October 7, 1862, The New York Herald
HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Oct. 4, 1862.
The President has to-day completed the grand review of all the troops in McClellan’sarmy. Excepting the actual appearance of the men in action, it was the most interesting, sublime and suggestive sight we have witnessed since the army was organized. We say of the great battle of Antietam, that there never has been anything like it seen upon this continent. The same may be said of this review. The grand review of the Army of the Potomac which took place at Bailey’s Cross Roads, in front of Washington, nearly a year ago, when the army was fresh and the soldiers knew nothing of the scenes of conflict and captivity they have since gone through, may have been more magnificent; but this last review of the shattered columns of the same army, after it has fought and won so many battles, and so recently achieved such a signal victory, occurring near the scene of the Antietam battle field and at this peculiar crisis in the nation’s history, possesses particular interest and importance. The utility of reviews of troops is often regarded by many people as insignificant; but it is anticipated that the results expected to flow from this review will prove of great importance to the country. The President would not have left his summer seat at the Old Soldier’s Home in the suburbs of the capital, come up here, and voluntarily subjected himself to the inconvenience and exhaustion incident to riding three or four days up and down the mountains of this region, and through long lines of troops, exposed the while, with head uncovered, to the broiling sun, if he did not deem the object to be gained of great importance. This visit of the President is evidently an indication that McClellan’s brief but brilliant campaign in Western Maryland will soon be followed by a still more vigorous prosecution of the war, and perhaps the speedy restoration of the Union. McClellan is prepared; indeed active operations have already been begun.
The grand review to-day commenced with General Burnside corps, which is encamped near the scene of its sanguinary participation on the left of our lines in the recent battle. After reveille the troops were ordered under arms for review. Early in the morning a heavy haze hung over the horizon; but just before the President left the camp at headquarters the sun shone out warm and bright. And so the weather was all day. It was nearly ten o’clock when Mr. Lincoln, accompanied by General McClellan, with nearly all the members of his staff, and attended by a squadron of his body guard, went from the headquarters on the hill along the road towards Harper’s Ferry to review the different divisions under General Burnside. They were marshalled on the open rolling ground, composed for the most part of clover and corn fields. As we neared the spot a splendid sight burst upon our view the troops, composing lines and columns in different formations, covering the ground as far as the eye embraced on right and left, from crest to crest, and stretching away to the Antietam. Just as the beauties of this martial scene were unfolding, General Burnside, followed by his extensive staff and a number of his generals, rode out of a field on the right of the road and greeted
GEN. M’CLELLAN AND THE PRESIDENT.
The appearance of the cavalcade when the President commenced to review the troops, was unusually brilliant. Mr. Lincoln, by his gigantic stature and civilian dress, was easily distinguished from them all. He was attired in plain black, with deep crape upon his hat in memory of Willie. His prominent cheek bones and perceptive faculties could be plainly perceived at a distance without the aid of a field glass. His determination and honesty of purpose were indicated in his countenance. General McClellan rode beside him at first; but while the President was reviewing, resigned the honorable place to the corps and division generals. General McClellan wore a loose sack coat, with shoulder straps, appearing without sash or other ornament. But his fine physique and natural soldierly appearance could not fail to impress upon the minds of every one, when he was surrounded by a grand array of other generals and officers, that in all the qualities of a great military commander, he was, as the French princes have often said to me, head and shoulders above them all. Side by side was seen the two most popular men in America “Little Mac” and Lincoln. The contrast in their personal appearance was strikingly perceptible McClellan, under the ordinary size, as was the great Napoleon; Lincoln, as he says himself, six feet four in his stockings, not counting all the outcome in him.
At this grand review the eyes of everybody present were turned with the greatest interest to these two men. Thousands of the inhabitants of the surrounding country, not from Maryland alone, but from beyond the Pennsylvania border also, had come in carriages, on horseback and afoot, partly to see the army, but principally to see these two leading men. The controlling interest manifested by all to look upon them was admirably illustrated by several old men on horseback, who, regardless of everything else that was transpiring, rode along with the brilliant escort, and with eyes fixed upon McClellan and the President, rode in front close by those two prominent personages, nor once removed their gaze till their eyes were feasted on the sight. With little less eagerness and expectancy the eyes of not this country alone, but of the world, are fixed upon them now.
M’CLELLAN’S STAFF.
