by John McElroy
CHAPTER IX.
BATTLE OF ANTLER'S RUN--SERAINE WHITCOMB LEAVES FOR THE SOUTH--PLOTTING IN CANADA--DISCOVERY OF A CONSPIRACY AMONG ARMY OFFICERS.
"Yesterday was heard, The roar of war; and sad the sight of maid, Of mother, widow, sister, daughter, wife, Stooping and weeping over senseless, cold, Defaced, and mangled lumps of breathless earth, Which had been husbands, fathers, brothers, sons, And lovers, when that morning's sun arose. --Pollock.
"Gen. Anderson, Peter and myself concluded that we would again visit thefarm. There we found poor old Joseph Dent in utter despair on account ofhis 'poor Captain' (as he called David) having been killed. He talkedof him in the most enthusiastic manner, and would then weep, saying 'theonly friend I had is gone, and I will not be satisfied until I can geteven with these rebels.'
"Gen. Anderson said: 'Well, Joseph, what will you do?'
"Joseph was silent; as an old soldier he knew how to keep his thoughtsto himself.
"'Will you go to the war?' continued the General.
"'No, sir; I will stay here and take care of this farm for Mrs. Lyonand little Jennie. They shall not suffer while I am able to look afterthem.'
"Old Ham thought he had a point, and said: 'Dat's good; dat's jes' whatI 'tend to do when Massa Tom git killed. Jes'so.'
"'Shut up, Ham. Your Massa Tom, as you call him, is not going to getkilled. There have been enough of the Lyon family killed already,' saidPeter.
"'Dat's so, Massa Peter. I not got dat in my kalkerlate, you see; butI tell you I is monstrous feered 'bout dese matters; deys is heaps ofpeople gittin' killed, and most of dem is good peoples, so dey is. Can'ttell who nex', massa; can't tell, sah!'
"'Well, Joseph, there will be no trouble about your staying. We want youhere on the farm,' I said. 'We are all very much distressed, but, at thesame time, we must look out for our country somewhat; and our family allbeing in the army, of course we must expect some misfortunes. Have youheard any more of the Golden Circle in this neighborhood?'
"'Yes, Uncle Daniel; they are at work, and since the defeat of ourforces at the battle of Pageland, they are outspoken about what theyintend to do; not only in aid of the rebellion, but they threaten theUnion people here at home--threaten to destroy their property, and makewar in Indiana if it becomes necessary, just as you have heretoforeunderstood. I am keeping close watch, and they will not be able to doany very great harm here without my knowing it.'
"We cautioned Joseph, and told him to come in to our house frequentlyand let us know what was going on.
"On returning home we found Aunt Sarah and Jennie much improved, but Dr.James was suffering very great pain. The swelling was extending up hisarm from his hand. I said to him perhaps we had better have a physician.'You are suffering so much that I fear you are not in a conditionto attend to your own case.' He consented, and one was called in. Onexamination he pronounced the trouble blood poisoning. James was greatlyalarmed at this. The physician commenced at once with the most radicaltreatment. The next morning James seemed much easier, and looked as ifhe was coming out of it all right.
"The next day, while we were sitting on the porch, the postman broughtme a letter, written in a delicate female hand. I read it and thencalled Gen. Anderson and Peter to listen:
"Washington, D. C.
"My Dear Mr. Lyon, Allentown, Ind.:
"Thanks for your very great kindness. I have the President's pass through onr lines; when you hear from me again, I will let you know about your son Henry.
"Very respectfully,
"SERAINE WHITCOMB."
"'Well, well,' said Peter; 'that tells a tale. Now, father, I agree withyou. She is a brave girl; there is not more than one in a thousand likeher.'
"'Yes; but what does she mean by saying I will hear from my son?'
"'It will reveal itself,' said Peter. 'She is in love with Henry, andhas gone to look after him.'
"'Do you think so?' I inquired. 'Well, I do sincerely hope so.'
"Just then we saw Jackson coming. He came in, and after salutationsand greetings between us, he entered the house to see his mother,the Doctor, and Jennie. He was much broken down over the death of hisbrother. The news of the battle and the list of the dead in the papershaving contained David's name, he hastened home. He had, however, beenvery successful in laying the foundation for probing many things whichmight be of vast importance in the future.
