WZ 100 P3663c 1884 56031770R NLM 055^5714 5 NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE ARMY MEDICAL LIBRARY FOUNDED 1636 WASHINGTON, D.C NLM052965745 :, A A O PERSONAL NARRATIVES OF KVENTS IN THK War of the Rebellion, BHING PAPKUS UKAD BKl'OKK THK RHODE ISLAND SOLDIERS AND SAILORS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. Third Series —No. 5. providence: pubusuki) by the society 1884. PROVIDENCE 1'RKSS COMPANY, PR1NTERH. CAMP AND HOSPITAL, GEORGE B. PECK, Jr., [Late Second Lieutenant, Second Rhode Island Volunteers. PROVIDENCE: PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY 1884. /■ [Edition limited to two hundred and fifty copies.] VV2T /OO P 366 3 c /68¥ o n >- CAMP AND HOSPITAL In accordance with special orders from the war department, I was mustered December 14, 1864, as a Second Lieutenant in Company G, Second Regiment, Rhode Island Volunteers, upon condition that I should enlist a sufficient number of men to fill its ranks. I realized at once the importance of my new dignity, for the very next act was to " swear in " a recruit. This man, under the wing of an "agent," had been dogging the footsteps of the national offi- cials ever since the preceding afternoon. Then it had been discovered that because of the new arrange- ments there was none qualified to enlist him. The agent manifested great concern, and in reply to a remark made by Major Henry C Jenckes, of the old Second, a fjew moments previously, "We will fix all that in five minutes," said, "I wish you would; the fellow is rather restless, and may jump me. I had 4430$(p 6 CAMP AND HOSPITAL. to spend a lot of money and work hard to keep him over night! *' The recruiting agent evidently had an eye to the "head money." I at once secured a desk room in the front of a hat store at 10 Market Square, and snugly ensconced in a capacious arm chair, patiently awaited visitors. The store was occupied by Alexander M. Massie, youngest brother of James W. Massie, D. D., LL. D., of London, who came to this country in 1863, on a mission of sympathy and love from the "Union and Emancipation Society," of Manchester. My duties consisted simply in administering the oath to eager aspirants for glory brought in by zealous runners, and signing enlistment papers ; also in giv- ing orders on the State Quartermaster-General to the runners for their premium in securing the recruit. Trade was not brisk. During the month I received but fifteen callers, five of whom were subsequently rejected by the mustering officer, and a sixth jumped when he found his " chum " was ordered to remain at home. On Monday, January 2, 1865, new orders were received from Washington by Colonel Xeide, the 0 (AMP AND HOSPITAL. 7 State Superintendent of recruiting service. In ac- cordance therewith the camp near Mashapaug pond, which had been the first military home of companies organized to refill the Second Rhode Island, was broken up the succeeding day, and the fourteen men then in camp were transferred to the barracks on the back side of the cove, the depot for recruits for all other organizations. It was located on the right bank of the Woonasquatucket, opposite the building formerly used as the State Prison. I was placed on waiting orders, with directions to report each morn- ing for instructions. These came on the 13th, and were to the effect that on the following day I must report for duty at the United States Draft Rendez- vous (more widely known as the Conscript Camp) at Grapevine Point, then within the limits of Fair- haven, but now a part of New Haven, Ct. On the 14th I took the midday train for New Haven, having in charge two musicians and a box of dishes. The latter contained 104 tin plates, 73 tin cups, 44 knives, 28 forks, and 30 spoons of various sizes. It is worthy of mention that those of my command who had preceded me had contrived to get 8 CAMP AND HOSPITAL. along with 62 plates, 32 cups, and 5 knives. Natu- rally, therefore, they were much rejoiced to receive a more ample supply of certain articles generally con- sidered indispensable. Concerning the men, I was told to keep my eye upon them, and see that by no possibility they should slip through my fingers. A quiet hint was dropped that the revolver is an excel- lent persuasive when other arguments fail. They were volunteers, however, in the strict sense of the term, and thoughts of " leaping the bounty "' never entered their heads. Upon reaching camp I reported to the officer in charge, Captain Edward I. Merrill, of the Third Regiment, Veteran Reserve Corps, an elderly gen- tleman, originally from Maine. He informed me the headquarters of the Post were in the city, but that they were closed for the day and would not be open until Monday. I then visited the barrack assigned Company G, distributed required dishes, and made such other arrangements as were possible for the comfort of the men. Tarrying subsequently for a few moments in the officer of the day's private office, a soldier apparently eighteen years of age was brought CAMP AND HOSPITAL. 9 in, charged with having drawn a knife on the patrol. He protested his innocence, and strict search failed to reveal any weapon, yet he was placed in the guard-house for safe keeping, in accordance with an axiomatic principle of that institution,—a soldier is supposed to be a rascal until he is proved to be honest. Sunday afternoon I visited camp, appointed three lance corporals, and detailed one of them, with five privates, to guard the barrack door, with orders to permit no one to enter unless he came, from Rhode Island; if any member of the Company had business with others he might transact it outside. A half hour later, while conversing with the provost mar- shal, Captain James Kice, of the First Vermont Heavy Artillery, a riHe shot was heard close at hand. The Captain sprang for his repeater, which always stood fully loaded in the corner, and then rushed out to ascertain the cause of the alarm. The guard, thoroughly equipped, were instantly at their post by the gate. Eveiy one was on the qui vice. It was soon discovered that no revolt was imminent, but simply a " break '* had occurred of three men for lib- 10 CAMP AM) HOSPITAL. erty and an extra bounty. Still the "assembly' called the general recruits together; they were marched to their quarters, and though it was yet very early, were locked up for the night. Mean- while Captain Rice, with another officer and two sol- diers, jumped into a hack standing just outside the gate, and ordered the driver to start, at full speed, in a given direction in pursuit of the fugitives. For- tunately the driver misunderstood his orders, and drove very differently from the course he was told to follow. Two of the men had selected a path before untried, and soon the party found themselves alongside the culprits, who were making their best speed over the fields. The driver was now ordered to stop, but he found it impossible to rein in the gal- loping horses as promptly as was desired, so Captain Rice knocked out the window and blazed away. The horses were frightened, but no one was hurt. Soon, however, the team was stopped. All jumped to the ground and ran with eager haste. One of the deserters was speedily overtaken, and when ordered to surrender, halted and permitted himself to be placed quietly in custody of the officer. The other CAMP AND HOSPITAL. 