Read Ebook: The story of the Thirty Eighth regiment of Massachusetts volunteers by Powers George Whitefield

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and even in the North, there were not wanting those, who, by word and deed, gave countenance to the foes of the country, and discouraged every loyal effort.

But neither defeat, mismanagement, foreign jealousy, nor domestic treason, caused the President to swerve from his determination to restore the supremacy of the government over the whole country. Availing himself of the power granted him by the Constitution and by Congress, he had called three hundred thousand volunteers into the field for three years; and, while each State was using all its energies in raising its quota, a new call was issued on the 4th of August for three hundred thousand volunteers for nine months. In Massachusetts, it seemed at first impossible to raise this additional force without resorting to a draft. But the towns vied with each other in filling their quotas. Public meetings were held; processions, with banners, and bands of music, paraded the streets; patriotic songs were sung in the churches, and stirring appeals made from the pulpit; and liberal promises were made to care for friends left behind.

The young men of Massachusetts responded promptly to the calls upon their patriotism. Leaving their counting-rooms, workshops, and studies,--with professions and trades half-learned, and business prospects broken up,--they went into the ranks, to undergo the hardships of a soldier's life, and submit themselves to an unaccustomed and often irksome discipline.

Before the end of the year, Massachusetts had put twenty-one new regiments of infantry and several batteries into the field, beside sending a large number of recruits into all the old organizations. Among these regiments was the Thirty Eighth. Without claiming undue merit for the motives or the deeds of the members of this regiment, or exalting them at the expense of other troops, it may be said that few of them enlisted without making pecuniary sacrifices to a greater or less extent; and the local bounty of a hundred dollars did little more than provide them a comfortable outfit, and purchase the numerous articles then considered necessary for a soldier's comfort.

The men composing the Thirty Eighth were gathered from various towns and counties; and the majority of them were brought together for the first time upon their arrival at camp. Seven of the companies rendezvoused at Camp Stanton, Lynnfield, and three at Camp Day, in North Cambridge. Owing to this division of the regiment, a little confusion existed at first in regard to the letters by which the several companies should be designated; but this matter was amicably settled upon the arrival of the regiment at Baltimore; and, in speaking of the companies in this sketch, the letters by which they were finally known will be used entirely.

Co. A was raised in Cambridgeport; Co. B, principally in East Cambridge; Co. C, in Abington; Co. D, in various towns in Plymouth County; Co. E, in Lynn; Co. F, in Cambridgeport; Co. G, in various parts of Plymouth County; Co. H, in New Bedford and Falmouth; Co. I, in Milton, Dedham, Medway, Wrentham, and other places; and Co. K represented as many as fifteen cities and towns. In nearly all the companies there were men who belonged in places not mentioned here, as will be seen by the roster appended to this sketch. Although the regiment was thus collected from various localities, harmony always prevailed. Common dangers, common sufferings, and common triumphs, drew the members more closely together as the numbers decreased; and, when the final disbandment came, all separated with the most friendly feelings.

As soon as the various town quotas were filled, they were sent into camp, and organized into companies and regiments.

The recruits for the Thirty Eighth were under the command of Major D. K. Wardwell, who was commissioned lieutenant-colonel before leaving the State, and who enjoyed a high reputation for courage and practical military knowledge. Col. Ingraham, holding a commission at the time as lieutenant-colonel of the Eighteenth Massachusetts, had been commissioned for the Thirty Ninth; but was afterwards transferred to the Thirty Eighth. Upon the promotion of Major Wardwell, Capt. William L. Rodman, of Co. H, was commissioned to fill the vacancy. During the stay of the regiment at Lynnfield, many of the men were absent on furloughs, and new recruits were being constantly added, so that little progress was made in drill.

While the seven companies were thus occupied at Lynnfield, Cos. A, B, and F were being introduced to military life at Camp Day, in North Cambridge. The camp at that time was crowded with recruits for the various regiments and batteries in the field; and as the accommodations were limited, the men of the Thirty Eighth were furloughed nearly every night, reporting at sunrise in the morning.

