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Charles F. Johnson 
 From a Portrait Taken at the Close of His Enlistment 
 
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This is the Duluth Edition of " The Long Roll," Being 
 the Civil War Experiences of Charles F. Johnson of Hawkins 
 Zouaves. Of this edition Five Hundred Copies are being 
 printed, by Elbert Hubbard, of The Roycrofters, East Aurora, 
 New York, and of this edition this Volume is Number ;- / >.^ 
 
To the soldier's 
 grandson 
 
 George Robert ^tlton 
 
 This book 
 
 is 
 dedicated 
 
• -' A 
 
 " TnlljolirN I'icl 
 ( iiiiiirtii ill Diivtil h.rii-.^iH 
 
 ATTENTION ! 
 
 Ackn()\vk'(l<;iiH>iit is lu'reby gi\'en to 
 Dulutli. for inakinti' this xolume Ji real 
 memory of a man; to l)a\i(l Erieson. for 
 a pati'e from liis sciajjhook of sketches; 
 to Fredrick IJ. Johnson, for liis desi<!;n 
 for tlie title-page of his father's story ; 
 and to Sergeant J. H. E. Whitney of 
 the Ninth New York Volunteers, from 
 whose book entitled, "The Hawkins 
 Zouaves," has been taken material for 
 foot-notes eoneerning the tiames of 
 places and men. 
 
 And friends, both old and new, with 
 interest in this old-new story, listen for 
 the sound of the Bugle Call *' To Arms ! '* 
 and as, perchance, this interest may be 
 (|ueslioned, take heed now, for as from 
 the soldier himself comesjhe Countersign 
 
 " Thanks Be To You ! '" 
 
."-fi.fs**- 
 
 ,T' 
 
 ^■-*i^^ ,, 
 
 
 crW^ 
 
 rv-' 
 
 CouTtesv of David Ericson 
 
The Long Roll 
 
 Being a Journal of the Civil 
 War, as set dowTi during the 
 years 1861-1863 by Charles 
 F. Johnson, sometime of 
 Hawkins Zouaves. Illustratea 
 xvith many Sketches ^ Photographs 
 
 Bulutf) €bttion 
 
 T)one into Print nnd Round into a Book by 
 The RoyoroftiTs at their Shop, which is in 
 East Aurora, Erie County, State of New York 
 M C M X I 
 
'd (06 
 
 Cop7right, 1911 
 B/ Mary S. Johnsou 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 CBAFTIB VAOa 
 
 Foreword -... 5 
 
 I Castle Garden and Riker's Island - - - 9 
 
 II En Route 15 
 
 III Newport News- ---- 18 
 
 IV The Fight at Bethel 22 
 
 V An Interpolation 35 
 
 VI Hatteras ------------- 44 
 
 VII Roanoke Island 88 
 
 VIII The Burning of Winton 102 
 
 IX Camp Reno - 108 
 
 X The Battle of Camden - - - 116 
 
 XI The Furlough ----- 139 
 
 XII Sketches -- 150 
 
 XIII Marching Orders 160 
 
 XIV With the Ninth Corps-d'Armie 166 
 
 XV The Battle of South Mountain - - - - 180 
 
 XVI The Battle of Antietam - - 188 
 
 XVII Frederick City Hospital ------- 203 
 
 XVIII Newport News Again 210 
 
 XIX Lieutenant-Colonel Edgar A. Kimball - - 226 
 
 XX Fort Nansemond 230 
 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 ^ Plate i — Charles F. Johnson 
 ■* Plate ii — Johnson, the Zouave 
 / Plate hi — Frigate " Minnesota " — Casemated Gun 
 /Plate iv — Sawyer Gun — the " Enterprise " 
 /Plate v — Map of Newport News 
 y Plate vi — The Dismal Swamp 
 
 V Plate vii — " Neptune's Car " — Company I Quarters 
 /Plate viii — At Camp Wool 
 
 /Plate ix — Forts llatteras and Clark 
 
 /Plate x — Rebel Tug Attacking the " Savannah " 
 
 V Plate xi — Old French Cannon — Dismantled Gun 
 /Plate xii — The Hut Picket 
 
 /Plate xiii — Windmill Picket 
 
 /Plate xiv — A Hatteras Landscape — Church Picket 
 
 I Pl.\te XV — Camp Wool, from Windmill Picket 
 
 V Plate xvi — Breastworks and Picket at Trent 
 
 t' Plate xvii — Moonlight Scene at Trent — Duncan Creek 
 
 •^Plate xviii — Sundown at Hatteras 
 
 •^LATE XIX — Burnside's Fleet — Bombardment of Roanoke Island 
 
 ^'Plate XX — Bivouac of Burnside's Army — Jarvis Farm Hospital 
 
 * Plate xxi — Roanoke Island Battleground — Fort Defiance 
 
 ^ Plate xxii — Lieutenant-Colonel Victor De Monteuil 
 
 ■• Plate xxiii — Fort Barton and Rebel Tug " Sea Bird " 
 
 "Plate xxiv — The '* Ellis " — Chowan River 
 "^ Plate xxv — Camp Reno 
 •^Plate XXVI — Charge of Hawkins Zouaves 
 
 >'' Plate xxvii— Colonel Hawkins — Captain Leahy — "Private" Johnson — "Civil- 
 ian" Johnson 
 '^Plate xxviii— Three-Gun Battery 
 '^ Plate xxix — Burning of Winton — Earthworks • 
 '^ Plate xxx — Forts Hawkins and Reno 
 "Plate xxxi — Fort Blanchard — the " Cumberland " 
 
 ^late xxxii — Currituck Scenery 
 ^ Plate xxxiii — Camp Parke — on the Rappahannock 
 V. Plate xxxiv — Fortress Monroe — Frederick City 
 ^ Plate xxxv — South Mountain — x\ntietam Bridge 
 
 VPlate XXXVI— Church Hospital at Frederick City 
 ^ Plate xxxvii — Miller's Farm Hospital — on the Potomac 
 ^Plate xxxviri — Sergeant James D. Loades 
 ' Plate xxxix — Chessmen and Bullets 
 \ Plate xl — Lieutenant-Colonel Edgar A. Kimball 
 ■\ Plate xlx — Fort Nansemond — " Going Home " 
 
FOREWORD 
 
 IT may be well to explain somewhat of the manner in which 
 I commenced to read, which involves the result of my 
 
 experience in the country district schools of the Province 
 of Smaland. 
 
 " 'Luther's Little Catechism' is the First Reader of the 
 Swedish child, with this difference, that it must be committed 
 to memory ; for as soon as the luckless wight has worried 
 through the Primer, the Smaller and Larger Catechism are 
 put into his hands to be so committed as fast as the mind can 
 be made to bear the strain ; and woe betide the unlucky 
 'lummox' who, on the dread examination-day at the close 
 of every term, fails with the ready answer to any one of the 
 prescribed questions from any quarter of this tear-stained 
 book. 
 
 "After thisCatechismal purgatory comes the New Testament, 
 which may rank as Fourth Reader in an American Free School ; 
 then the Old Testament, as the Fifth or Reader par excellence. 
 The Bible is not actually committed to memory, but it is 
 abl)roviated into a sort of a synopsis called Biblical History, 
 wliich is actually beaten into the head of the child for recitation. 
 With this is blended a course of Arithmetic extending into the 
 principles of Division in simple numbers and a series of chiro- 
 grai)hical maneuvers, greatly assisted by the lively accompani- 
 ment of flexible rattans over the paper ; which rattans at times, 
 guided by the unsteady hand of the master, fall upon the 
 knuckles of the child, causing such nervousness that it often 
 becomes quite impossible to write at all. 
 
 " This is the actual extent of the education of the Swedish 
 ' Bonde ' * boy or girl ; and without even the vaguest notions 
 of Geography, of History or of Literature except such as were 
 contained in the books I have mentioned, he or she is pushed 
 out upon the world to serve as food for the mirth and wonder 
 of the educated da.sscs everywhere; mirth caused by their 
 uncouth appearance and the extreme simplicity of their ways, 
 and wonder at the fact, which is a source of surprise to many, 
 
 * "Bonde" means Land-Owning Fanner. 
 
FOREWORD 
 
 that a people giving such signs of ignorance should one and all 
 be able to read and write so well, and who, differing so materi- 
 ally in every particular, should, in so short a time and in so 
 many instances, fall undetected into the American ranks. 
 
 *' It will thus be readily understood, nor seem strange, that 
 I, when but six years of age, had been made to read the New 
 Testament three times through. This I can well remember 
 was something to boast of at the time, but if I had then been 
 thrown out of the reach of said Testament, I should now be 
 able to remember of it never a word, but I presume it must 
 have made some impression upon my infant mind at the time, 
 and I feel kindly disposed to give all things their due. 
 
 " I was born in Gisnabo in the Province of Smaland, Sweden, 
 April 18th, 1843. We went to the United States in 1853. On the 
 way, in Gotheberg, my Mother died. Arrived in Chicago, 
 Illinois, in 1854, where I served in an American family, learning 
 the language ; during that Winter I attended a city school for 
 four months. Went to Minnesota with my Father the following 
 Spring, arriving in St. Paul, May 4th, 1855. I apprenticed 
 myself to a bookbinder, with whom I remained off and on until 
 the Fall of 1860. I went to New York and while there the war 
 broke out, and I enlisted in the ' Hawkins Zouaves,' with whom 
 I served their term of two years." 
 
 Thus far is quoted directly from an Introduction to a 
 manuscript entitled " My Own Bibliography," written in 
 1870, and forming in itself a prelude to the story to follow 
 far better than any one else could write. 
 
 The brief sentences of biography, if enlarged upon, would 
 show a book-hunger in those early years scarcely to be under- 
 stood, much less appreciated, by the youth of to-day, who throw 
 away more reading matter than this boy ever dared to dream 
 of possessing. In later years, when his library represented a life- 
 time of study, hope, work, sacrifice and the sheer joy of the 
 learning, he often talked of his boyhood, when every scrap of 
 printed matter was saved, studied and pondered over; a 
 process that unconsciously became a habit and trained the 
 mind, making of it, as the boy grew to manhood, a well-filled 
 6 
 
FOREWORD 
 
 room from which came solace and contentment even unto 
 the Valley of the Shadow. 
 
 War-time, and books were more than scarce; paper and 
 pencils, oddities ; even the Newspapers were but Hsts of the 
 wounded and unaccounted for. But time, dulled with the 
 monotony of camp life, had to be filled, and the boy saved any 
 paper he could find to make his Journal notes and sketches, 
 binding them into pamphlets, with Newspapers for covers. 
 And he wrote his hopes, his plans, his ideas — descriptions, 
 anything to occupy the leisure that camp routine gives to one, 
 broken by the awful intensity that battle means, giving a 
 contrjvst in these pages as the sunshine of life beside the shadow 
 of death. 
 
 And now is offered to the world this sample page of the 
 life of one whose simple tastes led him always to seek the less 
 conspicuous place ; but his record as a soldier and a man gives 
 him his promotion, and he rises from the ranks, by faithful 
 response to ** The Long Roll," to find his place among those 
 who really live, and by their example unconsciously give hope 
 and faith to others. E. L. J. H. 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 Castle Garden and Riker's Island 
 
 Castle Garden, X. V. 
 May 12th, 1861. 
 
 IT is now about two weeks since I joined this, the First 
 Regiment of New York Zouaves,* and I get along remarkably 
 
 well considering that I never played soldier before. We 
 are at present quartered in Castle Garden, but barracks are 
 being built for us on Riker's Island, some ten miles up the 
 East River, where the Colonel says we are going to-morrow, 
 but *' to-morrow " probably means Tuesday. 
 
 Yesterday, at drill, the boys of our Company took it into 
 tiu'ir heads to see how long they could go the " Double-quick." 
 Wiien al)out half of them had exhausted their strength and 
 fallen out, some one stepped on my foot, wrenching it so that 
 I also was obliged to give up the contest, and I was glad to lie 
 down on the grass in a pleasant spot in the Garden. The rest of 
 the boys immediately after left the parade and broke ranks in the 
 Castle. Having recovered my breath, I went to the gate for 
 oranges and apples, but when about to pay for them, I wjis 
 surprised by some one I had not noticed, saying, " I will pay 
 for them, please." When I saw it was a lady and a handsome 
 one, I could not refuse. 
 
 I am doing guard duty to-day. It docs not seem a very 
 hard thing to do, for one is on post only two hours out of six. 
 
 Two foreign war-ships are in the harbor, a Brazilian school- 
 ship and a Spanish frigate, which latter arrived this morning, 
 and cast anchor not more than a quarter of a mile from Castle 
 \\'illi;nn. At twehe, she saluted our flag with twenty guns. 
 The " Great Eastern " came in a short time after. She is as 
 large as she is represented to be in the many cuts in the illus- 
 
 • So styled at the time of enlistment; afterwards, the "Ninth New York Volun- 
 teers." one of the four Zouave Regiments from the State. 
 
 9 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 trated papers I have seen. Some of our fellows call her the 
 big " Blunderbuss," and she is unquestionably a big thing. 
 
 Rikers Island, May 17th. 
 Evacuated the old Castle day before yesterday, embarking 
 on a barge towed by an old steamer, the " Young America," 
 and about ten o'clock took possession of this Island. It is 
 quite a pretty place inhabited by one family. There is a growth 
 of apple-trees now in full bloom, around the rather time-worn 
 house. I believe this is to serve as the Colonel's quarters. 
 
 May 21st. 
 
 Received a full-dress uniform last Sunday morning, which 
 is certainly very pretty, if not fine ; of a deep blue cloth with 
 scarlet sash, fez and trimmings. It presents a lively appearance 
 in line. This makes us two complete suits, the other a blue 
 sort of flannel Fatigue, very comfortable in warm weather. 
 
 Some little excitement last Saturday evening ; the question 
 of enlistment for " three years or the war " was being discussed 
 as I came into quarters from a game of ball on the parade- 
 ground. I came in while the excitement was at its height; 
 the Captain of our Company was carried on the shoulders; 
 of his men to the Colonel's quarters, where that gentleman 
 was speaking, and great enthusiasm prevailed generally. 
 
 May 26th. 
 
 Received a letter from my sister last Wednesday, reminding 
 me that I had not been at home since I joined the Regiment ; 
 but how to succeed in getting a pass was the question, for 
 hundreds are clamoring for passes every day. I hit upon the 
 plan of volunteering for extra guard duty, which entitles one 
 to some favors. So Thursday night I went on guard and also 
 served as extra police, who are required more or less owing to 
 the stratagems nightly practised by the officers to enforce the 
 strictest discipline among the men, and a troublesome night I 
 had of it. 
 
 Lieutenant Leahy was Captain of the guard, and the extra 
 police were called often from one post to another, not only on 
 10 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 account of the practise of discipline which we are now under- 
 going, but more owing to the constant efforts of some of the 
 men to leave camp without passes. A strict watch is needed 
 around our quarters, and that night we were more than once 
 required at some post where some one either had succeeded 
 in getting away or had been caught in trying to do so; to 
 search for or to bring the prisoner to the guard-house, as the 
 case might be. At about two o'clock a call was passed through 
 the chain of posts from No. 11, whither the Captain and two 
 of us repaired in hot haste. The sentinel reported some one 
 having attempted to pass his post, and get into camp without 
 the countersign, but being stopped, had escaped into the field. 
 Tliis field we scoured, but to no purpose, and we returned to 
 the guard-house. Hardly were we there, however, before we 
 were callcil to the same post again. Leahy now told my com- 
 panion to follow him, and for me to take the other direction 
 around the barracks to head him off in case he should be able 
 to nu\ke his escape that way. Making all possible haste, I got 
 to No. 11 just in time to see Lieutenant Leahy struggling with 
 some one who had evidently thrown a blanket over his head. 
 He succeeded in extricating himself, however, and ordered us 
 to ciiarge bayonets. We obeyed as far as to place our bayonets 
 against his breast, demanding the countersign, and I now saw 
 it was Lieutenant Flemming of our Company. Without com- 
 plying, he succeeded in getting my comrade's bayonet in his 
 hand and wrenching it from the gun, but I as soon, with a 
 ,coupl<' of passes, knocked it out of his hand. I put my foot 
 ^on it, and thoughtlessly enough stooped to pick it u]). He 
 sei7,e<l my head in an instant, but I recovered myself with a 
 desperate effort and gave him a slight scratch with my bayonet 
 above tlie ear. Leahy repeated his orders to " Charge," '* Run 
 him through," etc., and my comrade, having recovered his 
 bayonet, we forced him against the barrack-wall, where he 
 surrendered, also giving the countersign, " Washington." 
 
 1 have been thus particular in writing this trivial adventure, 
 for it was the first time I came in contact with Leahy and 
 Flemming, the two friends from first to last, and whose later 
 
 11 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 adventures, taken together, would make more than one yarn 
 for a Charles Lever, and good long ones at that. 
 
 May 27th. 
 
 And so I succeeded in getting a pass last Friday evening. 
 Waited so long for a steamboat that most of our boys had hired 
 small boats and were rowed over to the nearest point home, 
 while I was compelled to wait. Cause— I had no " rhino," 
 but when I saw Sergeant Jackson and Corporal Davis prepare 
 to go in the same way, Bell (who was in my fix) and I jumped in 
 regardless of consequences. Private Brown paid our way, and 
 we reached Fort Harris by dusk, cut over to Harlem on a 
 Double-quick, and took the cars down town. I left my friends 
 ^u ?°n H""^^^<^ ^"d Eighth Street, skipped upstairs, and in 
 the hall met a number of the lady boarders, whose exclamations 
 of surprise were agreeable enough. 
 
 These ladies wished to do me some service, and set to work 
 on a soldier's Companion, which they filled with everything 
 conceivable, things of use and things of no use, I should think, 
 for I have as yet, of course, had no occasion to test their value, 
 though I was, as on duty bound, most thankful. While the 
 ladies were thus agreeably at work, a male friend insisted on 
 shaving my head in the Zouave fashion, and he succeeded U 
 my utter dismay and astonishment. The operation was cer- 
 tainly not as painful as the famous " love-o'-God " shave, buv 
 It must have been less skilfully performed, for nothing eve^ 
 cropped could have presented an appearance anything like mv', 
 head, unless perhaps a rich meadow mown by some obstinat.-' 
 novice, whose dull scythe he had not sense enough to sharpen. 
 And the mortification had to be borne, for as I have intimated 
 betore, I was at the time entirely without money, or the first 
 barber-shop would have repaired the injury. (Ah, Harry, I 
 could lorgive you this, did I not know thy soul cramped smaller, 
 than the quarter that would have taken me to that barber and 
 repaired this injury.) 
 
 Saturday morning it rained and I spent my time very much 
 to my hking, in spite of my ridiculous head, in the company 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 of the ladies, the kind contributors of soap, towels, pins, 
 needles, thread, pens, pencils, paper, envelopes, etc., etc., etc. 
 I met a Major Walton in the smoking-room, a diminutive 
 individual about four feet high, and forty years of age, I should 
 judge by tlie old, wrinkled face. A Mr. Hunter introduced me 
 witli due ceremony, but I regretted not being able to stay and 
 cultivate his acquaintance, and was soon on the Hoboken Ferry 
 on my way to my home in Hudson City. 
 
 May 31st. 
 
 We have now received our full complement of arms and 
 accoiitrciiKMits, muskets, knapsacks, haversacks and canteens, 
 everything satisfactory enough except the muskets, which seem 
 to be old-rasliiouoil, altered flintlocks, instead of the rifles 
 wliicli were promised us. This notable difference was the cause 
 of considerable excitement at first ; in fact, our Company 
 grounded arms once, amidst the most deafening cheers from 
 the other Companies. The Captain looked serious and com- 
 manded " Kaise Arms." There was a pause, and things looked 
 like a c-risis. Fortunately, tiie Captain had too nuich sense 
 or experience (he looks every inch a soldier) to put on too much 
 n<>\v-fic(lgc(l authority ; so lie said, " Do it for my sake, lioys," 
 and I, willing to give the start, or acting from impulse, sung out, 
 " Do it for the Captain," which was immediately echoed by 
 aost of them, and all, more or less reluctantly, raised their 
 lieces and marched into their quarters ; and so this excitement 
 jeased. liul to-day we have had another — and that an election, 
 nothing nujre nor less. 
 
 It seems this Company had a First Lieutenant named Buck 
 ^•ho had been transferred to another Regiment, and this caused 
 p. vacancy which was filled by the Colonel's appointment of a 
 j Ir. Hussdl, subject to the approval of the Comjiany. I did 
 ^lot favor Mr. Russell myself, thinking that Flcnmiing ought to 
 (ill the vacancy and Sergeant Jackson be made Second Lieu- 
 tenant. Mr. Russell was elected, however, and it may be best 
 for the Company. One consolation is that, if Jackson is not 
 promoted, as I think he ought to be, we thereby escape the 
 
 13 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 tyranny of a certain Sergeant P , next in rank, a bully 
 
 certainly and more cowardly than brave, if I mistake not. 
 During the contest, I divined some ambition for preferment 
 in the mind of this Sergeant, and made public what must have 
 been his secret thoughts in a manner calculated to draw on 
 me his ill-will, if not hatred. Later, when it was growing dusk 
 and I did not notice that I was alone in a corner of the barracks, 
 I saw him come at me with a drawn sheath-knife. It did not 
 startle me as much as it might have done, however, under the 
 circumstances; indeed, I felt no cause for alarm, but seized 
 a broomstick that happened to be at hand, and made so lively 
 a pass at him, that he at once put up the knife, and feigned 
 play. He tried to smooth it over, but I am not likely to forget it. 
 It is now almost certain that we go South next Monday. 
 Our destination seems to be Fortress Monroe, Virginia. 
 
 Sunday, June 2d. 
 
 We had orders to march, or rather to embark, to-day, but 
 we will not get away until to-morrow. At any rate, this is the 
 last Sunday we will be in this Northern latitude for some time. 
 
 I did not want to be put on guard to-day, and to avoid it 
 I volunteered for guard duty yesterday. Meanwhile, General 
 Dix was up here and reviewed the Regiment and promised u^ 
 a speedy exchange of these old muskets for rifles. The review 
 has occasioned, of course, a puff in the " Herald." 
 
 Last night between twelve and one, while I was on post', 
 the camp was aroused by a couple of pistol-shots or something* 
 of the kind from the guard. The " Long Roll " beat " To- 
 Arms," and for two or three minutes the barracks seemed like: 
 a hive of bees about to swarm. The confusion then gave way 
 to the sharp orders of the officers, then to the solid tramp ol 
 men, and in six or seven minutes, the Regiment was in linr 
 with a couple of Companies thrown out in different directions! 
 to find the enemy. These returning with the report that no 
 enemy could be found, the BattaUon was dismissed, with thanks 
 for its promptness. 
 
 14 
 
 i!l 
 
CHAPTER II 
 
 En Route 
 
 On board Steamer ** Marion" on the Atlantic. 
 
 June 6th, 1861. 
 
 Took our final leave of Riker's Island yesterday (Wednes- 
 day) morning, and are now en route for the seat of war. The 
 steam-tug '* Saturn " and another, the name of which I do not 
 know, conveyed the Regiment from the Island to the foot of 
 Thirtieth Street, East River, where we formed, proceeding up 
 Thirty-fourth Street to Fifth Avenue, and down that Avenue 
 to the residence of Mrs. A. W. Griswold. From her, with most 
 appropriate ceremonies, we received a very handsome National 
 flag. We then went to the home of Mrs. W. D. Moflfatt, where 
 a Regimental flag awaited us. This last was in design extremely 
 simple, though of material as fine as the other, of red silk upon 
 which was inscribed : — 
 
 " Ninth Regiment New York Volunteers " 
 " Toujours Pret " 
 
 The motto, '* Always Ready," seems appropriate to the 
 kind of warfare for which a Zouave Regiment is intended. 
 From Mrs. Moffatt's we marched down the Avenue into Broad- 
 way to Pier Four, North River, amidst dense crowds of people 
 and conscious that we created favorable comment from all — 
 if not for soldierly appearance, at least for a smart look and 
 proficiency in drill. But for encomium on our appearance 
 and march, with all the minute particulars of the incidents 
 attached thereto, into which I care not to enter, the " Herald " 
 of this date is referred to as furnishing an account both flaming 
 and sufficiently explicit. One thing I must say, however, in 
 justice to our Company, which I have been in the habit of 
 running down as the worst in discipline and the least proficient 
 in drill of any in the Regiment, that no Company in this Regi- 
 ment marched better, conducted itself in a more soldierly 
 manner or gaine<l more applause from the reviewing crowds, 
 than ours, this same despised Company I, which was made up, 
 
 15 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 it is said, of what was left out of the others. This is true enough, 
 except in regard to Company K. Still, this Company, though 
 the last, which usually contains the scum, so to speak, of a 
 Regiment, seems to haveformed itself with some motiveof mutual 
 attraction influencing it, thus leaving our Company the mongrel 
 of the Regiment. 
 
 Reaching the pier where the " Marion " lay waiting to 
 receive us, the gates were closed on us before we broke ranks, 
 and we were guarded on one side by our soldiers and on the 
 other by the police, in anticipation of the rush that would be 
 made for one more moment of liberty. Friends and dearer ones 
 crowding around the gates for a last word or a glimpse even of 
 some one beloved, would have entered by force, so great seemed 
 the pressure, but this only compelled a half a score or more 
 policemen to exercise (more gently than usual, I think) their 
 necessary duty. It was only after the " Marion " had run out 
 from the pier and dropped anchor in the bay, that I heard of 
 a gentleman and two ladies who had been anxiously looking 
 for me, but who had been prevented even from seeing me 
 through the gate. One of the ladies was probably my sister.* 
 They were undoubtedly crowded out by others more clamoroust 
 than they, or by the stern orders of the police. i 
 
 The steamer first cast anchor between Bedloe's Island ands 
 Castle William, where the Colonel, finding the " Marion " too7 
 small for our accommodation, left us to secure another boat 
 for our transportation, and also, I suspect, to scare up a number* 
 of absentees who had not yet been able to " tear themselves|! 
 away." Here we passed the night as best we could. I slept" 
 on a pile of anchor-chains in the bow. Here, too, transpired' 
 the first casualty to the Regiment. George Warren of our 
 Company fell overboard and was drowned. " Tobe," for sol 
 he was commonly called, was a splendid fellow. He was myj 
 file-leader during our farewell march through the city, and it] 
 seemed that while I was without a single face in the vast crowds I 
 to recognize me, we could not go a block without some one i 
 calling to him by a familiar name. But these very friends with j 
 their signs of regard, of which I (I almost blush to say) had 
 16 
 
-J^^ ,^- 
 
 '''^^^: 
 
 > 
 
 > 
 
 Frigate " Minnesota," riagsliip .\,)itli Atlantic- Squ;ulr»in 
 
 A 
 
 Casematt'd Clun at Kip Itaps 
 
Sawyer Gun at Newport News 
 
 The Schooner " Enterprise " 
 
 PLATE IV 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 none, were probably the cause of his much regretted and 
 untimely end. 
 
 It is not with the least degree of satisfaction that I cast 
 these reflections on " Tobe " Warren's end, for of envy I am 
 certainly at this time innocent. But his many friends hailing 
 him from every corner made my feeling of utter loneliness the 
 more intense by contrast, and his tragic death these same 
 friends unwittingly caused, God knows, could not but call up 
 strange reflections, the tendency of which must be obvious 
 to every one. 
 
 This morning, the Sixth, we weighed anchor and moved 
 slowly down the stream, but anchored again oflF Staten Island, 
 where we lay for a time waiting for the additional trans- 
 portation. The " George Peabody " finally arrived and relieved 
 the ** Marion " of al)out four hundred men, and we then weighed 
 anchor and steamed out of the harbor for good. We are now 
 plowing the Atlantic, the " Peabody " keeping continually in 
 sight and sometimes within hailing distance on our coast side. 
 
 17 
 
CHAPTER III 
 
 Newport News 
 
 Camp Butler, Newport News, Va. 
 June 8th, 1861. 
 
 WE are at last in the enemy's country. I can hardly 
 realize it as yet, for Camp Hawkins on Riker's Island 
 seemed to breathe more war than this, but we are told 
 that the enemy prowls about at night in yonder woods picking 
 off our pickets, so I dare say I shall realize the fact soon enough. 
 
 We arrived at Fortress Monroe about eight o'clock yesterday 
 morning, passing a thirty-two-gun frigate, the " Cumberland," 
 as we came in, the crew manning the yards and rigging and 
 cheering right gallantly. Anchoring off the Fortress, Colonel 
 Hawkins went ashore to report to General Butler for orders. 
 They were, to proceed to this post, and we at once steamed up 
 the James. Some batteries of the Secessionists were pointed out 
 to us on the other side of the river, and it seemed to me that we 
 went out of our course to see them or for them to see us. How- 
 ever, we were not disturbed and in about an hour were disem- 
 barking at Newport News. There we found a Regiment of 
 Vfrmonters, the Seventh New York (Germans), and the Scott 
 Life Guard entrenched behind an earthwork a mile or so in 
 extent covering the wharves and buildings, and facing or com- 
 manding an open piece of country about a mile in width, skirted 
 by a line of woods running parallel with the James River. 
 
 The camping-ground first assigned to us directly in front 
 of the works, and between these and the woods above men- 
 tioned, seemed a very disadvantageous one, and was given us 
 by some officer of the day in the absence of the General Com- 
 manding. But that gentleman, General Phelps, has assigned 
 us a pleasanter and a better location to which our camp was 
 moved to-day, a position North of the breastworks, with the 
 rear against the James. 
 
 The cut accompanying this has been reduced from one in 
 the " Herald " published some time later, or just as we were 
 18 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 anticipating an attack. It is interesting because it caused no 
 little indignation at the time, as being calculated to furnish 
 valuable information to the enemy relative to pickets and 
 outposts, with which the artist seems to have been designedly 
 particular. 
 
 Sunday, June 7th. 
 
 Have just come otf picket and am happy to state that the 
 difficulty of being able to realize that we are in an enemy's 
 <"ountry is fast wearing away. The first night here (Friday) 
 I was on guard and slept but little, and the next day (yesterday) 
 with the moving of camp there could of course be but little rest, 
 and last night, volunteers were called to form a picket com- 
 manding an important road Northwest of the works. I volun- 
 teered, wishing to participate in the first real soldiering, and 
 my wish was gratified. I think now that I shall be satisfied 
 to let my time come for duty, for it does seem as if the more 
 a man is willing to do the more is put upon him. 
 
 Our pickets were eslal)lished along the line of a fence across 
 the open space between the James and the woods, then following 
 a road into these woods to the first cross-road where our advance 
 picket was placed. It so hapf)ened that I was posted next to 
 this advance picket, though the darkness was too intense to 
 ♦•liable me to see him. 
 
 All was quiet until about eleven o'clock, I should think, 
 when my companion hailed me in a whisper and informed me 
 that he heard voices in the woods, and immediately disappeared 
 in the darkness. I myself could hear nothing, and was getting 
 iischI to the stillness again, when he challenged and fired. This, 
 of course, being the signal, we rallied on the main guard, and 
 while the " Ivong Roll " beat in camp, our hearts beat high, 
 «'xpe<;ting an enemy, which, however, tiid not appear. Another 
 relief was sent out and posted, while we were drawn up in line 
 ready for any business at hand. This fresh relief had not been 
 ;on their posts more than a few minutes before we all heard 
 idistinctly commands of " File Right and Ix.»ft " issuing from 
 the W(x>cLs. Our sentinel's challenge followed immediately, 
 
 19 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 one or more shots were fired and the pickets came in on us 
 pell-mell. 
 
 The oflScer of the guard (Lieutenant Leahy, I think) now 
 called upon the sentinel who had fired, to report. He said that 
 as soon as he had been on his post a short time, he could hear 
 not only voices, as we did, but the tramping of feet, and only 
 when he saw a figure approach him, he challenged, and not being 
 answered, he fired. He waited for some effect of the shot and 
 heard curses from some one for not doing so and so. By this 
 time two Companies arrived from the Regiment, scouts were 
 sent out to reconnoiter, but as nothing could be found, seen 
 or heard, they soon came back and returned to camp. After 
 this our fellows became so possessed by excitement that it 
 seemed as if every rustling leaf provoked a challenge and a 
 shot ; so that in an hour's time over a dozen shots were fired, 
 I really believe, at nothing ; for, with the one exception, I had 
 certainly seen or heard nothing to fire at. And this voice giving 
 the command that we heard, may have proceeded from some 
 party of our own, some neighboring picket perhaps, or party 
 returning from forage. If this was the case, it seems strange 
 that they could not answer when challenged, and prevent alarm 
 to the camp, if nothing more. I am, more by this fact than 
 anything else, forced to the opinion that it was some small 
 detachment of the enemy that thus stumbled onto us unawares, 
 and were very glad to beat a hasty retreat. 
 
 This first night's picket service was never afterwards 
 referred to without provoking the ruling opinion that the voices j 
 we heard were imaginary and the men we saw were stumps, j 
 and I gradually fell into the same belief. 
 
 Owing to the hubbub, the men were all kept awake tiU two 
 o'clock, when it was time for me to go on again and the rest 
 went to sleep, officers and all, and slept so soundly, too, that 
 it was an impossibility to waken any of them ; consequently, | 
 I was kept on the whole night without one wink of sleep. But 
 when I was released at daybreak, I made up for lost time, and j 
 did not awaken before midday and after the old guard had been 
 relieved. The officer of the new guard told me he had beeii ' 
 20 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 given instructions to let me sleep it out, after trying in vain to 
 waken me, as I had been accidentally kept on post all night. 
 I have been thus particular in noting down the incidents of 
 my first actual service, thinking that, if Fate spares me, it may 
 be pleasant to remember in after years. 
 
 21 
 
CHAPTER IV 
 
 The Fight at Bethel 
 
 Tuesday, June 11th. 
 
 YESTERDAY a battle was fought between our forces and 
 General McGruder's, at Little Bethel, some eight or nine 
 miles from here in the direction of Yorktown, of which 
 this Bethel seems to be a fortified outpost. 
 
 Our forces were repulsed with considerable loss, which is 
 most severely felt in the death of the gallant Greble, a regular 
 army Lieutenant who superintended the construction of our 
 works here and seemed to have possessed to a notable degree 
 the two qualities most needed at this time, namely, military 
 skill and presence of mind in face of the enemy. 
 
 Our Regiment did not participate in the action, though 
 three Companies (A, B and G), engaged in bringing up supplies, 
 had reached the scene of action in plain sight of the fortifi- 
 cations, when they were ordered to cover the rear of our retiring 
 forces. About noon, the balance of the Regiment received 
 orders to march in all haste to their re-enforcement, and we 
 started on Double-quick time, which we were soon glad to 
 exchange for the ordinary step, for the day was very warm 
 and sultry. 
 
 This seemed a genuine taste of war, for we had heard can- 
 nonading in this direction during the morning, and the extra 
 supply of cartridges distributed indicated that something more 
 than play was looked for. But after a march of some three 
 miles, our advance met the forces from the post in full retreat, 
 and all we now could do was to fall in with our other Companies 
 in their rear, for all was over. 
 
 We stopped to refresh ourselves at a farmhouse, where the 
 body of the lamented Greble passed us on an artillery-wagon, 
 and here our men seemed to take a morbid pleasure in 
 acquainting themselves with the details of the fight. 
 
 The expedition, it seems, was planned by General Butler, 
 and its execution entrusted to General Pierce, and it was the 
 intention to surprise the enemy; but this part of the plan 
 22 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 was frustrated through a misunderstanding of the countersign 
 between the German Seventh from this post and Colonel 
 Townsend's Regiment from Hampton, which proved as dis- 
 astrous as it was aggravating. The Regiments met during the 
 night at tiie rendezvous; hut, either on account of having 
 different countersigns or not understanding them to he the 
 same, actually fired into each other, thus giving the enemy 
 am[)le cause for alarm and time for preparation. Nevertheless, 
 the attack was made at daybreak, and though our forces are 
 said not to have wanted bravery, the fortifications were 
 defended .so well that nothing could be accomplished. Duryea's 
 Zouaves, the Fifth New York, from all accounts fought well, 
 even desperately, making three or four charges, and at one time 
 actually had possession of a portion of the works, which they 
 undoubtedly would have carried had they been properly sup- 
 ported. I heard an account of one of these Zouaves, who 
 jumped inside the breastworks, capturing a musket, with which 
 he succeeded in getting back unharmed, but a comrade who 
 followed, was instantly shot down. Numerous instances are 
 related of individual bravery, but the fact can not be concealed 
 that our forces were entirely defeated, that our first battle is a 
 decided repulse of the Union arms. 
 
 And another fact can not be concealed, and that is that the 
 troojjs from this post are certainly lacking in discipline, if not 
 in valor, for on our return march there was not the least attempt 
 at order among them, and had the enemy pursued us, our Regi- 
 ment would have been the only one in condition to oppose them. 
 The rest — \erinonters, Massachusetts men and Germans — 
 presented nothing but an indiscriminate horde of stragglers. 
 This fact seemed to worry our Major Kimball most, who being 
 the only one with any military experience among us seemed 
 to tiiink we might be pursued ; and no one felt worse than he 
 at this contemj)tible affair, and no one regretted more being 
 cheated out of a fight. 
 
 Wednesday, June 12th. 
 
 With a .scouting party under Lieutenant Leahy of Company 
 !1, when not far from camj) we espied a boat with two persons 
 
 23 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 in it coming down the James. The Lieutenant fired a pistol- 
 shot over them, which brought them to — a negro and his wife 
 escaping from the Secessionists. The negro showed us the marks 
 of a pistol-ball on his back that he had received from a former 
 master from whom he had tried to run away. He was sent to 
 camp under guard, with instructions to report to General 
 Phelps. Farther on we met one of our boys returning to camp 
 with a mule. We wanted it for foraging purposes, but the 
 fellow refused, and said it was his, for he had bought it. How 
 much had he paid.?^ "Fifty cents." He was finally induced 
 to part with it, and farther on we got a cart. We returned to 
 camp that night with a cart-load of slaughtered sheep, of which 
 our Company got one, and our men a good share. 
 
 Sunday, June 16th. 
 Service by the Chaplain, the Reverend Mr. Conway, from 
 the piazza of a house a short distance from camp, the Regiment 
 disposed comfortably in the shade of the orchard. 
 
 Tuesday, June 18th. 
 Am not doing duty to-day. Am both bilious and feverish, 
 feel cold and hot by turns, with other strange sensations, the 
 result of not having our food properly cooked- and from sleeping 
 on the damp ground. 
 
 Saturday, June 22d. 
 I have reported myself well to-day, although I do not feel 
 strong enough to do much. I have had chills and fever, or the 
 ague, and have actually eaten nothing for the last three or four 
 days, and I do not remember anything much that has trans- 
 pired during that time, except that Beith would occasionally 
 put blankets over me when I was shaking. 
 
 Sunday, June 23d. 
 Turned out with the Regiment for the first time since I 
 was taken sick, and attended service at the same place as last 
 Sunday. 
 24 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 Wednesday, June 26th. 
 
 Our Company was one of five of our Regiment under Cap- 
 tain Jardine sent out by orders of General Butler, last Monday, 
 to reconnoiter the vicinity of Bethel. Encamped during the 
 night some six miles from here in an orchard. Resumed our 
 advance the next morning, joined hy three Companies from 
 other Regiments of this post. Chased one of the enemy's 
 troopers across a field and drove in one or two pickets from 
 their outposts, and while our advance was in hearing of their 
 drums beating the Long Roll, we lay some fifteen minutes 
 waiting for their movements. Our orders were positive not 
 to bring on an engagement, so we turned back. This is the 
 farthest advance yet made, I am told, by any of our forces 
 since the fight on the Tenth instant. 
 
 There was considerable plundering on our return march, 
 and for the first time have I witnessed the pure wantonness 
 of destruction. In one instance, a carpenter-shop, just because 
 it was full of shavings, I believe, was set on fire, and everything 
 that could not be appropriated was destroyed. Somewhat 
 sickened at this heartless propensity, of which I could never 
 be guilty, I ol)tained permission for my chum (Thain*) and 
 myself to go on aiiead, which we were glad to do. We enter- 
 tained ourselves here and there with the hoecake and the con- 
 versation of the slaves, who are now the only inhabitants of 
 these plundered homes in this region of the Old Dominion. 
 Thus we strayed on quite a distance in advance of our force 
 and concluded to stop at a farmhouse and wait for our comrades 
 to come up. While here, we saw two horsemen dressed in light 
 Summer suits come out from a piece of timber toward the farm, 
 and the old negress with whom we were talking saw them, too, 
 and became greatly alarmed for our safety. We were both 
 sliglitly built and young-looking, and she probably thought 
 us unable to cope with any very furious riders of the Chivalry. 
 She begged us to go, " for God's sake," or we would surely be 
 killed. Neither Thain nor I had a mind to get killed, but we 
 would not have thought much about it if the old woman had 
 
 * Hftmilton H. Thain, Company I. ^ 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 not shown such alarm. We concluded to slip into the orchard 
 behind a fence, where we would be equal in advantage to the 
 horsemen ; and with pieces cocked, and somewhat shaky as 
 to the outcome, we awaited their approach. They proved to 
 be our surgeon and some other officer, taking a cross-cut to 
 camp ; so our valor was not put to the test this time. 
 
 This poor country presents a most melancholy appearance. 
 Not a white soul to be found in all the homes I have seen. None 
 but negroes for caretakers, and they, in the absence of their 
 masters, do nothing but eat and sleep, and in fact have nothing 
 more to do, for their masters, I ween, would hardly thank them 
 were they to store the abundant crops now so nearly ripe, for 
 the benefit of their enemies. 
 
 Who can blame the Southern citizens for not staying here 
 to witness the destruction of their property and the desecration 
 of their homes ? Their cause as men and freemen is just. We 
 are the invaders, and it were right for them to drive us from 
 their soil. It is on the instigators of the rebellion that the crime 
 of this heartrending calamity rests. On the return march 
 through this rich if not altogether beautiful region, I had both 
 time and inclination to reflect on the scenes of desolation about 
 me; and while my comrades were thoughtlessly making it 
 greater, I often said to myself, " God help this poor, distracted 
 country ! " 
 
 Friday, June 28th. 
 
 Was detailed this morning for picket duty, which I prefer 
 to the camp guard, as one is more free and the extra vigilance 
 required helps to w^ear away the dulness of the two hours on, 
 post. Some firing from the batteries opposite, at the mouth 
 of the Nansemond, this morning, told us the enemy were 
 evidently trying their guns. About noon, Company K of our 
 Regiment and a Company of the Rifles came in through our 
 line from a scout, our men carrying a Rebel flag, stars down, 
 which they had captured somewhere, but under what circum- 
 stances I have not yet been able to learn. 
 
 26 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 Saturday, June 291 li. 
 
 Rained very hard during the night and soaked us to the 
 skin. At one time it was so dark, while on my post in the woods, 
 that I had to feel for the roadway while walking my beat. It 
 rommenoed to rain again after daylight, just after my relief 
 had iK'en put on, and as I undertook to " secure " my piece, 
 about a pint of water poured from the muzzle, as I had left it 
 standing, nuizzle up, against a tree while trying to get a little 
 sleep, and it nuist have been filled by the water trickling down in 
 the grooves of the bark. I lost no time in swabbing it out and 
 reloading, which operation I had just performed when my next 
 man came down with word from the officer of the guard, to 
 use extra vigilance, as we might expect the enemy on us at any 
 moment in full force for attack. I was further informed that 
 two Rebel soldiers had run onto our picket-line above and 
 delivere<l themselves prisoners of war, having lost themselves 
 during tlie nigiit antl stumbled upon us. They belonged to a 
 Louisiana Zouave Regiment, and reported a force of five thou- 
 sand Secessionists only six miles from us. 
 
 But it is now afternoon, and nothing definite is heard from 
 them. No apprehension whatever seems to be felt here on 
 account of their proximity, though, to be sure, a private soldier 
 would not be apt to know much of events in expectancy. Still, 
 there is always something in the air that he can feel when 
 danger threatens, and our camp to-day droons away under 
 the hot sun in its usual manner, and more indifferent to the 
 terrible five thousand than if they were quietly in camp, like 
 ourselves, at Yorktown. And as to that, five thousand might 
 disturb our usual routine, but nothing more, for it would take 
 more than twice that force to endanger the post of Newport 
 News by any daytime attack ; and as for a surprise, with our 
 present General, 1 do not think it possil)le. 
 
 Sunday, June 30th. 
 Company A was sent out in the afternoon yesterday — to 
 pee what had become of the Rebel force, 1 presume. They 
 returned last night with two more of this same Louisiana 
 
 I 27 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 Regiment. One of the fellows captured was formerly a New 
 Yorker, and did not seem to regret very much the calamity 
 of falling into the hands of the enemy. 
 
 We had, yesterday, an opportunity to witness the extra- 
 ordinary power of the new Sawyer gun recently put in position 
 in our water-battery. Our General, I presume, concluding to 
 try his guns as the enemy had theirs, the day before, fired five 
 shots at their battery on Pigs Point opposite, which can not 
 be less than five miles distant. I fancy it must have astonished 
 the Southerners to see a ball plow the water in front of their 
 works, almost before the report of the concussion could reach 
 them, and from so great a distance. The first was a fine shot ; 
 the second and third were a little out of range ; the fourth I 
 did not see strike, and it may have reached the other shore, 
 as some of the spectators would have it, though this seems 
 almost impossible; but the fifth and last was well aimed and 
 with a little more elevation might have reached the battery. 
 We could see it strike close by the fort, with the naked eye, and 
 those who had glasses said it struck close to shore in shallow 
 water, driving a column of sand and water before it. It took 
 the projectile about twenty seconds, as nearly as I could judge, 
 to travel perhaps four and a half miles ; and the gun is not extra- 
 ordinary to look at — about the weight of the thirty-two-pound 
 Columbiads near by. 
 
 Tuesday, July 2d. 
 
 Have been reviewed by General Butler to-day. We formed 
 in line of battle and marched by the General and staff in review. 
 Made quite an imposing appearance, though there are but four 
 Regiments of us now — the Vermonters, Scott Life Guards, 
 the Germans and ourselves. The Massachusetts men have 
 been withdrawn from here, and are now stationed at Fortress 
 Monroe. 
 
 Have just been finishing a little sketch from here, a quiet, 
 
 shady nook, and — there ! — the drums again beating some con-( 
 
 founded call or other. I must go and see what it is. Pay-day 
 
 is coming soon, I am told, and though I had intended spending 
 
 28 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 a half-hour more here, reading or writing, I must go and see 
 if I am summoned to undergo the ordeal of receiving money, 
 or a poor dinner. 
 
 Thursday, July 4th. 
 
 We celebrated here at Newport News by a grand parade 
 of all the Regiments, the playing of the national airs by the 
 Regimental band, and by a salute of thirty-four guns for 
 the Union by our battery of Columbiads. In the afternoon we 
 were given general liberty, which I have employed in sketching 
 the curious old windmill not far from here, just beyond the 
 picket-line. 
 
 Saturday, July 6th. 
 
 Comi)any F, Captain Hammill, returned from a scout 
 yesterday, having had a brush with a superior force of the 
 enemy, somewhere up the James. They came upon them 
 unexpectedly, and opened fire, compelling them to retreat in 
 evident confusion. Hammill kept after them until they were 
 re-cnforccd with cavalry, when he retreated through the woods 
 as fast as possible until secure from pursuit. His force num- 
 bered but twenty-five men. 
 
 Upon reporting the facts to General Phelps, that gentleman 
 ordered out five Companies of our Regiment, " Ours " among 
 the number, and three Companies of Vermonters under Major 
 Worthing, all under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Betts. 
 We at once i)roceedcd to the scene of the encounter and cruised 
 about the vicinity for some time, advancing quite a distance 
 beyond wliere Hammill had met their force, hoping to have the 
 good fortune to meet them again. With the exception of a 
 large tree felled across the road as if to impede the passage of 
 artillery, no sign of an enemy was to be found. 
 
 On our return, we gathered from some negroes that Ham- 
 mill's fire had proved fatal to some of the enemy, killing and 
 wounding quite a number. Among the killed were two officers, 
 we were told, one of them of high rank, for " they were mighty 
 keerful " or " skeert of him," they said. However, it was 
 impossible to make out from this description just what was 
 his rank. 
 
 29 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 Wednesday, July 10th. 
 Another scouting party came in this morning, reporting 
 that they ran upon a body of the enemy's cavalry estimated 
 at two hundred fifty, and were glad to beat a retreat, which 
 they accomplished without loss by keeping in the woods. 
 
 Friday, July 12th. 
 
 Had a good opportunity to witness a Brigade Drill of all 
 the Regiments here, " Ours " appeared unusually well, none 
 the less so on account of the havelocks with which their heads 
 were uniformed, and for which we have undoubtedly to thank 
 our New York ladies. 
 
 One of Colonel Bendix's scouting parties has returned, 
 minus twelve of its men, killed or missing, and a half-regiment 
 was immediately sent out, but could find no enemy. 
 
 Sunday, July 14th. 
 
 General Butler has been here to-day inspecting the Post. 
 We fired four shots at the Pigs Point Battery from our long- 
 range gun. 
 
 We are told that to-morrow will be pay-day, and it is to be 
 hoped it may prove true, but I have learned that so little 
 dependence is to be placed on such rumors that I shall believe 
 it when I see the money. 
 
 I learn that we have had a distinguished visitor to-day, 
 none other than Mr. Russell, the correspondent of the London 
 " Times." 
 
 Wednesday, July 17th. 
 
 Have just gotten two letters with more than ordinary 
 pleasure : one from my Father in Minnesota and the other 
 from my Sister in Hudson City, the first news I have had from 
 either of these homes since I left New York. All well so far. 
 
 Thursday, July 18th. 
 
 Have written long answers to the letters received yesterday . 
 
 Last night was a most beautiful night. The moon shone so 
 
 brightly as to almost blot out the stars ; a gentle breeze fron-i 
 
 the James fanned one's features with just enough motion tc. 
 
 30 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 produce a feeling akin to inspiration, and I made my bed out- 
 side, as the thought of a crowded tent on a night like this 
 seemed unbearable. And there I lay dreaming day-dreams 
 far into the nigiit. I watched the comet, wondering if that 
 mysterious little visitor was not perhaps at the same time 
 watched by eyes that would beam gladly into mine : and I 
 composed quite a number of beginnings to addresses to the 
 curious thing, whatever it may be. But the comet is now tired 
 of his visit to these regions of space, or disgusted it may be 
 with the appearance of things on this side of our planet, for he 
 is nt)W leaving in seemingly greater haste than he came, with 
 his tail between his legs, for the unknown regions out yonder. 
 Well. g()()(l-i)y and fare thee well. Stranger And I fervently 
 hope that thou niayst see the face of the Earth beaming with 
 smiles where now her frowns are lowering, on thy next visit, 
 if that should be while this little world is still in existence. And 
 to sleep at last, to dream again not more strangely than if awake, 
 and only disturl)e(i by a little cannonading up the river. The 
 " Monticello " chasing something up there, I believe. 
 
 Monday, July 2'2d. 
 
 Quite a chapter of incidents and accidents to relate to-day. 
 Early yesterday morning, a private from the Vermont Regiment 
 and one from the (ierman were fired upon from an ambush. The 
 V'ermonter was killed and the other escaped to camp with the 
 news. A party was at once sent out to bring in the body of 
 the iwifortunate soldier, and they returned with it, and two 
 Southerners, sup{)osed to be the murderers, because they had 
 been foimd in a neighboring field, with their hands bloody. 
 They are now in tlie Vermont guard-house. 
 
 In the afternoon quite a brisk breeze set in from the South- 
 east, of which a Rebel schooner coming down the Nansemond 
 endeavored to take advantage and make off up the James. 
 A shot from the " Daylight " (six guns of small calibre) called 
 our attention to the fact, and very soon after, the bluffs over- 
 looking the beach and river were lined with spectators. The 
 '* Daylight " fired five or six shots at her, which fell short some- 
 
 31 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 thing over a mile. These were followed by a shot from our 
 Rifle, which seemed to strike as much beyond her as the " Day- 
 light's " gun had struck below. At this, she turned about and 
 took to her heels. Ran so well that we had not time to fire 
 more than three or four more shots at her before she was out 
 of range and she soon disappeared up the River Nansemond 
 from where she had made her appearance. 
 
 The breeze brought on a furious rainstorm in the night, from 
 which the whole camp suffered more or less. Our tent had 
 rotted and we were compelled to hold it up or it would have 
 come down on our heads. Weathered it out, however, but at 
 the expense of a good drenching. 
 
 The Scott Life Guards have captured four Secessionists 
 to-day. It seems that after they had taken them they made 
 them tell where their arms had been left, which they thus 
 succeeded in getting, also three horses. Their arms consisted 
 of two rifles and one double-barreled shotgun. 
 
 There are some queer rumors about the camp that our arms 
 have met with a severe reverse at Manassas Junction — that 
 the Eighth and the Sixty-ninth have been badly cut up. If 
 this is true or merely a hoax, the mail to-night will tell us. The 
 Orderly is just " Falling-in " the Company, and I must lay 
 down the pen. 
 
 Tuesday, July 23d. 
 I have seen the " Tribune " of the Twentieth, according to 
 which our troops lost some thousand men in an attempt to 
 take the batteries at Bull Run ; but rumor says there is a later 
 paper contradicting this statement, but I have not seen it. 
 While going through the evolution of the brigade drill under 
 Colonel Phelps yesterday, we heard some sharp firing, which 
 could have been only four or five miles from here. Alternating 
 between " Company fire " and " Fire by file," from the rapid 
 volleys it seemed as if sharp work was going on somewhere. 
 There was also an occasional report of artillery. Our officers 
 are determined to be ready for anything, for at Retreat, car- 
 tridges were distributed among the men, and our Company 
 32 
 

 £?•'?: 
 
 "/"-, 
 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 went through some bayonet exercises with more earnestness 
 than is usual (such as " Charge " and " Guard against cav- 
 alry," etc.), and wlien dismissed were cautioned to be ready 
 for the ** 1/ong Roll." Inside of the breastworks the troops 
 were eciualiy determined to l)e ready ; for as late as eleven 
 o'clock the First Regiment was at work on the walls of the 
 fortification, filling the crevices made by the last storm. 
 
 I had just about dropped to sleep, about twelve o'clock, 
 when the earth gave that peculiar quiver occasioned by the 
 firing of heavy artillery, immediately followed by the report. 
 I counted, after that, eleven guns fired at intervals of about two 
 minutes, but could hear nothing of any smaller arms ; then the 
 firing ceased, all was quiet, and giving up the idea of an attack, 
 I went to sleep. 
 
 Ten A. M. 
 
 Have just heard another volley of musketry somewhere. 
 What does it mean? 
 
 Wednesday, July 24th. 
 
 JJah ! The firing we heard was only Durj^ea's Regiment 
 practising with blank cartridges ; he must have plenty of 
 powder, it seems to me. 
 
 July 25th. 
 
 Have seen the " Herald " and the " Tribune " of the 
 Twenty -second, and they both agree that instead of the reported 
 defeat at Hull Run, it was a victory after a severe fight of 
 twelve hours. IJut now, rumor says that the papers of the 
 Twenty-third contradict this again, telling of a panic and 
 the retreat of our forces. To-morrow will probably give us the 
 truth, whatever that is. I presume I might know it now, but 
 I am on tlie outer picket and have not heard from camp since 
 the mail-boat came in. 
 
 Friday, July 26th. 
 
 I .saw a paper of the Twenty-third last night, and it cor- 
 roborates the worst. Our forces were defeated and made a 
 shameful stampede, it seems, without the least attempt at order. 
 I^ has made us all feel badly, but 1 can not but think that the 
 
 33 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 people at home must feel worse about it than we do. 1 am sure 
 that I feel the disaster less keenly than if I were a civilian. 
 
 One of our Buglers is dead, and as I write, Colonel Allen's 
 band is escorting the body to its last resting-place. 
 
 ^4 
 
 il 
 
CHAPTER V 
 
 An Interpolation 
 
 THE leaves in my Journal Number Two, between last 
 date and August Thirtieth, were torn out, after my return 
 home, because of the mistaken notion that the incidents 
 therein dwelt upon might reflect upon my honor as a soldier. 
 I now regret this exceedingly, as it obliges me to write from 
 memory the account of an unpleasant episode, which in my 
 present character of exact historian I dislike to do.* However, 
 the reader may rest assured that the account now given is 
 substantially the same as was written at the time. 
 
