Diary of Colonel William F. Bartlett: Tuesday, March 17, 1863

Ben and I took a bath in a stream back of our camp. Banks publishes in orders that “the Hartford and Albatross passed the fort safely, and lie anchored above. The object of the expedition is accomplished.”

I expect that the first news which reaches the North will be through rebel sources, announcing the destruction of our fleet, etc.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 79

Diary of Colonel William F. Bartlett: March 15, 1863

At two in the morning, I was ordered to get the regiment under arms and into line. It was now Sunday morning, 15th. We expected we were going straight to the front. The cannonading was still going on, but was on the river, down nearer to us. Colonel Chapin came to me and told me that we had been repulsed with great loss. He ordered me to take the advance, to clear the road back, with two regiments of infantry and a section of artillery. They were afraid that our passage back would be disputed at the bridge across the Bayou Montesino, by the enemy's coming down on the Clinton Road, to cut us off.

I was told to make for that bridge as fast as possible, and hold it.

Just after we started, I saw an aide of General Emory's, who told me that we hadn't “got a gunboat left, and the army was all cut to pieces.” I knew this was impossible, for we should have been ordered to the front if there had been any fighting of the land force.

At this time a tremendous report came from the river, a quarter of a mile on our right, and several shells seemed to burst directly over our heads. It was the Mississippi when she blew up, a magnificent sight. Everything seemed to give indication of a panic. Teamsters were frightened, and were rushing and crowding with their teams, blocking up the road.

I sent ahead and ordered the wagon train to be stopped, as there were gaps of a mile in some places, which I had to close up. At last I got the troops and artillery to the front. The Forty-eighth had been ordered to start ahead, and they were in such a hurry that I, not overtaking them, sent Ben ahead to stop them till we came up. When we got to the Bayou we found it all clear, the two bridges still there. The plank bridge needed some repair, and I left the Major with two companies to put it in order and make it safe for the teams. I sent one company across on to the Clinton Road to guard against any attack of cavalry on our flank. After the wagon train was well up, I kept on, intending to feel the way into Baton Rouge. After we had marched a mile or two, an order came from Banks to halt until further orders. I waited two hours, and then had orders to go on to Baton Rouge and go into camp. Meantime I heard from an aide-de-camp that, as I supposed, the report of a repulse was false. That two of our gunboats had succeeded in passing the fort. The Mississippi had got aground, been set on fire, floated down, and blown up. We had got within a few rods of our old camp, the men were tired, having been marching since three A. M., when an order came to me to turn round and march back to the Bayou again.

This was rather discouraging, but there was no help for it. I let the men rest an hour, the artillery feed their horses, etc. We got back to the Bayou about hall past four. We met Banks and his staff going into Baton Rouge as we were coming out. Charley Sargent stopped and told me that they had done what they intended to; get the gunboats by. Banks had sent despatches by Farragut to Grant at Vicksburg. The plan had been to draw the enemy out to fight us at Port Hudson, but he had refused offer. I know however that Banks was frightened in the morning, for I saw the order from him himself, ordering the trains to the rear, and back to Baton Rouge as soon as possible. I felt safe from the first, for Banks has made so many good retreats that he must understand it pretty well. We went into camp on the south side of the Bayou, in a large cornfield. I didn't get off my horse till after five; in the saddle nearly fourteen hours the second day. It began to rain now, and the field was soon two or three inches deep with water and mud. I had just got off my horse when I received an order, saying that the Forty-ninth and Fiftieth Massachusetts regiments would be in readiness to march to-night or to-morrow morning on an important expedition, under command of Colonel Bartlett. I was to report immediately to Banks at Baton Rouge, for instructions. I knew that it was absolutely impossible for the men to march in the condition they were, all used up; no chance for sleep in the night on account of the rain, etc.

I also thought it was rather “rubbing it in,” to make me ride all the way back to Baton Rouge in the rain, for instructions, after I had been on the go since three that morning, and it was by this time dark, and thence back here again, and by the time I got here, start off on this new tramp.

So I sent Ben over to Augur's Headquarters, from whence the order came, to explain that my regiment had just got in, had been marching all day, having been to Baton Bouge and back. He said certainly they need not go, that he “did not know they had been marching.” He “had designated Colonel Bartlett to go in command of the expedition as a compliment,” etc. This of course was all very pleasant, and if it had been at any other time I should have liked nothing better. But the regiment was too much exhausted, and I was tired, to say the least. I got some rails to keep us out of the water, which was two or three inches deep in the tent, and slept on these, like a log, till reveille.

