NAMES.
Henry Burough, Alsan Burough, Franklin Burough, David Bowers, Zadoc Burton, Basil Burton, Frank Britt, John Clinard, Henry Clinard, John Clinard, Francis Clinard, William Collett, Franklin Collett, Jacob Crouch, John Crouch, Hugh Clodfelter, David Clodfelter, Alfred Cecil, Nelson Cecil, William Craven, Ransom Edinger, George Edinger, Phillip Edinger, Jesse Edwards, William Fowler, Benjamin Faulkner, Nicholas Fouts, Henry Fritts, Jesse Green, Shepherd Green, Daniel Green, Harrison Green, John Gardner, John Gillem, Madison Harmon, Charles Harmon, Elwood Haines, Sanford Hammer, Jacob Hedgcock, John Hiatt, Fred Hiatt, Jesse Hilton, Evan Hilton, Jacob Hilton, Henry Hilton, Barnabas Hayworth, C. P. Jones, Purvis Jackson, Joseph Jackson, Joseph Jones, William Kanoy, John Kanoy, Henderson Kanoy, John Kanoy, Charles Kennedy, John L. Long, Henry F. Ledford, Charles Lines, Joseph Murphy, William Miller, Franklin Motsinger, John Meredith, Winborn Mendenhall, Robert McCutcheon, Mack Myers, Harrison Porter, Charles Payne, Thomas Payne, Shubel Payne, Sanford Payne, Solomon Roberts, John Stone, William Stone, Milton Sledge, Hiram Sowers, Humphrey Sowers, Robert Small, Samuel Sink, John Sink, Adam Sink, Valentine Sink, Jesse Sink, Solomon Sink, George Sink, John Sink, Joseph Sink, David Shuler, William Traynham, McKindre Veach, John Wagner, Charlie Willie, William Wagner, John Welborn, Madison Welborn, William Whitehart, Willis Whitehart, and John Yokley.
Comparatively few of my acquaintances or young men with whom I associated prior to the beginning of hostilities, went to the war and returned to their homes at the close. Some of them returned on crutches, some with empty sleeves, and some with scars of wounds received in battle that they will carry to their graves.
CHAPTER III.
CONDITION OF PEOPLE LEFT AT HOME.
Affairs at Home.—The women, children, old men and servants left at home passed through an ordeal sad indeed to contemplate. The servants or negroes deserved much credit for their loyalty to their then legal owners. Instead of being a menace as was feared and expected, they were a protection to the helpless white population, and did much for the support of the people at home, and for the support of the soldiers in the field. To the very old people the blow fell with a crushing force. In addition to the accumulated burdens that naturally fall to the lot of old people, the loss of their sons, grand sons, and neighbors so prostrated them with grief that the gray hairs of many of them were brought down in sorrow to the grave. The little children for four years being deprived of the protection, support, counsel and assistance of fathers suffered an irreparable loss, a loss that no subsequent attention, education or opportunity could possibly restore.
Civil Officers at Home.—After the war had somewhat advanced, the civil officers, railroad and mail service and public places were to a great extent managed by old men. Young men at home were lonesome and did not stand as high in the estimation of the people as the young men who went to the war. They too had to submit to the taunts of the soldiers, on account of their maneuvering to keep out of danger. It was not considered patriotic for young men to screen themselves, because there seemed to be a necessity for all to enter the service, or at least as some had to go it was argued that all should fare alike. Schools and churches suffered in the general wreck and the morals and intelligence of the rising generation was at a low ebb. Teachers and preachers’ salaries and physicians’ fees were paid in kind. Corn, wheat, beans, peas, pork, bacon, lard, butter, homemade cloth, and anything that answered for clothing or provision was gladly received as a substitute for money.
Money in Circulation.—The only money in circulation was Confederate money or State treasury notes which depreciated in value until worth scarcely the paper upon which it was printed. The gold and silver coin in the hands of the people was hidden or buried in the ground not to be resurrected unless in case of extreme necessity. Very little building or improvement of any kind was going on.
Farming Interests.—For the want of laborers farms were neglected and many fertile fields growed up with sprouts and briers. Fences gave out or fence rows growed up with weeds and briers. Gulleys washed in the roads and some places were almost impassable. Everything in the way of improvement was on the decline. But few new houses were built and homefolks were sometimes driven to the necessity of sheltering in houses not very comfortable. Farm implements gave out and it was a difficult matter to replace them. Old plows and hoes that had been thrown away were hunted up and repaired so as to answer the purpose, and many rude substitutes used for farming tools that had been formerly used. It was a turning back to usages of generations past. Rawhides were tanned in the country and coblers made shoes out of the homemade leather. In place of the New Orleans or Cuba molasses a syrup was manufactured from sugar cane grown on the farm. Some enterprising boys gathered persimmons and had them distilled into brandy which supplemented the supply made from the surplus fruit. Corn and rye were not distilled into whiskey on account of the scarcity of breadstuff. A little of everything made on the farm was collected and placed in the hands of a commissary and was used to help support the soldiers in the army.
Women of the War.—The noble women took upon themselves a burden that was borne with fortitude or heroism that is without a parallel in the annals of the history of any country or any people. They achieved wonders in the homes by their ready inventive powers, which enabled them to substitute many useful articles from which they were cut off, on account of the blockade, rigidly enforced by the Federal authorities. Spicewood tea, Sassafras tea, a beverage made of parched corn, rye, chestnuts, dried slices of sweet potatoes and many other things were used as a substitute for coffee. Dried persimmons were used for puddings after the season for them had passed, and a very good bread was made with a mixture of potatoes with meal or flour. On many farms women and children cultivated the crops making a support for homefolks. Women would hoe corn, sometimes plow, make hay, bind and haul in wheat, sometimes help to thresh, gather, shuck and crib corn and do almost any kind of farm work. The little girls would put the bridles on old horses or mules and with grists of corn or wheat ride several miles to mill. The old man at the mill would pleasantly speak to the little girls, addressing them as his smart little boys. The little girls proud of the distinction would saucily and laughingly answer him saying, “Yes we are Tomboys.”