 A disaffection among the officers which had been smoulder- 
 ing for some time manifested itself at this period in quite a 
 blaze. The Colonel had encountered the opposition of some 
 of his staff and line officers, who had ventured to question his 
 fitness for command, and now, in fact, covertly hinted at the 
 expediency of his resignation. This, of course, created two 
 parties in the camp, of which the Colonel headed one, with 
 Captain Jardine as chief supporter; and Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Betts, I think, though that gentleman was too high-minded 
 to mix in any broils of the kind himself, was the soul of the 
 opposition. Colonel Belts' resignation after the affair at Roan- 
 oke was owing to the perpetual disagreements between himself 
 and Colonel Hawkins resulting from this feud. He would have 
 resigned before, but did not wish to risk any imputation 
 that might l)e raised against him as man or soldier. The Colo- 
 nel's party proved the stronger, and, by hook or crook (said 
 to have been by ballot). Captain Jardine gained the seniority 
 of the (^iptain in line, to the great disgust of the other officers, 
 who were certainly the more numerous, and who did not omit 
 to hint at foul play. Captain Graham's Company (I), which 
 was thus displaced, showed open indication of opposition and 
 was, I believe, put under arrest for a time. 
 
 The disaffection soon spread through the other Companies, 
 
 • It is quite eviilcnt that this chapter was written soon after tlie return to 
 Minnesota, nut long after the oiiginal was destroyed. 
 
 / 35 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 where it took another form. Report was now circulated that 
 we were not enlisted for any specified time, having sworn to 
 serve " two years or the war" which was indefinite now that 
 the war promised to continue longer than we at that time 
 anticipated. Also, that we were not regularly mustered into 
 the United " States service; that the Government did not 
 recognize us, of which last the paymaster's non-appearance 
 made the belief more plausible. Then, as the noise grew in 
 volume, many other little items of discontent were brought in. 
 The food was thought to be unfit for beasts, and indeed the 
 crackers served out to us at this time were most vile, said to 
 have been a condemned lot from the Crimea. Everything 
 was brought to bear that could intensify the excitement. Some 
 one had drawn up a paper, a respectful letter of inquiry. I 
 understood that it asked information concerning the points 
 in doubt; viz., the term of enlistment, etc., and to this paper 
 I, thoughtlessly enough, in fact not dreaming that any harm 
 could come from it, signed my name, and went about my 
 business, which happened to be washing, down in the hollow 
 in the rear of the camp. But the Colonel, on the presentation 
 of this paper, put it in his pocket and took the first boat for 
 Fortress Monroe and returned with the Commanding General. 
 So that, when I got back to camp I was surprised to find the 
 Regiment drawn up in hollow square on the parade-ground, 
 with General Butler speaking to them, and a Corporal's guard 
 waiting to take charge of me; and here, for the first time in 
 my life, I found myself a criminal and a prisoner. 
 
 I was immediately conducted to the steamer, plying between 
 Newport News and Fortress Monroe, and found about a dozen 
 other " Signers " on board before me, appearing rather uneasy, 
 though striving to hide their concern ; and though I could not 
 feel guilty of any crime, I must confess I felt oppressed by the 
 seriousness of the aspect affairs had assumed. I could now 
 reflect, and it was not without concern, that I found one certain 
 circumstance outside the signing of the paper tending to testify 
 against me in the Court-Martial which I could see was impend- 
 ing, and that was, my failure to turn out with the Regiment. 
 36 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 To be sure, it was an accident, owing to the fact that I had 
 been on guard the niglit before and was excused from morning 
 drill, but who of the members of the Court would or could 
 believe my absence under the circumstances, to be anything 
 but a design on my part to stay away ? 
 
 This gave me some uneasiness, for in my innocence I sup- 
 j>osed a Court-Martial would inquire into details as minutely 
 as a Civil Court ; but at any rate, I thought best to keep the 
 matter to myself. Meanwhile, we were making fast time for 
 Old Point Comfort, with Dave, a fine singer, trying to cheer us 
 with one of his most stirring songs, " The Old Musketeer." 
 
 Our destination proved to be the " Rip Raps," the partially 
 finished L\)rt Calhoun, where we were put in charge of a Ser- 
 geant Hodgekins of a Massachusetts Regiment, and received 
 by him and his conuades, more like honored guests than 
 prisoners with grave charges preferred against them. 
 
 As we were given to understand that this would be our 
 home until a Court-Martial could be convened, which would not 
 be sooner than convenient, at any rate, there was nothing for us 
 to do but to make ourselves comfortable, and in this respect, 
 we found our situation preferable to that at Newport News. 
 I must here take space to testify my appreciation of that excel- 
 lent man. Sergeant Ho<lgekins, and his subordinates, one and 
 all, who for their kindness and considerate conduct toward 
 us while in their charge, making our prison life a pleasure, 
 more than deser\e our heartfelt thanks. To be sure, we were 
 not criminals in the true sense of the word, but as insubordi- 
 nates, we might have experienced much less courtesy without 
 surprise. We were given free use of the best they had, their 
 own cpiarters, their not inconsiderable library and the liberty 
 of the Island. The library 1 took advantage of to read some- 
 thing of Fredrica Bremer's, but first — that is, after the first 
 night's sleep — I prepared to satisfy my curiosity concerning 
 this island fortress, named Fort Calhoun, but for some reason, 
 as yet unknown to me. commonly called the " Rip Raps." 
 
 The Lsland is entirely artificial, having been brought from 
 a distance bv shiploads and deposited here upon a shallow 
 
 37 
 
 i 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 place or reef in the Roads, and the granite, of which the walls 
 of the fortification were in course of construction, was from 
 New Hampshire. The solidity and massiveness of these walls 
 were something to admire, and I made a sketch of a casemated 
 gun, a thirty-two pounder, mounted and facing the enemy's 
 battery on Sewall's Point, to show the nature of the work. 
 
 The fort I thought would be invulnerable when com- 
 pleted, but it was destined with thousands of its fellows 
 to be rendered comparatively useless about a year later, by 
 an event which took place under its very walls ; for the New 
 Era of Iron, superseding that of Stone and Wood, was brought 
 in when Ericsson's little " Monitor " proved herself capable 
 of saving the " Minnesota " from sharing the sad fate of the 
 " Cumberland." And in that same instant the walls and 
 defences of every monarch on the face of the globe fell with 
 a great crash, shattered as completely as castles of granite 
 dissolved by enchantment, and rendered as useless as this 
 heap of stones, the Rip Raps, appears to be from the distance ; 
 with every capital in the world exposed and open to sack and 
 pillage; with every tyrant trembling like a fox hunting his 
 hole, for fifty Monitors could have mastered all Europe. 
 
 The twin to the Sawyer gun at Newport News is here 
 mounted on a dock or pier facing Sewall's Point. A few shots 
 were fired at the enemy's entrenchments there on the occasion 
 of the visit of General Wool on a tour of inspection to the 
 Island, without eliciting any reply. General Wool was then 
 about to supersede General Butler in command of this Depart- 
 ment. 
 
 There was no attempt made to keep a garrison on the 
 Island at all adequate for its defence in case of attack, the 
 only troops being this Massachusetts Company, scarce a 
 Corporal's guard, under Sergeant Hodgekins ; though of course 
 no attack was to be apprehended with Fortress Monroe situ- 
 ated as it was and the Roads blocked by the fleet. But that 
 not even a positive assurance of security can be trusted in 
 war time is proven by the great event of Hampton Roads, the 
 attack of the " Merrimac." And had it not been for the 
 38 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 *• Monitor, " that alone of all the fleet had the hardihood to 
 face the vertical plates of the Rebel monster, what would have 
 become of this Key to the Roads then locking the door to the 
 Rebel Capital? Fortress Monroe could hardly cover it, with 
 the " Merrimac " itself secure from harm, tearing it to pieces 
 under its very walls. 
 
 I sketched an old-fashioned iron gun or that part of it 
 protruding from a vast pile of granite blocks in which it had 
 been by accident or design embedded, a curious relic of a former 
 age : rust-eaten, battered and cracked, an old Revolutionary 
 warrior perhajjs — at any rate, torn by hard service, and now 
 useless and shelved in solemn mockery of former use. 
 
 A few workmen in the employ of the Government were 
 noticed here and there on the works evidently doing something, 
 though exactly what I could not discover, for that work, to any 
 extent in the fortifications, had ceased was entirely evident. 
 
 A singular adventure happened to me here while I was 
 bathing from the dock. Not so terrible as an affair with a shark 
 or a battle with a cuttlefish, but nevertheless an adventure, 
 if you plejise — an attack of Sea Nettles. Caleph, Medusa, 
 and many other names are given them, but of them all, for 
 reasons to be made obvious, I i)refer the first. Those beautiful 
 creatures we had watched with great pleasure as, with their 
 slow and methodical motions, they propelled themselves about 
 the Island, which seemed to them a favorite resort, for nowhere 
 else have I seen them in such beautiful variety and so numerous. 
 Out of water they become an indistinguishable shapeless mass 
 of pulp, but in their element, they have a bell or cup shaped 
 head of a variety of colors, to which is appended, from the 
 inside, a body terminating in loose streamers. They elongate 
 themselves as much as possible, seeming to inhale the water 
 OS air is inhaled by the lungs; then by bringing the rim forward 
 until flattened into the shape of a saucer, they are able to push 
 themselves along quite rapidly, though with nothing like the 
 speed of fisli or other active marine animals. They seem to 
 be a family of living leeches of the sea, clinging to decaying 
 substances ; but whether the fact of fresh water here mingling 
 
 39 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 with the salt has any influence in keeping them in this vicinity, 
 I can not tell. 
 
 It happened thus : In taking our usual evening's swim 
 off the dock, I found myself farther from shore than I intended, 
 and made for a buoy a short distance out, to rest on it before 
 returning. I hardly had touched it, however, before it seemed 
 as if I were seized by a legion of little devils with pins in them. 
 I knew at once that I had struck a colony of Sea Nettles and 
 that until I could get out of the water, it would be useless to 
 try to rid myself of them, as they are worse than leeches in 
 their power of holding fast. They seem to glue themselves 
 to the object of attack and then to fall to with all their power 
 of suction, which, by my experience, I found to be tremendous. 
 I made for shore as fast as possible, with every pin doing its 
 worst. On every part of my body under water, they clung, 
 pricking, biting, sucking and stinging, from which occupations, 
 my plunging in the water did not in the least disturb them. 
 One can easily imagine what I had to endure before gaining 
 the dock. The moment I dragged myself out of the water, 
 my persecutors let go, and though my body smarted for some 
 time after, I could not but laugh at the ludicrousness of the 
 adventure. 
 
 The Frigate, " Minnesota," Flagship of the North Atlantic 
 Squadron, was at one time anchored between the Rip Raps 
 and Fortress Monroe, and the accompanying sketch was made, 
 though with the worst of materials, only such as I could secure 
 by chance at the time. It may not be as correct as a photo- 
 graph — a remark, by the way, which may apply to all the 
 sketches here referred to — but as I shall publish none except 
 such as are drawn from nature or life, I hope they may not be 
 wanting in interest as much as in matters of detail and artistic 
 merit. 
 
 The sketches bring to my mind many a delightful day 
 spent among the Rip Rap rocks, writing, reading and drawing ; 
 the ever- varying and shifting scenes of an important naval and 
 military station in time of war, continually furnishing new 
 objects of interest to a mind somewhat alive to the beauties 
 40 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 of nature, and I enjoyed everything to the utmost. But there 
 was an end to these days of pleasant captivity, and our stay 
 at the Rip Raj)s was over far too soon. 
 
 The paymaster came and left some gold among us. This 
 was the first and last payment in coin, I believe, from the 
 beginning of the war. After a sojourn of about two weeks on 
 the Island, we were summoned to appear before a Court-Mar- 
 tial at the Fortress. We were taken over in squads as fast as 
 wanted, accomjKinied by an Orderly. This young man, one 
 of the regular garrison, conducted us to the building where 
 the court was marshalled, informing us about the time he 
 thought we would be wanted, and in the interval, left us at 
 perfect liberty to dispose of ourselves in or about the Fortress 
 as we saw fit. This lil)erty I availed myself of to see everything 
 worth seeing within and without the walls. 
 
 When my turn came for examination, I was called before 
 several stout officers in uniform, among whom was our Major 
 Kimball, and as nearly as I can remember, questions were 
 asked and answered as follows : 
 
 QuESTio.v (the common formula of name. Company, Regi- 
 ment being disposed of much as in civil courts). "Did you sign 
 a certain paper on day at Camp Butler? " 
 
 Answkk. " Yes, Sir." 
 
 Q. " What was your object in so doing.'* " 
 
 A. " To find out if there was any truth in certain rumors 
 about the camp." 
 
 Q. "What were these rumors?" 
 
 A. " That we were not regularly mustered into the United 
 States service, or for an indefinite time, and consequently would 
 not receive any pay if not paid by the State of New York." 
 
 Q. " Did you not know such rumors to be false? " 
 
 A. " No, Sir. I think the indefinite term of enlistment, 
 'two years or the war,' tended to confirm some of them." 
 
 Q. " Did you not know that it was an act of insubordination 
 to sign tliis paper? " 
 
 A. " No, Sir. I thought no more of it than of asking a 
 question of a superior officer." 
 
 41 
 
THE LONG ROLL j 
 
 Court. " But you not only asked questions, but demanded 
 answers to them, coupled with assertions mutinous in their 
 
 tenor." , 
 
 Self. " If I did, Sir, I was not aware of it at the time. 1 
 
 supposed I was simply asking for information." 
 
 C. "You did not know, then, the nature of what you 
 
 signed ? " , j • 
 
 S. " The paper was brought and read to me during some 
 excitement in camp. I did not read it myself and the demands 
 you mention may have escaped me. I certainly thought no 
 harm could possibly come from it. On the contrary, I supposed 
 I was doing the right thing, as an answer to the questions would 
 restore quiet in the camp. I am not by nature or disposition 
 a wrongdoer, unless it is a wrong to serve a country willingly. 
 I supposed there would be no objection to giving information 
 which it seemed to me we all should have. I certainly felt an 
 interest in the money question. It may be, Gentlemen, that 
 I have those depending on my pay, that makes it important 
 
 to me." . 
 
 As this was said with some earnestness not unmixed with 
 indignation, my feelings just then rushed into a heap and 
 
 conquered me (Age Eighteen). A slight sensation — 
 
 unmistakable sympathy of Major Kimball. His valiant but 
 tender soul felt worse for me than I did for myself, in spite of 
 my outburst. I was dismissed without further questions. 
 After a few days, immediately following the adjournment of 
 the Court, we received orders to report to our Regiment. ^ i 
 
 The whole thing, from beginning to end, was well-nigh 
 forgotten in the excitement attending our departure for Hat- 
 teras. Nearly a month later we were again reminded of the 
 occurrence by an order read at Dress Parade, drumming us 
 all out of the Regiment; but, in consideration, etc., etc., etc., 
 grace and peace, etc., etc., etc. Well, this was perhaps not an 
 inappropriate finale to an episode which was looked upon from 
 the first as a simple farce. But the farce, if such it was, might 
 have been curtailed with advantage. In consideration of the 
 fact that our imprisonment and trial were but the means by 
 42 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 which our young Colonel regained authority over his oflScers, 
 in<jre than over his men, which I have reason for believing he had 
 lost through his method of advancing his favorites, I think this 
 last order, though tending to cast only the shadow of a stain 
 upon our records as soldiers, but still casting that shadow, might 
 just as well have been dispensed with. 
 
 48 
 
CHAPTER VI 
 
 Hatteras 
 
 Newport News, Va. 
 Sunday, August 31st. 
 AN exciting little affair occurred to-day between a Rebel gun- 
 f\^ boat and the sloop-of-war, " Savannah," opposite this 
 point. About noon, a little steam-tug managed to crawl 
 along the other shore from under the batteries on Crany Island, 
 to within two and a half or three miles of this post, without 
 exciting notice or suspicion, which, indeed, its diminutive size 
 was well calculated to elude; and before any one had really 
 thought of questioning her — before, perhaps, any one had seen 
 her — she stated her errand herself with a dull boom over the 
 water and a projectile plump under the " Savannah's " stern. 
 That the " Savannah " was taken unawares is not strange, 
 and that there was a lively time clearing for action on board of 
 her may be believed, for the little tug kept advancing and 
 improving in her range at every shot, one or two of which had 
 done some damage. She had time to send in her fourth query 
 before our sloop-of-war was ready with an answer, which, when 
 said and done, fell a half-mile short of the purpose. This, with 
 the cool, sharp rejoinder whistling overhead, seemed to make 
 her perfectly furious, and she shook out whole broadsides in 
 reply, fearful in energy but misspent and lost upon a rival so 
 distant and so small. She had no guns of sufficient range, and 
 had to confess her inability to cope with her long-armed antago- 
 nist, by sending a boat ashore to request the aid of our water- 
 battery. 
 
 General Phelps was making a tour of the pickets and out- 
 posts at the time, but came in just as a Lieutenant of Artillery 
 was taking range at the little fellow with the Sawyer gun. Some 
 kegs of powder were exposed at the time outside of the magazine, 
 which he at once espied, and he was mightily incensed at the 
 Lieutenant for attempting to fire with ammunition so uncovered, 
 and he would not allow a shot to be fired before the powder 
 was stored. This was soon done, and having cautioned the 
 44 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 Lieutenant not to fire l)efore he had perfect aim, he himself 
 took charge of the Columbiads. The first shot from the 
 Sawyer pun went over in range. It was followed by the Gen- 
 eral's ('oluml)iad, which seemed to send a column of water 
 over the (Iwk, and was hailed with enthusiasm by the specta- 
 tors. But still undaunted, the tug replied, nearly striking our 
 sloop-of-war. The sloop had by this time gotten a greater 
 elevation for her giuis by knocking out the ends of the carriages, 
 allowing the breech of each to rest on deck, and she shook out 
 another broadside which was so much better than her former 
 attempts that our surprise was excited. Having accomplished, 
 probably, all she desired, at any rate having stirred up a hornets' 
 nest, the little tug now turned about and slowly steamed down 
 the River in the direction from which she had come, and was 
 followed by our shot and shell until out of range. 
 
 Some firing shortly after from the direction of the Fortress 
 indicated that the plucky little devil was saluted for her gal- 
 lantry by the mate to the Sawyer gun on the Rip Raps. 
 
 The whole affair lasted about an hour and a half, the most 
 exciting thing of the kind it has been my fortune to witness. 
 
 Sunday, September 1st. 
 
 Charles \V. Haltzman was accidentally shot while on his 
 post on guard this morning. A member of our own Company 
 w;is the unfortunate cause of the accident, he being in the act 
 of taking the cap from his piece /or greater safety when it was 
 discharged into poor Haltzman's head. I heard the report 
 shortly after I got up, and seeing people run in that direction 
 I hastened out to see what had happened, and was in time to 
 see the i)Oor boy where he had fallen, with his head in a dark 
 pool of blood, j)rescnting a ghastly picture. The poor fellow 
 who shot him has been running about all day in a distracted 
 manner that is really pitiful. Haltzman asked me to sketch 
 his face the other day, and I am very sorry I did not do so then, 
 as it might have been of some comfort to his poor Mother. 
 
 Another shooting accident after guard mount ; a fellow 
 on the beach, where the old guard have an hour or so for firing 
 
 45 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 oflF their pieces, putting a pistol bullet through one of his thighs ; 
 he bawled so fearfully and cut up so many antics, rolling around 
 on the sand, that I thought the man must be killed, but he was 
 only badly frightened, the fatal accident of this morning 
 undoubtedly adding much to his terror. 
 
 September 8th. 
 News received from the Naval expedition which left here 
 about two weeks ago under sealed orders. The object of the 
 expedition has been accomplished; namely, the capture of 
 the forts commanding Hatteras Inlet on the North Carolina 
 coast, with seven hundred fifty-five prisoners, five stands of 
 colors, one thousand stands of arms, thirty cannon, several 
 schooners and clothing, etc., etc., all without losing a man. 
 Our Colonel is now in command of one of the forts, and it is 
 rumored that the balance of the Regiment is to proceed at once 
 to the Inlet to form the garrison. This last part of the intel- 
 ligence ought to be the least welcome, I presume, because of 
 the well-known unhealthiness of the place. As for me, it will 
 be a change anyway, something new, for though I am well 
 aware that it may be long before we will find another station 
 as pleasant and healthy as this, the life we have here is getting 
 to be rather humdrum, and as for war, we have certainly seen 
 nothing of that. 
 
 Hatteras Inlet, N. C. 
 
 September 12th. 
 
 We trod North Carolina soil, or rather, I should say, sand, 
 for the first time yesterday. I am not in the least disappointed 
 at the dreary prospect, as it is just about the kind of a place 
 I expected to find ; that is, a long, low strip of sand between 
 two oceans, the actual coast of North Carolina not being in 
 sight, producing just that impression. Some distance up there 
 are evidences of trees or shrubbery, though what they can be 
 from soil like this, is hard to imagine. 
 
 We embarked on the United States Transport," S. R.Spauld- 
 ing," night before last. My first care was to find a place in 
 which to bunk. Selected a spot under the Major's buggy, and 
 46 
 
thp: long roll 
 
 its I was fatigued from packing and lugging camp equipage on 
 board the steamer, as well as from being on guard the night 
 before, I was soon in a sound sleep, from which I awoke next 
 morning on the Atlantic Ocean, the coast in sight, however. 
 About ten o'clock we came in sight of Cape Hatteras Light- 
 Ilouse, which I tried to sketch from under the buggy. We soon 
 after sighted the " Susquehanna " and " Pawnee " guarding 
 the Inlet ; also, our flags flying over the forts, and then the 
 forts themselves. We took aboard two pilots before entering 
 the channel, which, judging from the way the breakers roared 
 all around us as the steamer carefully picked her way between 
 them, seemed to be very necessary. Having gotten through, 
 however, we anchored alongside an old time-worn light-ship 
 lettered *' Brandts Island Land Shoal " — wherever that might 
 be. Coming in we met two outward-bound schooners captured 
 while trying to make the Inlet, being, of course, unaware of the 
 events that had transpired here since they sailed. One of these 
 vessels wjus captured by stratagem, which if true is worth rela- 
 ting ; at any rate, I will give it for w hat it is worth, while here 
 with the ship at anchor. 
 
 About two days after our forces had come into possession 
 of the forts, a schooner hove in sight, but on being brought to 
 by a shot from the " Cumberland," hoisted the English flag ; 
 as nothing actually wrong was found about her she was allowed 
 to depart, but not without strong suspicion that she was a 
 blockade-runner. Accordingly, the following plan was hastily 
 resolved upon. A Rebel flag was hoisted on Fort Clark and 
 with the tugboat " Fanny " under the same emblem. Colonel 
 Hawkins and Lieutenant Crosby of the Naval Brigade ran out, 
 hugging the shore as much as possible to give the impression of 
 slipping by the " Cumberland." The schooner, as soon as she 
 (iccmcd herself out of the frigate's sight, changed her colors from 
 British to Secesh. Our officers, pleased with the marked success 
 of their ruse, boarded the vessel without delay, but still, it seems, 
 witiiout creating any suspicion in the mind of the Captain, 
 for they had hardly reached her deck before the skipper com- 
 menced to congratulate himself upon how nicely he had fooled 
 
 47 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 the ** Cumberland." " But," said he, a doubt evidently striking 
 his mind, " is that our vessel ? " pointing to the " Pawnee " 
 now coming in sight. " That vessel," said the Lieutenant, " is 
 a United States vessel, I am a United States officer and you are 
 a United States prisoner." 
 
 They tell me the skipper only looked his astonishment, 
 and did not seem to realize the fact fully until he saw the 
 " Fanny " change flags and uncover two neat little brass 
 pieces, then he suddenly made a dive for the cabin, and when 
 wanted, he was found— -dead drunk. 
 
 Our camp has been pitched outside of Fort Clark, and we 
 have not had much time to look around. From all appearances, 
 everything will be both new and strange, if not interesting, and 
 I intend to take the earliest opportunity to see what there is to 
 
 be seen. 
 
 Fort Clark, 
 September 14th. 
 
 Worked hard yesterday rafting lumber from the lower fort 
 for barracks, and had to get into the water in shallow places 
 to shove the rafts. In the meantime, I have had an opportunity 
 to look around somewhat and am becoming acquainted with 
 our new situation. 
 
 Forts Hatteras and Clark are situated on the Northeast 
 side of the Inlet on this narrow belt of sand which skirts the 
 coast from the Chesapeake to Florida, more or less close to the 
 mainland, and right here in front of North Carolina, making 
 a considerable Eastern detour, with Cape Hatteras, twelve 
 miles above, at its greatest angle. This belt divides the waters 
 of the Atlantic at this point from three important inland seas 
 or sounds, called Pamlico, Albemarle and Currituck Sounds, 
 respectively. These are connected with the ocean by three 
 inlets, the Topsail, Ocracoke and Hatteras. Two of these are 
 nearly if not quite impassable, and we, thanks to General Wool, 
 masters of the third, hold the key to these important and con- 
 siderable waters. 
 
 The forts are constructed of swamp-turf or sod (peat), 
 brought from some distance above, and no better materia! 
 48 
 
< i 
 
 IV' 
 
 ^\ 
 
 ^4® 
 
 V 
 
 'f.^^il^^ 
 
 \\ itt k of the " Noptunc's ("ar " 
 
 
 y 
 
 Company I Quarters, Camp Wool 
 
 PL.\TE VII 
 
V 
 
 At Camp Wool 
 
 PUlTE VIII 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 (Mil l)(* found to resist cither hall or bombshell, it being spongy 
 y( I strong and as solid as baled cotton or India rubber. The 
 >t Ncrity of the haninicring that these forts, i)articularly Fort 
 llatteras, received from our fleets is evidenced by the great 
 quantity of fragments as well as of the unexpected shells strewn 
 about them; for these lay so thick that it seemed to have 
 lilerally rained shells, as I presume it did. And yet the forts 
 were hardly marred : scarce a dent can be discovered in their 
 outlines from this terrific storm of iron. Commodore Barron, 
 when told that we had not lost a man in the engagement, could 
 hardly credit the statement, having thought that the taking 
 of these forts would cost us thousands of lives, and it would 
 have if the turf could have {)revented shells from dropping 
 inside the walls. I thought it worth while to make a trifling 
 sketch of this plantation where the crop was most flourishing 
 under the walls of Fort Hatteras, as in a year there will not be 
 one sf)ccimen left: all that will not be carried away as relics 
 will sink and disappear in the sand. They are thinning out 
 lay by day. Around Fort Clark they are not so plenty; still 
 [uile a number are strewn about, of which a large proportion 
 ire not exploded. One of these, a nine-inch shell, I happened 
 to find in a pool of water back of the Fort, and upon removing 
 the fuse-screw, the powder was found to be perfectly dry so 
 ifhat it might have been used again. 
 
 Fort Clark is the Headquarters at present of the forces here, 
 .vhich consist of eight Companies of our Regiment (two remain- 
 ng at Newport News) and a Company of Regulars, the latter 
 loiiig garrison duty in Fort Hatteras. Our Regiment is equally 
 livided between this post and (-\imp Wool, two miles up the 
 Sound, Lieutenant-Colonel Betts, commanding. 
 
 I September loth. 
 
 Fort Clark is not so considerable a fort as Hatteras, but in 
 5omc ways more interesting. One of the Columbiads in it is 
 lismountcd, the trunnions knocked off and the carriage shat- 
 ered beautifully, an evidence of rough handling Fort Hatteras 
 •an not show, though it sustained the heavier fire, as is proven 
 
 49 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 by the greater number of shells around it. But the chief thing 
 of interest to me is an old French cannon, a brass field-piece 
 cast in Strasburg, 1761, and it is consequently just one hundred 
 years old. An old Revolutionary hero evidently and one that 
 must have played his part to our advantage more or less, or he 
 would not be here now to change hands again on this his cen- 
 tennial year. The piece has the old-fashioned handles, of course, 
 and is lettered and otherwise ornamented with scrolls and 
 designs. The crown of fleur-de-lis on the base is excellent, and 
 would not be uninteresting to art students. Altogether, it has 
 a very quaint and ancient appearance beside the two Dahlgren 
 guns in the fort, which, though similarly mounted, are devoid 
 of ornament, and which are now thought to be, as this cen- 
 tenarian was when cast, I have no doubt, all that is excellent 
 in artillery. 
 
 September 20th. 
 
 Yesterday was a right joyful day for our boys, for early 
 in the morning we caught sight of the well-known proportions 
 of the " S. R. Spaulding " rounding the Cape, and as we had 
 not heard a word from the North since we arrived here more 
 than a week ago, one may be right sure we were glad at the 
 prospect of letters and papers. The expectation was that the 
 " Spaulding " would bring the two companies B and K of our 
 Regiment from Newport News, but in this we were disappointed, 
 for it seems that, by special request of General Phelps, they 
 were retained as necessary for the safety of the Post. We hear 
 that General Phelps wants General Wool to send the whole 
 Regiment back, as McGruder is still threatening. But with 
 our Regiment, he deems himself capable of resisting any force 
 that McGruder can bring against him. Quite a change in 
 the General's mind since we first landed at the Post, when he 
 called us a set of boys. 
 
 I received five letters and a copy of the St. Paul " Daily 
 Press," which last, with one of the letters, was from a Min- 
 nesotian at Fortress Monroe, now Sergeant in Company B, 
 U. S. Artillery, and a friend of the Zimmermans in St. Paul, 
 on whose behalf he was to have hunted me up while at the 
 50 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 News, which purpose he regrets that our sudden removal has 
 prevented. One letter was from Sergeant Hodgekins at the 
 Rip Raps ; one from Harry Pahner in New York ; one from 
 Hudson City, and one from Sister Eva in Mansfield, Ohio. 
 So that 1 have heard from several different quarters of the 
 globe. 
 
 September 28th. 
 
 Came off guard this morning, which is a more tedious duty 
 here than at Newjjort News, simply a camp guard, there being 
 no enemy within sixty or seventy miles probably, and from 
 these. Camp Wool, two miles above, is an effectual shield, from 
 surprise at least. Having then actually nothing of interest to 
 occupy my mind during tiie long twenty-four hours off and on 
 post, except the novelty of the situation, I turned my attention 
 to the natural formation of the sand bank across which our 
 chain of posts easily stretches. Above Fort Clark this beach 
 or bank is so low as to allow the waves, when they are at all 
 high, to wash over it into the Sound, if they have not time to 
 disappear in tiie sand, and this sand seems to be composed of 
 nothing but shells and shell particles of marine animals, thrown 
 there by the waves, and by time and the elements ground to 
 powder ; and in this, the body of the beach, there are perfect 
 specimens of shells of all sizes, shapes and varieties of color; 
 some of them exceedingly beautiful and curious enough to 
 interest any one however ignorant or indifferent to such things. 
 I have gathered quantities of them and then thrown them away, 
 for though I would like to keep some, I know of no one to whom 
 I ( ould send them. I have seen a drinking-cup here covered 
 !)> a variety of these smaller shells, and it can be said to be 
 >i iiamented by Nature's self. But if not more beautiful, per- 
 1 ips more interesting, are the living inhabitants of the sand. 
 The sand-crabs or spiders, I know of no other name, differ 
 m size from the largest si)ider to the ordinary lobster, and while 
 jn my post yesterday, one farthest oceanward, I had a good 
 )|)pc)rtunity to watch their movements and noted some of their 
 luaneuvers. 
 
 They live in holes or burrows in the sand, which it is no 
 
 51 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 trouble for them to dig with their great claws, and to these they 
 hie themselves on the approach of the slightest danger. They 
 run fast and are very hard to catch, as I found out in trying to 
 capture one. I took an opportunity to get between him and 
 his burrow and then made for him, but to my surprise, he put 
 for the beach, and before I could reach him had flung himself 
 into the curling breaker of a great wave. I was surprised at 
 this, of course, but more so when on my post again after sun- 
 down, to find the beach lined with them, all enjoying the civili- 
 zing luxury of a bath. They sat in rows on the beach waiting 
 for the next wave to come up and break over them, which 
 submergence, it seems, they enjoy with a peculiar pleasure. 
 This, then, is the summering place of the crabs, and they were 
 only enjoying a customary luxury. The moon rose beautifully 
 over the waves later on, and from the way the crabs raced 
 around, one would think they were indulging in a social " hop. ' 
 
 The " Susquehanna " has captured another prize to-day, 
 the second I have seen hauled in while here. The poor craft 
 ran for it, but no go, and she is now at anchor in the Inlet with 
 a prize crew aboard. 
 
 The little schooner " Enterprise," at anchor between Fort* 
 Clark and Hatteras, is interesting as the prize of our Regiment. 
 This is the vessel Colonel Hawkins captured, as before related. 
 
 Monday, September 29th. 
 
 Have just weathered a severe storm, one of frequent occur- 
 rence, I presume, on this coast. It commenced to blow heavily 
 last Thursday, and with increased vigor Friday ; Saturday 
 there was a lull, and now all is quiet again. 
 
 We had in our barracks, last night, three shipwrecked j 
 sailors who had been caught in the gale in the schooner " Nep- \ 
 tune's Car " (from Carthage, Cuba, with a cargo of sugar for ! 
 Philadelphia). They were driven on the breakers about twelve 
 miles above this point. They struck about seven o'clock, Friday 
 evening, remained fast till one the next morning, with the seas 
 washing over them, tearing through the cabin windows and ' 
 washing out the lights and playing smash generally. About ; 
 52 ! 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 this time, John Maine jumped overboard with a line and gained 
 the shore, and by means of the Hne, all hands, seven men, were 
 rescued from their unpleasant if not perilous position. They 
 groped around for some time and finally stumbled on to our 
 camp, surprised enough, too, at the new state of affairs here. 
 Maine was cpiartercd in our bunk last night. He is an intel- 
 ligent man and a fine specimen of the American sailor, very 
 quiet and unassuming, and, it seems to me, with more earnest- 
 ness of character than we usually associate with men of his 
 class. The " Neptune's Car " has only shared the fate of 
 hundreds that have gone before her on this treacherous coast. 
 There are some thirty wrecks visible from this point to Cape 
 Henry, not quite destroyed by the elements or buried in the sand. 
 
 Tuesday, October 1st. 
 
 Secured a pass yesterday, and in company of messmate 
 Kirwin visited Camp Wool and such other places of interest 
 a-s we managed to find on the part of the island we surveyed. 
 Came back under arrest, as it seems we had unwittingly strayed 
 outside of the outer line of pickets. 
 
 Hrouglit back seven sketches with me, chiefly little rural 
 scenes wliicli surprised me here and there during our ramble, 
 with a strange nnisty sort of beauty, nestling under the low 
 range of verdure barely visible from our camp. 
 
 The trees skirting tlie ocean beach are of a stunted growth 
 usually with wide bushy tops; the advance line taking the 
 brunt of all the old ocean's gales and protecting a more valu- 
 al)le crop of pines and other species on the inner side. In some 
 instances, this guard has been overpowered by the storms 
 and swept away ; the stems broken off ; the tops buried 
 under an avalanciie of sand, through which they now present 
 the |)itiful figure of blackened stumps protruding, perishable 
 njonunuMits, as it were, of their former selves, when they 
 flourished and made things green around them. 
 
 Kverything on the Island seems to be devoid of paint — 
 dwellings, barns and windmills, of which latter there are a 
 greater number than I supposed were in existence in the whole 
 
 53 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 country ; so that the houses are all dismal enough and are only 
 saved from complete lack of interest by a certain mossy coat 
 which forms on everything except the uncompromising sand, 
 and lends a gray green tinge, which puts all things here from 
 the hand of man, in harmony with Nature in a very short time. 
 Wild grapes, larger and richer than many tame varieties 
 in the North, are here in great abundance, nourished as much, 
 it would seem, by the salt sea breeze as by the juices pumped 
 out of the sandy soil by the roots. Figs also grow here, but are 
 not yet ripe. I sketched a green fig with its surroundings of 
 leaves, the first I have seen in its natural state. It was our 
 intention to go as far as the wreck of the " Neptune's Car " 
 and then visit friends Hughson and Vanderburg (Company D), 
 but this part of our program was spoiled by our arrest and 
 peremptory return to Fort Clark. 
 
 Wednesday, October 2d. 
 
 Our camp has just been startled by the intelligence that 
 the tug " Fanny " has been captured by the enemy while under 
 way with quartermaster's and commissary stores for the 
 Twentieth Indiana Regiment at Chicomocomico. Well, we 
 have been quiet so long, what if we should have a little excite- 
 ment, say I. 
 
 The accounts of the capture of the " Fanny " seem to be 
 confused, but all agree that her crew, consisting of nine or ten 
 men of our Regiment, with a larger number of the Twentieth, 
 were taken prisoners. She was surrounded by two or three of 
 the enemy's schooners, so reads one version ; was shamefully 
 deserted by her sailing master, was run aground and so com- 
 pelled to surrender, but not without first putting seven balls 
 into one of the schooners, out of the nine she fired, and then 
 throwing as many stores overboard as possible before being 
 taken. The other story runs : the " Fanny " was taken with 
 all on board, by three small gunboats, while on a shoal unloading 
 in boats, opposite Colonel Brown's camp at Chicomocomico 
 and without making any attempt at resistance. 
 
 One of our men captured was a messmate of mine, Beith 
 
 54 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 by name, a good enough fellow, but lazy. He could never be 
 made to drill as an infantry soldier, and actually compelled 
 his superior to detail him for artillery duty whenever it w'as 
 re(|uiro(l, it being impossible to do anything else with him — 
 hence his position as gunner on board the " Fanny " when 
 captured. 
 
 While at Newport News, I had once carefully washed a 
 vest, a portion of our full-dress uniform, and hung it on some 
 bushes back of the tent to dry. Meanwhile I was detailed for 
 some kind of duty, and when I came back the vest was gone, 
 and not a person in our mess seemed to know where it had gone 
 to. Now, as it was impossible to appear on dress-parade without 
 a vest, I naturally became somewhat anxious to know what 
 had become of it, and failed not to stew and brew about the 
 missing article of clothing and inquire of every one thereabout 
 for it, and to search high and low, all in vain, imfil, it being 
 nearly time to fall in for Parade, it occurred to Beith, that he 
 had taken .some one's vest from behind the tent with which to 
 patch his patitalootis — Je-ru-sa-lem ! Well — allhougli Beith was 
 heavy, in fact built like an o.x, and he could have made nothing 
 of me with one sweep of his huge fist as easily as an elephant 
 with one step of his foot, supreme passion will sometimes, for 
 just one sublime moment, usurp the place of strength. I struck 
 Beith and knocked him over. That is, I sui)pose, I made him 
 lose his e(|uilil)rium and he tumbled over, very nearly, by the 
 way, taking the tent with him as he fell, with all the appurte- 
 narucs tliereunto belonging. What would have become of me 
 hiid Hcith been made angry by his fall, I shall never know, 
 for it happened tiiat Lieutenant Russell passed just then, and 
 had us both put in the guard-house for fighting. But Beith, 
 with that presence of mind which I guarantee stood him in 
 good stead on the " Fanny," restraining any hasty action 
 calculated to roil the temper of the enemy, did not neglect on 
 this ociasion to put a pack of cards in his pocket, which, as 
 soon as we were safe in the guard-house, we proceeded to 
 discuss, continuing with great animosity, until we were released 
 the next morning. 
 
 55 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 Sunday, October 5th. 
 
 As I write, our Regiment and the Twentieth Indiana are 
 on Dress Parade in front of Fort Clark. I have been excused 
 from attendance on account of a forced march from here last 
 Friday night to the relief of the Twentieth, which was then 
 supposed to be hemmed in and fighting its way through a force 
 of the enemy landed below it, to cut off its retreat to this point. 
 About four o'clock Friday afternoon. Captain Jardine came in 
 hot haste from Chicomocomico with the intelligence that the 
 Twentieth was attacked and surrounded at that place and its 
 retreat cut off. By five o'clock our detachment marched off 
 up the beach, the " Monticello " at the same time steaming 
 with us on the ocean side. The " Coses " and the " Putnam," 
 two vessels of light draught, were to have gone up the Sound, 
 and why they did not I can not comprehend. These vessels 
 were made ready for action, and considerable indignation was 
 felt by the men on board, as well as by us on shore, at their 
 inactivity. At Camp Wool we were joined by Colonel Betts' 
 command, and with the exhilarating idea of going to the rescue, 
 all went merrily till about midnight, when the rapid march in 
 the sand, which sank under us at every step to a depth of three 
 or four inches, began to tell on us. 
 
 It was a very romantic march to me. After passing the 
 long open beach above Camp Wool, we entered woods more 
 solid than any on the lower part of the Island, and the night 
 being extremely dark, I could at times scarcely distinguish two 
 file-leaders ahead. But the weariness soon became oppressive, 
 and when the canteen gave out, the men began to drop. I 
 asked my companion for a drink once, for my tongue seemed 
 to be parched; it was refused and I did not ask again, but 
 Contented myself with chewing the leaves of the overhanging 
 trees, which were covered with a heavy dew. When we had 
 made thirteen miles, the column halted and we turned in as 
 best we could under the trees. As I was, by this time, suffering 
 from an unusual degree of thirst, I could not think of sleep, 
 but with cup and canteen, sallied out in search of water, hoping 
 my good fortune would lead me to some habitation with a well, 
 56 
 
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 wj 
 
 Fort Clark (Hatteras) 
 
 '»rr- 
 
 
 Forts Hatteras and (lark 
 
■■utto^A- 
 
 ) f " '-i. 
 
 
 Rebel Tugboat '" Teazon '" Vt 
 
 PLATE X 
 
•^i 
 
 i 
 
 \L 
 
 intiali " (ttr Nt'wport News. Virginia 
 

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 Old French C.innon at Fort Clark 
 
 fii. 
 
 Dismounted Cim at Fort Clark 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 hut there was no such luck for me. It is true I fell into a sort 
 of a marsh, after a half-hour's groping in the intense darkness, 
 but as the water was not only lukewarm but brackish, I did 
 not feel much relieved. I returned to our bivouac much dis- 
 gusted, wrapped my overcoat about me, and slept .soundly until 
 morning. 
 
 I awakened, stiff from the fatigue of the night previous 
 and with a teeth-chattering chill caused by the sand, which, 
 however dry and hot in the sun, is cold and damp at night. 
 A little *' I)oui)le-quick " set this matter right and after a march 
 of three or four miles, we met the Indiana Company, or rather 
 came upon them by Cai)e Ilatteras Light House. To this 
 point they had retreated from Chicomocomico, fearing a force 
 would land below them and cut them off, and as they had not a 
 single piece of artillery with which to reply to the Rebel gun- 
 boats (.seven in all), I think they did wisely in not attempting 
 a stand. They lost some seventy-five men, with, of course, 
 everything in the shape of camp equipage. It seems that, while 
 endeavoring to save as much as possible of their property, they 
 were sur[)rised by a land force from above, and in their dis- 
 organized state could offer no resistance. Their Sergeant-Major 
 is reported to have killed a Captain, and their Major to have 
 shot one or two of the men. The Sutler was ordered to stop 
 by a squad, but he took to his heels and ran the gauntlet of 
 seven bullets. 
 
 We have since been informed by .some of the inhabitants 
 of Chicomocomico that the enemy pursued the Twentieth 
 until told that a force was on the way to re-enforce it, and by 
 this means picked up stragglers and all those who were unable 
 to keep up during the march of unusual severity. Colonel 
 Brown was downhearted at his ill luck and felt sore at Colonel 
 Hawkins for having exposed him to disaster without sufficient 
 |)n)te<tion. His first words to our Colonel on meeting him, 
 were, *' You sent me up there with my hands tied ! " And well 
 he might complain, in my opinion, for the policy of having an 
 out{>ost some forty miles from its base of suppHes, without a 
 cannon or the protection of a gunboat, and within hailing dis- 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 tance of the enemy, is certainly questionable. It is true, New- 
 port News was occupied and held by a Regiment, but that 
 Regiment was never for a moment left from under the guns of 
 the " Monticello," and here were two light-draught gunboats 
 equal to cope with anything the enemy has in these waters, 
 and with nothing else to do. These vessels were so unaccount- 
 ably inactive on this occasion, however, that perhaps they 
 were kept at the Inlet for some reason that I am not able 
 to fathom. 
 
 There was certainly every reason in the world to suppose 
 they would co-operate with us ; had they done so, we would 
 probably have re-occupied Chicomocomico — if not permanently, 
 at least long enough to teach the Rebels a lesson ; but as they 
 did not, there was nothing for us to do but to turn about, and 
 cover the retreat in the same way we did at Big Bethel. 
 
 The " Monticello " was not to be cheated out of her share 
 anyway. Steaming up the Atlantic to a position opposite the 
 Rebel fleet, she shelled the camp and vicinity in a right lively 
 manner. One of her shells, as I watched, either struck one of 
 the gunboats or so near it as to perceptibly swing the vessel to 
 and fro for a moment. 
 
 The " Monticello " blazed away all the afternoon and then 
 landed a force that stayed on shore ail night. This I was 
 told by one of the Indiana men who escaped by swimming to 
 her, after dodging the enemy through the woods. She returned 
 to her station opposite here, this morning. 
 
 We stopped long enough at the Light House to rest our 
 men and for me to get my fill of grapes, which were splendid. 
 I got a sketch of the Light House, but I did not feel able to 
 travel an extra mile or two to ascend, though I very much 
 wanted to. The only thing I have in my sketch-book beside 
 the Light, is a vine-covered cluster of trees grown in the shape 
 of a little Gothic church. 
 
 I can not be blamed for thinking it pretty, for in the 
 deep twilight as I saw it, so perfect was it in outline, I could 
 easily imagine a little i\'y-covered English church, such as 
 is often seen in pictures. 
 58 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 October 9th. 
 
 Information just received that an Indianian is at the house 
 of one of the inhabitants, sick from exposure, having passed 
 some days in the swamps without food while getting away from 
 the Rebs. 
 
 Camp Wool, 
 Sunday, October 13th. 
 
 Since my last, the " Spaulding " has made her weekly visit, 
 bringing this time, General Mansfield, who is now in command 
 here. Tlic first fruit of this change is that our whole Regiment 
 is now at Camp Wool, and the Indianians in occupation of 
 our old quarters at Fort Clark. Our Company has been 
 assigned a very pretty spot for camping-ground, whereon 
 we pitched last Friday evening, on a little dry hill just large 
 enough for the Comi)any, covered with trees and surrounded 
 by a marsh or bog. In this respect it is a small fortress by itself, 
 being surrounded by water on all sides but the rear, where we 
 have a narrow dry passage to the beach — and even this is 
 amply protected by the Company cook-house. 
 
 My messmate and I have pitched our tent on a spot under 
 some trees in front of a clear stream of water in the marsh, 
 which is very pretty, though I presume not the healthiest in 
 the world ; but then, if one is after health, I think it best to 
 get off the Island of Hatteras as speedily as possible. There 
 are a couple of young wild ducks swimming in the pond as I 
 write : they have been coming and going ever since we came, 
 evidently much annoyed at our proceedings. I would advise 
 these young ducks to fly, if I could quack as they do. 
 
 Wednesday, October 16th. 
 General Mansfield has returned to Fortress Monroe, evi- 
 dently in pure disgust at the situation, and a Brigadier-General 
 (Williams) is in command. This Brigadier does not deem it 
 beneath his dignity to make the most of the situation at Hat- 
 teras, or of his authority as Commander of a Regiment and a 
 half, for of all the disciplinarians in the world, he is the most 
 
 59 
 
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 5 
 
 
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 7 
 
 
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 9-11 
 
 
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 4-4: 
 
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 THE LONG ROLL 
 
 " disciplinious." The following routine of exercises was read 
 on Dress Parade last night, and has been to-day entered upon : 
 
 Reveille . _ _ 
 
 Constant exercise under arms until Fatigue 
 
 Call 
 Breakfast Call 
 
 Dress Parade _ _ _ 
 
 Guard Mount 
 
 Morning Drill . _ _ 
 
 Dinner _ _ _ 
 
 Drill 
 Drill 
 
 Dress Parade _ _ _ 
 
 Supper _ _ - 
 
 Inspection of Arms 
 Tattoo _ _ _ _ 8 " 
 
 Taps _ _ _ 8:30 " 
 
 This is indeed a bill of fare for every day in the week, 
 including, I presume, Sundays. Still there may be a grain 
 of wisdom in it all, for this constant activity, although harass- 
 ing, must be healthy, and as long as we must occupy this 
 sand-bank, health is the main thing. 
 
 Five sails, said to be Rebel gunboats from up the Sound, 
 were in sight yesterday, and it may be that to guard against 
 surprise is one motive that prompted Williams in this severe 
 order of exercise. Aside from this, we are better quartered 
 now than ever, and are pretty well fed. We have just been 
 furnished with new tents, which are generally pitched end to 
 end back of the old ones, thus furnishing quarters doubly as 
 commodious as usual. 
 
 Fort Clark, 
 Sunday, October 20th. 
 
 The fact is, Camp Wool was more pretty than healthy. 
 One hundred and twenty-five sick at the hospital, of whom 
 three died while there. Had to retreat. Struck tents yesterday 
 60 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 morning and arrived at Fort Clark in a heavy rainstorm. 
 Most of our men got soaking wet. I got in with some Indi- 
 anians and had a most exceUent cup of coffee. Got our tent 
 pitelied yesterday afternoon, and also a floor j)ut in it, so that 
 we enjoyed a splendid night's rest. 
 
 Our Child of the Regiment is not the graceful and bewitching 
 Vivandiere we see in pictures, is not a girl at all in fact, but a 
 boy — and an Irish boy at that, if one can trust the name, which 
 is John Murphy. He is nine years old and believes he has a 
 mother somewhere, and that he had a father once, though of 
 this fact John ^lurphy is not certain. 
 
 Our Orderly, while in New York recruiting, enlisted one 
 Thomj)son (now Corporal Thompson of our Company), for- 
 merly of the Twelfth New York Militia, then just from the 
 seat of war, and to him he found Johnny clinging, and with 
 Thompson and the Sergeant, Johnny came to Newport News, 
 after having shared the fortunes of the Twelfth during their 
 three or four months' service. Thompson found the boy in 
 Washington originally, growing wild, at any rate, not being 
 able to give any account of himself, and since then has ever 
 cared for him kindly. He keeps him as clean as a pin, and does 
 not allow him to swear. A good ending may be a questionable 
 propliecy from this doubtful begimiing, but stranger things 
 have hap[)ened. If he is a diamond from the rubbish-heap, 
 he is a tough one, that is certain. On the late march to the 
 Light House, he kept up with the Regiment every step of the 
 way, carrying two haversacks and a canteen, and sleeping at 
 night uiider cover of Thompson's blanket, enduring everything 
 with greater cheerfulness than did many of his grown-up com- 
 rades. 
 
 Monday, October 21st. 
 
 Fort Clark is not now what it was when here last, for the 
 restless energy of General Williams has been more conspicuous 
 than at Camp Wool, for while we have been drilled in and out 
 of .sea.son, the Indianians have been kept equally busy at a 
 breastwork of sand in barrels, and turf, which now extends 
 across the whole Island, and rumor has it that this indomitable, 
 
 61 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 unconquerable, infernal Brigadier intends to cut a canal outside 
 
 of this work from the Atlantic to the Pamlico. Then let the 
 
 ten thousand North Carolinians come on — if a storm, that is, 
 
 should not in the meantime, both batter down his works and 
 
 fill up his canal ! _ 
 
 October 26th. 
 
 Among the letters received by last mail was one from 
 Sergeant Hodgekins at the Rip Raps. The Sergeant mentions 
 
 among other matters the fact of one , a deserter 
 
 from McGruder's forces, having been released by the General's 
 orders and allowed to go North. It was through this man, 
 I learned, that McGruder had really been in earnest about 
 attacking us on the night of the Seventh of August last. That, 
 with that intention, he had marched from Yorktown with 
 all his available forces, some seven thousand men fully equipped 
 for an attack on our works, carrying, among other things, 
 one hundred scaling-ladders ; but that, when within some five 
 miles of our post, he had called a council of war, which deter- 
 mined the taking of it impracticable, or if not, at least so to 
 hold ; so he marched by us and burned the village of Hampton, 
 hoping thereby to draw out either Phelps or Butler. 
 
 That Phelps was prepared and ready to receive his old 
 classmate warmly, I have some personal knowledge, having 
 been on the inner guard during the night, and posted where 
 I could overlook the General's headquarters. About dark, 
 the " Savannah " moved up the stream and took up a position 
 opposite the water-battery. At eleven o'clock, two brass can- 
 non came up from the Fort by express, and during the night 
 the General was about alone, moving quietly as a shadow 
 from place to place. He was leaning over the breastworks 
 when the flames from Hampton lighted up the sky, and he 
 turned to a soldier on post and said, " Some one must be very 
 drunk to do that," after which, I am told, he went to his quar- 
 ters and to bed. 
 
 Phelps had expected an attack this time. The day before 
 he had taken an unusual interest in drilling the artillery squads, 
 and had the infantry exercised in all the probable movements 
 62 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 of repelling the enemy, and besides the usual twenty-four hours' 
 notice to quit, which McGruder invariably sends, " there are," 
 Beith had heard the General say, " more signs of an attack 
 now than ever before." It was while McGruder was burning 
 Hampton that the man deserted, managing to steal away 
 toward Fortress Monroe, giving Butler information of forces, 
 movements, etc. 
 
 Monday, October 28th. 
 
 Our Company seems to be not only unfortunate in the 
 choice of officers, but in the officers chosen for us as well. 
 Captain Coppault, certainly a splendid drillmaster and with 
 every outward appearance of a soldier, turns out a failure in 
 the field, and has resigned. Lieutenant Russell is not much 
 better, and perhaps ought to resign. Flemming is the best of 
 men, but too good a fellow for a disciplinarian, and our First 
 Sergeant is so ridiculously boyish that all his discipline loses 
 its effect. Second Sergeant Peret, the slave of a clique which 
 runs the Company, dares not say his soul is his own, and not 
 an intelligent officer in our tribe, except it be Corporal Davis 
 of the C'olor Guard, and he, being an artist who cares nothing 
 for this military business except for the subjects it furnishes 
 his pencil, is neither appreciated nor understood. And now 
 we are to have one Barnard for our Captain. This man, for 
 shooting a subordinate in the First New York Volunteers, 
 had to fly for his life, but instead of resigning, he was trans- 
 ferred to this Regiment. Colonel Hawkins refused to recognize 
 him, however, and he is, in consequence thereof, under arrest. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Betts has assigned Barnard to our Company 
 to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Captain Cop- 
 pault. 
 
 It does not suit the temper of our fellows to be commanded 
 much, anyway ; and for one of our own Regiment even, unless 
 he carried a pretty strong hand, it might be an unpleasant task 
 to take hold of Company I, and that being the case, the feeling 
 of the Company as a whole can easily be imagined. The idea 
 of being controlled by a man for whom most of us felt an 
 abhorrence, seemed entirely intolerable. This feeUng, sharpened 
 
 63 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 by the notion that we would be submitting to another indignity 
 put upon us, assisted by the contemptuous opinion we held of 
 Barnard as to his bravery, combined to give the Captain a 
 reception such as perhaps no other officer had ever before had 
 from his subordinates. A variety of insults were heaped upon 
 him openly, the moment he entered our quarters, and last 
 Thursday, when he came out to take command, the Company 
 refused to a man to obey his orders. And this, too, after he had 
 made a speech to the effect that the insulting remarks he had 
 heard must be stopped, and that he would shoot another man 
 under the same circumstances, etc. ; but all in vain — our boys 
 insisted that they did not know him and would not obey, and 
 he was obliged to retire, leaving the command to Lieutenant 
 Russell. 
 
 During that day he was burned in eflSgy, a caricature was 
 made on his tent, and a variety of greater indignities suggested, 
 should he ever attempt to take command. On Dress Parade, 
 a general order was read assigning him to our Company with 
 every circumstance of name and rank, which only served to 
 exasperate our men the more. Russell did all he could in a few 
 remarks, laying down the law, but his little speech was instantly 
 followed by three cheers for Russell and three groans for Bar- 
 nard, and that night the Company's quarters seemed a perfect 
 bedlam, so that the poor man dared not step out of his tent. 
 This was the last of Captain Barnard. In the morning, the 
 Major sent in a request that the Company cease their demon- 
 strations, as Captain Barnard had already sent in his resignation. 
 
