TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE
Italic text is denoted by _underscores_.
Some minor changes to the text are noted at the end of the book.
THE STORY
OF THE
THIRTY EIGHTH REGIMENT
OF
MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS.
BY
GEORGE W. POWERS.
[Illustration]
Cambridge Press:
DAKIN AND METCALF.
1866.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865, by
GEORGE W. POWERS.
In the Clerk’s office of the District Court of the
District of Massachusetts.
PREFACE.
In the following pages, an attempt has been made to present a
connected and reliable account of the movements of the Thirty Eighth
Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers during its term of service in
the army of the United States. It has not been the purpose of the
writer to describe the movements of armies, or chronicle the results
of campaigns, except to illustrate more fully the doings of the
regiment. Even in the record of battles, he has rather endeavored to
confine himself to the particular part taken by the regiment, than to
any more extended view; and has preferred to give more prominence to
those smaller matters peculiar to its experience. Nothing has been
drawn from imagination, and no attempt made at word-painting. Neither
has it been attempted to describe the scenery of the country, or the
manners of the people, in the region where the regiment performed its
service. The scope of the work would not allow of this.
Where all, or nearly all, did their duty to the best of their
ability, it would be invidious to single out a few, and bring them
into prominent notice. Consequently, individual names seldom occur
in the text; and where they do, it is only to illustrate some
movement, or give a clearer idea of the occurrences alluded to.
During thirty-two of the thirty-five months’ service here recorded,
the writer was constantly with his regiment, and noted down the
daily events, for the benefit of friends at home. For the remaining
time, including a large part of the campaign in the Shenandoah, when
he was sick in hospital, he is indebted to the letters, diaries,
and conversations of his messmates, Messrs. Joseph G. Bartlett,
Richard A. Fitzgerald, and Nathaniel Monroe. He would also return
his thanks to Adjutant Wellington, for valuable official papers, and
for assistance, and to Lieut.-Col. Richardson, and Captains Rundlet,
Bennett, Jewell, Howland, and Davis, for the muster-out rolls of the
regiment.
The writer is well aware that the same objects are seen by different
parties in a widely different light; and he has had a lively
illustration of the fact while endeavoring to learn the movements
of the regiment during his absence; for, while all agreed as to the
main points, as soon as details were entered upon there was a wide
difference of opinion, or of memory. However, he trusts that nothing
essential has been misstated.
The roll of the regiment was compiled from duplicate copies of the
muster-out rolls taken at Savannah, with the exception of Companies
B and H, which were copied from the rolls in the office of the
Adjutant General, whose assistants courteously permitted them to
be used. These rolls contain the particulars relating to each
man as far as known at the muster-out of the regiment. Additional
items have been obtained from the non-commissioned officers of the
various companies, and much care taken to have this portion of the
work correct. But owing to the frequent carelessness and neglect of
hospital officials in sending returns to the regiment, and from other
causes, errors may have crept in, which will not be wondered at,
considering the numerous dates and other minutiæ recorded. With all
its faults, the author commends it to his comrades and to the friends
of the regiment, with the hope that it may occasionally revive old
associations, and keep alive old memories.
G. W. P.
BOSTON, December, 1865.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I. PAGE
State of the country in the summer of 1862—Call for six hundred
thousand volunteers—The Thirty Eighth rendezvous at Lynnfield and
West Cambridge—Visit of Cos. A, B, and F, to the City of
Cambridge—Departure of the Regiment from the State—Passage through
Philadelphia—Arrival at Baltimore—Camp Belger, 1
CHAPTER II.
Leave Belger—Visit of Baltimore Ladies—Camp Cram—Religious
Services—Drills—Band—Marching Orders—Camp Emory—Return of Co. K to
Regiment—Cold Weather—Departure from Emory—Take Transports—Fortress
Monroe—Target-Shooting—Washing in Salt Creek, 15
CHAPTER III.
