MOBS IN THE NORTH.--LAWLESS VIOLENCE AND OUTRAGE BY REBEL
SYMPATHIZERS.--THE CLASH OF ARMS.--BATTLE OF THE CHAPARRAL
BETWEEN GEN. SILENT AND GEN. LAWS.
“One day thou wilt be blest,
So still obey the guiding hand that fends
Thee safely through these wonders for sweet ends.”
--Keats.
“After the battle of Middleton's Ridge some rest for Papson's troops was
indispensable. As soon, how-ever, as it could be done consistently
with the condition of things, Gen. Silent issued orders from his
headquarters, then at Nashua, to Papson and Sherwood for a disposition
of the troops to be made so as to protect the lines of communication
between Louis City, Nashua and Chatteraugus north, and from Chatteraugus
to Bridgeton, Huntersville and De Kalb west. This distribution was
speedily made. The enemy was in no condition for serious offensive
movements, and contented himself during the Winter with a continuous
harassing of our troops whenever found in squads or small commands not
sufficiently strong to make effective resistance.
“Near Huntersville a man by the name of John Cotton, with somewhere
between fifty and one hundred men, was constantly raiding small corrals
where only a few guards were left to watch them. His business seemed to
be to steal mules and wagons, being one of the parties operating under a
contract to plunder for fifty per cent, of the property so taken. He had
the same authority and character of commission from the authorities at
Richmond as Blackman and Beall, of whom I have heretofore spoken. During
the Winter this man crossed the Little Combination River near Painter's
Rock, and made a raid on Gen. Chas. Ward's corrals. Ward had been
notified of the intention of John Cotton by a Union man named Harris,
who resided near Huntersville. Gen. Ward had a company of infantry under
cover near the corral, and about midnight Cotton made his appearance.
The men who were watching for him remained quiet until he was near the
corral, and then fired a volley into his raiders, killing three and
wounding ten. They then rushed at Cotton, and he, with nine of his men,
were taken prisoners. The wounded were cared for and the dead buried.
The next day Gen. Ward organized a drumhead court-martial and tried
those captured who were not wounded. The nine men claimed to have been
forced into the service by Cotton, and were sent to Nashua and put to
work, under sentence. John Cotton was treated differently. He was not
troublesome again during the time that our troops remained at Painter's
Rock. The understanding South and North among the friends of the
rebellion was that raids were again to commence whenever they could be
made at all advantageous to our enemies.
“The Knights of the Golden Circle, or 'Sons of Liberty,' began to be
open and bold in their utterances and their villainous work. In New York
they aroused their friends and got up mobs of such magnitude that they
could only be suppressed by withdrawing troops from the field to operate
against them. The recruiting offices were mobbed, offices and papers
burned, and the officers brutally beaten; houses were set on fire in
great numbers and destroyed. Many large stores were broken open and
plundered by the mob. All helped themselves to dry goods, clothing,
jewelry, watches, and whatever they discovered. Innocent men were
brutally murdered in the streets. Women were driven from their houses
and insulted in every possible way. Hospitals and asylums for orphans
were plundered and burned, and the poor, helpless inmates driven into
the streets. Children were clubbed and brained by brutes for no other
reason than that they were colored. Wounded and sick soldiers were
thrown on the sidewalks and left without aid or assistance of any kind.
Poor negro men were taken from hacks and wagons and hanged to lampposts.
In one instance a poor man was cut into halves as if he were a
slaughtered beast. Men were sent from Canada, employed by Thomlinson
and his co-conspirators, to come to New York and aid in this inhuman
butchery.”
“My God! What brutality and inhuman cruelty! It does seem impossible
that such things could have transpired in a civilized community!” said
Dr. Adams.
“Yes,” continued Uncle Daniel, “it would really seem so. Yet these
things did not only take place, but were carried on here in the North
by the anti-war party, and were well known by all who were old enough
at the time to understand matters; but they are now forgotten. Why, sir,
mob violence was resorted to in many places. Inflammatory speeches were
made in every community where they would be tolerated. Our people were
alarmed everywhere in the North, and were preparing for great trouble at
home in the absence of the army. Indiana was stirred up to white heat.
Many outrages were perpetrated on the State soldiers who returned home
on a furlough, and in many instances they were murdered. One old man by
the name of Banty, who had two sons in an Illinois regiment--they being
residents of that State at the outbreak of the rebellion--was tied to
a tree in the woods some distance from home, and remained in this
condition till rescued by his wife. It became so intolerable that troops
were held at Indianapolis for protection to the city and country. The
Governor, as well as other citizens, were threatened:
“In Ohio the same condition of things existed. Camp Chase was about to
be attacked. Troops had, of necessity, to be sent for the safe keeping
of the prisoners.
“At Coleston, Ill., the Knights of the Golden Circle attacked a squad
of Union soldiers, who had just returned home from the army on furlough,
and killed seven of them. In one county further south in Illinois, the
name of which I have forgotten, there were quite a number of soldiers
killed in secret. A man by the name of Geo. Akers, who had once been
Sheriff of the County, but at the time of which I am speaking was the
Head Center of the Golden Circle in that part of the country, was so
strongly suspected of having soldiers quietly 'put out of the way,' that
a search of his premises was made by a Provost Marshal, and in his
mill, which was on his place, were found many suits of Union soldiers'
uniforms, evidently taken from dead bodies. He was put in prison, but
was aided to escape by his brother conspirators. In the same County a
soldier by the name of Stacks, while home on a furlough, was called
to his own door in the night and shot by one Honeycliff. I give these
instances merely to have you understand the feeling and determination
of the men in the North who sympathized with the rebellion, to aid it in
all ways and by any means, no matter how foul or vile.”
