Well school is in full swing and with teaching and coaching I have not had time to play with research. I still want to offer something to the blog world so I thought I would begin a seriel of Archie's letters. Recall I have posted a few of his letters previous. After transcribing them a few years ago, allow me to offer my new installment. Enjoy.
Camp __aurdgold
March 4th 1862
Dear Father
I will now endeavor to write you a few lines to let you know that we all reached the place on Sunday evening a little before sun set. It is pretty cold up here now but I don’t mind if much. It was raining a little when we reached here but it has cleared up. We pitched our tents yesterday. Sunday night we stayed under an old shed in a fair ground but we didn’t sleep much for it was so cold that we had to stay by the fire all night, but last night we slept fine. There are not many troops here now. I expect we will have to move again before long. Well I must come to a close as I have to help the boys fix up some table to eat on. This leaves me well and in fine spirits. Tell Miss Sally that I will answer her letter in a few days so no (Page Torn)
Son H A McLaurin
Direct letters to
Jackson
Tenn
_ Capt Parker
7th reg Miss Vol
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Loss of innocence
Whenever I read the following quote I think of innocence lost, a love and willingness to sacrifice for an ideal only to learn the ideal is not so ideal.I will use this quote as the final thought in my Civil War unit. Enjoy and feel free to interpret what you want from it.
"My shoes are gone; my clothes are almost gone. I'm weary, I'm sick, I'm hungry. My family have been killed or scattered. And I have suffered all this for my country. I love my country. But if this war is ever over, I'll be damned if I ever love another country."
--- Confederate Soldier During Retreat To Appomattox
"My shoes are gone; my clothes are almost gone. I'm weary, I'm sick, I'm hungry. My family have been killed or scattered. And I have suffered all this for my country. I love my country. But if this war is ever over, I'll be damned if I ever love another country."
--- Confederate Soldier During Retreat To Appomattox
Monday, September 12, 2011
Chancellor House in May of 1863
This spring,bathed in a golden sunset, I read the following accounts of the action around the Chancellor House. The traffic sounds all but disappeared as my mind built the sounds of May 2nd and 3rd of 1863. I wish I were there now, reading more accounts. Enjoy.
CHANCELLORS HOUSE April 30
We arrived at the Chancellorsville in the afternoon of the 30th and bivouacked for the night near the Chancellor House. The pioneers were at once set at work cutting down the timber around the camp, and steps were taken to fortify the position. Every ax in the corps was in motion, and until long after midnight the ring and clatter of axes and the crash of falling timber could be heard al along the line. Our line faced toward the pike road-the direction which the enemy was supposed to be coming from. The 11th corps was on the extreme right, reading far into the wilderness.
Van R. Willard, 3rd Wisconsin Infantry, Ruger’s Brigade Williams Division, 12th Corps
May 1st
On the 1st of May we were mustered for pay. It was a warm, bright morning, such as the May Dan celebrators love. I never saw a brighter or more peaceful morning; but it was the calm before the storm.
Van R. Willard, 3rd Wisconsin Infantry, Ruger’s Brigade Williams Division, 12th Corps
We were ordered to leave our knapsacks here which we did, and were never seen afterwards. We moved slowly forward and entered and open field where we were ordered to lie down. In a few minutes we arose, moved on again until we reached a rail fence skirting another piece of woods into which we marched, col. Carmen was injured at this point while getting over the fence and retired leaving the regiment in command of Major Grimes. We proceeded through these woods in line of battle some five hundred yards when orders were received for the regiment to return to and report to our old camp near Chancellorsville. The order to report to our old camp was virtually an abandonment of the aggressive policy so hopefully entered upon. As a check to the advance of the enemy the trees in our front were cut down and every precaution taken to guard against surprise
Samuel Toombs, 13th New Jersey, Ruger’s Brigade, William’s Division, 12th Corps
The day was intensely hot, the dry clay-like soil of Virginia was quickly transformed into dust by the marching men horses and artillery, and the air was so heavily laden with the particles of earth that one could see but a few feet in any direction. Water was scarce, and the halts to find it or to rest were very few. On, on we pressed, much of the time on almost the double-quick, until it seemed that each step must be the last, my feet were sore and blistered, but I was not as badly off as many others whose shoes had given out entirely. The route was strewn with blankets, overcoats, and shelter tents thrown away by the men to lighten their load.
J.P Fahey, 12th New Hampshire, Bowman’s Brigade, Whipple’s, Division, 3rd Corps
We occupied this position until ordered to fall back. We had, before entering the wood from which we retired, left our knapsacks, and were ordered to take them on our retreat. We had not, however, retired on the same ground by which we had advanced, and were some 400 paces past our knapsacks when we received this order. We faced about and marched back in the direction of our knapsacks. Just as our men were taking knapsacks our skirmishers were fired upon. I was receiving instructions from General Ruger, he was sitting upon his horse, when a shell exploded, throwing the earth upon us, and wounding Captain Rutter, of Company I.... .
Lt. Col. Newton Colby, 107th New York, Rugar’s Brigade, Williams Division, 12th Corps
Finally about one o’clock (am) that night, having reached a point near Hartwood church, eighteen or twenty miles from where we had started, a halt was called for the remainder of the night. As soon as the order was given, a rush was made for a small sandy brook close by, and so anxious were the men for a drink or to secure water for coffee or their canteens, they got into the stream like a herd of cattle and soon the water was thick as sand. Up to that time I had acted on a school boy notion hat coffee was injurious, but this night I drank coffee for the first time, and though I strained it as well as I could though my lips to keep as much of the sand as possible from entering my mouth, I found it so refreshing that I was henceforth a great coffee drinker. Coffee and hardtack disposed of, it was but the work of a minute to spread out our blankets on the ground, and we were soon in blissful sleep.
J.P Fahey, 12th New Hampshire, Bowman’s Brigade, Whipple’s, Division, 3rd Corps
NIGHT OF MAY 2
We had run through swamp, creeks and mud until we were wet to our waists. We lay in line of battle again…suffering a great deal from the cool breezes, our clothing being wet and muddy. It was awful to see the flashing of the artillery and bursting of shells in the air over our heads during the whole night. You may know that one cannot sleep much under such circumstances as these.
William Norman, 2nd North Carolina, Ramsuer’s Brigade, Rodes Division, Jackson’s Corps
(They) took shelter and made breastworks of large oak trees which they cut down and piled up. On the top of this wood they put on a heavy log with a space between by propping it up to give room to shoot through. It was a formidable work.
James E. Phillips Company G, 12th Virginia Infantry, Mahone’s Brigade, Anderson’s division
MAY 3
Scarcely had the light of day begun to penetrate the depths of that gloomy wilderness before the fight begun on the left of us. Our pickets or skirmishers where driven in about five o’clock and in less than an hour the battle was raging in all its fury.
