IMPROVISED INFANTRY.
Sunday, April 2, 1865, found Cutshaw's battalion of artillery occupying
the earthworks at Fort Clifton on the Appomattox, about two miles below
Petersburg, Virginia. The command was composed of the Second Company
Richmond Howitzers, Captain Lorraine F. Jones, Garber's battery, Fry's
battery, and remnants of five other batteries (saved from the battle of
Spottsylvania Court House, May 12, 1864), and had present for duty
nearly five hundred men, with a total muster-roll, including the men in
prison, of one thousand and eighty.
The place--the old "Clifton House"--was well fortified, and had the
additional protection of the river along the entire front of perhaps a
mile. The works extended from the Appomattox on the right to Swift Creek
on the left. There were some guns of heavy calibre mounted and ready for
action, and in addition to these some field-pieces disposed along the
line at suitable points. The enemy had formidable works opposite, but
had not used their guns to disturb the quiet routine of the camp. The
river bank was picketed by details from the artillery, armed as
infantry, but without the usual equipments. The guard duty was so heavy
that half the men were always on guard.
The huts, built by the troops who had formerly occupied the place, were
located, with a view to protection from the enemy's fire, under the
hills on the sides of the ravines or gullies which divided them, and
were underground to the eaves of the roof. Consequently, the soil being
sandy, there was a constant filtering of sand through the cracks, and in
spite of the greatest care, the grit found its way into the flour and
meal, stuck to the greasy frying-pan, and even filled the hair of the
men as they slept in their bunks.
At this time rations were reduced to the minimum of quantity and
quality, being generally worm-eaten peas, sour or rancid mess-pork, and
unbolted corn meal, relieved occasionally with a small supply of
luscious canned beef, imported from England, good flour (half rations),
a little coffee and sugar, and, once, apple brandy for all hands.
Ragged, barefooted, and even bareheaded men were so common that they did
not excite notice or comment, and did not expect or seem to feel the
want of sympathy. And yet there was scarcely a complaint or murmur of
dissatisfaction, and not the slightest indication of fear or doubt. The
spirit of the men was as good as ever, and the possibility of immediate
disaster had not cast its shadow there.
Several incidents occurred during the stay of the battalion at Fort
Clifton which will serve to illustrate every-day life on the lines. It
occurred to a man picketing the river bank that it would be amusing to
take careful aim at the man on the other side doing the same duty for
the enemy, fire, laugh to see the fellow jump and dodge, and then try
again. He fired, laughed, dropped his musket to re-load, and while
smiling with satisfaction, heard the "thud" of a bullet and felt an
agonizing pain in his arm. His musket fell to the ground, and he walked
back to camp with his arm swinging heavily at his side. The surgeon soon
relieved him of it altogether. The poor fellow learned a lesson. The
"Yank" had beat him at his own game.
The guard-house was a two-story framed building, about twelve feet
square, having two rooms, one above the other. The detail for guard duty
was required to stay in the guard-house; those who wished to sleep going
up-stairs, while others just relieved or about to go on duty clustered
around the fire in the lower room. One night, when the upper floor was
covered with sleeping men, an improvised infantryman who had been
relieved from duty walked in, and, preparatory to taking his stand at
the fire, threw his musket carelessly in the corner. A loud report and
angry exclamations immediately followed. The sergeant of the guard,
noticing the direction of the ball, hurried up-stairs, and to the
disgust of the sleepy fellows, ordered all hands to "turn out."
Grumbling, growling, stretching, and rubbing their eyes, the men got up.
Some one inquired, "Where's Pryor?" His chum, who had been sleeping by
his side, replied, "there he is, asleep; shake him." His blanket was
drawn aside, and with a shake he was commanded to "get up!" But there
was no motion, no reply. The ball had passed through his heart, and he
had passed without a groan or a sigh from deep sleep to death. The man
who was killed and the man who was sleeping by his side under the same
blanket, were members of the Second Company Richmond Howitzers. The
careless man who made the trouble was also an artilleryman, from one of
the other batteries.
Shortly after this accident, after a quiet day, the men retired to their
huts, and the whole camp was still as a country church-yard. The pickets
on the river's edge could hear those on the opposite side asking the
corporal of the guard the hour, and complaining that they had not been
promptly relieved. Suddenly a terrific bombardment commenced, and the
earth fairly trembled. The men, suddenly awakened, heard the roar of the
guns, the rush of the shots, and the explosion of the shells. To a man
only half awake, the shells seemed to pass very near and in every
direction. In a moment all were rushing out of their houses, and soon
the hillsides and bluffs were covered with an excited crowd, gazing
awe-struck on the sight. The firing was away to the right, and there was
not the slightest danger. Having realized this fact, the interest was
intense. The shells from the opposite lines met and passed in
mid-air--their burning fuses forming an arch of fire, which paled
occasionally as a shell burst, illuminating the heavens with its blaze.
The uproar, even at such a distance, was terrible. The officers, fearing
that fire would be opened along the whole line, ordered the cannoniers
to their posts; men were sent down into the magazine with lanterns to
arrange the ammunition for the heavy guns; the lids of the limbers of
the field-pieces were thrown up; the cannoniers were counted off at
their posts; the brush which had been piled before the embrasures was
torn away; and, with implements in hand, all stood at "attention!" till
the last shot was fired. The heavens were dark again, and silence
reigned. Soon all hands were as sound asleep as though nothing had
occurred.
