Joseph W. Grant

“ The village of Falmouth is an old, dilapidated looking place, containing, perhaps, one thousand inhabitants. It is situated at the head of tide water, on the Rappahannock, three-fourths of a mile above Fredericksburg, and is connected with the opposite side of the river by a bridge, which crosses directly opposite the centre of the village; half of the bridge, on the Falmouth side, remains uninjured, the rest of the way nothing but the piers remain standing. The length of this bridge was about forty rods, and crossed the river at a height of perhaps thirty feet. ”

“ After breakfast we marched back, formed in line in front of the depot; rested there until ten o'clock, then marched through the principal streets of the city; visited Washington Monument, a beautiful structure of white marble, surmounted by a statue of the Great Chieftain. Halted to rest around the base; then marched back, visiting the monument erected to the memory of those who fell at Fort McHenry in 1812, and formed in line where we started from, to wait and take the cars for Washington. Baltimore is indeed a fine place—no wonder the rebels envy us the possession of it. ”

“ Tired and worn out with our long and weary march, and before we had time even to form our camp, or obtain any thing to eat, beside "marching rations," (hard crackers and salt pork,) upon which we had subsisted for the two weeks previous, and in all our inexperience as to how we should render our compliments to the foe, we were invited across the Rappahannock, and introduced to the enemy. Upon the first start, on going into action, we ascended a hill where scaling ladders would have been an advantage to us. ”

“ It was a very warm day, and as the roads were dry and dusty it made our march unusually severe, and instead of the oak grove, but four miles distant, with all its beautiful surroundings, we made a march of twelve miles, and found ourselves at last located in a thicket of briers, one and a half miles north of the village of Crab Orchard, a spot devoid of every thing green, if we except blackberry bushes and pennyroyal, and abounding in all manner of creeping things. ”

“ Each grave has a neat wooden slab, with the name of the deceased, the regiment and company to which he belonged painted upon it. Continuing along one-half a mile farther, we filed to the right up a steep hill, and at two, P. M., formed our camp again, and pitched our tents upon the top of it, on a level space directly between two large houses, the owners of which are now in the rebel army, having left this beautiful situation to be occupied by our troops, and their houses to be used as hospitals, for the comfort of our sick and wounded soldiers. ”

“ Our repulse at Fredericksburg somewhat discouraged the soldiers, but as time passed by they gained courage again. Immediately after the battle, newspapers in opposition to the administration appeared in camp and were sold in large quantities. These scurrilous sheets were eagerly sought after and read by the soldiers of our regiment, who fed upon them like crows upon carrion, not considering the object of this abuse of the administration,—namely, political chicanery. Some of the men who had enlisted for nine months, no doubt hoped to escape without getting into a fight ”

“ The scenery is most beautiful all the way through Pennsylvania on this line. In consequence of the unevenness of the surface through this part of the country, the railroad cuts are very frequent and extensive, some of them extending for a mile or more, and so deep that we could hardly see the top of the bank from the car window. The road, also, of necessity crosses ravines, some of them one hundred and fifty feet in depth. We arrived at Phillipsburg at five o'clock, P. M.; halted the trains, filled canteens, and relieved four or five apple trees of two or three bushels of fruit. ”

“ January 14th, we drew rations of salt beef; this was the first we had seen since we left "Camp Casey."
January 15th, we drew rations of dried apples, but hard crackers, salt pork and coffee, [Pg 70] are the staple articles. These we had at all times, as much as we wished; when on the march it is all we have. Beans and rice we usually had at all times, as they are more easily transported. Beef, potatoes, onions, &c., we began to class among the luxuries of a soldier's life, it being impossible to supply us with these, at all times, during an active campaign. ”

“ Just inside our pickets, and under cover of a slight eminence, we laid ourselves down. A detail of men was made from the regiment, for picks and shovels, and upon the arrival of these, the whole front rank were called upon, and proceeding to the top of the eminence, commenced throwing up an entrenchment. This, we afterwards learned, was to deceive the enemy, making them think we intended holding the position. About twelve o'clock the front ranks were called in, and forming in line, we quickly and as noiselessly as possible hurried into the city again. ”

“ This class of warriors, with a knowledge of military tactics that would hardly enable them when in four ranks to file right and left without blundering, in their criticism showed little judgment and much injustice, towards a brave and loyal regiment.
We retained our position until nightfall, when, having spent our ammunition, we were drawn off the field. It was nearly dark when we were ordered to fall into line, with strict orders to keep as quiet as possible, so as not to attract the attention of the enemy. ”

“ The cavalry accompanying us commenced crossing early in the morning, and at ten, the Twelfth were ordered to fall in. After a march of a mile, we came upon the edge of the river, at the place of crossing, in time to see the last of the cavalry pass over. The river at this place was, perhaps, fifty rods in width, and the convenience for crossing were two scows, in each of which forty men could be taken over at once, and [Pg 118] so shaped that our teams could drive on or off at either end. The river was not deep at this place, and the mode of propelling was by pushing with poles. ”

