Adventures in the South

Adventures in the South
October 2009

I was lucky enough to head south in Mid -October and during that time I visited many Civil War Sites.

Chatham House
I stopped here first, not because I had planned to but because there Fredericksburg Website sent me to Chatham Road and this mansion. I would love to visit this place in nice weather. The gardens must be beautiful. The staff here were excellent. Although the focus of this house is not the CW, Lincoln and Washington both are said to have slept here.
Chatham garden

Fredericksburg
The staff were awesome and the film about the battle was well done. Because of rain, I didn’t venture too far from the Visitor Center. I did drive along the car tour and was amazed how many trenches were still visible for miles. I think there was more digging then fighting in these parts! Kind of odd, but there is a pyramid in the park!
vistor's center

trenches
pyramid


Spotsylvania Courthouse
No Visitor center here. Again lots of trenches. At least the rain had stopped long enough for me to get out a walk some here. Though the wind made it mighty cold. Record breaking cold in the area that day.
Bloody Angle


Wilderness
No Visitor center here. There is no doubt in my mind about how hard it was to travel in the woods here. The underbrush is dense. I read that it was worse 150 years ago. Lots of trenches. I wanted to go here before Walmart built a new store outside the gates. I gotta tell you, there is enough stores at that intersection where Walmart won’t make it that much worse. Still, would rather Not have more buildings there.

Wilderness VT Monument


Chancellorsville
Again, great staff. I really liked the museum, though the film was a little dated. I visited the house that the area is named after.




Cedar Creek
Although I was on the battlefield for the 145th Anniversary Event, I never got to the plantation or the visitor center. I had planned to after the event on Monday. Although both places had posted they were open Mondays, neither were that day! Bummer.
On the Battlefield


Arlington House
OMG! I got a personalize tour of the building, despite it being under renovation. There was CW graffiti and ghost stories.





Arlington National Cemetery
I went to section 1 and the Confederate cemetery. Also saw the changing of the guard and a wreath laying cemetery. I didn’t realize the shear size of the place. There are 25 burials each day.



Manasses
I was honored with a tour of the Battlefield by the former Superintendent of the park. Bob is now the Chief Historian of the National Park Service. This man has an amazing knowledge of Manassas. We were privileged enough to visit areas of the park not open to the public, including visits to closed buildings. Bob also explained how and why the park is set up the way it is. We even drove to secluded areas of the park. The Visitor center has a great battle map and I recommend seeing the movie offered there (at an additional cost). I even got to see graffiti carved into the wood floor of Stone House by wounded men from the second battle.

graffiti

Christmas During the Civil War

The first Christmas tree in America was erected in Cleveland, Ohio in 1851, so most likely you would have had at least one prior to the war. Most decorations would have been made at home and were very simple, such as dried and sugared nuts and fruits, popcorn balls and string. Colored paper, wax ribbon, spun glass, and silver foil ornaments were also popular. Ornaments were made in the shape of doll faces, angels, the Christ Child, and animals. Most trees sat on the table top. Unwrapped presents would be placed under them. Without a doubt, the Christmas tree was the centerpiece of the home. The entire house would have been decorated with greenery such as fir, pine, holly, ivy, and mistletoe.

Songs such as "Silent Night," "Oh Come All Ye Faithful," "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," and "Deck the Halls" were popular. "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" was written in 1850, and other songs such as "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "Away in a Manger," "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," and "Up on the Housetop" soon followed.

The Christmas Card started in 1844 and must have been dearly prized during the war!

Tally Simpson a member of the 3rd South Carolina Volunteer wrote his sister from Fredericksburg trenches.

From: Tally Simpson, Camp near Fredricksburg
To: Anna Simpson
Camp near Fred'burg
Dec 25th, 1862

My dear Sister

This is Christmas Day. The sun shines feebly through a thin cloud, the air is mild and pleasant, [and] a gentle breeze is making music through the leaves of the lofty pines that stand near our bivouac. All is quiet and still, and that very stillness recalls some sad and painful thoughts.

This day, one year ago, how many thousand families, gay and joyous, celebrating Merry Christmas, drinking health to absent members of their family, and sending upon the wings of love and affection long, deep, and sincere wishes for their safe return to the loving ones at home, but today are clad in the deepest mourning in memory to some lost and loved member of their circle. If all the dead (those killed since the war began) could be heaped in one pile and all the wounded be gathered together in one group, the pale faces of the dead and the graons of the wounded would send such a thrill of horror through the hearts of the originators of this war that their very souls would rack with such pain that they would prefer being dead and in torment than to stand before God with such terrible crimes blackening their characters. Add to this the cries and wailings of the mourners - mothers and fathers weeping for their sons, sisters for their brothers, wives for their husbands, and daughters for their fathers - [and] how deep would be the convictions of their consciences.

