The story of the Thirty Eighth regiment of Massachusetts volunteers

by George Whitefield Powers

On the evening of the 28th, the long-looked for transports made their appearance. There was an immediate inspection of knapsacks; but personal property had dwindled down to a small compass, and there were few articles to be left behind. The cooks were busy all night preparing rations; and orders were given to be ready to start at ten in the morning. At noon, the tents were struck; but there being a large amount of commissary stores to put on board, the regiment did not embark till midnight; those not on duty grouped around the camp-fires, “laying up sleep” for the future. As the regiment marched to the wharf, the band played “Yankee Doodle,” bringing many of Gen. Butler’s protegés to the doors and windows of their quarters. Embarking on the transport Northern Light,—a large California packet-steamer, much better adapted to convey troops comfortably than the majority of government vessels,—the men gladly sought their canvas-bottom bunks; and about sunrise, on the morning of the 30th, the steamship weighed anchor, and steered for New Orleans. Although the residence on the island had not been an unpleasant one, none were sorry to see its outlines fade in the distance, or wished to revisit it. On the morning of the 31st, the ship crossed the bar, and entered the Mississippi; few on board then anticipating the long months that were to pass before their eyes would be gladdened by the sight of the blue water again. The sail up the Mississippi on this last day of the year was an interesting one to Northern eyes. The large plantations of corn and cane, dotted over with negroes, looking like so many charred stumps on a partially cleared field; the orange-trees laden with fruit; the mansions of the wealthy planters, half hidden by fresh-looking shrubbery; the rows of neat, white-washed negro cabins; the tall chimneys of the sugar-mills in the rear; with the back-ground of forest-trees, gray with the Spanish moss,—formed a picture in striking contrast to the winter-scenery the northern-bred volunteers had been accustomed to.

Two sunken gun-boats near Forts Philip and Jackson reminded the Thirty Eighth that they were in the same department with “old Farragut,” and that, in any co-operation between the land and sea forces, the army would have to look to its laurels. On the way up the river, another transport was passed, containing the Forty Seventh Massachusetts; and the two regiments exchanged friendly greetings. Being the last day of the month, the regular inspection and muster took place on the deck of the steamer; and, to show the good health of the regiment on entering the Department of the Gulf, it may be stated that one company, which left Boston over four months previously with ninety-five enlisted men, mustered ninety-one for inspection,—four having been left behind, sick, at Fortress Monroe.

A little after dark, the long line of lights was seen glimmering on the river-edge, marking the outlines of New Orleans. The steamer cast anchor in the stream near the upper part of the city; and the deck was soon deserted by all except the guard, who paced their beats, “watching” the old year out, and the new year in.

At noon, the ship steamed up the river to Carrollton, one of the suburban towns of New Orleans, where the regiment landed. It was the first day of January; but the orange-trees were in bloom, the roses perfumed the air, and the vegetables were growing vigorously. This was the “Sunny South” indeed. The new camp had at one time been occupied by rebel troops, and was well adapted for drilling. On one side of the Thirty Eighth, the One Hundred and Sixteenth New York were encamped, and, on the other side, the One Hundred and Seventy Fifth; beyond which, were the Forty Seventh Massachusetts. Between the Thirty Eighth and the One Hundred and Sixteenth, a friendship sprung up, which lasted during the entire term of service; and although the One Hundred and Sixteenth were soon transferred to another brigade, and afterward to another division, whenever the two regiments met on a campaign, friendly greetings were exchanged; and this, notwithstanding the fact that they were rivals, each aspiring to take the lead in drill and efficiency.

While at Carrollton, Col. Ingraham took command of a brigade, and never rejoined the regiment. He participated in the first part of the Tèche campaign; but, being unable to endure field service in the climate of Louisiana, was appointed Provost Marshal at Washington, in which position he gave such satisfaction that he was retained in service by special order after the regiment was mustered out, and brevetted as brigadier-general. A few days after arriving at Carrollton, the regiment experienced its first Louisiana rain-storm. The camp-ground was soon intersected by miniature bayous; and, as the drains were not in good order, some of the streets were completely flooded; while the tents, being old, afforded but little shelter from the storm. The company streets, after one of these winter-rains, were like so many mortar-beds. Much has been written about the Virginia mud, in connection with the Army of the Potomac; but, if it equalled that of Louisiana, the face of the country in that part of Virginia must have been greatly changed by the movements of the armies; and the mixing of soil will afford matter for study for future agriculturists. As soon as the regiment was fairly settled in camp, drills were resumed with vigor. During the stay on Ship Island, the manual of arms had been changed: the old system was now restored, much to the satisfaction of the men. On the 6th of the month, Gen. Banks, accompanied by Gens. T. W. Sherman and Emory, visited the camp. The regiment was engaged in battalion drill, at the time; and, as the visitors approached, were drawn up into line to receive them. Then, the Thirty Eighth, as far as regarded appearance, were in their prime. Disease had not yet thinned the ranks; four months’ drill, under competent field and line officers, had brought them to a high standard in the manual of arms and in battalion movements; Adjutant Loring had paid particular attention to the personal neatness of the men; and the men were not yet discouraged by those gloomy accounts which afterward came from the North, showing a want of faith in the ability of the army to put down the rebellion, and an unwillingness to strengthen it by reinforcements of good men. As spring drew near, the camp was full of rumors in regard to the coming campaign; and three days’ rations were kept cooked most of the time.

At midnight, on the 11th, sudden orders came to “fall in” for sixty rounds of cartridges each; to pack knapsacks, and put two days’ rations in the haversacks. It was rumored that the rebels operating up the river had been largely reinforced by troops from Richmond, under Longstreet, and that the Thirty Eighth were to join the main body of the Army of the Gulf. The knapsacks were to be packed, and left behind, and the camp left standing, the troops going into the field in light marching order. After waiting until the middle of the forenoon, the orders were countermanded, the extra cartridges returned, and drill resumed.

On the 24th of January, the Thirty First Massachusetts, Col. Gooding, who had been doing duty at the forts, arrived, and went into camp near the Thirty Eighth, Col. Gooding taking command of the brigade. At this time, brick ovens were built in the camp, and the regiment had their baked beans regularly Sunday mornings.

During the first week in February, the division drilled together at Camp Parapet, near Carrollton. On the 3d, the One Hundred and Sixteenth struck tents, and marched off in the direction of Baton Rouge; and, in a few days, their camp was occupied by the Fifty Third Massachusetts,—a nine-months’ regiment, who were in the third brigade until their term of service expired.