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Introduction.
Introduction.
Almost four years have elapsed since the surrender of General Lee at Appomattox Court House, and as yet nothing has been presented to the world to show the prominent part taken in the Great Rebellion by the sons of Maryland. It is a glorious and important page in her honored history, and future generations seem likely to look in vain for a record of the patient suffering and heroic achievements of their forefathers when struggling for their rights against Yankee tyranny and oppression, and which
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CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER I.
It was towards the close of April, 1861, that several members of the Baltimore City Guard Battalion (which organization had been under arms since the memorable 19th) were sitting around the dinner table in their armory, discussing the probability of Baltimore soon being in the possession of the troops under the command of the subsequently infamous Benjamin F. Butler. Various were the opinions expressed; but it was pretty generally conceded that, to use Hawk-Eye’s expression, the city “was circum
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CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER II.
The sun rose next day bright and beautiful, and, the scene that presented itself as we responded to reveille was animated indeed. The troops were eagerly crowding into the cars prepared to convey them to the battle field, and, from the boisterous mirth to be heard on all sides, one would have supposed them on their way to participate in some grand holiday parade instead of scenes of death and carnage. Several regiments had been forwarded, and all were impatiently awaiting their turn, when we met
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CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER III.
The morning after the battle of Manassas all seemed chaos, or confusion worse confounded. The cold, disagreeable rain that had set in during the night still continued, and the troops were provided with no means to shelter themselves from the pitiless storm which raged; and to add to this discomfort, the commissary wagons could not be found, and the men were almost entirely without provisions. Staff officers were galloping in every direction, looking for regiments that had been lost on the march
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CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER IV.
The fall of 1861 will ever be remembered by the survivors of the regiment, as the most pleasant experienced by them during the whole war. We had an abundance of clothing and wholesome food, whilst there was no scarcity of money with which to indulge in even some of the luxuries of life. And then the monotony of the camp was often changed to the excitement of picketing in front of the enemy on Mason’s and Munson’s Hills, in the capture of both of which the First Maryland bore a conspicuous part.
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CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER V.
The intelligence we received from Washington now grew every day more threatening. That McClellan, with his immense and splendidly appointed army, intended to advance upon Centreville there seemed no doubt; but whether Johnston intended to fight was by us much questioned. We were in no way prepared to meet the enemy. The army was not organized, and but imperfectly equipped. Sickness prevailed in our camp to an alarming extent; and the utmost efforts of our able commander had failed to increase hi
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CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VI.
On the evening of the 22d, the army, about twelve thousand strong, went into camp within an easy day’s march of Front Royal, where, rumor had it, was stationed a considerable force of the enemy. Here the dissatisfaction that had so long existed in the First Maryland broke out into open mutiny, and the majority of the men in the war companies threw down their arms and demanded an immediate discharge. It was in vain that General Steuart and Colonel Johnson expostulated with them upon their disgrac
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CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VII.
On the morning of the 24th Ewell took up the line of march for Winchester, Jackson having moved on Strasburg the evening before. That night we encamped on the banks of the Opequon, six miles from our destination. Here we were ordered to cook some rations, and be ready to move at midnight upon Banks, whom we intended to attack at daylight. Long before the sun had risen on the morning of the 25th, the commands of Jackson and Ewell were in line of battle about two miles from the town, the former to
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CHAPTER VIII.
CHAPTER VIII.
Hungry and but little refreshed, we resumed the march at daylight next morning. When six miles from Strasburg the sound of artillery in our front told us how narrow had been our escape. It was the gallant General Charlie Winder contesting a mountain pass with Fremont until the army, with its long train, should pass. We now felt comparatively safe, our greatest fear having been that Fremont would pass the defile before we could throw troops into it. Of Shields we had no fear, as our rapid marchin
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CHAPTER IX.
CHAPTER IX.
Sullenly, as the foe advanced, we fell back in the direction of Port Republic, determined, when attacked by Fremont’s overwhelming army, to fight to the last man. At length we halted at Cross Keys, and made preparations to pass our wagons and prisoners over the crazy old bridge, which afforded us the only means of escaping the destruction which threatened us. Therefore, forming his army in line of battle on the morning of the 8th of June, to keep Fremont in check, Jackson moved his prisoners upo
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CHAPTER X.
CHAPTER X.
On the afternoon and evening of the 9th, Jackson leisurely moved his almost exhausted troops up the mountain until he reached its summit, where he went into camp to afford rest to his men after their arduous campaign. But there was work yet to be done, though the nature of which we were then totally ignorant. Jackson could not long remain idle, and three days after the battle of Port Republic found us moving down the mountain’s side in the direction of Weir’s Cave, where we again went into camp,
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CHAPTER XI.
CHAPTER XI.
