News came to us to-day that Vicksburg had fallen on the 4th. Heavy skirmishing, fighting all day. Our brigade again acted as the rear of our corps, our regiment being its rear. We started our retreat at dark and marched to Williamsport, six miles, through mud and slush ankle-deep, and raining very hard. We marched one mile to the right of and crossed the Potomac at midnight, after wading through the canal, which we destroyed. The river was up to my chin, and very swift. We crossed in fours, for protection, as otherwise we could not have crossed. Our cartridge boxes we carried around our necks to keep the powder dry. On the south bank tar was poured so that we would not slip back in the river, as the mud was very slick. J. Engle, of our company, was stuck in until some of the boys pulled. him out. We went six miles further, and I honestly believe more of us were asleep on our night's march than awake. But, still, all kept up, for the rear was prison. We then halted, made fire to dry ourselves, just as day was breaking on the morning of the 14th.
Showing posts with label Williamsport MD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Williamsport MD. Show all posts
Sunday, February 12, 2023
Diary of Private Louis Leon: July 13, 1863
SOURCE: Louis Leon, Diary of a Tar Heel
Confederate Soldier, p. 40
Monday, December 26, 2022
Diary of Private Louis Leon: June 17, 1863
We crossed the
Potomac River to-day at I P.M., and camped in Williamsport, Maryland, on the
banks of the Potomac. Two miles to-day. The river is knee-deep.
SOURCE: Louis
Leon, Diary of a Tar Heel Confederate Soldier, p. 32
Thursday, July 2, 2020
Official Reports: The Gettysburg Campaign, June3 – August 1,1863: No. 338. Reports of Col. William Gamble, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, commanding First Brigade.
No. 338.
Reports of Col. William Gamble, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, commanding
First Brigade.
HDQRS. FIRST CAVALRY
BRIGADE,
June 22, 1863.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the part taken by this
brigade in the cavalry fight of yesterday.
The brigade—composed of the Eighth New York, Eighth
Illinois, three squadrons Third Indiana, and two squadrons Twelfth Illinois
Cavalry, with one section of the First U.S. Artillery, under Lieutenant
Michalowski, in all about 1,600 strong—left Aldie at 5 a.m.; marched to
Middleburg; from thence west across a ford at Goose Creek. The rebel
skirmishers occupying the opposite bank under cover of a stone wall at the
ford, one squadron of the Third Indiana Cavalry was dismounted, and, with the
advance guard deployed, drove the rebels from the opposite bank, when the
column crossed, and advanced south on the Upperville road. Encountered the
enemy 1 mile from the ford, on the right of the road: deployed the column in
line of battle, and a few well-directed shells into the enemy's column
dispersed him rapidly in retreat through the woods southward. One mile farther,
found the enemy behind stone walls, near a house; a few more shells drove them
again toward Upperville. Two miles farther, the enemy's skirmishers, supported
by artillery, were found strongly posted. I deployed the column in line;
advanced and drove the enemy from two strong positions behind stone walls, his
guns continually throwing shells at us.
We continued the march, and found the enemy strongly posted
west of Upperville, at the base of the mountain. The Eighth Illinois, Third
Indiana, and Twelfth Illinois Cavalry, about 900 strong, leading the column,
came on rapidly at a gallop; formed in line; charged up to the enemy's five
guns amid a shower of shells, shrapnel, and case shot; drove the rebel gunners
from their pieces, when the enemy's cavalry, seven regiments strong, emerged
from the woods, and a hand-to-hand conflict ensued, the enemy outnumbering us
three to one. We retired a short distance behind a stone wall, and maintained
our position, repulsing the repeated charges of the enemy by well-directed
carbine and pistol firing.
The enemy then, on account of his superior numbers,
attempted to turn both flanks, when a squadron of the Eighth Illinois and one
of the Third Indiana Cavalry were deployed to cover the flanks, and, after a
sharp conflict, repulsed the enemy, after which the section of artillery
arrived, supported by the Eighth New York Cavalry, and shelled the enemy from
his position. The enemy then retreated toward Ashby's Gap, pursued for 2 miles
by the First and Second Cavalry Brigades, which at sunset returned, and
encamped on the battle-field, buried the dead, and took care of the wounded.
Eighteen dead bodies of the enemy were buried, and over 30 of their wounded
were found, in addition to what they carried away, besides prisoners, the exact
number of which the provost-marshal of the division will report.
Our loss is as follows:
Command.
|
Killed.
|
Wounded.
|
Missing.
|
Total.
|
8th Illinois Cavalry
|
2
|
17
|
....
|
19
|
3d Indiana Cavalry
|
....
|
4
|
1
|
5
|
12th Illinois Cavalry (Captain Brown wounded)
|
2
|
14
|
4
|
20
|
Total
|
4
|
35
|
5
|
44
|
Horses killed—Third Indiana Cavalry, 18; Eighth Illinois
Cavalry, 17. Total, 35 horses of enlisted men; 1 horse of Colonel Gamble; 36
horses in all killed.
All of which is
respectfully submitted.
WM.
GAMBLE,
Colonel, Commanding First Cavalry Brigade.
Capt. T. C. BACON,
Assistant Adjutant-General,
First Cavalry Division.