I could hardly realize it when some one mentioned that it was Sunday. So different from the quiet day a week before.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 75-8

Diary of Colonel William F. Bartlett: Friday, March 13, 1863

Howard Dwight called to see me this afternoon. Grover's Division has started. We shall start to-morrow.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 73

Colonel William F. Bartlett to Harriett Plummer Bartlett, March 24, 1863

Headquarters Forty-Ninth Regiment M. V. M.

Camp Banks, March 24, 1863.

My Dear Mother : — This is the first time I have had, when I could get at any paper, to write you since our return from Port Hudson. I will copy from my journal which I took with me. I wrote you last on the 12th.

That day were reviewed Grover's and Emory's Divisions. It took till one o'clock from eight. I saw General Andrews a few minutes. He has been made Chief of Staff to General Banks. A very good thing. He is just the man Banks needs. Spoke to General Banks a few minutes. After the review, I rode over to the camp of the Rhode Island Cavalry, and “drew,” by simply receipting for it, a fine McClellan saddle and bridle. By the way, I wish, father, you would go to Baker's and tell him that the saddle and bridle he sold me at such a big price is a swindle. The brass parts are iron merely covered over with a flimsy plating of brass foil, which peels off, in pieces, making it look worse than nothing; besides, in the case of the bits, scratching and cutting the horse's face. The leather, too, is very poor, many of the straps breaking at the least strain. Baker will have to look out for his reputation and custom. If I were he I would not want my name stamped on such a sham affair. This one that I have drawn is just as good leather; the buckles and bits of blued steel. Now all I want is my second horse, and my “establishment” is complete. I have not used the new saddle myself; it is for my groom Vantassel. I have been looking for a good horse ever since I got out here; have not found him yet. I don't expect, or care, to get as fine a one as my black beauty, only a strong, steady horse for the groom, to go with me when I ride. I would ride the second one into action, too, so as not to get mine shot. The mess pail reached me last week, much to my delight. I did not expect it so soon. It is perfectly splendid. Just what I wanted. I never saw a better one. The tea, too, is so much better than what we have had to drink, I wish you had sent more of it. We live in great style now. This morning for instance, I don't want a better breakfast. Nice dip-toast, coffee, fried hasty pudding, “crispy,” better than you can make it at home! The other night I made a corn-cake, merely poured boiling water on the meal, a little salt, and stood it up in front of the fire to bake. It was very nice indeed, and with butter, and honey “drawn” from some neighboring bee-hive, was about as good feed as they make in these quarters. We don't always live like this. Sometimes it is nothing but dry bread and molasses for days.

In regard to my saddle, and riding, I have got it well arranged. You know the upper edge of my wooden leg, coming against the hard saddle, used to cut through my pants every time I rode. I had patches of cloth put on, and afterwards patches of leather, but it even cut through these, by riding two or three hours. I then got a leather padded covering which fits on the seat of the saddle, making the saddle look more dressy and finished, and at the same time covering the wood, so that with a leather patch on my pants now, it does not wear through at all. Fletcher Abbott gave me the leather saddle-cover. To go back to my journal.

[Editor’s Note: I will include links to the journal entries once I have posted them.]

March 13, 1863

March 14, 1863

March 15, 1863

March 16, 1863

March 17, 1863

March 18, 1863

March 19, 1863

March 20, 1863

March 21, 1863

March 22, 1863

March 23, 1863

March 24, 1863

March 25, 1863

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 71-3

Colonel William F. Bartlett to Harriett Plummer Bartlett, March 9, 1863

Orders to move at once, with two days' cooked and five uncooked rations. No baggage or tents; sixty rounds of ammunition per man. I don't know where we are going, I suppose Port Hudson.

Love to all. Good-by.

W.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 71

Colonel William F. Bartlett to Harriett Plummer Bartlett, Sunday, March 8, 1863

A beautiful day. In the afternoon Ben and I took a ride down to the town. A great many troops have come up lately. I suppose we shall move up the river before long. After dress parade I formed a hollow square and read the services. The Doctor dined with us to-night. We had a good beefsteak, fried potatoes, onions, tea, and rice. I don't know what more you could ask for. For breakfast this morning I had the same thing you did, fried hasty pudding, with better molasses. To-morrow morning it will be fried rice, and the next day fried hominy, then back to Indian pudding again. A variety you see. I am very well all over. Love to all.

Affectionately,

W. F. B.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 70-1

Colonel William F. Bartlett to Harriett Plummer Bartlett, Saturday, March 7, 1863

Saturday, March 7.

