Bancroft, John Milton Diary/Scrapbook

This document is the original diary book of Bancroft’s handwritten comments, which he later turned into a scrapbook by adding various items. Some of the included items are photographs, newspaper clippings, drawings, cards, illustrations taken from various sources, etc. Bancroft’s unit was involved i...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Author:	Bancroft, John Milton, 1838-1918
Format:	Electronic
Published:	Auburn University Libraries
Subjects:	Diaries
Online Access:	http://content.lib.auburn.edu/u?/civil,26093

format	Electronic
collection	Civil War Diaries Collection
building	Auburn University Digital Library
publisher	Auburn University Libraries
topic	Diaries
spellingShingle	Diaries Bancroft, John Milton Diary/Scrapbook Bancroft, John Milton, 1838-1918
fulltopic	Diaries Bancroft, John Milton, 1838-1918; Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862; Balloon ascensions--Virginia; Chancellorsville, Battle of, Chancellorsville, Va., 1863; Fredericksburg, Battle of, Fredericksburg, Va., 1862; Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863; Malvern Hill, Battle of, Va., 1862; Seven Days' Battles, Va., 1862; United States. Army. Corps, 5th (1862-1865); United States. Army. Michigan Infantry Regiment, 4th; United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Aerial operations; United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Balloons; United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 History -- 1838-1874: Sectionalism, the Civil War and Reconstruction; Peoples -- Military Life; Government and Politics -- Military
description	This document is the original diary book of Bancroft’s handwritten comments, which he later turned into a scrapbook by adding various items. Some of the included items are photographs, newspaper clippings, drawings, cards, illustrations taken from various sources, etc. Bancroft’s unit was involved in a large number of battles and campaigns including the battles of Antietam, Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Malvern Hill, and Seven Days. Edited typescript published as "Notes--1861-1864: Army Life During the Rebellion with the Army of the Potomac, 5th Corps, 1st Division, 2nd Brigade, 4th Michigan Infantry," n.p., n.d [page 2] Office of Sewer Pipe Works Middlebury, Summet County Ohio May 31, 1861 J.M. Bancroft Esq. Dear Sir: Yours of the 25th came duly to hand with statement of pipe on hand as turned over to Miss T.V.J. Hinchman and amount placed to your credit ($314.57). 10% com----------------------------------2.91 Amt. over paid--------------------------13.32 16.23 Balance due me--------------------------------------------12.92 Send me the above amount $12.92 and it squares you and me to this date. The reason I have not sent the pipe you ordered is that I had not got all you ordered on hand, and was not making pipe but expected to have got to work before now but have not. Will be at it next week when I will make what you ordered and send soon as out the kiln. Yours truly, (signed) D.E. Hill Adrian [page 3] [Flag Image} [page 4] Image Col. D.A. Woodbury Killed July 1st 1862 Col. Dwight A. Woodbury. Col. 4th Michigan Infantry, mustered into the United States Service for three years, June 20th, 1861 at Adrian, Mich. Portrait from a sheet prepared by Lt. Grnner illustration of the battles and skirmishes. [page 5] May 10, 1861 Have enlisted for three years in the Service of the Government. Member of the Continental Rifles composed of boys from Trenton and from Engine Co No 8 of Detroit. May 13 Still in Detroit. The 1st Mich. leave tonight for Washington. Old friends in the 1st Horner, Veeland, and Finch. On Saturday Adrian people here to May 15 See the boys off. May 16 Drilling. answering letters from home- am quite tired. Drill under Capt David A. Granger and Lt Taylor and Chapin. May 29 Placed my trunk and bookcase labeled for home, “Reading, Mass.” in the 2nd story of Mr. Hinchmans Store. Leave Detroit for Adrian at 7 ½ o’c. Stopped in Trenton to a reception of the company. Saw the good bye of many of the company there were tears shed. At Monroe were cheered. May 30 Slept last night on a bed of loose straw in two small rooms with 15 others in the College of Adrian. One blanket each. We were merry boys. Awoke to a frosty morning and to fine very little chance for soap and water. [page 6] 1861 May 31 Slept last night on the bare floor and woke bright and early. Drilled 6 hours. June 1 Sat. Drill, etc. Several friends over from Adrian. Rec’d from Miss Anna Rice a mirror and three towels. Also an invitation to call from Mrs. R. (Note). This mirror was carried until the campaign of 1862 began. June 2 Sunday Morning raining. Hear Mr. Slocum read the acct of the progress of the N.B. 7th Regt. Mr. S. is a very superior reader. P.M. called at Mr. Haywoods and took tea. Note. Mr. Haywood is a cousin of Raymonds and their farm was a halting place in the teachers evening walks. June 3 Wrote letters home and elsewhere. Was on drill all day. Received invitation of the formation of an Engineer Corps in connection with the Brigade and that I shall receive a position. Was in town in evening. Met many old friends, scholars and acquaintances. Note- Mr. Beaman now M.P. from Mich. was in camp and inquired me out as he was formerly on the school Board. since which time Capt Granger gave me a free pass to town during my stay in Adrian June 5th Rainy. No drill. Dined at Mr. Whitney’s. Letters from home and friends. This is the only good bye for the war I have to give. Trouble in camp. Lt. E. H Taylor & Capt. Granger. Granger is a rascal and Taylor is not competent. [page 7] 1861 June 7 Attended the baptist social. Meet old faces Lt. Taylor and Avery. Had a gay time and returned to camp 12 ½ o’c. June 8 On duty a Corporal of the Guard. First take a part in guard mounting. Was awake nearly all night. Slept a short time on the fence rails. Studied the stars and thought of those at home-miles away. Am not very tired in the morning. June 9th Sunday Very warm and pleasant. In the afternoon call on Miss K-. June 11th Tuesday Rec’d our uniforms. Greg satiment. Were on dress parade after supper before the Governor. The field double quick on account of the rain went down town. Called on Mr. & Mrs. Hubbard. Mr. H. was Prin co the school. June 19th Two of the boys of Co. B. Adrian were married by Chaplain Strong. Formed square. June 20th Staff of office presented to Drum Major with appropriate remarks by the Chaplain. Muster into U.S. for 3 years. June 21st Flag. U.S. colors presented by the ladies of Adrian to the reg’t. Inscription “Ladies of Adrian to the Mich. 4th [page 8] 1861 June 22 Most of the boys are gone home to see their friends. I go this afternoon to the Raymonds at Raisin. June 23 Return to Adrain Bid good by to friends June 24th Monday Packing up to leave for Wash. No drill. Capt Granger is not commissioned by the Governor J.D. Slocum Capt of Co. I. my co. Down town in evening. June 25the 1861 Pack up in the morning and with a heavy knapsack, haversack and canteen we start from college to the depot. The day was very hot and the roads dusty but the march was a complete ovation. Escort duty was performed by the Engine Cos. and a crowd of citizens. There were many who did shed tears and more who could but for our sakes did not. And for the cause for which we go they bid us God speed and hope for the best. Good bye friends you have been very kind to me. Change cars at Toledo arrive at Cleveland 8 P.M. After some delay we proceed to Erie. Arriving June 26th At 5 A.M. were served with cake etc by the citizens. At Dunkirk stopped and went to Lake Erie to bathe. This was a great treat indeed. [page 9] 1861 June 26th At Oleana we got a dipper of coffee each The ladies came through the cars, at parting gave us mementos, bouquets, fans etc I think in some cases correspondence followed. At Hornellsville and Corning we were cheered. At Elmira the N.B. 23rd were quartered and we were treated by the ladies to a warm supper at about 9 P.M. This was prepared by the Rev. Mr. Curtis formerly of Adrian after supper we took the cars for Harrisburg Pa. 27th and woke in the morning in the Mts. Of Penn away up the Susquehanna. Splendid scenery hills rocks and clouds all the way to Harrisburg. We stopped at 5 ½ A.M. at Sunberry and at 11 at Norfolk. Here the scenery is very grand. We were treated to cherries and cake by the ladies. We go out on a bridge over the water to allow another train to pass at 1 o’c we stop near Camp Curtain at Harrisburg one mile north near the insane asylum. We got tents and set ourselves to work to set them and then have a chance to wash in the canal. We get coffee late in the evening. 28th Camp Cameron. We are now ready for soldiers life are and privations. Rations of salt-pork and ham. Hard biscuit are given out once a day and coffee twice. I suppose we are waiting here for our rifles. Rumor says we are going to Baltimore [page 10] Image Columbia Bridge [page 11] Image The capt’s servant reading Harper’s Magazine [page 12] Image 1861 May college in evening beds tonight sleep on the floor [page 13] Image Sketch of a dam in Washington C about 3 miles north of the capital near a mill The scenery here rough and the [gr]ass & foliage wears brilliant green. [page 14] Image View of Washington City Pub. By W.H. & O.H. Morrison [page 15] 1861 Tomorrow to burn the place This is in romantic place. The scenery and weather are fine. Visit the town State House etc. June 29th Last night Geo. Heintzer displaced and J.A. Sorden put in his place as Orderly Sergeant June 30th Drilled all day in Manual of Arms and in street firing under Lt. Col. Duffield. July 1st Rose ate & Packed. Struck tents, breakfast, cars for Washington. Cattle cars at that. Stopped at York. Rode acrost a bridge some 200 ft in length hanging by my arms. Was of the train which started before I could get on. Passed through the city of Baltimore with 5 rounds of cartridges in our pocket. Rain at Relay House. Every thing quiet. We were treated very well July 2nd Arrived in Wash. 12 o’c P.M. Marched down Penn. Ave to the Woodward building. Woke in the morning to wait for breakfast most of the day owing to to want of knowledge by the commissary. Moved out to Meridian Hill near the Columbia College and go into camp. Washington, D.C. July 4th, 1861 Rumor says that Gen. Scott said to day that those of us who were living would dine at home of Christmas. Went to town Saw the Rest . A. Lincoln, Gen. Scott, Seward, etc. Went into Sautiers and had ice cream and strawberries. [page 16] 1861 July 4th Went to the Capitol. Saw several Dartmouth boys. Grow elected speaker of the House. There are 70,000 men around Washington. 10 die daily. New York had 20,000 men on Review yesterday. Mass. 11th in camp on grounds between White House and the Potomac. Found Sev. And Charlie Leathe. Image 1 Swinging Bridge, near Fort Lyons. Alexandria, Va. Image 2 White House, Washington, D.C. [page 17] 1861 July 16th Sunday morning packed up and left for Alexandria marched out and encamped near Clouds Mills. Tuesday the regiment marched towards Fairfax I was sick on Monday and the Capt. would not allow me to go on Tuesday morning Image 1 Alexandria, Va Christ Church, of which the spire can be seen from the Potomac, was the church of which Washington was vestryman. This church was built in 1783 of brick brought from England. Washington’s large, square pew is an object of interest to visitors. Recently two memorials in white marble have been placed on either side of the chancel—one to George Washington and the other to Robert E. Lee, who was also a vestryman. Image 2 Old Court House [page 18] July 21st 1861. Today the guns are firing at Bulls run in the directions of Manassas Gap. Today many a soldier will lay low The firing has been going on for two hours. the 4th Regt has been left at Fairfax Station and Court House. Ere another Sunday there will be weeping in many a house. Yesterday many a soldier sent home his last letter. Many letters will be written with write as soon as you get this which will not be answered. All day long we have listened to the guns. One of the fairest of summer Sabbath days. July 22 Morning found the federal army retreating in confusion and defeated we struck tents and returned to Alexandria in the rain. All is confusion. Men, baggage wagons, every thing is coming in all day long. The wounded are arriving in as best they can. The loss is great and the confusion greater. We stop in town sleep in a barn over night. July 23 Start for Wash. via Long Bridge. Meet the reg’t at the bridge. See the Mass 5th Ed. Pratt is safe and all my friends in the Mich. 1st Arrive at our old camping ground on Meridian Hill and pitch tents and prepare for a stop of some time. Wrote to Frank of our safety. [page 19] Image Fort Case near Washington, D.C. [page 20] Image Camp Union Virginia Aug 11 1861 J.M.B. [page 21] 1861 July 25th The Mich 1st encamp near us and leave for home Drill Aug 5th, 6th, 7th, etc Oh to be sick here! What pain, How weak one is: and all the boys are yelling and swearing etc as usual and one hears every thing Never give me opium again For two days and nights I lay in a fever with my head bathed all the time with cold water and what suffering!! I have not been sick for so long a time that I feel it very hard. Aug. 3rd The usual routine of camp duty. Some dissatisfaction in camp the men expect to be discharged at the close of three months Drill Sick Aug. 8th Packed up and started for Virginia. Assigned to W.T. Shermans Brigade. In themorning very weak from the sickness and the opium. The reg’t left. I expected to ride but found the wagons too close and hot so I started on foot and with an occasional sip of whiskey and long rests, got there. Crossed a Ferry at Georgetown below the Aqueduct and up the hills by a very rough path. Pitch tents 2 ½ miles from the river at Camp Union [page 22] ’61 Aug 8th Walked some 5 miles in all. Gained a little appetite so I ate some potatoes etc at a house and with the exertion found myself decidedly better next morning. Aug 9th Feeling much better – tried peaches and watermelons and am improving Aug 11th Friday night. Rained, were called out in line of battle by a night alarm and stood for an hour in the rain. No enemy came. Returned to camp and sleep on our arms. One man put on his overcoat but forgot his musket. Capt. S. Fell in the sink. We are brigaded under Sherman with the Mass 9th, the N.B. 13th, the Dekalb reg’t Co. F of cavalry, and a Battery of Lt. Artillery. 12th 13th 14th Rainy Aug 15th Our Picket at Mt. Olivet Church Camp Union Arlington Heights John M. Bancroft 3rd Sergeat co. I Mich 4th Inf. Aug 19 Pack up and move back ½ mils nearer the river. We are to build a fort. Raining yet. [page 23] Image 1 W. T. Sherman Image 2 Fort Woodbury, Va Image 3 “Line up of coffee” Image 4 The company cook [page 24] Image Article from Adrian Paper 1865 [page 25] Image Michael J. Vreeland Sergeant Co. I. 4th Mich Vols. Illustrations of Camp Life Enlisted at Detroit from Brownstown, Mich [page 26] Image Article “ From Our Fourth Regiment” [page 27] Aug 20th On guard as Serg’t of the Guard. Our men camp commands a fine view of Georgetown and Washington. We are in the trenches building a fort The works are being put forward as fast as possible. Aug 25th Parade. Inspection of Arms Gen. Sherman received news of the advance of 10,000 rebels towards our lines. Wrote to Mr. Hinchman. 26th Brigade review before the President, Seward, Gen McClellan for 3 or 4 hours of tiresome standing. Aug 27th At night an alarm and Gen. Sherman had us out in line of battle. Aug 28th In the morning were out again. Work on the fort has been done chiefly by 4th Mich assisted by N.B. 23rd. 29, 30, 31 Work in Fort. Nearly finished. Sept 1st Sunday Weather fine and clear Sept 2nd Last night at Battallion drill news were read of Gen. Butlers victory at Fort Hatteras capturing 730 prisoners. Sept. 4th Go to Washington with and for the mail. Rec’d letter from E.H. Hinchman of Detroit. Orders in camp for two days rations in haversacks. Battery taken from the rebels on Munsons Hill. Matters indicate a move soon. One man Co. E killed on yesterday, has a wife and four children. In very comfortable circumstances & a very lovely woman God speed the right. [page 28] Sept 7th 1861 On Picket to the right of Halls Hill. Lead forward a party in absence of the Lt. in charge no moving the lines forward. Sept 8th Paid off. Sick and tired. 9th Boys drunk fighting and noisy. Weather warm and sultry. 10th Off duty with a boil. 11th Drill Skirmish toward Louisville. Turn out in line of battle. Boil very sore. 12th Division Review at 4 ½ PM. til dark, very tedious. 13th At Dress parade orders come for line of battle. Right wheel into column! Forward March! head of Column to the left! By the Right flank File left! March! and we are in position. Dusk and we see the smoke and flames of Halls house At Olivet Church and other buildings fired by shell or rebel hands. We go to camp and get coffee and blankets & return to sleep by the trenches and wake in the morning in a fog so thick one cannot see. Blankets wet—wringing wet. 17th Brigade Review in a rain storm a perfect driving shower and General and all stand and take it. this is making soldiers of us we think. 19th Work grubbing stumps in camp. 20th Paid off 24th Changing camp rearranging. Weather very chilly at night and hot during the day [page 29] Image Illustrations of Camp Life Serg’t Vreeland Biscuit Chaplain Lieut Gordon Serg’t Studdard [page 30] Sept 28th 1861 In afternoon rec’d orders to fall in in light marching order with what provisions we could lay hands on. Marched out to Balls Cross Roads. Counter-marched and went to Mt. Olivet church thence about 1 ½ m west and lay down in the woods. Between 2 – 4 in the morning we are on our feet on account of vollies fired near us. Proved to be Col. Reg’t pickets firing into each other Reported there is a general advance all along the lines. 29th The Grand Army appears to be all on the move 8-9-10-11 oclock all quiet. Hours of suspense We remain in position. Parties are reconnoitering occasional heavy firing to the northward. Single guns men all sleeping as it was very cold last night. All quiet all day- Sunday- 30th Axes are detailed to cut down the woods where we are lying. Very heavy oak and chestnut. About 8 o’c we fall in by order of the Colonel and stack arms. Pack and lay down our knapsacks. The Col. Says there is an attack to the northward and we may leave at any moment. At the trees again and they are falling every which way axes ringing. Merry voices calling. Then comes the crash. Michigan boys know wood craft to perfection. Never was land cleared quicker save by hurricane. Click, click and crash, crash. [page 31] Sept 29th 1861 But perhaps we may hear the crashing of cannon, the clanging of steel, the roar of armies. Night brings news of the taking of Richmond by Butler. The cheers come down the lines from the camps above and from far away in the distance. We doubt the news but we cheer—cheer as loud as any and the sound rolls along the camps way to the North. Tonight we have built houses or shelter of boughs, as we have not tents. So we are a village of 1000 men where yesterday at this time was the stillness of the woodland, or rather we are a city of thousands stretching over hill and valley for miles and cheers roll along among the ghostly shadows of the trees from the many camp fires like the cry of fire from street to street. Note. Here was the romance of the soldier life and we would not have changed places with the richest of those at home. We had come to fight and die if need be for the old flag and we were eager for a change from the dull routine of drill of which we were heartily tired and we thought this was active service. Oct 1st All quiet. Save the click of axes and the crash of falling timber. Various rumors as to movements of the army are afloat. [page 32] Illustrations of Camp Life. No. 1 Lieut. Marshall W. Chaprin No. 2 Sergt. John M. Bancroft No. 3 George Maltz No. 4 Jack Cooper No. 5 Robinson No. 6 John Kidd No. 7 Lieut. John A. Gordon [page 33] Oct. 1 1861 [cont.] At night I am on picket-about 80 rods in advance of the regiment. We have a fine view of the camps during the night. They present a gay scene. Here is romance and effect. Here are the scenes of history and chivalry—Look at the camp fires—globulus masses of fire and coal where the cooks are busy, fires that tower higher and throw a cheerful blaze around the dim shadows flitting across them in the distance, fires of dry crackling, blazing brush, fires running up hollow dead trunks of trees, and over all a background of darkness and smoke, while directly overhead we see the stars. We know nothing yet of the actual success of these movements. Cannon have boomed in the distance, on each side apparently, for what we cannot tell. The country is being devastated, crops destroyed and wasted, grain stacks scattered, fences broken down, house burned, forests cut to open range for our artillery, etc. Written the evening of Oct. 1 1861 Sergt. J.M.B. Note. This was the first we had seen of war desolation. Oct. 2 Cook tomatoes from Maj. Nuts garden. Gen F.Y. Porter reprimands the Officer of the picket. Oct 3d Wrote to Frank Hay. All quiet. We are reviewed by Gen. McClellan. Oct 4th Balloons seen near Alexandria. Oct 5th Pleasant. Letters and papers from home. [page 34] Oct 7th Drill. Raining all night 8th & 9th On Guard –Troops moving to Lewisville 10th Cold & stormy –dreary-I want to go home. Note. I never thought so in earnest in time of campaign no matter how bad the storm. I wish I might always feel as contented with the fortune meter out to me as during these three years. Oct 11th Move to Miners Hill. In front is a valley while beyond lies a range of hills on whose eastern slope are farm houses and openings occupied by Union & rebel pickets while beyond are the camps & batteries of Gen Johnstons Division of rebels. Oct 18th No incidents of note occur. For the past few days have been sick enough but not unable to do duty. 20th Several regiments rec’d orders last night to cook two days rations Visit 22nd Mass. 21st Wrote to Detroit Advertizer. 22 Orders 1:00 A.M. to be in readiness to march at daylight 2 days cooked rations. Rained and did not go. Yesterday Co. baker was shot at Leesburg. Balls Bluff. 23 On Guard. Dr. Clark tells me I have disease of the liver that I must quit duty and report to him. I don’t feel well at all. Stayed on guard all night. [page 35] Michigan 4th Regt Minor’s Farm, near Falls Church Oct. 5th 1861 My Dear Aunt, Last Week we took up our encampment at Fort Woodbury and moved it- clearing up stumps and grading the streets in the nicest order making one of the finest camps this side the river and as often times we have left it. Sat. night last we were ordered to fall in in light marching order and traveled that night til 9 oclock stopping in the woods we know not how near the rebels. While on the march Sherman’s battery passed us and the 9th Mass (Irish). The cry was “onward.” We woke bright and early Sunday [page 36] Morning and lay there quietly all day, in fact til Wednesday, sleeping right under the stars and as the school boy said of his home, “right in the middle of heaven”. We have been on guard, picket and other duty and have leveled acres of heavy, valuable timber. Falls Church is a small village of a church and half a dozen farm houses. Our troops have set on fire several houses and wheat stacks and destroyed much valuable property. Our Army looked fine by night as one saw the camp fires burning for miles. I keep a diary of many events as they happen especially on movements and occasionly write my friend Scripps of the Det. Advertizer. The movements of the Mich. 4th . Col. Woodbury told me the [page 37] other day that I should have a Lieutenancy the first chance and that, when not asked for, I consider a compliment. The Chaplain also said that the Col. Was pleased with J.M.B. Most of my friends have held back until they got commissions before enlisting but I told them I was going to earn mine and I feel that I am and hope that promotions will occur to give a place. Most of the offices have changed already. I want a sash and sword, to receive my “welcome home”. Enclosed is a letter from Mr. T.H. Hinchman and some papers of mine which I place in Uncle Milo’s care for safe keeping. The 4500, I did not need to use. It shows the confidence I gained in Detroit. Love to all John M Bancroft [page 38] The Mich. troops are mentioned quite frequently in the papers throughout the country and some of the illustrated give good representations of familiar scenes. [page 39] Oct. 6th Afternoon Yours of the 2nd was at hand. In my note-book I have the following---Oct. 2nd. On picket at a wheat stack with the reserve. Cooked a nice dish of potatoes and some nice tomatoes with bread, a piece of pork, etc from Major Nuts garden near Falls Church. Gen Porter reprimands the Officer of the picket for inattention to duty. This is a beautiful country, is rough but uncivilized and uncultivated. There are a few places beautifully situated and the farms are traversed by bye paths to the roads-and to other farm houses—Falls Church [page 40] looks quite New England. Sunday has been a busy day with us. Company inspection at 7, regimental inspection at 9 and church at 10:30. It was my duty to read the Articles of War, 18 pages, to those who did not go to church. Yesterday afternoon the rebels threw shell into Gen. McDowell’s men on our left, Upton’s Hill, which was replied to by our guns. No damage. Bye the way, tell Uncle Milo or Joseph Pratt that if they can get me an appointment as a Lieutenant in a Mass. Regt. I can get a transfer from our Colonel and perhaps get a day or two at home. Home that is a strange idea to the soldier and the time is far distant when we shall breathe free air again—but I have not felt it much There has been [page 41] so much to do and learn that I do not stop to think of the difference in circumstance and surroundings of those around me and I knew it when I enlisted. I get the Boston Post daily, the Detroit Advertizer tri-weekly and other papers occasionally, so you see I have friends. Mr. Hinchman writes often and says that I give him the best letter he gets of the Army. So if I do not get a worthy situation during the war if we gain the day I will consider it an honor to have been one of those who has tried to do his duty as it came and I think I have gained friends who will do the best they can to give me a good situation when it is over. The war will go forward soon with energy and will in the end be successful for the U.S. and might have been before had the men of the north come forward with [page 42] proper energy, but now the interests of the country are so linked with it that it must succeed. This nation is to be much more of a military nation than ever before and I think perhaps the best place for me would be to join the U.S. Engineer Corps. But I am in hopes that we shall carry on this was so that ere one year we may be home. slavery will not amount to much hereafter in Virginia, I think, and wherever our armies travel. Our liens extend 40 miles down the river. Soldier’s duty soon gets to be almost a routine. Most of his time is occupied and they look forward to an engagement as a change and a step toward going home which with us of the Mich. 4th is an important item. Yours in good health and pleasant weather. J.M.B. [page 43] Image (Lincoln) [page 44] Head Quarters 4th M.I. Miners Hill, Va. Oct. 31, ‘61 General: The bearer, Sgt. Bancroft with six privates are detailed for special duty in compliance with your orders of this morning and ordered to report forthwith for instructions. I am general with much respect Yours truly, (signed) Co. D.A. Woodbury Commd’g 4th Mich. Vols. Jno S. Earle Adj’t. P.S. the above detail, by the order, are to report to Columbian Armory, to Prof. Lowe. [page 45] Head Qrs. Porter’s Division Hall’s Hill, Va. Oct. 31, 1861 Pass the bearer Sergeant Bancroft and party of six soldiers to Washington City and back when their business is completed. F.J. Porter By Gen’t Com’d. This party will report to Professor Lowe at the Columbian Armory in Washington. F.J. Porter By Gen’l Com’d. [page 46] Oct. 24 Shelling acrost the valley Oct. 29 Wrote to Advertizer. Have been under the Dr.’s care two weeks for Liver complaint. Oct. 30 On Police Guard at Vanderwerken’s at the Brigade Hospital. Oct. 31 Muster for pay. Have most of our winter clothing. After muster am ordered report with six men to Gen. Porter and by him to report to the Columbian Armory, Wash. to Prof. Lowe Aeronaut. Arrived about 8:00 P.M. Nov. 1st On duty at the Columbian Armory Nov. 2nd Stormy Detail Geo. W. Bates Co.A S.M. Kidder Co. A S.D. Porterfield Co.D Thomas Boyd Co.D S.M. Bennet Co.H A. Spade Co.H Nov. 10th Geo. W. Bates sent to the regiment to become Quarter Master Sergeant Nov. Lonely—Home sick almost [Image: soldier leaning against tree] [page 47] Nov. 9th Left Wash. Armory for the Navy Yard to go down to the river. Letter from Mr. Hay. Capt. Dickinson tells his story in the great ship house. Attended school at Andover, Mass. Run away 19 years of age. Went to sea. Became mate on a ship from New Orleans. By the death of the Captain became in command. Buried 12 out of 60 passengers with the yellow fever. Told a very interesting account of the mode of burial at sea. Capt. Dickinson was soon put in command of a gunboat. Nov. 10th Slept last night with the Marines and sailors at the Navy Yard. With Balloon, aeronauts and reporters we start about 11 A.M. down the river A man-of-war lying opposite Alexandria. Run in close to Ft Washington, Mattawoman Creek. After dark go with Mr. Slack a Herald Reporter to Gen. Hookers Hd Qrs. Mud very deep and the road very indefinite. Deliver our dispatch and return. Nov. 12 Balloon makes four ascension. Gen. Sickles goes up twice. About 4:00 we go ashore and the General and staff share our coffee hard tack and salt pork. Mr. Bentley of the Phil. Enquirer is with us, also one of Frank Leslie’s artists. [page 48] [image] Washington’s House Mount Vernon [page 