"When he left home he first went to New York and had an interview withMcMasters and B. Wudd, who were the leading spirits in New York, and oneof them the principal man North in starting the organization. From thesemen he learned much about what was going on in Canada; the fact thatthere was no doubt that quite a number of Southern men were there witha large amount of money with which to carry out any scheme that might beagreed upon. These men in New York were in constant communication withthose in Canada; also, with leading men in Richmond. He managed toobtain a letter of introduction from McMasters to the leading Knightsof the Golden Circle in Canada; this letter introduced him as WilliamJackson, of Memphis, Tenn., and was directed to the Hon. JacobThomlinson. With this letter and the information he had now obtained,he made his way home, feeling that he could not undertake the furtherprosecution of his mission without returning and consoling his motherand the family as much as he possibly could in their distress. Knowinghis mother's feeble condition he feared the consequences of the heavyaffliction that had fallen upon her during the battle of Pageland--withone son a prisoner and another killed outright.
"I wrote the President, and promised that later on I would have theCanada mystery solved. Our people were in desperate straits. Ourarmy had been outnumbered and forced back to the position in front ofPageland; defeated there, and forced to shelter itself in the rear ofCow Creek. It was now broken and shattered, lying in defenses near theCapital, discouraged and worn down by fatigue, wounds and disease. Theoutlook was anything but bright. Commanders had been changed. Some ofour best fighting generals had lost their lives at Pageland. The countryhad but little confidence in the staying or fighting qualities of thecommander, Gen. McGregor, as he had made no success heretofore. Therebel commander, well understanding the situation, was moving rapidlyup and along the south line of the Grand River, evidently intending aninvasion of the loyal States by penetrating our lines and crossing ator near Brown's Ferry. Our lines were held at this point by Gen. Milo,having in his command 10,000 men, who were all surrendered at the demandof Gen. Wall without very much resistance. Wall had slipped through themountains like a cat, and was upon Milo before he knew of his approach.This was very strange though, and hard to understand, and only increasedthe fears and suspicions already existing that something was out ofjoint, so that the machinery was working badly in that army.
"'The enemy now had no impediment in the way of a rapid movement excepthigh waters, which seemed to interpose as the only power that could stoptheir advance into the interior of our country and to the rear of ourcapital, cutting off all communications to the North with the loyalStates.
"The administration was now in a position of great danger, in manyrespects, not before contemplated.
"The rebel sympathizers and Golden Circles were loud in theirdenunciation of the war and the party sustaining it. Thos. A. Striderand Dan Bowen were traversing the state of Indiana, making inflammatoryspeeches, and all over the North the same policy was being pursued bythe anti-war party. They alarmed the people by declaring that unless thewar was stopped our homes North would be invaded; that our armies couldnot cope with the rebels. The only thing that seemed to put a check totheir hopes, operations and denunciations was the fact that our armiesin the West were having a continuation of victories.
"This being the situation of the armies and the condition of the mindsof the people, the loss of another great battle at this time wouldhave greatly prolonged the war, if it would not have been fatal to theultimate success of the Union cause. The authorities at Washingtonwere do
ing everything in their power to allay the excitement among thepeople, and at the same time were trying to have the Army of the Eastput in motion so as to pass down to Pottstown and interpose in frontof the enemy; he evidently intending to move by way of Brown's Ferry,throwing part of his force on the Brown's Ferry road and a portion overinto the Sheepstown road, making a junction at or near Shapleyville.The Union forces were expected to move across by Fardenburg, downthe sloping mountains of Cochineal and along and across Mad Valley toPottstown, and take position behind Antler's Run. But it seemed to bealmost impossible to get Gen. McGregor to put his army in motion. Manywere the excuses made; want of this thing to-day, and something elseto-morrow--shoes, clothing, blankets, and many other things--protractedthe delay. Finally, the President and Secretary of War being out ofpatience with his hesitancy and excuses, the President directed theSecretary of War to order Gen. McGregor to move without further delay.This seemed to be understood by McGregor, and the next day everythingabout the camps was in a bustle, and the Army of the East was again inmotion; but the movements were slow, and made in such a manner as notto inspire very great confidence in our immediate success. The menand subordinate officers seemed resolute and determined, but there wassomething surrounding all the movements that was mysterious.