11 strained every nerve to escape, but with no avail. One of the soldiers had nearly overtaken him, and was calling upon him to halt, when he suddenly stopped, wheeled around, and gave his pursuer a blow between the eyes, sending him reeling backward. But the second soldier was close behind. He did not relish the treatment of his associate, so he drew his bayonet from his belt and tapping the fellow gently over the head with the shank, felled him to the earth. Captain Rice and the other soldier now came up, and, with their assistance, the temporarily disabled bounty-jumper was placed in the carriage, and driven back to camp in charge of the two offi- cers. The two deserters were handcuffed as soon as captured. The third man had turned directly toward New Haven, purposing to cross Mill river on the ice. He rcached'the bank, but while gazing in blank astonishment at the unexpected sight of open water before him, a dropsical soldier of the Invalid Corps, as the organization was popularly termed, came up and said, "You'll catch cold standing there ; you'd better go back with me!" Without a word of remonstrance the fellow turned, and the twain pro- 12 CAMP AM) HOSPITAL. ceeded quietly to camp conversing on indifferent themes. The determined resistance to recapture offered by the second fugitive was deemed positive proof that he had a considerable sum of money secreted upon his person. Accordingly he was twice searched with un- usual rigor under the supervision of the officer of the day, the provost marshal and the assistant provost, but without result. They were about to consign him, though reluctantly, to the guard-house, when Captain Ketchum, who chanced to be occupied else- where, sent word that he would like to examine him after they had finished. Now this Ketchum was a Brooklyn boy, consequently acquainted with the waj*s of the metropolis, and what he did not know of certain departments of practical science, is scarcely worth the knowing. As soon as he was disengaged, he hastened to the guard-room and commenced a thorough inspection de nor<>. Nothing was discov- ered from the crown of the head to the soles of the feet. Every garment had been searched but the boots. He examined one all over, inside and out, by sight and by touch, yet nothing was revealed. CAMP AND HOSPITAL. 13 Next he tapped on the sole with his knuckles, and then on the heel. "Ah! that is hollow !" he ex- claimed, and seizing a bayonet instantly pried it off, and a fine roll of greenbacks tumbled upon the floor. "Now don't spoil the other boot," he continued, "let's see if we can't discover the secret lid." This was found after a few minutes' careful investigation, and a second roll of bills obtained, amounting to $1,100, with a small package containing a diamond pin and a o-old ring. These were deposited to the man's credit with the paymaster of the post, and he was placed in durance vile. But how could this break occur when the camp was encircled with a tight board fence not less than a dozen feet in height, at whose base paced the ever watchful sentry of the Reserve Corps ? At one point a two-story house had been constructed on its line to provide quarters for the permanent officers of the institution. This was divided on each floor trans- versely, affording some half dozen sections lighted by a window at each end. By the side of that, on the inner extremity, was a door opening upon a nar- row platform, which extended the entire front of the 2 14 CAMP AND HOSPITAL. building. These sections were subdivided by a light partition and door, so that the front part served as an office ; the rear, looking out upon green fields and pleasant gardens, as a bed-room. The rooms on the second floor were reached by a balcony and stairway at the east end of the building. One of the sections on the lower floor chanced to be unoccupied. The lock was opened either by a bent wire or a skeleton key, and immediately closed by the same means. Passing directly into the rear room they shut the door behind them, and were secure from detection until every arrangement had been completed, when they dashed through the window and made oft' at full speed. The sentinel at the foot of the stairs hearing the crash rushed up the steps, and, discover- ing the fugitives, blazed away, thereby sounding the alarm. On Monday morning, January 16th, I reported to Colonel A. Cady, at his headquarters on the second floor of Brewster Building. I found him to be a fine looking and most courteous gentleman, tall and erect, though hair and moustache were completely silvered; dignified, yet kindly expressioned, a per- CAMP AND HOSPITAL. 15 feet model of the old type of soldier. He received me more cordially than his appearance had led me to expect; questioned me at length concerning recruiting interests in Providence, the prospects of my regiment, and various Rhode Islanders whom he had met. Upon retiring he told me to take orders directly from Captain Merrill. Colonel Cady also held authority over a military hospital occupying the building and grounds of the State Hospital, which had been leased for that purpose at a merely nominal rental. During the two months I remained at the Draft Rendezvous I found a pleasant and comfortable home at the Madison House, State street, New Haven. Captain and Mrs. Rice boarded there, as well as three or four bachelor officers, which made it the more agreeable. I spent two or three hours every forenoon at Grapevine Point; the remainder of my time was devoted to reading and study. Sun- days I went out in the afternoon. On the 22d, while sitting in the Provost Marshal's office, two men came in, one of whom informed the clerk that the other had some business to attend to. Now it was 16 CAMP AND HOSPITAL. customary to observe the Sabbath within that pre- cinct, but the clerk good-naturedly permitted the second to proceed. He had not uttered a dozen words when a Captain who was also sitting in the room looked up, and, recognizing the person, poured forth such a torrent of invective and abuse, that the fellow was glad to leave the room without continu- ing his story. He had formerly been in this Cap- tain's regiment, but had deserted and enlisted twice since. While no other officer would have deported thus, the provocation was commensurate. About the middle of the afternoon a rifle shot was heard, but no special stir accompanied it. After a few min- utes some started across the enclosure in direction of the sound, others of the veterans passed out of the gate on the chase, while Captain Rice seized his seventeen-shooter, and another officer took his. Jump- ing into a sleigh, the two, with a driver, started off at a gallop, but soon discovered there was no stam- pede, and ere long all were back at camp bitterly regretting it was a false alarm, as they were just in the humor for a hunt. Upon reaching camp Tuesday morning, 24th, I CAMP AND HOSPITAL. 