HISTORY OF THE THIRD REGIMENT, MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER
MILITIA--NINE MONTHS’ SERVICE IN NORTH CAROLINA, 1862-3.
This Regiment was, in fact, what its name represents, Massachusetts
Volunteer Militia; not one drafted man was in its ranks. It was made
up almost entirely of men from Bristol and Plymouth counties; young
men who were raised in good homes and educated in the schools of
Massachusetts. Quite a number were attending either high schools,
seminaries, or colleges, or were graduates of the same. When the call
was made for three hundred thousand men they left home, not for what
they would get, but for what they would save; they went not for pay,
but from principle; they went not because they were spoiling for a
fight, but to save the country which they believed would be spoiled
should they stay at home. It should be remembered that at this time
there was no large bounties paid to recruits; indeed, few towns paid
but a small bounty, and many towns paid no bounty to induce men
to go to war; therefore, those who enlisted in 1862 enlisted from
patriotic principles.
It is fair to say that the Third Regiment was composed of as good men
as ever shouldered a musket or wore a sword. Many of the officers
had seen service in the three months’ regiments and in the State
militia, and therefore were the better prepared to do efficient
service in the nine months’ campaign. Both officers and men were
loyal soldiers, true patriots, ever ready to serve their country and
defend Old Glory. So far as known each officer and private always
responded to orders, and faithfully performed the duties confided to
him, whether pleasant and easy, or hazardous and hard. Each went when
and where ordered, and did his duties without grumbling or “showing
the white feather.” If at any time one was afraid he had the good
sense to keep it to himself. If any one felt that he was selected to
fill a position of unusual danger, he was wise enough to keep his own
counsel, do his duty to the best of his ability, and acquit himself
like a man.
This regiment was recruited in the months of August and September,
1862, and as soon as each company was filled it went into Camp Joe
Hooker. This camp, situated in the town of Lakeville, some three
miles south of the village of Middleboro, occupied a large field near
a beautiful pond, which was accessible to all who wished to enjoy the
luxury of a daily bath. The camp was ample for forty companies to
drill at one time. Here the companies were drilled in the setting-up
drill, company movements, and practical guard duty. On the 23d of
September the companies were mustered into the United States service
by a regular army officer, and soon after were furloughed for one
week, that they might visit their friends before going to the front.
All but two men returned within the time of their furlough, one of
whom deserted the service; the other was returned by the provost
guard after the regiment reached Newbern, N. C.
October 22d the regiment left Camp Joe Hooker and marched to the
Lakeville depot, where they took cars for Boston. Marching to Long
Wharf the right wing embarked on the steam transport _Merrimac_, and
the left on the steamer _Mississippi_, for Newbern. Each of these
steamers had on board one other full regiment, so that each steamer
was taking out fifteen hundred men. One has only to imagine the
crowded condition of the ships, when nearly the whole number were
on deck at the same time, yet during the voyage there were no rows,
no curse words, and no swaggering braggadocio. The sail down Boston
Bay and around Cape Cod was anything but agreeable; many of the boys
unwillingly paid their respects to Old Neptune. The remainder of the
voyage was over a sea as smooth as a mill pond.
Captain Baxter, of Hyannis, captain of the _Merrimac_, was the right
man for the place he occupied. A born commander, he easily controlled
not only his own officers and crew, but all on shipboard. There was
no want that he could not supply. Was there contention as to which
companies should first be served with cooked rations? He could
determine to the satisfaction of all. Was there a clamor for fresh
water? He would say, “Boys, I am condensing sixteen hundred gallons
of water for you every twenty-four hours, and here you are shouting
as if you were in an old-fashioned Methodist meeting,” and the boys
would answer, “Yes, captain, but the water is too hot to drink,” and
he would reply, “I have on board fourteen hundred barrels of pure
Cochituate water, which I brought for you, call one of your officers
and break out as much as you please.” Then taking his violin he would
play and sing some home song which would pacify every discordant
element and make everyone feel happy.
Early on the morning of October 22d the shores of North Carolina were
seen like a cloud rising from the ocean, and Captain Baxter remarked,
“There is the land I expected to make at six o’clock this morning.”
