BATTLE OF ANTLER'S RUN--SERAINE WHITCOMB LEAVES FOR THE
SOUTH--PLOTTING IN CANADA--DISCOVERY OF A CONSPIRACY AMONG
ARMY OFFICERS.
“Yesterday was heard,
The roar of war; and sad the sight of maid,
Of mother, widow, sister, daughter, wife,
Stooping and weeping over senseless, cold,
Defaced, and mangled lumps of breathless earth,
Which had been husbands, fathers, brothers, sons,
And lovers, when that morning's sun arose.
--Pollock.
“Gen. Anderson, Peter and myself concluded that we would again visit the
farm. There we found poor old Joseph Dent in utter despair on account of
his 'poor Captain' (as he called David) having been killed. He talked
of him in the most enthusiastic manner, and would then weep, saying 'the
only friend I had is gone, and I will not be satisfied until I can get
even with these rebels.'
“Gen. Anderson said: 'Well, Joseph, what will you do?'
“Joseph was silent; as an old soldier he knew how to keep his thoughts
to himself.
“'Will you go to the war?' continued the General.
“'No, sir; I will stay here and take care of this farm for Mrs. Lyon
and little Jennie. They shall not suffer while I am able to look after
them.'
“Old Ham thought he had a point, and said: 'Dat's good; dat's jes' what
I 'tend to do when Massa Tom git killed. Jes'so.'
“'Shut up, Ham. Your Massa Tom, as you call him, is not going to get
killed. There have been enough of the Lyon family killed already,' said
Peter.
“'Dat's so, Massa Peter. I not got dat in my kalkerlate, you see; but
I tell you I is monstrous feered 'bout dese matters; deys is heaps of
people gittin' killed, and most of dem is good peoples, so dey is. Can't
tell who nex', massa; can't tell, sah!'
“'Well, Joseph, there will be no trouble about your staying. We want you
here on the farm,' I said. 'We are all very much distressed, but, at the
same time, we must look out for our country somewhat; and our family all
being in the army, of course we must expect some misfortunes. Have you
heard any more of the Golden Circle in this neighborhood?'
“'Yes, Uncle Daniel; they are at work, and since the defeat of our
forces at the battle of Pageland, they are outspoken about what they
intend to do; not only in aid of the rebellion, but they threaten the
Union people here at home--threaten to destroy their property, and make
war in Indiana if it becomes necessary, just as you have heretofore
understood. I am keeping close watch, and they will not be able to do
any very great harm here without my knowing it.'
“We cautioned Joseph, and told him to come in to our house frequently
and let us know what was going on.
“On returning home we found Aunt Sarah and Jennie much improved, but Dr.
James was suffering very great pain. The swelling was extending up his
arm from his hand. I said to him perhaps we had better have a physician.
'You are suffering so much that I fear you are not in a condition
to attend to your own case.' He consented, and one was called in. On
examination he pronounced the trouble blood poisoning. James was greatly
alarmed at this. The physician commenced at once with the most radical
treatment. The next morning James seemed much easier, and looked as if
he was coming out of it all right.
“The next day, while we were sitting on the porch, the postman brought
me a letter, written in a delicate female hand. I read it and then
called Gen. Anderson and Peter to listen:
“Washington, D. C.
“My Dear Mr. Lyon, Allentown, Ind.:
“Thanks for your very great kindness. I have the President's
pass through onr lines; when you hear from me again, I will
let you know about your son Henry.
“Very respectfully,
“SERAINE WHITCOMB.”
“'Well, well,' said Peter; 'that tells a tale. Now, father, I agree with
you. She is a brave girl; there is not more than one in a thousand like
her.'
“'Yes; but what does she mean by saying I will hear from my son?'
“'It will reveal itself,' said Peter. 'She is in love with Henry, and
has gone to look after him.'
“'Do you think so?' I inquired. 'Well, I do sincerely hope so.'
“Just then we saw Jackson coming. He came in, and after salutations
and greetings between us, he entered the house to see his mother,
the Doctor, and Jennie. He was much broken down over the death of his
brother. The news of the battle and the list of the dead in the papers
having contained David's name, he hastened home. He had, however, been
very successful in laying the foundation for probing many things which
might be of vast importance in the future.