Monday, Aug. 18, by invitation of the citizens of Cambridge, the volunteers visited that city. During the afternoon, many of the places of business were closed, flags were hoisted, and a procession, composed of delegates from the military and fire departments, the Cambridge and Irving Literary Associations, the printing-offices, and police, accompanied by the city government and a numerous concourse of citizens, escorted the volunteers through the principal streets of East Cambridge and Cambridgeport to the City Hall, where an address was delivered by the mayor; and from thence to Williams Hall, where a fine collation was served.

It had been expected that Cos. A, B, and F would join the regiment at Lynnfield, before leaving the State, and orders were daily looked for to that effect. But another course was pursued by the military authorities. The companies at Lynnfield were mustered into the United States service on the 21st, at that place. On the 22d, Capt. McLaughlin mustered in the Cambridge companies at Camp Day.

The seven companies were furnished with arms and equipments at Lynnfield; and, during the forenoon of the 26th of August, the regimental line was formed, Lieut.-Col. Wardwell in command. The day was a hot one; and, as the men had not yet acquired the art of packing knapsacks and wearing equipments to the best advantage, many of them were prostrated by the heat. They were transported in the cars to Boston, and marched across the city to the Worcester depot, where a special train was in readiness to take them. Cos. A, B, and F, not making their appearance at the appointed time, this portion of the regiment embarked at once, and proceeded on their way.

In the meantime, Camp Day was all alive. The dinner was on the fire, when the orders to march were received. Hastily packing knapsacks, the three companies were soon in line. The citizens of Cambridge had provided horse-cars to convey them to Boston; but, in the first flush of military spirit, they voted to march. The knapsacks, filled to overflowing with innumerable articles then considered essential to a soldier's well-being, bore heavily on the backs of the new recruits; and without arms and equipments, and not fully uniformed, the column had not a very military aspect as it marched down Main Street. Dusty and tired, the halt in Cambridgeport was a welcome one; and justice was done to the collation provided by the city.

Bidding the last good-bys, and followed by the good wishes of relatives and friends, the three companies continued their march. Upon arriving in Boston, it was found that Lieut.-Col. Wardwell had already started; but, after a short delay, another train was made up, and the regiment overtaken at New London. Quarters were provided on the cabin floors of the steamer, and the blankets spread for the first time. The fatigue and excitement of the day brought a good night's rest, and every one awoke in the morning refreshed; the decks being soon covered with men, enjoying the scenery of the river, as the steamer approached New York; while, from the cottages along the banks, loyal women waved a patriotic God-speed to the volunteers.

Passing by New York, the regiment landed at Jersey City; and there being a scarcity of transportation, a portion of the regiment did not get away until afternoon. The companies from Camp Day had received no rations before leaving; and the crowd of hucksters, with which the place swarmed, reaped a rich harvest. Mr. J. C. Wellington, of Cambridge, came on with the regiment, and one company was indebted to him for a bountiful supply of hot coffee,--the first of a series of kindnesses conferred upon that company and the regiment, when in garrison and field, which made his presence always a welcome one.

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 ; 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."

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.

Co. F marched up the next day. Before leaving Camp Belger, this company was visited by some Union ladies from Baltimore, who regaled them with roast meat, peaches, tomatoes, and biscuits.

The new camp, called Camp Cram, was about seven miles from Baltimore, near the village of Powhattan, and in a position to guard the Liberty turnpike. The rebels were then threatening Maryland with a large force; and strict orders were issued regarding vigilance on guard and picket, and the importance of keeping a sharp look-out for spies. One day, a vigilant sentinel seized a suspicious-looking personage, and brought him to the officer of the guard. He proved to be a Baltimore clergyman, and preached to the regiment the following Sunday.

The tents were pitched on a rising ground, shaded by large trees. In front of the camp, the ground sloped down to the Powhattan Creek; and the battalion drills up and down this declivity developed the muscles of the men, who were then little aware of the need they should have of good, stout limbs to carry them through the pine woods of Louisiana.

