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diff --git a/old/52121-8.txt b/old/52121-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index ed882e0..0000000 --- a/old/52121-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8874 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Recollections of a Confederate Staff Officer, by -Gilbert Moxley Sorrel - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Recollections of a Confederate Staff Officer - -Author: Gilbert Moxley Sorrel - -Contributor: John W. Daniel - -Release Date: May 22, 2016 [EBook #52121] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RECOLLECTIONS--CONFEDERATE STAFF OFFICER *** - - - - -Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images -generously made available by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - - RECOLLECTIONS OF A - CONFEDERATE STAFF OFFICER - - - [Illustration: - Very truly yrs - Gill Sorrell] - - - - -RECOLLECTIONS OF A CONFEDERATE STAFF OFFICER - - BY - GEN. G. MOXLEY SORREL - - _Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Staff, Longstreet's 1st - Army Corps_; _Brigadier-General commanding - Sorrel's Brigade, A. P. Hill's 3rd - Army Corps, Army of Northern - Virginia_ - - SECOND EDITION - - [Illustration] - - WITH INTRODUCTION BY - - SENATOR JOHN W. DANIEL - - THE NEALE PUBLISHING COMPANY - 440 FOURTH AVENUE YORK - 1917 - - - - - Copyright, 1905, by - THE NEALE PUBLISHING COMPANY - - - - - _TO MY WIFE_ - - _This Volume is affectionately_ - - _DEDICATED_ - - _In illness and tedious convalescence it was she who suggested - these reminiscences of the past, as a solace, - giving me cheerful encouragement and material - assistance in their preparation, for which - my grateful thanks are ever hers._ - - - - -CONTENTS - - - PAGE - - Introduction 13 - - CHAPTER - - I Battle of Manassas, July 21, 1861 23 - - II After Manassas at Centerville 35 - - III Reminiscences and Horses 45 - - IV Sketches 53 - - V Our National Hymn 61 - - VI The Peninsula and Battle of Williamsburg, May 5, 1862 65 - - VII Battle of Seven Pines, May 31, 1862 71 - - VIII Battles of the Chickahominy, June 26 to July 2, 1862 76 - - IX Rivalry and More Reminiscences 87 - - X Second Battle of Manassas, August 29 and 30, 1862 94 - - XI Battles of South Mountain (Boonsboro Gap) and - Sharpsburg (Antietam), September 14 and 17, 1862 103 - - XII Battle of Sharpsburg, Continued 110 - - XIII Battle of Sharpsburg, Concluded 115 - - XIV Our Personnel--Visitors 120 - - XV The Staff 124 - - XVI Events Preceding Fredericksburg 129 - - XVII Battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 136 - - XVIII After Fredericksburg--Reminiscences 143 - - XIX To South Virginia for Supplies 150 - - XX Preparing for Gettysburg 156 - - XXI Battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 2, 3, 1863 163 - - XXII Gettysburg Aftermath 173 - - XXIII In Virginia Again 179 - - XXIV Longstreet to Reinforce Bragg 184 - - XXV Battle of Chickamauga, September 20, 1863 188 - - XXVI Chattanooga--Incidents 195 - - XXVII The East Tennessee Campaign, November, 1863, to - April, 1864 204 - - XXVIII The East Tennessee Campaign, Continued 212 - - XXIX At Home in Savannah--Sketches 220 - - XXX Battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864 228 - - XXXI Coincidences--Longstreet's Successor 240 - - XXXII Battle of Spottsylvania C. H., May 10 and 12, and - Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864 244 - - XXXIII The siege of Petersburg June, 1864, to March, 1865 254 - - XXXIV Longstreet's Return--Farewell to Lee 265 - - Appendix 283 - - - - -RECOLLECTIONS OF A CONFEDERATE STAFF OFFICER - - - - -INTRODUCTION - -BY - -JOHN W. DANIEL - -_Formerly Major and Assistant Adjutant-General Early's Division, Second -Corps, A. N. V._ - - -A few months ago I entered a room where a group of five or six -gentlemen were seated around a table in conversation. As I took my seat -to join them, one of the number, a distinguished Northern Senator, of -high cultivation and who is a great reader of history, made this remark -to his companions: "The Army of Northern Virginia was in my opinion the -strongest body of men of equal numbers that ever stood together upon -the earth." As an ex-Confederate soldier I could not feel otherwise -than pleased to hear such an observation from a gentleman of the North -who was a student of military history. As the conversation continued -there seemed to be a general concurrence in the opinion he stated, and -I doubt if any man of intelligence who would give sedate consideration -to the subject, would express a different sentiment. - -The Army of the Potomac, the valiant and powerful antagonist of the -Army of Northern Virginia, was indeed of much larger numbers, and -better equipped and fed; but it would have nevertheless failed but -for its high quality of soldiership which are by none more respected -than by its former foes. Both armies were worthy of any steel that was -ever forged for the business of war, and when General Grant in his -"Memoirs" describes the meeting after the surrender of the officers of -both sides around the McLean House, he says that they seemed to "enjoy -the meeting as much as though they had been friends separated for a -long time while fighting battles under the same flag." He prophesied in -his last illness that "we are on the eve of a new era when there is to -be great harmony between the Federal and Confederate." - -That era came to meridian when the Federal Government magnanimously -returned to the States of the South the captured battle-flags of their -regiments. The story of the war will be told no longer at soldiers' -camp-fires with the feelings of bygone years, or with even stifled -reproach, but solely with a design to cultivate friendship and to -unfold the truth as to one of the most stupendous conflicts of arms -that ever evoked the heroism of the human race. - -"Recollections of a Confederate Staff Officer," by Brigadier-General -G. Moxley Sorrel, of the Army of Northern Virginia, is a valuable -contribution to this great history. Its author received his "baptism -of fire" in the First Battle of Manassas, July 21, 1861, while serving -on the staff of Brigadier-General James Longstreet as a volunteer aid, -with the complimentary rank of captain. - -The forces under General Beauregard at Bull Run were known at that -time as "The Army of the Potomac." The name of the antagonist of the -Federal "Army of the Potomac" was soon changed to the "Army of Northern -Virginia"; and Longstreet, the senior brigadier, became major-general -and then lieutenant-general. - -Sorrel followed the fortunes of his chief, serving as adjutant-general -of his brigade, division, and corps, with rank successively as captain, -major, and lieutenant-colonel, and distinguished himself many times by -his gallantry and efficiency. During the siege of Petersburg the tardy -promotion which he had long deserved and for which he had been time -and again recommended, came to him and he succeeded Brigadier-General -Girardey, a gallant soldier, who had been killed in battle, as -commander of a brigade in Mahone's division, A. P. Hill's Third Corps. - -When promoted he showed the right spirit by making a faithful and -brave courier his aide-de-camp. As a general, as well as while on the -staff, Sorrel often had his "place near the flashing of the guns." At -Sharpsburg he leaped from his horse, with Fairfax, Goree, Manning, and -Walton, of Longstreet's staff, to serve as cannoneers at the guns of -the Washington Artillery, whose soldiers had been struck down. While he -was carrying a message to a brigade commander his horse was shot under -him, and still later on the same field a fragment of a shell struck -him senseless and he was for a while disabled. He passed through the -maelstrom of Gettysburg, here and there upon that field of blood; the -hind legs of his horse were swept away by a cannon ball, and at the -same time he and Latrobe, of Longstreet's staff, were carrying in their -arms saddles taken from horses slain under them. - -At the Wilderness, May 6, 1864, he was at the side of his chief when -that officer was badly wounded, and when General Jenkins, of South -Carolina, and Captain Dobie of the staff were killed. He won his -general's wreath that day, although it was some time before it reached -him. At the crisis when Longstreet's corps was going to the rescue he -was entrusted with marshalling three brigades to flank the advancing -forces of General Hancock. Moving forward with the line of the Twelfth -Virginia Infantry, of Mahone's brigade, he endeavored to take its -colors as it advanced to the onset, but Ben May, the stout-hearted -standard-bearer, refused him that honor and himself carried them to -victory. When this battle was over General Lee saluted him as "General -Sorrel." - -He was wounded in the leg while commanding his brigade on the right -of the Confederate line near Petersburg; and again he was shot in the -lungs at Hatcher's Run in January, 1865, the same action in which fell -the brave General John Pegram, then commanding Early's old division. - -During the illness resulting from this wound, General Sorrel was cared -for by relatives in Roanoke County, Virginia, and having recovered -sufficiently returned to the field. He was in Lynchburg, Virginia, on -his way back to his command when the surrender at Appomattox ended the -career of the Army of Northern Virginia. - -Scarcely any figure in that army was more familiar to its soldiers than -that of General Sorrel, and certainly none more so to the soldiers of -the First Corps. Tall, slender, and graceful, with a keen dark eye, a -trim military figure, and an engaging countenance, he was a dashing and -fearless rider, and he attracted attention in march and battle by his -constant devotion to his duties as adjutant-general, and became as well -known as any of the commanders. - -General Sorrel has not attempted a military history. He has simply -related the things he saw and of which he was a part. He says of his -writings, "that they are rough jottings from memory without access to -any data or books of reference and with little attempt at sequence." -What his book will therefore lack in the precision and detail as -to military strategy or movement, will be compensated for by the -naturalness and freshness which are found in the free, picturesque, and -salient character of his work. - -General Sorrel was of French descent on his father's side. His -grandfather, Antoine Sorrel Des Riviere, had been a colonel of -engineers in the French Army, and afterwards held estates in San -Domingo, from which he was driven by the insurrection of the negroes in -the early part of the nineteenth century. He then moved to Louisiana. - -His father, Francis Sorrel, became a successful business man in -Savannah, Georgia, and his mother was a lady of Virginia. If he -inherited from one those distinctively American qualities which were so -attractive in his character, we can but fancy that he inherited in some -degree at least from his sire the delicate touch with the pen which is -so characteristic of the French. They have written more entertaining -memoirs than any other people, and this memoir of General Sorrel is -full of sketches, incidents, anecdotes, and of vivid portraitures and -scenes which remind the reader no little of the military literature of -the French. - -No military writer has yet undertaken to produce a complete history -of either the Army of the Potomac or the Army of Northern Virginia. -Indeed, it has scarce been practicable to write such a history. The -rolls of the two armies have not yet been published, and while the War -Records have furnished a great body of most valuable matter and there -are many volumes of biography and autobiography which shed light on -campaigns and battles, the deposit of historical material will not be -finished before the whole generation who fought the war has passed from -earth. This volume will be useful to the historian in giving him an -insight to the very image and body of the times. It will carry him to -the general's headquarters and from there to the picket-line; from the -kitchen camp-fire and baking-oven to the hospital and ordnance wagon; -from the devices of the commissary and quarter-master to the trenches -in the battlefield; from the long march to the marshalled battle line; -from the anxieties of the rear-guard of the retreat to the stern array -of the charging columns. He will find some graphic accounts of leading -characters, such as Longstreet, Ewell, D. H. Hill, A. P. Hill, Jeb -Stuart, Early, Anderson, Mahone, Van Dorn, Polk, Bragg, and many others -who shone in the lists of the great tourney. The private soldier is -justly recognized, and appears in his true light all along the line, of -which he was the enduring figure. Lee, great and incomparable, shines -as he always does, in the endearing majesty of his matchless character -and genius. - -General Sorrel's book is written in the temper and spirit which we -might expect of the accomplished and gallant soldier that he was. It is -without rancor, as he himself declares, and it is without disposition -unduly to exalt one personage or belittle another. It bespeaks the -catholic mind of an honest man. It tells things as he saw them, and he -was one who did his deed from the highest and purest motives. - -The staff of the Army of Northern Virginia (of which G. M. Sorrel, -assistant adjutant-general, was a bright, particular star) was for -the most part an improvised affair, as for the most part was the -whole Confederate Army, and indeed the Federal Army was almost as -much so. It showed, as did the line of civilians turned quickly into -soldiers, the aptitude of our American people for military service and -accomplishment. Even the younger officers of military training were -needed in armies of raw and inexperienced recruits for many commands. -The staff had to be made up for the most part of alert young men, some -of them yet in their teens, and it is remarkable that they were so -readily found and so well performed their duties. - -At twenty-two years of age Sorrel was a clerk in a Savannah bank, and -a private in a volunteer company of Savannah. He slipped away from his -business to see the bombardment of Fort Sumter in April, 1861, and a -little later we then find him at his father's country estate some ten -miles from Manassas Junction, looking forward to a second lieutenancy -as the fulfilment of his then ambition. - -An introduction from Col. Thomas Jordan, the adjutant-general of -Beauregard, to General Longstreet fixed his career with that officer, -and he was by his side transacting his business and carrying his -orders from the start to well-nigh the finish. On the Peninsula, and -in the trenches at Yorktown, at Williamsburg and Seven Pines, in the -Seven Days Battle around Richmond, at Second Manassas and Sharpsburg, -at Suffolk in southeast Virginia, at Gettysburg, Chickamauga, at -Knoxville, at the Wilderness, and in many combats along the Richmond -and Petersburg lines, General Sorrel shared in many adventures and was -a part of many matters of great pith and moment. Like Sandy Pendleton, -the adjutant of Jackson, of Ewell, and of Early as commanders of the -Second Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia, and like W. H. Palmer, -of Richmond, the adjutant of A. P. Hill, he had no special preparation -for his military career; and all three of these valuable officers, like -many others who might be mentioned, are simply illustrations of the -fine inherent qualities that pertain to the scions of a free people. - -I have not written this introduction in the hope that I could add -anything to the attractiveness of General Sorrel's recollections, -nor have I undertaken to edit them or to pass upon the opinions -which he expressed concerning men or things or battles. My part is -simply that of a friend who belonged also to the staff of the Army -of Northern Virginia, and of one who, from opportunities to observe -General Sorrel on many occasions and to know him personally, learned to -honor and admire him. I deem it fitting, however, to say that in some -respects I differ from General Sorrel's opinions and would vary some -of his observations respecting Ewell, Stuart, Early, and a few other -conspicuous leaders. - -"Fortunate indeed is the man who like General Sorrel is entitled to -remind those around his death-bed that he did his best to do his duty -and to serve his country with heart and soul. The records of his life -tell us how well, how faithfully he did serve her, and if anything can -console you and others for his loss it must be that fact." - -These are the words of Field Marshal Wolseley, written to Mrs. Sorrel, -the widow of the General upon his death at "The Barrens" near Roanoke, -Va., the home of his brother, Dr. Francis Sorrel. - -They are worthy of repetition in connection with General Sorrel's -name by reason of their just estimate of his worth as a patriot and a -soldier, and of the high spirit which they breathe; and that they are -uttered by a soldier and a man of such character and ability as Field -Marshal Wolseley impresses all the more their inherent merit. - -They better introduce the volume of General Sorrel's composition than -anything I can say, for they reveal in short compass the nature of the -man, the principle that actuated his life, and the estimate formed of -him by an eminent soldier who had no partial relation to him or his -deeds. - - JOHN W. DANIEL. - - WASHINGTON, D. C., May 1, 1905. - - - - -RECOLLECTIONS OF A CONFEDERATE STAFF OFFICER - - - - -CHAPTER I - -BATTLE OF MANASSAS, JULY 21, 1861 - - Forbears and Home at Savannah--Fort Sumter attacked--Hostilities - begin--Leave for Virginia--Visit to my father--Beauregard's - camp at Manassas--Colonel Jordan--Introduced to General - Longstreet--Sketch--General Stuart--General Johnston--The - battle--Enemy defeated--Pursuit stopped--March to - Centerville--Stonewall Jackson--Prince Napoleon--the review--Colonel - Skinner--His Exploits. - - -My forbears were French on my father's side. His father, Antoine -Sorrel des Riviere, Colonel du Genie (Engineer Corps) in the French -Army, was on his estates in the island of San Domingo when the bloody -insurrection of the blacks broke out at the opening of the century. -He had the tragic horror of witnessing the massacre of many relatives -and friends. His property was destroyed, and his life barely saved by -concealment and flight to Cuba, thence to Louisiana, where a refuge was -found among friendly kindred. There he died at a great age. - -His son Francis, my father, was saved from the rage of bloodthirsty -blacks by the faithful devotion of the household slaves, and some -years later succeeded in reaching Maryland, where he was educated. He -married in Virginia, engaging in business in the early part of the -century at Savannah, Georgia. - -My maternal great-grandfather, Alvin Moxley, was from Westmoreland -County, Virginia. He was one of the signers of what is known as the -Richard Henry Lee Bill of Rights, 1765, the first recorded protest in -America against taxation without representation, and which twelve years -later led directly to the Revolutionary War. The original document is -now preserved and framed in the Virginia Historical Society at Richmond. - -Death bereft my father of his wife in time's flight. An eminent -merchant, successful and prominent, we find him in the Civil War in -health and ease, happy in the love of many children and the esteem -of hosts of friends. As a child he had seen some horrors of the -insurrection, but never could he be persuaded to speak of them, so deep -and painful were even their distant memories. At the culmination of the -political troubles in 1861 I was a young chap just twenty-two, at home -in my native city, Savannah, peacefully employed with the juniors of -the banking force of the Central Railroad. - -When Sumter was bombarded at Charleston in April, I slipped away for a -day or two and witnessed the scenes of wild excitement that attended -its fall. It spread everywhere, and like all the youth of the country -I was quickly drawn in. For a year or two before, like many of my -associates in Savannah, I was a member, a private, of the Georgia -Hussars, a fine volunteer cavalry company, with a creditable history of -almost a century. - -On the secession of Georgia, now soon following, Fort Pulaski was -seized and the various military commands did their tour of duty there, -the Hussars among them. - -This was my first service. The company also immediately offered itself -to the Confederate Government just organized at Montgomery, Alabama, -and was eager to get into the field; but delay ensued, although it was -mustered in for thirty days' service on the coast of Skidaway Island, -near Savannah. There I served again as private until mustered out. A -Confederate army was being collected in Virginia under Beauregard, the -capital having been settled in Richmond. Becoming impatient of inaction -at Savannah, our company apparently not being wanted, I decided to go -to Virginia and seek employment there. - -Richmond looked like a camp when I arrived, in July. It was full of -officers in their smart uniforms, all busy with their duties, and the -greatest efforts were made for equipping and arming the men now pouring -in from the South. They were posted first in camps of instruction, -where, by means of younger officers, they attained some drill before -being sent to the army. How happy should I be could I get a commission -as second lieutenant and plunge into work with the men. - -My brother, Dr. Francis Sorrel, had just arrived from California and -was gazetted to a high position in the Surgeon-General's Department. -He aided me all possible, but I got nothing, and so about July 15, my -cash running down, betook myself to my father's pretty country place -at Greenwich, about ten miles north of Warrenton, Fauquier County. -It was also about ten miles from Manassas Junction, the headquarters -of General Beauregard, now in command of the army that was to fight -McDowell and defend Richmond. My father said it was unfortunate -I had not come a day or two earlier, because he had driven his -daughters across the country for a visit to the camps, where they met -many friends. Among these was Col. Thomas Jordon, the all-powerful -adjutant-general of Beauregard's army, then termed the Army of the -Potomac. Many years before, Jordon, when a lieutenant, had been -stationed in Savannah, and enjoyed my father's generous hospitality. -This was my opportunity. - -I asked for just a few lines of introduction to Jordon, and a horse out -of the stables. I knew them well and could get a good mount for the -field. My dear father willingly acceded, and parted from me cheerfully -but with moist eyes. On the way to the camp I came up with Meredith, a -relation (not long ago United States Congressman from Virginia), and -soon I found Colonel Jordon. He had been doing an enormous amount of -work and was almost exhausted. - -Jordon was considered a brilliant staff officer, and justly so; but -there appeared something lacking in his make-up as a whole that -disappointed his friends. At all events, his subsequent military career -failed and he sank out of prominent notice. He was kind to me, read my -note, said nothing could be done then; but--"Come again to-morrow." - -This turned me loose in the camp. The soldiers from the Valley under J. -E. Johnston and J. E. B. Stuart began to make an appearance in small -numbers, principally cavalry. We slept that night at Meredith's, about -three miles from camp. Jordon, the next day, was still unable to do -anything for me, and I began to be doubtful of success, but could at -least go as a private with a good horse under me. - -Again at Meredith's and awakened very early by cannon, we were up in a -moment and galloping to Beauregard's. - -There I was made happy on the 21st day of July. The adjutant-general -handed me three lines of introduction to Longstreet, commanding a -brigade at Blackburn's Ford several miles distant. With a good-by to -Meredith I was swiftly off. Approaching the ford, shot and shell were -flying close overhead; and feeling a bit nervous, my first time under -fire, I began to inquire what folly had brought me into such disturbing -scenes. - -The feeling passed, however, and Longstreet, who had called on -Beauregard for staff officers, received me cordially. - -His acting adjutant-general, Lieutenant Frank Armistead, a West Point -graduate and of some service in the United States Army, was ordered -to announce me to the brigade as captain and volunteer aide-de-camp. -Brig.-Gen. James Longstreet was then a most striking figure, about -forty years of age, a soldier every inch, and very handsome, tall -and well proportioned, strong and active, a superb horseman and with -an unsurpassed soldierly bearing, his features and expression fairly -matched; eyes, glint steel blue, deep and piercing; a full brown beard, -head well shaped and poised. The worst feature was the mouth, rather -coarse; it was partly hidden, however, by his ample beard. His career -had not been without mark. Graduating from West Point in 1842, he was -assigned to the Fourth Infantry, the regiment which Grant joined one -year later. The Mexican War coming on, Longstreet had opportunity of -service and distinction which he did not fail to make the most of; -wounds awaited him, and brevets to console such hurts. After peace with -Mexico he was in the Indian troubles, had a long tour of duty in Texas, -and eventually received the appointment of major and paymaster. It was -from that rank and duty that he went at the call of his State to arm -and battle for the Confederacy. History will tell how well he did it. -He brought to our army a high reputation as an energetic, capable, and -experienced soldier. At West Point he was fast friends with Grant, and -was his best man at the latter's marriage. Grant, true as steel to his -friends, never in all his subsequent marvelous career failed Longstreet -when there was need. - -Such was the brigadier-general commanding four regiments of Virginia -infantry, the First, Eleventh, Seventeenth, and Twenty-fourth, and a -section of the Washington Artillery of New Orleans. The Eighteenth -Virginia Infantry was afterwards added. - -Three days previously, Longstreet, just joined his command, had -opportunity of showing his mettle. His position at the ford was -fiercely assailed by the Federals, and his coolness, good disposition, -and contagious courage brought about their defeat, and was the -beginning of that devotion which his men gave him up to Appomattox. -His staff officers at the time were Lieutenant Armistead, Lieutenant -Manning of Mississippi, ordnance officer; Captain Walton of -Mississippi, aid; Captain Goree of Texas, aid; and some quartermasters -and commissaries detailed from the regiments. - -The army had scarcely made an attempt yet at good organization. - -At Manassas Junction, while waiting on Jordon, I first saw Gen. Joseph -E. Johnston and J. E. B. Stuart. The first was full bearded, dusty, -and worn from long marching; a high-bred, stern-looking soldier of -faultless seat and bearing in the saddle. I had the good fortune to -know him well and most happily in the coming years. Once long after -the close of the war I was chatting with him in his best humor. We were -speaking of his varied military life and the several wounds he had -received in Mexico, with Indians, and in the recent Confederate War. He -had many, and as he sat in face of me the General's splendid, dome-like -head was something to admire. Quite bald, it was scarred in several -places, and looking at the mark of an ugly gash I inquired, "And, -General, where did you get that one?" The smile that irradiated that -strong, expressive face was brilliant and contagious as he answered, "I -got _that_, sir, out of a cherry tree!" and then followed a laughing -account of what a fall he had, and how he had been chased by the farmer. - -Stuart, red bearded, ruddy faced, alert and ever active, was dirtier -even than Johnston; but there stood the tireless cavalryman, the future -right arm of the great Lee, the eyes and ears to his army. Alas! that -his pure soldier's life, crowned with such splendid fame, should have -ended so needlessly, late in the war, by a stray shot. - -I should say here there is to be no attempt at describing battles--the -military works are full of them. I shall content myself with bare -outlines, and some observations of men and things, adding such -incidents and personal happenings as may, I hope, prove of interest. - -Longstreet's brigade had practically no part in the battle of -Manassas. It sustained some desultory artillery fire, and there was a -demonstration against it, but it amounted to nothing. Blackburn's Ford -was on the right, where the attack was expected, but McDowell found -his way to Beauregard's left and nearly smashed him until Johnston and -Jackson "ventre a terre" and turned the doubtful tide of battle into a -ruinous rout of the enemy. - -It was late in the afternoon, but we soon heard of it at our ford, and -Longstreet, waiting for no man, was immediately in pursuit. He was -halted first by Bonham, who ranked him, to permit his brigade to take -the lead. Then resuming the march hot-footed, after the flying foe, we -were again stopped, this time by Major Whiting, of Johnston's staff, -with orders from Beauregard to attempt no pursuit. Painful was this -order. We knew the Federals were in full flight, and we had only to -show ourselves to bag the whole outfit. - -We dismounted among some young pines to await further orders, and I saw -Longstreet in a fine rage. He dashed his hat furiously on the ground, -stamped, and bitter words escaped him. However, the night was on us, -some food was picked up by hook or crook, and we slept well under the -stars. The soundness of the order stopping pursuit has been viewed in -many different ways, and I shall not add my own opinion, except to -suggest that while in the condition of our army it was practically -impossible to seize Washington, it was yet the proper thing to keep on -the heels of those frightened soldiers until they reached the Potomac. -Many thousand prisoners, and much loot and stores, ammunition, guns, -colors, and other material would have fallen into our hands. - -Next day the field and highways showed the terrible battle that had -raged, and the ground was covered with the debris of the panic-stricken -army. Our brigade moved leisurely on, and halted for some time at -Centerville. The army was concentrated in the neighborhood, and about -Fairfax Court House and Fairfax Station, our headquarters being for -some time at the former place. About this time Longstreet was joined -by two noted scouts and rangers whom he had known in Texas--the -celebrated Frank Terry and Tom Lubbock, powerful men, both of them, -in the prime of life. Scouting and fighting had been their part from -boyhood. They were of much use to Longstreet. From Fairfax Court House -and vicinity we sent regular details, called the advanced forces, to -occupy Mason's and Munson's hills, only a few miles from Washington. -At night the dome of the Capitol could be seen from those positions, -lighted up with great splendor. There was sharp sniping in front of the -hills, and Terry and Lubbock generally bagged their man apiece, each -day, besides bringing in valuable information. Both men soon returned -to Texas and organized a regiment of cavalry in the Confederate service -under Terry. It was said to be the finest body of horsemen and fighters -imaginable, and subsequently did great service in the West. Terry fell -among them at their head. - -It was while we lay in the neighborhood that I saw Prince Jerome -Napoleon, "Plon Plon." It seems he was making a short visit of -curiosity (he was no friend of the South), and was at Beauregard's -headquarters some distance off. - -The General sent notice to Longstreet that he was coming with his staff -and guest to call on him, and suggested that he try to get up something -in the way of a small review of our best-clad soldiers. Longstreet -started me off at once to borrow a regiment from Stonewall Jackson and -one from D. R. Jones (South Carolina), both commands being near by. The -First Virginia Infantry, the Richmond regiment, was the contingent from -our own brigade. I soon found myself saluting General T. J. Jackson, -the first time I had seen the soldier. He was seated in a low, -comfortable chair in front of his quarters, quite shabbily dressed, but -neat and clean--little military ornament about him. It was the eye full -of fire and the firm, set face that drew attention. His hand was held -upright; a ball at the recent battle had cut off a piece of his finger, -and that position eased it. He was all courtesy to the young subaltern -awaiting his answer. - -"Say to General Longstreet, with my compliments, that he shall have my -best-looking regiment, and that immediately. The colonel will report at -the point you may designate." This done, Jones gave up his best, some -good-looking Carolinians, with palmetto badges, and then spurring back -to meet Beauregard and party to guide them to the reviewing ground, he -presented me to His Highness the Prince, who, well mounted, was riding -by his side. I could not keep my eyes off the Frenchman's face. It was -almost a replica of the great Napoleon, his uncle, but unpleasantly so; -skin pasty and flabby, bags under the eyes, and beefy all over. A large -man, tall, but without dignity of movement or attitude. The review was -soon over. The three picked regiments, with a good band, looked well, -although the Richmond boys were a bit out at the seat; but, as old -Skinner, the Colonel, said to the Frenchman as they marched by, "The -enemy won't see that part of them." - -The spot was on a nice piece of turf near an old wooden church, and -we had gathered a few refreshments for the occasion, but the Prince -would have nothing. Coldly and impassively he raised his hat in parting -salute, entered the carriage that was awaiting him, and, escorted by a -lieutenant of cavalry and a half dozen men under a flag of truce, we -willingly sent him back to his friends, the enemy. On returning to -France he published what ill he could find to say of us. "Plon Plon's" -abuse was not to hurt or disturb honest men with brave hearts. - -A word about Old Skinner, Colonel of the First Virginia. He was an old -Maryland fox hunter, handsome and distinguished looking, and had lived -long in France, almost domiciled there. He was connected with many of -the best people of Maryland and Virginia, and had hosts of friends. -Fond of good liquor, it was almost every night that he was a bit full, -and then there were wild scenes with his well-known hunter, who could -do anything or go anywhere with the Colonel on him. Skinner was a fine -swordsman, and had brought from France a long, straight, well-balanced -double-edged cuirassier's saber. In his cups the fine old Colonel would -swear he should die happy could he have one chance to use that steel on -the enemy. - -The chance came and Skinner was ready for it. At the second battle -of Manassas a battery of six guns was mauling some of our infantry -horribly. His regiment, the gallant First Virginia, was thrown at it, -"Old Fred," as the men affectionately called him, leading well in -advance. Out flashed the French saber, and he was among the gunners in -a trice. His execution was wonderful; sabering right and left he seemed -invulnerable, but down he came at last, just as his men swept over the -guns in a fine charge. It was the end of the Colonel's soldiering, but -although frightfully wounded in the chest and body he survived for many -years. So lively was the old beau sabreur, that only a few years ago he -came to New York to fight John Wise because of some fancied slight to a -member of his family--Wise, too, his lifelong friend! As there could -be no fighting, Wise had to do some nice diplomatic work to soothe the -irate Colonel and smooth over the affair. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -AFTER MANASSAS AT CENTERVILLE - - Commissioned as captain and acting adjutant-general--Pay of - officers--Assigned to Longstreet's brigade--The Oglethorpe Infantry, - of Savannah--Enemy preparing for winter quarters--Beauregard - takes command in West--Confederate flag--Presentation of - battle-flags--Starting a theatre--Georgia Hussars--A sleigh ride. - - -Something must now be said as to what happened to me several weeks -after the Manassas battle. It will be remembered I was a volunteer aid -with the rank by courtesy, but no pay. When I saw my messmates taking -theirs in very comfortably, it occurred to me I should make another -effort for a commission, so I wrote my application to the Secretary of -War asking to be appointed a second lieutenant, C. S. A., and assigned -as might be thought proper. Blushing like a girl, I asked General -Longstreet if he could endorse it favorably. Glancing hastily at the -paper, he said, "Certainly," and then added carelessly, "but it isn't -necessary." The words made no impression at the time, but they came to -mind later. - -After the battle we had not been idle; at least I was set to work. -There was no commissary to the brigade, and for a week or two I -did the duty after a fashion until an officer of that department -was assigned--Major Chichester. His papers, correspondence, and -duties seemed to fall on me, naturally, by his consent, and the -brigadier-general soon began to look to me for assistance. - -This had been going on for some time until the official mail one fine -morning brought me a commission as captain in the Adjutant-General's -Department, with orders to report to Longstreet. Then his words leaped -to my memory. He had a right to nominate his own adjutant-general and -had applied for me while I was fishing around for a second lieutenancy. -I had no military training except some drill and tactics at school, but -it seemed he thought I took to the work handily. He instructed me to -relieve Armistead and take over all the duties of the office. I rose -with Longstreet to be major and lieutenant-colonel in that department, -and brigadier-general commanding in Hill's corps, and my affection for -him is unfailing. Such efficiency on the field as I may have displayed -came from association with him and the example of that undismayed -warrior. He was like a rock in steadiness when sometimes in battle the -world seemed flying to pieces. - -Armistead left us, carrying our good wishes for his future. - -I think the pay of a captain (mounted) was $140 per month and forage -for two horses; a major, $162 a month; a lieutenant-colonel, $187. All -general officers got $301 per month. A soldier said the $1 was for what -they did, the $300 just thrown in to please them. Johnny Reb must have -his little joke. - -The first company to leave Savannah for Virginia was the Oglethorpe -Infantry, a fine body of eager young men commanded by Captain Bartow. -He was well known all through the State as an ardent Confederate, a -distinguished lawyer and orator. He took his young men to Joe Johnston -in the Valley, wildly enthusiastic; but Bartow could not long remain -their captain. His wide reputation quickly placed him colonel of the -Eighth Georgia Infantry, and with that historic regiment the company -fought at Manassas, and the entire war thereafter in Longstreet's -command. Bartow was commissioned a brigadier and served as such -at Manassas. On July 31st many anxious eyes were fixed on it in -Savannah. Then was its baptism of fire, and nobly did the young men -stand it. Many were the mourners at home for the killed and wounded -of these devoted youth. Their officers--West, Cooper, Butler--led -them handsomely; their colonel was lost to them and to the country. -Bartow was shot down at the head of the Eighth. "They have killed me, -boys, but never give up the fight," was his last gasp, and his soul, -with the gallant Bee's, sought its upward flight. The company became -famous. It left its dead and wounded on every battlefield from Manassas -to Appomattox, wherever Longstreet's corps was engaged. Revived -now and honored it is at its old home, one of the leading military -organizations of Georgia. Never do the men forget the memories of that -day of battle on its recurring anniversaries, or fail in pride of their -glorious predecessors. - -As the winter approached, the enemy drew in their front and lined -the fortifications and defenses on the Potomac. McClellan evidently -determined not to attack and that the winter must pass idly on their -part. The _gaudium certaminis_ was no part of him. On ours Johnston -drew in his scattered forces, concentrating about Centerville, which -he fortified, and there they were, the two armies making faces at each -other, and the Northern papers telling wonders about us, all believed -by McClellan, whose imagination always doubled, trebled, quadrupled the -fighting strength of those desperate Rebels. - -While at Centerville the army underwent its first reorganization. -Beauregard was sent West to important duty and J. E. Johnston assumed -command of the Eastern army, to be forever known and glorious as the -Army of Northern Virginia. It was then in four divisions, the second of -the three brigades under Major-General Longstreet (Second Virginia and -First South Carolina Brigade). First Division, also of three brigades, -under Major-General Holmes (down on lower Potomac), and the district of -the Valley, under Major-General T. J. Jackson (Stonewall), made up this -army, besides artillery and cavalry; the latter under Stuart. The first -flag of the Confederacy was the stars and bars, but it was found on the -battlefield dangerously similar to the Northern stars and stripes. The -battle-flag under which we fought to the finish was then substituted, -and it was while we were at Centerville that the military function of -presenting the new colors to the battalions was arranged. - -The day for our division went off admirably. It was brilliant weather, -and all were in their best outfits, and on their best mounts. The -troops looked well as the colonels successively received their colors -to defend. - -Arrangements had been made for a generous hospitality at our division -headquarters. We were occupying a dismantled old wooden farm-house -well situated in the shade of fine trees. There a sumptuous repast was -spread, and the principal officers of the divisions became our guests -after the flag ceremonies. These arrangements were made by Major John -W. Fairfax, whom Longstreet had had appointed a major and inspector on -his staff. Fairfax was a rich man, owning the beautiful broad estate of -President Monroe, Oak Hill, on the upper Potomac, in Loudoun County, -near Aldie, also a fine property on the lower Potomac. - -Major Fairfax was then of middle age, tall, courtly and rather -impressive. He had attached himself at once to Longstreet, and took -charge of his mess and small wants, presented him with a superb mount, -and did the best he could with his new military duties. He lacked -nothing in courage; was brave and would go anywhere. But Fairfax had -two distinctions--he was the most pious of churchmen and was a born bon -vivant, knowing and liking good things. Whiskey later was hard to get, -yet he managed to have always a good supply on hand. - -He is now a hale and hearty man, wonderfully well preserved. - -It was Fairfax, as I said, that provided the feast, drawing the richest -materials from his beautiful broad pastures in Loudoun. Everything -was plentiful in that stage of the war and much liquor and wine were -consumed. Johnston, G. W. Smith, Van Dorn, Beauregard, and others of -high rank were present, and we had great merriment and singing. - -Suddenly came a clash of steel in the crowded room. Longstreet, with -great quickness, had thrown a pair of swords out of the window. Dr. -Cullen and Captain Walton, both of his staff (too much wine taken), -had suddenly quarreled, and Walton had given the doctor a blow in the -face. Longstreet's quick movement disposed of the matter for the time, -but it could not so end. After the entertainment, and when done with -some hard racing and leaping by the wilder young mounted officers, -Colonel Ransome Calhoun of South Carolina called on Major Walton. It -was to demand a meeting in expiation of the blow. Walton referred -Calhoun to me, and our _pourparler_ opened most courteously. He was an -admirable gentleman, and but for his good sense and forbearance there -must have been an ugly meeting. My difficulties were increased by -Longstreet, who, suspecting something, ordered me to put a stop to the -whole affair, adding that I was chief of the staff and would be held -responsible were not a hostile meeting avoided. We managed to close the -thing by explanations from Cullen and regrets from Walton. Both men -seemed well satisfied. Colonel Calhoun, of whom I then formed a high -opinion, returned to duty at Charleston, and there incurred the enmity -of Colonel Rhett. After some time, and many efforts of friends to bring -about a better feeling, they met with pistols, and Calhoun was killed. -A high-minded, honorable gentleman! Walton was quite a friend of mine. - -Walton was quite a friend of mine and fond of me. Gifted with uncommon -intellectual attainments, the favorite scholar of L. Q. C. Lamar at the -University of Mississippi, he was of the most uncertain, unexpected -temper and exactions; he could be dangerous at times, and only the -greatest firmness held him in check until the humor passed off and -then he was all lovely. When the war ended he returned to Mississippi, -quarreled with a man, and killed him. Moving to Alabama he found -himself in the thick of the yellow fever epidemic of 1878. Dropping all -personal interests he devoted himself wholly to the sick and dying, -until himself struck down by death. His memory is sweet in that part of -the State. - -One day, as the winter came on, Longstreet sent for me. "The men will -want amusement and entertainment the long winter days," he said. "We -must get them up a theater and a good company. See to it at once and -lose no time. Issue such orders as may be necessary." That was all, -and quite easy for the General. Draw a theater and company, properties -and all out of one's pocket like a ripe apple! But it could be done -with the resources of a division of infantry at one's hand, and I set -about it at once. The colonels each received a note asking help and -details from the ranks of actors with some experience. They were sure -to be found there. But more than all, I wanted a manager, and he soon -came out of the First Virginia Infantry to take charge of the play. It -was Theodore Hamilton, an actor of some experience. I have met him in -several places acting since the peace, and he always comes to me as an -old friend, although he was not to tread the boards at the "Centerville -Theater." - -"Now, Captain," he said, "for scenery and properties. You have the -building, I have the company; what about the rest?" It was easy; -painters were found in the ranks for scenery, and many of the officers -chipping in, we got together enough money to send Hamilton to Richmond -to get the costumes and properties. I don't think he made the most of -his time there, but he got something, and after many delays we began -to think we should see some acting after all. But alas! just then, -Johnston, discovering McClellan's movements to the Peninsula, broke -up his camp, his officers destroying needlessly an immense amount of -valuable supplies, and off we marched merrily to face our old friend, -the young Napoleon. Such was the beginning and the end of our first and -only attempt at theatricals. - -It was while we were about Centerville that a great change came over -Longstreet. He was rather gay in disposition with his chums, fond of -a glass, and very skilful at poker. He, Van Dorn, and G. W. Smith -were accustomed to play almost every night with T. J. Rhett, General -Johnston's adjutant-general, and we sometimes heard of rather wild -scenes amid these old army chums--all from West Point, all having -served in Mexico and against the Indians. Longstreet's wife and -children were at Richmond. He was devoted to them. Suddenly scarlet -fever broke out and three of the children died within one week. He -was with them, and some weeks after resumed his command a changed -man. He had become very serious and reserved and a consistent member -of the Episcopal Church. His grief was very deep and he had all our -sympathies; later years lightened the memory of his sorrow and he -became rather more like his old cheerful self, but with no dissipation -of any kind. - -Before parting with Centerville it should be said that my old troop, -the Georgia Hussars, had at last got their services accepted and were -brought to Richmond under my friend, Captain F. Waring, and mustered in -for the war. They were thrown into a regiment known as the Jeff Davis -Legion, commanded by Colonel Will T. Martin, which was to prove itself -a fine body of horse. - -While in quarters this winter there were several light falls of snow, a -novelty to most of our Southern fellows. Not many of them were familiar -with such descents from the clouds. There came, however, a storm -anything but interesting. Snow was lying deep and camps were almost -hidden. - -My staff comrade, Peyton Manning, and myself decided it was the time -for a sleigh ride of our own. No cutters were to be had, but we -improvised one. Securing a stout, well-made box of good size, a plank -seat in it for two made it the body of the fabric. Then the forests -yielded a couple of slim saplings, which, bent at the ends over the -fire, were not bad for runners. On these, braced and crossed, with -shafts attached, our box, well elevated, was securely fastened, and -there was our cutter. We settled that the team should be stylish and -made it "tandem," in good extemporized harness. My charger was put -in the shafts and Manning's in the lead, both high-spirited animals. -Each horse was mounted by a small negro, postilion-fashion, good -riders both, and supposed to add some safety as well as novelty to the -equipage. - -Manning undertook to handle the long reins from the bits, and we -started, the observed of many curious, and amid the worst lot of evil -prophecies of what would befall us that it was ever my fate to hear. -The outfit took the road handsomely, cheered by the soldiers, our black -postilions grinning with delight. - -All went well for a time and then the devil himself broke loose! The -spirit of the horses rising, especially that fiery brute of Manning's, -they were off entirely beyond control. Over the deep-snowed roads and -fields, across ditches and broken fences the gallant pair in mad race -took everything on a full run, their postilions now ashy hue with -terror and clinging like burs to the bounding animals. The finish came -quickly. There seemed to be a sudden great fall of stars from the -midday skies and Manning and I were hurled right and left into deep -snow drifts, everything in pieces, horses and little niggers quite -out of sight. Digging ourselves out we took a good look at each other -and some ugly words were said; but although scratched and bruised no -bones were broken, and we slowly trod our way back to camp, wiser if -not better men from our first and last sleigh ride in old Virginia. The -horses were brought back to quarters but never again were their black -postilions seen in those parts. - - - - -CHAPTER III - -REMINISCENCES AND HORSES - - Visit to Mr. Francis Sorrel's country-seat--Interment of Captain - Tillinghast, U. S. A.--Sir William Howard Russell, _Times_ - correspondent--McDowell and July 21st--Seward and the French - princes--Army begins to march to Peninsula. - - -Not long after the battle I set out on a visit to my father's country -place, Ireland, fifteen miles from our camp. Hitching up two good -mules to a light army ambulance, what we needed was put in, our -intention being to bring back some delicacies for the messes. Captain -Thompson, of Mississippi, one of the aids, accompanied me. He was an -extraordinary looking person. Nature had been unkind. The son of Jacob -Thompson, Buchanan's Secretary of the Interior, he had much to hope -for, but for his affliction. His teeth and jaws were firmly set and -locked, and no surgical ingenuity had yet succeeded in opening them. -Liquids could be conveniently taken, but mechanical arrangements had to -be made for solid food by the removal of some teeth. - -This young officer showing a great desire to go along with me, was -taken, although I could not help picturing some surprise on the part of -my father and young sisters. We were made very welcome, as fresh from -the glorious battlefield, and the day was a happy one. The girls had -made a captain's coat for me out of homespun cloth; but such a fit! big -enough for two captains of my thickness, it hung at all angles and -flapped furiously in high winds. But love had prompted its making and I -would never suffer any ugly remarks about it. - -Something better soon came. My brother, Doctor Sorrel, in Richmond, was -always mindful of his juniors in the field, and getting possession of -a blockade bolt of fine gray cloth, he soon had enough snipped off to -make me two good Confederate suits, suitably laced and in regulation -trim, besides a long gray cape, or cloak, well lined, which was to do -me good service for years. - -At "Ireland" they loaded our ambulance with good things and there were -shouts of joy when we reached the camp with the delicacies. - -Captain Thompson was not subject to military duty and soon returned to -his home. - -It should be said here that these jottings are without the aid of a -scrap of notes or other memoranda. The memory alone is called on, and -as the events go back forty years it is something of a test; but I -hope I am rather strong on that point and do not fear falling into -inventions or imaginations. There were some dry notes of dates and -marches, but they cannot be found, and they would be of no use with -these jottings, as no attempt at dates is made. It is a lasting regret -to me that as a staff officer with opportunities of seeing and knowing -much, I did not keep up a careful diary or journal throughout the war. -It should be made one of the duties of the staff. - -This is odd. The day after the battle I came across the body of Captain -Tillinghast at the Federal field infirmary near the stone bridge. The -year previous I had been much in Baltimore at the Maryland Club and had -there played billiards with Tillinghast, then a captain of Artillery, -U. S. A., and an agreeable acquaintance; consequently there could be -no mistake when I recognized his dead body. The Federal surgeon also -identifying him, I set about giving him decent burial, and managed it -finally by the help of some men of Bartow's Savannah company who knew -me. The ground was baked hard and we could not make the grave deep, -but it was enough; and with my own hands I carved his name on the bark -of a tree, under which the soldier found his last bivouac--"Otis H. -Tillinghast." - -Some time after, a blockade-runner, passing the lines took a letter -from me to my cousin, Robert Fisher, in Baltimore, a friend also -of Tillinghast. It was on other matters, but I let him know that -Tillinghast's body had been recognized on the field, had received -decent burial, and the spot marked. I described the location and then -the matter passed out of my mind. - -After peace came I was with Fisher in Baltimore and learned from him -that my letter had been received and the information as to Captain -Tillinghast considerately conveyed to his family. Fisher was answered -soon after with thanks, "but there was some mistake," Captain -Tillinghast was buried by his old classmate Samuel Jones, a Confederate -brigadier-general, in a different part of the field and his body later -removed to the family vault. Astonishing! If they got a body from a -spot not where I had laid him they got the wrong husband. Sam Jones -quite likely saw Tillinghast, but he had no hand in our burial of him. -Stranger things, however, have happened. - - * * * * * - -Here are some trifles of talk remembered as coming from the famous -war correspondent, Sir William Howard Russell, whose letters from the -Crimea broke the Aberdeen Ministry and made him one of the leading -men of the Kingdom. He was not long ago knighted at great age for his -service all over the world in that field of letters. I met him several -years ago in New York, in the train of the notorious Colonel North, the -Chilean nitrate king. Russell had always some good stories on hand, and -laughed at his chase from Bull Run battlefield, whither he had gone -with the Federal army to write up their victory pictures. It gave him -the name of "Bull Run Russell," which stuck to him. He admitted being -very far to the rear, but said there were some generals and colonels -who outstripped him to Washington! Some years after the war he met -in Europe General McDowell, who said, "Russell, do you know what day -this is?" "No, I don't recall any special occurrence." "It is," said -McDowell, "the 21st of July, and had I succeeded on that day in '61 I -should have been the greatest man in America and you the most popular." - -Russell also had something about the French princes come to join -McClellan's army. The two young men, Comte de Paris and Duc de -Chartres, were under the care and tutelage of their uncle, the Prince -de Joinville, who did not follow them to the army. On landing they -received their commissions as captains, and quickly equipped themselves -with handsome regulation uniforms and military appointments. - -They proceeded to Washington to make formal calls of ceremony before -reporting to McClellan. Among their first visits was that to Seward, -the Secretary of State. On that evening he was holding a large -reception. Seward himself leaving the ceremony to his son Frederick, -was upstairs with some cronies drinking whiskey. "Seward was screwed, -you know," said Russell, "undoubtedly screwed." When the two princes -entered the hall, trim in their new uniforms, erect and soldierly, they -were met by Frederick Seward, who at once went to announce them. "Tell -them to come right up," said the old politician; "bring them right up -and they shall have some good whiskey." "That will never do," said -his son. "You must come down to them; it is etiquette and strictly in -rule." And down the Secretary went. "Screwed" a little, for as soon as -he spied the Frenchmen, out he broke: "Captain Chatters, glad to see -you; welcome to Washington. And you too, Captain Paris. I am pleased to -have you in my house. Both of you come up with me. You won't dislike -the whiskey you shall taste." But the watchful Frederick came to the -rescue and carried off the astonished princes with all propriety. - -Russell declared this to be literally true; but if not, it at least as -the Italians say, "ben trovato." Sir William was then a picturesque -figure in dark blue dress coat, brass buttons, and ruffled shirt. -Always interesting, he had exhaustless stores of information and -adventure. A pretty young Italian wife accompanied him. - -Something as to horses. I had left a good one in Savannah, in care of -a member of the troop. Hearing that the horse was with him in Virginia -I sent over for my property and got for answer that he was not mine; -that he belonged to the man in Savannah, who not being able to enlist -had contributed this fine animal to the outfit of the troop. A nice -business indeed. It was easy to be patriotic with my horse, but it was -soon settled. Captain Waring heard the statement, and recognizing the -animal as mine had him sent to me; but the horse had been so neglected -and diseased that he was no good and I was obliged to leave him by -the roadside. I had, during the war, many horses, some good, some very -poor. Among the best was the tough-looking clay-bank I took from my -father when joining the army. He was capable of anything in speed and -endurance, but with a walk so slow and a trot so bone-breaking that I -had to swap him for one not so good. Many of my animals broke down from -hard staff service in campaign, and a magnificent mare was killed under -me in Pickett's charge at Gettysburg. A shell burst directly under -her and the poor beast was instantly done for. I was not touched. In -Tennessee, in 1864, I picked up a delightful little white mare, sound, -fleet and enduring. I could not always get to my other horses at the -outbreak of firing, and the mare's color was against us both. It was -always among the soldiers, "Fire at the fellow on the white horse." She -was at my brigade quarters at Appomattox and my brother rode her to -Savannah. When the two appeared in front of our residence, my sisters -rushed out, but could not believe that the poor, tired little mare was -their brother's war horse. Their imagination had been at work. - -My brother Claxton, my junior, was a fine, well set up young fellow -and eager for the fray. He was also a private in the Hussars, and like -myself had not waited for the company, but came on to Richmond. Here -he fell in with some young Georgians from Athens, the Troop Artillery, -a six-gun battery under command of Captain Carlton. Claxton joined and -became a good artillerist and was a corporal when transferred. The -First Georgia Regulars was organized by the State among the first, -its officers being appointed by the Governor and the men enlisted -anywhere. Its drill and discipline were supposed to be severer than -that of other troops. This regiment was brought to Virginia and -assigned to G. T. Anderson's (Tige Anderson) Georgia Brigade. With some -influence and much hard work, my brother, Doctor Sorrel, succeeded -in getting a commission as second lieutenant in this regiment for -Claxton. Its officers were not elected; they were appointed by the -Executive. Claxton's service was thenceforward with this regiment, its -officers showing some of the best names in Georgia, and its reputation -correspondingly high. Later I gave Captain Sorrel a temporary detail -on the staff of Brigadier-General Garnett, and still later he was -appointed captain in the Assistant Adjutant-General's Department and -served with General John Bratton. - -When we moved from Centerville my father had long since returned to -Savannah with his family, and his "Ireland" place was unoccupied (it -was later burned by the Union soldiers). But my cousin, Mrs. Lucy -Green, and children, were at their place, "The Lawn," which would be -in the enemy's territory after our withdrawal. Our first halt was near -Gainesville and after getting the troops comfortably into camp I rode -over to see her, about three miles. The situation was clearly described -and he decided to pack her carriages and wagons and move to Richmond. -I gave her a safe escort in a man from Lynchburg, Mr. Paxton, a member -of Blackford's cavalry company. With farewells I rode back through the -night, the better by a pair of English boots my cousin gave me. She -and the children, with servants, under good Paxton's charge, made next -morning a start for Richmond, where they arrived safely. - -Referring again to horses, the hussar horse had been my mount at the -short service on Skidaway. Henry Taylor was my messmate and rode next -me on a good bay precisely the same color as mine, with considerable -resemblance between them. Taylor was rich, lazy, despised discipline, -and was a trial to the captain. He gave his horse no attention and the -beast would have starved but for others. The captain could stand it no -longer. Sending for Taylor he read him a severe lecture and promised -punishment if the horse was not kept clean and tended. - -Taylor was persuaded he must do something, and the next morning he was -up at stable-call at the picket ropes, brush and curry comb in hand. -It was very early and misty. My horse was picketed next to Taylor's -and I had the satisfaction of seeing my lazy friend give him the best -morning's rub he had received for many days. When Taylor woke up to -what he had done and that his own horse was still to be tended he could -not immediately see the joke, but soon took it in good part and had -something ready for me not long after, which he thought squared us. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -SKETCHES - - Brigadier-Generals Elzey and Early--Leaping horses--Confederate - uniforms--Ladies at Fairfax Station--Colonel Stuart's Maryland - line--Longstreet made Major-General--Sketches of Brigadier-Generals - Ewell and Pickett--General Anderson--Major-General Van - Dorn--Major-General G. W. Smith--Brigadier Early--Brigadier-General D. - R. Jones. - - -One fine day not long after the Manassas battle, and while we were -at Fairfax Court House, Longstreet called on me to ride over to the -station on a visit. It was to General Elzey, who was found with General -Early in a dilapidated old church. Refreshments were ordered and a -good deal of whiskey consumed by the three brigadiers, some colonels -and staff officers. Early had been a strong Union man until Virginia -seceded, and he then took arms, devotedly and ever bravely, for his -State and the Confederacy. He was, however, of a snarling, rasping -disposition, and seemed to irritate Elzey, who, not a Union man, had -come South without the secession of his State, Maryland. There were -some hot words all around, but peace was made, however, and we all -quit the drinks and adjourned to the horses and fine weather outside. -Leaping fences and ditches at once began, my mount doing well and -coming some daring trials. Longstreet was mounted on a fine bay not -quite up to such work, with his weight, and the General turned him over -to me. The bay did splendidly, surpassing all others present, and the -generals were much pleased. - -Colonel Duncan McRae, Fifth North Carolina, had just received from -Richmond a handsome new Confederate uniform and outfit. Alas! it soon -came to grief. The Colonel, in taking a high fence, lost his seat and -came down very hard, splitting his fine coat in the back, from collar -to waist. - -A word here as to uniforms and insignia. So fast does the memory of -things pass that perhaps it may be well to make a note of what was -the Confederate uniform. It was designed and settled on by a board of -officers of the War Department. - -For all officers, a close-fitting double-breasted gray tunic. - -For generals, staff and all field officers, dark blue trousers. - -The arm of service was shown by collar and cuff--Generals and staff -officers, buff; Cavalry, yellow; Artillery, red; Infantry, blue; -Medical Department, black. - -Dark blue trousers had broad gold stripes on outer seams, except -generals, who wore two narrower and slightly apart. - -Trousers for all line officers under rank of major were light blue with -broad cloth stripe, color of service arm. - -Rank was shown on collar and sleeve. - -Generals wore on collar a gold wreath enclosing three stars in line, -the middle one slightly larger. On their sleeves was the ornamental -Hungarian knot of four braids width. They usually wore their buttons -in groups of twos or threes. There was no difference in the uniform or -rank mark among the several grades of general officers. - -Colonels wore three stars in line, same size; lieutenant-colonels, two, -and majors, one. The knot on the sleeve was three braids width for the -three grades of field officers--colonel, lieutenant-colonel, and major. - -For captains, rank was shown by three short bars lateral on front of -collar; first lieutenant, two bars, and second lieutenant, one bar. -Captains wore on sleeve Hungarian knot of two braids width, and first -and second lieutenants, one braid. - -For headgear the French "Kepi," color of arm of service, richly -embroidered, was first provided; but the felt hat, black or any color -that could be had, speedily pushed it aside almost before it had an -existence. - -The intention of the board of officers was to adopt the tunic like the -short, close-fitting, handsome Austrian garment, but it went completely -by default. The officers would none of it. They took to the familiar -cut of frock coat with good length of tail. - -Longstreet and two or three of us tried the tunic, but it was not -popular. - -Confederate uniforms were in great number at the flag presentations -a little later, of which I have already spoken. We were then bravely -dressed in the bright and handsome Confederate gray. - -But now "place aux dames." A splendid Maryland regiment of Elzey's -brigade was at Fairfax Station near by, and two lovely women, -descendants of a distinguished Virginia family, were then visiting -their numerous friends serving with it. They were the beautiful Carys, -Hetty and her cousin Constance. The three generals, gallantly inclined, -decided they must call on the ladies, and this they did, shutting out -their staffs for the time. Then evening coming on dress parade was in -order and Colonel George Stewart soon had his fine Marylanders in -line. He insisted on the two ladies taking position by him, and when -time for the manual came, handed his sword to Hetty, and stepping -aside prompted her with the orders, and thus the regiment, amid much -enthusiasm, was put through its manual by the prettiest woman in -Virginia. They soon returned to Richmond and occupied themselves in -the good work of the Southern women. Hetty, a really glorious beauty, -married Brig.-Gen. John Pegram in January, 1865. Three weeks after -he fell at Hatcher's Run, at the same time that I received what was -thought a fatal wound. The _New York Herald_ a few days later published -both our obituaries. (See Appendix.) - -Constance married, after the peace, my friend Burton N. Harrison, -President Davis's accomplished private secretary. He began his law -practice in New York, succeeding well, and his wife soon became -established and admired as a woman of taste and uncommon social and -literary attainments. Her books have gained deserved popularity and -wide circulation. - - * * * * * - -Longstreet being now a major-general, with three brigades, the new -brigadiers are to be introduced. R. S. Ewell took our old brigade. He -was a distant relative of mine and one of the strangest of warriors; -had served with distinction in Mexico, and all his life against -Indians. He was without a superior as a cavalry captain and of the -most extraordinary appearance. Bald as an eagle, he looked like one; -had a piercing eye and a lisping speech. A perfect horseman and lover -of horses (racers), he never tired of talking of his horse "Tangent," -in Texas, who appears to have never won a race and always to have lost -his owner's money. But the latter's confidence never weakened and he -always believed in "Tangent." General Ewell became a very distinguished -soldier, and justly so. To uncommon courage and activity he added a -fine military instinct, which could make him a good second in command -in any army. He was not long with us. His fortunes were with Stonewall -Jackson in the Valley operations, and he rose to be major-general and -lieutenant-general. In the latter rank he commanded the Second Corps -at Gettysburg, having previously lost a leg in the second Manassas -campaign. His command suffered great loss in the slaughter of Malvern -Hill. The morning after, I found him doubled up on the floor of a -little shanty, his head covered up; the ground was covered with our -slain. Raising himself he instantly recognized me, and lisped out, -"Mather Thorrel, can you tell me why we had five hundred men killed -dead on this field yesterday?" That was all; the soul of the brave -General was fit to burst for the awful and useless sacrifice. It was -a fearful blunder somewhere and has not yet been boldly and clearly -lighted up. Kemper, a fine Virginian colonel, succeeded Ewell in the -command of the Fourth Brigade, and served well until he was left for -dead in front of his men in Pickett's charge at Gettysburg. - -Our Second Brigade was also Virginian. One evening at dark I was in my -narrow office when an officer was announced. I turned and had quite -a start at my visitor's appearance. It was George Pickett, just made -brigadier-general, and reporting for command. A singular figure indeed! -A medium-sized, well-built man, straight, erect, and in well-fitting -uniform, an elegant riding-whip in hand, his appearance was -distinguished and striking. But the head, the hair were extraordinary. -Long ringlets flowed loosely over his shoulders, trimmed and highly -perfumed; his beard likewise was curling and giving out the scents -of Araby. He was soon made at home, and having already received -Longstreet's instructions, was assigned to his brigade. - -Pickett became very friendly, was a good fellow, a good brigadier. -He had been in Longstreet's old Army regiment, and the latter was -exceedingly fond of him. Taking Longstreet's orders in emergencies, -I could always see how he looked after Pickett, and made us give him -things very fully; indeed, sometimes stay with him to make sure he did -not get astray. - -Such was the man whose name calls up the most famous and heroic charge, -possibly, in the annals of war. Pickett's charge at Gettysburg stirs -every heart that beats for great deeds, and will forever live in song -and story. - -Afterwards his division was relieved to rest and recruit, and grew -strong and fit. It was, however, badly mauled at Five Forks by -Sheridan, although its commander is said to have made excellent -disposition of his troops and fought them gallantly. - -The Third Brigade was of South Carolina regiments under command -of Brig.-Gen. Richard H. Anderson, a West Point graduate and an -experienced officer of the old Army. Of him and also the artillery -attached to the division there is more to be said later. - -At the Centerville camp Major-General Earl Van Dorn commanded a -division. A small, handsome man, the very picture of a thorough light -cavalryman, he enjoyed a high reputation from service in Mexico and -against the Indians. Soon after he was transferred to a command in -Mississippi, and there falling into a private quarrel was killed. - -Maj.-Gen. G. W. Smith also had a division near Centerville. From this -officer much was expected. He had left the Academy with high honors, -and served many years with distinction. He resigned from the Army -to become Street Commissioner in New York, a lucrative office, and -thence he came South for service. There was no opportunity to show his -abilities in the field until the battle of Seven Pines in May-June, -1862, and then General Lee taking command of the army, Smith withdrew, -and was, I think, not again heard of in active field work. After the -war he wrote a book, his "Apologies," in which he threw all the blame -on his once bosom friend, James Longstreet, and upon General Johnston -for field work, up to the time of his retirement. - -Jubal Early, brigadier-general, was one of the ablest soldiers in the -army. Intellectually he was perhaps the peer of the best for strategic -combinations, but he lacked ability to handle troops effectively in -the field; that is, he was deficient in tactical skill. His irritable -disposition and biting tongue made him anything but popular, but he was -a very brave and able commander. His appearance was quite striking, -having a dark, handsome face, regular features, and deep piercing -eyes. He was the victim of rheumatism, and although not old was bent -almost double, like an aged man. Of high scholarly and fine political -attainments, he never married, but led the life of a recluse in -Virginia, entirely apart from social and public affairs. - -D. R. Jones, brigadier-general, was also near us. A very agreeable, -lovable man, tall and stately, he made a brave appearance, and well -merited the sobriquet of "Neighbor Jones," as they pleasantly called -him at West Point. His wife, a relative of President Davis, was much -with him in camp, and a very decided character by the side of her -indulgent husband. He could not figure with much success, his health -being poor, and after Sharpsburg was transferred to some easier service -elsewhere, and soon after died. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -OUR NATIONAL HYMN - - Singing among the troops--Van Dorn--Longstreet--Smith and "I Puritani" - for National hymn--Surgeon Francis Sorrel, C. S. A.--Life in - Richmond--Troops passing through--Toombs and his brigade--General D. - H. Hill. - - -Among the troops at Centerville there was much singing, some of it very -sweet and touching. "Lorena," set to a tender, sentimental air, was -heard everywhere. "My Maryland" was a great favorite, and of course -"Dixie" was always in evidence. There were, however, other sweet -Southern melodies that the soldiers took up, seemingly mellowing stern -hearts and bringing tender memories of home. There was constant talk -of a National air, "Dixie" being thought by some as of not sufficient -dignity. "My Maryland" had many advocates, but there were some that -thought the noble strain of the great Liberty duet from "I Puritani" -was the thing for the Confederacy. General Van Dorn was enthusiastic -about it. At the banquet at Longstreet's, after the flag presentation, -the talk turned on this air, and Van Dorn began to sing it. "Up on the -table and, show yourself; we can't see you!" said Longstreet. "Not -unless you stand by me!" shouted Van Dorn; and no sooner said than -Longstreet, G. W. Smith, and Van Dorn, the ranking major-generals, were -clinging to each other on a narrow table and roaring out the noble bars -of "I Puritani." Johnston and Beauregard stood near with twinkling -eyes of amusement and enjoyment. So much for wine and "entoosy moosy," -as Byron calls it; but for all this good start, the soldiers declined -the impressive air and stuck to their Dixie. - -It was always gratifying to me to note the good equipment in which -the troops from my State were sent to the front for the Confederacy. -Governor Brown was thorough in doing the best for them that the -blockade of the coast and his factories permitted. They came forward -with good clothing, shoes and underwear, which, although of home make, -were warm, comfortable and serviceable. - -My brother, Dr. Francis Sorrel, was many years my senior. He had served -in the United States Army as assistant surgeon, but had resigned and -was in California when the war began. He immediately came to share the -fortunes of his State. Dr. Moore, the Confederate Surgeon-General, -without delay had him appointed to full rank and assigned for service -as his close confidential assistant (the pair were forever rolling -cigarettes). There his influence and powers were considerable and -the Doctor was always helpful to his friends. He was instrumental in -assigning Dr. James B. Read, of Savannah, to the officers' hospital -in Richmond, and in Read's hands it became celebrated. He kept a good -lookout for his two junior brothers in the field and we had many -evidences of his thoughtfulness. - -With a wide acquaintance in Richmond, he knew the principal members -of Congress and was liked by all the Cabinet. His previous service in -the United States Army put him in good touch with many high officers, -and his position in all respects was enviable. Occasionally I managed -to make a short visit to Richmond, and then my brother gave me -introductions to pleasant men and charming women. There may be more to -say of him later. - -Life at Richmond at this time--January, February, March, April, -1862--seemed gay and happy, with but little outward sign of -apprehension or anxieties for the future. Food supplies were abundant -and the pinch for clothing and shoes was being eased by the remarkable -achievement of the several States in equipping their contingents for -the field. - -Most of the troops passed through Richmond en route to the Peninsula, -and there was much excitement and cheering. Main Street was thronged -with people shouting wildly as the regiments marched down to Rocketts, -where they were to take boat for part of the route. - -General Toombs was quite conspicuous. Every one knows that that -luminous intellect embraced no soldier's talent. It might have been so -with study, but the Georgian was for once and all a politician, and in -the wrong shop with a sword and uniform on. - -He marched his troops down Main Street, past the crowds at Spottswood -Hotel, with childlike delight. He put himself at the head of one -regiment and moved it out of sight amid hurrahs, then galloping back -he brought on another, ready himself for cheers, until the brigade was -down the street and near the embarkation. It was somewhat amusing, but -a harmless entertainment for the brilliant orator and statesman. - -Being quite without notes I had almost omitted a jotting about one -of Longstreet's brigadiers at Centerville--a marked and peculiar -character. This was General D. H. Hill, not long with us. He was soon -made major-general and sent elsewhere to command. Hill was a small, -delicate man, rather bent, and cursed with dyspepsia, which seemed -to give color to his whole being. He was out of West Point with a -good class number, was a capable, well-read soldier, and positively -about the bravest man ever seen. He seemed not to know peril and was -utterly indifferent to bullets and shell, but with all these qualities -was not successful. His backbone seemed a trifle weak. He would take -his men into battle, fight furiously for some time and then something -weakened about him. Unless there was some strong character near by, -like Longstreet, for instance, on whom he leaned, his attack would -be apt to fail and his first efforts go unrewarded. His speech was -bitter, although a most devout Presbyterian elder. He had resigned -long before from the United States Army, and had a large school in -North Carolina. He was accustomed to sneer at cavalry, and once went -so far as to say he had "yet to see a dead man with spurs on." It may -be imagined what Stuart's gallant troopers thought of him. But Hill -had brains, and rose. He was later on sent West to command in Bragg's -army, was promoted to lieutenant-general, and is said to have failed -grievously at Chickamauga, for which Bragg suspended him from command; -and he was not, I think, restored to any service in the field. He was -really a good man, but of sharp prejudice and intemperate language. -If there was one department of the army well administered amid almost -impossibilities, requiring most ingenious and inventive resources, -it was the Ordnance, under Colonel Gorgas. Hill took a hatred to it -because a gun burst in action, and his imputations on the faith of the -department and its abilities were quite unworthy of him or of any good -soldier. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -THE PENINSULA AND BATTLE OF WILLIAMSBURG, MAY 5, 1862 - - Arrival at Yorktown--Major-General Magruder--His skilful - defense--Lines at Warwick River--Major-General McClellan--Retreat - from Yorktown--Battle of Williamsburg, May 5--Death of Colonel Mott, - Nineteenth Mississippi--Destruction of armored ram _Virginia_--Charge - by Georgia Hussars--Explosives behind rearguard rebuked--Promoted - major. - - -But I must hasten to the Peninsula, where at Yorktown and along the -lines of the little Warwick River, McClellan and Johnston are frowning -at each other; the former, as usual, tripling the Confederate force -and bawling for more men. Persons and things I have left behind will -probably come into these jottings in the loose way they fall from the -pen. - -Longstreet with his staff and some of his regiments were among the -first arrivals to face McClellan and gave great relief to Magruder. -This officer, a major-general, commanding some 10,000 to 12,000 men, -had offered a most extraordinary and successful defense. It was a -wonderful piece of bluff and could have won only against McClellan. -Yorktown was strongly armed and well defended. Thence stretching across -the Peninsula was a sluggish little stream known as the Warwick River. -It was fordable in almost all places, in some nearly dry-shod. - -Magruder's engineers had strengthened the defenses by some dams -that gathered a good spread of water to be passed in an attack. -The Warwick, of many miles extent, was necessarily thinly defended. -Magruder put his whole force behind it, an attenuated line, up and down -which he constantly rode in full sight of the enemy. He was known in -the old Army as "Prince John," from the splendor of his appearance and -his dress. Of commanding form and loving display, he had assembled a -numerous staff, all, like himself, in the most showy uniforms. To these -he added a fine troop of cavalry, and when the cavalcade at full gallop -inspected the thin lines of the Warwick, it was a sight for men and -gods. I am persuaded he so impressed "Little Mac" that he sang out for -more men and thus lost his opportunity. In very truth he was so strong -and Magruder so weak that the Union ramrods should have sufficed to -break the defense and gobble up the magnificent "Prince John." - -Longstreet's arrival was therefore a great relief, and soon Johnston -had his army in full position, making McClellan almost frantic; he -more than doubled Johnston's actual strength. A strong attack should -have prevailed to drive us away; and if briskly followed, eventually -into the York River. But Johnston knew his man, as did indeed every -Confederate leader later on. Lee, Longstreet, Jackson, the Hills all -knowing his points, while serving in the U. S. Army, could now rightly -measure him. McClellan was a lovable man, an admirable organizer, but -with little taste for battle unless largely outnumbering his opponent. -Here in the trenches occurred remarkable scenes. Many of the Southern -regiments had enlisted for only twelve months and the time expired in -April. Re-enlistments and elections of the officers took place under -fire of the enemy! Our men were splendid, and with rare exceptions -they refused home and re-enlisted, this time for the war. - -Inactivity continued for some time, Longstreet commanding the center -with his own and other troops, until it was soon apparent to Johnston -that Richmond was too much exposed to attacks on the north side of the -James River. The capital must be covered; besides, both our flanks -were endangered by the enemy's immense superiority on the water. -Preparations therefore began for a move, and on the night of May 3 -the army was successfully drawn from its trenches and started on its -deliberate, well-ordered retreat. On May 5 our rearguard was overtaken -and attacked in force at Williamsburg, Longstreet in command, with a -considerable part of the army. It was a stubborn, all-day fight, with -serious losses on both sides, but the enemy was beaten off and we -resumed the march that night, the Federals having enough of it. We were -not again molested. This was our first severe fight, and the steadiness -and order of officers and men appeared to be very satisfactory. I was -promoted to be major soon afterwards, the commission dating May 5, the -day of the action. There was a gruesome but affecting sight during the -battle. Colonel Mott, of high reputation, had brought from his State -the Nineteenth Mississippi Infantry. It was hotly engaged in a long, -fierce fight, and Mott fell. His black servant in the rear immediately -took a horse and went to the firing line for his master's body. I -met the two coming out of the fire and smoke. The devoted negro had -straddled the stiffened limbs of his master on the saddle before him, -covered his face with a handkerchief, and thus rescued his beloved -master's body for interment with his fathers on the old Mississippi -estate. - -The celebrated L. Q. C. Lamar was lieutenant-colonel of the regiment, -and succeeded to the command, until forced by physical disability, he -retired to Richmond for other service. The army moving on soon neared -the capital and took up the several positions assigned its divisions. -McClellan's huge force following, threw itself across the Chickahominy, -and the siege of Richmond may be said to have begun. - -On the withdrawal of the army from the Peninsula, Norfolk and -Gloucester Point became indefensible and the destruction of immense -quantities of material both for field use and for construction had -to be submitted to. The blow was not made lighter by the loss of the -famous _Virginia_, formerly the _Merrimac_, that did such havoc at -Newport News. She could not be permitted to fall into the enemy's -hands and was of too deep draft for service on the James River. Her -commander, Admiral Josiah Tatnall, was therefore reluctantly forced -to her destruction. She was blown up and disappeared. Other vessels, -cruisers and gun-boats, boilers, engines, and great quantities of -material for construction had to be destroyed for similar reasons. The -loss was bitter to us, as so much could have been done with it all for -a little fighting navy. - -It was during the action at Williamsburg that I was ready to shout for -joy at seeing my old troop, the Georgia Hussars, in a gallant charge. -Their regiment, the Jeff Davis Legion, had been prematurely thrown -at the enemy in a position he was thought about leaving. The cavalry -colonel was wrong. Our Georgians went forward in fine style, expecting -to carry everything, but quickly found themselves in a very hot place. -The enemy was not retiring, but on the contrary gave the Legion so warm -a reception as to empty many saddles. They all came back pell-mell, -"the devil take the hindmost," my Hussar comrades wondering what their -colonel had got them "into that galley for!" It was a severe lesson -but a salutary one, and the regiment was not again caught that way. -Longstreet saw them close by as they dashed forward, and said, "They -must soon come back; the colonel is ahead of the right moment." - -General Johnston was present on the field all day, but seeing -Longstreet, the rearguard commander, carrying things very handsomely, -generously forbore any interference and left the battle to his -handling. He sent the latter such additional troops as he had to call -for from time to time. When night came it was horrible. There were many -dead and wounded and the weather nasty; the roads ankle deep in mud and -slush. But the march had to be again taken up. - -On the retreat from Yorktown, Brigadier-General Rains was commanding -the rearguard. He was a brother of the other Rains who at Augusta, -Georgia, achieved the apparently impossible task of supplying -ammunition. Both brothers were given to experiments in explosives and -fond of that study. When Gabriel began moving out on our march he -amused himself planting shells and other explosives in the roadway -after us to tickle the pursuers. Hearing this I reported the matter -to Longstreet, who instantly stopped it. He caused me to write Rains -a rather severe note, reminding him that such practises were not -considered in the limits of legitimate warfare, and that if he would -put them aside and pay some attention to his brigade his march would -be better and his stragglers not so numerous. This officer did not -remain long on duty in the field. His talents, like those of his more -celebrated brother, lay elsewhere. - -After getting into position before Richmond, less than a month -intervened between the reorganization and strengthening of the army and -change of its commander. I shall therefore defer any observations that -I may recall as to its composition and personnel until it took its more -permanent form under Lee, contenting myself with some stray reflections -on the battle of Seven Pines, which by the deplorable wounding of -Johnston gave us for leader Robert E. Lee. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -BATTLE OF SEVEN PINES, MAY 31, 1862 - - Position taken in front of Richmond--Reception at - President Davis's--Sketch--Mr. Benjamin, Secretary of - State--Storm-bound--Richmond--General Johnston wounded--Von Borcke, - the German volunteer--His armament. - - -Our positions were so near Richmond as to permit frequent visits there -during the pleasant month of May. - -McClellan was hugging himself in security and reinforcements beyond -the Chickahominy, and the earthwork defenses of Richmond which we were -guarding seemed to us then all-sufficing. Later, we could realize how -little they were worth without men and guns and rifles and a leader in -the field. These defenses had been scientifically constructed by the -engineers headed by General Lee and Maj.-Gen. J. F. Gilmer. The latter -was a distinguished officer not long since resigned from the United -States Army, had married in Savannah in the family of dear friends -of ours, and when the war broke out at once placed his unquestioned -engineering abilities at the service of the government. - -On one of my visits to the city I was persuaded by my brother, Dr. -Sorrel, to stay the night and attend, a reception at the President's. -It was interesting and striking. The highest and most brilliant of the -Southland were there; bright, witty, confident, carrying everything -with a high hand. The men generally in full uniform and the women -in finery, that seems somehow always to turn up for them under all -circumstances. After presentation to Mr. and Mrs. Davis I had a good -look at that remarkable man. A most interesting study, calm and -self-contained, gracious with some sternness; his figure was straight, -slim and elegant. A well-poised, ample head was faced with high-bred -features and an expression that could be very winning and agreeable. -His wife, Varina, was a rather large woman, handsome and brilliant, a -bit inclined to be caustic of speech, but withal a good and gracious -help to her husband. - -Her devotion when he was a prisoner was later beautifully manifested. -Senators and Congressmen were there in abundance. Our own -representative, Julien Hartridge, characteristically indifferent to -such assemblages, was taking his pleasure elsewhere. - -Mr. Benjamin was a most interesting character--a short, squatty Jewish -figure. His silvery speech charmed all hearers with its wit, persiflage -and wisdom. His wonderful legal abilities made him _facile princeps_ -in equity law. His after career was extraordinary. When the collapse -of the Confederate Army came he was still in Mr. Davis's Cabinet and -joined his chief in flight. Separating, however, Benjamin escaped -to one of the West India Islands and thence to London. It seems his -nativity had actually been in a British Colony, and this fact and his -great legal acquirements, with some routine attendance at the courts, -quickly permitted his admittance to the bar and he was Q. C. in almost -no time. He immediately took up an immense special practise and made -much money. - -I had the pleasure of meeting him in 1872 in Paris, at a breakfast -given by Mr. Francis Corbin in his splendid hotel on the Faubourg St. -Germain. Needless to say, Mr. Benjamin was delightful. - -It was on one of these visits to my brother that I nearly came to -trouble. I intended to ride back to camp quite early, but he had visits -for me to make with him and pressed me so affectionately that I was -late in starting back. Then a furious storm of rain and wind nearly -drowned my good horse and myself and I was concerned for the late hour -at which I finally reported to my chief. I found him provoked at my -absence, because much had happened. In the afternoon a council of war -had agreed with the commander-in-chief to attack McClellan the next -morning. The opportunity was a good one because McClellan had posted -his forces so that the Chickahominy cut them in two and they might -be destroyed in detail. I was not too late, however, for the duties, -and both Longstreet and myself were soon in good humor again. Orders -for the dispositions of the troops were quickly gotten out and the -time and line of march given. We had six strong brigades and D. H. -Hill's four were to join us under Longstreet, besides a strong force -of artillery and a body of cavalry on the right. When the day came -(May 31) the movement began, and never was the opening for battle more -unsatisfactory. - -The same storm that put McClellan's army in decided peril by destroying -his bridges and cutting communication between his two wings, impeded -our march at every step. Little rivulets were now raging torrents. - -Bridges had to be improvised and causeways made by which the column -could be moved. Everything seemingly lost us time, and our attack, -instead of being early in the day, was delayed until 4 p. m. There -shall be no attempt to describe or discuss this battle. G. W. Smith -with a large command was on our left. General Johnston with him and -Major-General Huger with a strong division was expected to support our -right, but for some reason we did not get it. D. H. Hill with his four -brigades and our six, attacked with great fury. Smith's attack on the -left was retarded and unsuccessful. We made quick progress, but with -heavy losses in our ten fine brigades. The enemy could not stand before -them and Casey's division, posted at Seven Points, gave way after heavy -losses and was crushed. Cannon and colors fell into our hands. Darkness -was then coming on and no supports, much to Longstreet's chagrin. -Further attack on our part was deferred until the morning. Meantime, -while Smith was making on the left his abortive attack, our gallant -General Joseph E. Johnston had been struck down by a severe wound and -borne from the field. The second in command was G. W. Smith, but as -operations for the day had ceased there was no occasion for him to make -any change in existing dispositions of the troops, and Gen. Robert E. -Lee was the next day placed in command of the Army of Northern Virginia. - -Seven Pines should under all circumstances have been a magnificent -victory for us. It was really far from that, and while encouraging the -soldiers in fighting and the belief in their ability to beat the enemy, -it was waste of life and a great disappointment. - -Walton, of Longstreet's staff, was wounded in the head, the bullet -making a long furrow in his bald scalp. Here we saw for the first time -the German Von Borcke, who, attached later to Stuart's cavalry, made -some reputation. He had just arrived and could not speak a word of -English; was splendidly mounted on a powerful sorrel and rode well. He -was an ambulating arsenal. A double-barreled rifle was strapped across -his back, a Winchester carbine hung by his hip, heavy revolvers were -in his belt, right and left side; an enormous straight double-edged -sharp-pointed cuirasseur's saber hung together with sabertasche to -his left thigh, and a short "couteau de chasse" finished up his -right. Besides, his English army saddle bore two large holsters, -one for his field-glasses, the other for still another revolver, -bigger and deadlier than all the others. Von Borcke was a powerful -creature--a tall, blonde, active giant. When I next saw him he had -discarded--taught by experience--all his arsenal except his good saber -and a couple of handy revolvers. He stayed with us to the end and -received an ugly wound in the throat. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -BATTLES OF THE CHICKAHOMINY, JUNE 26 TO JULY 2, 1862 - - General Lee in command--Sketch--Reinforced--Preparing for - campaign--General Lee's staff--Longstreet second in command--His - division--Artillery reorganized--Washington Artillery of New - Orleans--Colonel E. P. Alexander commanding artillery--General W. W. - Mackall reports--Sketch--Civilian prisoners at Fort Warren--General - Miles and President Davis--The battles around Richmond--McClellan's - defeat--Stonewall Jackson not on time--Ochiltree and Eastern - fighting--Lord Edward St. Maur a visitor--McClellan on James River in - position--Later we take again positions by Richmond. - - -When General Lee took command it was my first sight of him. He had been -employed in the northwest Virginia mountains, on the South Atlantic -Coast, and at Richmond, generally as adviser to the President. His -appearance had, it seems, changed. Up to a short time before Seven -Pines he had worn for beard only a well-kept moustache, soon turned -from black to grizzled. When he took us in hand his full gray beard -was growing, cropped close, and always well tended. An unusually -handsome man, he has been painted with brush and pen a hundred times, -but yet there is always something to say of that noble, unostentatious -figure, the perfect poise of head and shoulders and limbs, the strength -that lay hidden and the activity that his fifty-five years could not -repress. Withal graceful and easy, he was approachable by all; gave -attention to all in the simplest manner. His eyes--sad eyes! the -saddest it seems to me of all men's--beaming the highest intelligence -and with unvarying kindliness, yet with command so firmly set that -all knew him for the unquestioned chief. He loved horses and had good -ones, and rode carefully and safely, but I never liked his seat. The -General was always well dressed in gray sack-coat of Confederate cloth, -matching trousers tucked into well-fitting riding-boots--the simplest -emblems of his rank appearing, and a good, large black felt army hat -completed the attire of our commander. He rarely wore his sword, but -his binoculars were always at hand. Fond of the company of ladies, he -had a good memory for pretty girls. His white teeth and winning smile -were irresistible. While in Savannah and calling on my father, one of -my sisters sang for him. Afterwards, in Virginia, almost as soon as he -saw me he asked after his "little singing-bird." - -The touch of the leader's hand was soon apparent in the reorganization -of the army and its increased strength. The Administration reposing -a perfect confidence in Lee, gave him all he asked for in men and -material that could be furnished. It is proper to add that so moderate -was the man and so fully understanding the situation and difficulties -of supply, that he rarely asked for what could not be given him. His -staff was small and efficient. I suppose that at this date there -are some hundreds of men in the South who call themselves members -of Lee's staff, and so they were if teamsters, sentry men, detailed -quartermasters (commissary men), couriers and orderlies, and all the -rest of the following of general headquarters of a great army are to -be so considered. But by staff we usually confine ourselves to those -responsible officers immediately about a general, and Lee had selected -carefully. Four majors (afterwards lieutenant-colonels and colonels) -did his principal work. Walter Taylor, from the Virginia Military -Institute, was adjutant-general, and better could not be found for this -important post. - -Charles Venable, a scholar and mathematician, and with some study -of strategy, together with Charles Marshall, a distinguished lawyer -by inheritance from his ancestor, the Chief Justice, and his own -attainments, did much of the correspondence under dictation. Talcot -was the engineer officer, and Long, of the old Army, a close friend -of the General, was ranked as military secretary and did various -duties. At a later date Brig.-Gen. R. H. Chilton, A. A. G., was -assigned to confidential duties with the General, and was sometimes -called chief of staff. But Lee really had no such chief about him. The -officer practically nearest its duties was his extremely efficient -adjutant-general, W. H. Taylor. - -Maj. H. E. Young was also attached later--an excellent officer. There -were possible one or two young lieutenants for personal aids, but this -was Lee's staff, although perhaps I have made some omissions. Of course -it does not include the important administrative officers like Cole, -chief commissary; Corley, chief quartermaster; Doctor Guild, medical -director, and his chiefs of ordnance and other organizations. - -Longstreet was second in command and it soon became apparent that -he was to be quite close to Lee. His camps and bivouacs were near -by the General's, and thus my acquaintance with him and his staff -became quite free and I was often honored by the kind interest of the -Commander-in-Chief. - -In the new organization Longstreet had a powerful division of six -brigades, and A. P. Hill (major-general) one of six, also a fine body -which Hill happily christened as the Light Division. The artillery was -much improved, and loose batteries were gathered and organized into -well-found battalions, generally of four batteries of six guns each, -and a battalion assigned to each division. The celebrated Washington -Artillery of New Orleans was given to us, and glad we were to have such -gunners. E. P. Alexander commanded in reserve a fine battalion of six -batteries and was to do much good service with it. - -A word about this splendid fellow. He was from Georgia and a dear -friend of mine. Leaving West Point with very high honors, he was -immediately commissioned into the Engineers, and sent to the Pacific, -whence he came South to fight. His was the happiest and most hopeful -nature. He was sure of winning in everything he took up, and never did -he open his guns on the enemy but that he knew he should maul him into -smithereens. An accomplished engineer, he was often called on both by -Lee and Longstreet for technical work and special reconnoitering. His -future in peace, after Appomattox, was varied and distinguished, and -he still is with us, eager, enthusiastic, most interesting, and of -undiminished abilities. - -The Washington Artillery was an ancient and wealthy organization of New -Orleans, numbering five well-equipped, well-manned batteries. There -were many men of wealth and family serving as gunners. Four batteries -under Colonel Walton came to Virginia, the fifth was sent West. Walton -was large and imposing in appearance, looking, as indeed did the whole -battalion, rather French. This arose from their uniform, which from -"kepi" to gaiters was handsomely French, and made them very fine beside -our homespun infantry fellows. It was a most efficient organization, -serving with Longstreet throughout the war; it always did good service -and constantly distinguished itself most conspicuously. - -Our own staff will not be touched on just yet, preferring to wait for -the creation of the two army corps in October, when we were put in more -permanent shape for the remainder of the war. At present there had been -but few additions to it, since Longstreet's command was limited to a -single brigade, and the staff work consequently was sometimes hard on -us. - -I think it was in this month, September, that I rode to one of the -lower landings of the James to meet General Mackall, my brother-in-law. -He had been a prisoner of war at Fort Warren near Boston, and was to -land, exchanged with some others from the Federal steamer. He was -quite well and I sent him on to Richmond, where Doctor Sorrel saw to -his comfort. Mackall married my father's eldest daughter. He was an -army man out of West Point, and an able, accomplished soldier. He -should have achieved much in the Confederate war, but circumstances -were against him. When it broke out he was lieutenant-colonel in the -Adjutant-General's Department, considered a very enviable billet. -Stationed on the Pacific, his intimates were J. E. Johnston, J. F. -Gilmer, Halleck, and others of that type. - -The Marylander had a tedious time in Richmond waiting for active -service suitable to his abilities. At last he was sent to report to A. -S. Johnston at Bowling Green, Kentucky. After Shiloh, at Beauregard's -earnest request, he was made brigadier-general and ordered to hold -Island No. 10, a fortified position in the Mississippi, immediately -to fall by reason of other combinations. In less than a week after -assuming command the inevitable happened. The island was surrendered -and the garrison made prisoners of war. Mackall was sent to Fort -Warren, from which he was exchanged in 1863. He then took duty with -Bragg's army as chief of staff; and after Bragg with J. E. Johnston, -one of his dearest friends, until the General was supplanted by Hood. -Mackall was afterwards given a command at Mobile, from which, however, -he soon had to withdraw his force by reason of the successes of the -Federal fleet. And there, I think, his active service ended. He was -of a high order of mind and of the finest and nicest elevation of -character; there was something supercritical, however, that would stand -in his way without reason. - -When General Mackall was exchanged out of Fort Warren he told me of -two other prisoners, civilians, Andrew Low and Charles Green. The -latter had married my cousin, and both were Englishmen of the regular -holdfast, energetic type. They constituted the most important business -house in Savannah, were making quantities of money, but had quarrelled -and were about separating on the worst terms, when Seward's detectives, -suspicious of their movements (they had both married in Savannah and -were truly Southern and Confederate), clapped them in Fort Warren. -There by the irony of fate they were the sole occupants of the same -casemate, these quondam friends, now bitter, non-speaking enemies. The -situation was difficult and rather enjoyed by some gentlemen outside -who knew of the partners' troubles. - -Treatment of prisoners of war at Fort Warren (Boston Harbor) appears -to have been proper and unobjectionable. The governor, Colonel -Dimmock, was a gentleman and knew what was due to his own reputation, -as well as what his prisoners had a right to expect. There were -marked contrasts elsewhere, as at Fort Johnston, but in all the four -years there was yet to be found a prison commandant surpassing the -brutalities of Miles. His chief distinction then appears to have been -in manacling the helpless President of the Confederate States, who was -advanced in years, feeble in health, with no friends near, and that in -the strongest fortress in the United States, with a large garrison and -a guard literally standing over the prisoner night and day, and not a -Confederate organized force in existence. - -Lee was an aggressive general, a fighter. To succeed, he knew battles -were to be won, and battles cost blood, and blood he did not mind -in his general's work. Although always considerate and sparing of -his soldiers, he would pour out their blood when necessary or when -strategically advisable. His army had become much strengthened, troops -filled its ranks from Georgia, South and North Carolina, being drawn -from the coast, where they were doing nothing. His divisions had among -them Longstreet's, A. P. Hill's, Magruder's, D. H. Hill's, McLane's, -D. R. Jones's, Huger's, and Whiting's--a splendid force, nearly eighty -thousand men, including Jackson's. The latter was in the Valley, -soon to be with us. Lawton had just taken his immense brigade of six -thousand men from Savannah to reinforce him, and the Georgians were -having some lively marching and fighting in "Stonewall" Jackson's way. -It was evident that the General was soon to make his great attack -to crush McClellan, whose dispositions were so faulty as to offer a -tempting mark. His army greatly outnumbered ours. He had thrown it -across the Chickahominy and its two wings were again exposed. There -were quiet but intense preparations for the important movement. - -It was of great extent and covered nearly seven days. Jackson was to -move secretly and swiftly from the Valley and join Lee in the attack on -the Federal right. He was late, and when Lee crossed at Mechanicsville, -June 26, A. P. Hill was thrown at the defenses on Beaver Dam, and was -nearly sacrificed. His losses were pitiable, as were D. H. Hill's in -the same attack. Had Jackson been in position the enemy would have -melted before us. He had promised to be there on the morning of the -26th. On the 27th, Longstreet, A. P. Hill, Whiting, and others stormed -the heights at Gaines's Mill, suffering heavy loss, but defeating the -enemy badly, taking many prisoners, guns and colors, and driving him -in panic after the retreating McClellan. There was great maneuvering -on the 26th, and a severe combat at Savage's Station. On the 30th the -enemy showed front at Fraser's Farm, and Longstreet, supported by A. P. -Hill, instantly attacked with great fury. The enemy was stubborn and -contested every foot. Jackson was to be with us, and had he been, our -success was undoubted, but for some reason he could not get through -White Oak Swamp, and denied us. Of Huger on the right we also heard -nothing. The combination had failed. The enemy was thus suffered to -escape, but with heavy loss. Our own was far from light. - -Malvern Hill followed with its bloody fields and crest. The reckoning -there was awful and apparently for no good. McClellan abandoned the -hill at night and soon found himself safe at Harrison's Landing under -cover of his cruisers and gun-boats. His army was beaten and dispirited -and the siege of Richmond broken up; but "Little Mac" raised a faint -cry of partial victory and did not fail to torment poor Mr. Lincoln for -more men; "heavy reinforcements could alone save the army," etc. - -Jackson's firmest friends have been obliged to admit some faults in -their hero. As to these movements--either from miscalculation or -something else, he was fatally late on the 26th. That he was not on -hand at Fraser's Farm was also a serious disaster. Some of Munford's -cavalry had got through White Oak Swamp, bad as it was with a heavy -rain falling, and it would seem that a soldier so great and energetic -as Jackson would have found means to push through to the help of -fighting, hard-pressed comrades. It is possible that he was overdone -with work and fatigue, but his men should have been there as planned. - -I saw him on the 28th, and he seemed brisk enough. Longstreet had -sent me after Gaines's Mill to find him and establish connections -and communications. He was cheerful and pleasant. "Explain, Major, -to General Longstreet where I am and how my troops are lying, and -say, with my compliments, I am ready to obey any orders he may send -me." When I set out to find him, Tom Ochiltree, fresh and breezy from -Texas, was with us for a week as a volunteer by Longstreet's consent. -Ochiltree said, that familiar with fighting in Texas, he wanted to -see how we did it in the East. He had also a great desire to see the -celebrated "Stonewall" before returning home. He asked permission -to ride with me. We trotted off together, our route taking us by an -extensive field-infirmary, where the surgeons were at their bloody -work on the wounded. We halted for a few minutes. The scene was -sickening and cured Ochiltree of battle sights. "Sorrel," he said very -seriously, "this gives me enough; I don't want any more. It seems now -I have seen everything--too much, nothing for me to do here. Better -for me to ride back to Richmond and take train for Texas. Sorry not -to see 'Stonewall,' but I travel the other way. Good-by and good luck -to you." And off he went after just about four days' service with the -Confederates in the East. - -During these movements there was a young Englishman with us, our -guest. He had brought letters to authorities in Richmond. It was -Lord Edward St. Maur, a scion of the ducal house of Somerset. He was -about twenty-one, just from the University, where he had taken high -honors, and was around now with an Englishman's curiosity. A singularly -handsome young man he was, with pure olive skin and beautiful features. -He was always courteous, always reserved. He came as a neutral for -observation, and in all the freedom of our fighting week and rough -bivouacs nothing stirred him from that attitude. In truth, I don't -think he approved of us. I afterwards heard he was something of a prig -but destined for high political life. The battle of Fraser's Farm broke -out in the afternoon with great suddenness and severity. I had given -St. Maur a mount and we happened to be on the line among the men when -firing began, but notwithstanding the cannonading and heavy musketry -he was quite cool. "This is not my place," he said, "and with your -permission I shall retire," doing so with entire deliberation; he so -placed himself as to see something and we talked it over when we met -at night. When McClellan took cover at Harrison's Landing, St. Maur -was given an officer and flag of truce and soon landed in the home -of his fathers. A very careful, neutral chap. I was sorry for his -end--hunting big game in India soon after, he was mauled and eaten by a -tiger. - -When McClellan was safely at Harrison's Landing under cover of heavy -guns (some fifteen-inch spherical shell), there was nothing to keep -our army there. Besides, it left Richmond somewhat exposed from the -direction of Fredericksburg. General Lee, therefore, gave the word -and we were soon again in, or near, our old positions. Everything was -made ship-shape, the wounded mending and returning to duty, damages -repaired, and the waste of that extraordinary movement and series of -battles made good as best could be. McClellan could not now see the -spires of Richmond from his headquarters. Additional reinforcements -were brought from the South in preparation for Lee's next move, for he -was not the man to stay idly behind defenses when there was an enemy -about that he might hopefully strike. Longstreet's division of six -brigades was in fine condition, with filling ranks, and so was A. P. -Hill's Light Division, which lay near us, and thereby hangs a tale -which must be recited, I fear, at some little length. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -RIVALRY AND MORE REMINISCENSES - - Longstreet's and A. P. Hill's divisions--Rivalry between the - two--Publications in _Richmond Examiner_ and _Whig_--General Hill - resentful--Refuses recognition of Longstreet's adjutant-general--Hill - in arrest--Personal difficulty between the two major-generals adjusted - by General Lee's influence--General Hill cherishes no rancor--Later - gave me a brigade--Army busy drilling--Quartermaster Potts and Major - Fairfax--Books among the troops--Gambling. - - -There was some rivalry between the two splendid divisions. Each had -done its full share of fighting in the recent battles and each had -won glory and renown. Hill had handled his men well and fought them -gallantly. Needless to say how Longstreet had held his men, as it were, -in the hollow of his hand (his abilities for handling large bodies -under fire being remarkable), and how his never-failing valor and -tenacity had supported them. The papers came out of Richmond daily, -with fetching headlines and columns of description giving the events of -the previous day. One of the widest read of these was _The Examiner_, -very brilliantly edited. It seemed to have taken Hill's division under -its special favor. Every movement was chronicled, every clash of arms, -no matter how trifling, was written up, and the grand movements and -actions of the division given such prominence as to dwarf all other -commands. There was some feeling growing up about it, especially -since it was known that a newspaper man from _The Examiner_ office -was serving temporarily on Hill's staff. Nothing was then done about -the matter, but Longstreet's young staff officers were quite at the -fighting point, as our division had come in for some animadversions in -_The Examiner_. - -After the short campaign, while we were occupying some of our old -positions about Richmond, Hill lying near by, under command of -Longstreet, the latter came one day to me with a rough draft of a short -communication to _The Whig_, a Richmond paper. It flatly contradicted -_The Examiner_, so far as Longstreet's division was concerned, and -criticized the major-general who could suffer such reports to emanate -from his own staff; it was short but positive. Longstreet asked if I -objected to send such a communication to _The Whig_, signed by myself -officially, as adjutant-general. He would answer for it, because -I should not be expected alone to attack or criticize my superior -officer. I was only too willing to carry out these wishes. The little -note was prepared for the press and published in _The Whig_. It was -stiff, but with military civility, and made some comment on the -taste of having such correspondents along with military operations. -It was not regarded as offensive, but was certainly pointed in some -contradiction. To my regret I have no copy. - -Such was the bomb-shell that was to burst over us in a few days. Having -occasion for some routine report or information from General A. P. -Hill, a note was sent him for it in the usual form. It was returned -endorsed that "General Hill declined to hold further communication with -Major Sorrel." Of course I was surprised, but it was apparent that -trouble was brewing and that Longstreet must show his hand. The note -was handed him and he was at once on fire at such disobedience. "Write -him again," said he, "and say that note was written by my command, and -must be answered satisfactorily." - -To this Hill insisted on holding to his refusal. The correspondence was -then taken up by Longstreet personally with Hill. I did not see the -letters, but several passed, until finally, a day or two later, General -Longstreet came to me with, "Major, you will be good enough to put on -your sword and sash, mount, and place Major-General Hill in arrest, -with orders to confine himself to limits of his camp and vicinity." -It was my first duty of that kind with such rank, but I was soon on -my way, followed by an orderly. The General was in his tent seated -in a low chair, and rose as I entered, returning stiffly my salute. -Bowing, when I had communicated the orders, he resumed his chair -without speech, and saluting again, I was quickly on the road to my -own friendly camp. I know only by hearsay what took place afterwards. -It was kept quite out of reach of the staff and confined to the two -principals. Certain it is, however, that some angry letters passed and -intimate friends (D. H. Hill and Toombs for Longstreet) were called -in and a hostile meeting between the two generals was almost certain. -General Lee, however, heard of it, and acted quickly and effectively, -using his unvarying tact and great influence. He brought matters, -through other friends, to an adjustment honorable to both. A few days -later General Hill's division was shifted out of reach of Longstreet's -command and nothing more was known of the affair. Later on Longstreet -and Hill became fairly good friends, but I naturally supposed I had -incurred his hatred. For a year or two we did not meet--his division -being in Jackson's corps--except occasionally on the march, and -then the General's manner seemed to me stiff and menacing. If so, -it was only the manner, not the feeling, because in 1864 I received -from General Hill the very highest evidence of his appreciation and -friendliness. On several occasions previously, Longstreet recommended -me for promotion to command, and it must necessarily be to a brigade of -Georgians. But where a brigadier was wanted for them, there were always -good colonels of long service in the brigade that properly gained the -preference. This was so general that I despaired of leaving the staff -for higher promotion, until one day in September, 1864, a commission of -brigadier-general came to me with orders to report to Lieut-Gen. A. P. -Hill. - -My preparations began at once for the change and it was necessary -for me to go to the War Department, Richmond. There I found in the -Adjutant-General's Office Capt. John W. Reilly, A. A. G., a fine young -Virginia officer, who had once served under me. - -"Did you ever see, General, the paper that brought about your -promotion?" It was entirely new to me. He drew from a file a letter -from Gen. A. P. Hill, commenting on the bad condition of his fine -Georgia Brigade, which, left without a brigadier by the wounds of -Wright and the death of Girardy, was then in the hands of a brave but -incompetent colonel. He concluded by asking with great earnestness that -Lieutenant-Colonel Sorrel, of Longstreet's corps, should be promoted -and sent to him. The letter was referred to General Lee for his opinion -and then passed between the Adjutant-General, the Secretary of War, and -the President, who finally scrawled, "Make the appointment, J. D." - -I tried to get the paper from Reilly as an autographic souvenir, but it -was against orders and I was obliged to content myself with a certified -copy. "It never rains but it pours;" some days after, Major-General -Kershaw wrote me that he (Kershaw) had asked for my promotion to -command one of his Georgia brigades. - -Hill was a West Point man of medium height, a light, good figure, and -most pleasing soldierly appearance. He surely handled his division on -all occasions with great ability and courage and justly earned high -reputation. When Lee created the Third Army Corps he placed him in -command of it, and it was thought Hill did not realize in that high -position all that was hoped of him. - -His health was impaired toward the close of the war, and his noble life -ended by a stray bullet at Petersburg after withdrawal of the lines. -It was unnecessary and he should have had years before him. It is not -necessary to say how much I appreciated his action toward myself. It -proved him magnanimous and free of petty spite in that affair, and such -was his nature. When I reported to him no one could have been more -warmly welcomed, and thenceforward I had nothing but kindness and the -most valuable support and help while with his corps. - -A. P. Hill was very close to both Generals Lee and Stonewall Jackson at -different times. Perhaps only a coincidence, but certainly significant -it is, that, the last dying words of the two military chiefs were -said to be of Hill. "Send word to A. P. Hill," whispered the expiring -Jackson. "Tell Hill he must come up," were the last words on Lee's lips. - -July and early August, 1862, were busy months. In front of Richmond -General Lee kept the army well exercised in drill and the new men had -to get into shape. Our staff work had been severe and our horses had -suffered. I was obliged to keep two good mounts at least, sometimes -more. It was here I fell in love with a perfect little stallion named -Voltaire, and paid a round price for him; he soon proved too delicate -for army work and I gave him to my brother in Richmond. There he should -have thriven, but I think soon went to pieces. I succeeded in finding -a handsome, powerful chestnut mare, from which I got good service -until she was killed at Gettysburg. Longstreet was admirably mounted -on two bays; one he had brought to the army with him, the other, a -finer beast, was a present from Major Fairfax, whose horse judgment -was excellent. For himself, he rode a superb gray stallion, "Saltron," -widely known, which he had raised at his Loudoun estate. Fairfax lost -him at Sharpsburg. A round shot struck him under the tail, fairly in -the fundament, and it was at once all over with the stallion. Fairfax -was excitable, and rushing to Longstreet, sitting grimly on his horse -directing the battle, he broke out, "General, General, my horse is -killed; Saltron is shot; shot right in the back!" Longstreet gave the -Major a queer look and consoled him with, "Never mind, Major, you ought -to be glad you are not shot in your own back!" - -Frank Potts, a quartermaster in the corps, tells a story of these two. -Fairfax messed General Longstreet, took good care of all his wants, -and kept him in whiskey and in all else that was needful. Potts says -that in one of the campaigns he had parked his animals and wagons in a -nice spot by the roadside at a good hour and everything was made snug -for the night's bivouac until the early march next morning. Suddenly -he saw a figure galloping wildly across the fields to him, taking -fences and ditches as he came. "Now," grumbled Potts, "it's a move; -here are the orders coming." It was Major Fairfax in full uniform. He -pulled up sharply before the quartermaster, saluted, and then, "Captain -Potts, can you tell me where a washerwoman is to be found for General -Longstreet?" relieved the Irishman and tickled his humor. - -During the war the men were without many books and eagerly clung to -a novel when one came their way. Many old volumes were sent from -home, but they did not go far among such numbers. Victor Hugo's "Les -Miserables," and Muhlbach's novels, translated from the German, and -reprinted at Mobile, had begun to appear and were devoured by readers. -Later on, after Gettysburg, Freemantle's "Three Months in the Southern -States" was reprinted at Mobile and widely read. These old volumes are -now a curiosity and not to be had except at great price. The dirty -old type, blurred and worn, the rough paper with florid designs, all -attested the stress of the Confederacy in everything entering into -life. Among the soldiers in camp there was the usual gambling going on; -they played some odd sorts of games, but the greasiest packs of cards -were their stand-by. - -One day Longstreet received a note from General Lee, after a ride -through our camps. This informed the corps commander that he regretted -to see so much gambling among the men; they nearly all seemed absorbed -in a game called "Chuck-a-luck." "Could anything be done to better the -matter?" Longstreet had served much with soldiers, and knew they would, -many of them, gamble in camp in spite of all orders and watching; never -yet had he found anything that would completely cure the evil. He -would, however, see what could be done--but nothing came of it. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -SECOND BATTLE OF MANASSAS, AUGUST 29 AND 30, 1862 - - Major-General Pope in command of Union troops in - Northern Virginia--Religious observances in our - army--Homesickness--Furloughs--Rations--March against Pope--Artillery - duel at Rappahannock--Spy captured and hung--Jackson's - marches--Thoroughfare Gap--Longstreet's attack--Enemy routed--General - Wilcox and Union general--Wilcox's and Couch's baptismals--Brig.-Gen. - A. G. Evans--General Toombs and the picket--His arrest--Released and - joins brigade in the fight. - - -McClellan still lay at Westover, recruiting and reorganizing. It was -apparent that his army would not be long in that position. Confidence -in him had been lost, and there was a new paladin in the field, the -doughty John Pope, major-general, with "Headquarters in the saddle." -He was a man of some ability, but did not have a reputation for high -character in the old Army; and now with elevated rank and command -thrust upon him, he turned into abuse of his enemy, explained how he -meant to whip him, and filled the air with bombast and threatening. He -was in command in northern Virginia, and Lee had marked him for his own. - -We were rather a devout army. The men came from their homes deeply -tinged with religion. Methodists were in large numbers and next to them -Baptists and Presbyterians. There were many meetings and addresses -conducted by worthy chaplains. These devoted ministers could always -be counted on to follow beside their men, in camp or on the firing -line. The men were fond of hearing in camp any kind of address, and -were an easy prey to sharpers. I recall that some years later, on the -Petersburg line, a crank came along with what he called an artis-avis -(a bird of art) with him, and some fifty thousand like it; he was -to drop a shell into Grant's army and fleet and destroy them! He -wanted permission to address my men and solicit cash for building his -wonderful birds. He was sent out of camp. The soldiers were fond of -chanting hymns and quaint old plantation airs, and at times they were -touching with the recollections of home. Homesickness was often very -prevalent, and the awful nostalgia came near crippling us. There is a -general order from Longstreet on that matter somewhere and I may be -able to find it to attach to these leaves. - -At this date, July and August, 1862, food was plentiful and good. No -variety, but fresh beef or bacon, flour, coffee and sugar were issued -in full rations. There was an abundance of whiskey, but comparatively -little drunkenness. Encouragement and incentives to good conduct -came from the General-in-Chief down through the officers. Previous -to the Chickahominy Campaign a balloon had been constructed for -reconnoitering. The enemy had several and we also wanted one, so the -women--Heaven bless them!--came to the front with, it may be, tearful -eyes but willing hearts and chipped in all their pretty silk frocks -and gowns. It was a wonderfully picturesque balloon and at first did -some little service, captive to a locomotive pushed far to the front. -Then it was packed on a little steamboat in an adventurous cruise down -the James. She ran aground, was gobbled up, with the bright ball-dress -balloon, by the delighted Yankees, and that was the last of the pretty -things of our sisters, sweethearts, and wives. - -But the march against Pope is now beginning and must have a little -space. The movement was masked as much as possible, a few troops only -being at first concentrated at Gordonsville by rail. Lee collected -then his outlying commands with great skill and started in earnest -against his braggart opponent. Pope seems to have quite underestimated -or disbelieved what was awaiting him, and his dispositions were all -in favor of Lee. His first rude awakening was the shock Jackson gave -him at Cedar Mountain, very costly to him; but we lost Charles Winder, -one of the finest and most promising of the brigadiers. The march of -the army was in tactical language "left in front," Jackson's position -throwing him on the left; and this formation was necessarily observed -by all the commands of the army. In these operations Stuart and his -cavalry were exceedingly active and performed most valuable service. -Our command, the full division, and two smaller ones under D. R. Jones -and N. G. Evans, came to a halt hunting a ford on the Rappahannock and -found a strong force of the enemy, with good artillery, at the railroad -bridge. The gunners (ours the Washington Artillery) on both sides took -up an artillery duel for nearly all day, but nothing decisive was -achieved. We forded the river in another place without opposition. - -It was in these operations that a spy was taken. He had murdered one -of our cavalry couriers, and was caught almost red-handed, and with -papers on him compromising enough to hang a dozen spies. Nevertheless, -we gave him a trial. I convened a drum-head court martial of three -brigadiers and they sentenced him to be hanged immediately. The wretch -was mounted, arms tied, on a horse, with the noose and limb of a -tree connected. He finally admitted he was a spy from Loudoun County, -Virginia, but to the last stuck out he had not shot the cavalry -courier. A smart blow with the flat of a saber started the horse on the -jump and left the spy breathless, and there he hung until the army, -continuing its march, passed almost under the tree and perhaps took the -lesson to heart. - -Jackson's marches, in swiftness, daring, and originality of execution, -were almost extraordinary. At one time there was great fear for -his safety, widely separated as he was from the right wing under -Longstreet. General Lee's route was near Longstreet's and night and -day he was always close to us. Longstreet was delayed by the enemy -at Thoroughfare Gap. This is a mountain gorge, not long, but narrow, -rocky, and precipitous. It was capable of stubborn defense. Its echoes -were wonderful--a gun fired in its depths gave forth roars fit to bring -down the skies. Here Longstreet had to stop impatiently until he could -work his way through. He knew Jackson was hard pressed on the other -side and praying for a sight of him. It took a little time, but we sent -a flanking force over the mountains by a rocky path and the enemy gave -way speedily and left the gap early. Pushing through we saw the dust -of Jackson's masses miles away and heard his guns. Forward we pressed -almost at a run, and in time. The attack on Stonewall ceased as soon as -Longstreet came on the scene. - -This was early enough in the day to permit us in turn to make a -combined attack. The enemy was disheartened, and Jackson's column, -although fatigued and losing heavily, was triumphant and still capable -of great efforts. Our own force was large, comparatively fresh, and -eager to crush John Pope, but for some reason the attack was not made, -although I think General Lee preferred it to waiting. - -The great battle that followed, and all these operations covering -several days, were called the Second Manassas. Some of the ground -was identical with the first. Most of it lay beautifully for good -tactical operations, and as the country was quite open much could be -observed at considerable distances. When the enemy's masses began again -pressing Stonewall on the 30th of August, Longstreet moved quickly up -to support. Their dense columns had been left exposed to artillery fire -from our position and Longstreet instantly saw it. Planting a battery -in the road, the first shots, together with Jackson's incessant fire, -began to tell. - -We were near enough to see some wavering in the blue masses, then -halt, and then a flight back to cover. But it was all up with John -Pope. No rest was given his army. Longstreet started every man of us -to his division to push them into attack, and soon everything was -hotly engaged. The easy, rounded ridges ran at right angles to the -turnpike, and over these infantry and artillery poured in pursuit. -The artillery would gallop furiously to the nearest ridge, limber to -the front, deliver a few rounds until the enemy were out of range, -and then a gallop again to the next ridge. And thus it went on until -black darkness stopped operations--the enemy defeated at all points -and hastening back to the Potomac. Many prisoners, guns, colors, small -arms, and large quantities of stores and equipments fell into our hands. - -J. E. B. Stuart was highly tickled at his capture of Pope's wagon and -personal effects, including a very fine uniform. - -Losses on both sides were heavy. Alas! the butcher's bill is always to -be paid after these grand operations, and at Manassas especially there -were some splendid young lives laid down for our cause and our homes. - -Longstreet was seen at his best during the battle. His consummate -ability in managing troops was well displayed that day and his large -bodies of men were moved with great skill and without the least -confusion. - -As General C. M. Wilcox was moving forward at the head of his brigade -in the open field, he was attracted by the waving of a handkerchief -at some little distance. He found time to go to the spot and there -mortally wounded was a Federal general, Wilcox's old army friend, who -had recognized the Confederate as he passed and wanted to say farewell. -His soul soon took flight and his body was cared for by his old-time -comrade--the name is forgotten. - -Wilcox told me that he once officiated at a christening with D. N. -Couch, afterwards a Federal major-general. Wilcox's baptismals were -Cadmus Marcellus, and Couch's Darius Narcissus. It is said that when -these sonorous designations reached the parson's ear he almost dropped -the baby in round-eyed astonishment! - -N. G. Evans ("Shank" Evans) had two brigades with Longstreet and was -a rather marked character. A regular soldier, he had served well in -Mexico, and at Manassas, on July 21, had done exceedingly well with a -small command, a good eye, and quick decision. It was he, too, that -commanded at Ball's Bluff on the upper Potomac when Baker attempted to -take it with a fine regiment and lost some 800 men. Baker was Senator -from Oregon and only a few days before had addressed the United States -Senate in full uniform in farewell. It was forever, for he died with -hundreds of his men in the waters of the Potomac. Evans was difficult -to manage and we found him so. He had a Prussian orderly, with a wooden -vessel holding a gallon of whiskey always strapped on his back, and -there was the trouble. At the little artillery fight he had on the -Rappahannock, G. T. Anderson (Tige), commanding one of the Georgia -brigades, was ordered by Evans to attack a powerful battery and silence -it. In vain did Anderson explain that it was on the far side of a deep -river and that without a bridge his infantry could not get to it. -Evans would not listen to reason and Anderson came to me. Of course he -was told to make no such attempt, and I proceeded to hunt up Evans, -finding him under a tree, too near his "Barrelita," as he called his -whiskey holder. But he had to listen and comply. In the progress of the -campaign after the Manassas battle he became so unruly as to arrest -without reason Hood, one of his brigadiers, and Longstreet had to get -him out of the way in some manner. He disappeared afterwards from field -work and I don't know his end. He had been a very brave, experienced -cavalry officer. Anderson's indignation at the impossibility of the -order to take the battery was highly amusing. - -In the early part of the march against Pope we made a bivouac near -where some Federal cavalry were reported to have been prowling. The -enemy had no troops near by to disturb us except this body of horse. -It was therefore thought prudent to post a regiment at the cross-road -which would warn our camps. General Toombs was ordered to detail one -and I saw that it was posted. - -During the night a cavalry picket reported that the regiment had been -withdrawn. I awoke Longstreet to ascertain if by his orders. "No, but -place immediately in arrest the officer who has done so." It proved -to be Toombs. He was a great lawyer and a good politician, but in the -wrong place when posing as a soldier. He had taken a notion that his -regiment was not really needed at the cross-road and the men would be -more comfortable with the others in bivouac. - -Toombs was therefore put in arrest and the march continued. The next -evening on halting it was reported to me that he had followed, as was -proper, in rear of his brigade, but had worn his sword, and upon his -men going into camp had made them a violent speech. I felt called on -to make this known to General Longstreet, whereupon he directed me to -order General Toombs back to Gordonsville and confine himself there; -also to prefer charges against him on two grounds--withdrawing the -regiment from picket duty and breaking his arrest. This was done and -Toombs went back to Gordonsville, not many miles away, whence he wrote -a short note asking to be released of the charge of breaking arrest, -saying he had worn his sword only for convenience and there was nothing -improper in his speech to the men. Longstreet always had a decided -liking for Toombs, and upon seeing this note he not only withdrew that -charge, but the other also and sent him back to duty. Knowing that we -should soon be engaged he advised me to be quick about it if I wanted -the Georgian to see something of hot work. - -An intelligent courier was sent to Toombs with the latest orders, and -meantime we were marching forward. He returned; General Toombs was -not at Gordonsville. I might well have left the matter there, but it -seemed to me that one of our foremost Georgians should have a chance -with the army and I sent a second man after him; this time he was -found. The situation was explained to him and he was advised to lose -no time in joining his men if he desired to be with them in the smoke -of battle. And so Toombs came; late, but just in time to be with his -brigade in its last victorious charge when everything, as already -described, was turned loose. - -Toombs stuck to the army through Sharpsburg, where he did good service, -and then returned to more congenial fields--politics and oratory. In -after years he always showed me much kindness and appreciation for the -trouble I had taken to get him back to his brigade for fighting at the -Second Manassas. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -BATTLES OF SOUTH MOUNTAIN (BOONSBORO GAP) AND SHARPSBURG (ANTIETAM), -SEPT. 14TH AND 17TH, 1862 - - Accident to General Lee--To Longstreet also--Fight at - Chantilly--General Kearny killed--Cross the Potomac--Lee's - confidential order found by McClellan--Straggling. - - -When we got back to Virginia and Toombs's resignation had gone in, -Longstreet sent for me to say he had, some time before, about August, -1862, recommended me for promotion to brigadier-general. That Toombs's -retirement now left a Georgia brigade open and he wanted me to have -it and that I must put out for Richmond forthwith and try to work it -through by help of my Congressman and other strong friends. I lost no -time about this and was soon on the ground. Hartridge, our M. C., did -all he could in my behalf; but there was no possible chance while the -brigade had four colonels, well known representative Georgia men, ready -each for the command. It was given to Colonel, formerly Judge, Benning, -and his record in command of it was excellent. - -The day after great Manassas, General Lee suffered a painful accident. -It had rained and he was wearing a rubber poncho and over-alls, his -body and legs being thus well protected. With a number of his officers -he was dismounted in a thick piece of woods, making some disposition -for following the enemy. His horse, a gentle, intelligent animal, was -at the General's shoulder, reins on neck; he made some slight movement -as if to start away, and Lee taking a step ahead for the bridle tripped -in his over-alls and fell forward, not prone, but catching on his hands. - -He was instantly on his feet, erect, but his hands were badly damaged; -one had a small bone broken and the other was nearly as bad with the -twist and strain. Both were put into splints, but were painful and most -uncomfortable. For some time the saddle had to be given up and the -ambulance called into use. General Lee made the campaign on wheels. At -Sharpsburg he was far enough cured to allow him to ride a little. This -accident caused widespread report of the General having been wounded, -and of course the enemy's papers gave facts in detail of the serious -character of the wound and how it was received. - -Some little time afterwards Longstreet also got himself damaged. A -boot chafed his heel, which took on an ugly look and refused to heal. -"Peter" (this was his West Point sobriquet, much used for him by his -army friends and to this day not forgotten) therefore was obliged -to don a slipper, and at Sharpsburg he was in no good humor at such -footwear and the need of occasionally walking in it. In fact, a wobbly -carpet slipper was not a good-looking thing for a commander on the -field. - -General Lee took his army forward to the Potomac. Only a detachment of -the enemy was encountered by Jackson, and this was at Chantilly, where -toward dark, and in a furious storm, there was a short combat in which -Major-General Kearny was killed and left in our hands. - -Kearny had been a conspicuous young officer in the Mexican War, where -he lost an arm, and coming of a wealthy New Jersey family had resigned -from the army and retired to private life. I saw his body next morning. -It was given up to the enemy at their request, and his horse also, I -think. He was a small, dashing-looking man, possessed, it was thought, -of considerable military ability. - -After such successes there was a fair prospect of driving the enemy out -of Washington or bringing him to terms. General Lee moved his army into -Maryland, passing most of the troops across the river at White Ford. -The soldiers crossed with joyful excitement, singing "My Maryland," -and the whole round of their musical stock, with bands playing and all -cheering as well-known officers came in sight. Indeed there was some -reason for elation and hope. The enemy had suffered a serious defeat -and was driven into his capital, his numbers again very great, but of -demoralized and raw-recruited men. On the other hand, Lee also had a -strong army (for Confederate numbers--we had been accustomed to be -outnumbered). The men were triumphantly rejoicing and confident, and as -they believed were moving into the friendly fields of a sister State, -whose men would surely rise and join us; and more than all, they were -commanded by the first General of the day. - -It was early September and delightful marching over Maryland's good -roads and through her fields of plenty. We had not yet been pushed for -food, the transport so far having kept us supplied. General Lee made a -short halt at Frederick City, where we took a rest and got loose ends -of the army together; and from here began the movement that after two -bloody battles was to send us disappointed back to the Virginia side of -the Potomac. - -General Lee there issued his famous confidential general order on which -the army moved. It provided in detail for the march of his troops -and his objective points. It was so full that when a copy came in my -possession I wondered what could be done with it in event of my falling -into the enemy's hands. - -By it Jackson was to move to Harper's Ferry and capture its large -garrison--it was a menace to Lee's rear. McLaws was to occupy Maryland -Heights, and J. G. Walker, Loudoun Heights, in co-operation with -Jackson. Troops were also sent to Crampton's Gap. - -D. H. Hill was to occupy South Mountain, or Boonsboro Gap, as it -was variously called. Longstreet's strong column was to be in the -vicinity of Hagerstown, twelve miles from D. H. Hill's position. Proper -directions were provided for Stuart's large cavalry force. - -The army moved from Frederick under the confidential order. All should -have gone well. The programme would have been carried out, the severed -army reunited, with Harper's Ferry captured at it was, and once in -front of the already half-beaten McClellan (who had succeeded Pope in -command of the Army of the Potomac), what great victory would surely -have awaited us! But fate or an unlucky chance decided otherwise. A -copy of General Lee's confidential order was handed to McClellan when -he reached Frederick. He says in his official report that it was picked -up by one of his men on our late camping ground. - -Had Lee whispered into the Federal General's ear his inmost plans the -latter could have asked for nothing more than the information brought -him on that fatal paper. - -The effect on McClellan was immediate. His march, up to then, had -been cautious and timid, not more than eight or nine miles a day. When -the order came to him he knew all about us. He knew that D. H. Hill's -five brigades at Boonsboro would be nearly all that lay in his path -to cross the mountain, and he began footing it with great speed. His -march was rapid, and for McClellan confident. He actually struck D. -H. Hill on September 14, on the mountain, with an overwhelming force. -Hill defended himself valiantly, Drayton's and Anderson's brigades -reinforcing him. - -Hearing his guns near Hagerstown, Longstreet's quick military instinct -told him what was happening. We instantly broke camp and raced out for -Hill's relief. The distance was covered in extraordinary time and we -happily got to Hill just as he was being driven from the crest of the -mountain, and in time to save him. Darkness coming on, he was able to -assemble his shattered battalions below, where with our force a front -was shown that McClellan hesitated on immediately attacking. At sun -up we prepared to move and were soon on the march to Antietam Creek, -behind which part of the army took position on the 15th and 16th. - -But I must go back to Frederick City, asking how a document so vitally -important as General Lee's order could have suffered loss. It has often -been discussed in special papers, in magazine articles, and in letters. -McClellan says it was addressed to Major-General D. H. Hill. There is -no disputing this because the document is on file for evidence. General -Hill and his adjutant-general, Col. Archer Anderson, both declare -it impossible to have been Hill's copy. They are to be implicitly -believed. In addition, Colonel Anderson is able to produce a copy -addressed to his chief.[1] Thus we find ourselves in a dilemma. - -[1] Colonel Anderson was not there, being at home wounded. - -The explanation suggested is that perhaps two copies were sent Hill. -Although now an independent division, Jackson considered Hill under his -command and sent him a copy of the order. One copy certainly reached -him direct from General Lee. Jackson and Hill, although connected by -marriage, had it is said no great personal liking for each other, -and I can imagine the cross and dyspeptic Hill, with the order from -Lee in his pocket, receiving another copy from Jackson with careless -irritation. If this theory does not work out, we seem to be quite -baffled in finding a solution. - -We had a bad night on the mountain, extracting D. H. Hill. He had made -a magnificent defense, but was terribly mauled and broken up. - -Drayton's brigade had been dispersed. There was great straggling to -the rear by some of the men and our staff had to make sharp play with -the flats of our swords on the backs of these fellows. It tired and -disgusted me. The mountain roads were filled with broken regiments -and companies and it was very late before they got to the foot of the -mountain and in some sort of order. The material of our army was such -that it did not take long for the men to shape up after disaster. It -was near daylight before I got to Longstreet's bivouac, made a brief -report of things, and threw myself on some fence rails in the bad -weather for a chance to sleep. Not for long, however. All hands were -soon afoot preparing for the march. During the day I came up with my -old friend and schoolmate "Sandy" Duncan, of the Hussars. He was a -comical object, but doing good service mounted on a little beast, -almost skin and bones, with scarcely any hair. The animal looked badly -scalded. He bore Duncan and his arms however, the trooper bearded and -with as odd an appearance as his mount. He was gathering stragglers and -pushing them forward with hard words and sometimes blows. We had never -a campaign when there was so much straggling. Duncan was an excellent -cavalry soldier and devoted to his troop. In full health to-day -at Savannah, he is considered justly good authority on all things -Confederate. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -BATTLE OF SHARPSBURG, CONTINUED - - Marching through Frederick--Barbara Fritchie and Stonewall - Jackson--Commissariat broken down--Green corn for rations--Stampede of - horses of a cavalry regiment--D. H. Hill's horse shot--Longstreet's - staff served guns of Washington Artillery--Cannoneers killed--Colonel - John R. Cooke's gallant fight--Am wounded and carried off the field. - - -When the army marched through Frederick City it was fine weather, -and the poet Whittier has told of Barbara Frietchie and Stonewall -Jackson--a stirring poem in winning lines, but quite without fact at -bottom. But that matters not in the least. The lines are good and we -can well afford to throw in with all the hard words and abuse of those -days, the poet's ideas about our Stonewall. - -The country through which we marched was beautiful, rich, and fertile, -but we were constantly hungry. There were two lines of Whittier's -unquestionably true: - - "Fair as a garden of the Lord, - To the eyes of the famished rebel horde." - -In all parts of the army straggling was principally caused by want -of food. The commissariat had about broken down and the troops had -recourse to anything. - -The fields were full of ripened corn, of which too much was eaten. -Parched and salted it would help a little, but eaten as it was, bad -attacks of diarrhoea followed and such sickness became serious. - -On the night before the battle we were getting some sleep under thick -trees when a stampede of horses nearly trampled us. It was a very -surprising thing that happened to the Jeff Davis Legion. The regiment -was well lined and picketed in front, part of the officers and men -asleep, guards and pickets on good watch, and everything deadly quiet -and still, the night went on. - -Suddenly something seemed to pass through the animals like a quiver of -motion, a faint sound as of a sign, and then the wildest scene ensued. -The horses for no reason that could be found had become stampeded, -in the greatest panic and excitement. They broke away from their -picket ropes, and droves of different sizes, some few, some many, were -thundering along over the country and about the army in wild confusion. -Fortunately, they drew to our rear, and the troopers were all night and -part of the next day recovering them. Duncan has well described to me -this extraordinary stampede, the like of which did not occur during the -four years' war. - -The morning of September 17 opened with battle before us, presaged by -the booming of cannon already beginning their noisy work. - -Longstreet held the right center, the other wing being trusted to -Jackson, Hood, Richard H. Anderson, McLaws, and other divisions. The -fall of Harper's Ferry had released the attacking forces and enabled -Jackson and part of his command to join Lee, but only after great -exhaustion and fatal straggling. The enemy called this battle Antietam, -from the little stream that traverses the field. We gave it the name of -Sharpsburg, the village that nestled in the hills by the turnpike some -little distance back of Antietam. It was a dreadful day of fighting. -Beginning early, we were at it until nightfall. Outnumbered three to -one, it seemed that at almost any time a strong effort by McClellan -would drive us back, but that effort was not made. A third of his fine -army did not fire a rifle. - -In the early afternoon Lee, Longstreet, and D. H. Hill ascended a -little acclivity near the turnpike to make some observations. All -others--staff and orderlies--were kept back under the brow of the -hill to avoid drawing fire on the three generals. In truth, they did -look conspicuous on the crest, silhouetted against the bright skies, -and the shot of course came, a little wide, but the second was from a -good gunner. This shot struck the front legs of Hill's horse, cutting -them sharp off at the knees. The poor beast did not fall immediately, -and made no sound, but put his nose into the grass, nibbling at it -seemingly. - -The small general in a high-cantled saddle could not get his leg over -in the position of the horse until Longstreet helped him down. There -is occasional talk of groans and shrieks of horses when wounded. I -have seen many badly hurt, but cannot recall an instance in which the -animal made any noise. This "gunning" has recently been associated with -another incident on the field, with which it has really no connection. -It was rather later in the day that we came on two of Miller's -Washington Artillery guns that had been doing splendid work, but were -now silent. - -The gunners had fallen by their places, which were temporarily without -cannoneers. Longstreet was with us. Fairfax, Goree, Manning, Walton, -myself, and perhaps some others took our horses' bridles as we leaped -from them to the guns. The position was most important and it would -never do for those "barkers" to be dumb, even for a minute; so at it -we went, the improvised gunners, and were afterwards cheered by being -told we did it well and could always get a gunner's berth when we might -want it. I had the rammer, No. 1, I think it is in the drill. Our fire -was really strong and effective, until some reliefs from the Washington -Artillery came up "ventre à terre," and with hearty shouts took their -guns in hand. The enemy opened a severe fire on us, but fortunately -none of our party was hurt. We mounted again with cheerful grins at our -sudden adventure, and Longstreet, much pleased, turned his attention to -other imperiled points. - -Now, some fellow writing recently says it was McClellan's own hands -that fired at Hill's horse in the morning; and that, in revenge, -Longstreet seeing his position in the afternoon, guessed it must be -McClellan and his staff and dispersed them with his own hands on the -guns. An awful lot of lies circulate nowadays about the Civil War, and -it is so long ago there is hardly anybody to contradict them. - -Longstreet, whose eyes were everywhere, had noticed a regiment well -advanced that had been fighting steadily for hours. It had gathered a -few rails and stones for a chance protection to its brave fellows, all -the time keeping up a good steady fire on the force in front of them, -whose ranks looked so thick as to make one wonder they did not walk -over our poor little regiment. Longstreet never failed to encourage -good work; he praised freely and liberally where he thought it due, -constantly recommending meritorious young officers for promotion. There -was no illiberality about him, and the officers knew it and tried for -his notice. "Major Sorrel," he said, "go down to that regiment with -my compliments to the colonel. Say he has fought splendidly and must -keep it up. We are hard pressed and if he loses his position there is -nothing left behind him; his men have made noble sacrifices, but are to -do still more." - -It was Col. John R. Cooke, commanding a North Carolina regiment, that -received this message. There were many dead along his lines and some -severely wounded who could not be got away. My horse was wounded on the -way to him, and the enemy's rifle firing was incessant, while from the -saddle Longstreet's praises and encouragement were given this brave -officer. - -Profanity is justly considered objectionable. I do not approve of it, -but there are times when it may be overlooked, and never did such -words sound so sweet as when I looked into Cooke's eyes and heard him: -"Major, thank General Longstreet for his good words, but say, by ---- -almighty, he needn't doubt me! We will stay here, by J. C., if we must -all go to hell together! That ---- thick line of the enemy has been -fighting all day, but my regiment is still ready to lick this whole ----- outfit. Start away, Major, quick, or you'll be getting hurt too, -exposed as you are on that horse!" This is only a faint reproduction of -the Colonel's gift of language, but it left me with no doubt that the -position would stand until that gallant heart gave the word to leave -it. He stuck there until ordered off at night. It was some time before -I was able to send a report to Longstreet, the hour being about 5 -p. m., but he had Cooke promoted immediately. I had scarcely drawn my -hand from Cooke's when a shell burst over us and a fragment struck me -senseless from my horse. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -BATTLE OF SHARPSBURG, CONCLUDED - - Toombs's Georgia Brigade--Longstreet on the field--Lee's war - horse--McClellan superseded by Burnside--A horse trade--Richard H. - Anderson's division--A lost opportunity--Walton and myself find - quarters at Shepherdstown among wounded--Driven away by enemy's shells. - - -Toombs's brigade of Georgians had fought well at the bridge on the -right. It was contested all day and was the scene of some bloody -encounters. Some fresher men under A. P. Hill at last came up late, -almost dark, and a general advance on the enemy's lines persuaded the -timorous McClellan that we were not done fighting, and he ceased his -operations. Lee was left, after the long day's work, with thin ranks -holding the ground he stood on in the morning, and nothing lost by -us in guns, colors, or prisoners. The casualties, however, were very -heavy, our list of wounded and killed being awful. Here fell my dear -personal friends of school days, McIntosh and Parkman. I had lost -several in the battles preceding and my heart was heavy. - -Longstreet's conduct on this great day of battle was magnificent. -He seemed everywhere along his extended lines, and his tenacity and -deep-set resolution, his inmost courage, which appeared to swell with -the growing peril to the army, undoubtedly stimulated the troops to -greater action, and held them in place despite all weakness. My staff -comrades described to me later his appearance and reception by Lee when -they met at night after firing ceased. Longstreet, big, heavy, and -red, grimly stern after this long day's work, that called for all we -could stomach, rolled in on his clumsy carpet slippers. Lee immediately -welcomed him with unconcealed joy. "Here comes my war horse just from -the field he has done so much to save!" his arm affectionately around -"Peter's" shoulder. The latter should surely have been proud and well -satisfied. Lee held his ground that night and all the next day (the -18th), caring for his wounded and burying his dead. On the night of -the 18th he quietly moved out and successfully passed the Potomac to -Virginia ground without loss. That McClellan with his great army, a -third of which had taken no part in the two battles, permitted this -escape is unaccountable. In olden times generals lost their heads for -such stupidities. "Little Mac" lost his place instead, being soon -superseded by Burnside. - -I was never good at a horse trade, and here is a story of one. I had -a nice little mare of good paces, but she was undersized for my long -legs. Walton, my staff comrade, had a big, fine bay, well gaited and -apparently all that I could wish. Walton, being a small man, liked the -mare, and was ready to trade; but just before getting to Boonsboro, the -big bay, "Mott" (he had been brought from Mississippi by that Colonel -Mott who was killed at Williamsburg, and we named him "Mott"), had -broken loose and was astray somewhere, Walton being unable to find him. -Having some mounted men I could use and knowing the cavalry officers -near by, I believed he could be found, so taking the chances I made -the trade by paying Walton $275 to boot, and this too in '62, when -Confederate money was not so very _bad_. That much cash could then buy -considerable stuff. Longstreet was an excellent judge of horseflesh -and to him I gave the details of my trade. In answer I got a little -stare and smile as he said, "Why, Major, I would not give $275 for the -horse tied to a corn crib; no quartermaster in this army can furnish -forage enough for that beast!" This was soothing and encouraging to be -sure, and in the mean time bay "Mott" refused to be found. Boonsboro -and Sharpsburg were fought, the army back in Virginia, and I on my -way back, when at last came my cavalrymen, bay "Mott" in hand, and in -a fortnight or so I was on him, a powerful, well-paced animal; but -Longstreet was right, he could never get enough to eat, and after some -time his ribs and bones were disagreeably in evidence, and the beast -was turned over to a quartermaster to do with as he would. He had -pickings in the corral and was probably hitched to a hay wagon. - -When struck down by that bursting shell, Colonel Cooke had me -immediately carried off on a stretcher to a less exposed place, and -on regaining consciousness good old Fairfax was pouring whiskey down -my throat. We had been severed by one of those unnecessary camp -differences and were not on good terms. Needless to say all that -was now forgotten and we were comrades once more. He managed to get -an ambulance and sent me off to the army field-infirmary. There was -another officer stretched by me in the ambulance, very bloody and -very terribly wounded. I did not think I was hurt badly, but seemed -to have no motion or feeling about the legs. We were soon at the -surgeon's camp, Dr. Guild medical director in charge. I knew him well, -a cheerful soul. "What, you too!" he cried. "Now, turn over." And he -began pinching my legs unmercifully. I kicked and cried out loudly, and -he laughed and said: "O, you are quite right, I feared for your back. -Now away to the rear across the river; you will be on duty again in a -fortnight." The hurt was a violent contusion below the right shoulder -and made the whole side of the body black and blue with extravasated -blood. Off we started and came up with my staff comrade, Walton, slowly -trotting to the rear with a bullet in his shoulder. He took charge of -things energetically, managed by threats and bullying to get a boat, -and had us ferried across the river at Shepherdstown. There Walton got -some men to carry me, hunting a resting place; he tried everywhere, his -wound paining him all the time. The little town was full of wounded -and it looked as if we should have to lie out in the street, but some -gentle hearts were melted. At the house of the Hamtrammocks, already -crowded with wounded, the ladies gave up their last room and put us in -it, fed and cheered us, providing that sweet sympathy and goodness that -was ever present among the noble women of battle-torn Virginia. - -The Hamtrammock family was unknown to me, but stood very well in the -village and all through the Valley. It was said that their father, long -dead, had commanded a Virginia regiment in the Mexican War. The only -members of the family we saw were the two pleasant girls, Elsie and -Florence, and an aunt, Miss Sheperd. That evening the doctor relieved -Walton of acute suffering by cutting out the bullet, which had buried -itself in the muscles of the shoulder, and dressed my battered back. -So we awoke next morning refreshed and easier, charmed with our luck -in such good quarters. We were soon quite ready to be entertained by -the young ladies, and they were nothing loth after the nurses had made -us presentable. There was a Georgian in the house, Captain D'Antignac, -badly wounded in the head, and in charge of Miss Sheperd. She would -sometimes rush into our room, laughing immoderately; the poor fellow -was out of his head and talking all sorts of nonsense. Our hostesses -were very gracious, gay, happy, well educated girls; they played and -sang prettily, and were such Confederates! We had much curiosity to -know how they had fared during the night, since they had been robbed -of their rooms; it finally came out that they had shared the bathroom -between them. But this elysium could not last long, for next day -the enemy planted some guns on the river bank and began shelling -everything. The wounded were in great peril and the surgeons hurried -them to the rear. An ambulance was sent at once for us, and with -grateful farewells to our friends, we were taken away to a little old -farmhouse fifteen miles distant, behind Lee's army. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -OUR PERSONNEL--VISITORS - - On duty again, recovered--Army refreshed and in good - condition--Reorganization--First and Second Army Corps, Longstreet - and Stonewall commanding--Divisions composing them--Cavalry under - Stuart--Visitors to our camp in Valley--Three Englishmen, Wolseley, - Lawley, and Vizitelly. - - -Within the fortnight I was returned to duty, rather stiff but quite -fit, and pleased with the hearty welcome of my brother officers. -Walton's wound proved severe and he was sent to a hospital at Richmond. -The army had picked up wonderfully, stragglers were back in ranks, -the lightly wounded were again ready with their rifles, rations were -abundant; some clothing and shoes had come, for a small part of it, and -we were just eager for Burnside or any other fellow. Our General, like -his army, was high in spirit and controlling absolutely its destiny. -Its devotion for Lee and unfaltering confidence in him had never been -surpassed. It was now that he found it necessary to reorganize its -various commands. They were all comfortably camped in the Valley, -except a small detachment sent to the vicinity of Fredericksburg, and -covered a good deal of ground. The enemy was silent and showed no sign -of movement, but we could guess where he was likely to strike next. -Somewhere about Spottsylvania or Fredericksburg, Lee divided his army -into two great infantry corps--the First Army Corps under Lieut.-Gen. -James Longstreet; the Second Army Corps under Lieut-Gen. T. J. -Jackson. The First had five divisions under Pickett, McLaws, Hood, -Richard Anderson, and J. G. Walker; all had from four to five brigades; -except Walker's, only two, but it was known that his command was to be -but temporarily with the Virginia army. Jackson's Second Army Corps -had also four divisions under A. P. Hill, R. S. Ewell, D. H. Hill, and -Jackson's old division under Taliaferro. - -The strength of the two great bodies was thus about equal. To each -division there was a battalion of artillery of four batteries, and to -each corps a reserve battalion of six batteries. Longstreet had two of -them, the Washingtons, and Alexander's battalion. - -There was also a strong body of reserve artillery to the army under -command (and indeed he claimed some authority over the rest) of -Brig.-Gen. W. N. Pendleton. This officer had graduated from West Point, -had changed his uniform to the cassock and was rector of an Episcopal -church in Western Virginia. He was an especial friend of General Lee, -and leaving his pulpit brought a good battery to Jackson's command. A -well-meaning man, without qualities for the high post he claimed--Chief -of Artillery of the Army. - -The cavalry under Stuart completed the good organization of that -wonderful army. An excellent body of horse it was, in fit hands, and -its commander, true body and soul to Lee, was already a great cavalry -leader. It was not, however, until next year that he rose with it to -its high-water mark of strength, efficiency, and renown. - -While camped there in the Valley we had all at once three interesting -visitors, Col. Garnet Wolseley, of the British Army; Hon. Francis -Lawley, correspondent at the South for _The London Times_, and -Frank Vizitelly, Southern correspondent and artist for _The London -Illustrated News_. Wolseley was on duty in Canada and had just slipped -across the border and the army lines to have a look at the Confederate -forces. He was a small, spare man, modest and soldierly. It was from -Lawley that we learned more about him, and that he had distinguished -himself while a subaltern in the Crimea and was considered a rising -officer. It fell to me to make better acquaintance with Wolseley and we -have kept up some communication since. It has, therefore, been good to -follow his "steps" and note the more than fulfillment of the favorable -expectations of him. Commander of the Red River Expedition; general -in charge of the Ashantee War; severe, successful service in India; -command in Egypt and defeat of Arabi at Tel-el-Kebir; operations in the -Soudan--these have been some of his various services up to five years -ago, when he was made commander-in-chief of the forces, his tour of -duty having just ended. We had a review of one of our divisions, gave -him a good mount, and he rode well with Longstreet, admiring with an -experienced eye the hardy material of our soldiers. In a day or two he -returned to Canada. He has attained the rank of Field Marshal, and is -Viscount Wolseley in the Peerage of England, with many high orders of -merit. - -This distinguished officer has written well and often of his -Confederate observations. He places Lee in the first rank of generals -of the English-speaking race, with Marlborough and Wellington; and his -admiration for our leader is constant--of the very highest. A letter -pointing to his interest in Confederate autographs will be found in the -Appendix. - -Frank Lawley, tall, handsome, and of distinguished appearance, had -started in English political life with everything in his favor. A -fine University education, natural aptitude, and a polished pen aided -him in becoming secretary to Mr. Gladstone when Chancellor of the -Exchequer. Soon, however, a shadow fell on Lawley. He gave up his post -and political life, taking to writing, for which he was well fitted. -_The Times_ had sent him South, and he was about Lee's army nearly two -years, making many friends. He is now one of the principal editors of -the _London Telegram_, with a great salary, which, as of old, does not -go far with him. - -Frank Vizitelly (Italian family, for centuries settled in England) -was a burly-looking, reckless "Bohemian," of many accomplishments. He -could write, could sing, could draw and paint, could dance and ride, -could tell good stories (good only in the telling, not in the matter) -by the hour, and, finally, could drink like a fish, and did so. He made -spirited drawings of battles, persons, and all sorts of scenes during -the two years he was with us in the South, and managed to get them -through the blockade to his paper. - -When Vizitelly left us he served his paper all over the world, -whenever there was war; and finally joining Hicks Pasha's Expedition -for subduing the Soudan, perished in the complete massacre of that -ill-fated column. - -His name, with six other war correspondents who fell at their several -posts elsewhere, is carved in a tablet set in the walls of St. Paul's -Cathedral, London. I never thought Vizitelly could possibly come to -such respectable distinction. - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -THE STAFF - - Staff of First Corps--Kirkwood Rangers escort--A camp dinner party in - state--Lee's aggressiveness--Ropes's description of Lee--Duties of the - staff. - - -The organization of the army having been described, it is time to show -the staff of the First Army Corps; thus, October, 1862: - - Major G. M. Sorrel, A. A. G. and Chief of Staff. - - Major John W. Fairfax, A. A. G. and Inspector. - - Major Osmun Latrobe, A. A. G. and Inspector. - - Lieut.