Wilderness campaign. Fighting on way to Spottsylvania Court House.
Capture of part of Johnson's Division. Prison Life. War Ends. Return
Home.
About the first days of May, 1864, our division (Johnston's) struck
camp and moved on the old Orange and Fredericksburg turnpike toward
Germainia Ford of the Rapidan to meet the advancing Federals, and
thus the great wilderness campaign began. About noon of the 5th the
advance brigade of Ewell's column met and engaged the Federals, who
had already crossed the river. During this engagement at the front
the corps was formed in the rear, and in a brief space of time threw
up slight works for protection. The Federals moved forward and made
several light attacks upon our position, which were repulsed. The
enemy placed and used to our annoyance a battery well supported within
six or seven hundred yards of our position. Upon this our brigade,
together with Battle's, charged near night and captured it. During the
night our fortifications were very much strengthened. On the 6th heavy
skirmishing continued at intervals until late in the afternoon, at
which time a part of the left of Ewell's corps made an attack on the
Federal right, capturing his works and driving him back more than a
mile, capturing several hundred prisoners, including Brigadier Generals
Seymour and Shaler. Nothing of importance occurred on the 7th, except
occasional skirmishing. On the 8th we moved toward Spottsylvania Court
House. It was a trying march because of the intense heat, dust and
smoke from burning woods. Here late in the afternoon we found the
Confederate cavalry engaged in battle with Federal infantry. Our lines
were quickly formed and by the morning of the 9th well entrenched.
Johnston's Division occupied a position in the front line, some
distance to the right of an angle in the line formed by the extension
of the line around the end of a ridge. This projecting ridge was an
ideal position for artillery, commanding the open plain in front, and
on the sides of the angle as well. The importance of the position had
been recognized and a number of pieces of artillery were well placed
upon it and protected by suitable works, as well as by the fortified
line of battle which extended around this point in front and below
these guns, thus making the position quite strong. The continuation of
the line to the left curved farther in, presenting its convex front to
the Federal lines and enabling the reserves from their positions in
the concave space between the wings to speedily reinforce any part of
the line as occasion might require. Our skirmish line was well to the
front, and heavy skirmishing occurred during the day; but the night was
quiet, giving opportunity for sleep and rest so much needed.
On the 10th skirmishing and artillery fire at intervals was kept up
during the day until late in the afternoon, when the Federals made
a heavy attack on that part of the Confederate lines held by the
Brigades of Doles and Daniel, capturing the fortifications, several
hundred prisoners, a number of pieces of artillery, and driving the
Confederates some distance to the rear.
Reinforcements, of which our brigade formed a part, were hurried across
the field to restore the broken lines. We soon met the now victorious
Federals in open field, and the fight was furious from the beginning.
A charge was ordered, and we swept them back over the works, capturing
a number of prisoners and recapturing the artillery. The loss of both
sides was heavy. The lines being restored our brigades were ordered to
their former positions and there rested on their arms for the night.
On the 11th nothing of importance occurred, except an all day downpour
of rain. Not even the opposing picket lines disturbed each other. Near
nightfall, however, the Confederate artillery was removed from the
ridge above mentioned to the rear. It was a matter of comment at the
time as to what it meant, men wondered if it was the beginning of a
withdrawal. Furthermore, a detail for skirmish duty was taken from the
line at the angle, thus weakening it to that extent. And so passed this
wet and mirky night of the 11th. Details had also been sent back to
prepare and bring rations to the men who slept upon their arms.
At dawn of the 12th firing on the skirmish line began and was soon
general along our entire front. We knew it meant a general attack. I
was now in command of the regiment by reason of seniority of rank,
and hence rushed along the line to see that the men were up and in
position. By this time the skirmish line had gotten in and reported a
general advance in heavy force. The ground in our front was rolling
and the advancing column could not be seen until within a hundred and
fifty yards. They began to come into view as they ascended the gentle
rise, coming to full view at a distance of a hundred yards. The first
line advanced in splendid order, as if on dress parade; close in their
rear was a supporting line, advancing with confident tread, and when
within a hundred yards or less the first volley of our line was opened
upon them with frightful effect, which at once caused a pause and
swaying of the line. A continuance of the fire now caused a precipitate
retreat onto the supporting line, causing great confusion in their
ranks. The continued, rapid fire, put the entire force to hasty
retreat; but almost immediately new lines took up the advance, met the
same reception, and were repulsed as were their predecessors. At this
time large numbers of Federals were crossing our works at the angle
referred to, and the Confederates were giving back rapidly. This heavy
force passed down a deep ravine to our left rear and charged upon us,
hence I ordered the rear rank to fire to the rear and the front rank to
the front. This had but little effect, however, as their numbers were
so overwhelming.