Yet they do not seem to think of the affliction and distress they are scattering broadcast over the land. When will this war end? Will another Christmas roll around and find us all wintering in camp? Oh! That peace may soon be restored to our young but dearly beloved country and that we may all meet again in happiness.

But enough of these sad thoughts. We went on picket in town a few days ago. The pickets of both armies occupy the same positions now as they did before the battle. Our regt was quartered in the market place while the others occupied stores and private houses. I have often read of sacked and pillaged towns in ancient history, but never, till I saw Fredricksburg, did I fully realize what one was. The houses, especially those on the river, are riddled with shell and ball. The stores have been broken open and deprived of every thing that was worth a shilling. Account books and nots and letters and papers both private and public were taken from their proper places and scattered over the streets and trampled under feet. Private property was ruined. Their soldiers would sleep in the mansions of the wealthy and use the articles and food in the house at their pleasure. Several houses were destroyed by fire. Such a wreck and ruin I never wish to see again.

Yet notwithstanding all this, the few citizens who are now in town seem to be cheerful and perfectly resigned. Such true patriots are seldom found. This will ever be a noted place in history.

While we were there, Brig Genl Patrick, U.S.A., with several of his aides-de-camp, came over under flag of truce. Papers were exchanged, and several of our men bought pipes, gloves, &c from the privates who rowed the boat across. They had plenty of liquor and laughed, drank, and conversed with our men as if they had been friends from boyhood.

There is nothing new going on. I am almost dead to hear from home. I have received no letters in nearly three weeks, and you can imagine how anxious I am. The mails are very irregular. I hope to get a letter soon. Dunlap Griffin is dead, died in Richmond of wounds received in the last battle. Capt Hance is doing very well. Frank Fleming is in bad condition. (He has been elected lieutenant since he left.)

Write to me quick right off. I wish to hear from you badly. Remember me to my friends and relatives, especially the Pickens and Ligons. Hoping to hear from you soon I remain

Your bud
Tally

Happy Holidays to all my friends!

Third Maine Volunteer Infantry History

3rd Maine Gerrysburg Monument

REGIMENT:
3rd Infantry Regiment Maine

Date of Organization:
4 Jun 1861

Muster Date:
28 Jun 1864

Regiment State:
Maine

Regiment Type:
Infantry

Regiment Number:
3rd

Enlisted Died of Disease or Accident:
10

Officers Died of Disease or Accident:
1

Enlisted Killed or Mortally Wounded:
124

Enlisted Died of Disease or Accident:
148

Regimental Soldiers and History:
Regimental History
MAINE THIRD INFANTRY(Three Years)Third Infantry--
Col., Oliver O. Howard; Lieut.-Col., Isaac N. Tucker; Maj., Henry G. Staples.

This regiment responded to the first call for troops with promptness and alacrity. It was rendezvoused on the state house grounds at Augusta and was composed mainly of Kennebec lumbermen. The regiment was most fortunate in having for its colonel Oliver O. Howard, who rose rapidly to the rank of major-general and gained for himself a name distinguished among the nation's heroes. During the long three years' service the regiment was successively commanded by Maj. Staples and Capt. Moses B. Lakeman of Co. I, Lieut.-Col. Tucker having resigned to become brigade quartermaster. On the resignation of Lieut.-Col. Tucker, Capt. Sampson of Co. D, Capt. Lakeman and Adjt. Burt served as lieutenant-colonel in the order named. Succeeding Henry G. Staples as major were Adjt. Burt and Capt. William C. Morgan.

Of the original companies of the regiment Co. A (Bath City Greys) had existed under former militia laws and the others were new organizations. The regiment was mustered into the United States service on June 4, 1861, and left the state for the front the next day. Perhaps no regiment from the state saw more fighting or rendered more distinguished service.

From the first battle of Bull Run, until the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864, the regiment participated in most of the important battles and movements of the Army of the Potomac. The operations of the so-called "Stove-Pipe Artillery" commenced with this regiment. While encamped at Flag Hill, Va., they employed the ruse of mounting a stove-pipe on wheels, and drew 12 shots from the enemy at their cannon.