Van R. Willard, 3rd Wisconsin Infantry, Ruger’s Brigade, Williams Division, 12th Corps
While the fight was raging most fiercely, rations were brought down to us and we were supplied with hardtack. Before we could secure either coffee or sugar, the order was given, “Fall in Thirteenth; forward march. The regiment moved promptly forward and relieved the second Massachusetts.
The first sensation on coming under fire was one of timidity, but that soon passed away, and the men became as cool and collected as though no danger confronted them. We had a good view of both lines of battle, and for about an hour contested the advance of the enemy. A zouave regiment which moved into action at that point attracted general attention. As the regiment advanced in column closed in mass division front, and deployed into line, it presented a beautiful sight: but the enemy concentrated their fire in that direction and the line which a moment before was moving into position beautifully, melted away like a snow bank under a hot sun. The battle grew fiercer each moment.
Samuel Toombs, 13th New Jersey, Ruger’s Brigade, William’s Division, 12th Corps
The next morning, Sunday, we were awakened by the heavy irregular tramping at our rear. Rising and looking around I saw moving along among the trees a very broken and demoralized trail of soldiers. Instantly I felt what it meant. Our time had come. We must go into action. We soon learned that this was the remnants of 11th corps, and that it had been sent to occupy our safe place. Our division was at once all in bustle and preparation. Coffee and hard-tack were soon swallowed. With the risen sun our regiments were speeding at the double-quick pace toward the right, where desperate fighting had already been renewed. Near Chancellorsville hotel we were halted. The three mile run had been a severe beginning for the day. We remained where we halted for nearly an hour. Then, in column, we moved on past the famous house, past the forty guns which had been massed in the open space beyond the house, and towards the woods where, at the right, sharp crashing whirr of musketry rose above all other dreadful sounds which filled the air. The horrors of battle began to appear, in our path were many who had met with wounded and death in the regiments that preceded us. We made a short halt where the dead and wounded were lying, this was most trying ordeal. Had the stop continued long it might have been demoralizing. With nothing to do, with mutilation and death visible at our feet and with peril to ourselves increasing, large drafts were made upon our moral resources. Fortunately the halt was but for a few moments. The by the right flank we advanced in line of battle. What an advance! Leaving the open field we entered the wilderness. Our progress was for the most part a mere scramble; over logs. Through dense underbrush, briers, and in swamp mud. We were scratched bruised and our clothing torn. But we pushed on for about a hundred yards into the thicket. In somewhat thinner woods we were halted and when in line lay down and began to load and fire at will. It was an ugly give and take. We could not see the enemy, but the whizz and ting of their bullets showed that they were not far away, how long this aimless firing continued I don’t know, but as the excitement grew any of the men rose to their feet, fired and remained standing to load and fire.
Lieutenant Clay McCauley, 126th Pennsylvania, Tyler’s brigade, Humphrey’s division, 2nd corps
When we arrived behind the breastwork where we had routed the enemy must in front of their batteries, forty-odd pieces of artillery were pouring out the grape and canister by the bushels on us. We halted and began to pour volleys of musket and Minie balls into their ranks. I seized hold of one of my company’s guns and was shooting whkle he handed me cartridges. I could see men shot through-some in the head and some torn all in pieces by the belching cannon in our front. Orders came down the line to for us to fall back., which I learned later was a false alarm. However, this was a fortunate thing for me, for I if I had remained there only a few minutes longer, I would have been captured by the enemy’s on my right who were falling back towards us in our rear and captured all that remained behind the works.
William Norman, 2nd North Carolina, Ramsuer’s Brigade, Rodes Division, Jackson’s Corps
One of my men in his haste had shot away his ramrod, he help up the musket to show me what he had done. Without thinking I started the rear, where at a short distance, I knew lay a musket. No sooner had I left touching distance of my company when an irresistible sense of loneliness and dread seized me. Each step away made the sensation more acute. Somehow, however, I got the ramrod of the dead man’s musket and went back to the line on the run.. With the return to the firing line came assurance and courage.
Lieutenant Clay McCauley, 126th Pennsylvania, Tyler’s brigade, Humphrey’s division, 2nd corps
The air seemed full of hissing, shrieking demons, and I expected that the next moment would bring death. The fight went on. So continuous and direct had been the firing that the underbrush at our front was literally cut down about waist-height.
Lieutenant Clay McCauley, 126th Pennsylvania, Tyler’s brigade, Humphrey’s division, 2nd corps
On arriving safely at the new line of battle, Lieutenant Bedee (now commanding the regiment) was met by General Sickles,
“What regiment and where’s the rest of it?”
“Twelfth New Hampshire, Sir, and here’s about what’s left of it.”
“Then fall in, my brave men, and help us hold this line.”
“But we’re all out of ammunition, General”
“Then pass to the rear with your gallant men, and give my guns a chance.”
And we passed through his lines close to the Chancellors house and the woods beyond. As we passed this house, the bricks were being shattered by shot and shell and the house soon took fire. The house, used as a hospital at the time, was hastily cleared at the last moment an officer visited the cellar and there found women who had taken refuge there when the battle began.
J.P Fahey, 12th New Hampshire, Bowman’s Brigade, Whipple’s, Division, 3rd Corps
The Chancellorsville house seemed to be a special object of their wrath, and a battery stationed near there lost a large number of horses. One shell struck a horse inn the field to the right of us as we marched, blowing the animal to pieces and throwing the rider violently to the earth.
Samuel Toombs, 13th New Jersey, Ruger’s Brigade, William’s Division, 12th Corps
(Following the assault of the Stonewall Brigade and Pender’s attack on the right side of the road) when the command to charge was given to so…as we advanced a shell struck the ground immediately before me, exploding and covered me with dirt, but providentially inflicted no wounds. Onward we rushed with the Rebel Yell. When we came in sight for those formidable rifle pits we were delighted to find them abandoned by our foes; and when we climbed over them and entered the field just beyond them we were no less glad to discover that those batteries that had so noisily shelled us the night before had been withdrawn.
Captain Wayland Fuller Dunaway, 40th Virginia Infantry, Brockenbraugh’s Brigade, Heth’s Division
Our artillery open out on them, but they seem to care for anything, as they start up a hellish yelling and come for us. We open our small arms on them and cause some to fall to mother earth to rise no more. They close up the gaps in their ranks an still come on. We get the order to fall back, which is done in good order, loading and firing as we go. Our artillery got to the rear and take position as to be ready for the enemy when we have passed them. The battle rages fearfully along the line and thousands fall on both sides. They break line after line, but not till they pay dearly for every foot of ground they take. Falling behind a line in front of the Chancellorsville House, we get the order to lie down, which is done gladly for a few minutes the rebels pour their shot and shell into our midst, and many a poor fellow roles over without a groan. Captain Mason is killed laying by my side; a piece of shell takes him in the bowels and kills him instantly. Our front line gives way again, and we are on our feet once more, ready to receive the charge of the victorious enemy. Our artillery opens out on them and then our musketry, mowing down fearful gaps in their ranks. But on the come, and back we have to get again. General Birney rides up on his beautiful hors and gives the order to countercharge the enemy. We come to a right about face, and before the rebels knew what we were about, charge into their midst, making them get back a short distance, and taking a number of prisoners…they charge on us, thinking to carry our works, but they got as far as they can get as we hold our works against all their attacks, and about 12 0’clock the terrible battle of Chancellorsville is ended.
