OPERATIONS OF THE ARMY OF THE CENTER.--GEN. SHERWOOD'S
CAMPAIGN AGAINST GATE CITY.--HEAD'S ARMY DESTROYED.--GEN.
PAPSON'S GREAT VICTORIES AT FRANKTOWN AND NASHUA.
“We die that our country may survive.”--Lyon.
“General Silent was now in command of all the armies of the United
States, having his Headquarters with the Army of the East, so that he
might have the immediate supervision of it. Sherwood, having been
placed in command of the Armies of the West, commenced organizing and
concentrating his forces for the Spring campaign, under the general plan
suggested by Silent and approved by the President and Secretary of
War. The condition of things in the North was as heretofore described.
Sherwood was kept continually on the alert, in order to meet the many
raids that were being made in his Department.
“About the 1st of April, Gen. Forrester, with a large cavalry force,
again moved north, marched between Big and Little Combination Rivers,
and made his way unmolested to Paduah, and there assaulted the Union
garrison held by Col. Heck, by whom he was badly beaten. He made his
retreat, swinging around to Conception River, and following that down
to Fort Pillston, which was held by a very small garrison of colored
troops. After capturing the post the unfortunate troops were most
barbarously and inhumanly butchered, no quarter being given. The poor
colored soldiers and citizens were shot down like so many wild beasts.
Some were killed while imploring their captors for mercy; others were
tied to trees, fires built around them made of fagots, and in that way
burned to death.
“The sick and wounded fared no better. Such brutality is seldom resorted
to by the most barbarous of the savage Indian tribes. What do you
suppose would have been the fate of any Union officer who would have
permitted such conduct on the part of his command?”
“Why,” said Col. Bush, “the officer would have been dismissed the
service in utter disgrace, and would not afterwards have been recognized
as a gentleman anywhere in the Northern States.”
“No, sir,” said Dr. Adams; “such officers would have been compelled to
change their names and to find homes in the mountains, where they would
have been unobserved.”
“Yes,” said Uncle Daniel, “that would have been so with any of our
troops; yet you never hear this fact alluded to. It is lost sight of,
and if you should mention it publicly, you would only be criticised for
so doing. Our tradesmen and merchants want their Southern customers, and
therefore, no matter what their crimes may have been, they are hushed up
and condoned. But to return to my story.
“Sherwood had made his disposition for an advance, and on the same day
that the Army of the East commenced its movement to cross the Rapidan,
his army moved out against Gen. Jones, who had displaced Biggs and was
in command of the rebel Army of the Center. Sherwood's army moved in
three columns from and about Chatteraugus--Scovens on the left, Papson
in the center, and McFadden on the right. Papson moved directly against
Turner's Hill, and McFadden, by way of Gadden's Mill, to and through
Snake Gap, against Sarco. Papson had encountered the enemy at Rocky
Head, and failing to dislodge him, was ordered to the right in support
of McFadden. Jones fell back to Sarco and made a stand. Hord's Corps
assaulted him in front, Scovens on his right, Papson and McFadden on his
left, McFadden gaining the high ridges overlooking the fort and opened a
destructive artillery fire against it.
“Late in the evening, as night was closing in, Gen. Anderson ordered a
part of his command to assault and charge their works near the river,
south of the town. This was executed in gallant style, Gen. Ward leading
the charge. The firing all along both lines was picturesque. As volley
after volley was discharged, it reminded one of a line of Roman candles
shooting forth. Soon our troops succeeded in dislodging the enemy and
capturing his works, with many prisoners. This closed the contest; and
that night Jones, with his army, retreated, destroying bridges and all
else behind him.
“He was vigorously pushed by our army. Two days later Papson's head of
column struck the rear of the enemy between Caseyville and King's City.
Skirmishing commenced, and was kept up during the night. At this point
Jones had collected his whole army--three large corps, commanded by
Harding, Polkhorn and Head, numbering nearly as many men as Sherwood's
forces. During the night, however, the enemy retreated, and did it
so handsomely that the next morning there was nothing to be seen as
evidence of an enemy, save fresh earthworks.
“After remaining there several days waiting for supplies, etc., our
forces resumed their advance and moved rapidly in the direction of a
town on the Powder Springs road called Dalls; McFadden on the extreme
right, Papson in the center, and Scovens on the left. Hord, of Papson's
army, in moving to the crossing of Pumpkin Run, met the enemy, and was
soon engaged in what turned out to be a severe battle, lasting until
quite in the night. This checked the movement of the army under
Papson, and changed the point to be gained to Hopeful Church. There was
continuous skirmishing and fighting at this point at close range
behind works for about five days. The losses, however, were not very
considerable on either side, both being under cover of earthworks. The
troops here were so situated in their lines and works that both sides
kept well down behind their cover. Finally our boys gave it the name of
'Hell Hole.'