"The papers were full of all the movements, and were discussing theprobabilities, etc. Seeing this Gen. Anderson was fired with a desireto at once return to the front. On account of his very weak and feeblecondition we tried to detain him, but in vain.
"He said: 'No, I am going to the front, and I wish to go to the East.Will you ask by telegraph for such an assignment for me?'
"I answered that I would, and did so immediately.
"The next day he received a telegram from the Secretary of War,directing him to report to Gen. McGregor for assignment to duty.
"Gen. Anderson said to Capt. Jackson: 'Your invasion of Canada will bepostponed until later. You will be ready to start in the morning with meto the Army of the East.'
"He called old Ham, and repeated the order to him to be in readiness.
"Ham said: 'Afore de Lord, Massa Tom, you isn't gwine to be fitin' agin,is you?'
"'Yes! You get ready. Have your bedding and all your traps ready, if youthink you can stand to be shot at by the rebels.'
"'Shot at! Is you gwine to put me out to be snot at? Me done thoughtthar war 'nuff white folks to get shotten at, widout de poor darkieslike me.'
"'Yes; but you want to be free, do you not, Ham?'
"'Yeas; Massa Tom, I wants dat--I wants it bad; but how is gwine tocome?'
"'Fight for it. You are no better than I am, are you? Had you not aswell be shot as for me to be?'
"'Yeas, sir; dat am so. 'Specks de darkies got to fight. I'll fight,Massa Tom, if you say so. Yes, I do. I stay wid you, I will sho'.'
"Old Martha happened to hear this, and broke forth:
"'Well, well, Massa Tom, I's sorry you is gwine to de wah agin. But itall right. I tells you dat de good Laud save you up for some good. Ijes' know he do it all right. I take care of Missus Mary and de littlegal; don't you hab no fears 'bout dem. But you isn't gwine to hab Hamgo, is you? If you doz, dat ole fool he git kill. I 'spect he got no mo'sense dan jes' git rite in whar dey is fitin?'
"'No, no, Marfa; you is wrong dar. I tell you dat you is. I stay byMassa Tom.'
"Peter and Jackson laughed, and said to the General:
"'Ham thinks you will be in a safe place during the fighting.'
"'Yes, he seems to be of that impression. I think I may, perhaps,relieve his mind somewhat,' said the General, with a smile.
"The General telegraphed Capt. Day at Dolensburg to report at once tohim at Gen. McGregor's Headquarters, Army of the East. The preliminariesbeing arranged, all were to be ready early the next morning. The Generaland Capt. Jackson having arranged and got ready their proper uniforms,horses, mess-chest and everything that would be required in the field,they spent the evening quietly. The Doctor was very sleepless, andsuffered more than usual, but was thought not to be in any immediatedanger. My wife and Jennie were now also quite recovered.
"The next morning, the General having procured a car for their horses,camp equipage, etc., they took leave of the family, who were in tears,the two little girls, Mary and Jennie, crying aloud. As the General,Capt. Jackson and Ham walked away, Aunt Martha called after Ham:
"'Now, Ham, ef you eber spects to see me agin, don't you forgit yourprares ob a night, and de good Laud will fotch you back ef you do dat;but He let you git kill like a cat when you done forget it. Do you mineme, Ham?'
"Turning to me, she continued: 'I 'spect de rebs git dat darky,' thengoing to the kitchen she gave vent to her grief. The poor old woman feltas badly to part with her Ham as did Mary in parting from her General,but gave expression to it in her own simple way.