Daniel Crotty, 3rd Michigan Infantry, Hayman’s Brigade, Birney’s Division, 3rd Corps
Two confederate batteries galloped up to our line, and , unlimbering, opened upon the battery in the yard( Chancellor Yard) at close range. There were in the southern army many soldiers in their teens, but here at one of the guns labored a boy who was, as I guessed from his size, not more than twelve years old. It was his part to fire the gun by pulling the lanyard, and as often as he did it he playfully rolled over backwards. Boys will be boys.
Captain Wayland Fuller Dunaway, 40th Virginia Infantry, Brockenbraugh’s Brigade, Heth’s Division
Near the Chancellorsville House was a well that supplied the house with water. A large number of men, famishing for water, crowded about this well regardless of the flying missiles of death, and here some were wounded and killed. My first impulse was to obtain water here myself, but I quickly took in the situation and concluded to move on.
J.P Fahey, 12th New Hampshire, Bowman’s Brigade, Whipple’s, Division, 3rd Corps
We charged through the wilderness about half a mile and halted behind the breastworks built by the enemy the night before. As soon as we passed the first line of breastworks which the enemy had built and had been driven from, the men on my right and left and front were falling rapidly. As I was advancing, one of my company was shot right in front of me. I passed over him but saw that he was dead by the time he struck the ground. Some of the company would holler out to me that they were wounded, what they must do, etc. I would tell them to get to the rear. I could not stop to care for these poor fellows.
William Norman, 2nd North Carolina, Ramsuer’s Brigade, Rodes Division, Jackson’s Corps
We commenced firing at the line in our front and the 7th NJ who were on our left started to flank the flankers. As soon as the 7th had fairly started, Col Seward gave the order to charge and over the breastworks we went, driving the rebels back in short order and capturing some seven stands of colors, besides a lot of prisoners. One of the colors was captured by the 7th NJ after a knock down argument. The color bearer would not give up the standard until he was knocked down by the butt of a musket and the flag was rested from his grasp. A rebel colonel having been cut off from his men, was ordered to halt and surrender, but as he would no neither was shot from his horse. The woods were strewn with dead and wounded rebels with an odd one of our own. Having no support, we fell back to the works and found when we got there that the 12th corps had skipped out, leaving our brigade alone without any support but a battery of artillery that was posed on top of the mound in our rear.
Private Alfred Bellard, 5th New Jersey, 2nd division Berry, 3rd brigade 3rd Corps
We lay here only a few moments. General Ramsuer sprang upon a log and gave the command, forward and charge them boys, charge them!” We gave a cheer and rushed across the line of breastworks. Our ranks were so thinned by this that we could not hold our position very long, but reinforcements came up, and again the enemy was driven form his strong position in confusion. Our brigade fell back to reform and let fresh troops take our place
During the assault Colonel Edwards walked on top of the works waving his sword to encourage the men and was shot through the shoulder. When he was brought back I helped him out of the ambulance and expressed sympathy for him which caused him to shed tears but he said nothing. Colonel Perrin was brought back shot through the body and General McGowen was struck below knee while standing upon the works.
Spencer Glasgow Welch, 13th South Carolina Surgeon, McGowan’s Brigade, AP Hills Division, Jackson’s Corps
Made a charge through what is called Abitis, trees cut down and its branches cut to form a sharp end to prevent us from getting to them. This, however, did not prevent us from carrying out the order to capture the works and the lines of the enemy. When we got near their guns, they ran away and we turned their guns on them and fired on them as they ran through the works.
James E. Phillips Company G, 12th Virginia Infantry, Mahone’s Brigade, Anderson’s division
Soon after we left the works I received a wound in the leg that prevented me from keeping up with the Reg. And I had to paddle my own canoe. There being a ditch in front of me which I had to cross and not knowing wither I was badly wounded or not. I took in into my head to jump over and if my leg would stand that, to go on my way to the rear. But if not, I made up my mind to lie down in the ditch and take my chance of being captured (quite a number of men were lying in this ditch but wither wounded or not I did not know). Jumping over I found to my satisfaction that my leg would stand it and started after the regt. As near as I could guess, fro they were nowhere to be seen. Shot and shells were plowing up the ground in all directions, while bullets whistled past my ears in dangerous proximity.
Private Alfred Bellard, 5th New Jersey, 2nd division Berry, 3rd brigade 3rd Corps
It was an awful sight to see, what destruction we had made upon the enemy. They were piled on each other in every sort of shape. Some of them was blown to pieces, some head off from explosions of caissons and limber chests, horses were piled on each other, it was an awful sight to behold.
James E. Phillips Company G, 12th Virginia Infantry, Mahone’s Brigade, Anderson’s division
Throwing away my gun to lighten my load, I went over the field the best I could, and not looking to see where I was going, I was brought to my senses by a command to lay down, and looking up found myself in front of a battery of artillery that was firing into rebels and in between two guns that were about to fire. Throwing myself flat on my face, the guns were discharged that shells passing over me, while I was enveloped in smoke and powder. No damage done, and getting up again, I wended my way past the Chancellorsville house, Hooker’s headquarters. Old Joe himself was leaning against a pillar when I passed.
Private Alfred Bellard, 5th New Jersey, 2nd division Berry, 3rd brigade 3rd Corps
When we arrived behind the breastwork where we had routed the enemy must in front of their batteries, forty-odd pieces of artillery were pouring out the grape and canister by the bushels on us. We halted and began to pour volleys of musket and Minie balls into their ranks. I seized hold of one of my company’s guns and was shooting while he handed me cartridges. I could see men shot through-some in the head and some torn all in pieces by the belching cannon in our front. Orders came down the line to for us to fall back., which I learned later was a false alarm. However, this was a fortunate thing for me, for I if I had remained there only a few minutes longer, I would have been captured by the enemy’s on my right who were falling back towards us in our rear and captured all that remained behind the works.
William Norman, 2nd North Carolina, Ramsuer’s Brigade, Rodes Division, Jackson’s Corps
Soon I found myself alone. I saw that I must run or be killed. I started to run, but after a few steps my sword scabbard tripped and threw me down on my face. Up again. I tried to break through the bushes; I fell again. And was so exhausted that I could to no further… I discovered the rebels rapidly coming through the brush. Instinctively I started to rest. But as I rose, I saw one of the oncoming skirmishers take a sudden interest in me. He jerked his musket from charge to direct aim. I was his mark. For several seconds I looked into the muzzle of that advancing musket. As in a mist, I saw many moving men and head the noise of their rush. But my brain was concentrated on that one advancing figure. Within a few paces distance came his musket to a charge and with the bayonet at my breasts the man yelled. You____ ______ _______ of a ____, give me that sword. My captor (either 5th or 6th Alabama soldier) a tawny bearded fellow, seeing that I was but a boy, changed his manner and at once I gave him my sword.