“McFadden having moved to Dalls, as ordered, was some miles away to
the right of the remainder of the forces. The enemy seeing this,
concentrated two whole corps and hurled them against the Fifteenth
Corps, and one small division on its left. The assault was made by
Harding and Polkhorn on the morning of the 28th of May, and lasted until
late in the afternoon. This was a fierce and very bloody battle, with
quite a loss on both sides. The enemy broke the line of our forces
on the right and poured through the gap like bees swarming, but the
commander of the corps of 'Forty Bounds' was equal to the occasion,
charging them with reserve troops and driving them back with great
slaughter. From that time on, the day was in our favor. The General who
commanded the corps came down the line where bullets were thickest, with
hat in hand, cheering his men on to action and to victory; with a shout
that could only be given by that old, well-drilled corps, which had
never known defeat, they rushed forward against the enemy and routed
twice their number. Men who were in this battle say that the soldiers
and officers were more like enraged tigers than men. No power could stay
them when it came to their turn during the day to make an assault, the
enemy having made the first one.
“Two days after this brilliant victory they were ordered by Sherwood to
their left to join the right of Hord's command. The army now being in
compact form confronting the enemy, he withdrew to Bush and Kensington
Mountains, in front of Henrietta, covering the railroad to Gate City.
Gen. Sherwood moved his army on a parallel line to Shan tee, covering
the railroad to the rear, being our line of communication, directly
confronting the enemy on the Mountain ridge. The position of the enemy
was a good one; much better than our troops occupied. Thus, our forces
were 100 miles south of Chatteraugus. During the whole march it had been
one succession of skirmishes and battles, from Rocky Head to Kensington
Mountain. The skirmishes and battles were generally fought in dense
woods, and doubtless, in the rapid movements, many of our poor men,
and also of the enemy, were wounded and left to die in the forest.
The enemy's lines were several miles in length, covering those
spurs--Kensington, Bush and Pine Mountains. Our troops were pushing up
as close as possible under a continuous and heavy fire. While advancing
our lines our forces could see the signals of the enemy on the
mountains, and very soon learned to read them.
“In one of the forward movements on our extreme right a very sharp
artillery duel took place between Davies' artillery and Polkhorn's, who
formed the enemy's left. During this engagement Polkhorn was killed
by one of our round shots. Our signal officers interpreted the enemy's
signals stating his death. Our boys sent up a great shout.
“The enemy thereby discovered that our men could read their signals and
at once changed them, much to the chagrin of our Signal Corps.
“The railroad bridges that had been destroyed in our rear by the enemy
on their retreat having been repaired, the trains began running and
bringing up supplies. One day a train came in drawn by a very powerful
engine. The engineer concluded that he would tempt or alarm the enemy,
so he put on a full head of steam and started down the track as
though he was going directly into their lines. As soon as he came in
sight--which was unavoidable, as the road ran through an open field
directly in front of Kensington Mountain, and then curved to the left
through a gap--they opened a battery directed at the engine. Peal after
peal was heard from their guns, but the engineer ran the engine down
to our skirmish line and there held it for some moments, keeping up
meanwhile the most hideous whistling and bell ringing. The number of
guns that opened fire and their rapidity in firing was such that
all along both lines they believed a battle was raging. The engineer
returned his engine to the train amid the shouts of thousands of our
troops.
“Our skirmishers were now close, approaching nearer and nearer every day
and night, the advance being made by regular stages. Several attempts
were made to double the skirmish-lines and move up the slope of the
ridge, but this could not be accomplished. Finally Gen. Anderson asked
permission to make a reconnaissance to our left and to the right and
rear of the enemy, or at least to find where his right rested. This was
permitted, and Gen. Anderson struck the enemy's cavalry some five miles
to our extreme left, driving them around the point of the mountain and
capturing very nearly two regiments. This at once disclosed the fact as
to the exposed flank of the enemy. He then moved back to his position in
line and waited further orders.
“Just about this date Gen. Sherwood received information that the
expedition up Blood River had failed, and that Forrester had defeated
Sturgeon and was now preparing to raid the railroads in our rear. This
was not very encouraging to our forces, but caused great joy in the
rebel camp in our front, as our forces learned. The next day the enemy
made a feeble attack on our right, but was handsomely repulsed by
Gen. Hord's Corps. Sherwood seemed determined to try to dislodge the
enemy,--a flank movement seemed to others to be the way to force the
enemy from his lines of works on the crest of the mountain.