“When he left home he first went to New York and had an interview with
McMasters and B. Wudd, who were the leading spirits in New York, and one
of them the principal man North in starting the organization. From these
men he learned much about what was going on in Canada; the fact that
there was no doubt that quite a number of Southern men were there with
a large amount of money with which to carry out any scheme that might be
agreed upon. These men in New York were in constant communication with
those in Canada; also, with leading men in Richmond. He managed to
obtain a letter of introduction from McMasters to the leading Knights
of the Golden Circle in Canada; this letter introduced him as William
Jackson, of Memphis, Tenn., and was directed to the Hon. Jacob
Thomlinson. With this letter and the information he had now obtained,
he made his way home, feeling that he could not undertake the further
prosecution of his mission without returning and consoling his mother
and the family as much as he possibly could in their distress. Knowing
his mother's feeble condition he feared the consequences of the heavy
affliction that had fallen upon her during the battle of Pageland--with
one son a prisoner and another killed outright.
“I wrote the President, and promised that later on I would have the
Canada mystery solved. Our people were in desperate straits. Our
army had been outnumbered and forced back to the position in front of
Pageland; defeated there, and forced to shelter itself in the rear of
Cow Creek. It was now broken and shattered, lying in defenses near the
Capital, discouraged and worn down by fatigue, wounds and disease. The
outlook was anything but bright. Commanders had been changed. Some of
our best fighting generals had lost their lives at Pageland. The country
had but little confidence in the staying or fighting qualities of the
commander, Gen. McGregor, as he had made no success heretofore. The
rebel commander, well understanding the situation, was moving rapidly
up and along the south line of the Grand River, evidently intending an
invasion of the loyal States by penetrating our lines and crossing at
or near Brown's Ferry. Our lines were held at this point by Gen. Milo,
having in his command 10,000 men, who were all surrendered at the demand
of Gen. Wall without very much resistance. Wall had slipped through the
mountains like a cat, and was upon Milo before he knew of his approach.
This was very strange though, and hard to understand, and only increased
the fears and suspicions already existing that something was out of
joint, so that the machinery was working badly in that army.
“'The enemy now had no impediment in the way of a rapid movement except
high waters, which seemed to interpose as the only power that could stop
their advance into the interior of our country and to the rear of our
capital, cutting off all communications to the North with the loyal
States.
“The administration was now in a position of great danger, in many
respects, not before contemplated.
“The rebel sympathizers and Golden Circles were loud in their
denunciation of the war and the party sustaining it. Thos. A. Strider
and Dan Bowen were traversing the state of Indiana, making inflammatory
speeches, and all over the North the same policy was being pursued by
the anti-war party. They alarmed the people by declaring that unless the
war was stopped our homes North would be invaded; that our armies could
not cope with the rebels. The only thing that seemed to put a check to
their hopes, operations and denunciations was the fact that our armies
in the West were having a continuation of victories.
“This being the situation of the armies and the condition of the minds
of the people, the loss of another great battle at this time would
have greatly prolonged the war, if it would not have been fatal to the
ultimate success of the Union cause. The authorities at Washington
were doing everything in their power to allay the excitement among the
people, and at the same time were trying to have the Army of the East
put in motion so as to pass down to Pottstown and interpose in front
of the enemy; he evidently intending to move by way of Brown's Ferry,
throwing part of his force on the Brown's Ferry road and a portion over
into the Sheepstown road, making a junction at or near Shapleyville.
The Union forces were expected to move across by Fardenburg, down
the sloping mountains of Cochineal and along and across Mad Valley to
Pottstown, and take position behind Antler's Run. But it seemed to be
almost impossible to get Gen. McGregor to put his army in motion. Many
were the excuses made; want of this thing to-day, and something else
to-morrow--shoes, clothing, blankets, and many other things--protracted
the delay. Finally, the President and Secretary of War being out of
patience with his hesitancy and excuses, the President directed the
Secretary of War to order Gen. McGregor to move without further delay.
