Class __X^_crZ_S_ Book ' ^ j^H/y / 1-^ / ' - A MEMORIAL SKETCH LIEUT. EDGAR M. NEWCOMB, OF THE NINETEENTH MASS. VOLS. Edited by Dr. A. B. Weymouth. Printed for Private Distribution. MALDEN: ALVIN G. BROWN, STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTER. 1883. o ■ £5^'rz INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. " Tlicy arose, all the valiant men."— I CnRON. x, 12. Moke than twenty years have passed away since the heroic dead of Tredericksburg entered into rest. Why record the story of their sufferings? Or, if the "oft-repeated tale" must be again recited, why distinguish between the loyal men who fell at Fredericks- burg, and equally-devoted patriots who met the last enemy on other fields ? To these questions the only possible answer i.s that this biographical record was undertaken as a labor of love, in tribute to the memory of an intimate friend. The long-deferred personal sketch in the following pages is not intended for the perusal of the public, and need not occupy the attention of readers who have no interest in the scenes narrated. The sad stoiy of Fredericksburg is, in many respects, peculiar, and perhaps no other conflict during the rebellion rests under the shadow of so dark a cloud. Its silver lining is so narrow as to be almost imperceptible to finite vision. The world has never seen better soldiers than those composing the Army of the Potomac. Brilliant genius, metal culture, sublime patriotism, dauntless courage, and inflexible purpose were in many instances conspicuous in the ranks, as well as among the com- missioned officers. The best young men of the nation were found in the ranks of blue. The character of our noble defenders will be more correctly appreciated after a study of individual reminis- cences. Very imperfectly and briefly, the life-work of a gallant young soldier will be narrated. Scattered memorial gems have been collected from various sources, with the hope that their intrinsic beauty may secure tlieir preservation. No effort has been made to increase their natural lustre. Khetorical ornament has been in- tentionally avoided. Indispensable assistance has been rendered by relatives of our hero, and also by several of his compaiiious-in-arms. Special acknowledgement of favors received is due to Colonel John C. Chadwick, Major H. G. O. Weymouth, Captain Stephen I. New- man, Captain William A. Hill, Captain J. G. B. Adams, John L. Robinson, formerly clerk at head-quarters, 19th Regiment, George H. Patch, Past Commander Mass. Dept., G. A. R., and Charles A. Newhall, secretary of the 19th Regiment Association. Indulgence is craved for all defects and errors. CHILDHOOD AND SCHOOL DAYS. " Witb US his name shall live, Through long succeeding years, Embaluieil, with all our hearts can give— Our praises and our tears." A MEMORIAL SKETCH (IF LIEUT. EDGAR M. NEWCOMB, OF THE NINETEENTH MASS. VOLS. Edgar Marshall Newcomh, eldest son of Jolin Jay and ISIary Starl)uck (^Nlarsliall) Newcon.b, was born in the city of Troy N. Y., on October '2, 1840. From the excellent geneology published by the lion. J..hn B. Newcomb, of Elgin, 111., it appears that the family was in ])..ssession of ancestral seats at Saltlieetby, Lincolnshire, Eng., 700 years ago. Eatin records in the parish church connnence in 1558. Captain Andrew Newcomb emigrated from the west of England to this country with some of the early colonists. He was in Boston in 1603, and three years later im- ported horses and other animals. In 1G79 he was "master of ye sloope Edmund & :^[artha," at the port of New York, bound for Boston. He probably saile.l from Virginia, as a portion of his earcvo was tobacco.* His house was in Boston, near the "mill bridoe." On January 31, 1682, he executed a will, making his crrandchild, Newcomb Blake, executor. Tntil the grandchild should become of age, Samuel Marshall of Boston was appointed executor in trust. For his seryices in taking care of the estate, Mr. Marshall receiyed a small legacy. Thus we notice friendly relations existing between the Newcomb and Marshall families more than two hundred years ago. Lieut. Andrew Newcomb, son of the Captain, was at the Isles of Shoals in 1666. He remoyed to Martha's Vineyard in 1675, and became one of the proprietors of Edgartown. He held 6 the office of constable and other positions of trust ; was commis- sioned Lieutenant on April 13, 1691, and in the same year became commander of the fortification which defended the harbor. The name given to the settlement, and the rank of the highest military officer, remind us of his descendant, whose history is recorded in the following pages, Simon Newcomb, a son of the Lieutenant, removed to Edgar- town Avith his father, and subsequently to Lebanon, Conn., where he died in January, 1744. He was an excellent man and owned considerable property. Thomas Newcomb, son of Simon, was born at Edgartown in 1691, and carried on an extensive mercan- tile business at Salisbury, Conn. He was a member of the church at Lebanon, and afterwards at Salisbury. His death occurred in 1761. Zaccheus ISTewcomb, son of Thomas, was born at Lebanon in 1724. After attaining his majority he removed to Pleasant Valley, Duchess Co., N. Y. He served in the Revolutionary War, and while he was in the army his wife built a fine brick house, which remains to this day. It is said that she presented General Washington and the British Commander Avith cheeses from her own dairy. John Xewcomb, son of the Eevolutiouary patriot, was born at Pleasant Valley, N. Y., on March 1, 1770. Li 1791 he married Ruth, daughter of Judge Isaac Bloom, He inherited 300 acres of land in Albany County. One of his sons, Isaac B. Newcomb, married Julia Marshall and removed to Annandale, Fairfax County, Va. When the Rebellion broke out, he was arrested on account of his well-knoAvn Union sentiments, and died a prisoner of war at Libby prison, in November, 1861. Another son of John Newcomb, is Mr. John Jay Newcomb, of Boston. His native place was Pleasant Valley, X. Y, While residing at Troy, X, Y,, in October, 1837, Mr. J. J. Newcomb married Mary Starbuck, daughter of Benjamin S. and Maria (Starbuck) Marshall, During the war of 1812 Mrs. Xewcomb's father was captured at sea, and was one of the Dartmoor prisoners. One of her ancestors was a distinguished officer of high rank in the navy. For a short time Mr. and Mrs. Newcomb resided at Toledo, O,, Avhere their first child, Leila Antoinette, was born. This darling daughter died when 3 years of age. The birth of Edgar, the oldest son, is recorded above. When lie was about six months old, Mr. and Mrs. Newcomb removed to Boston, Mass., where they still reside. A daiigliter (Leila Frances) and three sons (Charles Benjamin, John Jay and James Gift'ord) were born in Boston, Edgar was a healthy child, althongh his constitution was rather delicate. He was tenderly nurtured, and received his ]»rimar}4 education at home. In childhood and youth he was in great measure shielded from external influences which usually tend to develope the rudeness of boyish nature. He was a bright and clcA^er lad, Avith handsome features of almost feminine deli- cacy, refined in his disposition and deportment, studious and in all respects exemplary. He instinctively discerned the poetic and beautiful in nature and art. The child of Christian parents he was fond of meditating upon the high themes of destiny, and at the early age of eleven years consecrated himself to a religious life ; ever seeking to perform duty — tlie noble idea Avliich in after years inspired his soldierly career. Soon after this important and pivotal point in his history, it was deemed advisable to place him under public instruction, and accordingly he entered the Adams Grammar School, on Mason street, Boston, and remained a pupil of tliis school for six months. In September, 1852, Edgar was admitted a member of the fourth class in the Public Latin School, on Bedford street. The Rev. Henry F. Jenks, in his history of the school, declared it to be " the oldest educational institution in the country. Its first masters might have seen Shakesj>eare act in his own plays. * * A preparatory school should naturally be established before a college : So it is not strange that this school antedates Harvard College by two or three years, justifying the remark of a distin- guished graduate of both, that 'the Latin School dandled Harvaid College on her knees'. The establishment of this school is largely due to John Cotton, who brought to this country a knowledge of the High School which was founded by Philip and Mary in 1554, in Boston, in Lincolnshire, England, in which Latin and Greek were taught. Cotton came to this country in 1638, and was one of the ministers of the First Church. Two years latei-, the Free School was established. " The school-house on Bedford street was the fourth building erected for the time-honored school, and this substantial edifice has recently ceased to exist, the school remov- ing to a structure of almost palatial elegance on Warren avenue. Francis Gardner, for a long period a faithful instructor in the school, had been appointed principal shortly before young Newcomb became a pupil. The regular course of study at this l)eriod occupied six years ; but Master Gardner quickly discerning Edgar's superior talents, encouraged him to make extra exertions and complete the prescribed studies in four years. This advice was cheerfully accepted, and our diligent friend, with commend- able ambition, toiled early and late at his daily task. Such un- wearied application to study was not without gratifying results, for his carefully-prepared lessons were uniformly recited with credit. Near the close of his course at the Latin School, several members of the class requested permission to visit the Charles- town Navy Yard on the day a])pointed for the launching of the Merrimac, the famous vessel Avhich was afterwards transformed into a Confederate iron-clad ram, at Norfolk, Ya. Edgar was as interested in the event as any of his classmates, but preferred to remain at school, regarding study as a duty not to be neglected. One of his letters, printed on a subsequent page, records his impressions on board an army ti-ansport, near the scene of the desperate naval engagement between the Merrimac and the Mon- itor — the first terrific encounter between ironclad vessels in the history of the world. Newcomb's kindness and inclination to serve others will appear from the following incidents. Once a year, during vaca- tion. Master Gardner was accustomed to examine and re-arrange the books and engravings in the library of the Latin School Association. On these occasions he was aided by a few of his pupils who volunteered their services ; Edgar was more than once among the number, considering it no hardship to work all day, while his schoolmates were spending their time in idleness or recreation. The sessions of the school were five hours in length, from 9 A. M. to 2 p. M., and during recess in summer the boys sometimes desired a cooling beverage. In order to supply the wants of his intimate friends, Newcomb obtained permission to visit his home 9 —at that time on Essex street, not far from the schoolhouse— for the purpose of preparing lemonade and other paLatable re- freshments. For these services he at first declined to receive any remuneration, and never would take more than the actual cost. Acting according to the promptings of a laudable ambition, Xewcomb^once or twice engaged in the competition for the Lawrence prizes, and his efforts bore fruitage in honorable rewards. On May 26, 1855, he received a prize "for a poetical translation from Virgil." Some amusement was caused by the occurrence of a misprint in the catalogue, stating that the prize was for a " i)ractical translation from Virgil." The Kev. Will C. Wood of Scituate, Mass., a class-mate whose memory is rarely at fault, writes as follows: "I am quite confident he also had a prize for good conduct or scholarship." About this period Edgar made a public declaration of his Christian faith by becoming a member of Park Street church. A portion of the records of this church were destroyed in the great Boston fire in 1872, and consequently the exact date cannot be given. Several friends made profession of religion at the same time, and the occasion was a joyful one in the highest sense. In the course of his last term at the Latin School Newcomb made a si)irited translation of a passage from a Greek funeral ..ration, in memory of soldiers who died for their country. The good seed of patriotism fell into good ground, and afterwards vielded abundant increase. Exercises in elocution very properly held a prominent place in the stuAies of the school. On a well-remembered "Public Saturday," in the presence of a large audience, Edgar's declama- tion was particularly impressive and thrilling. His selection on that day was " The'Soldier from Bingen," and his interpretation of the plaintive utterances of the dying soldier-lad was extremely touching. Was it prophetic of his own glorious destiny? [When he was only seven years old another remarkable in- cident occurred, apparently fore-ordained with relation to coming events. In companv with his parents he visited Fairfax, Xn., and gazed upon the Court House which he was afterwards called upon to defend amid the vicissitudes of fratricidal war. Keflections 10 upon this occasion will be found in one of his letters on a subse- quent page.] On July 12, 1856, tlie graduating exercises of Newconib's class were held in the exhibition hall of the Latin School. The following account is taken from the Boston Journal: " As the oldest classical institution in the country, and the crowning glory of the public schools of this city, all its public days are deserving of attention. On this occasion the attendance was large, and the audience appeared to be highly gratified. The exercises com- menced with an examination of the several classes in the studies of the i)ast year. In these the yoiing gentlemen showed evidence of careful study and training, and a degree of proficiency worthy the high reputation of the" school. Next in order the members of the graduating class delivered their 'parts' in a satisfactory manner. The speaking in most cases was of a high order, espec- ially that of the prize boys." Edgar's jiai-t was an excellent "Poetical Translation from Ovid." His natural gifts as a poet were manifcited in a degree which was quite remarkable for one of his years. COLLEGE LIFE AND EUROPEAN TOUR. •' Much study is a weariness of tlie flesh,"— Ecclesiastes XU, 12. A few days after graduating from the Latin School, Xew- conib was admitted a member of the freshman class of Harvard College, passing the examinations with brilliant success. In com- pany with one of his classmates at the Latin School, (Frederic William Batchelder), he engaged rooms at the residence of Mr. J. S. Bates, No 15 Billiard street, (a few minutes' walk from the col- lege grounds in Old Cambridge) where he remained two years. The Holmes school-house Avas erected on the lot directly opi)osite, a few years ago. From Hilliard street it is nearly a straight line, through Appian way, to the soldiers' monument on Cambridge common. Throughout the college course Edgar boarded with his parents at No. 56 Worcester street, Boston, where the family still resides. When the weather was pleasant he often walked from Cambridge to Boston in the evening, softly singing, "I'm^ a Pilgrim," "Homeward Boimd," and other sacred melodies. "For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder ajid maker is God." One or two summer vacations were spent at Watertown, Mass., and our young friend experienced great pleasure in visiting the United States arsenal on the banks of the Charles. Here again we notice an apparent foreshadowing of his military career. Although his intrepid nature and innate heroism were usually concealed beneath a quiet exterior, intimate friends now and then caught glimpses of these martial qualities in his juvenile sports. In a few instances Newcomb surprised some of his classmates by exhibiting boldness in forming his plans, and steadiness in carry- ing them into execution. His associates had never dreamed that 12 daring qualities M-ere inherent in his mental constitvition, and regard for their own safety prevented any attempt at imitation. In after years, as the reader will discover, this rare trait of true courage was manifested amid scenes of carnage which appalled even veteran troops ; and Newcomb was often found at the front when the shafts of death were falling fast on every side. Our friend was zealous in the performance of religious duty, but his piety was never of a gloomy and repellent character. No young man more heartily enjoyed the lawful and innocent pleas- ures of earth. Edgar possessed- the happy faculty of blending Christianity witli the common affaii-s of life, and even with his recreations. His good-natured i)leasantry was noticeable on all ])roper occasions, and his merry laugh will not soon be forgotten. In social circles his ready Avit and genial smile made him the centre of attraction. lie was })articularly skilled in the game of chess, and saw no im]»ropriety in mingling observations upon the liighest tliemes with the mana?uvring of pieces upon the board. While vanquisliing an opponent in tliis hitricate pastime he oc- casionally secured a double victory by pressing theological con- clusions Avitli irresistible logic. During the second lialf of tlie college course our diligent student occupied room No. 20 in Graduates' Hall. This building was afterwards enlarged as the necessities of the Univei'sity required, and is now known as College House. F, W, Batchelder and C. A. Nelson were Newcomb's " chums " during the junior year, and D. T. 8. Leland was his room-mate during the senior year. Otlier friends were frequently entertained at " G, 20," and the remembrance of those days is exceedingly pleasant. Newcomb was- an active member of the "Ydell Cruth," one of the societies which was "organized by and passed out of existence with the class" of I860. In July, 1859, he delivered before the society a beautiful poem, which is given below. ZOROASTER'S VISION. Ages before the morning stars had