The regiment having no chaplain, religious services were performed on the Sabbath by Col. Ingraham, according to the Episcopal usage; and social religious meetings were conducted by Private Mudge, of Co. E. The Sabbath services were attended by citizens from the surrounding country, and they usually stopped to see the parade. Some of the companies had not been furnished with uniform pants in Massachusetts, and as it was a good while before any could be procured, it may be imagined that these necessary articles of apparel began to show signs of wear, and it required some manoeuvring on the part of line officers to get presentable men in the front rank. Any other view of the regiment on one of these parades might not have added to its reputation. When the new pants arrived, they were received with a round of cheers.

A thorough system of drills began at Camp Cram,--squad, company, battalion, and skirmish; and, at the close of those warm October days, the arbitrary "taps" fell on willing ears. The skirmish drills were conducted by Lieut.-Col. Wardwell, and were a relief to the monotony of the battalion and company drill.

The subject of a band had been agitated in the regiment from the time of their first going into camp; and measures had been taken to procure instruments. They were received during the last week in September, and the band made their first appearance on parade, Saturday, Sept. 27. This attraction drew an increased number of visitors from the surrounding country, especially on the Sabbath; and the camp was enlivened by the presence of country dames, in their holiday attire, who, during the week, had done a thriving business in selling pies and apple-butter to the soldiers. Co. K, in the meantime, having performed the duty required of them very acceptably, had returned to the regiment, with an improvement in drill which caused increased emulation among the other companies, and raised the standard of military acquirements still higher in the command.

While the Thirty Eighth were thus acquiring proficiency in drill, and inuring themselves to life in the open air, stirring scenes were being enacted within cannon sound. The distant boom of the guns at Antietam were heard in camp; and orders were looked for every day, which would send the regiment to the front. One gallant Massachusetts regiment , that had left the State but a few days previous to the Thirty Eighth, had already been in the thick of the fight, and had lost heavily.

In a few weeks, the tide of war again rolled northwards, and the troops of Stonewall threatened Pennsylvania. On the 11th of October, the Thirty Eighth received orders to be ready to move the next day. Tired of the monotony of camp-life, the news was received joyously; and the camp rang with the shouts of those to whom the unknown perils of the battle-field had a strange fascination. Far into the night, busy hands were at work packing knapsacks; and many an article which kind but inexperienced friends at home had considered indispensable to their soldier-boy's comfort was left behind.

Early Sunday morning, Oct. 12, the regiment broke camp, and began the march toward Baltimore. No one would have recognized this body of drilled soldiers, with neatly packed knapsacks, marching with steady step and closed ranks, as the procession of awkward recruits who passed through the same streets less than six weeks previously; and in after times, when disease and battle had reduced them to a remnant, the survivors of the column looked sadly back in memory upon that October morning, when the long line followed its commander over the Maryland hills.

Marching through the city of Baltimore, the regiment took the cars for Chambersburg, but had not proceeded a mile, when the orders were countermanded, the train called back, and the troops disembarked. Quarters were procured in the machine-shops for the night; and the next morning, after breakfasting at the Union Relief Rooms, the regiment marched to Camp Emory, on the outskirts of the city, on property owned by the relatives of Charles Carroll, of Revolutionary fame. The One Hundred and Twenty Eighth New York had been encamped on a part of the ground, but had gone to Chambersburg, leaving a lofty flagstaff and a pile of boards for tent-floors, both of which were appropriated at once by the Thirty Eighth; but upon the return of the former regiment, the flagstaff was returned, and a loftier one procured, which was afterwards transferred to the One Hundred and Fiftieth New York.

The old routine of drill was now resumed. Col. Emory commanded the division to which the Thirty Eighth was assigned; and the men here first saw the stout old soldier who afterwards became such a favorite leader.

On the 28th of October, an order came from Gen. Wool for one company to go to Baltimore on special service. Co. F went through the city on the double-quick, with loaded muskets and fixed bayonets; but their services were not required, and they came back to camp rather disgusted at having added nothing new to the fame of the regiment. It was rumored in the camp, that some one had insulted the hostler of a general, and a squadron of cavalry and a body of infantry were ordered out to avenge it.

While at Camp Emory, the regiment received a visit from the Rev. Mr. Ware, of Cambridge, a gentleman who always manifested great interest in its welfare, and whose kindness will long be remembered by its members.

