In 1864, April 17 was a Sunday. There were very few Sunday's left for many soldiers, both blue and gray. Religion was important to many of the soldiers and services were usually well attended. Church gave the soldiers something solid to lean on to as they prepared for the horror that all knew was days or weeks away.
From a soldier in the 86th New York: "Attended muster in the chapel. Sermon by Chaplain Bradner of the 126th Regt. PM a communion was on. Also 4 of my friends were baptized by Rev. Mr. ___(chaplain) of my regt. Evening attended prayer meeting, had a good meeting."
"Sunday School and church service today as usual." jotted Elisha Hunt Rhodes of the 2nd Rhode Island in his diary.
Another heard a sermon by Dr. Durya of New York. "He handled the Infinite in a rather easy way, but he had a good manner & an excellent voice for singing."
Many had inspections and dress parades, a normal Sunday event. But generally most of the men stayed in their 'homes' if possible, for it was another rainy day in Culpeper.
In a short time, the chapels would be torn down, the tenting folded and returned to the Christian Commission. The Army of the Potomac would move from cabins to tents in preparation for the work ahead.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
If I live through Spring
Spring finally began to unfold in Culpeper County. the snow was melted and the rains began to subside. The of soldiers of the Army of the Potomac began to realize that their time of inactivity had begun to wane. They were drilling regularly; and reviews became more commonplace. Little did they know what was in store for them.
On April 7, 1864, William Hogan, a soldier in the 2nd Delaware Infantry wrote to his son. "Our scouts have crossed the Rapidan River this evening and I expect that we will soon follow them I expect to join my Regt to morrow but you may look for me home about the middle of August if I live through this Spring campaign which I hope and trust I shall."
Hogan survived the war, but became a prisoner during the Petersburg campaign. Hogan's letter can be found on Vermonthistory.org
On April 7, 1864, William Hogan, a soldier in the 2nd Delaware Infantry wrote to his son. "Our scouts have crossed the Rapidan River this evening and I expect that we will soon follow them I expect to join my Regt to morrow but you may look for me home about the middle of August if I live through this Spring campaign which I hope and trust I shall."
Hogan survived the war, but became a prisoner during the Petersburg campaign. Hogan's letter can be found on Vermonthistory.org
Monday, April 5, 2010
The North-Easter
April 4 and 5, 1864 saw what we like to call a Nor-Easter. Heavy rain, wind and if the season is right, snow. Well the soldiers of the Army of the Potomac got a little bit of it all.
From Lt. Col. Theodore Lyman, of Meade's staff (From "Meade's Army", edited by David W. Lowe)
"Rain all night and today worse than ever, a perfect type of a north-easter; cold & windy & wet. Took a ride, when it let up a little, and saw the Blue Ridge covered with snow. Muddy Run was running full with red water, and the Hazel River had swept away it's bridge, though the pontoons at Welfords [ford] held fast."
Austin Fenn, of the 10Th Vermont wrote to his wife, "Today is Tuesday and I will write a few lines to you it has been raining and snowing ever since yesterday noon. It is the worst time I ever see out here to get around."
Others complained about the rain and mud and wind. But the real complaints would begin in a day or two. The Hazel River bridge was not the only one to get swept away. A number of bridges on the Orange and Alexandria Rail road were lost. And while there was plenty of food in the camps, what was lost for a number of days was just as important to the soldiers, their mail.
From Lt. Col. Theodore Lyman, of Meade's staff (From "Meade's Army", edited by David W. Lowe)
"Rain all night and today worse than ever, a perfect type of a north-easter; cold & windy & wet. Took a ride, when it let up a little, and saw the Blue Ridge covered with snow. Muddy Run was running full with red water, and the Hazel River had swept away it's bridge, though the pontoons at Welfords [ford] held fast."
Austin Fenn, of the 10Th Vermont wrote to his wife, "Today is Tuesday and I will write a few lines to you it has been raining and snowing ever since yesterday noon. It is the worst time I ever see out here to get around."