17 was informed that the denizens of«the guard-house had tunnelled out during the night, and all who cared to go, twenty-six in number, had left for parts unknown. Some, possessed of greater prudence or timidity, preferred to remain where best acquainted. The officers seemed greatly surprised at this feat, but I had always wondered how any sane man could have ordered a guard-house to be placed within six feet of the fence. The idea of a subterranean tunnel had entered my mind at sight, but deeming it unbe- coming a raw recruit to counsel veterans, I said nothing. The scapegraces had been engaged on it for weeks, removing the flooring and bringing the excavated earth out in their pockets when set to policing the camp. A sheet-iron floor prevented a repetition of the performance. Six of the men were recaptured that very morning, one of whom was a member of my company. He had endeavored pre- viously to desert from Mashapaug. When we finally left camp for the transport, bound to City Point, a sergeant with loaded rifle and fixed bayonet marched on either side of him with instructions to shoot him should he move an inch from his place. 18 CAMP AND HOSPITAL. Yet in front of Petersburg he proved himself a most excellent soldier, and was one of the eleven men of Company G who accompanied Captain Gleason and myself in the charge at Sailors' Creek. The rest of the seventy present and fit for duty after the capture of Petersburg, who were not detailed as guards at various points, had dropped by the roadside one after another, utterly exhausted from the severity of the march. This man simply desired the double bounty so many had secured. As I was taking my accustomed Sunday afternoon promenade to camp on the 29th, I met Captain Ketchum with five hundred recruits under guard, on their way to the transport which would take them to the seat of war. This was the toughest set of fel- lows that ever graduated from that school. The fol- lowing facts which came to the knowledge of the officers, though of course not witnessed by them, will sufficiently establish the hardness of their char- acter. The general recruits, substitutes and conscripts, were quartered in the second and third stories of a large building previously used as a factory. They CAMP AND HOSPITAL. 19 were assigned to temporary companies, which were divided equally between the respective floors. They were marched out about 10 o'clock each morning for the purpose of thoroughly ventilating and policing the barracks, and marched in about three o'clock in the afternoon, when they were locked up for the night. Of course in unpleasant weather, and I be- lieve at other times, at almost any hour they desired, the men were permitted to return to their quarters, but all were obliged to appear in line to answer to their names at those instants. Now it was quite the custom for the substitutes, who generally were pro- ficient in every department of iniquity, to " go through " every new man who looked at all neat and tidy. And this was done not only when he was tak- ing his first sleep, but even before—while yet he con- sidered himself wide awake. While some engaged his attention, others would appropriate such portions of his outfit as they desired, and it was absolutely impossible for any one to discover the culprit or find the stolen goods. One night it seemed as though they had resolved to outdo themselves. Sometime past midnight they 20 CAMP AND HOSPITAL. "raided" a raw recruit, stripped him of every parti- cle of clothing, and then thrust him down the water closet. The poor fellow fortunately escaped serious accidents in his descent, and upon reaching the vault had sufficient presence of mind to seek for and find the boards which covered the outer portion of the pit. Pushing them aside he was gradually emerging to fresh air, when a sentinel discovered him and fired. The man begged for mercy, which the guard promptly granted, upon discovering the state of the case. The victim was well cared for, but no part of his outfit could ever be found. None will be surprised to learn that the doors from these apartments to the hallways consisted of the strongest grating, and were secured with heavy locks and bolts; also that outside, by day and by night, stood from four to six veterans with loaded rifles and fixed bayonets. When the officer of the day made his grand rounds at night, or visited the place by day, a soldier always followed him, ready to use his rifle at a half second's notice, and the officer's revolver was conveniently placed just before enter- ing. For nearly a month before this squad was sent CAMP AND HOSPITAL. 21 off, two men followed their superior. His life would not have been worth insuring had he entered alone, and even despite all precautions, attempts thereon were by no means infrequent. The extreme recklessness of these men is still more apparent from the fact that before the trans- port had passed Sandy Hook, it had been fired three times. Their intention, evidently, was to necessi- tate the beaching of the vessel, thereby enabling them to swim ashore, skedaddle to another State, re- enlist, and secure still another bounty. But Captain Ketchum was the right man for the emergency. He informed them that when he heard the next alarm he should order the hatches battened down, and would leave them to extinguish the flames they had kin- dled. They knew he meant what he said, and conse- quently he was not troubled farther. There were scarcely sufficient boats for the crew and the guard. The morale of the recruits (and that word is here used in a broad sense to include all enlisted men bound to the front) varied according to their class. Conscripts seldom occasioned trouble or attempted desertion. A man who intended to