The next morning an artilleryman came walking leisurely towards the
camp, and being recognized as belonging to a battery which was in
position on that part of the line where the firing of the last night
occurred, was plied with questions as to the loss on our side, who was
hurt, etc., etc. Smiling at the anxious faces and eager questions, he
replied: "When? Last night? Nobody!" It was astounding, but nevertheless
true.
On another occasion some scattering shots were heard up the river, and
after a while a body came floating down the stream. It was hauled on
shore and buried in the sand a little above high-water mark. It was a
poor Confederate who had attempted to desert to the enemy, but was shot
while swimming for the opposite bank of the river. His grave was the
centre of the beat of one of the picket posts on the river bank, and
there were few men so indifferent to the presence of the dead as not to
prefer some other post.
And so, while there had been no fighting, there were always incidents to
remind the soldier that danger lurked around, and that he could not long
avoid his share. The camp was not as joyous as it had been, and all
felt that the time was near which would try the courage of the stoutest.
The struggles of the troops on the right with overwhelming numbers and
reports of adversities, caused a general expectation that the troops
lying so idly at the Clifton House would be ordered to the point of
danger. They had not long to wait.
Sunday came and went as many a Sunday had. There was nothing unusual
apparent, unless, perhaps, the dull and listless attitudes of the men,
and the monotonous call of those on guard were more oppressive than
usual. The sun went down, the hills and valleys and the river were
veiled in darkness. Here and there twinkling lights were visible. On the
other side of the river could be heard a low rumbling which experienced
men said was the movement of artillery and ammunition trains bound to
the enemy's left to press the already broken right of the Confederate
line.
Some had actually gone to sleep for the night. Others were huddled
around the fires in the little huts, and a few sat out on the hill-side
discussing the probabilities of the near future. A most peaceful scene;
a most peaceful spot. Hymns were sung and prayers were made, though no
preacher was there. Memory reverted fondly to the past, to home and
friends. The spirit of the soldier soared away to other scenes, and
left _him_ to sit blankly down, gaze at the stars, and feel unspeakable
longings for undefined joys, and weep, for very tenderness of heart, at
his own sad loneliness.
At ten P.M. some man mounted on horseback rode up to one of the
huts, and said the battalion had orders to move. It was so dark that his
face was scarcely visible. In a few minutes orders were received to
destroy what could be destroyed without noise or fire. This was promptly
done. Then the companies were formed, the roll was called, and the
battalion marched slowly and solemnly away. No one doubted that the
command would march at once to the assistance of the troops at or near
Five Forks. It was thought that before morning every man would have his
musket and his supply of ammunition, and the crack of day would see the
battalion rushing into battle in regular infantry style, whooping and
yelling like demons. But they got no arms that night. The march was
steady till broad day of Monday the 3d of April. Of course the men felt
mortified at having to leave the guns, but there was no help for it, as
the battery horses which had been sent away to winter had not returned.
It was evident that the battalion had bid farewell to artillery, and
commenced a new career as infantry.
As the night wore on the men learned that the command was not going to
any point on the lines. That being determined, no one could guess its
destination. Later in the night, probably as day approached, the sky in
the direction of Richmond was lit with the red glare of distant
conflagration, and at short intervals there were deep, growling
explosions of magazines. The roads were filled with other troops, all
hurrying in the same direction. There was no sign of panic or fear, but
the very wheels seemed turning with unusual energy. The men wore the
look of determination, haste, and eagerness. One could feel the energy
which surrounded him and animated the men and things which moved so
steadily on, on, on! There was no laughing, singing, or talking. Nothing
but the steady tread of the column and the surly rumbling of the trains.
As morning dawned the battalion struck the main road leading from
Richmond. Refugees told the story of the evacuation, and informed the
boys from the city that it was in the hands of the enemy and burning,
and the chances were that not one house would be left standing. Here it
became clearly understood that the whole army was in full retreat. From
this point the men began to say, as they marched, that it was easier to
march away than it would be to get back, but that they expected and
hoped to _fight_ their way back if they had to contest every inch. Some
even regretted the celerity of the march, for, they said, "the further
we march the more difficult it will be to win our way back." Little did
they know of the immense pressure at the rear, and the earnest push of
the enemy on the flank as he strove to reach and overlap the advance of
his hitherto defiant, but now retreating, foe.
A detail had been left at Fort Clifton with orders to spike the guns,
blow up the magazine, destroy everything which could be of value to the
enemy, and rejoin the command. The order was obeyed, and every man of
the detail resumed his place in the ranks.
From this point to Appomattox the march was almost continuous, day and
night, and it is with the greatest difficulty that a private in the
ranks can recall with accuracy the dates and places on the march. Night
was day--day was night. There was no stated time to sleep, eat, or rest,
and the events of morning became strangely intermingled with the events
of evening. Breakfast, dinner, and supper were merged into "something to
eat," whenever and wherever it could be had. The incidents of the march,
however, lose none of their significance on this account, and so far as
possible they will be given in the order in which they occurred, and
the day and hour fixed as accurately as they can be by those who
witnessed and participated in its dangers and hardships.