In this camp, the companies drilled daily in "reversed arms," for the purpose of attending the funeral of some officer who had died, or was expected to die. But their services were never called for; and it became one of the regimental legends that the officer had refused to die upon hearing that the Thirty Eighth were drilling for the purpose of burying him.

Toward the end of October, the weather began to get cool, and every one looked uneasily forward to a winter in tents in Maryland; but as a new well was almost completed, and a new guard-house begun, the men still had hopes of getting away. Col. Ingraham was now acting brigade-commander, and Lieut.-Col. Wardwell in command of the regiment; and brigade and division drills took place several times a week.

During the first week in November, marching orders were received, and preparations were made to embark on ocean transports; but the regiment did not break camp until Sunday, the 9th. A few days previous, there had been a severe snow-storm, which would have done honor to Massachusetts; and every one was eager to get into a warmer climate. Just before the cold weather, Mr. Wellington, of Cambridge, had visited the camp, and furnished each of the members of Co. F with a pair of gloves, a present from Mr. Stacy Read. The band of the One Hundred and Fiftieth New York escorted the regiment through the streets of Baltimore to the Union Relief Rooms, where a good meal was furnished them. Quarters for the night were found in unoccupied houses; and the next day the regiment was taken down Chesapeake Bay in small steamers, and transferred to the steamship Baltic, which had been selected by Gen. Emory as his flag-ship. The ship stopped a short time off Annapolis to take on board two companies of the One Hundred and Thirty First New York, and then proceeded to Fortress Monroe, arriving at Hampton Roads on the morning of the 8th.

The victories of Farragut had not yet added their brilliant record to the achievements of our navy; and the scene of the little "Monitor's" victory, and of the "Cumberland's" glorious death, was eagerly studied, while one of the officers, who had been an eye-witness to the engagement, related the story to a group of interested listeners.

For nearly a month, the regiment remained on shipboard at Hampton Roads, occasionally going on shore to practice target-shooting and to drill. An amusing incident occurred at this time, the memory of which will bring a smile to many a face. There had been no facilities for washing clothes since leaving Camp Emory, and the regiment had not yet roughed it long enough to become accustomed to dirt; so one day, when it was announced that the knapsacks were to be taken on shore, and an opportunity given to wash clothes in fresh water, soap became in demand, and all anticipated one more cleaning up before going into the field. A tiresome march through the streets of Old Point Comfort, by the "contraband" village rising around the chimneys of ruined Hampton, brought the regiment to the vicinity of a creek; and soon the bank was lined with busy washers. But the soap furnished by Uncle Samuel had no effect upon the dirt contracted on his transports. Suddenly some one discovered that the creek was a salt-water one. The washing fever subsided, and the regiment went back wiser, but very little cleaner.

Day after day slipped by, and still there was no movement. On the 18th of the month, the regiment received their first visit from the paymaster, being paid off on the deck of the ship. The companies changed quarters more than once on board the "Baltic," and had the opportunity to test the comparative hardness of nearly all the beams in the ship. It required skill in gymnastics to go from the bunks to the deck without coming in contact with some animate or inanimate body.

At length, the "horses came on board," and the signs of departure seemed to multiply. Lieut.-Col. Wardwell resigned before the regiment left Fortress Monroe; and his resignation was accepted, to take effect from Dec. 3. Major Rodman succeeded to the vacant lieutenant-colonelcy, to date from Dec. 4; and Capt. Richardson, of Co. A, was promoted major. The two companies of the One Hundred and Thirty First had been transferred to another ship, and the Thirty Eighth had the Baltic to themselves.

Departure from Fortress Monroe--Sea-voyage--Arrival at Ship Island--Christmas Day--Embark for New Orleans--Up the Mississippi--Land at Carrollton--Camp Kearney--Col. Ingraham in command of Brigade--Plaquemine Expedition--Unpleasant Duty--Break Camp, preparatory to taking the Field.