The loss of the 3d in killed and wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks was nearly one-third of the men engaged. It was in this engagement that Sergt.-Maj. F. W. Haskell of Waterville so gre

atly distinguished himself as to win the commendation of his colonel and of the entire regiment. The 3d gave an excellent account of itself in the battle of Gettysburg. At the close of the second day's fighting Gen. Sickles declared that, "The little 3d Me. saved the army today." Its loss at Gettysburg was 113 killed, wounded and missing.

On the return of the regiment to Augusta, June 11, 1864, only 17 officers and 176 enlisted men were left to be mustered out. Sixty-four of these men reenlisted, and together with the recruits were transferred to the 17th Me. Not one of the original field and staff officers returned with the regiment and only one of the original captains--the veteran Moses B. Lakeman--who returned in command of the regiment.
Source: The Union Army, vol. 1

Gettysburg after battle report:

Reports of Col. Moses B. Lakeman, Third Maine Infantry.
Near Warrenton, Va.,
July 27, 1863.

Capt.: I have the honor to submit the following report of thepart taken by my regiment at the battle of Gettysburg, Pa., on the2d instant: By order, I formed my regiment in line of battle parallel to andfacing the Emmitsburg road, on the right of the brigade, at earlymorn. Soon after, by order of Gen. Ward, I moved my regimentas a support for a body of sharpshooters, under command of Col.Berdan, to whom I was ordered to report, by Capt. Briscoe, ofGen. Birney's staff.

Advancing to and for some distance on the Emmitsburg road, I approached a dense wood on the west side of the road, and on enteringit formed my regiment (as ordered) to support the advancingline of skirmishers, and followed at supporting distance. They soon, however, became hotly engaged, and, by order of Col. Berdan, I advanced double-quick to the line they occupied, and instantly formed my regiment under a heavy fire from the enemy, which wereturned with a good will. Here I labored under a decided disadvantage, which will account for my heavy loss. The skirmishers were well secured behind trees, while my battalion filled the intervals. The enemy showed himself in overwhelming force, but so well did we hold our position that his advance was much checked and very disastrous, and not until ordered by Col. Berdan to fallback did a single man leave the ranks, with the exception of thoses lightly wounded, when I retired, giving an occasional volley to check his advance, which now became quicker.

I was obliged to leave my dead and seriously wounded on the field, and on arriving at the road formed my regiment, which had gottensomewhat confused from loss of men and obstructions in our retreat. This engagement was short but very severe, and serves to give me a renewal of confidence in the men I command. I sustained a loss of 48 in killed, wounded, and missing. While on the move to join my brigade, I received an order from Gen. Birney to take position in a peach orchard on the right of my previous one, and accordingly moved my regiment there and occupiedit. Here I was enabled several times during the day to repulse the enemy's skirmishers (who seemed very anxious to drive usfrom it), and also to seriously harass the left flank of their advancing columns to the position which the other regiments of the brigade were holding, changing my front as circumstances required. In this position my regiment lay about midway between our own and the enemy's batteries, and a few of my command were more or less seriously injured from the frequent explosion of shells immediately over us.I was heavily pressed in front and on my right flank about 4 p.m., but succeeded in repulsing, with considerable loss, the force, which was much greater than mine, and sent them flying back to their covers. An hour later they came forward again with a force much greater than before, but I engaged them and held them for som efifteen minutes, when I received a severe flank fire on my left.

I then saw a large force marching round to cut me off, and ordered my regiment to retire, and while doing so we received a most distressing fire, which threw my command into much confusion, and mixing them up with a portion of the First Brigade, which was also fallingback.I regret to report the loss of my national colors, for no men fought harder under it that day than did my regiment, but Capt. Keene, of the color company, and his first and only lieutenant, Henry Penniman, fell, the former pierced by four bullets, the latter severely wounded in the leg. The color-bearer fell, wounded; 2 of the guardwere killed, and 4 others seriously wounded; and, as darkness was fast approaching, I did not miss it till the following morning. If I had, they would have had me and my little squad or I would have had my flag. As soon as I could rally the remains of my shattered regiment, I joined the brigade, and the men lay on their arms during the night. I am proud to say the conduct of my officers and men through out the entire day is deserving the highest praise. Their coolness and courage in resisting a force which they could plainly see was four times their number I cannot pass over lightly, but feel somewhat recompensed for my loss by the knowledge that the few I have left are of the same material as the gallant spirits that have fallen. I entered the engagement of the morning with 14 officers and 196 rifles, and lost during the day 113 killed, wounded, and missing, including Maj. Lee wounded, Capt. Keene killed, &c., a list of which has already been sent to headquarters. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MOSES B. LAKEMAN,Col., Comdg. Third Maine Regt.
Capt. John M. Cooney,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Brig., First Div., Third Corps.
------------------------------------------------------------------


Hdqrs. Third Maine Regt., July 27, 1863.