Cotton King.—Cotton proved to be king indeed, and upon this staple the south depended largely for clothing, bed clothing, tent cloths and indeed everything for which cloth was used. The women took the lint or raw material and by carding, spinning, weaving, cutting and sewing converted it into clothing, bed clothing and many other articles. In place of dyestuffs usually purchased at the stores and brought from other countries, they used Walnut, Redoak, or Maple bark, Sumac and other things that they discovered they could substitute and utilize. From wheat straw they manufactured hats that answered the purpose and were worn by men, women and children.
Soldiers on Furlough.—The girls were proud of the boys who were in the army, always glad to see them come home and always gave them a cordial welcome when they came home on furlough. Several girls would get together and give the boys a reception which amounted to an ovation. The girls and soldier boys mutually enjoyed these gatherings and would together sing war songs or popular airs such as, Dixie, Southern Girl, Stars and Bars, Homespun dress etc.
Homespun Dresses.—The girls wore homespun dresses and in the estimation of the boys were just as pretty, neat and sweet as if they had been arrayed in silk and purple.
Pretty girls vacated the parlor and sitting room
To operate the spinning wheel and old fashioned loom,
The lint of the cotton was carded to a shred,
Then carded into rolls and spun into thread.
Thread was placed on a reel which turned round again and again
Until the dial plate registered enough cuts for a skein.
The thread was then placed in homemade dye
And changed into any color that was desired.
On the warping bars the thread was handled again
And the piece laid off for so many yards of chain.
On the spindle of the little wheel was placed the reed quill,
And enough thread placed around it the reed to fill
The thread then around the beam was strung
And the quills in the shuttle nicely hung.
Two pretty girls were busy working all day
Placing the thread through a six hundred sley,
Then the battle with the baton begun
And erelong the bolt of cloth was done.
Then with the skill of an artists hand
The cutting of the garments by the girls began;
Very soon the little girls were dressed up neat
In homespun dresses looking pretty and sweet.
CHAPTER IV.
PEACE DEMONSTRATIONS AMONG THE PEOPLE.
Peace Movement.—In 1862 a very decided sentiment in favor of a peace movement was inaugurated, and attained to some prominence in the state, especially among the original union men and parties dissatisfied with the existing state of affairs. Announcement of a meeting was made to be held at a place near Thomasville known as Kennedy’s School House. Publicity was given to the report that speakers would be present to address the meeting and discuss the proposed issue. A good crowd assembled, the most of them prompted by honorable motives, merely wishing to hear discussed or explained the plan proposed by the leaders of the movement. With the exception of a very few of the leaders no one entertained any treasonable intentions. The authorities had been notified of the proposed meeting and a detail of soldiers was sent to break it up.
Young Man Pilot.—A young man who happened to be in the neighborhood was pressed into service by the soldiers to pilot them to the place. He did not relish the idea of going with them, but the unusual sight of bayonets and guns in the hands of the belligerent soldiers was a very persuasive argument to him to induce him to comply with their demands. He does not deny the fact that he was badly scared, and although he laughs about it now, says that it was a serious matter then, and that he distinctly remembers his hair stood up stiff and straight giving him trouble to keep his hat on his head.
Soldiers Break up Meeting.—Without any previous notice the soldiers charged upon the meeting and the crowd dispersed and retreated at the first intimation of their approach. The citizens hit the grit and ran with a speed that would put to shame the exploits of the Yankees and Rebels in the valley of Virginia.
Leader of Movement.—The leader who was mainly responsible for the meeting was the first one to absent himself upon the approach of the soldiers. He got away as fast as his legs could carry him, and that was about as fast as anyone could go, for he had the reputation of being a champion runner. A tall young man made a break for the tall timber and was in the act of unhitching his horse, when a limb very close to him was cut off by a minnie ball. It was supposed that he was shot at through mistake, and that the soldiers shooting at him were under the impression that he was the leader, who had been represented to them as a tall man. A friend of the victim of this close call who was also near by unhitching his horse was treated to music made by the hissing of minnie balls, passing uncomfortably near him. Both of them left the place as fast as their horses could carry them. A good portion of the crowd was captured and taken to Camp Holmes, near Raleigh. The most of the young men captured volunteered and joined the Southern Army and the old men were finally released.
Old Men Released.—It was especially severe on the very old men who were without warning taken and compelled to endure the privations of prison and camp life. The poor old men innocently feeling that they had done no wrong were kept in suspense and in constant dread for many days fearing that they would be court-marshalled and perhaps executed. Among them was an eccentric old fellow not overly preposessing in appearance. After being in camp for many days without a change of clothing and his white beard stained with tobacco juice, he presented a rather grotesque and by no means attractive appearance, but he took a philosophical view of the situation and looked on the sunny side. He amused the soldiers in camp with his wit and humor, and although perhaps eighty years old would sing gay songs and with a little encouragement from the boys dance a jig. At the close of the day he would seriously say to his old comrades that although they had passed through another day it would be their last, and that they would all be executed tomorrow. His comrades knew that he indulged in a great deal of levity, but being apprehensive themselves feared the old man was correct in his surmises, and retired not to sleep but to think of loved ones at home that they would perhaps never see again.
Peace Sentiment not Suppressed.—The incident did not entirely suppress the sentiment in the community in favor of peace, but did prevent any further public demonstration.
A blessed hope of peace permeated the throng,
To them it cooed like a dove with its siren song,
But it proved a delusion and a snare
To get them in trouble of which they were not aware.
They innocently cried peace when there was no peace,
Their unfortunate meeting was imprudent at least;
The meeting culminated in a tragic end
And made them wiser and perhaps better men.