About ten o’clock on the morning of the 28th, Ewell’s division was ordered to move on the York River Railroad, and destroy it at Dispatch Station. As we advanced the enemy set fire to his stores to prevent them falling into our hands. Vast quantities were captured, however, and for many days we lived on desiccated vegetables, and indulged in an occasional cup of coffee. But little resistance was offered our advance, under General J. E. B. Stuart, and without the loss of a man we reached our dest
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CHAPTER XII.
CHAPTER XII.
On the afternoon of the 1st of July the troops of Jackson passed by Frazier’s farm, and the dead that lay on every side gave evidence of the terrible conflict that Longstreet had had there the day before. About four o’clock the rattle of musketry and the roar of artillery began in our front, and rapidly increased as we advanced. Passing the Willis church we halted in the woods to await orders. The battle had now fully begun, and raged with great fury. It was evident from the very first that the
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CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER I.
It was towards the close of October, 1862, that the author made his way to Richmond, scarcely convalescent from severe injuries received in the second battle of Manassas. I reached that city in anything but a comfortable frame of mind, for I was out of the army owing to the disbanding of the First Maryland, and my finances had run down to the last five dollars. However, hoping something would turn up, I registered my name at the Linwood, and determined to quietly await the course of events. The
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CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER II.
The Second Maryland Infantry, which was destined to take such a brilliant and conspicuous part in the great rebellion, was formed and partially organized in Richmond during the autumn of 1862. To the exertions of Major Herbert, Captains William H. Murray, Ferdinand Duvall, and other officers, the Confederacy was mainly indebted for this splendid command. As I have said, they but partially organized in Richmond, and then proceeded to Winchester, where the organization was perfected and Captain He
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CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER III.
As we felt satisfied our stay at Harrisonburg would be a prolonged one, and the weather being fine, Col. Herbert set to work to make the Battalion as efficient in drill and discipline as possible. He had taken advantage of the winter, when the men could not drill, to teach his officers their duties, and as most of them were totally inexperienced they required a great deal of instruction. By spring they were familiar with Hardee, and that, with the little training they had had in the fall, made t
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CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER IV.
The morning after the battle of Winchester the command was temporarily attached to the brigade of General George H. Steuart (composed of Virginians and North Carolinians,) of Edward Johnson’s division, and shortly after the whole of Ewell’s corps took up its line of March in the direction of Smithfield, where we arrived about dark, and went into camp for the night. The next morning we resumed the march, our course shaped towards the Potomac, which there seemed but little doubt we were destined t
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CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER V.
The afternoon of the 30th of June found the advance at the little town of Greenvillage, six miles from Chambersburg, where we filed to the left and took a country road, as we supposed, in search of suitable ground on which to encamp for the night. At length we halted in a beautiful field, close by which there was wood and water in abundance. An hour or two after our arrival, Lieut. Col. Herbert and myself visited brigade headquarters for the purpose of learning, if possible, the reason for the r
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CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VI.
That night the troops slept upon their arms, prepared to resume hostilities or repel an attack at a moment’s notice. Colonel Herbert and myself selected a spot somewhat retired from the main body, and, after picketing the horses, laid ourselves down to sleep. To sleep, did I say? To rest I should have said, for it was many hours ere I closed my eyes in sleep. A thousand recollections of the past presented themselves. I thought of home and the loved ones there; of many incidents attending the two
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CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VII.
The long wished for day at length began to appear, and at early dawn the troops were awakened from their slumbers to renew if necessary the dreadful struggle. In vain I peered through the misty light for a glimpse of the enemy, but none could be seen. They had certainly retreated under cover of night, and we were right in our conjectures; and now for a pursuit in the direction of Baltimore. But even as I thus anticipated the pleasures in store for us, of the prospect of once more seeing home and
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CHAPTER VIII.
CHAPTER VIII.
During the latter part of the night of the 3d, and all day of the 4th, the weary and dispirited troops of Lee retraced their steps. There was no confusion, no disorganization, for, except the depleted ranks, the army was as intact as when it marched over the same road but a few hours before, on their way, as they believed, to certain victory. But how different must have been the feelings of all as they looked around and missed the familiar forms and features of their comrades now still in death
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CHAPTER IX.
CHAPTER IX.
In a short time after the arrival of the infantry, Colonel Johnson had assembled the whole of the Maryland Line at the Junction, and immediately proceeded to establish his lines and erect winter quarters. The beautiful situation selected was soon cleared, trees were felled, and in a little while villages were reared that would have done credit to more experienced builders. After having done everything possible to contribute to their bodily comfort for the winter, they turned their attention to s
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CHAPTER X.
CHAPTER X.