sung, Or angel's praise through heaven's high arches rung, Awful the stillness when thiough space alone, Wrapt in eternal light, shone Alhih's throne. Rut grander j-et the moment when before That mighty throne stood two, whose image bore 13 The impress of their God, whose adverse sway Must ever part the universe to be. Oue, radiant with the lij^ht which ever streamed From Allah's self, the «oul of goodness seemed. Worthy the source divine from which he sprung, Worthy the anthems of immortal song. His brother, frowning as the blacl< of night, Shrc iided in stormy clouds his equal might, And, flashing hate from out the deepening gloom, Bespoke a demon's rage, a demon's home. Ages rolled on ; and angel choirs had sung The latest blessing Ormusd's hand liad given,— A new-born world which round his footstool swung, Suspended by a silver cord from heaven. The dust that lay on the celestial floor Lighted and cheered its seraph messeugers, And sweetly broke on its eternal fehore The faint exquisite music of the spheres. But brigliter shines that new-created star, Illumining the dusky realms of space, And sweeter than tlie notes of angels are, Rises the incense of her morning praise. Silent and swift, the chariot of the sun Circles the planet on its shining way, And night, in trailing garments, follows on, Fringing her skirts with his declining ray. The ram-drop falls upon her fcrtiled breast, And springs again in beauteous drapery, — The purpling cluster, or the golden crest Of harvest plenty, or the olive tree. The woodland kings, lifting their arms on high, Applaud with myriad bands the rosy morn ; And Flora's realms, in blushing ecstas}', The fragrant kisses of the breeze return ; While animate creation lends the voice Of its dumb eloquence to swell the song, The gushing tribute of ten thousand joys Whose grateful utterance makes those joys more strong: But, last and best of all earth's creatures, man, Immortal image of the Eternal One ; And woman's love that broke and joined again The link that bound her home to Ormusd's throne. Ye seraphs, adore him who swings in the skies The censer whose perfumes so sweetly arise. O children of earth, in the joy of your morning, Resound ye the praise of the infiuite Lord, Who has set in the realms of heaven's adorning This emerald gem by the might of his word. 14 Rejoice, for the choirs of heaven descending Illnmine the earth and the dwellings of men; And angels, with mortals in harmony blending, Waft upward the notes of their chanting again. Jehovah comes down from the throne of his glory To talk with his creatures and order their song ; Oh, ages, repeat the delectable story : And. heaven, the tale of its mercy prolong. Ye seraphs, adore him who swings in the skies The censer whose perfumes so sweetly arise. Then Ahriman arrays his evil band : Unseen and silently their footsteps fall. Till ou the utmost hound of earth they siaud And eager plot their hellish carnival. The sun shone brightly on the fields of earth, The songs of joy still rolled along her vales. And nature knew not of the evil birth Which time, alas 1 too fearfully reveals. A demon breathes upon the harvest grain. And blighting mildew rots its golden fruit. And quickly follow in their hateful train. To feast upon its wealth with fierce dispute, The noisy insect and the loathsome worm. He treads the earth, and from his footsteps spring The nettle's thorny spike, and every form That demon skill could work of bane or sting ; The yew and cypress hang their mournful heads, The Upas-tree distils its deadly ooze. And even now, as fall the evening shades, Earth tells her sorrows in the falling dews. A demon points the serpent's fatal fang. And bids him hiss along his slimy way ; A demon teaches well the lions tongue To drink the life-blood of a human prey. The Sun draws near in his meridian blaze To scorch earth's bosom with his summer heat ; Then leaves her to deplore his distant rays. Wrapt in the chill of winter's winding sheet ; And nature's self, trembling in helpless pride. And deeply moaning in her agony. Pours her wild grief adown the mountain-side, Till its hot streams are stifled in the sea. But, last and greatest of her myriad woes— The cherished work of the Arch Fiend alone- Man, sinning, falls, and woman only knows To yield her love and blindly follow on. Let the seraphim cease in this sounding of praise. For the wailings of sorrow have reached to the skies. 15 Sweet was the brightness of earth's sunny morning E'er the tempter had clouded the sky of her joy. And dark is the night that now utters its warning, When their mission is ended wlio came to destroy. Ye children of men, let the light of your dwelling Be darkened, and hushed be the voice of your song ; For the wrath that has followed your faithless (ebelling Shall deepen its course as it hurries along. Bewail, for the choirs of heaven ascending, In sorrow, have fled the pollution of men ; And over the heavenly hattlemcnts bending, In sorrow look back on earth's beauty again. Jehovah no more from the throne of his glory Descends to the homes of his children below ; No more will their voices repeat the glad story, And the choirs of heaven its harmony know. Let the Seraphim cease in their chanting of praise, For the wailings of sorrow have reached to the skies. Thus ends Part I. of Ibis poem, which speaks for itself and requires no praise. It bears silent testimony to the remarkable gifts of the composer. Illness j ire vented the eom2)letion of Part II. In his last year at Cambridge our poet became a member of another College society — the Christian Brethren — which is still in a flourisliing condition. When circumstances "would permit, he attended its meetings and other religious gatherings. Early in the senior year Xewcomb developed a taste which at first surprised his friends. As far as is known he never expressed an intention of entering the medical profession. Yet he accepted with evident satisfaction an invitation to visit the Massachusetts General Hospital. For a number of weeks in succession he visited the institution, and witnessed the surgical operations with attention and interest, subsequently describing the treatment with remarkable accuracy. Beneath that venerable dome, in the operating room where ether was first administered in cajiital operations, Newcomb renewed his acquaintance with Josiah N. Willard who had nearly finished his medical studies. Seven years previous to this date they studied the classics in Master Gardner's room at the Latin School, Willard's class being three years in advance. .^Vt Cambridge, they occasionally ex- changed greetings during Willard's senior year. In the o])erating theatre Willard was happy to explain the points most attractive 16 to a t}TO in medical science. Less than two years after the hos^iital interviews their paths again converged, and they met upon the tented fiekl as members of tlie same regiment. When the Nineteenth Regiment, Mass. Vols., was organized. Dr. "VYillard was commissioned Assistant Surgeon. During active service, Newcomb frequently devoted his spare moments to the relief of the sick and wounded. The under-graduate's strange predilection for hospital scenes was Pi-ovidentially intended as a preparation for usefulness amid the horrors of war. If we are surrounded with mystery and uncertainty, let us confidently hope for a satis- factory explanation — here or hereafter. The words of the wise ruler, quoted at the commencement of this chapter, proved true in the case of our friend before the college curriculum came to a close. Much study induced physical weakness and nervous prostration. Long contmued mental appli- cation became imj^ossible, and efforts to secure university honors were discontinued. Still the ambitious student performed more work than was advisable under the circumstances, a change of scene became an imperative duty, and a voyage to Euroj^e was recommended by the family physician. Before bidding adieu to the university, perhaps it may not seem out of place to present the reflections and observations of some surviving members of Xewcomb's class, written years after his decease. The Rev. James C. Fernald, in the " Harvard Mem- orial Biographies," writes as follows: "In person Lieut. Newcomb was above the medium height, with well-proportioned figure, pleasing features and a comi)lexion of feminine fairness. * * His college course was more jn-ominently marked by the unusual rectitude and purity of his life — and by a religious activity, earnest without ostensiveness or arrogance — than by high intel- lectual triumphs. These were, indeed, precluded by the state of his health. * * His military career was of a peculiar type. There were elements latent in his character which needed only the touch of duty and danger to make him conspicuous among the brave. * * The enthusiastic valor he displayed was a surprise to many." Other classmates express their appreciation of his character in similar terms. The following passage occurs in a letter written by Dr. 17 Franklin Nickerson, of Lowell: "I feci sure that I should !;ini})ly be bearing testimony to what you perhaps know more fully, iu any attem]»t that I should make to describe our hero, for true hero he was as I believe, throughout life. The Procritstean reci- tation room did not give him scope for that display of the higher qualities of his nature which the broader field of life afforded. We little thought that Shaw and Xewcomb, both alike quiet and unobtrusive as they were in their boyhood, would turn out to be such men of action and leave behind them an immortal record. I think Newcomb's life was of the highest type. One trait of his character shone forth with great strength through his modest retirement of manner, and that was moral courage. He was head and shoulders above most of his fellows in this respect. He was one of the few of our number Avho could rise superior to the temptations of student life. " The Rev. Will C. Wood, of Scituate, Mass., gives the follo-sv- ing testimony: "Newcomb I remember as a hearty, cheerful, noble fellow. Strangely I think of him more than in any other locality in Mount Aubuin. One of the walks and times there you will recollect." Dr. P^-ancis M. Weld, of Xew York city, secretary of the class of 186U, also refers to Mount Auburn " in whose sacred precincts Newcomb delighted, when at Cambridge, to seclude himself for study and meditation. " Limited sjiace requires that college reminiscences should be brought to a close. Contemplating a prolonged sojourn across the sea, Edgar wrote to a relative as follows : " I shall often think of you in my absence, and always as of one growing in grace, 'hnd learning daily that the Christian life-work is to supply defects and correct the perverted woi-king of our own faculties, rather than watch the development of graces already in existence." Shortly before commencement in 1860, Newcomb engaged l)assage for Europe in the bark " Lawrence," sailing from St. John, X. B. The captain's wife was also a 2)assenger. After a pleasant voyage Edgar landed in England, but soon had the misfortune to lose his baggage, letters of introduction and most of his money. Determined to continue his journey as long as jiossible, the undaunted and persevering traveller reduced his expenses by a pedestrian excursion tlirough a portion of England and France. 18 On arriving at Paris he had only sLxty cents left, and wisely sought the advice of the American Consul. In this time of need he Avas thankful to meet Mr. Clark, a valued friend whom he afterwards met in the army, and an acquaintance Avho Avas form- erly a member of the Harvard Law School. Newcomb's knoA\'- ledge of French was found very useful in Paris. A thorough di-ill in this language at the Latin School in Boston hnparted much more than the smattering of the Gallic tongue comnjonly at the command of our countrymen in France. While walking the streets of Paris, our friend became the guide of two English gen- tlemen who were unable to speak a Avord of French. They recognized not only liis usefulness in this capacity, but his agree- able manners, superior intelligence and excellent education. They requested his com])any on a trip to Versailles, but the invitation was courteously declined. The gentlemen insisted upon knowing some good reason for the refusal, and Edgar frankly admitted that he could not afford the expense. The generous Englishmen offered ten ])ounds sterling, and secured his valuable services as inferpreter and companion. In the midst of his pecuniary misfor- tunes Newcomlj wrote to a Mr. Walton at whose house he had stopped while in London. Mr. Walton, knowing instinctively that the young American was perfectly trustworthy, }>romptly sent a small remittance. Thinking it was imprudent to proceed further with such slender resources, Edgar returned to England and engaged passage in a sailing vessel bound for New York. Arriving home late in the autumn, the health of our traveller Ava^ considerably improved, but still he was not sufficiently vigorous for a regular course of professional training, and his cherished expectation of commencing theological studies Avas indefinitely jjostponed. To one possessing his active temperament idleness would be an impossibility, and he gladly accepted a position as clerk in his father's counting room on Commerce street, Boston. Mr. John J. NcAVComb carried on an extensive business as com- mission merchant, dealing largely in Hour, })ork and other staple conmiodities. Edgar soon became familiai- Avith the routine of business at the store, collected bills, attended to financial trans- actions at the banks, and superintended the shipment of merchan- dise. On Sundays and Friday evenings he Avas never absent from 19 dmrcli. As an avocation lie fre(iuently engaged in tlieological, literary and political discussions with intimate acquaintances. Soon after the triumph of the Republican party, resulting in the election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency, Edgar recpgnized the fact that war was inevitable. MARTIAL ECHOES. "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."— 2 Tim. II, 3. " Our native land to thee, lu one united vow, To keep thee strong and free And gh)rious as now — We pledge each heart and hand. By the blood our fathers slied, By the ashes of our dead, By the sacred soil we tread, God for our native laud." George AV. Hethune. Early in May, 1861, as an obedient son of a New England home, Edgar asked his mother this important question : " Mother, woidd you be willing to let me go to the war?" The loyal lady replied, "Yes; and I would go myself, if I could." No serious obstacle being in the way, our jxatriotic young citizen during leisure hours prepared himself daily for his country's service by private military drill, becoming quite proficient in the manual of arms. After the first disaster to the national cause at Bull Kun, he made this remark to a classmate: "I felt so ashamed at the result that I coidd not look any one in the face." More than once Edgar visited camps of instruction at Lynnfiekl, Readville and elsewhere. After an intervicAv with a student friend who had already enlisted at great personal sacrifice, Newcomb determined to do likewise at the first favorable opportunity. His decision was almost inevitable under the circumstances. Sentiments of patriotism and loyalty were powerfully stimulated. Military en- thusiasm had heretofore been a slumbering element in Edgar's nature, and it was full> aroused by the national call to arms.. We have seen that one of his ancestors was a Lieutenant in 1691. .Vnother direct ancestor was a Revolutionary soldier. His Grand- father, (on his mother's side,) had suffered in the war of 1812. The Newcombs in America may justly claiui to be a martial •20 family; 21 members of the family served in wars before the dev- olution ; 71 in the llevolutionary Avar ; 71 in the war of 1812 : 7 in the Mexican Avar ; 225 on the Union side in the Avar of the Ke- bellion. Several of these patriots attained higli rank, and all of them Avere faithful soldiers. « ProAvess eminent," like other mental characteristics, may be inherited in some degree. CAMP AT LYNXFIELD. At this time NcAvcomb Avas boarding Avith his relatives at a stately mansion overlooking Barrett's jiond, in Maiden, Mass. One of his visits to Camp Schouler, at Lynnfield, during the second or tliird AA'eek of August, 1861, Avas unusually prolonged, leading his parents to suspect that their son could no longer refrain from carrying his noble luirjjose into execution. Return- ing, the next day, Edgar requested a confidential intervicAV Avith Mrs. NeAvcomb and said: "3Iother I am going away tomorroAV," and his mother's consent given in May Avas not retracted. Accordingly, on the folloAving morning he left for Lynnfield, entered the camp of tlie Nineteenth Mass. Vols., and offered his services to Captain Edmund Rice (a gentleman Avith Avhom he Avas someAAdiat acquainted), then in command of com])any F. This excellent officer advised his i-ecruit not to be mnstere^, our knapsacks &C., became very heavy long before that. At last, after much marching and standing in the hot sun, we went aboard the cars. As we started, every man shouted and almost screamed for joy, and continued it till we reached Boston. They cheered for the Captain and Lieutenants, for the girls that sal. uted them as they passed, for the gun that boomed out as we reached and left Salem, and last for a potato-digger who stared at us as we passed. At 5 avc reached Boston and marched to the Common. Having seen you in State street, I did not expect to do so on the Com- mon, but I met some dozen friends. AVe remained on the Comnon, all harnessed and waiting for orders, till 8)4 p. m. ; when our officers having returned from supper, we marched to the Old Colony Railroad. At 2, Thursday a. m., we left Fall River; and here the privations of the Regiment generally, and of Co. F especially, began. Being the flank company, we came last aboard and were stowed in the steerage. The company before us had taken the berths even of this, and we slept on the floor. Fatigue overcame noise, and amid the talking and tramping around and above me, I slept almost without interruption imtil 8 the