When within three miles of Beaufort harbor we encountered a strong
southeast gale and it was with difficulty that the pilot boarded
our ship. As it was his boat was smashed into pieces. When entering
the harbor we were shown Fort Macon, which General Burnside in his
early campaign had taken, and which Federal troops now occupied. At
Morehead City we embarked on flat open cars for Newbern, and were
shown the early battle grounds where General Burnside contested his
right to enter and hold Newbern.
Leaving the cars at the depot the Third Regiment marched to its
camping ground on the east bank of the Neuse River, and near the city
of Newbern. Here the regiment was given a hearty welcome by Captain
Hart, of the Twenty-third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia.
This officer had erected tents and put the camp in fine order for the
Third Regiment. Colonel Lee, also of the Twenty-seventh, extended
greetings. Later on the Third was for a short time attached to his
brigade, until transferred to the brigade of Col. J. Jourdan, where
it continued during its term of service.
Camp equipage and arms were received in a short time and the
regiment was drilled several hours daily. Nearly all the drilling
was the manual of arms, battalion and brigade movements. The arms
distributed to the Third were not up to the standard. They were
said to be Austrian rifle muskets captured from a blockade runner.
Great improvements were made on them by the regimental and company
armorers; yet the Confederate loss promised little gain to the Union
forces, except in the moral force of showing that the regiment had
arms and was prepared to use them at close quarters, at least when
occasion required. These arms were duly condemned by an inspecting
officer and efforts made to exchange them for serviceable ones, but
without success.
A variety of duties attested the intelligence and endurance of the
regiment as a whole, and of its companies on detached service.
October 30th Companies A and B were detached for picket duty at
Newport Barracks, where they remained for more than a month, during
which time they with a platoon of cavalry and a battery made an
expedition to Peltier’s Mills, and for the first time learned the
superiority of army shoes on the march in contrast to stylish boots.
Picket duty taught the boys how to find their own beef and pork, and
occasionally honey, which abounded in that part of North Carolina. In
garrison duty, reconnoissances, engineering work, exhausting marches
sometimes with the thermometer ranging over one hundred in the shade
and the dust inches deep, and on the field of battle, the skill and
bravery of the regiment was well displayed. One company sent to build
a bridge over Bachelor’s Creek were so efficient in construction
work that they finished their work and returned to camp in two
days, notwithstanding it was supposed to take one company a month
to accomplish the job. Many of the men of that company were bridge
builders before the war.
Thirty men sent to do picket duty at Creek No. 1 held that station
for three months, although they were constantly in fear of being
surprised, and nearly all the time slept with their muskets beside
them.
November 11th our pickets at Deep Gully were attacked and the Third
Regiment were under arms all night. November 30th Company I was
detailed for duty at Plymouth and Elizabeth City, N. C., where it did
garrison duty five months, and suffered special casualties during a
siege by the Confederates, losing in killed, wounded, and prisoners
nearly thirty men. (See history of Company I.) At different times
nearly every company in the regiment were detailed for picket or
special duty. (See Company history.) During the month of December,
1862, the Third Regiment rendered good service in connection with
the expedition made by General Foster into the interior of North
Carolina, the object being to cut the Confederate means of supplies
by the Wilmington and Goldsboro railroad.
The following is a verbatim report of General Foster to the War
Department. The accompanying sketch will help the reader to
understand the march of the expedition and the battles fought.
[Illustration:
D.
SKETCH
showing route pursued in the advance to
GOLDSBORO, N. C. in Dec. 1862.]
From the report of Maj.-Gen. J. G. Foster, to the Joint Congressional
Committee on the Conduct of the War. Copied from the report of that
Committee, printed by the Government, supplement, part 2, page 11, of
General Foster’s report:
“EXPEDITION TO GOLDSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA, IN DECEMBER, 1862.”