_______________
HDQRS. FIRST CAVALRY
BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION,
Camp near Catlett's,
Va., August 24, 1863.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of
the part taken by this brigade in the several engagements with the enemy, from
June 28 to July 31 last, in accordance with orders from division headquarters:
NEAR GETTYSBURG, PA., JULY 1.
About 8 o'clock on the morning of the 1st instant, while in
camp at the seminary building, the officer commanding the squadron on picket in
front gave me notice that the enemy, consisting of infantry and artillery, in
column, were approaching his pickets from the direction of Cashtown, with
deployed skirmishers in strong force, about 3 miles distant. This information
was immediately communicated to the general commanding the division, who
ordered my command to be in immediate readiness to fight the enemy. My brigade—consisting
of the Eighth New York, Eighth Illinois, three squadrons of the Third Indiana,
and two squadrons of the Twelfth Illinois Cavalry, about 1,600 strong, with
Tidball's battery, Second U.S. Artillery—was placed in line of battle about 1
mile in front of the seminary, the right resting on the railroad track and the
left near the Middletown or Fairfax [Fairfield] road, the Cashtown road being a
little to the right of the center, at right angles with the line. Three
squadrons, part dismounted, were ordered to the front, and deployed as
skirmishers to support the squadron on picket, now being driven back by the
enemy's artillery and skirmishers. Our battery of six 3-inch rifled guns was
placed in battery, one section on each side of the Cashtown road, covering the
approaches of the enemy, and the other section on the right of the left
regiment, to cover that flank. The enemy cautiously approached in column on the
road, with three extended lines on each flank, and his and our line of skirmishers
became engaged, and our artillery opened on the enemy's advancing column, doing
good execution. The enemy moved forward; two batteries opened on us, and a
sharp engagement of artillery took place. In a short time we were, by
overpowering numbers, compelled to fall back about 200 yards to the next ridge,
and there make a stand.
In the meantime our skirmishers, fighting under cover of
trees and fences, were sharply engaged, did good execution, and retarded the
progress of the enemy as much as could possibly be expected, when it is known
they were opposed by three divisions of Hill's corps. After checking and
retarding the advance of the enemy several hours, and falling back only about
200 yards from the first line of battle, our infantry advance of the First
Corps arrived, and relieved the cavalry brigade in its unequal contest with the
enemy.
In the afternoon, the enemy, being strongly re-enforced,
extended his flanks, and advanced on our left in three strong lines, to turn
that flank. The general commanding division ordered my brigade forward at a
trot, and deployed in line on the ridge of woods, with the seminary on our
right. Half of the Eighth New York, Third Indiana, and Twelfth Illinois were
dismounted and placed behind a portion of a stone wall and under cover of
trees.
The enemy being close upon us, we opened a sharp and rapid
carbine fire, which killed and wounded so many of the first line of the enemy
that it fell back upon the second line. Our men kept up the fire until the
enemy in overwhelming numbers approached so near that, in order to save my men
and horses from capture, they were ordered to mount and fall back rapidly to
the next ridge, on the left of the town, where our artillery was posted. The
stand which we made against the enemy prevented our left flank from being
turned, and saved a division of our infantry.
My brigade fought well under disadvantageous circumstances
against a largely superior force. Every officer and soldier did his duty. The
list of casualties is large, but could not be less, considering the position we
occupied. Major Lemon, Third Indiana, was mortally wounded, since dead;
Lieutenant Conroe, Twelfth Illinois Cavalry, killed; Captain Fisher and
Lieutenant Voss, same regiment, wounded; Captain Follett, Eighth New York,
severely wounded; Captain Martin, Third Indiana, wounded; Captain Morris,
Eighth Illinois Cavalry, serving on my staff, was wounded, and one of my
orderlies killed. Tidball's horse battery, under Lieutenant Calef, attached to
my brigade, was worked faithfully, did good execution, and fully sustained its
former high reputation. This brigade had the honor to commence the fight in the
morning and close it in the evening.
NEAR WILLIAMSPORT, MD., JULY 6.
This brigade was ordered to engage the enemy on the left of
the Boonsborough road, near Williamsport, the Reserve Brigade being on the
right of the road. The Third Indiana Cavalry was ordered to capture and destroy
a train of seven wagons of the enemy on our left, on the Downsville road, which
was successfully accomplished, making prisoners of the drivers and those in
charge of the train. The brigade was then placed in line of battle, and
three-fourths of it dismounted to drive in the enemy's skirmishers; and
Tidball's battery of four guns, placed in position, supported by the balance of
the mounted men, opened on the enemy, many times our superior in numbers, and
did excellent execution; the dismounted men in the meantime, keeping up a sharp
carbine fire, drove in the rebel pickets on their reserve. The dismounted men
were under the immediate command of the gallant and lamented Major Medill,
Eighth Illinois Cavalry, who fell, mortally wounded.
We held our position until dark, and were then relieved by
Colonel Devin's brigade, and ordered to fall back to Jones' Cross-Roads, in the
direction of Boonsborough, which we reached about midnight, the delay being
caused by Kilpatrick's division having been driven back in confusion from the
direction of Hagerstown, completely blockading the road in our rear, making it
impassable for several hours.
NEAR BOONSBOROUGH, MD., JULY 8.
The enemy was reported advancing on the Hagerstown road.
