January 17th, we received marching orders. Packed our knapsacks accordingly, filled our haversacks with rations, and prepared to march at an hour's notice. All things seemed to indicate a speedy move. Sunday, the 18th, passed by. Monday, the 19th, regiment after regiment passed our camp. Tuesday, the 20th, it was evident the "Grand Army" of the Potomac were in motion. This day, at "dress parade," an address from General Burnside was read to us, calling upon us once more to face the enemy. Our colonel had orders to move the regiment that night, or the following morning. At nightfall, the wind, which had been blowing from the south-east for two days, threatening rain, suddenly veered to the north-east, and culminated finally in a storm; consequently we remained in camp. It continued raining until the morning of January 23d, when it finally ceased.
CHAPTER V.
Since the storm of January 20th, 21st, and 22d, which will be remembered as defeating the plans of Gen. Burnside in his attempt to cross the Rappahannock, we had much stormy weather, pleasant days being rare curiosities. And although having been wonderfully favored with pleasant weather up to that time, it became certain we were to have the reverse of it, thereby making the old adage good, that "one extreme begets another."
It got to be a saying among us, that when the 12th Rhode Island Volunteers move, the storm ceases. The 23d was the appointed day for our regiment to go on picket. In the morning it rained, and showed no signs of clearing off, but immediately upon our regiment's moving the clouds began to disperse, and when we reached Falmouth, the sun came out; and at two, P. M., not a cloud was to be seen. We took up our quarters in an old meeting-house, on the heights of Falmouth, a situation overlooking the entire village, the city of Fredericksburg, and the river, for one mile in either direction. The village of Falmouth abounded at this time in sutlers, who still held their goods at exorbitant prices. The troops commenced their retrograde movement the morning of the 23d, and the road was thronged with batteries, baggage wagons, ambulances, and soldiers, moving to their old quarters. Just at nightfall I was in the village, and at that late hour, battery upon battery, ambulance upon ambulance, lined the street, hurrying back to their respective quarters. One need but to have seen this immense amount of war material on exhibition, as we were permitted to, to have been assured of the great strength and effectiveness of the Army of the Potomac, if properly directed. As the enemy were opposed to us at this place in large force, and disposed no doubt for desperate efforts, we expected soon a bloody struggle.
It was deferred by the interposition of a merciful Providence, through the agency of the "God of storms," until a more favorable time. Still I had faith to think that the enemy at this place would be obliged to yield to the immense force we were able to bring against him, and patiently waited the time that would bring shame and defeat to the enemy, and crown our arms with victory. Then can we in the fulness of our hearts and in all truthfulness say, that
"The star spangled banner in triumph does wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."
In the knowledge of the immense amount of power brought into action by both parties, in this sanguinary struggle, when the science and genius of nearly the whole world are turning their thoughts in this direction, forsaking other and more useful pursuits, some thoughts naturally suggest themselves.
I could not help thinking, that from time immemorial the differences of men upon approaching a certain point, when "forbearance ceases to be a virtue," have always culminated in this summary way of cutting, slashing, and braining one another. Still it seems very unfortunate that these things cannot be settled by other means. History makes no mention of other ways provided, so I trust we are following the appointed way, by laying on "tooth and nail."