This seemed to be understood by McGregor, and the next day everything
about the camps was in a bustle, and the Army of the East was again in
motion; but the movements were slow, and made in such a manner as not
to inspire very great confidence in our immediate success. The men
and subordinate officers seemed resolute and determined, but there was
something surrounding all the movements that was mysterious.
“The papers were full of all the movements, and were discussing the
probabilities, etc. Seeing this Gen. Anderson was fired with a desire
to at once return to the front. On account of his very weak and feeble
condition we tried to detain him, but in vain.
“He said: 'No, I am going to the front, and I wish to go to the East.
Will you ask by telegraph for such an assignment for me?'
“I answered that I would, and did so immediately.
“The next day he received a telegram from the Secretary of War,
directing him to report to Gen. McGregor for assignment to duty.
“Gen. Anderson said to Capt. Jackson: 'Your invasion of Canada will be
postponed until later. You will be ready to start in the morning with me
to the Army of the East.'
“He called old Ham, and repeated the order to him to be in readiness.
“Ham said: 'Afore de Lord, Massa Tom, you isn't gwine to be fitin' agin,
is you?'
“'Yes! You get ready. Have your bedding and all your traps ready, if you
think you can stand to be shot at by the rebels.'
“'Shot at! Is you gwine to put me out to be snot at? Me done thought
thar war 'nuff white folks to get shotten at, widout de poor darkies
like me.'
“'Yes; but you want to be free, do you not, Ham?'
“'Yeas; Massa Tom, I wants dat--I wants it bad; but how is gwine to
come?'
“'Fight for it. You are no better than I am, are you? Had you not as
well be shot as for me to be?'
“'Yeas, sir; dat am so. 'Specks de darkies got to fight. I'll fight,
Massa Tom, if you say so. Yes, I do. I stay wid you, I will sho'.'
“Old Martha happened to hear this, and broke forth:
“'Well, well, Massa Tom, I's sorry you is gwine to de wah agin. But it
all right. I tells you dat de good Laud save you up for some good. I
jes' know he do it all right. I take care of Missus Mary and de little
gal; don't you hab no fears 'bout dem. But you isn't gwine to hab Ham
go, is you? If you doz, dat ole fool he git kill. I 'spect he got no mo'
sense dan jes' git rite in whar dey is fitin?'
“'No, no, Marfa; you is wrong dar. I tell you dat you is. I stay by
Massa Tom.'
“Peter and Jackson laughed, and said to the General:
“'Ham thinks you will be in a safe place during the fighting.'
“'Yes, he seems to be of that impression. I think I may, perhaps,
relieve his mind somewhat,' said the General, with a smile.
“The General telegraphed Capt. Day at Dolensburg to report at once to
him at Gen. McGregor's Headquarters, Army of the East. The preliminaries
being arranged, all were to be ready early the next morning. The General
and Capt. Jackson having arranged and got ready their proper uniforms,
horses, mess-chest and everything that would be required in the field,
they spent the evening quietly. The Doctor was very sleepless, and
suffered more than usual, but was thought not to be in any immediate
danger. My wife and Jennie were now also quite recovered.
“The next morning, the General having procured a car for their horses,
camp equipage, etc., they took leave of the family, who were in tears,
the two little girls, Mary and Jennie, crying aloud. As the General,
Capt. Jackson and Ham walked away, Aunt Martha called after Ham:
“'Now, Ham, ef you eber spects to see me agin, don't you forgit your
prares ob a night, and de good Laud will fotch you back ef you do dat;
but He let you git kill like a cat when you done forget it. Do you mine
me, Ham?'
“Turning to me, she continued: 'I 'spect de rebs git dat darky,' then
going to the kitchen she gave vent to her grief. The poor old woman felt
as badly to part with her Ham as did Mary in parting from her General,
but gave expression to it in her own simple way.
[Illustration: General Anderson taking Command 154]
“The General, Jackson and Ham arrived safely at the headquarters of Gen.
McGregor, which were in the valley to the north and east of Cochineal
Mountains. His commands of infantry and artillery were variously located
on the mountains and in the valley, with his cavalry at Pottstown. It
so happened that one of the division commanders had been taken seriously
ill, and was sent to the rear. This gave an opportunity for Gen.