Order came this morning before I was up, to go out with my regiment as escort and guard to wagon train outside the lines. There reported to me quite a little force for the expedition, which I disposed of as follows: In advance I sent a troop of cavalry, McGee's Massachusetts, armed with carbines and sabres. Next, seven companies of the Forty-ninth Regiment, under Lieutenant-colonel Sumner. Next, a section of a battery of regulars, Glosson's Battery, twelve-pounders, rifled. Then came the train of seventy-five wagons, reaching half a mile. In rear of these, three companies of the Forty-ninth, under Major Plunkett, as rear guard. The whole command extended nearly a mile. I rode ahead with the cavalry advance guard. It was quite a pretty little force. Captain Hodge, Assistant Quartermaster, U. S. A., had immediate charge of the wagon train. We marched about three miles beyond the outposts, fairly into the enemy's country. The plantation where we were going for wood, dried and corded, belonged to a Dr. Laycock. It covers about a thousand acres. He raises splendid sugar, molasses, and cotton.

Just before we got to the place, the Clay Cut road, which we were on, turns to the right, and you approach the plantation through a thick belt of woods by a narrow avenue.

I sent half a dozen troopers up the Clay Cut road half a mile, to halt and keep on the look out. I sent one company of the Forty-ninth up the same road quarter of a mile, to support them, give alarm, and resist attack. I then rode through the woods with the cavalry, and found everything clear. The house stands in the middle of a large clearing of fifty acres of perfectly level land, a fine mansion, newer and in better repair than most of the southern houses I have seen. The owner was on the verandah when we rode up. He is a professed Union man, has a safeguard from the General, etc. While waiting for the column to come up, he invited me and the officers who were with me, two of General Augur's staff, Ben and Dr. Rice, to go in and take some whiskey.

The others went in; I went on with the cavalry to the other side of the clearing, where the wood of many years' seasoning was piled. It was near the sugar-house, which was filled with sugar and molasses. Here I posted the infantry and artillery, and went with a few of the cavalry to the farther sides to reconnoitre. An old darkey told me that five rebel cavalry men stopped him in the morning, a little while before we got there, and asked him if there had been any Federal pickets there lately. I divided the cavalry into three parts, guarding the three approaches to the place, and kept one squad with me. I posted the artillery where it could hold two roads, and let the men rest on their arms, while the teams were being loaded. This took about an hour and a half. When we were ready to return, I started the rear guard, now become the advance, then the teams, then the artillery and infantry, and after they were well off, I drew in the outposts and videttes and followed with the cavalry. I dare say the enemy was watching us all the time, but wisely determined not to molest us. I was rather hoping they would, for I was all prepared for it, and had a very pretty little force under my command. We got back to camp about four P. M., after a very pleasant little trip into the country, accomplishing all we went out for, and returning without loss. The men got their canteens filled with rich New Orleans syrup, and sugar enough to sweeten their coffee .for many days.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 68-70

Colonel William F. Bartlett to Harriett Plummer Bartlett, March 5, 1863

Headquarters Forty-ninth Regiment, M. V. M.

Camp Banks, Baton Rouge, La.

Dear Mother: — . . . .

March 5. Splendid weather still. I wish I was in the brigade of some general instead of Colonel Chapin.

Met Chapin in the afternoon. He said Augur complimented my regiment and the One Hundred and Sixteenth very highly. Went to bed before tattoo, pretty tired.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 68

Colonel William F. Bartlett to Harriett Plummer Bartlett, March 3, 1863

March 3.

Beautiful weather still. In the evening we sat out around the fire in the rear of my tent, smoking our pipes; bright moonlight; the nights are very cold, although the days are so hot.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 66-7

Colonel William F. Bartlett to Harriett Plummer Bartlett, March 4, 1863

March 4.

This morning orders came for a review in “heavy marching order,” by General Augur. I cautioned the men to “polish up,” and at half past two we turned out, as fine a looking line as you often see. The men stood very steadily, and marched very well. After going back to camp and leaving the knapsacks, etc., I took them out to practice with blank cartridges. At first they were nervous, and did poorly, but after I had given them a very severe talking to, I tried them again at charging in line, and they did it splendidly. Their fire by battalion was like one gun. I then formed a hollow square, and fired from all sides. My horse, inside the square, behaved beautifully. I don't care to see any better drilling than they did after my lecture. After we came into camp I closed column and explained to them that if they would only do as well as that in real action, keep cool, and not fire until they were sure they had the word from me, no matter how near the enemy approached — when they did fire, aim at their opponents' knees (if near), — there was no enemy in the world that could stand against them, etc.

