Ruth




THE
ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTEENTH
REGIMENT OF
NEW YORK STATE VOLUNTEERS:
BEING
A COMPLETE HISTORY OF ITS ORGANIZATION AND OF ITS NEARLY
THREE YEARS OF ACTIVE SERVICE IN THE
GREAT REBELLION.
TO WHICH IS APPENDED
MEMORIAL SKETCHES, AND A MUSTER ROLL OF THE REGIMENT,.
CONTAINING THE NAME OF EVERY MAN
CONNECTED WITH IT.
BY ORTON S. CLARK,
Late Captain Co. H, lltth Regiment New York State Volunteers.
BUFFALO:
PRINTING HOUSE OF MATTHEWS & WARREN,
Office of the "Buffalo Commercial Advertiser."
1868.




Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year of our Lord 1868,
BY ORTON S. CLARK,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the
Northern District of New York.




THIS VOLUME IS
POOt  pf f         tcatitaZ t 1? @ tratr4
TO
EVERY MAN, WHATEVER HIS RANK,
WHO
BORE AN HONORABLE PART IN THE HISTORY
HERE RECORDED;
BUT ESPECIALLY TO THE
naUllwed prmrm of 0UV Sta4.








PRE FACE.
TIHE members of the organization whose history is
recorded in the following pages, have always felt and
often expressed a desire that the scenes through which it
passed, during the nearly three years of its service,
should be written and preserved, not only for their own
satisfaction, but for future generations.
They felt that a record of its services, embracing, as it
must, experience as varied as that of any portion of our
army, extending from Virginia to Texas, and including
a siege as protracted and campaigns as severe as any in
the history of the war, could not but be of interest to
the general reader, while to themselves it would be of
inestimable value.
Inl tire ill of 1867, it was determined among some
half dozen of the old officers, that such a work should
be undertaken, and the undersigned was prevailed upon
to enter upon it. He did so with many misgivings as
to his ability to produce a book worthy of the regiment
and its history; but it has been a labor of love, entered
upon with pleasure and prosecuted amid the cares of
business.




vi                    Preface.
It is not offered to the public for criticism, as the compiler lays no claim to the name of author. Errors of a
literary nature will undoubtedly be found, and he asks a
generous allowance for such imperfections; but so far
as regards facts, he feels confident that it may be relied
upon.
Every possible exertion has been made to secure memorial sketches of Capt. David W. Tuttle and Lieut.
Timothy J. Linahan, who were both killed in action.
For some reason they have not been provided, and Appendix I. is therefore incomplete.
Appendix II., containing a complete muster-roll of the
regiment, is the result of much careful research, and must
add materially to the value of the work. Some imperfections may be found, but the responsibility for them
rests with the company officers who made out the rolls
from which it is compiled.
No attempt has been made to spin out the story, and
but very little moralizing upon the war, its causes and
results, has been indulged in. Personalities have been
avoided as far as was possible, for the reason that such
matters are only interesting to relatives, and only excite
unpleasant comparisons.
The thanks of the undersigned are due to Gen'l H. L.
Lansing, Gen'l Love, Col. Weber, Col. Sizer, Surgeon
Hutchins, Captains Morgan and Kinney, and Sergeant
Oatman, for valuable services.
With these remarks, by way of introduction, the reader
is invited to a perusal of the book.
ORTON S. CLARK.




CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
PAGE.
Feeling at the North before the election of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency.-Wonderful discovery made April 12, 1861.-Call for 75,000 men.Call for 300,000 volunteers...............................................  13
CHAPTER II.
Quota of the State of New York.-General Order No. 52.-Organization of
Companies and Regiments under this Order.-Erie County a Regimental
District.-Names of Military Committee.-Selection of a Commandant
by Committee.-Appointment of Adjutant, Quarter-master and Surgeon.
-Recruiting.-Amount expended in raising the Regiment.-Inducements
for Enlisting.-Camp Morgan.-Rations.-Barracks.-Return of Maj. Chapin to the 44th N. Y. Vols.-Appointment of Successor.-Chapin's return
with Commission.-Number of men Mustered.-Roster of Officers.Presentations.-Orders to Move.-March to the depot and Presentation
of Flag.-Off for the Wars............................................... 15
CHAPTER III.
Arrival at Elmira, N. Y., and transfer to Northern Central R. R.-Breakfast
at Williamsport, Pa.-Arrival at Baltimore, Md.-Selection of Camping
Ground near Druid Hill Park, and occupation of it.-Springfield Muskets
versus Enfield Rifles.-Soldier Life at Camp Chapin.-Guard Duty.Arrival of Co. " K."-Emory's Brigade.-Orders to move at a moment's
notice.-" Gettysburg, or Apple Butter Campaign."-Return to "Camp
Chapin.".................................................................   26
CHAPTER IV.
Drilling.-Use of blank cartridges.-Drum  Corps and Band.-,Orders to
move on " distant service."-Accident.-March to the wharf and transfer
to the steamer Atlantic.-Good fortune.-Aground.-Unloading and reloading the steamer. —Run to Fortress Monroe.-Our stay there.-Measels.
-Thanksgiving.-Sailing of Banks' Expedition, Dec. 4, 1862.-Terrible
Storm.-Burial at Sea.-Rendezvous at Ship Island.-Christmas.-Departure from " Camp Canaan."-Crossing the Bar and entering the Mississippi.-Forts Jackson and St. Phillip.-Southern Scenery.-Arrival at
New Orleans.-Disembarking and Camp at Carrollton.................... 36




viii                          Contents.
CHAPTER V.
PAGE.
New Year's Day.-'" Camp Love."-New Orleans.-Nineteenth Army Corps.
-Ordered to Baton Rouge.-Ride up the river on the Che-ki-ang.-Sleeping
in the street.-First Brigade, Auger's Division.-Col. Chapin its Commander.-First picket duty. —Baton Rouge.-Fort Williams.-Complimentary order.-Gathering of Troops.-March towards Port Hudson.Our bivouac.-Aroused from  slumbers. —Cannonading on the river.Orders to fall back.-Blowing up of Frigate Mississippi.-Bivouac at
Monticeno Bayou.-Terrible rain storm.-Poetry........................ 49
CHAPTER VI.
Return to Baton Rouge and Expedition to Winter's Plantation.-Capture
of Rebel Signal Party by Lieut. Jones and party.-Skirmish of Co. " E."
-Return to Baton Rouge.-Change of camping ground.-Arrival of men
left sick at Fortress Monroe.-Signal Station.-Arrival of " Grierson's
Cavalry" from Tennessee.-Concert.-Movements of Gen'l Banks in Western Louisiana.-Orders to move. —lerritt's Plantation.-May 21st, 1863. 65
CHAPTER VII.
Battle of Plain Store.-Final investment of Port Hudson.-Description of
the place and its defences.-Positions of the troops.-Council of War.Call for volunteers for the assault.-Names of volunteers. —Visit of Col.
Chapin to Signal Station................................................. 76
CIHAPTER VIII.
tMay 27th, 1863, and the terrible assault.-Death of Col. Chapin and forwarding of the remains to his home.-Loss and consequent despondency.Resignation of Lieut. Col. Cottier, and appointment of Acting Field Officers.-Col. Chapin's successors. —Siege operations.-Assault of June
14th, 1863. —Losses of other regiments.................................. 87
CHAPTER IX.
Mining the rebel works.-Exhausting nature of the duties required.-Nine
months' troops and incident connected therewith.-Laughable Incident.News of the surrender of Vicksburg.-Surrender of Port Hudson.Friendly intercourse between ourselves and the rebels.-Terms of Capitulation.-Occupying force.-Ceremony of surrender.-Major Gen'l C. C.
Augur...................................................................    97
CHAPTER X.
Operations of Dick Taylor in Western Louisiana.-Attack on Fort Butler
and repulse.-Embarking at Port Hudson and Arrival at Donaldsonville.The Place.-Order to support Dudley's Brigade, and the Battle of Cox's
Plantation.-Retiring of the rebels. —Unwillingness to believe the capture
of Port Hudson.-Health of the regiment.-Maj. Love commissioned as
Colonel.-Assumes command of the Brigade.-Return to Baton Rouge.Garrisoning Fort Williams.- Reorganization of Nineteenth Corps.Second Flag.-Detachment sent North for Conscripts.................... 109




Contents.                            ix
ChTIAPTER XI.
PAGE.
Corps d'Afrique and connection of the Eighteenth Regiment with One Hundred and Sixteenth, (by Col. John B. Weber,)........................... 117
CHAPTER XII.
Orders to proceed to New Orleans. —-On Board clipper ship Alexandria.Sail to the mouth of the river. —Putting to sea.-Composition of the Fleet.
-Sabine Pass Expedition and its disgraceful failure.-Return to New
Orleans.-Short of water.-Almost a Mutiny by the 2d La. Vols.-Flag of
Distress.-Inhuman action of the Commander of a Gunboat.-Brought to
terms.-Crossing the Bar.-Towed up the river to Algiers.-Evidences of
another campaign.-Trip to Brashier City by rail.-Western Troops.Crossing Berwick Bay.-Pattersonville.-Fort Bisland. —' Teche " Country.-Passing through Franklin.-Reconnoissance.-New  Iberia.-Skirmish at Vermillion Bayou.-Skirmish at Carrion Crow Bayou.-Racing.Bayou Barricroquet.-Return to Vermillionville.-Surprise of Gen'l Burbridge, and night march to Bayou Grand Coteau.- New Iberia and permanent camp there.-Return of part of Conscript Detachment.............. 124
CHAPTER XIII.
New Year's Day, 1864.-Snow Storm.-Orders to move to Franklin for
Winter Quarters.-Arrival there and change of camp.-" Camp Emory."
-Transfer to Third Brigade, and return to the old First.-Bayonet Exercise and Dress Parades.-Evidences of a move.-Soldiering, effects of.Changes among Officers.-Roster of Officers when we started on Red
River Campaign......................................................... 136
CHAPTER XIV.
Opening of famous Red River Campaign.-Force under Maj. Gen'l Franklin.
-Marches from day to day.-Sunday, March 20th, day of rest at Little
Washington.-March continued.-Reaching Alexandria.-Rebels running
off their negroes.-Burning of Cotton, by Dick Taylor.-Alexandria.Sixteenth Corps under Gen'l A. J. Smith, and Admiral Porter's Fleet.Capture of Fort de Russey.-Brig. Gen'l Dwight assumes command of
brigade, and Col. Love returns to regiment.-Aggregate force assembled
at Alexandria.-Our Destination. —The Rapids.-Final Movement.-March
continued.-Arrival at Natchitoches.-The place.-Pleasant Ilill.-Cavalry meet some resistance.-Infantry none.............;................... 145
CHAPTER XV.
Eight Mile Point.-Cannonading at the Front.-Orders to move at once.Description of the moving of the Cavalry and the fatal result.-Terrible
consequence of keeping the army so scattered.-Arrival of Emory's Division at the scene of conflict.-Battle of Sabine Cross Roads.-Midnight
retreat.-Exhausted condition. —Arrival at Pleasant Hill. —Meeting
Smith's troops.-Forces there with which to fight the enemy.-Disposition of them.-Battle of Pleasant Hill.-Gallant action of Maj. Sizer.Strange occurrence.-Grand Ecore....................................... 154




rx                           Contents.
CHAPTER XVI.
PAGe.
Fortifications at Grand Ecore.-Congratulatory Order.-Dick Taylor on
Paper Collars.-Gen'l Dwight relieved from command of First Brigade,
and Col. Beal succeeds him.-Fearful march to Monet's Bluff.-Skirmishing.-Gloomy hours.-Battle of Cane River Crossing.-Retreat continued.-Arrival at Alexandria.-Curses of the navy.-Blockading of the river
by the rebels.-Cut off from the outside world.-Perilous condition of
Admiral Porter's Fleet.-Plan of Lieut. Col. Bailey for its release, and
Admiral Porter's report of the celebrated "dam."...................... 165
CHAPTER XVII.
Change to Third Brigade.-Col. Love its commander.-Re-commencement
of retreat.-Fire.-March continued.-Battle of Mansura.-Arrival at
Simmsport.-Congratulatory Order.-Crossing Atchafalaya River.-Arrival at Morgansia. on the Mississippi.-The least bit of moralizing....... 178
CHAPTER XVIII.
Large Mail.-New Military Division.-Nineteenth Corps a Marine Corps.Intense heat.-Anniversaries.-Reorganization of Troops.-Symptons of
a change of base.-Orders to proceed to New Orleans.-Arrival there.Fourth of July.-Embarking on board Mis8issippi.-Hard aground.-Astounding Intelligence.-Sad occurence.-Log Book.-Arrival at Fortress
Monroe.-Alarming intelligence and glad news.-Ride up the Potomac
to Washington.-Arrival there and visit from President Lincoln......... 185
CHAPTER XIX.
Gallant Charge of Col. D. D. Bidwell's Brigade, Sixth Corps.-Midnight
March.-Start for Snicker's Gap.-Hard Marching.-Fording the Potomac.-Clear, cool springs.-Crossing the Blue Ridge.-Defeat of the
Eighth Corps-Fording the Shenandoah.-Return March.-Leesburg.Appearance of the country.-Crossing the chain bridge and encamping
within defences of Washington................................................ 193
CHAPTER XX.
Coming Events.-Rumors and commencement of Harper's Ferry "Roustabout."-Rockville.-Difference between a Loyal and Disloyal State.Monocacy.-Fording the river, and entrance into Frederick City, Md.March continued to Harper's Ferry.-The place.-More rumors and "gitback."-Nineteenth Corps again re-united.-Gen'l Emory.-Assignment
of Maj. Gen'l Philip H. Sheridan to command.-Valley of Humiliation.Troops Sheridan had.-Maryland Heights and view from them.-Arrival
of Sheridan.............................................................. 200
CHAPTER XXI.
Opening of the Shenandoah Valley Campaign.-Charlestown.-Sheridan
versus Banks.-March through Berryville, White Post and Middletown.Camp at Cedar Creek.-Retreat toWinchester and impressions of the place.




Contents.                           xi
PAGE.
-Retreat continued.-Preparations for a fight at Charlestown.-" Harper's
Weekly."-Position near Harper's Ferry.-Another Advance.-March
continued.-Alarm.-Breastworks.-Camp Life again.-Day of Thanksgiving.-Lieut. Gen'l Grant's arrival, and our consequent movement........ 208
CHAPTER XXII.
September 19th, 1864.-Battle of Winchester and its glorious results....... 217
CHAPTER XXIII.
Gen'l Masterly Inactivity and Gen'l Sheridan.-Pursuit of the enemy to
Strasburg.-Their new position at Fisher's Hill.-Picket duty and hunt
for the brigade in the dark.-More breastworks.-Battle of Fisher's Hill.
-Gallant exploit of the One Hundred and Sixteenth.-Advance of Sixth
and Nineteenth Corps only for effect.-Success of Eighth Corps and its
result.-Loss of One Hundredth and Sixteenth and of the rebels.-Prisoners.-Darkness.-Alarm.-Sheridan and Dwight.-Red River Campaign
compared with this.-March continued all night.-Woodstock.-Edinburg.
-Hawkinsville.-Mount Jackson. —Exciting chase.-New Market. —Harrisonburg................................................................ 225
CHAPTER XXIV.
Camp at Harrisonburg.-Advance to Mount Crawford.-Falling back to New
Market.-Fatiguing duty as rear guard.-Reaching Fisher's Hill and
halt there.-Cavalry Fight at Tomsbrook.-Occupation of the line of Cedar Creek.-Wholesale destruction by Sheridan on this march.-Disposition of the Troops and visit of Gen'l Sheridan to Washington.-Tuesday,
Oct. 18th, 1864, and the night which followed.-Roused from our slumbers.
-The Battle of Cedar Creek, its terrible defeat and subsequent glorious
victory.-Our movement that night and what we saw.-The next day and
what was done.-Loss of the One Hundredth and Sixteenth.-Wonderful
character of the Battle.-What gave Sheridan his victory................. 236
CHAPTER XXV.
Good rest from our labors.-Falling back to " Camp Russell."-Annoyed by
Rebel Cavalry.-Skirmish by the One Hundred and Sixteenth at Newtown.
-Cold Weather.-Surplus Baggage received.-Reduction of the forces.Thanksgiving and Christmas.-Stevenson's Depot.-Our camp there called
" Camp Sheridan."-Leaves of Absence and Furloughs.-Presentation of
a New Stand of Colors, and Action of the Buffalo Board of Trade.Disposition made of the Flags after our return home..................... 252
CHAPTER XXVI.
Change of Camp.-Promotion of Col. Love and his assignment to a brigade.
-Drilling.-Gun Cappers and receipt of endorsement which Gen'l Sheridan put upon Col. Love's report.-Breaking up of the Old Nineteenth
Corps.-Glorious News.-Advance up the Valley and return.-More Glad
News.-The Surrender of Lee.-March to Summit Point.-News of the
Assassination of President Lincoln, and how it was received............ 258




xii                                Contents.
CHtAPTER XXVII.
PAG.
Removal to Washingtton.-Funeral Train of President Lincoln.-Arrival at
the National Capital.-March through the city and camp outside the defences.-Order from  the War Department, detaching us from Dwight's
Division and assigning us to duty inside the city, under Gen'l Algur.Camp on Capitol Hill.-Our Duties.-Drilling.-Gov. Fenton.-Constant
arrival of troops and the Grand Review of the whole army.............. 264
CIIAPTER XXVIII.
Order for Muster Out.-Muster Out Rolls and performance of the ceremony.
-Instructions received.-Tedious delay.-Return of Gen'l Love to the
regiment.-Final Departure from Washington, June 11.-Arrival in and
Departure from Baltimore.-Reaching Elmira.-Meeting of Buffalo faces.
-Transfer to Erie Railway and start for Buffalo.-Determination of officers and men.-Cleaning up.-Delegation of old comrades at Attica.Home from the Wars....................................                    270
CHAPTER XXIX.
Scene of Glorious Joy.-Fire Alarm.-Forming Line.-The Procession.March to Fort Porter.-Incidents on the route.-Arrival at the Fort.Bountiful Lunch.-Dress Parade and Speech of Judge Clinton.-Permitted to visit our homes.-Return, and still no Paymaster.-Final Payment
and Discharge of the regiment...........................................`275
APPENDIX I.
Memorial Sketch of Brig. Gen'l E. P. Chapin............................ 281
4" " Capt. James Ayer,.................................... 296
re"      "        Lieut. Elisha B. Cottier..............................302
(("    "   Lieut. David Jones.                                              306."..             Lieut. Chas. Borusky................................. 308
APPENDIX II.
Muster Roll, Field and Staff,............................................... 310
"      Company A,................................................. 311
" "B.................................................. 315.... C,.................................................. 319
"          "      D.................................................. 323
"          "      E,.................................................. 327
"                F,.................................................. 331
"..          G,................................................... 334...    H,................................................... 337
"          "      I,................................................... 341'           "L    K,..................................................   345
C.~~~~~~~~~~~~~319




HISTORY OF THE
ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTEENTH
NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
CHAPTER I.
BUT few, if any, of the people of the North had the
remotest idea, in 1860, that the threats of a disruption
of the Union, in case Abraham Lincoln was elected
President, with which the South were wont to assail
their ears, were anything more than bombast. They
could not conceive but that, as soon as it was decided
that Mr. Lincoln was, by a majority of the votes of the
electoral college, selected for that high and honorable
position, they would cease their threats, and, with as
good a grace as possible, submit themselves to the declared will of the majority, as became good citizens.
The North did not then know, as they now do, that
ample preparation had been made, by Federal officials
in high station, by sending our little navy to the remotest portions of the world, and by scattering our standing army far and wide; nor had they any idea that most
of our forts and arsenals in the Southern States, were




14         One Hundred and Sixteenth
even then in the possession of those ready to write
themselves traitors.
The wonderful discovery that the men who had made
these threats meant what they said, and were prepared
to act accordingly, was made on the 12th day of April,
1861, when, all over the Northern States, the wires
flashed the news that our flag at Fort Sumter, in
Charleston harbor, had been fired upon.  Who that
lived on that day, will ever forget the mingled feelings
of amazement and vengeance which thrilled every heart?
A call for seventy-five thousand men was made by
the President, on the 15th day of April, 1861, and then
began the offering of freemen on the altar of their country. Very many considered the number called for too
great by far, and few thought there would be need of
any more. But how little we knew the path of blood
upon which we had entered! Other calls were made,
and still defeat was ours, during many months, oftener
than victory. Mlore men must be had, and on the 2d
day of July, 1862, the President issued a call for 300,000
volunteers for three years, or during the war, and this
was the call to which the One Hundred and Sixteenth
New York Volunteers responded.




Xew  York Volunteers.                 15
CI-APTER II.
THE quota of the State of New York, by the provisions of this call, was sixty thousand; and on the 7th inst.,
His Excellency, Gov. Morgan, issued General Order
No. 52. It divided the State into Regimental Districts,
corresponding to the Senatorial Districts; and directed
a camp to be organized in each, to which all recruits
were to be sent. A commandant, adjutant, quartermaster and surgeon, were to be appointed, so soon as
selections could be made. Each company was to be
organized as follows:
MINIMUM.                    MAXIMUM.
1 Captain,                  1 Captain,
1 First Lieutenant,         1 First Lieutenant,
1 Second Lieutenant,        1 Second Lieutenant,
I First Sergeant,           I First Sergeant,
4 Sergeants,                4 Sergeants,
8 Corporals,                8 Corporals,
2 Musicians,                2 Musicians,
I Wagoner,                  1 Wagoner,
64 Privates.                82 Privates.
83 Aggregate.              101 Aggregate.
When ten companies were complete, they were to be
organized into a regiment as follows:
MINIMUM.                    MAXIMUM.
1 Colonel,                   1 Colonel,
1 Lieut.-Colonel,            1 Lieut.-Colonel,
1 Major,                     1 Major,
1 Adjutant,                  1 Adjutant,
1 Quartermaster,             I Quartermaster,
1 Surgeon,                   1 Surgeon,
1 Asst. Surgeon,             1 Asst. Surgeon,
1 Chaplain,                  I Chaplain,
1 Sergt.-Major,              1 Sergt.-Major,
1 Quartermaster Sergeant,    1 Quartermaster Sergeant,
1 Commissary Sergeant,       1 Commissary Sergeant,
1 Hospital Steward,          1 Hospital Steward,
2 Principal Musicians,       2 Principal Musicians,
830 Company officers and men. 1010 Company officers and men.
844 Aggregate.              1024 Aggregate.




16          One Hundred and Sixteenth
By an Act of Congress, passed about this time, this
number was increased by the allowance of another assistant surgeon to each regimental organization.
The whole work of recruiting and organizing, in each
district, was to be done under the supervision of a committee of citizens appointed by the Governor.  Erie
County, by this order, was constituted the Thirty-first
District; the camp located at Buffalo; and the following named gentlemen were appointed the military committee by His Excellency:
Brig.-Gen'l Henry L. Lansing,  Henry M. Kinne, Esq.,
Hon. Geo. W. Clinton,     John G. Deshler,  "
" Nathan K. Hall,        Philip Dorsheimer, 
" Wm. G. Fargo,         Asaph S. Bemis,   "' John Ganson,          E. S. Warren,    "
Jacob Beyer, Esq.,        S. G. Austin,    "
Alexander W. Harvey, Esq.
The Committee held its first meeting at the office of
General Lansing on the 10th day of July, 1862, and organized by the election of General Lansing as chairman,
and MIr. Harvey as secretary.
Their first duty was the selection of a commandant,
a task of very great importance and requiring great care,
which they at once entered upon.
At their second meeting, held July 11th, the command
was tendered to Mr. John Wilkeson, of Buffalo, but
was declined by him. MIr. Henry W. Rogers was then
waited upon, and the same tender made to him; but in
view of his advanced age and poor health, he preferred
that some one else should be selected; promising, however, that should the committee be unable to do better,
he would take the position and discharge the duties to
the best of his ability. Captain Perry, a graduate of'
West Point, was then named; but in answer to the en



New  York Volunteers.            17
quiries of the committee, he stated that he was unable
to obtain the permission of his superiors.
At this stage of the proceedings Mr. Rogers appeared
before the committee, and urged the appointment of
Major Edward P. Chapin, of the Forty-fourth N.Y.Vols.,
then in Buffalo on recruiting service for that regiment, he
having been wounded at the battle of Hanover Court
House, and unable to endure the fatigue of an active
campaign.
The suggestion of Mr. Rogers was favorably received
by the committee, and in accordance therewith Major
Chapin was invited to assume command of the new regiment about to be organized. After due consideration,
the Major accepted the position and at once entered
upon the work before him. Major Chapin, although not
born in Buffalo, was considered a Buffalo boy, his life
having been identified more or less intimately with its
history. At the breaking out of the rebellion he was
quietly practising his profession-that of a lawyer —in
Buffalo, and at once made himself familiar with the science of war, putting his theory into practice, both as captain and major of the Forty-fourth N.Y.Vols. He came,
therefbre, well qualified by experience as well as by study
to take charge of this new offering of Erie County.
Looking back now upon his short but remarkably'brilliant career, we who learned to reverence him as our
colonel, and to love him as a man, almost wonder at a
Providence which took him from us and from his country, when both we and it needed him so much.
Immediately on his acceptance, Maj. Chapin recommended Lieut. John B. Weber, also of the Forty-fourth
N. Y. Vols., as adjutant, and he was at once selected for
that position. Mr. James Adams, one of the prominent




18          One Hundred and Sixteenth
business men of Buffalo, was appointed quartermaster,
and Dr. Chauncev B. Hutchins, also of Buffalo, received
the appointment of surgeon. Thus a beginning was
made, which could not have been improved; all the selections were admirable, and gave promise of a faithful
execution of the duties involved.
In the meantime, recruiting had been going on to a
limited extent, and it only remained to raise funds,
secure more recruiting officers, and push on the good
work to a speedy consummation. Every means was
devised to raise the needful funds, and most nobly did
the citizens of Erie County, and especially of Buffalo,
respond. A horse exhibition was inaugurated by which
some hundreds of dollars were added to the treasury;
the Messrs. Meech, of the Metropolitan Theatre, gave an
entertainment for the same purpose; Parson Brownlow
came and lectured, and quite a sum was realized, besides
which a large amount was raised by subscription.
Henry Martin, Esq., was appointed by the committee to
receive and disburse the money obtained from these
sources, and five thousand six hundred and fifty dollars
(85,650) was expended by him in defraying the necessary
expenses attending the recruiting of the regiment.
Many of our business men closed their places of business
at three o'clock in the afternoon, that they and their employees might by every means in their power help to
increase the number of our country's defenders.
The inducements for enlisting, as regards bounty,
were very meagre, compared, at least, with what was
offered at a later period. For each accepted volunteer
for three years or the war, a premium of two dollars was
allowed by the government, and twenty-five of the one
hundred dollars bounty given to all volunteers, was




New  York Volunteers.            19
paid in advance; the State paid fifty dollars, and some
wards and towns paid a further sum of twenty-five or
fifty dollars. By these figures it will be seen that
nothing but pure patriotism  induced the men who
formed the One Hundred and Sixteenth to enter the
service.
The ground selected for the camp was Fort Porter,
about a mile and a half from the centre of the city of
Buffalo, although within its limits. In honor of the
Governor it was called "Camp Morgan," and a more
beautiful spot could not have been found. Situated on
Prospect Hill, immediately on the banks of the Niagara
river, a fine view was had of this noble stream, with
Canada on the opposite bank, and the ruins of old Fort
Erie in the distance; while as far as the eye could reach
in a south-westerly direction, nothing could be seen but
the blue waters of Lake Erie.
The fort itself was used only for storing purposes, but
the castle, a large stone building, occupied in part by
the keeper of the premises, was used by the colonel,
adjutant, quartermaster and surgeon, as offices. A mess
house had been erected some time before, sufficiently
large to comfortably seat nearly one thousand men,
where Mr. S. W. Carpenter, who had been given the
contract for subsisting the men, dealt out to them a supply of good clean food. It was not strange, however,
that coming from well-filled larders at home, where
" mother's bread and butter, pies and doughnuts," were
heaped up, that a deal of' grumbling was heard about the
bill of fare; nor was it startling that after we entered
active service in the field, a wish was often expressed
for the potatoes, mush, etc., with which Mr. Carpenter
furnished us at Camp Morgan.




20         One Hulndred and Sixteenth
Barracks for the accommodation of the men had also
been erected, and in these we were quartered after being
thoroughly examined by Surgeon Hutchins as to our fitness, physically, for soldiers, solemnly sworn by Adjt.
Weber to support the Government of the United States,
and entirely metamorphosed by Quartermaster Adams
into "boys in blue."  A regular Camp Guard was
instituted, with its accompanying Guard-house, Guardmounting, etc., which, with dress parade and some attempt at drilling, gave the camp quite a military look.
WThen Maj. Chapin had been selected to command
the new regiment, and had signified his acceptance of
the position, the committee at once notified the Adjutant
General at Washington, and requested that he might be
granted a leave of absence until such time as he should
receive a commission as colonel. On the 2d of August
a reply was received refusing the request. Upon its
receipt they waited upon him, and learned firom him that
under the circumstances he could no longer consider
himself commandant.  Capt. Robert Cottier, then recruiting for the regiment, was at once placed in temporary command, and on the 6th, Col. Henry K.
Viele, an old resident of Buffalo, received from  the
committee the appointment of commandant, vice Chapin.
The next day he assumed command at Camp Morgan,
but instituted few new regulations, carrying out in the
main the plan pursued by Maj. Chapin.
The friends of Maj. Chapin were not content, however, that matters should remain thus, and strenuous
efforts were made to secure for him the position. These
efforts were at length successful, and on the 16th, he
once more appeared at Camp Morgan, taking command
of the One Hundred and Sixteenth N. Y. Vols., as we




New  York Volunteers.            21
had been designated in orders, by virtue of a commission
as colonel from Gov. Morgan.
At this time five hundred and seventy-seven men were
reported mustered into the United States service, and
recruiting was progressing with such rapidity as to
dissipate all fears of a failure. Everything looked well
for a speedy entrance into active service.
On the 18th, six hundred and eight men were reported
as mustered, and on the 22d, seven hundred and fortysix. On the 25th. the paymaster arrived, and the day
was consumed in paying to each man one month's pay
and the advance bounty.
On the 26th, seven hundred and eighty-seven were
reported duly mustered; on the 30th, eight hundred and
forty-seven, and on the 3d day of September, nine hundred and twenty-nine. This-as but very few, if any
more, were enlisted-was the number of men with
which the One Hundred and Sixteenth entered the service; but they were men, every one of them, fit for the
duty upon which they were about to enter!
Too much credit cannot be given Surgeon Hutchins
for the strictness with which he examined every man
who presented himself as a volunteer, and it is not saying too much, to assert, that the very small per centage
of men on our sick list wherever we went, compared
with other regiments, was due to him.
On this same day, Lieut. Shelden Sturgeon, U. S. A.,
mustering officer at Buffalo, appeared at Camp Morgan,
and it having been decided, that the individual muster
of each man by Adjt. Weber only secured them to the
State, mustered the regiment, by companies, into the
United States service, for three years or during the war.
The work of officering the regiment was one of much




22           One hlundred and Sixteenth
trouble, requiring great care and no small amount of
tact. Permits had been given to twice as many recruiting officers as could by any possibility receive commissions; and their several squads had to be so consolidated
as to secure the best officers, and yet give as little cause
for complaint, to those necessarily left out, as possible.
It was soon found that, should the wishes of all parties
be listened to, and an attempt made to harmonize them,
much valuable time would be lost, and an order to
move at once would find us entirely unprepared. Col.
Chapin therefore assumed the responsibility of recommending to the Governor for the different positions,
such officers as he deemed best, and they were accordingly commissioned, thereby making the following the
roster of the One Hundred and Sixteenth when it left
fbr the seat of war:
FIELD OFFICERS.
Colonel-EDWARD P. CHAPIN.  Lieut.-Colonel-ROBERT COTTIER.
Major-GEORGE M. LOVE.
STAFF OFFICERS.
Adjutant-JOHN B. WEBER.   2d.Asst. Surg.-CAREY W. HOWE.
Surgeon-C. B. HUTCHINS.   Quartermaster-JAMES ADAMS.
1st Asst. Surg.-URI C. LYNDE. Chaplain-WELTON M. MODDESIT.
NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.
Sergt.-Major-ORTON S. CLARK. Qr.-Mast. Sergt.-ALEx. GOSLIN.
Commis.-Sergt.-J. L. CLAGHORN. Hosp.-Stew.-C. F. A. NICHELL.
COMPANY A.                COMPANY C.
Captain-Ira Ayer.         Captain-David W. Tuttle.
1st Lieut.-J. C. Thompson.   1st Lieut.-Robert F. Atkins.
2d Lieut.-Warren T. Ferris.   2d Lieut.-Edward J. Cornwell.
COMPANY B.                COMPANY D.
Captain-Albert J. Barnard.   Captain-John Higgins.
1st Lieut.-Leander Willis.    1st Lieut.-Chas. F. Wadsworth.
2d Lieut.-Daniel Corbett.    2d Lieut.-Elisha W. Seymour.




Neuw  York Volunteers.             23
COMPANY E.                COMPANY H.
Captain-Richard C. Kinney.  Captain-William Wuerz.
]st Lieut.-James McGowan.  1st Lieut.-David Jones.
2d Lieut.-Thomas Notter.    2d Lieut.-Fred. Sommers.
COMPANY F.                 COMPANY I.
Captain-Geo. G. Stanbro.  Captain-P. R. Stover.
1st Lieut.-Wilson H. Grey.   1st Lieut.-Geo. W. Carpenter.
2d Lieut.-Clinton Hammond. 2d Lieut.-Edward Irwin.
COMPANY G.                COMPANY K.
Captain-John M. Sizer.    Captain-James Ayer.
1st Lieut.-Timothy Linahan.  1st Lieut.-P. W. Goull.
2d Lieut.-George Peterson.   2d Lieut.-John W. Grannis.
Nearly every day witnessed the presentation of some
article necessary to a soldier's outfit to some one.
Col. Chapin was the recipient of a splendid black
stallion, the gift of Capt E. P. Dorr, of Buffalo, and
the officers of the regiment. He was a thorough-bred
Kentucky horse, the pride of the Colonel and the envy
of all. The services of Tim Flanigan, his former groom,
were secured; and if ever an army horse received good
care, that horse was "Dan."  Tim  was a character deserving of more than mere mention.'Leaving Buffalo
with the regiment, he came home with it, and except
for some three months,'was with it during its entire
term of service. A good deal of a wag, with a large
share of Irish wit, no one attempted a joke upon him
who did not get more than a fair return. Upon the
march he was everywhere present, and soon came to be
known by almost every man in the brigade, division or
army, and was always liked.
Lieut.-Col. Cottier received a horse from Isaac Holloway and Allen M. Adams; Maj. Love received one
from Chandler J. Wells, Capt. D. P. Dobbins and
some others; and Adjt. Weber received a similar gift




24          One Hundred and Sixteenth
fiom L. H. Flersheim  and others.  Quite a number
of line officers received from their companies or friends,
swords, belts, revolvers, &c.
Anxiety for marching orders was now felt by nearly
all: by the officers, because the near proximity of
Camp Morgan to the city, made it a difficult matter to
keep such men as were inclined to visit saloons, etc.,
fiom excesses, which would add nothing to our good
name at home;and by the men, because of a desire to
taste the sweets of a soldier's life. This anxiety was
soon set at rest, by the reception of an order to proceed
at once to Washington. Co. "K "' had but just arrived
at Camp Morgan, and as no preparation had been made
by its members before leaving home, in expectation of
being permitted a short furlough to settle up business
matters, it was arranged that the whole company should
be furloughed, with instructions to join the regiment
with as little delay as possible.
At Camp Morgan all was hurry and confusion, on the
5th day of September, 1862. The news that marching
orders had been received soon spread itself throughout
the city and surrounding country, drawing together an
immense throng to witness the departure of the regiment.
Soon after noon, the Adjutant's call was sounded, the
drums beat the assembly, and the companies formed in
front of their respective barracks. The line was formed
the Colonel gave the command to face to the right, and
the One Hundred and Sixteenth took up its line of march
for the depot, leaving Camp Morgan to be returned
to after nearly three years service. Following Sixth
street for a short distance, we turned into Niagara,
moved down Niagara to Court, through Court to Main,
down Main to the churches, followed by an eager crowd.




New  York. Volunteers.           25
At this point we were halted, and presented by the
Hon. Henry W. Rogers, in the name of the citizens of
Buffalo, with a stand of colors. Mr. Rogers said: "I
am commissioned to present you, in the name of the
citizens of Buffalo, this banner, with the hope and confidence that you will never desert it, or allow its folds to
gather dust at the feet of the foe;" to which Col.
Chapin replied, " that so long as an officer or man remained to uphold it, it should never be trailed in the
dust or be dishonored by the contaminating touch of
traitors."
When the ceremony was concluded, we moved down
Main street to Exchange, and down Exchange to the
depot of the Erie Railway. An escort, composed of the
" Tigers," Capt. Wardwell; the " Light Guard," Lieut.
Avery; the " Eagle Zouaves," Capt. McLeish; and the
"Continentals," Capt. Millard Fillmore, with Miller's
band, had accompanied us, and as we approached the
depot, they were halted, and saluted us as we passed them.
A train of twenty-one passenger coaches was found
already made up, and with as much despatch as possible
the regiment was placed on board. Many sad hearts
were there, as dear ones parted perhaps forever, fiom
husbands, sons, brothers or lovers; but at last every.
parting word was spoken, the iron horse whistled a
warning, and at five o'clock in the afternoon of the fifth
day of September, 1862, amid the shouts of the multitude, the One Hundred and Sixteenth moved out of the
depot and was off for the wars.




26         One iuandred and Siteenth
CHAPTER III.
OUR ride to Elmira was unenlivened by anything
remarkable. At Lancaster, Alden and Attica, large
crowds were congregated to give us their parting cheers
as we whirled past them, but darkness soon prevented
any more such expressions of sympathy, and all prepared to make themselves as comfortable for the night
as circumstances would allow.
About four o'clock on the morning of September 6th,
we arrived at Elmira, and amid the darkness, turned
out of the passenger coaches to find prepared for us a
train of cattle cars. This was the first experience of the
regiment in real soldier's fare, and such shouts of derision,
such hooting in imitation of driving cattle as woke the
echoes of Elmira, had seldom been heard. They must
have caused those of its inhabitants who were awake, to
imagine that beef would be very plenty in the morning.
Many expressions of indignation from the more staid
and sober ones were heard, and yet in our after experience such a train of cattle cars, which would have saved
a fatiguing march, would have been hailed with delight.
Some two hours were spent in getting the regiment
and its arms and equipments, which were already boxed
for us, on board the new train, and just as the day was
breaking, the One Hundred and Sixteenth once more
started, this time on the Northern Central Railroad for
Baltimore.
To most of us this was an entirely new country, and
as its picturesque scenes opened to our view as we wound
around rocky curves, or glided along easy grades, on




Neew York Volunteers.            27
one side the still waters of the Susquehanna, on the other
the bold heights of the Alleghanies, the fact that we
were soldiers, hastening perhaps to bloody battle-fields,
was lost sight of, and many thought themselves enjoying
a delightful pleasure trip. It needed, however, only a
glance at the accommodations with which we were
provided, to convince such imagined tourists of their
error.
At Williamsport a short stop was made, and with
good appetites we partook of the hospitalities of its
kind-hearted ladies. During the day our ride was relieved in a measure of its tediousness by the constantly
changing scenes; but the long night which followed,
made our near approach to Baltimore the next morning
very acceptable. On the morning of Sunday, September
7th, we found ourselves in Baltimore, of which we had
heard much and imagined more, and when, not long after
our arrival, we were marched into the rooms of the Soldiers' Relief Association, and found so bountiful a supply
of food prepared for us, and learned that every regiment,
that entered the city, was in like manner provided for,
our feelings toward it materially changed, and we
thought it could not be so very bad a place after all.
Our orders when we left Buffalo were to proceed to
Washington, but the movements of the rebels, which
looked like an advance into Maryland and Pennsylvania,
made a change necessary. We soon found that for the
present, at least, Baltimore was to be our abiding place.
The whole day was spent in the vicinity of the rooms of
the Relief Association, and night found us without orders where to proceed for a camping ground. Close
at hand were the ruins of the Camden Station Depot,
burned but a short time before, and in and around this,




28          One HIundred and Sixteenth
the men of the One Hundred and Sixteenth lay down in
their blankets and rested as best they could.
Bright and early Monday morning, Col. Chapin proceeded, with an aide of Maj. Gen'l Wool, in whose
command we now were, in search of' a suitable ground
for a camp. He soon returned, and much to our satisfaction (for we had become tired of inaction), gave the
command to "fall in," which we obeyed, and proceeded
out Eutaw street some two miles to grounds selected,
near Druid Hill Park. We found it a very pleasant
spot, some distance from the street, well shaded with
trees, and not far from a stream of' water. "A" tents had
been procured for the men, and wall tents for the officers,
by Quartermaster Adams, and, as we were entirely ignorant of the manner of pitching them, some very amusing
failures occurred. However, by the exercise of a deal of
patience, they were all pitched in some shape before
night, and the One Hundred and Sixteenth prepared to
take its first nights rest beneath the canvass.
Before leaving Buffalo, Col. Chapin had received the
assurance of one of Gov. Morgan's staff, then in the city,
that there were just enough Springfield muskets at
Elmira to arm one regiment, and that he would secure
them for the One Hundred and Sixteenth, have them
boxed, marked, and on board the train we were to occupy
on our trip from Elmira to Baltimore. Relying on this
assurance and congratulating us on our good fortune,
the Colonel only satisfied himself when. we reached Elmira that the arms were on board the train, and waited
a more convenient season to see them. This happened
soon after our arrival in Baltimore. Chagrin and indignation were blended in the good Colonel's countenance
when the fact was brought to light, that instead of the




NXew  York Volunteers.             29
new and beautiful Springfield muskets, his regiment were
to be armed with plain Enfield rifles, of foreign manufacture and with clouded barrels.  However, as there
was no help for it, all made the best of it, and when we
learned that the muskets we had expected to get, were
issued to the One Hundred and Fourteenth N. Y. Vols.,
encamped within a stone's throw of us, we were glad
they had fallen into such good hands.
The next day the camp was laid out in strict conformity to army regulations, each company street being
ditched and graded to carry off all surface water. While
all this necessary work was being done, and every effort
made to secure and keep a clean healthy camp, the one
great need of our present life, was the main care of Col.
Chapin. No commanding officer ever more fully realized the absolute necessity of' strict discipline, the utter
impossibility of the One Hundred and Sixteenth being a
first-class regiment, unless every man was made to understand that unquestioning obedience to the orders of a
superior was his first and only duty, than did he; and
hard as was the lesson, our teacher was stern and
-inexorable, and it was learned ere we left " Camp
Chapin," as the camp had been named. He knew also
the worth of a well-drilled regiment, and as the officers
with few exceptions, were guiltless of any knowledge of
tactics, he instituted a school, giving certain portions of
the United States Army Regulations and Tactics to be
learned and repeated to him, and every morning before
breakfast, all the line officers of the regiment, were ordered to appear armed with muskets at the Colonel's
tent, where they were instructed, either by him or Adjt.
Weber, in the manual of' arms for one hour; and drilling
by squad, by company, and by battalion, occupied some




30          One HIundcred and Sixteenth
eight or nine hours each day. At half-past five o'clock
every morning reveille was sounded, when the roll was
called in each company street. From six to seven
o'clock we had company drill. An hour and a half was
then allowed for breakfast, and at half-past eight, guardmounting-upon which we always prided ourselvestook place; after this the companies were again drilled
until half'past eleven o'clock. By this time a good
appetite called loudly for rations, and tired limbs for
rest. Two hours and a half sufficed for this, and at two
o'clock the whole regiment again turned out f'or battalion
drill, which generally occupied two hours. Time was
then allowed for a little rest and for cleaning up, in
preparation for dress parade, the great event of the day.
It could not be otherwise, than that we should improve under such thorough drilling as this; and it is no
wonder that the One Hundred and Sixteenth soon
became very proficient in all that goes to make good
soldiers.
One thing more there was, the careful execution of
which Col. Chapin knew would help wonderfully in
o~ur schooling, and that was guard duty. A strong camp
guard was detailed every day in command of an officer,
which was posted around the camp, to prevent the admission of' venders of sickly pies and stale gingerbread,
as well as the departure of any members of the regiment
without permission from head-quarters. The orders to
this guard were very strict, and the duty was no light
one, especially at night. An officer of the day who had
entire charge of the guard, visited each post many times
during the night, and at midnight made the " Grand
Rounds," challenging each sentinel in due form, to which
challenge he must reply correctly in every particular.




New York Volunteers.             31
Many amusing incidents occurred, of course, among
green hands as we all were; but it was persevered in,
until guard duty was performed as perfectly by the One
Hundred and Sixteenth, as by any regiment in the service.
To show the manner in which the men had learned to
obey orders in the performance of this duty, it will only
be necessary to give one instance. Among our number
were some who could not resist the desire to visit the
city, and darkness best suited their purpose. It was
their practice after quiet had settled over the camp, to
steal out of their tents, and in the darkness run the
guard. After a stay in the city, sufficiently prolonged
to satisfy them, they would return to camp, and in the
same sly manner regain their quarters. To such an extent was this practised, that orders were given the guard
to prevent it at whatever cost, and but few after this attempted it. One man, however, succeeded in getting out
of camp by eluding the vigilance of the guard. After some
hours absence, he returned to try his fortune in getting
back. Cautiously he advanced, but the quick eye of one
of the sentinels caught sight of him.  " Who comes
there! " was demanded; no answer was given, and still
he advanced. Again he was commanded to "' halt," but
with a rush he attempted to pass the sentinel, whose
bayonet pierced his heart, and his days of disobedience
were over. This sad occurrence cast a gloom for a time
over the regiment, but its effect was beneficial in the
last degree, showing as it did that disobedience of
military law brought speedy punishment, and emphasizing, thus early in our experience, the hardest lesson a
soldier has to learn, that the will of another is law to
him.
About this time, Co. "K," which it will be remnem



32          One Hundred and SiAxteenth
bered was left behind, with orders to join the regiment
as speedily as possible, arrived at Camp Chapin, thus
completing our organization.
On the 9th day of October, up to which time we had
reported directly to Maj. Gen'l Wool, an order was
received, organizing a brigade, under the command of
Brig. Gen'l Win. H. Emory, composed of the One Hundred and Tenth, One Hundred and Fourteenth, One
Hundred and Sixteenth, One Hundred and Twentyeighth N. Y. Vols., Thirty-eighth Mass. Vols., and
Sixth N.Y. Artillery; and not many days after we were
all assembled at what purported to be a brigade drill,
but which was simply a review. The regiments were
all full, and presented as soldierly an appearance as our
recent entrance into the service would permit, and composed really as fine a command as any brigadier general
need desire. On one or two subsequent occasions the
review was repeated, and the hard work we had been
doing in the intervals at drilling, gave us a perceptible
advantage over some of the other regiments, which we
were not slow to understand and appreciate.
The constant recurrence of these same duties, day after
day, soon lost the charm of novelty, became monotonous
in the extreme, and led us to wish for more active service.
We longed to participate'in the stirring scenes of real
warfare, and were not content to bide our time, which
we might have known would come soon enough. The
duties which seemed so irksome were really worth more
to us in preparing us for that real warfare, than premature participation in those stirring scenes could have
been. We learned this in after time. Whatever of
service the One Hundred and Sixteenth rendered in the
crushing of the rebellion, whatever success attended its




VXew2  Yerk Volunteers.          33
after movements, was due almost wholly to the preparatory work performed while we remained in Baltimore,
and to Col. Chapin, who saw not only that it was done,
but well done.
About midnight, October 11th, a mounted orderly
from Gen'l Emory's Headquarters, rode furiously into
Camp Chapin, with an order to cook three days' rations,
and prepare to move at a moment's notice. The news
soon spread itself among all the men, and although it
was raining terribly, the whole regiment were soon astir,
busily engaged in making preparations for its first campaign, which was afterwards known, by some as the
" Gettysburg," but by most of us as the "' Apple Butter"
campaign. Every tent was struck, every ration cooked,
and some of them eaten, too, before the final order to
move was received, which was at ten o'clock, A. M.,
October 12th.
We proceeded down Eutaw street to the depot of the
Baltimore and Harrisburg Railroad, but as nearly all
our brigade were under orders for the trip, it was found
difficult to procure cars sufficient to accommodate all.
Hour after hour we waited, expecting every moment that
our train would be ready; but it was fully nine o'clock,
P. M. before we were enabled to get aboard and start for
Harrisburg. Nothing was known, except by rumor,
of the object of our expedition; but as the rebel Gen'l
Stuart was reported on a raid of very extensive proportions, and had already entered Pennsylvania, we
credited the rumor this time, and believed ourselves in
for a show at real fighting.
Early the next morning, October 13th, we reached
Hanover Junction, and took the road for Gettysburg,
where we arrived about three o'clock in the afternoon.
We heard constantly, as we passed people assembled at




34          One Hundcred and Sixteenth
the stations, of the depredations the rebels had committed, and judging from these accounts, one would have
supposed that Gen'l Lee's army would never more lack
for horses. Almost every man had lost a number of
valuable animals, and such as had succeeded in saving
these, had lost many other things equally valuable. At
every point where a stop was made, we were informed
that we were just too late, and our blood-thirsty desire
to avenge the wrongs of these sons of Pennsylvania
would find expression in expostulations to hurry up.
However, as has been stated, we reached Gettysburg
at three o'clock, still too late, our Dutch friends told us.
That night we remained on board the cars, and the
next morning marched some five miles to a small place,
which for some good reason, no doubt, though we were
unable to ascertain what, was called "' Cashtown." Here
we bivouaced for the night in an open field. A plentiful supply of beef, pork, chickens, etc., etc., were
obtained, all secured, as the cattle dealers say, " on the
hoof," from which it may be presumed that no one
"turned in " hungry that night. Our approach, or some
other equally good reason, had scattered the enemy, and
we were not molested, but enjoyed a good night's rest.
Awaking on the morning of October 14th, we received
orders to re-enter the cars, and return to Baltimore.
We passed Hanover about noon, and at Hanover Junction found our further progress disputed by a broken
bridge, which caused our detention that night and the
whole of the ndxt day. On the morning of Oct. 16th, the
bridge having been repaired we proceeded on our way,
arriving at Baltimore at three o'clock, P. M. Our camp
equipage had been sent after us, but, upon learning of
our failure and consequent return, it was turned back,
and when we arrived at Camp Chapin we found every



New  York Volunteers.            35
thing in readiness to proceed at once to housekeeping.
A very short time sufficed to pitch our tents and make
everything wear a home-like aspect again.
It is astonishing how soon a soldier becomes domesticated. At this time, only about six weeks had passed
since we left Buffalo, and but a little over four of these
had been spent in Camp Chapin; yet I venture to say,
that more real joy would not have been felt by the most
of us, could we have seen the old home in Erie County,
than was experienced when we marched into our old camp.
Our trip had been a pleasant one: mingled with some
hardships, there had been much fun. We had seen
where armed rebels had been, at any rate; and if we
had not come in contact with the veritable greybacks it
was no fault of ours. In addition, we had been so well
treated by the people on the route, that I doubt if any
man belonging to the One Hundred and Sixteenth will
ever think of Pennsylvania but as a State overflowing
with " apple butter." At Hanover and Hanover Junction, where, both in going and returning, long stops
were made, the inhabitants flocked to the cars in droves,
with pitchers, cans, crocks, and almost every other
household utensil, filled with this delicious article. They
did not forget to bring in addition goodly loaves of
sweet bread, and in every way manifested their appreciation of our services which were yet to be performed.
When, months afterward, in the lowlands of Louisiana,
we heard of the fearful battle between the vast armies of
Meade and Lee, on this same ground at Gettysburg, we
wondered if the very spot where we had bivouaced that
night of October 13th, was made holy ground by the
sacrifice of loyal blood; and we felt, in a measure, better
acquainted with the battle of Gettysburg than with any
other in which we ourselves were not engaged.




36          One Hundred and Sixteenth
CHAPTER IV.
OUR time now, was occupied about as it had been, before our expedition into Pennsylvania, with constant
drilling eight or nine hours each day. Once or twice,
in order to accustom the regiment to marching with
their knapsacks and equipments complete, Col. Chapin
received permission to take us through the beautiful
grounds of Druid Hill Park, which is said to be second
only to Central Park, in New York, in beauty as well
as extent. A long and dusty march to and through a
portion of its winding paths, made a rest beneath the
shade of its noble trees very acceptable.
A quantity of blank-cartridges were drawn by the
Quartermaster, and our battalion drills were enlivened
by the rattle of musketry and the smell of burned powder, if nothing more. We were practised in file-firing,
by company, by wing, and by battalion; and although
in our after use of ball-cartridges, we never found much
occasion fbr the practice of' any prescribed mode of firing, still this drill was of much benefit to us in getting
our ears accustomed to the sound, and our nostrils
acquainted with the smell of exploded powder. It
also gave us still another lesson in obedience to orders, for woe be unto the man whose impatience would
not permit him to await the command " fire." So constant was our drilling, and so firm in his demands was
the Colonel, that before many days the whole eight hundred muskets would be discharged as if by one man.
A young man well versed in the mysteries of the
snare drum, had been induced to accompany the regiment on its departure from Buffalo, and on our arrival




Nw  YTorkD  Volunteers.            37
in Baltilmore, a large drum corps was at once organized,
with which hle labored most faithfully until they acquired
considerable  skill in handling the drumsticks.  This
added materially to the interest of our parades.  All felt,
however, that a brass band would be of great value to
the regiment, and on the 18th of October one was organized. It was composed of men from the ranks wlho
had had some experience in such matters, from which
number John Mtartin, of Company " A," was selected as
leader. The requisite instruments were obtained in
Baltimore with subscriptions from officers and men of
the regiment, and about a year later some additions
were made to the number. It proved a very great assistance, and was fostered and cared for throughout our entire term of service.
Still more attention, if possible, was now paid to tlhe
cleanliness of the men than ever before; and soon a sort
of rivalry between the companies sprung ulp, not only
as to which should turn out the most men for dress parade, but as to which should present the finest appearanice. Such rivalry could not but be beneficial, and these
things are only mentioned here to give the reader a reason why we should claim  a high position for the One
HIundred and Sixteenth in those things wlhich soldiers
know are essential.
November 2d an order was received from Gen'l Emory, which set the whole camp in commotion; it read as
follows, viz:
"I. The following regifments, having been designated, will
hold themselves in readiness to march at a moment's notice, on
distant service: 110th N. Y. V., Colonel ID. C. Littlejohn; 114th
N. Y. V., Colonel E. B. Smith; 116th N. Y. V., Colonel E. P. Chapin; 128th N. Y. V., Colonel D. S. Cowles; 38th Mass. V., Colonel
S. Ingraham.
3




38          One Hundred and Sixteenth
"II. The commanders of regiments will see that the arms
and equipments of each man are complete, and that he has in his
knapsack one pair of shoes, and a complete change of underclothes, i. e., shirts, stockings and drawers."
This, indeed, was something to the point. "Distant
service" meant more than a ride into Pennsylvania, and
many were the conjectures as to what our destination
would be. In obedience to the order, each man in the
One Hundred and Sixteenth was soon supplied with the
surplus clothing, and every spare moment was occupied
in letting the " old folks at home " know of our orders.
No doubt some who were not as "old," but just as
(lear, were also informed. While waiting the final order to move, private Henry W. Weeks, of Company "B,"
was accidentally wounded by the discharge of a pistol in
the hands of a member of Company " G." It was not considered a dangerous wound, but it rendered it impossible for him to accompany the regiment, and he, with
some five or six others, sick in camp, were sent to the
Stewart Mansion Hospital in Baltimore.
On the morning of' November 5th, orders to move at
once having been received, Camp Chapin was reduced
to a perfect litter of boards, poles, straw, bottles, etc.,
the accumulation of our short stay; and to the music
of our brass band we moved down Eutaw street through
some of the less pretentious streets of the city, and
emerged on the wharf, which was good evidence that
our extra pair of shoes would not be required immediately, the inference being that we were to go on distant
service by water.  The small steamers Robert YMorris
and Baltimore were placed at our disposal, and after
some hours delay we marched on board and steamed out
into the harbor, there to be transferred to the large




NXew  York Volunteers.           39
ocean steamer Atlantic.  When we had reached her,
however, they were, for some reason, not ready to receive us, and we were forced to remain all night on
board these small boats. It was a bitter cold night, and
we were so crowded that hardly room could be found
to stretch our tired limbs for a few hours sleep. To add
to our discomfort it commenced snowing toward night,
and morning found us covered with it, cold, dispirited
and hungry. But the warmth of the sun, with orders
to at once change our quarters to the large and commodious steamer Atlantic, dispelled all this, and we were
soon securing, not our berths exactly, but a place to
sleep on the floor of the hold.
Our good fortune in being assigned to so large and
safe a ship cannot be overrated, as many of the troops
were placed on board the merest apologies for ships, in
the shape of small propellers, unseaworthy in every respect, and deserving the name given them by the boys,
of "cracker-boxes."  Four companies of the One Hundred and Fourteenth N. Y. Vols. were placed on the
Thlamntes, one of this class, and came as near going to the
bottom, every soul of them, in the terrific gale which
we encountered, as men ever did. In addition to the
One hundred and Sixteenth, three companies of the One
Hundred and Fourteenth N. Y. Vols. were quartered
on the Atlantic, making about twelve hundred men, and
when the immense quantities of stores for the subsistance of such a number of men, and the horses of the field
and staff, with their forage, is taken into account, it
will not be presumed that we had any apartments to
let. For some days no accommodations in the shape of
bunks were provided, but at last these were erected, and
our quarters thus made much more comfortable.




40           One Il~andred and Sixteenth
It was now found that our ship was hard aground, and
no efforts of her powerful engines were able to move her
in the least. To lighten her, the troops were all transferred to the Robert Morris again, and then the ponderous
wheels iwere set in motion with better success, for away
she went, a distance of about ten miles, and then stuck
fast on a bar. All efforts to again move her were unavailing, and nothing was left for us but to quietly await
help. For forty-eight hours we waited as patiently as
could be expected, and on the morning of the 11th no
less than six steamboats came to our assistance, but their
united strength, together with that of our own ship,
were not equal to the task, and once more the troops
were transferred to these steamers.  Besides this, most
of the stores were also removed, an undertaking of' no
mean magnitude, and which required a deal of hard
work. Most heartily we labored, and our labor'was rewarded, about nine o'clock A. M., November 12th, when
our noble ship yielded to her fate, and left the bar behind
her. After a short run of an hour or two she hove to.
All day long we worked re-loading her,. and at night
sailed for Fortress Monroe, where we arrived the next
day, November 13th.
Fortress Monroe may be a very nice place. Possibly
it is a fine place to visit; but our experience, like that
of Jeff: Davis, was not calculated to impress it thus upon
our minds. For nearly three weeks we remained there
sleeping on ship board, and spending our days in vain
attempts at drilling on the sandy beach, or viewing the
monster guns and other curiosities to be seen within the
walls of the fort proper.  0, how tired we used to get
of the daily transfer fiom  the Atlantic to the lighter,
fi'om that, in turn, to the shore, and at night vice versa.




_Vewi York Volunteers.             41
It may have been a military necessity that the fleet
should gather at this point weeks before it was intended
to sail, but whether it was or not, the result of this delay was far fiom beneficial in more points than one.
The morale of the men was fast retrograding, and worse
than this, if possible, the measles broke out and made
sad havoc among us; one hundred and fifty of the One
Hundred and Sixteenth were left here when we finally
started, nearly all sick with this disease.
After being landed from the steamer, on the 18th, we
proceeded to the small village of Hampton, distant about
two miles from the fort, and there received our first
greenbacks, in payment for our services thus far rendered to Uncle Samuel. It was a glad day for us, as our
funds were very low, and came just in time to enable us
to procure some extras for our Thanksgiving dinner,
that day of feasting being near at hand. Those of the
officers whose finances and ideas of extortion would permit, had made arrangements with the purser to sit at
the ship's table during our trip. Those not thus permitted established a separate mess, the ship's people agreeing
to cook whatever should be provided. Most of the bill
of fare was procured from the commissary stores, but
as liberal a supply of vegetables as it was prudent to
take with us, was also secured. Those who partook of
the Thanksgiving dinner of this mess, will not soon forget it. The courses, though not so numerous as at firstclass hotels, were sufficient for all practical purposes, and
with the good feeling which followed, enlivened the day
wonderfully. It may be as well to state just here, that
the long delay in our departure made sad havoc with the
supplies of this mess, and that ere the end of our voyage
vinegar was about the only article left.