“On the 27th of June, he ordered an assault on Little Kensington
Mountain. Our troops at the same time were to make demonstrations on all
parts of the line. McFadden assaulted, by order of the commander, the
face of the mountain, where there was no possibility of success. He
was hurled back, losing many officers and men. Papson assaulted on his
right, where the mountain sloped down to a low foothill with no
rugged heights. Here the enemy had strong earthworks, with an almost
impenetrable abatis. One division after another and one corps after
another were hurled against this breastwork, where fell many brave and
gallant men and officers on that fatal day. Papson did not believe our
troops could take those strong works, posted as the rebels were, but
obeyed orders from his superior officer.
“Towards noon our losses were heavy, and it seemed like leading men into
the very jaws of death to attempt another assault. Some of the officers,
as well as men, openly said it was most cruel and cold-blooded murder
to force men up against works where one man behind them would equal at
least four of the assaulting party. Yet another attack was ordered, and
about the middle of the afternoon all were ready. Sherwood was on a high
hill a good distance in the rear, where he could see all that was going
on.
“The order was given to move forward. Gen. Anderson was put to the
front, my son Peter in command of his advance brigade. On, on they went,
well knowing that many a brave boy would fall to rise no more. Not a
word was spoken save the one of command. The line moved right on, the
enemy pouring shot and shell into our ranks. Our brave boys fell like
grass before the scythe. As our ranks thinned and gaps were made by shot
and shell the solemn command could be heard, 'Close up, my brave boys!'
“Gen. Anderson rode in full dress, with a long black plume in his hat.
On and on, to the very jaws of hell they went. When close up to the
enemy General Anderson raised his sword, the gleam of which could be
seen afar in the sunlight. He ordered a charge, and well was it made.
Up, up, and into the jaws of death they moved. But to take the works
was impossible. The whole line was now engaged. Finally our forces fell
back. Gen. Anderson held his men in their line. They were not dismayed.
He was finally ordered to fall back, and did so. Peter, my son, was
shot through the lungs. Sullenly and coolly did our men fall back, with
curses many and loud against the blunder.
“This was the first repulse to our army, and forced the commander a few
days later to do what should have been done without the loss of so many
men. He moved around against Jones's flank, which caused him to abandon
his line and fall back to Chatham River, into his heavy intrenchments
prepared some time before.
“My son Peter, during the evening after the battle, had been conveyed to
the hospital. As soon as Gen. Anderson could do so, he started to find
him. He found young Whit-comb with my son, whom the General had sent
earlier to look after him; also, old Ham, who was in the rear during the
engagement, not far from the hospital. When the General entered, Peter
recognized and greeted him, but added:
“'General, my time has come. When I go, that will be the last finger but
one. My mother's dream; O! how true! how true! This is not unexpected to
me, my dear General.
“I have been waiting for it. This morning, when I found what our orders
were, I committed my soul to God, and felt this to be my time.'
“The General said to him that he thought there was a chance for him to
get well.
“'No, no,' replied Peter; 'I may linger some time. The doctor thinks
there is a chance for me; but, no; I am sure this is only the fulfilling
of my mother's dream.'”
At this recital the old man wept and walked out of the room. Very soon,
however, he returned, and continued:
“Why should I grieve? I will soon see them all. I am very sure that I
will meet my good and brave family again in a better world.”
“Amen!” said Dr. Adams.
Uncle Daniel said: “Peter always believed there was something in his
mother's dream; and while Gen. Anderson was trying to encourage him, old
Ham spoke up:
“'Marsa Gen'l, dey's no use. I tell you dat dream am a fac'. It is,
sho', an' Marsa Peter he know it. I 'terpret dat for him; 'deed I did. I
not fool on dat. But, den, we mus' take keer ob him. I 'spec' he go home
an' see he mudder and fader. I 'spec' me better go wid him and tend to
him. Don't you fought so too, Marsa Gen'l?'
“The General told Ham he would see about it. Peter began to improve, and
it really seemed as if he would recover. I was informed by Gen. Anderson
of Peter's misfortune, but kept it from my family, except Henry, who
was at home, as I before stated, in order to aid me in protecting the
family, the country being in such an alarming condition. The growing
belief in the final success of Silent against Laws was quieting the
people somewhat.
“I made an excuse to the family, so that Henry was sent South to see
Peter and bring him home if he should be able to stand the journey. I
obtained a pass for Henry from the President by letter, and he started
to find his brother. He told Seraine, however, before he started, what
his mission was. She was discreet, and did not speak of it to any one.
“During this time Sherwood moved out, McFadden on the extreme right,
Scovens in the center, and Papson on the left. About six miles on the
road leading to the crossing of the Chatham River Papson encountered the
enemy and passed the compliments of the Fourth of July with them, firing
his artillery loaded with shell into their lines. The celebration was
kept up in this way by both sides during the day, but the loss was not
great on either side.