General Buford ordered my brigade to take position on the crest of the ridge on
the right of the road to Hagerstown, about 1½ miles from Boonsborough, my
dismounted men thrown out to the front and in the strip of woods on the right
of the road; the battery in position in the center of the line, supported by
the mounted men. The rebels moved forward to drive in our skirmishers, supported
by their battery, but after a sharp contest were unable to drive me from my
position on the right. The enemy, however, gradually worked round on the left,
driving in the skirmishers of Kilpatrick's division; placed a section of
artillery so as to bring a cross-fire on my brigade, when I was ordered to'
fall back on Boonsborough. Afterward Kilpatrick's division was relieved on the
left and placed on the right, but being unable to dislodge the enemy from the
woods I formerly occupied, my brigade was again ordered forward; the battery
placed in position under a heavy fire; three-fourths of the brigade dismounted
and ordered to drive the enemy out of the woods in front, which was
accomplished rapidly under a heavy fire of shell and musketry, General Buford
in person leading the advance line of skirmishers; drove the enemy 3 miles, and
across Beaver Creek, on the Williamsport or Funkstown road. General Kilpatrick,
with two squadrons of his command, galloped down the road within a short
distance of the enemy; halted, looked at each other, and retired, when the
dismounted men of my brigade came up and drove the enemy across Beaver Creek.
NEAR FUNKSTOWN, MD., JULY 10.
The brigade having driven the rebels along the Hagerstown
road from Beaver Creek to within 3 miles of Funkstown on the 9th instant, we
advanced again on the 10th instant with dismounted skirmishers and artillery,
supported by the balance of the mounted men. The division advanced in line of
battle, Reserve Brigade on the right, First Brigade in the center and on both
sides of the road, and the Second Brigade on the left. Drove the enemy rapidly,
under a heavy fire of artillery and musketry, into Funkstown, on a large
reserve of the enemy. We occupied the heights above Funkstown, with Tidball's battery,
under Lieutenant Calef, which did good execution, and our skirmish line was
advanced to the suburbs of the town. The enemy tried hard with a much superior
force to dislodge us from our position, but so long as our ammunition lasted he
was unable to do so. Our infantry finally arrived to within half a mile in our
rear, and although we were hard pressed by the enemy, and nearly all our
ammunition expended, the infantry pitched their shelter-tents, and commenced
cooking and eating, in spite of repeated and urgent requests to the commanding
officer of the infantry to occupy our excellent position and relieve us. When
our ammunition was expended, we were ordered by General Buford to fall back.
The rebels then occupied our position, and our infantry afterward had to retake
it, with the unnecessary loss of several killed and wounded.
NEAR FALLING WATERS, MD., JULY 14.
On the morning of the 14th instant, the brigade was ordered
to march on the enemy in the direction of Downsville from our camp, near
Bakersville. We proceeded in that direction, found the enemy's earthworks at
Downsville abandoned, and were informed that the enemy had retreated toward
Falling Waters and Williamsport, to cross the Potomac during the night. The
brigade marched rapidly toward Falling Waters, and when near there observed a
division of the enemy intrenched on a hill, covering the approaches to the
ford. While the brigade was moving round to flank and attack the enemy in rear,
to cut them off from the ford and capture them all, in connection with the
other two brigades of the First Cavalry Division, which we could easily have
accomplished, I saw two small squadrons of General Kilpatrick's division gallop
up the hill to the right of the rebel infantry, in line of battle behind their
earthworks, and, as any competent cavalry officer of experience could foretell
the result, these two squadrons were instantly scattered and destroyed by the
fire of a rebel brigade, and not a single dead enemy could be found when the
ground there was examined a few hours afterward. This having alarmed the enemy,
he fell back toward the ford before we could get round to his rear. We,
however, with our dismounted men, attacked him in flank on rough ground, and
had a sharp carbine engagement, taking about 511 prisoners, 61 of whom,
together with 300 stand of arms, were turned over to an officer of Kilpatrick's
division by mistake; also a 3-inch Parrott gun, captured from the enemy by the
Eighth New York Cavalry, which was afterward sent by General Kilpatrick to the
camp of this brigade, where it properly belonged.
NEAR CHESTER GAP, VA., JULY 21 AND 22.
In obedience to orders, this brigade marched from near
Rectortown, Va., to Chester Gap (about 20 miles), arriving in that vicinity at
3.30 p.m., July 21. About a mile from the Gap our advance line of skirmishers
encountered the enemy's pickets. I dismounted six squadrons, and drove the
enemy's pickets to the crest of the Gap their reserve, which was found to
consist of Pickett's division of infantry, one regiment of Jones' cavalry, and
a battery of six guns, occupying the Gap, on the crest of the mountain. Upon
obtaining this information, and not having a sufficient force to drive the enemy
from the Gap, having no support nearer than 20 miles, we fell back 1½ miles
from the Gap, and took position so as to cover the two roads leading from the
Gap, one toward Barbee's Cross-Roads, the other to Little Washington and
Sperryville; placed the guns in battery, and a strong line of pickets in front
and flanks.
We captured to-day 23 prisoners, 84 horses, 12 mules, 664
beef-cattle, 602 sheep, all purchased and on the way to be delivered to the
rebel army at the Gap, in charge of a commissary agent and his son, who were
also captured.