42          One huitndred and Sixteenth
The morning of December 4th broke clear and beautiful, and brought with it orders to proceed at once to
sea. This was cheering news to men housed up in such
close quarters, and on every hand the "heave-a-ho! " of
the sailors, as they ran up the anchors, and the cheers of
the soldiers as they crowded the decks could be heard.
From every mast and spar flags of all kinds and characters floated, and everything announced as best it could,
that BANKS' EXPEDITION was about to sail.
At ten o'clock we steamed from the fortress, rounded
Cape Henry, and when about ten miles out hove to,
awaiting the arrival of the Baltic, which, by virtue of
the presence of Gen'l Emory on board, was the flag ship.
All day long we waited and watched, but not as before,
for now all was new. The easy and gracefuil roll of our
huge ship on the waves created a sensation not unpleasant. All around us lay the balance of our fleet, while
the antics of the porpoises, jumping, rolling and tumbling over each other, gave us enough to engage our
minds until about eight o'clock P. M., when, the Baltic
having arrived, the fleet was divided into two lines, one
led by the flag ship, the other by our own good Atlantic,
and a flash of colored light gave the signal to go ahead.
Not a soul aboard our ship knew our destination.
Col. Chapin had sealed orders, which were to be opened
when off Cape Hatteras, and communicated to the
captain of the vessel, and to no one else. Speculate as
we would, it was to remain a secret for ten days at
least, as we knew that neither would divulge it. The
night was a beautiful one and many remained on deck,
until quite late, watching first this thing and then that
on ship board, the lights of the other vessels in our wake,
as they rose and fell with the waves, or the still more




New York Volunteers.             43
wonderful phosphorescent sparkle of the water, as our'
monstrous wheels lashed it into fury. Tiring at last of
even these new sights, the men went below to seek their
first sleep on old Ocean. The night passed with nothing
to mar our comfort, except it may have been the constant
jar and clatter of the engine, to which we were strangers.
The morning disclosed evident indications of a storm,
which boded no good to weak stomachs. Most of the
fleet were in sight; but as the day advanced the storm
increased in fury, and when night closed in upon us, but
three vessels of our line were to be seen, while that led
by the Baltic was nowhere in sight. The recollection
of that night and of the following day will never pass
from the memory of any member of the One Hundred
and Sixteenth. Had it not been that we were happily
on board one of the staunchest crafts afloat, the recollection would be a painful one, firom the fear we should have
experienced; but, situated as we were, we could almost
laugh in the face of old Boreas as we looked upon the
boiling and seething waters around us, and felt sure of
riding the storm in entire safety. Nowhere does the
awful power of an Almighty hand manifest itself as in
a storm at sea. Pent up within the compass of our
noble ship, we could see nothing but raging billows, as
far as the eye could reach in every direction. One moment we were on the crest of a wave, mountains high,
and the next plunging down, down, as if to be buried
beneath it, only to rise again higher than before with a
feeling of relief.
With a few exceptions, every soldier on board was
brought to that point where it was found impossible for
him to " hold his own."  Accounts were settled that had
been running an indefinite period; and the digestive or



44           One Ilitndred and  ixzteenth
gans were cleansed as they had probably never been before.  By those who were, fortunately, on their "sea
legs," an immense deal of sport was had at the expense
of the unfortunates. The woe-be gone expression on thle
countenance of Chaplain MA, with the painfullyanxious look of Captain W`, would have led one to
suppose that both had come to that point where neither
the religion of the one, nor the pleasures of the other,
could afford them any relief: Much disconmfort was of
course experienced by the nen, crowded as they were
in the hold; but a constant care that the quarters were
well cleansed, and that the deadlights were always open
to secure good ventilation, made matters more endurable than they would otherwise have been.
This storm lasted some twenty-four hours, and when
it had abated in a measure the Baltic appeared in sight,
and not long after a signal was seen flying at her foretop; Capt. Eldridge, of our ship, soon deciphered it, and
informed Col. Chapin that Gen'l Emory desired their
presence on board the flag-ship. The waves were running mountains high, and it seemed like madness to attempt to reach the Baltic in a small boat. But the order
must be obeyed. Accordingly, with great difficulty, one
of the boats was lowered, and at great risk Col. Chapin
and Capt. Eldridge, with six stout sailors, mianaged to
get into it. The distance between the ships was over a
mile, and with anxious hearts we watched the brave
men in their perilous undertaking. They reached the
_Baltic in safety, and after a consultation returned to us,
and then we pursued our course, in company with the
flag-ship and two others of our fleet.
When six days out, Matthew I. Andrews, of Company' G," 1 was taken sick with congestive chills, and lived but




New York Volunteers.              45
a few hours, notwithstanding every attention was paid
him, and every effort made that was possible to save his
life. At sundown of the day on which he died the body
was brought on deck, and in the presence of the entire
command the Chaplain read the Episcopal service for
such occasions.  As he pronounced the words, "we
therefore commit his body to the deep," the board was
slowly raised, and amid the most profound silence, the
ship being stopped, it plunged into the blue waters of'
the sea, and all was over.
After reaching the coast of Florida, our course lay
much nearer the shore than before, and the weather
being delightful, we saw, dim and indistinct in the distance, what our sailor friends told us were the forests.
When we started some surmised that our destination
was Wilmington, others thought it was Charleston or
Mobile; but as each of these points was passed speculation ceased, and we were informed by Col. Chapin that
our rendezvous would be Ship Island, where we arrived
December 13th. Here we found a large fleet just about
to start for New Orleans, and received orders from Gen'l
Banks to unload the troops and stores, encamp on the
Island, and await the return of a smaller steamer from
New Orleans, it having been ascertained that our ship,
with two others, could not cross the bar at the mouth of
the river, on account of their drawing too much water.
For the same reason the Atlantic was unable to get
nearer than about a mile to the shore, and the next
morning the men were all landed in small boats, as was
also the entire cargo of commissary stores.
Ship Island is the most desolate and God-forsaken
spot upon this footstool. It is situated some twelve
miles firom the coast of Mississippi, and is seven miles
3*




46           One llundcred and Sixteenth
in length, varying from one-half mile to three miles in
breadth. It is entirely destitute of vegetation, for the
most part being simply one vast sand-bank, and is just
the place to send deserters to, but hardly a suitable
place for loyal soldiers.  Nevertheless, it was our only
resort, and, affording a change from the cramped life on
shipboard to camp life once more, was hailed with pleasure by most of us. Ground was selected, and a camp
laid out, which was soon covered with our tents, and
presented a very familiar appearance. The whole routine of camp duties was at once resumed, and we found
that our six weeks on board the Atlantic had made a
strict attention to drilling very necessary, if we would
retain our standing. Nearly two weeks were spent
here, at what the boys, by common consent, called
" Camp Canaan," enlivened by but one day of sport.
This was Christmas. At dress parade the night before
the Colonel informed the officers that he proposed, for
the day, to turn over the command of the regiment entirely to the men, and instructed them to see that each
Company at once elected its officers, and these in turn
were to select the field officers, which were as follows,
viz:
Colonel-Sergeant John H. Rohan, Company " D."
Lieut. Colonel-Sergeant Jacob C. Newton, Company " A."
Major-Corporal William Tibbetts, Company " C."
A great deal of sport was the result, as all of' the officers were for the clay reduced to the ranks, and were
nearly all detailed for guard duty, while those not thus
employed, were ordered to thoroughly police or clean
up the camp, bring wood and water to cook with, etc.
The object was not solely to afford amusement, but to
see how well the duties which might at sonme fhture




New  York Volunteers.               47
time devolve upon the men, would be performed by
them.  Guard mounting in the morning, and dress parade at nirlght, were never more satisfactorily performed
than on that Christmas Day; and when the time came
for the officers to resume their swords, all felt that the
day had been well spent.
Most of the infantry regiments composing the regular
arlmy, and some of the volunteers, were provided with
dress coats and shoulder scales, which.added very much
to their appearance.  Col. Chapin, before we left Baltimore, made a requisition for a sufficient number of these
articles to supply the One Hundred and Sixteenth; and
the requisition was filled, but not in time to issue them
to the men before our departure. They were, therefore,
carried along by the Quartermaster, and at Ship Island
the regiment appeared for the first time on dress parade
in their gala costume.
On the 29th, the steamer North Star having arrived,
we proceeded to break camp, and at five o'clock P. M.
left Ship Island and Camp Canaan forever, as we all
trusted.
Early the next morning we entered the river by the
South-west pass, and leaving the clear blue waters of
the Gulf of Mexico, passed into the dirty, muddy current of the Mississippi. Forts Jackson and St. Phillip
were passed about ten o'clock, and we wondered as we
passed them, situated at nearly opposite points on either
bank, how Farragut ever succeeded in running them.
Here we caught our first sight of real Southern scenery.
On either side of the river forests of beautiful magnolia,
interspersed with here and there anl orange grove, were
constantly coming into view, while at almost regular intervals the stately mansion of the planter, surrounded




48          One Hundred and Sixteenth
with the negro quarters and immense sugar-mills, were
seen. At quarantine we were boarded by a surgeon,
but nothing being found which required our detention
there, we proceeded on our way, and at eight o'clock
P. M. anchored off the city of New Orleans.
The next morning, December 31st, Col. Chapin went
ashore, reported to Maj. Gen'l Banks, and received orders to proceed some five miles above the city, to Carrollton, and report to Gen'l Emory. Returning immediately, we were soon steaming past the deserted levees
and warehouses of the Crescent City, and before noon
were at our camping ground, busily engaged in pitching
our tents and preparing for still another home.




New  York Volunteers.            49
CEAPTER  V.
TiEE dawn of the new year eighteen hundred and sixtythree found us still hard at work-for times and seasons
of all kinds receive but little attention from soldiersand, except an occasional greeting of' a happy new
year," the day passed about as others did. The camp
was named,.in honor of our Major, " Camp Love," and
was our abode for four weeks, during which time all had
permission to visit New Orleans; and as the New Orleans and Carrollton Railroad was within a hundred
yards of our camp, nearly all availed themselves of the
privilege. We found it a beautiful city with many
points of interest, in the very best sanitary condition,
clean and neat, but rebel from centre to circumference.
No open insult was ever offered us, but the scowl of hate
was seen on almost every countenance, indicating the
inclination, if only they dared. Its business seemed to
be entirely ruined. Whole blocks of stores were found
tenantless, and the only trade perceptible was that carried on with the soldiers whom the citizens hated so fervently. How the people of that beautiful city must, even
then, have cursed the day that saw them partakers in
the great crime of rebellion.
Our month at Camp Love, like those at Baltimore,
was a constant scene of drilling. From early in the
morning until late in the afternoon, we were exercised
in the art, and special attention was given to the
minutest details of guard duty. Immediately adjoining
our camp was that of the Thirty-eighth Mass. Vols.,
and between the two regiments a spirit of rivalry




50          One zundred angd Sizteenth
was engendered, which aided materially in insuring
perfection.
Orders were received about this time giving the organization of Gen'l Banks' army. It was to be known
as the Nineteenth Army Corps, and was composed of
four divisions, of three brigades each, which were commanded as follows:
First Division-Brig. Gen'l Win. H. Emory.
Second Division-Brig. Gen'l Cuvier Grover.
Third Division-Maj. Gen'l C. C. Augur.
Fourth Division-Brig. Gen'l T. W. Sherman.
These divisions were known, not by their numbers,
but by the name of the general commanding —as
"Emory's," " Grover's," or "Augur's " Division. The
One Hundred and Sixteenth was attached at this time to
the Third Brigade of Emory's Division, commanded by
Col. O. P. Gooding, Thirty-first Mass. Vols., and composed, for the most part, of the troops with whom we
had become somewhat acquainted, and whose colonels
all ranked ours.
It soon became manifest that Col. Edward P. Chapin,
of the One Hundred and Sixteenth N. Y. Vols., was just
the man needed to command a brigade, and the only
way in which this could be brought about was to transfer him with his regiment to some brigade where his
seniority would entitle him to the command. Accordingly, on the third day of February, we were ordered to
proceed to Baton Rouge, and report to Maj. Gen'l Augur.
Thus we parted fiom all the regiments with which we
had been associated in Baltimore, on Ship Island and
at Carrollton; with but one of them-the One Hundred and Fourteenth —were we ever again brigaded, but
with it in many subsequent places, both in victory and




New  York Volunteers.            51
defeat, did we by our mutual regard make up for the
separation.
The CAee-ki-ang, a steamer which had been engaged
ill the Chinese trade, was placed at our disposal, and
about two o'clock P. MI. of the 5th, we reached Baton
Rouge. The Colonel at once reported at head-quarters,
but found Gen'l Augur absent in New Orleans. We
were consequently obliged to remain all night on board
the wharf boat, and such of our number as could not find
accomnlodations there were forced to take up their
lodging in the street. During the night it rained very
hard, which added nothing to our comfort. In the
morning, Gen'l Grover, who was in command of the
post during the absence of Gen'l Augur, sent a staff
officer to conduct us to our camping ground, situated on
what was called the clay-cut road, some little distance
outside the town. He knew nothing of the disposition
which Gen'l Augur desired to make of us, and as the
general was expected back very soon, we were left entirely to ourselves. The ground selected for our camp
was low, and, as there had been a good deal of rain, did
not present a very inviting appearance. A few days'
hard work, however, with pickaxe and spade, soon
drained it nicely, and enabled us to make a very comfobrtable place of it.
On the arrival of Gen'l AugYur, his division was organized. The First Briigade was composed of the One
Iundred and Sixteenth N. Y. Vols., Col. E. P. Chapin;
Twenty-first Maine Vols., Col. Johnson; Forty-eighth
Mass. Vols., Col. Stone; and the Forty-ninth MIass.Vols.,
Col. Bartlett, with Col. Chapin in command. When the
fact is mentioned, that these regiments with which we
were brigaded were nine months regiments, nearly one




52         One Hundred and Sixteenth
half of whose term of service had already expired, the
work before their Brigade Commander will be fully understood by all who ever knew anything of such shortlived enlistments. Col. Chapin well understood the task
before him, and entered upon it with that energy which
characterized his every movement.
As a regiment we were all proud to see him a Brigade Commander, and although it deprived us of his undivided care, we knew he would ever keep a lookout for
our best interests, and see that we did not lose our high
standing. In the organization of his staff he took from
us Adjt. John B. Weber, and Lieuts. Robt. F. Atkins
and Orton S. Clark, thus devolving upon those who remained a larger share of duty. Lieut.-Col. Robt. Cottier, by this change, became our immediate commander,
and by his unbounded good nature won the respect and
esteem of all.
Our position here at Baton Rouge was the most exposed of any that we had as yet occupied, being but
twenty miles from Port Hudson, from which point the
enemy's cavalry occasionally came to annoy our picket
line. It was here that the first detail of men for picket
duty was made from the One Hundred and Sixteenth;
and the feelings with which we then anticipated our
tour of this duty, as well as when posted on the line,
can better be imagined than described. Later ini our
experience it was the subject of many a laugh. A stump
was transformed into an enemy, intent on passing within
the line. Giving no heed to the challenge, it received
the contents of a musket, only to remain as dumb as before. Some unlucky quadruped, horse, cow or hog, in
seeking to obtain the wherewithal to live by grazing
near the line, would, perhaps, startle some sleepy senti



NTew  York Voluntee'rs.             53
nel and be found in the mlorning beyond the need of
grazing. Alarms on the picket line at Baton Rouge, for
some time, were very frequent, and generally were caused
by something like the above; but as we became accustomed to the duty, and learned to scan closely everything within the range of vision, they became less frequent, and finally very rare indeed.
Our time was again fully occupied with drilling, and
in addition to company and battalion, we were exercised twice a week at least in brigade evolutions, with
occasional reviews by either the Brigade or Division
Commander.
Baton Rouge is situated about one hundred  and
twenty miles from, -and on the first bluff above, New
Orleans. At the time of which we write, it contained
some three thousand inhabitants; but before the war
it boasted of twice that number.  It is the capital
of the State of Louisiana, and in the State House,
which occupied a very prominent position, the ordinance
of secession was passed which they imagined would
sever their connection with the United States. Some
two weeks before our arrival it was accidentally burned,
leaving only the b.are walls to mark the spot where this
deed was done. Not ftLr fiom  the State Ilouse, and
fronting the river, is the Deaf and Dumb Asylum, a
-large, handsome building, erected at great cost, and
used then as a hospital for the army.
The streets of the city are all regularly laid out, well
lined with shade trees; and graced with some fine residences. Here, however, as at New Orleans, we detected
the same curl of the lip, and the same manifest hatred
of' both us and our cause.  At the extreme northern
portion of' the city, standlls the United States Arsenal,




54          One Hundred and Sixteenth
comprising some five or six large brick buildings, which
afforded a fine place for the storage of supplies and amniunition.  The bakery attached thereto afforded an
abundant supply of "soft-bread," which we were very
glad to receive in lieu of the " hard-tack " we had been
eating so long.
Soon after the capture of New Orleans by Maj.-Gen'l
Butler, he occupied Baton Rouge, with a force under
command of Brig.-Gen'l Williams. On the 5th day of
August, 1862, the rebel Gen'l Breckinridge appeared
before it, and attempted its capture, but after a severe
struggle he retreated from the field, leaving our forces
the victors.  Among our killed was Gen'l Williams,
who fell bravely defending the old flag, in the early part
of the engagement. At that time a portion of the town
was destroyed by order of Gen'l Williams, the better to
enable our army to defend its position, and for this a
very bitter feeling was ever after manifested toward us.
During our stay here, a large fort-embracing within
its limits the Arsenal-was planned and constructed, and,
in honor of the hero of the battle of Baton Rouge, was
called " Fort Williams."
Thus far we had seen no real service. Our time had
been well occupied in preparation for efficient service
whenever we should be called upon; and rumors were
now floating about to the effect that Gen'l Banks was
soon to advance on Port Hudson with his entire army.
One very sure indication of the truth of this rumor was
the reception of an order for a thorough inspection of
the troops. This inspection was a very searching one,
conducted by the Inspector General on Gen'l Augur's
staff, who made a report of our Division to Gen'l Banks.
Not long after an order was issued from the head-quar



Newe  York Volunteers.             55
ters of the Department of the Gulf, which commented
very severely on the condition in which most of the
tr6ops were found, and closed as follows:
" The General Commanding cannot close this order without
first contrasting the condition of these regiments with that of
the One Hundred and Sixteenth N. Y. Vols. and Thirty-eighth
Mass. Vols., the zeal of whose officers, as well as men, to perfect
themselves in their profession, places them far in advance, and
makes them an object of emulation to all the troops in this department.
" By command of MAJOR GENERAL BANKS,
"RICHARD B. IRWIN,
"A. A. Gen'l."
On the 8th of March orders were read on dress parade
that all extra baggage was to be stored at the arsenal,
including our tents, and that we were to hold ourselves
in readiness to move at a moment's notice. The next
day small shelter tents were issued to the regiment, and
except for a very short time the following September,
and while on provost duty in Washington, just previous
to our return home, the One Hundred and Sixteenth
never occupied anything else than these, for a shelter,
during its entire term of service.
For several days troops had been arriving from New
Orleans, until Baton Rouge and the country around
was one vast camp, presenting a very pleasing appearance at night, with the thousand camp-fires on every
side. On the 11th and 12th Gen'l Banks reviewed his
army, and at four o'clock on the morning of the 14th
we left our camp, took the Bayou Sara road leading to
Port Hudson, and followed the advance of our army
which had preceded us the day before.
We found the heat of the sun very oppressive before
noon, and knapsacks, which had contained all that they




56          One ItHTncnred and Sixteenth
could possibly be made to hold in the morning, before
the sun was an hour high, were the receptacles of
nothing not absolutely necessary; nevertheless, considering that it was our first march, and that all this was to
have been expected, with sore feet, etc., etc., we felt
that we had done very well indeed, when, at two o'clock
in the afternoon, we went into bivouac, some twelve
miles from Baton Rouge. The country around was levied
on for such articles as our appetites called for, and we
proceeded to make ourselves as comfortable as possible,
in the way of care for the inner as well as the outer man.
Our bivouac was some four miles from Port Hudson,
and three or four miles inland from  the Mississippi
river. Admiral Farragut was even then preparing to
go up the river after dark, to run the rebel batteries at
Port Hudson, and get above them if possible; while the
army, by its presence on the land front of the enemy's
works, it was hoped, would draw the fire of some of his
heavy guns, and keep from the water batteries so large
a number of the garrison, as to make the work of
Admiral Farragut comparatively easy.
It was part of a general plan which was weeks in
developing itself, and which eventuated in the capture
of Port Hudson. Had its execution been as free fiom
faults as was its inception, this rebel stronghold would
not so long have defied us-but more of this in its place.
Quietly we laid ourselves down for a good night's
rest, after our hard day's work, in anticipation of bloody
scenes upon the morrow, when we should demand the
surrender of Port Hudson, and, if need be, enf'orce it at
the point of the bayonet. Not long, however, were we
permitted to enjoy our sleep, for about ten o'clock a
heavy sound, as of distant thunder, aroused us, and we




New  York Volutzteers.             5 7
heard in quick succession these sounds repeated.  We
-were not slow in understanding that it was the rebel
batteries disputing Farragut's right to ascend the river.
For hours we watched, with anxious hearts and silent
tongues, the progress of the fight. Our eyes followed
in their upward flight the shells from our mortar boats,
and saw them, with increasing velocityj descend with
death and destruction where we knew the rebel camps
wvere.
Soon after midnight the heavens began to assume a
lurid light in that direction, giving sure indication that
one of' our fleet had been set on fire. As we strained
our eyes it soon became evident that it moved down
stream, the light increasing continually in brilliancy.
Faster and faster it moved on, as it felt the fiiendly current of the noble stream bearing it away from its enemies, and nearer and nearer the fire advanced to the
magazine, where thousands of' pounds of powder and
hundreds of shells were stored.
An aide from Gen'l Auglur now informed Col. Chapin
that Farragut had passed the batteries with at least two
of his fleet; and ordered him to return at once with his
brigade to Monticeno Bayou, and there await further
orders. The One Hundred and Sixteenth was in line
with but little loss of time, and just as we filed into the
road the whole heavens were lit up for an instant as at
noonday, and a report as of the discharge of ten thousand heavy guns deafened our ears, and all was still.
The fiigate.Mississippi had finished its work in our
navy, and was no more. The sight was grand beyond
description, impressing itself upon the minds of those
who witnessed it so indelibly, that the remnembrance of
it will never pass from their memory.  As speedily as




68          One HIuundred and Sixteenth
possible we retraced our steps, crossing Monticeno
Bayou early on the morning of March 15th, and going
into bivouac on its southerly bank. About five o'clock
P. M. a very severe rain storm, accompanied with a
gale of wind, opened upon us, and we found our shelter
tents no protection at all. The rain poured down in
torrents, soon converting our camping ground into a
sheet of' water, and for two hours we literally swam in
the element. The storm then ceased, and by the aid of
good fires we managed to dry our clothing and pass a
comfortless night. The next day Gen'l Banks issued an
order to the effect that the object of the expedition had
been attained, and congratulating us on our success.
While in camp at Baton Rouge, and more or less intimately associating with the other regiments of our
brigade, we had made in our minds an estimate of each
of them, and found our estimate correct in this short
campaign.  The  Forty-ninth Mass. Vols. was well
drilled and disciplined, and we found them free from
fright, when the Twenty-first Maine Vols., and Fortyeighth Mass. Vols., were only anxious to reach Baton
Rouge, if not Portland and Newburyport, before they
stopped.  Col. Bartlett, of the Forty-ninth, was a
young man but twenty-two years of age. He was a
thorough soldier, who before Yorktown had lost a leg;
but returning home and recovering, had raised this nine
months regiment, and was now ready to risk his life
once more. Col. Stone, of the Forty-eighth, was a
lawyer of some distinction at home, but succeeded better
with briefs than with muskets. This much by way of
introduction to the following verses, relative to this
campaign, written by an officer of the Forty-ninth:




New  York Volunteers.                 59
THE PASSAGE OF THE MONTICENO.
Banks, of Shenandoah fame,
By the Crescent City swore,
That Port Hudson on the river,
Should defy his might no more.
By the Crescent City swore it,
And sent without delay
An order through his chief of staff,
To summon his array.
He summoned to him Farragut,
And gave him orders sealed;
Then on the Empire Parish
With his staff he took the field.
Attend ye to the story,
Which I will now relate,
It happened in the lowlands
Of Louisiana State.'Twas on a cool March morning,
When we our steeds bestrode;
And ere the day was dawning
Struck the Bayou Sara road.
We crossed the Monticeno,
By plank bridge and pontoon;
And halted for the bivouac
Just three hours after noon.
We plucked the rails from off the fence,
Of boards there were but few;
And spread our scanty shelter tents
To shield us from the dew.
The air was filled with squeal of pigs,
And cackle of the geese;
While stalwart oxen lost their hides,
And simple lambs theirfleece.




60           One Imlandred and Sixteenth
And now the night is falling,
Soon rose the evening star,
And in the deep'ning twilight
Gleamed camp-fires from afar.
But hark, what noise arises?
This night we sleep no more,
For the tide of battle surges
On Mississippi's shore.
And now an aide from Chapin,
The driller of brigades,
An order brings to form the line
In haste without parade.
Upon his own black stallion,
Sat the gallant Brigadier,
And he called to him the Colonel,
And he whispered in his ear,' Our army has attacked the fort
And been repulsed, they say;
In haste o'ertake the Forty-eighth,
And homeward lead the way."
The road is blocked with wagons,
Dame Rumor flits around,
But swiftly marched the Forty-ninth
In silence back to town.
The Forty-ninth marched swiftly,
But swifter far than they,
Beneath their feet the Forty-eighth
Let no grass grow that day.
Their Colonel (Stone) was ordered
By Mr. Banks, they say,
To hold the Monticeno
And keep the foe at bay.
This Colonel was from Ncwburyport,
A city by the sea;
A lawyer of repute, I ween,
But not a warrior he.




Nlezw  York  Volunteers.              61
lie seemed to lose his whereabouts,
" My boys, make haste to flee;
Ye must be back toNewburyport
By dinner time," says he.
"Och, sure! bejabers, that we will! "
Responded brave O'Brien;
Then rode majestic down the line,
As fierce as any lion.
The Bayou Monticeno reached,
No foe was there discovered;
And silence was the deity
That o'er the valley hovered.
Ah! then the gallant Forty-eighth
Did mighty deeds of valor,
And courage on each countenance
Assumed the place of pallor.
And still the Colonel, homeward bent,
Their manly zeal arouses;
"Press on, brave boys, and seize and hold
Our lumber and cook-houses! "'Twas thus for many a weary mile,
In toilsome march we find them;
Before them were their household gods,
The Forty-ninth behind them.
And now, a short half mile ahead,
The old camp greets their vision;
And each indulges sweet foretaste
Of sleep and dreams Elysian.
But look! behind a cloud of dust
Our eyes are now discerning;
It cannot be! it is, it is!
An order for returning!
The reverend Chaplain, worthy soul,
Had trotted on before;
And so he did not hear his flock,
How dreadfully they swore.
4




One Hundred and Sixteenth
The sun was near his setting,
The clouds betokened rain;
When having reached the Bayou,
We pitched our tents again.
And now in all its terror
The elements are roaring,
And down in furious torrents
The watery flood is pouring.
O orange groves and palm trees,
O land of milk and honey,
Where zephyrs were so very soft,
And skies so bright and sunny.
We thought to spend a winter here,
Should Stanton so decree it,
Would be the thing; but on that night
We really couldn't see it.
All o'er the deeply furrowed field
The waters rose so high,
Our boys could neither make their beds
Nor keep their powder dry.
The guns with rust were covered o'er,
And many a luckless wight
Began to think his chance was slim,
If forced into a fight.
But if he dared to try his piece,
And if it chanced to go,
He had to stand at shoulder arms
For half a day or so.
At Bayou Monticeno,
For six long days we stayed,
To tempt the rebel soldiers
Our precincts to invade.
We gobbled up their sugar,
We licked their syrup fine;
And longed to lick the rebel
Who dared approach our line.




New  York, Volunteers.               63
But only to O'Brien
And the gallant cavaliers,
Who brought their pluck from "Rhody,"
The enemy appears.
In vain did Mr. Dudley,
His whole brigade deploy,
And make his grand manceuvres
The rebels to decoy.
For as that famous army
Aforetime marched in vain,
So Dudley did go forward
And bravely back again.
Of all that week's adventures,
The muse lacks words to tell;
"I never see that! " she says, with Jock,
And sighs-" Ah! well, well, well! "
At last there came a missive,
On dress parade'twas read;'Twas General Banks who sent it,
Now what do you think it said?
My valiant boys, take courage!
Our object is attained,
Your cue is to be jubilant,
For victory has been gained.
Perhaps you called it running,
The morn you were so fleet;
But the truth is you were making
A masterly retreat.
You see I merely wanted,
While Farragut passed through
The gauntlet on the river,
That you should halloo-Boo!!!
I came a week beforehand
To Baton Rouge, you know,
And had a very grand review,
But that was all for show.




64           One Ilundred and Sixteenth
And now, my boys, I thank ye
For the gallant deeds ye've done;
Go back to camp and rest ye
On the laurels ye have won.
And in the long hereafter,
Be this your glorious boast:
We went with Banks' army
To Port Hudson-almost! "




New York Volunteers.            65
CIIAPTE]R VI.
Ox the evening of the day following our arrival at
Monticeno Bayou, the One Hundred and Sixteenth was
detailed from our brigade with the One Hundred and
Seventy-fourth N. Y. Vols. from the Second Brigade,
and the proper complement of cavalry and artillery,
with orders to proceed to Baton Rouge, where transports were in waiting to convey us up the river to Winter's Plantation, opposite from, and some three miles
below, Port Hudson. From there we were to proceed,
if possible, above it and communicate with Admiral
Farragut.
Col. Parmalee, of the One Hundred and Seventyfourth, by virtue of his rank, was in command of the
expedition. With little delay our bivouac was broken,
and after dark we set out for Baton Rouge. We arrived
there in due time, embarked toward morning on a river
transport, and before noon had disembarked and were
marching up a road leading into a belt of woods at Winter's Plantation. The roads were in a terrible condition
from the recent heavy rain, the mud in some places being
knee deep; but by dint of severe labor we advanced
some two miles, when we were halted, and a portion of
the cavalry sent out to reconnoitre.  Just what report
they made to Col. Parmalee we never knew, but presumed, from the fact of our retracing our steps, that a
large force of the enemy must have been seen. This
presumption was strengthened after our return by an order that the troops should sleep on board the transports.
Notwithstanding this, Lieut. Jones, of Company " H," a




66         One Hundred and Sixteenth
daring fellow, to gratify his love of adventure, applied
that night for permission to take about twenty volunteers
from the One Hundred and Sixteenth, and see what he
could find in the direction of Port Hudson. Permission
was given, and with a sturdy set of boys he left us early
in the evening. Nothing was heard of the party until
toward midnight, when the beaming face of the Lieutenant announced to those not in the "land of nod"
that he had found something, nothing less than six prisoners, in the persons of a Captain Youngblood and five
men, a rebel signal party, whom he very suddenly came
upon, when about three miles out, and captured with
all their signals, without the firing of a shot.
The next morning the balance of the Second Brigade
arrived, and Col. Dudley, its commander, assumed command of all the forces at Winter's Plantation.
Our boys soon found, in an old store-house a short
distance above where we were encamped, a large supply
of prime smoking tobacco. This they were not slow in
appropriating, and for months many of us were able to
enjoy our pipes without calling upon the Sutler. In
going to and returning from this place, we passed in
plain sight of the water batteries of Port Hudson, and
yet not a hostile movement had we seen; and when, the
day after Col. Dudley's arrival, a company was detailed
from the One Hundred and Sixteenth to escort a Lieutenant of Engineers, on Gen'l Banks' staff, to a point
from which he might capture the batteries with his
pencil, we could not repress a sneer. Capt. Kinney,
with his company, " E," was ordered to accompany this
" knight of the pencil," and obey such orders as he might
give. The levee road, following the river, was the one
upon which the Captain's judgment would have directed




New York Volunteers.             67
him to go, inasmuch as the levee, four feet in height, offered sure protection from both shot and shell. But,
while taking this himself, the Lieutenant bravely ordered
the company deployed as skirmishers, and to advance
at right angles with the river. They had proceeded but
a short distance when a shell came shrieking at them firom
across the river. For full twenty minutes the line advanced, shells dropping all around them, when the gallant young Lieutenant, having secured a safe position
behind the levee, commenced his picture. Quite a number barely escaped these shells - one man, Frederick
Barch, was slightly wounded, enough so to entitle him
to the honor of being the first man wounded by an enemy
in the One Hundred and Sixteenth.
It having been decided that no good could result from
our remaining longer at Winter's Plantation, we received orders, March 22d, to return to Baton Rouge.
By two o'clock in the afternoon we were all on board
the Sallie Robinson, a government transport of the
very worst Mississippi river kind. We went wheezing
our way along, and, as the current was in our favor, we
found ourselves alongside the wharf-boat at Baton Rouge
by five o'clock. It had commenced to rain soon after
our starting, and as many were forced to remain on
deck with no shelter they were drenched to the skin.
This did not dampen their ardor at getting back to old
quarters, and ere the sun went down the One Hundred
and Sixteenth occupied its old ground on the Clay-cut
Road.
We found the whole of Gen'l Banks army here occupying every available spot, and extending outside the
town so far as to materially increase the length of our
picket-line. Orders were issued within a day or two




68          One ]fundred and Sixteenth
directing the Divisions of Gen'ls Emory and Grover to
proceed at once to New Orleans, while Gen'l Augur's
Division was to remain at Baton Rouge. But little time
was occupied in carrying it into effect, and we soon
found ourselves again the only troops in town, with the
exception of two regiments of colored troops, a battery
of artillery and a squadron of cavalry; but with a
picket-line requiring nearly one half the number of men
reported for duty, to occupy. To obviate this and lessen the picket duty of the command, the troops were
drawn into the town; a new line was established, with
cavalry videttes on each road some distance in advance,
and the One Hundred and Sixteenth prepared once again
to enjoy a season of quiet.
We had seen, except at a distance, no enemy; had accomplished nothing, so far as we could see, and yet we
felt more like old campaigners than when we started,
two weeks before, for Port Hudson. Had we never
seen any more service we should have looked back with
some pride and satisfaction upon this, our second campaign. That our operations at Winter's Plantation had
proved so signal a failure, we regretted; but have always
thought that had Col. Parmalee advanced as soon as we
landed, without being firightened by the stories of a few
old negroes, and before the enemy could have suspected
our intention, we should have succeeded in reaching and
communicating with Admiral Flarragut.  As it was the
One Hundred and Sixteenth had, in the persons of
Lieut. Jones and his party, all the honor that attached to
the affair, and we contented ourselves with it.
In the new disposition of' the regiments the One Hundred and Sixteenth found itself' encamped on the banks of
the river, immediately in front of the Deaf and Dumb




1N ew York Volunteers.           69
Asylum, used, as has been stated, as a hospital. It was
the most beautiful ground for a camp we had thus far
had, and, were it not that almost every day some poor
fellow was carried from it to his long home, would have
been the most pleasant.  We named it, in honor of our
noble river at home, "Camp Niagara," and for two
months remained there.
About the first of April, information was received
that a detachment of' the regiment which had been left
sick at Fortress Monroe when we sailed for New Orleans,
were at quarantine just below that city, unable to reach
the regiment, owing to the refusal of the Surgeon to permit them to do so. Lieut. John R. Dobbins was dispatched to New Orleans with instructions to procure an
order for their release, and on the third day of April he
arrived at Baton Rouge with some fifty men. They
had sailed from Fortress Monroe about January 1st,
1863, on board the clipper ship Monticello, together with
detachments from many other regiments of Banks' Expedition, and made a quick trip of only eight days.
They found, just before entering the Mississippi river,
that a case of small pox had broken out, which, before
they reached quarantine, was increased by two more,
causing their detention there until the first of April —a
long and tedious separation from the regiment, very far
from beneficial to them.
The heat of a southern sun now began to manifest
itself, and we found that drilling during the day was
very debilitating.  Accordingly, an hour or two in the
early morning with dress parade, and another hour in
the evening, was considered sufficient to keep us in good
condition. Vegetation, such as there was, we found as
flar advanced as it would have been in our northern homes
4*




70          One Hundred and Sixteenth
three months later, and flowers of many kinds were
found in bloom. Not far from Camp Niagara, and just
outside the picket line, was a magnificent magnolia
grove, covering a number of acres, and from it many
pure white blossoms were plucked and enclosed in letters to friends at home, as specimens of this beautiful
southern flower.
Upon the lofty walls of the ruined State House a signal station had been established by Gen'l Augur. From
this a fine view of the surrounding country for miles
was obtained, with an extended vision both up and
down the river at the expense of some tedious climbing;
many, however, were found who gladly paid the price
and considered themselves well rewarded. From this
station, May 2d, a heavy cloud of dust was seen rising
in the direction of Port Hudson, and as it approached,
Gen'l Augur ordered a portion of our cavalry to reconnoitre the Bayou Sara road, upon which the force was
advancing, and ascertain who and what it was. We
were not left long in suspense, for in less than an hour
a courier rode swiftly into town with the information
that it was a large cavalry force of our own from Tennessee. None were found willing to believe this, but
not much time was given for words about it, as following this courier came the advance of the column, clothed
in Federal blue, and no mistake. A description of them,
as they marched into Baton Rouge, covered with dust
and dirt fiom their long ride, it would be impossible to
give, nor is it a part of the record of the One Hundred
and Sixteenth; suffice it to say, that the force was in
command of Col. Benj. II. Grierson, and was composed
of the Sixth and Seventh Illinois Cavalry. It comprised
about one thousand men, who had left La Grange, Tenn.,




.New  York Volunteers.              71
seventeen (lays before. They had traveled eight hundred
miles, eluding the enemy almost entirely; had destroyed
two railroads and property to the amount of four million
dollars; had captured one thousand prisoners and over
twelve hundred horses, and had now  reached Baton
Rouge in safety. It was one of the most brilliant raids
of the war. and for it Col. Grierson was made a Brigadier General. Their arrival furnished about the only
excitement of those rather dull days; but this soon lost
its charm, and many expedients were resorted to to
while away the time which hung so heavily on our
hands. One of these was a grand vocal and instrumental
concert, gotten up by some of our German singers, but
participated in by some not connected with the One
Hundred and Sixteenth. It was held in the Methodist
Church, and drew together a large and attentive audience, who seemed highly pleased. The following was
the programme:
PART FIRST.
1.-Overture, " Baton Rouge March,"-Band 50th Mass. Vols.
2.-Solo and Chorus, "Rock me to sleep, mother,"-Glee Club
116th N. Y. Vols.
3.-Cavatina, " Ernani Involani," (Verdi)-Signorina Alboni.
4.-Piano Solo, "Home, Sweet Home," (Thalberg)-Blau, 116th
N. Y. Vols.
5.-Solo, " Heart Bowed Down," (Bohemian Girl-Balfe)-Sergt.
Woehnert, 116th N. Y. Vols.
6.-Quartette, "The Day of the Lord," (Kreutzer)-Liedertafel,
116th N. Y. Vols.
7.-Song, "Her bright smile haunts me still,"-Signorina Alboni.
PART SECOND.
1.-" Could I hush a father's sigh," (Bohemian Girl) - Band
50th Mass. Vols.
2.-Quartette, "Faderland," (Liedertafel)-116th N. Y. Vols.
3.-Duet, " O Sponsi mi,"' (Rossini)-Signorina Alboni and Blau.




72          One Hundred and Sixteenth
4.-Solo and Chorus, "Come where my love lies dreaming,"Glee Club 116th N. Y. Vols.
5.-Aria, (Magic Flute)-Lieut. Brunn, 116th N. Y. Vols.
6.-Mocking Bird,-Band 50th Mass. Vols.
7.-Irish Song, "Kitty Tyrell,"-Signorina Alboni.
8.-National Airs-Band 50th Mass. Vols.
It may not be amiss now to leave the One Hundred
and Sixteenth quietly in Camp Niagara, and briefly note
the fortunes attending Gen'l Banks in his Teche campaign.
The departure of' Emory's and Grover's Divisions
fiom Baton Rouge has been already mentioned. They
proceeded to Brashier City, situated in Western Louisiana, on the Bayou Teche, firom which stream the
country derives its name of the " Teche." Ihere they
fbund an independent brigade under the command of
Brig. Gen'l Weitzel. The object to be attained was the
capture of Port Hudson, and the plan of the campaign,
as it finally developed itself, was to advance with the
force there assembled through this Teche country to
Alexandria, on the Red River; descend the Red River,
cross the Mississippi, and landing at Bayou Sara, just
above Port Hudson, march down upon it; while Gen'ls
Augur and Sherman, with their Divisions, came up from
Baton Rouge and New Orleans respectively. Uniting
these forces, Gen'l Banks hoped to capture this stronghold.
On the 11th day of April, all things being in readiness, he moved with Emory's and Weitzel's commands,
by land, sending Grover up the Atchafalaya River, to
intercept the retreat of the enemy known to be strongly
posted but twelve miles above Berwick city at Fort
Bisland. Soon after they started, the crack of an occasional musket plainly indicated that the skirmishers




Newz  York Volunteers.           73
had found an enemy, who was, however, easily driven
until nightfall. The next morning a further advance
was made, but it was not until late in the afternoon that
the battle of Fort Bisland opened in earnest. It was a
severe engagement while it lasted, but darkness entered
its protest, and our forces waited the dawn of' another
day to renew the contest. It came in due time, and
soon after daylight the attack was renewed, lasting until
afternoon, when it was found that the enemy had evacuated his position, for the reason, no doubt, that Gen'l
Grover had secured a position in their rear which
threatened the capture of the entire garrison. No time
was allowed to examine the nature of the position so
unexpectedly secured, but our forces at once pushed on
after the retreating rebels. Numerous stragglers were
captured, but nothing was seen of the main force. A
march of fifteen miles brought our army to Franklin,
the largest and most important town in the Teche country. Here they found Gen'l Grover's command, which
had fought the enemy at Irish Bend the day before,
gaining a decisive victory. The advance was continued
fiom day to day until May 4th, when Gen'l Banks with
his victorious army entered Alexandria.
The effect of this successful march of some one hundred and seventy miles, where no federal force had ever
penetrated, was most salutary upon the inhabitants,
adding much to their respect for our army, and a proportionate decrease in that for the rebel army.
On the 13th the army left Alexandria, proceeding to
Simmsport on the Atchafalaya River, a short distance
below its junction with the Red River. On the 21st
they embarked on transports and proceeded up the
Atchafalaya, down the Red, and across the Mississippi




74         One hIundred and Sixteenth
to Bayou Sara, about six miles above Port Hudson,
where we will leave them and return to the One Hundred and Sixteenth.
News of the success attending Gen'l Banks in his advance through Western Louisiana reached us occasionally, and as we read of the battles of Fort Bisland and
Irish Bend, and of the entry of his army into Alexandria, we bit our lips and wondered why we could not
have participated in them. We did not then know that
this movement was but the opening of the siege of Port
Hudson, in which the One Hundred and Sixteenth was
destined to play as important a part as the men we envied, and that while Emory's Division could inscribe on
their battle flags " Fort Bisland," and Grover's Division
" Irish Bend," Augur's Division would soon be enabled
to inscribe on theirs "Plain Store."  Could we have
foreseen it, we should have been better contented with
our seemingly unfortunate lot.
On the evening of May 19th, orders were received by
Col. Chapin to move his brigade early on the following
morning on the Bayou Sara road, and join the Second
Brigade of our Division, commanded by Col. N. A. M.
Dudley, of the Thirtieth Mass. Vols., and Col. Grierson's
Cavalry, then bivouaced at Merritt's Plantation, about
five miles from Port Hudson. At three o'clock the next
morning reveille aroused us from our slumbers, and at
five o'clock we were outside the limits of Baton Rouge.
That place was not seen again by any of us, except the
wounded, for nearly three months. The road was very
dusty, and, being shut in on either side by forests, the
sun beat down upon us unmercifully. The houses and
barns, and Monticeno Bayou, as we passed, wore a familiar look from our previous tramp over the same road,




Xeuw York Volunteers.'75
and we enlivened the time in conjectures as to what particular house we should pass next, or in efforts to solve
the mystery of our present movement.
At two o'clock P. M. we reached Merritt's Plantation, and found the Second Brigade, with Grierson's
Cavalry quietly in canip; along side of them we soon
pitched our shelter tents.  During the night Gen'l
Augur, accompanied by his staff and escort, arrived,
assumed command, and at once ordered everything in
readiness for an early advance the following morning.
May 21st, so full of trial and yet of promise to the
One Hundred and Sixteenth, dawned clear and beautiful. It was the crisis in the life of the regiment. Before nightfall we were, by our prowess, to be heroes, or
by our cowardice a disgrace to our uniform. And now
a few words in relation to our schooling for the real
work of soldiers. From the time that we arrived in
Baltimore, September, 1862, up to this time, our life had
been one of constant labor. Hour after hour the line
officers had drilled their companies in the School of the
Soldier, School of the Company, and in Skirmishing.
The regiment was then so thoroughly instructed in all
battalion movements that company officers became almost superfluous, so well did the men understand them.
Finally, as a portion of Col. Chapin's Brigade, we had
received at his hands an insight into its intricate evolutions of great value to us. All this labor had not been
thrown away, as was demonstrated by the readiness
with which each man, from the highest in rank to the
lowest, performed every duty and executed every command. We had at last become, as all good soldiers
must, perfect machines, so far as Our present life was
concerned, and it only remained to see how we would
behave under fire.




'76        One hIundred and Sixteenth
CHAP TER  VII.
AT six o'clock our meagre breakfast had been disposed
of; and we were once more advancing in fine style in the
direction of Port Hudson.
The road upon which we were marching runs fiom
Baton Rouge to Bayou Sara, passing four miles in rear
of Port Hudson, from which place another road runs,
intersecting the first at a collection of two or three
houses called "Plain Store" (fiom a store situated at
the junction, and from the immediate vicinity being
known as Port Hudson Plains). It was this point which
Gen'l Augur was directed to reach and hold until Gen'l
Banks might join him with the army, which had been
operating in Western Louisiana.
Our advance was marked by nothing unusual until
about ten o'clock, when our further progress was disputed by a force of the enemy, who had planted a section of artillery in our front, and seemed to say, "thus
far, but no farther."  A section of Battery " G" Fifth
U. S. Artillery was at once unlimbered, placed in position, and for two hours or more a heavy fire was maintained. Some of the enemy's shells came unpleasantly
near us, causing a duck of the head-so familiar to new
hands-as they whizzed by. Their range, however,
was very poor, nearly all passing over our heads and
creating quite a commotion among the tree tops. A very
heavy dew had fallen during the night, and as one of
these shells tore through a tree under which Major
Love and Captain H-      were standing, some scattering drops moistened the face of the Captain. Turn



New York Volunteers.             7 7
ing to the Major, he asked, with astonishment: "Do
shells ever have water in them? " a question which but
few of us could have answered from our own knowledge,
but which caused the Major to laugh immoderately.
The nature of the ground gave the enemy every advantage, knowing as he did every path and road leading
through the woods and fields, and fighting entirely on
the defensive, he had the choice of position. It was a
time of severe trial to Maj. Gen'l Augur, as, with perhaps
a single exception, not one of the regiments in his Division had ever before been under fire. His anxiety must
have been intense, but not a sign of it was manifested to
us. He was the same cool and collected man that we
had seen so often in Baton Rouge, and the fact that he
was so took away half our fears.
The brigade of Col. Dudley was in advance of Col.
Chapin's, and while the artillery duel was in progress
the regiments of that brigade were deployed to ascertain the position of the enemy's infantry. Those of
Chapin's were disposed of to support our batteries.
The losses thus far had been entirely from the Second
Brigade and the artillery.  Not a mar of our brigade
had been injured. After some two hours of deafening
roar of cannon, and just as Col. Chapin was directed to
relieve the other brigade with his own, the firing ceased
and the enemy left the field in our possession. Col.
Dudley moved forward to the Port Hudson road, and
proceeded to bivouac his command for the night. A
section of Battery "G " Fifth U. S. Artillery was placed
in this road, to support which Col. Chapin was directed
to send the Forty-eighth Mass. Vols. After seeing this
regiment on its way to the designated point, he proceeded to bivouac his three remaining regiments some




78         One Hundred and Sixteenth
distance below Plain Store on the Bayou Sara road.
The One Hundred and Sixteenth and Forty-ninth Mass.
Vols. filed to the right into an open field, while the
Twenty-first Me. Vols. turned to the left. The command to " stack arms" had hardly been given, when
from the direction of the battery the Forty-eighth Mass.
were supporting, we heard again the report of artillery.
All preparations for a bivouac were at once suspended,
and, standing to our arms, we wondered what was the
trouble.
One of Col. Dudley's staff officers now rode up to Col.
Chapin, and directed him to send the One Hundred and
Sixteenth to the front at once. The Colonel looked at
him for a moment, and quietly inquired by whose direction he brought the order. "By command of Gen'l
Dudley," was the reply, and off he rode. Turning to
Adjt. Weber, the Colonel directed him to inform Cot.
Dudley that he was not aware that Gen'l Augur was
either dead, or had turned over the command of his
Division to him; and that until such was the fact, he
should not obey any of his orders. It was well that he
did so, for hardly had the Adjutant left the Colonel, before Captain Shaw, of Gen'l Augur's staff, ordered him
to send to the General two of his best regiments.
Accordingly, the One Hundred and Sixteenth and
Forty-ninth Mass. were moved across the road into
the field on the left, and followed a wagon path which
intersected the Port Hudson road about where our battery was in position supported by the Forty-eighth
Mass. We had advanced but a short distance on this
path when we were startled by a heavy discharge of
musketry immediately in our front, and simultaneously
a disorganized body of panic-stricken men burst into the




_New  York Volunteers.          79
ranks of the Forty-ninth Mass., throwing that regiment
into confusion. It was a trying moment for the One
Hundred and Sixteenth; a confused mass of terrorstricken men rushing past us, flying from danger the
magnitude of which we did not know. We were
hemnmed in on either side by a dense wood, hearing the
" zip " of bullets and the whistling of shells, and knowing nothing of our situation. All this was sufficient to
try the nerve and mettle of a veteran regiment, much
more those of a new one engaged in its first fight. Now
the benefit of our laborious attention to duty, like bread
cast upon the waters, returned to us. As the voice of
Maj. Love called out "stand fast," every man obeyed,
and like a rock we stood until the rabble was past.
Then with firm step we obeyed the command " forward
march." Advancing but a short distance we were met
by Gen'l Augur, who directed Maj. Love to halt his regiment and form line. The command was no sooner executed than from our rear a heavy volley of musketry was
poured into us. As no time was allowed for changing
fiont in the prescribed manner, we were simply " faced
about," thus bringing the rear rank in fiont and forcing
us to fight the battle which followed —to use a military
term-by "inversion."  Without delay we proceeded
to return the fire of the enemy.
Some twenty or thirty rounds had been discharged,
when Gen'l Augur, who was near, enquired of Maj.
Love if his regiment would stand a charge. The Major
replied, " The One Hundred and Sixteenth will do anything you order them to."  " You have my order then,
sir," said the General. Riding down the front of the
regiment, exposed to the fire of his own inexperienced
men as well as that of the enemy, Major Love informed




80          One lHundred and Sixteenth
the commandant of each company of the General's order, then rode back to the centre of the line, and taking
off his old hat waved us on, leading us about twenty
paces in advance. The yell which now broke from our
throats and echoed through the woods, had in it that
which the enemy must have felt to their finger tips.
They knew what was coming and " stood not upon the
order of' their going, but went at once," retreating
across an open field and into another belt of woods,
where, making another stand, we were halted and again
commenced to return their fire. But a very few rounds
of ammunition were discharged, however, when Gen'l
Augur, who had followed our movement, ordered us
to charge a second time, which was as successful as the
first, utterly routing the rebels, and ending the battle of
Plain Store.
To secure the fruits of this victory, Companies " C,"
Capt. Tuttle, and " H," Lieut. Jones, were sent out to
scour the woods, and soon after brought in some seventy
prisoners. These prisoners were loud in their protestations of love for the old flag, and being for the most part
of French origin, expressed their loyalty by crying
" Vive la Republic."
Thus ended the battle of Plain Store in which the
only real fighting had been done by the One Hundred
and Sixteenth, and which was a glorious victory. It
gave to us what was of more value than millions of
money would have been, the prestige of victory in our
first encounter with an enemy. The character of a
regiment is always settled by its first engagement.
Our loss was thirteen killed and forty-four wounded.
Among the latter was Lieut. Charles Boruski, of Company " E," who survived but a short time. Carefully our




Xew York Volunteers.             81
dead were collected, and with saddened hearts we
placed them in as pleasant a spot as could be found, and
" We left them alone in their glory."
The regiment which broke in so shameful a manner
and created such disorder in the Forty-ninth Mass., was
the Forty-eighth Mass., Col. Stone. On the first approach of the enemy they left the section of artillery
which they were to support, and scattered like sheep.
It is but just to say, however, that two companies, under Lieut. Col. O'Brien, did not join in the rout, but
remained at their post until reinforced.
Col. Bartlett of the Forty-ninth, by the exercise of
wonderful control over his men, soon brought order out
of confusion, and stood ready to assist the One Hundred
and Sixteenth should help be required.
Col. Chapin, by his position as commandant of the
First Brigade, was of necessity deprived of leading his
regiment in this its first fight; but he was at all points
where his presence was required. One of his staffofficers, Lieut. Tucker, had a leg shot away by a shell
during the engagement. The same shell striking the
ground immediately in front of the Colonel's horse,
caused the animal to throw up his head, striking the
Colonel on the nose, but doing no harm further than
causing a severe bruise.
After the fighting was all over, and it had been ascertained beyond a peradventure that the rebels had retired within their fortifications, Gen'l Augur rode up to
Col. Chapin, and said:  "I congratulate you, Colonel,
on the decided victory we have gained to-day, especially
as to your regiment, the One Hundred and Sixteenth,
am I mainly indebted for it. They have most gallantly




82         One llundred and Sixteenth
driven Miles' Legion, who claim never to have been
driven before." After he had ridden away, the Colonel
said to those around him, while his face lighted up with
a smile: " That hour's work more than repays me for all
the care and anxiety the regiment has cost me."
To Maj. Geo. M. Love were we indebted for the success of that day. To his almost unexampled gallantry
in leading the charge in person, was due the victory of
the One Hundred and Sixteenth at Plain Store.
The next two days were spent in quietly awaiting the
arrivalof Gen'l Banks from Bayou Sara, and of Gen'l
T. W. Sherman from New Orleans, that together we
might invest Port Hudson, and in the name of our
common country demand its surrender.  These forces
having arrived, at six o'clock on the morning of the
24th we left the spot so memorable to us, and taking
the direct road leading into Port Hudson had ere
nightfall made connections with the troops on our right
and left, within less than a mile of the fortifications.
Then commenced a work which lasted us for six long
weeks, and was attended with more hardships than we
had ever dreamed could befall us.
That the Mississippi River affords many points where
the rebels could plant batteries and impede navigation
no one at all acquainted with its course will dispute.
Any one who has traveled along the noble stream will
acknowledge that, of the many places of this kind to be
found on its banks, none were more favorable than Port
Hudson. Situated in a bend of the river, some two
miles in extent, and on a bluff nearly one hundred feet
above high water mark, it was on the river front perfectly impregnable. A large tract of table land, containing more than one thousand acres, extends back




New  York Volunteers.            83
from the river something over a mile, at which distance
it breaks off into very rough and broken land, covered
with forests and cut up with numerous ravines. Here
it was that the rebels had constructed their line of earthworks, extending seven miles from the river below to
the river above the village. The works themselves
were not as strong as they might have been, or as they
would have been had not so much reliance been placed
upon the natural defences of the position which it was
presumed would add at least one-half to their strength.
Every thing possible was done to aid even these natural
defences. Ravines, by which an enemy might approach
the works, were filled with huge rocks and trees, while
for a distance of a thousand yards in front of the fortifications the woods had been all cut down and the trees
left in every conceivable position, making what is termed
a "slashing."  It was a difficult task to get through
this " slashing " even when alone, and with no enemy to
endanger your life.
On the evening of May 24th, as has been stated, the
different Divisions composing Gen'l Banks' army had
formed a continuous line, the flanks touching the river
above and below the doomed place, and we had it invested. On the extreme right was Gen'l Emory's Division, on the right centre Gen'l Grover's, on the left centre Gen'l Augur's, and on the extreme left Gen'l T. W.
Sherman's, with Col. Grierson's Cavalry to protect the
rear. The whole force with which the siege of Port
Hudson was commenced was twenty thousand men, distributed over a line at least eight miles long. The base
of supplies was Springfield Landing, some four miles
below Port Hudson on the river.
Early on the morning of the 25th, Col. Chapin di



84          One Hundred and Sixteenth
rected Company "B," Capt. Barnard, and Company
" G," Capt. Sizer, sent out as skirmishers on his brigade
front. They were deployed and advanced to the edge of
the woods in our front, where they remained all day.
A pleasant spot within supporting distance of them was
selected, where the rest of us remained, getting used to
the roar of artillery which every hour increased. A
council of war was held during the day by Gen'l Banks,
in which all the General Officers participated, and at
which it was determined to at once assault the works.
But two of the Generals dissented from this determination-Gen'l Augur and Gen'l Weitzel-whose better
judgment was, in the fatal result of that assault, recorded,
as it were, in blood.
In accordance with this determination, Col. Chapin
received orders calling for volunteers from his brigade,
as follows:- one field officer, four captains, six lieutenants, and two hundred enlisted men, the whole to constitute a storming party to precede his brigade in the
assault. Fifty of this number were to carry "fascines"
(a bundle of branches five or six feet in length), which
were to be thrown into the ditch immediately in front
of the works, to enable those who followed them to
cross it without difficulty.
The following named officers and men of the One
Hundred and Sixteenth volunteered for this terrible
duty: Maj. George M. Love; Captains John Higgins,
Richard C. Kinney, and Charles F. Wadsworth. Lieutenants Jas. S. McGowan, Wilson H. Grey, Warren T.
Ferris, Wm. J. Morgan, and John R. Dobbins. Sergeants Rollin C. Hubbard, Jno. L. Carmer, Harry H.
Enders, John Hopps, John G. Dayton, Chas. B. Adams,
and H. W. Wahley.




Xew  York Volunteers.             85
Corporals-Aut;hur F. Smith, Win. H. Rose, George
Townsend, Lewis Filbert, Charles Wall, Jethro Bale,
Joshua D. Baker, C. Smith, Augustus Cadugan, Addison Cole, John Miller, Horace A. Paxton.
Privates-John H. Dingmran,  Charles E. Paine, John
Farrell, Isaac Colvin, Win. H. Sawdy, Wallace Calkins,
Jehial Woodard, Jacob Deiffenbach, John Voil, Michael
Bund, C. Fisher, F. IHildebrand, Wm. Bump, P. Foster,
F. Hellreigle, Jno. Gethiker, F. Caldwell, Chas. Chittenden, James P. Tabor, E. C. Bacon, Lloyd Rice, Jas.
H. WVeingarden, Donald  McGilvary, Thos. Griffiths,
Christian Weller, Wm. B. McMichael, David Crosby,
Theodore B. Norris, John Bump, Win. Martin, Daniel
H. Hlubert, Payson Morrow, James Cameron, Jacob
Zumstein, Curtis Rowan, James F. Ryther, James
Maloney, Theodore Robinson, Win. B. Lathrop, John
Dorner, John Wilson, Henry Myers, David Weissinger,
Henry W. Eno, Chas. Bramiller and Milton Hill.
The whole regiment were busily engaged the next
day in preparing the " fascines," and making such other
preparations as were possible for the coming assault.
Col. Chapin felt the necessity of becoming as well acquainted with the ground over which his brigade must
pass ere they reached the fortifications as was possible.
Upon the extreme right of our whole line he was informed there was a signal station, fiom which a splendid view of the whole of the enemy's works and the
grounds intervening was to be had. He lost no time
in climbing to its summit, and on his return was so well
satisfied with his examination that he confidently predicted our success. He did not take into consideration
the fact, that from so great a distance he was unable
distinctly to see the impediments which had been thrown
5




86          One Hundred and Sixteenth
in our way; but from the fact that to him it seemed a
level plain, thought that it was so.  Alas, before fortyeight hours had passed, he found his brigade inextricably fixed in one mass of fallen trees, and at the mercy
of the foe.