49] [image] Sergeant J.M. Bancroft on detached duty at Washington Oct. to Nov. 1861. [page 50] [images] 1. Bringing in the mule herd to water 2. Excitement among the soldiers 3. The last wagon of the train [page 51] Nov. 14th, 1861 Returned to Washington Nov. 24 Started with a Balloon to run the Blockade of the Potomac. Storm and sleet and darkness. Run into a steamer going from the Navy Yard. Hear them beat “to quarters”. Stop at Ft Washington. Run by the three batteries in the night. With all lights well covered stop at Mattawoman Creek. Picturesque scenery. Nov. 25 Lay to all day. Mr. Starkweather and Pauline, aeronauts come on board with a Balloon. Run down to Chickamoxie at night, with Balloon barge. The Steamer Mr. Lowe and Starkweather go to Ft Monroe. Nov. 28th The Rebels commence firing shell at the balloon barge and the balloon on shore. Do not hit it. Prof. L. telegraphs for us to return to Wash. Row up to Mattawoman. Sleep on the deck of a stern wheel excursion boat in a storm of wind and rain. Sunday, Dec. 1st Inflate the Intrepid and prepare to take it over the river. Windy. Have to guard it. Dec 2nd & 3d Let out the gas. [page 52] 1861 Dec. 10 Leave Wash. by canal boat Eliza Ann to Edwards Ferry, via Great Falls. Scenery rough and grand. Dec. 12 Find a spot for camp well sheltered from the wind. Have a detail of Mass. S.S. Dec. 13 Inflated the balloon working all night Dec. 15 Gen. Stowe makes an ascension. Visit camp of 7th Michigan. Dec. 19th Mr. Seaver wishing to examine the valve of the balloon shears were rigged from two trees and a seat hung from a block by which he was raised above it and then swung with a guy the shears being moved forward at the same time until he obtained a good view of the valve, and packing. This examination was made because from the rapid escape of gas on the first night after inflation there was reason to suspect some one had been tampering with it. On opening the balloon during inflation the folds at the lower part clung together with much tenacity requiring some exertion to separate them. No doubt the varnish was torn out. [page 53] [image] U.S. Flag [page 54] [image] Prayer meeting in a contraband camp. Washington, 1862 “Oh I’m gwine home to glory—won’t you go along wid me, What de blessed angels beckon, an’ de Lor’ my Saviour be?” [page 55] 1861 Dec. 28th Mr. S. has become nearly sick beside being homesick. We occupy a house some ¼ mile from the camp. Mr. S, myself and Mr. Prendergalt, an Irishman of education, a fine singer and a good story teller. We have some very jolly times here. Sam Porterfield, one of our party was formerly a traveling jig-dancer and a “fellow of infinite jest” (Hamlet). He cannot write, and I have written many a letter for him home to his wife, full of pathos and affection, and of interest in everything relating to her welfare, and within two days perhaps I have seen him so drunk he could scarcely stand and why go further-this is bad enough-but not the worst by any mean. We having free run of Washington on our duty had opportunities of seeing and doing about as we pleased. Poor Sam. He was wounded at Malvern Hill and died of lock-jaw brought on by free use of liquor after getting to Philadelphia. Lt. Laidd of the 7th Mich. was another jolly fellow but one who did not take one drop of liquor. In that old house we would have quite a concert at times and then get the “colored folks who occupied the back part of come in and Sam would get them all from the old “Uncle” to the smallest pickaninnie [page 56] 1861, Dec. 28th cont. to dancing. I found some very fine fellows in the detail which was from Sanders S.S. of Mass. Mr. S. was unfortunate in the opening of his career as aeronaut in thinking he must indulge in the free and easy style of some of the officers. The scenery here is fine. The Potomac, the Ohio and Chesapeake Canal, old Sugar Loaf and the Eastern range of the Blue Ridge on the Catoctin Mts. Bulls Bluff is but a short distance from our camp and we see the men who were there. We see their General, Gen. Stone. But from what I have seen of him I cannot believe him guilty of what he is charged with. I was up in the Balloon one day. While here we managed finely in regard to rations and quarters. We found many persimmons in the woods, which with the squirrels and chickens and fresh pork make very good living. This seems to be a grand old country. On some farms there are great stacks of wheat, which seems to have been the crop of three or four years. The soil is a red clay making splendid mortar for winter quarters. _____of the 20th Mich make winter quarters of thatch. The 7th Mich. of logs- covered with shingles-on 2 sides of a square with [page 57] [Image] Minors Hill, Jan. 1st, 1862 [page 58] 1861 Dec. 28th cont. with the officers quarters on the open side. Dec. 30th Stormy weather. Mr. Seaver almost down with a fever. Dec. 31st Clear in the morning. Prepare to inflate. Mr. S. improves with the excitement. No wind. 1862 Jan. 1st 1862 No wind during the night. Make an ascension with Mr. Seaver some 300 feet in the morning. Not power enough in the Balloon to carry us higher. Go to Gen Stone’s Hd. Qrts. Poolesville for rations. Capt. J.H. Stiener supersedes Capt. Seaver. Jan. 2 Our detail of Sharpshooters leave to go with Gen. Lander. Jan. 3d Walk to Poolesville 7 miles to have a pass signed, then to camp of the 19th mass., then on down the Canal to within about 9 miles of Washington. Very tired we seek lodgings at several houses along the canal but find no accommodations At last find a picket of the 62 New York Fire Zouaves, where we pass the night under shelter at least. Jan. 4th Arrive in Wash. and go over to the regiment. Stop over night at 22d Mass. Comrades from Reading. Jan. 5th Meet my old comrades of the Mich. 4th See the Adjutant and Chaplain. Jan. 6th See Col. Woodbury and return to Washington See Hon. F.C. Beaman, Mr. c., from Adrian [page 59] 1862 Jan. 12 Making drawings of Inflating apparatus used by Prof. Lowe. Feb. 1st During the few days past I find nothing written down. I am quartered at the Columbian Armory Wash. making drawing so much of the time as I choose. There are some 300 girls engaged in making cartridges here. Met Mr. L.G. Berry. Recd a photograph. Feb. 26th Looking at Photographic Albums Bought, and Sent one home. Sam Porterfield has returned from a visit home. Most of the Balloon boys have been home. I have not because I am only a common soldier and I think I ought to be an officer by this time, but there has been few vacancies. E. Mason Jr. private secretary for Prof. Lowe is quite a favorite with our party. He is the “Our Ned” of the story papers and a very genial, social, companionable sort of person. [page 60] [image] A. Making cartridges, Columbian Armory Washington, D.C. [page 61] [image] B. Varnishing Balloon Columbian Armory Washington, D.C. [page 62] [image] C Columbian Armory, Jan. 24, 1862 [page 63] [image] Feb. 20, 1862. Gen. Morrell’s Head Quarters, Miner’s Hill, Va [page 64] [letter] Columbian Armory Washington, D.C. Feb.10/62 Sergeant Bancroft You will report the detail consisting of the three members of Michigan Regt. under your charge, to the Regiment, their services not being required on balloon business for the present. Yours T.S.C. Lowe Chief Aeronaut PE Mason Apt. “Our Ned” T.S.C. Lowe Aeronaut [page 65] [image] The Daily Graphic: New York, Friday, October 24, 1879. [map] [page 66] 1862 Feb. 27th Serg’t Eaton and party go to Pohick church with a Balloon. Sunday, March 2nd Movements indicate an advance on Manassas or an attempt to draw the rebels from the place. A strong force is sent to Harpers Ferry. Army of the Potomac have two days cooked rations. Sunday 9th A Balloon ordered over the river. .Inflated the Union after 5 o’c and towed it to Fort Corcoran. 10th Advance. Army of the Potomac I remain at Washington. 12th Prof. Lowe returned from Manassas. [page 67] 1862 Mar 13th Balloon ordered to Ft Monroe Mar. 15 Mr. S. started today for Ft Monroe. Heavy rain storm. The army march from Fairfax to Alexandria in the rain. 16th Called on Adjutant Earle who is now recovering from a fever. The army are preparing to leave for Ft. Monroe. March 17th Visit the regiment at Camp California near Cloud’s Mill, Va., near where we encamped in July, 1861 previous to Bull Run. An immense Army. 23d Preparing to leave. 24th Working for some definite appointment on Balloon Service. There seems to be no way of bringing about such a change. Mr. Lowe’s father is one of our party. [page 68] 1862 Friday, Mar. 28th One year since. Mr. T.H. Hinchman of Detroit called. Visited the Smithsonian. Col. Macomb, Alexandria, etc. Saw Gen. McClellan on board a steamer, reading the paper. Neat, manly, and firm, not careworn. Visited Mr. Granger, Rep. from Mich. the Green Houses in the Public Gardens. Mar. 29th With Mr. T.H. Hinchman. Mar. 31st Visited the Aqueduct Bridge at Georgetown by Gen. Meigs with T.H.H. Mr. H. leaves for New York Drawing Plan of the old Lucy House, Fredericksburg, Va. [page 69] 1862 April 5th Still troubled as since last October with Liver Complaint. This is one reason so little has been written. April 6th Visit Georgetown Heights. Fine residences. Fine view from the Reservoir. April 8th Wrote letters. Raining and snowing. April 10th Meet Mr. John La Mountain, Aeronaut. April 16th Started with Balloon Alexandria to Catlett Station, Va. April 17th Report to Col. Macomb. Muddy. Gen. Augers Brigade march to Fredericksburg. April 18th Gen. Patrick’s Brigade follows Augers today. Gen. Arbiecrombies Brigade advance to the river and are now shelling the enemy. McCalls division have come up. April 19th No movements. Stormy. Cold April 20th No movements today. Stormy. Cold. Unpleasant. [page 70] 1862 April 19th No movements today. Stormy. Cold April 20th Stormy. Cold- unpleasant. (Monday) April 21st Gen. McDowell removes Hd. Qrts. To Fredericksburg. Raining hard all day. Balloon, etc., sent to Alexandria to wait further orders. About 250 sick soldiers are waiting and go up on the same train. Bridge at Bull run washed away Have to wait at Manasses unitl Wednesday. April 22d Waiting at Manassas. Walk out in the Centerville R.R. to Bull Run. Bridge Burnt. Stroll among the deserted rebel camps. Plenty of dead horses and graves. April 23 Go to Bull Run. Cross on foot bridge and get on train for Alexandria. Hurrah! Once more within the lines of civilization. Of the 250 sick soldiers who left Calette Station three have died. Go to Washington to my home for some months, the Columbian Armory. April 24th Cleaning of the mud. Board at a German restaurant on 7th St. April 25th Go to Alexandria. See Mr. Guzer. Aeronaut. [page 71] 1862 April 28th See Lt. Col. Macomb. May 2d Visit office of Supervising Architect Treasury Depart. May 3d Serg’t C.J. Eaton arrived from Fortress Monroe. Sick May 4th Very pleasant. May 5th Start for Aquia Creek with balloon. (Mr. Lamountain May 6th Go to Bell Plain, 8 miles below Aquia in charge of balloons. Land and stop for the night. May 7th Sleepless night. Start for Fredericksburg with a train of about 12 wagons and 20 men to keep Baloon tanks from upsetting at the roads are very bad. Pines. Report to Gen. McDowells Hd. Qrs. At the Lacy House. Here is where Washington cut the cherry tree. It is one of the five old mansions. Bricks brought from England. Trees in the yard and in the revines on each side of the house in which are five springs. Fine view of the old town of Fredericksburg. Pontoon bridges, rubber boats filled with air also bridge of canal boats. [page 72] [Image] Irvin McDowell [page 73] [Image] Fredericksburg Out buildings, Lay House, Va. [page 74] [images] Yorktown, May New Bridge, May 24th [page 75] [image] Fleeing from the Land of Bondage On the Mississippi river in 1863 “Mothers carried their babes on one arm, and led little woolly headed toddlers by the other. Old men and women gray, nearly blind, some of them bent almost double, bore on their heads and backs the small plunder they had “toted” from their homes. They were all going forth, like the Israelites. ‘from the land of bondage to a land they knew not.” [page 76] 1862, May 7th cont. With Mr. LaMountain the Aeronaut I meet Mr. haddock who made a voyage in a balloon from St. Louis at one time. May 10th Visit the town of Fredericksburg. May 11th Sunday Going to Washington May 13th Go to Washington May 14th Meet Everett Eaton at Co. Beckwith’s office. Serg’t C.J. Eaton of our balloon party sick with Typhoid fever at Mrs. Van Arsdale’s. Stay all night with him. Storm. May 15th Go to Aquia Creek May 16 Go to Fredericksburg and get permission to return to Washington. May 18th Arrive in Washington 8 P.M. C.J. Eaton died in the morning. C.J. Eaton West Arlington Bennington Co. Vermont Prof. Lowe was the cause of this to a great extent. May 21st Mr. Eaton and Brown arrive to convey the body home, it having been embalmed. Jennie Evans, Charley’s affianced, mourns. [page 77] May 22nd Get a pass at Col. Macomb’s office. Many errands. Thermometer 98 degrees. May 23rd Go to Aquia Creek and to Fredericksburg in the cars. Great review—Pres. Lincoln and M. Mercier, French Minister, review the Army of the Rappahannock. Gen. Shields from the Shenandoah has joined McDowell. May 24th Cold and rainy. Freezing almost. My regiment, the 4th Mich. engaged in a skirmish at New Bridge in the Chickhominy near Richmond. They cross the river and drive a Brigade of Rebels holding it. Two killed, eight wounded. Rebels have 150 killed and wounded. This is the first active engagement they are in. May 25th Sunday Shields returns to Catlette Station. His train consists of 864 wagons, 11,000 men. Ords division follow, Kings division across the river. Stonewall Jackson is after banks at Harpers Ferry, and we have got him. Ords division follow. King crosses the river. A very busy Sunday. No enemy near. Very pleasant. [page 78] [pass] The bearer Sergt. J.M. Bancroft Mich. Vols. Is on duty under the orders of Co. Macomb A.D.C. at Hd. Qrs. Of Maj. Gen. McDonall. Let his pass on the train for Aquia today. May 27, 1862 (signed) J.N. Macomb Col. A.D.C. Chp. Top’l Eng. Dept. Rapp. [image] New Bridge, Va –Returning from Battle, may 24, 1862 [page 79] [Images] A. Horseback soldiers B. Centerville Heights [page 80] Rotary Steam Navigation Company New Freight Line, New York to Boston White House, Virginia 29 May 1862 Sergeant Bancroft Washington, D.C. Dear Sir & Friend, Your letter concerning the sickness of Sergt. Eaton was rec’d from Prof. Lowe yesterday by one of the teamsters and I have written the Prof. concerning the same. I am very sorry for Charlie, and I think Mr. Lowe’s father very much to blame to promise him promotion when he knew such a thing out of his power. I believe the promise of Lowe, Senior, a great agency in producing Charlie’s sickness and depression. The Prof. sent down to me yesterday for acid and iron and also sent for Hodges, Welch, Trumbull, and Starkweatehr, leaving Bob, Frank and Dick on the Boat. The Boat (“Rotary”) is about to make [page 81] another pleasure excursion of two or three weeks to Phila. And as the Prof. will, in all probability, accompany the Boat, leaving me with the Balloons as heretofore, I shall be pretty busy. I find that we are unable to obtain a cent of money from Prof. Lowe and he is, I think, trifling with us, as we (Seaver, Allen and myself) have been under the necessity of petitioning him for pay and from the 17th of May until today receive no satisfaction. Mr. Lowe’s father says he doubts that we will even be paid, says the appropriation is expended, etc, which is consoling news for our families now suffering for the want of money. I would like very much to be transferred to Co.. Macomb of Prof. La Mountain either as Aeronaut or Asst. I have been constantly in charge of balloon and have had my pay raised to the other aeronauts wages. All well—Bob and Billy have been quite unwell but are now [page 82] Nearly convalescent. The boys are with Allen some 15 or 18 miles from here towards Richmond. I hope Charlie is improving. I think Prof. ought to do something for him and I shall press the matter firmly and persistently for Charlie was a good, faithful, hones, capable man and worth a 1000 such men as Mr. L. senior, Freno and such trash. Please do what you can for me with Co. MaComb and La Mountain, for I am determined to leave Prof. Lowe and his reckless mismanagement. Capt. Seaver, Bob, Frank, send best regards. I trust you will get along and obtain for yourself such a position as your talents command. I should be pleased to hear from you direct. E.Mason, Jr. Aeronaut Fortress Monroe, Va. Yours truly E.M. Jr. [page 83] Remember me to all. Please answer soon, and let me know the prospects. [page 84] [image] The Dying Soldier. The last letter from Home [page 85] May 26th 1862 McCalls division move to, and a portion cross the river. Gen. McDowell out visiting deserted rebel camps. On his return he goes to Washington. May 27th Head Quarters move to Aquia Creek and thence to Alexandria and Manassas. May 28th Get by request from Col. McComb papers ordering me to my regiment now on the Chickahominy before Richmond, from which I have been absent since Nov. 1st, 1861. May 29th, 30th, 31st, June 1st I remain in Washington. Call on Mrs. Col. Woodbury, a very handsome and lovely lady. She seems to have a great deal of interest in the regiment. [page 86] June 3d 1863 Leave Alexandria 1 o’c P.M. Down the Potomac. Stop below Mathia’s Point. Storm all night. On a propeller loaded with provision for the Army. Sleep very comfortably in the passage way through the boat in front of the boilers. June 4th Start again. Pass Blackstone Island light. Storm, rain, and mist. Repass the light. River wide and rough. Cannot see the banks for fog. Start agin. Pass Pines Point lighthouse. Come to anchor in St. Mary Harbor, where the water is quiet and calm. Several sloops and steamers laying here. Schooners loaded with engines, cars, and R.R. supplies for the army. Scene: a fine quiet plantation, a very picturesque windmill for grinding corn. [image] Windmill St. Mary Harbor, Va. –drawn by Bancroft. [page 87] June 5th 1862 Out past the light ship in the waters of Chesapeake Bay. Pass steamers and schooners bound down the Bay. Enter York River. Pass Yorktown with its forts, guns, and vessels, about 200, waiting orders up the river. June and a splendid country up York River. Come to anchor near West Point. June 6th Pass West Point, nine houses, a water battery and the R.R., up the crooked, marshy, swampy river Pamonkey. Stream obstructed at one place with sunken vessels. Masts of vessels can be seen in all directions, over the tree tops. Twelve o’c arrive at White House. Meet old companions on the balloon barge. A large number of wounded arrive on the cars and are placed on board ocean steamers to be taken to New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore from the battle of “Seven Pines” or “Fair Oaks”. Very warm. June 7th Started for Dispatch Stations. Walked thence to the regiment 10 miles. Storm and rain. Clear. Joyous welcome. Old faces. Home again. Visit balloon camp near Dr. Gaines’ house. [page 88] June 8th, 1862 Camp at Gaines’ Mill, Va. Regiment go out on picket. All quiet. June 9th Review in afternoon by Gen. Prim, a Spanish General. All quiet. A little cannonading in the afternoon. June 10th raining. Very unpleasant. We now live in little shelter-tents which seem to me quite small. Places for three—George Healtz, Sergt. Kidd and myself. Firing in afternoon over the Chickahoming. June 11th Clear and pleasant. Been out to view the Chickahoming. All quiet. June 12th Very pleasant and warm. On guard. Very hot. Occasional firing. Rumors of Fremont whipping Jackson. Ordered to have three days rations and be ready to move at a moments notice. June 13th Very warm. Heavy firing on the left for two hours in the morning. Regiment go on picket at New Bridge on the Chickahoming. Cavalry (Rebel) in the rear. [page 89] 1862 June 14th Very smoky and warm. June 15th Find eight dead rebels in the river. This is where the regt. fought May 24th. Co. K. divide a rebel jay bone to send the teeth to the rural districts. Return from picket. Rain shower. Monday 16th Cool and comfortable. June 17th Out in Fatigue duty building bridges for Seige Guns. At 10 o’c heavy firing on the left. Heavy volleys by pickets during the night. June 18th Battalion Drill. Very warm and close. Franklin’s division on the move. The river very low again------ Sick----- June 19th Very warm. 3d Brigade, Franklin Div. cross the Chickahoming. Visit with Vreeland 8th Illinois Cavalry to see Dr. Heard and get some medicine from him. Gen. Morsell sends me to Prof. Lowe to sketch from the balloon. Too much wind to make an ascension. Heavy firing from Battery opposite New Bridge. June 20th Warm and pleasant. Heavy firing. Shot fall near our camp. [page 90] Saturday June 21st 1862 Sick. Dr. gives me mercury and morphine. June 22nd ditto June 23 Tincture Sulphuric acid. Afternoon morphine and whiskey. June 24 Morphine and whiskey. Feel some better. Stop vomiting. Shower in the morning. Five siege guns are placed in position near Dr. Gaines. June 25 Do not use any morphine or whiskey. Weather cool and windy. Batteries firing. June 26 Nitrate of silver. Ordered to take my blankets and come up to the hospital. Meet Col. Woodbury in going to quarters and he informs me that they have sent inquiring for a draftsman from Gen. McClellan. I inform him I would like to go. Do not feel very well. Write to M. H. Very hot. All quiet. Marching orders. march to Mechanicsville and fight. Advance by the left flank. Sleep on the field. [page 91] 1862 June 27 Up early in the morning. March to the rear to our old camp. Pack up. Move burn stores and send wagons to the rear over the Chickahominy. Go Back about one and one half miles and form in line to check the enemy. Leave our knapsacks and never see them again. Have a heavy battle. "Gaines Mill" and the brigade on our left breaking retreat with great loss. Capt. Depug and others. Reforces and the Irish Brigade come in and drive the Rebs. back while our artillery give them a lively shelling. Sleep on sand without my blanket. Woke up about 1 o'c and crossed the River. One of those awful marches, night marches where we move 150 or 100 ft. to rest ten minutes or one-half hour. We have no tents to speak of either. Sleep in an open field. Are routed up to clean our arms for inspection. Am sick myself [page 92] June 28 1862 During the day march past Savage Station where are our wounded boys. Walk with others and encamp after passing White Oak Swamp. During the night a gentle shower. Also a stampede which does not result in anything serious. Sunday June 29 We turn out to corduroy the swamp. We march 1 ½ miles after which we wait most the day. March at night with one or two stampede. March and wait, and march and wait and then countermarch. May you never experience how tired we were. Sleep about one hour near morning and get up to march two or three miles to the James River [page 93] Copy for father Sergt. J.M. Bancroft 4th Michigan Volunteers Army of the Potomac The enclosed letters reached me at different points on the route with Gen. McDowell and I have heretofore felt at a loss about getting them forwarded to you. But as I happen to be in Washington for a few days I send them down in the hope that they may reach you. In the hurry of our movement when you expressed your wish to join your regiment. I allowed you to go without giving you my other paper than what I deemed sufficient to enable [page 94] You to get from the Qr. Master here the transportation to your Regiment. I take this occasion to say that whilst you were under my orders in the Balloon Service I had every reason to be satisfied with your conduct as far as the same came under my observation. On several occasions important movements of the Balloon Property were made entirely under your care and supervision. I always regretted that the fact of your being in the Army prevented my giving you a better position in the Balloon Services for I am sure That you would have given satisfaction under any circumstances. I remain very Respectfully Your Obt. Svt. J.N. Macomb, A.D.C. U.S. Army [page 95] Monday June 30th 1862 Arrive at the James River. Sleep and rest 'till afternoon. When tired and weary we are called out across the swamp and up the hill again to form a line of battle. I am sick and excused by the Dr. but I cannot bear to leave the regt., so I go along up the hill. "Malvern Hill" 'Turkey Bend. We form in line. A battery opens on the left which is silenced by ours. Heavy fighting on the right. Prisoners brought in." [page 96] Tuesday July 1st 1862 Battle Malvern Hill Move to front on the extreme left to protect a battery. Change position often during day. Heavy fighting on the right. Very hot during day. We are in a wheat field. cover myself with straw to keep out the heat. Boys killing and cooking pork. At last near dark they come in force to try us. We hold them. Wave our colors. Lose Col. Woodbury and many officers and men. Are relieved and go to rear when our ammunition is gone. Our troops hold the ground. Fall Back during the night to the James River. Marching most all night. When we come back to the rear during the fight we rested near a large house used as a hospital and signal station and as Hd. Qrts. during part of the day. Tired, sore with loading and firing. We lay down in the dust. Many of the men were wounded and they could get no sight of the Surgeons who were busy with the worst cases. Lieut. Gordon was struck in the shoulder in the 1st of the fight and I tied his handkerchief on his arm. He kept with us all night. We did not leave the place for some time. On the front the shells were flying and the musketry continued lively until nearly or quite 10 o'clock. We did not mind it much [page 97] [image] Malvern Heights July 1st 1862 Organized, May 16th, 1861 4th Michigan, drawn by Lieut. Gruner [page 98] [article] The Battle of Malvern Hill, Interesting Rebel Accounts, Terrible Slaughter [page 99] 1862 [July 1st cont] At least most of us went to sleep. We were soon routed and marched to the river and down to Harrison's Landing. It was very tedious, tiresome march, after all our marching by night and fighting by day of the week previous. It was long after daylight when we reached the open field and then in the midst of a shower, with rebel artillery behind us, we waded through mud and sought to erect some shelter. Vreeland and myself got a house of rails and wheat and lay all day in the rain resting. July 2d Very heavy shower. Sick with dysentery at last. no use in trying to go any further. Regiment move out in line of battle as the rebels shell us and I lay in my tent. Go to the Hospital in a barn. Take Opium & Tannin Dreams and headache. [page 100] 1862 July 3d Rumor says we are in pursuit of rebels. We do not know what the real state of matters is. Remain in hospital. July 4th Remain in Hospital July 5th Remain in Hospital July 6 Remain in hospital. Feel better. Dr. Clarke orders that the sick or wounded shall have no meat. July 7th Monday Left hospital and went to Regiment. Acting Orderly Sergt., Vreeland being now acting Lieut. Very warm. Have to sleep two or three hours every noon. Feel the opium. Dreamy. Our camp is in the woods. The open plain between us and the landing covered with wheat the morning we came is now one field of mud. July 8th Work all day on Muster Rolls. Feel tired. Turn out at night- for a Review by the President by moonlight. Very tired and weak. [page 101] 1862 July 9th Drawing clothing and issuing to the men. Very warm. July 10 Writing on Rolls. July 11 Finish Rolls. See Henry Houseman of 32 Mass. just arrived from Ft. Warren. July 12 Regimental Inspection. See Hamilton Temple of Reading July 14th Dr. Chamberlin returned from taking care of wounded. [page 102] July 15th 1862 Muster for pay. July 16 Regiment on Fatigue Duty. Shower July 17th Shower. July 18th Down to landing Saturday July 19 Cool and rainy. Sunday July 20th Letter from M. H. July 21st So many men sick that we move camp into open field. Very busy. Some trouble in laying out camp and getting things in line. Do not feel able to do more than I can avoid. [page 103] 1862 July 28th Wrote to S. F. H. St Louis. July 29th Paid charges on box for Heintzen. Brandy, Whiskey, etc. Taken care of by Vreeland and myself. July 31 Rebel shelled us last night from over the river. Grand Stampede!!! It was written up in the papers. Aug. 2d Regiment over the River. [page 104] 1862: Most like Sunday of any in the army for a long time. No service. Aug. 3d Aug. 4th Sunshine Very warm sultry weather and with duties of orderly requiring constant activity and attention. With the weakness remaining from my sickness I find nothing written for several days. We do nothing save what is necessary for health and that takes most our time. We scarcely know how the country does stand. We all have faith in Gen. McClellan. A day in camp in summer is very much as follows--- Reveille Policing of streets Breakfast One Hours Drill by Company Guard Mounting Working and Policing Parties Fatigue Cook , eat and sleep til 3 0'c Drill, Dress Parade, Rations Supper, bathing, washing of clothes Cleaning muskets, writing rolls, letters Reading papers etc. [page 105] 1862 Aug 8th Visit 6th Regular Cavalry. See Sergt. Ladd and Knapp of Adrian, Mich. Aug 10th Marching orders. Pick up, send baggage on board transports. Blankets and all in many cases. I retained only a light rubber blanket. Aug 11 Marching orders. Sleep without rations. Aug 12th Marching orders. Aug.13th Marching orders. Aug. 14th Marching orders. Fall in immediately after dress parade. Start at 10:30 o' c. March about 80 rods and lie down in the dust without any command to halt and remain until morning. This gives little rest. Aug. 15th March out beyond the works. March all day and nearly all night. Sleep an hour or two in a cornfield sitting down in the dust. Cross the mouth of the Chickahominy early in the morning and halt. Throw off straps and belts and enjoy a glorious bath in the Chickahominy. The Pontoon we crossed on was the longest ever laid. Went to breakfast, then sat or lay down to ready and study "Waterloo" in "Les Miserable's". This is a very interesting description. Read it to understand it and you can then understand battle descriptions. [page 106] 1862 16th Aug. March at 4 ½ P.M.. Level and in some cases sandy country bordering on the James River. March - March!! March!!! all night long through interminable forests. All I can see is a white roll (a shelter tent) across the shoulders of a man before me and I make almost superhuman efforts not to lose sight of it while the next behind me is so far behind I do not hear him. Sometimes I pass a worn out one who has made up his mind to stop any how. On! On - On - What keeps us moving. We halt a short distance from Williamsburg about midnight and then go on for it takes a long time for the column to close up. Williamsburg is a Virginia town seat of William and Mary's College. We pass the town by moonlight tired and weary. Finding it impossible to keep up, most of the company having fallen out. One man and the two Lieutenants. I fell out and when we got to the fortifications beyond Williamsburg, seeing no one before or behind, stopped for the night. in a few moments one of the Sergeants of my company came up and stopped with me. [page 107] [images] [page 108] 1862 Sunday Aug 17th Leave Williamsburg at daylight for Yorktown. Found the camp of the regiment within 80 rods of where we stayed during the night. Pass the graves of the battle ground of Williamsburg. We find 24 lb. gun in pond in the woods and inform the Quartermaster accompanying the train. Arrive at Yorktown about 4 o'c P.M. Find the Division in camp upon the same ground they encamped last spring. Aug 18th Leave for Hampton 8 oclock a.m. Road very dry and dusty. After a hard days march arrive at 5 o'clock. Bathe in salt water Aug 19th Up early. tired and sleepy. Up to march in ½ an hour. No coffee. Soft bread and whiskey. March to Newport News. Get a shirt by mail which is very acceptable in present circumstances. Bathe in the salt water. Go on the boats down Hampton Roads. See masts of the Cumberland. Pass Fortress Monroe and Rip Raps. Aug 20th Wake in Potomac. Land at Aquia Creek. March to Potomac Creek Bridge. Very hot. Aug 21st March to the Rappahannock and encamp three days rations. Go to Falmouth. Lay in the [page 109] road all night. Aug 22d March from Falmouth to Ellis' Ford on the Rappahannock. 