Friday, July 3, 1863. “What troops are those ... muskets glittering in the sunlight and battle flags fluttering in the breeze?"

James Wilson
Co. B, 13th Vt
killed July 3, 1863
Age 20

"July 3, Friday, This morning at 4 o’clock the pickets commenced firing at each other, just to the left of where I was, and soon the artillery commenced it was heavy, shelled us till afternoon before they showed themselves much. I lay about 1/4 mile from the batteries. About 3 o’clock I saw them forming to advance, in a few minutes the musketry began and such firing seems so was never heard before, and was kept up till dark.  The 16th made two charges and captured three stands of colors. After dark we were taken back to the rear." ~ from the Journal of Sgt. Floyd Hawkins (Co. H 16th Regt.)

"Friday, July 3, 1863: Skirmishing began a quarter before 4 o'clock . . Artillery opened first at 4 AM then ceased somewhat until 2 PM when 100 pieces opened on us. Continued 2 hours when the enemy advanced. Captured 3 colors-lost one afterward. Brought in 2nd Florida and 8th Va. We have won a great victory."  ~ From the Diary of Wheelock G. Veazey, Colonel, 16th Vermont Regiment.(VHS), in David Cross, Wheelock Veazey, (Rutland Historical Soc., 1995)

"Dexter Parker received a very painful wound from a piece of shell which cut through one of his hands and he was in such agony that Corporal O. G. Miles and James H. Wilson started to help him to the rear, one on each side. They had only gone a short distance when a shell struck in a pile of stones and burst. All three fell to the ground and it was found that a small piece of shell had pierced Wilson's heart, killing him instantly." ~ Ralph Orson Sturtevant, Pictorial History of the 13th Regiment Vermont Volunteers 470(1910)

"Stannard's Vermonters":[he 2nd Vermont Brigade at Pickett’s Charge ]by Michael J. Middleton;

“Glory to God! Glory to God! See the Vermonters go at it!” General Abner Doubleday on witnessing the Vermonters that day at Gettysburg."

"When we were about six hundred yards from the stone wall a Sergt. Dalton of my Co. asked me, “What troops are those on our right, are they our men or Yankees?” …There off on our right was the grandest sight I have ever seen -- ...A body of Yankees coming at double quick “right shoulder shift.” Their line perpendicular to our own,

uniforms looking black in the distance, muskets glittering in the sunlight and battle flags fluttering in the breeze created by their quickened motion.

"...[T]he shock of this attack on our right...struck us at least 100 yards from the stone wall. I saw their men … deliberately fire into our whole line. In a few minutes all was confusion...” ~Captain Henry Owen, 18th Virginia, in Richard M. Rollins, Pickett's charge: eyewitness accounts at the Battle of Gettysburg 188-89

"[A] bout 4:30 p.m. a large column of infantry was seen to steadily advance from between the batteries and right glad were we to see them. They came out in front, protected by their shells which being a little above them came over their heads and deployed handsomely in line. On they came directly towards my picket line but the grape and canister from our batteries and the shots fire from my picket now acting as skirmishers warned them of the hazard of that route. They then turned and marched by their left flank. At that moment our bugle sounded our picket came in, we formed a line with the 13th and 14th rushed on. We were asked if we could charge. Our terrific yell from our men was the response and there we were after the “greybacks” In fifteen minutes the results could be counted thus - 300 rebels dead and wounded on the field and over a thousand prisoners were taken and 2 stands of colors. Of these the 16th took full 400 prisoners and in a second separate charge made only by the themselves they took these two stand of colors the 2nd Florida and 8th VA, and over a hundred more prisoners. . . I believe that the 16th Vermont is the only regiment from our state that has taken two stand of colors in one hours fight. But - there is another side to the picture. In the charge we had only 425 men, yet during the day we lost in the regiment 16 killed over 80 wounded and about 20 missing, some of whom are undoubtedly dead." ~ Lt. Col. Charles Cummings, Sixteenth Regiment, Letters July 6, 1863. VHS.