avoid all military 22 CAMP AND HOSPITAL. duty would previously have provided a substitute or placed himself north of the Canada line. Generally they were men who had been deterred by family or business considerations from volunteering, and yet were not insensible to the personal claims of the gov- ernment in its hour of danger. While they could not anticipate the call of duty, they would not evade it. Substitutes were for the most part foreigners, with no sympathy for the cause or the country. When bounty-jumping had been proved a compara- tively safe profession, many from New York and other large cities engaged therein, while some crossed the ocean to participate in this the easiest and most remunerative of all exciting occupations. Had the rigors of martial law been less frequently remitted, and flagrant derelictions of duty, Avhether by plain blouse or double-starred shoulder-straps, been inva- riably followed by peremptory mandates to kneel on one's coffin, humanity and the national treasury would alike have gained inestimably. But some of the substitutes engaged near the close of the war had previously performed their whole duty to their country by serving a full three years' enlistment, CAMP AND HOSPITAL. 23 and others were of that better class of foreigners who generally volunteered. To such, of course, the above remarks are inapplicable. The volunteers included men of every shade of sentiment interven- ing between, and even encroaching upon, the classes already alluded to; also vast numbers of youth as yet scarcely attained to man's estate. With few exceptions they faithfully fulfilled the obligations assumed. One fact should not be overlooked when compar- ing the volunteer of '64 with that of '61. Those © who responded to the earlier calls for troops rushed forth with an eager outburst of enthusiasm, positive that every rebel would be exterminated in less than a year, ignorant of the perils and hardships of war, mindful chiefly of the storied beauties of the sunny south, of their escape from frigid storms, and of the victor's laurels awaiting them. Those who donned the blue in later days deliberately girded themselves, perfectly realizing the consequences. They had seen the sick and the maimed, had heard of Anderson- ville and Salisbury and Libby, and had read of the swamps of the Chickahominy, the sand-hills of Mor- 24 CAMP AND HOSPITAL. ris Island, and the bayous of the Mississippi. They were sensible that, though ignorant and inexpe- rienced, they must encounter tried veterans from scores of battle-fields. The increased bounties were neutralized by the depreciations of the greenback; they rarely prompted an enlistment, though some- times determining the place. Besides, of what weight was money compared with life ? And places of honor wTould be anticipated by older soldiers ! None displayed more self-denying patriotism than men who entered the ranks of our vast armies during the last two years of the war. When the last of Captain Ketch urn's command had been safely secured below deck on the transport, I went out to camp and found twenty-five of my men on guard. I esteemed this quite a compliment; for hitherto only members of the Veteran Corps, and of Hancock's Corps, (an organization of veterans pro- jected but never effected,) had been entrusted with such responsibility. From that time until our departure, the same confidence was reposed in Rhode Island men, and to such an extent that, on February 11, all the available men of Company G, forty-two CAMP AND HOSPITAL. 25 in number, with six members of Company H that had arrived the day previous, were detailed for duty. In no instance was the Commander's trust betrayed. During the forenoon of February 6th, Peter Haley, fifer, borrowed a comrade's pipe for a smoke. That was nothing remarkable. He returned it duly filled. That was very proper. But when the owner proceeded to take his smoke he suddenly discovered the bowl contained sulphur, saltpetre, and charcoal, as well as tobacco. Natural consequences ensued, but the fifer continued his amusement with five hours of equestrian performances and a night in the guard- house. On Sunday, February 12th, I had the pleasure of officiating for the second time as officer of the day. Routine business was scarcely completed when I observed a very woebegone chap standing near me in the guard-room. "What is wanted?" "I want to go out!" " Can't help it—don't let anybody out." "But I've got my discharge," said he, beginning to cry. "That makes no difference, you can't go out." Then came real boo-hooing with lots of crocodile tears, necessitating a vigorous use of the coat-sleeve. 3 26 CAMP AND HOSPITAL. Sergeant Green, of the Seventh Rhode Island, offi- cer of the guard, now spoke up. " Don't you know any better than that? What do you mean by addressing your superior officer in that way? Take off your hat; assume the position of a soldier and state your business in a proper manner !" The man straightened up, bared his head, and in broken accents continued, "I came in with a friend who was one of that squad that got here yesterday, and he wanted me to stay all night and the officer let me, but I want to go out now !" and another torrent of tears gushed forth. Sergeant Green now demanded his discharge, which was promptly produced, and submitted to my inspection. It was correct for Jan- uary 25, and issued, if I remember correctly, by an Ohio Colonel. " Can't help that; you've had time enough to enlist half a dozen times since then." And still he sobbed as the briney rivers flowed anew. Then Sergeant Green commenced : " Is your name James E. White?" "Yes!" "You lie!" thundered the sergeant. "And you are five feet nine inches high?" "Yes!" "That's another lie! And your hair is black, and your eyes dark brown, CAMP AND HOSPITAL. 