New York Voluntee/,s.            87
C HAP TER  VIII.
THE morning of May 27th dawned upon us as others
had done before, and gave no token of what was in store
for us.
Col. Chapin was astir bright and early, and ordered
Companies " B " and " G " again deployed as skirmishers, the first upon the left of the road leading into Port
Hudson, and the latter upon the right. They were directed to advance to the outer edge of the slashing,
there to remain until the grand assault, when they were
to push on and getting as near the works as possible, act
as sharp-shooters, and prevent the rebels from making use
of their heavy guns. Having seen that the order was
obeyed in its first part, he turned his attention to Holcomb's Second Vermont Battery, attached to his brigade, which he handled with great skill, training some
of the pieces with his own hands and sending the shells
so much to the annoyance of the enemy as to elicit a
sharp response at almost every discharge.
About noon the whole brigade was moved forward
into the -woods, immediately in rear of the line held by
Companies "B' and "G " of the One HIundred and
Sixteenth. An hour was spent in getting the brigade
line properly formed, and organizing the storming party
from which so much was expected. Many more than
the required number had volunteered firom the brigade,
and the field officer chosen was Lieut. Col. James
O'Brian, of the Forty-eighth Mass., as brave and gallant a man as ever wore a leaf; full of.Irish fire, and
well adapted to lead the stormers in their perilous un



88          One Hundred and Sixteenth
dertaking. The wisdom of the choice was made sadly
manifest when his lifeless body was found the next day
as near the coveted works as flesh and blood could get.
From the One Hundred and Sixteenth Lieut. William
J. Morgan was selected to command its portion of the
party, and when all the necessary preparations had been
made, Col. Chapin advanced to the storming party and
after a few words to them as a body, addressed the men
of the One Hundred and Sixteenth as follows: " Men of
the One Hundred and Sixteenth, you must do your whole
duty to-day. Remember that you do not go unsupported.
My brigade will follow close on your heels. Do your
duty and we will drink Mississippi water to-night."
Then turning to Lieut. Col. O'Brian he said, pointing to
the rebel flag which could just be seen through the trees,
" Colonel, I want you to notice the man who takes down
that flag, and give me his name." O'Brian smiled as he
replied, "Colonel, I have designs on that flag myself,
and if I secure it will you promise to strike a blow for
my country if ever it attempts to gain its liberty?"
With a grasp of the hand he answered, " If I am able to
wield a sword, I will."
Every thing was now in readiness, and yet the moment had not come. As we waited a painful silence
crept over us; but few words were spoken by any one,
and those few were in whispers. They were awfully
solemn moments, such as only those who have experienced them can appreciate. Home, with all its endearing memories rose before us, and the dear face of a
father, mother or wife, would present itself, causing
more than one eye to grow dim with moisture, and yet
no one could- detect a faltering look; all seemed, and
all were, calm and determined, ready to do and die




New  York Volunteers.            89
should God so ordain. During these few moments, Cot.
Chapin, with some three or four other officers, mounted
a large tree which had been blown over and lodged.
From this the Colonel swept with his field-glass the
ground in our front, and as he looked exclaimed, " AIy
God! " evidently comprehending at that moment the
impossibility of our succeeding. At this moment the
Second Vermont Battery, Capt. Holcomb, was run up
the road leading into Port Hudson as far as possible,
and opened a terrific fire upon the works. It was hoped
that this would drive the enemy from their artillery, and
give us a better chance to reach the fortifications; but
the distance was too great, and it proved only a signal
to the rebels that they might expect an attack fiom that
point. This cannonading was continued for about ten
minutes, and as it ceased, " forward," rang out the clear
voice of Chapin, who, placing himself by the side of
Col. O'Brian, led us out of the woods. With a deafening yell the One Hundred and Sixteenth essayed to repeat its glorious charge at Plain Store; but no sooner
were we out of the woods and in view, than a perfect
hail storm of solid shot, shell, grape and cannister, and
bullets, was opened upon us; and as we found our way
impeded by the dense slashing, our line of battle soon
lost its precision, at length disappeared entirely, and we
were a disorganized mass, each man seeking shelter behind some friendly log or stump. From  behind these
we were enabled to return the fire of the rebels, and
with such directness that we soon silenced all his heavy
guns, and were only annoyed by bullets. After leading
Col. O'Brian and his storming party out of the woods,
and directing him as to the course he should take, Col.
Chapin gave his attention to his brigade, urging on the




90          One Hundred and Sixteenth
men with alternate cheers and threats. Conspicuous by
his dress coat, and also by a white Panama hat which he
wore, he was, no doubt, singled out as the commanding
officer by some rebel sharpshooter.  He was first
wounded in the knee, which did not, however, disable
him, and almost immediately shot through the brain, the
ball entering just under the eye and passing out of the
back of the head, killing him instantly. This was in the
early part of the engagement, and leaving the brigade
without a commander to direct its movements, each one
pursued the course which to him seemed best.
While lying here and wondering if we were not to
be reinforced, and thus enabled to rise from our shelters
and make one more attempt to gain the prize, we saw
the beautiful folds of our spangled banner emerge firom
the woods. It was the Second La. Vols. (white), Col.
C. J. Paine, of Dudley's Brigade, and a noble sight it
was to see them bravely advance to our assistance; but
it was of no avail, they were. forced to seek shelter, as
we had done, from the leaden hail.  Soon after this our
hopes were once more revived, as away on our left we
heard the lusty cheers of Sherman's Division. Occasional
glimpses of their line could be obtained as they advanced
in splendid style, but ere the works were reached they
were forced, like us, to give up the attempt.
Toward sundown a flag of truce was displayed by
some of Gen'l Grover's troops, who had charged before
we did, and almost instantly every rebel gun was silenced. The flag of truce was unauthorized by Gen'l
Banks, or by any general officer, but was the freak of
some badly demoralized man; however, we were not
slow inr taking advantage of it, and before it was ascertained that it was unauthorized most of us were back




New York Volunteers.            91
within the woods. All of the wounded and some of the
dead were brought back with us, among whom was the
body of our lamented Colonel. Not many men would
have been missed, and his untimely death as sincerely
mourned by those not relatives, as was Col. Chapin;
and as many a sun-burned, powder-begrimmed man
looked upon those features so mangled, he would turn
away and shed bitter tears that the man he had learned
to love was cold in death, and that the voice it had been
his pleasure to obey was hushed forever. Of those who
mourned his loss that night, Gen'l Augur, our Division
Commander, was one; and as Adjt. Weber applied for
permission to proceed at once to New Orleans with the
body, he replied, "God bless the dear fellow; yes, of
course, you can go." An escort was provided, and before the morning of May 28th dawned the body was at
the old head-quarters in Baton Rouge. Without any delay transportation was secured, and it was conveyed to
New Orleans. Here it was properly embalmed, placed
in a metallic case, and, fortunately, Capt. Eldridge,
with whom our trip from Fortress Monroe was made,
was found. During our four weeks stay on board his
ship, the Atlantic, he had become very much attached to
Col. Chapin, and was pained to learn that his course was
so soon ended. He was now Captain of the steamer
Pulton, just about to start for New York, and to his
care Adjt. Weber gave the remains, together with the
faithful Tim Flannigan and the horse presented to the
Colonel in Buffalo.
That night of May 27th, with its terrible memories,
will never be forgotten by the men of the One Hundred
and Sixteenth. One by one, as fast as found, our brave
comrades were brought in, some few slightly, many very




92          Onee Htundred and Sixteenth
badly wounded, until our loss was found to be one hundred and one enlisted men killed and wounded, besides
Col. Chapin killed, and Maj. Love, Lieuts. Grey, Jones
and Morgan, wounded. Maj. Love's wound was a severe one, the ball entering just under the shoulder
blade, and lodging. It made it necessary for him to
leave us, and with all the wounded who could be moved
lie went to Baton Rouge. Lieut. Jones was a very
great sufferer from his wound, and from  the first all
hopes of his recovery were given up. He lingered some
two days in great agony, and was at last freed fiom suffering by death.
Sad, indeed, were our faces as we gathered round
bivouac fires that night. The work we had hoped to accomplish that day was still unperformed, and as we
heard the groans and entreaties of the wounded, not far
firom us, we could but think that the next trial made
would see some of us in a like condition. Besides all
these sad reflections, our Colonel was dead, our Major
was severely wounded, and Lieut. Col. Cottier had, ere
we left Baton Rouge, tendered his resignation, and
now an order was received from Gen'l Banks accepting it. Thus we were deprived of' all our field officers,
and we expecting, we knew not how soon, to make a
second assault upon the besieged place. Truly it was a
sad time for the One Hundred and Sixteenth.
We partedh Lieut. Col. Cottier with Lieut. Col. Cottier with unfeigned
regret. Hie had endeared himself to all by his genial
good nature, which nothing could in the least disturb.
We had found him with us at Plain Store, and in the
fatal assault of the 27th, doing his utmost to give us
victory. He was without an enemy in the regiment, and
all wished him well as he left us.




New  York Volunteers.             93
Capt. John Higgins, of Company "D," and Capt.
John M. Sizer, of Company "G," were appointed by
Gen'l Augur acting field officers, and they were subsequently commissioned and mustered into the service as
Lieutenant Colonel and Major respectively.
The next day Col. Johnson, of the Twenty-first Me.
Vols., being the senior colonel in the brigade, assumed
command, but retained it only until the following day,
when, by order of Gen'l Augur, the Second La. Vols.
(white), raised in New Orleans by Gen'l Butler, was
transferred from the Second Brigade to ours, and its
Colonel, Charles J. Paine, by virtue of his seniority, relieved him. Col. Paine was a Massachusetts man, a
splendid soldier in every particular, a rigid disciplinarian, and we soon found in him a worthy successor to
Chapin. He remained in command until the following
August, when he went North, and was subsequently
made a Brigadier General and Brevet Major General of
Volunteers, serving again under Gen'l Butler in the
Army of the James.
It was now determined that our only hope of success
was in laying siege to the place, and unless it surrendered, destroy their artillery and thus make a second
assault less disastrous, if not successful. Accordingly
large numbers of the heaviest siege guns were brought
into requisition, and the troops kept constantly employed
at night in erecting earthworks for them. In addition
to this, one company each day was sent out as sharpshooters, to within three or four hundred yards of the
enemy's works. This duty was extremely hazardous,
and fully as fatiguing as that of' digging earthworks, as
will be seen by the following extract from a letter of one
of the officers, detailing a day's experience with his com5*




94          Onze IHtandred and Sixteenth
pany on the advanced line:' The weather was intensely hot, and the,water we had to drink was warm, and
unpalatable, being obtained from a swamp. To lie all
day on a field under a burning sun, or a shower of railn,
your only amusement watching the enemy, and firing
an occasional shot, which was sure to bring a dozen in
reply, compelled to satisfy thirst with swamp water,
and h-glnger with a piece of salt meat and a few hard
tack, is certainly a situation to which the term luxurious
cannot be naturally applied."
The work of erecting batteries was completed on the
morning of June 12th, and at 12 o'clock noon on that
day, every piece of artillery, both from our land batteries
and from the gunboats on the river, was opened on the
doomed place. For nearly an hour was that terrific cannonade continued, and then Gen'l Banks, by flag of
truce, demanded the immediate surrender of the place.
The soldierly reply of the rebel Gen'l Gardner was,
that his duty was to defend, not to surrender.
The following night, June 13th, the One Hundred and
Sixteenth was ordered to the support of Holcomb's
Battery, nicely posted in earthworks, within four hundred yards of the fortifications. About two hours before daybreak, June 14th, we were moved to the left
some distance, and with the other regiments of our brigade, directed to deploy five comupanies as skirmishers,
holding the remaining five in reserve.  These skirmishers were to creep as near to the works as was possible,
and at a given signal, were to open a heavy fire on the
enemy, while all the artillery followed suit. The object
of this movement was to lead the enemy to suppose that
we in the centre were the attacking force, and while he
bent all his energies to defend this point, the real attack




New York Volunteers.              95
was to be made on the right and left, where it was
hoped no men, or but very few, would be found to resist.
Our orders were obeyed to the very letter, and after
two or three hours the five companies in reserve were
also deployed and joined the skirmish line. Our artillery had by this time dismantled all the heavy guns of
the rebels, and we found it a much easier day's work
than that of May 27th, owing to the fact, that only muskets were used against us, and also that our two weeks
experience had been of great value to us. All day, and
until nightfall, we remained here under the broiling heat
of a summer sun, and were then withdrawn.
In this engagement the One Hundred and Sixteenth
lost one officer and four enlisted men killed, and twentythree wounded. The officer killed was Lieut. Timothy
Linahan, a brave little fellow, who did honor to the One
Hundredth N. Y. Vols. from which he graduated. This
list was much smaller than the one we had mourned three
weeks before, but still sufficiently large as to again
depress our spirits, and lead us to question if our commander-in-chief knew aught of his profession.
On our left the forces under Gen'l Dwight attempted
the capture of what was termed the "citadel," situated
just on the brink of a deep ravine, the strongest point
in the whole line of' defences, and the possession of
which was the ambition of the said Dwight. He failed,
however, to realize his hopes, getting his troops into
such a position under the guns of this work, that they
could neither advance or retire, and quietly remained
there all day.
The assault on the right, although gallantly made, and
sustained with brave determination throughout the en



96          One Hundred and Sixteenth
tire day, was unsuccessful, so far as gaining an entrance
was concerned; but our line was advanced in some
places, to within fifty yards of the rebel works, an advantage patent to all eyes, and which enabled us to mine
their works subsequently with greater ease than would
have been the case had we been three hundred yards
distant.
Col. E. B. Smith, of the One TTundred and Fourteenth
N. Y. Vols., fell in this attack mortally wounded, and
survived but a few hours, while Lieut. Col. Rodman, of
the Thirty-eighth Mass. Vols., was killed.  On the
27th of May, the same day upon which we lost our dearly loved Chapin, Col. D. S. Cowles, of the One Hundred
and Twenty-eighth N. Y. Vols., was also killed; so that
in these two assaults on Port Hudson, these four regiments who were brigaded together at Baltimore, who
came upon Banks' Expedition together, and whose history had been more or less intimately connected, were
now, by the fortunes of war, deprived of their commanders, and thus enabled to sympathize with each
other in their sorrow, anvd mourn each other's loss.




2New York Volunteers.            97
CHAPTER IX.
UPON the right, where Gen'l Grover's troops had
effected so close a lodgment, extensive preparations were
now made to mine the works of the enemy. Day and
night without any cessation men were kept at work,
until they had drifted in so far that the sound of the
rebels inside their fortifications could be distinctly heard
nearly over head; but as all this does not immediately
concern the One Hundred and Sixteenth, it must not be
enlarged upon; suffice it to say, that ere the mine was
exploded, Port Hudson was surrendered, and many lives
no doubt were saved.
Our brigade was now very much reduced in numbers
by the long lists of killed and wounded, and by sickness,
of which, from exposure, there was considerable, especially in the Twenty-first Me. Vols., and Forty-eighth
Mass. Vols. Upon our front were three batteries, one
of which-Holcomb's Second Vermont-was advanced.
well up to the enemy's works. One half at least of the
command was required to support these batteries, while
with the remaining half we had to cover our entire
front, a mile at least, with sharpshooters by day, and
pickets by night. From this it may be presumed that
our duties were laborious in the extreme; seven-eighths
of our time was spent either in the rifle pits, supporting
these batteries, or on the advanced line of sharpshooters
and pickets. This latter duty, although it may seem
strange to the reader, was always preferred, as there
we were enabled to choose our positions, and from behind some log, watch, as intently as a cat does a mouse,




98         One Hundred and Sixteenth
the first " Johnnie" who dared to show so much as his
top-knot. This was seldom our good fortune, for our
few weeks at Port Hudson had made excellent marksmen of most of us, which fact the rebels had learned,
and to save their precious heads, used sand-bags for
a piotection. Two of these were placed upon the parapet, with a slight interval between, and then one was
put upon the two, covering the opening and forming a
loop-hole, fiom which they could watch us in security,
while our only hope was to send our compliments
through these small holes. This was no easy task, but
there was excitement about it, and very few were found
who did not prefer it to the support of the batteries.
There we were forced to crowd into a narrow pit, some
two feet deep, and jammed and wedged together, sore
from bruises, thirsty and hungry, but above all, dirty
beyond anything our friends at home would have believed, and beyond our ability to prevent, we lay under
a hot June sun during the long hours of the day.
During these days the time of some of the nine
months regiments expired, and much dissatisfaction was
manifested that Gen'l Banks did not at once discharge
them and send them home; but except in two instances
no open mutiny was indulged in. These two regiments
were the Fourth and Forty-eighth Mass. Vols.  The
former was attached to Grover's Division, and from a
lack of ability or willingness on the part of their brigade
commander, they were allowed to go to such lengths,
that the whole regiment were put in arrest by Gen'l
Banks and confined at his head-quarters until a courtmartial finally sent a good portion of them to the penitentiary at Baton Rouge.
The latter had the honor of belonging to our brigade,




Xew York Volunteers.             99
and the use of stern measures by Col. Paine, the brigade
commander, saved them the open disgrace they so richly
deserved. It was on one of the nights soon after their
time had expired, according to their figuring, that the
Forty-eighth was directed to proceed to Holcomb's Battery and relieve the One Hundred and Sixteenth, who
had been on duty there for twenty-four hours.  Col.
Paine was informed that one company had held a meeting shortly after the receipt of this order, and solemnly
resolved that they would do no more duty; but he
hardly thought that men who had been under the command of Col. Chapin and himself would dare to attempt
the carrying out of such a resolution. Not long after,
however, word was brought that Col. Stone had, to his
disgrace, left his bivouac with but nine companies, and
that the mutineers were there congratulating themselves
that the assertion of their rights was so successful.
Sending an aide with instructions to bring the company
to his quarters at once, he dispatched another to his own
regiment, the Second La. Vols. (white), with an order
for Capt. IH, with his company, to report at the same
place, and waited their coming.
In about half an hour the gallant sons of Massachusetts marched up with a determined look, which seemed
to say, "We have taken a stand upon our rights, sir,
which you cannot force us to retract." They were
formed immediately in front of the Colonel's tent, and
just then Capt. II -, with his company, arrived.
They were formed in rear of the mutineers, and when
quiet had been secured, Col. Paine ordered Capt.'H —
to cause his company, whose pieces were already loaded,
to come to a " ready," and if any man in the other company attempted to leave, to shoot him down. A per



100         One Hundred and Sixteenth
ceptible change was seen to pass over the faces of the
mutineers at this unexpected mode of treatment. Calling up each man, he inquired his name and rank, and
then demanded if he had refused to do duty, and if he
still refused. From  the record made upon the spot,
but three of the entire company were found who had the
courage to answer the last question in the affirmative.
These three were placed under guard, and the rest of
the company proceeded, without a murmur, to join their
regiment in the rifle pits, and this was the last of the
mutiny of the Forty-eighth Mass. Vols.
The sap on Grover's front was every day gaining
ground, and it was presumed that when finished and exploded, a breach would be made in the enemy's works
sufficient to enable our army to enter at once. However,
to prevent any failure, it was deemed best to organize
one storming party for the whole command, to be composed of volunteers from each regiment. These were
to be collected in a body and officered and drilled as a
regiment in the peculiar duties expected of them.
On the- 24th of June an order was received calling for these volunteers; and although the bitter experience of our two unsuccessful assaults it was feared
would prevent any response, yet twenty-four brave boys
were found in the One Hundred and Sixteenth who
were willing to offer themselves once more for this perilous undertaking. Their names were as follows: Frank
Bentley, Isaac Colvin, Philip Linebits, Daniel Covensparrow, Andrew Cook, Charles Fisher, F. Hildebrand,
H. Daniels, John M. McComber, Christian Grawi,
Francis Oberfill, Frederick Niewardie, James Gallagher,
Thomas Maloney, Cornelius Fitzpatrick, Theodore Hansel, Frederick Weber, Samuel Whitmore, William Mar



_YNew  York Volunteers.          101
tin, Fred Jost, Jacob Zumnstein, Henry Favre, Jacob
Tschole and Albert D. Prescott. They left us and joined
the other volunteers, who were organized into two battalions under the command of Col. Birge, of the Thirteenth Conn. Vols. They remained there until after the
surrender of Port Hudson, an occurrence which prevented the necessity of another assault, and doubtless
saved most of their lives.
Amid all our trials there were occasional occurrences
which served to enliven our dreary hours of duty, and
afforded us many a hearty laugh. Upon the staff of
Col. Paine was Lieut. R  -, of the gallant Forty-eighth
Mass. Vols., who acted as Commissary of Subsistence,
and from the nature of his duties was not expected to
establish for himself much of a reputation for bravery,
nor was it necessary that he should gain a name for the
opposite; but in spite of himself he did, and many were
the practical jokes perpetrated at his expense. Brigade
head-quarters was established in the edge of a piece of
woods, through which a road ran, terminating about
half a mile distant at the lower battery, which it was
part of our duty to support. Every night after dark, a
regiment marched through this road to relieve the one
posted there the night before, and it was customary for
one of the staff officers to accompany it. A plan had
been matured by Lieut. A., of the staff, to give Lieut.
RI, the Commissary, a good scare, having first secured the countenance of the Colonel, who enjoyed a
good joke in its place as well as any one. Accordingly,
by direction of the Colonel, he informed R —   that it
would be his duty, just at dusk, to conduct the relieving
regiment through this road to the lower battery; and to
prevent the possibility of his returning by any other




102         One Ifundred and Sixteenth
route, or of his not coming back at once, Lieut. PI),
also of the staff, accompanied him.  Mounting their
horses they were soon on the way. Lieuts. A,
W - and C  -, enveloping themselves in some old
mosquito bars, that they might, in the dusk of the evening, resemble as closely as\possible our greyback enemies, and arming themselves with muskets, proceeded
some distance down the road, ensconced themselves behind some large trees, and waited the return of Rand P. In a short time the sound of their horses'
feet was heard as they rode leisurely back, and soon
their forms appeared. Allowing them to get nearly
past, the concealed "Johnnies" rushed out and demanded their immediate surrender. R-  was upon
the point of acceding to the demand, when P, who
was in the secret, urged his horse forward at a gallop,
calling to R- to come on, which he was not slow in
doing, riding off at full speed amid the click of two or
three musket locks. Thinking that the ruse had worked
splendidly, the lieutenants proceeded back to head-quarters, entering at intervals to escape detection. Here
they found R- in a high state of excitement, his eyes
protruding and his hair almost on end, recounting to the
Colonel how he and Lieut. P  - had been nearly taken
prisoners by the rebels. To the question of the Colonel
as to how many there were, he replied, that there could
not have been less than a dozen. It was manifest that the
joke could be extended, and all soon began to show evident signs of fear. A reconnoisance was at once proposed,
and mounting their horses, they all started once more
down the road, R - gradually falling behind and not
venturing very far from head-quarters. Pretending to
see something alarming, those in advance wheeled their




New York Volunteers.            103
steeds and rushed back, only to find R- there before them, and with exultant look, demanding if they
thought him a fool. Several times this performance was
repeated, each time to the increased excitement of poor
R. At last, wearied with exertion, the whole staff
assembled around the Colonel and gravely discussed
the matter. One proposed that the brigade be turned
out and a thorough examination of the woods be entered
upon; another, that Gen'l Banks be at once informed
that a force of the enemy had broken through our line,
and were now prowling about our camps. The Colonel
at last expressed himself as of the opinion that it would
not be safe to go to sleep with these fellows in such
close proximity, and with only the head-quarter's guard
to care for the horses, equipments, etc. He therefore
directed Lieut. P  to remain on duty until midnight,
then to call Lieut. R, who was to remain in charge
until daybreak, at which time Lieut. C~-  would relieve him. Completely exhausted, R — announced
that if he was to go on duty at midnight, he should at
once retire; after which the restrained mirth of the company burst forth, and after a hearty laugh at poor
R's expense, all turned in except P -, who allowed that he was going to see the thing out. Sitting
down, he occupied an hour or so in letter writing, and
then before midnight armed himself with a musket and
proceeded to rouse R. He found him sleeping very
soundly, but after repeated efforts at last awoke him,
and told him that it was the Colonel's order that he
should shoulder the musket and walk a certain beat
which he pointed out to him, carrying his gun either at
a " support," or a " right shoulder shift," and consoling
him with the thought that he was to have the best part




104         One Hundred and Sixteenth
of the night left him. Without a moment's pause, from
that time until daybreak, he walked his beat as faithfully as ever soldier did. Of course the story circulated
throughout the whole brigade, but all were careful to
keep the secret firom the redoubtable lieutenant, who
told it himself with great gusto, to the infinite delight
of all.
Some months after, and just as Col.. Paine was about
leaving for the North, he told R~ the whole story,
who took it all in good part, but avowed his determination, ere he left, to get even with the staff.
Our glorious Fourth of July was well kept by the
entire command, national salutes being fired at daybreak, noon and sundown, different only from those
fired at our homes in the number of guns used; a difference so marked, that none of us ever have since heard
the like.
Two days later the glad news of the surrender of
Vicksburg to Gen'l Grant enabled us for the first time
in many days to exercise our lungs, which opportunity
was embraced with a hearty good will. Our lusty
cheers were no doubt divined by the besieged garrison,
but many inquiries like this-"' I say, Yank, what are
you'ns cheering for," were yelled at us; and when they
were informed that Grant had captured Vicksburg,
with Pemberton and his entire army, some would not
believe it, while many evinced no surprise.
That night two companies of the One Hundred and
Sixteenth under command of Capt. Kinney, occupied
the advanced post at Holcomb's Battery, and between
twelve and one o'clock, a bugle from within the works
was heard to sound the call, "cease firing."  Immediately thereafter, a party of horsemen were seen ad



Xew  York Volunteers.             105
vancing carrying a lantern elevated on a pole. They
were halted and duly challenged by Capt. Kinney, who
was informed that they had a dispatch for Gen'l Banks
from Gen'l Gardner, and requested that it be forwarded
at once. It was sent to Col. Paine, who directed Lieut.
Clark, of the One Hundred and Sixteenth, serving on his
staff, to proceed to Gen'l Banks' head-quarters, some two
miles in the rear, and deliver it. It read in substance
as follows: "I am informed that Gen'l Pemberton has
surrendered Vicksburg to Gen'l Grant. If the report
is true, I have to request a cessation of hostilities, with
a view to an agreement of terms for the surrender of
Port Hudson."  In reply, Gen'l Banks transmitted a
copy of Grant's dispatch to him announcing the surrender, and utterly refused a cessation of hostilities, demanding an unconditional surrender. On the reception
of this reply, which was delivered by Brig. Gen'l Stone,
Gen'l Gardner at once surrendered the post and garrison. Three commissioners from each side were occupied during the whole of July 8th, in making the exact
terms of capitulation, during which time the rebels freely visited our works and were visited in return by us,
hobnobbing in as friendly a manner as though nothing
like enmity had ever existed between us. Terrible were
the stories they told us of hunger appeased with mule
meat, and freely were they supplied by us with hard
tack and coffee, which they devoured so greedily as to
leave no doubt in our minds of the truth of the stories.
In return, they gave us of their very limited supply of
corn cakes which we found exceedingly palatable, after
weeks spent in munching Uncle Sam's hard tack. Canteens were exchanged, and many mementoes of the siege
of Port Hudson were secured by us. All this friendly in



106         One Hundred and Sixteenth
tercourse was the result of mutual respect.  We could
not but admire the endurance and pluck manifested so
often by these men we were now conversing with, even
if that endurance was in a mistaken cause; nor could
they but admit that our assaults upon their works had exhibited many daring deeds of valor, and fiom being deadly enemies seeking each other's lives, we were now on as
friendly terms as was possible under the circumstances.
We found the men tired and sick of the war, ignorant
almost to a man of exactly what they were fighting for,
and swearing that they would never more bear arms for
Jeff. Davis' Confederacy.  As a general thing the
officers paraded their grey uniforms and stood aloof, or
when drawn into conversation, manifested a surly desire
to renew the conflict so soon as they were able.
By the terms of capitulation, the whole force of Gen'l
Gardner, except the general officers, were to be paroled, the officers retaining their side arms, and the
formal surrender was to take place the next morning at
nine o'clock. But a portion of our troops were to take
possession at that time, and each Division Commander
was directed to select two of his best regiments for this
purpose. Gen'l Augur selected from his Division the
One Hundred and Sixteenth, and Second La. Vols.
(white), a compliment of no mean value. Accordingly,
on the morning of July 9th, 1863, the One Hundred and
Sixteenth marched up the road they had so long
watched, drew near to the fortifications which had twice
been almost within their reach, and finally entered the
place which for six long weeks they had sought for.
That it was a proud and happy hour the reader need not
be told. Upon the right, the post of honor, leading the
occupying force, was the storming party under command




Nlew York TVolunteers.          107
of Col. Birge, a fitting position for men who had expected with their bayonets to force a way for those who
now followed them so quietly. Filing to the right, we
marched to the level plateau, near the bank of the river,
our flags flying and drums beating. Here we found the
whole rebel force drawn up in line of battle, and when
directly in front of them we were halted and faced to
the front. Gen'l Gardner now rode up to Gen'l Stone,
Chief of Gen'l Banks' staff, and in a few brief words
surrendered the forces and fortifications of Port Hudson, at the same time presenting his sword in token of
his defeat. The sword was received, but immediately
returned, with complimentary remarks on the gallant
defence made. Turning to his little army, Gen'l Gardner gave the command, "ground arms," and over six
thousand conquered rebels bowed before their conquerors, as they laid their guns upon the ground. Upon the
flagstaff, near by, the glorious old stars and stripes floated
out in the breeze, amid the shouts of thousands of voices,
and the thunders of saluting guns. All these proclaimed
that Port Hudson was ours, and that we had completed
the severing of the Southern Confederacy and opened
the Mississippi.
Port Hudson is a very small place, numbering about a
dozen houses, and except as a rebel military post and
the history of its siege and capture, probably never
would have been heard of outside of its immediate
vicinity. We counted much upon an examination of
the fortifications, which the days we were to spend
there resting after our hard work were to afford us the
opportunity of doing; but ere the sun went down that
day, the One Hundred and Sixteenth was marched on
board the steamer Gen'l Banks, and proceeded to Donaldsonville, some sixty miles below.




108           One Hundred and Sixteenth
At Port Hudson we parted with our Division Commander, Maj. Gen'l Augur.  As the ranking officer under Gen'l Banks, he was entitled to better treatment
than he received during the siege; but from some cause
the opinions of much younger men, greatly his inferiors,
were allowed to have more weight than his. He stoutly
opposed the assault of May 27th, so disastrous in its results, and afterwards was treated in so formal a manner
by those at army head-quarters, that he deemed it best
to withdraw as soon as possible from the department.
His health breaking down before we entered Port Hudson, he sought and obtained a leave of absence, went
North, and was assigned to duty as commandant of the
defences of Washington.
We had thought very much of him at Baton Rouge,
where his kindly features seemed to speak of a warm
heart; but when at Plain Store he showed himself so
well able to handle his command in the hour of danger,
and at Port Hudson evinced so much care for us, with
such unfeigned sympathy in our hardships and losses,
we almost worshipped him, and every man felt when
lie knew of his departure, that we had lost a dear friend.
That he thought something of the One Hundred and
Sixteenth was manifested on more than one occasion,
and when nearly two years later we found ourselves, by
the shiftings of a soldier's life, in the vicinity of Washington, he learned of it, and through his influence we
were assigned to duty in his command, as a portion
of the provost guard of our nation's capital.




New York Volunteers.            109
CHAPTER  n.
TIIE siege of Port Hudson enabled Gen'l Dick Taylor,
cornlnanding the rebel forces west of the Mississippi,
and who had been so badly beaten by Gen'l Banks on
his advance to Alexandria, to succeed in collecting his
scattered army. In hopes of drawing Gen'l Banks
away from Port Hudson, he had, at two or three points
on the river bank between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, erected batteries, and thus laid an embargo upon
the use of the river. Finding that this did not have the
desired effect, he next threatened New Orleans, and
presenting himself with an army of ten or twelve thousand men before Fort Butler, at Donaldsonville, the junction of the Bayou La Fourche with the Mississippi,
demanded its surrender. The fort was garrisoned by
two hundred and twenty-five men, under the command
of Major D. D. Bullen, of the Twenty-eighth Me. Vols.,
who refused to capitulate. An attack was at once made
by the rebels, but the position was most gallantly defended, the enemy losing, in prisoners alone, almost as
many men as composed the garrison, besides a large
number killed and wounded. It was to attend to this
force of rebels that a portion of Gen'l Banks' army at
Port Hudson was so hurriedly embarked, among which
was the One Hundred and Sixteenth.
At eight o'clock on the morning of July 10th we arrived at Donaldsonville, where we found the enemy's
picket line, and every preparation made by them to
renew the attack upon the fort. A strong picket line
was at once thrown out, before which that of the enemy
6




110          One Hundred and Sixteenth
fell back, and, except some skirmishing, nothing transpired for two or three days.
Donaldsonville was at one time the capital of Louisiana, and was now the county seat of Ascension Parish.
Befbre the desolation of war it had boasted its thousands of inhabitants, and had been a beautiful city, the
abode of elegance and refinement, as was evidenced by
several fine churches and public buildings which had
escaped the destruction visited upon the place by Admiral
Farragut, for outrages on his fleet; now, however, it had
a deserted look, and its inhabitants could be counted by
hundreds.
On the 13th, Dudley's Brigade of Augur's Division,
upon the north bank of the Bayou La Fourche, and
Morgan's brigade of Grover's Division, upon the south
bank, were moved forward, and meeting with some considerable resistance, our brigade was ordered to the
support of Dudley. We advanced about a mile and a
half, and there went into bivouac an hour before noon.
There being no indications of an engagement, preparations for our mid-day meal proceeded with more
than the usual promise of a good dinner, as we were
encamped on a large plantation,'whose owner, either
willingly or unwillingly, furnished a supply the like of
which had not been seen by us for many weeks. Fresh
pork and beef, chickens and geese, and wherever a remarkably good caterer was found, sweet potatoes and
cabbages, invited us to a meal fit, in our eyes, to set before a king. Some were fortunate enough to dine early,
but most were either, while anxiously waiting its cooking, or engaged in the merits of the case, aroused by
the rattle of musketry in our front, and ere the precious
viands were devoured we were ordered into line, and
hurriedly moved to the front.




New York Volunteers.             111
The road upon which we advanced ran parallel to the
bayou, and following it some little distance, meeting at
almost every step wounded men fiom Dudley's Brigade,
we filed to the right into another road running at right
angles with the other. The One Hundred and Sixteenth
being on the left of the brigade, its left rested on the
Bayou road, where a section of the First Maine Battery
was in position. We found on either side of the road
we occupied a deep ditch, into.one of which we were
ordered. This afforded us good protection from the fire
of the enemy, who were now driving Dudley's Brigade
slowly back.  The behavior of this brigade was excellent. Coming back in line of' battle, they were halted,
faced about, and firing a volley, would continue the retreat, loading their pieces as they did so. The One
Hundred and Sixty-first N. Y. Vols., Lieut. Col. Kinsey,
was in our immediate front, and behaved most gallantly.
Passing through our line they formed some distance in
our rear, and the advancing rebels called our attention.
Some eight hundred yards in our front was a large
house, with its negro quarters and barns. As the rebel
line came into view from behind these houses, a few
scattering shots greeted them from such of our boys as
could not restrain the desire to unload their pieces; but
nearly all, in obedience to instructions, held their fire.
Almost breathlessly we watched the advancing line.
It was, indeed, a beautiful sight, for never were men
better handled than were these rebels.
Our line it will be remembered was in a ditch, immediately in fiont of which was a fence, and as a consequence we were almost entirely hidden fiom view, so
that the rebels were advancing to a reception they had
but little idea of.  Col. Paine, our brigade commander,




112         One Hundred and Sixteenth
watched the approach of the enemy with a practised
eye; and when the moment came and his order was
given, we poured a volley into them before which their
line melted as though it had been wax, and those not
killed or wounded, sought the protection of the adjacent
houses.
In the meantime the section of the First Maine Battery, already mentioned as in position on the Bayou
road, was receiving from across the bayou a fire which
showed plainly that our forces on that side had fallen
back, enabling the rebels to get upon our flank, and using
the levee for protection would very soon make it impossible for us to hold our line. Several battery horses
were killed, and the lieutenant in command found that
the remaining horses, with nearly all his men, had left
him, taking with them one of' the guns. It would not
do to leave the other gun to be captured, and the fire
from across the bayou was every moment becoming
sharper. In this dilemma, Capt. Tuttle, of the One
Hundred and Sixteenth, whose company, " C," was on
the left of the regiment, came to the lieutenant's assistance with a portion of his men. Amid a perfect hailstorm of bullets they seized the piece and dragged it in
safety to the rear; but hardly had they commenced the
perilous undertaking before a ball entered poor Tuttle's
head, and he fell dead, another offering from the One
Hundred and Sixteenth.
After his repulse, the enemy made use of the houses,
and from windows and other openings soon made our
position very uncomfortable, especially as we could seldomn see enough of them to return the compliment, while
they were enabled from their elevated positions to make
almost every shot tell. Besides this, the increasing fire




Neew York Volunteers.            113
from across the bayou, to which we could not reply,
contributed very largely to our annoyance, and made us
long for either an order to advance or retire.
Gen'l Weitzel, in command of all our forces at Donaldsonville, soon ascertained that Col. Morgan with his
brigade, on the opposite side of the bayou, had retreated,
thus exposing our flank, and directed Col. Paine to fall
back, which we did in good order.
Immediately after leaving our position we entered a
corn field of immense growth, the stalks being between
six and seven feet in heighth; and when it is remembered that we were in Louisiana, and that it was the
13th day of July, none will dispute the assertion that it
was hot in that corn field. Suffocating would be a better term, for it really seemed as if the air was directly
fiom the burning fiery furnace mentioned by the Prophet Daniel. Many poor fellows found it impossible to
keep up, and dropped down, only to be captured by the
rebels, who advanced as soon as we fell back. Passing
through this corn field we reached the Bayou road and
returned to the vicinity of Fort Butler. Thus ended
the battle of" Cox's Plantation."  It was a repulse, the
discredit of which could not attach to the One Hundred
and Sixteenth, or Paine's Brigade. We had fought well,
defended our position with a heavy loss to the enemy
long after Col. Morgan retreated, and only retired when
ordered to do so. Where the dishonor did rest can be
told when it is known that Col. Morgan was at once put
in arrest by Gen'l Weitzel, court-martialed and dismissed the service. The loss of the One Hundred and
Sixteenth was, in killed, one officer and four men;
wounded, one officer and twenty-two men; missing, prisoners, twenty-one men. Total, two officers and fortyseven men.




114         One H.undred and Sixteenth
Gen'l Dick Taylor did not deem it prudent even after
our repulse to renew the attack, but remaining a day or
two left the vicinity, learning, no doubt, that his efforts to
draw Gen'l Banks from Port Hudson had failed. His
victories at Brashier City and other points, where he had
captured some hundreds of prisoners and a large amount
of stores, were barren, in view of the grand results at
Port Hudson.
His troops were loth to believe that Port Hudson had
fallen, as the following incident will show. Among our
wounded left upon the field was a soldier fast losing
consciousness, to whom a rebel general came bringing a
surgeon with him. The surgeon examined him and told
him there was no hope of his recovery and that he must
die. The general then asked him, in view of the fact
that he was so soon to appear before his Maker, to tell
him whether Port Hudson had really been captured by
Gen'l Banks or not.
Our stay at Donaldsonville was protracted until
August 1st. We managed to make ourselves in a measure comfortable, but found that to keep cool in Louisiana
during this season of the year was entirely out of the
question. Nothing has been said thus far of the health
of the One Hundred and Sixteenth, owing to the fact
that, excepting a few cases of diseases consequent upon the
prolonged seige at Port Hudson, but very few had been
really sick; and even now, with the intense heat of a
July sun pouring down upon us, not many were on the
sick list. One great cause of this was the fact already
mentioned, that but very few men were accepted by
Surgeon Hutchins in Buffalo who were not able to endure hardships. Another was, that we had arrived at
New Orleans in just the right season, mid-winter, to




New York Volunteers.            115
enable us to become acclimated before the heated term
set in.
While here at Donaldsonville, Col. Paine, in whom
we had all come to have great confidence, received a
leave of absence and left us for the North. Major Geo.
M. Love, who had received a commission as Colonel of
the One Hundred and Sixteenth, having almost recovered from the wound received at Port Hudson, assumed command of the brigade.
At ten o'clock, August 1st, the One Hundred and
Sixteenth broke up its bivouac at Donaldsonville, went
on board the government transport Excelsior, and at
six o'clock that afternoon tied up to the wharf boat at
Baton Rouge.  Without much time being lost we
found ourselves back in Camp Niagara, after an absence
of only two months, but which from the scenes we had
passed through seemed like two years.
Here we found sick and wounded comrades who had
left us during the siege of Port Hudson, and around
many a camp fire we rehearsed the events which had
transpired after they left us.
Two weeks were spent here, and then the One Hundred and Sixteenth was ordered to garrison Fort Williams, where we found a good camping ground and
better accommodations than ever befbre.
The time of the nine months regiments, of which
there were three in our brigade, was now about expiring.
The Twenty-first Me. Vols. did not leave Port Hudson
with us, its time being so nearly expired that it was
deemed best to leave them there for the few days they
had to remain, rather than transport them down the
river, and now the Forty-eighth and Forty-ninth Mass.
Vols. were ordered to proceed home by the way of
Cairo.




116         One fIundred and Sixteenth
The loss of so many regiments made a reorganization
of the Nineteenth Corps necessary, and we were announced as a part of the First Brigade, First Division,
composed of the Thirtieth Mass. Vols., One Hundred and
Sixteenth, One Hundred and Sixty-first, and One Hundred and Seventy-fourth N. Y. Vols., and Second La.
Vols. (white). Col. Dudley, of the Thirtieth Mass., being
the senior colonel, was to be its commander; but strange
to say, there was a scarcity of general officers, and he was
accordingly placed in temporary command of the division, leaving Col. Love, for the time being, brigade
commander.
The flag which the good citizens of Buffalo had presented to us when we left for the seat of war had suffered terribly. At Plain Store no rebel bullet had dared
to enter its sacred folds, but at Port Hudson it received
many such marks, besides being torn almost to shreds
by a charge of cannister.  The fact being made known
to Captain D. P. Dobbins, he procured another more
beautiful if possible than the first, and while in camp at
Fort Williams it was received, and in the name of the
donor presented to the regiment in a speech by Col.
Love. At the request of Capt. Dobbins the old one
was returned to him for safe keeping, and has since been
deposited by him in the rooms of the Buffalo Historical
Society.
Orders were received on the 12th of August detailing
Lieut. Col. Higgins, Capt. Carpenter, Lieut. Clark, and
six enlisted men, to proceed North for the purpose of
bringing to the regiment such conscripts as should be
assigned to it. With many messages to friends at home
from those less fortunate than themselves, they left us.




New  York Volunteers.-           117
CHAPTER XI.
IT was on May 1st, 1863, that an order was issued
by direction of Maj. Gen'l Banks, commanding the Department of the Gulf; proposing the organization of a
Corps d'Armee of colored troops, to be designated as
the Corps d'Afrique. It was to consist ultimately of
eighteen regiments, representing all arms,-infantry,
cavalry and artillery, organized in three divisions of
three brigades each. The regiments were at first to be
limited to five hundred men, a limit based upon the
opinion that the valor of the soldier is rather acquired
than natural, and that with a race so unaccustomed to
military service as the slave of the South, much more
depended on the-immediate influence of officers upon
individual members than with those that have acquired
more or less of warlike habits and spirit by centuries of
contest. It was also used as an argument in favor of
this limit, that the average of white regiments was less
than that number, entirely overlooking the fact that the
average of the white regiments, although not exceeding
that number, yet represented the substance of a fill
regiment of one thousand men; and subsequent experience proved the fallacy of this limitation, for when the
chaff was separated from the grain nothing but skeleton
regiments remained.  The regiments were to consist of
ten companies, each having the following minimum organization: I captain, 1 first lieutenant, 1 second lieutenant, 1 first sergeant, 4 sergeants, 4 corporals, 2
buglers, and 40 privates. The regimental organization
was to be the same as that fixed by law for an infantry
6*




118         One Hundred and Sixteenth
regiment. Previous to this and during Gen'l Butler's
administration of the affairs of the department, four
regiments of colored troops were organized and known
as the Louisiana Native Guards; but the people were
not fully prepared for the admission of colored troops,
and the subject required delicate handling, so delicate,
indeed, as to seriously impair the efficiency of these
regiments, and it was not until these regiments were
incorporated into the Corps d'Afrique that they
manifested any degree of soldierly qualities.  Brig.
Gen'l Daniel Ullmann had also begun the organization
of a brigade of five regiments, and these with Col.
Hodge's regiment of engineers were likewise transferred
and formed part of the "Corps d'Afrique." The recruiting for the corps was regulated by a commission
appointed by the commanding general to whom all questions concerning the enrollment, recruiting, etc., were referred, subject to the proper approval from head-quarters.
Subsequently this authority was transferred to a superintendent, and when conscription became the order of
the day in our Northern States, the benefits of this system were likewise applied to the newly made freedmen
of the South. The entire corps was placed under the
command of Brig. Gen'l Geo. L. Andrews, formerly
chief of Gen'l Banks' staff, a graduate of West Point,
and a soldier of eminent ability. To his untiring energy
and perseverance is due a great part of the credit, which
in spite of all obstacles and underhanded machinations
the Corps d'Afrique earned the right to claim, and it
was with sincere regret that the officers of the corps
parted with their general, when sickness caused him to
seek a healthier climate.
Shortly after the battle of Cox's Plantation, Adjt.




2Vew  York Volunteers.              119
Jno. B. Weber, then serving on the brigade staff, was
selected to organize a regiment for the Corps d'Afirique,
and immediately entered upon his new duties, establishing his head-quarters at Baton Rouge. Numerous were
the applications sent in to him by the officers and men
of the One Hundred and Sixteenth for positions in his
regiment, and as Col. Love had very kindly permitted
him to select such as he desired from among the applicants, and as he was well acquainted with their military
qualifications, it is fair to presume that it was an able
representation from the veterans of the One Hundred
and Sixteenth. There were thirteen of our boys altogether who obtained positions in this regiment, and as
it was in this manner intimately connected with us, we
give it a place in this record as part of our history.
The following is a list of these persons with their former
and subsequent rank:
Colonel-Jno. B. Weber, late Adjutant.
Lieut. Colonel-Robt. F. Atkins, late Captain.
Adjutant-Richard M. Hair, late Sergeant Major.
Quartermaster-J. L. Claghorn, late Commissary Sergeant.
Captain-Philip J. Weber, late Second Lieutenant.
Oscar F. Tiffany, late Second Lieutenant.
" Jno. W. Tuttle, late Sergeant.
Rollin C. Hubbard, late Sergeant.
1st Lieutenant-Jno. L. Carmer, late Sergeant.
"i   "( iC   Willard S. Berry, late Sergeant.
2d Lieutenant-Charles Faul, late Corporal.
Sergeant Major-Geo. S. Grimes, late Private.
Quartermaster Sergeant-Geo. L. Ebbs, late Private.
Recruiting operations for the new regiment were carried on briskly and with energy, and was only once
seriously interrupted by an order issued by Adjt. Gen'l
Lorenzo Thomas, who, although sent from Washington
to assist and facilitate enlistments, yet it seems was pre



120         One Hundred and Sixteenth
vailed upon by the "chivalry" to narrow down the
field of our operations. In spite of' this, however, the
regiment gradually approached completion, and on the
19th day of September, 1863, a commission w'as issued
to Adjt. Jno. B. Weber, and on the 8th day of October
he was formerly mustered into service at Port Hudson
(hie regiment having previously been ordered to report
there) as Colonel of the Eighteenth Regiment Corps
d'Afrique, which designation was subsequently changed
in General Orders to that of the Eighty-ninth Regiment
TU. S. Colored Infantry. Col. Weber was on the same
day placed in command of the Second Brigade, Second
Division, which command he held until the consolidation
of his regiment, except at short intervals while detailed
for court-martial service. Drilling was now the order
of the day, and much hard work in that line was got
over with for about two weeks. From that time forward fatigue duty, which meant throwing up fortifications, was a task to which the colored troops at Port
Hudson were subjected for about six months. In spite
of these disadvantages and the deterioration of discipline which inevitably follows such constant and uninterrupted fatigue duty, yet guard-mounting and dress
parades showed visible signs of improvement, and
for excellence in guard duty the regiment was several
times specially and publicly complimented by orders
from post head-quarters. The cleanliness of the camp
and its sanitary condition was also often the subject of
favorable comment in the report of the post officer of
the day.
Nothing of special interest occurred to vary the monotony of every day camp life, until some time in March,
when the preparatory orders for the celebrated but ill



Xew. York Volunteers.           121
fated Red River campaign were received, designating
Col. Weber's brigade as part of the colored troops to
participate in the movement. Then came the usual
hurry and bustle incident to preparations for active service, followed by countermand orders (as far as concerned the Second Brigade), which are, as a general
thing, quite as usual. The place of the Second Brigade
was filled by that of another belonging to the Corps
d'Afiique, and it was ordered that the entire strength
of the regiments composing the former brigade, with
the bare exeception of ten men to a company, should be
transferred to those regiments selected for active service. These ten men per company were left to the
choice of their respective commanders, and were to be
considered a nucleus whereupon to build new and complete organizations. These selections were the source
of many anxieties both on the part of the officers and
men, for many of these newly-made freedmen had become sincerely attached to their officers. They regarded
this transfer, as it was called, as only another method of
changing masters, and that they were freemen was considered on their part an open question. In return for
this transfer of men, the Second Brigade was promised
by Gen'l Banks a full complement of one thousand men
per regiment, this being held out as an inducement by
the powers that were, to submit quietly to an operation
from which every soldier knows there lies no appeal.
"Experience has proved " —thus argued this famous
order-" that wherever our armies entered upon new
fields or territories not previously despoiled by the
ravages of war, contrabands innumerable flocked to our
standard and returned with us to our strongholds, and
it was not doubted but what a sufficient number of men




122         One Hundred and Sixteenth
could be procured to not only fill up the Second Brigade,
Second Division, but every other regiment of the Corps
d'Afrique to the full maximum of one thousand men."
But the best of plans often go amiss, and he of " masterly retreat" fame found that experience had likewise
taught the rebels a lesson, and nearly all of the ablebodied negro males were run into the interior upon the
first approach of our armies, and consequently Gen'l
Banks came back with a less number of blacks than he
had when he started. This was a sad blow to the
officers of' the skeleton brigade, numbering now about
four hundred enlisted men, for upon the Red River campaign depended their only hopes for the completion of
their organization, the country in the possession of our
forces having previously been drained of nearly every
able-bodied negro available for military service. It was
a settled opinion among the officers of the brigade, that
they could not long remain in this condition, for the injustice to the Government of keeping in service officers
for fbur complete regiments to regulate the affairs of
scarcely a battalion was manifest to the most casual observer. These opinions soon found vent in rumors of
consolidation, and about the middle of June, 1864, a
private communication from an officer of Gen'l Banks'
staff reached Col. Weber, that orders for consolidation
had been issued from department head-quarters, whereupon he tendered his resignation as Colonel of the
Eighty-ninth, which was accepted June 26th, 1864.
The anticipated orders were duly received at regimental
head-quarters three or four days after, and the officers
were all honorably discharged, with the exception of
those who preferred remaining in the service with some
other regiments. A few, after enjoying a short visit




New  York Volunteers.           123
among their friends at the North returned to Louisiana,
and again entered the service.
Thus ended the existence of the Eighty-ninth Regiment U. S. Colored Infantry, and, for reasons previously
stated, we give it a place in our record on account of the
former intimate connection of its officers with our own
One Hundred and Sixteenth.




124        One fHundred and Sixteenth
CHA P TER XII.
OUR quiet life in Fort Williams was destined to be of
short duration.  Premonitory symptoms of a move
were constantly becoming stronger, until, on the 27th
day of August, orders were received to report at once
to New Orleans. Our comfortable tents were turned
over to the post quartermaster with every thing not essentially necessary on a campaign, and soon the One
Hundred and Sixteenth were on board a transport on
their way to New Orleans.  On our arrival there Col.
Love was directed to embark his whole brigade, consisting of' five regiments, on board the clipper ship Alexandria, a large and beautiful craft. Upon examination,
however, he found it impossible to crowd more than
two regiments on her and accordingly reported the fact
to Gen'l Weitzel, who succeeded Gen'l Augur in command of our division. An inspection of the fleet was
ordered, and Col. Love with two other officers made a
thorough examination of every vessel. They reported
an entire lack of accommodations, the result of which
was that more ships were at once chartered, and the
One Hundred  and Sixteenth with the Second La.
Vols. (white) were not very uncomfortably situated on
board the Alexandria.
Maj. Gen'l W. B. Franklin, about this time was assigned to the command of the Nineteenth Corps, and of
this expedition, which was to proceed to Sabine Pass,
upon the coast of Texas, and capturing the forts there
situated establish a base of' supplies and march inland.
When everything was on board and ammunition and




New  York Volunteers.             125
supplies had been stored away in the hold, we made
fast to a steam tug and started down the river.  A
rather tedious sail of about twelve hours brought us to
the mouth of the river, where we found a large number
of vessels all at anchor, and loaded, as the Alexandria
was, with troops.
Early on the morning of Sunday, the 6th of September, signals were seen flying from the flag-ship upon
which Gen'l Franklin had established himself, and the
usual bustle of raising anchors and putting to sea, with
the cheers of the men, made a very animated scene.
Four gunboats, ten ocean steamers and sailing vessels,
with a half dozen river steamers, comprised this formidable expedition, which was to sweep from the coast of
Texas every vestige of rebellion. The man who secured
the vessels upon which the troops were now setting out
on the treacherous waters of the Gulf, should have
been dismissed the service in disgrace, and it is not beyond question but that all who had a share in its
organization should have received the same fate.  One
of the steamers was minus a wheel and was making
the trip under great disadvantages, while most of our
artillery with their horses were on board river steamers,
about as fit for service in the Gulf as egg shells would
have been, and ere the return of the fleet, some of these
deposited their burdens in deep water.
Our noble ship under a press of canvass sailed majestically over the waters, doing about as well, so far as
we could see, as those propelled by steam. Our trip
fiom Fortress Monroe on board the large steamer Atlantic was for a portion of the time most delightful, but
for real pleasure we found a sailing craft much superior
to a steamer. All was still, no clatter of engines or




126        One Hundred and Sixteenth
splash of monstrous wheels, but easily and gracefully
we seemed to be borne along by nothing; and to add to
our enjoyment we found the captain of the ship a noblehearted specimen of the American sailor, ever anxious
to make our stay with him a pleasant one.
Toward night, on the 7th, we reached the designated
point, and were told that the long sandy beach was
Texas, and that Sabine Pass was before us.  Nothing
occurred that night to prevent our enjoying a good
sound sleep, and we awoke on the morning of September
8th to find it a clear, beautiful day, and with every indication of an attack being made upon the fort.
The Clifton, one of our gunboats, ran in and opened
her guns during the forenoon, but elicited no response,
and returned to her consorts. Some of the troops were
transferred from the large vessels in which they arrived,
to smaller ones, but the One thundred and Sixteenth
were undisturbed throughout the day and had a fine
view of all the operations.
About two o'clock P. M. there was a general movement of the gunboats, and two transports loaded with
troops, toward the works.  Three of the gunboats
passed well in toward the inlet, leaving the others to
guard the transports. They opened a heavy fire upon
the forts, which, however, made no reply until one of
them defiantly turned her bow up the channel; then the
enemy opened upon them, and with such good effect
that when the smoke cleared away two of the gunboats
the Sachem and Clifton, were seen entirely disabled
and flying white flags in token of surrender, while the
third slowly returned towards the fleet. Before darkness had closed in on the scene, we observed two rebel
steamers come down the inlet and tow the lost gunboats




Xew. York Volunteers.           127
out of our sight, and this was the finale of the Sabine
Pass'expedition.
Months afterward we learned that this fort mounted
but three guns and was garrisoned by but fifty men.
Comment is unnecessary.
During that night Gen'l Franklin directed the fleet to
return to New Orleans, and when we turned out the
next morning we found our ship already under way.
Had the wind been favorable we should have made a
quick run back to the mouth of the river, but we found
a strong head wind opposing us, the sea was very rough
and every hour becoming more so. Besides all this our
rations were nearly used up, and the supply of fresh
water on ship-board almost exhausted.  Short rations
had been experienced before and we had been days
with nothing to eat, but never in our previous service had we been deprived of water. Now, however,
the water casks were empty and we two hundred miles
from where we could get a supply. To add to our
trouble, the captain of the tug having our ship in tow
found that his fuel was nearly exhausted, and leaving us
to work our way to the Mississippi, he steamed away
and was soon out of sight. The Second La. (white), the
regiment on board with us, were a class of men entirely
different from the One Hundred and Sixteenth, and discipline was at a very low stage among them. They
threatened open mutiny, and for a short time things on
board the Alexandria looked dark indeed.  However,
by the use of stern measures they were controlled, and
in hopes of getting assistance to enable us to reach the
river as soon as possible, a flag of distress was hoisted.
Seeing this, one of the gunboats bore down upon us to
ascertain the cause. The captain upon learning our con



128        One Hundred and Sixteenth
dition inhumanly refused to aid us; but upon Col. Love
threatening to report him so soon as we arrived at New
Orleans, he came alongside and with much difficulty a
line was attached to our ship and in due time we arrived
safely at the mouth of the Mississippi. Crossing the
bar, we remained but a short time and were then towed
up the river to Algiers, opposite New Orleans, on the
13th of September. Algiers is really a portion of New
Orleans, although known by another name, and was before the war a place of considerable business importance,
there being extensive iron works then in operation there;
but now it was, indeed, one of the waste places of the
earth.
Three days were spent here, during which time we
saw fiesh evidences of another campaign. A railroad
running from Algiers to Brashier city was employed
night and day in transporting troops, and the necessary
supplies and ammunition for them, to the latter place,
which was evidence enough that we would soon proceed
there. On the 16th our expectations were realized.
The One Hundred and Sixteenth were placed on board
a train of cars, and in less than twelve hours we found
ourselves in this city of perhaps a hundred inhabitants.
Upon every side of us, as we left the cars, were camps,
showing plainly that a large force was concentrating
here, and we soon learned that all considered it an army
to march overland into Texas. We learned, too, that
besides our own Nineteenth Corps, another, the Thirteenth, was here, composed almost entirely of Western
men which had been sent into the Department of the
Gulf soon after the capture of Vicksburg and Port
Hudson. Our corps was composed mainly of Eastern
troops, and we soon found it impossible to live in peace




Neow York Volunteers.            129
with these western men, as they were constantly telling
of their prowess, and what they would now do in this
department if we paper collar soldiers would only let
them alone. They were almost destitute of discipline,
wore whatever dress they pleased, be it a uniform or
not, and considered whatever they could "gobble" as
theirs by inalienable right. Many hard words ended in
harder blows, as we allowed that we knew a thing or
two perhaps as well as they, and when only a few weeks
later Gen'l Burbridge with a whole division of this
Thirteenth Corps was surprised and badly defeated, we
did not lose the opportunity of' retaliating in kind.
The next day we crossed Berwick Bay and remained
until the 20th instant, awaiting the slow process of crossing the entire army. When this had been accomplished
we again started, made a short march of but five miles
and went into bivouac. A good night's rest enabled us
to rise prepared for a forward movement, but the day
passed and still we lay in camp. The same thing was
repeated for five successive days, when bright and early
on the morning of the 26th of September, we broke
camp and took up our line of march. Pattersonville was
soon passed and then Fort Bisland, where a portion of
our corps had some months before achieved a victory;
nine very long miles were scored ere we went into
quarters for the night.
Until October 3d we remained here, and it seemed
very much as though our generals were unable to tell
just how, or when, or where to move. On the morning
of the 3d, stringent orders against the pillaging of the
country through which we passed having been issued by
Gen'l Franklin, we at last got a final start.
We had heard very much of this Teche country, as it




130         One Hundred and Sixteenth
was called, from the Bayou Teche, which waters this
whole section of country, and as this was our first visit
we were pleased to find that the stories of its beauty
had not been.exaggerated.  It was, indeed, the garden
of Louisiana, a rich farming country, which even after
the ravages of contending armies was good to look upon.
During the day we passed through Franklin, one of the
largest and most flourishing towns in the State, and a
short distance beyond it went into bivouac.
Early the next morning we moved on again, cutting
across Irish Bend to avoid a long detour, and after a
toilsome march of twelve miles again went into camp
for the night. The following day enabled us to add
twelve miles to our march, and to bivouac opposite the
wreck of the gunboat Hart, which completely obstructed
the navigation of the Bayou. Two days the army remained here, while the cavalry and the One Hundred
and Sixteenth were sent out eight miles to ascertain'all
that was possible of the enemy. None was found, however, and we remained there forty-eight hours, when the
army joined us. Before daybreak on the morning of the
8th, we were again in motion, and about daylight passed
through a collection of houses called New Iberia. The
day was very warm, but notwithstanding the heat we
marched sixteen miles and bivouaced on a large plain,
equal in extent to some of our western prairies. We
were now nearing Vermillion Bayou, across which lay
our line of march, and where, it was rumored, the enemy
had erected strong fortifications; and as we started on
the morning of the 9th, every one expected a fight at
this point. After marching some ten miles we came
within sight of the bayou, and by direction of Gen'l
Weitzel the One Hundred and Sixteenth was ordered




New  York Volunteers.            131
forward as skirmishers; the right wing was deployed,
the left held in reserve, and at the command we
moved cautiously forward. The ground over which
we advanced was a level plain unobstructed by any
trees, and our line nearly a mile in length was a sight
worth seeing. We found no difficulty in reaching the
bayou, and leaving the line Col. Love rode back to
Gen'l Weitzel and reported the fact. He directed three
volleys to be fired across the stream, and if no response
was received to cross. The volleys were fired, and receiving no reply, a detachment of our boys soon managed to erect a sort of bridge fiom the burned timbers
of the bridge destroyed by the enemy, and the One
Hundred and Sixteenth was the only regiment that
crossed that night.
We had suffered severely for water for two days, our
only supply being found in large buffalo holes. These
holes are a sort of' pond, in most cases perfectly round,
no streams issue fi'om or empty into them, and yet they
are seldom dry; the water is, of' course, stagnant and
unfit for drinking purposes. From these we were forced
to procure our supply of water, and the cool water of
Vermillion Bayou that night was, indeed, a God-send.
Most of the next day was consumed in erecting a new
bridge, and when this was completed so as to be used,
the army crossed the bayou, but marched only a mile or
two beyond and went into bivouac.
October 11th we marched fourteen miles to a small
an'd exceedingly dirty stream, appropriately named Carrion Crow Bayou, and were glad to find that Gen'l Franklin had ordered a five days' rest. On our approach to this
bayou the same duty was required of' the One Hundred
and Sixteenth; and, deployed as at Vermillion Bayou,




132         One Hundred and Sixteenth
we found more difficulty in driving the enemy, but
finally succeeded in doing so, and after a while were relieved by a portion of the Thirteenth Corps.
Nine days we remained at Carrion Crow Bayou, during
which time the enemy made a reconnoisance in force.
After the hurry and bustle of getting into line ready to
receive them, we had nothing to do but retire to our
quarters again, they not deeming it advisable to risk an
engagement. Among the field officers of the different
regiments and the general staff officers there were some
very fine horses, and as the weather was delightful,
much time was whiled away and a great deal of sport
enjoyed in racing. The contagion spread to the negro
servants, and many a young African showed his speed to
crowds of idle soldiers.
Many inquiries were made as to what had become of
our advance into Texas, but none were found able to understand our movements or account for the delay. We
had, however, been soldiering long enough to let the
morrow take care of itself, and therefore were content.
At last, on the morning of October 21st, we once
more broke up our camp and moved forward, the Thirteenth Corps in advance. They met with some little
opposition from the rebels under Gen'l Green, but easily
drove them. Before noon we reached Opelousas, but
before entering the town turned to the right, and after
a short time went into bivouac on the banks of a small
but pleasant stream, called Bayou Barri-croquet, having
marched seventeen miles. Our stay here was extended
to ten days, and as it rained almost constantly it was far
from being pleasant. In addition to the rain, great difficulty was experienced in supplying the army with
rations, and consequently our bill of fare was reduced to




New York Volunteers.            133
the lowest possible limit. Whether all this induced the
abandonment of the Texas campaign, or whether other
causes, not so apparent, made it impracticable we did
not know. One or both did, however, cause it to be
given up, and on the 1st day of November we commenced to fall back, marching that day to our old camp
at Carrion Crow Bayou. On the 2d, the march was
continued to Vermillionville, near the bayou of the
same name. The Thirteenth Corps was for some reason
detained, but started some time during the day. One
of its divisions, commanded by Gen'l Burbridge, encamped some distance fiom the balance of the corps at
Bayou Grand Coteau, and, isolated as they were, the
rebels surprised them, and coming from all directions,
had but little difficulty in making sad havoc among
them. The fight was a bloody one while it lasted, the
enemy leaving a large number of dead when he retired,
as he did at once, and our forces losing over five hundred in killed, wounded and prisoners. After reaching
Vermillionville, we lost no time in preparing for a good
night's rest, which we were permitted to enjoy only
until midnight, when a report of the surprise of Gen'l
Burbridge having reached us, the Nineteenth Corps was
aroused and put in motion for the scene of the engagement. The distance was nearly, if not quite, fifteen
miles, and it was traveled in less than five hours, which
in consideration of the darkness was rather good time.
We found no enemy, but saw the evidences of his bloody
work in numerous hospitals, where surgeons were busy
attending to the wants of the wounded. The whole
day was employed in burying the dead and making preparations for removing the wounded. After a somewhat
anxious night in anticipation of the return of the rebels,
7




134        One Hundred and Sixteenth
we moved at daybreak on the 4th back to Vermillionville, arriving there before night and occupying our
old camp.
Gen'l Weitzel announced to the troops the welcome
intelligence that we were to remain here some days,
and we soon made our quarters quite comfbrtable.
Horse racing was again the order of the day, and exciting trots, and even hurdle races, were of almost daily
occurrence. The rains had ceased, and ten days of most
delightful weather was enjoyed, with just enough duty
to perform to keep us in trim.
On the 11th, a reconnoisance, composed of our cavalry,
ran upon a superior force of' the enemy near Carrion
Crow Bayou, and were forced to beat a hasty retreat.
The enemy followed them almost into our camps and then,
satisfied, withdrew, while we were set at work forthwith
erecting earthworks.  A  strong line cutting across
lawns and hedges, through dooryards and fields, soon
gave us a secure position, which, however, was never
used, as on the 16th we once more re-commenced our
retrograde movement.  Camp Pratt, an old rebel camp
of instruction, afforded us a resting place that night.
The day following we passed through New Iberia, and
went into camp some two miles below the town, where
we were directed to prepare to remain all winter.
Every available habitation not occupied was demolished to provide the necessary materials for huts and
fire places, and before forty-eight hours passed over
our heads we were most comfortably situated.
New Iberia is situated on the Bayou Teche, upon
which stream a line of transports was plying before
many days between it and Brashier city, bringing us
our supplies. On the 20th of December, we were glad




New  York Volunteers.           135
to welcome Lieut. Col. Higgins and Lieut. Clark who
had been North after conscripts, but returned with none
of our fiiends to swell the ranks of the One Hundred
and Sixteenth. To our inquiries as to the whereabouts
of Capt. Carpenter and the six men who went on this
duty with them, we were informed that they were still
at Elmira, N. Y., and might, if more successful, bring
some conscripts when they returned.




