Reminiscences, Incidents, Battles, Marches And Camp Life Of The Old 4th Michigan Infantry In War Of Part 1

Reminiscences, Incidents, Battles, Marches and Camp Life of the Old 4th Michigan Infantry in War of Rebellion, 1861 to 1864.

by O. S. Barrett.

THE FOURTH REGIMENT

Michigan Volunteer Infantry

was organized at Adrian, Michigan, and Mustered into United States Service June 20, 1861, for three years. It was quartered in the North College building, of the group of buildings situated at extreme west suburbs of City. Was commanded by Dwight A. Woodbury. It was presented by the ladies of Adrian, with a beautiful flag. The Regiment left its Rendezvous June 25th, for Washington, numbering on its rolls 1025, officers and men. In his orders for the movement, Colonel Woodbury said: "Let each man remember that he has the honor of Michigan in his keeping." The first appearance of the Regiment, while pa.s.sing through Cleveland, Ohio, brought from the Leader of that city, the following notice of

MICHIGAN TROOPS.

"When we see the splendidly armed and equipped Regiments from Michigan, pa.s.s through here on their way to the seat of war, and compare their appearance with that of the Regiments that left Camp Cleveland recently, it makes us almost ashamed of Ohio, and inclines us to enquire in the mildest and most collected manner, why it is that Michigan in the same length of time sends Regiments to the field prepared for service, while Ohio, who boasts of her enterprise and patriotism, sends from her camps as Regiments, mere mobs of men, half uniformed, unarmed, and wholly without drill."

The Regiment left Cleveland, via Buffalo to Elmira, New York, where we took supper with 23d New York Regiment in barracks there. We were royally entertained; had a good time; had a good supper. I wish to say here, the first hard tack the writer ever saw was issued to us at Cleveland. They were round, and as large as an elephant's foot, and as tough as a prohibitionist's conscience. I noticed some of the boys, out on platform of cars, trying how far they could sail them. Others had coupling pins, trying to pulverize them. On leaving Elmira, some of the boys who were a little off, pulled the coupling pin, which detached three or four cars. The rest of the train pulled out some distance before it was discovered. The advance section backed up, the rear cars were hitched on, and the boys were induced to all-aboard, and the train pa.s.sed on to Harrisburg, Pa. The Regiment encamped a few days at that city, and we were drilled in the art of street fighting, expecting a collision at Baltimore. The people of Harrisburg asked: "has Michigan sent another Regiment equipped?" And in fact the troops at Camp Curtin "thought if Pennsylvania would only clothe her men like that, she would not have a single citizen at home."

From Harrisburg, on to Baltimore. The Regiment was disembarked from the cars some distance outside of the city; formed and marched into the depot. We were armed with old buck and ball muskets, and were not allowed but three rounds of cartridges. The Regiment was formed into platoons, and marched through the general thoroughfare to Washington Depot. On its way, while about midway, the crowd was immense on the sidewalks, a demonstration was made by some crank of a Rebel, at a point opposite our colors, pointing a revolver toward the flag-bearer, but was suppressed so quick that it was not seen but by few of the Regiment. The writer was a file-closer and in rear of rear platoon, and saw the movement. Had that pistol been discharged, the result would have been a terrible indiscriminate slaughter. My gun was on a line with the act in less time than it would take to pull a trigger.

Somebody would have been hurt. Men hissed and jeered, but the column moved on to Washington Depot, where the Regiment was embarked on cars for Washington. Just before reaching the Relay House, the train was stopped and we were told that Rebels were in our front. We were formed in line of battle. It was a false alarm. We got aboard again, and pa.s.sed on to Washington. Arrived in that city on the night of July 2d, and soon went into camp on Meridian Hill, near Soldiers' Home.

Remained in camp until a short time before first battle of Bull Run.

The Regiment was ordered over the Potomac, and to Alexandria, and out to a place called Cloud's Mills. Remained in camp there, and done picket duty until a few days prior to first Bull Run, when it was ordered on to Fairfax Station, in rear of advancing army. The left wing of the Regiment was detained at that place, while the right was marched to Fairfax Court House. The writer was with the part remaining at the station. It was evident that the Rebels had left in a hurry, as the advance of our column appeared; they had tried to burn the station and other property, but were prevented by stress of time. We found plenty of corn meal; also a number of hogs that had been corralled in the rear of the station, but had been let out of the pen; on arrival of our men in pursuit, they were running around loose. The writer fired six shots at an old hump-backed sow, and got nary a swine. One W. W. Carpenter, the liliputian of Company B, killed her with one shot from an old Colt's revolver. We had mush and fresh pork in abundance.