“Uncle Daniel,” said Col. Bush, “I know about Akers and the cases you
mention in Illinois, as I was sent there at that time with a battalion
to look after those fellows, and you do not tell one-half the trouble
there was in that part of the country.”
“No, I presume not; I only remember these facts in regard to matters in
that State that fastened themselves irrevocably upon my mind.”
Said Dr. Adams: “It seems incredible that such things could have
happened in the North, where the same men now claim to have been loyal
then.”
“But, Doctor,” said Col. Bush, “all these things did occur, though they
are now forgotten by many, and our young people, who know very little
about the war, except such things as they may gather from imperfect and
distorted histories, doubt the truthfulness of these facts, being unable
to understand why traitors should go unpunished. Why, Doctor, many of
the men who were harassing and alarming the people then as Knights of
the Golden Circle, are now the leading men in the communities where
they were then the most offensive to Union people and disloyal to their
Government. They have so managed as to be at the front politically, and
if affairs continue as they are now, and seem tending, very soon the
same men will claim that they put down the rebellion. They have already
deceived many by their self-assertion. You see, Doctor, the policy of
not allowing ourselves to speak of the war nor any of its concomitants,
leaves the young people in ignorance of what we suffered during its
existence.”
“That is true, I am sorry to say,” replied Dr. Adams; “but we who do
know all about it should teach the present and coming generations
these very important facts. The difficulty is, however, that when you
undertake it many people insist that they wish to forget all about
it, and that they do not want their children to know anything of its
horrors. But, Uncle Daniel, please continue what you were telling us.”
“The Richmond authorities,” said Uncle Daniel, “had detached a portion
of Biggs's command under Gen. Brice, some 20,000 strong, and sent
them into Missouri, where they had made the homes of many Union people
desolate, and spread terror throughout that State and a portion of
Kansas. Brice had organized bands of marauders and bushwhackers, as they
were termed, in the same way and under the same character of agreements
as made with Blackman and others. Quartel's and Stringfinder's bands
were the most destructive to life and property, murdering Union men as
they moved, and making the country a desolate waste through which they
passed. The smoke rising from houses, barns, etc., could be seen in
every direction. It could well have been termed 'a pillar of cloud by
day and a pillar of fire by night.'
“At the same time the rebel cruisers were a terror on the high seas. The
Alabama, the Florida, and the Shenandoah were a dreaded scourge among
our merchantmen. Our commerce was being driven from the seas and passing
under the flags of other countries.
“'All these things were very discouraging to the loyal people of our
country, and at the same time greatly encouraged the rebels and their
allies and friends in the North. The demagogues of the anti-war party
traversed the whole country, haranguing the people, preaching peace and
crying high taxes, and insisting that the war had so far been a total
failure, and that it would not be any better in the future. In fact,
they were carrying out to the letter that which had been suggested by
Valamburg and his friends at St. Catharines, in Canada, at the meeting
about which I have heretofore spoken. Many of our best men had to return
home from the army for a brief period and canvass as stump orators
before the people, in order to quiet their apprehensions and fears as to
the chances of our ultimate success.”
“Yes,” said Capt. Inglesby, “I well remember the very great anxiety then
amongst our people. I returned home about the time mentioned, and the
question was constantly asked me if I thought we could ever suppress the
rebellion. All our successes during the Summer and Fall before seemed
to have had only a temporary effect upon our people. In fact, they were
easily discouraged during the whole period through which the war was
continued.”
“Yes, Col. Bush, that is easily accounted for. We left behind us an
element nearly or quite a majority; certainly so in many parts of our
country North, which was constantly decrying the war and the means which
were being used against the rebellion. Their constant talk in the same
direction could not help having a great influence, especially on the
minds of weak men, aud in many instances on those whose nearest and
dearest relatives were in the army taking the chances of their lives;
and, as you all well know, these pretended friends to our faces were in
their hearts wishing and praying for the success of our enemies.”
“Yes, that is true; and it was strange and hard to understand at the
time, as these same people could have gained nothing by the success of
the rebellion. They lived North, and would have been equally despised by
the rebels (if they had succeeded) as a part of the Yankee Nation.”
“Doubtless that would have been so, but it was not particularly the love
that they had for the rebels or their cause, but their hatred for the
party in power. They had been in power so long, that being ousted by
the voice of the people made a number of the leaders who had lost in the
political contest feel a desire to see the people who had beaten them
lose in the contest against the rebellion. They had said so many bitter
things against Mr. Lincoln and prophesied war and final separation
between the slave and free States, that they were willing to see the
country destroyed in order to be considered among the people as wise
oracles and political prophets; so that they made it their interest
politically that the rebellion should succeed. Many people were
followers of these men in all the States North. Out of this feeling grew
and prospered the Knights of the Golden Circle, or Sons of Liberty.”