Most of McClellan’s staff accompanied him on this occasion. General Marcy, his father-in-law and Chief of Staff, looks young and sprightly in the saddle. Lieutenant Colonel Colburn, a confidential aid, is like a precious jewel with a rough exterior. He has just received from Colonel Astor, who was one of McClellan’s aids, a present of a handsome sword and sash, as a slight recognition of his valuable services. Lieutenant Colonel Sweitzer and Major Hammerstein, who have been in service in foreign wars, were quite martial in appearance. Of the other members of his personal staff there were present Captain Arthur McClellan, brother of the General; Captain Custer, a favorite aid with flowing curls, Capt. Abert and Lieut. Martin, both dashing young officers. Col. Sackett, the Inspector General, on his great gray horse, was accompanied by Major Davis, his assistant, on his stallion. Gen. Beaufort, chief of cavalry, formerly under Pope, now under McClellan in place of General Stoneman, was present with his aid, and near him rode Colonel Hunt, Chief of Artillery, in place of General Barry. The medical department was well represented by the skilful Dr. Letterman. The other members of the staff were remaining at headquarters, attending to important duties which demanded their officers and genial gentlemen. They have all performed, at different times, important services, and some have distinguished themselves on the field of battle; but while other officers have been promoted, I am not aware that the War Department or the President has officially recognized their services by even a brevet or otherwise.
THE GUESTS OF THE PRESIDENT.
The President was accompanied by Major General McClernand, from the Army of the West; Colonel Matthew, that general chief artillery officer; Captain Rives, one of his aids; Captain Derrickson, of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania regiment, commanding the guard at the Soldiers’ Home; Mr. Garrett, President of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad; Mr. French, Secretary of State of Illinois; Mr. Kennedy, Superintendent of the Census Bureau, and Marshal Lamont of Washington. These officers and gentlemen participated in the interesting scenes attending the great review. Immediate following the staff and forming a considerable portion of the cavalcade, came a squadron of the Fourth regular cavalry, commanded by Captain McIntire, one of the best officers and funniest fellows in the army. In his apt remarks and jokes he was almost the rival of the President. But in this particular, as we rode along, Mr. Lincoln proved himself unrivalled.
GENERAL BURNSIDE’S CORPS.
Such was the retinue, which halted when General Burnside rode up to greet the President. Burnside appeared in his favorite costume light blue check shirt, blue blouse and large slouch hat. His personal appearance with mustache, bushy side whiskers and shaven chin is quite remarkable. He is one of our most successful and prominent officers, and when he passes you can hear some one say, “There goes General Burnside.” We paused a few moments on the road while he had a brief conversation with the President. Then they rode side by side to the review. McClellan’s staff was joined by that of Burnside. All his staff officers were on the field with him. There were Lieutenant Colonel Richmond, Assistant Adjutant General; Lieutenant Colonel Loring, Inspector General; Lieutenant Colonel Getty, Chief of Artillery; and Lieutenant Colonel Goodrich, Chief of the Commissary Department; Majors Van Buren and Cutting, his senior Aids-de-Camp; Captain Neill, another Assistant Adjutant, formerly chief officer on the staff of General Reno, who was killed at the battle of South Mountain; Captains Cutts, Fearing and Lydig, and Lieutenants Goddard, French and Hutton, the junior Aids-de-Camp. These officers were attired in splendid uniforms and made a gay appearance. While they were mingling with McClellan’s officers the troops were all drawn up in position, awaiting the review.
General Burnside has had two army corps in his command the one on the other side of the Potomac, under General Sigel, and the one on this side, under General Cox. The ninth corps remains under command of General Cox, while it is all the army that Burnside has at present. The four divisions of the corps were formed within convenient distance of each other. General Sturgis’ division that formerly under the gallant Reno was placed in two columns by brigades, the first under General Naglee on the right, and the second under General Ferrero on the left. The artillery, first battery E, regular artillery, Lieutenant Dickinson commanding, and then battery A, One Hundred and Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Captain Durell, were arranged in battery on the right of the division. General Cox and staff met our party at the entrance of the field where General Sturgis, who also joined us then, had his division formed. Gen. Cox whose countenance was genial as the sunshine, was accompanied by Captain Bascom his assistant adjutant, Lieutenants Christy and Cox, his aids, Dr. Holmes, medical director of the corps, and Captains Fitch and Treat, of the quartermaster and commissary departments. Gen. Sturgis, with his dark hair and rotund proportions, was followed by Captain Rawolle, acting adjutant, Captain Plats, quartermaster, Captain Hale, senior aid, and Captain Sturgis, junior aid and brother of the General.