27 etc. ? (the unfortunate fellow continued, nodding assent). This is all nonsense !" Then I told our victim to step outside the door for a moment. After a short deliberation I sent him in charge of Sergeant © © Green to Captain Merrill, who referred them to Cap- tain French, special supervisor of general recruits. He was speedily proved to be a Connecticut substi- tute, who had, it is true, served one enlistment, but now desired money instead of glory. He was at once provided with comfortable quarters in the guard-house, to meditate upon the fate of "the best laid plans of mice and men." The preliminary search revealed $60 in greenbacks, a receipt for $480, a pocket knife, and two diaries. The discharge paper was unquestionably his own. Early next morning, before I was relieved, one of my men was brought to me under the following cir- cumstances. For some time he had complained of feeling very ill, but the post surgeon would never excuse him from duty. Sunday morning he attended on sick-call as usual, when the doctor, exchanging glances with the sergeant, ordered him taken to the hospital. The poor fellow had not been in bed ten 28 CAMP AND HOSPITAL. minutes before he rose, jumped out the window, and was back at his quarters. Terrible illness, that ! Monday morning he was detailed for camp guard, but he positively refused either to attend sick-call or go on duty. Hence he was brought to me and his story told by the sergeant. It was my first knowl- edge of the case. I told him he must visit the sur- geon, or go on guard, or take the consequences. He positively refused to do either. Considering his bump of perversity unduly developed, I promptly ordered him to be placed on the "horse" until he should be willing to do the one or the other, I cared not which. When the command was given he com- menced explanations, but he was informed I had nothing more to say. I discussed the matter with Lieutenant Howard of the Fourteenth New Hamp- shire, who relieved me, and the result was I left directions that he should be kept exercising from nine to twelve and two to five each day, until he preferred other occupation. The day was extremely severe. The " horse's " back was higher than the top of the fence, so the poor unfortunate had the full benefit of a piercing northwest wind, rushing down the valley CAMP AND HOSPITAL. 29 of Mill river, with fearful impetuosity. No stirrups were provided ; the comforts of his situation may be imagined. Subsequently I ascertained that twenty minuses after I left camp, Captain Merrill chanced to see him and ordered him taken down. The next morning he attended sick-call and was excused from duty. An important feature of the camp was its band. This was composed of musically inclined recruits, who were detained as long as possible on their way to the front, that this important adjunct of military life might always present a creditable appearance. On Friday evening, February 17th, as I sat writing in my room at the Madison House, strains of martial music suddenly burst upon my ear. It was a seren- ade complimentary to Captain Rice, our Provost Marshal, who was justly very popular. The pen Avas instantly dropped, and another listener added to the group on the balcony. At the conclusion of a varied programme finely rendered, Captain Rice invited the band to the dining hall, where, with the assistance of Captain French and myself, they disposed of an oys- 30 CAMP AND HOSPITAL. ter supper, elaborately, though hastily prepared, for the serenade was a perfect surprise. One week later, about two p. m., the band gave a concert at the camp. The general recruits were mar- shalled near the band-stand as a battalion of eight companies, of about fifty men each, in column of divisions closed in mass. Knapsacks were then un- slung and placed upon the ground, affording excel- lent seats for the men. The other soldiers consulted their own tastes regarding the performance. The officers occupied a balcony facing the battalion. Only two ladies were present on this occasion, though in warmer weather their attendance was large. The programme required more than an hour for its rendition, which was in a style worthy of high commendation, especially if the brief periods of mem- bership are considered. On Monday morning, February 27, a promenade concert was given under the auspices of the officers of the Draft Rendezvous and Knight Military Hospi- tal at Music Hall, New Haven, for the purpose of securing funds to establish a Soldiers' Rest. Il was the most brilliant affair of its kind that had ever CAMP AND HOSPITAL. 31 taken place in that city. The hall was superbly dec- orated with flags and flowers. The ensigns of foreign nations were generously provided by the celebrated showman, P. T. Barnum, and, hanging in festoons around the sides of the hall, attracted special atten- tion. On the front of the galleries were portraits of President Lincoln, Governors Buckingham and Trumbull, and the prominent generals of the day. On either side of the stage was a brass howitzer, Avith stacks of arms, piles of grape shot, and groups of sabre bayonets picturesquely arranged, Avhile over them hung nineteen battle-flags of Connecticut regi- ments, each one bearing unmistakable proof of the gallantry with which they had been borne over many fields of carnage. At the rear of the stage and beneath an arch of brilliant gas jets equalling in number the States of the Union, ay as a large figure of the Goddess of Liberty, draped with the Stars and Stripes, and holding the American flag. The bower was surmounted by a large and richly gilded eagle. Music was furnished by one of the famous bands of the country, that of the Third Regiment U. S. Ar- tillery, numbering thirty pieces, then stationed at 32 CAMP AND HOSPITAL. Fort Trumbull. The assemblage was composed of the wealth, beauty and fashion of NeAV Haven, Avith honorable delegations from NeAV York, New London, Bridgeport and Hartford. Conspicuous on the floor Avas Lieutenant George W. Darling, of the First Rhode Island Cavalry, also of the Draft Rendezvous. He Avas accompanied by the most graceful and ele- gantly attired of Fairhaven's daughters — a lady Avho favored him with her society many subsequent years. The concert lasted from eight to eleven, and was followed after an hour's intermission for supper, by a hop, which continued until 4 A. M. It Avas a success financially, as well as socially. More than five thousand dollars Avere realized from the even- ing's entertainment. Late Sunday evening, March 12th, the propeller "Euterpe" reached Long Wharf, New Haven, and next morning Company Gbade the Conscript Camp along farewell. By ten o'clock a column was formed on the parade in the following order: Post Band; Company G, under command of Lieutenant Carr, in heavy marching orders, four ranks, double file, with three days' rations, but without arms or cartridge CAMP AND HOSPITAL. 