-Col. P. T. Manning, Chief of Ordnance. - - Captain F. W. Dawson, Assistant to Chief of Ordnance. - - Major Thomas Walton, A. D. C. - - Captain Thomas Goree, A. D. C. - - Lieutenant Blackwell, A. D. C. - - Major R. J. Moses, Chief Commissary of Subsistence. - - Major Mitchell, Chief Quartermaster. - - Captain J. H. Manning, Signal Officer. - - Surgeon J. S. D. Cullen, Medical Director. - - Surgeon R. Barksdale, Medical Inspector. - - Surgeon Kellum, Medical Inspector. - - Assistant Surgeon Thomas Maury, Assistant to Medical Director. - - Major Chichester, Commissary of Subsistence. - - Major I. G. Clarke, Engineer Corps. - -Of the names of those starting out with Longstreet at the beginning -only a few have already been given. The others were added as the -command grew in strength and wants. Some of those here named may not -have joined until a little later than this time, which I fix at about -November 15, 1862. Latrobe, a Marylander, had been serving with D. R. -Jones's small division. Upon its being broken up he came to us and -proved most acceptable to the Lieutenant-General, and a valuable staff -officer. He was eventually to succeed me when I was in 1864 promoted -to command in another corps. Moses, the chief commissary, had been a -leading lawyer in Georgia, and was now a most intelligent, efficient -officer. He was much older than most of us, but "bon comrade," and had -an exhaustless fund of incident and anecdote, which he told inimitably. - -Latrobe, whom I often see, is my dear friend as I write; in fine health -and good condition; big in body and frame as he is in heart. To corps -headquarters at this time was attached a good troop of cavalry for -courier and escort service. It was the Kirkwood Rangers, from South -Carolina, first commanded by Captain Shannon, then by Captain Tobey. -Captain Shannon was that excellent man, somewhat advanced in years, -and retired, who was forced into a duel in South Carolina, and killed. -The staff well understood their General and he knew them; they worked -together with good results and never did one of them fail him. - -An officer who might also be numbered on the staff was Colonel E. P. -Alexander, although he commanded the reserve artillery; but Longstreet -thought so well of his engineering and reconnoitering abilities that he -kept him very near headquarters. - -While the three Englishmen were visiting us it was decided to give -them a dinner. Two hospital tents were thrown together and made a fine -mess hall, embellished with trophies of arms and flags. Flowers and -ferns did the rest for decoration. For the table there were planks -on trestles, and the same for seats. The countryside was generous in -lending, as well as giving provisions, and our fête did not lack a good -white covering over its bare boards. Provisions were plentiful outside -the army rations, and I aver that on this occasion they were paid for -honestly. Young pig, well fattened, turkeys, fowls, fresh beef, and -vegetables topped off the commissary's pork and hardtack. There were -good cooks at our call, and the negro servants of the officers fairly -grinned with delight at such a feast. We had many officers of note -to meet our guests, and the function went off most agreeably. The -absence of wine was conspicuous, but no one lacked for good whiskey, -and perhaps before parting it had been tasted too often by some. After -dinner came cards--poker. The Englishmen, except Wolseley, knew the -game and enjoyed it. I know that I was a considerable loser, then a -turn of chance brought me even, and soon we quit for bed, my last real -game of poker to this date. - -The army had now been long enough under Lee to satisfy all that he -meant fighting, always fighting. That was the business of the army, and -only by fighting could Virginia be cleared of the enemy and Richmond -made secure. When he first took command there were a few unthinking -speeches made. He had fortified Richmond, and like a skilful general -knew the value of field-works and temporary entrenchments. Some in the -army were given to speak of him as the "King of Spades" who would never -allow us to show fighting. The past fourteen months had indeed opened -the eyes of these sneerers. - -Ropes, the distinguished Northern military historian, writing always, -even in the most heated controversy, fairly and dispassionately, has -this to say for our hero, en passant, in one of his books, having -already once declared him "The most accomplished soldier of the day": - - At the time of his appointment to the command of the Army of Northern - Virginia, General Lee was 55 years of age, in perfect health, - vigorous, robust, of a commanding presence. His character, public and - private, was of the highest. In intellect it may be doubted whether he - was superior to the able soldier whom he succeeded; indeed, Joseph E. - Johnston possessed as good a military mind as any general on either - side; but in that fortunate combination of qualities, physical, - mental, and moral, which go to make up a great commander, General Lee - was unquestionably more favored than any of the leaders of the Civil - War. He possessed at once the entire confidence of his Government - and the unquestioning and enthusiastic devotion of the army. He had - no rival, either in the councils of the Richmond War Department or - in the colloquies around camp-fires. Lee's position was unique. No - army commander on either side was so universally believed in, so - absolutely trusted. Nor was there ever a commander who better deserved - the support of his Government and the affection and confidence of his - soldiers. - -With the growth of Longstreet's command my duties had become doubly -important, and with weighty responsibilities. The General left much to -me, both in camp and on the field. As chief of his staff it was my part -to respond to calls for instruction and to anticipate them. The General -was kept fully advised after the event, if he was not near by at the -time; but action had to be swift and sure, without waiting to hunt him -up on a different part of the field. - -The change of movement of a brigade or division in battle certainly -carried a grave responsibility, but it has often to be faced by the -chief staff officer if the general happened to be out of reach. -Nearly two years of war on a grand scale had given me experience and -confidence, and Longstreet was always generous with good support when -things were done apparently for the best. This gave me good prestige in -our large corps, and I found hosts of friends among officers and men. - -The reorganization had made the First Corps 40,000 strong, effective, -by the time it got to Fredericksburg in December. Jackson's Second -Corps was fully 38,000 strong. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -EVENTS PRECEDING FREDERICKSBURG - - Burnside in command of Army of the Potomac--Sketch--Lee's plans--At - Fredericksburg--General Patrick, U. S. A.--Flag of truce--Arrival - of army in position--Poor defensive works--Bad-weather march--Some - expedients by Longstreet--The stone wall--Major-General McLaws, - Major-General Hood, Major-General Anderson, Major-General - Walker--Sketches. - - -The new commander of the Army of the Potomac was one of the most highly -respected officers of the United States Army, but he was not equal -to the command, and so stated to the officers who brought him Mr. -Lincoln's commission and orders. - -McClellan was of decided ability in many respects; timorous, but safe; -and there was no better organizer. He seemed to hate battle, and it is -surprising that with such a record he should have secured and retained -the devotion and confidence of his men to the very end. There was no -lack of physical courage; it was a mental doubt with him. - -Burnside had no prominent reputation, but made a success of an -unimportant expedition into North Carolina. He conspicuously failed -at Sharpsburg, where all day the bridge on the right was the scene of -combat, without his movement to seize it. His great corps, held idly in -hand, was equal to it ten times over. But he may have been waiting on -McClellan, with whom he was in the closest intimacy of friendship. - -At all events, Burnside could and would fight, even if he did not know -how, and after "Little Mac" this was what Mr. Lincoln was trying for. -He was a handsome man, from Rhode Island, of fine, courteous bearing. - -Franklin should have been, I think, the man for Lincoln; but who knows? -There was a powerful clique always about McClellan, most unwisely at -difference, sometimes, with the Administration. - -A pause in the operations ensued while we lay about Bunker Hill and -Winchester. But Lee had, in the first half of November, decided where -he should make Burnside fight. It was Fredericksburg. Longstreet had -previously sent McLaws's division east of the mountains to the vicinity -of Culpeper, and about November 16 started him for the old town on the -Rappahannock, following a day or two later from his Valley camps with -the remainder of the corps. - -The gaps of the Blue Ridge were well occupied and defended by Jackson -and Stuart's cavalry during Lee's transfer of his army in this delicate -strategical operation. - -I parted from Longstreet for a day or two, and arrived near -Fredericksburg with some of the leading troops, before him. - -My ride was in the worst weather, roads deep in mud, with rain in -torrents. Fredericksburg is one of the oldest and most aristocratic -of the Virginia towns. A dwindling trade had thinned the population -and quieted its ambitions. At this time the place was the home of -families of historical importance and present interest, with a thorough -knowledge of good living, and still respectable cellars of old Madeira -that had been imported by them many years before. - -The enemy had a small garrison there and a provost marshal, an elderly -United States officer, kind and gentle in his authority, and much liked -by the citizens. - -From this officer I received a request to meet him under flag of truce, -and we made acquaintance in a little block-house just outside the town. -The good old General Patrick was quite in ignorance apparently of the -great operation that was then culminating. Expecting to hold the city -with his little garrison he wished to avert any shelling of the town by -our guns. - -His friends had not yet made their appearance on the Falmouth Hills, -commanding the town on the left bank of the river. We had outstripped -their march. - -General Patrick was informed that he must at once withdraw from -Fredericksburg, that we should occupy it in force. He smiled, thinking -it a bluff, and wanted to know where the soldiers were. On this point -he got no information, of course, and we parted. However, he was soon -to see our men pouring forward, and McLaws's division seizing the city -and posting his gallant Mississippians on the river front, under the -intrepid Barksdale. - -Patrick's little gang had, of course, immediately slipped away when -they saw what was coming. - -This I think was about November 21. The entire army soon after arrived -and took position behind the Rappahannock, a wide, undulating plain -for the most part stretching between our lines and the river itself. -Longstreet took the left and Jackson the right; the former's most -important point being the stone wall and sunken road at the foot of -Marye's Hill. - -Looking back at the situation, it seems surprising that we did so -little in the way of defensive field-works. The enemy in great masses -were crowding the Falmouth Hills, and we knew intended to cross and -strike us. But yet we contented ourselves with the little stone wall -(which proved helpful), and two or three tiers of light trenchwork -extended on the slope of the hill behind and on our left. - -The like observation applies to Jackson, whose lines were above the -same as ours in strength, except the stone wall. - -Later in the war such a fault could not have been found. Experience had -taught us that to win, we must fight; and that fighting under cover was -the thing to keep up the army and beat the enemy. He knew it, too, and -practised it, so later on veterans no sooner got to facing each other -than they began to dig, if ever so little; a little trench, a tiny -hillock is often a very helpful defense and protection. - -The march to Fredericksburg in bad weather and over almost bottomless -roads had caused great suffering to the men and some losses among the -animals. It was then that Longstreet told his men of an expedient that -as an old soldier he had often resorted to. "Rake," he sent word to the -men, "the coals and ashes from your cooking fires and sleep on that -ground; it will be dry and warm." And so it proved. Also, there being -many barefooted men, "Take the rawhides of the beef cattle, killed for -food; cut roughly for a moccasin-like covering for the feet, and there -you are with something to walk in." But this did not go. The foot-wear -had nothing like soles of stiffening, and in the mud and icy slush of -the Virginian roads the moist, fresh skins slipped about as if on ice. -The wearers, constantly up or down, finally kicked them aside and took -the road as best they could, barefooted or wrapped with rags or straw. -Richmond did its best to supply, but there was always trouble for want -of shoes. Great quantities were run in from England by blockade, but -they were worthless, shoddy things that might be done for in a day's -use. I once wore a pair of them, and in a single day of wet and mud the -cheats came to pieces and developed bits of paper and odds of leather -things, where should be good, strong, well tanned cow skin. - -It is said that our friends, the enemy, across the lines fared badly as -well in shoddy, and that too from their own neighbors and countrymen. - -It was awfully nasty work getting down to that stone wall for giving -orders or receiving information, the way swept by the enemy's volume -of fire over every foot. Once at the wall it was fairly snug, but the -coming back was still worse, and one drew a long breath on emerging -safely from the deadly fusilade. - -We could only manage it on foot by making short rushes from point to -point, affording perhaps some little cover. It was on such a duty that -my friend Lord King was killed. He was A. D. C. to McLaws, of the -family of Kings of southern Georgia. - -The ranking major-general of our corps was L. McLaws, his division -made up of Georgians, Mississippians, and South Carolinians. He was -an officer of much experience and most careful. Fond of detail, his -command was in excellent condition, and his ground and position well -examined and reconnoitered; not brilliant in the field or quick in -movement there or elsewhere, he could always be counted on and had -secured the entire confidence of his officers and men. - -Maj.-Gen. John B. Hood's appearance was very striking; in age only 34, -he had a personality that would attract attention anywhere. Very tall -and somewhat loose-jointed; a long, oval face shaded by yellowish -beard, plentiful hair of same color, and voice of great power and -compass. - -With very winning manners, he is said to have used these advantages -actively for his own advancement. But apart from that, his services in -the field were of the best. Resigning from the United States Army he -was made colonel of one of the three Texas regiments that were sent to -Virginia. There he quickly showed his soldierly qualities and was made -brigadier-general over the brigade formed of the three Texas regiments -and the Third Arkansas. It was conspicuous in all of the many combats -in which it was engaged, and Hood soon came on for promotion to one of -the divisions of Longstreet's corps. As major-general he continued to -display high qualities and he might be considered an ideal officer of -that rank and command. At Gettysburg he received a wound in the arm. -It is said that at Richmond, while convalescing, he suffered himself -to criticize very freely our operations in Pennsylvania. As soon as -recovered he resumed his division, which he took to Chickamauga, -where his conduct was magnificent. There he lost a leg. Longstreet -immediately recommended him to promotion to lieutenant-general, which -was done, and on recovery Hood was assigned to the Western army under -J. E. Johnston. There I must leave him. His biographers will relate -his promotion to the rank of full general; his superseding Johnston; -his march to the enemy's rear; the sanguinary battles of Franklin and -Nashville, and the crushing defeat of his expedition by Thomas, making -possible the great decisive strategic operation of Sherman's "March to -the sea." - -Maj.-Gen. G. E. Pickett we already know. He had a very fine division -of five Virginia brigades, all well commanded by brigadiers who greatly -helped the Major-General to the high reputation gained by this gallant -body of men. - -Maj.-Gen. Richard H. Anderson, of South Carolina, had been a captain -of cavalry in the United States Army, and was rather an interesting -character. His courage was of the highest order, but he was indolent. -His capacity and intelligence excellent, but it was hard to get him to -use them. Withal, of a nature so true and lovable that it goes against -me to criticize him. He had served well as a brigadier-general, and -now with Longstreet, commanding a division, had more to do. Longstreet -knew him well and could get a good deal out of him, more than any one -else. His division was of Georgians, South Carolinians, Alabamians and -Mississippians. - -Maj.-Gen. J. B. Walker was commanding two brigades of North -Carolinians. I had no intimate knowledge of this officer, who it was -known would be with the Virginia army but for a short time. He bore a -high reputation among those of his acquaintance. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, DECEMBER 13, 1862 - - Enemy massed on Stafford Heights--Heavy artillery fire--The pontoon - bridge--Splendid defense of Mississippians--Enemy crosses--Preparing - for his assault--Sumner's attack on Marye's Hill--The deadly stone - wall--General Cobb killed--General Lee's position--Jackson in - uniform--His answer to Longstreet--Franklin's attack on Jackson--Enemy - escapes across the river--Strength and losses--Bursting of a gun--Old - Madeiras in Fredericksburg--An incident, "one touch of nature"--Enemy - not pursued. - - -But now it is time to sketch something of the remarkable battle that -the quiet waters of the Rappahannock were to see fiercely fought in -torrents of blood across the plain that bordered the stream. I attempt -no description, limiting myself to some stray observations. - -The enemy had finally massed his great force (122,500 men) on Stafford -Heights and was to force the passage of the river. Franklin had wisely -advised Burnside to do the work with half the army against our right, -and Burnside, at first assenting, then resumed his original intention -to attack our center with Sumner's grand division. Well for us that he -did so! - -On December 11 his movements began by attempting to set his pontoon -bridge opposite the city for the crossing. - -It was opposed by General Barksdale's Mississippi Brigade of McLaws's -division, and stands as one of the finest acts of heroism and stubborn -resistance in our military annals. - -Burnside first poured an artillery fire in the devoted town and -defending brigade--that was literally an "enfer." - -There had been nothing like it before in this war. Every shot, all -kinds of missiles, were thrown at the Mississippians to dislodge them. -The brave fellows were there, however, to stay. They hid themselves in -cellars, wells, holes of any kind where they could get a little cover, -while their rifles picked off the pontooners pluckily trying to throw -their boats across the stream. The latter fell in great numbers and -this went on nearly all day. The Confederates would not budge, although -so stubborn a defense had been no part of our expectation. We knew the -town would be seized. - -Quite late the bridge effort was abandoned by the Federal engineers. -Calling for volunteers to fill the boats and cross in mass, it -was gallantly answered. A number of them were quickly crowded, -and notwithstanding our fire their landing was soon made and the -town occupied, but not before Barksdale had safely withdrawn his -hard-fighting fellows. - -They had the cheers of the army for their day's brave work. - -Then began that night and all next day and night the movement of -Burnside's great army across the river. More brigades were added and -there were several in Franklin's possession. He had no trouble in -laying what he wanted in his front. - -Thus stood Burnside, his army facing us with nothing between, on -December 13, and bitter cold, Franklin operating on his left against -Jackson. Sumner in the center and center-right against Longstreet, who -also guarded the lines extended considerably to our left. Hooker's -grand division was held on Stafford Heights during the night of the -12th. - -But Marye's Hill was our strong point. Burnside wanted it and there -he threw his men in blind and impotent fury. It was held by T. R. R. -Cobb's brigade of Georgians behind a stone wall at first and another -brigade in support. The front here was quite narrow. Ransom's and -Cook's North Carolina brigades were in light trenches higher up the -hill, but in position to deliver deadly fire, and did so. The defense -at the stone wall was also kept carefully reinforced as needed. -There was some artillery in pits near the crest of the hill that did -effective service. - -General Lee's position with his staff during the day was on a small -hill with a good plateau, from which he had a fair view of Sumner's -attack on Longstreet, as well as Franklin's on Jackson. Longstreet was -much of the time with him. Before the hot work began, "Stonewall" rode -up to have a word with Lee. As he dismounted we broke into astonished -smiles. He was in a spick and span new overcoat, new uniform with rank -marks, fine black felt hat, and a handsome sword. We had never seen -the like before, and gave him our congratulations on his really fine -appearance. He said he "believed it was some of his friend Stuart's -doings." - -Franklin was in great masses before Jackson, and before mounting, -Longstreet called out, "Jackson, what are you going to do with all -those people over there?" "Sir," said Stonewall, with great fire and -spirit, "we will give them the bayonet." - -There is really now but little more to be said in detail of the battle. -In front of us it was hammer and tongs all day from 11 a. m. until -finally Burnside had to desist in sheer weariness of slaughter. His -troops advanced to their assaults with the finest intrepidity, but it -was impossible for them to stand before our fire. I afterwards saw -that perhaps not more than half a dozen of their men had got within -sixty yards of our wall and dropped there. Not once was there any sign -of faltering or weakness among our troops; the solid bodies of troops -attacking might easily have made it otherwise with unseasoned soldiers. - -On our right Franklin had been more successful. He managed to pierce -a salient that should have been corrected and worsted a considerable -number of Jackson's men. The line was retaken and restored, but with -some loss, among whom was Captain Edward Lawton, a young brother of -General Lawton, of Georgia. We also lost at Marye's Hill General Cobb -(T. R. R.), of Georgia, deeply mourned as one of the most promising -officers and whole-souled patriots of the South. - -When darkness fell on this great tragedy, hostile movements ceased and -the two armies were caring for the "butcher's bill." Ours was small -comparatively, but the enemy had lost very heavily. - -A thick fog or mist also arose and enveloped the enemy's movements in -strangeness and uncertainty. They were actually started on hastily -recrossing the river, but we don't appear to have known it. Most of -the day of the 14th it was thick and misty, veiling successfully the -enemy's movements, but all the time he was preparing for his retreat. - -He was not attacked while in this exposed position. Why not? It is -generally thought it would have been fatal to the Federals and it is -indisputable that they were in hourly dread of it. Some say Jackson -proposed a night attack, but I doubt it, and am glad it was not made. - -It is impossible to describe the confusion of such an attempt or to -anticipate what might happen. I was in one later on with three picked -brigades of the highest order and efficiency. - -The roar of battle between Lookout Mountain and Brown's Ferry on the -Tennessee River words cannot express, and in the black darkness the -three brigades achieved worse than nothing. - -But why did we not attack on the 14th in daylight? Not my part to -attempt this explanation, but it looks much as if we were "building a -bridge of gold for the flying enemy." - -On the night of the 17th Burnside withdrew his army to his old camp in -the Falmouth Hills. - -We lost in killed and wounded--Longstreet, 1,519; Jackson, 2,682; -total, 4,201. Jackson was also reported as having lost in missing 526. -These figures are also adopted by Ropes, and he gives Burnside's army -as 122,500, ours as 78,500. I do not think that more than half of our -forces were engaged on the 13th. The Federal losses, attacks on Marye's -Hill, 8,000; loss of whole army, Federal, 12,650 killed and wounded. -(Ropes figures.) - -The hill referred to as affording General Lee at Fredericksburg a point -of view, had a light trench in which was mounted a 30-pounder Parrott -gun, made in Richmond. The 10-pounder guns of that make had done well, -but those of heavy caliber were treacherous. The one on "Lee's Hill," -as it came to be called, burst after a few discharges. Happily it did -not send fragments flying about, and no one was hurt. The immense -breech just appeared to have split into a dozen pieces of various -sizes and then fallen heavily to the ground. We were rather glad to -have done with such a piece of metal. - -The old wines of the good people of Fredericksburg have been referred -to. They suffered in the fortunes of war. A few nights before the -opening of the battle, which was then imminent, considerable quantities -of fine old Madeira and other varieties were taken out of cellars and -bins, and sent by the citizens to our fellows in camp, equally ready -for drink or for battle. It was known that the town would be shelled -and occupied by the Federals, probably looted and plundered; therefore -it was thought safest to see priceless old vintages passed around -campfires and quaffed in gulps from tincups. Of course the men would -have better liked whiskey, but they did not refuse the wine. - -An incident on the river may bear telling. It was after the battle, -when the pickets had resumed their posts and had become friendly; more -given to trading than shooting each other at less than one hundred -yards. The authorities had to set their faces sternly against this -trading. It led to desertion. A fine Federal band came down to the -river bank one afternoon and began playing pretty airs, among them -the Northern patriotic chants and war songs. "Now give us some of -ours!" shouted our pickets, and at once the music swelled into Dixie, -My Maryland, and the Bonnie Blue Flag. Then, after a mighty cheer, a -slight pause, the band again began, all listening; this time it was -the tender, melting bars of Home, Sweet Home, and on both sides of the -river there were joyous shouts, and many wet eyes could be found among -those hardy warriors under the flags. "One touch of nature makes the -whole world kin." - -Of course the enemy's powerful artillery on Stafford Heights would have -been an efficient aid in resisting an attack on his infantry before, -and while recrossing the river. But they were badly demoralized and -would probably not have stood long with that threatening river in -their rear and the triumphant Confederates in the front. There was -much private discussion then, and after, among the intelligent of -the Federals as to why they were not struck after their sanguinary -defeat. A general belief existed among them that we were deficient in -ammunition, the only explanation many of them were able to arrive at. -We had no want of it. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -AFTER FREDERICKSBURG--REMINISCENCES - - Fredericksburg after the battle--Flag of truce--Burying dead--General - Wadsworth, U. S. A.--Again on enemy's side with flag of truce--At - their picket fire--Colonel Brown, of Rhode Island--Bitter cold--All - night in their camp--Luxuries for the wounded--First Georgia - Regulars--They are ordered home--Want of shoes--Captain Cuthbert, of - South Carolina. - - -The battle was indeed fought and finished, and although the triumph of -victory rested with us, and the enemy was back in his lines, beaten and -dispirited, yet it cannot be said that there had been achieved a result -so decisive as to bring us near the end of the war. - -We were caring for our dead. The enemy was to do so for his. They lay -in great numbers on the plain. General Lee wrote Burnside and I carried -the letter under a flag of truce through the town to the ferry, where -was found a pontoon, and my men took me across. It was pitiful riding -through the town, considerably damaged as it was by the artillery fire -from Stafford Heights, but more still from the plundering and looting -that had gone on while in possession of the United States troops. -Furniture, bedding, mattresses, carpets, china, domestic utensils, -indeed all that went to make up those comfortable homes, were strewn -helter skelter, broken and ruined about the streets. The streets were -filled with distressed women and children, both black and white. But -we passed on--"C'est à la guerre comme à la guerre!" My pontoon -landed me at the foot of a steep road that ascended the hill and I was -immediately met by a number of officers in brilliant uniforms. For -myself I must have been awfully shabby; never at any time given to -military finery, while campaigning, I think I was worse off than usual -here at Fredericksburg. The weather had been atrocious, and mud and I -were closely acquainted day and night. There was, too, so much to do -that one had no time for repairing damages. - -But my reception by the Federal officers was extremely courteous -while awaiting an answer to General Lee's missive, now on its way to -Burnside, whose headquarters were near by. - -There were Major-General Park, chief of staff to the army; -Major-General Wadsworth (whom I was to see in eighteen months at the -"Wilderness" under different circumstances); Brig.-Gen. Jim Hardie, and -many others, all having some inquiries to make for friends on our side. -General Wadsworth asked me how many dead I thought lay on our front. "I -ask, Major," he said, "so as to make my burying parties strong enough." - -I said: "I cannot possibly guess with any approach to accuracy. I have -only ridden through the slain in front of Marye's Hill, and it seemed -that there must be at least 800 there awaiting burial." "My God, my -God!" groaned the old officer, deeply impressed by such mortality. -Instead of 800, they buried nearly 1,200 men in that small front, -besides some 300 in front of Jackson's position. General Burnside's -answer soon came, and saluting my Federal acquaintances I was quickly -on our own side of the river and the Federal commander's letter in -Lee's possession. - -Strong burial parties immediately came across for their ghastly duty. -General Wadsworth was a wealthy, middle-aged man from the lovely -Genesee Valley, New York, owning great tracts of land; but considered -it his patriotic duty to raise some battalions for the army and did so, -placing himself at their head. The Government showed him all honor, -conferring at once high rank. - -A day or two later it became necessary to see the Northerners again. -Their burying parties were making hideous work with the dead soldiers; -throwing them in heaps in shallow trenches, barely covered; filling the -country ice houses and wells with them; indeed, doing this work most -brutally for themselves, and intolerably for our citizens. General Lee -called Burnside's attention to the revolting conduct of the latter's -men and I went across the river, with also some verbal details. - -The pontoon had been drawn in by the owners and was in the Union rear -with the bridge train. There was naught to cross in except a broken, -leaky little batteau that was found in a cellar. The river was smooth -and one of my men managed to paddle the crazy thing safely across. -There I was met by Colonel Brown, commanding a Rhode Island regiment -on picket duty, who civilly invited me to the comfort of his camp fire -while awaiting the communication from his army headquarters, now quite -a distance off. I was detained some time, and the Colonel (a lawyer -of high reputation from Providence, Rhode Island), had time for much -general talk. At last, making my thanks and farewell, I started back, -only to find my man at the river's edge almost frozen and the batteau -sunk out of sight with darkness on us! A pretty kettle of fish, indeed! -The water rough, wind strong, and already freezing. There was nothing -for it but to take my man back with me to the picket and get a message -to headquarters of my plight, with request of assistance to cross. -After another considerable wait there came an officer and several -mounted orderlies leading a good horse; this was for me. The officer -brought a civil message from the adjutant-general regretting that they -had nothing at hand to float (their pontoons being in the rear), and -hoping I could be made comfortable for the night. Leaving my soldier -to the good care of the friendly pickets, I mounted and was led to the -large house on the hill, at that time in use as a hospital. There my -escort left me and I found myself for the night in the great kitchen of -the establishment, filled with bright warmth and savory smells of good -food. - -A blanket or two had to do me for bedding, but I was soon asleep, after -the soldier cooks had given me food, always with full respect to rank -and authority. - -To see what they had, its quality, its abundance, filled one's heart -with envy when contrasted with the doled-out, bare necessities of life -the lot of our own uncomplaining fellows. - -Here in this great kitchen were huge swinging vessels of odorous real -coffee; immense chunks of fat, fresh beef of all parts of the animal; -great slabs of dessicated vegetables, which, when thrown with knuckles -of meat and good flesh into the boiling cauldron, puffed out, swelling -each vegetable into something like freshness, and then with free dashes -of salt and pepper, behold, a soup of strength and tastiness fit for -Faint Heart to fight on. They gave me of it all and I tasted all, -sleeping well and early up. My man, who had fared well too, was soon -at hand, and the boat raised, bailed out, landed us safely on our own -bank. The soldier with me was Jesse Beall, private from Milledgeville -in a Georgia regiment. I was disposed at first to be vexed by such -rough lodgings (a parlementaire being entitled to the best), but -Colonel Kip explained that there was really nothing else to be done at -that hour of night. Of course they could not carry me through the lines -to their own comfortable staff quarters in the rear. - -Many years after, hearing that there was in Savannah, passing through, -a Colonel Brown, of Rhode Island, with his wife, I called on him. It -proved to be my friend of the picket fire, and his wife, with much -enthusiasm, declared he had spoken of the incident fifty times. Colonel -Brown had some more talk this time, quite free, and like very many -Union officers marveled why they were not attacked after a repulse -so bloody and disastrous. He said that want of ammunition could only -explain it to him. Brown was a middle aged, delicate man, a member of -the well-known Brown family of Rhode Island. - -He said he had raised his regiment from patriotic convictions and -carried it through the battle of Fredericksburg; then he gave way to -younger, stronger men and resigned. He was a broad, fair-minded man, -with no deep prejudices against the South. Next year he died, his -townsmen showing in every way the honor and respect in which he was -held. - -The First Georgia Regulars were posted at Hamilton's Crossing, near -Fredericksburg, and had its ranks much thinned by the casualties of -several campaigns. It could not be recruited like other regiments, -being enlisted from all parts, and the Department therefore ordered it -home to fill its ranks. - -I rode myself, orders in hand, to its camp. I had many friends among -the officers and knew how delighted they would be; and so it was, a -wild shout of happiness at seeing old Georgia again, and the skeleton -battalion began packing almost immediately for the route. After doing -some enlistment it took an honorable part in the battle of Olustee, -fought in Florida. Lieutenant Sorrel was with them until a captain's -commission in the Adjutant-General's Department sent him to report in -Virginia to Gen. John Bratton's South Carolina Brigade. - -I was in Europe in the summer of 1860, and traveled on the continent -a few weeks with George Cuthbert, of Beaufort, South Carolina. He was -a pleasant fellow, and handsome, of good height and figure, and the -fairest blonde, with beautiful blue eyes. Even in fair-haired Saxony, -people turned to look at him. - -The war broke out and I did not know where Cuthbert would be serving. -One day, however, in the winter of 1862-63, riding by the lines of -one of our South Carolina regiments, up rose Cuthbert, and I was -immediately on my feet beside him. He was a line captain, had been -wounded, and was at the moment as shabby a Confederate soldier as could -be found anywhere. Razors had been discarded, and the German girls -who liked to look at the handsome Southerner would not have deigned -him a glance. I resolved to do something for his advancement, but the -channels were such that I could not get him out of them. Soon after, -however, an order came from Richmond to detail 160 shoemakers for the -use of the Quartermaster-General--such was the stress we were in for -shoes. Half the detail was ordered from Jackson's corps and half from -Longstreet's. I sent out orders for our eighty crispins, and when they -were picked out of the whole corps, word was given to Captain Cuthbert -to report at corps headquarters and a brief colloquy opened. - -"I say, Cuthbert, would you like to go to Richmond?" "Wouldn't -I!--clean clothes, soap, a bath and a shave!" "Eighty shoemakers -are to be taken there by rail and then turned over to the -Quartermaster-General, and an officer must take the detail. Will you -have it?" "My dear Sorrel, give it to me; for God's sake, give it to -me--such a change after my long trench service. I'd land them safely -with the Q. M. G. if they were eighty raving demons instead of the -happy fellows they doubtless are in getting such a detail." "All right, -old chap, take your fellows off by train to-morrow; here are the -orders. And I say, Cuthbert, while you are in Richmond don't hurry too -much; you can make the duty last you a week or ten days." - -He was very grateful for being thought of, performed his work -satisfactorily, and then enjoyed himself hugely. - -I was glad to think of this later, since he was one of many personal -friends who gave up his life in battle. The incident also illustrated -the great straits the Confederate supply department was in to keep the -troops equipped for the field. This was especially the case with shoes. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -TO SOUTH VIRGINIA FOR SUPPLIES - - Burnside's "mud march"--His removal--Hooker superseding him--Our - great want of supplies--Longstreet ordered to South Virginia--Hood's - and Pickett's divisions with him--I precede them--Inspecting fort - at Washington, N. C.--Rejoin the command at Suffolk--Gathering - supplies--Operations against Suffolk not successful--Ordered - back to Lee--All haste--No time lost, but too late for - Chancellorsville--Pickett's courtship--Harrison, the scout--Death of - Stonewall Jackson--Lieutenant Habersham. - - -Here then for some weeks did the two armies lay in the peace of camp -life after the fever of battle. Burnside attempted a movement, known -as the mud march, quickly made abortive by the condition of roads, and -then Mr. Lincoln reluctantly removed him, placing Hooker--"Fighting Joe -Hooker"--in command of the Army of the Potomac. It was in May before he -attempted his disastrous move against Lee and Jackson. - -Meantime, our army was in want of all supplies. The subsistence -department lacked fresh meat. In southern Virginia and eastern North -Carolina there were said to be large quantities of small cattle which, -fattened on the good Virginia pasture lands, would greatly help the -subsistence officers. There were also there large stores of bacon and -corn. It was decided to send part of Lee's army to operate in that -region, and, at the same time, by covering large wagon trains, we -should be enabled to use that part of the country for the Virginia -army. - -It had sometimes been occupied by the enemy, at all times exposed to -their sudden incursions. But these, it is thought, formed the least -of the reasons governing Lee when sending Longstreet and two of his -strong divisions to Nansemond and Suffolk. It was daring to make such -a large draft on his army, but Lee was given to daring efforts, with -a great objective in view. The Northern army was becoming dangerously -strong for him to view calmly, and another strong body was preparing to -threaten Richmond from a different quarter. Lee may have reasoned, as -he did in some of his Valley operations, that by detaching Longstreet, -Hooker would be quickly induced to follow him, by sending from his army -a still larger force for the safety of the threatened districts. But it -proved they had enough troops for such reinforcements without impairing -Hooker's great strength. - -Our two divisions, Hood's and Pickett's, and a battalion of artillery -broke camp and halted at Petersburg, whence the force found camps -on the Nansemond River, in a manner besieging the town of Suffolk, -strongly held by the Federals. - -By Longstreet's order I set out alone for a short visit of inspection -to the eastern boundary of North Carolina. It was the little town -of Washington, on the head of a tidal river, that, I think, I first -visited. There was nothing there but a well-built, strong earthwork -fort, and a fine, full regiment, doing nothing and eager for action. -It was not likely to come to them at that dull place, and on my -recommendation the regiment was sent to Lee. - -The lieutenant-colonel (Lamb) gave me a warm fur collar, which was -always a comfort, and he was delighted with the pair of spurs I made -him accept from me (they were made from the brass trunnion beds of the -monitor _Keokuk_, sunk by our forces at Charlestown). Poor Lamb was -killed in the first engagement of his regiment. My instructions were to -lose no time, but, after a glance around, hasten back to the command. -When I returned it was seen that nothing had been achieved. Some little -bluffing had been made at the town of Suffolk, in which we lost two -pieces of artillery and gained nothing. Time was passing, the Virginia -roads improving, and some restlessness apparent among us. We knew, of -course, that Hooker must soon fight, and that we should be there. At -last General Lee sent for us in haste, not a moment was to be lost. Not -a moment was lost; we threw everything into movement, realizing how -keenly our beloved commander and comrades on the Rappahannock would be -wanting their Lieutenant-General and his two splendid divisions. But -it was humanly impossible. We were late, Hooker had attacked rather -earlier than expected, and on May 3 the battle was given, and our -great Jackson fell in glorious victory while we were miles distant by -railroad from the memorable field of Chancellorsville. - -General Pickett was a widower, but had recently suffered himself to -fall in love with all the ardor of youth. The object of these fiery, if -mature, affections dwelt not far from Suffolk. Pickett's visits were -frequent, a long night ride and return for duty early next day. Perhaps -he had wearied Longstreet by frequent applications to be absent, -but once he came to me for the authority. My answer was, "No, you -must go to the Lieutenant-General." "But he is tired of it, and will -refuse. I swear, Sorrel, I'll be back before anything can happen in -the morning." I could not permit myself to be moved. If anything did -happen, such as a movement of his division or any demonstration against -it, my responsibility for the absence of the Major-General could not -be explained. But Pickett went all the same, nothing could hold him -back from that pursuit. He married some time after. I don't think his -division benefited by such carpet-knight doings in the field. - -While Longstreet was holding this brief independent command, a scout, -more properly a spy, was placed at his service by the War Department. -He was a man of about thirty years, calling himself a Mississippian, -and was altogether an extraordinary character. He was paid in United -States greenbacks. I approved requisition on the quartermaster every -month for $150 for him. His time seemed to be passed about equally -within our lines and the enemy's. Harrison (such was his name) always -brought us true information. There was invariable confirmation of his -reports afterwards. - -While always suspicious that such secret instruments give away as much -as they bring and may be in the pay of both sides, it was difficult to -be sure of this in Harrison's case. He went everywhere, even through -Stanton's War Office at Washington itself, and brought in much. We -could never discover that he sold anything against us; besides, we -had means, and did verify his account of himself as coming from -Mississippi. When Longstreet gave him up in September, he was sorry -afterwards and missed the man. He made me try to get him back for our -command, but I failed. - -There will be more to say of Harrison before losing him. On the whole -he appears to have been a daring Southerner, hating Yankees most -bitterly, but loving their greenbacks, and fond of secret, perilous -adventure. Latrobe recently heard from him in Baltimore, in want, and -asking some small assistance. - -Upon rejoining our army after Chancellorsville we were, of course, -eager questioners and listeners for everything about the battle. - -Gratifying it was to hear on all sides of the conduct of our two -divisions, which bore so large a part of the attacks on Lee. Anderson -and McLaws had never fought better; while Lee, to hold his position -and beat off Hooker, had to have the very best every man could -give him. It was a battle most extraordinary in its execution and -development. The powerful movement on Lee's rear by Sedgwick's force -from Fredericksburg was enough to disconcert any ordinary commander. -Lee, calm and undismayed, met it by thinning out his lines to almost a -frazzle, and throwing a good division before John Sedgwick, while he -and Jackson were preparing the blow that made "Fighting Joe Hooker's" -head split with surprise and agony and sent him flying back across the -Rappahannock. - -The great flank movement of Stonewall had been carefully planned by -Lee and most brilliantly executed by the Lieutenant. But the army had -suffered the irreparable loss of that hero. Struck down in the gloaming -and thick foliage of the forest, by his own men, his dauntless spirit -clung to his army for a week, among ever-hopeful soldiers, and then -took its warrior's flight to its Supreme Maker. There was none left in -his place; there was but one Jackson. - -When Marye's Hill was attacked by Sedgwick in Lee's rear, the battery -in action there had to make a hurried escape. One of its officers, a -dear friend of mine, Lieut. Frederick Habersham, had been killed at -his section. His comrades determined to have his body, and lashed it to -the trail of a gun, and there it hung, firmly bound, a sight not often -witnessed, while the battery, already late in retiring, was at a gallop -in escape from the pursuing enemy. It was accomplished handsomely, and -the brave fellow received his interment by the hands of loving wife -and friends at his home in Savannah. It was my brother, Doctor Sorrel, -in Richmond, who, with many difficulties, arranged for the care and -transportation home of the slain artillerist. - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -PREPARING FOR GETTYSBURG - - Preparations for summer campaign--Army reorganized--Three Army - Corps--A. P. Hill made lieutenant-general, commanding Third - Corps--Lieutenant-General Ewell commanding Second Corps--Stuart's - cavalry reviewed--Its fine condition--Longstreet and his scout - Harrison--Lee's intricate operations--Stuart's cavalry movements--He - crosses below--The loss to Lee--The march through Maryland and - Pennsylvania--No depredations--Halt at Chambersburg--Scout Harrison - reports Meade in command, superseding Hooker--Ewell ordered to - leave--March resumed, A. P. Hill leading, gaining decided success. - - -General Lee began now to prepare for his summer campaign. It was -secretly settled that it should be an invasion of Pennsylvania. -There were many things that assisted in arriving at this decision in -the conferences with the president and chiefs of the Government at -Richmond. Virginia had been fiercely fought over, and ravaged by the -tramp of hostile armies. Now, it looked as if the enemy should feel -something of such sacrifices. If we could live on the supplies we hoped -to find north of the Potomac, the already serious question of food and -forage for our men and animals would lighten up temporarily, at least; -and finally, the men of arms were eager for the movement and most -enthusiastic at the start. - -First of all, Lee had to reorganize his army. Jackson's death made -this necessary; besides, the two corps had grown, individually, rather -large for effective handling. He created a third corps and placed A. -P. Hill in command of it, perhaps the best arrangement possible at -the time. One division was taken from Longstreet--Anderson's; one from -Jackson--Heth's, and the third, under Pender, was made up of unassigned -commands, of which there were quite a number between Richmond and the -General's camps. - -The second (Ewell's) was of Early's, Rodes's, and E. Johnson's -divisions. - -The first (Longstreet's) was of Hood's, McLaws's and Pickett's -divisions. - -Suitable artillery details were made to meet these changes, which went -in effect smoothly and effectively. - -On the cavalry, special care was bestowed. It had been heavily -strengthened and much improved by selections of men and horses. For -some time, during inaction, they had been getting good forage and -pasturage. Now, when the time was near for the use of this formidable -arm under Stuart, its able and famous leader, it was ready for the -Commander-in-Chief. - -What irony of fate that the great approaching campaign should be fought -and lost without that bold leader and his riders being at Lee's touch, -when indeed he wanted them, bitterly missing having Stuart and his -great body of unsurpassed horse near by him. - -The activity of preparation went through all -departments--Quartermaster's, Subsistence, Ordnance, and Medical. -It could be guessed that the military operations would be of great -severity and exaction and it behooved all officers of supply to be -ready; to fail would be fatal. - -The cavalry were assembled under Stuart in Northern Virginia, on lands -growing richer and richer in grass with the advancing weeks. It was -a magnificent day, befitting the superb body of cavalry that, under -Stuart, marched rapidly in review before the Commander-in-Chief. A -sight it was not soon to be forgotten. The utmost order prevailed. -There could be no doubt that the cavalry was as ready for the work -before us as was our matchless infantry. - -Longstreet sent for his favorite scout, Harrison. His instructions -were to proceed into the enemy's lines, where he was to stay until the -last part of June. Then he was to report to General Longstreet, it was -hoped, with the amplest and most accurate information. "Where shall -I find you, General, to make this report?" asked Harrison. "With the -army," was Longstreet's grim answer; "I shall be sure to be with it." -He was very far from giving even to his trusted scout information as -to his movements. But Harrison knew all the same; he knew pretty much -everything that was going on. - -The operation now performed by General Lee was intricate, of much -delicacy and hazard. It was to move from his position in front of -Hooker without exposing any part of his forces, or Richmond, to be -attacked in detail, and this important part of the grand maneuver was -left to Longstreet and his corps, with the cavalry in communication. - -The corps of Ewell (formerly Jackson's) and A. P. Hill were sent ahead -by easy marches, keeping a certain distant touch with Longstreet. The -mountain gaps were filled with Stuart's cavalry and the enemy held in -close observation. All went well. Hooker made no attempt to follow. Lee -moved toward Washington leisurely, as if to meet him there later. - -Stuart's part with his cavalry was now most important. It is contended -by some that Lee left it finally optional for him to decide upon his -movements. Whether to follow the army by crossing the river in the west -of the ridge or by one of the lower fords. In the latter event it was, -as it proved, to lose Lee and leave him without his strong arm in an -enemy's country. It has been attempted to show also that the order by -which Stuart moved came from Longstreet. But this must be dismissed; -positive information to the contrary being at hand. Surprising to say, -it now appears that Stuart left the army with his fine command and -started on his too fascinating raid, not only by his own preference, -but actually in violation of Lee's orders, which failed to reach him. -All doubt had passed from Lee's mind and he had ordered Stuart to keep -with him. The latter was raiding, and Lee's campaign was lost. - -Major McClellan, Stuart's A. A. G. and chief of staff, in his history -of that cavalry (an excellent work) declares that in his opinion the -absence of Stuart was the cause of Lee's trouble; and for myself I have -never doubted it. It is not to be supposed that no cavalry whatever was -left with the army. Stuart's defenders have taken pains to point that -out. There was a squadron or two, here and there, a regiment at one -place, and a brigade under an efficient commander left in the rear. But -these separate little commands amounted to nothing. It was the great -body of that splendid horse under their leader Stuart that Lee wanted. -He was the eyes and ears and strong right arm of the commander, and -well may he have missed him. All through the marches he showed it. - -Stuart was on a useless, showy parade almost under the guns of the -Washington forts, and his horse, laurel-wreathed, bore the gay rider -on amid songs and stories. He had some opposition, of course, and had a -share of fighting in Ashby's Gap and the plain on the east. - -When he rejoined Lee it was with exhausted horses and half worn-out men -in the closing hours of Gettysburg. - -Had he been with Lee where would our commander have made his battle? -Possibly, not on that unfavorable ground of Gettysburg. Lee with his -personally weak opponent, and Stuart by him, could almost have chosen -the spot where he would be sure to defeat the Union Army. - -This, however, somewhat anticipates; going back we find our three corps -with their military pushed across the river with energy. The Second -(Ewell's), the Third (A. P. Hill's), and Longstreet last. All infantry -and artillery across, leaving only about a brigade of cavalry on the -south side. The enemy for some days had quite disappeared from our -observations. The march proceeded through Maryland and Pennsylvania -in good form, General Lee's orders against depredations being most -peremptory. At Chambersburg a halt was made over Sunday and our corps -had the place well guarded and protected from plunder by loose bodies -of men. Our chief commissary, Moses, made a forced requisition and got -some supplies and necessaries, not very much. - -At night I was roused by a detail of the provost guard bringing up a -suspicious prisoner. I knew him instantly; it was Harrison, the scout, -filthy and ragged, showing some rough work and exposure. He had come -to "Report to the General, who was sure to be with the army," and -truly his report was long and valuable. I should here say that in -every respect it was afterwards fully confirmed by events and facts. -Harrison gave us the first complete account of the operations of the -enemy since Hooker left our front. He brought his report down to a -day or two, and described how they were even then marching in great -numbers in the direction of Gettysburg, with intention apparently of -concentrating there. He also informed us of the removal of Hooker and -the appointment of George Meade to command of the Army of the Potomac. -How many commanders had Lee made for that army! Harrison's report was -so exceedingly important that I took him at once with me, and woke -Longstreet. He was immediately on fire at such news and sent the scout -by a staff officer to General Lee's camp near by. The General heard -him with great composure and minuteness. It was on this, the report -of a single scout, in the absence of cavalry, that the army moved. -Important as was the change, the commanding General was not long in -deciding. He sent orders to bring Ewell immediately back from the North -about Harrisburg, and join his left. Then he started A. P. Hill off at -sunrise for Gettysburg, followed by Longstreet. The enemy was there, -and there our General would strike him. - -The march was much impeded by too many troops and trains on one road -and Ewell's men breaking in on the route next day to get to their -position. - -The army thus moved forward, and A. P. Hill leading, struck the enemy -near, and in, the town of Gettysburg sharply on the afternoon of July -1. We were following some little distance in the rear, and heard the -lively fire of cannon and rifles, and soon after got the news of Hill's -and Ewell's decided success in an important preliminary engagement. -Many prisoners and much material remained with the Confederates. This -stimulated every one forward, and Ewell taking position on our left, -we were all snugly in bivouac at a good hour, with Longstreet's two -divisions, McLaws and Hood, about four miles in rear, but ready for -movement next day. Pickett had been doing guard duty at Chambersburg -and was not yet up, but would be in the morning. The serious mishap of -the day was Ewell's failure to seize the heights on the left. General -Lee expected it of him, and we know of no impediment. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG, JULY 1, 2, 3, 1863 - - Expectation of revelations--Longstreet and Lee--Attacks not in - good combination between the three corps--July 2, situation - unfavorable--Our heavy attack on the right--Ground and guns - taken--Round Top reinforced checks us--Longstreet leads--Hood and - Longstreet--Am slightly wounded--Lieutenant-Colonel Freemantle, - Coldstream Guards--Captain Ross, Austrian Army--July 3, necessity - of a stroke--Pickett's charge--His repulse--Lee's noble - encouragements--July 4, not attacked--Holding ground--Withdrawal at - night--The retreat, and passage of the river. - - -On the tremendous and decisive battle of Gettysburg, now about to -engage the two armies, more has probably been written than on any -battle since Waterloo. There seems to be a feeling abroad that great -secrets explaining why we were beaten are yet to be told and that they -are locked up in the breasts of a few men, one of them the present -writer, Longstreet's chief of staff. There is absolutely nothing in -that expectation; no living man knows more about the battle than has -already been written. - -Lee has made his report. Longstreet has written a book and said his -say. The staff has little or nothing to add. Communications were in -the main between Lee and Longstreet, verbally, or occasionally by note -direct. - -The story has been in part told by Longstreet. We can discover that -he did not want to fight on the ground or on the plan adopted by the -General-in-Chief. As Longstreet was not to be made willing and Lee -refused to change or could not change, the former failed to conceal -some anger. There was apparent apathy in his movements. They lacked the -fire and point of his usual bearing on the battlefield. His plans may -have been better than Lee's, but it was too late to alter them with the -troops ready to open fire on each other. Ewell on the left, A. P. Hill -and Longstreet on the right, seemed never able to work together, and I -can well imagine the great soul of our Commander deeply furrowed with -the difficulties about him and what was going on to the disadvantage -of the army. This is all I shall permit myself to express on this -well-worn but ever interesting subject. One can build many theories, -but theories only will they be; besides, my opinion is already given -that the loss of the campaign was due to the absence of Stuart's -cavalry. - -I proceed to jot down idly some "choses vues" of the military events -and incidents of the three great days of this remarkable historic -battle and the days immediately about it. - -The situation on the morning of the 2nd was far from favorable to us. -First of all, our position, compared with the enemy's, was not good. It -may be said to have been decidedly inferior. We were the outer line, -he held the inner. We were the cord to the arc on which his heavy -columns were massed. True, there were some positions on the left that -were in Ewell's possession and could be well used. Round Top and his -high shoulders were on our right, and held by us would be everything. -This Lee quickly saw and tried for. They made the key for the position, -and with it dangling at our girdle the lock would have yielded and the -door opened. But we were too late on our right. An attack, powerful -indeed, at 4 p. m. was quite different from the commanding General's -expectation of one in the forenoon. - -Late on the first, and early on the second, Hill and Ewell were heavily -engaged with apparently no satisfactory results. - -On the second, quite late, 4 p. m., Longstreet made his long-deferred -attack on the enemy's left. It was done in smashing style by McLaws's -and Hood's divisions and a few of Hill's troops, Longstreet personally -leading the attack with splendid effect. - -His fine horsemanship as he rode, hat in hand, and martial figure, were -most inspiring. - -We gained ground rapidly and almost carried Round Top, but the morning -delay was fatal. It had been heavily reinforced while we were pottering -around in sullen inactivity. Undoubtedly Lee's intention was to make -the attack in the forenoon and support it with strong movements by Hill -and Ewell. I think it would have won, notwithstanding the difficulties -of the position. The attempt was made to move the troops to the right -into position without discovery by the enemy, but it was abortive. - -We were seen from the start and signaled constantly. Much valuable time -was lost by this trial, which with better knowledge of the ground by -General Lee's engineers would not have been attempted. - -At nightfall the combat was over and we were dragging off our captured -cannon and standards, and caring for our dead and wounded. - -The loss in storming the position on the right was heavy. When Hood's -division was across the turnpike, under orders to attack, he begged me -to look at it, report its extreme difficulty, and implore Longstreet to -make the attack another way. This was done, but the answer I took to -Hood was that the attack must instantly be made, that General Lee had -so directed; and forward and upward the gallant Hood charged, almost -gaining the plateau of Round Top, the key of the enemy's left. - -The staff had been hard at work day and night, and my exhausted frame -found rest that night in the snuggest fence corner in sight. The ground -to weary bones felt as good as a feather bed. In addition, I had been -suffering from a painful but not serious wound. Riding with Dearing's -artillery late in the afternoon, while exchanging some shots, a -shrapnel burst directly over us, one of the large projectiles striking -me on the right arm near the shoulder. It was not broken or pierced, -paralyzed for use for at least ten days, and quite black down to the -wrist. Painful, of course, it was, but a small matter where there was -so much death and mangling. - -On the march through Virginia we had received a delightful acquisition -to our headquarters party, in Lieutenant-Colonel Freemantle, of the -Coldstream Guards. - -He had entered the Confederacy on a visit of observation, well -fortified with credentials from his own government, and, traveling -through all the Confederate States, had arrived in Richmond just in -time to join Lee's army in its invasion of Pennsylvania. - -With good letters of introduction he had been sent to us and there -could not be a finer fellow. He roughed it with the hardest, and -took everything as it came. A quick, observant eye and indefatigable -sightseer, apparently nothing escaped him. When the campaign was ended -and the Confederates making their way back to Virginia, Freemantle -said his farewells and made the best of his way to New York, whence -he immediately took steamer for England. There he published an -entertaining little book, "Three Months in the Southern States," which -was later reproduced by a worn-out, decrepit old press at Mobile, a -copy of the issue being now a great rarity. Freemantle had met Southern -men of all kinds, and his book has many pen pictures by this fine -officer and friend of ours. His regiment a corps d'élite, soon sent -him to the staff, where he distinguished himself, and successively -obtained rank as major-general, lieutenant-general, and general, with -several military orders of coveted distinction. He is now Sir Arthur -Lyon-Freemantle, K. C. M. G.,[1] and of other good-service orders. He -commanded the brigade of guards in Egypt, and has just finished (about -retiring) his four years' tour of duty as Governor of Malta, one of -the greatest of the British military posts. He is delightful to every -Confederate he can put his hands upon. - -[1] Sir Lyon-Freemantle has since died. - -There was another foreign officer with us at this time, and for some -months later, Captain Fitzgerald Ross, very Scotch as to name, but -Austrian to the core. He came of one of those military Scotch or north -of Ireland families that centuries ago settled in many parts of Europe -and generally rose to distinction. - -On the morning of July 3, it was apparent that a great blow must be -delivered to Meade's army. He could not be persuaded to leave his -formidable positions and instruments and attack us, and Lee could not -retreat without another effort, indecisive as had been those of the 2d. -Our General, as has been said, did not mind blood when it had to be -shed. It is the soldier's calling. Here was a case in point: His -army and trains could only be saved by a tremendous strike straight at -the enemy. The time for maneuvering had passed and he prepared for what -was before him. He believed his troops could do what he asked of them; -never yet had they failed him. - -The attack was to be made as soon as possible, under direction of Lee's -"War Horse," that stout warrior James Longstreet, with three brigades -of Pickett's division (right), Heth's division of Hill's corps (left), -with supports of several brigades of other divisions thrown into -position. - -An artillery "feu d'enfer" was to precede the attack, directed by E. -P. Alexander, who was to give the signal when in his judgment the -artillery had made the greatest impression, and then the troops were -to move instantly across the wide, lead-swept plain, against the -heavy masses of blue on the crest of the heights. All this was done -at about 2 o'clock, Longstreet accepting Alexander's signal message -with dejection, it seemed. Indeed, the delay in attacking which -undoubtedly hurt us was apparently caused by his objections made known -to the Commander-in-Chief, but of course all this is set out from that -standpoint in Longstreet's own book. - -It was soon over. Pickett's men got far up the acclivity and many were -soon among the enemy. There was, however, some wavering on our left, -which weakened us, and we broke, tearing back pell-mell torn by shot -and shell across the width of that bloody plain, a sight never before -witnessed--part of the Army of Northern Virginia in full, breathless -flight. - -But there was no pursuit and the run soon stopped. The soldiers got -together, picked up arms, and in a short time were ready for another -combat. - -If there was repulse and its usual result, a quick flight for cover, -there was also something else. A charge that, considering the -difficulties of position, comparison of numbers, was so steady to the -objective point, and so near success as to make it one of the greatest -feats of arms in all the annals of war. Every brigade commander and -colonel and lieutenant-colonel of Pickett's division was shot down. The -brave Armistead and Garnett at the head of their brigades fell inside -the enemy's parapet, and the gallant Kemper, hard hit and left for -dead, lay with the men of his leading line. To-day, the detail of the -great charge, not as barely hinted at here, but as described in full -with ample particulars, mounts one's blood, stirs all hearts with deep -tragedy and pride. Well do we know that amid all things to happen, the -memory of Pickett's charge will forever live in song and story of that -fair land for which the Southern soldier poured out his blood like -water. - -While Longstreet by no means approved the movement, his soldierly eye -watched every feature of it. He neglected nothing that could help it -and his anxiety for Pickett and the men was very apparent. - -Fearing some flank attacks if we succeeded, he had sent Latrobe to the -left to warn the officer against its possibility. I went sharply off in -search of Pickett to watch his right and if necessary move some troops -in for meeting such an attempt. I did not meet with General Pickett -and was soon up with Garnett and Armistead. The former was ill that -morning, but was at the head of his men where he was to fall. Just -here a shell burst under my horse (my best), a splendid chestnut mare, -and down she came, both hind legs off. I luckily got another from a -mounted man near by, who rather ruefully gave up his horse and saved -my saddle for me. Latrobe also had his horse killed over on the left; -other staff officers were also sent forward with the troops and shared -in the charge. - -General Lee's extreme agitation when he witnessed the repulse and race -of our men for cover from that murderous fire has not been exaggerated -in the prints. The noble soul was stirred to its inmost depths at the -sight of the awful and fruitless sacrifices his men had made at his -command. His generous heart could only say, "It is my fault, I take it -all--get together, men, we shall yet beat them." I saw no man fail him. - -It was on July 3 that a mail from the Department at Richmond brought my -commission as lieutenant-colonel, A. A. G. Latrobe's and Fairfax's, as -inspectors, came along a few days later. - -Notwithstanding our great losses of the second and third, we were -permitted to hold the field on the fourth by Meade's inactivity. His -army was very strong, had not suffered as had ours, and an enterprising -general might seemingly have had us on the run in short order. - -But no! he had taken a taste of our mettle the day before and wanted -no more of it. A bridge of gold for his enemy was the card for Meade's -hands. It is said on good authority that at a council called by Meade -he was in favor of retiring, and it was only by strenuous, bold -opposition of two or three of his generals that he was prevented and -induced to keep his ground. - -Thus during all the fourth we were in preparation for the rear movement -that must begin that night. Lee's position had become serious, but -undismayed were the Confederate Chief and his three corps commanders. -He knew he could count on their tried courage and experience. - -The night of July 4, 1863, was of awful weather--rain in torrents, -howling winds, and roads almost impassable; all trains had been sent -back during the day, as well as the reserve artillery. At night -artillery in position and pickets were withdrawn and the army moved -back by its left--Ewell, Hill, and Longstreet. It marched all night and -part of next day, and then Lee with characteristic audacity selected a -line of defense, entrenched and fortified it, and offered Meade battle -for several days, while his immense trains were safely crossing the -Potomac. Meade declined the challenge, and Lee resuming the retreat, -crossed on the bridge of boats that had been thrown over the river at -Falling Waters by the engineers--and a crazy affair it was, too. - -Our corps was all night crossing, and at dawn I was able to approach -General Lee on the south bank, "tête de pont," with a report to that -effect, adding that now everything was clear for General Hill's -infantry. The General's anxiety was intense. He expected to be attacked -at the passage of the river. There was good reason to fear; why Meade -failed to do so is yet to be explained. General Lee, like every one, -had been up the whole night, and his staff officers were stretched in -sleep on the ground. He desired me to recross the bridge for him, see -General Hill in person, and urge him to the utmost haste in getting his -men over, stopping only when imperatively necessary. - -I immediately pushed back, finding the road deep in mud but clear of -any impediment to the men. Broken wagons or a dismounted gun or two had -been cleared away and thrown one side. General Lee's message was given -and Hill asked me to assure the Commander that he should safely get -across, notwithstanding a slight attack that was even then developing -itself on his rear brigade--Pettigrew's. Some men were captured, but we -suffered most loss in the death of that promising officer. - -Returning, I reported to the General that "all was clear. Hill was -about three-quarters of a mile from the bridge and marching rapidly to -it." "What was his leading division?" I was asked. "General Anderson, -sir." "I am sorry, Colonel; my friend Dick is quick enough pursuing, -but in retreat I fear he will not be as sharp as I should like." -Just then a heavy gun was fired lower down, filling the gorge of the -river with most threatening echoes. "There," said the General, "I was -expecting it, the beginning of the attack." But he was wrong. The enemy -made no further demonstration and Hill came safely across. Our corps -had found camp some ten miles south of the river and there I soon threw -myself down for rest and food. After a week of the most exhausting -physical and mental trial it was indeed time for some repose. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -GETTYSBURG AFTERMATH - - Retrospective--Invasion of Pennsylvania--Some characteristics--Pickett - and perfumery--An acquisition--The inhabitants, Pennsylvania - Dutch--Their cookery--Colonel Freemantle's activity--Figures as - to strength and losses--Lieutenant Dawson--A curious meeting--The - sweating soldier--Death of Captain Fraser. - - -The invasion of Pennsylvania had many features of interest to our army. -The country itself contrasted greatly with our own. It was rolling in -plenty, high cultivation was apparent on all sides, and the ripening -wheat stood tall and golden. General Lee's orders caused it to be well -protected, and there was not much looting. The people seemed a queer -lot. Hostile looks and imprecations were constantly leveled at the -good-natured Southerners footing it amid such new scenes. The cherries -were ripe and the trees bending with delicious fruit. I recall one -especial tree near Chambersburg that seemed beyond all others to tempt -me. Sitting quietly in saddle, branch after branch was gently drawn -down to the rider's thirsty lips almost to repletion, and good is the -recollection even to this present day. The roads were magnificent -in our eyes--metaled macadams, bearing the heaviest loads, and well -drained and graded. The animals were nearly all for farm use, great -lumbering, powerful horses, capable of enormous draughts on those hard -roads, but quite impossible to do anything out of a heavy walk. We -thought to renew some of our quartermaster's and cavalry mounts from -this source and a few horses were got across the river. They proved -useless and were soon abandoned. As we marched, the people were drawn -to the roadside arrayed in their Sunday best, gazing viciously at the -invaders. All work in town and country had stopped. Chambersburg being -quite a town, was subject to requisition, which did not, I think, yield -much. - -We "persuaded," however, the principal shopkeepers to keep open, and -they displayed some of their wares, doubtless old or unsalable stuff -that they could not hide. Everything was strictly paid for in our -national currency--Confederate bills! - -I did get something, however. Our good commissary, Major Moses, managed -to secure (by payment, of course) a bolt of excellent velveteen, -wearing quite as well as corduroy. Indeed, he got some of the latter -also, and sent the plunder to our headquarters, where the stuff went -around sufficiently to give me a coat and trousers, which did good -service, I think, till the end of things. He also managed to get a few -felt hats, and deserved more, for he was grumbling furiously at the -ill success of his important requisition for cash, stores, and army -supplies; also for the sound rating and liberal abuse he had taken from -the irate females in furious rage at his work. - -Lee and Longstreet were bivouacked near by in a beautiful grove of -large trees not far from town. They both had many visits from citizens, -generally with some trumped-up complaint as a means of seeing the two -celebrated soldiers. - -The women of the country were a hard-featured lot. The population, -principally Pennsylvania Dutch, are an ignorant offshoot of a certain -class of Germans long settled there. - -Many can speak no English. A hard-working, thrifty class, with, it -seems, no thought but for their big horses and barns, huge road-wagons -like ships at sea, and the weekly baking, and apple-butter. This last -appeared to be their staple food. On the morning of the 3d, already -mentioned, waking in my fence-corner, I took thought of breakfast and -sent my man to an abandoned farm-house near by. The terrible shell and -musketry fire of the previous day had driven off the owners hurriedly, -for safety. But here was food galore. My soldier came back loaded with -loaves of well-baked bread and jars of apple-butter--a week's baking -of the bread, and the abominable butter once a year, I suppose. It did -for once or so when very hungry, but I don't call it a nice breakfast -anywhere. - -The drain of war had not here shown itself--none of the men out of -this populous region seemed to have gone to the front. There was no -need. The Government, the State, counties, towns, and villages were -all paying great bounties for the substitutes. The drafted man was -serving at home, and there was joy at so much money among the foreign -mercenaries brought over by the rich Northern and Eastern States, and -among the ever-present and agile bounty-jumpers, who were indeed making -their golden harvest. - -Our British friend, Colonel Freemantle, was bound to see everything. -During one of the hottest hours of fire he climbed a tree with great -agility, and notwithstanding I bawled to him to come down, there he -stuck with his binoculars. He was a very small, slight man, wiry, and -much enduring. I don't believe he changed his clothing or boots while -with us, and I never saw him use a note-book or any scrap of paper as -an aid to memory, and yet his book puts down things with much accuracy. - -In this great campaign and battle the numbers and casualties and lists -may be fairly accepted as follows: Col. W. H. Taylor's figures as to -strength--Army of the Potomac, of all arms, 105,000; Army of Northern -Virginia, of all arms, 63,000 or say 50,000 infantry, 8,000 cavalry, -5,000 artillery. - -His figures are about right as to the Army of Northern Virginia. They -would be verified by those of our own corps. - -Confederate losses, 2,292 killed; 12,709 wounded; 5,150 missing. - -It was about this time that Lieut. F. W. Dawson, C. S. Artillery, -reported to our corps for duty. A few words of the career of this young -man may not be without interest. He was an Englishman of university -education, able and capable. He had come to see hard service. Colonel -Manning, chief of ordnance, wanting some assistance at that time, I -assigned Dawson to do duty with the ordnance train. He was thoroughly -competent, and made himself indispensable to Manning, whose taste took -him more to adventures in the field. Dawson was made captain and also -acquitted himself well under fire. With return of peace I lost sight of -him until a year or two later he turned up as the able and aggressive -editor and part proprietor of a leading newspaper of Charleston, -South Carolina, and had reason to call for my help in a dangerous -crisis. He was strongly on the respectable white side in the dark days -of reconstruction, was bold and unflinching, showed extraordinary -abilities, made many friends, married, and was assassinated at the very -height of an adventurous career. - -This is curious in the way of happenings. It has been mentioned that -the soldier who passed the night at Fredericksburg with me inside the -enemy's lines was Private Jesse Beall. It has not been said, though, -that my staff comrade and friend, Manning, had been desperately -assailed, stabbed almost to death, by a fellow-student at the Georgia -Military Institute. Manning recovered after long care, spoke only once, -even to me, of what had happened, and then with a curious tension of -feature. Another time we were riding together across fallow fields -near camp, when a soldier came out, saluting us, and asked to speak -with Colonel Manning. On rejoining me, Manning's face was set and -deathly pale. "Sorrel," he said, "that was the man who came so near -murdering me. I had sworn to kill him on sight, and it was all I could -do to stop myself while he stood by my horse. But he had a tale, and I -believed him. It was remorse and horror of his deed. He humbly begged -my forgiveness. Nothing else would content him, and I yielded to the -man's suffering and evident sincerity. I gave him my hand in parting, -but never do I wish to see him again." It was Jesse Beall, Manning's -assailant, and my man of the batteau. He was afterwards killed in -battle. - -On a hot day's march across the river, General Lee, Longstreet, and -their people had made a short midday halt in a little rising grove by -the roadside, where we found a spring to wash down our soldier's fare. -It was the hottest of July days, and the troops were moving by in long -column, listlessly, and suffering from the heat. Soon I saw one of -the men leave the ranks and approach General Lee. Some one tried to -stop him, but the General kindly encouraged his coming forward. He was -a stout, well-built soldier, equal to any work, but sweating awfully. -"What is it you want?" said Lee. "Please, General, I don't want much, -but it's powerful wet marching this weather. I can't see for the water -in my eyes. I came aside to this old hill to get a rag or _something_ -to wipe the sweat out of my eyes." "Will this do?" said the General, -handkerchief in hand. "Yes, _my Lordy_, that indeed!" broke out the -soldier. "Well, then take it with you, and back quick to ranks; no -straggling this march, you know, my man." - -Lee's talk and manner with the soldier were inimitable in their -encouraging kindness. It is only a single little example of what he was -with them. - -At Gettysburg, on the 3d, I lost another dear personal friend, Captain -John C. Fraser, of Georgia, commanding a battery of artillery. He was -working it most effectively in action when struck down. Only a few days -before he made me a visit, and noticing his very bad hat, I sent him -off rejoicing in one of the felts Major Moses had given us. Then it -pillowed his shattered head. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -IN VIRGINIA AGAIN - - Lee moves across the ridge into the Piedmont country--Camps taken - near Rapidan--Our Headquarters at Taylor's--Festivities and - gaieties--Buying remounts--Scout Harrison again--Longstreet and - two divisions start for Chickamauga--In Richmond--Harrison as - Cassius--His dismissal--The First Army Corps--Dissensions in Hood's - Division--Jenkins and Law. - - -The army being after some days refreshed and strengthened by rest -and food and the return of wounded and stragglers, General Lee began -preparing to move to a good position east of the mountains. It lay now -in the Valley, and General Meade with great consideration molested us -not nor gave us any uneasiness. As usual the cavalry filled the gaps of -the Ridge and covered efficiently every approach, while the army slowly -poured through its defiles to well-known camping grounds on the sunny -slopes of the Piedmont glades and meadows. Gradually without incident -we found good camps for several weeks in a rolling country bordered -by the Rapidan. Our headquarters were in the grounds of Mr. Erasmus -Taylor, a well-known gentleman, farming largely in that county, and -everything was done by him for our comfort and amusement. The house -was spacious, well fitted for dances and entertainments, and being -crowded with joyous, happy Virginia girls there was no lack of fun and -gaiety. We got out our best, cleaned up, kept the barber busy, became -very particular as to the shine of our boots, and put forth all of our -long disused bravery in honor of the lovely eyes and true Virginia -hearts that were joyfully giving us welcome. There were for those young -officers who had time to give, dances by day and evening at Taylor's or -elsewhere in the well-settled neighborhood, horses in plenty for riding -parties, picnics, excursions--everything indeed for the happiness of -the young warriors and their captivating maidens. Hard, brave work had -earned the guerdon and it was no niggard hand that gave it. - -It was here I had to provide my remounts. My best had been lost in -Pickett's charge and the other had broken down and was left. I was -consequently up to buying two horses, and after many trials and tests -selected from a certain commissary given to horse dealing, two beasts -that I thought would do my work. They both broke down under the demands -of our Georgia and Tennessee expedition, and later I shall have -something to say about the sharp officer who was so ready to put these -animals on me. I have already said that I cannot call myself successful -in horse selection. These two cost about $2,500. - -Ah! those were lovely days; that short rest amid such delightful -environments. We were soon to change it, plunge into the forests of -Georgia and Tennessee, and fight in the former one of the fiercest, -bloodiest battles on record. But meanwhile time went merrily and there -was enjoyment throughout the army. The soldiers were in high spirits -and ready any day for the enemy. - -Supplies of clothing and shoes had come down from Richmond and the -ranks looked decidedly better. - -Harrison, our scout, had been with us since Gettysburg. His report, -all important as to the results of that campaign, was not forgotten. -With no immediate duties assigned him, he trotted along from day to -day, but he was sure of something to come, and it came. He asked -permission to go to Richmond for a few days. As there was nothing to -keep him, leave was given. - -"Colonel," said this dark character, "if by any chance you should be in -Richmond next week, I hope you will take in the theater one evening." -(There was then not the slightest expectation of my being in Richmond -at that time.) "What is the attraction?" I asked. "Myself," said -Harrison. "I have made a bet of $50 greenbacks that I play Cassio and -play him successfully." "Are you an actor?" I asked. "No, but I can -play." The matter was dismissed as so much nonsense, but he was not a -man for nonsense. It so happened that I was in Richmond the next week -with Longstreet and the staff on the way to Georgia to strike our great -strategic coup, and _did_ happen into a friend's box at the theater. -"Othello" was on the boards with all the splendor the times could -muster, and my Harrison and "Cassio," one and the same, were before me. -He had lied in part. His acting was as if he had regularly strutted the -boards for a stock company. But the play was rather lively at times. -"Othello" was in drink, "Cassius" was really quite far gone, and even -"Desdemona" was under more than one suspicion that evening. - -The occurrence induced me next day to set on foot some minute inquiries -about Harrison's life. I learned that he was drinking and gambling. On -reporting it to General Longstreet he thought it better to let him go -and so directed me; accordingly I had him paid off, with an order to -report to the Secretary of War, from whom he had originally come. - -This is the last I saw of the mysterious fellow. Longstreet missed him -afterwards while we were in East Tennessee, and I made a careful effort -to find him and bring him out to us. - -While writing I hear from Latrobe that the man is alive and in -Baltimore, seeking some small assistance from the Confederate veterans. -I should like to see his last days made comfortable. - -The organization of our First Army Corps had suffered no material -damage. The ranks were kept fairly well filled by constant -recruiting, and the feeling of confidence and pride of this splendid -force of infantry and artillery could not be surpassed, from the -Lieutenant-General down to the teamster. It was a very remarkable body, -inspired by great sacrifices and victories in its history, and with a -cohesive strength and belief in itself that spoke nobly for the future. -This is said on the eve of a separation of many months, by which the -larger part of the corps was sent to strange fields and new sacrifices -and laurels. - -There was, however, an ugly flaw in one of the divisions, that long -uncured was eventually to lead to disaster. When Hood was borne wounded -from the Gettysburg field his division of five brigades--Alabama, -Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina--fell under the command of the -senior brigadier, Mr. Jenkins, of South Carolina. Between this officer -and General E. M. Law, of Alabama, there was the most intense rivalry. -They were both from South Carolina, and it was but a continuation, -it was said, of what stirred them at school together, at college, at -military exercises, and finally in Longstreet's corps. They had been -made colonels about the same time--Law of an Alabama regiment--and -had advanced almost contemporaneously to be brigadier-generals. -Longstreet had recommended them both for promotion to major-general, -and they were both unquestionably officers of high attainments and -the greatest promise. Here we had a situation that made it useless -to think of one of these men serving under the other in the same -division. A major-general must be assigned to command, or else one -of the aspiring brigadiers transferred to another place. Neither was -immediately done and Longstreet had considerable trouble. Both officers -were highly valued by him and he wanted full justice done to each, but -the situation grew no better with time and service, and Longstreet's -efforts at the Department commanded apparently no attention. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV - -LONGSTREET TO REINFORCE BRAGG - - The movement to reinforce Bragg--Good work of the - Quartermaster-General--General A. R. Lawton, of Georgia--The journey - through the States--Ovations to the troops. - - -The important movement now impending was the subject of deep and secret -discussion by the President, Generals Lee and Longstreet, and General -Lawton, Quartermaster-General, whose part in it would be of the first -consideration. Its gravity can scarcely be overstated. - -Rosecrans, commanding the Federal forces in Tennessee and Georgia, -had suffered himself to be in position inviting attack by a competent -force. It was believed that Bragg, his opponent, if reinforced, could -strike a swift, crushing blow, relieve the wide region in which he -was operating from the presence of the enemy, and enable masterly -reinforcements to return rapidly to Virginia without endangering -the safety of the Confederate capital or that of Lee's army, thus -temporarily weakened. - -Indeed it was the military calculation that so large a detachment -from the Southern army would be instantly followed by a still greater -withdrawal of troops from Lee's front, and that too by the outer line -of the segment, while our own contingent was hurrying by the short, -straight cord of the circle. - -This expectation proved correct. Meade was silent and inactive, and -our own army was stiffening in material and numbers. Meade was -apparently without a plan. His predecessors had suffered so cruelly at -Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville that his well-known prudence and -lack of initiative might be trusted to keep him quiet during our great -strategic coup. The movement was, therefore, determined on, and in the -first half of September the details were settled. Longstreet was to -take on the expedition his two splendid divisions, McLaws and Hood, the -latter by this time quite cured of his wound, and Alexander's battalion -of artillery--six batteries. Supply trains were to be furnished at -destination. - -The movement was to be wholly by train, and to any one familiar with -the railroad service at the South in the last part of 1863 little need -be said of the difficulties facing the Quartermaster-General. - -He was to pick up their camps near Gordonsville and the Rapidan, nine -strong brigades of infantry and six batteries of artillery, and land -them without serious accident and no delay with their ambulances and -light vehicles near Chattanooga or Lookout Mountain. This feat was -accomplished without stint of honor or praise, be it said, to the -Quartermaster-General's department. Never before were so many troops -moved over such worn-out railways, none first-class from the beginning. -Never before were such crazy cars--passenger, baggage, mail, coal, box, -platform, all and every sort wabbling on the jumping strap-iron--used -for hauling good soldiers. But we got there nevertheless. The trains -started day after day from Virginia and worked through North Carolina, -South Carolina, and Georgia by different routes, all converging at a -point not far east of Chattanooga--Catoosa Station, I think, was the -name. - -The Quartermaster-General, Brig.-Gen. A. R. Lawton, was my -fellow-townsman. He had graduated from West Point in the class of '39 -and entered the artillery. Soon resigning, he took up the study and -practise of law, married, and resided in Savannah, where he achieved -success. An admirable, well-rounded character, with many friends, -Lawton was a leading man in municipal and State affairs for years. - -When the clash came in 1861 there was no doubt as to where he would -stand. It was for his State, and he was immediately commissioned a -brigadier-general, stationed on the coast assembling and organizing -troops. - -Called by General Lee to Virginia in 1862, he took a brigade of nearly -6,000 strong to Jackson in the Valley operations, and served with -distinction in the Chickahominy battles, the campaign against Pope, and -at Sharpsburg. - -At the latter he was severely wounded and retired from field -service. He was, however, not long left in quiet ease. Lawton's -abilities suggested him for administrative work, and he was made -Quartermaster-General. It was by him and his department that our -reinforcements were moved to the help of Bragg and the victory of -Chickamauga--an admirable piece of railroad military transportation -under adverse conditions. General Lawton was Minister to Austria during -Cleveland's Administration. - -The journey through the States from Virginia was a continuous ovation -to the troops. They were fed at every stopping place and must have -hated the sight of food. Kisses and tokens of love and admiration for -these war-worn heroes were ungrudgingly passed around, and as the two -divisions were from States all south of Virginia, it was good for the -men to show up in this fashion even for a few minutes with their home -people. - -Many of the companies were carried through their own towns and villages -and surrounded by the eager faces of kinsfolk and neighbors. But there -were no desertions or stops. The brave fellows pressed stoutly on with -comrades to meet the foe. - -The first arrivals plunged into the battle of September 19th, and on -the 20th, when the final stroke was delivered, five of our brigades -were up and hotly engaged in that bloody, all-day battle. The glory -and renown of the Army of Northern Virginia were fully upheld by -Longstreet's men. Some general outlines of the day's events will be -attempted in the next chapter, to be filled out at close, as hitherto -tried, with brief reflections and observations on the occurrences of -the great struggle and the days before and after it. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV - -BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA, SEPTEMBER 20, 1863 - - Arrival at Catoosa--Riding to General Bragg--The meeting--Order of - battle--Polk the right wing, Longstreet the left--attack to begin on - right--Delayed some hours--Left wing takes it up victoriously--Attack - on right checked--Thomas reinforces his right against Longstreet's - assaults--Cannot stand and retreats toward Chattanooga--A great - victory for the Confederates--Pursuit next day expected--Bragg says - no--Army marches to positions in front of Chattanooga--A barren - result--Lieutenant-General Polk--Sketch. - - -It was about three o'clock in the afternoon of September 19 that our -rickety train pulled up, with jerks and bangs, at the little railway -landing, called Catoosa Platform. Longstreet and some of his personal -staff, Colonels Sorrel and Manning, were in this train and immediately -took horse. The remainder of the staff, with most of the horses, were -on a train two or three hours later. The Lieutenant-General and part of -his staff at once started to find General Bragg. - -That General should surely have had guides to meet and conduct us to -the conference on which so much depended. A sharp action had taken -place during the day and it would appear that if Bragg wanted to -see anybody, Longstreet was the man. But we were left to shift for -ourselves, and wandered by various roads and across small streams -through the growing darkness of the Georgia forest in the direction of -the Confederate General's bivouac. At one point in our hunt for him -we narrowly escaped capture, being almost in the very center of a -strong picket of the enemy before our danger was discovered. A sharp -right-about gallop, unhurt by the pickets' hasty and surprised fire, -soon put us in safety, and another road was taken for Bragg, about whom -by this time some hard words were passing. - -But all things have an end, even a friendly hunt for an army commander, -and between 10 and 11 o'clock that night we rode into the camp of -Gen. Braxton Bragg. He was asleep in his ambulance, and when aroused -immediately entered into private conference with Longstreet. It lasted -about an hour, and in that time the plan of battle for next day was -definitely settled, and then we all took to the leafy ground under the -tall oaks and hickories for some sleep against the work before us. - -An hour was quite enough to settle the plan and details, since -nothing could be simpler than the operation proposed for Rosecrans's -destruction. - -Bragg's army was already occupying favorable ground and but little -preliminary movement was positively necessary. The enemy's force was -not far off in our immediate front, seemingly easy to attack. Bragg's -army was, however, strange to say, rather deficient in artillery, and -its want was felt the next day. Our own batteries, under Alexander, -had not yet detrained. Bragg made a good disposition of his separate -divisions and commands, dividing his army into two wings, the right -under Lieutenant-General Polk and the left under Lieutenant-General -Longstreet. There was consequently thrown under the latter three -of Hood's brigades and two of McLaws's (under Hood), and Stuart's -and Preston's divisions (under Buckner), and a division of B. R. -Johnson's, and Hindman's with artillery. The order for the day was -simple in the extreme. - -There was no question about all the troops being in position by -daylight, and at that hour the attack was to be opened by General Polk -on the extreme right and followed up vigorously by the lines to the -left, until the entire front of Bragg's fine army should be engaged and -charging the enemy, exposed to an attack so furious it was not believed -he could sustain it, and he could not. It will be shown how he was -partially saved after the roughest handling he had had since Bull Run. -The right wing was formed of Breckinridge's and Cleburne's divisions -under D. H. Hill, Walker's and Biddell's divisions under Walker, and -Cheatham's division, besides artillery. - -Longstreet's front had Wheeler's cavalry on his extreme left, then -Hindman, Hood's corps, Stuart, and Preston in the order named, and they -were ready for their work at daylight on the 20th, the other commands -in close support. Unhappily, a most serious delay occurred on the -right, by which Polk's attack was retarded until near 10 o'clock, a -loss of at least four previous hours. Lieutenant-General Hill's command -was on Polk's extreme right and should have begun the attack. Orders -sent during the night by General Polk failed to reach him. On our part -we waited with the utmost impatience for the guns, but no sound came -until 10 o'clock. Then Polk's attack was made, but does not appear to -have achieved a decided success. The enemy were able to hold their -ground against most of the right wing commands. - -When it came, as it quickly did, to the left wing to put in its work -there was another tale. The ground was in parts difficult in front of -us, but never was a more determined, dashing attack made, never a more -stubborn resistance. But our men would not be denied. The fighting -lasted nearly all day. Finally everything broke before us, and the -enemy's right was in full flight. It was a panic-stricken host that -fled. Our Virginia contingent was always to the front and seemed to -fire their western comrades with emulation of the grand example of the -Army of Northern Virginia. - -Unhappily, amid shouts of victory, General Hood was shot down at the -head of his seasoned veterans. His leg was taken off on the field, the -operation being well borne. But we were forced into a temporary halt. - -Reinforcements were pouring fresh and ready against our front. The -attack of the right wing having partly broken down, the enemy in front -of Polk was not held to their own, but were in large numbers free for -a masterly movement by that fine soldier, Gen. George Thomas. He was a -Virginian, and it is said started to join his Southern friends at the -beginning, but was finally won over to the Northern side. - -He was one of the ablest of their soldiers, perhaps none equaled him, -and I heartily wish he had been anywhere but at Chickamauga. Thomas -pressed rapid columns to relieve his overwhelmed right and was in time -to make a good stand, but it was unavailing, although costing more -blood and time. His defenses were finally broken down, about dark, by -our incessant hammering, and it was right-about-face and hasty retreat -to Chattanooga. - -This was just as darkness spread its mantle over the fields and -forests, and simultaneously there sprang up on that bloodstained -battle-ground camp fires innumerable, and the wildest Confederate -cheers and yells for victory that ever stirred the hearts of -warriors--and such warriors as had that day borne the battle-flags -forward. It was one of the greatest of the many Confederate successes. - -That night was passed in caring for the wounded, burying the dead, and -cooking rations, for in all that host there was probably only one who -did not believe that "pursuit" would be the word early next day, and -that was the commander-in-chief. It is thought by some that General -Bragg did not know a victory had been gained. He does not appear to -have been closely present on the battlefield, nor for that matter was -Rosecrans. A unique instance of a great battle being fought out of the -immediate presence of the respective commanders. The next morning Bragg -asked Longstreet for suggestions. "Move instantly against Rosecrans's -rear to destroy him," was the instant reply. "Should we fail, we can -put him in retreat, and then clear East Tennessee of Burnside and the -Union forces." - -Apparently, Bragg adopted this view, and gave orders to march out at -4 p. m. The right wing marched about eight miles, ours next day at -daylight. We were halted at the Chickamauga Red House Ford, I think it -was, and then directed to march to Chattanooga. At the close of the -battle we could have strolled into that town; now it was vigorously -defended. This was the fruit of the great battle; the pitiable end of -the glorious victory that was ours. The spoils were 8,000 prisoners, 36 -pieces of artillery, 15,000 small arms, and 25 stands of colors. - -It was a lasting regret that I had no more than a passing glimpse -during these operations of the distinguished soldier, Lieut.-Gen. -Leonidas Polk, second in command of Bragg's army. - -A pure and lofty character, nothing but the most self-sacrificing, -patriotic convictions, and the almost peremptory wishes of the -Executive had led him to lay down his great Episcopal station and -duties and take to arms. His training at West Point had well prepared -him for the stern efforts in the field awaiting Southern men. -Throughout his army career he was never without a desire to put by his -sword and take up again his dearly loved people, his Bishop's staff, -for prayer and strength and consolation in their many trials and -sufferings. But the President, holding him in the highest esteem and -confidence, insisted on retaining him in the armies of the Confederacy. -He could not but yield. Of commanding presence and most winning -address, he served with distinction and renown. While suffering at the -hands of Bragg treatment unjust and harsh, he on the other hand had won -to himself the abiding affection and confidence of all officers and men -whom he commanded. - -On June 1, 1864, near Marietta, Georgia, that noble life ended. In the -distance lay the hills of the Etowah; on the right, Kenesaw reared its -lofty heights. The Generals--Johnston, Hardee, and Polk--had together -walked off to observe a portion of the enemy's lines, some distance -away. Soon after they slowly separated. - -Dr. W. M. Polk, the General's son, eminent in his profession, and -author of his interesting biography, simply relates what then happened -(Vol. II, p. 349): - - General Polk walked to the crest of the hill, and, entirely exposed, - turned himself around as if to take a farewell view. Folding his arms - across his breast, he stood intently gazing on the scene below. While - thus he stood, a cannon shot crashed his breast, and opening a wide - door, let free that indomitable spirit. He fell upon his back with his - feet to the foe. Amid the shot and shell now poured upon the hill, his - faithful escort gathered up the body and bore it to the foot of the - hill. There in a sheltered ravine his sorrow-stricken comrades, silent - and in tears, gathered around his mangled corpse. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI - -CHATTANOOGA--INCIDENTS - - The Western army--Its general appearance--Feeling toward - Bragg--President Davis's visit--An incident in battle--General - W. W. Mackall, chief of Bragg's staff--Losses--A captured - saber--General Forrest--General Benning and Longstreet--Vizitelly's - battle-picture--Quartermaster Mitchell dead--Manning - wounded--President Davis's escort--The Austrian captain's brilliant - uniform. - - -We were therefore marched back to what was called the siege of -Chattanooga, finding the enemy there in fine spirits after the -indulgent reprieve granted him; strengthening his works, perfecting -his communications with the rear, and pouring in men from the East, -who, following our own movements, were necessarily late in arriving by -the outer line. Bragg put his army in position across Missionary Creek -(subject to perilous overflow) and occupied Lookout Mountain with his -left and Missionary Ridge with his right, and here I shall leave the -army while jotting down some observations and incidents since we left -Virginia. - -The personal appearance of Bragg's army was, of course, matter of -interest to us of Virginia. The men were a fine-looking lot, strong, -lean, long-limbed fighters. The Western tunic was much worn by both -officers and men. It is an excellent garment, and its use could be -extended with much advantage. - -The army gave one the feeling of a very loose organization. There were -indeed corps, so called, but not that compact, shoulder-to-shoulder -make-up of Lee's army. There a First Corps man would so speak of -himself, just as a Third Georgia Regiment man would speak of the -regiment to which he belonged. The artillery, which seemed to me not -as strong as should be, looked a bit primitive. The battalion unit -was not often met with; but, on the contrary, many single independent -batteries, nominally attached to infantry commands, but on the day of -the battle wandering loose, hunting for their supports. The subsistence -and quartermaster's departments were well supplied with food and -forage, but weak in transportation. - -The tone of the army among its higher officers toward the commander was -the worst conceivable. Bragg was the subject of hatred and contempt, -and it was almost openly so expressed. His great officers gave him no -confidence as a general-in-chief. The army was thus left a helpless -machine, and its great disaster in November at Missionary Ridge and -Lookout Mountain could easily be foreseen with Bragg retained in -command. - -Mr. Davis made his celebrated visit to the camp to see and hear -for himself. It is difficult, even now, to recall and realize that -unprecedented scene. The President, with the commander-in-chief, and -the great officers of the army, assembled to hear the opinion of the -General's fitness for command. In the presence of Bragg and his corps -commanders he asked of each his opinion, and his reasons if adverse. -This was eye to eye with the President, the commander-in-chief, and -the generals. There was no lack of candor in answer to such challenge -with men like Longstreet, Cheatham, Hill, Cleburne, and Stewart. Some -very plain language was used in answer, but it seems that one and all -were quite agreed as to Bragg's unfitness for command of that army. -These opinions were received by the President and his general without -comment, and Mr. Davis got more than he came for. - -An incident of the day of battle will indicate some differences between -the Eastern and Western armies in the reception of orders. While Thomas -was heavily reinforcing his right, a column of fours was seen marching -across Gen. A. P. Stewart's front. If attacked, its destruction was -certain. I pointed out the opportunity to General Stewart, his position -being admirable for the purpose. His answer was that he was there by -orders and could not move until he got others. I explained that I was -chief of staff to Longstreet and felt myself competent to give such -an order as coming from my chief, and that this was customary in our -Virginia service. General Stewart, however, courteously insisted that -he could not accept them unless assured the orders came direct from -Longstreet. Valuable time was being lost, but I determined to have a -whack at those quick-moving blue masses. Asking General Stewart to get -ready, that I hoped soon to find Longstreet, I was off, and luckily -did find him after an eager chase. Longstreet's thunderous tones need -not be described when, in the first words of explanation, he sent me -back with orders to Stewart to fall on the reinforcing column with all -his power. Stewart was ready and pushed forward handsomely. In a few -minutes, with little or no loss to himself, he had broken up Thomas's -men and taken many prisoners. This was quite late in the afternoon, -twilight coming on. - -My brother-in-law, General W. W. Mackall, was serving with Bragg -as chief of staff, although his rank and attainments qualified him -for higher duties. But the Executive at Richmond was not favorably -disposed toward him, and the best that could be had for service must -content him. It seems that he and Bragg had been long friends, having -served together in the old Army. I was glad to come up with him, -and delighted his soul by a gift of a five-pound bale of Virginia -Killikinick smoking tobacco, in place of the vile stuff he was blowing -off. - -The numbers on both sides, and the casualties, are generally accepted -as follows: Rosecrans's strength, 60,867; Bragg's strength, 60,366. -Rosecrans's losses, 16,550; Bragg's losses, 17,800. - -It was during the battle that I became the possessor of a handsomely -mounted saber. In a part of the field near us there was a sudden sharp, -deadly scrimmage between some of our mounted men and the enemy, a small -force on each side. It was soon over, and Hardy, one of my couriers, -a stout, ready Georgian, came to me with a beautiful saber, evidently -a presentation to the lieutenant-colonel whose name was engraved on -it. My fellow made me a gift of the handsome blade, and I wore it -until peace came. What became of the lieutenant-colonel I could never -ascertain. - - "His sword it is rust, - His bones they are dust, - His soul is with the Saints, I trust." - -The good sword was treasured until a few years ago, when the ladies -of the Confederate Museum at Richmond asked me to put it among their -collection, and there it hangs to-day, I hope for many years. - -It was on the 20th that I had my look at the celebrated Forrest. Truly -a most powerful, impressive figure of a great cavalryman. He was -yet to become still greater, as one of the first commanders of the -South, and subsequent studies of his life and career only expand this -admiration into deeper feelings for the great soldier. - -Dr. John Wyeth's interesting biography of Forrest, published only in -the past few years, is most fascinating, and has gone far to place him -as one of the greatest leaders of the Civil War. During the battle a -queer scene between Longstreet and the valiant old brigadier, Benning, -commanding one of Hood's brigades, illustrates Longstreet's grim calm -in action, and the excitability of "Old Rock," as his men called him. -A sudden counter-stroke of the enemy had smashed his brigade and they -were badly scattered. Benning thought that they were "all gone." -Seizing an artillery horse that was galloping by, harness flying, he -threw himself on the terrified animal and found Longstreet. "General," -said the brigadier, "I am ruined; my brigade was suddenly attacked and -every man killed; not one is to be found. Please give orders where -I can do some fighting." Longstreet saw the excitement and quickly -cooled it. "Nonsense, General, you are not so badly hurt. Look about -you. I know you will find at least one man, and with him on his feet -report your brigade to me, and you two shall have a place in the -fighting-line." - -Benning saw it, took the hint, hunted up his men, who were not so badly -mauled after all, and with a respectable body was soon ready for work. - -Vizitelly, the English artist, had started from Richmond with us, to -sketch and draw for the campaign; something stopped him on the way, -drink, probably. At all events, he arrived very sheep-faced, long after -the battle. He took me aside with: "Colonel, I am in an awful mess. -I must send drawings and a picture of this great battle to my paper -somehow. Cannot you help me?" We were at the time not very far from -a little field that had a scene during the fighting which struck me, -even then, as somewhat picturesque. The open field crowned with thick -woods at one side, through which frowned half a dozen Federal guns -and a brigade of ours moving up in beautiful order to capture it. I -said as much as this to Vizitelly, and sent him to look at the spot. -He returned, on fire with his artist's fancies, and shut himself up -for several days. Then he emerged with drawings, and much letter-press -of what he had _actually_ seen; and principally a very large drawing -beautifully finished of the so-called "Little scene." But heavens! -all resemblance had ceased. Instead of the slight affair, three solid -lines of infantry were moving across a great stretch of ground against -hundreds of guns that were devastating our troops in fire and smoke. In -the central portion there was the wounding and fall of a great officer -and the closing in of the soldiers to protect him. "What think you?" -said the proud Vizitelly. "Splendid, but nothing like it took place." -"No matter, it might have happened, and besides all battle-pictures are -drawn with such freedom." "Who is the general just falling?" "That, -sir, is General Hood, drawn the instant of being shot." "But, my good -Vizitelly, Hood was not within a mile of that little field I gave -you." "No matter, he was shot, no one will deny that; and I must have -a great interesting center for my picture. You fellows are altogether -too particular. This goes by first underground chance, and you will -see it in the _London Illustrated News_." And so I did in the quiet -sitting-room of a Northern friend later on. - -He is not the only one of artistic imagination for battle-pictures. - -At Chickamauga, we lost our quartermaster, Major Mitchell, of Virginia, -a valuable officer. A sudden attack of diphtheria carried him off like -a stroke of lightning. Major Erasmus Taylor, of Orange Court House, -Virginia, was immediately appointed in his place, and served with us -efficiently until the close of the war. - -Lieutenant-Colonel Manning, of our staff, was slightly wounded in the -battle of the 20th. A fragment of shell pierced his scalp, causing much -loss of blood, but otherwise no great damage. He was soon about his -ordnance duties as good as ever. - -When President Davis came to Bragg's army on his visit of conciliation -and support to his general, there was a universal turnout to give the -Executive our best reception. At all headquarters the least shabby -uniforms were looked up and our best belongings for horse and man -were brought out. Mr. Davis had a really fine escort to the top of -Lookout Mountain and back to quarters. At First Corps headquarters -we still had the pleasure of Captain Fitzgerald Ross with us, a -companionable and honorable officer and gentleman. On this occasion we -thought it time for Ross to show the quality of his Austrian corps, -and most reluctantly he consented to ride with us in full uniform. -It was a beauty and a wonder! Sky-blue tunic and trousers, fitting -skin-tight to the body and legs, loaded down with the richest gold -braid and ornaments. Tiny boots, tasseled and varnished, incased the -Captain's shapely Hussar legs. And then the pelisse hanging from the -left shoulder!