20 miles. Heavy firing at Rappahannock Station to the north. Only three men to stack arms when we go into camp. The rest stopping on account of the heat, and dust. Encamp in wheat field near the Ford where are an abundance of small stones making it not very easy finding a place to pitch a tent and to lay down. Heavy shower. Aug 23d Marching orders. Heavy firing. River too deep to cross. Rations short. No forage. Country hilly and rough, springy, apple trees etc. Shower at night. Sunday Aug 24th Inspection. Marching orders- 11 o'clock. Aug 25th Aug. 26th Waiting Very hot. Aug 27th Started from Barnetts Ford. Cross the R. R. at Bealton. go to Warrenton Junction. Battle at Briston -- Gen. Hooker. [page 110] Thursday, Aug. 28th Up at a very early hour, long before daybreak. Get about ½ mile from camp and can get no further until after day break (7 ½ o’c) march to Briston, cross the battle field and encamp. Heavy firing to the north. No mail since Aug. 14th. Friday Aug. 29th March to Manassas Junction. Then march out to the R. R. toward Manassas Gap. Firing toward the mountains. Battle going on. Under the shell today. Not engaged as Infantry. Firing mostly to the right. Countermarch and countermarch. On picket. Saturday Aug. 30th Pickets withdraw early in the morning, the division having gone during the night. Draw one day's rations. March to Manassas then over Bull Run and stop half hour for breakfast. No coffee, since yesterday morning. Go on to Centerville. Pass through the Fortifications and go out in a valley on a beautiful stream to the north. Get plenty of corn and apples. Fighting towards the mountains. Get one days rations and start for the front. Smiths and Franklin's men pass us going to the front. Meet soldiers and wounded coming from the field. Countermarch. [page 111] Porter's Corps engaged except our Brigade. Left-wing turned. Slight panic. After dark army all come back onto Centerville Heights. Are a long while getting into place for the night. Sleep on Centerville Heights. Sunday 31st Go to the right form line of battle facing open plains. Await an attack until 3 P.M. rumored that McClellan is again in command. Sept. 1st During the afternoon receive 80 rounds cartridges. Rain. Fall in after dark. Sleep in line Sept 2nd Up at 12 oclock March 40 rods. Stormy windy and cold. Leave the works daylight Tuesday morning. Centreville. Go to Vienna. To Lewisville, to Langley. Arrive 10 o’c evening. Encamp in cultivated field, Roast corn, Fires of Rails. Sleep. Wed 3d Go to Miner’s Hill. Old camp of 1861 and til March of 62. Many a brave fellow gone to his long home. many broken bones. Many weary aching miles. [page 112] [image]—Talking it over Sept. 4th Thursday Writing Pay Rolls. Out in line of Battle. Reconnaissance by Rebel Cavalry. Get mail for the first time since Aug. 14th . Sept. 5th Writing Pay Rolls. Expect to be here for some time. Sept. 6th Muster on the Rolls. Marching orders. Go to Falls Church and to Upton Hill. Arrive at 2 P.M. Sleep most of the day. Sept. 7 Lie in line of Battle during the night. Outer line of Forts being dismantled. Move forward on picket. Sept. 8th On picket, Potatoes and corn. Sept. 9th On picket. Knapsacks come up from Ft. Corcoran, which we have not seen since Aug. 12th. Sept. 10th Pass other picket. Cloudy. [page 113] September 12th 1862 March from Falls Church to Washington, thence out to Rockville. Various rumors about our destination. Very hot. Sept. 13th March through Rockville, Beautiful country, a garden composed with the desert we have been traveling through. Sept. 14th Marching through Clarksville, Hyattsville, toward Frederic. Heavy firing to westwards of Monocacy River and Sugar Loaf Mountains. Sept. 15th Leave Frederic. go to Middletown over the Hills. Beautiful scenery and country. Stop near the battlefield of the previous day. Good bathing. Meet prisoners and see a great many wagon trains. Battle of Antietam, MD., September 16th and 17th, 1862 Antietam [page 114] [Image] The Federal Artillery taking Position at the battle of South Mountain. [page 115] [Image] Battle of Antietam [page 116] [image] Federal soldier [page 117] Sept. 16th Middletown to Boonsboro to Gettysville to vicinity of the Battlefield. Great army. Many soldiers, Encamp near Gen. McClellan's Hd. Qrs. Sept. 17th Go forward to support batteries. 20 pd. Parrotts. Rumors and excitement. Get some glimpses of the smoke and changes of the lines from the hills. We turn Rebel left and light Batteries and cavalry go forward. Burnside crossing stone bridge. Antietam Creek. Sept. 18th Bury dead under flag of truce while rebels cross the Potomac. Regiment got to the left, and division join Burnside. [page 118] September 19th 1862 Advance through Sharpsburg. Nearly every house struck with solid shot or shell. Things look rough. Rebels have stripped houses of everything. Union sentiment is strong, as we go through women point out houses of those who have given the rebels shelter and where rebel flags are concealed. Children swear vengeance. Go out beyond town. Rebels are on opposite side of river. Two companies are ordered out as sharpshooters. Toward night the regiment is ordered to cross the river and take a battery which is disputing the passage. Sharpshooters along the bank. Capt. Gordon is wounded. While going down to the river a fragment of a shell strikes the man in front of me taking the top of his head and killing him instantly. We lose but few men in crossing. The river is some 500 feet wide and is not very warm. After driving away the Rebels we return and try to dry ourselves and get some coffee. [page 119] [image] Crossing the Potomac Sept. 19th 1862 [page 120] [image] Col. Jonathan Childs [page 121] Saturday 20th September 1862 Cross the river again at daybreak to show the other troops the way. Boys forage, get flour, geese and turkeys and return, recross the river. After we cross the Rebels drive our men back, sending the 118th Pa. down the river bank. We are brought up in line of battle and remain all day wet and weary. Beautiful country. Sunday 21st Beautiful day. All quiet in the morning. Monday 22d Tuesday 23d Go into camp. Wednesday 24th On Picket on the River Banks. Sept. 28 Commission as 1st Lieut., dated to this date. Co.K. [page 122] [image] [Soldier lying in field writing—Bancroft’s explanation of picture:] On several occasions I worked thus for one or two days making out company monthly payroll, sheets spread on rubber blanket on the ground. J M B. Saturday 27th Geo. Parker 13th Mass in camp. Sunday 28th On Picket. Opposite Shepardstown, Va. [page 123] [image] Lincoln 1862 Tuesday 30th Write S.F.H. St. Louis and home. 1862 Oct. 2d Thursday General Review of the President and Gen McClellan. Time very much taken up with duties of orderly sergeant. Oct. 8th Mic. 24th arrived Oct. 9th Mail arrived. Letters from J.H. Hinchman M.W. Chapin, Commdj. Brig. At Louisville Ky [page 124] 1862 Oct. 17th Returned from picket [page 125] [image] Harper’s Ferry, 1861-‘2-‘3-‘4 [page 126] [image] Harper’s Ferry [page 127] [image] Maryland Heights, Harper’s Ferry [page 128] 1862 Saturday Oct. 25, 1862 In camp at Sharpsburg. Sick, cold and chilly. Sunday Oct. 26th Cold, chill. Wish I was at home. I think this is the only place or time when this wish was expressed. Oct. 28th Enrolled by order of Col. Childs on the Rolls of Co. K as 1st Lieut to date from Sept. 28th, 62. See Dec. 7th following. Oct. 30 Evening. Fall in. Break camp and march by moonlight to near Harper’s Ferry. Act as Lieut in Co. K. Oct. 31st Marched to Harper’s Ferry, crossed the Potomac and the Shenandoah, filed to the left down the river and up the mountain. At last come out in the London valley and go into camp. Officer of the Guard tonight. [page 129] Saturday Nov. 1st 1862 Regiment are mustered for pay today. work on Pay rolls all day, no table. Oil cloth blanket on the ground. Present and absent in Co. K. 60 men Heavy firing south, Have some mutton. Sunday Oct. 2d [Nov. 2] Fall in early in the morning, Very ot. Long march to Snickers Gap, over the hills very rough road. Windy at night. No blankets no mail recently. See Gen McClellan tonight. Cheers greet him on every side. Heavy firing in morning and in the afternoon very distant. Monday Nov. 3 Wind & cold. Plenty of sheep, fresh pork and apples. Tuesday: On guard officer of the guard. Inspection by Gen Griffin, write home, M H and G.M. Wight Washington D.C. firing in the distance. Wednesday Cold, windy, firing in the distance. Gen. L. Maltz officer of the Guard. All quiet. [page 130] Thursday Nov. 6th Leave Snickers Gap. Pass through Middleburg and encamp. Friday Nov. 7th Up early and go to White Plains encamp early, snowing hard. Have to scrape away the snow to pitch our tents. Very disagreeable, “I want to go home” No prospect for an end of the war. We all thing the war might have been ended had McClellan been reinforced at Richmond. Snow Storm all day wet, melting and very disagreeable Saturday 8th Strike tents early and march down the R.R. there south to Warrenton Junction and encamp. Sunday 9th Up at 4 oclock. Strike tents at 6 A.M. March about two miles to Warrenton. Pitch tents Gen Griffin says we shall stay in camp until we get shoes and clothes as many of the men are without shoes. Monday 11th McClellan deprived of command. Review 7 oclock in the morning. Officers of Porters Corps meet to shake hands with Gen McClellan. Never were they so disheartened with to aspect of affairs. [page 131] Saturday Nov. 15th 1862 Review by Gen. Hooker. Clothing arrived. Sunday 16th All quiet pleasant weather, No mail, On coming here we began making quarters at once, Making use of boards from barns and houses, bricks stones, etc and appropriating all manner of culinary utensils from the neighboring farm houses, as usual. One week in camp services by our Chaplain, John S. Seage. Monday 17th Up at 3 o’clock. March at daylight in a heavy mist. Tents and blankets heavy with wet, to Warrenton Junction 10 miles and on towards Fredericksburg. Sick heavy march Stop after dark in the rain in the woods. Meet Everett Eaton, Clk commissary dept Humphries Division from Wakefield, Mass. Wednesday 19th Officer of Guard Countersign” Hudson” Rear guard on the march, very tiresome, Encamp 8 miles from Fredericksburg. No mail. Thursday 20 Rain. No mail. [page 132] [image] Thanksgiving Dinner Friday Nov. 21st Rain. Saturday 22d Cavalry Passing. Sunday 23d March to east of Fredericksburg through woods, ravines etc do not get into camp until after dark. Cold chilly night and frosty in the morning. Monday 24th Mail in morning. Gloves by mail from G.M. Wight, Washington, D.C. “Nov. 8” Wednesday 26 No rations. One hard tac each for supper. Thursday Nov. 27th 1862 “Thanksgiving day” Breakfast on coffee. Get hard tac 1 o’c P.M. Very Thankful [page 133] [Pg. 112] [image] Thanksgiving Dinner Friday Nov. 21st Rain. Saturday 22d Cavalry Passing. Sunday 23d March to east of Fredericksburg through woods, ravines etc do not get into camp until after dark. Cold chilly night and frosty in the morning. Monday 24th Mail in morning. Gloves by mail from G.M. Wight, Washington, D.C. “Nov. 8” Wednesday 26 No rations. One hard tac each for supper. Thursday Nov. 27th 1862 “Thanksgiving day” Breakfast on coffee. Get hard tac 1 o’c P.M. Very Thankful [page 134] [image] Fredericksburg December 13th 1862 Organized May 16th, 1861. [page 135] [image] Looking down the Rappahannock from Falmouth, showing where pontoons were thrown across by the Union Troops. (Battle of Fredericksburg.) [page 136] 1862, Dec. Thursday 11th Shelling Fredericksburg. One continuous roar from 5 o’c until dark til dark. Artillery terrific. March to heights east of Fredericksburg. See Geo. E. Pingree, Capt 11th N.H. 7th Michigan Inf cross the river and get a footing in the town. Friday Dec 12th March down to the plains Heavy firing near night. Moomlight gunboats and siege guns. Saturday 13th Open land down to the left early 10 to 12 A.M. heavy opposite the town. Afternoon we cross the river and advance under fire. Outside the town. Into the smoke and dust of battle. Words cannot tell. We lose but few men but there are many of the field dead and dying. Relieve the 9th and 11th N.H. Lay all night on the cold damp ground, hearing the groans and calls of the wounded. Too cold to sleep. [page 137] Sunday 14th 1862 Battle of Fredericksburg. Sharpshooting all day. Lay low all day. almost every man who stands up is shot. How would you like it? five regiments lying close to the ground and have to lay there all day long, waiting for what, thinking of what? On that bright December day, home and church and friends. Nothing to eat save what we have. No coffee or meat. No orders all day. Splendid Aurora Borealis in evening. Back to town in the evening. Draw rations in the dark. Lay down and sleep in the streets near the Railroad. Monday Dec 15 Lay in the Streets of Fredericksburg all day. Removing wounded. Move to the right at night. Houses all open. Books, pianos etc free. Sleep in a house for the first time since June 1st. Have a supper at night. Wake 3 oclock and recross the river in the rain. We go to our camp on the hill opposite the town. [page 138] Tuesday Dec 16th 1862 Early move in mud and rain to old camp on the hill near Potomac Creek bridge. Begin fixing tents, etc, for the winter. Wednesday 17th Fixing tents. Thursday Dec. 18th Assigned again to Co. I for duty. Friday Dec. 19th General Inspection Dec. 24th Writing description book. Boys fixing up the camp. Dec. 25th Christmas. Camp trimmed up. Dec. 30th & 31st Out on Reconnaissance 30 – 31 hours 45 miles 6 hours rest [page 139] [image 1] Winter Quarters Shelter tent Army of the Potomac, Feb. 1863 [page 140] [image 2] A sample of Army roads “Burnside’s Mud March” 1863 Jan In camp near Falmouth. Lt. Col. Lombard and Col. Jeffords in command of the regiment. Gen Burnside in command of the army. Jan. 20 Strike camp after a week of preparations and go about two miles. Begins raining. Soon changes to snow. Jan. 21st Move on in the mud and rain, awful going. Go into camp in woods and build fires. Jan. 22d Mud and rain. Rebels over the river laugh at us. Return to camp near Falmouth. [page 141] [image 1] Camp near Falmouth, Va [image 2] the commissary’s quarters in winter camp [image 3] Going to join the Yankees [page 142] [image] the Picket Line, Va. [page 143] [drawing of camp life] J.M.B. Feb. 1863 [page 144] 1863 March 10th Wrote to T.H. Hinchman. Snowstorm. March 18 Flagstaff raised at camp. March 19 Visit Bridge at Potomac Creek. March 20 School of Tactics by Colonel Jeffords. March 21 Lt. Vreeland gone to visit Mrs. Dr. Heard at Pleasanton’s Hd. Qrt. (his sister) Rain and snow. March 26th Review of the 5th Corps by Gen. Meade. Gen. Hooker passes through camp. March 27th Very Clear and fair March 28th 1861 M.H. 1862 Never forget 1863 Anniversary One year more [page 145] [image 2] Annual report of the pg. 30 [page 146] [image 1] Adjutant General [report] pg. 29 [page 147] Sunday March 29th On picket cold but pleasant March 30 On picket Very fair March 31 On picket April 2d On guard April 3d Rev. Wm. Barrows called. Visit 22d Mass with him and call on Adjt. Benson. April 4th Saw Mr. Barrows again. Cold and windy. Sunday 5th Snow Storm April 7th Review in camp by Abe Lincoln and staff. 12th New York refuse to cheer and call out for Paymaster. April 8th Grand Review in the Heights by the President in view of the Rebel camps. April 9th General Inspection April 10th Muster to furnish data for Provost Marshall General for conscription. Pleasant weather. Montieth appointed Capt. of Co. E. April 11th Officer of the Guard April 12th Review of a Swiss General. April 13th Paymaster arrives. Receive my commission as 1st Lieut. from Detroit. Send up papers for discharge and muster in. Cavalry start on a move. [page 148] 1863 Tuesday April 14th Paying the Regiment. Marching orders, 8 days rations. April 15th Heavy rains, no move today. 16th Discharge received, but not mustered in. 17th Officer of the Guard 18th Regimental Inspection y Capt. Lamson, every thing in fine order Sunday 19th All quiet. Quite like Sunday. Pres. Lincoln down to see Gen. Hooker today. April 20 Rainy and gloomy enough April 21st Prepared affidavits for mustering in to the U.S. Service. Cold and storm. Prize poem on old Flag—read on Dress Parade April 22d Cold and chilly April 23d Cold and Rainy. Mustered into the U.S. Service to date from Sept. 28th 1862 1st Lieut Co.K 4th Mich. Inf. April 24 Cold and Rainy [page 149] [image] John M. Bancroft 1st Lieut Co. K. 4th Mich. Inf. 1863 [page 150] [image] Sunday Chronicle, Mar.23 article. [page 151] [image] Fording a stream Saturday April 25th 1863 Clear and sunshiny April 26th On Pickett. One of my men Geo. E. Lovett, shoots a cow in the night. April 27th Go back to camp. Pack up and are on the move. March to near Harwood Church. Aching and tired. April 28th March in the rain. Very long and tedious day. Go to a Ford about 4 miles below Rappahannock Station. Lay down in the woods. Wednesday 29th Cross the Rappahannock make a forced march and cross the Rapidan by wading water deep rapid and cold. Raining Thursday 30th March towards Fredericksburg, Pass earthworks-take prisoners. Rainy and damp. May 1st Friday. Go on a reconnaissance toward the river and Falmouth. Get in sight of Fredericksburg on our return the Brigade is cut off from the division by the advance of the rebels and have to return by a new route. March and countermarch all night. A very tiresome night. [page 152] [image] Chancellorsville, May 4th 1863 Monday May 4th The regiment deploy as skirmishers to the front over the breastworks and into the woods where the fire burned. See soldiers crisped, burned and cracked open. Horrible sight. Rebels open on us with grape and canister and shell. Looks like a storm. Wrote in the morning to------- [page 153] Saturday May 2d Battle of Chancellorsville Wake up to build breastworks, etc. Are joined by Gen Griffin and the whole command. Fighting to the centre and on the right. We have to be on the move and under arms all night. Sunday May 3d Early in the morning we move to the centre to repel the efforts of the Rebels to break our lines. Give them grape and canister. Woods are on fire where are many wounded. We take many prisoners. There are six attempts to break our lines which are repulsed each time. Heavy firing in the direction of Fredericksburg. Struck with a spent ball, making a small mark on the back of my right hand. Wake up under arms two or three times during the night. [page 154] [image] Battle of Chancellorsville Gen. Bickles Division covering the Retreat [page 155] [image 1] “Stonewall Jackson” [image 2] Soldiers in field. [page 156] Tuesday May 5th Very warm. Up and under arms several times during the night. One attack to the left and is repulsed. In afternoon get ready to leave. Raining. Strike tents about 10 in the evening in the rin and wait in the rain until 4 oclock when we fall in and move. Raining very fast mud about knee deep. Rear guard. Return after reaching the ferry and march and countermarch in the rain. We are the last Brigade to cross. No Rebels in sight. Now about 8 oclock in the morning. Wednesday 6th After crossing the river we stop in the woods to make coffee. Raining yet. The line of march in for our old camps. We reach ours man by man as does the whole arm in the course of the afternoon. We build a fire in the Hospital tent. Take a bath, a swallow of whiskey by someone’s kindness and thoughtfulness and sleep soundly and quietly with no sounds of alarm. May 7th Raining yet. Orders to be ready to march at a moments notice. May 8th Raining. Clear and fit up camp May 9th Clear, sunshine. [page 157] Sunday May 10th 1863 Very warm May 11th Very warm May 12th Very warm May 13th. Very warm. Stonewall Jackson dead. May 16th Fixing up camp. One year more in service. Sunday 17th Wrote to ___. Very warm and pleasant. Rumors the 5th Corps are to guard the R.R. 18th Clear and warm. 19th Review of the 9th Corps. 20th On Picket 21st On Picket clear and warm 22d On Picket 23d Return to camp. Very hot, on duty with Co. H. 24th Company Inspection. Very Hot 25 Changing Camp [page 158] [Image 1] Newspapers in camp [Image 2] A Reliable Contraband [page 159] [Image] Boston Printer’s Union meeting. [page 160] 1863 May 26th Apply for five days leave of absence. Gov. Blair of Michigan expected in camp Cool and cloudy. May 27th The Brigade turned out in Review in honor of Gov. Blair Paymaster arrives with the Gov., Mr. Morly and three ladies. Every body pleased. Gov. makes a speech. Every thing goes finely. The party think we officers are all very young. May 28th Commence paying off the regiment today. Marching orders. Have command of wagon guard March until 10 oclock camp at Harwood Church. 29th Move early to Kelly’s Ford. 4th and 62d 32d and 9th to Ellis Ford Encamp. 3e Brigade are at Morrisville. Very warm. 30th Very warm. All quiet. Looking up lsot baggage. Wrote to M___. Sunday 31st Very pleasant, cool and breezy. The Chaplains white flag floating in the wind. No services as most of the boys are on pickett. [page 161] Monday June 1st 1863 In camp and doing pickett duty near Kelly’s Ford, Va. Someof the better class of F.F.V.’s (note below) here. Lt. Vreeland had a piece of gingham made by a young lady who boasts of making cloth and dress from the raw material. Some of the young ladies are quite good looking. Sesesh too. Very bad. June 6th Go to the right on pickett. Capt. Montieth’s post of observation. Fine view. Open fields. Rebel pickets (cavalry) Hills of the Blue Ridge in the distance. Valley of the Rappahannock. River very rocky. Rapids and dams. Bluffs in places. Roses, laurel blossoms and pure air. Very pleasant. Cool. Orders to be ready to march. Three days rations. Letter from W.W. Harrington, Boston, Printer’s Union, in regard to a sword belonging to a Captain 9th Mass. June 7th Gave Captain John Seage a package containing money for Jay Cooke. He is to start early in the morning. $500. [page 162] Monday June 8th Chaplain Seage left early this morning. He was shot at by guirrillas about 11 miles on the road to Fredericksburg. Wounded severely in the shoulder and back but kept out of their reach. Packages returned in safety. He had some 6 or 7000 dollars for the regiment. Tuesday June 9th Up at 2 o’c A.M. in command of a working party of 50 men. Troops crossing the river on a raid. Cavalry fighting to the right. Slashing for a battery and entrenching work all day. Very tired. Our company 1st Art. Co. H. 2 Lieuts. Class of ’62—fine fellows. 10th Off duty. Company on pickett. Very warm during this and cool at night. 11th Cloudy and cool. 12th Very warm. In command of company [page 163] June 13th 1863 Very warm. Issue clothing. Orders to march. Strike tents. March to Morrisville. 14th Sunday. March from Morrisville to Catlett. 15th March from Catlett to Manassas Junction. Very warm. 16th Go in pickett to the left down the Railroad. 17th Got to Centreville, thence north to gum Springs. Very Very hot. Rest very often, men fall out of the ranks every few moments. Col. of 25th N.B. died, effects of sunstroke. 18th Gave to Maj. Holman May. Paymaster $500 for Jay Cooke & Co. [page 164] June 19th Fall in in afternoon. Got to Aldie about 3 miles. Cavalry fighting over the mountains. Rain and mud. Get wet, from falling of my tent during the night. Very disagreeable. 20th Rainy. Lay in camp waiting. See Geo. Flint. Sunday June 21st Up at 3 o’clock and advance through Aldie Gap to Middleburg, Good country, fine foraging, Splendid Plantations. Plenty of pigs and chickens march out to wood in support of the Cavalry, who go on to Ashby’s Gap. Shower in P.M. cherries On pickett at night. Mutton and milk. 22d Move back toward Aldie. Rebels follow closely but not in force. Quite warm. Lay all night in line of battle. 23d Return to camp. Regiment go on pickett 24th Remain in camp. Diarrhea. [page 165] [Image] Soldiers marching in line June 25th 1863 Cloudy and cool. June 26th Rainy. Move at 1 o’c toward Edwards Ferry. March until after dark. Go into camp. One of the most tiresome marches of the war. June 27th March early. Go west of Sugar Loaf mountain. Cross the Monocacy about two miles from it’s mouth. March toward Frederic---go into camp. June 28th Remain in camp all day. Mg. Gen. Meade assumes command of the army of the Potomac. Go on picket at night. June 29th Return to camp. Pack up and march through Frederic northward. Cross to the east side of the Monocacy. Encamp after passing Liberty. June 30th Move at 4 o’c through Union Hills and half a dozen small villages. To the turnpike. Left Westminster turnpike near Hanover about 9 miles. Wash in a rapid stream N.W. Union Hills. [page 166] Wednesday July 1st 1863 Marched at 9 o’c to Hanover. Cavalry fight here yesterday. Stop for supper. Heavy firing westward. March toward Gettysburg. Stop about 11 o’c. Through villages all along the roads. Splendid farms, large barns. Discussion by Dr. Watts and a lady at a farm house and authoress. Very tired. Battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 1st, 2d and 3d, 1863 Battle of Gettysburg July 2d Up at 3 ½ A.M. Inspect arms. Form in line of battle on the right. Form by Battalion in Mass. Move to left and centre. Remain in the hot sun and listen to the sound of the guns until about 4 o’c. Move to the left. Round Top. Go in. Of the 23 men in my company 5 are killed Gregory Purdy, Pendleton, Brink, Wilson. Capt. Robinson wounded and a prisoner and Lt. Walker wounded. Lt. Vreeland severely wounded. Worked looking for wounded until about 1 o’c. In the melee when we were driven back and flanked about 70 men were taken prisoners on the right. Co. Jeffords severely wounded and died the next morning. The following account was written about the time of battle. At five oclock July 1st 1863 the 5th Corps were at Hanover, Pennsylvania, when the order [page 167] Came to proceed to Gettysburg where the battle had already commenced with the Rebels under Gen. Lee. We marched via Cherrytown and encamped about 12 o’c midnight about 4 miles from Gettysburg. After a few hours sleep we were up, had an inspection of arms and were out upon the road before daylight. After proceeding along the Hanover and Gettysburg Pike we took a road to the south and nearing the position of the army formed in line upon the extreme right and rear of our lines and advanced toward the Hanover and Gettysburg turnpike. Before 8 o’c we were recalled, a few regiments were left to support the Cavalry and the 5th U.S. Battery “D”. The 9th Mass from our Brigade and we formed in line by Battalion in Mass and moved southward to the Baltimore and Gettysburg Pike up which we moved over a small creek and lay in the sun upon the hillside until about 3 ½ P.M. We then proceeded to the front and left by a small by-road, passed the ammunition train on our left just as they were drawing off the rebels, having begun to shell them. [page 168] [Images (4)] [page 169] [Image] article [page 170] [Image] The Field of Gettysburg. From Little Round top, Surmounted by Colossal Bronze State of General Warren [page 171] [images] two houses, Midnight on the Battle Field [page 172] [images] article, Mary Livermore [page 173] We formed in the edge of the woods facing westward “on the right by file into line” the 4th Michigan being the right of the Brigade a battery being stationed to our right and front. The 1st and 3d Brigades being to our left and rear or facing south-west. There was a Battery in the open field in our rear firing over the woods. After a few minutes. Part of the 3d Corps (Gen Sickles ) being in our front in the woods south. The 2d Brigade countermarched and formed facing south changing front on a point near where the the right of our regiment had rested at first First we faced west then hinging on the right, swinging backward, we now faced southward, an open wheat field being between us and the woods, in and beyond which a part of the 3d Corps were fighting. When in our first position skirmishers were thrown out by each regiment but after changing front they were recalled. While laying here rumor says Gen. Birney ordered Gen. Barnes to move his Division forward. The 3d Corps were badly cut up in the woods and wounded men were coming back all the time through our ranks when we were ordered forward. Our skirmishers were all in on the right, meantime the rebels [page 174] Had silenced the Battery on our right and had taken the pieces and were advancing upon our flank. We advanced acrost the wheat field to the woods and opened fire upon the few rebs in our front while the force coming on our flank came in collision with the right of the regiment in the woods and being checked here a little, the other points of the line advancing, they soon were on all sides of us. The right sent down to the Colonel the rebs were coming on our flank. The Lt. Col. ordered us to wheel to the rear to face them and then to fall back slowly across the wheat field. Many of the men never left the woods and were taken prisoners and so took a trip to Belle Isle. We rallied by the Battery D 5th Artillery. The Penn. Reserves went in to regain the ground. Some fell here at their own homesteads and were recognized by their own relatives. We had about 80 men in the morning. Darkness closed the fight, and we spent the night in gathering the wounded. [page 175] [Images] Gettysburg & Battle of Gettysburg engraving. [page 176] [Image] Gettysburg July 2d 1863; co. H.H. Jeffords killed July 29, 1863 [page 177] [Image] Col. Harrison H. Jeffords, Killed at the Battle of Gettysburg [page 178] [Image] Col. Harrison H. Jeffords, Killed at the Battle of Gettysburg [page 179] Marathon, Mich July 27th 1863 Mr. John M. Bancroft Esq Youres of the 16 Brings Painefull tidings to my hart, a great loss to mee and fammaley; But when J. consider the Cause in which my Son was engaiged I forebare to grieve and hoap a speedy success to all the Brave who are engaiged in the Defence of our glories old flag, that you may soon return to your happy homes to enjoy the society of your friends at home. [page 180] Mr. Bancroft Sir having all confide in you I wish you to grant mee a favor that Is to ascertain the affects my Son had bout to you when hee fell. Hee has wrightin to mee the 5 of June tht he had lett money to one of the Sargents and that hys note for twenty dollars to bee paid the 10 day of this month hee did not give hys name if you will bee so good as to look up those matters and settle them up and hys Back pay and take pay for your trouble out of the Same and Send balance to mee you [page 181] Will oblige yours With Respect Abraham Purdey Marathon Lapeer Co Mich Some have to mourn Wilson letter 6 pages to the right [page 182] Friday July 3d 1863 Most of the Brigade suffered as heavily as we did. Lay in position behind a stone wall cannonading all day and very heavy at noon. Nearly all the artillery of both armies being engaged. Rebs fell back from our front during the night. July 4th Not very lively. On the field, sight and smells. Bury our dead. Raining. [note added later] 1865 Here is a text for memory moralizing. [Image] Charles Griffin [Image] Hancock & staff & 100,000 other figures 19th St. & 4th Ave [page 183] Sunday July 5th 1863 Advance. No rebels. Move at night towards Emmetsburg. Raining at night. March until eleven o’c. July 6th Move in the morning about one mile. The army is passing. Roads are very muddy and soft. March in the fields. July 7th March to within about 6 miles of Frederic. Raining all night. July 8th March to Middletown. 