33 boxes; three hundred and odd general recruits, also in four ranks, but flanked on either side by a file of men from the Veteran Reserve Corps, with loaded muskets and fixed bayonets, ready to suppress in the most summary manner any attempt to break. When all things Avere ready the order was given, the gates thrown open wide, and in step with soul inspiring strains of martial music we marched forth to — glory ! New Haven streets were too familiar Avith the spec- tacle to devote special attention, and the pier Avas reached without incident. As AAre filed upon the steamer's deck, the question naturally arose, which of us go to victory and Avhich to death. Then I realized my individual responsibility as I had not before. Captain Sanford, of the Twenty-second New York, and Lieutenant Darling, with about forty men, accompanied us in charge of the general re- cruits. The trip to Fortress Munroe was uneventful. I kept my state-room from the time Ave Avere well out- side Sandy Hook, finding more comfort in the seclu- sion of my quiet berth than in the boisterous hilari- ties of stag quadrilles on deck. Concerning precau- 34 CAMP and hospital. tions taken against guerillas on the James river ; the peculiarities of Grant's military railway ; the moral, social, and physical aspects of life before Peters- burg ; some charms of camp guard and picket duty ; distant glimpses of the battles of Forts Steadman and Fisher, Virginia, and the assault of Petersburg; Lincoln's triumphal entry into the beleagured for- tress ; the pursuit of a fleeing army; the battle of Sailor's Creek, and how it seems to get shot; a night in a field hospital, and the bliss of an eight hours' ambulance ride over corduroy roads, when stretched at full length on back or side,— the curious reader may learn if he will by referring to the expe- riences of "A Recruit before Petersburg," No. 8, Second Series, of these publications. Happy was I Avhen at the close of this ride my ambulance drew up in front of a tent door. Gently was I drawn forth by my feet upon a litter and thence quickly deposited beneath the can\ras upon a pine board covered Avith two army blankets. I have slept upon softer beds, but upon none more Avelcome. Quiet rest was the heart's desire then—the conditions were immate- rial. A supper of hard tack and coffee was speedily CAMP AND HOSPITAL. 35 disposed of, a ration of milk punch put out of sight, (they told me it Avould be good for me,) and forth- with I was in the embrace of Morpheus. Next morning, Saturday, April 8th, I had a fair chance to inspect my quarters. The tent had evi- dently seen service. It Avas blackened from expo- sure to the elements, and tiny ventilators Avere abun- dant. As no heavy rainstorm visited us, this latter peculiarity was not altogether disagreeable. I breakfasted on hard tack and coffee, but dined and supped on hard tack and soup, the principal ingre- dient of which AAras apparently corn meal. Yet it was toothsome ! In the evening the Sanitary Commis- sion delegate again distributed his ration of punch. This time natural consequences ensued, and I slept very little. Thereupon I was indignant and SAvore off. I felt that medical officers should be wiser than to permit such an indiscriminate administration of stimulants. My breakfast on the ninth was as that of the preceding day, but the noon-tide soup really contained a bit of beef, with a few pieces of soft bread and some hard tack. It Avas delicious ! Our supper consisted of a pint cupful of rather soft mush, over 36 CAMP AND HOSPITAL. which was poured a liberal allowance of warm water, moderately colored, and sweetened with broAvn sugar. The authorities were Arery considerate that day. They sent a detail to the woods for pine tAvigs. These were scattered OArer the boards with the assur- ance they would make a nice soft bed. The practi- cal result was this — that Avhereas previously the only tender parts of my body were the bony protuberances, now every single tAvig was inflicting a vigorous punch, as it had opportunity. Moral: if you have a nice board to sleep on, be content! This evening the Sanitary chap distributed more punch than usual. A certain tent Avas occupied by a number of officers, including a colonel. They Avere making the best of their situation, telling stories, and cracking jokes, ad infinitum. Accordingly when he made his rounds they seemed so happy he supposed they had been served. This third evening, hoAvever, they decided to keep still until a later hour. They felt they were paying too dearly for their fun. Monday, April 10th, found our commissariat ex- hausted, hence no breakfast Avas provided until nearly ten o'clock, and then in limited quantities; CAMP AND HOSPITAL. 37 mush and sorghum—"only that and nothing more !" Later in the forenoon we heard that Lee had sur- rendered. No special demonstration was elicited. At noon our soup contained a plenty of beef, potato and maccaroni — conclusive evidence that our supply trains had arrived. At night we were regaled with our old familiar tack and coffee. . Around camp Avere sundry " Johnnies " that had been gobbled up at divers places, and one of these, my attendant, private Lincoln, proceeded to intervieAv. He was about tAventy-five years of age, clad in but- ternut, tall, lank and green. He was with General Lee when he Avithdrew from Richmond. "How many men did he have with him ?" " Oh, I dunno, a right smart heap." "But hoAv many Avere there? Can't you give me some idea?" "Oh, a big lot of Ave uns ; as many as three thousand !" The calibre of that man's brain was at once manifest, also the advantage of banishing district school-masters. Tuesday morning we Avere again served with our familiar hard tack and coffee. At noon another alloAvance was issued, accompanied with soup, but no beef. About two o'clock I was placed with eight 4 38 CAMP AND HOSPITAL. or ten others in a box car, the floor of which was covered with clean straAv some six inches in depth, affording the most comfortable bed I had seen in a month. Stretching myself directly opposite the open door, that I might enjoy the trip as much as possible, I suddenly heard loud cheering rapidly approaching. I glanced up on the Ioav bank, and whom should I discover but General Grant, Avith Meade, Barnard, and others, Avith escort, returning from Appomattox. Every wounded man cheered enthusiastically, the General graciously, but gravely, acknoAvledging their salute. He took the first train to City Point, starting about three. We left on the second, about four. During the delay a Sanitary man came round distributing apples among the dis- abled. They were the familiar brown russets. Not one was perfectly sound. Most were half or two- thirds gone. The decayed portion had been roughly scraped away with one swoop of the knife, and the sound fragments thrown into the basket. He took half a dozen pieces, and though we stopped not to pare or cleanse more perfectly, no fruit was ever half eo luscious. In fact that was the only time I ever CAMP AND HOSPITAL. 