Lieutenant Clay McCauley, 126th Pennsylvania, Tyler’s brigade, Humphrey’s division, 2nd corps
I have never in my life heard the missiles of death whistle so fast and thick around me. I was very nearly covered in earth many times by bombshells. The bark from the trees often made my face sting, and splinters knocked from the neighboring trees or saplings were stuck in my clothes.
William Norman, 2nd North Carolina, Ramsuer’s Brigade, Rodes Division, Jackson’s Corps
Then as the firing slackened I was a foreboding disorder on our right. A feeling of suspense and of doubt seemed to thrill along the line. The disorder changing to tumult, it swept in upon the company next to mine and then it stuck my company’s right. Rising in successive ranks from the ground, the men, with questioning looks at one another, started, at first slowly and then rapidly, backward. It was a necessary retreat of almost helpless men from a coming danger which they felt themselves powerless to resist. The enemy, discovering that our ammunition was exhausted had charged us, striking our extreme right, must as one line of the letter V meets another.
Lieutenant Clay McCauley, 126th Pennsylvania, Tyler’s brigade, Humphrey’s division, 2nd corps
After getting possession of the works all of the troops were formed on the road which faces to the north then General Lee rode along in front of us and we as a matter of course, we cheered and cheered time and again. Our brigade along with Semmes brigade moved out of line to go down to Salem Church to reinforce Early.
James E. Phillips Company G, 12th Virginia Infantry, Mahone’s Brigade, Anderson’s division
NIGHT of May 3
Captain McFail and Lieutenant Mike Bowers came back looking for stragglers and found four young who where were known to be cowards, but who were always great braggarts after a battle was over. They all pretended to be sick but I could see no indication of it, and they were marched off, but before reaching the works, one of them slipped away, although the fighting had ended.
Spencer Glasgow Welch, 13th South Carolina Surgeon, McGowan’s Brigade, AP Hills Division, Jackson’s Corps
After all the wounded were attended to I was very tired and went to sleep late that night in a tent. I would wake up cold during the night and reach out for a jug of whiskey and take a swallow and go back to sleep again.
Spencer Glasgow Welch, 13th South Carolina Surgeon, McGowan’s Brigade, AP Hills Division, Jackson’s Corps
After we rested in the woods for a short time, we gathered around those few already found, forming a rallying nucleus for those still hunting for the regiment. Towards night, led by Colonel Berdan of the sharpshooters, we, with others that had come in, were ordered back to the Rappahannock. In a short time I overtook John Moores, a comrade of my company. He had been badly wounded in one foot and was making his way to the rear as best he could. We were overtaken by a mounted man, and I induced him to dismount and give Moores a ride to eth hospital near the river.
J.P Fahey, 12th New Hampshire, Bowman’s Brigade, Whipple’s, Division, 3rd Corps
I could not sleep much that night, for the moment my eyes were closed I imagined I could see soldiers falling all around me, and their dying groans rang in my ears all the time.
William Norman, 2nd North Carolina, Ramsuer’s Brigade, Rodes Division, Jackson’s Corps
Our pickets sent in quite a number of rebel prisoners…one had a bad wound in his neck. Sanborn wishing to sympathize with him a little said, “a bad wound that you’ve got.” The reb, lean, lank specimen of humanity on which all sympathy had been lost, replied with a look, sour and ugly enough to satisfy the evil on himself, “Yes, but I wish it was through my D---D heart.” “So do I” said Sanborn quickly, and I think it was the feeling of all the boys that his wish had been gratified.
Sergeant Austin C. Stearns, 13th Massachusetts Infantry, Leanord’s Brigade, Robinson’s Division, 1st Corps
On this road (Plank Road) the struggle of the day and night before had been severest. Our own and the Confederate dead and wounded by the score lay side by side there. Twice, batteries plunged past us, the hoofs of the horses and the caisson wheels, crushing and mutilating the dead bodies of friend and foe. Along the roadside, were gathered hundreds of the wounded of both armies, their only shelter from the blazing sun being blankets stretched over them, held in place the closed hammers of muskets, the muskets reversed and stuck into the ground by their bayonets. Confederate reserves passed us, hurrying to the front at “double-quick time:” supplies of ammunition were being carried forward.
Lieutenant Clay McCauley, 126th Pennsylvania, Tyler’s brigade, Humphrey’s division, 2nd corps
POST BATTLE
Several young Yankee surgeons in fine uniforms came over with a white flag, and I went to where they were attending their wounded. While there I talked with a wounded man from Ohio, and saw one of our soldiers cut a forked limb from a tree and make a crutch for a Yankee who was wounded in the foot. The unfed horses of a Yankee cavalry regiment had been hitched to the trees near by and had knawed off all the bark within their reach.
Spencer Glasgow Welch, 13th South Carolina Surgeon, McGowan’s Brigade, AP Hills Division, Jackson’s Corps
The enemy had used the Chancellor House for a field hospital and had taken a great many of their wounded, as well as ours that they had captured, and placed them in and around the building. When they had to fall back and our forces advanced, this house was between the two armies. The enemy masked their batteries behind the building and were annoying us very much. The only alternative for us to get them from behind the house was for our artillery to shell the house. Our batteries opened on the house and soon knocked it into a “cocked hat.” The fine hotel was soon in flames and the enemy got away as quickly as possible but it was too late to save the poor wounded. They had to perish in the flames.
William Norman, 2nd North Carolina, Ramsuer’s Brigade, Rodes Division, Jackson’s Corps
Our pioneer’s corps then went to work burying the dead when I witnessed the most horrible sight my eyes ever beheld. On the left of our line where the Louisiana brigade had fought the last evening of the battle and where they drove the enemy about one mile though the woods, and then in turn fell back to their own positions, the scene beggars description. The dead and badly wounded from both sides where lying where they fell. The woods, taking fire that night from shells burned rapidly and roasted the wounded men alive. As we went to burry them we could see where they had tried to keep the fire from them by scratching the leaves away as far as they could reach. But ti availed not; they were burnt to a crisp. The only way we could tell to which army they belonged was by turning them over and examining their clothing where they lay close to the ground. There we would usually find some of their clothing that was not burned, so we could see whether they wore the blue or gray. We buried them all alike by covering them up with dirt where they lay.