next morning. I woke up stiff and cold, and having no taste for hard bread, tried to buy of the cooks or darkies, but only the officers could be supplied, and I must go hungry. I found a man who sold mince pies and various drinks, and, not daring to try the former, I bought a glass of mineral water, but going a short time after into the steerage, it with llie foul air and an empty stomach made me so sick that I was permitted to put my baggage in the wagon, and since then I have travelled quite easily. Thursday noon we reached New York, and Co. F must stand guard. I thought it would be easier than marching and offered myself, but was refused because I was sick. i>4 Again I offered, as I hoped to see Charlie, and another officer received me. As the guard filed out from the steamboat, Charlie saw and met me, and all day long we were alone together on a transport, while the rest of our company stood guard and sweated under their knapsacks, when the regiment halted on its hot and weary march through en- thusiastic and hospitable Xew York. In the evening the transport went to Amboy where I slept on the deck till the regiment arrived, and here I bade Charlie good-bye. His generosit}' and love had fed me in the morning with bread, tea and peaches, and filled my haver- sack at night with bread and beef steak. I felt far better because I had enjoyed his society for the day. We reached Philadelphia about 3)^ Friday morning, and marched to the barracks established for the refreshment of soldiers; enjoyed an early breakfast and excellent. Thus far Boston alone had given her own children nothing to eat, and her farewell was least hearty and touching. As we left Philadelphia at 5, few men were awake, but from here to Ferry ville we were everywhere met with the most enthusiastic welcome. And touching it was, that our cause was so dear and sacred to the hearts of the multi- tude, that its defenders whom they had never seen before were treated so tenderly and generously. We marched through Baltimore 1}^ miles, and were cheered twice only; once by three persons led by a U. S. soldier. From Baltimore to Washington we rode in cattle-cars, and ai-rived at the latter place about 121^ p. m. We stood under arms in the dark till 2 Saturday a. m. , when we were marched in to a colla- tion of fat and stinking bacon, sour bread and pea coffee. I drank a few swallows of coffee, and returned to find that our company and one other were to sleep on a platform outside the building Avhere the rest of the regiment slept under cover. Fearing something of the sort, I had obtained from a fellow soldier the promise of his woollen Ijlanket (my own was in the baggage waggon,) and having procured it I lay down on the rough planks and slept till late in the morning. We were marched in to breakfast on the same fare as the night before, but the soldiers (impatient at having gone for 60 hours with but two fair meals when Uncle Sam provided for us so bountifully, and then insulted by such rations) threw them at one another and at the waiters. Next day the Colonel came to examine the bacon, and threw it across the room. When dinner came we fared better than before, but a second visit convinced us of his desire to do us justice, and the cater- ers of his disgust and indignation at our treatment. In the afternoon we marched three miles to our encampment on a hill well-wooded, from which we can see the country for miles around. The I'otomac is 1)^ miles distant, and the wliole country most delightful. We have 25 now fair rations, and sleep in tents; but there have been no services to-day, and as I heard the church-bells of Washington ringing, and thought that it was conniuniion Sabbath at home, I felt most deeply the d°eprivations of these blessings. Since last Monday I have neither changed my clothes nor read my Bible till to-day. I greatly enjoy myself nevertheless, and, but for a bad cold, am far better than usual. I iiavn't suffered from hunger since I arrived at New York, for there are very few places where that which answereth all things is of no avail. I have become acquainted with Lewis who is Adjutant's clerk. He has interested himself in me, but whether his friendship will amount to anything I do not know. All the company otHcers and many of the men seem especially kind to me, but it I thought my position other than temporary, I could not enjoy myself. In your answer to this letter tell me all about Ed. Hall's enlisting and how he procured his commission; where he is, and how he feels. There is nothing more of interest, and hereafter there will not be usually so much as this letter contains— camp life is so monotonous and devoid of "spice." Give my love to everybody. Tell everybody to write me, as, whenever I have time, all letters shall be readily answered. Di- rect in care Capt. llice, Co. F, 19th Keg., Washington. Edgaii. Tlie extract oiven below is taken from a letter written on the same day by Knights, a member of the reo-iment wh(^ occasionally acted as war correspondent of the Gloucester (Mass.) Telegrapli : "The difference between our muster and rendezvous cam])S at home and an encampment of trooi)S on service, never seemed to me so distinctly marked as it appears today ; and we ai-e compar- atively distant from the enemy. The hurrying to and fro of officers and squads of men,— the ringing of axes, himbering of wagons, and the shouts of the wagoners,— the smoke of camp- fire's, the frequent drum-beat and bngle-cal],— all these seem so much more in earnest than they do amid the quiet villages of home. " About the middle of September the regiment was ordered to take position further up the river, on the Maryland shore. After marcliing three days, bivouacking at Darnstown and Poolesville, the Nineteenth came to a pleasant resting-place at Ciim\) Benton, near Poolesville, and remained there until December. 26 CAMP BENTON. Military life at this post is vividly depicted in our hero's letters, from which extracts will be given. From the following letter it appears that Newcomb was soon detailed as clerk at the Head-quarters of Brigadier-General F. W. Lander. Brigade Head-quakters, Camp Benton, 23 Sept., 18G1. Dear Brother: 1 will try to write you a few lines, though my fingers are so stiff I can hardly handle a pen. Last night I slept on a board floor, alone in a large tent, and as we had a little frost, this morning finds me cold and stiff". Two weeks ago today, I wrote to Col. Hinks. * * * Last Tuesday as I was washing my plate after dinner, I was summoned to his quarters. With fear and trembling, expecting some reprimand for crimes against I know not what, I obeyed. He questioned me as to my clerical ability, and under escort of a Lieutenant, sent me to Bri- gade Head-quarters ; and I am for the present head-clerk to Brigadier- General F. W. Lander. Two have tried as assistants and been reject- ed. Manning was recommended and is now at work with me. The work is not so difficult but confining. Yesterday, for instance, when I expected a rest we were kept at work all day. It seems to be de- creed to me — 1st, that I shall not fight ; 2nd, that I shall keep books and write. I value the position not so much for its intrinsic value as what it will bring. M3' health is excellent, and I find that the work which once excited me till nervousness and fever overcame all ability to work, now affects me little if any. Friday I received five letters. * * Thank the senders personally for me. The Adjutant went to Washington Saturday, and will probably return with my box. Please send no more boxes " till further orders." Enclosed I send a Coun- tersign as it was sent us from Division Head-quarters, and was sent by us to each Eeg't in the Brigade. In regard to your going to war, let me tell you that my office drill was of no use except as making me familiar with handling a gun; and that, as 1 would never have entered the ranks except in expectation of promotion, and could not carry my knapsack all the way on the first day's march, I could not advise you to enter, whose age, if nothing else, renders immediate promotion im- possible, and whose strength and endurance are so soon at an end. So be content with selling pork and flour and collecting bills, and you cannot, in my opinion, find any situation either so pleasant or so con- ducive to health. Last Tuesday night a mounted officer rode up to Head-quarters, and after private conversation with the General, rode off. Soon four companies of the 19th, this time not including Co. F, marched to Edwards Ferry or thereabouts. In expectation of an attempt on the part of the rebels to (;ross the river, they were posted in ambush and so lay all night. J>ut there was no demonstration, and in the mornuig they returned. Saturday night four companies of the 19th again turned out. Manning went with them, but I who slept in the office at some little distance from the Reg't, was not awakened by their departure. Again the midnight march proved fruitless, except as showing the bravery of our soldiers. AVitliout exception, the rank and file were most eager to fight, and those who were detailed for guard duty at the camp, in some instances ottered money to comrades to change places with them, but these offers were refused. * * I have not been so well for years before. Direct letters to Brigade Head- quarters, Camp Jienton, Md. Your Brother, Edgar. Tlie following (lescri[)tive paragraph is from a letter written by Knights on Oct. '2 : From the liill in the rear of our lines tlic jirospect is very fine. The regimental bands and the drums of the various corps at camp hours make noise enough, and the united sounds come up from tlie valley and re-eclio among the encircling woods most wonderfully and beautifully. The morning- landscape is especially charming ; the ground itself and the white tents glittering with silver dew-drops; and the changing leaves of the gum tree and dogwood in the edge of the forest shining like burnished gold. We are next favored with a glimpse of tent-life from New- comb's facile pen. BlIIGADE nEAD-(iUAKTERS, Camp Bexton, Oct. 10, 18G1. Dear Brother, Not feeling fit for anything on account of a severe cold, I thought that the pleasantest use of some spare time would be to write my most frequent correspondent, excepting always our little Mother. The last letters I received were from Leila and Miss. P. After a first reading I treated them as I do all others — laid them aside for a second reading, after the fashion of the ruminants with their food. And as this suggests the matter of our rations, let me inform you that they are much better than formerly; yet even now we are at times i-educed to bav<] !)read and tea or colTee. Since I have "signed off" from these 28 two last, bread and water do me for six hours at a time. Again at times we " feed " on beefsteak, potatoes and beans twice a day. It is now growing quite cold and frosty for several nights at a time. Then comes a pouring rain-storm of two or three days, followed by a liitter cold wind. Having, after repeated colds and chills, become dis- gusted with sleeping on the ground, Manning (now my only tent- companion) and myself projected a bed. Two tent-poles, resting on rocks till they were raised 18 inches from the ground, formed the sides; several boards (begged, bought or stolen, according to the necessities of the case) formed the slats, and one huge log the pillow. Two ticks filled with straw, and confined within their proper limits by stakes driven alongside the bed, are our feathers. Having completed this yesterday, we retired early last night to enjoy it. But as I was unused to such luxuries, having slept on boards or the ground for tAvo months, my sleep was light and interrupted. Tonight I hope to sleep better. From side to side of our tent, and half filling it, extends the double bed. From the ridge-pole are suspended our two rifles. Our cande- labra is a horizontal slip of wood nailed to one of the "uprights." An old cracker box forms our secretary, and our harness is under the bed. We felt so much elated as we surveyed our domestic arrangements, that we have bought a box of blacking and blacking-brush. Tomor- row we may buy a looking-glass. I was much pleased to learn that you are now contented to stay at home. I have met Prof. Schmitt, Captain of Co. E, 20th Reg., and several of my classmates. At first I was ashamed to speak to them. Of late I have gathered courage. I am the only one of all my ac- quaintances who has entered the ranks, and glorious as it will all I)e after promotion, the glory has not yet been revealed. Edgak. The next letter reveals one of the mysteries of army cooking. Brigade Hd. Qrs., Camp Bentok, Oct. 11, 1861. Dearest Sister: Since writing to Charlie I have received Mother's two letters of Oct. 7 and 8; had a supper of hard bread and water, a night's reot on my new bed, to which I am becoming accustomed, and a breakfast of beans and hard bread. One article of diet I forgot to mention — "loosconce," a hash of hard bread and pork, boiled with water till it has acquired the consistency of chowder. It is not so bad, but in my remarks on the excellency of various dishes, remember the proverb, " hunger is the lies! sauce." This lobsconce is a rare dish, being fur- •J9 nished only when we have a sufficiency of pork and hard broad, and nothing else— three occurrences of very infrequent conjunction. Your letter was received not long ago, and I will now attempt to answer your questions. Touching the shirts I do not yet need them, but when I do you shall surely hear. My needle-book has been little used, as Uncle Sam's seamstresses use strong thread and plenty of it. The leaf you sent preserves its scent. I am very grateful for these evidences of vour love. As you have heard before this, my rank is not a Lieutenant's, nor the pay, nor the baggage allowed, but, if I am able, it soon shall be. I am sorry to heai- of Mr. Stone'.s delicate health, though not less that he is considering the feasability of going out with a regiment as Chaplain. Relinquishing all domestic joys, his large congregation and $4000 a year, for the roughness of camp life. But he knows his own business best. His sermon (in extract) which I received last night, was so good that I almost repented sending mother the message I did, but the copying of so much must be a troublesome job, and the pleasure it gives me hardlv a compensation. On the table beside me lies the CoHgregationalist of Oct. 4, sent to Manning. It looks like New En-iland. Hereafter I shall not write regularly. 1 have written Sunday, because then the time was my own, and my thoughts all turned home- ward ; but now I have as much leisure almost any other day. Some- times therefore I shall write oftener than once a week; sometimes not so often. There are so many things which I have neither time nor patience, nor space, nor inclination to write, that they must be drop- ped and forgotten. My love to all enquiring friends. ' " Your aff. Brotiiek Ld. BALi;S BLUFF AND EDWARD'S FEKliV. " Come liithcr yc gallant iiieu. aud tdl The story of the day tliat Baker fell. Tell of the storm, the darkness and the ni-hU Ye watched and waited for the coming fight." The disastrous affair at Ball's Bluft' took place on October 21, 18«3L A portion of tlie official report of Colonel Hinks is given below: "Learning that a column of our troops was crossing the Potomac on the 21st, at a point near the centre of Harrison s Island I hastened thither. With the 19th regiment I proceeded to the 'island. I learned that Colonel Baker had been kdled, and 80 found eveiylhing in confusion, our column being entirely routed. I at once took coinmand, arrested as far as possible the progress of the rout, restored order, and, to check the advance of the enemy who threatened to occui)y the island, I sent the 19th Massachusetts regiment to the front. After the i)assage of mv regiment, no re-enforcements crossed to the island. * * The companies of the 19th and :20th were greatly exhausted, having been constantly employed in intrenching, burying the dead, re- moving the wounded, and trans])orting the artillery to and from the island. " Correspondent Knights gives the following particulais in a Massachusetts paj.er : "At Edward's Ferry the shar]. shooters and Co. K of 'ours,' under command of Major Ifow of the 19th, suc- cessfully repulsed three rebel regiments after continual skirmish- ing for eighteen hours. General Lander was with them a portion of the time, and received a wound which has proved so severe as to interfere with the discharge of his Brigade duties. Colonel Hinks is acting Brigadier during his absence. It seems not im- IM-obable that the Colonel Avill substitute stars for the eagles on liis shoulder-straps." An accurate plan of the battle of Ball's Bluff has been draAvn by a member of the 19th Mass. Vols., and is in the possession of anotlier veteran of the same regiment, Mr. John L. IJobinson of Boston. Captain Stephen I. Newman of Cambridgeport, Mass., (for- merly Principal Musician of the 19th regiment) writes as follows : " I have the impression that Xewcomb Avas orderly to Genei-al Lander at the "battle of Edward's Ferry — the continuation of Ball's Bluff — and, if my memory serves me right, was promoted by recommendation of Adjutant John C. Chadwick, endorsed by General Lander, and apj.roved by Colonel Hinks." Edgar was informed of his promotion in November, and the event is briefly referred to in one of his letters. In a subsequent letter Captain Xewman kindly gives the following additional- information : " The 19th Mass. was not in action at the battle called Ball's Bluff, Va., — but during the battle portions of it held Conrad's Ferry, Har- rison's Island and Edward's Fei-ry, to re-enforce any part of the field that would send for assistance, and to preserve communiea- 31 tiun with the fiehl on Oct. 21, 2-2. Two c-oini.auies (II and K,) under Major H. J . How, did cross at Edward's Ferry to ^'irginia, and skirmished all day (22d) with the enemy. It is there Cor- porals Xewcomb and Manning were with Brigadier General Fred. Lander, when Lander received his death-Avound. The Regimental Color has on it 'Edward's Ferry, Va.' Edward's Ferry was the first place that the regiment was under fire." Newcomb's brief