Just as the grand reviewing column of officers magnificently mounted, was moving towards the right of the division, Captain Dickinson’s battery fired the first salute. Twenty-one guns are always fired in honor of the appearance of the President. As the party moved along past the veteran soldiers, the President rode in front of all with head uncovered. The drums rolled, the bugles sounded and the colors drooped. The regimental flags and the Stars and Stripes were completely riddled by the rebel bullets. And the same was seen in each of the old divisions. Many of the regiments have the names of those battles emblazoned on their banners. In both battles of Bull run, and in the recent battle of Antietam, it sustained itself with credit in both defeat and victory. it was part of this division that carried the bridge across the Antietam creek. Two regiments had been repulsed with heavy loss, when General Ferrero was requested to send two regiments from his brigade to make another onset. He selected the Fifty-first Pennsylvania and the Fifty- first New York. Ferrero handled them with skill akin to that displayed by him in teaching his pupils when he was universally known as the accomplished dancing master. The regiments went on a quick, stormed the bridge and carried it. But both lost heavily, and the blood of the brave fellows mingled with the waters of the creek. The Fifty-first Pennsylvania, which came forth a year ago nearly a thousand strong, now numbers only three officers and eighty men. This will give an idea of how severely some of the old regiments have suffered. As he rode through their ranks the troops cheered the President.
The next division we came to was General Rodman’s old division. That lamented officer, at the battle of Antietam, was shot by a bullet in the breast; and the news of his death from that mortal wound has just reached us. It is now commanded by Colonel Harland, the senior officer on the field. This division, like the other, was formed in columns by brigades, each being commanded by a colonel. It also took an active part in the battles in North Carolina. The Ninth New York Zouaves, it will be remembered, distinguished themselves at Roanoke, and were among the first to plant their colors on the parapet. At our recent victory at Antietam, after the other troops had stormed the stone bridge successfully, part of this division participated in the grand charge up the hill upon the rebel battery, when they were driven back by numerous reinforcements under General Hill. It was then that General Rodman received his mortal wound. To-day General Burnside has issued a general order, announcing to the Third division the death of their late commander, in which he justly states that one of the first to leave his home at his country’s call, General Rodman, in its constant and unwearied service, now ended by his untimely death, has left a bright record of earnest patriotism, undimned by any thought of self; that respected and esteemed in the various relations of his life, the army mourns his loss as a pure hearted patriot and a brave, devoted soldier, and his division will miss a leader who was always at the post of danger. The President was not ignorant of the services of these soldiers as he passed them, nor were they ignorant of his when they cheered him.
Passing the squadrons of cavalry under Colonel Devins, on the crest of the neighboring hill on the right, the President and party rode over to where the Kanawha division was drawn up in line of battle opposite, with the artillery and cavalry on the right. Here the same salute was fired, the drum and fife responded to the artillery salute, and the colors dipped. This division rendered valuable services in Western Virginia before it was sent to Burnside. Unlike the other divisions, which were placed in columns by brigades or regiments, this Kanawha division formed one long resplendent line of glittering bayonets. They were speedily reviewed because of their line formation, and the President passed on to General Wilcox division. It was placed in columns of regiments a little further up the hill. After the salute was fired the President paused in front of the artillery. A fine young artillery officer is now the object of marked attention and distinguished honors. The general with pride introduces him to the President, who shakes him warmly by the hand. We cannot hear every word he says, but he thanks him for his services. Who was that promising artillery officer? It was Lieutenant Benjamin, whose battery performed such signal service at the battle of Antietam creek.
GENERAL FITZ JOHN PORTER’S CORPS.
The review of Burnside’s corps was now completed. The troops presented a splendid appearance, and the President expressed himself highly pleased with their condition, which was better than he had expected to have witnessed. Gen. Burnside, and the general and staff officers of his corps, who had joined us on the way, now remained with their commands, which were soon dismissed, and after a brief interchange of compliments the President and McClellan, with his staff and escort, rode on the way to Sharpsburg, to review Gen. Porter corps. At the Antietam Iron Works the President and a few of the party dismounted and rode in an ambulance. On the way some officers came dashing across the field to the right and saluted Gen. McClellan. They were Gen. Pleasanton, of the flying column, attended by Capt. Coche and Lieutenants Ward and Thompson, of his staff. Pleasanton came to inquire where he would place his troops. “Form them somewhere near the battle ground,” replied Gen. McClellan, and away they went.