I had sent twice to my brigade commander for permission to throw
the left of my regiment back, and thus be in position to continue
the fight; or to retire if circumstances should so require; but he
commanded me to hold my position, saying that Gorden would come to our
aid in due time. The position had been held by Johnston's division
in the hope of assistance until too late to escape capture by the
overwhelming force in rear, as well as in front; and thus a large part
of this division of men and officers, including Generals Johnston and
Stuart, was captured, as were a number of pieces of artillery which had
arrived on the field too late for use, but in due time for capture.
This inexcusable blunder and its results was a severe blow to Lee's
army, not only because of the loss of men and guns, but because of the
moral effect. All of which would not have occurred if the artillery had
not been withdrawn from this vital part of the line, so strong and easy
to be held when properly manned.
During the engagement I noticed the regimental flagpole inverted and
a white handkerchief displayed at its top. I quickly caught it and
again hoisted the flag, and held it while the men were being forced to
surrender along the line on each side of the position we occupied. A
small number rallied around me and for some time fought without other
hope than that the reserves might come to our aid. The Federals now
charged against our front and rear, bringing injury and death to some
of our little band around the colors.
I was still holding the flag and had not surrendered. The Federals were
around us. Louis Fitch, a private soldier of my own company, and the
others were by my side. Fitch discovered a Federal soldier bearing down
upon us and immediately fired upon him. The momentum of this soldier
carried him forward as he fell and his bayonet well aimed penetrated
the ground at my feet, and at the moment I heard the blow of a sword
made by a Federal lieutenant against the barrel of a gun, and in my
glance at the instant I saw the bayoneted gun being forced to the
ground. I have regretted my failure to get the name of this lieutenant,
confusion and hurry of all at the time prevented. As to Fitch, there
was no better soldier in the army than he. In camp, on the march and in
battle he was the same. In the thickest of the fight his clarion voice
which cheered and inspired his comrades could be heard above the din
and roar of battle.
But I have digressed from my purpose to specialize none from the many
who were so worthy; but the digression in this instance I am sure will
be excused.
All were now overpowered and rushed to the rear of the Federal lines.
Ten minutes after, perhaps--but too late to save this splendid division
and munitions--our reserves opened fire on this flanking army and kept
up a bloody battle during the day. Hence the name in history "Bloody
Angle." So near were we at its beginning that some of our men were
wounded by Confederate balls. We were now gradually brought together as
all were hurried farther to the rear.
I came up with Generals Johnston and Stuart, both of whom I knew well.
In discussing the disaster they both attributed it to the unaccountable
absence of the artillery from its strong and vital position. We were
now approaching General Hancock mounted, booted and spurred. His superb
bearing and strength of personality indicated the born soldier. As
soon as he recognized Johnston and Stuart, his late comrades in the
Federal army, he spurred his charger to them and gave them a cordial
greeting, after which he called a major of his staff and directed him
to take them to his headquarters and see that every comfort be given
them. He bade them the time of day, jestingly stating he would see them
later, but must look after a little business farther on, and at once
went rapidly toward the front, where the battle was raging fiercer
than before. We now lost sight of Johnston and Stuart and passed on
through a large army, to say nothing of those engaged at the front. Its
numbers, its vast artillery, munitions and general equipment could but
impress us with the disadvantages the Confederates labored under from
these unequal conditions. About three miles to the rear we were halted
in an open field, and surrounded by a force of infantry and a number of
pieces of artillery bearing upon us. Here the officers were separated
from the men. The ground here occupied by us was low, flat, exceedingly
wet and soft, as a result of the rain of the day before. We had no
resting place save the wet and muddy ground, and could do nothing to
gain rest but move about in our limited space, which was soon converted
into a thin mud of two or three inches in depth.