12 o’c Raining fast. Clear at noon. July 9th March to Boonsboro over South Mountain. Weather clear 12 o’c. Stay all night. July 10th Cross Antietam Creek above Sharpesburg. Firing in the front. July 11th Move up Antietam. Form in line. “Closed in Mass” Move forward about six o’c. Leveling fences, etc. Wheat and corn. Grand sight. Infantry Artillery. Ambulances. Go on pickett. [page 184] Sunday July 12th 1863 Antietam Creek Md. Advance as reserve to skirmishes. The 6th Corps come into position on our right in sight of the Rebel pickets making breastworks of rails and wheat. 5th Corps move to the left. Some skirmishing. Relieved in the afternoon. Go to the left into the woods. July 13th Up at daybreak Move to the left of the 5th mass Battery and make breastworks Gen. Griffin inspects the line and we make a new line. Rainy all day. July 14th Cloudy. Advance on Williamsport. Rebels all gone acrost the Potomac. See Haight and Krieger—wounded men. July 15th Up at 3 o’c. March all day. Very hot and tedious. Go over South Mountain. Camp at or near Burkettsville. At one time during the day only 19 men all told in the regiment. Get a good supper at a farmhouse. Organize in the form of five companies after the battle of Gettysburg. [page 185] Thursday July 16th 1863 Up at 2 o’c Move to Berlin. Encamp about 11 o’c on the heights. July 17th Draw clothing. Begin Pay Rolls which should have been sent in July 1st. Move in afternoon over the river. Encamp at Lovettsville, Va. July 18th Move via Pike Southward. Encamp at 11 o’c. Easy march. Plenty to eat. Butter 15 cts. per lb. to 50 cts. in Pennsylvania. Plenty of cherries. Gen Sykes was very anxious to have us march through some streams we crossed instead of taking the usual method of crossing on a single log, plank or fence, a thing which I have resolved to do when I cannot avoid it so long as there is a full company at least of “pioneers” at the head of the division who could so readily bridge these streams for foot-passers. Wrote to M.H. [page 186] Sunday 19th July 1863 Move today to near Purcellorville. Finish Pay Rolls of Co.H. in afternoon. In the evening take supper at the house of a Quaker and work on Capt. Loveland’s Rolls. Do not feel very well. Weather very hot. Monday 20th March to near Ashbys Gap. Riding in all ambulance. Quite sick. July 21st Write E.H. Hinchman. Do not move camp today Very sick. July 22d Move to near the Railroad at White Plains. Ride in the ambulance. Quick sick. July 23d Troops move early. Sick sent to Division Train. Troops move toward Manassas Gap. Firing at night for ½ hour Plenty of Blackberries. These became historic as curing scores of sick men in the army. July 24 Lay in Quartermasters tent all day. Train moves late in the afternoon. Cross the R.R. near Salem. Encamp among the mountains. Ride most of the way. [page 187] Saturday July 25th 1863 Train move at daylight. Feel better. Walk to Warrenton. Cool windy day. Sunday 26th Clear and pleasant. Warm. Regiment arrive within 3 miles of Warrenton. Read Byron and Burns. The Quartermaster plays the guitar and sings scotch songs. 27th Join the regiment as it passes the train. Go through Warrenton and in the direction of Bealeton Station. Encamp about two miles out. 28th Remain in Camp all day. Work on Receipt Rolls. Writing all day. 29th 39th 31st Aug. 1st and 2nd Remain in camp writing. [page 188] Monday Aug. 3d Strike tents in afternoon and go about 6 ½ miles to Bealeton Station. March til near midnight. A very tiresome march. 4th Move 60 rods and go into camp. 5th Very warm. Sign Pay Rolls. 6th Pay off Maj. Flye Paymaster. Plant trees all about the camp. 7th Set out trees. Work on Final Statements of Deceased Soldiers killed at Gettysburg. Aug 8th Strike tents and move camp to the Rappahannock river. Sunday 9th Very hot. Went in swimming. Boys came back from Hospital wounded at Gettysburg. [page 189] Tuesday August 11th 1863 Thermometer 110 degrees in the shade. Wrote five letters. Aug 12th Hot no letters. Clothing issued Rain shower. 13th Hot 14th Inspection 12 men present in Co. H. Sunday 15th Officer of the Day 17th Sergt. Willis returned from Hospital. Army moving 18th Pleasant and hot [page 190] [image] Soldiers Monument in National Cemetery Gettysburg, Pa [page 191] [image] article and poem [page 192] [image] Major General John F. Reynolds U.S.V. Gettysburg, Pa [page 193] Sunday Aug 23d Very hot… Still in camp. Aug. 24th Cloudy part of the day. Wind and breeze fine. Aug. 25th Officer of the Day Aug. 26th Visited 39th Mass & 13th. Met Geo Fowle. Shooting of Deserters postponed until Saturday. 27th Clear and cold. Work on Pay Rolls. [page 194] Friday Aug 28th 1863 Work on Pay Rolls. Balance Clothing Accounts. Pres. Lincoln and Gov. Curtin expected. Clear and cool. Aug. 30th Go on picket at night. Letter from T.H.H. Has not rec’d $150.00 check 31st Muster for Pay [page 195] From Solomon Wilson [letter, pg. 1] Attica August, the 25, 1863 Dear Friend I received your letter of the 12th that brought us the sad news of the death of our son. It was hard news but it is the fortune of war. We have the pleasure of thinking that he died in a good cause, fighting for the flag of his country. We thought a good deal of our son but we must give him up. You wrote that you had an allotment of twenty allotment of twenty dollars [page 196] That you would send me. Direct to Solomon Wilson, Attica, Green County, Wis. This from your Friend Solomon Wilson To John M. Bancroft, Lieutenant of Co.H. 4th Mich. Dear Sir You will see by Mr. Wilson’s letter that he is a man of few words. I feel as though that we were under a debt of gratitude to you and shall ever remain so. Now if it would not be asking to much of you I would like to know the surgeon’s name that attended Charles in his dying hours. We have not ever had an opportunity of knowing or hearing what kind of a soldier he was and we feel anxious to hear something how he bore the struggle of death, if he had his senses or no. it is painful to think of one dying among strangers and no friend to speak one kind word to them. May it be your good luck to return to your home. My the God of battle guard and protect you. This from Charles Wilson’s mother, H. Wilson, ever grateful. [page 197] Monday Sept. 7th 1863 Sick Sept. 8th Sick. Sent 415.00 to Bashour T. Simms for fruits, etc. by express Sept. 9th Sick Sept. 10th Cloudy. Storm threatening. Tactics topic of conversation. Camps being put in good order. Sick. Ephraim Wight calls. Sept. 11th Lt. Walker returns to duty. Sept. 13h Reconnaissance toward Culpepper. Firing in forenoon. Three guns and thirty prisoners taken. Three killed and forty wounded. Sept 14th Marching Orders [page 198] Sept. 15th Marching orders. Pack up ready to leave. Sept 16th 1863 March to Culpepper. Quite hot. Very tired. Paymaster commences to pay the Regiment. Sept 17th March 3 miles beyond Culpepper Court House. Paid off at night. Two months $235.15. Rain. Sept. 18th Raining hard Sept. 19th Cold. Fixing camp. Sept. 20 Cold but pleasant. [page 199] Camp near Culpepper Court House. Sept. 24th 1863 Chaplain Seage returned from Michigan. Rumors of a move to the rear to embark. Moved off tents. Sept. 25th Pleasant weather Sept. 26th Officer of the Day Sept. 27th Regiment on Picket Sept. 28th Officer of the Day 30th Officer of the Day. Regiment return from picket. [page 200] [image] John M. Bancroft, 1st Lieut. 4th Mich. Oct. 1863 After sitting all day as a member of a Court Martial J.M.B. Oct. 1st 1863 Walk to Culpepper. Regiment out to witness branding and drumming out of deserter. Appointed on Court Martial. Oct. 5th 3d Brigade 1st Division. Col. J.L. Chamberlain President. Afterwards Gov. Joshua L. Chamberlain of Maine. [page 201] Oct. 10th Reconnaissance to the Rapidan near Racoon Ford and Pony Mt. Oct. 11th Leave Culpepper and cross the Rappahannock. Oct. 12th Beverly Ford. Guard the ford til noon. Army crosses and go to Brandy Station. Skirmishing through the woods on the right. Bivouac on the hills. Grand sight in afternoon and in evening. [page 202] Oct. 13th 1863 Brand Station 1 o’c in the morning. Breakfast at Beverly Ford. Army trains massed near Warrenton Junction. Go into camp at Catletts Station. 25 miles today. Oct. 14th Started from Catletts Station. After passing Briston Station and Broad Run stop for dinner. When starting out the rebs open on our rear. March to Manassas. Gen. Warren with the 2d Corps attack the route the rebs. After dark we 5th Corps go down double quick to Broad run. Return the same night over Bull Run. Very tiresome march [page 203] Oct. 15th 1863 March to Fairfax. Rain. Oct. 16th Rain heavy. March to Centreville. Rain all the way. Oct. 17th Clear. stay all day. 18th Sunday March to Fairfax and camp for winter quarters. Afternoon strike camp and move to Popes Mills near the pan handle. Stay all night. Capt. Loveland in command of a party in Ambush for Moseby the Guerrilla. 19th March via Centreville, guarding wagon trains cross Bull run and corral after dark. From our wagons get a change of clothing. Are on the Bull Run Battle Ground. There are dead men’s bones, skeletons complete above ground. There are one or two good farms with fences complete between the two roads. Rails full of bullets [page 204] Oct. 20th 1863 Move corral to Gainesville but do not cross the railroad. Oct. 21st Move early via Buckley. Cross Kettle Run. Rejoin the Division. Letters from home. Court Martial 8 P.M. Oct 22 Snow storm St. Louris and Michigan. Apply for leave of absence. Oct 23 Court martial. Reply S.L.H. (?) __ Oct 24th Court martial Rain and mud. Move camp to Auburn. Oct. 25th Go into camp in woods. [image] man cooking over fire [page 205] Letter] Camp 4th Mich Vol. Inf. Near New Baltimore, Va. October 22, 1863 Lt. Col. Fred T. Locke A.A.G. 5th A.C. Colonel, I have the honor to make application for a leave of absence of fifteen days to visit my home in Reading Massachusetts. I left home previous to the commencement of the war and have had no leave since. My mother, for sometime an invalid, is now very sick and not expected live from day to day. Hoping this may meet the approval of the Commanding General I remain Very Respectfully Your Obt. Svt. John M. Bancroft 1st Lieut. Co. H. 4th Mich. Inf. [page 206] [back of letter] Hd’s 4th Mich. Inf’y Near New Baltimore, Va. Oct. 22, 1863 Bancroft, John M. B 891 (A.P.) 1863 1st Lieut. 4th Mich. Infty. Applies for a leave of absence for 15 days Reading, Mass. Respectfully forwarded Approved- Geo. W. Lumbard Lt. Col. Comdy 4th Mich. infty. No. enlisted men present for duty --------------207 No. officers---------- 20 Officers absent with leave-----------------None Cony dept. 22nd. Oct. 63 Lt. Bancroft is not indebted to this Dept. Jno, S. Bruelett Capt. C.E.S. 13 91 Head Quart. 2nd Brg. 1st Div. 5 Corps Respectfully forwarded and recommended if the exigencies of the service will permit. J.B. Wurtzer, Col. Commdg. 2nd Brig. Headquarters, 1st Div. 5th Corps. Oct. 26, 63 Respectfully forwarded- Approved – J.B. Wutzer, Col. Col. Comd’g. Head Quarters 5th Army Corps. Oct. 26, 1863 Respectfully forwarded disapproved at the present time the corps being under orders for immediate move Ment. (Signed) S.W. Taylor Major General Comdg. Head Qrs. Army Potomac Oct. 28, 1863 Respectfully returned, under existing circumstances no leaves of absence can be granted. By Command of Maj. Gen. Meade S.F. Barstow Asst. Adjt. Genl. Head Quarters 5thCorps October 29, 1863 Respectfully returned. By command of Major Gen’l Sykes Fred T. Locke Act. Genl. [page 207] Wednesday 28th 1863 Court Martial Work on Pay Rolls Thursday Court Martial Work on Pay Rolls Oct.30th Finish Pay Rolls. Move over the Railroad three miles from Warrenton Junction. Rading Charley O’Malley. Oct 31st Raining. November 1st Fine day. Write to Solon. Mondya 2d Court martial. Move camp. Nov. 3 Letter from M.H. Reg’t go on picket. [page 208] Nov. 4th 1863 Court Martial. Proceedings read. Adjourned sine dic Nov. 5th Went to the Junction. Paid $10 for boots Nov. 6 Officer of the Day. Wind blowing very hard. Nov. 7th Strike tents at 4 A.M. Move at six. Go beyond Bealton. Form in line of battle in the woods “by battalion in mass” advance through open fields. Splendid view. Fighting to the right. 6th Corps. Battle of Rappahannock Station. Batteries of 5th Corps, come out near us and open on them. The works are taken and many prisoners. Sunday Nov 8th Got to Kelleys Ford. 1st and 3d Corps cross. We follow go into camp. [page 209] [image] Rappahannock Sta. Nov. 7th 1863 [page 210] [images] Trading coffee for tobacco between the lines [page 211] Monday Nov. 9th 1863 Remain quietly during the day. P.M. Brigade Drill by order of Gen. Bartlett who has just assumed command of the Division for shouting “hard tac” the men being short of rations. Return to camp, draw rations. Move over Kellys Ford and encamp. Cold night. Sleep three under two blankets. Capt. Loveland and Lieut. Emerson. Snows during the night. Tuesday 10th Move near Bealeton Station on Road to Morristown. Considerable snow on the hill near Morristown. Wednesday Nov 11th In camp. all quiet. Nov. 12 On Pickett duty from Warrenton Junction to Kelly’s Ford. 13th ditto 14th ditto 15th ditto [page 212] Nov 1863 16th & 17th Moved over the River to Join the Corps Sunday 22d Nov. Rainy Nov. 23d Cold. Signs of a move. Orders fro a move. Morning early. Nov. 24th Moved in a rain storm. Returned to camp and built a chimney to spend the night in our own house. Thanksgiving Nov. 26th Thanksgiving. Moved over the Rapidan down the Thanbe toward the wilderness. March until late. Cold. Moonlight. [page 213] Friday No. 27th 1863 Morning move to a plank pike through the Wilderness. Up it to a church near an old railroad. Skirmish on the left, fighting on the right. No fires on the line during the night. Cold. Capt. Loveland and myself undress and sleep very comfortably during the night. Battle of Mine Run Saturday 28th Rain. Move to the right across fields to a stone pike. Preparations for a battle. Encamp in the fields for the night. Sunday 29th Move to the front to the hill top. In the afternoon prepare for an assault on the rebel works on the hill. Beyond Mine Run. 3d Brigade as skirmishers 2nd to follow. Plan 2d Army Corps to advance on the extreme left. 1st and 3d to follow and the 5th to make the grand charge. Piled our knapsacks. Many of the men gave their money and watches to the Chaplain and all felt serious enough. Night came but we did not charge the rebel works. [page 214] 1863 Monday Nov 30th Up at one o’clock A.M. Breakfast. Prepare to charge. Leave our things. Go to right, form in woods. The fifth and sixth Corps from in line of battle 8 or 9 lines deep. 1 mile long on the extreme right of the Army. To our left was the Artillery massed in the centre while on the extreme left was infantry, etc. Men were frozen that morning from the Sixth Corps and the 2nd Corps Pickets who were wet by wading the stream. Had to be brought in on stretchers. Waited all day. No fires, no coffee, no charge. Tramped around and round until the woods were trodden like a path—until dark when we could be withdrawn with safety. Went back to our camping ground of the previous night. Had a good supper. Felt relieved in not charging. Made a bed of pine boughs amid a bower of pine limbs and with a blazing fire at our feet slept soundly, feeling thankful. We were not on the hillside between our lines and the rebel works. [page 215] [image] Going into camp at night. Tuesday Dec. 1st 1863 Woke and prepared to move. Moved about dark up the Pike over Germania Ford. Move with the train, ammunition, etc, to guard. Encamp about 3 oclock in the morning. Move about 20 rods to encamp with the division about 10 minutes after stopping or five minutes after everyone was asleep. Dec 2d Up early in the morning and move without coffee. Go to Stevensburg near Culpepper. Army all over the Rapidan. Nothing to eat. Wednesday Dec 3d Move to Bealton Station. Reach there at night. Nothing to eat. [page 216] [Image] Lt. Co. Geo. W. Lumbard, Comd’g Regt. [page 217] [Image] “Our Battery” At the Front, Reveille After an Anxious Night Dec 4th Mail in. Wait to encamp Dec. 5th Mail, no letters Monday 14th Apply for leave of absence [page 218] Dec. 15th 1863 Our hours is now comfortable so that we can live in it. [Jan. 27th 1864 written here]. When we encamped here at Bealton after remaining a day or two south of the Railroad, we proceeded to establish a camp for winter quarters a short distance north of and guarding the station. The grand rally was for winter quarters, for logs, stones, bricks, old pots and kettles, old chairs and tables and anything to help make up our homes. We were short of teams, they being busy with rations, etc. So while the other officers were building their own quarters in the most approved style. Capt. Loveland and myself of the 5th Company, for we were only five companys since Gettysburg, secured a team for the men every day until they were all housed. We then asked their assistance in putting us in more comfortable quarters than a wagon cover open at the ends could give. So we had 32 straight pine poles brought in notched in the most approved style by men who had built log huts before. The Capt. took a wagon and a detail of men out one day and [page 219] Came in with boards enough for a floor a table, some stools, and about as many more for the company for similar uses. We built a house of logs four feet in height. The cracks chinked and then filled with mud which in a few days was baked hard, with a door, a fireplace and a stone chimney and a roof from two wagon covers, one generously donated by one of the men. This house was 9 by 11 feet inside with floor, chairs, table and bed, mantle-piece and considerable pretension to neatness and style. We took a great deal of comfort there, called it “home”. [page 220] Wednesday Dec. 16th 1863 Paymaster arrived Dec. 17th Lt. Gruner goes on 15 days. [page 221] 1864 [Image]-Drawing 9 x 11 house, roof a wagon cover. BealtonVa Jan. 20th 1864 John M. Bancroft 1st Lt. Co. H. 4th Mich. Inf. 2nd Brig. 1st Div. 5th A.C Army of the Potomac. [page 222] 1864 Friday January 1st Arrived in Washington D.C. 7 o’c. Cold and chilly. Stop at Mrs. Van Arsdales Jan 2d Return to the regiment at Bealton Station. They are reenlisting. We remain in camp for sometime and spend the time very monotonously so that I find few entries in the diary. I correspond with the Ordinance Department and study preparatory to an examination before a Board of Officers from the Ordinance Bureau for a commission as Second Lieut. of Ordinance. Ride horseback with Capt. Loveland frequently. [page 223] January 23d. Life here is now very tedious. Nothing to do. Very muddy. Do not hear from the Ordinance Department. Jan. 25th Wrote M.H. Jan. 31 Feb. 1st & 2 In command of a working party from the 32d mass at Warrenton Junction. Topographical engineer with a hand level sketching topography. Feb. 5th Letter from Dr. Seales. Feb. 6th Firing over the river. Rainy. Feb. 7th Firing. Rainy. My Uncle Emory Bancroft died. [page 224] [image] Winter Quarters and an improvised fiddle Monday Feb. 15th 1864 Waiting. Feb 16th Laid up with a boil. Very windy weather. Feb. 17th Cold. Very windy. Robinson’s tent burned. Feb. 18th Cold and windy. Reading works of Alexandra Dumas. “Three Guardsman” “Twenty Years After” “Ten Years After” “Iron Mask” Feb. 19th Cold and pleasant. Regimental Inspection Feb. 20th Rec’d of Maj. Flye 4188.05 for Nov. and Dec. Cold and pleasant. Apply for Company H. to go home as an organization with Lieut. Walker, they having re-enlisted. [page 225] Feb 24th 1864 Feb. 25th Reenlisted men of the regiment start home on a furlough of thirty days Wrote to aunt Susan and to Wm. A. Whitney. Lonely enough. Detachment from the 32d Mass come to assist our men in guarding the station. Feb. 26th Hear of the death of Mr. Samuel L. hay. Wrote to Frank Hay. [page 226] March 4th 1864 Wrote T.H. Hinchman. Wrote Miss L.M. Sanborn. March 10th Wrote Mrs. Hay. Rain March 16th Wrote S.F.H. March 17th Wrote M.H. March 18th Rec’d $252.25 U.S. 2 mos. Pay commanding Co. H. During the winter we have had a series of debates on various questions. Dr. Watts, Chaplain Seage, Lt. Emerson and Capt. McLean have taken prominent parts while some of the privates have done well. March 28th 1861-2-3-4 Ordered to Report to Ordanance Board April 20th, 64. Lydia hay died---aged 14. March 29 The Q.M. Returns of C.C. & G. Equipage. March 30 Came to Washington. Arrive 6 P.M. Board at Mrs. Van Arsdales. [page 227] 1864 Wrote to T.H. Hinchman to send me a box of books from Detroit and began a course of review and study preparatory for the examination. April 12th Attended debate in Congress in the evening. April 15th Study Philosophy at the Smithsonian [page 228] April 25th 1864 Appeared before the Ordiance Board for examination. Gen. Burnsides Corps passed through town today going to the front. Examination continues three days. Friday 29th Attend a Festival. April 30th Meet some old friends who used to work at the Armory. [page 229] Wednesday May 4th Ordered to rejoin my regiment. May 5th and 6th No cars. Go by boat to Alexandria. Meet Lt. Col. Wm. H. Cunningham, 19th Maine, of Belfast, Me. May 7th Remain all day with Col. C. Visit Col. Delany and daughter and Miss Gerty Brennan of Alexandria. Miss Delany ahs recently arrived from Richmond with her father who was for some time a prisoner there. He was formerly in command of a vessel on the slave trade blockade on the coast of Africa. Both the ladies were very lively. May 8th Start for Rappahannock Station. Lay under arms all night. May 9th Return to Alexandria. There has been a great battle but we hear nothing satisfactory in regard to it. [page 230] May 10th 1864 Ordered to Camp Distribution. Given command of a company of men and draw guns and equipments. May 11th Start down the Potomac to Bella Plain. Capt More, 17th Me. Relieves me in command at 9 o’c A.M. Sleep in the cabin of the boat all night. Rained all day. 12th Heavy fight at Wilderness on the 5th and at Spotsylvania C.H. land at belle Plain. Go into camp on the heights in the rain. Wounded coming down from Fredericksburg in Army wagons on from Wilderness. See Lieut. Emerson. Wounded. Col. Lombard killed and Capt. Loveland wounded. It is said that Col. Lombard went into the fight with the remark, “that it was either a star or a headboard.” May 13th March to Fredericksburg. Meet a large force of rebel prisoners, guarded by a battery and two regiments. Raining hard. Encamp on the heights beyond Fredericksburg. [page 231] Saturday May 14th Raining yet. Go out to Gen. Meade’s Hd Qrs through trains in mud and rain. May 15th Join the regiment on the front near Spotsylvania C.H. Met my classmate, Wm. A. Barnard, now a Lieut. in the 20th Michigan. Form lines of battle. Sleep all night. May 16th Five weeks more to serve. 9 o’c sun out. All quiet. All day sick Sleep well. Col. Sweitzer makes a speech to the men. May 17th Quiet and cool. Move to the front in two lines 5th A.C. Army to attack in the morning right and left. [page 232] Wednesday May 18th 1864 Woke in morning to music of shot and shell. Cloudy but not rainy. Throw up earthworks and the rebels cease firing. Mail arrives. M.H., J.M. and Sarah. May 19 Lay til afternoon writing letters. Rebs attack our train on the extreme right. Move to the right. Heavy musketry. Raining. May 20th Sun rises clear. One month today to serve. All quiet today. Rebel band at the C.H. (Spotsylvania) plays “Marseillaise Hymn.” Our plays “Hail Columbia.” May 21st Up at daylight in morning. Rebels moving Artillery to the right. Rebel band playing very close. We receive and return a few shell at noon. March to Guineys Station. [page 233] [Image] Ulysses S. Grant. Sunday May 22d 1864 Up early. March at 10 o’c. Go on picket about 10 P.M. May 23d March. Cross the Mat and the North Auna. Have a skirmish. One man killed, recruit, 3 o’c P.M. Heavy fight about 5 line breaks. Regiment falls back. The line is reformed. Up most of the night. [page 234] [Image] a Skirmish Line May 24th 1864 Up early. All quiet at 7 o’c. Build works. Move away to the right in the afternoon. Cross the R.R. about five miles above Saxtons Station or Junction and encamp in the woods. Gather the rails and throw up works. Work until 12 or 1 with axe and pick and spade. May 25th Early in the morning move to the left down the railroad. Skirmish and build works. Rain. Thursday May 26th Leave works at dark. Cross the North Arnia River. The water very high, almost floating our temporary bridge of timbers. Climb the hill up a stream of mud and march. Draw rations.. March till about 7 ½ o’c in the [page 235] morning May 27th 1864. Stop for breakfast in a very quiet pine grove. Eat and go to sleep. lay about two hours. March all day. Very warm and wearisome as spring days are. Encamp in a valley by a stream. Go and bathe. Return, eat supper. Gather leaves and make a splendid bed. Get asleep when Adjutant Maltz comes to detail me as Officer of the Picket. 50 men are awakened after much cursing, etc., and the tired procession follow H. Kingsbury to the picket. And after a tedious march of about two miles up one side the creek and down the other we find ourselves about ¼ mile from camp. 12 o’c midnight Men are posted in groups of six and enjoined to keep awake. I go along that line twice before morning and find every man on two posts asleep. I sleep about two hours, yet so lightly that I hear every change in the picket near me. [page 236] Saturday, May 28, 1864 Cross the Pamensky River at Hanover town. Move out upon the heights above the town and near some fine old mansions. Encamp about 2 o’c Get dinner and begin felling trees and make two line of works. Sit down and write letters to Frank, to Mrs. H. and to my sister Sarah. Sunday May 29 Move to the front. Pass 2d A.C. 9th A.C. ahead and on a road to the right. Move to the left. Skirmishers out. Light skirmishing. Gain a hill and after shelling the woods throw up works and encamp. No rations. Men get corn and potatoes from the buildings. [page 237] Monday May 30, 1864 Move again to the front. Skirmish all the way. We are the 2nd Regt. and support the picket. Charge over an open field. Have two men wounded. Build works and leave after dark. Draw rations. Heavy fighting right and left. Tuesday May 31 Fighting on the right in morning. Right and left in P.M. Very hot. Lay quiet all day. Wednesday June 1st All quiet at 10 o’c Gen. Grant along the lines. Artillery in mass in the centre. Heavy fighting along the left and quite late at night.