Thursday morning, Dec. 8, everything was astir in Hampton Roads. Important little tug-boats sputtered and whistled; quartermasters' boats brought off their last supplies of fresh bread and meat; and tardy officers joined their regiments. About nine o'clock, A. M., the Atlantic weighed anchor, and led the way to sea, followed, at intervals, by the Ericcsson, the Spaulding, the Arago, the Pocahontas, and others of the fleet. Slowly steaming between Fortress Monroe and the Rips Raps, their decks covered with troops, and their flags blowing out clear in the fresh breeze, the ships presented a fine sight. About four o'clock, the Baltic weighed anchor, and followed the fleet, the gun-boat Augusta bringing up the rear, as convoy. Of course, the destination was the great theme, and rumors flew thick and fast, but nothing definite was learned.

The weather was very beautiful; and the men thronged the deck, reading, writing, and watching the movements of the strange fishes and birds which occasionally made their appearance. There was comparatively little sea-sickness, and the general health of the regiment was good. The cooking facilities were poor. The galley, in which coffee was boiled, and salt-beef cooked for a thousand men, was of the smallest proportions; and those who went through that voyage have a vivid remembrance of "big Charlie" bending over the meat-boiler. Notwithstanding the inconveniences, there was little grumbling; and the division commander expressed himself well pleased at the orderly conduct of the men. Charleston, Pensacola, and Mobile were passed, and still the ship kept on her course. At length, the appearance of a large fleet, hovering around a low island, told that the destination was reached. The place of rendezvous proved to be Ship Island, much to the disgust of the regiment, who had conceived a strong dislike against this place. In truth, it looked as if a large wave might wash the whole concern, with its military storehouses and fort, into the Gulf of Mexico. Here it was learned that New Orleans was the destination; and, as the Baltic drew too much water to cross the bar off the mouth of the Mississippi, the Thirty Eighth had to land on the island, and await the return of some of the lighter draft transports. Part of the regiment disembarked on the evening of the 13th, and the remainder followed the next day; glad enough to be once more on terra firma, if this sand-bank could be so denominated. Although near midwinter, the temperature was mild; and the beach was soon covered with bathers, enjoying the luxury of a good plunge in the water after such a long sea-service. There was no chance to be dirty while here. Tin dippers and plates shone with a lustre that would have excited the admiration of a Knickerbocker housewife; and the muskets were bright and polished. The sand was everywhere, and must have assisted the stomach wonderfully in digesting the antediluvian hard-tack occasionally issued.

There was a good deal of fatigue work to do here, unloading stores, and transporting ammunition; and even the drilling through the sand was unusually fatiguing. At this time, there was a number of political prisoners on the island, rendering service to the government, and strengthening their own muscles, by pounding stones. Some of them had been prominent citizens in New Orleans, and had been banished to this place, by order of Gen. Butler, for acts of disloyalty to the Union. The soldiers of the Thirty Eighth looked upon these persons as "the right men in the right place," and cordially endorsed the policy of "Old Ben."

On the evening of the 28th, the long-looked for transports made their appearance. There was an immediate inspection of knapsacks; but personal property had dwindled down to a small compass, and there were few articles to be left behind. The cooks were busy all night preparing rations; and orders were given to be ready to start at ten in the morning. At noon, the tents were struck; but there being a large amount of commissary stores to put on board, the regiment did not embark till midnight; those not on duty grouped around the camp-fires, "laying up sleep" for the future. As the regiment marched to the wharf, the band played "Yankee Doodle," bringing many of Gen. Butler's proteg?s to the doors and windows of their quarters. Embarking on the transport Northern Light,--a large California packet-steamer, much better adapted to convey troops comfortably than the majority of government vessels,--the men gladly sought their canvas-bottom bunks; and about sunrise, on the morning of the 30th, the steamship weighed anchor, and steered for New Orleans. Although the residence on the island had not been an unpleasant one, none were sorry to see its outlines fade in the distance, or wished to revisit it. On the morning of the 31st, the ship crossed the bar, and entered the Mississippi; few on board then anticipating the long months that were to pass before their eyes would be gladdened by the sight of the blue water again. The sail up the Mississippi on this last day of the year was an interesting one to Northern eyes. The large plantations of corn and cane, dotted over with negroes, looking like so many charred stumps on a partially cleared field; the orange-trees laden with fruit; the mansions of the wealthy planters, half hidden by fresh-looking shrubbery; the rows of neat, white-washed negro cabins; the tall chimneys of the sugar-mills in the rear; with the back-ground of forest-trees, gray with the Spanish moss,--formed a picture in striking contrast to the winter-scenery the northern-bred volunteers had been accustomed to.