Here we remained during that day and night, on our feet or sitting
or lying in the mud, until the following morning, without food save
a small piece of raw beef issued at about 10 o'clock at night to
each of the hungry men who, perforce, ate it raw. Most of us had not
had food for more than two days, and were nearly exhausted from the
strenuous duties before and hardships after capture. About midnight
I was fortunate enough to find a piece of fence rail about four feet
long which served as my bed, and thus kept my body out of the mud; and,
notwithstanding there was tramping around and perhaps over me during
the night, I slept soundly until morning. A few others may have found
similar beds, but those not so fortunate either tramped all night
or slept in a bed of mud. The morning of the 13th opened bright, and
better rations were issued to us. We were moved toward the Potomac at
Acquia Creek by way of Fredericksburg and the Rappahannock. The day
was hot and the march fatiguing. We reached the Potomac and were again
placed in low open ground and surrounded by soldiers and artillery. On
the following morning we were placed aboard a transport and moved down
the Potomac--accompanied by two gunboats--to Point Lookout, Maryland,
a narrow point of sand jutting out between Chesapeake Bay and the
Atlantic Ocean. Here we remained in tents until the first days of June,
when on a hot afternoon the entire camp of about four hundred officers
were taken on the lower deck of a cattle transport for removal to Fort
Delaware. The space was crowded and we lacked sanitary conveniences
and proper ventilation. The excessive heat, increased by the heat of
the vessel's engine which occupied the middle of the space, made
conditions so desperate as to almost produce serious scrambles for air
and existence. One died and a number were prostrated. A heavy guard
occupied the top deck and allowed fifteen of our number to go on this
deck for air and life for fifteen minutes, and then fifteen others to
take their places. We at once lined up, so that every one should in
turn enjoy this privilege.
The transport stood out in the Bay for the night with two men-of-war
standing by as additional guards. After the cool sea breezes died down
at about 8 p. m. the sense of suffocation was hardly endurable. The
long, sleepless hours of the night finally passed, and at early morning
the transport and men-of-war started for Fort Delaware, situated on
a small island in Delaware Bay at the mouth of Delaware River. We
reached the fort in the afternoon of the same day, and were assigned
to quarters in the thirty-three board structures, already partially
occupied by previous prisoners of war.
These structures, called divisions, occupied three sides of a square,
and each accommodated about a hundred and twenty-five persons. Tiers
of three shelves seven feet wide served for sleeping quarters in these
structures, which had small diamond shaped openings in the outer wall
to serve for observation by sentinels. The duty of keeping in order
these divisions devolved on the inmates, performed by daily details.
Entertainments were such as the varied talents of our numbers could
devise. Of these Divine service, debates, readings, and theatricals
occupied greatest attention. Marked talent in all these lines was in
great abundance. The absolute necessity for some principle or question
of general interest strong enough to engage and hold attention and
require mental and physical effort to accomplish that something, was
apparent.
In this view practical politics was found to be the most engaging. This
was developed and made manifest by the organization of a government
among ourselves on the lines of our State governments. The elective
offices were nearly or quite as bitterly contested for by rival
aspirants and parties as in the States.
Discussion of principles and policies gave general entertainment, and
hence distracted attention from prison and prison life. After a very
hot contest in my own division I was honored by election to a seat in
the general assembly, and enjoyed the service very much.
Many questions of profound interest were discussed with great ability.
Of amusements the weekly theatricals attracted much attention. The
wisdom, wit, humor and burlesque of the bright and well-equipped troupe
were apt and catchy. A very amusing but valuable episode occurred at
one of these performances. Friends within Federal lines had sent at
various times by express to prison friends boxes of stationery and
clothing. Some of these boxes had been rifled of their most valuable
contents. Complaint had been unavailing. The Commander of the district
was on a visit of inspection to the Commander of the post and they,
with a number of officers of lower grade, on invitation attended a
performance. The house was well filled. Witticisms and hits soon
put all in good humor. This was heightened by the culminating scene
designated "Card Scene." Half a dozen emaciated, careworn, poorly clad
Confederates seated on the floor were intensely engaged in a game of
cards. The contest was earnest and the acting of the participants was
good and true to nature. In the midst of the game, a Federal sergeant
in fatigue uniform appeared on a parapet wall, as was done in the daily
routine outside, and announced "box call." Cards were dropped and a
rush was made to the wall. Boxes were called and brought on the stage
for three of the number, who proceeded with much eagerness and joy to
open in succession the boxes.
While thus engaged each recounted the contents of which the sweetheart
of one, the mother of another and the friend of the other had apprised
them by letter. Much needed suits of clothing, shoes, stationery and
other articles were enumerated. The manifested ecstacy of the actors
in anticipation of these stores was very amusing, but the first
articles revealed were a tattered and faded blue fatigue jacket and
trousers, instead of the new suit. Then old rusty and worn shoes and
other articles. These old articles had been substituted for nearly
all the new ones. The comments of surprise by the actors as to why
the sweetheart and why the mother had perpetrated such cruel jokes on
them were shrewd and pointed and so adroitly presented the grievance
that the Federal officers enjoyed it very much, and declared the
entertainment to be one of the most enjoyable they had ever witnessed.