It was early in the afternoon, when the Presidential cavalcade arrived at General Fitz John Porter’s headquarters, in the vicinity of Sharpsburg. Here he was joined by General Porter and staff. No time was to be lost, so the review of this corps was immediately commenced. Leaving the ambulance, Mr. Lincoln mounted his horse again, and resumed the labors of the grand review. Porter’s corps was martialled among the hills and hollows of the surrounding lands. The troops had been in position several hours, awaiting the arrival of the President. At length, he now had come. When General Porter joined the column of officers and mounted men which accompanied the President, he was easily distinguished from the other officers, not more by his pure white gauntlets than by the pleasing countenance and familiar features of the man. Fitz John is one of McClellan’s most cherished friends and favorite generals. He has an accomplished and efficient staff, who made a splendid appearance on this occasion. Lieutenant Colonel Webb, formerly assistant to General Barry, who was McClellan’s chief of artillery, is now Inspector General and chief of Fitz John Porter’s staff. His unchanging geniality contributed to the pleasure of our party as we rode along the lines of the troops he had assisted in disposing for review. Lieutenant Colonel Locke, Assistant Adjutant General, shares alike the honors of promotion and geniality with him. They were accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Norton and Lieutenant Colonel Moore, the efficient chiefs of the Quartermaster and Commissary departments. Dr. Moore is now the medical director of the corps. Major Kirkland, formerly Captain in McClellan’s staff, is now senior aid to Gen. Porter, and with Captains Montieth and McQuade, the junior aids, assisted the General at the review. All these officers appeared in glittering uniforms, and when the division generals with their staff officers took their places in the party, after their divisions had been reviewed, contributed their share in increasing the lustre of the shining column, which must have looked so splendid, seen by the rural spectators on the hills, as it wound around the troops in columns of regimental lines.
General Sykes’ division, composed principally of the regular United States soldiers, was formed in brigade columns of regiments in line. The artillery was stationed in battery on the right, Lieutenant Randalls’ battery being close by Capt. Weed. Lieutenant Randall is acting as chief of artillery under General Sykes. In the order of brigades there then appeared the infantry; first the brigade under Colonel Buchanan, second that under Major Lovell, and next that under Colonel Warren, which on this occasion was commanded by Colonel Duryee. Colonel Warren is absent raising a brigade of Zouaves. Just before Captain Weed fired the salute from Randall’s battery, General Sykes met the President at the head of the division and conducted him along the lines. “Hail to the Chief” was played by the band of the Eleventh infantry. As he had done throughout Burnside’s corps, the President rode about ten yards ahead in front of each line, the drums beating, trumpets sounding, colors drooping and soldiers cheering meanwhile. Some of these regular regiments have suffered severely, principally in the memorable battles of the Chickahominy and Malvern Hill. The Fourteenth infantry was commanded by Captain McConnell, who has just returned to duty, bearing on his body the scars of six separate wounds received in the battle of Gaines’ Mill, near the Chickahominy. Much attention was centered upon the decimated ranks of the Fifth New York Zouaves, whose crimson uniforms were quite suggestive of the bloody scenes they have passed through. When they marched down Broadway, New York, en route for the seat of war, thousands of your citizens will remember what a magnificent appearance they presented, and what an enthusiastic ovation they received. Many of us here remember well, also, what a grand display they made at the review of this same army corps by General Prim on the Peninsula, several months ago, and how the eyes of the Spanish soldier glistened at their brilliant costume and nimble movements. Nor can I soon forget how imposing they appeared in splendid line of battle at Gaines’ Mill. It was there the seven days’ battles, and especially with Pope, at Manassas, they have been reduced so that they cannot now muster one-fourth their original number. As the color bearers dipped the colors, the President halted his house before the perforated standards.
“And these are the `red legged devils,’ as they are called,” he remarked to General Sykes, who was riding by his side. “I know from the reports,” he added, “there has been no such thing as beating them, even round a stump.”
General Sykes said no reports could exaggerate their gallantry.