Monday, the 3d, the column was pushed along without ceremony, at a rapid
pace, until night, when a halt was ordered and the battalion laid down
in a piece of pine woods to rest. There was some "desultory" eating in
this camp, but so little of it that there was no lasting effect. At
early dawn of Tuesday, the 4th, the men struggled to their feet, and
with empty stomachs and brave hearts resumed their places in the ranks,
and struggled on with the column as it marched steadily in the direction
of Moore's Church, in Amelia County, where it arrived in the night. The
men laid down under the shelter of a fine grove, and friend divided with
friend the little supplies of raw bacon and bread picked up on the day's
march. They were scarcely stretched on the ground ready for a good nap,
when the orderly of the Howitzers commenced bawling, "Detail for guard!
detail for guard! Fall in here; fall in!" then followed the names of the
detail. Four men answered to their names, but declared they could not
keep awake if placed on guard. Their remonstrance was in vain. They were
marched off to picket a road leading to camp, and when they were
relieved, said they had slept soundly on their posts. No one blamed
them.
While it was yet night all hands were roused from profound sleep; the
battalion was formed, and away they went, stumbling, bumping against
each other, and _sleeping as they walked_. Whenever the column halted
for a moment, as it did frequently during the night, the men dropped
heavily to the ground and were instantly asleep. Then the officers would
commence: "Forward! column forward!" Those first on their feet went
stumbling on over their prostrate comrades, who would in turn be
awakened, and again the column was in motion, and nothing heard but the
monotonous tread of the weary feet, the ringing and rattling of the
trappings of the horses, and the never-ending cry of "Close up, men;
close up!"
Through the long, weary night there was no rest. The alternate halting
and hurrying was terribly trying, and taxed the endurance of the most
determined men to the very utmost; and yet on the morning of Wednesday,
the 5th, when the battalion reached the neighborhood of Scott's Shops,
every man was in place and ready for duty. From this point, after some
ineffectual efforts to get a breakfast, the column pushed on in the
direction of Amelia Court House, at which point Colonel Cutshaw was
ordered to report to General James A. Walker, and the battalion was
thereafter a part of Walker's division. The 5th was spent at or near the
court house--how, it is difficult to remember; but the day was marked by
several incidents worthy of record.
About two hundred and twenty-five muskets (not enough to arm all the
men), cartridges, and caps were issued to the battalion--simply the
muskets and ammunition. Not a cartridge-box, cap-box, belt, or any other
convenience ornamented the persons of these new-born infantrymen. They
stored their ammunition in their pockets along with their corn, salt,
pipes, and tobacco.
When application was made for rations, it was found that the last morsel
belonging to the division had been issued to the command, and the
battalion was again thrown on its own resources, to wit: corn on the cob
intended for the horses. Two ears were issued to each man. It was
parched in the coals, mixed with salt, stored in the pockets, and eaten
on the road. Chewing the corn was hard work. It made the jaws ache and
the gums and teeth so sore as to cause almost unendurable pain.
After the muskets were issued a line of battle was formed with Cutshaw
on the right. For what purpose the line was formed the men could not
tell. A short distance from the right of the line there was a grove
which concealed an ammunition train which had been sent from Richmond to
meet the army. The ammunition had been piled up ready for destruction.
An occasional musket ball passed over near enough and often enough to
produce a realizing sense of the proximity of the enemy and solemnize
the occasion. Towards evening the muskets were stacked, artillery style
of course, the men were lying around, chatting and eating raw bacon, and
there was general quiet, when suddenly the earth shook with a tremendous
explosion and an immense column of smoke rushed up into the air to a
great height. For a moment there was the greatest consternation. Whole
regiments broke and fled in wild confusion. Cutshaw's men stood up,
seized their muskets, and stood at attention till it was known that the
ammunition had been purposely fired and no enemy was threatening the
line. Then what laughter and hilarity prevailed, for a while, among
these famishing men!
Order having been restored, the march was resumed, and moving by way of
Amelia Springs, the column arrived near Deatonsville, about ten o'clock,
on the morning of Thursday the 6th. The march, though not a long one,
was exceedingly tiresome, as, the main roads being crowded, the column
moved by plantation roads, which were in wretched condition and crowded
with troops and trains. That the night was spent in the most trying
manner may best be learned from the fact that when morning dawned the
column was only six or seven miles from the starting point of the
evening before.
This delay was fatal. The whole army--trains and all--left Amelia Court
House in advance of Walker's division, which was left to cover the
retreat, Cutshaw's battalion being the last to leave the court house,
thus bringing up the rear of the army, and being in constant view of the
enemy's hovering cavalry. The movement of the division was regulated to
suit the movements of the wagon trains, which should have been destroyed
on the spot, and the column allowed to make its best time, as, owing to
the delay they occasioned, the army lost the time it had gained on the
enemy in the start, and was overtaken the next day.
At Deatonsville another effort to cook was made, but before the simplest
articles of food could be prepared, the order to march was given, and
the battalion took the road once more.
A short while after passing Deatonsville the column was formed in line
of battle,--Cutshaw's battalion near the road and in an old field with
woods in front and rear. The officers, anticipating an immediate attack,
ordered the men to do what they could for their protection. They
immediately scattered along the fence on the roadside, and taking down
the rails stalked back to their position in line, laid the rails on the
ground and returned for another load. This they continued to do until
the whole of the fence was removed. Behind this slim defense they
silently awaited the advance of the enemy.
Soon it was decided that this was not the place to make a stand. The
first detachment of the Second Company of Richmond Howitzers, and twenty
men each from Garber and Fry, under the command of Lieutenant Henry
Jones, were left behind the fence-rail work, with orders to resist and
retard the advance of the enemy while the column continued its march.