comments on the battle appear in the folloAving letter: fJlJIGADK H'd (iiCs. Cami' I5entox,Oct. 31, 1801. Deakkst Sistek: Almost a week has passed since I last wrote home, and no change has been ma^le in Ihc location of our lirigadc; but on the other hand it become^ daily more probable we shall winter here. Yet as our arrangements are greatly modified by the movements of the enemy, there is still a possibility of oui- spending New Year's in a warmer climate. You have heard of our shameful retreats from Ball's liluff to Harrison's Island, from thence to the IMaryland shore, and about the same time from Mrginia across Edward's Ferry to Maryland again. Not a single instance of cowardice occurred, but this time the shame falls wholly on our leaders, who planned tlie expeditions. Gen. Lan- der was so disgusted as in the excitement of the moment to say that unless he considered our ultimate success doubtful, he would resign at once. Perhaps, probably, his words meant more than he intended, but the general opinion hereal)Outs is that this war will be a long one. This doesn't make so much difference to me personally as it did three months ago, for I grow daily in love with the workings of this system. As Corporal in Co. F, I saw the lowest and heaviest of the machinery; as clerk here I see the workings of the whole machine, and despite numerous flaws and frictions, the results of ignorance and want of time, I am yet most greatly pleased therewith. I bad hoped to be at home Thanksgiving, but the uncertainty of our plans and my peculiar position will prevent; unless (what is highly improbable) I return on public business. I had hoped to see at least our enterprising Bro. Charlie, perhaps also yourself or :Mother this week, as the i)apers advertised a trip to AVashington and back for -Ifl-ioO, and from Wash- ington to Camp is only a short stage-ride. * * * The General and staff went to Washington Saturday. He to get well before assuming command of the Cumberland district; his staff to get promotions so as to go with him. If he cannot take this Brigade with him, I have seen my last of Geii. Lander. Col. Hiuks commands the Diigade for the present, and being at his own H'd Qr's, almost always we have great liberty. For example, yesterday, p. 3i., Manning and I chartered two horses of U. S., and went horseback riding. We go to bed about 8)0 ■. or whenever we please, and I get up about 1% ^- ^i- '^^^^^ morning we breakfasted on beefsteak, bread, butter and molasses and cheese at 8)^. This p. M. we hope to ride again. Our tent is the absent Adjutant's, board floor, double roof. A wide trough filled with straw is our bed, and in the unaccustomed situation of Commander of the Brigade, the Col. and his Adj. entrust the management of affairs to the clerks themselves, only inspecting and endorsing our work. We usually finish work about 11 A. M., and spend the remainder of ths day as we please. The whole Brigade has now an hour's daily drill with knapsacks. An officer called to see me a few days ago. It was Capt. Drake. Soon after leavino; Boston as 2d Lieut, of the 12th, Senator Wilson sent him a Lieut's commission in the Regulars ; and his next step was to become Ass't Adj't General on Gen. Abercrombie's staff. He is most fortunate and deserving. I was greatly pleased with his visit. He treated me with the utmost kindness and consideration. I am patiently awaiting the arrival of that package, having but one pair of thick stockings, and that thoroughly perforated. Theii I fear the next storm, as my boots are of little value. Uncle Sam has both shoes and stockings, but he has little regard to/y Newcomb in the followang extract from a letter written to his father on Nov. 23, 1861 : The programme for the day was excellent, but ill-performed. The dining and dancing hall, which should have been finished the night before, was not ready till 5 P. M. of the 21st. Therefore the exhibitions intended to amuse the men were postponed. However, the officers and invited guests to the number of one hundred sat down to dinner. With my usual fortune I arrived as the last seat was taken, and when at last room had been made and I flourished my knife over turkey and potatoes preparatoiy to dining. Col. Hinks 36 arose to speak, and of course all gustatory exercises was at an end. With becoming patience I waited till toasts and speeches were ended and the assembly dismissed. But the victuals were stone cold and a violent colic followed. In the evening we had a ball. The ladies invited from Baltimore were Ijeautiful, the music excellent ; but a friend delivering me letters from Charles, Leila and Mother, I bolted incontinently from the room to "my home." 'Twas my Thanksgiving dinner indeed, and let no one, even my constant brother Charlie, think for a moment that letters any rarer or shorter could be pleasanter. At)out 2 next A. M. the assembly dissolved, not a few the worse for champagne and sherry, which tiowed like water all the afternoon and evening. ISText day we formed a hollow square to witness the climbing of a greased pole after $5. Many were the aspirants, but ten feet was the utmost limit of their skill and endurance. Next fol- lowed a race in bags, where the racer was not even permitted the use of his arms. The experiment was most successful in raising the laughter of the crowd, as the poor contestants hopped and fell and rolled helplessly in the inexorable "gunnies." A foot-ball game be- tween the two wings of the Keg't was projected but not executed. The wagon which conveyed some of our guests to Adamstown returned last evening after 1 liad retired, and the pattering rain warning me of wet feet on the morrow made me think of the box. In the morning I hastened out, and to my joyful surprise received it, four weeks less two days after it left home. I was most grateful for the numberless gifts and delicacies your care had provided. Only one apple was spoiled. The boots were all I could wish as to size and quality. Manning and myself were duly thankful for the pistols, so exquisite the workmanship, so delicate the bore, so light yet so tasteful ; Avith the sermons, 'pamphlets and notes from Mother, Leila and Charles, The India rubbers I wore at guard-mounting, the calfskins I now have on, as well as the glazing which protects a cap once dark blue, now pale red with exposure to snow and rain. I have received part of my pay, and will forward it by a friend in a few days. I expect the rest daily, but the Lieutenant's pay I was told accrued to my clerkship has dwindled from IS^IOO to i^ that sum. It makes no difference to me so long as I have more than enough, but I am only sorry to have raised false expectations by premature infor- mation. It is yet uncertain, though improbable, that we go into winter quarters. I should laugh if Ed. Hall were confined for the next few months to a fortress, and the 19th sent into Secessia, con- quering and to conquer. Tell Mother not to fear for my safety, for my position in line of battle is not as before in the front rank, but eight paces in rear of the file-closers on the exti'eme left. * * Let everything be paid for out of my wages, remembering how you would prize the feeling of independence yourself. While I write, the drums are beating the dead-march to the pla}^- ing of the band. Another, and the third since we came to Camp Benton, is carried to his last home, away from kindred, deprived of even a religious service, for the Chaplain is away. His company follow him to the grave, he is lowered to the rolling of muffled drums, earth falls on the coffin as eight comrades and a corporal fire three volleys over the grave,— and then, leave him for the bright careless- ness of life again. It sickens me to live in such an atmosphere. Man lives and dies like a brute. And now the company is marching back to the tune of " Yankee Doodle," and a son of Erin chopping wood before the tent-door remarks, " That fellow is in his grave." We are summoned to Dress Parade, and informing you that Capt. Schmitt and Lieut. Lowell are at home on furloughs, I bid you good bye. Edgar. The name of the deceased soldier was John Fitzgerald, Bv referring to the record of a similar event which occurred about six montlis later, it will be seen that Newcomb's reflections on the military funeral were not in ^ain. Correspondent Knights describes the Thanksgiving festival as follows : Nov. 23, 186L Of all the anomalies in this war for the flag, none appears so striking as the recent celebration of our annual Thanksgiving. Reveille was beat amid the firing of a national salute by the batteries of the Brigade ; the bands afterwards performing at Head-quarters, accompanied by salvos of artillery. Tlie boys had an appetite for the dinner of turkey and fixings generously- provided for them. They had been watching anxiously the flock of one hundred and fifty gobblers which had been fattening in the field for some days ; and to these were added as many more from private sources. A military concert and ball in tlie evening- was the grand affair of tlie day. Carpenters and sail-makers had erected in front of Head-quarters a pavilion forty feet by thirty- five, witli retiring rooms and a refreshment saloon attached. The fair guests who graced the assembly were invited, and came, to the number of forty from Baltimore — a distance of seventy-five 38 miles. After such a proof of loyalty, it would certainly be unjust to say that the Baltimore belles are not for the Union. "Taps" were siispended by special order, and it was not until first cock- crowing that the camp was still. Thanksgiving Day of the year of our Lord, 1861, had been in the camp of the Nineteenth Reg- iment, Mass. Vols., an eminently gay and festive occasion. But who of us would dare look forward to another siich as this? Camp Bekton, * Monday eve., Nov. 25, 1861. Dearest Sister: After an almost perfect rest of two weeks, in the necessary ab- sence of drill before Thanksgiving, I am somewhat tired tonight from an afternoon drill of 2% hours. Last night we had the first snow- storm of the season ; nothing severe, however. The spare time of today has been spent in greasing boots, oiling gun, and sewing on buttons, of which I am now in need. * * And now as to the box. The boots tit so well that before Sunday night I had worn holes in each stocking, and now my feet are sore. Of the eatables, none can I at present eat, except the crackers ; though everything has been tasted. Apples and soft crackers cannot be found here. Sardines, however, are plenty at 2.5 and 50 cents per box. The bundle has not yet arrived. As my two blankets proved insufficient protection after leaving Manning, the Adjutant furnished me with a comforter the ladies of Salem had sent to suffering volunteers, and every night 1 bless those ladies, as I enjoy their gift. You especially, though all the family more generally, must feel lonesome that the little Lieut, has gone, and I greatly wish I were with you to comfort and cheer you now. Yet how fortunate that, instead of a sudden and hurried departure, you were permitted to be gradually weaned, as it were, that the great burden of separation might gradually fall upon you. Somehow as I think of you all, I cannot feel lonely, though associating familiarly with not a man in the camp, except him whose occasional visits are brief and hurried. I enjoy imaging you around the table, or the fire, or the family altar, and I am never lonely. To you matters are different. You can never tell how we are situated, or where we are, but yet somewhat of that same fancy which so blesses me in leisure moments cannot but amuse you, if you will abstract yourself from home and self. But a higher and holier joy lies in this — that we are children of a common Father, and each engaged in his Father's business, though in different apart- ments of the same liome. The harmony in our thoughts, and feelings, 39 and purposes, and affections, is a bond which is stronger than separa- tion, or distance, or life itself. I have done up my Algebra as a present for Charlie; the shoes in which I did all my marching and drilling as a Corporal; and stockings which with the shoes were on the march up the river, and on Harri- son's Island the night of Oct. i!lst. My love to all. Edgar. P. S. Your letters was the most grateful and beneficial of all the contents of the box. Next come jtortions of letters (including a poem) from Cor- respondent Knights. The first is written sliortly before leaving Cam]) Benton. Camp Bextox, Dec. 3. The 19th Massachusetts has gained a reputation hereabouts for almost every military virtue, and it is a matter of great pride to us, of course. I found, too, while at home, tliat to be one of the 19th was an " open sesame " to every circle. We have re- ceived marching orders. The regiment will move tomorrow morning at eight o'clock, via Edwards Ferry and canal boat to Seneca Mills. "The line of the Potomac, from Great Falls to Seneca IMills (14 miles) is to be entrusted to the guard of tlie 19 Reg't, Mass. Vols., Col. E. W. Ilinks." So reads the order. CAMP NEAR MUDDY BRANCH, SENECA, MD. Dec 9, 1861. Camp Benton is no longer "ours." We left it a monument, so long as its landmarks shall remain, of the military genius, the ingenuity and, perseverance of the officers and men of the Mass. 19th. Its well-determined lines, its spacious streets, its curiously- constructed ovens and underground furnaces, its nicely-thatched stables and log-houses — all bear testimony to the versatile skill of the men of the Old Bay State. We are hardly established in our new quarters. The Colonel has his Head-c|uarters in an old but not inconvenient house, where we manage to make ourselves com- fortable in this vicinage of mist and malaria. The three companies on picket, the details for extra duty as wood-choppers and builders in the construction of the block-houses, aiul the necessary quarters- o-uard exhaust all of the effective force in the regiment. 40 Just in front of our lines, on the crest of the undulating swells that diversify the face of this section, at the foot of a cluster of spruce trees, that shade it from the glow of the hot noon-time, is an enclosure, and within its rustic fence lately lay the remains of Oliver Younger, Jr., 12th Mass. Vols. The ground is still oc- cupied by another member of the same regiment. Their bodies rested side by side. Yesterday was most delightful, almost a summer's day, and as 1 stood at the color-line, looking in that direction, the little burial ground in the midst of the camp sug- gested the following : YONDER IS HEAVEN. Under the shadow of a clump of spruces, A rustic paling doth the spot enclose, Where, worn and weary with life's various uses, Two tired soldiers in their rest repose. The moss-f;Town branches, to the skies uprcachinti; Their weird bare arms all desolate and si'^j', Seem ever to the soul this lesson teaching : " Yonder is heaven ; j'onder, too, the way." Yonder is found no pauoply of battle, No brilliant trappings and no gleaming steel, No war of cannon and no muskets' rattle. No tramp of horsemen and no rumbling wheel. Yonder is heard no watcher's sad entreating, There is no sob, or tear, or mourner's cry ; On yonder plains no gallant heart is beating, Longing to live, yet praying still to die. Yonder is Peace ! The setting sunlight glancing Athwart the slabs witli gold and crimson ray. Inscribed thereon, in words of light entrancing: "Yonder is Heaven — This is but the way." ' The new camj) was situated near Muddy Branch, in the vicinity of Seneca, Md., and not far from the Potomac. In the following letters intei-esting particulars are given. It will be noticed that our gallant soldier refuges to acce])t " defensive armor. " Camp near Muddy Branch, Dec. 15, 18G1. Dear Brother: Since last Sunday I have received letters from yourself. Father, Mother, Stanley and Gill^crt Wcl)l)er. While I thank you for your '^toj^AA-tMJCJifcsaBaiaf^jfcjB?!.!! aiiwm ■■ 41 kind interest for my comfort and safety, I decline all kinds of defen- sive armor as useless and cumbersome. I do not yet feel destined to a violent death in this war, but if you wish to spend 8 dollars on my account, give them to the Bible Society. My tent is pitched, though yet unoccupied. I am waiting for a stove which I expect tomorrow. Meanwhile I sleep on the tloor of head-quarters, but I hope this night is the last, as I wish to be alone in " my home." Around the edges are laid logs to keep out the wind, and logs in two tiers form a pen which I have filled with hay for a bed. * * Our regiment was in- creased day before yesterday by V22 recruits from Mass., commanded by Capt. C. U. Devereux, brother of our Lieut. Col. His men are fine-looking, but appear most ludicrously raw to us veterans of four months. As a natural concomitant they think themselves "some sojer," and have away of expostulating when they believe themselves right, which is strange to us who know nothing but our orders. A few jiights ago Manning came from an old camp, and spent the night with me. He is still engaged as clerk at Brigade Head-quarters. AVe have no drills now, as 8-10 of our men are on picket at the river, and off cutting timber for our log houses. The Colonel has sent for his famil}^ and doesn't expect to march before February next. Every Sabbath I wish I were at home. However, those now spent are far pleasanter than previous ones. * * Those who have returned to us from fur- loughs declare themselves glad to return to their work here, matters at liome were so dull. Now good-night. Edgar. Camp near Muddy Branch. Dec. 22, 18()1. Dear Brother: This letter will be mailed tomorrow, so as to arrive home Christ- mas. Please consider it a present — as all I can give now. My own presence I must bestow elsewhere. For months to come, both duty and interest will probably require me to be in the camp of the 19th. * * Today there has been no religious service except the prayer on dress parade, and this afternoon I found time to go to the river, about ten minutes walk from here. Our pickets extend for twelve miles along the canal, their mud huts being clearly visible from the Virginia side of the river. Looking over into Secessia one sees only the ordi- nary landscape of hill and dale and forest, interspersed with houses and cattle — not the least sign of war. A stranger here would never suspect the presence of a body of soldiers, much less of two armies. Our block houses, three in number, are to occupy as many bluffs, each commanding long reaches of the river and country on either side. 42 We all long for an opportunity to cross, and so surely as Mc'Call's Division, only seven miles below us on the Virginia shore, succeeds in driving the rebels further up, we march to hold the conquest. At present, however, I am not in good marching order, my new boots had worn the skin from a small place on the inside of the right ankle before we left Camp Benton. On the march I wore the new boots. The sore festered, and not till yesterday was I able to wear them again. Weeks will perhaps pass before my lameness is at an end. * * The weather here is chilly but pleasant. We have had no rain for two weeks. My tent is warmed by a stove of sheet iron, costing me the sum of .