Others complained about the rain and mud and wind. But the real complaints would begin in a day or two. The Hazel River bridge was not the only one to get swept away. A number of bridges on the Orange and Alexandria Rail road were lost. And while there was plenty of food in the camps, what was lost for a number of days was just as important to the soldiers, their mail.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
A Big Change Near the Top
It was reported in the Boston Herald on April 2 and widely disseminated on April 4:
"It now announced, though not an official form, that General Sheridan has been assigned to the position of command of the Cavalry Corps. General Sheridan, we believe, belonged to the dragoons in the old service, but his reputation during the present war, which is a very distinguish one, has been gained as a Commander of the Division of Infantry in the Army of the Cumberland in the appointment will take the public by surprise.
The service in which most of our cavalry officers have gained what fame they have, has been in the class of expeditions called raids - a kind of operation which depends entirely on its character, whether it is of very high or absolute valueless or worse. They are apt to be effectual in nothing but destroying horses and a few such expeditions can easily use up the finest cavalry corps ever raised.
But though we appreciate that their full value well planned and vigorously executed raids, a general of cavalry should be something more than a mere raider. He should know how to bring into play this magnificent arm in the great part assigned to it on the day of battle. To lead a flying column for a hundred or two miles through an enemy's country, is one thing, and maybe a very good and valuable thing; but to maneuver cavalry on the field of battle in and bring out of it the great results it can achieve is another and much higher thing.
The Army of the Potomac has now a noble cavalry corps, and we hope its new commander will be able to develop its power, and make it the store traditions of this harm in a living reality."
Interesting commentary. It is undoubtedly a direct broadside against Judson Kilpatrick and his late raid into Richmond. Alfred Pleasonton is now gone, Kill-Cavalry will soon be reporting to a new commander.
With Sheridan, Grant has the man he wants in place, though he has never led a cavalry unit of any appreciable size. We know the final outcome, but an interesting choice, another outsider.
"It now announced, though not an official form, that General Sheridan has been assigned to the position of command of the Cavalry Corps. General Sheridan, we believe, belonged to the dragoons in the old service, but his reputation during the present war, which is a very distinguish one, has been gained as a Commander of the Division of Infantry in the Army of the Cumberland in the appointment will take the public by surprise.
The service in which most of our cavalry officers have gained what fame they have, has been in the class of expeditions called raids - a kind of operation which depends entirely on its character, whether it is of very high or absolute valueless or worse. They are apt to be effectual in nothing but destroying horses and a few such expeditions can easily use up the finest cavalry corps ever raised.
But though we appreciate that their full value well planned and vigorously executed raids, a general of cavalry should be something more than a mere raider. He should know how to bring into play this magnificent arm in the great part assigned to it on the day of battle. To lead a flying column for a hundred or two miles through an enemy's country, is one thing, and maybe a very good and valuable thing; but to maneuver cavalry on the field of battle in and bring out of it the great results it can achieve is another and much higher thing.
The Army of the Potomac has now a noble cavalry corps, and we hope its new commander will be able to develop its power, and make it the store traditions of this harm in a living reality."
Interesting commentary. It is undoubtedly a direct broadside against Judson Kilpatrick and his late raid into Richmond. Alfred Pleasonton is now gone, Kill-Cavalry will soon be reporting to a new commander.
With Sheridan, Grant has the man he wants in place, though he has never led a cavalry unit of any appreciable size. We know the final outcome, but an interesting choice, another outsider.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
"I wish it had been me."
April 3 was a Sunday in Brandy Station, usually a day of church service, a quick inspection and the rest of the day was free. It was also a day to catch up on your letter writing.
A soldier from Vermont wrote a real interesting on to his wife on April 3. I found this letter in "A War of the People: Vermont Civil War Letters," edited by Jeffery D. Marshall. In it Tabor Parcher tells his wife about three Culpeper women who succumbed to Yankees wiles.
A portion of the letter, as written:
"Wall there is three girls that is a goin to have babies that I know. Hon John Minor Botts Girl is a goin to have one. She is a nice pretty girl of about 20 years of age. The safe guard knock[ed] her up. I wish it had been me. She was one of the first girls in this vicinity before she got f***ed & it doant make a difference now. Wall another is Sarah France. She lives near the Picket line at Poney Mountain. She is about 3 ½ months along so she told me last time that I see her. & the other is Alis Poland. She lives near the right of the divisions Picket line."