136         One Hundred and Sixteenth
CHAPTER XIII.
THE new year of eighteen hundred and sixty-four
found the One Hundred and Sixteenth still at New Iberia.
Although in a southern climate where we cold-blooded
Northerners had been wont to think such a thing as a
cold winter, if any winter at all, was entirely out of the
question, we found as we greeted one another with a
"'Happy New Year, sir," that overcoats and gloves were
far from being unseasonable. We thought of the happy
scenes which we knew so well were being enacted at
home, and could not help wishing that not many more
such days should pass and find us absent members of the
family circle; and the thought which at once followed,
that our wishes were echoed there, was by no means the
least pleasant one that crossed our minds that day.
Rumors of a move to Franklin for winter quarters
was all that interrupted the monotony of camp life, and
even this interruption was hardly noticed. The weather
grew perceptibly colder, and indications of a storm of
snow somewhat surprised us. On the night of the 5th,
these rumors were confirmed by orders to move at eight
o'clock the next morning. As we turned in, everything
indicated a snow storm. A certain peculiar appearance
of the skies, so often noticed before such storms, was to
be seen, and if anything further was needed, the piercing
cold of a stiff north-easter added its voice; and when we
turned out bright and early the next morning, all doubts
disappeared, for it had snowed, and that, too, to the
depth of an inch and a half. It was cold and most certainly uncomfortable, but after all it seemed like a good




New  York Volunteers.           137
old fiiend whose absence had been long mourned, and
whose unexpected return, although surprising, was none
the less pleasing.
But what had all this to do with moving?  An early
breakfast was hastily eaten, our tents were struck, the
wagons loaded, and the hundred and one things performed which are always necessary when an army
moves. At last, and before the designated hour —eight
o'clock-arrived, we were ready for our march. Delay
at such a time when all are waiting for the sound of the
bugle to move is annoying, but we had experienced it
before and did not worry ourselves much on account of
it. At last an orderly reached Col. Love's quarters
with a countermand, and unloading our wagons we prepared to pass another night at New Iberia.  Before we
slept that night, the same orders to move at eight
o'clock the next morning were received, and the morning proving clear and beautiful we got off at last.
The roads were frozen hard when we started, but the
heat of the sun with the tramp of an army over them,
took the frost out and rendered them one vast bed of
mud, which made our progress very slow and toilsome.
Especially was this the case with the artillery, the heavy
wheels of the guns sinking into the mud up to the axle,
and miring some of the horses so that it became necessary to shoot them to prevent their falling into the
hands of the enemy. All day we toiled along, and
making ten miles, bivouaced for the night in an old
sugar house.
The next day we again marched ten miles, encamping
for the night at Harding's plantation. An early start
the following morning, January 9th, enabled us to reach
Franklin, the end of our journey, for the present at




138         One Hundred and Sixteenth
least, at eleven o'clock.  The troops were distributed
about town, our brigade being assigned camping ground
a short distance outside of the village on the Bayou
road.
Although it was supposed that room enough had been
given for the comfort of the different regiments, it was
soon found that they were too much crowded either for
comfort or health, and to add to our discomfort a cold
rain set in, continuing for three days, and the consequence was a perfect sea of mud.
As soon as the rain ceased and the mud dried up sufficiently to permit of a change, the One Hundred and
Sixteenth was moved about half a mile nearer town to
a beautiful piece of green sward. It was the selection
of Gen'l Emory, who had been assigned to the command
of our division, Gen'l Weitzel having left us at New
Iberia to return to his home at the North. He enjoined
upon us the necessity of harming nothing, and expressed
the hope that we would ornament it and make as pleasant a camp of it as possible.
It was fortunate that our regiment secured so beautiful a situation, both for their pleasure and reputation, as
the improvements and embellishments we soon made
added much to the fair name we had already acquired;
and as the camp was visited almost daily by gentlemen
and ladies, residents of Franklin, and by fellow soldiers
from other regiments, we attained considerable notoriety
as a model regiment for cleanliness. In addition to this
it made our soldier home a pleasant one, and, no doubt,
every officer and man who enjoyed the winter there, will
look back to his stay in Franklin as the pleasantest part
of his experience as a soldier.
The regiment at this time was under the command of




New  York Volunteers.            139
Lieut. Col. John Higgins, and to his good taste with
that of the line officers, was due the credit of "Camp
Emory," a name which was at once given it, in honor of
our old general.
Major Sizer and Surgeon Hutchins, whom we always
delighted to honor, were soon after our arrival at Franklin, detached as Acting Assistant Inspector General and
Medical Director, respectively, on Gen'l Emory's staff,
and the regiment thus lost their valuable services.
Camp Emory merits a more extended description.
Its situation has already been spoken of as most delightful. It was a fine piece of green sward, perfectly level,
and with just enough trees to shade it, but not to mar
its beauty or interfere with the laying out of the camp
in proper shape. Each company street was laid out,
nicely graded and ditched, and building huts and covering them with our shelter tents, our camp soon assumed
the appearance of a little village. From each hut a rude
chimney was raised, and the smoke to be seen issuing
therefrom  told of a good comfortable fire within, which
bade defiance to all Jack Frost's assaults.
But it was the ornaments erected by the different
companies which gave notoriety to the camp and attracted many visitors, and a hurried description of them
must be given.
Company " B," on the right, made quite an alarming
display of very heavy guns, which, however, on close
inspection proved to be "quakers," arid they were,
therefore, very peaceful in their disposition. Company
"'G" had erected a tower, or castle of sods, which
would in the spring have presented a beautiful appearance, when the grass was grown on its surface; also, an
arch across the street with the name " Glen Gowen," in




140         One Hundred and Sixteenth
nicely cut letters. A monitor built after the most approved model, with revolving turret, mounting four
guns all complete, graced the street of' Company "E."
It was duly christened "Faugh-a-Ballagh," which being
interpreted  means, "Lave the way."  To Company
" I " must be given the palm for getting up what certainly attracted the most attention, and what was most
appropriate to our calling. It was a miniature earthwork, eight feet square, mounting four guns, which,
however, like Company " B's," were entirely harmless.
It was perfect in all its appurtenances, having a ditch,
sallyport, and curtain  complete, and reflected much
credit on the engineering skill displayed by the company. Companies " D," "K,"  F," A" A  "c H," and
"C," each displayed their taste in some manner, all
making, as before mentioned, one of the handsomest
camps ever seen.
Louisiana forests abound in a kind of moss with
which most of these ornaments were covered, which, no
doubt, greatly enhanced their beauty.  Rustic seats
were scattered about the grounds, affording what soldiers are not apt to have.  One of the trees was transformed into a sort of tower, with winding stairs, from
which a good, although not very extended, view of' the
different camps and village was obtained. It was really
a delightful spot, and merited the distinction it received.
The following description of Camp Emory is taken
from the record of the One Hundred and Fourteenth
N. Y. Vols.:
"' The camp of the One Hundred and Sixteenth New York was
a place of especial resort, being regarded as one of the greatest
curiosities in the army. Situated in a very romantic spot, its
inmates had, with a great amount of pains and pride, enhanced
the natural beauty of the location. By the use of moss and ever



.New  York Volunteers.            141
greens, they constructed arbors, bowers and arches, resembling
architecture of every kind. Their grounds were laid out with
exquisite taste. Flower beds, miniature forts and monitors, rustic seats and shrubbery, every where met the delighted eye. In
the evening, when the camp was lit up by fires the effect was
perfectly enchanting, reminding one of the fabled scenes of oriental magnificence."
Our stay in Franklin extended over a period of about
two months, from the 9th of January until the 15th of
March, and our time was employed in making our habitations comfortable, and in drilling by company, battalion and brigade, with an occasional review. We
found Franklin a very pleasant place, its inhabitants as
agreeable as could be expected, and we were well pleased
with our winter's stay there. The weather was very
fine most of the time, which, no doubt, added much to
our comfort.
On the 19th of February a reorganization of the
troops was made preparatory to the spring campaign,
and in it the One Hundred and Sixteenth was transferred to the Third Brigade, First Division, Col. Lew
Benedict commanding. The change, however, was unpalatable to our officers, and their desire for a return to
the old First Brigade, with which we had for so long a
time been connected, was gratified soon after the 1st
of' March. Brig. Gen'l Dwight, in the turnabout just
mentioned, was assigned to the command of the First
Brigade; but as he was on some duty in New Orleans,
Col. Love retained command. While we remained at
Camp Emory, great exertions were made by the officers
to make our dress parades a feature, and they were
very successful.  The bayonet exercise was taken up
and thoroughly studied by them; the companies were
then drilled for hours in single movements and combina7*




142         One itundred and Sixteenth
tions, and finally the whole regiment was exercised in
it.  Long before our departure, our evening parades
were visited by many citizens and officers of other regiments. Upon one occasion, Gen'ls Franklin and Emory
were among the spectators, and when the parade was
dismissed, both expressed themselves as very much gratified, Gen'l Franklin remarking that he had never seen
it equalled. When it is remembered that he was a graduate of West Point the compliment will be better appreciated.
About the middle of February, after we had got
things settled very nicely, and were really enjoying the
expenditure of time and labor we had made in getting thus settled, unmistakable evidences of a move
were plainly perceptible. Leaves of absence and furloughs were returned with that never to be forgotten
"disapproved," disfiguring them.  All extra baggage
was ordered stored in New Orleans. Inspections for
the purpose of seeing how the men were provided with
clothing were had, all of which told us that before long
our comfortable quarters must be given up and we
start once more roughing it. The camp must give place
to the bivouac, and our comparative peace and quiet to
the dread realities of war.
It would have surprised our friends at home, and it
might have even shocked some of the more staid and
sober ones, could they have witnessed the eagerness
with which most of us prepared to leave so beautiful a
resort as our Camp Emory. To have heard the cheers
which greeted the final order to "fall in," on the 15th
of March, would have been evidence of something but
little short of madness; but, dear fiiends, remember
that your soldier boy is not his own master. He is sub



.New  York Volunteers.            143
ject in a great measure to the views and whims of
others.  To a certain extent he comes and goes, not at
his own will, but at the bidding of another.  He rises
in the morning, not as you do, when you please, but
when reveille is beaten; and in all well regulated camps
his light is extinguished when a higher power says it
shall be.  This is the reason he cheers at the order to
leave his snug shanty.
Time had worked sad changes in our ranks.  The
eighteen months service which we had rendered to our
country had witnessed the death of Col. Chapin, Captains Tuttle and James Ayer, Lieutenants Boruski,
Jones, Linnahan and Cottier. Scores of our comrades
had passed to their final home, while quite a number
had been discharged by reason of disability contracted
in the line of duty.
From a complete complement of officers we were reduced to barely enough to perform the necessary duties,
and inasmuch as most of these had risen from the ranks,
it may be well to give the roster of the One Hundred
and Sixteenth when we started on the Red River campaign:
FIELD AND STAFF.
Colonel-GEo. M. LOVE, commanding First Brigade.
Lieut.- Colonel-JOHN HIGGINS.
Major-JOHN M. SIZER, detached on division staff.
Adjutant —JNo. C. NIAL.
Surgeon-C. B. HUTCHINS, detached on division staff.
1st Asst. Surg.-JNo. COVENTRY.
2d Asst. Surg.-M. E. SHAw.
Quartermaster-ALEX. GOSLIN, detached on brigade staff.
COMPANY OFFICERS.
Company A-Lieut. Orton S. Clark, detached on brigade staff.
Lieut. Jacob C. Newton.
Company B-Capt. Wilson H. Gray.




144          One Hundred and Sixteenth
Company C-Lieut. Henry A. C. Swartz.
Company D-Capt. E. Wm. Seymour,
Lieut. Geo. W. Miller, acting regimental qr.-master.
Company E-Capt. Richard C. Kinney.
Company F-Lieut. Charles F. Crary.
Company G-Lieut. John H. Rohan.
Company H-Lieut. John G. Woehnert.
Company I-Lieut. Wm. J. Morgan.
Company K-Capt. Warren T. Ferris,
Lieut. Geo. H. Shepard.




New York Volunteers.            145
CHA APTER XIV.
AT eight o'clock on the morning of March 15th, 1864,
the One Hundred and Sixteenth started upon what will
always be known as the Red River campaign. The day
was a delightful one, the air cool and bracing, and taking
the cut-off road cutting across the neck of Irish Bend,
headed in the old direction of New Iberia.
A large force of cavalry and mounted infantry had
been organized in New Orleans, during the winter, and
now arrived from there under command of Gen'l A. L.
Lee. Two very small divisions of the Thirteenth Corps
under Gen'l T. E. G. Ransom, also joined us, and these
with our division of the Nineteenth Corps, commanded
by Gen'l Emory, composed the force which under Gen'l
Franklin, was to proceed to Alexandria, one hundred
and seventy miles distant on the Red River.
A march of fourteen miles after so long a season of
quiet, told severely on our pedal extremities, and enabled us to relish our evening meal, and enjoy our
night's sleep more than usual.  March 16th we started
at seven o'clock A. M., and made about sixteen miles,
going into bivouac at Camp Pratt, some four miles beyond New Iberia. March 17th, started again at seven
A. M., and reached Vermillion Bayou, a distance of fifteen miles, about two o'clock P. M. A good night's
rest enabled us to get off on the 18th at six A. M., and
that day we traversed twenty-one miles, encamping at
Bayou Grand Coteau, where, the fall before, Gen'l Burbridge, of the Thirteenth Corps, was surprised by the
rebels and badly cut up, causing our brigade a night




146          One Hfundred and Sixteenth
march of fifteen miles to support him. On the 19th we
moved at six A. M., making sixteen miles, and going
into bivouac at Little Washington. During the day it
rained, but not enough to cause us much inconvenience.
March 20th was Sunday, a day of rest indeed to us,
which all heartily enjoyed after our five days' march.
Near us was the Bayou Courtableau, which furnished
us a good opportunity for bathing, and was improved
by all.
March 21st, at six A. M., we were once more on the
move, and more rain having fallen during the night, we
found the roads heavy and marching rather more difficult; however, we scored a good eighteen miles, and
rested for the night on the upper Bayou Boeuf.  It
rained hard all night, and made our marching the next
day still more difficult. March 22d, six o'clock found
our column again in motion, and toward night we entered Holmesville, having made fifteen miles over terribly muddy roads. March 23d the sun rose clear and
beautiful, and soon warmed us into new life. At seven
o'clock A. M. we moved from Holmesville, and made
over fifteen miles with more comfort than on the preceding day, encamping at Cheeneyville, the pleasantest
village we had seen since leaving Franklin. March 24th
we moved again at six o'clock A. M., with a clear, cold,
bracing air, which was, however, a great help; and in
consequence we made a splendid march of eighteen
miles, bivouacing on the plantation of Governor Wells.
As we reached our stopping place, the windows of
heaven seemed to be opened, and a thunder storm, accompanied by a perfect gale of wind, burst upon us
with great fury, and although it abated somewhat, continued a good portion of the night. Notwithstanding




New  York Volunteers.            147
the storm, and the consequent bad condition of the roads,
we were off at seven o'clock the next morning, and before night entered Alexandria, a distance of fourteen
miles.
We had now traversed about a hundred and seventy
miles through a magnificent country, seen many large
and costly sugar houses on plantations of unheard of
dimensions, upon nearly all of which vast fields extended, without an obstruction, as far as the eye could
reach, containing hundreds of acres.
We had passed through the towns of New  Iberia,
Vermillionville, Opelousas, Little Washington, Holmesville, and Cheeneyville; but none of' them are worthy
of mention, being foi the most part a small collection of
houses, and to all appearance entirely destitute of male
inhabitants.
As our army advanced, the planters collected all their
able-bodied negroes and drove them into Texas for
safety, leaving only the aged and very young to greet
the " Yanks." The expressions of joy with which these
poor ignorant beings received us were wonderful, and
must have rendered any reliance their owners had placed
on their fidelity of little value.
No resistance had been made to our advance, thus far,
into the heart of the trans-Mississippi department, by the
rebels. Gen'l Dick Taylor fell back as we advanced,
burning every building on our route which contained
any cotton, fearing, no doubt, that it might fall into
our hands, a proceeding not at all pleasing to the owners, and which must have been damaging to his cause.
We found Alexandria a city of considerable size, and
which in time of peace must have been busy with the
hum of trade; but now war, with its desolations, had




148        One HIundred and Sixteenth
almost ruined it. Its streets were deserted; its stores
and public buildings shut up; while the private dwellings were closed as if to exclude even the breath of the
hated Yankee. It is situated on the southern bank of
the Red River, about seventy miles from its mouth.
At this point we met a force of some ten-thousand
men, consisting of portions of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps, under command of Brig. Gen'l A. J.
Smith, and a fleet of gunboats under Admiral Porter.
The command of Gen'l Smith had been sent down the
Mississippi from Vicksburg, and, landing at Simsport,
on the Atchafalaya river, had, in conjunction with the
fleet of Admiral Porter, attacked Fort de Russey, a
rebel post of great strength on the Red River, some
fifty miles from its mouth, and after a short but decisive
struggle, captured it with its entire garrison.
Gen'l Banks and Gen'l Dwight, our brigade commander, also joined us here, having made the trip from
New Orleans by the river. Gen'l Dwight at once assumed command of the brigade, relieving Col. Love,
who returned to the One Hundred and Sixteenth. Many
regrets were expressed that he could not remain in command of the brigade, as he had shown himself worthy of
the position.
Two days were spent at Alexandria, during which
time the paymaster with his greenbacks made his welcome appearance, and replenished our scanty supply of
the needful.
There was now concentrated at this point an army of
about forty thousand men, as follows: The cavalry under
the command of Gen'l Lee, numbering about eight thousand, and which formed the advance. Two divisions of
the Thirteenth Corps commanded by Gen'l Ransom,




New York Volunteers.             149
numbering some eight thousand.  The Sixteenth and
Seventeenth Corps under Gen'l Smith, ten thousand
strong; and the Nineteenth Corps commanded by Gen'l
Franklin, of about ten thousand men. Besides these
there were two or three brigades connected in some
manner with the fleet.
Shreveport was our destination, and real success could
not be expected without the aid of the gunboats, and
their co-operation depended entirely on the depth of
water to be found in the river.  Some two miles above
Alexandria are the falls, or more properly speaking, the
rapids; and unless there was a sufficient depth of water
here the fleet could not pass to the help of the army, nor
could transports reach us with supplies.
Some difficulty was experienced in getting the larger
vessels of the fleet above the rapids, but at last all were
over, and we were ready for a forward movement.
The cavalry and the Thirteenth Corps departed by
the road, while the command of' Gen'l Smith embarked
on transports and ascended the river.
Gen'l Grover's Division of the Nineteenth Corps was
left at Alexandria, and on the morning of March 28th,
our division (Emory's), left its bivouac, feeling quite
refreshed by the two days' rest. A heavy rain the night
before had reduced the road to one bed of mud; but,
nevertheless, at night we had left Alexandria eighteen
miles in the rear, and found ourselves on the Bayou
Rapides, near the famous piney woods.  The next day
we entered them., and for two days plodded on through
their seemingly interminable length, making only about
sixtee n miles, owing to burned bridges which had to be
repaired.
We were now traversing a section of country where




150         One Hundred and Sixteenth
the rebels had held undisputed sway. No force of ours
had ever penetrated thus far, and Yankees were indeed
a curiosity, not only to the blacks, but to such of the
whites as were to be seen. We found the country very
different from the southern portion of the State, being
much more rolling, and for the first time since our advent to the Department of the Gulf we saw stones.
On the 31st we crossed Cane River, which is simply
the old bed of the Red River, where years ago it used
to run; but for some good reason, no doubt, it forsook
its old channel and opened for itself a new one. By this
a very large bend was avoided and its course shortened
by some miles.' The new channel and the old form an
island of large extent, upon which is the village of Cloutierville, a small and wasted looking place, work upon
which seemed to have been stopped centuries before.
The crossing was effected upon a pontoon bridge, and
we found ourselves "-out of the wilderness," in what
we were informed was the most productive cotton growing land in the State. Here, again, we saw the tracks
of our retreating enemy. Every little way the black
and smouldering ruins of gin-houses were seen, in which
large quantities of cotton had been stored, but which
had all been destroyed, rather than that it should fall
into our hands.
This day's march was perhaps the most fatiguing the
One Hundred and Sixteenth had thus far accomplished.
It was eleven o'clock ere our wagon train had crossed
the pontoon, and before six o'clock that night we had
counted twenty-one miles in the face of a strong wind,
which blew the dust in clouds about our heads, and
filled our eyes with Louisiana soil.  The march was resuimed again early the following morning, April 1st.




New York Volunteers.             151
Soon after starting we re-crossed Cane River and were
again obliged to wait until nearly noon for our trains
to safely cross the bridge. This, too, was a windy,
dusty day, and with blistering feet we marched some
eighteen miles, and went into bivouac near a cotton-gin,
which, by some mistake, had escaped the torch of Dick
Taylor. It was found to contain a goodly supply of
cotton, and that night we each enjoyed a good soft bed,
more costly than we had ever before occupied.  When
we left in the morning the ground was covered with a
fleecy coat, worth, probably, half a million of dollars.
A short march of seven miles on the morning of the
2d, and we entered the substantial and ancient town of
Natchitoches (pronounced Nac-a-tosh), with colors flying
and bands playing, and going about a mile beyond the
town, we went into bivouac. Natchitoches is the oldest
place in the State, a fact well attested by the style of
architecture which predominated. When the Red River
flowed past its wharves its commerce was very extensive, but now that its channel was some miles distant,
Natchitoches seemed to have become simply a resort for
wealthy citizens, able to live at their ease. Many of the
residences were almost regal in their splendor, while the
court-house, a convent and a cathedral, were all imposing edifices. Among the inhabitants, most of whom
were French, there seemed less of that antipathy which
we had always seen manifested in other places, and the
women, we were foolish enough to think, showed evident signs of pleasure at our arrival. All this impressed
us very favorably with Natchitoches, and all this a few
days later was explained as only their joy that we were
being so easily led on to certain defeat. We remained
here three days to rest and recuperate our wasted energies, and very acceptable days they were.




152         One Hundred and Sixteenth
On the 6th of April, before daybreak, our line was
formed, and to the enlivening strains of music we
started once more, and scored fifteen good miles ere we
slept that night at Double Bridges.  April 7th we
moved about seven o'clock A. M., and during the day
passed a rebel camp of instruction, consisting of quite a
number of buildings, over which was the name " Camp
Beauregard." No orders were given to destroy, but
the name soon disappeared, as did also a good portion
of the buildings. A march of twenty miles enabled us
to rest our weary limbs at Pleasant Hill, from which
our cavalry advance had that morning driven the enemy
after a short struggle, and which was made memorable
two days after by a severe battle. Quietly we slumbered on the very spot which to some was so soon to
be their last resting place.
Early on the morning of the eighth, we left our bivouac, cheered by the intelligence that we were to
march but eight miles that day, as it was Gen'l Franklin's intention to march the Thirteenth and Nineteenth
Corps but a short distance that day, to enable Gen'l
Smith in our rear, to close up to within supporting distance.
The point was reached before noon, and filing to the
right into an open field, we stacked arms and prepared
to bivouac.
Up to this time not one of us had fired a shot at an
enemy. The cavalry, since leaving Alexandria, had met
with some opposition, but until they reached Pleasant
Hill, no real, determined resistance had been made to
their advance. At the place where we were encamped
a stubborn fight had taken place that morning, but it
was the conviction of nearly all that the enemy could




New  York Volunteers.           153
not resist our army, and were destined to retreat into
Texas, making, perhaps, a final stand at Shreveport.
There were those who thought that greater caution
should be exercised by Gen'l Banks in keeping his cornmand more compact, and not permitting miles to intervene between the different corps.  Had this been done,
the terrible disaster that soon followed might have been
prevented; but he, no doubt, was as sanguine as any of
us, that Dick Taylor would not dare to risk an engagement with his army.




154        One Hundred and Sixteenth
CEAPTER XV.
WHEN we first arrived at the eight mile point mentioned in the previous chapter, distant canonading could
be heard, which soon became more frequent, and seemed
to be more distinct, as if our forces were being driven
back. But our ears had become so accustomed to this
sound that we gave but little heed to it, until an aide
from brigade head-quarters ordered Col. Love to cease
preparations for a bivouac as we were to move at once
to the front, where our troops were heavily engaged
with the enemy.
The cavalry under Gen'l Lee, after driving the enemy
from Pleasant Hill, had pushed on after him, and, as has
been stated, when eight miles from there, or where we
were going into bivouac, had had another engagement,
and remained there over night.  Early on the morning
of the 8th, they proceeded on their way, but, until within four milds of Mansfield, found but little difficulty in
driving the enemy before them.  Just at this point the
road runs through a dense wood emerging into a large
prairie miles in extent. With very little caution Gen'l
Lee permitted his wagon train to follow the column so
closely that when he reached this open field the train
was within the wood. Here a large body of the enemy
was found, who opened upon them so unexpectedly, and
with such fury, as to make the holding of their position
impossible. A short resistance was made, but all to no
purpose; the rebels enveloped their flanks, doubled up
the line, and forced them to retreat in great disorder.
The road being blocked up by the wagon train, and it




XNew York Volunteers.            155
being impossible to turn the crazy mules and frantic
drivers, Nimb's Sixth Mass. and the Chicago Mercantile
Batteries, together with the supply train, were captured.
Word was at once sent to Gen'l Franklin, and the Thirteenth Corps, who were between us and the cavalry,
were hurried forward to a point where the cavalry had
been collected and were trying to hold the rebels in
check. But there was little use in a division of cavalry
seven or eight thousand strong, and about five thousand
infantry, trying to drive back an army of twenty-five or
thirty thousand. And now the folly of keeping the diff'erent corps so far apart was made fearfully manifest.
Had our army been kept well in hand the result of that
day's fighting would have been a decided victory. But
it was not. Eight miles from where they were needed
the Nineteenth Corps lay in bivouac, while, disgraceful as is the fact, not to them, but to some one, the
Sixteenth Corps was sixteen miles away at Pleasant
Hill, beyond even the sound of the guns, which were
dealing death and destruction to those engaged.
On the reception of the order to move to the front,
Gen'l Emory at once mounted his horse, and with
as little delay as possible we were on the way. As
we advanced the sound of the battle waxed louder and
nearer, while demoralized camp followers, black by nature, but almost white from fear, skulking infantry soldiers by twos, and cavalry by squads, passed us.
Our brigade was in the advance, led by the One Hundred and Sixty-first N. Y. Vols. The One Hundred and
Sixteenth followed next, and as we neared Sabine Cross
roads, where Gen'l Emory had decided to form his
division, he ordered the band of our regiment to strike
up a lively air. The effect was inspiriting not only on




156         One Hundred and Sixteenth
us, but upon the stragglers who now came pouring back
* in large numbers and utter confusion.
As we reached this cross road the One Hundred and
Sixty-first was sent still further down the main road to
engage the attention of the rebels, while the balance of
the division were formed in line. The First Brigade
was posted on the right of the road, and the other two
on the left. By the sending out of the One Hundred
and Sixty-first, the One Hundred and Sixteenth found
itself on the extreme right of the line and behind a rail
fence.
As we halted, came to a front, and awaited the coming of the enemy with our pieces at a "ready," we had
a few moments in which to examine our position. Immediately in our front was a large open field, in the
centre of which was a hollow, the ground rising some
distance beyond and receding into a heavy piece of
woods which extended well around to our right.
Down in this hollow, entirely hid from our sight, the
One Hundred and Sixty-first, with the fragments of the
Thirteenth Corps, were vainly attempting to stay the
onward rush of the victorious rebels, and here the One
Hundred and Sixty-first lost nearly one hundred men in
less than ten minutes, a noble offering from one of the
best regiments in the service. Flesh and blood could
not, however, withstand the onset of such vastly superior numbers, and ere our line was fully formed, the
brave fellows, such as were left of them, fell back slowly within our line. Pressing them closely and with
exultant yells came the enemy. "Steady, men," was
the whispered command of our officers; "wait until
they are almost upon us," and we did wait. No line
ever held its fire better.  Occasionally some nervous




New York Volunteers.             157
fellow would let off his piece, but not a sound, a whisper, or a breath hardly was heard, until the dirty
uniforms of the rebels were within a few paces, and then
our whole line poured into them such a volley as they
had not received before that day, to say the least. They
were amazed, and in great confusion reeled back out of
sight, and that was the last determined attack on our
front that night. Not long after this a line was seen
to emerge from the woods on our right, and advance
on our flank. No troops could be spared from the front,
and the five right companies of the One Hundred and
Sixteenth were swung back to the rear, and as the force
was not large, we drove them back very easily. Thus
far our corps had been victorious; it had repulsed the
enemy most decidedly, and saved the wagon train and
artillery of the Thirteenth Corps. But our eight or ten
thousand muskets could not hope to resist another attack of the whole rebel force in our front, and darkness
was now our ally. Satisfied with their success, and it
being too dark to undertake another attack, the enemy
divided the spoils among themselves, and with jest and
song which we could distinctly hear, whiled away the
night.
A strong picket line was thrown out along our front,
to prevent surprise, and completely exhausted, hungry
and dispirited, we sat down to think. Would we remain here until morning, or would we fall back?  Where
was Gen'l Smith with the Sixteenth Corps, and why
was he not here? These and many other queries arose
in our minds only to remain unanswered.
It was a terribly cold night, and with nothing to keep
us warm, we shivered, gnawed our scanty supply of
hard tack, and listened to the sounds of jollity and
8




158          One H1undred and Sixteenth
mirth which came to our ears from our victorious neighbors, the "Johnnies."  The wagon train they had captured was freighted rather heavily with liquor, and,
judging from the noise and their known love for the article, it had suffered severely.
Until midnight we remained there, when covering the
retreat of the army, the First Division of the Nineteenth
Corps quietly and slowly retraced its steps to Pleasant
Hill, sixteen miles in our rear.  At this point Gen'l
Smith, with ten thousand fresh men, would receive us,
and it became a matter of the greatest importance to
reach there before daylight, as that would reveal our retreat, and we thought the enemy's success that day
would certainly lead them to follow us.
When it is remembered that we had marched from
Pleasant Hill that morning, been severely engaged, and
were now anxiously retracing our steps; that we had
been unable to get anything more than a few dry hard
tack to eat all day, and that the night being very cold
we had become benumbed, it will not be doubted that
we were tired and sore, or that we hailed with delight
the sight of the rise of ground known as Pleasant Hill,
which greeted our vision about seven o'clock on the
9th of April.
Just as we arrived there, a whooping and yelling,
with the rattling and banging of two or three army
wagons, gave unmistakable evidence of trouble in the
rear. We were at once formed on the crest of the hill,
a section of artillery placed in position to command the
road, and hardly knowing or caring what was the trouble, we dropped down in our places. It proved to be
the cavalry advance of the enemy, who were careful not
to come too near. Col. Gooding's brigade of cavalry




New York Volunteers.            159
had been guarding the ammunition train the day before,
and consequently was not engaged at Sabine Cross
Roads. They were now deployed to prevent surprise,
and shortly after we were relieved by a portion of the
Sixteenth Corps.  Going some distance to the rear, we
sought the rest so much needed.
We were more than pleased with Gen'l Franklin, as
the gallantry he displayed on the field proved him to be
a brave and efficient officer. During the fight he was
wounded, but remained in the saddle until every indication of a renewal of the fight that night had disappeared.
Gen'l Emory, too, was equal to the occasion, and
evinced great care of his troops.
Owing to the impossibility of getting ambulances to
the front in time, it was decided to leave all our
wounded on the field, and surgeons, with such medical
supplies as were at hand, were left with them. It
seemed hard thus to leave those whomrn the fortunes of
war had disabled, but as the salvation of the army depended on the celerity of our retreat back to Pleasant
Hill, we were forced to depart without them.
The force now at Gen'l Banks' disposal with which to
fight the enemy (for there could be no doubt of his offering us battle), were our own division numbering perhaps seven thousand men, and the Sixteenth Corps of
about ten thousand, with Gooding's brigade of cavalry,
the Thirteenth Corps and the balance of the cavalry being
so completely scattered and demoralized, as to be worse
than useless.  In all we numbered some eighteen thousand muskets, and with this number we must fight an
army nearly a third larger, and which was flushed with
the victory of the previous day. All this was canvassed




160         One Hundred and Sixteenth
by us as we drank our coffee, smoked our pipes, and listened to the continual crack of muskets on the skirmish
line, and every one of us nerved himself for spending
some portion of that 9th day of April in scenes of carnage.
The day was a beautiful one. Every thing in nature
seemed employed in the performance of the duty imposed by its Creator, except man, created in the image
of his Maker, and he was only intent on the taking of
his fellow-being's life.  It hardly seemed possible that
so much beauty in nature was so soon to see the fierce
passions of men engaged in bitter strife, but ere the sun
had set its light was dimmed by the smoke of battle,
and the stars looked down upon the bleeding bodies of
hundreds of noble boys who had given their lives for
their country.
Almost the entire day was spent in arranging lines of
battle; we to defend our position, and the rebels to
rout us again if possible.
In the disposition of the troops our division was
placed on the right, our brigade on the right of the
division, the second in the centre, and the third on the
left, with one brigade of the Sixteenth Corps as a support; another from the Sixteenth Corps was posted in
echelon on the left, of our Third Brigade, while the
balance were held in reserve well to the left of our main
line.
The One Hundred and Sixteenth again found itself on
the extreme right of the line, its right resting on a deep
ravine, with nothing but its own brave hearts and ready
hands to prevent their flank being turned should the
enemy repeat his adventure of the day before.
Just before the ball was opened in earnest, Gen'l




Neew York Volunteers.           161
Dwight, our brigade commander, deemed it necessary
to move the One Hundred and Sixteenth somewhat, not,
however, materially altering our position.  After the
change had been effected, we found immediately in front
of us a rude fortification of rails, thrown up probably
by our dismounted cavalry in their fight at this place
on our advance a few days before.  Col. Love at once
saw the advantage to be gained by making use of it, and
ordered us to " lie down," but the order had no sooner
been given by him than the brave Dwight, ever careless
of his men as he was careful of himself; ordered us to
" stand up," intimating that cowards only sought shelter. Not having the fear of a brigadier general before
his eyes, the Colonel repeated his command, which was
obeyed. To this fact may be attributed the small loss
of the One Hundred and Sixteenth in the sanguinary
battle of Pleasant Hill.
About four o'clock in the afternoon, there was a lull
in the firing of the skirmishers, but we were prepared
from this to expect the general attack. Our expectations were realized, for soon our skirmishers were driven
in, and a determined attempt made to force our portion
of the line back; but they counted without their host,
for instead of driving us back, we forced them to retire.
Five different times they charged upon our brigade and
in every instance were handsomely repulsed. As has
been stated, our flank was protected by a deep ravine,
but this did not deter the enemy from making an attack
from that point as well as the front, and the zipping of
bullets from that direction showed plainly the new danger. Again, the right wing was swung round, and
Gen'l Emory ordering up the Second Brigade, we held
the position.




162         One Hundred and Sixteenth
Another advance was now made in our front, and at
the same time the whole rebel line moved forward, extending far to the left of our Third Brigade. It was a
sight worth seeing-that long line of butternut uniforms-advancing slowly at first, and then, as if gathering momemtum, faster and faster, until with a yell they
charged upon, and entirely enveloping the Third Brigade, swept it along as if it were but chaff, all unmindful of the reserve, quietly awaiting their coming.
Restraining their impatience, the sun-browned veterans
of the West waited until the force of this charge was
spent, and then, led by Gen'ls Smith and Mower, they
gave the rebels one volley and then went for them with
the bayonet.  This unexpected movement threw  the
victors into utter confusion, and fleeing now themselves
they were closely followed for more than a mile. In
the meantime we had held our position and were only
made aware of our victory on the left by hearing what
we knew were Yankee cheers, and the fire in our front
slackening, we responded with three times three, and
with a genuine Buffalo tiger.
Darkness now closed in on the scene, and quietly we
lay on our arms, not as the night before, disheartened,
but happy, and awaited orders.
A fact should be mentioned here which gladdened
every heart in the One Hundred and Sixteenth, as it
concerned one whom we highly esteemed. Gen'l Emory
with his staff remained near the right of his division
until the advance on the left, and then leaving us to
care for that portion of the line, went to the Third Brigade. Col. Lew Benedict, its commander, was killed
almost at the first fire, and a panic seemed imminent in
consequence; seeing which, Maj. Sizer, of the One Hun



New York Volunteers.            163
dred and Sixteenth, Inspector General on Emory's staff,
by the exhibition of just such gallantry as Maj. Love
had shown in our first fight, rallied the brigade and
saved it from disgrace.
A most decided victory had been gained; the disgrace
of the night before had been wiped out, and a desire to follow the retreating enemy at once, or at least in the morning, was uppermost in all our hearts. But our haversacks
were empty, and hungry stomachs demanded rations.
What could we do without them, and they were miles
in the rear hastening back to Grand Ecore?  We
might, and it seemed to us should, have remained upon
the field long enough to at least care for the dead and
wounded, and claim a victory; but it was otherwise decided, and the strange occurrence happened of the defeated flying in one direction, and the victors in the
other.
We remained in this position until one o'clock the
next morning, listening to the terrible cries and groans
of the wounded in our front, which were heart-rending
in the extreme; and then leaving some surgeons provided with supplies, to care for the wounded, we turned
our backs on Pleasant Hill, and took up our line of march
for Grand Ecore.
The casualties of the One Hundred and Sixteenth in
these two engagements were light, compared with all
previous ones. At Sabine Cross Roads there werekilled, two; wounded, nineteen; missing, one.  At
Pleasant Hill-killed, two; wounded, ten; among whom
were Lieuts. Jacob C. Newton, and John H. Rohan,
both slightly, however.
About noon on the 10th, we halted at Yellow Bayou,
a small dirty stream, which refreshed us amazingly,




164        One Hundred and Sixteenth
nevertheless, as water had been very scarce for the last
two days, and dropping down, we were soon enjoying
the first sound sleep we had been able to get in seventytwo hours. Three days and nights we hlad spent in
either marching, fighting or watching, and that, too, on
little else than dry hard tack, and a very short allowance of that. But, although hungry, we needed rest
more than food, and this we enjoyed until the next
morning, when we awoke ready to devour any thing in
the shape of rations, and found our wants well supplied.
After appeasing our appetites we again started, and a
dusty march of eighteen miles brought us to Grand
Ecore.




New  York Volunteers.             165
CHAPTER XEVI.
GRAND Ecore stands in the same relative position to
Natchitoches that Charlotte does to Rochester, being
about four miles distant on the Red River, and the port
of entry for Natchitoches. Here we remained ten days,
during which time the place was fortified on a grand
scale, working parties having constant employment for
four or five days in this laborious undertaking. Here,
too, we found the most of our fleet. Many of the gunboats and some of the transports had been unable to
ascend the river any further, and had remained here;
while some which had been able to proceed to Barry's
Landing, nearly opposite Sabine Cross Roads, found it
difficult to get back to Grand Ecore. One of the gunboats was for this reason abandoned and blown up,
after having defeated, with one or two others, a force of
some twelve hundred rebels, who attempted to disable
them with artillery planted on a bluff, near a small town
called Compti. Gen'l Green, the commander of this
rebel force was killed, and their loss was very heavy in
both killed and wounded.
The next day after our arrival at Grand Ecore, the following order was received, and read to the assembled
regiment:' HEAD-QUARTERS 1ST DIVISION 19TH ARMY CORPS, I
GRAND ECORE, La., April 12th, 1864.
"GENERAL ORDERS NO. 13.
" The General Commanding thinks it due to the officers and soldiers of this division, to express to them his high appreciation
of their gallantry and efficient services, in checking the advance
8*




166         One Hundred and Sixteenth
of the enemy on the evening of the 8th inst., and aiding in his
defeat on the 9th.
"By command of BRIG. GEN'L EMORY.
"DUNCAN S. WALKER,
"A. A. Gen'l."
Frequent flags of truce were received during our stay
at Grand Ecore, and it was rumored that one of them
bore a message to Gen'l Banks from Dick Taylor, saying, that among the property captured was a large
stock of paper collars; that his men had baked them,
boiled them, fried them and stewed them, and found
them of no use, and he would like to exchange them for
hard bread. Whether such a message was ever received
we did not know of a certainty, but it was a standing
joke whenever we met any of the cavalry.
About this time Gen'l Dwight, for whom the One
Hundred and Sixteenth had no great respect, was relieved from command of the First Brigade, and assigned
to duty as Chief-of-staff to Gen'l Banks.  Col. Geo. L.
Beal, of the Twenty-ninth Maine Vols., afterwards a
brigadier general, assumed command of the brigade, and
after our advent into the Shenandoah Valley, took from
us Capt. Richard C. Kinney, as one of his staff.
On the 21st, orders were received to be ready to
move at four o'clock that afternoon, but owing to some
cause hour after hour passed, and still we remained near
our broken camp, waiting the final order. Darkness
came on, and still we remained, the tediousness of the
delay being enlivened by the burning of a large storehouse, fired accidentally.  It took fire, was gradually
enveloped in flames, and burned almost to ashes ere we
left Grand Ecore at two o'clock on the morning of the 22d.
Forty-five miles distant, at Monet's Bluff, was the only
crossing of Cane River where it was possible to cross




-Yew York Volunteers.            167
our wagon train and artillery.  The gaining of this
point before the rebels could plant their batteries upon
the opposite side, and dispute our progress, was of the
utmost importance. Had we known that such a forced
march was before us, our hearts would have failed us,
but unconscious of it, we cheerily shouldered our muskets and started.
During the night the marching was comparatively
easy, but when the sun was well up the next day, and
poured its rays down upon us, many were forced to fall
out and take things more leisurely. The order of march
was, in the advance the Nineteenth Corps, followed by
the Thirteenth, while the Sixteenth brought up the
rear. Continual cannonading in the rear showed plainly
that Gen'l Smith was being annoyed by the enemy who
had pursued us.
About eleven o'clock the heat of the sun became so
oppressive, and the men so fatigued, that a halt was ordered for a couple of hours. This enabled us to get
some rest, and the stragglers to overtake the column,
and a refreshing cup of coffee put us in fair condition to
respond, about one o'clock, to the command forward
again. Hour after hour we followed the course of Cane
River, darkness came on and still we pressed on, until
it seemed to us that all humanity had faded from the
hearts of our generals.  Midnight found us wearily
picking our way along the dusty road.
It was a terrible march, trying to the utmost the endurance of every man. Scores were unable to keep up,
and with an utter disregard of life, they fell out of the
column unable to move further. One man belonging to
the One Hundred and Fourteenth N. Y. Vols. dropped
dead on that march from exhaustion.




168         One.Hundred and Sixteenth
At last, at one o'clock on the morning of the 23d, we
halted, and dropped down in our tracks, and it is no exaggeration to say, that the whole army were almost instantly asleep. Some there were who were denied this,
namely, those who must, however wearied, go on picket.
From the One Hundred and Sixteenth, Company "H"
was detailed for this duty, but to say that they performed the duty willingly would be a stretch of the
truth.
This was the most fatiguing march the One Hundred
and Sixteenth ever made, being a distance of over fortyfive miles in eighteen hours. Those who were able to
keep up and stack arms with the regiment that night
could lay claim to remarkable powers of endurance, and
the number was not very small; while those who were
forced to fall out could excuse themselves on account of
the unusual speed maintained, as well as the number of
miles traversed.
The object of our making such a forced march as has
been mentioned, was to secure the crossing of Cane
River at Monet's Bluff; but it was a fruitless task, our
advance finding on their arrival that the rebels occupied
it in strong force, and disputed it so stubbornly as to
leave no doubt that we would have to fight for its possession in the morning.
Soundly we slept the few remaining hours of that
night, and by five o'clock A. M., April 23d, were aroused,
and getting a hasty meal, we moved toward the crossing, some two miles distant. The cavalry skirmishers
soon became engaged with those of the rebels on our
side of the river, who fell back slowly, but finally
reached a point where our cavalry found it impossible to
dislodge them. From a battery of seven guns, planted




2New York Volunteers.           169
immediately in the road on the opposite bank, shells began to visit us with a sort of admonishing sound, very
persuasive in tone, but which we had not the power to
heed, as just then Gen'l Emory sent an aide for Col.
Love, and directed him to deploy the One Hundred and
Sixteenth, holding two companies in reserve, and thoroughly skirmish the woods between our present position
and the crossing, where the rebel skirmishers were supposed to be.
A very short time sufficed to deploy the regiment,
and entering the woods we soon lost sight of every
thing, and cautiously moved forward. We had not
proceeded far befbre we found the ground covered with
water, growing gradually deeper as we advanced, until
it was up to our waists, all the time the whistling shells
from the enemy's battery tore through the trees, scattering the limbs all about us, and making our position far
from enviable. Had their range been better many lives
would have been lost; but their elevation was too great,
their shells bursting high above our heads and to our
rear. We moved thus nearly to the outer edge of the
woods, but found no enemy; and assembling on the right
group, we returned to the brigade. Here we learned
that the Thirteenth Corps, with the Third Brigade of
our corps, had proceeded above the crossing some three
miles, with orders to ford the stream at that point, and
attack the enemy in flank and rear, which seemed our
only hope.
We found our brigade about where we had entered
the woods, and joining the line we awaited the movements of this flanking column. Four or five hours were
spent there listening to the cannonading in our front,
the shells from which came unpleasantly near, and to




170         One Hiundred and Sixteenth
that in our rear, which soon after we returned, began to
grow more frequent.
The lines in Tennyson's "Charge of the Light Brigade," fitly expresses our condition:
" Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them;
Cannon in front of them
Volleyed and thundered."
All this told of a severe engagement with the enemy
by Gen'l Smith, and all felt that our situation was indeed
critical. The enemy having interposed a barrier at
Monet's Bluff, which he thought we would be unable
to remove, had doubtless hurried the most of his forces
to the rear, in hopes to crush that, and thus capture our
immense wagon train, our artillery, and the fleet of gunboats, which he knew could not get below the rapids at
Alexandria, and perhaps our entire army.  But he
missed his calculation, and found that in weakening his
forces in our front, he made our flanking column successful, without being able to inflict much harm in the rear;
Gen'l Smith beating him back at every point, and capturing some prisoners, instead of suffering defeat.
But what gloomy hours those were! Never before
had we been so completely at the mnercy of the rebels.
Surrounded on every side, it seemed impossible for us
to extricate ourselves, and the capture of almost everything pertaining to our army was expected by most of us.
Some of us laid our plans when the last moment had
come, and it became a question of being either captured
or shifting for ourselves, to make for the Red River, distant about eight miles, crioss it, and try to reach Vicksburg. While lying here indulging these gloomy forebodings, Captain Closson, of the Fifth U. S. Artillery,




New York Volunteers.            171
Chief-of-artillery on the corps staff, passed into the
woods with five guns, two twenty-pound Parrotts, and
three three-inch rifles. They were to be placed in position as near the opposing guns as could be, and when
the flanking column attacked, they were to open.
To support these guns from which so much was expected, the One Hundred and Sixteenth was selected,
and advancing by a dry path, we this time escaped a
drenching. The position selected was an excellent one,
just within the outer edge of the woods, that the enemy
might not detect us, but not so far but that they were in
plain sight to us.
We found here, also, the Second N. Y. Veteran Cavalry, Col. Chrysler, dismounted, and deployed as skirmishers, and many of our number joined them on the
skirmish line.
Word was soon received that the flanking column had
made their attack, and then our battery opened with
perfect range, the first shell exploding right in the
midst of the rebels, killing four mules and disabling the
battery forge.  They replied with great vigor at once,
and for a few minutes it was a warm spot, the shells
plowing up the ground on every side. During the hottest of the engagement the officer in command of our
battery became confident that the enemy were about to
charge upon his guns, and to repulse this attack the
One Hundred and Sixteenth was ordered forward some
little distance. To rise amid the screeching shells was
no pleasant duty, but at the command every man arose
and advanced to the designated spot. At last, finding
that our flanking column was in their rear, the rebels
"limbered up" and retreated.
The way was now clear, and Gen'l Emory, riding up,




172        One Hundred and Sixteenth
said: "Men of' the One Hundred and Sixteenth, I
know I can depend on you; I know you always stand
up to the rack. I want that opposite bank occupied."
We answered him with hearty cheers, and jumping
into the shallow stream we were very soon in line,
where, fifteen minutes before, the rebel battery stood,
and the crossing was in our possession. As the other
regiments of our brigade passed us, Gen'l Emory directed them to give three cheers for the One Hundred
and Sixteenth, as the regiment which first occupied the
position held by the rebels.
Our loss in this engagement was but one man
wounded. The severe fighting had been done by' the
flanking column, the loss in our Third Brigade being
very heavy, among whom was its commander, Col. Fessenden, who was so severely wounded as to necessitate
the amputation of a leg.
Immediately a pontoon bridge was laid, and after a
good rest we once more moved on, halting about midnight, and, spreading our blankets, slept soundly till
morning.
At six o'clock A. M. we started again to tramp
through the immense piney woods. Henderson's Hill
was our destination that night; but about noon it became evident that we were literally lost, and while
anxious aides and orderlies from the generals sought the
right way, we enjoyed ourselves joking about it.
At length, finding it impossible to discover the right
road, or considering it probable that the one we were
following would, sooner or later, terminate near Henderson's Hill, the bugle sounded the forward, and pressing
on we at last emerged from the woods, near the Bayou
Jean-de-jean. Crossing this we bivouaced at nightfall
ait Henderson's Hill, having marched about fifteen miles.




New  York Volunteers.           173
We enjoyed a quiet night, undisturbed by the enemy,
and moved at six o'clock on the morning of April 25th.
Under a burning sun and amid clouds of dust, we
marched eighteen miles, reaching Alexandria about
three o'clock P. M., and going into camp two miles
above the town on the banks of the Red River. Here
we lay for a number of days, during which time we
learned from officers of the gunboats which lay near us,
that the water was so low that none of the fleet could
pass the rapids, and their curses of the Red River campaign were loud and deep.
From this information we surmised that our troubles
were not yet over, which surmise was strengthened on
the evening of the 28th, by orders to move at once into
a new position in front of the town, the commanding
general being satisfied that the enemy contemplated an
attack that night. All night we lay on our arms, but
nothing more than a scattering fire between the pickets
disturbed our slumbers, and the morning revealed the
fact that the enemy had departed.
A new disposition of the troops was now made, in
which the First Brigade found itself on the banks of the
Bayou Rapides, near the same ground occupied by us
when we advanced. A line of fortifications was thrown
up almost enclosing Alexandria, and occupied at many
points with artillery.
All our supplies had thus far reached us by the Red
River, our mails had been received quite regularly by the
same route; but now the enemy seemed to turn his attention to putting a stop to this means of communication.
Every day the navigation of the river became more
perilous, and finally, on the fifth day of May, it was effectually scaled; and the army was cut off entirely from




174         One Hiundred and Sixteenth
the outside world. A position was secured in a bend
of the river by the rebels, where they erected a battery,
supported by quite a large force, and no doubt were
confident that our fleet was now certain of capture.
But they were to be disappointed by the ingenuity of
a despised Yankee.
The situation was a trying one for the whole army.
There really did not seem now any chance to save the
millions of money, represented by the splendid fleet of
gunboats, lying above the rapids utterly unable to pass
the narrow and rocky channel.
One man, however, had hopes that by the use of
proper means they might be saved, and that was Lieut.
Col. Bailey, of the Fourth Wisconsin Cavalry, on the
staff of Gen'l Franklin.
He submitted to Gen'l Banks a plan for constructing
a wing dam at the rapids, which he was confident would
raise the water sufficiently, at and above the rapids, to
float the vessels, and pass them through an opening between the wings. To most of us it seemed a work of
folly, but its feasibility was manifest to those in authority, and work was accordingly commenced at once.
The One Hundred and Sixteenth was ordered to proceed to the northern bank of the river, and commence
work on that wing. On the 5th of May the order was
obeyed, and we found ourselves engaged in felling trees'
in the forests close at hand, hauling them to the river,
and with great exposure to life and health, getting them
into position. An immense amount of stone was quarried, some distance above the dam, and floated down to
the desired position. All this was very fatiguing, especially as a portion of us were constantly employed up
to our necks in water. But as almost every hour saw




New  York Volunteers.               175
the water rising, which gave token that our labor was
not in vain, we persevered for eleven days, and then had
the satisfaction of seeing all the fleet pass the rapids
and float in deep water below.
Engaged with us, on the north bank of the river, were
the Twenty-ninth Maine Vols., and three Western regiments, while upon the other bank the work was performed almost entirely by Negro troops.  In Gen'l
Bank's report of this undertaking, much credit is given
to the troops who worked so faithfully, and all the regiments except the One Hundred and Sixteenth are mentioned. Why an exception should have been made of us
we are unable to state, but inasmuch as Gen'l Dwight,
our old brigade commander, was his Chief-of-staff, and
doubtless drew up the report, the members of the regiment are not at a loss to account for the omission.
Admiral Porter makes the following mention of the
work in his report:
"' The work was commenced by running out from the left bank
of the river, a tree dam, made of the bodies of very large trees,
brush brick and stone, cross-tied with other heavy timbers, and
strengthened in every way which ingenuity could devise. This
was run out about three hundred feet into the river. Four large
coal barges were then filled with brick, and sunk at the end of
it. From the right bank, cribs filled with stone were built out
to meet the barges, all of which was successfully accomplished,
notwithstanding there was a current running of nine miles an
hour, which threatened to sweep every thing before it. It will
take too much time to enter into the details of this truly wonderful work. Suffice it to say, that the dam had nearly reached
completion, in eight days working time, and the water had
risen sufficiently on the upper falls to allow the Fort Hindman,
Osage and Neosho, to get down and be ready to pass the dam. In
another day it would have been high enough to enable all the
other vessels to pass the upper falls. Unfortunately, on the
morning of the ninth day, the pressure of water became so great




176          One Hundred and Sixteenth
that it swept away two of the barges which swung round in below the dam on one side. Seeing the unfortunate accident, I
jumped on my horse and rode up to where the upper vessels were
anchored, and ordered the Lexington to pass the upper falls, if
possible, and immediately attempt to go through the dam. The
Lexington succeeded in getting over the upper falls just in time,
the water rapidly falling, as she was passing over. She then
steered directly for the opening in the dam, through which the
water was rushing so furiously, that it seemed as if nothing but
destruction awaited her. Thousands of beating hearts looked
on, anxious for the result. She entered the gap with a full head
of steam on, pitched down the roaring torrent, made two or three
spasmodic rolls, hung for a moment on the rocks below, was then
swept into deep water by the current, and rounded to safely into
the bank. Thirty thousand voices rose in one deafening cheer,
and universal joy seemed to pervade the face of every man present. The Neosho followed next, all her hatches battened down,
and every precaution taken against accident. She did not fare
as well as the Lexington, her pilot having become frightened as
he approached the abyss, and stopped her engine when I particularly ordered a full head of steam to be carried.
"' The result was that for a moment her hull disappeared from
sight under water. Every one thought she was lost. She rose,
however, swept along over the rocks with the current, and fortunately escaped with only one hole in her bottom, which was
stopped in the course of an hour.
"The Hindman and Osage, both came through beautifully,
without touching a thing, and I thought if I was only fortunate
enough to get my large vessels as well over the falls, my fleet
would once more do good service on the Mississippi.
" The accident to the dam, instead of disheartening Col. Bailey, only induced him to renew his exertions after he had seen
the success of getting four vessels through.
"' The noble-hearted soldiers, seeing their labor of the last eight
days swept away in a moment, cheerfully went to work to repair the damages, being confident now that all the gunboats
would finally be brought over. These men had been working,
eight days and nights, up to their necks in water, in the broiling
sun, cutting trees, wheeling bricks, and yet nothing but good
humor prevailed among them.
"On the whole it was fortunate the dam was carried away, as
the two barges that were swept away from the centre, swung
round against some rocks on the left, and made a fine cushion




New  York Volunteers.                 177
for the vessels, and prevented them, as it afterward appeared,
from running on certain destruction.
" The force of water and the current being too great to construct a continuous dam of six hundred feet across the river, in
so short a time, Col. Bailey determined to leave a gap of fiftyfive feet in the dam, and build a series of wing dams on the upper falls. This was accomplished in three days, and on the 11th
the Mound City, Carondelet and Pittsburg, came over the upper
falls, a good deal of labor having been expended in hauling them
through, the channel being very crooked and scarcely wide
enough for them.
"Next day the Ozark, Louisville, Chillicothe and two tugs
succeeded in passing the upper falls. Immediately afterward
the Mound City, Carondelet and Pittsburg, started in succession
to pass the dam, all the hatches battened down, and every precaution taken to prevent accident. The passage of these vessels
was a most beautiful sight, only to be realized when seen. They
passed over without any accident, excepting the unshipping of
one or two rudders. This was witnessed by all the troops, and
the vessels were heartily cheered as they passed over. Next
morning at ten o'clock, the Louisville, Chillicothe, Ozark and
two tugs, passed over without any accident except the loss of
one man, who was swept off the deck of one of the tugs."




