a dollar, and a newspaper in
pocket, costing twenty-five cents,--would have been pathetic had it
not suggested such a lamentable want of judgment, in preferring the
luxury of gingerbread and newspapers to the comfort and protection of
suitable covering for the feet. We parted with mutual expressions of
personal esteem, knowing that within the hour of our parting, we might
be called upon, in the discharge of duty to which we were bound, to
take each other's life, while we equally lamented the necessity for
such brutality.
February 20, reports reached us of difficulty between General Hunter
and some of the officers on the staffs of the new generals who had come
to the department from North Carolina, who showed too little respect
for the negro soldiers, the pets of the commanding general. And this
reminds me of neglect in overlooking the fact that, in the formation
of the negro regiments, Lieutenant Corwin obtained the position of
major, and several of our sergeants and corporals obtained commissions.
Advanced positions in these regiments were offered to several of our
officers, who declined to accept them.
February 23, our theatre was opened, with the following
entertainment:--Address by Corporal Michaels. Singing by the members.
Farce, "Family Jars." Song, "The Flea," by Owens, of Company H.
Recitation by Hutchinson. Light balancing by Dr. Haven. Tragedy, 1st
act of "Richard III." Song by Dickson. Concluding with the tableau,
"Washington's Grave." The theatre was very pretty, and the performances
excellent. The scene-painting was done by Harrison, who was by
profession a scenic artist, and was very good. From this time forward,
during our stay at the fort, performances were continued regularly, and
afforded a great deal of pleasure.
March 3, several officers went to the Ogeechee river to witness the
attack on Fort McAllister by the ironclads. About this time a little
engine and boiler were completed, under the direction of Captain
Paxson, out of materials found in the fort, and placed in a large boat,
which had floated down to the island. They worked satisfactorily, and
this little craft was used for a long time in trips about the island
and to neighboring points. Our regiment might be taken as an example
of the material of our army. Every profession, and almost every
department of mechanical pursuits, was represented, and, whatever work
was required, there was no lack of such as were familiar with it.
March 15, four men, comprising a Confederate picket, came in to the
fort, bringing their officer with them, much against his will. They
were well armed, with Maynard rifles and Colt's revolvers. In all,
twelve deserters came in within ten days. Day after day we were called
upon to entertain visitors, and the fort became a place of resort
for the idle and curious in the department. The theatre was a great
attraction.
March 30, a small schooner was discovered near the entrance to Munger's
River, and the colonel started for her in the Mattano. At first she
hoisted the English colors, but was compelled to acknowledge that she
was a blockade-runner, bound for Savannah with a load of salt. She was
our first prize.
[Illustration: NEW IRONSIDES AND MONITORS.]
March 31, we learned, through Mr. Whitney, the designer of the monitor
Keokuk, who was visiting his cousin, Captain Lockwood, that there
were now eight ironclads at Hilton Head, or near Charleston Harbor,
which meant that something was to be done. The men were soon set to
work moving mortars to the south dock for shipment. Great activity
prevailed; constant communication was kept up with Hilton Head by
signal to Braddock's Point; and a steamboat was nearly all the time at
the service of Colonel Barton. In addition to our regiment, a company
of the 3d Rhode Island Artillery, under Captain Gould, had for a long
time, formed a part of the garrison; and at this time several gunboats
were in the river, to help protect the fort against any attack which
might be made on Pulaski while our ironclads were operating against the
forts in Charleston Harbor.
April 7, an attack was made upon Fort Sumter, which was unsuccessful,
owing to the obstructions in the channel, which confined the operations
of our fleet. The Keokuk, which took the most advanced position,
and received the heaviest fire, was so injured that she sank on the
following morning.
From this time until June 3 nothing occurred of special interest. We
all had leisure for recreation, which was really needed to overcome the
effect of confinement in this debilitating climate. Every fair day,
after the regular drills, the terre-plein was turned into a playground.
Every one drifted into habits of idleness, and while an admirable
opportunity was afforded, during our stay in the fort, for reading
and study, few had the inclination to engage in serious or profitable
pursuits; and so many were inclined to occupations of a frivolous and
demoralizing character that it is safe to say that the morals of the
regiment suffered a severer strain during our stay in Fort Pulaski than
during all the remainder of its service in the army.
June 3, several companies were ordered to be ready with cooked
rations, and it soon became known that Bluffton was to be burned. Why
this order was issued, we never knew; but it was carried out most
literally. Judging from the force detailed, opposition must have been
expected; but the work was accomplished without any hindrance, and the
beautiful little village was reduced to a mass of ruins.
[Illustration: THE INTERIOR OF FORT SUMTER.]
June 12, General Hunter was relieved by General Quincy A. Gilmore, the
same who was captain of engineers in the first expedition to Port Royal.
June 17, we became aware that something unusual was taking place
in Warsaw Sound; and after an early breakfast, several of us took
positions favorable for observation, on that portion of the ramparts
overlooking that quarter. A number of steamers were visible, and for
a few moments there was heavy firing. We thought we distinguished
the rebel ironclad Atlanta, formerly the Frugal, and the return of
the steamboat Island City from the scene of operations confirmed
this impression. From her we received a full account of the affair.
The Atlanta came down Wilmington River, expecting to capture the two
ironclads, who were on the lookout for her, but four shots from the
Nahant were all that was needed to crush in her sides, and reduce her
to submission. At close range, even her four inches of iron plate,
backed by fifteen inches of solid oak, were not proof against the
heavy guns of the monitor. The other vessels which came down from
Savannah to see and perhaps participate somewhat in the fight did not
wait for their share, but returned with all speed to report the sad
failure.