While the army was stationed along Arlington, from Chain Bridge,
Potomac, to Alexandria, Virginia, the 4th Michigan occupied the ground
in and about Fort Woodbury, on Arlington. Our picket line was extended
out to, or near Minor's Hill, which we occupied, later on, in winter
quarters, 1861-2. At one time, while our Regiment was doing guard
duty, at above named place, picket firing was in order, with but
little damage to either side, but very annoying. One morning, about
day break, our doughty and valorous Captain George Spalding, formed
about 20 of Company B, and started out to see what could be developed
in our front. (By the way, our Captain Spalding was a brave man, a
little reckless, but all wool and a yard wide.) We marched out in
Indian file, the Captain leading. The writer being 1st Sergeant, was
next. After going a half mile, and near the road running down the
hill, east, and towards our approach, we saw at our right a picket
stationed in a rail pile, put up in Chevron form. He fired his gun,
and then took to his heels. Right at the end of the road, where it
comes down the hill, the road turned abruptly to the south. Right in
this angle the Rebel reserve picket lay. This was also their videt
post. About 20 of the Johnnies lay in this elbow, and apparently
asleep, for we were within 20 feet of them before they discovered us.
The shot of the picket on our approach woke them up. They were taken
completely by surprise. They were a good deal excited, (also
ourselves,) and broke for their rear. We fired a volley, with some
effect. One burley Rebel, ran about ten rods, suddenly halted, turned
around, brought his gun to shoulder, and fired. I think the shot was
intended for our Captain, but missed him, and I being directly behind
him, or a little to his left, the ball just grazed my right ear.
Before this Rebel could face to the rear, a shot from the gun of one
Fisher, laid him low. Fisher jumped the fence and obtained his
knapsack. The racket stirred up a nest of Rebels, over the hill. Soon
we saw guns dance above the brow of the hill, as the Johnnies
double-quicked up the slope, on the other side of the hill; they
arrived in plain view, battalion front, a whole Regiment of them. Then
we were admonished to git--and we did. They fired after us, but
without effect. Right here was done some tall skedaddling, through
brush, over logs and rough ground. This encroachment on their
premises, made the Johnnies mad; they kept up a continual fusillade
during the day.
Later on, after going into camp, at Minor's Hill, the Rebels tried to
locate a battery about two miles to the west of our camp, and in plain
view, a valley between. Two guns of a battery near our head quarters
were unlimbered, and proceeded to sling shell over among them. Our
fellows greeted them so lively, that the Johnnies were fain to limber
up and steal away.
NOTE--The events narrated in these Reminiscences, are not in
chronological order, but are facts all the same, as can be verified,
and attested by others belonging to the Regiment.