This little band was composed of true spirits,--the best material in the
battalion. Right well did they do their duty. Left alone to face the
advance of the immense host eagerly pursuing the worn remnant of the
invincible army, they waited until the enemy's skirmishers appeared in
the field, when, with perfect deliberation, they commenced their fire.
Though greatly outnumbered, and flanked right and left, they stubbornly
held on till the line of battle following the skirmishers broke from
the woods, and advancing rapidly poured into them a murderous volley.
And yet, so unused were they to running, they moved not till the
infantry skirmishers had retired, and the word of command was heard.
Then stubbornly contesting the ground, they fought their way back
through the woods. The gallant Lieutenant Jones fell mortally wounded,
having held control of his little band to the moment he fell. His friend
Kemp refused to leave him, and they were captured together, but were
immediately separated by the enemy. Pearson was pierced through by a
musket ball as he was hurrying through the woods, and fell heavily to
the ground. Binford was severely wounded, but managed to escape.
Hamilton was killed outright.
The battalion had left this point but a short time, marching in column
of fours with the division, and had reached the brow of a gently sloping
hill, perfectly open for perhaps a mile, with a broad valley on the
left, and beyond it a range of hills partly wooded. In an open space on
this range the enemy placed a battery in position, and, in anticipation
of doing great slaughter from a safe distance, opened a rapid fire on
the exposed and helpless column. The shells came hurtling over the
valley, exploding in front, rear, and overhead, and tearing up the
ground in every direction. Ah! how it grieved those artillerymen to
stand, musket in hand, and receive that shower of insolence. How they
longed for the old friends they had left at Fort Clifton. They knew how
those rascals on the other side of the valley were enjoying the sport.
They could hear, in imagination, the shouts of the cannoniers as they
saw their shells bursting so prettily, and rammed home another shot.
[Illustration]
There was some impediment ahead, and there the column stood, a fair mark
for these rascals. There was no help near, and all that could be done
was to stand firm and wait orders; but help was coming.
A cloud of dust was approaching from the rear of the column. All eyes
were strained to see what it might mean. Presently the artillerymen
recognized a well-known sound. A battery was coming in full gallop, the
drivers lashing their horses and yelling like madmen. The guns bounded
along as though they would outrun the horses, and with rush, roar, and
rattle they approached the front of the battalion. Some fellow in the
Second Company Howitzers sung out, "Old Henry Carter! Hurrah! for the
Third Company! Give it to 'em, boys!" It was, indeed, the Third Company
of Howitzers, long separated from the Second, with their gallant captain
at their head!
Not a moment was lost. The guns were in battery, and the smoke of the
first shot was curling about the heads of the men in the column in
marvelously quick time. Friends and comrades in the column called to the
men at the guns, and they, as they stepped in and out, responded with
cheerful, ringing voices, "Hello, Bill!" "How are you, Joe?" Bang!
"Pretty"--Bang!--"well, I thank you." Bang! "Oh! we're giving it to 'em
now." Bang!
As the battalion moved on, the gallant boys of the Third Company
finished their work. The disappointed enemy limbered up, slipped into
the woods and departed. Cheered by this fortunate meeting with old
comrades, with the pleasant odor of the smoke lingering around them,
these hitherto bereft and mournful artillerymen pushed on, laughing at
the discomfiture of the enemy, and feeling that though deprived of their
guns by the misfortunes of war, there was still left at least one
battery worthy to represent the artillery of the army.
As the column marched slowly along, some sharp-eyed man discovered three
of the enemy's skirmishers in a field away on the left. More for
amusement than anything else, it was proposed to fire at them. A group
of men gathered on the roadside, a volley was fired, and, to the
amazement of the marksmen, for the distance was great, one of the
skirmishers fell. One of his comrades started on a run to his
assistance, and he, too, was stopped. The third man then scampered away
as fast as his legs could carry him. The battalion applauded the good
shots and marched on.
At Sailor's Creek the detachment which had been left at Deatonsville,
behind the fence rails, to watch and retard the approach of the enemy,
having slowly retired before their advance, rejoined the command.
Indeed, their resistance and retreat was the beginning of and ended in
the battle of Sailor's Creek.
The line of battle was formed on Locket's Hill, which sloped gently down
from the line to the creek, about one hundred and fifty or two hundred
yards in rear of and running nearly parallel with the line of battle. A
road divided the battalion near the centre. The Howitzers were on the
left of this road and in the woods; Garber's men were on the right of
the Howitzers, on the opposite side of the road, in a field; Fry's men
on the extreme left. To cross the road dividing the line was a hazardous
experiment, as the enemy, thinking it an important avenue, swept it with
musketry.
[Illustration]
It was amusing to see the men hauling out of their pockets a mixture of
corn, salt, caps, and cartridges, and, selecting the material needed,
loading. They were getting ready to stand. They did not expect to run,
and did not until ordered to do so.
The enemy's skirmishers advanced confidently and in rather free and easy
style, but suddenly met a volley which drove them to cover. Again they
advanced, in better order, and again the improvised infantry forced them
back. Then came their line of battle with overwhelming numbers; but the
battalion stubbornly resisted their advance. The men, not accustomed to
the orderly manner of infantry, dodged about from tree to tree, and with
the deliberation of huntsmen picked off here and there a man. When a
shot "told," the marksman hurrahed, all to himself. There was an evident
desire to press forward and drive the advancing foe. Several of the men
were so enthusiastic that they had pushed ahead of the line, and several
yards in advance they could be seen loading and firing as deliberately
as though practicing at a mark.