^2.50. Tell Father, Mr. Prentiss is now Quartermaster Sergeant. I mess wtth him daily, and no one in camp lives better than we. It is now supper time — enough for the present. Supper is ended, my work for the day finished, and 1 may devote the evening to reading and writing. The amount of my business may be imagined when it is known that I have not yet had time to read the Harper's you sent me, or the book on rifles. The business is quite varying from day to day, and uncertain in its extent. Now I have half a day to myself, besides plenty of time for exercise; again, I am occupied the whole day and into the night. It has begun to rain with a good prospect of three or four days' continuance. Hoping this may arrive in time to make 3'our dinner relish better, and wishing you all a most Merry Christmas, I must close. I shall enjoy myself on that day not less, perhaps, than last year. Edgar. Correspondent Kniglits briefly describes the situation on Christmas, 1801. Casip near Muddy Branch, Md. Deo. 25, 1861. Cliristmas in camp ! It has its merry times, tiiough there be no Santa Clans to ]iop into its tajic-tied tent-doors, and doAvn its sooty stove-pipes. So far as tlie weather goes, nature has favored our Christmas time exceedingly. Tlie dismal, drizzly rain of the last day or two has given place to a clear, bracing atmosjjhere, which reminds us of New England Octobers, The night air is chill, and the teeth of tlie shivering sentry chatter as he walks his beat; but the sun comes up from behind the pines and streams, with a certain warmth, before I hear the drums at "^-derly hour" along the color line; and the Cor]K)ral calls us with a "Merry Christmas, gentlemen." 43 A NEW YEAR'S LETTER EROM CAMP. Camp near Seneca, Jan. 1, 1862. Dearest Sister: For several days I have been seeking an opportunity to write home, but the business of the closing year has prevented it till now. * * The eatables are not yet all gone. One piece of mince-pie remains. Apples, chocolate, jelly and nuts are not half devoured. Don't send another box by express, for I am fully provided with every thing needful. The Colonel's wife and child, with whom he goes home in about two weeks, are to stop at our Hd. Qrs. I have not yet been introduced, though I see Mrs. Hinks almost daily. Yesterday I went to Poolesville on some law business for Alonzo Alden, riding in all .30 miles in a team without springs, and over ex- ecrable roads. I was unsuccessful in finding the party, and moreover, was left by the teams, and walked over 2 miles before I overtook them. At 9 P. M. our mess had a supper, at which the Colonel and his staff were present, and all manner of luxuries including egg-nog and lem- onade-punch, graced the board. Though I havn't lost confidence in ni)' own will, yet I have often felt (not thought only) that the total abstinence pledge has a worth to myself unappreciated before, and were it not for this I could hardly resist the temptations to imbibe most palateable concoctions of liquors on our frequent " special occasions. " You are doubtless curious to know about our mess. It consists of eleven. The cooking is done by a professed cook, and superintended by Prentiss. We have flap-jacks, butter and molasses, with beefsteak or chickens, sometimes pie or rice for dinner. This is the usual bill of fare, but so varied that every thing tastes good. Nor do we pay anything but what is made up to us by surplus rations. Coft'ee and tea were my daily drink in Co. F, but when I was taken from active to sedentary life I found they injured me. Supper is ready. Farewell. 8 P. M. Beefsteak, potatoes and toast. The weather today has been ex- ceedingly warm. The night comes on with a mighty wind, which in my absence scattered the papers upon the floor. Thus do I account ' for divers spots looking like tobacco-juice, but which are only Mary- land alluvium. Every cord of the tent is strained, and the clattering and flutter is as great in proportion as that of the "Admiral" in a storm at sea. The wind blows my candle, joggles my desk, and makes such a noise I can hai'dly think. Gen. Lander in a couple of weeks will go up the river. Manning goes with the General. I am sorry we 44 are to be separated, but it is best in some way. I liave heard of Ed. Hall's final settlement on that clump of sand, Ship Island, and grate- ful am I that I am not there with him, with such imperfect means of enjoyment and communication with home. However, he will not re- main there long, and his happy disijosition will triumph over the sand heap and the muddy brine. * * I hear there has been some talk of visiting me. Our camp is only a few minutes distant from the Ohio and Chesapeake Canal, Muddy Branch Lock. You can also come by stage from Washington to Darnestown, and a team which brings the mail daily from that place to camp will also carr}^ you. But if any of you are coming to see me, let me know both the time and way of your coming, that I may find you, which will be far easier than your find- ing me. * * I hope you never feel lonely and sad. We who have given up all never feel so, and you who have so much left should be very happ}'. The present is cheerful enough, while the good time coming, not far distant let us hope, will be how much happier than now. I was never happier in my life (and the more you think of it the stranger it will seem). Why then should anybody be less happy than myself '? It is as much our duty as our privilege to enjoy our- selves ; and in this duty, if in no other, obedience brings its own reward. Capt. Kice is soon to go home on a furlough, and Lieut. Kice with several others of our Kegimeut are ordered home on recruiting service. You see how long a letter I have sent you, and it would be longer under different circumstances. Now when you answer, don't stint yourself to filling out a small sheet of note paper, but give me enough to feed on for a while. Brother, Edgak. Mr. Jolin L. Ivobiuson has kindly allowed an artist-friend, Mr. F. H. C Woolley, to make a sketch from the original photo- graph of the " Camp near Mudd\- I^ranch." Only a small jiortion of the camp is represented, and the artist lias not attempted to re-produce all the soldiers who appear in the photograph. Ser- geant Major Newcomb holds a paper which is tlie morning report of the regiment. His features do not appear distinctly. Camp near Seneca, Jan. 19, 1862. Dear Mother: ^llow me to introduce Mr. Bishop, First Lieutenant of the Tiger Zouaves of our regiment — the bearer of this note and of two photo- graphs of our Head-quarters. A description may not be uninteresting. 45 Begiiiuing on the right: the two small tents contain our ammunition; the wall-tents are the Quartermaster's; the bell-tent contains clothing, as also do the boxes before it. The house has four rooms — an otiice and reception room below; a store room and chamber for the Colonel and wife above. Figure No. 1 is Knights, clerk at Head-quarters; No. 2, Adjutant Keynolds; 3, Lieut. Bishop, then Officer of the Day; 4, clerk with Quarter-master; o, Prentiss, Quarter-master Sergeant; 6, Dr. Dyer, Surgeon; 7, Quarter-master Shaw; 8, an Orderly Sergeant; 9, clerk; 10, sentry; 11^ Sergeant ^lajor with Morning Report book. The remainder are Head-quarters servants or sentries, till on the ex- treme left, with drawn sword Lieut. White of a detachment of Cavalry stationed here. His horse is dimly seen; owing not so much to the quality of government oats, as to the restlessness of the animal. In a feAv days J will write again. Your loving Son, Eugak. Keceived since last letter home letters from yourself, Charlie and Sister. Papers from yourself and Chai-lie and Stanley. At tlie close of tl»o following lettei-, and also in otlior com- munications, Edgar refers to Ids niotlicr's un])leasant dreams concerning lior soldier-hoy. Wei-e these visions providential fore- warnings of coming son-ow ? Camp near Seneca, .Jan. 21, 1802. Dear Bkotiiek: Yesterday I sent home by I^t. Bishop '-of ours" a couple of pho- tographs of oui- Head-quai-ters. The establishment of the artist was on these grounds when we first came, though the artist himself was absent. I did not know of his return till I saw him behind his instru- ment on the day he took the aforesaid impression. Therefore I omitted getting a nearer view of his machine. He left here the next day; therefore I wa15 unable to sit afterward. A magnifying glass will disclose the features of the persons more perfectly, and a ke}- may be made by tracing the figures in transparent paper, numbering and naming them. If a convenient opportunity offers I shall send home my gun and equipments. The gun is taken to pieces and boxed up with cartridge-box, cap-box, &c. Though your curiosity may be strong to see the gun put together, my own preference is that it remain as you receive it till my return. Tell Mother that I don't at present wish her or any of the family to visit me; but if she should raise the curtain of my tent, her welcome would be hearty enough to give her 46 complete satisfaction. I am sorry Mother's dreams of me are so fre- quently unpleasant. In tlie next letter, which contains not a trace of empty boast- ing, the Sergeant Major artlessly confesses that his impetuous spirit Avas aroused by the echoes of a distant conflict, and he was eager to take part in the action. The brave warrior is always thus inspired by the music of the guns. AVednesday evening, Jan. 22. After a sumptuous supper of fried and baked fresh haddock, I sit down to write you. A fire is roaring in the stove, and everything is as cheerful as can well be in our canvas dormitory. I begin with thanking Stanley for the confectionery he sent me so long ago. I think the fisheries must have been generally unsuccessful, there oc- curred so many imitation codfish in my two pounds of 'candy. * * The weather which for the last week has been manifest in constant rain, reducing the ground in the vicinity of my tent to a mortar-bed, strove to clear up matters last night by a snowstorm, but ineffectually. Today there have been attempts at a gale. In vain ; the clouds will not break up their meeting. Almost every day, certainly every third day, we hear the distant roar of cannon, and of musketry. Oh, how nervous it makes me to listen, as I did three days ago, to the continuous discharge of cannon and rifles for hours, and know that there was fighting there. Such are the only times I am impatient to go forward. I took the opportunity not long ago to call on the Chaplain, and two hours were passed very pleasantly in religious discourse. Several hours a day can now be devoted to reading, and the small library at Head-quarters furnishes matter for thought. My visitors laugh at my library, consisting of three books — " Holy ]5ible" between " Infantry Tactics" and "Army Regulations." Good night. Edgak. * Camp near Seneca, Jan. 24, 18(52. Dearest Sister: Know that I have conscientious scruples against writing home more frequently than once a week. My time is too valuable ; my leisure too small for such light employment. But a letter from Charlie received tonight, in which he mentions that folks at home are dolor- ously affected in view of my change of residence, inclined me to write, 47 and as I betook myself to the task the uuexpected sight of my own initials, stamped on this sheet by your own affectionate love, fully de- cided me. The stamp was one I had not noticed before, and it is grateful as beautiful. First then, as to going to Ship Island. A week ago the rumor first reached us that Col. Hinks, promoted to Brig. C4en., was to take the 15th, 19th and 20th Mass. and 7th Mich. Regt's to Ship Island. At once imagination transferred the scene of the severest struggles and brightest victories to the mouth of the Mississippi. We were not to go to Annapolis, however, for embarkation before Feb. 1. Under these circumstances I wrote my last. But though this time rumor started from Hd. Qrs., it Avas baseless as ever; the bubble exploded, and today its place is supplied by a fresher one, namely: We are soon to go across the Potomac. The roar of McCall's cannon daily grows louder, and from the hill-tops we have seen their smoke ; and at the same time long trains of Avagons disappearing behind the distant hills, as the rebels move southward before them. As you know, I could not now obtain leave of absence even for a week. Col. Hinks soon returns to lead his lieg't (not his Brigade,) and we hope to acquire other laurels than for making a good retreat from Harrison's Island and building block-houses on Maryland bluffs. Tonight while I write, not two miles from the Virginia shore, a body of 500 determined men could cross, capture officers, men, ammunition and Quartermaster's stores, and make good their escape with their booty; for Ave are the only lieg't on this side within ten miles, and scattered all along the river-bank. But Secesh either don't know our helplessness, or don't care to make the dash at us— probably the latter. I must end this letter and betake myself to Morning Report and Guard Detail; and, after Avork, to Plutarch whose "lives" I am trying to digest. Good Niuht. Is that word as sweet to hear from me as ever ? Edgak. In February, 1862, NeAveonib Avas agreeably disai)pointea by receiving permission to return liome on a short fui lough. The joy AVith Avhicli he was greeted by relatives and friends cannot be ex- pressed in words. With a single exception it Avas the last time that any of them saAv him alive. His cordial greeting and noble bearing can never be fo)-gotten. At this time he Avas the picture of liealth. On parting Avith him then, some of us could not believe that it was for the last time on eaith. Soon after returning to military duty he Avrites as folloAvs : 48 CA3ir NEAR Seneca, March 3, 1862. Dear Sister: Since my last letter I have received letters from Mother and 3-ourself up to Feb. 28. I would have written yesterday, but part of the day was occupied in moving our tents to a healthier situation. As you know, all of Banks' and Sedgewick's (formerly Stone's) Divi- sions, except our ]5rigade, have crossed the river, and perhaps before my next, we too shall tread the soil, but as yet we have no marching ordei'S. One of the strange experiences of my life occurred day before yesterday. Our field officers had a few hours before received swords whicli an uncle of Lieut. Dodge had imported from France. As 1 was standing at Hd. Qrs. the gentleman entered and was introduced to the ofKcers. I remembered at once having seen him before, and in a pause of the conversation asked him if I had not met him in Paris. " Bless me, yes," said he, and rising shook my hand most heartily. He proved to be Mr. Clark, the clerk of the American ex-Minister at Paris, Avho so interested himself in me, and wrote me once or twice after my return. As a traveller I parted from him in Paris a little more than 18 months ago, one bright autumn afternoon ; and to meet him again as a soldier on the Potomac at military Hd. Qrs., about the same hour of a gusty winter's day. Yesterday we parted, and he promised another rendezvous at Richmond. * * * I never had an experience which in memor}^ seemed more like a dream than my visit home, and never parted from friends (myself to leave them) when the farewell was to me so sad and painful. I do not think I shall be many months out of the Avay if I prophesy that 1 shall spend next New Year's day at home. Edgar. I re-open this letter to mention the reception of Mother's letter M'ith Jamie's flag — a splendid triumph — and newspapers, Advertiser, Journal and Congregationalist. Perhaps Edgar's prophesy was fulfilled in a very true sense. FAREWELL TO MUDDY BIJANCH. Ca3ip near Seneca, McH. 8, 1802. Dear Brother: Here we still lie in the nuid, though your papers have it that we have crossed the rivei-. Xever since I enlisted have I felt so im- 49 patient to move. We hear that all the armies of the north are moving, except that alone which has suffered the sorest defeats and is most eager to avenge them. At Big Bethel, Bull Run and Ball's Bluff, the army on the banks of the Potomac have been worsted without the compensation of a single victory of importance. In addition, Banks' Division have all crossed, and ever}' Brigade in our Division but ours. General Lander has died of his wounds received long ago, and yester- day Col. Hinks sent for Manning to return to his company. If he returns he will experience a gi'eat vicissitude of fortune, having fallen at once from his easy ofRce-life, the society of officers and gentlemen, and the prospect of immediate promotion to Lander's staff, — down to the simple fare and brutal society and hard usage of a Corporal. I heartily sympathize with him and hope it may not be so. During the past week we have raised an immense tent, some sixty feet square, and the Chaplain jjrojects great and varied amusements which I hope may be realized. To-morrow we shall probabl}' hold our first service there. A few days ago the non-commissioned officers of the Eegiment received their warrants. I will forward mine as soon as possible, which may not be for many weeks. Manning wrote me that the car- penter whom he had hired to make the box for my gun and equipments made it too small, and the Quartermaster forbade his making another. So my treasure