We found some cows on an abandoned plantation, near by. Also plenty of honey. We had mush and milk 'till you couldn't rest. One of the boys, while reconnoitering around, developed a colony of bees. He seized a hive and started for a brook near by. He attempted to jump a pole fence. His toe caught and he pitched headlong. The hive flew twenty feet. The bees followed back, and swarmed in his bushy hair, which caused a lively rush for the water. He plunged in and soon divested himself of the vicious little insects. But not daunted he returned, and seized the hive again. This time he succeeded in drowning the bees. He got the honey all the same. That night, after the adventure with the bees, myself and my bunkey tore some of the hives to pieces, and placed the boards on the ground, and spread our blankets on them for our bed. We went to bed tickled with our layout. About twelve o'clock we were aroused with injunction to keep very still, as Rebels were near, and were expected to attack us. My bunkey and I got up, or sat up. About that time I saw bunkey slap his legs, and heard him swear.

About the same time, I felt an unusual sensation under my pants, in the region of where I sat down. There were plenty of live bees still, that had staid with the boards. They had crawled inside our clothes, and everlastingly stuck it to us. Well, if you ever saw an Indian war dance, picture to yourself our appearance. We were ordered to keep still; but had a Brigade of Rebels attacked us, we would have fought these bees.

Next day was fought the first Battle Bull Run. We were ordered to join the other wing of the Regiment, at Fairfax Court House, arriving just before the stragglers began to appear from our defeated army. We were formed in the road, in sections, and ordered to stop all stragglers.

Talk of stopping a cyclone; it was impossible. The rush of soldiers, congressmen, and other civilians, from Washington, literally forced us from the highway. I saw three officers on one mule, hatless, coatless, and unarmed, and apparently badly frightened; the Johnnies did not follow up with any force. The 4th was soon on the way to Washington.

We returned to our old camp, on Meridian Hill. Early in fall of '61, the Regiment built fort Woodbury, on Arlington, and done picket duty.

Later on, we were moved out to Minor's Hill, Virginia, and built winter quarters, and remained there during the winter 1861-2. The Regiment, with 14th New York, 9th Ma.s.sachusetts, and 62nd Pennsylvania, formed 2d Brigade, 1st Division, 5th Army Corps, commanded by Fitz John Porter, a brave and skilfull officer, who was afterwards much abused; for I believe we had no more loyal officer in the field; to the contrary notwithstanding, his traducers tried to drag him down. Nothing of a startling nature occurred here, during the winter. Our time was occupied in picket, camp, guard, and other routine work. A laughable incident occurred here in camp, which ill.u.s.trates the desire of the common soldier

FOR FUN AND FROLIC.

[Ill.u.s.tration: {A soldier with a gun-sling in the firing position.}]

We were armed with the old Buck and Ball musket, which we were to exchange for the Enfield rifles. Word was given to the different companies to send details for guns. The Company B detail was dispatched. Soon the boxes were brought, and opened. Behold a mistake had been made, and the boys thought on purpose. Instead of the Enfield, the boxes contained the same kind of guns we already had. The men were indignant, and refused to accept them, but finally concluded to use them awhile, as they were new and bright. The guns were distributed, and boxes ordered back, a procession formed a la funeral. An escort, with reversed guns, and music, and every conceivable thing that any noise could be got out of, followed to Quarter master's depot. A volley was fired over the boxes, and the procession returned to quarters. Soon, a racket was heard in vicinity of Company B. Every other man had a gun sling around his body, and was down on all-fours. The other fellows had a gun thrust between the gun-sling and along the man's spine, firing blank cartridges. As soon as the gun was fired, the man on the ground would a.s.sume a sitting posture, with the muzzle up. Then the gunner would ram cartridge, and the gun would immediately a.s.sume the horizontal, again to be fired.