Colonel Cutshaw received a wound which so shattered his leg that he had
to be lifted from his horse into an ambulance. He was near being
captured, but by hurrying away the ambulance at a gallop, he escaped to
a house a short distance in the rear, where he fell into the hands of
the enemy. The same night he suffered amputation of a leg. Captain
Garber was struck, and called for the ambulance corps, but on
examination found the ball in his pocket. It had lodged against the
rowel of a spur which he found the day before and dropped in his
pocket.
At last the enemy appeared in strong force on both flanks, while he
pushed hard in front. It was useless to attempt a further stand. The
voice of Captain Jones, of the Howitzers, rang out loud and clear,
"Boys, take care of yourselves!" Saying this, he planted himself against
a pine, and, as his men rushed by him, emptied every chamber of his
revolver at the enemy, and then reluctantly made his way, in company
with several privates, down the hill to the creek.
At the foot of the hill a group of perhaps a dozen men gathered around
Lieutenant McRae. He was indignant. He proposed another stand, and his
comrades agreed. They stood in the road, facing the gentle slope of the
hill from which they had been ordered to retire. The enemy's skirmishers
were already on the brow of the hill, dodging about among the trees and
shouting to those behind to hurry up. Their favorite expressions were,
"Come along, boys; here are the damned rebel wagons!" "Damn 'em shoot
'em down!"
In a few moments their line of battle, in beautiful order, stepped out
of the woods with colors flying, and for a moment halted. In front of
the centre of that portion of the line which was visible--probably a
full regimental front--marched the colors, and color-guard. McRae saw
his opportunity. He ordered his squad to rise and fire on the colors.
His order was promptly obeyed. The color-bearer pitched forward and
fell, with his colors, heavily to the ground. The guard of two men on
either side shared the same fate, or else feigned it. Immediately the
line of battle broke into disorder, and came swarming down the hill,
firing, yelling, and cursing as they came. An officer, mounted, rode his
horse close to the fence on the roadside, and with the most superb
insolence mocked McRae and his squad, already, as he thought, hopelessly
intermingled with the enemy. McRae, in his rage, swore back at him, and
in the hearing of the man, called on a man near him to shoot "that ----
----," calling him a fearfully hard name. But the private's gun was not
in working order, and the fellow escaped for the time. Before he reached
the woods, whither he was going to hurry up the "boys," a Howitzer let
fly at him, and at the shock of the bullet's stroke he threw his arms up
in the air, and his horse bore him into the woods a corpse.
[Illustration: LAST SHOT. SAILOR'S CREEK.]
A little to the left, where the road crossed the creek, the crack of
pistols and the "bang" of muskets was continuous. The enemy had
surrounded the wagons and were mercilessly shooting down the unarmed and
helpless drivers, some of whom, however, managed to cut the traces,
mount, and ride away.
In order to escape from the right of the line, it was necessary to
follow the road, which was along the foot of the hill, some distance to
the left. The enemy seeing this were pushing their men rapidly at a
right oblique to gain the road and cut off retreat. Consequently those
who attempted escape in that direction had to run the gauntlet of a
constant fusilade from a mass of troops near enough to select
individuals, curse them, and command them to throw down their arms or be
shot.
Most of McRae's squad, in spite of the difficulties surrounding them,
gained the creek, plunged in, and began a race for life up the long,
open hill-side of plowed ground, fired upon at every step by the swarm
of men behind, and before they reached the top, by a battery in close
proximity, which poured down a shower of canister.
The race to the top of the long hill was exceedingly trying to men
already exhausted by continual marching, hunger, thirst, and loss of
sleep. They ran, panting for breath, like chased animals, fairly
staggering as they went.
On the top of this long hill there was a skirmish line of cavalry
posted, with orders to stop all men with arms in their hands, and form
a new line; but the view down the hill to the creek and beyond revealed
such a host of the enemy, and the men retiring before them were so few,
that the order was disregarded and the fleeing band allowed to pass
through.
The men's faces were black with powder. They had bitten cartridges until
there was a deep black circle around their mouths. The burnt powder from
the ramrods had blackened their hands, and in their efforts to remove
the perspiration from their faces they had completed the coloring from
the roots of the hair to the chin. Here was no place for rest, however,
as the enemy's battery behind the creek on the opposite hills, having
gotten the range, was pouring in a lively fire. Soon after passing the
brow of the hill darkness came on. Groups of men from the battalion
halted on the roadside, near a framed building of some sort, and
commenced shouting, "Fall in, Howitzers!" "This way, Garber's men!"
"Fry's battery!" "Fall in!" "Cutshaw's battalion, fall in here!" thus of
their own accord trying to recover the organization from its disorder.
Quite a number of the battalion got together, and in spite of hunger,
thirst, defeat, and dreadful weariness, pushed on to the High Bridge. So
anxious were the men to escape capture and the insinuation of desertion,
that when threatened with shooting by the rear guard if they did not
move on they scarcely turned to see who spoke: but the simple
announcement, "The Yankees are coming!" gave them a little new strength,
and again they struggled painfully along, dropping in the road sound
asleep, however, at the slightest halt of the column.
At the bridge there was quite a halt, and in the darkness the men
commenced calling to each other by name--the rascally infantry around,
still ready for fun, answering for every name. Brother called brother,
comrade called comrade, friend called friend; and there were many happy
reunions there that night. Some alas! of the best and bravest did not
answer the cry of anxious friends.
