These exercises closed the pleasures of the forenoon. In the afternoon a running match was first in order, distance 150 yards; first prize, of five dollars, awarded to corporal Botts, of Co. “D;” second prize, two dollars and a half, awarded to private Banty, Co. “D.” The next on the programme was a target placed in the ground to be bored with an auger at twenty paces, blindfolded. The prize of five dollars was awarded to Orrin Lathrop, of Co. “F,” he being the only competitor who touched the target at all. Next came the wheelbarrow races, distance 100 yards; first prize, five dollars, awarded to private Duprey, of Co. “A.” Nearly all the competitors went about a
hundred yards from the point in opposite directions. The sack races were the most laughable of all, as each contestant was completely enveloped in a sack, which made their progress over the ground very ludicrous to behold. Catching the greased pig and climbing the greased pole were other games resorted to and had many contestants. The day closed with another burlesque dress parade and a short review, which was a decided improvement on our last one, and caused much pleasure to the spectators, among whom were Gen. Brannan and staff and a large number of ladies.
The Sixth spent a great deal of time on the surrounding plantations on picket duty, at which places we were picketed for ten days at a time. Each company made certain plantations their headquarters, while every nook and ravine where the enemy were likely to attack was strongly guarded. For a time we found rebel chickens and pigs more palatable than hard tack and pork. The oranges and figs were not left to spoil upon the trees, and every sweet potato and corn field was visited for supplies. The rebel pickets at Port Royal Ferry were very communicative, and several times we exchanged papers with them. They seemed anxious to “barter” something with a Union soldier whenever an opportunity presented itself. Their stock in trade consisted chiefly of tobacco, which they would readily exchange
for salt or coffee. They invariably deprecated the war and wished for its close. Several flags of truce came at this point for different objects, the bearers of which were clad in the poorest of homespun clothes and always had the appearance of half starved creatures; long, lank, hollow-eyed, and hollow cheeks, with tangled hair and a saffron look in the face betokened the straits of the confederacy. Well might they wish for the war to close and “go hum,” as they termed it, when they gazed on the comparatively well fed and well dressed soldier of the Union army.
CHAPTER V.
The Sixth Connecticut Regiment left Beaufort on the evening of the 18th of March, bound down the coast. We passed several places of interest on our journey, among which were Mayport Mills, Fernandina and Fort Clinch. Deserted plantations lined the banks of the river and everything had the appearance of war’s desolation. In trying to cross the bar and enter St. John’s River we got aground, and after several ineffectual attempts, we finally succeeded by the aid of a tug-boat, and our destination, Jacksonville, was reached on the morning of the 20th of March. One U. S. colored regiment were the only troops in the town. We did not pitch our tents here, but occupied the houses which had but recently been vacated. We found in many of the houses everything necessary for housekeeping, even to beds and bedding. So hastily was the retreat of the chivalry from this place that many valuable household goods were among the trophies. Large quantities of eatables were found buried in stone pots, some quaint looking guns and almost every article needed for house use. Quite
a number of families of rebel proclivities remained in the town, who were either unable to get away after we took possession, or else were unwilling to lose their household goods. We barricaded the streets and avenues leading out of the town by felling trees across the roads to prevent the incursions of the rebel cavalry which infested the woods back of the town.
Jacksonville was once a watering place and home for invalids, and many of our northern people resorted there during the months of winter to enjoy its salubrious climate. It must have been an inviting retreat in its palmiest days. Everything here seemed to have been laid out for comfort and convenience, unlike many places which we have visited. But alas! how things had changed. Houses that were once the home of wealth and luxury were now the abodes of the Union soldier. Gardens laid out with the choicest flowers were trampled under foot by horses of our cavalry; the stores were closed, the goods removed; and business at a standstill. A few negroes lurked around the town, who were glad to get under cover of the Union arms. Co. “F” of the Sixth occupied the fine old mansion belonging to Col. Pierson of the rebel army, which was situated on the corner of Market and Duval streets, opposite the Episcopal Church. There many of the troops resorted and the organ was in constant use.
The first Sabbath we spent in Jacksonville we attended service and listened to a very able discourse by the Rev. Mr. French; his subject was “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon.” The church was densely crowded with white and black soldiers, navy and army officers and civilians. In the course of his remarks he alluded to the deserted city and why the inhabitants had left it, fearing their lives would be in danger if they remained till the so-called Yankees made their advent in their midst. He expressed himself quite well pleased with the conduct of the white troops, and especially the Sixth Connecticut. He said Gen. Hunter had selected the Sixth above all others to occupy this place and protect the remaining inhabitants from the lawlessness of the rebel cavalry. He assured us our position was not an enviable one, as we were in a bad place and the woods swarmed with rebel cavalry, waiting only their chance to surprise us; but he (the speaker) was confident that the enemy would not catch us napping, and when brought to the foe, would meet them with determined bravery. We were quite pleased with the speaker’s allusion to our regiment, and he was personally thanked by many for the exalted opinion he entertained for us.
The Eighth Maine regiment arrived here from Beaufort a few days after we took possession. The rebels frequently annoyed us by shelling the town with a gun which they had fastened to a railroad car,