There were some 40 of the company engaged in this. That night, after the racket, the 14th New York's Sutler lost a barrel of whiskey, rolled out from under his tent early in the evening, while the proprietor was engaged in front with a special delegation sent to occupy him and his a.s.sistants, while the feat was being performed. It never was found, but you could buy a canteen-full for $5.00 of one who knew where it was. Details were made to hunt for it, but it was never brought to view, but some of the detail were quite drunk when they returned. I will relate an incident that occurred while encamped on Arlington, as stated before in this narrative: while stationed there, we were daily beset by hucksters and traffickers. They would vend their wares to the boys, and go away, apparently happy, but soon return again, seeming to be dissatisfied with what they received for their goods. One day, a pompous Jew drove over from Georgetown, a big wagon-load of goods drawn by four-in-hand. Sales were small until he struck Company B, the writer's company. Here he cried his wares.

Finally a syndicate was formed, and approached the vender of goods, with the proposition to buy his entire stock. They would give so much, provided he had a certain amount of the ardent in his outfit. He seemed to be satisfied with the situation, and answered, he had what they desired. The bargain was closed, and money paid in bills. Our goods were unloaded, and he departed, highly elated. But it was not long. He soon returned, alone, and inquired of the writer for the Colonel's tent. The writer edged around, as near as possible, to hear what was said. The Jew was swinging his arms, and gesticulating fiercely. The Colonel listened until he got through, then I heard him say, in reply, "you ought to be satisfied with small profits on so large a sale." He replied: "Colonel, the monish is not good, it is one Erie and Kalamazoo monish." The Colonel told him the result was as good as the intent, and dismissed him, and we did not see him again.

The boys bought him out slick and clean, for 600 dollars, and paid him in new and crisp Michigan Insurance and older bills of Erie and Kalamazoo. I will say, Company B, was made up of one or two doctors, as many lawyers, and one preacher, and the rest were gentlemen. The writer was identified with the latter cla.s.s.

[Ill.u.s.tration: {The salesman and the Colonel.}]

THE REGIMENT MOVED.

With the advance of the army from Minor's Hill, and to Fairfax, pa.s.sed beyond that dilapidated and dingy looking town, historical, much speculation indulged in, in regard to what route would be adopted "On to Richmond." It was finally decided to take the route via Alexandria down the Potomac to Fort Monroe. Accordingly, the columns were put in motion, and in due time the army arrived at above named place. Our Division pa.s.sed out beyond Hampton, and went into camp, for a few days, then marched en route to Yorktown, by way of Big Bethel. On our arrival within cannon shot of Rebel fortifications, we were greeted by a general shower of shot and sh.e.l.l, from Rebel Batteries, which went screeching and screaming over our heads. The 4th had the advance at the right, toward the Rebel Left. As we drew nearer, they got our range. Their shot plunged and sh.e.l.ls burst in and all around us with but little damage, but made the situation decidedly unpleasant. Our column filed to the right, following a ravine, which extended to extreme left of Rebel Earthworks. General Charles Griffin commanded our Division, and his old battery was on hand, that he had formerly commanded. He immediately ordered it to the front, out in open s.p.a.ce, and commenced sh.e.l.ling the Rebel works. Cannonading was lively for a while, on both sides. The Rebels evidently misunderstood the demonstrations, so audaciously made in their front, and expected an immediate a.s.sault all along the line. They apparently reserved their fire for closer work, but were disappointed in that. The army settled down to a siege. We were constantly under fire, from time of arrival in front of their works, until evacuation of same, on picket line, bivouac and skirmishing. No let up night and day. Casualties were quite frequent. If a picket guard showed his head it was a target as soon as seen. Picketing was extremely dangerous business. The guard were posted under darkness of night and was relieved the same. In front of Rebel works was an open plain. The boys would dig holes, under cover of darkness, and through the day would burrow like gophers. Hence gopher holes, had dirt piled up in front with a hole at base, for to shoot through. Was death to the man who got his cranium above the obstruction in front of him. A thrilling incident occurred at this time. General Fitz John Porter, who commanded the 5th corps, went up in a balloon to take observations of rebel works. It was controlled by ropes, held by men on the ground. After getting up the right distance, the guy became detached, through some cause, and the balloon floated at will, first over Rebs, then back on our side, swayed by the wind. All this while, Porter could be seen standing up in the car, with spy gla.s.s in hand, scanning the Rebel fortifications; and the Johnnies everlastingly yelling, and trying to elevate their guns to reach him, but failed. The elevation was too steep for their gunnery. Finally he descended to our side, amid shouts of the whole army. It was hard telling at one time into what hands he would fall. The siege went on. A heavy water battery of one hundred pounders was placed on York River, at the extreme left of Rebel works. The 4th was stationed at that point. These guns were worked spasmodically. Rebs could not reply to them. York River, at this point, was full of oysters--some the largest I ever saw. We often went in after a supply. It was dangerous business. The Rebel pickets, on opposite side, were alert and invariably fired on any one who had the hardihood to approach the water for them. The writer ventured in one day for some of the bivalves, and was industriously searching for the precious article. I succeeded in exhuming a monster big one, and was looking for more, when zip, pinge, came the warning to get out. I was in such a hurry I forgot to take along my find, and you could not see my coat tail for the water splashing behind me. I did not want any more oysters on that special occasion. Yorktown was evacuated on the night of May 4th and 5th, 1862; our army had been to vast labor, and the government to tremendous expense and worry. A b.l.o.o.d.y battle was fought at Williamsburg; the 4th were not engaged at that battle. We were sent via West Point, and followed on to Chickahominy. The time occupied between Yorktown and our arrival at the Chickahominy, was marching, and camping under great hardships; mud and heat had to be contended with.