July 22, at 8 a.m., my pickets reported the enemy advancing
in column with skirmishers on the road from the Gap toward Sperryville. When
the head of the enemy's column came within easy range, we opened fire on it
with artillery and the carbines of the dismounted men so effectually that his
column, with his wagon train, halted and fell back out of our range, his
advance guard and skirmishers being still engaged with ours, and continued
firing, we holding our position, and preventing the head of Longstreet's corps
from moving forward from the Gap from 8 a.m. till 6 p.m., when the enemy
brought five regiments of infantry around out of sight in the woods, and,
approaching my left flank, drove in our skirmishers, and only by overwhelming
numbers compelled me to fall back slowly toward Barbee's Cross-Roads, keeping
my vedettes and pickets watching the enemy.
I think it proper to state that our battery, under
Lieutenant Heaton, Second U.S. Artillery, had the very worst kind of ammunition,
and consequently could do but comparatively little execution. About one shell
in twelve would explode, and then it would be prematurely, over the heads of
our own men.
A tabular recapitulation of killed, wounded, and missing is
herewith appended, the usual list of casualties by name having previously been
forwarded, according to orders.
All of which is
respectfully submitted.
WM.
GAMBLE,
Col., Comdg. First Brigade, First Cavalry
Division.
Capt. T. C. BACON,
Assistant Adjutant-General,
First Cavalry Division,
[Inclosure.]
Number of killed, wounded, and missing of
First Cavalry Brigade,
from June 28 to July 31, 1863.
Locality.
|
Date.
|
Killed.
|
Wounded.
|
Missing.
|
Gettysburg, Pa(*)
|
July 1, 1863
|
16
|
80
|
29
|
Williamsport, Md.
|
July 6, 1863
|
3
|
....
|
1
|
Boonsborough, Md.
|
July 8, 1863
|
2
|
14
|
1
|
Funkstown, Md.
|
July 10, 1863
|
3
|
3
|
1
|
Failing Waters, Md.
|
July 14, 1863
|
....
|
5
|
....
|
Chester Gap, Va.
|
July 21, 22, 1863
|
1
|
8
|
16
|
Total
|
|
25
|
110
|
48
|
WM. GAMBLE Colonel,
Commanding First
Cavalry Brigade.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY BRIGADE,
August 24, 1863.
SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of
the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume
27, Part 1 (Serial No. 43), p. 932-8
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: August 27, 1864
Rained last night. Thunder heavy. Moved through Sharpsburg
and over the Antietam battle ground. Turned towards Williamsport and camped
three miles from Sharpsburg.
SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman
Harris Tenney, p. 129
Friday, December 8, 2017
Edwin M. Stanton to Alexander K. McClure, July 22, 1863
War Department
Washington City
July 22d, 1863
Dear Sir,
I have received your note of the 20th, but not the papers
referred to therein. I doubt not that
you will be able to render in the Editorial Chair efficient service to the
government, and also to give sensible advice to some of your friends that very
much need it.
As long as General Meade remains in command he will receive
the cordial support of the department but since the world began no man ever
missed so great an opportunity of serving his country as was lost by his neglecting
to strike his adversary at Williamsport.
I shall take occasion to furnish such patronage to your
paper as the service will admit. It has
always been my opinion that the advertising should not be confined to the
newspaper press of cities, but ought to be diffused in such rural districts as
produce the materials required for the support of the service and directions
have been given to the Chiefs of Bureaus in accordance with this view.
Yours truly,
Edwin M S[tanton]
Secretary of War
Hon. A. K. McClure
Chambersburg Pa
SOURCES: Stanton,
E. M. (1863) Edwin McMasters Stanton Papers: Letterbooks, 1863 to 1865;
1863; 1863, June 4-Sept. 9. June 4. [Manuscript/Mixed Material] Retrieved
from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/mss41202040/,
images 46 & 47. This letter was
among a lot of 4 letters that were listed for auction on Sotheby’s,
December 2, 2014.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Diary of 1st Lieutenant Lemuel A. Abbott: Wednesday, August 17, 1864
We were ordered to commence our retrogade movement at 8.30
o'clock, but didn't till about 10 o'clock a. m. As usual our division goes as
train guard. We passed through Middletown about midnight; didn't stop to do
much foraging; arrived at Newtown about 2 o'clock a. m., and passing through,
the men nearly stripping the place of everything; got breakfast at Winchester
and stopped near Clifton farm. Foraging is allowed, owing to the levies made
for money on places by the enemy, which if not paid have been burnt, in
Maryland and Pennsylvania, such as Williamsport, Chambersburg, etc. It is
desired, too, to strip the Shenandoah Valley of all supplies in order to keep
the enemy out of it.
SOURCE: Lemuel Abijah Abbott, Personal Recollections
and Civil War Diary, 1864, p. 136
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Diary of John Hay: Sunday July 19, 1863
. . . The Tycoon was in very good humor; . . . in the
afternoon he and I were talking about the position at Williamsport the other
day. He said: — “Our army held the war in the hollow of their hand, and they
would not close it.” Again he said: — “We
had gone through all the labor of tilling and planting an enormous crop, and
when it was ripe we did not harvest it!” Still he added, “I am very, very grateful
to Meade for the great service he did at Gettysburg.”