“General Burnside having moved the army of the Potomac towards
the Rappahannock with the intention of crossing, I was ordered
by Major-General Halleck, general-in-chief of the armies of the
United States, to advance with my whole available force and destroy
the railroad bridge at Goldsboro, and as much of the track as
possible; the movement to be made simultaneous with the crossing at
Fredericksburg. Accordingly, having been reinforced by one brigade
from Major-General Dix’s corps at Fortress Monroe, I advanced from
Newbern on the 12th of December, 1862, with four brigades and
forty pieces of artillery, in all about twelve thousand men. After
removing the obstructions placed in the roads of the retreating
rebels, I pushed a cavalry force directly toward Kinston, which
surprised the main picket guard of the enemy and drove it in. Under
cover of this feint the main body was moved rapidly by the left
so as to strike Southwest Creek at the most westerly of the
four bridges that cross it. As anticipated this bridge was found
weakly guarded. While occupying this guard in front a regiment
was thrown across the creek on a milldam, which by a vigorous and
unexpected charge captured the artillery guarding the bridge, and
thus opened it to our advance. This was late at night. At daylight
on the following morning we advanced upon Kinston. The enemy was
encountered in a chosen position on the south side of the Neuse
River, where the road crossed a swamp closely filled with thick
undergrowth. The enemy occupied a ridge just beyond the swamp. For
over two hours our attack failed to dislodge the enemy. Finally,
after strong demonstrations on both flanks, a decisive effort was
made in the centre, in which one of my best regiments, the Tenth
Connecticut Volunteers, gallantly charged through the enemy’s line
and seized and held the bridge over the Neuse, in the rear. The
enemy then broke. A part retreated rapidly up the south bank of
the Neuse; the remainder were captured. We crossed the river at
once and occupied Kinston. General Evans rapidly retreated, with
the garrison of the defences of the town, up the north bank of the
river, closely pursued by our cavalry. We captured during the day
seven hundred prisoners, nine pieces of artillery, four heavy guns,
and a large quantity of ammunition, which being stored in houses
in the town, we could only partially destroy without destroying
the town. The information obtained at Kinston went to show that
General Burnside had been repulsed at Fredericksburg; that General
Lee had telegraphed Gen. G. W. Smith, at Goldsboro; that he could
send him thirty thousand men, if necessary, to resist our advance;
and that strong defences had been constructed at Mosely Hall and
other points where the road crosses difficult streams. Believing,
however, that by deceiving the enemy and rapid marching, the object
of the expedition could be attained, I determined to go on. As a
feint, the army was pushed out a few miles on the Goldsboro road
and encamped. At daylight it retraced its steps, crossed the river,
burnt the bridge behind it, and rapidly marched up the south bank.
At Whitehall a sharp affair took place. A rebel gunboat was being
built at that point and a considerable force was there to defend
it and prevent our crossing. Every attempt to cross infantry
to burn the boat failed. All the artillery was then opened and
soon completely riddled the vessel. It served also to give the
impression that an attempt to force a crossing was made. Leaving a
few men to keep up that impression, the main body marched rapidly
up the river and reached the railroad bridge as the smoke was
seen ascending from the Mount Olive station, which the cavalry
had destroyed. The enemy was not prepared for us; their force was
scattered; large numbers had been detached towards Whitehall and
Kinston. The brigade on the south side at the bridge was soon
whipped and driven from the field. The bridge was burned despite
the efforts of the force collecting on the north bank; and before
any considerable concentration could be made to disturb us, we
had destroyed several miles of the track. As the column moved off
on its return, having accomplished its purpose, a brigade made an
attack on our rear guard, which repulsed it with severe loss. After
that no attack was made and the column returned quietly to Newbern.
The force in the department of North Carolina was now increased and
constituted by the President, the Eighteenth Army Corps, under my
command.”
While General Foster’s report is a most excellent one, still it must
be remembered that it is a report made from the standpoint of the
whole expedition, and deals little with particulars only as seen in
battles. It remains for the writer of the Third Regiment to state the
part taken by that regiment in the expedition.
On Dec. 11, 1862, at six A. M., in a dense fog, the Third Regiment
formed line on the left of General Lee’s brigade, the third brigade
in the column. No secrets were withheld from the boys. Everyone
knew that a march was before them, that fighting was expected and
hardships were anticipated, yet every officer and man cheerfully
responded to the order, “March!”
The obstacles mentioned by General Foster in his report were great
trees felled across the road for several hundred yards, and it was
impossible to pass until such obstacles were removed. This was soon
accomplished by our “Black Pioneer Brigade.” Another obstacle was
that nearly every bridge which crossed creeks and rivers was guarded
by rebel pickets, who fired the bridges just before they retreated,
making it impossible for either infantry or artillery to pass until
the bridges were rebuilt, save in a few instances where the rivers
were fordable. Over some parts of the march great turpentine trees
were on fire, which falling across the road made marching that way
quite dangerous; yet through fire and water the expedition made
twelve miles the first day, notwithstanding our skirmishers were in
constant action with the rebel pickets. Never were men more glad than
the Third Regiment when ordered to bivouac for the night, and never
was mattress or feather bed more acceptable than “Mother Earth” to
the boys that night. Both fires and loud talking were forbidden. All
save the men on picket duty slept; slept like tired children.
