Ozaukee County News Articles


OLD ARMY LETTERS

What The Boys Thought And Wrote AboutWhile Facing The Hopeful Enemy

Extracted from the
The Milwaukee Sunday Telegraph
October 10, 1886

Transcribed by Mary Ann Albrecht

Comments on Officers – Capture of Disheartened SouthCarolina Conscripts – Going to New York to Suppress Riots – A Patriotic MichiganSoldier Who Gave His Life For The Nation

Camp Pitcher, Near Falmouth, Va. March 3, 1863 – My Dear Brother: I get letters fromour brother occasionally and they amuse me very much; he is a regular Union "FireEater" and his letters fairly glow with patriotism. If a few of those, whomI might mention, rejoicing in the profits of "high places" were blessedwith half his zeal, 'twould be better far for our poor country. But then human natureis very imperfect, and it would, indeed, be passing strange if the events of nowshould not exhibit similar phases of man’s frail character, that we read of in thehistory of other times. We must not expect too much. We need clear heads, steadyhands, and true hearts in the ranks and above them. Great times have always producedparallel men, and we only need to go steadily on with this war, and the proper menwill be found for the exigency where we least expect them.

We have had somewhat of a "weeding out" among officers in this army, andI am right glad of it, for "Fighting Joe Hooker" is my beau ideal of asoldier; not that I believe that Burnside is a bad or even inefficient officer ifhe is unlucky. I don' like Sumner nor Franklin, nor never did. Did you read Kearney'sfamous letter? He called Sumner a "bull in a china shop," and saidthat his (Sumner's) only experience in the field was in Mexico where "from arear column he saw the distant flash of a guerrilla fight," and that Franklin'sbrain was "ossified in a four company garrison on the frontier." Kearney'sopinion is worth a good deal. Ah! My boy; he was a soldier! Our division won an immortalname while under his command, and the old 3rd was high in his favor. Joe Hooker commandedthe 2d division while Phil Kearney led the 1st division of the 3d corps under Heintzelmanduring the peninsular campaign. We were the fighting corps in those days. We arenow in the 3d brigade, 1st division, 3d corps. Col. Hayman, 37th New York, commandsthe brigade, Brigadier-General Birney the division, and Brig General Sickles thecorps (temporarily). That Dan Sickles is a brick. You probably remember how the radicalrepublicans tried to ride him down at first when the senate refused to confirm hisappointment as brigadier-general. He has fought his way upward and his enemies findhim irrepressible. I like Sickles because he never went to West Point, and I likeJoe Hooker because he can recognize merit in men who are not West Pointers. I seeby this morning's papers that the conscript bill has passed both houses - they aregetting sensible at last.

I am very sorry to hear of so much grumbling among our troops about the government.What if things don't go just right. Are we to jeopardize our own cause by nonsensicalquarrels among ourselves, while the slaveholders grin maliciously and exultinglyover our divisions? I hope not. It is the fault of congress that we are not paid,but the new financial measures will brighten matters up in a short time. This army- no matter what croakers may say - was never in better spirits or condition, andunder Fighting Joe I believe that we will retrieve our past. The treasury once inworking order under the new laws, and one important success of our arms either eastor west, and the clouds that darken our horizon will lift and once more our nationshall bask in the general sunshine of prosperity. He's a poor man who succumbs todisaster. Well you are gradually working down the river and may soon have that greatwater highway again under the "old flag." There are many wild rumors afloathere about the success of your "cut off" at Lake Providence, and we hopethat they are true. Remember me to all my acquaintances in the gallant old 16th (Wisconsin).I should like to have helped you thrash those rebs you speak of. It has never beenmy luck to get into a skirmish. Always a big fight or none. We had a good sight atthem at the battle of Fredericksburg, where five Georgia regiments charged upon the37th New York, and the Third, but with the help of a small battery we soon made themmake a very undignified retreat.

There is a good deal of talk about sending our regiment home to recruit. I can’ttell what our chances are, but they have sent home several regiments that were nomore reduced in numbers that ours, and we've been in as many battles as any of them.Oh, it would be a proud day for the old Third if it could march back into Grand Rapids,bearing the splendid banner, given us by the ladies of that place, now riddled bythe bullets of a dozen battles! How proudly we have borne that flag, and how faithfullyour brave boys have guarded it in every danger! There is no blot of dishonor on itsfair escutchcon! Not one.

James F. McGinley

Camp Curtin, Virginia, April 17, 1863 – Dear Brother:We moved camp two or three weeks ago and built good log quarters here, expectingto stay here for some time. These are the best quarters we have ever had. PresidentLincoln reviewed us lately, and our division turned out without arms to receive himbesides. The old chap looked much older and more careworn than when I last saw him,but Mrs. Lincoln's blooming looks testify that the "cares of state" restlightly upon her at least. Four corps were out the day we were reviewed, representinga force of 80,000 – probably 65,000 or 70,000 were not. The 1st corps was reviewedseparately and has a force of at least 35,000 men. The 11th and 12th corps lay aboutAquia Creek and were reviewed together and I am told that they are over 70,000 strong.Beside, 18,000 calvary-30 odd regiments-were reviewed in one body. You see we havean immense force, and if we can only get at the rebs in our strength-not "fightin driblets" as we have heretofore-we will surely win. Old Joe Hooker has beenour favorite general for some time and I think we have got a man to lead us at last.