“Just at this time Gen. Russell, under orders, left De Kalb, Ala.,
with 2,000 cavalry, passing through the country and meeting but little
obstruction on his way. He finally struck the railroad west of Opelima
and destroyed it for many miles, making a successful raid. He reported
to Sherwood at Henrietta, with hundreds of horses and mules, supposed to
have followed him, on his return.
“Stoner was also to the west of our forces hunting for railroads,
bridges, etc., which might be useful to the enemy. McCabe was with his
cavalry on Soap Run, and one other division under Garner at Ross Mills,
to the left of our main army.
“McFadden with his army now moved to the left, by Ross Mills, across
Chatham River and down to De Kalb by way of Stonington's Mountain.
Scovens crossed the Chatham River near the mouth of Soap Run, and
thereby occupied the center. Papson crossed at or above the railroad
bridge. The whole army was now safely across the river and moving in the
direction of Gate City. McFadden had reached De Kalb and there connected
with Scovens, who had extended near to the Howland House. Papson was not
so far advanced, leaving quite a distance between him and Scovens.
“As Papson lay at Crab Apple Run, the men carelessly taking their rest
in fancied security, they were furiously attacked by Head's Corps. At
first our men were scattered in confusion, but were soon in line
again, and the battle raged with great fury. After some two hours' hard
fighting the enemy fell back and again occupied their breast-works.
The losses on both sides were heavy for the length of time they were
engaged.
“On the same afternoon Gen. Legg's division had a very sharp contest for
a high hill in an open field to the left and south of the railroad from
the east to Gate City. Legg secured this hill, which overlooked the city
and was the key to the situation on the east side.
“On the 22d a great battle was fought over this ground by McFadden's
army, which was severe and bloody, lasting well into the night.
Thousands were slain on both sides. The field almost ran with blood.
Gen. McFadden fell early in the day, and the command then devolved upon
another. The battle was a success to the Union troops. It was a great
victory. Many prisoners and a great quantity of munitions of war fell
into the hands of our troops. Gen. Sherwood for some reason remained at
the Howland House during this battle, with Scovens, whose forces were
not engaged. This battle cannot be properly described in this narrative,
nor will I attempt it.
“On the 28th another great battle was fought by the same gallant army as
on the 22d, without assistance, at a place called Ezra's House, on the
extreme right of our lines. Having been ordered to move round to the
rear of Scovens and Papson, after the 22d, they struck the enemy. During
this engagement the enemy made as many as seven different assaults upon
our line, but were repulsed with great loss each time. Night closed in
and ended the contest. The next morning the dead of the enemy lay in
front of our lines in rows and in piles. The enemy having retreated
during the night, our troops buried their dead, which numbered hundreds.
One of their Color-Sergeants, of a Louisiana regiment, was killed, and
his flag taken by a boy of an Ohio regiment within twenty feet of our
lines.
“Skirmishing and fighting continued around and about Gate City for
nearly a month, during which time the losses on both sides were very
serious. The latter part of August a general movement to the flank and
rear of the enemy was made by the whole of the united forces. McFadden's
army, now commanded by Hord, moved on the right in the direction of
Jonesville, and a terrific battle ensued, lasting for some four hours.
They fought against two corps of rebels, which were driven back and
through Jonesville to the southward.
“Late in the night a great noise of bursting shell was heard to the
north and east of Jonesville. The heavens seemed to be in a blaze. The
red glare, as it reflected in beauty against the sky, was beyond brush
or word painting. The noise was so terrific that all the troops on the
right felt sure that a night attack had been made on Pap-son and that
a terrible battle was being fought. Couriers were sent hurriedly to the
left to ascertain the cause, and about daylight information was received
that Head--who was in command of the rebel forces, having succeeded
Jones--had blown up all his magazines, burned his storehouses of
supplies, evacuated Gate City, and was marching with his army rapidly in
the direction of Loveland Station.
“Thus the great rebel stronghold, Gate City, had fallen and was ours.
The joy in our army was indescribable. Sherwood moved on Loveland
Station and skirmished with the enemy during one afternoon, but no
battle ensued; why, has often been asked by our best-informed men. Our
troops moved back on the same road by which they had advanced to and
around Gate City, and then went into camp, remaining during the month of
September with but little activity.
“One day, at Gen. Sherwood's headquarters, Gen. Anderson was asked by
Sherwood if he was ever in the Regular Army. Gen. Anderson replied in
the negative.
“Sherwood said: 'I am sorry for that, as I would like to give you a
larger command. You are certainly a good soldier.'
“'Well,' said Gen. Anderson, 'is it not good soldiers that you want?'
“'That is true,' said Sherwood; 'but we are compelled to make this
distinction, where we have those who are or have been in the old army,
or have been educated at the Military Academy.'