title	Bancroft, John Milton Diary/Scrapbook
titleStr	Bancroft, John Milton Diary/Scrapbook
author	Bancroft, John Milton, 1838-1918
author_facet	Bancroft, John Milton, 1838-1918
id	AUcivil26093
url	http://content.lib.auburn.edu/u?/civil,26093
thumbnail	https://cdm17353.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getthumbnail/collection/civil/id/26093
_version_	1705448619975376896
spelling	Bancroft, John Milton Diary/ScrapbookBancroft, John Milton, 1838-1918Bancroft, John Milton, 1838-1918; Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862; Balloon ascensions--Virginia; Chancellorsville, Battle of, Chancellorsville, Va., 1863; Fredericksburg, Battle of, Fredericksburg, Va., 1862; Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863; Malvern Hill, Battle of, Va., 1862; Seven Days' Battles, Va., 1862; United States. Army. Corps, 5th (1862-1865); United States. Army. Michigan Infantry Regiment, 4th; United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Aerial operations; United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Balloons; United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865History -- 1838-1874: Sectionalism, the Civil War and Reconstruction; Peoples -- Military Life; Government and Politics -- MilitaryThis document is the original diary book of Bancroft’s handwritten comments, which he later turned into a scrapbook by adding various items. Some of the included items are photographs, newspaper clippings, drawings, cards, illustrations taken from various sources, etc. Bancroft’s unit was involved in a large number of battles and campaigns including the battles of Antietam, Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Malvern Hill, and Seven Days. Edited typescript published as "Notes--1861-1864: Army Life During the Rebellion with the Army of the Potomac, 5th Corps, 1st Division, 2nd Brigade, 4th Michigan Infantry," n.p., n.d Auburn University Libraries1861-05-10/1864-06-20259 pagesText; ImagePDFRG 0095This image is the property of the Auburn University Libraries and is intended for non-commercial use. Users of the image are asked to acknowledge the Auburn University Libraries. For information about obtaining high-resolution copies of this and other images in this collection, please contact the Auburn University Libraries Special Collections & Archives Department at archives@auburn.edu or (334) 844-1732.www.american-south.orghttp://content.lib.auburn.edu/u?/findingaids,25engJohn Milton Bancroft Diary/ScrapbookAuburn University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.[page 2] Office of Sewer Pipe Works Middlebury, Summet County Ohio May 31, 1861 J.M. Bancroft Esq. Dear Sir: Yours of the 25th came duly to hand with statement of pipe on hand as turned over to Miss T.V.J. Hinchman and amount placed to your credit ($314.57). 10% com----------------------------------2.91 Amt. over paid--------------------------13.32 16.23 Balance due me--------------------------------------------12.92 Send me the above amount $12.92 and it squares you and me to this date. The reason I have not sent the pipe you ordered is that I had not got all you ordered on hand, and was not making pipe but expected to have got to work before now but have not. Will be at it next week when I will make what you ordered and send soon as out the kiln. Yours truly, (signed) D.E. Hill Adrian [page 3] [Flag Image} [page 4] Image Col. D.A. Woodbury Killed July 1st 1862 Col. Dwight A. Woodbury. Col. 4th Michigan Infantry, mustered into the United States Service for three years, June 20th, 1861 at Adrian, Mich. Portrait from a sheet prepared by Lt. Grnner illustration of the battles and skirmishes. [page 5] May 10, 1861 Have enlisted for three years in the Service of the Government. Member of the Continental Rifles composed of boys from Trenton and from Engine Co No 8 of Detroit. May 13 Still in Detroit. The 1st Mich. leave tonight for Washington. Old friends in the 1st Horner, Veeland, and Finch. On Saturday Adrian people here to May 15 See the boys off. May 16 Drilling. answering letters from home- am quite tired. Drill under Capt David A. Granger and Lt Taylor and Chapin. May 29 Placed my trunk and bookcase labeled for home, “Reading, Mass.” in the 2nd story of Mr. Hinchmans Store. Leave Detroit for Adrian at 7 ½ o’c. Stopped in Trenton to a reception of the company. Saw the good bye of many of the company there were tears shed. At Monroe were cheered. May 30 Slept last night on a bed of loose straw in two small rooms with 15 others in the College of Adrian. One blanket each. We were merry boys. Awoke to a frosty morning and to fine very little chance for soap and water. [page 6] 1861 May 31 Slept last night on the bare floor and woke bright and early. Drilled 6 hours. June 1 Sat. Drill, etc. Several friends over from Adrian. Rec’d from Miss Anna Rice a mirror and three towels. Also an invitation to call from Mrs. R. (Note). This mirror was carried until the campaign of 1862 began. June 2 Sunday Morning raining. Hear Mr. Slocum read the acct of the progress of the N.B. 7th Regt. Mr. S. is a very superior reader. P.M. called at Mr. Haywoods and took tea. Note. Mr. Haywood is a cousin of Raymonds and their farm was a halting place in the teachers evening walks. June 3 Wrote letters home and elsewhere. Was on drill all day. Received invitation of the formation of an Engineer Corps in connection with the Brigade and that I shall receive a position. Was in town in evening. Met many old friends, scholars and acquaintances. Note- Mr. Beaman now M.P. from Mich. was in camp and inquired me out as he was formerly on the school Board. since which time Capt Granger gave me a free pass to town during my stay in Adrian June 5th Rainy. No drill. Dined at Mr. Whitney’s. Letters from home and friends. This is the only good bye for the war I have to give. Trouble in camp. Lt. E. H Taylor & Capt. Granger. Granger is a rascal and Taylor is not competent. [page 7] 1861 June 7 Attended the baptist social. Meet old faces Lt. Taylor and Avery. Had a gay time and returned to camp 12 ½ o’c. June 8 On duty a Corporal of the Guard. First take a part in guard mounting. Was awake nearly all night. Slept a short time on the fence rails. Studied the stars and thought of those at home-miles away. Am not very tired in the morning. June 9th Sunday Very warm and pleasant. In the afternoon call on Miss K-. June 11th Tuesday Rec’d our uniforms. Greg satiment. Were on dress parade after supper before the Governor. The field double quick on account of the rain went down town. Called on Mr. & Mrs. Hubbard. Mr. H. was Prin co the school. June 19th Two of the boys of Co. B. Adrian were married by Chaplain Strong. Formed square. June 20th Staff of office presented to Drum Major with appropriate remarks by the Chaplain. Muster into U.S. for 3 years. June 21st Flag. U.S. colors presented by the ladies of Adrian to the reg’t. Inscription “Ladies of Adrian to the Mich. 4th [page 8] 1861 June 22 Most of the boys are gone home to see their friends. I go this afternoon to the Raymonds at Raisin. June 23 Return to Adrain Bid good by to friends June 24th Monday Packing up to leave for Wash. No drill. Capt Granger is not commissioned by the Governor J.D. Slocum Capt of Co. I. my co. Down town in evening. June 25the 1861 Pack up in the morning and with a heavy knapsack, haversack and canteen we start from college to the depot. The day was very hot and the roads dusty but the march was a complete ovation. Escort duty was performed by the Engine Cos. and a crowd of citizens. There were many who did shed tears and more who could but for our sakes did not. And for the cause for which we go they bid us God speed and hope for the best. Good bye friends you have been very kind to me. Change cars at Toledo arrive at Cleveland 8 P.M. After some delay we proceed to Erie. Arriving June 26th At 5 A.M. were served with cake etc by the citizens. At Dunkirk stopped and went to Lake Erie to bathe. This was a great treat indeed. [page 9] 1861 June 26th At Oleana we got a dipper of coffee each The ladies came through the cars, at parting gave us mementos, bouquets, fans etc I think in some cases correspondence followed. At Hornellsville and Corning we were cheered. At Elmira the N.B. 23rd were quartered and we were treated by the ladies to a warm supper at about 9 P.M. This was prepared by the Rev. Mr. Curtis formerly of Adrian after supper we took the cars for Harrisburg Pa. 27th and woke in the morning in the Mts. Of Penn away up the Susquehanna. Splendid scenery hills rocks and clouds all the way to Harrisburg. We stopped at 5 ½ A.M. at Sunberry and at 11 at Norfolk. Here the scenery is very grand. We were treated to cherries and cake by the ladies. We go out on a bridge over the water to allow another train to pass at 1 o’c we stop near Camp Curtain at Harrisburg one mile north near the insane asylum. We got tents and set ourselves to work to set them and then have a chance to wash in the canal. We get coffee late in the evening. 28th Camp Cameron. We are now ready for soldiers life are and privations. Rations of salt-pork and ham. Hard biscuit are given out once a day and coffee twice. I suppose we are waiting here for our rifles. Rumor says we are going to Baltimore [page 10] Image Columbia Bridge [page 11] Image The capt’s servant reading Harper’s Magazine [page 12] Image 1861 May college in evening beds tonight sleep on the floor [page 13] Image Sketch of a dam in Washington C about 3 miles north of the capital near a mill The scenery here rough and the [gr]ass & foliage wears brilliant green. [page 14] Image View of Washington City Pub. By W.H. & O.H. Morrison [page 15] 1861 Tomorrow to burn the place This is in romantic place. The scenery and weather are fine. Visit the town State House etc. June 29th Last night Geo. Heintzer displaced and J.A. Sorden put in his place as Orderly Sergeant June 30th Drilled all day in Manual of Arms and in street firing under Lt. Col. Duffield. July 1st Rose ate & Packed. Struck tents, breakfast, cars for Washington. Cattle cars at that. Stopped at York. Rode acrost a bridge some 200 ft in length hanging by my arms. Was of the train which started before I could get on. Passed through the city of Baltimore with 5 rounds of cartridges in our pocket. Rain at Relay House. Every thing quiet. We were treated very well July 2nd Arrived in Wash. 12 o’c P.M. Marched down Penn. Ave to the Woodward building. Woke in the morning to wait for breakfast most of the day owing to to want of knowledge by the commissary. Moved out to Meridian Hill near the Columbia College and go into camp. Washington, D.C. July 4th, 1861 Rumor says that Gen. Scott said to day that those of us who were living would dine at home of Christmas. Went to town Saw the Rest . A. Lincoln, Gen. Scott, Seward, etc. Went into Sautiers and had ice cream and strawberries. [page 16] 1861 July 4th Went to the Capitol. Saw several Dartmouth boys. Grow elected speaker of the House. There are 70,000 men around Washington. 10 die daily. New York had 20,000 men on Review yesterday. Mass. 11th in camp on grounds between White House and the Potomac. Found Sev. And Charlie Leathe. Image 1 Swinging Bridge, near Fort Lyons. Alexandria, Va. Image 2 White House, Washington, D.C. [page 17] 1861 July 16th Sunday morning packed up and left for Alexandria marched out and encamped near Clouds Mills. Tuesday the regiment marched towards Fairfax I was sick on Monday and the Capt. would not allow me to go on Tuesday morning Image 1 Alexandria, Va Christ Church, of which the spire can be seen from the Potomac, was the church of which Washington was vestryman. This church was built in 1783 of brick brought from England. Washington’s large, square pew is an object of interest to visitors. Recently two memorials in white marble have been placed on either side of the chancel—one to George Washington and the other to Robert E. Lee, who was also a vestryman. Image 2 Old Court House [page 18] July 21st 1861. Today the guns are firing at Bulls run in the directions of Manassas Gap. Today many a soldier will lay low The firing has been going on for two hours. the 4th Regt has been left at Fairfax Station and Court House. Ere another Sunday there will be weeping in many a house. Yesterday many a soldier sent home his last letter. Many letters will be written with write as soon as you get this which will not be answered. All day long we have listened to the guns. One of the fairest of summer Sabbath days. July 22 Morning found the federal army retreating in confusion and defeated we struck tents and returned to Alexandria in the rain. All is confusion. Men, baggage wagons, every thing is coming in all day long. The wounded are arriving in as best they can. The loss is great and the confusion greater. We stop in town sleep in a barn over night. July 23 Start for Wash. via Long Bridge. Meet the reg’t at the bridge. See the Mass 5th Ed. Pratt is safe and all my friends in the Mich. 1st Arrive at our old camping ground on Meridian Hill and pitch tents and prepare for a stop of some time. Wrote to Frank of our safety. [page 19] Image Fort Case near Washington, D.C. [page 20] Image Camp Union Virginia Aug 11 1861 J.M.B. [page 21] 1861 July 25th The Mich 1st encamp near us and leave for home Drill Aug 5th, 6th, 7th, etc Oh to be sick here! What pain, How weak one is: and all the boys are yelling and swearing etc as usual and one hears every thing Never give me opium again For two days and nights I lay in a fever with my head bathed all the time with cold water and what suffering!! I have not been sick for so long a time that I feel it very hard. Aug. 3rd The usual routine of camp duty. Some dissatisfaction in camp the men expect to be discharged at the close of three months Drill Sick Aug. 8th Packed up and started for Virginia. Assigned to W.T. Shermans Brigade. In themorning very weak from the sickness and the opium. The reg’t left. I expected to ride but found the wagons too close and hot so I started on foot and with an occasional sip of whiskey and long rests, got there. Crossed a Ferry at Georgetown below the Aqueduct and up the hills by a very rough path. Pitch tents 2 ½ miles from the river at Camp Union [page 22] ’61 Aug 8th Walked some 5 miles in all. Gained a little appetite so I ate some potatoes etc at a house and with the exertion found myself decidedly better next morning. Aug 9th Feeling much better – tried peaches and watermelons and am improving Aug 11th Friday night. Rained, were called out in line of battle by a night alarm and stood for an hour in the rain. No enemy came. Returned to camp and sleep on our arms. One man put on his overcoat but forgot his musket. Capt. S. Fell in the sink. We are brigaded under Sherman with the Mass 9th, the N.B. 13th, the Dekalb reg’t Co. F of cavalry, and a Battery of Lt. Artillery. 12th 13th 14th Rainy Aug 15th Our Picket at Mt. Olivet Church Camp Union Arlington Heights John M. Bancroft 3rd Sergeat co. I Mich 4th Inf. Aug 19 Pack up and move back ½ mils nearer the river. We are to build a fort. Raining yet. [page 23] Image 1 W. T. Sherman Image 2 Fort Woodbury, Va Image 3 “Line up of coffee” Image 4 The company cook [page 24] Image Article from Adrian Paper 1865 [page 25] Image Michael J. Vreeland Sergeant Co. I. 4th Mich Vols. Illustrations of Camp Life Enlisted at Detroit from Brownstown, Mich [page 26] Image Article “ From Our Fourth Regiment” [page 27] Aug 20th On guard as Serg’t of the Guard. Our men camp commands a fine view of Georgetown and Washington. We are in the trenches building a fort The works are being put forward as fast as possible. Aug 25th Parade. Inspection of Arms Gen. Sherman received news of the advance of 10,000 rebels towards our lines. Wrote to Mr. Hinchman. 26th Brigade review before the President, Seward, Gen McClellan for 3 or 4 hours of tiresome standing. Aug 27th At night an alarm and Gen. Sherman had us out in line of battle. Aug 28th In the morning were out again. Work on the fort has been done chiefly by 4th Mich assisted by N.B. 23rd. 29, 30, 31 Work in Fort. Nearly finished. Sept 1st Sunday Weather fine and clear Sept 2nd Last night at Battallion drill news were read of Gen. Butlers victory at Fort Hatteras capturing 730 prisoners. Sept. 4th Go to Washington with and for the mail. Rec’d letter from E.H. Hinchman of Detroit. Orders in camp for two days rations in haversacks. Battery taken from the rebels on Munsons Hill. Matters indicate a move soon. One man Co. E killed on yesterday, has a wife and four children. In very comfortable circumstances & a very lovely woman God speed the right. [page 28] Sept 7th 1861 On Picket to the right of Halls Hill. Lead forward a party in absence of the Lt. in charge no moving the lines forward. Sept 8th Paid off. Sick and tired. 9th Boys drunk fighting and noisy. Weather warm and sultry. 10th Off duty with a boil. 11th Drill Skirmish toward Louisville. Turn out in line of battle. Boil very sore. 12th Division Review at 4 ½ PM. til dark, very tedious. 13th At Dress parade orders come for line of battle. Right wheel into column! Forward March! head of Column to the left! By the Right flank File left! March! and we are in position. Dusk and we see the smoke and flames of Halls house At Olivet Church and other buildings fired by shell or rebel hands. We go to camp and get coffee and blankets & return to sleep by the trenches and wake in the morning in a fog so thick one cannot see. Blankets wet—wringing wet. 17th Brigade Review in a rain storm a perfect driving shower and General and all stand and take it. this is making soldiers of us we think. 19th Work grubbing stumps in camp. 20th Paid off 24th Changing camp rearranging. Weather very chilly at night and hot during the day [page 29] Image Illustrations of Camp Life Serg’t Vreeland Biscuit Chaplain Lieut Gordon Serg’t Studdard [page 30] Sept 28th 1861 In afternoon rec’d orders to fall in in light marching order with what provisions we could lay hands on. Marched out to Balls Cross Roads. Counter-marched and went to Mt. Olivet church thence about 1 ½ m west and lay down in the woods. Between 2 – 4 in the morning we are on our feet on account of vollies fired near us. Proved to be Col. Reg’t pickets firing into each other Reported there is a general advance all along the lines. 29th The Grand Army appears to be all on the move 8-9-10-11 oclock all quiet. Hours of suspense We remain in position. Parties are reconnoitering occasional heavy firing to the northward. Single guns men all sleeping as it was very cold last night. All quiet all day- Sunday- 30th Axes are detailed to cut down the woods where we are lying. Very heavy oak and chestnut. About 8 o’c we fall in by order of the Colonel and stack arms. Pack and lay down our knapsacks. The Col. Says there is an attack to the northward and we may leave at any moment. At the trees again and they are falling every which way axes ringing. Merry voices calling. Then comes the crash. Michigan boys know wood craft to perfection. Never was land cleared quicker save by hurricane. Click, click and crash, crash. [page 31] Sept 29th 1861 But perhaps we may hear the crashing of cannon, the clanging of steel, the roar of armies. Night brings news of the taking of Richmond by Butler. The cheers come down the lines from the camps above and from far away in the distance. We doubt the news but we cheer—cheer as loud as any and the sound rolls along the camps way to the North. Tonight we have built houses or shelter of boughs, as we have not tents. So we are a village of 1000 men where yesterday at this time was the stillness of the woodland, or rather we are a city of thousands stretching over hill and valley for miles and cheers roll along among the ghostly shadows of the trees from the many camp fires like the cry of fire from street to street. Note. Here was the romance of the soldier life and we would not have changed places with the richest of those at home. We had come to fight and die if need be for the old flag and we were eager for a change from the dull routine of drill of which we were heartily tired and we thought this was active service. Oct 1st All quiet. Save the click of axes and the crash of falling timber. Various rumors as to movements of the army are afloat. [page 32] Illustrations of Camp Life. No. 1 Lieut. Marshall W. Chaprin No. 2 Sergt. John M. Bancroft No. 3 George Maltz No. 4 Jack Cooper No. 5 Robinson No. 6 John Kidd No. 7 Lieut. John A. Gordon [page 33] Oct. 1 1861 [cont.] At night I am on picket-about 80 rods in advance of the regiment. We have a fine view of the camps during the night. They present a gay scene. Here is romance and effect. Here are the scenes of history and chivalry—Look at the camp fires—globulus masses of fire and coal where the cooks are busy, fires that tower higher and throw a cheerful blaze around the dim shadows flitting across them in the distance, fires of dry crackling, blazing brush, fires running up hollow dead trunks of trees, and over all a background of darkness and smoke, while directly overhead we see the stars. We know nothing yet of the actual success of these movements. Cannon have boomed in the distance, on each side apparently, for what we cannot tell. The country is being devastated, crops destroyed and wasted, grain stacks scattered, fences broken down, house burned, forests cut to open range for our artillery, etc. Written the evening of Oct. 1 1861 Sergt. J.M.B. Note. This was the first we had seen of war desolation. Oct. 2 Cook tomatoes from Maj. Nuts garden. Gen F.Y. Porter reprimands the Officer of the picket. Oct 3d Wrote to Frank Hay. All quiet. We are reviewed by Gen. McClellan. Oct 4th Balloons seen near Alexandria. Oct 5th Pleasant. Letters and papers from home. [page 34] Oct 7th Drill. Raining all night 8th & 9th On Guard –Troops moving to Lewisville 10th Cold & stormy –dreary-I want to go home. Note. I never thought so in earnest in time of campaign no matter how bad the storm. I wish I might always feel as contented with the fortune meter out to me as during these three years. Oct 11th Move to Miners Hill. In front is a valley while beyond lies a range of hills on whose eastern slope are farm houses and openings occupied by Union & rebel pickets while beyond are the camps & batteries of Gen Johnstons Division of rebels. Oct 18th No incidents of note occur. For the past few days have been sick enough but not unable to do duty. 20th Several regiments rec’d orders last night to cook two days rations Visit 22nd Mass. 21st Wrote to Detroit Advertizer. 22 Orders 1:00 A.M. to be in readiness to march at daylight 2 days cooked rations. Rained and did not go. Yesterday Co. baker was shot at Leesburg. Balls Bluff. 23 On Guard. Dr. Clark tells me I have disease of the liver that I must quit duty and report to him. I don’t feel well at all. Stayed on guard all night. [page 35] Michigan 4th Regt Minor’s Farm, near Falls Church Oct. 5th 1861 My Dear Aunt, Last Week we took up our encampment at Fort Woodbury and moved it- clearing up stumps and grading the streets in the nicest order making one of the finest camps this side the river and as often times we have left it. Sat. night last we were ordered to fall in in light marching order and traveled that night til 9 oclock stopping in the woods we know not how near the rebels. While on the march Sherman’s battery passed us and the 9th Mass (Irish). The cry was “onward.” We woke bright and early Sunday [page 36] Morning and lay there quietly all day, in fact til Wednesday, sleeping right under the stars and as the school boy said of his home, “right in the middle of heaven”. We have been on guard, picket and other duty and have leveled acres of heavy, valuable timber. Falls Church is a small village of a church and half a dozen farm houses. Our troops have set on fire several houses and wheat stacks and destroyed much valuable property. Our Army looked fine by night as one saw the camp fires burning for miles. I keep a diary of many events as they happen especially on movements and occasionly write my friend Scripps of the Det. Advertizer. The movements of the Mich. 4th . Col. Woodbury told me the [page 37] other day that I should have a Lieutenancy the first chance and that, when not asked for, I consider a compliment. The Chaplain also said that the Col. Was pleased with J.M.B. Most of my friends have held back until they got commissions before enlisting but I told them I was going to earn mine and I feel that I am and hope that promotions will occur to give a place. Most of the offices have changed already. I want a sash and sword, to receive my “welcome home”. Enclosed is a letter from Mr. T.H. Hinchman and some papers of mine which I place in Uncle Milo’s care for safe keeping. The 4500, I did not need to use. It shows the confidence I gained in Detroit. Love to all John M Bancroft [page 38] The Mich. troops are mentioned quite frequently in the papers throughout the country and some of the illustrated give good representations of familiar scenes. [page 39] Oct. 6th Afternoon Yours of the 2nd was at hand. In my note-book I have the following---Oct. 2nd. On picket at a wheat stack with the reserve. Cooked a nice dish of potatoes and some nice tomatoes with bread, a piece of pork, etc from Major Nuts garden near Falls Church. Gen Porter reprimands the Officer of the picket for inattention to duty. This is a beautiful country, is rough but uncivilized and uncultivated. There are a few places beautifully situated and the farms are traversed by bye paths to the roads-and to other farm houses—Falls Church [page 40] looks quite New England. Sunday has been a busy day with us. Company inspection at 7, regimental inspection at 9 and church at 10:30. It was my duty to read the Articles of War, 18 pages, to those who did not go to church. Yesterday afternoon the rebels threw shell into Gen. McDowell’s men on our left, Upton’s Hill, which was replied to by our guns. No damage. Bye the way, tell Uncle Milo or Joseph Pratt that if they can get me an appointment as a Lieutenant in a Mass. Regt. I can get a transfer from our Colonel and perhaps get a day or two at home. Home that is a strange idea to the soldier and the time is far distant when we shall breathe free air again—but I have not felt it much There has been [page 41] so much to do and learn that I do not stop to think of the difference in circumstance and surroundings of those around me and I knew it when I enlisted. I get the Boston Post daily, the Detroit Advertizer tri-weekly and other papers occasionally, so you see I have friends. Mr. Hinchman writes often and says that I give him the best letter he gets of the Army. So if I do not get a worthy situation during the war if we gain the day I will consider it an honor to have been one of those who has tried to do his duty as it came and I think I have gained friends who will do the best they can to give me a good situation when it is over. The war will go forward soon with energy and will in the end be successful for the U.S. and might have been before had the men of the north come forward with [page 42] proper energy, but now the interests of the country are so linked with it that it must succeed. This nation is to be much more of a military nation than ever before and I think perhaps the best place for me would be to join the U.S. Engineer Corps. But I am in hopes that we shall carry on this was so that ere one year we may be home. slavery will not amount to much hereafter in Virginia, I think, and wherever our armies travel. Our liens extend 40 miles down the river. Soldier’s duty soon gets to be almost a routine. Most of his time is occupied and they look forward to an engagement as a change and a step toward going home which with us of the Mich. 4th is an important item. Yours in good health and pleasant weather. J.M.B. [page 43] Image (Lincoln) [page 44] Head Quarters 4th M.I. Miners Hill, Va. Oct. 31, ‘61 General: The bearer, Sgt. Bancroft with six privates are detailed for special duty in compliance with your orders of this morning and ordered to report forthwith for instructions. I am general with much respect Yours truly, (signed) Co. D.A. Woodbury Commd’g 4th Mich. Vols. Jno S. Earle Adj’t. P.S. the above detail, by the order, are to report to Columbian Armory, to Prof. Lowe. [page 45] Head Qrs. Porter’s Division Hall’s Hill, Va. Oct. 31, 1861 Pass the bearer Sergeant Bancroft and party of six soldiers to Washington City and back when their business is completed. F.J. Porter By Gen’t Com’d. This party will report to Professor Lowe at the Columbian Armory in Washington. F.J. Porter By Gen’l Com’d. [page 46] Oct. 24 Shelling acrost the valley Oct. 29 Wrote to Advertizer. Have been under the Dr.’s care two weeks for Liver complaint. Oct. 30 On Police Guard at Vanderwerken’s at the Brigade Hospital. Oct. 31 Muster for pay. Have most of our winter clothing. After muster am ordered report with six men to Gen. Porter and by him to report to the Columbian Armory, Wash. to Prof. Lowe Aeronaut. Arrived about 8:00 P.M. Nov. 1st On duty at the Columbian Armory Nov. 2nd Stormy Detail Geo. W. Bates Co.A S.M. Kidder Co. A S.D. Porterfield Co.D Thomas Boyd Co.D S.M. Bennet Co.H A. Spade Co.H Nov. 10th Geo. W. Bates sent to the regiment to become Quarter Master Sergeant Nov. Lonely—Home sick almost [Image: soldier leaning against tree] [page 47] Nov. 9th Left Wash. Armory for the Navy Yard to go down to the river. Letter from Mr. Hay. Capt. Dickinson tells his story in the great ship house. Attended school at Andover, Mass. Run away 19 years of age. Went to sea. Became mate on a ship from New Orleans. By the death of the Captain became in command. Buried 12 out of 60 passengers with the yellow fever. Told a very interesting account of the mode of burial at sea. Capt. Dickinson was soon put in command of a gunboat. Nov. 10th Slept last night with the Marines and sailors at the Navy Yard. With Balloon, aeronauts and reporters we start about 11 A.M. down the river A man-of-war lying opposite Alexandria. Run in close to Ft Washington, Mattawoman Creek. After dark go with Mr. Slack a Herald Reporter to Gen. Hookers Hd Qrs. Mud very deep and the road very indefinite. Deliver our dispatch and return. Nov. 12 Balloon makes four ascension. Gen. Sickles goes up twice. About 4:00 we go ashore and the General and staff share our