By O. S. BARRETT, Late Lieut. Co. B, 4th Michigan Infantry. —— Dedicated to the Survivors of the Regiment. —— Hope for the living, Tears for the dead. —— DETROIT, MICH.: W. S. OSTLER, PUBLISHER, 1888. was organized at Adrian, Michigan, and Mustered into United States Service June 20, 1861, for three years. It was quartered in the North College building, of the group of buildings situated at extreme west suburbs of City. Was commanded by Dwight A. Woodbury. It was presented by the ladies of Adria

“When we see the splendidly armed and equipped Regiments from Michigan, pass through here on their way to the seat of war, and compare their appearance with that of the Regiments that left Camp Cleveland recently, it makes us almost ashamed of Ohio, and inclines us to enquire in the mildest and most collected manner, why it is that Michigan in the same length of time sends Regiments to the field prepared for service, while Ohio, who boasts of her enterprise and patriotism, sends from her camps a

We were armed with the old Buck and Ball musket, which we were to exchange for the Enfield rifles. Word was given to the different companies to send details for guns. The Company B detail was dispatched. Soon the boxes were brought, and opened. Behold a mistake had been made, and the boys thought on purpose. Instead of the Enfield, the boxes contained the same kind of guns we already had. The men were indignant, and refused to accept them, but finally concluded to use them awhile, as they were n

With the advance of the army from Minor’s Hill, and to Fairfax, passed beyond that dilapidated and dingy looking town, historical, much speculation indulged in, in regard to what route would be adopted “On to Richmond.” It was finally decided to take the route via Alexandria down the Potomac to Fort Monroe. Accordingly, the columns were put in motion, and in due time the army arrived at above named place. Our Division passed out beyond Hampton, and went into camp, for a few days, then marched en

In winter of 1861-2, at Camp Minor’s Hill, Virginia, Company B had a man who was an inveterate forager, in fact, he was peculiarly adapted to that branch of service. He would be absent a week at a time. When he showed up in camp, he was put on extra duty, or punished in some form. At one time he was to stand on a barrel two hours. Some of the boys dug a hole, and placed about a peck of blank cartridges in the same; dug a trench to a tent ten feet away and laid a train of powder; put the barrel o

When the Regiment went into camp for the winter, 1861, the boys built quarters of logs, with canvas tops; Company B built what they called a Hermitage, of timber, mud and canvas. Its capacity was for about twenty of the men. A chimney was constructed of sticks and mud for a base, topped out with barrels. One night, we, of the shoulder straps and high chevrons, got an invite to a barbacue at the Hermitage. As we filed in a huge fire, with half a yearling steer hanging over the fire place, met our

The writer of this was Orderly Sergeant of Company B a part of 1861-2. And certain characters of the Company considered it legal to plunder this much abused official’s pipes, tobacco, and even whiskey was deemed free, whenever or wherever found. The writer suffered many a loss in this line. One especially, who bored him unceasingly for a chance to smoke a very large pipe, holding a quarter pound of tobacco. I will call him “Croxton,” “Jack,” for short. One morning I sat in my tent making morning

One day a blizzard came along, and devastated things generally. Among the calamities was the destruction of our sutlers’ shebang. It was in panels, built of thin boards. It was scuttled very promiscuous, and his stock of goods were distributed to all points. The boys were watching with pleased expressions on their countenances. They could stand the temptation no longer, and they went to gathering the spoils in. The sutler howled and ordered them off. They paid no attention. He said he would see

Be it understood, that the calibre of the commission, or officers of the 4th Michigan, was of a high order, for courage and undisputed ability, as the roster in appendix of this narration shows. On a certain occasion, Captain O. was holding a levee at his quarters. All went well. Punch and other refreshments were freely indulged in. Hilarity ran high. Captain O. attempted to make a short speech. His muddled condition caused a remark from another befuddled officer, that did not please the choleri

Fooling with supposed empty shells, is sometimes disastrous. The Banner Company of the Regiment were much given to old sledge and poker, and often plied their avocation into the wee small hours of night, contrary to express orders—lights out after taps. But these injunctions were not always heeded, as the sequel will show. Some of the boys had found a shell not exploded. They, as supposed, dug out all the powder, and on the occasion of a night’s occupation of their favorite pastime, used the she

In the spring of 1863, just before the Gettysburg campaign, the 4th Michigan was doing guard duty on the Rappahannock river, at Kelly’s Ford, Virginia. The writer’s company was detached for picket duty. We were stationed at Mountain Run Ford, down the river from Kelly’s Ford, some three miles. The river at this place was shallow. We guarded against cavalry, had to be constantly on the alert. We also patrolled the river some three miles down. At the end of our patrol route, lived an old Rebel cus

While the regiment lay at Kelly’s Ford, before the Gettysburg campaign, we were paid off. Being in arrear of pay, we received quite a boodle of money. The communication between our army and Washington, by way of Aquia Creek, was temporary and somewhat uncertain. Trains of forage, and ambulances, were sent through attended by a heavy guard. After getting paid, the men were desirous of sending their surplus money home. It would go by Adams’ Express, from Aquia. Our chaplain, (Seage,) a brave, good

After the battle of Malvern Hill, our column moved on to Harrison Landing. We arrived there after daylight, in the morning. Made coffee, and rested a little. The Rebels followed up in small force, and commenced shelling us. We were moved out and formed in line of battle. In front of us was timber; in our rear was mud, and plenty of it, of a slushy nature. The Rebel guns threw railroad iron at us. They fired high. The missiles went to our rear. As these pieces of iron struck the mud, caused the s

A short time before first Bull Run fight, the 4th Michigan, with other regiments, were in camp at Cloud’s Mills, Virginia, about 5 miles out from Alexandria, towards Fairfax Court House. Our pickets were well extended out, in above named direction. One day the writer, with about 20 of the Regiment were out towards Fairfax. We seen a small column of cavalry approaching with a flag of truce hoisted. As they drew near, it proved to be an escort of the famous Black Horse Cavalry. We were ranged all

While the army was stationed along Arlington, from Chain Bridge, Potomac, to Alexandria, Virginia, the 4th Michigan occupied the ground in and about Fort Woodbury, on Arlington. Our picket line was extended out to, or near Minor’s Hill, which we occupied, later on, in winter quarters, 1861-2. At one time, while our Regiment was doing guard duty, at above named place, picket firing was in order, with but little damage to either side, but very annoying. One morning, about day break, our doughty an

Comrades, I cannot close this imperfect recital, without saying a few words to you all. I am aware of my inability to do justice to the subject. I have omitted many incidents that happened while in service together. I can see you all as you used to appear on the march, in battle, and in the quiet camp. Your pranks and repartee are fresh in my memory. 45 of the numbers that made up the roster of Company B, were from our sister state, Indiana, and all comrades were true as steel. You all need to b