When within a few miles of Chickahominy, the 4th was detached from the column, and in a pouring rain, were hustled on to the river. When within half a mile of it we met a squadron of cavalry, which had been to the point, came back full well. We were ordered, "Battalion into line, double quick;" my company being on the left, did some tall running over bogs, ditches and small brush, to get our place in line.

We struck the river at New Bridge, and met a sharp fire from opposite side. We were dressed up under this fire. Our first man was killed here, A. M., D. Piper, of Company B. He was shot dead. He was the largest man in the company. I was first sergeant at the time, and touched elbows with him when he fell. The boys named him Elephant, on account of his immense size. Our Colonel, D. A. Woodbury, seeing our disadvantage, rode his horse down to the river and ordered us to cross.

At this time the Johnnies were seen to get to the woods beyond. About 20th of May my company plunged into the water, arm-pits deep. Company A crossed over to the right, in a bend of the river. We found 28 dead rebels in our immediate front. We brought over some wounded rebels, and on our return the water was chin deep to the writer, it having rained all this time heavily. There were four or five of my company wounded.

The rebels had taken the plank from the bridge, and ranged two pieces of cannon on the same. We held this point as a picket line until battle of Gains Mills. The crossing of Chickahominy occurred on May 24th, 1862.

Here I first saw Custer. He was sent by McClellan to a.s.sist our cavalry in conducting the establishment of picket lines at New Bridge.

He crossed the river four times, on horseback, to my certain knowledge. He encouraged us boys with the example, and his cheering remarks, such as go in Wolverines, give them h--l, and we did. The Johnnies outnumbered us six to one, but they were deceived in our strength, supposing us to be a regular advance of our army. I am pained to read of the deprecating language of Major Reno, 7th Regiment Cavalry, in regard to the gallant Custer.

This fight caused General McClellan to dispatch to the War Department, the following: "Three skirmishes to-day. We drove the Rebels from Mechanicsville, seven miles from New Bridges. The 4th Michigan about used up the Louisiana Tigers. Fifty prisoners, and fifty killed and wounded."

Mr. Greeley, in his American Conflict, says: "The first collision on the Chickahominy, between the advance of McClellan's army and the Rebels, occurred near New Bridge, where the 4th Michigan, Colonel Woodbury, waded the stream and a.s.saulted and drove off a superior force, losing but eight men in all, and taking thirty-seven prisoners, of whom fifteen were wounded." After establishing line of pickets on or along the river, the regiment went into camp on Gains' Farm, on left bank of Chickahominy, about one mile from river. Soon after, the battle of Fair Oaks was fought in plain sight of our camp. It continued 'till early in the evening. We could see the flash of bursting sh.e.l.ls and vomiting cannon. The excitement among the men of the regiment was very manifest. It is certainly pleasanter, at a distance, to witness a battle, than to partic.i.p.ate in one. Distance is more agreeable than being too intimate with the struggle.