 A rumor to the effect that we are to proceed to Chicomo- 
 comico at once is strengthened by the fact that the cooks are 
 preparing two days' rations, by order of General Williams. 
 
 Camp Wool, 
 Friday, November 8th. 
 We are again at Camp Wool in our old Company Quarters, 
 but expect to be back at Fort Clark to-morrow. Comments 
 on these tedious and objectless counter-marchings between the 
 two places, I do not care to indulge in, for fear it might work me 
 64 
 
1tt» 
 
 The Hut Picket 
 
 In the Hut 
 
 PLATE Xn 
 
ht.f 
 
 The Windmill Picket at Hatteras 
 
 PLATE XIII 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 up to too great an indignation. Suffice it to say, that our 
 General docs not seem to be of one mind two minutes at a time. 
 He is apparently at child's play with a lot of wooden soldiers, 
 no sooner having them arranged in one way, than he wishes 
 to see how they will look in another, and so he keeps them 
 constantly on the move. 
 
 Day before yesterday, I was detailed for the Hut Picket 
 with some twelve more of our Company, under Sergeant Hill. 
 The hut now used as the advance picket station on the Island 
 is an old wrecking-house built of poles and reeds, and it is an 
 indifferent protection from frost, wind or rain, as I have to 
 some extent discovered. During the day, one man on post 
 is sufficient, as he can sweep the open sand-bank for a distance 
 af six or eight miles, but at night, it is necessary to have a string 
 >f guards across the Island. 
 
 The day passed very comfortably around the fire, which, 
 tradition says, has never been out since the hut has been in 
 ISC as a picket-house. There we sat and slept and smoked 
 
 II 1(1 chatted away the hours, until it was time to place the 
 iK).sts for the night. 
 
 The wind set in strong from the Northeast that night, 
 
 ind it was not only very cold, but in sweeping down the open 
 
 sand-bank it carried with it a constant storm of fine sand, 
 
 .vliich pelted away unmercifully all night long. The sand 
 
 .vas carried along with such force that whenever it struck an 
 
 xjiosed part of face or hands, it tingled or stung like Virginia 
 
 nn^(juitoes, or the bite of horse-flies in cloudy weather, so 
 
 li.it I found it necessary to draw my cap down over my eyes 
 
 t> protect them from the continual danger of having them put 
 
 )iit. I found my time on post that night more tedious and 
 
 iiiplcasant than that duty has ever been before, and that I 
 
 va■^ not an exceptional ca.se may be inferred from the fact 
 
 hat one of the men on post after me, called for a relief after 
 
 III hour's time, declaring himself incapable or unwilling to 
 taiul it. A .solilier has the absolute right to call for relief if he 
 i'l'U it impossible to keep awake, or from any other cause feels 
 
 elf unable to guard his post. To add to my misery, I 
 
 65 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 was plagued with a parching thirst which it seemed impossible 
 to satisfy, and when I was relieved, I found not a drop of water 
 in the hut in either jug or canteen ; and as the idea of going 
 to sleep without something to drink was simply unbearable, 
 I took the jug and sallied forth for a fresh supply, although 
 it meant a distance of a mile or more. Dark as mud. Lost 
 my way. Think I was half-asleep. The creek was swollen to 
 treble its usual proportion by the waves of the Atlantic washing 
 over the beach and pouring into it. I went up and down the 
 stream to find a crossing. I staggered from the want of sleep 
 and suflfered with the intense thirst. Finally found a four-inch 
 scantling, lost my balance of course, and was in to my waist. : 
 Waded over and " found myself where I did not know I was." 
 I am persuaded I must have been asleep. After groping around 
 for about a half an hour longer, I ran against a house. It looked 
 as old unpainted houses always look in the dead of night, as if 
 it might contain either sleep or death. I found a well, from 
 which I filled myself and my jug. Tried the scantling again, 
 but with worse luck this time, for I went in to the armpits. 
 Did I know of having tasted anything stronger than water 
 for at least eight months, I would say I was drunk. I reached 
 the hut wet through and pierced to pieces with the Northeast 
 wind, but I had the jug, and I drank again and again as fondly 
 as any old toper might a pet beverage of his, and spent the 
 rest of the night drying my clothes and looking out for daylight. 
 
 About the time we were relieved from the hut, the " Spauld- 
 ing " came in from Fortress Monroe, it was thought to take 
 us away from this place, but as it has turned out, to take instead 
 the Indiana Company. I expect to be at Fort Clark again 
 to-morrow. Would be there now, in fact, were it not that 
 I am placed here as camp guard, for three Companies of our 
 Regiment are ordered down there to take the place of the 
 Indiana garrison. 
 
 Meanwhile, I am my own lord and master, and have been kill- 
 ing time by such employments as reading, writing and drawing ; 
 washing, mending and eating ; smoking, lounging and sleeping 
 till all these are equally played out, and I can do nothing at all. 
 66 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 November 9th. 
 
 I am here yet and probably will be until to-morrow. I 
 would not feel so badly if I only knew how to employ my time. 
 The most intensely intereslinj? subject under discussion just 
 now with us is tiie question of being kej)t all Winter on this 
 unchristian sand-bank. I think, perha{)s, if we could unani- 
 mously decide in the negative, the Government might take us 
 away. What to do with this place is evidently a puzzle to 
 those who ought to know. It must be held, of course, but it 
 strikes me tiiere are more ways of holding and blockading 
 this inlet than the one now pursued. And as I am at least 
 General of these pages, and do likewise command my own 
 thoughts, I hope I am not presuming too much by venturing 
 to give my opinion. 
 
 I would strengthen Fort Hatteras if need be, and blow up 
 
 Fort Clark. It might have been important to the Rebels, 
 
 who had a navy to contend with, but it can be of no earthly use 
 
 to us ; besides, it is liable to be washed away at any time, 
 
 as the last storm fully proved, which not only swept away the 
 
 camp of the Indianians, but so completely demolished the 
 
 works they had made that hardly a sign of them is to be seen, 
 
 so I am told. This being the case, of what use is it ? Blow her 
 
 up, I say, and leave the Inlet to Fort Hatteras and a couple 
 
 of gunboats. It won't run away, unless washed away by the 
 
 Atlantic. Then let us go, for God's sake, where we can be of 
 
 some service to our country. If we are to be, as it is said, an 
 
 advance guard, it is likely that the expedition just going down 
 
 the coast will give us places enough to hold, more important 
 
 than this, and fighting enough too, if that is wanted, and I, 
 
 for my part, certainly want to see some more active service 
 
 than we get here. 
 
 Fort Clark, 
 
 Tuesday, November 12th. 
 I finally got away from Camp Wool last Sunday night 
 where I had so much time to myself that, when I came down 
 here, I nmst needs be immediately put on guard duty, from 
 whirli 1 have just been relieved. 
 
 67 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 The General's works here across the Island have been 
 carried by storm, erased, leveled and scattered to the winds ! 
 So that the everlasting plowshare, if there were the slightest 
 use for such an implement here, might pass over the sand 
 without knowing from any evidence except it be intuitive, 
 and quite poetical, that it was turning over classic ground. 
 And now, the terrible work of demolishment over, the enemy 
 has retired to his own country, calmed in a measure and satisfied, 
 at any rate, for a while. It must be some satisfaction, however, 
 that it is the Atlantic Ocean, and no human power, that has 
 beaten General Williams. 
 
 To my notion the same enemy may come again with 
 redoubled fury, and it is to be feared more, if the safety of these 
 forts is essential to the safety of the country, than the terrible 
 ten thousand now mustering on the other side of the Pamlico 
 determined to retake Hatteras or die. 
 
 , The " Spaulding " is again in sight, and her decks are 
 evidently crowded with troops, whether for this post or not 
 we can but guess, but should they be, I presume we will have 
 to go back to Camp Wool. If the " Spaulding " only brings 
 good news with her troops, I am willing she should bring as 
 many as she likes. We have had good news from the South, 
 now let us have equally good tidings from the North, and we 
 will all " arise and sing." 
 
 The " Monticello," on her way North to-day, just stopped 
 long enough to tell us that the result of the naval expedition 
 which passed down the coast some time ago has been the capture 
 of two forts at Port Royal and the occupation of the City of 
 Beaufort, Georgia, which, I presume, is but a prologue to the 
 main play destined to be at Charleston. 
 
 Camp Wool (Again), 
 November 12th. 
 Came oflF guard this morning at Fort Clark, struck tents 
 and marched up here and pitched in our old quarters. Have 
 a long letter ready for the returning " Spaulding " to my sister 
 Eva in Mansfield, Ohio, who is now on her way to our old home 
 68 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 in Minnesota to visit Father, whose health is not as good as usual. 
 
 The "Spaulding" brought the Forty -eighth Pennsylvania, 
 who are to take the place of the Indianians, but no news of 
 any consequence from the North. No news is better than bad 
 news, I suppose, but it seems awfully dull that way — along the 
 lines, I mean. 
 
 Thursday, November 14th. 
 
 Have not been stationed at Fort Clark since the date of 
 my last writing. Have seen the New York " Tribune " of the 
 Eighth. It contains a letter from their correspondent at Hat- 
 tertis concerning our troubles in the affair with Captain Barnard, 
 and the version given is the popular one with us, and our boys 
 are much rejoiced thereat. I saw the correspondent and talked 
 with him while he was there, and I particularly liked his quiet 
 and pleasant manner. He justifies our Company for refusing 
 to obey Captain Barnard and the feeling of the Regiment in 
 general, and he does full justice to Colonel Hawkins, who is 
 yet under arrest, it is presumed, for insubordination. Our 
 Colonel has, by his spirited action in this matter, regained 
 much of his one-time lost popularity. 
 
 Captain Barnard has nominal command, but leaves the 
 active duties of his position to his subordinates, being, in fact, 
 rarely seen in our Company quarters. The feeling is so strong 
 against him, that should he ever go into action with us, I would 
 fear for his life. 
 
 Afternoon. 
 
 Our gunboats are all outside on some business or other, 
 and, as usual, when such is the case, the enemy is " snooking" 
 around. As I write, a gunboat of theirs is disappearing on the 
 horizon, evidently reconnoitering. She came within five miles 
 of us and .sent one of her compliments at Hatteras in general, 
 for it set»med to be designed for no place in particular. Tom 
 Corbin "of Ours" replied with a couple of shots, but they 
 were as compliments returned. It was amusing to see a couple 
 of fishing-boats at our little wharf run up their canvas and 
 make for other waters. They evidently did not want to be 
 in the way in case of a " little afiFuir." 
 
 69 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 We have heard distant firing all day from up the Sound, 
 
 probably from Roanoke Island or vicinity, where the enemy 
 
 is said to be in force. , ,^., 
 
 Sunday, November 17tn. 
 
 On the Hut Picket again. We came down this morning 
 via Pamlico Sound, before as fine a breeze as ever drove a 
 " Cooner," and in a sailboat which was yesterday at Roanoke 
 Island in the service of the Confederate States of America. 
 
 About daybreak, the Windmill Picket below us discovered 
 a sail evidently from some point on the mainland, and when 
 within haihng distance the strange craft was easily persuaded 
 to come ashore. The single mariner proved to be a negro, Ben, 
 from Roanoke Island, who started the night before and suc- 
 ceeded in getting out to sea without being observed, and sailing 
 all night, had, as he calculated, reached Hatteras this morning. 
 
 Fortunately for the success of his adventure, the weather 
 was very heavy during the night. His boat had taken in so 
 much water that he had to bail out four times, and he was wet 
 to the skin and very cold. This was why the Windmill Picket 
 brought him down to us, for they being housed, have no fire. 
 It proved quite a treat for us during the slow morning hours, 
 for we did not fail to get from him all he knew, and this was 
 not a little, for he proved himself a person of more than ordinary 
 intelligence, and he answered our questions in a way that con- 
 vinced us that he was reliable. 
 
 According to Ben, there are on Roanoke Island three Regi- 
 ments, two from this State and one from Georgia, and among 
 these men are many who serve unwillingly, if not under com- 
 pulsion. There was an order for an advance on us last week, 
 but so many " skulked " to get rid of the expedition that it 
 was given up. The enemy is fortifying the Island, erecting 
 batteries and mounting guns. They have five gunboats, among 
 which the " Fanny " is one of their best. The little brass piece 
 she carried while " one of ours " has been replaced by a heavier 
 gun. One of the Regiments wear overcoats like ours, thanks 
 to the Indianians. They are suppUed with Indian meal, bread 
 and coffee, and are paid in Confederate State scrip, of which 
 70 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 Ben gave a specimen to Corporal Downy. It is printed on a 
 sort of brown manilla paper and very poorly executed. Ben 
 was owned by a man in North Carolina who has two sons in 
 the army at Roanoke, one of whom Ben was serving while 
 there. 
 
 We anxiously questioned him as to any one being found 
 answering to the description of our Sergeant John McGhnchy. 
 Friends had hoped that he might have been picked up by some 
 one on the Lsland. Tlie last we saw of him, he was in a small 
 boat on the Sound, and Ben having heard nothing, we are 
 forced to believe that he was driven out in the gale and swamped. 
 
 When the new guard came on, we took passage in Ben's 
 " Cooner " and sailed with a " spanking breeze " to camp, 
 which is decidedly more pleasant than the heavy walk through 
 the eternal sand. 
 
 The " Spaulding " is in with another mail. Three letters 
 for me and some papers. Good news from both North and 
 South. We have now the complete details of the taking of 
 Port Royal, also accounts of a victory in Kentucky at Pikes- 
 ville, where four hundred Confederates are said to have been 
 killed and two thousand prisoners taken, among whom were 
 two Generals, Williams and Haws. The Privateer " Sumter " 
 is captured, and Mason and Slidell taken in the "Nashville." 
 " So much for Buckingham." 
 
 Thursday, November 21st. 
 Four of our Companies, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Betts, yesterday engaged a like force under Major Kimball, 
 and got " licked like the Devil," all owing to the incompetency 
 of the Second Lieutenant of Company A commanding the 
 Reserve. We advanced within a quarter of a mile of Kimball's 
 force. A company of skirmishers, to reconnoiter, advances, 
 deploys and opens fire on Kimball. He returns the fire. We 
 advance to the skirmish line, who then close intervals. Forward 
 in column sustaining a heavy fire from the enemy. At a distance 
 of an eighth of a mile, he charges on us with a yell. Colonel 
 Betts promptly commands, " About face ! Double-quick ! " and 
 
 71 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 gallops back to take charge of the Reserve, whose volley is to 
 drive the enemy and behind which we are to re-form. But 
 the Reserve, where, oh where was it ? Why, bless us, when the 
 order " About face " was given, they turned also and ran so 
 much faster than any of us that there was no stop to them, 
 and so our retreat was a total rout. Thus endeth the first lesson. 
 Another exchange of compliments yesterday between a 
 Rebel Gunboat and one of our tugs. As they both seemed 
 anxious to keep out of range, it is presumed that no one was 
 hurt. 
 
 Monday, November 2oth. 
 
 Have just come in from another twenty-four-hour picket 
 duty, this time on what is called the " Church Picket," which 
 is accounted one of the best to be on in cold weather, and yet 
 I feel the effects of what little sleep I got. There seems to be 
 something about this infernal sand-bank calculated for " chills 
 and fever," for even in hot weather the sand is damp and cold 
 and will chill through any frame that must recline on it. 
 
 Brought three sketches back from this siege : one of the 
 picket station, one of the church with the graves of the members 
 of our Regiment buried here, and one of the little schoolhouse. 
 
 About eight o'clock last night, it fell to my lot to escort 
 two of our men, found outside the lines without the countersign, 
 to Camp Wool, a distance of a good mile. Coming back it was 
 so dark in some parts of the woods that I could hardly see my 
 hands before me. And as a sentinel was fired upon a day or 
 two ago under circumstances which would seem to prove spies 
 about, if not in our very camp, I hope I will not be blamed 
 if I kept my musket at an easy " ready " with a sharp look-out 
 even on the pigs and cows that happened along the lonely way. 
 
 Old Stein lives close by the Church Picket, a grizzly, bearded, 
 salt-sea fossil, about sixty years of age, and still following 
 actively his calling, that of a fisherman, as indeed is every one 
 else on the Island. He comes out to smoke and chat with us 
 occasionally, and the following information I have gathered 
 from his conversation. 
 
 He was born on the Island, and lived where Fort Hatteras 
 72 
 

 
 % 
 
 4«^ 
 
 v;\ •, > 
 
 /■ 
 
 
 ^^ 
 
 A Hattoras Landscape 
 
 -. ♦ 
 
 
 Tin- Church Picket 
 
1 "*t 
 

 riir MiT,i>l\voi-k III Tn-iil 
 
 rS2 
 
 'i, » '• 
 
 .^i 
 
 V 
 
 V 
 
 Church Picket at Trent 
 
 PLATE XVI 
 
,r\-(ir1 
 
 Moonlight Scene at Trent 
 Bi/ John Davis 
 
 On Duncan (reek 
 
 PLATE XVII 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 is now, until he married. Before the " great flood of *46,** 
 the open beach between Camp Wool and Fort Hatteras, also 
 tliat between Trent and Duncan Creek (the one I fell into 
 twice in one night), was as flourishing with vegetation as any 
 other part of the Island. A stray Northeast wind prevailed 
 for two weeks without cessation, and swelled the breakers to 
 such a size that they finally washed over these parts, carrying 
 with every one, immense volumes of water into the Sound, 
 and tearing up great trees and every other vestige of vegetation. 
 Finally, the waters of the Sound raised to such a height that 
 a great part of the Island was submerged and the inhabitants 
 were compelled to take to the sand-hills that had been thrown 
 up by the winds along the Atlantic side. And when the waters 
 subsided, Hatteras Inlet was cut out and the fairest portion 
 of the Island laid under a desert of sand in which vegetation 
 has not yet been able to show any signs of revival. From 
 whence, Mr. Stein comes to the remarkable conclusion that 
 tlie Island of Hatteras is fated ; " for," said he, " this Island 
 came out of the sea, and it will go back to the sea ; in another 
 age, it will be only a reef like those on the coast of Florida." 
 Some time ago, I found an old Geography, published, I 
 think, in 1833, which was incomprehensible to me then, but 
 which I now find explained by Mr. Stein. That work described 
 these Islands on the coast of North Carolina, but no Hatteras 
 Inlet. Ocracoke was then the only Inlet navigable for vessels. 
 Now this is made plain, and the reputation of the old work 
 re-established. *' And so much learned in one day," I remarked 
 as the old man put a fresh coal on his pipe and went to see to 
 hi.s nets in the Sound. 
 
 Wednesday, November 27th. 
 
 One of Sergeant McGlinchy's party (of three, sometime 
 since drowned), Thomas M. Golding, was a few days ago found 
 washed ashore opposite Fort Clark, and he was buried in a 
 little sand-hill back of our quarters. The members of his 
 Company (F) have taken great pains to fence in and decorate 
 his grave, with such materials as Nature has at hand, in a very 
 beautiful and artistic manner — a touching tribute to his mem- 
 
 73 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 ory, as well as evidence that his comrades feel his loss and knew 
 his worth as a man. I knew Golding well. He was one of the 
 twenty -four " of Ours " at the Rip Raps, where I learned to 
 respect him and became acquainted with some points in his 
 history. A carpenter as well as an engineer by trade, he had 
 once been in the employ of the Chicago and Milwaukee Railroad 
 Company, and for a time had run an engine on that road. If 
 my memory serves me, he had known Squire Hoisington in 
 Chicago. He was one of the best of men, strictly temperate, 
 and moral in all his ways. Never noisy or ofiFensive, but an 
 earnest soldier as well as man. And — here he is buried on Hat- 
 teras Bank. In the world, of course, but still it does seem a 
 strange fate to be buried here. 
 
 Trent, November 28th. 
 Thanksgiving Day, 1861. 
 
 Having had it in my mind for some time to visit a detach- 
 ment of our men at Trent, I applied to Captain Barnard for 
 a pass. Now, it seems, two men had just come in from Trent 
 under arrest, whom it was necessary to replace, and so I was 
 ordered to report there for duty instead of pleasure, and here 
 I am. 
 
 Our men, about one hundred, are encamped around a church 
 which they have fortified by throwing up a small breastwork 
 so as to enclose the front or entrance to the building, and so 
 make of it a sort of barrack for the garrison, and also command 
 the road. Meanwhile, the church is used only as a guard-house. 
 The men are camped around in huts constructed of pine logs 
 simply thrown into a letter A and covered with pine fir, which 
 furnishes a very rude comfort indeed, but more warmth, I 
 am told, than the church building. 
 
 This serves at once as our advance post on the Island, 
 it being only about five miles from Camp Wool, and as a pro- 
 tecting post for the inhabitants in case of raids of the enemy. 
 
 November 29th. 
 I am to-day on picket about a mile from Camp, and vaj 
 post is on the road that is the most advanced on the Island. 
 
 74 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 Picket duty is not very strict here, it being only necessary to 
 look out for the enemy. Sketched a little scene on the Pamlico 
 on the inside of an envelope back. It might be made into a 
 moonlight scene and a pretty one. 
 
 Camp Wool, 
 Saturday, November 30th. 
 Back again. I was taken sick on post at Trent, between 
 twelve and two this morning, and was relieved from duty. 
 Tiie fact is, I had indulged in too many baked sweet potatoes. 
 I offered to stay and make up my time this morning, but the 
 Corporal of the guard would not let me. When I arrived at 
 Camp, I found the two men from below, reported for duty, 
 so I was ordered back to my Company. I did not come away, 
 however, without a sketch of the breastwork and also of the 
 Trent Mill. Have been excused from duty to-day, and have 
 spent the time in quarters as it hath seemed good unto me. 
 
 Sunday Evening, December 1st. 
 
 Thain and I have spent a pleasant evening with Corporal 
 Davis and Sergeant Jackson in their tent. Davis is our artist, 
 and possesses extraordinary genius for one so young. He was 
 in the employ of the American Banknote Company when the 
 war broke out, and it opened such a field for adventure and 
 study that he could not resist. I took great pleasure in looking 
 over his sketches from the recent trip to Ocracoke, which by 
 the way was not only romantic, but adventuresome. Davis 
 accompanied the expedition as artist, and relates that they were 
 chased in a sailboat by two Confederate steamers, but by skill 
 of the pilot and his intimate acquaintance with the waters, 
 they succeeded in getting behind a reef and out of range. Davis 
 might have given more information quite as interesting, as 
 to the whereabouts of the enemy, their number, strength and 
 doings, but he had been instructed not to do so. 
 
 He visited the camping-ground of the Twentieth Indiana 
 at Chicomocomico, and explained the situation with the help 
 of an excellent sketch. He thinks Colonel Brown, with more 
 presence of mind, might have stood his ground. 
 
 75 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 Davis gave me some instruction in my favorite pastime. I 
 need to shew more decisive shading in my pencilings, make my 
 objects stronger and in sharper relief. He was pleased with 
 my moonlight scene from Trent, touched it up some and then 
 made a small drawing for me from the idea it had furnished. 
 
 Wednesday, December 4th. 
 
 Yesterday I was on guard at the lower windmill near Com- 
 pany E's quarters back of our camp. The weather was 
 extremely cold, damp and disagreeable during the day and 
 night. This morning, when the sun came out over the 
 Atlantic warm and strong, the vapory masses were soon rolled 
 away in pleasant shapes, clouds which in the distance took on 
 warm and brilliant hues. I sketched the scene of our camp 
 a little after sunrise, from a small square window near the 
 roof of the mill, from which one has a bird's-eye view of several 
 miles of Hatteras Bank, and out over the Atlantic with Camp 
 Wool in the foreground. At this time in the morning, the scene 
 is an animated one. The wharf is thronged with the fishermen 
 selling fish to the soldiers. Breakfast fires are smoking. Soldiers 
 are at early drill, if they can't get out of it ; bugles and drums 
 sound this call and that ; everywhere activity and life, which 
 produces a very pleasant impression after a cold night on guard, 
 with only shivery snatches of sleep in a rickety old windmill 
 on Hatteras Bank. 
 
 These windmills, by the way, are about the only things 
 picturesque on the Island, and as objects of study for an ama- 
 teur artist they are admirable. I have sketches of them all, 
 I believe, from here to Chicomocomico, taken from all possible 
 points of view, for they are all built after one plan. 
 
 The " Spaulding " arrived to-day, bringing the ever-wel- 
 come mail and the paymaster. News from home is discouraging. 
 My Father is still down and giving no signs of improvement. 
 I have hopes of seeing him, in spite of the crooked channels 
 this life of mine has run into ; but his last words when we parted 
 that we would " not meet again in this world " come to my 
 mind with a heavy weight of foreboding. I have thought at 
 76 
 
T HE LONG ROLL 
 
 times that my life, if either, was the one doomed in his mind, 
 but he may have known more of himself than he wished to tell. 
 
 Thursday, December 5th. 
 Quite a skirmish between Confederate gunboats and our 
 own, on the Sound this morning. As many as fifty shots were 
 exchanged and tlie enemy came nearer than ever before, without 
 being able to induce ours to move from under the guns of the 
 forts. It may be obeying orders, but it looks to me as if orders 
 were too strictly obeyed on board these vessels of ours. One of 
 the Rebel boats was the *' Fanny." 
 
 Saturday, December 7th. 
 Lieutenant Cooper, formerly Quartermaster's Sergeant, 
 delivered to me a package of drawing-paper and pencils, a 
 very acceptable gift from Frank Hughson of Fortress Monroe. 
 
 Sunday, December 8th. 
 On the last trip of the " Spaulding," came a lady, Mrs. 
 Cameron, Mother of Corporal Robert Cameron of Company 
 A. She came to nurse him, having heard of his severe and 
 dangerous illness, but she was too late. He was buried last 
 Sunday beside my friend Golding. All we could do was to 
 give our most heartfelt sympathy. 
 
 Camp Winfield, 
 Wednesday, December 11th. 
 Companies A, B, C, H and " Ours " struck tents at Camp 
 Wool this morning and we are now about a mile farther up 
 the L>^land, on a high sand knoll near Duncan Creek, The new 
 camp is to be called " Winfield," and will be commanded by 
 Major Kimball. 
 
 Friday, December 12th. 
 General Williams, having failed in his breastwork under- 
 taking at Fort Clark, the Atlantic Ocean proving too much 
 for his military activity, is still bent on having a fort of some 
 kind, and he is now engaged in constructing one of no contemp- 
 
 77 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 tible dimensions either, as the reader of these interesting mem- 
 oirs in the days to come may well rest assured. It is of turf 
 and sand, and situated on the highest sand knoll near the hut 
 on the open beach, where it will serve as an excellent eddying 
 point for all the sand in this region to whirl around in a storm, 
 which will eventually fill it, and cover it and finally pile itself 
 up on it in an immense heap and there be an everlasting monu- 
 ment to the great glory of our General. And it seems that we, 
 with the Forty-eighth Pennsylvanians, were brought up here 
 to work on this fort and not for the sanitary reasons, as we had 
 flattered ourselves. We have done our first work to-day. As 
 far as the work is concerned, perhaps we had better be doing 
 this than nothing; it is only the infernal foolishness of the 
 thing that makes it irksome. 
 
 Friday, December 20th, 
 
 The work on the fort goes bravely on, and General Williams 
 is every day adding some new laurel to his wreath of glory, 
 some new freak of annoyance for us to swear or laugh at, 
 according to the mood we happen to be in when it strikes us. 
 
 Half the force is employed on the fort, constantly wheeling 
 sand and turf, and the other half is as constantly in motion 
 under the order of exercises given out at Camp Wool. 
 
 When our turn comes for the work, no one need fear that 
 it is progressing too fast. Our boys will generally get a shovelful 
 in the barrow, and then take a rest until the others have all 
 done the same; then move along at a snail's pace in single 
 file along the string of planks, managing on the way to spill 
 nearly all of what little the barrow contained at the start, 
 and so on, accordingly varied to meet the lively changes of 
 freaks and humors in the men. 
 
 The General, having either surmised or been informed 
 that we did not work faithfully, sent our Lieutenant Flemming 
 out to us the other morning with some terrible orders. The 
 bland Lieutenant took his station smiling in his most good- 
 natured way, and as he let it be understood that he did not 
 wish to stay any longer than need be, we performed prodigies 
 78 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 of labor for the half-hour that he was with us. He then went 
 to the General's quarters with the report that we could not 
 possibly do more or work harder. 
 
 But that officer was scarcely out of sight when a number 
 of the men were detailed to construct a few pitfalls near the 
 walls, arranging boards and brush over them not strong enough 
 to bear one's weight, yet sufficient for a cover of sand so as 
 not to be perceptible. We hoped the General would fall into 
 one of them while we were at dinner, for it was his custom to 
 go out at that time, for the purpose of inspecting the work 
 done, accompanied by his Staff and Orderly, the latter at 
 precisely twelve paces behind him, which distance he is required 
 to keep under all circumstances. It is a comical sight to see, 
 and more so because the Orderly is a good fellow with an 
 appreciation of the ludicrousness of his position, which he 
 adds to by a well-guarded mimicry of the General's carriage 
 and motions. Our plan worked better than we had hoped. 
 It seems the General stumbled into one pitfall the very first 
 thing, and had hardly been helped out of that before he fell 
 into another. This was such a mortal affront to his state and 
 dignity that he has hardly shown himself out of his quarters 
 since. There is a report around that he was shot at the other 
 evening tli rough a window, but this is hardly probable, for 
 General Williams is rather a vexatious than a cruel tyrant. 
 
 Saturday, December 21st. 
 
 From the Reverend Mr. Passavant in Pittsburgh, a friend 
 and benefactor of our family, I have received a letter of intro- 
 duction to the Reverend Mr. Holman, Chaplain of the Forty- 
 eighth Regiment, now camped below us on the creek. Thain 
 and I called on him this evening, and spent an hour very 
 pleasantly in his quarters. 
 
 John Davis has just returned from another reconnoitering 
 trip to the vicinity of Roanoke, and his account thereof is far 
 from being devoid of interest. The party was headed by 
 Lieutenant Leahy, our Provost Marshal, and consisted of six, 
 all told, including an officer of the Regulars. The information 
 
 79 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 for their guidance was received from the negro Ben, and Davis 
 affirms they reached a point much nearer the enemy than on 
 their former trip. They were disguised as fishermen and were 
 in dangerous quarters, saiHng only by night. At one time, 
 however, they ran right under the stern of the " Fanny " in 
 broad dayhght. She seemed to be on picket duty at an 
 unlooked-for distance from their headquarters. Our men's 
 position was a perilous one, but their disguise saved them 
 from even ordinary questions. The crew was lazily lounging 
 about the deck, evidently finding it hard work to kill time, 
 and yet under the stern floated a peaceful little fisherman 
 with six muskets and as many revolvers carefully loaded, 
 and with three sabers ready at hand, which, had they been 
 more curious, might have been the cause of killing more than 
 time in one way or another. 
 
 They learned from the inhabitants that the enemy had 
 received prompt information of their former trip, as the very 
 morning they left, there was a small force after them, and 
 our party actually chased three men who were left by this 
 force to keep a look-out for them, or stragglers of the same 
 kind. The party were all elated over the success of their trip, 
 which would seem to indicate that they had more important 
 information to communicate to headquarters, though I imagine 
 I have noted the most interesting. 
 
 Sunday, December 22d. 
 Colonel Hawkins has returned from Fortress Monroe on 
 the " Spaulding," where he is said to have done his utmost 
 for the Regiment. He was promptly relieved from arrest 
 on account of the Barnard affair, and has brought with him 
 a battery of three small rifled cannons, a present to the Regi- 
 ment from either the corporation or the citizens of New York. 
 But lo and behold ! No sooner did General Williams find this 
 out than he demanded the use of them for the post as he might 
 see fit. Colonel Hawkins refused to let them land, and now I 
 presume he will be again under arrest. He goes back, at any 
 rate, to Fortress Monroe with the steamer. He was cheered 
 80 
 
^J 
 
 i: 
 
 '^^I'^^iJi 
 
 PLATE XVIII 
 
Buinside's Fleet at Anoh(jr, February (i, 18G'-2 
 
 ^^i^:-^j^- 
 
 
 Bombardment of Roanoke Island 
 
 PLATE XIX 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 jnthusiastically by the boys, for " we have all grown to like 
 bini better than we once did." 
 
 Christmas Eve, December 24th. 
 
 Little did I dream last year at this time that I would be 
 fitting here now, writing up my Journal on this, above all 
 ithcrs, the most desolate part of creation. I can hardly realize 
 the real, so strangely does it seem interwoven with romance. 
 Hut then, here I am, there is no mistaking that fact, nor that 
 it is Christmas Eve of the year of our Lord, Eighteen Hundred 
 irnl Sixty-one. It may not be as pleasant as it is strange, 
 for we are still subjected to the petty tyranny of Williams, 
 who .seems to be a monomaniac on fortifications and discipline. 
 [Jul even this is doing something, and I am far happier than I 
 was at Airs. Simpson's one year ago, brooding over the blank 
 prospect then ahead, which has revealed itself so strangely 
 since. 
 
 But " Roll "' calls and I must stop writing. 
 
 Eve of Christmas Day. 
 
 It was my intention to spend the day collecting shells and 
 war relics for a museum of Mr. Passevant's in Pittsburgh, but 
 I failed to get to Fort Hatteras, where I expected to get the 
 relics, on account of a channel cut across the bank between the 
 two forts by the storm now raging. This channel was quite 
 deep and the current so swift that if a person lost his foothold, 
 he would certainly be carried out to sea. After getting quite 
 wet in attempting to cross it, I gave it up. The channel must 
 have been from ten to twenty feet deep, though narrow, for 
 we could find no bottom with the longest poles. 
 
 Coming home, Thain and I stopped at the home of Mr. 
 Oland, and had as good a Christmas dinner as can be gotten 
 on the Island. 
 
 During a similar storm, a tremendous stream of small 
 fish either strayed up on the banks or were driven into the 
 shoals by sharks, for whom they evidently furnished food. 
 The.se fish were of the size of small herring, and their quantity 
 
 81 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 can be estimated by the fact that every wave washing on the 
 beach would leave hundreds of them high and dry on the sand. 
 So all we had to do was to provide ourselves with buckets and 
 pick them up as fast as we desired. The breakers were soon 
 full of sharks, who were evidently leading a life of plenty at 
 the expense of this small fry, and several of them were caught 
 by a mode of fishing as simple as it was novel and exciting. 
 The fishermen provide themselves with lines quite as strong 
 if not as heavy as an ordinary clothesline, and to these fasten 
 hooks made out of heavy bucket-handles sharpened to receive 
 the bait of fist-sized chunks of " salt horse." This simple 
 apparatus is then thrown into the sea coil-wise, as a sailor 
 throws a line. The sportsman would easily be aware of a bite, 
 as it would be apt to throw him off his feet. He must then 
 promptly throw the line over his shoulder, and walking, haul 
 in as if pulling a canal-boat ; in this way the game is landed, 
 snorting and gurgling on the bank, to be dispatched by the 
 ready axe. I saw our Lieutenant Flemming bring in one weigh- 
 ing from one hundred and fifty to two hundred pounds. Only 
 for sport, however, as sharks, I don't know why, are not eaten 
 or put to any useful purpose whatever. 
 
 Thursday, December 26th. 
 There is a rumor, generally credited, I find, around camp, 
 that we are on the eve of an attack. Whether this is more than 
 an ordinary camp rumor, I am unable to say. It is claimed to 
 come by authority and from Fortress Monroe. " An expedition 
 consisting of ten thousand men on flatboats has left Norfolk 
 for Hatteras Inlet." So says this rumor, of which to-morrow 
 will tell the truth. 
 
 Friday Evening, December 27th. 
 
 Childlike I say, "It is to-morrow," and yet we are noi 
 attacked, but the rumor noted last night has grown into " an" 
 established certainty." The ten thousand have become twenty 
 thousand, and troops are now landing at Chicomocomico. 
 
 Major Kimball and Captain Barnett have been dispatched 
 in that direction to gather reliable information. More excite- 
 
 i 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 ment prevails about it than ever was manifested before, and 
 to-night all will be ready for the " Long Roll." Still it is not 
 my intention to lose any sleep. 
 
 Wednesday, January 1st, 1862. 
 
 The most eventful year of my existence closed last night. 
 I feel like a lost sheep at times, but if one sheep has strayed, 
 another has returned to the fold, and that is a comfort. My 
 sister Eva is now at home in Minnesota with Father and Uncle, 
 and her letters which I receive regularly are extremely interest- 
 ing to me.* 
 
 To my new situation I have taken as well as may be, though 
 more strange than any I ever dreamed of in my most eventful 
 anticipations on leaving home for New York. I get along as 
 well as can be expected with my associates, who are in many 
 ca-ses rude and sometimes contemptible. As I take no thought 
 for the morrow, I am able to give myself up fully to the pleasures 
 of seeing, feeling and thinking whenever the routine of duty 
 ceases, and it .seems as if what we experience is just enough 
 to stimulate this kind of mental activity to the quick. If I 
 could ncitlier .see, feel nor think (the sense of hearing one might 
 dispense with to advantage in many cases), as too many actually 
 seem unable to do in these camps, I think the life on these sands 
 would drive me mad. 
 
 Sketching, though I am aware of the primitiveness of my 
 cfTorts, furnisiies me nevertheless with an endless source of 
 enjoyment. I have read but little during the year, for I have 
 had too much to write about. The " Weekly Herald," my 
 friend Jack McKensie sends me, and this gives me all I want 
 to know of contemporary events, which, it is needless to say, 
 are now ou\y war and rumors of war until one is heartily sick 
 of the word. We gobbled a few books while at Newport News, 
 among which are Scott's " Ivanhoe " and " Kenilworth," 
 two of Frrdrica Bremer's stories and a volume of Washington 
 Irving's Sketches (an old edition), and these comprise about 
 
 • Tlic Father died on thi.f day iit the old home in Minnesota, though the news did 
 not roiirli the l)oy until the thirty-tlrnt of the month. 
 
 83 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 all my reading worthy of mention. To sum up, as I have been 
 in the habit of doing at this time of the year, I have become at 
 least a wiser, if not a better man in a year's time. 
 
 Sunday, January 5th. 
 
 This has been a cold, drizzly, rainy, disagreeable Sunday. 
 In the afternoon the weather drove me out of camp. Went 
 down to George Stein's home, which was full of soldiers and 
 asses from both Regiments. Angelina Stein is the attraction. 
 She is the only beautiful woman we have seen in this part of 
 the country. 
 
 In the evening I paid a visit to Chaplain Holman of the 
 Forty-eighth. Thain went with me and we spent a very pleasant 
 evening. Mr. Holman gave me a late copy of the " Lutheran," 
 Reverend Mr. Passevant's paper published in Pittsburgh, 
 which contains a letter from me to him, printed, with a fevv' 
 words altered, almost entire. This is the first time my pen 
 has appeared in print, and it was quite a pleasant surprise. 
 No name is given, but it is stated the letter is from a Swedish 
 soldier with our Regiment at Hatteras, which leaves a certain 
 result for any curious one, for, as far as I know, I am the only 
 Swede in the Regiment. 
 
 Wednesday, January 8th. 
 
 Curious as the fact is, it is nevertheless true that a certain 
 kind of Fatigue duty is the only respite we have from work 
 nowadays. After twenty-four hours of guard duty, one has 
 twenty-four hours of Fatigue, and this, which is usually con- 
 sidered work, such as camp chores, etc., is now considered rest. 
 I have been on Fatigue to-day and have had nothing to do 
 but what is pleasant to me, washing and cleaning up, drawing, 
 reading and writing. 
 
 A lot of contrabands came into camp this afternoon, having 
 escaped from the main, and were turned over to Lieutenant 
 Leahy, the Provost-Marshal. The raggedness of their apparel 
 beggars description. Patched until their patches themselves 
 were rags, they presented a very grotesque and sorry appear- 
 ance. They came from the mouth of the Roanoke River, 
 84 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 tlie head of Albemarle Sound, from the town of Plymouth, 
 about one hundred fifty miles from Hatteras Inlet, where 
 they were owned by one Jerry Simons. How they succeeded 
 in gettiuf^ here from this distance is a wonder to us all. They 
 seem to have run right under the batteries of Roanoke Island, 
 as there is no other way they could get here, without even 
 knowing of their existence until they were fired on by both 
 nuisketry and cannon. Fortune in their favor, however, blew 
 so strong a gale that, though they were in an open boat, a so- 
 called *' Cooner," they were not chased, and reached here 
 
 unharmed. 
 
 Monday, January 13th. 
 
 (General Burnside has come and with him the first instalment 
 of his expedition, a score or more of vessels with the ever- 
 welcome and familiar " Spaulding " among them. Major 
 Kimball is mad with joy, for this season of drill and camp 
 routine has been ever against his tastes. While we were out 
 on Hatlalion Drill this morning, in the rear of Camp Winfield, 
 he brought us into line facing the beach in full view of the 
 iieaving armada, and asked ij we ivould wade oid to them or wait 
 till they could come in. His joy is almost childish, but we all 
 partic'ij)ate in it. 
 
 This afternoon I have been out again on the sand-hills 
 to refresh my eyesight with the imposing view of the seemingly 
 endless procession of vessels heaving and pitching in the heavy 
 sea. There are to be about ninety in all composing the fleet. 
 I counted about thirty, and " the cry is still, ' they come.' " 
 They are large and small, of all sizes, shapes and conditions, 
 from the one-masted sloop to the massive sidewheeler. 
 
 Where we are going, the Lord only knows, but that we 
 are going is enough for the present. 
 
 Wednesday, January 15th. 
 
 The fleet seems to have had a fearful time getting in the 
 
 Inlet, on account of the severe storm raging for the past two 
 
 days. Day before yesterday, the Sound was so rough that 
 
 no small boat could come ashore with our mail, which we did 
 
 85 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 not receive until yesterday. Some of the vessels were roughly 
 handled by the gale, but I believe none of them were lost, 
 and now the storm is abating. We did not realize the full 
 force of the storm at Camp Winfield, being some four miles 
 from the Inlet, and sheltered by the belt of woods extending 
 three miles below. I know that Duncan Creek overflowed its 
 banks by the breakers washing into it, but it was not for some 
 time that I learned that the whole fleet had been threatened 
 with destruction, and that an oflficer and two men were drowned 
 in a desperate attempt to reach the shore in a small boat. A 
 large side wheel steamer, I think the *' New York," was thrown 
 up high and dry on the South bank of the Inlet. 
 
 No Date. 
 
 We have been in a continual state of excitement since the 
 arrival of the fleet and the expectation of orders, and then have 
 had to bear the long and tedious delay of the vessels in getting 
 over the *' Swash," a shoal of only nine feet of water, and into 
 the Inlet. It took some of the larger vessels one, two and even 
 three days to work over, and all this expectancy or uncertaint^' 
 has destroyed in me all inclination to write. 
 
 General Burnside came ashore this morning, and terminated 
 the petty tyranny of General Williams by assuming command. 
 With him came Colonel Hawkins, who had deemed it prudent 
 to stay aboard the " Spaulding " as long as General Williams 
 ruled the Island. Indeed, that extraordinary man had ordered 
 the Colonel's arrest the moment of his reaching shore, but he 
 is here now and grinning at his triumph, evidently safe under 
 the wing of the superior General. 
 
 Camp Wool, 
 January 31st. 
 
 Among my letters this morning was one from my Sister, 
 Eva, in a black-bordered envelope. The foreboding was soon 
 realized. My Father is dead. He died on the eve of New 
 Year's Day, just one month ago, nine years after the death 
 of his wife, our Mother. And so I am not only Motherless, 
 but Fatherless, and it was he, and not I, who was to pass 
 86 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 away first. I paid him a farewell visit on my way from St. 
 Paul to New York. When it was time to leave, he walked with 
 me to the station and seemed loth to turn back. Finally we 
 parted, and, *' My Son," he said, " if you go now we will never 
 meet again in this world." And now these words come back 
 to me with more than ordinary force, as if from a voice not 
 yet quite dead. 
 
 Note — No date. 
 
 I did not write again on Hatteras Island. Day after day 
 we watched the vessels working over the " Swash " as anxiously 
 as though they were giants straining at our deliverance. Slowly 
 but surely, they took their positions in deep water. A comrade 
 and I paid a visit to a few of them, some four miles distant, 
 in a small boat, with much satisfaction. In fact, so irksome 
 had become our imprisonment on this Island that we loved 
 the wiiole fleet as our deliverers from bondage. 
 
 The Sketch of Hatteras at sundown, from Camp Wool, 
 is about the essence of the last days of restrained impatience. 
 The *' Cooner " scudding homeward lightly on the waves, 
 before a darkening sky ; the sun sinking large and glorious 
 in its si)lcndor, dyeing the waves in wonderful hues; the huge 
 pun booming over the brilliant waters, and while the white 
 cloud yet curls ui)war(l, we say — " Farewell Hatteras !" 
 
 87 
 
CHAPTER VII 
 
 Roanoke Island 
 
 On the U. S. Transport "Union" 
 Pamlico Sound, February 3d, 1862. 
 
 THE " Union " is an exceedingly rickety stern wheeler river 
 steamer, but of very light draught, not drawing more 
 than eighteen inches of water, which enables her to go 
 into very shallow places, which is, of course, her business. Our 
 boys, to whom such boats are not familiar, have so thoroughly 
 rechristened her that she is now known through the whole fleet 
 as the "Wheelbarrow." 
 
 We struck tents at Camp Wool this morning, and the Com- 
 pany is now quartered with Company E on the steam gunboat 
 "Virginia," it being the Flagship, I believe, of the Third Brigade, 
 Third Division. Having been on Fatigue to-day, I will sleep 
 aboard the Wheelbarrow to-night. 
 
 U. S. Gunboat "Virginia." 
 February 4th. 
 Came aboard to-day and reported to my Company. 
 
 February 5th. 
 About nine o'clock this morning the sailing signal was 
 displayed from the Flagship, and it seemed but an instant 
 when the whole fleet was in motion. We went in single file, 
 the sailing vessels mostly in the rear and in tow of steamers. 
 The sight is an imposing and inspiring one. It is probably the 
 greatest display of shipping these out-of-the-way waters have 
 ever seen or will see again for a long time to come. 
 
 Thursday, February 6th. 
 We are off Roanoke Island at anchor. It is raining gently. 
 Do not expect any fighting to-day. 
 
 The night was a beautiful one, and the scene one I shall 
 never forget. The moon, in the full, came out and illuminated 
 88 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 the thin mists, making a silver transparency of them all, through 
 which the vessels of the fleet could he readily made out, but 
 only as an inextricable mass of hulls and spars. 
 
 After " Taps," a i)erfect mania for frolic seemed to take 
 possession of our Company. It was on this night that the 
 famous " Plum Battery " was inaugurated and executed to 
 such perfect satisfaction. 
 
 Our quarters were on the first gun-deck, our Company on 
 the left and E on the right, but in such small space that it 
 was necessary to sleep packed in a somewhat fishy fashion, 
 head and feet alternating, and when thus arranged, we covered 
 the deck so completely that it was impossible for any one to 
 go either forcward or aft, without treading on a very carpet 
 of men. Of course, this attempt was not made unless unavoid- 
 able. At first, it would call down a shower of oaths, and when 
 the step was too heavy or would wake a soldier up, the curses 
 were accompanied by kicks. These culminated finally in the 
 regular system of " Plum Battery." The moment any one 
 woidd try to go through or cross this field of men, all would 
 be <iuiet until some rascal had his feet planted firmly in the 
 rearmost part of the victim ; then a shout of " Plum Battery " 
 and a shove that would send him only on to other pairs of 
 pedal extremities raised everywhere to receive him at the 
 magic words of command ; and thus he would go spinning 
 l)ackward and forward from one to the other like a shuttle-cock. 
 lie nmst run the gauntlet of the Company or submit as best 
 he might till he could get down between some two, or capture 
 a kicking leg, or receive mercy. Of course, the sport was not 
 only exciting but laughable in the extreme, and whenever a 
 new victim was caught in the network of kicking legs, it called 
 forth such noise of shouts and furious hilarity that the officers 
 came down several times to put a stop to it, but usually they 
 went back with their errand uncompleted for laughter. 
 
 Friday, February 7th. 
 The ball is opened. Our gunboats hove anchor and moved 
 across the marsh this morning and are now at it hot and heavy. 
 
 80 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 We are now, at twelve noon, moving up ourselves and can 
 plainly see the bombardment from our vessel. Have just 
 sketched the scene hastily, as the steamer ahead was aground 
 just inside the marsh, and we had to wait a few minutes for 
 her to get off; but as we are steaming ahead again, I think 
 it is time to put by my Journal and sketches for the present. 
 
 February 13th. 
 
 To commence where I left off about noon of Friday the 
 Seventh. The bombardment was kept up with spirit on both 
 sides during the afternoon. The " Hunchback," an old ferry- 
 boat with one heavy gun in each end, made herself conspicuous 
 by deliberately placing herself between the Rebel Batteries 
 and their fleet, working one gun on each, keeping the position 
 till dark. A little sloop with one heavy, hundred-pound gun 
 placed herself inside of the line of the fleet and under full sail 
 made her tally of one every time she tacked. A huge column 
 of smoke curled up about two or three in the afternoon, from 
 the rear of the batteries and from where our heaviest fire was 
 concentrated. We were conjecturing what this might be, 
 when the American Flag on the Flagship ran up to the maintop, 
 which was the signal for the troops to land. 
 
 The " Wheelbarrow " was again brought into requisition, 
 and by eight o'clock in the evening our Regiment was at the 
 selected landing-place, a very swampy point of land, some 
 two miles below the batteries. 
 
 In landing I was separated from my Company and had to 
 make my way through the marsh alone. A flimsy, corduroy 
 road of fence-rails had been improvised, but in the darkness 
 I could not see, and as the rails were half -covered with mud 
 and mire, at every other step the foot went down between, 
 adding the danger of breaking one's legs to the general dis- 
 comfort. I finally got through this and found the bivouac 
 of the troops. They occupied a field of some twenty acres 
 around a farmhouse, which served as General Burnside's 
 headquarters. 
 
 Ten thousand men were bivouacked on this field, ranged 
 90 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 in huddling groups around hundreds of camp-fires, and a cold 
 drizzliiif^ rain fell almost incessantly during the night, keeping 
 the mass of men in constant motion. A few men, more enter- 
 prising than the rest, gathered evergreen branches enough 
 from the neighboring woods, to raise the body above the mud 
 and water, an experiment which I also tried with some result 
 in sleep. The most of the men stood talking around the fires 
 all niglit. Now and then as they moved to replenish the flames 
 or stir the smouldering embers, long gleams of light would flash 
 from out the darkness, reflected from endless rows of gun- 
 barrels and bayonets, sharp, distinct and zig-zag, like a display 
 of lightning when unusual efforts were made at some of the 
 fires, or faint and flickering as the rain poured harder and the 
 flames burned lurid and low. 
 
 Everything took on an extremely weird and unusual shape 
 as, now and then, I peered from under the lids of my blanket 
 which the rain was eternally pelting outside, and reflections 
 came both '* thick and thin " as I watched or dozed away the 
 long night. 
 
 If one cares to contrast this night with the previous one 
 on the fleet, it will furnish quite a lively idea of the extremes 
 to which a soldier is sulijected. 
 
 Day dawned at last, but it brought no respite from the rain. 
 In fact, rain has followed Hurnside more or less from the time 
 he struck Hatteras, and it does not seem ready to suspend 
 operations yet. 
 
 A short time after daylight, a false alarm came near creating 
 a serious panic among the troops. Of a sudden, there was a 
 spontaneous movement toward the stacks, and it seemed as 
 if we were to *' have it " there and then, but the excitement 
 quieted down as suddenh' as it came up, without, I think, 
 any of us finding out the cause of the alarm. 
 
 A sli(»rt time after this, a rumor went the rounds that a 
 couple of Regiments had been sent out to cut ofT a small force 
 of the enemy and gain a position in the rear of their works. 
 This was the advance of a portion of Foster's Brigade, and the 
 commencement of operations. We soon heard from them. 
 
 91 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 Quick successive reports of cannon were heard issuing 
 from the woods not over a half a mile away, and these reports 
 were quickly followed by volleys of musketry. There was 
 no longer room for doubt ; the ball was open in earnest. 
 
 Regiment and Regiment now formed in rapid succession 
 and filed away into the woods in the direction of the fight, 
 and as we waited our turn (we were of the Third Division and 
 held in reserve) the excitement became almost unbearable. 
 We heard a cheer once ringing clear and distinct through the 
 woods, and without knowing whether it boded us good or ill 
 we took it up and returned it with a will. Our good, whole- 
 souled Lieutenant (Flemming) bestirred himself to have coffee 
 for us before we started, which every one needed without 
 being aware of it, and besides it helped to take up the time. 
 At last came the welcome word of command, " Attention 
 Battalion," and without more ado than to stop at the edge 
 of the woods and dispense with our blankets and extra accoutre- 
 ments, we filed rapidly away in the direction taken by the other 
 Regiments. 
 
 As soon as we struck the road, a narrow one, we had to 
 form in ranks of two from four, in order to let the string of 
 wounded men pass on their way to the rear. They came thick 
 and fast, and this was indeed a ghastly spectacle for us to face 
 on the way to our maiden fight. 
 
 The poor fellows were in every imaginable condition of 
 bodily suffering ; some of them walking bravely or indifferently 
 by themselves, with only slight wounds ; others supported by 
 comrades, pale as death from loss of blood ; still others carried 
 on stretchers, evidently in their last struggle ; and some quite 
 still — were they already dead ? 
 
 Most of these wounded soldiers were cheerful themselves 
 or tried to cheer us by reports from the field of how the fight 
 was going, or such observations as they could think of that 
 would sound well. " We advanced on them twice," a robust 
 fellow said, and he looked as though he might advance on them 
 again. " We are driving them back," from a young, pale-faced 
 boy with clothes too big for his body. " You are wanted up 
 92 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 there," feebly uttered another whose life-blood was oozing 
 from hira. " Two of their guns are taken," exclaimed one. 
 " We are giving them Hell," shouted another. " They gave 
 me a sore jaw," one huge fellow remarked as he passed. But 
 the most horrible sight of all was one poor soldier on a stretcher 
 with his right arm taken off close to the shoulder, leaving the 
 bloody stump, which, consciously or not, he was working in 
 spasmodic jerks and from which the red blood was streaming. 
 Many others passed us in ghastly array: a Captain, assisted 
 by a cou|)le of men, had apparently an eye torn out; another, 
 in a sitting position, was spewing pure blood ; but none seemed 
 to freeze my very life as that terrible spectacle of the spasmodic 
 stump with its severed arteries squirting blood. 
 
 I remember after that a sort of sickening sensation as if 
 I was going to a slaughter-house to be butchered, and as we 
 neared the field and saw ominous shapes here and there, bodies 
 wrapped in blankets, too deathly still for sleep, a cold shudder 
 as of the grave ])assed over me. I can not believe that this was 
 cowardly, ft)r I know that no such idea as escape entered my 
 mind. 1 was simi)ly walking into the jaws of death for the 
 first time, made more horrible by the sights and sounds around 
 me, and I felt I nmst be deathly pale. This feeling made me 
 nervous, too, for even then pride struggled to conceal my weak- 
 ness ; but as I looked around me to see if it was noticed by 
 my comj)anions, 1 was surprised to see the same feelings working 
 more or less transparently through all the faces I could see back 
 in the line. I realized the truth then, that every individual was, 
 like myself, undergoing the same experience, and that I was 
 not alone in looking into the awful abyss of non-existence, or 
 trying as best I could to shake hands with Death. Strange to 
 .say, the realization of this truth gave me what I needed and 
 that not so much courage, as sympathy for my comrades, and 
 this took my thouglils from myself and my single individuality. 
 It put an end to the struggle as far as I was concerned, so that 
 when we arrived u|)()n the field all dread or fear seemed to have 
 passed away, and I have often thought since that I went through 
 in that short nuircli to the battlefield, on Roanoke, all that 
 
 93 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 mortal can, but Death ; that I had, in fact, looked him square 
 in the face, and placed myself within his reach, and though I 
 have been nearer him since, I have never felt that feeling, nor 
 do I think I ever will. 
 