“Boys, your thinned ranks and shattered flags tell the story of your bravery,” said the President; “people thank you and so do I.”
General Morell’s division came next in the order of review. It was also formed in brigade columns of regiments in line. Morell himself, tall, wiry and apparently impassive as he is, was clothed in his best and looked unusually fine. He was accompanied by Major Earle, Assistant Adjutant General, and Lieutenants Williams and Batchelder his aids. The first brigade, formerly General Martindale’s, was on the right under Colonel Barnes, of the One Hundred and Eighteenth Pennsylvania; the second, under General Griffin, formerly Captain of Griffins’ battery, which the newspapers have said so much about, in the centre; and the third, General Butterfield, under Colonel Ames, also formerly Captain of artillery, on the left. General Butterfield is at home suffering severely from fever contracted on the peninsula.
Capt. Weed came from Sykes’ command with Randall beautiful brass pieces, and fired the usual salute just as Mr. Lincoln was approaching the right of Morell’s division. That was the second time he had the honor of saluting the President. This division is the largest in the corps. It presented a fine appearance, but, like other divisions of our army, has been engaged in many skirmishes and battle. The shattered regiments and tattered flags were plainly perceptible, and were particularly noticed by the President as he rode through the lines of division. “Those flags are more tattered now than when I saw them at Harrison’s Landing, observed to General Morell, regiments have reason to be proud of such flags, and you of such men.” Among the shattered regiments were the Fourth Michigan, Colonel Childs, which crossed the river on the night of the 20th of September and captured a number of the enemy’s guns. Among them also were the Ninth Massachusetts and the Sixty-second Pennsylvania, which was formerly commanded by the gallant Colonel Black. The Irish flag of the Ninth Massachusetts had scarcely a shred to hang by. It was almost entirely shot away. Many of General Butterfield’s regiments showed the unmistakable indications of service. The artillery was posted in the rear of the division, in line by battery; first, battery C, Massachusetts Artillery, Captain Martin, followed by battery C, Rhode Island artillery, Captain Waterman, and next battery D, Fifth United States artillery, Lieutenant Hazlett commanding. This battery displayed a gun which was one of those that the Fourth Michigan regiment captured from the enemy on the 20th of September. It was a ten- pounder Parrot gun, which we lost in the first battle of Bull run. Captain Griffin then commanded the battery which lost it. He has since been made a general, with a shining star upon his shoulder, and now commands the brigade in which the regiment is that recaptured it. So the battery has its gun again.
General Humphreys’ division, composed entirely of new Pennsylvania regiments, was formed next to General Morell veteran division. General Humphreys was Chief of the Topographical Department on General McClellan’s staff previous to receiving this command. His troops presented a splendid appearance with full ranks and new uniforms, and beautiful banners. But it was easy to perceive that they yet lack the soldierly manners of the old regiments. The Second Ohio battery, Captain Robinson, and a section of other artillery, under Captain Barnes, were posted on the right of the division. After the salute had been fired, the President and party rode along the lines of the regiments as they stood in single column. He hoped their new and brilliant banners would never be disgraced. Gen. Humphreys smiled as he gazed through his spectacles, evidently pleased with the complimentary appearance of his new division.
This concluded the review of Fitz John Porter’s corps, the reserve batteries not being ordered into position on the field. The corps presented a magnificent appearance, for which it was highly complimented by the President. The review ended, the President and his attendants, together with the generals of divisions, sat down to a fine collation at General Porter headquarters.
After the repast a photograph was taken of the President and party standing in front of General Porter’s tent. Then Mr. Lincoln and General McClellan with those who accompanied them hither, departed to review the troops composing Hooker’s last command.
GENERAL REYNOLDS’CORPS.
Away the party rode at a furious rate until arrived at General Reynold’s corps. It is the command which was formerly under McDowell, and latterly under Hooker, who fought so bravely in the recent battle. The corps was formed in columns of battalions by divisions closed en masse, Gen. Meade’s division on the right, Gen. Doubleday’s in the centre, and Gen. Ricketts’ on the left, with the artillery in battery between the brigades. Gen. Reynolds, it will be remembered, was taken prisoner by the enemy at the battle of Gaines’ Mills, and subsequently released while our army was still upon the borders of the James. He is young and active. He was accompanied to-day by a number of his officers, but his staff is not yet complete. Lieutenant C. B. Lamborn, Aid-de-Camp, is acting as Adjutant, while Captain R. H. Lamborn is the only aid. Besides these brother officers he was attended by Colonel Wainwright, Chief of Artillery; Lieutenant Colonel Sanderson, Chief Commissary; Captain Lowry, Quartermaster, and Dr. Pineo, Medical Director of the corps. General Reynolds greeted the President on his approach, and they rode together past Captain Ransom’s battery, which fired the salute.