Anderson to be placed in command of a good division at once. To
Anderson's great delight Gen. McGregor ordered him to take command
of this division. Having reported, he sent immediately for all the
commanding officers of the division and made their acquaintance. He was
greatly pleased with them and they with him. He learned all he could in
so short a time about the troops, and at once took measures to put
them in good condition. In a few days Capt. James Day reported, and
the General's military family was organized, he having taken an
Adjutant-General from the command.
“The army was now being rapidly put in good shape; a complete
re-organization was being effected, and all were feeling less
discouraged. They seemed to well understand that there was to be a great
battle fought, and the imperative necessity for a victory by our forces
East at this particular time.
“The enemy found means by which to pass the obstructions in his way,
and moved through the country in different directions. Finding that the
movements of our army were slow, he seemed to feel that there was no
immediate danger of a serious engagement. But the surrender of our
forces under Gen. Milo (who died immediately afterwards) so elated the
rebel army that they were determined to attack our forces whenever and
wherever opportunity offered. Both parties were, however, maneuvering
for some advantage; the General of the rebel forces holding McGregor off
until his force under Wall could come up from Brown's Ferry. The cavalry
of both armies were now scouting continuously for many miles on the
flanks of the armies. The pickets were out quite a distance in advance
of the opposing forces. No conflict had yet occurred between any of
the outposts. Finally the commander of the rebel forces selected his
position and gave challenge to our forces, with his rear to the Grand
River, covering two main roads leading to the rear, his front facing
the winding course of Antler's Run, his right resting on a bridge at the
main crossing, his center occupying a ridge commanding the open fields
in his front, the right of his left and right center resting on the
junction of the two main roads, his extreme left refused so as to form
an angle at his left center, extending along and through a skirt of
heavy woods; his reserves to the rear on the roads, so as to be thrown
easily to the center or either flank in case of necessity; the country
to his front, right and left being very uneven, full of gulches and
ravines, difficult of passage, especially under fire. So posted he
flaunted the rebel flag in the face of our army, although at this
time his main support had not arrived from Brown's Ferry. But no doubt
existed in his mind, I presume, as to their coming up in good time.
McGregor did not then seem inclined to accept the challenge, His command
was moving slowly. Farlin, still in command of a corps (for shame be it
ever to our indulgent chiefs), was some distance away and did not arrive
on that day. So the armies rested. In the meantime Gen. Anderson
was eager for the fray. He visited Gen. McGregor's headquarters and
indicated his desire to bring on the engagement, saying very soon the
enemy would be so securely posted that it would be exceedingly difficult
to dislodge him. To this McGregor replied that he could not risk a
battle without Farlin's forces being up and in readiness to support our
line.
“During the night Farlin came up. A battle must then and there be
fought. The whole country stood with bated breath awaiting the result,
as all understood that the rebels must be driven back on what they
claimed as their own ground, or our country was in imminent danger of
becoming demoralized should they see the battlefields changed to the
North.