Departure from Fortress Monroe—Sea-voyage—Arrival at Ship
Island—Christmas Day—Embark for New Orleans—Up the Mississippi—Land
at Carrollton—Camp Kearney—Col. Ingraham in command of
Brigade—Plaquemine Expedition—Unpleasant Duty—Break Camp preparatory
to taking the Field, 26
CHAPTER IV.
Baton Rouge—Review by General Banks—March on Port Hudson—Passage
of the Batteries by Hartford and Albatross—Burning of the
Mississippi—Return to Baton Rouge—Wood-chopping—Embark for
Algiers—Easter Incident—Take Cars for Brashear—Berwick City, 49
CHAPTER V.
On the March again—Co. F Detached to guard Bridge—Centreville—Battle
of Bisland—Pursuit of the Enemy—Franklin—District of the
Tèche—Neutral Flags—A Day’s Rest—Fording a Bayou—Opelousas, 63
CHAPTER VI.
Camp at Opelousas—Cotton versus Potatoes—Fourth Wisconsin
Cavalry—Term “boys” not to be used in Third Brigade—Arrival of
Grierson’s Cavalry at Baton Rouge—The March resumed—Alexandria—Red
River—Start for the Mississippi—Morganza, 80
CHAPTER VII.
Cross the Mississippi—Bayou Sara—Storm—St. Francisville—Approach
Port Hudson—Skirmish on the 25th of May—Negro Soldiers—Battle
of May 27—Death of Lieut.-Col. Rodman—The Ravines, 88
CHAPTER VIII.
Relieved—March to Clinton—Great Heat—Deserting a Plantation—Return
to Port Hudson—Assault on the 14th of June—Heavy Loss in the
Thirty Eighth, 101
CHAPTER IX.
After the Battle—Great Mail—Burial of the Dead—Remove into the
Ravines—Deserters—Fall of Vicksburg—Surrender of Port Hudson—A
Disappointment—Stores Plains—Night March to Baton Rouge—Embark
for Donaldsville—Dress-Parades—Six Months’ Pay, 112
CHAPTER X.
Back to Baton Rouge—The Highland Road—Camp Rodman—Bivouac on the
Boulevards—A and K detailed for Provost Duty—Co. I sent to
Plaquemine—Camp Banks—Picket Duty—Cold Weather—New Year’s
Ball—Visit of Mr. Wellington—Flag-Raising—Recruits, 119
CHAPTER XI.
The Spring Campaign—Leave Baton Rouge—Port Hudson again—Fort de
Russy—Red River Country—Alexandria—Departure of the Army for
Shreveport—The Second Division left at Alexandria—Disaster—The
Thirty Eighth embark on the Mittie Stephens—Guerilla Attack—Grand
Ecore, 126
CHAPTER XII.
Grand Ecore—What caused the Repulse?—Retreat through the Pine
Woods—Battle of Cane River—Rear-Guard—The Retreat continued—
Arrival at Alexandria, 133
CHAPTER XIII.
The Fleet in Danger—Red River Dammed—Foraging Expedition—Departure
from Alexandria—Captured Mails—Battle of Mansura Plains—Scarcity
of Water—On the Old Road—Reach the Atchafalaya—Engagement in
the Rear, 143
CHAPTER XIV.
Cross the Atchafalaya—The Fleet and Army part Company—Morganza—
Saw-mill Expedition—Up the River—Embark for Algiers—Serenade the
Lieutenant-colonel—Good-by to Louisiana, 150
CHAPTER XV.
Arrival at Fortress Monroe—Washington—Georgetown Heights—Monocacy
Junction—Up and down the Valley of the Shenandoah—Battle of
Opequan Creek, 158
CHAPTER XVI.
The Pursuit—Congratulatory Order—Fisher’s Hill—Gen. Emory—Mount
Jackson—Mount Crawford—Cedar Creek—Build Breastworks—Surprise—
Battle of Cedar Creek—Fall back to Kearnstown—Martinsburg—
Thanksgiving, 168
CHAPTER XVII.
