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.
Thursday morning, Dec. 8, everything was astir in Hampton Roads.
Important little tug-boats sputtered and whistled; quartermasters’
boats brought off their last supplies of fresh bread and meat; and
tardy officers joined their regiments. About nine o’clock, A. M.,
the Atlantic weighed anchor, and led the way to sea, followed,
at intervals, by the Ericcsson, the Spaulding, the Arago, the
Pocahontas, and others of the fleet. Slowly steaming between Fortress
Monroe and the Rips Raps, their decks covered with troops, and their
flags blowing out clear in the fresh breeze, the ships presented
a fine sight. About four o’clock, the Baltic weighed anchor, and
followed the fleet, the gun-boat Augusta bringing up the rear, as
convoy. Of course, the destination was the great theme, and rumors
flew thick and fast, but nothing definite was learned.
The weather was very beautiful; and the men thronged the deck,
reading, writing, and watching the movements of the strange fishes
and birds which occasionally made their appearance. There was
comparatively little sea-sickness, and the general health of the
regiment was good. The cooking facilities were poor. The galley, in
which coffee was boiled, and salt-beef cooked for a thousand men,
was of the smallest proportions; and those who went through that
voyage have a vivid remembrance of “big Charlie” bending over the
meat-boiler. Notwithstanding the inconveniences, there was little
grumbling; and the division commander expressed himself well pleased
at the orderly conduct of the men. Charleston, Pensacola, and Mobile
were passed, and still the ship kept on her course. At length, the
appearance of a large fleet, hovering around a low island, told that
the destination was reached. The place of rendezvous proved to be
Ship Island, much to the disgust of the regiment, who had conceived a
strong dislike against this place. In truth, it looked as if a large
wave might wash the whole concern, with its military storehouses and
fort, into the Gulf of Mexico. Here it was learned that New Orleans
was the destination; and, as the Baltic drew too much water to cross
the bar off the mouth of the Mississippi, the Thirty Eighth had to
land on the island, and await the return of some of the lighter draft
transports. Part of the regiment disembarked on the evening of the
13th, and the remainder followed the next day; glad enough to be
once more on terra firma, if this sand-bank could be so denominated.
Although near midwinter, the temperature was mild; and the beach was
soon covered with bathers, enjoying the luxury of a good plunge in
the water after such a long sea-service. There was no chance to be
dirty while here. Tin dippers and plates shone with a lustre that
would have excited the admiration of a Knickerbocker housewife;
and the muskets were bright and polished. The sand was everywhere,
and must have assisted the stomach wonderfully in digesting the
antediluvian hard-tack occasionally issued.
There was a good deal of fatigue work to do here, unloading stores,
and transporting ammunition; and even the drilling through the
sand was unusually fatiguing. At this time, there was a number
of political prisoners on the island, rendering service to the
government, and strengthening their own muscles, by pounding
stones. Some of them had been prominent citizens in New Orleans,
and had been banished to this place, by order of Gen. Butler, for
acts of disloyalty to the Union. The soldiers of the Thirty Eighth
looked upon these persons as “the right men in the right place,” and
cordially endorsed the policy of “Old Ben.”
A number of the larger transports had been unable to cross the
bar; and the island was dotted with canvas villages. Drilling was
resumed by the various regiments, and prosecuted vigorously, although
the marching in the sand was fatiguing. Christmas was now near at
hand. On the evening of the 23d, after brigade drill, the colonel
addressed the regiment briefly, stating that they would probably
spend Christmas there, and that he wished them to enjoy the day as
well as they could under the circumstances. The camp was to be given
up to the regiment from ten o’clock, A. M., till “tattoo;” they
were to elect their own field, staff, and line officers; make their
own camp-regulations, and hold the regimental officers to a strict
observance of them, punishing any violation of them with confinement
in the guard-house. The men entered into the proposal with spirit.
Committees were appointed from the different companies, line officers
elected; and the camp scoured for materials with which to get up a
mock parade. Santa Claus did not make his appearance. The jolly old
saint, in his fur cap, would have been sadly out of place in that
sunny clime. One poor fellow, in a fit of absent-mindedness, hung up
his stocking in his tent, but indignantly rejected the idea that the
army pastry found therein was from the old friend of his boyhood.
He thought the other “Nick” had more dealings with the commissary
department. The day opened with a good breakfast of baked beans.
After breakfast, the regiment was drawn up around the colonel’s tent,
when the Christmas service of the Episcopal Church was read by Col.