General Mead’s division was next in the order of review. Passing the battery, General Seymour’s brigade appeared; then Battery B, First Pennsylvania artillery, Captain Carper; next the Second brigade, under Colonel Magilton, followed by Battery A, First Pennsylvania artillery, Lieutenant Simpson commanding; and then the Third brigade, under Colonel Kirk, of the Tenth Pennsylvania reserve, followed by Battery L, First New York artillery, under Captain Reynolds. The troops, as I have said, were formed in columns of battalions by divisions closed en masse. General Meade was accompanied by Captain Baird, Assistant Adjutant General, and Lieutenants Mason and De Howe, Aids-de-Camp. He rode with the President while he was reviewing this division of the corps.
General Patrick commanded General Doubleday’s division, the latter officer being sick. He had with him Captain Kimball and Lieutenants Beckwith and Bovier, of his staff. On the right was the First brigade, Colonel Phelps commanding; then Battery D, First Rhode Island artillery, Captain Moore; then the Second brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Hoffman, of the Fifty- sixth Pennsylvania, commanding; next the First New Hampshire battery; then the Third brigade, General Gibbon, followed by Captain Campbell’s Battery R, Fourth regular artillery, Lieutenant Stewart commanding; and next Battery F, First Pennsylvania artillery, under Captain Matthews.
General Ricketts’ division was placed in the same order as the others. The members of his staff who were present with him were Captain Williams, Assistant Adjutant, Major Biddell, Senior, and Captain Richards, Junior Aids-de-Camp; Dr. Moseley, of the Medical Bureau, and Capt. Jerker, of the Commissary Department. The First brigade, General Duryee, was on duty absent. The Second, Colonel Coulter, of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, had the left. As an illustration of what a fearful fire these regiments faced at the recent fight, and of how many officers they lost, it is a fact that on the morning after the battle the Twenty-fourth New York regiment in this division was commanded by a sergeant, and the Twenty-second New York by a first lieutenant, while some of the other regiments, having lost their field officers, were commanded by captains and lieutenants.
The President speedily reviewed this consecrated corps, and, when he beheld the smallness of some of the regiments, and their blood-stained and perforated banners, he could not be otherwise than affected by the sight. After the usual honors had been paid the President, and the customary civilities interchanged, the party rode off to the borders of the Antietam battle field, where General McClellan had directed General Pleasanton to form his flying column.
GENERAL PLEASANTON’S COLUMN.
General Pleasanton’s command, composed of cavalry and artillery, comprising the Eighth Illinois cavalry, Colonel Farnsworth, the Eighth Pennsylvania, Lieutenant Colonel Griffith, and the Third Indiana, Colonel Buchanan, with Lieutenant Pennington’s battery of flying horse artillery, was waiting near the Sharpsburg turnpike, in one of the fields well trampled by the troops engaged in the battle of Antietam. The cavalry looked splendid, drawn up in line, with the artillery on the right. This command has been constantly in the field. It forms the vanguard of the army. After Lieutenant Pennington had fired the salute, the President passed down the line, while the troopers presented sabres and bugles sounded. Then, as if the trumpet had sounded for a charge, the flying artillery and cavalry wheeled to the right and galloped down towards Sharpsburg, the Presidential cortege wheeled to the left and dashed up the turnpike towards Fairplay and Bakerville to review Franklin’s corps and Couch’s division.
GENERAL FRANKLIN’S CORPS.
General Franklin had despatched two aids to meet the President and General McClellan, with their party, on the old battle field, and conduct them to the place where the divisions in his corps were prepared for review. Immediately after the review of Pleasanton’s command these officers guided the brilliant reviewing column to Fairplay, five miles from Sharpsburg, which had been chosen for the review of General Smith’s division. The troops were formed on the right of the road, and were protected from the scorching sun by an elegant grove of trees, principally oak and pine. The dark evergreen of the latter composed a convenient back ground to display the autumnal foliage of the former, whose leaves were fast changing into crimson and mellowing into amber. General Franklin and staff met the President and General McClellan just before they reached General Smith’s division. General Franklin’s staff officers who accompanied him were Lieutenant Colonel Green, assistant Adjutant General; Lieutenant Colonel Platt, Inspector General; Captain Jackson and Captain McMahon, aids-de-camp. McMahon was formerly on McClellan’s staff.