Besides identifying the three ladies for us, the most fascinating line is "I wish it had been me." Remember, he is writing his WIFE, who is in Vermont. They must have had a strong, understanding relationship.
A soldier from Vermont wrote a real interesting on to his wife on April 3. I found this letter in "A War of the People: Vermont Civil War Letters," edited by Jeffery D. Marshall. In it Tabor Parcher tells his wife about three Culpeper women who succumbed to Yankees wiles.
A portion of the letter, as written:
"Wall there is three girls that is a goin to have babies that I know. Hon John Minor Botts Girl is a goin to have one. She is a nice pretty girl of about 20 years of age. The safe guard knock[ed] her up. I wish it had been me. She was one of the first girls in this vicinity before she got f***ed & it doant make a difference now. Wall another is Sarah France. She lives near the Picket line at Poney Mountain. She is about 3 ½ months along so she told me last time that I see her. & the other is Alis Poland. She lives near the right of the divisions Picket line."
Besides identifying the three ladies for us, the most fascinating line is "I wish it had been me." Remember, he is writing his WIFE, who is in Vermont. They must have had a strong, understanding relationship.
Friday, April 2, 2010
"let them pass by..."
"My dear wife you should no me better than to think for one moment that I came out here to stop bullets for I intend to let them pass by and give them all the room I can at that for there is ware the danger is if you go to stopping bullets you are sure to get hurt but if you let them pass right by then is no danger not the least so do not let that worry you?"
So wrote a soldier in the 1st New Jersey Cavalry on this day in 1864. John Pownall enlisted on October 5, 1863. Seven months later, to the day, he was dead. Killed at Todd's Tavern.
He was a husband and father. What drove Pownall to enlist? A bonus? Maybe. Love or country or wanting to take part in the greatest event in his lifetime? I doubt it. If this was the case, he would have enlisted in 1861.
I don't know. But I suspect he saw an opportunity to make some easy money, doing light service in the Cavalry. He spent the winter mostly in Fauquier County, participating in patrols and chasing guerrillas. Not what he anticipated back in October.
His Overland Campaign was brief, like so many others who spent their last days in Culpeper and Fauquier County.
So wrote a soldier in the 1st New Jersey Cavalry on this day in 1864. John Pownall enlisted on October 5, 1863. Seven months later, to the day, he was dead. Killed at Todd's Tavern.
He was a husband and father. What drove Pownall to enlist? A bonus? Maybe. Love or country or wanting to take part in the greatest event in his lifetime? I doubt it. If this was the case, he would have enlisted in 1861.
I don't know. But I suspect he saw an opportunity to make some easy money, doing light service in the Cavalry. He spent the winter mostly in Fauquier County, participating in patrols and chasing guerrillas. Not what he anticipated back in October.
His Overland Campaign was brief, like so many others who spent their last days in Culpeper and Fauquier County.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
A quiet April 1st for a Medal of Honor winner
April 1, 1864 was a relatively quiet day in Brandy Station. It rained, again. Many, many days of rain in the late winter and early spring. Soldiers pretty much stayed close to their cabins and tents. Soldiers were relocating camps as a result of the Army of the Potomacs restructuring. Gone were the 1st and 3rd Corps. Both had been severely reduced by fighting in 1863 and the reduction gave Meade a chance to remove some less effective generals.
Today at Brandy Station: April 1, 1864
A soldier in the 141st Pennsylvania relocated camp to a position closer to the railroad. He complained about having to do this in the rain.
Captain John. Nicholas Conye (a Medal of Honor winner for his action at the Battle of Williamsburg on May 5 1862) received a letter from a major in the 70th New York about the number of drummers in that regiment. Conye believed they were 1o short, but the major corrected him as a number of privates had reenlisted.
From Deeds of Valor:
"LET'S CAPTURE THEIR COLORS, BOYS!"