 As we entered the opening (filled with timber to allow full 
 play for their guns), a bullet whistled over us, the first one that 
 ever went over me from an enemy. I could not but laugh at 
 my file-leader, who dodged down half his length, long after 
 the bullet had passed him, not that I would not have dodged 
 too, but that I knew it was too late. A minute after, a couple 
 of our men fell, but from wounds or not, I can not say, only 
 that I had to jump over them. I was surprised and greatly 
 confused ; this was to me anything but a field of battle, for 
 I could see no enemy, and our men were lying around in the 
 swamp on either side of the road behind trees and stumps, 
 firing at what I could not make out, for everything was in a 
 whirl of confusion. 
 
 It was impossible to form in battalion line, and it was not 
 attempted, for the trees felled in every direction would have 
 prevented, even if the nature of the ground (a swamp) had not 
 most effectually done so. We advanced up to a bend in the 
 road, where a squad of the marine artillery were working one 
 of their howitzers, when we were told to drop on account of 
 a special volley that it seems was expected would be fired for 
 our benefit. We disposed of ourselves without any attempt 
 at order, on either side of the road among the other troops. 
 All the men were crouching low behind objects of shelter and 
 firing as fast as they could load. I took the right side of the 
 road, looking ahead very naturally, to see what was the aim 
 of all the shooting. 
 
 I saw a body of men moving slowly along the other end 
 of the opening, and seeing most of the guns around me leveled 
 in that direction, I also took aim to fire, but luckily snapped 
 my piece. I say " luckily," because as I was in the act of 
 repriming, the officer commanding the gun cried out to stop, 
 "For God's sake ! " — we were shooting our own men ! I had 
 been aiming like many others at a body of our men who were 
 94 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 endeavoring to flank the enemy. Wishing, simj)ly enough, 
 to know ** what in thunder to shoot at then," a low, broken 
 hne was pointed out to me in the edge of the wood, which I 
 was informed was a battery behind which the enemy was posted. 
 As I was looking, I saw some one, evidently an officer, very 
 probably Captain Wise, jump up on the works and stand there 
 (piite bravely gesticulating, but how long he was there, I do 
 not know, for I had no time for further observation. Just then 
 our Bugler sounded, " Cease Firing," and then I heard the 
 hoarse voice of our Major give the command, " Charge Bayo- 
 nets," and all I know is that I was out on the road running and 
 yelling with the rest of the men, and that with a successful 
 leap over a wide ditch full of water, we were all together pouring 
 pell-mell over the breastworks. When I came up and jumped 
 into the works, there was not an enemy in sight. They must 
 have left the moment we charged, but a dead soldier was in 
 standing posture, slightly bent over the muzzle of one of the 
 cannon, shot while in the act of loading. In his hands he yet 
 clutched a charge of grape, and so lifelike did he appear that 
 for a moment I thought he must be yet alive. One of our boys, 
 an Irishman, and one of the first to mount the works, was so 
 strongly under the same impression that he actually clubbed 
 him with his nmsket before finding out his mistake. A wild 
 cheer arose as our flag was planted on the fort, everybody shook 
 hands in congratulation, all laughed and, I think, some cried, 
 but every one was equally overjoyed at our first victory. 
 
 The enemy had left the rammers in their guns, and their 
 knapsacks and muskets were scattered about in such confusion 
 that it was evident they had made a hasty flight after their 
 brave and wonderfully stubborn resistance. During the 
 enthusiasm over our success, all order was forgotten, and 
 I felt some apprehension that the enemy might be re-forming 
 and come on us while we were yet in confusion. Nothing of 
 flic kind happened, liowever, and we were soon re-formed and 
 in pursuit of them. 
 
 A detachment of ours captured a boat-load of them as they 
 were endeavoring to escape toward the mainland by way of 
 
 95 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 Nags Head, and among them were a Major and some line 
 officers. The main force of our Regiment halted in a field near 
 a farmhouse upon which the yellow flag was displayed. This 
 was the Rebel hospital, and we came up just as the gallant 
 Wise was expiring from the effects of four bullet-wounds, the 
 last two of which, if reports be true, our Regiment gave him. 
 He had fought with two until our Regiment came up, when he 
 received two more and was carried from the field. And this 
 virtually ended the battle. 
 
 Before night the enemy had surrendered some twenty -seven 
 hundred prisoners, three or four batteries, thirty guns, and we 
 were left masters of the Island. General Wise, the father of 
 the brave Captain who had given his life in its defense, managed 
 to escape with some few troops by way of Nags Head. 
 
 General Burnside gave us the lion's share of credit for the 
 victory and subsequent surrender, and it is gratifying to hear 
 warm accounts of our behavior from the whole-souled tars of 
 the Marine Artillery, whose gallantry, at least, none can do 
 otherwise than respect. But my opinion is that, to our Major 
 Kimball and a piece of good fortune, more than to any special 
 fighting qualities in ourselves, is due this rather brilliant suc- 
 cess. 
 
 I have given as good and as perfect an account of the affair, 
 as far as I was personally concerned, as my narrow quarters 
 on a shelf on the "Virginia" will allow. It only remains now for 
 me to give, if I have time and opportunity, a few incidents 
 and observations that came under my notice during our three 
 eventful days on the Island. 
 
 Lieutenant Leahy of Company H led our Company into 
 the fight, as we were destitute of all officers except our Second 
 Lieutenant Flemming. Leahy is a brave, restless, energetic 
 officer and a stern disciplinarian, which makes him somewhat 
 unpopular in the Regiment. 
 
 It will be remembered that while he was Provost-Marshal 
 
 on Hatteras, he undertook several expeditions in this direction 
 
 in search of information, on some of which our Corporal Davis 
 
 accompanied him. He certainly had very definite knowledge 
 
 96 
 

 liivouac of Hiiriisidc's Army. Roanoke Island 
 
 Jarvis Farm Hospital 
 
;v-M#^- 
 
 1^si«,%k*, 
 
 ., ^#. 
 
 Roanokf Island Battleground 
 
 ^^ 
 
 
 Fort Defiance. Roanoke Island 
 
 PLATE XXI 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 of all the military works here. When we halted at Jarvis 
 Hospital and there seemed no more hope of active operation 
 that day, Leahy knew there was a battery somewhere below 
 us, which, with a squad of men, he hunted up and captured 
 with its force of two men, who were only too glad to surrender. 
 Having no flag with which to signalize his conquest, Leahy 
 elevated his fez on a pole, that the necessary amount of " pomp 
 and circumstance of war " might not be wanting. 
 
 Our regiment remained where we had halted on Jarvis 
 Farm during the night, and as the usual rain came up again, 
 mingled this time for the sake of variety with a little snow, I 
 joined with several others in a search for shelter, which we 
 finally found in a house that is indicated in the right of the 
 sketch. We discovered in the morning that it had been used 
 as a pigsty, though it was then dry and clean. As we had slept 
 well, and on new hay which we had ourselves brought, the pigs 
 were forgiven. 
 
 The house of which I have a sketch as faithful as need be, 
 is a more thun usually interesting one, for the run of hou.ses in 
 this region. It is old and unpainted, of course, and gray, if 
 not green, in spots, with a sort of moss formation upon it, 
 with two innncnse chimneys at one gable end and another at 
 the other. It has a shingled, double-hipped roof, which makes 
 it aj)pcar as if the sides, too, were shingled. Ix)w, shed-like 
 extensions tlescending gently from the eaves in front and rear 
 give it a very (|uaiiit and comfortable appearance, and it looks 
 very nmch as if it had grown during the slow process of time, 
 without any special design or effort on the part of the inmates. 
 
 Jarvis, the proprietor, seemed to be a part of the house. 
 He is short and thick-set, very, and to all appearances born 
 right here. With the possible exception of a trip to Nags Head 
 in a " C'ooner," he looks as though he never had been off the 
 Island. He was greatly bewildered at the extraordinary events 
 transpiring around him, as frightened at our occupation of 
 the Island, and, more than all, distressed at t lie use of his house 
 in the bloody business of a hospital. He told us there could 
 not be a person living " more tired at the sight of blood." 
 
 97 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 I believe it was his firm conviction that we would, in the event 
 of taking the Island, massacre the inhabitants generally, for 
 even now, as if some display was not altogether unnecessary 
 to show his entire, though it might be hopeless, subordination 
 to our wishes, and possibly for some charming virtue of pro- 
 tection in the letters, he carries about an old, rusty die for 
 stamping the letters, " U. S.," however he had come into 
 possession of the thing, and this he persistently affirms that 
 he has " never been ashamed to show." All very much as 
 if displaying some " skull-and-crossbone " sign to a lot of 
 pirates. 
 
 On the Ninth, I was one of a Detail to return after the 
 Comj)any's blankets, and I had a good opportunity for review- 
 ing the field, which I also improved by making a couple of 
 sketches. 
 
 The battery for which we paid so dearly is named Fort 
 Defiance, and mounts three guns, one of which is an old Mexican 
 brass piece, the one in the right of the sketch. 
 
 It is no great affair to my notion, but most excellently placed 
 so as to sweep the road, which is in part a sort of causeway 
 through the swamp, and the only passable approach from the 
 lower to the higher part of the Island. My other sketch shows 
 where we first arrived upon the scene and where our forces 
 must have suffered most, judging by the dead, which, on 
 the day after, were yet unburied. They were just as they 
 had fallen, and miserably enough for the most part, in knee-deep 
 mud and mire. I came upon two poor fellows between some 
 stumps, evidently killed by the same cannon-ball. They were 
 both shockingly torn, one through the right side and the other 
 the left, and they must have died instantly. Not far from 
 these was one of the Fifty -first, with a part of his brain pro- 
 truding from the side of his head, which had been pierced by 
 a musket-ball, his hat beside him just as he had placed it, 
 with holes through it identical with those that killed him. 
 I also particularly noted a handsome young fellow with coal- 
 black hair, stretched out with a horrible-looking wound in 
 the shoulder and neck which must have killed him instantly. 
 98 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 But by far the most horrifying sight to me on the whole field 
 was a single, human hand, bloodless and shriveled, alone by 
 itself, away from every! liing else of human shape. I came upon 
 it suddenly, and though I had been accustoming myself to look 
 at death in the various forms here displayed, the sight of this 
 lonely hand was so unexpected and startling, that I felt a cold 
 shiver under the very roots of my hair. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel \'ictor de jMonteuil was killed while 
 acting as a Private in our Regiment, only a few moments before 
 the cliarge was made which decided the day. He was separated 
 from his Regiment, the D 'Epaneuil Zouaves, and attached 
 himself to ours quite naturally. He died, I am told, with words 
 of encouragement to our Regiment, as we were preparing to 
 charge. 
 
 To our IVIajor Kimball, more than to any one else, we are 
 indebted for the rather brilliant termination of the fight. He 
 is an old Mexican army officer, and in that war achieved the 
 distinction of being the first to pull down an enemy's flag at 
 Tehuantepec. As soon as we arrived on the field, he saw at 
 once that a bold stroke was all that was needed to win the day, 
 and he proposed to General Foster to make the charge. That 
 General was, I presume, by this time equally convinced that 
 something was needed, and glad to find some one who knew 
 what it was, with experience and boldness enough to carry 
 it through, and in a couple of minutes, the deed was done. 
 
 Now, in charging at the head of the Regiment, Kimball 
 of course did not see anything in the heavens above, or on 
 the earth beneath, but the breastworks between; so that 
 when he arrived at the ditch in front of the works, the bottom 
 of things dropped from under him, as it were, and he suddenly 
 found himself floundering in muddy water more like a porpoise 
 than a Major of Infantry. Being rather short and stout did 
 not help the nuitter, and his head acted as a sort of sinker 
 to a cork, and would, in his frantic efforts to right himself, 
 continually bob out of sight. As he was floundering and 
 spluttering in this way, our Lieutenant Flemming, a six-footer, 
 cleared the ditch with a bound, not hearing or heeding the 
 
 99 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 Major, who frantically called on him to help him out. He 
 afterward explained in my hearing, " Lord, Major, I would 
 not have helped me own father up then." How he did get 
 out I do not know, but that he lost his saber is certain, for 
 he walked up to one of Porter's Marines, took a cutlass out 
 of his hand, saying simply, " Here, young man, I want this." 
 He had no further use for it that day, however, and his own 
 sword was returned to him, fished up by some one who had 
 witnessed the misadventure. 
 
 The night of the Ninth was put in as well as might be near 
 the center of the Island back of Fort Bartow, around which 
 most of the troops were camped. It snowed quite hard at dusk. 
 I fell in with a " regular Southerner," a citizen correspondent 
 of some paper, with whom I had quite a dish of conversation, 
 on one topic of course, the Rebellion. He seemed to think that 
 this Island was not half protected by defensive works or we 
 never could have taken it, and he also predicted that we could 
 never put an end to the Rebellion. My magnanimity was such 
 that I would not gainsay him, but " we have taken the Island 
 anyway, whether we put an end to the Rebellion or not." 
 
 On the morning of the Tenth I had an opportunity to see 
 and sketch Fort Bartow, which is the principal work here. 
 The effect of the bombardment is very perceptible in the bomb- 
 proof powder-magazine, but has hardly disturbed the outline 
 of the work itself, which is built of turf or peat. Since our 
 return to our old quarters on the " Virginia," I have sketched 
 the fort from the deck where we were anchored, including the 
 little white Rebel steamer, waiting, under a flag of truce, to 
 convey the body of the brave, young Wise to Norfolk. 
 
 Commodore Goldsborough made short work of Lynch's 
 fleet, chasing them as far as Elizabeth City, and either sinking 
 or destroying all, including the " Fanny," and excepting the 
 " Ellis," carrying two guns, which was captured. 
 
 Monday, February 17th. 
 
 I have mentioned the escape of " Uncle Ben " from Roanoke 
 Island. He was immediately employed by Lieutenant Leahy 
 100 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 as cook, in which capacity he served until our departure for 
 the Ishind. He is no ordinary man, but far superior to many 
 in both inteUigence and modesty. He proved himself not only 
 of great use for the information he possessed, but a man of 
 mettle as well. On the night before the attack, while we were 
 bivouacking as miserably as could be in the rain, he was com- 
 fortably closeted with (ieneral Burnside in the house that served 
 as headquarters, giving information of the different works 
 on the Island, and it was through him that exact information 
 wjus received of the battery defending tlie only pass to the 
 enemy's rear, which he had helped to build. He guided General 
 Foster's force to it in the morning. I am told he was one of, 
 if not the very first, to fire into it, and he used up some forty 
 rounds of cartridges during the day. A few days ago, one of 
 our Lieutenants, either Leaiiy or Flemming, with a small party, 
 visited the mainland under Ben's guidance, and went to see 
 Hen's former master and associates in slavery. They were 
 greatly surprised to see him, rigged out as he was with red, 
 officer's cap, pistol in belt and musket capped in hand, for he 
 had f)een reported drowned. It is presumed this was done to 
 prevent the other slaves from making a similar escape. 
 
 We are on the eve of another expedition, rumor has it to 
 Klizabeth City or Middletown, to-morrow will tell which, if 
 either, or at all. tiiough it seems to be decided that we are going 
 somewhere. 
 
 A curious incident, happening to a member of our Regiment, 
 has just come to my notice. During the recent fight, while 
 charging, he was struck down, and from the sensation he 
 experienced thought he was hit in the abdomen and mortally 
 wounded. After waiting a reasonable time for death to ensue, 
 he began to think that " something was wrong," and upon 
 examination he found that the ball had struck his belt-plate, 
 and glancing, had not even hurt him. But I am tired to-night, 
 best pack myself to sleep, while I may. The Lord only knows 
 where I may l)e to-morrow night. Let me have strength to 
 meet my fate, wherever it may be and whenever it may overtake 
 me. That is all I can ask at present. 
 
 101 
 
CHAPTER VIII 
 
 The Burning of Winton 
 
 Old Quarters {on my shelf) 
 
 " Virginia " off Roanoke. 
 
 February 22d. 
 
 WE have just returned from an expedition up the Chowan 
 River, resulting in the destruction of the town of Win- 
 ton. Our Regiment was the only land force employed. 
 We are now quietly moored at our old station, which seems to 
 be the head for future operations in these extensive inland seas. 
 About noon last Tuesday, our Regiment was distributed 
 among a fleet of gunboats and vessels consisting of the follow- 
 ing : Gunboats, Spar-rigged, four to seven guns, the " Dela- 
 ware," Flagship, the " Louisiana " and the " Lock wood " ; 
 Old ferryboats, two guns each, heavy calibre, the " Hunch- 
 back," the " Morse," the " Commodore Perry " and the 
 " Commodore Barney." 
 
 Companies E and I were quartered on the " Barney." 
 At a given signal, we hove anchor and steamed rapidly North- 
 ward into the Albemarle Sound, soon leaving the Island and 
 neighboring shores, with the pretty Light-House, just above 
 Roanoke, as indistinct lines or specks on the horizon. Our 
 destination was a mystery to all of us, and many were the 
 speculations on the subject, some professing to know all about 
 it with each particular plan and detail. We were not going to 
 Middletown, the course we were taking answering that in the 
 negative. The most prevalent opinion among the sailors of 
 the " Barney " and us soldiers was that the object was the 
 destruction of a certain railroad-bridge over the Chowan River, 
 which I find by my maps, somewhere near the boundary-line 
 between this State and Virginia. And this appeared likely 
 enough, for it would cut off direct communication between this 
 State and Norfolk, a desirable object certainly. About dark, 
 the fleet anchored opposite the city of Plymouth, and at, day- 
 light we were again under full steam and away. In about an 
 hour, we came to the mouth of the Roanoke River, up which 
 102 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 one of the old ferryboats proceeded to " feel " and for a time 
 disappeared, while the rest of the fleet dropped anchor to wait 
 and see if slie came out all right, or to help her if she found 
 trouble. 
 
 No solid banks could be made out on either shore of the 
 opening, and the forest, for the most part of pine and kindred 
 fir trees, seemed to grow out of the water. This fact, with the 
 india-ink blackness of the water, and the long tufts of gray 
 moss suspended from the trees in great quantities, all con- 
 tributed to give the scene a very peculiar and grisly, if not 
 ghostly apj)carance, entirely new to me. Indeed, as we waited 
 for thi' gunboat to appear, I tliought again and again that it 
 would make a suitable entrance to the great Dismal Swamp 
 itself, with which it is closely connected, if not an actual part. 
 
 The tug returned and we took the course of the " Delaware," 
 which was by this time nearly out of sight on its way up the 
 river. The description of the mouth of the Roanoke will also 
 serve for the Chowan for at least twenty miles. It is from one 
 to three miles in width, and more like an arm of the Albemarle 
 than a river. The decidedly yellow tinge of the water proves 
 its origin in genuine \'irginia soil. 
 
 Our fleet headed by the Flagship made a lively display 
 as we a.scended this river, and a novel one for these peaceful- 
 looking waters, I '11 warrant, comjwsed as it was of vessels of 
 the utmost contrast in purpose, build and appearance. The 
 old ferryboats, painted black as the ace of spades, are the most 
 strange to .see as gunboats, but as such they are excellent, being 
 strongly built and cap;ii)le of oi)erating in very shallow waters. 
 
 About fi\e o'clock, while we were thinking no more of danger 
 than if upon a pleasure excursion, we were startled by the reports 
 of eaimonading ahead, and simultaneously, the engines of the 
 ** liiirney " ceased working. While Captain Renshaw was 
 making out the signals ahead, the *' Delaware " appeared, 
 herself a signal to ** put about," and she actually passed us 
 before we had our pilot-houses and rudders changed. 
 
 Tb(" " Delaware " hnd been fired into, the pilot-hou.se and 
 one wheel-house being perforated with nmsket-balls. No harm 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 done, except to cause our Colonel and another officer, who were 
 in the crosstrees on the lookout, to make a hasty and graceful 
 descent. Meanwhile, the orders were to fall back and to prepare 
 for action the next day. 
 
 The guns were kept manned during the night, and we, of 
 course, were ready. The wildest kind of conjectures prevailed 
 as to the probable events of the morrow. Some said artillery 
 as well as musketry had been used in the attack on the " Dela- 
 ware," and that our landing would be desperately resisted ; 
 but we had an excellent night's sleep, the better because all 
 unnecessary noise was prohibited. 
 
 The morning was spent making the most formidable prepa- 
 rations for an attack. Bullet-proof casemating was put around 
 the gunwales of the " Barney." Huge piles of cutlasses and 
 navy revolvers were brought out from the Lord knows where, 
 and placed ready to hand, in a promiscuous heap on deck, where 
 they certainly looked dangerous. But we dispatched breakfast, 
 that is, those of us who had any, and I was not one, and swiftly, 
 as on the day before, proceeded up the river. 
 
 At nine, the advance opened on the village of Winton from 
 where the " Delaware " had been fired into the day before. 
 About twenty shots, mostly heavy shells, were sent into the 
 town by the different vessels, and then we landed, without 
 opposition, and marched up a steep, clay bank, upon which 
 Winton is situated. I am told there were twelve hundred men, 
 with three field-pieces, there the night before, but they beat a 
 hasty retreat at our first shot, accompanied, I should judge, 
 by every living soul of the village who could get away. There 
 had been a " ball " or something in the way of rejoicing the 
 night before on account of our repulse. But it turned out any- 
 thing but brilliantly, for the village was miserably plundered 
 and burned. Two men confined in the jail under the Court-house 
 would have been burned with the town, had it not been for one 
 of the gallant tars of the " Barney," who chopped them loose. 
 They took to their heels, as might be expected, with the double 
 object perhaps of escaping from justice as well as from the 
 enemy. This same sailor told me he saw one other inhabitant 
 104 
 
••r>^ 
 
 '-^V 
 
 -^-'^ 
 
 \ -... 
 
 
 ."^ 
 
 ai 
 
 »x 
 
 , . , , ,. ,,.,„.,i s „,..,■ 1).- MoMUuil ..f llK- !)• Hpaneuil Zoimves 
 
 l,ii'ulfn:iiu-» oloiu I > I' K'l 
 
 PL.VTE XXII 
 
'■'^r ■> »J, .^ 
 
 Fort Bnrtuw (Koanoke) 
 
 Btj^^-i-*"-- 
 
 :|^ 
 
 ^afi^l 
 
 ^^ xS. 
 
 Fort IJartow (Roanoke), llebel Tug " Sea JJird," under flag of truce, Waiting 
 for Cody of Captain Wise 
 
 PLATE XXUI 
 
Till- ( ';ii)tiin'<| (iiiiii»>at " I'Mlis 
 
 m 
 
 m^L 
 
 \N inlon Kxpoditiou Going up Chowan Uiver 
 
 PLATE XXIV 
 
"•i / ■ ■' ^- 
 
 
 PLATK XXV 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 beside the criminals, " an old woman, gray and wrinkled all 
 over." 
 
 Not having been on hand in time for the burning, our Com- 
 panies wore not allowed to break ranks, and this I did not regret, 
 as burning and ])illaging is a part of the performance that 
 is not to my taste. This brave deed having been accom- 
 plished, either by the orders of the officers commanding, or by 
 the men without any protest, it was deemed prudent to return 
 without attempting the ol)jeet of the expedition, the destruction 
 of the bridge, as it was found that a nuich larger force was 
 stationed there than we could expect to cope with successfully, 
 especially as re-cnforcements would have time to reach them 
 from Norfolk before we could get there. So, with a miserable 
 village burned, a c()uj)le of felons liberated, and no particular 
 harm done to an old Ldy, the fleet steamed down the Chowan 
 again, quite bravely. 
 
 Sunday, February 23d. 
 
 The paymaster was a pleasant person to meet on our return 
 from Winton. That beloved official has been waiting for us 
 for two days, and yesterday he disbursed among us the amount 
 which is considered sufficient compensation for what killing 
 and burning we have to do, and for other considerations which 
 need not be mentioned. Of course, so much money was apt 
 to burn severely, and as life was an uncertain thing at best, 
 and we nught not long want the little here below, our Mess 
 concluded to spend some of it if possible, and celebrate in a 
 fitting way our late successes, including, of course, our deeds of 
 valor at Winton. We accordingly visited every vessel in the 
 fleet, including the " Barney," but could n't get rid of our 
 money. 
 
 The crew of the " Barney," and the officers as well, seemed 
 to be heartily glad to .see us, and found fault because we did 
 not bring a boat -load and come in time for " Grog." Even the 
 grim old Captain Henshaw seemed pleased, and returned our 
 salutes with a hearty, " How are you Zou-Zous? " He inquired 
 where we were going next and hoped we could go together. 
 
 105 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 We were hardly prepared for, but greatly pleased at receiv- 
 ing so much good-will and courtesy. The fact is, our success 
 in putting a sudden end to the fight on the Island has since 
 grown into a matter of some importance and, whether deserv- 
 edly or not, it creates a feeling for us in the fleet that is very 
 pleasant to experience. 
 
 We expect to go next to Middle Creek, wherever that may 
 be. 
 
 Tuesday, March 4th, 
 Schooner " Eva Belle" 
 
 Received a mail yesterday and papers up to the Twenty- 
 fifth, with bushels of the most glorious news from all quarters 
 where our forces are operating, but best is the capture of Fort 
 Donaldson with some fifteen thousand prisoners. This is rather 
 the most decisive thing of the war, and eclipses decidedly our 
 achievements here. 
 
 It is singular that we should have the first news of this great 
 triumph through Rebel sources. While at Winton, some of 
 the contents of the post-oflSce was brought aboard the "Barney," 
 and in a Confederate paper, the Petersburg "Express," we 
 read accounts of a terrible conflict raging around Fort Donald- 
 son, and which had at the date of the latest accounts been in 
 progress then three days. Nothing final was known, but certain 
 misgivings expressed as to the result might have created more 
 remark at the time, had we considered the importance of the 
 operations in that quarter. 
 
 We have not participated in any new movements or expedi- 
 tions in any direction since the miserable affair at Winton. 
 Everything is exceedingly quiet and idle in the fleet. Our Com- 
 pany was yesterday transferred to the Schooner " Eva Belle," 
 where we have more room in the hold, but certainly not as 
 l)leasant quarters as we had on the " Virginia." I had grown 
 quite attached to my shelf, of which I had the undisputed pos- 
 session. I had just room enough in this corner, though none 
 to spare, and, being raised some four feet above the level of 
 my comrades, saved me from much unnecessary friction. 
 106 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 A boat crew was organized as soon as we got settled in our 
 new quarters, and of this I became a voluntary member. Our 
 life is getting too humdrum, and it is my object to relieve the 
 monotony, and exercise and some experience will not come 
 amiss. 
 
 Wednesday, March 5th. 
 
 Commenced my new duties as one of the boat crew this 
 morning by getting famously wet in bringing a couple of water- 
 barrels from the " Curlew." Just in from the " Phoenix," 
 where we received from Lieutenant Andrews the rather unwel- 
 come intelligence that we are to be Post Regiment on Roanoke 
 Island. Colonel Hawkins is to be acting Brigadier in command. 
 
 107 
 
CHAPTER IX 
 
 Camp Reno 
 
 March 8th. 
 
 THE afternoon of the Fifth, the " Wheelbarrow " took us 
 aboard and conveyed us to Camp Reno, where we have 
 stepped completely into the shoes and barracks of the 
 late Secesh occupants. The barracks are very comfortable, 
 and I doubt if we would ever have been provided with as good, 
 if Fortune had not placed us here. There are in the camp, about 
 fifteen houses, each accommodating two Companies, with room 
 to spare, and all arranged similarly to the tents in an encamp- 
 ment, the quarters being divided into compartments for Mess 
 of some twelve or thirteen. Each apartment is provided with 
 a fireplace and chimney, a luxury that we have never had since 
 we entered the service of Uncle Sam. And we are not the only 
 ones thus unprotected, for I hear that the Army of the Potomac 
 dare not think of such a thing as fire. I have been so closely 
 occupied since we came here that I have not had an opportunity 
 even to ask for a pass, much less to go outside the camp ; but 
 as it is likely that we will stay here for a couple of months at 
 least, I will have time enough for exploring the Island, and I 
 will give my observations of such things as I deem interesting 
 enough for these pages. Meanwhile, it is enough to say that 
 Camp Reno is situated on the Northern point of the Island, 
 in a fine, dry location sheltered on all sides by woods. 
 
 March 14th. 
 
 By a new order all sentinels who do their duty faithfully 
 shall receive passes to go all over the Island, with liberty from 
 the time they come off duty until Dress Parade at four o'clock. 
 Yesterday morning I came off guard, and with a couple of my 
 messmates started out to see what was to be seen. 
 
 We took, of course, the only road that we had never been 
 
 on before, which led us in a Southwesterly direction from Camp 
 
 Reno. This brought us to the sand-hills, which looked so 
 
 inviting and so bold from the level, woody ground we started 
 
 108 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 from, that we could not resist the desire to scale the bluffs 
 and see what was beyond, and well did the effort repay us for 
 our trouble. The scene was not what we could call beautiful, 
 but it was as new and strange as picturesque and bold. We 
 found ourselves on high, white piles of pure sand, with which 
 the wind and tide, having formed them, had i)layed curious 
 pranks. They sloped now gently, then abruptly, toward the 
 beach of the yellow, shallow waters. The horizon was relieved 
 by the continuation of the banks on which we lived for so long, 
 about seventy-five miles below this point, and from here, they 
 appear like small islands of sugar. Beyond, a faint blue line 
 is visible and that is where the waters of the Atlantic meet the 
 horizon in our line of vision. It might be considered bleak and 
 desolate for being barren of the common covering that Nature 
 provides, but the ever-green cypress trees have taken root 
 fre<|uently on the very summit of these white hills, making a 
 contrast that is far from unpleasant, considering the scenery 
 we have been used to for the last five months. 
 
 After loitering around long enough to get accustomed to 
 this new phase of Nature, we continued our march till we 
 unexpectedly came upon Jarvis House, which I have mentioned 
 before as the house in which Wise died. Here we got a drink 
 of water, which refreshed us so much that we concluded to 
 go down to the masked battery. I got a sketch of the fort, 
 and then we marched back to camp at the rate of four miles 
 an hour. We were tired out completely, for we had traveled 
 ten miles, and that after being on guard and consequently 
 awake most of last night. 
 
 Camp Reno, 
 April 3d. 
 I have neglected my Journal considerably of late, but I 
 have one good excuse and that is nothing of particular interest 
 has transi)ircd. I may except the New-Berne affair, but as we 
 did not participate in its capture, it has nothing to do with 
 my memoirs. We are still at Camp Reno, and are kept in a 
 very strict state of discipline, so much so, in fact, that I am 
 
 109 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 sometimes inclined to think they are trying to make regular 
 Regulars of us, and indeed they have pretty nearly succeeded. 
 There have been a great many changes in the Regiment 
 since the Eighth of March. I have noted that Hawkins 
 was acting Brigadier and Commander of the Island, and 
 it is lately rumored that he has gotten his commission, which 
 has caused a great deal of pleasure, and at the same 
 time a great deal of apprehension. We feel of course pleasure 
 in seeing him promoted, but we dread losing in hiax our Colonel, 
 for that would place the command on Lieutenant-Colonel 
 (formerly Major) Kimball. I like him very well as a Major 
 or Lieutenant-Colonel, but I would not like to see him Com- 
 mander of the Regiment, for his changeable moods unfit him 
 entirely for command. 
 
 A later rumor has reached us, which, if true, will place 
 our Colonel deeper than ever in the hearts of us all. This is 
 that Colonel Hawkins will not leave the Regiment for the 
 offered commission of Brigadier, that he thinks more of the 
 Eagle that commands the Zouaves than of the Star that would 
 command five times as many men. Our boys need but the 
 confirmation of this to fairly worship the " King of the Hawks." 
 
 Immediately after the fight a Roanoke, Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Betts resigned and Major Kimball went to New York and came 
 back to us as Lieutenant-Colonel. Captai-i Jardine was pro- 
 moted and is now Major. Lieutenant Leahy, who had command 
 of our Company in the fight, is our Captain ; Ensign Flemming 
 is First Lieutenant, and that is all that just now concerns us. 
 
 When the news of the victory of Roanoke reached New 
 York, the inhabitants of that goodly city made a great stir 
 about it. Our charge soon got to be famous. It was pictured 
 in a dashing style in the " Frank Leslie," and more modestly 
 (and more truly) in " Harper's Weekly." For a time the young 
 ladies talked about getting up medal for us, but I am inclined 
 to think that movement is dropped, and I am not sorry, for in 
 truth, though of course I would be proud to carry a medal 
 from the war, I do not think we have done enough to deserve it. 
 Well, I don't know — we certainly have the honor of having 
 110 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 taken the first battery in this war at the point of the bayonet, 
 but, deserving it or not, I do not think we will get it, so I 'U 
 drop the subject. The Regiment has subscribed about three 
 hundred dollars with which to get a sword for Colonel Hawkins, 
 and we are unanimous in wishing to make this present worthy 
 of the expression of our esteem, and of its intended owner. 
 But I have forgotten to speak of another honor that has 
 been paid to our boys by the young ladies of New York who 
 seem to take a sincere interest in our welfare. This is a beautiful 
 new flag. It looks very bright beside our two torn and worn 
 old flags, which were just as bright nearly two years ago on 
 Fifth Avenue, but which now look and are really vetetans 
 beside the new recruit. 
 
 Sunday Evening, April 6th. 
 Today has been one of the most pleasant and, I may add, 
 joyful days that I have experienced with the Regiment, and I 
 don't believe I am far wrong in saying that it has also been the 
 best Colonel Hawkins has spent with us. Yesterday, we got 
 our much-talked-of and really handsome Zouave uniforms, 
 and to-day we have worn them for the first time at Inspection 
 and Dress Parade. Colonel Hawkins was present, and of course 
 everybody from other Regiments, with a large majority of 
 commissioned officers, were there. We did our best to look our 
 best, as of course we did. But the orders that were read were 
 the best of all, as it was unexpected and appropriate for the 
 occasion. Colonel Hawkins took the opportunity to express 
 his thanks to the Regiment and his determination to accept 
 no higher position than that which commands us. He used 
 these words, " I seek no higher position than that which com- 
 mands this splendid body of young men." He took this occa- 
 sion to speak of the i)revailing habit among the commissioned 
 officers, of drinking and tippling. (The Colonel is a strict 
 temperance man.) He said that he had seen this for a long 
 time, but had said nothing, hoping that the officers would 
 see and remedy the evil of the poor exami)le they showed to 
 those who ought to take pattern from them. He had waited 
 
 111 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 in vain, and now was the time for him to step in and without 
 any partiaUty arrest the progress of the spreading evil. Now 
 this speech caused not a man in the ranks to blush, for the 
 whole was directed to the officers, and that made us feel par- 
 ticularly good. Colonel Hawkins has never exactly agreed 
 with the officers, but he could not help himself so far, and they 
 had the best of him. But now, when he knows that he has men 
 in the ranks whom he could put in any office, he can well feel 
 independent of them, and so it is that this is King Hawkins' 
 day, for the officers had theirs when the Regiment was in its 
 infancy. 
 
 When the parade was over and our ranks broken, some 
 of the Company surprised Hawkins with the wildest cheers, 
 as he was talking with a knot of officers who had congregated 
 around him. He was really so affected that his handkerchief 
 was brought out to dry the big drops from his eyes. As soon 
 as the first lot disappeared, H and G went up and cheered 
 him and went back at a Double-quick, but the best was the 
 last. Company B went up in four ranks at a Double-quick, 
 gave the nine cheers and the " Zou-Zous " as the others had 
 done, and then broke ranks, and with one accord started on a 
 breakneck run for quarters, seemingly afraid the Colonel might 
 be too much affected, and wishing to give him something to 
 laugh at, too. 
 
 Well, this day has demonstrated two things : the Colonel 
 thinks too much of us to leave us for the command of a Brigade, 
 and his regard is returned by every man in the Regiment. We 
 knew before, that he liked us, but now, in spite of the offices 
 that are between us, we would die for one another. 
 
 Wednesday Evening, April 9th. 
 Last Monday two Companies, H and I, were detailed to 
 go on a reconnaissance up the Sound with a detachment of 
 six Companies of the Sixth New Hampshire, Major Jardine 
 commanding our detachment, and all under the command 
 of Lieutenant-Colonel Griffin of the Sixth. We went on board 
 the " Virginia," which has been changed into a passable gun- 
 112 
 
PLATE XXVI 
 
COLONEL RUSH C. HAWKI.NiS 
 
 PRIVATE JOHNSON 
 
 CAPTAIN LAWRENCE LEAHY 
 
 "CIVILLAN" JOHNSON 
 
 PLATE XXVII 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 boat. We were favored with " Burnside " weather when we 
 started, which followed us till we returned, but this did not 
 discourage us, for as long as it rained, we took it for an omen 
 of good luck. Our destination was Elizabeth City and our 
 object was to break up a recruiting-office near the city and 
 bag as many " Wild-Cats " as possible. How we succeeded, 
 I will try to tell. 
 
 The fleet consisted of six gunboats : the " Stars and 
 Stripes," " Commodore Perry," " Eagle," " Morse," " Vir- 
 ginia " and one other. We made Elizabeth City Monday 
 evening and anchored in the mouth of the river for the night, 
 but as early in the morning as we could see, the anchors were 
 weighed and our detachment disembarked on the wharf of 
 the city. It did not take us long to form, and before the few 
 negroes who were in the place were out of their beds, we were 
 marching through the desolate streets. I never saw a deserted 
 city before and I never want to again, for it was a sorrowful 
 sight indeed. The streets that should have been teeming with 
 life to give the blocks expression were desolate and oppressive. 
 Hardly a white soul was to be seen. A large district was burned 
 and a blackened mass of ruins was all tliat was left of many 
 blocks of frame and brick buildings. It was a new experience 
 for me, novel and not pleasant, for I could not but think how 
 many innocent families must now suffer as fugitives before our 
 arms. But we had not much time to indulge in such thoughts, 
 for we were now in the outskirts of the city, and we did not 
 know but that this day might be the last for some of us. We had 
 hardly gotten outside the place when two pickets were taken, 
 and from them the Major got some information of importance, 
 for when we got to a little bridge, he left the prisoners there 
 with a guard, and gave us " Double-quick " for some distance 
 through ankle-deep mud, for the rain still followed us. We 
 came to a halt in front of a large white mansion, and sure 
 enough, this was the recruiting-office, but instead of showing 
 fight, they showed the white feather, and we bagged about 
 twenty-five of them. But Wild-Cats ! They were certainly 
 the tamest of anv I could imagine, without a show of uniform 
 
 113 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 and mostly without anything like proper arms or equipments, 
 and they presented but a very sorry spectacle to a soldier. 
 And most of them seemed to be glad that they were taken. 
 It was much regretted that we did not get the Captain, who 
 was apparently the only one in the Company who wanted to 
 fight, for he ordered the men to fire on us, and when he could 
 not get them to, he made tracks for the woods and escaped. 
 His name was Banks. As soon as a guard was provided for 
 the prisoners, we resumed our march up the road at a very 
 rapid rate in spite of the rain and mud. But though we came 
 upon a few of their quarters, they had all taken the alarm and 
 fled. But not to escape, mind you, for before they knew any- 
 thing, they were embraced by the New Hampshire Regiment, 
 which had gone up the Pasquotank River in the " Eagle," 
 to cut off their retreat. By this maneuver they succeeded in 
 taking some sixty prisoners, who ran into them in running away 
 from us. A great many of our boys were in ignorance of this | 
 plan, and when we heard the firing ahead and came upon them 
 in a solid body blocking the road, we thought there was a fight 
 in the wind, and skirmishers were deployed. They were soon 
 called in, however, for the supposed enemy showed us the Stars 
 and Stripes, 
 
 We had now traveled about five miles, and we did not 
 advance much further, but returned by the same road, stopping 
 at the recruiting-ofiice to refresh ourselves with the bread 
 and coffee we found there. 
 
 On the way back, I noticed the " Eagle " with her two ji} 
 white pilot-houses looking for all the world like a Southern ^ 
 summer home through the trees, and I am certain that a great i. 
 many who saw her thought she was the abode of some Southern ■{: 
 planter. We returned to the " Virginia " yesterday afternoon f 
 and are back in camp, having succeeded in our object beyond t 
 our expectations. The elements did not favor us with anything 
 but frowns of a dismal sort, for as we embarked in a rain, so 
 did we disembark, with the additional pleasure of being nearly 
 swamped by the rough sea, in Colonel Hawkins' launch. I 
 am sorry that I was not able to make a couple of sketches up 
 114 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 there, for I saw two or three points of interest. Excepting 
 the city itself, the principal one was the locality of the little 
 naval battle where Lynch's fleet was destroyed, for there, 
 not far from the city, lay the " Fanny " and the " Curlew," 
 their iron skeletons, red with rust, just visible above the water's 
 edge. That is the last of the poor " Fanny." 
 
 115 
 
CHAPTER X 
 
 The Battle of Camden 
 
 April 14th. 
 
 YESTERDAY was Sunday as surely as to-day is Monday, 
 and I was on guard. General Burnside arrived suddenly 
 
 with a fleet of gunboats from New-Berne, early in the day. 
 He brought a mail for us from Hatteras. In the guard-house, 
 as we prepared to give him the usual review and salute, specu- 
 lation was rife as to the meaning of his sudden appearance, 
 but we did not come to anything more definite than that it 
 meant something. Burnside usually means something. About 
 four o'clock, the Regiment marched out to the drill grounds 
 and was reviewed by the old, slouchy-looking General. We 
 were all in our new Sunday -go-to-mee tings and did our prettiest. 
 Company K saluted with the usual thirteen rounds, and in 
 return he complimented us very warmly. 
 
 After the review, the General stationed himself in front of 
 the Colonel's quarters for the Dress Parade, and I had a good 
 view of him. His features are well known to us all, and his 
 clothing is certainly curious, though perhaps characteristic of 
 the man. He was dressed in a suit which reminded me of some 
 old fish-peddler, with a huge sack coat, of a faded brown color, 
 coming down below the knees, meeting his top-boots, and 
 showing his splendid stature to advantage. He was crowned by 
 some kind of a black stove-pipe hat bound with a white band. 
 It was not a military hat, and it was not and never could have 
 been a dress hat, and who it could ever have been built for, 
 is hard to imagine. But as plainly as he was dressed, or rather, 
 as badly as he tried to dress himself, he never could succeed 
 in hiding that magnificent figure. As Company C was escorting 
 colors, he went to see the prisoners we had taken at Elizabeth 
 City, and I now noticed that he wore nothing to mark his rank 
 but the belt and his famous silver-mounted pistol. When he 
 got back, he found the Regiment released from their muskets 
 and ready to cheer him, and heartily did they do so as many 
 as twelve or fifteen times, and they seemed to be delighted to 
 
 116 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 get a peep at the General's bald pate, as he gracefully lifted 
 the wonderful hat and waved it in return, as General Phelps 
 used to do at Newport News. 
 
 An order was read out on Dress Parade which throws a 
 little li^'lit on the sudden appearance of General Burnside. 
 The wiiole force of this post is to be held in marching order, 
 and with three days' provisions, be ready to start after six 
 o'clock to-morrow night ; and as this will be a dangerous as 
 well as a fatiguing reconnaissance, so the order states, no man 
 but one able to bear any amount of fatigue will be allowed 
 to go. So nnich we know. We will know more or nothing at 
 all, tliree or four days from now. 
 
 June 30th. 
 
 Yes. Not only April, but IVIay as well, has gone, and here 
 I am at the end of June, and I have no doubt that the Journal 
 lias entertained doubts as to my existence, for it has been tossed 
 about in my knapsack for two months and a half and never 
 i'ven been looked at. This conduct might well imply some 
 serious doubts, coming as it does after the order noted over 
 two months ago. The interval of space on the page is not long 
 between my note of the evening of April Fourteenth and the 
 lines I am now writing, but the interval of time has been as 
 long as the dates imply, and in that interval events have trans- 
 |)ired not only in the country at large wliich in these records 
 1 do not pretend to chronicle, but in the little world composed 
 of our own Regiment. Many a poor fellow, in full life and spirits 
 when I last penned notes in this Journal, is now no more. Cruel 
 War has placed them far lieyond our reacii, and it is of this that 
 I have soinetiiing to say, for I came nearer to the brink of death 
 than, so far as I am al>le to know, I ever was before. I will now 
 commence to trace, as nearly as I can, the events in which I 
 have {)layed my humble part. It must be from memory, for 
 I have not been able to take my notes since the Nineteenth of 
 Aj)ril. 
 
 On the Eighteenth of April — my birthday, by the way — 
 the thr<^ Regiments composing Colonel Hawkins' Brigade, 
 the Eighty-ninlli New York \'olunteers, the Sixth New Hamp- 
 
 117 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 shire Volunteers and our own, joined the Twenty-first Massa- 
 chusetts and the Fifty-first Pennsylvanians, which had come 
 from New-Berne with a portion of the Marine Artillery, the 
 whole commanded by General Reno. We embarked in a fleet 
 of half a dozen transports and as many more gunboats, and 
 started from here toward Elizabeth City. We were on the 
 " Ocean Wave " and we found ourselves in quarters close 
 enough ; but I have a peculiar knack of getting myself a lone 
 corner, which I did on this occasion, and settled myself down 
 and was soon fast asleep. From this I was aroused about 
 eleven o'clock to " Fall in." We were in the Pasquotank River, 
 about two miles below Elizabeth City, and here we were to land. 
 All the small boats were now brought into requisition and 
 silently they were filled with dusky shadows intermixed with 
 shining steel, glistening brightly against the large, beautiful 
 moon. The boats were propelled almost noiselessly toward 
 the shore, giving place to the other boats, which were likewise 
 filled to overflowing with human freight and firelocks. But 
 alas, I can not make it all romance, for the water was so shallow, 
 as we approached the shore, that we had to leave the boats 
 and splash ashore as best we could in knee-deep water for about 
 a mile, so you may come to the conclusion that we got ashore 
 on rather " wet-bottomstandings." Owing to this method of 
 landing, which could not be accomplished very well without 
 some time as well as noise, it was quite a while before the Regi- 
 ment could get together. It took the Marine Artillery and our 
 battery longer still to get the cannons ashore, so that it must 
 have been nearly two o'clock Saturday morning before the 
 column got orders to go forward. Meanwhile, the advance 
 guard was thrown out, and I had the honor of being one chosen 
 from our Company. This advance was, in the present instance, 
 composed of two privates from each Company, with a Sergeant 
 and a Captain. Lieutenant Klingsoehr, * a brother-in-law of 
 General Siegel, had the latter honorable position, and com- 
 
 * First Lieutenant Victor Klingsoehr, Company A. There is some doubt as to this name on 
 account of the peculiar spelling of it in the original Journal, but it is here given, as the only name 
 in the list of wounded at Camden that in any way resembles the name as written. 
 
 118 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 manded us, and Colonel Hawkins could not have imposed the 
 important trust upon a better man, for he is as cool as a cucum- 
 ber, as brave as a lion, and it is impossible to surprise him or 
 to take him off his guard. Our guide was a negro, apparently 
 of some intelligence, but either through his ignorance or his 
 dcv]) cunning, we became his dupes at last. We were sent out 
 immediately to reconnoiter the woods and the road we were 
 to take. 
 
 By this time I had gotten an inkling as to the object of the 
 expedition, and it turned out to be pretty nearly correct. The 
 Brigade was in two divisions : the force from New-Berne was 
 commanded by General Reno in person, and took a different 
 route, though where they landed I do not know. At any rate 
 they stole a march on us, through the duplicity of our guide. 
 The forces from Roanoke were commanded by our Colonel, 
 and it was tlie intention, it seem, that we should take the 
 advance and meet General Reno or join him from a different 
 direction, and by a rapid march fall upon a body of Georgians 
 and Wild-Cats who were stationed to hold the Locks of the 
 Dismal Swamp Canal. *' Bag 'em," if we could, at any rate, 
 dislodge them and destroy the locks and the bridges, thus 
 cutting off communication between Norfolk and the Counties 
 of Camden, Currituck and Pasquotank, and by so doing clear 
 the vicinity for our intended operations in the rear of Norfolk, 
 the then great Confederate stronghold. 
 
 After almost three hours of tedious waiting, we heard the 
 order, *' Forward March," and then the solid trampling of feet. 
 We were then deployed as skirmishers on either side of the 
 road in the woods, and instructed to always keep within sight 
 of the head of the column. Now, you, who read this, will 
 probably be at home in your snug little parlor feeling all at 
 peace and secure, and if you are a lover of adventure and 
 romance, and on the top f)f that, have never seen service, 
 you will in all proliability think it a fine situation to be in the 
 Advance Guard, and if I judge you correctly, you will " poh- 
 poh " me when I say that it is not. Especially, with the style 
 of warfare with which we are contending. Now, I am a very 
 
 119 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 good soldier, so my comrades say, and I am proud of it, but 
 I lack one great qualification, or more properly may I term it, 
 inclination, and that is I am not favorably inclined to getting 
 killed. I would rather live than die, any day. I don't exactly 
 glory in the idea of being a target for the Southern Chivalry, 
 even though they are poor marksmen, nor do I fancy being 
 tickled with one of those things, I beg a thousand pardons, 
 I mean Bayonets ; and for these several reasons, I do not wish 
 the masculine reader, in general, or the feminine reader, in 
 particular, to laugh at me when I say it is not nice to be deployed 
 as skirmisher in the woods at night, when a log looks like a 
 masked battery, and a pile of wood looks like a pile of men ; 
 and even in the open field, you are not at any moment sure 
 but that you hear the trampling of hoofs and discern the appear- 
 ance of a dashing guerrilla band, who could be on top of the poor 
 Advance, have him slashed to pieces and be off again, before 
 he could get any support from the column. But, mind you, 
 I had not been chosen, had I not first volunteered. And, reader,! 
 if you should chance to get into a similar position and are 
 constituted like myself, not caring to get killed — not particularly 
 liking it, I mean — just summon Reason to your aid, comfort 
 yourself with the fact that you have but one life to be taken 
 from you, and under whatever circumstances a few moments 
 may place you, make up your mind to defend that as long as 
 you can ; for the way I look at it, when a person makes as good 
 a struggle for his life as he knows how and gets worsted, he will 
 not be accused by the Almighty of committing suicide, anyway. 
 What I mean is, that the Good God will make many allowances 
 for a brave man's shortcomings when he dies in a hurry. But 
 I am wide of the track. 
 
 The first incident that is worth mentioning transpired after 
 we had marched about two miles from the landing. A Rebel 
 picket ran the gauntlet of our skirmishers, whether intentionally 
 or accidentally, I can not say, but he did it in gallant style. 
 The column was marching up a road between two fields and 
 approaching a dark line of woods in front, and we were deployed 
 on each side of the road, when he shot like a streak of lightning 
 120 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 right before us. His horse was white, wliich made him plainly 
 discernible for the moment against the dark background. We 
 fired al)out six shots at him, ai)parently without effect. For 
 my part I withheld my fire. It is impossible for me to say 
 whotlior he returned fire or not, but my comrade, Dennis, 
 says he only fired at him because he thought the bold horseman 
 was firing at me. If that was the case, I did not know it. 
 
 At daybreak, while our Regiment was stopping a moment 
 to rest, one of our boys accidentally shot himself while fooling 
 with his musket, but he wjis not dangerously wounded. At 
 eight o'clock, we had made about twelve miles from the landing 
 place, and the order was given to halt for breakfast. We were 
 abreast of a neat, two-story cottage of fair dimensions, and we 
 were glad to take advantage of the nice grass and cool shade. 
 I felt more like having a smoke than anything to eat, and I 
 asked the Lieutenant for permission to light my pipe. This 
 he readily gave, but with the injunction not to trespass on my 
 power by behaving " unlike a gentleman." I hope he would 
 not have thought this necessary, had he known me better. I 
 knocked at the door, and waited, I thought a reasonable time, 
 and then I knocked again, this time in true soldier style with 
 the butt of my musket, and at length the door was opened by 
 a fair re{)resentative of a Southerner, with somewhat of a 
 military moustache, so I thought, at the moment his face flashed 
 into mine. 
 
 The next moment I was attracted by something else : this 
 
 was a peep at a pretty leg — well, d n it, it is out ! A skirt, 
 
 the rustling of woman's dress, the soft closing of a door and 
 turning of a key. W\ this was in the interval of the opening 
 of the door and my " Good morning, Sir ! " but the le — , the 
 skirt and the sound of the key produced a smile that he could 
 not help seeing and knowing the meaning. " With your per- 
 mission. Sir, I will light my pipe." 
 
 To this speech the dignified Southerner apologized for having 
 no matdics, and showed me to the kitchen, which was exactly 
 where 1 wanted to go. At the sight of the gentleman's morning 
 meal, I got " grub-struck," to use the slang of the camp ; and 
 
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THE LONG ROLL 
 
 instead of smoking, I took to eating nice hot cakes, which I am 
 sure tasted as good to me as they do to Jeff Davis. 
 
 " Dinah," said I, while I was devouring hoe cake, " was 
 your master ever in the army ? " 
 
 *♦ Yes IVIassa." 
 
 "Soi'WeU, was he an officer?" 
 
 " Well, I de 'no', Massa, but de call him Lieutenant." 
 
 " Lord love you, Dinah, won't you give me another cake? " 
 and with it in my hand I started out to find Lieutenant Kling- 
 soehr, forgetting all about my smoke. He went to the house 
 immediately to see the Lieutenant and I went back to the 
 kitchen to see Dinah. 
 
 " Dinah, I hear the Georgians are up here waiting for us, 
 is that so ? " 
 
 ** Yes, Massa," she said in an earnest tone; " de tole me 
 you-uns would n't dare to cum so far up yer." 
 
 " They will find out whether we will or not before night," 
 and I filled myself with cake and milk, and that done, I filled 
 my pipe and had a delicious smoke. 
 
 Colonel Hawkins now came up to communicate with the 
 Lieutenant, who told him the Southerner was formerly a Lieu- 
 tenant in the Rebel Army. Our Colonel no sooner heard it 
 than he rode into the yard and saluted the ex-officer. He recog- 
 nized him as one of the officers who had been taken at Hatteras 
 and released. " Well, Lieutenant Bell," said he, " you did not 
 expect me up this way so soon, did you ? " Bell said he did not 
 expect him quite so soon, and he hoped the Colonel was well, 
 and what they said after that did not concern me, nor need it 
 you. 
 
 Fifteen minutes was all the time we were allowed for break- 
 fast, and it passed soon enough, we all found out, and the 
 column was on the road again. We had not marched fifteen 
 minutes before we heard the loud echoing boom of artillery, 
 making the air whistle with the awful moan, and the ground 
 tremble with the reverberation of the explosives. 
 
 Our gunboats were probably at work in the river. For 
 about an hour this cannonading was kept up, and it probably 
 122 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 gave credit to the rumors which were now flying like wildfire 
 before our column through the country, that the Zouaves were 
 coming. The sound of artillery seemed to give fresh legs to 
 our brave fellows, for we were now pushing on faster than ever, 
 in hopes of reaching our destination sooner. 
 
 At this juncture we overtook four " Yogles," as we call 
 them, with two miserable old shotguns among them. To our 
 questions as to where they were bound for, they were fools 
 enough to say they were going to muster. " Here, Punyers, 
 and you, Johnson, take these four men and report them and 
 their intention to Colonel Hawkins," ordered the Lieutenant. 
 After considerable persuasion they were induced to comply 
 with the ro(|uest, although they did so as if consenting to go 
 to the guillotine. We found the Colonel a little in advance of 
 the Regiment, talking to a couple of the Chivalry, and to his 
 puzzled look of inquiry, I told him, " Lieutenant Klingsoehr 
 reports these four men to you ; they were going to muster." 
 He looked at them for a moment and then at us, as if to mark 
 the difference in appearance, and then exclaimed : " My God ! 
 do you want to fight us ? Do go about your business, for surely 
 you can't fight us." Now, if I had been the Southerners, I 
 would have taken the Colonel at his word ; but they were so 
 dumbfounded that they did not know what to do or to say, 
 and while they were in this dilemma, the Colonel changed his 
 mind and sent them to the rear of the column with the others 
 who had been picked up here and there. 
 