Smith’s division was formed in column of division en masse. First was the brigade under Gen. Calvin E. Pratt, formerly Colonel of the Thirty-first New York regiment. I was surprised to see his name in the newspapers as killed near the close of the action at the battle of Antietam, when I slept beside him on the battle field that night. But he is alive, a general officer now, and commands the brigade which fought under Hancock at Williamsburg. Next came the brigade commanded by General Vinton, formerly Colonel Vinton, from Brooklyn, who has also just been made a brigadier. He has the brigade which General Davidson commanded before he was appointed Military Governor of St. Louis. The Vermont brigade, part of which had twice vainly endeavored to cross the dam at Lee’s Mill, in front of Yorktown, was away with General Brooks upon detached service. The batteries were placed to the left and front, under command of Captain Ayres. General Franklin, so far as size, at least, is concerned, is a splendid specimen of a major general. Smith “Baldy Smith,” as he is called is a dashing officer, of considerable reputation. Both enjoy the unbounded confidence of McClellan. General Smith’s staff officers present were Major Munday, Assistant Adjutant General, and Lieutenants Carey and Berry, Aids-de-Camp. The President was introduced to Franklin and Smith by General McClellan. He greeted them cordially, and then proceeded to review General Smith’s division. Lieutenant Upton came with Captain Platt’s battery of light twelve pounders from General Slocum’s division, and fired the salute of twenty-one guns in honor of the President, when he limbered up and returned to repeat the operation in his own division. The President simply rode past the troops in review, and beyond the honors enjoined in the army regulations, there was no demonstration. After he had passed the last regiment, the troops began to disperse, and Gen. Smith bade him adieu and repaired to his headquarters.
The Presidential party now proceeded further on to the vicinity of Bakerville, where Gen. Slocum’s division was formed in the open fields awaiting their arrival. This division, like the other in the corps, appeared in column, closed en masse with regimental front. First, Gen. Newton’s brigade, which fought so finely at West Point, on the peninsula; second, Colonel Torbert’s New Jersey brigade; and third, that under Colonel Bartlett, of the Twenty-seventh New York regiment. The New Jersey brigade is the one which was formerly under Kearney, and which he once refused to leave for the command of a division. It was subsequently commanded by General Taylor. But both Kearney and Taylor were killed at Manassas, and the brigade is now under command of Colonel Torbert. Colonel Bartlett’s brigade led the charge at Crampton’s Pass, at the battle of South Mountain, on Sunday, September 14. The artillery was arranged on the left of the division, Aattery A, Second United States artillery, fired the salute. It was followed in position by Battery A, First Massachusetts; Battery A, First Maryland, and Battery A, First New Jersey. The gunners saluted with their sabres as the President passed by. General Slocum was efficiently attended by Major Rogers, his Assistant Adjutant General; Lieutenants Shandon and Gamdon, Aids, and Captain Hopkins, Quartermaster. Mr. Lincoln rode past the troops, which presented an attractive appearance. They paid him the usual honors; but, as no cheers were proposed, they did not cheer. By West Point officers such popular demonstrations by troops are deemed inconsistent with the strict requirements of military etiquette.
The afternoon had now far advanced, and the Presidential party hastily repaired to Gen. Couch’s division, which was formed on the beautifully undulating ground some distance beyond. His division was marshalled in three lines by brigades, the batteries being on the left flanks of the brigades. The first line consisted of General Devens’ brigade, the second of General Howe’s and the third of General John Cochrane’s, which is commanded, during his absence on special service, by Colonel Williams, of the Eighty- second Pennsylvania regiment. Captain Stewart’s battery stood on the left of Devens’, the other battery being detached on distant service. General Couch met the President and party as they were nearing the delightful spot where his troops were organized. The General, more than any other officer with whom I am acquainted excepting, if you please, McClellan himself combines in his charming character the virtues of modesty and merit. Pleasing in appearance, genial in his ordinary intercourse, and gentle as a child, he can still be strict and severe when necessity demands it. General Couch is a man one cannot help but love. His division, assisted by part of Porter’s corps, bore the brunt of the battle of Malvern Hill. Major Walker, his Adjutant; Lieutenant Burt, his Aid-de-Camp, and Captain Schultz of his staff, were with him when he came to greet the President. The lines of his division at the review, rising and falling with the undulations of the ground, were strikingly attractive, and greatly increased the picturesque beauty as well as martial appearance of the scene. Stewart’s battery fired the salute, and the President and party rode along the lines, the troops, involuntarily as it were, casting the accustomed honors at his feet. This division is one of the fullest in the army. It was highly complimented for its fine appearance.