“When the morning came, the commands being in readiness, the movement of
our forces commenced. It was soon discovered that the main crossing of
Antler's Run was held by a strong force of the enemy, which compelled
our troops to seek for some other and less dangerous passage. This was
found to our right, facing the left of the enemy. His left being refused
gave a safer passage over the stream. The plan of battle was to throw
Gen. Horn's Corps at the upper crossing, assail the rebel left and, if
successful, to cross the left of our forces, under Gen. Broomfield, by
assaulting the enemy at the lower crossing, and if he could be driven
from there, to cross and assault his right, his center being too
strongly posted to risk an attack on it then. (Gen. Anderson had been
assigned with his division to Gen. Horn's Corps.) The crossing over on
our right was effected without much difficulty, and the enemy pressed
back in the heavy woods. The enemy were evidently holding and waiting,
as no general engagement ensued. Another corps crossed in the rear of
Gen. Horn's and formed ready to assault. Our left had not as yet been
able to cross in front of the enemy's right, and in this position we
found ourselves,--part of our army on the one side and part on the other
of Antler's Run, in front of the enemy; thus the two armies rested that
night. Our intention being thus revealed to the enemy, he had only to
wait the attack, which they must have concluded would be commenced at
an early hour in the morning. The night was most beautiful; the vault of
heaven being studded with stars, so that either army was in plain view
of the other, at no very great distance separated. During the night
another of our corps crossed the Run at the same crossing that Gen. Horn
had passed over in the morning, and moved down to the left and in front
of the rebel center. Occasionally the movement of this corps would be
responded to with a few musket shots and a few shells from a battery
posted on the ridge in the rebel center. At an early hour in the morning
the Union forces took the initiative and hurled Horn's Corps against
the rebels' extreme left. The struggle was a severe one--re-enforcements
could not well be sent to the rebel left for fear of the movement being
now made against their right. The battle on the left was at full height,
and the lines swayed to and fro. Gen. Anderson made a movement around a
skirt of woods near a chapel, and charged the enemy's lines, with sword
drawn, leading his men in person. The assault was of such an impetuous
character as to send dismay into the ranks of the enemy, and they gave
way in confusion. Gen. Horn, however, advanced his left and center
farther to the front than should have been done without other troops
being in position to sustain the movement, and the rebel center, with
their left reformed behind the woods, fell upon Horn's left and center
with great energy and determination. The two columns now engaged with
dauntless courage on both sides. The combatants, equal in mettle, faced
each other in open field at very close range; each holding his ground
until it appeared as though none would be left alive on either side.
Neither line wavered, and it seemed as though the contest would only be
determined by a complete demolition of the two forces. Gen. Horn fell,
mortally wounded, and the command fell upon Gen. Simmons, who was killed
soon after taking command. At this time the killed and wounded of the
superior officers were such that it left Gen. Anderson the ranking
General of the corps. He at once assumed command, and could everywhere
be seen giving his orders and encouraging his men to stand. This they
did until the slaughter on both sides became a shocking sight to behold.
“Gen. Hughes and Gen. Baily had fallen on the rebel side. The batteries
from our side were playing from a hill on the east side of Antler's Run,
pouring a galling enfilading fire into the rebel Une. Thus these lines
stood amid death and desolation in their ranks until the men themselves
on both sides, in order to stop the cruel slaughter of comrades, with
one accord ceased firing, and the officers sat on their horses looking
at each other as their forces slowly retired each to his rear. At this
time, if Gen. Far-lin had moved forward the day would have been won
without further slaughter. Gen. Anderson repeatedly sent word to him
that if he would attack the enemy he could be routed, as their left was
almost destroyed; but he did not assault at the opportune moment.
“It was then seen that nothing more than skirmishing had been going
on between the forces on the Union left and the rebel right. Gen.
Broomfield had not succeeded in crossing the run, and was held at bay by
a small force, thus enabling the rebel commander, after discovering this
hesitancy on our left, to concentrate on his left and center for the
purpose of renewing the conflict. His re-enforcements had now arrived
from Brown's Ferry, and he was eager to make an assault, being now
satisfied that he should take the aggressive. Our batteries had crossed
the run, and were supported on elevated ground by sufficient infantry,
as we thought, for their safety. The rebel forces moved from their cover
behind the woods, and were advancing to the crest of the ridge that ran
across the open field from north to south, the best position to occupy
for vantage ground. Gen. Anderson seeing this, determined to meet the
attack and contest for this ground. Both forces were now in motion, each
determined the other should not occupy this ridge. Orders were given to
Gen. Broomfleld to cross the run at once and attack the enemy's right.
Gen. Mausker was ordered to move on the left of Gen. Horn's Corps,
now under Gen. Anderson, and attack at once; Farlin being in reserve,
perhaps, because he could not be got anywhere else.