Friday the Third was detailed to guard the baggage train, which it
faithfully did until twelve at night. All this day our advance were
face to face with the rebel pickets, which in some instances showed
stubborn resistance; in others but a semblance of resistance, but
always burned the bridges they were defending before retiring towards
Kinston. These men seemed to be possessed more with the spirit of
burning than with the spirit of patriotism.
Consulting the sketch map you will find that when the column had
passed Muscleshell Creek and Resolution Bayou the army had taken
the Trent road (the most direct road from Newbern to Kinston)
until near Bear Creek. It was from this point that General Foster
“pushed a cavalry force directly toward Kinston, which surprised the
main picket guard of the enemy and drove it in, into its fortified
position south of Kinston. Under cover of this feint the main body
was moved rapidly by the left so as to strike Southwest Creek at
the most westerly of the four bridges that cross it. As anticipated
this bridge was found weakly guarded. While occupying this guard in
front a regiment was thrown across the creek on a milldam, which by
a vigorous and unexpected charge captured the artillery guarding
the bridge, and thus opened it to our advance.” It has been learned
on good authority that the regiment which made the above mentioned
charge was the Ninth New Jersey. This bit of information can be found
in the Adjutant-General’s report of Massachusetts in the report of
the Twenty-third Massachusetts Regiment and reads like this: “The
Ninth New Jersey crossed through the old mill, charged the enemy,
captured two pieces of artillery, and the rebels retreated.” General
Foster says, “this was late at night.” “At daylight the following
morning (Sunday) we advanced upon Kinston.” It should be remembered
that the column after passing Wine Creek abandoned the main road
leading to Kinston, took an unfrequented turpentine road through the
woods, and came upon the right flank of the Confederate army, which
was in line on the opposite side of the swamp, where their batteries
were posted to resist our advance on Kinston. The road through this
swamp was as straight as an arrow and covered with water nearly a
foot deep. The position of the Third Regiment on the opposite side of
the swamp was near the hospital and the sight of the dead and wounded
was anything but reassuring, as they were carried to the rear; yet
when the order was given “Forward!” not a man flinched, and the
Third Regiment went through the swamp on the double-quick. The first
brigade having turned the rebels’ right, and captured a battery and
several hundred prisoners there was little left for the Third to do
but to join in the shout of victory, view the prisoners, sympathize
with the wounded in the Old Baptist Church, view the dead in the
woods, and march into Kinston. As we marched over the beautiful
bridge which spans the Neuse River, we saw the wise generalship of
General Foster in coming upon Kinston through the swamp instead of
the main road, where the rebels had erected earthworks and mounted
guns, which would command the road for more than two miles.
Our place of bivouac in Kinston was on the park, which was enclosed
by a rail fence, five rails high. Captain Grant, of Company C, Third
Regiment, being officer of the day, gave strict orders that only the
topmost rails should be taken. This order was so strictly obeyed that
in the morning not a vestige of the fence remained; each man had
taken only the top rail.
Words fail to describe the things seen on that park the next morning,
feather and straw beds, mattresses, pillows, sheets, and bed clothes
of nearly all kinds and description, china tea-sets, bottles of
perfumery, and almost everything in the housekeeping line. Tobacco
and cigars could be had without the asking. Feathers were seen all
over the ground, indicating that someone had been engaged in the
poultry business on an immense scale during the night.
The bugle sounded very early and the command recrossed the bridge and
resumed the march towards Goldsboro. An old colored woman standing
by the roadside raised her hands as we were passing and shouted, “You
honeys of Lincoln’s army need fear nothing from nobody between here
and Richmond! De good Lawd bless you all!”
At Whitehall we again encountered the Confederate forces, which
General Foster handsomely outwitted. He gave them the impression
that his whole force was engaged, while the fact was that only a few
regiments with nearly all his batteries were in action; the bulk
of the command were pushing on toward Goldsboro. Failing to find
any way for the infantry to cross the river and burn the gunboat in
the process of building, orders were given for all the batteries to
concentrate their fire on the gunboat, which was soon destroyed.