“Well, gentlemen,” said Dr. Adams, “I agree with all you have said; but
I am growing somewhat impatient to again hear Uncle Daniel.”
All were again listeners, and Uncle Daniel proceeded:
“I was speaking of the alarming condition of the country and the dangers
that were menacing peaceful citizens, as well as their property. I
became very much alarmed for the safety of the two families left in my
charge. I sent a letter to Henry to come with his wife and make my house
his home for the present. He and Seraine came at once, and were willing
as well as happy in remaining with us for a while, Seraine feeling
satisfied that, as her parents were two such quiet people, no harm could
come to them. After the excitement and confusion created by the delight
in the household over their arrival subsided, Henry took me aside and
related his experience since leaving home.
“He said that he remained quietly in Detroit for some time at his wife's
home. Then he went to Windsor, and there learned that the people of the
Confederacy were very much disheartened, but were making a desperate
effort to harass the armies of the Union, without fighting great
battles, until their armies were recuperated and filled up with new
recruits; that the plan was for their friends to confuse and excite the
Northern people, just as they were doing. He stated Jacob Thomlinson's
plans just as they were being literally carried out. After these plans
were well on the way in the direction of being fully executed, C. C.
Carey left for Richmond, and Jacob Thomlinson for London, accompanied by
Mr. Wintergreen, who was to act as his private secretary. On separating
from Carey the understanding was that they would remain away from Canada
until the political canvass for President had well advanced and until
after the nominations by both parties had been made. During their
absence they were to ascertain what new plans were being executed and
what new schemes could be put into operation during the Fall and Winter
following. Henry said the one mentioned was the only one matured, and
that was being carried out.
“Gen. Silent had now been promoted and ordered East, and Gen. Sherwood
put in command of the Center, with orders to make a campaign South,
pushing and pressing the enemy at every point possible. This movement
was to and did commence at the earliest possible moment in the Spring
following. Simultaneously with this a movement was made in the East
against the capital of the Confederacy.
“One evening, a few days prior to Gen. Silent's departure for the
East in pursuance of his orders, while walking out on the bank of the
Combination River a short distance from Nashua, as the shadows of night
were quietly gathering about him, a form seemed to stand before him,
which, from its appearance and the flowing white robes in which it was
arrayed, he at once recognized as the strange specter that had appeared
to him while sitting on a stone beneath a tree at Chatteraugus. Gen.
Silent was startled for a moment, but stood still with eyes fixed upon
the apparition. Finally a light, beautiful and dazzling, shone around
the figure. He did not move. It approached him, saying in a subdued,
soft and melodious voice:
“'Gen. Silent, you have been selected to forever wipe out the crime
of slavery. This can only be done by suppressing the rebellion now
in progress against your Government, which must be completed within
fourteen months from this day or all will be lost. Start East at
once; take no rest with either of your great armies until this is
accomplished. All is with you. The matter is exclusively in your hands.'
“After speaking thus, the specter disappeared and all was still. He
stood for a moment, bewildered. When he had collected his thoughts he
turned and walked rapidly to his quarters, which were at the Nashua
House. He entered his room and sat for some time in deep meditation.
While at Victor's Hill he had thought of moving his army across to
Mobile, and thence to Savannah and North to the rear of Richmond. He was
not a superstitious man, but at the same time was forced by what he
had seen and heard that night to consider well that which seemed to be
before him. The condition of the armies of the Union, and also that of
the rebels, was taken in at one grasp of the mind. The East and West
were carefully considered, and a plan seemed to be placed before
him that would certainly be successful. The whole question of the
suppression of the rebellion seemed to be disclosed to his mind, and
indelibly photographed thereon, as if in a vision from on high. He could
see his Army of the West and Center combined under one commander, making
their way against obstinate resistance to the sea; and then coming north
to the rear of Richmond, breaking the shell of the Confederacy as it
marched. At the same time he saw the great rebel army of the East,
under Laws, in Virginia, melt away before him, driven, demoralized, and
finally captured. This all seemed to be a dream, and yet it was the true
method to pursue in order to put down the rebellion. These things were
at once firmly fixed in his mind, and thus he would undertake to bring
success, should he be selected as the commander of all the armies of the
Union, as had just been indicated to him.
“Just then a rap was head at his door. 'Come in,' was the response, and
Gen. Anderson entered. Gen. Silent met him with great cordiality and
asked him to be seated. They conversed for some time on the subject of
the war and the probabilities of success.
“Finally Gen. Anderson said: 'General, this war can be concluded in but
one way, and that is by desperate fighting. The armies on both sides
are made up of Americans, each believing they are right, and numbers and
endurance will finally determine the contest, provided our people do
not become alarmed at the constant cry for peace by the Northern Golden
Circles and other sympathizers with the South.'
“'That is true,' said Gen. Silent; 'I feel more bitterness towards those
Northern croakers and sympathizers than I do toward the rebels in the
South, who take their lives and put them in chance for what they believe
to be right. Wrong as they are, they are better men than those who are
behind us trying to discourage us, and to encourage the rebels, without
the nerve to fight on either side.'
“'Yes,' said Anderson; 'I fully agree with you. Allow me to ask at about
what time will our Spring campaign begin?'