Before the dawn of day the column was again in motion. What strange
sensations the men had as they marched slowly across the High Bridge.
They knew its great height, but the night was so dark that they could
not see the abyss on either side. Arrived on the other side, the
worn-out soldiers fell to the ground and slept, more dead than alive.
Some had slept as they marched across the bridge, and declared that they
had no distinct recollection of when they left it, or how long they were
upon it.
Early on the morning of the 7th the march was resumed and continued
through Farmville, across the bridge and to Cumberland Heights,
overlooking the town. Here, on the bare hill-side, a line of battle was
formed, for what purpose the men did not know--the Howitzers occupying a
central place in the line, and standing with their feet in the midst of
a number of the graves of soldiers who had perished in the hospitals in
the town.
While standing thus in line a detail was sent into the town to hunt up
some rations. They found a tierce of bacon surrounded by a ravenous
crowd, fighting and quarreling. The man on duty guarding the bacon was
quickly overpowered, and the bacon distributed to the crowd. The detail
secured a piece and marched back triumphantly to their waiting comrades.
After considerable delay the line broke into column and marched away in
the direction of Curdsville. It was on this march that Cutshaw's
battalion showed itself proof against the demoralization which was
appearing, and received, almost from the lips of the Commander-in-Chief,
a compliment of which any regiment in the army might be proud.
All along the line of march the enemy's cavalry followed close on the
flanks of the column, and whenever an opportunity offered swooped down
upon the trains. Whenever this occurred the battalion, with the
division, was faced towards the advancing cavalry, and marched in line
to meet them, generally repulsing them with ease. In one of these
attacks the cavalry approached so near the column that a dash was made
at them, and the infantry returned to the road with General Gregg, of
the enemy's cavalry, a prisoner. He was splendidly equipped and greatly
admired by the ragged crowd around him. He was, or pretended to be,
greatly surprised at his capture. When the column had reached a point
two or three miles beyond Farmville, it was found that the enemy was
driving in the force which was protecting the marching column and
trains. The troops hurrying back were panic-stricken; all efforts to
rally them were vain, and the enemy was almost upon the column. General
Gordon ordered General Walker to form his division and drive the enemy
back from the road. The division advanced gallantly, and conspicuous in
the charge was Cutshaw's battalion. When the line was formed, the
battalion occupied rising ground on the right. The line was visible for
a considerable distance. In rear of the battalion there was a group of
unarmed men under command of Sergeant Ellett, of the Howitzers. In the
distribution of muskets at Amelia Court House the supply fell short of
the demand, and this squad had made the trip so far unarmed. Some, too,
had been compelled to ground their arms at Sailor's Creek. A few yards
to the left and rear of the battalion, in the road, was General Lee,
surrounded by a number of officers, gazing eagerly about him. An
occasional musket ball whistled over, but there was no enemy in sight.
In the midst of this quiet a general officer, at the left and rear of
the battalion, fell from his horse, severely wounded. A messenger was
sent from the group in the road to ask the extent of his injury. After a
short while the enemy appeared, and the stampeded troops came rushing
by. Cutshaw's battalion stood firmly and quietly, as if on parade,
awaiting orders. General officers galloped about, begging the fleeing
men to halt, but in vain. Several of the fugitives, as they passed the
battalion, were collared by the disarmed squad, relieved of their
muskets and ammunition, and with a kick allowed to proceed to the rear.
There was now between the group in the road and the enemy only the
battalion of improvised infantry. There they stood, on the crest of the
hill, in sharp relief. Not a man moved from his place. Did they know the
Great Commander was watching them? Some one said, "Forward!" The cry
passed from lip to lip, and, with cheers, the battalion moved rapidly
to meet the enemy, while the field was full of the stampeded troops
making to the rear. A courier came out with orders to stop the advance,
but they heeded him not. Again he came, but on they went. Following the
line was the unarmed squad, unable to do more than swell the volume of
the wild shouts of their comrades. Following them, also, was the
commissary department, consisting of two men, with a piece of bacon
swung on a pole between them, yelling and hurrahing. As the line
advanced, the blue-jackets sprang up and ran through the broom-straw
like hares, followed by a shower of balls. Finally an officer--some say
General Gordon, and others an aide of Longstreet's--rode out to the
front of the battalion, ordered a halt, and in the name of General Lee
thanked the men for their gallant conduct and complimented them in
handsome style. His words were greeted with loud cheers, and the
battalion marched back to the road carrying several prisoners and having
retaken two pieces of artillery which had been abandoned to the enemy.
After the enemy was driven back out of reach of our trains and column of
march, and the troops were in line of battle, General Lee in person rode
up in rear of the division, and addressing himself directly to the men
in ranks (a thing very unusual with him) used language to this effect:
"That is right, men; that is all I want you to do. Just keep _those
people_ back awhile. I do not wish you to expose yourselves to
unnecessary danger." Mahone's division then coming up took the place of
Walker's, and the march was resumed. The battalion passed on, the men
cutting slices from their piece of bacon and eagerly devouring them. As
night came on the signs of disaster increased.
At several places whole trains were standing in the road abandoned;
artillery, chopped down and burning, blocked the way, and wagonloads of
ammunition were dumped out in the road and trampled under foot. There
were abundant signs of disaster. So many muskets were dropped on the
road that Cutshaw's unarmed squad _armed itself_ with abandoned muskets,
ammunition, and equipments.