“The artillery was all across the run and ready for action. The cavalry
had crossed some miles above and to the north, and were ordered to
charge the enemy in the flank as soon as the engagement should be
renewed. So on came the troops of both armies, and when in close range,
the firing commenced again on our right and the rebel left, it continued
all down the line until all were engaged. The firing was terrible and
most destructive. Our batteries opened, and on in full charge came our
cavalry. The rebel infantry on the left prepared to receive the cavalry,
kneeling on one knee with fixed bayonets. What a charge that was, and
what a slaughter! On came the cavalry; on, on to the bayonet came horse
and man. Clash against bayonet came saber. Many the horse and man went
on and over the bayonet in that charge. Part of the cavalry halted and
hesitated, some retiring to the rear. Many an infantryman that did the
same. Infantry and cavalrymen were piled together in the long slumber of
death. At last our cavalry had to retire. While this tragedy was being
enacted, the infantry on the right, left and centre were also playing
the role of death. Column after column were hurled against each other,
only to be repulsed. Our two corps first drove the enemy back and
occupied the ridge, and for awhile held this advantage, until the whole
rebel army, save a skirmish-line, was withdrawn from the right and
center, and concentrated on and against our right. It looked as though
the contest was now to be continued only on this part of the line.
Farlin was now in line on the left of Mausker. Many of the enemy's
troops were thrown in at this point who, not having been engaged,
were comparatively fresh. Their column was formed in two lines. On and
against our lines in quick succession they were thrown. Another great
slaughter then commenced and continued, line facing line in open field.
Gaps were made by falling men. The command on both sides could be heard,
'Close up!' Never did men stand more courageously amid slaughter and
death. Gen. Anderson rode to the line and along its full length,
sword in hand, with a large white plume in his hat, that his men might
recognize him. Artillery roared and musketry rattled as if they were the
hail and thunder from a hundred clouds. Groans and shrieks were heard.
The ground was strewn with the dead and dying. As the lines finally gave
way, the spot could be designated by rows of the dead. Our line was now
distended and no reserves. The rebels were again re-enforced, Their dash
and desperation broke our center, and Farlin fell back. Gen. Mausker now
fell, shot through the head. His corps became demoralized and fell back
in fragments. Gen. Anderson tried to rally the lines, but could not, and
was compelled to fall back to the rear, where the artillery was posted.
The situation at this time was most critical. The General in command was
desperate. To lose this battle was his disgrace, having more troops than
the enemy, as it would also probably in a measure seal the fate of his
whole army. He at once gave Broomfield an imperative order to cross the
run at the point of the bayonet, and to advance upon and assault the
enemy's position, being his extreme right. This was done in good style,
the enemy driven at the point of the bayonet from the crossing and from
his position on his right. The contest was now changed from the enemy's
left to his right. Troops were thrown in on his right quickly, and the
battle became desperate on this end of the line.
“Gen. Anderson, discovering this, without orders rallied his men and
all others that he could, and made a furious attack again on the enemy's
left, driving him from the open field into the woods. He then ordered
the artillery to advance to the ridge occupied by our line, and
from there poured shot and shell into their ranks. The enemy became
demoralized and broke in many parts of his line, ours still advancing
and Gen. Anderson moving his artillery to the front as he could get
position for it. The enemy on their left commenced a retreat down the
Sheepstown road in great disorder. The batteries poured their deadly
missiles after them, doing great damage. Gen. Anderson pressed forward,
believing that their army could now in a great measure be destroyed
before they could get back to a strong defensive position for
protection. Many prisoners were now being captured. Gen. Broomfleld was
following upon the Brown's Ferry road, when darkness set in. An order
was now received from Gen. McGregor to desist from any further pursuit
for the present. Gen. Anderson put his troops in position for the
night, and ordered up stores and supplies for their comfort and made all
necessary arrangements for an early movement in pursuit of the enemy
the next morning. After attending to these matters he left Capt. Jackson
Lyon and Capt. Bay, both of whom had been by the side of the General
during this terrible battle. The General with an Orderly retired to
the headquarters of the commanding General, which he found in a small
farmhouse some two miles to the east side of Antler's Run. When he
arrived he was welcomed very heartily and highly complimented by Gen.
McGregor.
“The General said:
“'Anderson, we will not attempt to follow these rebels. Our army is worn
out and so terribly damaged and demoralized that it would not do to risk
another assault, should the enemy make a stand, inasmuch as they would
have an advantageous position, which they certainly will, as they can
select where they will fight if we pursue.'
“'Yes,' said Gen. Anderson; 'but, General, could we not press them
so close and worry them so as to keep them on the run, and virtually
destroy them before they can get back to their own ground? You know that
while our army is terribly mangled, the enemy is certainly in no better
condition.'