39 relished an apple. About dark, soft crackers and stimulants were passed through the train ; I confined my attention to the former, being wise through — experience. The early dawn of April 12th found us at Peters- burg, and 7 o'clock at City Point. After a long delay I was borne on a litter to the Depot Field Hos- pital, and placed upon a bed in Ward D, of the Second Stockade of the Second Division of the Sixth Corps Hospital. At first it seemed more nice than wise to assign distinct sections of the hospital to special organizations, but a conversation I overheard on my trip from Burksville demonstrated the fore- sight of the construction engineer. The colonel, already alluded to, was asked by a captain what he thought of the Ninth Corps. "Oh, they're not of much account! Burnside is the only one that ever could get any fighting out of them." " Well, but they have done some pretty good Avork under Parke," continued the captain. "Yes," rejoined the colonel, " but that was due to early training. Everybody knows that if it had not been for Burnside the corps never would have amounted to anything." I thought 40 CAMP AND HOSPITAL. if any member of that corps had been on the car, there might have been an interesting scene. The building in which I was placed was a stockade with frame windows and board roof, covered with tarred felting. A broad aisle extended through the centre from end to end, on each side of which were some twenty beds. These were placed upon neat and substantial, though plain frames, the legs of which were stakes driven into the hard beaten clay, that formed a flooring as durable as cement. The ticks were filled with fresh straw, and the pillows with feathers. The sheets were nice and clean. Only those who have not seen one for a month can imagine the luxury of that couch. As soon as I was settled in bed, breakfast was served—stewed oysters and soft crackers. Then reading matter was distributed. A woman brought around some apples and oranges, but they were no temptation to me. All days are alike in a hospital. The only way I could keep note of time was by the variations in our bill of fare. Thus Thursday, 13th, was distinguished by the pine-apple served at dinner; the 14th, by CAMP AND HOSPITAL. 41 shad for dinner, steak for breakfast, and canned peaches at each of the three meals ; and the 15th by striped bass for dinner, and ham and eggs for break- fast. On Sunday, 16th, I was transferred to Ward C. The other was occupied by enlisted men, and there Avere but one or two officers, who were removed as soon as vacancies occurred in those Avards assigned to shoulder-straps. As the nurse came to my bed on his regular bi-daily tour of Avound dressing, I ob- served he poured some liquid from a bottle into the basin of Avater he Avas to use in syringing my side. " Hallo ! Avhat's that you're putting in ?" " Chlori- nated soda," Avas the answer. " What is that for?" "To cleanse the Avound; bad stuff is commencing to form there, and if I don't use this now you'll have to have it touched up with lunar caustic by-and-by." "Well, don't it hurt?" "No, nothing of any ac- count." "But it hurt him considerably," said I, bending my head in the direction of the next bed. " Oh, he makes a fuss about nothing." " Well, go ahead !" said I, desperately, as I firmly set my teeth, expecting to be half murdered. The sensation was no more intense than when, two or three days later, 42 CAMP AND HOSPITAL. ice water was used for the same purpose. When the dressing had been completed, the nurse asked if it had hurt? "Nothing like what I expected," was the reply. "Didn't I tell you he was a coward, and makes a great fuss about nothing ?" I made very little reply, but thought a bullet wound just in front the instep, necessitating a considerable cut on the under side of the foot for drainage, might be much more painful and sensitive than mine. And yet for the two weeks subsequent a heavy stream of water from a half-pint vulcanized rubber syringe was readily thrown through my side, entering at one bullet hole: and emerging at the other. During all this time it was impossible for me to turn from back to side, and the reverse, without assistance ; some one was obliged to lift my left foot to the opposite side of the right, and back again. News Avas received during the morning of President Lincoln's assassination. About 11 o'clock the ward- master brought in a paper and read some brief par- ticulars. I distinctly remember raising myself upon my elbow and listening attentively to the conclusion CAMP AND HOSPITAL. 43 of the account, then falling back exhausted upon my pillow with the reflection, "It's all for the best, else the Supreme would not have permitted it to happen. It's best for him; I have faith to believe it will be best for the country." To-day my opinion is un- changed. His name is unsullied, and though subse- quent events are not what we would have desired, the same Hand that guided us to victory will yet lead to unification. In a neighboring ward an exciting scene occurred. Upon one bed lay a wounded "Johnny." Incau- tiously he exclaimed, "I am glad of it; he won't free any more niggers !" Instantly every wounded man that could crawl started for the fellow, and would have torn him to pieces had not the ward-master summoned the guard and removed him under escort. That night at supper I had canned tomato and roast apple. On April 17th, guns were fired half-hourly in memory of the late President. NeAvs of Jeff. Davis' Danville proclamation was received, creating much amusement. On the morning of the 18th, I had a severe headache. When I discovered that morphine 44 CAMP AND HOSPITAL. entered into the composition of the Dovers' Powders taken on the two preceding evenings, I ascribed it to that, and resolved to have nothing more to do Avith such stuff. I was suffering from a severe cold con- sequent upon my partial submersion at Sailor's Creek. It first manifested itself in a harassing cough dependant upon elongation of the uvula, or palate, as it is sometimes improperly denominated. I asked the surgeon for medicine to relieve the condition. He told me there was none, but he would give me a powder to take at night that Avould relieve me. I pitied the man whose professional resources were so limited, and thought if that was the case the old school might take a few lessons from the new with benefit. (Drs. Ringer, Phillips and Bartholow have since obtained great glory by so doing.) I tried the powders, but speedily fell back upon my pocket case of little sugar pills. The benumbing influence of wounds demands a moment's attention. The injured man seems entirely absorbed by his physical necessities; he appears almost incapable of higher thoughts or emotions. When for an instant some circumstance of towering CAMP AND HOSPITAL. 