"....The movements I have briefly described were executed in the open field, under a very heavy fire of shell, grape, and musketry, and they were performed with the promptness and precision of battalion drill. They ended the contest in the center and substantially closed the battle. Officers and men behaved like veterans, although it was for most of them their first battle, and I am content to leave it to the witnesses of the fight whether or not they have sustained the credit of the service and the honor of our Green Mountain State . . .  There were 350 killed, wounded, and missing from my three regiments engaged; of the missing, only 1 is known to have been taken prisoner." ~ Report of Brig. Gen. George J. Stannard, July 4, 1863.

From the Second Vermont Brigade monument:

July 1. Arrived at dusk and took position on right of Third Corps.

July 2. Joined the Corps and went into position at the left and rear of the Cemetery. Just before dusk a detachment advanced to the Emmitsburg Road and captured about 80 prisoners and recovered 4 abandoned Union guns.

July 3. In position on left of Second Division Second Corps at the time of Longstreet's assault. The 13th and 16th advanced against Major Gen. Pickett's Division changed front forward and attacked its right throwing it into confusion and capturing many prisoners. The 16th and part of 14th then went to the left and attacked the advancing Brigades of Brig. Gen. Wilcox and Perry (Col. Lang) and captured three flags and many prisoners.

Casualties Killed 1 Officer 44 Men, Wounded 12 Officers 262 men, Captured or Missing 32 Men; Total 351.

From the monument to the 16th Vermont at Gettysburg:

Participated near this point in action of July 2nd. Picketed this line that night – held same as skirmishers until attacked by Pickett’s Division, July 3rd. Rallied here and assaulted his flank to the right 400 yards – then changing front charged left flank of Wilcox’s and Perry’s brigades. At this point – captured many hundred prisoners and two stands of colors.

The Sixteentb Veermont lost 16 men killed, 102 wounded and 1 man captured. 

Killed

• Privates Ira Emer, Chester T. Larned, and Charles Morse of Company A
• Sergeant Walter W. Ranney of Company B
• Corporal Moses P. Baldwin and Privares Joseph Ashley, Joel R. Spaulding and Sylvanus A. Winship of Company C
• Privates John Dyer and Joseph M. Martin of Company D
• Private William M. Tyrrell of Company E
• Privates Edmund P. Davis and Charles P. Stevens of Company H
• Privates James F. Cook and Willard M. Pierce of Company I

Mortally Wounded

• Private Philip Howard of Company A
• Private George A. Jacobs of Company B
• Private Zenal C. Lamb of Company C
• Private Henry C Spring of Company D
• Private Henry C. White of Company E
• Private Dana P. Chandler of Company F

Colonel Wheelock Veazey was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle. The citation reads: “Rapidly assembled his regiment and charged the enemy’s flank; charged front under heavy fire, and charged and destroyed a Confederate brigade, all this with new troops in their first battle.”

Civil War in the Northeast 

See also Members of the 16th Vt killed or died from wounds at Gettysburg

https://tinyurl.com/18630703

Saturday, May 23, 1863. A grand review.

Gen.Stannard
(VHS)

"Camp Near Bristol Station

"[This] morning the Bush whackers attacked our cavalry patrol on the road about thee miles below here. They killed one man from the first Vermont, without any loss to them. Our men said that two of the men had been in their camp several times. But I reckon that they had not better be seen there again. if they be they will face Slim."  ~ Jabez H. Hammond, West Windsor, age 20, Sgt. Co. A, 12th Regt Letter No. 41, May 24, 1863

"Saturday 23rd.  Last Monday 18th I enlisted & to-day is the completion of 9 months since the election of our Co. officers. Six weeks more will finish this job. In camp & taking it easy to-day". ~ Diary of Horace Barlow (UVM), 121, Horace Barlow, Pvt., Co. C, 12th Regiment

"May 23. A grand review of the troops in this vicinity to-day, by Gen. Stannard, and a very warm day for such business." ~ John C. Williams, Corporal, Co. B, 14th Regiment, Life in Camp 121 (1864)

"23rd. Very hot and dry. Exciting news from Grant. Report that he has taken eighty pieces of field artillery." ~ Diary of Oliver A. Browne, Co. K, 15th Regiment

Monday, May 18, 1863. At Union Mills. Thin lines; Rebels in the midst.