“ Soon after our arrival the sun came out, the clouds passed away, and we had a pleasant afternoon. This gave us a chance to roll and tumble upon the grass, dry ourselves, and put up tents at our leisure. Our camp was situated on the road which runs from Richmond to Lancaster, and was about midway between the two places. It was evident our stay here would be short, as the usual care in laying out camps was not observed here, our tents being pitched in all conceivable ways. Our general formed his head-quarters some twenty rods east of our camp, close by a church. ”

“ When we left, a few hours before, the streets were full of soldiers, regiment after regiment, and battery [Pg 57] after battery; now hardly a man was to be seen as we passed through the streets. The hurried tramp of men and horses in the direction of the pontoon bridges told us our destination. We hurried along, and at one o'clock the morning of the 16th recrossed the bridge, passed up the hill, and proceeded to our camp, where we left our luggage the morning of the 12th. ”

“ I arrived in time to attend the funeral of one of our boys who died in the hospital the day before. This was the first death that had occurred in our regiment since we arrived in Washington, and the third since the regiment was organized; the other two being killed, first, the drummer of Company D, from Newport, in a fray at Camp Stevens, the second of Company C, on the cars, between Harrisburg and Baltimore. There were but few of our regiment now in the hospital, and none of them dangerously sick. ”

“ The city of Alexandria is one and a half miles to the east of us, and partly in view. The great highway from Alexandria to "Fairfax Court House," and Manassas, passed our camp, running east and west, not more than fifty rods south of us, at right angles with the road passing from the north, and connecting with it. This road was lined with ambulances, baggage wagons, &c., going to and from Alexandria, Fairfax Court House and Manassas, in [Pg 20] the vicinity of which a portion of our army were at that time encamped. ”

“ The spot chosen was in a shallow valley, opening to the south, among the stumps of trees, which had been lately cut by the different regiments encamped in the immediate vicinity. We pitched our shelter tents at first, but knowing the necessity of more adequate protection in case of a storm, as soon as we recovered a little from the fatigues of the past fortnight, we commenced to improve our situation as best we could. Quite a number of the regiment had lost their tents in the fight. The quartermaster managed, some ten days after, to get a few, and distributed them. ”

“ The camp of the Twelfth Rhode Island was one-fourth of a mile from the landing, to the north-west. The village of Newport News is enclosed upon the north and west by a palisade and ditch, intended to repel an attack from the rear. In this enclosure were the barracks for the men and the usual space allowed for [Pg 82] drill and parade. Outside of this enclosure, upon the east, other barracks have been built. Nearly all the buildings are built of logs; some of them, built for traders and quartermasters' use, are of rough boards, evidently not intended for any thing permanent. ”

“ It is cured differently from that at home, there being much saltpetre used in curing it; requiring a great deal of pains, on the part of the cooks, in order to make it palatable. We had fresh beef twice a week; this was made into soups. Our company finally procured a large sheet iron pan, six feet long and two feet in width, to be used as a frying-pan, and after that we had fried beef once or twice a week. We had tea or coffee twice a day, (with our breakfast and supper,) with plenty of sugar to accompany it. We had rice, and sugar-house syrup, bean soup, &c. ”

“ The soil to all appearance is excellent, and easily cultivated. The surface of the ground undulates in hill and dale, just enough to give relief and beauty to the scenery. No stones upon the surface to add to the labor of its cultivation. There are no underbrush growing in the woods here. This adds greatly to the beauty of this country, every forest having the appearance of the most beautiful groves, underneath which grass grows in abundance. This gives Kentucky the advantage over any State thus far, that I have seen ”

“ The distance from this place to the position we were to gain, was perhaps forty rods. And this under a scorching fire of musketry and artillery, at short range. We hurried ahead as fast as possible, knowing this [Pg 50] to be no place to make long stops. Our regiment at this time was partially broken up, every man knowing the danger, exerted himself to escape it; and by a "double quick," which at this time had become a run, we were fast gaining the position already occupied by the rest of our brigade, which was partly sheltered from the fire of the enemy. ”

“ Many of these men were those who, at home, were ready to make every sacrifice, denouncing the rebels in no unmeasured terms, shouldering the musket with an alacrity worthy of the cause to which they pledged their "lives and sacred honor;" who, after a little experimenting in shot, shell, and gunpowder, were ready to make any sacrifice, or compromise with the enemy, that would relieve them, fully illustrating the old saying that "distance lends enchantment to the view;" ”

“ I could not help thinking, that from time immemorial the differences of men upon approaching a certain point, when "forbearance ceases to be a virtue," have always culminated in this summary way of cutting, slashing, and braining one another. ”