An advance from our position, at that time, was contemplated upon Richmond. A heavy rainstorm was raging at the time. The regiment stood in ranks all one day, in this rain--so did the whole army--waiting orders to cross the Chickahominy. The flats each side of the river were flooded from two to four feet deep. Whirling and seething in its course, it was impossible to cross, and had to be abandoned. A howl went up all over the north, because of the failure, but was not attributed to the high water, but to cautiousness or cowardice of the commander. It could not be done in the face of such difficulties. If ever there was an interposition of Providence, it was manifested at that time, for if we had crossed the river with the view of attacking Richmond, I believe the Army of the Potomac would have ceased to exist as an organization. Picketing and camp routine was daily gone through with at this time; but little excitement, and nothing startling occurred. I think, May 27th, a column was marched to Hanover Court House to our right and rear. It was reported the Rebels were threatening our base. The 4th Regiment was a part of the troops composing that movement. We marched to Hanover. The front and rear of the column had a fight with the Johnnies. The 4th was but slightly engaged. The 9th Ma.s.sachusetts, one of our brigade, had a lively chase after the enemy,--charged them out of a piece of woods, and down a grade, towards a railroad, via Hanover and Richmond. The 44th New York were badly cut up, being the regiment in the rear of the column that the Rebels attacked with great fury. The 44th stood their ground with great bravery and determination until a.s.sistance arrived. The enemy was driven off, and the column returned to camp. Company B, of the 4th, acted as flankers on the return to camp, 14 miles away. By the way, the duties of flankers are very tedious and arduous, especially over a rough country, and is attended with a good deal of danger. On our way back, when near camp, the regiment halted in the road, with low hanging trees on one side of the road (the flankers had been called in,) with thick underbush. Some telegraph wires were laying along on the limbs. Some mischievous fellow in the rear drummed with his gun on them, causing a vibration of sound similar to a noise caused by a charging mule team running away. The result was, the road was vacated in two seconds. The writer jumped, and supposed he was jumping up grade, but instead, jumped 20 feet down grade, into a hole.

The scare was over, and the column soon made camp. Many lost their caps, the writer among the rest. I distinctly saw the colonel and adjutant's horses leap a ditch fence on the north side of the road. If I could have known the fellow who caused the stampede, I think I could have mauled him--and think I would, had I caught him. As it is, the friction is now worn off, and he is safe. I will say, the column was marching left in front. That put the writer's company to the front.

Hence the scare at our end of the regiment. The army indulged in a grand review at this place. General Prim, the Spanish Patriot, was present, and, I think, President Lincoln, but am not positive as to the latter being present. The little general humped around after Mac., who was a splendid rider--none were more accomplished than Little Mac.

Prim was not used to such rough ground and hard riding, hence his unsteady seat. While in camp, our quartermaster thought to regale us with the luxury of dried apple pies, shortened with bacon grease. He had procured a portable oven, and dispensed his goodies to the boys, at twenty five cents a small section. The writer remembers of being very sick from eating pie, in fact, the only time he remembers of being sick, until subsequently, after being wounded at Gettysburg.

And now comes the tug of war. Up to this time the regiment had not suffered very serious loss. True, many were sick; some had been discharged; but the regiment showed a good front. The history, from June 26th, 1862, of the regiment, is steeped in blood, with heavy loss. Many were sent to their last muster out, and now, after the lapse of a quarter of a century, the roster is nearly closed.

June 26th, 1862, the regiment, with the rest of the brigade, was formed in column, and marched out to Mechanicsville, and engaged in battle with traitors to this good country. The battle was short and sharp, without much advantage to either side. It was the prelude to one of the bloodiest battles of the war,--Gains' Mill. June 27th, 1862, the regiment, with others, left our camp, abandoned everything except our knapsacks and guns, marched out and formed line of battle, near Gains' Mill. The Rebels soon took possession of our deserted camp, rioted awhile on what was left,--whiskey, hard-tack, and other commodities. About ten A. M. they came down on us without skirmishers, with guns at a right shoulder arms, and drunk. They came to be slaughtered, and they got it, then and there. The carnage was terrible. The battle raged all day, until dark. Men, of human form divine, became demons, fought like wild beasts, and with not much more intelligence on the traitors' side. Many of the regiment went down.