Union Mills

"Camp at Union Mills, VA 

"Monday morning, May 18th, 1863

"My Dear Wife ... I was Field Officer of the Day Wednesday and Thursday in charge of a fatigue party Saturday and yesterday and today an again Officer of the Day. Our regiment has six miles of picketing to do in a very rough line, without any help; but today the 15th comes back and will relieve us of some of this labor. But the weather in delightful and has been so for ten days so the men endure their labor well. The health of the regiment has at not former time been so good since we crossed the Potomac as now. 

"Then is nothing particularly new or interesting in camp just now. The only item of excitement that I have heard of is the capture of eight other men by the rebels a few days since. It appears that while half a dozen teams belonging to the 13th regiment were drawing supplies for the regiment from Fairfax Station, to near Occoquan village, a party of mounted rebs made their appearance and captured the men and horses and destroyed the wagons. In addition to a driver for each team were four or five men belonging to the regiment that had been off contrary to instructions and were riding back to camp, stragglers we call them here. The rebels, who are well posted as to our movements, made this dash and re-crossed the Occoquan River in safety. 

"We are in the expectation of a raid in here about these days. Then has been no time for a week when Mosby with 150 men could not have come in here and carried off the battery and the general. With 150 men at Bristow’s Station 100 on detached service, 200 on picket, and there is not many left for fight after taking out regimental guards and cooks. Saturday, however, we closed the fords on the river with felled trees, so that a dash cannot be made past our picket line by the mounted rebels. 

"There is nothing new out here of great moment. It is reported that the rebels have an infantry force this side of the Rappahannock and that they contemplate a raid or driving us back within the Defense of Washington. If they do this we may be able to extemporize a smart little fight out here. 

"Our nine months expire on the 23d day of July next, two months longer at the end of which time most of us will be in Brattleboro, where we shall be mustered out of the service of our respected Uncle.

"My love to all, and a kiss for the dear little ones. Your loving husband - Charles. ~ Lt. Col. Charles Cummings, Sixteenth Regiment, Letters May 18, 1863. VHS.

"Union Mills, Virginia, May 18, 1863

"Dear Parents Yours of the 6th came duly to hand and found me at Bristow, but was just as welcome there as anywhere. Co. "E" is down there now with enough men from other companies to make up 100. .... Stannard is much liked by the men under his command. He is not showy and dashing like Stoughton but seems to be a kind fatherly sort of an individual, chuck full of common sense with a good word for everybody.

"You want to know what a vidette is? It is a mounted sentinel posted outside the picket line to observe the movements of the enemy.

"I had the pleasure of taking another trip down the railroad the other day, going down within two miles of the Rappahannock. Went down as guard on one of the trains. I think from all appearances that we will not have to keep up this picket line alone a great while longer as I think the 12th and 15th will be brought back to assist us.

"There are not many troops left in the Dept. in Washington now. Most of them have been sent down on the front to help Hooker. I have heard that Phillip Crosly was killed in one of the late fights on the Rappahannock. If that is true he is the first Plymouth boy to be killed in action." ~ Hezron G. Day, pvt., Company C, Sixteenth Regiment, Letter of May 18, 1863

Phillip W Crosby of Plymouth, age 17 Pvt, Co. I, 2nd VT, kia, Marye's Heights, 5/3/63



"Monday 18th. Moved camp, by rail, to Bristow station. The two Co's K & G are still at Catlett's & the right wing at Bristow, & the other 3 at Mannassas Junction. Col. Blunt sent for me to help him move, & so I was detailed & had an easy time. On Picket, (not by necessity) to-night." ~ Diary of Horace Barlow (UVM), 120, Horace Barlow, Pvt., Co. C, 12th Regiment

May 15, 1863. Two men of the 16th paroled to Annapolis

"May 15. Hooker is back again in his old position, and I am feeling greatly disappointed in the result of his late movements. I begin to think that something is wrong in the management of affairs somewhere. Why is it that this "grand Army of the Potomac" is doomed to suffer so many defeats? ....