“ Some of the teams, consisting of a government wagon and four mules each, were in readiness, and crossed at the same time with our regiment. This was accomplished by ending the scow on shore, and driving the team on and into the forward part of the boat. The remaining space was filled with soldiers. The scow was pushed across, and, landing end on, the team was driven off. The manner of driving a mule team is this: The driver sits upon the near wheel mule, uses one rein, and by dint of some little hallooing,—understood only by those versed in muleology,—manages his team. ”

“ The woman of the house was apparently about seventy-five years of age, and was very intelligent and sociable. Her husband owns a large farm, and some fourteen or fifteen negroes. They raise hemp, keep sheep, spin and weave, as our folks did at home fifty years ago. They have suffered from the raids of the enemy, principally in the loss of [Pg 113] horses, not having enough left to cultivate their farms. This is indeed a serious loss to them.
After the lapse of half an hour, our breakfast was brought to us. ”

“ At quarter before nine the Fifth Connecticut came in ahead, the Thirteenth New Hampshire formed in the rear, and we started on. After proceeding two miles, the order was countermanded, and we hurried back just in time to escape a drenching rain, which poured in torrents immediately after our arrival in camp. The government having furnished us with stoves, and plenty of wood, we kept our tents, and contrived to make ourselves comfortable. ”

“ Others were content with any thing, hardly making any effort at all, seeming to have no anxiety or fear of storms, that might be expected at any time, and if coming upon us at this time, would have caused an infinite amount of suffering among this particular class, who, I am thinking, almost deserved to feel the gripes, to repay them the want of a little anxiety and forethought, in a matter evidently so necessary for the protection of their very valuable lives. ”

“ Packed knapsacks, and at eleven, A. M., bade farewell to "Camp Chase," filed out into the road, and turning to the right, passed on up a hill, and continued on in the direction of Fairfax. Passed the Seminary buildings at twelve, M. These buildings, so often spoken of in connection with this rebellion, are built of brick, with some pretension to beauty in their architecture; connected with the main building is a fine looking tower, from the summit of which the country can be seen for many miles around. ”

“ Our scouts reported the enemy as attempting to cross the Cumberland, and our whole force was employed to hold them in check. Our brave colonel went to the village and ground up his sabre, preparatory to cutting and slashing. A large force was sent out three miles on the road towards Columbia, where a rude fort was constructed and garrisoned, under the supervision of our colonel. Bodies of men were sent in other directions to fell trees, and otherwise obstruct the roads; and all things were made ready to give the enemy a warm reception. ”

“ March 18th a cold, disagreeable storm commenced, lasting till the 21st; it commenced with a drizzling rain, which finally, however, turned into a stiff snow storm, and on the morning of the 21st it cleared off, the snow lying on the ground six inches deep. All were now looking forward to the time when we should pull up and leave for other parts.
March 23d, the snow had disappeared, much to our satisfaction. This day was spent in issuing clothing to the regiment. They were now fully prepared for the journey before them. ”

“ Upon entering Phillipsburg we came upon a most beautiful country, abounding in hills and valleys, covered with forest trees, with here and there an excellent farm. The hills are high and smooth—no rocks to be seen upon the surface—thereby affording some of the finest situations for farming I ever saw. ”

“ Upon our marching from Lancaster, one of my acquaintances, whom I thought from his intercourse with the officers might know our destination, informed me that we were to march but three or four miles, and were to encamp in an oak grove. The spot had been selected the day before by our general, and was indeed a beautiful place, abounding in excellent springs of water, and in the immediate vicinity of a river, an admirable place for bathing, &c. ”

“ Colonel Griffin, of the Sixth New Hampshire, succeeded General Naglee in the command of the brigade at this time.
May 21st, the enemy were accumulating on the Cumberland, and occupied the south bank of the river, where their movements were closely watched by our forces. Some few days before, they had contrived to throw a force across. This brought on a fight, in which they were repulsed and driven back. We were under marching orders at the time, and held ourselves in readiness to march at short notice in the event it should have been found necessary to have sent reinforcements. ”

“ As we became established in camp, we began to live again. At first we had hard crackers. This is the staple article. Then pork, coffee, sugar and beans. After being here two weeks, we drew rations of fresh beef, drawing it regularly since, once a week. ”

“ Finding the wagon containing mine was to accompany our regiment, I concluded to let it remain there. As soon as the wagon started, I seized hold of it, and by that means contrived to keep up, the team some of the way going upon the trot. We finally reached camp. I was about five minutes getting my knapsack off the wagon, my blankets out of it, and in turning in. My chum turned in for the night under a fence, about quarter of a mile in the rear, being pretty much "played out."
Kentucky is the finest country I have seen yet. It had the same appearance all the way from Lexington to Winchester. ”