 Again we pressed on, but now we all began anxiously to 
 inquire how many miles more it was to our destination. The 
 inhabitants told us. nine miles, at one village; and then we 
 would march a mile farther perhaps, and meet some one who 
 would .say it was twelve miles. And it did seem to our weary 
 legs that when we had walked twelve miles we were as far 
 from (Jamden or Ri\or Bridge as ever, and at length we got 
 up a very melancholy joke about the length of miles in Dbcie. 
 We compared them to the old riddle about the ditch, " the more 
 you cut it the longer it grows," and it did seem as though the 
 farther we walked the greater the distance to go. The guide 
 
 123 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 was remonstrated with and threatened, but he declared that 
 he knew no other way but the one we were traveUng. The 
 merciless sun poured down on us continual streams of fire, 
 regardless of our burdens and exposed heads. Our boys began 
 to drop out from sheer exhaustion, and still there was no 
 apparent diminishing in the distance. At last, the Colonel 
 gave the order to halt where we could refresh ourselves with 
 water and cool our hands and faces. He had walked with the 
 men since morning, and he now threw himself down on his 
 cloak, and while he took off his shoes and stockings, vowed 
 that if there ever was a Regiment could march, his could. As 
 our Advance was moving up to an appropriate distance, our 
 scout came back and reported a flag in sight, but he could not 
 make out if it was the " Stars and Stripes " or the " Stars and 
 Bars." I was dispatched to report accordingly to the Colonel, 
 who ordered Lieutenant Khngsoehr to make a careful recon- 
 naissance and find out if we had friend or foe before us. Just 
 as I had delivered the order to the Lieutenant, the Colonel 
 came up himself, and we formed around him as an escort, and 
 moved cautiously forward. 
 
 Owing to the crooked roads we had taken, Reno's command 
 was ahead of us, while we labored under the delusion that there 
 could be nobody but the enemy in front, for the General had 
 given us the Advance. So this caution on our part was warrant- 
 able. We had not gone far when we met Reno's rear guard, 
 with the General among them. Explanations proved that we 
 had marched about ten miles needlessly, all on account of a 
 black scoundrel or fool. I will not repeat either the General's or 
 the Colonel's exact words concerning this guide, for if they by 
 chance should see this page, it might cause them to blush. It 
 sounded for some time as if a bullet would be far too good for 
 him, and a piece of hemp was talked of, but whether the poor 
 fellow was despatched, or just skedaddled, I can not tell, for 
 I have never seen him since, nor heard of him, either. 
 
 Colonel Hawkins asked General Reno where the Rebels 
 were, and the General replied, " They are nowhere " ; but he 
 found out his mistake before night. We were ordered to halt 
 124 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 and take it easy while the General pushed the reconnaissance 
 a little farther with his comparatively fresh men. So we 
 accordingly stopped and proceeded to take a little refreshment 
 while (ieneral Reno ri'suined iiis march, for now we gave up 
 all idea of having a fight that day. We rested about an hour 
 when we again fell into line and moved forward at an easy pace. 
 We had marched thus about a mile when a solemn "Boom-m-m" 
 followed by a moan and a sharp report rang savagely on our 
 startled cars. The Advance heard the report in silence, and 
 the only evidence they gave of their having heard it was by 
 quickening their pace. A few minutes elapsed when another 
 report, seemingly louder than the first one, was heard. The 
 same interval of time, and another ball moaned through the 
 air. But now we hear .something in a different tone. " That 's 
 our metal ; we know that ring ; Company K and the Marine 
 Artillery have been challenged to a game of ball and they accept. 
 The ball is up ; they are pitching lively at long range. Well, 
 we '11 be there to take a hand in it." 
 
 Here comes General Reno's Aide telling the men to fall in 
 with their Companies. Here we are in front of the battlefield. 
 We can see the smoke of the Rebel guns ; look ! there at the 
 edge of the woods, there 's where their battery is. Look out ! 
 there is one of their messages coming — as if one could look out. 
 Too low, it falls short. "Clear the road, lads, the Marine 
 Artillery is bringing another gun into action." Go back, it 
 will be our turn by and by. 
 
 We are now dismi.ssed by Lieutenant Klingsoehr and told to 
 report ourselves to our respective Companies. Our little band 
 had grown intimate and now we were about to part, some of 
 us never to meet again on this side of the grave. 
 
 Tiie General had already disposed his Brigade and had 
 given them their various tasks to perform in order of battle, 
 and now our Regiment emerges from the hollow into the open 
 field. We are moving forward into the very teeth of their guns. 
 "Countermarch by file left !" is the order. What does this mean ? 
 But it is all right. The Colonel smiles at our inquisitive faces 
 and savs, " We will try and euchre them." Verv good, if you can. 
 
 125 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 After countermarching, the Regiment filed to the left and 
 took the outskirts of the woods on the right of the Rebel 
 position, thus menacing their left flank. They were up to our 
 game, however, and while we were slowly pushing our way 
 through the thick woods and thicker underbrush, they amused 
 themselves by pitching solid ball at us. They made a good 
 deal of noise about it, but did n't hurt any one. It showed 
 how warmly they felt for us, for instead of returning the salu- 
 tations of our battery, they let us have it as thickly as 
 they were able. While we were making very slow progress 
 through the outskirts of the woods, the balls whistled 
 over us as only a cannon ball can, sometimes cutting off 
 tree- tops over our very heads, and with a solid thump or 
 crash as they either embedded themselves in the earth, or 
 came in contact with some stump or tree, near, in fact, all 
 around us. 
 
 We were finally ordered to halt while the scouts and officers 
 could reconnoiter a little. We were ordered not to expose our- 
 selves to the fire, by showing the red caps, and the tall under- 
 brush enabled us to comply. No sooner had we disposed of 
 ourselves than the cannonading ceased; even our own guns 
 ceased talking, and there was a calm — that calm, still and 
 impressive, that combatants take when they are drawing breath, 
 summoning all their energies for the death struggle that is to 
 come. Just as the ship's crew prepare in silence, but with reso- 
 lute hearts to resist the fresh fury of the Storm King, when he 
 pauses to concentrate all his power in a tiger-like dart to crush 
 the human foes who crest his billows, so were we nerving our- 
 selves for the fearful onset which would decide for victory or 
 death : so were we preparing to storm the jaws of Hell, which 
 in silence were opening before us. 
 
 Here comes Colonel Kimball on horseback from the field. 
 He has been reconnoitering on his own hook. Quiet; there, 
 he is talking to the Colonel. Hark ! the Colonel is turning 
 to speak to us : 
 
 " Boys, are you able and willing to make a charge? " 
 
 '* Yes !" from five hundred voices. 
 126 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 "Fall in !" ordered Colonel Kimball in his peculiar fighting 
 tone. 
 
 "Fall in!" echoed the Captains of Companies. 
 
 ** Fall in ! " re-echoed the Sergeants, and the orders were 
 quickly obeyed. 
 
 " Forward March ! " was the next command, and we were 
 moving out in the field,, in files of four deep, abreast of the 
 enemy's position. 
 
 Like a bunch of fire-crackers, the enemy's muskets com- 
 menced, by one, twos and threes, to crack till the whole bunch 
 got going on either side. Out of this convincing din, came the 
 order " Trail arms ! Battalions into line ! " and as the enemy's 
 battery gave us a volley. Colonel Kimball rode up to the head 
 of the line, waved his sword over his head, and with a voice 
 that was heard above the fearful din, gave the order, " Charge 
 Bayonets ! " 
 
 The reply was a yell that would defy the fiends of Hell, 
 and as we rushed forward, it drowned the noise of both musketry 
 and cannon. A moment and the Rebel guns flashed, and our 
 Regiment was down on " its stomach " like one man, and the 
 shower of grape passed over it. Captain Leahy swung his 
 sword over his head, and with a voice and expression I shall 
 never forget, shouted, " Give 'em the cold steel. Lads ! " and 
 with another yell, we were at them again. 
 
 It was then as if some superhuman hand, capable of holding 
 bushels of bullets and grape in the palm, itself unseen, was 
 hurling them upon us. So did that storm of leaden and iron 
 hail fall around and pelt us. Every inch of the air seemed 
 thick with whistling messengers of death. It is as impossible 
 for me to describe, as it is for me to conceive, how a person 
 on that field could escape without being hit in a dozen places. 
 .\gain the Rcl)ol guns belched forth a storm of iron into our 
 tet^th, and again the Regiment was down. Up again, and at 
 them more furiously than ever. 
 
 If it were possible for an eye-witness to view us now with 
 impassioned eye ! What a wonderful, what a terrible and mag- 
 nificent spectacle would he behold. Amidst this ringing grape, 
 
 127 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 singing bullets, angry " Minie " balls, the roar of cannon, rattle 
 of musketry, yells of combatants, shrieks of the dying, groans 
 of the wounded, all commingling into one horrible din ! Fear- 
 ful ! Terrible ! Indescribable ! 
 
 How was it possible that men lived here ! What wonderful 
 courage or passion induces men, mortals, to rush into this 
 furnace of Hell, my poor mind can not fathom. A few moments 
 ago, say two moments ago, sixty as brave men as ever handled 
 a musket were enjoying the privilege of drawing breath ; now 
 one small cog has caught in the revolving wheel of Time, and 
 they have fallen, some never to move again. And this is War ! 
 
 Up to this moment, I may say during the whole engagement, 
 I never saw the enemy, although I tasted their lead. This may 
 seem strange, but there is an explanation. When our Regiment 
 charged, the Rebels were in their first position, which they 
 had chosen with admirable forethought, and cunningly fortified. 
 They had placed themselves in a ditch behind a fence and this 
 they set on fire, so while they could see us through the smoke 
 and pour in their fire, we could not see them or know where 
 they were, except as their bullets guided us. From here they 
 poured in that splendid fire, but glory to our Regiment, it did 
 not annihilate us ! They, seeing that the Northern " Mudsills " 
 would be apt to use the bayonets if they could not keep them 
 off, fired in retreat, falling back on their batteries in the edge 
 of the woods. So that, when our fellows had exhausted the 
 little vigor there was left in them by charging over a space 
 of three hundred yards, they found the Rebels as far away as 
 ever, and still pouring their murderous volley into our well- 
 thinned ranks. 
 
 At this juncture I received a wound in the right wrist by 
 a musket ball, which caused my musket to drop out of my hand. 
 I was much excited at the time and have no distinct recollection 
 of feeling any pain, but I remember the moment I was struck 
 and fancied I could see the baU enter. I could almost swear 
 I heard it sing. Anyway I saw the black spot of blood where 
 it entered the flesh. " Well, if this is the only one I am going 
 to get, I am lucky," was my first thought. I may have said it, 
 128 
 
Tlirof-Guii Battery 
 
 PLATE XXVIIl 
 
Jf^"- 
 
 .*%f'{ 
 
 The Burning of ^^'inton 
 
 
 
 ^i^' 
 
 Earthwork; Built by Sir Walter Raleigh's Colony, Roanoke Island 
 
 PLATE XXIX 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 but of that I am not sure. Somehow or other, it entered my 
 mind that I was of no more use and that I would be safer lying 
 down than standing, and accordingly down I went, for I believe 
 I told you before, that I have no particular liking for getting 
 killed, even when it is necessary, and much less when it is not. 
 While the ReginuMit was pushing on, my thoughts happened 
 to stumble on the idea that if I had a revolver, I might make 
 another a I tempt at getting killed, but as I had nothing that 
 I could use with my left hand, I commenced to think about 
 leaving the field, as I had a right to do. But the bullets had 
 by no means ceased to sing over our heads, and I did hate the 
 notion of a bullet in the back. That it might hurt, never entered 
 my mind as it does now. It was only the mortification I would 
 feel in showing the doctor such a wound, that bothered my 
 muddled brain. But by this time, I found out where the bullet 
 had lodged, and as the pain commenced to bother me and the 
 blood flowed rather freely, I concluded to leave the field and 
 find a doctor, even at the risk of the bullet in the back. When 
 I got on my legs I started to run, but I found myself so weak 
 that I soon changed Double-quick to a walk, although the 
 bullets were still plowing up the ground around me and whistling 
 just as close to me through the air, I luckily escaped, however, 
 the painful necessity of showing the doctor a few holes in my 
 back. 
 
 I found Doctor Humphreys, but as he was very busy ban- 
 daging our fellows as fast as he could, and I knew very well 
 he would be em|)loyeil for some time, I made up my mind not 
 to troul)le him, but to find some of the other surgeons who were 
 not so busy, for the very good reason that most all of the other 
 Regiments were too tired to fight. I got to one of the farm 
 hospitals and showed the doctor where the ball was, and asked 
 him if lie would be kind enough to extract it, " for our surgeon 
 has his hands full." 
 
 " Certainly, in a moment. Sit down. Just in from the 
 
 field? How goes the battle?" 
 
 " Well, Doctor, our fellows are very tired, and I am afraid 
 *f 
 
 129 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 " Oh ! Nonsense, my boy, don't you fear ; it '11 all turn 
 out right. Here, I can attend to you now." 
 
 With a gash and a few good jerks he laid the killer before 
 me on the table and commenced to staunch the blood. While 
 he was doing up my wrist, I lost myself in contemplation of 
 my good luck in getting off so easily with only this. And again, 
 if I had received it one-half of an inch above, my hand might 
 — yes, must — have gone; and one inch below, it would have 
 entered my side and killed me; so here I was between two 
 half-inches which, one way or the other, would have been but 
 the alternative between life crippled, or death. I was aroused 
 from this reverie by a tremendous volley of musketry. " My 
 God, if that is the Rebels, may God help us ! " and out I rushed 
 from the hospital. " My God be praised ! " and I shed tears 
 of joy, for there was the Sixth New Hampshire Regiment 
 pouring hell after them, and our own Regimental Flag was 
 flying in the Rebel position. The battle was over, and the 
 victory was ours. 
 
 Thus did we gloriously commemorate the anniversary of 
 the Battle of Lexington. 
 
 When I quit, the Rebels had retreated to the edge of the 
 woods, and our fellows saw that it was nothing but self-murder 
 to try to get an honest shake at the Georgians with the bayonets. 
 Our Colonel had fallen, and also Captain Graham, Captain 
 Hammill and Adjutant Gadsden,* the latter mortally wounded. 
 The lucky ones who were left filed off to the right, and while 
 the Bugle sounded " Rally on the Colors," the first ones who 
 reached the woods entertained the Georgians with a little play 
 of musketry in a bushwhacking style. This was to give the 
 others time to comply with the Bugle, and when the Rebels 
 saw our boys ready to charge them again, they took up their 
 line of march for Norfolk. The splendid volley that frightened 
 me more than a little in the hospital, which proved to be the 
 New Hampshire boys, hurried them off. 
 
 * Colonel Rush C. Hawkins, wounded left arm. 
 Captain A. S. Graham, Co. A. Wounded arm and leg. Camden, April 19th. 1862. 
 Captain William H. Hammill. Co, F. Wounded left arm. 
 Adjutant Charles A. Gadsden. Killed. Camden. 
 
 130 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 Owing to our inability to pursue, they carried off all their 
 guns, leaving only the dead, twenty of them, showing tliat the 
 havoc on their side was no less than on ours. They were most 
 shockingly mutilated by our shrapnel, I am told, which was 
 used by Company K and the Marine Artillery, Captain Howard 
 commanding. 
 
 I began to hear vague ramors that Colonel Hawkins was 
 badly wounded and that Major Jardine and our Lieutenant- 
 Colonel were killed. If these proved true, how many of the 
 men might I not expect to find dead or dying. At any rate, 
 these rumors were enough to make me feel all anxiety to know 
 the truth, and I started for the hospital. And what a sight 
 niet my eyes ! Men mutilated in every way were lying about, 
 those who could, standing, others stretched out on blankets, 
 patiently waiting for the doctor, who was busy dressing the 
 worst cases who filled the interior of the miserable apartment. 
 There, among a motley lot of suffering men, lay Adjutant 
 Gadsden, with as serene a countenance as if he were lying in 
 his own tent. I thought he could not be dangerously wounded, 
 and so I spoke to him. " Adjutant, this is rather hard, and 
 your first, too." He had only been in the Regiment a week. 
 " Yes," he answered ; '* it is my first, and it is hard," I have 
 often asked myself if he knew then that he was going to die 
 within the halt-hour. 
 
 I found that Colonel Kimball was all right and Major 
 Jardine too, and Colonel Hawkins was wounded in the left 
 arm close to the shoulder. He was lying outside on a rubber 
 blanket, looking smilingly at the scene around him, but in 
 his smile there was an unmistakable sign of sympathy. 
 During the fight, he was heard to exclaim, *' My poor boys, 
 I won't have fifty of them left." He saw I was wounded and 
 spoke to me about it, and I, of course, explained and showed 
 him the bullet. " Well," said he ! " you are a very, very lucky, 
 lucky young man." I admitted that I thought so too, and 
 asked him where his wound was. The report that Colonel 
 Kimball was killed probably sprung from the fact that his 
 horse was completelv riddlcMJ with grape and killed instantly 
 
 131 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 in the early part of the action, and some one who had seen him 
 fall must have reported his death to us at the lower hospital. 
 
 Colonel Kimball was very indignant, though, that he had 
 escaped so easily, for he walked up to Colonel Hawkins and 
 said : " You are a lucky man, Colonel. I 'd give a thousand 
 dollars if I had your wound. I am afraid my friends in New 
 York will think me a coward because I never can get hit." 
 And it is a pity that some Rebel would not oblige him by putting 
 a couple of bullets into him just to satisfy his friends in New 
 York. 
 
 While standing at the hospital, the thought struck me that I 
 ought to carry a musket back to camp. And as though I were able 
 to do so, I started off to the field where our men were scattered 
 in groups, picking up the dead or carrying the wounded off 
 toward the hospital. I saw Captain Leahy and Lieutenant 
 Flemming conversing, and as I approached them, the Captain 
 accosted me, sternly looking at me through his small, gray, 
 twinkling eyes, " Where have you been, sir? " 
 
 I saw in a moment that he suspected me to be a skulker, 
 at which I got a little indignant and answered in his own style, 
 " To the hospital, sir." 
 
 This did not throw any lighter shade on his suspicion; 
 for when a Regiment goes into action, those who get a sudden 
 sick turn, generally get off with the excuse of helping the doctor. 
 
 " Well, sir, what have you been doing there .f* " 
 
 " Getting my ball cut out, sir," and at the same time I 
 threw aside my coat sleeve and showed the bloody bandage. 
 
 He acknowledged his mistake, not in words, but in the 
 complete change of manner. 
 
 " You ought to have a sling for that. Have n't you got 
 one? " 
 
 ** No, sir ; but if this sack will serve the purpose, would you 
 be kind enough to fix it around my neck? " 
 
 " Certainly, I will," said he, kindly ; " but what are you 
 doing out here, man — don't you see it is going to rain ? " 
 
 I looked up at the sky, and to my astonishment saw that 
 it was threatening a shower. 
 132 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 " I am ashamed to confess that I came out for a musket, 
 for in the confusion I lost mine." 
 
 " And what do you want with a musket? When you want 
 one I will give one to you ; but meanwhile just you go to the 
 hospital and keoj) out of the rain, and never mind the nmsket, 
 unless you want to carry one off the field." 
 
 The ridiculousness of my errand now for the first time 
 struck mc, and as the rain coniinenced to fall I started for the 
 hospital. I have related this incident that you may see that 
 I was almost in a " befoozlcd " state, for whether I was powder- 
 drunk or diz/.v from loss of blood or merely excited, T can not 
 tell. 
 
 The storm that had been brewing now descended on us 
 in its sublime fury. The lightning flash now took the place of 
 the quick flasliings of artillery and musketry. Loud peals of 
 Heaven's artillery shook the air, the woods and the ground, 
 as if trying to sliow that man's fearful doings could by no means 
 throw Nature into tl»e shade. The thunder shocks broke the 
 frowning clouds of overhanging vapor which now poured down 
 in streams, seemingly desirous of wa.shing the blood from the 
 face of the earth which was crying aloud to the world on high ; 
 wiping our sins away, and by tears trying to atone and cleanse 
 the field of its bond of crime. 
 
 Our wounded were conveyed to a nmch better hospital 
 across \\w field, where everything possible was done for the 
 poor follows. liut alas, for so many, the.se attentions were of 
 no avail. It was piteous to hear strong men, so lately healthy 
 and able to help them.selves, calling " for Heaven's sake " 
 for .some one to put an end to their misery. It was awful to 
 ^tand among men whose .souls were departing, with apparently 
 so little attention paid to them; and when I think of it, I 
 wonder how it is possible to be so indifferent to such scenes 
 as this. But no one who has not gone through what we have, 
 can suspect how nuich a battle hardens the sensitive element 
 in our natures. And what is this that I have described but a 
 mere skirmish compared witii other battles that have been 
 fought latelv in this unholv struggle. This is but a matter of 
 
 133 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 tens and hundreds, not worthy of a woodcut in an illustrated 
 paper. What, then, must be the misery where it is hundreds 
 killed and tens of hundreds wounded? What then, when 
 hundreds of thousands are engaged and in proportion have a 
 struggle like ours? But I can not go further, for it sickens 
 my heart to contemplate these horrors, and please allow me 
 to take a lighter strain. 
 
 I was standing alongside a corner of the hospital listening 
 to Colonel Howard and Colonel Kimball, who were talking 
 about their different experiences in the battle, and I was much 
 interested in their conversation. It had not entirely ceased 
 raining, and so I had my coat skirt thrown over my arm, which 
 caused a mistake similar to that of Lieutenant Leahy's. Colonel 
 Kimball, seeing nothing the matter with me apparently, thought 
 that I ought to be doing something, and asked me where my 
 Company was and where I belonged. I confessed that I did 
 not know where my company was, and that I presumed I 
 belonged at the hospital for the present at least. The sling 
 now caught his eye, and very much like Captain Leahy he 
 wished to atone for the wrong he had done me. Turning to a 
 drummer standing by, he ordered, " Kill a chicken and give 
 that wounded man something to eat, sir." I told him the trouble 
 would be unnecessary, as I did not feel hungry. I commenced 
 to suffer a little from the swelling in the hand, for inflammation 
 had set in, and as the hand grew larger, the bandage grew tighter. 
 The doctors were all busy, and I dared not touch the bandage 
 for fear of starting the blood again. I found some medical 
 assistant, however, and he tore the bandage looser and I experi- 
 enced a happy relief from pain. 
 
 I wondered what could be the idea of all the feathers that 
 were strewn all over the house, and for some time I could not 
 solve the mystery. On going into a little bedroom, I saw that 
 a cannon ball had gone through the house, smashing through 
 two walls and lodging in a chimney In passing through the 
 bedroom it took both head and footboard from the bedstead, 
 and plowed the feather bed just where a person would be, thus 
 scattering the feathers all over the house. As soon as I saw 
 134 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 this bed, although it was minus feathers, I determined to have 
 a snooze on it, for / was tired. Ten minutes after I tumbled 
 onto it, I was fast asleep. From a sweet and refreshing but 
 short sleep, I was aroused by the doctor about eleven o'clock, 
 and told that we must get into an ambulance, for as re-enforce- 
 ments were coming from Norfolk large enough to smash us, 
 we had orders to leave. I was packed into one of the three 
 ambulances with Captain Graham, Captain Hammill, Lieu- 
 tenant Bartholomew and Private Hartenfals of Captain Ham- 
 mill's Company.* Both Captains were wounded in the arms, 
 the Lieutenant in the head, and Hartenfals had both thumbs 
 taken off with one bullet while in the act of firing his piece. 
 There were others, but I don't recollect them, only that there 
 were enough to fill the wagon so brimful that it was an impossi- 
 bility to stretch one way or the other, like slaves closely packed 
 on a slave-ship. 
 
 Ye gods ! If I live to be as old as Methuselah I will never 
 forget this night's ride. It rained a slow, dripping, drizzly 
 rain all night long. The darkness could almost be felt, and 
 the roads — God knows how the driver could see them ! — were 
 as rough as tiiey are in Minnesota. The wheels would tumble 
 into gullies to the wheel-cobs, and give a lurch that often 
 threatened a soft bed in the mire for us, or some like catastrophe 
 for every moment. God only knows how the poor fellows with 
 broken and shattered bones stood it. Would we ever get back 
 to the landing, was often asked, and it did seem as though the 
 end would never come. But as sure as there is an end coming to all 
 things, .so there was for us. Just as day was breaking through 
 the fleeting clouds, we came within sight of the landing-place. 
 But what a species of mud-humans did we look to be now ! 
 Some of the fellows had, in the Egyptian darkness, stumbled, 
 rolled and tumbled in the gutters and in mire and clay a dozen 
 times or so, and certainly we were as nearly bedaubed from 
 head to foot as I could ever wish to see anybody. Our wounded 
 were soon stowed snugly away in the little cabin of the " Ocean 
 
 • Socond Lirutenanf Thomas L. Bartholomew. Co. B. Wounded, Caiudin. April 19th. 
 Hcnrj- HartcnfaLs, Co. F. Both thumb." amputatrd, Caradeii. 
 
 135 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 Wave," where we had our wounds dressed by the time we got 
 to Roanoke again. 
 
 Our losses were heavy in this expedition. Our Regiment 
 had eleven killed, about fifty wounded, and enough missing 
 to make the total about seventy-five, and add to this the few 
 the four other Regiments lost, making the sum total about 
 one hundred twenty -five. And what had we gained? That is 
 hard telling, although the bridge that it was our object to 
 destroy was destroyed by the enemy to cut themselves ofif 
 from pursuit, and that was all our gain. But ask us what we 
 did, and I can answer you, even though we will not get one-half 
 the credit for this expedition that we got for our charge on this 
 Island, for the very good reason that at Camden there were no 
 material results. We worked hard enough and lost enough, 
 the reader knows. In a word or two : we made one of the most 
 rapid marches that has ever been made in this war, through 
 severe heat and quantities of dust, and after this march of 
 thirty-four miles (in fourteen hours) we dislodged the best 
 infantry in the Rebel service, besides one Company of artillery 
 and one of cavalry, from their own chosen position. And when 
 we consider our condition, tired and worn out, compared with 
 those who were fresh and well prepared, the achievement is 
 not altogether unworthy of being described. In this plain, 
 unvarnished statement, I have not pretended to give the history 
 of the expedition, but merely to present to the reader the inci- 
 dents which came under my own eyes, and my own impressions 
 which these incidents produced. It would be foolish for me 
 to ask other members of our Regiment to accept my statements 
 as their own, for I know well that a battle is seen from as many 
 points of view as there are combatants engaged. I am therefore 
 in hopes that this account will be found more interesting as 
 it is than if I attempted to run in opposition to the papers 
 by compiling a history from them. 
 
 Let me anticipate in the course of events enough to say 
 
 that, about three days after our return to the Island, a general 
 
 order arrived from General Burnside, complimenting all the 
 
 troops under General Reno's command, and as a testimonial 
 
 136 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 of his appreciation of our services, and the victory which we 
 gained under such hard circumstances, he ordered that we 
 be permitted to inscribe " Camden " on our banners, with the 
 date, " A{)ril 19th." which will be recorded in the history of 
 our country as a day worthy of being remembered. And who 
 knows but that this affair may have stimulated a skedaddling 
 tendency to Norfolk ! If I am right, the results of our best 
 efforts were not so little after all. 
 
 As soon as we arrived on the Island we were packed off 
 to the hospital, of course. I did not think at first that it would 
 be necessary for me to go to bed at all, but I was mistaken. 
 Doctor Humphreys said that, though my wound was not 
 dangerous, it was serious and must be taken care of. Now 
 what a pity it is that my physiological education has been so 
 much neglected, that I can not describe the exact course that 
 this bullet took ; but lamentable as it is, so it is. You must 
 content yourself with a home-made description. It entered 
 the wrist when I was in the act of charging bayonets, and passed 
 through it. In its hurried passage it was kind enough to fracture 
 rather than to mash any bones, so that I had nothing to fear 
 except mortification. 
 
 Our officers showed as nuich kindness of heart as they did 
 bravery on the field. I don't think there was a commissioned 
 officer in the Regiment but visited us, making pressing offers 
 to supply anything we might want. Along toward evening 
 one day, Captain Ix'ahy came in and sat between Cockefier * 
 and myself, chatting for some time about the battle. We were 
 the only two wounded of his Company who were obliged to 
 take to bed. Captain Leahy was pronounced by all to have 
 been ahead of the column in the hottest of the fight, and by 
 every way possible showed himself to be the bravest of the 
 brave, and I told him that " the unanimous opinion in 
 tlie hospital is that Company I has the bravest Captain in the 
 Regiment." At this he smiled, the first time I have seen him 
 smile from any remark of mine, and said that the boys did 
 better than the officers. This from such a man made me proud, 
 
 • William Cocke6er. Company I. Wounded ahoulder. Camden, April 19th. 
 
 137 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 and I told him that I felt glad to know that, even if we had not 
 gained anything, we had not lost any of our laurels. 
 
 In a week I was able to get up, and experienced that happy 
 release from confinement that all invalids feel more or less. 
 About this time we first heard that Colonel Hawkins had sent 
 down to New-Berne for a boat to take us to New York, and 
 for the first time we discovered that it was not so bad to be 
 wounded after all. To be allowed the blessed privilege of seeing 
 friends and relatives again, after a year of such an absence 
 from the loved ones at home, is no mean reward for bravery, 
 let me tell you. In fact, I think that a soldier who has been 
 tossed around as we have been, would rather take a furlough 
 than one or two hundred dollars. Imagine then the joy with 
 which we heard the " Eastern Queen " on the evening of the 
 Third of May, as she hove in sight from New-Berne, knowing 
 that she was to bear us to our homes on the morrow. Home — 
 what a magic w ord that is to a soldier ! How many weary two 
 hours I have spent on my lonely beat, thinking of Home. Now 
 I would return, proud and conscious of having done my duty 
 to my country, with victory in my very look. What a joyous 
 moment when I should again embrace my sisters and my broth- 
 ers. When I should be able to tell them my adventures. When 
 I could promise never to leave home again, and what pleasant 
 moments to compensate for the long two years of toil and danger. 
 Among the beautiful hills of my own home. When my dreams 
 would at last be realized in having some one to care for and to 
 sympathize with me. And though now I can't go to Minnesota, 
 I will see my sister Charlotte in New York and I have a home 
 in Hudson City that is sure in its welcome for me, and I looked 
 forward to the departure of the " Eastern Queen " with as 
 much impatience as any of the others who had parents as weU 
 as sisters and sweethearts to welcome them back with open 
 arms. 
 
 138 
 
CHAPTER XI 
 
 The Furlough 
 
 THE Fourth of May was the anniversary of the muster 
 of our Regiment into the United States Service, and a 
 beautiful day it was. And a pleasant day, too, for us, 
 for in tlie morning about eight o'clock we were ordered aboard 
 the boat. Our furloughs were made out, and we had them 
 and a small post-oflice of letters in our pockets, the latter for 
 the friends of our comrades, with instructions to see them all, 
 of course. We were taken aboard the fine little steamer, and 
 only had to wait al)out an hour for orders from Colonel Hawkins, 
 and then we would be off for home. 
 
 He finally came himself to see us off. He told us to be good 
 boys, just as a father would when his children are to be trusted 
 for the first time away from home. He was wounded, carrying 
 a cloak over his bandaged arm, and some one observed that he 
 ought to ask Doctor Humphreys for a furlough. He returned 
 I he good-humored sarcasm with a smile, and said he did not 
 remain because he had to but from choice, and after shaking 
 us all by the hand and giving a good word to each, he stepped 
 into his boat. Now, our party was not in condition to cheer 
 him as we would have done had we not been hospital cases, 
 but we had a good substitute, for one of the boys who has a 
 wonderful knack of imitating a rooster hobbled out of the cabin 
 on his crutches and gave the Colonel one of the most lusty 
 (TOWS you can imagine. Loud and long did the crow resound, 
 and we were told that the Colonel remarked to Lieutenant 
 Harnett, "That don't sound as if he were very sick — does it 
 Lieutenant ? " 
 
 We immediately hove anchor and went toward the Pamlico 
 Sound and anchored in the mouth of the Neuse River that 
 night, and at daybreak we steamed up the River. The scenery 
 Ls n(»t more remarkaijle than that of any other stream of this 
 section of the country and it only grew interesting as we 
 approached the defenses of New-Berne. From the hurricane deck 
 of the '* Eastern Queen," I saw the breastworks that were taken 
 
 139 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 in such gallant style, causing a general skedaddling from the 
 five or six nice batteries intended to coiuraaud the river. One of 
 these, a bomb-proof battery of two guns, was very interest- 
 ing to me. These batteries with tlie formidable blockade 
 of vessels and more formidable underground blockade of sharp- 
 ened spikes calculated to sink any vessel that might run against 
 them, formeci. I think, a very perfect defense of the pretty 
 little city behind them, which only the confidence that such 
 men as Burnside inspire, could conquer. I do think that Burn- 
 side, so far, has done as much in proportion to the men he has 
 commanded, as any General in the held. 
 
 We were at New-Berne till the next morning, taking some 
 one hundred sick and wounded aboard who. like ourselves, 
 were lucky enough to get home. Meanwhile, we had a good 
 chance of seeing the place, and a beautiful little city it is, with 
 numerous fine shade trees. Walking up the street, who should 
 we meet but General Reno and General Burnside. We were a 
 squad of us together, and saluted. Turning to Reno. General 
 Burnside remarked. '* So these are the boys who are going home, 
 are they ? " General Reno nodded, and the old man spoke to us 
 all and inquired about our wounds. He was dressed (or 
 undressed) as usual, with his slouched hat and an old faded vest 
 and was in his shirt -sleeves. All he said about my wound was 
 that he thought it was a *' pretty little one to take home." 
 
 New-Berne is. or was, a nice little city, very similar in its 
 appearance to EHzabeth City. We had plenty of time to see 
 the place, but I never care much about cities or houses, be they 
 ever so beautiful, and I found after a couple of hours' walk, 
 that I could content myseh just as well aboard the boat as in 
 the guarded streets. 
 
 The next morning we started again on our journey. We 
 cleared Hatteras Inlet in the afternoon and Cape Hatteras 
 just as the sun was sinking behind that noble sentinel, the 
 Lighthouse. We were favored with beautiful weather, and 
 without anything unusual happening to disturb the monotony, 
 our voyage was ended on the morning of the Ninth of May. 
 How strange it seemed going up the old harbor, and how 
 140 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 familiar everything was, and how long the minutes and the 
 hours after we got in sight of the old city. Oh ! New York, 
 I have not much to thank you for, but still I admit this morning 
 I longed for you with strange impatience. 
 
 Tlie Adjutant and some medical men came aboard, and 
 after the inspection we ran up to the pier in the North River. 
 There was a large crowd on the dock to receive us, and I soon 
 picked out a boy to carry my knap)sack and started for the 
 ferry. But it was all about I could do to get there, for the 
 New Yorkers seemed anxious that I should get home in a 
 bef(K)zled state the first thing. It was in vain I pleaded that 
 I had not yet seen my folks, and that I did not drink. What, 
 a soldier, and not drink ! To be a Zouave and not drink, that 
 seemed to startle the New Yorkers. So I found my pockets 
 stuffed with cigars as a substitute, from men I had never seen 
 Ijefore, and at last I got on board the ferry-boat, and then I 
 wa.s made the object of the undisguised attack of hundreds of 
 two-gun batteries, which I swear I winced under more than I 
 did before the sharpest artillery force of the enemy. And 
 Heaven only knows how it was that I was not annihilated long 
 before I reached home, but I did finally, and I got more used 
 to these things afterwards. Mrs. Simpson was talking to a 
 neighbor and about me, when I appeared. She saw me before 
 I was within talking distance, but she called out, " Is that you, 
 Charley ? " 
 
 " Yes, it 's me" Where is Lottie .'' " 
 
 " She is in New York to-day. My Lord, Charley, how black 
 you are! Are you hungry? " 
 
 " No, ma'am, not so very." 
 
 And then followed questions and answers that I can not 
 attemi)t to transcribe. I took off my soldier clothes and settled 
 myself down in an old, comfortable rocking-chair, and "Mother" 
 set the table with some strange-looking things, which after 
 considerable rummaging through my brain box, I remembered 
 having used a long time ago. I despatched a Christian meal 
 for the first time in a year, and I felt myself perfectly at home. 
 Let me tell you it was pleasant to exchange charcoal water for 
 
 141 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 coffee, shingles for bread, home-made bread, and " salt horse " 
 for good tender sirloin with such " heaps " of beautiful gravy. 
 
 I said I was not hungry, but my meal was a hearty one 
 just the same, and I then prepared to enjoy the aroma of a 
 good cigar. I was attracted to the front door by the boisterous 
 laughter of children, and if there was not Sammy Simpson 
 with my fez on, thrashing one of his playmates who was indis- 
 creet enough to try how well my Rebel jacket fitted him, thus 
 unexpectedly laying himself open to a thrashing in true " Zou- 
 Zou " style. The jacket was one we had taken in an expedition 
 above Elizabeth City some time before the battle of Camden. 
 
 I grew impatient waiting for my sister to come home, for 
 her errands had detained her some time longer than " Mother" 
 anticipated. And when she did come the children spoiled the 
 surprise I had planned to give her, but that was all the same 
 after all. 
 
 The next morning I started for New York, determined to 
 get rid of a part of my post-oflSce, and the first place I went 
 was to see Mrs. Hutchings, the aunt of my old chum, Thain.* 
 I took dinner with her at Williamsburgh, and then went up 
 to Sixty-seventh Street near Broadway and delivered War- 
 ring's** letter to his mother, in whom I became much interested. 
 She was, of course, glad to see me, as I had been the bed-fellow 
 and friend of her son, and she made me promise to come again, 
 as Mrs. Hutchings did, and I promised. I hunted up my old 
 landlady and settled a small account, and then I waited for 
 Harry Palmer. In the meantime I had to kiss a half-dozen 
 girls of old acquaintance, a very disagreeable duty, which I 
 performed, however, like a heroic soldier, and was most talked 
 to death in the bargain. At last Harry came in, and — " My 
 God, Johnson, is that you ? " I assured him it was no one else, 
 and he got reconciled. I had to take supper with him, of course. 
 After getting all the news and promising to see him the next 
 Sunday, I went home tired, and not exactly happy. I had 
 
 * Hamilton H. Thain, Company I. 
 * * On a page of writing paper forming the cover of Journal "No. 7," is the name, " William 
 H. Warring," which is presumed to be correct, though it is sometimes in the Journal itself, spelled 
 with an " h." 
 
 142 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 been all over the city, and had not had much leisure for the 
 errands I was commissioned to execute. New York was not 
 much changed. I was on Broadway, on the Bowery, on the 
 avenues and on the business streets, and all appeared the same, 
 with the one difference noticeable, the presence of many soldiers. 
 With this exception, I would not have known, from the bustle 
 of business and the usual display on Broadway, the number of 
 unmeaning-faced pedestrians saluting so many more dolls in 
 " a-la-mode," or from the eternal outpouring, commingling 
 and separating stream of life, that there was such a calamity 
 harassing our country. New York is New York still, thought 
 I, as I crossed the ferry, not very well satisfied with my first 
 day's experience. 
 
 The next day I happened to be in the Sixth Avenue car, 
 and my uniform was, as usual, the object of interest. I have 
 not conceit enough to fancy that I was the attraction : I am 
 quite sure it was the uniform and the sling. I noticed one lady 
 who seemed to wish to speak to me. The car gradually got 
 thinned out as we approached town, and soon there were only 
 two persons in it besides ourselves. She then came over to 
 where I sat, and asked me if I was a member of Hawkins 
 Zouaves and did I come with the last lot of wounded men, 
 to both of which I replied in the affirmative. 
 
 " But why is it I have not seen you up at the hospital ? " 
 she asked. 
 
 " Why, Madam," replied I, smiling, " it must be because 
 I have not been there," and in explanation of this rather rude 
 answer, I added, " I determined to stay at home while I am 
 here, for it is pleasanter for myself and for a sister of mine." 
 
 " Granted," replied .she; " but if you do not wish to stay 
 with us, you nuist really come up and see how nicely we have 
 gotten you poor fellows fixed. We want all of your Regiment 
 who need help to come to us for it." She was middle-aged, 
 dressed in half-mourning and, very evidently, a lady. She 
 went on entiuisiastically, " Men will have to do the fighting, 
 and all we poor women can do is to take care of them when they 
 are sick and wounded, and that we are willing to do." 
 
 143 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 " You are very kind, and I will take advantage of your 
 invitation by going to see you at the hospital to-morrow and 
 as an excuse I will go every day to get my wound dressed." 
 
 To her earnest, " Do, Sir ! " I said, " Good-Morning, 
 Madam ! " and left the car. 
 
 This will show the feeling for us among the upper classes 
 in New York. It is only one of the very many instances of 
 this kind feeling for our Regiment and for the army generally, 
 which I had the great pleasure to experience while in the city. 
 The hospital is situated on Fifty-first Street and Lexington 
 Avenue, and as far as I know is Mrs. Valentine Mott's own 
 institution. I went the next day and the very first one I met 
 was my lady friend of the car. She must pardon me for the 
 liberty I take in calling her a friend, her manner was such that 
 I can not help myself. She recognized me at once and exclaimed, 
 " I knew I would see you again." 
 
 What a contrast to the camp hospitals ! Here were all our 
 boys in clean muslin, everything neat, comfortable and home- 
 like, and I fancied their swarthy faces had already gained a 
 lighter shade. Everything that could tempt the taste was 
 alongside of every bed, and as a proof of plenty, I will mention 
 the fact that I never went there but that I was asked to take 
 some oranges or some delicate food. They were really reproached 
 for not eating all the gifts that poured in on them in a continual 
 stream. Books, papers, magazines and choice novels were on 
 tables and chairs, sufiicient for a good-sized reading-room; 
 and dominoes, checkers and chess contributed to make the 
 pleasantest home that a soldier can wish for " away from home." 
 But the strangest feature, and of course the most pleasant of 
 this splendid establishment, is the kind and familiar efforts of 
 the ladies to make these patients feel at home, and I know they 
 were successful. What can be more soothing to a poor wounded 
 soldier, who has been so long the patient object of harsh, unsym- 
 pathetic commands from officers, very often his inferiors, finding 
 himself the object of tender smiles and kindly attentions ? Not 
 pity, mind you, for a true soldier hates pity from women, to 
 whom but for the services he has tried to render his country, he 
 144 
 
'"^^' 
 
 Fdil Hawkins, lioanoke Island 
 
 \ % W \ 
 
 I'orl 1{liio 
 
 PLATE XXX 
 
;»0' 
 
 
 #i# 
 
 
 
 \ \ 
 
 ^»)^& 
 
 ->*"v 
 
 Ruins of Fort Blanchard, Roanoke Island 
 
 '^JkiJ^Ui^ 
 
 Wreck of the " Cumberland 
 
 PLATE XXXI 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 might never have the presumption to speak. Ladies who come 
 in their carriages, dressed in rusthng silks, with tender, white, 
 tapering fingers which seemed never to have been formed to 
 touch anything other than the keys of the piaiioforte, doing 
 Hi lie commonplace things here and there for him, trying to 
 find out and to comply with his slightest wish — this is indeed 
 a reward that is worth all the hardships, danger and terror of 
 the battlefield. For tiiere is great satisfaction in knowing that 
 you deserve this from the greatest ladies in the land — great 
 l)ccausc they are true and good. Mrs. Valentine Mott, the 
 principal lady of the institution, is a pleasant -looking woman, 
 and that she is good need not be asked. Hers is a face that will 
 never grow oUl. Her character can be partially judged from a 
 little incident I witnessed. I had taken dinner with the boys 
 aii.l had just gotten interested in a game of checkers with Frank 
 \ allade,* who had been wounded in both thighs at Camden. 
 UC just about got started when the door opened and in came 
 a young, pretty little woman. I would have said "girl," but 
 she had in her arms a bal)y about a year old. As soon as she 
 entered, Frank reddened a little, pushed away the board and 
 whispered to me, *' She is my wife." I was thunderstruck, 
 but I made haste to get out of the way. Here was Frank a 
 married man and a fatlier, and not yet twenty nor as old-looking 
 as myself. \Muit would we have next in the line of wonders? 
 The conference between them did not last long, for I could see 
 that Frank wiiucil under the grins and glances of his comrades, 
 and as he had kept it a secret from us so far, I judge he was 
 pretty uneasy. Airs. Mott came in just as Frank's pretty little 
 family had gone, and she asked him if he had seen his wife. 
 
 "Yes, Ma'am; I have seen them." 
 
 ** And, are they gone? " 
 
 *' Yes, they have just gone. " 
 
 " Oh, I declare, that is too bad, and I did not see that baby." 
 
 Frank looked serious and said. ** If I had known, Mrs. Mott, 
 that you wished to see them, I would have detained them 
 certainly." 
 
 * Prank Vallsdr. Co. F. Wouudcd leg uud lliigli. Cani<lr-n. April l&tb. 
 
 145 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 But Mrs. Mott started off complaining that it really was 
 too bad she did not see that baby, " I did want to see it so 
 much," and even when she had reached the other end of the 
 room we could still hear her talking about that " Zouave " 
 baby, at which poor Frank (or rich Frank) had to jom us in 
 our laugh at the good lady's disappointment. 
 
 The next week I spent principally between my own home 
 and Mrs. Mott's home, for I was not yet in condition to warrant 
 my being out nights. In the latter part of the week I 
 neglected to go to the hospital for several days, and when I 
 did I found our boys changed from the second to the third 
 floor. I asked how Cockefier was, and they told me that he 
 was much worse and for me to go up and see him. I found him 
 covered with a thin sheet, behind a screen. He was very pale. 
 " Cocky," said I, " how 's your arm ? Does it pain you much 
 now.!* " 
 
 " No, Charley ; it don't pain me any more now — it 's off." 
 
 Need I tell you how I felt ! We were alongside of each other 
 in the hospital at Roanoke, and I used to tremble when they 
 had him under chloroform for fear they would take the arm off, 
 and now, after being allured so long by the hope that it would 
 not be necessary, it had to go at last. I do think, if I lost an 
 arm or a leg, that I would go mad. I never feared death half 
 as much, when going into a battle, as I did losing a limb. That 
 would be a misery I never could reconcile myself to stand; 
 and now poor Cockefier ! 
 
 As soon as I got home I wrote to Warring, and told him 
 about poor Cocky, and asked him if he would speak to Captain 
 Leahy, for I felt that he was kind as well as brave, and the 
 Company ought to do something nice. The next letter I got 
 from Warring made me happy, for it stated that Captain Leahy 
 had acted on the suggestion and headed the list himself with 
 jSve dollars, and that he now had a sum of nearly one hundred 
 ready. This was beyond my most sanguine expectation, and 
 I was very glad, for Cockefier is a poor man, and needs money 
 now, God knows. The second Sunday I was in New York he 
 introduced me to a man to whom I shall always feel grateful. 
 146 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 His indefatigable efforts to make my stay in New York pleasant, 
 in which he was assisted by his wife and two daughters, suc- 
 ceeded admirably. John ^IcKensie is a true specimen of a 
 genuine American. He is an ex-member of G engine company, 
 in which he takes great pride as in the fire department generally, 
 and he is also an active member of the order of Free Masons, 
 and in that fraternity he takes equal pride if not more. He 
 always has money, but still is not rich ; he lives in comfort if 
 not in luxury. He is near if not over forty years of age, but 
 docs not look much over thirty; and to sum it all up, I can 
 find no discount on John McKensie. Such a man I met that 
 Suiuiay, and it is hard to tell whether I spent my time more 
 agreeably anywhere else than I did that afternoon. I had to 
 stay and take tea with him and promise to come again often. 
 The conversation during a part of the time took in the theaters, 
 and he found out I could appreciate a good play, so he planned 
 with Harry to go up to Wallack's any day I should decide. I 
 think it was Tuesday ; and to save me from being out too late, 
 it was arranged that I should sleep with Harry. We went to 
 Wallack's and saw the " Romance of a Poor Young Man " 
 very well played. We went again and again, until I got ashamed 
 of going with my two friends, Harry and Jack, for they would 
 not allow me to pay for anything. So on one occasion I saw 
 Jack down town, after I had known him about two weeks, 
 and tohl him to make things look a little better, and if he or 
 they had no objections, I would take his daughters to see 
 Miss Richings at Niblo's. I smoothed the matter over with 
 some reasons for the boldness of the proposition on so short 
 an acquaintance; but all he seemed to have against it was 
 that a soldier should not be allowed to spend his money. And 
 now there was something else I had to get over. My Sister 
 would be anxious to know about these proceedings, and it 
 does n't take them long to guess where you have been, when 
 tliey see the purse. I had taken her to see the enchantress at 
 Niblo's, and she was so shocked at that bit of extravagance 
 that she vowed it would last her for a year, and now mind you, 
 I was about to commit a double foUv, and she would be sure 
 
 147 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 to find out whether I told her or not. But I conquered all 
 difficulties and took the Misses McKensie to see the siren. 
 Miss Richings. I had the best seats in the parquet, and was 
 dressed in Zou-Zou rig, of course; Jack had a pair of opera- 
 glasses, and I had great fun looking at those who looked at me, 
 for by this time I had gotten so used to being stared at that 
 I did not mind it at all. One woman on the opposite side of 
 the parquet gazed at me and I gazed at her until, with common 
 consent, we dropped the glasses, and smiled. 
 
 The singing was excellent and the play good enough, and 
 it would have been better if the weather had not been so hot. 
 As it was, my guests professed to having enjoyed themselves 
 and how could I help it ? But what is the use of following my- 
 self further in New York, for I had one continual round of 
 amusement and pleasure, and I would not have missed it for 
 a hundred dollars'. I went to see Alexander in Center Street, 
 my old boss, and there they thought me arisen from the grave. 
 They thought me to be in the end-fire Zouaves, and there was 
 a Charles Johnson killed on picket in that Regiment and that 
 must have been me. I assured them it was not. I saw Miss 
 
 T at Alexander's, and she is more beautiful than ever. 
 
 I went sailing around Central Park with Lillie Simpson on her 
 birthday, and Lord knows where I was not and what I did not 
 do to pass away the time. To tell the truth, I was not contented 
 at home ; for I could not use pen or pencil, as you know, barely 
 being able to scribble short answers to my friend's letters with 
 my left hand. So in spite of myself, I found the hours hanging 
 heavy some of the time. I was most happy at home with 
 " Mother " and Lottie and the children, for though I never 
 was without agreeable attention in New York, yet there is 
 not that feeling that gives so much content as when you are 
 among those whom you love, and if it were possible to love 
 any one in the same way as you do your mother, Mrs. Simpson 
 comes nearer to her than any other woman I ever knew. I 
 sometimes sighed when I thought of Home, and that perhaps 
 I never would see my family again, and it was hard to be so 
 near and not have that pleasure. Eva, Harriet, Augusta and 
 148 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 my brothers — the word pleasure is cold — joy is the only ade- 
 quate word that will come near the feeling I would have in 
 again seeing them all. But then I thought, even if I were there, 
 I would find it hard to leave for the uncertainties of military 
 life, so I consoled myself with the silent prayer that when I 
 did go " home " it would be to stay. 
 
 And so did the forty days glide away in peaceful pleasure 
 and domestic cjuiet, and almost before I was aware of it, the 
 Fourteenth of June was a reality and I reported myself and got 
 my ticket. And then I had to wait nearly two weeks before 
 I could get a steamer. This I found tedious in the extreme, 
 for it meant a trip to tlie Adjutant-General's office every day, 
 only to be disapi)ointed and told to come the next day. And 
 in the meantime, I had taken leave of friends half a dozen times, 
 and their patience as well as mine was exhausted. 
 
 At last, on the Twenty-fifth of June, the Steamer " Cossack" 
 left for New-Berne. We started in a rainstorm, as usual, but 
 still I had the pleasure of seeing my Sister on the dock with 
 Mr. Simpson. I had told her not to come, but she said she 
 could not resist trying to see me again, and I was glad she did 
 not obey my orders. About four o'clock, the " Cossack " 
 shoved off from the pier and cleared Sandy Hook before dark, 
 and now we are off for the seat of war again. 
 
 149 
 
CHAPTER XII 
 
 Sketches 
 
 Thursday Eve., Eight o'clock, 
 June 26th, 1862. 
 
 WE started from New York yesterday afternoon and 
 have had favorable weather. The " Cossack " is 
 now near Fortress Monroe, where she will land a 
 Company of Marines. 
 
 Nine o'clock. 
 We are now plowing back again through Chesapeake Bay. 
 We heard that McClellan had been fighting all day, and that 
 General Hooker's Division had advanced one mile on to Rich- 
 mond and gained possession of Federal Hill. I hope it is true ! 
 
 Friday Morning, June 27th. 
 Fortunately for us, the sea has not been as high to-day as 
 when the " Oriental " was wrecked, or we would now be in 
 the same predicament. We have just been aground, and in 
 the open ocean, too, about ten miles from land, and thirty 
 from Cape Henry. And we have to thank Neptune for his 
 kindness in not providing us with a blow at the time, or we 
 would be floating around on planks and hay bales instead of 
 pursuing our course as we are now doing. As it was, every lazy 
 swell that came along lifted the " Cossack " a little and set 
 her down again, fairly making every timber in the overloaded 
 vessel squeak, just as a rocking crate on which a cartraan was 
 practising his strength. But we got off, to the relief of every 
 one, and now Hatteras Light is in sight. (Night) We passed 
 Hatteras " Swash," after tugging and rolling a little in the sand, 
 and we are again at anchor at the mouth of the Neuse River, 
 and I am going to sleep. 
 
 New-Berne, Saturday, June 28th. 
 We have just passed through New-Berne and left the 
 ** Cossack " for the Steamer " John Farrow," and we were 
 150 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 not a moment too soon, either, for we start immediately for 
 Roanoke. 
 
 (Night) Again aground in the Sound. This is surely an 
 unlucky trip for pilots, two already being discharged. 
 
 Camp Reno, Roanoke Island. 
 June 29th. 
 At Roanoke again. We came up to the dock this morning 
 about nine o'clock. The Colonel was there to meet us and he 
 spoke as kindly as usual. When I got up to camp, I was met 
 by a host of friends on every side; in fact, the welcome I 
 received here was only second to that in New York two months 
 ago. Tiie Regiment is on the eve of starting somewhere I am 
 certain, but where I do not know, though I am pretty sure it 
 is to be in the direction of Richmond. I don't know whether 
 I will go with them or not. I can not go in the ranks, that is 
 certain, but I might go on the ambulance and do something. 
 I will propose to go anyway, and be ready for whatever turns up. 
 
 Monday Eve., June 30tl . 
 Last Monday evening T was at Wallack's Theater with 
 Jack McKcnsic and Harry Palmer, and to-night I have also 
 been to the theater. The Zouave Dramatic Club gave an 
 interesting performance and I enjoyed myself to-night as well 
 if not better than I did last Monday, probably for the reason 
 that I did not look for so much talent as there was displayed 
 on the neat little stage in one of the Rebel barracks. A bur- 
 lesque was well performed and after some very good comic 
 songs and dancing, the entertainment concluded with the 
 farce " Box and Cox." The house was crowded with the 
 aristocracy of Roanoke, escorted generally by members of 
 the Regiment. Colonel Hawkins was present and was received 
 with enthusiastic cheers by the audience. The proceeds of 
 these entertainments go to the wounded of our Regiment. 
 
 July 4th, 1862. 
 What can't our boys get up when they have a mind to? 
 As the song says, " K you had been here to-dav, vou 'd have 
 
 151 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 laughed till you died." So far as I am concerned I do not wish 
 to have anything better to laugh at on the Fourths of July to 
 come. In the morning, any one who would go after it, could 
 have fifteen rounds of blank cartridges to use as he wished. 
 After the Parade and the reading of the Declaration of Inde- 
 pendence, two o'clock was fixed for a grand, fantastic burlesque 
 on the Dress Parade, in which any one who wished to make 
 himself ridiculous could participate. At two exactly, several 
 drums and kettles sounded for the Battalion to " Fall in." 
 The Colors took their position, and the guides were thrown out. 
 The Colors were one black flag, no quarter, and a white flag, 
 all quarter, appropriately inscribed. There is no use trying 
 to describe the rest. You have all been to a masquerade ball, 
 I suppose, and from that you can fancy something very ridicu- 
 lous, only I am afraid you can not arrive at anything ridiculous 
 enough. The artillery was represented by common muskets 
 tied on wheelbarrows, from which formidable battery, we had 
 some very good volleys. Sergeant Major was " Colonel " 
 and had his saddle put on wrong side foremost. The " Child " 
 of the Regiment was Corporal Farrel of Company B, and he 
 made the best character of the show. Warring made a very 
 good Zouave, with a Roanoke medal on his breast, a brass 
 candlestick with the top knocked off. Corporal Downing of 
 our Company was a rag-woman and played the part to per- 
 fection. The Battalion, numbering some two hundred, marched 
 down to the camp of the Eighty-ninth and to Headquarters, 
 and gave a magnificent Dress Parade at both places with salutes 
 from the Batteries. The band accompanied them, but the 
 martial strains were unfortunate in the harmony, for each man 
 played his own tune. Colonel Hawkins was not at his quarters 
 and every one felt a little disappointed. I am going to wind 
 up the Fourth by going to the theater to-night, this performance 
 probably being our last, as our Regiment is soon going away. 
 