which I had supi^osed long ago boxed up and ready for shipment, remains as it was the da}' of my promotion. It is to be for- warded to Camp at some future day, and before the war is ended it will probably be at home. Thus far only can I promise. Rumor is at last true. The order from Head-quarters has come, that we hold ourselves in readiness to move at the shortest notice. Probably before next Wednesday, possibly to-morrow, we are to bid good-bye to " Camp near Muddy Branch." Edgar. The marches of the Nineteentli Mass., from the time of leaving Muddy Branch until the regiment took cars for "Washing- ton, are recorded in XcAvcomb's lettej- dated March 30, 1862. AT W^ASHINGTON AGAIN. Washington, Maech 26, '62. Dear Leila: We arrived in Washington yesterday, and rumor has it that to-day we leave this place to go into camp at Alexandria for the present. You may write me letters up to the last of this month with a good chance of my receiving them. I spent my last cent this morning for 50 breakfast, and the Regiment is played out as regards money, so that I shall probably be unable to borrow any, and for the present must live on Uncle Sam alone. We are stopping in the same building where we stopped last August. The lodging is however, inside instead of outside the building, and our living vastly superior to what it was be- fore. The bread is fresh, but the coffee is of doubtful purity, and the cold tongue of undoubted age. I received five letters on the day after mailing my last — from Mother, yourself, Charlie, Gilbert and Deacon Hoyt; also a short note from James, besides Congregation alist. Gazette, &c. My trunk was left behind in the storehouse of the 19th, at Harper's Ferry. The details of our march from Muddy Branch till our arrival at our desti- nation, whatever that may be, will be given as soon as 1 can find leisure and comfort. Mother is probably this morning in Troy, comforting poor Grand- father, and you are the mistress of the household. The delays to which we are everywhere subject, whenever we are to ride instead of march, are the most vexatious things of a soldier's experience. Long before this we might have arrived where it is de- signed to send us, if contractors &c. were half as earnest in their work as the men. But good-bye and love to all. Affectionately, Eddie. ON THE POTOMAC. DESTINATION UNKNOWN. Sunday evening, Mch. 30, 1862. On the Potomac. Dear Brother: The time which for the present I call my own I devote to writing home; but a steamer crowded with 900 souls, and a small cabin over- flowing with shoulder-straps, are not conducive to concentration or continuity of thought. Ever since a week ago next Tuesday we have travelled hither and thither with little intermission. On that eventful morning at 8 we started from Camp near Muddy Branch. How we got ahead of the other Regiments of our Brigade, and crossed on the pontoon bridge over the Potomac at Harper's Ferry, two hours before the rest, you have been informed before. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday I bivouacked, often suffering from cold after the fatigue of marching all day. Near Charlestown, which we reached Wednesday afternoon, I slept in the barn of the rebel Gen. Hunter, and enclosed a relic from his house in one of my letters. At this bivouac the men 51 of the Brigade killed several hogs and sheep. The inhabitants com- plained, and the officers paid ,^60 as their share of damages. * * On the march to Perry villa few families showed the Union flag. We heard that Banks had entered Winchester and we were ordered back, our services being no longer necessary. Our return march was only diversified by a second march through Charlestown. People looked on in sullen silence, one woman cheering for Jeff. Davis. Owing to fatigue I did not visit the place of John Brown's execution, but we passed the jail and court-house, scenes of his trial and confinement. Saturday noon we reached Bolivar, about one mile from Harper's Ferry, and quartered in the deserted houses. The Ferry is situated in the angle formed b}^ the confluence of the Potomac and the Shen- andoah, so famed for beauty. Lofty hills form the banks of either river. Along the Maryland side runs the Chesapeake & Ohio canal 5 between the Potomac and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. On the Virginia side lies the Ferry on the hillside; and on an adjoining hill, Bolivar. These hills were occupied by both rebels and Unionists in attack or defence ; while the inhabitants fled to save themselves and their propert}^ A few hundred only remain, while cannon balls and shells scattered here and there, and houses pierced by random shot, attest the former presence of hostile armies. In the Ferry all the government buildings have been reduced to ruins, and their shattered walls looked miserably sad. The engine house, where for days John Brown defied Virginia, is now the prison for rebels. All the next week it rained, and the streets, cut up by the constant passing of heavy teams, were reduced to a condition rivalling those of Muddy Branch. Friday night orders came to be ready to start at day- light of Saturday. Reveille beat at 4 A. M., and at 5.30 we were in marching order, but after waiting till 10 we were informed that trans- portation had not arrived, and disgusted we turned back in-doors and rekindled our fires. Saturday and Sunday passed wearily, but in the evening of the latter day we were ordered to be in readiness to start at 7.30 A. M., Monday, and at that hour we left Bolivar for the Ferry. After two hours of tedious waiting we crossed the river on single planks placed end to end along the railroad bridge just completed. The sleepers were wide asunder, the river was swift, the elevation great; but single file, we all crossed in safety. Arrived at Sandy Hook, on the the Maryland side, we waited in the cold till 10 P. M. before the train an-ived, and when it came we beheld the freight cars as friends in which we had travelled before. The officers, however, rejoiced in a passenger car, and after a tedious night's travel we arrived in Wash- ington Tuesday noon. We lodged at the Soldiers' Rest, and Wednesday 52 uoon we marched to a camp ground in the environs. * * In the afternoon of Thursday we struck tents, packed wagons, and left camp in half an hour after the reception of marching orders. We marched down Pennsylvania avenue about 5.30, amid clouds of dust, to the foot of Gth street, where we took the steamer North America. * * To-day I examined my knapsack and found that some one had appropriated my blouse and pants. They were worn out, but 1 had intended to send them home as my first unifoim. Moreover our seven days' rations were stolen while the cook slept. But such is war, and I feel lucky because I do not lose as much as others. Good ni2:ht. The following appeared in the Lynn Transcript of January 19, 1883. A UNIQUE MUSICAL FESTIVAL. Editor Transcript: — Just now there seems to be a revival of interest in matters relat- ing to the cause of the Great American Rebellion. Dr. James Freeman Clarke began a course of lectures on the Story of Slavexy, in Boston on Wednesday evening; and the discourse of Frederick Douglass in Odd Fellows' Hall last week, which 7 heard with great pleasure, re- minded me of an incident in my own experience during the war, which I would like to bi-iefly narrate. It will be remembered that after the first great disaster of Bull Run there was a long period of inaction on the part of the Arm}^ of the Potomac, of which the country became very tired and disgusted. President Lincoln ordered the ai'my to move Feb. 22, 18G2. Sumner's Corps, in which I was, moved March 12 from its camp at Muddy Branch, up the canal to Harper's Ferry; thence out to join Banks' Division at Winchester. When we got near Charles- town, about 10 miles beyond Harper's Ferry, we bivouacked, and the next morning the whole Division marched through Charlestown and right by the foot of the hill where John Brown was hung. Douglass said the other night, "John Brown was remembered in song." Cer- tainly he was, on the occasion to which I refer. The post of honor that day belonged to the 3d Brigade, on the right of which was the 19th Mass., Col. Hinks. The band struck up the familiar strain — "John Brown's bodj' lies moulderiug in the ground, His soul goes marching on." The whole army took up the song, and all day through the streets of the little town tramped 15,000 men singing this memorable refrain. Charlestown was thoroughly "secesh," and though coloi-ed folks were out in force, no white people could be seen, except peeping through their closed blinds. As often happens in the army, we were ordered back the next day; and on the countermarch the Charlestowners were treated to a "repeat." We dispensed with the formality of an encore. J. L. R. 53 March 31. Still on steamer, our destination unknown. * * Friday morning we steamed down the river past Alexandria. The day was delightful, and this part of our passage the pleasantest experience of the 19th since its enlistment. We passed Mt. Yernon, Aquia Creek, Cockpit Point and Fort Washington. A storm of wind arising during the night, we put back several miles to Point Lookout. Hampton, April 1. We are settled here for a few days. Maryland, our home for eight months past, is left forever as the camping ground of the 19th. We landed at Point Lookout about noon of Saturday, in a snowstorm. We took possession of the deserted hotel, for the season does not begin till June. To the non-commissioned staff was allotted a cottage of two rooms. Barrows [the hospital steward, a son of Prof. Barrows of Andover] and myself, found a dinner at a farm house, and Chesapeake oysters rapidly disappeared from the smoking dishes. The good lady refused compensation, and after a hearty meal we returned to quarters. Sunday morning, the storm having abated, we re-embarked and pro- ceeded down the river. The shores of the Potomac are neither so high, nor cultivated, nor picturesque as those of the Pludson, but the river itself is broader and nobler. Monday morning before breakfast we reached the Fortress, which Ed. Hall has probably described. The Kip Kaps and Sewall's Point were in plain sight, the bay was full of shipping of all sizes, shapes and kinds. The Monitor lay at anchor a few rods from our stern. She looks exactly as represented in the papers. At noon we disembarked and marched over a most tedious road, rendered well nigh impassable from the previous rain. The day was very hot, and many fell behind on our short march of five miles to Hampton. We are now quartered a mile beyond the village. You know the rebels burned it before they left, and its appearance is even more desolate than that of Harper's Ferry. Houses and churches are in.ruins, and soldiers only fill the streets and enliven the picture. There are now around here nearly 100,000 men, and eight regiments from Massachusetts (the 2d, 7th, 10th, 17th, 18th, 19th, SOth and 22d.) How long we remain is of course uncertain. Whether we march in- land or are transported south, is equally so. How soon I shall be able to write again, or in fact what T have written amid such confusion and interruption, 1 cannot tell. Pardon haste, pencil and dirt. Your aff. Brother, Ed. 54 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN. " He that ruleth his spirit is better than he that taketh a city."— Proverbs XVI, 32. The following letter records the death of the "first martyr to liberty" in the 19th Mass. Camp near Yorktown, April 8, 1862. Dear Sister: You have probably received my letter to Charlie long since, hough I cannot remember the day of my mailing it from Hampton. One hundred and twenty-six regiments besides numbe rless pieces of artillery have been brought together in the vicinity of Fortress Monroe. We at length received orders Thursday to start on the mor- row with three days' rations. At 7 next A. M. , we gaily started in the rear of two Divisions. For hours before we started, Cavalry, Infantry, and baggage trains had passed along the road in an unbroken stream, impressing one with the vastness of preparations, as only au eye- witness can be impressed. Our march was over the sandy road toward Big Bethel, and after a day's travel, with frequent halts, we bivouacked for the night a mile beyond the town. It had been strongly fortified by the rebels, whose pickets evacuated it as the head of our column entered, some nine hours before. To eyes no more practiced than ours it seemed almost impregnable. Woods and marshes surrounded it, and every approach in front and flank was protected by breastworks and rifle-pits; but Secesh saw fit to leave, and we quietly took possession. Next morning at 5 we started again, and with occasional "double- quicks" had soon made five miles; when, after passing some fortifica- tions whose strength and size excited the wonder of us all, we halted. These earth-works, now becoming very common, are so constructed that one plays into the other, so that, the first being stormed, the second attacks it as our men pour in. This second is raked by a third, and each one successively taken, the garrison retire to support the defence of the next. The country being very woody and swampy, with many small hills, offers every advantage to the defending party. Here we halted during a rain-storm of several hours. Gen'ls. Mc- Clellan and Heiutzelman passed us on horseback, as they had done the day before. Little Mac is a great favorite, and as he rode along the lines, the tumultuous cheering growing gradually and constantly louder as he approached, culminating in a deafening roar as he passed, and gradually dying away in the distance, showed us at once the extent of the line and the enthusiasm of the soldiery under such a leader. McClellan is very handsome and evei-y inch a soldier. I never saw such an eye. 55 The storm had turned the road, which before had been very good, to a continuous slough. Our progress therefore was very slow and uncomfortable; but about ^% P. m. of Saturday we reached our present bivouac. Sunday being pleasant. Barrows and I went to a farm-house in the woods to breakfast. The women as we approached stared with fright from the windows, and despatched a servant in hot haste to call in the men. But we soon won our way into their regards, and break- fasted on bread and milk, for which we were expected to pay 75 cents; but the hypocrites, who had been so loud in the profession of their Union sentiments, let us off with a tax of 50 cents. At noon we bathed in a neighboring brook. Yesterday we started with the 20th and our Sharpshooters on a reconnoissance. Arrived in a cleared space surrounded by woods we heard the command, "Battalion, Halt — Prepare to load — Load." Eor the first time we loaded against an enemy yet unseen, and the silence in which the order was obeyed showed the feelings of the men. One company deployed as skir- mishers in our front, while we advanced through the woods a minute or two, and finall}' halted behind a Virginia fence. Here we halted four hours, while engineers and scouts observed and reported. Some of our men advanced a little in front in a series of large fortifications, and played away. The rebels answered, and wasted so much ammu- nition on the Avoods; I Avent down to see the fun, and saw the batteries and the flag of the rebels. The estimated position and strength of the rebels having been made, we were ordered to advance and draw the enemy's fire, to prove the correctness of the estimate ; and on we went, sometimes trying this, sometimes that point, ourselves sheltered by the woods, but enabled to see and shoot the rebels as they appeared The regiment behaved beautifully; but when the first shell burst over our heads as we lay concealed in a gully, a captain started to run for. better shelter, and disturbed the men. However, his indiscretion was at once corrected. Three men were wounded, one of whom died as soon as we reached quarters. It had rained since 11 A. M., and as we picked our Avay home at 7 P. M., the water fell in torrents. The mud was ankle-deep, and the men had no possible shelter, for we have tents only for field and staff. Thanks to BarroAVS, I Avas permitted to sleep on the stretcher which bore a wounded man from the field, and at the foot of the bed whereon he lay a corpse. Off went boots, stockings and pants. I cuddled under a pile of bed-ticks and slept ; but toward morning, when rest had relieved my fatigue, I woke to think on my strange position. But such is the fortune of Avar, and except in Co. D, to which the deceased belonged, all is joyous as ever. Oh, that men would think of their state and their destiny. But this 56 can be only when they are in full possession of their powers, the very season when they feel least their need. When we come to tight, or to suffer, or to die, the mind has other work, and rarely indeed can it overcome the distractions which surround it. Our first martyr to liberty has fallen. To-morrow, or at any rate before this week ends, we attack this fortification, and the result of the struggle none can foresee. This only is sure. If we meet opposition the fight will be very bloody. For myself I fear not, but for the souls who must perish there — what can I do ? God only can save. All night long it has rained, nor has the storm yet passed over. Our clothes are wet after yesterday's and last night's experiences. .My boot left behind in Washington has not arrived, perhaps will not; and though my hardships are slight in comparison with those of the men, I have suffered more since yesterday morning than since I enlisted (except perhaps at Ball's Bluff). My love to all. As I write this under a rubber blanket supported on stakes, and on the top of a bar- rel, you must excuse poor writing and mistakes and all imperfections. Edgak. Camp Winfield Scott, Apr. 26, 1862. DearBro.: As we go on picket tomorrow, I must write ray weekly letter today. * * Yesterday, in obedience to orders, I guided a working party of fifty to the batteries, and opened a road through the woods, some }i mile in length. This is (on my part) the " first important operation of the war." Today, though the rain falls in torrents, I am ordered to guide another party to the same place, but