Ingraham, the band and a volunteer choir assisting in making the
service interesting. The camp was then “turned over” to the regiment,
the colonel holding the power in reserve to check the proceedings if
they became disorderly. The regular guard being relieved, a new guard
and police detail was at once made out, selected from the ranks of
the commissioned and non-commissioned officers. In the forenoon, a
burlesque dress-parade took place, which furnished much amusement to
all concerned; and, considering the limited materials on the island,
was quite successful. The series of orders read by the adjutant’s
clerk were _slightly_ personal, and good-humoredly embodied the
complaints of the men against certain obnoxious changes in the drill,
and regarding other regimental matters. During the day, the officers
were nearly all under arrest for some violation of the “orders of
the day.” One Timothy Ingraham was taken to the guard-house for
attempting to leave camp without a pass. Giving a satisfactory
excuse, he was released. Other officers were not as fortunate; and
some of them worked out the penalty of their offences with the
shovel. The Christmas dinner consisted of a bountiful supply of
salt-beef and hard-tack, washed down with cold water. The afternoon
was spent in rambling over the island, each one enjoying himself in
his own way. About five o’clock, a dress-parade took place, conducted
exclusively by enlisted men, each company doing its best to make
the parade creditable. The officers loaned their uniforms for the
occasion to those selected to command the regiment and companies; and
they acknowledged that the reputation for drill which the regiment
enjoyed at this time did not suffer during the temporary transfer
of authority. During the evening, some amusing courts-martial took
place; but, as it is not the purpose of the writer of this sketch to
“tell tales out of school,” the mere mention of it will be sufficient
to bring the scene before the minds of those who participated in the
events of the day. “Tattoo” dissolved the spell. The companies fell
in for roll-call, the guard went on again, and shortly after nine
o’clock, the lights were all out, and perfect quiet reigned in the
camp. Nothing occurred during the entire day to mar the peacefulness
of the festival. There had been no quarrelling, no drunkenness, and
no infraction of military rule.
On the evening of the 28th, the long-looked for transports made their
appearance. There was an immediate inspection of knapsacks; but
personal property had dwindled down to a small compass, and there
were few articles to be left behind. The cooks were busy all night
preparing rations; and orders were given to be ready to start at
ten in the morning. At noon, the tents were struck; but there being
a large amount of commissary stores to put on board, the regiment
did not embark till midnight; those not on duty grouped around the
camp-fires, “laying up sleep” for the future. As the regiment
marched to the wharf, the band played “Yankee Doodle,” bringing many
of Gen. Butler’s protegés to the doors and windows of their quarters.
Embarking on the transport Northern Light,—a large California
packet-steamer, much better adapted to convey troops comfortably
than the majority of government vessels,—the men gladly sought their
canvas-bottom bunks; and about sunrise, on the morning of the 30th,
the steamship weighed anchor, and steered for New Orleans. Although
the residence on the island had not been an unpleasant one, none were
sorry to see its outlines fade in the distance, or wished to revisit
it. On the morning of the 31st, the ship crossed the bar, and entered
the Mississippi; few on board then anticipating the long months
that were to pass before their eyes would be gladdened by the sight
of the blue water again. The sail up the Mississippi on this last
day of the year was an interesting one to Northern eyes. The large
plantations of corn and cane, dotted over with negroes, looking like
so many charred stumps on a partially cleared field; the orange-trees
laden with fruit; the mansions of the wealthy planters, half hidden
by fresh-looking shrubbery; the rows of neat, white-washed negro
cabins; the tall chimneys of the sugar-mills in the rear; with the
back-ground of forest-trees, gray with the Spanish moss,—formed a
picture in striking contrast to the winter-scenery the northern-bred
volunteers had been accustomed to.
Two sunken gun-boats near Forts Philip and Jackson reminded the
Thirty Eighth that they were in the same department with “old
Farragut,” and that, in any co-operation between the land and sea
forces, the army would have to look to its laurels. On the way
up the river, another transport was passed, containing the Forty
Seventh Massachusetts; and the two regiments exchanged friendly
greetings. Being the last day of the month, the regular inspection
and muster took place on the deck of the steamer; and, to show the
good health of the regiment on entering the Department of the Gulf,
it may be stated that one company, which left Boston over four months
previously with ninety-five enlisted men, mustered ninety-one for
inspection,—four having been left behind, sick, at Fortress Monroe.
A little after dark, the long line of lights was seen glimmering on
the river-edge, marking the outlines of New Orleans. The steamer cast
anchor in the stream near the upper part of the city; and the deck
was soon deserted by all except the guard, who paced their beats,
“watching” the old year out, and the new year in.