 July 11th. 
 The Regiment is gone, and I, for the first time, am staying 
 behind. Thev went this morning. I had everything ready to 
 152 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 go, but the Captain told me I had better stay and take care 
 of his quarters, and I have no doubt that it is best, though I 
 don't hke the idea, for I always have been with my Company 
 since we came out, and I would like to take my chances with it 
 whatever it may go through. They are going in the direction 
 of Norfolk, and, if I mistake not, they will have something to 
 say at the taking of Richmond. It is even now rumored that 
 they are going to take Fort Darling, with the rest of Burnside's 
 Division, of course. 
 
 Saturday Evening, July 12th. 
 
 1 received a letter this afternoon from Charlotte. All is well. 
 1 have resumed my pencil again these last few days in good 
 earnest, using a little more care than usual, which has resulted, 
 I think, in a material improvement in my pictures. Yesterday 
 morning, I commenced with Fort Defiance, * and it is so 
 much better and more correct than the five or six others I drew 
 and gave away, that I have concluded to keep this for myself. 
 The second picture I finished yesterday, " Fort Bartow " 
 was originally sketched two or three months ago from 
 the " Virginia " while in the Sound, and includes an incident 
 worthy of being preserved : the Rebel Steamer — *' Sea Bird," 
 I think it was — waiting under a flag of truce for the body of 
 Captain O. Jennings Wise. Fort Bartow, commonly called 
 the " Nine-Gun Battery," is the strongest fort on the Island 
 and received the principal part of Goldsborough's attention 
 when the Island was taken. My next is a copy of the only 
 |)rint I have seen of the sharp skirmish between the Rebel Tug 
 " Teager " and our " Savannah," which was described in my 
 Journal long ago. This is the first two-page picture I have ever 
 <lrawn. 
 
 This morning I undertook the most delicate piece of pencil- 
 ing I have ever attempted and I succeeded beyond my most 
 sanguine anticipation. This is the copy of Colonel Hawkins' 
 " Carte-de-visite." I think just this much of it, that I intend to 
 
 * The Skctchn havr br«n plHced iu Ibf narrativv a.s nearly as possible, where the origioal 
 no* tnatlr. Some werr lo»t, nianv wi-rc ({ivrn a«av. and a few arc " unaccounted for." 
 
 153 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 get the Colonel to put his autograph on it, if he comes back, 
 and God grant he may. 
 
 I also drew a large j;>icture of the charge of our Regiment at 
 Camden, partly copie*:! and partly original. I substituted our 
 two-gun battery for i\w Sixth New Hampshire, which in the 
 published print in the ** Illustrated News " occupies the fore- 
 ground. It is not that I do not want the gallant Sixth to be 
 in the picture, but they were not there when we made the first 
 charge. It was when our flag was in the Rebel position and 
 the Georgians were in retreat, that the Sixth, the only Regiment 
 that did anything there, was where the wood-cut placed them. 
 Now I think you will agree with me that my pencil has been 
 busy since the Regiment went away. 
 
 Sunday Evening, July 13th. 
 
 I have spent the Sabbath principally with pencil in my 
 hand. I have drawn three pictures to-day, one of Fort 
 Bartow one of our gunboats ascending the Chowan River on 
 the Winton Expedition and the third has a curious 
 history. I commenced it some fifteen months ago, a ruin on 
 Lake Myorson in Norway, and with unusual care, intending 
 to give it to a lady friend, but alas, it has been unfinished all 
 this time, and forgotten until I found it with a lot of drawing 
 paper my Sister Charlotte packed in my knapsack. And now 
 I have touched it up in my best style with clouds and trees, 
 and I will send it to my Sister Eva. 
 
 But I am afraid the pencil displaces the pen too much of 
 late. There has been a startling rumor around camp to-day, 
 and the main part of it implies that Company F has been 
 attacked at Plymouth, which city they were guarding, by a 
 body of Rebel cavalry, and been driven off with a loss of three 
 killed and ten wounded. Another rumor is that a Rebel steamer 
 was captured in the Roanoke River. But both lack confirma- 
 tion. 
 
 The fight that was in progress when I was off Fortress 
 Monroe seems to have been a big thing, big so far as the fight 
 is concerned, but not so much for our cause. I have not seen 
 154 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 the particulars yet. We hear that McClellan has retreated 
 aud I feel l>adly about it, but I can only hope for the best. 
 
 Saturday, July 19th. 
 
 Day before yesterday I received a letter from Warring 
 with a batch of information and also one from Captain Leahy. 
 The Regiment is now in Fort Norfolk near the city, on Sewal's 
 Point, and " King Rush " is commander of the post. Captain 
 Ivcaby thinks we — " they," I mean — will stay there and he 
 tells me I may expect orders to decamp any day. Last year 
 this lime, how little did our boys expect to be in Norfolk now, 
 and how much less did we expect to have to take such a curious 
 route to get there. But I am not there yet. 
 
 With these two letters came three more, two from New 
 York and the other from Pittsburgh : a note from Mr. Passe- 
 vant enclosing two letters from my Sisters Harriet and Augusta. 
 Harriet tells me they were delighted with my picture that I 
 sent them some time ago, and Augusta returns the compliment 
 with her ambrotype. which she says does justice to her in every- 
 thing but her hair. The picture shows me a girl of whom any 
 one should be proud; in fact, as far as looks and build are 
 concerned, our family is not to be equaled — myself excepted, 
 of course. Harriet promises me to go and do likewise in regard 
 to a picture. The letters from Harry Palmer and Jack Mc- 
 Kensie are full of news. I have answered all of them except 
 Mr. Passevant's, and that I intend to do to-day. 
 
 This is Saturday and we will see what our pencil has been 
 doing since Sunday. " The Burning of Winton," though 
 small and .something new, is not bad. I never tried confla- 
 grations before. I have numbered my pictures, for I want the 
 collection to be complete, and I have that excuse for not giving 
 any of them away. Now, turn the leaf. Ha! A moonlight 
 scene, something else I have never tried before. " Burnside's 
 Fleet at Anchor." How do you like it? You don't 
 know? Well 1 don't either. The Steamer on the right side 
 in the foreground, or forewater, is the " Virginia." and I was 
 on her that night, if von can recollect. 
 
 155 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 " Three-Gun Battery Captured on Roanoke Island " in 
 front of Colonel Hawkins' quarters. This flagstaff with that 
 pretty flag floating from it, as you will see, serves also as the 
 Colonel's Lookout, for in these cross-trees he can or could 
 command a good view of the Sound. I don't think it makes 
 a bad picture, do you? 
 
 Hello ! This is something larger than usual, is it not ? 
 " Camp Reno, Roanoke Island." Well, that is not so bad. 
 Clouds good. So that is the Regiment on Dress Parade? 
 Well, well, they are too much in the distance to be seen very 
 distinctly. Seems to me that there are too many of them. 
 You are probably right. Well, take it all in all, it is — well, 
 never mind what it is, turn the page. 
 
 " Beautiful ! beautiful ! " Do you think so ? I am glad of 
 it, for I think so myself, and your exclamations flatter my 
 vanity, but read the title : " Earth- work built by Sir Walter 
 Raleigh's Colony on Roanoke Island." Well, I declare, I 
 did not think it was anything but a wood scene. Earthwork, 
 did you say ? This must be it in the foreground, and not 
 much of a breastwork either. I admit that. Sir, but you 
 must recollect that this has been here some hundreds of years, 
 and in that time the elements have reduced it ; but if you will 
 go with me some day, you will discover traces that can not be 
 doubted. How far is it from camp ? About a mile Eastwardly. 
 But what object could Sir Walter have in building this work 
 here, I would like to know. For my part I don't think Sir 
 Walter ever had anything to do with the Fort ; but if you will 
 refer to the History of the United States, you will find that there 
 was a colony, or a nucleus of one, of fifteen or twenty men left 
 on this Island, of which nothing was ever heard afterward. 
 Not a trace has been discovered, and we have nothing left but 
 conjecture. They were probably butchered by Indians, and 
 that this fort has something to do with them — in fact, that it 
 was thrown up for their defense against the Indians — I have 
 no doubt in my mind. At any rate, we have proofs that it has 
 been the scene of Indian warfare, and as Indians do not throw 
 up earth- works in their line of fighting, we must come to the 
 156 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 conclusion that red and white men's blood mingled over 
 this spot in the lonely wood. For I have seen stone and flint 
 arrow-heads that have been found here, and that is sufficient 
 to show that the red men had good enemies to fight before 
 they could annihilate them. As my picture shows, the breast- 
 works are not more than ordinary mounds now, and any one 
 who was not shown the place would probably pass over if a 
 hundred times without discovering anything so unusual as' to 
 warrant the thought of a fortification ; but it was there, and 
 probably has been the scene of a dark and bloody tragedy. 
 A sudden and terrible surj)rise; a long, protracted siege,! in 
 which the red men suffered as much as the garrison ; and at 
 last, worn out with hunger, thirst or bodily fatigue, one by 
 one, careless of life, the white men exposed themselves to the 
 arrows of the unerring marksmen, or perhaps in hopes of savage 
 mercy, only to be deceived and meet the horrible end at' the 
 stake or by some other lingering torture. I almost forget that 
 this is all in my mind, but such thoughts came to me while 
 I was drawing the ruins of this interesting relic of the former 
 history of this well-known Island. But, Mr. Journal, we will 
 drop the subject of our pictures, and as I am busy now, meet 
 me to-morrow at the *' Barleymow." 
 
 July 22nd. 
 
 Yesterday I drew my own picture from a" Carte-de-visite" 
 I had taken in New York, and wrote a letter to Mr. Passevant 
 and one to Captain Leahy. To-day I made a sketch of Fort 
 Hawkins, which, unlike all the other forts on the Island, has 
 been built by the Federals. It was commenced shortly after 
 the Island was taken, and furnished employment to about a 
 hundred contrabands almost continually, and it is now nearly 
 (•om])leted. It is built in the much-favored half-moon shape, 
 with l)reastworks to protect it in the rear. It mounts four 
 thirty-two-pound Columbiads, which command the Sound; 
 situated on the Northeast corner of the Island. It is a neat 
 piece of engineering, and reflects credit on the constructors. 
 
 (Evening). I must stop a few minutes before going to bed 
 and talk to vou about mv sketches. I hope, for Friendship's 
 
 157 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 sake, you are not tired of the subject, for sketching is something 
 I never tire of doing — and why not bear with me now, when I 
 have nothing else on which I can fix my mind ? And, too, my 
 hand is fast getting well, so that I will soon be able to shoulder 
 a musket again, and then you will not be bored with my eternal 
 talk. Now here is as good a picture as I ever attempted, and 
 by far the greatest subject I could wish, finished day before 
 yesterday, and I never spoke of it at all. I fancy it is very 
 jealous, by this time, of its associates who have been more 
 lucky in getting a prompt puff from Mr. Journal. But it is 
 never too late to mend. This tries to represent the " Bivouac 
 of General Burnside's Army — The Night Before the Battle," 
 but no questions have I time to answer, and if you want 
 any explanations you must look up the old copy of the Journal, 
 now safely packed in Hudson City. For I must make haste 
 and tell something about a little expedition I had this afternoon. 
 I had resolved, as long as I had so good a chance, to have 
 Roanoke Island illustrated, and I think I have finished now. 
 So I went out this afternoon to take the two last sketches that 
 were needed to make my collection complete. Fort Reno and 
 Fort Blanchard : I had a good swim at Fort Reno and then 
 went down to Fort Blanchard. I had never seen the 
 latter fort since I have been on the Island, and I was much 
 surprised at the strength and advantages of its position. Five 
 hundred brave men inside ought to be able to hold it against 
 five thousand. Let me explain by the assistance of the sketch. 
 You will see where four heavy guns have been mounted 
 on the right. These guns command the Sound. In front, 
 a boggy marsh, which even Irish bog-trotters could not 
 get over. On the left, the wall faces the interior of the Island, 
 and is protected not only by swamps, but more effectively by 
 a deep dike full of water. What more could a general want, 
 besides courage, to hold this against all the Burnsides in our 
 army? I will give you a small sketch of Fort Reno. 
 It is the largest Fort on the Island, and mounts twelve 
 guns. It took a small part in the action of the Eighth of Febru- 
 ary, but did no great execution, firing a shot now and then, 
 158 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 making a small show of helping their fleet of gunboats which 
 our ferryboats drove from under its walls. Its original name 
 
 w;is Fort Iluger. I sketched another " Fort," I suppose. 
 
 Why do you interrupt me ? Can I sketch nothing but Forts ? 
 My pencil has been insulted, but the keenest satisfaction will 
 be to allow the pen to finish. This picture forms a great con- 
 trast in its subject, a most beautiful flower I found in the marsh. 
 It was of a kind I had never seen before, and I can not tell its 
 name, but it attracted me by its purest vermilion color. But, 
 Forts, Cannons, Flowers and all beside, I bid you Good-Night ! 
 
 159 
 
CHAPTER XIII 
 
 Mabching Orders 
 
 Friday, July 25th. 
 
 AN expedition is starting from here this afternoon, and 
 those of our Regiment who were left are going, with five 
 days' rations in haversacks, and in light marching order. 
 Mr. Journal, you may look out for something besides pictures 
 in a few days, or — nothing at all. 
 
 Afternoon. 
 
 A half hour after writing the warning above, we were 
 marched to the Parade Ground at the call of the " Assembly," 
 and I found there forty-seven men, two of them commissioned 
 officers. Captain Graham and Captain Prescott, and three 
 non-commissioned, leaving forty-two privates. We marched 
 down to Fort Reno and there met a small schooner, in which 
 we embarked and stood for the gunboat which was ready to 
 receive us, and we are now on our way up the Sound. From 
 aU I can learn, we are going up to the Currituck Court-House 
 to stop some drafting that is said to be going on among the 
 inhabitants, under the supervision of the Rebel cavalry. 
 
 Saturday Afternoon. 
 This morning we found ourselves at anchor in the North 
 River opposite the mouth of the new canal (the only name I 
 could find for it), and we went aboard the schooner which was 
 making ready to take us up the canal by having a twelve-pound, 
 mountain howitzer put in her bow. A detachment of marines 
 accompanied us to sail this newly made war-vessel, and as 
 pilot we had a Captain Dowdy, one of General Burnside's 
 spies. In the raging waters of this canal, there was no wind 
 or room for sailing. We had no horses, and in lieu of wind 
 and the useful animal, we had to take our places on the bank 
 and tow the boat. This work was rendered much harder by 
 the quantity of blackberries on the banks which, like "Tantalus 
 in Hades," we were shown but not permitted to touch. In 
 about an hour, we arrived at a bridge where there was a dredg- 
 160 
 
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 ■5 
 
 
 
 sec 
 
 PL.\Tt XXXII 
 
W-'- -'^'f )%■- V - 
 
 '^ -^- ; '-^I^SWWIM^x/r. -^^^ -^ 
 
 ,*^^«A*S»' 
 
 ^''^'*-'^' 
 
 ^#* 
 
 *4^' 
 
 ^"^ ^ ^"^^ 
 
 ■^i 
 
 - !>(^5^^ • ^ 
 
 
 
 
 Camp Parke On the Rappahannock 
 
 PLATE XXXIII 
 
"tu 
 
 'IJ, r 
 
 
 (ircal Twi)-(iiiii l'.:itlti\' at Knitross Monroe 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 X 
 
 ^i !l 
 
 
 Krttlfiick Cilv, Maivlaiul 
 
 PL.\TE XXXI \ 
 

 ^s*2^*^ V 
 
 Sdiith Mountain Battlefii-U! 
 
 -f.^ 
 
 
 ■ i^ 
 
 
 il «^'W 
 
 1* 
 
 'X 
 
 4^- 
 
 The Antietam Bridge 
 
 PLATE XXXV 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 ing-machine at work. There had been a two-gun battery 
 commanding this bridge, of which only the breastworks and 
 the flag-pole remained. Relieving the " horses " here, we pushed 
 on again slowly, and soon got into an opening or lake which the 
 canal runs through, though tlie winds and water have nearly 
 lowered the banks to the canal level. This part of the journey 
 put me much in mind of Gotha Canal in Sweden, though, of 
 course, it is on a much smaller scale. After a stretch of about 
 two miles of this kind of scenery, we came to a cut with high 
 banks on either side, but only for a very short distance, and 
 then we emerged from the square, tiresome canal scenes, and 
 are now skipping joyou.sly along among the islands, through 
 bays, channels and straits, and the numerous windings of 
 Currituck Sound, which, though of low shores, exhibited, from 
 time to time, scenes which will live pleasantly in my memory. 
 In addition to Mr. Dowdy, we have now three pilots following 
 us with their " Cooners," and if they can not take us to the 
 salt-works which we are to destroy, I am afraid some pistols 
 will go off. There is a sloop at anchor up the marsh. She looks 
 suspicious and may be a prize. We are making for her. Bah ! 
 she is an old tub not worth having any one on board, though 
 a " Yogle " and his family apparently live here. I have seen 
 Indians cleaner. For such a small craft, she carries a large 
 name, and allow me to add, a queer one, no less than " Mary 
 and Kllcn of Edentrois, North Currolina." 
 
 The skipper's aid was requested, and he, pleasantly enough, 
 jumped into a nutshell of a boat and came aboard, evidently 
 inclined to make the best of a bad bargain by appearing to 
 relish the joke. But not so his wife, for his departure left her 
 in tears, fearing, I suppose, for his safety among the " Red 
 Devils." 
 
 We have had a terrible accident. A few moments ago we 
 hailed a boat in toward shore, but as no attention was paid to 
 our rifle-shots, we gave it the contents of our twelve-pounder. 
 While the Captain of the gun was sighting her, the fuse-cord 
 got entangled and the grape-shot was discharged toward the 
 boat while the fuse-powder went into the eyes of poor Cooper. 
 
 161 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 Every one likes Cooper, he is always quiet, a good gunner and 
 a good fighter as well, and this unfortunate accident hurts us 
 all. The boat put up a creek and vanished. 
 
 Sunday, Ten o'clock. 
 We got to our destination about nine o'clock last night, 
 on the beach continued from Hatteras, in Princess Anne County, 
 Virginia, not over thirty miles from Cape Henry, where we 
 found a couple of men waiting for us, with two more not waiting 
 for us, whom we made prisoners. One of these was the Mr. 
 Jones who was the chief cause of this Great Naval Armada. 
 We established ourselves in one of the salt-boiling sheds, and 
 by twelve we had a cup of coffee and some crackers, and then 
 slept the sweet sleep that we evidently needed, till roused by 
 the Bugle in the morning. It was too dark last night for us 
 to see the Salt Works, but now we could see five or six tumble- 
 down shanties out on the sandy plain, and these we were ordered 
 to destroy before we could have breakfast. You may imagine 
 our consciences did not labor under much compunction, for we 
 were assisted by that exciting Demon who makes it a pleasure 
 to destroy, and we smashed up a lot of salt-pans and set the 
 shanties into a blaze. It does not take very long to destroy 
 three thousand dollars' worth, you know. That was the esti- 
 mated value of the property which we left in flames, as, con- 
 tented with our accomplishment, we re-embarked and sailed 
 away. Well ! Well ! and now Incendiarism is added to my long 
 line of misdeeds, for I set one of those shanties on fire, myself. 
 
 Afternoon. 
 We did not do enough, it seems, in the destructive line of 
 business in which we are now employed, for about ten o'clock 
 we again landed on this side of the line, at a place known as 
 Fresh Pond Point, where there were two buildings similar to 
 the ones up in Virginia, only differing in this respect: the 
 absence of pans, which the owner swore had been gone over 
 three weeks. But thanks to the animosity of one of our "Yogle" 
 pilots, the hiding-place was revealed and they were found 
 162 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 alongside of the oven three feet under ground, where they had 
 been put not three days ago. And this, much to the fright 
 and chagrin of the owner, who grew pale as the pans were hauled 
 out, and anxiously asked one of our boys what the Captain 
 would do to hira now. He was much relieved when he was 
 told that Captain Graham would not blame him for trying to 
 save his property. 
 
 About this time, several small pigs and more than several 
 hens and bandy-legged roosters were shot, hung or wrung by 
 accident, and were soon in a state most agreeable to the sense 
 of smell, and finally to that of taste — in fact, we made out a 
 pretty good dinner at Fresh Pond Point. We are now on our 
 way again and starting for Currituck Court -House, where we 
 are to pay a visit on some business I know nothing about. 
 
 Monday Morning, July 29th. 
 We arrived at the Court-House about two o'clock and stayed 
 at the dock for over three hours while the Captain was talking 
 to the feminine population of Currituck, and we were industri- 
 ously, and with a vigor that deserved a better cause, swearing 
 at him, not for talking to the women folk, but for keeping us 
 on the dock. From there we sailed about four o'clock, taking 
 three prisoners with us. About half of our fellows were dis- 
 patched by land under Captain Prescott, to meet us down at 
 the bridge at the canal, for what object I do not know, unless 
 to lighten the boat so as to aid us in getting down as quickly 
 as possible. This was rendered difficult now, for the wind had 
 very nearly died out and we had to take to the oars and row 
 all the way. Our schooner was not as large as a vessel, but it 
 was too large as a rowI)oat, and we found it hard work, and we 
 did not get to the bridge till after one o'clock in the morning, 
 where we found our detachment waiting for us. We had now 
 about two miles more to make to the " Lancer." It was queer 
 how very long those two miles were. We stepped aboard just 
 at six bells (tliree o'clock), and I lost no time in tumbhng to 
 sleep, and it took Murphy's most energetic push to make me 
 understand ** Coffee " this morning. 
 
 163 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 I have just been told that while we were destroying the Salt- 
 Works, ten of the " Lancer's " crew have been some ten miles 
 from here on a private expedition and captured two recruiting 
 officers just on the eve of starting for Richmond with twelve 
 drafted recruits. And now they will go via Roanoke, not 
 exactly the way they planned, but Uncle Sam will pay their 
 transportation. One of them has seen us before, when he was 
 released on parole of honor, and I presume he has some reason 
 for not wishing to see us again just now. 
 
 While I am writing, the " Lancer " is trying to turn around 
 and run over the bar at the mouth of the North River, and if 
 she succeeds, we will probably be in Roanoke this afternoon. 
 
 Wednesday, July 30th. 
 Have just finished the several sketches of Currituck scenery 
 which I took while on the last expedition, and I grouped them 
 together on one page, and every one to whom I have shown 
 them says they are good. It certainly makes a pretty effect. 
 Then I sketched a curious little thing, curious to me at least, 
 for I had never seen it until last Sunday while rummaging 
 around Fresh Pond Point. The leaves of this plant, or vegetable, 
 contain a lot of small needles, if I may so terra them, and 
 beware of getting them into the pores of your skin, for they are 
 worse than flies. The name, I am told, is " Cactus." 
 
 Friday, August 1st. 
 
 To-day I have satisfactorily employed myself in drawing 
 a large picture of Lieutenant-Colonel Victor De Monteuil, 
 from " Frank Leslie's" (which has it " Vignier De Monteuil ") ; 
 but though I took the figure from this, I changed the features. 
 
 Colonel De Monteuil " was born in France and rose from 
 the ranks in the French Army to Lieutenant of Artillery 
 and served with distinction some years in the service of the 
 present Emperor. Resigning, he came to this country several 
 years ago, and until the Rebellion broke out was engaged in 
 New York as a teacher of the French language and literature. 
 When the D' Epaneuil Zouaves were formed, De Monteuil 
 164 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 became Lieutenant -Colonel and that Regiment was indebted 
 to him for its discipline." Frank Ix'slie pays Colonel De Mon- 
 teuil a poor (■omi)liment here, for it was the want of discipline 
 that separated him from his Regiment. 
 
 In the engagement at Roanoke Island, he was in our Regi- 
 ment as a volunteer, his Regiment being at Annapolis, and as 
 he was in the act of stepping into our ranks to charge with us, 
 he was struck down by a musket ball. His last words were, 
 " Charge, Zouaves ! Charge, Mes Enfants ! " as it was his 
 delight to call us. He was quartered, at the request of Colonel 
 Hawkins, on the " Virginia." the Flagship of the Third Division, 
 We all rcsi)ected and admired the gay, good-humored, smiling, 
 little Frenchman, for we knew he had sraelled powder before, 
 and he seemed to return double-fold our attachment for him, 
 and his only regret was that his Regiment had not been blessed 
 with officers who could have made the D' Epaneuil Zouaves 
 what we were. He was offered a position as Aide on some staff, 
 hut refused and wont into action with a German one-thousand- 
 yard rifle, which he had previou.sly picked out with great care. 
 The last time I saw this brave man was on the morning of his 
 death, coming through the swamp, daubed with mud above 
 his knees, smilingly showing his bedraggled condition to one 
 of our officers. 
 
 We have orders to be ready to leave for Newport News 
 to join our Regiment, for though there will still be a Camp 
 Guard here, Murphy and I are two of the fortunate ones who 
 are to go. So, good-bye, old North Carolina, Hatteras and 
 Roanoke ! The old Dominion of Newport News once more ! 
 
 165 
 
CHAPTER XIV 
 
 With the Ninth Corps-d'Armie. 
 
 Camp Parke, near Fredericksburg, Va. 
 Monday, August 9th, 1862. 
 
 LAST Sunday, the Fourth of August, our detachment 
 broke camp on Roanoke Island, and embarked aboard 
 two schooners, and in tow of a steamer went, probably 
 for the last time, up the Albemarle Sound. For the night we 
 anchored at the mouth of the North River and subsequently 
 passed through the same country, the scenery of which I have 
 noted before as far as Currituck Court-House. From thence 
 we proceeded up the Sound of that name until we entered the 
 Pongo River, which, I think, takes its root, though indirectly, 
 in Lake Drummond. This river certainly is the queerest stream 
 upon which I ever have had the privilege of feasting my eyes. 
 As it empties into the Currituck Sound, it flows through a 
 prairie-like marsh, and as we went further up, the marsh com- 
 menced to admit a sprinkling of small, straight pines. Farther 
 on, cedars mingled with the pines, and then cypress mixed their 
 furry branches with the two. Onward, and a thick, impenetra- 
 ble underbrush bloomed in wonderful beauty under the branches 
 of the cypress, the cedar and the pine. All these and many other 
 kinds occasionally sprinkled into the chaos formed a scene very 
 dismal indeed. The Pongo River is black and narrow, winding 
 and deep. Like a huge serpent it revels in this chaos, 
 curling, coiling, twisting, wreathing and dashing, as it flows 
 through this dark mass, that forms no bank to kiss or overflow, 
 not a spot where one of us could rest a foot without getting up 
 to his neck in mud. Not a cot is built to reflect its shadow in 
 the black ripples ; but tall, reedy grass, surmounted by thick 
 underbrush, which again is surmounted by dark, gray, moss- 
 covered trees, looking lonely, dismal and frowning as we pass, 
 and we feel that we have not the slightest desire to make 
 a closer acquaintance. It makes us turn to the puffing of our 
 tireless steam-engine, half fearing that its mighty power may 
 166 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 stop and leave us here, and we are thankful that we can not 
 discover any signs of failure in its cough. And we gaze, charmed 
 hut still relieved as we pass by the wonderful beauty com- 
 mingled with the dreariness and despair of the Dismal Swamp. 
 For though this is not the Dismal Swamp that Porte Cayon 
 illustrated in " Harper's " some time ago, it is still dreary 
 enough for my ideal of the sublime and dismal ; and if it had 
 not been, the pouring rain that descended on us would have 
 been sufficient to make it so. Come to think, it is the same 
 Swamp, but not the old road that took Cayon through Lake 
 Drummond. Now, I do not know if it rains in the Fongo 
 River country all the time or not ; but certain it was, that 
 as soon as we had left it, the rain ceased, and Nature 
 smiled on us now as she had wept and frowned among the 
 recesses of the swamp. After steaming through a few miles 
 of square, up and down scenery of the canal, we came upon a 
 " right smart " village which some one told us was South Mills, 
 and which I would have believed had the Fongo River been 
 the Fasquotank. There were immense forts here, or rather 
 works of every description, holding the Locks which we passed 
 through. Tlicy indicated the importance that was formerly 
 felt of the uninterrupted communication between Norfolk and 
 the lower countries we had left. After getting out of the Locks, 
 we were in the Elizabeth River and in civilized country once 
 more, where flourishing fields were seen and cottages and villas 
 ornamented, with everything indicating " Old Virginia." Ah ! 
 Virginia ! How fair and beautiful thou art ! Why, then, 
 nourish treason on your beautiful bosom, when it is fast making 
 a wreck of your beauty, and a desert for thy sons ! 
 
 It was about six o'clock in the afternoon, when from the rig- 
 ging of one schooner, tlie spires of the old city of Norfolk could 
 be Seen, and after a few more turns around, a few more bends 
 in the river, we caught sight of the stupendous and melancholy 
 ruins of Fortsmouth Navy Yards. The enemy have taken great 
 and praiseworthy pains to scuttle every building in the yard. 
 1 wonder that they left the walls standing. The Porte Royal 
 took a couple of turns around the harbor while our band played 
 
 167 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 " Yankee Doodle," and then we stood for the James River. 
 We were dehghted with the pretty appearance of Norfolk, 
 with her shade-trees, and, passing under the guns of the monster 
 " Minnesota," which has monopolized the old place deserted 
 by the " Merrimack," the wreck of which latter we saw under 
 the ramparts of Crany Island, we were all more than interested.* 
 Then night set in and led by the moon, the stars, the twinkling 
 of the shiplights on the horizon, and the indistinct shore of the 
 James, we made our old post, which we had left nearly a year 
 ago, not expecting to see it again or to take such a curious route 
 to get back to Newport News. 
 
 Here a startling piece of news met us. Our Regiment had 
 left there the day before for some point on the Potomac, to 
 re-enforce Pope in Virginia, and so the next morning we started 
 for Fortress Monroe, without the privilege of going ashore. 
 But they could not prevent me from sketching the wreck of 
 the noble " Cumberland," a fit monument to the heroism of 
 our navy. About a year ago, when we were novices in the 
 art of war, these veteran tars, so many of whom are now lying 
 cold in this wreck under the glorious spars, were the first to 
 welcome us with hearty cheers, as we entered and passed 
 alongside of them in the James River. 
 
 We were more fortunate at Fortress Monroe, for here we 
 were allowed to go ashore and consequently had a look at things 
 in this Old Point Comfort (able) Fortress. Among many 
 interesting things I saw there were the remnants of the old 
 Sawyer Gun which exploded at Newport News last Summer 
 after we left there for Hatteras. I sketched the enormous 
 two-gun battery composed of the Lincoln and Union Guns. 
 
 Toward afternoon, Captain Graham succeeded in getting 
 another larger schooner, to which we were put to work trans- 
 ferring our goods, and by morning we hove anchor and started 
 up Chesapeake Bay. By twilight, we came to the classic waters 
 of the Potomac. The soft, silvery beams of the moon aided 
 our vision and contributed a generous quantity of its silver 
 to the rippUng waters and lighted up the many sails that silently 
 
 * The Sketcb-Book with about twenty drawings of this trip was lost. 
 
 168 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 passed us with a ghost-like paleness, which nearly cheated us 
 into the belief that we were gliding in some spectral, ideal 
 world, where phantom shii)S chased each other over nameless 
 8ea.s. The next morning found us still moving between the 
 somewhat distant shores of this beautiful stream, and the 
 gentle moonbeams were exchanged for the golden bars of the 
 sun, and oh, how hot it was ! 
 
 Passing Fort Tobacco and Smith's Point, we soon came 
 in sight of Acquia Creek, our destination, and here we learned 
 that our Regiment was about eighteen or twenty miles South 
 of us on the Richmond and Fredericksburg Railroad. But 
 it was eleven o'clock that night before we had the regimental 
 property aboard the cars ready to start. And the moon this 
 night was fuller and fairer than the night before. I enjoyed 
 this railroad ride in an open car mightily. What sensation is 
 so exhilarating to us humans as swift locomotion, and what 
 makes the common railroad ride so monotonous is that we can 
 not feel this motion in the interior of the car. But this was 
 no conunon ride. Sitting among a pile of baggage, smashing, 
 slashing, crashing and dashing through hills and over bridges, 
 througli ridges and over hollows, at a locomotive speed, is very 
 funny. It always puts me in mind of going to Hell on the back 
 of a screaming Devil. And by moonlight, when everything is 
 light but indistinct, conglomerated into a mass of light and 
 darkness, this fancy looks admirably like a reality. 
 
 About one o'clock in the morning of the Ninth of August, 
 the black horse neighed and gradually slackened his headlong 
 speed, and was still. Marching up a hill, we could see by the 
 aid of the moon, tents enough for an army, and all hushed in 
 the peace of repose. We were in Camp Parke, and this was 
 Bumside's army. No longer in transports or in fortified cities, 
 on islands and fortresses on the North Carolina coast. No longer 
 the Burnside Expedition, but the Ninth Corps-d'Armie, doing 
 active service in the open field on the often contested ground 
 of Old Virginia, between the pretty little Secesh towns of 
 I'almouth and Fredericksburg on either side of the Rappa- 
 liiinnock. Without much trouble. I found my Company and 
 
 169 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 Number Three Mess, and tumbled alongside of my chum, 
 Warring, and was fast asleep. 
 
 August 10th. 
 
 What a beautiful country this is ! Can it be possible that 
 the miserable places we have gone through make these scenes 
 so surpassingly lovely ? This may have some influence on our 
 sense of sight, but still I do think that this country is the 
 prettiest in the world. From this camping ground we occupy, 
 up on the hill, we have a series of most interesting views, and 
 by going down on the left wing of our brigade, we can see the 
 little town, or city, of Fredericksburg, with its three or four 
 steeples rising among the large trees between us in the valley 
 of the Rappahannock. The surrounding hills are dotted with 
 tents, giving an additional interest to the unusually lovely 
 landscape. 
 
 We have had quite a little brush in our Division, for yester- 
 day. General Gibbons returned from a reconnaissance down 
 along the wires somewhere. They had three Regiments, some 
 cavalry and one battery, I believe, and had a kind of a running 
 fight with an equal force of the enemy. They tried to cut off 
 General Gibbons twice, but failed, and lost some fourteen men 
 and then gave up the attempt. We lost two or three killed 
 and twice that number wounded, and a little baggage, but of 
 the latter, we captured an equal amount from the enemy. 
 
 August 12th. 
 We have just received the " Herald " with an account of 
 the fight at Culpepper Court-House between Pope and Stone- 
 wall Jackson, which transpired last Saturday. I can't say that 
 it is particularly advantageous to our arms, but still it has 
 renewed confidence in our Department, for we all feel that we 
 have a head, which is highly gratifying when we consider that 
 thereby we may be enabled to save our own necks. 
 
 August 14th. 
 Our Regiment has just returned from picket duty around 
 Fredericksburg. Our Company and two others were out about 
 170 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 two miles from that city on the road to Bowling Green. Noth- 
 ing transpired worthy of note. This was the first duty I have 
 done since the Nineteenth of April. Last Tuesday evening, 
 the night before going out on picket, General Reno's Division 
 passed by here on their way to Pope's army, and among them 
 was the Forty-eighth Pennsylvania Regiment which was with 
 us at Hatteras, and with them was Mr. Holman whom you 
 remember I am sure, and that I was glad to see him is equally 
 sure. Our Regiment cheered them lustily as they passed. 
 
 Saturday, August 16th. 
 Company K of our Regiment has just returned from a scout 
 and it was successfully rewarded by the capture of sixteen Rebel 
 officers and their mail and some horses. Warring saw them 
 coming in and he tells me the officers were splendidly uniformed 
 and were returning to their Regiments at Richmond from 
 furloughs. Big thing for Company K. 
 
 Sunday, August 17th. 
 
 Our Regiment is again on picket to-day on the same road 
 we took previously. We cut a big splurge in Fredericksburg 
 this morning, marching through in full dress, white gloves 
 (how I hate white gloves on a soldier !), etc., etc., etc. 
 
 Last night I did up all my drawings and my Journal in a 
 parcel and sent them home for two or three reasons, which 
 you may guess. First, for fear of their being lost in some future 
 skcdad — no, not skedaddle — in some future march. Secondly, 
 for fear the Rel)els might get hold of them, and thirdly, they 
 would be too heavy to carry. Colonel Hawkins had seen them 
 all, and at his request kept them in his quarters for a whole 
 day tliat he might have time to examine them at his leisure. 
 I asked him for his autograph under a picture I drew of him on 
 Roanoke Island, and this he granted, of course. 
 
 Monday Evening, August 18th. 
 Returned from picket this morning, having been on duty 
 as sentinel for the first time since April. Countersign " York- 
 
 171 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 town." Received news to-day from New Orleans. They had 
 quite a fight in repulsing Breckenridge at Baton Rouge. Our 
 old General Williams, of whom our Regiment said so many 
 hard things at Hatteras, was killed in this engagement, bravely 
 fighting. God forgive me, if I have ever said anything wrong 
 about him. Peace to his dust. By all accounts, he was a brave 
 man. 
 
 Another bit of good news, we read to-day, is that the 
 " Arkansas " is at last gone, blown up. It seems, the " Essex," 
 Captain Porter, son of the Captain Porter of the " Essex," 
 already famous in our history, did the damage. Another 
 Merrimack is gone. 
 
 Friday Evening, August 22d. 
 
 Out on picket again. We were out about a mile farther 
 on the same road. Warring had the advance picket out by 
 the cavalry, acting as Corporal of the entire guard. We heard 
 heavy cannonading last night and it seems Pope is having a 
 terrible struggle around Richmond, and hard rumors reach us 
 that he is getting the worst of it, for it seems that the Rebel 
 Generals have taken advantage of McClellan's late move, the 
 evacuation of Harrison's Landing, and hurled all their forces 
 on Pope on this side. We can not tell with any degree of 
 certainty, of course, if Pope has gotten any more punishment, 
 but we hear that he has been driven back some distance. I 
 more than half expect that we will be ordered to re-enforce 
 him if he suffers any severe loss. 
 
 Saturday Morning, August 23d. 
 No, we are not wanted by Pope, for though re-enforcements 
 have been pouring out from here in lines of miles long, our 
 Division is still uncalled-for. It was the most wonderful and 
 heart-stirring sight imaginable, last night, to see the brave 
 fellows press on, weary, but without a murmur. Regiment 
 after Regiment passed by, without knapsacks, overcoats or 
 blankets, cheerfully and with no apparent thought for their 
 discomfort. Talk of suffering for your country ! If this is 
 not suffering, what is ? And I know that they must have seen 
 172 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 as much in one week as I have recorded here in sixteen months, 
 for these men, whose Regiments have dwindled down to so 
 few members, have all liad narrow escapes from death. Those 
 who have lived to tell of what they have seen and gone through 
 in the Seven Days' Fight have a great history, which I imagine 
 would be well worth recording. Berdan's Sharp-Shooters 
 pas-sed by here last niglit, and I had the pleasure of seeing 
 " California Joe " of Yorktown notoriety. The pictures do 
 him justice, and with all his fame he is unassuming, quite 
 bashful and shy, shrinking from the fame his deeds have made 
 for him. He wears his hair long in genuine California style, 
 parting it in the middle. 
 
 Sunday Evening, August 24th. 
 
 The firing we heard last Friday was continued yesterday 
 morning and then the sounds died away in a thundershower. 
 We have only had unsatisfactory accounts of the heavy work. 
 The first reports came in last night and were not calculated to 
 cheer us much, for they were to the effect that Jackson was 
 driving Pope to Hell. This was soon contradicted and now we 
 know nothing better than that Pope is driving Jackson, not to 
 Hell, but toward some of Pope's forces, which he has gotten 
 around on the other side. He has captured some artillery and 
 a few prisoners, and if this report is not contradicted, well and 
 good. 
 
 For the first time in this camp, I have had a pass to go 
 outside the lines, and I have enjoyed myself amazingly, viewing 
 this beautiful country. I got a sketch of the camp and a por- 
 trait of my friend Frank Hughson. Our Regiment goes on 
 picket again to-morrow. 
 
 Tuesday Evening, August 26th. 
 
 Had a nice day on picket. Was guarding the house of that 
 rich old Socesii planter, Burnett. Had hardly a wink of sleep, 
 for we had orders to keep awake, probably owing to the fact 
 that some of the enemy's forces were reported to be in motion 
 near us, by a deserter we took in this morning. 
 
 Drew a sketch of the Rappahannock yesterday. Have 
 heard strange rumors from the scene of the last fight. 
 
 173 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 General McDowell is reported to have been caught signaling 
 the enemy by General Siegel, and shot dead on the spot. 
 If this is true, no wonder that Bull Run was lost. Clear 
 out these men from among us, and we will probably then be 
 able to put an end to this war. This is all the news we have 
 had so far from the late battle. 
 
 " Little Mac " was out looking at our Dress Parade last 
 Sunday night, from an old ambulance wagon. Some of our 
 boys claim to have seen him, but I did not. I don't doubt that 
 he was seen, but I think it was a great slight that he did not 
 call on me. 
 
 Friday, August 29th. 
 
 Wednesday there was considerable excitement in camp. 
 It was reported that Jackson was on his way to this place with 
 twenty-five thousand men, and it caused quite a skedaddUng 
 tendency, at least among the sutlers and idlers. We had orders 
 to have everything ready for leaving at a moment's notice. 
 But for all that, we went on picket as usual yesterday 
 morning, and I can do no better than to transcribe a few notes 
 that I took, having nothing else to do. 
 
 It seems that Jackson has now possession of both sides of 
 the Rappahannock and is threatening a descent on Fredericks- 
 burg, and our position on the other side. General Lee is said 
 to be at Spottsylvania Court-House with twenty -five thousand 
 men, at least our cavalry pickets have just reported to that 
 eflFect. If this is true, and he should take it into his head to 
 come down on Fredericksburg, we would be nicely caught 
 here. The only thing I can think of for us to do, is to make 
 for the Rappahannock, swim it and then try and make our 
 forces, or if they should have skedaddled, try for the Potomac. 
 But I guess there will not be much danger of such a sudden 
 leave-taking, for we have still a few good batteries that could 
 give them a lively check. Meanwhile, these thundering twenty- 
 five thousand Rebels bother me less than the news from Minne- 
 sota. They have had the most shocking time there with the 
 Indians. The awful outrages of Inkpocutah have been com- 
 pletely echpsed by the very tribe (the Sioux) that disowned 
 174 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 and outlawed him some five years ago. At first, I feared for 
 tlie safety of my Uncle and family, but later news did not 
 confirm the first, that the barbarous fiends had extended their 
 murders, and plunders as far down the Minnesota River as 
 Saint Peter, above which my Uncle lives, but down as far as 
 the village or town of New Ulm, about fifty miles above on 
 the borders. The scene of these barbarities seems to be about 
 Fort Ridgely, where they have murdered some sixty families, 
 and sacked and burned as many homes. The terror-stricken 
 inhabitants were flocking from the borders seeking safety in the 
 towns, and every one who could carry a gun was doing so. 
 When the last news left there, Ex-Governor Sibley (now Colonel) 
 had twelve hundred men at Saint Peter marching to the relief 
 of the inmates of Fort Ridgely, who were sending words by 
 scouts that they were being attacked every hour, and only a 
 speedy relief could save them. God grant that Sibley will 
 reach them and that there will be a sore reckoning for these 
 barbarous hell-hounds. I am anxiously waiting for news from 
 that quarter, and when I get it the Journal shall know. 
 
 The readers of my Journal will remember that I used to 
 correspond with a certain Sergeant Hodgekins of a Massa- 
 chusetts Battalion, stationed on the Rip Raps some time ago, 
 whom I liked as a man and a soldier, I just heard to-night that 
 he was dead from wounds received in the Seven Days' Fight. 
 It seems he was left and fell into the hands of the Rebels, in 
 some of those bloody battles, and that is the last of him. War ! 
 War ! Heartless, remorseless W'ar ! 
 
 Last night was quiet in spite of Lee's twenty-five thousand 
 and not a shot was fired on our picket. We were released as 
 usual, this morning, by the Fourth Rhode Island. 
 
 Saturday Morning, August 30th. 
 We had quite a lively time yesterday afternoon. While I 
 was engaged in writing, the " Long Roll " commenced rolUng 
 in a lively style and my pen was immediately exchanged for 
 tlic sword. At first everything looked like fight, and it seemed, 
 as the batteries were posted, they indicated an expected descent 
 
 175 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 on Fredericksburg, for we have four batteries on this side of 
 the river commanding the bridges and ready to set the city on 
 fire. The women and children have had notice to leave since 
 yesterday morning. But as the scouts came in, we heard that 
 the cause of alarm was the Rebels retreating from our forces 
 toward the Court-House of this County, after a thrashing, 
 and the pickets thought it was a movement on this place. If 
 all we hear is true, the Rebels above here must have been 
 defeated severely and Siegel and King each had a hand in it. 
 But we can place no dependence on these reports, for they are 
 so contradictory, but we will probably know something in a 
 
 day or two. rr, i o. 11 
 
 Tuesday, September 2d. 
 
 I now write at our new camp on the heights near Acquia 
 Creek. Fredericksburg has been evacuated and Burnside's 
 command has fallen back on this position. When I last wrote, 
 I told of the " Long Roll" and the consequent rumors. I had 
 hardly gotten this Journal packed away in my knapsack, when 
 the "Assembly" called us together and we were told to go and 
 relieve the same Regiment from picket that we did the previous 
 morning. The other Regiments had been out on their arms, 
 supporting the batteries commanding the river, all that night. 
 Nothing occurred on picket in the way of warhke demonstra- 
 tion to trouble us, but the clouds sponged out water enough 
 to make us wet through, say a few quarts apiece. The next 
 morning we marched through Fredericksburg for the last time 
 for some time to come, in weather varying from just rainy to 
 wet. We had no sooner struck our camp when we received 
 orders to march in two hours, and in about four we were ready. 
 In consideration of our being up so many nights lately and of 
 having our clothes so wet, our knapsacks were put in the bag- 
 gage wagons. The railroad-station and all rubbish were set 
 on fire as we left, and the dark clouds of smoke commingling 
 with the darker clouds of the atmosphere formed a dark scene 
 of unusual interest. After we had been marching some time, 
 one of the bridges or some shop in Fredericksburg exploded 
 with a loud report. 
 176 
 
ut 
 
 ^ 
 
 w 
 
 i'LATE &XXV1 
 

 <i f* 
 
 
 '1. 
 
 Miller's Farm Hospital 
 
 A ypi 
 
 
 ■'r^i.^ 
 
 On the Potomac 
 
 PLATE xxxvii 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 This march to Acquia Creek was a miserable one. We had 
 been up three nights of the last four and were consequently 
 sleepy, and you know it has been raining and the roads are 
 muddy. It is to be hoped you also know what Virginia roads 
 are, but if you do not, I certainly do not wish you to learn by 
 experience. But even under unfavorable circumstances, I was 
 impressed by the wonderful and romantic beauty of this part 
 of the country, and if my kind reader had not read so much of 
 the scenic beauties of the Old Dominion, and if I had more time, 
 I would enlarge upon the subject ; but it must suffice this time, 
 to say that we reached Acquia Creek yesterday morning at 
 daylight, in a state of almost complete exhaustion, and got our 
 tents up just in time to escape a good drenching. I hardly 
 stacked my musket before I was off to sleep. From this I was 
 aroused and refreshed by some coffee, and we then proceeded 
 to this camp. And it is beautifully situated on a high hill, 
 or rather a range of bluffs, with its batteries commanding the 
 wooded country toward the rear, overlooking the Potomac, 
 as it glides in silvery beauty below. 
 
 Thursday, September 4th. 
 
 Yesterday afternoon we struck tents expecting to leave 
 for Washington or Alexandria last night, but we are still here, 
 and waiting for the order to " Fall in." Of course, we had to 
 .sleep without tcnt,s last night, but we succeeded in making 
 ourselves comfortable, and for my part I was more so than 
 on the night before. 
 
 More war news to-day. Another big fight at Bull Run. 
 Have seen the papers of the First. The second Bull Run battle 
 was bloodier than the first by far, and has done more credit to 
 our arms. The second day's events chill this good news, how- 
 ever, for we hear that re-enforcements have compelled Pope 
 to fall l)ack just as it was done a year ago. Pope has been 
 strengthened by Franklin and Sumner, and is now said to be 
 advancing with a strong, consolidated army. 
 
 Nothing is heard from Siegel. General Stephens and Gen- 
 eral Kearney are reported killed. Camp rumor has it that we 
 
 177 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 go to Alexandria from here and from there to the front. I 
 believe this. The fact is something is going wrong with us 
 all the time. They seem to want all the troops they can scare 
 up, at Washington. Wonder where " Mac " is ? Heavy cannon- 
 ading to-day. T^ • 1 Ti^r • n 1 , 
 
 Friday Mornmg, September 5th. 
 
 Last night, about dusk, we formed our Regiment and 
 marched down the bluffs and embarked on a fleet of transports, 
 and then I went to sleep. When I awakened and rubbed my 
 sleepy eyes, instead of the fleet in Acquia Creek, I saw a dock, 
 a strange city, a long bridge, and then — the dome of the Capitol 
 of our Country. 
 
 We marched through the city to our present camping 
 grounds near Georgetown, which was formerly called Fort 
 Douglass. Washington did not surprise me, neither did it 
 disappoint me. It was exactly such a place as I expected to see. 
 
 (Later) I have read yesterday's paper and it presents 
 rather a discouraging row of facts and I must say, with Stephen 
 Blackpool, " Everything is in a muddle." No letters from 
 Minnesota. Nothing but maddening news calculated to fill 
 my mind with keenest anxiety. My home is some three miles 
 from Saint Peter on the Minnesota River, and the papers 
 contain an item of the horrible fact that two women have 
 recently been found within two miles of that town, murdered 
 in cold blood by the red hounds. Of what great crimes has this 
 Nation been guilty, to have to make such terrible atonement ? 
 When will this monstrous cup be filled ? But, fool that I am, 
 what have I yet suffered, that I dare to ask such questions ! 
 
 Sunday, September 7th. 
 A letter from Charlotte to-day, and the only thing she said 
 about Minnesota affairs was that she had a letter from our 
 brother, Gustav. I feel much better, for surely she would have 
 said more, had there been any particular news. 
 
 We are now going on some kind of an expedition, but where 
 I do not know. We are not to take our knapsacks and that 
 would argue that we will soon return or it may mean that we 
 178 
 
 i 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 are to dispense with knapsacks as do the soldiers on the Pen- 
 insula. At any rate I will liave to leave this companion of 
 my leisure hours to the mercy of a couple of tents, in my old 
 knapsack, and if I see you again, I am willing to consider myself 
 lucky. But you need not weep at parting, for I promise not 
 to forget you, and I have prepared a little note-book for the 
 especial purpose of jotting down such items of interest as you 
 will want to hear about. And you may rest assured that the 
 Rel)els will have something to do, for " Little Mac" is ahead of 
 us, and you know he is our " best." So console yourself in my 
 absence, by thinking of the rich stores we will have laid up to 
 chat about, when we shall meet again. 
 
 
 .;-jur 
 
 .;l bni; 
 
 179 
 
CHAPTER XV 
 
 The Battle of South Mountain 
 
 September 8th. 
 
 WE left Washington, or Camp Douglass, yesterday morn- 
 ing about nine o'clock and proceeded toward Edward's 
 Ferry, which is supposed to be our immediate desti- 
 nation. As soon as we got well started, we were entangled in 
 an endless chain of baggage wagons, and in consequence made 
 rather slow progress, hardly marching seven miles before we 
 bivouacked. The Rebels have crossed the Potomac above 
 Harper's Ferry and now occupy Frederick City, Maryland, 
 and I think we may be going in that direction. If the Rebels 
 don't skedaddle then, some one will get hurt, for McClellan 
 is at the head of us now and he is not the man to make a move 
 for the fun of the thing. There are a great many rumors as to 
 the forces of this expedition and the object, and the most 
 probable seems to me to be that we are advancing to cut the 
 Rebels off from the Potomac and surround them by three 
 columns and from three different directions. I don't think 
 Burnside holds any position other than Commander of his 
 Corps, though it is whispered that he has some higher command. 
 We expect to resume our march to-day, or, at any rate, early in 
 the morning. 
 
 September 9th. 
 At four this morning, we were marching and have fixed 
 camp in a field, to take the road again, however, in an hour. 
 We have gotten our famous " dog-tents " as we call them, 
 and they certainly look more as if intended to shelter the canines 
 than men. They are in pieces about as large as a blanket and 
 one of these is given to each man to carry. When the Regiment 
 halts, it is but the work of a moment to cut a couple of stakes 
 or poles and six pegs, and the tent is up, and buttoned together. 
 They are no trouble to carry and will keep off dews at least 
 and rain if it is not too heavy. And now we can say that we 
 carry our houses on our backs. 
 180 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 September 10th. 
 We are now with the main army. We hear Jackson is 
 recruiting in Frederick City. But I don't think he will stay 
 there long enough to recruit very many. So far our boys are 
 in good trim and I never knew the fighting spirit to rage so 
 uniformly as it does now. McClellan seems to have put new 
 life into everything, and I hope we will only get a fair shake 
 at the enemy, as I think we can handle them " very easily," 
 as General Phelps used to say. 
 
 Thursday, September 11th. 
 We have executed what our boys call a " masterly move- 
 ment." We struck tents and marched from here at two o'clock 
 yesterday morning, went three miles and then some one changed 
 his mind, or some one else made a mistake, for we got " Right 
 about face " and came back to our starting place, in a wringing 
 sweat. Some think we are going back to Washington, but that 
 is foolish. I think we branched off on the wrong road and we 
 may have to march back or go across the country. However, 
 we have orders to march again in an hour, and we will know 
 some time. 
 
 September 12th. 
 
 But I have come to another conclusion since yesterday, 
 that is that we are mighty careful about meeting some one 
 ahead of us. We were not on the wrong road yesterday. We 
 went in the same direction for about fourteen miles, passing 
 the village of Damascus about noon. We occasionally caught 
 a glimpse of the Sugar Loaf Mountains through the trees that 
 line the road. The country is becoming more mountainous 
 and is entrancingly beautiful. This road runs on a modest 
 mountain ridge, and every turn brings to our view the most 
 beautiful and extensive landscapes. Add to this, the pictur- 
 esque effect of the seemingly endless files of troops in the fore- 
 ground, and you can imagine the picture. 
 
 Our Division pitched in a sloping clover field last night, 
 and we are now eating breakfast of crackers and milk pre- 
 
 181 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 para to ry to starting on another tramp. The Rebels are only 
 fourteen miles ahead of us and we expect a fight. 
 
 We have heard from Company F of our Regiment, which 
 is stationed at Plymouth, North Carolina. They have had a 
 fight with seven times their number, killing some and taking 
 one Colonel and four other prisoners, losing one killed and several 
 wounded. The Company was led by Sergeant Green, no com- 
 missioned officer being present. I hope the main body does as 
 well in proportion as the detachment. 
 
 September 13th, Seven A. M. 
 I write in the city of Frederick, which was evacuated yester- 
 day and immediately occupied by our troops. I did think 
 the Rebels would show fight here, but with the exception of a 
 little cannonading and a cavalry skirmish, there was nothing 
 to speak of. The reception of our troops was extremely enthusi- 
 astic and the soldiers who could get out into the city were 
 dragged into the houses and given everything that would fill 
 empty stomachs. Indeed, the cheering of the overjoyed inhabit- 
 ants exceeded anything I have ever heard, and I was once of the 
 opinion that there was a general row in the streets, so great was 
 the din of commingling shouts. Frederick City is not only 
 loyal but beautiful, as we could see in our first glimpse of its 
 picturesque spires piercing the blue background formed by 
 the Catoctin Mountains, and the white houses nestled lovingly 
 in the valley beneath us. It is a great wonder to me that the 
 Rebels did not blow up the bridge which spans the Monocacy 
 Ridge, for I think that would have delayed us materially. But 
 they may not have had time. 
 