"Our brigade is at present guarding a line of about fifty miles, extending from Rappahannock Station to Occoquan City. ~ John C. Williams, Corporal, Co. B, 14th Regiment, Life in Camp 121 (1864)

"Friday 15th. On day patrol on railroad from 8 A.M. till 8 P.M. Easy duty, for we sat down most of the time, as it answered every purpose. Since the thunder-storm, with hail, of yesterday P.M. the weather has been much cooler, & about comfortable. Got letter from Baxter this eve. He is getting along well." ~ Diary of Horace Barlow (UVM), 119, Horace Barlow, Pvt., Co. C, 12th Regiment 

Camp Parole, Annapolis

"[L]ast Sunday [the 10th] while we were there [Bristoe] the Rebs under Mosley undertook to burn two bridges, the first one was across Kettle Run about 1 and 1/2 miles beyond us, but the cars came along just in time to put out the fire and leave a guard. Foiled there, they next tried to burn a small bridge about a mile this side of us, but the man on the lookout saw the smoke and a part of the boys started off on the run and got there just in time to put out the fire before it had rendered the bridge impassable and to get a glimpse of the Rebs (30 or 40 in number) who had done the work. 

"The captain started a scouting party after them in the hope that they would halt somewhere so that we could get a sight of them, but they did no such thing, Though they caught two of our boys who had strayed off on their own hook and captured them in plain sight of the camp. They took them off some 8 or 10 miles and then Mosley paroled them and they came into camp early next morning.

"They have now gone to the paroled prisoners' camp at Annapolis. Their names were Joseph Ashley from Cavendish and Juda West of Weston- the tallest man in the company. When captured, Ashley had on neither coat nor vest and they had to lie out in the woods overnight with no other covering than what brush they could gather up.

"West had some $30 in cash with him but managed to hide it as they were walking along so that the Rebs did not find it. Ashley cried like a child when he started for Annapolis, but there was no help for it. General Stannard would not permit them to stay with their regiment."   ~ Hezron G. Day, pvt., Company C, Sixteenth Regiment, Letter of May 18, 1863

Ashley was killed at Gettysburg, and West died from disease August 6, 1863.

May 11, 1863. Picket and guard duty at Union Mills.

Lr. Col. Charles Cummings
16th Vt.

"Camp Near Union Mills, Va. 

"May 11th, 1863 

"My Dear Wife,... I should have written you a day or two sooner, but I was on picket Saturday and Sunday. Our brigade is now so scattered that the 16th is the only regiment remaining here, consequently we have all the picketing to do for six miles, and furnish 100 men as a guard at Bristow’s Station, besides sending a guard of 25 men with the train down to the front daily. 

"The 12th is down the Rappahannock at Kelley’s Ford, the 15th at Warrenton Junction a dozen miles this side of the Ford. The 14th at Wolf Run Shoals, and the 13th down on the Occoquan near Occoquan village. 

"We had much rather be down on the front than here, but have to take things as we find them. The reason the 16th was not sent front was, we had the most men fit for duty and it needed a strong regiment to do our work. From present indications it appears as if we should remain here during the remainder of our pilgrimage, as I understand that this picket line is to be maintained for the present.

"The weather is now balmy, warm, and delightful. It is a treat for officers and men to go on picket, both as it relieves the monotony of camp life, and the air is fresh and fragment with blossoms. ...there is a great abundance of wild flowers more beautiful than with us the names of which I have no means of determining. I wish you were here a week to ride out on picket and see what then is beautiful here. But you would find the path you would have to travel anything but slow. It is the worst ground to travel over that I have picketed or seen, but it is easily defensible. Along the bank of Bull Run the ground is intersected by deep precipitous ravines full of laurel, which here grows large and luxuriant and tangled wood.

"Hooker’s attempt, like those of his predecessors, is a failure. It does seem as if the Army of the Potomac was fated to ill-success. Stoneman’s brilliant raid is the only redeeming feature and perhaps we except Sedgwick’s gallant fighting. There was a report in camp last night that Gen. Dix had moved up from Fortress Monroe and taken Richmond, but it is not credited, although it is among the possibilities as there are no rebels about there.