--it would be the envy of any woman. The color, still -sky-blue, of the finest cloth, lined with buff satin, gold braided and -richly furred. A smart, richly plumed Hungarian busby, with handsomely -mounted curved saber and gold cords, completed the costume of this -brilliant representative of his corps d'élite. - -We gave Ross our plaudits and thanks for his fine appearance, and -only on returning was there any annoyance. The large cortege about -the President parted and some of us found ourselves riding with Ross -under Maj.-Gen. John C. Breckinridge. Our route lay through one of his -divisions camped in the noble primeval forests. The men were scattered -all about attending to their personal matters, cooking, cleaning arms, -mending, and, as it seemed, many stripped to the waist examining very -closely their shirts and undergarments. - -Without going into particulars, all soldiers in the field must be -careful in this respect. Long-worn clothing had a way of "gathering" -things, and it was what had to be done in all our armies. But when the -scattered troops saw the brilliant apparition of Captain Ross riding -with their General there was a shout and a rush to him. Such was the -rough admiration exhibited that harm might have come to him but for -Breckinridge. He motioned the men back, said the Captain was his -guest, and, "When you fellows get to his army on a visit you will find -him treating you more civilly; so get back to your bivouacs and make -yourselves clean." - -There was a good-natured cheer for Breckinridge, Ross, the President, -and all the rest of us, and we got back to camp with much cheerful -chaff for poor Ross and his gay uniform. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII - -THE EAST TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN, NOVEMBER 1863, TO APRIL, 1864 - - Ordered by Bragg to move against Burnside and Knoxville--Our - two divisions--Wheeler's cavalry with artillery--Burnside's - strength--At Sweetwater, November 21st--Disappointed in supplies--The - railway--Pontoons, but no train--Cross Holston at Loudon--Enemy - escapes into Knoxville--Hood's old division--Generals Jenkins - and Law--Siege of Knoxville--Bull Winthrop--McLaws ready for an - assault--Troops ordered to support--General Leadbetter, of Bragg's - staff, orders assault--Brigadiers Wofford, Humphreys, and Bryan - attacked--Repulsed at Fort Saunders--General Longstreet assumes the - blame--Losses. - - -After a long wait, General Bragg settled on something. He decided -to make a move against Burnside and Knoxville. About November 3, -Longstreet received his instructions. They were about in line with what -the Lieutenant-General wanted instantly after Chickamauga and what -should have been done, but the General-in-Chief could not see it, and, -welcoming the orders even at this late day, we prepared for a hearty -support and active campaign. - -The troops of the expedition were to be the two divisions (nine -brigades of infantry) brought from Virginia and Alexander's fine -battalion of artillery, six batteries; also Leyden's artillery, and -Wheeler's powerful body of cavalry (four brigades) and horse artillery. -We were also to take up all the loose bodies of troops to be found -in the wide district to be covered. A force of about 3,000 men was -promised from southwest Virginia. - -It was an ill-disciplined body, not well organized, but accomplished -wonders under Wheeler as a screen to the army, and an unceasing menace -to the enemy's communications. He had some able officers with him, -Generals W. J. Martin, John T. Morgan, G. G. Dibbrell, and Thomas -Harrison. When Wheeler left us with instructions for a movement calling -for some night work his cheerful words to his fellows were: "Come, -boys, mount. The War Child rides to-night." That being, it seems, one -of his pet names among the men. - -Major-General Wheeler was not long with us, Bragg, to whom his services -were invaluable, having sent for him. I saw him I think but once. He -had reported to Longstreet for orders and was followed by a rather -numerous staff and escort. A small, slight man, very quick and alert -in his movements, quite young, only recently from West Point, he had -justly earned great distinction as the cavalry leader of our Western -army. - -Burnside's force south of Knoxville was computed at about 15,000, and -if we could get all the troops Bragg held out to our commander, there -would be enough of us to crush Burnside. But the Federal general had -within reach some five thousand more men than General Bragg estimated. - -The expedition, glad to be on the move, set out smartly for Tyner's -Station, where it was to be entrained for Sweetwater, but things went -decidedly wrong. We had brought no transportation from Virginia and -General Bragg's officers supplied us with wagons and teams, but held -themselves under Bragg's order. A most inconvenient disposition then, -and until we parted company with that commander for good. - -With these and other difficulties it was November 12th before the -last of our brigades came to Sweetwater. Here there were more -disappointments as to rations, supplies, and transportation. We were -dependent on Bragg's provisions, which cruelly failed us. Not to dwell -too long on these mishaps, I need only add that they beset the entire -campaign. - -The cars and railway by which we helped the transportation were almost -comical in their inefficiency. The railroad was of heavy grades and the -engines light-powered. When a hill was reached the long train would -be instantly emptied--platforms, roofs, doors, and windows--of our -fellows, like ants out of a hill, who would ease things by trudging up -the dirt road and catching on again at the top; and so it went on as -far as the railroad would serve us. - -A bridge train had been prepared by the engineers, and it had been our -intention to use it across the Little Tennessee, or Halston, above its -confluence and through Marysville. But here again was disappointment; -there were pontoons but no train for hauling. - -We were thus forced to throw our bridge across at Loudon, where, -fortunately, the boats could be floated direct from cars without -need of wagons, and there that curious bridge was laid by our worthy -engineers. It was a sight to remember. The current was strong, the -anchorage insufficient, the boats and indeed entire outfit quite -primitive, and when lashed finally to both banks it might be imagined -a bridge; but a huge letter "S" in effect it was with its graceful -reverse curves. But no man should abuse the bridge by which he safely -crosses, and this one took us over, using care and caution. I shall -always love the looks of that queer bridge. - -The enemy was well advised as to our movements, and evidently conducted -his retreat with skill and no serious losses. At Lenoir's Station -he was forced to leave nearly a hundred loaded wagons, though the -running-gear had been broken up so as to make them of no immediate use -to us. - -I do not give in-detail the various movements of our advance from one -point to another, their character generally not being of the highest -credit to us in rapidity or co-operation of our several commands. - -A fine opportunity of crushing Burnside was lost at Campbell's Station. -Burnside's retreat was in time to cover the roads leading into it, and -there he had to make a stand. We should have beaten him badly, but he -escaped and was soon safe in Knoxville. The roads were deep in mud and -caused hard travel and labor, but they were no better for the Union -force. - -Campbell's Station cannot be termed a serious battle. It was -principally an artillery fight, in which the gallant Alexander was -tormented by defective ammunition. It should have been a strong and -decisive battle, but things went wrong with the infantry divisions and -an effective co-operation was not secured. Ah! would that we could have -had Hood again at the head of his division. - -As it was, the five brigades of this fine command were practically -paralyzed by the differences between the senior brigadier in command, -Jenkins, and his competitor, General E. M. Law. It was a most unhappy -condition of things, but by no fault of Longstreet. When Mr. Davis -visited us at Chickamauga the Lieutenant-General laid the situation -before him and urged the promotion and appointment of Jenkins, to -which Mr. Davis would not listen. He was asked then to appoint Law, -but this also met the Executive's "No," that officer being junior; and -then Longstreet begged the assignment of any good major-general to be -found elsewhere. But none came then; months after one was sent when -irretrievable mischief had been done by the unfortunate condition of -the division. It lasted during all the subsequent operations in East -Tennessee throughout the winter. - -Thus it came about that the enemy eluded us at Campbell's Station, and -the next day was behind his works at Knoxville, except his cavalry, -which lingered to retard our march. Our army followed closely, at once -put the enemy's works under fire, and so began what is called the -"Siege of Knoxville." - -By many it is thought to have been a serious error on the part of the -Confederate commander, the resorting to so slow a process. "He should -have attacked immediately"; and I am disposed to consider intelligent -statements of Union officers and citizens of Knoxville, long after, as -indicating that an energetic movement, without the slightest delay, -would have carried us into the town and brought Burnside to terms. - -On the 18th of November McLaws advanced against some defenses of -skirmishers, but part of his line halted before reaching the crest -of the hill. Captain Winthrop, an Englishman serving with Alexander, -dashed forward, and encouraging the men got through the hill in -handsome style. It was well done by "Bull" Winthrop, as we called him, -and he picked up a nasty wound in the doing of it. - -Burnside's strongest defense was Fort Loudon, later called Fort -Saunders, for the gallant officer of that name who fell in its -defense. It was a strong earthwork, closely under McLaws's eye, who -was expected to capture it. Of course he had done much work toward -it--ditches, parallels, and many devices for success. A night attack -was proposed and at one time favored. - -On the 22d General McLaws thought the time had come and he was ordered -to prepare his assaulting column, supported by the division. Longstreet -also ordered up other troops for support and following up a success. -Later on McLaws reported that his officers preferred daylight for the -work before them and the movement was for the time deferred. On the 23d -we heard that Bragg had been attacked at Chattanooga. Bushrod Johnson's -division of two brigades was at Loudon moving to us, and our strength -then would be eleven brigades of infantry, Wheeler's cavalry of four -brigades (Wheeler himself had been ordered back by Bragg, leaving -the horse under command of Maj.-Gen. Will T. Martin), Alexander's -artillery, and Leyden's battalion. - -On the 25th, Bragg's chief engineer, General Leadbetter, brought orders -from the former to attack immediately. Longstreet was reluctant. Troops -from Virginia were on the march, due with us in eight or ten days, -and with them the investment could be made complete. The enemy was -also said to be on half rations, and an attack now with chances of our -repulse would be all in his favor. But Leadbetter felt that Bragg's -orders were imperative and the assault must be attempted. Minute orders -were then sent to McLaws for the effort. The details are rather lengthy -for the scope of these recollections. It was intended for the 28th, but -because of bad weather put off until the 29th. At the appointed time -the vigorous assault was made in fine form by the brigades of Wofford, -Humphreys, and Bryan in the early gray of the morning. At first we -seemed to be going right ahead, shoving everything aside, but some -stops were made and the wounded men began coming back. - -General Longstreet says that when Major Goggin, an old Army man on -McLaws's staff, reported to him that it would be useless to persevere, -that the fort was so surrounded with net-works of wire that no progress -could be made without axes and not an axe was to be found--"Without a -second thought, I ordered the recall." He says later that the accounts -of General Poe, the engineer in charge of the works, convinced him -that the few wires met with were far from being the serious obstacle -reported and that we could have gone in without axes. It also seemed -sure that the fort was nearly ours by the retirement of part of its -garrison, only some two hundred men being kept with the guns. - -General Longstreet takes upon himself the failure of the assault. -It seems conclusive to him that it was due to the order for recall. -He had long known Goggin. Some of our men pushed into the fort. One -gallant young officer, Adjutant Cumming, from Augusta, Georgia, leaped -through an embrasure and instantly demanded the surrender of fort and -garrison. The Union troops cheered the feat while making him a prisoner -of war. Almost immediately after the repulse General Longstreet -received a telegram from the President to the effect that "Bragg had -been forced back by numbers and that we were to co-operate with his -army." A euphemism on the part of the President--Bragg had suffered a -severe defeat and was in full retreat. He made for Dalton, which put -out of the question any co-operation by us. Our own safety was to be -considered and how it could be accomplished. - -The casualties at Knoxville are thus given: Confederate loss in -assault, 822; Union loss in assault, 673; Confederate loss in campaign, -1,296; Union loss in campaign, 1,481. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII - -THE EAST TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN, CONTINUED - - In front of Knoxville after repulse--Position serious--Bragg defeated - at Missionary Ridge--Reinforcements pressing to Burnside--We withdraw - to the eastward--Halt at Rogersville--Foraging good--Supplies in - valleys sufficient--We decide to winter there--Occasional operations - without importance--Affair at Bean's Station--Much uneasiness at - Washington at Longstreet's presence in East Tennessee--General - Grant ordered to drive him out--Affair at Dandridge--Great want of - shoes--A supply from Quartermaster General--General McLaws relieved - from duty--The correspondence--General McLaws's resignation--Intense - cold--Roads almost impassable--Inhabitants of the valleys and - mountaineers--The fierce old woman--Mountain fastnesses--Deserters - from a North Carolina regiment--Their capture and execution--General - Schofield in command of Union army--We take position and make camps - near Bull's Gap. - - -Our position was now becoming serious. Some additional troops under -Ransom would soon join us, but the enemy was being heavily reinforced. -Grant had decided to drive us out of East Tennessee. A letter from him -to Burnside by courier was captured, advising him of three columns en -route for his relief--one on south side by General Sherman, one by -Dechared under General Elliott, and one by Cumberland Gap under General -Foster. Longstreet decided to march past Knoxville on the north side of -the river and aim for the column reported coming from Cumberland Gap. -The enemy did not see fit to molest our flank as we marched past his -defenses on the 2d of December. - -There was good foraging in the country, and we halted at Rogersville -on the 9th to accumulate supplies. Up to this date it had not been our -General's intention to stay in the Tennessee Valley. He was looking -eastward, but more hopefully toward some combinations and increase of -force by which a powerful demonstration could be made into Kentucky -through Cumberland Gap. But at Rogersville the foraging officers -brought in roseate reports of plenty in the land. It appeared to -be overflowing with subsistence for any army; cattle, swine, corn, -sorghum, and honey were abundant, and it was decided we should winter -in these beautiful valleys, watered by the Holston, the French Broad, -the mouth of Chucky and Nolachucky. Truly was it a fertile and smiling -land to be still showing all this abundance, ravaged and harried as it -had been alternately by Union and Confederate forces, and with such a -population! It could well be said that "Only man was vile." - -General Longstreet in his book, "Manassas to Appomattox," has written -up his movements from the time he left Bragg to that of leaving -Tennessee, at great length and with extreme particularity. Its recital -had apparently occupied him more than any part of the four years' -war. We may therefore well leave these details; they are correctly -stated, although without the interest of a successful campaign. We -turn therefore to matters more general, but perhaps attractive, of our -doings in that country. - -There was occasional skirmishing and outpost fighting, but nothing of -importance. At the affair of Bean's Station we expected to accomplish -something, but little came of it. Gradually a good force had been -assembled at scattered points under Longstreet's orders, and he was -most confident and eager for an opportunity to deal the enemy a blow. -President Davis, on December 10th, gave him discretionary authority -over all the troops in the department, and on this he held, for the -present, Martin's cavalry by him, that Bragg had called for. It was -positively necessary for holding East Tennessee, which seemed the best -possible use to make of the troops while Bragg's army was in a state of -demoralization and uncertainty. - -Indeed, in the published annals there is appearance of intense -uneasiness by Halleck and Mr. Lincoln as to Longstreet's presence -in Tennessee. The emphatic tone of many letters and orders from the -Federal capital was that we should, under any circumstances and -apparently at any sacrifices, be driven out. Our presence there took -the form of a political peril. As long as we had a good foothold and -a good army in reach of Cumberland Gap there was the chance of a -successful movement into Kentucky, and once there that State would -have been in an unpleasant and dangerous attitude to the Federals. Its -Confederate sentiments were in parts still strong and shared by large -numbers of the population. Longstreet's correspondence always took a -squint at such an eventuality, and nothing would have better pleased -him than to lead such a movement. But the winter coming on sharp, we -found camps in the great forest about Morristown before Christmas and -began collection of food supplies in earnest. - -The men were happy and cheerful, but awfully in want of clothing and -shoes. Some of the latter were made by themselves, but this supply -could not go far. I recall a movement against General Granger at -Dandridge when the corps turned out to march. It was bitter winter -weather, the ground hard and sharp with ice, and not less than 2,000 of -our little army were without shoes. Their bleeding feet left marks at -every step. - -They were useless for the work and quickly sent back to camp. Not long -after, however, all were made happy by a shipment of three thousand -pairs of shoes by General Lawton, our Quartermaster-General. He had -listened to our earnest, almost desperate appeals. - -About the middle of December, Major-General McLaws was relieved from -command of his division by Lieutenant-General Longstreet and ordered -to Augusta, Georgia. Part of the correspondence concerning this matter -will be found in the Appendix, sufficiently explanatory. The commanding -General had for some time been dissatisfied with his second in command. -Later on, at Greenville, McLaws had the court of inquiry for which he -at once applied. The charges were three in number, principally alleging -neglect and want of preparation at Knoxville, supported each by one -specification. The court absolved McLaws from all fault, but found -him guilty on one of the specifications. The proceedings went to the -President, who immediately disapproved them, restored McLaws to duty, -and assigned him to a command in Georgia. - -General E. M. Law handed in his resignation and asked leave of -absence on it--this about December 20th. It was cheerfully granted, -and then General Law asked the privilege of taking the resignation -himself to Richmond. It was unusual, but was allowed. From this -afterwards grew serious complications, involving Law's arrest by -Longstreet, his support by the Executive, and Longstreet's threat of -resignation from the army, in which he was upheld by General Lee. And -the Lieutenant-General had his way. Law was not again in Longstreet's -command. - -The cold was intense, the record showing the lowest temperature for -many years. During the last days of 1863 the glass went down to zero -and the entire army was quiet in the effort to keep warm. - -Fortunately there was fuel in abundance. The primeval forests of oak -and hickory were food for some of the grandest campfires ever seen, -but we froze in front while scorching in back, and vice versa. And as -to sleeping, many a fine fellow woke to find his shoes crisp from the -too generous blaze. At this time the roads were so bad as to be almost -impassable; artillery and wagons would be drawn hub deep. The artillery -horses, Leyden's especially, were in bad condition, very weak, and six -or eight pairs would be hitched to a single gun or caisson. It amused -the infantry footing it on the side paths, and they would call out, -"Here comes the cavalry, but what's that gun tied to the tail for?" - -The people of these valleys made an interesting study. They -doubtless went through much during the Civil War, and part of their -disposition at the period of our occupation may be accounted for. -There were, of course, some exceptions to be found in families of -wealth, intelligence, and breeding, but the general run of people -was hard in the extreme. Apparently they were without pity or -compassion--generosity and sympathy were strangers to them; but hatred -and revenge made their homes in the breasts of these farmers. - -When the Confederates came on the ground, then was the time for acts of -brutality against their Union neighbors, the political feeling in the -valleys being about equally divided. Burnings, hangings, whippings were -common--all acts of private vengeance and retaliation. When the turn -came and the Unionists were in authority, Confederate sympathizers were -made to suffer in the same way, and so it went on throughout the bloody -strife. - -Once an old woman came to my quarters with a request. She was a fierce, -hard creature, strong, of wrinkled skin, but set, relentless features, -clothed in the homespun worn by all, and like all, dipping snuff. Stick -in mouth she made her statement. Some men had come to her house that -morning--she knew them name by name. They had taken her old man from -her and hung him to a tree by his own porch, and there left him--dead. -She wanted the murderers caught and punished. Not a word of sorrow or -softness, not a tear of regret, but only vengeance, and that instantly. -I immediately sent a good troop of cavalry to seize the men, if to be -found, but little hoped it. They had, as usual, taken refuge in the -mountains, quite inaccessible to ordinary attack, and were safe there -with numbers of others. - -These mountain fastnesses were filled with evil-doers of both sides, -Union and Confederate; murderers, thieves, deserters--all crimes could -there be known. - -The authorities had found it quite impossible to break up these -formidable gangs by any ordinary force. A special expedition for the -express purpose would be necessary. - -It was to these mountains that a large body of deserters from a North -Carolina regiment in Virginia was making a little time back. - -A whole company had broken away, but were overtaken at a crossing of -the James above Richmond. They showed fight and killed several of the -pursuers, but were taken back and the leaders tried by court martial. -Ten were convicted and sentenced to be shot. There had been too much -leniency, and General Lee had the sentence executed. The unfortunates -were tied to small sunken crosses in line about ten feet apart, -with a firing party in front of each. Their division, Major-General -Edward Johnson's, was drawn up in three sides of a hollow square, the -deserters being on the fourth. At the word the firing was accurately -executed and the men sank dead or dying at their stakes. The division -was then marched by, close to their bodies, and it was hoped the lesson -would be salutary. - -General Grant made a visit to Knoxville about January 1st, General -Foster in command. Before leaving he ordered Foster to expel us from -Tennessee, if not altogether, at least beyond Bull's Gap and Red -Bridge. Washington was still uneasy and pressing him hard to put us out -of the way. - -Preparing for it, he ordered the Ninth and the Twenty-third Corps -to Mossy Creek, Fourth Corps to Strawberry Plain and the cavalry to -Dandridge--a formidable force. That army moved about January 15th. -Dandridge is on the French Broad River, about thirty miles from -Knoxville, and was the enemy's objective. - -General Foster was invalided, and Sheridan for a short time took -command until relieved by the corps commander, Gordon Granger. A -smart affair ensued, General Martin's cavalry doing our principal -work. Granger retired and Longstreet rode into Dandridge and was soon -in the house occupied by his old friend Granger. Pursuit was made -impracticable by the condition of roads and want of a bridge train. -Practically nothing was accomplished on this trial, and our troops as -well as the enemy were sent back to camps. - -On February 9th General Schofield took command at Knoxville of the -Union army in East Tennessee. The pressure on him continued from -Halleck, whose uneasiness at one time became almost uncontrollable. -Grant at first made strong effort to carry out these wishes, but we -were not moved. Later on he found the field too far from his other -operations and likely to interrupt plans for the summer. He preferred -resting on the apparent apathy at the South and using his East -Tennessee strength in Virginia and Georgia where he should have full -need for it. This view was to leave us in inactivity in East Tennessee, -and no further serious effort was made. Longstreet had to move east -when he was refused more troops for extended aggressive operations -and received orders for return of Martin's cavalry to Georgia. Our -march was begun about February 20, 1864, and was not disturbed. A fair -position was found at Bull's Gap, and then we distributed our commands -in good camps from the Holston to the Nolachucky. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX - -AT HOME IN SAVANNAH--SKETCHES - - Leave of absence--Visiting home with Doctor Sorrel--Traveling - by rail--Old Savannah--Few changes--Many friends--Happiness in - meeting them--Return to the army--Longstreet's correspondence - with Schofield--Attempt in same line near Richmond with General - Ord--General Grant declines negotiations for peace--Andrew Johnson's - Masonic paraphernalia saved by Captain Goree--Sketch--Longstreet - at Richmond--In conference with President and General Lee--Without - result--First corps ordered back to Lee--Began moving late in - April--Arrived at Mechanicsville last of month--Major-General Field - assigned to command of Hood's division--Sketch--Congress votes thanks - to First Corps (see Appendix)--Charlottesville--Sketch--Prices of - various articles. - - -I had now opportunity for yielding to my father's pressing urgency to -take leave of absence and see him once more in life. I arranged for -thirty days absence. The railroad was not yet fully repaired and my -nearest station was about fifteen miles to ride. An agreeable medical -officer gave me his company so far, but was constantly weeping that he -was not on his way "to see his dear, beautiful little wife." I tried -to comfort him by the reminder that no such attraction was waiting for -me, but without success. He was, however, braced up by a horse trade we -managed to get off, which as usual I incline to think I got the worst -of. I think so by reason of a memorandum about horses in which the -animal then acquired is named "Deceit." The train soon reached Bristol, -whence a change of cars brought me through Lynchburg to Richmond. -There Doctor Sorrel met me, like myself on leave, and light-hearted we -started for home to see our dear kith and kin. - -It was my first absence from duty since July 21, 1861. Slow railway -traveling in those days was the rule without exception--gauges not -uniform, routes deviating, and engines of low power. The time was, I -think, quite three days between Richmond and Savannah, traveling day -and night, and of course such luxuries as sleeping-cars were then -unknown. - -It was a great delight to see home again; to be welcomed and made much -of, after the stern scenes of more than two years. Our friends were not -backward or ungenerous. Hospitalities were showered upon us, but better -than all was the loving home circle of aging father and happy young -sisters. The latter, gladdened to have their brothers once more with -them, sang, played, and danced to heart's delight. - -There were many changes. Only six companies had gone to the Eastern -army. The remainder of the very large forces sent by the city was -distributed through the Western armies and the coast defenses; -consequently I had seen but few of my old comrades and associates in -Virginia. The happiness of meeting many awaited me in Savannah, and it -will easily be imagined what our talk was about--the camp, the battle, -the march, the enemy, and our own commands. - -There was no great change in the appearance of the town, then of -about 30,000 population. Eighteen miles from the sea, and beautifully -situated on a high bluff, it enjoyed a large commerce and much -lucrative business. Shady walks, numerous small wooded parks, and -thousands of branching, leafy trees made it a very attractive and -beautiful little city. The rigors of war had not yet touched it. The -forts at the entrance to the river were the enemy's, but he had not yet -penetrated to the city. That was preserved for Sherman in December, -from the West. - -The days slipped by. Our time was nearly up, and with cheerful -farewells we were soon on our way back to Virginia. Dropping my -brother, the Doctor, at Richmond, I went directly back to my familiar -duties with our army in its winter camp in East Tennessee. - -Affairs had been very quiet within that thirty days, and I was well -satisfied to be again with the colors. My leave and my home became, as -it were, but a pleasant bit of dreaming. - -Not long after Schofield took command of the Union forces our -Lieutenant-General succeeded in getting into a short correspondence -with him. The Federal commander was an able soldier, of liberal -views, from which Longstreet had hopes. The latter's intentions were -commendable. Like most of us, he wanted peace and the honorable -termination of the war and cessation of bloodshed. He felt that it -was not to be accomplished by the politicians. They had plunged the -country into civil war, he reasoned. They would be the last to bring -it to an end. The hope was that the generals on both sides might give -the movement such an impetus that statecraft must necessarily take it -up with probably good results. It was with this view that some letters -passed between Longstreet and Schofield. The former pressed that view, -and, assuming the Union General, like himself, wanted peace, he urged -a joint initiative from which much could be hoped. It was illusory. -Schofield's letter was calm and noncommittal. Finally he had to say -what was sure to be said, that it was not his part to deal with such -matters, which were properly to be discussed by the Executive in -Washington. It was necessarily so. The military were not clothed with -authority for the purpose. Even the convention between Sherman and -Johnston at the close of hostilities was disapproved and annulled by -the Federal civil authorities. - -The idea, however, did not vanish from Longstreet's thoughts. It took -fresh shape later in front of Richmond through General Ord, the officer -immediately in command, as intermediary by which it was hoped a meeting -between Grant and Lee could be achieved. General Grant declined a -meeting for discussion on such a subject. The correspondence relating -to these two incidents is probably to be found in the records published -by Congress, and should be interesting. I refer to them entirely from -memory. - -While quartered near Greenville some straggling soldiers found their -way into the house once occupied by Andrew Johnson, afterwards -Vice-President. He was a Mason of high degree, and the emblems and -paraphernalia of the order were very numerous in the dwelling. Our -fellows thought they had made a find of value and were about starting -off with it when halted by Captain Goree, A. D. C. of our staff. He had -everything carefully repacked and put in a safe place for the rightful -owner. I have never known whether he finally recovered them uninjured. - -Goree was a Texan and had been with Longstreet from the beginning. -The General was fortunate in having an officer so careful, observing, -and intelligent. His conduct on all occasions was excellent and his -intrepidity during exposure in battle could always be counted on. He -was with the corps until Appomattox, and then returned to Texas, where -he occupied responsible public office by vote of the people for many -years. He enjoys good health and good Confederate memories now at his -home in Galveston. - -About this time Generals Lee, Johnston, and Longstreet were called on -by the Richmond authorities for suggestions as to further operations -on a comprehensive scale. General Bragg was in office as adviser to -the President. Having failed in all field operations, he had now -the President's ear and the President's support for experimental -strategy. Longstreet submitted an elaborate proposition, having for -its objective a powerful demonstration in Kentucky by combination with -General Johnston's army and the eventual command of the State under -Confederate auspices. It is said that plan had General Lee's approval -when submitted to the President in counsel with the Secretary of War, -General Bragg, and General Lee. The proposition was not accepted and -nothing apparently was settled. General Lee returned immediately to -his army on the Rapidan and the Lieutenant-General set out for his -headquarters at Greenville. Feeling himself entitled to the privilege, -he stopped two days at Petersburg to see his wife, and to have his -infant son christened "Robert Lee." It appears this short stop -subjected him to rebuke by the President for loitering. - -The country was now in wintry weather and there was much snow. -Everything went into quarters that could and all military operations -were suspended. The second division of General Johnston's cavalry -was ordered to him through the mountains--a hard march. It should be -stated that Johnston was now for some time in command of the Army of -Tennessee in Bragg's place. In the first half of April our command -started back to join General Lee on the Rapidan. It was made on cars -collected as fast as possible. The troop detrained at Charlottesville. -After a short stop in that country, we began, about the 22d, the march -to Mechanicsville, not far from Gordonsville, and on the last of the -month had the happiness to be reviewed by our beloved commander, -General Lee. The troubles in Hood's old division would, it was hoped, -be ended. Maj-Gen. Charles W. Fields had been some time back assigned -to command and was to prove an active and capable commander. He was an -old Army man of much experience and unquestioned valor. In the Appendix -may be read the vote of thanks given by Congress to Lieutenant-General -Longstreet and his command. - -When we detrained at Charlottesville I had the good fortune to meet -some most hospitable friends. Judge William J. Robertson, eminent -on the bench, and his charming wife insisted on having me in their -handsome residence and agreeable family circle. It was a welcome -contrast to the asperities of a winter campaign in East Tennessee. The -town itself was interesting and full of Virginia historic lore. Its -chief pride is the Alma Mater of many Southern men, the University of -Virginia, beloved of Jefferson. Near by, on steep Monticello, stands -his own house, where youth and age, in admiration of the sage, the -statesman, the philosopher, sought him for a word, a touch of the hand. -The property is still well maintained by its present owner, proud of -its history as part of Thomas Jefferson. The county of Albemarle (its -deep red-clay soil remembered by many a sore-footed soldier), is of -ancient settlement, abounding in wood and meadow and shining streams. -Its tasty, luscious pippins are widely known to lovers of the apple. -Some stately old residences, the "great houses" of large estates of the -early Virginia families, are still to be seen; but alas! the ravages -of war and its bitter results have left such properties but as so many -reminders of an opulent past. It was this delightful resting place of -a few days that we were now to leave for the great campaign of the -Wilderness and its subsequent battles. - -In April, 1864, the Confederacy had reached a point of great financial -embarrassment, as shown by the depreciation of its paper currency. The -pay of the officers was in reality a pittance, and those without other -resources were often in straits. Many boxes and hampers, however, came -to the camps from home and were of some help to all. - -A petition from officers in the field had gone to the War Department, -asking that rations might be issued to them as to the private soldiers. -It had attached a scale of prices charged the officers by the army -commissaries, presumably the average cost price, and not the price of -retail market. The officers paid for bacon, $2.20 per pound; beef, 75 -cents; lard, $2.20 per pound; molasses, $6 per gallon; sugar, $1.50 per -pound. A coat cost $350; boots, $250; trousers, $125; hat, $80 to $125; -shirt, $50; socks, $10 per pair. General Johnston in approving and -verifying the petition said that at existing prices the pay of company -officers was worth less than that of a private soldier. - -The shrinkage of the value of our paper currency continued with the -progress of the war until, near the close, it almost ceased to have any -purchasing power whatever. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX - -BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS, MAY 6, 1864. - - General Grant in command of all the Union forces--Takes station with - Army of the Potomac--His career--His successes--Later kind feelings - of Southern people toward him--His dinner party at Savannah--His - plan of campaign--The policy of attrition--Grant moves his army--The - Wilderness--Disparity of numbers--Courier service an example of - our economy in men--Kershaw promoted major-general, commanding - McLaws's division--Sketch--Lee decides to strike--Grant on the - march--They meet on May 5th--An indecisive partial contest--Early - on May 6 Longstreet comes up--Finds situation serious--Hancock's - successful attack on Third Corps--It is checked--Our flank attack on - Hancock's left--He is rolled up and sent back--General Lee wants to - lead troops--Longstreet wounded and Jenkins killed by fire of our - own men--Major-General Wadsworth, U. S. A., killed--Attack resumed - later--Not successful--Night ends long day's fighting. - - -The Army of Northern Virginia was now to deal with a new force--a -general with the great prestige of repeated victories in the West, -and of undeniable ability. Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant had been -made Commander-in-Chief of all the Federal armies in the field, and -realizing the extraordinary achievements of Lee's army, left the scene -of his operations, and retaining Meade in command of the Army of the -Potomac, took his station by that army for the supreme direction of -military affairs. Grant's career was wonderful; were it not a fact, it -would be thought a fairy tale. A West Point graduate of mediocrity, -serving well in Mexico, but so given over to drink that his retirement -from the Army may be said to have been compulsory. This was followed -by hard-working attempts to make a living for his family, in humble -occupations, until the stirring events of 1861 brought him forward, -as they did every one who had enjoyed the opportunity of a soldier's -education. Obtaining command of an Illinois regiment, his field service -began, and was followed up with much success; until, placed in command -of important armies in Tennessee and Kentucky, he was able to break up -the Confederate plans, and finally, by his crushing defeat of Bragg at -Missionary Ridge, prepared the way for Hood's destruction at Franklin -and Nashville, and Sherman's "march to the sea." - -Now came his work in Virginia, which is to be touched on, and then -his Presidency for two terms. During much of this time he was said -to be intemperate, but if true it made no difference in the results -accomplished. Mr. Lincoln was thought to be looking up Grant's brand of -whiskey for some of his other generals. This General's character made -him very dear to his friends. He was always true and helpful to them, -and possessed a certain directness and simplicity of action that was in -itself most attractive. - -General Grant's conduct toward our leader in the closing scenes -at Appomattox and his vigorous defense of Lee when threatened by -unprincipled and powerful Northern politicians are not likely to be -forgotten by the Southern people. With the passing of time his fame -as a great commander appears to be growing, and will probably still -grow after careful study of his campaigns. Only once did I have the -opportunity of meeting this remarkable man. It was during the "third -term" plans of the Republican party that his friends were carrying -him on visits to various parts of the country. He was in Savannah with -Sheridan and others for a few days and was entertained at a handsome -dinner-party, of some dozen or more leading gentlemen of the city, by -General Henry R. Jackson, a wealthy and prominent Democratic citizen. -He was himself a marked personality--a lawyer of eminence; had been -Minister to Austria under Buchanan; was to be Minister to Mexico under -Cleveland; was a poet and an orator, besides of the highest character, -attainments, and social attractions. The dinner was a great success, -served lavishly in the old Southern fashion, with various courses -of wine, which the rough Sheridan brusquely put aside. "He wanted -champagne, must have it at once." And he _did_ have it from start to -finish. - -Grant was in excellent form, looked well and talked well; his glass was -not touched. Fresh from his tour around the world he had much to say. -He had been deeply interested in Japan and talked incisively of that -wonderful country, really a monologue of a full hour, the table intent -and absorbed in the fresh observations that fell from him. Then it -became time for his departure to meet a public appointment, and we rose -to bow him out. Resuming our seats and attention to the old Madeiras, -we agreed that for a silent man Grant was about the most interesting -one we had recently found. His talk was clean-cut, simple, direct, and -clear. - -The General-in-Chief made his headquarters near Culpeper. The Army -of the Potomac was about 130,000 strong in aggregate, and consisted -of Hancock's Second Corps, Warren's Fifth, and Sedgwick's Sixth; -besides Burnside's Ninth, held apart near Rappahannock railroad -bridge. Lee's army lay west of the Rapidan, R. H. Anderson's division -facing Madison Court House; the Second and Third Corps (Ewell's and -Hill's), two divisions of the First and Alexander's artillery were at -Mechanicsville; Pickett's division of the First was south of the James. -Our strength is stated by Colonel Taylor to have been 63,998. - -We were at no loss to understand Grant's intention. The Northern -papers, as well as himself, had boldly and brutally announced the -purpose of "attrition"--that is, the Federals could stand the loss of -four or five men to the Confederate's one, and threw nice strategy -into the background. It was known that we were almost past recruiting -our thin ranks, and the small figures of the army as it now stood; -while the double numbers of the Federals could be reproduced from the -immense resources in population, not to speak of their foreign field of -supplies under inducement of liberal bounties. - -Grant started his march the night of May 3d, via Germanna and Elys -Fords, Wilson's and Gregg's cavalry leading. Burnside was also ordered -to him. - -The Wilderness was a wild, tangled forest of stunted trees, with -in places impassable undergrowth, lying between Fredericksburg and -Orange Court House, probably sixteen or seventeen miles square. Some -farm clearings and a shanty or two for a few poor inhabitants might -occasionally be seen. Two principal roads penetrated this repulsive -district, the Orange Plank Road and the turnpike. The ground generally -lay flat and level. - -And now was to begin the last and greatest of the campaigns of the Army -of Northern Virginia. The campaign of _attrition_ on one side met and -foiled by the fine flower of the ablest strategy on the other. It was -Grant's stubborn perseverance, indifferent to the loss of life, against -Lee's clear insight and incessant watchfulness. Our army always ready, -ever fighting, was to hold the Federal forces from the Wilderness to -the final break at Petersburg, from May to March, ten months of supreme -effort, most exhaustive to a commander. Marshall Marmont says, "The -attacking general has, to a large extent, command of the mind of his -defensive opponents." It is doubtless true, but Lee often gave his mind -necessary relief and chanced success by a sudden initiative against -Grant. The latter would unexpectedly find part of his army attacked -with swift energy and would get something for his mind to work on -besides the control of Lee's. - -Referring to the disparity of numbers, we did in truth want men. A -little detail will show how we had to economize them. Until recently -there had been small cavalry details at general headquarters and with -corps and division chiefs. These, however, were all sent back to serve -with the regimental colors, and the courier service they had been doing -taken up by assignments of men from the infantry ranks who could keep -themselves mounted. - -Six were allowed for corps headquarters, four for divisions, and two -for brigades. Being picked men, the service was well performed; but the -time was not far off when these able men had again to take up their -muskets by their colors. Disabled fellows who could ride but did no -marching were put at the important courier duties and did well! The -enemy said we were robbing the cradle and the grave, and it was more -or less true. - -Maj.-Gen. J. B. Kershaw, a lawyer from South Carolina, was one of the -most distinguished and efficient officers of the Virginia army. His -service had been long and uninterrupted. Coming out with a fine South -Carolina regiment among the first to be sent to Virginia, his abilities -soon made him its colonel. He served long in that rank, his steady -courage and military aptitude invariably showing handsomely in the -arduous service of his regiment. - -It was one of those forming the South Carolina Brigade of McLaws's -division. Longstreet was quick to perceive Kershaw's merit and -recommended him for promotion. It was sometime coming. But when he was -brigadier-general and placed in command of the brigade he maintained -his high reputation fully. In 1864 he was promoted to be major-general, -and continuing his service with Longstreet's corps, his conduct and -abilities were conspicuous until the very end of hostilities. General -Kershaw was of most attractive appearance, soldierly and handsome, of -medium size, well set up, light hair and moustache, with clean-cut, -high-bred features. - -Grant's movement was soon made known to Lee, and the latter prepared to -strike. It was his way, he waited not for the blow; better give it, was -a large part of his strategy. It was thought Grant could best be met by -a stroke as he marched. The Second and Third Corps were ordered forward -by the Plank Road. Our own two divisions, Field's and Kershaw's, the -latter commanding in McLaws's place, and Alexander's batteries were -near Gordonsville and ordered to move by the Plank Road to Parker's -Store. The route was changed at General Longstreet's request, and he -found a good guide in James Robinson, well known to our Quartermaster -Taylor, who lived at Orange Court House. We were at Richard's shop at -5 p. m. on May 5th, Rosser's cavalry then being engaged at that point -with part of Sheridan's; the latter moving off when we came up. The -march had been twenty-eight miles, and there orders from the Commanding -General were received for changing direction so as to unite with other -troops on the Plank Road. Directions conforming were issued to resume -march at midnight. - -Both armies being now in quick motion, the collision was soon to come; -indeed, had already come with Heth's and Wilcox's divisions, ending -late that night after fierce battle. I make no attempt at detail of all -Confederate and Union movements, but the great battle of the Wilderness -is now to be fought and the important part in it taken by the First -Army Corps briefly sketched. - -Strange to say, the two divisions of our Third Corps, Heth's and -Wilcox's, after their severe battle made no attempt at defensive field -work or trenching when firing ceased that night. In explanation, it is -said they expected to be withdrawn and consequently did no work nor -replenished their ammunition. But Hancock, accomplished general that -he was, suffered himself to fall into no such pit. He had his men at -work all night strengthening his position, and was thus enjoying the -soldier's high feeling of confidence; and then with the sun he let -fly at the troops in front of him, apparently inviting attack with no -ground defenses whatever. It was distressing to realize such failure -in the field work, and the result came near a great disaster. - -Longstreet had moved at 1 a. m., the march being difficult and slow in -the dense forest by side tracks and deep furrowed roadways. At daylight -he was on the Plank Road and in close touch with Lee when Hancock -struck the two unprepared divisions. The situation when we came on -the scene, that of May 6th, was appalling. Fugitives from the broken -lines of the Third Corps were pouring back in disorder and it looked -as if things were past mending. But not so to James Longstreet; never -did his great qualities as a tenacious, fighting soldier shine forth -in better light. He instantly took charge of the battle, and threw his -two divisions across the Plank Road, Kershaw on the right, Field on -the left. None but seasoned soldiers like the First Corps could have -done even that much. I have always thought that in its entire splendid -history the simple act of forming line in that dense undergrowth, under -heavy fire and with the Third Corps men pushing to the rear through -the ranks, was perhaps its greatest performance for steadiness and -inflexible courage and discipline. Hill's men were prompt to collect -and reform in our rear and soon were ready for better work. General -Lee was under great excitement immediately on the left. He wanted to -lead some of our troops into action, but the Texas brigade was about -him and swore they would do nothing unless he retired. A confident -message from Longstreet through Colonel Venable that his line would -be restored within an hour also helped him to regain his calm; and -then at it we went in earnest, on both sides of the road. Hancock's -success had loosened his ranks somewhat, which helped us when we fell -on him. It was a hard shock of battle by six of our brigades, three -on each side of the road. No artillery came into play, the ground not -being fit for it. The enemy's advance was checked, then wavered, and -finally relinquished; our troops pushing forward into the recovered -lines. Longstreet had redeemed his promise to his commander. Meantime -sharp work had also been going on at the left by Lieutenant-General -Ewell--the never sleeping Ewell--and the prospects were bright. - -R. H. Anderson, with Hill's corps, had come up and reported to -Longstreet, who posted part of it on the right. Latrobe, of our staff, -had received painful wounds in the thigh and hand, in this fight, -while pushing the men forward. It had taken several hours to achieve -this and a slight pause in the activities of the armies occurred. Gen. -M. L. Smith, an engineer from General Headquarters, had reported to -Longstreet and examined the situation on our right, where he discovered -the enemy's left somewhat exposed and inviting attack; and now came our -turn. General Longstreet, calling me, said: "Colonel, there is a fine -chance of a great attack by our right. If you will quickly get into -those woods, some brigades will be found much scattered from the fight. -Collect them and take charge. Form a good line and then move, your -right pushed forward and turning as much as possible to the left. Hit -hard when you start, but don't start until you have everything ready. -I shall be waiting for your gun fire, and be on hand with fresh troops -for further advance." - -No greater opportunity could be given to an aspiring young staff -officer, and I was quickly at work. The brigades of Anderson, Mahone, -and Wofford were lined up in fair order and in touch with each other. -It was difficult to assemble them in that horrid Wilderness, but in -an hour we were ready. The word was given, and then with heavy firing -and ringing yells we were upon Hancock's exposed left, the brigades -being ably commanded by their respective officers. It was rolled back -line after line. I was well mounted, and despite the tangled growth -could keep with our troops in conspicuous sight of them, riding most -of the charge with Mahone's men and the Eighteenth Virginia. Some -correspondence will be found in the Appendix about it. A stand was -attempted by a reserve line of Hancock's, but it was swept off its -feet in the tumultuous rush of our troops, and finally we struck the -Plank Road lower down. On the other side of it was Wadsworth's corps in -disorder. (I had last seen him under flag of truce at Fredericksburg.) -Though the old General was, doing all possible to fight it, his men -would not stay. A volley from our pursuing troops brought down the -gallant New Yorker, killing both rider and horse. - -There was still some life left in the General, and every care was given -him by our surgeon. Before they could get to him, however, some of -his valuables--watch, sword, glasses, etc.