against a man, and on the battle-field of Olustee, Fla., he took the opportunity to murder him, thinking, no doubt, the exciting scenes on the field would cover up his crime; but he was detected, tried before a drum-head court martial, found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging, and the day above mentioned the sentence was carried out. Another scene witnessed by our regiment, took place soon after, which was the act of drumming a soldier out of camp for cowardice on the battle field. The soldier was a private of Co. “I,” of the Sixth, who was convicted of cowardice by refusing to fight, and skulked to the rear. His head was shaved and the word “coward,” painted on a board, was put on his back, and he was marched through the brigade, with the drum corps playing the Rogue’s March.
The Sixth remained in the trenches around Petersburg, indulging in frequent skirmishing and entrenching themselves, occasionally holding short confabs with the rebel pickets, getting their views on the war question, till the 11th of September, 1864, when they were ordered a short distance to the rear and drawn up in front of Gen. Terry’s headquarters, where the non-re-enlisted men were mustered out of service. Their term of three years had expired, and the rebels, as if to give a parting salute, threw a shell into our midst which exploded, doing no damage, however, as the word “cover” was given in earnest this time.
It was with pride and not a little satisfaction that the boys relinquished their trusty rifles, which had been their constant companions through many a hard fought conflict. Gen. Terry, in a speech to them, said: “The State of Connecticut might well be proud of the record of the Sixth.” He thanked us personally for our valor on the field, and hoped that we would live many years to recite the marches and battles on the field to the loved ones at home; and expressed a wish that the conflict would soon terminate, that he might also enjoy the blessings of civil life. Cheers were given with a will for our brave commander, and many a silent prayer went up for his welfare.
“Three days rations” were issued to the boys for the last time, and they bade an affectionate adieu to the comrades who were to remain. Many a tear glistened in the eyes of the old soldiers as the last good-bye was said, and all expressed a wish that the war would soon be over and they also be permitted to greet their friends at home. The boys “changed front to the rear,” and took the cars to City Point, and there embarked on the steamer United States. After a pleasant sail and the usual delays, we reached New York early on the morning of Sept. 15, landing at the foot of Canal street, North River; marched down Canal to Broadway, and down Broadway to the Battery, where a bountiful collation was served
to us by the “Sons of Connecticut” residing in New York. After the repast was finished, they went on board the steamer Nassau and sailed for New Haven, arriving there at about 7 o’clock in the evening. Here a splendid reception awaited the old Sixth. Citizens and the military joined as an escort, and amid the booming of cannon (with blank cartridges) and the fireworks along the streets, the boys marched to the State House, where they were heartily welcomed and invited to partake of a rich and tempting repast. Ample justice was done to the viands, after which the boys separated for the night. Their final muster out and discharge was consummated on the 17th of September, just three years from the day the regiment left the State.
CHAPTER VII.
The Sixth remained around Petersburg on the line of the railroad after the non-re-enlisted men had returned home, skirmishing with the enemy, till the 28th of September, when Butler’s army faced to the right and crossed the Appomatox and hurried forward toward Richmond. Gen. Grant had resolved that a further advance toward Richmond in Butler’s front, while a demonstration from Warren and Hancock would weaken the rebel forces so that they would retire and give our siege trains an opportunity to press nearer the doomed city. The 10th corps crossed the James and pushed forward on the extreme right along Four Mile Creek, and advanced vigorously up the New Market road, where it met the rebels and a general engagement ensued all along the lines. Musketry firing was very rapid and the shells exploded with terrible force over the heads of the gallant soldiers. The steady tramp soon became a double quick and the double quick became a run, when the frightened rebels showed signs of weakness; yet they fought with desperation worthy
a better cause. The 18th corps confronted Fort Gilmer, where it was for a few moments checked. The 10th corps, under the gallant Terry, then redoubled its efforts and soon effected a junction with the 18th corps near Fort Harrison. Then the whole line advanced with a cheer and the rebels fell back in confusion. The Sixth, with Terry’s corps, advanced up the Darbytown road until the head of the column reached a point within three miles of Richmond, where the spires of the churches and roofs of houses were easily discernible. The success attending the other parts of the line was not sufficient to warrant advancing any further just then, and the corps fell back a short distance, where it entrenched itself.
Fort Harrison was a strong earthwork of great advantage to the rebels. The position was too valuable to surrender without another trial. The following day Gen. Lee brought additional reinforcements from Petersburg to hold their position, but they, like the others, were unable to stand before the Union fire. The capture of Fort Harrison was not gained without severe loss to the Connecticut troops. The Sixth, however, met with comparatively small loss. The 1st of October, Gen. Hawley’s brigade advanced again toward Richmond and was subjected to a severe fire upon the Darbytown road, skirmishing with the enemy along the creeks and swamps, with no chance for a pitched battle. The next week
was full of exposure and privation. The troops had crossed the James without tents, and many without blankets; and what little sleep they gained was not very refreshing. They were always compelled to be under arms, and the utmost vigilance was required, besides being much of the time under fire; and when not engaged skirmishing, were hard at work with the pick and shovel, entrenching themselves. Our rifles, of course, had to be close at hand, to be grasped in an instant, and very often were we compelled to drop one to seize the other. Words cannot express the trials and exposures which the Union troops were called to pass through at different periods of the campaign. The Virginia campaign was unusually severe. Most of the time, for seven months, the troops were without tents, and but few had overcoats. Fatigue parties were at work night and day; lines of works were thrown up to afford protection from the enemy’s bullets. Whole acres of land were turned over, and many a tree was felled to make a clearing by which a sudden advance might be checked. The troops had little or no chance to cook their rations, and more salt pork was eaten raw than was ever boiled. A ramrod served the purpose of a gridiron, while an army shovel proved a good frying pan.