CHAPTER V.
BILL OF FARE IN THE SOUTHERN ARMY.
Soldiers’ Rations.—Soldiers in the Southern army did not live on the fat of the land fareing sumptuously every day. They often had to live on a stinted allowance, and articles of food placed before them that would not have been accepted with thanks at home. A day’s allowance to a soldier consisted of a small cake of wheat or corn bread, or six hard tacks, a small piece of beef or pickled pork, sometimes a little rice or small amount of beans or peas. A hearty man that gave way to his appetite often ate an entire day’s rations at one meal and then was hungry the balance of the day. The judicious soldier though divided his allowance into three parts and fared better by adhering strictly to the custom of eating three times a day.
Rations Supplemented.—Anything in sight was devoured with avidity to supplement rations issued. Parched corn on a march when the supply was scarce was not a poor substitute for bread. If a soldier found a persimmon tree loaded with fruit it was gathered with as much eagerness as a miner would pick up a gold nugget. Such a find was regarded as a bonanza. Walnuts, hickory nuts or even acorns were carefully saved to supplement rations issued.
Extra Rations Found.—A squad of men was detailed to tear down an old building and removing the rubbish captured and killed several big fat rats which were skinned, dressed, cooked and ate with a relish. Around the old building was a luxurious growth of cresses and wild onions, which were carefully gathered by the soldiers and cooked and considered very palatable.
Coons and Foxes.—One evening after the army stopped to go in camp a tree was cut down for fire wood and the soldiers were surprised and pleased to find and catch two nice coons which were cooked for supper and made a very savory dish. At another time while going into camp a rush was made for a tree top and a red fox was jumped. The chase was very much enjoyed by the boys. The fox in its frantic efforts to escape sometimes jumped as high as the heads of the soldiers who surrounded it and was knocked back by them. Finally the fox was captured and the boys said it tasted much better than beef or pork they were accustomed to.
Unripe Persimmons.—On a march a soldier dropped out of line, climbed a tree and was helping himself to unripe persimmons. An officer coming along, reprimanded him, ordered him back in line and asked him why he was so greedily devouring such unwholesome food? The soldier innocently replied that he had discovered that green persimmons had a drawing effect and thought perhaps by using them he could shrink his stomach to the capacity of amount of rations issued. The officer seemed to comprehend the logic of his reasoning and left him to test the practical value of his theory.
The Army Not Starving.—It is not the intention to try to make the impression that the Southern army was in a starving condition. Such an intimation would be misleading. The only wonder is that the soldiers were provided for as well as they really were. Perhaps all armies sometimes suffer the inconvenience of short rations. The kind reader must charitably in imagination take the place of the soldier to be fully competent to sympathize with him.
The overscrupulous reader with pious thought
May condemn the soldier for using thing’s not bought,
And may in his honest heart feel
That under no circumstances should anyone steal.
Better get down on repentance stool
And figure out the golden rule;
Go to bed hungry and fail to sleep
Then get up courage the eighth commandment to keep.
Rations of Whiskey.—Rations of whiskey were occasionally issued and the effects of the stimulant were very soon apparent, for soldiers had nothing to put the liquid in to save, and were obliged to use it to keep it from wasting and then for awhile there was plenty of fun in which officers and soldiers joined. If an officer happened to get enough to make him too hilarious he was placed in arrest until he sobered up. If a soldier in the ranks imbibed to freely and in consequence wanted to monopolize control of things and indulged in conversation boisterous or unbecoming he was quietly assigned to quarters in the guard house until he had time to cool off.
Short Rations.—Sometimes rations were short and hungry soldiers are not apt to be in the best of humor. At such times grumbling was in order or at least freely indulged in, but grumbling did not bring the beef and corn bread. If adjacent to orchards, potato patches, corn fields or hen roosts, some of the boys would manage to supplement their rations, put on an innocent look and apparently become indignant if accused of crossing the guard line of the camps.
Soldiers Forage.—Soldiers would forage for something to eat. They would visit farm houses and put in a plausible plea, with money, cheek or chin music, get on the good side of the good women and prevail on them to furnish them with fruit, potatoes, butter, apple butter, bread, pies or anything that could be used and a soldier could use anything that anybody could eat. A shrewd forager failing to get anything at farm houses would take a mental survey of the different places and at night would by bribing the sentinel or slipping across the guard line go straight to potato patches, orchards or corn fields and borrow fruit, potatoes, roasting ears and sometimes induce a fat hen to go to camp. This process of borrowing was so skillfuly manipulated that the owner of the premises was kept in blissful ignorance of the way the articles were appropriated. There were company officers who would deal very gentle with a soldier that stole out of camp to forage, provided the officer shared in the find whatever it might be.
Questionable Methods.—A big burly soldier went a short distance from camp and deliberately shot down a good sized fat pig, being caught in the act by some soldiers, he said he killed it in self defense and that no hog should bite him. He skinned the hog, carried it to camp, late in the night borrowed a camp kettle and cooked the pork. Some officers passing along reproved the soldier and threatened to put him in the guard house, but were persuaded to be lenient by promising them a good slice of the pork which tasted as good to an officer as a private. The good old citizen had a drove of fat hogs, missed one and reported to the colonel of the regiment. An order was at once issued to the captain of each company to search the tents. An officer passed round, peeped into the tents, saw no pork or even smelled any and reported nothing found in the company. The most of the boys of the company though had a good breakfast and pork was part of the bill of fare.