“'That is true,' said Gen. McGregor; 'but I never have, nor will I ever
fight my army when in bad condition. But we will not discuss the matter
any further now. You will stay and get a bite to eat and take some rest,
but before doing that take a glass of wine.'
“'Thanks, General; I think I would enjoy a glass about this time.'
“After taking a glass together they sat down and had quite a
conversation on the events of the day. The house being very comfortably
furnished with beds and cots, Gen. McGregor said to Gen. Anderson, 'Lie
down and rest while the servants are preparing the supper.'
“The General did so, and dropped off to sleep. Soon some general
officers came in and were seated at a table, imbibing rather freely.
The noise they were making aroused the General from his slumbers. He
recognized Farlin; to the others he was afterwards introduced, being
Gen. Bowlly Smite and Gen. William Cross. The General did not rise, nor
did he, by any means, exhibit any knowledge of their presence.
“In the conversation between these three Generals they were discussing
the probable success of the war and the course of the Administration.
“Farlin said: 'I am very decidedly of the opinion that this war will
last for ten years, and finally the South will gain their independence.
The North will tire out, and the property-holders will get tired of
paying taxes. This war is very expensive, and the debt will eventually
alarm the country, so that they will be ready to accede to anything.'
[Illustration: Anderson overhears the Conspiracy 162]
“Said Smite: 'Well; but what will become of everything? This Government
is not strong enough to stand this strain. It has not power, except it
be usurped, to prosecute the war against these Southern States. I do not
believe in a Republic anyway. We ought to have a government of central
force and power--a military government, or a monarchy, such as England.
Suppose we had such a government as that. We would not be afflicted
every now and then with new commanders that we who make soldiering our
profession know nothing and care nothing about, and cannot allow to be
placed over us when we can avoid it.'
“'Well; but,' said Cross, 'what can we do? That is what we should think
about. For instance, here, to-day, we have won a great battle. It is not
likely that either of us will be put in command of anything higher than
a corps. The command of the different armies will be given to some of
those pets who want to free the niggers; and I was told the other day in
Washington by Mr. Thos. A. Strider, who is one of the ablest men in
this country, that this Abolition President was going to try to set the
slaves free and thereby impoverish the South, so as to force them to lay
down their arms. He said that if this was done he would not be surprised
if Indiana would rise up in revolt.
“'If that be true, I will leave the army myself, said Smite.'
“'No, you are wrong,' said Cross. 'If this is the intention of the
Administration, we ought to organize the army on a better basis than it
now is, have McGregor relieve every one who is not his friend; and
let us urge him to march upon the Capital and there we can install him
Dictator, recognize the South's independence, with the understanding
that they in turn will send their army to the front near to us, so as
to sustain him. We could seize all armories, arsenals and war materials.
The people would then be powerless. England would at once recognize the
South, and if we can maintain ourselves six months, which we can easily
do, the whole of Europe would recognize our government.'
“'Just at this moment Gen. McGregor entered the room and said:
“'Gentlemen, I hope you have been enjoying yourselves. I have been out
to my Adjutant-General's office, dictating my orders for to-morrow. I
hope you have helped yourselves to my sherry and champagne. I had quite
a good lot of it brought on, not knowing how long this campaign might
last.'
“Farlin said: 'General, I would think that the campaign for the present
is almost over; our troops are in no condition for further offensive
operations.'
“'Do you think so?' said Gen. McGregor.
“'Yes; most assuredly.'
“'Yes,' added Smite; 'we are in no hurry; this war cannot be rushed
through; and if this Administration is going to do what I understand it
is, there are some of us who will not submit.'
“'What is that?' inquired McGregor.
“'Free the negroes. We will not stand that. We want you to be up and
dressed. We will put you in place of the Administration, and have the
country governed properly, make peace with the South and stop the war.'
“Gen. McGregor here put his finger to his lips, indicating silence
on their part; and looking in the direction of the bed on which Gen.