A few men were left to keep up the impression that it was General
Foster’s purpose to cross the river, the main army marching rapidly
on toward Goldsboro.
At Everettsville we again came upon the rebel pickets, who fled
without firing a gun. Shells from our battery hastened their retreat
toward the railroad bridge. This they crossed and joined the main
force, which so far as we could learn were in the woods near the
railroad. After shelling the woods for nearly three hours, the Third
Regiment was ordered to take position near the Wilmington railroad
and parallel with it. Here it remained until a railroad monitor was
destroyed by our batteries and the railroad bridge burned; then we
were ordered to stack arms and proceed to tear up the track and burn
the ties. This order was executed with such vigor that in less than
one hour three miles of ties were on fire. Had the rebels not lost
their heads they could have captured the Third Regiment, for it was
without arms. As it was, Captain Marble, of Company A, barely escaped
being captured by a rebel picket post in the woods, not a hundred
yards from the railroad.
After executing its orders the regiment was ordered to its arms and
marched back over the hill. While here it was reported that the enemy
was advancing with a flag of truce and a company of cavalry went to
receive it. Judge our surprise when it was fired upon by a rebel
brigade, ambushed on the opposite side of the railroad. Immediately
the brigade crossed the railroad and charged on Morrison’s and
Belger’s batteries. At this time the writer was standing near Captain
Belger and heard that officer say, “There they come, now we will
have some fun,” and, without waiting for orders from General Lee,
the commander of the only brigade then on the field (the so-called
rear guard), Captain Belger gave the order, “Action front, double
shotted canister! Load! Aim! Fire!” At this time the enemy were
within two hundred yards of his guns and the Third Regiment was
supporting this and Morrison’s Battery, with their two batteries
firing upon the advancing brigade. I need not say that they were long
in wiping it out. Two other brigades which charged on the left centre
of our brigade were soon driven back in disorder.
It is supposed that seeing Morrison’s and Belger’s batteries still
on the field, they thought it a fine thing to capture those two
popular batteries; it being quite dark they did not notice that these
batteries were supported by infantry. Moreover, they had opened a
mill gate, which created a torrent through which the batteries must
pass in going from the field, but they were too badly punished to
follow out their plans. When the Third came to the stream they found
it a roaring torrent; yet through the icy cold water they went, and
when the whole brigade with the batteries were over, we were only
too glad to be told that we would have to march ten miles before
bivouacking for the night. At nine o’clock we reached the main army
and laid down in our frozen clothes until the following morning,
when we began our march toward Newbern. We reached Newbern without
molestation on the twenty-first day of December, having been absent
eleven days, and having marched over one hundred and fifty miles.
In the engagements had the only casualties suffered by the Third as
reported, were six wounded. By special order of General Foster the
names of “Kinston,” “Whitehall,” and “Goldsboro” were inscribed upon
the regimental flag.
December 30th the Third Regiment was attached to General Heckman’s
brigade in anticipation of going further south, but when inspected by
Captain Abel, of General Heckman’s staff, the arms were found to be
of such poor quality that they were for the second time condemned,
and failing to get them replaced by good arms, General Heckman sent
the following communication to Colonel Richmond:
_To_ COLONEL S. P. RICHMOND, _Commanding Third Regiment, M. V. M.,
Headquarters First Brigade, Nagle’s Division, Newbern, N. C., Jan.
12, 1863._
COLONEL: In the report of my Assistant Adjutant-General who
inspected your regiment last muster, the arms you now have were
condemned. I have made every effort since to have the arms changed
to retain you in my brigade, but time would not permit and another
regiment has been assigned.
Accept my regrets that your regiment was not in condition to remain
(as regards equipments). The soldierly appearance and conduct of
your officers have made a favorable impression, and I part with you
with regret.
Very respectfully yours,
C. A. HECKMAN,
_Brigadier-General Commanding First Brigade,_
_Nagle’s Division, Eighteenth Army Corps._
General Foster says, “The Third Regiment always obeys orders and
performs all its duties promptly and without grumbling.” General
Prince says, “The Third Massachusetts Regiment and its commander can
be trusted with important duties with a certainty that they will
be performed promptly and well.” Colonel Jourdan says, “The Third
Regiment is always ready for duty.”