178        One Hundred and Sixteenth
CHAPTER XVII.
ON the evening of May 12th, after all the fleet had
safely passed the dam, the One Hundred and Sixteenth
left its position on the north bank of the river and
crossed to Alexandria, expecting to march from there
at once.
Owing to some cause we remained in the streets all
night, in constant expectation of the orders to move.
We were now made acquainted with the fact, that our
connection with the old First Brigade had ceased, and
that we were a portion of the Third Brigade.  Col.
Love, by order of Gen'l Emory, assumed command of
the brigade, which consisted of the One Hundred and
Sixteenth, One Hundred and Sixty-second, One Hundred
and Sixty-fifth, and One Hundred and Seventy-third N.
Y. Vols., and the Thirtieth Me. Vols.
All regretted the change, as the old First was our
home, and we had formed many attachments which were
hard to sever.  We hoped it would prove only a temporary transfer, and so it proved.
There were now two roads by which we could reach
the Mississippi. One followed the course of' the Red
River, by which the distance was about seventy-five
miles, and the other was the one upon which we had advanced so proudly only a month before. Our experience
told us that this was a good one hundred and seventy
miles, and when at nine o'clock A. M., May 13th, we found
the column heading in the direction of the former, we
stepped off to the music of our band with light hearts.
Shortly after leaving Alexandria, we saw immense




New  York Volunteers.            179
clouds of smoke rolling up firom the city, which we
were afterward informed was the town itself.  It was
set on fire by the carelessness of some of the men connected with our army, but the rebel authorities claimed
it was fired by order of Gen'l Banks. A large portion
of the place was left in ruins by this disastrous occurrence.
The weather was becoming intensely hot, and as the
roads were very dusty, we suffered a great deal; but,
nevertheless, marched an average of fifteen miles a day
on the 13th, 14th and 15th. We passed the points upon
the river bank where the enemy had erected his batteries and blockaded the river, but ere we reached these
points he took good care to leave, and we had only a
sight of the nest, the bird having flown.
On the 16th, we left the course of the river, passed
through Marksville, a small village, and came out on an
immense plain, very much resembling our western prairies, except in extent.  Here we found the rebels in
position to dispute our further progress. At every commanding point they had posted artillery, which kept up
a lively cannonading until noon, our own responding.
Our whole army, except a portion of the Sixteenth
Corps under Gen'l Smith, was disposed to invite an attack, and every effort possible was made to induce them
to attack us, or failing in this, to engage their attention
until Gen'l Smith could gain their rear.
The sight which now opened to our view was imposing beyond anything we had ever seen. Thus far in the
battles in which the One Hundred and Sixteenth had
been engaged, our view had been limited to our own
immediate friont. But now on this clear, beautiful morning, on Mansura plains, thousands of acres in extent, we




180          One Hundred and Sixteenth
could see our whole army-the bayonets of the infantry, the sabres of the cavalry, and the polished guns
of the artillery, glittering in the sunlight. Away upon
the right, a portion of Smith's corps could be seen
moving to the rear of the enemy, while all along the
line the evolutions of the different divisions and brigades
were plainly visible.
The battle of Mansura was almost entirely an artillery
engagement, and seldom in the history of' the war has
there been a sharper one.
Notwithstanding our efforts to brine on an engagement, they refused to give us battle, and as soon as they
found that a force was attempting to flank them, they
took advantage of their knowledge of the country, and
limbering up their artillery, escaped by some unknown
path.
All obstructions to our retreat being now removed,
we proceeded on our way, reaching Simmsport, on the
Atchafalaya river, about three o'clock on the afternoon
of the 17th.
The day after our arrival at Simmsport, the following
order was received:
" HEAD-QUARTERs NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS, 1
SIMMSPORT, LA., May 18, 1864.
" SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 48.
" Soldiers of the 1st and 2d Divisions Nineteenth Army Corps.
It is my duty to express to you my high appreciation of your
uniform good conduct throughout the late eventful campaign.
This duty is rendered more imperative by the false reports of
your operations, which have met you at this point. On the 8th
of April, at the first notice that our troops in the front were engaged, the 1st Division, the only troops of the Nineteenth Army
Corps then present, marched in double-quick time seven miles to
the front, formed line of battle under the enemy's fire, checked
him and drove him back, under circumstances the most trying




New  York Volunteers.              181
that could befall troops. The whole advance composed of eight
or ten thousand troops, were thrown back upon you in utter disorder and confusion, pell-mell with the enemy. You formed line
of battle under the enemy's fire, and amidst the frightful disorder, with the regularity of forming for parade. You drove the
enemy from before you and held the ground until ordered to fall
back.
" The next day at Pleasant Hill, you of the ]st Division bore
the brunt of the enemy's fierce attack, and only one brigade,
that on the left, gave way, because it was unsupported; but it
soon rallied, and joined in the final charge, which drove the enemy from the field. On the 23d, at Cane River, you, supported by
the Thirteenth Corps, found the enemy strongly fortified to dispute the crossing of the river. Led by the 3d Brigade of the 1st
Division, you turned his flank, and at the point of the bayonet
drove him from the hill he occupied. At Alexandria you contributed your labor by day and night, for seventeen days, under
the engineering skill of Lieut. Col. Bailey, to the great work
which relieved the fleet from its perilous situation above the
falls, restoring it to the country.
" This is in brief a summary of your services, for the last two
months, and I know when it becomes known to the country, the
judgment will be, that you at least have done your duty faithfully.
"' By command of BRIG. GEN'L W. H. EMORY,' DUNCAN S. WALKER,
" A... Gen'l."
The fleet of transports when they had reached the
mouth of the Atchafalaya on their way down the Red
River, altered their course, and descending it to Simmsport, we found them, when we arrived there, awaiting
us. They were all river steamers, and getting alongside each other, with their stems up stream, they
formed a bridge which answered the purpose nicely.
All our large wagon train and artillery had to be run
over by hand. Hour after hour we worked until at last
every army wagon, gun, caisson, forge, mule, horse and
man, were across the stream, and in a very short time
the bridge had dissolved into distinct bodies, which
9




182         One Hundred and Sixteenth
ascending the Atchafalaya, were soon at the mouth of
the Red River. Gen'l Smith here embarked his Sixteenth Corps upon them and returned to Vicksburg.
On the 21st of May, 1864, the first anniversary of our
fight at Plain Store, we reached the good old Mississippi,
and greeted it with as rousing a cheer as was ever given,
and went into camp on its bank at Morgansia. Thus
ended the Red River campaign, the great failure of the
war; a failure which it seemed might have been foreseen.
The object was the capture of Shreeveport, five hundred miles within the enemy's country, to occupy which
would have required the constant care of the entire
army; while the Red River, notoriously'  acherous,
must be relied on as a means of supplying the army.
And what real injury would its capture and occupation
by us work to the rebellion? Severed in twain by the
Mississippi, was it not our best policy to let that portion
west of the river quietly enjoy the pleasure of belonging
to the Confederacy? That the campaign need not have
ended so disastrously is certain, had the commanding
general been competent to handle so large an army, or
grasp so comprehensive a plan.
At Port Hudson, a year before, we had been again
and again defeated from a like cause. Instead of seeing
that a determined attack upon that stronghold was
simultaneously made along our entire front, he simply
ordered an attack, and that, too, before a thorough examiination of the ground was made. As a natural result,
the troops upon the extreme right attacked in the morning, on the right centre some time after, on the left centre still later, and on the left late in the afternoon. At
each of these threatened points the rebels brought all




New  York Volunteers.             183
their force to bear, and drove the assailants back, whipping us in detail. Again, the front occupied by our
brigade, and over which we attempted to pass, was covered by a dense slashing; while upon our right was an
open field, over which it would have been a comparatively easy task to pass, with good promise of success;
yet no troops ever essayed to assault that point.
And now the same policy, or lack of policy, was repeated.  Instead of keeping the different corps of his
army within supporting distance, fiom seven to sixteen
miles were allowed to intervene between them, making
defeat, whenever the rebels should offer battle, as certain
as that he lived, and would one day die.
It will not avail Gen'l Banks to place the responsibility of defeat upon his subordinate generals. To him
would have belonged the credit of success, and to him
as justly must attach the disgrace of failure. He was
supreme in the Department of the Gulf, and if Gen'l
Smith, with the Sixteenth Corps, as he alleges (and as
is true), was simply loaned to him, and would not obey
his orders, he should have been made to obey them or
suffer the consequences.
Whatever may be said of our generals, the soldiers
had well performed their part. They marched nearly
six hundred miles, fought four decisive battles, built innumerable bridges and fortifications, as well as the
wonderful clam at Alexandria.
Never did men work harder, better, or with more determination, and never were men less repaid for their
exertions.
If at Sabine Cross Roads they were defeated, the
responsibility of that defeat does not rest with them.
If at Pleasant Hill they won a victory and then turned




184         One Hundred and Sixteenth
their backs upon the enemy while he was fleeing from
them, leaving the dead unburied, and the wounded to
die or suffer agony worse than death, they are neither
cowards for turning their backs upon this victory, or
heartless wretches for thus leaving their comrades uncared for. The generals may be amenable to these
charges, but the soldiers are not.




New York Volunteers.            185
CRAPTEBR XVIII.
UPON our arrival at Morgansia, orders were received
conveying the gratifying intelligence that this would
be, for the present at least, our permanent camp; and
with a hearty good will we entered upon the work of
making it as comfortable as possible.
The adjacent forests offered abundant material for the
construction of shady arbors, and in a few days the
whole camp was covered with a leafy bower, most refreshing as a shield from the overpowering heat of the
sun.
No duties, except such as were indispensable, were
demanded of us, and lazily we perspired the weary days
through.
When we arrived here a very large mail, which had
been accumulating for weeks, was received, and with
the newspapers from New Orleans, gave us the first information of the movements of the world we had received for a long time. About this time, too, we learned
that a new military division had been created, of which
the Department of the Gulf was a part. Maj. Gen'l E.
R. S. Canby was announced as its commander, to whom
Gen'l Banks was to report. This very materially curtailed the power of the hero of the Red River campaign,
and gave him abundant leisure to," cultivate the social
element" in New Orleans.
Orders were promulgated much faster now than they
could be read and comprehended. One of these constituted the Nineteenth Corps a sort qf marine corps, and
instructed us to hold ourselves in readiness to move up



186         One Hundred and Sixteenth
on transports either up or down the river, wherever the
rebels, encouraged by their recent victories, should attempt to obstruct the navigation of the stream.
We were, however, never required for this duty, and
after a few days spent in camp, we regained our wonted
powers, and began to long for active service again.
The effect of the intense heat soon began to manifest
itself in those regiments which joined us just before our
late campaign, in constant deaths.  Many times in a
day the bodies of some poor boys were carried to their
last resting-place from these'regiments, while the One
Hundred and Sixteenth enjoyed complete immunity
from disease. It really seemed as if our constitutions
had been hardened into adamant.
As the memorable anniversaries of Plain Store,
our first fight, and the two fatal assaults upon Port
Hudson, of May 27th and June 14th, reached us, our
minds wandered back to those scenes so fresh in our
memories, as to make it difficult to realize that twelve
long months had passed since we participated in them.
Mingled feelings of satisfaction at the glorious memory of the first, and of sadness at the terrible remembrance of the latter, filled our hearts, and nerved us for
the proper discharge of all the duties still in store
for us.
While here at Morgansia, the almost forgotten forms
of Capt. Carpenter and the five enlisted men who had
been North after conscripts, made their appearance. Although absent on this duty nearly a year, they returned,
as they went, alone. We had hoped to have the pleasure of initiating some of our friends into the mysteries
of soldiering when this party returned, but were doomed
to disappointment, their mission having been entirely
fruitless.




lNew York Volunteers.           187
On the 20th day of June, a re-organization of the
troops in the department was made, by which we retained our corps and division designations, but in which
the Thirteenth Corps was disbanded and merged in the
Nineteenth.
In this re-organization the One Hundred and Sixteenth
was transferred back to the old First Brigade, much to
the satisfaction of all, and Col. Love resumed command.
All these orders, with a something which an old soldier seems to snuff in the very air, looked very like a
movement of some kind. Speculation was rife as to
what it would be, and where it would land us. Mobile
was the favored point, and nine-tenths of us had about
concluded that this must be the objective point, when, on
the first day of July, orders were received to be ready
at a moment's notice to move on board transports to
New Orleans.
All the necessary arrangements to comply with the
order were speedily made, and by noon of the 2d the
One Hundred and Sixteenth was on board the steamer
Col. Cowles. At three o'clock that afternoon we cast
off our lines, and for the last time swung into the current of the Mississippi. Although we had been nearly
two years in the Department of the Gulf, and had lain
for two months in the rear of Port Hudson, participating in the seige, we had had but an indifferent view of
it. Now, however, as we approached it from above, we
saw how wonderfully nature had provided there for the
sealing up of the river. A short stop was made there,
and then we again proceeded on our way, passing Baton
Rouge-which had a very familiar look, from our long
stay there-before dark.  Other famiiiar places were
passed, until darkness made it impossible to distinguish




188         One Hundred and Sixteenth
them, and then we turned in, to find ourselves at six
o'clock the next morning tied up to the levee of New
Orleans.
All around us were troops, and still they kept arriving from Morgansia.  Some were disembarked and
quartered in the deserted warehouses and cotton-gins
which line the levee; while others, among which was
the One Hundred and Sixteenth, remained all day on
board the steamers.
The next day was the anniversary of our nation's
birth, the Fourth of July. In the morning we marched
ashore, and, except such as took French leave and
wandered about the city, we celebrated the day in the
dust and dirt of the levee. There was some attempt at
a proper celebration of the glorious day, but except that
part performed by the military, under the direction of
Gen'l Banks, there was an entire lack of enthusiasm, consequent upon the rebel element forming so large a portion of the inhabitants.
About ten o'clock that night orders were received
from Gen'l Emory, directing the One Hundred and Sixteenth, Ninetieth N. Y. Vols. and Thirtieth Mass. Vols.,
to proceed on board the steamer Mississippi with all
possible dispatch. The whole night was wasted in vain
attempts to obey the orders of any number of self-constituted commanders, but, by four o'clock on the morning of the 5th of July the designated regiments were
all on board awaiting the arrival of Gen'l Emory. At
five o'clock, the General having arrived, we cast off our
lines and were steaming down the river, leaving New
Orleans for the last time.
The iississioppi was a large, new and very staunch
craft, and although terribly crowded, we congratulated




New York Volunteers.            189
ourselves on our good fortune in being again assigned
to one of the best vessels in the fleet.
At two o'clock that afternoon we reached the bar at
the mouth of the river, and, as seemed to be our luck,
grounded. All the efforts of our powerful engine were
unavailing, and hard aground we remained all night,
and the next day and night. On the morning of the 7th
the steamer Creole passed us without difficulty, and the
old General, who had fumed and walked the deck in
great impatience at our misfortune, because of his desire
to reach our destination as soon as any of his troops,
transferred himself to her. Word had been sent to New
Orleans of our being unable to proceed, and within an
hour of the time the General left us, two steam tugs arrived, and before the Creole was out of sight we got off
the bar.
Our pilot left us when some ten miles out, and the
sealed orders being opened we were astounded with the
intelligence that we were bound for Fortress Monroe.
Before noon that day we had run fifty-two miles, and
during the next twenty-four hours made two hundred
and forty-nine miles; and on the 9th, two hundred and
thirty.
Our experience now, unlike that on our previous trip,
was most delightful. The sun shone most beautifully,
the only drawback to our comfort being the intense
heat.
A sad occurrence happened on the evening of July
5th, which sent a thrill of horror to every heart. It was
the loss overboard of private John Thurber, of Company
"F," who persisted, against the direct orders of the officers of the ship, in sleeping upon some portion of the
vessel very much exposed. The nights were uncomfort



190        One Hundred and Sixteenth
ably warm, and crowded as the men were, it became almost impossible to get any sleep in the hold. Many of
the men were in the habit of sleeping on deck, and
some were constantly getting into some boxes alongside the rail, from which position the least motion
of the ship would precipitate them into the sea. They
were warned of the danger of occupying these places,
but all to no purpose; and on the evening of the 8th
young Thurber laid himself down here for his night's
rest; before midnight he rolled off the rail, and his cries
for help soon brought many to see what was the trouble.
The ship was immediately stopped, a small boat lowered,
and every effort made to rescue him, but the darkness
prevented their finding him; and after diligent search
we steamed on our course, leaving another of our number in the depths of the Atlantic.
Almost a dead calm prevailed on the 10th, but three
hundred miles were scored, with nothing unusual transpiring.  The next day two hundred and thirty-eight
miles were shown on the captain's log book, and as
many of us looked at these figures, we could not but
think how much easier it was for us to traverse that
number of' miles in our then condition, than even onetenth of the distance without the aid of steam.
At five o'clock A. M., July 12th, we doubled Cape
Hatteras, by noon had run two hundred and seventy-one
miles, and at five o'clock P. M. reached Fortress Monroe, a distance of sixty miles more.
Here we heard startling rumors, which our being at
once ordered to proceed to Washington seemed to make
authentic. The rebel Gen'l Early, we were told, was
advancing through Maryland, and was even then supposed clto be near the national capital demanding its sur



New York VTolunteers.           191
render; and this, too, when there were hardly a handful
of troops there. A portion of the Sixth Corps we were
infbrmed had but just left the fortress, having been sent
up from before Petersburg.
But with all this alarming intelligence a kind Providence did not fail to give us one item of a different character. This was the glad news that the rebel pirate
Alabama had, in a fair fight, been defeated and sunk by
the Kearsarge.
Receiving orders, as has been stated, to proceed with
all possible dispatch to Washington, the wheels of our
good steamer had hardly ceased their revolutions ere
they were put again in motion, her stem turned up
stream, and we were sailing up the beautiful Potomac.
Upon one side lay the sacred soil of Virginia, and on
the other that of Maryland. Our eyes fairly danced as
we saw fields of golden grain and waving meadows of
grass, so much more like our northern farms than the
lowlands of Louisiana. Here and there the surface was
broken by beautiful hills, the like of which had been almost unknown where we had spent nearly two years.
As we neared Mount Vernon, where rests the ashes
of the "Father of his country," the ship's bell commenced a solemn tolling, which was continued until we
were some distance above it. This dear spot to every
one who calls himself an American, with Fort Washington nearly opposite, demanded our attention, and were
sights none of the One Hundred and Sixteenth ever expected to see as soldiers.
On the afternoon of July 13th we reached the wharf,
and were at once disembarked, having been nearly nine
days in making the run from the mouth of the Mississippi. While we lay upon the dock waiting orders to




192         One fHundred and Sixteenth
move, a carriage drove up, in which were two gentlemen, who evidently were very glad to notice our arrival. It did not need a second look to tell us that one
of them was President Lincoln, and he very soon made
us acquainted with his companion, Secretary Stanton.
We cheered him right lustily, but he would not gratify
our desire for a speech; and after a few words of cheer
to those near him, they drove off. This was the first
opportunity many of us had ever enjoyed of seeing Lincoln, and the open hearted smile with which he greeted
us warmed many a heart toward him.




NXew York Volunteers.          193
CHAPTER XIX.
THE same afternoon upon which we landed in Washington, a portion of the Sixth Corps made a determined
charge upon the rebels laying siege to one of the many
forts which encircle the city. They routed them utterly,
so that they immediately raised the siege and that night
retreated, followed by the Sixth Corps. This gallant
affair was the work of the brigade to which the Fortyninth N. Y. Vols. (a Buffalo regiment) belonged, and
was commanded by Col. D. D. Bidwell. It won for the
Colonel the long delayed recognition of his services and
made him a brigadier general.
The only portion of our corps (the Nineteenth), yet
arrived, was the First Brigade, and even this had
reached the city in so many different vessels that the
regiments were scattered.
About midnight Col. Love received orders to move
the One Hundred and Sixteenth at once some seven
miles out of the city, where the balance of the brigade
had at last been collected. The object of the night
march was to be in readiness to move to the support of
the Sixth Corps early the following morning.
No one was sent to guide us, and at midnight, in a
city of which we knew but precious little even by daylight, we shouldered our muskets and started.
Up this street and down that, out this one and back
by another, round this corner and then that, past mansions and hovels, up hill and down, we went until,
completely wearied out and entirely befogged, we concluded we were lost.




194         One Hundred and Sixteenth
A halt was sounded, inquiries made of such inhabitants as could be found, and at last, in some unexplained
way to us, we reached the designated point about four
o'clock in the morning, and were soon sound asleep.
Three short hours we were permitted to enjoy'" nature's sweet restorer," and at seven o'clock the bugle
sounded the forward. Without any breakfast we roused
ourselves from our slumber, and began what was termed
the " Snicker's Gap," expedition.
Passing through a small collection of houses, sporting the name of Tenallytown, we turned to the left,
and followed the ridge road leading to Leesburg, Va.
Shortly after leaving the town, we passed an ambulance containing Maj. Gen'l Q. A. Gillmore, who had
been placed in command of the forces, but had been
thrown from his horse and severely hurt. Maj. Gen'l
H. G. Wright, of the Sixth Corps, being the next in
rank, assumed command.
In Louisiana we had marched upon perfectly level
roads, with no hills to ascend or descend, and with no
stones to interfere with our movements.  Now, however, it seemed as though we had no sooner reached the
bottom of one hill than another rose before us but a
short distance ahead.  Some claim that such roads are
easier to travel upon than level ones, from the fact that
ascending brings into play one set of muscles, which are
relaxed and relieved by others when once the descent
is begun. With all due deference to such mistaken
souls, the men of the One Hundred and Sixteenth must
differ. This was not their experience, and they found
themselves much sooner exhausted than ever before.
And then our feet were soon covered with blisters from
the stones, large and small, over which we stumbled al



New  York Volunteers.            195
most continually. Toward night we went into bivouac
near Poolsville, all heartily wishing that we were again
in Louisiana.
Coming as we did from a much warmer climate, we
suffered very much from the cold night air, and found
our supply of blankets entirely inadequate to keep us
warm.
The Sixth Corps encamped near us, and many friendly
visits were made to, and received from, the fiiends in
the Forty-ninth N. Y. Vols., attached thereto.
This corps preceded us in the morning, and from some
cause we did not move until ten o'clock. A short
distance brought us to the banks of the Potomac, which
it became necessary to ford, and we were halted to enable the Sixth Corps to accomplish this.
Hour after hour we waited, busying ourselves in
making inquiries of all who chanced to pass as to where
we were, and the no less important fact of where the
rebels were. By this means we learned that we were
at White's Ford, on the Potomac, and that the rebels
were at or near Leesburg.
About five o'clock we fell into line, marched down a
steep hill, crossed a canal and were upon the banks of
the Potomac, which must be crossed without the aid of
any pontoon bridge.  Hastily we divested ourselves of
shoes and stockings, and rolling our " unmentionables"
well up, stepped into the stream and commenced the
novel and somewhat perilous journey. The sight to any
disinterested person must have been ludicrous in the
extreme. For six hundred feet a scattered column of
soldiers with muskets, shoes, stockings and cartridge
boxes, elevated above their heads, were seen floundering along in a very unmilitary kind of a way. Long




196         One Hiundred and Sixteenth
legs had a decided advantage over short ones, and the
water being clear and the bottom covered with stones,
it was but natural that a choice should be made between
sharp-pointed ones and large smooth ones. No sooner,
however, had a foot been placed on these, than away
the foot would slip from the accumulated slime, and
under would go the owner of it.
Many amusing incidents occurred to mark this our
first attempt at fording a large stream.  Dripping with
water we touched the sacred soil of Virginia, and
ascended the bank of the river without the fear of the
" F. F. V.'s " before us.
Notwithstanding the sun had nearly disappeared when
all had crossed, we moved on, and went into bivouac
about ten o'clock that night a short distance from Leesburg.
The next day, July 17th, was Sunday, and was enjoyed in a very acceptable rest, being informed that we
should probably remain there some time.
At five o'clock the following morning, however, came
the order to "fall in," and passing around the city of
Leesburg, we turned in the direction of the Blue Ridge,
looming up in all their grandeur before us, and seemingly at no great distance.
One of the necessaries, even of soldier life, we found
in greater abundance and of much more inviting appearance here than in Louisiana, and that was water. Clear
cold springs issuing from the solid rock were abundant,
and instead of satisfying our thirst from dirty stagnant
pools, or the turbid fluid from the Mississippi and Red
rivers, we drank long draughts clear and delicious.
During the day we passed through Hamiltonville,
Purcellville and Snickersville, which latter place is




New York Volunteers.           197
situated just at the base of the mountains at the entrance to Snicker's Gap. Passing this small village we
slowly began the toilsome crossing of the Blue Ridge
through the gap. Many times we wondered where the
gap was, for we seemed to be ascending the sides of
the mountains themselves. At last, about eight o'clock
in the evening, we reached the summit and began the
descent, hardly less difficult than the ascent. By nine
o'clock we had accomplished the task, and were bivouaced on the level plain between the ridge and the
Shenandoah River.
Here we learned that a portion of the Eighth Corps,
under Maj. Gen'l Crook, had been defeated that day by
the rebels, who held the opposite bank of the river, and
during most of the night a lively cannonading was kept
up. The following day was spent in bivouac with
nothing to enliven the hours except the shots exchanged
by the pickets. Toward night an alarm was given, and
considerable confusion manifested from contradictory
orders, it being supposed that the enemy were about to
attack us. It proved a false alarm, and we lay down
and enjoyed a good night's rest.
A reconnoissance early on the morning of the 20th
revealed the fact that the rebels had retreated during
the night, and the whole command was ordered forward.
Descending the banks of the Shenandoah we repeated
our experience of a few days before, and reached the
opposite bank in a very moist condition.
We proceeded some two or three miles in the direction of Berryville, and forming in line of battle, remained all day long listening to the sound of heavy cannonading. No move was made in the direction from
which this sound proceeded. We knew nothing of
what it was, but it would seem that the general com



198         One IHundred and Sixteenth
manding the forces there assembled, should have found
out (what we afterwards learned) that Gen'l Averill
with his cavalry was hotly engaged with the rebels.
Had this been ascertained and we marched at once to
his support, Jubal Early would not have so easily escaped.
A heavy rain set in while we remained here, which
drenched us to the skin, and rendered the roads K imost impassable. Just as the sun was sinking below th western
horizon, we counter-marched, re-crossed the Shenandoah, marched up the rocky mountain side, passed again
through the dismal gap, and traveled all night along the
same road upon which we had advanced.  By ten
o'clock the next morning we had made a distance of
twenty-three miles, and went into bivouac at Goose
Creek, near Leesburg. This had been accomplished in
the darkness of night at a break-neck pace, and we could
not for the life of us see the necessity for such haste.
Leesburg we found to be a place of some considerable
pretensions. Here and there were mansions which told
of luxury and wealth, but the terrible hand of war had
left its mark. We found in Virginia as well as in Louisiana, that these men who fondly anticipated an easy triumph and an increased wealth, had found, instead, an
enemy not so easily conquered, and a terrible decrease
in this world's goods.  To this we could but say amen.
After going into bivouac, we learned the cause of our
forced march. It was rumored that Gen'l Lee had abandoned his position before Gen'l Grant, and was advancing with his whole command upon Washington.  Even
we poor soldiers could see no foundation for these rumors, and did not find our estimation of Gen'l Wright
very much heightened by the belief he evidently placed
in them.
Never since our enlistment, not even in the famous




New York Volunteers.            199
Red River campaign, had we fared as poorly as now.
It was with difficulty that we obtained any rations, and
when we halted that morning were almost destitute.
From those not willing to listen to reason, but ready to
grumble, we heard any thing but compliments to the
government, which here, within a few miles of its capital,
could permit its defenders to go hungry.  To those
who were inclined to be reasonable, the cause became at
once apparent, when they remembered the hurry in which
we were sent in pursuit of Early, and the consequent
inability of our quartermasters getting supplies along.
The country on the whole presented a much better
appearance than might have been expected. Army after
army had passed over it, and although desolation was
on every hand, still there were traces of husbandry.
Enough seemed to be grown to supply the wants of the
inhabitants. As was the case in -Louisiana, so was it
here, but very f'ew able-bodied men were ever seen. All
these were either in the rebel army, or very shady when
Uncle Sam's boys were around. Only the women, children and negroes, such as were left of them, made their
appearance, to do the disagreeable or agreeable, as best
suited their color.
At nine o'clock on the morning of the 22d we were
again in motion, and passing through the village of
Drainsville about noon, halted late at night eighteen
miles from our starting point.
A good night's rest enabled us to move at eight
o'clock on the morning of the 23d, almost as fresh as
new. Marching a good fifteen miles, we crossed the
famous chain bridge, and about three o'clock in the afternoon encamped some four miles fiom Washington, and
within its defences.




200         One lunndred and Sixteenth
CHAPTER XX.
IT was now very generally expected that, having
driven the invading force of Early up the valley, the
Nineteenth Corps would be at once dispatched to Petersburg, where we had undoubtedly been destined to
go when we left New Orleans. Coming events, however, ordered it otherwise, and the One Hundred and
Sixteenth never saw either Richmond or Petersburg.
The 24th and 25th days of July were spent in camp,
during which time the Second Brigade of our division
joined us, having but just arrived from New Orleans.
The troops were well supplied with clothing, of which
they stood in great need, and better if possible than this,
our commissary arrangements were perfected, so that in
future we might reasonably expect our stated allowance
of rations.
On the evening of the 25th it was rumored that the
rebels were again invading Maryland, and before we
turned in for the night orders came for us to advance
early in the morning.
Accordingly, at eleven o'clock, July 26th, the One
Hundred and Sixteenth started on what the boys afterward termed " the Harper's Ferry roust-about." Moving a short distance toward the city, and near to Tenallytown, from which point we started before, we took
the Rockville turnpike, and until midnight toiled on
over rocks and stones. During the early evening we
passed through the thriving little town of Rockville,
bivouacing nineteen miles from Washington, and making perhaps as fatiguing a march as ever the One Hun



New York Volunteers.             201
dred and Sixteenth made. But three or four hours' sleep
were allowed us, when, at four o'clock the next morning,
we moved on. That day we passed the villages of Middlebrook, Clarksburg and Hyattsville, going into bivouac
two miles beyond the latter place.
We were forcibly impressed that day with the vast
difference between the people and. country of a State
true to the good old Union and of those false to it.  In
Louisiana and Virginia the people were few and poorly
clad and fed, the country was running to waste, and the
cities and villages dilapidated beyond belief. In " My
Maryland " all was thrift. The people were well clad,
and their countenances bore the unmistakable marks of
well-filled stomachs. The country was under splendid
cultivation, rich fields of ripening grain meeting us at
every turn. The villages through which we passed were
real live towns.
At five o'clock A. M. of the 27th our column was
again in motion, but halted about eight o'clock on the
banks of the Monocacy River, quite a large stream.
Here Maj. Gen'l Lew Wallace, with such troops as could
be hastily gathered in the vicinity of Washington, had
met Early on his advance some two weeks before, and
vainly attempted to stay his progress.  Evidences of
the battle were lying all around us. Broken muskets,
bayonets, cartridge boxes, etc., etc., were strewn all
about, giving mute tokens of the conflict. A substantial bridge across the river had at that time been destroyed, and another of tressle work, used by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, had been considerably damaged.
At four o'clock P. M. we left this point, and fording
the river some two miles above the ruined bridge, proceeded on toward the city of Frederick. Just at the




202        One Hundred and Sixteenth
close of the day we entered this most beautiful city.
With colors flying and drums beating we passed through
it, and went into bivouac on the Chambersburg pike,
some four miles beyond.
Frederick is a large city and a model one, not only in
its beauty but in its loyalty. Never in our soldier experience had we seen so much love for our flag shown as
here. Hundreds were flying from the house tops, and
the entire population seemed to vie with each other in
showing their good-will. Haversacks and pockets were
filled with all manner of good things, and from almost
every door came the children with pitchers and pails
filled with clear cold water. From nearly all the windows the smiling faces of its good ladies looked down
upon us.
At six o'clock on the 29th we again shouldered our
muskets and proceeded on our way. Jefferson, Knoxville and Sandy Hook were passed that day, and we
made a note of the rustier look they had than towns not
so near the loyal line. From the latter place the road
followed the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, along a narrow ledge of rocks just at the base of Maryland Heights
and on the bank of the Potomac. A short distance fiom
it we turned a bend in the river, and Harper's Ferry,
on the opposite bank, was before us.  Crossing the
river upon a pontoon bridge, we passed through the
town and went into bivouac on Bolivar Heights. That
day we marched twenty-two miles under a hot July sun,
on a dry and dusty road, and were about used up.
Of course we improved the opportunity and took a
view of the scene of poor old John Brown's hair-brained
operations. One look was sufficient. The streets were
narrow and dirty beyond description, and being built




New York Volunteers.            203
upon the side of Bolivar Heights, some of the houses
seemed built upon the roofs of others, making it no difficult matter for those above to tell what their neighbors
below were going to have for dinner.
We examined the ruins of the government arsenal destroyed by the rebels, but found nothing in or about
them or the place to attract our attention, and so turned
to the surroundings.
At this point the waters of the Shenandoah unite with
those of the Potomac, and by their united power seem to
have forced a passage through the Blue Ridge. Three
bold peaks are thus formed, called Maryland, Loudon
and Bolivar Heights. The scenery is magnificent in the
extreme, causing the beholder to wonder at the power
and majesty of the great Maker of the universe.
Amid this grand and imposing scenery we passed the
night and the next day, until two o'clock in the afternoon, when a rumor having reached the General commanding that the rebels were moving toward Pennsylvania, and had already destroyed Chambersburg, our
bivouac was broken up. Hardly rested from our severe
marching, we turned our backs upon Harper's Ferry,
recrossed the river, and at midnight spread our blankets
near the Kittoctan Creek.
At six o'clock on the morning of the 31st we were
aroused and once more started on. The day was intensely hot, the road dry and dusty, and hundreds of
men were sunstruck. About noon we passed again
through Frederick, receiving the same kind attention
from its citizens as before. Proceeding a short distance
beyond the city limits, we turned from the road and bivouaced in a delightful piece of woods. Here we found
th at the rumor, was false, or at least greatly exaggerated,




204         One Hundred and Sixteenth
and one day, August 1st, was allowed us of comparative
quiet. This, with the two nights' rest, enabled us to
start again on the 2d greatly refreshed.
A short march of seven miles brought us to the Monocacy, where we found the Second Division of our
corps, under Gen'l Grover, and once more the Nineteenth Corps was united.
Our old division commander, Gen'l Emory, was assigned to the command of it, with Gen'l Dwight in command of the First Division and Gen'l Grover of the
Second. These officers retained their positions to the
close of the war.
A word here of our corps commander may not be out
of place. An old army officer, well advanced in years,
his very presence was calculated to inspire respect. His
constant care that his men were supplied with every
thing that could be obtained, had gained their love. Of
light complexion and sandy hair, he was known throughout the corps as " old brick top," and although rough
and stern in his manner, the generous nature within
often manifested itself to even the lowest in rank.
Above all, on the battle-field we had learned his ability
to handle us with intelligence, and this completed our
admiration of the man.
Maj. Gen'l David Hunter had been assigned to the
command of this army soon after our return to Washton from Snicker's Gap, and now Lieut. Gen'l Grant arrived at the Monocacy. Almost simultaneously it was
announced that Hunter was relieved, and that Maj. Gen'l
Philip H. Sheridan was assigned to the command of the
Middle Military Division. This was a new creation of
the war office, and embraced the Departments of Western Virginia, Susquehanna, Middle and Washington,
and of which we formed a part.




New York Volunteers.           205
Of Gen'l Sheridan we knew but very little. His name
had been associated with some brilliant cavalry exploits,
but much regret was manifested that some man better
known, like Gen'l Joe Hooker, for instance, had not
been selected. Gen'l Grant, however, knew better than
we the duties to be performed, and future events proved
that he knew the man, too, whom he had chosen.
The Shenandoah Valley, extending from Harper's
Ferry to Staunton, had been the scene of many engagements. They had almost invariably resulted in victory
to the rebels, until it had become familiarly known as
the " valley of humiliation " to us. When Gen'l Grant
made his grand advance through the Wilderness to Richmond, he fully realized the importance of sending a force
up this valley to prevent the rebels from invading Maryland and Pennsylvania. Through this gateway these
invasions had always been made. Gen'l Siegel was
therefore placed in command of a force for this purpose,
but failed entirely, being badly defeated. Gen'l Hunter
afterward relieved him, but was still more disastrously
beaten. He advanced nearly to Staunton, and was then
so utterly routed as to make it necessary for his army
to leave the Shenandoah Valley, cross the mountains,
and retreat by the Kanawha Valley. Thus the way was
opened for Gen'l Early, who at once moved down the
valley, crossed the Potomac, and, as has been already
related, came very near capturing Washington.  This
was his darling plan, which he was only prevented from
effecting by the opportune arrival of the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps.
Now a determined effort was to be made, under the
new commander, to retrieve our misfortunes, and hold
possession of this key to the whole North.
10




206          One Hundred and Sixteenth
For this work Gen'l Sheridan was to have the Sixth,
Eighth and Nineteenth Corps of infantry, and two divisions of cavalry, with which it was hoped he would
succeed.
August 3d was spent in quiet on the banks of the
Monocacy, but toward night, on the 4th, we filled our
haversacks with four days' rations, and crossed the
trussle bridge. About two o'clock A. WM., August 5th,
our brigade was ordered on board the cars, and amid the
darkness we were whirled along toward Harper's Ferry.
The cars were much worse than those upon which the
One Hundred and Sixteenth traveled from Elmira to
Baltimore, two years before, but not a grumbler was
found to cry shame on the government that would compel its soldiers to ride in any thing short of passenger
coaches.
At five o'clock the next morning we alighted from
the cars at the base of Maryland Heights, and commenced
ascending the zigzag road leading to its summit. Before reaching that point, however, and when something
more than half way up, we came out on a large level
plain, where we went into bivouac. A more magnificent sight it had never been our good fortune to behold,
than now opened before us. Towering hundreds of feet
above our heads was the bristling summit of the peak,
away to the right, for miles upon miles, we looked into
Maryland, while across the Potomac the beautiful Shenandoah Valley stretched as far as the eye could reach.
Bordered with the blue mountains on either side, carpeted with alternate field and forest, and interspersed
here and there with small towns and villages, it looked
a perfect paradise on earth. The ascent had been toilsome, but the wonderful sight more than repaid us.




New York Volunteers.             207
That night we slept in our elevated bivouac, but at
seven o'clock the next morning the One Hundred and
Sixteenth moved with the rest of the army down from
Maryland Heights, crossed the river, and by noon were
encamped near the spot occupied by them a week before. Three days of rest — unheard of blessing — were
allowed us here. Every moment was improved, and as
we smoked our pipes we recounted our movements since
our arrival from New Orleans. The conclusion reached
was, that bad as had been the management of affairs
there, we could see no marked improvement here. We
wondered what need there was in moving hither and
yon, at the beck of dame rumor, passing three times between Harper's Ferry and the Monocacy in a single week.
On the 7th of August, while we lay on Bolivar
Heights, Gen'l Sheridan arrived and assumed command.
His order issued to the troops, announcing this fact, was
a model one. Unlike the most of such orders, it was
short and to the point, with no waste of ink and paper
in telling what he could oi would do. Twenty-four hours
had hardly elapsed before we all felt that the little man
who rode so large a horse was equal to almost any
emergency, and naming him "Little Phil," we waited
his movements.




208         One Hundred and Sixteenth
CHAP TER XXI.
AT five o'clock, on the morning of August 10th, the
One Hundred and Sixteenth broke camp and entered
upon the Shenandoah Valley campaign, the most glorious of any it had ever participated in.
Our three days' rest had refreshed us amazingly, and
with light hearts within our breasts, and a good hard
turnpike beneath our feet, we started. Halltown, consisting of one house and the ruins of two others, was
soon passed; and by nine o'clock we entered Charlestown, the place where old John Brown was hung. As
we passed through its streets every man joined in the
song-' John Brown's body lies mouldering in the ground,
But his soul goes marching on."
The truth of which refiain the citizens of that place had
long since learned.
In Louisiana it had been the custom to march the
whole army upon the road, by which plan it would occupy miles and present any thing but a bold front if
sharply attacked. The folly of this we had seen mainifested on our Red River campaign, and now we saw, on
the very first day's march, Gen'l Sheridan's method. The
artillery and wagon train were allowed the undisputed
use of the road, while all the troops were marched in
the fields along both sides of the road four and five columns deep.
By this disposition of his army he not only effectually
guarded his artillery and train, but should he meet the
enemy he had but to deploy or spread out his troops,




NZew York Volunteers.           209
and he was ready for them. It requires no knowledge
of military science to see the advantage of this mode
of advancing over the " Banks' system."
A toilsome march of eighteen miles enabled us to
bivouac near Berryville. At five o'clock the following
morning our column was again in motion, and before
noon our cavalry advance seemed to have met the
enemy. The reports of cannon could be distinctly heard;
but they were easily driven, and we slowly advanced.
Winchester was left on our right, the column passing
some four or five miles to the left of it. Toward night
we bivouaced near a small place called White Post.
Bright and early on the morning of the 12th we were
aroused from our slumbers, and to the sound of artillery
in the front, marched twelve miles, encamping just beyond Middletown.
If the Shenandoah Valley had looked inviting from
Maryland Heights, we found as we traversed it that it
was even more beautiful than it had appeared. The
desolating hand of war was seen on every side, to be
sure, in ruined houses, burned buildings, and destroyed
fences; yet for all this, it was beautiful, more like our
northern farming land than any we had seen, and consequently seemed more like home. Some splendid mansions, sadly in need of the care of loyal owners, were
passed every day. Every thing betokened this to have
been the abode of plenty and one of the most fruitful
portions of the earth.
The next day our cavalry found the rebels posted on
the line of Cedar Creek, a strong position, which they
did not appear anxious or willing to relinquish. A portion of the Sixth Corps was despatched to the assistance
of the cavalry, and at length succeeded in driving them




210         One Hundred and Sixteenth
across the stream and in the direction of Fisher's  Iill.
After this had been accomplished, we moved up to the
line abandoned by the rebels, where we remained August
13th, 14th and 15th. Whether it was Gen'l Sheridan's
intention to continue the advance we had no means of
knowing; nor do we know that the news received while
we remained there determined him to return. This
news was to the effect, that a fresh division from Richmond was hastening down to Early's assistance, and
that it was expecting to gain our rear by coming down
the Luray Valley. This is really a part of the main
valley, separated from it by the Massanutten Mountain,
which rises at Strasburg, a few miles beyond Cedar
Creek, and extends many miles.
Whether it was through fear of this reinforcement,
or from a desire that the enemy should so construe it,
that Gen'l Sheridan ordered his army to fall back, is of
no moment; suffice it that about ten o'clock on the
night of August 15th, we buckled on our equipments,
and, amid a rain storm, proceeded toward Winchester,
where we arrived by five o'clock the next morning.
The whole day was spent here, affording ample time
to see such sights as were to be seen. Winchester is the
largest, and by far the most important place in the valley. It contains two banks (which were not, however,
in a very flourishing condition), ten or twelve churches,
a town hall, a hotel, and some elegant residences. During the war it was captured and re-captured by the
contending forces no less than seventy times.  As may
be imagined, this fact made it a difficult matter for its
inhabitants to tell, for any length of time, just how
loyal it was prudent to be.
Their real sympathy with the rebellion would, how



New York Volunteers.            211
ever, manifest itself, and leave no doubt as to their
want of loyalty to the Union.
There was no business done, except such as we enabled
them to do, and here, as at New Orleans, we noticed
the eagerness with which the most arrant rebel would
clutch our greenbacks.
At four o'clock the following morning we were once
more under way upon the Berryville pike, which place
we reached about two o'clock P. M.
During our stay at Cedar Creek, Mosby, the guerrilla,
with his band of desperadoes, attacked a supply train
near Berryville, and completely destroyed it, capturing
quite a number of our men. This man Mosby was deserving of a better cause than that in which he was engaged. He was indefatigable, and caused our army very
much trouble. His movements were made with great
celerity, and although attempts were often made by our
cavalry to capture him, his ways were past finding out,
and he remained the terror of the Shenandoah Valley to
the end of the war.
Early on the morning of August 18th, the column
was again put in motion, and a march of some thirteen
miles brought us to within three miles of Charlestown.
Here we went into bivouac, and remained until noon of
the 21st. During all this time we heard almost constant firing in the direction of Berryville, making it very
sure that the rebels had followed us.
At noon, on the 21st, the army was moved back
through Charlestown, and the Nineteenth Corps formed
in line of battle on a road running at right angles with
the turnpike. The One Hundred and Sixteenth was
placed in position in a corn field of immense growth,
which was leveled with the ground in much less time




212        One Iftndred and Sixteenth
than would seem possible. With such implements as
were at hand, the rail fences were torn down, placed in
position, and soon covered with sufficient earth to form
a good protection from bullets. All this time the firing
in our front and a little to our left was growing more
rapid, indicating that the Sixth Corps were having lively
times.
All fully expected an engagement, but the sun went
down without our having fired a shot.
Quietly we prepared our evening meal of coffee and
hard tack, and then rolling ourselves in our blankets,
slept as soundly as did our friends at home.
At midnight this line was abandoned, and we continued the retreat to Halltown, reaching there before
daylight. Twice before we had occupied nearly this
same camping ground, and from our almost periodical
return to the vicinity of Harper's Ferry, our army received the cognomen of "Harper's Weekly."
The heights which Gen'l, Sheridan now occupied were
exceedingly well located for defensive operations. The
line extended from the Potomac on the right, to the
Shenandoah on the left. It was not so long but that
the troops he had easily covered it, and thus made it
impossible for the rebels to flank the position.
The right was held by the Sixth Corps, the centre by
the Nineteenth, and the left by the Eighth, while the
cavalry were left for reconnoitring. A deal of labor
was again expended in building breastworks, which
were now planned and built under the supervision of an
engineer officer. They were very strong and secure, and
behind them we waited in hopes that the rebels would
attack us, and give us a chance to give them such a reception as their comrades had given us at Port Hudson.




NXew York Volunteers.           213
Vain hope! Not a shot was ever fired from behind
them, nor were we ever in our experience permitted to
fight behind works erected by us, although, again and
again after this, we shoveled earth sufficient to bury the
whole rebel army.
It soon came to be known that our "Little Phil" was
being governed by orders from Gen'l Grant. At present
he could not do better than to hold Early right where
he was, and thus prevent the return to Richmond of any
of his troops. From Early's movements, he was seemingly there with the same object in view with reference to us.
Day after day passed, and except constant firing by
the pickets, and a daily reconnoisance, nothing of interest transpired. On the morning of August 27th, our
brigade was ordered out on one of the reconnoisances;
but had proceeded only a short distance when the orders
were countermanded, the enemy having fallen back.
Soon after reaching our quarters, orders came that the
whole command would move the following morning.
Accordingly, at seven o'clock on the 28th, we left our
works, and that night bivouaced near Charlestown. This
position, on the road leading to Winchester, was also
fortified with a strong line of eartlworks. All expected
to move in the morning, but as the hours passed away
and no orders were received, we settled down to enjoy
the rest and listened to the distant connonading. This,
we learned, was from a portion of our cavalry who attacked the enemy near Bunker Hill, and would have been
badly defeated but for the timely assistance of a division
of the Sixth Corps sent to them.
Five days of delightful repose, free from care, were
spent here; during which time the glad news of the
capture of Atlanta by Gen'l Sherman was received.
10*




214         One Hundred and Sixteenth
On the evening of September 2d orders were received to move at day-light the next morning. At the
appointed time we moved from out our fortifications,
and filing to the left, took up our line of march in the
direction of Berryville. Crossing meadows and cultivated fields alike, we made sad havoc with vegetation,
such as there was, and about noon halted on the same
ground occupied by us on our retreat. Toward night
we were mnoved to the right a couple of miles, and just
as we got into the position selected for a camp, and
were about to stack arms, the heavy rattle of musketry
startled us, just beyond a belt of woods and a little to
our left. Expecting every moment to be ordered into
the engagement, we grasped our muskets with nervous
energy, and in the growing darkness waited.  The
sounds soon died away, however, and as this danger to
a good night's sleep vanished, another in the form of a
heavy rain storm set in. Supperless we rolled ourselves
in our blankets, and each selecting as dry a spot as could
be found, went soundly to sleep despite the rain.
The alarm was occasioned by the sudden coming of a
party of the Eighth Corps upon a force of rebels, who,
after a short but stubborn resistance, retreated.
Notwithstanding the storm continued nearly all night,
we awoke quite refreshed and found the sun just rising
with warmth and comfort in his beams. A substantial
breakfast finished, and we once again entered upon the
construction of a line of intrenchments. Immediately
in front of the One Hundred and Sixteenth was a small
house, which offered good timbers with which to construct the works. Besides, it would, in case of an engagement, seriously interfere with our movements.
Without so much as " by your leave " to the owner, it




_New  York Volunteers.            215
was, therefore, quickly demolished and used for this
loyal purpose  Before the works were completed our
position was advanced some twelve hundred yards, and
other troops took posession of them  while we commenced, not without some grumbling at this injustice,
another line in our new position.
As there were evident signs of an- attack upon us, we
went to work with a will, and before nightfall had completed as formidable a line of' earthworks as could be
found.  Again we trusted our rebel enemies would
favor us with a visit; they failed, however, to gratify
us, although on the morning of' the 5th they drove in
our pickets, making quite a demonstration.  Owing,
probably to the strength of our position, they satisfied
themselves with this, and, as we afterward learned, fell
back to Winchester.
For two weeks we quietly occupied our works, busying ourselves with drilling and target practice. An
occasional reconnoisance varied the scene somewhat,
furnishing the only excitement we enjoyed, for soldiers
in time come to really enjoy excitement. During one of
these, an entire South Carolina regiment was captured.
Sunday, September 11th, was set apart by President
Lincoln as a day of Thanksgiving to God for our victories at Mobile and Atlanta. By direction of Col.
Love the One Hundred and Sixteenth was assembled
and listened to the reading of the Proclamation and a
prayer fiom the Episcopal service.  All duties were
suspended for the day, except such as were absolutely
necessary, and we spent it in as happy a manner as was
possible under the circumstances.
On the 17th we learned that Gen'l Grant had arrived,
and conjecture was rife as to what this meant. It was




216         One Hundred and Sixteenth
the general conclusion that the time had come for us t o
strike a blow.  The next day an order was received
directing all surplus baggage sent to the rear, and then
we knew that such was the fact. Hurriedly all articles
not essentially necessary were speedily packed and sent
to Harper's Ferry, and by night every thing was in readiness to move at a moment's notice.
At midnight reveille was sounded, and in a short time
hundreds of camp fires were throwing their light upon
the dusky forms of thousands of hungry soldiers preparing their frugal meal. But little time was occupied
in this very necessary duty, and long before daylight, on
the 19th day of September, the army had left its bivouac,
and was slowly wending its way toward Winchester.




Iew  York Volunteers.            217
CHfAPTER XXII.
AT five o'clock forty-four minutes, the sun rose on
that eventful 19th day of September, 1864. One of the
most glorious in the calendar of the One Hundred and
Sixteenth, and yet the last many of us were ever to
spend on earth.
As the sun rose, our cavalry in the advance came
upon the enemy strongly posted on the banks of the
Opequan Creek. This made it impossible for the column
to advance, but the rapid reports of cannon, to which we
listened at first, ere long died away, the cavalry having
driven them from their position. The wagon train interfered somewhat with our movements, and our progress
to this point was slow. Here the train was turned
aside, and, passing the Eighth Corps, we forded the wide
but shallow stream, and entered a deep gorge, along
which flowed a small stream.
This gorge is about a mile in length. Through it
runs the main valley turnpike and upon this road our
army must proceed should it advance up the valley.
This fact was as well understood by Early as by Sheridan, and the defeat of the force he had left to prevent
our entering it, left him but this course to pursue: which
was, to seize with his whole force the opening, and prevent our coming out on the open fields in the vicinity of
Winchester; or, failing in this, to permit us to pass
through it; and then by one dashing charge regain it,
and thus cut off our retreat. By this he hoped to capture Sheridan's whole command.
He failed in preventing our entrance, and was equally




218         One Hundred and Sixteenth
unsuccessful in keeping us within the gorge. Consequently the battle of the Opequan or "Sheridan's Winchester" was fought for the possession of this gorge:
by Early to cut off our retreat, and by Sheridan to
maintain a line of retreat, should one be found necessary.
The Sixth Corps were in the advance, and passing out
of the gorge filed to the left, forming their line of battle
with their right resting opposite to, and some hundreds
of yards in advance of it.
As the Nineteenth Corps entered the gorge, the sound
of artillery was becoming more rapid every moment,
and in the intervals we could hear the cracking of musketry. Had any thing more been needed to make us sure
that we were in for a fight, we had it in numerous hospital tents already erected, in which we could see a few
wounded. All along the road were the splendid cavalrymen of Wilson's Division, who, having driven the
enemy from the Opequan and developed his position,
coolly held their bridles while they consoled us with the
information that the "rebs " were ready for us. Besides
all this, among the rocks and bushes which lined the
road, were seen the still more certain evidences of an
approaching battle in the persons of skulkers, of whom
the One Hundred and Sixteenth had its share. No barometer ever more truly indicated the approach of a
storm than do these cowards the approach of' a battle.
By hook or by crook, despite the vigilance of their officers, they will manage to get out of the column, and not
be seen until toward the close, or after the engagement
is over.
Firmly the men of the Nineteenth Corps, who had
won victories and suffered defeat thousands of miles




xNew York Volunteers.            219
away in the lowlands of Louisana, marched into this
their first engagement on the sacred soil of Virginia.
As they came out upon the open fields and caught a
glimpse of the beautiful valley before them, they determined that no disgrace should attach to the cross of the
"Legion of Honor" (their corps badge) that day. The
whole corps was moved some distance to the right, and
Grover's Divison formed in line of battle, their left connecting with the right of the Sixth Corps. Our Division (Dwight's) was placed in position to support them,
with each brigade in close column by regiment.
The same movements necessary to put us properly in
position, were probably executed by our whole army;
and as Gen'l Sheridan is one of those particular commanders who must see that every order is executed to
the letter, considerable delay was experienced. During
this time, occupied no doubt by the rebels in the same
manner, the artillery entirely ceased, and only an occasional musket shot was heard.  From  this, many
reasoned that after all we were not going to have a
fight, the "wish being father to the thought," no doubt.
To every general officer Gen'l Sheridan had said,
"Remain as you are until you hear my bugle sound the
forward, then go for them."  The moments seemed
hours, but at last away to our left the well known bugle
sound was heard, and being repeated by each commander
the whole line arose and slowly advanced. Clearing
the field where we had rested, we entered a heavy piece
of woods through which we proceeded with difficulty.
Not a war-like sound could be heard. All was as
still as death, to which every man felt he was possibly
advancing. By those only who have "been there," and
experienced the stillness which always attends such a




220        One Hundred and Sixteenth
movement, made in the bewildering recesses of a forest,
expecting every moment to find themselves upon a concealed enemy, hearing only the cracking of dry branches
beneath their feet, can our feelings that morning be
appreciated.
Ere the One Hundred and Sixteenth cleared this
forest, Grover's Division, in advance of us, were seen by
the rebels, and with a roar like ten thousand thunder
claps they opened upon them. Our fears all at once
vanished like dew before the sun, the peculiar swelling
in the throat, which no doctor was ever able to explain
or cure, was effectually removed by the very first shot
fired.
The point held by Grover's Division and the right
division of' the Sixth Corps, was the vital point in our
line, covering as it did the gorge. Here Early made an
immediate and furious attack, which came well nigh
being successful. Firing one volley the rebels dashed
across the open field, and before our men had time to
look, they were upon them. Bravely they resisted the
overpowering numbers, but were forced to give way.
All this happened in half the time occupied in reading
it, and now our Division (Dwight's) was deployed into
line of battle to meet the on-coming conquerers, and
with them dispute the possession of the coveted gorge.
It has been stated that the brigades were in column
of regiments, the deployment of which those versed in
military science will understand. The leading regiment
of our brigade was the gallant One Hundred and Fourteenth N. Y. Vols., and while the One Hundred and
Fifty-third N. Y. Vols. and One Hundred and Sixteenth
faced to the right and moved their length beyond it, it
was subjected to the most awful fire that ever a regi



New York Volunteers.            221
ment received. Most nobly did they maintain their position, losing in killed and wounded one hundred and
eighty-eight men, two-thirds of their number. By this
time Grover's Division was rallied, and forming on our
left, we presented once more a continuous line of battle
to the enemy. WVe were now annoyed, and a number
of our men killed, by the fire of a battery placed in position on our flank by the rebels. Two regiments of our
brigade, the Thirtieth Mass. and Twenty-ninth Maine
Vols., were disposed to care for this flank, but did not
succeed in driving the battery away.
For one long hour or more we remained holding firmly our ground, giving and receiving a heavy fire.
It is astonishing how much ammunition is wasted in
every engagement. Not one ball in a thousand ever
does any one any harm, and it has been estimated that
it takes a man's own weight in lead to kill him.
At last an order came for the line to advance to a rail
fence some five hundred yards distant. It was a perilous undertaking, but forward we went in as short a time
as possible, the shells whistling over us, and the bullets
singing about our heads in great numbers meanwhile.
For some time we remained on this line, and then an order was communicated to the One Hundred and Sixteenth by the regiment on our right, to return to our
first position. Hardly had we regained it, however, before the order was found to have been unauthorized, and
back again to the rail fence we hurried.
These movements were not as easily made as they are
described, nor were they bloodless ones, two men of
Company " H " being killed by the bursting of one shell.
Soon after our second return to this fence, Company
"G," Capt. Rohan, was deployed as skirmishers, and




222         One HTundred and Sixteenth
advanced under a terrible fire some distance. It was
found to be a useless exposure of the men, and they
were recalled. All this time the enemy could be seen
in the edge of a piece of woods which partially concealed
them, and they made a great display of their battle-flags
as if courting our fire.
In the early part of the engagement we all showed
the quick nervous movements of excitement, but after a
few volleys had cooled us, we settled down to our work,
and found fighting in Virginia very much the same as
in Louisiana. We perceived that a puff of' white smoke
from the woods occupied by the rebels, was certain to
be followed by a shrieking shell, in honor of which we
invariably bowed ourselves low.
Thus far the battle had resulted alike to both armies.
Each occupied substantially their original positions.
Had all Gen'l Sheridan's troops been engaged, the result
of that engagement, and consequently of Grant's movements before Petersburg, must have been far different
from what they afterward were.
Gen'l Sheridan, however, fully appreciated the value
of a reinforcement of firesh troops, and had, therefore, held the Eighth Corp in reserve, and now, when
the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps were exhausted, and
the enemy were, doubtless, feeling sure of a drawn battle, the sound of advancing troops coming to our relief
was heard. It was the Eighth Corps clean and fresh.
They came up in splendid order, and as they halted we
fell back a short distance and rested. Without delay
Gen'l Crook reformed his line, extending away beyond
the one we had held, in order that it should swing round
on the enemy's flank. While this was being done, Gen'l
Sheridan directed an aide to give Gen'l Custer his com



Xew York Volunteers.            223
pliments and tell him to break for the enemy's rear, and
not to spare " one d - d ounce of horse flesh."
When all was in readiness, the Eighth Corps moved
forward slowly at first, but as they caught sight of the
rebels, faster and faster, their right swinging round and
doubling up the enemy. With a yell they entered the
woods where we had seen the rebel line all day, and
then we were ordered to follow them. As we passed
over the ground, disputed for so stubbornly during so
many hours, the sight was sickening in the extreme.
The charge of the Eighth Corps, with that of Custer's
cavalry, had been entirely unexpected. Flesh and blood
could not resist them, and in confusion the enemy fled,
leaving us the victors.
Our brigade passed through Winchester, and as darkness came on encamped in its outskirts, and snatching a
hasty supper we were soon dreaming of the events of
the day.
While resting from our fatiguing labors, and while
the Eighth Corps were forming preparatory to their
charge, a detail of men from the One Hundred and Sixteenth was made, who collected our dead, and with tender care buried them, marking the spot as best they
could. These numbered nine brave boys, and besides
these there were forty wounded.
Truly, that 9th day of September was a glorious one
for the One Hundred and Sixteenth, and the army to
which it belonged. It was the beginning of hard work,
as exhausting, perhaps, as any we had ever perftbrmed,
but it was in pursuit of an enemy soundly whipped and
badly demoralized; not a retreat from one elated with
victory.
Gen'l Grant's visit to Gen'l Sheridan did mean some



224         One -Hundred and Sixteenth
thing, and those two pithy words of command which he
gave, "go in," were fruitful of more glorious results
than any other one so brief. Our victory had been complete; several rebel generals were killed, and their loss
was estimated at five thousand men, with five pieces of
artillery and fifteen battle flags.