Anderson was resting, all became silent on this subject, and commenced
speaking of the quality of the wine. Very soon supper was announced,
and the messenger was told to call Gen. Anderson. The General, turning
over and groaning as if awakening from a deep sleep, arose, and
addressing Gen. McGregor, said:
“'General, I would have slept till morning, without intermission, had I
not been called.'
“'He was then introduced to Generals Cross and Smite, and all repaired
to their elegant meal, and there discussed the occurrences of the day,
the merits of the several officers who had fallen, etc.
“When supper was over, which continued quite late, Gen. Anderson
repaired to his own headquarters, which had been moved up to and in a
depression or cut near Antler's Run, on the east side. There he found
his Adjutant-General, a few darkies, and old Ham.
“'How are you, Ham?' inquired the General. 'Are you still alive? You did
not stay very close to me, to-day, so that you “might be safer,” did you
Ham?'
“'No, Massa Tom. When you fust start out, I was gwine long wid you, but
you lef me, and den you said nuffin 'bout me comin' wid you, and I spose
you not kear 'bout habin me bodderin' you. Dat's all how it war, Massa
Tom.'
“'Yes, Ham, I see. Well, it is all right. You stay with the headquarters
and take care of my traps, and I will not ask you to take command of my
troops in time of battle.'
“Ham laughed one of his peculiar guffaws.
“'Yah! yah! Massa Tom. I speck dat is de bes' way. Doz you want sumfin
to eat? Got plenty of chicken. Dey git skeered at de fitin', and jes'
cum rite to de camp, sah. Yes, sah, dey am 'fraid of de Sesh, dey is;
dey know der friends, dese chickens do.'
“The General laughed, saying, 'Ham, are you quite sure they came into
camp alone?'
“'Well, sah, dey got in heah some way. I not fotched dem in. De fuss I
seed dem, dey in de corner ob de tent all scrouched up, so I spose dey
hidin' from de Sesh, and I jes' took 'em in to sabe dem. Yes, sah; dat's
de way it war.'
“Ham retired behind a tent, and laughed immoderately, saying 'I spect he
not keer bery much; I feels my way pretty good, I does.'
“The troops rested during the night, and next morning there were no
rebels in sight, and they were ordered into camp, and no further pursuit
of the enemy contemplated by the commanding General. They, however, were
soon required in another direction, for the purpose of protecting the
Capital of the Nation. Gen. Anderson's old wound re-opened, which caused
him to turn over his splendid command. At the suggestion of his surgeon,
he with his two Aides-de-camp and old Ham, returned to Allentown until
such time as he could again recover sufficiently to perform his duty.
The President hearing of his skill in maneuvering troops, and his
gallant conduct on the battlefield, at once promoted him to be a
Major-General.
“Their return home, of course, made our family very happy again--only
marred by the continued severe illness of Dr. James. He had lingered
for months, sometimes improving, and then again suffering severely. He
seemed to revive and gain strength on the return of his friends. Capt.
Day took up his abode at Young's Hotel, and Capt. Jackson remained at
home with us. Peter returned in a few days, his foot being in a very bad
condition, he fearing that an amputation might become necessary without
great care and immediate rest. Thus our family were once more partly
together, and although some were suffering greatly, we enjoyed the
recital of the battle of Antler's Run, by both Capt. Jackson and the
General The story of his lying on the bed and hearing the suggestions of
a conspiracy by the superior officers of the Army of the East, caused
me serious reflection. The details of this conversation he gave me in
confidence, having never revealed it even to his staff officers. I at
once repaired to the Capital, and saw the President and Secretary of
War, and stated to them the whole of the conversation and the proposed
scheme. They were almost dumbfounded. The President thanked me saying:
“'I have now declared the slaves free. We will see what we will see.'
“He then remarked:
“'I have my eye on the man the Lord I think is raising up in order to
complete the work we have begun. These men must be held in our hands
until the right time arrives;' which he thought would not be very long.
“The Secretary of War was not so mild. Under a promise that I would still
prosecute my inquiries further into Canada and elsewhere I left for
home. On my arrival I found the Doctor much worse, and the family
greatly distressed. He lingered but a few days and passed away. You
can see our household was again in deep gloom. I will not speak of our
grief. We were a sorely stricken family.”