they have not yet reported and I hope to escape the job. The particulars of Capt. Bartlett's accident are as follows : He went into an open field to view the enemies' batteries, and while kneeling on the ground with the glass in his hands, a ball struck him above the knee, passing down- ward and so shattering the joint as to render amputation necessary. We all feel sorry, but our life is one of such constant danger that an accident creates far less stir here than the news of it at home. This morning at 5, we were turned out, from fire occasioned by the 1st Mass- taking a rebel rifle pit several miles below us. In a few hours the men returned wet through, shortly after I had completed my toilet, for I slept so well that not even the heavy firing awoke me. Vague rumors of an approaching paymaster, but we are verj^ sceptical. I have several times purchased 50 cents worth of eatables with a dollar bill yet remaining in my possession, because no one could change it. 67 After dinner — the rain still continues. Owing to its depressing in- fluence, and my dinner of crackers fried in maggoty bacon and served up in molasses, my stomach exhibits unmistakable symptoms of dissatisfaction. Our army corps (the centre) will probably engage the enemy only to divert them from the right, where lies Yorktown upon which the main assault will be made, and where Heintzelman's corps is massed together. There is a rumor at Head-quarters of our Regiment being sent to Hurnside, where it was first going, if McClellan had permitted. I am delighted to hear of the reception of our Quartei-master's order for my trunk, as I have lost so much lately it seemed but natural the trunk should follow. All quiet on the lower Potomac. Edgar. THE 19th MASS. TAKES POSSESSION OF KEBEL WORKS AT YORKTOWN. Yorktown, May 6, 1862. Dear Leila: Yorktown has been evacuated, and I write this on board the Steamer Yanderbilt, now lying off Yorktown, about to start with the 19th and 20th for West Point to intercept the Rebels' retreat. Our future seven days promise to be so full of work that I take this oppor- tunity of writing, uncertain when I can find another. Last Saturday our Brigade was on picket at our ordinary picket post in the woods, about 1)^ miles from the enemy's batteries. My duties as guide requiring me to be present at camp rather than in the woods, I had not of late accompanied the Reg't, but as shot and shell had been freely changed between us and our foes all day long, I determined to spend the night in the woods, expecting fun, and slept without wak- ing but twice, partially owing to the fatigue consequent on having visited all the batteries along our line during the afternoon. Capt. Rice and I met in an open field within rifle shot of the forts which frowned upon us, threatening every moment to shoot, but fearing the Andrew Sharpshooters, Avho filled the rifle pit which partially pro- tected us. The explosion of gunpowder, too, had become so common that, though it occurred every fifteen minutes during the night, I knew it not till next A. M. Before I turned out, news came that three contrabands came into our lines (which by the way are opposite Winn's Mills) and reported that Secesh had " skedaddled," and that other niggers were seeking our protection in the woods. Lieut. Hume, Co. K., being sent with one nigger to find these last, made instead a double-quick to the rebel works, and mounting the parapet, swung his 58 hat and cheered lustily. At once the Col. ordered our pickets forward, and the 19th— first of all the Division, and I know not of how many other Divisions along the line— planted its State and U. S. flags on the ramparts. A body of cavalry soon followed us to post its pickets; the 19th was ahead, and it yielded. Soon we heard cheering and knew the whole Regiment had possessed themselves of the works. Soon as possible (for the Col. liad once refused me permission) I entered the works. They were of the strongest character, but proofs for the men, a kind of citadel overlooking and protecting by rifles the heavier works and guns below. In front was a long stretch of marshy land, which with the ditch could be completely overflowed from the mill- pond above. Within was a succession of rifle-pits of every size and angle with each other, and each raking the one in front. Under the most favorable circumstances it could not have been captured without immense loss, as each fort protected the other, and the ones at York- town and Warwick all the rest. It would first have been necessary to flank them by gunboats, and this even, to any unpractised eye, was almost impossible. We scouted through the woods till our foremost descried the rebel cavalry, the rear guard of the retreating foe. On one tent was written, " We can whip twice our number of Yankees; " and on the next, in characters clearer and more legible from their less age, " He that fights and runs aw^y, will Hve to fight another day. May 3." (The night of the evacuation.) About a mile from the forts toward Yorktown stood the house of the rebel Gen'l. Hill. Everything had been sent away except the piano; the mansion was the most beautiful I have seen in Virginia. Below was the daixy through which flowed a stream of the coolest and flnest water. A Itttle further on in the woods lay the deserted camp of a Bri- gade. Tents were left pitched; camp-fires left burning; food, arms and equipments strewed around in the confusion of their departure. I gathered a few relics which I will send to Boston as soon as possible. At noon came orders to hold ourselves in readiness to march. We fell in at once, but no farther orders arriving, bivouacked for the night at our old camp. Monday at 1 A. M. it began to rain, and 9 A. M. found us on the march to Yorktown, in mud and water. At noon we arrived before the city and pitched our shelter tents. Before us stretched the long fortifications of Yorktown. Immediately in front was the breast-work which Washington built to protect his troops; and fifty rods further on, the spot where he received Corn- wallis' sword 81 years ago. The rain had fallen almost without intermission since Monday 59 A. M. Every 'road leading to Yorktowu was crowded Avitli Cavalry, Artillery and baggage wagons. The firing of the gunboats (as they poured shot and shell into the flank of the retreating foe) and sounds of distant musketry made the whole scenery and suggestion mateal in the extreme. At P. M. , in the midst of a smart shower, we struck tents and marched again. The roads grew inconceivably heavy to one who has never witnessed them after rain and travel have done their work. Wagons broke down, horses stuck, and such was the delay that in eight hours we had made but two miles. Once I lost my rub- ber boot. An orderly following rescued it after a severe struggle, and I proceeded barefoot in the rain to the nearest fire, and having washed the member restored the boot. So weary were we that men lay down in the mud to sleep at every halt, and when we at last turned oft" the road at 2 this A. M., I spread my blankets on which the rain had poured all day, and slept without interruption till daylight. I woke neithor stiff nor cold. To-day we lay on the beach till 3 P. M., when we left for West Point. Men with no military knowledge can see how careless or ignorant must be the General who orders 5000 men or more into a muddy road at G of a stormy night, to march a distance of two miles to a point where he cannot possibly use them till morning) and, as the result proved, till 3 next P. M. But Generals don't go afoot nor carry knapsacks, nor- lack shelter, or wood for fire, or ser- vants to build it. How can they feel? But our commissioned oflicers (from Col. down) must now suffer with the privates deprivation of food, sleep and fire; hut they donH stand it. I thought I had little endurance, but these gentry have been almost every one sick from exposure, while I not at all, my near approach to sickness being caused by miasma. But to describe Yorktown, which I visited this morning. A church and one-half dozen houses are all the original town. Secesh has erected numerous and expensive buildings for army purposes. His works of defence and offence, both here and at Gloucester Point just opposite, are strong and magnificent. Indeed no pains or expense is spared in his work. Immense military stores have been abandoned, and the large siege guns spiked. He has strewn torpedoes everywhere. The machine being buried all except the head, which is too small to be readily perceived, explodes under the incautious soldier's foot and hurls himlnto eternity. Two score perhaps have been killed in this fiendish manner since Sunday. McClellan, as reported in the New York Herald of yesterday, compelled evacuation by the evident supe- riority of his works; I believe rather by the superiority of his strategy. Magruder is reported to have fled for fear of losing his connections 60 with Richmond; which you will find quite probable. ^ ^ Steamboat jars, confusion reigns, and I feel sleepy. Our recent great successes have inspired me with strength and feelings unknown before. ^Vith God is all the glory, who has seemed not to suffer us to conquer, so much as to have confounded their counsels. Edgar. DESCRIPTION OF A BATTLE. " By regiment ! Forward into line !" Then sabres and guns and bayonets sliine. Oil ye who feel your fate at last, Repeat the old prayers, as your hearts beat fast ! Rub-a-dub-dub ! Rub-a-dub-dub ! Eltham,May11,1862. Dear Brother: My last letter was written on board the steamer which conveyed us to a place a few miles below West Point. We arrived about 6 P. M., Tuesday, and anchored for the night. Next day about noon we debarked. A sharp skirmish had begun in the woods and fields about a mile from the landing, and we were immediately detached from the Brigade as a reserve. Here on the open field bordering the river, we passed an afternoon, where I learned more of a battle in its entireness than I ever shall again. Imagine a meadow almost level, twenty times as large as our i;ommon, bordered on three sides by woods; on the fourth by the York river. Eegiments constantly pour in from the landing, and take their places in close order by divisions i. e., five lines parallel to each other and six paces apart, 1000 men being thus contracted into the smallest possible space known to mili- tary science ; 15 or more regiments, besides several batteries of artillery, are posted thus, ready at a moment's notice to start for the battle field. We hear the continuous rattle of musketry and the cheers of the combatants, as alternately they gain temporary advantage and press their adversaries back. In the centre of the meadow are the Head-quarters of Gen. Slocuni in temporary command of all our forces. Mounted on his horse he receives the messages which officers of the Signal Corps telegraph from the battle ground through the chain of sentries who, posted a few rods from each other, pass the messages along; he despatches his aides with orders to the commanders of gun- boats, batteries and infantry forces. Two batteries, each supported by a reghnent of infantry, are drawn up in line and plaj-ing on our unseen foe, while the gunboats on the river throw shell far over our heads, where the reserve of the enemy is supposed to be jiosted. Add to this that parties of men are constantly bearing in the dead and wounded on stretchers to the hospital in our rear, and the picture is 61 comiilete. But one must experience the reality to appreciate the im- patience with which we waited the command to advance, and the disappointment which I felt at learning, on awaking from a doze in the hot sun, that Secesh had withdrawn. They fear our gunboats, and though shot and shell had fallen thick around our tleet (one even pass- ing through the smokestack of the Vanderbilt, where Manning who was sick had remained) yet a few hundred pound shell from these low black craft made John Reb withdraw his batteries on the double quick. I have had no fresh meat for two weeks ;nothing but hard bread and coffee for three days. Strict orders compelled us to rise at 3 A. M. This morning Manning came up with his haversack full of veal. No questions were asked, but the veal was very good. The enemy can be perceived throwing up earth works ahead, but I fear that, after having been so near a battle again and again, we shall finally retui'n without having seen even the rebels' backs. My health is excellent, and I am daily lost in wondering gratitude for such merciful preser- vation. Most of the officers are rarely well of late, while I am more rarely unwell. Perhaps these long weary years of abstinent self- denial are beginning to bear fruit. The paymaster has been here and paid us for January and February. Enclosed is a Secesh letter which I picked up in a rebel encampment last Sunday. Press it out and give it to Stanley for me. I hope sister and James are well, and Avhile you are in Sabbath school, I bid you good bye. Edgar. Capt. Newmian informs us that "Chaplain E. D. Winslow was left at Eltham, by orders of the Colonel, in charge of the sick, and other matters pertaining to the Regiment." Tliis circumstance led to an interesting event which is recorded on a subsequent page. Soon after the letter of May 11th was written Newcomb be- came unwell, and did not fully recover until after the battle of Fair Oaks, May 31 and June 1, 1862. Capt. Stephen J. Newman (then Principal Musician) writes as follows : "At camp at Laurel Hill, Va., May 20th, he was delirious from fever. I made him take shelter with me from the storm, but he never gave up a mo- ment from duty. I brought the Surgeon to him, and insisted that he should be excused from duty. But no ; Edgar would not; and next morning, wet to the skin and without breakfast, he was at his duty." 62 A HOSPITAL VISIT. May. 24, 1862, Dear Sister: At length after two davKS of hard but fatiguing marching with only 24 hours' interval, we are arrived at a nameless camp within 13 miles of Richmond. The men are sick of soldiering, the intermitted order for 3 A. M. rising having been again enforced; rations being exceedingljr poor, and 121 of our Regiment absent, 109 from sickness. Even I, who till within a week never had a thought of homesickness, want to go home and get something to eat. And notice, once at home I'll never go again for a soldier. No fresh hardships, nor the con- tinuance of hardships, have changed me; but the prize of health is gained. My position is not as agreeable as it was, or might now be, and I only want to enter Richmond, and then "good evening, Mr. Soldier," as they say here. Months I fear must elapse before we are mustered out of service. We have marched hard and far to catch a sight of the backs even of the rebels, but so far in vain. ISIanning went into the hospital this morning. Last night a piece of Bologna gave his weak stomach a most violent cholic. You are probably expecting it to be a cool quiet place in pleasant weather, warm and dr}- in wet, and generally inviting. When I went to see him, I found in a huge canvas tent two rows of sick men, feet to feet, dying on the damp ground, which was drained by a trench dug between the rows of patients. Such are the accommodations of a ""Regimental field hospital. If the patient convalesces and becomes well, good; if not, he is sent to Monroe. Manning will probably be out in a few days, but one so tenderly reared, so young and sympathetic and impul- sive, is apt to sink at once to the most dismal homesickness. Col Hinks has given his permission to hold a prayer-meeting to- morrow, the weather permitting; so we shall have something to remind us of the good old times we once knew, and the good times we hope again to know. You probably would like to know about our marches. We left Cedar Hill about 8 A. M., three days ago, and marched till the middle of the afternoon, being some eight hours on the road under an in- tensely hot sun; stopping only when the artillery and baggage ahead became blocked, resting nowhere long enough for dinner. Twelve miles was our march, and one-third of the Regiment fell out. Next day came an order that anj'^ man falling out of the march should receive no whiskey for the next 24 hours. Yesterday the sun didn't shine, but the atmosphere was most oppressive. However, not one to my knowledge fell out. Indeed, the half gill of whiskey served out every 63 mornino: and night seems to be all that relieves the monotony of the life of the Eegiment. Yesterday we passed several splendid farms. On the gates lead- ing to the magnificent mansions were Avhite Hags, and the strict orders against leaving the ranks prevented all depredation or purchase; and here let me return to our commissary department, for I know the satis- faction of gratified appetite. During the cold season of more than six months we never knew a single issue of bacon; but now from the tune we left Monroe, bacon, clear fat, has been served out regularly, and generally to tlie exclusion of salt beef. The men cannot eat it at this time. Yet it is generally the only meat served out. So fare Uncle Sam's. We are now encamped by the roadside, a swamp all around. We dig wells, and before they reach five feet in depth they are filled. The rain of today has saturated the ground like a sponge. As I overheard one say just now, " A man here doesn't know where to stop; he goes to his tent, but it looks so desolate he doesn't dare go into it." If the men did not expect soon to go home, their sufferings would be almost intolerable. It seems to take a long time for letters to reach me now. It seems to me that if you could be so regular in writing when I was comparatively comfortable, you might continue the practice now that we are so thoroughly miserable. Edgak. Newcomb's ilhiess, previously mentioned, doubtless increased liis despondency at tliis time. He devoted no little attention to the sick and wounded, and the hospital visit above mentioned was only one out of many. A MILITARY FUNERAL. •' Tliere is uo discharge in that war." Ecclesiastes Vlll. 8. " Present— arms. Shoulder— arms. Reverse— arms. Column forward. March." Infantry Tactics (funeral honors.) " Marching to the plaintive cry of fifes— it is almost a woman's wail— and the moan of nuitBed drums." Taylor. Nathaniel Prentiss of Cambridge enlisted in the 19th Mass, Vols, in August, 1861. He was mustered in at Lynnfield as Sergeant in Co. F. At that time he was 34 years of age, stalwart and apparently in excellent health. At Camp Benton, early in November, 1861, he was transferred to the Commissary Depart- ment, and soon after was appointed Quartermaster Sergeant. The severe experiences on the Peninsula were very trying to the most 64 robust, and any latent weakness of constitution was sure to be re- vealed. Prenfiss died suddenly on May 25, 1862, at Lewis Farm, near Cold Harbor, Va. Capt. *Newnian gives the following par- ticulars : " He was found dead in his tent by Edgar. I think he must have died from heart disease ; for our (22) Army Corps only reached that camp near Cold Harbor at 7.30 P. M. of the previous day. The Quartermaster Sergeant was on the sick report for about a week, but managed to do his duty." About six months before this sad event, Newcomb wrote an account of the burial of a comrade, deprived of even a religious service, for the Chaplain was away. " It sickens me," he contuiues, " to live in such an atmosphere. Man lives and dies like a brute." On the present occasion the Chaplain was also absent in obedience to orders. Newcomb very properly decided to act as Chaplam •pro tempore, in order that the remains of Prentiss might have Christian burial. Newcomb and Prentiss were originally mem- bers of the same company, and since promotion they had passed many pleasant hours together as Non-Commissioned Staff Officers. It was somewhat difficult to find a suitable place for the grave. Near the Chichahoming the ground was too wet, and a location was selected at some distance from the stream. A detail was or- dered to prepare the grave, and considerable labor was expended in digging through the coarse gravel and stone. ¥he^funeral took place on May 27th, and Capt. Stephen J. Newman has kindly furnished interesting details which are given below: "Edgar read from the scripture, St. John, 'I am the resurrection', &c.