coffee hard tack and salt pork. Mr. Bentley of the Phil. Enquirer is with us, also one of Frank Leslie’s artists. [page 48] [image] Washington’s House Mount Vernon [page 49] [image] Sergeant J.M. Bancroft on detached duty at Washington Oct. to Nov. 1861. [page 50] [images] 1. Bringing in the mule herd to water 2. Excitement among the soldiers 3. The last wagon of the train [page 51] Nov. 14th, 1861 Returned to Washington Nov. 24 Started with a Balloon to run the Blockade of the Potomac. Storm and sleet and darkness. Run into a steamer going from the Navy Yard. Hear them beat “to quarters”. Stop at Ft Washington. Run by the three batteries in the night. With all lights well covered stop at Mattawoman Creek. Picturesque scenery. Nov. 25 Lay to all day. Mr. Starkweather and Pauline, aeronauts come on board with a Balloon. Run down to Chickamoxie at night, with Balloon barge. The Steamer Mr. Lowe and Starkweather go to Ft Monroe. Nov. 28th The Rebels commence firing shell at the balloon barge and the balloon on shore. Do not hit it. Prof. L. telegraphs for us to return to Wash. Row up to Mattawoman. Sleep on the deck of a stern wheel excursion boat in a storm of wind and rain. Sunday, Dec. 1st Inflate the Intrepid and prepare to take it over the river. Windy. Have to guard it. Dec 2nd & 3d Let out the gas. [page 52] 1861 Dec. 10 Leave Wash. by canal boat Eliza Ann to Edwards Ferry, via Great Falls. Scenery rough and grand. Dec. 12 Find a spot for camp well sheltered from the wind. Have a detail of Mass. S.S. Dec. 13 Inflated the balloon working all night Dec. 15 Gen. Stowe makes an ascension. Visit camp of 7th Michigan. Dec. 19th Mr. Seaver wishing to examine the valve of the balloon shears were rigged from two trees and a seat hung from a block by which he was raised above it and then swung with a guy the shears being moved forward at the same time until he obtained a good view of the valve, and packing. This examination was made because from the rapid escape of gas on the first night after inflation there was reason to suspect some one had been tampering with it. On opening the balloon during inflation the folds at the lower part clung together with much tenacity requiring some exertion to separate them. No doubt the varnish was torn out. [page 53] [image] U.S. Flag [page 54] [image] Prayer meeting in a contraband camp. Washington, 1862 “Oh I’m gwine home to glory—won’t you go along wid me, What de blessed angels beckon, an’ de Lor’ my Saviour be?” [page 55] 1861 Dec. 28th Mr. S. has become nearly sick beside being homesick. We occupy a house some ¼ mile from the camp. Mr. S, myself and Mr. Prendergalt, an Irishman of education, a fine singer and a good story teller. We have some very jolly times here. Sam Porterfield, one of our party was formerly a traveling jig-dancer and a “fellow of infinite jest” (Hamlet). He cannot write, and I have written many a letter for him home to his wife, full of pathos and affection, and of interest in everything relating to her welfare, and within two days perhaps I have seen him so drunk he could scarcely stand and why go further-this is bad enough-but not the worst by any mean. We having free run of Washington on our duty had opportunities of seeing and doing about as we pleased. Poor Sam. He was wounded at Malvern Hill and died of lock-jaw brought on by free use of liquor after getting to Philadelphia. Lt. Laidd of the 7th Mich. was another jolly fellow but one who did not take one drop of liquor. In that old house we would have quite a concert at times and then get the “colored folks who occupied the back part of come in and Sam would get them all from the old “Uncle” to the smallest pickaninnie [page 56] 1861, Dec. 28th cont. to dancing. I found some very fine fellows in the detail which was from Sanders S.S. of Mass. Mr. S. was unfortunate in the opening of his career as aeronaut in thinking he must indulge in the free and easy style of some of the officers. The scenery here is fine. The Potomac, the Ohio and Chesapeake Canal, old Sugar Loaf and the Eastern range of the Blue Ridge on the Catoctin Mts. Bulls Bluff is but a short distance from our camp and we see the men who were there. We see their General, Gen. Stone. But from what I have seen of him I cannot believe him guilty of what he is charged with. I was up in the Balloon one day. While here we managed finely in regard to rations and quarters. We found many persimmons in the woods, which with the squirrels and chickens and fresh pork make very good living. This seems to be a grand old country. On some farms there are great stacks of wheat, which seems to have been the crop of three or four years. The soil is a red clay making splendid mortar for winter quarters. _____of the 20th Mich make winter quarters of thatch. The 7th Mich. of logs- covered with shingles-on 2 sides of a square with [page 57] [Image] Minors Hill, Jan. 1st, 1862 [page 58] 1861 Dec. 28th cont. with the officers quarters on the open side. Dec. 30th Stormy weather. Mr. Seaver almost down with a fever. Dec. 31st Clear in the morning. Prepare to inflate. Mr. S. improves with the excitement. No wind. 1862 Jan. 1st 1862 No wind during the night. Make an ascension with Mr. Seaver some 300 feet in the morning. Not power enough in the Balloon to carry us higher. Go to Gen Stone’s Hd. Qrts. Poolesville for rations. Capt. J.H. Stiener supersedes Capt. Seaver. Jan. 2 Our detail of Sharpshooters leave to go with Gen. Lander. Jan. 3d Walk to Poolesville 7 miles to have a pass signed, then to camp of the 19th mass., then on down the Canal to within about 9 miles of Washington. Very tired we seek lodgings at several houses along the canal but find no accommodations At last find a picket of the 62 New York Fire Zouaves, where we pass the night under shelter at least. Jan. 4th Arrive in Wash. and go over to the regiment. Stop over night at 22d Mass. Comrades from Reading. Jan. 5th Meet my old comrades of the Mich. 4th See the Adjutant and Chaplain. Jan. 6th See Col. Woodbury and return to Washington See Hon. F.C. Beaman, Mr. c., from Adrian [page 59] 1862 Jan. 12 Making drawings of Inflating apparatus used by Prof. Lowe. Feb. 1st During the few days past I find nothing written down. I am quartered at the Columbian Armory Wash. making drawing so much of the time as I choose. There are some 300 girls engaged in making cartridges here. Met Mr. L.G. Berry. Recd a photograph. Feb. 26th Looking at Photographic Albums Bought, and Sent one home. Sam Porterfield has returned from a visit home. Most of the Balloon boys have been home. I have not because I am only a common soldier and I think I ought to be an officer by this time, but there has been few vacancies. E. Mason Jr. private secretary for Prof. Lowe is quite a favorite with our party. He is the “Our Ned” of the story papers and a very genial, social, companionable sort of person. [page 60] [image] A. Making cartridges, Columbian Armory Washington, D.C. [page 61] [image] B. Varnishing Balloon Columbian Armory Washington, D.C. [page 62] [image] C Columbian Armory, Jan. 24, 1862 [page 63] [image] Feb. 20, 1862. Gen. Morrell’s Head Quarters, Miner’s Hill, Va [page 64] [letter] Columbian Armory Washington, D.C. Feb.10/62 Sergeant Bancroft You will report the detail consisting of the three members of Michigan Regt. under your charge, to the Regiment, their services not being required on balloon business for the present. Yours T.S.C. Lowe Chief Aeronaut PE Mason Apt. “Our Ned” T.S.C. Lowe Aeronaut [page 65] [image] The Daily Graphic: New York, Friday, October 24, 1879. [map] [page 66] 1862 Feb. 27th Serg’t Eaton and party go to Pohick church with a Balloon. Sunday, March 2nd Movements indicate an advance on Manassas or an attempt to draw the rebels from the place. A strong force is sent to Harpers Ferry. Army of the Potomac have two days cooked rations. Sunday 9th A Balloon ordered over the river. .Inflated the Union after 5 o’c and towed it to Fort Corcoran. 10th Advance. Army of the Potomac I remain at Washington. 12th Prof. Lowe returned from Manassas. [page 67] 1862 Mar 13th Balloon ordered to Ft Monroe Mar. 15 Mr. S. started today for Ft Monroe. Heavy rain storm. The army march from Fairfax to Alexandria in the rain. 16th Called on Adjutant Earle who is now recovering from a fever. The army are preparing to leave for Ft. Monroe. March 17th Visit the regiment at Camp California near Cloud’s Mill, Va., near where we encamped in July, 1861 previous to Bull Run. An immense Army. 23d Preparing to leave. 24th Working for some definite appointment on Balloon Service. There seems to be no way of bringing about such a change. Mr. Lowe’s father is one of our party. [page 68] 1862 Friday, Mar. 28th One year since. Mr. T.H. Hinchman of Detroit called. Visited the Smithsonian. Col. Macomb, Alexandria, etc. Saw Gen. McClellan on board a steamer, reading the paper. Neat, manly, and firm, not careworn. Visited Mr. Granger, Rep. from Mich. the Green Houses in the Public Gardens. Mar. 29th With Mr. T.H. Hinchman. Mar. 31st Visited the Aqueduct Bridge at Georgetown by Gen. Meigs with T.H.H. Mr. H. leaves for New York Drawing Plan of the old Lucy House, Fredericksburg, Va. [page 69] 1862 April 5th Still troubled as since last October with Liver Complaint. This is one reason so little has been written. April 6th Visit Georgetown Heights. Fine residences. Fine view from the Reservoir. April 8th Wrote letters. Raining and snowing. April 10th Meet Mr. John La Mountain, Aeronaut. April 16th Started with Balloon Alexandria to Catlett Station, Va. April 17th Report to Col. Macomb. Muddy. Gen. Augers Brigade march to Fredericksburg. April 18th Gen. Patrick’s Brigade follows Augers today. Gen. Arbiecrombies Brigade advance to the river and are now shelling the enemy. McCalls division have come up. April 19th No movements. Stormy. Cold April 20th No movements today. Stormy. Cold. Unpleasant. [page 70] 1862 April 19th No movements today. Stormy. Cold April 20th Stormy. Cold- unpleasant. (Monday) April 21st Gen. McDowell removes Hd. Qrts. To Fredericksburg. Raining hard all day. Balloon, etc., sent to Alexandria to wait further orders. About 250 sick soldiers are waiting and go up on the same train. Bridge at Bull run washed away Have to wait at Manasses unitl Wednesday. April 22d Waiting at Manassas. Walk out in the Centerville R.R. to Bull Run. Bridge Burnt. Stroll among the deserted rebel camps. Plenty of dead horses and graves. April 23 Go to Bull Run. Cross on foot bridge and get on train for Alexandria. Hurrah! Once more within the lines of civilization. Of the 250 sick soldiers who left Calette Station three have died. Go to Washington to my home for some months, the Columbian Armory. April 24th Cleaning of the mud. Board at a German restaurant on 7th St. April 25th Go to Alexandria. See Mr. Guzer. Aeronaut. [page 71] 1862 April 28th See Lt. Col. Macomb. May 2d Visit office of Supervising Architect Treasury Depart. May 3d Serg’t C.J. Eaton arrived from Fortress Monroe. Sick May 4th Very pleasant. May 5th Start for Aquia Creek with balloon. (Mr. Lamountain May 6th Go to Bell Plain, 8 miles below Aquia in charge of balloons. Land and stop for the night. May 7th Sleepless night. Start for Fredericksburg with a train of about 12 wagons and 20 men to keep Baloon tanks from upsetting at the roads are very bad. Pines. Report to Gen. McDowells Hd. Qrs. At the Lacy House. Here is where Washington cut the cherry tree. It is one of the five old mansions. Bricks brought from England. Trees in the yard and in the revines on each side of the house in which are five springs. Fine view of the old town of Fredericksburg. Pontoon bridges, rubber boats filled with air also bridge of canal boats. [page 72] [Image] Irvin McDowell [page 73] [Image] Fredericksburg Out buildings, Lay House, Va. [page 74] [images] Yorktown, May New Bridge, May 24th [page 75] [image] Fleeing from the Land of Bondage On the Mississippi river in 1863 “Mothers carried their babes on one arm, and led little woolly headed toddlers by the other. Old men and women gray, nearly blind, some of them bent almost double, bore on their heads and backs the small plunder they had “toted” from their homes. They were all going forth, like the Israelites. ‘from the land of bondage to a land they knew not.” [page 76] 1862, May 7th cont. With Mr. LaMountain the Aeronaut I meet Mr. haddock who made a voyage in a balloon from St. Louis at one time. May 10th Visit the town of Fredericksburg. May 11th Sunday Going to Washington May 13th Go to Washington May 14th Meet Everett Eaton at Co. Beckwith’s office. Serg’t C.J. Eaton of our balloon party sick with Typhoid fever at Mrs. Van Arsdale’s. Stay all night with him. Storm. May 15th Go to Aquia Creek May 16 Go to Fredericksburg and get permission to return to Washington. May 18th Arrive in Washington 8 P.M. C.J. Eaton died in the morning. C.J. Eaton West Arlington Bennington Co. Vermont Prof. Lowe was the cause of this to a great extent. May 21st Mr. Eaton and Brown arrive to convey the body home, it having been embalmed. Jennie Evans, Charley’s affianced, mourns. [page 77] May 22nd Get a pass at Col. Macomb’s office. Many errands. Thermometer 98 degrees. May 23rd Go to Aquia Creek and to Fredericksburg in the cars. Great review—Pres. Lincoln and M. Mercier, French Minister, review the Army of the Rappahannock. Gen. Shields from the Shenandoah has joined McDowell. May 24th Cold and rainy. Freezing almost. My regiment, the 4th Mich. engaged in a skirmish at New Bridge in the Chickhominy near Richmond. They cross the river and drive a Brigade of Rebels holding it. Two killed, eight wounded. Rebels have 150 killed and wounded. This is the first active engagement they are in. May 25th Sunday Shields returns to Catlette Station. His train consists of 864 wagons, 11,000 men. Ords division follow, Kings division across the river. Stonewall Jackson is after banks at Harpers Ferry, and we have got him. Ords division follow. King crosses the river. A very busy Sunday. No enemy near. Very pleasant. [page 78] [pass] The bearer Sergt. J.M. Bancroft Mich. Vols. Is on duty under the orders of Co. Macomb A.D.C. at Hd. Qrs. Of Maj. Gen. McDonall. Let his pass on the train for Aquia today. May 27, 1862 (signed) J.N. Macomb Col. A.D.C. Chp. Top’l Eng. Dept. Rapp. [image] New Bridge, Va –Returning from Battle, may 24, 1862 [page 79] [Images] A. Horseback soldiers B. Centerville Heights [page 80] Rotary Steam Navigation Company New Freight Line, New York to Boston White House, Virginia 29 May 1862 Sergeant Bancroft Washington, D.C. Dear Sir & Friend, Your letter concerning the sickness of Sergt. Eaton was rec’d from Prof. Lowe yesterday by one of the teamsters and I have written the Prof. concerning the same. I am very sorry for Charlie, and I think Mr. Lowe’s father very much to blame to promise him promotion when he knew such a thing out of his power. I believe the promise of Lowe, Senior, a great agency in producing Charlie’s sickness and depression. The Prof. sent down to me yesterday for acid and iron and also sent for Hodges, Welch, Trumbull, and Starkweatehr, leaving Bob, Frank and Dick on the Boat. The Boat (“Rotary”) is about to make [page 81] another pleasure excursion of two or three weeks to Phila. And as the Prof. will, in all probability, accompany the Boat, leaving me with the Balloons as heretofore, I shall be pretty busy. I find that we are unable to obtain a cent of money from Prof. Lowe and he is, I think, trifling with us, as we (Seaver, Allen and myself) have been under the necessity of petitioning him for pay and from the 17th of May until today receive no satisfaction. Mr. Lowe’s father says he doubts that we will even be paid, says the appropriation is expended, etc, which is consoling news for our families now suffering for the want of money. I would like very much to be transferred to Co.. Macomb of Prof. La Mountain either as Aeronaut or Asst. I have been constantly in charge of balloon and have had my pay raised to the other aeronauts wages. All well—Bob and Billy have been quite unwell but are now [page 82] Nearly convalescent. The boys are with Allen some 15 or 18 miles from here towards Richmond. I hope Charlie is improving. I think Prof. ought to do something for him and I shall press the matter firmly and persistently for Charlie was a good, faithful, hones, capable man and worth a 1000 such men as Mr. L. senior, Freno and such trash. Please do what you can for me with Co. MaComb and La Mountain, for I am determined to leave Prof. Lowe and his reckless mismanagement. Capt. Seaver, Bob, Frank, send best regards. I trust you will get along and obtain for yourself such a position as your talents command. I should be pleased to hear from you direct. E.Mason, Jr. Aeronaut Fortress Monroe, Va. Yours truly E.M. Jr. [page 83] Remember me to all. Please answer soon, and let me know the prospects. [page 84] [image] The Dying Soldier. The last letter from Home [page 85] May 26th 1862 McCalls division move to, and a portion cross the river. Gen. McDowell out visiting deserted rebel camps. On his return he goes to Washington. May 27th Head Quarters move to Aquia Creek and thence to Alexandria and Manassas. May 28th Get by request from Col. McComb papers ordering me to my regiment now on the Chickahominy before Richmond, from which I have been absent since Nov. 1st, 1861. May 29th, 30th, 31st, June 1st I remain in Washington. Call on Mrs. Col. Woodbury, a very handsome and lovely lady. She seems to have a great deal of interest in the regiment. [page 86] June 3d 1863 Leave Alexandria 1 o’c P.M. Down the Potomac. Stop below Mathia’s Point. Storm all night. On a propeller loaded with provision for the Army. Sleep very comfortably in the passage way through the boat in front of the boilers. June 4th Start again. Pass Blackstone Island light. Storm, rain, and mist. Repass the light. River wide and rough. Cannot see the banks for fog. Start agin. Pass Pines Point lighthouse. Come to anchor in St. Mary Harbor, where the water is quiet and calm. Several sloops and steamers laying here. Schooners loaded with engines, cars, and R.R. supplies for the army. Scene: a fine quiet plantation, a very picturesque windmill for grinding corn. [image] Windmill St. Mary Harbor, Va. –drawn by Bancroft. [page 87] June 5th 1862 Out past the light ship in the waters of Chesapeake Bay. Pass steamers and schooners bound down the Bay. Enter York River. Pass Yorktown with its forts, guns, and vessels, about 200, waiting orders up the river. June and a splendid country up York River. Come to anchor near West Point. June 6th Pass West Point, nine houses, a water battery and the R.R., up the crooked, marshy, swampy river Pamonkey. Stream obstructed at one place with sunken vessels. Masts of vessels can be seen in all directions, over the tree tops. Twelve o’c arrive at White House. Meet old companions on the balloon barge. A large number of wounded arrive on the cars and are placed on board ocean steamers to be taken to New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore from the battle of “Seven Pines” or “Fair Oaks”. Very warm. June 7th Started for Dispatch Stations. Walked thence to the regiment 10 miles. Storm and rain. Clear. Joyous welcome. Old faces. Home again. Visit balloon camp near Dr. Gaines’ house. [page 88] June 8th, 1862 Camp at Gaines’ Mill, Va. Regiment go out on picket. All quiet. June 9th Review in afternoon by Gen. Prim, a Spanish General. All quiet. A little cannonading in the afternoon. June 10th raining. Very unpleasant. We now live in little shelter-tents which seem to me quite small. Places for three—George Healtz, Sergt. Kidd and myself. Firing in afternoon over the Chickahoming. June 11th Clear and pleasant. Been out to view the Chickahoming. All quiet. June 12th Very pleasant and warm. On guard. Very hot. Occasional firing. Rumors of Fremont whipping Jackson. Ordered to have three days rations and be ready to move at a moments notice. June 13th Very warm. Heavy firing on the left for two hours in the morning. Regiment go on picket at New Bridge on the Chickahoming. Cavalry (Rebel) in the rear. [page 89] 1862 June 14th Very smoky and warm. June 15th Find eight dead rebels in the river. This is where the regt. fought May 24th. Co. K. divide a rebel jay bone to send the teeth to the rural districts. Return from picket. Rain shower. Monday 16th Cool and comfortable. June 17th Out in Fatigue duty building bridges for Seige Guns. At 10 o’c heavy firing on the left. Heavy volleys by pickets during the night. June 18th Battalion Drill. Very warm and close. Franklin’s division on the move. The river very low again------ Sick----- June 19th Very warm. 3d Brigade, Franklin Div. cross the Chickahoming. Visit with Vreeland 8th Illinois Cavalry to see Dr. Heard and get some medicine from him. Gen. Morsell sends me to Prof. Lowe to sketch from the balloon. Too much wind to make an ascension. Heavy firing from Battery opposite New Bridge. June 20th Warm and pleasant. Heavy firing. Shot fall near our camp. [page 90] Saturday June 21st 1862 Sick. Dr. gives me mercury and morphine. June 22nd ditto June 23 Tincture Sulphuric acid. Afternoon morphine and whiskey. June 24 Morphine and whiskey. Feel some better. Stop vomiting. Shower in the morning. Five siege guns are placed in position near Dr. Gaines. June 25 Do not use any morphine or whiskey. Weather cool and windy. Batteries firing. June 26 Nitrate of silver. Ordered to take my blankets and come up to the hospital. Meet Col. Woodbury in going to quarters and he informs me that they have sent inquiring for a draftsman from Gen. McClellan. I inform him I would like to go. Do not feel very well. Write to M. H. Very hot. All quiet. Marching orders. march to Mechanicsville and fight. Advance by the left flank. Sleep on the field. [page 91] 1862 June 27 Up early in the morning. March to the rear to our old camp. Pack up. Move burn stores and send wagons to the rear over the Chickahominy. Go Back about one and one half miles and form in line to check the enemy. Leave our knapsacks and never see them again. Have a heavy battle. "Gaines Mill" and the brigade on our left breaking retreat with great loss. Capt. Depug and others. Reforces and the Irish Brigade come in and drive the Rebs. back while our artillery give them a lively shelling. Sleep on sand without my blanket. Woke up about 1 o'c and crossed the River. One of those awful marches, night marches where we move 150 or 100 ft. to rest ten minutes or one-half hour. We have no tents to speak of either. Sleep in an open field. Are routed up to clean our arms for inspection. Am sick myself [page 92] June 28 1862 During the day march past Savage Station where are our wounded boys. Walk with others and encamp after passing White Oak Swamp. During the night a gentle shower. Also a stampede which does not result in anything serious. Sunday June 29 We turn out to corduroy the swamp. We march 1 ½ miles after which we wait most the day. March at night with one or two stampede. March and wait, and march and wait and then countermarch. May you never experience how tired we were. Sleep about one hour near morning and get up to march two or three miles to the James River [page 93] Copy for father Sergt. J.M. Bancroft 4th Michigan Volunteers Army of the Potomac The enclosed letters reached me at different points on the route with Gen. McDowell and I have heretofore felt at a loss about getting them forwarded to you. But as I happen to be in Washington for a few days I send them down in the hope that they may reach you. In the hurry of our movement when you expressed your wish to join your regiment. I allowed you to go without giving you my other paper than what I deemed sufficient to enable [page 94] You to get from the Qr. Master here the transportation to your Regiment. I take this occasion to say that whilst you were under my orders in the Balloon Service I had every reason to be satisfied with your conduct as far as the same came under my observation. On several occasions important movements of the Balloon Property were made entirely under your care and supervision. I always regretted that the fact of your being in the Army prevented my giving you a better position in the Balloon Services for I am sure That you would have given satisfaction under any circumstances. I remain very Respectfully Your Obt. Svt. J.N. Macomb, A.D.C. U.S. Army [page 95] Monday June 30th 1862 Arrive at the James River. Sleep and rest 'till afternoon. When tired and weary we are called out across the swamp and up the hill again to form a line of battle. I am sick and excused by the Dr. but I cannot bear to leave the regt., so I go along up the hill. "Malvern Hill" 'Turkey Bend. We form in line. A battery opens on the left which is silenced by ours. Heavy fighting on the right. Prisoners brought in." [page 96] Tuesday July 1st 1862 Battle Malvern Hill Move to front on the extreme left to protect a battery. Change position often during day. Heavy fighting on the right. Very hot during day. We are in a wheat field. cover myself with straw to keep out the heat. Boys killing and cooking pork. At last near dark they come in force to try us. We hold them. Wave our colors. Lose Col. Woodbury and many officers and men. Are relieved and go to rear when our ammunition is gone. Our troops hold the ground. Fall Back during the night to the James River. Marching most all night. When we come back to the rear during the fight we rested near a large house used as a hospital and signal station and as Hd. Qrts. during part of the day. Tired, sore with loading and firing. We lay down in the dust. Many of the men were wounded and they could get no sight of the Surgeons who were busy with the worst cases. Lieut. Gordon was struck in the shoulder in the 1st of the fight and I tied his handkerchief on his arm. He kept with us all night. We did not leave the place for some time. On the front the shells were flying and the musketry continued lively until nearly or quite 10 o'clock. We did not mind it much [page 97] [image] Malvern Heights July 1st 1862 Organized, May 16th, 1861 4th Michigan, drawn by Lieut. Gruner [page 98] [article] The Battle of Malvern Hill, Interesting Rebel Accounts, Terrible Slaughter [page 99] 1862 [July 1st cont] At least most of us went to sleep. We were soon routed and marched to the river and down to Harrison's Landing. It was very tedious, tiresome march, after all our marching by night and fighting by day of the week previous. It was long after daylight when we reached the open field and then in the midst of a shower, with rebel artillery behind us, we waded through mud and sought to erect some shelter. Vreeland and myself got a house of rails and wheat and lay all day in the rain resting. July 2d Very heavy shower. Sick with dysentery at last. no use in trying to go any further. Regiment move out in line of battle as the rebels shell us and I lay in my tent. Go to the Hospital in a barn. Take Opium & Tannin Dreams and headache. [page 100] 1862 July 3d Rumor says we are in pursuit of rebels. We do not know what the real state of matters is. Remain in hospital. July 4th Remain in Hospital July 5th Remain in Hospital July 6 Remain in hospital. Feel better. Dr. Clarke orders that the sick or wounded shall have no meat. July 7th Monday Left hospital and went to Regiment. Acting Orderly Sergt., Vreeland being now acting Lieut. Very warm. Have to sleep two or three hours every noon. Feel the opium. Dreamy. Our camp is in the woods. The open plain between us and the landing covered with wheat the morning we came is now one field of mud. July 8th Work all day on Muster Rolls. Feel tired. Turn out at night- for a Review by the President by moonlight. Very tired and weak. [page 101] 1862 July 9th Drawing clothing and issuing to the men. Very warm. July 10 Writing on Rolls. July 11 Finish Rolls. See Henry Houseman of 32 Mass. just arrived from Ft. Warren. July 12 Regimental Inspection. See Hamilton Temple of Reading July 14th Dr. Chamberlin returned from taking care of wounded. [page 102] July 15th 1862 Muster for pay. July 16 Regiment on Fatigue Duty. Shower July 17th Shower. July 18th Down to landing Saturday July 19 Cool and rainy. Sunday July 20th Letter from M. H. July 21st So many men sick that we move camp into open field. Very busy. Some trouble in laying out camp and getting things in line. Do not feel able to do more than I can avoid. [page 103] 1862 July 28th Wrote to S. F. H. St Louis. July 29th Paid charges on box for Heintzen. Brandy, Whiskey, etc. Taken care of by Vreeland and myself. July 31 Rebel shelled us last night from over the river. Grand Stampede!!! It was written up in the papers. Aug. 2d Regiment over the River. [page 104] 1862: Most like Sunday of any in the army for a long time. No service. Aug. 3d Aug. 4th Sunshine Very warm sultry weather and with duties of orderly requiring constant activity and attention. With the weakness remaining from my sickness I find nothing written for several days. We do nothing save what is necessary for health and that takes most our time. We scarcely know how the country does stand. We all have faith in Gen. McClellan. A day in camp in summer is very much as follows--- Reveille Policing of streets Breakfast One Hours Drill by Company Guard Mounting Working and Policing Parties Fatigue Cook , eat and sleep til 3 0'c Drill, Dress Parade, Rations Supper, bathing, washing of clothes Cleaning muskets, writing rolls, letters Reading papers etc. [page 105] 1862 Aug 8th Visit 6th Regular Cavalry. See Sergt. Ladd and Knapp of Adrian, Mich. Aug 10th Marching orders. Pick up, send baggage on board transports. Blankets and all in many cases. I retained only a light rubber blanket. Aug 11 Marching orders. Sleep without rations. Aug 12th Marching orders. Aug.13th Marching orders. Aug. 14th Marching orders. Fall in immediately after dress parade. Start at 10:30 o' c. March about 80 rods and lie down in the dust without any command to halt and remain until morning. This gives little rest. Aug. 15th March out beyond the works. March all day and nearly all night. Sleep an hour or two in a cornfield sitting down in the dust. Cross the mouth of the Chickahominy early in the morning and halt. Throw off straps and belts and enjoy a glorious bath in the Chickahominy. The Pontoon we crossed on was the longest ever laid. Went to breakfast, then sat or lay down to ready and study "Waterloo" in "Les Miserable's". This is a very interesting description. Read it to understand it and you can then understand battle descriptions. [page 106] 1862 16th Aug. March at 4 ½ P.M.. Level and in some cases sandy country bordering on the James River. March - March!! March!!! all night long through interminable forests. All I can see is a white roll (a shelter tent) across the shoulders of a man before me and I make almost superhuman efforts not to lose sight of it while the next behind me is so far behind I do not hear him. Sometimes I pass a worn out one who has made up his mind to stop any how. On! On - On - What keeps us moving. We halt a short distance from Williamsburg about midnight and then go on for it takes a long time for the column to close up. Williamsburg is a Virginia town seat of William and Mary's College. We pass the town by moonlight tired and weary. Finding it impossible to keep up, most of the company having fallen out. One man and the two Lieutenants. I fell out and when we got to the fortifications beyond Williamsburg, seeing no one before or behind, stopped for the night. in a few moments one of the Sergeants of my company came up and stopped with me. [page 107] [images] [page 108] 1862 Sunday Aug 17th Leave Williamsburg at daylight for Yorktown. Found the camp of the regiment within 80 rods of where we stayed during the night. Pass the graves of the battle ground of Williamsburg. We find 24 lb. gun in pond in the woods and inform the Quartermaster accompanying the train. Arrive at Yorktown about 4 o'c P.M. Find the Division in camp upon the same ground they encamped last spring. Aug 18th Leave for Hampton 8 oclock a.m. Road very dry and dusty. After a hard days march arrive at 5 o'clock. Bathe in salt water Aug 19th Up early. tired and sleepy. Up to march in ½ an hour. No coffee. Soft bread and whiskey. March to Newport News. Get a shirt by mail which is very acceptable in present circumstances. Bathe in the salt water. Go on the boats down Hampton Roads. See masts of the Cumberland. Pass Fortress Monroe and Rip Raps. Aug 20th Wake in Potomac. Land at Aquia Creek. March to Potomac Creek Bridge. Very hot. Aug 21st March to the Rappahannock and encamp three days rations. Go to Falmouth. Lay in the [page 109] road all night. Aug 22d March from Falmouth to Ellis' Ford on the Rappahannock. 