The story of the Thirty Eighth regiment of Massachusetts volunteers

by George Whitefield Powers

While waiting at Jersey City, the famous Sixty Ninth New York arrived at the depot, on their return from their second term of service. These real soldiers, who had actually been in battle, were looked upon with much interest by the untried volunteers who were on their way to the scene of action, and the contrast between the appearance of the two sets of knapsacks was a suggestive one. Taking the train vacated by the Sixty Ninth, the rear of the regiment was soon riding on after the advance. All through New Jersey, people on the roadside and in the fields cheered, while flags and handkerchiefs were waved from the houses. The men were in excellent spirits, and enlivened the journey with songs and mirth. Getting passing glimpses of Newark, Burlington, Princeton, Trenton, and other historic cities, now invested with renewed interest, and being liberally supplied with water whenever the train stopped long enough, the regiment rode through New Jersey, arriving at Camden about eight in the evening. Crossing the ferry, they were taken to the Cooper Shop Refreshment Saloon, where they partook of a bountiful collation, and were then conducted to a long row of wash-basins provided for the purpose. After the hot and dusty ride, the ablution was peculiarly refreshing, and was greatly enjoyed. Again forming in line, the regiment marched across the city to the Baltimore depot.

Although the passing of troops was now a daily occurrence, the enthusiasm of the people did not abate. Ladies waved their handkerchiefs from the windows, and even grasped the hands of the passing soldiers from the doorsteps, while men crowded the sidewalks, and heartily cheered. This enthusiastic greeting will long be remembered by the survivors of that column; for it was far more cordial and earnest than the welcome given them in the capital of their own State, when after three years’ toil and battle, with thinned ranks, but with an unstained record, they again marched through the streets of Boston. Notwithstanding the great number of troops that had passed through Philadelphia that summer, the hospitality of the city never wearied. No regiment was allowed to pass uncared for; and when returning wounded and sick from the front, singly or in groups, the same kind feelings were manifested, and the warm-hearted ladies with their own hands administered the delicacies their generosity had provided. Other Northern cities cared well for the passing volunteers; but none equalled Philadelphia, whose efforts were continued as well in seasons of defeat and gloom as in those of victory and triumph.

Taking the cars after midnight, the regiment arrived at Baltimore about ten o’clock, the next day, and marched over nearly the same route taken by the Massachusetts Sixth, on the 19th of April, 1861. No noisy mob appeared to dispute the passage up Pratt Street; but the sullen, averted looks of the majority of the people on the sidewalks betokened no love for the Union. A substantial dinner was furnished the regiment at the Union Relief Rooms (for Baltimore had Unionists, whose devotion to the country was as intense as was their hatred to Secession); and it was then learned, that, instead of going to Washington, and thence on to Virginia, the regiment was to occupy a camp in the vicinity of Baltimore, about to be vacated by the Thirty Seventh New York, whose term of service had expired. A march of a few miles led to the camping-ground,—a pretty place, in a grove of trees, formerly known as Druid Hill Park, then called Camp Belger. There were good facilities for bathing near the camp; while the shade-trees furnished cool retreats when off drill. On the 30th, the guns and equipments for Cos. A, B, and F were received and distributed; and the day was spent in fitting them.

On the 3d of September, Col. Ingraham arrived to take command of the regiment. The greater portion of the time was now occupied in drilling. Col. Ingraham and Lieut.-Col. Wardwell were both thoroughly versed in military tactics; and the company-officers seconded their efforts in endeavoring to bring the regiment up to a high standard, in the manual of arms and in marching. Adjutant Loring kept a sharp look-out for the whereabouts of every button, and the polish of every shoe, on parade; and the surgeons enforced a strict attention to the rules of health and cleanliness in the quarters, and about the camp-ground. Thus the regiment was fairly started on its military career. What this training resulted in may perhaps be gathered from the following pages.

On the 5th of September, Co. K was detailed to guard Stuart’s hospital; and, as it marched out of the camp, its appearance showed the improvement that had already taken place in military bearing. Sept. 7, Mr. Stacy Read, arrived in the camp with parcels for the Cambridge companies, showing that the folks at home had not yet forgotten the absent ones; and as Mr. Read had manifested great interest in Co. F, that company, by unanimous vote, adopted the name of “Read Guard.”

CHAPTER II.

Leave Belger—Visit of Baltimore Ladies—Camp Cram—Religious Services—Drills—Band—Marching Orders—Camp Emory—Return of Co. K to Regiment—Cold Weather—Departure from Emory—Take Transports—Fortress Monroe—Target-Shooting—Washing in Salt Creek.

ON the 8th of September, orders came for the regiment to pack up, and be ready to march on the following morning. Rations were cooked, ammunition dealt out, and the tents struck and packed, Co. F remaining behind to guard the camp. Owing to a mistake of the guide, the regiment marched a number of miles out of its way, causing unnecessary fatigue.