On January 28th the regiment moved to Camp Jourdan, near Fort
Totten. This location was not a desirable one; neither was the ground
in a condition for the dwelling place of men. It was considered a
very unhealthy locality, but it was one of the most important points
in the defences of Newbern. The first thing done was the removal
of more than five hundred cords of the refuse from stables, dumped
there. Many ditches were made, the camp graded and trees planted
until the medical director pronounced it one of the cleanest,
prettiest, and most healthy camps near Newbern, and he also made a
report to that effect, complimenting the regimental commander and
medical staff highly.
March 6th the regiment was ordered to go with General Prince’s
division on an expedition into Jones and Onslow counties, where they
remained five days. The Third with other troops under command of
Colonel Richmond was twice detailed for important detached service,
and received the thanks of General Prince for the able manner in
which the duty was performed. Several hundred prisoners were taken
and brought to Newbern. While the men were quite affable, the
officers were very sullen and did not care to talk with “Yankee
mudsills.”
In the attack at Deep Gully, March 14th, and also on Fort
Anderson, on the opposite side of the Neuse, the Third were under
marching orders until the next day at one P. M., and then went on a
reconnoissance to Pollocksville, returning to camp on the evening of
the 16th in the rain, with the mud more than a foot deep. So muddy
were the roads that the regiment was eight hours marching ten miles.
On the 17th Companies A, B, K, and H were ordered to march to Deep
Gully for picket duty, where they remained eight days. They were
relieved by the One Hundred and Fifty-eighth New York Regiment, and
marched back to Newbern.
From April 2d on until the time of leaving this department (except
when on expeditions), the Third Regiment furnished a detail of one
hundred and fifty men daily for intrenchment work.
April 5th orders were received to march to Foster’s Wharf with three
days’ rations. The regiment was there on time, expecting to go to
Washington, N. C., but at six P. M., orders were received from
General Foster to go back to camp.
April 7th at six P. M. orders were received to march immediately with
three days’ rations, and the regiment proceeded to Foster’s Wharf,
were transported across the Neuse River, and bivouacked for the
night. The next day we joined a column commanded by General Spinola,
and made a forced march to Blount’s Creek, rear of Washington, to
attempt to break the siege and relieve General Foster, who was there
at the time. At the point of attack it was found that the rebels
occupied a strong position on a hill, the only approach being a
narrow defile with heavy woods on either side. These conditions at
the outset forbade hope of success. An engagement was made, the Third
taking part in the movement, but they were met by so fierce a fire
from the rebel batteries on the hill that it was thought expedient
to retire. Captain Belger’s horse was shot under him, and he was
severely wounded, yet as he passed Colonel Richmond he said, “Give
it to them, Colonel, we’ll pay them off for this.” Later we were
informed that the rebels, believing that the Yankees would play
some Yankee trick on them, left their position from fear of a flank
movement. Of one thing we were assured, the siege of Washington was
raised, and General Foster returned to Newbern. This expedition was
regarded as the most adventurous and exhausting of any in which the
Third participated during its term of service. More than thirty miles
were covered by a hurried march and the battle fought on the same
day. So exhausted were the men that several had to be assisted to the
place of bivouac for the night.
April 13th Company D was sent on an expedition by steamer, forty
miles down the Neuse River, to explore the opposite shore. On
leaving, General Foster said, “I want you to go down the river on
a pleasure trip; it may be, however, that you will find other than
pleasure somewhere.” The company obeyed orders, but finding no
rebels, it returned the following night.
April 16th the Third Regiment received orders to march with a column
under General Prince to Core Creek, where it remained six days,
and was engaged in several skirmishes with the enemy. It was this
movement combined with another column on the opposite side of the
Neuse River, which caused the rebels to evacuate their positions
in front of Washington, North Carolina, thereby relieving the
Forty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia from their uncomfortable
position.
May 11th four companies were detailed for picket duty at Deep Gully,
where they remained ten days.
May 23d orders were received at eight P. M. to march immediately to
a certain point near Batchelder’s Creek, and await orders. Arriving
at the point indicated they rested on arms. This hurried movement
was made in consequence of our pickets being driven in, and Colonel
Jones, commander of the Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania, being killed
during the engagement. The enemy having retired during the night, the
regiment was ordered back to Newbern. This march was made through
the dust six inches deep, and with the thermometer one hundred and
ten degrees in the shade. We arrived in Newbern at twelve o’clock, a
tired, besmeared, dust covered lot of soldiers.