Detail to Cook.—On a march one evening the army halted to take up camp for the night; rations were issued and a detail made to do the cooking. Among the soldiers detailed was one who though very much fatigued worked faithfully until the two days rations were cooked and issued to the men. His partner immediately after going in camp had gone to a farm house not far distant and had succeeded in getting two canteens full of good fresh milk. After the cooking was done the soldier who had been detailed being very hungry, took the canteen of milk, two day’s rations and ate it all for supper, not leaving a crumb for the next two days. He then took in the situation, jumped at a conclusion, struck a bee line across a piece of woods and accidentally met a comrade whose breath betrayed the fact that he had been drinking brandy. It suddenly occurred to the soldier that he needed a little for his stomach’s sake, although it was loaded with two day’s rations, and they together went a short distance across the country and was face to face with the maker and vender of the liquid. Making their wants known he took their canteens and a pitcher supposed to be full of water and started for the liquor house. The boys followed him going through a dining room. The quick eye of the soldier noticed a clean table cloth on the table covering something. Without stopping as he passed along he quietly raised the cloth and made a discovery. One of the boys canteens was filled and handed back to him. Upon sampling it they found it had been well watered. The citizen was politely informed that it was brandy not water the boys wanted. Without arguing the case he poured the grog out of the canteen and filled them up with the pure unadulterated article. After filling the vessels he lead the way starting out and the boys followed, the boy who had been detailed to cook in the rear. Passing through the dining room by some unaccountable manipulation the rations moved from the table and bread, meat, pickles, pies and cakes found a resting place in the capacious haversack of the soldier and there was no more solicitude about rations for the next two days.
Reproof of Conscience.—Late one evening the army marched by a luxurious field of corn. A soldier who was hungry and whose haversack was empty thought it would be real nice to have roasting ears for supper. As soon as the army halted to go into camp, he with two comrades though quite a distance started for the field of corn. When they got to the field it seemed to be full of soldiers on the same mission as they were. The soldier though hungry and very much fatigued proposed to his companions to return to camp and trust to providence, declaring that his conscience would not allow him to join the crowd and take the corn. They returned to camp and were agreeably surprised to find in their tent a box from home full of good things to eat. The soldier was fully convinced by the circumstance that “Conscience is in all cases a correct moral guide.”
Mince Pie.—Two boys came into camp one day selling mince pies. Two soldiers bought one, ate, smacked their lips, pronouncing it good and wished for more. Before the boys got out of hearing they got into a dispute about the division of the money. The smaller boy cried and said it was his puppy that was killed to furnish material for the pie and he was entitled to his part of the proceeds. The soldier boys would have been glad to have parted with the puppy dog, but it had come to stay.
Chaplain’s Lecture.—On one occasion on a march rations were scarce and the soldiers were hungry. Some of the boys invaded a corn field and were plucking ears of corn expecting at night to feast on roasting ears for supper. The chaplain of a regiment rode along and began to give the boys a moral lecture, telling them it was wrong to steal and that the corn did not belong to them. The soldiers paid no attention to his talk and quietly filled their sacks. The chaplain seeing that they were determined to take the corn said to them, if they were going to take the corn anyway to throw him over a few ears for his pony.
CHAPTER VI.
SURROUNDINGS OF SOLDIERS AND SOLDIER LIFE.
Phases of Soldier Life.—The many phases of soldier life furnish the inquiring mind food for thought and research. The mere fact that an army is an aggregation of discordant elements made up from different parts of the country is a sufficient basis for an interesting subject for investigation. The soldiers representing the different sections of the country represent the manners, customs, habits and characteristics of the inhabitants of the communities from which they came. In addition to this if we take into consideration the personal habits, characteristics and eccentricities of the individual, analyzing the attitude, latitude, aptitude, and magnitude of the capabilities and wonderful scope of each one we find ourselves exploring a wonderful field that startles us.
Southern Soldiers.—The Southern army was not only made up of soldiers from different parts of the country, but from the different pursuits and conditions of life. Our army of which the South has cause to be proud contained the most of the ablebodied men of the South, and it is no reflection upon the fair name and fame of the gallant soldiers of the army that there were among them some enrolled that were failures. There were figureheads, deadbeats, skulkers, hospital rats and others who were drawbacks to the army. There were men enrolled who at home were successful and regarded as good citizens, but as soldiers were failures because they had no turn, taste, tact, inclination or adaptability for soldier life. It was unfortunate for our army, our country and for such soldiers that there was a necessity to enroll them.
Many Surprises.—Very often the palest, thinnest, weakliest, scrawniest looking fellow stood the exposure and hardships of the camp, march and battlefield much better than a stalwart looking boy. Sometimes the most timid lad, who seemed to shrink from any duty likely to give him notoriety, developed into the most aggressive, daring soldier and astonished officers and comrades with his reckless ventures and achievements. There were officers and men who would for the sake of promotion unnecessarily expose to imminent danger themselves or men under them. The truly brave soldier will shelter or protect himself when he can do so without jeopardizing the cause he represents, but when necessary will expose himself and face danger like a man. The truly brave officer will lead and not undertake to drive his men in battle and screen himself.
Appearances Deceptive.—Appearances are often deceptive. Sometimes a man of fine physique, good looking, stalwart, having the appearance of being a brave soldier that would sacrifice his life rather than show the white feather collapses in the hour of danger, entirely unable to control his nervous system, proving himself to be constitutionally a coward. Such men ought to be pitied instead of being persecuted.
Soldiers in Camp.—The self-constituted bully of the camp who wants to engage in a fisticuff with anyone that dares to cross his path will often tremble with fear when going into battle. The soldier that delights in giving exaggerated accounts of his exploits and hairbreadth escapes usually is an artful dodger and an expert in framing excuses to keep out of danger when the battle is on. In the army were soldiers who died of grief or homesickness. However much a soldier may be attached to his home surroundings it is a mistake to give up and brood over a separation that is inevitable. The soldier who takes a sensible view of the situation, keeps up his courage and as far as possible keeps in good heart by looking on the sunny side of life always fares the best. One who always seems lowspirited, out of heart, and cultivates such a feeling receives scant sympathy from his comrades, but one who is cheerful, apparently happy whether really feeling so or not does not have to hunt for kindred spirits to share his happiness with him. To a soldier in camp virtually performing the same round of duty every day, life is likely to become monotonous, and moodiness or gloom intrudes its unwelcome presence, then the thing to do is to seek a change and look for something to divert his attention and cause him for the time being to forget his real or imaginary trouble.
