Reminiscences, Incidents, Battles, Marches And Camp Life Of The Old 4th Michigan Infantry In War Of Part 2

We boarded a mail boat that plied between the landing and Fort Monroe, and with an escort, a turtle gun boat, started down the James, for Fort Monroe. On our way down, our boat was the target for Rebel guns along the bank of the river. The pilot house was sheeted over with iron, and when the musket b.a.l.l.s came in contact with the iron, it caused a terrible racket. At one place, a bend in the river, they had thrown up a redoubt, and had two pieces of cannon ranged on the river.

But our little turtle wiggled up, (gun boat,) and hurled a few sh.e.l.ls at them; causing them to limber up and skedaddle very sudden. We arrived all right at the Fort, took steamer for Baltimore, and to G.o.d's country. Recruiting was slow, for the old regiment men feared to enlist for it, as they would be pushed immediately to the front. I would prefer an old organization, as I would get the benefit of their experience. Whereas a new regiment, if pushed to the front, would labor under a great disadvantage.

A LITTLE "BLACK HORSE" CAVALRY, NO TERROR TO 4TH MICHIGAN BOYS.

A short time before first Bull Run fight, the 4th Michigan, with other regiments, were in camp at Cloud's Mills, Virginia, about 5 miles out from Alexandria, towards Fairfax Court House. Our pickets were well extended out, in above named direction. One day the writer, with about 20 of the Regiment were out towards Fairfax. We seen a small column of cavalry approaching with a flag of truce hoisted. As they drew near, it proved to be an escort of the famous Black Horse Cavalry. We were ranged all along the road as they pa.s.sed. They were conducting a man and woman to our lines. On their return, we encountered them again. I noticed the contrast between those Rebel troopers, their sullen and vindictive appearance, and compared them to the cheerful and wideawake countenance of our men. They pa.s.sed on towards Fairfax. We felt we could have cleaned them out in fifteen minutes. There was nothing about the Black Horse Cavalry, that was very terrifying. I saw better men and horses every day, of our brave troopers.

A LITTLE WAR CLOUD.

While the army was stationed along Arlington, from Chain Bridge, Potomac, to Alexandria, Virginia, the 4th Michigan occupied the ground in and about Fort Woodbury, on Arlington. Our picket line was extended out to, or near Minor's Hill, which we occupied, later on, in winter quarters, 1861-2. At one time, while our Regiment was doing guard duty, at above named place, picket firing was in order, with but little damage to either side, but very annoying. One morning, about day break, our doughty and valorous Captain George Spalding, formed about 20 of Company B, and started out to see what could be developed in our front. (By the way, our Captain Spalding was a brave man, a little reckless, but all wool and a yard wide.) We marched out in Indian file, the Captain leading. The writer being 1st Sergeant, was next. After going a half mile, and near the road running down the hill, east, and towards our approach, we saw at our right a picket stationed in a rail pile, put up in Chevron form. He fired his gun, and then took to his heels. Right at the end of the road, where it comes down the hill, the road turned abruptly to the south. Right in this angle the Rebel reserve picket lay. This was also their videt post. About 20 of the Johnnies lay in this elbow, and apparently asleep, for we were within 20 feet of them before they discovered us.

The shot of the picket on our approach woke them up. They were taken completely by surprise. They were a good deal excited, (also ourselves,) and broke for their rear. We fired a volley, with some effect. One burley Rebel, ran about ten rods, suddenly halted, turned around, brought his gun to shoulder, and fired. I think the shot was intended for our Captain, but missed him, and I being directly behind him, or a little to his left, the ball just grazed my right ear.

Before this Rebel could face to the rear, a shot from the gun of one Fisher, laid him low. Fisher jumped the fence and obtained his knapsack. The racket stirred up a nest of Rebels, over the hill. Soon we saw guns dance above the brow of the hill, as the Johnnies double-quicked up the slope, on the other side of the hill; they arrived in plain view, battalion front, a whole Regiment of them. Then we were admonished to git--and we did. They fired after us, but without effect. Right here was done some tall skedaddling, through brush, over logs and rough ground. This encroachment on their premises, made the Johnnies mad; they kept up a continual fusillade during the day.

Later on, after going into camp, at Minor's Hill, the Rebels tried to locate a battery about two miles to the west of our camp, and in plain view, a valley between. Two guns of a battery near our head quarters were unlimbered, and proceeded to sling sh.e.l.l over among them. Our fellows greeted them so lively, that the Johnnies were fain to limber up and steal away.

NOTE--The events narrated in these Reminiscences, are not in chronological order, but are facts all the same, as can be verified, and attested by others belonging to the Regiment.

EULOGY.

Comrades, I cannot close this imperfect recital, without saying a few words to you all. I am aware of my inability to do justice to the subject. I have omitted many incidents that happened while in service together. I can see you all as you used to appear on the march, in battle, and in the quiet camp. Your pranks and repartee are fresh in my memory. 45 of the numbers that made up the roster of Company B, were from our sister state, Indiana, and all comrades were true as steel. You all need to be proud of your record, and the part the glorious old 4th took in suppressing treason. A quarter of a century from now will close the roster for nearly all of us; a much shorter time for myself. Comrades, overlook what you may have seen amiss in me. We are all finite, none perfect. You were a splendid cla.s.s of men, and none braver. Your record will be handed down to your posterity, and they will point back to your probation here with pride. "My forefathers helped to throttle treason."

GOOD-BY COMRADES.