Two sunken gun-boats near Forts Philip and Jackson reminded the Thirty Eighth that they were in the same department with "old Farragut," and that, in any co-operation between the land and sea forces, the army would have to look to its laurels. On the way up the river, another transport was passed, containing the Forty Seventh Massachusetts; and the two regiments exchanged friendly greetings. Being the last day of the month, the regular inspection and muster took place on the deck of the steamer; and, to show the good health of the regiment on entering the Department of the Gulf, it may be stated that one company, which left Boston over four months previously with ninety-five enlisted men, mustered ninety-one for inspection,--four having been left behind, sick, at Fortress Monroe.

A little after dark, the long line of lights was seen glimmering on the river-edge, marking the outlines of New Orleans. The steamer cast anchor in the stream near the upper part of the city; and the deck was soon deserted by all except the guard, who paced their beats, "watching" the old year out, and the new year in.

At noon, the ship steamed up the river to Carrollton, one of the suburban towns of New Orleans, where the regiment landed. It was the first day of January; but the orange-trees were in bloom, the roses perfumed the air, and the vegetables were growing vigorously. This was the "Sunny South" indeed. The new camp had at one time been occupied by rebel troops, and was well adapted for drilling. On one side of the Thirty Eighth, the One Hundred and Sixteenth New York were encamped, and, on the other side, the One Hundred and Seventy Fifth; beyond which, were the Forty Seventh Massachusetts. Between the Thirty Eighth and the One Hundred and Sixteenth, a friendship sprung up, which lasted during the entire term of service; and although the One Hundred and Sixteenth were soon transferred to another brigade, and afterward to another division, whenever the two regiments met on a campaign, friendly greetings were exchanged; and this, notwithstanding the fact that they were rivals, each aspiring to take the lead in drill and efficiency.

While at Carrollton, Col. Ingraham took command of a brigade, and never rejoined the regiment. He participated in the first part of the T?che campaign; but, being unable to endure field service in the climate of Louisiana, was appointed Provost Marshal at Washington, in which position he gave such satisfaction that he was retained in service by special order after the regiment was mustered out, and brevetted as brigadier-general. A few days after arriving at Carrollton, the regiment experienced its first Louisiana rain-storm. The camp-ground was soon intersected by miniature bayous; and, as the drains were not in good order, some of the streets were completely flooded; while the tents, being old, afforded but little shelter from the storm. The company streets, after one of these winter-rains, were like so many mortar-beds. Much has been written about the Virginia mud, in connection with the Army of the Potomac; but, if it equalled that of Louisiana, the face of the country in that part of Virginia must have been greatly changed by the movements of the armies; and the mixing of soil will afford matter for study for future agriculturists. As soon as the regiment was fairly settled in camp, drills were resumed with vigor. During the stay on Ship Island, the manual of arms had been changed: the old system was now restored, much to the satisfaction of the men. On the 6th of the month, Gen. Banks, accompanied by Gens. T. W. Sherman and Emory, visited the camp. The regiment was engaged in battalion drill, at the time; and, as the visitors approached, were drawn up into line to receive them. Then, the Thirty Eighth, as far as regarded appearance, were in their prime. Disease had not yet thinned the ranks; four months' drill, under competent field and line officers, had brought them to a high standard in the manual of arms and in battalion movements; Adjutant Loring had paid particular attention to the personal neatness of the men; and the men were not yet discouraged by those gloomy accounts which afterward came from the North, showing a want of faith in the ability of the army to put down the rebellion, and an unwillingness to strengthen it by reinforcements of good men. As spring drew near, the camp was full of rumors in regard to the coming campaign; and three days' rations were kept cooked most of the time.

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