45 importance or unheard of singularity forces itself upon his attention, realization is but half accom- plished—it is as though it were not—and immediately the recollection thereof is well nigh obliterated. The practical bearing of this fact upon the question of preparation for the great hereafter is obvious. One morning, perhaps it was that on which the neAvs of Johnston's surrender was received, I re- marked, " Well, my fighting days are over for one while I guess !" Captain Walter B. Smith, of the Thirty-seventh Massachusetts, Avho lay on the bed opposite, spoke up, "you mustn't feel so, Peck. There are a plenty of men who have been wounded a great deal worse than you, that are all right now." " Pooh !" was the rejoinder, " I am not in the least discouraged, only before any of us will be able to move around much the war will be over." "That's so," said he, " but I have no cause for complaint. A man must expect to be hit once in a while. I have fired over two hundred shots at the 'Johnnies,' and I knoiv I reached my mark more than three-quarters of the time. This is the fourth time I have been wounded, and I don't know as that is more than my 46 CAMP AND HOSPITAL. share under the circumstances." "You have the advantage of me," I replied. " I came out on general principles ; for the sake of my country ; now I have a private account. And I haven't hurt a flea to my knowledge since I have been out here!" " That does make a difference," he rejoined, "but you may consider your injury as part payment for what I have inflicted. However, you've shown your good will, and that is all any of us have done." The bed next mine was occupied by Adjutant John S. Bradley, also of the Thirty-seventh Massachusetts, a graduate of Union College, and a very agreeable fellow. He was tAvice Avounded at Sailor's Creek, once by a small pistol shot, that struck on or near his shoulder-blade, and presumably glanced out, for it could not be found, neither was there indication of its burrowing. A rifle ball, also, passed through both thighs, leaving, of course, four marks upon his per- son. His overcoat was burned both on the back and side. Exactly how and when the former was in- flicted, I never kneAv, but the latter was received under the following circumstances. Affairs had become decidedly mixed. Hand to hand encounters * CAMP AND HOSPITAL. 47 were frequent. A confederate who had pushed boldly forward to repel the Yankee attack naturally determined to quiet the prominent leader near him and delivered his fire Avith the effect just indicated. A private soldier caught him in the act and presented him with one of the charges in the chamber of his seven-shooter, thereby immediately terminating his sublunary existence. The Yankee noAv travelled on in search of farther adventure, and speedily found it, for another " Johnny" chanced to walk in the same direction. Mr. Massachusetts took no particular notice of the fellow's presence (for he wore a blue overcoat) until suddenly he felt a bayonet run through his breast, and saAv Mr. Southron dropping the rifle Avith which the wound had been inflicted, seize his own Spencer and endeavor to wrest it from his grasp. But alas ! for the " Johnny !" He had miscalculated the chances of war. Southern impetuosity was no match for north- ern pertinacity. The bayonet was drawn out of the wound partly by the weight of the pendant rifle, and partly by the twistings of the combatants. Once freed the Yank gave an almost super-human wrench, 48 CAMP AND HOSPITAL. breaking away his erring brother's ruthless grasp of his pet, (for the Thirty-seventh boys loved their repeaters better than their sweethearts), and the next instant brought the butt down fairly and squarely on the cranium of the poor unfortunate who sank to rise no more. I saw the Massachusetts man some two Aveeks after in the hospital at City Point. He had called in to see his Adjutant,— suf- ficient eA'idence his wound Avas doing well. On Saturday morning, April 22d, leaves of ab- sence came for all Avounded officers who desired to spend the period of their convalescence at home. Most took the boat next morning, (perhaps that they might reach NeAV York in time to witness Lincoln's funeral cortege), but I remained until Monday morning. I Avas recompensed for my good conduct by having an entire state-room to myself on my pas- sage to Washington, though very many sound offi- cers, Avho had secured brief leaves noAV that the war was virtually ended, were obliged to spend the night on the floor. We settled our board bills before leaving, some of us by paying cash, others by orders on the paymaster. The price was one dollar per CAMP AND HOSPITAL. 49 day, an extremely moderate rate when time, place, circumstance and quality of fare are considered. The only criticism that ever entered my mind Avas concerning the propriety of granting Avounded men such a liberal meat diet. I found I could not bear it, and accordingly devoted most of my attention to vegetables and other farinaceous articles of food, especially puddings, Avhich Avere most excellent. I apprehend many a fever Avas enkindled by incautious feasting under such conditions. A summer or two after the war I chanced to meet one afternoon at Rocky Point James McWhinnie, Jr., then a student in BroAvn University, but more recently a clergyman of considerable note. At the battle of Chancellorsville, Avhile in the discharge of his duty as sergeant of the Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers, he received a severe wound, necessitating the removal of his left leg near the knee. After mutual introduc- tion and a feAv commonplace remarks, he suddenly asked, " Were you ever sorry that you entered the service?" "Never!" was my prompt reply. "Nor 1 either," Avas the quick rejoinder; continuing, "I have always entertained supreme contempt for those 5 50 CAMP AND HOSPITAL. felloAvs Avho enlisted, and then, simply because they chanced to be hit, became sick of their bargain." Although I had made up my mind before entering the service to be perfectly satisfied if I escaped with the loss of an arm or a foot, I felt humbled to hear a man Avho had suffered as much and sacrificed as much as he had, speak in so noble a manner. My own inconveniences Avere as nothing in comparison. Yet he Avas a fair representative not only of our native volunteers, but those foreign born Avho were sufficiently intelligent to appreciate the blessings extended by the land of their adoption. Each Avas prompted by that spirit of lofty patriotism Avhich nineteen centuries agone found apt embodiment in those familiar words, "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori!" * -:R 13 1948 WZ 100 P3663c 1884 56031770R NLM D52Tb57M 5 NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NLM052965745