General Anderson taking Command 154]
"The General, Jackson and Ham arrived safely at the headquarters of Gen.McGregor, which were in the valley to the north and east of CochinealMountains. His commands of infantry and artillery were variously locatedon the mountains and in the valley, with his cavalry at Pottstown. Itso happened that one of the division commanders had been taken seriouslyill, and was sent to the rear. This gave an opportunity for Gen.Anderson to be placed in command of a good division at once. ToAnderson's great delight Gen. McGregor ordered him to take commandof this division. Having reported, he sent immediately for all thecommanding officers of the division and made their acquaintance. He wasgreatly pleased with them and they with him. He learned all he could inso short a time about the troops, and at once took measures to putthem in good condition. In a few days Capt. James Day reported, andthe General's military family was organized, he having taken anAdjutant-General from the command.
"The army was now being rapidly put in good shape; a completere-organization was being effected, and all were feeling lessdiscouraged. They seemed to well understand that there was to be a greatbattle fought, and the imperative necessity for a victory by our forcesEast at this particular time.
"The enemy found means by which to pass the obstructions in his way,and moved through the country in different directions. Finding that themovements of our army were slow, he seemed to feel that there was noimmediate danger of a serious engagement. But the surrender of ourforces under Gen. Milo (who died immediately afterwards) so elated therebel army that they were determined to attack our forces whenever andwherever opportunity offered. Both parties were, however, maneuveringfor some advantage; the General of the rebel forces holding McGregor offuntil his force under Wall could come up from Brown's Ferry. The cavalryof both armies were now scouting continuously for many miles on theflanks of the armies. The pickets were out quite a distance in advanceof the opposing forces. No conflict had yet occurred between any ofthe outposts. Finally the commander of the rebel forces selected hisposition and gave challenge to our forces, with his rear to the GrandRiver, covering two main roads leading to the rear, his front facingthe winding course of Antler's Run, his right resting on a bridge at themain crossing, his center occupying a ridge commanding the open fieldsin his front, the right of his left and right center resting on thejunction of the two main roads, his extreme left refused so as to forman angle at his left center, extending along and through a skirt ofheavy woods; his reserves to the rear on the roads, so as to be throwneasily to the center or either flank in case of necessity; the countryto his front, right and left being very uneven, full of gulches andravines, difficult of passage, especially under fire. So posted heflaunted the rebel flag in the face of our army, although at thistime his main support had not arrived from Brown's Ferry. But no doubtexisted in his mind, I presume, as to their coming up in good time.McGregor did not then seem inclined to accept the challenge, His commandwas moving slowly. Farlin, still in command of a corps (for shame be itever to our indulgent chiefs), was some distance away and did not arriveon that day. So the armies rested. In the meantime Gen. Andersonwas eager for the fray. He visited G
en. McGregor's headquarters andindicated his desire to bring on the engagement, saying very soon theenemy would be so securely posted that it would be exceedingly difficultto dislodge him. To this McGregor replied that he could not risk abattle without Farlin's forces being up and in readiness to support ourline.
"During the night Farlin came up. A battle must then and there befought. The whole country stood with bated breath awaiting the result,as all understood that the rebels must be driven back on what theyclaimed as their own ground, or our country was in imminent danger ofbecoming demoralized should they see the battlefields changed to theNorth.