“'But, General, suppose a man is or has been in the Regular Army or
educated at the Military Academy, and is not a successful General, how
will you then decide?'
“'Well, Gen. Anderson, we have studied war and know all about it; you
have not. We must rely upon those who make it a profession. Papson,
Scovens and myself have considered the matter, and we cannot trust
volunteers to command large forces. We are responsible, you know.'
“'But, General, you seem to trust volunteers where there is hard
fighting to do, or where there is any desperate assault to be made.'
“'Yes, that is true; but we cannot afford to allow volunteers to be put
over Regular officers; Regulars do not like it, and we cannot do it.'
“'I have seen some of your volunteer officers and soldiers succeed where
your Regulars have failed. Should not such men be as much entitled to
the credit as if they were professional or Regular Army soldiers?'
“'There may be cases of that kind; but we will not discuss this further.
I can only say that while we have Regulars to command our armies, we
will see to it that they are given the places.'
“Gen. Anderson was very angry, but said no more except 'good-by.'
“By this time Peter had so far recovered that the Surgeon felt it to be
safe to remove him. Henry, who had remained with him all this time, now
brought him home, with old Ham's assistance. Henry had kept me posted by
letter, and it was very hard at times to explain his absence. But when
he reached home, and the truth was revealed to my good wife, she was
almost frantic, and was unable to sit up. She talked continually of
her dear son, and was haunted day and night by her dream. Peter gained
strength very rapidly. The members of the household were at his service
at all times. The children could not understand so many coming home shot
as they termed it, and little Mary Anderson was continually inquiring of
her mamma about her dear papa, and if he was shot again! Our family had
all become so nervous that I was continually on the alert for fear of
sickness being produced by the constant strain.
“Old Ham and Aunt Martha had many things to say to each other. Ham's
experiences in battle very greatly amused Aunt Martha. They were both
very kind to Peter, but wore very serious countenances in our presence.
Ham would only talk to me about Peter, and would always say: 'I hopes
dat Marsa Peter git well, but I fears. Marsa Lyon, I tell's you dat
dream of de Madam, dat am bery bad. I fears de time am mighty nigh
come.'
“Aunt Martha did not express any opinion, but would shake her head.
Peter kept the two little girls by him nearly all the time, petting
them, but conversed very seldom. He would talk to his mother
occasionally, to keep her mind away from her horrible dream.
“About the 1st of October we learned of the movements of large bodies of
the enemy's cavalry in Tennessee, raiding the railroads to the rear of
Sherwood's army. Head had thrown his army across Chatham River, below
Gate City, to the north, and moved parallel to the railroad, so that he
could strike and destroy our lines of communication at various points.
Sherwood was compelled to follow him. Our forces were stationed on the
railroad at many places. Gen. G. B. Ream, with one division, held Carter
Station, Etwau Bridge, Alletooning, Ainsworth, King's City, Adamsville,
Sarco, and north to Dallytown. Chatteraugus was held by Gen. Sleman with
his division, and Romulus by Cortez. All had orders to support any point
that should be attacked. Gen. Ream was of the opinion that Head would
strike the railroad at Alletooning, where a great quantity of supplies
were stored.
“Sherwood left Somers with his corps at Gate City and started north. He
arrived at Henrietta Just as Gen. Ream had got Cortez with his command
at Alletooning. Head was advancing on Alletooning by rapid marches. He
assaulted the garrison at once on his command's arrival The assault was
made with great determination, but it was not successful. His loss was
very great. He drew off and at once moved in the direction of Romulus.
“Gen. Sherwood reached Carter Station, and was directing his movement
in order to protect the railroad and no more. Gen. Ream insisted to Gen.
Sherwood that Head's next move would be against Sarco. Sherwood did not
think Head would cross the Cussac River, and so commenced his march on
Romulus by way of King's City, and left the matter of protecting Sarco
to Gen. Ream, who procured trains and started all the troops he could
get together for that place. That night on the way they found the track
torn up. This was soon repaired, and the troops proceeded. At five
o'clock Gen. Head arrived in front of Sarco and demanded its surrender.
Gen. Ream, learning this, took the troops from the cars and marched from
Cahoon, sending the trains back for more re-enforcements. By daylight
our troops were in the fort and on the skirmish-line at Sarco.
“Ream at once sent word to Gen. Sherwood that Head was present with
his army in front of Sarco, and would like to pay his respects. About
daylight Head opened his artillery upon the forts, and sent forward his
skirmish-line. In the garrison every effort was made to impress Head
with the idea that Sherwood's main force was present. Every flag was
displayed on the forts and along the skirmish-line. Head kept up a
continuous fire on the forts during the day. Late in the afternoon
re-enforcements arrived. There were but 500; this was enough, however,
to show that re-enforcements were coming. The firing was kept up the
most of the night; the next morning the enemy was gone.