At noon, the ship steamed up the river to Carrollton, one of the
suburban towns of New Orleans, where the regiment landed. It was
the first day of January; but the orange-trees were in bloom, the
roses perfumed the air, and the vegetables were growing vigorously.
This was the “Sunny South” indeed. The new camp had at one time been
occupied by rebel troops, and was well adapted for drilling. On one
side of the Thirty Eighth, the One Hundred and Sixteenth New York
were encamped, and, on the other side, the One Hundred and Seventy
Fifth; beyond which, were the Forty Seventh Massachusetts. Between
the Thirty Eighth and the One Hundred and Sixteenth, a friendship
sprung up, which lasted during the entire term of service; and
although the One Hundred and Sixteenth were soon transferred to
another brigade, and afterward to another division, whenever the two
regiments met on a campaign, friendly greetings were exchanged; and
this, notwithstanding the fact that they were rivals, each aspiring
to take the lead in drill and efficiency.
While at Carrollton, Col. Ingraham took command of a brigade, and
never rejoined the regiment. He participated in the first part of
the Tèche campaign; but, being unable to endure field service in the
climate of Louisiana, was appointed Provost Marshal at Washington,
in which position he gave such satisfaction that he was retained
in service by special order after the regiment was mustered out,
and brevetted as brigadier-general. A few days after arriving at
Carrollton, the regiment experienced its first Louisiana rain-storm.
The camp-ground was soon intersected by miniature bayous; and, as the
drains were not in good order, some of the streets were completely
flooded; while the tents, being old, afforded but little shelter from
the storm. The company streets, after one of these winter-rains, were
like so many mortar-beds. Much has been written about the Virginia
mud, in connection with the Army of the Potomac; but, if it equalled
that of Louisiana, the face of the country in that part of Virginia
must have been greatly changed by the movements of the armies;
and the mixing of soil will afford matter for study for future
agriculturists. As soon as the regiment was fairly settled in camp,
drills were resumed with vigor. During the stay on Ship Island, the
manual of arms had been changed: the old system was now restored,
much to the satisfaction of the men. On the 6th of the month, Gen.
Banks, accompanied by Gens. T. W. Sherman and Emory, visited the
camp. The regiment was engaged in battalion drill, at the time; and,
as the visitors approached, were drawn up into line to receive them.
Then, the Thirty Eighth, as far as regarded appearance, were in their
prime. Disease had not yet thinned the ranks; four months’ drill,
under competent field and line officers, had brought them to a high
standard in the manual of arms and in battalion movements; Adjutant
Loring had paid particular attention to the personal neatness of the
men; and the men were not yet discouraged by those gloomy accounts
which afterward came from the North, showing a want of faith in the
ability of the army to put down the rebellion, and an unwillingness
to strengthen it by reinforcements of good men. As spring drew near,
the camp was full of rumors in regard to the coming campaign; and
three days’ rations were kept cooked most of the time.
At midnight, on the 11th, sudden orders came to “fall in” for sixty
rounds of cartridges each; to pack knapsacks, and put two days’
rations in the haversacks. It was rumored that the rebels operating
up the river had been largely reinforced by troops from Richmond,
under Longstreet, and that the Thirty Eighth were to join the main
body of the Army of the Gulf. The knapsacks were to be packed, and
left behind, and the camp left standing, the troops going into the
field in light marching order. After waiting until the middle of
the forenoon, the orders were countermanded, the extra cartridges
returned, and drill resumed.
On the 24th of January, the Thirty First Massachusetts, Col. Gooding,
who had been doing duty at the forts, arrived, and went into camp
near the Thirty Eighth, Col. Gooding taking command of the brigade.
At this time, brick ovens were built in the camp, and the regiment
had their baked beans regularly Sunday mornings.
During the first week in February, the division drilled together
at Camp Parapet, near Carrollton. On the 3d, the One Hundred and
Sixteenth struck tents, and marched off in the direction of Baton
Rouge; and, in a few days, their camp was occupied by the Fifty Third
Massachusetts,—a nine-months’ regiment, who were in the third brigade
until their term of service expired.
On the morning of the 10th of February, the knapsacks were again
packed preparatory to a move; but the tents were left standing, and
the camp put in charge of the light-duty men, of which there were
then a large number.
When the regiment first arrived at Carrollton, the general health was
unusually good; but the change in the water, the dampness of the low
land, and the frequent guard-duty had made their mark, and thinned
the ranks.