The next day, loved ones, true as steel, were missing, and never again answered to human roll call. And on to other battles, the regiment was baptised in blood again. Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, and on to Malvern. On the 30th of June, the army arrived at Malvern Hill, tired, worn, and hungry. The enemy followed up and attacked in the afternoon, but were easily repulsed. July 1st was the climax of battles. The enemy attacked with great fury; the battle raged all day with great slaughter, on both sides. Charge after charge was indulged in by the persistent foe, to be hurled back bleeding in every form. The thunder of cannon was awful; clash of arms, shouts of combatants, was deafening. Such a seething h.e.l.l will never be again enacted on this continent. It would be impossible to repeat it, in all its details.

The enemy drew off, and the Army of the Potomac pa.s.sed on to Harrison's Landing, on the James River. The regiment lost its brave Colonel Dwight A. Woodbury, the bravest of the brave. His last words were, "hold them, boys." He was shot in the forehead and died almost instantly. His body now rests in our beautiful Oak Wood Cemetery. He was a kind man. The enemy followed to Harrison's Landing in small force; made a slight attack on our forces, on the morning of July 2nd, but we easily repulsed. The regiment and army settled down to camp life. While here, the Rebels made a night attack, from south side James River. Our heavy batteries and gun boats in the river soon knocked them out of the box. The day following, the 4th and 16th Michigan were ferried over the river to see about it. Found debris of caissons, dead horses, and evidence of demoralization. Staid over all day. Some captures were made. Among the trophies, were a considerable amount of geese. The regiments returned to north bank of stream and went into camp. The rebels did not attack again. The severe handling they received at their nocturnal demonstration evidently satisfied them. After the death of Colonel Woodbury, Lt. Col. Childs was promoted to Colonel of the 4th regiment; Lt. Col. Duffield was promoted to Colonel of 9th Michigan Infantry. After the Peninsular campaign had ended, the 4th returned, with the army, and entered on the "Pope Campaign." The regiment in command of Col. Childs was in the engagement at Gainsville, Aug. 29, 1862; Bull Run, Aug. 30, and at Antietam Sept. 17 following. At Shepardstown Ford, Sept. 20 with its brigade, it forded the Potomac, in face of a battery, killed and drove off the enemy, captured their guns. After the Maryland campaign, the regiment returned to the Potomac, and was in battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 13th and 14th, 1862. Lt. Col. George W. Lumbard, commanded. Its loss in these two days was 9 killed, 41 wounded, and one missing; Lieut. James Clark was killed, Company B. Remember the 4th was always identified with 2nd brigade, 1st division, 5th corps, and was in said organizations until expiration of service. After battle of Fredericksburg. Dec. 13, 14, the 4th returned to north bank Rappahannock; on the 30th and 31st of December the regiment was engaged in a reconnoisance to Morrisville, making a march of 33 miles on the latter day. It was engaged in a movement on the 20th of January, 1863, marching only a few miles; returned to camp near Falmouth, where we remained until May 1st, sending out details, building corduroy roads, bridges, and other preparations, clearing the way for an advance to Chancellorsville. May 2d, it forded the Rapidan River, without opposition. On the 3d it marched out to and beyond Chancellorsville, proper, and formed the extreme left of the army, 1st division, 5th corps. The division was cut off from the rest of its corps, at this time. We maneuvered around, for a while. Finally it was decided to try and support the brave Sedgwick, commanding 6th corps, who was battling with the Johnnies at Fredericksburg. The column was put in motion, left in front, 4th Michigan in the lead--the writer's Company out as flankers. We soon heard the familiar Rebel yell, in our front. It put a stop to the movement. We returned, sadder but wiser, to our former position. It was then getting dark. The Division was put in motion to the rear, towards the bluffy ground near the Rappahannock River, where we were put in line of battle--our right extending towards Chancellorsville, our left near the river. It was high ground, and we considered it impregnable. The regiment, and in fact, the whole line, threw up temporary breastworks. In this position we pa.s.sed the night of the 3d. Sat.u.r.day, during the night, the 11th corps had stampeded, at Chancellorsville, and took to the woods, in rear, and could not be induced to return to the front. Sunday morning the sun rose clear and hot.