Preparations for Winter—Log-huts—Break Camp—Winchester—Provost
Duty—Baltimore—The Stables—Visit of Rev. Dr. Ware—Extracts
from Letters, 178
CHAPTER XVIII.
Departure from Baltimore—Arrival at Savannah—Desolation of the
City—Sherman begins his March through the Carolinas—Conflagration—
Gen. Grover in Command of the Post—Music in the Park—Marching
Orders, 190
CHAPTER XIX.
Hilton Head—Cape Fear River—Paroled Prisoners—Wilmington—Morehead
City—Newbern—Back to Morehead—Fatigue Duty and Oysters—An
Alarm—Battle of Petersburg—All aboard for Goldsborough—Sherman’s
Army—Surrender of Lee—Assassination of the President—Surrender
of Johnston—Morehead again—Transport—Rubber Coffee—Savannah, 197
CHAPTER XX.
Change in Savannah—Southern Ladies and Clergy—Portion of the
Brigade go to Augusta—Habits of the Country People—Jeff.
Davis—Cos. C and G go to Darien—Arrival of First Division—Scarcity
of Muster Rolls—Want of Transportation—Start for Home—Gallop’s
Island—Reception in Cambridge, 209
IN MEMORIAM, 233
ROLL OF REGIMENT, 242
[Illustration: Story of the Regiment.]
THE
STORY OF THE THIRTY EIGHTH.
CHAPTER I.
State of the country in the summer of 1862—Call for six hundred
thousand volunteers—The Thirty Eighth rendezvous at Lynnfield
and West Cambridge—Visit of Cos. A, B, and F, to the City of
Cambridge—Departure of the Regiment from the State—Passage through
Philadelphia—Arrival at Baltimore—Camp Belger.
The Thirty Eighth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers was organized
in the summer of 1862, under the call, issued on the 1st of July, for
three hundred thousand men to serve for three years. For a better
understanding of the circumstances under which it was raised, a brief
glance will be taken at the state of the country, and the feeling
of the great body of the people in regard to the war. From the very
beginning of the struggle, it was felt that Virginia was to be the
scene of the severest conflicts; and, consequently, the movements
of the Army of the Potomac had attracted a large share of public
interest. That army, after a series of desperate battles, and an
almost incredible amount of hardships, baffled in its attempts to
capture the rebel capital, was recruiting its strength at Harrison’s
Landing. The Union arms had been successful at various points in
the West; but the batteries of Vicksburg and of Port Hudson still
kept the Mississippi sealed to the passage of national vessels.
Charleston and Savannah and Mobile boastingly bade defiance to the
combined efforts of army and navy; and the blockade-runners stole
in and out between the ports of the Atlantic seaboard and foreign
parts, supplying the enemy with the materials of war,—some of them
performing their voyages with almost the regularity of packets. The
Confederacy, notwithstanding its severe losses, elated at having
checked a movement from which the North had anticipated so much,
and their whole available resources, both of wealth and population,
wielded by a few bold, determined leaders, looked confidently forward
to the final success of their arms. Foreign powers talked of the
Union as a thing of the past; and even in the North, there were not
wanting those, who, by word and deed, gave countenance to the foes of
the country, and discouraged every loyal effort.
But neither defeat, mismanagement, foreign jealousy, nor domestic
treason, caused the President to swerve from his determination to
restore the supremacy of the government over the whole country.
Availing himself of the power granted him by the Constitution and
by Congress, he had called three hundred thousand volunteers into
the field for three years; and, while each State was using all its
energies in raising its quota, a new call was issued on the 4th
of August for three hundred thousand volunteers for nine months.
In Massachusetts, it seemed at first impossible to raise this
additional force without resorting to a draft. But the towns vied
with each other in filling their quotas. Public meetings were held;
processions, with banners, and bands of music, paraded the streets;
patriotic songs were sung in the churches, and stirring appeals made
from the pulpit; and liberal promises were made to care for friends
left behind.