There was a halt during the night in a piece of stunted woods. The land
was low and soggy. In the road passing through the woods were several
batteries, chopped down and deserted. There was a little flour on hand,
which had been picked up on the road. An oil-cloth was spread, the flour
placed on it, water was found, and the dough mixed. Then some clean
partition boards were knocked out of a limber chest, the dough was
spread on them and held near the fire till partially cooked. Then with
what delight it was devoured!
At daybreak, Saturday, the march was resumed, and continued almost
without interruption during the whole day; the men, those whose gums and
teeth were not already too sore, crunching parched corn and raw bacon as
they trudged along. Saturday night the battalion rested near Appomattox
Court House, in a pine woods. Sunday morning, April 9th, after a short
march, the column entered the village of Appomattox Court House by what
seemed to be the main road. Several dead men, dressed in the uniform of
United States regular artillery, were lying on the roadside, their faces
turned up to the blaze of the sun. One had a ghastly wound in the
breast, which must have been made by grape or canister.
On through the village without halting marched the column. "Whitworth"
shots went hurtling through the air every few minutes, indicating very
clearly that the enemy was ahead of the column and awaiting its arrival.
On the outskirts of the village the line of battle was formed. Indeed,
there seemed to be _two_ lines, one slightly in advance of the other.
Wagons passed along the line and dropped boxes of cartridges. The men
were ordered to knock them open and supply themselves with forty rounds
each. They filled their breeches' pockets to the brim. The general
officers galloped up and down the line, apparently hurrying everything
as much as possible. The shots from a battery in advance were
continually passing over the line, going in the direction of the
village, but without harm to any one. The more experienced men predicted
a severe struggle. It was supposed that this was to be an attack with
the whole army in mass, for the purpose of breaking through the enemy's
line and making one more effort to move on.
Finally the order "Forward!" ran along the line, and as it advanced the
chiefs of detachments, gunners, and commissioned officers marched in
rear, keeping up a continual cry of "Close up, men; close up!" "Go
ahead, now; don't lag!" "Keep up!" Thus marching, the line entered a
body of woods, proceeded some distance, changed direction to the left,
and, emerging from the woods, halted in a large open field, beyond which
was another body of woods which concealed further view in front.
After some delay, a detail for skirmish duty was ordered. Captain Jones
detailed four men, Fry and Garber the same number. Lieutenant McRae was
placed in command. The infantry detailed skirmishers for their front.
All arrangements completed, the men deployed and entered the woods. They
had advanced but a short distance, when they encountered a strong line
of picket posts. Firing and cheering they rushed on the surprised men,
who scampered away, leaving all their little conveniences behind them,
and retreating for about a mile. From this point large bodies of the
enemy were visible, crowding the hill-tops like a blue or black cloud.
It was not many minutes before a strong line of dismounted cavalry,
followed by mounted men, deployed from this mass to cover the retreat of
their fleeing brethren, and restore the picket line. They came down the
hills and across the fields, firing as they came. On looking around to
see what were the chances for making a stand, Lieutenant McRae found
that the infantry skirmishers had been withdrawn. The officer who had
commanded them could be seen galloping away in the distance. The little
squad, knowing they were alone, kept up a brisk fire on the advancing
enemy, till he was close up in front, and well to the rear of both
flanks. On the left, not more than two hundred yards, a column of
cavalry, marching by twos, had crossed the line and were still marching,
as unconcernedly as possible, to the rear of McRae. Seeing this, McRae
ordered his squad to retire, saying at the same time, "But don't let
them see you running, boys!"
So they retired, slowly, stubbornly, and returning shot for shot with
the enemy, who came on at a trot, cheering valiantly, as they pursued
four men and a lieutenant. The men dragged the butts of their old
muskets behind them, loading as they walked. All loaded, they turned,
halted, fired, received a shower of balls in return, and then again
moved doggedly to the rear. A little lieutenant of infantry, who had
been on the skirmish line, joined the squad. He was armed with a
revolver, and had his sword by his side. Stopping behind the corner of a
corn-crib he swore he would not go any further to the rear. The squad
moved on and left him standing there, pistol in hand, waiting for the
enemy, who were now jumping the fences and coming across the field,
running at the top of their speed. What became of this singular man no
one knows. He was, as he said, "determined to make a stand." A little
further on the squad found a single piece of artillery, manned by a
lieutenant and two or three men. They were selecting individuals in the
enemy's skirmish line, and _firing at them with solid shot_! Lieutenant
McRae laughed at the ridiculous sight, remonstrated with the officer,
and offered his squad to serve the gun, if there was any canister in the
limber chest. The offer was refused, and again the squad moved on.
Passing a cow-shed about this time, the squad halted to look with
horror upon several dead and wounded Confederates who lay there upon the
manure pile. They had suffered wounds and death upon this the last day
of their country's struggle. Their wounds had received no attention, and
those living were famished and burning with fever.
Lieutenant McRae, noticing a number of wagons and guns parked in a field
near by, surprised at what he considered great carelessness in the
immediate presence of the enemy, approached an officer on horseback and
said, in his usual impressive manner, "I say there, what does this
mean?" The man took his hand and quietly said, "We have surrendered." "I
don't believe it, sir!" replied McRae, strutting around as mad as a
hornet. "You mustn't talk so, sir! you will demoralize my men!" He was
soon convinced, however, by seeing Yankee cavalrymen walking their
horses around as composedly as though the Army of Northern Virginia had
never existed. To say that McRae was surprised, disgusted, indignant,
and incredulous, is a mild way of expressing his state of mind as he
turned to his squad and said, "Well, boys, it must be so, _but it's very
strange behavior_. Let's move on and see about it." As though dreaming,
the squad and the disgusted officer moved on.