 September 14th, Three P. M. 
 We marched through Frederick yesterday morning, cheered 
 by the masculine and waved at by the feminine population. 
 We were sent out on a road about five miles on the extreme 
 left, to support a Regiment of Lancers who reported a lot of 
 Rebels cornered in an orchard. Our flanking company was 
 sent out and that not being enough, the right platoon of 
 182 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 " Ours " was detailed for the purpose, Lieutenant Frank Powell 
 eoniniandinj^. We started with the Laneers up an abrupt road 
 leadiiii,' toward the top of the Catoetin Ridge and went about 
 a hall a mile to a sort of a ravine or gorge. Here we were 
 attacked, six shots being fired in rapid succession from an 
 invisii)le foe. The Lancers turned about in a hurry and we 
 were immediately deployed as skirmishers on the right side 
 of the road, and advanced to uncover the enemy. It was mighty 
 hard work, that little skirmish through the ravine and then up 
 the steep bluff, tiiickly wooded, from where we expected, of 
 <'ourse, to be fired upon at any moment. I3ut we reached the 
 nexl ridge without seeing anyliiing worthy of notice and there, 
 al)(>ut a thousand yards ahead of us, w^as a small troop of 
 ca\alry. I do not know if the Lieutenant saw them or not, 
 but a shot was fired to the left which attracted our attention 
 and at which the troop disappeared. The shot was fired at 
 a Rebel who had climbed a tree to watch the motions of our 
 Lancers, never suspecting the presence of infantry. He was 
 secured, of course, but the other birds had flown. 
 
 A dispatch came just then ordering us to advance on the 
 right side of the road, as the Regiment was deployed and ad- 
 vancing on the left. We started on and went through about 
 a mile of cornfield, finally bursting out into an open field just 
 ai)out abreast of the other boys. And the landscape, as we 
 j)auseil on the open ridge, was indeed magnificent. Beneath 
 us was ten miles of country checkered with fields of grain of 
 various hues, some having already yielded their harvests, thus 
 imparting a stranger brilliancy with the contrast to the rest. 
 Through them all were scattered beautiful groves and the 
 farmers' home-like hjoking barns and cottages ; and the Blue 
 Ridge, in its massive, dark-blue shade, seemingly dividing 
 this spot from the ever-changing landscape of the Heavens. 
 
 There were no further events of importance that day, and 
 wc marched back to Frederick, where we pitched in the same 
 camp, very tired from our severe day's labor. I might say 
 that I was with two sections who were separated from the 
 Regiment, and the Captain thought we were lost. This was 
 
 183 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 through the foolishness of our Sergeant who commanded us, 
 and it is not worth the paper to relate the particulars. 
 
 This morning, our Colonel had us up before daybreak, 
 and though it was with some efiFort that we bent our stiff joints, 
 at the word " March " we were on our way out of Frederick 
 City, and went two miles up on the turnpike road. From 
 time to time, as we passed up the windings of the road, we could 
 not help but notice the signs of the good fight the Rebels 
 evidently made for every inch of ground, yielding only after 
 severe obstinacy. Coming up on the top of the ridge, the same 
 scene opened before us that I described yesterday, with some 
 differences resulting from the point of view. Here was the 
 same vast plain, but now we had a fair view of the road as it 
 passed through the village of Middletown, glorying in two 
 steeples, from one of which we could see military signals flying. 
 We could see the white puffs of smoke and catch the dull sound 
 of which we all knew the meaning. Troops were scattered 
 about through the plain, more thickly near the village. It 
 was not hard for me to conclude from these observations 
 that Middletown was headquarters, and that beyond the 
 mountains there was to be a game of ball in which we probably 
 would be pitching before night. 
 
 And here we are now, in our bivouac near Middletown, 
 watching with anxious eyes the fierce battle now raging up 
 in the mountains, waiting for the word to take a hand therein. 
 The enemy's position is a strong one and the ground seems to 
 be hotly contested. Our boys are hardly in a condition for 
 fight ; but if it comes, I am willing to take a hand. 
 
 Monday Morning, Six O'clock, 
 September 15th. 
 
 I write on the battlefield of yesterday. It was a glorious 
 day for our Country; costly, blood-purchased, but it was a 
 glorious victory. Poor General Reno is no more. . My Journal 
 has been acquainted with him and can be certain of his merit 
 as a General, and not a shadow of a hint can be spoken against 
 184 
 
lorCLAyj 
 
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 PLATE XXXVIU 
 

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 PLATE XXXIX 
 
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 /« .//. '?■■ ^'^ 
 
 PLATE XL 
 
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 f "f 
 
 'M -u'' 
 
 
 
 Fort Nanscmond, Suffolk 
 
 f''^/v9''' 
 
 ■ Going Home " 
 From Sketch by Fredrick B. Johnson 
 
 PLATE XLI 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 his bravery. He fought gallantly and fell late in the day, a 
 glorious sacrifice to his Country. 
 
 About four o'clock yesterday afternoon, the order came 
 for General Rodman's Division to march immediately for the 
 scene of fury, and Colonel Kimball tells us this morning that 
 the order read " Double-quick." This, of course, was impracti- 
 cable, for our route was through gorge and ravine and over 
 ridges, up steep bluffs, woods, rocks and fences, and it could 
 not be " Double-quicked." As we pressed on, up the toilsome 
 road, we occasionally met ambulances full of wounded, and 
 squads of prisoners marching to the rear toward the village. 
 But there were very few shirkers, which bespoke plainly that 
 the fight, wherever it was, was going well. We could hear no 
 musketry, though indications told us that we were near enough, 
 and if it had not been for the loud whizzing of our shells at 
 regular intervals, I might have thought that the fight was over. 
 We now came up on the ridge of the plowed field occupied by 
 the battery we had heard playing, and then we descended a 
 steep declivity, where we could not see, though we could hear, 
 the shots of the enemy as they met those of our battery in the 
 air high al)ove us. Again we went up a steep bluff, and thicker 
 came the prisoners, strongly guarded by squads and companies. 
 They were ragged, without anything like shoes on their bleeding 
 feet, and they looked miserable indeed. I saw one poor fellow 
 who walked with his head down, mortified that he could not 
 be allowed to be without the hands of his captor on his shoulder, 
 to show every one that he had been taken prisoner. I felt keenly 
 what my own thoughts would be, if walking thus, under a 
 Rebel's triumphant leer. 
 
 Arriving at last at the top of the ridge, we filed to the left 
 through some woods and had another height to climb, steeper 
 than any we had yet ascended. Here was the advance position, 
 and knowing that, when once there, nothing but woods would 
 be between us and the Rebels, we climbed with high excitement 
 and commenced forming the brigade along the ridge facing the 
 woods, as accurately as if preparing for Dress Parade. Our 
 Regiment formed on the right of the stone wall which had been 
 
 185 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 the center of the contest during the day, and the One Hundred 
 Third and the Eighty-ninth New York Regiments were forming 
 on the left, allowing the brigade that had been fighting all day, 
 to fall to the rear. This was being done and I was wondering 
 that still no enemy was visible, when a long rattling volley of 
 musketry burst upon us, gradually becoming the irregular 
 firing at will. I was with the guard on the left, by the wall, 
 and the bullets, a whole shower of them, rushed madly over 
 our heads. I could hardly help laughing at the precipitant 
 retreat of the supernumeraries down the hill, when I found out 
 it was them, and not the brigade as I at first feared. Now the 
 fight grew fiercer, and we could see that the Eighty-ninth was 
 doing its work up brilliantly and repelling the sudden attack. 
 A lightning flash and stunning report of artillery near us seemed 
 to frighten both parties of the musketry into silence. This was 
 quickly followed by others in rapid succession and soon the 
 musketry ceased entirely, telling us that the enemy had fled. 
 But they might rally again and Kimball had the right wing 
 of his Regiment out in less time than it takes to tell it, to support 
 the battery, which was evidently the object of the attack. But 
 no Rebels came and gradually there was quiet, with only an 
 occasional interruption of a discharge of grape into the woods. 
 
 We were engaged in applauding the gallant Eighty-ninth 
 for its noble conduct, when again the sound of musketry rattled 
 harshly, but more distantly, upon our ears. The sounds pro- 
 ceeded from a hollow on our right and kept up for two hours 
 steadily. The darkness set in long before it ceased, and I was 
 lying on the mountain-top, shivering from the rough wind, 
 vainly trying to go to sleep, with the sound grating in my ears. 
 
 The enemy is now in retreat and we are waiting for the word 
 to go forward. Meanwhile let us glance a little over the field. 
 The Rebel dead are scattered about us in every direction, and 
 in yonder wood they tell me the poor fellows are in heaps, and 
 there is every horrible proof that our foes fought for their 
 splendid position here, with a dogged valor well worthy of a bet- 
 ter cause. Here on the very spot where we are now, the Rebels 
 were yesterday morning, and up on the face of the precipice, 
 186 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 the Ohioans under Franklin and Reno charged again and again, 
 and with Yankee courage and obstinacy carried the position 
 against ahnost insurniountahle difficulties. My sketch shows 
 a small portion of the field, but I think the most interesting, 
 for it was from the cornfield in the center that the Ohioans 
 finally charged into the enemy posted behind the fence and 
 wall, which is in the foreground. Routing them from this snug 
 little position, they did not stop until they drove them at the 
 point of the bayonet into the woods, and were recalled from 
 their eager pursuit. 
 
 It was here, too, that our left was attacked last night, 
 and to the right, in the foreground, a little farther up along the 
 fence, the section of Robinson's Battery was stationed, which, 
 they all swear, would have been taken, if we had not arrived 
 just in time to save it. It seems the Rebels contemplated taking 
 this battery and position at all hazards and so regain the hill, 
 and no troops could be spared from other parts of the field, 
 and our Division was sent for to come up in " Double-quick " 
 as I have told you. We were not yet formed, when the charge 
 was made, but the Rebels were disheartened at meeting fresh 
 tr()<^I)s, and .soon went back, leaving us in peaceful possession 
 of tiie field. We have gained a complete victory, taking between 
 three and four thousand prisoners, among whom are some taken 
 and paroled on Roanoke Island. A Doctor Jordan, who at- 
 tended Captain Wise in his last moments, now lies not many 
 rods from me. A musket ball and a bayonet have pierced his 
 body r-^ '♦ 
 
 And thus ends the Battle of South Mountain. 
 
 187 
 
CHAPTER XVI 
 
 The Battle of Antietam. The First Day. 
 
 Tuesday Morning, September 16th. 
 
 YESTERDAY afternoon we received our orders to forward 
 and commenced to move down the other side of the 
 mountain on a rough and steep road. Here Death reigns 
 in all his most terrible ghastliness. Never have I looked upon 
 a scene so horribly fascinating ; such a heart-rending spectacle. 
 On either side of the road were the Rebel dead, literally piled 
 upon one another in twos and threes, their ragged clothes 
 covered with dust and marked with the dark clots of blood 
 from the death wound. The ghastly faces and beamless eyes 
 were upturned to us as though in deadly reproach, as we victors 
 marched along. No moan, even of the faintest, escaped these 
 motionless forms, to sound the solemn requiem for the Death 
 King. I noticed one man, a large, powerfully built soldier, 
 with a huge beard and moustache, and why it is I can not tell, 
 but he haunts my memory above all the rest. I felt, as I passed 
 the lifeless form, how soon I might be lying cold as he was, 
 vacantly staring up, up where I hope his soul has gone ! While 
 we were passing these gray piles, each one of us wrapped in his 
 own thoughts, we suddenly heard the dull report of artillery 
 toward the front. But we did not get to our camping ground 
 before eleven o'clock last night. The Rebels tried to shell us 
 out this morning and our ambulances and baggage had to go 
 to the rear. General McClellan just passed our camp, returning 
 from the front where he has been superintending the artillery 
 duel commenced by the Rebels. He was seated on a brown 
 horse and was surrounded by several officers. He turned his 
 eyes toward us once, as we lay on our arms, and then turned 
 to the perusal of a letter. This is the first time I have seen 
 this great man. 
 
 On the Battlefield^ 
 Wednesday Afternoon, September 17th. 
 This day will be a famous one in the history of our country. 
 We are now on our arms trying to console ourselves for the 
 188 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 hard work we have had in crossing the Antietam Creek at a 
 ford above here, and then scrambHng up the face of an almost 
 perpendicular cliff, to re-enforce the troops already here, who 
 came by way of tlie bridge which they gallantly stormed and 
 took this morning. We have dispatched a poor apology of a 
 dinner, a few cruml)s from this morning's rations of hardtack. 
 As I write, the shells of Company K's Battery are passing 
 with deafening noise over our heads, toward the enemy on 
 our right. 
 
 Have just seen the Reverend Mr. Holman of the Forty- 
 eighth Pennsylvania, and had a long talk with him. He showed 
 me a l)eautiful Secesh sword he captured this morning. It bears 
 the motto ** Liberty or Death." The decision was " Death " 
 for that poor man. 
 
 I will try to toll something of our adventures since yesterday 
 noon, l)ut the fight is obstinate, and I don't know what moment 
 we will be called for. 
 
 It was almost dark when we got our orders yesterday, and 
 moved forward to take our position in line of battle. When 
 we were abreast of our artillery, we halted and were shown the 
 position of the enemy on an opposite range of hills. We could 
 see even their apparently " pigmy " forms in relief against the 
 darkening sky. After about a half an hour we pushed slowly 
 forward for a .short distance, cautioned to keep silence, as we 
 were in the immediate front of the enemy. Proceeding thus 
 noiselessly, we reached a corn field, pickets were deployed in 
 front of us, and we were then permitted to sleep. We all knew 
 that the morrow would be signalized by a general struggle, 
 and also that the enemy was within talking distance. Still 
 wo slept, hoping that our slumbers might not be disturbed by 
 tiio ooming foe. At the earliest peep of gray dawn, we were 
 awakoiiod, for our officers expected an attack as they always do, 
 and suro onough, wo got it. As soon as there was light enough, 
 our pickets discovered the Rebels and there commenced a 
 little battle between them, but such a petty affair was not to 
 disgrace the day. Soon a horseman was seen, and after he 
 disappeared, something struck and kicked up a cloud of dust 
 
 189 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 right by the side of one of our pickets, and this was followed 
 by a terrific noise, indicating as plainly as such things can talk, 
 that a shell had been sent with the compliments of our friends 
 on the other side. And not content with sending one, they 
 sent a whole cloud of them, and a beautiful range they had too. 
 Every one of them exploded just as nicely as they could wish> 
 squarely over our heads, shaking its fragments among us,, 
 leaving only a harmless cloud of smoke to roll peacefully away, 
 as if satisfied with its work and glad to return to its proper home 
 in the atmosphere. Things grew savage. There we stood 
 watching these infernal things, afraid to move lest we should 
 get in their way and be the cause of an accident. The order 
 came to file back into the woods out of the fire, and some one 
 blundered and would have us up on a ridge where we would 
 be in better range than before. Kimball got mad and said 
 some things and finally told us to get back into the woods 
 out of the fire any way. This order was carried out in admirable 
 confusion, and while we were in this pleasant state, the Rebels 
 sent Hell after us in the most approved manner. Corporal 
 McKinley was knocked over with a piece of shell not over three 
 feet from me. Shultz was hit, on the other side of me, and my 
 old friend Dennis got a slight hurt in the leg, right next to my 
 precious self.* We finally got out of range into an open field 
 and into something like shape, and then what do you think 
 we got ? No more use for grape and canister, but nothing less 
 than stumps of railroad iron as long as my arm. If this was 
 not adding insult to injury ! But we could pay little attention 
 to these unwelcome missiles, and proceeded into a valley by a 
 farm and stacked our arms in a field, while we had breakfast. 
 This was coffee without sugar, but I relished the meal and we 
 were ready then for our orders to take up a new position on 
 a hill. From this place we had a magnificent view of the tre- 
 mendous contest which is even now raging with unabated fury, 
 on the right arm center, almost immediately below us. 
 
 * Corporal John McKinley. Wounded at Camden and at Antietam 
 James Sbultz, Company I. Wounded at Antietam. 
 Edward Dennis, Company I. Wounded at Antietam. * 
 
 190 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 We could see the smoke of musketry as plainly as we could 
 hear the rattle, and though we knew not then what object there 
 was in such a dogged and spirited contest, for the woods hid 
 the troops from us, it is now clear, for the Rebels defended the 
 bridge stoutly before they left it to the resistless troops of 
 Burnside. We could see from our lofty position too, where 
 the center was pouring in a ceaseless 6re toward the Rebels, 
 and our view extended even to the extreme right, as far as five 
 miles. From every hill shot forth puffs of white smoke, which 
 showed, though we could not see a gunner or a gun, that they 
 were occupied by our artillery. Owing to the nature of the 
 ground, we had a much better view of the Rebel position than 
 of our own, and could plainly see their gunners going through 
 the motions. Often we saw clouds of dust from our shells hide 
 their guns, which made us for the moment think that some one 
 piece was annihilated, but a saucy puff would assure us of our 
 mistake, as they sent a reply to our salutation. The vast land- 
 scape was completely dotted with pillars of smoke, and the 
 continuous roll of the artillery in the distance, commingling 
 with the loud noise of the nearer guns, and the rattle of small 
 arms beneath, made a noise — not a noise, but a savage, con- 
 tinual thunder, that is not equaled by any sound I have ever 
 heard. 
 
 An Aide came to General Rodman, and immediately after 
 we were ordered to " Attention " and sent down the fields 
 toward the creek. The General procured a guide to show him 
 the ford, and after many dubious windings and turnings into the 
 woods, we came to what appeared to be rapids, and into 
 this we plunged. Some Rebel sharpshooters discovered us and 
 did not fail to scatter a few of their bullets from long range, 
 but what little damage was done was mostly from the bubbling 
 waters. Out of the creek, we found the steep cliff before us,' 
 and with considerable difficulty scrambled up here, and here 
 we are. God only knows where we will be before the sun goes 
 down. 
 
 191 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 " The Long Roll." 
 
 HARDLY had I put my note-book in my pocket after 
 writing the outline of the preceding notes, when we 
 were again ordered to " Fall in " and we knew our tug- 
 of-war was coming in earnest. Our troops took up a new posi- 
 tion under a hill, and from over its top we could hear the whiz- 
 zing of musket and rifle balls piercing the air. Soon the cannon 
 balls mingled with the sharp play of small arms, and I noticed 
 one of them coming like an india-rubber ball through the air. 
 It struck the top of the hill, boring up a mass of earth, and then 
 bounded high in the air, passing over our heads with a noise 
 I can liken to nothing but the savage yell of some inhuman 
 monster. If it is true that you never see cannon balls except 
 when they are coming toward you, I must have been in a fair 
 way for eternity. 
 
 We were all in line and the cannonading as well as the 
 musketry was getting hotter every moment, and I was expecting 
 the order for a general advance, when, to my surprise, our 
 Company was ordered to deploy in front of the Brigade as 
 skirmishers. Captain Leahy was evidently glad of the oppor- 
 tunity, for the hill looked like a pleasant place to him. We were 
 soon advancing up the hill; came to a fence over which we 
 leaped, and it was there, though I did not know it at the time, 
 that poor Murphy met his fate. 
 
 From the top of the hill, we could see, at a distance of about 
 six hundred yards, a body of skirmishers playing away behind a 
 stone wall, while on a hill behind them was the main body. 
 Here Captain Leahy ordered us to lie down so as to let the 
 ridge give us all possible shelter, " retain sight of the wall and 
 fire," and so forth. Here I fired my first shot at an enemy I 
 could see. We had not used more than three rounds when 
 Captain Leahy shouted, " There they go. Boys, they are run- 
 ning ! " I will never forget the indescribable thrill that went 
 through my veins. I had been firing silently, and trying to 
 guard myself as much as possible from the showers continually 
 passing with fearful whistles and moans over our heads, but I 
 192 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 suddenly did not think that was worth while, and it took too 
 long to load, lying down. We were ordered to advance down 
 in the hollow now, and as the skirmishers had disappeared, 
 we turned our attention to the battery on the hill. We 
 descended into the hollow with an excited shout, and found 
 another body of skirmishers had preceded us there, but they 
 did not deter us from firing. We kept up a continual fire now, 
 exchanging some bits of conversation the while, such as :" What 
 do you belong to ? " " This will be a great day in history." 
 " They fight damned stubbornly." " Getting Hell on the right, 
 though." *' There ought to be a charge soon." And the fire 
 seemed to be ten times hotter even than on the hill, for from 
 the batteries the Rebels could see us but too plainly, and if 
 we had not been protected to some extent by the natural 
 embankment, it would have been the worse for us. I had fired 
 about a dozen rounds when I found that some of my cartridges 
 were useless, those in the bottom of the box having become 
 wet while we were crossing the stream. I told Captain Leahy 
 about it, and he said if the Regiment did not come up soon, 
 we would have to return for more ammunition, and if it did, 
 we would join them on the charge. Just as he was speaking, 
 a Regiment came thundering along on a " Double-quick," 
 but we looked in vain for the red caps — they were not our boys. 
 They were met by a perfect shower of shell and grape, but they 
 took possession of the embankment. One poor fellow, who 
 was not able to keep up with the wild speed of his Regiment, 
 came on a little behind, evidently trying to get to his place in 
 the ranks as soon as possible, but his destiny was decided other- 
 wise. A projectile came along with its deafening death-cry, 
 and took him right in his groin, severing his limbs completely 
 from his body. If I could have heard his shriek, it would not 
 have been so horrible, l)ut to see him seize at his limbs, and 
 fall back with a terril)le look of agony, without being able to 
 catch a sound from him — Oh God! May I never be doomed to 
 wxtrifs.i {furh a f^iijlit again I 
 
 From this time I was in a delirium ; I was mad. I recollect 
 a stone wall, yes, that part is perfect in my memory. The stone 
 
 193 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 wall where Captain Leahy tried to lead on a whole Brigade, 
 and no one but the Color-man would move, but how we got 
 there, I do not know. I remember I rushed up a hill trying 
 to find where our boys were, but they had passed us while 
 we were skirmishing. I stood for a moment wondering where 
 all the rest of the Company was. The air was filled with a 
 deluge of bullets, grape, canister and shell, and up there to 
 the left, what a picture that was to paint on my memory. Our 
 boys thinned down to a Company, still carrying their Colors, 
 borne triumphantly through Roanoke and Camden. My God ! 
 Look ! The Colors have fallen ! Ah ! They are up again ! 
 While I was drinking in this scene, I must have reached the 
 wall or fence, for there is where I was sitting, unable to fire my 
 musket, with nothing left in my cartridge box. I did have sense 
 enough to keep my last charge in my musket. I saw the Rebels 
 quite plainly through the smoke and dust of the cornfield, 
 going through the motions of firing and loading, and I had a 
 kind of indistinct notion that they might charge, and in that 
 case, I had one shot ready for them. I will confess to one 
 cowardly thought. Why did I stay here? With no chance 
 to retaliate, why not get out of danger ? But even now, when 
 all feeling and common sense seemed to be gone, a rude sense 
 of honor put away the idea quickly and determined me to stay 
 rather than to turn my back to the foe. 
 
 Our Major Jardine, who commanded the Eighty-ninth, 
 attracted my attention. He had a Rebel battle-flag in his 
 hand which he had spilled blood to capture. His face was 
 as calm and his manner as cool as though he was going through 
 the ceremony on Parade, while, could the death messengers 
 have left their shadows, as they flitted through the air, they 
 would have clouded the sun. What attracted my attention 
 to him particularly, was an incident which I hear was not the 
 only instance on that bloody day, when the cowardly and 
 miserable trick was practised upon us at the expense of God 
 knows how many men. Displaying the " Stars and Stripes " 
 in front of the line in the heat of battle, to gain the advantage 
 of its protection ! As I saw it, the enemy played the trick so 
 194 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 cunningly as to deceive for a moment even the cool and prac- 
 tised eye of Major Jardine, for as soon as our flag caught his 
 eye, 1 supy)ose he thought some flanking movement had been 
 executed by our forces, and in words clear and ringing so as 
 to be heard loud above the din of battle, he shouted, " For 
 God's sake, don't fire on our own men ! " But the words were 
 hardly spoken when he saw his mistake, and in even louder 
 tone, if that were possible, he ordered, " At them. Boys, they 
 arc under false colors !j Give them Hell ! " While noting this, 
 I became pretty much excited, as may be imagined. I was 
 quite alone between the two Regiments and my fez must have 
 caught tlie attention of the lot in the corn, for I was warned 
 in a polite strain, that I was seen and marked, by the sharp 
 hissing of two '* Minie " balls as they came in rather too close 
 proximity to my head, and as if to convince me, that it was 
 an earnest game, tlie third arrived. Lower than the first, 
 higher than the second, skipping along the ground with an 
 angry noise, it entered my flesh sideways in the left hip, causing 
 a sensation from which I might with reason think my whole 
 side was annihilated. I started up with an involuntary excla- 
 mation, which I shudder to think of now, for if the wound had 
 been mortal, I would have died uttering with my last breath 
 a horril)lc curse. To my joy, I found that I could stand, that 
 is. if in the bewildered state I was then in, I was capable of 
 experiencing either joy or sorrow. At any rate, it was clear 
 that I had been shot and could be of no more use in that day's 
 fight, and in the language of one of our boys when relating his 
 adventures, "Didn't I skedaddle, though, out of that fire !" 
 I would have shown my heels, but I could n't very well with an 
 ounce of lead in one of my hips. But I cleared the ground 
 pretty well, put it in any expression you please, until I got 
 out of the hottest of that terrific fire. After that desirable feat 
 was accomplished, I took my time and found out that the ball 
 had lodged in the flesh and that nothing very serious had been 
 mashed. It was then, while I was making my way to the rear 
 with the blood streaming down my legs, that one of the most 
 sublime sights that has been witnessed during this war was 
 
 195 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 displayed. The sun was just tipping the wood-tops on its 
 grand, downward course, and the rash and gallant Burnside 
 was exerting his utmost strength, and with almost superhuman 
 eflFort, resisting the overwhelming force with which the Rebels 
 tried to drive him from his dearly -bought ground, in accordance 
 with the orders from the military genius who ruled this great 
 day. And nobly did his gallant men do their duty. Nobly 
 did they submit to having their ranks torn and decimated 
 with infantry sustained by artillery, while they could only 
 reply with pop-guns. It was in vain that Burnside called for 
 artillery to sustain his infantry, and reply to the enemy's 
 cannon, which seemed to mow his men down with shell, grape 
 and the more terrible spherical case-shot. There was no help 
 for it ; for some reason, artillery was not to be had, and the hiU 
 must he held. The sun, dimmed by an occasional strip of cloud, 
 went down in full, autumn glory, and its last beam saw the 
 hill in Burnside's possession. 
 
 And — Afterward. 
 I reached the hospital some time before the day's strife 
 was over. In fact, by the time I got there, faint from loss of 
 blood and the exertion, I was of the opinion that the Rebels 
 had gained an immense advantage over us ; but it may be, 
 that in my bewildered state, the fierceness of the contest seemed 
 greater at a distance, than when I was actually in the hottest 
 of the fire. I certainly experienced the most terrible depression 
 of spirits imaginable, as the battle-heat gradually wore off, 
 leaving me to realize the full force of what I had been through. 
 And the terrible sights and sounds that met me as I approached 
 the hospital did not tend to relieve my mind. There were 
 already over a hundred of our boys alone, lying on straw and 
 cornstalks, with wounds of all imaginable shapes and sizes. 
 Our tireless Doctor Humphreys and his assistants were very 
 busy, I can tell you, bandaging, sewing and cutting human flesh. 
 The sights were terrible, but the sounds were more so, although, 
 as a general thing, our boys made light of their wounds. Some 
 one helped me to a rude bed of straw and relieved me of my 
 196 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 accouterments, and my canteen was refilled, but this comfort 
 was denied us, for I had not been here five minutes, when the 
 Rebels turned on a heavy fire from a neighboring height. Our 
 Doctor ordered all those who could crawl, to start out. " Leave 
 everything. Boys, and go for your lives, they are firing at us." In 
 my hurry I forgot my belt and cartridge box, much to my self- 
 reproach afterward. I have not learned just what damage was 
 done by this beautiful piece of work, but I don't see how every 
 one could escape, the way we were scattered about at the time. 
 
 In making my way to the rear with the other newly-made 
 cripples, I encountered a couple of our cooks who were bringing 
 up freshly cooked meat to the Company, and of course, I wanted 
 some, for like others newly wounded, I felt savagely hungry. 
 I got two chunks of meat, either one as big as my fist, and the 
 way I pitched into them was a caution. I finished them by 
 the time I got to the farm house, to which we had been sent. 
 Miller's Farm House Hospital, and still I craved for more. 
 Nothing was to be had but apples from the orchard, and I was 
 now in such a state I could not move. But this difficulty was 
 remedied by one of Duryeas' Zouaves, who got me all I wanted, 
 and I had enough at last. 
 
 And now I will return to my note-book after this digression 
 in favor of Antictam, myself and you being satisfied, I hope, 
 that I had enough to eat for once. I will commence by giving 
 you the note written on the morning of the Eighteenth, before 
 my wound was looked to or dressed. 
 
 Thursday Morning, September 18th. 
 I have been wounded again. Was struck in the left hip by 
 a musket ball, and I am now lying here on the stoop of a farm 
 house, waiting, with more or less patience, for a doctor to 
 examine and dress the wound. I can feel the l)all now below 
 the hip, and I don't think there will be much trouble to get it 
 out. The groans of the poor fellows around me are heart- 
 sickening in the extreme. I reckon the whole number of 
 wounded here is nearly three hundred. My old friend Dennis 
 has gotten it i)retty badly in both legs. I would like to know 
 
 197 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 who are killed in our Company. I will probably know to-mor- 
 row. Slept a little last night, and was troubled by a dream in 
 which demons, rattlesnakes. Hell, brimstone, cannon-balls and 
 railroad iron, bayonets and pitchforks, powder and smoke 
 were all conglomerated into one shapeless, endless whirl, with 
 me in the midst, though suffering no particular harm. I finally 
 woke up with a severe cramp in my stomach, a likely result of 
 my ravenous eating yesterday. 
 
 Friday Morning, September 19th. 
 
 After the firing we heard yesterday morning, everything was 
 quiet and the two great powers seemed to be taking a short rest 
 after the extraordinary exertions of the day before. About 
 noon, two or three of our boys were carried up here from the 
 field, being wounded in a skirmish they had this morning " with 
 the retreating enemy." But that they have retreated far is 
 doubtful. We have fought one of the greatest battles of the 
 war. Our killed and wounded is roughly estimated at ten 
 thousand, and our Regiment contributes two hundred seventy- 
 five, as far as we know. This great blood-bath, of which both 
 parties as yet claim to be the victors, will be known as the 
 Battle of Antietam, taking its name from the stream which we 
 crossed, and whose waters received such a liberal contribution 
 of " Life's Red Liquid " from the heroic men of Burnside. Of 
 course, we hear any amount of unlikely stories from the front, 
 but I do not consider them worth repeating. I may except 
 one, however, and that is to the effect that the enemy is retreat- 
 ing, and if that is true, it leaves us the victory. 
 
 Shortly after writing my note of the Eighteenth, I requested 
 Doctor Harding, one of Doctor Humphrey's assistants, to look 
 at my wound. I showed him where I felt the ball and his 
 butcher knife was out in a twinkling and I made up my mind 
 to have a jaw-tooth pulled. What was my surprise when the 
 soft-handed little Doctor showed me a good-sized " Minie " 
 ball before I even thought I felt the incision of his sharp-edged 
 tool. One of Professor Anderson's sleight-of-hand tricks would 
 not have surprised me more, or pleased me more, either, for 
 198 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 that matter. After this easy operation, the wound was dressed 
 and l^andagcd, and I felt better, of course. 
 
 Saturday, September 20th. 
 
 It is now certain that the Rebels are retreating as fast as 
 they can toward the Potomac, which they will now probably 
 be able to recross, owing to oifr loss of Harper's Ferry. We 
 heard firing this morning, which argues that ^IcClellan is hurry- 
 ing them up, if nothing more. Lieutenant-Colonel Kimball 
 made a flying visit to us yesterday. He is in glorious humor, 
 shakes hands with every one and says, " Brave Boys, Damned 
 brave Boys." I asked him if he was never going to have the 
 luck to get hit. at which he held out his hand and showed me 
 a bullet and he will have it that it hit him somewhere. No, 
 by all the powers of war, no one covdd cheat him out of a wound 
 this time. We expect to get sent away soon, as there is certainly 
 no accommodation for us here. 
 
 (My next note was written on the Twenty-fifth and I was 
 in no condition to see or to write anything, for I don't think I 
 ever knew what homesickness meant before. The world seemed 
 to be so hopelessly dark and I did long for the influence of Home. 
 Every object in the landscape was tainted with the ravages of 
 war, and around us the eye could not wander without resting 
 on bloody and mutilated forms, some laughing and joking, 
 some praying, some groaning, and some alas, struggling with 
 Death, with the death-rattle in their throats. If I could only 
 get away from all this, to change the bloody and filthy clothes 
 I was compelled to wear for something clean, and what would 
 I not have given for a bed on which I could get one night's 
 sleep ! Our f()t)d was poor, and in a few days it became abso- 
 lutely tantalizing even to look at. I was without a cent of 
 money which would have enal)lcd me to buy something from 
 the ncigiil)oring farms to temj)t my miserable appetite. Every- 
 tliing conspired against me as if to see how miserable a human 
 being could be made.) 
 
 Yesterday, it was one week that we have been lying in this 
 miserable hospital and still there are no signs of getting away. 
 
 199 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 I don't expect to be sent home, but I do think we have a right 
 to expect the Government to treat us as wounded soldiers 
 deserve to be treated. I should think that we have need of 
 something in the eating line more nourishing than crackers 
 and poor coffee. My breakfast and dinner have been a small 
 piece of pie a friend gave me, for it is absolutely impossible for 
 me to stomach the miserable rations we get here. The talk is 
 that the men receive excellent care in Middletown and Fred- 
 erick, I do hope they will send us anywhere, so that it is out 
 of this place. Captain Leahy and Corporal Warring have been 
 here to see Dennis and myself. Captain Leahy said he would 
 try to get us both furloughs. I hope he succeeds, but still I 
 would just as soon be sent to Philadelphia or Baltimore as to 
 New York, for reasons you can easily understand. I would 
 have to go into a hospital, even if I was in New York, or spend 
 all the money I have saved since I was there last. Warring 
 gave me the much desired information as to who were killed 
 of our Company. The number is smaller than in any other, 
 owing to our luck in getting that skirmishing to do just before 
 the fight. Levi Collins who was in my mess at Roanoke Island 
 was killed in the skirmish. I remember hearing his death shriek 
 now, but I did not have any suspicion at the time, that it was 
 poor ColUns. James Murphy was killed in jumping the fence 
 when we advanced, as I mentioned. Jack Adair, our Color 
 Corporal, was killed at his post about the same time I was shot. 
 These are all who were killed, with about nine who were 
 wounded.* 
 
 Frederick City, September 29th. 
 Yesterday morning, Sunday, a train of ambulances came to 
 Miller's Farm Hospital and took away a hundred of those who 
 could travel. You can easily guess that I was glad to be one 
 of the number. We got started about nine o'clock and took 
 the same road that the army used in their advance from this 
 place, with the exception of not turning out of the road at 
 
 ♦ Levi CoIUns, Company I. Killed at Antietam, September 17th, 1862. 
 Corporal John C. Adair, Company I. Killed at Antietam, September 17th. 
 James Murphy, Private, Company I. Killed at Antietam. 
 
 200 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 Thurness Gap in South Mountain, having no Rebels to 
 encounter there. The view from this Pass is grand, including 
 the whole valley to the Catoctin Range, with Middletown in 
 the center of the landscape. But it can not compare with the 
 same view we had from nearly the same elevation and position 
 at the hour of sunset on the Seventeenth, when this magnificent 
 valley, then teeming with a mass of armed men, was covered 
 with that glorious spread of mingling colors of crimson and gold, 
 with the different hues of varying Nature in Autumn, seeking 
 an occasional snatch of admiration from the thousands who 
 were engaged in bloody strife. 
 
 How ditlercnt now is this peaceful valley grown in the short 
 interval of time. And how sad. The thunder-clap of war has 
 now rolled to the distance, leaving Nature slowly to recover 
 from the paralyzation of its recent shock. It were not, perhaps, 
 a smaller contrast, to note the difference in my condition, hopes 
 and prospects now, with two weeks ago. I was then hastening 
 over this same road with thousands and thousands of others. 
 Artillery was shaking this mountain gorge and filling its huge 
 dents with their powerful vibrations. I was full of life and 
 vigor, and yet wondering if my fate might not be to have my 
 bones become a part of the dust of the mountain. I was con- 
 scious that our forces would brave many a desperate battle 
 before they would abandon the soil of Maryland, but I placed 
 confidence in McClellan, and was eager to do my best in any 
 contest that was impending, in the hope that we might gain an 
 end to this unnatural and therefore more furious strife. I was 
 fully determined to do my duty to the letter, however hard that 
 might be, that I might be able to acquit myself of reproach in 
 case of disaster, which I prayed would not visit our arms. Now 
 the (.ampaign is ended. I had fondly hoped that I might so 
 term the war. Maryland is free from the tread of Rebel hosts^ 
 and the Nation rejoices in a great victory, as it mourns over 
 the countless dead. I am returning with many others, helpless, 
 to the little city of Frederick, seeking tenderness and care . The 
 same city we left long before daylight two weeks ago, with 
 musket in hand, hastening to the scene of action then in progress 
 
 201 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 in the mountains, we will enter to-night, weary, sick and hope- 
 less, praying but for rest and the return of strength. 
 
 September 30th. 
 It was after nine o'clock last night before we entered the 
 city, and after the longest half hour I have ever experienced, 
 we were put into a hospital, formerly a Presbyterian church. 
 I have learned that the Doctor in charge bears the cognomen 
 " Cornish." He is a gentleman '^of the old school apparently, 
 and I have already experienced kindness from him. He 
 wakened me up last night about twelve o'clock from the soundest 
 sleep I have had since I was shot, and washed and dressed the 
 wound. I showed my appreciation of the act, by resuming 
 my interrupted slumbers, with greater vigor than ever. 
 
 202 
 
CHAPTER XVII 
 
 Frederick City Hospital 
 
 October 2d. 
 
 I AM still in Frederick City experiencing kind attention 
 from its people. Expect to go to Washington, Baltimore 
 
 or l'liil;i(leli)lii;i almost any day, but I don't think I care 
 very mucii about going. 
 
 This morning, in a fit of sentiment, I composed a few verses 
 entitled *' Lines to a Lady in Frederick." The object of this 
 " Will-be " famous lyric attracted my attention passing the 
 Church-yard gate, while I was smoking my pipe in a dreamy 
 reverie. I did not know her name, but have since learned that 
 it is '* Hat tie Wilson." She is very much like a lady with whom 
 I was foolish enough to fall in love, in regular school-boy style, 
 about three years ago, out in the Western wilds, and probably 
 that is the reason I was struck with that peculiar style of femi- 
 nine loveliness in Miss Wilson which I have always admired. 
 
 October 4th. 
 Abraham Lincoln pa.s.sed through the city to-day on his 
 return from the review of the army on the upper Potomac. 
 He paid the honor of a visit to a certain General who was 
 wounded at Antietam and is stopping opposite here, and to 
 the cnnvd which collected around the door and cheered him, 
 he made a speech of his usual brevity. He was then assisted 
 into an unpretentious one-horse buggy by a field officer who 
 accompanied him. They pas.sed the hospital, and I had an 
 excellent view of the features of the President. He looked more 
 worn than when I saw him last, and the heavy load he is obliged 
 to carry, amply accounts for that. My present condition is 
 not overly pleasant, but by far better than is his. 
 
 October 9th. 
 
 My wound is getting along beautifully, and in about six 
 
 weeks I will be as well as ever again. I have resigned myself 
 
 to tiuit long stay in this city. Still no letters from home. They 
 
 must have been written and are somewhere between here and 
 
 203 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 home, and I feel badly not to have them. But I am not quite 
 miserable, for my pencil has been as busy as a bee ever since 
 I got settled. I completed a large and very difficult picture 
 to-day, and am pretty well satisfied with it. It is an attempt 
 at representing an interior view of this hospital. Doctor 
 Cornish thinks it is fine and wants me to make him one. 
 I do not like to undertake it just now, for I am laboring under 
 some difficulties in following the footprints of Art, having 
 nothing better than the pencil with which I write these notes, 
 for both outline and finish. If I could raise the " Spons," even 
 a small amount would remedy the trouble. I could then use 
 a pen and pass away some time by resuming my Journal, which 
 is still in Washington. I am a little afraid that the much valued 
 article will not turn up very soon, if at all. This Journal of 
 mine was the most valuable thing in my knapsack, and I would 
 hate most awfully to lose it. But I suppose I must bear up 
 against the loss of All my valuable Property, with the fortitude 
 of a soldier. I am well contented to stay in this city, and I 
 don't think we could be better off anywhere else. But, look 
 here, I don't want you to think that Miss Wilson, the angel in 
 petticoats, has anything to do with this conviction. My fancy 
 departed from that quarter almost as soon as it arrived. My 
 reconnaissance in that direction, without getting near enough 
 to exchange words, much less to storm the fort, has proven that 
 she is not only proud, though unassuming, but that she is wise 
 enough to keep a corporal's guard of a Governess to look after 
 her. It is easy enough for me to see that she is not the " Gal 
 
 for me " for I know d Oh — well that she would stick up 
 
 her nose, and what a pretty nose it is, in holy horror at any one 
 less than a Captain. She would like a Major, smile at a Lieu- 
 tenant and would adore a Colonel. Accordingly, I w ill try and 
 content myself with pictures, poverty and memory, and be 
 just as happy as though nothing in the shape of Venus had 
 come nearer to knocking my heart out, than did any of Jack- 
 son's famous railroad iron to my silly brains. 
 
 204 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 October 12th. 
 One of the poor boys in the hospital went to his " long 
 Home " this morning. His young wife was here and saw him 
 die. They had been married only a week before his enlistment. 
 
 Sunday Morning, October 26th. 
 
 Two weeks have glided by and we have Sunday morning 
 again. The hospital is being prepared for our usual visitors 
 who generally accompany the minister. I presume the services 
 will be performed by the Reverend Doctor Diehl, who has 
 preached for us on several occasions. He is Pastor of the Dutch 
 Reformed Chunh here in Frederick. He came in the other 
 day and asked for " Johnson from Minnesota." I was getting 
 my wound dressed, and though I heard him speak, I did not 
 realize that he meant me, but I was the only Johnson in the 
 establishment, and was from Minnesota, so I finally answered. 
 He gave me a letter from Pastor Passevant and told me he 
 would come again in the afternoon and bring me some papers. 
 This he did and I had a nice chat with him. He expressed 
 some surprise at finding me a member of a New York Regiment. 
 I very gladly accepted an invitation to his home, but I am not 
 sure that I can go. 
 
 My pencil has made me quite famous. Doctor Cornish is 
 sure to bring every lady visitor who happens in, over here to 
 see my pictures, and I told him the other day that I was quite 
 poi)ular enough. Mrs. INIorgan has intimated that she would 
 hke something in my line in memory of the Regiment, and 
 Mrs. WiLson, the Mother of the Other Wilson, has sent the 
 same request through three different channels. I have made 
 two copies of the hospital picture and Doctor Cornish sent one 
 to his wife and now he wants me to get up something nice for 
 his little girl, and I don't know what to do for time to spare 
 for writing. I received my Journal some time ago with my 
 knapsack. Our suits came, too, and of course, Hawkins' " Zou- 
 Zous " arc now " King Pins " of the town. But I must stop, 
 for the people are beginning to come, and it is time for service. 
 
 205 
 
THE LONG ROM 
 
 Contalf^^cni Camp, Mrt;rin{a, 
 November 80th. 
 
 Mj* nice time in that darling little city of Frederick is o\*er, 
 Mj* drawing. uv\* writing, my che^s playing and nv.v reading 
 are all of the pa.<t. This Camp is a miserable hole to say the 
 leai^t, and I don't intend to describe it. for m\- pen n\ight Sivj* 
 tov-> much, and 1 prefer to tell of the last days 1 spent in Freil- 
 erick. 
 
 Do«.'tor Cornish was orviert\i to his Regiment about a \\ tvk 
 before I left. I gave him a little picture for his daughter. He 
 showevl me a photograph of Mrs. Cornish and the little girl, 
 iuid also read me a part of a letter in answer to his with the 
 h<.-»spital picture. ^Ir. Johnson was much honortxl by Mrs. 
 Cornish's i.\nnpliments as to its being a very goixl picture. 
 She s;\id she askt\l the little girl where " Papa " was and slie 
 jKiintcvi to him as reprt\<eutet.i in the forcgn.">und. 1 could not 
 do any better for Mrs. Morgan than to give her a pretty giXHi 
 landscape, a Swis^; scvne. Mrs. Wilson was duly presented 
 with a portrait of Colonel Hawkins, and a message written on 
 the back of it was intendeti. of course, eventually to meet the 
 eyes of *' Hattie" and the other little curly-headevl witch. Ser- 
 geant Loades. my chess opponent, got his portrait taken, which 
 I kept with his autograph, and gave him a sketch of the Antie- 
 tam Bridge, near which he was woundet.1 when helping to take it. 
 And then, when I had tinisluxi reading *' Luck of L;uiysmcade," 
 I was ready to go anywhere they wantet.1 to send me. 
 
 C^i the TAventy-sixth of November, I bade farewell to 
 Frederick and to good times, arriving in Washington about 
 eleven the Si\me night. The following day was Thanksgiving 
 Day. and I spent it in going about the city. I made it mj' 
 business to see as many of the public buildings as I could. Of 
 these, the Capitol, of course, is the tirst to attract the attention 
 of a stranger, from its stupendous size and the lofty, and still 
 unfinislied. dome which crowns it. I saw Crawfonl's gig:intic 
 statue in bronze, of ** Liberty ** mount cvi on a temjxirary 
 pedestal, on the Capitol grounds, and it is intended to crown 
 the whole mass of beautiful marble beneath, now so near com- 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 plctif)n. Even now, when ready hands are near, ah, ho near, 
 U) ])\i\\ down this slruclure whieli has taken years and tfie hest 
 me<hani(al skill of all nations to f>uild, the workmen are busy 
 with stjiian-, rule and chisel, seeniinj^ly loath to leave the ^reat 
 work of tlu'ir hands, while events urc. erowdin^ fast on time 
 to d<'eide either the d«vst riieti(jn of this magnificent [)ile, or its 
 crowning witli greater glory. They are preparing tlie dome 
 for the re<<'j*fion of " I.ihcrty." \Vh<'n she is th<*n;, wh(;re 
 Crawford d«'sign<'d her to Ix*, then may slie well look around her 
 from tlie lofty stand, with that pleased and wonderstruek 
 admiration, which the artist's g<,'nius has fixed so liappily on 
 her face. And You, who revel in tliese unfinished halls; You, 
 who are the chosen representatives of tin; mightiest jx^ople of 
 tln' glohe ; are you conscious that th<; time you waste is far 
 more precious than jewels or wealth? Kememher, that it is 
 in your power t(j see that this statue is i>laced to r-rown this 
 CTistly mass, and awful will he the c<jnserpjences f(jrever in your 
 hearts, if, by faction hatred or love of gain, you allow th(;se 
 prieele.ss moments to slij) away for naught, leaving tliis grand 
 pile uncrowned, and its pillars to be crushed by the fiend we 
 now hear in the distance. 
 
 Such thoughts as these filled my mind as I stood gazing 
 in a sa<l reverie from the polislied walls of tlie (Japitol, at the 
 busy workmen arounrl the statue in the garden, and it was not 
 without a feeling oi i>ain that 1 turned to go away, for I knew 
 I might never see this work oi art in its destined place. And 
 if I did, would I behold it with that i>ride which I am wont to 
 feel in our great republican institutions, or with a .sense of 
 mortification at the fickleness of the people and our rulers? 
 
 I was in Washington two days and then toyk the boat for 
 Alexandria. Was given quarters in this camf), that is, if a worn- 
 out tent, without a stove, can be called quarters. Fortunately 
 Huss and Hrannin were with me. so I did not have to go in a 
 strange mess. Well, what more have I to say? We will have 
 to stay in this hole, till our Colonel or Corps-General sends 
 for us. 
 
 207 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 New Year's Eve., 1862. 
 
 It is rather a long skip to make, from November Thirtieth 
 to New Year's Eve, but my Ufe has been so uniformly dull 
 that I have not thought it worth while to spoil paper with the 
 narration of any of the sickening events. Whenever I took 
 pen in hand, the splendid marble palaces over the river, which 
 glisten in the sun, would come between my eyes and the paper, 
 and taunt me with their magnificence and invariably cause 
 me to throw away the pen in pure disgust at this miserable 
 place. I should mention, however, that the Camp was moved 
 to the vicinity of Fort Barnard, in a snug valley, which pos- 
 sesses two advantages over the other place, protection from 
 wind and the nearness to fire-wood. I did not deem the event 
 important enough to remember the date. Some very patriotic 
 ladies attempted to give us a kind of a Christmas dinner a 
 week ago, but the result was a failure and it ended in a row. 
 So much for Christmas. Now for New Year's. I do not know 
 whether to laugh or to grumble at my present feelings. That I 
 am not happy, you can well see, but let us make the best of it 
 and hope for a happier New Year's Eve when the year now so 
 near us is old. About dusk, the convalescents commenced 
 firing the old year out, and things looked gay for a little while, 
 until some miserable fools began to use balls. It was fine fun 
 for those who were shooting, but quite different for the three 
 or four men who were hit. The firing has ceased, of course. 
 I have had one luxury for which I am thankful and that is a 
 half-pipeful of tobacco, which I have just finished smoking. 
 As I write, our Mess is engaged in discussing certain points 
 relating to the Antietam fight, and telling their respective 
 adventures on that terrible field. 
 
 And for our Country, the new Calendar of Father Time's 
 looks gloomy enough. My earnest prayers are that the Almighty 
 God will look down upon us and change the state of our affairs 
 soon, as He must do if in His goodness He thinks our insti- 
 tutions worth saving from utter ruin. I hope Sixty-three will 
 end in a far happier evening for our whole Country as well as 
 for myself, and that can not be unless this strife is ended in 
 208 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 a perfect reunion. With these prayers, do I take leave of this 
 old \ear and meet the coining of Sixty-three, almost at our 
 door I still continue to hope, almost against hope, that all 
 will be well in the end. 
 
 209 
 
CHAPTER XVIII 
 
 Newport News Again 
 
 February 24th. 
 
 HOW strange that I should be destined to see the last days 
 of the service in the same place where I served my 
 apprenticeship ! After so many curious windings on 
 the sea coast and in the interior of our country, where we have 
 traveled, tramped and fought, to be again at Newport News 
 where we had our first lessons in Camp life, nearly two years 
 ago. Of course, I can not with certainty say that we will be 
 here for the remainder of our time, but I am repeating the 
 assertion of our officers, and though extraordinary events may 
 bring us again within the music of bullets, they think it quite 
 improbable. We are detailed at this Post as Provost-Guard 
 and that is sufficient for the present. I will now go back to 
 where I left you, in the Camp of Distribution, near Alexandria. 
 
 On January Twenty-ninth I was surprised to see Sergeant 
 Loades of the Second Maryland, whom you will recollect I 
 left in Frederick City. He was bound for his Regiment, and 
 was stopped as I was, in that miserable abode of miserable 
 beings. I made him spend the evening in my tent, and a long, 
 pleasant chat did we have about old times in Frederick, where, 
 if I had not been a fool, I might have staid till now, and have 
 received as many thanks for it. I can not say that he told me 
 anything worth noting here, of the events in that ever-to-be- 
 remembered city, although what he had to say was interesting 
 enough to me. 
 
 Loades and I were together most of the time for the rest of 
 our stay. It was our wish that we might soon get to our Regi- 
 ments, for to neither of us did Camp Distribution offer any 
 enticements, and we therefore hailed the call for one corps, 
 on the evening of the First of February, with unmixed satis- 
 faction. 
 
 I was not disappointed this time, and I went through the 
 endless roll-calls and " waitings " with deserved patience. We 
 got down to Alexandria about eleven in the morning of the 
 210 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 Second, and there had to go through another long roll-call, 
 finally going aboard the Steamer " Portsmouth," which started 
 immediately for Accjuia Creek. Though the weather was rather 
 cold, it was clear and fine, and I took pleasure in noting the 
 scenes of interest along the noble Potomac. The last time I 
 made the trip I was sound asleep, and even if I had not been 
 in a state of oblivion, it was too dark for me to have seen much 
 of anything. So that it was all as new to me as if it were my 
 first visit. I noted Fort Washington on the Maryland side, 
 and further down, saw for tlie first time the wild and neglected 
 banks of the Mount Vernon property. I was in hopes of catch- 
 ing a glimpse of the Washington mansion, but in this I was 
 disappointed, for the neglected state of the grounds shut out 
 every vestige of a building. But still it was no small satisfaction 
 to have even this view of the home of the greatest of chiefs and 
 statesmen that this now unhappy country has ever had. I 
 can not say that the Potomac has any extraordinary attractions 
 in the way of scenery, but it has several good qualities to atone 
 for the fault, the clearness of the water, and the cultivated 
 banks, generally graced by the picturesque mansions of some 
 wealthy, and often, famous men. The sun went down in 
 a magnificent halo of glory, as we reached Acquia Creek, 
 where we landed and marched up to a Soldier's Retreat, 
 where we got a kind of supper and bunks for the night. I went 
 into partnership with a Sergeant of the Twentieth Massachu- 
 setts, and as he had three blankets and I had two, we made out 
 to spend a most comfortable night, though the wind was howling 
 in a manner calculated to make us shiver, while we thanked 
 God that we were not without a shelter. By morning the 
 ground was frozen hard as a rock, and with the piercing wind 
 there was a scattering of frozen snow. After breakfast, we 
 were marched aboard the cattle cars, there being no others 
 on this railroad, and were soon rattling away toward Fredericks- 
 burg, where, having safely crossed the Potomac Creek Bridge, 
 we arrived about noon. But how changed did I find this region 
 from what it was last Summer ! The station was where it used 
 to be, but everything else had suffered a wonderful change. Our 
 
 211 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 old camp ground on the height between the station and the 
 City of Ruins, I found to be the last resting place for a large 
 number of horses ; and where the great army was encamped, 
 I could hardly imagine, for where we formerly saw camps, 
 battery buildings and trees, was now a deserted and apparently 
 endless sea of mud. 
 
 As soon as we got out of the cars and away from the number- 
 less wagons crowded around the station, we were, much against 
 our wills, given in charge of the Provost Marshal, and then 
 we had more long marches and tedious red-tape to endure. 
 It took until late in the afternoon, when, tired, almost frozen, 
 and much disgusted with the endless and useless ceremonies, 
 we were conducted to our Regiments. I found " Ours " quar- 
 tered on a side hill directly in the rear of the brick building 
 which was Burnside's headquarters during the Battle of Fred- 
 ericksburg. 
 
 The first man of my acquaintance I met was Corporal 
 Warring, who was not long in extending his hand for a friendly 
 grip which speaks so plainly to the heart. He went with me 
 to quarters which I found more comfortable with the shelter 
 tents, than I had dared to hope. Most of the boys have dug 
 excavations under their tents, and with the assistance of logs, 
 have a kind of house, half underground, and with fire-places, 
 the comfort of which could not be judged by outward appear- 
 ance. It was my wish to go into a Mess with Warring, but I 
 found that I could not be accommodated, so I put up in a tent 
 with John Work and James Schultz. Having settled this matter 
 to my satisfaction and theirs, I made a few calls. I had a long 
 chat with Lieutenant Flemming, who was in command, Captain 
 Leahy being on furlough, in New York. 
 
 " Verily things have changed since Johnny died," was my 
 soliloquy, as I walked through the Company quarters. So 
 many new faces met my eyes wherever I turned, and I found 
 that I did not know one-half my own Company. We have 
 hardly two hundred of our old members left, and still we muster 
 six hundred fifty muskets, so that the majority of the Regiment 
 is composed of recruits. I got into one Mess in my rounds, 
 212 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 made up of old members, four of whom were of that gay, old 
 Mess oil Roanoke Island, Thain, Keswine, Krohr and Turner. 
 With them were three more, Luckmier, Myers and Wattcrson. 
 The two first and the three latter ones are picked equals in 
 striking terror to Sutlers and non-combatants. You will not 
 be astonished then, when I tell you that this Mess, joined 
 together as they are by the cohesive power of public plunder, 
 lives well. I had no sooner taken a seat, when they asked me 
 to have something to eat. Expecting a piece of " Salt Horse " 
 or a bit of hard tack, I said " Yes " for politeness, and the 
 shock my system suffered when a pickled " pig's foot " met 
 my wondering and watering eyes, can be imagined but not 
 described. But it was not a circumstance to the way my mouth 
 watered in devouring the precious extremity of the porker. 
 And then, after the pork packing was finished, they offered 
 me a cigar. IVIy pent-up feelings could not longer be controlled, 
 and bursting through the restraint of self-conmiand, I voiced 
 my appreciation with the huskiness of deep emotion. Here 
 was I, from the Capital, where I had not always the luxury of 
 a pipe of tobacco at my disposal, in the wilderness \shere I 
 expected to starve. Pig's Feet ! Cakes ! Butter ! and then, 
 a Cigar ! It quite unmanned me. 
 