NVew York Volunteers.           225
CHAPTER XXIII.
HAD some of our earlier generals of " masterly inactivity" been in command of the army which had won
so brilliant a victory as that recorded in the last chapter, we should have remained at Winchester two or
three weeks. Thus the rebels would have been enabled
to recover from their defeat, and be ready to meet us
again on an equal footing., Not so with Gen'l Sheridan.
He fully realized the advantage he had gained, and did
not propose thus to lose it.
Accordingly, at five o'clock A. M., September 20th,
the One Hundred and Sixteenth was again in motion,
following the same road it had traveled about a month
before.  Kernstown, Newtown and Middletown were
successively passed, and about two o'clock in the afternoon we reached our old camp near Cedar Creek. Fording the creek — the bridge having been burned by the
rebels - we continued our march until four o'clock, and
went into bivouac a short distance from Strasburg.
As we pitched our shelters we heard the sound of
guns, and soon learned that our cavalry had followed
close upon the heels of the retreating army the night
before, to Fisher's Hill. Here they made a bold stand,
and the cavalry found it impossible to dislodge them.
The point selected for this stand was well nigh impregnable. No force could ever have routed them by
direct assault. The hill is an abrupt cliff, at least a hundred feet high, upon the crest of which they had built a
strong line of earthworks, and were again ready to dispute our further advance. Just at this point, too, as if'




226         One Hundred and Sixteenth
to afford a sure place from which to defend the valley
against us, the Massanutten mountain rises and divides
the valley, making it very narrow here. This enabled
them to cover the whole line extending from mountain
to mountain.
As we took a survey of this position on the morning
of September 21st, our faith in our ability to route them
became very weak, and in the breasts of some entirely
vanished. As the day wore on we discussed the probabilities of the success of an attack; and as we heard the
firing of the pickets and saw the evident signs of coming
battle, we nerved ourselves with the remembrance that
Sheridan was our leader, and found our confidence
brightening.  Toward noon our brigade was ordered
into line, and proceeded across the Manassas railroad,
where we remained until about five o'clock, when the
One Hundred and Sixteenth left the brigade and went
on picket. The line was along the banks of the Shenandoah river, and before the posts were all established we
saw the sun descend below Fisher's Hill. Just before
dark we listened to some very fine music fiom a rebel
band, the wind being in the right direction to waft the
sound to us.
The prospects of a fight having, for the present, disappeared, and our disposition for the night being, as we
supposed, made, we congratulated ourselves, and proceeded to make our arrangements accordingly.  Alas
for all human calculations. About ten o'clock P. M., the
One Hundred and Fourteenth N. Y. Vols. came down
with orders to relieve us, and directing us to rejoin the
brigade. Considerable time was spent in relieving the
different posts, but toward midnight the One Hundred
and Sixteenth was groping its way in the dark, in a




New  York Volunteers.            227
vain endeavor to find the First Brigade.  Had it remained in the position in which we left it, we might possibly have found it, but during our absence it had been
moved some distance, and although an aide from Gen'l
Beal, our brigade commander, was with us, we stumbled
along, surrounded on every side by sleeping soldiers,
and yet lost.
Tired out at last, and vexed beyond expression, we
were halted by Col. Love, who informed the aide that
he was going to remain where he was until daylight, or
until Gen'l Beal would send an officer who could conduct
us to the brigade. Selecting the best spot of ground available, each man was soon asleep. Not long, however,
were we permitted to enjoy our rest, for long before
daybreak on the morning of the 22d, another staff officer
found us, and at last enabled us to rejoin our command
in a heavy piece of woods.
Here we were again set at work upon a line of breastworks. Axes, shovels and picks were furnished us; and
while some swung the axe and felled the trees, others
brought them to the line selected and placed them in position; and still others dug deep into the soil and covered them with earth. The result of all this labor was
that before noon we had erected as formidable a line of
entrenchments as was ever constructed. We felt more
secure after they were finished than before, but not a
shot were we ever enabled to fire from behind them.
A detail of skirmishers from the One Hundred and
Sixteenth, under the command of Lieut. Shepard, was
sent out to the edge of' the woods in which we were at
work, who kept up a lively fire with the rebel skirmishers, some five hundred yards distant. These fellows
were snugly ensconced in what were termed " bull pens,"




228        One Hundred and Sixteenth
a slight structure of rails hurriedly thrown together and
covered with earth, scattered along at intervals of ten
or twelve yards, and sufficiently large to cover five or
six men each.
Gen'l Sheridan had, during the day previous, thoroughly examined the ground, and during the night had
placed the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps in the position
he desired them to occupy. We were busily employed
at these earthworks for the undoubted purpose of misleading the enemy with the impression that we were
preparing to resist his attack upon us, while away upon
the right, climbing the rugged sides of the mountain,
Gen'l Crook, with the Eighth Corps, was slowly gaining the enemy's rear, preparing to repeat his brilliant
charge of the 19th on their flank.
The time which it would take for him to reach the desired point had been figured to a moment, so that when
that hour arrived, and he charged down upon them, the
Sixth and Nineteenth Corps were advanced, and the
simultaneous movement of the three corps it was hoped
would give us victory.
About twelve o'clock M., Gen'l Dwight, our division
commander, directed Col. Love to take the One Hundred and Sixteenth and drive the enemy from the "' bull
pens " in front of his division. The task was no easy
one, and he was instructed to deploy his regiment as
skirmishers, and advance in that manner. Forming in
line behind the works, we leaped over them and moved
forward to the edge of the woods, when Col. Love,
knowing that a sudden dash for them would be more
certain of success and less disastrous to us, at once gave
the command to charge upon them. With a deafening
cheer the One Hundre~d and Sixteenth cleared the wood,
and at its first appearance received a heavy discharge of




New York Volunteers.             229
musketry from the rebel pens.  Across the open field
we went like mad men, never returning a shot, and ere
we reached the linelhe "rebs" incontinently fled. In
less than fifteen minutes from the time of receiving the
order, the One Hundred and Sixteenth were in possession of the line, and found that three companies of the
Thirtieth Mass. Vols., sent upon a like errand, were
sharers in the credit of the capture.
For two or three hours we remained here exposed to
a severe fire from the enemy, which, however, did no
harm, shielded as we were by the rails. At four o'clock
P. M. we heard the cheering of the Sixth Corps as it advanced, and at the same moment all our artillery opened,
which seemed to make the very mountains quake. Simrultaneously the solid columns of our own Nineteenth
Corps were seen emerging from the woods. The fire
from the rebel works was now terrific in the extreme,
but on came our boys seemingly unmindful of it. Waiting until they reached us, we joined our brigade and
went forward with them.
Gen'l Sheridan's only reliance was upon the success of
the flanking column, the nature of the ground in front
making an attack there impracticable. The movement,
therefore, of the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps was simply
for effect. The Eighth Corps were as victorious as at
Winchester, and ere we reached the base of Fisher's Hill
the enemy were routed even worse than before. As
this intelligence reached us we were toiling up the hill,
and, exhausted as we were, we gave expression to our
joy in hearty cheers.
The loss of the One Hundred and Sixteenth, in the
battle of Fisher's Hill, was very slight, being but one
killed and nine wounded.
11




230        One ilundred and Sixteenth
The rout of Early was the most complete of any,
thus far, during the war. It utterly demoralized his
army, the men fleeing by hundreds into the mountains
for safety. He lost over two thousand prisoners, twentyone pieces of artillery, and small arms and battle flags
without number.
To say that we were tired would not in any measure
express our condition. We were exhausted with the
hard and constant duties of the preceding four days.
Since the morning of the 19th, the One Hundred and
Sixteenth had had but eight hours' sleep, had been engaged in two battles and marched and countermarched
many miles, and now fondly anticipated a good night's
rest.
As we mounted Fisher's Hill, we met hundreds of
prisoners going to the rear. From them we learned
how the appearance of the Eighth Corps on their flank
and rear had astounded them.  Never dreaming that
such a thing as getting a force up the rugged sides of
the mountain was possible, they had given their undivided attention to us in their front. When, therefore,
Gen'l Crook's corps made its appearance, they fled in
great confusion. No regrets were expressed that the
fortunes of war had made them our prisoners. On the
contrary, they manifested real joy at falling into our
hands, knowing that they were sure of good rations
and better treatment than while in the service of the
C. S. A.
Daylight was fast fading away, and at every step we
expected an order to halt and make ourselves comfortable for the night, but still on we moved with hardly
energy sufficient to drag one foot before the other.
Darkness had now enveloped every thing, and the only




New York Volunteers.             231
sound to be heard, except an occasional wish that our
generals were in our places, was the clatter of the
bayonets and canteens as we jogged along. The darkness was intense. It was literally impossible to see your
hand before your eyes, and there were those who
thought it bad policy thus to advance into any trap
the enemy might set for us.
We had proceeded perhaps five miles in this impenetrable darkness when a brilliant flash of light, immediately in front of us on the road we were following, almost blinded us; the well known report of a gun, and
the screech of a shell as it flew over our heads, told us
that it was not a flash of lightning. Of course it created
considerable confusion. As soon as was possible in the
darkness, our division, which was in advance, was
placed in line of battle across the road, and skirmishers
sent out to the front. No further demonstration was
made by the rebels, and, notwithstanding the scare they
had given us, we were grateful for the rest it afforded.
The sound of artillery was a summons for " Little
Phil," and down the hard pike we heard him coming
with the speed of the wind. Riding up to Gen'l Dwight,
our division coitunander, he inquired the trouble, and was
speedily informed. He at once ordered us forward, but
Gen'l Dwight with accustomed caution —which we of
his division called by a different name —presumed to remonstrate, calling it rashness to proceed.  Sheridan's
reply was the key note of his wonderful success, and
furnishes a valid reason why he " sent the enemy whirling up the valley."  Said he, " Gen'l Dwight, I have
completely routed Early, taken a very large number of
prisoners, and captured every piece of artillery he had
but one, and now do you suppose that I am going to




'232        One Hundred and Sixteenth
let that one gun stop myr army'? No Sir, this army
must move forward at once, and if you, Sir, do not wish
to go to the front, you can go to the rear."
It was rash to proceed, but he knew that his only
hope of complete victory was in keeping Early " whirling up the valley," thus preventing him from collecting
his scattered forces. Dwight's plan was the plan of all
our early generals, the carrying out of which had many
times lost us the fiuits of hard-earned battles.  We
were worn out-or at least thought so-but neither
horse-flesh nor man-flesh was allowed to stand in the
way of gathering the fruit of victory with Sheridan.
The event proved that we were not worn out, and
when, twenty-four hours later, we came up with Early
and all day long followed him so closely as to make the
remnant of his army fade like snow before the summer
sun, we saw both the object and effect of that hard night
march.
A word more of the difference between campaigning
under Banks and under Sheridan. On the Red River
campaign every regiment was allowed at least one
wagon, and some of the time two, to carry the officers'
baggage, etc. It was very convenient,'but the result
was a train of' nearly one thousand wagons, each drawn
by six mules. No wonder that campaign was a failure!
The train alone required an army to guard it.
Now the army was fully as large, but the train
amounted to nothing. Every regimental wagon was
sent to the rear when we moved on the 19th, and for
six weeks not a regimental officer in that army had a
rag of clothing except what he had on his back. No
wonder this campaign was a success.
But to return to our movements. It is needless to




New York Volunteers.            233
say that the army did move on, notwithstanding the
alarm; and although as tired as before, we kept a bright
look-out ahead. Nothing more occured, and all night
long we kept on our course. Every hour we were allowed a rest of ten minutes, and toward morning an
hour was granted us, every moment of which was improved in sound sleep. At seven o'clock we entered
Woodstock, a small village twelve miles from Fisher's
Hill. Passing through it we went into bivouac and remained until noon.
Our supply of hard tack was now nearly exhausted,
and four days' rations were speedily issued to us. During the forenoon it rained very hard, but very much
refreshed by our rest, we obeyed the command "forward" with alacrity.
A march of six miles enabled us to cross one or two
streams, pass through Edinburg, and encamp in a pine
forest just beyond. As we pitched our shelters we
could hear a scattering fire of musketry, and learned that
our advance had come up with the rear guard of the retreating enemy. That night we enjoyed a good eight
hours' sleep, and never were men more in need of it. At
six o'clock on the morning of the 24th we were once
more on the road. At Hawkinsville, the enemy-who
had undoubtedly rested as we had- made something
of a stand, but our cavalry soon routed them and the
pursuit was continued. After passing over about eight
miles we entered Mount Jackson, quite a large town,
where we found many storehouses filled with munitions
of war. These were all destroyed, but the hospitals,
filled with wounded rebels firom the battle fields of Winchester and Fisher's Hill, were left undisturbed, and
every assistance given to relieve the sufferings of these
unfortunates.




234         One Hundred and Sixteenth
On the outer edge of the village the rebels now made
a determined stand. Every thing seemed to indicate
another battle, but our arrangements for the engagement
were lost, as, after fording a rapid stream called Mill
Creek, their retreating columns were seen making excellent time up the valley. Hurrying through the north fork
of the Shenandoah River, we pursued them. It was the
good fortune of the One Hundred and Sixteenth to be
deployed as advance skirmishers during the balance of
the day, and a more exciting day we never spent.
Away in the distance we could distinctly see the retreating rebels hurrying on as for dear life.  Much
nearer us was their rear guard with skirmishers to protect them. All along this portion of the valley were
hills which afforded splendid positions for our artillery.
From one of these hills a piece of artillery would belch
forth an admonition to the enemy to " hurry up," and
while this was being done, another would dash along as
fast as horses could drag it, to the next hill, and their
repeat the warning.
As the shells left these guns, we watched them descend, exploding sometimes high above them, and then
again right in their midst. Occasionally we passed some
poor fellow who had thus received his discharge. We
could but pity these men, knowing from experience how
terrible it was to be thus harrassed, and yet there was a
satisfaction in being able to play the part of pursuers as
well as pursued.
During the afternoon we passed through the village
of New Market, and toward sundown the enemy once
more disputed our further progress.
In view of the movements of the cavalry, which, under
Gen'l Averill, had been sent around through the Luray




New York Volunteers.            235
Valley in hopes to get in the rear of the retreating army,
and thus enable us to capture it entire, they were not
pressed very hard, and after dark we bivouaced in the
fields and there remained all night.
Whether Early received information of the movement
of this cavalry force or not, he let no grass grow under
his feet that night, and thus escaped, as we saw nothing
more of him.
At seven o'clock on the morning of the 25th our
bivouac was again broken up, and a march of fifteen
miles put us in camp at Harrisonburg about four
o'clock P. M.




236        One Hundred and Sixteenth
CHAPTER XXI V.
WVE remained at Harrisonburg three days, and as the
devastations of war had hardly penetrated to this point,
we found plenty of rail fences for fuel, and did not suffer
much from a lack of good eating.
The cavalry pursued the enemy to Staunton, destroying immense quantities of grain, and all mills which
could supply a rebel army with flour.  On the 29th
Gen'l Sheridan advanced his army to Mount Crawford,
on the south fork of the Shenandoah River, and within
seventeen miles of Staunton. About noon of the 30th
we retraced our steps to Harrisonburg.
The four days' rations which we had received at
Woodstock were now nearly exhausted, and it being an
exceedingly difficult matter to bring supplies so long a
distance, and there being no particular advantage to be
gained in holding a position so far up the valley, Gen'l
Sheridan determined to move back to Cedar Creek and
there establish his army permanently. This would have
been done at once, but there were indications that the
enemy were going to offer him battle. He therefore
delayed the movement to give them the opportunity
should they desire it, and also to allow our cavalry to
burn every thing which could possibly subsist another
rebel army.
This having been well begun, and the enemy keeping
themselves at a respectful distance, at five o'clock A. M.,
October 6th, we moved back from Harrisonburg to a
point three miles beyond New 3Market, a distance of
twenty-two miles. The next day the One Hundred and




lVew  York Volunteers.            237
Sixteenth formed the extreme rear guard of the army, being deployed as skirmishers, and in consequence of waiting until every thing was in motion, did not get off
until ten o'clock A. M.
Our duty that day was fatiguing in the extreme.
We were constantly annoyed by the advance cavalry of
the enemy, besides which, each man was obliged to move
straight ahead, regardless of streams, fences and other
obstructions, our line extending across the road away
into the fields on either side. None of the One Hundred
and Sixteenth will ever forget that toilsome march, and
when, after twenty miles had been scored, we threw
ourselves down on the ground about nine o'clock P. M.,
it was to sleep soundly.
At four o'clock A. M., on the 8th, we were roused
firom our slumbers, and after a light breakfast once
more started. The enemy had now grown very bold,
and after a march of eight miles we were halted at Fisher's Hill, where we remained until the 10th. During
this time Gen'l Sheridan with the cavalry had a severe
engagement with the enemy's cavalry at Tomsbrook,
who, under Gen'l Rosser, the new " saviour of the valley,"
were going to perform wonders. He easily routed them,
capturing three hundred prisoners, forty-five wagons
and eleven pieces of artillery.
At one o'clock P. M., October 10th, we moved fiom
Fisher's Hill, and before night were occupying the line
of Cedar Creek.
Our march back from Harrisonburg was remarkable
for the wholesale destruction of every thing which could
render the occupation of the valley by another rebel
army possible. It has been characterized as barbarous
warfare, but that it was justified by the known sym11*




238          One ilundred and Sixteenth
pathy of the inhabitants with the rebels, none of Sheridan's army for a moment doubted.
A large portion of the supplies for the rebel army at
Richmond were drawn from this exceedingly rich section
of country. It supplied Early entirely, thus making his
occupation of it an easy matter. Had this supply been
sooner cut off, it would have been impossible for him
to have constantly threatened Maryland and Pennsylvania with invasion. War is terrible, and this was
but one of the evils which the chivalry should have
expected.
Cedar Creek rises near the North Mountain, and
empties into the Shenandoah at the base of the Massanutten Mountain, running diagonally across the valley.
At some seasons of the year it assumes large proportions.
At this time, however, it was a small and shallow stream,
but as its bed lay between high banks it afforded an excellent line to hold.
Necessarily the three corps of Sheridan's army were
disposed in what is termed echelon. On the left, or
where the stream empties into the Shenandoah, was the
Eighth Corps, their line extending from the base of the
mountain along the bank of the creek to the valley turnpike.  In the centre was the Nineteenth Corps, by
necessity in the rear and to the right of the Eighth, as
the line followed the creek. Still further to the right
and rear, came the Sixth Corps. Upon the extreme
right was the cavalry to protect that flank, the left being, it was presumed, securely shielded by the Massanuttenl Mountain.
Elaborate earthworks were planned, and with much
labor constructed, so that the position was considered
almost impregnable; and glad of a respite from tatigu



New York Volunteers.            239
ing marches and terrible battles, the army quietly settled
down to the routine of camp life.
Seeing every thing in proper shape, Gen'l Sheridan
improved this season of quiet in making a flying trip to
Washington, leaving Gen'l Wright, of the Sixth Corps,
in command.
Early had, so soon as we left Fisher's- Hill, immediately taken possession of his works there with the
army he had collected and Longstreet's Division from
Richmond. He gave no evidence, however, of a desire
to break another lance with "Little Phil," and had he
not learned of Sheridan's trip to Washington, the battle
of Cedar Creek would hardly have been fought.
An occasional reconnoisance by the two armies only
resulted in the discharge of some few pieces of artillery,
except upon one occasion when our cavalry had quite a
severe engagement with them.
Tuesday, October 18th, was a beautiful day, passed as
those days all were in delicious relief from active duties,
and as we of the One Hundred and Sixteenth "turned
in" that night, it was remarked that just a month previous we started on the march which eventuated in the
glorious battle of Winchester. How kind the Providence which hid from us the morrow. In perfect peace
and quiet the hours of that night passed away until four
o'clock on the morning of the 19th, when suddenly the
stillness was broken by the roar of musketry on the left
of the line.
Jumping from our blankets, we rushed out of our
shelters to see what was the trouble. Our benumbed
faculties were not slow in understanding that the Eighth
Corps were attacked in force, and, we made no doubt,
surprised.




240         One Hundred and Sixteenth
The "long roll" soon called the One Hundred and
Sixteenth into line of battle behind our breastworks, but
not a shot was fired from in front of our position, nor
did there seem to be any commotion in front of the
Eighth Corps. All the musketry, which seemed to be
increasing in volume, came from their rear. This, with
the evident confusion and hurry with which staff officers were riding hither and yon, enabled us to make
pretty sure that the Eighth Corps had not only been
surprised, but their position flanked.
Our fears were soon confirmed by a rush of demoralized men over our works and through our line, who told
us the sad story of' the utter defeat and rout of the
Eighth Corps. Not a regiment was able to form its
line, but attacked simultaneously in both front and rear
while yet asleep in their shelters, they could but jump
and run for dear life.  Many were not permitted an
opportunity to do this, being bayoneted as they lay
upon the ground. Twenty-four pieces of artillery were
captured by the enemy, besides large quantities of small
arms and equipments, with the entire camp of the Eighth
Corps.
The position of the Nineteenth Corps was now very
critical. The enemy had gained possession of the road
and, now that the Eighth Corps was hors de combat,
was turning his attention to us. Bullets began to reach
us, but not from the front, and we saw plainly that if we
were going to use this line of breastworks, which had
cost us so much hard work, we must get upon the wrong
side of them. An occasional shell screeched past us,
and although it seemed impossible for us to remain
where we were, not an order to move in any direction
was received. By this time daylight had fully dawned




New  York Volunteers.            241
upon us, but revealed no enemy. Bullets came thicker
and faster, and ere long the dusky forms of the rebel
lines could be seen extending well over the pike.
The position of the One Hundred and Sixteenth was
upon the crest of quite a large hill, immediately to the
right of which ran Cedar Creek. At length an order
was received from Col. Davis of the One Hundred and
Fifty-third N. Y. Vols., our brigade commander, to
leave our works, and moving by the right flank, cross the
creek and join the brigade. As soon as this movement
was attempted we became the targets for hundreds of
rebel muskets. But without delay we found ourselves
on the opposite bank, and were soon in a new position, attempting to hold the rebels in check. On they came
with renewed determination, and turning the guns captured from the Eighth Corps upon us, forced us to
abandon the place. O how unmercifully they did send
those howling messengers after us as we rose fiom our
cover and fell back across an open field. About half way
across this field was an orchard, and here another stand
was made.
When Gen'l Wright became aware of the rout of the
Eighth Corps, and of the necessity which compelled the
Nineteenth to fall back, he caused the Sixth Corps,
which fiom its position so far to the rear was intact,
to change front to the rear and thus hold the rebels
until the Nineteenth could get in position on its right.
This we were enabled to do in this orchard. The range
of the rebels was most excellent. While attempting
here to hold them, Capt. Rohan of Co. " G " and a large
number of men were wounded, besides four killed in less
than ten minutes. Capt. Kinney, serving upon the brigade staff, had his horse killed under him while carrying orders.




242         One Hundred and Sixteenth
A very short time proved our inability to hold this
point, and again we retreated to a piece of woods, and
tearing down the rail fences formed a sort of breastwork, which we were able to hold some time.
The crisis had now passed, and by direction of Gen'l
Wright we at once commenced a well ordered but humiliating retreat. The Sixth Corps remained in line of
battle while the Nineteenth in column of brigades
moved a half mile to the rear.
With what gloomy thoughts we thus fled before an
enemy which under Gen'l Sheridan we had twice driven
before us. It was indeed a sad march, our only hope
being to reach Harper's Ferry, which we knew we could
hold until reinforced. But while to us it was so mournful an occasion, it was a jubilant day to our enemies.
They had wiped out of existence for the time being
the Eighth Corps, had captured their entire camp, from
which hardly a thing had been removed, besides some
two thousand prisoners, twenty- our pieces of' artillery
and the hospital supplies of the Nineteenth Corps. But
above and beyond all this, they had redeemed the valley,
erased the disgrace attending their defeat at Winchester
and Fisher's Hill. Truly they had as much reason for
joy as we had for sorrow.
Had Early been content with his victory thus far, and
gathering up his trophies, at once returned to his works
at Fisher's Hill, it would have been a terrible blow to
the good cause we were engaged in, and undoubtedly
have prolonged the struggle. But beside himself with
his unexpected success (and apple brandy) he pushed on
after our retreating army, not even taking care that his
forces were all kept well in hand. Hundreds of his
ragged and starving soldiers, unable to resist the desire




New York Volunteers.            243
to plunder the still standing camps of the Eighth Corps,
left the column and commenced an immediate overhawling of thenm.
For four miles we continued our retreat, all the time
wishing that " Little Phil" had been with us, when towards the pike, from which we were about half a mile
distant, we heard genuine Yankee cheering, which betokened good news at any rate. At the same moment
an aide rode up to Col. Davis, our brigade commander,
and informed him that Gen'l Sheridan had arrived upon
the field, and directed him to face about and return to
the line we had just left.
The order was obeyed at once, and forming on the
right of the Sixth Corps we (the Nineteenth) demolished
all the rail fences with which to throw up a rude fortification. When this had been done, and skirmishers had
been sent well out to the fiont, orders came for us to
get our dinners, as we should have some time to rest.
This was hailed with delight. We had been routed
long before our breakfast hour that morning, and had
consequently been without any thing to eat since the
night before, and this too, while constantly moving or
fighting; and now the near prospect of a good cup of
coffee was of itself exhilerating. While engaged in its
preparation, rousing cheers were continually being given
on our left, which gradually approached us. Ere many
minutes our gallant "Little Phil," upon lhis coal black
horse all reeking with foam, rode along the line of the
One Hundred and Sixteenth. " Boys," said he, " this
should never have happened if I had been here; but we
are going back to our old camp to sleep to night, for
we're going to get the tightest twist on them you ever
saw; I tell you we'll lick them out of their boots before




244         One Hundred and Sixteenth
night, if you'll only fight." To attempt a description of
the fienzied excitement which the sight of him and these
familiar words of confidence from his lips stirred up
within our breasts would be folly. It cannot be done.
Only those who saw and heard can have any conception
of it. Cheer after cheer rent the air, old caps were flung
high, and we vowed that we would fight as we had
never fought before if only he would lead us.
About two o'clock P. M. the skirmishers of the Nineteenth Corps were driven in and a determined attack
made upon us by the rebels, which, however, we handsomely repulsed, and all was again quiet. We remained
there nearly three hours, the time being occupied by
Sheridan in giving confidence to the troops by his presence, in a careful survey of the ground, and in disposing
the cavalry and artillery for the coming attack.
At three o'clock, when every man had taken a good
square meal, which is one of the first requisites to good
square fighting, the order was received for the whole
line to advance. Realizing that the time had now come
for us to wipe out the stain of the morning's defeat, and
perhaps add to our victories, we grasped our muskets
and- moved forward. The line was in a heavy forest,
and as quietly as possible we penetrated its darkness for
perhaps twenty rods, when we came to an open field
some fifty rods across, along the outer edge of which,
and behind a stone wall, was the rebel line. Our appearance was the signal for them to pour a withering volley into us, opening on us with their artillery
very heavily, besides following it up with so steady a
fire as to somewhat dampen our ardor, and cover the
field with the smoke of battle. The quick eye of Col.
Davis saw at once that his brigade could not remain




N7\ew York Volunteers.           245
there, but must go forward, or it would go backward.
Preferring the former, he rode before us and waving his
sword above his head ordered us to charge the enemy.
The One Hundred and Sixteenth had been there before,
and seeing Col. Love before us upon his sorrel horse,
"rebel," we leaped the fence which divided the woods
firom the field and followed him. On we went, every
moment telling among us as one and another fell, but
bearing us to the stone wall which the enemy seemed
determined to hold. As we neared them, however, their
determination began to falter, and just as we reached
the wall they left it in great confusion and over it we
went. Just here, Col. Love's horse, a splendid animal
which had been captured in Louisiana, fell dead, being
shot in the side. We followed the retreating rebels for
some.distance, when fiom our right and rear we began to receive a fire which we knew must proceed from
a concealed enemy. WVe afterward learned that it was
a force dispatched by Early to flank the Nineteenth
Corps while it lay quietly resting in the woods.
Halting his brigade, Col. Davis reformed the line and
again we charged, finding, however, but few of the
rebels, the main body having in some way rejoined their
comrades. We now came out into another field separated entirely from the balance of our army, which was
still heavily engaged with the enemy, as was evinced by
the constant and rapid discharge of both musketry and
artillery.
We had hardly emerged from the woods into this
field, when Gen'l Sheridan made his appearance, and
seeing the position we had gained at once dispatched an
aide to Gen'l Emory with this order, " Tell Gen'l Emory
that the First Brigade has burst through the enemy's




246         One Hundred and Sixteenth
line; send them reinforcements at once." Such an order
needed no repetition, and in a very short time we were
joined by the Second Brigade of our division,, commanded by Brig. Gen'l McMillen. As our division commander, Gen'l Dwight, was nowhere to be found, being
either indisposed or over cautious, Gen'l McMillen was
placed in command of the division.
Under the immediate supervision of Gen'l Sheridan
our line was then reformed.  When all had been arranged to suit his practiced eye, he said to Gen'l McMillen, " You are now in just the position I want you in,
don't be in a hurry, but wait until you see Custer's cavalry charge up that hill to the right yonder, then swing
round your right and push them! push them!!"
We had not long to wait, for before many moments
we saw the cavalry mount the designated hill as if on
the wings of the wind. Their Bright and glistening
sabres flashed for a moment in the sunlight, and then
disappeared.  Immediately the command "forward"
rang out, and slowly and quietly we advanced. The
whole division line wheeled to the left so that we entered another piece of woods at right angles with the
rebel line which we were sure of striking in the flank.
Previous to this, Company " C," Capt. Morgan, had been
sent out as skirmishers, and as our line advanced moved
ahead of us. When they had nearly cleared this wood,
word was sent in that a strong rebel force were awaiting us. This was unexpected, and nothing but a dashing
charge would drive them.
Accordingly the order was at once given, and with a
cheer of exhultation we " went for them."  The suddenness of our onset made resistance impossible, and they
fled before us, thus exposing the flank of the main line,




Xew  York Volunteers.           247
upon which we now poured down with a still fiercer
shout.
As far as the eye could reach we now saw the rebel
army rise from its position and start for Cedar Creek
much faster than we had left it in the morning.
The chase now began in real earnest. Up hill and
down hill, over streams and across fields, through mud
and water we followed the retreating mob of utterly demoralized rebels, happy and exultant in being able so
soon to repay them for the morning's work. At almost
every step we overtook some poor fellow who could not
get on as fast as his pursuers. It was during this exciting chase that Col. Love saw ahead of him a color
guard of four or five men, striving to make off with the
battle flag of what proved to be the second South
Carolina regiment.  Riding after them-for he had
secured an apology for a horse -he demanded the surrender of the flag.  They showed fight at first, but
drawing his revolver and threatening to use it if his demand was not instantly complied with, they considered
discretion the better part of valor, and gave it into his
hands. In acknowledgment of this the Colonel was
afterward sent to Washington with all the flags captured in the battle of Cedar Creek, and there received
a bronze.medal for the exploit.
We were now as disorganized a mass of men as the
rebels, every man seeking to outstrip his neighbor in
reaching our works at Cedar Creek. We had gained
the turnpike, upon which a few of the rebels had just
one piece of artillery, which they were striving to save,
and yet were using against us. To capture this piece was
now the ambition of twenty or thirty officers and men of
the One Hundred and Sixteenth, among whom was




248         One Hundred and Sixteenth
Sergeant Geo. Townsend, the color bearer, with our good
old flag. During the whole day he had proudly borne it,
and while engaged in this chase its standard was cut
entirely in two by a musket ball. On we went, panting
at every step, until we saw our coveted capture descend
the bank of Cedar Creek, and we knew it was beyond
our reach. Still on we pressed, and when within a
hundred yards of the works, we saw firom this gun which
had been run up on to a hill across the creek, a cloud
of smoke issue, followed by a shell which burst just
above the party. At the same instant our flag fell, the
brave Sergeant being, as was supposed, killed. We
took up the flag and tenderly bore its bearer behind the
works, and then found that he was still alive.  He
lingered about two days and died. Geo. Townsend was
a noble specimen of the Christian soldier, for while fighting for his country he ever remembered God, and his
whole life was worthy of his profession of religion.
The men of the One Hundred and Sixteenth were the
first of our army to re-occupy our works at Cedar Creek,
and plant our flag upon them, but were constantly receiving accessions to their number from those who followed close after them. We had no sooner planted our
flag upon the works than we saw the cavalry dash across
the creek, mount the hill from which the gun had been
fired, and before the smoke had cleared away we saw
them capture the gun as well as the rebels whom we
had followed so eagerly. Still on they pressed, capturing prisoners without number, and countless articles
which go to make up the outfit of an army, until they
sent in word that they were unable to care for their captures, and asked that a force of infantry be sent to their
assistance.




lNew York Volunteers.            249
Accordingly Gen'l Sheridan directed Gen'l Emory to
send a portion of his corps, and he ordered our brigade
to proceed to the vicinity of Strasburg. Weary and
foot sore, but full of the spirit which so glorious a victory gives, we buckled on our belts, and by the pale
light of the moon passed out of the fortifications, crossed
Cedar Creek and picked our way along the pike. It
required considerable exertion to make any progress;
squads of cavalry taking in hundreds of prisoners were
met every few rods, while all along the road were pieces
of artillery, caissons, battery wagons, forges, and ambulances filled with the wounded, many of them overturned.
Our path was literally strewn with muskets, cartridge
boxes, belts, haversacks and every conceivable part of
a soldier's equipment, which had been thrown away to
facilitate their flight. Such another sight was probably
never seen.
Our progress was necessarily slow, but by nine o'clock
we filed off from the road and went into bivouac. For
some reason no fires were permitted us, and, as it was
intensely cold, but very little sleep was enjoyed by us,
and we welcomed with joy the dawn of October 20th.
During the day, Companies " E," Lieut. Swartz, and
" I," Lieut. Tibbetts, were sent out on a reconnoisance to
Fisher's Hill, to ascertain if the enemy were in the vicinity.  Without much difficulty they penetrated into
the works at that point, but found no force of rebels.
Three prisoners who had found the " last ditch," were
captured, and with these and the shell of a demoralized
drum they returned.
The day was spent here, and toward evening orders
came for us to return to Cedar Creek. We did not,
however, reach our old position that night, but halted




250          One [Hundred and Sixteenth
in a piece of woods before we reached it, and there remained.
Early the next morning we again re-crossed Cedar
Creek, and were soon encamped on the same ground
from which the rebels had driven us on the morning of
the 19th.
The loss of the One Hundred and Sixteenth in the battle of Cedar Creek, was seven killed, forty-four wounded
and ten prisoners; and our first care, after our return,
was to collect our dead, see them decently interred and
their graves properly marked.
This was the last engagement in which the One Hundred and Sixteenth took part, a finale as grand and satisfactory as was Plain Store, our first fight.
No more wonderful battle was ever fought. Napoleon lost Marengo and saved it only by the arrival of
De Saix with re-inforcements. Shiloh was lost by Grant,
and only won by re-inforcements under Buell; but Cedar Creek was a still more disastrous defeat, and the
tide was turned, and victory won, by the arrival of but
one man, Gen'l Phil Sheridan.
His brilliant achievement won for him an imperishable name, and the service was recognized by his promotion to be a fill Major General in the regular army.
The final charge of the First Division Nineteenth
Army Corps was what gave Sheridan his victory at Cedar Creek. No order was received by Col. Davis, our
brigade commander, to charge across the first open field
which we came to, but seeing a regiment of the Second
Brigade breaking, he assumed the responsibility of doing
so, and eventually found himself just where he was
wanted by Gen'l Sheridan, upon the flank of the rebel
army.




Xew  York Volunteers.           251
No display of gallantry or daring by the Sixth Corps
and Second Division of the Nineteenth Corps, could ever
have routed that line. It was solely the final charge of
our division which gained the battle of Cedar Creek.
For the display of bravery shown by Col. Davis, he
was subsequently breveted a brigadier general.




252         One Hundred and Sixteenth
CHAPTER XX'V.
THREE weeks were spent in the camp we had fought
so hard to regain, but it was found a difficult matter to
supply the army, as the roads were becoming almost impassable from the mud. As the enemy were so badly
used up, it was determined to fall back some distance
and establish the army in winter quarters.
On the morning of November 9th, therefore, our bivouac was demolished, and passing through Middletown
and Newtown, we pitched our camp a short distance
from the latter place on a line of hills, the Nineteenth
Corps in the fiont with the other corps in the rear.
The One Hundred and Sixteenth occupied the extreme
rigYht, and as this was to be our winter abode, we lost
no time in erecting, from the timber of the adjoining
forests, very comfortable huts with fire places and chimneys, which the cold weather made very welcome.
In honor of Gen'l Russell of the Sixth Corps, who fell
at Winchester, it was called Camp Russell. Here again
we constructed elaborate fortifications, much more so
than any we had built, and working parties were kept
constantly employed upon them for weeks.
A small and insignificant cavalry force of the enemy,
not content with the thrashing they had received, kept
annoying our picket line. On the 12th they made so
determined a show, that the One Hundred and Sixteenth
was ordered out to the support of the pickets, and were
soon after, by order of Gen'l Sheridan, deployed as
skirmishers and advanced through the village of Newtown. The town was occupied by the enemy, but upon




New York Volunteers.           253
our approach they concluded to retire, and left it as
we entered.
All day long we remained on the outer edge of the
town exchanging shots with them, and toward evening
were ordered still firther to the front. We, therefore,
proceeded some distance beyond the town, Co's "H,"
Capt. Clark, and "C," Capt. Morgan, being deployed
as skirmishers. The skirmishers advanced to the crest
of a hill which the rebels had held during the day, but
the day being now far advanced we were recalled, and
shortly after dark were relieved by a brigade of cavalry,
and returned to camp Russell. This brigade of cavalry
succeeded in getting in the rear of the enemy, and made
one hundred and seventy-six of them prisoners, and
added two more to the number of Sheridan's captured
guns.
The One Hundred and Sixteenth lost in'this skirmish
one man wounded.
This was the last annoyance we received from the
enemy, who left that night and fell back to the vicinity
of Staunton and Waynesborough. Some four months
later, Gen'l Sheridan with his cavalry, on his way to
join Grant, met and captured some seventeen hundred
of them, scattering the remnant.
The weather was now becoming very cold, and we,
who had enjoyed the beauty of a real southern winter,
found ourselves hard pushed to keep comfortably warm.
Especially was this the case when duty called us to the
picket line. Our camp was in the midst of a plowed
field, and as it rained almost every day, we could neither
keep ourselves nor our houses in a decently clean condition.
When we entered upon the Red River campaign, all
12




254         One Ilundred and Sixteenth
surplus baggage was stored in New Orleans, and subsequently sent to Washington. On the 7th of December this almost forgotten property reached us, and was
distributed to its owners. Not more than half of what
was stored was found, it having been levied upon whereever it had been, and what there was of it we found of
but little value.
While lying at Camp Russell the Sixth Corps was
sent to Petersburg, and the Eighth to garrison portions of Western Virginia.  This left the Nineteenth
Corps alone, except the cavalry, and even this corps
was subsequently reduced to one division, the Second
Division, Gen'l Grover's, being sent to Savannah to occupy it, and thus enable Gen'l Sherman to continue his
great march.
Constant as had been our service ever since our experience at Port Hudson, and acceptable as was this
season of rest and quiet from the fatigue of the march
and battle, still, as we read of the wonderful march of
Sherman and of the constant victory which attended
him, or of the great triumph of Gen'l Thomas over Hood
at Nashville, we could but wish that we were with the
one or the other. As this was impossible, we contented
ourselves with the thought that no more brilliant
achievements than our own could be attained by them.
Thanksgiving, November 24th, was to be a day of
feasting, as the good people of the North had sent to
their soldiers a bountiful supply of turkeys. Notwithstanding the gift was well intended and doubtless munificent, many were unable to get more than a taste, the
supply being far short of the demand. In the afternoon
the brigade was paraded, and appropriate services held
by the Chaplain of the Thirtieth Mass. Vols.




New  York Vohltteers.             255
Christmas, that day of all days, was observed on Saturday, December 24th, by the officers of the One Hundred and Sixteenth. A dinner, as complete in its arrangements as was possible under the circumstances,
was given by the officers, at which a number of invited
guests sat down. After thoroughly discussing its merits
the time was spent in songs and speeches, and all felt
that they had passed an enjoyable time.
On Friday morning, December 30th, we again left our
comfortable shanties at camp Russell, and passing
through  Winchester, encamped toward  evening  at
Stevenson's Depot, the terminus of a military railroad
fiom Harper's Ferry.
As we reached this place and saw the almost forgotten locomotive, and heard its shrill whistle, our joy
found vent in lusty cheers.  Here we were to remain
for the balance of the winter, at least, as our supplies
could reach us by rail entirely, thus saving the tedious
wagon transportation over very muddy roads.  That
night it snowed considerably, and as the lateness of our
arrival made the erection of our shelters impossible, we
found ourselves covered with winter's white mantle
when we turned out the next morning. It disappeared,
however, before the heat of the sun, which shone out
clear and beautiful; and before night the One Hundred
and Sixteenth was once again in a fair way to secure
good warm  huts.  Our camp was in a heavy piece of
black walnut timber, which furnished the material in
abundance. This timber, so valuable, was used not only
in the construction of' our shanties, but served through
the whole winter as our supply of firewood.  Cords
upon cords of' it, which at the North would have enriched us all, were utterly destroyed.




256          One Hundred and Sixteenth
A very few days enabled us to make " Camp Sheridan " a very comfortable place of abode, but we had
hardly completed our labors, and begun to enjoy it,
when the Third Brigade of our division was sent to
Winchester, and the Second distributed along the railroad to Harper's Ferry; and it was rumored that our
brigade would be drawn in closer to the depot, in order
to effectually guard it from Mosby, who was hovering
around.
Many of the men and officers for the first time since
entering the service, were, while we remained here,
granted furloughs and leaves of absence to visit their
homes. Col. Love was one of these. On his return to
the regiment, January 12th, 1865, he brought with him
a splendid new flag, the gift of Mr. Henry A. Richmond,
and some other. prominent dock men of Buffalo.  With
all due ceremony he presented it to the regiment in the
name of the donors, and said he had promised that it
should be as well defended as the others had been.
In this connection the following action of the " Buffalo
Board of Trade" is inserted:
BOARD OF TRADE ROOMS,
January 5th, 1865.
At a meeting of the " Buffalo Board of Trade," January 3d,
1865, on the occasion of their presenting a National Flag to the
116th Regiment, N. Y. S. Volunteers, through their Colonel, Geo.
M. Love, a committee, consisting of Messrs. S. V. R. Watson,
Richard Williams and Capt. D. P. Dobbins, was appointed to
draft resolutions, to be reported on the 5th, expressive of the
appreciation of Col. Love's services and those of his Regiment by
the Board of Trade, the Citizens of Buffalo and county of Erie
generally.
The following resolutions were accordingly presented and
unanimously adopted by the Board " on'change," on the 5th instant:
Resolved, That we regard the present as a proper occasion for




New  York  Volunteers.                257
returning to the 116th Regiment, N. Y. S. Volunteers, on behalf
of the city of Buffalo and county of Erie, no less than on our own,
profound acknowledgments and hearty thanks for the long and
glorious services it has rendered to the country.
Resolved, That the citizens of Buffalo and Erie county have
just cause for pride in having given to the country a regiment
which from its first organization under the late lamented Col.
E. P. Chapin, to the present time, has borne so conspicuous and
honorable a part in the great struggle for the salvation of our
country.
Resolved, That in the present commander of the regiment, Col.
George M. Love, we recognize no " holiday soldier," but one who
has richly earned his promotion from the ranks of the 21st Regiment to his present position, by long, faithful and distinguished
services in that regiment, in the 44th, and in the 116th, at the
" Siege of Yorktown," the battles of " Hanover Court House,"
" Malvern Hill," " Plain Store," the " Siege of Port Hudson," and
the battles of " Cox's Plantation," "Sabine Cross Roads," " Pleasant Hill," " Cane River," "Mansura," "Winchester," " Fisher's
Hill," and "' Cedar Creek;" and that we would regard his further promotion as only the just reward of a meritorious and gallant soldier and patriot.
Resolved, That the Secretary is hereby instructed to see that
these resolutions are suitably engrossed, signed by the officers of
this Board, and presented to Colonel Love.
Resolved, That the Secretary be instructed to procure the printing of 600 copies of these resolutions, and that Col. Love be requested to distribute them in the regiment.
GEORGE S. HAZARD, President.
ALBERT SHERWOOD, Vice President.
WILLIAM THURSTONE, Secretary.
Buffalo, Jan. 6th, 1865.
NOTE. —The flags (three in number) which the One Hundred
and Sixteenth carried during its term of service were disposed
of as follows, viz: The first one, presented by the citizens of
Buffalo, and the second, presented by Capt. D. P. Dobbins, are
deposited with the Buffalo Historical Society. The last one is
deposited at Albany, in the Bureau of Military Statistics.




258          One Hundred and Sixteenth
CHAAPTER XXTVI.
As was anticipated, on the 5th of March we were
obliged to leave our snug quarters and move about a
mile nearer the depot. There being no especial hurry,
two or three companies were allowed to move each day,
in order that our huts might be moved to the new camping ground. Notwithstanding all this required considerable labor, we were, in about a week, once more settled, as housekeepers say.
About this time Col. Love, for meritorious services at
the battle of Cedar Creek, was made a brevet brigadier
general. On the 15th of March he was assigned to the
command of a brigade of new troops, and ordered to
report to Brev. Maj. Gen'l Brooke, at Halltown, by Maj.
Gen'l Hancock, who had been placed in command of
the Middle Military Division, when Sheridan started up
the valley for Petersburg. The following day he left us,
and Maj. Carpenter assumed command of the One Hundred and Sixteenth, Lieut. Col. Sizer being still on the
staff of Gen'l Emory.
The weather was now most beautiful. The roads and
fields were soon free from mud, and, as a consequence,
drilling was again the order of the day.
Our long-continued campaigning, we could readily see,
had put us far behind our former proficiency; but constant attention, irksome as it sometimes was, enabled us
to gradually regain the precision upon which we had
prided ourselves.
Some time in December, Gen'l Emory received from
the Ordinance Department at Washington a quantity




Xew  York Volunteers.              259
of "gun cappers," which he was directed to issue to
the best regiment in his corps, for trial; and forward
the report of the colonel of the regiment to the department. He selected the One Hundred and Sixteenth, an
honor of which we had good reason to be proud.
Col. Love, after making his report, in which he disapproved of them, received the following:
" HEAD QUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, 
"OFFICE CHIEF ORDINANCE OFFICER,
" WINCHESTER, Va., Feb. 5, 1865. )
"' COL. GEO. M. LOVE, Commanding One Hundred and Sixteenth
N. Y. V. Infantry:
" SIR,'"Your report on Seely's'gun cappers,' for infantry, has been
received at this office, and forwarded to the War Department,
with the following endorsement:'Respectfully forwarded to Brig. Gen'l A. B. Dyer, Chief of
Ordinance, Washington, D. C.'The regiment of Col. Love enjoys the reputation of being the
best in the Nineteenth Army Corps, and the Colonel states that
the men do not want these gun cappers, as they consider them
worthless. I forward the report of this efficient officer with no
further comment than that his opinions are endorsed by me
fully.'P. H. SHERIDAN,'Maj. Gen'l Comd'g.'"
March 20th orders were received discontinuing the
Nineteenth Army Corps, and assigning our brave old
Gen'l Emory to the command of the Department of the
Cumberland. We had loved him despite his roughness,
and parted from him with unfeigned regret. Our sorrow, however, at losing him, and at the breaking up of
an organization to which the men of the One Hundred
and Sixteenth may well be proud to have belonged, was
in a measure relieved by the fact that it would return to
us Lieut. Col. Sizer, who had now served upon the staff
of Gen'l Emory over a year. He at once joined us, and




260         One Hundred and Sixteenth
remained in command of the regiment until we started
for Buffalo, after being mustered out of the service.
The old First Division remained intact to the close
of the war, and was known simply as "Dwight's Division."
Every thing now indicated the final success of our
armies over rebellion, and among us much speculation
was indulged in as to when we should make our grand
entree into the good old city of Buffalo.  Almost all
thought that the Fourth of July, at the furthest, would
see us there.
April 3d the glorious news of the fall of Richmond,
and its occupation by our forces under Gen'l Weitzel,
reached us; and this with the gallant achievement of
"Little Phil" at Five Forks, was announced by the
thunder of artillery at Stevenson's Depot.
Every preparation for an advance up the valley had
been made days before, and now, in order to prevent the
retreat of Lee with his army down this valley, we were
ordered to move early the next morning, April 4th. By
five o'clock our winter quarters were abandoned, and to
the stirring strains of our band, the One Hundred and
Sixteenth took its place in the column, and moved along
the well-known road through Winchester. Near our
old " Camp Russell " we bivouaced for the night, and
over our camp fires talked of the sudden collapse of
the confederacy bubble. We could not but feel that, although not present with the army which drove Lee from
his capital, we had struck hard blows, which aided materially to bring about this glorious result.
Two days were spent here, at the expiration of which
time, no signs of the retreating army being visible, we
again turned our faces toward Winchester, and when




Xew  York Volunteers.            261
within sight of the city turned fiom the road and went
into camp.
Here we remained three days, all the time hearing
the glad news of victory upon victory achieved by our
armies. At last the finale came, and to attempt a description of the joy manifested when we heard of the
surrender of' Gen'l Lee to Gen'l Grant would be useless.
Virtually the war was at an end, and we could now look
forward to our return home with good prospects. Gun
after gun was fired in honor of the hero who had
"fought it out on that line;" but how differently they
sounded to us now from what they had only a few short
weeks before. Then they told of danger and death; now
of peace and coming happiness among loved ones at home.
At seven o'clock, on the morning of April 10th,
Dwight's Division again left its camp and took up its
line of march on the main valley turnpike.  The day
was a dreary one, the rain pouring down in torrents,
making the roads almost impassable. It ended at last,
as all days eventually do, and about dusk we entered a
piece of woods in the vicinity of Summit Point, a station
on the Harper's Ferry and Winchester Railroad. With
but very little preparation fbr the night we dropped
our weary bodies down, and, despite the damp condition
of the ground, enjoyed a very good night's rest. The
following morning saw the One Hundred and Sixteenth
busy. again, clearing up the grounds selected for our
camp, and making our shelters as comfortable as might
be. But a close observer would have detected something never seen before, and that was a sort of indifference, arising no doubt fromr a conviction that our soldier
life was nearly over, and that it was a waste of' time to
do more than make it comfortable.
12*




262         One ilitndred and Sixteenth
On the morning of April 15th the astounding intelligence reached us, that President Lincoln had been assassinated the night before, at Ford's Theatre, in Washington.
No one believed it at first, it was too monstrous to believe. It could not be that a man had been found so
base as to take the life of so good a man as Lincoln; but
as the news was repeated, with additional particulars,
we found it impossible longer to doubt, and then our
feelings were beyond expression. Deep and loud were
the curses uttered against the assassin, and had Booth
been captured by the men of the One Hundred and Sixteenth, while their feelings were so wrought up, short
work would have been made of him. Yet with all these
baser feelings there was an under current of heartfelt
sorrow and sadness, as deep as would have been felt had
each of us lost a personal friend.  lNo man was ever
more universally mourned than Abraham Lincoln; and
as time roils away, Washington and Lincoln will become
the two dearest names to an American.
The following day was Sunday, and as throughout the
country the people assembled to listen to sermons upon
the all engrossing subject, so we of the First Brigade
quietly gathered beneath the spreading branches of the
forest to do likewise. Chaplain Gorton, of the One Hundred and Sixteenth, pronounced an eulogy on the life and
character of the departed President, full of earnest eloquence.
On the 19th, the day set apart for the funeral at Washington, the brigade was again assembled, and listened to
an address fiom the chaplain of the Twenty-ninth Mlaine
Vols.
Throughout the length and breadth of the land there
was mourning'. Seldom, if ever, has the death of any




New York Volutnteers.           263
man been the cause of such profound sorrow. Some of
this may have been due to the manner of his death, but
this alone could never have so roused the sympathies of
an entire people. Lincoln was one of the people. He
sympathized with them, and showed the kindness of his
nature on many occasions. He was simple and honest,
and in almost every heart there was a feeling nearly
akin to love for him.




264        One fHundred and Sixteenth
CHAPTER XX VII.
IT was now rumored that we were soon to be ordered
to Washington, and at nine o'clock on the morning of
April 21st, Dwight's Division gathered all its effects
together, and loading them upon cars made ready for
them, before night reached Harper's Ferry. Across the
Potomac River we rolled, and following the Baltimore
and Ohio Railroad, took the direction of Baltimore.
Toward morning the One Hundred and Sixteenth
reached the Relay House, at which point we branched
off for Washington, crossing the Patapsco River upon
the magnificent bridge which spans it.
Expectation was all alive to see the funeral train of
the lamented Lincoln, which was to leave Washington
that morning. At every station we found large crowds
assembled, awaiting in sorrowful silence its coming.
We passed Annapolis Junction without meeting it, but
when about twelve miles from Washington our train
slackened its speed, and the slow tolling of our engine
bell announced the approach of the funeral cortege.
Slowly it passed us, and then we sped on our way to
the capital, where we arrived about noon, and proceeding to the Soldiers' Rest, were provided with a good
meal.
Although the One Hundred and Sixteenth had been
nearly three years in the service, had been landed at its
wharf and traversed its streets in the darkness of night,
this was really our first advent to the city of magnificent distances. As the huge dome of the Capitol rose
before us in its grandeur, we wondered at its immensity.




New York Volunteers.             265
During our stay in the city every opportunity was given
us to visit the many places of' interest, which were all
embraced with eagerness. The White House, Treasury,
Patent Office, War Department, and other public buildings were visited, and impressed us with the greatness
of' our country. We crossed the Long Bridge, of which
we had heard so much, as well as the Aqueduct, and
strolled out to the forts which encircle the city, until we
felt as well acquainted with it as though all our soldier
life had been spent there.
We remained but a short time in the city. About
two o'clock P. M., the colors of the different regiments
having been draped in mourning, we proceeded out
Pennsylvania Avenue and through Georgetown to the
identical ground occupied by a part of our division
upon our arrival in Washington from New Orleans, after
our tedious tramp in the dark.
Camping grounds were assigned to each regiment,
and the One Hundred and Sixteenth went to work once
again to grade the streets, and embellish it somewhat.
This work had not, however, progressed very far, when
an order was received from the War Department, detaching the One Hundred and Sixteenth firom Dwight's
Division, and directing us to report to Maj. Gen'l Augur, commanding the defences of Washington, for provost duty in the city. The order was hailed with delight by both officers and men. As it was presumed that
Booth, the assassin of our President, was still within
the city, the duty of picketing the whole east side of
the city was assigned to Dwight's Division. Our old
First Brigade was obliged to cover a line some three or
four miles long, and the duty was arduous in the extreme. Besides this, we had no great respect for the




266         One iHundred and Sixteenth
division commander, and were going fiom his control
into the hands of Gen'l Augur, whom we all respected
and loved. It was he who had ordered and watched
the first charge the One Hundred and Sixteenth ever
made at Plain Store.
The only regret was that we were to be separated
from two regiments, the One Hundred and Fourteenth
and One Hundred and Fifty-third N. Y. Vols., between
whom and ourselves a very strong attachment had for a
long time existed.
With little delay we retraced our steps, and passing
the Capitol were assigned a camping ground on Capitol
-ill. The men were supplied with "' A" tents, and the
officers with wall tents, and very great care was taken
that the camp should be laid out in strict conformity to
army regulations. This had often been done before, and
without much trouble it soon assumed a look of which
we had no need to be ashamed.
The dress coats and shoulder scales which had been our
pride in Camp Emory, at Franklin, Louisiana, were obtained from the store house, and we were ready to
mount guard, have our dress parades and perform guard
duty with any regular regiment in the service.
The duty assigned to the One Hundred and Sixteenth
was the entire care of the old Capitol and Carroll prisons, incarcerated within which were a number of those
charged with being accomplices of Booth. This required a detail of something like one hundred men each
day, so that we found our coming into the city did not
enable us to idle away our time. It was, however,
much more pleasant than picket duty outside the defences of the city, and we were content.
The lieutenants of the regiment relieved each other




Xew York Volunteers.              267
as officers of the guard in charge of this detail. The
captains were placed on the roster of field officers of the
day, whose duty it was to visit not only these prisons,
but many other points where guards were stationed in
various parts of the city. At night they visited, in addition to these, the White House and the residences of
Secretary Seward and some other prominent personages,
to see that no more assassins were allowed to prowl
around.
Every effort was now made by Lieut. Col. Sizer, in
command of the One Hundred and Sixteenth, and all
the officers, to bring the regiment up to its old standard
in drill, and if possible to surpass it. In this they had
the hearty co-operation of the men, and it was, therefore, a matter of course that very soon our dress parades
were witnessed by hundreds of spectators drawn to our
camp by the report that our evening parade was worth
seeing.
Many general officers rode out at different times, and
on one occasion Gov. Fenton, of our State, with a party
of friends viewed the exercise. At its conclusion he
made us a speech, the import of which was his pride
that so well drilled a regiment hailed from the State of
New York, and that we might expect, as the result
in part of our efforts, to return to our homes very
speedily.
All these hours of drilling were with an object in view,
which was, that when we arrived in Buffalo, we might
show its citizens that the One Hundred and Sixteenth
was entitled to the reputation it had won for proficiency
in drill.
The bayonet exercise, the most advanced part of a
soldier's schooling, was the drill now  ordered.  Al



268        One Hundred and Sixteenth
though at Camp Emory, Franklin, La., we had become
very proficient in it, still constant practice enabled the
regiment on dress parade to execute the most intricate
combinations as one man.
Troops were constantly arriving in the vicinity until
it seemed that more soldiers were now assembled than
had ever been borne on the muster and pay rolls of
Uncle Sam; and yet they came.
As it was understood that Gen'l Grant and the President were to review the whole vast army, thousands
upon thousands of citizens from the North came flocking
into the city to witness one of the grandest sights ever
seen. It was announced that the grand review would
occupy the 23d and 24th day's of May, that the army of
the Potomac would pass in review the first day, and
Sherman's army the last.
On some accounts the members of the One Hundred
and Sixteenth would have preferred to participate in
this review, and yet on other accounts were glad to be
relieved from it. We could enjoy the sight very much
better as spectators than as participants, and all things
considered were inclined to consider ourselves fortunate.
The night before the grand gala day all the vacant
portions of the city were temporarily occupied by the
troops of the army of the Potomac, many of whom were
encamped a number of miles outside the defences.
At nine o'clock precisely, on the morning of May 23d,
a cannon announced the moving of the column. The
arrangements were most complete, and Gen'l Meade,
who had been waiting the signal gun, started at once.
The sight from the Capitol grounds was grand beyond
description. The day was a beautiful one. Looking
away down Pennsylvania Avenue to the Treasury build



New  York Volunteers.            269
ing, a distance of over a mile, nothing could be seen in
the street but one vast compact mass of soldiers swaying fiom the right to the left as each man kept step to
the music. Every gun and sabre shone like polished
steel, as they were, and this glittering pageant was continued hour after hour until nearly night. The sidewalks were crowded with eager lookers-on, while from
every window and roof thousands upon thousands looked
down upon these war bronzed heroes, and gave them
honor.
In front of the White House a stand was erected, upon which were Gen'l Grant, the President, and many
other dignitaries. Among these latter were most, if not
all the foreign ministers, upon whom the sight of such a
vast army of volunteers must have been indeed wonderful. It must have also impressed them with a more exalted view of the power of the Yankee nation than they
had ever had before, and was no doubt, in this respect,
beneficial.
All this was repeated the next day, as Gen'l Sherman
with his sturdy Western veterans filled the broad avenue from curb to curb.
Such another sight, none of those who witnessed it
will ever see again; and in years to come, to have seen
it will be worth telling to grand children.




270           One fundred and Sixteenth
CIIAPTER XX VIII.
ON the 5th day of June, the following order was received and hailed with joy:
"HEAD-QUARTERS DWIGHT'S DIVISION, }
"June 5th, 1865.' GENERAL ORDERS, No. 13.
" I. Pursuant to General Order No. 94, War Department, Adjutant General's Office, current series, and General Order No. 58,
Head-quarters Middle Military Division, current series, the 114th,
116th and 153d N. Y. Vols. are hereby ordered to be mustered out
of the service of the United States.
III. In parting with these gallant regiments, after so long a
period of service, the General commanding feels regret, mingled
with pride, when he recalls how patiently they have endured,
how bravely they have fought, and how nobly they have won.
Fort Bisland, Plain Store, Port Hudson, Sabine Cross Roads,
Pleasant Hill and Cedar Creek, bear witness to this. To all these
regiments the General commanding renders his heartfelt thanks.' By command of BRIG. GEN'L DWIGHT,
"J. G. LEEFE,
" A. A. A. G."
The balance of our division had a longer time to
serve than the regiments mentioned in this order, and
they were accordingly ordered to  Savannah,- Ga., for
garrison  duty.  They sailed  about this time much
against their will, and after their arrival there were distributed throughout the State of Georgia.
All was now hurry and bustle. Muster-out rolls were
obtained, and although every two months, during our
service, had seen each commanding officer of a company
complete his muster and pay rolls, still these were so
mluch more intricate and  comprehensive, that many




New York Volunteers.            271
hours were spent before they were pronounced complete and ready for the mustering officer. At ten o'clock
on the 8th, Capt. Pellett, mustering officer on the division staff, arrived at the camp of the One Hundred and
Sixteenth. Taking one company at a time, he soon performed the ceremony which was to sever our connection
with the United States as soldiers. Discharges for each
officer and man had previously been made out, and
these, with the muster-out rolls, he quietly put under
his arm and marched off. They were returned, however, the next day, duly attested.
The instructions now received were to hold ourselves
in readiness to move at a moment's notice. We had
very often received orders exactly like this, but they
did not stir within us the same emotions that this one
did, for a reason the reader will readily understand.
We were to proceed by the way of Baltimore and Elmira to Buffalo, where the regiment would be paid off,
and each man receive his discharge. Until that time the
commanding officer of the regiment was directed to hold
these discharges, and, with the other officers, was to be
held strictly responsible for the conduct of the men, and
for all arms and equipments. Transportation was all
that now detained us. Hundreds of cars were running
over the road to Baltimore every day, carrying those
who, like us, were "homeward bound."
June 9th and 10th were very long days to the One
Hundred and Sixteenth. Every thing was packed ready
for a move, and to be obliged to wait in almost hourly
expectation of the order to march to the depot was terribly annoying.
On the 9th Gen'l Love, having been relieved of his
command in the Shenandoah Valley, joined us and assumed command of the regiment.




272         One Hundred and Sixteenth
At last transportation was secured, and at ten o'clock,
June 11th, the One Hundred and Sixteenth broke camp
for the last time, and with lighter hearts than ever
marched to the depot. A train of cattle and platform
cars was in waiting for us, but not a hoot (as at Elmira
nearly three years before) was heard. Two tedious
hours were occupied in getting all on board, and at one
o'clock P. M. we moved out of Washington on our way
to good old Buffalo. Nothing occurred worthy of mention, and about seven o'clock that evening we reached
Baltimore.
Stacking our arms in the street, the regiment was
marched into the Soldiers' Rest, near at hand, and provided with a substantial lunch. After this had been well
attended to, we took our arms, and passing through the
city, found at the Camden Station depot of the Northern
Central Railroad another train of cars in readiness to
receive us.
All our effects were speedily loaded, the men as comfortably accommodated as was possible, and in the darkness of midnight the One Hundred and Sixteenth
moved out of Baltimore. Our train was of course
an extra, which forced us to wait for all regular trains;
and as the regiment and its effects occupied a large number of cars we made very slow progress. All that night,
and the following day and night, we wound our slow
course along, until the boys, some of them, proposed
that we get off and march to Buffalo, being confident
that, as we had made forced marches under far less advantageous circumstances, we could reach %ur destination almost as soon as by rail.
However, we at last reached Elmira on the morning
of June 13th, and found there awaiting us a committee




Ngew  York Volunteers.           273
of three citizens of Buffalo, Messrs. James Adams, Isaac
Holloway and Dr. E. Storck, who had been sent down
to see that there was no unnecessary delay. They gave
us the welcome intelligence that great preparations hadt
been made at Buffalo to make our reception as gratifying and imposing as was possible, and assured us that
it was to be indeed a gala day, as we should see in due
time.
They had secured a sufficient number of passenger
coaches for our accommodation, so that our ride the remainder of the way should be more pleasant.
In less than two hours from the time we arrived at
Elmira, every thing was transferred to the new train,
and at seven o'clock A. M. we moved from the depot on
our way home.
It had been determined by the officers of the regiment
-in which the men fully concurred-that we should enter Buffalo as neat and clean as we would have presented ourselves for a review or inspection. We knew
that it was customary for troops returning from active
service, to rather pride themselves on their ragged and
dirty appearance, presuming that it was to be expected,
and only gave evidence of hard service. But the One
Hundred and Sixteenth had gained a reputation for
neatness in its absence, of' which we knew our fiiends
were aware, and were determined that they should see
that it was well deserved. Accordingly, before leaving
Washington, a sufficient quantity of blue ribbon was
purchased to give every man a necktie. At Elmira a
number of, boxes of blacking were bought, which the
men were directed to use upon their shoes; and after
the train was in motion, they were also directed to put on
their dress coats and shoulder scales. As a consequence




274        One HI1undred and Sixteenth
of this care, long before we came in sight of Buffalo,
each man presented an appearance worthy of the number
of his regiment.
The hours now passed all too slowly to satisfy our
anxious minds. The nearer we approached the good
old city, the slower, it seemed to us, did we progress.
The news that the One Hundred and Sixteenth was
en route for home had been flashed along the wires from
Elmira, and at every station we found large numbers
assembled to welcome us. As we neared the end of our
journey the numbers increased, until at Batavia, where
we stopped for a few moments, the crowd was very large.
At Attica we were met by a deputation of some thirty
or forty of our old comrades. With the two old flags
which we had carried in many a battle, they had come
to greet us, and bear some share of the honor to be conferred upon any who had belonged to the One Hundred
and Sixteenth.
Receiving them on board, the engine whistled a warning, and on we rolled. At Darien, Alden, Town Line,
Lancaster and Cheektowaga, every evidence of joy was
manifested by crowds of excited people.
At last the spires of Buffalo met the gaze of hundreds
of noble fellows, who for nearly three years had never
set eyes on them. Then the prominent buildings came
in sight, and soon the slackened speed of our engine
showed that we had entered the city limits. Slowly we
crawled along, crossing Exchange, Louisiana and Chicago streets, passing old familiar buildings, and some
that had grown into being during our absence.
At 3 o'clock in the afternoon of June 13th the train
stopped at the depot, and the One Hundred and Sixteenth were home from the wars.