We received orders to march to the vacated position that had been occupied by the 11th corps. We double-quicked the entire distance, over rough ground. The underbrush had been cleared away partially.

When we arrived in open s.p.a.ce, where the fight was going on, we were quickly formed in echelon, battle array by division front. The Johnnies came out of the woods in our front with the apparent determination to drive us back; but grape and canister, accompanied by musketry, drove them back. They did not appear again that day. This was May 4th. The enemy contented themselves with annoying us with their sharpshooters, located in trees, in woods, in our front. Our officers concluded to teach them better manners than to kill men in this quiet and barbarous way. Accordingly, orders were given to deploy the 4th Michigan as skirmishers, and clear the wood, which was done in fine style, and at a double quick. I saw a rebel sharp shooter, located in a tree some sixty feet from the ground, he had a telescope rifle, and on his head an old plug hat. He was shot, and came tumbling to the earth. He struck the ground straight out. He looked to be nine feet long, in his descent to the ground.

The line swept on, driving all before it. We soon struck Rebel works, composed of logs. In front was a ravine. As the Johnnys went up the incline, and over the works, we landed in the ravine. This saved us, as they could not fire to any advantage, while their men were ready to break their necks to get out of our way. They fired a tremendous volley over our heads; our bugle sounded the "recall," and then we proceeded to "git"--"the Devil take the hindermost." Now, I was considered a smart runner, but could not gain an inch on the man ahead of me. On we went. We could hear the swish of cannister in our rear, but on we went. The 9th Ma.s.sachusetts was sent after us as a support.

It had halted half way and laid down. We pa.s.sed over them in our flight. The Rebels soon followed up, and when in range of the guns of the 9th, they arose, and delivered their fire, which sent the survivors flying to their works. Thus ended the most exciting race of my life. I never shall forget it. It was amusing to. Colonel Welch, of the 16th Michigan, felt slighted because his Regiment was not selected for the job. I told him I was sorry, as I was willing he should have all the honor that would accrue to me. I was not very proud of such chances.

The army withdrew to the north bank of the Rappahannock. The 4th Michigan, 14th New York, 9th Ma.s.sachusetts, 62d Pennsylvania, composing 2d Brigade, was rear guard to the United States Ford. The army moved in the night, leaving picket line established. Many were captured. After crossing the river, we encountered a sea of mud. The army slashed around until it arrived at our old camp at Falmouth. The 4th was camped at Stoneman's Switch. We remained there until May 26th, when it, the 4th, was ordered to Kelly's Ford, for guard duty, where it remained until the 13th of June, 1863. Here a laughable thing happened. The Johnnys were on one side of the river, and we occupied the other, doing picket; a long, lankey Johnny sat on the bank of the stream, poorly dressed, with his feet in the water; no firing at this time, by mutual consent. One of our smart Alicks sung out to him, "I say, Johnny Reb., why don't you wear better clothes?" His reply was prompt, "We uns don't wear our best clothes when we go to kill hogs."

Our Alick subsided. This man was shot soon after. It was a cowardly deed. The Regiment partic.i.p.ated in the long and fatigueing march to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. On the way, at Aldie and Middleburg, it was detained in support of cavalry.

We pa.s.sed on and across the Potomac ferry, at Edwards. On the way we saw plenty of evidence of the cavalry advance,--dead horses, accoutrements belonging to cavalry outfit. We arrived at Hanover, Pennsylvania, on the afternoon of July 1st. Rested and fed; then on to Gettysburg. Marched all night--a beautiful moon-light night. As we pa.s.sed farm houses, the people came out with water and refreshments, handed us as we pa.s.sed along foot-sore and tired. An Aide-de-camp came riding along, saying: "Boys, keep good courage, McClellan is in command of the army, again." Instantly the s.p.a.ce above was filled with the hats and caps of the gratified soldiers. They shouted and hollered, and kicked up their heels, and were frisky with the supposed good news. I mention this to show with what veneration Little Mac. was held by the Army of the Potomac. I knew this was untrue, myself, but it served its purpose as intended. Many a brave heart went down next day with that belief in his heart. On to Gettysburg. We arrived in sight of line of battle being formed, at 9 A. M., July 2nd.

Lunched, and was then moved up near Round Top. Was halted again, and awaited the coming struggle. It came.