SOURCES: Clara B. Hay, Letters of John Hay and
Extracts from Diary, Volume 1, p. 89; For the whole diary entry seeTyler
Dennett, Editor, Lincoln and the Civil War in the Diaries and letters
of John Hay, p. 69 and Michael Burlingame, Editor, Inside Lincoln's
White House: The Complete Civil War Diary of John Hay, p. 64-5.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Major Wilder Dwight to Elizabeth White Dwight, Monday Evening, June 2, 1862
Williamsport, Maryland, Monday Evening,
June 2, 1862. At last.
Soon after my last words, Mr. Barnhardt, with corpulent and
puffy energy, came up stairs. “Well, will you go this morning?” “Yes.” He had
previously told me, when I asked him about a wagon for Martinsburg, “O, it
worrits me, it worrits me!” Now he said, “I've got a wagon for ye, yes I have,
already!”1 Sure enough, a contraband and his cart were at our door
in half an hour. Dr. Stone2 and I started at once. Colonel Kenly
bade me good by and God speed.
Now for impudence and liberty! On we rode. Four miles, and
then came the halt that we dreaded. Two mounted citizens pragmatically
inspected our paroles, and at last let us go. Then two cavalrymen, whom we
dissuaded. Then we were shouted at to halt! Two mounted men, with bowie-knife,
revolver, carbine, and sabre, said, “You must turn back.” Our hearts sank, but
we took out our papers, reasoned, persuaded, and, as Providence would guide it,
led them to respect our paroles, and let us free. They said, “We will go back
to town and ask again.” On we went, and, with only another halt, but with every
nervousness of anxiety, we got to Bunker's Hill. There the harness broke, and
again we looked to the rear, but on we went again. “What is that?” “Our
cavalry?” “It must be”; and sure enough down they charged upon us, and we were,
in an abrupt transition, at once within the Union lines. I cannot describe our
thankfulness and heart-swell.
We reached Martinsburg. Then our contraband and colored
driver, entering into the spirit of our pursuit, agreed to put us through to
Williamsport. We crossed the river, met Brown's3 wagon. Brown's
ready grin and constant delight prepared me a little for the enthusiasm of the
regiment. I cannot describe their welcome. God knows, I should be proud to
deserve it. I have never known greater happiness or thankfulness than to-night.
Good by, my dear mother. I go to Washington to-morrow. I will come home when I
can, and tell you all.
_______________
1 After Major Dwight left Winchester, some of Mr.
Barnhardt's neighbors, who were Rebels, said to him: “You’ll have to suffer yet
for keeping your Major so long, and then helping him away.” “I told them,” said
the brave old man, “that they couldn’t rob me of much if they took my life, for
I was ’most eighty year old.”
2 Dr. Lincoln Ripley Stone, then
Assistant-Surgeon of the Second Massachusetts Infantry, who would not abandon
the hospital in his charge at Winchester, was a prisoner. He was paroled; the
parole to be a free release, if at Washington he could secure an agreement that
surgeons should not be liable to capture; which was accomplished.
3 George H. Brown, Regimental Wagoner.
SOURCE: Elizabeth Amelia Dwight, Editor, Life and
Letters of Wilder Dwight: Lieut.-Col. Second Mass. Inf. Vols., p.
266-7
Friday, September 30, 2016
Diary of Sir Arthur James Lyon Fremantle: Friday, June 26, 1863
I got up a little before daylight, and, notwithstanding the
drenching rain, I secured our horses, which, to my intense relief, were
present. But my horse showed a back rapidly getting worse, and both looked “mean”
to a degree. Lawley being ill, he declined starting in the rain, and our host
became more and more surly when we stated our intention of remaining with him.
However, the sight of real gold instead of Confederate paper, or even
greenbacks, soothed him wonderfully, and he furnished us with some breakfast.
All this time M'Laws's division was passing the door; but so strict was the
discipline, that the only man who loafed in was immediately pounced upon and
carried away captive. At 2 P.M., the weather having become a little clearer, we
made a start, but under very unpromising circumstances. Lawley was so ill that
he could hardly ride; his horse was most unsafe, and had cast a shoe; — my
animal was in such a miserable state that I had not the inhumanity to ride him;
— but, by the assistance of his tail, I managed to struggle through the deep
mud and wet. We soon became entangled with M'Laws's division, and reached the
Potomac, a distance of nine miles and a half, at 5 P.M.; the river is both wide
and deep, and in fording it (for which purpose I was obliged to mount) we
couldn't keep our legs out of the water. The little town of Williamsport is on
the opposite bank of the river, and we were now in Maryland. We had the mortification
to learn that Generals Lee and Longstreet had quitted Williamsport this morning
at 11 o'clock, and were therefore obliged to toil on to Hagerstown, six miles
farther. This latter place is evidently by no means Rebel in its sentiments,
for all the houses were shut up, and many apparently abandoned. The few natives
that were about stared at the troops with sulky indifference.
After passing through Hagerstown, we could obtain no certain
information of the whereabouts of the two generals, nor could we get any
willing hospitality from any one; but at 9 P.M., our horses being quite
exhausted, we forced ourselves into the house of a Dutchman, who became a
little more civil at the sight of gold, although the assurance that we were
English travellers, and not Rebels, had produced no effect. I had walked
to-day, in mud and rain, seventeen miles, and I dared not take off my solitary
pair of boots, because I knew I should never get them on again.