"Gen. Stoughton is in Washington confident of getting the command of the 1st Vermont Brigade. He is making out his official report of his capture. I hope he will get a command for he is above average of the more recent Brigadiers. Gen. Stannard is a capital officer, and a very fine man, and I do not want to change him for any one I know him so well, and he is so reliable. But Stoughton’s assignment to a command would be a good sequel to the unmentioned abuse he has received.

"I have had my head sheared so that there is not a hair on it half an inch long. It is much more comfortable and is easily kept clean. My old horse that I recently bought is picking up fairly and is today worth $100, but poor black is not doing well, he ought to be turned out to grass three months. He is better adapted to a buggy and smooth roads than picketing out here." ~ Lt. Col. Charles Cummings, Sixteenth Regiment, Letters May 11, 1863. VHS.

"May 11th. Hot and warm. Saw Stoneman's cavalry, 20,000, on the road to Falmouth. They were in an open field, marching by division fronts." ~ Diary of Oliver A. Browne, Co. K, 15th Regiment "Monday 11th. Off duty this A.M. & writing letters & taking it easy. Recd letters from home & feel well, & hearty as a fish in his native element. Weather is getting to be awful hot. Have taken off my underclothing & have to go in short-sleeves, it is so hot." ~ Diary of Horace Barlow (UVM), 118, Horace Barlow, Pvt., Co. C, 12th Regiment

Sunday, May 10, 1863. The 2nd Brigade holds a 50-mile front

Rappahannock Station.

"10th. Went down to Rappahannock station. Met with some Rebs at Kettle Run Bridge. They had fired the bridge and torn up the track. Were at work when we came along but skee-daddled at the sight of the train. We succeeded in saving the bridge and left a guard. When we came back the bridge, about one mile this side, on Cannon Run, was on fire. Just in time to save it. Saw the Rebs, about fifty of Stewart's Cavalry. They intended to capture the train, but found us enough for them." ~ Diary of Oliver A. Browne, Co. K, 15th Regiment


"Sunday 10th. On guard & detailed again as Col's orderly. Had a pleasant time. Day very hot. This A.M. 3 negroes came in & were put in the guard-house, as usual, to await the arrival of the train. About 10 A.M. who should come in but John Minor Botts for the three. One of them was very white & quite intelligent. Of Course, Col Blunt declined to give them up, till he consulted higher authority. I think, personally his feelings & principles would prefer to allow them their freedom, but as it is an important case, as it would establish a precedent, he prefers not to be responsible. I hardly see how they can be given up, after the Presidents' proclamation, but undoubtedly he would receive compensation, in time."~ Diary of Horace Barlow (UVM), 116-17, Horace Barlow, Pvt., Co. C, 12th Regiment

Bristoe Station.

"Bristow Station, Virginia

"Sunday, May 10, 1863

"Dear Parents

"We are still at Bristow, having been ordered to remain here four days longer than we thought when we first came out here. We have had considerable bad weather since we came, but have enjoyed ourselves very well notwithstanding We are expecting to go back to camp today. The 15th has left its old camp and gone down to Warrenton Junction.

"The fruits of our labor thus far have been 45 or 50 contrabands, one sword, one double barreled shot gun, and one carbine, which we found concealed in the houses of citizens. Also about forty Sesesh fowls, and a lot of hams, meal, etc. The cavalry that was with us has picked up a dozen or so of citizens accused of being sesesh in their proclivities and actions.

"It is as beautiful a Sabbath morning today as ever was; the grass looks green and thrifty, and the apple trees all in bloom. A few of the boys have just gone up the railroad with a hand car for a ride, and are now coming back. They were rather careless, as they had neither arms nor equipment along.

"Since we came here we have seen some good looking white women, the first we have seen since we came into Virginia. From one thoroughly Sesesh widow lady we have taken at least thirty Negroes, found a carbine secreted in one of her beds, etc. We have also in some of our excursions found some good Union people, but those that can be relied on are few in comparison with the whole population. The Unionists are all northern people, mostly from NY or NJ, who have worked their own lands, and have never owned slaves. However, slaves and slavery fast are disappearing from Prince William County. Brentsville, the former county seat, is a little one-horse place so thoroughly Sesesh that there is only four to seven men left there, and unless they are more exemplary in their morals, than most of the people here, they will stand a chance to have their numbers reduced whenever we get in some more cavalry here.