“'At the very first moment that we can move on the roads in safety. I am
now sending Sherwood with what troops are within his call from Victor's
Hill east to Meredith, breaking railroads, destroying bridges, etc., so
that when we commence our movements in the Spring, Biggs will have no
line save the one due south or east. We will then force him into the
extreme South or cause him to make a junction with the army in the East,
under Laws, where our Army of the West and Center must pursue him. The
destruction of the two great rebel armies must be our task. This done,
the rebellion will be at an end. This must be accomplished within the
next fourteen months; sooner if we can, but within that time we must
succeed, if at all, and I have no doubt whatever of a final triumph. The
Almighty is only permitting the continuation of this struggle in order
that the people shall become thoroughly satisfied with the destruction
of slavery. Whenever that time comes He will give our enemies over into
our hands.'
“'Gen. Silent, your faith is certainly very strong.'
“'Yes; I am now thoroughly convinced in my own mind that within the time
mentioned our enemies will be at our feet. I am going East, where I am
ordered by the President for some purpose. I intend to lay my whole
plan before him and urge its adoption, believing that if followed the
rebellion will end as I have stated. Would you like to go East, Gen.
Anderson, if I should wish you to do so?'
“'I would certainly not disobey your orders, Gen. Silent, but I have
a good command, and one with which I am well acquainted, and perhaps I
would be of more service by remaining with it than by taking a new one.
I did have a great desire to be ordered East when I was sent here, but
the reasons for that desire do not now exist.'
“Gen. Anderson then, in confidence, related to Gen. Silent what had
transpired at McGregor's headquarters the evening after the battle at
Antler's Run, which astonished Gen. Silent. He sat for some time without
making any remark. Finally he asked if the President and the Secretary
of War had this information.
“Gen. Anderson replied that they had.
“Gen. Silent smiled, but said not a word. The conversation on this
subject then dropped. Gen. Silent inquired if he believed in dreams.
“Gen. Anderson answered in the negative; at the same time he said he had
heard on one or two occasions of very strange dreams, and one especially
that he was watching closely to see if it would turn out in accordance
with an interpretation given to it by a person whom he well knew.
“Gen. Silent then asked him if he had ever seen anything that he could
not understand or account for.
“'No, sir,' replied Gen. Anderson.
“Gen. Silent said no more, and it then being quite late they separated.
Gen. Silent left early next morning for the East. As soon as he could
reach Washington he appeared at the Executive Mansion and had an
interview with the President, when he was informed that he had been
ordered East with a view of putting him in command of all the armies of
the United States. He did not exhibit the least surprise at this, but
at once proceeded to lay his plans before the President and Secretary of
War. The plans were the same as suggested by him to Gen. Anderson. After
careful consideration they were approved.
“The President told Gen. Silent he now should have the full support of
the Government, with supreme command, and that the President would hold
him responsible for the suppression of the rebellion, and expect that
the enemy would be dispersed at an early day.
“Gen. Silent replied that the rebellion would end within fourteen
months.
“'Why fourteen months? Could you not say twelve?'
“'No, sir,' replied Silent; 'I put it fourteen. I hope to see it
accomplished at an earlier date, but within this time it will be done.'
“'Gen. Silent, I have a strange reason for saying twelve months,' and
the President laughed at the idea of having a superstition about dreams,
'but, General last night I had such a curious dream that I must tell it
to you. I thought a strange man appeared in the presence of the Armies
of the West, riding upon a large brown horse, and that where-ever and
whenever he appeared the armies were successful; that this strange
man would disappear without uttering a word. This same strange man had
appeared at the East, and at his appearance the rebel armies laid down
their arms and sued for peace. In my dream peace was restored, but it
lasted for only a short time; the citizens of Maryland and Virginia
conspired together and swept down upon Washington, captured the city,
burned the Government records, and murdered many of our leading men,
amongst whom was yourself. What do you say to this, General? Can you
interpret it?'
“'No, Mr. President, I cannot. I do not allow myself to think but
very little about dreams. They certainly can be nothing more than the
wanderings of the mind during sleep. But, Mr. President, since you
have taken me into your confidence I must confess that I am sometimes
startled by what seems to be an unfolding of events in the future.'
“Saying this much he relapsed into his wonted silence. After some
further conversation they separated. The next morning Gen. Silent left
for the Army of the East. He was received on his arrival in a manner
that showed their confidence in him as a great commander. He established
his headquarters in the field near Meador, and at once commenced giving
directions in his quiet way for reorganizing the troops and preparing in
every way for an early advance. His army was soon organized into
three corps,--Second, Fifth and Sixth,--commanded respectively by Gen.
Hanscom, Gen. Sedgewear and Gen. Warner; the Ninth (Independent) Corps,
under Broomneld, with the cavalry under Sher-lin, who had been ordered
to the East from the Army of the Center.
“My son Jackson, having been spoken of very highly to Gen. Silent by
Gen. Anderson, had also been ordered to the East and placed in command
of a brigade under Gen. Hanscom.
[Illustration: Gens. Silent and Meador in conversation. 347]
“The armies both in the East and the West being reorganized and in good
condition, Gen. Silent began his arrangements for an immediate movement.