Congenial Companions.—In the Southern army a soldier could always find congenial company for there was variety to choose from. In the different tents or around the camp fires were crowds making merry with music and dancing, crowds spinning yarns or telling anecdotes or stories, classes singing sacred songs or squads engaged in conversation on subjects to suit anyone. Nothing to do but to make a choice of the place and be entertained.
Disputes and Quarrels.—In camp everything was not always harmonious. Among the boys there were sometimes misunderstandings, which gave rise to disputes or quarrels, occasionally culminating in fisticuffs or fights which often landed the participants in the guard house.
Winter Quarters.—A soldier in the Southern army had no abiding place to stay or at least only temporary. In winter quarters in the dugout, rude cabin, tent, or bivouacing primitive life was fairly illustrated and it is surprising to people accustomed to the conveniences of life to realize how few of these conveniences soldiers are supplied with. Very often one little frying pan or kettle performs its round of service for an entire village of cabins or tents, and it is not unusual in camp to hear the owner of an implement or vessel cry out “come home frying pan” or “come home coffee pot.” The call was a peremptory order to the borrower to return the missing article which was perhaps by the careless soldier thrown aside. The reminder generally caused the occupants of the tents to institute a search, usually resulting in the return of the missing article. Soldiers’ temporary homes exemplified their home training. Some of their places were comfortable, neat and attractive, while others were just to the reverse. Some of the occupants kept themselves and their clothing clean and neat, while others were contented to wrap themselves up in their filthy rags sometimes infested with vermin. There were though police and sanitary regulations that all were obliged to observe or pay the penalty, and there was an etiquette among soldiers that was generally observed. Many a soldier would forage for something to eat, but would suffer with hunger to the extreme limit rather than appropriate to himself the rations issued to another. A soldier who would steal the rations of another sacrificed his honor and self respect and was regarded by his comrades as a sneak thief at home.
Demoralizing Influences.—While an army always carries with it many demoralizing influences, a man can be a soldier and a gentleman too, but one who is not a gentleman at home, in the army is sure to show the cloven foot. In winter quarters more attention is paid to social features than at any other time. Hostilities to a great extent cease during the winter though sometimes the armies clash.
Religious Worship.—Sometimes while in winter quarters soldiers got together and built rude log houses for places of worship. Protected from the cold in these houses soldiers gathered together usually for regular Sunday preaching and sometimes prayer meetings were held during the week. Perhaps as large a per cent. of soldiers attended preaching as people at home who had more convenient and comfortable places of worship. In summertime soldiers usually assembled in a grove to listen to sermons preached by their chaplain or visiting ministers.
In the Southern army occasionally very much religious interest was manifested and revivals were not unusual. Singing, prayer and sometimes shouting were heard in the camp.
CHAPTER VII.
CHARACTERISTICS OF SOLDIERS.
Difference of Soldiers.—There is as much difference in the make up of the average soldier as in the average citizen at home. It is said that variety is the spice of life and in the army we get variety with a vengeance, and the spice is sometimes a little bit peppery. The home training and habits as well as the natural disposition of the men will show itself in the army, and no amount of diplomacy can relegate these acquired or inherent qualities to the back ground. It is not everyone that can join heartily in a course of life that is distasteful, and one who does will be very apt to adopt the requirements of the new life to the exclusion of long established habits and customs, and will sometimes overdo himself in exercising uncalled for and unnecessary stunts.
The life of a soldier in a strenuous channel does run.
And the life is by no means a pleasant one;
The attractions that lure young men to the field
Are very seductive and to them many yield.
When they don the uniform and fall in line
They surrender their freedom and in servitude are confined.
It requires the decision of character and nerve of the brave
To imperil ones life his country to save.
This heroism throws aside all fear and dread,
But is never appreciated till the victim is dead,
We may eulogize the hero with eloquence, poetry and song,
But he quietly sleeps while the pageantry is going on,
The odor of the flowers that we place on the grave
Is lost to the hero who gave his life his country to save.
The Homesick Soldier.—The timid homesick soldier grieves himself to death, and if perchance he has to engage in a battle he welcomes the friendly missile that puts an end to his forlorn condition. He thinks of nothing but home and rather than drag out, to him, a miserable existence in the army surrenders his life freely and willingly. The following lines are intended to picture the end of one of this unfortunate class:
I am weary to-night and as lonely as can be,
I am far from my friends that I may never see,
I am hungry and cold; how can I my time employ?
I know my good christian mother is praying for her boy.
I on the cold ground must lie down to sleep,
If mother knew my condition how bitterly she would weep;
In camp I hear stories laughter and song,
I am longing for home and cannot join.
They tell me I am homesick perhaps it is true
I must shake off this despondency or I will never pull through
I am wishing for anything that can be arranged
Anything, just anything, anything for a change,
I hear the report of a signal gun,
Now we may listen for the sound of the old bass drum.
Fall in, fall in is the command to all,
And now we must answer at once to rollcall;
“Attention Company;” says the officer in time:
Forward double quick is the command that is passed down the line.
I hear the boom of cannon and rattle of smallarms,
The screams of the wounded show that the battle is on,
I am mortally wounded see how my blood flows,
I am sinking to rest, my troubles are o’er.
I am thirsty, feel chilly and cold and must sleep,
Farewell my dear mother, please do not weep.
I see you yes ’tis you, I knew you would come,
Now take me dear mother again to our home.
As the last word was spoken he drew the last breath,
And no mother there to sooth him in death,
The poor homesick boy in battle did fall,
He had listened and answered to the last rollcall.