The regiment was formed in line of battle, with the brigade, and was moved nearer the battle going on in front of us, with other troops engaged. The regiment stood under fire at least a half hour before it became engaged, getting a large share of spent b.a.l.l.s from the front.

Soon the general commanding Division, Brown, said: "Boys, I want you to put in a few licks for Pennsylvania; the Buck-tails will go in on your left. Forward." It was a relief to hear the order, "March." We advanced into the maelstrom of Rebel bullets. By some oversight our right was exposed, and we had to contend with three to one. We held them until they made a fierce charge, charging our right and doubling it to the rear of our left. We were taken at a great disadvantage. I looked to our rear; our colors were there, and men rallying around them. Our colonel, H. H. Jeffords, was there, in the thickest of the struggle, calling on the boys to save the flag. They needed no urging; they fought like demons. Our colonel was killed--shot and then bayoneted. A brave man was killed by the hand of a traitor,--and many others, too, who were simple privates, but heroes for all that; every one of them who fell doing his duty, or imposed duty.

We had to fall back. The writer was here wounded, and the battle surged beyond him. Soon the enemy came, tearing back in retreat. They had struck the brave old 6th Army Corps, just arrived, and in time to save the day. The Rebels went back flying, with the 6th Corps men close after them. They had no time to scoop any of the wounded, as they had all they could attend to in getting out themselves. It was now dusk; the fierce struggle was over for the night. The struggle had been simply terrible; the carnage was awful; the fire incessant.

Groans and oaths of the wounded were heard on every hand. Many would have recovered, had they had care. But it was impossible to reach all.

The writer, with others, was loaded into an ambulance, at two o'clock in the morning of July 3d, and taken to an old house to the north, and east of the battle ground. Here were many wounded. Among those in the house was a Rebel Colonel, shot through the breast. He sat in the only chair in the house. He commanded a Louisiana Regiment, and was wounded early in the fight. I saw him lying on the ground, after the fight had surged by me. I think he died.

The 2d day of July, 1863, ended the writer's service in the field. The 3d day of July was ushered in with an ominous quiet. No sound of cannon broke the stillness, until near ten o'clock, A. M., when mutterings of the awful strife, inaugurated later, began to be heard.

Soon the din began. The voices of an hundred big mouthed guns began to vomit forth its death dealing missiles. The Infantry now began to put in its refrain; after a few spasmodic belchings, of the firing, the tremendous concussion of all arms became general. About five miles of line of battle could be seen from where us non-combatants lay. The whole line was ablaze. Firing was incessant. Salvos after salvos, of artillery belched forth. The air was full of flying missiles--death everywhere. Thus the strife continued all day--an awful day, too, for those who lay helpless in plain view. Charge after charge was made by the determined enemy, but they were repulsed each and every time by the boys in blue. The anxiety was terrible to those who could not partic.i.p.ate in the struggle. The very air seemed to be ablaze. The suspense became painful later in the day. Such persistency seemed, must be, rewarded with success.

Still the fight went on, and seemed to us an age of suspense. Many wounded came from the front. Ten thousand questions were asked of those who had been wounded, "how goes the battle?" Some would answer, doubtful, others would say, "our side would win." It was curious to note the countenances of those who heard the news, some with great anxiety in their faces, others with confidence depicted in every feature. Finally, the awful noise died away; news was brought by an aide-de-camp "that the enemy had hauled off." These men who were dying would raise themselves to a sitting posture, and utter one hurrah! Lay down and die! The work of death ceased. The rebels retreated. Thus ended the three days battle of Gettysburg. The 4th ranks were badly depleted. So was the whole army. The sanitary commission was on hand, and rendered great service, in the care of the wounded. One poor fellow of our regiment, a Company D man, was shot in the head. He would get on his knees, put his head on the ground, and twist his head in the ground. He bored that way until death put an end to his sufferings. Many died of their wounds, and were buried then and there.

The wounded were sent away as fast as possible. The writer, with others, left for Baltimore, and remained a few days at that place, at a Catholic Infirmary. We were treated with great kindness by the Sisters of that benevolent inst.i.tution. The ladies of Baltimore--G.o.d bless them--they regaled us with all the luxuries of the season, I can never forget their kindness.

The subsequent history of the regiment is taken from the official sources, (Michigan in the War,) with some personal recollections.