It was nearly dark before the regiment embarked on the first of the
numerous river-boats with which they afterward became so familiar. A
thick fog came up during the night; and, in the morning, the boat was
found to be snugly moored to the river-bank, near a large plantation,
the mansion-house being then occupied as a signal-station; but the
fog cleared up during the forenoon, and the boat proceeded on her
voyage. The sail was a pleasant one, and was greatly enjoyed; and, as
the river had risen since the arrival of the regiment at New Orleans,
it presented a nobler appearance than at that time. Plantation after
plantation stretched along the banks, on both sides of the river; but
few of them showed any signs of activity. The residences of many of
the planters indicated taste and refinement; and, in some instances,
the negro cabins had a very attractive and picturesque appearance.
These plantations may have belonged to men of the St. Clare school;
but no Evas were seen sporting among the roses, or Uncle Toms
“keeping an eye on things.” During the afternoon, Jefferson College
was passed, and, still later, a large convent, prettily situated near
the river, with grounds tastefully laid out. About midnight, the boat
arrived at Plaquemine, an old-fashioned, dilapidated looking town,
but which is said to have been a thriving place before the rebellion,
when the Mississippi was covered with steamers, and the products of
the cotton and cane-fields were filling the coffers of the plantation
princes. The few citizens who remained had evidently not lost their
hope of the ultimate success of the South; for Confederate paper was
worth half as much as greenbacks.
Sunday afternoon, Feb. 15, the Louisiana Belle arrived at Plaquemine,
having on board Gen. Emory and staff; and she was soon followed by
another boat, with the One Hundred and Fifty Sixth New York, and
Col. Ingraham and staff. A gun-boat started with them, but broke
down on the way, and put back for repairs. A portion of the Thirty
Eighth being on the upper deck of the transport, and exposed to the
weather, quarters were procured for Cos. C and F in unoccupied houses
on shore. It was after dark when they landed, and raining hard. The
mud was knee-deep in the streets, and the night pitchy dark. After
floundering along for half an hour or more, it turned out that the
guide had lost his way, and the two companies had to countermarch,
and retrace their steps part of the way. In after times, many a
laugh was had over the misfortunes of that night; but, at the time,
Mr. Webster and Mr. Worcester would have been astonished at the
capabilities of the English language in furnishing expletives.
Finally, the house that had been selected for quarters was found;
and all except the unlucky guards were soon oblivious of the mishaps
of military life. Afterward, several of the remaining companies were
transferred to quarters in the town.
The regiment drilled, as usual, at Plaquemine; and the men often
wondered when that lazy soldier-life they had heard so much about was
going to begin; for, hitherto, with drill, guard-duty, fatigue, and
rifle-cleaning, they barely had time to answer their letters from
home.
In the meantime, the gun-boat had arrived; and a number of men
acquainted with boat-service had been detailed from the regiment,
and sent up the Bayou Plaquemine in launches, on a reconnoitring
expedition. While awaiting the return of the boats, the sugar-houses
in the vicinity were visited, and candy-making became the order of
the evenings. In the succeeding months, the molasses-candy expedition
was often recalled, and its incidents talked of over the camp and
picket fires.
The reconnoitring party returned with the information that the
bayou was completely obstructed by piles and immense drifts of
logs, and that it would be impossible to force a passage through.
In consequence of this report, the troops again embarked, and the
transport headed down the river, reaching the landing at Carrollton
at six o’clock on the evening of the 19th. In the morning, the
march was taken up for Camp Kearney, where everything was found in
order, although the camp bore evidence of having been pretty well
flooded by the rains of the previous week. A mail had arrived during
the absence of the regiment, and it had been sent up the river, to
the disappointment of every one. Numerous absurd rumors concerning
disaster to the regiment had been brought down the river, and one had
found its way into the New Orleans papers, to the effect that nine
companies of the Thirty Eighth had been captured. Acting upon this
information, the sutler had packed up his wares, and gone to another
regiment, concluding that his chances of money-making in the Thirty
Eighth were at an end.
Immediately upon arriving in camp again, the tents were struck, and
the floors taken up, that the sun might dry up the dampness. On
Sunday, Feb. 22, divine service was performed in the camp by Col.
Ingraham, the band, and a select choir from the ranks, assisting; and
the day was further honored by the firing of a national salute from
Camp Parapet.
On the 26th, by the advice of the surgeon, the regiment were to have
“a rest, not more than three hundred men having come out the day
before for battalion drill;” but in the afternoon, however, an order
came from brigade head-quarters for the regiment to have skirmish
drill. Capt. Rundlet, being in command at the time, deployed the left
wing as skirmishers, drilling them especially in the movement of
“lying down;” the right wing, in the meantime, remaining in reserve.