Joseph O. Casler 33rd Virginia
Our own dead had been buried and wounded removed but the Yankee dead and wounded lay thickly over the field. Many had not yet had their wounds dressed and lay groaning on the wet ground praying every passer by to change their position or give them a drink of water and now a the excitement of battle was over our men did all in their power to alleviate their suffering… Their dead lay thick over the grounds some seemed as though they had died without a struggle without a visible wound but the small mine ball had done its work of death; others could hardly be recognized as human beings, mangled and torn by solid shot, shell and grape, and these showed how awful had been their suffering, with teeth clenched and hands deeply buried in the earth, they seemed to have suffered agonies before death relieved them; and the poor horses were not spared, her laid some literally torn to pieces, others with feet shot off endeavoring in vain to get up. Our men humanly shot them as they would never get over their wounds.
Ted Barclay 4th Virginia, (Paxton’s Stonewall) Brigade
We found it (their departure) was a hurry move as they had left all kinds of things behind them, among the legacy which they left was about 45 beefs, finest kind, all killed skinned, dressed and ready to cut up, lying on hides. Some of them took up an idea that it had been left on purpose with poison on them so as to kill us, but it was alright and we had lots of fine beef for several days. This was one of the richest camps I ever saw. All kinds of good things; can goods, clothing of all kinds, guns ammunition, artillery and all equipment such as was very useful to our army.
James E. Phillips Company G, 12th Virginia Infantry, Mahone’s Brigade, Anderson’s division
CHANCELLORS HOUSE April 30
We arrived at the Chancellorsville in the afternoon of the 30th and bivouacked for the night near the Chancellor House. The pioneers were at once set at work cutting down the timber around the camp, and steps were taken to fortify the position. Every ax in the corps was in motion, and until long after midnight the ring and clatter of axes and the crash of falling timber could be heard al along the line. Our line faced toward the pike road-the direction which the enemy was supposed to be coming from. The 11th corps was on the extreme right, reading far into the wilderness.
Van R. Willard, 3rd Wisconsin Infantry, Ruger’s Brigade Williams Division, 12th Corps
May 1st
On the 1st of May we were mustered for pay. It was a warm, bright morning, such as the May Dan celebrators love. I never saw a brighter or more peaceful morning; but it was the calm before the storm.
Van R. Willard, 3rd Wisconsin Infantry, Ruger’s Brigade Williams Division, 12th Corps
We were ordered to leave our knapsacks here which we did, and were never seen afterwards. We moved slowly forward and entered and open field where we were ordered to lie down. In a few minutes we arose, moved on again until we reached a rail fence skirting another piece of woods into which we marched, col. Carmen was injured at this point while getting over the fence and retired leaving the regiment in command of Major Grimes. We proceeded through these woods in line of battle some five hundred yards when orders were received for the regiment to return to and report to our old camp near Chancellorsville. The order to report to our old camp was virtually an abandonment of the aggressive policy so hopefully entered upon. As a check to the advance of the enemy the trees in our front were cut down and every precaution taken to guard against surprise
Samuel Toombs, 13th New Jersey, Ruger’s Brigade, William’s Division, 12th Corps
The day was intensely hot, the dry clay-like soil of Virginia was quickly transformed into dust by the marching men horses and artillery, and the air was so heavily laden with the particles of earth that one could see but a few feet in any direction. Water was scarce, and the halts to find it or to rest were very few. On, on we pressed, much of the time on almost the double-quick, until it seemed that each step must be the last, my feet were sore and blistered, but I was not as badly off as many others whose shoes had given out entirely. The route was strewn with blankets, overcoats, and shelter tents thrown away by the men to lighten their load.
J.P Fahey, 12th New Hampshire, Bowman’s Brigade, Whipple’s, Division, 3rd Corps
We occupied this position until ordered to fall back. We had, before entering the wood from which we retired, left our knapsacks, and were ordered to take them on our retreat. We had not, however, retired on the same ground by which we had advanced, and were some 400 paces past our knapsacks when we received this order. We faced about and marched back in the direction of our knapsacks. Just as our men were taking knapsacks our skirmishers were fired upon. I was receiving instructions from General Ruger, he was sitting upon his horse, when a shell exploded, throwing the earth upon us, and wounding Captain Rutter, of Company I.... .
Lt. Col. Newton Colby, 107th New York, Rugar’s Brigade, Williams Division, 12th Corps
Finally about one o’clock (am) that night, having reached a point near Hartwood church, eighteen or twenty miles from where we had started, a halt was called for the remainder of the night. As soon as the order was given, a rush was made for a small sandy brook close by, and so anxious were the men for a drink or to secure water for coffee or their canteens, they got into the stream like a herd of cattle and soon the water was thick as sand. Up to that time I had acted on a school boy notion hat coffee was injurious, but this night I drank coffee for the first time, and though I strained it as well as I could though my lips to keep as much of the sand as possible from entering my mouth, I found it so refreshing that I was henceforth a great coffee drinker. Coffee and hardtack disposed of, it was but the work of a minute to spread out our blankets on the ground, and we were soon in blissful sleep.
J.P Fahey, 12th New Hampshire, Bowman’s Brigade, Whipple’s, Division, 3rd Corps
NIGHT OF MAY 2
We had run through swamp, creeks and mud until we were wet to our waists. We lay in line of battle again…suffering a great deal from the cool breezes, our clothing being wet and muddy. It was awful to see the flashing of the artillery and bursting of shells in the air over our heads during the whole night. You may know that one cannot sleep much under such circumstances as these.
William Norman, 2nd North Carolina, Ramsuer’s Brigade, Rodes Division, Jackson’s Corps
(They) took shelter and made breastworks of large oak trees which they cut down and piled up. On the top of this wood they put on a heavy log with a space between by propping it up to give room to shoot through. It was a formidable work.
James E. Phillips Company G, 12th Virginia Infantry, Mahone’s Brigade, Anderson’s division
MAY 3
Scarcely had the light of day begun to penetrate the depths of that gloomy wilderness before the fight begun on the left of us. Our pickets or skirmishers where driven in about five o’clock and in less than an hour the battle was raging in all its fury.
Van R. Willard, 3rd Wisconsin Infantry, Ruger’s Brigade, Williams Division, 12th Corps
While the fight was raging most fiercely, rations were brought down to us and we were supplied with hardtack. Before we could secure either coffee or sugar, the order was given, “Fall in Thirteenth; forward march. The regiment moved promptly forward and relieved the second Massachusetts.
The first sensation on coming under fire was one of timidity, but that soon passed away, and the men became as cool and collected as though no danger confronted them. We had a good view of both lines of battle, and for about an hour contested the advance of the enemy. A zouave regiment which moved into action at that point attracted general attention. As the regiment advanced in column closed in mass division front, and deployed into line, it presented a beautiful sight: but the enemy concentrated their fire in that direction and the line which a moment before was moving into position beautifully, melted away like a snow bank under a hot sun. The battle grew fiercer each moment.