New  York Volunteers.            275
CtIIAPTEtR XXIX.
THE approach of the train was the signal for a general
outburst, and the cheers and shouts were for a time almost deafening. An attempt was made to prevent the
crowd from getting within the enclosure, but the policemen were unable, or unwilling, to deprive anxious
friends of the earliest possible meeting with their soldier
boys. The consequence was such a scene of glorious
joy as is not often witnessed.
We had hardly come to a stand still before the fire
bells rang out an alarm, and the planing-mill of E. & B.
Holmes, close by, was discovered to be on fire. The
whole fire department wTere out as part of the procession to escort us to Fort Porter, but duty called them,
and all, save Eagle Hose Co. No. 2, responded. Gen'l
Love was an old and honored member of this company,
and Capt. Tuttle, who was killed at the battle of Cox's
Plantation, had also belonged to it, and it was fiom a
desire to do honor to them that they were permitted
to remain. The fire attracted many who were crowding in and around the depot from mere curiosity, and
thus gave us a better opportunity to begin our triumphal
march.
With very great difficulty the companies were formed,
and the regimental line at last completed, and facing to
the right we entered Exchange street by the flank. The
crowd, partially controlled by a strong police force,
surged back and forth as if anxious to eat us up, but with
much labor we found ourselves in the position assigned
us in the procession. This was composed as follows:




276          One Hundred and Sixteenth
Brig. Gen'l WM. F. ROGERS, Marshal.
Staff Officers.
Union Cornet Band.
74th Regt. N. Y. N. G., Lieut. Col. G. M. BAKER.
Union Continentals, Capt. N. K. HALL.
21st N. Y. Vols., Capt. JOHN M. LAYTON.
Officers in the U. S. Service.
Officers discharged from U. S. Service.
Car containing thirty Young Ladies representing the States.
Buffalo Liedertafel.
Buffalo Saengerbund.
Buffalo Turners.
Drum Corps.
Eagle Hose Company No. 2.
Citizens' Committee of Reception.
Miller's Band.
Ex-members 116th N. Y. Vols.
Regimental Band 116th N. Y. Vols.
116th N. Y. Vols., Brev't Brig. Gen'l GEO. M. LOVE.
Citizens in Carriages and on foot.
The jam throughout the entire line of march was beyond any thing Buffalo had seen more than once or twice
before, and our expectation that we would be able to
show some model marching at company front, was in a
fair way to be disappointed.
At the junction of Exchange and Main streets, we
passed beneath a beautiful arch covered with evergreens, interspersed with the names of Grant, Sheridan,
Sherman and Farragut, and of the battles in which the
One Hundred and Sixteenth and other Buffalo regiments
had been engaged. Conspicuous on the Exchange street
front were the words "Welcome Home."
Immediately after passing this arch we turned into
Main street, and the sight was one to send a thrill of
pride and pleasure through our hearts. As far as we
could see, the street was filled with a mass of human
beings, while the roofs and windows on either side were




Xew York Volunteers.           277
crowded with ladies who waved their handkerchiefs and
tossed an occasional bouquet at some lucky fellow in our
ranks. Most of the buildings were decked in gay colors,
festooned from the roof to the walk, while it would have
been utterly impossible to count the flags flying from
house tops and windows. Truly it was worth all our
months and years of toil and suffering to find our friends
at home so mindful of us on our return.
As we turned into Main street, Gen'l Love gave the
command, "By company into line —march," and taking
a light touch of elbows to the left, every man carried
himself as became his schooling.
Amid the booming of cannon and the ringing of bells
we reached Niagara street, and wheeling to the left continued our march. At Niagara square another beautiful arch spanned the street, bearing among many other
things the words "Your glorious deeds claim triumphant laurels." Turning up Delaware avenue the same
sight opened before us as upon Main street, except that
the display was from residences instead of stores.
At Public School No. 10 we were greeted by the stirring strains of "Victory at last, Boys," sung by the entire school, marshaled upon the sidewalk. At the corner of Delaware and Huron streets was a third arch,
embellished by the fair hands of Gen'l Love's sisters,
and devoted to the memory of our departed hero, Gen'l
Chapin.
Our march was continued up Delaware to Chippewa,
through Chippewa to Georgia, down Georgia to Niagara again, out Niagara to York, through York to Sixth,
and out Sixth to Fort Porter. As we entered these
grounds, where almost three years before we had enlisted and eaten our first meal in Uncle Sam's service,
13




278           One Hfundred and Sixteenth.
we could not but thank God that we had done so, and
bless Him for sparing us to return. Sad thoughts of
those who had left it with us, but were now sleeping beneath a summer sun the sleep that knows no waking,
would mingle with our joy and cause a tear to start in
memory of them.
A  bountiful lunch was provided by the ladies, and
stacking our arms we entered the old mess-house and ate
our fill of every thing good.  This pleasant duty completed, we were called to our stacks, and taking our
muskets, Lieut. Col. John M. Sizer gave the assembled
multitude an exhibition of our dress parade, including
the bayonet exercise. This done, we were addressed by
Hon. Geo. W. Clinton, as follows:
"Thanks to Almighty God, the Author of light, and Giver of
victory, you have come home. The great rebellion has been
crushed, and our country, purified by suffering, is free, united,
vigorous, able to stand up against a world in arms! And while at
this time we adore the good God and wonder at his providence,
and admire and praise the more conspicuous instruments through
which we have been so secure and happy, how can we forget you,
our noble soldiers? While we would award a just tribute to the
statesmanship which has swayed our counsels, and to the wonderful generalship and strategy which have found their clearest manifestations in Grant, Sherman and Sheridan, how can we forget you,'bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh,' most gallant soldiers,
most worthy fellow-citizens.
"You have heard our shouts, you have seen our triumphal
arches, our decorations, and all the signs of our rejoicing at your
return. But you cannot see, nor is it possible for any tongue to
tell you the great joy, the pride, the exultation, with which we
welcome you back to Buffalo, and take you to our hearts. Warworn soldiers you are welcome indeed. Buffalo has a warm place
in her great heart for all her worthy children, and especially for
those who, like you, have exemplified in wretchedness and blood,
her loyalty and heroism. It was a pity, I had almost said a burning shame, that through the failing of the telegraph the worthy
One Hundredth received no welcome. But fellow-citizens of




N2ew York Volunteers.             279
Eaton's Battery, Weidrich's Battery, and of the illustrious One
Hundred and Sixteenth, you have not escaped us. We have caught
you, and with a spontaneous unanimity which evinces our sincerity,
and cannot but reach your hearts, we now unite to do you honor,
and greet you with a most hearty, loving welcome. We are proud
of your achievements, and the story of them will thrill and animate the souls of our descendants throughout all time. Your
trophies must be preserved, your banners, tattered and soiled by
the smoke of battle and the bullets of the enemy, must be hung up
for monuments."   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *
After Judge Clinton had concluded his address of welcome, Gen'l Love and some others responded to calls.
When speech-making was at an end, Gen'l Love informed
the men that his orders were to keep the entire regiment
in camp until they were paid off and discharged. But
the paymaster not having arrived, he should take the responsibility of allowing all to go to their homes, trusting
that every man would be on hand the next Monday,
June 19th, as he had promised the Major commanding
the post they should be.
This was indeed good news, as we had feared that an
attempt would be made to keep us in camp, and all felt
gratified that we were to be permitted to spend the intervening time at home.
A very short time sufficed to store the arms and equipments of the men, and before dark the One Hundred and
Sixteenth were seeking their homes in all parts of the city
and county.
Promptly on the day appointed every man appeared
at the fort, but found that no paymaster had arrived to
liquidate their claims against Uncle Sam. A request had
been made by many of the citizens that we should give a
battalion drill upon the Terrace. In accordance with
this desire, the regiment that afternoon marched down
Sixth street to the Terrace, but found so great a crowd




280    One Hundred and Sixteenth NV Y. Vols.
assembled as to make it impossible to comply with the
request; and after several vain attempts to drive back
the vast multitude, we retraced our steps to the fort.
A detail was now made from each company, who were
required to remain at the fort, and the balance of the
regiment were again permitted to seek their own pleasure at home, with directions to return on Saturday, June
24th. At that time every man again answered to his
name. However, the paymaster was still unable to pay
us, but promised to do so on Monday, the 26th.
This promise was kept, and by ten o'clock P. M., June
26th, 1865, every enlisted man in the One Hundred and
Sixteenth was fully paid and discharged from the service
of the United States, and the gallant regiment was no
more. It had fought a good fight, it had finished its
course, and henceforth there is laid up for all who bore
an honorable part in its history a crown of glory.




APPENDIX.
MEMORIAL SKETCHES.
BRIGADIER GENERAL EDWARD P. CHAPIN.
BY COL. JOHN B. WEBER.'
EDWARD PAYSON CHAPIN, the subject of this sketch,
was born August 16th, 1831, in the village of Waterloo,
Seneca Co., N. Y.
Ile was purely American in his nationality, a descendant of deacon Samuel Chapin, who settled in Springfield,
Mass., in the year A. D. 1642.
Of six children belonging to the Rev. Ephraim and
Elizabeth Chapin, he was the youngest, the pet and pride
of the family. His father was a regularly ordained minister of the gospel, and a Presbyterian by persuasion, who
spared no pains to bring up the son in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord.
The first rudiments of his education were attained in a
common village school, where his ability both to acquire
and retains howed above the medium standard. Perseverance was among the first developed traits of his
character-pursuing to the very end whatever he under



282                 Appendix.
took, and never admitting "give up " as part or parcel of
his creed.
For fishing and hunting he early acquired a passionate
love-the desire following him to manhood, growing, you
may say, with his growth, and yet never forgetting duty
or interest in controlling his love for this natural and exciting sport. He was a great lover of the water, and the
river being within a few rods of his paternal home, a good
opportunity was afforded him to gratify his every desire
in that direction. Miany of his old friends and schoolmates can recall to memory the youngster as he appeared
in his fishing and hunting costume. He was almost always accompanied by the great farm dog Hector (his
special pet), whom he had taught every thing within the
limits of dog-knowledge, and who could make his mile
with packet speed, towing his young master along the
banks of the river, stopping occasionally to give him time
for a shot or a bite.
In warm weather, and while pursuing his studies at the
village academy, rather than walk around by the road,
he would swim the river, with his clothes in one hand
and the other holding fast to Hector's tail-who enjoyed
the sport equally with his master.
Many are the little incidents of his boyhood that might
be told as applicable here, insomuch as to show to those
who knew him in after life, how much of the man was developed in the boy; but time and space in a work of this
character forbid; besides, why needs it that of the boy,
when the record of the man is of so brilliant and imperishable a character, and of a reputation whose limits are
not confined to his native State alone.
As stated before, the rudiments of his education were
attained in a common village school, but the academy of




Appendix.                 283
his native place furnished him with a thorough classical
and English education; and when about seventeen years
of age, having adopted the law as his profession, he entered the office of John McAllister, Esq., of Waterloo,
with whom he continued for a year and a half. He finished his legal education at Buffalo and Ballston Spa,
where he graduated with his class August 11th, 1852,
and was admitted to the bar soon after attaining his
majority.
He opened an office in the city of Buffalo, where he
continued in the practice of his profession until the
breaking out of the rebellion. In his practice he met
with decided success. Energetic and talented, he built
up for himself an enviable reputation, and was fast rising to the front rank of his profession when the news of
the attack on Fort Sumter touched a chord in his patriotic heart, which changed the whole current of his
thoughts, and directed anew every object of his being.
Thoroughly imbued with a generous patriotism and
an ardent desire for the preservation of the Union, he
immediately began to prepare himself for the struggle
in which he was destined to take so prominent, and, to
him, so fatal a part. His connection with the militia at
Buffalo gave him some idea of the details of the new
work; but he nevertheless entered upon a course of
military studies, which he pursued with unceasing industry, and which he intended never entirely to neglect,
so long as he should remain in the service.
Upon the death of Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth, of the
New York Fire Zouaves-the first victim of distinction
in the war-it was proposed by some of the leading
citizens of this State to organize a regiment in which
every city, town and village, throughout the State,




284                 Appendix.
should be represented, and to be known as the "People's Ellsworth Regiment," or the Forty-fourth New
York State Volunteers.
Money was to be raised by subscription (one hundred
thousand dollars, or one hundred dollars per man) with
which to organize, arm and equip the regiment, free
from any expense to the State; and at Washington,
within sight of the spot where Ellsworth fell an early
victim to his country's struggle, the command was to be
tendered to President Lincoln, as an evidence of the loyalty of the Empire State, and an indication of the earnestness with which its people should respond to the
calls made on them for the material so necessary to the
preservation of our Government.  This plan was not
fully carried out, owing to the fact that there were few
men of Chapin's metal to take up and push the matter
to a successful issue.  Through his energetic efforts a
company was raised to represent Erie county in this
regiment, composed of as fine material as ever wore the
blue, of which he was elected captain, with a unanimity
to which he always referred with pride: a unanimity
never marred by a single regret on the part of his men.
The regiment was officered principally by men of ability and experience-Ellsworth's Fire Zouaves furnishing
quite a number,-and with these Capt. Chapin was pitted for a test of superiority in the great work. With
his limited experience, it required, and he gave to the
work, all the strength of his nature; and "give up " was
still as foreign to his creed as when this trait developed
itself so prominently in his character while yet a boy.
It was not long, however, before he took the lead
among his brother officers, and when, shortly after the
departure of the regiment for the seat of war, there oc



Appendix.                 285
curred a vacancy in the majority, to which Captain Chapin was promoted, it was an event which lacked the
usual murmurings and complaints, and all conceded it
to him as a matter of desert as well as right.
He felt and expressed a sincere regret upon throwing
up his company command to assume the higher and
more important position, and while this regret was a
mutual feeling, yet his company knew that the good of
the service required Major Chapin for more responsible
duties. He never forgot them, however, and the careful consideration with which he always attended to their
interests, showed conclusively that his first love still
kept warm in his heart.
Major Chapin on entering upon his new duties carried
with him his usual energy and consequent success, as
shown by the improved state of drill and discipline of
the regiment. The first opportunity for active service
which occurred to the Forty-fourth was at the seige of
Yorktown, where the Major made himself conspicuous
for his courage and daring. At the battle of Hanover
Court House, which took place on the 27th of May,
1862-just one year to a day previous to his death-he
was severely wounded, and sent North as soon as his
condition would permit of his removal. The nature of
his wound was such that it was impossible to determine
for a few days whether it would prove mortal or not,
and many a heart beat freer when the surgeon pronounced him (with good care) out of danger. This he
received from the time he reached White-house landing,
where he was at once taken charge of by the agents of
the Sanitary Commission, the beneficial results of which
system he always spoke of in terms of the highest praise.
He improved quite rapidly considering the severity
13*




286                 Appendix.
of the wound, and after remaining home about a month,
enjoying the tender care of his anxious parents, he proceeded to Buffalo to take charge of a recruiting office for
the Forty-fourth Regiment, now standing sadly in need
of material to repair, in numbers at least, the loss incurred by reason of the bullet, or the silent and more
dreaded swamp fever. He did not continue long in the
performance of these office duties before he was tendered the colonelcy of the One Hundred and Sixteenth
Regt. N. Y. Vols., then forming, with head-quarters at
Buffalo.
Owing to the difficulties of getting his documents of
transfer through the circumlocution office at the War
Department, he was considerably delayed, and this delay finding him improved in condition and with rather a
slim prospect of success in his application for transfer,
he reported for active duty to the Secretary of War.
He had been recommended to the lieutenant colonelcy of
his own regiment in the meantime, but his friends persevered in pressing his case at Washington, and finally the
long-looked-for order arrived, assigning him to the command of the new regiment.
I will pass over the detail of its organization by saying that it was a task of no small import, as those only
can realize who have been taught by experience. Suffice
it to say, that upon its completion he proceeded with
his regiment to Baltimore, thence to the Department of
the Gulf, where he was directed to report to Gen'l
Banks, of whose expedition his command formed a part.
His superiors had already singled him out as one worthy of a higher position than that he held, and shortly
after arriving at Carrolton, near New Orleans, La., his
regiment was detached from the brigade and assigned




Appendix.                287
to another, where the date of his muster as colonel entitled him to command.
Col. Chapin accepted the trust not without some misgivings, for he fully appreciated the nature of the duties
and responsibilities devolving upon the position of a
brigade commander. It was a position not of his own
seeking, and he accepted it simply because he was ordered so to do, being too good a soldier to obey an order
reluctantly, even though its performance involved personal unpleasantness. His regiment had already taken
post in the front rank for drill and discipline, and had
been specially commended for their soldierly qualities
in general orders from department head-quarters. He
felt he could rely upon them, for as men the material
was good; as soldiers, he had moulded them according
to his own particular ideas. He could obtain more personal glory by remaining with the regiment than by
assuming command of a brigade, three regiments of
which were nine months' men, whose time had nearly
expired. The difficulty of enforcing and keeping up a
state of discipline among men who are revelling in the
anticipation of a speedy meeting with their loved ones
at home, is observable even among veteran troops; and
those only who saw can appreciate what it is to fight
battles with such a set of men, who had hardly known
what discipline meant, which, with the exception of his
own regiment and the Forty-ninth Mass. Vols., was the
case with Chapin's Brigade.
Active service was in immediate prospect, for Banks'
army was largely composed of nine months' men, who
were anxiously numbering their days of service, and
whatever was expected of that expedition must be attempted at once, or time would deplete his army by
nearly one half.




288                  Appendix.
Col. Chapin entered upon his duties as brigade commander with that quiet determination which characterized all of his important undertakings: a determination
which expressed, to those who knew him, a resolution
that his brigade must be equal to any task assigned to
it. He coveted the advance for his command on the
march to Port Hudson, aware, however, that, as a matter of seniority simply, it did not belong to him. Although this at first was given to a brigade commanded
by his senior, and a regular army officer, yet after the
affair at Plain Store, May 21, 1863, this question as to
who should lead was measured by a different standard
than that of dates of muster, and from that time his
brigade, and after his death, his regiment, was never far
from the front.
His regiment and brigade made their debut on the
battle-field of Plain Store, and with a success that argued well for their morale and discipline. The first battle is an important event in the history of a soldier, and
victory is as certain to bring with it a beneficial confidence that will influence his whole future career, as defeat will carry with it instability and indecision, in critical moments, ever after. From his first entry into the
service, every thing done for the soldier is purely of a
preparatory nature; every thing tending toward his efficiency on the battle-field; and nothing but an actual
battle can establish that confidence between officers and
men so necessary to success. To a commanding officer
this is a moment of fearful anxiety, for now comes the
test of his fitness for the position he occupies, to be
judged by a public whose standard for ability is measured
only by success, and who are as unsparing in their damaging criticisms as they are wise in planning campaigns
after they are over.




Appencdix.                 289
Col. Chapin's demeanor on that occasion, to all outward appearance, was as cool and determined as if he
was leading a band of battle-scarred veterans; yet the
look of relief which illuminated his features when victory was assured, was a pleasure to behold.
From that day he was more than ever attached to his
"boys," if such a thing were possible, and a tender affection was begotten toward them akin to the feeling
which an anxious parent experiences on the success of a
favorite child.
The One Hundred and Sixteenth was now no longer
an experiment, but an assured fact. They had established their reputation, had been weighed in the scale of
battle, and purchased a victory, made doubly precious
by the blood of their brave comrades who had fallen in
the struggle. Chapin was satisfied, and while we may
wonder at and mourn his untimely fate, it is a melancholy pleasure to his surviving comrades to know that
he tasted the fruits of his labors before he left us to bewail his loss.
On the 27th day of May, 1863, in the terrible charge
over the slashing at Port Hudson, and while leading his
brigade, he was struck by a bullet in the face, which
crashing through the brain, produced instant death.
His body was found far to the front, a smile resting upon his calm and placid features, as if his soul was glad
to be released from earthly bondage in so glorious a
cause. Loving hands performed the last sad offices, and
although he met his death far away from the scenes of
his happy childhood, and in a strange land, yet they
were not strangers who lifted him from his death-bed in
the slashing, and deposited him a corpse under the tree
in front of his head-quarters, which he left in the morn



290                 Appendix.
ing, in the pride and strength of a bright and glorious
future. One by one his boys came up for a last farewell
look upon the face of him whom they had all learned to
love as a father, and the silent tear as it moistened the
cheeks of his battle-begrimmed followers, in the dusk of
so eventful a day, was a tribute to his memory than
which none could be more touching or beautiful.
His remains were taken to Baton Rouge, thence to
New Orleans, where they were embalmed, and sent
home in charge of his servant Tim; and in his own loved
Waterloo he sleeps the peaceful sleep of the brave soldier, the Christian gentleman, and God's most perfect
work-the honest man.
He was buried on the 14th of June following, with
all the honors due his rank. The "Tigers," of Buffalo, under command of Capt. Wardwell, attended in a
body, and did duty as the funeral escort during the ceremonies. The deceased had been a member of this company previous to the war, and it was with them he obtained the rudiments of his military education. A large
number of the citizens of Buffalo testified their appreciation of the brave soldier by their attendance, and from
among them the following named gentlemen were selected as pall-bearers:-Gen'l Wm. F. Rogers, Lieut.
Col. C. W. Sternberg, Lieut. Col. Horace G. Thomas,
Lieut. Col. W. (G. Seely, Lieut. Col. H. C. Blanchard,
Capt. Robt. P. Gardner.
The procession marched to the residence of the father
of the deceased, and receiving the corpse continued to the
Presbyterian Church, where services were held by the
Rev. Dr. Gridley, who delivered a beautiful and touching address, referring in appropriate and eloquent terms
to the life, services and character of the gallant dead.




Appendix.                 291
The church was filled with friends and acquaintances,
the whole affair being conducted in a most perfect
manner.
Upon the conclusion of the ceremonies the procession
was reformed, hundreds of citizens joining, headed by
the Union Comet Band of Buffalo, whose solemn strains
floated out upon the still air in sweet but sorrowful
cadence.
At the cemetery appropriate ceremonies were performed, and the lowering of the coffin and the farewell
shots over his grave, betokened the burial of all that
was mortal of our beloved chief.
On the 28th day of September following his father received from President Lincoln a commission appointing
his son a brigadier general, for gallant and meritorious
services in the assault on the fortifications at Port Hudson. The commission was dated May 27, 1863, the day
of his death, and was issued in acknowledgment of his
services, as a tribute to his memory, and in testimony of
the rank he should occupy on the roll of his country's
defenders.  The act was one of most delicate respect
to the grief of his bereaved parents, of whom he was
their youngest born, and for whom, spite of his glorious
memory, they must go down into the grave mourning.
Few men of as much real worth have lived and died
without more of an acknowledgment of that worth than
he, and this because of his modesty in all his intercourse
with those in authority. He was fully appreciated, both
in his character as a man and soldier, by his immediate
commander, Gen'l Augur, and none expressed deeper
sorrow at his death than did he. Two years later, at
Chicago, in the summer of 1865, Gen'l Augur, in speaking of Gen'l Chapin, said: "The army could illy afford




292                 ApLpeoldix.
to lose such an officer, or the country such a man." A
tribute of this character from such a soldier is a tribute
indeed.
Chapin, as a soldier, possessed a peculiar talent of
keeping up that line of distinction between the different
grades, so necessary to the preservation of discipline,
without seeming to encroach upon natural privileges, or
resorting to severity of measure. There was something
in his look, his manner and actions, which betrayed a superiority that required not the shoulder strap to indicate, nor the exercise of any of the powers attending his
position, to interpret. Frequently descending to familiarity in his conversation with his inferiors in rank, there
were none so bold as to take advantage of this condescension. Always kind and attentive to his men, no personal sacrifice was too great for him to make, by which
their health or comfort might be improved. I venture
to say that no officer in the army had a more complete
hold upon the affections of his men than did Gen'l Chapin.
He was of steady and excellent habits. Temperate almost to abstemiousness, setting an example to his men in
this respect which was a novelty in the army, on account
of its rarity among commanding officers.  He was a
Christian by profession, and decidedly one by practice.
He was a subject of the awakening in Buffalo, and joined
the First Presbyterian Church while under the pastorate
of the Rev. Dr. Thompson.
From the time he first went to Buffalo he kept a diary,
in which he made daily entries. In its introduction he
writes: "As a means of resisting temptation I promise
myself that I will do no act but what I will write in this
book, and leave for posterity to read." This sentiment
so beautifully and sublimely expressed, and so faithfully




Appendix.                  293
carried out, as attested by the yearly volumes, carried
up to the date of his entrance into service, and found in
his safe at Buffalo after his death, is a monument to his
character which in the hearts of his friends will live forever. What a pleasure to his parents it must be to look
over those pages, and read the thoughts, the promises
and struggles, the bright hopes of the future, which the
buoyancy of his spirits and the well-controlled ambition
of his nature must have indulged in. To his parents he
was a source of infinite pleasure and comfort. His whole
life was a study how to add to their happiness, and to
repay them, as far as lay in his power, for the cares and
anxieties attendant upon their endeavors in training him
to be a man who would gain the esteem of his friends
and reflect credit upon themselves.  His love for his
mother was almost reverential in its character, and the
writer, who passed a week in her society after the General's death, can never forget the exhibition of a mother's
pride, struggling with a mother's affection, in reviewing
his life and the many touching incidents connected with
it, during his absence in the army. Though time may
have seared over the wounds of her affliction, the beauties of his nature, and the extent of her loss cannot be
effaced from her memory this side of eternity. May the
path of the few remaining years which she will be compelled to pass upon earth be smooth and pleasant, sustained by the recollection of the glory of his death, and
the anticipation of meeting in the other world the darling son, the idol of her heart.
The following extracts from letters to his friends, and
from himself to his family, are, perhaps, applicable here,
as an exhibition of his soldierly spirit and the motives
which actuated him in giving himself to the cause; and




294                      Appendix.
these will close the sketch of a subject that requires
greater ability than mine to do it justice:
From CHAPIN to his Parents; written the evening before the battle of Hanover Court House, May 27, 1862.
"We leave with two days' rations, in light marching order, and
expect a fight. I am not anxious to be shot, but I hail with joy
the approaching conflict, for I believe if it turns out a grand battle
it will be the finishing stroke of the rebellion. God only knows
what is in store for your beloved son, my dear parents; but of this
I feel assured, it will be either an honorable life or a glorious death:
and if the latter, I trust in God that you may have strength to bear
it as cheerfully as I freely lay it down for our glorious country.
Good night, and farewell. I fully realize my position, and my
trust is in my Heavenly Father, who caused me to be born of
Christian parents, and reared me in the knowledge and love of our
dear Saviour."
From same to his Sisters; written August, 1862, apologizing for not- visiting
them before leaving Buffalo.
"I have been extremely anxious to see you before my return to
the seat of war. The thing is altogether impossible, however, until
we may once more sit together, when a peaceful country shall be
the reward of our great and trying self-denial. You know I am
the father of a large family, one thousand hard-fisted men, and I
am going back again to do my whole duty, come what may to me.
I hate war, and every thing pertaining to it, except as a means to
peace; but now I am forced as a loyal citizen to love it. My heart
is in my vocation, and I count not my life at a pin's fee, if by any
means I can help to secure again a great and a glorious union.
" I hope to survive this war, but not this union. Girls, I have a
great responsibility, and I feel'that I need the prayers of all, and
the aid of our Heavenly Father to enable me to discharge my
awful undertaking, with credit to the cause and honor to myself."
From CHARLES P. CROSB Y, Esq., an old schoolmate, to the " Waterloo Observer," Juine 21, 1863.
*    *    *   " Of a warm, unselfish nature, a noble, generous
and loving heart; and although naturally quiet and undemon



Appendix.                      295
strative, he was possessed of a lion-like courage. He was careful
of the feelings of others, and during the existence of an acquaintance, I have never known him intentionally to cause any one
pain.
"He had proved himself, prior to the battle in which he lost
his life, to be a fine specimen of the American soldier, careful of
his men, and attentive to their real wants, obedient to the orders
of his superiors, courteous to his equals and inferiors, always, and
in all places, doing his duty, he has left behind him a record of
which his friends have just reason to be proud. He has died
young, but on his name as a lawyer, citizen or soldier, there is no
spot.    *    *    *    *   *    *    *   *    *    *    *
"He died with his last glance toward the flag he loved so well,
and for whose supremacy he was yielding up his life. Another
name has been added to the roll of those whose memory through
all time shall be immortal, who died to support the cause of freedom, law and Christianity. Among the victims of this unholy and
unrighteous rebellion, there are none whose remembrance will be
more tenderly cherished.
"He sleeps in consecrated ground, in the home of his youth.
For him no more the shout of battle nor the clang of arms. The
sods of the valley cover his broad breast, and the noble heart is
pulseless and still. May the God of our armies in his infinite
mercy sustain the hearts of his aged parents in this their awful
affliction. May they be comforted in this their dark and solemn
hour, by the hope that in the hereafter, when war shall be no more,
and earth shall have passed away, that they will meet their dear
son in the realms of the holies beyond the stars. He sleeps well.
True friend, loyal soldier, Christian gentleman, greeting and farewell."
From JOHN B. WEBER, Act'g Asst. Adjt. General, to the General's father,
informing him of his son's death.
*    *   *    *  "He fell about four P. M., yesterday, in the
assault upon the enemy's works at Port Hudson, while gallantly
leading his men on in the glorious work for which he so nobly
and cheerfully offered himself a sacrifice. I found his remains far
to the front and within speaking distance of the enemy's entrenchments. He was shot in the face, the bullet crashing through his
brain, and producing an almost instant death. His remains I take
to New Orleans this evening, and will forward them, with his
effects, from there to your home by his faithful servant Timothy.




290                    Appendix.
" I hardly know, my dear sir, how to console you for this great
loss-the once fervent supporter of your aged days. We all loved
him as a brother, confided in him as we would repose confidence
in a father, and followed him as our brave leader on many a hard
fought field. He died in a glorious cause: a cause made more
holy by the many brave hearts that have ceased their pulsation
-victims to the insatiate demand for noble blood. He was our
friend, our adviser and leader. One blow has bereft us of all these,
and has deprived us of a tower of strength by taking away the
brave and cheerful example which he exhibited in all his actions.
"While we mourn his loss as an esteemed friend, to ourselves,
and a brave and devoted laborer in the good cause, we cannot help
but feeling consoled that he died the death he would have chosen
above all others-his face to the foe and on the advance line. A
purer Christian there was none; and with his bright spirit looking
down fiom the throne of his Maker, upon his own gallant band,
and the influence which his memory will ever carry with it, will,
I am sure, go far to sustain the honorable reputation which "his
boys," as he loved to call them, have obtained through his unwearied and untiring exertions.
" Accept, sir, our heartfelt sympathies in this sad hour of affliction, and may God give you strength to bear up under the trial
which he in his infinite wisdom and goodness has seen fit to impose upon us all."   *   X   *   *   *   *   *   *   *
CAPTIAN JAMES AYER.
BY REV. H. M. DANFORTH.
Among the brightest ornaments of the One Hundred
and Sixteenth Regiment of New York State Volunteers,
was Capt. JAMEs  AYER, of Evans, Erie Co., who died in
camp at Baton Rouge, May 22d, 1863. He was born in
the town of Evans on the 14th day of August, 1813.
His parents removed from Haverhill, Mass., in the fall
of 1811, and were among the earliest settlers of this section. His whole life was spent in this his native town,




Appendifr.                297
and no man was so universally loved and respected. His
love for his country was second only to that for his God,
and when traitorous hands were lifted against the flag,
he felt it his duty to offer himself to defend it. Accordingly he received authorization papers from the committee having in charge the raising of the One Hundred
and Sixteenth N. Y. S. Vols., and immediately set about
the raising of a company.
His military ability was very highly appreciated years
before the war commenced. From the office of captain he
was promoted to that of major, then to lieutenant colonel,
and finally, in 1838, to that of colonel, in the Fortyeighth Regiment, Forty-seventh Brigade, Twenty-fourth
Division of N. Y. State Militia. In all these positions
he was beloved and admired.
As a man in every day life, it is no exaggeration to
say that a better model of Christian excellence cannot
be found in any community. His life without any shade
of coloring would make a volume so richly ornamented
with noble deeds as to awaken the admiration of all, and
especially of those who appreciate goodness and know
the worth of those examples which lead to virtue, to
moral purity and to God. We can but regard Capt.
Ayer as emphatically a benefactor of his race, one who
delighted in acts of usefulness, and laid himself out to
do good. But very little of his precious life will ever be
written except in the Book of Records, for it is made up
to a great extent of little acts of kindness and usefulness
which memory cannot collect, and some of which were
known to very few beyond those immediately concerned,
for to do good was always a greater pleasure to him than
to publish it; he never sounded a trumpet before him,
but did good for pleasure rather than show.




298                 Appendix.
He was a liberal soul, always ready to lend a helping
hand to every good cause. His large benevolence was
often much relief to the poor and needy, and a great
help to those institutions which have for their object the
moral elevation and salvation of our race. The wide
fame of his generosity drew around him a large number
of those who sought aid for the destitute, for the institutions of the gospel, or for the sufferers in the service
of their country; and few, if any, will say they were ever
sent empty away. Having for a long series of years
acted the part of a Christian, a patriot and a philanthropist, in giving bountifully of his property, for the good
of his fellow men, he crowned the whole by giving himself for his country a willing sacrifice.
Many have realized his tender sympathy, and will long
remember his acts of kindness to them and their families, in sickness, sorrow and death his business was never
too urgent to be set aside by the calls of the afflicted
and bereaved.
Though he was naturally retiring, yet easy in his manners, and regarded by all who knew him as a model of
true politeness. His kind words, like apples of gold, in
pictures of silver, were always ready for the aged and
the young: not a little child was passed unnoticed, and
no infant was ever more tenderly cared for than his
venerable mother Terry. His respect for the aged, his
personal modesty and kind attention to all around him,
we would commend to the rising generation as worthy
of their imitation. If they would cultivate personal refinement and secure the love and good-will of all around
them, they should copy the example of James Ayer.
Among the excellencies of this noble specimen of
humanity, we would not forget to mention his tender




Appendix.                  299
regard for every man's reputation and character. He
cared for it as for his own. I bay it boldly, for those to
read who knew him best, he never was heard to speak
ill of any man, and when others did it in his presence,
and in a way to call for some response, they received
nothing but a gentle reproof for themselves or a handsome apology for the injured. He was anxious to think
that everybody meant well, and manifestly had a disposition to be pleased with the conduct of others lying
back of all external action, and constituting a part of
his character or habit of feeling. This propensity to be
satisfied rather than dissatisfied, to look on the favorable
rather than the unfavorable side in the conduct of
others,-rather to attribute to them good motives
than bad ones,-stands opposed to a spirit of faultfinding and complaining which nothing satisfies. A man
possessed of such a character, such a heart, such a fountain, out of which are the issues of life, is a great blessing to any community. But he was not only possessed
of a good heart, but of a good mind. He was decidedly
a man of talent, and one who used his talents for the
best of purposes. Though very unassuming, yet wise
in counsel and a man of much forecast and prudence.
A short time before the war commenced he became
the subject of many deep afflictions, being called to bury
his wife, and having previously buried two children.
Hence when he heard the call of his country, he had a
large farm upon his hands and two motherless children,
one eleven and the other eight years of age. But few
could have been placed in more trying and difficult circumstances to heed such a call. Considering his time of
life, his impaired constitution, the situation of his little,
dependent family, and his estate, we may safely say it




300                 Appendix.
was a sacrifice which not one in a thousand would have
made. The motives which led to this great undertaking, this sacrifice of all that was dear on earth, were as
pure as the crystal fountain. It was not to gratify combativeness or any feeling of party strife, but to do his
duty, save his country, and bless the world; to do all in
his power to save government by the people from a dreadful overthrow; to help it in its last struggle for existence among the nations of the earth. In deciding to do
this there must have been a painful struggle with the
tender affections of his heart. To leave the old homestead, sacred to the memory of all that was interesting
and solemn in his whole life, together with his little dependent, motherless children, endeared by successive
bereavements and deep afflictions, and with such strong
probabilities that he might never return, required greater
fortitude than to meet the enemy in open conflict. No
wounds are so painful as those which make the heart
bleed. Having made arrangements for a stone to mark
the spot where his beloved companion is sleeping the
long sleep of mortals, he stepped upon the stage to respond to the ladies who presented him with a sword,
was able to read the most of his production with composure; but when he came to his sainted wife, and spoke
of the mother and the babes, utterance failed, and a pause
was necessary to suppress the deep emotions of his heart.
When he thought of loved ones he was to leave in the
grave, and of others he was to leave in a world of dangers and uncertainties, language was powerless —tears
must tell the rest.  Having at the family altar commended his little ones to God for the last time, they followed him to the train which was to bear him away,
where he gave them a parting kiss as the last expression




Appendix.                 301
of a father's love, stepped upon the cars and was out of
sight for ever.
The company who enlisted on condition that he should
be their captain, found him to be all they had anticipated; the longer they proved him the stronger were
their attachments. In the army he manifested the same
spirit of kindness, and exhibited the same good sense as
in every other position. Having been in the service
eight months, disease began to prey upon his system;
old pulmonary difficulties were hurried on by the exposure of camp life; but finally he was taken with fever,
followed by inflammation of the bowels, which ended all
hope of his recovery.  On Wednesday morning, May
20th, Mr. John F. Wilcox was released from his march
with the army, and went to see him. He seized his hand
with an expression of great joy, " O, I am so glad you
did not go," and repeated it three times. But still he
was not conscious of being very near his end. On Friday noon, the day of his death, when a hope was expressed that he might recover so as to go home to his
children, he replied, "I am confident I shall recover from
this in a few days."  He spoke of the preciousness of
Christ as an all-sufficient Saviour, but was too weak to talk
much. "I will rest," said he, "a little while, and then I
should like to have you come in again and read and pray
with me." In a short time he went in again and found
Mr. Elijah Smith, of Brant, trying to rouse him to take
his medicine; but, alas! it was too late. IHe took him,
by the hand and asked him if he knew that he was going,
but he showed no signs of consciousness; he was never
to hear the chapter read or the prayer offered, but
breathed shorter and shorter for about fifteen minutes,
14




302                 Appendix.
and expired about 5 o'clock, May 22d, 1863, aged 50
years.
In his absence from the world he has done so much to
enlighten and save-from the country for which he gave
his life-from the town and the church he has so abundantly blessed-there is one consolation for all: "He being dead yet speaketh." "The echoes of his words are
to be reflected along the ages." It has been truly said,
"A man has two immortalities-one he carries with him
to a loftier sphere, and the other he leaves behind, and it
walks the earth and still represents him; what he said
sounds along the years like voices amidst the mountain
gorges, and what he did is repeated after him in evermultiplying and never-ceasing reverberations."
The influence of James Ayer is not dead. Those who
have been blessed by his godly example are scattered to
the four winds, and will live to bless others in geometrical ratio till the end of time. "The lessons he taught,
the grand sentiments he uttered, the noble deeds of generosity by which he was characterized, the moral lineaments and likeness of the man, still survive to bless the
world forever."
LIEUT. ELISHA B. COTTIER.
Lieut. ELISHA B. COTTIER was born in the city of New
York, November 23d, 1831.
His education was received in the public schools of
that city, where his attention to his studies soon made
him proficient.




Appendix:                 303
Upon arriving at a proper age, his parents selected for
him the trade of a gold beater, which he very soon mastered, and was able to earn good wages as a journeyman.
In 1849 he removed to Buffalo, N. Y., where he had
two brothers residing. One of them, Lieut. Col. Robt.
Cottier, was then engaged in the gold leaf manufacturing business, and he at once entered his employ.
The year following he joined Company "D" (at that
time an independent organization, but since then a part
of the Seventy-fourth Regiment, N. Y. S. M.), commanded by Capt. D. D. Bidwell, who afterward, and during
the late war, became a brigadier general. He very soon
won the love and respect of his comrades, and for four
years served them as a sergeant, three of them as orderly
sergeant, vice Adrian R. Root. He entered with spirit
into the work, and in those palmy days of Company
"D's" history, bore a prominent part.
In 1855 he was married to Miss Carrie Hoff, and shortly
after returned to New York city, where he remained until the breaking out of the rebellion.
His connection with Company "D" in Buffalo had
given him an opportunity to acquire considerable skill in
the science of military, which he had improved; and now,
when volunteers were called for, he felt the duty of offering his services to his country pressing him sorely. Had
he been unmarried, those who knew him best are confident he would have at once enlisted; but his young
wife and little ones needed him, and, like many others,
he waited.
In 1861 he returned to Buffalo with the promise of a
lieutenancy in the Forty-ninth N. Y. Vols., then being
raised there, but for some reason the promise was not




304                 Appendix.
kept, and the regiment proceeded to the seat of war without him.
When the work of raising the One Hundred and Sixteenth was commenced, he secured from the committee in
charge authority to enlist men for it, and at once entered
upon the work. In the consolidation of the several detachments, which became necessary to the final organization of the regiment, he, with some others, was thrown
out. So highly, however, was he recommended for a position, that Col. Chapin appointed him to the first vacancy
occurring in the regiment.
About the first of October, 1862, he received notice of
his appointment as Second Lieutenant of Company "K"
and on the 8th left Buffalo for the regiment, then encamped near Baltimore, Md. On the evening of his departure, his old comrades of Company "D" presented
him with a sword, sash and belt, as a slight token of their
esteem.
Lieut. Cottier served faithfully with his regiment at
the battle of Plain Store, and in the two fearful assaults
upon Port Hudson of May 27th and June 14th was among
the foremost.
Escaping the dangers of these terrible places, he fell a
victim to the malaria of the climate, and on the 2d day
of July was sent back to Baton Rouge sick with a fever.
Every attention was paid him by those at Baton Rouge,
and hopes were entertained that an opportunity to visit
his home in Buffalo would fully restore him to health.
An application for a leave of absence was prepared and
sent to head-quarters at New Orleans, but from some
technical informality it was returned for correction, although Surgeon Hutchins, in his endorsement on the paper, stated that Lieut. Cottier's life depended upon its
being at once granted.




Appendix.                 305
Upon its receipt Surgeon Hutchins at once repaired to
New Orleans, by personal effort secured the leave, and
returned to Baton Rouge.  But, alas, too late, poor
"Leish," within twelve hours, received a final discharge
from all service below, having died on the 21st day of
August.
His remains were interred at Baton Rouge with military honors, and the following winter were removed to
Buffalo. On the 14th day of February, 1864, at one
o'clock in the afternoon, the funeral was attended from
Grace M. E. Church.  The remains were escorted to
Forest Lawn Cemetery by his old companions, Company
" D," led by the Union Cornet Band, and with the honors
due his rank deposited in its final resting place.
Lieut. Cottier was one of those men who could not
but make friends wherever his lot was cast.  Coming
into the One Hundred and Sixteenth almost an entire
stranger, and unknown to a single member of the company to which he was assigned, he very speedily gained
the respect and esteem of every member of it. He was
prompt in the discharge of every duty, however it may
have interfered with his own comfort, and by this won
the good will of his superiors.
He was a remarkably genial companion, ever ready to
join in all amusements not in themselves degrading. There
was in his organization a quaint humor which never failed
to enliven the most dreary hours of camp life or to while
away the tediousness of the march; and even after he
was taken sick at Port Hudson, and unable to perform
duty, this humor would break out in such expressions as
would cause those whom he addressed to burst into
laughter.
He loved his absent wife and little ones with a pure




306                 Appendix.
and holy affection which nothing could shake.  The
writer has often conversed with him of his home, and
can never forget the light which always beamed in his
eye when the subject was introduced.
Lieut. Cottier was a general favorite with all, and it
is not saying too much to assert, that no one could have
been taken from the circle of officers who would have
been so much missed, and as we pay this our last tribute
to his memory we mourn his loss from that circle.
LIEUT. DAVID JONES.
The facts necessary to the writing of a complete sketch
of the fife of Lieut. David Jones are unfortunately
shrouded in mystery, absolutely nothing of his life, previous to his entering the One Hundred and Sixteenth,
being known; and yet it has been deemed best to give
the little that is known, inasmuch as no officer in the
regiment served the good cause more faithfully than he.
He appeared at Camp Morgan, in Buffalo, one morning, an entire stranger to all, and requested authority
to recruit for the regiment. His request was granted,
but being entirely unknown in the city, his success was
far from satisfactory, either to himself or to the committee. However he soon came to be very valuable in the
many duties to be performed in camp; and his time was,
in consequence, principally devoted to these duties. He
was found to be very energetic and reliable to the last
degree.
When the time came round for Col. Chapin to select




Appendix.                 307
from the large number who had been recruiting for the
regiment, a sufficient number to fill the positions, his attention was directed to the subject of this sketch, as a
person who would fill a lieutenancy with credit to himself and the good of the regiment.
He thought favorably of it, and in the list of nominations to the Governor, we find the name of David Jones,
who was duly commissioned and mustered into the service of the United States as second lieutenant of Company "H."
Upon the arrival of the regiment at "Camp Chapin,"
Baltimore, Lieut. Jones at once took his place among
the very best of the officers, proving conclusively the
wisdom of Col. Chapin's selection. Throughout all the
long months of preparatory drilling, he was untiring in
his efforts to make the company to which he was attached as good as the best, and the reputation which
Company " H " attained for cleanliness and efficiency was
due very much to Lieut. Jones.
He was among the few who always undertook a tour
of duty, whatever it may have been, without a murmur
of complaint, entering upon it with his whole soul,
whether it was the care of -an important picket line, or
the policeing of the camp.
But true as he was ever found in these lesser duties
of the soldier, it was on the battle-field that he proved
himself most worthy. His brilliant exploit at Winter's
Plantation, where he sought adventure, and captured
six prisoners, was an exhibition of that peculiar desire
for action which ever characterized him, and proved the
only redeeming feature of that failure. He was never
still, but always on the move.
At Plain Store the captain of his company was sick,




308                 Appendix.
and the command devolved upon him. He assumed it
with good grace, and his conduct was worthy of especial
mention for the gallantry displayed.
He led his company in the fearful assault of May 27th,
on Port Hudson, and was mortally wounded. The
wound was of a very painful nature, and for nearly two
days he lingered in sufferings the most intense. Very
tenderly he was conveyed to New Orleans, where he
died on the 29th, and where his remains now lie.
Lieut. Jones was never heard boasting of his bravery,
but when the time came, and duty called him, none were
more prompt to respond.
He was of a most cheerful disposition, a general favorite with every one. His peculiar laugh was almost
hourly heard, and with his original expression "By Joram," made his presence desirable among all the officers.
This is all that can be given of one we all became
very much attached to. Enough was learned after his
death to indicate plainly that he was of German parentage, and that he was serving the land of his adoption
under an assumed name. What his real name was is still
a mystery, but the name of David Jones will ever have
a warm place in the memory of the members of the One
Hundred and Sixteenth.
LIEUT. CHARLES BORUSKY.
BY CAPT. R. C. KINNEY.
We have been unable to learn much of the early history of Lieut. Chas. Borusky, who was- mortally wounded in the regiment's first battle at Plain Store, La.




Appendix.                 309
He was a man not much given to loquaciousness, and
never spoke of his former life except to a few of his comrades with whom he had formed more than ordinary relations of intimacy. From them we learn that he had
served in the Prussian army, though for how long a period they do not remember.
Certain it is that from the beginning of his term of
enlistment he displayed those many little evidences of
discipline which mark the trained and experienced soldier.
Always prompt and efficient in the discharge of duty,
appearing on all occasions of parade, review and guard
mounting, with every bit of brass on his uniform and
equipments shining; with boots and belts well blacked
and polished, and musket in the most perfect condition
of cleanliness, he soon became noted in his company and
throughout the regiment, as a model soldier.
First promoted to a sergeantcy in his company, his
name was shortly after sent to the Governor for a commission as lieutenant, and he was at once assigned to
duty in that capacity. His courage under fire was in
keeping with the high character for soldierly qualities
which he had established.
He was shot in the neck with a musket ball while engaged at his post in the front rank of the battle, and was
borne from the field by two of his comrades. After the
dressing of his wound at the field hospital, he was conveyed to the hospital at Baton Rouge, where he died on
the 25th of May, 1863, four days after the battle of Plain
Store.
14*




310                    Appendix.
MUSTER ROLL.
FIELD AND STAFF.
COLONELS.
Edward P. Chapin-Killed May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. In command of a Brigade at time of his death. Promoted to Brig.
General, May 27, 1863. (See page 281.)
George M. Love-Wounded May 27,1863, Port Hudson. In command of a Brigade for a portion of the time. Promoted to Brevt.
Brig. General. Mustered out with regiment.
LIEUTENANT COLONELS.
Robert Cottier-Resigned May 27, 1863.
John Higgins-Resigned Sept. 17, 1864.
John M. Sizer-Detached on staff of Gen'l Emory for a time.
Mustered out with regiment.
MAJORS.
Geo. M. Love-Promoted to Colonel, May 27, 1863.
John Higgins-Promoted to Lieut. Colonel, Sept. 14, 1863.
John M. Sizer-Promoted to Lieut. Colonel, Oct. 30, 1864.
Geo. W. Carpenter-Mustered out with regiment.
ADJUTANTS.
John B. Weber —Detached on brigade staff for a time. Promoted
to Colonel 89th U. S. Colored Troops, Sept. 19, 1863.
John C. Nial-Mustered out with regiment.
QUARTERMASTERS.
James Adams-Resigned Sept. 14, 1862.
Willitt H. Fargo-Resigned Nov. 23, 1862.
Alexander Goslin-Promoted to Asst. Quartermaster U. S. A.
Geo. W. Miller-Mustered out with regiment.
SURGEON.
Chauncy B. Hutchins-Detached on staff of Gen'l Emory for a
time. Mustered out with regiment.




Appendixe.                    311
ASSISTANT SURGEONS.
Uri C. Lynde-Resigned Oct. 18, 1863.
Carey W. Howe-Resigned Jan. 6, 1863.
John Coventry-Resigned Sept: 14, 1864.
M. Eugene Shaw-Mustered out with regiment.
CHAPLAINS.
Welton M. Modisett-Resigned June 23, 1863.
Hiram J. Gordon-Mustered out with regiment.
NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.
SERGEANT MAJORS.
Orton S. Clark-Promoted to 2d Lieutenant, Nov. 8, 1862.
John C. Nial-Promoted to 2d Lieutenant, July 23, 1863.
Rich'd M. Hair-Promoted to Adjutant 89th U. S. Colored Troops,
Sept. 19, 1863.
Raymond McGowan-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Promoted to 2d Lieutenant.
Oloff W. Stadin-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered out with regiment.
QUARTERMASTER SERGEANTS.
Alexander Goslin-Promoted to Quartermaster, Nov. 23, 1862.
Michael Danner, Jr.-Mustered out with regiment.
COMMISSARY SERGEANTS.
Josiah L. Claghorn-Promoted to Quartermaster 89th U. S. Colored Troops.
Warren K. Russell-Discharged for disability, March 1, 1865.
Wm. H. Matthewson-Mustered out with regiment.
HOSPITAL STEWARD.
Chas. F. A. Nichell-Mustered out with regiment.
PRINCIPAL MUSICIANS.
John Martin-Leader of Band. Mustered out with regiment.
Julius L. Knapp-Mustered out with regiment.
COMPANY A.
CAPTAINS.
Ira Ayer-Resigned March 1, 1863.
Chas. F. Wadsworth-Resigned.
Jacob C. Newton-Resigned Sept. 8, 1864.
Geo. H. Shepard-Mustered out with regiment.




312                    Appendix.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
Jacob C. Thompson-Resigned Sept. 21, 1862.
Orton S. Clark-Promoted to Captain Co. H, April 12, 1864.
William Tibbetts-Promoted to Captain Co. I, March 1, 1865.
John G. Dayton-Mustered out with regiment.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
Warren T. Ferris-Promoted to 1st Lieutenant Co. K, Nov. 23,
1862.
Orton S. Clark-Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, June 1, 1863.
Jacob C. Newton-Promoted to Captain, April 12, 1864.
FIRST SERGEANTS.
Jacob C. Newton-Promoted to 2d Lieutenant, June 1, 1863.
Samuel Leonard-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Promoted to 2d Lieutenant Co. B, April 21, 1864.
John H. Dingman-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson; and
April 8, 1864, Sabine Cross Roads. Promoted to 1st Lieutenant,
Jan. 13, 1865.
Horace W. White-Mustered out with regiment.
SERGEANTS.
Rollin C. Hubbard-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Taken
prisoner July 13, 1863, Cox's Plantation. Promoted to Captain
89th U. S. Colored Troops, Sept. 1, 1863.
Charles H. Grant-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Died
June 29, 1864, Buffalo, N. Y.
Wm. H. Bartlett-Mustered out with regiment.
Geo. H. Davis-Mustered out with regiment.
Jacob Gottschalk-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Mustered out with regiment.
Frank Bentley-Wounded July 13, 1863, Cox's Plantation. Musout with regiment.
CORPORALS.
John W. Hamlin-Promoted to Lieutenant Corps d'Afrique, April
12, 1863.
Egbert Smith-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Jan. 10, 1865.
Ira Ayer-Died of disease Sept. 15, 1863, Hamburg, N. Y.
Authur F. Smith —Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Died
June 9, 1863, New Orleans, La.
Robert B. Foote-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Discharged for disability, July, 1863.
Isaac Colvin-Died-of disease Aug. 23, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.




Alppendix.                     313
William Lepper-Mustered out with regiment.
Leroy G. Bundy-Transf'erred to Vet. Res. Corps, April 30, 1864.
Jefferson White-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson; and Sept.
19, 1864, Winchester. Mustered out with regiment.
Channing Smith-Wounded July 13,1863, Cox's Plantation. Mustered out with regiment.
Edward Barry-Wounded May 27,1863, Port Hudson. Mustered
out with regiment.
Robert H. Woods-Mustered out with regiment.
Philip Linebits-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Died Oct.
27, 1864, Baltimore, Md.
George Taylor-Wounded July 13, 1863, Cox's Plantation. Discharged for disability, Jan. 3, 1865.
Wm. H. Young-Mustered out with regiment.
Wm. Ross-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered out
with regiment.
MUSICIANS.
Eron V. Carr-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Discharged
for disability, Feb. 19, 1864.
Harlan E. Bundy-Mustered out with regiment.
WAGONER.
John Akeley-Mustered out with regiment.
PRIVATES.
Alfred Agard —Mustered out with regiment.
Luce Bartoo-Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Aug. 22, 1863.
Henry Beach-Died of disease, Oct. 15, 1863, New Orleans, La.
David Bentley-Mustered out with regiment.
Francis Bourne-Mustered out with regiment.
Andrew Burley-Mustered out with regiment.
Herschell S. Butts-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Discharged for disability, Dec. 15, 1863.
Josiah L. Claghorn-Promoted to Regt'l Commissary Sergeant,
Sept. 3, 1862.
Norman Carr-Regt'l Band. Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store.
Mustered out with regiment.
Daniel W. Clapp-Died of disease June 5, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
James Cook-Died of disease Dec. 26, 1862, Fortress Monroe.
Wallace Calkins-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Died
June, 1863, New Orleans, La.
Andrew Cook-Mustered out with regiment.
Daniel Covensparrow-Died of disease August 17, 1863, Baton
Rouge, La.




314                     Appendix.
James H. Duffy-Mustered. out with regiment.
John Farrell-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Discharged
for disability, Sept. 20, 1863.
Joseph Frochley-Regt'l Band. Mustered out with regiment.
George Fuller-Mustered out with regiment.
Bethuell Fuller-Died of disease Dec. 27, 1862, Fortress Monroe.
John Fenner-Died of disease Jan. 6, 1864, Franklin, La.
Homer F. Gould-Mustered out with regiment.
Anselem Glouser —Mustered out with regiment.
Wallace Hambleton-Discharged for disability, Fortress Monroe.
Date unknown.
George Herr-Killed May 27, 1863, Port Hudson.
Voltair Heaton-Transferred to Co. E, Oct. 4, 1862, and died at
New Orleans, La.
John Heinendinger-Died of disease June 26, 1864, Morgansia, La.
William H. Hines-Mustered out with regiment.
Elgeva V. Horton-Color Guard. Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester. Mustered out with regiment.
Thomas Hussey-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered out with regiment.
Francis D. Ingersoll-Killed May 27, 1863, Plain Store.
Frederick Jackson-Mustered out with regiment.
Seneca A. Jones-Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Nov. 1, 1863.
Oscar B. Johnson-Transferred to U. S. Navy, June 25, 1864.
Thomas Kelley-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered
out with regiment.
Frank Keiser-Mustered out with regiment.
Christian Keinzle-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered out with regiment.
Ambrose S. Lawton-Regt'l Band. Mustered out with regiment.
John Martin-Promoted Principal Musician.
John March-Transferred to 2d La. Cavalry, Feb. 10, 1863.
Philip Mumbach-Died of disease Jan. 4, 1863, Fortress Monroe.
Leroy S. Oatman-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Regt'l
Ordnance Sergeant, Dec 26, 1863. Mustered out with regiment.
Chas. E. Paine-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Promoted to 2d Lieutenant Co. E, July, 1863.
Ezra T. Ridout-Mustered out with regiment.
Henry M. Raymond-Discharged for disability, Aug. 30, 1863.
Charles Riald-Transferred to Co. C, Jan. 20, 1863.
John Roberts-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Transferred
to U. S. Navy, May 5, 1864.
Arthur Redmond-Died of disease Jan. 16, 1863, Fortress Monroe.




Appendix.                      315
Charles Strassing-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered out with regiment.
Henry Schamel-Mustered out with regiment.
Conrad Schamel-Killed May 21, 1863, Plain Store.
Henry E. Stambach-Discharged to accept clerkship in quartermaster's Department, Dec. 2, 1863.
John Sensor-Mustered out with regiment.
James Smith-Mustered out with regiment.
Charles A. Stanton-Regt'l Band. Discharged for disability, Feb.
19, 1864.
Bee Stout —Recruit. Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols. when
116th was mustered out.
Nathanial J. Swift-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Died
July, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
Harvey Smith-Mustered out with regiment.
William H. Sawdy-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Furloughed, and never reported to company.
Benjamin R. Train-Mustered out with regiment.
Lobeski C. Trevitt —Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Mustered out with regiment.
Albion Webester-Died of disease July 31,1864, Washington, D. C.
John F. Wilcox-Transferred to Co. B, April 20, 1864.
Homer B. Willett-Transferred to Co. B, April 20, 1864.
Abner M. Williams-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Transferred to Co. B, April 20, 1864.
Winm. W. White-Killed May 21, 1863, Plain Store.
Henry White-Killed May 27, 1863, Port Hudson.
Andrus Wolf-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Mustered out
with regiment.
Ephraim Wooderson-Wounded May27,1863, Port Hudson. Died
June 10, 1863, New Orleans, La.
Peter Yocum-Discharged for disability, Feb. 14, 1863.
COLORED COOK.
Henry Delaney-Recruit. Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols.,
when 116th was mustered out.
COMPANY B.
CAPTAINS.
Albert J. Barnard-Resigned July 29, 1863.
Wilson H. Gray —Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Discharged for disability, Aug. 15, 1864.
John G. Woehnert-Mustered out with regiment.




316                     ilAppendix.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
Leander Willis-Resigned Oct. 3, 1862.
John B. Mason-Resigned June 5, 1863.
Wm. F. Feldham —Mustered out with regiment.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
Daniel Corbett-Resigned Oct. 1, 1862.
John R. Dobbins-Acting Adjutant for a time. Resigned Nov.
14, 1863.
Oscar F. Tiffany-Promoted to Captain 89th U. S. Colored Troops, 
Dec. 31, 1863.
Samuel Leonard-Mustered out with regiment.
FIRST SERGEANTS.
John L. Carmer-Promoted tolIst Lieut. 89th U. S. Colored Troops,
Oct. 12, 1863.
Chas. J. Bostwick-Mustered out with regiment.
SERGEANTS.
John W. Tuttle-Promoted to Captain 89th U. S. Colored Troops,
Sept. 26, 1863.
Chas. Standart-Killed April 8, 1864, Sabine Cross Roads.
James S. Little-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson.  Discharged for disability, June 6, 1864.
George Townsend-Color Bearer. Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar
Creek. Died Oct. 31, 1864.
William  H. Rose-Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester.  Discharged for disability, May 27, 1865.
Jacob Kurtz-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered
out with regiment.
Michael Bund-Mustered out with regiment.
Benj. F. Lentz-Mustered out with regiment.
CORPORALS.
Fletcher Montgomery-Wounded April 9, 1864, Pleasant Ilill.
Discharged for disability, June 27, 1864.
Jehial Woodward-Discharged for disability, May 19, 1865.
Adam Grill-Mustered out with regiment.
Egbert H. Parcell-Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester. Mustered out with regiment.
Joseph Drudge-Mustered out with regiment.
Warren Keller-Mustered out with regiment.
James H. Atwood-Mustered out with regiment.
John Keintz-Mustered out with regiment.
Joseph C. Standart-Mustered out with regiment.




Appendix.                      317
MUSICIAN.
William Wigney-Mustered out with regiment.
PRIVATES.
Wm. H. Anderson-Mustered out with regiment.
Silas H. Arnold-Mustered out with regiment.
Benj. E. Anderson-Never left recruiting rendezvous.
Joel Avery-Died of disease Sept. 10, 1864, New Orleans, La.
Frederick Baker-Mustered out with regiment.
James A. Bronson —Mustered out with regiment.
Jacob Bergtold-Mustered out with regiment.
Marcus H. Briggs-Wounded June 12, 1863, Port Hudson. Sent
to Hospital. No notice of discharge ever received.
Frank Brix —Recruit. Transfered to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols. when
116th was mustered out.
Palmer Cummings-Regt'l Band. Mustered out with regiment.
A. M. Cunningham-Absent sick since Nov. 12, 1862. No notice
of discharge ever received.
Thomas Clements-Discharged for disability, May 17, 1865.
Stephen Cable-Killed May 27, 1863, Port Hudson.
Willard Converse-Killed Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester.
Albert J. Davis-Mustered out with regiment.
William P. Davis-Mustered out with regiment.
Jacob Diffenbach-Mustered out with regiment.
William Dickenson-Mustered out with regiment.
Chas. Edwards-Discharged for disability, Jan. 6, 1863.
Henry W. Fuller-Died of disease Jan. 28, 1864, Franklin, La.
Geo. H. Fenner-Mustered out with regiment.
Gregory Fry-Mustered out with regiment.
Ambrose Fry-Recruit.  Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols.
when 116th was mustered out.
Lorenzo Fromwiller-Wounded June 14,1863, Port Hudson. Discharged for disability, Nov. 9, 1864.
Jacob Fromwiller-Wounded April 8, 1864, Sabine Cross Roads.
Discharged for disability, Aug. 6, 1864.
Sylvester Glass-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered
out with regiment.
Jacob Gribling-Mustered out with regiment.
Adam Getts-Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Sept. 16, 1863.
Philip Gouch-Died of disease Dec. 4, 1862, Fortress Monroe, Va.
Lafayette R. Glass-Killed Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester.
Henry Hall-Mustered out with regiment.
Albert Harvey-Discharged for disability, March 14, 1863.