"When the morning came, the commands being in readiness, the movement ofour forces commenced. It was soon discovered that the main crossing ofAntler's Run was held by a strong force of the enemy, which compelledour troops to seek for some other and less dangerous passage. This wasfound to our right, facing the left of the enemy. His left being refusedgave a safer passage over the stream. The plan of battle was to throwGen. Horn's Corps at the upper crossing, assail the rebel left and, ifsuccessful, to cross the left of our forces, under Gen. Broomfield, byassaulting the enemy at the lower crossing, and if he could be drivenfrom there, to cross and assault his right, his center being toostrongly posted to risk an attack on it then. (Gen. Anderson had beenassigned with his division to Gen. Horn's Corps.) The crossing over onour right was effected without much difficulty, and the enemy pressedback in the heavy woods. The enemy were evidently holding and waiting,as no general engagement ensued. Another corps crossed in the rear ofGen. Horn's and formed ready to assault. Our left had not as yet beenable to cross in front of the enemy's right, and in this position wefound ourselves,--part of our army on the one side and part on the otherof Antler's Run, in front of the enemy; thus the two armies rested thatnight. Our intention being thus revealed to the enemy, he had only towait the attack, which they must have concluded would be commenced atan early hour in the morning. The night was most beautiful; the vault ofheaven being studded with stars, so that either army was in plain viewof the other, at no very great distance separated. During the nightanother of our corps crossed the Run at the same crossing that Gen. Hornhad passed over in the morning, and moved down to the left and in frontof the rebel center. Occasionally the movement of this corps would beresponded to with a few musket shots and a few shells from a batteryposted on the ridge in the rebel center. At an early hour in the morningthe Union forces took the initiative and hurled Horn's Corps againstthe rebels' extreme left. The struggle was a severe one--re-enforcementscould not well be sent to the rebel left for fear of the movement beingnow made against their right. The battle on the left was at full height,and the lines swayed to and fro. Gen. Anderson made a movement around askirt of woods near a chapel, and charged the enemy's lines, with sworddrawn, leading his men in person. The assault was of such an impetuouscharacter as to send dismay into the ranks of the enemy, and they gaveway in confusion. Gen. Horn, however, advanced his left and centerfarther to the front than should have been done without other troopsbeing in position to sustain the movement, and the rebel center, withtheir left reformed behind the woods, fell upon Horn's left and centerwith great energy and determination. The two columns now engaged withdauntless courage on both sides. The combatants, equal in mettle, facedeach other in open field at very close range; each holding his grounduntil it appeared as though none would be left alive on either side.Neither line wavered, and it seemed as though the contest would only bedetermined by a complete demolition of the two forces. Gen. Horn fell,mortally wounded, and the command fell upon Gen. Simmons, who was killedsoon after taking command. At this time the killed and wounded of thesuperior officers were such that it left Gen. Anderson the rankingGeneral of the corps. He at once assumed command, and could everywherebe seen giving his orders and encouraging his men to stand. This theydid until the slaughter on both sides became a shocking sight to behold.
"Gen. Hughes and Gen. Baily had fallen on the rebel side. The batteriesfrom our side were playing from a hill on the east side of Antler's Run,pouring a galling enfilading fire into the rebel Une. Thus these linesstood amid death and desolation in their ranks until the men themselveson both sides, in order to stop the cruel slaughter of comrades, withone accord ceased firing, and the officers sat on their horses lookingat each other as their forces slowly retired each to his rear. At thistime, if Gen. Far-lin had moved forward the day would have been wonwithout further slaughter. Gen. Anderson repeatedly sent word to himthat if he would attack the enemy he could be routed, as their left wasalmost destroyed; but he did not assault at the opportune moment.
"It was then seen that nothing more than skirmishing had been goingon between the forces on the Union left and the rebel right. Gen.Broomfield had not succeeded in crossing the run, and was held at bay bya small force, thus enabling the rebel commander, after discovering thishesitancy on our left, to concentrate on his left and center for thepurpose of renewing the conflict. His re-enforcements had now arrivedfrom Brown's Ferry, and he was eager to make an assault, being nowsatisfied that he should take the aggressive. Our batteries had crossedthe run, and were supported on elevated ground by sufficient infantry,as we thought, for their safety. The rebel forces moved from their coverbehind the woods, and were advancing to the crest of the ridge that ranacross the open field from north to south, the best position to occupyfor vantage ground. Gen. Anderson seeing this, determined to meet theattack and contest for this ground. Both forces were now in motion, eachdetermined the other should not occupy this ridge. Orders were given toGen. Broomfleld to cross the run at once and attack the enemy's right.Gen. Mausker was ordered to move on the left of Gen. Horn's Corps,now under Gen. Anderson, and attack at once; Farlin being in reserve,perhaps, because he could not be got anywhere else.