Samuel Toombs, 13th New Jersey, Ruger’s Brigade, William’s Division, 12th Corps
The next morning, Sunday, we were awakened by the heavy irregular tramping at our rear. Rising and looking around I saw moving along among the trees a very broken and demoralized trail of soldiers. Instantly I felt what it meant. Our time had come. We must go into action. We soon learned that this was the remnants of 11th corps, and that it had been sent to occupy our safe place. Our division was at once all in bustle and preparation. Coffee and hard-tack were soon swallowed. With the risen sun our regiments were speeding at the double-quick pace toward the right, where desperate fighting had already been renewed. Near Chancellorsville hotel we were halted. The three mile run had been a severe beginning for the day. We remained where we halted for nearly an hour. Then, in column, we moved on past the famous house, past the forty guns which had been massed in the open space beyond the house, and towards the woods where, at the right, sharp crashing whirr of musketry rose above all other dreadful sounds which filled the air. The horrors of battle began to appear, in our path were many who had met with wounded and death in the regiments that preceded us. We made a short halt where the dead and wounded were lying, this was most trying ordeal. Had the stop continued long it might have been demoralizing. With nothing to do, with mutilation and death visible at our feet and with peril to ourselves increasing, large drafts were made upon our moral resources. Fortunately the halt was but for a few moments. The by the right flank we advanced in line of battle. What an advance! Leaving the open field we entered the wilderness. Our progress was for the most part a mere scramble; over logs. Through dense underbrush, briers, and in swamp mud. We were scratched bruised and our clothing torn. But we pushed on for about a hundred yards into the thicket. In somewhat thinner woods we were halted and when in line lay down and began to load and fire at will. It was an ugly give and take. We could not see the enemy, but the whizz and ting of their bullets showed that they were not far away, how long this aimless firing continued I don’t know, but as the excitement grew any of the men rose to their feet, fired and remained standing to load and fire.
Lieutenant Clay McCauley, 126th Pennsylvania, Tyler’s brigade, Humphrey’s division, 2nd corps
When we arrived behind the breastwork where we had routed the enemy must in front of their batteries, forty-odd pieces of artillery were pouring out the grape and canister by the bushels on us. We halted and began to pour volleys of musket and Minie balls into their ranks. I seized hold of one of my company’s guns and was shooting whkle he handed me cartridges. I could see men shot through-some in the head and some torn all in pieces by the belching cannon in our front. Orders came down the line to for us to fall back., which I learned later was a false alarm. However, this was a fortunate thing for me, for I if I had remained there only a few minutes longer, I would have been captured by the enemy’s on my right who were falling back towards us in our rear and captured all that remained behind the works.
William Norman, 2nd North Carolina, Ramsuer’s Brigade, Rodes Division, Jackson’s Corps
One of my men in his haste had shot away his ramrod, he help up the musket to show me what he had done. Without thinking I started the rear, where at a short distance, I knew lay a musket. No sooner had I left touching distance of my company when an irresistible sense of loneliness and dread seized me. Each step away made the sensation more acute. Somehow, however, I got the ramrod of the dead man’s musket and went back to the line on the run.. With the return to the firing line came assurance and courage.
Lieutenant Clay McCauley, 126th Pennsylvania, Tyler’s brigade, Humphrey’s division, 2nd corps
The air seemed full of hissing, shrieking demons, and I expected that the next moment would bring death. The fight went on. So continuous and direct had been the firing that the underbrush at our front was literally cut down about waist-height.
Lieutenant Clay McCauley, 126th Pennsylvania, Tyler’s brigade, Humphrey’s division, 2nd corps
On arriving safely at the new line of battle, Lieutenant Bedee (now commanding the regiment) was met by General Sickles,
“What regiment and where’s the rest of it?”
“Twelfth New Hampshire, Sir, and here’s about what’s left of it.”
“Then fall in, my brave men, and help us hold this line.”
“But we’re all out of ammunition, General”
“Then pass to the rear with your gallant men, and give my guns a chance.”
And we passed through his lines close to the Chancellors house and the woods beyond. As we passed this house, the bricks were being shattered by shot and shell and the house soon took fire. The house, used as a hospital at the time, was hastily cleared at the last moment an officer visited the cellar and there found women who had taken refuge there when the battle began.
J.P Fahey, 12th New Hampshire, Bowman’s Brigade, Whipple’s, Division, 3rd Corps
The Chancellorsville house seemed to be a special object of their wrath, and a battery stationed near there lost a large number of horses. One shell struck a horse inn the field to the right of us as we marched, blowing the animal to pieces and throwing the rider violently to the earth.
Samuel Toombs, 13th New Jersey, Ruger’s Brigade, William’s Division, 12th Corps
(Following the assault of the Stonewall Brigade and Pender’s attack on the right side of the road) when the command to charge was given to so…as we advanced a shell struck the ground immediately before me, exploding and covered me with dirt, but providentially inflicted no wounds. Onward we rushed with the Rebel Yell. When we came in sight for those formidable rifle pits we were delighted to find them abandoned by our foes; and when we climbed over them and entered the field just beyond them we were no less glad to discover that those batteries that had so noisily shelled us the night before had been withdrawn.
Captain Wayland Fuller Dunaway, 40th Virginia Infantry, Brockenbraugh’s Brigade, Heth’s Division
Our artillery open out on them, but they seem to care for anything, as they start up a hellish yelling and come for us. We open our small arms on them and cause some to fall to mother earth to rise no more. They close up the gaps in their ranks an still come on. We get the order to fall back, which is done in good order, loading and firing as we go. Our artillery got to the rear and take position as to be ready for the enemy when we have passed them. The battle rages fearfully along the line and thousands fall on both sides. They break line after line, but not till they pay dearly for every foot of ground they take. Falling behind a line in front of the Chancellorsville House, we get the order to lie down, which is done gladly for a few minutes the rebels pour their shot and shell into our midst, and many a poor fellow roles over without a groan. Captain Mason is killed laying by my side; a piece of shell takes him in the bowels and kills him instantly. Our front line gives way again, and we are on our feet once more, ready to receive the charge of the victorious enemy. Our artillery opens out on them and then our musketry, mowing down fearful gaps in their ranks. But on the come, and back we have to get again. General Birney rides up on his beautiful hors and gives the order to countercharge the enemy. We come to a right about face, and before the rebels knew what we were about, charge into their midst, making them get back a short distance, and taking a number of prisoners…they charge on us, thinking to carry our works, but they got as far as they can get as we hold our works against all their attacks, and about 12 0’clock the terrible battle of Chancellorsville is ended.
Daniel Crotty, 3rd Michigan Infantry, Hayman’s Brigade, Birney’s Division, 3rd Corps
Two confederate batteries galloped up to our line, and , unlimbering, opened upon the battery in the yard( Chancellor Yard) at close range. There were in the southern army many soldiers in their teens, but here at one of the guns labored a boy who was, as I guessed from his size, not more than twelve years old. It was his part to fire the gun by pulling the lanyard, and as often as he did it he playfully rolled over backwards. Boys will be boys.
Captain Wayland Fuller Dunaway, 40th Virginia Infantry, Brockenbraugh’s Brigade, Heth’s Division
Near the Chancellorsville House was a well that supplied the house with water. A large number of men, famishing for water, crowded about this well regardless of the flying missiles of death, and here some were wounded and killed. My first impulse was to obtain water here myself, but I quickly took in the situation and concluded to move on.