“He passed around Sarco and struck the railroad north of this place and
dismantled it for many miles, capturing every garrison north from Sarco
to Turner's Hill. Turning west from there he passed through Snake Gap,
moving in the direction of Alabama. Gen. Sherwood arrived at Sarco
very soon and was gratified that the place, with its great quantity of
supplies, was safe. He at once pushed out through Snake Gap in pursuit
of Head.
“The next place that Head presented himself with his army was in front
of our garrison at De Kalb, Ala. He withdrew, however, and crossed into
Tennessee, where he rested for near a month, collecting supplies and
recruiting his army.
“Sherwood halted his army, and while resting made such dispositions as
were in accordance with the plan to be followed out in the near future.
“In the meantime the excitement in the North was very great. Jacob
Thomlinson had returned from Europe and was again in Canada with a
large sum of money, which was freely used in all the States North
in attempting to elect the Democratic candidate, 'Little Mack,' for
President--the man that Thomlinson had suggested in the meeting of the
leaders of the 'Sons of Liberty' at St. Catharines, Canada, of which
I have heretofore spoken. Mobs were now frequent, and bad blood was
stirred up all over the country.
“Finding the condition of things very unsatisfactory, I suggested to
Henry that he make a short visit to Canada. He did so, and returned
to Allentown four days before the Presidential election. He had met
Wintergreen, who had returned from England with Thomlinson. He disclosed
to Henry the fact that the rebels were greatly depressed, and were using
all the money they could to defeat the war candidate, Mr. Lincoln;
and that the night before the election a raid would be made on all the
Northern prisons, so that released prisoners might burn and destroy,
and thereby cause such alarm on the day of the election as to prevent as
many as possible from going to the polls. At the same time their friends
were to be in possession of the polls wherever they could. In this way
they had hopes of carrying the election.
“I sent this report to the President by letter, which he received in
time to have all the prison guards re-enforced. The attempt was made,
however, but defeated in every instance. In Chicago they were very
near accomplishing their designs. They had cut the water pipes and were
making preparations for the burning of the city. But the attack on the
camp was thwarted, and the leaders arrested and put in prison. John
Wall, of whom I have heretofore spoken, was one of the leaders, and was
captured and imprisoned.
“Mr. Lincoln was triumphantly elected. Mr. Jacob Thomlinson's friend,
'Little Mack,' as he called him, was ingloriously defeated. This
indorsement by the people of the war measures and the manner of their
execution was cheering to our loyal people, as well as to the armies and
their commanders.
“Soon after the election Sherwood abandoned pursuing Head, leaving the
States of Tennessee and Kentucky, with Head's army scattered along
the main thoroughfares, to be looked after by Papson, with his forces,
preferring himself to take the Armies of the Tennessee and Georgia and
cut loose and march unobstructed to the Sea. On the march, food for the
troops and animals was found in abundance, making this march really a
picnic the most of the way.
“While Sherwood was making this march, matters of great interest were
going on in Tennessee. On the last day of November the enemy, maddened
by disappointment in their failure in the North to carry the election
and have their Confederacy recognized, concluded to risk their all in
a great battle for the recapture of the State of Tennessee. Head, then
in command of an army increased to nearly 50,-000, moved across Goose
Run and against our forces at Franktown, where he at once assaulted
Scovens, who had been sent to oppose his advance. Our troops were behind
intrenchments. He attacked with fearful desperation. At no time during
the war did any commander on either side make a more furious and
desperate assault than was made by Head. After forming his lines in
double column, he moved right up to our works, where his men were mowed
down by the hundreds. Gen. Pat Cleber charged time and again with his
division, and hurled them against our works only to be as often driven
back with great slaughter. At last, in a fit of desperation, he led his
men up to the very mouths of our cannon and the muzzles of our muskets.
He drove his spurs into his horse until his forefeet rested on our
parapet. In this position he and his horse were riddled with bullets
and fell into the trench, which was literally running with blood. The
desperation of the enemy was such that they continued their murderous
but ineffectual assaults until their men were exhausted as well as
dismayed at their great loss. Thirteen of his commanding officers fell
killed and wounded. Night forced him to desist.
“The next morning his men could not be brought to the slaughter again.
The bloody battle ended and Scoven's men withdrew to Nashua, three miles
to the South of which place Papson's army was intrenched. Wellston, in
command of about 8,000 cavalry, covered both flanks of our forces.
It was now getting along in December. The enemy moved forward and
intrenched in the front and within two miles of Papson. The weather
became very bad for any kind of movement. It rained, hailed, and sleeted
until the country around and about them became very muddy and swampy,
and at times covered with a sheet of sleet and ice. Papson hesitated to
attack and Head could not retreat; so there the two armies lay shivering
in the cold, suffering very greatly, both fearing to take any decisive
steps.