"The artillery was all across the run and ready for action. The cavalryhad crossed some miles above and to the north, and were ordered tocharge the enemy in the flank as soon as the engagement should berenewed. So on came the troops of both armies, and when in close range,the firing commenced again on our right and the rebel left, it continuedall down the line until all were engaged. The firing was terrible andmost destructive. Our batteries opened, and on in full charge came ourcavalry. The rebel infantry on the left prepared to receive the cavalry,kneeling on one knee with fixed bayonets. What a charge that was, andwhat a slaughter! On came the cavalry; on, on to the bayonet came horseand man. Clash against bayonet came saber. Many the horse and man wenton and over the bayonet in that charge. Part of the cavalry halted andhesitated, some retiring to the rear. Many an infantryman that did thesame. Infantry and cavalrymen were piled together in the long slumber ofdeath. At last our cavalry had to retire. While this tragedy was beingenacted, the infantry on the right, left and centre were also playingthe role of death. Column after column were hurled against each other,only to be repulsed. Our two corps first drove the enemy back andoccupied the ridge, and for awhile held this advantage, until the wholerebel army, save a skirmish-line, was withdrawn from the right andcenter, and concentrated on and against our right. It looked as thoughthe contest was now to be continued only on this part of the line.Farlin was now in line on the left of Mausker. Many of the enemy'stroops were thrown in at this point who, not having been engaged,were comparatively fresh. Their column was formed in two lines. On andagainst our lines in quick succession they were thrown. Another greatslaughter then commenced and continued, line facing line in open field.Gaps were made by falling men. The command on both sides could be heard,'Close up!' Never did men stand more courageously amid slaughter anddeath. Gen. Anderson rode to the line and along its full length,sword in hand, with a large white plume in his hat, that his men mightrecognize him. Artillery roared and musketry rattled as if they were thehail and thunder from a hundred clouds. Groans and shrieks were heard.The ground was strewn with the dead and dying. As the lines finally gaveway, the spot could be designated by rows of the dead. Our line was nowdistended and no reserves. The rebels were again re-enfor
ced, Their dashand desperation broke our center, and Farlin fell back. Gen. Mausker nowfell, shot through the head. His corps became demoralized and fell backin fragments. Gen. Anderson tried to rally the lines, but could not, andwas compelled to fall back to the rear, where the artillery was posted.The situation at this time was most critical. The General in command wasdesperate. To lose this battle was his disgrace, having more troops thanthe enemy, as it would also probably in a measure seal the fate of hiswhole army. He at once gave Broomfield an imperative order to cross therun at the point of the bayonet, and to advance upon and assault theenemy's position, being his extreme right. This was done in good style,the enemy driven at the point of the bayonet from the crossing and fromhis position on his right. The contest was now changed from the enemy'sleft to his right. Troops were thrown in on his right quickly, and thebattle became desperate on this end of the line.
"Gen. Anderson, discovering this, without orders rallied his men andall others that he could, and made a furious attack again on the enemy'sleft, driving him from the open field into the woods. He then orderedthe artillery to advance to the ridge occupied by our line, andfrom there poured shot and shell into their ranks. The enemy becamedemoralized and broke in many parts of his line, ours still advancingand Gen. Anderson moving his artillery to the front as he could getposition for it. The enemy on their left commenced a retreat down theSheepstown road in great disorder. The batteries poured their deadlymissiles after them, doing great damage. Gen. Anderson pressed forward,believing that their army could now in a great measure be destroyedbefore they could get back to a strong defensive position forprotection. Many prisoners were now being captured. Gen. Broomfleld wasfollowing upon the Brown's Ferry road, when darkness set in. An orderwas now received from Gen. McGregor to desist from any further pursuitfor the present. Gen. Anderson put his troops in position for thenight, and ordered up stores and supplies for their comfort and made allnecessary arrangements for an early movement in pursuit of the enemythe next morning. After attending to these matters he left Capt. JacksonLyon and Capt. Bay, both of whom had been by the side of the Generalduring this terrible battle. The General with an Orderly retired tothe headquarters of the commanding General, which he found in a smallfarmhouse some two miles to the east side of Antler's Run. When hearrived he was welcomed very heartily and highly complimented by Gen.McGregor.
"The General said:
"'Anderson, we will not attempt to follow these rebels. Our army is wornout and so terribly damaged and demoralized that it would not do to riskanother assault, should the enemy make a stand, inasmuch as they wouldhave an advantageous position, which they certainly will, as they canselect where they will fight if we pursue.'