Strenuous Soldiers.—Soldiers like citizens are sometime extremists, and are likely to say and do some very unreasonable things. They work themselves up to a high pitch of excitement, see but one side of a question and are intolerant. Soldiers of this class are usually not the most reliable and their rashness is liable to lead them to do things detrimental to the cause they represent. The following lines illustrate this objectionable element.
Sound the bugle and beat the drum,
Fall in line, let the enemy come,
Let us charge the Yankees and let them know
We can shoot them down and over their dead bodies go.
If they contest the ground we will make them feel
That there is some virtue in cold steel;
We will give up our lives our country to save,
We will be freemen or fill bloody graves.
Give them no quarter—we ask for none—
Shoot them down as fast as they come.
Conservative Soldiers.—The conservative soldier usually possesses nerve, pluck, humane feeling and a busy brain. He is cool and level headed and is not thrown off his guard by any sudden changes in his surrounding. He is generally a good citizen at home, has a sharp lookout for the betterment of his home and people and carries with him to the army the same conservatism that distinguishes him as a good citizens at home.
A quiet industrious citizen enjoying the comforts of home
Has no disposition a soldier to become,
Unless called upon by his country’s needs and demands,
For the protection of his home and his liberties to stand,
He then takes his place in line in a deliberate way
And not like a fanatic panting for the fray.
He leaves at home property and loved ones to face an invading foe,
Because his country commands him and duty requires him to go;
The best element of an army does not fight for plunder or fame,
Because such soldiers possess courage, nerve, heart and brain.
CHAPTER VIII.
CITIZENS VISITING IN CAMP AND THE SICK SOLDIER.
The Sick Soldier.—Exposure, irregular and unwholesome diet, constant changing, uncomfortable lodgings and many other things caused soldiers to contract diseases which often terminated in death. Notwithstanding everything was done for the poor sick soldier that could be done under the circumstances, he missed the affectionate attentions of loved ones at home. On account of inadequate facilities to furnish the necessary means the unfortunate victim was often neglected.
Surgeon’s Call.—While in camp every morning at a certain hour Surgeon’s call was announced by the beating of the drum. Sick soldiers in camp who were able to walk were required to report to the doctor for treatment and to be excused from duty. Such as were not too sick remained in camp and were treated at their tents, and soldiers who were very sick were sent to a hospital. Soldiers sick in camp generally received scant sympathy and poor attention. A soldier though who was known to be faithful in the discharge of duty if unfortunately became sick was cared for by his friends.
In every command there were soldiers who were experts in playing off sick, and of course such were not respected. There was always some one ready to ridicule the sick squad reporting. When the drums beat sometimes a wag would cry out. “Come up dead” or “Come up and get your Dovers powders or Camphor and Opium pills.” Soldiers really sick have been known to throw away medicine given them and take their chances.
Simple Minded Sick Soldier.—In a certain regiment a simple minded soldier who was really sick would slowly make his way to the doctor’s tent and when asked “what is your trouble?” he would invariably give the same answer, “The same old complaint, ‘Sumption.’” The doctor would excuse him and he would return to his tent, lie down and suffer as much with homesickness as with the disease itself.
Many a poor soldier lost his life in camp, in a hospital, on the march or on the battlefield, who would have rallied from a very slight indisposition that developed into a fatal disease could he have been transferred to his home.
Despondent, Sick Soldier.—After serving in the army for about a year a soldier was stricken down with a severe spell of sickness and sent to a hospital to recuperate. Having a horror for hospital life he plead earnestly with the physician in charge to recommend the issuing of a furlough for him to return home. He was informed that he was too weak and must wait until he got able to travel. The next day he told the doctor that he was getting worse and weaker and plead with him to allow him to go before the board to meet in a few minutes in the hospital, but received no encouragement. A few minutes later a message came summonsing some other sick soldiers in the same room to appear before the board. He had about given up in despair when another message came ordering him to report to the board at once. He obeyed the order without delay, and had scarcely gotten inside of the door when the chairman said, “Give him fifty days.” He returned home one beautiful Sunday morning. A good mother saw him slowly approaching the house and seeing his uniform, it occurred to her that the stranger was a soldier and for the sake of her own boys in the field she would treat him as well as she could. Being pale, weak, emaciated, reduced almost to a skeleton and nearly exhausted, he with difficulty climbed up the steps that lead up to the door. As soon as he got inside of the door his mother and sister assisted him to a chair, thinking they were helping some poor unfortunate soldier unknown to them. Finally they recognized him but did not know whether to rejoice or weep for it looked very much like his life was fast ebbing out. In a few weeks he was well again and returned to the army.
Visiting.—Soldiers very much enjoyed a visit from friends at home, and a visitor after getting in camp and located among the friends he was especially visiting was regarded as guest of the soldiers and treated with deference by all he chanced to meet. Soldiers were always ready for some fun and any incident outside of the common broke the monotony and gave them a change. Citizens with few exceptions after their first experience enjoyed a joke even at their expense. If a citizen passed through camp wearing a long tailed coat or plug hat, some one would tauntingly cry out, “Come down out of that coat or come out of that hat, I know you are in there I see your legs,” and the boys would repeat until the poor fellow got through and of course the citizen felt relieved when the boys quieted down. The boys meant no disrespect and the citizens generally took it all good naturedly.
Portly Gentleman.—At one time a portly gentleman passed through camp and as soon as he came in sight a soldier cried out, “Here he comes: and here he comes” was repeated along the line. Finally the old gentleman chagrined, stopped, pulled off his hat and politely asked the boys what he had done, they promptly told him that he had stolen their big bass drum and swallowed it. The good natured old fellow caught on to the joke and told the boys that their drum should be returned and he was permitted to pass on enjoying the laugh as much as any of them.