“Gen. Silent became quite impatient, believing it to be the time to
strike, as the enemy could not get away. Finally he concluded to relieve
Papson, but notified him of his order. Papson now made ready for an
assault. His command was posted as follows: Gen. A. J. Smithers on the
right, who was to assault the enemy's left, supported by Wellston's
cavalry; Ward was to support Smithers on his left, acting against
Monterey Hill, on the Hillston road; Scovens was to hold the interior
line, being the defense of Nashua. When the time arrived, all being in
readiness, the order was given. The enemy seemed to be totally unaware
of the movement. Smithers and Wellston moved out along the pike.
Wheeling to the left they at once advanced against the enemy. The
cavalry first struck the enemy at the Harden House, near Rich Earth
Creek, and drove him back, capturing many prisoners. One of Smithers's
divisions moving with the cavalry, captured two of the enemy's strong
advance positions, with about 400 prisoners.
“At this time Scovens's Corps was put in on Smithers's right, and the
advance was then made by the whole line. Ward's Corps now found the
enemy to Smithers's left, and Gen. Anderson led his command against
Monterey Hill and carried it, capturing a number of prisoners. Ward's
Corps at once advanced against the main line of the enemy, and after a
bloody contest carried it, capturing a great many prisoners, a number of
pieces of artillery, and many stands of colors. The enemy was now driven
out of his entire line of works and fell back to a second line at the
base of Harpan Hills, holding his line of retreat by way of Franktown.
Night closed in and stopped again the play of death. Our forces were
now in possession of sixteen pieces of artillery, with many officers and
1,200 prisoners, not including wounded. Our troops bivouacked on their
line of battle in order to be ready for any movement in the morning.
“Ward's Corps at six in the morning moved south from Nashua, striking
the enemy and driving him some five miles, to Overton's Hill, where
he had thrown up works and was making a stand. Gen. Sleman now moved
rapidly to Gen. Ward's left. Scovens remained in his position of the
last night. Wellston moved to the enemy's rear and drew up his line
across one of the Franktown roads.
“About two o'clock one brigade of Ward's Corps, supported by Sleman's
division, assaulted Overton's Hill, which was the enemy's center. One of
Sleman's brigades was composed of colored troops. The ground over which
they had to assault was open. The enemy re-enforced his center. The
assault was made, but received by the enemy with a terrible shower of
grape, canister and musketry. Our forces moved steadily on, not wavering
in the least, until they had nearly reached the crest of the hill, when
the reserves of the enemy arose from behind their works and opened one
of the most destructive fires ever witnessed, causing our troops to
first halt and then fall back, leaving many dead and wounded, both black
and white indiscriminately, in the abatis and on the field.
“Gen. Ward immediately re-formed his command, and all the forces of
the army moved simultaneously against the enemy's works, carrying every
position, breaking the lines in many places, and driving him in utter
rout from his position, capturing all his artillery and thousands of
prisoners, among whom were many officers, including four Generals. Ward
and Wellston pursued the fleeing enemy until by capture and other means
Head's army was entirely destroyed and wiped out of existence as an
organization. It appeared no more in the history of the great rebellion.
Thus were destroyed all the formidable forces of the enemy in the West.
The army of Papson now went into Winter quarters at different points
which were thought necessary to be garrisoned.
“Peter, by this time, was growing very weak, having had a relapse,
resulting in a very serious hemorrhage. At his request I had telegraphed
Gen. Papson, stating his great desire to see Gen. Anderson. Upon the
receipt of which, leave was immediately granted the General and he came
home, bringing Lieut. Whitcomb with him. On the way home people greeted
him everywhere with shouts of joy. They could now see that the end was
near, and they were overflowing with gratitude and good feeling.
“On their arrival you can imagine the joy of our household. The meeting
between him and Peter was most touching. Both wept like children. All
were much affected; even the two little children wept and sobbed aloud
at the bedside of their Uncle Peter. My wife was quite feeble. She
greeted the General as one of her own sons, and said:
“'Our dear Peter is not going to live. I see it all, and I pray God that
he may take me also.'
“The General encouraged Peter all he could. Ham and Aunt Martha were as
delighted to see the General as were any of his family. We all tried to
be cheerful and in good spirits, but it was very hard to do this under
the circumstances.
“The next day after the General reached home he inquired of Ham why he
did not return to the army. Ham said:
“'I fuss done thought I would, and den I knowed I be no use, kase you so
far off, and I feared I not jes' safe gwine trough dem Sesh lines down
dar; and den I knowed, too, dat you kin git as many niggers as you wants
dat am jes' as good as Ham is, 'ceptin when you done wants good tings
to eat, sech like as chickens. Ham can allers get dem when dey is 'round
and skeered of the Sesh. I all de time noticed dey is powerful feared ob
de Sesh', Marsa Lyon. De General know dat am so.'