When the enemy were overtaken at Williamsburg the Third Excelsior, of the Seventieth New York Volunteers, was in advance. It was a dark, rainy morning. A heavy vapor covered the field, and the smoke of the battle obscured the scene. As the supporting regiment approached, the enemy, who were concealed in the thick woods, sent up the cry: "Show your colors!" The color-bearer waved the flag, and, as its folds spread out and showed the stars and stripes, the rebels advanced from the woods and opened fire. The fire was returned so effectively that they were driven back. Another advance, with re-enforcements, was also repulsed by the valiant Excelsiors.
After several hours of conflict the ammunition became exhausted, and the New Yorkers were ordered to fall back by companies. Sergeant Coyne's company, which during the latter part of the battle was under his command, the captain and lieutenant having been disabled, became separated, and a number of them, missing their way, found themselves with their leader confronted by a party of the enemy surrounding their color-bearer.
"Let's capture their colors, boys!" shouted Coyne, and, with a ringing cheer, the little band made a dash for the enemy. Coyne singled out the color-bearer and rushed upon him. The rebel was too strong to be conquered by such an assault, and defended his flag bravely until a bullet, shattering his right hand, forced him to loosen his hold and enabled Coyne to drag the trophy from him. Tearing the flag from the staff and tying it around his body, he turned to offer battle to any one who should attempt to retake it but the survivors of the enemy were hurriedly leaving the field before a rescuing party sent by General Heintzelman. Of the brave band who had supported their leader but few remained standing, and Sergeant Cook, Corporal Beekman, and Privates Howard and Lynch were killed outright.
Sergeant Coyne received the commission of second lieutenant to date from the battle. He was mentioned for bravery in general orders by General Heintzelman, and was advanced to the rank of lieutenant-colonel for several other acts of gallantry during the war.
Today at Brandy Station: April 1, 1864
A soldier in the 141st Pennsylvania relocated camp to a position closer to the railroad. He complained about having to do this in the rain.
Captain John. Nicholas Conye (a Medal of Honor winner for his action at the Battle of Williamsburg on May 5 1862) received a letter from a major in the 70th New York about the number of drummers in that regiment. Conye believed they were 1o short, but the major corrected him as a number of privates had reenlisted.
From Deeds of Valor:
"LET'S CAPTURE THEIR COLORS, BOYS!"
When the enemy were overtaken at Williamsburg the Third Excelsior, of the Seventieth New York Volunteers, was in advance. It was a dark, rainy morning. A heavy vapor covered the field, and the smoke of the battle obscured the scene. As the supporting regiment approached, the enemy, who were concealed in the thick woods, sent up the cry: "Show your colors!" The color-bearer waved the flag, and, as its folds spread out and showed the stars and stripes, the rebels advanced from the woods and opened fire. The fire was returned so effectively that they were driven back. Another advance, with re-enforcements, was also repulsed by the valiant Excelsiors.
After several hours of conflict the ammunition became exhausted, and the New Yorkers were ordered to fall back by companies. Sergeant Coyne's company, which during the latter part of the battle was under his command, the captain and lieutenant having been disabled, became separated, and a number of them, missing their way, found themselves with their leader confronted by a party of the enemy surrounding their color-bearer.
"Let's capture their colors, boys!" shouted Coyne, and, with a ringing cheer, the little band made a dash for the enemy. Coyne singled out the color-bearer and rushed upon him. The rebel was too strong to be conquered by such an assault, and defended his flag bravely until a bullet, shattering his right hand, forced him to loosen his hold and enabled Coyne to drag the trophy from him. Tearing the flag from the staff and tying it around his body, he turned to offer battle to any one who should attempt to retake it but the survivors of the enemy were hurriedly leaving the field before a rescuing party sent by General Heintzelman. Of the brave band who had supported their leader but few remained standing, and Sergeant Cook, Corporal Beekman, and Privates Howard and Lynch were killed outright.
Sergeant Coyne received the commission of second lieutenant to date from the battle. He was mentioned for bravery in general orders by General Heintzelman, and was advanced to the rank of lieutenant-colonel for several other acts of gallantry during the war.
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