318                     Appendix.
Peter Hartman —Mustered out with regiment.
Henry Hausholder-Mustered out with regiment.
Frederick Heller-Discharged for disability, Feb. 1, 1863.
Horace Hill-Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Aug. 10, 1864.
Frederick Hopkins —Mustered out with regiment.
William Hutchinson-Wounded Oct. 19,1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered out with regiment.
Christian Jenke-Died of disease Aug. 24, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
George W. Jones-Mustered out with regiment.
Wm. H. Keintz-Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester. Absent
sick. No notice of discharge ever received.
William Kroll-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered
out with regiment.
Burton L. Kern-Color Bearer. Killed May 27,1863, Port Hudson.
George Lewis-Mustered out with regiment.
Christian Leibfritz-Mustered out with regiment.
Frederick Martin-Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester. Absent
sick. No notice of discharge ever received.
Richard Mott-Mustered out with regiment.
John Martzolf-Discharged for disability, May 9, 1863.
Andrew D. Neff-Mustered out with regiment.
Howard Palmer-Mustered out with regiment.
David Palmer-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Died of disease Nov. 19, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
James Page-Wounded June 12, 1863, Port Hudson. Died July
1, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
Eugene Randall-Mustered out with regiment.
David C. Reed-Mustered out with regiment.
John V. Richardson-Mustered out with regiment.
John Richie-Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Sept. 26, 1863.
John M. Rollin-Died of disease Dec. 20, 1862, Fortress Monroe.
Nicholas Reese-Mustered out with regiment.
James H. Sayles —Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Absent
sick. No notice of discharge ever received.
Geo. Snyder-Mustered out with regiment.
Geo. W. Skidmore-Taken prisoner Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek.
Mustered out with regiment.
Isaac Skinner-Died of disease March 4, 1865, Stevenson's Depot, Va.
Geo. W. Summers-Mustered out with regiment.
John W. Townsend-Mustered out with regiment.
Daniel A. Townsend-Discharged for disability, Sept. 24, 1864.
Jesse Tyler-Transferred to U. S. Navy, June 25, 1864.




Appesdix.                      319
Michael Touchy-Died of' disease Sept. 18,1863, Baton Rouge, La.
Lucius A. Townsend.-Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester. Died
Sept. 20, 1864.
John Thompson-Mustered out with regiment.
John Voll-Mustered out with regiment.
Frederick Wander-Mustered out with regiment.
Henry Whitman-Mustered out with regiment.
Andrew Warner-Absent sick since Aug. 29, 1863. No notice of
discharge ever received.
Wallace Woodward-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Absent sick. No notice of discharge ever received.
Seldon Woodworth-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Absent sick. No notice of discharge ever received.
Frederick Wolfie-Mustered out with regiment.
Abner M. Williams-Absent since Aug. 27, 1863.
Homer B. Willett-Absent since Aug. 27, 1863.
Henry W. Weeks-Discharged for disability, Jan. 4, 1863.
E. L. Willis-Never left recruiting rendezvous at Buffalo.
John F. Wilcox-Discharged for disability, July 18, 1864.
Charles Warner-Killed Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek.
Andrew B. Wise-Killed Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek.
COLORED COOKS.
Wm. H. Harrison-Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols. when
116th was mustered out.
Samuel Harper-Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols. when 116th
was mustered out.
COMPANY C.
CAPTAINS.
David W. Tuttle-Killed July 13, 1863, Cox's Plantation.
Robert F. Atkins-Promoted to Lieut. Colonel 89th U. S. Colored
Troops, September, 1863.
William J. Morgan-Woqnded May 27,1863, Port Hudson. Mustered out with regiment.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
Robert F. Atkins-Promoted to Captain, September, 1863.
George N. Brown-Discharged for disability, July 27, 1864.
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
Edward J. Cornwell-Discharged for disability, June 8, 1864.




320                     Appendix.
FIRST SERGEANTS.
William Tibbetts-Promoted to 1st Lieut. Co. A., April 12, 1864.
George N. Brown-Promoted to 1st Lieut., Sept. 14, 1863.
John Hoppes-Mustered out with regiment.
SERGEANTS.
Orton S. Clark-Promoted to Sergt. Major, Sept. 3, 1862.
William Tibbetts-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Promoted to 1st Sergeant, Sept. 14, 1863.
Michael Danner, Jr.-Promoted Quartermaster Sergeant, Nov. 25,
1862.
John Hoppes-Promoted to 1st Sergt., Sept. 1st, 1864.
Harry H. Enders-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson; April 8,
1864, Sabine Cross Roads. Mustered out with regiment.
George W. Hammond —Mustered out with regiment.
Edward Eells —Died of disease, July 23, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
Thomas Caldwell-Mustered out with regiment.
James La Flamboy-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson; Oct.
19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered out with regiment.
O. D. Laird-Discharged for disability, Jan. 24, 1863.
Geo. E. Ward-Deserted at Washington, July 26, 1864.
CORPORALS.
William Tibbetts-Promoted to Sergeant, Jan. 1, 1863.
John Hoppes-Promoted to Sergeant, Sept. 14, 1863.
Geo. W. Hammond-Promoted to Sergeant, Sept. 14, 1863.
James La Flamboy-Wounded May 27,1864, Port Hudson. Promoted to Sergeant, Jan. 1, 1865.
Samuel Young-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Discharged at Hospital.
Gustave R. Jacobs-Mustered out with regiment.
James Marks-Mustered out with regiment.
Gustave Sanders-Mustered out with regiment.
John Blank-Mustered out with regiment.
William Bump —Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered
out with regiment.
Judson Andrews-Sent to Chesapeake Hospital, Nov. 29. 1862.
Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps Nov. 1, 1863.
Chas. H. Bartlett-Deserted July 5, 1864.
Chas. Faul-Promoted to Lieut. 89th U. S. Colored Troops, Oct.
12, 1863.
Louis E. Filbert-Wounded Mav 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Discharged to accept commission in Corps d'Afrique, March 1, 1864.
George E. Ward-Promoted to Sergeant, Jan. 24, 1863.




Appendix.                      321
WAGONER.
Wm. Shenkle-Taken prisoner June 30, 1863, Port Hudson. Exchanged Nov. 6, 1863.
MUSICIANS.
John Dolan-Mustered out with regiment.
Chas. R. Dunning-Mustered out with regiment.
Geo. E. Bowen-Mustered out with regiment.
PRIVATES.
Wm. Armstrong-Died in Hospital Dec. 11, 1863.
Henry C. Atkins-Killed June 14, 1863, Port Hudson.
John Brooks-Deserted April 13, 1865.
Joseph Brown-Deserted April 13, 1865.
Frederick Bockhover —Received from 5th U. S. Art. by transfer,
April 13,1864. Transferred to 90th N.Y.Vet.Vols., May 31,1865.
Christopher Beahn-Mustered out with.regiment.
Alexander Buchanan-Sent to Ship Island by sentence of General
Court Martial, May 2, 1863, for balance of term of enlistment.
John Burt-Mustered out with regiment.
Henry Beverly-Sent to Chesapeake Hospital, Nov. 28,1862. Discharged there Mar6h 14, 1863.
Wallace Calkins-Transferred to Co. A, Jan. 1, 1863.
Conrad Clar-Mustered out with regiment.
Thomas Day-Died at New Orleans May 16, 1864.
Byron L. Davis-Sent to Chesapeake Hospital, Nov. 28, 1862.
Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Aug. 22, 1863.
Harry Dannals-Mustered out with regiment.
John Egloff-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Transferred
to Vet. Reserve Corps, April 1, 1864.
Herbert G. Emerson-Detached at Gen'l Banks' head-quarters
from Jan. 14, 1863, through term of enlistment.
Chas. J. Eddington-Sent to Chesapeake Hospital, Nov. 27, 1862.
Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corp, Sept. 16, 1863.
George W. Ebbs-Discharged to accept commission in Corp
d'Afrique, March 7, 1864.
Spencer J. Fuller-Wounded at Winchester, Sept. 19, 1864. Discharged at Hospital.
William Frazier-Deserted Sept. 20, 1862.
Peter Foster-Discharged for disability, March 26, 1864.
Ebenezer Ferman-Sent to Chesapeake Hospital, Nov. 29, 1862.
Died there Dec. 1862.
Charles Fischer-Mustered out with regiment.




322                      Appendix.
John Feltz-Detached at brigade head-quarters, March, 1863, until discharged.
William Felchmaker-Died July 26, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
John Gethicker-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek, Va. Discharged in Hospital.
Henry Grimes-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson, La. Died
in Hospital at New Orleans, Aug. 14, 1863.
Freeman Goff-Died at Lancaster, N. Y., Oct. 25, 1863.
Alexander Goslin-Promoted to Quartermaster Sergeant, Sept. 3,
1862.
Dennis Grover-Deserted at Camp Morgan, Sept. 5, 1862.
Fred Hildebrandt-Mustered out with regiment.
William J. Hunt-Discharged on account of imbecility, Jan. 22,
1864.
Frederick Hellriegle-Killed May 27, 1863, Port Hudson.
Fred. W. Joslyn-Deserted from Germantown Hospital, Dec. 30,
1864.
Robert Jimmeson-Killed at Winchester, Va., Sept. 19, 1864.
Matthew  Johnson-Sent to New  Orleans Hospital, Sept. 1863.
Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, May 15, 1864.
William Johnson-Confined at Fort McHenry by sentence General Court Martial, since Nov. 6, 1862.
Edwin G. James-Mustered out with regiment.
Andrew Kennedy-Deserted at Grand Ecore, La., April 21, 1864.
William Koll —Sent to Chesapeake Hospital, Nov. 1862. Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Aug. 22, 1863.
Charles La Flamboy-Died Aug. 2, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
Martin Lardner-Sent to Hospital, May, 1863. Transferred to
Vet. Reserve Corps, Nov. 1, 1863.
Peter Matthes-Transferred to First Louisiana Cavalry, Feb.
10, 1863.
Peter Melger-Mustered out with regiment.
William McDonald-Transferred to Second U. S. Artillery.
Bryant Nellis-Transferred to First Louisiana Cavalry, Feb. 10,
1863.
Lewis' Nail-Killed May 27, 1863, Port Hudson.
David J. Owen-Sent to Chesapeake Hospital, Nov. 26, 1862. Discharged for disability, Jan. 24, 1863.
Christopher Ort-Died July 27, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
George W. Plank-Killed July 13, 1863, Cox's Plantation.
William Riehl —Wounded at Fisher's Hill, Sept. 22, 1864.  Discharged at Hospital.
Charles Riald-Killed May 27, 1863, Port Hudson.




Appendix.                      323
William Seiber-Deserted at Baltimore, Nov. 2, 1862.
Peter Smith —Died Aug. 7, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
Thomas Shields-Transferred to First Louisiana Cavalry, Feb.
10, 1863.
Herman Shoy —Transferred to Co. H, Oct. 1, 1862.
Peter Swain-Mortally Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek.
Conrad Swain-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered
out with regiment.
Michael Sullivan-Discharged for disability, March 7, 1864.
Jacob Swartz-Wopnded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Discharged
at Hospital.
Samuel Scran-Discharged for disability, June 16, 1864.
Fred. Schmiedding-Sent to Hospital, Aug. 7, 1864. Discharged.
Lanson A. Stanbro-Lost an arm June 14, 1863, Port Hudson.
Discharged Nov. 9, 1863.
James Sillaway-Discharged for disability, May 5, 1863.
Robert T. Taggert-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson; and
Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek, Va. Discharged at Hospital.
Joseph Trainer-Sent to Chesapeake Hospital, Nov. 14, 1862.
Died there Dec. 23, 1862.
Richard Walsh-Mustered out with regiment.
Patrick Walsh-Wounded July 13, 1863, Cox's Plantation. Discharged at Hospital.
Charles W. Wall-Mustered out with regiment.
John Weiser-Mustered out with regiment.
Frank Wolfe-Absent on sick leave from Sept. 2, 1863 to Nov. 30,
1864. Mustered out with regiment.
Dennis J. White-Wounded July 13, 1863, Cox's Plantation; and
Sept. 22, 1864, Fisher's Hill Discharged at Hospital.
John Wilson-Transferred to Co. I, Oct. 1, 1862.
John Von Hecker —Recruit from depot, Nov. 30, 1864. Died Jan.
28, 1865.
Peter Zimmer-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek, Va. Discharged at Hospital.
COLORED COOK.
Jessie Ream-Mustered out with regiment.
COMPANY D.
CAPTAINS.
John Higgins-Promoted to Major, July 18, 1863.




324                    Appendix.
Elisha W. Seymour-Ordnance officer on the staff of Maj-Gen'l
Augur, during siege of Port Hudson. Mustered out with regiment.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
Chas. F. Wadsworth-Promoted to Captain Co. A, March 1, 1863.
Elisha W. Seymour-Promoted to Captain, Aug. 6, 1863.
John H. Rohan-Promoted to Captain Co. G, April 12, 1864.
Geo. W. Miller-Promoted to Quartermaster. Wounded Oct. 19,
1864, Cedar Creek.
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
Elisha W. Seymour-Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, Aug, 1, 1863.
FIRST SERGEANTS.
John H. Rohan-Promoted to 1st Lieutenant.
Willard S. Berry-Promoted to 1st Lieutenant 89th Regiment
U. S. Colored Troops, Sept. 23, 1863.
Wm. H. Holden-Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, April 12, 1864.
Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store.
Geo. T. Bale-Taken prisoner Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek.  Mustered out with regiment.
SERGEANTS.
George W. Miller-Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, September 14,
1863.
Albert Smith-Promoted to Captain Corps d'Afrique, April 4,
1863.
Morgan L. Faulkner-Promoted to Captain Corps d'Afrique, Aug.
31, 1863.
James Forbes-Killed May 21, 1863, Plain Store.
John M. Carter-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store.  Went
North on sick leave. Never reported to company again.
Jethro Bale-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store; and Sept. 19,
1864, Winchester. Discharged for disability, May 19, 1865.
Geo. Laible —Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester. Absent sick
in Hospital, Frederick, Md.
Albert Krause-Mustered out with regiment.
Chas. H. Curry-Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, Jan. 12, 1865.
Jacob Boyer-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered
out with regiment.
Edward Ackroyd-Mustered out with regiment.




Appendix.                     325
CORPORALS.
Alanson Osborn-Wounded and taken prisoner, Oct. 19, 1864,
Cedar Creek. Mustered out with regiment.
Sylvester A. Hubbard —Mustered out with regiment.
Frederick Neiwardie —Mustered out with regiment.
James McNalley —Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered out with regiment.
James P. Taber-Promoted to 1st Lieutenant Corps d'Afrique,
Sept. 28, 1863.
Chas. Chittenden-Killed May 27, 1863, Port Hudson.
Jacob Eckert-Mustered out with regiment.
William McAndrew-Mustered out with regiment.
Raymond McGowan-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson.
Promoted to Sergeant Major, Sept. 23, 1863.
John B. Sweetapple-Died of disease Dec. 20, 1862, Fortress Monroe.
George W. Warren-Mustered out with regiment.
-  MUSICIANS.
Ira Rowley-Mustered out with regiment.
Day L. Chapin-Mustered out with regiment.
WAGONER.
John Atling-Mustered out with regiment.
PRIVATES.
Alexander Avery-Mustered out with regiment.
Edwin E. Austin-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Died
June 28, 1863.
Samuel Avard-Dropped out on the march near Natchitoches, La.
Theodore Boyd —Deserted Sept. 3, 1862.
John Bushard-Killed April 9, 1864, Pleasant Hill.
Brian Bradbury —Killed July 7, 1863, Port Hudson.
John Blitz-Mustered out with regiment.
Norton Baker-Mustered out with regiment.
Elias B. Baker-Mustered out with regiment.
Edward C. Bacon-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered out with regiment.
Owen Chilcott-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered
out with regiment.
William Clancey-Mustered out with regiment.
Robert H. Clark-Promoted to 1st Lieutenant Corps d'Afrique,
Sept. 19, 1863.
Oscar E. Corey-Died of disease Aug. 28, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
15




326                     Appendcix.
Claude L. Crosby-Transferred to 1st La. Cavalry, returned to
company, and mustered out with regiment.
William Dober-Deserted Feb. 2, 1863.
Edward Ente-Mustered out with regiment.
Wm. H. Fellowes-Promoted  Quartermaster Sergeant Corps
d'Afrique, Aug. 22, 1863.
Ambrose Ford-Deserted Nov. 13, 1862.
Michael Geissdoffer-Mustered out with regiment.
Albert L. Gram-Killed May 21, 1863, Plain Store.
James W. Germain-Killed May 21, 1863, Plain Store.
Christian Grawi-Deserted Sept. 15, 1863.
John G. Howarth —Deserted Sept. 18, 1863.
Lewis Hill-Wounded April 8, 1863, Sabine Cross Roads. Mustered out with regiment.
Frederick Henrl-Mustered out witfi regiment.
Chas. B. Holman-Detached as Clerk in Quartermaster's department. Mustered out with regiment.
Loyal C. Ingersoll-Transferred to Co. K, Nov. 1,1862.
Harrison A. Iris-l-Wounded Sept. 19,1864, Winchester. Mustered out with regiment.
Joab Irish-Absent sick.
Phillip Kles-Killed May 27, 1863, Port Hudson.
Frederick P. Klipser-Died of disease May 24,1863, Baton Rouge,La.
Frederick Klotz-Mustered out with regiment.
William Kellogg-Mustered out with regiment.
Chas. Lederer-Regimental Band. Taken prisoner April 8, 1864,
Sabine Cross Roads. Mustered out with regiment.
Christian G. Lessing-Died of disease Aug. 12,1863, Baton Rouge,La.
John M. McCumber-Died of disease Aug. 7,1863, Baton Rouge,La.
John Melling-Died of disease Dec. 19, 1862, Fortress Monroe.
Daniel F. McFaul-Promoted to Captain Corps d'Afrique, April
4, 1863.
Stephen Mansfield-Discharged for disability, Feb. 17, 1863.'Wm. W. McCumber-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered out with regiment.
Stephen A. Mathews-Mustered out wifll regiment.
Francis Oberfiel-Mustered out with regiment.
Luke Pierson-Died of disease July 27, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
Alexander Pike-Recruit. Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols.
when 116thl was mustered out.
William Pike-Recruit. Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols. when
116th was mustered out.
Peter Paule-Mustered out with regiment.




lAppetndix.                    327
Winm. H. Purdy-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson.  Mustered out with regiment.
Sanford M. Randall-Mustered out with regiment.
Joseph Raymond —Mustered out with regiment.
Thomas Ryan-Mustered out with regiment.
John C. Rusch-Mustered out with regiment.
Geo. P. Rowley —In hospital, Washington, D. C.
Geo. W. Sheather-Wounded at Port Hudson. Died June 19, 1863.
George Shepard-Killed May 27, 1863, Port Hudson.
Philip Shumaker-Woundedl  May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Died
May 22, 1863.
Joseph Stienmetz —Died of disease Jan. 25, 1863, Fortress Monroe.
Alonzo P. Snyder-Died of disease Nov. 17, 1862, Fortress Monroe.
Chauncey Slayton-Transferred Vet. Reserve Corps, Sept. 26, 1863.
Chas. J. Sweetapple-Dischargred for disability, April 2, 1863.
John H. Spencer-Mustered out with regiment.
Albert Sweetapple-Mustered out with regiment.
Jacob Steingle-Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester. Mustered
out with regiment.
John Towle-Furloughedl July 1,1863. Never reported to company.
Wm. Wilke-Mustered out with regiment.
Wendell Walheiser-Mustered out with regiment.
Jno. M. Walters-Mustered out with regiment.
John Weber-Discharged for disability, April 11, 1863.
Conrad Weiss-Discharged for disability, April 25, 1865.
John M. Young-Absent sick.
COLORED COOKS.
Edward Lowell-Recruit. Transferred to 90thl N. Y. Vet. Vols.
when 116th was mustered out.
John Lee-Deserted July 4, 1864.
COMPANY E.
CAPTAIN.
Richard C. Kinney-Resigned June 4, 1865.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
Jas. S. McGowan-Promoted to Captain Co. G, Sept. 14, 1863.
John C. Nial-Promoted to Adjutant, April 12, 1SO1.
Henry A. C. Swartz-lMustered out with regimnent.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
Geo. H. Notter-Resigned Jmn. 8, 1863.




,328                    Hi f}? zAppendix.
Charles Borusky —Woundecl May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Died iMay
25, 1863: See page 308.
Henry A. C. Swartz-Promoted 1st Lieutenant, Feb. 24, 1865.
FIRST SERGEANTS.
Charles Borusky-Promoted 2d Lieutenant.
Wm. Kelso-Mustered out with regiment.
SERGEANTS.
John Brown-Deserted Sept. 26, 1862.
Wm. Phelps-Died of wounds, Aug. 23, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
Wm. H. Hustead-Mustered out with regiment.
James Gallagher-Mustered out with regiment.
Albert E. Bleiler-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Discharged for disability, date unknown.
William Lehman-Mustered out with regiment.
George Wood-Mustered out with regiment.
CORPORALS.
John Graham-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. In Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.
Philip Lehman-Wounded May 27, 1863, Hort Hudson. Color
Guard. Discharged for disability, Sept. 27, 1864.
James W. McMichael-Mustered out with regiment.
James H. Weingarden-Mustered out with regiment.
Lucius E. Ruch-Mustered out with regiment.
Charles Glasser-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Died
May 28, 1863.
Voltaire Heaton-Died of disease, Sept. 19, 1863, New Orleans, La.
Wm. B. MeMichael-Mustered out with regiment.
Joseph Kleiber —Mustered out with regiment.
Tihomnas Maloney-Mustered out with regiment.
Frederick Weber-Wounded Oct. 19, 1861, Cedar Creek. Recruit.
Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols. when 116th was mustered out.
Nicholas Gitterie-Missing in action, April 9, 1864, Pleasant Hill.
MUSICIANS.
William HIazel-Mustered out with regiment.
William McCormick-Deserted Dec. 12, 1864.
WAGONER.
Burton Slocum —Mustered out with regiment.
PRIVATES.
Max Alwens-Mustered out with regiment.
Fredlerick Addleburg-MLIustered out with regiment.




Appendix.                       329
Frederick Busch-Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Dec. 1, 1863.
Chas. D. Ballard-Transferred to Co. H, Oct. 1, 1862.
William Brenchley-Died of disease June 5, 1863, Baton Rouge,
La.
Jesse Belton-Died of disease Sept. 18, 1863, Chicago, Ill.
James Bowden-Taken prisoner Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered out with regiment.
Joseph Bcnz-Wounded Sept. 19, 1861, Winchester. In Hospital
at Buffalo, N. Y.
John Britting —Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. In Hospital at New York.
Joseph Bretcher-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered out with regiment.
William Baldwin —Mustered out with regiment.
John H. Cahill —Mustered out with regiment.
Silas Crisman-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered
out with regiment.
Daniel Constantine-Absent sick.
Francis Downs —Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet Vols. when 116tl
was mustered out, by sentence court martial.
Francis E. Duffy-Deserted Oct. 8, 1862.
Alfred Enos-Mustered out with regiment.
Geo. W. Fletcher —Discharged for disability, Nov. 27, 1863.
Geo. Funk —Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Mustered out
with regiment.
Cornelius Fitzpatrick —Taken prisoner July 31, 1864, MIorgansia,
La.
Wm. H. Gale-Transferred to Co. I, Oct. 1, 1862.
Thomas Griffiths-Killed May 27, 1863, Port Hudson.
Geo. Guenther-Taken prisoner Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered out with regiment.
Christian Hilfinger —Mustered out with regiment.
John Hennesey —Wounded May 27, 1833, Port Hudson.  Mustered out with regiment.
Charles Haines —Mustered out with regiment.
John Hughes-Mustered out with regiment.
Geo. Haley —Discharged for disability, Aug. 29, 1863.
Theodore Hansel —Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Jan. 5, 1865.
Abraham Johnson —In Hospital, New Orleans, La., since May 1,
1863.
Jacob Koch —Discharged for disability, March 15, 186 1.
Thos. W. King —Transferred to Co. I, Oct. 1, 1862.
Geo. A. Kogle —Transferred to Co. I, Oct. 1, 1862.




330                     Appejndix.
Peter Kiloran —Mustered out with regiment.
Edward Lawson —Woundced Sept. 19, 1834, Winchllester.  Mastered out with regiment.
Thomas Mooney —Deserted Sept. 7, 1862.
George Mann-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson.  Discharged for disability, June 30, 1864.
John J. Mickle-Discharged for disability, May 22, 1865.
Henry C. Muller-Died of disease June 23, 1863, Port Hudson, Lt,.
George Major-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Died of disease Sept. 27, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
John McElvano-Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester. In Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.
Donald MeGilvary-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered out with regiment.
Ernest Obermier-Died of disease, July 27, 1864, Buffalo, N. Y.
James O'Keefe —Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Killed
Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester.
Peter Prim —Deserted Sept. 5, 1862.
William Page —Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Died of disease Dec. 15, 1863, New Iberia, La.
Lloyd Price —Killed May 27, 1803, Port Hudson.
Theodore Ryering —Mustered out with regiment.
Jacob Rinker —Wounded MIy 27, 1863, Port Hadson. Transferred
to Vet. Reserve Corps, Dec. 1, 1803.
Matthew Robinson-Died of disease Dec. 3,1863, New Orleans, La.
Miles Skillington-Mustered out with regiment.
Gustavus Stedeman-Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester. Mustered out with regiment.
Patrick Sullivan —Mustered out with regiment.
James Shannessy —Mustered out with regiment.
Peter Starkey —In confinement at Tortugas for balance of term of
enlistment, by sentence of court martial.
Joseph Schweider-Transferred to Co. H, Oct. 1, 1862.
William J. Story-Killed while attempting to run the guard.
Cornelius Sullivan —Killed July 13, 1863, Cox's Plantation.
Adam Swartz-Transferred to 1st La. Cavalry, Feb. 9, 1863.
Bruce Smith —Brigade Post Master for a time. Mustered out with
regiment.
Charles B. Trowbridge —Mustered out with regiment.
George Welden —Mustered out with regiment.
Henry Weiss-Mustered out with regiment.
John Weckerly-Transferred to 2d La. Cavalry. Rejoined Co.
Jan. 23, 1865. Mustered out with regiment.




Alppendix.                     331
Christian Weller —Missing in action Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester.
COLORED COOK.
John Greely-Recruit. Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols. when
116th was mustered out.
COMPANY  F.*
CAPTAINS.
Geo. G. Stanbro-Resigned June 18, 1863.
Chas. S. Crary-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered
out with regiment.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
Wilson H. Gray-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Promoted to Captain Co. B.
Chas. S. Crary-promoted to Captain, Feb. 11, 1865.
William W. Grace-On detached service at Portland, Me.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
Clinton Hammond-Resigned Dec. 3, 1862.
Chas. S. Crary-Promoted to 1st Lieutenant.
FIRST SERGEANTS.
Chas. S. Crary-Promoted to 2d Lieutentant.
Wm. H. Vanslyke-Mustered out with regiment.
SERGEANTS.
Andrew J. Thomas-Discharged for disability, Jan. 3, 1863.
Joseph Doty-WoundediMay 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Discharged
for disability, May 7, 1864.
John G. Dayton-Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, March 1, 1865.
Nathan J. Horton-Wounded Sept. 22, 1864, Fisher's Hill. In
hospital, Buffalo, N. Y.
Joshua D. Baker-Mustered out with regiment.
Edwin Pingrey-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered out with regiment.
Philemon King-Mustered out with regiment.
CORPORALS.
William H. Ferris-Died of disease, Oct. 2, 1863, Cairo Ill.
Ira C. Horton-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Died July
12, 1863.
Madison Reynolcls-Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Sept.
26, 1863.
* This Company was detached for a time at Corps Head-quarters.




332                     Appendix.
Ozias Brindley-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Mustered
out with regiment.
Joseph A. Rockwood-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Mustered out with regiment.
Joseph Warren-Mustered out with regiment.
Theodore B. Norris-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered out with regiment.
Albern S. Twichell-Mustered out with regiment.
Daniel A. Bond-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered out with regiment.
Henry Shoemaker-Mustered out with regiment.
Cornelius G(raff-Discharged for disability, Nov. 30, 1864.
Sylvester N. Blakely-Discharged for disability, July 31, 1864.
Andrew M. Smith-Killed July 13, 1863, Cox's Plantation.
Samuel A. Mayo —Wounded July 13, 1863, Cox's Plantation.
Died Aug. 8, 1863.
Anthony Lieser-Mustered out with regiment.
MUSICIANS.
Wm. A. Ferrin-Discharged, by order of Secretary of War, Oct.
29, 1863.
Stephen E. Spaulding-Mustered out with regiment.
WAGONER.
Stephen Weast-Mustered out with regiment.
PRIVATES.
Rollin J. Albro-Mustered out with regiment.
Geo. Auwaerter-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Dec. 6, 1864.
Edward L. Blakely-Died of disease May 24, 1864, Boston, N. Y.
Peter Brooks-Wounded July 13, 1863. Died Aug. 13, 1863.
Harrison Bond-Died of disease June 5, 1863, Baton Rouge La.
Marshall Bickford-Died of disease May 5, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
Geo. B. Brindley-Recruit. Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols.
when 116th was mustered out.
Henry Burge-Recruit. Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols. when
116th was mustered out.
Morris Barnett-Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester. In hospital, York, Pa.
Martin Bury-Mustered out with regiment.
Edward Bement-Discharged for disability, Dec. 11, 1862.
Samuel A. Billings-Discharged for disability, Dec. 16, 1863.
Jacob Chiefferle-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store.  Discharged for disability, April 13, 1864.




.Alppendix.                    333
John Conley-Recruit. Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols. when
116th was mustered out.
David Crosby —Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Died of
disease, July 10, 1864, Cairo, Ill.
Marshall K. Davis-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson, and
Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered out with regiment.
Jacob Demerly-Mustered out with regiment.
Jacob Farner-Mustered out with regiment.
Jas. D. Fuller-Mustered out with regiment.
Cassius C. Grannis-Discharged for disability, July 10, 1864.
Benj. S. Goddard-Mustered out with regiment.
Jacob Gampp-Mustered out with regiment.
Alonzo Hilliker-Mustered out with regiment.
John Hoffman-Mustered out with regiment.
Frederic E. Hoverland-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store.
Mustered out with regiment.
Alexander Hammond-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Discharged for disability, Dec. 3, 1863.
Emory C. Hopkins-Discharged for disability, May 24, 1864.
Marion F. Johnston-Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester. Discharged for disability, April 3, 1865.
Lorenzo Johnston-Mustered out with regiment.
Jacob Kern-Mustered out with regiment.
Myron Lynde-Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Sept. 16, 1863.
Mark Louks-Killed June 14, 1863, Port Hudson.
John H. Mayo-Wounded July 13, 1863, Cox's Plantation. Died
Aug. 11, 1863.
Michael McCarty-Recruit. Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols.
when 116th was mustered out.
Julius A. McClure-Discharged for disability, May 10, 1864.
Theron Mathewson-In Hospital at Buffalo, N. Y.
Joseph Moss-Mustered out with regiment.
Emory R. Nichols-Discharged for disability, Jan. 18, 1865.
Cornelius Ostrander-Discharged for disability, March 8, 1864.
Robert H. Pingrey-Mustered out with regiment.
Oscar Rolf —Died of disease, Oct. 16, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
Henry H. Rogers-Died of disease Nov. 5, 1863, Sardinia, N. Y.
William Reed-Recruit. Transferred to 90th N.Y.Vet.Vols. when
116th was mustered out.
Julian H. Rhodes-Mustered out with regiment.
Elbert J. Runyan-Mustered out with regiment.
Henry W. Shulters-Mustered out with regiment.
15*




334                     ]Appendix.
John Stonger —Mustered out with regiment.
Chas. W. Sherman-Wounded May 21,1863, Plain Store, and May
27, 1863, Port Hudson. Discharged for disability, July 29, 1863.
Franklin C. Shulters-Discharged for disability, May 1, 1864.
Francis M. Smith-Died of disease April 1, 1863, New Orleans, La.
Franklin B. Stuart-Died of disease May 10,1863, Baton Rouge, La.
John H. Thurber-Lost at sea, July 10, 1864.
Hiram A. Tyrer-Died of disease May 9, 1864, New Orleans, La.
John W. Twichell-Died of disease Sept. 22, 1863, Cairo, Ill.
Allan O. Underhill-Mustered out with regiment.
James H. Underhill-Discharged for disability, Nov. 1, 1863.
Carlos Waite-Mustered out with regiment.
James B. Weber-Mustered out with regiment.
Abel E. Warren —Died of disease April 16, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
Fabian Warner-Died of disease July 26, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
Daniel Wright-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Died May
17, 1863.
COMPANY G.
CAPTAINS.
John M. Sizer-Promoted to Major, July 14, 1863.
James S. McGowan-Resigned March 8, 1864.
John H. Rohan-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered
out with regiment.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
Tilothy J. Linahan-Killed June 14, 1863, Port Hudson.
John H. Rohan-Promoted to Captain, April 12, 1864.
William Holden-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Mustered
out with regiment.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
George Peterson-Resigned April, 1863.
Chas. E. Paine-Resigned Sept. 24, 1863.
Philip J. Weber —Resigned Dec. 31, 1863.
FIRST SERGEANTS.
John C. Nial-Promoted to Sergeant-Major, November 23, 1862.
Philip J. Weber-Promoted to 2d Lieutenant, Sept. 14, 1863.
John S. Voltz-Mustered out with regiment.
SERGEANTS.
Henry A. C. Swartz —Prorhoted to 2d Lieutenant Co. E, Sept. 14,
1863.
Adam White-Mustered out with regiment..




Appendlix.                     335
William Feldlham-Promoted to 1st Lieutenant Co. B, April 19,
1864.
James M. Fuller-Mustered out with regiment.
William Duffy-Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester. In Hospital at Newark, N. Y.
William H. Gauger-Mustered out with regiment.
Olof W. Stadin-Wounded May 27,1863, Port Hudson. Promoted
to Sergeant-Major, April 1, 1865.
CORPORALS.
William H. Scheu —Wounded at Port Hudson. Discharged for disability, April 1, 1864.
Louis Sloat-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered out
with regiment.
Jacob Heinzleman-Mustered out with regiment.
Joseph Parker-Color Guard. Mustered out with regiment.
Emil Ney-Detached as clerk in Quartermaster's Department.
Mustered out with regiment.
John A. Wise-Mustered out with regiment.
John M. Stephans-Mustered out with regiment.
Jacob Gaugh-Mustered out with regiment.
Chas. H. Wright-Recruit. Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols.
when 116th was mustered out.
MUSICIANS.
Lott McInnery-Discharged for disability, May 9, 1863.
Frank Humbert-Discharged for disability, Jan. 22, 1863.
WAGONER.
Seth J. Harrison-Mustered out with regiment.
PRIVATES.
Charles B. Adams-Wounded Oct. 19,1864, Cedar Creek. In Hospital at Buffalo, N. Y.
August Aman-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered
out with regiment.
Edward Arbor-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered
out with regiment.
Matthew H. Andrews —Died of disease Dec. 7,1862. Buried at sea.
August Brengardner-Died of disease July 1, 1863, New Orleans, La.
Sebastian Brenner-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Died
May 28, 1863.
Michael Brodback-Died of disease Dec. 1, 1862.
William Bentley-Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, April 22,1863.
Jacob Begert —Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, May 25, 1864.




336.Appendix.
John Brooks-Transferred to 1st La. Cavalry, Feb. 10, 1863.
James Brown-Transferred to 1st La. Cavalry, Feb. 10, 1863.
Ernst Buse-Mustered out with regiment.
Chas. Baursfield-Mustered out with regiment.
John Bilger-Mustered out with regiment.
Joseph Baker-Mustered out with regiment.
Jacob Benzino-Mustered out with regiment.
Chas. F. Benzino-Mustered out with regiment.
John Bump-Mustered out with regiment.
Philip Burger-Mustered out with regiment.
Philip G. Bauer-Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester.  Missing
since.
William Berger —In Hospital, Frederick, Md.
Peter Cook-Mustered out with regiment.
Chas. Cobb-Transferred to U. S. Navy, May 7, 1864.
John Downs-Mustered out with regiment.
Martin Ellard-Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester. Mustered
out with regiment.
Asa H. Edmunds-Mustered out with regiment.
John Erhardt-Mustered out with regiment.
John Farrell —Deserted April 22, 1864.
Edward Ferguson-Discharged for disability, Nov. 24, 1862.
John Fleischman-Wounded Sept. 19,1864,Winchester. Mustered
out with regiment.
Philip C. Fisher —Mustered out with regiment.
John Fuchs-Taken prisoner Oct. 19,1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered out with regiment.
Michael Guenther-Mustered out with regiment.
Adam Gerono-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Missing
since.
Simon Grimes-Promoted to 89th U. S. Colored Troops, Dec. 1863.
Wm. Guenther —Killed Sept. 22, 1864, Fisher's Hill.
Oliver Gilbert-Deserted Nov. 5, 1862.
George Hicks-Discharged for disability, May 9, 1863.
Christian G. Hirsch-Detached as Clerk at Army Headquarters.
Mustered out with regiment.
Louis Hirzel-Mustered out with regiment.
Daniel H. Hubert-Mustered out with regiment.
Frederick Jost-Furloughed for sixty days.  Never reported to
company.
Anthony Kramer-Mustered out with regiment.
Chas. Lewis-Deserted March 27, 1864.
Thomas More-Deserted Nov. 4, 1862.




APpecdix.                     337
John Moran-Transf'erred to 1st La. Cavalry, March 13, 1863.
William McNiff-Transf'erred to U. S. Navy, May 7, 1864.
Philip Moaback-Mustered out with regiment.
William Martin-Mustered out with regiment.
Edward Martin-Mustered out with regiment.
Chas. Maker-Mustered out with regiment.
John Meyers-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Deserted
while at Elmira, N. Y., on detached service.
Edward Neidhardt-Mustered out with regiment.
James Poneise —Regt'l Postmaster. Mustered out with regiment.
Christopher Panschot-Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester.
Mustered out with regiment.
Martin Ressler-Mustered out with regiment.
Frank Swartz —Sent to Hospital at New Orleans, La. Never reported to company.
Michael Sherman-Died Nov., 1864, Washington, D. C,
John Shaffer-Killed Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester.
John Slate-Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester.  Recruit.
Transferred to 90th N.Y.Vet.Vols., when 116th was mustered out.
John Shea-Mustered out with regiment.
Adam Schmitt-Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester. Mustered
out with regiment.
Wm. Smith-Mustered out with regiment.
Peter Scheller —Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered
out with regiment.
Lewis Scheib-Mustered out with regiment.
William Shupback-In Hospital at Washington, D. C.
John Vogel-Mustered out with regiment.
Haratio N. Wilds-Mustered out with regiment.
Samuel Whitmore-Mustered out with regiment.
Horatio Watson-Mustered out with regiment.
Felix Weingarden-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Discharged for disability, May 4, 1865.
Christopher Weinraber-Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, April
22, 1863.
Henry Winell-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Died May
22, 1863.
Gotleib Wahl —Deserted Sept. 7, 1862.
COMPANY H.
CAPTAINS.
William Wuerz-Resigned July 25, 1863.




~3308                   1     xAppendix.
Orton S. Clark-Wounded July 13, 1863, Cox's Plantation. Detached on Brigade Staff for a time. Mustered out with regiment.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
David Jones-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Died June
2, 1863, New Orleans, La. See page 306.
John G. Woehnert-Promoted to Captain Co. B, Jan. 7, 1865.
Chas D. Ballard-Mustered out with regiment.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
Fred Sommer-Resigned March 28, 1863.
Andrew Brunn-Resigned Sept. 16, 1863.
Wm. C. Gillespie-Resigned Sept. 26, 1863.
FIRST SERGEANTS.
Andrew Brunn-Promoted to 2d Lieutenant, March 31, 1863.
August Lilia-Discharged for disability, June 28, 1863.
Chas. D. Ballard-Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester.  Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, Jan. 13, 1865.
Chas. Kanklewitz-Taken prisoner Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek.
Mustered out with regiment.
SERGEANTS.
John G. Woehnert-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, Sept. 14, 1863.
Henry Wahly-Wounded May 27,1863, Port Hudson. Discharged
for disability Aug. 24, 1863.
Edwin Very-Acting Sergeant Major for a time. Killed July 13,
1863, Cox's Plantation.
Wm. C. Gillespie-Promoted to 2d Lieutenant.
Albert Rupprecht-Wounded July 13, 1863, Cox's Plantation.
Mustered out with regiment.
Anson Kinney-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Mustered
out with regiment.
Geo. N. Richardson-Mustered out with regiment.
Jacob Gammel-Mustered out with regiment.
CORPORALS.
Orville D. Laird-Transferred to Co. C, Oct. 1, 1862.
Wm. Muller-Deserted Oct. 19, 1863.
Charles Duke-Mustered out with regiment.
Wm. G. Dykeman-Killed May 27, 1863, Port Hudson,
Collins V. Smith-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Died
April 19, 1864, Rochester, N. Y.
Herman Gentsch-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Dissharged for disability, May 3, 1865.
Frank Lasso —Mustered out with regiment.




Appen'cldix.                    339
Win. D. Cook-Mustered out with regiment.
Peter Krauskopf-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store, and Oct.
19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered out with regiment.
James F. Ryther-Mustered out with regiment.
Seneca Ackley-Mustered out with regiment.
David B. McDonald-Killed Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek.
MUSICIANS.
Charles Rose-Mustered out with regiment.
James P. Phelan-Mustered out with regiment.
PRIVATES.
William Blau —Regimental Band. Mustered out with regiment.
John H. Ballinger-Wouncled Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Color
Guard. Mustered out with regiment.
Jos. W. Ballinger-Died of disease, July 28, 1864.
Chas. Busch-Died of Disease, Oct. 5, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
James Cameron-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Died
Jan. 5, 1864, Franklin, La.
John Crowder-Killed Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester.
John Cook-Killed Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester.
Fred Cousindeer-Recruit. Died of disease, Oct. 10, 1864.
Asher Chamberlain-Killed May 21, 1863, Plain Store.
John Clark —Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester. Discharged
for disability, May 3, 1865.
Louis J. Duval-Recruit. Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols
when 116th was mustered out.
Henry Favre-Deserted Oct. 19, 1863.
Cornelius Fitzpatrick-Transferred to Co. E, March 1, 1863.
Albert Fette-Regimental Band. Discharged for disability, May
3, 1865.
Reinhold W. Franke-Died of disease, Sept. 13, 1863, Algears, La.
Michael Faber-Mustered out with regiment.
Louis Fisher-Mustered out with regiment.
Frank Fuchs-Mustered out with regiment.
Benj. H. Grover-Mustered out with regiment.
Henry J. Groff-Recruit. Transferred to 90th N.Y.Vet.Vols. when
116th was mustered out.
Chas. B. Herold-Recruit. Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols.
when 116th was mustered out.
Jas. H. Johnson-Taken prisoner Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek.
Mustered out with regiment.
Anton Klipfel-Mustered out with regiment.
John Knecht-Mustered out with regiment.
Gustave Kappler-Killed Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek.




34 )                    lAppeeindix.
Louis Kline —Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store, and Oct. 19,
1864, Cedar Creek. Died Nov. 15, 1864, Buffalo, N. Y.
Winm. B. Lathrop-Wounded July 13, 1863, Cox's Plantation. Died
Aug. 5, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
John Leinberger —Mustered out with regiment.
Hugo Loepert-Mustered out with regiment.
John Lutter-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered
out with regiment.
John Mischler-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered
out with regiment.
Valentine Merkle-Regt'l Band. Mustered out with regiment.
Payson Morrow-Killed May 27, 1863, Port Hudson.
James S. Maloney-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered out with regiment.
Donald McGilvary-Transferred to Co. E, March 1, 1863.
Chas. F. A. Nichell-Promoted to Hospital Steward, Sept. 2, 1862.
Peter Nash —Killed May 21, 1863, Plain Store.
Matthias Nachbar-Mustered out with regiment.
Martin Ott-Mustered out with regiment.
Gustave Opitz-Mustered out with regiment.
Chas. Prebie-Recruit. Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols. when
116th was mustered out.
Jos. H. Parker-Transferred to Co. G, March 1, 1863.
Henry Pries-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Mustered out
with regiment.
Fritz Pries-Mustered out with regiment.
Nicholas Rees-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered
out with regiment.
Curtis Rowan-Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester. Mustered
out with regiment.
Gustave Reidle-Killed May 21, 1863, Plain Store.
Fred Richards-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Died Aug.
1, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
Theo. Robinson-Died of disease Sept. 19, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
Chas. Rehlander-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store, and July
13, 1863, Cox's Plantation. Discharged for disability, March 19,
1864.
Joseph Roff-Deserted April 10, 1864.
John Smith-Transferred to Co. I, Nov. 1, 1862.
Joseph Schweider-Discharged for disability, Jan. 16, 1864.
Edward Schneider-Discharged for disability, Nov. 27, 1863.
Philip Schneider-Killed Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester.
Chas. Schulz-Died of disease April 25, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.




Apple~cix.                     341
Conrad Sauer-Recruit. Died of disease, June 20, 1864, Morgansia, La.
Jacob Schottler-Mustered out with regiment.
John D. Schlegel-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered out with regiment.
Chas. Scllwamyer —Mustered out with regiment.
Herman Schoy-Mustered out with regiment.
Jacob Tschole-Recruit. Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek.
Transferred to 90th N.Y.Vet.Vols. when 116th was mustered out.
August C. Unholz-Died of disease in New Orleans, La. Date
unknown.
Joseph Veigh —Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered
out with regiment.
Chas. Vanlievan-Mustered out with regiment.
Andrew Wuerstner-Regimental Band. Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, April 1, 1865.
John Wohlgemuth-Died of disease, June 6, 1863, New Orleans, La.
John Worden-Died of disease, June 12, 1864, Baton Rouge, La.
Chas. F. Wertsch-Died of disease, July 1864.
Bernhard Wein-Wounded Sept. 19,1864, Winchester. Mustered
out with regiment.
Jacob Zumsteim-Promoted to Hospital Steward U. S. A., Aug. 29,
1864.
William  Zesch-Recruit. Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols.,
when 116tlh was mustered out.
COMPANY I.
CAPTAINS.
Jefferson B. Stover-Resigned Nov. 8, 1862.
Geo. W. Carpenter-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Promoted to Major, Feb. 12, 1865.
William Tibbetts-Mustered out with regilnent.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
Geo. W. Carpenter-Promoted to Captain, Nov. 8, 1862.
Edward Erwin-Resigned Oct. 14, 1863.
William J. Morgan-Promoted to Captain Co. C, April 12, 1864.
Chas. H. Curry-Mustered out with regiment.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
Edward Erwin-Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, Nov. 8, 1862.
Wm. J. Morgan-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, Sept. 14, 1863.




342,Aedt'i.
FIRST SERGEANTS.
Winm. J. Morgan-Promoted to 2d Lieutenant, Nov. 8, 1862.
Richard M. Hair —Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Promoted to Sergeant-Major, July 18, 1863.
John Ream-Discharged for disability, March 15, 1863.
Jerome S. Griswold-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered out with regiment.
SERGEANTS.
Addison A. Cole-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port IIudson. Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, March 15, 1865.
Vanness Fuller-Killed May 27, 1863, Port Hudson.
Willis H. Merrifield-Discharged for disability, Feb. 1, 1863.
Hiram H. Hines-Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Aug. 22,1863.
Wyvil B. Todd-Wounded July 13, 1863, Cox's Plantation. Musout with regiment.
Judson E. Leggett-Mustered out with regiment.
Thomas Nicholson-Mustered out with regiment.
CORPORALS.
Sanford Thomas-Killed May 21, 1863, Plain Store.
Albro Enos-Wounded June 14, 1863, Port Hudson. Transferred
to Vet. Reserve Corps, Nov. 1, 1863.
Wheeler B. Curtis-Discharged for disability, July 3, 1864.
Hugo Bihler-Discharged for disability, Dec. 18, 1863.
Chas. F. Barry-Discharged for disability, Feb. 14, 1863.
William H. Gail-Discharged Dec. 19, 1862.
Augustus Cadugan-Wounded July 13, 1863, Cox's Plantation.
Discharged for disability, 1863.
Lorenz Helfter-Taken  prisoner April 9, 1864, Pleasant Hill.
Mustered out with regiment.
Chauncy P. Van Antwerp-Wounded July 13, 1863, Cox's Plantation. Died July 24, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
Frank Burlingham —Killed Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek.
John Hiller-Killed Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek.
Oscar E. Gail-Taken prisoner Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered out with regiment.
George A. Kogle-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered out with regiment.
Jacob Winter-Died Oct. 17, 1864, Philadelphia, Pa.
Joseph Ferdinand-Mustered out with regiment.
Russell W. Button —Mustered out with regiment.
Frederick Sclhlichteisen-Recruit. Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet.
Vols. when 116th was mustered out.




Appecndix.                      343
MUSICIAN.
Julius L. Knapp-Promoted to Principal Musician.
WAGONER.
Henry Van Antwerp-Mustered out with regiment.
PRIVATES.
Thaddeus Anderson-Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Aug. 22,
1863.
Frank Bartell-Mustered out with regiment.
Andrew Berger —Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Mustered
out with regiment.
Curtis A. Brewer-Mustered out with regiment.
Josephus Barron-Discharged for disability, Nov. 18, 1863.
Henry R. Becker-Recruit.  Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols.
when 116th was mustered out.
Chas. Berry-Transferrecd to Vet. Reserve Corps, Aug. 26, 1863.
Amos Barron-Dield of disease Jan. 9, 1863, Fort Monroe, Va.
Geo. W. Blanchard-Killed May 21, 1863, Plain Store.
Matthias Bunk-Died of disease Aug. 28, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
James Case-Deserted Aug. 9, 1863.
Daniel Carpenter-Died of disease Sept. 21, 1863, Buffalo, N. Y.
John Cundy-Recruit. Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols. when
116th was mustered out.
Charles Curtis-Wounded Oct. 19,1864, Cedar Creek. Discharged
for disability, May 3, 1865.
Martin Drumb-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Mustered
out with regiment.
John Dormer-Killed May 27, 1863, Port Hudson.
William Everson-Sentenced to Ship Island for balance of term
of enlistment, by general court martial, Jan. 7, 1863.
Frederick Ehlert-Recruit. Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols.
when 116th was mustered out.
Nathaniel C. Fuller-Deserted Aug. 9, 1863.
Delos W. Fowler-Wounded Sept. 22, 1864, Fisher's Hill. Mustered out with regiment.
Ignac Geitger-Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered
out with regiment.
Lewis Grim-Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Nov. 1, 1863.
Daniel Gundel-Recruit.  Died of disease July 14, 1864, New
Orleans, La.
George Hilbren-Died of disease Dec. 18, 1862, Fort Monroe, Va.
William Hilbren-Killed May 27, 1863, Port Hudson.




344                      A4pp edix.
Charles Hillbury —Recruit. Died of disease Aug. 13, 1861, Philadelphia, Pa.
Robert Y. Hill-Killed May 27, 1863, Port Hudson.
Joseph Helmer-Transferred to U. S. Navy, May 10, 1864.
Michael Hanrahan-Transferred to 1st La. Cavalry, Feb. 9, 1863.
Andrew Hoke-Recruit. Wounded Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek.
Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols. when 116th was mustered
out.
Jared Hewett-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain,Store. Absent sick
in Hospital, Washington, D. C.
Robert L. Johnson-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port IIudson. Absent sick.
Delos P. Kapp-Transferred to Vet Reserve Corps, April 1, 1865.
Peter Kogle-Wounded June 13, 1863, Port Hudson. Absent sick.
Thomas King-Transferred to 1st La. Cavalry, Feb. 9, 1863.
Wesley Long-Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, April 26, 1863.
Pulaski L. Leggett-Mustered out with regiment.
Wm. Miller-Deserted July 6, 1864.
Henry Mutter-Killed Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek.
George Margy-Died of disease June 15, 1864, New Orleans, La.
Joseph Masher-Died of disease Oct. 26, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
Philip Merry-Killed July 13, 1863, Cox's Plantation.
Bryan McNamee-Recruit. Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols.
when 116th was mustered out.
Henry F. Myers-Recruit. Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols.
when 116th was mustered out.
Jacob Maue-Mustered out with regiment.
Edward Murphy-Mustered out with regiment.
Theophilas Moore-Mustered out with regiment.
Michael McDaniel —Absent in confinemet since April 2, 1863.
Davis Nye-Discharged for disability, June 15, 1863.
Win. H. Pollett-Mustered out with regiment.
Ira J. Pratt —Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Died June 3,
1863.
Luke Pierson-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Died Sept.
8, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
Wm. Putnam-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store, and April 8,
1864, Sabine Cross Roads. Died of disease, Nov. 28, 1864.
-. Pomeroy-Mustered out with regiment.
Jas. H. Ritch-Discharged for disability, Feb. 28, 1863.
Andrew Smith-Transferred to U. S. Navy, May 10, 1864.
John Shannon-Recruit. Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols.
when 116th was mustered out.




1Aipendix,.                     345
John Smith —Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Mustered out
with regiment.
Joseph Swing-Wounded April 8, 1864, Sabine Cross Roads. Mustered out with regiment.
Hiram R. Sawyer-Mustered out with regimnent.
George W. Stowell-Died of disease, Jan. 12, 1863, Carrollton, La.
Chas. Strong —Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Died June
10, 1863.
Oliver A. Stevens-Died of disease, July 11, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
Chas. Thayer-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered
out with regiment.
Samuel Tester-Transferred to U. S. Navy, May 10, 1864.
Michael Umberheim —Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester. Mustered out with regiment.
Jas. E. Vanslyck-Died of disease, April 8, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
Win. S. Van Campen —Mustered out with regiment.
Albert Weatherwax-Absent sick since Nov. 5, 1862. No notice
of death ever received.
John Wilson-Transferred to U. S. Navy, May 10, 1864.
Thomas Wilson-Recruit. Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols.
when 116th was mustered out.
John Wohlgemuth-Transferred to Co. H., Oct. 1, 1862.
John Weatherlow-Discharged for disability. Date unknown.
John S. Whitcher-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Died
June 10, 1863.
Henry Winkler-Recruit.  Transferred to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols.
when 116th was mustered out.
Wm. S. Waldo-Deserted May 30, 1863.
Henry F. Yaw-Wounded Sept. 22, 1864, Fisher's Hill. Discharged
for disability, April 10, 1865.
COLORED COOK.
Norman Byron-Recruit. Tralisferrcld to 90th N. Y. Vet. Vols.
when 116th was mustered out.
COMPANY K.
CAPTAINS.
James Ayer-Died of disease, May 22, 1863. See page 296.
Warren T. Ferris-Mustered out with regiment.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
Philip W. Gouldc-Resigned Nov. 22, 1862.
Warren T. Ferris-Promoted to Captain, July 16, 1863.
John H. Dingllan-Mustered out with regiment.




346                     A2ppendix.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
John W. Grannis-Resigned Sept. 30, 1862.
Elisha B. Cottier-Died of disease, Aug. 21, 1863. See page 302.
Geo. H. Shepard-Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, April 12, 1864.
FIRST SERGEANTS/
Geo. H. Shepard —Promoted to 2d Lieutenant, July 18, 1863.
Daniel C. Conger-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Discharged for disability, May 2, 1864.
Chas. H.. Ballard-Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester. Mustered out with regiment.
SERGEANTS.
Joseph W. Gouldl-Deserted Nov. 8, 1862.
Horace P. Ingersoll-Promoted to Lieutenant Corps d'Aftique,
March 3, 1863.
Elijah P. Smith-Mustered out with regiment.
Valentine Doane-Mustered out with regiment.
Job B. Sherman-Woundcled May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered out with regiment.
Henry W. Eno-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered
out with regiment.
CORPORALS.
Frank M. Judson-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Died
May 23, 1863.
Horace A. Paxson-Wounded May 27,1863, Port Hudson. Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Jan. 10, 1863.
Harvey M. Crawford-Wounded April 8, 1864, Sabine Cross Roads.
Discharged for disability July 19, 1864.
John Dibble-Mustered out with regiment.
Joseph I. Baldwin-Mustered out with regiment.
William Naigel-Wounded Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester. Mustered
out with regiment.
Austin Reifel —Miustered out with regiment.
David Weissenger-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered out with regiment.
Douglass S. Taylor-Mustered out with regiment.
MUSICIANS.
Geo. W. Carr-Discharged May 18, 1864.
Leroy J. Russell-Mustered out with regiment.
WAGONER.
Bela Crawford-Died of disease, Oct. 27, 1863, New Orleans La.
PRIVATES.
Austin H. Ames-Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Sept. 26,1863.
Edwin Avery-Mustered out with regiment.




Alp emrlix.                    3417
Richard H. Avery-MPustered out with reginment.
Ashacl E. Ames-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Mustered
out with regiment.
Wm. H. Brewer-Mustered out with regiment.
Geo. W. Barker-Mustered out with regiment.
John E. Butler-Mustered out with regiment.
John M. Baker-Discharged for disability, April 10, 1864.
John Black-Wounded June 14, 1863, Port Hudson. Transferred
to Vet. Reserve Corps, Jan. 10, 1865.
Chas. Bramiller-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Died
Aug. 23, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
Chas. E. Craig-Taken prisoner Oct. 19, 1864, Cedar Creek. Mustered out with regiment.
Josiah L. Claghorn-Promoted to Regt'l Corn. Serg't, Sept. 3,1862.
Wm. J. Cameron —Mustered out with regiment.
Daniel Crawford-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered out with regiment.
Merritt Dean-Mustered out with regiment.
Chas. Dash-Mustered out with regiment.
John M. Dexter-Mustered out with regiment.
Cyrenus C. Dibble-Discharged for disability, April 19, 1864.
Joseph A. Ewers —Wounded Sept. 19,1864, Winchester. Mustered
out with regiment.
Wm. Ewers —Mustered out with regiment.
Reuben Eddcy-Mustered out with regiment.
Ariel Evans —Died of disease, Jan. 11, 1863, Carrollton, La.
James H. Fails-Died of disease, Nov. 11, 1863, Evans, N. Y.
Lyman M. Frary-Died of disease, Nov. 21, 1862, Fortress Monroe.
James Frost-Miustered out with regiment.
Marshall A. Fairbanks —/Mustered out with regiment.
George Fedic-Mustered out with regiment.
Nicholas Fedic —Mustered out with regiment.
Geo. A. Freeman-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered out with regiment.
-Jno. L. Flint-Mustered out with regiment.
Conrad Glosser-Mustered out with regiment.
John Glosser-Mustered out with regiment.
Frank E. Griffith-Wounded April 9, 1864, Pleasant Hill. Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Jan. 10, 1865.
Milton H. Hill-Wounded May 27. 1863, Port Hudson.  Died
June 1, 1863.
Geo. H. Hawks-Died of disease July 10, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
Stephen V. R. Hammondc-Mustered out with regiment.




348                      Appenmdix.
George M. Hill-Mustered out with regiment.
John A. Haggerty-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered out with regiment.
Charles Iback-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered
out with regiment.
Loyal C. Ingersoll-Deserted Dec. 31, 1862.
Chas. E. Kingsley —Died of disease, July 26,1863, Baton Rogue, La.
Alonzo F. Killom-Wounded June 14, 1863, Port Hudson. Mustered out with regiment.
Miner D. Lynn-Mustered out with regiment.
Lewis Ludlow-Wounded July 13, 1863, Cox's Plantation. Mustered out with regiment.
Chas. B. Mills-Wounded June 14, 1863, Port Hudson. Discharged
for disability, March 9, 1864.
Wm. Matthewson-Promoted to Regt'l Com. Sergt., May 16, 1865.
Chas. Naigel-Mustered out with regiment.
Geo. N. Ostrom-Died of disease, Dec. 16, 1863, New Iberia, La.
Francis M. Phelps-Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps, April 28,1865.
Albert D. Prescott-Mustered out with regiment.
William'B. Page-Discharged for disability, Jan. 25, 1864.
Adrian Patrick-Discharged for disabilty, Dec. 14, 1863.
Peter Reifel-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Discharged
for disability, March 30, 1864.
Warren K. Russell-Promoted to Regt'l Comn. Sergt., Oct. 1, 1863.
Theodore Slater-Wounded May 27, 1863, Port Hudson. Died of
disease Sept. 9, 1863, Evans, N. Y.
Franklin Sooy-Died of disease Aug. 9, 1864, Philadelphia, Pa.
James H. Smith-Discharged for disability, Jan. 25, 1864.
James Stone —Mustered out with regiment.
Morris Taylor-Mustered out with regiment.
Lafayette Taylor-Mustered out with regiment.
William  Tromler-Wounded April 23, 1864, Cane River. Discharged for disability, May 17, 1865.
Wendell Tice-Wounded May 21, 1863, Plain Store. Transferred
to Vet. Reserve Corps, Nov. 14, 1863.
Jno. A. Thomason-Died of disease July 18, 1863, Baton Rouge, La.
Wyman Vibbard-Mustered out with regiment.
Andrew Wuest-Killed Sept. 19, 1864, Winchester.
Horatio G. Whittemore-Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Nov.
14, 1863.
Gurden F. Waite-Absent on sick leave since Sept. 2, 1864.
Ira White-Mustered out with regiment.
Philip Zeigler-Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, Oct. 3. 1863.