The young men of Massachusetts responded promptly to the calls
upon their patriotism. Leaving their counting-rooms, workshops,
and studies,—with professions and trades half-learned, and
business prospects broken up,—they went into the ranks, to undergo
the hardships of a soldier’s life, and submit themselves to an
unaccustomed and often irksome discipline.
Before the end of the year, Massachusetts had put twenty-one new
regiments of infantry and several batteries into the field, beside
sending a large number of recruits into all the old organizations.
Among these regiments was the Thirty Eighth. Without claiming undue
merit for the motives or the deeds of the members of this regiment,
or exalting them at the expense of other troops, it may be said
that few of them enlisted without making pecuniary sacrifices to a
greater or less extent; and the local bounty of a hundred dollars did
little more than provide them a comfortable outfit, and purchase the
numerous articles then considered necessary for a soldier’s comfort.
The men composing the Thirty Eighth were gathered from various towns
and counties; and the majority of them were brought together for
the first time upon their arrival at camp. Seven of the companies
rendezvoused at Camp Stanton, Lynnfield, and three (Cambridge
companies) at Camp Day, in North Cambridge. Owing to this division of
the regiment, a little confusion existed at first in regard to the
letters by which the several companies should be designated; but
this matter was amicably settled upon the arrival of the regiment
at Baltimore; and, in speaking of the companies in this sketch, the
letters by which they were finally known will be used entirely.
Co. A was raised in Cambridgeport; Co. B, principally in East
Cambridge; Co. C, in Abington; Co. D, in various towns in Plymouth
County; Co. E, in Lynn; Co. F, in Cambridgeport; Co. G, in various
parts of Plymouth County; Co. H, in New Bedford and Falmouth; Co.
I, in Milton, Dedham, Medway, Wrentham, and other places; and Co. K
represented as many as fifteen cities and towns. In nearly all the
companies there were men who belonged in places not mentioned here,
as will be seen by the roster appended to this sketch. Although the
regiment was thus collected from various localities, harmony always
prevailed. Common dangers, common sufferings, and common triumphs,
drew the members more closely together as the numbers decreased; and,
when the final disbandment came, all separated with the most friendly
feelings.
As soon as the various town quotas were filled, they were sent into
camp, and organized into companies and regiments.
The recruits for the Thirty Eighth were under the command of Major
D. K. Wardwell, who was commissioned lieutenant-colonel before
leaving the State, and who enjoyed a high reputation for courage and
practical military knowledge. Col. Ingraham, holding a commission
at the time as lieutenant-colonel of the Eighteenth Massachusetts,
had been commissioned for the Thirty Ninth; but was afterwards
transferred to the Thirty Eighth. Upon the promotion of Major
Wardwell, Capt. William L. Rodman, of Co. H, was commissioned to
fill the vacancy. During the stay of the regiment at Lynnfield, many
of the men were absent on furloughs, and new recruits were being
constantly added, so that little progress was made in drill.
While the seven companies were thus occupied at Lynnfield, Cos. A,
B, and F were being introduced to military life at Camp Day, in
North Cambridge. The camp at that time was crowded with recruits
for the various regiments and batteries in the field; and as the
accommodations were limited, the men of the Thirty Eighth were
furloughed nearly every night, reporting at sunrise in the morning.
Monday, Aug. 18, by invitation of the citizens of Cambridge,
the volunteers visited that city. During the afternoon, many of
the places of business were closed, flags were hoisted, and a
procession, composed of delegates from the military and fire
departments, the Cambridge and Irving Literary Associations, the
printing-offices, and police, accompanied by the city government and
a numerous concourse of citizens, escorted the volunteers through the
principal streets of East Cambridge and Cambridgeport to the City
Hall, where an address was delivered by the mayor; and from thence to
Williams Hall, where a fine collation was served.