"Stoneman's Cavalry, I presume you have learned, has returned to the Rappahannock. They sent in some thirty prisoners yesterday, including one major, and two or three carloads of contrabands, all smart active young men. 'Tis said that Stoneman has twenty acres of land covered all over with mules, horses and cattle, all standing just as thick as they can be tied, which he brought with him on his return from his recent raid. General Stahl is getting his division all down on the Rappahannock, and it is said that he is going to make another raid while Stoneman takes a rest .

"The weather now is quite hot....We have learned that we are not going to be relieved before tomorrow, and then 'tis thought that the 13th will come out here. We would certainly rather stay here than go back to camp. The boys in camp have drawn all our boards, stovepipes, etc. They would like very well to have us come back and help them do the picket duty, which is coming rather severe on them just now, as there is only one regiment in Union Mills.

"We were deeply disappointed when we learned that Hooker's movement had failed, for we had an abiding faith in the success of this grand movement and even now we have hopes that he has only returned to try it again under what he may consider more favorable auspices.

"I saw Gen. Stahl yesterday. He was on board the cars. Not a very remarkable looking man for a General, though his men say that he is the only man that can take a regiment of cavalry and break a regiment of infantry. The boys are all well and in good spiriting full of fun and frolic, hale and hearty, ready to attack anything from a box of hard tack to a band of bushwhackers. Give my regards to all my friends if I have any, and tell them that we think of coming back to Virginia after the war is over, provided we can get some confiscated land...

"Not long ago the Rebs set fire to a bridge not more than a mile and a half from us but it was put out without damaging the bridge seriously. There are a few bands of these Rebs about here first in one place and then another whom we are not shrewd enough to catch. 

"There is a guard here from Co. "F" now that came down in the cars to guard the train. We need a whole regiment here instead of one company, and if the 13th is coming, I am glad of it. Good bye for now ... H.G. Day" ~ Hezron G. Day, pvt., Company C, Sixteenth Regiment, Letter of May 10, 1863


Camp Widow Violet near Occoquan ferry

"Camp Carusi May 10, 1863 

"Dear Mother

"Gen. Stannard has been on a visit to this regiment and has gone away
today. He stayed till after inspection. We all like his appearance first-rate. He does not appear much like Gen. Stoughton. I hear that he Stoughton has been exchanged and that he is in Washington. All we ask is that they will keep him there and not give him the command of this Brigade again, for we are well suited with the change we have had.

"We have been in this camp one month and nine days, so we begin to think it most time to move. The 12th at Rapahanoc Station and the 15th at Warrington guarding the railroad. We may not move for some time but we have not staid out about so long anywhere, so I think we shall move.

"I am going to Mount Vernon in a day or two if nothing happens. I do not suppose it will do me any good but I want to go. We are so near now and it may be the only chance I shall ever have. It is only 7 miles from here and I can get a pass for two days, so I shall be all right if I go. When next time you write, let me know if you have got my money that I have sent. If you have, do what you are a mind to with it--only have it safe.  ..." ~ James Willson, 13th Regt., pvt, Co. B. , Letter #42, March 14, 1863 (VHS)

April 26, 1863. General Stannard reviews the 13th.

On Sunday April 26th, about nine o'clock. General George J. Stannard made his first official visit to our regiment.~ Ralph Orson Sturtevant, Pictorial History of the 13th Regiment Vermont Volunteers 153 (1910)

"Sunday morning. I am on guard today. I have just come in from guard mounting so I am out of the review and inspection that is coming off today. Gen. Stannard, our Brigadier, is going to be here although he has not got along yet. 

"The fruit trees here are in full blossom. The grass has started so that cattle can get a good living. There are plenty of cows here but no sheep. They have all played out, as the boys say. 

"I wish you would get me a fishline and send me and I will make it all right, if you will write that you have to pay for it. Get the stoutest one that you can, for here are some big fish here. I have seen some that weight three pounds and they are a little too much for any line that we can get here. 