SOURCE: Sir Arthur James Lyon Fremantle, Three
Months in the Southern States: April-June, 1863, p. 239-41
Labels:
Arthur Fremantle,
Confederate Currency,
Francis C Lawley,
Gold,
Greenbacks,
Hagerstown MD,
horses,
James Longstreet,
Lafayette McLaws,
Potomac River,
R E Lee,
Weather,
Williamsport MD
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Diary of Sir Arthur James Lyon Fremantle: Thursday, June 25, 1863
We took leave of Mrs —— and her hospitable family, and
started at 10 A.M. to overtake Generals Lee and Longstreet, who were supposed
to be crossing the Potomac at Williamsport. Before we had got more than a few
miles on our way, we began to meet horses and oxen, the first fruits of Ewell's
advance into Pennsylvania. The weather was cool and showery, and all went
swimmingly for the first fourteen miles, when we caught up M'Laws's division,
which belongs to Longstreet's corps. As my horse about this time began to show
signs of fatigue, and as Lawley's pickaxed most alarmingly, we turned them into
some clover to graze, whilst we watched two brigades pass along the road. They
were commanded, I think, by Semmes and Barksdale* and were composed of
Georgians, Mississippians, and South Carolinians. They marched very well, and
there was no attempt at straggling; quite a different state of things from
Johnston's men in Mississippi. All were well shod and efficiently clothed. In
rear of each regiment were from twenty to thirty negro slaves, and a certain
number of unarmed men carrying stretchers and wearing in their hats the red
badges of the ambulance corps; — this is an excellent institution, for it
prevents unwounded men falling out on pretence of taking wounded to the rear.
The knapsacks of the men still bear the names of the Massachusetts, Vermont,
New Jersey, or other regiments to which they originally belonged. There were
about twenty waggons to each brigade, most of which were marked U.S., and each
of these brigades was about 2800 strong. There are four brigades in M'Laws's
division. All the men seemed in the highest spirits, and were cheering and
yelling most vociferously.
We reached Martinsburg (twenty-two miles) at 6 P.M., by
which time my horse nearly broke down, and I was forced to get off and walk.
Martinsburg and this part of Virginia are supposed to be more Unionist than
Southern; however, many of the women went through the form of cheering M'Laws's
division as it passed. I daresay they would perform the same ceremony in honour
of the Yankees to-morrow.
Three miles beyond Martinsburg we were forced by the state
of our horses to insist upon receiving the unwilling hospitality of a very
surly native, who was evidently Unionist in his proclivities. We were obliged
to turn our horses into a field to graze during the night. This was most
dangerous, for the Confederate soldier, in spite of his many virtues, is, as a
rule, the most incorrigible horse-stealer in the world.
_______________
* Barksdale was killed, and Semmes mortally wounded, at the
battle of Gettysburg.
SOURCE: Sir Arthur James Lyon Fremantle, Three
Months in the Southern States: April-June, 1863, p. 237-9
Labels:
Ambulance Corps,
Arthur Fremantle,
Barksdale,
Battle of Gettysburg,
Francis C Lawley,
James Longstreet,
Joseph E. Johnston,
Knapsacks,
Lafayette McLaws,
Negro/Negroes,
Paul J Semmes,
Pennsylvania,
Potomac River,
R E Lee,
Richard Ewell,
Slaves,
Southern Unionists,
Wagons,
Williamsport MD,
Yankees
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Major Wilder Dwight to Elizabeth White Dwight, January 5, 1862
cantonment Hicks, January 5, 1862, near Frederick.
DEAR Mother, —
The New Year is fairly open, yet my pen has been silent. I would have had it
otherwise, but have been prevented writing by a sudden call to Washington.
There I saw Colonel William, who was as critical and hypercritical as possible.
I enjoyed his discussions very much. His spirit and go are delightful. He will
take his regiment wherever men can go, if they only give him a chance. We had a
pleasant time, looking over his books, and talking about war and home. . . . .
The effect of my visit to Washington was to fill me with
forebodings; but, as I won't stay filled, I am resuming my buoyancy again.
Yesterday there was a great flurry. I had come up to Frederick to church, and
was enjoying the service much. General Banks was called out of church, and we
found that Jackson was threatening Hancock, and aiming to destroy the railroad
bridges near by. An order was immediately issued, “Two days' rations in haversack,
and be ready to march.” I did not allow it to disturb me, but this morning the
Third Brigade went off in a snow-storm, before light, to Williamsport. We are
left quiet; and, as I consider it all a mere scare, I am glad we were not
aroused by it.
Winter quarters are pretty precarious, however. We are too
far from the Potomac. This division is nowhere. It is liable to go anywhere,
and hence is unfortunate. One regiment of the Third Brigade got back from
Williamsport day before yesterday; now it is off again the same thirty miles
through the snow. That's generalship, ain't it? Who is to blame? No one, of
course. Bah! . . . .
I wish you all a happy New Year; and as for us in the army,
I wish us all a fighting New Year.
SOURCE: Elizabeth Amelia Dwight, Editor, Life and
Letters of Wilder Dwight: Lieut.-Col. Second Mass. Inf. Vols., p.