This order did not increase the popularity of the brigade commander.
On the last day of the month, the regiment was again mustered for
pay. On that day, also, a number of boxes reached camp, which had
been sent to the regiment when at Fortress Monroe. They had been
intended for Thanksgiving, but did not reach their destination until
the fleet had sailed; and three months’ confinement had reduced the
turkeys and chickens to skeletons, and the puddings and pies had not
increased in flavor.
During the month, the regiment lost several valuable members from
disease. On the 3d, Orderly Sergt. Samuel J. Gore, of Co. E, died
of typhoid fever, and was buried under arms; and on the 4th, Sergt.
Charles A. Howard, of Co. A, died of the same disease. Sergt. Howard
received a commission as lieutenant in another regiment a day or two
before he died. On the 3d of March, the Sergeant-major, Walter W.
Nourse, added another to the list from this fatal disease. Sergt.
Nourse came out as 1st Sergt. of Co. F, and was the pet of that
company, as well as a favorite with the whole regiment. Resolutions
expressive of their sympathy were forwarded by Co. F to his bereaved
friends; and they also testified their respect for their comrade,
by having his body embalmed, and sent home, where imposing funeral
obsequies took place upon its arrival, and touching tributes to his
memory were published in the newspapers.
During the first week in March, a regimental well was dug; and
marching orders were at once expected, for, hitherto, these events
had followed each other in close order; and the rule was not now
to be broken. On the 4th, the cooks had orders to cook rations.
The next day, drill was dispensed with, and orders were issued to
pack knapsacks, and be ready to move at a moment’s notice. Somewhat
experienced in marching orders, the men made themselves quite easy
over it, not expecting to get away for several days. Consequently,
they were taken completely by surprise to hear the “assembly” just
after dark, followed immediately by the “orderly’s call” and the
“officers’ call;” and there was quite a hubbub in the camp. At first,
there was supposed to be trouble in New Orleans; and the men were
elated at the prospect of having something to do. That morning, one
company had brought out but twenty-eight men for drill,—thirty-five
reporting sick, and a number being detailed,—but, in a few minutes
after the assembly was heard, sixty men were in line, equipped for
active service; and the same spirit was shown in all the other
companies. It was soon learned that the duty to be performed was
near home, and was not relished so well. There had been some trouble
in the One Hundred and Seventy Fifth New York; the men refusing to go
on the campaign until they were paid, they not having received any
money since their enlistment. Their camp was surrounded by the other
regiments of the brigade with loaded muskets and fixed bayonets; but,
after a short address from the brigade commander, the men of the One
Hundred and Seventy Fifth returned to duty, and the Thirty Eighth and
the other regiments were released from their unpleasant task.
The next morning opened with a drizzling rain. At noon, orders were
given to strike the tents on one side of the company streets, and
put the knapsacks in those of the other side; and this was barely
done, when the rain began to pour in torrents, and continued to
do so for the remainder of the day. Three days’ rations were put
in the haversacks, and all the regimental baggage packed. The One
Hundred and Seventy Fifth had started in the morning; and the Fifty
Third broke camp in the midst of the rain, and marched to the levee;
but the Thirty Eighth lingered until evening, when orders came to
strike all the remaining tents, and take the baggage to the cars,
which passed near the camp. The mud grew deeper and deeper, as the
men wallowed through it; and, as the night was very dark, it was a
difficult task to keep in the track. A large detail had been sent
to store the baggage on board of the transports, and there were so
many on the sick-list that it took the remainder nearly all night
to load the cars. The few hours before morning were spent around
the camp-fires; and, at sunrise, the regiment marched to the levee,
stacked arms on the sidewalk opposite, and proceeded to put the
remainder of the baggage, quartermaster’s stores, &c., on board of
the St. Mary’s. It was a very carnival of mud; and soon every one
was coated with it. About noon, the regiment embarked; and tired,
sleepy, muddy, and packed like sardines, the men coiled themselves up
in all shapes, and slept soundly in the hot sun. The boat arrived at
Baton Rouge the next morning, and found the river full of gun-boats,
mortar-boats, and transports; and signs that the campaign was about
to open were everywhere apparent. Landing on the levee, the Thirty
Eighth marched through the streets of the old capital of Louisiana
to the Theatre Building, where they were quartered. Although the
climate and the unwholesome water had begun to do its work, the
regiment was still comparatively strong, some companies taking near
seventy men into the field; and the long rows of stacked muskets on
the floor of the Theatre had a martial look, and spoke of work in the
future.