The Armies of the West and Center now being combined under the command
of Sherwood were to move from Chatteraugus directly down the railroad
against Biggs,--or rather Jones, the new commander of the rebel forces.
The movement of the combined armies, East and West, against the enemy,
was to take place on the same day. The rebel army East was admirably
posted for defensive operations, provided they were to be attacked in
their position. Laws had his army divided into three corps, commanded
respectively by Ewelling on the right, A. P. Hiller on the left, and
Longpath (who had come from Biggs) as reserve in the rear; his cavalry
by J. E. Seward. His army was on the south bank of the Rapidan, and in
rear of Mine Run, and extending east to the spurs of the Blue Ridge, on
the west and left flank, protected by heavy earthworks. His forces and
his movements were covered by streams, forests, hills, and by a very
heavy chaparral or copse for miles in extent.
“Silent would not attack in his front, as Laws expected, but concluded
to plunge immediately into the chaparral and threaten Laws's right. This
would compel the enemy to give battle at once or retreat. So orders were
issued for the Army of the East to move at midnight, cross the Rapidan,
and march into the dense woods by the roads nearest the rebel lines.
The troops moved, and by dawn the next morning had possession of the
crossings and were passing over the river. By night of that day the army
had crossed with most of their trains. The cavalry had pushed forward
and camped near Sedgewear, who had gone into bivouac on the hill after
crossing the Rapidan. During the day our signal corps had read the
signals of the enemy, which were that Laws had discovered Silent's
movements and was making preparations to meet them.
“Silent had ordered Broomfield to move at once and make night marches
so as to be up in time. Sherlin was to move forward and attack the rebel
cavalry at Chancellor's City. Three times this army had crossed the
Rapidan before and as many times had been driven back. The question
in the minds of all was, 'Will Silent go on, or will he be forced to
recross the stream?' Laws was very confident that he would force him
back.
“That night Silent received a telegram from Sherwood at Chatteraugus,
saying that his army had moved out that day and was near the enemy;
also, from Crooker and Boutler; all had moved. Thus Silent had all the
armies of the Republic, wherever they might be, at the same hour moving
against the enemy aggressively. No such movements had a parallel in
history. The enemy were menaced in every front, so that no portion could
give aid or re-enforcements to the other.
“Laws, when he saw the situation, determined to attack, believing that
he could assault Warner and drive him back before Hanscom (who had
crossed some miles from Warner) could come up to join on Warner's right.
That night Warner and Ewelling lay facing each other, nearly together.
They might easily have divided rations, though hidden from each other by
the dense forest. Yet, like the knowledge we all have by instinct of our
near approach to danger, they were each aware of the other's presence.
“Gen. Silent ordered a change, so as to move his head of column direct
for the right flank of Laws's new position. Warner moved, with cavalry
in advance, to Craig's Meeting House, his left resting at Chaparral
Tavern. Sedge-wear was to join on his right, Hanscom to move from
Chancellor City to his support, and Sherlin on the left and in rear of
Hanscom.
“Early in the morning the enemy appeared in Warner's front. One regiment
of cavalry had already been hurled back. Meador had made his disposition
in accordance with Silent's instructions. Broomfleld was now crossing
the river, and Silent waiting at the ford to see him; but learning
of Laws's movement, he went forward at once to Chaparral Tavern. This
tavern was in a low place, densely surrounded with trees and underbrush.
Here Silent placed his headquarters in the rear of Warner's Corps. The
woods and chaparral were so dense in all directions that neither army
could distinguish the line of the other.
“By 9 o'clock an occasional shot could be heard, and then the rattle
of musketry, as though a company or so had discharged their pieces.
Presently a few skirmishers would come back to the main line, asserting
that the enemy were in force in our front. Then orders would be given to
advance the skirmish-line and feel for the enemy.
“About 10 o'clock a shot from the artillery of the enemy announced the
fact that he was posting for resistance. Our line at once advanced as
best it could in the direction of the enemy. The musketry opened and
continued to increase until one whole division of our troops were
engaged. The artillery opened on both sides and roared as the mighty
thunders. Musketry rattled like hail on the housetops. The enemy in
our front, Ewelling commanding, was driven in great disorder for some
distance by Griffith's division, but the underbrush was so dense that
no alignment could be made with the troops. Regiments and brigades could
not find each other. It became impossible to have any unity of action.
This same cause prevented Sedgewear from joining on Warner's right or
connecting with Griffith. This left Griffith's flank exposed, and the
rebels at once taking advantage of this, forced him back again with the
loss of some of his guns and quite a number of prisoners. The rebels
made no attempt to follow up their advantage, but began at once erecting
earthworks.
“Laws was attacked before he anticipated, although making a show of
readiness; but he was resting on ground familiar to him and wholly
unknown to our troops. Silent was notified of our repulse. It was
apparent that Laws's whole army was on the field, and meditated an
attack before our army could be brought into action. Sedgewear's troops
were not all up; Broomfield had not arrived, and Hanscom was not yet on
the ground. This was not quite what Gen. Silent had been accustomed to.
His commands heretofore were always at the spot on time when ordered,
and generally before the time appointed.