 Johnny Luckmier has a pretty mouth, and all that mars 
 its loveliness is that it opens like a carpet bag. Johnny Luck- 
 mier has also a pretty voice, but it has one fault, hoarseness 
 from continual use, as he only rests it when asleep. Johnny 
 Luckmier occupies the middle of the tent, and is called " The 
 Blockade." It is his duty to keep the boarders in their respect- 
 ive ends of the building; those on the right being " Dump- 
 lings " and the rest " Puddings." To keep them apart, it was 
 found necessary to em[)loy Johnny's endless flow of language, 
 and the way he performed his duty was not unlike the thunder- 
 ing of some mighty three-decker in point of noise, though hardly 
 to be com[)ared to it in the musical sense. But enough. If 
 Johnny should ever get hold of this, there would be no help 
 for me. You can inuigine what a horrible fate would be mine, 
 for the most terrible of all things is to be talked to death. 
 
 213 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 To return to myself. I told you that I had not heard from 
 Hudson City for a long time. One of the letters sent to my 
 sister from Convalescent Camp never got to her. I found 
 Warring had a couple of letters for me, and from them I learned 
 that Charlotte and " Mother " had suflFered much anxiety on 
 my account. I also received a letter from my Uncle John in 
 Minnesota, telling me of the arrival of a little boy cousin into 
 this wicked world of ours. 
 
 The next two days I spent in answering letters and fixing 
 up my tent, and as I was not overly anxious to do duty, I 
 concluded to wait till a musket was handed to me. This was 
 done on the Sixth, when the whole Corps got marching orders. 
 Some thought that Burnside was going to South Carolina and 
 that he would take us with him. Others ordered us to re-enforce 
 Corcoran on the Black Water, and still others were equally 
 confident that a movement on the Peninsula was in progress, 
 and stationed us at Yorktown. But as is always the case, no 
 one knew for a certainty. On one point, however, we were 
 unanimous, for wherever you went, the word was passed, 
 " Anywhere out of the Army of the Potomac." 
 
 On the morning of the Seventh, we had Reveille about three 
 o'clock, which was entirely useless, for we did not get aboard 
 the cars till about noon, when for the second time, I left Fred- 
 ericksburg with my Regiment. I was put on the top of the 
 cars this time, but fortunately it was not cold, so I had a novel 
 ride without suffering any inconvenience worth mentioning. 
 
 At the dock we met Captain Leahy, who was rather surprised 
 to see us. He had been home on furlough, and was nice as a 
 mince pie. He recognized me and offered his hand with con- 
 gratulations. We were put on the Transport "Robert Morris," 
 and another the name of which I did not know, and it was not 
 long after dark, when we started down the Potomac. Had a 
 pretty good sleep and wakened to find the sun smiling on us 
 and our steamer leaving Point Lookout fast behind us. This 
 was the anniversary of the Battle of Roanoke Island.* 
 
 * February Eighth. And this was to be the day, in the year of our Lord, Eighteen Hundred 
 Ninety-six, when the Zouave was to go to his "last, long sleep." 
 
 214 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 After a fine sail, darkness closed around us, leaving us still 
 on the gently swelling bosom of the Chesapeake, and the next 
 morning we were at anchor off Fortress Monroe. Warring told 
 me that the boat got aground during the night, but I knew 
 nothing outside of the Land of Dreams. 
 
 Was it strange that the all-engrossing subject of specu- 
 lation should be "our destination.'' " Norfolk, Yorktown, up 
 the River, down the Coast, where would the rudder guide us, 
 when the " seemingly-never-to-arrive " orders should come? 
 Who could think that our Regiment would for the third time 
 be sent to Newport News ? I am willing to wager that no one 
 for a moment entertained the idea as one likely to be put into 
 execution. But here we are. 
 
 Wednesday, March 4th. 
 
 The other day, while I was walking my post on General 
 Getty's quarters, a member of the Fifty-first Regiment came 
 down to our guard for the purpose of seeing one Freed, who 
 is an enthusiast in the game of Baseball, to make arrangements 
 with him for a challenge from our Regiment. Mind you, to 
 make arrangements for a challenge. It was this man's business 
 to let our chib know that the Fifty-first was anxious to play a 
 match, but for some reason, wanted the challenge to come from 
 us. Frank Hughson, President of the Hawkins Zouaves Base- 
 ball Club, lost no time in calling the members together and in 
 actordance with their wishes, he wrote and sent the challenge, 
 and immediately proceeded to the necessary selection of a 
 *' Nine." And they are now straining every nerve to beat the 
 Fifty-first in this exciting field sport, in the presence of a vast 
 number from both Regiments. Colonel Hawkins has taken 
 a bet offered by Major Jardine that the Fifty-first will beat us. 
 I was out there about a half hour ago, and it looked unfavorable 
 for us, but since, we have gotten our innings and made fourteen 
 runs. Our boys are now in and the game is in the third inning. 
 I guess I will go out and see how things are going. 
 
 Just returned from the field. The game is now in the sixth 
 inning and we are six ahead, eighteen to twenty-four. Our side 
 " skunked " the Fifty-first in this inning, and have now the 
 
 215 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 bat. This makes us even on " skunks," as they got one early 
 in the game. Pity it is so cold. It is now two o'clock. 
 
 The match is played and Major Jardine lost his bet. How 
 Colonel Hawkins will grin when the Major forks over ! I thirik 
 T see him. But it was a most interesting game. " Skunks " 
 were even, and at the end of the ninth inning the game stood 
 " thirty-one to thirty-four," " Ours " beating by three runs. 
 This is the first victory of the Zouave Club, and is highly grati- 
 fying, since the Fifty -first has never looked upon us with any 
 favor since the events of February Eighth. It is likely that 
 this will not be the last game which will be played between these 
 teams, and I hope our " Nine " will not neglect to practise, 
 for this is the first game they have had since we were on Roa- 
 noke Island. I forgot to mention that we got the better of 
 our opponents by one home run. 
 
 March 5th. 
 
 For the past few days I have been much interested in the 
 perusal of one of Bulwer Lytton's strangest of strange stories, 
 " Zanoni." I finished it this morning and I must confess that 
 the text on the title page will express all the understanding I 
 have of this queer, but fascinating tale — " In short, I could 
 make neither head nor tail on 't." 
 
 As for any moral that I can pick out of it, there is none. I 
 can not help contrast the marked difference between the angels 
 of Faith, Truth, Fearlessness and Courage and the darker ones 
 of Cowardice, Passion and Despair. Although it may be that 
 I can not comprehend all that this volume unfolds, for it is as 
 mysterious as is any subject treating of alchemic philosophy, 
 I am obliged to the author for engrossing my whole mind in 
 his subject, which few books that I get hold of now, can do. 
 
 Sunday, March 8th. 
 I do not feel very well to-day. Have had a headache and 
 several minor complaints of no importance, though I am made 
 quite miserable by them. But I can not resist the temptation 
 of telling about the second match played yesterday by our 
 second " Nine " and the Fifty-first. This was not as exciting 
 216 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 as the first, for it was too one-sided, our boys not giving them 
 a " living show " to win, as you can easily see by looking at 
 the score. There were seventy-seven runs in all, our boys mak- 
 ing fifty-eight. If this does not make the Fifty -first sick of 
 our playing, I shall be compelled to think they are afflicted 
 with the terrible mania of " Baseball on the Brain." This 
 disease, which has lately spread its awful, devastating influence, 
 not only through our Regiment, but the whole corps, first 
 originated, I believe, in the brain of poor Freed. How I pity 
 him ! He is beside me now, asleep, and I will wager the first 
 silver quarter I see, that his brain is filled with visions of huge 
 bats and balls, bases and home plates, and score books filled 
 to a page with games, glorious games all won by him, poor 
 soul — and poor player, let me add. Now, you may imagine 
 that I am not dealing fairly with him in thus talking behind 
 his back, and I must tell you my object. After the first match 
 was played, he was perfectly insane for nearly two days, and 
 he was so anxious to find out what I had to say in my Journal, 
 that he broke loose from all restraint of good breeding, and read 
 it without leave from me, and very likely he will do so again, 
 and in that case — You understand? 
 
 Monday, March 9th. 
 A Corporal was reduced to the ranks yesterday on Dress 
 Parade, for being inebriated Saturday and missing the usual 
 Parade. So the order read, but that order, I am forced to think, 
 told a falsehood. Had it possessed any regard for truth, it 
 would have stated that the Corporal was reduced to the ranks 
 and fined sbc dollars, for incompetency — to hold his position — 
 you expect me to say. No, even if that were the case, it would 
 not make the diflFerence. What I would say, if you will not 
 interrupt. *' reduced for incompetency to toady for his precious 
 position." Let me explain. A man must creep and fawn, 
 be a pattern of a humble dog, or be upheld by some influence 
 superior to a Captain, to hold a position as Corporal or Sergeant 
 in this Company, at least. Thank Heaven, my friend is not 
 built that way, and he stands higher in my estimation than 
 
 217 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 when he wore the glorious stripes. It is to be lamented, of 
 course, that he did not have the Colonel or the Major to keep 
 him in the position, in which case he, like Corporal Davis, 
 could hold Corporalship without the painful necessity of playing 
 dog. But he had no influential friends in the Regiment, so he has 
 been elevated to a High Private, the safest position a man can 
 hold, for he certainly can not be put down any lower than that. 
 In this precious Company, there are sixteen warders who 
 now hold and always have held undisputed sway over both 
 Captains and Lieutenants, and though Captain Leahy is a man 
 I respect, for he is brave, and that covers many faults, he is no 
 
 judge of human nature, and he deems that what Sergeant P 
 
 says is gospel, for he can not penetrate his real character. For 
 
 were it known, P is a living representative of the family that 
 
 wears a Lion's skin. After the Battle of Camden, three Cor- 
 porals were appointed, promoted for " Bravery on the Battle- 
 field." Bravery on the Battlefield ! One was slightly wounded, 
 another was behind a chimney when the fight was on, and the 
 third was not with the expedition at all. They all belonged to 
 the Sixteenth Ward. Were it necessary to proceed further, 
 I could tell you that the precious Corporal who was behind the 
 chimney at Camden, was one of those who kept safely out of 
 the way at Antietam, and was very ready to carry me to the 
 hospital. How sweet he was then ! And look at him now ! I 
 will not pursue this hateful subject, it makes me feel wicked. 
 
 March 14th. 
 Yesterday, our Regiment got marching orders to leave 
 when the Third Division is gone, and it is embarking as fast 
 as it can. So you see I may yet have some transactions with 
 Powder, Ball and Company, if my time is up in forty days. 
 It is unnecessary to say that this order was very unexpected, 
 and still it is not believed to be in earnest. However, I would 
 not be at all surprised to find myself in Suffolk with Corcoran's 
 Legion, whom it is rumored Lee is attacking with overwhelming 
 force. It appears that Colonel Hawkins is not overly willing 
 to go as Commander of the First Brigade, Third Division, 
 218 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 unless we go as First Regiment of that Brigade, and that is 
 why we are ordered to bring up the rear of the Division. And 
 now Major Jardine is Provost Marshal for the Corps, and he 
 is doing his best to keep us here in spite of the Colonel. Colonel 
 Hawkins is probably doing his very best for us, and I begin 
 to know that I can not with reason expect him to make confi- 
 dants of us all. One thing is certain, we are going with the 
 Division, for the Fifty-first relieved us from Provost duty this 
 morning. ^ March 17th. 
 
 " Patrick's Day " it is " in the morning." The day of the 
 shamrock and countless broken heads has dawned upon us 
 here at Newport News. I have often wished for the oppor- 
 tunity to ask the noble Saint just why it is necessary to com- 
 memorate his birthday by wearing the green sprig and taking 
 the initiatory steps to the breaking of ever so many heads with 
 ever so many wild whoops and capers, only appreciated by the 
 fiery Sons of the Green Lsle. But I do not know that I have 
 any more right to ask it than have the Emerald Islanders to 
 respond with the query as to why we waste so much powder 
 and make so much racket on the Fourth of July, and I fear the 
 retort will make me own up to the truth of my case, which is 
 that my pen asked the question not so much for the desired 
 information, as to have something to say. I see there are 
 already some few Shamrocks showing themselves on the red 
 caps of our boys. 
 
 But I will take leave of Patrick and talk of something else. 
 Let it be Chess. Some time ago, I designed a set of wooden 
 Chessmen, which Sergeant Pout proposed to cut out for Cor- 
 poral Gough. They are done and Gough and I have already 
 had a fine game. Sergeant Loades, with whom I used to play 
 in Frederick City, had one game with me and beat me too 
 awfully. But Loades plays a little above the common run, 
 so I was not much mortified. Corporal Gough plays more for 
 amusement and instruction, and I beat him generally.* 
 
 • .\ (luplicatr »rt of this design was carved by the Zouave and is still in bis War Treasure 
 Box, (orminK a sinijular contrast to the carved ivory Chessmen of a pleasanter day. And could 
 they l)Ut talk, would we not turn with awakened interest to these war-scarred V'eterans, who 
 have beard the " Long Roll " and know the pity of it all 1 
 
 219 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 March 19th, 
 We are still here and as our Division is gone two days since, 
 it seems probable that we wiU not be disturbed for some time^ 
 if at all, before we make the final move for home. We had 
 marching orders the other day, but they were countermanded. 
 Why we should be favored above the other troops here, is hard 
 for me to imagine, but I suspect the Colonel has used his influ- 
 ence as he has always done where our interests were concerned. 
 He has probably shown General Dix the poUcy of sparing us 
 now, seeing our time is so nearly out, for by so doing, they will 
 undoubtedly secure many volunteers, which they might not 
 get, were they to put us through a course of sprouts, before the 
 Fourth of May.* Meanwhile, the Fifty -first is doing Provost 
 Duty, while we are in our bunks, looking at them. 
 
 We pass our days rapidly and pleasantly, at least I do. 
 Warring and I make it a point to exchange visits with Loades 
 every other day. Yesterday Loades expected to be transported 
 to Suffolk, but the order was countermanded half an hour after 
 it was given, and he sent me a note to that effect. Of course, 
 Warring and I must spend the evening with him, for it might 
 be the last one that could be spared. So up we went, and noth- 
 ing would do, but that we must take supper. We had already 
 eaten what we called supper, and were prepared to resist any 
 attack that might be made on our appetites, but we had no 
 idea that the force arrayed against us would be Beefsteak. 
 We surrendered almost immediately and submitted ourselves 
 to be taken to the kitchen tent. Having disposed of as much 
 as decency and our stomachs — and how they ached — would 
 allow, we went back to quarters, the Adjutant's tent, for be 
 it known Loades is Sergeant-Major now, and Whist was the 
 order of the evening. On a certain previous night, Loades and 
 I were beaten badly at Euchre by Warring and Lieutenant Ball 
 of the Second, and now these two gentlemen were anxious to 
 repeat the process at Whist. Well, they did beat us the first 
 
 * It is quite consistent with the character of the Zouave that he never, in after life, mentioned 
 any inclination or possibility of re-enlistment. Trouble with the hip wound and a long fight with 
 inflammatory rheumatism incapacitated him for further service. 
 
 220 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 game and the last, but in the interval we won six games through 
 good luck on my part and good playing on my partner's, all in 
 spite of the many and characteristic efforts of our opponents 
 to change the run of luck. 
 
 The First Division is decamping to-day for some unknown 
 destination and it is probable that the Second is only waiting 
 for the First. I took a long walk up to the right of the camp, 
 tliis morning, to see what was going on, and unintentionally I 
 stumbled into the Twenty-ninth Massachusetts in the First 
 Division, formerly stationed on the Rip Raps, who treated us 
 so well nearly two years ago. The recognition of Sergeant Frost 
 and myself was nuitual and a long talk of old times was the 
 natural consequence. The Sergeant was sure Lieutenant Riply 
 would be pleased to see me and went to find him. He was the 
 same fine and perfect gentleman, and when I left, my " I will 
 always remember you with pleasure," came from the very 
 bottom of my heart. 
 
 To-day is the Nineteenth of March, and it seems the decay- 
 ing Winter has chosen it to make his " flurry in," as the Whalers 
 woultl say. Summer in its infancy is struggling for mastery 
 over the old and infirm Winter. Spring commenced this morn- 
 ing, apparently thinking nothing would disturb her projected 
 si)rinkling of the earth with the gentle dews. Old King Winter, 
 who can not yet be far away on his journey hence, looked back, 
 and perceiving with jealous wrath the doings of his successor, 
 still so young and feeble, roused up the remainder of his depart- 
 ing strength and hurled back a gust of piercing North Wind, 
 which in accordance with orders from his terrible Master, soon 
 created sad havoc among the tender breezes of Spring, and froze 
 the tears, with which she was trying in her gentle way to awaken 
 slumbering Nature from her long and silent stupor, into hard 
 and biting icicles. Gentle Spring, murmuring something quite 
 inaudibly, retired rather than submit to the fierce insults of 
 this bluff old King. But now, she is melting the icy particles 
 which Old Boreas is hurling down upon us in pure spite, into 
 soft and delicate water, and with the aid of the sun she will 
 reanimate the tender shoots still safe under the surface pre- 
 
 221 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 paring to spring into life and beauty. Thus, dear Spring, are 
 the means employed against you in wrath and anger, made to 
 serve your own good purpose. But, Pen of mine, I am tired, 
 and we will leave Summer and Winter to quarrel as they please, 
 on the virgin soil of this fair and beautiful country. 
 
 March 21st. 
 
 But in spite of all her efforts. Spring has been completely 
 hidden beneath a covering of at least six inches of snow. All 
 day yesterday, it snowed and blowed, and as the day progressed 
 the wind grew fiercer, and the keen blasts were felt through 
 any amount of clothing, and the Twentieth of March looked 
 and felt like the Twentieth of January in Minnesota. It is true 
 this is the equinoctial storm, but I had no idea that these con- 
 sequences of the sun's passage across the line would be felt 
 more here than in my Northern home, and I have come to the 
 conclusion that this freak of the season is something very 
 uncommon for even this strange cHmate. 
 
 March 24th. 
 
 Was on guard yesterday, and for once I had the good fortune 
 to be " drawn in " at night and I had a comfortable night's 
 sleep. My old Messmate, Brannen, joined his Regiment 
 yesterday, and I had a long talk with him before I went on 
 guard. 
 
 I must tell you something about my doings last Sunday, 
 for certainly that eventful day in my soldier history must not 
 be lost to the world. I was invited by my friend Frank Hugh- 
 son, who is now forage master of this Post, to come down Sunday 
 and partake of a noon-day meal that he was getting up with the 
 assistance of a Baltimore Sutler. Now I expected something 
 unusual when a Sutler had his hands in the pie, but I was not 
 prepared for the extraordinary Bill of Fare that met my eyes. 
 The recollection of that sumptuous table haunts me even now, 
 and confuses my poor pen. As nearly as I can remember I 
 will give the Menu, though I am afraid that I may be commit- 
 ting murder and will be tried by a Drumhead Court Martial 
 222 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 accordingly, if any one in the service should accidentally read 
 this and die in consequence; and I therefore piously beg all 
 soldiers who may read this far, to stop, not so much for their 
 life as to save me from Court Martial. Having all confidence 
 in this philanthropic compliance of a soldier, I commence in 
 earnest and give the 
 
 Bill of Fare 
 
 Astor House, Newport News, Virginia 
 Sunday, March 22d, 1863. Boyer Esq., Proprietor 
 
 Stuffed, Roasted Turkey 
 
 Fried Onions 
 
 Mashed Potatoes 
 
 Beef Steak 
 
 Apple Dumplings with Brandy Sauce 
 
 Stewed Apples 
 
 Apple Butter 
 
 Biscuits and Butter 
 
 Stewed Tomatoes 
 
 Stewed Onions 
 
 Pork Steak 
 
 Wines, not to be mentioned 
 
 I suppose that this is not drawn up in a manner calculated 
 to cause the envy of the original Astor House, and it might 
 meet with some contem{)t, but it is not within my recollection 
 that I have ever had the uncoveted pleasure of dining where 
 it takes volumes to enumerate the uncountable, and in some 
 cases, uneatable, dishes, which the board can not hold. 
 
 After dinner was disposed of and the cigars lighted, I 
 
 sketched a portrait of Frank of a Michigan Regiment, 
 
 a friend of Frank Hughson's who was to leave the next day to 
 join his Regiment. I got the general outline fairly well, but 
 the expression was not as good and it disappointed me more 
 than it did him. The fact is, I have hardly touched my pencil 
 
 223 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 since I left Frederick City and am much out of practise. The 
 Sutler went to Baltimore that night, and he promised to bring 
 me some drawing paper and then I will commence again. 
 
 A return game of Baseball, just now closed, was played 
 by our first Nine and the Fifty -first. We won by eleven runs, 
 the score standing Twenty -one and Ten. I did not see the 
 game, but the score and those who did see it, will tell you that 
 it was a better one than the first. 
 
 Wednesday, March 25th. 
 Last night I went up to have a game of Chess with Sergeant 
 Loades according to agreement. But in this I was disappointed, 
 for the men were packed deep down in the impenetrable recesses 
 of a monster trunk. But I spent a very pleasant evening, 
 for, finding we could not have an engagement on the checkered 
 field, Loades proposed cards. Euchre was the first order, and 
 with a good run of luck, a Lieutenant and myself gave Loades 
 and the Adjutant a clean sweep. Then my old opponent. 
 Lieutenant Ball, took the Adjutant's place, vowing all kinds 
 of vengeance for my treatment of him the other night. But 
 Euchre did not favor him any better than did Whist on the 
 former occasion, so finally my partner suggested that we try 
 Whist again. Our opponents won handsomely a couple of 
 games, and we left Ball in a partially satisfied frame of mind. 
 I got to bed about twelve o'clock, made Smithy turn over, 
 and was down beside him and in a dreamless sleep. 
 
 March 27th. 
 Sergeant Loades is gone with his Regiment. He went yester- 
 day and managed to come down in advance, so as to have time 
 to take leave of his many friends in this Regiment, of whom I 
 am proud to say I am one. I did all I could to show him my 
 appreciation of that friendship as well as to keep the Regiment 
 in his memory, presenting him with the last Carte-de-visite 
 I had, and also with a jacket and fez. He bade me write and 
 promised to do the same. The drum which we obey, said 
 " Roll-Call " and we left him. This is what makes the life of 
 224 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 a soldier so hard. You form acquaintances and they become 
 friends; the order says "March," and you know you may 
 never see them again. And those around you who should to 
 a degree console you for the loss and make the parting less 
 cruel with their sympathy, frequently are of those who, in 
 civil life, you would shun, apparently with no feeling or desire, 
 except of degradation or shame. Loades is a bright exception. 
 He acts from |)urc!y patriotic motives, and does not even seem 
 to see the blunders, the ignorance or the incapacity of the leaders 
 of our army, but goes about the duties that he had taken upon 
 himself, as if no mistakes were ever made, and he must see and 
 feel them, too. Now this trait of his character would not be so 
 remarkable, were it not that he is an Englishman, and how 
 .seldom do we find an Englishman in our army who does not 
 .share in his country's ridicule of our blundering attempts to 
 put down an unjust rebellion. Loades has much before him 
 yet, but he is too noble to complain. I hope that we may some- 
 time meet again, but this I dare not expect, and so I will hope 
 that he will see what he is going to see in a short time and be 
 able to leave this service, physically and mentally as he is now. 
 But I fear for him, for is it not true that the noblest and the 
 best of our men are slain ? And who, then, will reap the reward 
 of glory ? 
 
 225 
 
CHAPTER XIX 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Edgar A, Kimball 
 
 April 2d. 
 
 LAST night, at RoU-Call, Captain Leahy spoke to us about 
 getting up a testimonial of our regard for Lieutenant- 
 Colonel Kimball, in the shape of a medal. The officers 
 propose to give three dollars each and we are expected to give 
 only twenty-five cents. Some one offered fifty cents, but it 
 was not allowed. Every one agreed to it. After Roll-Call, 
 as Kimball was in my mind, I concluded to try to get his auto- 
 graph under the picture of him I made in Frederick. He was 
 not in, so I left the picture, with my name, with Doctor Harding. 
 This morning he sent for me and I found that he was very much 
 pleased with the picture and uncommonly nice to me, asking 
 me to sit down and to have a cigar. He asked what he should 
 write and I told him all I wanted was his name and title. He 
 was very sorry that he did not know before that I "drew things" 
 or he would have asked me to do a few for his friends. I gave 
 him a fine drawing of a Castle in Spain, and he made me put 
 my name on it and said he would get it framed. Then he asked 
 me where I made the picture of him and I told him the sketch 
 was made on the South Mountain field and it was finished at 
 Frederick City. " Oh, so you were wounded.? " And I had to 
 tell him the whole story, and of course Antietam came in for 
 a share of the conversation. Colonel Kimball thinks Antietam 
 ranks all the battles of the war. He read me a letter from Colo- 
 nel Sturgis who says in reference to our boys in that battle, 
 enough to show that he thinks we are big : " Whenever I see 
 a member of your Regiment, dear Colonel, I feel as if compelled 
 to raise my hat." " This, " remarked Kimball with pride, 
 " is from one of our best Generals." After he asked me to draw 
 his picture and one of his dog, I saluted and took my leave. 
 
 Camp Hamilton, April 7th. 
 Received marching orders at Newport News on the Second 
 and we left there on the Third, reaching this camp about three 
 226 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 o'clock, very much fatigued. I suffered considerably from 
 my lii|) wound, and on the last three-mile stretch, it was about 
 all I could do to kecf) up with the ranks. Camp Ilaniillon is 
 pleasantly huated between tiie village of Hampton aid the 
 old, time-battered fortress on the l*oint. Its clustering build- 
 ings, storehouses, etc., and the many and variously-shaped 
 maritime craft, some grinning with jaws full of teetli, others 
 without the slightest barking apparatus, all make it look more 
 like a second-rale city than a military depot. The village of 
 Hampton gives a melancholy picture of the sad effects of war. 
 It was burned by McG ruder a few days before the Hatteras 
 expedition left the fort, but failed in its object of drawing the 
 forewarned Jiutlcr out with his then small force, or cautious 
 Phelj)S from his snug entrenchments we have just left. Not 
 a house but that was ruined, and even the picturesque old 
 church was not suffered to escape the firebrand. The ruins of 
 the church still stand, forming an interesting scene, but oh, 
 how sad ! 
 
 Fort Nansemond, Suffolk, 
 April 14th. 
 
 On the Tenth of this month I was on guard at Camp Hamil- 
 ton, dreaming of no other move before the final one for home, 
 and on the e\ ening of the next day, we were in Suffolk, ^'irginia, 
 in front of the foe again. We started from C amp Hamilton 
 about eight o'clock in the evening, and before daybreak the 
 next morning we were in Norfolk. Here a bit of news reached 
 us that was not overly pleasant. A traiti of cars had run through 
 a drawbridge on the Suffolk railroad, and instead of going to the 
 front in cars, we were expected to foot it. The steamer left 
 us on the wharf at Portsmouth, and as I was on guard then, 
 I was at the rear during the march through the city. When 
 we were about five miles on our way. Colonel Kimball, the 
 good old man, rode clear back and got wagons to carry our 
 knapsacks, and I can tell you it was a great relief. My old hip 
 was beginning to bother me, and in what condition I would have 
 reached Suffolk, if I had not been permitted to ride occasionally, 
 
 2^27 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 I can not say. As it was, I was very nearly played out when we 
 finally got to camp. 
 
 And now a sad and melancholy duty awaits this pen of 
 mine. I will write it boldly, however, or my hand might falter. 
 Here is the note. " Sunday. April l'-2th. Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Kimball was shot dead early this morning, by General Corcoran. 
 It was a useless murder. I have just seen the body and could 
 not control my feelings at all." There is hardly any comment 
 needed to this horrible memorandum, but when I wrote ** use- 
 less murder. 'T might have added" cold-blooded,"* and "brutal." 
 
 Colonel Donohue. of the Tenth New Hampshire, was with 
 him at the time of this sad occurrence, which deprived of life 
 as brave a man as ever wore a sword, and one who had well 
 earned the laurels waiting for him in New York. From Colonel 
 Donohue we get the particulars concerning this terrible tragedy. 
 The Colonel was walking with this friend, about two o'clock 
 in the morning, near General Corcoran's headquarters, when a 
 body of men on horseback came near enough for Colonel Kim- 
 ball to challenge, with the intention, of course, of finding out 
 who they were, as it was quite dark. They did not heed the 
 challenge as promptly as was desired, and the Colonel again 
 ordered them to halt and to give the countersign, asking the 
 usual question, " Who goes there .^" "General Corcoran and 
 staff," was tlie answer, with a question as to what was the right 
 to challenge, and demandmg passage. At these words, which I 
 presume were not couched in the most civU language possible. 
 Colonel Kimball replied in a tone not less calm, that he *d be 
 damned if they shouid pass without givmg the countersign, 
 and he drew his sword, as officers do when receiving the magic 
 word. At this. General Corcoran fired with so deadly an effect, 
 that the brave old soldier had only time to utter, " Damn you, 
 fire again ! " and then came his last breath. General Corcoran, 
 whether possessed of cowardice or coohiess, I can not say, 
 galloped off and directed an Aide to see " who the oiBcer was " 
 he had shot. 
 
 It is impossible to describe the feeling which this terrible 
 event produced in our Regiment, when it became known, or 
 228 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 rather, when it was hflicverl. It scemfd so imf>ossihle. The 
 hoys raved ratlier than talked, and many would have gone 
 through the whole legion for the hlood of the assassin. But I 
 am proud to say, rfK>ler lilrKxl and discipline prevailed, for 
 though strong men who had not shed a tear in many a wicked 
 year, then cried like children, the more reasonable course was 
 adopted, to let affairs take their own way, at least for the 
 present. liut as for dropping it from our memory' — Ah! 
 General Corcoran may find to his sorrow that it is imjKwsible. 
 I could not kee{> my tears hack as I looked at the mutilated 
 corpse of the old soldier, and thoughts came of the day long ago 
 on the bleak banks of Hatteras, when I heard of the death of 
 my Father. Colonel Kimball has been our leader ever since 
 this .service has thrown us together, for though Hawkins was 
 our Colonel, he has almost always had the charge of a Brigade, 
 leaving the duties of the command with Kimball. From our 
 first charge at Roanoke, Kimball has led us to the last at Fred- 
 ericksburg, and he has always been in the thickest of the fight, 
 laughing at danger, defying Death. Could he have died by 
 the hand of the foe, as brave De Monteuil did in the arras of 
 victory, even had he been killed on picket, anything, anj'where, 
 but here, to be shot down like a dog, in the dead of night, with 
 not one of his " brave boys," as he fondly called us, near to 
 avenge the deed, the cowardly deed ! Oh, it was too hard ! 
 I have said enough, perhaps too much, of this melancholy event, 
 but one thing more. Though Colonel Hawkins was the maker 
 of this Regiment, we all know that the " Hero of Tehuantef>€C " 
 made our fame. I am done. Let the old Hero rest, and may 
 the Ruler of Hosts put the mantle of braverj' around him. 
 
 <i'i9 
 
CHAPTER XX 
 
 Fort Nansemond 
 
 ABOUT ten o'clock on the day of the tragedy, the Regiment 
 was called upon and gotten under arms. Colonel Fair- 
 childs of the Eighty -ninth was to escort us to our position 
 in the entrenchments, but General Getty thought he had better 
 lead us himself, for he knew we liked him for the simple reason 
 that he liked us. As soon as he presented himself, the boys gave 
 three cheers for him, and after that, three as bitter groans for 
 Corcoran as were ever given by five hundred men. I heard 
 that General Getty told Captain Bennett that we were perfectly 
 justified. We were conducted to the front, and after waiting 
 about an hour or so in a field the Generals concluded that the 
 safest place to put us was Fort Nansemond, which is an impor- 
 tant Post dividing General Getty's and General Terry's front, 
 being the Northwestern angle of this chain of fortifications and 
 breastworks, which extends eleven miles in an irregular circle. 
 The more I see of this Fort, the more am I convinced of its 
 invincibility, and with twenty thousand men, which it is said 
 we now have, and with more coming every day, we can hold 
 it against fifty thousand. It is a strong, diamond-shaped, earth 
 Fort, mounting ten guns of different range and caliber, with a 
 deep trench of water around it. Colonel Hawkins has command. 
 General Keys ordered us here while both Dix and Hawkins were 
 away, and yesterday he came up evidently to try to blarney the 
 boys. To the Colonel and a crowd of the Hawks, " These boys 
 will fight, won't they. Colonel.'' " 
 
 But the Colonel does n't seem to like the General for up- 
 setting all his plans in ordering us here while he was absent, 
 and so he answered dryly, in his usual basso tone, " I don't 
 know." 
 
 " Well, they won't run away, will they ? " 
 
 " I don't see where in Hell we could run to." And then 
 the General found he had inspected the Fort sufficiently, and 
 left, probably deciding that Fort Nansemond would be as well 
 defended without his observations as with them. 
 230 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 April 15th, 
 
 On the afternoon of the Thirteenth, the enemy advanced 
 on General Getty's front, drivinj^ in our pickets. The forts 
 within range opened on them heavily and soon drove them 
 back. Captain Morris of Company K had charge of our artil- 
 lery, and with one discharge dismounted a field-piece, blowing 
 uj) the casehorn and killing one or two horses. The engagement, 
 if it can be so called, did not last more than a half hour, when 
 the enemy retired. INIy oi)inion is they were tempting us to 
 make a sortie, but our general did not see it. Captain jVIorris' 
 exploit soon reached the CJenerars ear and he is now in command 
 of a l)attery, his Company acting as artillery men. And he 
 has already had employment suited to his taste. Last night, 
 he was ordered out with some other troops against a battery 
 which has been very annoying to our gunboats, sinking one of 
 them, Morris opened on them with such success that they soon 
 vacated the premises, and in time, too, for they had four of 
 their pieces dismounted. In the action, our Company had one 
 of its own pieces blown to atoms, but with wonderful luck, 
 only one man was slightly wounded, and three horses killed. 
 It may a{)pear that what I write is not true, or that it is at 
 least stretched, but it is the talk of every one, and what every 
 one says, must contain some truth. 
 
 Saturday, April 18th. 
 I am twenty years old to-day. I had hardly mailed a letter 
 home, when two detachments of infantry from the Ninety-ninth 
 and the Thirteenth New York crossed the Nansemond in front 
 of Fort Rosecrans, and advanced against the enemy's rifle-pits 
 and pickets. I was on guard on the parapet of our Fort, and 
 had u good view of the spirited skirmish that commenced as 
 soon as our boys showed themselves above the bank. 
 They behaved admirably in their inferior position and ad- 
 vanced firing at the foe concealed in brush and pits, afi'ording 
 at the same time ])lain masks for the enemy, in their own 
 upright position. They drove the Rebels into the edge of the 
 woods above, but Ihcv then received a severe fire from the 
 
 2.'n 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 picket reserve, and were finally compelled to retreat. This 
 they did in good order, every man firing in retreat, as if on drill. 
 The ground was an even plain, affording no shelter for us, while 
 the Rebels in the edge of the woods could get behind trees and 
 fire without any great danger to themselves. We accomplished 
 nothing that I could see, only I suppose an advanced position 
 for our pickets. Colonel Hawkins, who was watching the fight 
 through a field glass, said there were only three or four killed 
 on our side, but he could not judge the enemy's losses. Two 
 of our men who were anxious to see the fight from a closer 
 position went down to a breastwork to our right, but it proved 
 to be too near, for they each got a bullet for their trouble. 
 
 Sunday, April 19th. 
 We are now sustaining, what in war parlance is termed a 
 siege. Night before last, the Rebels on the front, or rather on 
 our left front, for we have to attend to both, threw up a string 
 of rifle-pits nearer than they have ever ventured before, near 
 enough to be just within reach of our fort, and they have crowed 
 considerably over the matter, and to some purpose, too. Yes- 
 terday, while I was sitting under the breastwork, reading, a 
 ball came sailing along, passing between Bell and Berryman 
 and struck Hugh McClocky, a private in our Company, giving 
 him a severe wound in the leg. He had hardly been carried 
 out of sight, when another came from the same direction and 
 struck a man in Company B who was carrying a wheelbarrow 
 of earth for the stockade in the Fort. Here were two of our 
 men wounded within five minutes. About an hour after these 
 two incidents, though I suppose they would be " accidents " 
 in civil life, I was looking over the parapet with a crowd of boys, 
 when a rifle ball struck and buried itself in the parapet about 
 three inches from Bell's face. This is the second narrow escape 
 he has had. Colonel Hawkins received orders to shell the saucy 
 mud-diggers last night, and he tried to unearth them this 
 morning, but instead of complying with our hints to skedaddle, 
 one of them drew a bead on our Colonel, while he was watching 
 the effects of his shots. He did not take the least notice of it, 
 232 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 liowever, but continued to let them have what was coming to 
 them, and when the job was done and he got down from his 
 conspicuous place, I, for one, was very much relieved. 
 
 April 20th, 
 Last night, General Getty executed a nice bit of strategy 
 at the expense of our friends outside, and as Captain Morris 
 and his Company were concerned in it, I have more pleasure 
 in relating all I know about it. 
 
 Night before last, under cover of darkness, Getty planted 
 Morris' battery opposite a Fort on the other side of the river 
 and masked it. Last night, when everything was ready, the 
 gunboats and Morris opened a cross fire on the Rebel battery, 
 whicii was taken by surprise, evidently not thinking they had 
 anything on terra firma to fear. They replied to us very 
 promptly, however, and while the bombardment was going 
 on, two of the gunboats made a pontoon, on which two detach- 
 ments of infantry crossed, one from the Eighty-ninth, our old 
 comrades-in-arms, and the other from the Eighth, forming the 
 storming party. Under cover of the noise of the cannonade, 
 these veterans marched to the rear of the Fort and surprised 
 it by first throwing in a volley of musketry, and then advancing 
 *' l)oul)le-(iuick " with fixed bayonets. The moment the volley 
 was fired, a signal was thrown out to the gunboats and our 
 battery to cease firing. And it is believed that not a man 
 escajjed. One hundred fifty men, eleven commissioned officers, 
 and six field-pieces were the fruit of this nice little bit of work. 
 The lioys say that the gunners were so occupied with their 
 firing, that some of them did not hear the musketry in the rear, 
 and actually were ordered to cease their fire by our own officers. 
 KverA-thing was gotten over to this side safely but one gun, 
 iind that was so badly damaged that it would not pay to bring 
 it. Of course. Captain Morris gets his share of the credit, and 
 it is already whispered that he is to be made Captain of a battery 
 in the regular army. 
 
 Meanwhile, Colonel Hawkins makes the chmate for our 
 friends in the pits quite warm. Our Artillerv Lieutenant, who 
 
 233 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 was put here at our Colonel's request, when Morris went away, 
 has made some beautiful shots this morning. A ten-pound shell 
 of ours exploded right over one of their pits, for they are now 
 quite close, much to our satisfaction. The way missiles have 
 been flying around this morning, though, makes one slightly 
 nervous, if nothing more. Once while walking leisurely in an 
 open space outside the Post, not dreaming of harm, I was 
 saluted with the sharp pin-g-g-n-n of one of the " tarnal " things, 
 as it passed over my head and, coolly enough, dropped on the 
 other side. 
 
 April 24th. 
 
 We have just been called under arms and sent down to a 
 Post where the guns were booming away like real fun, and of 
 course, we expected nothing less than to see the enemy's column 
 marching on to slaughter, but the fury died away, and even the 
 little dogs on picket, two small pieces of flying artillery, have 
 ceased barking. 
 
 Last night I was sound asleep in my shelter tent, when all 
 at once old Flemming had me by the leg. " Who is this? Get 
 up and fall in. Quick !" And I did under the impression that 
 the enemy was trying a midnight sortie. But instead of facing 
 the enemy, we turned our backs to them and marched to camp 
 and were there told to hold ourselves in readiness to march at 
 a moment's notice. And to back up this suspicious order, our 
 cooks were up around their fires, cooking rations for three days. 
 All this smelled like an expedition. As soon as we got to quar- 
 ters, however, the Say told us we could go to sleep if we wished. 
 And we did sleep till morning, and staid in quarters till to-day, 
 when we were again called out. What effect this has I do not 
 know, but the general impression is that it is a fizzle. 
 
 About noon, yesterday, I had the pleasure of hearing a 
 bullet sing over my head and strike a few paces back of me. It 
 came so slowly, however, that if I had gotten hit, it would not 
 have caused much damage, though just at this time it would 
 be extremely inconvenient to carry either the weight or the 
 effect of it. 
 234 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 Sunday Morning, April 26th. 
 Colonel Hawkins was serenaded last night in fine style, 
 by the l)and of the One Hundred Third Regiment, formerly 
 under Hawkins' command. The gallant Colonel of the Regi- 
 ment, Benjamin Ringold, accompanied the band to pay his 
 respects to Colonel Hawkins in person. It was a beautiful 
 night and well fitted to the sweet strains of music borne on its 
 silent wings. Not a cloud dimmed the brightness of the vault 
 al)ove us, lighted by Luna in iialf her splendor. Not a breath 
 seemed to care to disturb the sleep of Nature, covered with 
 her sparkling mantle of silvery light. Colonel Ringold and 
 his Regiment have endeared themselves to us lately by offering 
 their assistance in case of a row with "Michael's Legion," and 
 as soon as our boys in camp heard the band they knew what 
 was up. I was on guard on the ramparts. The boys were out 
 en masse, and when an opportunity offered, gave three rousing 
 cheers for Colonel Ringold, three for the band and three for 
 the Regiment. Colonel Ringold spoke a few words in his 
 broken English, much of whicii I could not hear, but he men- 
 tioned the " One Hundred and Three Times," which is the 
 nickname we have helped to give the Regiment. I hear that 
 he offered the band to escort us home and wound up by sug- 
 gesting three cheers for " our dear Colonel Hawkins." Of 
 course they were given and three more for himself, and then 
 the band struck up " The Star Spangled Banner " and the 
 party was over. 
 
 May 1st. 
 On the Twenty-seventh, a party of one hundred fifty of 
 our Regiment were detailed to go outside the Fort to burn 
 brush antl stuff tiiat obstructed infantry range. We went and 
 a lively time we had of it, too. There were soon as many fires 
 as men and a gentle wind helped to spread through the loose 
 leaves and other combustil)les, and we had a grand spectacle 
 of a prairie fire. In our incendiary expedition, some of us got 
 a littk* nearer to the enemy's pits than they thought proper, 
 and the first thing we knew, " Whiz-z-z-ph" went a bullet 
 
 235 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 alongside of a fellow of Company D. And I thought it was 
 just time to go somewhere else in another direction, and when 
 another little snorter came singing the same savage song right 
 over my head, my opinion became conclusive. It was not 
 healthy out there, and there were enough fires made anyway, 
 and the officers thought so too, for we were ordered in shortly 
 after. 
 
 On the Twenty-eighth, nothmg of any moment took place, 
 though the Rebel Sharpshooters took a lively interest in the 
 welfare of our Fort and sent several musket balls into us — I 
 mean, the Fort. I had the gratification of getting a letter from 
 my old chum and best friend. Charles A. Zimmerman. He is 
 m the Sixth IVIinnesota Volunteers, and has been fighting Indi- 
 ans. He sent me some sketches and I returned him one of 
 our skirmish scenes, of which we are daily witnesses. 
 
 Yesterday we were mustered in for two months' pay and 
 we received a proposition from General Dix in the shape of a 
 printed circular requestmg us to stay in the service some eight 
 or ten days after our time expires, or in point of fact, as long as 
 the enemy is in front of us. This we read and voted upon. 
 We all thought General Dix was a very nice man. but we could 
 not see it his way, and voted unanimously accordingly. Colonel 
 Hawkins answered the eloquent circular in a well-worded letter 
 which I will not attempt to give here, for I want to get a copy 
 of it. General Dix telegraphed us this morning, and as nearly 
 as I can find out, he is astonished at our want of patriotism, 
 and asks us if we will stay imtil the Twelfth. Our Colonel 
 took this as an insult, and told him so, and now this poUtical 
 Major-General, out of pure spite, intends to keep our men 
 who joined three months after the Fourth of May. 18G1, but 
 who have seen just as much service as we have, till the actual 
 time of their service expires. Colonel Hawkins has gone down 
 to have an understanding with Peck, the General commanding 
 this Fort. 
 
 Colonel Hawkins did have an understanding and we now 
 have the order for four hundred fifty men to start from here 
 to-morrow. We were relieved from duty at Fort Nansemond, 
 
 236 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 which General Dix calls the *' Post of Honor," yesterday about 
 noon, by the Sixth Massachusetts, and 1 tell you we were not 
 lonj^ in evaeuatinj? the premises. I went to the Fort after my 
 shelter tent, and there I hope the last bullet that has threatened 
 to knock me over was fired from the enemy's rifle-pits. I tell 
 you it made me go down low. 
 
 Yesterday afternoon, a spirited onslaught was made, feeling 
 the enemy's strength, in front of Fort Rosecrans, by the Ninety- 
 ninth, very similar to that of the Seventeenth, only more 
 destructive to the lives of both sides. I saw only the closing scene. 
 The Ninely-ninth crossed the river with the opening of the ball, 
 sinuiltaneously from four Forts, and advanced in Hne of skir- 
 mishers and made a magnificent dash at the rifle-pits in the 
 face of as deadly a fire as can be given from pits with a steady 
 aim. At this moment General Terry saw a brigade coming 
 at a " I)oul)le-(iuick " to re-enforce the pickets, and ordered 
 the " Retreat " to be sounded, and had the artillery con- 
 centrated ui)on the re-enforcements, which was seen to tear 
 large gaps in their ranks. The brave Ninety-ninth, already 
 having lost one-fourth of their force by the deadly fire, did not, 
 or rather would not, understand the signal to retreat, and 
 advanced until they seemed nearly in the first line of pits, before 
 they saw that the Rebels had been re-enforced so heavily as 
 to render any further advance madness. They were ordered 
 to get back the best they could, as it would be needless danger 
 to go in a body. This part of the fight, I saw. The retreat 
 connnenced and the enemy attempted a pursuit, but oh, you 
 ought to have heard our guns! The Ninety-ninth had their 
 colors shot down three times, and the brave fellow who took 
 them off the field was wounded so badly that he could only 
 drag the beautiful emblem behind him. General Terry has 
 found out that there is someone behind those woods out yonder, 
 at the expense of nine lives and enough cruelly wounded to 
 swell the list to fifty. He estimates the enemy's loss at thirty 
 killed, which can be believed, for every one who witnessed the 
 aliair from the begimiing says our gunning was splendid and 
 caused awful havoc in the ranks. Of course, we were compelled 
 
 237 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 to IcAve a gtxxi many wo\indod on the ticUi. and at night many 
 went out after them. The ReMs wanted to tire at first, but 
 they were prevented by the ofhoers. who did not object to our 
 taking away our own wounded. C'hie of our Regiment. Bob 
 Lee, went with a Sergeant of the Ninety -ninth, and disco vere^l 
 an enemy who was trying to decoy them on by uttering groans 
 a* if woimded. but he wa^ by some means o\er}vtwerod Wfore 
 he had time to fire. 0\ir lx\vs did not want to fight and told 
 him so, and the Reb, who Ix-'longcti to the Ninth Gc\>rgian, 
 tohi them they would find some woinided farther down. Old 
 Bob said to him, " You are a damned fine fellow, give me your 
 paw." And they shook hands. The man wa^ attracteii by 
 the fez and asked Bob if he belonged to the Hawkins Zouaves 
 and being answered in the affirmative remarked. " I wish my 
 time was a* ne^^r out a* yours." 
 
 I am afraid, after all, that the Newport News recruits will 
 be detained. The description lists are being made out now 
 and rations cooked for four hundred fifty men. \A'e start 
 to-morrow for Fortress Monroe. 
 
 I have just been over to the camp of the Ninety -ninth with 
 Smith, to have a chat with some of the lx)ys. Talk about sleep- 
 ing on the battlefield ! These men have to eat and sleep and 
 live on the field. I was theix^ only about a half an hour, and 
 in that time I am sure I could have counted fifty balls coming 
 over us or bounding along the grovmd. Their tents are com- 
 pletely riddled, and e\-ery time a man shows himself he is sure 
 to be saluted by a little infernal machine. In leaving the rear 
 of a cook house to go back, we had to go across an open space 
 only ten feet, and we were fired at. Fort Rosecrans shells the 
 enemy almost continually, and as sure as they open a gun, 
 the whole line of Rebel rifle-pits starts in. It puts me in mind 
 of intruding upon a hornets" nest. 
 
 In this way. inclusive of the two scraps I have mentioned, 
 the Ninety -ninth has had about a hmidreti men killed and 
 wounded, without getting any satisfaction. This is soldiering — 
 or if not. what is it ? Just as we were leii\"ing, the Si\d intel- 
 Kgence reached the group where we were talking, that one of the 
 £3S 
 
poor frIlowH wlici wns wit\iu<U'>\ yr^lrrrhiy wjm flr>ul. Tfir visit 
 lo liiis (-amp (lid not ti\ nil nuikc iiic rc^n^t tliaf I am >o ^o home 
 Ml llic rnorriinj^, if (iod spnrcH irip, 
 
 I went up fo lioir wlwif ('f»lori<l IInwkin«« hnfl t^) sny t/> iii, 
 (Ml this our l)i'<t nij^lif. He wjih in fi ()C(ulifir Jirid pfiiriful p(»«!iHr»ri, 
 f(tr Imh Kc^jiiijciit wji.H divided info Hirce (•hi«?'»*-«? : ()rie (»ri the 
 eve of ^^'»iiiK home; Jiriofhcr, hnvirij/ lived with thnt expeetntirm 
 and ((Illy lately awakened to the dii!af»jK»intrneTit, hf»w fiittCT 
 w( can well ima^cine; and the third, only liavirij? servefl sfvpn 
 inonth.H, not so much pitied, for they difl not. exf)ect afurlouf^h 
 even and could not f>c disapf>ointed. Now \\>f. Colonel wanted 
 Uy [laeify Morne of us, htit we were nil together, anrl he knows 
 us HO well and rares so much for us, and he hardly knew what 
 to say. Ife t(»Id us what he ha/| done, showing his eorrespond- 
 erice, and after that he addressed us feelingly, showing f>lainly 
 his love, liis sorrow anri his regret. We cheererl him, hut the 
 cold water of disaf»{>oiritment, or rather the kn(^>wledge that 
 Htnnt: were the victims r>f mali^-e and spite, darnf>e,ned even the 
 enthu.siiism of the more fortunate. Ife promiserl, when he got 
 to New V'ork, to do all in his jK>wer t/> get the recniits home 
 soon and in a fKxly, and in conclusion, t/)ld the old Regiment 
 that, in whatever circumstances we might f<f; in after life, we 
 would always find a friend in (>>lonel Hawkins. The la^st words 
 were l(X} much for hirn and he went hack into his tent to hide 
 his emotion, f'heers were given, not cold ones either, hut more 
 than that, our tears were not suppressed. 
 
 We were awakened on the morning of the Third at daybreak, 
 by a volley of musketry ringing in the clear morning air, and hai"! 
 not we given up our arms, I would have anticipated a partici- 
 pation in a fight. fJiit the alarming sounds died away and we 
 were given orders tr> " strike tent.s " and for the laxt time. 
 And then came the sari parting with our companions, whom 
 despotic spite wa.s detaining. It was very hard t/) part with 
 Smith. How nobly he had done his duty at the pf>st cuf honor 
 on the Color fiuard, need not F)e told. We were at)<)ard the 
 cars at nine o'clor.k and soon the engine shrieked out the " ail 
 aboard " and with a few spa.smodic starts and puffs, we were 
 
 ^9 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 rattling oflf, leaving danger behind, and starting for home. 
 Down below the station, we discovered the One Hundred Third 
 and the Ninety-ninth, with their arms and colors, to give us 
 their farewell cheers. The brave Colonel Ringold was at the 
 head of his Regiment on horseback, his hat on the ground, 
 his horse plunging in affright at the voices in chorus, the steam 
 whistles and the enthusiastic cheers of the men. Little could 
 we then think that, a few hours afterward, many of these men 
 and the fine old Commander would cease to live. 
 
 In an hour we were at Norfolk and the Steamer "Kennebec" 
 was waiting for us. We heard there was heavy fighting in 
 progress at Suffolk and that the One Hundred Third was badly 
 cut up in the work of clearing some rifle-pits, but that was all : 
 we did not know the worst. I took advantage of our liberty 
 at Norfolk to see the city and to get a good dinner. We left 
 at four that afternoon and passed Fortress Monroe an hour 
 afterward. We were favored with the most beautiful weather 
 during the passage, and anchored off Sandy Hook night before 
 last. We put in at Pier Number One, North River, and got our 
 arms and started up Broadway. We were escorted by the 
 Twelfth Militia, and the Fire Department turned out, but the 
 rain broke up some of the arrangements. Such crowding, such 
 jamming, such shouting, such drowning noise, and it hardly 
 could have been greater if the weather had been clear. W^e 
 waded up the great thoroughfare in mud and amid the sea of 
 human beings, some anxious for friends, some only impelled 
 by the curiosity to see the Regiment which has always been 
 a pet of the New York people. We went up Union Square 
 and down the Bowery to Bond Street, turned into Broadway 
 again, and then put for the Sixty-ninth Arsenal, where we were 
 dismissed. It was here that Colonel Hawkins told us that 
 Colonel Ringold had been killed, and asked us to turn out for 
 the funeral. 
 
 I found the Bowery and took the cars to the ferry, crossed 
 to Hoboken and was on my way again through the rain. I 
 walked in a hurry, too, got in undiscovered and — was home. 
 
 240 
 
THE LONG ROLL 
 
 Wednesday, May 12th. 
 Our Regiment escorted the body of Colonel Ringold to 
 its last resting place in Greenwood. 
 
 Saturday, May Slst. 
 
 I was mustered out of the United States service Thursday, 
 was paid yesterday, and now my soldiering is done. 
 
 Yes, at last, after two years of wandering, hardship, suffering 
 and danger, I am free to act at my will, move as I will and speak 
 what I will. My contract is fulfilled and no longer can any one 
 say " Go ! " or " Do ! " nor is my time or my life at any one's 
 disposal. No more Roll-Calls, no Inspections, no somber-faced 
 Brigadiers to haunt my vision day and night. No Reveille 
 of the enemy's musketry nor of our own Drum Corps. I can 
 fight my own battles till my work is done. This is a comfort, 
 but the tinge of sadness mingles with the joy. Where are they 
 who should be at the feast with us ? Still in front of the foe. 
 Where are they who bought our glory, and worthless does it 
 seem, with their lives ? Silent in their graves. And their 
 friends, with no rejoicing in their hearts, as in proud array 
 we marched up the streets of yesterday, could only weep most 
 bitter tears. 
 
 Great God : Is not our measure of bitterness quite filled? 
 How many more must mourn for their loved ones ? How many 
 souls must depart in agony on the unnatural death-bed of the 
 crimson battlefields ? Thy people cry aloud to Thee for deliver- 
 ance, and O God, grant it before we are destroyed. Thy way 
 is best; then, in Thy mercy, help us to bide Thy time! 
 
 241 
 
so HERE. THEN, ENDETH "THE LONG ROLL," BEING A 
 JOURNAL OF THE CIVIL WAR AS SET DOWN BY CHARLES F. 
 JOHNSON, SOMETIME OF HAWKINS ZOUAVES, AND MADE INTO 
 A BOOK BY THE ROYCROFTERS, AT THEIR SHOP. WHICH IS 
 IN EAST AURORA, ERIE COUNTY, NEW YORK STATE, MCMXI 
 
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