It had been expected that Cos. A, B, and F would join the regiment
at Lynnfield, before leaving the State, and orders were daily looked
for to that effect. But another course was pursued by the military
authorities. The companies at Lynnfield were mustered into the
United States service on the 21st, at that place. On the 22d, Capt.
McLaughlin mustered in the Cambridge companies at Camp Day.
When the army clothing was drawn, many amusing scenes took place.
No. 1 men drew No. 4 clothing, and _vice versa_. If a small man
complained of an undue proportion of cloth in his coat, he was
pleasantly assured by the issuing officer that it would shrink. Did
a stout boy feel a pinching in the arms,—it would soon stretch
According to the style then prevalent, the new volunteers had cut
their hair very short, showing the phrenological developments
distinctly; and when encased in army blue, their own mothers barely
recognized them. Previously to their departure from Camp Day, the
mothers, sisters, and friends of the volunteers visited the camp,
armed with needles, thread, and scissors; and the dropped stitches
were taken up, shaky buttons made firm, pockets inserted, and
blankets bound. Each man was then furnished with a housewife, and all
future repairing turned over to his clumsy fingers, probably with
many misgivings.
The seven companies were furnished with arms and equipments at
Lynnfield; and, during the forenoon of the 26th of August, the
regimental line was formed, Lieut.-Col. Wardwell in command. The
day was a hot one; and, as the men had not yet acquired the art of
packing knapsacks and wearing equipments to the best advantage, many
of them were prostrated by the heat. They were transported in the
cars to Boston, and marched across the city to the Worcester depot,
where a special train was in readiness to take them. Cos. A, B, and
F, not making their appearance at the appointed time, this portion of
the regiment embarked at once, and proceeded on their way.
In the meantime, Camp Day was all alive. The dinner was on the fire,
when the orders to march were received. Hastily packing knapsacks,
the three companies were soon in line. The citizens of Cambridge had
provided horse-cars to convey them to Boston; but, in the first flush
of military spirit, they voted to march. The knapsacks, filled to
overflowing with innumerable articles then considered essential to a
soldier’s well-being, bore heavily on the backs of the new recruits;
and without arms and equipments, and not fully uniformed, the column
had not a very military aspect as it marched down Main Street. Dusty
and tired, the halt in Cambridgeport was a welcome one; and justice
was done to the collation provided by the city.
Bidding the last good-bys, and followed by the good wishes of
relatives and friends, the three companies continued their march.
Upon arriving in Boston, it was found that Lieut.-Col. Wardwell had
already started; but, after a short delay, another train was made
up, and the regiment overtaken at New London. Quarters were provided
on the cabin floors of the steamer, and the blankets spread for the
first time. The fatigue and excitement of the day brought a good
night’s rest, and every one awoke in the morning refreshed; the decks
being soon covered with men, enjoying the scenery of the river, as
the steamer approached New York; while, from the cottages along the
banks, loyal women waved a patriotic God-speed to the volunteers.
Passing by New York, the regiment landed at Jersey City; and there
being a scarcity of transportation, a portion of the regiment did not
get away until afternoon. The companies from Camp Day had received
no rations before leaving; and the crowd of hucksters, with which
the place swarmed, reaped a rich harvest. Mr. J. C. Wellington, of
Cambridge, came on with the regiment, and one company was indebted
to him for a bountiful supply of hot coffee,—the first of a series
of kindnesses conferred upon that company and the regiment, when in
garrison and field, which made his presence always a welcome one.
While waiting at Jersey City, the famous Sixty Ninth New York arrived
at the depot, on their return from their second term of service.