“He at once mounted his horse and rode in person to the front, in order
to get a view of the situation. He followed Warner on a narrow road,
which was thronged with troops in great disorder. Slight works thrown up
by both sides, in intervals of the fight, were very close together. He
at once saw from the nature of the surrounding country the importance
of maintaining Warner's position. On his return to his headquarters he
dispatched officers to hasten Sedgewear's and Broomfield's troops with
all possible speed. His wish now was to bring to bear as largo a force
as possible against Laws's left, in order to prevent the discovery of
the great space between Warner and Hanscom. Laws, however, had detected
this gap, and was forming Hiller's Corps to move through it.
“Geddis was now ordered to move at once and hold this part of the line
with his division of Warner's Corps against all force that might come
against him. This was the breathless time during the day. Geddis took
the position. Hiller moved against him, but Geddis held the point.
Hanscom came up, but his corps was far away to his rear. It was nearly
two o'clock before his troops came in sight, certainly none too soon. He
at once formed on Geddis's left. There was but one spot, on account of
the density of the forest, where artillery could be put in battery or
used to any advantage. Here Hanscom put all his artillery. At 2:30 he
received orders to attack Hiller at once in conjunction with Geddis,
which he did. This compelled Hanscom to move two of his divisions in
support of Geddis, Burns and Motley. The two lines had both approached
until they were exceedingly close together.
“The battle now commenced in great earnest on both sides, and was of
a most destructive and deadly character. The musketry firing was
continuous along the whole line. The remainder of Hanscom's Corps
was ordered up and went into action, having no time for protecting
themselves. Several desperate assaults were made by Hanscom and Geddis,
but the enemy, having the cover of the chaparral, were able to inflict
great damage on our forces.
“Silent, learning that our forces could not dislodge the enemy, sent
a force from Warner's left to relieve the troops who were so hotly
engaged. Accordingly one division under Gen. Walworth and one brigade
under Roberts were sent through the woods to the sound of battle. But
they could not see fifty yards before them on account of the underbrush.
The roar of the battle was like a continuous peal of thunder. Gen.
Walworth tried to penetrate the thick woods to relieve his comrades, but
did not arrive until nightfall.
“Sedgewear had now taken position on the right of Warner, and both of
their corps had been engaged during the afternoon. Sherlin had struck
the rebel cavalry near Ford's House and driven them back. He now held
the country to the left of Hanscom on the road to Spottsyl-vania. The
night had closed in and the two armies rested facing each other. The
killed, wounded and dying were strewn between the lines like leaves.
“Gen. Meador and others came to Silent's Headquarters that night. One
corps in each army had not been engaged during the day, and so the
battle had but fairly commenced. Silent gave orders to assault the enemy
the next morning at five o'clock. Longpath on the side of the enemy,
who had not been engaged during the day, was moving that night to the
support of Hiller, evidently intending to crush our left. Geddis was
ordered to remain with Hanscom; Walworth was to assault Hiller's left,
while Hanscom made a front attack. Broomfield was to move to the gap
between Walworth and Warner's left. But Laws was preparing also for an
attack, and made his assault on our right a little before Hanscom made
the attack contemplated by Silent.
“The battle commenced by Ewelling assailing Wight. The fighting became
furious along Sedgewear's entire front and over and along Warner's
line. Burns and Motley, of Hanscom's Corps, advanced upon the enemy and
assaulted him with very great energy. Walworth now assaulted where he
was directed. The contest was a desperate one. The smoke rose through
the woods like a dense cloud. The artillery was brought to where it
could be used, and from both sides it belched forth its iron hail and
sounded as if the earth was breaking into a thousand fragments. The
musketry rattled and showered the leaden missiles of death in every
direction. The yells and shrieks of the wounded were enough to strike
terror to the souls of the strongest, during the whole time of this
great battle of blood and death.
“The enemy were driven at every point, and retreated in great confusion.
Our troops undertook to pursue them through the thick woods and became
broken up and confused. Sherlin was now engaged with Seward's cavalry,
near the Todd House, in a terrible contest, The firing and shouting
could be heard by Hanscom's troops. Sherlin was victorious and Seward
retreated.
“Up to this time Longpath had not taken the position assigned him,
but now moved rapidly against Hanscom's left. The contest was renewed.
Silent and Meador rode out to the front and looked over the ground.
Silent never lost confidence in the result for a moment.
“Longpath now assaulted with great vehemence; our advance brigade was
swept like chaff before the wind. The density of the brush was such that
H an scorn could not make his proper formation, and therefore had to
fall back to his position held early in the day. Walworth was driven
back, and in trying to rally his men was shot through the head and
instantly killed. Sedgewear's right was assailed and turned, losing many
prisoners. He rallied, however, and drove the enemy back again. Longpath
being now severely wounded, Laws led his corps in person.
“A simultaneous attack was now made by our forces. Broomfield assaulted
for the first time during the day, and the enemy were forced back. In
this assault my son Jackson, leading his brigade, was wounded and taken
to the rear. This was late in the afternoon. The woods had been on fire
several times during the day, but at this time the breastworks of some
of our men having been constructed of wood were fired by the musketry
and blazed up, catching the timber and leaves with which the ground was
covered. The fire became general and drove men in every direction, both
Union and rebel. The shrieks and screams of the poor wounded men who
could not escape the flames were heartrending.