Lady Visitors.—A lady visiting in the camp always had a refining influence upon the soldiers who were pleased to have an opportunity to treat such a visitor as an honored guest. The mere announcement that lady visitors were expected would cause soldiers to get busy and police the camp making everything around the tents look tidy and attractive. The conduct and conversation of the soldiers were always improved by visits of the ladies. Unfortunately though their visits were few and far between times. There was in the valley of Virginia a beautiful young lady who acted as a courier for some of the officers and was said to sometimes pass through the lines where a man would not be allowed to go, and to return bringing valuable information. She was a graceful horseback rider and created a sensation when she rode along the lines.
CHAPTER IX.
INCIDENTS OF CAMP AND PRISON LIFE.
Soldiers in Prison.—A soldier belonging to an army in war times necessarily lives a strenuous life, and if unfortunately captured by the enemy and has to be incarcerated in prison it makes life to the average soldier almost unendurable. A soldier obliged to obey strictly army rules and regulations enforced by officers fighting for the same cause he is contending for surrenders seemingly about all of his liberties, but when reduced to the humiliation of having a sentinel standing over him all of the time to see that he does not violate orders given by an enemy reduces him to the most abject slavery. Many Northern and Southern soldiers were captured and placed in prison, and a judicious and rapid system of exchange of prisoners would have alleviated much suffering among these poor fellows.
Exchange of Prisoners.—The Federal authorities perhaps were dilatory in effecting exchanges because their captured men could be replaced by others, and they had not only the Northern states but the world to draw from, and knew the soldiers taken out of line in the Southern army could not be replaced with others on account of the scarcity of men.
It is said that everything is fair in war, but the peremptory demands of war ought not to suppress every vestige of feeling of humanity. An experience in prison however humiliating that experience may be, cannot fail to convince anyone that implicit obedience to orders from the powers that be is the only safeguard as a shelter or protection from unreasonable punishment.
Punishment.—Severe punishment such as bucking and gagging, hanging up by the thumbs, walking the beat carrying heavy loads, sometimes whipping and even shooting, to the death practiced in the army and prison almost invariably falls to the lot of a soldier who wilfully disobeys known rules and regulations, but these punishments are sometimes administered by tyrannical officers, puffed up with a little brief authority, to gratify their own personal spites and prejudices. Strict adherence to discipline will nearly always screen the victim from such suffering. In prison officers may be exacting, but from their arbitrary rulings there is really no appeal.
Rations.—Much complaint was made by soldiers in Southern prisons about the scarcity and quality of rations, perhaps these complaints in some instances were well founded, for the Southern soldier in camp or on the march did not have an abundant supply. The same complaint was made against the Northern prison and it was argued that the Federal authorities had the means to provide more and had no moral right to retaliate upon the South for a deficiency in prison that was unavoidable. Many Southern soldiers in Northern prisons went to bed of nights and could not sleep on account of being hungry. Prisoners captured a short time before the surrender of Lee, soon heard of the surrender, and of the assassination of Lincoln and were frightened by a report circulated in the prison camp that Southern soldiers would be kept as hostages and perhaps executed in retaliations for the assassination of the president. The personal experience of soldiers incarcerated in the prisons of the late war would make interesting reading to coming generations but perhaps it is better to let this part of the history pass into oblivion. Contending armies engaged in battle would fight to the finish, damaging each other in every honorable way they could even to extermination, but when a soldier surrendered and became a prisoner he was treated courteously by his captors on either side. A soldier that would offer an insult or indignity to a prisoner was looked upon with contempt and his conduct regarded as cowardly by his own comrades.
Camp Life.—To undertake to portray the multiplicity of phases of soldier life as exhibited in the Southern army would be a herculean task from which the stoutest heart, best equipped mind and most experienced hand would shrink. It is enough for one to record the doings, transactions, incidents, and reflections drawn from historical facts connected with the section and army, the one undertaking the task was familiar with, on account of being present to witness much that occurred, and in a position to gather items of information from parties who were eye witnesses. Every day on the march, in camp, on the battlefield or in prison was replete with thrilling, interesting, ludicrous or pathetic scenes which were worthy of notice and ought to be handed down to posterity in a more durable way than by tradition. Duty, patriotism and an earnest desire to rescue from oblivion much of the war history ought to appeal to the few old soldiers now living whose passing from the stage of action must necessarily cut out forever any chance of a correct history. The certainty that they will soon be gone ought to be an incentive to induce each one to contribute his part. An army like our Southern army presents to the mind of the curious an inviting field for study and investigation.
In camp the home life of the soldier is clearly delineated and by associating in the camp soldiers learn more about each other than anywhere else.
Soldier on Inspection.—There was in camp a little scrawny fellow that took the world easy when things went his way, but when he got wrong he was very much wrong and was at war with everybody and seemed to think that everybody’s hand was raised against him. He was a faithful, loyal soldier and would have died rather than play off to screen himself from a fight. He was always out of clothing, rations, money and everything that a soldier needed and was out with everyone who would not divide with him, but was liberal and honest and would pay his debts if it took his last dollar. At pay day it usually took all he received to pay his debts and then he was borrowing again. He paid very little attention to cleanliness, consequently no one cared to tent or bunk with him and he was often by himself although socially inclined. At such times he would sing songs sometimes a little smutty and whistle popular airs. He would say some very harsh things about officers and some of them very much wished for a chance to get even with him. On one occasion on inspection, the inspecting officer complained that his gun was not properly cleaned and ordered him to his quarters, putting on him the punishment of thirty minutes work cleaning his gun. He returned to his quarters with the rest of the company, feeling resentful, and with an oath slammed the gun to the ground, consigning it with the inspector to a region supposed to be hot and heavily charged with the odor of sulphur. He gloomily sulked for thirty minutes and in sheer desperation picked up his gun and reported as ordered to the inspector, expecting to be sent to the guard house, but was surprised when told by the officer that his gun looked much better, admonishing him to hereafter do as the others did and he would not have to do extra work on his gun and pleasantly excused him.