On the 18th of August the Confederates in heavy force, under Mahone, made a desperate attempt to dislodge the Federals from a strong position at Ream’s Station, on the Weldon railroad. The battle was a terrific one, and the Confederate General gained a complete victory, driving the Federals before him with heavy loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners. He was attacked in turn next day by a large force, and after making a brave and determined stand, was compelled to fall back, leaving the enemy in
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CHAPTER XI.
CHAPTER XI.
On the 30th of September Heth’s division again encountered the enemy at Pegram’s farm. It was a desperate engagement, in which the Confederate arms gained a decided victory. As in every preceding battle, the Second Maryland took a conspicuous part and covered itself with glory, but losing fearfully in killed and wounded. Out of one hundred and forty-nine men that went into the fight forty-three were killed and wounded, as follows: Battle of Pegram’s Farm, Captain Ferdinand Duvall commanding.—Wou
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CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER I.
On the 15th day of May, 1862, there was assembled in a quiet room in the city of Richmond a little band of Marylanders, numbering eighteen men, who had just been transferred from Captain Gaither’s company, of the First Virginia Cavalry, and ordered to the “Maryland Line,” then organizing in the Valley of Virginia. The subject of their conversation was the formation of a company as a nucleus for a battalion of Maryland cavalry. “I have withdrawn,” said one, “from the First Virginia, to fight with
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CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER II.
For some time prior to the 21st of April extensive preparations had been going on in the command of General Jones for a move in some direction. These preparations were anxiously watched by the officers and men, for all were heartily sick of the camp, and were ready for any undertaking. Orders were at length given to cook two days’ rations, which made it evident that the long anticipated movement was at hand. On that day the forces of Jones (numbering three thousand five hundred men) were marshal
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CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER III.
In a day or two after the return of the First Maryland to the Valley, it was ordered to join the remainder of the “Line,” then encamped at Fisher’s Hill. A short time after, this force was augmented by the arrival of General Albert G. Jenkins, with a fine brigade of Virginia cavalry, and he assumed command of the whole. Here, for several days, the battalion was quietly employed in doing picket duty, and recruiting man and horse for the campaign that seemed about to be inaugurated. Not an inciden
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CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER IV.
But little of moment occurred after the engagement at Hagerstown; and crossing the Potomac with the army, the First Maryland repaired to Winchester to recruit. It was here that the company under the command of the noble Schwartz joined it. After a stay of ten days at Winchester, the battalion was ordered to join the brigade of General Fitzhugh Lee, then encamped near Leetown. Soon after, on the promotion of that General to the command of a division, it was assigned to the brigade of General Loma
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CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER V.
The battalion reached Hanover Junction the last of November, when Colonel Johnson established his picket lines, and prepared to go into winter quarters. The winter was spent most delightfully, and nothing occurred to disturb its pleasures save an attempted raid made by Butler to Bottom’s bridge, whereupon the cavalry and artillery were promptly moved upon his flank to Tunstall’s station, when he retired. About the first of March, 1864, Colonel Johnson received a telegram from General Lee, saying
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CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VI.
On the 9th of May, 1864, Sheridan began his raid around Richmond. Colonel Johnson, had gone on a scout towards Yorktown, and left Colonel Brown in camp in command of parts of four companies. On the afternoon of that day Colonel Brown received information that a portion of the enemy’s cavalry were raiding in the rear of Lee’s army, and had cut the railroad and destroyed the cars and provisions accumulated at some point above Hanover Court House. He immediately assembled his little command of one
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CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VII.
For the next few days the battalion was engaged in skirmishing about Hanover Court House, the enemy occupying them there whilst his columns were crossing at Dabney’s Ferry, and pressing on towards Richmond. On the 1st of June, the enemy moved on the South Anna bridges, Johnson’s small command of one hundred and fifty sabres and Griffith’s battery contesting every foot of ground, in a fight from daylight until two o’clock in the afternoon, when they were driven back by a brigade of the enemy’s ca
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CHAPTER VIII.
CHAPTER VIII.
Soon after the return of the army under Early from Maryland, that General determined to send McCausland on an expedition into Pennsylvania, with his own and General Johnson’s brigades, for what purpose will be seen by the following extract from his “Memoirs of the Last Year of the War for Independence:” “On the 26th of July, we moved to Martinsburg, the cavalry going to the Potomac. The 27th and 28th were employed in destroying the railroad, it having been repaired since we passed over it at the
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CHAPTER IX.
CHAPTER IX.
The campaign of ’64 in the Valley of Virginia was marked by acts of barbarism and savage cruelty on the part of the enemy, such as history scarcely parallels; but certainly not in the annals of any nation making the least pretense to civilization. In years past, the American heart was wont to burn with righteous indignation at the recital of the wrongs of Poland and Hungary; but then Russia and Austria were but in their rudiments. It was reserved for the “best government the world ever saw” to r
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CHAPTER X.
CHAPTER X.