“'Well, Ham, you must be ready to go back with me when I return.'
“'Oh, yes, Marsa; oh, yes! I go all right; I will, sho' as you is bawn.
But I tells you dat Marsa Peter am powerful bad, he am, sho'. I dream it
all out las' night. Missus, she be right in dat. He be agoin' dis time,
and no mistake. Dat dream ob de Missus be all come 'round.'
“'That will do, Ham; you go and talk to Aunt Martha about your dreams.'
“'All right, Marsa, all right, sah; but you mine what I tole you.'
“The next day Joseph Dent came in, and we had a long conversation on the
subject of the war, the Golden Circle and the Sons of Liberty. He said
that they were alarmed, and quite a number had refused to meet recently,
but that the Grand Commander had issued a call for a meeting to be held
in Canada some time soon, where many of the leading men were again
to assemble and take into consideration some new plan for aiding the
rebellion. After he left for home the General, Henry and I consulted
as to the best plan to get at what those men in Canada were working up.
They had tried mobs and riots in New York and other places, had tried
releasing prisoners, burning and destroying cities, scattering disease
in our hospitals, and army raids, guerrilla warfare, etc., and had
failed in all. Now what next? We thought that it would be best for Henry
and Seraine to return to Detroit; that Henry again should visit Canada,
and, by him the information could be communicated to me. This being
understood, they left the next day. James Whitcomb, having gone
immediately home on his arrival at Allentown, would be with his parents
and Seraine, while Henry should visit in Canada.
“Peter was now apparently improving and we felt he might possibly
recover. The news of Sherwood's safe arrival at the Sea having been
received, the people were greatly rejoiced. They felt that the Spring
campaign would probably end the rebellion. The country was full of hope
and the drooping spirits of anxious people were much revived. Things
went on in this way and our family enjoyed themselves as best they
could. Mary Anderson and Jennie Lyon, David's widow, and the two little
girls, made our home as pleasant as possible But my poor wife grew
weaker all the time, which gave us much concern.
“Henry had arrived in Canada, and again found his friend Wintergreen.
They were now visiting different places. Henry had written Seraine and
she came down to Allentown, spending two days with us, and at the
same time posting the General and myself as to the movements of the
conspirators. Thomlinson had called the leaders of the Northern Sons
of Liberty to again assemble at St. Catharines the last Thursday in
January. Henry had concluded to remain and learn fully their intentions
and schemes. I told Seraine to say to him that his proposition to
remain was approved. I sent to the President the information and Henry's
intention, in answer to which I received a very kind and touching letter
from one of his Secretaries, exhibiting great sympathy for my family and
deploring our misfortunes.
“Time moved on, and the General was preparing to leave for his command,
when Peter became very much worse; and, also, my wife was growing weaker
and losing her mind. Peter was coughing very often and having slight
hemorrhages. The physician pronounced him to be in a very critical
condition. One morning Aunt Martha came running into the parlor where
the family were sitting, and with much anxiety cried out:
“'Marsa Lyon and Marsa Gen'l, come to Marsa Peter, quick; 'cause he
bleed to deff if you not hurry.'
“We ran to him quickly. He was bleeding profusely, holding his head over
the edge of the bed. He could only speak in a gurgling whisper. He took
me by the hand and said:
“'Father, it is all over with me; soon there will be but one finger
left.'
“We laid him back on the pillow, and without another word or struggle he
passed away. Good bless my poor son!”
“Amen!” said Dr. Adams.
Uncle Daniel soon proceeded, saying: “But, my good friends, this was not
my only grief. We tried to keep his death from his mother. She, in her
delirium, was constantly speaking of her dear son Peter, and crying. She
seemed to have no thought except of Peter and the constant shadow of her
dream. The day of Peter's funeral her reason seemed to return and her
strength revived. She asked for all of us to come into her room, and
we did so. When she saw that Peter was not with us, she inquired why.
I answered that he could not come. I then broke down and left her room
weeping. She saw it, and, with strength that she had not shown for many
weeks, arose, and leaping to the floor rushed past all into the parlor,
and there saw Peter lying a corpse. She shrieked and fell on his
remains. We lifted her and carried her back to her bed. She was dead!”
[Illustration: Mrs. Lyon dies at Peter's Coffin 382]
Uncle Daniel sank back into his chair overcome with his sorrows. The
severe trials through which he had passed, re-called again, opened the
flood of sorrow, which well nigh swept him away. We withdrew for the
present, with intense sympathy for the old hero and a feeling that the
Government had sadly neglected him.