"Lieutenant Palmer is on duty again. The trouble that he and the Captain did not amount too much, only for a few days. He has got his sword and is all right again. I can not think of anything more to write as the drums are beating for review. I have not got to go out but I can’t write in such a noise and it is almost time to go on guard. ..."~ James Willson, 13th Regt., pvt, Co. B. , Letter #41 (VHS)

"April 26. Review. In the morning, hair is cut, whiskers trimmed, boots made to shine a little brighter; in fine, the "finishing touch" is put on to everything, as our General is present, for the first time. The review passes off finely and agreeably to all." ~ Lt. Edwin Palmer, 13th Regiment,  The Second Brigade: or, Camp Life, By a Volunteer (1864)

This entry ends a two-week gap in Palmer's journal.

April 24, 1863. Gen. Stannard in command.

"24th. Rained hard all day. Moved head quarters back to Union Mills. Gen. Stannard in command. Was all day going six miles. Got six miles in the mud and had to pull them out with horses." ~ Diary of Oliver A. Browne, Co. K, 15th Regiment

"April 24. Plenty of drilling at present -- think we shall be well prepared for a march when the order comes. ~ J. C. Williams, Corporal, Co. B, 14th Regiment, Life in Camp, 113 (1864).

April 23, 1863. "The Nine Month Men"

Insults from civilians and the press back in the North were especially stinging. Nine-month men were upset by attitudes like that expressed by The New York Tribune, which called them “beauties who enlisted for the bounties, and took into the service neither health, patriotism, nor honesty.” W. Hockox,  Nine Months of Hell

"Union Mills, Virginia April 23, 1863

"Dear Parents,

"Having Just returned from a pleasure trip down to the Rappahannock, I propose to devote a part of this rainy forenoon writing to you. ...

"One thing that happened at Manassas I must not omit to mention. While we were resting there, Matt Stewart and another started off in pursuit of adventure, and came across a drove of Virginia pigs, whereupon Matt grabbed one that would weigh 60 or 70 pounds, by the ears, and kept the old sole away as best he could, while the other one stuck him with his bayonet. Matt came back and reported just as we were ready to start on again, and one took his gun and another his blanket, he grabbed his rubber and pressed on ahead until he got to where his pig lay, and then picked him up and put him in his rubber, slung him on his back and brought him off. But he was soon relieved of his load by Bingham, who rode one of the officers' horses. I had a mouthful or two of said pig, and can testify that he tasted very much like veal....

"The Vermont Journal of the 18th has just come to hand. One piece in it entitled "The Nine Month Men" has been read by many of the boys, and pronounced by all an unmitigated lie. Some of them wish that they could see the man that wrote the piece--you may guess for what. It is true that they are in no hurry to turn their backs on Rebeldom until their time is out, and that the men of this brigade firmly and conscientiously believe to be in nine months from the date of organization, and they are not men that like to be fooled or tampered with, whether it be by P.T. Washburn and Fred Holbrook, or by our respected Uncle Samuel. Very many of them and half the entire brigade, would enlist again within thirty days after they were discharged if they were only discharged within a reasonable time after they consider their time honestly and fairly out, but say they, if they keep us until the twenty third of July, Uncle Sam may run his machine just as he can for all we care.

"Not that they care for the extra two months time, for they consider themselves good for that, but they enlisted, believing their time to be out in nine months, and the idea of being fooled and hocussed by General P. T. Washburn or any other general does not sit gracefully upon their minds, and some few of them go so far as to declare that they will not do a day's duty after they call their time out, and the great majority of them say that they may have fooled us once, but never can again, for, say they, if they can hold us two months and then muster us in and keep us for the full time of our enlistment, they can hold us twenty years and then do the same. This brigade is ready to do its duty, whatever that may be, but "play not with edge tools all ye State authorities", for if our bayonets do not count in the coming struggle, our votes certainly will count in the Fall elections, and against you too, I fear. H. G. Day" ~ Hezron G. Day, pvt., Company C, Sixteenth Regiment, Letter of April 23, 1863

"Near Wolf Run, Va. Aprl 23d 1863

"Dear parents

"...One Oclock P.M. it has rained a perfect Shower all day & looks now as if it would continue to the rest of the day if not all night ... The number of men present for duty this morning was fifty one. ...    