After this affair the brigade of Jackson retired to within twelve or fifteen miles of Orange Court House, where it remained until about the first of March, when Sheridan moved down the Valley in heavy force, and captured the little that remained of Early’s command near Waynesboro’. The First Maryland was ordered to hang upon his flank, which it did with great tenacity, first striking him on James river, beyond Charlottesville, and following him to the White House, on York river. So small a force
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CHANGES In the First Maryland Battalion of Cavalry.
CHANGES In the First Maryland Battalion of Cavalry.
The following changes took place among the officers in the battalion during the war: Gustavus W. Dorsey, Lieutenant Colonel commanding, vice Lieutenant Colonel Ridgely Brown, killed June 1, 1864. Major Robert C. Smith having been permanently disabled by wounds received in battle at Greenland Gap, April 25, 1863, and retired from active service with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, no one was commissioned to fill vacancy. John E. H. Post, promoted Adjutant with rank of First Lieutenant, vice Georg
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RECAPITULATION. State of Battalion at the Close of the War.
RECAPITULATION. State of Battalion at the Close of the War.
Gustavus W. Dorsey, Lieutenant Colonel commanding. No Major. J. E. H. Post, First Lieutenant, Adjutant. Wilner McKnew, Captain, Assistant Surgeon. Ignatius Dorsey, Captain, A. Q. M. Company A.—Thomas Griffith, Captain; J. A. V. Pue, First Lieutenant; Otis Johnson, Second Lieutenant. Company B.—George W. Emack, Captain; M. E. McKnew, First Lieutenant; Adolphus Cook, Second Lieutenant. Company C.—George Howard, Captain; T. Jeff Smith, First Lieutenant; Thomas Green, Second Lieutenant; James Walter
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CASUALTIES Of the Officers as near as can be remembered.
CASUALTIES Of the Officers as near as can be remembered.
Killed—Lieutenant Colonel Ridgely Brown, Captain A. F. Schwartz, Lieutenant Henry C. Blackiston. Wounded—Lieutenant Colonel Dorsey, severely; Major R. C. Smith, severely, disabled; Captain George W. Booth, Adjutant, severely; Captain F. A. Bond, severely, disabled; Captain George W. Emack, several times slightly; Captain Raisin, severely; Lieutenant J. A. V. Pue, severely; Lieutenant Thomas Green, severely; Lieutenant W. H. Dorsey, several times; Lieutenant Joseph K. Roberts, severely; Lieutenan
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CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER I.
It was towards the close of a pleasant day in October, 1861, that the First Maryland Infantry dragged its weary length into camp near Centreville, after a long and fruitless expedition to Pohick Church in search of the enemy. Things seemed much changed, indeed, since their departure, for in their absence a battery of artillery had invaded the sacred confines of their camp, and a scowl was observed upon more than one face, for we were jealous of our rights and dared maintain them. Judge then our
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CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER II.
The long spring campaign in the Valley and the operations around Richmond had made sad havoc in the ranks of the Maryland Line, and it became necessary for them to recruit and reorganize before again ready for the field. For this purpose the First Maryland Infantry and Baltimore Light Artillery were ordered to Charlottesville, where they remained a month, when they were once more ordered to join Jackson, who was about to make his great movement to the rear of Pope’s army at Manassas. Alas, the t
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CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER III.
Soon after the battle of Sharpsburg, the Baltimore Light Artillery, now under command of Captain W. H. Griffin, was ordered to join the cavalry and infantry of the Maryland Line, then encamped near New Market, in the Valley of Virginia. Here they passed the fall and winter months quietly in camp, and in early spring were again prepared, with recruited ranks and renewed equipments, to enter the field. On the 13th of June the infantry and artillery of the Maryland Line, with one company of its cav
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CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER IV.
On the 10th of May, 1864, whilst encamped at Wickham’s Park, the battery was ordered by General J. E. B. Stuart, to move up along the Rivanna, and join the forces there awaiting to intercept Sheridan, who was advancing towards Richmond. Reluctantly Colonel Johnson suffered it to go, for during the winter and spring he had reorganized and equipped it with much care; but the exigency of the occasion compelled him to acquiesce, General Stuart assuring him he would “borrow” it for but a few days, an
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ATKINS’ BRIGADE AT SECOND MANASSAS.
ATKINS’ BRIGADE AT SECOND MANASSAS.
The campaign before Richmond had ended, and McClellan’s shattered and beaten army was reorganizing upon the banks of the James. Our loss had also been severe, for the enemy’s artillery had played with fearful effect upon our dense masses at Malvern Hill; and we, too, had much to do before again prepared for the field. But the untiring and indomitable Jackson was soon once more at the head of his legions, and marching rapidly in search of Pope, whose advance, under Banks, was reported in the vici
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