"'Yes,' said Gen. Anderson; 'but, General, could we not press themso close and worry them so as to keep them on the run, and virtuallydestroy them before they can get back to their own ground? You know thatwhile our army is terribly mangled, the enemy is certainly in no bettercondition.'
"'That is true,' said Gen. McGregor; 'but I never have, nor will I everfight my army when in bad condition. But we will not discuss the matterany further now. You will stay and get a bite to eat and take some rest,but before doing that take a glass of wine.'
"'Thanks, General; I think I would enjoy a glass about this time.'
"After taking a glass together they sat down and had quite aconversation on the events of the day. The house being very comfortablyfurnished with beds and cots, Gen. McGregor said to Gen. Anderson, 'Liedown and rest while the servants are preparing the supper.'
"The General did so, and dropped off to sleep. Soon some generalofficers came in and were seated at a table, imbibing rather freely.The noise they were making aroused the General from his slumbers. Herecognized Farlin; to the others he was afterwards introduced, beingGen. Bowlly Smite and Gen. William Cross. The General did not rise, nordid he, by any means, exhibit any knowledge of their presence.
"In the conversation between these three Generals they were discussingthe probable success of the war and the course of the Administration.
"Farlin said: 'I am very decidedly of the opinion that this war willlast for ten years, and finally the South will gain their independence.The North will tire out, and the property-holders will get tired ofpaying taxes. This war is very expensive, and the debt will eventuallyalarm the country, so that they will be ready to accede to anything.'
Anderson overhears the Conspiracy 162]
"Said Smite: 'Well; but what will become of everything? This Governmentis not strong enough to stand this strain. It has not power, except itbe usurped, to prosecute the war against these Southern States. I do notbelieve in a Republic anyway. We ought to have a government of centralforce and power--a military government, or a monarchy, such as England.Suppose we had such a government as that. We would not be afflictedevery now and then with new commanders that we who make soldiering ourprofession know nothing and care nothing about, and cannot allow to beplaced over us when we can avoid it.'
"'Well; but,' said Cross, 'what can we do? That is what we should thinkabout. For instance, here, to-day, we have won a great battle. It is notlikely that either of us will be put in command of anything higher thana corps. The command of the different armies will be given to some ofthose pets who want to free the niggers; and I was told the other day inWashington by Mr. Thos. A. Strider, who is one of the ablest men inthis country, that this Abolition President was going to try to set theslaves free and thereby impoverish the South, so as to force them to laydown their arms. He said that if this was done he would not be surprisedif Indiana would rise up in revolt.
"'If that be true, I will leave the army myself, said Smite.'
"'No, you are wrong,' said Cross. 'If this is the intention of theAdministration, we ought to organize the army on a better basis than itnow is, have McGregor relieve every one who is not his friend; andlet us urge him to march upon the Capital and there we can install himDictator, recognize the South's independence, with the understandingthat they in turn will send their army to the front near to us, so asto sustain him. We could seize all armories, arsenals and war materials.The people would then be powerless. England would at once recognize theSouth, and if we can maintain ourselves six months, which we can easilydo, the whole of Europe would recognize our government.'
"'Just at this moment Gen. McGregor entered the room and said:
"'Gentlemen, I hope you have been enjoying yourselves. I have been outto my Adjutant-General's office, dictating my orders for to-morrow. Ihope you have helped yourselves to my sherry and champagne. I had quitea good lot of it brought on, not knowing how long this campaign mightlast.'
"Farlin said:'General, I would think that the campaign for the presentis almost over; our troops are in no condition for further offensiveoperations.'
"'Do you think so?' said Gen. McGregor.
"'Yes; most assuredly.'
"'Yes,' added Smite; 'we are in no hurry; this war cannot be rushedthrough; and if this Administration is going to do what I understand itis, there are some of us who will not submit.'
"'What is that?' inquired McGregor.
"'Free the negroes. We will not stand that. We want you to be up anddressed. We will put you in place of the Administration, and have thecountry governed properly, make peace with the South and stop the war.'