J.P Fahey, 12th New Hampshire, Bowman’s Brigade, Whipple’s, Division, 3rd Corps
We charged through the wilderness about half a mile and halted behind the breastworks built by the enemy the night before. As soon as we passed the first line of breastworks which the enemy had built and had been driven from, the men on my right and left and front were falling rapidly. As I was advancing, one of my company was shot right in front of me. I passed over him but saw that he was dead by the time he struck the ground. Some of the company would holler out to me that they were wounded, what they must do, etc. I would tell them to get to the rear. I could not stop to care for these poor fellows.
William Norman, 2nd North Carolina, Ramsuer’s Brigade, Rodes Division, Jackson’s Corps
We commenced firing at the line in our front and the 7th NJ who were on our left started to flank the flankers. As soon as the 7th had fairly started, Col Seward gave the order to charge and over the breastworks we went, driving the rebels back in short order and capturing some seven stands of colors, besides a lot of prisoners. One of the colors was captured by the 7th NJ after a knock down argument. The color bearer would not give up the standard until he was knocked down by the butt of a musket and the flag was rested from his grasp. A rebel colonel having been cut off from his men, was ordered to halt and surrender, but as he would no neither was shot from his horse. The woods were strewn with dead and wounded rebels with an odd one of our own. Having no support, we fell back to the works and found when we got there that the 12th corps had skipped out, leaving our brigade alone without any support but a battery of artillery that was posed on top of the mound in our rear.
Private Alfred Bellard, 5th New Jersey, 2nd division Berry, 3rd brigade 3rd Corps
We lay here only a few moments. General Ramsuer sprang upon a log and gave the command, forward and charge them boys, charge them!” We gave a cheer and rushed across the line of breastworks. Our ranks were so thinned by this that we could not hold our position very long, but reinforcements came up, and again the enemy was driven form his strong position in confusion. Our brigade fell back to reform and let fresh troops take our place
During the assault Colonel Edwards walked on top of the works waving his sword to encourage the men and was shot through the shoulder. When he was brought back I helped him out of the ambulance and expressed sympathy for him which caused him to shed tears but he said nothing. Colonel Perrin was brought back shot through the body and General McGowen was struck below knee while standing upon the works.
Spencer Glasgow Welch, 13th South Carolina Surgeon, McGowan’s Brigade, AP Hills Division, Jackson’s Corps
Made a charge through what is called Abitis, trees cut down and its branches cut to form a sharp end to prevent us from getting to them. This, however, did not prevent us from carrying out the order to capture the works and the lines of the enemy. When we got near their guns, they ran away and we turned their guns on them and fired on them as they ran through the works.
James E. Phillips Company G, 12th Virginia Infantry, Mahone’s Brigade, Anderson’s division
Soon after we left the works I received a wound in the leg that prevented me from keeping up with the Reg. And I had to paddle my own canoe. There being a ditch in front of me which I had to cross and not knowing wither I was badly wounded or not. I took in into my head to jump over and if my leg would stand that, to go on my way to the rear. But if not, I made up my mind to lie down in the ditch and take my chance of being captured (quite a number of men were lying in this ditch but wither wounded or not I did not know). Jumping over I found to my satisfaction that my leg would stand it and started after the regt. As near as I could guess, fro they were nowhere to be seen. Shot and shells were plowing up the ground in all directions, while bullets whistled past my ears in dangerous proximity.
Private Alfred Bellard, 5th New Jersey, 2nd division Berry, 3rd brigade 3rd Corps
It was an awful sight to see, what destruction we had made upon the enemy. They were piled on each other in every sort of shape. Some of them was blown to pieces, some head off from explosions of caissons and limber chests, horses were piled on each other, it was an awful sight to behold.
James E. Phillips Company G, 12th Virginia Infantry, Mahone’s Brigade, Anderson’s division
Throwing away my gun to lighten my load, I went over the field the best I could, and not looking to see where I was going, I was brought to my senses by a command to lay down, and looking up found myself in front of a battery of artillery that was firing into rebels and in between two guns that were about to fire. Throwing myself flat on my face, the guns were discharged that shells passing over me, while I was enveloped in smoke and powder. No damage done, and getting up again, I wended my way past the Chancellorsville house, Hooker’s headquarters. Old Joe himself was leaning against a pillar when I passed.
Private Alfred Bellard, 5th New Jersey, 2nd division Berry, 3rd brigade 3rd Corps
When we arrived behind the breastwork where we had routed the enemy must in front of their batteries, forty-odd pieces of artillery were pouring out the grape and canister by the bushels on us. We halted and began to pour volleys of musket and Minie balls into their ranks. I seized hold of one of my company’s guns and was shooting while he handed me cartridges. I could see men shot through-some in the head and some torn all in pieces by the belching cannon in our front. Orders came down the line to for us to fall back., which I learned later was a false alarm. However, this was a fortunate thing for me, for I if I had remained there only a few minutes longer, I would have been captured by the enemy’s on my right who were falling back towards us in our rear and captured all that remained behind the works.
William Norman, 2nd North Carolina, Ramsuer’s Brigade, Rodes Division, Jackson’s Corps
Soon I found myself alone. I saw that I must run or be killed. I started to run, but after a few steps my sword scabbard tripped and threw me down on my face. Up again. I tried to break through the bushes; I fell again. And was so exhausted that I could to no further… I discovered the rebels rapidly coming through the brush. Instinctively I started to rest. But as I rose, I saw one of the oncoming skirmishers take a sudden interest in me. He jerked his musket from charge to direct aim. I was his mark. For several seconds I looked into the muzzle of that advancing musket. As in a mist, I saw many moving men and head the noise of their rush. But my brain was concentrated on that one advancing figure. Within a few paces distance came his musket to a charge and with the bayonet at my breasts the man yelled. You____ ______ _______ of a ____, give me that sword. My captor (either 5th or 6th Alabama soldier) a tawny bearded fellow, seeing that I was but a boy, changed his manner and at once I gave him my sword.
Lieutenant Clay McCauley, 126th Pennsylvania, Tyler’s brigade, Humphrey’s division, 2nd corps
I have never in my life heard the missiles of death whistle so fast and thick around me. I was very nearly covered in earth many times by bombshells. The bark from the trees often made my face sting, and splinters knocked from the neighboring trees or saplings were stuck in my clothes.
William Norman, 2nd North Carolina, Ramsuer’s Brigade, Rodes Division, Jackson’s Corps
Then as the firing slackened I was a foreboding disorder on our right. A feeling of suspense and of doubt seemed to thrill along the line. The disorder changing to tumult, it swept in upon the company next to mine and then it stuck my company’s right. Rising in successive ranks from the ground, the men, with questioning looks at one another, started, at first slowly and then rapidly, backward. It was a necessary retreat of almost helpless men from a coming danger which they felt themselves powerless to resist. The enemy, discovering that our ammunition was exhausted had charged us, striking our extreme right, must as one line of the letter V meets another.