"There is considerable talk here concerning our time. But a good many have come to the conclusion (since they saw the order from Hockeer relative reinlistments) that they have got to stay until the fourth of July.

"Two months ago I though that we should be at home in may or the fore part of June. But I have altered my mind.   But the boys that I tent with say that they are going home in may so you see we have some jolly times. they say that all that makes me say so is Because I want to be on the contrary side & I let them have it to suit themselfs so that we can have Something for an argument.  

"I think sometimes that I should like to be home to help you do Springs work. But if we are well it will not make much differance to me whether I go in may or july. it is I think just seven months come day after to morrow morning since we left home & we have all of us been blessed with good health or at least better than the Co. will average, a blessing which cannot be to highly prized in this buisness.(?) As to night is the night for Sundays mail I will dray to a close until evening.

"Half past seven PM ...General Stanard is a going to move to union mills to morrow & as Iras team has been turned over to the Brigade & is a Brigade team & belonging to headquarters, he has got to go with him. But I do not think that he will have so much to do as he would to stay here, as the cars run through there towards warrenton. he has been to the Station to day & he got wet and he feels rather hard up to night.

"...The boys that are well feel as good as horses & say that Uncle Sam may do what he is a mind to with them But that it will play out in about seventy one or two days more at the longest, which is but a short time

"I am glad that your bees are in good shape & I hope to be able to hive some of them but if I am not you will have to be careful & not get stung. by the way, Cook wants to know if you wintered that Swarm that stung Grandfather & him so. He thinks that he should liked to have had a chance to have smoked them a little. The report is at this time that we have got to move to union mills to morrow & if we do we shall know more about it, that is all." ~ Jabez H. Hammond, West Windsor, age 20, Sgt. Co. A, 12th Regt Letter No. 37

   

April 21,1863. Over the new bridge by rail to Bristoe Station

Bridge built by soldiers.
Orange & Alexandria RR
(Matthew Bradey)
NationalArchives

“[On Wednesday, April 15, 1863] a severe and protracted rainstorm came on which so raised the streams and Bull Run in particular, as to carry off the bridge over that stream at [Union Mills]- only the iron rails and a few pieces being left - and the river was totally unfordable."~ Lt. Col. Charles Cummings, Sixteenth Regiment, Letters  April 19, 1863. VHS. 

The Photographic History of the Civil War: Forts and artillery
 By Robert Sampson Lanier

Mathew Brady
Military bridge, Haupt Truss, Bull Run, Va., April 1863
(US National Archives)

 On the 21st the Sixteenth regiment was sent out to guard the construction train which reopened the road; and was the first infantry to pass over the road after the close of Pope's campaign. ~ 2 George Grenville Benedict, Vermont in the Civil War 432 (Burlington Vt 1888)

"[W]e got orders to be ready to march in twenty minutes (before we had fairly finished breakfast), but were not required to go until 9 o'clock. Marched down to the Station and five companies were put upon the cars and the rest were obliged to foot it, our company not being among the lucky ones. 

"We marched to Manassas Junction (six miles), without halting, and then stopped for a couple of hours or so, and "struck our teeth against much hardtack", then started on, leaving Co. "B", and marched about nine miles further, when we met the train returning with those of our regiment who had gone on before. 

"They had been only two miles or so further than we went, and had repaired the bridge over the Broad Run just beyond Bristow Station that they expected to find demolished, but it was very good. They only had to lay a new track across it, and do some slight repairing to make it passable again. 

"We came back to the Junction, and camped for the night; meanwhile the pickets had been sent on after us, after they all had got a bit rested. We met them about eleven miles out from camp, took them on board with us and all rode back, though we were somewhat crowded." ~ Hezron G. Day, pvt., Company C, Sixteenth Regiment, Letter of April 23, 1863

"Tuesday 21st. ... Gen Stannard came to-day. Col. Blunt had Regt' on Battalion drill this P.M." ~ Diary of Horace Barlow, 108, Pvt., Co. C, 12th Regiment