We have now been under marching orders three days. We have packed up and turned overto the care of the Q.M. department, our overcoats and extra clothing, retaining onlya shirt, pair of drawers, socks and blanket. We have five days rations in knapsacksand three in haversack, and are to turn in our shelter tents, our rubbers answeringevery purpose. There are two or three pack mules with each regiment to carry ammunitionand the luggage of the officers. We never made such complete preparations for anadvance as we have this time. 14,000 cavalry started on the 15th inst., but we havehad a heavy rain since which may retard the movement somewhat. It is very evidentthat an important movement is to be made at once, and God grant we may be successful.This army was never in better spirits or condition.

* * *

Affairs seem to be culminating rapidly and the endcan not be far off. Our fleet have met a repulse at Charleston, but I think it willhave but little effect one way or the other who holds Charleston. Foster seems tobe in a fix in North Carolina, but I guess he will come out all right. I believethat those outside affairs are intended to divert the enemy from this point, andthat we are to strike the big blow when the opportunity offers. Whatever is our fate,be it victory or defeat, there is, for the sincere patriot, but one line of conduct,and that is to stand firm and "try again." Things without conscience maydesire "peace on any terms," but to men "in the likeness of theirMaker" annihilation is preferable to degradation. For my part, my country’sfortune is mine.

James F. McGinley

Camp Curtin, Va., June 6, 1863 – My Dear Sister:I, too, am very grateful to Almighty God for giving me such uninterrupted good health,for precious as health is to every one, it is inestimable to those who have stakedall for the Nation's life. I do hope that Grant will get Vicksburg. You say thatpeople want to know what this army is going to do in case Grant is successful. Ican't tell that. We may not gain any great victory, but we can contract to kill offour rebellious friends, over the way, faster than any other army in the United Stateswhen we get at them, and what we kill here will not have to be licked in the Southwest.There was quite a fight at Fredericksburg yesterday. Our forces crossed the riveragain and occupied the town.

James F. McGinley

Camp Curtin, Va., June 11, 1863 – Dear Brother:My commission came only two days after the promulgation of the order forbidding promotionsin small regiments; as it is I have received an honorary brevet as second lieutenantand act as such, still holding my place on the rolls as first sergeant of companyI. Hooker opposed the consolidation measure of the war department so strenuouslythat nothing has been done about it in this army. He called it "military suicide."Our governor was here a couple of weeks ago and promised to fill us with conscripts.If he does I will get my full rank and pay. Am very sorry to hear of the consolidationof the old 16th (Wisconsin) but neither your colonel nor any other man can reduceyou to the ranks without cause, and you are now, entitled to your discharge underthe consolidation act. Of course it is full as honorable to serve your country in the ranks as elsewhere, but that does not justify illegal proceedings, and when aman has fought his way to a higher place he naturally wants to stay there or go upanother notch. The latest news from Vicksburg is very flattering and I pray thatyou may be successful. You seem to think that McCellan is the only man to lead thisarmy, but I think we could not find any one who would do worse. We have just receivedorders to be ready to move at a moment's notice. One division of our army crossedthe river last Friday, just below Fredericksburg, and took over 100 prisoners andhave since been building rifle-pits. Sunday a secret expedition of 6,000 cavalryand four picked regiments of infantry, fell in with the enemy on the other side ofthe river opposite Rappahannock Station. The rebels were about 12,000 strong, butour boys routed them, capturing 200 prisoners and a stand of colors. There is everyevidence that we will soon have an active campaign.

James F. McGinley

In Camp Near Warrenton Junction, Va., November 2,1863 – Beloved Sister Kate: You have read about our falling back, no doubt, so thereis no use of my dilating upon it. After the reinforcements were sent west our retreatwas a foregone conclusion. Our division had three skirmishes with rebel cavalry inwhich we suffered but little. One day about 1500 of them got ahead of us on the roadand tried to stop us, but they paid dearly for their temerity. What a nice thrashingthe 2d corps gave them at Bristow’s Station. I was over the other day and saw overone hundred rebel graves. There are seven buried side by side out of one companyof a North Carolina regiment. We looked on at the fight from the heights of Centerville.