Lieutenant Clay McCauley, 126th Pennsylvania, Tyler’s brigade, Humphrey’s division, 2nd corps
After getting possession of the works all of the troops were formed on the road which faces to the north then General Lee rode along in front of us and we as a matter of course, we cheered and cheered time and again. Our brigade along with Semmes brigade moved out of line to go down to Salem Church to reinforce Early.
James E. Phillips Company G, 12th Virginia Infantry, Mahone’s Brigade, Anderson’s division
NIGHT of May 3
Captain McFail and Lieutenant Mike Bowers came back looking for stragglers and found four young who where were known to be cowards, but who were always great braggarts after a battle was over. They all pretended to be sick but I could see no indication of it, and they were marched off, but before reaching the works, one of them slipped away, although the fighting had ended.
Spencer Glasgow Welch, 13th South Carolina Surgeon, McGowan’s Brigade, AP Hills Division, Jackson’s Corps
After all the wounded were attended to I was very tired and went to sleep late that night in a tent. I would wake up cold during the night and reach out for a jug of whiskey and take a swallow and go back to sleep again.
Spencer Glasgow Welch, 13th South Carolina Surgeon, McGowan’s Brigade, AP Hills Division, Jackson’s Corps
After we rested in the woods for a short time, we gathered around those few already found, forming a rallying nucleus for those still hunting for the regiment. Towards night, led by Colonel Berdan of the sharpshooters, we, with others that had come in, were ordered back to the Rappahannock. In a short time I overtook John Moores, a comrade of my company. He had been badly wounded in one foot and was making his way to the rear as best he could. We were overtaken by a mounted man, and I induced him to dismount and give Moores a ride to eth hospital near the river.
J.P Fahey, 12th New Hampshire, Bowman’s Brigade, Whipple’s, Division, 3rd Corps
I could not sleep much that night, for the moment my eyes were closed I imagined I could see soldiers falling all around me, and their dying groans rang in my ears all the time.
William Norman, 2nd North Carolina, Ramsuer’s Brigade, Rodes Division, Jackson’s Corps
Our pickets sent in quite a number of rebel prisoners…one had a bad wound in his neck. Sanborn wishing to sympathize with him a little said, “a bad wound that you’ve got.” The reb, lean, lank specimen of humanity on which all sympathy had been lost, replied with a look, sour and ugly enough to satisfy the evil on himself, “Yes, but I wish it was through my D---D heart.” “So do I” said Sanborn quickly, and I think it was the feeling of all the boys that his wish had been gratified.
Sergeant Austin C. Stearns, 13th Massachusetts Infantry, Leanord’s Brigade, Robinson’s Division, 1st Corps
On this road (Plank Road) the struggle of the day and night before had been severest. Our own and the Confederate dead and wounded by the score lay side by side there. Twice, batteries plunged past us, the hoofs of the horses and the caisson wheels, crushing and mutilating the dead bodies of friend and foe. Along the roadside, were gathered hundreds of the wounded of both armies, their only shelter from the blazing sun being blankets stretched over them, held in place the closed hammers of muskets, the muskets reversed and stuck into the ground by their bayonets. Confederate reserves passed us, hurrying to the front at “double-quick time:” supplies of ammunition were being carried forward.
Lieutenant Clay McCauley, 126th Pennsylvania, Tyler’s brigade, Humphrey’s division, 2nd corps
POST BATTLE
Several young Yankee surgeons in fine uniforms came over with a white flag, and I went to where they were attending their wounded. While there I talked with a wounded man from Ohio, and saw one of our soldiers cut a forked limb from a tree and make a crutch for a Yankee who was wounded in the foot. The unfed horses of a Yankee cavalry regiment had been hitched to the trees near by and had knawed off all the bark within their reach.
Spencer Glasgow Welch, 13th South Carolina Surgeon, McGowan’s Brigade, AP Hills Division, Jackson’s Corps
The enemy had used the Chancellor House for a field hospital and had taken a great many of their wounded, as well as ours that they had captured, and placed them in and around the building. When they had to fall back and our forces advanced, this house was between the two armies. The enemy masked their batteries behind the building and were annoying us very much. The only alternative for us to get them from behind the house was for our artillery to shell the house. Our batteries opened on the house and soon knocked it into a “cocked hat.” The fine hotel was soon in flames and the enemy got away as quickly as possible but it was too late to save the poor wounded. They had to perish in the flames.
William Norman, 2nd North Carolina, Ramsuer’s Brigade, Rodes Division, Jackson’s Corps
Our pioneer’s corps then went to work burying the dead when I witnessed the most horrible sight my eyes ever beheld. On the left of our line where the Louisiana brigade had fought the last evening of the battle and where they drove the enemy about one mile though the woods, and then in turn fell back to their own positions, the scene beggars description. The dead and badly wounded from both sides where lying where they fell. The woods, taking fire that night from shells burned rapidly and roasted the wounded men alive. As we went to burry them we could see where they had tried to keep the fire from them by scratching the leaves away as far as they could reach. But ti availed not; they were burnt to a crisp. The only way we could tell to which army they belonged was by turning them over and examining their clothing where they lay close to the ground. There we would usually find some of their clothing that was not burned, so we could see whether they wore the blue or gray. We buried them all alike by covering them up with dirt where they lay.
Joseph O. Casler 33rd Virginia
Our own dead had been buried and wounded removed but the Yankee dead and wounded lay thickly over the field. Many had not yet had their wounds dressed and lay groaning on the wet ground praying every passer by to change their position or give them a drink of water and now a the excitement of battle was over our men did all in their power to alleviate their suffering… Their dead lay thick over the grounds some seemed as though they had died without a struggle without a visible wound but the small mine ball had done its work of death; others could hardly be recognized as human beings, mangled and torn by solid shot, shell and grape, and these showed how awful had been their suffering, with teeth clenched and hands deeply buried in the earth, they seemed to have suffered agonies before death relieved them; and the poor horses were not spared, her laid some literally torn to pieces, others with feet shot off endeavoring in vain to get up. Our men humanly shot them as they would never get over their wounds.
Ted Barclay 4th Virginia, (Paxton’s Stonewall) Brigade
We found it (their departure) was a hurry move as they had left all kinds of things behind them, among the legacy which they left was about 45 beefs, finest kind, all killed skinned, dressed and ready to cut up, lying on hides. Some of them took up an idea that it had been left on purpose with poison on them so as to kill us, but it was alright and we had lots of fine beef for several days. This was one of the richest camps I ever saw. All kinds of good things; can goods, clothing of all kinds, guns ammunition, artillery and all equipment such as was very useful to our army.
James E. Phillips Company G, 12th Virginia Infantry, Mahone’s Brigade, Anderson’s division
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