--had disappeared among the -troops. One of the men came up with, "Here, Colonel, here's his map." -It was a good general map of Virginia, and of use afterwards. We were -then so disorganized by the chase through the woods that a halt was -necessary to reform, and I hastened back to General Longstreet to press -for fresh troops. There was no need with him. He had heard our guns, -knew what was up, and was already marching, happy at the success, to -finish it with the eager men at his heels. - -There was quite a party of mounted officers and men riding with -him--Generals Kershaw and Jenkins, the staff, and orderlies. Jenkins, -always enthusiastic, had thrown his arm about my shoulder, with, -"Sorrel, it was splendid; we shall smash them now." And turning back I -was riding by Longstreet's side, my horse's head at his crupper, when -firing broke out from our own men on the roadside in the dense tangle. - -The Lieutenant-General was struck. He was a heavy man, with a very firm -seat in the saddle, but he was actually lifted straight up and came -down hard. Then the lead-torn coat, the orifice close to the right -shoulder pointed to the passage of the heavy bullet of those days. His -staff immediately dismounted him, at the foot of a branching tree, -bleeding profusely. - -The shot had entered near the throat and he was almost choked with -blood. Doctor Cullen, his medical director, was quickly on the spot. -Even then the battle was in the leader's mind, and he sent word to -Major-General Field to go straight on. He directed me to hasten to -General Lee, report what had been accomplished, and urge him to -continue the movement he was engaged on; the troops being all ready, -success would surely follow, and Grant, he firmly believed, be driven -back across the Rapidan. I rode immediately to General Lee, and did -not again see my chief until his return to duty in October. The fatal -firing that brought him down also killed Captain Jenkins, Captain -Foley, and several orderlies. Jenkins was a loss to the army--brave, -ardent, experienced and highly trained, there was much to expect of -him. - -The firing began among some of the Virginia troops that had rushed the -attack. Our detour was such that it was quite possible to expect the -capture of prisoners, and when Longstreet's party was seen, followed -by Jenkins's brigade and part of Kershaw's command, in the shaded -light of the dense tangle, a shot or two went off, then more, and -finally a strong fusilade. The officers of our party acted splendidly -in the effort to avert confusion and stop the deadly firing. General -Kershaw was conspicuous about it, and our signal officer, Captain -J. H. Manning, deliberately, calmly rode through the fire up to the -Virginians, holding up his hands and making signs that we were friends. -This happened between twelve and one o'clock. My report to General Lee -was, as instructed, immediate. I found him greatly concerned by the -wounding of Longstreet and his loss to the army. He was most minute -in his inquiries and was pleased to praise the handling of the flank -attack. Longstreet's message was given, but the General was not in -sufficient touch with the actual position of the troops to proceed with -it as our fallen chief would have been able to do; at least, I received -that impression, because activity came to a stop for the moment. A new -attack with stronger forces was settled on. It was to be made direct on -the enemy's works, lower down the Plank Road, in the hope of dislodging -him. - -But meantime the foe was not idle. He had used the intervening hours in -strengthening his position and making really formidable works across -the road. When the Confederate troops assaulted them late in the -afternoon they met with a costly repulse, and with this the principal -operations on our part of the field ceased for the day; it was coming -on dark. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI - -COINCIDENCES--LONGSTREET'S SUCCESSOR - - Longstreet borne from the field--His letter to Lee from - Lynchburg--Return of General Wadsworth's map to his son--Coincidence - in the wounding of Jackson and Longstreet--General Lee summons - me--Talks of assignment to command of First Corps--He decides on - General Richard H. Anderson. - - -General Longstreet was first taken to the house of his quartermaster, -Major Taylor, near by, and thence, when he could be moved, to -Lynchburg. From there he wrote to General Lee of this attack on -Hancock's left as conducted by myself, and I trust it may not be -considered out of place to insert that letter here. - -General Longstreet's book has caused to be brought forth quite a number -of incidents of the late war which that distinguished Confederate -necessarily passed over briefly in his narrative. In the battle of the -Wilderness, May 6, 1864, Longstreet's corps moved to the support of A. -P. Hill's corps early in the morning and checked the onward movement of -the enemy. In this attack General G. M. Sorrel (then lieutenant-colonel -and chief of staff of General Longstreet), under the orders of his -chief, took Mahone's, Wofford's and G. T. Anderson's brigades, and, -swinging around to the right, the Confederates carried everything -before them. For his gallantry on that occasion, Colonel Sorrel was -made a brigadier-general on the recommendation of General Longstreet, -in the subjoined letter: - - LYNCHBURG, VA., May 19, 1864. - GENERAL R. E. LEE, _Commanding, etc._ - - SIR: The peculiar character of the position occupied by the enemy - in my front on the 6th inst. was such as to render a direct assault - impracticable. After a brief consultation with the commanding general, - a move was agreed upon, turning and attacking the enemy's left - flank. Lieutenant-Colonel Sorrel, my chief of staff, was assigned - to represent me in this flank movement, with instructions as to the - execution of it. The flank attack, made by three brigades, was to be - followed by a corresponding movement of the other brigades of the - command. This attack, made under the supervision of Lieutenant-Colonel - Sorrel, was executed with much skill, promptness, and address, and the - enemy was driven from his position in haste and some confusion. - - It occurs to me that this is one of the instances of skill, ability - and gallantry on the battle-field which should commend itself to the - high approval of the Executive. - - I, therefore, take great pleasure in recommending Lieutenant-Colonel - Sorrel's promotion to brigadier-general for distinguished conduct on - this occasion. I should have reported this case much earlier and asked - for promotion upon the spot, but that I was struck down by a painful - wound a few moments after the execution of the movement. I am still - unable to write and hence must ask the privilege of signing this by my - aide-de-camp. - - I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant, - - (Signed.) - J. LONGSTREET, - _Lieutenant-General_. - - (Signed.) - By T. J. GOREE, - _Aide-de-Camp_. - -Hancock said long after to Longstreet, "You rolled me up like a wet -blanket and it was some hours before I could reorganize for battle." - -Many years after this great struggle opportunity was given me of -placing with Hon. James Wadsworth, M. C., son of the general, the map -before referred to as taken from his father when he fell. In making -his acknowledgments it was gratifying to learn that nearly all the -other belongings of this gallant officer had gradually, by kindness of -friends, found their way back into the family possessions. - -Some coincidences in the fall of Jackson and Longstreet are not without -interest. - -On _May 3, 1863_, Lieutenant-General Jackson, great corps commander of -the Army of Northern Virginia, was struck down by the fire of his own -men while executing a successful flank movement in the Wilderness at -the battle of Chancellorsville. On _May 6, 1864_, just one year later, -Lieutenant-General Longstreet, the other great corps commander of the -Army of Northern Virginia, was also struck down by the fire of his own -men while conducting a successful flank movement, and this on almost -the same ground. - -While one fell (unhappily mortally wounded) at Chancellorsville and the -other at Wilderness, both names apply to that singular district, and -the two points were not very wide apart. - -At sunrise, on the 7th, I was summoned to the Commander-in-Chief and -promptly reported. General Lee received me most kindly and at once -withdrew under a neighboring tree. "I must speak to you, Colonel," he -opened, "about the command of the First Corps." He then in substance -went on to say that the two major-generals of the corps present were -too recent for the command (Pickett does not appear to have been -thought of) and an officer must be assigned. He had three in mind: -Major-Generals Early, Edward Johnson, and Richard H. Anderson, and did -me the honor to invite my opinion. "You have," he said, "been with the -corps since it started as a brigade, and should be able to help me." - -At once I saw the need of giving all the assistance possible and that I -must use every care in judgment. - -Thanking the General for his unprecedented confidence, I said that -probably Early would be the ablest commander of the three named, but -would also be the most unpopular in our corps. His flings and irritable -disposition had left their marks, and there had been one or two -occasions when some ugly feelings had been aroused while operating in -concert. I feared he would be objectionable to both officers and men. -"And now, Colonel, for my friend Ed. Johnson; he is a splendid fellow." -"All say so, General," was my answer--and I fully believed it--"but he -is quite unknown to the corps. His reputation is so high that perhaps -he would prove all that could be wished, but I think that some one -personally known to the corps would be preferred." - -This brought the commander to Gen. Richard H. Anderson, and I was led -to say, without presuming to criticize him or point out his merits or -demerits (there are probably plenty of both), "We _know him_ and shall -be satisfied with him." He was long a brigadier with us, tried and -experienced; then a major-general until withdrawn to make up the Third -Corps. - -"Thank you, Colonel," said General Lee. "I have been interested, but -Early would make a fine corps commander." Being dismissed, I hastened -back to camp, full of thoughts as to who was to command us. It looked -from the General's closing words as if it would be Early (I am sure -he preferred him), but no, Anderson was the man. Later, the same day, -came the order assigning chivalrous, deliberate "Dick" Anderson to the -command of the First Army Corps and it was not very long before he was -made lieutenant-general. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII - -BATTLES OF SPOTTSYLVANIA C. H., MAY 10 AND 12, AND COLD HARBOR, JUNE 3, -1864 - - The night's horrors--The forest on fire--Sufferings of the - wounded--On same ground May 7th--Anderson in command of First - Corps--Characteristics--The great strategic contest between Grant - and Lee--Grant moves for Spottsylvania Court House--Lee follows in - time--Both sides entrench--Union attack of 10th checked--Not so on the - 12th--Edward Johnson's division suddenly assailed--Is captured with - guns and colors--A serious loss keenly felt--Salient was exposed--New - line established--Terrific fire for its possession by Gordon's fresh - troops--We hold the new ground after heavy losses--Sedgwick killed on - 10th--Stuart, our cavalry leader, shot on May 12--General Lee not in - good health--Attack by Grant at Cold Harbor--Great slaughter of Union - soldiers--Assaults abandoned--Grant asks for truce to bury dead--Lee - in doubt as to enemy's movements--Grant stole a march and nearly - had Petersburg--Saved by Beauregard--Reinforcements and losses--An - accident by falling chimney--Death of Colonel Edward Willis--General - Hampton assigned to command of cavalry--Sketch. - - -The night was hideous. The brush and undergrowth had taken fire from -the musketry and flames and smoke were obscuring everything. The -numerous parties out for burying the dead and gathering the wounded -were much impeded and many wounded must have perished, hidden from -sight of man in that awful burnt tangle. These duties and close search -continued all next day. - -Our new commander, General Anderson, took the corps early on the 7th, -during which the armies lay quiet after the battle. Grant was not -aggressive, nor were we. The Federal commander's reflections may have -been sombre. Expecting only a march, he had found bloody battles, -for the Army of Northern Virginia was always in front of him. On the -other hand, Lee was doubtless in the full gravity of the immense -responsibilities before him and his severe losses. - -It was from now until June 14th, when Grant reached his pontoon bridge -over the James on his way to the new scene of action at Petersburg, a -game to the death for the possession of Richmond. His able and powerful -movements were to throw his army between Lee and our capital. He found -Lee always, not the capital, and the movements, which shall not be -detailed too much, were steadily on that line. Our General invariably -penetrated his adversary's design and objective and was there--perhaps -in a hurry and breathless, but there; and enough of us were ready to -make necessary another march of the Union left. - -Following then his original plan, Grant, on the night of the 7th, made -a rapid flank movement to secure Spottsylvania Court House. Immediately -part of our corps moved with General Anderson and arrived at the Court -House contemporaneously with the Northerners. - -The march through the scorched and smoking Wilderness was most painful. -The Union men, a little advance, had seized the best strategic point, -but were driven off by our arrival, and on the 9th we found each other -in line of battle, both sides entrenching wherever they might stand. - -On the 10th the enemy made a handsome dash at Ewell's left and -dislodged it, taking two guns. General Lee wanted to lead for recovery, -but was dissuaded. The enemy being attacked was made to give up the -line and the guns. - -It was in this affair that Maj.-Gen. John Sedgwick, commander of -Grant's Sixth Corps, was killed. A bullet pierced his head from a great -distance. He and Lee had been warm friends, and the latter expressed -many regrets. - -There was a salient on Ewell's line, occupied by Edward Johnson's -division, that Lee rightly considered dangerous to our security. -Another line across the base was ordered constructed and the exposed -artillery transferred to it. Before arrangements could be completed -and before the artillery could be pushed forward again, Johnson was -fiercely assailed at sunrise on the 12th by a heavy column massed -for the purpose during the night. Most of the division was captured, -including Major-General Johnson and Brigadier-General Stewart. - -Lee's position instantly became perilous. He was cut in twain and fully -realized it. Good work was done in repairing the break and strong -bodies of troops moved from right and left to check the enemy's further -advance. General Lee was under intense anxiety, plainly evinced, and -was quite on the point of leading his fresh troops for restoring the -line. Gen. J. B. Gordon, however, came on the scene, got the General -back in his right place, and after a short, impassioned address to -the troops, attacked most vigorously with the other generals. Truly -it was the center of a fire from hell itself! The Federals lining the -two sides of the captured salient and the Confederates at the base -poured forth a fusilade that could not be exceeded. Nothing uncovered -could live in such a fire--trees were felled, trunks cut by small-arm -bullets! The Union advance was checked, but we failed to recover our -first lines and rested with a new one better drawn. - -The army felt keenly the loss of Johnson's division and guns, but our -lines were not again forced in the field. Reinforcements poured into -the Union army, Grant waiting quietly until the 18th for assembling -them from Washington, occasionally also doing some maneuvering. Our own -army was likewise in quiet inaction, but unhappily receiving no such -reinforcements. - -General Anderson, as already stated, was well known to us, and -fell easily into position as corps commander. During the events -just sketched he had shown commendable prudence and an intelligent -comprehension of the work in hand. He was a very brave man, but of a -rather inert, indolent manner for commanding troops in the field, and -by no means pushing or aggressive. My relations with him were uniformly -pleasant. He seemed to leave the corps much to his staff, while his own -meditative disposition was constantly soothed by whiffs from a noble, -cherished meerschaum pipe in process of rich coloring. He was a short, -thick, stocky figure, with good features and agreeable expression. I -sometimes found myself sleeping in the same tent with him. He had a -way on waking of sitting on his bed and proceeding to mend and patch -his belongings out of a well-filled tailor's "necessaire" he always -carried--clothing, hats, boots, bridles, saddles, everything came handy -to him. He caught me once watching this work, and said, smiling: "You -are wondering, I see; so did my wife when first married. She thought -she should do the mending, but I told her I ought to have a little -recreation occasionally." - -We heard of Stewart's death near the Yellow Tavern on May 12th. It -caused indescribable feeling in the army. - -The great cavalry leader was so known to us all, officers and men; -had passed through so much without hurt; his devotion to Lee was so -thoroughly appreciated, and our sense of security against surprise -so confident with him in the saddle that deep was our grief. His -disposition so happy and sunny, his enterprise so untiring, his soul -so valiant, all sprang to our memories. It was really after the battle -that he fell, by an outpost bullet, when he should have been safe. - -Long years after, on a glorious day in May, Confederate veterans -thronged Richmond to dedicate the statue of their beloved commander. - -The flower-strewn city--grim war having long since given way to gentle -peace--was gay with lovely women and their happy smiles; while bright -bunting, our own starry cross and the stars and stripes, conspicuous -with flags of all nations, made the streets a mass of flaming color. - -It was as one of the marshals that I was assisting on the memorable -occasion, and dear friends at the fine old Virginia estate, the -Stewart's hospitable "Brook Hill," near the city, had made me their -guest. The gracious hostess, growing if possible more lovely with -advancing years, recalled from far back that historic toast and beauty -of old Virginia, Evelyn Byrd, from whose family she descended; there -this pictured chatelaine of Brook Hill, encompassed by accomplished -daughters, dispensed a charming hospitality. - -On one of those days Miss Stewart drove me to the spot where Stewart -fell, about half way between their residence and the old Yellow -Tavern. A small stone shaft by the roadside marked it. There we -feelingly recalled his deeds and fame, and placed upon it our flower -tokens. It was pleasant to see, too, the young people and children of -the countryside tenderly placing their own remembrances on the hero's -column. The valiant rider was not forgotten! - -On the 18th we sustained on our lines another attack. It was easily -resisted, and then Grant, two days after, started toward Bowling Green. -Lee was quick to move for Hanover Junction and offered battle there. -Grant declining, moved about May 25th on a detour to the east--Lee -always parallel and Richmond behind him. - -Our Commander-in-Chief was far from well physically. Colonel Taylor, -his adjutant-general, says the indisposition was more serious than -generally supposed. Those near him were very apprehensive lest he -should be compelled to give up. General Early writes: "One of his three -corps commanders had been disabled by wounds at Wilderness. Another -was too ill to command his corps, while he himself was suffering from -a most annoying and weakening disease." Only his indomitable will and -devotion could keep him in the field. To them we owe his patriotic -adherence to the command of his unexampled army. - -About the 30th the Confederate army was in battle order near Atlee's -Station, but General Grant continued his flank movement, Lee by him, in -an easterly direction, and on June 3d the two armies confronted each -other at Cold Harbor, the Confederates hastily entrenching, as usual. - -It was historic ground. We had fought on part of it on the eventful -days of June 26, 27, 28, 1862. Here the Federal commander, weary of -Lee and the oft-repeated march, made up his mind evidently to finish -things. He attacked us with the utmost ferocity, but in vain. The -assaults were delivered repeatedly but always repulsed with frightful -carnage, and finally men could do no more. The officers with drawn -swords pointed the way, but the men stood motionless in their ranks, a -silent, effective protest against further "attrition." - -Our men were steady in their field works and suffered but little -loss. A section of a Savannah battery, commanded by Lieutenant -Robert Faligant, was on our line and conspicuous for its brilliant -work. Swinton, the historian, says, "The loss on the Union side in -this sanguinary action was over 13,000, while on the part of the -Confederates it is doubtful if it reached that many hundreds." - -General Grant was late in asking for a truce to bury his dead, but -finally did so. The sight in our front was sickening, heartrending to -the stoutest soldier. Nothing like it was seen during the war, and that -awful mortality was inflicted in but little more than an hour! The -Union commander afterwards announced in general orders that no more -assaults on entrenched lines should be made. He then continued his -movement eastward. Lee was for a short time in painful doubt whether -Grant would cross the river or hold his route up the north side. It was -solved by Grant's bridge and rapid crossing, Lee having barely time to -throw his van into Petersburg. Grant had nearly stolen the march on him. - -The latter had expected to capture the town by surprise, a coup de -main. He was foiled by Beauregard and Wise and some brave militia and -home guards. They defended the position until succor came, by the head -of Lee's column hastening to the rescue. Beauregard's conduct on this -occasion was admirable, and much was owing to him, for which I doubt if -full acknowledgment has been made. - -According to official returns the Union losses since May 5th had been -60,700 killed, wounded and missing--3,000 more than Lee numbered at the -opening of the campaign. Grant had received in reinforcements 51,000 -muskets, including Smith's four brigades. Lee's were 14,000. - -From Wilderness to Cold Harbor: Lee's aggregate, 78,400; Grant's -aggregate, 192,600. - -I place here an incident less dismal than the reflections brought up by -the foregoing gruesome figures. - -At one of the small rivers in the sharp campaign just ended we were -in line on the south side inviting battle. The enemy were on the -other side, but with no intention of crossing. He contented himself -with abundant artillery practise, and made everything uncomfortable -in range of his shell. We found no need of making reply and saved our -ammunition. Our corps headquarters had made halt for the time in a -beautiful grove, where stood a large, old-fashioned Virginia residence, -a great house of wooden framing, with two immense brick chimneys at -each gable, the chimneys stretching far above the roof apex. - -The shelling was so frequent and the small fragments flying everywhere -so annoying that most of us got under the lee of a gable. We knew it -would not resist a shell, but could fend off the offensive fragments. -General Anderson was coolly walking about the grove, sucking his big -pipe, and warned us that if a shell struck one of the chimneys there -might be trouble. We were perhaps two dozen sitting there, officers, -orderlies, and some horses held by the bridle. Anderson was right. A -crash, a bursting roar, and down came bricks and mortar on those not -quick enough to skip out of the way. I myself lost no time, and was -unhurt, as also were the others of the staff. But two of the couriers -had a bad time of it. Hardy, my Chickamauga man, and Tucker, from -Milledgeville, had, one a broken leg, the other a fractured arm. Both -were put into an ambulance and, cursing and reviling at being wounded -by loose brick-bats instead of honorable bullets, were carried to the -rear. The laugh was decidedly on us. - -A loss, personal to me as well as to the army, happened during the -marches, in which there was sometimes severe fighting by parts -of the armies not mentioned in the narrative. General Early, a -most enterprising, resourceful officer, was much given to forced -reconnaissances. They usually seemed to me unnecessary and wasted men -by death and wounds. Their intention was to ascertain accurately the -positive strength and morale of the enemy, and generally a brigade was -told off for the service. It appeared to me that the information could -be gathered by scouts and picked men without sacrificing the ranks, -but General Early thought differently. On one of these movements the -Virginia brigade of Pegram (who was absent, wounded) was commanded by -Col. Edward Willis, of the Twelfth Georgia Infantry. His was a fine -character. Just from West Point at the outbreak of the war, he threw -himself into the army with ardor, became colonel of the fine Twelfth -Georgia Infantry, worthily succeeding Ed. Johnson, and was about to -be made brigadier-general when ordered to the reconnaissance in -force. He was shot down, mortally wounded--the gallant, fair-headed, -white-skinned, slight young colonel (he was very young), valiantly -leading the brigade. - -Our position was at some distance, but I was immediately sent for. Our -families had long been neighbors and friends in Savannah, and young -Willis was soon to be one of us by a still closer tie. I was quickly by -his side. He died on my arm, but not before whispering loving messages -for home and to that one he bore on his brave heart to its last beat. -The remains of this brilliant young soldier were sent home, accompanied -by a guard of honor picked from the brigade by his division commander. - -Major-General Hampton succeeded Stuart in command of the cavalry. -This officer had served from the very beginning of the war with -high distinction, had proved himself a careful, vigilant, as well -as enterprising cavalry leader, and possessed the confidence of the -cavalry troops. General Lee gave him his own without reservation and -his hearty support in every situation. - -General Hampton was of fine presence, a bold horseman, a swordsman, and -of the most undaunted courage. He had received several wounds, but was -now in robust health. - -His family were identified with South Carolina from its earliest -settlement, and grew to be of commanding importance and wealth. - -He rose to the rank of lieutenant-general, and after the war performed -great political services to his State within her borders and as her -Senator at Washington. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII - -THE SIEGE OF PETERSBURG, JUNE, 1864, TO MARCH, 1865 - - Siege of Petersburg--Lines closely drawn--Attacks on Lee's - right--Mahone's defense--Mining for an explosion--North side - threatened--Troops sent--Capture of Battery Harrison--Lee's attempt - to retake it--The repulse--General Lee and General Pemberton--Attack - on Fort Gilmer--Negroes in the van--General Lee's activity--His - headquarters--Enemy's fire on Petersburg--Meeting with Twelfth - Virginia Infantry--Lee attacks in front of Richmond--Beats Kautz - and takes his cannon--Kautz retreats to a fort--Lee attacks and is - repulsed--Union troops armed with Spencer rifles--General Lee's quick - eye for horses--Ewell's fall from his horse--Kershaw's Division sent - to Valley--Destruction of barns and houses--Kershaw returns--Capture - of a remount--The crater--Intercourse between pickets--Continuous - firing--General E. P. Alexander's love of shooting. - - -The siege of Petersburg had now begun. It is certain that Lee had had -a narrow escape in getting there in time. Grant had nearly beaten him -and indeed should have taken the place, notwithstanding Beauregard's -boldness. The Union generals had been explaining with some heated -recriminations how they failed to be in possession before Lee came -up. The latter on the north side had been for hours under intense -anxious uncertainty in discovering Grant's move, whether a crossing or -continued march on the north side. - -The lines were closely drawn and severe fighting ensued. Digging -began in earnest on both sides. Salients, traverses, bastions, forts, -trenches, covered ways, parallel, zig-zags, and all the other devices -for the taking and defense of fortified cities were resorted to. Our -left rested on the Appomattox River and was so close to the enemy's -line that a biscuit could be thrown across, and conversation went on -constantly between the fighters, who the next minute were firing at any -head or arm that might be incautiously exposed. Our works stretched -from the left around the town to the Weldon Road on the right, and this -was an object of Lee's constant solicitude. It was our direct railroad -to the South, and Grant in possession would have our communications -cut and supplies broken off. For months it was the Federal General's -incessant effort to accomplish it. His great numbers made it possible, -but Lee always managed, notwithstanding, to have a defense. - -At Reams Station Major-General Mahone performed great service in -beating back the force sent to seize the road at that point. Later in -the siege, mining began by the enemy. The result was the appalling -hour of the crater explosion by which very many Confederates perished, -and then in the great combat that followed for recapturing the ground, -hundreds of Federals fell. Mahone was conspicuous in restoring the -broken lines. - -But the story of the siege of Petersburg--eight months--is not to be -told in a few pages. It was a struggle from day to day, night to night, -and filled with picturesque scenes of individual daring and valor, -sorties and strategems. There was often quiet massing of columns for -heavy assaults on points supposed to be relatively weak. We sustained -many of these but the lines were maintained. Lee also made some hard -drives at his opponent with varying success. All, however, pointed -to only one thing--the wasting of our unrecruited strength and the -apparently limitless numbers available for the Union Army. - -While such operations were carried on south of the James, General -Grant was not idle on the north side. A strong force was held there -threatening Richmond, and our commander had to provide for it out of -his thin ranks and keep some show of strength in front of our capital, -immensely aided, however, by the excellent lines of field works that -environed the city. These conditions brought about considerable -shifting of our two divisions. Field and Kershaw were between the -Petersburg lines and the north side, and Pickett's division was -defending what was known as the Chesterfield lines between Petersburg -and Richmond, but was not threatened. - -A strong force of the enemy had massed north of the James and captured -a powerful earthwork known as Battery Harrison on our extreme right. -General Lee had come on the scene with one of the First Corps divisions -and other troops. He decided to retake the fort, attaching great -importance to its possession. An assaulting column of three good -brigades was organized, Bratton's South Carolina regiments among them. -Captain Sorrel, then adjutant-general, shook hands with me as they -started forward, almost a "forlorn hope," and I thought never to see -him alive again. But he came out safe among many killed and wounded, -the assault being repulsed with great loss. A new line was entrenched -and fortified, thrown back to right and rear. - -General Lee, when he liked, could sit down pretty hard on words not -agreeable to him. An example was given that night. With his staff and -several general officers he was at the Chaffin farm-house on the -James, reviewing the serious events of the day. General Pemberton, -after the fall of Vicksburg, being without assignment, had assumed -his rank of lieutenant-colonel in the Regular Army, and as such was -on engineer duty on the Richmond line of defense. He was present -and, speaking of Battery Harrison, said with something like superior -confidence, "I presume, General, you will retake the fort, coûte que -coûte." Lee's sad, steady eyes rested on that unfortunate officer as -he slowly said: "General Pemberton, I made my effort this morning and -failed, losing many killed and wounded. I have ordered another line -provided for that point and shall have no more blood shed at the fort -unless you can show me a practical plan of capture; perhaps you can. I -shall be glad to have it." There was no answer from Pemberton. - -General Lee had had an anxious day; all of it was occupied in meeting -the enemy's attacks. There was an especially severe one on Fort Gilmer -by Ben Butler's command, with negro regiments pushed in front of the -assailing whites. Fortunately we had a staunch regiment in the fort, -which beat back the attacking column. - -A hundred or two of the negroes, half crazed with whiskey, got into the -ditch of the fort and refused surrender. - -Our men lighted some shells, rolled them over the parapet and quickly -brought the darkies to subjection. It was an ugly affair all through. - -And so the siege passed. One day strong detachments must be made to -meet powerful movements against our extreme right flank, and requires -the leaders' presence. Truly never was a leader called on for greater -performance. General Lee's health was now fortunately stronger and his -activity most wonderful. - -He was in comfortable quarters at the Turnbull House, offered for his -use by the owner. Our own were not far distant, and quite comfortable -in tents and small houses. The routine life of the town passed from day -to day without excitement. The people had become accustomed to shell -and bullets and made no ado when they whizzed about their heads. - -I do not think the enemy's fire was directed especially at the -non-combatant part of the town, but much of it got there all the same. -A new accession to our staff was Captain Dunn, of Petersburg, an -excellent gentleman, with us now for several months. A shell burst on -him while bathing in his house, and smashed things all around, but the -A. D. C. and his family escaped. A bullet had found his leg before this -good luck. - -The citizens were very hospitable and very self-sacrificing. Too much -could not be done for the soldiers. But this was the feeling and the -practise all over Virginia. - -As we entered Petersburg I came up with the regiments of Mahone's -brigade, the Twelfth among them. They had not forgotten the Wilderness, -gave me a rousing cheer, and cried that we must again together charge -these fellows in front of Petersburg. Their brave survivors keep me in -mind still, after these many years. - -General Lee, always aggressive, was quick to find opportunity of -attack. He saw his enemy rather exposed at a point in front of -Richmond, quickly got some troops in position, and made a dash at -them in great style. It was a strong force of infantry and cavalry -under General Kautz, and he left eight or nine guns, many prisoners, -and some colors in our hands, retiring to a strong fort and defenses -about a mile in his rear. Our General decided to have it and follow -up his first success. Gregg's Texas Brigade and two others--seasoned -troops--were thrown at Kautz's fort. We could not live against its -fire--no troops could. His men were armed with the Spencer magazine -rifles and such a fire had never before jarred and stunned us. We had -to retire and resume our positions. Losses were considerable, among -them Brig.-Gen. John Gregg, commanding the Texas Brigade--a very able -officer. - -General Lee was fond of horses and had always an eye to them. When the -first attack was made my brother, Captain Sorrel, was mounted on a nice -young mare I had just given him. At the first onset she was shot, and -horse and rider were both in the mud. It happened almost under General -Lee's eyes. - -Some days after, the General meeting Sorrel on the road kindly asked if -he were hurt, and was sorry for the loss of the mare. "But I have got -another, General," said the Captain. "Yes, two it seems," the General -answered as he rode off, smiling. Sorrel's bewilderment was removed -when later on it became plain that the new purchase was in foal. - -When Ewell, one leg gone, was forced to relinquish field work and -take leave of his corps, the old Warrior insisted on other duty, and -was assigned to command of the inner line of defenses about Richmond. -General Lee, with Ewell, Anderson, and a number of other officers, -and some of our staff, was examining a new line of defense with that -trained engineer's eye of his, Ewell riding by him. The latter was so -good a horseman that his one leg was equal to most riders' two, but -his horse stumbling, down came both--an awful cropper. I made sure -the General's head and neck were cracked. He was picked up, no bones -broken, but an "object" about the head; scratched, bruised, torn and -bloody. Lee instantly ordered him back to Richmond and to stay there -until completely well. - -In two or three hours he was again on the lines, and such a sight! -Painfully comical it was. He had gone to the hospital, where the bald -head and face were dressed. He returned swathed in bandages from crown -of head to shoulders. Two little apertures for his piercing eyes -and two small breathing spaces were all that was left open for the -Lieutenant-General. Quite indifferent, however, to such mishaps, he was -sharp about his work and lisping out directions as usual. - -General Lee thought to weaken the pressure on him at Petersburg and -Richmond by transferring some of it to the open field of the Valley, -where skilful maneuvering might offset inferior numbers. He had the -temerity to detach part of his army for the purpose, and with some -other commands sent General Anderson with Kershaw's division across -the mountains. Most of the staff went with the expedition and had -opportunity of witnessing Sheridan's work in destroying all the -resources of that fighting-ground. - -As we marched forward, the enemy slowly retiring, smoke was seen -ahead on a wide range from the burning barns and granaries of the -non-combatant people. Sheridan was arranging for his "crow" to carry -his own rations should he venture into the Valley. - -General Lee's ingenious and bold attempt did not result as he hoped. -Grant could not be tempted that way. His business was at Petersburg -and Richmond, and besides there were already enough of his troops in -the Valley and covering Washington to answer for the safety of that -capital. Our expedition was therefore soon terminated and came back to -the James. The division had but two encounters in the Valley. One at -Charlestown, a small affair, in which General Humphreys, commanding the -Mississippi Brigade, was wounded. Another was at Front Royal, in which -Wofford's brigade got caught in a bend of the river and was beaten off -with loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners. A dear friend, Colonel -Edward Stiles, Sixteenth Georgia Regiment, was killed. - -I had chance, however, before marching, after a sharp night's ride, to -pay a flying visit at their home to the good ladies Hamtrammock, who -had cared for me wounded at Sharpsburg. They were as pleasant as ever -and the hour seemed all too short. While in the Federal lines they had -supplied themselves with all sorts of little things for soldiers in the -field, as tokens of remembrance, and I had pressed on me a pair of fine -gauntlets, which seemed about everything that I wanted at the moment. - -On our way back to Lee the division (Kershaw's) suddenly came up with -a Union regiment of cavalry foraging at the foot of the mountains. It -was a surprise to the riders, and they at once took to their heels, -pressing up on the side of the mountains for escape. We had nothing -but food with us, and most of the mounted regiment got safely away in -small parties. Two fully-equipped ambulances, however, could not follow -the riders, and were overturned in a mountain gulley. One of them -furnished me with an excellent mount. Two soldiers were going through -its beautiful equipment, and coming among the medicines to a large -vessel labeled "Spiritus frumenti" it was tossed aside with the rest -of the pharmacopoeia. But some one suggested that "Spiritus frumenti" -might be another way of spelling whiskey--and then to see those fellows -go for it! - -While the commander and most of the troops of the First Corps were on -the north side, the enemy's mines at Petersburg were "spring making." -"The Crater" was a frightful affair, and should, it appears to me, have -been prevented. We knew they were mining. Our shaft had been sunk and -short galleries run out. Their working parties could be heard. Should -we not have countermined actively and fought their men off in their own -galleries? However, it was not done, and the "blow up," considered only -barely possible, was upon us. When it came it was all that the enemy -could wish. His plans were excellent, but miscarried by the conduct of -one or more of his leading officers. The crater was at once filled with -their men, many negroes among them--negroes who, as usual, primed with -whiskey, had been pushed to the front and into the breach, but support -failed them. - -Then came the Confederates' great work of destroying these men and -recovering their mutilated line. Mahone did brilliant service. His -division of five brigades was thrown at the invaders, and with other -forces seized the "hole," captured or killed the unfortunates in it, -and the day was ours with the works and integrity of the line restored. - -I had heard much of this remarkable fight from the Georgia Brigade (it -had been very conspicuous in it) that I took command of some days after. - -This amusing story was told me by one of its men. Exhausted in the -crater fight, he sank wearily on a log for a short rest. It moved -gently and an old-fashioned negro's voice came from the log-like darky, -"Please, Marster, don't shoot; I'se doin' nuttin'." The rascal had -doubtless been one of the first in the crater, wild with liquor; but -the Southerner was merciful and sent him to the rear. - -Of course the men on both sides behind the works, so close sometimes, -got tired of "potting" at each other, and taking a rest became -altogether too friendly. Firing would cease and individuals and small -parties appear in front bartering and chaffing with the boys in blue. - -Our tobacco was always good for coffee and a Northern paper. It got to -be too familiar and led to desertions of our men. Their rations were -of the poorest (one-half pound of bacon and three-quarters of a pound -of cornmeal), their clothing and shoes worn and unfit for the field, -and their work and duties of the hardest on our attenuated lines. -Reliefs were few and far between. No wonder they sometimes weakened to -better themselves, as they supposed, and stayed with the fat-jowled, -well-clad, coddled-up masses opposite them. But we had to stop the -desertions at any price, so at night steady, continuous musketry firing -was ordered, sweeping the glacis in front of our entrenchments. It -cost a lot of lead and powder, but did something in holding back the -weaklings in our command. - -The enemy, nothing loth, returned the fire, and were good enough to -send plenty of their own lead. There was considerable to be gathered -during the day, and this got my friend, Gen. E. P. Alexander, into -trouble. He was a many-sided character--an engineer of the highest -abilities, an artillerist of great distinction, a good reconnoitering -officer and an enthusiastic sportsman besides. In the early days -of the war I one day met him, mounted as usual on a very sorry, -doubtful-looking beast, with a pair of enormous holsters on his -saddle-horn. "And what have you there, Alexander?" I asked, thinking -possibly of some good edibles. "These," he said, and drew out his long -telescope for reconnaissance--a very powerful glass--and from the -other an enormous old-fashioned horse-pistol of immense calibre, some -tiny cubes of lead, cut from bullets, and a pinch or two of gunpowder. -"Quail," he said, "are eating up this country and I like them. This -old pistol gives me many a mess of birds." At Petersburg his only -want for his private gunning was lead to melt into small shot, and -gathering some (after working his big gun) he received an unexpected -contribution--a bullet in his shoulder, hot from the enemy, which made -him a very uncomfortable wound. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV - -LONGSTREET'S RETURN--FAREWELL TO LEE - - Return of Longstreet--Am promoted brigadier-general--Parting with the - First Corps--Report to A. P. Hill and Mahone--Sketches--Assume command - of brigade of Georgians--Its staff--Drill and exercises--Laying out - a camp--General Lee's encouragement--Want of field officers--Captain - H. H. Perry--Mahone's bread ovens--Christmas, 1864--Sherman's - march in Georgia--Grant's Virginia strategy--Our division moves - out in bitter cold--Demonstration on our extreme right against the - railroad--Brigade forms line--No close firing--Enemy rejoins his - main command--Received a slight wound--The return to camp--Its bad - condition in our absence--Valuable boots burnt in bivouac--In February - again ordered out to right--Serious collision with enemy in force - at Hatcher's Run--General Pegram killed--Am shot in lung and borne - from the field--Moved to Richmond and thence to Colonel Watts's, - in southwest Virginia for convalescence--My recovery--Marriage of - Doctor Sorrel--At Lynchburg--Hear of Lee's surrender--Take to the - mountains--Again at Colonel Watts's--Hunter and Crook--Homeward - bound--Lady Godiva--Farewell to Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia. - - -It was in October, our corps (two divisions) being on the north side, -that we had the happiness of welcoming our chief back to his command. - -His right arm was quite paralyzed and useless. - -He had taught himself to write legibly and easily with his left. -Following the advice of his doctor, he was forever pulling at the -disabled arm to bring back its life and action. He succeeded, for, -though never strong, its use was partially restored in later years and -his pen went back to it. - -I was with him but a few days. My commission as brigadier-general came -unexpectedly, a note from my friend Burton Harrison, the President's -Secretary, to the effect that it had been signed, reaching me the -evening before. This was the first inkling I had of the promotion. -Elsewhere it has been told how it came about, and I began preparing to -move, my orders being to report to Lieut.-Gen. A. P. Hill for command -in Mahone's division. Hill's corps was on the south side in front of -Petersburg. Lieut.-Col. O. Latrobe succeeded me as A. A. G. and chief -of staff; an excellent assignment. A brigadier going to an organized -command carries no staff with him. That is attached to the brigade, not -to the general. He has one appointment, that of A. D. C. (captain's -rank), personal to himself. There were many applications for the place, -but sending for Spencer, private, Fort Alabama, my sergeant of couriers -for several years, I almost floored the modest fellow by asking if he -should like to go with me as captain. "Of course" he should, and did, -and was part and parcel of that brigade of Georgians in no time until -Appomattox dispersed us. I had made no mistake in him; an exceedingly -useful staff officer. - -Few can know how painful it was to part with my corps and its chief. -I had started with them at the opening battle, handled its growing -battalions into brigades and divisions, and shared its battles, -expeditions, and campaigns; was proud of its renown; was known to -officers and men of every regiment and had, I believe, their confidence -and respect. It was much to give up, but the duty called, and on a fine -morning I mounted with my A. D. C. to cross the river and take up my -new billet. I shall be excused, I hope, if a little homesickness is -confessed. - -My comrades did not let me go easily. The night before there was a -farewell party of many officers at headquarters. A goodly quantity -of apple-toddy was consumed, but not to hurt, and the party, General -Longstreet with us for a time, was full of feeling, touching me keenly -by its spontaneous demonstration. - -Here ended the staff officer's duties, but his recollections will yet -carry him a little way forward while commanding his brigade. The end -was fast approaching, and my concluding jottings seem to belong to what -has gone before. - -Turning my back, then, for the first time on the glorious old First -Army Corps, I reported next day at A. P. Hill's quarters. Nothing -could exceed his kindness in receiving me; it continued all through my -service in his corps and I had every evidence of the good feeling of -this distinguished officer. I was to report next to General Mahone for -command of his Georgia brigade. This remarkable man was at breakfast -when I entered and immediately had me seated with him. - -Maj.-Gen. William Mahone was a Virginian, about forty years of age. His -appearance arrested attention. Very small both in height and frame, he -seemed a mere atom with little flesh. His wife said "none." When he was -shot (slightly) she was told it was only a flesh wound. "Now I know it -is serious," said the good lady, "for William has no flesh whatever." -Sallow of feature, sharp of eye, and very active in movement was the -General; in dress quite unconventional, he affected jackets rather than -coats, and on a certain hot summer's day that I recall he was seen, a -major-general indeed, but wonderfully accoutered! A plaited brown linen -jacket, _buttoned to trousers_, of same material, like a boy's; topped -off by a large Panama straw hat of the finest and most beautiful -texture, met our eyes, and I must say he looked decidedly comfortable. -But not always was he thus attired. He could be strictly uniformed when -he chose. - -He had been president of the railroad between Petersburg and Norfolk, -and retaining the office, managed the road all through the campaigns. -Finally the enemy captured his wagon-load of railroad papers, records, -etc., and Mahone was raging. It was that railway, when hostilities -ended, that he combined with others connecting and gained a start into -the political power and mischief he exercised in Virginia. His brigade -of Virginians had not seen much hard fighting until the Wilderness, and -there they did well. It was at Petersburg, in command of his division -of five brigades from Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and -Florida that he justly won great reputation for brilliant achievements -in defense of the beleaguered city. He was undoubtedly a general of -very uncommon ability. - -While we sat, I enjoyed his breakfast. A high liver, nothing could -excel it, and he was never without the materials. A cow was always -by his quarters and laying hens cackled loud, besides many luxuries. -Delicate in physique, he had to nourish himself carefully. - -I received his orders to take command of my Georgians, and mounted on -my way to them. Mahone was said to be irritable and in some instances -tyrannical, but for myself I had invariably nothing but consideration, -and often good help from him. - -The brigade was in trenches far on the right, not in very close touch -with the enemy, and was having a quiet time of it with Col. William -Gibson in command. He was well known in Georgia politics for some -years, and a very brave officer; repeatedly wounded, but without -discipline or organization. Leave of absence was allowed him to return -to Georgia. - -On assuming command, Captain Evans, a line officer detailed as A. A. -G., supposing that I was bringing an officer of the staff department -with me, suggested that probably I should wish him to rejoin his -regiment. - -But I wanted him with me. He had long filled the post, was acquainted -with almost every officer and man of the brigade, and was a brave and -qualified officer. The command consisted of the Second, Twenty-second, -Forty-eighth, and Sixty-fourth regiments and Second and Tenth -battalions, Georgia Infantry. The Sixty-fourth regiment and Tenth -battalion were late levies and had not made the great reputation of the -others, while serving under Wright and Girardy. The latter was a most -promising officer promoted from captain in the brigade, and was killed -at the head of it two weeks after taking command. - -The Third Georgia enjoyed a reputation excelled by none in the army. - -My first thought was to get supplies of clothing and shoes for the -men and have the command relieved from trench duty, to which it was -entitled by the length of service in them. Our work strengthening the -defenses always went on, and there was no time for much-needed drill -and military exercise. - -General Lee, taking his daily ride about the lines, came on me while -the working parties were digging and spading. His greeting was, -"Good-morning, my young friend; I feel sorry for you." "Why so, -General?" "Because you have so much to do," answered the commander, -the gleaming white teeth showing his pleasant humor as he continued his -ride. He generally had some such words to let one know he expected a -lot of work out of him. - -I was not unsuccessful as to my wants. A fair quantity of supplies were -issued and orders came for relief from the trenches and to pitch good -winter camps a little in the rear. It was great joy to the troops. - -A good piece of woods was selected and a fine camp of winter huts laid -out and built according to regulations, with battalion fronts and -company streets and all the rest in good soldiery form. Once settled, -drill became the order of the day in good weather. There were fine open -fields near by furnishing good ground, and company drill, battalion -drill, and evolutions of the line by the brigade were followed up -vigorously, as well as all military exercises and street duties -practised and perfected. The men were in much need of the instruction. -Decided neglect in these respects had fallen on this fine brigade after -the stern and gallant Wright left it, and the good effects of the -efforts now working out were soon apparent. - -The greatest want was in field officers; so many had been wounded and -left with the enemy at Gettysburg, besides others sick at home or in -the hospital, that the regiments suffered thereby. - -I wrote urgently and personally to Mr. Ould, our commissioner for -exchange, to get back to me certain officers whom I wanted badly. He -managed to get only one, Colonel Snead, of the Third Georgia, and him I -was glad to have. - -The brigade was well equipped with staff officers of the subsistence, -quartermaster, ordnance, and medical departments. The commissary, Major -Hughes, an excellent fellow, was the same who had sold me those two -sorry mounts that broke down in the Chickamauga Campaign. On reporting, -he evidently thought I might recall him unfavorably and was a bit -uneasy, until shown that no ill feelings were harbored against him. In -horse dealing it is "caveat emptor"--the buyer must look sharply to -himself. - -It was not long before Capt. H. H. Perry, of the Adjutant-General's -Department, was transferred from Benning's brigade to report to me as -A. A. G. There being two of that department with Benning and none with -me, Perry was summarily transferred without any question. He had always -performed inspection duty, and preferring it, was assigned to that -branch of his department in my brigade, thus retaining Evans as A. A. -G. "Old Rock" (General Benning) always believed I was at the bottom of -the whole business and never forgave me. - -I was surely fortunate in securing so excellent a staff officer. Highly -educated, experienced with troops, active and resourceful, he soon -became prominent and strong in the brigade as well as attached to his -brigadier. He is still with the living in Georgia, numbered among my -dear friends. - -At times the soldier's ration was execrable, really unfit. Some bacon -from Nassau was coming through the blockade, and it would not be -incredible for the blockading fleet to allow it to come through in hope -of poisoning us. A third of a pound of this stuff and some corn-meal -was often the full extent of the daily ration. - -Sometimes we got better allowances of wheat flour, and then General -Mahone took a notion to improve on it by baking. The brigade -commissaries were ordered to set up ovens--plenty of bricks and -material lying about--and issue the flour baked in good loaves. There -is, too, a slight gain in weight in baking. But the men would none of -such food, it was too light and wholesome. Their stomachs wanted the -flour stirred with grease in a skillet and cooked solid and hard. When -a chunk was eaten it stayed with the soldier and kept his appetite -partly appeased. But these new-fangled loaves--so easily digested! -Hunger came again, almost before finishing one of them. Not for Johnny -Reb was this thing; he wanted, like Tommy Atkins, "some bulk in his -inside," and one fine morning Mahone's ovens were found completely -demolished. The soldiers took again to their old-time toothsome and -staying morsels out of the skillet. - -Christmas of 1864 was now at hand. The birth of the Prince of Peace -was given such honor amid the warlike scenes of the siege as our small -resources permitted. Some boxes came from loving hearts at home, the -commissaries did all they could, and the Army of Northern Virginia -actually feasted, trying to forget for an hour or two the perils and -hardships that beset it. - -At Christmas General Sherman was in Savannah, his march to the sea -a complete success. My people at home suffered no great annoyance. -Sherman as a young lieutenant had shared my father's hospitality and -had not forgotten it. The old gentleman, however, persistently fastened -on him the crime of burning his comfortable country establishment in -Virginia. - -Sherman's march and other movements in the West were in Grant's -strategic combination for the destruction of Lee's army and should -be considered in estimating his abilities outside of operating in -Virginia. Indeed, it might be said that Sherman contributed to the -fall of Richmond almost as much as did the Army of the Potomac. - -Early in January it came on to be very cold, and during the worst of -it our division was ordered out to meet a threatening demonstration -against our right at a considerable distance. My brigade marched -instantly, our camp being occupied by Gen. C. A. Evans's Georgia -Brigade to fill our position on the line. Evans was in luck to get his -men into such well-prepared camps. We moved rapidly and in two days -came up with a large force of the enemy, formed in line and prepared -for battle. It appears, however, that he was not ready this time, -or that he overestimated the Confederate strength sent against him. -Some shelling was indulged in and small-arm long-distance firing. It -seems that but two or three of us were touched, among them myself. I -was sitting on the white mare (my other mount gone suddenly lame) in -front of the line, with no thought of firing then, so distant was the -enemy,--quite out of range,--when a long-range rifle sent a bullet -through many folds of thick clothing and striking on the hip bone -knocked me out of the saddle. It proved to be nothing serious. The ball -had glanced off, stiffening and bruising the leg rather painfully, so -that remounting after some bandaging, it stuck out like a wooden leg. I -did not think that just such a hit could unhorse me. - -My men said the brigade was unlucky for its commanders. General -Wright had been repeatedly and dangerously wounded; several colonels -commanding, wounded or killed, and General Girardy killed. I began to -think there might be something in it. The enemy took up the march, and -leisurely rejoining their main body to the right, Mahone's division -began moving for the camps just vacated. It continued very cold, much -ice and snow lying about the roads. At our last bivouac some miles from -camp I suffered a loss, nothing less than a noble pair of riding-boots, -a present, kept for extra work. - -At the bivouac the negro servant had taken them out of the blanket -roll and failed to replace them. As soon as they were missed, back he -went and returned with the precious leathers burned to a crisp! Our -campfires had spread through the forest. At this period boots cost five -or six hundred dollars of our currency, if to be had at any price. - -On starting back I sent word to General Evans of our approach so that -my camps could be vacated in good order. The men were utterly disgusted -and indignant when they re-entered their quarters. They were little -like the well-kept camps they had temporarily vacated. Evans's officers -had not properly restrained the careless, reckless soldiers. I made -vigorous complaint at headquarters, but at this date there was perhaps -too much else to think of. General Evans is now chief of the veterans -in Georgia and held in great respect by their dwindling numbers. - -Mahone's other brigades were efficiently commanded by Finnegan, -Florida; Harris, Mississippi; Weisiger, Virginia; Sanders, Alabama. - -In the first days of February another demonstration was made against -Lee's extreme right, this time in great force and meaning business. -Our division and other troops with cavalry at once pushed out to meet -it, with Finnegan in command of division (Mahone was absent, sick). -The collision came at Hatcher's Run by some preliminary skirmishing on -February 5th, a sanguinary action on the 6th, followed up by the enemy -feebly on the 7th. On the 6th, my Georgians were hotly engaged in the -afternoon and made a handsome, successful charge, which dislodged and -forced back the Federals. The contest went on until darkness stopped -it, and the night passed entrenching where we stood, caring for wounded -and burying dead. - -Early next morning the enemy, driving back my pickets, got too close -to us, and a rifleman put a bullet through my right lung, smashing the -ribs front and rear. I was down this time for good, I supposed, the -breath gushing through the orifices instead of its natural channel. The -surgeon, Dr. Wood, however, soon relieved that by plastering the holes, -and sent me back that night. The roads being frozen and very rough, my -brave fellows made two relief gangs and bore their commander by litter -on their shoulders eight miles to a small shanty, where rest was taken. - -All through the night, while passing stray troops on the road, I could -hear the question, "Who have you there?" "General Sorrel." "Is he badly -hurt?" "Yes, mortally wounded." The soldier habitually takes a gloomy -view of things. - -Very soon I was in comfortable quarters near Petersburg, in the hands -of my excellent brigade surgeon, Dr. Sampson Pope, and progressed so -well that in a fortnight I could be moved to Doctor Sorrel's quarters -in Richmond, under treatment of my friend Dr. J. B. Reid, and with that -ended the staff officer's soldiering. A few closing words will bring me -to the end of these "Recollections" nearly forty years behind us. - -My wound healing satisfactorily, Doctor Sorrel proposed in March -taking me to "The Oaklands," the beautiful estate in Roanoke County of -Colonel Wm. Watts, who had kindly sent me an invitation to visit him. -He was the invalided colonel of the Twenty-eighth Virginia, of the -First Corps, a fine officer and most hospitable, the leading man of -the county. To him we went, the change being very beneficial. Then the -railroad station was Big Lick, a post-office, shop, and tavern. It is -now grown to be Roanoke, a prosperous city of 25,000. Colonel Watts's -widowed sister, Mrs. Rives, presided over the delightful old Virginia -establishment. Her lovely character won all hearts. The stately -figure and attractive features were known and admired widely over the -countryside. To me she was kindness itself, and no marvel is it that I -mended rapidly. - -There was an engagement of a few months' standing between Doctor -Sorrel and Mrs. Rives, and soon after our coming the uncertain future -was considered. They decided to wed without longer waiting, and the -ceremony, quite private, was performed at the residence, myself in full -uniform as the Doctor's best man, propped on my feet by the dignified, -silver-haired black major-domo. - -While in this part of the country I heard much about Hunter's -expedition into it the previous year and the devastation he had brought -in the region round about. Truly Maj.