“Darkness came on and the contest ceased. During the night Laws withdrew
the rebel army to his old line of works and gave up the idea of
driving Silent back across the Rapidan. Gen. Silent repaired to his
headquarters, where he received the reports of the commanding officers.
Some were sure that Laws would attack again the next morning. Some
thought that we had better retire across the Rapidan. At this Silent
said not a word, but smiled. He finally gave orders to be ready to meet
the enemy the next morning, and to attack him if he had not withdrawn.
When he spoke of the enemy withdrawing a look of surprise was on the
faces of many.
“After they had all repaired to their respective quarters he went out
to look around, and while listening under a tree in order to hear
any movements that might be making in the enemy's lines, he was again
startled by the same spectral form that had appeared to him twice
before. It pointed in the direction of Richmond and spoke these words,
'Move on to-morrow,' and disappeared. He was strangely affected by this,
and became quite nervous for a man of his stoicism.
[Illustration: A scene in the trenches 354]
“He returned to his tent and inquired for his Adjutant-General. When he
reported, he asked if any further reports had come in, and was told that
a messenger had just arrived with dispatches announcing that Boutler
had moved on City Point, capturing it; that Sherwood expected to attack
Jones at Rocky Head on that day. Silent then went to bed and slept
soundly.
“The next morning there was no enemy in sight. Gen. Silent advanced his
troops well to the front until satisfied that Laws had withdrawn. He
gave orders for taking care of the wounded and burying the dead. The
wounded of both armies were thickly strewn all over the battlefield.
Many had perished from the smoke and fire in the woods. It was a sight I
do not wish to describe if I could.
“That day Silent issued his orders for the army to make a night march
by the left flank in the direction of Spottsyl-vania. He and Meador
started, with the cavalry in advance, late in the afternoon, and as they
passed along the line going in that direction the boys understood it
and cried out, 'Good! good! No going back this time; we are going to
Richmond,' and they made the woods resound with shouts of joy.
“The next day about noon Sherlin was directed to move with his cavalry
to the rear of the enemy, cut the railroads, and destroy all the enemy's
supplies he could find. He moved at once. Silent notified Broomfield
of the resistance being made to our further advance, and ordered him to
move up as rapidly as possible. Skirmishing and sharp fighting between
isolated divisions and brigades occurred. Many officers and men were
killed. Gen. Sedgewear was among the killed on this morning, and Gen. H.
G. Wight was assigned to the command of his corps. This was the 9th day
of the month, and the armies had been marching and fighting five days.
“Silent's lines were now formed and ready to attack or resist. Thus they
lay during the fifth night. On the next morning orders were issued to
assault the enemy's center at 10 o'clock. Some movement of the enemy
delayed the assault, and about 1 o'clock the enemy pressed forward to
attack, which they did with great vigor. They were repulsed with great
loss and fell back in confusion. They reformed and came forward again.
The contest now became fierce and even terrific. They made their way
close up to Hanscom's front and delivered their fire in the very faces
of our men. Our line did not waver, but now opened such a terrible fire
of musketry on them that they broke in great disorder.
“In the very heat of the contest the woods had taken fire again, and
the flames were leaping along with frightful rapidity, destroying nearly
everything in their pathway. Our troops on this part of the line were
compelled to fall' back, leaving many poor fellows of both sides to
perish. Soon, however, the skirmishers were re-enforced and drove the
enemy for a mile into their entrenchments.
“It was now determined to make the assault contemplated in the morning.
So about 4 p.m. Silent ordered the assault. Warner and Wight were to
move simultaneously with Warner's and Gibbs's divisions, Motley to
advance on the left of Wight's Corps. Our troops had to advance up a
densely-wooded hill. Silent and Meador took position on an elevated
point, but could see little of the field, it was so overgrown with
bushes.
“The battle had again commenced, our troops assaulting. A cloud of smoke
hung heavily over the field, lighted up occasionally by flashes from
artillery. The shouts of the commanders giving their orders, the yells
of the soldiers on both sides, as well as the groans of the wounded
and dying, could be distinctly heard in every direction. Across an open
field, then through heavy woods, across a soft morass in front of
one division of the enemy near the stream, went our lines, struggling
forward under a most galling fire until lost to view in a copse of
wood and the smoke of battle. Only our wounded now came staggering
and crawling out from under the cloud of smoke to the rear. These few
moments of suspense were terrible. Looking, listening and waiting, our
troops at this moment ascended the hill and stormed the enemy's works,
but could not hold them against the destructive fire. They fell back to
their original line.
“On our left, at that moment, a great victory was being accomplished.
Col. Upson and Gen. Motley formed a storming party of some twelve
regiments, and drove right against the flank of the enemy. They rushed
with such impetuosity against the rebels that they could not withstand
the assault. Our forces captured an entire brigade and one battery of
the enemy. Hanscom now assaulted and broke the enemy's line, capturing
many prisoners. At six p.m. Broomfield attacked. Night closed with our
columns within one mile of Spottsylvania Court-house. The fighting
of this day was desperate, and the loss on both sides terrible. The
suffering was great; many were burned who had fallen wounded on the
field.
“This was the sixth day of blood and death. Our forces held some 4,000
prisoners, while the enemy had taken none from us save a few stragglers.