Col.:
I herewith respectfully report the movements of myregiment under your command at the battle of Gettysburg, on the 3d, 4th, and 5th instant. On or about noon of the 3d instant, I was, by order from Gen.Ward, sent as support to the Second Division of the Second Corps, which was being heavily pressed by the enemy, but who had succeeded in repulsing them before my arrival. I reported to Gen.Webb, and placed my regiment, as ordered by him, in support of abattery in our front, but our services were not required throughoutthe p. m. or night. Early on the morning of the 4th instant, I, with the Fourth Maine, Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania, and Twentieth Indiana Regt.'s, advanced to the front, sending forward the skirmishers of the Second Corps, and, taking position on the Emmitsburg road, previously the skirmish line, relieved the skirmishers in my front, thereby being supported by, instead of supporting, the Second Corps. Quite brisk skirmishing took place during the day, but without loss, I am happy to state, to my regiment. I remained on this line until about 12 m. on the 5th, when I retired to the position occupied the previous morning, leaving my skirmishers still to the front, when, finding the enemy had gone, my skirmishers were relieved, and I, with the other regiments, joined thebrigade. Respectfully submitted.

MOSES B. LAKEMAN,Col., Comdg. Third Maine Regt.
P. S.--Permit me to add that the conduct of my officers and men throughout the whole of the trying engagement was admirable in the extreme, and they are highly deserving of special mention.S ource: Official Records: Series I. Vol. 27. Part I. Reports. Serial No. 43

Battles Fought
Fought on 21 Jul 1861 at Bull Run, VA.
Fought on 22 Jul 1861.
Fought on 2 Apr 1862.
Fought on 2 May 1862.
Fought on 31 May 1862 at Fair Oaks, VA.
Fought on 15 Jun 1862.
Fought on 29 Jun 1862 at Richmond, VA.
Fought on 30 Jun 1862.
Fought on 1 Jul 1862 at Malvern Hill, VA.
Fought on 2 Jul 1862 at Malvern Hill, VA.
Fought on 4 Jul 1862 at MS River.
Fought on 29 Aug 1862 at 2nd Bull Run, VA.
Fought on 30 Aug 1862 at 2nd Bull Run, VA.
Fought on 31 Aug 1862 at 2nd Bull Run, VA.
Fought on 1 Sep 1862 at Chantilly, VA.
Fought on 30 Sep 1862.
Fought on 4 Nov 1862.
Fought on 13 Dec 1862 at Fredericksburg, VA.
Fought on 14 Dec 1862 at Fredericksburg, VA.
Fought on 1 May 1863 at Chancellorsville, VA.
Fought on 2 May 1863 at Chancellorsville, VA.
Fought on 3 May 1863 at Chancellorsville, VA.
Fought on 15 Jun 1863 at Richmond, VA.
Fought on 15 Jun 1863.
Fought on 20 Jun 1863 at Gum Springs.
Fought on 20 Jun 1863.
Fought on 1 Jul 1863 at Gettysburg, PA.
Fought on 2 Jul 1863 at Gettysburg, PA.
Fought on 3 Jul 1863 at Gettysburg, PA.
Fought on 22 Jul 1863.
Fought on 27 Sep 1863.
Fought on 9 Nov 1863 at Kelly's Ford, VA.
Fought on 1 May 1864.
Fought on 5 May 1864 at Wilderness, VA.
Fought on 6 May 1864 at Wilderness, VA.
Fought on 8 May 1864 at Spotsylvania Court House, VA.
Fought on 10 May 1864 at Spotsylvania Court House, VA.
Fought on 12 May 1864 at Spotsylvania Court House, VA.
Fought on 15 May 1864 at Spotsylvania Court House, VA.
Fought on 23 May 1864 at North Anna River, VA.
Fought on 25 May 1864.
Fought on 30 May 1864.
Fought on 31 May 1864.
Fought on 1 Jun 1864 at Cold Harbor, VA.
Fought on 4 Jun 1864 at Cold Harbor, VA.
Fought on 16 Jun 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 17 Jun 1864 at Petersburg, VA.