20 miles. Heavy firing at Rappahannock Station to the north. Only three men to stack arms when we go into camp. The rest stopping on account of the heat, and dust. Encamp in wheat field near the Ford where are an abundance of small stones making it not very easy finding a place to pitch a tent and to lay down. Heavy shower. Aug 23d Marching orders. Heavy firing. River too deep to cross. Rations short. No forage. Country hilly and rough, springy, apple trees etc. Shower at night. Sunday Aug 24th Inspection. Marching orders- 11 o'clock. Aug 25th Aug. 26th Waiting Very hot. Aug 27th Started from Barnetts Ford. Cross the R. R. at Bealton. go to Warrenton Junction. Battle at Briston -- Gen. Hooker. [page 110] Thursday, Aug. 28th Up at a very early hour, long before daybreak. Get about ½ mile from camp and can get no further until after day break (7 ½ o’c) march to Briston, cross the battle field and encamp. Heavy firing to the north. No mail since Aug. 14th. Friday Aug. 29th March to Manassas Junction. Then march out to the R. R. toward Manassas Gap. Firing toward the mountains. Battle going on. Under the shell today. Not engaged as Infantry. Firing mostly to the right. Countermarch and countermarch. On picket. Saturday Aug. 30th Pickets withdraw early in the morning, the division having gone during the night. Draw one day's rations. March to Manassas then over Bull Run and stop half hour for breakfast. No coffee, since yesterday morning. Go on to Centerville. Pass through the Fortifications and go out in a valley on a beautiful stream to the north. Get plenty of corn and apples. Fighting towards the mountains. Get one days rations and start for the front. Smiths and Franklin's men pass us going to the front. Meet soldiers and wounded coming from the field. Countermarch. [page 111] Porter's Corps engaged except our Brigade. Left-wing turned. Slight panic. After dark army all come back onto Centerville Heights. Are a long while getting into place for the night. Sleep on Centerville Heights. Sunday 31st Go to the right form line of battle facing open plains. Await an attack until 3 P.M. rumored that McClellan is again in command. Sept. 1st During the afternoon receive 80 rounds cartridges. Rain. Fall in after dark. Sleep in line Sept 2nd Up at 12 oclock March 40 rods. Stormy windy and cold. Leave the works daylight Tuesday morning. Centreville. Go to Vienna. To Lewisville, to Langley. Arrive 10 o’c evening. Encamp in cultivated field, Roast corn, Fires of Rails. Sleep. Wed 3d Go to Miner’s Hill. Old camp of 1861 and til March of 62. Many a brave fellow gone to his long home. many broken bones. Many weary aching miles. [page 112] [image]—Talking it over Sept. 4th Thursday Writing Pay Rolls. Out in line of Battle. Reconnaissance by Rebel Cavalry. Get mail for the first time since Aug. 14th . Sept. 5th Writing Pay Rolls. Expect to be here for some time. Sept. 6th Muster on the Rolls. Marching orders. Go to Falls Church and to Upton Hill. Arrive at 2 P.M. Sleep most of the day. Sept. 7 Lie in line of Battle during the night. Outer line of Forts being dismantled. Move forward on picket. Sept. 8th On picket, Potatoes and corn. Sept. 9th On picket. Knapsacks come up from Ft. Corcoran, which we have not seen since Aug. 12th. Sept. 10th Pass other picket. Cloudy. [page 113] September 12th 1862 March from Falls Church to Washington, thence out to Rockville. Various rumors about our destination. Very hot. Sept. 13th March through Rockville, Beautiful country, a garden composed with the desert we have been traveling through. Sept. 14th Marching through Clarksville, Hyattsville, toward Frederic. Heavy firing to westwards of Monocacy River and Sugar Loaf Mountains. Sept. 15th Leave Frederic. go to Middletown over the Hills. Beautiful scenery and country. Stop near the battlefield of the previous day. Good bathing. Meet prisoners and see a great many wagon trains. Battle of Antietam, MD., September 16th and 17th, 1862 Antietam [page 114] [Image] The Federal Artillery taking Position at the battle of South Mountain. [page 115] [Image] Battle of Antietam [page 116] [image] Federal soldier [page 117] Sept. 16th Middletown to Boonsboro to Gettysville to vicinity of the Battlefield. Great army. Many soldiers, Encamp near Gen. McClellan's Hd. Qrs. Sept. 17th Go forward to support batteries. 20 pd. Parrotts. Rumors and excitement. Get some glimpses of the smoke and changes of the lines from the hills. We turn Rebel left and light Batteries and cavalry go forward. Burnside crossing stone bridge. Antietam Creek. Sept. 18th Bury dead under flag of truce while rebels cross the Potomac. Regiment got to the left, and division join Burnside. [page 118] September 19th 1862 Advance through Sharpsburg. Nearly every house struck with solid shot or shell. Things look rough. Rebels have stripped houses of everything. Union sentiment is strong, as we go through women point out houses of those who have given the rebels shelter and where rebel flags are concealed. Children swear vengeance. Go out beyond town. Rebels are on opposite side of river. Two companies are ordered out as sharpshooters. Toward night the regiment is ordered to cross the river and take a battery which is disputing the passage. Sharpshooters along the bank. Capt. Gordon is wounded. While going down to the river a fragment of a shell strikes the man in front of me taking the top of his head and killing him instantly. We lose but few men in crossing. The river is some 500 feet wide and is not very warm. After driving away the Rebels we return and try to dry ourselves and get some coffee. [page 119] [image] Crossing the Potomac Sept. 19th 1862 [page 120] [image] Col. Jonathan Childs [page 121] Saturday 20th September 1862 Cross the river again at daybreak to show the other troops the way. Boys forage, get flour, geese and turkeys and return, recross the river. After we cross the Rebels drive our men back, sending the 118th Pa. down the river bank. We are brought up in line of battle and remain all day wet and weary. Beautiful country. Sunday 21st Beautiful day. All quiet in the morning. Monday 22d Tuesday 23d Go into camp. Wednesday 24th On Picket on the River Banks. Sept. 28 Commission as 1st Lieut., dated to this date. Co.K. [page 122] [image] [Soldier lying in field writing—Bancroft’s explanation of picture:] On several occasions I worked thus for one or two days making out company monthly payroll, sheets spread on rubber blanket on the ground. J M B. Saturday 27th Geo. Parker 13th Mass in camp. Sunday 28th On Picket. Opposite Shepardstown, Va. [page 123] [image] Lincoln 1862 Tuesday 30th Write S.F.H. St. Louis and home. 1862 Oct. 2d Thursday General Review of the President and Gen McClellan. Time very much taken up with duties of orderly sergeant. Oct. 8th Mic. 24th arrived Oct. 9th Mail arrived. Letters from J.H. Hinchman M.W. Chapin, Commdj. Brig. At Louisville Ky [page 124] 1862 Oct. 17th Returned from picket [page 125] [image] Harper’s Ferry, 1861-‘2-‘3-‘4 [page 126] [image] Harper’s Ferry [page 127] [image] Maryland Heights, Harper’s Ferry [page 128] 1862 Saturday Oct. 25, 1862 In camp at Sharpsburg. Sick, cold and chilly. Sunday Oct. 26th Cold, chill. Wish I was at home. I think this is the only place or time when this wish was expressed. Oct. 28th Enrolled by order of Col. Childs on the Rolls of Co. K as 1st Lieut to date from Sept. 28th, 62. See Dec. 7th following. Oct. 30 Evening. Fall in. Break camp and march by moonlight to near Harper’s Ferry. Act as Lieut in Co. K. Oct. 31st Marched to Harper’s Ferry, crossed the Potomac and the Shenandoah, filed to the left down the river and up the mountain. At last come out in the London valley and go into camp. Officer of the Guard tonight. [page 129] Saturday Nov. 1st 1862 Regiment are mustered for pay today. work on Pay rolls all day, no table. Oil cloth blanket on the ground. Present and absent in Co. K. 60 men Heavy firing south, Have some mutton. Sunday Oct. 2d [Nov. 2] Fall in early in the morning, Very ot. Long march to Snickers Gap, over the hills very rough road. Windy at night. No blankets no mail recently. See Gen McClellan tonight. Cheers greet him on every side. Heavy firing in morning and in the afternoon very distant. Monday Nov. 3 Wind & cold. Plenty of sheep, fresh pork and apples. Tuesday: On guard officer of the guard. Inspection by Gen Griffin, write home, M H and G.M. Wight Washington D.C. firing in the distance. Wednesday Cold, windy, firing in the distance. Gen. L. Maltz officer of the Guard. All quiet. [page 130] Thursday Nov. 6th Leave Snickers Gap. Pass through Middleburg and encamp. Friday Nov. 7th Up early and go to White Plains encamp early, snowing hard. Have to scrape away the snow to pitch our tents. Very disagreeable, “I want to go home” No prospect for an end of the war. We all thing the war might have been ended had McClellan been reinforced at Richmond. Snow Storm all day wet, melting and very disagreeable Saturday 8th Strike tents early and march down the R.R. there south to Warrenton Junction and encamp. Sunday 9th Up at 4 oclock. Strike tents at 6 A.M. March about two miles to Warrenton. Pitch tents Gen Griffin says we shall stay in camp until we get shoes and clothes as many of the men are without shoes. Monday 11th McClellan deprived of command. Review 7 oclock in the morning. Officers of Porters Corps meet to shake hands with Gen McClellan. Never were they so disheartened with to aspect of affairs. [page 131] Saturday Nov. 15th 1862 Review by Gen. Hooker. Clothing arrived. Sunday 16th All quiet pleasant weather, No mail, On coming here we began making quarters at once, Making use of boards from barns and houses, bricks stones, etc and appropriating all manner of culinary utensils from the neighboring farm houses, as usual. One week in camp services by our Chaplain, John S. Seage. Monday 17th Up at 3 o’clock. March at daylight in a heavy mist. Tents and blankets heavy with wet, to Warrenton Junction 10 miles and on towards Fredericksburg. Sick heavy march Stop after dark in the rain in the woods. Meet Everett Eaton, Clk commissary dept Humphries Division from Wakefield, Mass. Wednesday 19th Officer of Guard Countersign” Hudson” Rear guard on the march, very tiresome, Encamp 8 miles from Fredericksburg. No mail. Thursday 20 Rain. No mail. [page 132] [image] Thanksgiving Dinner Friday Nov. 21st Rain. Saturday 22d Cavalry Passing. Sunday 23d March to east of Fredericksburg through woods, ravines etc do not get into camp until after dark. Cold chilly night and frosty in the morning. Monday 24th Mail in morning. Gloves by mail from G.M. Wight, Washington, D.C. “Nov. 8” Wednesday 26 No rations. One hard tac each for supper. Thursday Nov. 27th 1862 “Thanksgiving day” Breakfast on coffee. Get hard tac 1 o’c P.M. Very Thankful [page 133] [Pg. 112] [image] Thanksgiving Dinner Friday Nov. 21st Rain. Saturday 22d Cavalry Passing. Sunday 23d March to east of Fredericksburg through woods, ravines etc do not get into camp until after dark. Cold chilly night and frosty in the morning. Monday 24th Mail in morning. Gloves by mail from G.M. Wight, Washington, D.C. “Nov. 8” Wednesday 26 No rations. One hard tac each for supper. Thursday Nov. 27th 1862 “Thanksgiving day” Breakfast on coffee. Get hard tac 1 o’c P.M. Very Thankful [page 134] [image] Fredericksburg December 13th 1862 Organized May 16th, 1861. [page 135] [image] Looking down the Rappahannock from Falmouth, showing where pontoons were thrown across by the Union Troops. (Battle of Fredericksburg.) [page 136] 1862, Dec. Thursday 11th Shelling Fredericksburg. One continuous roar from 5 o’c until dark til dark. Artillery terrific. March to heights east of Fredericksburg. See Geo. E. Pingree, Capt 11th N.H. 7th Michigan Inf cross the river and get a footing in the town. Friday Dec 12th March down to the plains Heavy firing near night. Moomlight gunboats and siege guns. Saturday 13th Open land down to the left early 10 to 12 A.M. heavy opposite the town. Afternoon we cross the river and advance under fire. Outside the town. Into the smoke and dust of battle. Words cannot tell. We lose but few men but there are many of the field dead and dying. Relieve the 9th and 11th N.H. Lay all night on the cold damp ground, hearing the groans and calls of the wounded. Too cold to sleep. [page 137] Sunday 14th 1862 Battle of Fredericksburg. Sharpshooting all day. Lay low all day. almost every man who stands up is shot. How would you like it? five regiments lying close to the ground and have to lay there all day long, waiting for what, thinking of what? On that bright December day, home and church and friends. Nothing to eat save what we have. No coffee or meat. No orders all day. Splendid Aurora Borealis in evening. Back to town in the evening. Draw rations in the dark. Lay down and sleep in the streets near the Railroad. Monday Dec 15 Lay in the Streets of Fredericksburg all day. Removing wounded. Move to the right at night. Houses all open. Books, pianos etc free. Sleep in a house for the first time since June 1st. Have a supper at night. Wake 3 oclock and recross the river in the rain. We go to our camp on the hill opposite the town. [page 138] Tuesday Dec 16th 1862 Early move in mud and rain to old camp on the hill near Potomac Creek bridge. Begin fixing tents, etc, for the winter. Wednesday 17th Fixing tents. Thursday Dec. 18th Assigned again to Co. I for duty. Friday Dec. 19th General Inspection Dec. 24th Writing description book. Boys fixing up the camp. Dec. 25th Christmas. Camp trimmed up. Dec. 30th & 31st Out on Reconnaissance 30 – 31 hours 45 miles 6 hours rest [page 139] [image 1] Winter Quarters Shelter tent Army of the Potomac, Feb. 1863 [page 140] [image 2] A sample of Army roads “Burnside’s Mud March” 1863 Jan In camp near Falmouth. Lt. Col. Lombard and Col. Jeffords in command of the regiment. Gen Burnside in command of the army. Jan. 20 Strike camp after a week of preparations and go about two miles. Begins raining. Soon changes to snow. Jan. 21st Move on in the mud and rain, awful going. Go into camp in woods and build fires. Jan. 22d Mud and rain. Rebels over the river laugh at us. Return to camp near Falmouth. [page 141] [image 1] Camp near Falmouth, Va [image 2] the commissary’s quarters in winter camp [image 3] Going to join the Yankees [page 142] [image] the Picket Line, Va. [page 143] [drawing of camp life] J.M.B. Feb. 1863 [page 144] 1863 March 10th Wrote to T.H. Hinchman. Snowstorm. March 18 Flagstaff raised at camp. March 19 Visit Bridge at Potomac Creek. March 20 School of Tactics by Colonel Jeffords. March 21 Lt. Vreeland gone to visit Mrs. Dr. Heard at Pleasanton’s Hd. Qrt. (his sister) Rain and snow. March 26th Review of the 5th Corps by Gen. Meade. Gen. Hooker passes through camp. March 27th Very Clear and fair March 28th 1861 M.H. 1862 Never forget 1863 Anniversary One year more [page 145] [image 2] Annual report of the pg. 30 [page 146] [image 1] Adjutant General [report] pg. 29 [page 147] Sunday March 29th On picket cold but pleasant March 30 On picket Very fair March 31 On picket April 2d On guard April 3d Rev. Wm. Barrows called. Visit 22d Mass with him and call on Adjt. Benson. April 4th Saw Mr. Barrows again. Cold and windy. Sunday 5th Snow Storm April 7th Review in camp by Abe Lincoln and staff. 12th New York refuse to cheer and call out for Paymaster. April 8th Grand Review in the Heights by the President in view of the Rebel camps. April 9th General Inspection April 10th Muster to furnish data for Provost Marshall General for conscription. Pleasant weather. Montieth appointed Capt. of Co. E. April 11th Officer of the Guard April 12th Review of a Swiss General. April 13th Paymaster arrives. Receive my commission as 1st Lieut. from Detroit. Send up papers for discharge and muster in. Cavalry start on a move. [page 148] 1863 Tuesday April 14th Paying the Regiment. Marching orders, 8 days rations. April 15th Heavy rains, no move today. 16th Discharge received, but not mustered in. 17th Officer of the Guard 18th Regimental Inspection y Capt. Lamson, every thing in fine order Sunday 19th All quiet. Quite like Sunday. Pres. Lincoln down to see Gen. Hooker today. April 20 Rainy and gloomy enough April 21st Prepared affidavits for mustering in to the U.S. Service. Cold and storm. Prize poem on old Flag—read on Dress Parade April 22d Cold and chilly April 23d Cold and Rainy. Mustered into the U.S. Service to date from Sept. 28th 1862 1st Lieut Co.K 4th Mich. Inf. April 24 Cold and Rainy [page 149] [image] John M. Bancroft 1st Lieut Co. K. 4th Mich. Inf. 1863 [page 150] [image] Sunday Chronicle, Mar.23 article. [page 151] [image] Fording a stream Saturday April 25th 1863 Clear and sunshiny April 26th On Pickett. One of my men Geo. E. Lovett, shoots a cow in the night. April 27th Go back to camp. Pack up and are on the move. March to near Harwood Church. Aching and tired. April 28th March in the rain. Very long and tedious day. Go to a Ford about 4 miles below Rappahannock Station. Lay down in the woods. Wednesday 29th Cross the Rappahannock make a forced march and cross the Rapidan by wading water deep rapid and cold. Raining Thursday 30th March towards Fredericksburg, Pass earthworks-take prisoners. Rainy and damp. May 1st Friday. Go on a reconnaissance toward the river and Falmouth. Get in sight of Fredericksburg on our return the Brigade is cut off from the division by the advance of the rebels and have to return by a new route. March and countermarch all night. A very tiresome night. [page 152] [image] Chancellorsville, May 4th 1863 Monday May 4th The regiment deploy as skirmishers to the front over the breastworks and into the woods where the fire burned. See soldiers crisped, burned and cracked open. Horrible sight. Rebels open on us with grape and canister and shell. Looks like a storm. Wrote in the morning to------- [page 153] Saturday May 2d Battle of Chancellorsville Wake up to build breastworks, etc. Are joined by Gen Griffin and the whole command. Fighting to the centre and on the right. We have to be on the move and under arms all night. Sunday May 3d Early in the morning we move to the centre to repel the efforts of the Rebels to break our lines. Give them grape and canister. Woods are on fire where are many wounded. We take many prisoners. There are six attempts to break our lines which are repulsed each time. Heavy firing in the direction of Fredericksburg. Struck with a spent ball, making a small mark on the back of my right hand. Wake up under arms two or three times during the night. [page 154] [image] Battle of Chancellorsville Gen. Bickles Division covering the Retreat [page 155] [image 1] “Stonewall Jackson” [image 2] Soldiers in field. [page 156] Tuesday May 5th Very warm. Up and under arms several times during the night. One attack to the left and is repulsed. In afternoon get ready to leave. Raining. Strike tents about 10 in the evening in the rin and wait in the rain until 4 oclock when we fall in and move. Raining very fast mud about knee deep. Rear guard. Return after reaching the ferry and march and countermarch in the rain. We are the last Brigade to cross. No Rebels in sight. Now about 8 oclock in the morning. Wednesday 6th After crossing the river we stop in the woods to make coffee. Raining yet. The line of march in for our old camps. We reach ours man by man as does the whole arm in the course of the afternoon. We build a fire in the Hospital tent. Take a bath, a swallow of whiskey by someone’s kindness and thoughtfulness and sleep soundly and quietly with no sounds of alarm. May 7th Raining yet. Orders to be ready to march at a moments notice. May 8th Raining. Clear and fit up camp May 9th Clear, sunshine. [page 157] Sunday May 10th 1863 Very warm May 11th Very warm May 12th Very warm May 13th. Very warm. Stonewall Jackson dead. May 16th Fixing up camp. One year more in service. Sunday 17th Wrote to ___. Very warm and pleasant. Rumors the 5th Corps are to guard the R.R. 18th Clear and warm. 19th Review of the 9th Corps. 20th On Picket 21st On Picket clear and warm 22d On Picket 23d Return to camp. Very hot, on duty with Co. H. 24th Company Inspection. Very Hot 25 Changing Camp [page 158] [Image 1] Newspapers in camp [Image 2] A Reliable Contraband [page 159] [Image] Boston Printer’s Union meeting. [page 160] 1863 May 26th Apply for five days leave of absence. Gov. Blair of Michigan expected in camp Cool and cloudy. May 27th The Brigade turned out in Review in honor of Gov. Blair Paymaster arrives with the Gov., Mr. Morly and three ladies. Every body pleased. Gov. makes a speech. Every thing goes finely. The party think we officers are all very young. May 28th Commence paying off the regiment today. Marching orders. Have command of wagon guard March until 10 oclock camp at Harwood Church. 29th Move early to Kelly’s Ford. 4th and 62d 32d and 9th to Ellis Ford Encamp. 3e Brigade are at Morrisville. Very warm. 30th Very warm. All quiet. Looking up lsot baggage. Wrote to M___. Sunday 31st Very pleasant, cool and breezy. The Chaplains white flag floating in the wind. No services as most of the boys are on pickett. [page 161] Monday June 1st 1863 In camp and doing pickett duty near Kelly’s Ford, Va. Someof the better class of F.F.V.’s (note below) here. Lt. Vreeland had a piece of gingham made by a young lady who boasts of making cloth and dress from the raw material. Some of the young ladies are quite good looking. Sesesh too. Very bad. June 6th Go to the right on pickett. Capt. Montieth’s post of observation. Fine view. Open fields. Rebel pickets (cavalry) Hills of the Blue Ridge in the distance. Valley of the Rappahannock. River very rocky. Rapids and dams. Bluffs in places. Roses, laurel blossoms and pure air. Very pleasant. Cool. Orders to be ready to march. Three days rations. Letter from W.W. Harrington, Boston, Printer’s Union, in regard to a sword belonging to a Captain 9th Mass. June 7th Gave Captain John Seage a package containing money for Jay Cooke. He is to start early in the morning. $500. [page 162] Monday June 8th Chaplain Seage left early this morning. He was shot at by guirrillas about 11 miles on the road to Fredericksburg. Wounded severely in the shoulder and back but kept out of their reach. Packages returned in safety. He had some 6 or 7000 dollars for the regiment. Tuesday June 9th Up at 2 o’c A.M. in command of a working party of 50 men. Troops crossing the river on a raid. Cavalry fighting to the right. Slashing for a battery and entrenching work all day. Very tired. Our company 1st Art. Co. H. 2 Lieuts. Class of ’62—fine fellows. 10th Off duty. Company on pickett. Very warm during this and cool at night. 11th Cloudy and cool. 12th Very warm. In command of company [page 163] June 13th 1863 Very warm. Issue clothing. Orders to march. Strike tents. March to Morrisville. 14th Sunday. March from Morrisville to Catlett. 15th March from Catlett to Manassas Junction. Very warm. 16th Go in pickett to the left down the Railroad. 17th Got to Centreville, thence north to gum Springs. Very Very hot. Rest very often, men fall out of the ranks every few moments. Col. of 25th N.B. died, effects of sunstroke. 18th Gave to Maj. Holman May. Paymaster $500 for Jay Cooke & Co. [page 164] June 19th Fall in in afternoon. Got to Aldie about 3 miles. Cavalry fighting over the mountains. Rain and mud. Get wet, from falling of my tent during the night. Very disagreeable. 20th Rainy. Lay in camp waiting. See Geo. Flint. Sunday June 21st Up at 3 o’clock and advance through Aldie Gap to Middleburg, Good country, fine foraging, Splendid Plantations. Plenty of pigs and chickens march out to wood in support of the Cavalry, who go on to Ashby’s Gap. Shower in P.M. cherries On pickett at night. Mutton and milk. 22d Move back toward Aldie. Rebels follow closely but not in force. Quite warm. Lay all night in line of battle. 23d Return to camp. Regiment go on pickett 24th Remain in camp. Diarrhea. [page 165] [Image] Soldiers marching in line June 25th 1863 Cloudy and cool. June 26th Rainy. Move at 1 o’c toward Edwards Ferry. March until after dark. Go into camp. One of the most tiresome marches of the war. June 27th March early. Go west of Sugar Loaf mountain. Cross the Monocacy about two miles from it’s mouth. March toward Frederic---go into camp. June 28th Remain in camp all day. Mg. Gen. Meade assumes command of the army of the Potomac. Go on picket at night. June 29th Return to camp. Pack up and march through Frederic northward. Cross to the east side of the Monocacy. Encamp after passing Liberty. June 30th Move at 4 o’c through Union Hills and half a dozen small villages. To the turnpike. Left Westminster turnpike near Hanover about 9 miles. Wash in a rapid stream N.W. Union Hills. [page 166] Wednesday July 1st 1863 Marched at 9 o’c to Hanover. Cavalry fight here yesterday. Stop for supper. Heavy firing westward. March toward Gettysburg. Stop about 11 o’c. Through villages all along the roads. Splendid farms, large barns. Discussion by Dr. Watts and a lady at a farm house and authoress. Very tired. Battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 1st, 2d and 3d, 1863 Battle of Gettysburg July 2d Up at 3 ½ A.M. Inspect arms. Form in line of battle on the right. Form by Battalion in Mass. Move to left and centre. Remain in the hot sun and listen to the sound of the guns until about 4 o’c. Move to the left. Round Top. Go in. Of the 23 men in my company 5 are killed Gregory Purdy, Pendleton, Brink, Wilson. Capt. Robinson wounded and a prisoner and Lt. Walker wounded. Lt. Vreeland severely wounded. Worked looking for wounded until about 1 o’c. In the melee when we were driven back and flanked about 70 men were taken prisoners on the right. Co. Jeffords severely wounded and died the next morning. The following account was written about the time of battle. At five oclock July 1st 1863 the 5th Corps were at Hanover, Pennsylvania, when the order [page 167] Came to proceed to Gettysburg where the battle had already commenced with the Rebels under Gen. Lee. We marched via Cherrytown and encamped about 12 o’c midnight about 4 miles from Gettysburg. After a few hours sleep we were up, had an inspection of arms and were out upon the road before daylight. After proceeding along the Hanover and Gettysburg Pike we took a road to the south and nearing the position of the army formed in line upon the extreme right and rear of our lines and advanced toward the Hanover and Gettysburg turnpike. Before 8 o’c we were recalled, a few regiments were left to support the Cavalry and the 5th U.S. Battery “D”. The 9th Mass from our Brigade and we formed in line by Battalion in Mass and moved southward to the Baltimore and Gettysburg Pike up which we moved over a small creek and lay in the sun upon the hillside until about 3 ½ P.M. We then proceeded to the front and left by a small by-road, passed the ammunition train on our left just as they were drawing off the rebels, having begun to shell them. [page 168] [Images (4)] [page 169] [Image] article [page 170] [Image] The Field of Gettysburg. From Little Round top, Surmounted by Colossal Bronze State of General Warren [page 171] [images] two houses, Midnight on the Battle Field [page 172] [images] article, Mary Livermore [page 173] We formed in the edge of the woods facing westward “on the right by file into line” the 4th Michigan being the right of the Brigade a battery being stationed to our right and front. The 1st and 3d Brigades being to our left and rear or facing south-west. There was a Battery in the open field in our rear firing over the woods. After a few minutes. Part of the 3d Corps (Gen Sickles ) being in our front in the woods south. The 2d Brigade countermarched and formed facing south changing front on a point near where the the right of our regiment had rested at first First we faced west then hinging on the right, swinging backward, we now faced southward, an open wheat field being between us and the woods, in and beyond which a part of the 3d Corps were fighting. When in our first position skirmishers were thrown out by each regiment but after changing front they were recalled. While laying here rumor says Gen. Birney ordered Gen. Barnes to move his Division forward. The 3d Corps were badly cut up in the woods and wounded men were coming back all the time through our ranks when we were ordered forward. Our skirmishers were all in on the right, meantime the rebels [page 174] Had silenced the Battery on our right and had taken the pieces and were advancing upon our flank. We advanced acrost the wheat field to the woods and opened fire upon the few rebs in our front while the force coming on our flank came in collision with the right of the regiment in the woods and being checked here a little, the other points of the line advancing, they soon were on all sides of us. The right sent down to the Colonel the rebs were coming on our flank. The Lt. Col. ordered us to wheel to the rear to face them and then to fall back slowly across the wheat field. Many of the men never left the woods and were taken prisoners and so took a trip to Belle Isle. We rallied by the Battery D 5th Artillery. The Penn. Reserves went in to regain the ground. Some fell here at their own homesteads and were recognized by their own relatives. We had about 80 men in the morning. Darkness closed the fight, and we spent the night in gathering the wounded. [page 175] [Images] Gettysburg & Battle of Gettysburg engraving. [page 176] [Image] Gettysburg July 2d 1863; co. H.H. Jeffords killed July 29, 1863 [page 177] [Image] Col. Harrison H. Jeffords, Killed at the Battle of Gettysburg [page 178] [Image] Col. Harrison H. Jeffords, Killed at the Battle of Gettysburg [page 179] Marathon, Mich July 27th 1863 Mr. John M. Bancroft Esq Youres of the 16 Brings Painefull tidings to my hart, a great loss to mee and fammaley; But when J. consider the Cause in which my Son was engaiged I forebare to grieve and hoap a speedy success to all the Brave who are engaiged in the Defence of our glories old flag, that you may soon return to your happy homes to enjoy the society of your friends at home. [page 180] Mr. Bancroft Sir having all confide in you I wish you to grant mee a favor that Is to ascertain the affects my Son had bout to you when hee fell. Hee has wrightin to mee the 5 of June tht he had lett money to one of the Sargents and that hys note for twenty dollars to bee paid the 10 day of this month hee did not give hys name if you will bee so good as to look up those matters and settle them up and hys Back pay and take pay for your trouble out of the Same and Send balance to mee you [page 181] Will oblige yours With Respect Abraham Purdey Marathon Lapeer Co Mich Some have to mourn Wilson letter 6 pages to the right [page 182] Friday July 3d 1863 Most of the Brigade suffered as heavily as we did. Lay in position behind a stone wall cannonading all day and very heavy at noon. Nearly all the artillery of both armies being engaged. Rebs fell back from our front during the night. July 4th Not very lively. On the field, sight and smells. Bury our dead. Raining. [note added later] 1865 Here is a text for memory moralizing. [Image] Charles Griffin [Image] Hancock & staff & 100,000 other figures 19th St. & 4th Ave [page 183] Sunday July 5th 1863 Advance. No rebels. Move at night towards Emmetsburg. Raining at night. March until eleven o’c. July 6th Move in the morning about one mile. The army is passing. Roads are very muddy and soft. March in the fields. July 7th March to within about 6 miles of Frederic. Raining all night. July 8th March to Middletown. 