He reviewed at least twelve divisions of our army to-day, in doing which he rode over forty miles. He has pleased the soldiers by his visit, and obtained considerable knowledge from personal observation.
CONCLUSION.
With this visit to General Couch’s division, which belongs to Keys’ corps, but is temporarily assigned to Gen. Franklin, the President concluded his grand review. The party left the ground as the shades of evening were gathering around them, and passing down the turnpike in dashing style, soon reached the headquarters of the army, a few miles beyond Sharpsburg.
THE OLD REGIMENTS.
One of the affecting features of this review was the comparative size of the old regiments and the new. This was apparent enough when several regiments were in single line, but it was forcibly brought before every mind and felt by every heart when divisions were formed, as were Morell’s and others, in columns of regiments by brigades. Thus placed upon the field, a division, composed of three brigades, each having four regiments, formed a column of twelve lines, the length of the regiments in single line being the width of the column. Some of the regiments, newer than others, being comparatively full, and others, whose ranks have been thinned by the inevitable vicissitudes of a sanguiniary battle field being exceedingly small, a division column of a dozen regiments presented the affecting and suggestive spectacle of some short and some longer regimental lines. The same columns, seen a year ago, were even on the flanks. Now they looked as if some mighty hand had hacked them. When full and fresh, like the sculptured stone and marble columns used by the ancient architects to support their splendid super-structures, they looked beautiful in their symmetrical proportions and mighty in their strength.
But now, like broken pillars in the mouldering ruins of ancient temples, they looked shattered by fearful blows and injured by exposure. The following will illustrate the comparative appearance of a division column of new and old regiments:
These shattered columns appeal to the patriotism of every one to have them immediately filled up. New soldiers can be made much more effective by placing them side by side with veteran troops. Experience has shown us, in the recent battles, that the old regiments will face a fearful fire and come out victorious, from which raw recruits, brave and patriotic though they be, will recoil in confusion and defeat. Fill up the old regiments at once, and the Army of the Potomac will be unrivalled by any army in the world.
THE TATTERED FLAGS.
Another affecting feature of this review was the regimental flags and national standards of the old regiments, all pierced by innumerable bullets. They drooped in sadness, as it were at the streams of blood which flowed on either side as the price paid for the victories won beneath their silken folds. When a battle is progressing, and the opposing parties come in close contact, face to face, in the thickest of the fight, great attempts are made by the belligerents to strike down and capture the colors of the opposing force. Many a color bearer falls with the ensign of his cause in his grasp, but his nearest comrade raises the stricken standard and unfurls it to the battle breeze again. And thus the battle rages. The colors are always in the front, hence, they are now soaked in the blood of fallen heroes, and torn into tatters by the fire of numerous battle fields. In the Irish regiments the green flag can scarcely be unfurled; if it should be, it would fall to pieces. The State flags carried by most of the regiments are scarcely less completely perforated. The Stars and Stripes, which I have seen borne in beauty and triumph on so many battle fields, riddled by the rebels, look more sacred still as they float beside the splendid national emblem which has not been in the battle yet, carried by the new regiments. It was an affecting sight to behold the old regiments, with their riddled and drooping banners, beside the new regiments, with their fresh and flying colors.
THE VETERAN APPEARANCE OF THE SOLDIERS was also a noticeable feature of this grand review. With faces browned by the Southern sun and exposure to the weather during several campaigns, they looked willing still to dare and die for the preservation of the Union. These are the troops with which McClellan is now about to move again against the rebels. Only let recruits be sent out to the old regiments which have covered themselves with glory in so many battles, and the youthful military chieftain and idol of our army must be, as he has always been, signally victorious.