These real soldiers, who had actually been in battle, were looked
upon with much interest by the untried volunteers who were on their
way to the scene of action, and the contrast between the appearance
of the two sets of knapsacks was a suggestive one. Taking the train
vacated by the Sixty Ninth, the rear of the regiment was soon riding
on after the advance. All through New Jersey, people on the roadside
and in the fields cheered, while flags and handkerchiefs were waved
from the houses. The men were in excellent spirits, and enlivened
the journey with songs and mirth. Getting passing glimpses of
Newark, Burlington, Princeton, Trenton, and other historic cities,
now invested with renewed interest, and being liberally supplied
with water whenever the train stopped long enough, the regiment rode
through New Jersey, arriving at Camden about eight in the evening.
Crossing the ferry, they were taken to the Cooper Shop Refreshment
Saloon, where they partook of a bountiful collation, and were then
conducted to a long row of wash-basins provided for the purpose.
After the hot and dusty ride, the ablution was peculiarly refreshing,
and was greatly enjoyed. Again forming in line, the regiment marched
across the city to the Baltimore depot.
Although the passing of troops was now a daily occurrence, the
enthusiasm of the people did not abate. Ladies waved their
handkerchiefs from the windows, and even grasped the hands of
the passing soldiers from the doorsteps, while men crowded the
sidewalks, and heartily cheered. This enthusiastic greeting will
long be remembered by the survivors of that column; for it was far
more cordial and earnest than the welcome given them in the capital
of their own State, when after three years’ toil and battle, with
thinned ranks, but with an unstained record, they again marched
through the streets of Boston. Notwithstanding the great number
of troops that had passed through Philadelphia that summer, the
hospitality of the city never wearied. No regiment was allowed to
pass uncared for; and when returning wounded and sick from the front,
singly or in groups, the same kind feelings were manifested, and the
warm-hearted ladies with their own hands administered the delicacies
their generosity had provided. Other Northern cities cared well for
the passing volunteers; but none equalled Philadelphia, whose efforts
were continued as well in seasons of defeat and gloom as in those of
victory and triumph.
Taking the cars after midnight, the regiment arrived at Baltimore
about ten o’clock, the next day, and marched over nearly the same
route taken by the Massachusetts Sixth, on the 19th of April, 1861.
No noisy mob appeared to dispute the passage up Pratt Street; but the
sullen, averted looks of the majority of the people on the sidewalks
betokened no love for the Union. A substantial dinner was furnished
the regiment at the Union Relief Rooms (for Baltimore had Unionists,
whose devotion to the country was as intense as was their hatred
to Secession); and it was then learned, that, instead of going to
Washington, and thence on to Virginia, the regiment was to occupy a
camp in the vicinity of Baltimore, about to be vacated by the Thirty
Seventh New York, whose term of service had expired. A march of a few
miles led to the camping-ground,—a pretty place, in a grove of trees,
formerly known as Druid Hill Park, then called Camp Belger. There
were good facilities for bathing near the camp; while the shade-trees
furnished cool retreats when off drill. On the 30th, the guns and
equipments for Cos. A, B, and F were received and distributed; and
the day was spent in fitting them.
On the 3d of September, Col. Ingraham arrived to take command of
the regiment. The greater portion of the time was now occupied
in drilling. Col. Ingraham and Lieut.-Col. Wardwell were both
thoroughly versed in military tactics; and the company-officers
seconded their efforts in endeavoring to bring the regiment up to a
high standard, in the manual of arms and in marching. Adjutant Loring
kept a sharp look-out for the whereabouts of every button, and the
polish of every shoe, on parade; and the surgeons enforced a strict
attention to the rules of health and cleanliness in the quarters,
and about the camp-ground. Thus the regiment was fairly started on
its military career. What this training resulted in may perhaps be
gathered from the following pages.
On the 5th of September, Co. K was detailed to guard Stuart’s
hospital; and, as it marched out of the camp, its appearance showed
the improvement that had already taken place in military bearing.
Sept. 7, Mr. Stacy Read, arrived in the camp with parcels for the
Cambridge companies, showing that the folks at home had not yet
forgotten the absent ones; and as Mr. Read had manifested great
interest in Co. F, that company, by unanimous vote, adopted the name
of “Read Guard.”