May 31st four companies marched to Deep Gully for picket duty, but
being relieved by a detachment from Lee’s brigade, they returned to
Newbern the same evening.
Newbern was twice threatened with assault, apparently for the purpose
of retaking the city. The first occurred on the evening of Nov. 11,
1862, while the main army was absent on a reconnoitring march to
Tarboro, in the northern part of the state, leaving the Third almost
alone in the defence of the city. The regiment was under arms all
night, and re-enforcements were brought up from Newport. The alarm
was caused by a fierce attack made upon the pickets at Deep Gully,
a few miles out on the Trent road, one man being killed and several
wounded. The regiments that had been absent for nearly two weeks were
now returning and the rebels withdrew the following day.
The second assault was made on March 14, 1863, operating from
different directions; one by the way of the Trent road, the other
approaching from across the Neuse River. The latter division was
vigorously handled by the garrison at Fort Anderson, on the north
bank of the river, and by gunboats, and finally repulsed. Many shells
were thrown into the city, some of which tore up the ground occupied
by the Third Regiment but a little time before as their camp. A flag
of truce was sent asking the surrender of the city, but General
Foster’s answer was, “If you want Newbern, come and take it.” These
assaults seemed to be more like “feelers” of the Union strength than
any serious menace to Newbern.
Various places were garrisoned and much picket duty done by the Third
Regiment, besides the services already mentioned, which proved the
fidelity of both officers and men, and the readiness of the regiment
to measure up at all times to the trusts committed to its keeping.
Being ordered to Boston, Mass., the regiment left Newbern June 11,
1863. As they marched from their camp to the place of taking train
and boat, they were escorted by the One Hundred and Fifty-eighth
New York Volunteers, preceded by the band of the Forty-ninth
Massachusetts Regiment, General Foster and Colonel Jourdan honoring
the column by a standing review. The Forty-fifth and Forty-first
Massachusetts Regiments were in line on the other side of the Trent
River, and cheered us with music and voice on our homeward journey.
Seven companies went by rail to Morehead and embarked on the steamer
_S. R. Spaulding_. Three companies with the sick went on board the
steamer _Tillie_, at Newbern, and sailed by the way of Roanoake
Sound. The voyage for the most part was rough and most of the
officers were seasick until we rounded the shores of Cape Cod, when
the sea became smooth, and new life was imparted to all.
Landing in Boston we received a very enthusiastic reception by her
citizens and were escorted to the Common by the Forty-fourth
Massachusetts Rifle Club. The Governor being absent, Adjutant-General
Schouler reviewed the column from the State House steps, after which
the regiment marched to Beach Street barracks and partook of a
collation. At one P. M. the regiment took the cars for Camp Joe
Hooker, but being furloughed on the train and ordered to report in
camp on the 22d, each man turned his face toward the old home and the
dear ones he had left there when he went to serve his country.
June 22d the regiment reported at camp, where it remained until the
26th and was mustered out of the service by Capt. J. K. Lawrence,
being dismissed by a complimentary and affecting speech from Colonel
Richmond. The men dispersed quietly, maintaining their excellent
character and discipline to the last. Many of these men showed their
patriotism by re-enlisting, some going the third and fourth time.
During the campaign the regiment was transported by steamer and
railroad more than two thousand miles, and marched more than four
hundred miles over the swampy roads of North Carolina, most of
this being done during the inclement season. It bivouacked upon
the ground without shelter when the water froze in canteens, and
also marched when the thermometer ranged at one hundred and twelve
degrees in the shade. During the most of the time more than two
hundred men were furnished for extra duty, as mechanics, and quite
a number were detailed as overseers of contrabands and other duties
of a governmental nature. The regiment which left home with a roster
of one thousand and fifteen men returned with nine hundred and
twenty-seven.
“Oh Life! Oh Death! Oh World! Oh Time!
Oh Grave, where all things flow!
’Tis yours to make our lot sublime,
With your great weight of woe.
Through sharpest anguish hearts may wring,
Though bosoms torn may be;
Yet suffering is a holy thing,
Without it, what were we!”