-Gen. David Hunter, of the United -States Army, was a torch bearer if nothing else. He had no military -distinction, but had served against the Indians, it is said, with -the same cruelties it was now his delight to apply to non-combatant -dwellers in southwest Virginia and the head of the Shenandoah Valley. -No property within reach of his destroying hand seemed safe from him. -His fame lay not in the soldier's hard-fought battles, but in burning -farmers' houses and barns. The extensive schools at Lexington aroused -his hate and were laid in ashes by his torch. - -General Crook, the fine soldier then serving with him, said, "He would -have burned the Natural Bridge could he have compassed it." Marvel -it is that Hunter did not blow it up. He was, however, beaten off by -Early's forces and the home guards, and the country cleared of that -devastator. There was little more heard of him as a soldier. - -Maj.-Gen. George Crook was altogether a different character. He was a -soldier of high training and tried courage, making no war on women and -children, houses and barns. - -Some time later, one of our daring rangers, NcNeil, with a small -following, achieved a bold exploit. While Crook was commanding a -department at Cumberland, Md., the ranger penetrated many miles within -the blue lines, took the General out of bed, mounted him well, and -landed his distinguished prisoner safely in Richmond. - -There Doctor Sorrel, who had served with him in the old Army, called to -see to his comforts. Crook as a thorough-going Indian fighter was not -without some admiration for the way NcNeil had gathered him in. "But, -Sorrel," said he, "I shall get even with that fellow at his own work. -Just as soon as I get out of this my commission will drop for a few -weeks, while I raise a hundred men with whom I undertake to beat Master -NcNeil at his own game." - -Such was perhaps his intention then, but, exchanged soon after, there -was other and more important work awaiting this gallant and respected -officer. - -Early in April, after grateful farewells to my host and new sister, -we started to rejoin the army. At Lynchburg came to us the accounts -of the surrender at Appomattox, with all the pathetic, harrowing -details attaching to that event; the feeling of the soldiers, their -overflowing affection for Lee and sympathy with him and his own hidden -but overwhelming grief--I pass them by. My brigade was on hand in good -shape, with Captain Perry looking after it, and paroled stronger than -any brigade in the army. (See Appendix.) - -The commandant at Lynchburg, General Lomax, placed at my disposal an -ambulance and mules to get out of reach of the Union forces. We could -not yet realize that the war was ended with the life of Lee's army. I -took to the mountains for some days, and then finding things really -ended and my troublesome wound breaking out afresh, ventured again on -Colonel Watts's hospitality. It was as generous as the day. But it was -time to move, and after farewell to hospitable Oaklands the Doctor and -I started on our return home. The rails were sufficiently repaired -to take up to Lynchburg, where we were paroled by the United States -officer. Between us we had just fifteen dollars good money, and it came -to me in this way. When I was last in Lynchburg, as already described, -one of our quartermasters pressed on me $20 in gold, four half-eagles; -"A barrel of Confederate money not good," as he said, "for the price of -a dinner." - -Some time after I came up with a young Maryland cavalryman making his -way back to Baltimore. He had no coat or jacket, although the rest of -him was good, and I wanted to know why. "Well," said young Latrobe (it -was my friend's brother), "my horse wanted a set of shoes. The farrier -would not look at my money, but took the jacket, and I got my shoes." -It was quite certain the young fellow would part with his remaining -outfit, piece by piece, with the same easy nonchalance, if need be, -and I insisted on his taking one of my half-eagles. But for that the -"Peeping Toms" of Baltimore might possibly have seen a new Godiva, -"clothed only with chastity," riding through their streets fresh from -the Southern armies. Their blushes and the young cavalryman's were -saved by that golden half-eagle. - -From Lynchburg to Richmond the route was tedious and wearying. It -was partly by rail, partly in an army wagon, and partly on foot. On -arriving at the Confederate capital we were amid the ruins of the great -fire that nearly destroyed it. The army of occupation was in force, -everywhere the Union army filled one with wonder. It was like the ant -in numbers, and I really could not take in its unstinted equipment in -wagons, ambulances, mules, draught horses, light artillery, and horse -furniture, all apparently new and of the best class for field work. -The contrast with our own inadequate equipment was very decided, and -still greater was the splendor of their officers, mounts and uniforms, -and the good clothing of the soldiers, with what on our part had -contented us. In Richmond, nursing our dwindling cash, we found a -frugal but cheerful hospitality while preparing for the next move to -Baltimore, where we were sure of meeting my good father's provision for -us. My weak condition would not permit me making the journey home on -horse-back; it must be by sea. - -At Richmond we took the oath, as prescribed, to the United States -Government, the courteous Federal officer asking pleasantly if it -"tasted bad?" This done we hoped to get a permit to leave by boat for -Baltimore, but were refused. No movements of Confederate officers, -except Marylanders returning, were suffered in that direction. The -decision was then forced on us that we must go, "coûte que coûte." It -was managed successfully with some little risk. By the help of friends -we were smuggled on board just as the boat was starting. The Doctor -was in mufti and I had doffed as much military attire as I could. We -kept very quiet and secluded on the main deck of the boat as she glided -down the river of so many warlike scenes of the preceding years! past -frowning Drewry's Bluff, past bristling Chappin's farm, City Point, -Westover, and Harrison's Landing, Turkey Bend and Butler's Dutch -Gap Canal--all saddening and depressing in the retrospect, crossing -thoughts of the misty future. At the fortress a short stop was made, -and then the voyage up the noble Chesapeake resumed. One of the coal -passers here recognized me with a wide, astonished grin. He was one of -my brigade fellows, in now for a job at anything. The night was passed -on the bay and could have been very comfortable with a trifle more -cash. We had, however, just about enough to pay for passage, without -bed or meals. So we stood out the long night and could provide some -small refreshments. When morning came we were moored to the wharf, and -I soon found my good Baltimore relatives most hospitably inclined, and -our troubles for the time were done with. - -There were many Confederate officers and soldiers about the city, all -watched quite closely by the Federal authorities. General Hancock was -in command of the department, and from his adjutant-general I received -an order to report in person. Upon so doing I was questioned as to my -reasons for being in Baltimore and my intentions. Upon explaining why -I was returning home by that route and that I should have to go to -New York to find a steamer for Savannah, he was civil and obliging; -allowed a stay of a week in Baltimore; but I was required to report -once in every twenty-four hours. The next day this considerate officer -dispensed with such visits, adding, "You shall not, General, be -troubled in any way while you are stopping here." Here Doctor Sorrel -left me. Deciding to defer his visit home, he returned at once to -Virginia. A few days later I was in New York at the New York Hotel, -Mr. Cranston the proprietor, and for years past, as then, the resort -of everything Southern. There were many officers in the hotel, some I -suspect by Cranston's good nature and kindness. After a visit to some -relatives and friends, who had only thought of me as one dead, I took -passage for Savannah on a small, crowded, most uncomfortable little -steamer. The rough voyage was safely made, and I landed on my own -shores in dear old Georgia, greeted by kindred and friends, with hands -outstretched in a hearty welcome home. - -And now these recollections approach their close. There are many more -thronging, pulsing memories that could interest, perhaps instruct. -What is here gathered has been an inexpressible comfort and occupation -in the colorless hours of recent tedious convalescence, and could be -extended, but the parting word must be spoken. - -It is farewell to the Army of Northern Virginia and its ever-glorious -commander. - -His name, his fame shall forever live! His sword, unstained, be ever a -soldier's shining light and bright example! - - "Ah Muse! You dare not claim - A nobler man than he, - Nor nobler man hath less of blame - Nor blameless man hath purer name, - Nor purer name hath grander fame, - Nor fame, another Lee!" - -His army incomparable holds, after long years, the abiding love of its -surviving veterans. Who that marched with it, fought with it, took part -in its victories and its defeats, shared its sufferings and its joys, -shall ever be deaf when its deeds are sung or mute when ring out its -plaudits! - -For my part, when the time comes to cross the river like the others, -I shall be found asking at the gates above, "Where is the Army of -Northern Virginia? For there I make my camp." - - - - -APPENDIX - - - "HEADQUARTERS NEAR BEAN'S STATION, - "December 17, 1863. - - "Special Orders No. 27. - -"Major-General L. McLaws is relieved from further duty with this army, -and will proceed to Augusta, Georgia, from which place he will report -by letter to the adjutant and inspector-general. He will turn over the -command of the division to the senior brigadier present. - -"By command of Lieut.-General Longstreet. - - "G. M. SORREL, - "_Lieut.-Col. and Assistant Adjutant-General_. - - "Major-General MCLAWS, - "Confederate States Army." - - * * * * * - - "CAMP ON BEAN'S STATION GAP ROAD, - "December 17th, 1863. - - "Lieut.-Col. SORREL, - "_Assistant Adjutant-General_. - -"I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Special Orders No. 27 -from your headquarters, of this date, relieving me from further duty -with this army. If there is no impropriety in making inquiry, and I -cannot imagine there is, I respectfully request to be informed of the -particular reason for the order. - - "Very respectfully, - "L. MCLAWS, - "_Major-General._" - - * * * * * - - "HEADQUARTERS NEAR BEAN'S STATION, - "December 17th, 1863. - - "Major-General MCLAWS, - "Confederate States Army. - -"General: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of -to-day, asking for the particular reason for the issue of the order -relieving you from duty with this army. - -"In reply I am directed to say that throughout the campaign on which -we are engaged, you have exhibited a want of confidence in the efforts -and plans which the commanding general has thought proper to adopt, and -he is apprehensive that this feeling will extend more or less to the -troops under your command. - -"Under these circumstances the commanding general has felt that the -interest of the public service would be advanced by your separation -from him, and as he could not himself leave, he decided upon the issue -of the order which you have received. - -"I have the honor to be, general, with great respect, - - "G. M. SORREL, - "_Lieut.-Col. and Assistant Adjutant-General_." - - * * * * * - - From _The Savannah News_, 1899. - -"During the siege of Petersburg, Va., there was a severe combat at -Hatcher's Run, resisting one of Grant's attacks on Lee's right flank. - -"Brig.-Gen. John Pegram was killed and Brig.-Gen. Sorrel was, for some -time, thought to be mortally wounded. - -"The action took place on February 6, 1865. A time-stained clipping -from the _New York Herald_, a few days later, gives 'Sketches of -the Dead Rebel Generals,' with some detail, indicating considerable -acquaintance with the Confederate personnel. - -"We print what it had to say of our townsman, who, still with us, is -thus permitted to read his own obituary from the _Herald's_ columns: - - "'BRIGADIER-GENERAL G. M. SORREL - - "'The rebel Gen. Sorrel, reported seriously wounded in the battle on - Hatcher's Run, has been permitted to enjoy his rank but a short time. - He has been but lately appointed to the rank and assigned to duty. - - "'Gen. Sorrel was a native of Georgia, and, at the commencement of - the war, was a teller in the Central Railroad Bank in Savannah. He - had no military education. To his established character as a quiet, - taciturn business man and accountant and to some influence from an - extensive family to which he belongs, he owes his appointment on the - staff of Gen. Longstreet at the beginning of the war. He served in the - capacity of assistant adjutant-general to Gen. Longstreet, at Bull - Run, July 21, 1861, was wounded at Antietam, September 17, 1862, and - since followed the varied fortunes of Longstreet. He has been advanced - from a lieutenancy to a lieutenant-colonelcy in the adjutant-general's - department of the rebel army. - - "'During the battle of the Wilderness, fought in May, Lieut.-Col. - Sorrel displayed great gallantry and evinced much ability in directing - and managing a division whose commander had fallen, and of which he - was placed in command by Longstreet. Generals Lee and Longstreet - awarded him high praise for his conduct, and recommended him for - promotion. He was in consequence appointed brigadier-general, - November 1, 1864, and assigned to the command of the brigade formerly - commanded by Gen. Wright. In relieving him from duty as his assistant - adjutant-general, Gen. Longstreet paid the following compliment to - young Sorrel: - - "'"General Order No. 15--Headquarters First Army Corps, November 4, - 1864. Col. G. M. Sorrel, assistant adjutant-general, having been - promoted to the rank of brigadier-general, and assigned to the command - of a brigade in the Third Corps, is relieved from duty as assistant - adjutant-general of this corps. The loss of this officer to the First - Corps, with which he has been so permanently connected since its - organization, will be severely felt. Distinguished alike for gallantry - in the field and for energy and skill in the administration of his - department, his value cannot be over-estimated. He will carry with him - to his new command, so richly won, a sure promise of success in the - record of the past. - - "'"By command of Lieut.-Gen. Longstreet. - - "'"Official: - - "'"O. LATROBE, - "'"_Assistant Adjutant-General_." - - "'The rebel papers of February 9th report Gen. Sorrel dead of the - wounds received on the 6th inst.'" - - - _From an address delivered by Comrade John R. Turner before A. P. Hill - Camp of Confederate Veterans of Petersburg, Va., on the evening of - March 3, 1892._ - -"My letter to General Sorrel I mailed to Savannah, Ga., and was as -follows: - - "'PETERSBURG, VA., January 13, 1892. - "'GEN. G. M. SORREL, - - "'Savannah, Ga. - - "'DEAR GENERAL: Being anxious to know if your recollection and - mine accorded, as to certain movements made at the battle of the - Wilderness, May 6th, 1864, in which we both participated, I take - the liberty of addressing you this communication, and hope (if not - trespassing too much upon your time) you will do me the kindness to - favor me with a reply. - - "'You will remember Mahone's brigade of Anderson's division was - quartered near Madison Run Station. We broke camp on the morning, I - think, of the 4th, and bivouacked near Rapidan Station that night. - In the early morning of the 6th we made a forced march to the - battlefield, which we reached about 10 o'clock. - - "'Mahone's brigade was ordered very soon afterwards to the right in - the Wilderness. After going some distance through the thicket, we - encountered the enemy apparently bivouacking, and little expecting - any attack from that direction. They fled pell-mell before us, - leaving their light camp equipage scattered in every direction, - making scarcely any resistance until they reached the Orange Plank - Road; when, having a natural fortification, strengthened hurriedly - by them, they stoutly resisted us. Just at this point you dashed up - to the front of my regiment, the Twelfth Virginia, and approaching - our color-bearer, Benj. H. May (as gallant a soldier as ever carried - a flag or shouldered a musket, and who was killed at Spottsylvania - Court House the 12th of May), asked him for his colors to lead the - charge. He refused to give up his colors, but said: "We will follow - you." With great enthusiasm we followed you in the direction of the - Plank Road. The enemy broke and fled before us. I remember seeing you - then dash with great speed up the road in the direction, I suppose, - of General Longstreet, to inform him that the way was clear. Our - color-bearer, in the excitement of the moment, failed to observe that - the other regiments of the brigade had halted at the Plank Road. - We became detached and passed over the road forty or fifty yards - before halting. Our colonel, D. A. Weisiger, observing that we were - in advance of the brigade, ordered us to fall back in line with the - brigade. In doing so the other regiments, mistaking us for the enemy, - fired into us, killing and wounding several of our men, and I always - thought the same volley killed General Jenkins and wounded General - Longstreet, this apparently putting an end to all operations for the - day, as there seemed to be very little done afterwards during the day. - - "'I had the pleasure of a short conversation with General Longstreet - returning from Gettysburg three years ago, and he told me that, while - he knew he was wounded by his own men, he never knew exactly how it - occurred. He said everything was working beautifully up to this point, - and what seemed to be an opportunity for a brilliant victory was lost - by this unfortunate circumstance. - - "'I have often thought of your bravery and gallant bearing as you led - us through the woods up to the Plank Road. I feel that I would like to - know with certainty whether or not my recollections are correct as to - the part you took in that charge. - - "'Wishing you a long life, much happiness and great prosperity, I am - very truly, your comrade, - - "'JOHN R. TURNER.' - -"To this letter General Sorrel replied as follows: - - "'NEW YORK, January 19, 1892. - "'Lee's Birthday. - - "'JOHN R. TURNER, ESQ., - "'A. P. Hill Camp, C. V., - "'Petersburg, Va. - - "'DEAR SIR: Your letter of January 14th was forwarded to me from - Savannah, and I am very glad to hear from you. The events you describe - are so long ago, that one's memory may be pardoned if slightly - treacherous as to details, but I may say at once that your recital - of the incident and the movements of Mahone's brigade at the battle - of the Wilderness conform accurately to my own recollection of it, - excepting, of course, the too-partial and flattering view you take - of my own personal service there. But I will give you briefly my own - version of it, which really is near your own. - - "'Longstreet's corps had to move at the earliest hour in the morning - of the 6th of May, and arriving at the battlefield was just in time - to be thrown across the Plank Road and check the enemy, whose attack - had begun on A. P. Hill's corps. This of itself was a magnificent - performance of the corps to form line in the dense thicket after a - hasty march, in the midst of troops suddenly attacked and retiring - from the front in disorder. Being done during the enemy's attack it - displayed the steadiness characteristic of Longstreet's famous corps. - This checked that attempt and for some time there was some quiet. It - was then, too, you will recollect, that General Lee was about to lead - the Texas Brigade into action, so threatening was the situation. He - was almost forcibly stopped by his officers and the entreaties of - the soldiers. It was soon after this that General Longstreet said - to me that if I were to collect some troops over on the right, get - them in good line and in touch with each other, and make a strong - movement forward, swinging by the right, he felt sure a splendid - success would follow. I proceeded to follow out these directions, with - full authority to control the movement. There were three brigades, - in addition, perhaps, to other troops, that I succeeded in getting - into good form and ready to move. These were Mahone's, Wofford's, and - Anderson's. The movement soon began, at a given signal, our right - swinging swiftly around, driving everything before it. The lines - in front of us made some sharp resistance, but they were quickly - overcome, and our troops, Mahone's brigade notably distinguished in - the affair, rushed forward through the dense undergrowth, carrying - everything before them. It was then that the incident occurred of - which you speak, about poor Ben May. He was doing all that man could - do with his colors, but seemed to be somewhat embarrassed by the - bushes, and I thought perhaps I might help to get them forward, - mounted as I was. As you say, he positively refused to let them leave - his own hands. I was filled with admiration of his splendid courage. - I think it was on the 12th that poor May was shot, and I received - from a member of the Twelfth Virginia an affectionate message that - he sent me. I have always remembered him as one of the bravest of - Confederate soldiers. The Twelfth Virginia did splendid service that - day, and the regiment and myself became great friends. Till the end - of the war, whenever in marches or elsewhere I met it, I was always - honored with its friendly greetings. As our troops reached the Plank - Road, you will recollect that a volley was given to the enemy, who - were trying to rally on the opposite side. By this volley General - Wadsworth and his horse (while trying to rally his men) were both - killed, and his soldiers could make no stand against us. Our rapid - movements through the woods had disordered our line, as you correctly - describe it. Leaving them for a moment, while recovering good order, - I hastened to General Longstreet with a view to bringing up supports - to follow up our splendid success. I met the General near by, - Jenkins's brigade immediately behind him. He had heard the sound of - our rifles, and, with the quick instinct of the general that he was, - was following us up with a strong and powerful support to pursue his - victory. I had scarcely taken more than a few steps with him when a - sudden and unexpected fire, at first scattering, then heavier, broke - out from our men. The General was shot down by my side, and at the - same time General Jenkins, one or two staff officers, and several - couriers. I have never known accurately who started this fire; there - is yet some confusion about it, but it was fatal, and had the effect, - by disabling the General, of putting a stop to the heavy blow he - was about inflicting on the disordered enemy. Later in the day, you - will remember, we made another attack, rather more direct, with a - strong force, on the enemy, who had got behind some entrenchments; - but we there sustained a repulse, and that about closed the principal - features of the battle of the Wilderness on the 6th of May. - - "'The importance of our flank attack, which I have described here - so briefly, was not under-estimated by the enemy in his subsequent - reports. The official report of the battle by General Grant, or his - immediate subordinate, describes the tremendous attack of these three - brigades, which turned his own left flank and nearly brought about - a widespread disaster to the Federal army. I cannot but think it - would have ended so, had not General Longstreet, in the flush of his - success, and with ardent, fresh troops in hand, been struck down in - the very act of delivering this blow. - - "'I am sketching this off to you hastily, and entirely from memory, - and while there may be some omissions or inaccuracies as to detail, I - think the account is not far from wrong. - - "'With best wishes, I am, yours very truly and sincerely, - - "'G. M. SORREL.'" - - - _From Colonel Freemantle's (Coldstream Guards) - "Three Months in the Southern States."_ - -"30th June, Tuesday.--This morning before marching from Chambersburg, -General Longstreet introduced me to the Commander-in-Chief. General -Lee is, almost without exception, the handsomest man of his age I ever -saw. He is 56 years old, tall, broad shouldered, very well made, well -set up, a thorough soldier in appearance, and his manners are most -courteous and full of dignity. He is a perfect gentleman in every -respect. I imagine no man has so few enemies, or is so universally -esteemed. Throughout the South, all agree in pronouncing him to be as -near perfection as man can be. He has none of the small vices, such as -smoking, drinking, chewing or swearing, and his bitterest enemy never -accused him of any of the greater ones. He generally wears a well-worn -long gray jacket, a high black felt hat, and blue trousers tucked into -Wellington boots. I never saw him carry arms, and the only mark of his -military rank are the three stars on his collar. He rides a handsome -horse which is extremely well groomed. He, himself, is very neat in his -dress and person, and in the most arduous marches he always looks smart -and clean. - -"In the old Army he was always considered one of its best officers; -and at the outbreak of these troubles he was lieutenant-colonel of the -Second Cavalry. He was a rich man--but his fine estate was one of the -first to fall into the enemy's hands. I believe he has never slept in -a house since he has commanded the Virginian army, and he invariably -declines all offers of hospitality for fear the person offering it may -afterwards get into trouble for having sheltered the rebel General." - - * * * * * - - _From Viscount Wolseley._ - - "OFFICE OF COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, - "LONDON, 10th July, 1899. - - "MY DEAR GENERAL SORREL: I have great pleasure in complying with your - request, and hope Mrs. Sorrel will do me the honor of accepting the - enclosed latest photograph I have had taken. - - "I am a collector of autograph letters, but I lack letters from the - Confederate commanders. I am very glad to have your letter to add to - my collection. If you happen to have any letters from the Southern - generals that you could spare me I should esteem it a great favor. - - "Believe me to be, with a very keen and pleasant remembrance of all - the kindness I received when in the Southern States, - - "Sincerely yours, - "WOLSELEY. - - "To GENERAL SORREL, - "New York." - - * * * * * - -_Thanks of the Confederate Congress to Lieutenant-General James -Longstreet and his Command._ - - _"Resolved by the Congress of the Confederate States of America._ - - "That the thanks of Congress are due and hereby cordially tendered to - Lieutenant-General James Longstreet and the officers and men of his - command for their patriotic services and brilliant achievements in the - present war, sharing as they have, the arduous fatigues and privations - of many campaigns in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and - Tennessee, and participating in nearly every great battle fought in - those States, the commanding general ever displaying great ability, - skill, and prudence in command, and the officers and men the most - heroic bravery, fortitude, and energy in every duty they have been - called upon to perform. - - "_Resolved_, That the President be requested to transmit a copy of the - foregoing resolution to Lieutenant-General Longstreet for publication - to his command. - - "Approved February 17, 1864." - - _J. Longstreet to Secretary of War._ - - "HEADQUARTERS NEAR CHATTANOOGA, - "September 26th, 1863. - - "HON. J. A. SEDDON, _Secretary of War_. - - "SIR: May I take the liberty to advise you of our condition and our - wants. On the 20th instant, after a very severe battle, we gained - a complete and glorious victory--the most complete victory of the - war, except perhaps the first Manassas. On the morning of the 21st - General Bragg asked my opinion as to our best course. I suggested - at once to strike at Burnside and if he made his escape to march - upon Rosecrans's communication in rear of Nashville. He seemed to - adopt the suggestion and gave the order to march at four o'clock in - the afternoon. The right wing of the army marched some eight or ten - miles, my command following next day at daylight. I was halted at the - crossing of the Chickamauga, and on the night of the 22d the army was - ordered to march for Chattanooga, thus giving the enemy two days and - a half to strengthen the fortifications here already prepared for - him by ourselves. Here we have remained under instructions that the - enemy shall not be assaulted. To express my conviction in a few words, - our chief has done but one thing that he ought to have done since I - joined his army--that was to order the attack upon the 20th. All other - things that he has done he ought not to have done. I am convinced that - nothing but the hand of God can save us and help us as long as we have - our present commander. - - "Now to our wants. Can't you send us General Lee? The army in Virginia - can operate defensively, while our operations here should be - offensive, until we have recovered Tennessee at all events. - - "We need some such great mind as General Lee's (nothing more) to - accomplish this. You will be surprised that this army has neither - organization nor mobility and I have doubts if this commander can - give it to them. In an ordinary war I could serve without complaint - under any one whom the Government might place in authority; but we - have too much at stake in this to remain quiet under such distressing - circumstances. Our most precious blood is now flowing in streams from - the Atlantic to the Rocky Mountains and may yet be exhausted before we - have succeeded. Then goes honor, treasure, and independence. When I - came here I hoped to find our commander willing and anxious to do all - things that would aid us in our great cause and ready to receive what - aid he could get from his subordinates. - - "It seems that I was greatly mistaken. It seems that he cannot adopt - and adhere to any plan or course whether of his own or some one else. - I desire to impress upon your mind that there is no exaggeration - in these statements. On the contrary I have failed to express my - convictions to the fullest extent. All that I can add without making - this letter exceedingly long is to pray you to help us and speedily. - - "I remain, with the greatest respect, your most obedient servant, - - "J. LONGSTREET, - "_Lieutenant General_." - - * * * * * - - _Captain H. H. Perry, A. A. G., Sorrel's Brigade, writes of Grant's - first demand for Lee's surrender at Appomattox._ - - "THE EVENTFUL NIGHT - -"It was night, April 7th, 1865. We had crossed the river, near -Farmville, and had taken up a position about, as near as I can -remember, a mile from the crossing, which the Confederates had -attempted to burn, but unsuccessfully. General Miles, commanding a -Federal brigade, made a mad attempt to throw the Confederates into -confusion on their left by a flank movement (perhaps that was his -purpose), but it was a very unfortunate move, for his lines were in a -few minutes nearly cut to pieces and his brigade placed hors de combat. -A furious picket firing and sharp-shooting began on both sides, while -the wounded and dead Federals lay between the two lines. - -"Mahone's division was now the rearguard at this point of General Lee's -army. General Lee's forces were reduced now to their minimum strength, -but a fiercer, more determined body of men never lived. They simply -waited for General Lee's orders. - -"About five o'clock p. m. a flag of truce appeared in front of General -Sorrel's brigade (General Wright's old brigade), of which the writer -of this account was the adjutant-general. A courier was sent to -division headquarters to announce it. Colonel Tayloe, a splendid young -Virginian, had been assigned temporarily to the command of General -Sorrel's brigade, General Sorrel having been almost mortally wounded -near Petersburg. In a short while Colonel Tayloe was ordered to send a -staff officer to answer to the flag of truce. - -"The writer was assigned to this duty at the Confederate front -lines. As the top of the earthworks was reached, a number of Federal -sharpshooters fired at me, and two balls passed through the uniform -coat I wore, and one ball wounded a Confederate soldier in the hand, -who had risen up with others from behind the works, out of curiosity -to see what was going to take place. That ended the truce business for -that afternoon. After nightfall and after everything on both sides had -lapsed into silence, pickets were put in front of our lines about one -hundred yards. Captain James W. English, one of the bravest, coolest, -most faithful and vigilant officers in the Confederate Army, was in -charge of the line in front of our brigade. I had selected him for -the reason that I knew that he would not fail me if I depended on his -courage and faith. Colonel Tayloe knew nothing of our command or its -officers, and the responsibility rested on me to select the right man -in the crisis there was now upon us. We apprehended a night attack. - -"About nine o'clock at night, as soon as the moon was about to rise, -Captain English reported that a flag of truce was again offered on -the Federal lines on our front. It was reported again at our division -headquarters and I was again sent out to answer it as before. I put on -an army revolver, put aside my sword, and advanced about fifty yards -from our pickets, halted, and called for the flag. Where I stood there -were scattered around several Federal dead and wounded. - -"One of the latter asked me to do something for him. I told him I would -very soon, making this promise only to encourage him, for I could -really do nothing for lack of authority, as well as lack of means. I -asked his name and was rather astonished when he said he was General -Miles's adjutant-general and that his name was Boyd, as I now remember -it. A response to my call in front took my attention, though I remember -that the wounded officer said he had been shot through the thigh. - -"I advanced some distance and met a very handsomely dressed Federal -officer. We stepped in front of each other about seven or eight feet -apart. I soon recognized the fact that my worn Confederate uniform and -slouch hat, even in the dim light, would not compare favorably with his -magnificence; but as I am six feet high I drew myself up as proudly -as I could, and put on the appearance as well as possible of being -perfectly satisfied with my personal exterior. The officer spoke first -introducing himself as Gen. Seth Williams, of General Grant's staff. - -"After I had introduced myself, he felt in his side pocket for -documents, as I thought, but the document was a very nice-looking -silver flask, as well as I could distinguish. He remarked that he hoped -I would not think it was an unsoldierly courtesy if he offered me some -very fine brandy. I will own up now that I wanted that drink awfully. -Worn down, hungry and dispirited, it would have been a gracious godsend -if some old Confederate and I could have emptied that flask between us -in that dreadful hour of misfortune. But I raised myself about an inch -higher, if possible, bowed and refused politely, trying to produce the -ridiculous appearance of having feasted on champagne and pound-cake -not ten minutes before, and that I had not the slightest use for so -plebeian a drink as 'fine brandy.' He was a true gentleman, begged -pardon, and placed the flask in his pocket again, without touching the -contents in my presence. If he had taken a drink, and my Confederate -olfactories had obtained a whiff of the odor of it, it is possible that -I should have 'caved.' The truth is, I had not eaten two ounces in two -days, and I had my coat-tail then full of corn, waiting to parch it as -soon as opportunity might present itself. I did not leave it behind me -because I had nobody I could trust it with. - -"As an excuse which I felt I ought to make for refusing his proffered -courtesy, I rather haughtily said that I had been sent forward only -to receive any communication that was offered and could not properly -accept or offer any courtesies. In fact, if I had offered what I could -it would have taken my corn. - -"He then handed to me a letter, which he said was from General Grant to -General Lee, and asked that General Lee should get it immediately if -possible. I made no reply except to ask him if that was all we had to -transact, or something to that effect. He said that was all. We bowed -very profoundly to each other and turned away. - -"In twenty minutes after I got back in our lines, a Confederate courier -riding a swift horse had placed in General Lee's hands the letter which -was handed to me, the first demand for surrender of his devoted army. -In an hour's time we were silently pursuing our way toward the now -famous field of Appomattox. We marched all day of the 8th of April and -slept in bivouac not more than three or four miles from Appomattox, -where the demand was made again and was acceded to, and the Confederacy -of the South went down in defeat, but with glory. - -"We arrived on the field of Appomattox about 9 o'clock on the 9th day -of April, the day of capitulation. The negotiations lasted during that -day. The general order from General Lee was read to the army on the -10th of April. That is, as I remember it, General Lee published his -last order to his soldiers on that day. I sat down and copied it on a -piece of Confederate paper, using a drum-head for a desk, the best I -could do. I carried this copy to General Lee, and asked him to sign it -for me. He signed it and I have it now. It is the best authority along -with my parole that I can produce why, after that day, I no longer -raised a soldier's hand for the South. There were tears in his eyes -when he signed it for me, and when I turned to walk away there were -tears in my own eyes. He was in all respects the greatest man that ever -lived, and as an humble officer of the South, I thank Heaven that I had -the honor of following him. - -"Waynesboro, Georgia, 1896." - - * * * * * - -_Some extracts from Colonel Freemantle's "Three Months in the Southern -States."_ - - "GETTYSBURG--PICKETT'S CHARGE - -"I determined to make my way to General Longstreet. It was then about -2.30. After passing General Lee and his staff I rode on through the -woods in the direction in which I had left Longstreet. I soon began -to meet many wounded men returning from the front; many of them asked -in piteous tones the way to a doctor or an ambulance. The farther I -got the greater became the number of the wounded. Some were walking -alone on crutches composed of two rifles, others were supported by -men less badly wounded than themselves, and others were carried on -stretchers by the ambulance corps; but in no case did I see a sound man -helping the wounded to the rear, unless he carried the red badge of -the ambulance corps. I saw all this in much less time than it takes to -write it, and although astonished to meet such vast numbers of wounded, -I had not seen _enough_ to give me an idea of the real extent of the -mischief. - -"When I got close to General Longstreet I saw one of his regiments -advancing through the woods in good order; so thinking I was in time to -see the attack I remarked to the General that '_I wouldn't have missed -this for anything._' Longstreet was seated at the top of a snake fence -at the edge of the wood and looking perfectly calm and unperturbed. He -replied: 'The devil you wouldn't! I would liked to have missed it very -much; we've attacked and been repulsed; look there!' - -"For the first time I then had a view of the open space between the -two positions and saw it covered with Confederates slowly and sulkily -returning toward us in small, broken parties under a heavy fire of -artillery. The General told me that Pickett's division had succeeded -in carrying the enemy's position and capturing the guns, but after -remaining there some minutes it had been forced to retire. No person -could have been more calm or self-possessed than General Longstreet -under these trying circumstances, aggravated as they now were by the -movements of the enemy, who began to show a strong disposition to -advance. I could now thoroughly appreciate the term 'Bulldog,' which I -had heard applied to him by the soldiers. - -"Difficulties seemed to make no other impression upon him than to make -him a little more savage. - -"Major Walton was the only officer with him when I came up--all the -rest had been put into the charge. In a few minutes Major Latrobe -arrived on foot, carrying his saddle, having just had his horse killed. -Colonel Sorrel was also in the same predicament and Captain Goree's -horse was wounded in the mouth. - -"The General was making the best arrangements in his power to resist -the threatened advance, by advancing some artillery, rallying the -stragglers. - -"I remember seeing a general come up to him and report that he was -'unable to bring up his men again.' Longstreet turned upon him and -replied with some sarcasm, 'Very well, never mind, then, General, just -let them remain where they are; the enemy's going to advance and it -will spare you the trouble.' He asked for something to drink. I gave -him some rum out of my silver flask, which I begged he would keep in -remembrance of the occasion; he smiled, and to my great satisfaction -accepted the memorial. - -"If Longstreet's conduct was admirable, that of General Lee was -perfectly sublime. He was engaged in rallying and encouraging the -broken troops, and was riding about a little in front of the wood, -quite alone--the whole of his staff being engaged in a similar manner -farther to the rear. His face, which is always placid and cheerful, did -not show signs of the slightest disappointment, care, or annoyance; and -he was addressing every soldier he met, a few words of encouragement, -such as: 'All this will come right in the end, we'll talk it over -afterwards; but in the meantime all good men must rally. We want all -good and true men just now,' etc. He spoke to all the wounded men that -passed him, and the slightly wounded he exhorted 'to bind up their -hurts and take up a musket in this emergency.' Very few failed to -answer his appeal, and I saw many badly wounded men take off their hats -and cheer him. He said to me, 'This has been a sad day for us, Colonel, -a sad day; but we can't expect always to gain victories.'" - - - [From "The Battle of the Wilderness," by General Morris Schaff, pages - 267-273, here quoted with the kind permission of the author. Boston - and New York: Houghton Mifflin & Company, 1910.] - -General M. L. Smith, a New Yorker and a distinguished graduate of West -Point, doing engineer duty with Lee's army, had examined our left, -and, finding it inviting attack, so reported to Longstreet. Now there -is on Longstreet's staff a tall, trim, graceful young Georgian, with -keen dark eyes and engaging face, whose courage and ability to command, -Longstreet knows well, for he has been with him on many a field. His -name is Sorrel, and his gallant clay is lying in the cemetery at -Savannah, the long, pendulant Southern moss swaying softly over it. His -"Recollections of a Confederate Staff Officer" has for me, like all the -books I love, a low, natural, wild music; and, as sure as I live, the -spirits who dwell in that self-sown grove called Literature were by his -side when he wrote the last page of his Recollections, his pen keeping -step with his beating heart. Longstreet, on hearing Smith's report, -called Sorrel to him, and told him to collect some scattered brigades, -form them in a good line on our left, and then, with his right pushed -forward, to hit hard. "But don't start till you have everything ready. -I shall be waiting for your gun-fire, and be on hand with fresh troops -for further advance," said Longstreet. - -Sorrel picked up G. T. Anderson's, Wofford's, Davis's of Heth's, and -Mahone's brigades, and led them to the old unfinished railroad bed; -and, having stretched them out on it, formed them, facing north, for -advance. Of course, had Gibbon obeyed Hancock's order, this movement -of Sorrel's could not have been made; as it was, the coast was clear. -On Birney's left, as everywhere along the front, our forces were in -several broken lines, and those of the first had changed places with -the second, to take advantage of the little fires at which they had -boiled their coffee to boil some for themselves; for many of the troops -had not had a bite since half-past three in the morning, and it was -now past eleven. Save the skirmish line, the men were lying down, and -not expecting any danger, when suddenly, from the heavy undergrowth, -Sorrel's three widely-winged brigades burst on their flank with the -customary yell, and before our people could change front, or, in some -cases, even form, they were on them. Fighting McAlister tried his best -to stay the tempest, and so did others, many little groups of their men -selling their lives dearly; for the color-bearers planted their banners -on nearly every knoll, and brave young fellows would rally around them; -but being overpowered, panic set in, and the lines melted away. - -As soon as Carroll, Lewis A. Grant, Birney, Webb, and Wadsworth heard -Sorrel's quick volleys, they were all on their feet at once, for the -character of the firing and the cheers told them that Peril had snapped -its chain and was loose. In a few minutes fleeing individuals, then -squads, and then broken regiments, began to pour through the woods from -the left. - -Kershaw and Field, being notified by Longstreet to resume the offensive -as soon as they should hear Sorrel, now pressed forward, seriously and -exultingly active. Wadsworth, to stay the threatening disaster (for -that lunatic, Panic, travels fast, and every officer of experience -dreads its first breath), flew to the Thirty-seventh Massachusetts at -the head of Eustis's brigade, which was just getting back from the -junction, and ordered Edwards, a resolute man, to throw his regiment -across the front of Field, who, with several pieces of artillery raking -the road, was advancing. The Thirty-seventh moved quickly by flank -into the woods, and then, undismayed, heard the command, "Forward." -And with it went my friends, Lieutenants Casey and Chalmers, and that -pleasant and true one of many a day, Captain "Tom" Colt of Pittsfield, -whose mother was a saint. "You have made a splendid charge!" exclaimed -Wadsworth, and so they had--the ground behind them showed it; they -thrust Field back, gaining a little respite for all hands before -disaster; and very valuable it proved to be, for some of the broken -commands thereby escaped utter destruction. - -While Field and Kershaw assailed Carroll, Birney, and Wadsworth -fiercely, fire was racing through the woods, adding its horrors to -Sorrel's advance; and with the wind driving the smoke before him, he -came on, sweeping everything. Seeing his lines falter, Sorrel dashed up -to the color-bearer of the Twelfth Virginia, "Ben" May, and asked for -the colors to lead the charge. "We will follow you," said the smiling -youth spiritedly, refusing to give them up; and so they did. In the -midst of the raging havoc, Webb, under instructions from Wadsworth, -now in an almost frantic state of mind, tried to align some troops -beyond the road so as to meet Sorrel, whose fire was scourging the -flanks of Carroll and the Green Mountain men, through whom and around -whom crowds of fugitives, deaf to all appeals to rally, were forcing -their way to the rear. But the organizations, so severely battered -in the morning, were crumbling so fast, and the tumult was so high, -that Webb saw it was idle to expect they could hold together in any -attempted change of position; he therefore returned to his command, and -quickly brought the Fifty-sixth Massachusetts, Griswold's regiment, -alongside the road. Fortunately his Nineteenth Maine, withdrawn during -the lull to replenish its ammunition, had been wheeled up by the -gallant Connor at the first ominous volley from the South. They had -barely braced themselves on the road before Carroll, and then the old -Vermont brigade, had to go; and now Connor and Griswold open on Sorrel, -checking him up roundly. - -Wadsworth undertook to wheel the remnants of Rice's regiments who had -stood by him, so as to fire into the enemy on the other side of the -road. In trying to make this movement he ran squarely onto Perrin's -Alabama brigade, of Anderson's division, which had relieved a part -of Field's, who rose and fired a volley with fatal effect, breaking -Wadsworth's formation, the men fleeing in wild confusion. In this -Alabama brigade was the Eighth Regiment, commanded that morning by -Hilary A. Herbert who lost his arm. This gallant man, soldier, member -of Congress, and distinguished lawyer was Mr. Cleveland's Secretary of -the Navy. - -The heroic Wadsworth did not or could not check his horse till within -twenty odd feet of the Confederate line. Then, turning, a shot struck -him in the back of the head, his brain spattering the coat of Earl M. -Rogers, his aide at his side. The rein of Wadsworth's horse, after -the general fell, caught in a snag, and, Rogers's horse having been -killed by the volley, he vaulted into the saddle, and escaped through -the flying balls. Wadsworth lies unconscious within the enemy's -lines; his heart, that has always beaten so warmly for his country, -is still beating, but hears no response now from the generous manly, -truth-viewing brain. I believe that morning, noon, and night the -bounteous valley of the Genesee, with its rolling fields and tented -shocks of bearded grain, holds Wadsworth in dear remembrance. - -Everything on the right of the Nineteenth Maine, Fifty-sixth and -Thirty-seventh Massachusetts is gone, and they, with fragments of other -gallant regiments, will soon have to go, too, for Sorrel comes on again -with a rush. Griswold, pistol in hand, advances the colors to meet him, -and is killed almost instantly; Connor, on foot and in the road, is -struck and, as he falls, Webb calls out, "Connor, are you hit?" "Yes, -I've got it this time." And his men sling him in a blanket and carry -him to the rear. Webb, seeing the day is lost, tells the bitterly-tried -regiments to scatter, and the wreckage begins to drift sullenly far -and wide, some in Cutler's tracks, and some toward where Burnside is -still pottering; but naturally the main stream is back on both sides -of the Plank to the Brock Road, and there it straggles across it -hopelessly toward Chancellorsville. Chaplain Washiell, Fifty-seventh -Massachusetts, says, "I well remember the route as the men streamed by -in panic, some of them breaking their guns to render them useless in -the hands of the rebels. Nothing could stop them until they came to the -cross-roads." - -Where now is the morning's vision of victory which Babcock raised? -All of Hancock's right wing, together with Wadsworth's division of -the Fifth Corps, Getty's of the Sixth, and one brigade of the Ninth -all smashed to pieces! The Plank Road is Lee's,--and the Brock, the -strategic key, is almost within his grasp too! For Longstreet, followed -by fresh brigades at double-quick, is coming down determined to clinch -the victory!! His spirits are high, and Field's hand still tingles -with his hearty grasp congratulating him on the valor of his troops. -Jenkins, a sensitive, enthusiastic South Carolinian, "abreast with the -foremost in battle and withal an humble Christian," says Longstreet, -has just thrown his arms around Sorrel's shoulder,--for the graceful -hero has ridden to meet his chief, and tell him the road is clear,--and -says, "Sorrel, it was splendid, we shall smash them now." And then, -after conferring with Kershaw, who had already been directed to follow -on and complete Hancock's overthrow, Jenkins rides up to Longstreet's -side and with overflowing heart says, "I am happy. I have felt despair -of the cause for some months, but am relieved and feel assured that -we shall put the enemy back across the Rapidan before night." Put the -enemy back across the Rapidan! That means the Army of the Potomac -defeated again, and Grant's prestige gone!! - - -THE END - - - * * * * * - -Transcriber's Notes: - -Italic text is denoted by _underscores_. - -Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as -possible, including obsolete and variant spellings, inconsistent -punctuation that does not interfere with meaning, and other -inconsistencies. - -Obvious punctuation and spelling errors and minor printer errors -repaired. - -Transcription of author's handwritten autograph added by transcriber: -'--Very truly yrs, Gill Sorrell.' - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Recollections of a Confederate Staff -Officer, by Gilbert Moxley Sorrel - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RECOLLECTIONS--CONFEDERATE STAFF OFFICER *** - -***** This file should be named 52121-8.txt or 52121-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/2/1/2/52121/ - -Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images -generously made available by The Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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