184-5
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Lieutenant Francis H. Wigfall to Senator Louis T. Wigfall, July 7, 1863
Camp near Williamsport,
Maryland,
July 7th, 1863
Dear Papa,
Since the 13th of June, inclusive, there has not been a day
on which we have not marched. Our battery and two guns of McGregor's were with
the cavalry, Fitz and W. H. F. Lee's brigades and Hampton's on the expedition
round the enemy. We started on the march the 24th of June and reached our lines
at Gettysburg the 2nd of July just before night. Genl. Hampton captured a train
of 200 wagons and burnt some of them within seven miles of Georgetown, the
Yankee army lying at Frederick. We brought into our lines at Gettysburg
one hundred and sixty odd. We reached this place yesterday afternoon while a
fight was going on for the possession of the ford, the enemy endeavoring to
drive us from it. The battery was not engaged however. Orders have just come to
move.
SOURCE: Louise Wigfall Wright, A Southern Girl in
’61, p. 139-40
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Major Wilder Dwight to Elizabeth White Dwight, October 9, 1861
pleasant Hill, Camp Near Darnestown,
October 9, 1861.
Dear Mother, —
I wish I could give you a vivid picture of our excursion the other day on the
board of survey. Lieutenant-Colonel Batchelder, of the Thirteenth Massachusetts,
and myself went off to Hyattstown to estimate damages done by the army there.
The Quartermaster Department gave us a light wagon. We put off our care as we
crossed the lines, and left the sentinels behind. We drove to Hyattstown
through a pleasant country. The heavy rain had swelled the runs or brooks which
cross the road, and in our passage over the last one we broke down. So we left
our wagon and took another. On our way back we met the —— regiment, Colonel ——.
The Colonel is a lawyer and member of Congress, not a soldier. We saw
the beauties of moralsuasive discipline. His men on the march during the storm
of the night previous had broken their lines. The roadside taverns had sold
them whiskey. The whole regiment was drunk. A perfect Pandemonium was the
scene they presented. We did what we could to help him, but when one soldier,
in quarrelsome or pleasant vein, shot another through the body, and a third
broke the head of a fourth with the butt of his musket, we thought discretion
the better part of valor, and did not wait to see what the fifth would do.
General Banks has ordered the regiment back, I believe, and is going to send
off another with more discipline and less whiskey. The regiment had been
detailed to go to Williamsport on special duty.
We drove on, and coming near the plantation of Mr. Desellum,
whom you recollect I have spoken of, we stopped to dinner. His sister, she who
sent me the big bouquet, was at home. She welcomed us cordially, and we were
surrounded speedily by a dozen little darkies all of a size. The maiden lady
showed us her flower-garden, and her family of negroes, and her
spinning-room, in which three spinning-wheels were busily twisting the yarn
which she was to weave into clothes for her negroes. She showed us also her old
family linen, woven by her mother; and, in fact, introduced us to all the
details of farm life. Then she took us into the best room, whose oak floor
shone with scrubbing, and whose bright wood-fire felt good. There we had a
dinner, and she talked patriotism; the Colonel and myself listening, and
concluding, as we drove away, that we had had an adventure, and found material
loyalty in Maryland.
A drive through the wood, across a swollen stream whose
bridge had gone, and whose depth made the crossing an experiment of very
doubtful success, brought us to camp just as the new moon and evening star had
come brightly out of the glow of twilight. There we found Colonel Andrews
returned from Washington, having declined the appointment of Adjutant-General,
to the great joy of all the regiment.
We are rigging up very clever fireplaces in our tents, and
preparing for winter; — learning how to be comfortable, which is, after all,
the great problem with which my mind engages itself in this military campaigning.
It is half the battle. I hope we shall have the other half soon.
SOURCE: Elizabeth Amelia Dwight, Editor, Life and
Letters of Wilder Dwight: Lieut.-Col. Second Mass. Inf. Vols., p.
113-4
Labels:
13th MA INF,
Alcohol,
Banks,
Clothing,
Darkey/Darkies,
Drunkenness,
George L Andrews,
Maryland,
Negro/Negroes,
Plantations,
Slaves,
Wagons,
Weather,
Wilder Dwight,
Williamsport MD
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Diary of Private Charles H. Lynch: September 27, 1863
Left Hagerstown,
leaving a detail for provost duty in town. Marched through Williamsport, wading
the Potomac, over into Virginia, pushing along in our wet clothes over very
rough roads. After a march of about ten miles, we reached the town, going into
camp on the west side. Here we erected our camp and began duty. Provost guard
in town, picket, and guard duty, drilling, dress parade. When off duty, allowed
to visit town on a pass from the company commander.
SOURCE: Charles H.
Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn.
Vol's, p. 29
Friday, August 22, 2014
Diary of Private Charles H. Lynch: August 15, 1863
A field hospital and
camp was established to the north on the Chambersburg road, about two miles
from town. A fine location. Plenty of good, clear, running water. The change
was not only good for us but very beneficial to all the prisoners, and they
enjoyed it very much. Good air and grounds for them to walk about. A provost
guard was on duty in town to preserve the peace and protect the town. We were
on the alert all the time. Reports of cavalry raids from Virginia into Maryland
caused us to turn out in the night and double the line of pickets on the road
to Williamsport, near the ford crossing the Potomac. We have very pleasant
recollections of Hagerstown. Nothing very serious happened while we were there.
Some of the people were very strongly in sympathy with the South. The 4th
Connecticut Regiment was at that town a year before we were. They left a good
impression there and were well spoken of by the people. We became well
acquainted in Hagerstown and vicinity. We traded with farmers coffee, sugar,
and hardtack, for eggs, butter, and vegetables. We lived well at that place.