— the Lord's Prayer (and let me say here that I never heard before a more fervent recital of the Lord's Prayer):— Co. F. was detailed as the funeral party, with all the other men of the Regiment that wished to attend :— Sixteen men and a Sergeant, as firing party :— Location of the grave, about half a mile from camp, and nearer to Cold Harbor, and about 100 yards from the road ; to the right and rear of the old mill at Cold Har- bor:— Funeral about 10.30 A. M:— Dead March in Saul, by all the field (20) music :— Coffin lowered in grave by the usual mili- tary honors [see Newcomb's letter of Nov. 23, 1861] :— weather, fair :— Dress parade in the eve. Edgar was Sergeant Major, and never absent from his i)()St at any time to my knowledge." 65 In a subsequent letter Capt. Newman states that "Co. F funeral i)arty was in charge of the 1st Sergeant; and tlie funeral escort was in command of the Senior Sergeant of Co. F. The obsequies was under the immediate orders and charge of the Officer of the Day." Cajtt. Newman also refers to Newcomb's excellent remarks " over the remains of our Comrade Prentiss," and adds: "Edgar may -have acted as Chaplain after I left the Regiment; I was discharged at WarrentoAvn, Ya., Nov. 10, 1862, and bade Edgar adieu at 2 P. M. that day. Edgar gave me one- half the money he had to ]»ay my expenses, |5, to Washington." In his letters Newcomb did not mention his jtrominent part at the funeral. Diligent inquiry has failed to bring to light any other instance in which Edgar considered it his duty to perform the public functions of Chaplain. His volimtary service in the absence of the proper officer Avas not without i)recedent at an early period in the war, as will be seen below. The 13th Mass. Vols, went to the front somewhat in advance of the 19th, and Companies A and B were posted on Antietam Creek, not far from the locality where the famous battle was afterwards fought. On Sunday, Aug. 18, 1861, a correspondent of the Boston Journal wrote as follows: "In the absence of our regular Chai.lain, Brevet Major Fox officiated. The services con- sisted of reading a chapter from the New Testament; selections from tlie Psalms ; reading a portion of the Episcopal church ser- vice; repeating the Lord's Prayer. Simple as this service may seem, it was the most impressive to me that I have witnessed since we have been organized. At the conclusion of our religious ceremonies Major Fox commenced the reading of the Articles of War, but before he had time to go through them, Col. Leonard arrived." A complete history of the terrible struggle Avould include many incidents similar to those above narrated. In one case a woman read the burial service over the remains of a brave young officer, as it was imi»ossible to secure the presence of a Chaplain or any other man Avho was willing to undertake the duty. The solemn yet beautiful scene has been depicted in verse. Cold Harbor, or Cold Arbor, has been a summer resort for the people of Kichmond for nearly a hundred years. A portion m of tile forces under McClellan and Grant struggled against superior numbers of the enemy near this j>lace, in 1862 and 1864. In June, 1866, the remains of Union soldiers buried in surrounding fields were re-interred in the National cemetery at Cold Harbor. In regard to Newcomb's qualifications for the performance of sacred duties Col. Chadwick remarks that he would have made an excellent Chaplain. A few days after the funeral of Prentiss, thousands of men were killed and wounded at Seven Pines and Fair Oaks. " The 19th was in reserve at Fair Oaks, but under fire," as Capt. Wm. A. Hill informs us. Further i»articulars concerning the desperate fight on Saturday and Sunday, May 31 and June 1, are given in Newcomb's letter dated June 5, 1862. It will be observed that the regiment was within a few miles of the Confederate capital. Camp before Richmond, June 5, 1862. Dear Leila : Here we are more than a mile on the northern side of the Chicka- hominy, which the Reg't crossed Saturday 5)4 miles from Richmond, and on the eve of a most fearful fight. In my last I told you how the 19th was on picket, and I staid at camp; how T heard firing, but deter- mined to stay and have a good night's sleep. All the afternoon and night, Infantry, Artillery, annnunition and ambulance wagons hurried past as if mad. Sunday morning came orders for all serviceable men to join the Reg't. About A. M. I crossed the creek; the current is swift, the banks for i^ mile on either side are an impassable and an impenetrable swamp. No better barrier for defence could be selected, but we crossed it Saturday Avithout opposition, and then^Secesh tried to di'ive us back. That afternoon they were temporarily successful. Sedgwick's Division arrived just in time, and the 7th Michigan drove them back, or rather kept them from driving us farther. Sunday the creek began to rise, swollen either by the rain four hours before, or 1)y the breaking down of dams the rebels had constructed for the purpose of flooding us; and by night the bridge constructed the previous day with so much labor was all swept away. Even the field }^ mile from the creek, where our Reg't lay wben I joined them, was covered with 150 inches of water. Sunday morning the firing recom- menced. About 8, we were ordered forward a mile or so, drawn up iu a beautiful Avood, arms were stacked, and the men lay down to rest. o< About noon orders came from the Brigadier to move forward. Tor a space of two miles we travelled at a rapid rate over ploughed land and gravelled roads. Here I saw the first stones I had seen since Fortress Monroe. Mud, brooks and swamps, and when we were at last halted, breathless and perspiring profusely under the hot mid-day sun, 'twas only to receive orders from the Major-General to return to our old quarters, the woods. So we left the wounded, and the hospitals and the firing, and at a pace equally rapid returned. The rebels were slowly driven back Sunday and at (i P.M. we were ordered again to the front. Such alas, is the fate of the 19th. If in front, the enemy run (as at Yorktown) ; if behind, we are not needed. We bivouacked a few hundred yards from our halting place of a few hours before, and about one hundred from the battle-field of the two days past, the woods on our front and right. These Avere full of dead. About 9, (juick firing was heard in the woods, and we turned out at once. Hut it proved to be one party of our pickets firing on another. Three men were killed as we learned next day. No further alarm during the night. Next day we were ordered to furnish a detail to bury the dead. They Avorked till noon, when we were ordered to the front, immediately in rear of the pickets where we now are. Many oflicers and men visited the woods and hospitals from curiosity. They report the scenes as sickening. The dead, lying exposed to the air, often in l)iles of fifteen or more, for two days,had become swollen and offensive. All attitudes, and contortions and wounds were present. In one place part of a company were shot down, each by a wound immediately mortal. There they lay in two ranks, and file-closers, their heels on the very spot where they stood and fought. Most of these dead were rebels. Most of ours and the wounded had been already brought in, but occasionally one of the wounded was carried past to the crowded hospital. We occupy now the camp from which the rebels were driven Sun- day. It is low, and surrounded by the graves of the dead. Frequent shelling and firing'* on our pickets, almost within sight in the woods ahead, have disturbed our rest by day and night. An almost uninter- rupted and very severe rain has Hooded the ground and wet us through, for we marched without knapsacks or tents. An overcoat and woollen l)lanket are all the protection we have against water. My feet have been wet ever since Sunday noon. Our rations are a scant al- lowance of hard bread, coffee twice a day (though last night we had none at all), occasionally fresh or salt beef. Nothing else, and this for a victorious army beside the raih'oad which we hold and run G8 from West Point here. I don't blame Uncle Sam or little Mac, but some commissary of the Brigade, Division or Corps, who has little energy and less humanity. * * In answer to your question the 19th was the first of our Division, and second of the whole army to plant the Stars and Stripes on the rebel works; a regiment of Smith's Division on our left being first of all the line. June G. Knowing your anxiety, 1 shall if possible forward this today. I am perfectly well, after this the third day's exposure to a constant rain. The news of the last fight begins to reach us, and we find it more terrible than we had supposed. As soon as possible after the 19th have had their turn, I will write, but we can make no advance till return of fine weather. * * June 7. Yesterday T was ordered to return to our old camp for some pa- pers. I went down on the train which conveyed the wounded soldiers home. How J wished I was wounded slightly. In the cattle car with myself were 30 wounded, and as their wounds had begun to maturate and were constantly exposed — partly from pride, partly to relieve and cool their feverishness — the stench was intolerable, and here for the first time did I appreciate the meaning of " the sickening details of war." Men were shot in the breast, arms, legs, head. Many were the amputations. One fellow had a ball through his breast, and an arm shot otf . But I managed to survive and reach a despatch station, from which I footed it to camp, three miles. This morning at b% A. M., I was on my way to camp. I returned on foot, travelling at least 7 miles without breakfast and over the vilest of roads. We have to corduroy two-thirds of the roads here. Arrived in camp I found the regiment under marching orders. From the disposition of troops in our rear, a fio-ht was evidently expected. I ate a very hearty breakfast of stewed beans, hard bread and coffee, and then read your letters which await- my arrival. How glad I am to hear from home constantl3^ * * All dav we have expected an attack or a move, but remain in our old place. Health and spirits are good. As the mail is closing, and my letter has been ver}^ long, and there is no more news, I bid you good evening; wishing as I never wished before to spend Saturday night at hom*e, and Sunday in the Christian way. Edgar. 69 Fair Oaks, June 14, 1862. Dear Brother: Two weeks to-day since the battle which has rendered suddenly famous this obscure railroad station. Our camp ground has been changed from the swamp to one of the many burial grounds of this vi- cinity. The weather has changed from constant rain to intense heat, G A. M. being as hot as one of our August mornings at 11. Every morn- ing we rise at :3, remain under arms till 4.30, when we are allowed to turn in. But by that time cooks, wood-choppers and teamsters are noisily at work; and he is fortunate who can sleep, and most to be envied who can both sleep and find any coffee left on awaking. This early rising is most unpleasant and wearing, but at the same time most essential to i)revent surprise from a foe who never sleeps. With the exception of two hours' otlice work, I now do no duty; while the ex- treme heat and frequent interruptions to sleep, both accidental (i. e., where pickets fire on an imaginary foe, rousing at once for an hour 10 or 12,000 men), and constant (like the 3 A. M. order) dispose me 1o as little exertion as possible. Nevertheless, while the sweat pours down, and heat-rash and wood-ticks make indescribable itchings over my body, I can do duty with any one. Indeed mere existence seems such a pleasure that I daily wonder and thank God for it. Our life is hard, even for us accustomed to hard living, and we daily experience scenes which it would sicken you to hear me recount— scenes inci- dental to the camp-life of a victorious army encamped on an extended battle-ground. Hut we all look forward to Richmond as the goal of our efforts, and, as many think, the termination of our service. Cer- tainly, vast and important changes will be wrought in our regiment before it leaves Richmond tc) prosecute the war. Our food is now abundant. The bacon and ham have ceased. A little providence when beans and rice are served out will secure enough for four or live meals. * * Manning, who is an excellent cook, fries pancakes of fiour, salt and water, which relish well with molasses or sugar bought from our Commissary. None of our dishes are very recherche, but any change of diet is at once palatable and refreshing. When I shall return I cannot tell, but shall think myself happy to celebrate New Year's day with you. When we march, our course is full of incidents; when we halt, all is still and uneventful. So I have nothing more to write to-day , and wish you a pleasant Sabbath . Edgar. 70 OUK HERO IS IN GKEAT PERIL. Camp near Fait: Oaks, June 25, 1802. Dear Charlie: Last Saturday at 11 P. M. we were roused and marched to the front, forming Une behind the parapet. Here we i-emained till this mox'ning, suffering frequent alarms at all hours of the day and night. Two nights ago we heard a sharp fire in the woods ahead. All hands were at once under arms and most interested auditors of the contest. The shouts of the rebels drew nearer, and we thought surel}' the con- test had come to us, but the rebels contented themselves with holding the entire wood. Here let me explain the position. First is our line of eartliAVorks, a breastwork outside of which is a ditch, and at proper distances along the line are redoubts pierced for cannon. These earth- works extend along our whole line of a dozen miles or more. Just in front of us is an ojx'n lield formed by felling trees — at once a defence to us and an annoyance to th? advancing enemy. Leyond the woods lies an open country where are the earthworks of the enemy. The woods are the disputed ground. About 7.30 this A. M., after seeing several regiments enter the woods, and hearing heavy firing imme- diately after, we were ordered forward. We filed along through tlie densest foliage I ever saw. Soon we came across a rebel shot a week or two ago. The gray uniform clothed a skeleton. The firing was now on our riglit, now in front, now on our left. It was impossible to see fifty feet ahead, and skirmishers were thrown out in front. We marched forward and halted ever^^ few minutes till within sight of the line of battle. Lieut. Warner of Co. H was sent forward to learn the exact position and name of our friends. He ran forward through the hot fire and returned in safety, but five minutes after, while he was the centre of a group of three, Lievit. Thorndike being on the right, and I on the left, touching him with my elbow, a straj' shot pierced his breast. With a sharp cry he fell and expired. We carried him to the rear and marched on. Soon the enemy, discovering our position, fired volley after volley, which most of our men returned at once without waiting for orders. Few sought to run, and those stopped at the command of the officers who, they knew, would shoot them if they disobeyed. The rattle of musketr}^ was so incessant that it was with difflcult}'^ we could hear orders. Soon the left of the com- pany in whose rear is my position discerned men coming in on our flank. We heard the cries of the exulting rebels, as driving us back their shouts grew louder. Visions of a Richmond prison flitted before me as I retreated to find the regiment which had changed position 71 witJiout my kiiowloflgc. On I hasted awa}- from the shouts till I saw our welcome flag again. The Major wanted to know what was going on, and as soon as 1 told him we were retreating the regiment was ordei'ed forward. Wc arrived just in time to prevent the breaking of home Xew Jersey troops. For ten or fifteen minutes we were exposed to a constant rain of bullets. The men lay down, but some who re- mained standing escaped, while others at their feet were wounded. Standing, sitting or lying, the shot seemed to strike without distinc- tion. * * At length we returned, having driven the rebels com- pletely out of the woods in front, with a loss to us of 43, of whom o are killed and 4 mortally wounde