That night Boutler reported great success. Sherlin had got in the rear
of the enemy, destroyed ten miles of his railroad and nearly all of
his supplies of food and medical stores. Silent now ordered rest and
reconnoitering for the next day.
“So, on the following day, our lines were adjusted and reconnoissances
made, with full preparations for the ending of the great contest.
Hanscom was to move in the night so as to join Broomfield, and they were
to attack at 4 A. M. of the 12th. They moved into line not more than
two-thirds of a mile from the enemy. The ground was heavily wooded and
ascended sharply towards the enemy. In the morning a heavy fog lay close
to the ground, but at 4:35 the order to move forward was given. Burns
and Barrow moved in advance. The soldiers seemed to be urged forward
by some kind of inspiration, and finally broke into a double-quick, and
with irresistible force over the earthworks of the enemy they went. Both
divisions entered about the same time, and a most desperate battle here
ensued. Muskets were clubbed and bayonets and swords pierced many bodies
on both sides. The struggle was short, however, and resulted in our
forces capturing some 5,000 prisoners, twenty pieces of artillery, and
thirty colors, with two General officers. The rebels broke to the rear
in great disorder, our men pursuing them through the woods. Shouts of
victory rent the air.
“Silent was now by a small fire, which was sputtering and spitting, the
rain coming down in uncomfortable quantities. Hanscom had taken and was
now holding the center of their line. He reported: 'Have just finished
up Jones and am going into Ewelling; many prisoners and guns.'
“The enemy made six assaults on Hanscom, which were repulsed. Broomfield
now reported that he had lost connection with Hanscom. Silent wrote him:
'Push the enemy; that is the best way to make connection.'
“Desultory fighting continued until midnight, when the enemy gave up the
task of re-taking their lost line and retreated. Thus ended the eighth
day of marching and most desperate fighting ever known.
“The next morning an assault was made in order to take possession of
high ground near the court-house, which was a success, without any
considerable resistance. The rain was now falling in torrents. The roads
became so muddy that they were impassable, which prevented any further
movement for the present. The collecting of the wounded and burying the
dead was a sight to behold. The whole country back for miles was one
continuous hospital. Our losses were over 20,000, and no one could ever
ascertain the loss of the enemy; but it could not have been less than
30,000--including prisoners.
“The howl that was set up by the Sons of Liberty and Copperheads
excelled anything that had ever been heard. Silent was a 'murderer,' a
'butcher,' a 'brute,' an 'inhuman monster.' The enemy, however, were all
right. They were 'humane friends,' 'good Christians,' etc. The hypocrisy
of this world is perfectly amazing.
“At this time take a glance at the rebel capital. Boutler was within ten
miles; Sherlin's troopers were, many of them, inside the works on the
north side of Richmond. Sherwood was forcing the rebel Army of the
Center. Gen. Crookerhad cut all railroads between Tennessee and
Richmond. All lines of communication with Richmond were severed,
and confusion and terror reigned in the rebel capital. Jeff Davis
contemplated flight, but was prevented by those surrounding him. With
all these evidences of our final success and failure on their part, the
anti-war party in the North could find no words of contumely too severe
for our successful commanders.
“Henry and I left for Washington, and in the confusion of everything I
finally found a surgeon by the name of Bliss, who informed me where I
could find my son Jackson. He had been brought to Washington and placed
in the Stone Mansion Hospital, on Meridian Hill. We lost no time in
visiting that place, and by permission of the surgeon in charge visited
Jackson. We found him with a high fever and some evidence of erysipelas.
His wound was in the right groin--a very dangerous wound. He talked
quite freely, and gave all kinds of messages for his mother, the family,
and Gen. Anderson, but said to us that he could live but a few days.
“'The fates are against our family,' said he. 'We will all go down
sooner or later. Mother is right.'
“We remained in Washington and gave Jackson all the attention we could.
We merely paid our respects to the President. He was so busy we could
not interrupt him. Joy was in the hearts of all loyal people, while
curses were upon the lips of every disloyal and anti-war Democrat in the
whole country.
“Jackson died from erysipelas on the sixth day after our arrival. This
shock almost broke me down. Henry was nearly frantic. Jackson was his
favorite brother. They had both been wanderers alike from home. We took
his remains to our home, had his funeral services in the church to which
his mother and I belonged, and buried him by the side of my son David,
in the Allentown Cemetery.
“You must imagine this blow to our family; I will not undertake to
describe our distress. His mother almost lost her mind, and for several
days she talked incessantly about Peter. She seemed to lose sight of all
else. Seraine was deeply affected. She thought very much of Jackson, he
being the one who brought about her union with Henry much sooner than,
perhaps, it would have occurred.”
Just then Mrs. Wilson came in. We could see that she kept a close watch
over Uncle Daniel. He took her in his arms and said:
“My darling, I was just speaking of the death of your Uncle Jackson.”
“Yes, Grandpa; I well remember when you and Uncle Henry came home from
Washington with his remains; how we were all distressed; how Grandma's
mind was affected; and how poor old Aunt Martha cried and spoke of him.
I remember also that he was buried by the side of my poor father.”
She ceased speaking and wept and sobbed, and finally she took her
grandpa by the hand and led him to his room.