This ended the evil complained of.
A pathetic incident occurred later.
A young soldier of fine physique decided to make application
for release from prison on his oath of allegiance to the United
States government. He was of my own company. A splendid soldier
and seemingly of perpetual buoyant spirits. He was taken to the
probationary--commonly called galvanized barracks. There with strangers
he soon repented his course and applied and was granted permission to
return to his comrades, whose barracks adjoined but were separated by a
high wall from that of the officers.
His comrades ignored him. The comradeship he had always enjoyed was no
longer his. The strain was too great. He grew despondent and sick at
heart. His declining condition was rapid and quite apparent to all. He
was sent to the hospital, of which happenings I was kept informed by
letters from some of the men wrapped about a small stone and thrown to
the officers' grounds. I went to the hospital at once and found this
man in a precarious condition. I interviewed his attending surgeon, who
told me the man was physically sound in every respect, and that his
trouble was mental. In consequence of which his nerve force was near
to complete collapse; that the occurrences above mentioned which I had
related to the surgeon were the cause of it. He was deeply interested
in the case and assured me he would do all he could to save this worthy
man. My leave was now out and I returned to barracks for the night. On
the following morning, on permission, I hastened to the hospital; and
on arrival found that this soldier, recognized as of the best, who had
borne himself as such on many hard fought fields had of a broken heart
passed over the river to the other shore. Peace to his ashes.
Prison fare and treatment, so far as I have been able to form an
opinion based on experience and on written accounts, were much the same
in Federal and Confederate prisons, ill treatment and even cruelties
occurred in both, but not as I believe by sanction or tolerance of
governmental authority, but by malignant individual soldiers or persons
in petty authority. I will not, however, at this late day go into
details, thinking it better to throw the mantle of charity over the
subject and let it be forgotten.
I began the study of my profession of law and pursued it during my
thirteen months of prison life and completed the course after my
liberation. This was not only a delightful entertainment, but was in
the line of equipment for my work in life. I have never regretted
this course, but on the contrary have enjoyed the profession and its
associations in which I have had a satisfactory measure of success.
At the time of my capture I little thought that my service in the field
was ended. But on the contrary I expected to be exchanged very soon and
return to my command; but at this time the Federal authorities ceased
to grant further exchanges of prisoners, it being easier to deplete
Confederate ranks by holding prisoners than to exchange and meet them
and deplete their ranks on the field; hence prisoners were held until
after the close of the war in April, 1865. Our prison gates were
thrown open on June 13, 1865, and prisoners returned thence to their
respective homes.
Thus ended my career as a soldier.
I now returned to my father and mother, brothers and sisters at the old
homestead, near Gate City in Scott County, Virginia. The comfortable
but old-fashioned home, its porches, broad stone steps, the negro
cabins, the public highway in front, the babbling brook farther on that
flows through the valley, the great mountain standing still farther to
the front, were always before but now in the month of June doubly dear
to me, and while yet but little more than a boy, although disappointed
in the results of the war, I was made to feel that life was still worth
the living.
Many changes had taken place. The well tilled fields and green pastures
were not luxuriant as before, lowing cattle, the colts and their dams,
the music and dancing of the younger negroes, were missing; but only
the older negroes still remained.
The ravages of war had wrought the great change.
I now turned my attention for the time being to the harvest field and
the farm, no longer a soldier, but a citizen.
The war was over and the people of the South accepted its results in
honesty and good-faith. They had made a brave, manly and determined
battle for the right as they saw it, but had been defeated by numbers
and equipment. Honor, dignity, and self-respect they still had. They
were not rebels as they had not rebelled against lawful authority, but
fought for a right as they and their ancestors viewed it, that was
denied them. They had been taught from the beginning that when England
was trying to subject the colonies, each of which was sovereign, a
compact was formed by these colonies as States for mutual aid and
defense.
Each expressly reserved its sovereignty not expressly delegated;
hence it was claimed that the Constitution did not set up a national
government above and over the States, but was simply a compact
between independent and sovereign States, each having the right to
resume its sovereignty at will. Thus schooled and so understanding
their rights the people of the South felt justified in their course,
and their integrity of purpose cannot be questioned, but when these
questions were settled by the arbitriment of the sword they returned
to citizenship and the building up of their waste places; and with the
same integrity of purpose have been loyal to the flag of our country,
and today there is no section of the Union in which there is more
American blood and American patriotism than in the late Confederate
States. But few if any would now change the result.