All things come to an end. Marching orders received. The prisoners were ordered
to be sent to Chambersburg, Penn. At this camp we conquered the army of the pedicules,
and became free of the pest.
SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary,
1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 28-9
Labels:
18th CT INF,
4th CT INF,
Charles H Lynch,
Coffee,
Field Hospitals,
Hagerstown MD,
Hard-Tack,
Hospitals,
Maryland,
Potomac River,
Prisoners,
Sugar,
Virginia,
Water,
Williamsport MD
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Diary of Charles H. Lynch: June 16, 1863
Up very early this
morning. All Major Peale could muster of the 18th Regiment was only thirty members.
The rest of those who escaped were with Captain Matthewson, they taking a
different route from Major Peale who followed the route taken by General
Milroy.
After breakfast of
hardtack and coffee, the Major marched us on through Harper's Ferry, crossing
the Potomac River on a pontoon bridge. On, up Maryland Heights, halting under
low pine trees, well up to the top of the Heights. Here we were allowed to
remain for rest and sleep. General Dan Tyler, a Connecticut man, was in command
of a large force at this point. From the top of the Heights we could see the
enemy crossing the Potomac River at Williamsport into Maryland. Our detachment
was detailed for headquarters guard at the quarters of General Tyler. The duty
was easy and made very interesting about all the time.
SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary,
1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 22-3
Friday, May 30, 2014
Major General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, June 20, 1863
Aldie, June 20, 1863.
We came here yesterday afternoon to sustain Pleasanton, who
has had several brilliant skirmishes with the enemy's cavalry in this vicinity,
and who thought they were bringing up infantry. To-day we hear Ewell has
crossed the Potomac at Williamsport. This indicates an invasion of Maryland, of
which I have hitherto been skeptical. If this should prove true, we will have
to rush after them. I had almost rather they would come here and save us
marches. I am in pretty good spirits — a little disgusted at the smallness of
my corps, only ten thousand men, but I believe they will do as much as any
equal numbers.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 386
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Colonel Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, June 28, 1861
BERKELEY COUNTY, June
28th.
. . . I am bivouacking. I sleep out of doors without any
cover except my bedding, but have not felt any inconvenience from it that I am
aware of in the way of impaired health. Last evening, opposite Williamsport,
one of our men was shot in the abdomen by the enemy, but he is still living,
and I trust will recover. I am inclined to think it was done by a Virginian
rather than a Northerner. There is a great deal of disloyalty in this county,
although it has diminished. Mr. Edwin Lee, son-in-law of General Pendleton, is
my aid, and Sandy Pendleton is my ordnance officer and acting adjutant-general.
Last night the news came, after I had retired, that the enemy had packed their
wagons with baggage, thus indicating a move in some direction. I didn't trouble
my command, but merely gave such orders as were necessary to prevent their
approach without giving me timely notice; but, in consequence, I had my rest
disturbed, and am feeling the effects of it to-day. Yesterday Lieutenant
Bowman, of the Eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, who was captured some
time since opposite Williamsport by Colonel J. E. B. Stuart, of the cavalry,
and now in Richmond on his parole of honor, sent a letter via here to
Williamsport which required us to send a flag of truce. All went off well.
SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of
General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 163-4
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Colonel Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, June 22, 1861
HEADQUARTERS FIRST
VIRGINIA. BRIGADE,
CAMP STEPHENS, June
22d.
My darling esposita, I am at present about four miles
north of Martinsburg, and on the road leading to Williamsport, Maryland.
General Johnston ordered me to Martinsburg on last Wednesday, and there
appeared to be a prospect for a battle on Thursday, but the enemy withdrew from
our side of the river. Our troops are very anxious for an engagement, but this
is the second time the enemy have retreated before our advance. However, we may
have an engagement any day. Rumor reports the Federal troops as concentrating
near Shepherdstown, on the Maryland side of the Potomac. A great number of
families have left their homes. By order of General Johnston I have destroyed a
large number of locomotives and cars on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. . . .
I have just learned that the enemy are again crossing into Virginia at
Williamsport, and I am making the necessary arrangements for advancing to meet
them.
SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of
General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 162-3
Friday, January 24, 2014
Brigadier General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, September 23, 1862
CAMP NEAR SHARPSBURG,
MD., September 23, 1862.
We have been very quiet the last few days, with now and then
a stampede of the enemy, crossing at this place and that. I have no idea myself
that he will attempt any more invasions of Maryland, the last having proved the
most lamentable failure, both politically and in a military sense. Our army is
stretched along the banks of the Potomac from Harper's Ferry to Williamsport. My
corps was under orders yesterday to march to Harper's Ferry, but the order
was countermanded before the time for moving came. I saw your brother Willie
yesterday; he is quite well, but greatly disgusted in not having been in any of
the recent battles. Although the papers are silent on the subject of the
Pennsylvania Reserves, yet I can assure you in the army they are now
acknowledged as the best division for fighting in the whole army, and are
praised everywhere.
James Biddle arrived the day after the last battle and
joined Ricketts' staff. Young Kingsbury, whom you may remember seeing at Mrs.
Turnbull's, was killed. One of my aides, Lieutenant Riddle, of Pittsburg, was
shot in the hand. Old Baldy is doing well and is good for lots of fights yet.
SOURCE: George Meade, The
Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 313-4
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