"Gen. McGregor here put his finger to his lips, indicating silenceon their part; and looking in the direction of the bed on which Gen.Anderson was resting, all became silent on this subject, and commencedspeaking of the quality of the wine. Very soon supper was announced,and the messenger was told to call Gen. Anderson. The General, turningover and groaning as if awakening from a deep sleep, arose, andaddressing Gen. McGregor, said:
"'General, I would have slept till morning, without intermission, had Inot been called.'
"'He was then introduced to Generals Cross and Smite, and all repairedto their elegant meal, and there discussed the occurrences of the day,the merits of the several officers who had fall
en, etc.
"When supper was over, which continued quite late, Gen. Andersonrepaired to his own headquarters, which had been moved up to and in adepression or cut near Antler's Run, on the east side. There he foundhis Adjutant-General, a few darkies, and old Ham.
"'How are you, Ham?' inquired the General. 'Are you still alive? You didnot stay very close to me, to-day, so that you "might be safer," did youHam?'
"'No, Massa Tom. When you fust start out, I was gwine long wid you, butyou lef me, and den you said nuffin 'bout me comin' wid you, and I sposeyou not kear 'bout habin me bodderin' you. Dat's all how it war, MassaTom.'
"'Yes, Ham, I see. Well, it is all right. You stay with the headquartersand take care of my traps, and I will not ask you to take command of mytroops in time of battle.'
"Ham laughed one of his peculiar guffaws.
"'Yah! yah! Massa Tom. I speck dat is de bes' way. Doz you want sumfinto eat? Got plenty of chicken. Dey git skeered at de fitin', and jes'cum rite to de camp, sah. Yes, sah, dey am 'fraid of de Sesh, dey is;dey know der friends, dese chickens do.'
"The General laughed, saying, 'Ham, are you quite sure they came intocamp alone?'
"'Well, sah, dey got in heah some way. I not fotched dem in. De fuss Iseed dem, dey in de corner ob de tent all scrouched up, so I spose deyhidin' from de Sesh, and I jes' took 'em in to sabe dem. Yes, sah; dat'sde way it war.'
"Ham retired behind a tent, and laughed immoderately, saying 'I spect henot keer bery much; I feels my way pretty good, I does.'
"The troops rested during the night, and next morning there were norebels in sight, and they were ordered into camp, and no further pursuitof the enemy contemplated by the commanding General. They, however, weresoon required in another direction, for the purpose of protecting theCapital of the Nation. Gen. Anderson's old wound re-opened, which causedhim to turn over his splendid command. At the suggestion of his surgeon,he with his two Aides-de-camp and old Ham, returned to Allentown untilsuch time as he could again recover sufficiently to perform his duty.The President hearing of his skill in maneuvering troops, and hisgallant conduct on the battlefield, at once promoted him to be aMajor-General.
"Their return home, of course, made our family very happy again--onlymarred by the continued severe illness of Dr. James. He had lingeredfor months, sometimes improving, and then again suffering severely. Heseemed to revive and gain strength on the return of his friends. Capt.Day took up his abode at Young's Hotel, and Capt. Jackson remained athome with us. Peter returned in a few days, his foot being in a very badcondition, he fearing that an amputation might become necessary withoutgreat care and immediate rest. Thus our family were once more partlytogether, and although some were suffering greatly, we enjoyed therecital of the battle of Antler's Run, by both Capt. Jackson and theGeneral The story of his lying on the bed and hearing the suggestions ofa conspiracy by the superior officers of the Army of the East, causedme serious reflection. The details of this conversation he gave me inconfidence, having never revealed it even to his staff officers. I atonce repaired to the Capital, and saw the President and Secretary ofWar, and stated to them the whole of the conversation and the proposedscheme. They were almost dumbfounded. The President thanked me saying:
"'I have now declared the slaves free. We will see what we will see.'"He then remarked:
"'I have my eye on the man the Lord I think is raising up in order tocomplete the work we have begun. These men must be held in our handsuntil the right time arrives;' which he thought would not be very long.
"The Secretary of War was not so mild. Under a promise that I would stillprosecute my inquiries further into Canada and elsewhere I left forhome. On my arrival I found the Doctor much worse, and the familygreatly distressed. He lingered but a few days and passed away. Youcan see our household was again in deep gloom. I will not speak of ourgrief. We were a sorely stricken family."