Recruit on Guard.—On one occasion the officer of the guard around camp was a young lieutenant who had a very exalted opinion of himself and was glad of an opportunity to show his authority. One of the guard was a recruit detailed for the first time to do guard duty. He had fallen on the third relief and had lain down to rest until his time came. Nothing unusual occurred the first two hours, but after the second relief was posted the lieutenant made his rounds and returned to the camp fire and had a big laugh with the old soldiers present. He had taken the gun from a timid recruit, had the poor fellow badly scared and boastingly said that he would take every recruits’ gun that belonged to the guard. The third relief was placed and the recruit stationed at his post, walked his beat and kept a sharp lookout, especially for the lieutenant. Finally he heard the rattle of his sword as he approached and when he got in challenging distance, said: “Halt who comes there?” The lieutenant answered: “Friend with the countersign.” The sentinel then said “Advance friend and give the countersign.” The officer corrected him saying “Advance friend with the countersign,” and was briskly walking right up to him. The recruit quickly brought his gun to the position of charge bayonets, and again demanded the countersign. He was then almost in bayonet reach, gave the countersign and expecting to throw the sentinel off his guard, made a movement as if to pass on but really intended to take his gun. The sentinel made him pass around him at a distance not in bayonet reach which he did without further parley. After he had passed he said, “If you don’t mind you will get in the guard house.” The recruit replied saying, “I know my duty,” but was getting some thrilling experience while being initiated.
An Economical Soldier.—A quiet careful soldier for several days saved of his rations scraps of beef and scrapings of flour until he collected enough to make a beef pie which was regarded as a luxury in camp.
The pie was nicely made and spicely cooked,
And the boys at it greedily looked;
The soldier happy with a broad grin
Commenced taking the rich pie in.
Near by in the crowd was a hungry boy looking about
As if he could breed a famine and starve it out;
He stood the test for a little while
Then stepped up to the soldier on his face a smile
Saying, “If you please I would like your pie to taste;”
“Help Yourself” said the soldier with very good grace.
For a second invitation he did not wait
But commenced eating pie at a rapid rate,
At last he suddenly quit eating and said with a sigh,
I guess I have taken enough of your pie.
“Have some more” said the soldier polite as could be;
The boy said, “Thank you, if you insist I will—it tastes good to me,”
The hungry boy hung on while others stood by
And saw the two together finish eating the pie.
A Soldier’s Retort.—On the Maryland march on account of marching for many consecutive days, soldiers were ragged, dirty and some of them barefooted. An army in such a plight does not present a very attractive appearance. In the column was a brave, faithful soldier always ready to fight to the finish. He had just passed through a series of battles and looked very much worsted, wearing old clothes and limping on account of old shoes making his feet sore. The army was marching through a town whose inhabitants were of very decided Union proclivities. A crowd of pretty, well dressed ladies were conspicuously standing on the sidewalk, indulging in cutting remarks, using such expressions as rebel and traitor very freely. One of them pointed out this uncouth looking soldier saying, “Look at that ragged, dirty rebel.” He coolly retorted looking her in the eye saying, “Madam, we always put on our old clothes when we go out to kill hogs.” His retort was not very courteous, but it put a quietus on the use of any further uncomplimentary remarks. The soldiers were usually treated very nicely by the ladies, even when invading the enemy’s territory, and were in turn as courteous as could be.
A Boisterous Soldier.—In camp there was a boisterous fellow whose early education and training had been very much neglected, and although illiterate he was fully convinced that he was a man of considerable importance. His quaint sayings and doings furnished no small amount of amusement for the officers and men. He did not mean to exaggerate but apparently looked at things through magnifying glasses. He was a fearless, brave soldier and was never happier than when called upon by an officer to perform some task. He did not hesitate to go or try to go anywhere his commanders ordered or requested him to go. On one occasion he was detailed as a picket to reconnoiter and ascertain some points about the position and strength of the enemy’s forces. Under the direction of the officer in command of the picket line, he with others stealthily approached as near as possible to the enemy’s line to get the desired information. In their eagerness they crossed the danger line and were saluted with a volley of shot and shell and of course were obliged to hastily retreat. The soldier came rushing back to camp puffing and blowing, burdened with the weight of responsibility that had been entrusted to him and hurried up to the colonel’s headquarters to report the result of the investigation. The colonel listened to him attentively while he excitedly gave his report and seriously asked his opinion about the strength of the enemy’s force. With forceful gestures and placing strong emphasis on his answer he replied: “About two hundred thousand!” The colonel amused at his estimate of the enemy’s strength, and his earnestness in reporting, respectfully thanked him and excused him. The same soldier incensed at his brother, seventeen years old, joining the army wished with an oath that the boy would get killed in the very first engagement he got in. In a few days the command got in a fight and the poor boy was killed. The wish was thoughtlessly made and the soldier felt sorry for the fate of his brother. One day glibly talking to the boys he pointed out a place on his arm and expressed the wish that a minnie ball would strike him there the next battle he got in and the bone would have to be resected so he could get on the retired list. In the very next fight a minnie ball struck the identical place pointed out and the bone had to be resected. He could have been placed on the retired list, but preferred to remain in service.
Recruit Detailed.—Early one morning a recruit who had just been enrolled, while he was at breakfast, was informed by the sergeant that he was on guard for the day and told to report at once to the colonel’s headquarters. Very much to the amusement of the old soldiers he replied: “All right, wait till I eat a bite” and leisurely finished his breakfast, prepared for duty and reported to headquarters without realizing that he had subjected himself to the danger of being disciplined for not at once reporting.
It was very embarrassing to recruits especially when joining a command already in the service. A recruit reporting for duty was dazed at the array of stripes, bars, stars and wreaths, being assigned to a certain regiment was asked if he had any reason to give for being assigned to any special company, stammeringly replied that he had a second company in cousin I. The boys laughed at his mistake, but the officers kindly let him join the company of his choice.