12 o’c Raining fast. Clear at noon. July 9th March to Boonsboro over South Mountain. Weather clear 12 o’c. Stay all night. July 10th Cross Antietam Creek above Sharpesburg. Firing in the front. July 11th Move up Antietam. Form in line. “Closed in Mass” Move forward about six o’c. Leveling fences, etc. Wheat and corn. Grand sight. Infantry Artillery. Ambulances. Go on pickett. [page 184] Sunday July 12th 1863 Antietam Creek Md. Advance as reserve to skirmishes. The 6th Corps come into position on our right in sight of the Rebel pickets making breastworks of rails and wheat. 5th Corps move to the left. Some skirmishing. Relieved in the afternoon. Go to the left into the woods. July 13th Up at daybreak Move to the left of the 5th mass Battery and make breastworks Gen. Griffin inspects the line and we make a new line. Rainy all day. July 14th Cloudy. Advance on Williamsport. Rebels all gone acrost the Potomac. See Haight and Krieger—wounded men. July 15th Up at 3 o’c. March all day. Very hot and tedious. Go over South Mountain. Camp at or near Burkettsville. At one time during the day only 19 men all told in the regiment. Get a good supper at a farmhouse. Organize in the form of five companies after the battle of Gettysburg. [page 185] Thursday July 16th 1863 Up at 2 o’c Move to Berlin. Encamp about 11 o’c on the heights. July 17th Draw clothing. Begin Pay Rolls which should have been sent in July 1st. Move in afternoon over the river. Encamp at Lovettsville, Va. July 18th Move via Pike Southward. Encamp at 11 o’c. Easy march. Plenty to eat. Butter 15 cts. per lb. to 50 cts. in Pennsylvania. Plenty of cherries. Gen Sykes was very anxious to have us march through some streams we crossed instead of taking the usual method of crossing on a single log, plank or fence, a thing which I have resolved to do when I cannot avoid it so long as there is a full company at least of “pioneers” at the head of the division who could so readily bridge these streams for foot-passers. Wrote to M.H. [page 186] Sunday 19th July 1863 Move today to near Purcellorville. Finish Pay Rolls of Co.H. in afternoon. In the evening take supper at the house of a Quaker and work on Capt. Loveland’s Rolls. Do not feel very well. Weather very hot. Monday 20th March to near Ashbys Gap. Riding in all ambulance. Quite sick. July 21st Write E.H. Hinchman. Do not move camp today Very sick. July 22d Move to near the Railroad at White Plains. Ride in the ambulance. Quick sick. July 23d Troops move early. Sick sent to Division Train. Troops move toward Manassas Gap. Firing at night for ½ hour Plenty of Blackberries. These became historic as curing scores of sick men in the army. July 24 Lay in Quartermasters tent all day. Train moves late in the afternoon. Cross the R.R. near Salem. Encamp among the mountains. Ride most of the way. [page 187] Saturday July 25th 1863 Train move at daylight. Feel better. Walk to Warrenton. Cool windy day. Sunday 26th Clear and pleasant. Warm. Regiment arrive within 3 miles of Warrenton. Read Byron and Burns. The Quartermaster plays the guitar and sings scotch songs. 27th Join the regiment as it passes the train. Go through Warrenton and in the direction of Bealeton Station. Encamp about two miles out. 28th Remain in Camp all day. Work on Receipt Rolls. Writing all day. 29th 39th 31st Aug. 1st and 2nd Remain in camp writing. [page 188] Monday Aug. 3d Strike tents in afternoon and go about 6 ½ miles to Bealeton Station. March til near midnight. A very tiresome march. 4th Move 60 rods and go into camp. 5th Very warm. Sign Pay Rolls. 6th Pay off Maj. Flye Paymaster. Plant trees all about the camp. 7th Set out trees. Work on Final Statements of Deceased Soldiers killed at Gettysburg. Aug 8th Strike tents and move camp to the Rappahannock river. Sunday 9th Very hot. Went in swimming. Boys came back from Hospital wounded at Gettysburg. [page 189] Tuesday August 11th 1863 Thermometer 110 degrees in the shade. Wrote five letters. Aug 12th Hot no letters. Clothing issued Rain shower. 13th Hot 14th Inspection 12 men present in Co. H. Sunday 15th Officer of the Day 17th Sergt. Willis returned from Hospital. Army moving 18th Pleasant and hot [page 190] [image] Soldiers Monument in National Cemetery Gettysburg, Pa [page 191] [image] article and poem [page 192] [image] Major General John F. Reynolds U.S.V. Gettysburg, Pa [page 193] Sunday Aug 23d Very hot… Still in camp. Aug. 24th Cloudy part of the day. Wind and breeze fine. Aug. 25th Officer of the Day Aug. 26th Visited 39th Mass & 13th. Met Geo Fowle. Shooting of Deserters postponed until Saturday. 27th Clear and cold. Work on Pay Rolls. [page 194] Friday Aug 28th 1863 Work on Pay Rolls. Balance Clothing Accounts. Pres. Lincoln and Gov. Curtin expected. Clear and cool. Aug. 30th Go on picket at night. Letter from T.H.H. Has not rec’d $150.00 check 31st Muster for Pay [page 195] From Solomon Wilson [letter, pg. 1] Attica August, the 25, 1863 Dear Friend I received your letter of the 12th that brought us the sad news of the death of our son. It was hard news but it is the fortune of war. We have the pleasure of thinking that he died in a good cause, fighting for the flag of his country. We thought a good deal of our son but we must give him up. You wrote that you had an allotment of twenty allotment of twenty dollars [page 196] That you would send me. Direct to Solomon Wilson, Attica, Green County, Wis. This from your Friend Solomon Wilson To John M. Bancroft, Lieutenant of Co.H. 4th Mich. Dear Sir You will see by Mr. Wilson’s letter that he is a man of few words. I feel as though that we were under a debt of gratitude to you and shall ever remain so. Now if it would not be asking to much of you I would like to know the surgeon’s name that attended Charles in his dying hours. We have not ever had an opportunity of knowing or hearing what kind of a soldier he was and we feel anxious to hear something how he bore the struggle of death, if he had his senses or no. it is painful to think of one dying among strangers and no friend to speak one kind word to them. May it be your good luck to return to your home. My the God of battle guard and protect you. This from Charles Wilson’s mother, H. Wilson, ever grateful. [page 197] Monday Sept. 7th 1863 Sick Sept. 8th Sick. Sent 415.00 to Bashour T. Simms for fruits, etc. by express Sept. 9th Sick Sept. 10th Cloudy. Storm threatening. Tactics topic of conversation. Camps being put in good order. Sick. Ephraim Wight calls. Sept. 11th Lt. Walker returns to duty. Sept. 13h Reconnaissance toward Culpepper. Firing in forenoon. Three guns and thirty prisoners taken. Three killed and forty wounded. Sept 14th Marching Orders [page 198] Sept. 15th Marching orders. Pack up ready to leave. Sept 16th 1863 March to Culpepper. Quite hot. Very tired. Paymaster commences to pay the Regiment. Sept 17th March 3 miles beyond Culpepper Court House. Paid off at night. Two months $235.15. Rain. Sept. 18th Raining hard Sept. 19th Cold. Fixing camp. Sept. 20 Cold but pleasant. [page 199] Camp near Culpepper Court House. Sept. 24th 1863 Chaplain Seage returned from Michigan. Rumors of a move to the rear to embark. Moved off tents. Sept. 25th Pleasant weather Sept. 26th Officer of the Day Sept. 27th Regiment on Picket Sept. 28th Officer of the Day 30th Officer of the Day. Regiment return from picket. [page 200] [image] John M. Bancroft, 1st Lieut. 4th Mich. Oct. 1863 After sitting all day as a member of a Court Martial J.M.B. Oct. 1st 1863 Walk to Culpepper. Regiment out to witness branding and drumming out of deserter. Appointed on Court Martial. Oct. 5th 3d Brigade 1st Division. Col. J.L. Chamberlain President. Afterwards Gov. Joshua L. Chamberlain of Maine. [page 201] Oct. 10th Reconnaissance to the Rapidan near Racoon Ford and Pony Mt. Oct. 11th Leave Culpepper and cross the Rappahannock. Oct. 12th Beverly Ford. Guard the ford til noon. Army crosses and go to Brandy Station. Skirmishing through the woods on the right. Bivouac on the hills. Grand sight in afternoon and in evening. [page 202] Oct. 13th 1863 Brand Station 1 o’c in the morning. Breakfast at Beverly Ford. Army trains massed near Warrenton Junction. Go into camp at Catletts Station. 25 miles today. Oct. 14th Started from Catletts Station. After passing Briston Station and Broad Run stop for dinner. When starting out the rebs open on our rear. March to Manassas. Gen. Warren with the 2d Corps attack the route the rebs. After dark we 5th Corps go down double quick to Broad run. Return the same night over Bull Run. Very tiresome march [page 203] Oct. 15th 1863 March to Fairfax. Rain. Oct. 16th Rain heavy. March to Centreville. Rain all the way. Oct. 17th Clear. stay all day. 18th Sunday March to Fairfax and camp for winter quarters. Afternoon strike camp and move to Popes Mills near the pan handle. Stay all night. Capt. Loveland in command of a party in Ambush for Moseby the Guerrilla. 19th March via Centreville, guarding wagon trains cross Bull run and corral after dark. From our wagons get a change of clothing. Are on the Bull Run Battle Ground. There are dead men’s bones, skeletons complete above ground. There are one or two good farms with fences complete between the two roads. Rails full of bullets [page 204] Oct. 20th 1863 Move corral to Gainesville but do not cross the railroad. Oct. 21st Move early via Buckley. Cross Kettle Run. Rejoin the Division. Letters from home. Court Martial 8 P.M. Oct 22 Snow storm St. Louris and Michigan. Apply for leave of absence. Oct 23 Court martial. Reply S.L.H. (?) __ Oct 24th Court martial Rain and mud. Move camp to Auburn. Oct. 25th Go into camp in woods. [image] man cooking over fire [page 205] Letter] Camp 4th Mich Vol. Inf. Near New Baltimore, Va. October 22, 1863 Lt. Col. Fred T. Locke A.A.G. 5th A.C. Colonel, I have the honor to make application for a leave of absence of fifteen days to visit my home in Reading Massachusetts. I left home previous to the commencement of the war and have had no leave since. My mother, for sometime an invalid, is now very sick and not expected live from day to day. Hoping this may meet the approval of the Commanding General I remain Very Respectfully Your Obt. Svt. John M. Bancroft 1st Lieut. Co. H. 4th Mich. Inf. [page 206] [back of letter] Hd’s 4th Mich. Inf’y Near New Baltimore, Va. Oct. 22, 1863 Bancroft, John M. B 891 (A.P.) 1863 1st Lieut. 4th Mich. Infty. Applies for a leave of absence for 15 days Reading, Mass. Respectfully forwarded Approved- Geo. W. Lumbard Lt. Col. Comdy 4th Mich. infty. No. enlisted men present for duty --------------207 No. officers---------- 20 Officers absent with leave-----------------None Cony dept. 22nd. Oct. 63 Lt. Bancroft is not indebted to this Dept. Jno, S. Bruelett Capt. C.E.S. 13 91 Head Quart. 2nd Brg. 1st Div. 5 Corps Respectfully forwarded and recommended if the exigencies of the service will permit. J.B. Wurtzer, Col. Commdg. 2nd Brig. Headquarters, 1st Div. 5th Corps. Oct. 26, 63 Respectfully forwarded- Approved – J.B. Wutzer, Col. Col. Comd’g. Head Quarters 5th Army Corps. Oct. 26, 1863 Respectfully forwarded disapproved at the present time the corps being under orders for immediate move Ment. (Signed) S.W. Taylor Major General Comdg. Head Qrs. Army Potomac Oct. 28, 1863 Respectfully returned, under existing circumstances no leaves of absence can be granted. By Command of Maj. Gen. Meade S.F. Barstow Asst. Adjt. Genl. Head Quarters 5thCorps October 29, 1863 Respectfully returned. By command of Major Gen’l Sykes Fred T. Locke Act. Genl. [page 207] Wednesday 28th 1863 Court Martial Work on Pay Rolls Thursday Court Martial Work on Pay Rolls Oct.30th Finish Pay Rolls. Move over the Railroad three miles from Warrenton Junction. Rading Charley O’Malley. Oct 31st Raining. November 1st Fine day. Write to Solon. Mondya 2d Court martial. Move camp. Nov. 3 Letter from M.H. Reg’t go on picket. [page 208] Nov. 4th 1863 Court Martial. Proceedings read. Adjourned sine dic Nov. 5th Went to the Junction. Paid $10 for boots Nov. 6 Officer of the Day. Wind blowing very hard. Nov. 7th Strike tents at 4 A.M. Move at six. Go beyond Bealton. Form in line of battle in the woods “by battalion in mass” advance through open fields. Splendid view. Fighting to the right. 6th Corps. Battle of Rappahannock Station. Batteries of 5th Corps, come out near us and open on them. The works are taken and many prisoners. Sunday Nov 8th Got to Kelleys Ford. 1st and 3d Corps cross. We follow go into camp. [page 209] [image] Rappahannock Sta. Nov. 7th 1863 [page 210] [images] Trading coffee for tobacco between the lines [page 211] Monday Nov. 9th 1863 Remain quietly during the day. P.M. Brigade Drill by order of Gen. Bartlett who has just assumed command of the Division for shouting “hard tac” the men being short of rations. Return to camp, draw rations. Move over Kellys Ford and encamp. Cold night. Sleep three under two blankets. Capt. Loveland and Lieut. Emerson. Snows during the night. Tuesday 10th Move near Bealeton Station on Road to Morristown. Considerable snow on the hill near Morristown. Wednesday Nov 11th In camp. all quiet. Nov. 12 On Pickett duty from Warrenton Junction to Kelly’s Ford. 13th ditto 14th ditto 15th ditto [page 212] Nov 1863 16th & 17th Moved over the River to Join the Corps Sunday 22d Nov. Rainy Nov. 23d Cold. Signs of a move. Orders fro a move. Morning early. Nov. 24th Moved in a rain storm. Returned to camp and built a chimney to spend the night in our own house. Thanksgiving Nov. 26th Thanksgiving. Moved over the Rapidan down the Thanbe toward the wilderness. March until late. Cold. Moonlight. [page 213] Friday No. 27th 1863 Morning move to a plank pike through the Wilderness. Up it to a church near an old railroad. Skirmish on the left, fighting on the right. No fires on the line during the night. Cold. Capt. Loveland and myself undress and sleep very comfortably during the night. Battle of Mine Run Saturday 28th Rain. Move to the right across fields to a stone pike. Preparations for a battle. Encamp in the fields for the night. Sunday 29th Move to the front to the hill top. In the afternoon prepare for an assault on the rebel works on the hill. Beyond Mine Run. 3d Brigade as skirmishers 2nd to follow. Plan 2d Army Corps to advance on the extreme left. 1st and 3d to follow and the 5th to make the grand charge. Piled our knapsacks. Many of the men gave their money and watches to the Chaplain and all felt serious enough. Night came but we did not charge the rebel works. [page 214] 1863 Monday Nov 30th Up at one o’clock A.M. Breakfast. Prepare to charge. Leave our things. Go to right, form in woods. The fifth and sixth Corps from in line of battle 8 or 9 lines deep. 1 mile long on the extreme right of the Army. To our left was the Artillery massed in the centre while on the extreme left was infantry, etc. Men were frozen that morning from the Sixth Corps and the 2nd Corps Pickets who were wet by wading the stream. Had to be brought in on stretchers. Waited all day. No fires, no coffee, no charge. Tramped around and round until the woods were trodden like a path—until dark when we could be withdrawn with safety. Went back to our camping ground of the previous night. Had a good supper. Felt relieved in not charging. Made a bed of pine boughs amid a bower of pine limbs and with a blazing fire at our feet slept soundly, feeling thankful. We were not on the hillside between our lines and the rebel works. [page 215] [image] Going into camp at night. Tuesday Dec. 1st 1863 Woke and prepared to move. Moved about dark up the Pike over Germania Ford. Move with the train, ammunition, etc, to guard. Encamp about 3 oclock in the morning. Move about 20 rods to encamp with the division about 10 minutes after stopping or five minutes after everyone was asleep. Dec 2d Up early in the morning and move without coffee. Go to Stevensburg near Culpepper. Army all over the Rapidan. Nothing to eat. Wednesday Dec 3d Move to Bealton Station. Reach there at night. Nothing to eat. [page 216] [Image] Lt. Co. Geo. W. Lumbard, Comd’g Regt. [page 217] [Image] “Our Battery” At the Front, Reveille After an Anxious Night Dec 4th Mail in. Wait to encamp Dec. 5th Mail, no letters Monday 14th Apply for leave of absence [page 218] Dec. 15th 1863 Our hours is now comfortable so that we can live in it. [Jan. 27th 1864 written here]. When we encamped here at Bealton after remaining a day or two south of the Railroad, we proceeded to establish a camp for winter quarters a short distance north of and guarding the station. The grand rally was for winter quarters, for logs, stones, bricks, old pots and kettles, old chairs and tables and anything to help make up our homes. We were short of teams, they being busy with rations, etc. So while the other officers were building their own quarters in the most approved style. Capt. Loveland and myself of the 5th Company, for we were only five companys since Gettysburg, secured a team for the men every day until they were all housed. We then asked their assistance in putting us in more comfortable quarters than a wagon cover open at the ends could give. So we had 32 straight pine poles brought in notched in the most approved style by men who had built log huts before. The Capt. took a wagon and a detail of men out one day and [page 219] Came in with boards enough for a floor a table, some stools, and about as many more for the company for similar uses. We built a house of logs four feet in height. The cracks chinked and then filled with mud which in a few days was baked hard, with a door, a fireplace and a stone chimney and a roof from two wagon covers, one generously donated by one of the men. This house was 9 by 11 feet inside with floor, chairs, table and bed, mantle-piece and considerable pretension to neatness and style. We took a great deal of comfort there, called it “home”. [page 220] Wednesday Dec. 16th 1863 Paymaster arrived Dec. 17th Lt. Gruner goes on 15 days. [page 221] 1864 [Image]-Drawing 9 x 11 house, roof a wagon cover. BealtonVa Jan. 20th 1864 John M. Bancroft 1st Lt. Co. H. 4th Mich. Inf. 2nd Brig. 1st Div. 5th A.C Army of the Potomac. [page 222] 1864 Friday January 1st Arrived in Washington D.C. 7 o’c. Cold and chilly. Stop at Mrs. Van Arsdales Jan 2d Return to the regiment at Bealton Station. They are reenlisting. We remain in camp for sometime and spend the time very monotonously so that I find few entries in the diary. I correspond with the Ordinance Department and study preparatory to an examination before a Board of Officers from the Ordinance Bureau for a commission as Second Lieut. of Ordinance. Ride horseback with Capt. Loveland frequently. [page 223] January 23d. Life here is now very tedious. Nothing to do. Very muddy. Do not hear from the Ordinance Department. Jan. 25th Wrote M.H. Jan. 31 Feb. 1st & 2 In command of a working party from the 32d mass at Warrenton Junction. Topographical engineer with a hand level sketching topography. Feb. 5th Letter from Dr. Seales. Feb. 6th Firing over the river. Rainy. Feb. 7th Firing. Rainy. My Uncle Emory Bancroft died. [page 224] [image] Winter Quarters and an improvised fiddle Monday Feb. 15th 1864 Waiting. Feb 16th Laid up with a boil. Very windy weather. Feb. 17th Cold. Very windy. Robinson’s tent burned. Feb. 18th Cold and windy. Reading works of Alexandra Dumas. “Three Guardsman” “Twenty Years After” “Ten Years After” “Iron Mask” Feb. 19th Cold and pleasant. Regimental Inspection Feb. 20th Rec’d of Maj. Flye 4188.05 for Nov. and Dec. Cold and pleasant. Apply for Company H. to go home as an organization with Lieut. Walker, they having re-enlisted. [page 225] Feb 24th 1864 Feb. 25th Reenlisted men of the regiment start home on a furlough of thirty days Wrote to aunt Susan and to Wm. A. Whitney. Lonely enough. Detachment from the 32d Mass come to assist our men in guarding the station. Feb. 26th Hear of the death of Mr. Samuel L. hay. Wrote to Frank Hay. [page 226] March 4th 1864 Wrote T.H. Hinchman. Wrote Miss L.M. Sanborn. March 10th Wrote Mrs. Hay. Rain March 16th Wrote S.F.H. March 17th Wrote M.H. March 18th Rec’d $252.25 U.S. 2 mos. Pay commanding Co. H. During the winter we have had a series of debates on various questions. Dr. Watts, Chaplain Seage, Lt. Emerson and Capt. McLean have taken prominent parts while some of the privates have done well. March 28th 1861-2-3-4 Ordered to Report to Ordanance Board April 20th, 64. Lydia hay died---aged 14. March 29 The Q.M. Returns of C.C. & G. Equipage. March 30 Came to Washington. Arrive 6 P.M. Board at Mrs. Van Arsdales. [page 227] 1864 Wrote to T.H. Hinchman to send me a box of books from Detroit and began a course of review and study preparatory for the examination. April 12th Attended debate in Congress in the evening. April 15th Study Philosophy at the Smithsonian [page 228] April 25th 1864 Appeared before the Ordiance Board for examination. Gen. Burnsides Corps passed through town today going to the front. Examination continues three days. Friday 29th Attend a Festival. April 30th Meet some old friends who used to work at the Armory. [page 229] Wednesday May 4th Ordered to rejoin my regiment. May 5th and 6th No cars. Go by boat to Alexandria. Meet Lt. Col. Wm. H. Cunningham, 19th Maine, of Belfast, Me. May 7th Remain all day with Col. C. Visit Col. Delany and daughter and Miss Gerty Brennan of Alexandria. Miss Delany ahs recently arrived from Richmond with her father who was for some time a prisoner there. He was formerly in command of a vessel on the slave trade blockade on the coast of Africa. Both the ladies were very lively. May 8th Start for Rappahannock Station. Lay under arms all night. May 9th Return to Alexandria. There has been a great battle but we hear nothing satisfactory in regard to it. [page 230] May 10th 1864 Ordered to Camp Distribution. Given command of a company of men and draw guns and equipments. May 11th Start down the Potomac to Bella Plain. Capt More, 17th Me. Relieves me in command at 9 o’c A.M. Sleep in the cabin of the boat all night. Rained all day. 12th Heavy fight at Wilderness on the 5th and at Spotsylvania C.H. land at belle Plain. Go into camp on the heights in the rain. Wounded coming down from Fredericksburg in Army wagons on from Wilderness. See Lieut. Emerson. Wounded. Col. Lombard killed and Capt. Loveland wounded. It is said that Col. Lombard went into the fight with the remark, “that it was either a star or a headboard.” May 13th March to Fredericksburg. Meet a large force of rebel prisoners, guarded by a battery and two regiments. Raining hard. Encamp on the heights beyond Fredericksburg. [page 231] Saturday May 14th Raining yet. Go out to Gen. Meade’s Hd Qrs through trains in mud and rain. May 15th Join the regiment on the front near Spotsylvania C.H. Met my classmate, Wm. A. Barnard, now a Lieut. in the 20th Michigan. Form lines of battle. Sleep all night. May 16th Five weeks more to serve. 9 o’c sun out. All quiet. All day sick Sleep well. Col. Sweitzer makes a speech to the men. May 17th Quiet and cool. Move to the front in two lines 5th A.C. Army to attack in the morning right and left. [page 232] Wednesday May 18th 1864 Woke in morning to music of shot and shell. Cloudy but not rainy. Throw up earthworks and the rebels cease firing. Mail arrives. M.H., J.M. and Sarah. May 19 Lay til afternoon writing letters. Rebs attack our train on the extreme right. Move to the right. Heavy musketry. Raining. May 20th Sun rises clear. One month today to serve. All quiet today. Rebel band at the C.H. (Spotsylvania) plays “Marseillaise Hymn.” Our plays “Hail Columbia.” May 21st Up at daylight in morning. Rebels moving Artillery to the right. Rebel band playing very close. We receive and return a few shell at noon. March to Guineys Station. [page 233] [Image] Ulysses S. Grant. Sunday May 22d 1864 Up early. March at 10 o’c. Go on picket about 10 P.M. May 23d March. Cross the Mat and the North Auna. Have a skirmish. One man killed, recruit, 3 o’c P.M. Heavy fight about 5 line breaks. Regiment falls back. The line is reformed. Up most of the night. [page 234] [Image] a Skirmish Line May 24th 1864 Up early. All quiet at 7 o’c. Build works. Move away to the right in the afternoon. Cross the R.R. about five miles above Saxtons Station or Junction and encamp in the woods. Gather the rails and throw up works. Work until 12 or 1 with axe and pick and spade. May 25th Early in the morning move to the left down the railroad. Skirmish and build works. Rain. Thursday May 26th Leave works at dark. Cross the North Arnia River. The water very high, almost floating our temporary bridge of timbers. Climb the hill up a stream of mud and march. Draw rations.. March till about 7 ½ o’c in the [page 235] morning May 27th 1864. Stop for breakfast in a very quiet pine grove. Eat and go to sleep. lay about two hours. March all day. Very warm and wearisome as spring days are. Encamp in a valley by a stream. Go and bathe. Return, eat supper. Gather leaves and make a splendid bed. Get asleep when Adjutant Maltz comes to detail me as Officer of the Picket. 50 men are awakened after much cursing, etc., and the tired procession follow H. Kingsbury to the picket. And after a tedious march of about two miles up one side the creek and down the other we find ourselves about ¼ mile from camp. 12 o’c midnight Men are posted in groups of six and enjoined to keep awake. I go along that line twice before morning and find every man on two posts asleep. I sleep about two hours, yet so lightly that I hear every change in the picket near me. [page 236] Saturday, May 28, 1864 Cross the Pamensky River at Hanover town. Move out upon the heights above the town and near some fine old mansions. Encamp about 2 o’c Get dinner and begin felling trees and make two line of works. Sit down and write letters to Frank, to Mrs. H. and to my sister Sarah. Sunday May 29 Move to the front. Pass 2d A.C. 9th A.C. ahead and on a road to the right. Move to the left. Skirmishers out. Light skirmishing. Gain a hill and after shelling the woods throw up works and encamp. No rations. Men get corn and potatoes from the buildings. [page 237] Monday May 30, 1864 Move again to the front. Skirmish all the way. We are the 2nd Regt. and support the picket. Charge over an open field. Have two men wounded. Build works and leave after dark. Draw rations. Heavy fighting right and left. Tuesday May 31 Fighting on the right in morning. Right and left in P.M. Very hot. Lay quiet all day. Wednesday June 1st All quiet at 10 o’c Gen. Grant along the lines. Artillery in mass in the centre. Heavy fighting along the left and quite late at night. http://cdm17353.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/civil/id/26093

Bancroft, John Milton Diary/Scrapbook

Similar Items