* * *

Yes, the old 3d was one of the regiments sent toNew York to cool off the rioters, and we did have a "good time" up there.We were sent from New York City to Albany and Troy. You ought to have seen how proudlythe boys marched up famous Broadway. I can assure you their brown visages scaredthe Copperheads out of all thoughts of resisting the draft, and the gleam of ourbayonets prevented their riotous thoughts from returning. The loyal people overwhelmedus with favors. I never knew how much a soldier amounted to before. We were dined,honored and petted ‘til we were nearly spoiled. Our regiment has just seven monthsmore to serve. That will not be long passing and then I’ll visit all ‘round at leastbefore "I’m off to the wars again."

* * *

Well, you have had the draft up there at last. Hopeit has "salted" some of the Copperhead leaders. It is rather too bad that"Rosey" had to be relieved, but after all there’s no denying that Grantis the man for the big work. Col. Mallon, of the 42d N.Y., acting brigadier-general,who was killed at Bristow’s Station, came out with our division and used to be Kearney’sadjutant-general. Didn’t Ohio settle old "Val" though. He’ll get tiredof "waiting and watching" over there, I guess. Such – and worse – be thefate of all Copperheads! The people will back old Abe as long as he don’t tread onthe "constitutional rights" of any but traitors, and the army shouts: "Bullyfor them!"

James F. McGinley

In Camp Near Culpepper, Va., Nov. 15, 1863 – MyDear Brother: We have some stirring times here lately, and we are likely to havemore of them before the holidays. Our brigade led the advance at Kelly’s Ford. Wecharged across the river – water up to our hips – drove the rebs from their riflepits, capturing 400 of them, losing only about 30 men. The prisoners were mostlyof the 24th and 30th North Carolina, and the 2d Georgia infantry regiments. The NorthCarolinans were exultant over their capture. One of them, a middle-aged man, cameup to our colors and looking at them with tears in his eyes, exclaimed: "Thegood old Stars and Stripes once more, thank God!" We were all much surprisedat the outburst of enthusiasm, but it was genuine feeling no doubt.

One old man, grey-haired and venerable, came up to me, seized my hand and shook itas if I had been his dearest friend, saying: "Lieutenant, I’m just where I’vewanted to be for a long time, and where I would have been long ago if I could!"He was from North Carolina, a conscript, and had been in the army but a few days.You ought to have seen our boys shaking hands and cracking jokes with the North Caroliniansafter the skirmish, while the Georgians looked grimly on. It was fun. Last Sundaywe drove the rebs across the Rapidan in a hurry. They had fine winter quarters, loghouses with shake roofs, etc., etc., all of which we are now enjoying. I have gota big tent of theirs and there is seven or eight others in the regiment. I sleepon a rebel bed, sit on a rebel chair, and write this on a table they so generouslydonated. They hadn’t time to stop for small matters you see.

It was a grand sight to see the Army of the Potomac "go for them," whenthey made a stand on a high ridge commanding a big plain near Brandy Station. Itwas the greatest military display I’ve witnessed in all my experience in the army.As I said, they were posted on a ridge; there was a plain between us two miles wideand four long without a fence. We halted behind a piece of woods until all the corpswere up, and then started across the plain. First a heavy skirmish line; then threelines of battle with intervals between columns; after the lines, regiments in columnby division, artillery in column in the intervals; then ten columns of infantry movingby the flank; in the intervals artillery, ammunition wagons and ambulances, all movingat a quick walk. As you may suppose, the rebels "limbered to the rear"not being disposed to try the shock of 60,000 men at once. In half an hour we hadpossession of the ridge and our flying artillery and cavalry were pitching into theflying rebel columns far in advance.

We had a hard storm of rain, thunder and lightning last night and this morning, butit is clear and cold this afternoon. While it was yet raining this morning, orderscame to be ready to move at a moment’s notice, and immediately afterwards artillerycommenced booming a couple of miles in advance. The fight, whatever it was, ragedquite fierce for about twenty minutes, but the firing soon became irregular and keptgetting farther and farther off, and at last died away in the distance. I have notlearned what it amounted to yet, but guess the cavalry have been having a bout, probablythe rebs are trying to find out where we are. As soon as the railroad bridge is finishedacross the Rappahannock, I think we’ll pitch into the enemy on the other side ofthe Rapidan, and then – may God protect the right!

Didn’t our folks get the start of the rebs nicely at Lookout Mountain? I saw someSouthern papers and they all growl considerable about it. By the way, you see Wisconsinhas done better than Ohio on the Union question. Good for the Badger state! Hurrahfor he 20,000!

* * *
Pile on the rails, stir up the coals,
And let the blaze flash higher;
They’re rebel rails, but still they make,
A right good Union fire!
* * *

James F. McGinley

EDITORIAL COMMENTS:

The soldier page contains several early war letters, which tell of the patriotismof the men in the field at the time. James McGinley, the writer, won his way fromthe ranks in a splendid regiment and gave his life in the Battle of Hatcher’s Run,while gallantly leading his company being the captain. He was a brother of D. E.McGinley of Saukville who was in the 16th Wisconsin.