I hope they will remember all I said. They promised, and were very much excited, and cheered loudly for the drill. There is nothing more important than to accustom men to firing, and getting used to the noise. What I taught them this afternoon was of more use to them, and will do them more good than all the brigade drills under Colonel Chapin, with unheard of and useless movements.

This regiment is so entirely dependent upon me alone, I hope I shan't get hit, for I dread to think what would become of them if I should get put hors du combat.

General Dwight has been trying to get my regiment in his brigade; he wrote to Banks about it, but Augur won't consent to lose it.

I hasten to get this in a mail which leaves for New Orleans to-day.

With much love,

W. F. B.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 67-8

Colonel William F. Bartlett to Harriett Plummer Bartlett, March 2, 1863

Headquarters Forty-ninth Regiment, M. V. M.

Camp Banks, Baton Rouge, La., March 4, 1863.

Dear Mother, — I wrote you last on the 28th. Sunday, March 1, was a beautiful day. Ben and I took a ride in the afternoon. Went down to the river, up to General Dwight's quarters. Fletcher Abbott and Charley Dwight rode home with us. I stopped at the Fiftieth Regiment. Sam Duncan is not here yet; three of their companies are down the river at quarantine; he is with them, and the Lieutenant-colonel. Colonel Tom. Chickering called to see me after I got back. Dress parade was the best we ever had. I felt very proud of them, the result of my instruction and discipline on them. General Augur came up to-day, March 2. I saw him a few minutes.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 66

Colonel William F. Bartlett: February 21, 1863

Camp Banks, Baton Rouge,

February 21, 1863.

. . . . I am gradually getting this regiment into shape. Field, staff, and company officers report to me every morning immediately after reveillé as we of yore did to “Little Bill Lee,” and you. All the little “dodges” that we picked up together I am working in. Any first sergeant knows, that if he should appear on guard-mounting or dress parade, with his white gloves soiled, he would have to take that lozenge out of his chevrons. I have only had to reduce two first sergeants since I took the regiment. That for “absence without leave.” Ben sends me an orderly every morning, resplendent with brass and blacking. . . . .

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 66

Diary of Colonel William F. Bartlett: Thursday, May 21, 1863

Ordered to move at six A. M. I rode in the buggy; kept the horses near, in case I should want them. We had advanced about three and a half miles, when we were saluted by some shells from rebel batteries ahead. I immediately got on my horse Billy. I had to be pretty careful to keep my balance, as I felt very shaky still.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 64-5

Diary of Colonel William F. Bartlett: Wednesday, May 20, 1863

Got up at five. Could hardly stand. The regiment started. Dr. Winsor begged me not to go. The carriage which Colonel Chapin was to send did not come. Dr. W. rode on to see Colonel Chapin, and find out if it was coming. Meanwhile I got on my horse and started. I had got out about a mile when I met the Doctor coming back. He said the carriage was broken, but would be along soon; made me get off and go into the nearest house and rest. I waited and waited hours, and then got word that the wagon had by some mistake gone on, and was by this time with the train. There was nothing to be done but go home or keep on horseback. I resolved to try the latter, and go as far as I could. It was now the very heat of the day. I seemed to feel better, and kept on to the Bayou Montesino of historic renown. I stopped at Mr. Pike's house, where I was received very cordially. I stayed to dinner, and passed the whole day there very pleasantly. About four, a man came with the buggy for me; he had been looking everywhere; Colonel Chapin had sent him back, not to return without me. So Steadman rode Billy and led Ned; and, having bade good-by to my kind friends (though rebels), we started on our long ride. The dust was several inches deep. We reached the regiment, encamped in a beautiful spot, about dark. The hearty cheers which they gave when they saw me come into camp were pleasing. They had been very blue all day, the officers said, and kept saying, “If we only had the Colonel along!” I had a pretty good sleep, and felt pretty well, considering the Doctor had said I would have a high fever if I attempted to come.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 63-4

Diary of Colonel William F. Bartlett: May 19, 1863

Moved into the house near my tent I am threatened with typhoid. Horrible pain in my head all day. Orders to-night, unfortunately, for us to march at five A. M. to-morrow. Dr. Winsor (the regimental surgeon) says it is impossible for me to go. I must go. I know the risk is great, but I have got to take it. If I get killed, or wounded, or die of fever, people will say it was rash, etc. I know my duty, though, better than any one else. Colonel Chapin has offered me the use of a spring wagon to ride in. I shall go in that

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 63