Learning that the army had gone into camp, the skirmishers went on in
the direction of the village, and found the battalion in the woods near
the main road. Fires were burning, and those who had been fortunate
enough to find anything eatable were cooking. Federal troops were riding
up and down the road and loafing about the camps trying to be familiar.
They seemed to think that "How are you, Johnny?" spoken in condescending
style, was sufficient introduction.
During the day a line of men came single file over the hill near the
camp, each bearing on his shoulder a box of "hardtack" or crackers.
Behind these came a beef, driven by soldiers. The crackers and beef were
a present from the Federal troops near, who, knowing the famishing
condition of the surrounded army, had contributed their day's rations
for its relief. All honor to them. It was a soldierly act which was
thoroughly appreciated.
The beef was immediately shot and butchered, and before the animal heat
had left the meat, it was impaled in little strips on sticks, bayonets,
swords, and pocket-knives, and roasting over the fires.
Though numbers of the enemy visited the camps and plied the men with all
sorts of questions, seeming very curious and inquisitive, not an unkind
word was said on either side that day. When the skirmishers under McRae
entered the camp of the battalion, their enthusiastic descriptions of
driving the enemy and being driven in turn failed to produce any effect.
Many of the men were sobbing and crying, like children recovering from
convulsions of grief after a severe whipping. They were sorely grieved,
mortified, and humiliated. Of course they had not the slightest
conception of the numbers of the enemy who surrounded them.
Other men fairly raved with indignation, and declared their desire to
escape or die in the attempt; but not a man was heard to blame General
Lee. On the contrary, all expressed the greatest sympathy for him and
declared their willingness to submit at once, or fight to the last man,
as he ordered. At no period of the war was he held in higher veneration
or regarded with more sincere affection, than on that sad and tearful
day.
In the afternoon the little remnant of the army was massed in a field.
General Gordon spoke to them most eloquently, and bade them farewell.
General Walker addressed his division, to which Cutshaw's battalion was
attached, bidding them farewell. In the course of his remarks he
denounced fiercely the men who had thrown down their arms on the march,
and called upon the true men before him to go home and tell their
wives, mothers, sisters, and sweethearts how shamefully these cowards
had behaved.
General Henry A. Wise also spoke, sitting on his horse and bending
forward over the pommel of his saddle. Referring to the surrender, he
said, "I would rather have embraced the tabernacle of death."
There were many heaving bosoms and tear-stained faces during the
speaking. A tall, manly fellow, with his colors pressed to his side,
stood near General Gordon, convulsed with grief.
The speaking over, the assembly dispersed, and once more the camp-fires
burned brightly. Night brought long-needed rest. The heroes of many
hard-fought battles, the conquerors of human nature's cravings, the
brave old army, fell asleep--securely guarded by the encircling hosts of
the enemy. Who will write the history of that march? Who will be able to
tell the story? Alas! how many heroes fell!
The paroles, which were distributed on Tuesday, the 11th, were printed
on paper about the size of an ordinary bank check, with blank spaces for
the date, name of the prisoner, company, and regiment, and signature of
the commandant of the company or regiment. They were signed by the
Confederate officers themselves, and were as much respected by all
picket officers, patrols, etc., of the Federal army as though they bore
the signature of U. S. Grant. The following is a copy of one of these
paroles, recently made from the original:
APPOMATTOX COURT HOUSE, VIRGINIA,
_April 10, 1865_.
The bearer, Private ---- ----, of Second Company Howitzers, Cutshaw's
Battalion, a paroled prisoner of the Army of Northern Virginia, has
permission to go to his home and there remain undisturbed.
L.F. JONES,
_Captain Commanding Second Company Howitzers_.
The "guidon," or color-bearer, of the Howitzers had concealed the battle
flag of the company about his person, and before the final separation
cut it into pieces of about four by six inches, giving each man present
a piece. Many of these scraps of faded silk are still preserved, and
will be handed down to future generations. Captain Fry, who commanded
after Colonel Cutshaw was wounded, assembled the battalion, thanked the
men for their faithfulness, bid them farewell, and read the following:--
HEADQUARTERS ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
APPOMATTOX COURT HOUSE, _April 10, 1865_.
GENERAL ORDER NO. 9.
After four years of arduous service, marked by unsurpassed courage
and fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to
yield to overwhelming numbers and resources.
I need not tell the brave survivors of so many hard-fought battles,
who have remained steadfast to the last, that I have consented to
this result from no distrust of them; but feeling that valor and
devotion could accomplish nothing that would compensate for the loss
that must have attended a continuance of the contest, I determined to
avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose past services have
endeared them to their countrymen.
By the terms of agreement, officers and men can return to their homes
and remain until exchanged. You will take with you the satisfaction
that proceeds from the consciousness of duty faithfully performed,
and I earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to you his
blessing and protection.
With an unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your
country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous
consideration for myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell.
R.E. LEE.
This grand farewell from the man who had in the past personified the
glory of his army and now bore its grief in his own great heart, was the
signal for tearful partings. Comrades wept as they gazed upon each
other, and with choking voices said, farewell! And so--they parted.
Little groups of two or three or four, without food, without money, but
with "the satisfaction that proceeds from the consciousness of duty
faithfully performed," were soon plodding their way homeward.